CHAPTER ELEVEN: HOME

Bayville, December 17, 2007

An idyllic blanket of snow had fallen over Bayville in the mid-afternoon sun, making the atmosphere perfect for the week before Christmas. School was out for the holidays, and in the back yard of her house, 9-year-old Rebecca "Becky" Madison, in her snowsuit, was building a snowman, her cat, Mittens, watching her.

As Becky had finished the snowman's face – a carrot nose and black pebble eyes and smile – she called out, "Mom! Can I have a red blanket?"

From the patio, Mrs. Madison, in her winter coat, promptly brought the red blanket her daughter requested. "Here you go, honey." she said, smiling. "Why did you need it? Is your snowman cold?"

Becky giggled. "No, Mom! I'm not making a snowman!" she said. She promptly fixed the blanket around the snowman's neck like a cape. "I'm making a Super-snowman!" After fixing the blanket, she started to put pebbles on the snowman's belly, making the stylized 'S'. Smiling, her mother headed indoors.

As Becky finished her Super-snowman, she stood back, and smiled, admiring her work...seconds before a shadow darted overhead. Becky quickly looked up...and smiled as she saw the tiniest dot on the horizon.

She hoped he liked her snowman.

As he flew over Bayville, returning from his patrol, Superman smiled as he looked upon all the citizens, going about their daily routines, preparing for the holidays. The snow made everything perfect; it had arrived just in time.

The high school had closed for the holidays, and university classes were concluded; even at work, old JJ was in a – relatively – pleasant mood. At the Institute, everyone was making plans to go home to their families; Scott had gone to Hawaii to visit his Brother, Alex, for a few days, before coming back to go with Jean to spend Christmas with her parents; Kitty had persuaded Lance to come to her home of Northbrook to spend Hanukkah with her and her family; Evan and Ororo were heading home to visit Ororo's sister, Evan's mother; and Kurt was going back to Germany. Even the New Mutants were going to head to their homes; the only ones currently sticking around for Christmas were the Professor, Hank, Logan, Rogue, Remy, Alison, and him. He honestly wasn't sure what to do for Christmas; part of him wanted to go home to Smallville, to see his Ma, but he also wanted to spend Christmas with Ali.

Superman sadly frowned to himself. He and Ali had had a fight, yesterday; Alison had wanted to use a higher setting in her Danger Room session – one that the X-Men used – and he'd advised against it. He hadn't meant to, but Alison had been offended that he didn't think she could handle it; that hadn't been his reason, really – he just didn't want her to push herself too hard. He'd tried to explain that to her...and Ali had countered that he didn't mind pushing himself. Adding to the frustration was the fact that he'd had to bail on a few of their dates early, the past week. Superman hadn't wanted to leave her, but helping people was important to him, too; it was who he was.

Superman sighed. The fight hadn't helped his mood; he always got a little down, this time of year. He couldn't help it. Everyone always made such a big deal about going home to their families...reminding him that his family – his biological one, anyway – was dead...which also reminded him that his entire race was dead, too. He loved his Earth family, as well as his extended Institute family...but there would always be that space in his life that only Jor-El and Lara could have filled.

Soon, he was over the Institute, blanketed in snow. He rapidly descended, entering via the nearby window. He darted to his room and donned his street clothes, before heading out into the hallway...

...and bumping into someone.

"Sorry." Clark quickly apologized...before his mind became aware of a few facts.

One, the person he'd bumped into was female.

Two, said female was 17, and only two females in the Institute were that age.

And Three, of those two, only one used the distinctively alluring floral fragrance – even more distinct to his nose – of Herbal Essences shampoo in her hair...which gleamed a silky gold, as she came closer.

Clark smiled sheepishly. "Hi." he said softly.

Alison lightly smiled. "Hi."

Clark took a deep breath. He knew what he had to do.

They both spoke at the same time. "I'm sorry."

They both shared surprised expression at their synchronicity...and then lightly chuckled. Clark went first. "Ali, I'm so sorry about yesterday. I really wasn't trying to insult you; I know you can handle Setting Seven in the Danger Room. It's just that you've really been working hard – and it really shows – and I don't want you to hurt yourself." he said. "And I know it looks like I push myself...but I'm not. I'm not trying to brag; I never go 100 percent with my powers. The most I've ever used is 50 percent, because I'm deathly afraid of what I could do at 100 percent of my full power." He took a deep breath. "And as for our dates...I'm so sorry about..."

"Don't be." Alison said. She looked apologetic. "I was a little annoyed that you had to go, before," she continued, "but then I remembered that you're saving lives...just like you saved mine."

Clark smiled, remembering the day he'd reunited with Alison, when he'd saved her from that falling scaffolding. "It was what anyone would have done, Ali."

