Notes 1: Notes Part 1: The characters from “Forever Knight” belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from “Xena Warrior Princess” and “Hercules the Legendary Journeys” belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from “Smallville” belong to DC Comics and the WB. Spider-Man, Ursa Major and Darkstar belong to Marvel. The characters from “Mutant X” belong to Marvel and Tribune. All other characters and scenarios are fictitious and belong to me. Please send any questions or comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Prologue
[Amazon Village c. 87 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Seeing Hercules and Serena establish themselves in Smallville has been a source of joy for Xena and me. Of course, Clark and his family pitched in almost immediately, proving to be wonderful neighbors but that’s hardly a surprise.

Of course, we knew that Ares wouldn’t stand pat and allow this to continue without raising a stink of some kind. As such, David’s asking Hope to watch things during an especially busy testing day at his academy.

This is going to be something else…..

[Talon]

Lana Lang-Kent writes….

Dear Diary,

According to Mom and Dad, Hercules and Serena are the best neighbors anyone could want. With Clark and me staying in Tucson except when I have my weekend Talon shifts, both sets of neighbors pitch in to get things done.

Serena’s volunteered to wait tables over at the Talon. Working with her is an absolute joy. I’m so glad everything’s working out.

Now if Ares will stay out of his brother’s business. <sigh…> We might as well wish for snow in the summer because it won’t happen.

Chapter 1 [Smallville, Hercules’ new house—Just after Dusk two weeks after “Case Reopened”]

The sun set in a blaze of fire over the Kansas prairie during the first week of April. A pleasant cool breeze rustled the tall grass and relaxed the people of Smallville as they went about their daily affairs.

Out in back of the house, Hercules steered the Kents’ tractor up and down the field, trying to get a few rows done by himself. Since he and Serena had settled in the future, they had struggled to adjust to this society. Electric lights stunned them, as did the motorized carriages without horses. Fortunately, he knew of plumbing from his time in Pompeii. Fortunately, Jonathan could give me lessons on this thing. I wish we didn’t have to rely so much on him and his family.

At that moment, Clark called, “Hercules! Hey!”

Remembering to set the brake, the half-god looked to find his friend standing right next to him. “I thought you and Lana were in Arizona.”

“We were but classes let out early and we wanted to see if you needed any help,” Clark explained.

Hercules nodded. “I appreciate it, Clark. I don’t want to be a bigger burden on your parents.”

The Kryptonian smiled. “Think nothing of it. From what I hear, it’s mutual. Serena watched Melissa a couple of times last week while they went into town. And I’m glad to see good people living in this house.”

“Thank you, Clark. You and Lana have been too kind,” Hercules expressed.

“It’s our pleasure,” Clark replied warmly. He looked out onto the dirt field and saw that it had been totally plowed. “You’re learning fast.”

“I’m trying. Now to plant the seed,” his new neighbor noted, as they walked toward the barn. “Your father was showing me how to do it. I have to say things have changed a lot in 2000 years.”

“I imagine they have. Being from another planet, I can relate,” Clark surmised.

“Another planet, huh? Yeah, that’s what it feels like,” Hercules concurred. Seeing their wives waving to them, he added, “I think they want us.”

Clark shrugged. “Let’s go.”

They headed from the barn toward the porch where the two ladies waited for them.

“We figured you could use some lemonade,” Lana told him, holding up a filled glass.

“That looks good,” Hercules agreed. After drinking the glass down, he smiled. “That hits the spot. Thanks.”

Serena asked, “Are your parents coming tonight, Clark?”

“They’re looking forward to it,” Clark responded, sitting down next to his wife.

“I hope my cooking’s good enough for them,” Serena worried.

“I’m sure it’ll be great. Besides, you have a handle on all of those Greek spices for that lamb we brought with us,” the former cheerleader assured her.

The two newcomers looked at each other and decided to let things happen as they were going to.

****

Meantime, Dave and Nick watched the scene from the rise separating the two farms.

“It’s something, isn’t it?” the medievalist asked.

“I’m glad it worked out,” the Elder agreed.

“We were lucky,” Dave pointed out. “I’m just glad nothing more happened to the kids.”

“Dave, I told you that I would be more careful.”

Dave relented, “I know, Nick. I believe it when you say that. I just…well…I worry about the students as if they were my own kids is all.”

“I think we know that. I’m sure the Child feels the same way,” the immortal presumed.

“Absolutely,” Dave agreed, feeling a familiar tremor surging through him. “Speaking of which, it’s been too quiet. Ares has to be up to something.”

