When Clark and Mara had finally returned to the office, everything seemed to be normal, but the looks they both received from their fellow colleagues, when they had thought Clark and Mara weren't watching spoke volumes. Setting down their burdens on Clark's desk they glanced around looking for their children, and Lois.

It was just then that Perry's head popped out of his office, "KENT!" causing everyone in the room to look at Perry's red face, Perry was known for shouting but not for the admonishing tone he used now.

Both Mara and Clark walked cautiously into Perry's office. Mara, standing next to her brother scowling at the loud obnoxious man, Perry White. Clark looked on edge, as he pushed his glasses up his nose, and cleared his throat, which made Mara roll her eyes.

"Kent," Perry began, and then looking at Mara he asked sarcastically, "Whose she…your sister?"

Mara smiled like the Cheshire cat, as Clark gulped and replied in his typical Clark voice, "Yes."

Eyeing Mara, Perry snorted making Mara gape. Turning back to Clark though he went on, "Listen Clark," folding his hands together and leaning back, "We don't keep secrets here at the Planet…Now listen, I can understand that it isn't something you'd brag about…especially you, but you could tell me…I'd only expect an interview occasionally…you know how it is…he's one of the most famous men ever…" and on and on Perry went.

Mara was getting antsy, did Perry know Clark's secret and little did she know that Clark was sweating over the same thing she was. Did Perry know?

Still rambling Perry finally finished with, "….He is Bruce Wayne ya know."

Both let out a sigh of relief and Clark smiled, "I don't think it'd be a problem sir."

"Good now he's in the briefing room," it seemed as if Perry had finished, so they both began to turn away but Perry's firm voice stopped them, "Today's Tuesday Kent, an interview for the Sunday morning edition on my desk Saturday afternoon." Both Clark and even Mara nodded before quickly making their way to Bruce.

……………………………………………………….

Bruce seeing his lovely fiancée approaching stood to embrace her, and she without any hesitation threw herself into his arms, their embrace making others in the room a slightly embarrassed. Clark cleared his throat and Lois became oddly distracted with her pen.

Suddenly a loud crashed echoed through the briefing room, causing the couple to reluctantly pull apart. Standing innocently off to the side were his children, though how innocent they were, was something else entirely, but seeing them there made his lonely heart rush. Swooping down he picked up Lara, who giggled with glee, and pulled Jordan close for a hug, ruffling his hair.

Smiling with such happiness, that was reflected in Mara's own face he asked, "So my darlings did you miss me?"

Mara snorted sarcastically still smiling and Jordan furrowed his brow and shook his head. Lara just giggled shaking her head quickly at her father and then looking down at her nose at him trying to repress a smile. It was little Anna who smiled up affectionately from where she stood next to him and nodding her head. Gathering her up into his arms as well he hugged her and said, "I can always count on you, Anna, can't I?"

She laughed and her laughter grew when Lara wrapped her arms around his neck tightly saying, "And me too!"

Jason stared in wonderment at the Waynes, and how their family seemed to be perfect. Lois despite the very interesting way her pen reflected the light couldn't tear her eyes from Clark. And Clark he was staring out the window as if dreaming, but by the somber look on his face one could tell it was not one of true happiness but longing.

Alfred walked into the room carrying several juices, when he saw the group before him. They were one pitiful group, all to wrapped up in each other to notice the other as well, and the fact that they were a family…well by blood mostly was quite astounding to the old Englishmen who came from a long line of family loyalty, friendship, and love. Shaking his head he began, "Master Bruce…I have brought the juice," raising the tray on which he brought his offering.

Everyone smiled genuinely at Alfred, though some were laced with somber gratitude for his interruption rather than the juices.

Setting the children down and letting everyone get settled Bruce began, "Now to get down to business…" folding his hands on the table and sitting with great posture, "Clark, I need you and …," hesitating he added, looking at her, "Mara to come with me to China to look at something I've found…"

Before he could continue though Mara had to add, "You should've just taking me to begin with," her head held high and indignantly, but Bruce refused to comment back and was about to continue.

"But why Clark…no offense Smallville but your no archeologist," Lois reasoned, then as if it dawned on her, "You want him to cover the story?" Shock played out across her face.

