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Ciudora, as Shallowford said, you need to blank out the date stuff in the search form, both the number and the drop down.


And the fanfic index, you can find it right above the threads list in the fanfic board. It's labeled "Fanfic Index" I huge letters. Looks like it's a heading, which might be why no one finds it

Michael

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Andreia

Thank you for an interesting and wonderful chapter! It was sweet of Kal to join Zara and Ching’s hands together. They deserve to be happy.

The ceremony honoring Zoe-El was touching. Alura’s words were wise and well chosen. She is smart. I hope Kal’s training goes well so he can defeat Nor and bring the changes to New Krypton that his uncle hoped to see.

I love this story and can’t wait for more! Thank you!

How did I miss this the first time around?! BAHAHAHAHAHA! Poor Clark! XD

Hi 90stvfangirl!

Krypto!

It’s longer than the shortest story we ever had posted! It might be shorter than some author’s notes, though.

Cute. I wonder if he also presents his Kerth awards with those eyes. ‘look what I brought home’

Funny how she says the same thing to Clark when he looks at her like that.

Only room enough for one Mad Dog?

Great sentiment detail!

I hope Clark is taking notes.

Gaww… just like Clark!

the true reason Lois and Clark were never able to produce offspring!

Michael

Hi 90stvfangirl!
Awwww

Well, Clark does have superspeed!

you sneaked Alt-U on us!

Very cute. It was just the right time for that reference!

It’s a state dinner!

Oh, *that’s* why they got a baby!

See?





Adorable little Christmas viggy!

Michael

Hi Amanda!

Let’s see…

Yes, they could have made it all vanish.

Look at the kettle doing the potting.

Awwww


Perhaps Lois was looking particularly domestic?

Oh boy…

Guess someone’s sleeping on the couch tonight?
LOIS: Now don’t be hasty!

She’s not gonna like this.

Right. Songfic.



Maybe if he decides to break up with her for her own good again?
LOIS: Nah. I now got kryptonite, know he doesn’t mean it, and know where he lives.



Very inspired adaption. I enjoyed the flashback tangents.

Michael

Hi Barbara!

Hope RL is slowing down again!

Trask is Hook and green-k the treasure?
Poor dear

Dear well-meddling townsfolk.

He did!



They *did* dig a giant hole in South Africa for some crystals, too.

We call that ‘feeling the lack of lead shielding’.

Reader
Clark:
Lois:

And that’s just kryptonite. Wait till Lois gets lost in time.

Remember that feeling, little one. Think about it before crawling into a vent to spy on gun-toting bad guys.

Oh boy oh boy. Maybe it’s time to break up with her for her own good?
LOIS: not the point



Yes. Friends.



There’re ways to increase the volume of her breathing…

/Points up/

Yeah, it’s not like it’s golden or something.

Awwww… they’re so gonna wake up snuggling

Looking forward to the next Friday whenever you get back in the groove!

Michael

Great job! With so many sites having gone down, it's nice to see a new one.

Thanks for the initiative.

Andreia

Welcome to the 2025 Kerth Quiz: Comedy Story

SPIFFY DISCLAIMER THINGY!: All the stories featured in this quiz qualify for the Best Comedy Story, but this quiz is not a stamp of recommendation for nomination. There are more fantastic stories which qualify for this category, but this quiz only covers 7 randomly chosen ones.
(Instructions are blatantly copied/linked from previous Kerth Quizzes.)

RECOMMENDATIONS: Don't forget that recommendations for other favorite eligible stories are *very* welcome and encouraged! So don't forget to add these in a section after your guesses!

QUIZ RULES: One point each for getting the story and author from the quote. Plus, shiny gold stars for those who recognize their own stories. Please don't forget to mention which number you're answering. Rule recap: Open hard drive and open boards (+AO3!), *don't* forget to snip out the excerpts in your replies, and don't forget the spoiler tag when you post in the replies thread.
CATEGORY: These are the stories that made you laugh out loud this year. Whether they’re full of puns or totally absurd or just a series of hilariously unfortunate events, the purpose of these stories is to amuse the reader and make them laugh.

The DEADLINE for entries for this quiz is SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025, by 11:59 p.m (Eastern Time Zone).

Here’s the full list of Eligible Stories.

Here are the full quiz instructions: Countdown to Kerth Quizzes Extended Instructions and Disclaimers.

Please post your answers HERE!

Good luck!
Evie

__________________________


EXCERPT #1:
GOOD EVENING, MR. KENT.

Somehow, Clark wasn't all that surprised to see a hooded figure standing next to him, finger-bones curled around the handle of a large scythe. “Am I dead?”

THAT WOULD BE A FAIR ASSESSMENT.

“But...how?!” Clark demanded.

The figure's skull tilted.

MOST PEOPLE YOUR AGE DO NOT HAVE THAT QUESTION.

He folded his arms. “Well, I'm not most people; I'm invulnerable!”

A bony hand motioned towards his unoccupied body.

CURRENT EVIDENCE WOULD SEEM TO REFUTE THAT. BUT SINCE YOU ASKED: AT THE LAST SOCIAL FUNCTION YOU ATTENDED, YOU HAD A SERVING FROM A TAINTED SALMON MOUSSE.

Clark's eyes widened. “You're...kidding.” His arms lowered to his sides. “Are you telling me that after all these years of risking my life...after smashing into a giant asteroid, being trapped in a Kryptonite cage, getting shot with lasers and Kryptonite bullets, disappearing into the time stream, and even wrestling a giant mechanical spider...you're telling me that the thing that finally did me in...” He waved towards his body lying still on the bed. “...is bad fish?!”




EXCERPT #2:
“Oh honey, you’ll find your place one day.” She gave his hand a soft squeeze. “However, I’m pretty sure it’s not inside this bar, between bottles of whiskey.”

He laughed. “Probably not.”

“The only problem now is to get you home.”

Clark raised his brows. “I told you, I’m sober, Mom. Alcohol doesn’t seem to affect me.” His lips curled in contempt. “Figures.”

“Ah, no, to Bob you’re certainly not sober,” Martha said. “He gave me a rough estimate of how much you’d had to drink and I tell you, you can’t walk a straight line.”

“I could even fly one,” Clark grumbled, good-naturedly.

She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Clark Jerome Kent, you'll let me drag you out of this bar now. And for your poor father's sake you better make it convincing.”

She stood up and came around to grab Clark's arm. “Bob, could you help me, please?”

Clark groaned. “Geez, Mom, did you have to do that?”

She glared at him. “Shush now. This is what you get for drinking more than you should!”

Clark rolled his eyes at that, but complied as Martha helped him up. “Isn't that supposed to be a hangover? Instead I only get to hang over your shoulder.”

“Trust me, you're not missing out on anything.”

