I turned to my mother after we uncovered the last body. "Is it always like this?" I questioned, feeling a mixture of sadness and relief.

"Not always," she smiled in reply and I stared at her with amazement. "It could've been worse."

"Then why do you do it?" I asked softly, feeling the weight of what we had accomplished wash over me.

"Because I can," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around me and I sighed with relief, needing my mother's loving touch. I had forgotten what it felt like; I had forgotten that I needed it. "Because we can." She added softly and I chuckled in response as I buried my head into the nape of her neck, holding onto her, needing her to ground me.

"Does it get any easier?" I whispered, feeling the heat of my tears pooling in my eyes.

"Yes, and no," she replied softly as she continued to rub my back. "Let's go home." She offered and I nodded in reply, not letting go of her as she lifted us off the ground and flew us home.

We touched down on the roof of the Luthor Manor and I looked up at her in the dawning sunlight. "I'm sorry," I stammered, the tears I was holding back rushing forth. "I didn't understand, I didn't know."

"Oh, baby." She sniffed as she squeezed her arms around me and I felt my breathing hitch in response to the tenderness she showed.

"I'm so sorry," I mumbled as I pulled away. "I'll be better, I won't run anymore."

"Shh," she murmured against my forehead as she kissed it. "You're home now, that's all I care about."

I nodded, pulling away as I attempted to dry my eyes. "Jackson," I whispered as his battered image appeared in my mind. "I have to go see him."

"Why don't you go get cleaned up first," my mother suggested as her fingers trailed over the rips in my outfit. "I'll call and check on his status."

"He'll be okay? Right?" I asked, suddenly needing my mother's reassurance.

"I don't know," she whispered in reply and I felt my heart drop.

"No," I groaned, shaking my head as I pulled at my suit. "He has to be okay." I gasped, tears pooling in my eyes once more. I felt my mother's arms wrap around me and I crumpled against her. "He has to be."

* * *

I took a quick shower and dressed, not caring about myself or my appearance. I needed to see Jackson. I needed to make sure he was ok.

I took a deep breath, trying to control my own emotions, but failing miserably. I can't lose him, not now, not ever; I was a fool to leave. I wiped harshly at the tears in my eyes and made my way down the stairs.

"Clark," my mother called out and I paused briefly at the door.

"Yes?" I whispered, turning to her slightly. "I need to go-"

"I know," she smiled sadly as she crossed over to me. "I just wanted to tell you that I talked to Lana."

"What did she say? Is he going to be okay?" I questioned, my words jumbling together.

She forced a smile to her face and I knew then that her news was bad. I felt my breathing hitch and my heart drop. Oh, no. Please, let him still be alive.

"Jackson is in the intensive care unit," she stated softly as she raised a hand to my face. "He had some internal bleeding and a few broken bones. They have taken him to surgery, and he is currently on a respirator to help him breath." She explained as she rubbed my face, tears forming in her eyes.

"And?" I gasped, inhaling quickly, not wanting to hear the rest.

"He's in a coma," she continued. "There is some bleeding and edema, the doctors don't know if he'll ever wake up."

"No!" I cried pulling away from her, my tears falling freely. "No. He will wake up. He has to."

"Clark," my mother whispered, wrapping her arms around me.

"No, please no." I groaned as I turned to her. "It's not fair," I protested as I pulled away from her loving touch. "What good is it to have all this freakish strength and powers if we can't heal the ones we love?"

My mother chewed on her lower lip, unable to reply, tears shinning in her eyes. "I'm sorry baby. Go, be with Jackson. Give him the support and love he needs, we will be here for you when you need us."

I nodded numbly as I turned away from her and ran all the way to the hospital.

* * *

I briefly glanced up at Hudson as she walked into the study. "Have you seen these?" I inquired as I held up the morning editions of the paper.

"Seen what?" She questioned softly as she crossed over to me and wrapped her arms around me. "Is it more important then our son coming home and learning the value of life?" She mused as she leaned in and kissed me.

I returned her kiss, tasting tears on her lips and I pulled away to look at her heartrending expression. "What's wrong? Where's Clark?" I questioned as she paused and glanced up at me with sad eyes.

"The hospital," she whispered, shaking her head. "Jackson is in the intensive care unit."

I nodded, as I wiped away her tears. "How is he?"

"Not good, our son is about to learn the hardest lesson of all." She sighed, leaning against me.

"After the press conference, I'll go and look in on them," I replied softly, "call in the best doctors possible. He will recover."

"I hope so; Jackson's death will affect us all." She sniffed. "I can't even imagine what Lana and Pete are going through; we've never had to worry about Clark like that."

I sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I just hope Clark is too concerned about Jackson to notice the press at the moment."

"What does Clark have to do with the press?" Hudson questioned turning to the newspapers scattered over the table.

"Nothing, but Superwoman and her lover do," I stated dryly, more then amused at the recent news events.

She pulled back from me, her nose wrinkling up. "My what?"

"Look," I stated as I showed her the front page of 'The Daily Planet' and 'The Mirror'. She picked it up and stared at the pictures of her holding our son.

"Superwoman and Superman? Is the world ready for their offspring?!" Her voice rose up in pitch as she continued to read the captions. "The two lovebirds take a moment for themselves after a night of chaos!?"

"Oh, and you should see the news briefing," I chuckled. "They don't even go into detail about the bombing and the pending investigation, all they care about is Superwoman's love life."

"I was just comforting my son, there is nothing going on in these pictures!" Hudson groaned as she continued to rummage through the pictures. "What are we going to say?"

"Nothing," I replied with a shrug. "Until Clark decides what he wants to do with his life, we can't say anything. It will have to be his choice to don the suit again, to become Superman."

Hudson nodded as she studied a picture of Clark hovering slightly over the wreckage. "He's no longer our little boy," she sighed as I wrapped my arms around her.

"Yes, he is." I smiled, kissing the side of her face, squeezing her close. "He made the choice to come back; now we can only hope he makes the right decision for his future."

