Xover notice: This story will have some appearances by Xena, Spider-Man and Mutant X.

Notes 1: This is the finale of a four part tale spanning my three series: “Super Lana”, “The Amazon Scrolls” and “The Dubois Chronicles”. After one story apiece in each of them, we finish where we began (although things won’t be the same.)

Notes 2: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and Universal. Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Mutant X and Spider-Man belong to Marvel; the latter also having ties to Tribune. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .



Introduction [Cowache Caves, Super Lana Universe]

Jor-El, last guiding spirit of Krypton, speaks….

For a father, there is no worse time than when one’s children are in danger, especially when you’re helpless to intervene. Watching them go through pain and torture is worse than death. As I imagine was the case for Laura and Kal-El’s Earth guardians, the dogs’ craven handling of my charges and their friends galled me. I feared for their safety.

However, as my new ally, the Faerie Empress, has reminded me, a child must be tested in Life’s forge to grow strong and hearty. Sure enough, to see Lana emerge from her ordeal as she has done only makes me question my initial misassessment of her worth two years past. And, as for the one called Miranda, she has proven her worth several times over as well. Even as they broke her body, she held her spirit and will together. Truly, she is a worthy companion for my charges.

Despite my counterpart’s troubles with him in the past, this alternate universe’s David Dubois has certainly exceeded my expectations of a worthy friend too. For orchestrating the rescue and for the training to come of his counterpart—the Protector, the one who with Laura and me, will guide Kal-El and Lana, he has my eternal gratitude.

But now onto the last piece of the test where Lana and the two Duboises face their respective ordeals and measure their true worth…..




Chapter 1 [New Sanctuary—Duboisverse, Several hours following the end of “Two Steps Forward”]

Adam Kane checked the sensors, surveying the patients’ readouts on the bio beds in front of him. In the last few hours since the procedure on the two Mirandas, there had been little change.

Beside him, Angie Dubois shook her head, folding her fingers together in a silent prayer. Over her objections, the DC-Miranda had volunteered to help her counterpart, risking her own life rather than letting her double die slowly and horribly. Brother Tony tells me to have faith and I should. Oh, Miri, you’re so much like your uncle, it’s not funny! Come back to us, Sweetheart. Come back!

“Scans are still holding steady, Angie,” he assured her. “They’ll both pull through.”

Angie nodded; her eyes watering. “You’re right, Adam. It’s so hard to see them like this.”

“I can’t imagine what this is doing to you,” he declared, rubbing her shoulder and looking up through the glass. There he saw that universe’s Clark and Lana watching just as anxiously. The former supported the latter, offering whatever comfort he could. He smiled, trying to preserve hope.


*****

On the other side of the glass, Lana sighed, “They both look so still.”

“They’re just sleeping. Hey, remember how bad off Chloe was when they brought her in here that night?” he reassured her.

“I also remember how they couldn’t help you, Clark,” she retorted, recalling the awful experience of his exposure to meteor dust.

“But you know the Professor, there’s no way he’ll let anything happen to Miri. I wouldn’t want to be in Arighatto’s shoes when he and Xena catch up to him,” he supposed, imaging a slow and very painful death for the samurai.

“I’ll deal with him myself,” she vowed.

“Lana, come on,” he protested.

“No, Clark! This man has tortured Miri all of her life! We can’t let him get away with this!” she hissed, hustling away from him.

He started to give chase but saw Shalimar Fox shake her head at him ever so slightly.

Lana, don’t go cold on me! Please!




Chapter 2 [Clearing, Just north of Rowenshire, MA, evening, Super Lana Universe]

The two Daves stepped out of the mists to find themselves standing on the state road just north of the Rowenshire-Athol, MA town line. In front of them, the grasses blew to and fro in an icy wind. Further down, the old white house stood guard just as it had in the Dubois universe before Dave destroyed it.

“Home sweet home,” the SL-Dave cracked.

“There’s nothing sweet about it,” the DC-Dave noted, crossing the street and stopping his toe one step short of the grass.

“What are you doing? Are you nuts? If you step on the grass….”

The DC-Dave strung his bow with an herb shaft and lit it. “That’s a load of crap. She knows we’re here already. Hey, Lichtenfeld, are you coming out or do I have to send a party favor?” After ten seconds of silence, he shrugged and shot the projectile. “She had her chance.”

The herbal cloud rose in the distance, eliciting a scream.

“We don’t have time for your games! Show yourself!” DC-Dave continued.

The ghost appeared ten feet to their left and fired immediately.

The DC-Dave pushed his counterpart out of the way, absorbing the impact and changing into the Child.

“Yer slippin’, Sweets!” the Child hissed, smirking at her. Seeing the other staring at him, he asked, “Wha?”

“You sat there and…took it!” the SL-Dave stammered. “Damn!”

“Take yer life ‘n yer hands! She ain’t in charge o’ me no more! Tell ‘er!” the Child roared.

“Don’t listen to ‘im, Boy! Yer mine!” the ghost asserted.

“NO! I have my life! My life….” The SL-Dave countered vehemently, changing.

