****
Meantime, the three possessed allies had circled Hope, Karen and Martha intending on causing them bodily harm. With each passing minute, the situation grew more dim.

Hope lay on the ground stunned from the combined assault. She could barely move. “M…mother? Wh…where?”

“Isn’t that sweet?” the possessed Lana cracked. “She wants Mommy Gabbie!”

“I say we send her to meet her!” Lex urged.

The Destroyer growled. Something was coming. He could sense intruders. He hated intruders.

“What is it?” Lana demanded. “We have business!”

The Destroyer shook his head. “Them!” He pointed into the darkness.

At that moment, the SL-Clark and Lana stopped right in front of them. The two teens stared in disbelief at their friends and counterparts. As Alti had said, they would face each other.

“Well, it’s the goodie-two shoes!” DC-Lana cackled. “Found Alti, did you?”

“She’s gone!” SL-Clark replied. “Stop this!”

“We have orders from the Countess, Clark!” the possessed billionaire spat with a crazed look in his eyes. “And we’ll kill you too!” He sent shockwaves through the earth, shaking the two Kryptonians off of their feet.

“Clark, can we?” his girlfriend asked.

“Remember what you said. We have to face this nightmare together,” Clark assured her.

“How romantic!” DC-Lana laughed as the possessed trio surrounded them. “How pathetic!”

Even as she said that, a dark burst erupted out of the darkness, scattering the attackers like bowling pins.

“GIT OUT ‘ERE!” the Destroyer bellowed.

From the shadows, the Protector stepped into view; his hands glowing with dark energy. “Boo!” He fired again, knocking his counterpart across the yard. “Ah owe ya a whuppin’, Boy!”


****


Martha tensed, waiting for her opportunity. As the newcomers engaged the attackers, she darted off the porch and toward Hope.

“Martha!” Karen called.

The farm wife was having none of anything but her purpose. She grabbed Hope’s hands and started dragging her back toward the house.

“W…wha?” the fallen defender asked woozily.

“It’s me, Hope, Martha. I’m going to get you out of here.”

As she said that, webbing sprayed all around them, forming into a defensive tunnel.

“Somebody call for a shelter?” Spider-Man asked, landing by them.

“Give me a hand with her please,” Martha requested being careful not to let slip with his secret.

“Yeah.” He took Hope’s feet and hurried back toward the porch where the two Jasmines, the SL-Miranda, Eve and Trance Gemini stood with Karen. “We got here just in time. Still, Xena’s out there somewhere.”

“And so are our friends,” DC-Jasmine added.

“We can stop this. I can drive out the dark magic,” Eve informed them. “But we have to get them off balance.”

“Let me know when it’s time to help David,” Trance interjected.

The two Javalstani princesses studied the battle in front of them. On the one hand, the SL-Clark rushed this way and that, trying to keep Lex off stride. The two Lanas faced off. And across the street, both Dark Ones tore into each other with a vengeance.

“We can get Lex off the ground between us on our carpets. Once we’re airborne, Eve, you can do your blessing?” SL-Jasmine asked.

“We’ll try that with each of them,” the former Messenger of Eli concurred. Especially if it keeps Mother out of too much trouble! She jumped on to one carpet with her version of Jasmine as the two transports streaked into the air.

Good luck. Martha sighed, hoping for the best.



Chapter 4

Even as the defenders organized themselves, Lex took aim with repeated shockwave blasts, trying to disorient his opponent. Each blast raised some more turf, making a mess of the yard and hemming in SL-Clark. “You’re not going to run from me!”

“Lex, come on! Stop it!” Clark requested.

“You keep secrets from me! You betrayed us!” the billionaire ranted, sending a blast through the earth under Clark and knocking him backward.

“And you know how sorry your Clark and I are about that!” the Farm Boy retorted.

“Yeah I’ll bet!” Lex cracked, getting ready to finish the job.

Before he could, however, the two Jasmines swooped in on their carpets and grabbed one of his arms apiece. Then they streaked high into the night sky.

What the? SL-Clark wondered, staring at the scene above.


****


“Hey! Let me go!” Lex demanded.

“I suggest you stop struggling, Alexander,” SL-Jasmine retorted.

“We’d hate to see you make a mess. And to have to explain to Chloe later….” DC-Jasmine added, wincing at the thought.

“You wouldn’t!” he retorted in disbelief.

“We won’t let you hurt our friends. We can help you,” Eve indicated.