Alison giggled. "I doubt that." she cooed. "You do so much for so many people. You haven't changed at all, Clark; you're still the same pure-hearted, kind, caring, selfless person that I fell head-over-heels for." Her smile became guilty. "I can't fault you for being who I adore."

Clark's smile grew in radiance. "Thanks, Ali."

Alison smiled. "And I know now that you were just trying to keep me from getting hurt," she added, and then her smile became lightly chastising, "but I can take care of myself, Clarkie. I can handle the higher settings."

"I know you can." Clark agreed. "Look, maybe for your next setting, why not try Setting Six, and go from there?"

Alison nodded. "Okay; that's fair."

Clark smiled, and then enfolded her in a gentle hug. "I'm really sorry, baby."

Alison returned the hug. "Me, too."

After their hug ended, Clark and Alison started to walk downstairs. "So, what are your plans for Christmas, Ali?" Clark inquired.

Alison smiled. "Well, over the next day or two, I have a recording; I'm doing a CD of all the best Christmas songs...done tastefully, of course!" she said. Her smile grew. "And Aunt Bridget called me, this morning; Clark...I'm going platinum!"

Clark's smile grew as his girlfriend told him about the immense honor being conveyed upon her...which she deserved immensely. "Ali, that's wonderful!" he exclaimed, sweeping her into a hug. "I'm so proud of you!"

Alison giggled, happily returning the embrace. "Thanks!" she cooed. "Other than all that, I don't have any real plans. What about you?"

Clark sighed. "I don't know." he admitted. "I'd like to go see Ma back in Smallville, but I want to spend Christmas with you."

Alison blushed. "Does...Mrs. Kent...know about us?"

Clark smiled warmly. "I called her and told her the day after our first date." he confessed. "She was tickled pink that the two of us were dating; I think she had a notion that we might make a cute couple."

Alison giggled. "I think I'd like to see her again, too." she said. She sighed. "But I wanted to see Aunt Bridget, Uncle Mike, and my younger cousin, Jenny."

Clark sighed. "It can be a tricky season." he said, a bit sadly.

Alison noticed his expression. "Anything wrong?"

Clark lightly smiled. "I just...get a bit down, this time of year, Ali." he admitted. "As much as I love Ma, and our family at the Institute...I just get glum about never really knowing my Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara. I can't help it."

Alison hugged him. "I'm sorry." she cooed. "It must be so hard, sometimes."

Clark nodded. "Sometimes."

By then, they had reached the main floor. Alison smiled, as she glanced outside. "I know what'll cheer you up!" she exclaimed. "Let's go outside! It's a perfect winter day!"

Clark smiled. "Okay."

Alison's smile became flirtatious. "And maybe when we come inside...we could help each other warm up." With that, she headed off, to get her winter gear. Grinning, Clark followed her.

Hawaii

Dark clouds were gathering on the horizon as Scott and his brother headed to the beach, after Scott had parked his car. Alex Masters, 16, was tall, though not quite as tall as Scott, and of athletic build, his skin tanned, with mid-length bright blond hair, and green eyes. Alex was in his blue-and-orange wetsuit, carrying his surfboard, while Scott was wearing green shorts, and a grey sweater, his laptop and web-camera under his arm. Like Scott, Alex was a mutant, with the ability to generate powerful force-blasts from his hands.

"Hey, thanks for helping me record my surfing, bro!" Alex said.

Scott smiled. "No problem, Alex." he answered.

Alex grinned. "So, how's life at the Institute?" he asked. "I heard you and that Jean girl finally got together! Took you long enough, bro!"

Scott chuckled. "Yes, Jean and I are together." he replied. "And it's been hectic at the Institute, these past few months."

Alex nodded. "And what about the big guy? What's he up to?" he inquired.

Scott grinned. "The usual."

By then, they had reached the beach; they were the only ones there. "Huh? Where is everyone?" Alex asked aloud. "With these waves, you'd think the place would be packed!"

Scott looked worried. "Maybe it's because there's supposed to be a storm on the way." he said. "This doesn't look like such a great idea, Alex."

Alex chuckled. "Hey, we'll be fine, Scott!" he said. "We'll just do a couple of waves, and then we'll pack it in before the storm hits! In and out!"

Scott nodded slowly. "Okay." he agreed. With that, he sat down on the sand, setting up his web-cam to record his brother's surfing, giving the extra web-camera to Alex, who affixed it to his board. Alex then swam out, towards a forming wave. Once he was on top of it, Alex stood up on his board, riding the crest of the wave, before cutting inside of it, slicing across its crest as it started to collapse, gliding into calm water.

Scott cheered as his brother cleared the wave. "Nice one, Alex!" he called, over the web-cam's audio-link.

"Did you get it?" Alex called back.