* * *

I paced the narrow hallways, taking searing glances into the intensive care unit every few minutes. I was not allowed in, I was only a friend. A friend. I wanted to shout that I was more then just his 'friend', that I was his family, and that he held my heart close to his.

"Jackson," I groaned as I leaned my forehead against the wall. "Hold on Jackson." I pleaded, squeezing my eyes tight.

"A.C.!"

I turned at the sound of my name, to see Jackson's sister. "Laura," I sighed as I crossed over to her. "How is he? They won't tell me anything, they won't let me in."

She shook her head, closing her eyes briefly. "It's not good. Mom and Dad are standing vigil at his bedside."

I grimaced at her news, "That's not what I wanted to hear."

"All we can do is wait and see," she whispered as she placed her hand on my shoulder.

"I want to see him," I sighed as I placed my hand on hers. "There has to be a way."

She cracked a smile and then giggle. "You mean a Luthor can't get in?"

I rolled my eyes in response. "They claim that he's in critical condition and he can't have visitors. And only if the doctors approve visitors, only the immediate family may visit." I growled. "But, I can clearly see that your parents are by the bedside so he's not that critical and I want to see him, I need too."

"If it makes you happy, they won't let me spend very long in there," she stated sadly as she eyed me closely. "Jackson told me about you, the two of you."

I smiled, closing my eyes, trying to block another wave of tears. "And?"

"He would want you by his bedside," she whimpered softly as she tucked herself against me. "I'm happy for you both."

I felt my heart tighten with her acceptance and I nodded in reply. "He was so nervous about telling you. Your opinion means everything to him and to me as well."

"Everything will be okay?" She sniffed. "Right?"

"I hope so," I groaned, wrapping my arms around her. We stood together, sharing in our pain and hope for his full recovery.

"Laura?" We turned toward her mother as she called out from the door. She smiled as she noticed me. "Oh, Clark," she sighed as she crossed over to us. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"I've been trying to see him all morning," I stated as I stepped away from Laura and hugged, Mrs. Ross. "How is he?"

"There's been no change since I talked with H.C.," she whispered as she looked down at her hands and then back at me. "But, he hasn't gotten any worse."

I nodded. "Can I see him?" I asked once more, dying for the chance to see him, to touch him.

His mother glanced over at security and then nodded. "Of course," she stated firmly taking my hand and squeezing it. "You're his family as well."

"Thank you," I sighed with relief as I followed her into the intensive care unit. The beds were full of all the survivors of the bombing.

I froze as we neared Jackson's bed, my heart pounding as I glanced over at him. I felt my breathing hitch and my tears form as I took inventory of all the tubes connected to him. This was so wrong.

"Pete," she called out to her husband still sitting at his bedside. "Clark is here." He glanced over at us and smiled weekly. He sighed and leaned in to kiss Jackson's hand and to tell him softly that he loved him.

"Mr. Ross," I whispered as he crossed over to us.

"Clark," He smiled as he reached out and touched my shoulder. "Thank you for saving my son."

My eyes narrowed slightly and I shook my head. "Don't," I groaned. "It was my fault he was there in the first place."

"If you weren't there to help," his mother protested. "Then he may not have survived at all. We are thankful that he's alive and we have faith that he will get better."

I sighed, looking down at the ground, still feeling guilty. "I wish I could have done more. If only-"

"Shh," his father interrupted as he squeezed my shoulder. "No talk of what ifs." He glanced at his wife and then sighed. "We'll give you a few minutes alone."

"Thank you," I smiled with gratitude as I approached the bed, my fingers running against the scratchy fabric.

"We'll be back," his mother stated as they walked away, giving us the time together.

"Oh, Jackson," I groaned as I took a step closer, my heart aching as I noted all the bruising and cuts that were scattered over his chest, arms, and face. I took his hand into mine and squeezed it. "I'm here, it took me all morning, but I'm here."

For a split second I expected him to reply to my statement with a joke, but he remained still, almost lifeless. "You know, you don't have to be all dramatic and all to get me to come home."

I held my breath, waiting once more for a sign, for something to show that he was still there. I took a seat, scooting it closer to the bed and placing a kiss to his hand. I rubbed my other hand against his thigh, taking comfort in being near him.

"Who are you?" A voice demanded and I shot out of my seat.

"I'm a friend of the family." I stated turning to the nurse as she studied me.

"Aren't you Lex Luthor's son?" She questioned with a touch of awe in her voice.

"Yes," I replied with a groan. "And this is Jackson Ross, the son of the ex-vice president and my father's running mate."

"Oh," she gasped, her eyes widening. "I see."

"Would you mind?" I questioned as I glanced at Jackson. "I would like a few more minutes alone."

"Of course," she nodded, "take your time, Mr. Luthor." She added quickly as she turned and left us alone.

I chuckled slightly, "Did you see that?" I teased Jackson. "For the first time, I don't mind being a Luthor." I replied my grin fading as I realized that he didn't see it and he might never open his eyes.

I sat back down and I wrapped my fingers around his, sending him all my love.

* * *

Days passed and there was little to no change in Jackson's recovery. I became a steady fixture at his bedside, needing to be with him. The nurses were respectful to my presence and they offered their prayers.

"Clark," my father called and I remained in my spot, caressing Jackson's hand. "Clark." He insisted harder and I turned to him.

"Yes?" I questioned, not wanting to talk to anyone.

"I need to talk to you in private," he stated firmly as he glanced around the room. "It's about your mother." He stated cryptically and my heart skipped a beat.

"My mother?" I repeated as I stood up, my chair screeching across the floor. I tensed at the noise and then turned to Jackson. "I'll be right back," I whispered, my heart aching as I leaned over and kissed him on his parched, dry lips.

"How is he?" he questioned as we turned to walk out of his room.

"Slightly better," I replied with a sigh, rubbing my face with my hand. "They were able to take him off the respirator, but he still hasn't woken up."

My father paused and took another look over at him. "I wish there was something I could do."

"Well, you can't." I groaned as we exited the intensive care unit. "No one can, not even your fancy doctors."

"Clark," he began, but I shook my head in response, not wanting to argue.

