Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star.  All other characters and poems are of my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

Rated: M (Adult situations, language and violence)

Introduction [Amazon Village—two weeks after “Vendetta” (Dubois 2.88)]

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

With the Coven defeated, we returned to an alerted-state of normalcy. Even if one of their number still remained at large, the Community and our friends could breathe a little easier.

Jasmine adjusts to her new duties as counselor and caste-holder well. With only a semester left to her future education, I believe she will come here permanently to live once that is finished. In addition, she has talked to Eve, Xena, Nai-Jin and myself about her final rite of passage. In facing the one whom David Dubois and his friends knew only as the “Mystery Man” until recently, we learned of two dark secrets. Two deals—one consummated between David and Karen Alvarez in the Pit. The other concerned our friends from the future—one of whom was promised to another dark power in exchange for subverting David at that point.

This story deals with a challenge and a quest. Here, David and his friends meet the Empress once more and he encounters the Inner Realms, meeting friends who would influence his future. Most importantly though, the darkness would swell inside of him. The Child lurked behind the scenes as Garth Singleton recalls.

And there was no going back…..



Chapter 1 [Pit, Inner Realms]

In an adjacent dimension to Earth, the landscapes varied. In one region, mountains and rugged plateaus rose from the terrain to touch the sky. In another, grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see. Dense dark and ancient forests dotted immense spaces of this world as well.

To the east of the far mountains, darkness obscured a volcanic landscape in shadow. Vile fumes escaped from the parched and barren landscape, choking the air. Large raven-like birds swooped over the area, watching always for things out of the ordinary. Wasp-like insects swarmed around the stagnant, bubbling tar pits. In its center, a gigantic cone-shaped recess spiraled its way deep beneath the surface. Sounds could be heard coming from it. The other realms’ inhabitants spoke of it in whispers and fear.


****


[Central Chamber]

Buried several levels beneath the cone’s bottom, Lousain the wizard sat on his stone throne, musing about plans of conquest. For years, he had sent his grotesque followers, the trolls, on futile missions to take the walled fortresses of Ruthwen and Nurrengaard. On each try, the inhabitants led by Harokin and Molori respectively repulsed the invaders. Recently, however, he had learned of a new darkness developing on Outer Earth.

His ‘niece’ had informed him of a human’s progress, saying that Dahak’s seed was growing within one particular boy.

Soon, the latter would be the Destroyer.

He had slipped into Outer Earth to see the teenager for himself. Under the cover of an invisibility spell, he had spied upon the other in a cemetery.

Curiously, the boy detected him—a sign that his power was great indeed.

After talking to Anne Lichtenfeld, he decided to draw the young man into his darkness; to subvert his conscience forever. And best of all, she had revealed the bait: a female.

Lousain waved his hands, making a fire sprout up in the blazer in the room’s center. “Melogath!”

At its master’s command, a hooded figure ambled into the room. From beneath its cowl, a pair of ruby red eyes shone. “How can I serve you, Master?”

“Gather the troll armies. We strike again,” the wizard informed the other.

“Ah! Which city?”

The superior shook his head. “No. We strike at Outer Earth in two days’ time.”

“The Dark One the ghost spoke of. Yes, I have seen this boy in my visions. He has power but it is not developed yet. He is uncontrollable. I would urge elimination,” the hooded figure advised. “As the head of your phantom priests, so I say.”

“If he resists, then you can kill the human and his friends,” the wizard permitted.

The dark priest vanished from view.

Lousain sighed, hoping that this pawn would come to him. It would be a waste indeed. Then he felt something. “Come out, Brother!”

From the shadows, the Mystery Man stalked into the light. “The boy shall not be harmed! At least not by the likes of yer minions!”

“Have a soft spot for him, do you?” the raven haired man inquired. “This is a first!”

“Dahak has chosen him as the Destroyer!”

“So Mistress Anne tells me. Let’s see how well your master’s chosen.” The wizard considered the shadowy figure’s purpose. “You also saw his companions?”

“Aye! The brats are fer Anne an’ me!” The shadow’s man’s eyes glowed yellow. “’Specially the one he cares fer!”

