Revelations (Dubois Chronicles 2.90)
DJ Dubois
December 2005



Rating: T/M (Teen/Mature):  Language, some fighting, interracial relationship and female/female relationship featured

Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules the Legendary Journeys belong to StudiosUSA and Universal. Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Andromeda belongs to Tribune and was created by Gene Roddenberry. Veronica Mars belongs to Rob Thomas Productions and the WB. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

 


Introduction [Queen’s Hut, Amazon Village, c.90 AD]

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

Nature hates a void. Even as we resolve some issues, others arise to take their place. In the last scroll, I showed how the Kents and Luthors resolved the issue of their future with the aid of our friends from the Andromeda. Meanwhile, Jasmine’s transition and Hope’s desired entrance offer still more opportunities for growth.

If we deal with the ramifications in the process….

 

 


Chapter 1 [Amazon Village—two weeks following “Vendetta” (DC 2.88)]

Gabrielle took a deep breath as she set her quill down and looked over the latest scroll. It’s done! She had foregone a great deal of sleep to accomplish her part of revising the Communal Law. “I hope the Empress doesn’t resist this. We’ve already had too much pain already.”

“Why would she?” Eve wondered, entering the hut. “We’ve taken great pains to be fair and equitable to everyone.”

“Nobody likes having something forced on them, Eve,” the queen argued. “Still, I can imagine how David must have been when Deirdre passed away.”

“That is why love prevailed, Gabrielle,” the former Messenger noted. “Even if Isobel is still at large, most of her power is gone along with the Coven. Thank Eli that we were able to deal with them. Mother’s still stewing over it.”

“Your mother worries—even if she doesn’t want to admit it,” Gabrielle commented. “Anything tied to Alti makes her see red and with good reason.”

“Solen.”

“That’s a wound that will never heal,” the Bard assessed. “Still I wish she and Hope could eventually get along.”

“As you said, Solen’s death keeps that from happening. Speaking of Hope, I wanted to support her request to attend the university,” Eve proposed.

“That I don’t have a problem with. I’m wondering if we can trust her with the Kents? You know how protective both David and the Child are toward them,” Gabrielle reminded her.

“We’ve seen how she is toward Martha though. Even Hercules thinks Hope deserves a chance,” Eve argued.

Just as he thought Xena did. “All right,” Gabrielle relented, getting up from her throne. “Let’s go and talk to her.”

They headed across the rebuilt village toward the prisoner’s hut.

The two posted guards relaxed as the two royals approached, allowing them access.

“Thank you,” the Queen expressed as she and the princess entered. “Hope, how are you?”

Her daughter glared at her. “The surroundings are so exquisite, Mother. One would think that my role in stopping those hags would allow me some privileges.”

“I promised you that and I meant it. Hope, if the Kents are willing to agree to it, I’ll go along with you living with them. Nothing though is to happen to them. Are we clear?”

“Mother, the woman, Martha, showed me something. She stood up to Father with kindness. I would like to experience that and being around the children. Dubois has much to offer us all. And then, you all can watch me in the desert and the plains,” Hope clarified. “I’ll never find that warmth with Xena glowering at me.”

“She has her reasons,” Eve indicated.

“We’re even actually. She slew my child as well, remember? Tell her to get over it!” Hope growled.

“Even as you both threatened your family. Hope, those were your grandparents and Aunt Lilla. You left her with no choice,” her mother countered. “Xena and I both fear that you’ll try and do the same to the Kents.”

Hope’s eyes narrowed. “The Kents aren’t your family, Mother! Martha accepts me as I am. She saved me from the possessed children. Besides, even your precious Xena got a second chance! Why can’t I have that?” A stray tear betrayed her deeply concealed pain. “Why?”

“That is what we’re going to give you, Hope. Can you teleport us there?” Eve requested.

“Thought you’d never ask,” Hope hissed while taking their hands and whisking them all away in a flash.

****

[Far side of the Village]

Jasmine sat and meditated dejectedly over the very close future for herself. As with her colleagues and Amazon sisters, she was glad that they had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. That situation, however, did not make her feel better. While I wanted to finish early, now I don’t want to go back to Javalastan! Does that make me a bad person? I miss my sisters but Papa thinks I’m a witch. Worse, he’ll imprison me in the harem. She recalled how the Sultan had stopped communicating with her after the standoff during her freshman year. He hates me!

“Hey, Jasmine,” Xena called.

The princess turned to see the counselor approaching, “Oh. Sorry, Xena. I didn’t hear you. Is everything all right?”

The Warrior Princess arched her eyebrow while studying her intently. “That’s my question for you. You’ve been distracted the past few days and moody. What’s going on?”

“It’s that obvious?” Jasmine queried.

“Yeah, it is.” Xena sat down beside her. “You haven’t done anything to be like this. Lighten up.”

The princess shook her head. “Rather it’s what I am, Xena. Papa still hasn’t talked to me. He’s told me that once I graduate, he’ll drag me home. I know Dr. Dubois can hear me through you but there’s nothing that she or the Professor can do.”

“Then you stay here with us,” Xena offered. “Gabrielle’s made it possible.”

Jasmine sulked. “That would work except for one thing.” She looked pointedly at the other Amazon. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Lay it on me. You’re safe with me.”

Jasmine smiled. “You know how I can’t keep a relationship? There’s a reason that I wasn’t married before.” She bowed her head. “This is going to sound so stupid.”

“You’re not into guys. We’ve noticed,” Xena gathered dryly. “Jasmine, you have to like yourself for who you are. If that means you’re into girls, you’re into girls. Big deal. Lots of ‘em around.”

“You and Gabrielle?”

“Me and her what?”

“Are you two?” She motioned nervously with her eyes. “You’re so close and…well….”

“Nah. We’re more like sisters than anything else. She is my soul mate but we’re companions and that’s it,” Xena stated, trying to put that to rest. “But there’s nothin’ wrong with two people being in love.”

“There isn’t?” Jasmine inquired.

“Is there someone we should know about?” Xena probed, noting the color coming into the other’s cheeks.

Jasmine shrugged. “Maybe. We’ve been friends for three years and I don’t know how she feels. Until those hags struck, I really didn’t think about it. I guess when you’re staring death in the face, you figure out what’s important to you.”

“You know it,” Xena affirmed. “Hey. I think Gabrielle, Eve and I can keep things goin’ here. Why don’t you go and find your friend? Be honest with each other. See what happens.”

“And if I lose her as a friend?” Jasmine asked fearfully.

“Then she wasn’t yours to begin with. Jasmine, you need to tell her. Got it?” Xena insisted.

“Got it,” the princess agreed while standing up. “I hope this works.” She willed Carpet to her side. “Want a lift?”

“Argo and I need a long ride. Thanks. Let us know what happens,” Xena indicated.

Jasmine took off for Althanor, knowing that Deirdre or one of the other priestesses would help her return to the future.

Xena frowned momentarily as if sensing something was amiss. Then she drew her sword and hissed, “If you’re done spyin’, COME OUT!”

Behind her, Ares appeared in a flash. “Gabbie’s new heiress is a….”

Before he could finish the sentence, her fist found his mouth.

“Watch it. Give me an excuse!” she asserted. Wheeling about, he pointed her blade at a point beneath his waist. “I could make it so you didn’t care about that stuff.”

He wiped the blood from his mouth. “Ah yes! This is the side of you I’ve missed!”

“Keep missin’ because that’s all you’re good at,” she countered, trying to act nonchalant. “And so what? It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Except to her Daddy. Imagine what he’d do to her and the girlfriend? Oh that would be fun to watch!” he crowed. He grinned. “Then again, he might like her too….”