"Oh yeah!" Scott replied. Then, he got another look at the clouds on the horizon; they were much darker, the whole sky going black. "Alex, maybe we should head back." he said. "It's starting to get bad."

"Just one more!" Alex pleaded. "I just want to get one more wave before we call it a day!" With that, Alex swam out, catching another wave, and riding to the top of its crest, doing a spin-flip trick, flying off the top of the crest, landing perfectly on the water.

"Wow!" Scott exclaimed. "Nice one, Alex!" Then, he scanned the horizon. "Alex?" He couldn't see him...

"I'm here." came Alex's reply, the image of Alex on the screen showing him clinging to his board. "I'm out pretty far, Scott, and I'm tired; I'm not sure if I can make it back."

Scott's brow narrowed in worry. "I'll call the Coast Guard!" he exclaimed.

"No, Scott; I don't want to look lame." Alex said. "Can't you just...you know, come and get me?"

Scott nodded. "Hang on, I'll be right there!" he said. Taking his laptop, Scott ran for the nearby boathouse. Thankfully, it was abandoned, so Scott blasted off the chains with an optic-blast; he could always pay for the damage later – this was an emergency. He hopped into the boat, turned the ignition, and gunned the engine, heading into open water.

Scott scanned the horizon. "Alex, I still don't see you." he said over the link. "Can you send up a flare?"

"I'll try." came the reply. Seconds later, a red energy-beam shot up from the south-east.

"I see you!" Scott exclaimed, as he turned towards the flare. "Hang on, bro!"

"Scott...that kinda...wore me out..." Alex murmured...and he slipped off of his board.

Scott nearly panicked. "Alex?! Alex!!" he cried, as he increased speed, racing after his brother...and hoping he wasn't too late.

As Clark and Alison walked out into the snow-covered back yard of the Institute, clad in their winter gear, they saw that they weren't alone; all the New Mutants were outside, having a snowball fight, with Hank – now code-named "Beast" – watching them, clad in brown slacks and a sweater, with his glasses framing his eyes. Since he now had a built-in fur coat, Hank didn't really need much winter clothing.

"Hey, Mr. McCoy." Clark greeted, as he and Alison walked over.

Hank smiled. "Hello Clark, Alison." he greeted. "I see that the New Mutants aren't the only ones who decided to get some fresh air."

Clark nodded, as he, Alison, and Hank all ducked under the arc of a stray snowball. "Sorry!" Bobby – the thrower – called.

Then, off in the distance, Clark saw the tell-tale flash of Jubilee's powers. Seconds later, he spied the flame-blast of Amara. Clark grimaced. "Looks like this little war is escalating."

Hank nodded. "I'm beginning to suspect that teaching young mutants is going to require more effort than I realized."

Clark grinned. "Well, why don't we teach these guys how a real snowball fight is won?"

Hank smiled. "Excellent idea!" he agreed. Using his hand-like feet, Hank gathered snow into a massive snowball, before picking it up and heaving it at two of the warring mini-groups – Bobby and Jamie on one side, and Jubilee and Amara on the other. The snowball landed right in the middle of their battle-zone, startling them...and distracting them enough for Clark to zip through them at super-speed, pelting them with snowballs.

"Run!!" Bobby yelled. "Clark just joined in!!" At once, all the New Mutants ran off. Clark and Hank gave them a slight head start...before running after them.

Had Clark stayed a moment longer, he may have noticed Alison gather a handful of snow into a sphere, hiding it behind her back, before following them, a mischievous smile on her face.

Soon after Scott had taken the boat out into the water, it had started to rain; to be more accurate, it had started to pour. The storm was here.

And it was a big one.

"Alex?! Alex, can you hear me?!" Scott called out.

"Scott?" Scott breathed a relieved sigh as Alex's face reappeared on the screen. "I just got knocked off my board for a minute. I'm gonna try another flare. You'd better be close, 'cause I don't think I'll be able to send up another one."

"Okay." Scott agreed. He watched the horizon like a hawk...and spotted the red beam a few meters to the west, gunning his engine...and spying Alex, holding onto his board. Scott maneuvered his boat close, and put the engine in neutral, before darting to the stern to pull Alex aboard.

Alex coughed, before smiling weakly. "I guess you were right." he said.

Scott chuckled. "I'll save the 'I told you so' for when we get back to shore." he replied, as he headed to the steering wheel, powering up the engine. "Let's just get out of here."

By then, the storm was getting fierce. The waves were starting to toss the little boat around like a bath-toy. "Scott...I'm sorry about this." Alex said.

"You can be sorry later." Scott said. "I'm not planning on dying like this."

Alex smiled. "Same here." he agreed. "Not after I planned to change my name back to Summers."

Scott smiled. "Good."

Now the waves were getting very bad. Alex grimaced. "Maybe we should call the Coast Guard, now."