“There seems to be a connection between them. What could that be?” Lousain laughed. “You know.”

“Aye, not even my daughter knows. If ye keep it secret, I’ll tell ye,” the Mystery Man told him. “So that ye’ll understand why neither she nor Dubois are to be harmed.” He told his brother what he knew.

“Really?” The wizard’s cackling echoed throughout the Pit, making even the most imposing troll shudder. “This does present possibilities! I assure you, Brother, she will not be harmed.” He grinned. “She will be the perfect cheese for our mouse! Perfect indeed!”





Chapter 2 [Amherst, MA—a month following “Adjustments”]
[Firing range]

After a chilly start, the spring warmth finally roused Amherst from its winter doldrums. People walked, getting out to see the flowers and experience the weather for themselves.

At the firing range on the edge of town, Dave stood with his eyes locked on the target, sizing it up with his bow and eye. Steady, steady…aim carefully! He felt as one with the bow. Sliding a shaft into it, he fired.

The arrow hit dead center from a distance of fifty yards.

“Not bad for missing three months,” Garth noted, walking over from the rifle range section and carrying his shotgun on his shoulder.

“Chalk it up to the rehab center and Karen’s TLC,” Dave replied, sizing up the next shot.

That shaft split the previous one down the middle.

“Show off,” Garth teased. “Bring up the charming Miss Alvarez and you hit the bull’s eye.”

“Yeah well, it seems that you and April are doing all right. Glad to see it,” Dave informed him. “Give me a minute to get those and we’ll go!”

As his friend rushed to do so, Garth thought about the upcoming junior/senior prom. After the drama surrounding them during the previous winter, he and the other members of the Cadre had vowed that the dance would be an ideal time for Dave and Karen. They deserve it if anyone does.

“I’m in the mood for a mocha. How about you?” Dave asked.

“Sounds great to me. Let’s just drop the gear off first,” the other teen agreed as they put their gear in the back of his pickup truck and took off toward town.


****


[Cappuccino Express—twenty minutes later]

As they pulled up in front of the café, Garth asked his friend, “Before we go in, I wanted to ask if you’re ready for the Prom or not?”

Dave looked at him pointedly. “We’re only two days away from it, Pal. I had better be ready. When one lives with the girlfriend and her family, he doesn’t dare to disappoint. April’s folks have something special going for us. Mrs. Alvarez is taking me to pick up the tux tomorrow. Karen, April and I are figuring out the limo.”

“Too bad Mrs. Luthor can’t come through again,” Garth wished.

“I don’t want to push Aunt Lillie any more than I have to, Garth,” Dave responded as they got out. “We’ll have a great evening. Even so, I know the folks in Smallville want updates.” They walked into the restaurant to find it packed. “Never a dull moment.” He found Mrs. Campbell waiting for them at the counter. “Hi, Mrs. C! Great day, isn’t it?”

It’s nice to see him in a good mood. Then again, I do know why. “It’s that, all right. I love a packed place. Your usual?”

“Yes, Ma ‘am. Thanks. Garth?” Dave looked at his friend who was staring at April in the corner. “Uh…space cadet? Earth to space cadet!”

Mrs. Campbell chuckled; her eyes sparkling at the other teen. “I’ll get him a large coffee. That’ll be $2.25 for both.”

Dave grinned. “I appreciate it.”

She went to make the drinks. Two minutes later, she came back with the drinks in question. “Here you are!”

“Thank you. Come on, Space Cadet,” Dave told his classmate.

“Oh yeah, coffee….” Garth agreed, taking a cup.

“Actually, that’s my mocha. You want the other cup,” Dave noted, switching cups. “Follow me. See you later, Mrs. C.” He led them over to the table where Karen and April were deliberating over class notes. “Paradise Muffed, huh? Looks painful.”

His girlfriend arched her brow at him. “It is.” She had a feeling of foreboding as he said that. Why is it that I see this Lucifer guy in you, Dave? Can it. The Witch is the one trying to bring him down. She patted the seat next to her. “Plant it. I want some attention.”

“You do, do you?” Dave teased, sitting down and giving her hand a squeeze.