She arched the eyebrow again. “You know, don’t you?”

“Know what?” he asked coyly.

“You know who Jasmine was talking about.”

Relishing the moment, he nodded while milking it for all it was worth. He rubbed his chin. “Do I? Hmmm….so many girls she’s around….Which one? Which one?”

“You’re so full of it,” she presumed, smirking as she said it.

“Am I?” He sniggered suggestively. “Wouldn’t you like to know? Anyhow, that’s for another time.” He smirked back at her. “About your new princess—yes, I know who it is. Trust me; this is going to make things very interesting for Dubois. How is for me to know and you to find out. See ya!” He disappeared.

“Bastard!” she growled while sheathing her sword and climbing onto Argo’s back. She definitely needed that ride now…..


Chapter 2 [Tucson—Dubois Condo]

Even as Xena and Ares debated the fine points of the situation, Dave sat at his desk, looking over his notes for his latest project. Before the Coven’s appearance, he had started in on another manuscript. With that mess out of the way, he wanted to get into it as far as possible…and forget about how close he and the others had come to dying or worse.

“Papa?” Penny asked from the doorway.

He set down the latest set of note cards and turned to his oldest daughter. Until six months before, he thought that she was dead. Despite their many meetings on the dark isle, he had no idea of her real identity. “What’s up, Penny?”

“Is it okay? I can come back later,” she hedged.

He smiled at her. “If I don’t have time for my girls then it’s not worth it. What’s up?”

“The twins were wondering if we could get Talon burgers tonight? Maybe we could talk Angie into meeting us for dinner?” she suggested. “She hasn’t been home a lot lately. Then again, Miranda’s been working a lot too.”

[“Is that right? Karen, Lauren, you want to say something?” he supposed.]

The two teenagers stuck their heads into the office. “We didn’t want to disturb you or Mama, Papa.”

“Hey! Hey! As I just told your sister, I always have time for you,” he asserted. “Let’s see what your mother’s doing.” He took a deep breath. [“Princess, are you there?”]

[“I’m buried in notes. What’s wrong, Dave?” Angie replied.]

[“Working late again?” he wondered.]

[“Sorry, Honey. I’ve got some loose ends to tie up. I’ve got a sandwich here,” she reported.]

[“Uh uh. Our daughters want a family dinner. Can you meet us at the Talon? That way, we can check in on Miri too,” he insisted.]

[“Now?”]

[“Mama, we miss you,” the twins chorused.]

Angie bit her lip. I’ve been neglecting them. [“I’ll be there in ten minutes. Okay?”]

[“Great! Have I told you today I love you?” he asked.]

[“This morning but the reminders are appreciated,” she giggled.] She powered down the computer. “I need a break.” Just then, the phone rang. “Now what? Hello?”

“Hi, Angie. It’s Frank. What’s going on?” Frank Landers replied.

“Hi, Frank. I only have a couple of minutes. Got to meet Dave and the girls for dinner,” she told him.

“Wouldn’t want to keep you from that. Jolene’s waiting at home so I completely understand. Anyhow, I was wondering if you and Dave would be up to a road trip?”

“Road trip? Frank, we just got back into town. It’s been a really bad six months. Okay, what’s wrong in New York?” she told him.

“Nothing in the city. Remember the deal the U of A had when you and Dave first started there? The topic talks?” he inquired.

“Kind of. Where would this be?” she asked.

“Princeton. Michael’s been talking to them about you. I thought I’d give you the heads up,” he revealed.

“Frank, I’m not interested in an east coast job right now. Dave and I are happy here,” she told him firmly.

“What? No! Angie, I’m talking about a guest lecture. Besides, Gary Miramoto’s wanting Dave to do his routine for History. It would give us all a chance to catch up. Well, I’ll let you get back to Dave. Say hi for me. Take care,” he concluded.

“You too, Frank. Thank you,” she told him before hanging up. As she put her coat on, she saw Dr. Fishburne standing in the doorway. “Dr. Fishburne, what can I do for you?”

“This will be quick.” The administrator took out a folder. “I received an invitation to send one of the faculty to New Jersey to deliver a talk. Since they want oncology, you’re going.” He handed her a folder. “Details are in there.”

While she really didn’t see how she could take the time, she couldn’t turn him down either. “What about my rounds?”

“We’ll cover you. It’s for a weekend. Besides, David and your daughters can go too. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he pointed out while heading for the elevator.

They’ll cover me. Terrific. How about covering for my already neglected family? Feeling pangs of guilt, she threw the file on her desk and headed out.

 


Chapter 3

[New Talon]

Miranda inspected the latest supply shipment, making sure that everything for the graduation party was there. As she checked items off on her list, her depression grew by leaps and bounds. While many of her classmates would be staying on for graduate studies or to start their careers in town, others would be leaving.

Who would have thought? I guess it was inevitable that I would have feelings again at some point. She recalled how the last person she cared about went for someone else. I have tried! Honest. Face it, Miri, you’re screwed.

A tapping on her shoulder interrupted her brooding.

“You all right?” Samantha inquired.

“Sam, when did you get back?” Miranda asked in surprise.

“Two hours ago. There’s no peace either. Pete and I have to fly to Wichita tomorrow.” The elemental mutant sighed.

“Time to meet the parents, is it?”

“It is,” Sam revealed. “Judge Ross is going to hate me. I know it.”

“Why would she? You’re a good person, Sam.” The sensei looked her in the eye. “This is about the whole interracial thing, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. I know how hard it was for everyone here and….”

Miranda shook her head. “Hey! It wasn’t hard for us at all. Remember Clark, Lana, Chloe and Lex will be in Smallville if you want back up.” She smirked. “If you want to talk, I’m here. Speaking of back up, there’s someone waiting for you.” She motioned with her head toward the door.

“Hey, everything okay?” Pete queried.

“Great. Why?” Samantha fibbed, not wanting to upset him.

He shook his head. During the three years that they had dated, he had learned to open up about his true feelings. While he had learned about taking others seriously due to his friendship with Clark, he never thought of dating as more than a way of being seen with gorgeous girls and having casual companions. The sandy haired elemental had changed that. They had to deal with a lot of crap on campus but their feelings had won out. “Don’t give me that.”

“I’m that obvious?”

He nodded. “It’s going to be okay. My Mom’s going to be cool with this whole thing.” Dad on the other hand….

“Thanks, Pete,” Samantha expressed while hugging him.

“No problem. Sorry that the ring’s not fancier,” he apologized.

She admired the half-caret ring on her right hand. “I told you it’s wonderful.” She kissed him. “Let’s get a soda.”

“The big one,” he agreed.

“You betcha,” she cheered, feeling better. “Coming, Miranda?”

“You two go ahead,” Miranda indicated, feeling more dejected than ever. “I’ll be out there in a bit.”

They looked at each other but decided to let her be by herself.

She sat on a crate and covered her face in her hands. For once, she was glad that Lana wasn’t there.

About five minutes later, Angie tapped her on the arm. “Miri, what is it?”

“Auntie? Sorry, I’m neglecting the floor,” she apologized. She started to get up.

Her aunt sat down next to her. “The others have got it under control. What’s wrong?”

“Really. I’m okay,” the younger woman maintained.

“Do I have to have your uncle ask you?”

Miranda winced. “Uncle Dave’s out there?”

“We both picked up on you a mile away. I had him wait with your cousins. Now what is it? Is it the graduation? You’ll still be seeing everyone for a little while yet,” Angie told her.

“I know….You ever have feelings for someone and never told them, Auntie?”

Angie took a deep breath. “I have. I’ve also been on the other side too. So has your uncle. You can talk to us, you know.” She looked earnestly at her niece. “If you felt this way, why didn’t you go out? I’m sure there are plenty of guys on campus who you would like.”

