Notes: Smallville and its characters belong to DC and the WB.   All other characters are mine.  Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com..

The flashbacks here are from two earlier stories—the account of the Talon standoff (December 10, 1981) as told in “Lionel’s Revenge” and the account of Janet Dubois’ funeral as told in “Hearts of Darkness”, two earlier accounts in my Dubois Chronicles series.  For a listing of stories, links to them, the series’ timeline, and the characters, go to the website at http://dante6.fanspace.com/dubois/dubois.html.

This one was inspired by Peggy’s close friend, Walter.  I have to admit that we never met, but this man’s warmth has touched me through her words.  I'm glad that he heard it before he passed away.

Preface [Tucson November 2005]

Lana writes….

Dear Diary,

It feels weird to write to you with Chloe sitting here, but since she’s helping to fill in details, our resident Wordsmith is here.

Even though we faced the aftereffects of the Professor’s curse, the guilt over Lillian Luthor’s death haunts his steps.  While he doesn’t exactly remember, the Child does….  Hopefully, Lex can help him.

Chapter 1 [Tucson]

The students scurried about the university campus, racing to their 8:00 classes.  As if assisting them, gentle breezes pushed them onward toward their goals and the sun shone brightly, illuminating their way.

Chloe Sullivan-Luthor rushed over from the Student Union and the student newspaper’s headquarters.   As this time of the year was difficult for Lex, she allowed him space.  His mother’s death still hangs over him.  Why couldn’t she have lived and Lionel contracted the cancer?  Life’s never fair.  As soon as the thought occurred to her, she chastised herself for thinking such thoughts.  Lex wouldn’t think like that and neither should you.  Hopefully, when he returns tomorrow, it’ll be behind us for another year.

Reaching the auditorium, she saw her classmates sitting around the door, shaking their heads in wonder.  “Hi, guys.  Where’s Professor Dubois?”

Byron sighed, “Class was cancelled for some reason.”

Clark shook his head while running his hand through his hair.  “It’s weird.  He never misses a lecture.”

Unless he’s called away by the Child, Lana mused, considering all of the possibilities.  “Clark, Chloe, is today what I think it is?”

“What?” her husband asked.

“It is, Lana.  Lex flew to Metropolis yesterday afternoon to visit his mother,” the reporter replied.  “But what’s going on with the Professor?”

“Remember the stories we heard about his past?” the former cheerleader asked.  Seeing them all nod, she continued, “He and Lex’s mother were close too.”

“And she did contract the cancer at Grandmother Dubois’ funeral,” Miranda added.  “If you don’t mind, I’ll let Auntie Angie know, although they were talking last night about it.”

“Then the best thing is to let them both work it out,” Clark noted.

The others nodded, heading for the Union.  With the extra time, they decided to get a coffee and talk some more.

Chapter 2 [Metropolis, St. Gabriel’s Cemetery]

Unlike in Tucson, a gloomy overcast hung over the Metropolis skyline.  Rain threatened later in the day, but for now, it held off.  An icy wind, foreshadowing the coming Kansas winter, cut into passersby.  Cars sped up and down the street separating the graveyard from Metropolis University, oblivious to the scene about to happen there.

Right at 10:00, Dave walked through the main gate.  He had spent the previous hour in the University Library on the rise overlooking this place, preparing for this visit in the only way he could—retreating into his history books.  She always told me to read.  Be strong.  Be active.  He sighed, feeling his emotions sagging within him.  Why does this have to be so difficult?

[“Because she’s a great lady,” the Child told him.]

[“Yeah,” the Professor concurred, shaking his head.]

[“’Mon, Ah wanna pay mah r’spects,” the Other told him.]

Weird.  Dave shook his head in wonder.  For the Child to be showing such reverence astounded him.  Still, he knew the lady they sought had truly earned it in more ways than one.  He had known Lillian Luthor from his early childhood until her untimely death.  During that time, “Aunt Lillie” as he called her, sheltered him from his father and Lionel’s plots as much as she could. 

With that thought in mind, he navigated his way through the necropolis toward one grave.  Minutes later, he found it:  a finely polished marble casket above ground.  Looking around, he saw that the plant holders were bereft and some weeds had sprung up around the base. Stooping over, he plucked the offending plants from the grounds.  “I guess Lex hasn’t been here in a while.  Don’t be too hard on him, Aunt Lillie, we’ve been rather busy.  I guess you know.  We dealt with the witch.  You should have seen Lex during that mess holding the fort, staying strong back here.  And your daughter-in-law, Chloe, she is something else.  You’d like her.”