"I was hoping you'd say that." Scott said. He quickly took out the boat's radio. "Mayday, Mayday!" he called into it. "We are on an unlisted commercial vessel approximately fifty miles off the south-west coast and we require assistance! Can anyone hear us?!"

There was no response.

Just then, a huge wave rose up, seemingly out of nowhere, heading straight for them. "Alex, hang on!!" Scott cried out. The wave drew closer...

...and then, it hit.

The wave tore the boat into splinters, knocking the two brothers into the water. Scott and Alex fought to stay afloat, but the waves tossed them about as if they were nothing. Scott wasn't a pessimist by nature...

...but he had no idea how he and Alex were going to get out of this one.

Once Clark and Hank had joined the fray, the snowball fight had been a very short one.

Between Hank's snow-boulders and Clark's super-speed snowball barrages, it didn't take long for the New Mutants to surrender. Coated in powder, the New Mutants staggered up to the team that had creamed them.

Chuckling, Clark turned to Hank. "I think that was a lesson learned well."

Hank grinned. "I agree."

Grinning, Clark turned to head back towards the Institute...

Paf!

The single snowball hit him dead center in the head, coating his face with powder. Slowly, the snow slid off...revealing the smiling face of Alison, suppressing her giggles.

"Gotcha!"

Clark's face slowly broke into a grin. "Why...you...little..!" he laughed. Squealing with laughter, Alison ran off. Laughing, Clark darted after her.

Even at a relatively normal speed, Clark quickly outpaced Alison, catching his giggling girlfriend from behind...and proceeding to relentlessly tickle her. "Clark, no! Nononononononono!" Alison squealed, laughing giddily under his tickling barrage.

Smiling, Clark stopped, letting Alison catch her breath. "Well...not going to do that, again, are you?" he lightly teased.

Alison pouted sweetly, turning to face him, her hands behind her back. "Can you ever forgive me?"

Clark smiled slyly. "I think the real question is can you forgive me?"

The question confused her enough for what he'd planned.

Clark zipped behind her at super-speed, snatched the snowball she'd had hidden in her pocket – the one she now had in her hand, to pelt him when she had the chance – grasped her hood, and stuffed it down her jacket. Her half-laughing scream told him that he'd gotten her.

"Son of a bitch!" she shrieked, laughing, trying to get the snowball out, hopping around and tugging on her jacket. Clark couldn't help but laugh, until she turned a half-heartedly angry, playful glare at him...before she pounced on him. Clark was all too happy to let her succeed, falling back onto the snow, with her on top of him, the two of them laughing at how silly they were being.

Clark smiled up at Alison, his earlier sadness gone completely...all thanks to this special, beautiful, wonderful young woman. Alison smiled back at him, her lovely sapphire eyes twinkling like cerulean stars.

Slowly, they leaned into each other, sharing a sweet kiss, lasting a few wonderful seconds. As the kiss ended, Clark gazed upon her; she literally made his heart ache. He didn't know how he had ever lived without her, and he didn't want to know. And the sweet smile she was giving him told him that she felt the same way. "Ali..." he began.

Alison's smile grew, her eyes widening. "Yes..?" she cooed.

There was a crunch in the snow, followed by giggling.

Clark sighed as his gaze fell upon the New Mutants, as well as Hank, who had been watching them. "Don't stop on our account!" Tabitha said, grinning.

Alison frowned at them. "Way to wreck the moment, guys!"

"Mayday, Mayday!"

Clark's eyes went wide as he heard that transmission on the emergency channel...in Scott's voice!

Alison noticed his expression. "Clark? What's wrong?"

"Scott and Alex are in trouble!" Clark exclaimed.

Alison's eyes widened in horror. "Then get going!!" she cried, hopping off him. "What are you waiting for?!" Clark nodded, and was on his feet instantly, dashing into the Institute, to don his uniform.

Jean was just sitting in the living room, reading one of her favorite novels...her thoughts occasionally drifting to Scott...and hoping that his visit with her family didn't scare him off...

Suddenly, her mind was filled with images: Scott taking a boat out into a stormy sea; Scott rescuing Alex; a huge wave splintering their boat...

Jean suppressed a horrified scream. She didn't know how she knew...but she knew.

Scott was in trouble.

Just then, Clark burst in from the back yard. "Scott and Alex are in trouble!" he exclaimed.

"I know!" Jean cried. "They're somewhere on the ocean, in a storm! We have to help them!"

"I'll go on ahead, and try to spot them." Clark said. "You and Storm take the Blackbird and follow me; with that kind of weather, we may need her!"

"Got it!" Jean agreed, and she darted off, to get Miss Munroe, while Clark darted off, donning his uniform and flying off at top speeds.