“I guess I could. It’s just that…well…geez…how do I put this?” Miranda stammered. She telekinetically shut the door and turned on the lights.

“Just say it, Miri,” Angie asserted.

“Have you ever seen me bring a guy over to meet you?” Miranda asked.

Angie shook her head. “We figured you were shy. I was too at your age.”

“It’s more than that, Auntie. This is so screwy. I don’t like being with guys…other than as friends,” the younger woman revealed. “Go ahead. Get repulsed.”

“Why would I do that?” Angie rubbed her niece’s shoulder. “Can I ask a question?” Getting a nod, she continued, “Since you don’t like guys, you’re more comfortable with girls?”

Miranda nodded. “It’s always been like that. Auntie….”

As she heard the words, the oncologist put the pieces together from the previous four years that their niece had lived in Tucson. “Why haven’t you told us?”

“I was scared to. You and Uncle Dave might throw me out or….”

Angie looked her in the eye. “Neither your uncle nor I would do any such thing, Miri. Believe me; he knows about being different.” She smiled. “That’s why you’re so protective of Lana, isn’t it?”

Miranda rolled her eyes. “Sometimes, Auntie, you have too much insight for your own good. Yeah, I’ve always cared about her. It was tough seeing her and Clark getting together.” She laughed derisively. “Remember when Chloe was so upset about the whole thing? I wanted to tell her I was going through the same thing on the other side. Just to be around Lana, I had to pretend to be straight. You have no idea how it was….” The memories made her start to cry.

“Gym class, I imagine, was rough,” Angie guessed as she embraced her niece. “It’s okay.” She looked toward the door to see her husband standing there. “Everything’s going to be okay, Dave.”

“Right,” he agreed.

“Great. Now he’s going to chew me out like Dad and Grandpa,” Miranda griped.

He felt a spasm of anger pass through him. “Don’t compare me to your grandfather, Miri. He and your father weren’t the most understanding people. Why did you keep it from us?”

“I figured the Child would go nuts,” she sniffled.

“Give him more credit than that,” he replied. “Miri, you know how he feels about you…we feel.” Feeling the mental urging, he shuddered, allowing the change to happen.

Miranda forced herself to look at the Dark One’s open yellow eye.

“Nothin’ wrong w’ ya,” he growled. “Yer like us.”

She nodded, imagining what it must have been like for him in high school with the Curse wearing on him. “You were different too.”

“Yeah. Na’ like that but yeah. Give Big Bro an’ me a chance,” he rasped. “Ah don’ hate ya.”

“I know.” She hugged him. “Thank you.”

“Crap. Ya don’ gotta do that!” he groused. “Ah’m lettin’ Bro out.” He allowed his older persona out.

“He just let her know everything was okay,” his wife told him.

“Good. Miri, you don’t have to worry, okay? Everything’s fine.” He looked strangely at Angie before asking, “The way you’re upset, there’s someone out there, isn’t there?”

His niece nodded.

“Did she hurt you?” he queried.

“No! She doesn’t know! I’m scared about what she’ll think,” Miri protested.

“You need to be honest with her. You owe yourself that much,” he advised. “Bring her over. We’d like to meet her.”

“Really? It’s that easy?” Miranda wondered.

“It is that easy,” Angie assured her. “Come on; your cousins are waiting for dinner. One last thing, you can talk to us about anything, Miri. Understand?”

“I know. Sometimes, a reminder is nice though,” she admitted while hugging them both. “I feel so silly.”

“As your great-grandfather once said, fear comes from what we don’t know or understand. We love you,” he told her as they headed for the main dining area.

****

[Dubois Condo—later that night]

After she had finished for the night, Angie returned home to find Dave sitting up and waiting for her. “Why aren’t you asleep?”

“Wanted to greet you,” he replied warmly while kissing her. “Coffee’s on.”

“No offense but I’ve had enough at the office. Thanks anyhow,” she declined.

He assessed her. “What’s bothering you? There was something at dinner but you didn’t mention it in front of the girls. Is it about Miri?”

She turned quickly to face him. “No of course not! I meant what I said to her. This isn’t that big of a deal.”

“Angie, spill.”

She frowned. “Dave, Dr. F wants me to go to New Jersey to deliver a paper next week. It would mean another weekend away from you and the kids.”

“Where’s this at?” he inquired.

“Princeton. Why?” she queried. Then she rubbed her head, feeling a headache coming on. “Did Gary already talk to you?”

He nodded. “He called me today. Frank confirmed it. Angie, it’s okay. You do have the right to your career, you know. I do too. We’ll knock ‘em dead.” He embraced her from behind. “Again.”

“You’re right,” she conceded, giggling at him. “You always know how to make me feel special.”

“Line 32 in the husband’s job description,” he cracked. “Problem solved here and with Miri. Now, Doctor, do you think you can help me with a problem?”

“Oh? What’s that as if I didn’t know already?” she retorted playfully.

“I’m overdue for my exam, Doc,” he noted with mock-seriousness.

“I think I can do something about that,” she declared while leading him toward the bedroom and closing the door behind them.

 


Chapter 4 [Smallville—next morning]

[Kent Farm]

Hercules and Serena walked up the driveway with a hurried pace. Since receiving the phone call several minutes earlier, their concern propelled them to get to their neighbors’ house immediately.

“What did she do now?” he asked, not trusting Hope despite his words to her in the barn a month earlier.

“Let’s not be hasty,” she advised. “The house is still standing. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. I’d be able to tell if there was blood in the air.”

“That’s a good point,” he admitted as they approached the door and knocked on it. “Martha? Jonathan?”

“Hercules, Serena, come in,” Jonathan greeted, allowing them inside. “Thanks for coming.”

“What’s going on? It sounded urgent,” Serena queried. Seeing Gabrielle, Eve and Hope sitting with Martha, Clark and Lana at the table, she added, “Is there something we should know about?”

“Everything’s fine,” Gabrielle assured them. “We wanted your advice too.”

“Okay,” Hercules tentatively agreed as he and his wife joined them at the table. “Hope, what’s going on?”

The half-demon glared at him. “Nothing, Hercules! I should have known you wouldn’t have meant what you said that night!”

“I do. I just don’t want you hurting anyone,” the demi-god retorted.

“Trust me; if I wanted to hurt them, I wouldn’t be announcing my intentions for you to hear,” Hope groused.

“It’s okay, Hope,” Lana assured her. “They just want to hear what’s going on.”

“Someone’s on my side at least,” Hope noted testily, shooting Lana an appreciative glance. “As I’ve discussed with Mother, I’m going to this ‘university’ be around them. The children have been kind to me. I wish to return the favor if I can especially with the Usurper nearby.”

“Usurper?” Martha wondered.

“She means Isobel,” Eve noted.

“What do you mean nearby?” Jonathan demanded, looking at his son and daughter-in-law.

“We don’t know where she is,” Clark answered. “I say we give Hope a chance. She helped Lana and Jasmine at the Amazon Village.”

“And in Jasmine’s country,” Lana added. “Besides, Dad, if my mark works like the Professor’s, I can tell when she’s around.” She held up her hand revealing the scar to them all.

“It should,” Hope agreed. “Let her come near here or the desert!” Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll be waiting.”

“You’d have to pull your weight, Hope,” Martha informed her. “Would you mind doing chores?”

“Chores?” Hope asked, looking at her mother. “What are chores?”

“Remember what Mom and Dad were doing around the farm in Potadeia, Hope?” Gabrielle explained. “Those were chores. They’re tasks. People living on farms work together to help each other get by.”