“She does,” April retorted after Garth had done the same. “Don’t tell me you’ve both polished this off already?”

“Don’t look at me. I’m totally lost by it,” Garth admitted. “Dave?”

The teenager shrugged. “I finished it.” He frowned, thinking of course of the Curse.

Get off this topic now! Karen changed the subject. “So…umm…is everyone set for the Prom?”

“Mom and Dad are stocking their shelves with corsages,” the young florist agreed. “And my dress came back from the tailor.”

“Any chance that we could see it?” Garth asked.

“You’ll have to wait until the night of the event,” she retorted.

“And we’re set,” Karen indicated, looking at Dave. Seeing him staring out the door, she tapped him. Now what? “Hey, Dave.”

“Huh?”

“What’s going on?” his girlfriend wondered.

“Nothing. Be right back,” he indicated, getting up and walking out of the café. For the previous few minutes, he had felt the aura from the cemetery once again. Okay. Where are you? He felt his scalp going numb. I hate cowards!

Then he saw the tall raven haired man from the cemetery standing across the street. “Terrific.” He waved his hand at the guy. “Over here!”

Lousain smirked and vanished from view.

Gone again! Yeah, you SOB, you can’t hide from me! He glared at the spot where the other had stood. Then he felt a tap on the arm, knowing from the mental vibes with it that Karen was there. “Sorry about that.”

“Who was that guy?” she wondered.

“What guy?” he lied, not wanting to bring her into it.

She shot him an incredulous look. “Dave, this is me. When we get home, I want to know who that creep was.”

“Honestly, I have no idea. But he’s bad news whatever he is,” he advised. “Keep your eyes open, all right?”

“Always,” she agreed. Now what’s going on?



****
 

[Rowenshire—Old Dubois House]

Lousain appeared in a flash of dark light on the grassy field. He nodded. “It is as you and your sire said.”

“We told ye,” Lichtenfeld agreed, floating into view. “My boy cares fer ‘er.”

“Perfect bait for a sacrifice,” he snickered.

That comment angered her. “Miss Mouthy an’ the other brats are mine an’ my Sire’s! Watch if ye like but keep outta it!”

He glowered at her. “Stop me if you can, Mistress. In two days time, my forces attack.” With that, he vanished.

From the Lower Valley, the fire demon whined painfully.

“Nay, Precious!” She scored a nearby tree with a fire burst. “He won’ do it! If he tries, we’ll be there an’ so will Father!” She screamed indignantly. “Uncle will learn na’ to defy Father!” She raised her ear to the west and smirked. “Besides, my boy an’ Miss Mouthy already know. Yes, Uncle will learn well.”




Chapter 3 [Cathedral of Crystal, Faerie Realms]

Even as the stare down occurred on Outer Earth, the Faerie Empress watched it through the view portal. “Now Lousain has found his way there?”

“The ghost and his brother work with him, Lady,” Grimwilkin noted grimly. “It seems though that his magics aren’t strong enough to fool the lad.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “His senses have grown more powerful. But how will he deal with the darkness?”

“He has adjusted to the darkness surrounding the house,” he countered.

“Has he? The seed continues to grow, Grimwilkin. Besides, there is the Pit to consider. Lousain knows of the boy’s potential, I’m sure.” She shook her head. “You spoke with Molori and Harokin?”

He nodded. “They are certainly aware of the darkness’ spread across the Inner Realms. Accordingly, they prepare for war.”

“As well they should,” Nai-Jin advised, entering the area. She bowed to the Elf-Queen. “May I speak?”

“Of course. You see something?” the Empress wondered.

“I have. Your fears, Lady, are about to be realized. Lousain’s trolls will strike like a tidal wave. In the fight to come, the Mystery Man will challenge the boy. David Dubois will follow, braving the dangers in front of him. In order to save his love, he will have to compromise his beliefs,” the Amazon seeress proclaimed.

“Compromise? How?” he pressed.

Nai-Jin shook her head. “Much happens wrapped in darkness’ shroud, Grimwilkin. I know that he’ll reveal what he is at some point in the journey he will take. That is all. When he comes to Nurrengaard, then you will go to him, Mighty Queen.”