“Uh, yeah, I do. The blackout."



EXCERPT #3:
Clark Kent was back - and walked straight to Perry's office.

OK, the guy has balls to try again after being rejected. This show, she wanted to watch.

She crept quietly to the half-open office door and watched as Kent presented the Chief with two neatly written pages of paper.

Perry seemed reluctant at first, but then the curiosity that characterizes every journalist won out and he began to read.

She couldn't see his face at first, but when he finished, he looked up with something like...interest?

"Well, what can I say? This is damn good. You actually managed to beautifully portray the perspective of these immigrants on what it's like to live in a new, unknown country, to integrate, the challenges one has to face. It almost reads as if you know exactly what you're talking about. And...I appreciate initiative."

What the...? Wait, he couldn't mean that...

"Clark Kent - welcome to the Daily Planet!"

WHAT?!

This - this - hack from Nowheresville got a job by stealing *HER* story?

Oh, that meant war!



EXCERPT #4:
“Krypto, be a good boy. I’m going to bring home food for you and a piping hot sausage and pepperoni pizza for me from Giovanni’s mercato in Rome.”

At the word, ‘pizza’, one ear went up and Krypto’s head cocked to the side. For a moment, Clark suspected his dog knew exactly what a pizza was.
With that thought, Clark walked back up the steps and pulled open the front door, only to see his neighbor, Mrs. Harper, poised to knock and dressed in a flamboyant orange housedress with beer-can sized rollers in her silver hair.

“Oh! Mr. Kent! It’s so good to see you again. Your fiancée, that nice Miss Lane said you were on foreign assignment.”

Momentarily caught off guard, Clark gave her an uneasy grin and said, “Uh, yeah. My foreign … assignment ended. Nice to see you too Mrs. Harper.” That must have been the cover story Lois and Perry had cooked up to hide his disappearance.

Mrs. Harper gave him a friendly smile and replied, “Well, now that your back, I wanted to know if you could look after Pepper occasionally? Besides me, he seems to like you better than anyone else.” She turned and called out, “Here, sweetie! That nice Mr. Kent is back. Remember staying at his apartment while Momma was gone? Here, Pepper!”

“Pepper? Your cat? Uh, that might be a problem. I have a dog now; his name is Krypto.”

At that moment, a cat with black, white and hints of brown padded from Mrs. Harper’s apartment and walked down the hallway as if he owned the place. The cat reached his owner, and the sleek-furred animal rubbed against her legs, purring loudly, looking for an affectionate pet or two.

Krypto, upon hearing his name and thinking Clark might want to take him on another walk, sprang up the stairs with happy abandon.

Suddenly, the two animals stared at each other, and their human staff members were afraid something bad was going to happen.

It did.

Pepper took one look at Krypto and froze, his hackles bunching up, and the cat began to hiss. Undaunted by the other animal’s strange reaction, Krypto stepped into the hallway, advanced on the frightened cat, and proceeded to sniff the feline’s rear enthusiastically. He wanted to be friends.

Clark cautiously said, “Krypto … that’s not a good idea, leave the kitty __”

Before another word escaped Clark’s lips, Pepper reared back and smacked Krypto hard on the tip of his nose!



EXCERPT #5:
"Oh, Jonathon! This has to be a prank of some sort? Maybe something the Lang boys have cooked up to fool Clark and Lana?"

"I don't know, Martha. The thing is… Dumbledore seemed so sincere…" Jonathon shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Anyway, I think it's time we have the talk with Clark."

"The talk?" Martha said in a hushed tone, her eyes flicking with concern.

Jonathon reached for her hand to give it a gentle squeeze. "I know Martha… but I think it's time…we can't let him go on believing he's a wizard."

Martha looked toward the stairs, where they could hear Clark upstairs playing in his room. "Poor darling. He's become so attached to that owl that's been hanging around his window. Calls it his familiar."

Jonathon leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "I'll just sit him down and explain it man to man—you're not a wizard… you're an alien. That's all there is to it."

Martha shook her head. "Oh Jonathon, please! We need to be gentle. He's still a little boy! We can't just burst out with 'Clark, you're an alien!'"

"I'm a what?"



EXCERPT #6:
He felt himself reach the apex of his jump and fought with all he was worth to remain airborne, only to succumb to the pull of gravity once more.

As he fell, Clark closed his eyes, picturing Lois in what was sure to be a lovely dress. She had said it was burgundy. She had always looked gorgeous in burgundy. He longed to see her for real instead of just imagining. He wanted to see that smile light up her face the way it did only for him. He wanted to hold her in his arms. It had been too long.

It had been too long.

He ought to have hit the ground again by now.

Blinking his eyes open, he was both startled and not at all surprised to find himself hovering about two feet off the ground. He grinned. An instant later, he propelled himself back up into the atmosphere and executed a handful of loop-de-loops while shouting out whoops to his own success.

He didn’t linger long in his celebration, however. He had somewhere he needed to be and only a little bit of time to get ready. Just how long did girls take to do their hair and make-up anyway?

Speeding back to the farmhouse, he dashed upstairs and spun into the tux he had rented for his own prom a week before – thankful he hadn’t had to return it just yet. Then he brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and ran a quick bit of heat vision over the stubble which had grown since morning. A touch of aftershave later and he deemed himself presentable.

Hurrying downstairs again, he was just about to head out the door when his mom spoke up. “And where are you off too, looking so handsome? I thought the prom was last weekend?”

Clark smiled at her and barely paused as he continued out the door and into the yard, his mother following in his wake. “It was. But tonight, I’m taking Lois to her prom.”

“Lois?” his mom blinked, clearly confused. “She’s in Metropolis, honey. How are you going to get there?”

He could feel the grin splitting his cheeks as he kicked off the ground and then stopped with his feet dangling at about the level of his mother’s awe-stuck face. “I’ll fly, of course.”



EXCERPT #7:
But what about youse two? Are ye winchin’?”

“I’m going to plead the fifth on that,” Lois responded with a laugh. “Mainly because I don’t know what it means.”
“Dating,” Clark replied and she noticed he looked a little bit embarrassed. “And we have yet to go on an actual date, though not for lack of trying.”

“What’s this then, ye dafty, if no’ a date?” Stewart said, giving Clark a playful punch on the arm.

“This is a work trip gone horribly wrong,” Lois said. She grimaced, though she no longer felt as angry as she had before.

“What happens if ye dinnae get tae Belfast, then?” Gemma wondered curiously. Lois shook her head.

“We have to find something to write about,” Lois replied. “Do either of you know of anything happening here?”

“For the Daily Planet ye mean?” Stewart looked suitably impressed. “No’ that Ah know of, right enough.”