From under his coat, he produced a paper-wrapped bundle holding a dozen white roses mixed with blue pansies.  “I brought your favorite flowers.  Remember, you loved these when Mom put them out.”  He put the paper cone into a plant holder, securing it so that it wouldn’t fall.  “I don’t remember much about those days, Auntie.  Sorry.”  He sniffled, wiping a tear away from his eye.  All he had were the poignant feelings which raged through him; the Child not allowing him to experience the pain from that time.

[“Lemme out,” the Child urged.  “Please.”]

Please?  Since when do you know what that word means? Dave wondered.

[“Don’t be a smart ass.  Jus’ lemme talk.  ‘Kay?” ]

“Fine,” he muttered, allowing the change to take place. 

The Child looked around to make sure he was alone before he dusted off the monument once again.  “Hey, Ah guess Big Bro told ya’ll ‘bout Lexie an’ Chl-oe.  They’re doin’ great an’ everythin’.  We all miss ya.”  He sighed, feeling uncharacteristically weak in this place.  Unlike Dave, he did remember everything.  "Ah wanna thank ya for everythin’.  Fer the books an’ your smile.  Ya’ll made everythin’ all right,” he continued, a tear trickling down his left cheek.  Memories came back to him in a flash.  He recalled a kind red haired woman who had befriended him, encouraging him to strike his own path even in the face of the most stringent of opposition.

Just make sure your heart and intentions are pure and that your way will be clear of innocents. She had recited that maxim to Dave over and over—much to his father’s and Lionel’s chagrin.  It was that advice that pushed the young man to defy his father over the Talon.  Even as that encounter had left Dave scarred and drove the final wedge, splitting the two personas, she hadn’t budged.  In fact, even as Lionel forbade her to see him in the hospital afterwards, she defied her husband.  First, she arranged for the best medical care.  Then working with the Kents, she had flown his best friend out there to be with him in Smallville. 

‘Cause of that, Ah was born.  Ah don’t feel bad fer that.  Ah know Big Bro would do it ‘gain seein’ how the kiddies love Picture Place.  “Ah just wish we coulda saved ya.” 

In the end, it was her compassion that doomed Lillian.  Her caring for the tortured teenager linked them, connecting her to his curse. 

*****

[Janet Dubois’ funeral, Amherst, MA--April 1983]

Dave trembled from both rage and grief.  Again, the witch, Anne Lichtenfeld, had struck at someone he loved, taking his grandmother with her ‘cancer touch’ just as with his Grandfather Alvaro.  I’ll stop this somehow.  No more.  No more.  Seeing a familiar red-haired woman approach, he asked, "Aunt Lillie?"

Lillian Luthor managed a smile for his benefit.  "Yes, David, it's me.  As soon as I heard, I reserved seats on the first flight from Metropolis."  She embraced him, knowing the damage that this tragedy was wrecking on him.  He still isn't over the beating in Smallville yet.  The doctors are wondering if he'll ever recover.  "Are these the friends we heard so much about?"

"Well...some of them.  Garth Singleton, Steve Petersen, Frank Landers, April McKenzie, this is Lillian Luthor.  Aunt Lillie, these are April, Garth, Frank and Steve.  You remember Karen, right?" Dave introduced.

"Of course," Mrs. Luthor agreed.  "I wish we could be meeting under better circumstances, kids.  This is a tragedy for everyone.  Who would have thought that cancer could take somebody so fast?"

It can't unless it has help, Dave mused.  "How's Lex?"

"Oh, he's waiting by the table.  Hang on."  She walked over and took her son's hand before heading back over to the group's side.  "Everyone, this is my son, Lex Luthor."

The eight year old looked shyly at the teenagers.  "You're David's friends, aren't ya?  The ones who gave 'im that big card?"

April giggled.  "That's right.  And you were helping Dave with saving the Talon, weren't you?"

The boy nodded.  "An' I got a medal!"

"You did?" Dave asked, a smile coming to his face.  "Who gave you that?"

"Momma did," the boy replied, rubbing her side.

"Lionel doesn't think he's a hero, but I do.  And you are too, David.  By the way, I made a trip out to Smallville before getting on the plane.  The townspeople wanted me to give you this card," Lillian explained, handing him an envelope. 

They remembered.  How?  "How would they know about that?"

"Well, I know how close you two were and you did speak to the Kents about it.  Martha insisted that we get you something nice.  You can open it later if you want, but please take it."

"Thank you and please thank them," Dave accepted.  "Well, it's almost time for the service to start...so let's get seated.  Karen, you're with me.  Wish me luck with my piece."

"You've got it," Steve asserted.  "Just take it easy."

Take it easy he says.  Yeah right, he told himself while sitting down with his family.  Feeling a tap on the shoulder, he turned to see Cybelle sitting there.  "Cybbie?"

"Yeah.  How could this happen?" she asked, hugging him.

