Conclusion [Next Day]

[Rester's Ravine]

The sun broke through the heavy overcast washing the area with an almost spring-like warmth. The ground had long dried from the Christmas storm. A few squirrels scurried around the granite scavenging for nuts and food. A lone blackbird sang in a pine tree. Nature had seemed to return to normal.

That is until a LuthorCorp helicopter landed in the center of the ravine and sent them scurrying in all directions.

Lex stepped out of the vehicle before the blades had stopped. He wanted to find the answer to the blue glow question. Once again, he had encountered a mysterious question that defied explanation surrounding Smallville and its residents.

And also once again, Clark was at the center of it.

Lex shook his head while inspecting the granite walls around the cave. He deduced that only meteor rocks would create that glow. Brandishing a hammer, chisel and a shoulder bag, he was ready if he found something.

At heart, he was torn by the search. He did appreciate the dinner invitation. He gladly brought the best turkey and stuffing that his cooks could manage on short notice. He had a lot of great conversation and a good time. But yet, he felt excluded from the party for some reason.

The conversation had gaps as if the others had things they wanted to say but couldn't because he was there.

And Lex wanted to know why.

"They still can't trust me after everything I do," he groused to nobody in particular. For several minutes, his search continued.

Then a royal blue stone glinted at him in the sunshine.

"Found it," he exulted in triumph. He chiseled the stone and two others around it from the rock. He admired their quality. "Can't wait to see what you all do in the lab." Then, with a quick look around, he climbed back into the copter and strapped himself in.

Within seconds, he was airborne again and heading back toward the mansion.

He hoped that this crystal would finally yield some answers to the mystery of Clark Kent. A mystery that needed solving….at least in his mind…..

[Cowache Caves]

Lana stared incredulously as her flashlight swept over everything around herself. She beheld the cryptographs painted onto the surrounding granite. "This is amazing!"

"According to Kyla, aliens came and did this." Clark hesitated while considering his next words. "My people if she's right."

"Your people? You mean we really have had alien visitors?" she asked with a bit of trepidation.

"I'm not sure. I haven't met any other people like me." He scratched his head. "I have so many questions, Lana, about this stuff. I don't know where I'm from or who I am. What if I'm here to conquer?"

"I can't believe that." She looked him squarely in the eye. "You're Clark Kent, the most gentle, kind and civicly responsible person I know. I love and believe in you. I know you'll do the right thing." Before he could mouth more words, she stopped his lips with her own pouring her support into him. "Meantime we'll figure out what this means. I'm sure Chief Willowbrook can work with us on this."

"He's always open to that," he agreed.

"Well then, Clark, we have our journey set out for us. You find and battle Segith. I support you. We win and live happily ever after," she foretold before landing another warm kiss. "Make it fast though. I will want a family."

"You do, huh?" he asked with surprise and expectation.

"Some day, Numan," she quipped. Then she took his hand. "Come on. Your parents are waiting." She led him out of the cavern and toward the entrance.

If they had stayed a minute longer and looked around the corner, they'd have seen three panels glowing red, green and white. Those would determine a great deal of their future as has been told.

For now though, the couple enjoyed their Christmas present. They trusted and supported each other. They loved and were loved. Their friends supported them. They were building a future.

And in that, that's all one can ask…especially in a place as challenging as Smallville.

THE END