“Ah’m more interested in youse two,” Gemma said, grinning at Lois. “You need tae get this one somewhere romantic an’ just gie him a wee snog! Stewart and I have been waitin’ for ages for Clark tae find someone. He’s no’ exactly hard on the eyes. What are ye waitin’ for?”

Lois laughed and felt her cheeks go pink. She wouldn’t normally feel comfortable discussing her dating life with anyone, much less two perfect strangers, but somehow she felt as if she knew Stewart and Gemma. They were intelligent, funny, and seemed to genuinely love each other. Lois found herself wondering how they got to where they were. Why did it seem so difficult with Clark when her feelings for him now felt so easy? So clear?

“I guess we were trying to find the right moment,” she admitted, realising how silly that sounded when she said it out loud. “We almost went to see Pearl Jam, but work got in the way.”

“Ye bought her tickets tae Pearl Jam?” Stewart shook his head and laughed. “Ye dinnae even like Pearl Jam, ye eejit!”

Clark laughed good naturedly and Lois was relieved to see that he didn’t seem bothered by his first date faux pas.

“I just want things to be perfect,” he said, his eyes meeting hers. She felt her heart skip a beat at the look in his eyes.

“Just take her oot, man!” Stewart exclaimed. “Ye dinnae need anythin’ fancy. Did I no’ tell ye about oor first date?” He looked at Gemma and the two of them laughed slightly.

“That bad?” Lois asked, finding she really wanted to know what happened. She looked over at Clark and he reached over and tentatively took her hand – a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Gemma and Stewart.

“Pure disaster, so it was,” Gemma confirmed with a laugh.



Good luck, everyone!
________________________________________________


Have a question? Ask it here! Or you can PM any of the K-Com members or reach out on Discord too! You can also send an email to us here: Kcom@kerthawards.com

In order to help you find all things Kerth for this year, we’ve created a TOC for all the 🏆TOC for Kerth Awards 2025 Posts🏆.

The Kerth Committee
(KSaraSara, Michael, lovetvfan, and Evie)

Thanks for playing round five of the Kerth Quizzes, everyone!

Here are the answers for the Original/Supporting Character Stories:
Winter by Morgana
Travelers by BlindPassenger
Love, Houdini by bakasi
A True Friend by Kathryn84
Disaster by Queen of the Capes
Proud of My Son by Shallowford
2023 Ficathon: Christmas Lights for KSaraSara by JadedEvie

Here are the recommendations that people made:
Falling for a Farm-Boy by Female Hawk with a marvelous Martha and a cud-chewing Bess
I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Queen of the Capes with a marvelous Bruce Wayne
2023 Ficathon: Wishing You A... for JadedEvie by Queen of the Capes with a ton of Perry, Cat, and Jimmy action!
Sign of the Times by Queenofthecapes with Cat and Jordan/Red Tornado
Krypto Meets A New Friend by Morgana - Krypto

Here are the scores everyone got on this quiz:
Michael: 6 points!
AmandaK: 7 points!
90sTVfangirl: 4.25 points (half point for author guess, .75 points for author + series guess)!
UltraWoman: 6 points!
Bakasi: 6 points + a shiny gold star!
BlindPassenger: 4.1 (.1 for correctly mentioning the author even when ultimately guessing incorrectly!) + a shiny gold star!

Here are the overall scores so far:
AmandaK: 35 points + 4 shiny gold stars!
Michael: 26.25 points!
UltraWoman: 26 points!
Bakasi: 24 points + 5 shiny gold stars!
BlindPassenger: 16.85 points + 2 shiny gold stars!
90sTVfangirl: 14.8 points + 2 shiny gold stars!

All players this round got at least 4 correct! AmandaK, our reigning champion, is still defending her cape after 5 impeccable rounds! Will next week bring us a shake-up or will Amanda keep her crown?

The next quiz, Quiz #6 for Comedy Stories, will be posted shortly! Head over to get your answers in now!

And thanks again for playing!

I am a bit late posting this, so I am going to post TWO challenges here. I deeply apologise...I got really sick and then real life got in the way. So here are Challenge #3 AND #4

Challenge #3: The Wedding Challenge!
Someone is getting married...but it's NOT Lois and Clark! Write a fic in which L&C attend a wedding for SOMEONE THEY KNOW. It can take place at ANY point in the series and their relationship!

Challenge #4: The What Dreams May Come Challenge!
Lois had a dream about Clark the night before and wakes up....ANGRY at him. In the dream, Clark has done something to really tick her off, but what is it? It can be silly or serious but poor Clark won't know what hit him when she arrives at the Planet that morning, still steamed...

Happy Valentine's Day! I can't believe this was a year ago!

/Takes away Mary's phone and points at the popsicle collection one universe over/

Michael

Ooh, great part! Mindy is a monster. Forget about Clark, wait until Lois gets her hands on that bleached blonde bimbo. She is going to wish she had never heard of Metropolis! Can anyone tell Mrs. Church is my least favorite of all the villains on LnC?

The opening scenes were excellent, Lois had figured out what Intergang’s intentions were for Superman and she decided to work on that accordingly. Scope out an escape route. Locate any cameras and blind spots she could use to her advantage. Once she was in the bathroom, she studied the weak spots in that room as well. When Mrs. Kent checks the water level she is a force to be reckoned with. Bravo!

One tiny flaw in her plan, she didn’t have a chance to put her plan into action before Clark came barreling in like a four hundred pound gorilla!

Onto the next part….

#8 The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner


Ok thriller. Lost track of which mom had which kid.

Oh man, how I love this exchange between Clark and Perry! The series would have been so much better if Perry knew what was going on the Clark's 'other job'. The managing editor of the Daily Planet really knew how to keep the bullpen under control as well as how to soothe ruffled feathers. No way could Clark keep Lois from going after a story! That is why she had the moniker, Mad Dog Lane.



Ouch! Clark your determination to find our wife might just land you in trouble. Jimmy is going to wonder why a guy who wears glasses takes them off to study a photograph.

New Krypton – The Funeral of Zor-El

A grieving Alura, leaning heavily on her nephew’s arm, was led back into the great house. The shock of her husband’s death, no matter how long she had been preparing for it mentally and emotionally, was already taking its toll.

A planet-wide announcement of his uncle’s death was to be made by Kal-El later that evening. News had spread rapidly among the house servants, gardeners and other inhabitants of Abondar-El that the former First Lord had succumbed to his illness. Several members of the estate’s staff such as old Vaylor, the head butler, who had known Zor-El from childhood had tearfully taken to his quarters, grieving his loss.

Kal-El sat his aunt down on the couch and took the place beside her. His mind recalled to the first time that he had entered the room, anxious and unsure, and remembered how his uncle had put him at ease. In the all too brief time he had known him, Zor-El had become an advisor, confidante that assisted him in navigating the waters of a culture he was only beginning to understand. Now, as his uncle had eased his mind, the task fell to him to comfort Alura during one of the darkest days of her life.