“Don’t go inviting trouble by looking for it,” Nick urged.

“I’m not looking for it but I want to be ready,” Dave noted.

[“Well dinner’s ready, Hotshot. Come on; we’re waiting for you,” Angie advised.]

[“We’ll be right there,” he agreed.] Turning to Nick, he grinned. “That was the chow bell. Let’s go.” He opened a portal. “After you.” After Nick stepped through, he followed, shutting it behind him.

*****

[Talon—Three hours later]

After a very hearty dinner of roast lamb, the group headed to the Talon for coffee and dessert. With Lex and Lana reserving a table for them all, finding a place to sit was a snap.

For Hercules, these outings helped ease his transition into the twenty-first century. He watched the teenagers congregate with their friends, discussing the latest goings-on at school and around town. He also studiously ignored the women looking him over as well.

At those times, Serena showed off her wedding ring and cuddled close to her husband as if to say ‘back off, girls’.

As she did so, Angie would give her husband a nudge to stop him from laughing. She knew Dave secretly enjoyed such one-upmanship.

“How’s everything?” Lex asked.

“Great,” Serena replied. “Thanks to all of you. I have to say this is all so startling.”

“Getting used to this new way of farming has been an adjustment,” her husband concurred.

“We’ve got some experience in that regard,” Dave stated, looking at his wife.

“It’s no trouble,” Martha declared. “We help each other out.”

“That’s how neighbors operate,” Jonathan added.

“And I’m glad to see good people in the house where I used to live,” Lana declared, serving up another round of coffees.

“Xena said you folks would be like this,” Hercules told them, smiling as he said it.

“Any friend of hers is a friend of ours,” Dave assured him, tipping his mug to him. “Cheers.”

“Cheers!” everyone toasted.

Angie grinned, feeling her “roommate” practically glowing with pride over how well her friends got along. “And she’s happy you’re both making it.”

“Next time you both talk, Angie, please thank her for that,” Serena requested.

The oncologist leaned close to her friend’s ear and whispered, “You just did but she knew that already. You and Hercules are happy and that’s all that matters to her.”

[“Amen,” Dave concurred inside of the oncologist’s head.]

“We should have the field sown by tomorrow,” Hercules noted. “Jonathan, Martha, I’d like to help you all out if I could.”

The farmer and his wife looked at each other before he indicated, “Well…there is a part of a fence that needs repair in the south pasture.”

Clark flushed, feeling embarrassed that his assignments had kept him from getting to that task.

“It’s okay, Clark, we understand,” his mother assured him. “Besides, Hercules offered and it would be a big help.”

“I don’t want to impose on him is all,” Clark indicated.

The hero shrugged. “It’s no problem, Clark. I’m happy to help out. After all, your family’s been really kind to us.”

“Besides,” Serena added, “You and Lana did set us free. What are a few favors in exchange?”

Lana rubbed her husband’s shoulder. “Listen to them, Clark, it’s going to be okay.”

Clark looked out the front window into the darkness. For some reason, he had a bad feeling as if something was going to happen. I just hope that Ares stays away for all of our sakes.

Chapter 2 [Mount Olympus]

Ares sat on the granite throne of the gods, watching the events going on through Zeus’ seeing pool. As Dave had anticipated, he disapproved of his half-brother’s newfound happiness in Smallville, seething at how his interfering mortal adversaries had paved the way for it to happen. “I hate those mortals!” He sidearmed a fire ball off of the far wall.

“Now, Ares, patience is a virtue,” Callisto reminded him, as she entered the chamber. “And we are gods, remember?”

She doesn’t need to know that I’m not that anymore thanks to Eli and his One God not to mention Dubois. “Remind me again why I sent you here.”

“You’re really going to try to kill your brother alone?” she asked with an air of sarcasm. “Really, you do have a short memory, don’t you? From what I remember, Farm Boy and his little pretty down there kicked your tail fairly quickly. Less than a minute from what I recall. Stir in Dubois and his dark side and well….” She took out her dagger and considered the blade’s edges for a second while letting the words dangle. “…you might find yourself gone.”

“Oh do shut up!” he warned, scowling at his reluctant ally.

“Or you’ll do what?” she asked. “This is REALITY, all right? You really think Dubois and Xena are going to let you march into that hick town and wipe everything off of the map? Get a grip!” She looked into the pool and studied the group depicted there. “No, this is going to take a bit of planning.”

“You? Come up with a plan by yourself? Oh this is going to be rich,” he scoffed.