"What's wrong?" I asked, knowing he wouldn't show up here unless it was something big.

"Come with me," he replied dryly as I followed him out of the hospital and to an awaiting limo.

As we entered the limo, my father turned on the satellite TV, "Your Mother is missing, or rather Superwoman is."

"Superwoman?" I gasped, "But that's impossible."

"There is limited news footage. We don't even know for sure what the League has been fighting, but I have a suspicion that kryptonite enhanced weapons have been used."

"Kryptonite?" I repeated dryly as I stared at him, my heart skipping a beat. I can't lose my mother and Jackson. I need them both.

"Yes," my father sighed. "I know you've not given much thought about doing what she does, but at the moment, you are her only hope."

"Me?" I questioned my heart racing. "What about the League? Where are they? Why can't they fight this thing?"

"They have been," he groaned as he turned to the TV and turned up the volume. All I could see where acres of trees and pillars of smoke.

"I don't see anything," I remarked, slightly puzzled.

"Exactly," my father nodded. "There hasn't been anything for the past two hours, the last footage I saw was you mother fighting it. Then there was a flash of green light and then nothing. I fear something has happened."

I blinked at him, trying to process the news as I watched the screen in front of me. "How do you know? There isn't anything on the news about this?"

"I have a satellite feed that follows where your mother goes, she uses the feed to send messages back to me and to study when she returns-" his voice trailed off as he glanced down at his hands. "This is the first time, this has happened."

"And you want me to check it out?" I questioned nervously.

"Yes," He replied firmly. "I think you are the only one that can."

I took a deep breath, "Okay."

* * *

"Come with me," my father stated as I followed him through the manor. "It's time you learned more about your mother's business."

"My mother's what?" I questioned, slightly confused as I continued to follow him down into the wine cellar and to a door I never knew existed. He slid open a panel and punched in a code, a small light blinked and the door slid open. "Wow," I cooed as we stepped into an elevator and we went down, opening up into a large room. "I never knew this was here."

"It's lined in lead, so you wouldn't." He explained as we stopped in the middle of the room and I glanced around. It reminded me of a science lab.

"This is for you," he replied as he opened a hidden door and pulled out a suit. My suit. "This time, I think you should wear something a little more proper."

I stared at the suit in my hand, it felt like nothing I've felt before. "What is it made of?" I questioned as I glanced up at him.

"It's a synthetic material I made up for your mother's suit. It's indestructible," he grinned. "We wanted a suit that could withstand everything that her body could."

"But, kryptonite," I mused as I begin to take off my clothes and pulled on the silky fabric. It fit like glove, almost like a second layer of skin. "Similar to my mothers but different in colors, why?"

"The colors represent your mother," he paused, looking over my suit. "I figured you'd want your own identity. A younger, sleeker look."

I nodded, as I crossed over to the mirror and looked over my suit. The blue was slightly darker and the 'S' was in black instead of the red and yellow of my mother's. "I like it," I smiled. "Do I get boots?" I questioned as my father pulled out a pair of black boots and I realized I didn't have a cape. "What, no cape?"

"You don't fly," my father replied dryly and I rolled my eyes.

"Not yet," I snorted. "But I can hover and float at times- Batman and Robin don't fly and they both have capes!" I insisted as my father chuckled, and I realized I was pouting over not having a cape, I was being juvenile and I liked it.

"Here," he grinned as he tossed me a long black coat of the same material. "Use this; we'll work on something later. But, for now you have to go."

"To go?" I repeated, suddenly feeling inadequate for the job. "Where?" I gasped. "How do I get there? I can't fly, remember?"

"But, you can run faster then any form of transportation available to us now," he stated as he pulled out a map. "The last intelligence that I received shows that they are right here." He explained as he pointed to the coast off of South America."

I memorized the location and nodded. "Will you check on Jackson while I'm away?" I questioned as I rubbed my hands, nervousness washing over me.

"Yes," he replied as he crossed over to me. "Be careful," He whispered as he wrapped his arms around me and held me close.

"I will," I whispered in response, pulling away from my father's warm embrace. "I will see you later," I smiled as I took of in a run; I had a job to do.

* * *

As I neared my destination, I could hear cries of anguish echoing through the trees. My heart ached and I paused, not knowing if I could go through with this. Taking a deep cleansing breath, I called out softly to my mother, hoping she could hear me and answer my call.

I strained to hear her muffled reply as it lingered in the air, it was so weak, so unlike my mother's strong voice. My heart skipped a beat and I followed her voice.

"I'm coming," I added quickly as I made my way through the thick foliage. I paused as I came to the first prone body lying on the ground. "Oh, god." I groaned as I reached down to find a pulse and I shuddered when I found none.

I froze, unable to continue forward as fears of the unknown washed over me. I can’t do this.

"Clark," my name was called, weaker and more desperate then before. I groaned and pushed on, needing to find my mother.

"Who is this?" A voice hissed and I turned to see a large black creature, spider like in body and movement. "A little superbrat?" It chuckled, sounding harsh and metallic.

"Something like that," I challenged as I stood tall, trying my best to intimidate it, whatever it was.

It merely chuckled at me as an arm swung out and hit me in the chest, sending me flying. I groaned in pain as I landed hard against the ground, my body aching as I gasped for air. I picked myself up and turned back to him, "Is that all?" I snorted, trying to keep my tone light.

It growled as it advanced and I managed to doge the blow. I laughed as it tumbled to its side as it missed.

"You missed," I taunted as I jumped up and hovered in the air. I shot him with my heat vision and it howled in response.

"Superbrat is dead." It cried as it lunged up and grabbed me. I groaned as we landed on the ground in a big heap, his heavy body crushing mine.

"No," I grunted as I forced him off me and I scrambled to stand up, glancing widely around for something to hit him and found nothing.

"Superbrat must die like the rest." It growled as he managed to strike me down again with his large tentacle like arms. I gasped, trying to draw air into my battered body.

"Not today!" I panted as I flew up and hovered in the air, trying to gauge his next move.

