The Most Important Game (Dubois Chronicles 1.29)
DJ Dubois
Original Idea: May 1984; Originally Written November 1987; Revised January
2006
Rating: M (Mature—language, violence, demon worship, kidnapping)
Xover Notice: This story crosses FK, Xena, Smallville and Mutant X.
Notes: The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star; the
characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to Renaissance Studios and MCA; the
characters from Mutant X belong to Marvel and Tribune; the characters from
Smallville belong to DC and the WB. All other characters are mine and are
fictitious. Send comments and feedback to dante0220@yahoo.com .
Preface [Amazon Village, c. 90 AD]
Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes…..
For David, Karen and their friends, it was to have been a time of wonder and
delight. After surviving the previous four years, they were in the last weeks of
the “upper academy.” Twin championships were won by Smallville and Amherst. Old
friends made ready for the graduation to come. There would be a surprise visit
planned by Adam Kane as he interviewed at the university.
But there would be no grace for our friends. As foretold in the previous
scroll, the forces of darkness did indeed descend upon them forcing allies to
come forth…and paths to diverge.
For Nicholas and Clarise LaMontaigne, the time of waiting had begun…..
For Adam Kane, his previous association was finished. This incident would
lead him toward formalizing the group that we know as Mutant X.
For David, Dahak’s attack would force him to accept his destiny….The Two
would become One.
[New Sanctuary, Northern Arizona, January 2009]
Dr. Adam Kane speaks…..
I waited for the others to leave on their latest mission before revisiting
Dave’s file again. Even as painful as the initial Ashlocke episode proved, there
are still other things I’ve kept hidden from everyone on him. So much more has
happened to him. How I wish we could have stopped Eckhart and the GSA from
attacking Amherst in May of 1983.
Lex Luthor confirmed the reports that we heard from Smallville during the
week that Dave vanished. Emma mentioned that there were layers of hate and rage
in the Talon. One such layer occurred at this point…when the demon supposedly
claimed him. Whatever happened out there, when he returned to pitch the game
against Manoa Pacific University, his darkness intimidated us all. Lexa Pierce,
not one to be easily startled by anything, still feels the shivers from staring
into the darkness brewing in his eyes…..
What you’re about to read convinced me to construct this facility’s
predecessor and to found Mutant X.
Chapter 1 [Two Weeks following “Passing the Torch”]
[Vendee, France, Mirabeau Chateau]
In the midst of a place where fields of grass and grain met a forest of oak,
a large granite fortress rose from the earth to dominate the skyline. Despite
the fact that urban sprawl had grown over much of the country, this area
remained unsettled—almost in deference to its dark history.
Within its lowest levels, the donjons and central chambers once more echoed
with the dark chants and ceremonies heard almost four centuries before. Around a
blood red bonfire, women dressed in brief tops, straw skirts and masks danced
frantically. At the sides, men dressed in black tops and conical headdresses,
watched the proceedings carefully. All proceeded as the Countess would have
wanted…or in this case, her ghost was directing.
Just off to the right of the fire, Isobel smirked triumphantly. Ever since
her first setback to the rebellious Destroyer on that dark night long before,
she had craved revenge. Between bargains with the Master and repeated attempts,
she stood at this precipice. <”Make sure it’s right!”>
<”Of course, Mistress,” the high priest agreed, directing the others to check
on things.>
As they were starting to move, a dark voice roared from the flames. <”STOP!”>
Hearing it, they all dropped to the floor in a sign of submission.
<”Master,”> Isobel greeted.
<”You prepare well. I have found allies close to our targets. In a place
called New York, you will find those who will provoke the darkness and isolate
the boy.”>
<”Tell me where, Master,”> she indicated.
<”There is a place called ‘Genomex’. Go there and find the one called Eckhart.
He has dealt with the boy before. You will attack in two days. I have implanted
the suggestion in his mind. You will appear as a normal woman to him. Leave
immediately!”> With that, the flame went out.
Isobel turned to her priests. <”You heard the Master. Prepare to travel to
America.”> She grinned ferally. <”Let the game begin.”> She vanished, leaving
the others to their affairs.
****
[Genomex—Upstate New York]
Eckhart looked at the assessment ratings for his newest group of field
operatives. As promised, he could see that their scores merited a first
assignment. “Excellent.”
“It is as I promised,” Ms. Russell indicated.
“Indeed it is. Now we wait for our opportunity,” he concurred. Hearing his
phone buzz on his desk, he growled, “What is it? I’m in the middle of a
briefing.”