“No matter how powerful we are, we all pitch in,” Hercules agreed. “Right, Clark?”

“That’s right,” Clark concurred. “I’ve been known to shovel manure, fix fence posts, milk a cow among other things. Using my gifts makes it easier.” He shrugged.

“As long as the work gets done and you’re careful, that’s up to you. We wouldn’t mind if you use your powers,” Jonathan assured her.

“This task thing will take some getting used to. On the farm Mother mentioned, I did like milking cows and gathering eggs. You still do that?”

“Absolutely,” Martha indicated, smiling at Hope. “If you’d like, you could start with that.”

“I’d be willing to do that and keep an eye on things if you need me to.” Hope glanced at Hercules and Serena. “I’ll even let you watch me if it’ll make everyone feel better.”

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Herc. Hercules told her, “As your mother said, Hope, we all work together to get by.”

“And we have some fun along the way,” Serena chimed in.

“You did really well helping with the village, Hope. I’m sure you’ll fit in here,” Lana assured her.

“Thank you for that. I…appreciate it,” Hope expressed with uncharacteristic break in her voice.

“We’ll need to talk about this,” Jonathan mentioned. “No matter what, Hope, we appreciate your help this year with everything.”

“When we come back, can we talk again?” Martha invited.

“Fine,” Hope agreed. “Hercules, I could help watch here if you want…while they’re away.”

“That would be great,” Serena interjected, not wanting to take any chances with pushing Hope away.

“Like she said,” her husband agreed hesitantly. I’ll be keeping my eye on you though.

****

[Tucson—Dubois Condo]

After the others had left for the day on a hiking trip, Miranda did some housecleaning. She vacced the carpet, wiped the table and the wooden surfaces, cleaned the bathrooms and did the laundry.

By 11, she settled onto the sofa and stared at the ceiling. Normally, she relished the chance to be with her aunt, uncle and cousins. But on that day, she wanted to think through things. I can’t believe I told them! They’re cool with it! They really don’t mind me being…different! With the pressure off, she felt so much better in that regard. Still, the fact of telling the person in question ate at her insides. What if she freaks out? She bit her lip nervously.

Then came a knock at the door.

“Who could that be?” she wondered while answering it. She opened it to find Jasmine standing there, looking at her nervously. “Jasmine! Hi!”

The princess looked anxiously at her. “Can I come in? I…would like to talk.”

“Sure,” Miranda agreed. “Bring Carpet in. I just finished cleaning.” As she turned to head for the kitchen, she tripped and lost her balance.

Instinctively, her friend caught her in her arms.

At that moment, they looked into each other’s eyes and recognized that they felt the same way about each other.

“Thanks,” Miranda expressed.

“Quite all right,” Jasmine replied as they jumped away from each other nervously. “I’ll…get the door.” She closed the door and sat down on the other side of the sofa.

“Do you want some coffee? I was just going to make some,” Miranda indicated.

“That would be nice, Miranda,” Jasmine accepted, feeling really nervous for some reason.

“Coming right up,” the sensei indicated while grinding the beans and starting the coffee maker. “What did you want to talk about?”

“This is going to sound ridiculous….”

“I’ll listen to you if you listen to me. Deal?” Miranda proposed. “And we promise to do so seriously?”

“Absolutely,” Jasmine agreed. She took a deep breath and started, “All of my life, I was told I would go to school, grow up, meet a man, settle down and have children. I never found that guy. Between the Magi, school and now, the Amazons, that life is out of the question. I can’t go home because Papa thinks I’m a witch.” She blinked back tears. “He’d stone me for what I’m feeling right now. But I don’t care! I found someone I care about. Someone I’d give up my role in Javalastan and the Magi with if necessary. That is…if she feels the same.”

“Y…you have?” Miranda asked timidly.

“Yes I have. But I promised to listen to you. Your turn.” She crossed her arms over her chest and stood anxiously staring at her friend.

Miranda trembled. “You know how you’ve seen me go out on a date or anything? There’s a reason.” She looked anxiously at her friend. “I’m never been into guys. I’ve known since I was 13 but I never said anything to anyone.”

“Maybe with everything going on with Arighatto and thinking about your real family, you never wanted to broadcast it. But there was another reason. You care about Lana, don’t you?” Jasmine guessed.

Miranda nodded, wiping back the tears. “I always have. I guess I was the big chicken but I stayed quiet so I could keep my best friend. I’m glad she’s happy with Clark but…it’s been hard. I’ve been trying to move on. When I was fighting alongside everyone else against the Coven, I realized where my priorities were. Jasmine, I want to be a good strong person who’s not afraid to take chance and to lead where necessary. I want someone who’s a friend and cares for everyone.”

Jasmine gulped. “You do?”

“I do. Auntie Angie, Uncle Dave and I talked last night. I told them, Jasmine, about this whole thing. They told me that they accept me! And they told me to talk to my special someone.” She smiled at her friend.

“Xena told me to do the same thing,” the Amazon indicated. Then she smirked. “Oh this is too much!”

“No way!” Miranda exclaimed, feeling a surge of joy.

“YOU REALLY FEEL THE SAME WAY?” they chorused.

“Miranda, I can’t believe this!” the princess declared, embracing each other. “I was worried that you’d think….”

“I know the feeling,” the sensei agreed. “And, Jasmine, first change, I’d appreciate it if you’d call me ‘Miri’. Only my family and Lana call me that…and those special to me.” She took her friend’s hands in her own. “That is if you want to.”

Jasmine nodded. “I’m honored that…you’d allow me that, Miri.” Her eyes sparkled at her companion. “Is it allowable to…well…?”

“Allowable to do what? Jasmine, we’re adults. Don’t worry; ask,” Miranda assured her.

“Can you kiss me?”

“I never thought you’d ask,” Miranda replied before locking lips with her and feeling their bodies rubbing up against each other.

As they kissed, they felt the charge in the air followed an elated feeling and their ears popping.

After a minute, they came up for air, feeling flushed yet refreshed all at once.

“Miri, thank you. I love you,” Jasmine revealed.

“And I, you,” Miranda noted. Then she heard the coffee pot beeping. “There’s that coffee if you still want it?”

“Please, Miri, thanks.” As her companion fixed their coffee, she requested, “You know how you’ve wanted to take some time off?”

“Sure. What did you have in mind?” Miranda replied.

“Nothing too intense. I’ve always wanted to see the Pacific coastline. Would you come with me for a couple of days? I have the money to pay for it and….”

Miranda brought out their cups. “I’ll go on two conditions. First, you let me pay for some of this, all right? Secondly, would you mind separate beds at least for this trip? We need to get used to this…and well…so do my aunt and uncle.”

“Oh right. And so would the Jinn,” Jasmine realized.

“He told me it’s okay as long as you don’t hurt me. I trust you,” Miranda assured her. “So what do you think?”

“All right. I’ll settle for being with you, Miri.” Jasmine drank from her cup. “That’s good.”

“I’m glad.” She smiled. “I never thought I’d be in this situation for real. When do you want to leave?”

“Tonight too soon? I know you’ll want to let the Professor and Dr. Dubois know where we’re going so they’re not worried,” Jasmine noted.

“Sounds good and….” Miranda felt the people in question approaching the door. “Brace yourself. Here they come.”

At that moment, the door opened, allowing Dave and Angie to enter the condo.

“Hi, Uncle Dave, Auntie. Where’s everyone else?” Miranda asked.

“They’re with your Aunt Karen. We wanted to check on you,” Angie replied. “You seem a lot better.”

“Jasmine, it seems you had the right effect and….” He looked at the two girls and then at his wife. “You two?”

“It seems so,” the oncologist concurred. [“What is it, Xena?”]

