It Does Not Work

A harsh red glow surrounded the reporter's stomach for a moment, visible even through her robe. Lois Lane's stomach lurched, and a moment later she was lurching too—staggering toward the kitchen sink to puke out everything that had been in her stomach. Behind her, Lois felt Zatanna gather the reporter's hair and hold it back so that she wouldn't get vomit in it.

After a few long, tense minutes, Lois turned on the sink and let it wash the grey-and-yellow goo down the drain. She cupped her hands and swished water around her mouth before spitting it back out, trying to get some of the taste out....and then, and only then, taking a few small sips, letting it soothe her burning throat and try to ease her troubled stomach.

"So...that didn't work," Zatanna said as she guided Lois back toward the table. "And that's bad. Something magical just resisted my spell. Something that's inside of you, and powerful enough to shrug off a bit of logomancy. I know you said no questions...and I won't ask, if that' still how you feel. But if you want me to help you, I need to know at least a little bit about it."

Lois Lane sat down. Her stomach was still churning. It was too soon for morning sickness, even if...

"Over the last few weeks, four women have gone missing. They were last seen at this underground club in an old warehouse. I went there tonight to investigate..."

Once she started telling the story, it was easier. Zatanna was quiet, and let her tell it at her own pace. Only interrupted once or twice, wanting more details on the shrine, the bottle. Lois dredged her memory, knowing that she had been trained to look for that kind of thing and retain it. Little bits and pieces she hadn't remembered she noticed came ou that way...marks on the altar, in chalk; the same marks in some of the graffiti on the walls, things that she had taken as random or some strange gang-signs. With a pad of paper and a pen, Lois drew them as best she could.

Zatanna considered the figures carefully.

"So...bad news or worse news?" She said at last.

"Am I pregnant?" Lois blurted.