Rating: T/M (Teen/Mature--Adult situation, fighting, language, character death)

This story crosses characters mainly from Smallville, Forever Knight and House. Characters from Xena Warrior Princess and the A-Team make brief appearances.

Notes: The characters from Smallville are from DC and the WB. The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to Studios USA and MCA. The characters from the Marvelverse belong to Marvel Comics. Mutant X belongs to Marvel Studios and Tribune. The A-Team belongs to Stephen Cannell Productions. The characters from House belong to Universal and their copyright holders. All other characters are fictitious and of my own invention. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Introduction [May 30, 2009]
[Smallville—The Talon]

Lana Lang-Kent writes….

Dear Diary,

As with every year, today is difficult for me to deal with. Another year, another anniversary…..

It was 21 years ago today that Lichtenfeld brought the sky down on Smallville—literally. She bombarded the town with the meteors which changed our lives forever.

As I’ve learned since, Mom and Dad showed tremendous courage, sacrificing themselves for me.

The one shining point in that disaster proved to be Clark’s arrival on Earth as the Ship crashed into Chandler’s Field.

I know there’s more with the Professor, Child and Karen then what they told us before. Details have continued to surface about what happened to them that day and after. I now remember clearly how the Child stood against Lichtenfeld and her demon—even if he mutated into the Destroyer in the process.

There’s another kick….Ryan, our son, is due to be born any day now.



[New Sanctuary]

Mikhail Ursus, former Major in the Soviet Red Army, reports….

Even as comfortable as Laynia and I are living and working with Mutant X, we cannot forget what happened during the last week of May 1988. It will be 21 years ago tomorrow that our team brought Karen Montoya back to Moscow to show our power over the borders and the American Monster.

How ironic….For in so doing, we woke a darker purpose….The Child pursued us, brushing aside our best forces as if they were black flies. But worse, as we—the Soviet Super Soldiers—engaged him, his further mutation emerged. Laynia’s dark force brought out the Destroyer….

The Cold War almost ended in nuclear holocaust.

The relationship between David and Karen was ended by our interference. In the long run, it was for the best, I guess…but, as with Laynia, I still feel the guilt for the pain I have caused my friends……



[Lillian’s Grave]

Lex Luthor recalls….

As with Lana, I can’t forget today’s significance: the meteor shower—Lichtenfeld’s object lesson to us all. Even as we thought her imprisoned, she returned as Dave had feared….

….Dave….I guess he fared the worst that day. True, Lana’s world was shattered but she had Nell there to help her pick up the pieces. Dave though lost everything that day and week: his mentor, Pauline, more friends and Karen broke off their engagement.

As with Lana, I too remember the Child and Destroyer’s stand against Lichtenfeld and the demon. I was petrified with terror, wanting to take her and run.

But I did promise Mom I would stand by him. I watched the Child’s birth and early development. Now along with April McKenzie, I saw him make the second and third Stands against the enemies.

Mom, you always knew best…even with someone as dark as the Child.



[Kalamazoo, MI-- Campus Pond, Western Michigan University]

Lisa (Cuddy) House, MD, recalls…..

In my time as a medical student and doctor, I have seen many strange things. Working around House makes me appreciate the unique and extraordinary on a daily basis. My friendship with Angie gives me other perspectives. We feed off of each other, seeming to trust our professional judgment. Although I didn’t know why, I gave her internships and a fellowship, choosing to trust her with my patients and thus my reputation. These things are key when one wants to be a dean of medicine.

When David and Angie visited Princeton Plainsboro last year, watching him deal with Vogler felt familiar--almost as if a case of déjà vu. This point was driven home by the Child’s ranting at House and seeing the scar on his hand.

Although I never said anything to anyone, I started to remember things about my latter year of medical school at Michigan. In that regard, I knew I had made a volunteer trip to help in a disaster relief effort but didn’t know the details. However, now I remember the whole thing. I was in Smallville, Kansas right after their meteor shower. Once again, I can feel the horror of the death and destruction around me as Angie, Frank Landers and I worked to help the doctors there. In the process, we treated and consoled Lana Lang-Kent, then a three year old orphan--now the manager of the café across the street from the UMC and one of David’s graduate students. As we did so, I remember arguing with them and Lex Luthor about a legendary ghost and David’s role in the whole thing.

Then I saw him change--becoming what Angie calls the Destroyer and driving off some larger monster straight out of Hell itself. While I’ve never been much for religion growing up, that day I learned what Hell is and that curses do exist--as much as my scientific mind wants to deny it.