“I shall indeed,” the Empress concurred. “I shall watch the events in Amherst closely.”

“As does the vampire Community. Nikki diCosta observes the events as well. If I may be excused?” the seeress requested.

“If that is all, we thank you, Nai-Jin,” the Elf-Queen indicated.

The Amazon bowed again and departed.

“It seems our fears are realized,” he declared.

“Not yet. I will have Pauline watch the site. If this happens, I want to know immediately,” she indicated.

He bowed slightly and shuffled from her sight.

She narrowed her eyes. So Lousain wishes to play a game? We shall see how he likes it.


****


[Amherst—Alvarez House—that evening]

Dave went over his notes one more time about Milton. Knowing Miss Jenkins, she’ll want the full report. He sighed, running his hands through his hair. If only they remembered…. Getting up from his bed, he looked out the east window toward the horizon. If Lichtenfeld has her way, that’ll be me.

“Dave?” Karen asked, sticking her head in the door. “What’s going on?”

“Just taking a break from Paradise Lost,” he told her. “And keeping an eye out for trouble.”

She shut the door to insure their privacy. As the Empress had allowed her to regain the memories for his benefit, she didn’t want to abuse the privilege. “You need to relax.” She walked over to his side and rubbed his shoulders. “What’s got you so on edge? Who was that guy?”

He glanced at her and realized she wouldn’t let up until he told her. “I really don’t know. He’s popped up a couple of times over the past few weeks. He’s been setting off the mark too.”

“So he’s tied to Rowenshire. Wonderful,” she realized. “Dave, maybe you should let Brother Andrew or Nancy know about this?”

“If Her Darkness is bringing in reinforcements, they’re not going to be able to stop them,” he disagreed. “We just need to be careful.” He embraced her tightly. “I’ll keep you safe.”

“I know that. Same here, Pal,” she asserted, looking into his eyes. “I love that about you.”

He nodded, recalling Lillian’s advice to him once again. Tell her and don’t let the dark things stop your love. “And I you.” He kissed her. “We’re going to have a good time at the Prom. Just think about that, all right?”

She smiled for his benefit. “You bet.” Just then, she felt a familiar cold vibration downstairs. “Did you?”

“I felt it. Come on,” he replied, getting his bow and quiver. Leading her carefully out of the room and down the stairs. He was glad that her parents were out at the school district annual banquet that night. The vibrations led toward the living room.

[“Where?” Karen asked.]

They saw an open window with the latch broken and curtains billowing in the breeze.

[“We’ve got company,” he informed her.] He had a shaft strung and swept the room within a heartbeat. [“Behind us.”] He wheeled around, keeping himself between her and the source. “Come out!”

“Really, Dubois,” Nikki hissed, turning on the lights. “If I wanted you both dead, I wouldn’t have come in this way.”

Karen stared at the visitor. “Ms. diCosta, what is going on?”

“I was hoping you could tell me. According to my sources, a mysterious man is stalking you both. He has also been seen with the ghost in Rowenshire,” Nikki noted.

“That’s the guy who stared him down outside of the Express earlier,” Karen realized.

“And he makes the scar glow,” he added. “There’s a tie.” He took a deep breath. “I have a favor to ask of you and the others.”

“That depends,” Nikki replied. “Go on.”

“Your sources have told you about the Prom over at the high school day after tomorrow, right?” he inquired.

“We know about it. Of course, it is beneath our notice. What of it?” she wondered.

“Can you keep a watch on it? Knowing Lichtenfeld, it would be the perfect place for her to strike. I’d bet that this creep thinks the same way. I hope it doesn’t happen but best to be safe than sorry,” he requested.

“Come on!” his girlfriend expressed in frustration. “After everything that’s happened this year, we can’t even have one night?”

“That is the reason why an attack would come then,” the Elder agreed after considering the request. “Very astute, Dubois.”

“Boston taught me a few things,” he retorted. Then he felt something else. “Damn!” He motioned toward the window.

The vampire growled. “Miss Alvarez, stay here. Dubois, are you any good with that?”