Bruce was about to run with the fine excuse to bring Clark with him when Lois continued, "That's not fair," she nearly shouted like a petulant child, "Clark's been gone five years…" Lois stuttered but the shadow that clouded her vision for but a moment passed and she continued, "He can't do it alone!" She finished crossing her arms with her head held high.

Pushing his glasses up Clark said, "Lois I am sure I'll be fine…and it'll be a good story to get me back in," he reasoned with a corky smile.

"No!" was all Lois said at first until she asked, "When are WE leaving?"

Before Clark or Bruce could say anything, Mara's eyes took on a suspicious glint and looking at Lois with a cat-like grin she said, "Oh it'll be wonderful; having another girl around," clapping her hands together in over exaggerated glee.

Lois was about to tell her that she wasn't going to be spending any 'girl' time with Mara, when she saw that look…it was perfect…Mara was on her side. So smiling her own victorious grin she added to Mara's charade, "It really will be nice…we could see…" Lois tried to think of something other than a news story and anyone looking could see the concentration on Lois' face to say something, when Mara interjected.

"The sights, I am from China after all," Mara finished still grinning like the Cheshire cat.

Lois nodded her head enthusiastically, grinning from ear to ear, while both Clark and Bruce wanted to strangle Mara.

The gloating and glaring was soon cut short when Jason asked, "Can I come?" looking expectantly up at her mother in much the same way she had just looked at them, looking around for support she found, she was on her own with respect to Clark and Bruce.

Mara looked longingly at her nephew, she had told him to ask, no demand to go. His destiny as well as everyone's in the room depended on what they found, and she wanted them all together. So she smiled and offered, "I am bringing my own brood, along with Alfred."

Alfred mumbled, "The job never entitled babysitting ruffians."

……………………………………………………….

After several hours of the private jet flight to China, Lois was still clinging to her sit with her eyes tightly shut, and clutching Jason's one hand with a strength that would have broken a normal person's hand, but Jason sat calmly as if it were nothing.

Clark eyes Lois from across the small table which was placed between the facing rows, smiling trying to lighten her anxiety he said, "You know Lois everything will be fine, we are almost there."

Lois eyes opened just enough to glare at him, "Thanks Clark but after my last flight I think I'll just hang on," she replied sarcastically.

Looking over his glasses at her, he replied back without thinking, "Well you know Lois that statically speaking flying is still the safest way to travel," he said naturally trying to egg her on.

He realized his mistake when her eyes flew open as if she had heard a ghost, with her eyes closed she would have bet money it was Superman who had just said that to her. Shaking her head she clutched Jason's hand, squeezing her eyes closed.

Clark, nor Lois spoke for the rest of the plane ride, both replaying the words Clark had spoken over in their heads.

……………………………………

In China, things were more than hectic, traveling with such a large and difficult group made things a little trying, not to mention that Clark and Mara were constantly disappearing, only adding to Lois' curiosity and Bruce's agitation at Lois' incessant questioning.

No sooner had the whole group assembled then Dr. Oswald called asking when they planed to travel out to Crystal Cavern?

At first it was agreed upon that they would travel out the next morning, leaving Alfred and the children in their hotel in Hong Kong, but neither Mara or Lois would have any of it. They all left together the next morning or if Bruce or Clark didn't like that suggestion, there was the alternative: they all left together tomorrow morning. Seeing defeat they had agreed, both reluctant to being the children into such unknown conditions, but it did seem safer them leaving them alone in Hong Kong with Alfred.

The next morning though was even worse, Clark, Bruce, and Alfred were quickly ready and waiting, but Mara and Lois…..ugh…they each took about an hour in the bathroom, not to mention the time they took to dress and then dress the children….

Leaving in the morning was asking too much….so the group left by two, finally on the two and a half hour ride to Crystal Cavern.

…………………………………………………………………..

Smiling in mock enthusiasm Bruce said, "We're here…is everyone ready or must we take several hours to exit the car," he asked still sore over their wasted morning.

Mara let out a huff, and stepped out of the car door, followed closely by Lois and Jason.

Clark was the last one left in the car; the feeling of anticipation mixed with dread flowed through him, running a hand through his hair he stepped out of the car.

Bruce looked at his friend and asked quietly, meaning his question for Clark, despite the fact that everyone minus Lois and Alfred could hear, "Are you ready, Clark?"

