Rating: T (Teen--language, fighting, character death)

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the CW. All other characters are mine unless otherwise noted. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1 [Talon—December 9th]

Dave walked out of his empty apartment and down the stairs toward the café. With all of the preparations for the next evening, he felt exhausted. It’s almost here. He glanced over at Angie’s locked doors and darkened space. As if I need a reminder!

Just one day earlier, he’d sent April, Karen, their kids, Jonathan and Martha to the other dimension for their own safety. Wish Chloe would’ve gone too! He shook his head recalling how she and Lex had fought over that point. Her funeral…just hope it isn’t literally. He knew how Lex dreaded that prospect.

[“Dr. Dubois?”] Lana called telepathically.

The summons jarred him out of his reverie, making him aware of his surroundings once more. Seeing the speaker and her husband watching him from the counter, he headed over to them. “Hey, Kids. Everything okay?”

“So far,” Clark assured him. [“I just did a loop around town. Nothing out of the ordinary.”]

“If there is, it won’t be coming yet,” the older man pointed out while feeling the itch coming from the scarred area on his hand.

[“You’re feeling it too, aren’t you?”] she inquired while making his usual hot drink.

[“We’re too close not to, Lana.”] He scanned the café’s bustling front area and felt a pang of regret. Just three days earlier, they and Lex had agreed to shut the café down for the following two days for safety’s sake.

If and when the inevitable standoff came, this place would be Ground Zero.

“Lex wanted to talk with you,” she noted while handing him his drink in a Styrofoam cup.

“I’ll head over there,” Dave agreed. “Good job staying alert, you two. See you later.” With that, he headed for his car.

After Dave left, Clark wondered low, “Think he’s right?”

[“Something’s been stalking us the last couple of weeks. I’ve felt it sort of lurking right on the edge of our senses. It’s almost like someone wants us to know they can strike but disappearing before we can find them,”] she pointed out.

[“Yeah. That’s why I did the circuit just now,”] he agreed while finishing his coffee. [“Sorry, I need to get home and finish the chores. I guess you’ll be meeting us at the cave later?”]

[“4:00 as we agreed.”] She rubbed her forehead. The sessions had made them and their friends painfully aware of both the Mystery Man’s and Therese’s combined threat...and that was beyond the blinding incident. [“It’s cool of our friends to let us borrow their place.”]

[“I can’t believe how real they make it all seem,”] he recalled still feeling the bruises from the cloaked man’s backhand on their last trip three days earlier. [“See you then.”]

[“Right,”] she agreed as they kissed and he left. Be careful, Clark.




Chapter 2 [Luthor Mansion]

Feeling antsy and unable to do his work, Lex threw his wool coat on and strolled about the grounds. While winter had yet to settle on the area in force, he could still see his breath in the late afternoon air. He done the same thing yesterday in Metropolis where he visited his mother’s grave, leaving her favorite flowers.

Then after coming back, he’d lost another argument with his fiancée about her heading for safety. Both of them stormed out of the room without further word for the other as a result. He rubbed his scalp not understanding why she had to be so pigheaded. Why doesn’t she get it? I just don’t want her to end up like Mom! He shook his head, recalling the incidents in Amherst from years earlier. Finding no further words other than to reiterate his frustrations, he stomped toward the front door to find Dave waiting for him there, staring into space. Those memories are eating Dave alive too. He hustled over to where his friend sat. “Dave?”

The other didn’t respond.

The billionaire shook the other’s shoulder. “Dave!”

“Huh? Oh, Lex! Sorry,” the professor apologized. “I zoned out there.”

“You can say that again. Are you okay?”

Dave shrugged. “I’m hanging in there.” He took a sip from the now cold remains of the mocha that Lana had made earlier. “I wish we had more help but we’ll deal with it. That and the usual calendar stuff.”

“There’s nothing usual about this year, Dave,” Lex pointed out.

The visitor snorted. “Tell me about that one. Don’t you think I know that?”

Lex looked over the man he regarded as an older brother. He could see the other’s sheer exhaustion written clearly across his face and the stiffness in his back. “You’re the one we all look to, you know. If anyone knows about this crap, it’s you.”

Dave snickered. “Yeah that’s me. Mr. Experience. More like Mr. Screw Up.” He stood up and paced the front porch area.

Lex frowned, knowing that the other’s moods were sinking and what that could mean. “Let’s adjourn to the library and talk.”

“Lex, there’s no time.”

“Make time!” Lex snapped, knowing the risk he was running by jarring the other man right then and there. “Dave, we don’t need you feeling sorry for yourself right now. That stuff isn’t your fault. Okay?”

“That’s one point of view. Fine, I don’t want this to be public either,” Dave agreed while stomping into the house and toward the grand staircase.

Here we go. Mom, if you got any visit points built up, now would be a good time! Lex rushed into the house. Catching Reynolds at the staircase, he noted, “Fresh coffee and some hot croissants ASAP if you would. Also keep the library wing clear due to you know….”

“Very good,” the older man concurred, having seen and heard stories about their visitor’s explosiveness. “And if Miss Chloe comes by?”

“Send her up immediately,” Lex requested. “Thanks, Reynolds.”

“My pleasure, Master Luthor,” the butler agreed while heading off toward the kitchen to fill the order.

Lex headed up the stairs and down the hall. Seeing the library’s door ajar, he walked inside to find Dave studying his mother’s portrait. “I’ve got coffee and rolls coming.” He shut the door behind himself. “Look, I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“I know what you meant. She would’ve done the same thing,” Dave concurred; his eyes still riveted to the painting. “The snack’s appreciated, Lex.” He took a deep breath. “I just don’t want a repeat of 1981-83 for that matter.”

“It won’t be,” Lex assured him. “Back then, you were dealing with this situation on your own. Now we’re all with you.”

“You’re as bad as Chloe is,” Dave disagreed. “You need to get to safety, Lex. This is going to be a war.”

“Of course it is! Don’t you think I know that?” Lex retorted sharply. “You don’t remember because it was the Protector who fought the battles, Dave, but the rest of us who were there still have nightmares about them. “ He forced himself to bring his tone down. “You have a right to feel hurt and angry about what they’ve done to us. Now use that! Focus.”

“You really should do your own motivational tape,” Dave told him.

“I learned from the best,” the billionaire complimented. “Just keep your head in the game. What time are you meeting the others?”

“4 at the Caves. Steve and Garth are going too,” Dave replied. “They want the practice against those things too. I’d rather have them back here coordinating things in case Sheriff Adams decides to go against the order tomorrow night.”

“I spoke with the mayor and governor myself yesterday, Dave,” Lex noted. “I made sure that won’t happen. As I said before, people around here still remember the old days. You give the order to clear out and our neighbors are listening. By tomorrow at sunset, downtown Smallville will be a ghost town.” Seeing the other’s eyebrow quirk at that comment, he added, “Sorry. Bad metaphor.”

“But hopefully apt.” Dave studied his watch. “2:30.” Hearing the knock, he added, “Your man’s got impeccable timing.”

“Reynolds is the best,” Lex agreed while letting the butler into the room.

“Here are your snack and drinks, masters. By the way, Master Luthor, what time should we relocate to Metropolis?” Reynolds announced.

“Within the hour. I’ll have the van brought around for you and the staff. I’m not taking any chances with your lives. Thank you for not fighting me on this,” Lex explained.

“As you just said yourself, sir, those of us who were here remember the old days. Madame would’ve done the same thing,” the elderly man clarified.

“I don’t doubt it,” Lex agreed.

Reynolds cleared his throat. “May I speak freely, sirs?”

The duo looked in surprise at the butler, knowing full well he didn’t make that request often.

Getting a nod from the Bald One, the older man told them, “I know she’s proud of you both. Stand your ground. Speaking for the staff, gentlemen, drive those two back to Hell.”

“That’s the plan, Reynolds,” Dave agreed while bowing his head in respect to the other man.

“Thank them for us,” Lex expressed while embracing the other man. “Just in case, thank you for everything.”

“Since you were only knee high to me, it has always been and always will be my pleasure, Master Alexander. Go with God. You too, Master Dubois,” Reynolds informed them both before stepping back into his role. “Now if you will both excuse me, we all have our affairs to attend to. Oh, Agents Singleton and Petersen await you downstairs. I took the liberty of bringing two more cups for them.”

“Please send them right up. Thanks, Reynolds,” Lex noted as the other man left.

A minute later, the two FBI agents knocked on the door.

“Hey, guys, come in,” Dave bade, motioning them in with one of his hands.

“Just thought you’d like to know, everything’s set at the Bureau,” Steve reported while checking the rounds in his gun.

“Farrell’s already heard from Governor Neilson. They’ve pledged cooperation,” Garth added. “So when do we take off?”

“In about forty-five minutes. Meantime, have a roll, guys.” Dave took a croissant and bit into it. “Gotta hand it to you, Lex. These could be straight from Paris.”