His eyes went wide. “No! They said you’d try this!”

Before he could react, Eve grabbed him. “In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I command that the evil inside of you be CAST OUT!”

He spasmed and screamed, feeling as if a tug of war went on inside of him. Then he blacked out and went limp.

Eve and DC-Jasmine hauled him onto their Carpet.

“How is he?” SL-Jasmine inquired.

“He’s alive,” her counterpart informed her.

“And cleansed,” Eve added. “They can’t take him again.” She took a deep breath. “I can only manage this one more time. Let’s hope Trance can do her part. Meantime, let’s get him back to the house.”

“On our way,” DC-Jasmine indicated as they streaked toward the ground once more.


****


“No!” the possessed Lana screamed, realizing that Lex had fallen. “Curse you!” She glared at her counterpart. “You have no idea what you’re doing!”

“And you do?” SL-Lana responded, trying to steel herself for what she might have to do.

DC-Lana waved her hands, ripping a large oak tree out of the ground. She flung it at her opponent.

SL-Lana gulped. I need a perfect swing. She made a fist and struck the projectile square in the middle, splintering it. “You don’t want this!”

“You have no idea how glorious this is! Serving our grandmother is what we were born for!”

“No, it isn’t! She’s made our lives miserable! Think what you’re doing to your Clark! To yourself!” SL-Lana argued.

Hearing her husband’s name made her head hurt. “I…HATE HIM!” She uncorked a dark pulse, knocking the other Lana into the grazing pen.

SL-Lana winced, standing slowly. The magic burned her skin. She shook her head. “You don’t! He’s the best thing that happened to us!” She sped toward her counterpart, lowering her shoulder and knocking the other into the dirt on the barn’s far side.

“He’s weak and so…are you!” the possessed girl countered savagely. “Join us!”

“No. If I have to do this, it’s going to hurt me a lot more than it does you,” SL-Lana told her.

“Think, Lana! All of the suffering and pain doesn’t have to happen!”

“That’s life. And if I’m with Clark, so be it!” SL-Lana retorted, pinning her opponent to the ground.

“Hold her!” Eve instructed while rushing up to them.

“NO! Keep away from me, Bitch!” DC-Lana protested. She sent magical bursts through her counterpart.

“D…do it!” SL-Lana told Eve. Turning back to the other Lana, she added, “Think of those of love us! Think of Clark!”

“Weakling! Go on, Eve, do your worst! You’re pathetic!” the DC-Lana challenged.

Eve nodded and put her hands on the possessed girl’s temples. “This ends, Isobel! You hear me! In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I command this evil to be cast OUT!”

The possessed Lana screamed and struggled as the cleansing occurred. “This isn’t over! Destroyer’s still there!” Then she went limp as well.

Eve took a deep breath. “It’s done.” She looked at SL-Lana. “I can help you if you’d like.”

“I’m okay. She burned me a couple of times but I’ll heal,” the teenager assured her friend. “Thanks.” She looked at the two Jasmines who watched the whole thing. “Especially when I have friends like all of you.”

“We try. Are you okay?” Clark asked, streaking to their side.

She embraced him. “I am now. How’s Lex?”

“He’s been cleansed. And Lana…well, the other Lana?” her fiancé wondered.

“She’s beyond the Coven’s reach now as well,” Eve noted. “The link between her and Isobel is gone forever. The Child’s left.”

A crash echoed from the fields.

“Let’s hope the Protector’s up to the task,” SL-Lana expressed.



Chapter 5 [Halls’ End Palace, Ruthwen, Inner Realms]

Even as the action took place at the Kent Farm, Dave Dubois paced in his throne room waiting for some sort of signal. Ever since his students and friends had departed, he had been a nervous wreck. “Come on,” he muttered.

Sitting on her throne, Angie rolled her eyes. While she loved her husband’s feelings toward their friends, this display was driving her crazy. Good thing the Child’s out there. If he were in the usual condition, I’d be dealing with a tantrum right about now. “Hey, Dave, can you take a seat?”

“Sorry, Princess,” he apologized.

She patted his hand supportively. “It’s okay. I know the waiting’s bugging you. Believe me; I hope Xena’s okay.”

She is.

Suddenly, the room filled with light as the goddess appeared once more. It is time for you to join the battle, David Dubois. Soon, it will be time for you to take the darkness once more.

“I understand. How’s it going in Smallville?” he wondered.