He heard her take a deep breath before her tear soaked voice rose, “I… I cannot give into… grief. Not yet. There is much to do, Kal-El. The people must see our family take the lead during this time of great mourning.”

Kal-El looked at the woman by his side who had in mere moments become old and worn down. Nonetheless, Alura was marshalling her inner fires, banking them up against the days and weeks that lay ahead. She was in an agony that he could not begin to comprehend. He had only known Lois for a few short years, and he hated being separated from her, even knowing that one day they would reunite. In comparison, Alura and Zor-El had been together longer than he had been alive. The permanent absence of her bond mate must have put her in immeasurable pain.

“I will take care of everything. Please rest. Kara will be here in a few moments.”

Brusquely, Alura wiped a tear away. “She is with her betrothed, as it should be. Dar-Ur needs her.”

Alura’s voice, which sounded like a lost child, cut through the air, placing his own thoughts firmly in the background. “A ..after all of this time, knowing Zor-El would die – now that it has… happened… the times ahead will be difficult to navigate. Kal-El, suddenly there is a void in my life, Kara’s and… yours.”

He wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders and said, “You are not alone.”

Alura straightened her back and with no small effort forced herself to refrain shedding more tears. In a moment, she regarded the First Lord with calm eyes that were swollen from crying, but clear. “No. No, I am not alone. We are a family. My… late husband drew his last breath standing against New Krypton’s greatest enemy. Such action cannot be forgotten. I …I wish to grieve, but that must wait until after Zor-El’s image is installed at the Convoca.”

At that moment he heard the sound of familiar footfalls. To his surprise, Zara and Ching Hia entered the family room.

“What are you two doing here? I thought you were back at the capital?”

Zara approached Kal-El and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Is it not my place to be by your side? Vaylor contacted me and told us about Zor-El’s collapse. We…I wanted to be of comfort to you and the lady Alura.”

Kal-El looked from his ‘betrothed’ to Ching, and once again was stuck at how much these two cared for one another – and how trying to conceal that fact was getting more difficult with each passing day.
He considered what Nor had said in the courtyard about his engagement to Zara. It was true that it was a piteous deception.

With each passing moment, Alura’s composure grew more resolved, “As my last official act as the former First Lord’s bond mate, I must be present when his holographic image is placed with that of his predecessors. Nephew, when Kara returns, send her to my chambers. Thank you for being here, my dear Kal-El.” She turned to the others in the room. “Ching. Zara. Life is precious and sadly too short.” With those quietly spoken words, Lady Alura In-Ze* stood and withdrew from the room.

The three also stood, and watching her depart in a respectful silence.

Zara looked at Kal-El with a guilty expression. “The cherished relationship between Alura In-Ze and Zor-El was – is – a shining example for all of us. I wish for such a bond…” She looked down at the floor, rubbing her thumb and forefinger nervously, but not before her dark eyes glanced over Kal-El and landed on Ching.”

“Is that truly what you want most Zara?” Kal-El asked tenderly. No hint of romance were in his words or body language, but over the months, they had worked together a firm connection of friendship had grown.
Not so between herself and Ching.

In the passing months, the dangerous attraction they shared had only matured and deepened. It was becoming more difficult to hid something that was so precious to them. Even now as she answered Kal-El, the words were not directed to him, but towards Ching Hia.

She rubbed her thumb and forefinger together again, saying, “Truly? I most want to peacefully explore our solar system. New Krypton is a world perfectly suited for creating responsibly tilled agricultural holdings, enough to feed twenty times our present population. But as you are aware, its subterrain is poorly lacking in metals that we can use for shelter construction and many other things.”

“Yes, I agree. Most of the metals we have used for the construction of our buildings were from the massive starships that brought us here.” Ching said. As he spoke, he gifted Zara with a rare, tender gaze. The tone he used was not in regard to minerals. He was speaking to the woman he loved.

“Preliminary scans of the system long before Nor’s rebellion revealed that there are rich ore deposits in the asteroid belt between the fifth and sixth planet. This Splinter War insanity is keeping us from additional exploration and someday mining those resources. I and hundreds of others should be part of that discovery; my primary training is in Zeo geology, not piloting fighters.” She said in a whisper.

“Yet, you are one of the best military pilots we have.” Ching responded, gazing at her with no small amount of pride.

“Nonetheless, Kara is far better suited to rule than either Kal-El or I. Her father trained her for the position of First Lady and most of all, she wants it. But outmoded traditions and laws that were created on an extinct planet dictate that only men and first born noblewomen have the right to rule.” She turned to Kal-El and said, “Because of such narrow-minded policies, Kryptonians have been plunged into a civil war which squanders resources. Instead of improving our cities, we use the metal for weapons. Instead of discovering cures for terminal diseases, we lose talented people we can ill afford to lose. People like – like your uncle.”

Kal-El looked first at Ching and then back at Zara. They stood three feet apart and yet again the love they wanted so desperately to share was as clear as crystal. The war had taken him away from Lois and had also demanded that these two fine people because of something as foolish as rank must be kept apart. The whole thing was ludicrous to the extreme. He promised himself that before returning to Earth their situation would change so that no one would deny them the right to be together.

But for now he must try to help them in a small way. With a thoughtful expression he said, “My uncle appreciated every moment he shared with Alura. Exploration in space to find materials for New Krypton’s growth is important, but isn’t there something, or rather someone you want more? As my aunt said, don’t waste any more time.”

As if on signal, Ching and Zara both looked to the floor and then haltingly at each other.

A tiny smile pulled at Kal-El’s lips. First, he took Zara’s hand and then Ching’s joining them together. Confused at first, but then grasping the gift he was bestowing on them, Ching gathered Zara into his arms and held her tightly.
Kal-El, happy for his two friends, briskly stepped out of the room, closing the door firmly behind him. He did not require super-hearing to know that Ching and Zara had finally allowed themselves the joy of providing each other with support and much needed comfort.

***

Night had settled down over Kandor II when Dever stood waiting for the First Lord at the entrance to his chambers. “My Lord Kal-El, I have drawn a refreshing bath. This terrible day has been long and difficult for all of New Krypton.”

“Yes, my friend, but tomorrow, we must plan and then later participate in the funeral for a great man.” He gave Dever a sad smile and then said warmly, “As a long-standing member of the El household, you, Vaylor and many others must be there, standing with the family. Zor-El… and my parents would have wanted that.

With a deep bow, the old man said, “Thank you…Kal-El. There are so few of us from the escape voyage still living.”

“All the more reason to have those who stood beside my father and uncle are honored.” Than Kal-El reached beneath his tunic and touched Lois’ ring. “Yes, that generation was brave to cross the cold darkness of space. We will endeavor to give him a send-off that honors that bravery. And we will win this Splinter War and fulfill the hope and promise that his generation gave us.”