When Scott came to, he found himself on a beach, with blue skies above him, the storm that had sunk the boat off in the distance. Looking around, he saw that he was on a tropical island...one which looked utterly deserted. Then, he spied the unconscious Alex lying a few feet away, and raced to his brother's side. "Alex, are you okay?"

"Ugh...I'll tell you if you just stop screaming." Alex groaned, sitting up. "Where are we?"

Scott frowned worriedly. "I think we're on a deserted island."

Alex lay back down, groaning. "Great." Suddenly, a massive shadow floated over their heads. "Aw, don't tell me that storm's back..."

Scott looked up...and froze. "Alex, I've got good news, and I've got bad news." he said. "The good news is that that's not the storm."

"And the bad news?" Alex asked, opening his eyes...and then he saw.

Floating above them was a huge vessel, easily dwarfing the entire island. It was long, and fairly sleek, with a pointed bow, its port and starboard sides each having six vertical engines, keeping the colossal vessel airborne, with two massive engines at its stern, providing thrust. The titanic airship had countless guns and cannons spaced along its hull, and was flanked by numerous smaller vessels. Its hull was made of grey steel, with green plating...

...with a crest of a mask along its port side, the mask's eyes seeming to glare out at them...a crest that made Scott's blood run cold.

"Scott...what is that thing?!" Alex cried.

"I...don't know, Alex..." Scott admitted.

"Who could build something like that?!"

"I'm not sure." Scott said. 'Although I have an idea...but, boy, do I hope I'm wrong...'

Just then, Scott heard footsteps approaching...heavy footsteps. Quickly, Scott and Alex darted into the bushes, getting out of sight...seconds before two titanic green-and-grey metal robots lumbered into view. The robots paused, looking around, scanning...and then continued on their way.

Scott and Alex didn't say a word until they were out of sight. "Scott...what were those?" Alex whispered.

"I don't know, but I'll bet my shades that they work for whoever owns...that." Scott answered, pointing at the massive ship above them. "Something tells me that they're up to no good."

Alex nodded. "I guess we should check things out." he agreed. Scott nodded, and the two brothers silently crept out of the brush, stealthily following the two hulking mechanoids.

The two robots led Scott and Alex to a large clearing, as the two brothers hid inside the brush, looking out at where a collection of ancient ruins lay...and where numerous robots were excavating the ruins, as a single, green-cloaked figure, seemingly made out of metal, overlooked the excavation.

His face was the same mask that was on the ship above.

The figure turned to one of the automatons. "What is the status on the excavation?" he asked, his voice cold, metallic.

"Excavation 95 percent complete, Lord Doom." the robot replied tonelessly. "Estimated time to completion: five minutes."

"Excellent. I wish to retrieve the artifact soon; even though we are in international waters, time is of the essence."

"Doom's word is law." the robot said, before continuing in its task.

Scott frowned. "So it is him." he muttered. "I was afraid of that..."

"Who?" Alex whispered.

"Doctor Doom." Scott said softly. "If he's here, this can't be good. We have to let Superman know about this."

"Wait..." Alex said, "...this 'Doom' guy...isn't he the nutcase who's running..."

"My father is not a nutcase!!" an angry female voice hissed. "Blast each other, right now!!"

'Oh, no.' Scott thought...as he and Alex used their powers on each other, sending each other flying. Scott struggled to stand up...and then, he passed out.

Superman had been searching through the stormy sea for several minutes by the time the Blackbird had caught up to him. He switched on his communicator. "I don't see them!" he called. "This is where I heard the distress call from, but I can't find them!"

"They have to be nearby!" Jean answered. "I know Scott's okay; I just know it!!" Then, she paused. "Wait...I think I sense him! He's about ten miles away, on an island!" She gasped. "I just lost contact with him! I think he's unconscious!"

Superman looked around, scanning ten miles in every direction, which was easier, since the storm was waning. Then, he spotted it. "I see it! Follow me!" He flew towards the island, the Blackbird following him.

Once they had cleared the storm, Superman could see clearly...and he spotted the colossal airship hovering over the island, flanked by numerous smaller ships...manned by robotic drones. 'Hoo, boy.' Superman thought. 'Never easy, is it?'

"Superman...those smaller ships are heading right for us!" Storm exclaimed.

"I see them." Superman said. "You guys head for the island; I'll cover you." With that, he flew ahead of the Blackbird, to engage the smaller ships.

The instant he came into range, the small vessels started firing at him, but Superman shrugged off their shots easily, firing his eye-rays in rapid-fire succession, blasting four ships out of the sky in a matter of seconds. By then, the ships had taken notice of the Blackbird, and were trying to intercept it, but Superman unleashed his gale-breath, blowing them off-course, sending them careening into each other, letting the Blackbird pass unharmed.