I guess I can understand now why things are the way they are here….Why Angie can change into Xena. Why the campus can deal with David’s darkness. And how he coordinates all of the factors into a workable whole. Quite an administrative feat in its own right…..





Chapter 1 [Metropolis—Luthor Mansion—December 10, 1984]

Lex sat in the study, pouring over every tome on cancer and the occult that he could track down. Despite his mother’s defiance of the odds, he knew the cancer consuming her body would kill her soon or later….

The doctors and other practitioners in addition to his own father had told him to give up hope. I won’t! The boy ran his hands through his red hair, almost pulling it out in frustrated obsession. This has happened often enough! In his mind’s eye, he saw the nightmare again—the ghost burning his hand and then his mother.

The scar glowed on the back of his hand. Cut it out! He shook it, trying to make it go dark again.

“That won’t work, Alexander,” a female voice bade.

He turned to see Celesta floating behind him in her long white robes with the candelabra in her right hand. “W…who?”

She replied flatly, “My name is Celesta. I am a guide for your mother.”

His eyes went wide, recalling what Dave and the Alvarezes had talked about years earlier. “You’re the Candle Lady! The angel of death.”

“So David Dubois has called me,” she noted. “But come; your mother’s time is near and she has something very important to say to you. Go to her.” With that, she disappeared.

He trembled; fighting the tears streaming down his young face. “You gotta…get up there!” Steeling himself, he rushed out of the study, up the two flights of red carpeted stairs and right up to his mother’s door.

“Master Alexander, I was about to get you,” Jenkins, the elderly butler, declared. “Your mother is fading fast, sir.”

“Thank you, Jenkins,” Lex replied, trying to sound as adult as possible. “Where’s my father?”

“Master Lionel won’t be able to get here until tomorrow, I’m afraid. You’ll have to do, Young Master,” the elderly man reported. “Go on, sir. She’s waiting.”

Lex nodded numbly while entering the chamber and closing the door behind himself. “Momma?”

“Alex, come closer,” Lillian croaked hoarsely. “I wish to see you, Dear Boy.”

“I’m here. The Candle Lady’s here too,” he revealed.

“Her?” She coughed fitfully, spitting blood as she did so. “Th…en we don’t…have much time. Alex, I’m so…proud of you. I’m sorry…I can’t see you grow up to be the man…you will be. Promise me two things.”

He nodded. “Anything, Momma.” He filled the paper cup resting on her nightstand from the water pitcher beside it and handed it to her.

She took a drink of water. “Thank you. First, I don’t want you to be like your father. I’ve tried to give you…a conscience. You’ve seen what his ambitions can cause. Don’t…choose his path. Use our resources for the…benefit of mankind.”

“Sure. And the second?”

“This infernal Prohibition has prevented me from seeing David. Alex, just…as this cancer grows in me, so too does the…darkness consume him. He will need support…in the coming years. Please, Dear Boy, remember he is the closest…person you will ever have to a brother. His changes will frighten you…but don’t turn away from him. The…Child won’t hurt you. If needed, talk to…Laura Potter. All right?”

He nodded again.

“Swear to me, Alex! Swear you will help end this cycle!” she insisted.

“If it’s the last thing I do, I so swear,” he vowed, gripping her hand.

“Thank you,” she expressed, closing her eyes again. “You were always my boy more than your father’s.”

Celesta appeared next to them. “It is time.”

“It won’t…hurt, will it?” he wondered.

“No it will not. Say your good byes,” the guide instructed.

“Be strong, Alex,” his mother bade, hugging him fiercely.

“For you, Momma,” he agreed.

Celesta touched Lillian’s shoulder, sending her spirit to the Other Side.

“For…Dav…id,” the dying woman pleaded with her last breath.

“It is done. While I normally do not involve myself with the living, Alexander Luthor, I would advise you to heed your mother’s words well—in addition to the vows you have just made. They will prove crucial in the time to come.” With that, Celesta vanished.

He brushed his mother’s hair, making sure it was straight and true. Then he forced himself to stand up and walk from the room. Seeing Jenkins and another staff member waiting outside, he told them, “She’s gone. Notify my father please and make the arrangements. I…need time.”

“Of course, Young Master. Is there anything else we can do?” Jenkins agreed.

Lex requested, “I just need some time to myself. Thanks.” With that, he walked into his room and shut the door. Once away from prying eyes, he let the tears flow.


****

[Metropolis—St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, A Week Later]

Almost in response to the event in question, a bitter wind blew through the cemetery, chilling the dignitaries and executives in attendance. A slight freezing sprinkle dotted the landscape as well.

