Vendetta (Dubois Chronicles 2.88/Seasons of the Witch 9)
DJ Dubois
June 2005


Rating: M (Advisories: violence, language and capital punishment)

Notes Part 1: This is the final part of the Seasons of the Witch saga which has been appearing in the Dubois Chronicles, the Amazon Scrolls and Super Lana Series.

Notes Part 2: Forever Knight belongs to Sony Tri-Star, the characters from Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules the Legendary Journeys belong to StudiosUSA and Universal. Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Mutant X and the Marvel characters belong to Marvel; the latter also having ties to Tribune. Andromeda belongs to Tribune and was created by Gene Roddenberry. Dark Angel belongs to its copyright holders. All other characters are mine. The poem “Toast to Friendship” is mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

 


Preface [Amazon Village, c. 89 AD]

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

While our enemies remain at large, our fortunes seem to brighten just a bit. With the victories in Smallville, all of our friends were freed of the Coven’s influence. We can thank our friends from the alternate universe and the Andromeda Ascendant for their aid in this respect.

Now, David and his counterpart have decided to strike back. They’ve formed their “strike force” (including Xena of course <sigh>). They’re planning a direct attack on the chateau, taking everything out and razing the place to the ground in the process. Be advised, Reader, this is going to get really brutal.

Two Children heading into the darkness and on a vendetta no less. I can’t believe this is really happening…..

 


Chapter 1 [Tucson]

[Alvarez Condo]

Mika sat at the computer, keeping an anxious eye on the news updates flashing across the screen. Ever since her mother hung up her cell phone, she knew something was going on in Smallville. Hopefully, they could stop Uncle Dave, Lex and Lana. Mom will step in and do something. She’s seen Uncle like this plenty of times! I hope Clark, Lana, Lex and Chloe are okay.

“Anything, Mika?” her father wondered.

“Sorry, Dad. Not a peep. No email or instant messages,” she noted. “She’s tough though.”

Mike Montoya nodded, giving her and her brother a shoulder rub apiece. “That’s right. Meantime, let’s all think good thoughts, all right?”

“Okay, Dad,” D. J., the younger brother, indicated.

“That’s the spirit,” Caroline agreed, keeping a smile on her face to mask her own concern. Since her arrival in Tucson, the old events had begun to replay themselves. First the Mystery Man, then the ghost and now the Countess again! I hope we can get the others back.

 


******

 


[Singleton House]

Garth sat at the kitchen table, checking his pistols. As with the Montoyas, he felt uneasy about the whole sequence of events. If anything comes through that door, they’ll eat lead first!

“What do you think is happening?” April asked, feeling nervous about her fiancé’s preparedness.

“I really don’t know. But this is Dave we’re talking about. You know what that means,” he replied, holstering the weapons. “I’m not letting anything happen to you.”

She nodded, recalling how these affairs usually went. “I hope Dave’s all right.”

“He’s tough,” he assured her while hearing a knock at the door. “Hang on.” Walking up to it with his pistol drawn, he queried, “Who’s there?”

“It’s your partner, Dummy. Open up,” Steve sighed.

Natalie smirked at him.

“What?” he wondered.

“You both are like peas in a pod. Both armed to the teeth and ready to blow the top off of anything that pops up,” she noted.

“Anything to protect our ladies,” the agent declared, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh brother! Some men, I’ll tell you!” She rolled her eyes as they walked into the residence. “Anything?”

“Not a peep yet. How’s Nick doing?” Garth inquired.

“He’s all right. Right now, he’s back at the Loft resting. I suspect though he’ll be in on whatever final plan the others cook up,” the coroner supposed.

“Did Nick really know this Countess?” April asked.

“He says he does. Nick feels responsible for this mess since the book slipped through his fingers twice in the past,” Natalie noted.

“And we knew her husband too. Creep,” Steve muttered.

“Who?”

“A medieval vampire-Enforcer named Bertrand du Dijon. He was a piece of work too. Talk about having it in for Dave. He did with a vengeance,” Steve explained.

“Did?” April wondered.

“He challenged Dave to a duel in Istanbul. He cheated midway through allowing the Child to erupt onto the scene and beat him,” Steve recounted.

“Then he left Dijon to roast in the sun,” Natalie continued, shivering at the barbarity.

“With all that butcher had done over the centuries, he had it coming to him,” Steve declared. “It was either that or end up as shish-kabob on the end of Xena’s sword.” And knowing how upset Angie would have been, that would have been a slow death indeed.

“And the Mystery Man?” April inquired.

“Apparently the Protector—the Child’s counterpart—drove him away from Smallville. That’s the last update we’ve received,” Garth answered.

Then the phone rang.

“Hello?” the florist asked, picking it up.

“April, this is Karen. Everyone okay down there?” Karen replied from where she sat with the others in the Talon.

“We’re waiting for an update. Any word on our missing friends?” April insisted.

“They’re fine. Last night was an ordeal to say the least but everyone’s safe and sound. Eve took care of Lex and Lana. And our two dark kids fought it out until the Protector won,” Karen reported. “I just told Mike and Mika about it. Can you reach Nick?”

“Garth will call as soon as we get off,” April promised. “Karen, can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Are there really doubles of us there?”

Karen sighed. “Actually, there are counterparts of Dave, Clark and Lana here at the moment. Apparently, they’re from another universe. It’s really weird and my head hurts thinking about it but I’m glad they’re here since they saved the day. Apparently, we all have doubles there.”