Superman was then knocked back a few feet by the energy cannon blasts of the second line of ships. Recovering instantly, Superman effortlessly evaded their shots, before he stopped, hovering in one spot, and unleashed his eye-rays in a deadly, sweeping blast that utterly incinerated the drones.

The colossal ship was starting to take notice of the Blackbird, now. It started to move, its massive cannons training on the smaller plane...and firing three massive cannon-shells at it. Superman instantly flew after the shells, blasting one with his eye-rays, then catching up to the second and knocking it away with one punch. He then flew after the third at top speed, grabbing it and throwing it away. He flew back towards the ship, which was preparing to fire again; he didn't have time to take this thing down...so he did the next best thing.

Superman inhaled, and unleashed his freeze-breath, freezing the entire port-side solid, rendering its cannons inoperable. By the time that thing turned to bring its starboard cannons to bear, they would be long gone...

...and then, Superman noticed the crest on its hull...the one he'd seen a year ago, during his visit to Castle Doom.

Superman's eyes narrowed. 'Should've known.' he thought, before he flew after the Blackbird, heading towards the island.

When Scott and Alex came to, they were surrounded by those robots...with Doctor Doom and Siryn watching them. "Ah. Visitors. How fortunate." Doom said. "Well done, Anita."

Siryn smiled, bowing. "Thank you, Father."

"Doom." Scott said. "You're even uglier than I thought you were."

Siryn bristled angrily at that, but Doom stayed cool. "Charming."

"So you built that thing?" Alex asked. "No offence, dude, but you need a hobby."

Doom chuckled. "Ah. So you noticed." he said, ignoring the shot completely. "It's my answer to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier; I thought General Fury might appreciate having a level playing field, on our next encounter."

Just then, one of the robots walked up to Doom. "Excavation complete, Lord Doom." it reported, handing Doom a glowing blue sphere, about the size of a billiard-ball.

"Excellent." Doom said, taking the sphere.

"Whatever you're up to, Doom, it won't work." Scott said.

"Yeah! When Superman gets here, he'll kick your tin-plated keister to Jupiter and back!" Alex added.

Siryn frowned disdainfully at them. "Father, why do you let them speak to you that way?"

"One has patience with children and small animals, Anita." Doom said simply. His yellow gaze met Alex's. "And as for Kal-El arriving here, my foolish boy...that is what I'm counting on, now that you two are here. Kal-E will certainly try to rescue his dear friends."

"Lord Doom." one robot reported. "We have detected another aircraft, approaching rapidly. We are attempting to shoot it down, but there is another flyer protecting it."

Doom chuckled. "Ah. 'The cavalry has arrived,' as the expression goes." he said. "Perfect."

Just then, the Blackbird appeared overhead. Doom's robots all aimed their weapons up, ready to fire...

...and then a red-and-blue blur shot down from the sky, barreling into the robots, darting from one to the next, sending each one flying. In seconds, all the robots were nothing but scrap metal, as Superman came to a stop, glaring at Doom.

"Punctual as always, Kal-El." Doom greeted.

Siryn smiled flirtatiously, waving to Superman. "Hi, handsome." she cooed.

Superman ignored her. "Let my friends go, Doom."

"Certainly." Doom said. "I have no interest in them; I only kept them to draw your attention."

Superman's eyes narrowed. "Forgive me if I'm not flattered."

Doom chuckled. "Still quick-witted, I see. You're not at all curious as to why I wished to draw your attention?"

"Knowing you, it's nothing good."

"Kal-El, you wound me." Doom replied. "Very well; I shall explain. Since you seem to be somewhat hesitant in accepting your place as the future leader of the mutant race – as well as my daughter's attentions – I intend to offer some...incentive." He held out the glowing blue orb. "Do you know what this is? There are few who do."

Superman looked carefully at the orb. "An Orb of Agamotto." he said. "There are only two in existence."

"Very good." Doom said. "Yes, this is an Orb of Agamotto, created by Agamotto, one of the three Vishanti, the legendary mystical entities who lend their power to worthy souls...and who created many of the mystical artifacts that are spotted across this world. The Orbs are two such artifacts; the good Doctor Strange possesses one...and I now hold the other. I am pleased that you recognize it."

"After I realized that you and Magneto were in cahoots, I expanded my database to include objects and entities of mystical origin." Superman said.

"Wise decision." Doom replied. "The Orb allows one to see anything they so desire – be it a person, an object, or a destination. On its own, it is immensely useful." He gestured, conjuring the image of a golden orb in his free hand. "When used in tandem with an Orb of Teleportation, however, its true value becomes apparent. Used this way, the Orbs allow you to teleport absolutely anywhere, be it merely across the street...or to another galaxy."

"What does this have to do with me?" Superman asked, though he already had an idea.