[“Did it work?”]

[“I think so.”] Angie asked, “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“You are, Auntie,” Miri indicated while squeezing Jasmine’s hand. “We feel the same way about each other.”

“Problem solved,” Jasmine added. “Thank you both for being so understanding!” She hugged them both.

“As long as you’re both happy,” he replied warmly. “I’m glad Miri’s found someone. We think you’re a good person, Jasmine. Do you mind helping us explain this to the girls?”

“Of course,” Jasmine agreed.

“We’d appreciate that.” Angie looked at them. “Is there something else?”

Their niece squirmed. “Yeah. Uncle Dave, Auntie, Jasmine and I were going to take off for a couple of days.”

The two adults gave them the ‘oh really?’ look.

“It’s not like that!” Jasmine protested. “I’ve wanted to see the Pacific coast. I asked Miri to go with me.”

“I said yes as long as we stayed in separate beds. I wouldn’t mind the trip either. I need to think about how we’re going to break this to the others,” the sensei explained.

“You could ask the Jinn to watch us,” Jasmine offered.

“Oh he’d do that all right,” Dave concurred. “This is really soon, girls.”

“You and Auntie Karen did some stuff like this too when you were our age,” Miri retorted.

“She’s got you there, Dave,” Angie indicated. “You both promise us to call us?”

“Yes, Auntie,” Miri agreed.

Angie looked expectantly at Dave who rolled his eyes. “Oh all right! Just take care. And take lots of pictures.” He smiled. “And one other thing. Be happy. You sure you don’t want to ask Lex and Chloe for help on this?”

“We can handle this, Professor,” the princess agreed, smiling. “Thank you for being so accepting. Come on, Miri. California’s waiting. I…uh had a rental car reserved just in case.”

“Let me get the coffee pot cleaned first,” Miranda told her.

“We got that. You two hit the road. Remember what we said,” he told them. “And we’ll watch Carpet while you’re gone. If I can ask, who’s got your monkey?”

“I should drop Cocoa off with Mika and Misty. They’ll be good company,” Jasmine agreed as they headed out the door to catch the bus toward the car rental place.

Once the door closed, Angie turned to her husband. “You’re something else. I would have thought you’d be harder than that.”

“She is an adult, Princess. And Miri’s right, Karen and I snuck our…experiences in secret,” he noted. “I have to admit that this is going to take time to get used to…but that’s not for us to judge.”

“I know what you mean. Brother Tony preached against it. Yet how can it be so bad if they’re happy?” Angie added.

“There’s a bonus too.”

“And that is?”

“Dad’s rolling over in his grave right now, I’ll bet.” He grinned in satisfaction.

“You’re terrible…even if it’s true,” she admonished.

“Sorry, weak moment. But that brings up another point. How will Mahmud deal with it?” he pointed out.

“Good question. We may have to protect them when the time comes,” she proposed.

“I don’t think they’re going to need protecting. Still, let’s hope they’re careful…..”


Chapter 5 [Amazon Village]

Xena walked back into the queen’s hut and stretched out in her hammock. With Jasmine’s quandary resolved, she felt better. Who have thought it was Miranda? If Angela saw it right, problem seems solved.

“You’re back, Xena?” Gabrielle asked as she and Eve entered the hut.

“Yeah. How did things go with the Kents?” the Warrior Princess wondered.

“Fine. They need to talk about it but no problems,” the Queen noted.

“How’s Hercules with this?”

“He and Serena are willing to go along with it. Xena, what is it?” Gabrielle inquired.

“I can’t believe they’re really considering this! After everything’s she’s….”

Gabrielle glared at her. “Xena, stop it! Hope’s trying! I understand how you feel about Solen but she made a good point today.”

“Oh goodie! I can’t wait to hear this!” Xena retorted sarcastically.

The Bard counted to ten before pressing on. “You’re both even.”

“What?”

“You killed her child.”

“The Destroyer was a creature not a child!” Xena spat.

“It was her child just as she’s mine.” Gabrielle shook her head. “Yes, Dahak raped me. Yes, she’s half-demon. But she’s still my daughter! And as long as she’s willing to try, we’re going to let her. She’s even asked Hercules to watch her to make sure we know she means it.”

Xena stood up and left the hut lest she say something they would both regret. She couldn’t believe that everyone else would side with Dahak’s daughter. “What about Solen?”

“What about him?”

The warrior whirled to find Hope standing behind her. “You’re livin’ dangerously!”

“Spare me, Xena.” Hope glowered at her. “When are you going to stop? This isn’t an act! ALL RIGHT?”

“Yeah right. Just give me a reason!”

Hope snickered. “Didn’t you hear Mother? How do you think I felt when I saw you hurt him? He was my pride! You killed him.”

“That thing would have destroyed the world,” Xena retorted icily.

“And what would your beloved Solen have done? Who knows? With Alti’s curse, he might have become a warlord in his own right! Could you have dealt with that?” Hope indicated.

“NEVER!” Xena denied, unsheathing her sword.

“Stop it, Mother,” a familiar voice admonished. In front of them, an angelic boy appeared with long brown hair and white robes.

“S…solen?” Xena asked.

“Mother, please stop carrying vengeance in your heart. Hope’s trying to deal with her darkness as you’re dealing with yours. I’m sorry we didn’t have more time together but remember what you said when Eve was born?” he begged.

She nodded. “It would be you, her and me forever.”

“That’s right. Nobody can take me away from you or her, Mother.” He hugged her waist. “I’ll always be here.”

Xena returned the embrace. “You want me to forgive her?”

“Try, Mother. It would make Gabrielle and me happy,” he requested.

She squirmed at the emotional blackmail. “All right, Solen,” she whispered. “You owe me though.”

He grinned, recognizing the reference. “Big time.” Then he disappeared again.

His mother nodded with great effort before facing Hope again. She sheathed her blade. “I’ll be watching, Hope.”

“I’m counting on that, Xena. Nothing will happen,” Hope vowed.

“You’d better keep that promise,” she hissed before turning and marching up the path. About five steps away, she saw Gabrielle and Eve watching. “You saw?”

“Everything, Mother,” Eve told her while a warm smile formed on her face.

“Thank you, Xena,” Gabrielle expressed while hugging her tightly. “I appreciate this.”

“I know. Anything to make you both and Solen happy,” she concurred while casting a look over her shoulder. Still, I’ll be watching you, Hope…..

 


Chapter 6 [Route 6—just outside of Neptune, CA]

Miranda opened her eyes and stretched her arms trying to wake up. After leaving Tucson, she and Jasmine had driven well into the night. Finally, they chose the “Nightline Inn” at this random exit of the state road. I can’t believe we’re doing this! She looked across the room at her sleeping companion in the other bed. She put on her sweats and walked out onto the porch into the early morning panorama.

The sun peeked back at her over the water, streaking the sky with random shades of magenta and yellows. A gentle breeze wafted off of the surf, caressing her cheek.

“It’s nicer than I imagined,” Jasmine told her.

Miranda sighed, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t.” The princess smiled warmly at her friend. “The view called to me.”

“It did?”

The princess smirked.

“I’m glad.” They kissed briefly before heading back inside to pack up and head off.

****

 


[Two hours later]

A blonde teenager drove tiredly back from a stakeout. Beside her in the front seat, a camera with a telephoto lens contained plenty of money shots dealing with a cheating husband and his paramour.

Money shots that would ice a hefty check for her father.

She glanced at her watch. “Just enough time to make it home and school if I hurry.”

At that moment, she spotted two cars blocking the pavement in front of her.

“Crap,” she hissed. From the make and model of the cars, she guessed that her pigeon had friends in high places. “I knew this was too easy!” She slammed on the brakes.