"Clark!" I turned abruptly to my mother's cry and I scanned the area around me, but I found nothing.

"Die. Die. Die." It roared as it lunged at me, a beam of light coming out of his eyes. The light encompassed me and I felt like I was drowning.

A strangled scream escaped my lips as its claws cut through my skin. Oh, God. No! I tried to push him away, but I couldn't.

"Clark," my mother's voice drawled from the creature's lips, and I felt my body and mind go numb.

"How?" I whispered as the light increased in intensity and I felt it bore into my skin, sucking the strength from my body.

It chuckled once more, and for a second it reminded me of my father. "No," I cried as I tried to struggle out of its fierce embrace. "No," I gasped as I let go and let the darkness take me.

***

"Hudson!" I cried out as I entered the manor and made my way to my study. I threw my briefcase onto the desk and I crossed to the security monitors. "Hudson!"

"Yes?" She sighed as she appeared out of nowhere and wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close. "You're home early," she commented as she placed a kiss to my lips.

I stiffened slightly and pulled away. She frowned at my reaction and raised an eyebrow in question. "We have a problem."

"A problem?" She repeated as she crossed her arms across her chest. "What did you do now?"

"There was an accident, or rather an explosion in the lab this afternoon," I explained as I turned away from her, not able to admit to her my mistake.

"Oh, baby," she gasped, "are you okay, did you get hurt?"

"I'm fine," I hissed as I shook my head. "But, he's back."

"Who's back?" She questioned, slightly confused. "And why are you being so cryptic? I don't understand."

"We were working on some refined meteorites," I began as I looked back at her, my gaze locking with hers.

"You promised me you'd stop experimenting with them," she snapped, her eyes glowing red for a second. "Why? You know the risks!"

"It was for Jackson," I replied simply and her anger dissipated. "I thought the risk would be worth the outcome."

"Oh, Lex," She smiled hesitantly as she reached out to me. "I don't agree with working with the meteorites, but it was a very generous thought. Clark will be happy to hear that you cared enough to try to help more."

"There was an explosion," I repeated as I pulled away from her loving caress. "He is back."

"Who is back?" She sighed, obviously frustrated by this conversation.

"It happened once before, I never thought it would happen again," I whispered. "I should have known better, I should have been more careful. He knows too much this time. Last time- Oh, Angel, I don't know what he'll do this time."

Her forehead creased as she studied my words carefully, her eyes widened as she realized what I meant. "Alexander?" She gasped as she reached out to me and grasped onto my suit jacket.

"Yes," I hissed. "He's here, somewhere."

"How do you know?" She questioned as she pulled away and started pacing. "You didn't know last time, it wasn't until-"

"I know, Angel." I sighed as I crossed my arms across my chest. "I saw the security tape of the explosion. I wanted to see where it all went wrong, but instead I saw him."

"We'll just have to be careful," she stated with a quick nod of her head. "We know how to fix it, we know-" her voice trailed off as she stopped suddenly in her tracks. "Clark?" She gasped as she turned to me. "Where is he?"

"I thought he was at the hospital with Jackson." I replied, suddenly unsure about my statement.

"Oh, Lex, he wouldn't, would he? Last time he went after me, this time would he go after our son?"

I blinked at her statement, her words digging deep into my soul and suddenly I knew. He'd go after Clark; he would turn him against us and the world. If we didn't warn Clark now, he may be lost to us for good.

"I'll go to the hospital," she replied quickly and disappeared from my sight. I stared at the blinking monitors. All I could do was wait and hope that Alexander didn't get to him first.

* * *

I blinked my eyes open and stared blankly into the darkness around me. It was so dark, so cold. "Hello?" I called out hesitantly as I tried to get up, but the bonds stretched against my body prevented me from doing so. I was strapped down to a table, I was trapped. "Let me go!" I cried as I struggled against my bonds, realizing how weak I felt. The darkness- whoever held me captive knew my weakness.

I heard scrapping against the floor and I glanced madly around the room. "Who's there?" I called out as I continued to fit against my restraints.

"You are a disappointment to the Luthor name," I voice replied and I stilled in my movements as I tried to place the familiar voice. "A failure." It continued dryly as the footsteps came closer. "You let your mother die."

I froze his words echoing in my ear. You let your mother die.

"What?" I gasped, my heart tightening as a light flickered above us and I could see into my father's face. "Father," I gasped as I struggled once more against my restraints. "No, father, please."

"Am I next?" he hissed as he leaned closer to me, disdain visible in his eyes. "You let your mother die, you let Jackson die. You are a killer."

"What? No," I gasped as I pulled against my confinements until the burning increased and my skin broke under the strain. But, it didn't even touch the pain in my heart, at the thought that my mother and- Oh, god, no. It can't be true. "Jackson-"

"Died this afternoon," he replied dryly. "Alone."

Alone.

"No," I groaned as I fell back against the bed, tears pooling into my eyes.

"Why would I lie?" He whispered as he neared me. "If it wasn't for me, you'd be dead on the forest floor along with your mother."

"No," I whimpered as I felt my father's hand pressing down on my chest. "They are okay, they have to be."

"They are gone and it's your fault." He insisted and I tried to turn away from him.

"If I'm such a failure, why don't you just kill me too?" I snapped, my body trembling as my heart continued to ache.

"You are still my flesh and blood," he drawled, shrugging as he turned away from me.

"That didn't stop you from killing your father," I growled and he chuckled in response, my blood turning cold.

"You are my son and you have repeated the sins of your father and your grandfather." He mused as he turned back to me. "You are more of a Luthor then I gave you credit for."

I sighed, not knowing what to say or what else to do. I felt so lost and broken. "Why am here?"

"To learn your lesson," my father replied as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"And what lesson would that be?" I questioned, as I pulled against my restraints. My body shuddering as the shearing pain escalated. My father simply smiled and ran his hand over my raw wrist and I screamed out in pain.

* * *

Trying to school my emotions, I stepped up to the receptionist. "Good afternoon," I managed to smile and she looked up at me expectantly.