“Ask the fire demon,” he deadpanned, taking the door.

Nikki zipped out of the window.

Now what? Karen shivered anxiously.

****


Dave crept along the side of the house, keeping to the bushes wherever possible. Then he found the raven haired prowler again. “Hey! Hands up or I fire!”

“Watch him, Dubois!” Nikki hissed.

“Yes, do watch me,” Lousain taunted. “I wanted to test your reflexes, Boy. And allying yourself with a vampire no less?”

“I’m full of surprises, Smart Ass,” he retorted. Seeing the scar glowing again, he added, “You’ve been dealing with obnoxious ghosts no less?”

The wizard hissed, “Respect your elders, Dubois!” He uncorked a dark fire burst at the teen bowling him over. “You’re deluded if you think you can stop me.”

She kept her distance inspecting her adversary. “I’ve dealt with warlocks before. You’ll burn as they did!”

He snickered. “I am no mere warlock, vampire. What I am is for you to find out. You’re alone. What can you do against me?”

From behind him, a dark growl begged to differ.

Both combatants turned to see Dave glaring at them through yellow hued eyes. His hands glowed.

“This is delicious! Mistress Anne was right!” Lousain exclaimed.

“Sh…addap!” Dave spat, returning fire with two pulses of his own. “Them’re ‘urs.”

She frowned. The warlock instigates the darkness in the boy! She flew toward the wizard, ramming into him from behind. “This stops now!”

Lousain picked himself off the turf. “My purpose here is done. Be aware; I shall come back soon to end it!” With that, he disappeared.

“Whe…re’d he go?” Dave hissed while starting to calm down enough to think straight.

“He’s gone. More importantly, what to do about you?” she replied. “I should kill you right now.”

“If I don’t kill you first, lady,” he retorted, stringing his bow. “Anyhow, you see what I was talking about?”

“I do. Credit your senses and preparedness, Dubois. They have saved you on this night. We will indeed keep watch,” she concluded before taking off into the night.

“She’s unbelievable!” he groused.

“Dave! Is he gone?” Karen wondered, rushing to his side.

“Yeah he is. So is our so-called guardian. Great,” he replied. “Let’s get in the house. I can’t wait to explain the broken window latch to your folks.” He ushered her inside, shutting the door behind them.

And this was only the beginning…..




Chapter 4 [Two nights later]

After a frantic day of turning in assignments and such, Dave canceled the Knight’s weekly meeting. Most of them had other preparations in mind anyhow. The students mobbed the Floral Emporium. Long lines swamped the cleaners and tailor shop. As always, the Express benefited from the need to calm jangled nerves.

On top of that, Dave had arrived early at APRHS with his bow and quiver that morning. While the principal and others weren’t watching, he stashed them in his locker. If that creep shows up, I’ll have something ready for him.

Garth came up to him. “Hey, Dubie, what’s going on?”

“Potential trouble tonight,” Dave muttered, looking around. “You have your skeet gun from gym class?”

“Yeah. I was going to bring it home before the dance,” his friend noted.

“Don’t. You may need it. Let’s go,” Dave guessed, guiding him out the door.

It seemed like it would be a night to remember…..

****


[Pit]

Lousain watched the activity through his looking glass, discerning the moment to strike. As Dave had predicted, he was looking for the maximum psychological advantage.

Beside him, Melagorath looked on as well. “When do we move out?”

“Soon.” The wizard remarked softly, easing himself into the moment. “We’ll wait for the children to engage in their mating rituals.” He smirked. “Dubois has no idea of what’s coming.”

“The trolls,” the other recalled.

“Yes. He’ll see my shock troops. Melitor!”

From the shadows, a five and a half foot creature ambled toward him. It was brown skinned with beady eyes and a mouth full of sharpened teeth bordering on being called fangs. Its muscles bulged in its arms and legs. Armor encased its torso. “Yes, Master?”

“Prepare your best trolls. I have an errand for you,” Lousain instructed. “I will send you there when the time is right.”

“It shall be done!” The troll hurried away as fast as it could.

“No idea indeed.” Lousain chuckled before returning to the looking glass.