"Simple." Doom said. "Accept your true destiny, Kal-El," he walked over, and placed the Orb of Agamotto in Superman's hand, "and you can go home. Accept your place, and my daughter's hand, and I will give you the other Orb, and you can visit your birth-world. Surely, your people must miss you."

Superman didn't move.

Scott spoke up. "Doom...you are one twisted bastard..."

"Silence!!" Siryn hissed.

"Surely you miss them, Kal-El? Are you not weary of being the only one of your kind here?" Doom continued. "Merely accept your place, and your world is your own, again. You can see your parents, visit your home...is that not reasonable?" Doom chuckled. "And your people's technology will surely turn the tide utterly in mutants' favor. When the war does come, it can end swiftly, saving lives. Isn't that what you want, Kal-El?"

Superman lowered his head. Scott wondered what he was going to do. What if that Orb could show him his world before it was destroyed? If that was the case, Superman could warn his people, tell them what was going to happen to Krypton...

And then Superman looked back up, his face determined...as he crushed the Orb into powder.

"No!!" Doom yelled. "Kal-El...what have you done? You destroyed your only way to..."

"It would have made no difference." Superman said, his eyes narrowing. "Even if I had kept the Orb...I can't go back."

Doom was confused. "Why not?" he demanded.

A single tear escaped from Superman's eye. "Because my birth-world is gone." he said softly. "Thirty years ago, Krypton – my planet – blew up. The only reason I survived was because I was sent here by my parents, while they – along with the rest of my people – died."

Doom was incredulous. "You are joking."

"My people are dead, Victor!! They're all DEAD!!" Superman exploded. "My world is gone, along with my people! I am the only Kryptonian left alive! I am the Last Son of Krypton!!" He calmed. "So, your 'incentive' means nothing to me."

Doom was actually silent for a few seconds, as was Siryn. "I...see." Doom said softly. "I seem to have...struck a nerve. My...apologies." He turned to go. "Come, Anita; we are leaving."

Siryn nodded. "Yes, Father."

Doom turned back to Superman. "One final piece of advice, Kal-El: whatever your business is with Miss Blaire...I suggest you conclude it, and soon." he warned. "The favor of Doom is not lightly given...nor is it lightly turned aside. Remember this." With that, he vanished in a cloud of green haze. Siryn smiled at Superman, blowing him a kiss, before teleporting away like her father had. Then, the massive airship began to move away.

Scott and Alex walked over to Superman. "Clark...you okay?" Scott asked.

"Yeah." Superman replied. "Like Doom said, he hit a nerve."

"Could that 'Orb' have really let you go back to your planet?" Alex asked. "Could you have gone home?"

"Alex..." Scott said.

"No, it's okay." Superman said. He lightly smiled. "Doom was right about one thing; I do miss my Kryptonian parents...and the rest of my people." He sighed. "But they're gone; Krypton's time has passed, and I have to accept it." His smile grew. "But he was wrong about the most important thing: my home is in Bayville, along with my family."

Scott grinned. "And it always will be, big guy." he agreed. "Now, let's go home." As the Blackbird descended, Scott and Alex got in, and the Blackbird took off, heading away, as Superman followed.

After dropping Alex off at Hawaii and picking up Scott's car, the Blackbird headed back to the Institute, where Scott – at Jean's insistence – reported to the infirmary. "Jean, I'm fine!" Scott complained, lying in his medical bed.

"Scott, you were floating in a stormy sea for who-knows-how-long! You are not fine!" Jean said.

Scott started to sit up. "Jean, really, I'm okay..." he began, but Jean tapped him with her finger. "Ow..." Scott moaned, falling back onto the bed.

"I rest my case." Jean said.

Scott groaned. "Jean..."

"Do you have any idea of what could have happened to you, mister?!" Jean snapped. "You could've drowned, or frozen, or gotten torn to pieces by those robots, or...or..." she started to sniffle. "I could've lost you..."

Scott paused, feeling like a total jackass for upsetting her. "But you didn't, Jean." he said softly, smiling. "You rescued me."

Jean smiled weakly. "I just...knew you needed help, Scott."

Scott smiled. "Hey...could we have...some kind of...bond?"

Jean smiled. "It's possible." she answered. "I mean, I saw you on the ocean..."

Scott grinned. "Could it work both ways?"

Jean's smile grew. "Let's find out." She closed her eyes...and then, her thoughts came through to Scott, as plain as day, making him smile.

'Scott, please kiss me, right now.'

Scott lightly put his hands on Jean's waist, and playfully pulled her to him, capturing her lips in a kiss. At first, Jean squeaked in surprise, but then sighed happily, eagerly reciprocating. Jean's arms wreathed around his neck, as she lovingly straddled him, encouraging him to deepen the kiss, which Scott was only too happy to do.

As the kiss ended, they looked into each other's eyes, as Jean fought the temptation to rip off those glasses and look into his eyes, optic-blasts be damned.