Staring up at the mountain which stood before him, Clark was in awe, "As ready as I'll ever be." Still amazed that such a natural wonder, that looked so un-alien was truly some sort of Kryptonian plant on Earth. Looking instinctively toward a crack in the mountains, he began to walk ahead.

Lois was about to run up and join Clark, because, one she didn't want Clark getting the first look for himself and secondly who better to see all that was there than with Clark. Jason's hand pulled her back, he was looking up in awe, and asked, "Can you feel it," he asked excitedly, "Mom it's amazing," finished his eyes alight as he raced off to Clark who was up a ways. She watched and Jason's hand flew into Clark's into the most instinctive way. She heard him ask Clark, "Can you feel it? It's like being home after a long vacation," his finished grinning.

Clark smiled lovingly down at Jason and said, "Yes, Jason I can feel it."

"Have you ever felt it before?" Jason asked inquisitively.

Looking back up from Jason and toward the crack he said in a far off way, "Yes….once when I was younger, but even more a very long time ago."

Mara had walked up next to her brother, and stood like soldier ready for anything. Her children, Lara and Jordan, stood hesitantly next to her unsure of the feelings they felt toward what lay ahead. Bruce walked up to Lois and asked, "Miss Lane are you ready?"

Lois, though at that moment was feeling her own chilly memories of déjà vu, staring at Clark. Shaking herself awake she said still staring at Clark, "I guess…Yes, yes I am," she finished staunchly, rounding up every last bit of the general's daughter in her.

Anna raced toward the entrance, the place called to her, demanding her presence.

Clark saw Anna take off and shouted, "Anna!" He instinctively began to run after her. Mara followed shouting for Anna to come back, and stop.

Racing through the corridors and at an inhuman speed, Anna concentrated on nothing that passed by in the blur but what was head. Mara and Clark flew through the cave and lightening speeds once they were out of Lois's sights.

Bruce, Lois, and Alfred raced to keep with the children who ran at astounding speeds to catch up with Mara and Clark.

At the end of the darkened cave lay a beautiful crystal staircase, leading down into a room purely of…crystal. Anna stood at the end of the walkway where a raised dais lay. The room was humming as if it was alive and the symbol that sat below the dais glowed a soft pink which illuminated the room.

Mara stood gaping at the grandeur and splendor of the room, which held within it all that, was Krypton, of the race that was long dead save she and her family…or so she thought.

Clark's blue eyes stared in wonder at the Crystal Cavern; it was just like his Fortress of Solitude. That was when he sensed them coming; he could hear the wind breaking around them, and their heartbeats racing. In rushed Lara, Jordan, and Jason all looking amazed and exhilarated. Their large eyes took in everything and it seemed like the humming only grew with them present.

A hazy image began to emerge from dais, flicking in and out like a hologram. At first it seemed white and distorted, but soon it formed the figure of a woman. Her long flowing gown was Roman in its appearance, and her long purely bright red hair was long and straight down her back. Her pale skinned and wide hazel eyes, made her quite stunning and beautiful.

It was when she spoke that the symbol on the dais became red and her voice….at least to Clark was like listening to a ghost. Staring up at her in awe he asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Rea of the House of Ir, and who are you that dare disturb the sanctity of this Kryptonian vessel?" demanded the voice so like Lana's, listening to it was like traveling back in time for Clark.

Mara glared up at the image and stated in a regal fashion, "We are Mara and Kal-El of the House of El, Rea."

"Why has the House of El come so far from Krypton," the voice asked in concern.

Clark looked sadly upon the image, "Krypton has been lost, and we were the last to be sent away."

The figure's head titled sadly and asked, "So you know nothing?"

At both Clark and Mara's nods Rea sighed sadly and asked, "Shall I tell you…." Though she was suddenly distracted by the children, "Who are they?"

"They are the next generation," Mara replied politely.

"You mean they are partly human?" Rea asked and when they both nodded she smiled widely, "It worked then," at their confused faces she continued, "The House of Ir along with the House of El saw the fall of Krypton, but the other two house, Aun and Zod deemed it impossible…"

Clark interrupted, "It was Zod who destroyed Krypton."