“OUR LIFE!” The Protector roared, stepping onto the grass. Seeing the Child hang back, he asked, “Now wha ya doin’?”

“Witchie-Poo’s all yers! Ah jus’ gotcha started!” his counterpart replied.

“Wunnerful!” the Protector growled, feeling the ground burning at him. “Damn, it hurts!” He felt his head going numb.

The Witch grinned, knowing she would reclaim him at that point.

“Dammit! Fight ‘er! FIGHT!” the Child spat, wishing he could intervene and looking toward the stars above.

He snarled at the other Dark One, more demon than man. For several minutes, he continued to struggle.

Finally when all hope seemed lost, the Protector’s eyes snapped open and he screamed, “AP…RIL!!!!!”


*****

[Kent Farm, Smallville, Dubois Universe]

Meanwhile, the Super Lana Universe’s delegation continued to enjoy the Kents’ hospitality. At sunset, the SL-Jonathan and Garth were all too happy to help with chores to earn dinner and help their new friends.

“I hope Papa’s okay,” Angie worried from where she sat in April’s lap.

“They’ll be fine,” the DC-Martha assured them. “Our David’s a tough customer and he knows the witch.”

At that moment, Karen’s eyes went wide and she let her coffee mug drop to the floor. “NO!”

Suddenly both Angie and Cassie started bawling, confusing their hosts.

“What is it?” the DC-Jonathan asked.

“It’s Dave. He’s in trouble and slipping fast. He’s calling for you, April,” Karen told them.

“Me? But I’m….” Under better conditions, she would have broken down with joy. I am on par with Angie!

“He needs us now. I can link with him but he needs our support,” Karen asserted, taking her niece’s and daughter’s hands.

“You better believe it,” Garth declared, putting his hand on hers.

Both Marthas and Jonathans did the same.

“Don’t forget about me,” the SL-Lex interjected, rushing into the room. “I won’t let him go!”

April’s eyes watered as she witnessed the laying on of hands. Placing hers on top of the mound, she sobbed, “Thank you.”

“Be strong, April. You know what you’re about to face. Last chance to back out,” Karen declared.

“This is Dave. Not a chance,” the determined wife declined.

Karen focused, drawing their love into her and shooting it through the link over the dimensional rift. Come on, Dave, fight! For us. For April! For Miri! For…. As she linked to her friend, she felt something strange. In the pile, an extra energy source glowed faintly but it was there. She grinned, knowing that it could mean only one thing. Wow! Dave, now you have another reason to come back in one piece!



*****


[Rowenshire—Super Lana Universe]

The Witch cackled confidently, watching the Protector writhe on his knees in pain. She also loved the irony that the Child could do nothing about it.

“Dammit, fight, Boy! FIGHT!” the Child ranted, hating the cheerleader crap.

Remember, this is not your fight, the Empress’ voice reminded him telepathically.

“SHADDAP! Ah know that!” the DC-Dark One hissed to the sky. Then he felt something change in the general aura of their surroundings. “Wha’ the?”

The Witch saw it first and protested, “NAY! Ye won’t take ‘im from me!”

The SL-April’s glowing manifestation retorted, “He’s chosen! And it’s to be with me and our family!” She touched her husband’s alter ego. “Can you fight her? For us? For Dave?”

The Protector managed a nod with great effort. “Y…yeah! Ah’m gonna use somethin’!” He took her hand with his left one and started drawing dark energy with the right one. “Ah ain’t ‘fraid a’ here NO MORE!” He turned to the Child. “Tha’s wha ya’ll wanted, ain’t it?”

“Somethin’ like that. Watch ‘er, Dumb Ass!” the Child advised.

He turned and emitted a powerful psychic burst, knocking the Witch backward and stunning her. “Keep ‘way from us! Next time, Ah’ll whup ya good!”

The Child slapped his counterpart on the back. “Ya did good, Bub. ‘Mon, she’s gonna be mighty pissed when she gits up.”

“I agree,” Deirdre stated, appearing through the gateway in front of them. “Follow me quickly.”

“The Protector helped his alter ego’s wife through the mists and then vanished himself.

“You coming?” the priestess asked knowingly, seeing the ghost rise back into the air.

“Ah ain’t done yet! Ya mess w’ ‘im, ‘gain an’ Ah might kill ‘em both MAHSELF! Got it!” the Child bellowed at the ghost.

“Ye better honor our accord!” she hissed back.

“Stay ‘way from ‘em an’ Ah will!” the Child retorted.

“Accord? What accord?” his daughter asked.

“I let him bring my boy back to ye for a price, Dearie,” the Witch noted.

“We dump Daddy an’ Lie-Boy here an’ she leaves our Bro ‘lone!” he revealed.

“NAY! YE LIE!” she accused.

Now free of the prohibition to fight her, the Child nailed the ghost with a dark fire bolt, knocking her into the far tree. “NOW GIT THIS! Ah’m makin’ the rules! Ya stay ‘way from ‘em all, Honey! Else ya’ll git ME! GOT IT?” With that, he stormed through the portal, disappearing from the place.

