Rating R (violence, child abuse, language, ref. to blood, dark magic)

XOver Notice: This story crosses Smallville and Forever Knight.  References also made to Xena Warrior Princess (Xena, Gabrielle, Hope <intro>, Dahak and Anne Lichtenfeld (aka Alti) appear in the story.) and Mutant X (cameo by Mason Eckhart at the very end.)

Pairings:

Forever Knight: LaCroix/Nikki, Nick/Nikki

Smallville:

(Intro--12/2009): Clana, Chlex, Martha/Jonathan
(Story-12/1981):  Martha/Jonathan, Lionel/Lillian and Laura Potter /Lewis Lang.  Appearances by Jack Ross (Pete's Dad), Henry Small (Lana's biological father), Lex (as a boy) Chief Joseph Willowbrook and Deputy (later Sheriff) Ethan.

Notes Part 1: If this all sounds familiar, that’s because it is….This story is the full blown version of the flashbacks from “Destinies,” “Under Siege,” “Light into Darkness” (later part of “Lionel’s Revenge”) and some of “Genomex: 1982” (all from the second series).

Fair warning though: There’s a LOT you don’t know and a LOT I didn’t include in the flashbacks.

For the Child knows a LOT more than Lex, Martha or Karen did…..

Notes Part 2: The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from Hercules the Legendary Journeys and Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from Mutant X belong to Marvel Studios. All other characters and scenarios are mine. All of the poems in this story are my original work! Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

 

Introduction

[Queen’s Hut, Amazon Village c. 89 AD]

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

In all lives, there are crossroads, points at which we must choose a way to cross. Depending upon the path, we face different outcomes and consequences. Iolaus has told me about the divergent past he went through to save Hercules from Hope’s plan. In particular, I wonder what might have happened had Xena and I never met. Where would we all be now? It boggles the mind to consider all of the possibilities.

Even though we all heard the story on that night in Smallville, I still wonder what might have happened had David Dubois never traveled there with his father. For it was on that trip—on the third morning—that he made his Stand and paid the price. Even then, he brought together the friends or in some cases, the parents of the friends we know today. He and Karen Alvarez crossed their own personal Rubicon. Most critically, he set the stage for one couple to meet and forged a crucial friendship with a young boy, teaching him that integrity was important even in the face of great adversity.

And in that short time, the balance shifted and the Child emerged. When they fought Jor-El at the Talon, Xena discovered how powerful the pain from The Incident/Stand is for the Child. Pain and outrage brought him into the world and freed Lichtenfeld.

Woe on us indeed….

 

 

[Talon—Smallville, Kansas December 10, 2009]

Lex Luthor speaks….

Rarely on a non-holiday do the Talon’s doors close to the public. But then, this day has always held special meaning for the town. It is a day when a young man from far away saved this building and Smallville’s future, nearly dying in the process. But what a price Dave paid that day…for the dark seed reached its potential.

Today, the Child turns 28.

And the people of Smallville will never forget it nor the sacrifice that he made.

As Mom would have wanted, I gathered everyone here to hear the full story. Most notably, I see the generations growing or—in Chloe’s and Lana’s respective cases—developing in short order. (Sorry, Folks, Sullivan hates “being fat”. <SMIRK>)

In the corner, Dave runs his hand across the plaque that the NCHP put up later. While there was sadness, there was also happiness and joy too. He looks toward Karen and she smiles back, recalling the scene on that Christmas Day so long ago.

As she rocks their son to sleep, Angie beckons him to rejoin her and their daughters. She knows he needs our support as we recall these events.

I finger the ribbon frayed by Time’s passage. Yes, I learned integrity on that day but at great cost.

Great cost indeed….

 

 

Chapter 1 [Metropolis, Kansas—December 4, 1981]

Lionel Luthor looked out the window and surveyed the panorama beneath him. Even as the proletariat scurried on their way, the billionaire scrutinized their moves carefully. The fools don’t realize how little control over their lives they truly have. He folded his arms as he went over the details of the deal he and Stuart Dubois had worked out in his mind.

Within the next week, Stuart’s stratagem would unfold. Already his business partner had his head supervisor in Smallville along with a small crew and the demolition equipment. The die had been cast. The Talon, the old theater/relic from the 1930s, would fall beneath the wrecking ball to clear the way for the ideal parking garage and strip mall. While I would like to have Walter go over the documents first, best not to give those bleeding hearts in the government time to stonewall the project.

He smiled cruelly, recalling the other facet of the plan. Best of all, Stuart’s son will learn how inconsequential history is. That his father and I will not be treated callously! At that moment, he heard a knock at the door. “Yes?”

