Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess are from StudiosUSA and MCA. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. All other characters, scenarios and such are mine. The poem “Lessons from the Summer of Bliss” is my original work. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com  .

 

 

Prologue [Amazon Village c.88 AD]

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

As the Empress foretold, the Season of Darkness began with two major blows soon after our friends’ dance. Celesta appeared to perform her office. In addition, the local magistrate, in a penny-pinching mood, cut some tasks from the town payroll including a certain library job.

For David especially, this hard time saw the Beginning. However, it also saw the transition. Even as he and the others went through their experiences, Karen and her family invited him to go with them for the summer season to the sea. There he would be able to think on things.

As luck would have it, he would have opportunities to think on other things as well—even as the world was changing around him.

 

 

Chapter 1 [May 20, 1981—Amherst]

[Janet’s House]

It was a bright and clear day in Amherst. The residents walked around the Green and visited with their neighbors, clearly enjoying the weather.

Dave would soon join them. He occupied himself, however, with moving some cartons for his grandmother. While he wasn’t sure why she wasn’t doing this herself, he wasn’t about to ask why either. This isn’t that big a deal. Still, her lack of energy did have him concerned. For the previous six months, the house hadn’t been kept up to her usual standard. He had contemplated asking her to go see Dr. Parks about the matter.

Every time he hinted at it, she clearly told him that she would do so when she felt the need.

You tried, Dave. He sighed and set the last box in place. “There!” He heard the phone ring upstairs. I hope that’s good news!

“Dave?” she called from the top of the stairs a few minutes later.

“Yeah, Gram?” he asked, noting the concern in her voice. “What is it?”

“That was Ms. Parsons. She wants to see you,” Janet told him.

Seeing the somber look on her face, he asked, “What is it?”

“She wouldn’t tell me,” Janet declared. “Why don’t you get showered and changed? She’s waiting to speak with you.”

“All right,” he agreed, looking strangely at her. What’s going on now?

 

****

 

[Town Library—Twenty minutes later]

Annette Parsons sat in her office, feeling very angry at the town selectmen. Just a week earlier, they had promised her that the library would be spared from the budget cuts.

However just an hour earlier, the same group had called with bad news. She had to cut the after school help. How do I tell David this wasn’t his fault? He’ll blame himself. Damn them!

She had thought about how far he had come in that year. He was just starting to feel secure. Especially with Candy’s condition, he needed this job. The thought of the high school’s journalism advisor brought other dark thoughts to mind. Another waste!

At that moment, Mr. Graves stuck his head in her office. “Annette? David’s here.”

She took a deep breath. Here we go. “Send him in and hold my calls please.” A minute later, she saw Dave enter the room and shut the door behind him. “Take a seat please.”

He nodded and silently slipped into the chair. Okay spill it. What did I do?

Through his eyes, she could hear his unspoken question. “First of all, you didn’t do anything, David. You’ve done a splendid job since we brought you onboard….”

“But?” he asked, dreading the rest of her statement.

“But…the town’s making budget cuts. I was called an hour ago and told that I have to sacrifice some things like everyone else,” she reported. She looked at him with regret. “I’m sorry. I’m going to have to let you go.”

“Typical business crap,” he hissed, seeing visions of politicians and people like his father and Lionel Luthor in front of his eyes. “They’d rather hurt anyone else than take a cut themselves.”

“Be that as it may, I still have to let you go. Trust me; if the funds are restored, you’ll be the first one I call,” she promised. “For what it’s worth, you’re the one of the best student assistants we’ve ever had.”

“Thanks for that at least. Sorry about that business crack. I didn’t mean it toward you,” he apologized.

She smiled. “I know. Off of the record, I agree with you. I hope you can hang in there for a while. My door’s always open if you want to talk. Remember that.”

“I know. Thanks for the opportunity, Ms. Parsons. I appreciate it,” he expressed, feeling depressed.

She nodded and watched him leave. That poor boy can’t catch a break. I hope his friends can help him.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

[Cappuccino Express]

Karen waited on several classmates, making sure that they were all satisfied with their drinks. As was the case with the last few days of school, the traffic had picked up. Students imbibed caffeine, pastries and chocolate in record amounts.

Mrs. Campbell came over. “Karen, you’re due for a break. Take a half hour. Mary can cover it.” She saw Dave tromp in the door. “Besides, we have a major mood alert brewing.” She motioned with her eyes.

