Rating: T (Teen--language)

Notes: The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1 [Cowache Caves—End of “Vendetta” (Dubois 2.88)]

Deep within the recesses of the Cowache Caves, Jor-El floated within the great central chamber, wondering what was going on with his young charges and their friends. Ever since they crossed over to the parallel universe to assist their allies in a desperate fight, he worried about their well being. Will Kal-El remember to use restraint and watch after Lana? Will the Protector protect them? I have to wonder.

At that moment, a bright flash of light appeared on the far side of the wall.

From it, Jasmine guided Carpet into the area. Riding with her, Miranda and her uncle sat quietly.

Where are Kal-El and Lana? The spirit looked at the portal with concern.

“They’re coming,” Miranda indicated, looking toward the glowing spot. “We’re all okay though.”

“In a manner of speaking,” Dave added, rubbing his hand over his scalp.

“Uncle Dave, come on!” his niece chided. “That wasn’t your fault and you know it!”

What did you do, David Dubois? Jor-El demanded.

“Nothing. Let them tell you,” the librarian noted, looking back toward the glowing portal.

Clark and Lana rushed through the light, entering the area and skidding to a stop across the room.

“We made it!” Lana exclaimed with relief.

“It is good to be back,” her fiancé agreed. Seeing Dave’s expression, he inquired, “What’s with you, Dr. Dubois?”

“Nothing,” Dave lied, not wanting to get into this with the spirit or the teens at that moment. “At least, we’re okay and we did help our friends to survive.” He assured Jor-El, “They’re both all right. Lana just learned something about herself is all.” He looked back at her sadly. “Something I wish I could have done more to prevent.”

“You’ve done all that you can, Dr. Dubois,” the former cheerleader assured him. “As you said, let’s talk about this later. Right now, I want to let everyone know that we’re okay.” She rubbed him on the back. “You and the Protector more than pulled your weight back there.”

“Listen to him, sir,” Jasmine advised.

If this is about her heritage, I already know this. When I transformed you, Lana, I sensed this about you. Know that I was able to purge the darkness within you. However, the adversaries will still know about you by the scar on your hand.

“By the Prophet, Lana! Look!” Jasmine declared.

Lana stared at the back of her hand to find a mark similar to Dave’s there. “Then it’s true.” She forced back an emotional outburst, knowing it could set off the Protector. “Let’s go home, okay?” With that, she sped off.

“Lana!” Clark exclaimed, pursuing her.

Other than that, your mission was a success?

“We helped to save the day,” Miranda pointed out.

“And proved ourselves,” Jasmine added.

Then there is no ‘failure’ for any of you. Thank you. With that, the cavern went dark.

“Let’s go. I want to make sure everyone’s okay,” Dave instructed.

“Absolutely,” Jasmine concurred, making them take off in a flash.



Chapter 2 [Kent Farm]

April continued to sit in the living room, wondering about her husband, niece and their young friends. Not since they had all left with Deirdre had she wondered if they would return safely. I know it was promised but what if they don’t? What will I do? She sighed, watching Cassie and Angie playing with Marti Singleton in the corner.

Almost in response, the baby in her womb kicked.

I know what you’re thinking, Kiddo. Thanks for the reminder.

“You’re doing a number on that niece or nephew of mine, April. It’s okay,” Karen assured her, taking a seat beside her. Watching Martha and Jonathan talking at the table anxiously, she added, “I don’t like this any more than you do. I’ve been to that creepy place. But until we hear otherwise, we have to believe they’re coming back in one piece. Got that?”

The expectant mother nodded, letting her eyes water. “I should believe more, Karen. I just think that one of these days, his luck’s going to run out.”

“Hopefully, we’ll never see that day,” her sister-in-law disagreed. “Let’s take a walk, all right?”

April nodded, putting on her coat. After Karen had done likewise, they headed out into the brisk air.


****

“She worrying enough for all of us,” Martha noted from where she and her husband sat at the table.

“You can’t blame her. I’m just as worried about the kids, Martha,” Jonathan replied.

His wife nodded, trying to keep a calm façade. As am I. That mothering instinct has me worrying in overdrive. She ground her teeth. “David knows what they’re facing. You know how he feels about Miranda and the others.”

“He still feels responsible for Lana’s parents’ death,” Jonathan concurred. “Let’s hope he brings them back safely.”

As he said that, the door opened and Clark called, “Mom? Dad?”