"Oh, Mrs. Luthor," She grinned as she glanced over her paperwork and picked up a pen. "You can sign in right here and go in to see Mr. Ross," she stated and I stared at her with confusion. "The doctors are letting more visitors in since he woke up."

"He woke up?" I gasped, a true smile forming on my lips. My heart skipped a beat; he's going to be okay.

"Oh, I thought you were informed, everyone is in there now," she remarked as she glanced down at the visitor's log. "They'll be watching him overnight before letting him go into a private room."

"That's wonderful news," I smiled as I picked up the pen and signed my name. I let out a sigh of relief as I glanced over the log and saw my son's signature as well. "May I go in?"

"Certainly, Mrs. Luthor," she grinned as she pressed the button to open the door.

"Thank you," I nodded and made my way in, happy to hear laughter and voiced coming from Jackson's room.

"H.C.!" Lana called out from the doorway and I crossed over to her, hugging her.

"I heard that Jackson has woken up," I stated softly as she held me close.

"Isn't it great?" She sighed happily, holding onto my hand. "I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't made it."

I glanced into the room and Jackson looked up at me. "How are you feeling?" I asked as he shrugged.

"Like a building fell on me," he groaned, coughing slightly at the end of his statement. He sighed heavily and then looked back at me. "Where's A.C.?"

"Where's A.C.?" I repeated, feeling my blood run cold as I glanced around the room. "We thought he was here."

"No," Laura interrupted. "He left with his father hours ago."

I froze, her words echoing in my mind, my heart clenching at the thought. Oh, god.

"H.C.?" Lana began as she studied me closely.

"I'm sorry, I have to go," I replied quickly, leaving before they could reply, he was here. Alexander had my baby.

* * *

The fading sunlight felt so good against my skin. I immediately felt stronger and more alive then I had, only moments before. This was the first time, I ever really felt the difference the different rays of light truly affected me. I've always known that it could, we had briefly experimented on them when I was younger, but nothing like this.

I sighed and relaxed under the warm sunlight, my fingers running absentmindedly against my sore wrists. I was simply amazed at how quickly my skin was healing. I was indeed my parent's son.

"Clark," my father called out and I froze, wincing slightly at the cold tone his voice. Everything had changed- my life was different now.

My mother and my lover were dead to me, and my father had emerged as the villain I've always claimed he was.

"Yes, father?" I whispered as I turned to him.

"That's better," he smiled, looking on with approval. "You've been a spoiled, incorrigible brat. But, you know better now, don't you?"

"Yes father," I replied softly as I gazed down at the ground. "What would you have me do?"

"Get back at the Justice League," he stated simply. "It was their fault that your mother was put in harm's way-" he began as he touched the back of my neck. "They deserve to suffer like your mother. They don't deserve to live."

"They don't deserve to live," I repeated, nodding in agreement. "Are we to go back to Smallville?"

"No," he growled. "It's time we moved back to Metropolis."

I blinked at him, my heart aching at the thought of moving away from all I've known the last few years. But, the people I loved were no longer there. "Yes, father."

* * *

As I returned back home, I couldn't help but scan the area looking for Clark. My heart ached at the thought that he had my son.

I landed on the rooftop and took a second to compose myself. I needed to be strong, I needed to be alert- I needed to find my son.

"Lex!" I called out as I quickly walked down the stairs. "Lex?"

"I'm here Angel," he replied as he stepped out of his office and opened up his arms to me. A strangled sob escaped my lips as I ran into his arms; I needed to feel his strength and love.

"Oh, Lex!" I cried as I felt myself crumble even more as he wrapped his arms around me and held me close. "He wasn't there, Clark's gone."

"We will find him," he vowed and I wanted to believe him.

"Where would he have taken him?" I asked as I pulled away to look up at him.

"I don't know, Angel." He sighed as he squeezed his arms around me. "He knows of many hideaways- some even you don't know about."

I frowned and pulled away, "Why would you hide from me?"

He pursed his lips and sighed heavily, "We weren't always on good terms. You hid from me as well."

"But, that's in the past." I protested. "Why keep them?" I found myself asking, not sure if I wanted to hear the answer.

"Why get rid of something once you own them?" He replied dryly, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was another reason.

I sighed and pulled away from him. "Never mind."

"The point is; where are they now?" He replied harshly as he turned away.

"I don't know," I whispered. "Do we have any idea where to even look? You must know."

"We know that he has Clark," Lex mused out loud. "Then he must have come here or Clark would have known something was up. The security cameras may have the answer we seek."

"But, wouldn't he know about them too? Wouldn't he have disabled them?" I asked as Lex shook his head and crossed over the security panel.

"He would want us to know," he replied harshly. "There is no victory if no one knows what you have done. He knows I can't go to the press on this, he knows we can't call for help."

"We could go to the League." I offered, knowing our choices were limited.

"He would expect that," he shrugged. "I think we should wait, I think he will strike at them first."

"Strike the League first, but why?" I questioned a little more harshly than I would have liked.

"It's what I would have done," he replied quickly, turning to me. "He is following the path I would have taken if you had never come back to me; you changed my life Angel-"

"Will he hurt Clark?" I inquired sharply, needing to know. "Would you be able to hurt your own son?" He paused and turned away from me. "Lex!"

"It's possible," he whispered after another lengthy pause. "He may teach him certain lessons, like my father-"

"Your father?" I gasped, my heart aching for the past and for my son.

"Here," He stated as he pointed to the monitor. "They were downstairs in the lab, it looks like he gave him his suit and sent him off on some mission."

"But there's nothing going on," I protested, shaking my head as we continued to watch Alexander and my son on the screen.

"Clark doesn't know that." He stated as he turned the monitor off. "I think he sent him near to my labs off the coast of South America, Chile to be exact."

"You have labs in Chile?" I questioned, wondering what else I didn't know about my husband.

"I had labs in Chile; I haven't used them in ages." He explained. "But, it has been a warehouse to few of my inventions."

I turned away from him, my mind spinning at the thought that these inventions may have harmed my son. "Inventions." I repeated dryly, my heart pounding with anticipation and worry. "What kind of inventions?"