“We do?” April asked.

“Actually, your double’s married to Dave’s counterpart and about five months pregnant,” Karen revealed. “Still a florist though.”

“I see.” April scratched her head. This is too weird! “It’s great to hear that everyone’s okay, Karen. Hang in there. Let us know if anything happens.”

“Absolutely. Let our Lone Rangers know that everything’s okay,” Karen concluded, hanging up.

April hung up and looked at the others. “Dave and the others are safe.” She took a deep breath. “And Alti and the Mystery Man have been driven away from Smallville.” She looked at Nat. “You might want to let Nick know.”

“I’m sure he already knows given his sensitivity to Dave’s moods but well do.” Nat dialed her cell phone. “Nick, we just heard from Karen Montoya in Smallville. Good news.”

“Beka and Molly just heard from Trance but thanks, Nat. Everyone okay there?” Nick replied; a grim smile on his face.

“Sure. Why? Is there a reason to be worried?” she inquired.

“Isobel’s here in Tucson. Xena, Spider-Man and I ran into her on campus,” he recounted.

“But the Coven’s in France, I thought,” she assumed.

“They’re based there, yes. But apparently, she’s on some solo purpose of her own here. We need to find out what that is,” he stated.

“Right,” she agreed, feeling really anxious all of a sudden. “Meantime, I want to check on Lydia and the girls.”

“Have Steve go with you, all right? If anything happens, I want to know about it,” he instructed.

“Right. And how are our other guests? They all right?” she queried.

He looked at the two blonde time travelers who sat on his couch and spoke quietly into their implanted communication devices linking them to the Andromeda. “They’re eager for something to happen as we all are. Meantime, they’re keeping their captain and crew informed. Be careful, Nat, all right? All of you.”

For a second, she could have sworn she heard the old concern in his voice. He still cares of course. C’mon, Nat, you’re still good friends! Cut it out. “You too. Stay in touch.”

“Right,” he agreed, hanging up.

She severed the connection and looked at the others. “We have another problem.”

April looked at the coroner incredulously. “Another problem? What else could happen?”

“That Countess has been seen here in Tucson. Apparently, Nick and Xena ran into her on campus,” Nat reported while running her hands through her rouge hair.

The two agents exchanged glances before Steve said, “We really need some other help on this one.”

“You know those CIA guys are going to want in,” Garth sighed. “Swell. That witch just opened up a big can of worms.”

“CIA? What?” April asked, feeling really confused by this point.

“The CIA has a division which has been investigating mystical artifacts and an inventor from Isobel’s period,” Steve responded recalling Farrell’s briefing. “We think Isobel had ties to him too.”

“So that would tie Dave, Lana and Nick to him as well?” Nat guessed. “Of course it would!”

“What else is new?” Garth groused. “Langley’s going to want Dave’s head on a platter this time.”

“Why? This isn’t his fault!” April snapped at him. Then she shuddered and collapsed into a chair. “Sorry, that wasn’t called for.”

Her fiancé hugged her. “It’s okay. We’re all on edge. Besides you’re right and Farrell knows it.”

“After the situation in Boston, the CIA contacted Farrell. They want to send an observer,” Steve explained. “The Bureau is giving Dave and us the choice of which agent. Meanwhile, Garth and April, hang in there. I’ll check in with you in five hours. Meantime, Nat and I are heading over to check on Lydia. If the Countess decides to take another shot at the twins or Penelope, I want to be there.”

Nat looked at April, reassuring the latter, “You do get used to this, trust me, Kiddo.” With that, she followed Steve out the door.

“Get used to this? I wonder,” April expressed, sitting down and sipping from a cup of tea.

“We’ll get through this, Honey,” he told her, giving her a kiss on the cheek and gently squeezing her hand.

I hope so. I thought we left this behind in high school. I guess not….

 

 


Chapter 2

[Loft—Five minutes earlier]

Nick set the phone down and rejoined Alyce and their guests. “We have confirmation.”

“As if Trance’s word wasn’t enough,” Beka retorted, albeit more sharply than she might have.

“Beka, he didn’t mean it like that,” Molly stated, glaring at her.

The pilot put her hands up defensively. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry, guys, I really want to be doing more than sitting on my hands right now.”

“We know,” the curator agreed. “But one doesn’t just charge into the Vendee and come out alive.”

“We’ll have a plan soon enough,” Nick added. “And yes, I’m going.”

“What will we do?” Beka asked, feeling impatient again.

Molly spoke up, “We return to the Andromeda. Rommie, Dylan, you and me will need to brief the others. Knowing Trance, she’s staying close to David. Besides Harper’s going to need some reassurance.”

Beka rolled her eyes. “I still don’t believe Harper’s in love with her.”

“He is. Deal with it. I think it’s sweet myself,” Molly assessed. “Besides Trance can keep him out of trouble.”

“That I’d like to see,” Beka cracked, grinning at that thought. “Okay. Let’s get the Maru.”

“We do have a problem. Unless you’d like to walk, it’s a hike from here,” Alyce indicated. “Nick and I have our issues with the sun, remember?”

“Right,” Molly concurred sheepishly.

Nick stood up and made a couple of calls. After he hung up, he told them, “Ride’s coming.” He smirked. “We’re lucky. She was right around the corner from here anyway.”