****


[Amherst—Alvarez Residence]

Dave tried to ease his jangled nerves while standing in front of the mirror in his bedroom. His tux hung in the close waiting for the big event a couple of hours later. I hope dinner at diFazio’s will be good enough. Karen deserves better but she knows money’s tight.

Mrs. Alvarez knocked on the door. “Dave, you’ve got a call long distance.”

“Long distance?” he asked while following her down to the kitchen. “Hello?”

“Well hello there, Stranger. It’s been a while. How are you?” Laura Potter asked.

“Laura? Is that you? What’s going on?” he replied.

“I’m fine and so is everyone down here. Rumor has it that there’s something going on up there?” she inquired.

He rolled his eyes. “Yes. The junior/senior Prom is tonight. I’m just about to start getting ready.”

“You do have something special picked out for Karen, right?” she asked.

He sighed, “Yes, we’re going to dinner along with April and her date. Corsage is in the fridge.”

“Good. By the way, Mrs. Luthor says hello. She was wondering why you didn’t let her know about your big event,” she noted.

“You told her? Terrific. I was going to send pictures. I…didn’t want her spending any more on me at least not for the moment,” he explained, wincing as he spoke.

“And you wanted to do this one on your own, I take it? Too late for that, Dave. You might want to call her. She told me to tell you to do it collect. Anyway, how are Karen and April?”

“Nervous about this dance. Otherwise, we’re getting ready for summer. Classes get out in three weeks. No offense but this will be a school year that I’ll be glad to forget,” he declared.

“Three weeks in a hospital bed not to mention that court mess would be enough for anyone,” she agreed. “Oh…I wanted to let you know that the Kents and Lewis say hello and send their best about tonight.” She hesitated for a second. “Is there anything else?”

“No. Why?” he fibbed, still thinking about his encounter with Lousain from two days earlier.

“You’ve got that edginess in your voice. Make sure you give Karen a night to remember,” she commented.

“Yes, Mother,” he cracked. “Tell everyone down there we’re thinking of them too.”

“I will. Remember what I said. Take care and we’ll be expecting some stuff too,” Laura concluded.

Expecting some stuff too? He smiled, thinking of how the Talon affair had provided such wonderful friends in Smallville. That is one part of the year I don’t mind remembering. He scratched his head. “Best to get this over with.”

“How is everyone?” Mrs. Alvarez wondered.

“Laura says they’re okay. I wish it weren’t so far away,” he replied.

“I know. The beach this summer would be perfect for you to get together,” she agreed. “Are you going to call Mrs. Luthor?”

“I’d better,” he noted, dialing the phone and waiting for the operator. “Yes. Collect call please. To Aunt Lillian from David. Thank you.” He looked at his hostess and shrugged while waiting for the dial tones.


****


[Metropolis—Luthor Residence]

Lillian sat at her desk, composing a letter for the latest charity ball. While she tired of the endless galas, at least she knew the homeless were receiving the proceeds. The caterer’s set. I have the seating arrangements completed. What’s left? Nothing. That should do it. She placed her pen down and folded the paper. After sealing it into an envelope, she went to check on her son.

“Momma, what’s wrong?” he asked as she peeked in on him.

Seeing that he was reading a book, she shook her head. “Nothing, Alex. I wanted to see how you were doing.”

He smiled. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s take a walk later. The weather’s finally getting warm and you need some sun.”

“Okay,” he agreed. Lex always did like those moments alone with his mother.

“Great,” she concurred. “I’ll leave you to your book. Check on you later.”

He nodded absently, getting back into his text.

David’s certainly given him the reading bug. Not that I’m complaining mind you. She headed back toward her study. Speaking of him, I hope the others gave him the message. She frowned. I wish he’d understand that I only want the best for him. Lord knows, he and his friends have certainly been through enough especially in the past year. Hearing the phone ring, she asked, “Who now?” Picking up the receiver, she asked, “Yes?”

“Hello, this is the Operator with a collect call for Aunt Lillian from David. Will you accept?”

Lillian agreed, “Of course! Put him through.” When the connection went through, she asked, “David? I’m glad you called.”