“They were.” Lex smirked. “Heloise brought them this morning.”

“She can sure sneak around. Too bad you can’t do that stuff, Dave,” Garth wished.

“Tell me about it,” Dave groused, recalling how his counterpart could. As he said that, he recalled his tactics from the Hunt so long before—and their first meeting with the cloaked menace from their freshman year of high school. “That’s it!”

“What? Crap, you’ve got that idea thing going,” Steve realized.

“Let’s hear it,” Lex declared, feeling glad that his friend was having an insight.

“Not now. We don’t know if they or Lie-onel are listening in. Maybe the others can help when we get to the other side,” Dave declined before taking a drink from his coffee.




Chapter 3 [Out in front of the Cowache Caves—3:50 PM]

Samantha sat shivering with a cup of coffee as the wind had kicked up. “Wish she could’ve waited until 4 to do your thing, Alicia,” she complained.

“Sorry. I just wanted to make sure we were on time,” Alicia apologized while sipping on her own coffee. “If you want to duck inside for a couple of minutes?”

“I might just do that,” Sam agreed while heading into the cave. Wish I had enough control over my abilities to deflect that chill.

Alicia folded her arms across her chest and inhaled deeply of the icy air. We’re going to pull through this! I know it! Seeing Byron and Sasha approach, she waved them over. “Anything?”

“Nothing,” Sasha reported while glancing around. “My workers are inside. I don’t feel like losing any more of them than I have to.”

“We have other ways of keeping watch than endangering your friends,” Jasmine pointed out as she and Miranda joined them. The former rolled her carpet up.

“Lana’s just closing down the Talon now,” Miranda added. “She and Clark could be here any minute.”

“And your uncle?” Byron wondered.

“He’s coming,” Miranda noted while seeing the man in question approach with Garth and Steve. “Hi, Uncle Dave.”

“Hey, Miri. People say anything?” Dave answered.

“Not much. They were drinking coffee and clearing us out,” she replied. “Clark and Lana should be here soon.”

He nodded while looking over the teens. “Samantha?”

“Yes, Professor?” Sam answered from within the cave. She stuck her head out. “Sorry. I was just trying to stay warm.”

“That’s okay. Thanks for letting me know you’re there,” Dave noted while checking his watch.

“It’s only 2 til. Chill,” Garth advised his friend.

“I was doing a time check,” Dave insisted. Then he motioned toward the path. “They’re coming.”

On cue, Clark and Lana came to a stop right in front of them.

“Hope we’re not late. I had Paulette finish closing. Lex is taking the deposit over to the bank,” she explained.

“You’re right on time.” He looked around at the group. “Well, I think this is everyone. Samantha, where’s Pete right now?”

“He’s back in Wichita. I asked him to stay out of here during the…you know. Thought that caution was the better way to go and all that,” Samantha commented.

“It is indeed. Thanks,” Dave concurred as the portal opened. “Okay, gang. Step lively. We’ve got our last go around in there.”

“Uncle Dave, you feel it too?” Miranda asked.

“We’re being watched all right. Get in there. Garth, Steve, you too,” Dave advised. After the others had all followed them, he glimpsed the woods surrounding the cave and held up a “stink bomb”. “Un présent pour vous!” He pulled the pin and telekinetically whipped it deep into the woods.

It exploded, sending a greenish mist through the frigid air.

Less than a second later, a loud feminine howl permeated the air.

<”Thought that was you, chienne damné! Au revoir!”> he spat before disappearing into the mists.


****

[A hundred yards away]

Therese scowled as she tried to deal with the stinging herbs. <”He knew!”>

“Aye,” the Mystery Man concurred. “Ye were careless. The boy’s always on the alert. Na matter! The young ‘uns can wait til the morrow. Ah’ve waited this long. One more day will make little difference now.”

<”I will kill him for this!”> she hissed.

He waved his hand, making them both vanish from the scene.




Chapter 4 [An hour later—Rowenshire, Duboisverse]
[A/N: Mutant X belongs to Marvel Studios.]

Even as the teens worked out in Mutant X’s Dojo, Dave and Heloise stepped out of the mists in front of his counterpart’s former residence. For the two newcomers, they were astounded at the changes they took in from the landscape and even the new house.

“Incredible,” he muttered while walking down the driveway. “Dave mentioned it had been cleansed but I had to see it to believe it!”

“The goddess does grant surprises from time to time,” she informed him while keeping composed. Still, even she was excited about such a prospect if they could bring it to their universe’s site as well.

“Mr. Dubois?” a teenaged brown haired boy called. “Is that you?”

“That’s me,” he replied. “Umm, I was looking for a red haired lady. Nancy McEverwood? I was told I could find her here.”

The teen had to think for a minute before nodding. “I think you should talk to my mother.” He ran into the house.

A minute later, a slender red haired woman walked out to greet the duo. “Dave?”

“Yes and no, Nancy. I’m Dave but well…I’m from another place you might say,” he explained. “I can’t believe how you’ve cleansed this place.”

Nancy quirked an eyebrow strangely at him. “Dave, you and the others did that. What’s going on?”

“Forgive him; he’s trying to be careful. I’m Heloise, a priestess. I think you know Deirdre and Cybelle Dubois?”

“Certainly,” Nancy agreed. “But why’s Dave acting like he doesn’t know what happened here six years ago?”

“Because he—this version of David—wasn’t here six years ago,” Heloise explained.

“Excuse me? That’s David Dubois. What do you mean ‘this version’?” Nancy demanded.

“I’m from another universe, Nancy. Sorry, where I’m from, we’re still dealing with our ghost problem,” Dave revealed.

“I see,” Nancy replied, trying to decide what to do next. Granted, in the nearly forty years that she’d been friends with Dave, she’d seen a great many strange things but this took the cake. “Well you know whatever Dave and I have is yours for the asking.”

“Dave? Is that your husband?” Heloise asked, trying to generate some other conversation.

“Sadly, I’m a widow. Tom Rogers, my husband, died in a car wreck last year. I didn’t want to bother our Dave or Angie with that. Dave’s the teenager you talked to. He’s our second adopted son. Randy, our other boy, is buried with his father just up the road,” Nancy recounted with a somber tone. “But you don’t need to hear my problems. I know that look, Dave. You’re heading for a ghost fight, aren’t you?”

He nodded. “With one of Isobel’s kids you never met, Therese. Why?”

“Dave, I saw you—or our version of you—deal with garbage for years on this land and town. Trust me; I know you. Is there anything I can do?” the hostess offered.

“There’s a plant I need that grows in the woods. I was wondering….?” He scratched his head.

“Your invisibility leaves. Yes, they’re there. You know where they are?”

“If they’re in the same place, then yes. Do you mind if I take some?” he requested.

“As I said, pick away. Just leave some for when our Dave needs them,” she indicated.

He nodded before heading for the cow path leading down the side of the ridge.

“I was just putting some tea on. Would you care for some?” Nancy offered.

“Perhaps for a few minutes. We do need to be getting back,” Heloise accepted. “It is all right to reach out to them, you know.”

“Dave and Angie have their own lives. We can’t….” Nancy doubted.

“They’re your friends. It will be all right,” Heloise affirmed. “Now let’s get that tea and wait for him.”

“Follow me,” Nancy agreed while leading her inside.


****


[New Sanctuary—an hour later]

Clark and Lana nearly collapsed onto the couch cushions after a grueling ‘scrimmage’. As with each other time, the computer’s simulations of their adversaries had given them fits, forcing them to scramble and take a few burns and bruises on top of it.

“How do they do it?” she grumbled while sipping drowsily from her water bottle.

“It seemed so real,” he sighed in a daze.

“In a way, it is,” Adam Kane declared while joining them there. “Don’t forget we’ve faced the Mystery Man as well as other ghost-sorceresses similar to this Therese.” He peeked in his folder before continuing, “For what it’s worth, you’ve improved significantly since your last visit here.”

“Thanks for that at least,” Clark expressed albeit not exactly believing it.

“The monitors picked up on you both using telepathy. Is that a mutant or Kryptonian ability?” the scientist noted.

“Kryptonian,” she admitted while taking a sip from her water bottle. “Our version of Jor-El and Professor Dubois are showing us about it. It helped us to get through the blindness.”

Adam scanned his readouts again. “Ever think of using it with the others?”

The super teens looked at him curiously.

“Is there someone who’s a telepath over there who everyone trusts and can coordinate between you all? I’d send Emma but I think there might be some better candidates out there,” Adam proposed.

“With how Dr. Dubois has been doing, forget him,” Clark assessed.

“Wait, Clark! What about Jor-El?” she proposed. “He could stay back in the caves and direct traffic from there!”

“If he’s like our Jor-El, yes, that could work,” Adam agreed.

“I just wish your version of Professor Dubois were here. Our version works well with him,” she added.