“Sorry, Mr. Eckhart, there’s a woman to see you. She has an appointment with
you and Ms. Russell,” the receptionist replied timidly.
“Impossible,” he denied before looking at his computer screen. His brow
arched in surprise.
“Sir?” Russell wondered, knowing that there weren’t many things which
elicited that reaction in him.
“Apparently, we do. My apologies, Ms. Daniels, please send this….” He looked
at the screen again. “Ms. Dijon into my office.”
“Dijon?” Russell queried.
“Apparently. Watch her, Ms. Russell. If you could observe her mind, I’d
appreciate your insights…if you get my meaning?” He frowned while getting up and
straightening his dark pinstriped suit.
Isobel strolled into the sanctum confidently. “Mason Eckhart and Melinda
Russell, no? I am Contessa Dijon.”
“Indeed,” he agreed while shaking the visitor’s hand. After his subordinate
had done the same, he inquired, “What can I do for you, Ms. Dijon?”
“It’s what we can do for each other,” Isobel informed him. “A way to contain
a mutual interest: David Dubois.”
“Really?” He contained his anger at the teen’s name. Since the lawsuit during
the past year, he had been careful to stay clear of Dubois. “There are legal
constraints.”
Isobel smirked. “We make the laws. We have the power—if you get my meaning.”
He grinned, liking what he was getting from this woman thus far.
Russell stood silently and listened to the conversation on many levels. Even
as she took in the spoken word, she used her psionic abilities to probe into the
visitor’s mind. As she did, she saw images of demonic worship and a fiery voice.
The sorceress detected the intrusion. “You should be more careful, my Dear.”
“Excuse me?” Russell queried, trying to act innocent.
“I detest sloppiness!” Isobel chanted; her eyes glowed. She reversed the
connection, peering deeply into the mutant’s mind. Through that conduit, she
shot dark fire, frying the other’s mind before watching her drop to the floor as
a mindless quivering mass.
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.
“If we’re to work together, Monsieur, you should remember I value my privacy.
Are we clear?” She motioned with her eyes toward Russell.
He curled his lip in disgust—both at his machination’s failure and at being
intimidated in his own office especially by a mutant witch. “Yes.”
“Good.” She eyed the file. “My master has need of your followers. Allied, we
can strike in several places. I noted from her that they are ready.” She glared
at him challengingly. “Are they really?”
“They are. What do you propose?” he asked, knowing she would spill the plan
even if he didn’t care.
She smiled coldly at him; her eyes shooting icy chills through him. “We go
after those who support the boy.” A wave of her hand produced a parchment map.
“It is older but it’s serviceable.” She spread it on his desk and continued,
“The hamlets—Ludlow, Rowenshire and Amherst.”
“There’s also Kansas….”
“Non! If you suggest the Potter sisters, I will deal with them personally,”
she insisted. “Do not touch them. They have something I want. When the time
comes, I want dear Laura to see my triumph with her own eyes!” She snickered,
clearly reveling in her anticipation. “The spell must be completed!”
“Dubois is a freak not a demon. We will take him back here and put him back
in the pod,” he disagreed.
“You are only to distract him. My master will deal with him. Your followers
will work with my priests to pressure Dubois and the others. Besides, can you
deal with the Destroyer? The image that defeated your champions last time?” she
clarified.
“You know? That’s classified,” he groused.
“The Master tells me what I need to know.” She frowned. “When one seeks
power, Eckhart, one cleans up the loose ends! Mobilize your followers! Soon, we
strike. Do we have an accord?” She held her hand out.
He hesitantly shook it. “Just make sure this works.”
“You and yours do your role. I shall do mine,” she asserted, vanishing before
his eyes.
“Unbelievable!” He felt revolted by the sorceress’ presence—a sensation
magnified by his lackey’s spasming form in the corner. Going to his desk, he
pressed a button. “Security, take Ms. Russell to the examination chamber.
Prepare the agents and sent Mr. Martay up here for a briefing.” In spite of the
visitor’s manner, he grinned wickedly. “This time, Dubois, I have you.” He
picked up an itinerary on his desk. “And maybe, I can eliminate you as well,
Adam.”
Chapter 2 [Next Day]
[Athol High School—State Baseball Championship Game]
Dave stood on the pitching mound, surveying the entire situation. Amherst was
up 2-1 but Athol had runners on second and third with two outs. He took a deep
breath. While the White Knights had slugged their way through the playoffs,
winning both games handily, that didn’t matter now. With the big prize one out
away for the taking, he had to steel himself and slam the door shut.