"The kind to destroy Superwoman with," he stated calmly as I turned back to him, my anger rising.

"You didn't think these inventions wouldn't be better off destroyed? What were you thinking?" I spat as he tried to reach out to me and I pulled away from him.

"I couldn't destroy what took so long to make," he began, his voice tighter then before. "It would hurt to have them around in case something did happen to you, you can't deny you have your weaknesses."

I shook my head, "No, I don't want to argue about this. We should be worrying about our son, not what might have been."

"It was fingerprinted to be used only by me, I thought we were safe," he whispered as he touched my shoulder. "Go to Chile. See if they are still there."

"And the inventions?" I quipped as his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Avoid them, only I can disarm them." He explained. "Go there and see if they are there, if they are then we can go in and get him. If not, then you might want to give the League a heads up."

I closed my eyes briefly and then nodded in agreement. "Okay," I whispered as I turned to leave.

"Angel," he drawled and I glanced back at him. "I love you, never forget that."

I sucked back a sob and nodded. "I love you too."

* * *

I glanced up from my desk as the motion detector on the roof sounded off. I frowned slightly, not expecting any activity on the roof for yet a few hours, Hudson wasn't expected home until later. I sucked in a quick breath as I realized that it might just be someone else. Clark.

My heart skipped a beat as I practically jumped out of my seat and made my way up to the roof. I opened the door and paused as my eyes took sight of the man that appeared before me, my son. He was dressed in the suit I had designed him, the suit I never thought he'd wear. His frame was silhouetted by the moonlight and he looked more like a superhero then I thought he would.

"Clark," I called out to him as I crossed over to him, forcing myself to stop a few feet away from him. I didn't want to scare him off.

He turned to me and stared at me blankly before he nodded his head and sighed. "Yes, father?" He replied in an eerily haunted voice, so unlike the voice I was used to.

"You came back," I found my self saying quickly, his eyes narrowing as he turned away.

"I'm sorry," he stated dryly in response with little emotion. "I had to see it one last time. I didn't know you'd be here."

"Come inside," I insisted, wanting to get him inside to safety.

"What for?" He groaned as he turned back to me his eyes flashing red. "Another lesson?" He questioned harshly and I frowned.

"Lesson?" I repeated and I blanched with sudden understanding. He thought I was Alexander, he didn't know. My god, what has he done to him?

"I'll go," he stated suddenly, breaking my train of thought. "I won't come back."

"Clark," I began, not knowing how to explain what was going on. "Your mother-"

"I know!" He snapped, his eyes blazing red. "She's dead and it's my fault. I killed her and Jackson. Will you ever let me forget that?!" He yelled at me, his voice heavy with grief and despair.

I gasped; shocked at his words, simply amazed that he believed such lies. "No, Clark," I began, trying to search for the right words. "Jackson and your mother-"

"No." He growled as he stepped away. "Not now, please. I'll go, I'll be good."

"No, Clark you don't understand." I rushed to say as he glared at me. Before I could continued, he knelt down and shot up into the air. I stumbled back as he flew into the night sky.

My god, he can fly. I watched in amazement as he flew out of sight, my heart beating wildly at the new development.

I don't know how long I stood there, staring at the sky, my thoughts racing. We knew there was a possibility that he would fly like his mother, but this was unbelievable.

"Lex?" I turned quickly at the sound of my wife's voice.

"Angel," I sighed as I pulled her into my arms and held on to her.

"What are you doing up here?" She questioned slightly confused and then pulled away as she considered the reasons why I might be up there. "Was Clark here? Did I miss him?"

"Yes," I replied. "He's hurting, I've never seen him like this- he's under the impression that you and Jackson are dead."

"Oh, my baby," she gasped as she wrapped her arms tighter around my body and I knew she wouldn't be able to handle my suspicion that Alexander had abused him. It hurt too much to think that Clark was under the impression that I was hurting him. "I'll go look for him; he might still be close by. He needs to know the truth."

"No, Angel," I whispered as she looked up at me with shock. "He won't be near by, he came to say good bye."

She pursed her lips together and frowned. I knew she wanted to protest; she needed to know that he was near by.

"He flew," I added quickly and she froze a small smile playing at her lips. "He can fly."

"Oh, Lex," she cried as she buried her head into my chest. "We should be together. We should be able to share this like a family, together. I need to be with him, he's my baby."

"I know, Angel." I soothed, holding her close and I vowed that we will fix this and we will have our son back, soon.

* * *

I soared up into the sky, the air rushing by me and the darkness cloaking me from everyone. I loved the silky feel of the wind against my skin. I felt free and for a small moment in time, I could forget about everything that has happened in the last forty-two hours.

I sighed and slowly made my descent, as I neared my destination I could see my father standing on the balcony waiting for me.

"Where have you been?" My father drawled as I landed on the balcony of our new place of residence.

"Out," I replied as I closed my eyes, trying to adjust to the feeling of being back on solid ground.

"Out?" He repeated as his eyes narrowed in obvious disapproval. "You shouldn't have gone home."

"I needed to say goodbye," I whispered as I stared at him, realizing suddenly that he had changed his suit. "Why are you asking me again?" I asked as he frowned slightly.

"Go inside," he stated in reply instead of answering me.

"No," I shrugged as I turned away from him.

"Alexander Clark, you will go in, or I will make you go in." He growled and I felt a shiver travel down my spine.

I turned and glared at him, knowing all to well what he meant. The light. Oh, god the fucking light. "Fine."

"Good." He practically purred as he followed me inside. "I hope you took advantage of your new skill and started our plans."

"Of course," I replied dryly as I shrugged off my black coat.

"Good," He smiled as he took my coat and hung it up. "Then we will move onto the next course of action."

"Naturally," I whispered in reply, not sure if I wanted to take the next step. I glanced at myself in the mirror and frowned, I never expected to become the villain in the story.

* * *

The confines of my hospital room were suffocating. I needed to get out of here, I needed to find Clark. "A.C.," I groaned as I sat up from my bed and turned to the window.