"That is as we the House of Ir foresaw it…You see each of the four original houses was gifted different…the House of Ir had the power of visions, agility and the ability to control energy, while the House of El had strength, heat vision, cooling breath and flight…Aun had the power to commune with nature, and Zod…Zod was a branch of the House of El…brothers founding each and sharing their abilities. Many powers we shared but those we didn't drove many of us apart, thus Ir left Krypton, scattering across the 28 known galaxies.

It was here that we found home though….we mingled in eventually, scattering across the globe," pausing to look down at Anna, "keeping our line going. You my dear are the last of all my children, what is your name?"

"Anna," she replied.

"My children killed themselves for power and land in the end, or they were killed by those wary of their powers, thus you are all that is left. This is for you," gesturing to a crystal lodged above the dais.

Reaching up Anna extended her hand as if calling the crystal to her and then as if a hand had grabbed onto it, it burst from its place and to little Anna's awaiting hand. Emitting a soft pink glow as it hummed with the rest of the Cavern.

It was at that moment that the rest of the party burst through the entry, led by Lois. Halting suddenly she took in all that was, gasping, she looked around and stared it was as if it was from a dream she had once had. Then looking to Anna she saw her holding the softly humming stone, with Jason, Lara, and Jordan hovering around her staring at it. She saw Mara looking at something just behind Anna. Turning to look she almost passed out; there was an image of a woman.

And then there was Clark, standing there before facing the woman, holding himself with a certain air that she had never beheld in Clark before. His broad shoulders and defined body made him look like…like something…a secret…cocking her head to the side and staring intently at Clark she whispered, "…secret." There was a secret that this dream place held. As she stared at him she had never expected the image woman to say:

"Kal-El I believe we have more guests," Rea smiled and gestured one delicate hand in their direction, then smiling at him she said, "But I suppose you already knew they were here."

Turning ever so slowly Clark turned to look Lois in the eye, whispering her name in a plea, "Lois…"

Her eyes which had been so confused, and her face which had been furrowed with concentration broke, as realization dawned on her….she knew a Kal-El, the last and only one left in the universe. Her face widened in shock and then contracted into such betrayal.

Clark could see the emotions passing across her face, so he reached up and took of his glasses discarded them and standing before Lois as a man who could neither be Clark Kent nor Superman. Reaching out tentatively he went to touch her face, when she stumbled back like a wounded animal.

Hurt by the pure rejection on her face he looked into her eyes, and said in the most apologetic tone, "Lois…please forgive me…I never meant…. I could never hurt you intentionally…"

Ignoring him and his apologies she asked, "What is this place?" one couldn't tell if it was venom or fear the way she asked the question.

"This is the House of Ir's final resting place," said the woman in the image, "And I am Rea the first to bring her family to Earth," she said gently, smiling.

"Rea's my great great great great great great great great great……….grandmom," Anna rattled off finally finishing with a smile, then adding seriously, "I don't think I got all the greats in though."

Mara ruffled her red hair, "It was enough, Nan," Anna affectionately by her nick name.

"See Mommy," Jason said as he picked a crystal, "it's Daddy's home, Krypton."

Lois was shocked, everything came rushing back to her in that instant that Jason said those words …the Fortress of Solitude…Zod…Jason….everything, and then he left, eyeing Clark with sad broken eyes.

Clark as well was astounded by Jason said, and with Jason looking at him now, with pure delight within his innocent eyes.

Addressing Clark as if it was nothing, Jason asked, "Daddy, what's home like," cocking his head to the side in much the same way Lois did, and looking remarkable like her.

"My home is here…Earth," Clark said with affection, only to hear Lois snort. Not breaking eye contact he continued, "Before you were born I went to find Krypton, to know if anyone was left there….my family," he said painfully, "but I didn't realize that my family was always here," he finished staring into oddly familiar blue eyes.

Jason, without thought or hesitation through himself into Clark's arms hugging him fiercely, and Clark returned that embrace, picking him up and clutching his son tightly. Then Jason leaned back and excited farm boy grin crossing his face, and turning to Mara he said, "Now we can go flying all the time!" he stated happily.

Jason suddenly was aware of the distress of someone in the room, their heart was beating rapidly, but instead of the happiness he was feeling it was from fear. Turning to look at his mother he said in a way that only innocent children can, "You can come flying with us too."

Lois could hear the desperation in her son's voice, he was with a family…a family like him…what place would she have there if he went with them. They could leave for all she knew and never return….and she would be alone…again…