“What’s going on?” Beka asked, smelling the set up coming from a mile away. “Wait a minute! You didn’t!”

His eyes sparkled mischievously. “I did.” The buzzer sounded. “Come on up, Trace.”

“He did,” Beka groused, fuming.

“Lighten up, Beka, she is helping us,” Molly advised.

“Dylan’s really going to hear about this,” the first officer retorted, pouting over the situation.

At that moment, Tracy walked into the room. “Hey, guys, about time you let us in on everything. Vachon, Schanke and I were getting worried.”

“Didn’t Divia and Nikki relay the news to everyone?” Nick wondered.

“Apparently, Janette didn’t get the update,” Tracy assumed.

Nikki, I wish you’d lose the attitude. He sighed. “All right. I’ll get a message out to Janette, Divia and Nikki. We’ll talk tonight—here. After that, I’ll need to talk to Dylan somehow.”

“We can arrange that. It might be easier if Trance or I are here with you. Beka’s got enough issues to deal with right now,” Molly agreed.

“You can say that again,” Tracy concurred, smirking sarcastically at her look alike as she said it.

“Look! I’m not putting up with that!” Beka stormed out of her chair.

“Stand down! NOW!” Molly interjected, stepping between them. Arching her eyebrow, she added, “Dylan’s going to hear about this.”

“Oh goodie! What’s he going to do about it? Let me rot with her?”

“You’re not exactly easy to deal with either, Toots,” Tracy retorted.

“You’re pushing it, Beka. Leave it alone,” Molly told her firmly. “That goes for you as well, Detective Brown.”

“Listen to her,” Nick affirmed. “Get her over to the El Gato and then she can take care of herself. That work for you both? I can have Schanke escort you if need be.”

“That’s okay,” his former partner assured him, knowing how cranky her current partner could be especially at that hour. “We don’t need a werewolf in a bitchy mood right now. Come on; let’s get this over with.”

“Remember, Beka, keep a lid on it,” Molly instructed.

“Yes, Captain’s girlfriend,” Beka retorted cynically as she followed Tracy into the lift.

Molly rubbed her face. “We really don’t need this. Nick, Alyce, I’m sorry about that.” She pushed a spot below her right ear. “You heard that, Andromeda?”

“Every word,” the AI replied.

“And Dylan knows?”

“Indeed. He’s not happy about the ‘captain’s girlfriend’ comment. What is your status?” the AI inquired.

“Beka’s on her way back to the Maru. Nick’s arranging a meeting with the vampires tonight to discuss our situation. I’m staying back here for that. Any word from Trance?” Molly replied.

“She’s fine.”

“How’s Harper? Put him on,” Molly requested.

A minute later, the engineer responded, “Hey, how’s life down in my neck of the woods?”

“Okay for the present. How are you doing?” she inquired.

“Great. Why? I just heard from Trance. I guess she’s doin’ okay.” He dropped the tool he was using. “Geez! I just recalibrated that thing!” he whined.

“It’s okay, Harper. We’re all going to be all right,” she told him. “Let Dylan know I said the same thing.”

“Yeah. I’ll do that. Hey, Molly?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for…calling and doing the reassuring thing. I appreciate it. Really,” he admitted.

“No problem, Harper. Let Dylan know I called. Nagouchi, out,” she concluded.

“Problems onboard too?” Alyce wondered.

Molly shook her head. “No. Harper’s concerned about Trance is all. This mess may have a silver lining to it.”

Nick nodded, letting a warm smile spread itself across his face. “They’ve seemed really close when we’ve talked with them. It’s about time.”

“It only took us five years to hook up, Nick. I think they’re doing just fine,” his girlfriend jabbed.

“True. Everyone needs someone,” he agreed, kissing her cheek. “Let’s get some rest. We have a long night ahead of us.”

 


*****

 


[Andromeda Ascendant—an hour later]

Beka walked into command still trying to calm herself after dealing with her counterpart and the whole mess on Earth. Who does Nagouchi think she is? Telling me what to do—of all the stupid things!

“Hey, Boss, what’s going on?” Harper asked even as he retreated away from her.

“Can it, Harper,” she growled.

“I’d like to know too, Beka,” Dylan agreed before continuing in a tone not to be ignored, “But not here. Let’s speak in private, shall we? Harper, Rommie, Rhade, let me know if anything happens.”

After they left, Rhade winced, “She’s not going to like it. Too bad.”

“That’s Beka for you,” Harper supposed, shrugging. “But even for her, that was over the top.”

“Enough,” Rommie interjected, effectively stopping the discussion. “Let Dylan deal with it.”

 

 


****


Once in his office, Dylan took a seat behind his desk, letting Beka stand to prove a point. “Where do I start, Beka?” He rubbed his forehead. “I expect a lot more out of my officers than what I’ve seen from you in the last twelve hours.”

“Here it comes,” she groused. “Look, Dylan….”

He shook his head. “Damn right here it comes! Beka, I don’t care if we are in another era! We still represent the Commonwealth! You better remember that!”

“But…”

He glared at her; his blue eyes drilling into her subconscious. “No buts! And you owe Molly and Tracy Brown an apology as well.”

“I owe…what? You’re kidding!” She stared back at him impertinently.

“Whatever feelings I have for Molly does not factor into how she is treated aboard this ship. She’s an academy trained officer and deserves to be recognized as such! And yes, I realize that Tracy egged you on but you started it,” he pointed out. “Now I can’t count on you. You’re sitting this one out.”