"You-Know-Who struck again," he noted.  "How are you doing?"

"Well, all things considered, I'm okay.  This is Sister Pauline, my school sponsor.  Sister, this is my brother, David."

"Good to meet you, Sister," he told his sister's older companion.

"And the same to you, David.  You have our deepest sympathies," Pauline concurred, gripping his hand.  There is great evil within you and surrounding this place.  Goddess, protect us. 

"Thank you," he replied. 

You're welcome.  No wonder the Mother has asked me to look after you, David.  The forces against you here are great.  Pauline straightened her skirt as she prepared to listen to Stuart's address.

After his father spoke, Dave stood up and walked to the dais.  But before he could say anything, the sky grew dark.  A strong wind gusted through the tented area.

[From inside of his head, he heard the Voice growl, “She's doin' it again.  Get ready....”]

Now what?  He looked beyond the tent-covered space to see his glowing tormenter standing there.  "You're not welcome!"

Everyone turned to see the witch's ghost standing just behind them.

Cybelle's eyes bulged.  "Sister, protect me!"

"Ye have a gathering and left me out.  For shame!" the ghost chided.

"We've got no room for a party crasher!" Dave hissed, stomping to the edge of the covered space.  "Leave now."

"Go away!" she laughed, hitting him with a fire blast and knocking him off of his feet.

"Dave!" Karen exclaimed, running to his side.

"Git away..." he snarled, forcing himself to stand again.  "Ya're not gonna touch 'er anymore!"

The witch released another blast, but he shrugged it off, roaring his displeasure.

"I can hurt ye like this!" Lichtenfeld spat, firing past him and destroying the still unburied urn...with the ashes inside.  Once exposed, the ash scattered on the wind, blowing away.

"NO!!" he bellowed, watching her ashes spread out across the cemetery.  "GRRAARRRGGGHHH!!!"  He shuddered, feeling his head go numb and seeing nothing but red. 

Pauline stared at him.  It's as bad as the Mother said.  He's changing.  How can I stop her without exposing Cybelle or myself?

Meantime, Dave (the Child actually) looked around for something of use.  Spying a vial of holy water, he sniggered,  "Oh, this could be fun!"  After pouring it onto a long drop cloth, he  hurried toward his opponent twirling the wet cloth in his hand and whipped it at the spirit.

"WHAT?  I felt that!" the ghost complained.

"Well, well...the bitch has a weakness," he cracked, preparing for another swipe.  Moving quickly, he struck out at the spirit again and again.  "Ya better run!"

“Still, I can hurt ye like this too!” the witch hissed, firing another dark blast, hitting Lillian square in the chest.

“Momma!” Lex screamed, looking her over.

“That’s it!” the Child yelled, snapping the cloth at Lichtenfeld, backing her away from the others….

*****

That encounter had struck her down—dooming her to die from the same cancer as the others.  While the doctors couldn’t deduce the cause, the teenager knew of the witch’s curse.  Ah wish we coulda saved ya.  He repeated that to himself.  “Why?  Why did ya hafta die?” he bellowed, screaming his consternation to the sky.  Then he fell to his knees sobbing softly, not knowing or caring if anyone saw him.  “WHY?”

Chapter 3 [Five Minutes Earlier]

Even as the Child revealed his innermost thoughts, a white Porsche pulled up by the entrance.  Although he could have parked closer, Lex didn’t like to flaunt wealth on these trips.  His mother had always told him to care about others.

Just make sure your heart and intentions are pure and that your way will be clear of innocents. 

Lex managed a whimsical smile, as he took out a bouquet of his own and headed across the grassy resting place toward the marble sarcophagus.  He recalled his mother’s kindness toward others and her strength to defend them against even the worst of his father’s schemes.  She stood for compassion and warmth, always encouraging him to care for others and to use his resources for their benefit.  And I always do, Mom.  Just as you taught me. 

About halfway there, he heard a familiar scream.  What the?  Him?  Here?  He rushed across the remaining space, fearing the worst.  About ten feet shy of the grave; he stopped short and took in the scene in front of him. 

There, he saw what he thought was Dave kneeling in front of her monument, crying over something.  However, from the sound, he knew that the Child was talking for them both.  Amazing.  He remembers Mom.  Already in place, Lex admired the flowers standing in the plant rest.  And he recalled her favorite arrangement.  Incredible. But why wouldn’t he?  Lex smiled, recalling how she had linked him to the man in front of him.  She told us that we were brothers, not by blood, but by circumstance and choice. 

Then the Child screamed in pain again; bellowing for answers to an uncaring sky.  “Why her?  WHY?”

“A good question,” Lex answered.

The Child wheeled around, prepared to defend this turf.  Upon seeing the billionaire, he relaxed. “Ya came too.”