“Clark!” Martha responded, embracing him and Lana tightly. “You’re back!”

“We made it,” Lana agreed, returning the gesture.

“Where are the others?” the farmer wondered.

“Right here,” Miranda indicated as she, Jasmine and Dave entered the dwelling. “I’m healed too.”

“Try keeping her out of that whole thing,” Clark remarked.

“Where you and the Boss are concerned, you got that right,” the sensei responded as she rubbed her uncle’s arm. “That goes for you too, Uncle Dave.”

“Thanks, Sunshine,” he responded. “Now where are my girls?”

“Papa! You’re back!” Cassie called as she and her sibling nearly tackled him.

“We were scared,” Angie added.

Their father ruffled their hair playfully. “Nothing would stop me from coming back to you two or April. You’ve both been good, right?”

“Papa, come on!” the younger one exclaimed, pouting a bit as she said it. “We’ve tried so hard.”

“They have, Uncle Dave,” Marti agreed, hugging him as well. “Is everyone okay in the other place?”

“Things are under control,” Dave noted. “How are your Mom and Dad doing?”

“Hanging in there and worried about you all,” his niece informed him. “Aunt April will be so relieved that you’re back.”

“As are we,” Martha added.

“Speaking of April, if you all will excuse me, I’m going to find her,” Dave declared, taking his coat off of the hook and heading out the door.

“It’s good to have you all back,” Martha added, hugging the teens. “We’ll have to catch up later.”


****

[Outside]

Dave walked briskly, trying to keep warm and deal with his own issues. Despite Clark and Lana’s assertions to the contrary, he did feel responsible for her situation. If only we had finished Isobel in the chateau, she wouldn’t have got those last words in at the stake. He kicked at the dirt in disgust at himself for thinking such dark thoughts. He looked around at the January landscape. It is nice to be back though.

[“Yeah! Hey, Bro, it ain’t our fault, ‘kay?” the Protector disagreed.]

“Whatever,” he muttered while tracking his sister’s presence. “Gotcha!” With that, he hustled off in that direction.


****

Meantime, April fretted about things. Granted, the crisp air calmed her a bit but she still worried. “Why doesn’t he get word to us?”

“He will. April, all of this worrying isn’t good for the baby,” Karen noted. “He’ll turn up.” As she said that, her senses picked up on a familiar vibe. “Speaking of which….”

“What?” the florist asked, turning to find her husband sprinting toward them. “Dave!” She rushed up to him, grabbing onto him tightly. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine and the kids are okay,” he assured her after kissing her. “The situation’s under control back there. We got them all back safely.”

“And the Protector—he uh…didn’t kill anyone?” she queried.

Karen looked curiously at him, picking up on his anxiety. “What happened?”

“He and the Child faced the Mystery Man in the Chateau. They roasted him to death,” he recounted. He looked at them both. “He knew about our twin thing all along.”

“That creep!” the nurse replied, seething with anger. “No wonder His Darkness dealt with him like that.”

“But it’s over, right? You don’t have to go back there?” April wondered.

“Maybe to visit our friends but not for the bad stuff. The other Karen was asking about you both,” he continued.

“You didn’t answer my first question,” his wife insisted.

“The other Jor-El confirmed my suspicions. The Vendee Witch is Lana’s ancestor. Isobel has a link to her,” he revealed.

The two women stared at him dumbfounded.

“The Countess is also Lichtenfeld’s ancestor too,” he added.

“So you both are connected to this?” his sister pressed.

“I believe so. The good news is that the Protector stood up to the Mystery Man,” he assured them. “However, we’ll need to watch out.”

“What else is new?” April inquired, hugging him again.

As she embraced him, the baby kicked again.

“What the?” he asked. “Was that what I thought it was?”

His wife blushed. “Apparently, our kid is really active.”

“At two and a half months along though? Wow!” he noted. “I just hope it’s healthy.”

“Me too. Dave, I’m glad you’re here,” April expressed.

“That goes double for me, Buster,” Karen agreed. “Let’s get back to the farm. Garth, Steve and Lex are worrying too.”

He took their hands and walked back with them to the farm. Maybe the situation was under control for now. However, he still had the feeling that trouble lurked for the teens and them as well.



Chapter 3 [Luthor Mansion—an hour later]

Lex sat behind his desk, reviewing reports and stock projections. As with his friends back at the Kent Farm, he was concerned about Clark, Lana and their friends. Dave, I hope you’re not getting them hurt or worse.