***
Five days later, Zor-El’s funeral was held in Kandor II.

Boom. Boom. Boom. Outside the Palace Royal, the great drums beat heavily as the Sapphire Guardians walked in step down the grand concourse of Kandor II.

Splendor. Elegance. Somber. Regal. Immediate behind the drum players, prominent members of the House of El, followed by the Lords and Elders, walked past shimmering crystal edifices, parks and mercantile centers on their journey to the Convoca. Within that seat of government where Zor-El had served for so long, the ceremony celebrating the life of former First Lord Zor-El would take place.

The leading mourners, clad in black and red, were First Lord Kal-El, his betrothed, Zara at his right side and Zor-El’s widow, Lady Alura to his left who walked alongside, was their only surviving child, Lady Kara. Walking somewhat gingerly, beside Kara, having only been released from the Healing Chamber two days before, was Kara’s intended bond mate, Dar-Ur.

Kal-El may have been the new head of the House of El and the leader of its government, but the family took their behavioral cues from Alura. Despite her small frame, his aunt carried herself with bearing and grace. Though her dark blonde hair was heavily streaked with white, some a sign of stress from the last year, her calm blue eyes held an inner strength and composure that soothed many who gazed at her. She had lost her beloved; their many years together were now at an end. Private memories of their precious love and deep friendship would sustain her in the days and years to come.

Kandor II’s quiet streets were lined with thousands of her citizenry, most wearing the black and red of the House of El. Some bowed their heads in respectful silence while others wiped tears from their faces. Thus the funeral became a public outpouring from a people who were not given to emotional displays.

In previous centuries it was the custom that at the passing of the First Lord, an excessive three day long ceremony: heavy with rituals, and many speeches culminating with a final ceremony of creating the hologram of the late ruler in the Great Hall at the Convoca. Zor-El always thought such grandiose displays overshadowed the seriousness of the occasion. Due to the Splinter War and the former monarch’s wishes for a pared down, dignified funeral, such extravagance were not in evidence this day.

The previous evening Zor-El’s remains had been cremated at Abondar-El. Alura had collected his ashes in a ceramic urn and kept them in the archway leading to the flower garden. When the Kryptonians first arrived on the planet, cultivated land had been too precious to be used for cemeteries. It was felt that cremation and then keeping the ashes in special urns in fields and gardens was a kinder way to treat the remains on this new world. Once the dreaded atmosphere sickness struck the population, this practice increased.

As the El family and nobles approached the steps of the Convoca, high above the crowd in one of the crystal towers one man, his sharp eyes filled with disdain, watched the group coldly.
Arc-Tal.

He wanted to race down to the street, push through the mourning crowds, and put an end to Ching and that vile outworlder, Kal-El. One for daring to have the coveted position as Lady Zara’s personal guardian and the other for thinking that someone whose only claim to the position of First Lord was through his long-dead father. After all, the outworlder had not been there during the early times to earn the respect of the people.

But to be honest, it was Hia he feel the most contempt of the two. Ching was a lowly commoner from the Munde province. His mother was a weaver and his father an engineer. On neither side of their family lineage was there a drop of noble blood.

Arc-Tal rubbed his cheek, remembering the cut given to him by Kal-El after his sword match with Ching. Originally, he had planned on a session in the med-lab to have the scar removed, but he decided against it, thinking the mark added a touch of danger to his face. It also served as a daily reminder that a commoner and an outworlder had once bested him – that would not be the case for long. He was determined to tip the scales in his favor.
If Arc-Tal ended their miserable lives, then his distant cousin could take his rightful place as the ruler of New Krypton. He leaned forward, placed a tightly clenched fist on the glass and pounded it, following the rhythm of the drums.

“Someday…” the word escaped his lips like the rasp of a sword removed from its scabbard.

A familiar voice broke into his musings, “Arc-Tal?”

With eyes narrowed, he turned at his companion, “Problems, Taz-Al? I follow Nor’s orders, observing the funeral and the El Family.”

“Nor has new orders. He wants you back at base immediately.”

“Why?” Arc-Tal asked with an inquiring tone.

The other man shrugged. “The message just came through. I am merely passing it on.”

With a sharp nod, the younger man departed for Nor’s base in the mountains, wondering what his kinsman could want from him. Whatever it was, he would do it without question. Their purposes were the same, to end the off-worlder’s rule. Besides, he thought as he picked up the pace towards the shuttle, the House of Il was important to him.

If Nor won the challenge everything would change in favor their favor. His kinsman was in excellent health, but even he could not stop the hands of time and since he did not have an heir. Someday soon he must name a successor. Why could that not be him? Perhaps Nor himself might fall to some fatal illness. In the days ahead, anything was possible.

***

Upon reaching the Convoca, the procession strode down a wide, brightly lit corridor leading to the massive Convoca meeting room. This was the same one that Kal-El had used on his first entrance to the chamber. Here too, all were silent as the procession passed by holograms of previous First Lords. As a group they stopped directly in front of a hologram pedestal, which is ceremonially draped in fabric drenched in the House of El’s colors.
Now, for the first time in many a moon round, there was to the unveiling of a new representation… installation of the late First Lord Zor-El’s image.

Eight tiny metallic drones with silvery wings darted about overhead, their cameras televising the event across all twelve provinces. Complying with the instructions from their unseen director, the drones placed themselves in strategic locations in the ceilings and walls of the corridors. Thus placed, the devices remained at their posts, silent witnesses to the event about to take place.

Kal-El felt the closeness of the crowd, their voices murmuring in low tones, and the presence of so many made him uneasy. A deep grief welled in his heart. He had not known Zor-El as long as he had known other sage companions like Perry or Bernie, but nonetheless the loss of his uncle was profoundly experienced. The black and red suit he wore, with its scratchy collar and tight sash, was almost unbearable. How he missed his invulnerable skin! He wanted to be here, not as the First Lord, but as Zor-El’s nephew. He wanted to be here as cousin to Kara and a strong arm for Alura. Most of all, Right now all he wanted was Lois’ hand in his, lending him strength as they stood side by side.
His betrothed, Zara, looked miserable. She was missing Ching. Since openly admitting to each other how they felt, they loathed being separated. But here, in this great corridor, it was more appropriate for her personal guardsman, as well as the other guards, to remain outside.

Polara came up to him and said, “Will you say a few words?”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Trey, Polara and others had pressed him to give a speech. A speech would also give him the opportunity to test a small break with tradition he had been contemplating. With a nod towards Mar-Ur, he approached a section of the wall, also draped in black and red. He stood with his back to the curtain and waited for the members of the Convoca and heads of the noble houses to stand quietly.