Karen winced. Uh oh. Now what? “Yeah. This is a definite two mocha alert. Can you get them started?”

“I’ll bring them out,” her boss indicated.

“Thanks!” Karen hustled over to where Dave sat. “Hi! What’s wrong?”

He sighed. “What did I do?”

“What? What happened?” she insisted.

“Ms. Parsons called and I rushed over to the library. Anyhow, she decided to let me go,” he reported.

“What?” she queried in disbelief. “Dave, she loves your work!”

“Tell me something I don’t know!” he retorted, albeit more emphatically than he meant to. “There goes my money.”

She rubbed his shoulder sympathetically. “You’ll think of something, Dave. You always do. Did they give you a reason why?”

“Budget cuts. I know she tried to save my job but she couldn’t,” he pointed out.

That’s some consolation at least. Still he loved that job! “At least she didn’t fire you, Dave.” As her boss set the drinks on the table, she smiled to acknowledge that good turn.

“I guess. It still stinks,” he groused, starting in on the first mocha. “I bust my tail and some politician cuts me to fund his or her pay raise.”

“That’s life unfortunately,” she declared. “I’m sure things will pick up.”

As she said that, he picked his head up and stared in fear at the far wall.

“Dave, what is it now?” she asked.

But he didn’t hear her. Instead, his attention was riveted on a woman with long brown hair dressed in a white dress who just happened to be floating seven inches off of the ground. In her right hand, she carried an ivory candle set in a metal candleholder. “Not again.”

“Dave?” she asked.

“Karen, turn around,” he told her low, feeling his head turning numb. “Don’t let her touch you.”

“Who?” Then it was her turn to be amazed. “Dave! Who is she?” she whispered.

“She’s Death,” he retorted, remembering the woman from that horrible night in Rowenshire when the Witch killed his grandfather.

“Relax,” the woman advised. “I am not here for either of you. Rather, one whose time is close has requested your presence before I take her across. And, Karen Alvarez, you may call me Celesta. Please hurry.”

He nodded, getting the gist of Celesta’s message. “We’ll be there as soon as we can. Come on, Karen!”

“Who is she talking about?” Karen demanded.

“Mrs. Colavitto. It’s time,” he advised. Seeing Mrs. Campbell looking at them, he told her, “Karen and I have an emergency. She’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“Sorry, Mrs. Campbell,” Karen added, taking off her apron. “Urgent request.”

“If it’s what I think it is, I’ll drive you both,” the manager declared, getting her purse. “Follow me.”

 

****

 

[Colavitto House—seven minutes later]

With Mrs. Campbell’s assistance, Dave and Karen made it to the house quickly. The teenagers rushed into the house to find Celesta floating outside of the room.

“Thank you for your haste. Follow me,” the caretaker directed, leading them into the room.

There, they found Mr. Colavitto sitting beside his wife and praying.

The dying woman’s eyes brightened at the sight of the teenagers. “Come in,…Kids.”

Her husband looked up and saw them. “Yes please come in.”

“We didn’t mean to disturb you,” Karen pointed out.

“We had a tip that well…she’s close to….” Dave sighed again, trying to keep his composure. “Don’t ask…you’d never believe us.”

“When it comes to you, David, nothing’s unbelievable,” he told the younger man. “Candy?”

“Thanks.” She looked at the two teenagers again. “You have no idea of how proud I am of you both. Please tell the others that. Karen, promise me that you’ll stick by Dave’s side. All right?”

“You know I will,” she agreed.

“Thank you. I know you will. Now if you could give me a minute with Dave alone?” Mrs C requested.

After her husband and Karen had left, she indicated, “She does love…you.”

“I know that,” he agreed. “And thanks to you, I’m getting closer to trusting my…feelings for her.”

“Your feelings, your fear or the anger inside of you?” She looked him in the eye. “After this happened, Dave, I gained some insight into your condition and situation. Few have made it this far. Nobody has survived to the end. If you let the darkness gain control, it will destroy you.”

“The darkness is a part of me for better or worse,” he reminded her. “I’ll just have to take each day as it comes. One day though, I’ll deal with that harpy.”

“Just promise me that…you’ll be happy. Take care of…Karen,” she admonished.

“I will,” he vowed earnestly.

Celesta spoke up. “I am sorry but we must go.”

“I’ll get your husband,” Dave told her, giving her a hug. “Thank you for being you.” He kissed her forehead.

“My… pleasure,” she replied weakly. “You…rem…emb…er.”