“Hi, Auntie. How’s everything in Metropolis?” he wondered.

“Everyone’s fine here…well except my feelings are hurt. Why didn’t you tell me about your dance? I mean if your grandmother didn’t say anything, I wouldn’t have known,” she told him.

“I was going to send pictures and everything. It’s just that…well…I feel as if I’m taking advantage of you,” he admitted.

“That’s very sweet and I appreciate your concern. But you know how much pleasure it gives me to see you having fun with your friends? Lionel and I spend millions to help people we don’t even know. While I think that’s important, I don’t mind helping you with the times of your life. You’ve had enough taken from you. Now, I did take a few liberties. You have a limo coming to get you at 6:30 and dinner’s at the Golden Goose. I’ve already spoken to Karen’s father about this so he knows. Just have fun tonight, all right?” she explained.

“Yes, Auntie Lillie,” he complied. Still he didn’t mind her indulging him—as long as she didn’t mind doing it. Good thing I have my stuff at school already. Let’s hope the creep stays away. “Sorry I don’t have longer to talk. I need to get ready. Say hi to Alex and I’ll call this weekend if that’s all right?”

“Do that. Say hello to your grandmother when you see her on Saturday,” Lillian concluded before hanging up.

“I will,” he promised before doing the same. She is something else. He looked at Mrs. Alvarez. “Did Dr. A. mention this to you?”

She chuckled. “He did. Go on and get dressed.”

“The shower’s yours!” Karen called down the stairs.

“Yes, Miss!” he yelled back up the stairs before rushing toward his room.

Mrs. Alvarez shook her head. “One minute he’s really tense and the next he’s cracking jokes. Unreal. I hope that’s a good sign.”

****

[6:15 PM]

Dave clipped the clasp on the bow tie and straightened his jacket. “Not bad.” He nodded with approval as he looked at himself in the mirror. “Never thought I’d say it but this does look nice.” He heard a knock at the door. “Yeah?”

“Ready, Mr. D?” his girlfriend wondered coming into the room. After getting a look at him, she blinked for a minute. “You clean up really nice.”

He looked at her in the lavender evening dress with the pearl necklace and her hair done just right. “Excuse me; who are you and what did you do with Karen?”

She swatted the air in front of his face. “Stop that! That’s going to cost you.”

“I think I can guess what,” he chuckled before kissing her. A minute later, he asked, “That settle things?”

“It does. Come on; I think everyone’s waiting,” she advised, remembering to take her purse.

They went downstairs to find her parents waiting along with the McKenzies, Garth, Peggy Masters and Janet.

“Gram?” Dave asked while hurrying over to her side.

“Did you think I’d miss this?” his grandmother asked, kissing him on the cheek. “You look very handsome.”

“Gram, come on,” he complained, blushing with embarrassment.

“Lighten up, Dave. She came a long way to see you off tonight,” Peggy declared. “Good to see you too.”

“Same here. How are Ally and the others?” he asked.

“They’re all right. Just waiting for school to let out. Karen, I trust you’re keeping him in line?” Peggy wondered.

“That’s harder than it looks,” Karen teased good naturedly, smirking at her date.

“Well, we need to have some pictures before your ride gets here,” Janet noted before a coughing fit hit. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Dave told her. “Is there a way you can stay here tonight? Take my room. We’ll catch up on things in the morning.”

“Since your Dad’s out of town, if it’s all right with the Alvarezes, I’d like that,” she agreed.

“And you can stay over, Peggy,” April offered before looking at her parents.

“That’ll be fine. We’ll call when we get home,” Mrs. McKenzie agreed.

“Fine with us. Dave, we’ll have the couch ready for you,” Dr. Alvarez agreed while taking out his camera. “Okay, everyone, get together.” He snapped eight pictures, getting everyone in different poses before conceding to the clock. “That’s it. Have fun, Kids. I’ll be there at 8:30.”

Garth looked out the window and asked, “Dave, I take it Mrs. Luthor found out?”

“Someone slipped the word,” Dave noted, eyeing his grandmother.

“I mentioned it to her. You did call her, right?” Janet inquired.

