(Administering the toxin.)

Chapter seven:

Why... are you... doing this? Asked Lois Lane.

It's quite simple, Eradicator, said Scarecrow, rising to his feet. You see, I am a man of science.

He began to pace Lois Lane and Metallo as he spoke.

For years now, I have conducted numerous experiments into the influence of fear, with varying results and degrees of success. However, I have yet to conduct that experiment that will provide conclusive proof of my research, the experiment that no one can deny. Said Scarecrow.

As he reached Lois Lane's head again, he knelt back down beside her.

Today, I plan to change that. With you. Replied Scarecrow.

It won't work... groaned Lois Lane as she felt herself growing weaker.

Oh, we know about your immunity to toxins, said Scarecrow. That's why Metallo's here, to weaken your hardened outer shell and your immune system. Soon enough, my toxin should affect you the same as any human maybe even more so.

Even then... you need fear's... to prey on, Scarecrow... and I fear nothing. Replied Lois Lane.

Scarecrow laughed somewhat maniacally.

Oh, such a thinly velled lie! Fear is a primal instinct, embedded within all living things, and the most powerful of motivators. Then again... you already know that, don't you Eradicator? Said Scarecrow.

What are you talking about? Replied Lois Lane.

Darkseid. Said Scarecrow.

Even though the groans of pain, Scarecrow could sense the fear that this single word had produced. He grinned slyly.

Does he haunt your thoughts, Eradicator, your nightmares? I imagine he has done, ever since that fateful day. You see, I watched the battle along with the masses, and I read your body language, studied your movements. It was painfully clear to me that it was not, as others determined, love that drove you to fight... It was fear. Said Scarecrow.

The fear that Darkseid could potentially be the one opponent you could not defeat. The fear of losing. The fear... that you would break the promise you made to protect the citizens of not only Metropolis, but the world. Replied Scarecrow.

Imagine that, if you will, Eradicator... a world under Darkseid's rule. Cities like your precious Metropolis destroyed. The people you love enslaved or killed. The entire planet changed forever, and with no one powerful enough to do anything about it, and all because you failed. Replied Scarecrow.

Lois Lane tried to struggle from Metallo's grasp, but she was too weakened from the Kryptonite.

I think she's softened up enough, said Metallo.

Excellent, said Scarecrow, rising to his feet. Then we can administer the toxin.

He reached into a pouch attached to his belt, and pulled out a syringe and a small jar.

Tell me something. Said Lois Lane.

Scarecrow looked down at Lois Lane, who was struggling to speak.

You and Metallo... how? Lex Luthor? Replied Lois Lane.

Well, you do have the brains to match the brawn, said Scarecrow, as he filled the syringe. I approached Luthor last week, and he was more than happy to strike the deal.

But why? Why would he agree? Replied Lois Lane.

Because he and I are of the same opinion, said Scarecrow, dropping down to his knees again. The fears of someone with a burden and powers such as yours could potentially bring about destruction, equivalent to that which we saw with Darkseid.

You're trying to turn me into a monster. Replied Lois Lane.

Not quite, chuckled Scarecrow. The monster is already inside of you, I'm merely bringing it to life. And once I do. I will become the stuff of legend!

You're a fool. Replied Lois Lane.

Oh? How so? Said Scarecrow.

You think Lex Luthor will let you gloat? That would expose him. You're a pawn Scarecrow and nothing more. Lex Luthor will stop you one way or another. Replied Lois Lane.

Even if that were true, it's of no importance, scoffed Scarecrow. Even if Lex Luthor wants to discredit me, the toxin will be in your system. Your autopsy will confirm my hand in this, and your death will bring me immortality!

You will... be stopped... somehow... Replied Lois Lane.

Well, we'll just have to see how things play out, then, don't we? Hold her down, Metallo! Said Scarecrow.

Metallo obeyed, Lois Lane no longer having the strength to resist. Scarecrow gripped Lois Lane's right arm, raised his own arm high above his head, and then with one strong movement, thrust the syringe into Lois Lane's flesh.

Lois Lane groaned in agony as Scarecrow injected the toxin into her blood stream. He then removed the syringe, placing it, along with the jar, back into his pouch.

Now, don't fight the toxins influence, said Scarecrow, rising to his feet. Embrace those fears of yours, and those nasty consequences we discussed. Doctors orders!

As Metallo also rose to his feet, Lois Lane struggled with all of her strength to try and pick herself up.

No... I won't... I can't... Replied Lois Lane.

I'm afraid you don't have a choice, my good woman, said Scarecrow. By the time you awaken, the toxin will take full effect.

Awaken? Replied Lois Lane.

Sweet dreams, said Metallo, before punching Lois Lane in the face hard. She fell instantly unconscious, falling to the floor.