As could be expected, Lionel orchestrated the entire event, handpicking speakers for maximum effect—and leaving others out of the picture for the same reason.

After a few people tossed verbal bouquets at Lillian, recalling her civic and personal accomplishments, the priest gave the benediction.

And with that, the coffin was lowered into the ground.


****

Lex did his best to shake the people’s hands and accept their condolences for the loss of his mother. He periodically used his inhaler to ease the asthmatic wheezing. Although he had heard a few murmurs about David Dubois’ absence, he said nothing. What was the use? Still, David should have been allowed to come! For a split second, he felt something cold brush across his back. Now what? He turned to see nothing at all. Weird!

He headed back to his mother’s grave.


****


Meantime, Lionel and Stuart had finished with their end of the receiving line as well.

“A nice service. Wouldn’t you say, Stuart?” Lionel asked.

“It was. You had just the right touch on those speakers. The priest got sappy. Best of all, my stupid kid wasn’t around to turn it into a circus,” the consultant assessed.

Wait until you see what I do to him. That will show you what a circus really is! The billionaire narrowed his eyes menacingly. Despite his folly, he blamed the entire affair on Dave. “Lex?”

“He’s at the grave,” Stuart pointed out.

Lionel nodded. While he missed his wife, he felt glad that he would be able to toughen his son up—to prepare the latter for the world. He headed for the gravesite. “Lex?”

“I can’t believe it,” the boy retorted.

“Neither can I, Son, but we have to move on.” Lionel took a deep breath. “Come along now.”

The boy stood. I’ll remember that promise, Mom. Count on that. With that, he walked toward the waiting limo.

Chapter 2 [Two hours after the end of “Classroom Confrontation”]
[A/N: Yes, this is different version of the prelude in the Smallville premiere. Bear with me.]
[Top of Earth’s atmosphere]

Having bypassed the Moon, the Ship continued to hurl through space; its cargo protected by the glowing remnants of its home planet. For unmeasured time, it had done so…and would continue….

…except for the bright blue barrier in its path.

Unlike the other times when the craft’s guidance system had adjusted its course around such things, this time it made no such effort.

As the convoy brushed into the upper atmosphere, the objects started to glow.

The emerald fragments exploded, splintering into a deadly hail.

And, as if called upon by a power, the group fell toward North America where Destiny awaited.


****


[Ross Cream Corn Factory]

Lex parked his Ferrari next to his father’s limo and looked around. He had barely returned to the mansion before Lionel called. What could he want out here? He surveyed the cornfields and ran his hand through his red hair. Weird! He puffed a couple of times on his inhaler.

“Lex!” his father called from the brown barn’s front door.

“Hey, Dad, what’s going on? The staff said it was urgent.”

“You’re looking at the future site of our Smallville operation, Lex,” his father explained. “What do you think?”

“Other than the fact that you have corn and manure between your ears, I’d say you’re delusional,” the younger man sniped. “This is a cream corn factory not an industrial park.”

Lionel frowned, trying to maintain patience. “You only see what’s in front of you. Give it time. This field will be reborn into an industrial park—one I want you to run.”

“Me?” Lex inquired skeptically. “Surely, there are better people than me?”

“As with your namesake, it is time to start your training in the provinces. Alexander the Great learned his statescraft and military leadership skills through such experiences. So too did the Roman emperors,” Lionel noted. “One day, it will pay off for you and us all, Lex.”

“In what? Ears of corn? Screwing Smallville further? Really nice, Dad.” Seeing his father maintain his resolve, he relented, “Fine! I’ll survey the turf if it’ll make you happy.” Anything to keep my distance from you.

“Thank you. I think you’ll see what I mean. See you at the mansion tonight,” Lionel concluded before heading for the limo.

Once the other vehicle had left, Lex headed for the barn, looking for the Rosses. While his father wouldn’t have allowed him to sell back the land, he wanted to make sure they knew he wasn’t behind this maneuvering. He’ll never learn! Even though Mom died because of his garbage, he can’t stop screwing people! Dammit!

Not finding anyone, he started into the cornfield, looking to lose himself in the waving field of green husks…..


****

[Lang Farm]

Even as Lex explored his father’s most recent conquest, Laura and Lewis enjoyed the pleasant day under the sunny skies and amidst the tall waving prairie grasses. While they knew Nell needed help in the store, the latter had taken babysitting duties for the afternoon, allowing them to get away for a break with the picnic basket.

“It’s so beautiful out here,” Laura assessed, smiling as she stretched out on the blanket. “I’m glad you left this spot alone.”