“We spoke about two hours ago. Of course, I thanked her,” Dave indicated.

“Good. She does enjoy doing these things…sometimes it is a little much but she wants you all to enjoy,” Janet agreed. “Have fun!”

After kissing her, he took Karen’s hand. “Shall we?”

“We shall,” she agreed. “Thanks, Gram.”

“My pleasure, Kids,” she agreed, waving as they left. After they had done so, she requested, “Peggy, please help me.”

“Sure,” the teenager agreed. I wish she’d let me tell Dave how bad this is getting but she won’t let me or Aunt Mariah or Uncle Colin say a word. She guided the elder woman to the couch, helping her lie there. “Just relax.”

“Absolutely. Thank you all…I needed to see him and the others this year.” With that, she closed her eyes before drifting off to sleep.

The adults in the room looked at each other anxiously. They knew how frail Janet’s condition was. According to the doctors, she had a short time left. The gray in her face, her skinniness and the enlarged size of the neck mark indicated her worsening condition.

Before the end of that night, she would have another shock to deal with. Quite the shock indeed.




Chapter 5 [Golden Goose—half an hour later]

True to Lillian’s word, the dinner amazed the teens to say the least. Between the steak and chicken dishes (not to mention the desserts), they definitely savored the experience.

“She’s unbelievable,” April sighed, wiping off her mouth and setting the napkin on the plate. “I’m definitely sending her an arrangement after this. Hang the expense.”

“And you’re putting a poem in there, I trust?” Karen inquired.

Dave shrugged. “I haven’t let Auntie down yet. She enjoys this whole thing, Guys. I guess we should too.”

“You can say that again. We all get to sign the card with those flowers, right?” Garth asked.

“Of course,” his date replied. “This is Heaven though and to think we’ve done it twice.”

Before anyone else could say anything, the maitre-de came over and declared, “Mr. Dubois, there’s a call for you.”

“For me?” he queried. “Who would call me here?”

“Maybe one of us should go with you,” Karen suggested.

Feeling the familiar cold spot close by, he shook his head. “Be right back.” He headed off across the room, disappearing around the corner.

“It’s probably Mrs. Luthor checking on us, Karen,” Garth suggested.

“Maybe,” Karen conceded but still feeling concern. I doubt it.

****

Meantime, Dave stepped to the podium. “Excuse me. Is there a call for David Dubois?”

The petite blonde woman standing there smiled and handed him the receiver.

“Hello?” he asked.

“Dubois, you certainly have nice taste,” Nikki complimented. “Step outside and into the alley. Don’t worry; I came alone.”

He hung up. “If my friends are wondering where I am, tell them I’ll be right back.” He went outside and cautiously entered the alley. There he found the Elder waiting for him. “Anything on our mysterious friend yet?”

“Not a word. Did you get the gear in place?” Nikki asked.

“It’s there. After hearing his challenge, I took out some insurance. Garth has his rifle there too although he doesn’t know why. You know he and I could be suspended for bringing weapons into school?” he informed her.

She arched her brow incredulously. “You’re being targeted by a warlock and you’re worried about being suspended? Think, Dubois! If he’s announcing himself to us, he has to be planning something big! And more than likely, he’s involving Lichtenfeld!”

“You’re warming my heart,” he retorted. “Does Nick know yet?”

“I’m not calling him until I absolutely have to. The Community needs him in Chicago,” she countered.

“Hopefully, he won’t be needed. All right; I need to get back to the others. Oh and thank the local Community for their assistance. We mortals do appreciate it,” he expressed.

“You’re welcome. Anything to make all of our lives easier, Dubois,” she replied before disappearing into the night sky.

“Whatever,” he groused, heading back into the restaurant and over to the table. “How are we doing?”

“We’re just about set. Everything’s paid for. We were just waiting for you, Hotshot,” his date indicated while standing up. “Any emergencies we need to know about?”

“Nothing. Dr. O’ Connor sent me a message through one of his associates. Imagine that; the guy can keep tabs on me,” he noted. “Let’s go.” He led them toward the limo.

After they drove off, Dave couldn’t help but wonder if Nikki’s warning would be prophetic.