Gradually the overhead lights in the corridor was darken, and a soft light shone upon him, the new figurehead of the House of El, draped in and surrounded by his family’s ancestral hues.

First Lord Kal-El stood tall and straight. He wasn’t fully aware of it, but he was the very embodiment of the long line of nobility of his house, men who, like Kal-El stood for truth and justice. Because of those ancestors love of justice, he was fairly certain, understanding the circumstances, they would agree with this tiny fracture from tradition he was about to commit. “People of New Krypton, your presence here today brings honor to the House of El. We have all lost a great leader, and I have lost not just a dear relative, but also a friend and a mentor. Because my knowledge of him is limited, I have asked for the one person who knew him best to speak on behalf of our family. My aunt, Lady Alura In-Ze.”

A murmur rose within the corridor, but the First Lord stood firm and his steely gaze swept the faces of the assembled nobles, keeping them in place. Some had dour expressions. Yet, they dared not speak.
Polara’s normally calm features gave way to a wide, delightful smile. She silently applauded her grandson’s action.

Garbed in a gown of black satin-like material, with a sash of scarlet encircling her waist, Alura gracefully moved past her nephew and approached the draped column. She stood directly in front of the black material, took a scrap of the dark fabric in her hands bowed slightly and then turned to the audience.

Alura took a calming breath, looked into the crowd and said, “People of New Krypton, my words will be short and to the point. I stand before you not as the widow of the former First Lord, but as the citizen of a culture that has witnessed many changes. Some of those have been the result of leaving our dying planet of origin and coming here. Those alterations such as the changing of the traditional roles of women and those of lower stations, my husband deeply believed in. Before contracting the disease which eventually took his life, he wanted to be an active participant in these changes because he felt certain they would enhance our society. We as a people must move forward together, otherwise all the good work that he and countless others have strived for shall be in vain.”

“Now good people of New Krypton, our new First Lord will fight to end this disruptive and wasteful war. We shall hope and pray that he is the winner of this traditional trial by single combat. Allow the First Lord time to prepare. In the meantime, we must return to our shops and fields, to our homes and families and work as one to make New Krypton whole again.”

With those words she bowed to the monitors which projected her words out to the inhabitants of the twelve provinces.

The House of El and members of the Convoca bowed in answer and then stepped back as Alura moved away from the image of her late husband. She walked over to her nephew, Placed her hand on his shoulder and said in a tearful, yet firm voice. “Now that this ceremony honoring my beloved is at an end, your sword training begins in earnest. Make us proud.”

A/N *When the First Lord passes, his bond mate’s last name immediately returns to that of her house.

Okay I watched this last night and was left with some questions/plot bunnies.

Plot Bunny #1
AU where Lois is a copy machine repair woman and Clark is her trainee and she teaches him how to install the thermo master connector (not sure why this sounds so filthy but anyway…)


Plot Bunny #2
Martha insists Lois stays for dinner after she shows up with Stewart. Maybe makes Clark go and get some of his clothes for her to wear.


Unanswered questions…general confusion.

When Lois shows up with Stewart after Superman rescues them from almost drowning, Clark seems kinda annoyed by Lois’ arrival and he doesn’t want Stewart staying there because let’s face it the guy is high maintenance. His parents of course welcome Stewart to stay and Martha throws a blanket around Lois who is still soaking wet.

My question…..why didn’t Superman offer to take Lois home after the rescue? Or at least dry her and Stewart off? Was he busting to get home to dinner with his parents? I don’t get it. I guess Lois does say to Superman…”I’ll take care of him. I’ve got an idea.” I guess her idea was to dump him at Clark’s?

But then Clark seems surprised that Lois shows up with Stewart at his place and so do his parents…wouldn’t he have mentioned the rescue to them at least? Are they all acting?

Clark: Hey mom and dad, just act Super surprised if Lois and some geek show up.

Am I missing something? 😀


Anyway, really enjoyed rewatching.

The IBM series is so very good. In some spots I teared up a bit thinking about how much pain Lois, Superman/Clark were in. Maybe now Lois will get the movies and pizza so they can continue towards healing. Thanks Evie.

Loved this :3 Glad they're slowly warming up to each other, and it makes sense it'll take time.

Hi Mary!

Her Story

I did start reading His Story Part 2 first, so there’s a bit of a spoiler in there…

Bruce worried that his wife likes to wear pants and capes?



World’s Greatest Detective not having figured out his wife’s figure will be changing and should thus provide a private server for her benefit?

Pregnancy brain. Kryptonians often become delusional while pregnant. It’s why they don’t allow women to become First Lords or Elders.

Shouldn’t she notice she’s no longer wearing heels? Then again, neither did Clark.

Yes, it’s because she’s now frequently and regularly relieving her pent-up tensions and frustrations.

Ka-ching ka-ching.



It’s a new tradition. The Kryptonian December’s Fools Day.

Awwwwwww… Let’s hope she doesn’t find him cat sitting.

No moon worshipping going on?

/Watches as author points out the cattiness of the situation/

National Whisper: Bruce Wayne – Superman’s secret lover? A blonde socialite (24.5) exposed the infamous tryst during a Christmas party…(cont. on page 3)



Jealous Claire is fun!

BRUCE: Am I being pranked? I’m going to kill Richard and Jason …

Yes, unless the person is able to scale tall buildings, he’s not interested.
/Points at Superman levitating/
Let me amend: A whip is mandatory.



Okay, *how* did she get Batman to agree on leaving Gotham unguarded for two weeks?
BRUCE: Don’t look at me like that. She’s perfectly happy with us staying home.

He is not green-k’ing his wife, is he?
BATMAN: deranged, manic Kryptonian? You bet.

“I keep the K pocketed and you don’t Selina I slept with Superwoman?”

BRUCE: And then, you wouldn’t believe it, he suggested I’m Robin. So, Dr. Deter, as you can clearly see, the man’s completely delusional and requires intensive treatment.

/Distributes water all over screen/

You know, first I read this as it being about the width of his head, poking up like bat ears. But noooo, she’s referring to bat equipment

Awwwwww



It’s a trick he does to make the cowl more imposing.



So, everyone and their cousin?



Yes, but Claire’s a woman.

Claire’s gonna bring the Joker to Metropolis, isn’t she?

CLAIRE: Don’t be ridiculous. I got Victor Zsazs’s number. And the Joker’s way to random.

But Lois enjoys…Superman on the ceiling more than a Pulitzer on the wall. They made a deal.

He knows about Tempus?

BRUCE: /pulls out newsletter of known supervillains/ They used to do this about once a month, but started publishing weekly editions about two years ago.

Robin doesn’t like the corner of the cave where they keep the half-nudes of Batman on the wall. Originally, Bruce kept them in the gym so he could use them to guide his training, but Robin refused to work out to the ‘bat-butt’ as he called it, staring at his face.