After she stopped, three men got out of the cars and walked over. As they did, they brandished various types of weapons. Obviously, they weren’t the boy scouts out on a good will tour. Just in case, she kept her taser handy. I would have to forget to bring Backup. Great!

The men flanked her car, keeping just out of arm’s reach as they did so. One of them, a tall bald African-American man in an expensive suit, locked eyes with her. “Good morning, Miss Mars. Care to explain what you’re doing out here at this hour?”

“Gee, Clarence, I’m just taking the scenic route to school. How about you?” Veronica Mars was not the type to be intimidated—even if it was the Head of Security for Kane Software doing the intimidating.

“And the camera?” he asked. “Taking pictures of the shoreline?”

“Seagulls. School project,” she retorted with a cool shrug.

“Then you don’t mind if we take a look at them? If that’s what they are, we won’t even bill you for the developing,” Weidman offered.

She acted as if she was thinking about it for a minute. “I really appreciate it but I have a dark room at school and the project’s due today.”

“If you make it,” he replied, pulling his gun out and shooting her front tire. “Road’s hazardous these days. Care to try again?”

“Sorry. No ice,” Veronica responded flatly.

One of the other goons shot out the other front tire.

Two flats. Great. She frowned wondering what she was going to do now…..

****

As the confrontation was going down, Jasmine and Miranda drove up the highway. After checking out of the room, they ate a quick bite and took off, determining that they would make San Francisco later that day.

“I can’t believe this! Uncle Dave would be composing nonstop out here!” Miri assessed.

“Composing? Oh you mean his poetry. He has so many layers. I can see where you get it from,” Jasmine indicated while watching the road.

“Flatterer,” Miranda teased. “You really think we can make it today?”

“The desk clerk said six hours. That’s doable.”

“We could always stop off to enjoy the view. Get some shots of Spanish missions and that sort of thing,” Miranda suggested. As they rounded the corner, she saw the blockade. “Jasmine!”

“I see it!” She slammed on the brakes stopping the car but blowing out a tire in the process. “By the Prophet, what is going on?”

“What kind of idiot blocks a highway like that?” Miri wondered. Taking a second look, she saw several men surrounding a young woman in her car. “Look!”

“I see them! This stops now!” the princess declared, getting out of the car angrily. “Excuse me! What is going on?”

Wiedman turned and glared at the two women approaching them. “Ladies, this is none of your concern! Leave now!”

“We would except that we blew a tire trying to avoid your asses!” the sensei challenged. “What’s your business with her?”

“That’s none of your concern. You don’t know who your messing with, Miss?”

“Dubois. And you are?” Miranda queried, reaching into the rental car’s backseat.

“Wiedman. The young lady in question has something that belongs to us,” he argued.

“Then let’s go to the police with it,” Jasmine offered.

“These things aren’t for the sheriff. Last chance,” the security head countered.

“No dice.” Miranda grabbed her kitana as Jasmine readied her scimitar. “Ready?”

“Didn’t think our first fight would come this soon, did it?”

The sensei grinned grimly. “The couple that fights together stays together.” She drew steel. “Keep moving.”

Veronica did a double take at the two women with the ginsu blades. They’re going to take on the big boys?

“Rethers, watch her. You two come with me!” Wiedman insisted, producing his gun.

The two men followed, bearing down on the two newcomers.

However, Miri and Jasmine were already in motion. Before their attackers could react, their feet and hands had dispatched them.

“Freeze!” Rethers commanded, pointing his gun at them. Then he spasmed and dropped to the pavement unconscious.

Veronica stepped out of her car. “You took a big chance helping me. Thanks.”

“We would have done it for anyone but you’re welcome,” Jasmine expressed while shaking hands. “I’m Jasmine and this is Miranda.”

“Veronica Mars,” Veronica introduced while shaking hands with each of them. “Sorry about the tire on your car.”

“The rental company’s going to kill us,” Miranda realized wincing.

“They’ll never know about it. Let me make a few calls,” their new friend offered. She got on the cell phone. “Hey. Yeah it’s me. Listen, I ran into some buttheads on Route 6 at Mile 65.” She rolled her eyes. “Oh I know I’m popular. You’re funny too.” She glanced at her new friends. “Actually, I’m going to need two tow trucks and the bikers in case our buttheads wake up. Yeah what can I say? Two good Samaritans showed up and kicked their asses. Thanks. I really appreciate this.”

“Who was that?” Miranda inquired as she and Jasmine checked their car over.

“A guy from the high school. His uncle has a garage in town,” the blonde detective remarked. “Nice moves by the way. Not many people get the drop on those guys like that.”

“We work out,” Jasmine remarked dryly, thinking of the weekly training sessions with their classmates. “You’re going to be late. We could change the tire and get you to school ourselves, Veronica.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll arrange something. My Dad needs this first,” Veronica noted. Of course, he’s going to ground me for: a.) being there all night, b.) missing school, c.) dragging the karate twins into it, d.) running into Clarence again, e.) not having Backup with me, or f.) all of the above. Just then, they heard a horn honk at them. “There they are now.”

The travelers had to look twice to believe the strange convoy stopping by their vehicles: two tow trucks led ten Harley Davidsons up the blacktop. “I think we’ve hit the Twilight Zone.”

“Things aren’t what they seem in Neptune,” the detective remarked with a smirk.

A bald muscular Hispanic male got out of a truck and looked over the two cars in addition to the Kane software goons. “You just can’t stay out of trouble, can you, V?”

“Good morning to you too, Weevil. Thanks for getting out here so soon,” Veronica greeted.

Weevil smiled and looked her in the eye. “Who else helps you like me? Careful, Veronica, one might think you like calling me.”

Not missing a beat, Veronica retorted, “Oh right. I arranged this whole thing and dragged my two new friends into it just for the sheer pleasure of your company.” She smirked.

“You want a ride in my truck, right?” he supposed.

“That and all of the pleasures of your garage, Pal,” she countered. “On a rain check, of course.”

“Of course,” he guessed, sighing. Walking over toward the two travelers who were already halfway through changing the tire, he greeted, “Morning, Ladies, need some help?”

“Thanks but I think we’ve got it. Thanks for showing up to help her though, Mr….” Jasmine replied, while turning one of the screws.

“Navarro, Eli Navarro. My friends call me Weevil,” he introduced. “Seriously. Thanks for helping Veronica out.”

“Our pleasure. She might want to be more careful though,” Miranda advised while tightening the last nut. “Give those a look please?”

He gave his classmate a knowing look and snorted. “V and trouble are joined at the hip. She has a nose for it.” He inspected the girls’ handiwork and tightened a couple of the nuts. “You’re set to go now.” Looking over his shoulder at the goons, he added, “I’d get out of here before they wake up if I were you…not that we’d mind having you around for a while.”

Jasmine and Miranda exchanged glances at Weevil’s offer, guessing at the other possible intent behind it. “That’s okay. Thanks again for your help.”

“Don’t mention it,” he told them as they shook hands.

“Same here. If there’s anything my Dad or I can do for you, let us know. I got to get these to him,” Veronica explained. “Thanks again!”

“Our pleasure,” Miranda expressed. “If you’re in Arizona, look us up.”

“I will,” Veronica agreed as they shook hands before the two girls took off up the highway.

He shook his head. “Who were those girls? Man, they seriously did that?”

“Except for the one by my front door. I tasered him all by my little self,” she quipped.

He rolled his eyes. “Come on. We can get your car to the shop and us to school. I don’t want to deal with Clemmens if we’re late again.”

“Yeah that,” she realized, grousing at her Dad’s lecture over that too.