All things considered, your students and their counterparts are faring quite well. Alexander and Lana have been reclaimed from Isobel’s grasp. The Protector has driven Alti away from the town. Now he and the Destroyer battle each other.

He took a deep breath. And I need to step into it. “I’m ready.”

Form a portal and go. It is time. Good luck, David Dubois. With that, she faded.

He waved his hands, opening a portal in front of them. “I’ll be back soon, Angel.” He kissed her.

“Remember, watch out! The Child won’t know you. Who knows what the Protector’s going to do?” she advised, returning the kiss. “Come back to me.”

“I will.” He smiled warmly at her, giving her a measure of hope before vanishing into the mists.

Just hang in there, Dave. She shuddered, feeling very much afraid.

“He’ll make it,” Ferali the gnome assured her. “Count on that.”

I hope so. She took a deep breath and rubbed her temples trying to keep the headache from forming there.


****


[Kent Farm—Smallville, Duboisverse]

Even as things continued to develop, the two Jasmines, SL-Miri as well as her world’s Clark and Lana did their best to make the DC-Lex and Lana comfortable. After the cleansing, they were still out cold.

“Is she going to be okay?” Melissa wondered.

Xena felt the two former victims’ pulse and nodded. “They’re fine. They just need to sleep.”

“That’ll be a relief to Clark and Chloe when they wake up,” Martha assessed knowingly.

“Not to mention the rest of us,” Spider-Man interjected. “Just did a patrol. All’s well on the second floor. Clark and Chloe are still okay.”

“Thanks,” Jonathan expressed. “Now if we can get David back.”

“That’s going to be a handful,” Xena replied.

“I wish I could cleanse him too but I can’t handle the darkness when I’ve expended so much on them,” Eve lamented.

“If anyone can do it, my uncle can,” the SL-Miri declared. Then she looked out the door. I hope neither of them is hurting too badly. From the fields beyond, she felt the savage vibrations slamming into her like a tidal wave, signaling the fierce battle there.

And like everyone else, all she could do was wish for the best.



Chapter 6 [Back fields]
[A/N: The Italian quote is from Dante’s Purgatorio Canto 27 lines 48-60.]

As indicated earlier, the collision of dark forces sparked both psychic and audible vibrations (not to mention the twin Screams) from the back pasture. For most of the previous hour after the former had teleported them away from the main house, the Protector and Destroyer had laid into each other, knocking each other back and forth with force blasts, dark fire and pure brute force.

Accordingly, several acres of grass and trees lay devastated in their wake. The surface stank of smoke and was charred black. The animals, of course, had fled the scene not wanting any part of the two rampaging titans. (And let’s not talk about the section of crops ravaged by it either….)

The Destroyer hissed and growled menacingly, occasionally mixing broken syllables and words into his speech. He felt his companions’ ‘fall’ but aimed to make the best impact he could. In other words, paste his counterpart into oblivion. Strangely though, he wasn’t recharging here as he normally did. He couldn’t understand why he was getting tired.

The Protector, on the other hand, remained fresher. Although this wasn’t “his” Smallville, the “Talon Rules” were very much in effect, replenishing his strength through the past pain imprint in the very land itself. As the fight wore on, he was getting more shots in.

“’Mon! Ya’ll ain’t stoopid! Iso-Smell an’ Mystery Man ain’t yer friends!” the SL-Dark One indicated.

“Ya’ll ain’t either! WHUP YER ASS!” the DC-Dark One retorted. Telekinetically, he wrenched an oak tree from the ground and flung it at his counterpart.

The Protector blasted it into kindling before it could touch him. Even he could see though that his opponent was tiring. Ah hate this but…. He teleported, reappearing behind him. “Hey!”

The Destroyer started to turn. “HATE THAT!”

Before he could react, the Protector hit him with another blast, pancaking him against another tree in the process. “Quit it!”

Still the Destroyer staggered to his feet. Like a punchy prize fighter, he wobbled but wasn’t going down.

“Time ta end it!” The Protector unleashed one more burst of fire/psychic energy.

The impact knocked the Destroyer back into the tree again. This time, he slumped to the ground out cold.

“Damn fool!” the Protector growled. “Least he ain’t dead!” He saw the mists forming. “Now wha’?”

Dave stepped out of them and into the picture. “Thank you for not killing him.”

“Ah didn’t wanna whup ‘im but he made me!” the Protector pointed out.

“I saw that. It’s okay,” the medievalist assured him. “You did good. Real good.”