Lillian walked into the office. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m ready to go.”

“You are? I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Chicago!” he declared.

She considered him carefully. Just what are you up to, Lionel? Right after she and their son, Alexander, had returned from Massachusetts, Lionel asked her to attend a string of functions. While this had happened in the past, she didn’t want to be away from their son for ten days nor from her husband either. Then again, I do want to find out about this friend who helped David through the ordeal in Rowenshire. She remembered Janet’s declining condition and sighed. “I’m sure. You promise to watch Alexander?”

“Of course,” he promised. “Call me when you get to Chicago?”

She nodded. “I will. Take care, Lionel.” With that, she left, heading for the elevator.

He watched through the glass as the limo drove off. “That gets her out of the way.” He picked up the phone and dialed a private number. “Hello, Stuart.”

“Is she gone?” Stuart wondered.

“She just left for the airport. How are things on your end?” Lionel inquired.

“All set. My foreman tells me those hicks don’t even know what’s happening,” the consultant mentioned.

“And David?”

“I’ll lean on my mother. She’ll talk him into it,” Stuart informed his partner. “Hell, if I have to kidnap him, I’ll do that too. That boy’s going to learn a lesson one way or the other.”

“Calm down, Stuart. Surely, a piece on a historical landmark will get his attention.” Lionel smiled wickedly. That newspaper bug is going to be his downfall yet! “See you both out here on Monday.”

“We’ll be there,” Stuart agreed, hanging up.

After Lionel put the phone down, he rubbed his hands together. Payback will be sweet indeed! How I want to see his pain!

Little did he know that he would see that…just not as he expected.

 

Chapter 2

[Amherst—Cappuccino Express, Sunday afternoon]

Dave sat at the Cadre’s favorite table, trying to muddle his way through A Tale of Two Cities. Although he usually enjoyed Dickens’ work, the image of the mob gnawed at him. And the blood soaked the cobbles of Saint Antoine. Blood-wine. For a minute, his mind flashed back to the mob who attacked him, Randy and their mother as they tried to leave Rowenshire. That’s connected but there’s something else. Come on, Dave, get a grip!

For some reason, he felt an icy draft cut into him, making him shiver. He saw snow flurries dancing through the air.

Then a high pitched scream shattered the stillness.

And he felt his head go numb again.

Then a finger tapped him on the shoulder. “Dave?”

He jumped, startling the other patrons around him. “Huh? What?” His breathing was ragged. “Oh, Karen. Sorry.”

She put a mocha down next to him. “Maybe you ought to take a break from that.”

“You mean this?” he asked while shaking his head. “It’s a bear but that’s not it. There’s something else.”

“Like what?” she asked, taking a seat next to him.

“It’s really weird almost like a…well…dream or vision,” he whispered, leaning close to her.

She looked at him skeptically. At least he trusted me enough to say something. For the past two years, she knew that her feelings for him were strong. Despite his insecurities, she stuck at his side. “And it scared you, didn’t it?”

He nodded. “I don’t know why. I just know it’s trouble.”

“I get off in five minutes. Just hang in there and we’ll go to Gram’s,” she advised. “I wish there was something else I could do.”

“Maybe a smile? I…uh…love to see you smile,” he admitted nervously, blushing as he said it.

He loves my smile! She did so warmly, letting her eyes sparkle at him. “Thank you. You just made my day, Dave. I’m glad I can help yours.” With that, she headed back toward the counter to wrap things up.

While he did feel better, the premonition bothered him. What’s going to happen now?

 

 

****

[Janet’s House—Ten minutes later]

Janet hung up the phone and tapped her finger on the counter nervously. During the last twenty minutes, she had argued with Stuart about involving Dave in his latest venture. Finally, his idea to have Dave fill him in on local history convinced her, albeit grudgingly. I still don’t think this is a good idea but maybe this will be good for them both. Besides they won’t be alone much so Stuart won’t be able to beat on him.

“Gram,” Dave called, as he and Karen walked into the house.

“In here,” she replied from the kitchen. As they entered the area and sat down at the table, she observed his tension. Now what? “Is something bothering you?”

“It’s weird but I had a vision. It was so real,” he recounted. “It was really cold with flurries. And I heard this scream. It was really bizarre.”

“He went blank and then white, Gram,” Karen agreed.

She nodded, feeling another small spasm from the cancer. This has to be the ghost’s doing! “You’re tired. Maybe you need a break.”

“A break?” he asked. “As in what?”