She glared at him; a devilish grin spreading across her face and the maniacal gleam appearing in her eye. “You don’t get points with a frontal assault, you moron. Oh no, it’s all in the subtlety.” She rubbed her hands together and paced about the room. “Dubois caught you with your pants down. I say we turn the tables.”

He arched an eyebrow at her, not believing that she was actually forming a plan in that pea brain of hers. “Enlighten me as to how we do that.”

“It’s all in timing and applying pressure at the right point,” she continued, stabbing at the air with the dagger. “We watch and wait. At the right time, we strike.” She looked at him over her right shoulder. “I can’t wait to see the look on the good Xena’s face when her friends are dead.”

“And what about Dubois?” he wondered.

“What about him? I owe him for that cheap maneuver and this scar,” she seethed. “Nobody does that to me!”

“Oh gee, a scar. Get over it,” he retorted sarcastically, getting up and strutting around the room. “Still, I have to admit your plan has…merit. We let my mongrel half-brother get his hopes up and then we strike. I like it.”

“I thought you might.” She grinned ferally. And to see the look on Xena’s face afterwards will be priceless!

Chapter 3 [Two weeks after the Talon gathering]

[Tucson]

Dave sat in his office, grading exams for the students. The next week would close out “paper season” at least for his classes. However, the kids would be occupied with the last batch of midterms not to mention Adam’s exercises at Sanctuary. He looked out the window into the late spring desert evening.

Hearing a knock at the door, he noted, “It’s open. Come in.”

Amy Roberts stood there. “Thank you. I can come back later if you’re in the middle of something.”

He shook his head and offered, “My office is open, Amy. Take a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

“That would be nice. Thanks,” she accepted, taking the chair and the coffee. She took a deep breath, as if trying to think of how to say something.

He sat in his chair, studying her facial expression. “It’s okay. I don’t bite.”

“What?” she asked nervously.

“You have something to say and it’s bothering you. Just come out with it,” he advised.

She stiffened for a second, feeling the old defensiveness kick in. “There are a couple of things but do you mind if I closed the door? This is kind of private.”

“Sure,” he agreed, shutting it telekinetically for her. “Sorry, it’s a reflex.”

She allowed him a brief smile. “First, I wanted to thank you for…working with me on my gifts and relations with other mutants.”

“We all have to do that, Amy,” he told her. “It’s an ongoing process. How are you doing with the kids anyhow, if I might ask?”

“It’s getting better, at least it seems like it,” she told him. “Once you give them a chance, they’re quite a nice group of people.”

“That they are. Amy, they’ve all been through a lot and survived. That’s why Angie and I started the Community. So that they could have support and so could people like us,” he explained. Seeing her skeptical look, he added, “Yeah, I said us. You’re special too.”

“Well…thank you for that, Dave. It’s okay if I call you that? Isn’t it?” she replied hesitantly.

“We are colleagues, Amy. I don’t see why not,” he assured her. “And I would hope friends too.”

Given the circumstances surrounding her first day there, she nodded, feeling the shame burning within her. “That…would be nice.”

“Angie and I are fine with you. The important thing though—is how you’re doing with Chloe and Lex,” he told her.

She took a deep breath. “Things are…well…getting a little better. At least, she talks to me now. I wish she’d call me ‘Mom’ though.”

“She will when she’s ready,” he commented, knowing how set in her ways the blonde reporter could be. “Don’t push her or try to force her though.”

“I know about your father but what about your mother? Did you and she ever reconcile before she died?” she wondered. “Sorry if that’s too personal.”

He sighed, recalling all of the trials and travails with his parents. “Fortunately, we did. My mother finally accepted me for who I was. My father put her through a lot, Amy. She took her pain out on me. Once we worked past that stuff, she and I were okay.”

“And it took a while for that to work out?”

He nodded. “Several years and in-depth conversations. You do have one advantage though and it’s the same one she had.”

“What’s that?” she wondered.

“A spouse that wants you both to heal your wounds. Just as Angie helped us, I think Lex wants to help you both ease the pain. He’s a better man than you think, Amy,” he noted, before taking a gulp from his cup. “He’s like my little brother.”

In her mind, she recalled the scene in front of the Talon and how the man talking to her had turned wild, taking out the foreman and several workers. “I still see that day in my mind. And Lex, where was he?”

“Did you see my father’s foreman take a swing at me with his chain?” he asked. Seeing her nod, he added, “Remember the boy who took the impact?”

She gasped. “That was Lex?”

“It was,” he indicated, heading over to the bookshelf where the copied picture of him, Karen, Lex, the Kents and the Langs standing in front of the Talon sat. “This was taken three weeks later.”