“Lex, got a minute?” Clark asked.

The billionaire smirked in relief. “Absolutely!” He got up and hustled over to where Clark and Lana stood. “You both okay?”

“We’re fine, Lex,” she assured him, feeling glad that the burns on her arms had already healed. “Seeing the doubles of everyone again was pretty weird. Fighting myself was even stranger.”

“Really?” Lex asked, trying to envision that scenario. “You saw the witches then?”

“We saw the ghost's counterpart, Lex. That was enough. The Protector helped to deal with the others,” Clark reported. “Your counterpart had a nasty streak in him.”

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Lex wondered, feeling more than slightly alarmed.

“That didn’t happen. Actually, the bad fight took place between the Child and the Protector,” Clark continued.

Dave’s dark side times two? I wonder if the other farm is still standing? “And nobody was hurt?”

“The Protector kept the fight contained to the back pasture, I guess,” she noted. “They fought for about two hours.”

The host nodded, taking all of this information in. “I was going to have some coffee. Care to join me?”

“Sounds great. Anything to relax,” Clark agreed as he and Lana sat on the couch.

“You might want to check in at the Torch with Chloe. She’s really been worried about you both. By the way, where’s Jasmine?” Lex queried.

“She’s still at the farm with the others. I think she should be back here pretty soon,” Lana presumed, taking a sip from her cup. She smiled. “I knew it was a good idea to have the Talon’s coffee here.” Seeing her boyfriend laugh, she asked, “What?”

“We did have some at their Talon before we left, Lana,” he reminded her.

“I still prefer ours,” she retorted, shrugging. “It’s nice to be home.”

As she lifted her arm, Lex saw the bracelet for the first time. “Did you get that over there too?”

“This?” She looked at it. Then she looked warmly at Clark and squeezed his hand. “Clark gave it to me just before we left.”

“It’s a great bracelet,” Lex admired. “Keep sake gift in the face of danger, huh?” He arched his eyebrow. “Or maybe something more than that?”

Clark took a deep breath. “Something like that. Maybe something that you could help with?”

Lex reclined; the Smirk spreading across his face like butter on a hot stove. “Is there something we need to celebrate?” He chuckled. “Clark, you finally asked the question?”

Clark took a deep breath. “I did.” He kissed his fiancée.

“We’re going to get married,” she declared, smiling broadly as she announced it.

Lex’s eyes twinkled at them. “I’d be honored to help you plan things. Just let me know what you’ll need.”

“I was wondering about something, Lex.” Clark squirmed a bit. “Would you be my best man?”

“Absolutely,” the billionaire agreed without hesitation. “What about Pete though?”

“I’m going to have Pete and Byron as the ushers. It’s a tough call, Lex. You both are such great friends,” Clark indicated.

“Miri’s agreed to be my maid of honor but I need to ask Chloe and Jasmine if they’ll be part of the ceremony,” she added.

“I can’t see why not unless Jasmine’s father yanks her out of here which I can’t see happening,” Lex noted. “Jor-El’s okay with this?”

“He’s more than set,” she indicated.

I imagine he would be given how you both were talking before you left. “If it’s okay, I’ll speak with your parents, Clark,” Lex told his guest.

“If you and my Dad can talk without killing each other, sure,” the farm boy teased.

“Cute, Clark,” the host retorted. “I think after what you two have been through, we can plan a wedding without much grief.” He chuckled. “Especially with Jasmine on the case, money’s not an issue nor are potential locations.”

“Lex, we can’t have you put yourselves out for us,” she argued.

“You’ve stuck by me both when I needed friends. Besides, you’re starting something bigger than just a family.” The billionaire took each of their hands in his own. “That deserves a celebration if nothing else.” He drank his coffee. “Can you both keep a secret for me?”

“Sure. What is it?” Clark replied.

“Two hours ago, I was on the phone with the folks in Amherst….” Lex started.

“What now? Dr. Dubois can’t take anything else right now!” she protested.

He quirked his eyebrow, considering her words. What happened that’s so bad? I need to talk with Dave about this. “Actually, it’s a surprise and a good one at that. It concerns the promise I made to him and April when they moved here.”

“Is this about the lady April named the flower shop after?” she wondered.

Lex nodded. “Exactly. The folks at Center Cemetery are ready to make the transfer. I leave tomorrow to oversee the process. Just keep it under wraps?” After they nodded, he added, “Thanks, guys, for that and including me in your plans. I do appreciate that.”