'Probably not the best idea.' Scott sweetly chided, causing Jean to telepathically giggle through their link, producing the most wonderful sensation in Scott's mind, which no-one else would ever know. Then, Jean sent a few thoughts to him...and Scott smiled slyly. 'You read my mind, you naughty girl.'

Slowly, Scott's hands released Jean's waist, and began to tenderly undo the buttons on her blouse, as Jean relaxed, reveling in this wonderful moment. In seconds, Scott had undone the buttons, partially slipping the shirt from her creamy shoulders, revealing her.

Jean was wearing a black, lace-edged bra, perfectly contrasting her ivory skin, as smooth as the feathers of a dove and her breasts were the two most perfect globes that Scott had ever seen, ever dared to dream of. Nothing in the world was as beautiful as her...

'Keep thinking like that, and this might just happen again.' Jean thought to him, smiling. Scott grinned, before placing a loving kiss upon her bare shoulder, marveling at how soft her skin was, as his hands gently cupped her curves, giving the most loving squeeze, causing Jean to softly moan.

'I love you.' Scott sent to her.

'I love you, too.' Jean mentally cooed. Both young lovers reveled in this perfect moment; nothing could ruin it...

"Hey, guys, how are you – WHOA!!"

Scott and Jean stopped in mid-kiss, Jean rapidly pulling up her shirt, as they both turned to see Clark, in his street clothes, who had just walked in. "So sorry!" Clark exclaimed. "Uh...I was...well...I think I'm thirsty." With that, he darted out of the infirmary.

Scott and Jean both burst out laughing. "Serves us right, deciding to make out in a public spot." Jean giggled. She hopped off Scott, doing up her shirt. "Sorry, lover, but you need your rest."

Scott laughed. "Yeah, like I can rest now!"

Jean smiled coyly. "Well, look at it this way: the sooner you get your rest, the sooner you can come up to my room, where we can...continue our discussion." With that, she walked off.

Scott grinned to himself, leaning back on his bed. 'Sometimes, it's good to be me.'

Clark walked away from the infirmary at impressive speeds. 'Always check a room before entering! Always!!' he thought to himself.

Just then, he saw Alison come running up to him. "Hey, Clark, I have an idea on what we can do for..!" she began, but Clark silenced her by catching her in an embrace, snaring her lips in a kiss. Alison at first let out a muffled squeal of mild protest, but it soon became a delighted sigh. As the kiss ended, a blissfully dizzy Alison looked up at him. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

Clark grinned. "Just needed to get the image of Scott and Jean kissing out of my head. Thanks!"

Alison giggled, nuzzling into his chest. "Happy to be of help." she cooed. Then, she half-smiled, playfully swatting his chest. "Now you made me forget what I was saying! Thanks a lot!" she laughed.

Clark chuckled. "Something we could do for..?" he prompted.

"Oh, right! I got an idea for Christmas! We could both go out to Smallville, and we could have a Kent-Blaire Family Christmas!"

Clark smiled. "Ali, that's brilliant!" he exclaimed, hugging her. "That's a perfect idea! I bet Ma will love it!"

Alison lightly pouted. "Don't I get a 'thank you'?" she sweetly teased. Clark grinned, and captured her in a sweet kiss once more. After it ended, Alison happily sighed. "You definitely know how to treat a girl." she cooed. "Anyway, we'd better start planning this!"

"Right." Clark agreed, as he and Alison headed off, to start planning.

Undisclosed location

"You are certain of this?" Magneto asked, almost not believing what he'd heard his associate say. Erik Magnus Lensherr was in his late fifties, tall, and of a strong frame, with short, silver hair under his PSI-shielded helmet, and cold blue eyes, clad in black-and-red armor, with a long, black cape.

"Quite sure." Doom replied over the communicator. "Kal-El is the last of his kind; his world is no more, so no technology can be retrieved from it."

Magneto nodded thoughtfully. "I see." he said. "Fortunately, the humans' plans are proceeding as we had expected."

"Indeed." Doom agreed. "I trust things are well in hand on your end?"

Magneto nodded. "Soon, we will show Kal-El the true nature of the humanity he so cares for, and how sorely the mutant race needs him."

"Very well." Doom said. "I will leave things in your hands, for the moment. Doom out." With that, the transmission ended.

Magneto was alone with his thoughts. 'Soon.' he thought. 'Soon, the mutant race will have the leader it so desperately needs.' Then, he went on his way, to make sure things were going according to plan.

Coming soon:

As Clark and Alison get ready for a Christmas back in Smallville, strange sightings in New York draw the Man of Steel's attention.

Are there angels in the Big Apple?

Or is something else going on?

And will an old enemy take advantage of this newcomer?

Find out in "Angels," coming to your computer soon…