Veronica Cale was examining the Beastiamorph called Burke to ensure he had not been badly hurt in the fight with the Amazon and Kent.The creature laid on a gurney,docile under her ministrations after being drugged with tranquilizers.She looked at him with a grimace."Whatever he is,he's strong enough to put you down."She looked at the bruising on its head and the lacerations on its body."Never mind,you'll heal........"
"What is it?"asked Zatanna in aversion,watching from a corner where she sat with her hands handcuffed behind her back.
Veronica glanced at her."You sound disgusted.He's one of the first of many to come.......I have enough data now for Lex to seek some investors.What do you think?"
"I say you and your boss have delusions of grandeur."
"Not delusions,sweetheart.When Lex comes back with the Amazon,you'll see what real power is."
Zatanna shivered.She had seen the staff Lex carried and felt its dark energy.She was dreading when he returned with the so called Eye.She asked huskily,"What does he intend me to do?"
"Ah.That's a surprise.Let's just say we'll have a front seat to seeing the status quo altered.Now,I think it's time we..........What the hell?!"
The entire foundation of the basement shivered as a loud explosion was heard coming from the direction of the cell block.Zatanna nearly fell off her chair. Veronica cowered as lab equipment around them began to quiver.Burners and flasks overturned and smashed to the floor.The lighting flickered.
"What was that?"cried Zatanna,crouching and looking around her in fear.
Alarmed Veronica ran to the reinforced steel doors leading to the cells and peered through the glass window..She let out a gasp.The row of cells that Clark was in had caved in on itself .She could see that bars had been blown out from the blast,and shrapnel littered the floor.Electrical wires sparked, fire blazed from the circuits on the walls.She covered her mouth.The fool had tried to escape.He was probably lying in pieces.No one made of flesh and blood could survive that blast without being seriously injured.She opened the door,coughed and stepped over the wreckage when she let out a gasp as she smacked into a muscular chest.
Clark Kent stood looking at her.His clothes were scorched and torn but there was not a scratch on him.She looked at him in awe and fascination."What are you?!Made of steel?"
He took her by the elbow."Where is the girl,Zatanna?"
"In the lab........Hey,listen,can we work out something here?It was Lex's idea,not mine to ..............."
"Shut up."Clark entered the lab with Veronica;Zatanna looked up in surprise.Clark went to her and lasered the cuffs off her.She said awed,"Thanks."
Veronica Cale heard the remaining men running towards the lab.She tried to go to let them in.Clark used his heat vision to seal the jamb of the doors.He shook his head."Don't even think about it."The men pounded the reinforced doors and fired at it in vain.
Veronica's brows quirked."Well,isn't that a neat trick."
Clark said to Zatanna,"I have to go after Lex."
Zatanna offered,"I'll come with you."
Veronica reminded her dryly,"Remember what will happen......."
Zatanna paled.Clark frowned."What is it?"
Zatanna began,"Lex threatened to.........."
Veronica interrupted,"Have you really a spine to defy Lex Luthor,little girl?"
Clark turned to her in annoyance."Will you be quiet?"
Veronica sneered,"What will you do?Hit me?"
"No,he doesn't need to!"said Zatanna goaded.She waved her hand."ECNELIS." Veronica's lips stitched themselves together.She looked horrified and struggled to open her lips.
Clark looked at Zatanna curiously."ECNELIS?"
"Silence."she shrugged.
He smiled."That was impressive.What does she mean?"
"He's got my father."
Clark's face darkened."Is that right?"He looked at Veronica."Don't worry,we'll get him.But first to deal with our scientist,and those goons."
*************************
A black car pulled up before the house in Oakfield Avenue.Stewart,the driver turned to look at his employer and Diana sitting in the back seat."This is it."
Lex ordered,"Go get it.And remember,I have this."He waved the staff of Anubis at her."So no messing around.Or else."
It was nearing close to midnight now.John and Michael were awake and still on the look out for Clark and his cousin.They were stunned to see Diana burst into the house and head for Clark's room.