Even if it meant doing so in the shadow of the old house.
Charles shook his head and called for time. “Garth! Meet me at the mound!”
Garth ran over from third, guessing what was on the pitcher’s mind. “Dave,
what’s going on?”
“Just nerves over the you know what,” Dave revealed.
“Don’t think about it,” Charles admonished. Then knowing better than to
expect his friend to do that, he sighed, “Think of it as a chance to stick it to
the ghost.”
“Ya think?” Dave grinned darkly.
Garth fought back the chill going up and down his spine. He’s losing it.
“Dave, focus!”
“Yeah,” Dave agreed before looking into the stands where their classmates and
other friends cheered them on. Then he advised them, “I’m going after this guy.”
“That’s more like it!” Charles complimented, slapping his friend’s thigh with
his mitt. Squatting behind the plate, he motioned with his fingers.
Dave glared toward the southeast sky. This is for you, Bitch! He set his mind
to the task and went into his motion.
Four pitches later, the Athol hitter slammed his batting helmet into the
dugout in disgust at the sliders and forkball that he’d missed.
Four pitches later, the Amherst student section jumped to their feet and
mobbed the field in celebration of a state championship.
Needless to say, Charles already had Dave in a bear hug, lifting him in the
air. “I told you! We did it!”
“We did,” Dave muttered in disbelief. He had finally stolen a victory away in
his tormentor’s shadow. His eyes watered. “Sorry.”
“You’re entitled,” Garth assured him, grabbing onto his friend. “Let’s get
out of here before something happens if you get my drift.” He guided the two
battery mates toward where Karen, April and Steve waited for them. “Here they
are.”
“You all right?” Karen wondered.
Dave nodded. “I’d like to wait on that interview but I can say I’m really
happy. Thanks.”
“My pleasure,” his girlfriend assured him, kissing him in full view of
everyone. “I’m really proud of you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Dave smiled at her. “We’re needed elsewhere.”
“But what about….Oh that.” She remembered that they had promised to get out
to Smallville as soon as they were done there. “April, let everyone know that we
have something to do. We’ll meet you at the Express in a couple of hours.”
“What? Dave, you can’t bag the rest of us!” Garth protested.
“A promise to some friends. I’ll be back to celebrate. I promise,” Dave
assured them. “Come on, Karen.” He led her away and around the back of the
grandstand. Once there, he summoned the mists. “Next stop, Smallville.”
“This still freaks me out, Dave,” she admitted before diving in.
Just like me….. He followed her, closing the door behind them.
****
[MacKinney Field, Smallville High School]
As with their friends in the northeast, the Crows negotiated their way
through the state playoffs. Unlike the previous year, they had earned the right
to defend their title in front of the hometown fans.
In the dugout, Coach Rigley yelled out encouraging words to his players,
reminding them that they had been there before.
In the stands, Laura and Lewis sat tensed along the rest of the SHS crowd
watching their team hang onto a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. As
per their friends’ request, they had held two seats open although they didn’t
understand why given that Dave was playing another game 1500 miles away.
“I know they’re here in spirit but this is ridiculous!” Lewis protested.
“After what he’s done with the team, they were more than happy to do it,” she
pointed out. “I hope he’s doing okay. The Ledger promised to call over with the
results and….”
“How about a live update?” Karen supposed.
Laura’s jaw dropped. “Karen? How did you….? What about Athol? You’re supposed
to be there!”
“I was…and I’m here. Dave and I just let the announcer know the score.” She
sighed while looking toward the hometown dugout. “He wanted to have a word with
the guys.”
“So did they?” Lewis wondered.
She nodded. “Dave got….”
The PA broke in. “Before we start the next half inning, we have a final from
Athol, Massachusetts. Amherst High School has won the Massachusetts state championship 2-1.
Save by David Dubois.”
“He was there!” Lewis realized.
“I told you,” Karen reiterated. “Dave’s got a new trade secret. It’s kind of
creepy. No, it’s not our dark friend although it’s still around.” She took her
seat. “Still, it has its advantages.”
“I would say so,” Laura agreed hesitantly, musing over the idea of Dave being
able to teleport himself over long distances.
****
Rigley allowed the team to lead the applause for their friend. Even if they
were in the midst of a battle themselves, they remembered how Dave had helped to
regain the previous year’s focus while out in Hawaii. “All right. Let’s make him
proud! Get out there!”