A minute later, her husband was back in the room and at her side.

“I’ll leave you to yourselves,” Dave indicated. Turning to Celesta, he asked, “Forgive me if I’m being disrespectful. Will it hurt her?”

Celesta shook her head and smiled. “Your heart shows concern. It can relax knowing that she will be at peace. Please stay.” She floated over to the dying woman and laid her hand on the latter’s shoulder.

Mrs. Colavitto stiffened, closed her eyes and breathed her last.

“She has passed on to her reward,” the guardian proclaimed. “David Dubois, know that she is free of the ghost’s pain.”

“Thank you,” Dave expressed, trying to maintain his composure. “And thank you for letting us know.”

“It was her wish and that of an influential friend. Forgive me; but I’m needed elsewhere. Farewell,” Celesta concluded before disappearing in a flash of light.

For several minutes, the group sat there, trying to collect their thoughts.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Dave apologized.

“You don’t control that thing, David,” the widower assured him. “But promise me—that one day you will stop this from happening.”

Before Dave could respond, Karen hugged his shoulders and interjected, “If there is anything we can do, we will.” What does he mean by the “thing”?

“I know this isn’t the time but if there’s…anything I can do, let me know,” Dave told him.

Mr. Colavitto nodded. “Actually, I’d like you to speak at the service.”

“I’d be honored,” Dave agreed. He spasmed noticeably.

That’s the cue. “I think we’d best be going. My condolences as well,” Karen concluded.

“Thank you, Kids,” Mr. Colavitto expressed as they left.

The duo waved as they headed into the living room where Mrs. Campbell, Dr. Alvarez and Janet waited for them.

“Gram, can you see Dave home?” Karen requested, keeping her composure. “I need to get back to the Express.”

“Actually, I’d rather you go home or be with Dave,” Mrs. Campbell noted. “We can cover you for a change.”

“I’ll be over later if that’s okay?” Dave asked Dr. Alvarez.

“Absolutely. My wife’s already invited you both for dinner. See you at 7?” the superintendent indicated.

“We should be there,” Janet concurred conditionally. Given that we lost her and his job today, he’s going to be a handful. I need to get him out of here. Seeing him shaking, she exchanged looks with Karen before rubbing his arm. “Come on, Dave. We need a break for a while.”

“Yeah. Karen, I’ll talk with you later,” he declared; the emotional tempest gusting in his voice.

“If you need me, call, all right?” she told him. “Gram, watch him.”

“That’s what I’m going to do,” Janet indicated before turning back to the widower. “Daniel, I thought you’d like to know that the funeral’s taken care of.”

“How? We have money but well…I’ll need a loan to deal with it,” he declared.

“This sounds like Auntie’s handiwork,” Dave noted glumly. “I’d let her handle it, Mr. C. She’s the best at these things. See you all later.” With that, he left the house.

“See you at 7, Ricardo,” Janet added, leaving as well.

After they drove away, Karen finally allowed herself to cry in her father’s arms. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” her father assured her, hugging her tightly. “Dave will be all right too. You’ll see.”

I hope so. Not for the first time, she could almost feel his emotions exploding inside of him. How will he deal with this?

 

 

Chapter 3

[Faerie Realms—Cathedral of Crystal]

The Faerie Empress watched the whole scene placidly. As she had advised the others surrounding her several weeks earlier, the break from the testing and turmoil was over.

The Colavitto woman’s death harkens the beginning of more hardship. She frowned while waving her hand and dispersing the mist portal. Certainly he deserves all of the help we can muster. How I wish I didn’t have to take those memories from his friends. She felt another presence appear in the room. “Celesta.”

Celesta bowed slightly. “It is done. Candace Colavitto has passed to the Other Side.”

“And the boy?” the Elf-Queen inquired.

“He stood firm and controlled his emotions but….” The guardian cleared her throat nervously.

“But what?” the Empress asked.

“The darkness has grown since our last encounter. He craves vengeance,” Celesta assessed. “The Pantheon is…concerned.”

The Empress arched her brow. “They’re concerned about a mortal teenager? Celesta, certainly they have better things to do.”

“You know as well as I do that David Dubois is no normal mortal. Once the darkness takes form, it will be a force to be reckoned with,” Celesta noted.

“And what do the Fates say? I have heard from my priestesses and the Amazon seeress, Nai-Jin, but an extra observation would be appreciated.” The Empress paced about the room with uncharacteristic anxiousness.