“So do I, Lana,” the host agreed. “Unfortunately, he and the others have our version of the problem to deal with.”

“And tomorrow being tomorrow in our universe means big ugliness on his part,” Clark presumed.

“Where he’s concerned and especially where you all will be fighting, it’s unavoidable. Have Jor-El link the rest of you. Leave him out of it. When he changes, get out of his way.”

“No argument there,” she concurred, recalling their first face to face with the Destroyer from the previous Halloween. “That thing seems like you point him in a direction and sic it on the enemy.”

Adam sighed, recalling some of his own issues with DC-Dave from decades earlier. “That’s it in a nutshell. However, the creature can think. It knows you both and the others. But remember, if this is anything like what you all saw from our encounter in 1983, you have no chance to avoid it. Just remember this training and your experiences. As a reminder, you’re not invulnerable to magic or Kryptonite. They can use both against you.”

“Thanks. We’ll remember that, sir,” Clark replied while speaking for himself and his wife both.

“That’s all we can ask, Clark,” Adam commented while checking his watch. “It’s time to meet with the others. Please follow me.” He led them back toward the central area.


****


[Ten minutes later—Central Meeting Area]

Once the other teens, Dave, Heloise and the agents met back in the facility’s large central area, Adam waited for the group to settle and have their drink of choice before starting in.

“Good workout, all of you. I know you all feel that you didn’t make progress but trust me; you have. You’re more in sync and cautious. You work well together. You are a team,” the biogeneticist stressed.

“That’s great, Dr. Kane, but what about those of us who aren’t as comfortable with our abilities yet?” Samantha wondered.

“You can pick each other up, Samantha. Remember, act don’t react. And on other fronts, we’ve made headway as well. Lana, you’re first,” Adam continued.

“Clark, Dr. Kane and I thought of asking Jor-El to coordinate between us,” she reported.

“Excellent. Dave, you’re next.”

“I retrieved some herbal items that will be very important for us. Heloise will be bringing back some others for our use,” the professor stated. “Gang, just to add to what Dr. Kane is saying, we can do this.”

“They surprised us last time,” Alicia reminded the others.

“But this time, we can make them come to us,” Miranda added. “We know they’re after Clark, Lana and Uncle Dave. Sorry, guys, you’re the bait.”

Seeing the super teens squirm, Dave shrugged. “She’s right. Besides, folks, we were being watched as we left. I nailed Therese with a stink bomb just before I jumped through the portal. We need to stick together and stay in contact. Remember that while these creeps prefer night, they can attack in the daylight too. Be careful!”

“And we can take the bystanders out of the equation,” Garth pointed out.

“By the way, Dave, you have that stuff for our weapons?” Steve requested.

Heloise interjected, “I will have the items in his possession within the hour, Agent Petersen. I know he will know what to do with them.”

“Okay, everyone, you know what to do. Remember, the Talon’s closed tomorrow. Curfew in town goes into effect at 3:30. We’ll meet at Lex’s place at noon. Try to get a good meal in and some sleep tonight because tomorrow night could be really long for all of us.” Dave stood up. “Adam, anything else?”

“I think you covered it. Good luck, all of you,” the biogeneticist expressed.

“Thanks for letting us use your facility, Dr. Kane,” Lana mentioned.

“Anything to help. It was my pleasure,” he replied while Heloise opened the gateway. “Just remember what I said to you and Clark earlier.”

She nodded while taking her husband’s hand and disappeared from view.

As the mists dissipated, Adam couldn’t help but think of his own friends’ quest to deal with Isobel back in the past. Two parallel journeys—each with the same risk and reward. May they all survive them both!



Chapter 4 [An hour later—Luthor Mansion]

After returning from the other universe, Clark and Lana sped over to check in with Lex. They found him reviewing his old journal for any tidbits of information.

“Hey. How’d it go?” the billionaire asked.

The two visitors glanced skeptically at each other and then at him.

“Judging by that look and the bruises, ouch!” Lex grimaced while shaking his head. He shut the doors. “They can really get the details. Wow.”

“Believe it, Lex,” she agreed while filching some ice from the bowl and wrapping it in a towel she’d brought with her. “Every muscle hurts.”

“It was like playing one of your VR games, Lex,” Clark explained. “Only the characters strike back for real.”

“That’s about what Dave said. At least you both have an idea what you’re up against,” Lex noted while pouring them each a coffee. “I’d offer you a massage but my masseuse evacuated with the others.” He handed them each a cup. “How’d the others do?”

“They survived,” she reported. “Byron apparently got in some serious punches on Mr. Creepy. Miri and Jasmine were able to deflect the ghost’s stuff with their weapons. They still only got a standoff.”

“Better than a first rate ass kicking,” Lex assessed. “Dave’s been keeping me up to speed. Don’t worry. I’m not telling Chloe or anyone else.” Seeing their surprised looks, he shrugged. “I’m concerned about my friends.” He handed them each a steaming cup. “Guys, remember, I’ve seen him and the agents survive what you’re about to go up against.”

“1983?” she asked.

“I wasn’t….there for that. I’ve never met this Kane guy but if the agents and Dave say to trust him then do it,” Lex affirmed. “How did Dave do?”

“He didn’t go through the stuff. He and Heloise took off for somewhere. They came back with some bags of stuff,” Clark recounted. “She said that there would be more stuff coming. None of us could guess where he went though.”

Lex smirked grimly before asking, “Stuff for the weapons?” Getting nods, he continued, “They went to Rowenshire, I’ll bet. There were some plants that grew in back of the old house which he used to give Lichtenfeld fits when we were younger. He won’t go there alone tonight or tomorrow.”

“Speaking of that,” she interjected. “They mentioned that Professor Dubois will change again.”

“Count on it,” Lex agreed. “When he does, stay out of the Destroyer’s way. I’d love to watch that thing plow into the Mystery Man. You know how Dave’s been the past two months. He’s seething. When he uncorks, he uncorks. You two might want to think about softening up that creep for him. Then step back and let him finish it off.” He sighed and bowed his head.

“Lex, what is it?” she asked.

“Our mothers, Lana,” he mentioned, turning away from his friends. He didn’t let anyone see his tears nor was he about to now.

Clark looked at them in confusion.

“I get it, Clark. It’s okay,” she noted while setting down her cup and getting up. “Lex.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “I miss her too. Her and Dad.”

“I know,” he conceded. “It’s just that…it’s so hard.”

“We’re here for you,” Clark assured him.

“I know.”

“Then let us in,” Lana told him. “Stand with us. We’re all hurting.”

He turned back toward them, revealing his tears. “Sorry…you are about to deal with this and I’m the whimpering idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, Lex. We’re all orphans of a sort,” Clark indicated. “Those things have hurt us all. Time to take what’s ours back.” As he said that, his senses picked up on something behind them. [“Lana.”]

[“Yeah, I know. Now?”] she presumed while feeling the itching on her hand and her own senses.

[“Now!”] he agreed while grabbing and tossing Lex toward the couch at the far side of the room. Then he sped in the opposite direction from her. “Lex, get out of here now!”

Barely a second later, a dark burst singed the wall behind where they had been.

“Yer gettin’ better!” the Mystery Man complimented in spite of himself. He threw several bursts at the twin blurs darting about the room, missing with each one. “Wonderful! The Master will be pleased!”

“Take this back to that creep!” she growled while coming up behind the cloaked wizard.

As she struck low, he slammed into the creature’s chest simultaneously. For the first time, neither held back, coming in with full Kryptonian force. As the intruder was knocked for a loop, they struck out together with respective pile driver right fists.

The force sent the other through the window and high into the sky, disappearing over the horizon.

“Good riddance!” she yelled at the broken window.

“It’ll be back,” Lex disagreed while picking himself off of the couch and rubbing his back. “You two just made him mad. Still, Clark, you should ease up on the toss. Any harder and I’d be in traction.”

“Rather get fried?” Clark asked.

“Good point,” Lex conceded. “Still, you made the first stand against them.” He straightened his back up. “Practice makes perfect.”

“And we didn’t spill a drop either,” Clark pointed out while taking a sip.

“You’re starting to sound like Chloe,” Lex gibed while hearing the phone ring. “Lex Luthor.”

“Lex, what happened? It almost felt like he was there,” Dave queried on the other end.

“If you mean our cloaked friend, yes, it was here.” He grinned. “Clark and Lana kicked it out in under four minutes flat. Seems your teamwork exercises are paying dividends.”

“And everyone’s okay?”

“Other than my back from where Clark tossed me onto the couch, yeah, we’re okay. Score 1 for us,” Lex announced.

“You mean Score 2. I stung Therese earlier this afternoon. Put the phone on speaker. I want the kids to hear this,” Dave informed him.

The billionaire hit the speaker button. “Guys, listen up. Okay, Dave, you’re on.”

“Sorry. We should’ve waited for the others,” Lana apologized.