“Th…anks. Now wha’?” the SL-Dark One asked.

“Be back,” Dave indicated, heading back into the mists and returning with Trance a minute later. “Now we put me back into him or him back into me.” He shrugged. “Whatever.”

“We get the point, David,” she indicated, smirking as she said it. “Let me know when you’re ready.”

Dave took a deep breath. For a split second, he wanted to hesitate. Despite everything, he enjoyed not having to deal with His Darkness. But he knew better. Besides, they were both part of a common whole. “Ready.” He placed a hand on the Destroyer’s shoulder. “Brace yourselves.”

“Lessgo!” the Protector urged.

Dave focused and started to glow with white light. As he turned brighter, he kneeled beside his alter ego. “Okay, Trance, now!”

She nodded, focusing herself. Think light, not heat! Making sure that she stood in an area already burned away, she turned herself into pure energy. A bright light shone from her.

The Protector teleported away before the glare got too much for him to handle.

Even so, Trance kept the flare going for a full minute.

Finally Dave directed, “That’s it, Trance.”

She let the light dim and returned to her normal self.

Before her, Dave trembled and snarled ever so slightly. Obviously, he was fighting with the Coven’s control.

“David?” she asked.

“N…need a minute!” he retorted, unsheathing the sword and pointing to the heavens. “Cleanse me please!”

On cue, a fiery column shot down from the sky, inundating him.

Initially he felt the flames scalding him. However, he took a deep breath and hummed a Latin chant.

Then Lorenzo’s voice recited a familiar stanza to him from Dante’s Purgatory:

Credi per certo che se dentro a l’alvo
Di questa fiamma stessi ben mille anni
Non ti potrebbe far d’un capel calvo….
Pon giuogne temenza
Volgiti in qua e vieni: entra sicuro!

The flames won’t make me bald and I can feel safe in them even if molten glass is cooler. Great…Easy for you to say Grandpa. Still he’s right. Let the flames cleanse you, Dave. For several minutes, he endured this “treatment”.

Then as quickly as the column had shot down, it disappeared back into the sky.

“David?” she asked again.

“Now I’m okay,” he assured her. Looking at his hand, he saw the mark staring back at him. “I’m back to the way I was before, I guess.”

“I’m glad. At least you and the Child are both on our side again,” she declared.

He nodded, wincing at the damage around them. “Thank goodness for small favors.” He sheathed the sword and opened a portal. “I don’t know how I’ll explain this to Jonathan and Martha.”

“They’ll be glad we kept it to this patch. It seems like a lot but the Protector kept it under wraps,” she pointed out.

“Yeah,” the Protector concurred, appearing there. “They’re waitin’ on ya.” With that, he disappeared again.

“I’m sure,” he agreed, ushering her through. Then he stepped through himself. Trance is right. Now though, I wish I could convince myself.



Conclusion [Kent Farm—two hours later]

DC-Lana stirred and opened her eyes to find herself in her bedroom. “What?” She rubbed her head, trying to make the headache and the memories of the nightmare go away. Then she saw her husband sitting there anxiously. “Clark?”

Instantly, he was at her side. “Hey, how’re you doing?”

“I feel like I’m waking up from a nightmare. The last thing I remember is being in that creepy chateau and being chanted at by Isobel and her companions,” she informed him. “What happened?” She saw his agitation. “Oh no! I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“You didn’t hurt me physically but we had quite the experience on the dreamscape. You tried to kill me there,” he noted.

Her face went white and then flushed with shame. “Clark, I….”

He embraced her. “It’s okay. Alti was in control. Fortunately, Sarah, Ryan and Lex’s mother were apparently on the job. If it makes you feel any better, you hesitated before you could finish the job.”

“Still, I feel terrible. How did I get back?” she wondered.

“Dr. Messenger cleansed you,” he explained. “Lana, there’s nothing to forgive. At least you’re back and safe.” He looked in her eyes warmly. “And we’re going to be okay.”

Her eyes watered. “Thank you. I love you.” She kissed him. Then she heard a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Their counterparts stuck their heads in the door.

“You’re back,” SL-Lana declared.

“Yeah. I kind of remember fighting you. Thanks for the assist, Lana,” DC-Lana expressed.

“It’s okay. I need to ask you about this curse though sometime. Jor-El mentioned it and I wanted to know more,” her counterpart requested.