"Where's Clark?''demand John,and seeing her bloodied tee shirt gasped,"What happened to you?!You're hurt!"
Diana ignored them.She knelt down near the bed and groped for the Eye.Michael looked bewildered."What's going on here?What are you doing with that thing?Where are you going?"
She untied the orb.She closed her eyes and activated it by whispering,"Give me sight."
She turned to push past the two young men,and was halted in her tracks by a voice."Put that down,Diana."
She turned to see a flash of light and Clark and the girl Zatanna appear out of nowhere.Michael clutched at John."Did...did you see that.....?"
John blinked."I think so......"
Diana put the orb behind her back."You got out.I am glad."
He put his hand out."Give it to me.'
"No."
She moved to rush out the house and Clark tackled her.To even the greater astonishment of Michael and John,the pair slammed into the front door and the entire door splintered and they tumbled in the air and fell heavily against the fender of the waiting black car.Stewart saw Clark's head crash into his windscreen and he was jolted forward and hit his head on the dashboard.He was knocked out cold.
Lex ducked and rolled out of the vehicle and scrambled away,watching in wonder.Diana had the Eye in her hand and Clark was trying to stop her going to Lex.The heel of his hand pressed into her shoulder.Diana cried out in agony and she used her legs to throw him over the top.Clark tumbled onto the road,skidding into the asphalt.
Michael looked at John,"Holy Mother of God!You seeing this Irons?"
John held his head."They're ........Wow!"
Diana looked to Lex."The Eye!Take it."
"Throw it to me!"Lex cried.
She shook her head."I have to physically cross your palm with mine own......"
Clark moved swiftly and held her by the back of the neck and was dragging her back."Don't be a fool."
Lex pointed the staff at him and fired.Zatanna held out her hands."DLEIHS!"
The blast from the staff hit a force field and the energy dissipated.Lex cursed and aimed at Zatanna.She apparated out before he could hit her.Diana saw Michael's car and picked it up.
Michael held his head."No.Not my car!!!!!!"She flung it at Clark.He deftly caught it and put it down.
Michael exhaled.Zatanna appeared alongside him.Michael yelped at the sight of her,"Gah!Who the hell are you?"
"Name's Zatanna."
John groaned as he saw lights begin to flick on from the neighbors and heads poke out."Oh,great!Now we have an audience!"
Zatanna gestured and said loudly,"EES DNA RAEH GNIHTON."
John gasped as he saw the people shake their heads and go back in as if they had wasted their time."What did you do?"
"They can't see or hear anything......."
Meanwhile Clark was blowing a gust at Diana and she went tumbling and fell on the lawn, several feet from Lex .Lex reached for the orb."Give it to me.It's mine."
He held the staff in one hand and reached for the Eye with the other.Diana gave it but then grabbed his wrist.Lex growled."Let go!"He tried to shake her off,but she was too strong."It's mine!Let go!"
Diana gritted her teeth."The goddess never meant for them to be together,Lex.Time is the arena of the Gods,not humans."
"You'll kill us both,you fool!"
Diana cried,"So be it!Isis,Mammitu and Neith.........help me!!!!!!"
There was a flash of energy.The orb and the eyes in the head of the jackal glowed.The two felt the ball of energy pulsate and Lex was seeing images that could have been flashing before his eyes.He was with Lana again.He was powerful.He was the president.Nothing could stop him.Then the images began to warp.He was alone.Lana was marrying another.And he saw the flutter of a red cape and that insignia that haunted his waking mind.
Lex shrieked."Nooo!!!!!!It's not the right time!"
The glass in the Eye cracked.The staff burned.Lex and Diana were repelled from the release of energy.Zatanna put out her hand."POTS!"
They were caught in the air by her spell and were gently put upon the ground.Both laid still.
Clark ran to Diana.She was breathing.Michael stumbled out onto the lawn."You have some explaining to do,Kent."
John went to Lex."He's out for the count also."