"I know it's you," I whispered as I glanced up at the flashing news footage. Amateur video clips of a man in a black costume similar to Superwoman's causing havoc on the streets. He not only helped out the victims, but he killed the attackers. They were citing him as a menace to society, the man in black.

I sighed as I turned off the news footage. "I know you are the man in black, the vigilante that hunts the nights. Why A.C.?" I moaned. "Why are you doing this? Why haven't you come back for me?"

I waited for a reply, for him to finally hear me and answer me, but he did not. My body protested as I managed to stand up and crossed over to the window. "A.C.," I sighed as I hugged my body, wishing that it was his arms around me, holding me, comforting me. "Listen to me," I pleaded as I rested my head against the window pane. "Clark. I know you can hear me. I know you are out there, alone, afraid. I'm here."

I closed my eyes, trying to push back the tears that always threatened to fall. "I love you, please come back to me."

~

"Shut up!" I cried out at the top of my lungs as I flew up into the air. "Just leave me be."

"A.C.," his voiced sighed, beckoning me, pleading me to come back to him.

"I would if I could," I groaned as I hovered in the sky, my heart begging me to flow his voice. "But, you're dead," I whimpered. "Stop haunting me."

"A.C., please."

"Stop," I shouted as I flew toward his voice, ignoring the other voices that tended to follow me around.

I swooped down, my speed fading as I realized that the origin of the voice was coming from Metropolis General Hospital. "Oh, god. Jackson." I cried as saw his image through the window. "Can it be?"

I placed my hand against the glass and waited with anticipation as he responded in the same manner. His hand was against mine, only a plate of glass separated us. "Jackson!" I gasped as I pressed myself up against the window. He was there staring back at me, a small smile on his lips.

Oh, Jackson.

I closed my eyes and reopened them, only to be granted by the same vision. He was in there and I needed to be in there too, I needed to touch him, I needed to feel him. I pulled away from the window and looked for the safety lock but found none. "Step back," I ordered and he complied, knowing that I'd break the glass and I did. "Jackson," I called out, still afraid that his apparition would disappear as I stepped through the window.

"A.C.," the ghost smiled as he crossed over to me. "I knew you would come."

"Jackson?" I whispered in awe, my voice wavering as I reached out to him.

"Yes," he smiled as he leaned forward, my fingers brushing over his skin.

"Jackson," I repeated as I ran my fingers over his face and down his neck, absentmindedly seeking a pulse. I needed proof that this was real and not a vision. "Is this a dream?"

"No." He soothed as he stepped closer to me. "I'm here, I'm real." He reassured me as he ran a hand over my chest and then brushed his lips against mine. "I've missed you."

"Oh, Jackson!" I gasped as I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer, moaning at the full contact of his body. "I thought you were dead," I moaned as we kissed, savoring the taste of him. "I missed you so much. I thought you were dead-"

He cut me off with another kiss and I was more then happy to comply.

~

"Ouch," I groaned as I pulled away suddenly, his hands holding my battered body a little too hard in his excitement.

"What?" He questioned quickly, alarm apparent in his voice.

"You don't know your own strength," I replied softly as I leaned back in to kiss him once more. "My body hasn't fully healed, that's why I'm still here."

"Oh," he gasped as he pulled further away. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize- I'm just ecstatic to see you-"

"I know," I smiled as I grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. "Just be careful."

"Careful," he murmured as he began to nibble on my neck. "Bed."

"Bed," I agreed as he lifted us up and we floated over to the hospital bed. "Amazing," I gushed as we landed on top of the bed and he chuckled in response. "You can fly."

"Not as amazing as it is to see you again," he whispered as he nuzzled my neck. "I can't believe it."

"Believe it," I soothed as I kissed him, loving how good it felt to hold him again.

~

Our kissing became more heated and I wanted more then just kissing and I knew he did too. "Jackson," I whined as I pressed my hard erection against his, hissing slightly as he rocked forward.

"We should stop," he panted in between kisses. "Not in the best place, nurses-"

"Don't care. Can watch," I groaned as I rubbed up against him, eliciting a moan from his lips.

"No, A.C.," he grunted as he tried to push me away. "Not now, later."

"No now, might not be a later," I insisted as he groaned in response.

"Not going anywhere," he sighed, pushing me away. "Besides, you have to go home," he urged as I shook my head no. "Your mother-"

"My mother is dead-" I began, freezing as I realized that the fact that has been drilled into my head may be false. "She isn't dead is she?"

"Dead?" He repeated, frowning as he trailed a hand over my chest.

"She's dead, I killed her," I groaned as I leaned into him, seeking comfort.

"No, A.C., she's alive and well- why would you ever think that?" He questioned, slightly confused. "Is that why you stayed away?"

"My father-" I whispered as I tried to figure out his statement.

"Oh, A.C.! No, he isn't your father." He insisted as he pulled away from me and sat up. "You've been with Alexander."

"Alexander?" I snorted. "Well yeah, his name is Alexander Luthor, he just prefers Lex."

"No, remember the story about Alexander and Lex?" He questioned and I frowned, thinking back to the story we heard a long time ago.

"Yeah," I shrugged. "That was years ago."

"It happened again, you've been with Alexander this whole time," he stated as I felt my world crumble around me.

"Alexander?" I repeated as I stared at Jackson. "I didn't know-"

"You need to talk to your mother, only then can you fix this." He sighed and I nodded in reply.

"My mother," I whispered, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of seeing her again. "He's going to pay for this, he stole everything from me."

"No, A.C., you can't do anything to him, you have to speak to your mother first." He stated firmly and I stared at him briefly.

"How do you know all of this?" I questioned, suddenly suspicious of him and his intent.

"She's visited me every day since you've been gone." He replied with a shrug. "She couldn't tell anyone else, but she wanted me to know why the love of my life wasn't here when I needed him the most."

"But, I was here every day-" I protested, feeling guilty over my actions.

"Until the day I woke up," he sighed. "I'm not mad, I understand. It wasn't your fault and I understand more now, he tricked you."