“What?”

“The situation down there is volatile enough with the Child and his twin. I don’t need you sparking more hostility with the natives down there. I’m confining you to quarters until we leave,” he indicated. “I’m sending Harper to Smallville to check in with Trance.”

“You’re sending Harper instead of me?” She rolled her eyes.

“You’re pushing it, Beka. Confined to quarters. Get going before I have to cite you for mass insubordination too,” he declared firmly. “Dismissed.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t.”

He retorted without hesitation. “Watch me. Dis-missed.”

She turned and left quickly.

“This really sucks,” he complained.

“Beka’s just as stressed as we all are, Dylan,” Andromeda’s AI pointed out. Her image appeared across the room. “Well done.”

“I hate doing this but I can’t have her making trouble,” he admitted. Speaking into the comm. device, he called, “Harper?”

“Yeah, Dylan?” Harper asked.

“Get ready to take a slipfighter to the surface. You’re going to Smallville. Just be careful,” Dylan instructed.

“You got it!” the engineer agreed.

“Harper, cool it,” the captain urged. Still, after what he just went through with Beka, he had to smile. At least he’ll do what I ask. “Bring those communication relays you’ve been working on. Maybe we can get David or his counterpart to help us put them in place.”

“Where do you want ‘em?”

“Nicholas’ apartment and the Talon. And remember, Harper, you and Trance are still representing us,” Dylan pointed out. Hearing Rhade cough in the background, he added, “I heard that. Cut it out.”

“I’m on the way, Boss. Talk to you later,” Harper concluded before heading off.

As soon as he finished the transmission, Dylan asked Andromeda, “Can you make sure he’s okay on the way down?”

“Of course,” she agreed before disappearing.

Just keep your composure, Harper. Dylan rubbed his forehead, hoping that things wouldn’t get any worse than they already were.

 

 


Chapter 3

[Vendee—Chateau]

The Dark Rider stalked through the structure, not believing their fortune. How have we come apart? By Dahak’s word, it is the stuff of fools! After having such successes working as a team, the group had splintered, striking at their opponents on their own. While he had been guilty of the first such attempt, his previous success in Amherst had given him reason to try. “Alti should have known better!”

“Should have known what?” the shamaness growled, stepping out of the shadows. “Not to take Dubois lightly? I wasn’t. That ‘Protector’ is more powerful than during his last appearance here! But then you found that out the hard way as well, didn’t you?” She smirked sarcastically.

He glowered at her. “Ye should be silent!”

“Both of ye should be!” his consort interjected while storming into the area and stepping between them. “Even as our enemies plan against us, yer arguin’ like children! Enough!”

“And what do you suggest we do, Mommy?” Alti asked, jabbing the other sorceress with her attitude.

“First, ye might wanna lose the attitude!” Rebecca hissed, making her hands glow. “Then we need a plan!”

Alti laughed. “A plan? You? Listen. I got the book! Because of me; you’re free, all right? I only needed you to free Isobel! Then again, where is Grandma anyhow? She ducked out on us! So much for our plans!”

Rebecca was about to respond when the candles flickered and then went out. She felt a noticeable chill. “Wha? Whoe’er ye are, ye’ll be sorry!”

Alti growled, “I know these stunts! Dubois! Show yourself!”

For her trouble, a dark blast came out of nowhere, hitting her full tilt and knocking her into the stone wall across the room.

The area echoed with dark laughter.

Then the Child’s dark image appeared in the inkiness, standing out by its red eyes and fiery corona. “Ah’m right ‘ere, Mind Witch! Na’ lissenin’? Figgers!” He glared at the remaining couple. “Lost yer book, didn’t ya?” Soaking still more energy from its surroundings, the image’s corona glowed brighter. “Yer next, Becky!” He uncorked another blast.

She deflected it with an energy shield. “That had as much effect as the priestess’ magic! Where is she? Tell her we’re waiting for her!”

“She tol’ me ‘bout that. Too bad ya got me an’ Ah really owe ya!” The red eyes glowed.

From behind, a wooden bucket flew through the air, hitting her in the back and distracting her.

Using the opening, the image blasted her into unconsciousness with a fire burst. “Tha’s two.” He felt the Rider’s presence close behind him. “Tha’ ain’t nice!” He let a blast go, deflecting the one coming in from behind him.

For almost twenty minutes, the two adversaries exchanged mystical bursts, canceling each other out for the most part.

“I’ve beaten ye ‘fore!” the demon-wizard hissed. “Yer a fool fer comin’ here!”

“Nah. Ya beat me cuz Ah was thinkin’ too much! Now ya pissed me off! Too bad cuz the more pissed Ah am, the badder-ass Ah am!” He threw a mental pulse, staggering his enemy. “Tha’s ‘nough fer now. See ya wussies ‘round!” With that, the image vanished.

He spat on the far stones in disgust. “He dares do that! He will pay dearly! They all will!” He carried Rebecca toward their bedroom, hoping to tend to her.

After they had left, Alti picked herself off of the stone floor and rubbed her head. “The Brat’s getting too powerful for his own good.” She shook her head. “This is getting old anyway. Soon, they’ll be coming.” She recalled the last time she had been in similar circumstances when allied with Ares, Discord and Caesar. “Rest and then, I can get out of here.”