Zatanna looked at the broken and burnt artifacts."They look a bit worse for wear."
Clark lifted Diana in his arms."Good.She needs medical attention."
Zatanna said worriedly,"What about him?And the lab?My father?"
Michael added,"The goddamn front door and that black car!"
Clark looked at Michael.He said urgently,"I need you to take her to the hospital."
Michael goggled."What do I say?How do I account for a bullet in her shoulder?"
"Come on,Michael,if anyone can talk their way through anything it's you.Take her.Please."
"Okay...okay..........."He ran inside for his keys whilst Clark put her in the car;then Michael drove off towards Metropolis General.
Clark looked at Zatanna and John."Zatanna,I'll go find your father."He glanced at Lex."God knows what will happen now.He knows my secret."
John said wryly to Zatanna,"A pity you can't make people forget."
She looked at Clark inspired."But I can!"
Clark narrowed his eyes at her."You can?"
She nodded."With help from my father to guide me.I can do what you would call a mindwipe.I can make someone forget a minute,an hour,a day,a week,even up to a year."
John whistled."Whoa,you're one dangerous gal."
Clark looked dubious."I don't know,Zatanna,it sounds invasive."
"I will not interfere with personality.Just memory."She touched his arm."Clark,Lex was on the verge of undoing Time;he had no conscience about altering the memories of billions."
John added,"You can't leave him after all that has happened.Everyone who knows you......Diana.......Zatanna......all of you will be targets."
Clark conceded."Okay.I'll leave that to you and your father.I'll destroy what's left of the lab."
"And the creature?"
"I know someone who'll help me.Keep an eye on Lex and his head honcho until we get back."
Clark shot upwards before they could blink.Both looked after him in wonder.
********************
John Zatara sat in a back room of an old house in the outskirts of Metropolis;his hands were tied behind his back,his mouth covered with duck tape,and a blindfold over his eyes.Two men with guns sat at a small table,playing cards whilst they watched him.They had grabbed him and his daughter days ago.They had taken her from him and was keeping him prisoner.Being deprived of his senses made it difficult for him to gauge where he was and free himself.
He could hear the sounds of cards slapping the table and the men chattering.Suddenly there was an exclamation,the sound of guns firing and thuds as if something heavy was hitting the floor.Zatara stiffened and heard footsteps.He felt a hand pull the blindfold from his eyes.His eyes widened.A tall young man with black hair stood before him.The men were lying unconscious on the floor,guns crushed into a metallic pulp.
Clark pulled the duck tape from his lips.The magician coughed."Who are you?"
Clark yanked the bindings off."Clark Kent.I came to help you.Your daughter is safe."
Zatara eyes widened."Zee?!You know where she is?Those fiends kidnapped us and ........."
"She's free,sir,and safe."
Zatara looked at him bemused."How did you find me?And how did you over power them?"
Clark said with a smile."That's quite a story.I'll be happy to tell you on the way..And there is a big favor I have to ask of you.........."
**************************
Lex Luthor awoke,and found himself in the back seat of his car,half way down an embankment.He sat up bewildered.He saw Veronica Cale lying unconscious next to him.Stewart was in the front seat slumped over the wheel.He looked at the back window of the car.It was shattered.He groaned.There must have been an accident.But he couldn't recall how and when he and this woman,whom he recognized as an old university girlfriend,and Stewart met up to go for a ride.The last thing he remembered was going to meet a Miss Doe a Starlabs.Lex rolled out the car and felt for his phone.
"Hello?911?There's been an accident.I don't know.But the car's down a ditch and I have two people unconscious.No,I'm okay.Yeah,I'll stay put......."
He sighed and leaned against the bonnet.He looked at his watch.It was two am.His eyes squinted at the face of the Omega on his wrist.The date said the 20th.Not the 10th!
Lex tapped it."Stupid thing."
He looked at his phone.It too had the 20th!
Lex frowned."What the hell..........?"