“What kind of a day would it be without our friends?” she inquired, smiling warmly at him. “Keep us informed of what you’re thinking?”

“Absolutely. Meantime, it’s good to have you all back,” Lex agreed, as they savored the peace of that setting for a while longer.



Chapter 4 [Later that Night—Kent Farm]

Clark sat in the Loft, musing about things. He watched a shooting star streaking across the dark sky. Around it, the lights of distant galaxies beckoned to him. Somewhere out there, Krypton was once a prosperous planet. What destroyed it? Was it war or disease? How were their relations with other worlds?

We explored and made alliances, my Son. Jor-El’s spirit appeared beside him. Our people were observers sent to the far corners of the universe to watch its evolution. Our family had…has always been responsible for this world.

Did you come here before? Clark asked.

Forty solar cycles ago, I sat where you are now, thinking many of the same things you are. You are more fortunate than I, Kal-El. I would not stand up to my father as you did. Now we are gone. It is for you and Lana to reclaim our legacy, rekindling the flame of Kryptonian civilization.

We’re of Earth though, the younger man pointed out.

[“He means a dual culture, Clark,” Lana indicated, coming up the stairs. “We can start something respecting both sides.”]

That is our aim indeed. The spirit looked at her. There is another question though?

[“My family’s curse,” she replied. “What do you know about it?”]

Jor-El recounted, It is a long story—one best told by our counterparts. It will be best if they told it. Then I can add what we need to. Do not let this interfere in your bond, my Children. As I have told you before, your shared love can overcome anything.

She looked at the scar on her hand. [“I hope so.”]

[“Listen to him. Lana, we can deal with it.”] He took her hands in her own and looked with determination into her eyes.

She fought back the butterflies and anxieties. [“I don’t want to bring anything bad into this.”] A tear dribbled down her cheek.

Clark held her tightly, insulating her as best he could. [“What your ancestor did or didn’t do can’t stop us from our future. We have to deal with it one day. And I need you to do that with me.”] He squeezed her hand. [“Together.”]

She smiled gratefully at him. [“I wish I weren’t such a wimp. Some times I feel like I’m not worthy of you, Clark. I should have more faith.”]

[“Have faith in us,” her fiancé advised. “I love you.”] He kissed her again.

[“I will,” she agreed.] Her eyes twinkled at him, snuggling against him.

He took a deep breath and looked anxiously at the spirit. Despite his admonitions, he could understand her fears. Somewhere across the Atlantic, the spot mirroring the place in the other dimension stood monument to dark deeds long past. Still, he knew they had to overcome them for everyone’s sake.

And they would have to do so together…..



Chapter 5 [Sullivan House—An hour later]

Chloe sat at the kitchen table, drinking from her cup of the Big Vice and skimming the draft copy for the Torch’s next edition. Lex’s phone call had soothed her fears for their friends’ safety. She glanced up at the clock. “Eleven. Wonderful, where is she? Thankfully, Dad’s not here.”

On cue, Lana walked through the door; her head still spinning from the conversation with Clark and Jor-El earlier.

Her friend jumped up. “Lana! You’re okay!”

“Yeah I am,” the former cheerleader replied sheepishly. “Sorry I didn’t get back here sooner. Clark and I were dealing with things.”

“Lex let me know you were at the mansion earlier. So, everything’s okay with Clark?”

Lana assured her, “Everything’s fine with Clark and the others. We helped to deal with the issues in the other dimension. Everyone there is grateful.”

Noting her housemate’s expression, Chloe pressed, “And you? What’s going on?” Seeing the bracelet, she asked, “Where did you get that?”

“Clark gave it to me when he popped the question,” Lana revealed.

Chloe stared incredulously at her. “Clark asked you?” She hugged Lana. “Congratulations! When is it?”

“We haven’t gotten that far yet,” Lana declared, putting her hands up both to stop the developing spat of questions and to let Chloe take a look at her bracelet.

“This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen! How did the Farm Boy afford this?”

“He had a unique source and no—it wasn’t Lex. That doesn’t get out,” Lana indicated.

“My lips are sealed.” As the reporter looked over the stones, her eyes encountered the scar. “That looks nasty. Where did you pick that up?”

“Oh that…that’s from the fight on the Kent Farm. It’s a scrape. Magic fire,” Lana excused the mark, hiding its true meaning.

Yeah right. “I hope it heals,” Chloe expressed.