Oh, Claire

Well done, Mary, well done. Funny *AND adorable!

Michael

Welcome to the 2025 Kerth Quiz: Original/Supporting Character

SPIFFY DISCLAIMER THINGY!: All the stories featured in this quiz qualify for the Best Original or Supporting Character in a Story, but this quiz is not a stamp of recommendation for nomination. There are more fantastic stories which qualify for this category, but this quiz only covers 7 randomly chosen ones.
(Instructions are blatantly copied/linked from previous Kerth Quizzes.)

RECOMMENDATIONS: Don't forget that recommendations for other favorite eligible stories are *very* welcome and encouraged! So don't forget to add these in a section after your guesses!

QUIZ RULES: One point each for getting the story and author from the quote. Plus, shiny gold stars for those who recognize their own stories. Please don't forget to mention which number you're answering. Rule recap: Open hard drive and open boards (+AO3!), *don't* forget to snip out the excerpts in your replies, and don't forget the spoiler tag when you post in the replies thread.
CATEGORY: The show may be called Lois and Clark, but sometimes another character really steals the show. This award honors characters other than Lois or Clark whom an author has taken extra care to make shine. This includes any of the original supporting cast – good or evil – as well as new original characters. Characters are eligible whether they are the star of their own story or a supporting character in Lois and Clark’s story who captures the audience’s heart.

The DEADLINE for entries for this quiz is SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025, by 11:59 p.m (Eastern Time Zone).

Here’s the full list of Eligible Stories.

Here are the full quiz instructions: Countdown to Kerth Quizzes Extended Instructions and Disclaimers.

Please post your answers HERE.

Good luck!
Evie

__________________________


EXCERPT #1:
Before she could reply, the sound of paw steps were heard, Dax, with head held down came quietly into the room. She stopped abruptly, went first to Lois, thumped her tail against her leg and then walked over to Martha and sat down with a contented, soft woof.

Lois laughed, “That dog knows who is the head of the house!”

“Nonsense! She wants to get near the fireplace. In a few minutes her fur will be hot, and she’ll turn on the other side to toast it. What a sweet doodle.”
“Doodle?”

“One of Dax’s many nicknames. When she’s in the snow, that dog will jump into a drift and roll around like a young pup. Very much like when Clark drew doodles on a paper when he was doing his homework.” Martha said.

“That must be fun to watch.”

“Oh it is! Sometimes Jonathan tries to keep up with her. What a hoot!”

Jonathan and Clark walked into the living room, he asked, “What hoot?”

“Chasing that dog of yours… and Clark’s.”

From the floor came a low huff and then Dax rolled over so her other side could get warm.

“Dad, I’m so glad you took her in. It would have been difficult for me, especially with the job…”



EXCERPT #2:
"Excuse me? Clark Kent?"

Clark jumped and turned around. The man opposite him looked somewhat inconspicuous - but there was something about him...Clark couldn't quite place it. Somehow he didn't seem to fit in. (This impression may have been contributed to by the end of a towel sticking out of the leather bag he was carrying. Well, that really wasn't Clark's issue to worry about.)

"Yes, That's me. Can I help you?"

"Oh yeah, sure, I hope so. Um, the name is Prefect. Ford Prefect."

Clark blinked. "...Like the car?"

"Oh congratulations, people tend not to notice that. Um, well, what can I say, so my research on this may have been a little inaccurate. It happens to the best of us."

"...I do not quite understand...?"

Ford shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Where were we? Ah yes, right, I could use your professional opinion. You see, I'm a colleague of yours, Mr. Kent. As in, a fellow reporter. But I'm working in the travel department."

Ah, Clark thought, that might explain the British accent. "Well, I'm happy to help if I can. I assume you've come to me because you've heard that I've made a few trips to more distant places myself in the last few years?"

For some reason the person he was talking to seemed to be amused. "Well, that's certainly one way to put it."



EXCERPT #3:
“No, I’m afraid, you can’t come with me.” Clark scratched Houdini's ear sympathetically, before he focused back on the mirror and straightened his tie. He studied his face and turned to both sides, giving his outward appearance one last thorough check.


Houdini whimpered his protest, lowered his head and trudged out of the bedroom - the entire dog a picture of misery. Clark heaved a sigh. He felt bad for leaving the poor dog all on his own, even if it was just for a few hours. Houdini had been his steadfast companion for years. And yet, Clark was also looking forward to showing Lois his favorite restaurant in Paris. His gaze drifted toward the little box with the engagement ring that was sitting on his nightstand.


To propose or not to propose - that was the question.


Before he had a chance to make up his mind, paws tapped across the floor, accompanied by a strange jangling sound. A moment later Houdini appeared in the doorway, tail wagging and carrying - a leash?


Clark blinked.


Houdini put down the usually offending item before Clark’s feet and looked at him with puppy dog eyes, tail still wagging. He gave a hopeful bark.


Clark knelt beside his dog and ran his hand through his thick fur. “You’re even willing to go on a leash, just so you can come with us? Gosh, this really means a lot to you, huh? I’m so sorry, pal. We both know how much you hate flying. I promise you can come with us next time. But just this once I want to treat her to something really special.”


The dog stopped wagging his tail, his ears drooping. Then Houdini lay down, giving one last, heart-wrenching wail and lowered his head onto his paws.



EXCERPT #4:
Jimmy paused, staring at the page. His hand trembled as he thought about what he’d just written. The truth was heavy, but it was also freeing. He took a deep breath and continued.

***

Both of you give so freely, even when it comes at great risk. I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand how you do it, how you carry the weight of the world and still find time to lift up the people around you. I’m honored to be your friend.

I don’t want you to worry. Your secret is safe with me. I know you’ve both been through so much, and the last thing I want is to add to that burden. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching you, it’s that real strength isn’t just about power. It’s about showing up, day after day, for the people who need you.

One day, maybe I’ll tell you that I know. Maybe we’ll laugh about all the times I almost figured it out but didn’t. But for now, I’ll keep this to myself. You deserve that peace.

Thank you for everything, for every rescue, for every piece of advice, for every moment of quiet support. You’ve shown me what it means to be truly heroic, and I’ll never forget it. I’ll always be grateful for both of you. And I’ll always be here, ready to help in any way I can. Even if it’s just making sure you get the first copies of the next front-page story.

Your friend,
Jimmy

***

Jimmy folded the letter carefully and placed it behind a framed photo of him, Lois, and Clark. It was one of his favorite shots, taken during a rare moment of downtime in the newsroom. The three of them, laughing, caught in a candid moment of joy. He smiled, knowing it was the perfect place to hide the letter.




EXCERPT #5:
“Can you hear me?” the voice from the radio asked.