She forced a smile on her face. “A trip maybe? Your father wants you to go with….”

“No way,” he retorted sharply. “I’m not going anywhere with him.”

“Will you let me finish?” his grandmother insisted. When he had shrugged, she continued, “There’s this site in Kansas he wants you to advise him on.”

“He wants me to advise him on history?” He chuckled incredulously. “That’s rich, Gram. Really rich.”

“Gram, no offense but given Dave’s history with his father, are you sure this is a good idea?” Karen asked, trying to maintain a tone of respectfulness.

“There has to be some father-son connection time. Who knows? Maybe something might strike off a closer bond between you,” Janet offered.

“More likely he’ll beat me again,” he disagreed.

“Your mother wants you to go too,” she told him.

He grinned. “Oh I get it. She wants the house to herself this week, does she? I wonder who the latest guy she’s bringing in is?”

“If it’s that, we can let you stay with us,” Karen invited.

“Karen, Dave’s going with his father, all right?” Janet interjected.

The younger woman shook her head. “That man almost killed us! He almost beat Dave into a coma! Doesn’t that matter to you?”

“It’s family, Karen. You aren’t going to win that one,” he told her, giving his grandmother a knowing look. “On that note, I think we need to go over some things for the next edition. Come on.” He led her toward his room and shut the door behind them.

Janet looked up the stairs and shook her head. I hope that one day, Dave, you and your father have something special. Maybe you might make an impact together.

She had no idea how right her words would be…..

 

 

Chapter 3

[Cathedral of Crystal—later that night]

Secluded within her private sanctum, the Faerie Empress observed the events unfolding on Outer Earth grimly. Janet Dubois means well but her son sets dark events in motion with his foolish dreams of vengeance. And David’s prophecy spells doom as well.

“Indeed,” Grimwilkin concurred, shuffling into the area on his walking stick. “And you have a special visitor.” He assisted Nai-Jin into the chamber.

The Amazon did a slight bow. “Thank you for allowing me an audience, Milady.”

The Empress nodded. “You have seen the portents as well?”

“Of the Dark One? Indeed,” Nai-Jin replied. “It will happen. We cannot stop it.”

He scratched his head. “Dahak’s seed will sprout.”

The Empress shook her head. “We can keep watch from here. That is all we can do.”

“And I shall do the same from the Amazon Village,” Nai-Jin concurred before departing.

He stared at her. “Certainly we could intervene?”

She stared into the mists, replying flatly, “If and when the opportunity presents itself, I shall do so, Grimwilkin. Meantime, we must watch and see. I also plan to send Pauline to this ‘Smallville’ in case anything happens.”

Let’s hope the opportunity does present itself. He joined her at the portal and watched the young man carefully.

 

****

 

[Rowenshire—Old Dubois House]

Even as the Empress and her allies worried about the darkness looming over their teenage charge, their adversary continued to plot against him as well. For several days, she had cast delicate “connection” spells, linking her to those infected by her curse, Stuart, Lionel and Dave himself.

As she motioned with her hands and chanted in both Latin and a long forgotten tongue, periodic bursts lit up the area around the weakening prison bubble.

“Aye, Dearie! Ye should know why ye saw it!” she cackled eagerly. Glancing toward the blackened spot just outside of the field, she observed, “An’ my Master won’t be denied!”

As if on cue, a pyre ignited on its own.

From it, a deep threatening voice declared, “That is true. You have done well to let them think us beaten so easily!”

She did her best attempt at a bow. “Master, ye honor me.”

“You perform your tasks well. Prepare yourself for soon, the spells shall set you free. When that happens, you will find the boy and insure that he is the Destroyer. Am I clear?”

“Aye,” she agreed.

“Good! I leave you to your preparations. Do not disappoint me!” the Voice concluded, as the pyre vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Soon, ye’ll be MINE! She laughed long and loud, chilling the souls of all those nearby in Rowenshire and Athol.

Soon, her efforts would expand westward.

Very soon indeed…..

 

 

Chapter 4 [Chicago—An hour later]

[McKnight’s Bookshop—Wabash Street]

Lillian stepped out of the cab and surveyed her surroundings. The dark strip still bustled with a few passersby. Above her head, the Loop Train rattled by on its latest run. A slight chill bit into her cheeks.

“This is it, Lady,” the cabbie, an overweight balding man of about fifty years, informed her.

“Indeed. Thank you,” she agreed, paying him for the fare and adding a good tip on top of it. When he had driven off, she took a deep breath. “Here goes! Let’s see if that research I did pays off.” She walked through the front door and up a small staircase. At the top, she found herself in a labyrinth of bookshelves. For a few minutes, she wound her way through the maze, trying to find her way out. However, she was lost. “Terrific,” she muttered.