Deirdre hustled through the portal, sealing it quickly before the angry spirit could follow. Aunt Cybelle’s going to be ticked over this! Leave me out of it!




Chapter 3 [DC-Kent Farm]

Everyone opened their eyes and looked around to find that everything was as it had been before.

“Where is he? Mama! Auntie Karen!” Angie called.

“They’re helping your Papa, Dear,” the SL-Martha assured her.

“Besides, both of them can survive the ghost,” the SL-Lex concurred.

At that moment, the portal opened, allowing April and the Protector to reenter the room.

The energy form split up, flowing back into both Karen’s and April’s respective bodies.

The Protector took a deep breath, allowing Dave to come back out.

“Wow! I made it,” the SL-Dave realized.

“That ya did!” the Child agreed while leading Deirdre back into the room. “Ya’ll did it! Now don’t fergit it!”

“I won’t. Thanks to you,” the librarian agreed. “And the rest of you. Thanks!”

“It’s our pleasure,” DC-Martha concurred. “You’ve done the same for us many times over.”

“And will again,” April concurred, waking up. “Wow! What an experience!”

“Are you okay?” SL-Dave asked.

“I am now,” April agreed, smiling at him. “You called for me.”

“I love you. Why wouldn’t I?” he asked her.

“Well…” She craned, blushing with embarrassment. “I feel so silly.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Since we were married, I’ve always kept myself at a distance,” she noted.

“Acting like a caretaker? I figured it was because you were scared of me and the Protector,” he presumed.

“Maybe a little,” she admitted. “But I wanted to give you your space and let you get over Angie’s death.”

“April, I will always love Angie, you know that. But you’re my wife now. Angie wanted us together, remember?” he explained. Seeing her nod, she continued, “Promise me that you won’t feel the need to be so far away anymore. All right?”

“Are you sure?” she asked hopefully.

“April, promise me. Please?” he insisted.

She nodded. “Of course.” She hugged him tightly and kissed him. “Thank you!”

“I should have paid more attention to you too. While I want Angie to feel remembered, you’re here with me right now. If that’s all right with you,” he pointed out, making a pledge to her too.

“I would never want you to forget her, Dave. You know that,” she asserted. “Besides I have something to tell you too.”

SL-Dave looked at her, worrying about her. “What is it? Did that ghost hurt you?” Looking at his twin sister, he saw her grinning. What? You know something!

Do I? She looked away. Ask your wife. It’s for her to announce!

“April?” he asked. Seeing her smile, he asked, “Okay, what is it?”

“I got my wish,” she informed him; her eyes sparkling into his. “I’m pregnant.”

He stared at her. “You’re kidding! How?”

His sister chuckled. Do we have to draw you a diagram, Chief? You do have two other rug rats running around, you know.

That’s not what I meant! “April, the curse was supposed to have….well….made you….”

“It made me barren while we were under its influence,” she finished his thought. “But while we were in Ruthwen, we were shielded from it by the castle. Nature took its course and well…here we are!”

“Here we are,” her husband concurred, holding her close to him. As he did, he saw his deceased wife’s ghost smile warmly at them. “Thank you,” he mouthed.

Your happiness is my greatest joy, my Love, Angie replied before disappearing.


*****


“Does that make you an uncle?” Deirdre asked her father.

“Maybe. It’s up to them,” he replied. “How are you?”

“Concerned about Auntie’s next tantrum when she finds out about the Child’s deal with that alternate witch,” she informed him.

“Yeah that,” he realized. “Dee-Dee, frankly, Xena and I didn’t have a choice. If the cops showed up, we never would have got him back here. Besides the Child didn’t offer them.   The Witch demanded them.”

“You’re not serious. Papa, what was he thinking when he went along with it?” she wondered.

“He’s got a plan all right. It’s up to the other Dave and the Protector but basically, nobody ends up dead. We stick the clone and this new Lionel in the Witch’s playpen and then, enclose the place in a mystic energy shield. She wants to torture them for a while. Who am I to stand in her way? Especially when she lost her hold over the other Dave tonight,” he explained. “After what happened to the other Miri, death’s too good for them.”

“At least we all agree on that last part,” his daughter noted. “I’m heading back to Althanor. You want a lift home?”

“Take me to Sanctuary. Adam’s got a bed ready there for me. Your Mama needs support,” he told her. As he followed her through the open portal, he promised, “If there’s any word on the Mirandas, I’ll let you know! Once again, Dave, nice job and congratulations!”

“Thank you and the Child for being there,” SL-Dave replied.

“You both did the work not us,” his counterpart pointed out before stepping all of the way in.

“Thanks, David!” DC-Martha replied as he disappeared.

“That is something else,” April told them all.

“We all have different gifts and talents. Dave’s are pretty special too. I agree with your double. Nice job,” Karen indicated, giving him a hug.

He returned it before grasping his wife again. Wait’ll Clark, Lana and Miri hear about this! Come on back, kids! This little one will need your guidance too!


*****