*****

[Kent Farm]

The Child opened his eyes and grinned as he looked around the Loft. “Yeah now Ah feel good!”

Then he saw Deirdre looking at him knowingly. “Yeah wha’?”

“You had to stir them up, didn’t you?” she wondered.

“Gave ‘em a taste a’ their own crap. Tha’s it,” he retorted.

“What if they come after us again?” she asked.

“Let ‘em! They don’ have stoopid book! Ah’ll whup ‘em!” he growled before disappearing into thin air.

Great. I forgot he could do that! Goddess, help us! She teleported herself away from there through the mists.


****

Meantime, DC-Lana sat on the porch, trying to enjoy the sunshine. She still felt out of it from being possessed by the Coven. I still can’t believe I did that. She frowned, fighting a slight headache.

Martha sat down next to her. “Are you okay, Lana?”

“I wish I could say ‘yes’ but I still feel ashamed. I can’t believe I did that,” the younger girl responded, wiping away her tears.

Her mother-in-law hugged her fiercely. “There’s nothing to forgive, Lana. You and the others were used. I know you never would have acted like that.”

“Thanks, Mom,” she expressed.

“Don’t mention it. Now why don’t you take some lemonade?” Martha offered, handing her a glass.

“That looks great,” Lana accepted, taking the glass and a drink. “That hits the spot.” She smiled at the older woman.

“That’s more like it. I hate to ask this but do you know how your professor’s doing up there?” Martha wondered.

As she said that, Lana’s headache kicked into high gear. “Ah! No! Guys!”

“We know,” Angie indicated, sighing and shaking her head. “The Child did another of his raids.”

“Raids?” Spider-Man asked.

Trance nodded. “His image just knocked the Coven off balance.”

“Knocked them into the stones, you mean,” Hope clarified. “And he’s disappeared.”

“Correction,” the SL-Lana indicated as she and her fiancé joined them. “They’ve both disappeared. The Protector said something about going after him.”

“This keeps getting better,” Angie groused. Where are you both? Come on!



Chapter 4

[Metropolis outskirts—Route 54]

After spending most of the day in bed, Lex and Chloe drove to Metropolis. With an enormous bouquet in the back seat, they headed for the cemetery.

He sat quiet for the most part, still mulling over what had happened. As with Lana, his guilt still ate at him.

“Hey,” she interjected. “No pouting, Luthor.”

“Excuse me?”

She rolled her eyes. “No pouting. I know you weren’t you. I loved my chocolates and flowers earlier.” She motioned to the gifts beside the other bouquet. “But we need to keep our heads on straight.” She squeezed his arm. “Are you with me?”

He smirked. “I’m trying. You won’t let me do anything less, Chloe.”

“You’ve got that right,” she agreed, glad to see his mood brighten. “And I know Momma will appreciate a visit too.”

“Right,” he agreed. Hearing her cell go off, he asked, “What now?”

“Chill out,” she instructed, answering it. “Chloe, here.”

“Chloe, this is Lana. Our two kids just vanished. We’re wondering where they went,” DC-Lana reported.

“I have no idea. Hang on. I’m putting this on speaker,” the reporter noted, plugging the device into its holder, plugging it into the speakers. “You there?”

“Yes. Lex? Are you there?” the caller asked.

“Right here. What’s going on?” he asked.

“The Professor and his counterpart just took off. We’re wondering where they would go,” DC-Lana wondered.

He shook his head. Terrific! Dave, you should know better! Then again, given how Lana and I are feeling, I imagine he’s ready to kill the Coven himself if he could. “Are you picking up anything?”

“Wait! Yes! I feel him. He’s somewhere near you,” she told them.

“Where would he….?” Chloe inquired. Then her mouth dropped. “Lex, what would he be doing there?”

“We’ll be there in ten minutes, Lana. Can you send your counterpart and the other Clark to St. Gabriel’s? We’ll all meet up there,” he told her. “Talk to you when we get back.” After he hung up, he answered, “The Child went to see Mom.” He stepped on the gas a little harder. “Sit back.”

“He’s visiting her?” she wondered aghast. Noting his lack of surprise at that, she added, “You aren’t surprised?”

“He does from time to time. Remember, Chloe, just as you call her ‘Momma,’ Mom’s like his aunt,” he noted. “She was his rock growing up. Accordingly, next to Lorenzo, the Child worships her.”

“Wow,” she realized. He actually respects someone! Who would have thought?


****


[St. Gabriel’s Cemetery—three minutes earlier]

The Child materialized in an ebony flash in the middle of the granite necropolis. After making sure nobody saw him, he took a left turn. Just in front of a familiar marble monument, he stopped dead in his tracks. “Sorry, Auntie. Ah let ya’ll down.” He wiped both the closed and open eyes dry with a savage swipe of his hand. “Least Ah got us some payback.” He sighed.

Then he felt a familiar presence. He turned angrily; hands glowing and ready to fire. “Yer bein’ a twit!”

“Ya hadda do it, didn’t ya?” the Protector lectured. “Quit the whinin’! Iso-Smell snuck up on ya. Deal w’ it!”

“Ah did! Ah whupped ‘em in the big house jus’ now! Ah didn’ see yer ass there!” the Child retorted.

“Tha’s cuz Ah was back ‘ere watchin’ the kiddies!” the SL-Dark One retorted, getting right in the other’s face. “Tha’s wha’ she an’ Grandpa want! Don’ be a dum’ass!”