“They see him split in two—one side light, the other dark. During our first meeting, the boy’s mind froze at that point.” Celesta shook her head. “That boy is still there. Please deal with him. Remember, Olympus is watching.” With that, she vanished.

As if I needed more to worry about. The Empress went back to her meditation, wondering what to do next.

 

****

 

[Metropolis—Luthor Mansion]

Lillian sat at her desk, working with her account balances and making sure that the charities were receiving their donations. Everything seems to be in order. During her son’s nap time, she got as much done as possible, freeing up the rest of the day for him.

Then the phone rang.

“Who could that be?” she wondered, staring at her private line. “Hello?”

“Lillian, it’s Janet Dubois. Sorry for disturbing you,” Janet replied.

“You know it’s always good to hear from you, Janet. You sound sad. What is it?” Lillian inquired, smelling a disaster brewing. “Is David all right?”

“Physically yes. Mentally no. He had a double whammy just now,” the anxious grandmother explained, sighing deeply. “First the town’s budget cuts take his job and then….”

Lillian read between the lines. “His teacher, right?”

“Unfortunately. She passed away about an hour ago although I have no idea how Dave and his friend, Karen, knew to be there. According to Karen’s manager, he just exclaimed that they had to go on an “urgent request”. It’s almost as if something or someone told them,” Janet recounted.

“Maybe someone did. This is David we’re talking about,” she indicated, recalling some of the other strange experiences from the past. “Have the arrangements been made?”

“We advised her husband to get in touch with you but I wanted to give you notice,” Janet told her.

“I’ll call him right now. What’s the telephone number?” Lillian indicated. After taking down the information, she continued, “Consider this taken care of, Janet. Where’s David?”

“I…left him at the cemetery. He wanted to talk with his grandfather,” Janet responded.

Hopefully, David can find some solace. We can only hope. “He still feels responsible, I take it?”

“As you said, this is David. He quoted me some passage about ‘the children suffer for past sins’ or something before I let him off,” Janet elaborated.

“As in ‘the sins of the father are borne by the child’?” Lillian supposed. “He would say something like that. Let me call Mr. Colavitto and you be with David. Give him my love.”

“I will. Thank you, Lillian. I hope Lionel doesn’t have a problem with this,” Janet expressed.

“Let me handle him. You worry about David. Thank you for letting me know about this, Janet. I do appreciate it,” Lillian indicated. Hanging up, she got up from her chair and stalked three doors down the hall. There she knocked on the door. “Lionel?”

“Yes, Lillian?” her husband asked.

She entered the room with a grim expression on her face. “Janet Dubois just called. David’s teacher just passed away. I’m about to make the arrangements.”

“I told you….” he started.

“Yes. You told me about how she isn’t our problem. Wake up, Lionel! She IS our problem! Would you dump everything on the boy’s shoulders?” she demanded, glaring at him.

“He is the carrier,” he retorted.

“HE IS THE VICTIM OF YOUR STUPIDITY AND GREED, LIONEL!” she screamed. “Stuart is just as bad. Well, his mother’s about to bend his ear. You can be sure of that!” She stormed out of the room.

I wish she would let this die. The billionaire shook his head in disgust. Worse, I can’t let Lex be like that. I’d best let Stuart know about this. He picked up the phone and began to dial.

 

****

 

[Center Cemetery]

Dave kneeled in front of his grandfather’s marker; tears streaking his face. He felt an emptiness from what he had just experienced: a kind person who was making a difference—who cared about them all and was taken before her time. He felt guilt and shame. He was outraged and angry beyond words.

“This shouldn’t have ever happened!” he declared sadly to the stone. Looking skyward, he bellowed, “WHY? How could this happen? How could this curse be allowed to hurt people? WHY?”

“Life isn’t fair, Dave. It never has been nor ever will be,” his grandfather advised, appearing before him.

“Thank you for showing up, Grandpa. It’s nice to see that someone cares,” Dave groused.

“That wasn’t called for,” the spirit admonished. “We care but we are all tested. That’s how life is.”

“Yeah well, she didn’t deserve it,” he retorted. “Nor should I have to be Typhoid Marty either!”

“No you shouldn’t have to be. As you yourself said earlier, the sins of the fathers fall heaviest upon the children. It is your burden and will be so until you can stop her.” Lorenzo walked over to his grandson’s side. “You are making a difference whether you know it or not. Don’t make her sacrifice be in vain. Keep fighting. You can win if you believe in yourself!”