“You heard him, guys!” a familiar voice concurred.
The team looked toward where the left end of the dugout met the bleachers…and
did a double take at the teenager in question who somehow stood there.
“Dave?” Tony asked, blinking in disbelief. “You’re supposed to be in Athol!”
“I was. I had some help in getting here,” Dave explained cryptically with a
playful smirk on his face. “Besides, you didn’t think I would miss this, did
you? Look, I’ll talk with you all later. You can do this! Clean sweep. Remember,
clean sweep!” Then he turned back toward the seats.
“You heard him!” Ed yelled as they charged out of the dugout.
He’s at it again. Too bad I can’t have him pitch for us today. Rigley took
out his scorecard for a second and put it back in his pocket again quickly. With
a quick look at his pitching coach, he went back to the game. I wish I knew how
he pulled this trick.
****
“Hey, guys,” Dave greeted while plopping himself down next to Karen.
“When this is over, you’re going to have to explain how you pulled this one
off,” Laura noted.
“Trade secret. Sorry, it’s going to stay that way for now. When I have a
better handle on this, we’ll speak in private. Okay?” Dave replied.
“This doesn’t have anything to do with my ancestor, does it?” Laura pushed.
“No, it doesn’t,” Karen assured her. “Let’s enjoy.”
****
[Forty-Five Minutes Later]
After the last Topeka hitter had popped out to Harry Henderson to end the
game, the Crows celebrated and the spectacle from Athol repeated itself.
Dave and Karen stood for five minutes, watching their friends exult for
themselves.
Finally, Tony yelled, “Dave, you get yourself down here NOW! You have a part
of this pile too.”
“You heard him,” Laura added from the edge of the mass of humanity.
“Hell why not?” Dave agreed as he helped Karen onto the field and then ran to
join his former teammates in their celebration. “Sweep! Sweep!”
For the next fifteen minutes, the group celebrated before dispersing.
“Are you going to hang with us?” Ed wondered.
“Sorry,” Karen declined, wincing as she said it. “We’ve got dinner plans.”
“Raincheck?” Dave requested.
“Yeah. Hey, Karen, I heard from Laura Potter that you’re going to Arizona.
I’ll be there too,” Tony reported.
“Maybe we might have some classes together,” she surmised.
“Maybe. Don’t worry, Dave, I’ll keep an eye on her for you. What is the deal
with you and UMass anyhow?” the catcher asked.
“Unfinished business in Amherst, Tony. As soon as I finish it, I’ll be
joining you both down there,” Dave noted, hugging his girlfriend’s shoulders.
“Look forward to seeing you there. Maybe after graduation, you both can make
the trip back here? That would be great!” Tony suggested.
“It’s a date,” Dave agreed. Getting the rest of the team’s attention, he told
them, “Once again, that was so great to watch! Congrats, guys, on a job well
done!”
“You too,” Coach Rigley complimented. “Give our best to the Amherst squad.”
“We will,” Karen replied as the couple headed toward their friends. “Sorry,
this is a quick visit, guys.”
“Quick visit? Dave, what’s going on?” Laura wondered. “How did you do this?”
Karen shook her head. “Dave, it’s okay. We can trust them. You both promise
to keep this to yourselves?”
Both Lewis and Laura nodded in agreement.
“Fine,” he conceded. “Two weeks ago, I learned that I can teleport myself
anywhere. It is magic but it’s not your ancestor’s doing, Laura. I’ve been
practicing with it.”
“Is this when you disappeared?” Lewis asked.
“Yeah. I was taking lessons.” Dave looked around. “We have to go. I promise
to talk with you both soon. See you later.” After the quartet exchanged hugs, he
summoned the mists and formed the portal. “It beats the bus.”
“Show off,” his girlfriend jabbed before heading through.
“Give our best to the Kents,” Dave requested before taking off as well. Once
inside, he made the portal vanish.
“Just when I thought I’d seen everything,” Lewis declared.
“You’re telling me. I just hope this isn’t going to be a magnet for trouble,”
Laura concurred as they headed for his truck.
****
[Back of Cappuccino Express]
The teens emerged to find themselves in the back alley behind the Express
just after 6:30 local time.
“I can’t believe you’ve been doing that for the past three weeks,” Karen
griped.
“It’s going to help us stay together,” he reminded her. “Besides, we got to
support our friends.”