“Figgers ya wouldn’ git it!” The Child kicked at the ground. “Ah jus’ took out the Mind Witch an’ Becky then knocked Puritan Boy ‘round!”

“Ah thought we were goin’ in ‘gether!” The Protector, despite his protests, cooled off slightly. “Incomin’!”

At that moment, the SL-Clark and Lana came to a stop in front of them.

“What’s going on?” Clark wondered.

“Is everything all right?” Lana asked with concern.

“Ah was visitin’ Auntie, ‘kay?” the Child growled. “Crap!” He fumed.

“Everythin’s fine,” the Protector told them. “Give ‘im room.”

“Thanks,” the Child expressed. “Sorry, Auntie, ‘bout that. Ah wan’ ‘em to be safe. Them crudballs hurt us ‘nough! When’s it ‘nough? WHEN?” He screamed skyward, letting his frustration and pain out for all to hear.

The two teenagers, despite their gifts, trembled in the face of this display.

The Protector, on the other hand, snarled, trying to contain his own emotions. As his empathy for his counterpart picked up on everything the other was going through, he somehow recognized that he owed it to his charges not to react. A lecture, on the other hand, was in order. “Quit the fraidy-shit! Tha’s gonna piss ‘im off worse! An’ yer pissin’ me off too!”

“Is he…okay?” she wondered.

“Nah. Those bitches used ‘im. He got ‘em back. It hurts, kay?” the Protector tersely retorted; his open right eye glowing brightly at them.

“We’ll all go,” Clark agreed.

“Ya ain’t goin’ nowhere ‘cept back to farm,” the Protector declined. “Ah ain’t dealin’ w’ Glow Boy if yer hurt! Got it?”

“We can help too!” she argued.

“Na’ ‘gainst these creeps!” the Child growled, standing up. “’Sides, ya can help Herc!”

The younger duo exchanged exasperated stares. “You can barely handle this. What makes you think you can handle that chateau?”

The Child laughed maniacally; the eerie sound clearly echoing across the graveyard and into the campus across the street. “Where d’ya think Ah jus’ was? While Big Bro watched things here, Ah whupped the crap outta them assholes! They ain’t touchin’ no-one NO MORE!” He turned to see Lex and Chloe rush up. “Now wha’?”

“What’s going on?” the billionaire inquired, feeling his nerves flaring through the roof.

“Ah was jus’ tellin’ the kiddies tha’ Ah whupped them crudballs mahself! Can’ even talk to Auntie wi’out ya’ll chewin’ mah ass out! Dammit!” The Child growled at them.

“All we want is for you to tell us where you’re going, okay?” SL-Lana retorted. “A lot’s at stake. We just got you and the others back from the Coven.” She forced herself forward. “Everyone was worried about you.”

“We just ran here from Smallville to make sure you were okay,” Clark added.

“Ah tol’ ya,” the Protector chimed in. “It’s ‘kay. We’re gonna git ‘em, Bro. Gonna wipe ‘em off the map. Iso-Smell’s toast!”

“What about the Curse? We should be in on it,” Lana interjected.

Lex shook his head. “Not after what he, Lana and I just went through. I see their point, guys. Besides, our Clark and Sullivan here still don’t have their abilities back. I’d feel a lot better if you were both here with us, Lana, Hercules and the two Jasmines.”

“Ya got that right, Lexie,” the Child agreed. “Tha’s wha Ah said.”

If Clark and I only had our powers back, this wouldn’t be an issue right now! Chloe frowned and shook her head. “I hate being useless!”

“Don’t you start now!” her husband lectured. “You’re not useless, Chloe. Mom just said so and I agree. Besides, I think they’ll have enough firepower going in there.” He took out his cell phone and dialed it. “Hi, Lana, it’s Lex. Tell everyone that we found him. No he’s fine. He’s just saying hi to my mother.”

“What’s going on with him?” DC-Lana asked.

“He’s going through what we are, Lana. He feels violated and needs to vent without destroying anything,” he half-fibbed. I suspect from what we heard coming in that he’s already been to the Vendee. They don’t need to know that right now.

“Trance just heard from Harper. Apparently, Dr. Miles wants to have some sort of virtual meeting tonight. It’s in three hours.”

“He’ll be back for it,” Lex agreed. “Talk to you soon. Let Dr. Dubois know he’s okay.” He hung up and told the dark counterparts, “Say what you need to and get back there. They need you both for some kind of meeting.”

“Figgers!” the Child growled.

“We can git back af’er we whup witchies!” the Protector pointed. “Auntie unnerstands.”

“Yeah Ah guess,” the resident Dark One relented. “We’ll be back, Auntie.” He looked at the two super teens. “Watch ‘em.”

“Ya heard ‘im,” the Protector concurred before they both vanished in a dark flash.

“Now he can teleport too. Great,” Chloe declared, wondering if the Child had any limits.

“Leave them be, Chloe. Come on. We can get the flowers in place and then be back for at least part of the meeting,” Lex indicated, leading them back toward the car.



Chapter 5 [Kent Farm—minutes later]

Angie had joined Lana in the prime worrying spot. Both of them wondered if things were going to get any better. They comforted each other about their respective issues.

Beside them, Trance looked into the dusk, scanning for the slipfighter’s telltale exhaust trail. Finally she saw the twin wisps close by.

“What’s that?” Angie asked, jumping to her feet.