“It was a fight to get Dad to do so,” Lewis noted while biting into a piece of fried chicken. “You do cook like nobody’s business.”

“Mrs. Kent is an excellent teacher,” she admitted while sampling her potato salad. “This actually turned out okay.”

He sighed, wishing she’d have more confidence in herself. “Most of what you do turns out great, Honey.” He hugged her, drawing her close to her. “Just wait until you see what we do with the shop once Nell leaves.”

She nodded, recalling how her sister had informed her of the ‘two years and out’ intention during the previous week. “Once we get Lana into school, it’ll be easier.”

He smiled. “That is if we can get her out of the store. She’s like your greeter.”

She laughed. “That’s our fairy princess. She loves people.” Before she could say anything else, she noticed her scar glowing. “What?”

“What’s setting that off?” he queried apprehensively.

“Nothing out here,” she presumed, glancing around.

“Laura! Get back!” he yelled, seeing Lichtenfeld appear in front of them.

“How? You’re trapped back in Massachusetts!” Laura protested.

The ghost smirked. “Nay! Ye thought Ah was trapped, Dearie. Ye shoulda listened to my boy! Ye know wha’ Ah want. Give ‘er to me!”

“Is she serious?” he doubted.

“She thinks she is,” his wife retorted. “If you think I’m going to let you do to Lana what you did to Dave, you’re nuts, Lady. Stay away from my daughter!”

Lichtenfeld shrugged. “So be it!” She snapped her spectral fingers. “Best get to yonder hamlet, Dear Ones. Ye won’ wanna miss this!” Cackling, she disappeared.

“We can’t let her take Lana! Come on!” Laura panicked before grabbing the food.

“Forget it! Come on! I wish Dave were here,” he urged.

“Me too. The Memorial Day parade’s going to have a nasty surprise now,” she declared. If the Witch comes near us, that’ll mean Dave’s dark persona will be there too. Great.

Forgetting about the basket and food, they ran for their truck.



****


[20,000 feet over Amarillo, TX]

Dave reclined in his seat, trying to relax. The Tucson-Dallas flight had been uneventful, allowing him to rest and plan in his mind. I forgot how long these things are! Rapid air travel—yeah right!

At that moment, the scar on his hand started to glow.

Now what? He stood up and looked around the cabin. While nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary, he felt the familiar iciness running up and down his spine.

Then the pilot announced, “Attention, everyone! This is Captain Richards. We seem to be heading for an unexpected patch of turbulence. Please return to your seats and fasten your seat belts. Thank you.”

Dave looked out the window and saw the giant mist cloud in front of them. “How in?”

Before he could do anything, the cloud swallowed them whole.

Chapter 3
[Faerie Realms]

As soon as the mist cloud had appeared, the Empress and Keira had sensed its presence.

“Who would do that? The priestesses stay clear of David Dubois except for Pauline,” the high priestess noted.

“That is no priestess,” Nai-Jin advised while entering the chamber. “It seems that the young one’s fears were justified.”

“Lichtenfeld? Impossible!” the Elf-Queen disagreed. “She’s trapped.”

“As she has been in the past. Yet she has appeared in Smallville and threatened the inhabitants. The forces are now in motion. Soon, you will have to make a choice, Milady. With all due respect, go there now. You will be needed soon,” the seeress declared.

“Choice?” Keira queried.

“You will know when the time comes. That is all She tells me,” Nai-Jin noted.

The Empress frowned. “The unknown cloud is also of her making. Very well! I shall do what I can.” She turned to Keira. “Keep your order in Althanor. The less exposure they have, the better.” Then she vanished, leaving the Amazon and High Priestess wondering what would happen next.


****

[Chicago—O’ Hare Airport]

Karen rushed up to the service counter in a panic. During the initial flight, she had tried to stay in touch with Dave. After the plane disappeared, she couldn’t feel anything. What happened now? Spotting an African-American male in a blue suit, she asked, “Excuse me, sir? Is there any information on Flight 5347 to Boston?”

He smiled and typed on his keyboard. “5347…that’s out of Dallas.”

“My fiancé’s on that flight,” she indicated.

“I don’t see anything out of the ordinary here,” he assured her. “If there are any….” He saw a message flash across the screen. “It seems that they’ve deviated from their flight path…perhaps that was for storms. If there’s anything else, I can page you, Miss….”

“Karen Alvarez. Thank you,” she expressed before heading back to the coffee shop. Now I wish I had listened to Dave when he said to eat the tickets. This is more trouble than it’s worth! She glanced at her watch. Still three hours until the connection.