Seeing that his boys had hooked her car up, he opened the door for her and then got in his side. Gunning the motor, he led the convoy back down the road.

****

[Five minutes later]

Wiedman got back on his feet gingerly and surveyed the situation. “Damn! Where’d they go?” Seeing his men doing the same, he ordered, “I want the information on that car! We’ll get them!”

They heard a dark laugh coming from behind them.

“What the?” The boss wheeled around to find a dark fiery figure glaring at them through red eyes. “You’ve invited big trouble!”

“So’ve ya’ll, Scumass!” the Child sniggered. “Stay ‘way from ‘em!”

“Fire!”

The group shot at the Dark One; their bullets forming a deadly hail.

“Stoopid shits!” The Child waved his hands.

The bullets changed direction, hitting the embankment off to the sides of him.

As if on their own, the Kane Software Company vehicles’ engines blew, causing a noticeable plume into the morning sky.

“Nex’ time, Ah git real NASTY!” the Child hissed before vanishing in an ebony flash and leaving the Kane security detail stewing in their juices.

 


Conclusion

[A week later—Smallville][A/N: This takes place on the day after “Founders’ Day”]

Lana straightened up the coffee counter and looked over the crowd with a satisfied eye. The trip to Kandor had definitely helped her mood. It really wasn’t my fault. All morning, everyone in town stopped by, asking how they were all doing and getting comfortable in there again. We’re lucky our counterparts and the Protector were here to stop Alti. So why did I feel something at home this morning?

Then she saw Clark walk in with Hope and Melissa.

“Hi!” she greeted. “Did Mom and Dad say anything yet?”

He smiled. “Tell her, Hope.”

“They’re willing to give me a chance.” The blonde half-demon gazed around the café, feeling the vibrations. “Anything to cleanse my father’s presence from here and the farm.”

Clark and Lana exchanged anxious looks. “Your father? It’s dead.”

She shrugged. “Yes but his stench will take time to vanish. Meantime, Isobel was there last night.”

“She was?” Lana’s eyes bugged out. “What happened?”

“Dubois’ demon and I told her to get lost,” Hope groused before sitting down. “I’ve already told your family. As I promised, nothing will happen. Just watch yourselves.”

“We will,” Clark concurred, hugging his wife and sister with an arm apiece. “Thanks for the heads up.”

Hope nodded. “I want to make this work for all of us.” Isobel had best stay away if she knows what’s good for her!

****

[Later that night—Kent Farm]

After finishing her shift, Lana dropped the receipts off at the bank before heading back home. There she found Hope change the hay out. “Hi.”

“Lana,” Hope replied flatly.

“Looks good. Say can you give me a minute? I’ll change and help you,” Lana offered.

“Jonathan wants me to prove myself. I can handle it,” the half-demon declined.

Feeling stung, Lana turned and headed back to the house.

“Lana?”

She turned coolly to see Hope looking at her with a frustrated expression on her face. “Yes?”

“This nice stuff is hard. Thanks. Sorry about that,” Hope apologized, fighting her own instincts to do so.

“I appreciate that. Remember what your mother said. We all pitch in. Be back in a minute,” the former cheerleader reminded her before heading for the house.

Hope nodded and returned to the hay. As she did, she looked up toward the Loft and shook her head. “Mother.”

****

[Loft]

Meantime, Gabrielle was in the Loft, watching her daughter’s initial efforts to fit in. While she trusted Hope to do it, she had to watch it. As with any mother, she felt pride. She’s making an effort.

“You see?” Deirdre asked.

“I do. This is like a dream come true. My daughter has a home,” the Bard replied. “I’m so grateful to the Kents for this.” She saw Lana come back and work together with Hope. Her eyes watered and she smiled wistfully.

“Friends help friends, Gabrielle,” the priestess noted while opening a portal. “Come.”

Reluctantly, Gabrielle stepped into the portal followed by the priestess.

****

[Tucson—Dubois Condo]

Miranda sat anxiously with her aunt and uncle. While she knew they were all right with her and Jasmine’s state of affairs, she worried how the Sultan would feel. For over an hour, the trio sat in the front room and waited while Jasmine argued vehemently and loudly.

Finally, the latter stormed out of the study visibly upset. “Thank you for waiting.” She composed herself. “I’m sorry about that.”

“He didn’t take it well,” he gathered, guessing at the other ruler’s state of mind.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Jasmine reported. “He’s….disinherited me. I’m to return everything except Carpet, my scimitar and Cocoa. I have nowhere to go.”

Miranda shook her head. “That’s not true!”

“We’ll help you,” Angie indicated while casting a glance at her husband.

“You still have the Amazons, Jasmine, and us,” Dave agreed. “And Lex would never let anything happen.”

“I couldn’t possibly ask him for anything else,” Jasmine sighed.

“He’d be hurt if you didn’t. Of course, you’d have to tell him, Chloe, Clark and Lana. They may need some time but they’ll understand,” he indicated. “And Agent Petersen can get your papers started for citizenship here in the meantime.

“I’ll be in the doghouse more with Lana than you will, Jasmine,” Miranda told her. “We need to let them know sometime.” She took her friend’s hands. “Let us help you.”

“O…okay,” the Amazon princess agreed hesitantly. “Can I call him?”

He handed her the phone. “Go ahead. We can step out if you want.”

“That’s all right,” Jasmine declined while dialing the number. “Hi, Lex, this is Jasmine. I…was wondering do you, Chloe, Clark and Lana have some time tonight to talk with Miranda and me? The Professor, Eve and Dr. Dubois will be there too.” She listened and nodded. “Seven would be great. Thank you.” Another silence. “Sorry. We have some things to talk about. My father and I just had it out you might say. Thank you, Lex.” She hung up. “Seven at the mansion, I guess.” She looked at him. “Is this the price we pay for happiness?”

He sighed. “I had to defy my father to get what I wanted in life. That’s how it goes. You do survive. I think you’ll see we have a good support structure. I’ll get Clark and Lana back here. I think you’ll see it’s going to be okay.”

“I hope so, Sir,” Jasmine responded, trying to hang onto her dignity in the process.

****

[Luthor Hacienda—6:50 PM]

Chloe took the last page out of the printer and skimmed it over. She wanted to get the last issue put to bed in the next few days. We’ll have enough to worry about with summer coming. That trip was nice but catching up is Hell! She looked anxiously at the clock.

“Hey, Sullivan, we should be getting ready for company,” her husband commented.

“They’re our friends. Has Rollins fixed the coffee and snacks?” she inquired.

“As always.” Lex entered her study and chuckled. “Can’t pull yourself away, can you?”

“Can you, Lex?” She grinned at him wickedly.

“For my friends and wife, I can manage it,” he replied, kissing her.

Getting the subtle point, she nodded. “Okay. Lead on, Luthor.” As she got up, she saw the butler enter the area with a concerned look on his face.

“Miss Chloe, Ms. Amy’s here with another woman to see you. And the others are here as well,” Rollins informed her.

“Now?” She rolled her eyes. “Of all the times! Lex, I’ll try and see what Amy wants.”

“Chloe, she is your mother. We can wait for a few minutes,” Lex indicated.

“Fine,” she retorted. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Where are they, Rollins?”

“Your guests are in the parlor, Madame. I’ve set your friends up in your sanctum, Mr. Luthor,” the butler reported.

“Thank you,” Lex expressed while watching his wife head off. I hope everything’s okay.

****

[Parlor]

Amy sat on the couch, looking around at all of the fine artifacts. Certainly Chloe and Alexander will help us. She also heard her companion’s heavy breathing. “It’s going to be okay, Lianne.”