“It’s Harper. I’ll see what he’s up to,” Trance indicated, rushing across the yard.

“Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her run like that for someone,” Angie expressed.

“She and Harper are good friends. Maybe she wants news from the Andromeda?” Lana supposed.

“Maybe,” the oncologist agreed. Still she seems awfully excited by his presence. She smirked. Leave it be, Angie. They care about each other. What’s wrong with that?


****


[Field in back of Kent Barn]

Harper disengaged the straps and opened the top of the cockpit, letting himself out of the spacecraft. With the autopilot going, he had time to calibrate the devices in question between the ship and Tucson and then Tucson to there. “Not bad. Got everything set in my typical fashion.”

He examined the VCR-like device. “Let’s hope you work as advertised.”

“It should. You made it, Seamus,” Trance assured him as she walked over. “What are you doing here?”

“Dylan wanted me to get these gizmos in place. Besides I wanted to check and see how my favorite golden girl was doing,” he replied with a smirk.

She grinned, giving him a quick kiss. “Thanks for the thought. I…appreciate it.”

Before he lost his nerve, he quickly returned the gesture. “No problem. You are okay, right?”

“I’m fine. Everyone’s back to normal or so we hope. The Child just took off for Metropolis on his own. I think he was somewhere else too.”

“He probably took a shot at those creeps knowing him,” the engineer supposed.

She gasped, realizing he was right. “That’s it! He bilocated!” She sighed. “David’s been depressed all day. When he sat up in the barn and didn’t say a word, we should have known something was going on.”

Recalling how much chaos the Dark One had caused within the Worldship, he asked, “That’s a bad thing?”

“If it causes the Coven to be ready for us. Yes,” Trance argued.

He hugged her shoulders. “It’s going to be okay. Trust in the Harper and Dylan.”

She nodded. “I know. You’re right. We’ll be ready for them as well. Is Dylan ready with the torpedoes?”

“Rommie’s locked and loaded. We say the word and that chateau’s toast!” he assured her. “Remember, I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

She blushed slightly. “I’ll be fine. Especially if I know you’ll be waiting when I get back.”

He agreed, “I ain’t goin’ nowhere until I know you’re back.” He hugged her tightly against himself. “Sorry that feels great.”

“I like it too, Seamus. Kiss me again please,” she concurred; her eyes sparkling at him in the colored backdrop of the Kansas sunset.

Between being with her and experiencing Earth in pristine condition, he felt an adrenaline rush. Going on impulse, he kissed her passionately. A minute later, he disengaged from it. “Sorry but…umm…Dylan wants this in place ASAP.”

“Yeah we shouldn’t keep him waiting. Continue this later?” she agreed.

“You betcha,” he concurred. “Let’s see what the others are doing.” He led them around the barn toward the farmhouse. So this is what the Kent farm actually looks like! Cool! “Hey, guys!”

“Good to see you, Harper,” Angie greeted. “What’s this?”

“A little something that I cooked up for Nick’s meeting. Everything set at the Talon?” he replied.

“It will be,” DC-Lana agreed. “How’s everyone in Kandor?”

“They were okay when we saw them three months ago. That kid of theirs is growin’ like a weed too,” he reported.

“Chlana’s learning to walk and talk, Lana,” Trance added warmly.

DC-Lana blushed. “This is so weird. I’m not even a parent yet and I’m already feeling the proud Grandma moment.”

“It’s okay,” Angie assured her. “Wait until you have your own kids.”

“Yeah I guess. Oh I wanted to warn you, Harper. There are two of Clark, Jasmine, Professor Dubois and Lana around. Be careful of what you say,” Trance advised. “The others are from an alternate universe. They don’t know about their future yet.”

“Right. I’ll be super careful guy,” he assured them all. “Let’s get to the Talon and get this stuff set up.”

With that, they headed for the Explorer.



Chapter 6 [Althanor]

Deirdre came out of the mists and waded carefully through the shallows. Auntie and the others must be getting restless. I would be in their shoes knowing Papa and his counterpart not to mention Hope are all running around out here. She approached the field. “Aunt Cybelle.”

The high priestess replied, “Any news, Deirdre?”

“We’re about to go after the Coven. Papa’s got a plan,” the priestess explained.

“Tell him to take care,” the Empress replied. “While the Child’s attack weakened them, Isobel is still at large. She could decide to intervene.”

“We’ve hidden the book for now,” Deirdre reported. She shuddered.

“Deirdre, what is it?” her aunt wondered.

“She fears the anger building inside of both Child and Protector. As well you should, Deirdre. Trust though that they both know their purpose. I would remind you all though—Alti and Rebecca Lichtenfeld are ours! They will endure Althanorian justice.”

“I will look forward to pronouncing that sentence,” Cybelle agreed. “The two kids can have the demon rider. But the two sorceresses will be dealt with for this travesty! Blood will be repaid. Trust in that.”

“You sound like Papa.”

“Your father has lost a great deal to these dark pests as have I! Remind them, Deirdre, of that. The book must be destroyed as well!” the high priestess seethed.

And destroyed it shall be. In front of them, Jor-El’s image appeared. Forgive me for intruding upon you.

“Jor-El, what’s happening in Smallville?” Deirdre asked.

Your father and his counterpart have returned and the meeting is set to begin. Kal-El and Lana asked me to come for you. On the matter of the book, it has certain properties protecting it from Earther destructive techniques. I—with the two dark ones—can destroy it. The crystal dust in its binding has to be dealt with as such, the father spirit explained.