“Can I help you?” a man asked from behind her.

She turned in surprise to find a blonde haired man standing there. “Yes. I was…actually looking for Nicholas O’ Connor. Would you happen to know him?”

Nick eyed her curiously. How would she know that name? “You could say so. What is this about?”

“It’s a problem back in Massachusetts and a mutual friend of ours,” she noted. “All I have to say is that she is back and he is dealing with it as best he can.”

He nodded, knowing that she was referring to Dave and Lichtenfeld. “Before this goes further, we need to head for the back. As you said, it’s a private matter. As we’re going though, there’s a mark, I understand, on the boy.”

She held her right hand up, palm down and motioned toward it as they walked. “It’s there and glowing.”

He sighed. She knows Dave all right. As they made their way for the counter, he told the teenage boy standing there. “Mike, we’ll be a while, all right?” Getting a curt nod, Nick led her into the back room and shut the door behind them. Turning the light on, he revealed that they were in a surprisingly well furbished area. “Please. Take a seat.”

“Thank you. Before I go any further though, when can I talk to Dr. O’ Connor?” she pressed.

“Before I answer that, you are?” he countered.

“Mrs. Lillian Luthor. I’m a family friend of the Duboises. My husband, Lionel, you might say—caused our situation,” she revealed.

Nick replied, “He bought the land for Stuart, didn’t he?”

“That’s right! And how would you know that?” she demanded.

He answered, “Because I’m Nicholas O’ Connor. Like you, I’m a family friend and I know what haunts that land.”

“So Janet was right! You were there with David!” she gasped.

Nick, you really need to watch yourself! He sighed. “Yes. I helped him through that ordeal. I’m glad he trusted me to do so.”

She looked him over again. “You’re younger than I expected, Dr. O’ Connor. You should be about seventy given that you worked with Lorenzo Alvaro.”

He maintained a poker face while replying, “I take really good care of my skin. Other than that, you can say that I’ve been fortunate.”

“Fortunate indeed,” she agreed, letting the matter drop. “I spoke with two people from Rowenshire on my last visit to Amherst, Nancy McEverwood and the minister, Brother Andrew. The Witch is casting spells again from what they told me.”

He stared at her incredulously. “There were measures taken to make sure she couldn’t do that.”

“Apparently, whatever they were, they’re losing their strength. Dr. O’ Connor, I’m frightened for David and his friends. That is why I’m here in Chicago to tell you about this news. For fourteen years, his family and friends disregarded David’s stories about the ghost.” She bowed her head. “And now, I fear she’ll go after him again. I know it’s silly….”

He rubbed her shoulder supportively, trying to calm them both down. “It’s not silly. I’m glad you told me about this, Mrs. Luthor.” Do I tell the Community? If Lichtenfeld escapes, Nikki will send the Enforcers after them all. Best to watch and see what happens. “Brother Andrew is a good man and has promised to watch the property.”

“Is there anything we can do?” she asked desperately.

He shook his head. “The next move is the ghost’s. We need to be ready when she does act.”

And when she does, what then? Lionel, what have you unleashed?

 

Chapter 5 [Amherst—Monday]

[White Knight Newsroom]

Dave sat at the proofing table, checking over the list of assignments for the next issue. For him, this trip couldn’t have come at a worse time. He had just pulled an all-nighter to get caught up on his reading assignments for the next few days. At least it’s only for two days. Still, I may have to miss the staff meeting. Hearing a knock at the door, he asked, “Yes?”

Karen walked in. As with him, she had stayed up all night, worrying about this trip. There’s going to be trouble! I know it! “All set?”

“Everything’s packed if that’s what you mean,” he replied. “I’m bringing some things with me to do out in Kansas…in case Lie-onel and Dad get too unbearable.”

She marveled at how collected he was. “You’re taking this in stride.”

He shrugged. “I have to play the game. You get used to it after a while. Now let’s talk about these assignments.”

“I thought you were going to be back by Wednesday afternoon,” she surmised.

“You know Dad. He’ll mess things up for me if possible,” he declared, handing her the list of assignments. “I need you to run the meeting on Wednesday if needed.”

She nodded. “Absolutely.” She looked over the list and noted, “This should do it. It looks great to me.”

He took a deep breath. “I hope so.” Getting up, he shouldered his backpack. “Time to hit the road.”

“When’s he coming?” she wondered.