The slender blonde next to her nodded anxiously. “Are you sure this is a good idea? If they’re like the Kanes….”

“Chloe’s nothing like that. She’ll be fine,” Amy admonished. When her daughter entered the room, she stood. “Sorry, Chloe, to come without calling. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Amy. Sorry, this is a night for emergencies,” the reporter replied.

“Amy?” Lianne asked, looking at Chloe. “Why did you call her that?”

“Lianne, please,” the poetry professor requested. “Don’t go there.”

“Lianne?” Chloe studied the nervous newcomer. “Aunt Lianne from California?” She sighed. “Does the General know you’re still alive?”

“I’d rather he didn’t if that’s all right. Keith and Veronica are having a difficult enough time without him getting involved. How have you been, Chloe?”

“I’ve survived and married the greatest guy in the universe.” She poured them each a cup of coffee. “What do you mean ‘a difficult enough time’?”

“Your Uncle Keith’s been taking on PI work to help them get by,” Lianne reported sadly. “Veronica cashed in her college savings to help him and me. Now she won’t have anything.”

Chloe ground her teeth. Figures that the relatives would come crawling out of the woodwork now that I’m married to Lex! She studied the two sisters and their desperate expressions in front of her. Still, Ronnie was never one to look for a handout. “I can’t promise anything, Aunt Lianne, but we can look into it. What’s her grade point average?”

“I do know that. She has a 3.92 GPA,” Lianne reported.

“Maybe we can get her a scholarship?” Amy inquired.

“Maybe.” Chloe rubbed her chin. Maybe Lex can offer the LexCorp Scholarship to her. “I’ll need to talk with Lex. Meantime, I’m sorry I have to do this but we have another crisis with our friends in the other room. Amy, are you and Lianne going to be on campus tomorrow?”

“We can be,” Amy agreed. “9:30?”

“9:30 is perfect. I’m really sorry about this, Amy and Lianne. Lex and I will look into this. I promise,” Chloe vowed.

“O…okay,” Lianne sighed, feeling rejected.

Amy assured her, “If Chloe says she’ll look into it, then she will, Lianne. Tomorrow we’ll talk. Hope your friends are okay. Let me know if I can help.”

“I will, Amy. Thanks,” Chloe agreed with a smile, surprising both of them. She is trying. “See you at the Union.” With that, she exchanged looks with Rollins. “Everything all right?”

The elder man smiled. “As right as can be. The others are waiting for you, Miss Chloe.” When she had left, he mused, She has many layers to her and keeps growing. No wonder Mr. Lex cares for her as deeply as he does. With that, he followed her.

****

[Lex’s sanctum—five minutes earlier]

Lex walked into his sanctum to find Dave, Angie, Miranda, Jasmine, Eve, Clark and Lana waiting for him. “Hi, Everyone. What’s going on? Is everything all right?”

“We’re as surprised as you,” Lana informed him. “The Professor asked us to come back tonight.” Glancing at her best friend, she inquired, “Miri, what is it?”

Miranda looked at her uncle and then back at Lana. “First things first, Lana. Jasmine has a situation.”

Eve grimaced. Gabrielle knew this would happen but at least, she has a home with us.

“Jasmine?” the billionaire probed, sensing something was really wrong with his foreign friend.

The princess’ eyes watered. “Remember when we went to Javalastan? Papa’s never really talked to me since then.”

“Right,” Clark agreed. “So what happened now?”

“I met someone special. He doesn’t approve. For that and my role with the Amazons, he threatened me with disinheritance if I didn’t come back. I refused. He cut me off.” She broke down.

“Guys! What’s going on?” Chloe queried, rushing into the room and securing the door behind her. “Lex?”

“Her father’s cut her off,” Lex noted grimly.

“Don’t I have a right to be happy? I tried to be his perfect daughter but I can’t be!” Jasmine demanded.

Lex exchanged knowing looks with Dave; each knowing what their younger friend was dealing with. “I told you we’d help you, Jasmine.”

“But he’s taken everything! I have Carpet, my sword and Cocoa. Even these clothes I borrowed from Miri,” Jasmine pointed out while leaning against Miranda.

Chloe and Clark looked at each other curiously.

“Lana, I thought you and the Professor were the only ones who….?” he asked his wife.

“Me too. Miri, something’s up. What is it?” Lana queried.

Miranda shuddered. “I should have told you a long time ago but I was afraid you wouldn’t like me anymore.”

“What could be that bad?” Chloe inquired pointedly of her two friends.

“Chloe, give them space,” Angie advised protectively. “Miri, tell them.”

Her niece looked at Lana and hedged, “This is tough.”

“You know you can tell me anything,” Lana insisted. “Don’t keep secrets. They only hurt us. Just come out and say it. I can take it.”

“Okay. Since I don’t have a closet to come out of in here, Lana, I guess I’ll tell you….” Miranda looked into her friend’s eyes. “Lana, I’m gay. That’s why I’ve been so close to you.” She averted her eyes. “I’ve loved you since Arighatto moved us to Smallville. When you and Clark got together, I kept my feelings to myself because I valued your friendship.”

Lana backed up a step, looking at her friend again. “Professor, did you know?”

“Not until a week ago. She asked us to keep it under wraps until she could tell you herself,” Dave explained.

“Lana, she’s still the same Miri,” Angie declared.

“So all of the times you insisted on changing by yourself and everything, this is why?” Lana asked.

“Lana, I would never hurt you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. I never had a reason to,” Miranda insisted.

“You could have told me, Miri. I would have understood…granted we couldn’t have been any more than friends but I still would have been there for you,” Lana expressed.

“I’m sorry,” Clark apologized.

“Don’t, Clark, it’s okay. You make Lana happy. Now I have someone to make me happy,” Miri assured him. “That’s why…well…Jasmine’s where she is.”

“Wow,” Chloe gasped, staring at them along with everyone else.

“We’re not freaks, just different, I guess,” Jasmine pointed out. “I wish my father would understand.” She squeezed her companion’s hand gently. “I guess it could be a lot worse. I have family and friends surrounding me. I hope you don’t think I’m a bad investment for that.”

“For what?” the billionaire wondered. “Jasmine, this doesn’t change anything. My mother told me once not to look at people for their own father’s sins. Whether that would be Lionel’s or others. That applies here too. I know you’ll pull your own weight. Eve, I thought Jasmine was going to be with the Amazons?”

“She is but Gabrielle wanted to deal with this. Miranda is welcome as well if she would like to live there or visit,” the former Messenger reported.

“You see, Jasmine, I told you,” Miranda reinforced. “Have faith.”

“Right. Thanks,” Jasmine agreed sheepishly. “Thank you, everyone, for not thinking we’re monsters.”

“It’s just going to take some getting used to is all,” Lana commented, still trying to wrap her head around the idea of Miranda’s true sexual orientation. “At least though you’re happy.” She reached out hesitantly. “I can still…uh…hug you as a friend, right?”

“Of course!” Miranda embraced Lana. “Thank you.”

“Deirdre and Cybelle can teach Miri the secret to the mists so she can go back and forth,” Dave reported. “I guess that settles that.”

“On that note,” Lex noted, changing the subject. “I’m glad it wasn’t something we couldn’t deal with.”

“And with Hope doing well, it’s even more so. Eli, be praised,” Eve proclaimed.

Lex smirked. “That’s great. See, everyone? Just as Miranda said, if we have faith, we can do anything. Now let’s drink this coffee and relax, shall we?”

And so, the group followed their host’s directive, enjoying the snacks and drinks as well as each other’s company. For in the case of three individuals, while their differences from the group could have proved jarring, patience kept things in hand.

And that was what tolerance was all about……

THE END (for now)

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