“So be it,” the Empress agreed. “Did you hear what we said about the two sorceresses?”

“They are to be brought back here to stand justice for their crimes against Althanor and the Amazons,” Cybelle noted.

For profaning Krypton’s legacy and endangering my heirs, I would have a say in this as well. I trust David Dubois will want the same.

“Even if you were once an accomplice in that same deed?” the Empress inquired.

I continue to repent for that. David Dubois and Xena showed me the error of my ways.
“If not for him, we would be dead,” Deirdre interceded. “He allowed us to get the Andromeda and the counterparts.”

Grimwilkin finally joined them. “I agree with Deirdre. This one has earned his place on our tribunal if and when the time comes.”

“And what of Isobel?” Deirdre wondered.

The Empress glared at her and the spirit. “I know where she is. Let her deal with your father, Child.”

“What?”

“The Child will deal with her as he did Dijon,” the Empress prophesized. “Without that book, she is no match for him. Her Curse has plagued him and Lana Kent both. Let the accursed redeem themselves. They shall overcome that and more.”

I will watch as well. I would enjoy watching the Child deal with her in his dark manner. Lichtenfeld deceived me. As such, the one known as Isobel will pay, Jor-El vowed. Much anger courses through the Child after they abused him and the others.
“Yes. Let him and the Protector take it out on the Coven now,” the Empress indicated. “Especially after the Rider tells them the last secret.”

“Last secret?” Deirdre asked.

And the Empress told them about the insight.

“Goodness me!” Deirdre gasped. “How could they do that?”

Jor-El replied, The Protector, if what my counterpart says is true, will be especially angry.

“Yes, I concur,” the Empress concurred. “That’s what I’m counting on.”



****



[Amazon Village]

Gabrielle sat in the central hut, running her hands through her hair. Thanks to Jasmine and her classmates, the village had been rebuilt. The sisters’ injuries had healed for the most part. In little more than an hour, she, Xena and Eve would meet Hope and the others for the Grand Council meeting. What shall we decide?

“Hey, Gabrielle,” Xena greeted, entering the tent. “Everything okay?”

The Bard-Queen shot her best friend an incredulous look. “You and Hope are about to go charging back into that dark hole! Xena, come on!”

“Nothing we haven’t been through already, right?” the warrior retorted, trying to mask her own concern. “Besides we have Eve praying for us, right? Can’t have much better insurance than that.”

“I guess not. I want Jasmine there too.”

“Jasmine? David won’t allow it,” Xena disagreed.

“She has experience against the Rider and the jinni of her region. She passes this and I will have the right to give her something really special,” Gabrielle hinted, waving a scroll in the air, adding a grim smile.

Xena arched her eyebrow. “But we’ll make her a full sister afterwards anyway. What?” Then she smirked. “Eve suggested this, didn’t she?”

Gabrielle’s eyes brightened and she nodded. “She told me some time ago but Jasmine needs three quests to prove her valor.  Make sure she gets through this one and well….”

“I get it. Yeah, I think she’s ready for this.” Xena turned to see Hope standing there. “You heard?”

“The whole thing. And what of me?”

“Don’t push it,” Xena told the half-mortal.

The queen interceded, “Hope, you’ve done so much already. I’m really proud of you.”

Hope rubbed her burns. “It’s okay. I have…a boon to ask though.”

“Great,” Xena expressed in disbelief.

Hope shot her a murderous glare.

“What is it, Hope?” Gabrielle queried.

“I’m not much use here in that hut. I want to be in the outside world. But in a place where you both can watch me…as much as that ticks me off,” Hope pointed out.

“The university? Why?” Gabrielle wondered.

“Because the young ones accept me! That’s why! Mother, what’s wrong with that?” Hope protested. “I’ve never had anyone save…me before.”

“This is about Martha Kent saving you, isn’t it?” Xena guessed. “It was a reflex for her!”

“No, Xena, as much as you won’t admit it, you need me out there! And don’t worry, I despise Isobel as much as you all do! When we go for the Coven, you know as well as I do that she won’t be in that fortress! No, she’s got something else planned,” Hope disagreed. “Let her touch that farm and she’ll deal with ME!”

“As if the Child would allow it to happen…” Xena started.

“Above all, I trust in Dubois’ demon to finish business. However, the woman and her family have shown me something. I wish to ask that I can learn more,” Hope requested.

Gabrielle sighed, “Let’s talk again after this is over, Hope. Then we can ask the Kents together. All right?”

“That’s fair at least. Xena, we await you in Smallville,” Hope concluded before teleporting away.

“You’re really buying her game, aren’t you?” Xena wondered.

“Xena, she’s doing her part. She’s right. And we can watch her all the time. Most of all, if she’s there, the Child will know if she steps out of line,” Gabrielle reasoned. “It’s time for you to be getting back.” She got up and embraced her friend. “Keep your head on straight. Come back to us.”

“Yeah. We’ll have a story to write down when I get back,” Xena agreed before heading out down the path and into the mists.



****



Off to the east, Nai-Jin watched Xena vanish down the trail toward Althanor where she would meet Deirdre just outside of the force field.

So, the Rider has a secret, does he? When he tells the Dark Ones, he seals his own doom! Pray the goddess helps us with their anger after this is over!

Onto Part 2