The side of a police car swam into his vision, but now he squeezed his eyes shut. “You're not real.”

“Yes, I am,” said the voice.

He let his eyes open again. A ring of cops and police vehicles had formed around him. A crowd continued shouting outside of it.

A man in a black costume knelt beside him, the only other occupant of the ring as far as he could tell. “Can you get up?”

When he could, the black-clad figure whisked him into the back of the nearest car. The closed door muffled the noise somewhat.

The confusion outside fanned his lingering sense of dread. “Lois… Is Lois okay?

The man…Bruce?...nodded. “She's fine. *I*, however, will be in serious danger if she makes good on her threat to swim over here and tear me limb from limb.” He shifted in his seat and procured a cellphone from one of the many pouches in his belt. “Call her as soon as you're able to.”

He nodded, taking the phone, and let his head fall back against the headrest. Stars still loomed beyond his vision, while something unseen and terrible waited for him. Somehow, he was simultaneously sitting in this car on Earth and also drifting in space, his air gone, his fingers slowly turning blue while he lost the ability to move them… He took a deep breath, trying to dispel the feeling. His words came out in a strangled whisper “Everything went wrong…”

Bruce’s hand came to rest on his shoulder. “You saved lives. As for the aftermath…we'll deal with it together. You're not alone.”



EXCERPT #6:
“You know I never could cook like your mother.”

“Which is why I try to make it home as often as possible. Tell me--are you worried that Maisie will discover your post-harvest obsession with The Ivory Tower? I saw the television listing laying out the last time I was home.”

“I’m disowning you. Tomorrow. I’ll make an appointment with Jordan Fredrichs and write you out of my will. ”

“Look, you know you need the company as much as the food. Please make time to take care of yourself.”

A grimace came across the man’s face. “Maisie’ll have me gossiping like an old hen, but I’ll try.”

“Thank you, Father. By the way, have you seen the news? Superman has been having a very good week. I cannot thank you enough for the idea. It was worth the trouble it took to have the costumes made discretely.”

“I’m sure Martha couldn’t have done better. If you had an aura as strong as Clark’s I guess you wouldn’t need to replace them so often but I guess the fewer people who associate you with Clark these days, the better.

“I think I have some good news for you by the way.”

“Son, good news is welcome anytime.”

“There’s a scientist at STAR Labs that thinks he has found a way to drain away Clark’s powers. We’re not sure if it would be permanent or not but if it works it might be enough time treat him—maybe even to find a cure.”

“You’re a good boy, Lex, but you be careful around the Son of Jor-El. As much as I love him, you and I both know how dangerous he can be. So tell me, what have you found?“


EXCERPT #7:
A shadow appeared in her doorway, and Kyle Griffin sauntered into her apartment as if stepping into a center stage spotlight.

Lois pushed down the fear that had crept up into her lungs. “Aren’t you supposed to be in jail?” she bit out acerbically.

The man in front of her chuckled. He was wearing a red and green argyle sweater, and she decided she hated the festive version of the Prankster more than his typical persona. It would just figure that someone who was out to get her would be a Christmas enthusiast.

“Well, we were in prison. But you know, it’s not the most festive holiday hideaway. So I got to thinking… What would make this Christmas better than any other Christmas?”

He took the hat off the bad Santa sidekick next to him, toying with the fur pom.

“And as I looked around at the grey cement walls, thin sleeping pallets and barred doors, it came to me.”

He settled the Santa hat jauntily on his own head.

“This year… all I want for Christmas is YOU, Lois Lane.”

She had to force herself not to take a step backward. His words had a manically menacing quality to them, and she worried whether the return to jail had played havoc with his already disturbed mind.

Griffin patted his Santa goon on the shoulder — a little too hard, she noticed, as Santa grimaced at the rough contact – and started to circle her as he spoke.

“So Victor and I hitched a ride on Santa’s sleigh, borrowed a suit, and decided to come wish YOU a merry little Christmas.” He stopped near her tiny tree, leaning toward her and affecting a wide grin. “Merry Christmas, Lois.”

His nearness unsettled her and she fought back against it with a sharp retort. “You’ll be back in that cell so fast that even Rudolph won’t be able to light you a way out of —“

“I SAID, ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS,’ LOIS,” he suddenly shouted, sweeping his arm violently into her scrappy little tree and knocking it to the floor.

She flinched as ornaments shattered and glass scattered across her floor. The timber of his voice and the sound of breaking glassware triggered the childhood trauma of Christmasses past. She pushed it down and refocused on Griffin.

He’d definitely gotten more unhinged after this latest jail stint, brief as it was.

And now he was looking at her expectantly.



Good luck, everyone!
________________________________________________


Have a question? Ask it here! Or you can PM any of the K-Com members or reach out on Discord too! You can also send an email to us here: Kcom@kerthawards.com

In order to help you find all things Kerth for this year, we’ve created a TOC for all the 🏆TOC for Kerth Awards 2025 Posts🏆.

The Kerth Committee
(KSaraSara, Michael, lovetvfan, and Evie)

Thanks for playing round four of the Kerth Quizzes, everyone!

Here are the answers for the Best Kiss Stories:
Falling For a Farm Boy by Female Hawk
Undercover Reporter: Resurrection
Fade to Black: Never on Sunday But Maybe Just For Tonight - lovetvfan
First Kiss by AmandaK
110 Kisses: You Made Your Choice (1/1—a standalone in collection of ficlets) by KSaraSara
Here I Am by Toomi8
In The Depths of My Eyes by bakasi


Here are the recommendations that people made:
2023 Ficathon: Christmas Lights for KSaraSara by JadedEvie
2023 Ficathon: Wishing You A... for JadedEvie by Queen of the Capes


Here are the scores everyone got on this quiz:
AmandaK: 7 points + 1 shiny gold star!
90sTVfangirl: 2.75 points!
UltraWoman: 7 points!
Michael: 4.25 (for putting the correct author name in the answer) + one platinum star (because it was requested; expires after one round!)
Bakasi: 4 + 1 shiny gold star!


Here are the overall scores so far:
AmandaK: 28 points + 4 shiny gold stars!
Michael: 20.25 points + 1 shiny platinum star!
UltraWoman: 20 points
Bakasi: 18 points + 4 shiny gold stars!
BlindPassenger: 12.75 points + 1 shiny gold star!
90sTVfangirl: 10.35 points + 2 shiny gold stars!

The board has shifted again with UltraWoman jumping past Bakasi! AmandaK, our reigning champion, is still defending her cape after 4 rounds, with Michael just behind! Will next week brings us a shake-up?

The next quiz, Quiz #5 the Original/Supporting Character, will be posted shortly! Head over to get your answers in now!

And thanks again for playing!

This is such an excellent story. Thank you so much for writing it Kathryn. My heart aches for both of them.