She walked over and looked at the picture for a minute, almost feeling the mixed waves of pain and happiness washing over her. “I gather this is why you feel so close to them and the town?”

“Smallville took care of me during that time,” he told her. “Even as the Child developed, Martha, Lillian Luthor and Laura Lang made sure I felt safe. Their kids are like my own.” He took a deep breath. “I couldn’t save Lillian or the Langs but I can make sure the kids get the preparation they deserve.” He smiled warmly. “Besides they’re an absolute delight to be around.”

“I see. You’ve been a big help, Dave. Thank you,” she expressed, collecting her purse and heading toward the door.

“Actually if you have a minute, I’m meeting Angie and Henry Small for a cup of coffee. You’re welcome to come,” he offered.

She shook her head. “I have grading to do but maybe you’d give me a rain check?”

“Done,” he agreed. “And, Amy?”

“Yes?”

He smiled warmly. “Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate how hard you’re trying to deal with the kids and yourself. Be patient with Chloe. It’s going to take a while.”

She nodded. “I know. Have a good night, Dave. Thank you too for being so open.” With that, she headed out the door.

He set aside the papers, satisfied with his progress for the night. I think she’s going to make it. With that, he locked the door and headed for the café.

*****

[A/N: Sheriff Roscoe Coltrane is from the “Dukes of Hazzard” and belongs to his copyright holders.]

[Café]

Fifteen minutes later, he walked through the door of the nearby café and looked around. Due to the fact that it was almost 8:30, only a few patrons remained. This place could have better coffee. Maybe then, people would come out. Seeing his group in the corner, he strolled over to join them, “Hey, troops, how goes it?”

“Hey, Sweetums,” Angie greeted, as they kissed. “Busy night at the UMC.”

“And at the law school,” Henry concurred. “I’m halfway through the papers for my classes. I hope to get them done this weekend.”

“Sounds about like me,” Dave concurred, waving for the waitress to come over. “I would like a cherry scone and a cup of French Vanilla Decaf please.”

“Coming right up, Professor,” the waitress agreed, hustling off.

Henry smiled. “You know, I was back in Smallville last weekend, right?”

The Duboises looked at each other and nodded.

“I had a chance to talk with the new couple while I was there. They seem like really nice folks,” the law professor commented. “One thing though. Is he the Hercules? As in…well…slayer of hydras, twelve labors, etc.?”

“That’s him. Just keep it under your hat, okay?” she affirmed. “We don’t need Smallville’s female Roscoe on his case.”

He nodded, recalling his own run-ins with the overeager enforcer. “She’s got it in for Clark and Lana, I’ll tell you. She follows them everywhere when they’re in town. I’m sure she really loves you, Dave.”

“Actually, Genius here worked out a truce with her if you can imagine that,” she cracked.

Henry nearly spat his coffee back in his cup. “What? Dave, how did you do that?”

“It was easy when it came down to brass tacks. She gets her jollies off of harassing jaywalkers, litter bugs and shoplifters. I handle the big guns—meteor mutants, wannabe gods, invading aliens, smart alecky wives—yada, yada, yada,” the medievalist explained, adding a jab onto it for his wife.

“Who handles who, Chief?” she teased back with a raised eyebrow and a smirk that would have made Lex proud. “Seriously, Henry, the Kents love having Herc and Serena as neighbors. She asked Lana if she could wash dishes at the Talon on the weekend for extra money.”

“Watch once they’re adjusted,” Dave concurred, raising his mug to take in the coffee’s aroma. “Henry, they just want a place to live in peace, raise a family and be good neighbors.”

“I’d be inclined to agree,” Henry noted. “Anyhow, how are exams looking?”

“Next week’s going to be a killer for the kids,” the medievalist replied. “Frankly, that concerns me.”

“Why? They’ll handle it,” she pointed out.

Dave shook his head. “That’s not what I’m worried about, Princess. Herc does have one piece of baggage with him.”

“Ares,” she realized, feeling her mood sinking.

“Ares? As in Ares, the god of war?” Henry asked.

“Former war god. The Greek pantheon was eliminated,” she explained.

“Eliminated? By what?” The law professor sat there astounded. His companions never failed to amaze him.

“By who. The gods decided to deal with something. Angie got caught in the crossfire. She…well…she died. Our friends rallied some troops. The Child eliminated the gods during the fighting except for Ares and Aphrodite,” Dave recounted, shaking slightly at the blurred memories of that ordeal.

She hugged him, moving to prevent any mood tremors. “It worked out. Eve, Francesca and I came back safe. I knew you’d come after us and that you’d be strong for the girls.”