“About 9. Our flight’s at 11:30,” he informed her. “Hang in there, okay?”

“That’s my line for you,” she told him, hugging him fiercely. “Try not to let him beat you.”

“I’ll try,” he agreed while running his hands through her hair and looking into her eyes. “Keep the home fires burning for me?”

She agreed, “You know I will.”

He smiled at her again, taking a long look and fixing her face in his mind. No matter what his father could do, she and the others would be there for him. And that was a great comfort to him. “See you.” With that, he left.

For the next few minutes, she sat there, looking at the door. Please, Lord, don’t let anything happen to him! Then seeing it was 7:30, she headed toward their home room and the start of their day.

 

****

 

[Janet’s House—8:45 AM]

Dave finished a cup of coffee and washed out the mug. Even if he wasn’t in the best of moods, it wouldn’t do any good to take it out on his grandmother. “That should be everything.”

“Thanks, Dave. I appreciate it,” she expressed. “I know this trip won’t be the easiest for you. Your father promised that nothing’s going to happen.”

He snorted. “How many times has he promised that before? I have a really bad feeling about this.”

“Give it a chance,” she admonished. “At least he wants your input on something.”

“There’s a big string attached. I can see it from here,” he countered. Hearing a horn honking outside, he muttered, “Terrific, he’s early.”

She rubbed his shoulder, trying to get him to cool off. At least Dave’s going without too much of a fuss. I should be grateful for small favors. “Don’t keep him waiting, all right?” After he had picked up his duffel bag, she reminded him, “Call me if anything goes wrong. See you Wednesday.”

He nodded. “Sure.” He headed out toward the car. Remember, good impression. Don’t give him any excuse. “Hi, Dad.”

“You have everything? I don’t have time to come back,” Stuart commented tersely yet mindful that his mother was watching.

The teenager agreed, “I have everything.” He opened the trunk, put the bag inside and closed it again. Getting in the car, he secured his seatbelt and forced a smile. “Let’s go!”

His father eyed him sarcastically, wondering what Dave was trying to pull. At least he’s cooperating. Let it go for now. If he acts up out there, I’ll let him have it. With that, they pulled away.

 

****

 

Janet stood there, watching them drive off. Even though, she was optimistic about the trip and the circumstances surrounding it, a cold feeling shot up her backbone. Karen, you’ve got me spooked. Afterwards, she walked back in the house and shut the door, wondering what they could do if things did get out of hand.

 

****

 

[Faerie Realms]

Several dimensions away, the Faerie Empress ground her teeth in anger. “How can Janet Dubois allow this? She knows what he’ll do to the boy!”

“But she cannot bring herself to say no to her son,” Grimwilkin indicated. “And so, the cycle of abuse begins anew.” He looked with concern at her. “This time with drastic consequences.”

“Yes, I feel the dark energies building as well,” she concurred, willing up an image of downtown Smallville. “Soon, this place will prove pivotal for all concerned. Very pivotal indeed.”

“Pauline is standing by,” he mentioned. “May the goddess be merciful.”

May she be merciful indeed! She noted to herself.

 

****

 

[Noon—APHRS Cafeteria]

Karen stared and even picked at her food absently. For the majority of the morning, she had sat in class, not saying much and silently fretting to herself. He’s going to be okay! He’s got to be all right.

Needless to say, Dave’s absence combined with her agitation tipped the others off that something was wrong.

“What’s going on?” April asked with concern.

“You know where Dave is, right?” Steve inquired. “It’s not like him to do this. He’s not sick, is he?”

Karen shook her head. “I wish that was the problem. Dave’s out of town until Wednesday.”

“What?” Garth queried.

“His father took him out to Kansas. I told his grandmother that it’s a bad idea but she insists that it’ll be good for them both.” She shook her head. “The only thing it’ll be good for is Dave getting pounded again.”

The others looked at each other, not knowing what to say since they were now worried themselves.

Finally, Frank assured her, “Dave’s smart. He’ll keep them in public so there’ll be witnesses.”

“Meantime, we’ll keep things going here,” Garth indicated, trying to pick the mood up some more.

“But the meeting’s that afternoon! Dave has all of the assignments,” April realized.

“He gave them to me before he left. He wants me to run things. I guess that’s what Associate Chiefs do. At least I have all of you with me,” Karen replied.

“You got it,” Steve agreed.

Karen managed a smile for their benefit. Still, she felt uneasy. I wish I knew what Dave was doing. Then she felt something—almost like his unease. Great. Now I can sense him? My imagination’s going overtime. Watch yourself, Dave!

Onto Part 2