***************************
John Zatara and his daughter thanked Clark for his help.They had, with the help of one Oliver Queen,managed to move the creature to a remote location,and set the warehouse and it's equipment up in flames.Luthor's men at the warehouse got the same treatment as did Lex and his scientist girlfriend.They were dumped rather unceremoniously in the back alley of a bikers' bar.
Zatara was not going to take Zatanna back to the circus.He had a sister in Keystone City and perhaps it was about time Zee got a chance to further her education and Mr Queen knew of a couple of friends there who would be glad to mentor her with her abilities.John remained at home to board up the front door and see to whatever damage done to the yard before the morning.The burnt out staff and cracked Eye were picked up and put away in a box in the basement.Clark had plans for them.
Clark finally got the chance to go to the hospital.He must have arrived at four am in the morning.He had been in contact with Michael who informed him that she had gone into surgery and everything went well .Whilst Clark got out of the taxi,he saw Lex Luthor coming out of the E.R. entrance with Veronica Cale.She was looking bemused and he was arguing on the phone with someone.Clark could hear him from where he was.It was Lionel Luthor's voice.
"I'm telling you,Lex,I haven't a clue what you mean."
"Don't you,Dad?You was the one to get me thrown into a mental hospital years ago.If you have some agenda to mess with my mind........"
"Look,you are barking up the wrong tree,Lex.I left to have some peace and quiet,not plot on my holiday.I am trying to have breakfast in this nice pub here in London.......I'm glad to hear you're okay and sorry about your memory.But I didn't have anything to do with it.I need to go.Bye."
"Dad!Dad!''But Lionel was gone."Damn him!"He nearly flung the cell phone but his eyes caught sight of Clark.They glanced at each as he walked past but Clark kept going and went inside.
Veronica touched him gingerly."Lex,our lift is here."
A car pulled up.It was Stewart with a rental.He had a bandage on his forehead.Lex scowled and went in,followed by a relieved Veronica.
Meanwhile,Clark went up to the ward to find Michael.He was snoring in a waiting room.Clark woke him.He sat up yawing."Oh.Hey Kent.You made it."
He sat down and asked after Diana.She would no doubt sleep until the morning,having been put under,and operated upon.Clark said,"It's been quite a night.You can go home, Mike.Thanks for bringing her.I'll stay."
Michael looked at him queerly."How long have you been....um...you know......?"
He said quietly,"I promise to tell you the truth but can we leave it for somewhere private?"
Michael looked around at the handful of people waiting around."Yeah,sure.I get you.Well,if you're sure,I'll go.I'm beat."
He smiled."See you later."
Clark picked up a magazine after he left; he read,did the crossword,doodled,went for a walk,visited the drinks machine and waited patiently until the morning shift came on.He went up and introduced himself as the next of kin and wondered if he could sit with her when she woke.The nurse in charge was a kindly woman, who nodded and promised to call him.He was dozing in the chair when he was shaken by the nurse.
"She's awake,Mr Kent."
"Oh.Great,thanks.What time is it?"
The woman looked at her watch."Nine thirty am."
Clark rubbed his eyes."Oh.I've been asleep."
She smiled at his rather unkempt appearance."You look as if you've had quite a night."He had not had a chance to even change.He said ruefully,"That's an understatement.Which room is she in?"
"Second to last on the left."
Clark knocked gently and went in.She was lying in a hospital gown,looking wan,and slightly anxious.
"Clark........"
"Hey.How are you?"He pulled up a chair and sat next to her bedside.
She said,"I feel a bit sick inside."
"It's the anaesthetic.....that's what they put you to sleep with.How's the shoulder?"
She felt the large bandage through the neck of her gown."It feels sore.When can I leave here?"
"They will discharge you when they see it necessary.Maybe a couple of days."
"Clark,did it work?"
"Yeah,but it was a great risk you took,you getting close to him and the staff."
"He had no idea,did he?He thought we were really fighting?"
"Well you were very convincing.You do like to play rough,don't you?And I could have hurt you with that shoulder......"
"It....worked though....I knew the goddess would answer....."