“I know that! But why should the people I love have to suffer because of me?” Dave protested.

“Dave, you aren’t responsible for this situation. Everyone Up There knows that. Don’t shut yourself off from those who love you,” Lorenzo stated. “You know who I’m talking about.”

“Great. Another lecture on my love life. Terrific,” Dave muttered. “I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

“Let her make that decision,” he admonished. Then he smiled. “Speaking of which, please come closer, Karen.”

She came out from behind the tree, trying not to let her amazement show. “Sorry. I didn’t want to disturb your conversation.”

“You aren’t,” Lorenzo assured her. “In fact, I’m glad you’re here. I just wanted to say thank you.”

“Uh…you’re welcome,” she replied hesitantly. “For what?”

“You’re a good friend to him and I appreciate that. He’s stubborn, you know,” the angel informed her.

“I noticed,” she commented, giving Dave a slight jab. “I’m trying to get him to open up.”

“Karen, please!” Dave retorted. “You don’t understand!”

“Well then why don’t you tell ME!” she snapped. “All year, you’ve been so mysterious! Don’t you want us around?”

“Of course, I do! But I’m not allowed to say!” he countered, giving his grandfather a knowing stare.

Seeing her skeptical glance, the spirit concurred, “He’s right.”

“What could be so bad?” she demanded.

“Trust me. You don’t want to know,” Lorenzo declared. Especially since she almost killed you last year. “But I can tell you that it is the reason for my death as well as your advisor’s. You will know one day, Karen, when the time is right and so will the others. For now, stay the course and work with him.”

“So this isn’t his decision—not to say anything, I mean,” she probed.

“It was decided by a force must greater than any of us,” Lorenzo continued.

“If I could, Karen, I’d let you all know,” Dave insisted, wiping his bloodshot eyes again. “I’m sick of being alone!”

“Then don’t be!” she shot back. “Dave, we’re here!” I’m here, Dummy, if you’d just see that!

“Listen to her, Dave. Be strong,” Lorenzo concluded before vanishing from the scene.

“Be strong he says,” he declared ruefully. “What else can I be?”

“Dave, you heard him,” she replied. “Don’t shut yourself off from us. And you didn’t kill Mrs. C!”

Didn’t I? He bowed his head. “Karen.”

She put her hands up. “All right. I’m grateful that you’re okay and not off having a massive hissy fit or something.”

“Yeah. Why would I do that?” he wondered; his eyes watering again. “Excuse me.”

She spun him around. “It’s okay! Let it out!” She hugged him tightly. “Let it go!”

He wailed and screamed his frustration for several minutes, clutching at her as he did so.

For her part, she stood there firmly, providing him a foundation. “It’s going to be all right. We’re here for you.” What can we do? What can I do? And what in Heaven’s name is this secret of his? Over her shoulder, she saw Janet watching them silently. “Come on, Dave. Say goodbye and let’s go. My family’s waiting.”

He nodded. “Thanks for stopping by, Grandpa. I’ll try to be strong at the service. Take care.”

As he walked away, he saw his grandmother. “You missed Grandpa.”

“Seriously, he was here,” Karen agreed, supporting Dave.

“I don’t doubt it,” Janet declared, knowing how close Lorenzo and Dave were. “Are you all right? I mean…there was something else you saw.”

“It isn’t every day you talk with the Angel of Death, Gram,” he retorted ironically. “Yeah, the candle lady was there.”

Janet’s eyes went wide. She recalled the scene in the bedroom where they thought he was hallucinating. “So you did see her that night?”

“Yeah I did,” he declared. “Now you believe me.” He glared at her.

She recoiled from the anger she saw there. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. And this…lady, she appeared in the Express?”

“She did,” Karen noted. “That’s how we knew.”

“I see,” Janet replied although her mind struggled to understand the notion. And now, Death herself visits him again. No wonder he’s so morose. “Aunt Lillie sends her love as well. I spoke to her about half an hour ago. She’ll make the arrangements. She’s concerned too.”

“And right now, she’s ripping into Lionel,” he supposed.

“Dave,” she admonished.

“No, Gram! This is his fault and Dad’s! ALL OF IT!” he countered before storming off.

“Now that was uncalled for!” Karen declared.

Janet shook her head. “No, Karen, I hate to admit it but he’s right. Come on. I don’t want to keep your parents waiting.” With that, they followed him out of the cemetery.