“Apparently, you did all right on your own. Tell me what happened and how you reacted,” Dave requested.

Clark sighed, “Lex and we were talking and our backs were turned to the door. We sensed that creep there.”

“Then we worked together just like we practiced. We smacked him out the window and over the trees,” she continued.

“Excellent but don’t let your guard down. That creep will shrug that off by tomorrow. Now you understand why I pushed you all through the portal earlier,” Dave pointed out.

“You were jumpy, sir, earlier. Was that Therese?” she wondered.

“She was stalking us. I paid her back for you two by making her eyes sting with a party favor. I do want you both and Miri to speak with Jor-El at some point today or tonight. If the latter, stay close to home. The agents will be staying with me tonight. Heloise will be back shortly with my stuff. If you need me, call. Thanks, guys. Nice job.” With that, he hung up.

“Therese was that close and we didn’t sense her?” Clark asked fearfully.

“We got distracted. We can’t afford that anymore,” she told him.

“You’ve got that right,” Lex concurred. “Now have another cup of coffee before I send you both on your way. You’ve got a couple of long days ahead. Best to send you off on them the right way.” He refreshed their cups.





Chapter 5 [Talon—ten minutes later]

Heloise walked into the café under a full head of steam. While conferring with Cybelle and the other priestesses, she’d watched as her descendant and the latter’s husband dealt with the Mystery Man by themselves. While she was glad that things turned out all right, to say that she was steamed over the circumstances was a huge understatement.

She walked up to the counter where Miranda worked the coffee press. “Can I have a French roast and where’s your uncle?”

“He’s upstairs. Look, we had no time….” The sensei confronted the older woman.

“We’d best make time!” she hissed. “Thank the goddess that he prepared them for that eventuality! I’ll be back for that coffee!” She stalked up the stairs.

Great! We’re about to get an eruption on our hands. Miranda signaled for another of her co-workers to take the counter for her. Then she hurried toward the stairs herself.


****


Meantime, Dave laid his arrows and the hollow tips out on the table. From what they’ve already seen that afternoon, neither of their antagonists would hesitate from striking out at them. Consequently, he wouldn’t hesitate either.

Hopefully, the teens and his friends would handle the resulting bloodbath.

“The kids got through it. That’s good, right?” Steve supposed.

“As we did? Steve, look what it did to Dave!” Garth countered. “Didn’t you hear what Kane said to us earlier? We need to stick together! What if that had been Samantha Cooper or Pete Ross? You think they could’ve handled them?”

“That’s enough!” Dave snapped at them. “Quit talking about me like I’m not here. We’ve got enough to worry about without the bickering. That’s what the creep squad’s counting on. Hell with tomorrow. We’re at war right now. Got it?” Getting nods from them both, he took a deep breath. “Sorry, guys, we all need to chill right now.” Getting a sharp rapping on the door, he told Garth, “It’s Heloise. Get it please.”

As the agent opened the door, she stormed through it. <”Why didn’t you do anything?”>

<”And hello to you too,”> Dave retorted. <”Shut the door. I don’t want this to be for public consumption.”> Switching to English, he continued, “It happened too fast.”

“That is unacceptable! Mon Dieu, Dubois!” she groused.

“Don’t you think I know that?” he retorted tersely. “I’m just grateful that they were at the mansion when that creep showed up! Think what Lex would’ve had to deal with if they weren’t! No, that jerk’s going to strike at the weakest link now.” He took a deep breath. “I’m debating whether or not to send an escort with Pete, Samantha and Alicia tomorrow to Dodge.”

“Is there a question? Of course, you send it!” she emphasized. “If I can trust you to watch here, I will go. I don’t want you starting a circus up there, Dubois.”

“Okay. Hey, time out,” Garth interceded. “As he just told us, Heloise, we don’t have time to bicker right now. I, for one, would like to start prepping my weapons if that’s all right?”

“A sensible suggestion, Agent Singleton,” she conceded while handing him the small sack. “The paste you require is in there. Remember, you do not need a lot to be effective.”

“Sounds great to us,” Steve agreed as they put their bullets on the table and started rubbing them up with the herbal paste.

“If you want to go, Heloise, that’s good. Trust me; I can watch around here. If anything shows up, you and every other sensitive from here to Timbuktu will feel the explosion. Game plan is the others soften up the creeps. Then you and I deal with them,” Dave told her.

“If you can control yourself,” she snorted.

“You don’t want me controlling myself. Remember, they want us to argue and divide ourselves. We stick together. And rather than fight the elements, we use them to our advantage. I will go under and throttle that jackass once and for all,” he argued.

“And if we can’t bring you back?” Steve asked.

“You’ll bring me back. I have to have faith in something, right?” Dave supposed. “Merci, Heloise, for bringing the herbs by. If anything happens, you let me know and have Alicia teleport them back immediately. Meantime, Sasha’s going to have to sacrifice a few workers tomorrow as scouts and lookouts.” He saw the sun sinking below the western horizon. “It’s starting.”

“Uncle Dave, I heard yelling,” Miranda pointed out while barging into the room.

“We’re fine, Sunshine. Come in for a minute. Any of the others downstairs?” Dave assured her.

“They’re not. I think they’ll be at the Kents’ in a bit. We all thought it best not to lead the jerks to Jor-El,” Miranda explained.

“Someone is thinking for a change,” Heloise complimented sarcastically.

“Hey, we’re doing the best we can,” Miranda defended her uncle. “So are you. As he said before, let’s cut each other some slack. We’ll all be meeting there tonight. The creeps want a rematch by then? Fine. We’ll deal with it.” She set Heloise’s coffee on the table. “That’s your French roast. On the house. Just keep it down okay?” She walked out and closed the door.

“She’s right,” Garth told the others.

“That’s why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Steve concurred.

“I will be watching from Althanor, Dubois. Count on that,” Heloise informed them before disappearing in a mist column.

“She needs to cool off,” Steve insisted.

“Hate to admit it but she’s right. We were a step slow. Fortunately, the kids are all well trained. Let’s finish getting ready. I hope you don’t mind but you’re both staying here tonight with me. In case the worst happens, I want back up.” He opened his sack and went to work on the leaves he’d collected from Nancy’s property.

The two agents looked at each other anxiously. Based on what they’d seen before, they didn’t want to know how much worse things could get…….

 

Chapter 6 [That night—Loft]

After finishing the chores and the last of his mother’s leftover meatloaf, Clark and Lana walked back out to the barn. After rubbing ointments and creams all over each other to ease their aching muscles, they headed out to meet the others.

“Hope we don’t stink too badly,” she worried.

“After what we all went through earlier, I’d be surprised if they didn’t do the same thing,” he assured her as they climbed the stairs to find the other teens waiting for them. “Hey, guys. I can get some coffee going if you want.”

“That’s okay, Clark,” Byron declined, pretty much summing up the others’ feelings. “We’re all wired enough without more caffeine.”

“Okay. So how’s everyone doing?” Lana asked them while taking her seat.

“Did you two really run into that creep at Lex’s?” Alicia wondered.

“He was there. Sorry we didn’t let you know. It all happened so fast,” Clark recounted. “We got rid of him.”

“You did?” Sasha asked.

“Option 6 from the Dojo,” Clark noted. “We hit him high and low.” Seeing Jasmine smile, he added, “You approve?”

“You attacked as a team. That is what we heard back in the lab. That is what we have to do now,” Jasmine replied to them. “We outnumber them. Much as with Sasha’s bees, we swarm and attack as a unit.”

“And what we learned back in Japan as well,” Miranda concurred. “Alicia, you can help us to flank them. Remember those rapid teleportation sequences?”

“I can move people back and forth as needed. By the way, Samantha, I got a call from Dr. Dubois earlier. I’m popping you and Pete to Dodge. He doesn’t want to take any chances.”

“That’s fine with me,” the air elemental concurred. “I still wish I knew what I could do against them.”

“Try this!” Jasmine declared while whipping a dagger at her.

“What the?” Samantha instinctively whipped up an air cushion deflecting the weapon.

“That’s what you can do,” the Javalastani warrior noted. “Forgive me for frightening you but you think too much, Sam.” She picked up her dagger and sheathed it. “Remember what they told us. Act don’t react.”

“You could’ve just said something. Geez!” Samantha sulked in the corner.

The point would not have had the same effect, Jor-El told them all telepathically.

“What the? Did someone just say something?” Alicia asked while jumping to her feet.

“I heard it too!” Samantha realized.

“That was my father,” Clark told them.

“But your Dad’s in that other place, Clark,” Alicia disagreed.

“He means his birth father’s ghost. Jor-El?” Lana explained.

I was the one who spoke to you. The spirit appeared before them.

“Does Dr. Dubois know?” Samantha wondered, jumping at the sight.

“Uncle Dave knows and works very closely with him,” Miranda assured them. “We invited him here so that he could work with us.”

“Excellent choice,” Jasmine concurred.