"He did more then just trick me," I whispered softly, tears pooling in my eyes. "Oh, god. Jackson, I was going to-"

He sat up and wrapped his arms around me. "It will be okay. Go to your mother and fix this before it's too late."

"What if it's already too late?" I questioned as he wiped away the tears from my eyes and then he kissed me softly.

"It's never too late," he smiled, reassuring me. "Go, I'll be here when you get back." I leaned in and kissed him once more. "Go." He urged as we pulled apart.

I nodded, "I'll be back."

"I know," he grinned and I flew out the window.

* * *

I froze as I heard a shout in the darkness that filled my heart with joy. Clark was calling to me, he finally realized the truth.

"Clark?" I called out, searching once more for his voice.

"Meet me at the Fortress of Solitude," he replied and I raced to meet him, dying to hold him in my arms once more.

I touched down as he came into view. My heart skipped a beat as I watched him fly over to me and land. "Clark," I smiled as he stared at me a second before he lunged at me and wrapped his arms around me. "Oh, Clark!"

"Mommy," he whispered into my ear as he held onto my tight. "You're alive. Jackson told me that it was all a lie, but I didn't have the heart to believe it just yet."

"I'm here baby," I soothed as I rocked him in my arms. "Everything will be okay."

He buried his head into the crook of my neck as I continued to hold him, to love him. We needed this moment together, to heal us.

"Why didn't you come to me?" He asked suddenly pulling away from me and breaking the peaceful moment between us. "Why didn't you stop him from hurting me?"

My heart ached at his words. "I tried Clark, but he was always one step ahead of us." I explained as I reached out and stroked his face.

"How do we stop him?" He questioned as he closed his eyes briefly. "How do we fix this?"

"First, we need to get them together," I began as he nodded in reply and frowned.

"That will not be a simple task," he whispered in reply. "He wears a green and red ring, which I assume is Kryptonite now," he sighed. "It makes more sense now that I know you are alive. And he has the light."

"The light?" I questioned slightly confused as he shuddered involuntary at the mere mention of the light.

"I'm not sure exactly how it works, but it changes the structure of the light around me. It weakens me-" he began his voice wavering. "It hurts so much."

"Oh, baby," I gasped as I wrapped my arms around him. "We'll destroy it."

"Why did he create such an invention?" He asked sniffing back unshed tears. "Why did my own father do this to me?"

"It wasn't your father, it was just a small part of him that escaped," I explained quickly. "Alexander is nothing like your father."

"But, it was his invention, my father, before they split," he groaned. "He knew everything to say, to make me bend to his will. I've killed for him-"

"Clark," I gasped, my eyes widening. "What did he do to you?"

He shrugged me away and stared blankly at the ice walls. "How do we fix it?"

"Black kryptonite," I managed to reply as he started to walk away.

"Tell my father to meet me at the executive Luthor Loft," he stated firmly. "They will meet one last time and they will fix it."

"The Luthor Loft?" I repeated, frowning slightly.

"He knows where it is," he spat as he took off and I prayed that no more harm will come to him and that we will fix this.

* * *

The chunk of black kryptonite seemed to burn my skin as I waited for my fathers to show up. I watched from above as one of them appeared and called out to me, I scanned him quickly and he didn't have the rings or the light on him. Lex.

I floated down to him and he smiled in reply. "Father," I stated harshly as his smile faltered and he gazed around us.

"Where is he?" He questioned as I continued to stare at him.

"He should be here soon," I replied as I stepped closer to him. "Why?"

"Why?" He repeated frowning at me. "Why want?"

"The fucking light," I growled. "Why did you invent it? Why did you want to even have it?"

He stared at me briefly, before closing his eyes. "It worked?"

"Did you have any doubt that it wouldn't?" I groaned as I turned away from him.

"Clark," he sighed. "I created it for testing purposes only."

"And you had no idea how it would work?" I spat. "How much it would weaken me? How much it would fucking hurt me?"

"Oh, Clark, I had no idea." He gasped as he reached out to me. "I would have never used it-"

I pushed his hand away, "Well it worked."

"It wasn't finished, I had no intention of ever finishing it," he stated as he laid his hand on my shoulder. "You have to believe me."

I looked away from him, not knowing if I could.

"How touching," a voice growled from behind us and I turned around quickly to see him, Alexander. "I think I'll be going now."

"No," I groaned as glanced at them. "We are going to fix this now."

"I don't think so," he replied as he pulled out the light and I tried to use my heat vision to burn it out of his hands before it could take affect.

"Fuck," I groaned as I immediately felt my powers flee and I dropped to the ground.

"Stop!" My father cried as he kicked the light out of his hands and my body soared back to life.

I looked up to see them struggling and I threw the black kryptonite at them. My father caught it as they both cried out in pain. A flash of light encompassed them and then there was only one. I stared at him, my father.

"Father?" I questioned dryly as he took a staggered step forward to me.

"Clark," he sighed as he glanced widely around the room. "Did it work?"

"Yes," I replied as I studied him. "Don't you know? Do you remember what he did?"

"No," he groaned as he rubbed his head.

"Convenient." I sneered as I turned away from him, my heart aching. "How do I know he's not the one in charge? How can I ever trust you again, knowing that he exists in you?"

"Clark, you have to trust me and your mother," he stated as he readjusted his suit and tie.

"I don't know if I can do that," I whispered as I turned my back to him. "You hurt me; I destroyed myself because I thought you were the only one left. That you were the only one-" my voice trailed off as I fought hard not to cry. "I can't trust you."

"I trust you," He answered as he pulled me into an embrace and held me. I found myself relaxing in his embrace and I sighed. "I love you son."

"I-" I began unable to voice the words, only feeling the pain and anger I have felt in the last few days.

"Let's go home," he whispered as he pulled away and tugged at my arm. I nodded and followed him, stopping only when my father picked up the discarded light. "Destroy it." He stated as he handed it to me.

My heart soared and I knew now that things would get better, that our bond would only grow with this gesture. I threw it to the ground and then burnt it to a crisp. "Let's go home."

The End