“As you were last winter,” he agreed, returning the embrace. “Sorry, Henry, see what happens when you married to the Best Girl in the World?”

“Oh now I’m the Best Girl?” she wisecracked. “A minute ago, you handled wisealecky wives and now I’m that?” She let her eyes sparkle at him. “Don’t change, Dave.”

“That’s fine. I’m glad to see you both like this. It’s a good example for the kids. But you were saying?” Henry agreed.

“Yeah. Frankly, guys, I’m worried that Ares might use this as an opportunity to strike at Smallville. He has it in for the kids, especially Clark and Lana. Add in Callisto and you’ve got a recipe for disaster,” Dave explained.

She swallowed hard, knowing he was right. “What can we do, Dave? The kids are all here next weekend for training too.”

“Darkstar can go. I know two other people we can ask,” the medievalist informed them. “I’ve been planning this out.”

“So we’re talking about having Hercules and your friends? What about Serena?” Henry asked, trying to understand where he was going with this plan.

“Trust me; she can take care of herself,” Angie declared, drawing from Xena’s memories of the Golden Hind.

“And there’s one other person I want to ask. Given her attitude toward the Gruesome Twosome, she’d work out. I just wonder if we can trust her?” Dave continued.

“Who, Dave?” his wife wondered. Seeing his unease, she probed slightly before seeing the answer. “Oh no! Not her!”

“We don’t have a choice,” Dave countered.

Feeling Xena’s anger boil up inside of her, Angie hissed, “Hope is not an option! She killed Solen, remember? She threatened her own grandparents!”

“She also hates Ares and Callisto. Common purpose, remember?”

“But what if she decides to kill the Kents anyway for kicks? What then, Big Shot?” she argued.

“Oh, I think His Darkness will make it really clear what’ll happen,” Dave affirmed, letting a slight growl escape for emphasis. “I want certain parties with me when I broach it to her if you get my drift.”

His wife rolled her eyes. “Oh you can bet those three will be there. Count on it.”

“And I don’t think she wants to deal with Clark if she does,” Dave added. “Still, I think that’s enough for tonight. I want to get a message out to a certain wall-crawling friend of ours. Let’s get the bill and head out. Henry, hope you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine. Just as long as the town’s safe. Have a good night,” the lawyer responded, albeit uncertainly.

“Thanks. Have a good night. Come on, Dave,” she concluded, heading toward the counter.

After they left, Henry sat at the table shaking his head, hoping for the best to come out of this situation.

*****

[Dubois Condo]

Twenty minutes later, Dave and Angie walked into their condo, still feeling miffed about their disagreement.

“I can’t believe it. Will nothing I say convince you otherwise?” she asked indignantly.

“Not really,” he retorted sharply. He hated treating her like that but under the circumstances, he needed the best—and Hope was one of them. He looked around the room, feeling a familiar vibration. “Show yourself!”

At that moment, Lorenzo and Ryan appeared.

“Grandpa Alvaro, what is it?” she wondered.

The older angel replied earnestly, “We wanted to confirm David’s suspicions. Ares is planning an attack on your friends.”

“Figures,” Dave groused, setting two cups in the microwave to heat up.

“We would caution you on your choice of allies, however,” Ryan urged.

“Exactly my point,” she concurred, feeling glad that someone recognized the validity in her argument.

“You know the Kents are like my own family,” the medievalist noted.

“We know. I feel the same way,” the younger angel agreed. “Still, David, you’ll need someone up there to keep watch on her.”

“And there will be,” Dave indicated. “Besides Hope, you’ll have Spider-Man, Darkstar and Hercules. That should be sufficient.”

Rubbing her temples for a second, she felt Xena’s familiar twinge. Then she told them, “Xena will join them there. I’ll just call in that day and hope that there’s no big emergency back here.”

He sighed, realizing that was probably the best deal they were going to get. “That’ll be fine. Let’s hope that everything works out.”

“Be on your guard, David,” Lorenzo advised earnestly. “You know that Ares could use Smallville to distract you all and attack here.”

“We have more than enough firepower to deal with him in either place,” Dave pointed out. “But a little caution would be called for.”

“That’s all we ask,” Ryan declared. “Watch out for the Kents, all right?” With that, the two angels vanished.

“Now what?” she asked her husband.

“Now we convene that meeting,” he replied, looking out the front window. “The light over at Clark and Lana’s place is still on. Let’s go.”

Oh why not? She shrugged, knowing that he had some point to his plans as always. She just wanted to know what it was and where Hope would fit into it.