“So how would he do that?” Sasha asked while straightening her glasses.

The same way you control insects. I would communicate with you. Your movements and actions are your own. I can watch and let you know what is happening.

“So just the same way they were seeing through everyone’s eyes, you can see through ours too?” Byron inquired.

That is correct.

“And we can trust him?” Samantha inquired.

“We can,” Clark declared. “We need someone to do that. It can’t be Professor Dubois once the fight gets started.”

“We will see the Jinn again?” Jasmine supposed.

That’s correct. He will change. The rest of you, I can assist. Sasha Cohen, your bees can help us as well.

“They’ll freeze out there!” she protested.

“We need them and you,” Clark emphasized. “Sasha, sorry but we have to be in this together.”

“I suppose. I really don’t want to send them to their deaths especially if you can pick up on them, Lana or if Dr. Dubois could as well,” Sasha replied, proposing an alternative. I was planning on keeping them in and around the Talon. They will gladly attack our enemies from there.”

I can spot them. Very well, it is a sound suggestion.

“And the rest of us?” Byron queried.

“We attack in groups and wear them down,” Miranda noted. “Much as Jasmine suggested. Ms. Gregoire can deal with Therese once we wear her down enough. I imagine Uncle Dave and the agents will be using some herbal weapons on her too. Meantime, Clark and Lana, you and Byron will go after our cloaked pest. Sasha will use her bees to provide surveillance for us. Alicia can teleport people back and forth as needed. Samantha, maybe you can work a bit with your wind powers?”

“He’s going to be expecting us,” Lana insisted.

“Not in concert with the rest of us,” Jasmine declared. “Besides, we are only softening him up for the kill.”

“When the Professor goes all nasty. Terrific,” Alicia groused.

I am proud of you all. These are fine strategies. Go forth and be mindful of your surroundings. All of you. With that, Jor-El vanished from the scene.

“That’s something rare,” Clark advised the others. “He doesn’t give out many compliments like that.”

“But he’s from…your home world? Really?” Sasha inquired.

“Really,” Lana affirmed. “So are we okay with our strategies?” Getting nods, she continued, “Let’s get some sleep, okay? If anybody sees anything, just think it and the rest of us will know.”

The legion got up and left, hoping that they were not about to walk into their last day on Earth.

“I’m beginning to think we might have a chance,” Clark supposed.

“If we’re careful, Clark,” his wife supposed while letting him hug her from behind.



 

Chapter 7 [Rowenshire woods—Lower Valley]

Therese floated through the woods, finally regaining her sight after several hours of floundering about. As she reached the meadow, she spied her great-granddaughter’s spirit awaiting her. “Come to mock me, have ye?”

“Ye mock yerself, Grandmother. Yer careless!” Lichtenfeld spat. “Ye walked right into the Boy’s trap. Didn’ Father warn ye na’ to do it?”

“Ah underestimated ‘im! It willna happen ‘gain!” Therese groused.

“Cease yer drivel, both of ye!” the Mystery Man hissed while stomping into view. “The young ‘uns meet. They think they can plot ‘gainst us!”

“Our descendants proved yer power, didn’ they?” Lichtenfeld pointed out.

“Ah was lookin’ to git the Luthor boy on his own! Na matter! They’ve got less than a day now. On the morrow, we strike, Therese.” It turned to his daughter’s ghost. “Ye, stay put an’ watch over ‘ere an’ yer creations!”

“Ah’ve got no wish ta confront my Boy on the morrow. ‘Specially with the fairy witch helpin’ ‘im, yer both fools!” Lichtenfeld assessed before vanishing.

<”I hate her! No respect!”> the remaining ghost groused.

“She knows of wha’ she speaks. Still by the morrow, it willna matter. Come; we rest and await the sunset,” it informed her before leading her back into the woods where they quickly disappeared from view.



 

Chapter 8 [December 10th—11:35 AM—Luthor Mansion]

Having set up the parlor for his friends’ arrival, Lex gazed out the window toward the clear, cold blue sky outside. He didn’t want anything left to chance so he was prepared to offer anyone a safe haven who wanted it.

“Lex?” Chloe asked.

“Chloe, I’m glad you’re here!” he noted. “I figured you got yourself into trouble.”

“I was tempted to play stowaway over at the Talon but decided against it at the last minute. I figured I’d hang out with you and watch the fireworks,” she informed him.

“Somehow, I think I can make room for you. You missed tall, dark and creepy yesterday, you know. It was right here,” he noted.

“Somehow I’m not surprised. And you’re still here? What happened?” she inquired.

“See the boarded up window?” He motioned to the spot. “Clark and Lana smacked him through there and over the trees.”

Recalling very well how Lana had done that to Kara, she nodded. “Wow. Chalk up one for the backhand. Are they coming over or are we going to the Talon?”

“They’ll all be here. Dave and I insisted on us all meeting before they head into town. By the way, Sullivan, I left your favorite guest room available…if that works for you,” he pointed out.

“It better meet my standards, Luthor,” she cracked.

“Somehow, I think you’ll find it suitable,” he retorted slyly. “With the staff gone, I could use a hand getting the last of the coffee service set up. Mind lending a hand?”

“Watching you do this will be worth it, Lex,” she agreed as they headed down the stairs.


****


[Kent Farm]

Having just watched Clark and Lana rush off toward the caves, Miranda went back into the house and walked slowly up the stairs. Since her recovery from the crippling injuries, she had hesitated to assume her ninja guise again. She fished through her closet and found her black gi and head covering. Once she had changed into the former, she slid a slender pine box from beneath the bed and opened it.

There lay her star blades, two daggers and a bow whip.

She lined those items along her belt and put the box back.

Then she hefted her kitana which even though it sat sheathed was still imposing. Most of all because Heloise had poofed into her room with some more of the herbal mix to treat it and the star blades with.

Over the outfit, she wore Lana’s long woolen coat. It was good of her to lend me this. With that, she headed for the blazer.


****


[Talon]

Dave checked his weapons of choice over, making sure everything was set. His arrows sat in their quiver alongside his bow, waiting for the battle. In addition, he’d made half dozen more of the herbal ‘party favors’. Finally, he’d stocked nine of the ‘invisibility leaves’ in the pouch hanging over his left hip.

He saw the glow from the scar on his hand and felt the numbness creeping over his scalp. “You both ready?”

“Locked and loaded, Dubie,” Garth concurred while priming both pistols.

“Me too,” Steve added while checking his own pistol and a machine gun as well. “Let’s get over to Lex’s.”

“As you wish,” Dave agreed while opening the door to let them out.


****


[Caves]

After a quick stop off at Smallville Cemetery to see her parents, Clark and Lana rushed over to Jor-El’s central chamber to speak with the guardian spirit. As they stopped in that place, they looked around at the hieroglyphs, trying to discern any hidden meanings that they might have missed.

There is nothing that you have not seen before, my Children, Jor-El advised while appearing before them. Are you ready for what awaits you?

She nodded. [“Whatever awaits us, we’ll meet it head on.”]

[“But we’ll be more careful than we were at Dodge City,”] Clark added.

Excellent. Please advise your friends that this will be a harsh test. It is my hope that all of you survive it. There is one more thing. He caused a bright flash to light up the room.

When it had faded, he stood before them in solid form. In that state, he looked almost identical to his son.

“Jor-El?” Clark asked in wonder.

“I cannot maintain this form for long, Kal-El. But perhaps, it is your Earther customs working on me. I wanted one more thing before you left.” He held his arms out. “What you call an embrace?”

“Sure,” Clark agreed, feeling more than a little tentative. Yet he wanted to encourage the spirit in this regard. Accordingly, he did just that.

“We’ll be back,” Lana vowed as she hugged him too.

As they embraced, Jor-El felt something that was a little different about Lana. He quirked his eyebrow but said nothing at that moment. “Yes. Go forward and be strong.” With that, he turned back into his spirit form before vanishing.

“You heard the man. Let’s go,” she advised her husband before rushing off toward the mansion.

He looked around once more before joining her and leaving Jor-El to ponder the coming hours and battle ahead.



 

Chapter 10 [3:00 PM—Luthor Mansion]

After eating lunch, the group talked strategies and began to prepare for the events of that evening. The teens mulled about, honing the telepathic connection and making sure they could still function while using it. Dave, Lex and Heloise retreated to the study for final plans. Meantime, Steve and Garth took off for town to oversee the evacuation.

As they did so, the clock continued to tick and the sun sank lower and lower toward the western horizon….


****

[3:20 PM]

Even with the advance notice, any evacuation takes planning and coordination to pull off efficiently. Fortunately, the townspeople, having experienced both tornadoes and meteors, knew what to do when the sirens went off at 3:00. The police and state troopers guided them out of the stores and back to their cars.

Yet traffic on Routes 40 and 54 were bumper to bumper for a while.