“That’s true. You’re going to end up with two trophies for one season. Come
on, Pal. The others are waiting,” she conceded while leading him around to the
front of the building. Looking through the front window, they could see the
party already in full swing. “Looks like we’re just in time.”
They walked into the bustling café to find everyone already drinking coffee
and celebrating.
“There he is!” Garth called. “Hey, Dave, where’d you go?”
“Here and there. Sorry.” The pitcher poured himself a cup of coffee. “Looks
like you all have been making up for lost time though.”
“Someone has to. Hey, did you hear? Smallville won too!” Steve exclaimed.
“Did they?” Karen looked wryly at her boyfriend. “We’ll have to send them a
card or something.”
“Sounds great,” Charles agreed. “Dave, we’ve kept the baklava back for you.”
“Never can resist the call of the baklava,” Dave cracked as he sampled a
piece of the honey and nut pastry treat. “Mmm…this is the life!”
“What we do for our ace reliever,” Garth cracked. “Seriously, how did you get
back from Athol anyhow?”
“We hitched a ride and took the scenic route,” Dave responded cryptically.
“Thanks for hanging in there with me, Garth.”
“For a chance to watch you having fun? It’s no trouble, Bud. No trouble at
all,” his classmate assured him.
****
[Outside]
After leaving Genomex earlier that day, Adam, Lexa, Nikki and Rick had gone
by the Alvarez house and found it empty. Remembering that Karen worked at the
Express, they tried it next. As they pulled in, the sight of the party made them
pause.
“Great. We’re looking for coffee and we end up with teen bash,” Lexa
complained, rolling her eyes.
“Lighten up.” Nikki scanned the crowd with her feral senses and grinned.
“It’s a lot better than the last time we were here. Besides if it helps Adam to
relax before tomorrow then great!”
The geneticist eyed the full satchel to his left. After what he had learned a
month earlier, he talked to several colleagues concerning leads. One of them
arranged an interview at UMass on the following day. “I don’t know if it’s going
to do that but maybe we can find our young friends here. Come on.” He led them
into the bustling café and looked around.
“In the corner,” Nikki indicated; her senses picking up on Dave very clearly.
She led them over toward the table.
Before they got there, the teen in question had broken off his conversation.
“Ms. Taylor?”
The feral smirked. “Those psionic senses are still sharp.”
“What’s going on?” Adam inquired as they shook hands.
“Our baseball team just won the state championship. This is the celebration,”
Dave indicated, holding up his hands to encompass the whole thing. “They’re
serving coffee at the bar over there. Meantime, please take a seat. How are you
doing? You remember Garth, right?”
“Of course,” Adam replied as he and Garth shook hands too.
Lexa frowned. “I’ll get the coffees.” She squirmed her way through the crowd.
“We’re okay. I’m interviewing tomorrow at the university,” Adam revealed.
“Good luck. Garth and I will be starting there in the fall,” Dave mentioned.
“How’s your…boss doing?”
“Eckhart’s rebuilt Genomex.” Adam looked around to make sure that people
weren’t listening to them. “And he’s still fuming over the last time.”
“Keep those Strand creeps away from me,” Garth muttered.
“He’s got something even more special going now,” Rick interjected. “Trained
field agents.”
“More of the guys who kidnapped me? Wonderful,” Dave groused. “With
everything else that’s going on around here, that’s all I needed to hear.”
“Everything else? You mean that ghost and her pet?” Nikki queried.
“We took care of them last November after she crashed my grandmother’s
funeral,” Dave answered firmly. “Dr. Kane, anyone comes into my kitchen better
be fireproof.” He let his eyes glint yellow for emphasis.
“That shouldn’t be necessary,” Adam advised, not wanting him to go off there.
“My thoughts exactly,” Dave concurred. Seeing Lexa and Karen walking over
with the coffee order, he asked his girlfriend, “You think your parents would
mind dinner guests tomorrow night?”
“I can’t see why not especially after how much they helped us before,” the
waitress agreed tentatively. “Miss Pierce mentioned your interview tomorrow, Dr.
Kane. Good luck with that.”
“Thanks,” Adam expressed. “Just have them call us at the hotel.” He wrote
down a phone number and handed it to Dave. “We’ll see you then. Come on,
everyone.”
After they had left, Dave felt something really peculiar. It was almost as if
something was about to happen…but he couldn’t tell what it was. Now what?
[“Dave?”]
[“It’s okay,” he assured her. “Just a bad feeling.”]
She nodded before returning to the counter with the pot. Just what we need.
Terrific!
Onto Part 2