“Me too,” Lana agreed. “Sorry, Chloe, but I really need to get some sleep before school tomorrow. Thanks for thinking of us. Good night.” With that, she headed for bed.

Chloe quirked her brow and shook her head. What’s the deal with that scar? Weird. Did she say ‘magic fire’? Lex, what didn’t you tell me? With that, she went back to work.



Conclusion
[Talon Apartment]

Feeling tired from a long day in the shop downstairs, April stumbled through the door and collapsed on the couch. “I should know better.”

“Yes you should,” Dave admonished good naturedly, bringing a cup of tea over to her and kissing her brow. “The girls are sleeping in the other room. I know better than to ask you how things went.”

“We had a couple of difficult customers. Overall though, the Emporium’s holding its own.” She looked at him knowingly. “Something’s bugging you too.”

“The whole Vendee mess,” he muttered.

“Dave, cut it out. That wasn’t your fault. If anyone is to blame, it’s the mob,” she admonished. “As Karen tells it, you both barely escaped them yourselves.”

“Right.” He really didn’t want to tell her what he suspected—that the reason he couldn’t remember much of it or deal with what he did know—was that the Protector erupted in the midst of the whole thing. “Let’s forget about it and get some sleep, okay?”

“Sounds good to me,” she concurred while pulling out the couch bed. “Help me make it?”

“Sit. I’ll deal with it,” he declared, picking up the fitted sheet and pulling it into position.

She did so but her head spun even as she tried to enjoy the rest of her tea. I wish you could drop this, Dave. Yet I know for all of our sakes, we can’t ignore it. Why does this stuff keep following us around?


*****


[Next Day—Talon]

Miranda set the coffee pot on the burner and took a deep breath. While rushing around the busy café taxed her as always, she felt great that she could do so at a normal pace. At least, Lana doesn’t have to baby me anymore.

“Slow down there, Miri,” Lana advised.

“People need their coffee, Boss. Besides it feels good to be able to resume my normal pace and pull my share of the load,” her best friend explained.

Lana retorted, “Miri, you always pull your share of the load, all right? Even when you were on crutches, you did your best and didn’t give excuses. That’s why you’re you. I do have some orders that need to go out to Tables 8 and 9.”

“On my way,” the sensei agreed. “By the way, the Farm Boy wants to talk with you.” She motioned to the corner before departing to take the orders out.

I wonder what’s wrong? Lana wondered.

[“Nothing. I can come back later,” Clark assured her. “You’re busy.”]

She tapped Sandra on the arm. “I’m taking a break. Be back in ten.”

“Sure,” the waitress agreed.

Lana walked over to where her fiancé sat by himself. “What’s going on, Clark?”

He shrugged. “As I said, there’s nothing wrong. Mom and Dad are glad that we’re okay.”

“Did Lex talk with them?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Dad’s not thrilled with my choice of best man. He thought Pete would have made the better choice.”

“I agree with Lex. That must have been a tough choice,” she indicated. “I visited my parents’ grave. Everything’s in order.”

“That’s good,” he replied. Seeing April approach, he added, “Thanks, Mrs. Dubois.”

“Don’t mention it, Clark.” April handed him the bouquet of roses. “Congrats, you two.” She motioned with her eyes.

“These are for you. That’s why I wanted to talk,” he explained

Lana looked around, feeling shy about all of the attention all of a sudden. Cut it out, Lana. You’re engaged—deal with it! “Thanks, April. I’ve got quite a deal here.”

“As do we all,” Clark agreed warmly.

“On that note, I’d best let you two get back to talking. The shop’s busy as well. Take care,” April concluded before leaving.

“These are beautiful, Clark. Thank you!” Lana expressed, kissing him.

“You’re welcome.” He watched as Miranda set a glass of water down. “For the roses?”

“What do you think, Dummy?” the sensei teased. “They are nice, Clark. Good taste.”

“I do get it right occasionally,” he declared.

Miri smirked. “I’ll spell you, Boss. This is definitely going to take longer than ten minutes. Remember this is a PG-13 facility.”

“Get!” Lana directed, shooing her friend away playfully. When the other had left, she added, “You continue to surprise me, Clark. Even with the telepathy, I had no idea this was coming.”

“I do have my moments.”

She grinned; her eyes sparkling at him. “Yes you do.”

And for that moment, they locked glances and hands, shutting the world out. For their love had endured the tests of the other dimension and their past. Surely, the future would prove the same. But that would be a matter for another day…..


THE END (for now) 

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