****


Sheriff Adams frowned as the scene unfolded. While the interruptions had been fewer than she might’ve anticipated since the two agents had been in town, she still hated when they pulled rank on her like that—especially when they pulled in the feds and the governor in the process.

She overheard Garth order one of her men. “Keep them moving! We need to get them out of here! Thanks!”

She stalked over to him. “Singleton, what the Hell is going on?”

“Sheriff, that’s need to know,” he told her flatly. “Sorry but we’re a little busy right now. Either help or evacuate with the others right now.” With that, he went back to his post.

“You will tell me!” she snapped while grabbing his arm.

He wheeled around; fire blazing in his eyes. “Sheriff, I won’t tell you again. Do your job or leave. Got it? Try that again and I’ll have you thrown in your jail.” With that, he walked in the other direction. As he did so, he saw her head for her own office. What a bitch! He took out his cell phone and buzzed his partner. “How’s it looking over there?”

“We’re almost clear! And you?” Steve asked.

“Adams just threw a fit and stomped back to her office. Her officers cooperating with you?” Garth wondered.

“Everything’s good here. Is she doing anything over there?” Steve inquired.

“Negative. She’s staying out of it but not pulling her officers out of it so far. When you clear that end of town, we still have some folks needing to be pulled out here.”

“Roger that. Give us ten minutes. Out,” Steve concluded.

Garth snapped the phone shut and looked around at the exodus. “Terrific.”


****


[4:10 PM]

Due to concentrated efforts, Downtown Smallville lay deserted by the time the partners met up again in front of the Talon. Only a few pieces of paper dancing on the icy cold wind remained to give any hint of activity.

Right after the ‘all clear’, Steve ordered the police and the troopers to follow the citizens out of town, stationing them in a perfect perimeter around the town and at the airport. In so doing, he completed the lockdown and spent time on the phone, informing the governor of their progress in that matter.

Whatever happened, they didn’t want more potential civilian casualties in the rematch to the Dodge City standoff….nor did anyone want to see how bad Dave would truly get on this anniversary.

“We’re running up against it,” Steve noted while checking his watch.

“They’ll want us to sweat a while,” Garth disagreed even as he eyed the sky. “I say it’s about forty-five minutes to sunset and another seven hours after that until midnight.”

“Good point,” Steve relented while dialing his cell phone and waiting for a response.


****


[4:17 PM—Luthor Mansion]

Meantime, Lex paced about his sanctum, watching the clock and waiting for the call. He deliberately stayed away from the others so as not to distract them with his own anxiety. Still, he knew this could be a deadly night for all concerned.

Finally, at 4:17 PM, the phone rang. “Lex Luthor.”

“Lex, it’s Steve. Everyone ready?” Steve asked.

“We’re waiting on you. Just give the word and they’ll meet you at the Talon,” the billionaire informed him.

“The word’s given. We’ll see them at the Talon in ten minutes. Tell Heloise to pop them in because the roads are all blocked. You and Chloe stay put. Thanks,” Steve concluded before hanging up.

As much as he would’ve liked to have watched his friends paste the invading duo all over the map, he knew what they were facing. Petersen’s right. I can’t risk Chloe or myself. He descended the stairs and headed for the parlor where the others sat talking. “Hey, guys! Just got the call!”

“All clear?” Dave asked.

“It’s clear,” Lex agreed while heading over to Clark and Lana. “Can you let Jor-El know?”

“He does,” she told him. “It’s time then?”

“It is,” Dave affirmed while hefting his quiver and bow. “Lex, you and Chloe turn off the lights and stay here.”

“Steve just gave me the same orders, Dave. Hey, you all be careful,” Lex advised before hugging his “older brother”.

“Yeah. We’ll do our best,” the older man concurred. “Heloise?”

She nodded and opened the portal, allowing the teens to start stepping through it.

Chloe hugged Clark and Lana fiercely. “You come back to us!”

“We’ll be here,” Clark promised her before they parted and he escorted his wife through the mists.

Dave took one last look around the mansion’s parlor and then spied some stray snowflakes drifting down outside. His temples burned and his eyes narrowed. Blood on the snow. “Time to end this.” He stepped through the mists.

“To the end, Alexandre,” Heloise bade while disappearing into the cover herself before letting it vanish.

“Are they going to be okay?” Chloe worried.

“We can only hope and pray,” Lex told her. “Come on; let’s fix some sandwiches and get downstairs. It’s going to be a long night.”



Chapter 11
[Rowenshire, MA—Lower Valley: 12:45 AM Eastern Time—12/11]

Therese floated over the windswept meadow, staring up at the sky and wondering when the moment would come. She wanted to complete their revenge sooner rather than later. As such, she would have struck right after sunset. <”When?”>

“Patience. Let ‘em sweat,” the Mystery Man advised tersely. It looked up at the stars before nodding. “Let everything come to us!” Seeing what they apparently wanted, it mounted the waiting demonic steed. “Tis time!”

The wizard waved its hand, making them both vanish from view.


****


[Talon—11:50 AM Central Time—12/10]

Clark leaned up against the counter, running out of things to keep his mind occupied during the waiting period. He’d tried doing some light chores for Lana around the place that he could drop when the time came.

It never seemed like it would.

Patience, my Son.

[“Jor-El, when is it going to happen? I’m beginning to think this is all going to come to nothing,”] he responded.

It will happen. Trust in that, Kal-El. Look to Lana and the others now. You all still have a sliver of time left before the new day starts by your Earth time’s reckoning.

“It’ll be okay, Clark.” Lana advised while overhearing the telepathic interchange.

“But what happens if those two decide not to show up? What if this is to make us sweat and that’s it?” Clark demanded.

The other teens and adults alike looked at each other expectantly before Dave shook his head. “That creep didn’t appear yesterday for kicks, Clark. It’s coming and it will be tonight.” He got up and walked heavily across the room; each step echoing throughout the mostly empty building until he reached the plaque which had begun to dimly glow. “That’s sign 2. Sign 3 is a poem. You didn’t see the first meeting between me and the cloaked ugly.” He looked to Garth and Steve. “The Mystery Man kidnapped them, my wife and Karen. I had to run the gauntlet. Anyhow, we got out….”

“You mean you all barely survived it, Dubois,” Heloise clarified. “But continue.”

“Hey! He got us out of there,” Garth insisted.

“Garth, she’s right,” Dave conceded before continuing, “So anyhow, I was at my grandfather’s grave about three days later when Big Ugly shows up again. It told me that we had all earned a temporary reprieve but that it would be back. Then it left me with a crappy piece.” He paced about the room, feeling the energies building. “It won’t be long now.”

“What’s the poem?” Steve insisted.

“The last stink piece…and the one thing that it wants. Me and others,” Dave retorted before starting to recite:

“When round the seasons’ clock goes seven times four
And the ones who are lost are found
Then shall I this world for you shall scour
To me, you all will be bound.

In this task, I shan’t be alone
My descendant beside me
To help me set the tone
As Hope itself does flee

Beside you, your sibling lost
And another outcast
Three others will be there
A boy of great emotional cost
Another who’s the Last
And a girl of long dark hair

Such shall you all be
So it is I say
This prophecy to heed
By thee, our Children of Pain.”


“Children of pain?” Miranda wondered.

“There’s me—the first ‘you’. The lost/found ones are you and your Aunt Karen, Miri. I’m not sure about the outcast.”

“And the three others?” Steve wondered. “We know them?”

“Sure.” He looked toward the super teens. “The boy of emotional cost is Lex.” He pointed at Clark. “Another who’s the last.” And then he pointed at Lana. “And a girl of long dark hair.”

“But there are lots of girls like that!” Jasmine protested. “It could be me for all we know!”

“He’s right,” Lana conceded. “We saw it when we fought our counterparts on the other side. That’s why that creep came after Lex yesterday.” As she said the words, her scar began to itch.

Across the room, Dave’s hand glowed in tune with the plaque on the wall. “Kids, what do you sense?”

“They’re here,” Clark realized while fighting back his own fear.

As we planned then, Jor-El interjected. Assume your positions.

“Miri!” Dave called. When she came over, he handed her one of the leaves from Rowenshire. “Eat it. It’ll take you off of their radar.”

“But it’ll do the same for everyone else!” she protested.

“You’re a ninja, aren’t you?” he insisted pointedly. “That’s your game, young lady. Play it not theirs. Got it?”

“Yes, sir,” she relented before chewing on the leaf and swallowing it.

“Good,” he told her before doing the same. “Jasmine, take off. We’ll need you overhead.”

“May Allah watch over you, my friends,” Jasmine noted while stepping onto Carpet and streaking off toward the open window and the sky beyond.

“Glad you can do that,” Garth complained. “Those things make me sick.”

“Wuss,” Dave cracked while hefting his bow. “Miri, stick to the shadows. Heloise, ready?”

“Oui,” she agreed.