Lex nodded, putting his flowers in the other holder.  “Didn’t think I’d forget about my Mom, did you?”

“Nah, Ah knew ya wouldn’t.  Big Bro an’ Ah told ‘er ‘bout ya an’ Chl-oe,” the Child responded.

“Did you tell her about how you’re fulfilling the Promise?  How you’re teaching the others?” Lex inquired.

“Nah, she don’t wanna hear ‘bout us.  Ah figgered ya’ll were more imp’rtant, Lexie,” the Child presumed.

Lex sighed, his eyes watering.  And he’s being humble too?  If there’s a testament to my mother, it’s that she can bring even this dark child to his knees where even the worst of demons and wizards can’t come close.  He embraced his friend.  “Don’t think that.  All right?  You know how she feels about you and Dave.  We’re brothers, you know.”

“Really?” the Child wondered.

“Really,” Lex affirmed.  “She told me that herself.  I’m so glad I listened to her.  You know that she made me promise to help you both, right?”

“Figgers,” the Dark One retorted.  “But you woulda anyhow, right?”

“Absolutely,” the billionaire confirmed, rubbing his friend’s shoulder.  “You showed me the way toward my own path.”

“Nah, she did that,” the Child disagreed.  “Ah was jus’ followin’ her pretty words.  Ah ‘member ‘er bein’ so nice.  Was she like that with ya’ll?”

Lex smiled warmly, recalling several experiences with his mother before collecting himself.  “Every day.”

“Yeah,” the Child replied.  “Ah can tell.  Hey, Ah’ll leave ya to talk to her.  Make sure ya’ll tell her everythin’.”

“That’s not necessary,” Lex disagreed.

“Nah.  Ah need to think.  Ya know where the book place is over there?” the Child asked, pointing across the street. 

Guessing that he was referring to the library, he nodded.  “Meet you there when I’m done?”

“Yeah.  Me and Big Bro will be waitin’,” the Child told him before concluding, “We love ya, Auntie.”  With that, he was gone, hustling away from the stone toward the entrance and the halls of learning beyond.

Lex shook his head, marveling once again at the sight.  Mom, once again, I’m reminded about how special you are.  How deeply your compassion reaches—even into the depths of the most tortured soul or in this case, his soul and mine.  He now took his turn kneeling before this shrine.  “He’s right, you know.  You did show us the way.  I hope he didn’t spoil all of the surprises.  Well, you have a daughter-in-law.  That’s right; Chloe and I finally got married this summer.  She’s so full of fire, ready to stand up for anyone.  She’s so much like you that sometimes I swear that I’m talking to you when she’s there.  You’d really love her.  And the others are really doing well.  Clark Kent married the Langs’ daughter, Lana, at the same ceremony.  They’re all enjoying a really unique experience down in Tucson thanks to Dave.”

Thinking of his friend gave the businessman pause for a minute before he continued, “You had Dave pegged, didn’t you?  In spite of everything, he survived and continues to be an example.  I don’t mind saying how he amazes me.  I wondered how he hangs on even in the darkness.  I can see now that your light shines for him.   As he said, I miss you too.  I love you.”  Wiping his cheek with his right index finger, he ran it across the marble, blessing it with his tears of mixed sadness and joy.  Then he kissed his fingers and planted it on top of the tears, sealing his love and devotion to her onto the hard surface.  “Take care.  All right?”  Feeling his eyes water, he stood up and wiped the tears.  “We miss you.”

With that, he headed toward the car, ready to meet his brother by choice.

Conclusion [Library]

Lex parked in the lot behind the library and walked around the building.  At the top of the concrete ramp, he found Dave sitting and gazing at the landscape.

“Hey,” Lex called.

“Oh, Lex,” the Professor replied, closing the book and standing.  “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“About my mother, I trust?”

“Of course.  This is her day.  She’s proud of you, you know,” the Professor told him.

“Correction.  She’s proud of both of us.  Never forget that.  You were like her own,” Lex countered, smirking with pride in spite of himself.

“I hope the Child didn’t cause any damage.  I didn’t hear any police reports,” Dave noted.

“No damage.  In fact, he was relaying the love you both share for her.  I have to admit that I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes,” Lex admitted. 

“You’re serious?” Dave inquired, not believing what he was hearing.

“I am,” Lex continued, the Smirk widening on his face.  “He was being downright humble.”  Rubbing the other’s shoulder, he urged, “Come on.  Let’s get something to eat and then you can hitch a ride on my jet.  Okay?”

“Sounds good,” Dave agreed, smiling warmly.  “We do have to put those lessons to work, don’t we?”

“Everyday,” Lex concurred, leading his brother-by-choice toward the parking lot.  “Everyday.”

THE END 

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