"The Eye and Staff are all but destroyed.You're stuck for now at least until we can find another way........."
"The price I must pay for my ignorance and impatience......."she said disconsolately.
Clark said gently,"You'll be glad to know Lex has no memory of the event."
She looked confused.He explained about Zatanna and Zatara's role and the demolishing of the lab and Circe's Beastiamorph serum.Diana listened in wonder."The Gods have been kind to us.Thank Hera!There is a greatness in magic,isn't there?"
He conceded,"I'll admit,I have more respect for it after this last night."
"What of the creature?Can he be helped?"
"He's still half human.I have a friend with connections to a top secret research facility.Hopefully they can help."
Diana sighed."I expect you'll have me sent back to Smallville?"
"I've got exams coming up.I haven't picked up a book all weekend....and then I got a summer job at the Daily Planet........so I will be quite busy.I am afraid you'll have to.But tell you what,why don't I show you around Metropolis and er,environs before you go back?"
She asked,"But when will you have the time?"
He smiled."You seem to forget,Diana,you and I share a little something in common and I can devote a couple of hours off an evening to take you around.Besides,there's something I want to show you."
***************************
Diana was waiting for Clark.It was nine pm and he had promised to show her around.He had exams and then had to go to the Daily Planet.He was due in any minute.She paced the living room.John came out of his room and looked at her with some amusement.
"You're like a caged tigress."
She smiled."I feel like one.It has been two days since I was released.I feel stifled when I don't get to breathe the fresh air."
Michael said from where he laid sprawled on the couch,"I could have taken you out.But old Clarkie doesn't seem to trust anyone with you......at least not yet."
Diana stopped and sighed,"He is protective of me,isn't he?"
John said,"After this past weekend,who wouldn't be?I'd have packed you off immediately.You're lucky Clark's made some concession and let you remain.When will you be leaving us?"
She folded her arms across her chest."This weekend.And he says he cannot stay home either.Exams,you see."
Michael remarked,"Stuck on the farm without company.Man,that blows."
"Oh no.I'll have Mrs Kent.She's very kind and interesting.I learn much from her."
"But no one your age......."Michael pointed out.
She smiled."Well,where I come from I was the only one my age so it doesn't matter."
Michael put his hands behind his head."And island of women you say?Wow,I'd like to see that someday."
She said,"Themyscira is very beautiful.We have golden sands,blue beaches,green woods,.......and you'd be amazed at the advances we have........"
John said wryly,"I'm afraid he isn't interested in the advances nor flora of your island,Diana........."
The door opened and in came Clark.He dropped his bag."Sorry,I'm a bit late."He looked at her."You ready?"
She nodded.He said,"One second."and he hurried to the basement and returned with the burnt out staff and the cracked eye of Ra.She frowned."What?"
"We're taking them somewhere no one can find them."
John warned,"Be careful."
Michael added mischievously."Enjoy your date,kids."
Clark said irritably,"It's not a date."
"Sure it's not."
Diana looked up curiously."A date?I like dates.We grow them on the island and........."
Clark beckoned her out."Never mind.Let's go."
As the door shut behind them,John picked up an empty soda can and flung it at him."Hey,what gives!"
"You're an idiot!That's what."
*********************** Clark and Diana walked to a safe distance and then took to the skies in the darkness.It was a strange experience,to have a companion to soar high above the clouds and who could appreciate the beauty of what she saw beneath them.He couldn't move as fast he wanted,as she used air currents;but it was in companionable silence they flew towards the north.
When they came to the vast stretches of ice,Diana was stunned,"Hera,this is like a dream.Where are we?"
"The Arctic Circle."
"It's magnificent.I've never seen anything like it before.Look,there are animals here."They saw a group of penguins,a polar bear and seals as they flew low over the ice.She halted in the air and gasped as she saw strange streamers and arches of lights in the sky."Magic!"
"The Aurora Borealis.It's thought to be electrical in nature though."
She shivered."It is so beautiful,Clark."