Miranda gave her uncle and the others a last look before climbing the stairs and disappearing into one of the upstairs rooms. She’d use one of the windows to get to the alley below.

“Do us proud, gang, but don’t be stupid. Wear them down and them leave them to us,” Dave indicated before they stepped out as a group into the street.




Chapter 12 [A/N: The Dark Rider belongs to Marvel.]

As the group stepped into the arena of sorts, the Mystery Man and Therese waited.

“A goodly rendition ye gave, Boy! Ye know wha’ Ah require,” it spat.

“I have a good memory for old accounts,” Dave indicated. “Besides, we, pueri dolori, gave you a big enough pain in the ass yesterday.” He smirked tauntingly while tossing an herbal bomb. “Catch!”

The projectile exploded, blinding and choking the intruders.

“FIRE!” Dave commanded while opening up with his bow and prepared shafts.

Steve and Garth fired a hail of prepared bullets at the duo.

<”AAH!”> Therese screamed as the hail struck her, leaving blue splotches all over her as well as burning her during their path through.

“SCATTER!” Dave told the group. “Flank them!” As he said the words, he felt the burning in his limbs and the numbing in his scalp.

“Tha’s it! RUN, MICE!” the Mystery Man taunted.

In response, Jasmine swooped down from the sky and cut a bloody swath in its back with her scimitar before streaking away. “Choose your words carefully, Demon!”

From the shadows, Miranda struck with her star blades, imbedding them in his side.

Clark and Lana rushed from each side at super speed, knocking the wizard down with twin fast blows. They swung around and went to finish the job.

“Foolish children!” the cloaked menace growled before blasting them with a low level mystical energies. “Be lucky the Master wants ye unharmed!”

Hit by the energies, the super teens flew backward, crashing into the barber shop and emporium on either side of Main Street.

The Mystery Man rose to its feet. “As for ye, Boy! Ah’ll teach ye ta resp’ct yer elders!” It threw a fiery burst at Dave.

The professor ducked but the eldritch flames got his arm and left shoulder, burning and freezing it. He screamed; the sound rising in pitch and volume.

The red tide dropped across his vision. The numbness swept his consciousness away…..

“AYE! Tis startin’!” the wizard crowed.

The Protector bellowed in rage and fired a psychic pulse of his own at his ancient adversary. “SHADDAP, DAMN PURITAN BOY!”

The cloaked creature laughed mockingly at the Dark One. “Tis NOTHIN’!” It threw another blast.

The Protector flew backward into the Talon, hitting the plaque directly.

On contact, the plaque began to glow crimson.

Not caring, the Mystery Man limped toward the café intent on finishing its grisly task.


****


[Down the Street]

Therese staggered under the others’ assault. She waved her hands. “Souffle!”

A gale force wind bowled Garth and Steve over, pinning them against the adjacent building.

Before anything else could happen, Samantha stepped into the path and swallowed hard. She focused and turned the wind back on its source. “Get away!”

<”Fool child!”> the ghost growled while willing up a fire ball in her left hand.

Heloise pushed the teenager out of the way just as her sister released the blast. She chanted a quick spell deflecting the magical projectile in time. <”You pick on children so well.”>

<”You hide behind them so well! And I thought Clarise was a coward!”> the ghost taunted in return.

From the spirit’s hands, crimson fire blossomed and surged forward toward the priestess.

Once again, Heloise deflected the fire without much effort. <”Their attack weakens you, Therese. Unlike your master, my sisters have shown me the true path.”> Lux Dominae!”

From her, a dazzling white light flooded the square, pushing back night’s dark cloak and forcing all around to cover their eyes.

Therese screamed in pain.

<”You cannot win, Sister. Accept your fate!”> Heloise declared while chanting in a faerie dialect. “Adieu, Therese!”

Behind the ghost, a purple mist portal formed with a dark center. From it, the teens and agents would later recall a stench most foul, shrill pain filled screams, a reddish orange hue glowing intermittently and the chill colder than the iciest winter night.

Therese could not resist its pull. As she flew back into the maw, she vowed, <”My master is not done! This is only the beginning!”> With that, she vanished into the dark mists, screaming as she fell from sight.

Heloise closed the portal with purpose and a heavy heart. She wiped away a tear as she mourned her baby sister’s spirit and her own failure to save her.

“Ms. Gregoire?” Lana wondered.

“Yes, Lana?” Heloise asked, managing to collect herself.

“I’m sorry about Aunt Therese. Even with all she did, she was…family,” the younger woman pointed out.

“Merci, Child,” the priestess expressed while embracing her descendant. “She, unfortunately, damned her own soul a long time ago following Mama’s path. Are you both all right?”

“We are. Thanks,” Clark expressed. “Where’s the Professor?”

“He was fighting the Mystery Man,” Steve pointed out.

Look to the source. Look to the pain, Jor-El interjected telepathically.

On cue, a blood-red hue lit up the windows and open doorway of the café.

Two exchanges of energy blasts echoed to their ears.

Then the Banshee Scream rattled the windows and chilled the onlookers’ souls.

“Uncle Dave!” Miranda called, feeling the worst had happened.

Three seconds later, the Mystery Man flew backward through the air, skidding across the pavement.

As it did so, a light snow began to fall.

“Tis fitting!” the wizard growled while straightening its hat. “COME ON, BOY!”

“Where is he?” Jasmine argued. “Alicia, go and get him!”

“NON!” Heloise countermanded the order. “Do not approach him, Child, if you value your life.”

“Wise advice, Sorcièrie!” it hissed at her. “Ah’ll deal w’ ye first!”

As the teens braced for a fight, they saw the other combatant finally emerge from the Talon and stiffened.

“You’ve damned yourself, Creature! Look behind yourself,” Heloise noted almost matter of factly, seeing the entire scene.

The wizard turned to see the Destroyer waiting for it. Before it could do anything, twin fiery bursts impacted with it scalding it to its soul.

“DIE!” the fiery demonic avenger hissed while blasting the enemy across the square again.

As the wizard rose, its cloak and hat fell away revealing its true visage: intense eyes, fangs in its mouth and a Mohawk rising from its otherwise bald scalp. It threw another blast at the Destroyer.

“Behold the Dark Rider, Children,” Heloise proclaimed to the teenagers.

The Dark One absorbed the burst almost chortling as it did so. Rushing the wizard, it tackled its opponent into the snow, grabbing it by the throat. “Fer Cassie!” Recalling the fight in the other dimension’s Vendee, it sent dark fire through its enemy.

The Rider screamed as the punishment burned its insides. After a minute, it slumped to the ground; its corpse disintegrating into ash and blowing away on the winter wind.

The Destroyer bellowed its continued rage into the night sky. Then it wheeled around to face the other combatants. Through red hued eyes, it considered them but stopped short of hurting them.

As it did so, Jor-El told the others. Now you know why Dubois is the way he is, my Children.

Clark recalled the cave wall’s paintings which he and Lana found just before Steve’s arrival in Smallville. “So that’s?”

“It is,” Lana agreed while stepping forward.

“Lana, stop!” Heloise disagreed.

“It’s okay,” Lana assured them while heading toward the demonic creature. She remembered her previous encounter with it. On the afternoon of her parents’ funeral, it had saved her from the bigger demon.

The Destroyer snarled at her but stayed still.

“It’s okay,” Lana noted as relaxed as she could manage. “You did it.”

“NA ‘NOUGH! NEVER ‘NOUGH!” the demon snapped at her.

“It has to be. They’re gone now.” Lana made herself relax and continued to reassure the demon, hoping to force the change.

It turned away from her, running back toward the Talon.

“WAIT!” Lana called. “It’s okay!”

The creature howled in pain; grabbing at its head. In front of the building, it fell to its knees and disappeared, regressing back into the Protector’s form.

The avenger traced the ground over the spot where his blood had fallen a generation earlier.

“What the?” Steve asked.

“No.” Heloise declared while holding the two agents back.

Listen to her.

A pair of female spirits appeared to flank the Dark One: one red haired and the one brunette.

Clark stared, recognizing the red head. “That’s the woman from the portrait in Lex’s office!”

“Oui.” Heloise agreed. “His mother, Lillian. The other is….”

“Auntie Angie?” Miranda asked while approaching.

“It’s me, Miri,” Angie agreed with a smile. “Sorry but stay back, Sweetie.”

Lillian kneeled down beside the suffering avenger. “Listen to Lana. It’s over.”

“Sorry, A…aun…tie,” the Protector sobbed, shuddering in pain.

“Oh my poor boy,” Lillian soothed while embracing him. “They won’t hurt you anymore.” She hummed a lullaby to him. “Angela?”

Angie nodded while sitting down on the frozen ground. “Just relax.” She let the Dark One rest his head on her lap and stroked his head.

He fell asleep under her watch but the tears continued to fall.

Miranda came forward while sheathing her kitana and joined her aunt’s spirit. “I’m here too.”