"Are you cold?"he asked.
"No.I am not.I just feel ..........."She looked at him shyly."I thank you for showing me this......."
He smiled."Come.That's not all."
They flew on and landed on the ice.He led her up a chasm and they entered a sort of series of steps.Diana sucked in her breath as they entered a vast chamber constructed of glass like prisms and crystals.The light seemed to dazzle her.Diana looked around in awe.Clark said,"Welcome to my Fortress of Solitude."
*******************
"At first the construct was a prism matrix but I've begun to slowly make it less sterile and more habitable.I use to come here to interact with the construct......a kind of artificial intelligence that stores the digital imprint, if you like,of my father Jor-El."
"Like a computer?"
"Something like that."He went to the mainframe and pressed down a crystal.A hologram of a man's face appeared."Welcome,Kal-el."
Clark said,"Jor-El.These are two more artifacts I want concealed."
The prisms moved and a kind of compartment appeared.Clark laid dow the two broken antiques and they disappeared as part of the structure.The hologram said,"I cannot find any significant threat in either object."
"It has magical properties."
"Magic?I cannot process that term."
Clark said ruefully,"No,you won't.Just keep them hidden."He turned to Diana."Let me show you the living area."
As he led her down a corridor,she asked,"Why did he call you Kal-el?"
He stopped."That's my Kryptonian name.No one really calls me by it."
Diana repeated it thoughtfully."Kal-el.I like it.It suits you when you soar the skies."
Clark gave her a pensive look but they had entered the living area.Clark had carved out a chamber and had put in a couch,a table with two chairs,a refrigerator,microwave,a shelfing unit with books and bits of Kryptonian artifacts."It's only a start.But this just makes things a bit more comfortable if I want to stay longer than an hour."
Diana picked up a flat metal object with an S insignia and looked at it."This is what?"
"The mark of my ancestral house on Krypton.My father was a reknown scientist.He was even part of the council of elders."
"You have a great heritage.......Kal."
Clark smiled wryly,"Don't you go calling me that now.It's Clark,and for all purposes I am a farmer's son.I keep this more out of respect like a memorial and it offers me the chance to getaway.You want a drink?I have soda and juice in the fridge."
She sat down."Yes,anything will do.Clark?"
"Mmm?"
"If you had the chance to act as a champion for the world,would you do it?"
He took out two bottles of juice for them and sat on the arm of the couch."What do you mean?"
"Not hiding.Showing the world who you are and what you are capable of doing on their behalf.Acting as a protector,teacher,as an example........"
He said heavily,"When you tangle with the world you make enemies.Look at Lex.What would he have done I shudder to think.I can't disown my family and friends to serve humanity full time."
"One could disguise one's self........"
"You mean a dual identity?Living a double life?Hell,I've had a taste of hiding and lying and let me tell you it's not easy.I don't know if I can.Look,for now,I'm happy to just do what good I can secretly.I don't need praise nor adoration.And I sure don't feel I have the moral authority to tell people how to behave.Why are you so interested in this,Diana?It's not like you're planning to stay.You are keen to get back to your home."
She said quietly,"Yes,I'm keen to get back home."
"John Zatara has promised to do some digging to see if he can get hold of some means to locate your island."
"That is good of him.Clark,what did Michael mean by date?I know a date is a fruit and an event in a calendar.......but I am guessing that is not what he implied."
Clark got up and went to toss the empty bottle in a bin.He said lightly,"A date is a social engagement between two people.......in America it's when couples who are interested in each other romantically meet to spend time......"
She frowned,"Like a courting ritual?"
"Yeah,you could say that."
"But we are not ......courting."The statement hung in the air like an unanswered question.
Clark countered swiftly,"That was just Michael being an oaf.You and I,we are friends,aren't we?"
Diana got up."Yes,and I hope we will always be."
They stared at each other across the room and smiled.Clark said,"Come on,let's go before it gets too late.I know a place in Metropolis we can get milkshakes so thick you have to eat them with a spoon."