“I know. While I let April handle this stuff now, I’m glad to help,” Angie explained.

“Auntie April accepts your role, you know,” the sensei pointed out while motioning toward her uncle’s combined wedding band.

“I’m grateful for that,” Angie expressed wistfully. “And for how you watch Angelina as well. I’d like to get him upstairs if that’s all right?”

“Let me help,” Alicia agreed while taking the others’ hands and disappearing in a green poof.

“Pain reaches across the divide/Tearing with its dart/Yet Love it sweeps aside/Warming the heart,” Byron recited.

“Well put,” Heloise concurred. “I think we’re set for this evening. Agents Petersen and Singleton, give us a few minutes and then inform your brethren please?” She opened a portal and let the young ones step through before vanishing into it herself.

Steve radioed his dispatch and gave the all clear signal. Then he eyeballed the Talon and shook his head.

“That place will always be a sore spot for him,” Garth noted.

“It’s also a place of joy as well…for him and the others. Come on; let’s see how he’s doing,” Steve pointed out as they walked toward the café.

 

Chapter 13 [Next Morning]
[Luthor Mansion]

Lex stirred from where he and Chloe had fallen asleep in the living room. He saw the sun streaming through the open windows. “It’s morning?” he whispered while gently separating himself from her and allowing her to sleep on. He walked over to the window and noted the clear blue skies overhead in addition to the light white dusting on the ground. We made it?

He walked up the stairs toward his main bedroom to check the time and wash his face. As he passed his office, he noted that the door was ajar. “Who?” He opened the door and froze.

Lillian stood in front of her portrait, considering it. Then she reminded him, “What did I tell you about staring, Alex?”

Experiencing a sensation of déjà vu, he stepped in and shut the door. “Mom?”

“Yes, Alex. I was in the neighborhood, you might say,” she quipped with a warm smile. “You have done well for yourself.”

“I try to keep my nose clean in spite of Dad. How did the others make out?” he wondered.

“The Rider and ghost are gone. Lichtenfeld, the twin fathers and her master remain. For today, however, bask in that accomplishment. I saw you both downstairs. Chloe is something else,” she reported.

“She is. We’re going to get married next summer,” he indicated.

“I know. I think she’s good for you, my Boy. Be well, Alex. You do me proud,” she wished.

“What about Dave?” he pleaded.

“He had the most difficult time but he’s being tended to. Give him a few hours yet,” she bade before vanishing.

“Mom?” he asked, looking around at the office and library.

“Lex?” Chloe queried while joining him. “Who were you talking to?”

“Mom stopped by for a visit.”

She looked at him quizzically. “Yeah right. Lex, she’s dead.”

“She was here. The others are okay but need some time,” he indicated. “Let’s make some breakfast. I can whip up some pancakes if that’s good?”

Although she was still skeptical, she wasn’t about to push the point. “Lead the way, Billionaire Boy.”


****

[Talon—Dubois Apartment]

All remained quiet and dark inside of the Talon that morning as the sun peeked through the windows. In the outer room, Steve, Garth, Miranda, Clark and Lana all slept on makeshift bedding stripped from the couch as well as the pads from a few of the booths downstairs.


****


Meanwhile, Dave stirred and blinked. As was always the case when his Destroyer persona surfaced, pain tore at his temples. “Wow. I….” He felt the bed’s softness. “How?” His nose twitched, smelling a long lost scent.

“Good to see your eyes open, Chief,” a familiar voice declared.

He blinked to find his deceased wife’s spirit floating beside the bed. “Angie?”

“It’s really me. I wanted to make sure you were okay,” she noted while kissing him. “By the way, they’re gone.”

“I dreamt you and Auntie were there,” he guessed.

“It was no dream. She and I were there.”

He sighed. “The Destroyer?”

“It emerged and killed the Rider. Heloise dealt with her sister’s ghost,” she informed him. “You saved the kids and our friends.”

“The way I couldn’t save you,” he lamented.

“Dave, there was no way. Besides, why do you think Angie was sent back? To keep you and April company,” she pointed out.

“She’ll want to see you,” he replied.

“I know. It’s best that I leave before she and the others get back.” She bowed her head and wiped her eyes. “I miss her and you. But know that I’m always here with you and April.” With that, she vanished into the morning light.

He took a deep breath, knowing that they’d won a major battle. However there was still another threat out there—Lichtenfeld, his father and Lionel. One battle at a time, Dave. He swallowed two pills and chased them with water. Then he opened the door and tiptoed through the sleeping bodies to the kitchen.

Are you all right, David Dubois? Jor-El asked.

[“Yeah. Just don’t be so loud. Sorry, byproduct of the change. Hangover’s Hell,”] the professor advised while rubbing his forehead.

The threat is over.

[“For now. The real threat’s still up in Rowenshire. Some day, we’ll deal with that too. Right now, I just want the kids to get on track,”] Dave disagreed.

I agree. Do not be so hard on yourself. You have done your best in all regards. Accept my congratulations on a job well done. With that, Jor-El went quiet.

A job well done. I wish. Opening the cabinet, he mixed some pancake mix with eggs, milk and flower. Then he started the waffle iron and smirked at the sleeping people behind himself. Least I can do is make them breakfast. He poured the batter into the iron and let it start cooking. He also started a unit under a skillet and poured pancakes too.

“Uncle Dave?” Miranda whispered while coming up behind him.

[“Hi, Sunshine. Glad to see you.”] He kissed the top of her head. [“How did everyone make out?”]

[“I recovered my star blades. The Destroyer’s fire singed them. Otherwise, we have a few bruises,”] she informed him. [“Need a hand?”]

[“Keep an eye on those pancakes,”] he told her.

[“Right. Got a waffle going,”] she agreed.

[“Yeah. I need a treat. So do the rest of you,”] he concurred.

[“And the rest of us do too,”] Lana agreed as she, Clark and the agents looked expectantly at them. “Making breakfast for everyone?”

“Makeshift cook, that’s me,” Dave noted. “Since you all are up, can you fetch another waffle iron from downstairs and I’ll make more for everyone.”

“We’ll get them. Come on, Miri,” Lana agreed as she and Miranda headed out.

Dave went back to work, feeling happy to make breakfast for the others.


 

Conclusion [That afternoon]
[Kent Farm]

After everyone finished breakfast, Clark and Lana rushed back to the farm to do the chores and clean the house up before everyone returned from the other dimension. With super speed, they finished it all within fifteen minutes. After that, they raced to the Canadian border and back to run off the extra energy.


****


Right at 4 PM, Heloise opened the portal, escorting Clark’s parents, April, Karen and the girls back to the farm. “And here you are. Welcome home.”

“Thanks, Heloise,” Karen expressed while seeing her husband waiting on the porch. “Hi!”

“Hey, you!” Garth greeted as spouses and other family members embraced all across the yard.

“Everyone okay?” Martha wondered.

“We’re all right, Mom, thanks to Ms. Gregoire and Dr. Dubois,” Clark informed them.

“Don’t underestimate your own role, Clark,” Heloise admonished.

“Dave?” April asked, seeing the furrowed brow.

“It was a hard night. I’ll tell you later,” he replied. “But the Mystery Man and Therese are gone. We’re okay for now.”

“For now?” his wife worried.

Eyeing Cassie, Angie and Marti, Dave shook his head. “Let’s not deal with that for today.” He kissed her. “Jonathan and Martha, Lex wanted to have us all over for dinner.”

“Sounds good to us,” Martha agreed before Jonathan could argue.


****


[Cowache Caves—Later that night]

After a great dinner spread put on by Lex at the mansion, Clark and Lana rushed to the caves to visit with Jor-El. As they reached the central chamber, the couple found the guiding spirit waiting for them.

Very well done, my Children. You showed tremendous fortitude and skill against our enemies. I am proud of you.

[“Thanks, Jor-El. We wish that we could’ve dealt with the Rider before Dr. Dubois had to lose it,”] Clark expressed.

It had to happen, Kal-El. Now you understand why I told you what I did.

[“He wouldn’t have hurt us, Clark,”] she reminded him.

[“You took a big chance,”] he countered.

She knew exactly what she was doing.

[“Someone had to do it,”] she argued. [“I knew I was doing.”]

While Clark wasn’t happy with her answer, he knew that she wasn’t made of glass and that she did make a calculated maneuver.

[“At least we’re safe now,”] she presumed.

For now, Lana. The threat remains however.

[“Terese’s master?”] Clark inquired.

Yes. Jor-El gave them a minute to consider that possibility. As he did so, he considered Lana again. But enjoy your lives for now, my Children. Be wary of things however.

[“Always,”] Clark agreed before they took off again.

After the couple had left, Jor-El considered the conversation again in his mind. Enjoy your lives. May you enjoy what comes next. With that, he disappeared.

With the threat blunted at least for that time, everything returned to normal…but what would rear its head next? One could guess….

But that was a matter for another day.


THE END (for now)

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