“Whatever I can share, I will,” DC-Lana agreed. “Listen to your version of Professor Dubois. He knows about it.”

“I’ll do that. The Protector just got your version back.” SL-Lana opened the door, allowing SL-Miranda and both Jasmines to enter. “Your fan club couldn’t wait to see you.”

“You can say that again!” the sensei concurred, rushing over and hugging her. “It’s good to see you back. Your Miri’s back in Tucson and well…I’m representing her so to speak.”

“As if we could get away from you,” her best friend teased.

“Good luck on that,” SL-Jasmine cracked, giving her Lana a playful glance. Then she and her counterpart added their hugs. “Praise be to Allah that you’re all right.”

“Thank you. It’s going to take a while to get over this. How are Lex and the Professor?” DC-Lana asked with concern.

“The Professor’s out in Clark’s loft thinking through things. Lex hasn’t come to yet but he’ll be okay,” DC-Jasmine noted. “Thankfully, Dr. Messenger and Trance got you all through.”

“Trance? Andromeda’s here?” DC-Lana asked; her eyes going wide. “Geez! We scared everyone that much?”

“The Professor’s spirit ended up there. They all agreed to come back here and help out,” her husband explained. “Believe me; it’s a really long story.”

“Once this is all wrapped up then we can talk about it. I’m just glad to be myself again and with friends,” DC-Lana told them, rubbing her husband’s arm again for emphasis.


****


[Lex’s Room]

Chloe sat watching her husband anxiously. Since his cleansing, he had slept uneasily, wrestling with nightmares related to the Coven’s treatment of them. He moaned, ground his teeth and cried, bemoaning what he had tried to do to his wife.

As this went on, she wiped his brow with a moist cloth and tried to whisper encouraging things to him. While she still felt hollow by their recent experience, she knew that he needed her more than anything. His cries brought tears to her eyes. “It’s okay, Lex. I know you didn’t mean it. I promised Momma Luthor that I’d be here for you and I’m not leaving.”

“You never fail to impress, my Dear,” Lillian complimented while appearing there.

The reporter jumped. “Is everything okay? Did I do anything wrong?”

The angel shook her head. “No, Chloe. I wanted to look in on Alex. Your love is more refreshing to me than you know.”

“It’s mutual. Can I ask you something?” Chloe inquired, feeling nervous.

“Of course,” Lillian agreed.

“You don’t mind me calling you ‘Momma’, do you?”

Lillian smiled warmly. “You honor me by doing so.” She floated over and kissed her son’s scalp. “Sleep well, my Boy. I’m always here.” She turned to her daughter-in-law once again. “Thank you, Chloe, for your strength. Despite what Lionel said, you are a true daughter of my heart.” With that, she disappeared.

Chloe’s eyes watered. She accepts me! Wow!

“What? Mom?” he called before opening his eyes. “Where?”

“Whoa, Lex! It’s okay,” she assured him. “We’re at Clark’s parents’ house. You’re free.”

“What about the Coven?” he asked, trying to get his mental equilibrium.

“They’re still out there but thanks to Dr. Messenger, we’ve got you all back,” she informed him.

“Chloe, I…tried to kill you. I feel so ashamed,” he admitted, feeling guilty.

“You, Lana and the Child were their puppets, Lex. Now it might be future blackmail material for Clark and me to use but we’re glad that you’re all back,” she told him before kissing him. “I was so worried about you.”

“I can always count on you, can’t I, Sullivan?” he cracked.

She smirked. “Just try getting me off of your case, Luthor. Your father sends his regards.”

“He what? Chloe, he didn’t hurt you, did he?” Lex asked with concern.

She shook her head. “He tried to tell me and Clark that we had no place around you. Your mother stepped in.”

“Mom? But she’s dead, Chloe,” he insisted.

“I know. She’s one great guardian angel, Lex. And there’s something else,” she noted.

“What?”

Her eyes watered. “She accepts me.”

He looked incredulously at her. “Why wouldn’t she? Chloe, I told you that you and she are a lot alike. I’m glad that she told you that herself.”

She queried, “What about Lionel?”

“What about him? He doesn’t accept you. His loss, not ours,” he told her. “I’m glad you’re here with me. Come here.” He hugged her. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

“I know. And knowing Professor Dubois, he’s already working on a way to deal with those hags once and for all,” she pointed out. “Meantime, just hold me, all right?”

He nodded. Knowing how he and the Child are, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes when he pops up in the Vendee. Ouch! “For as long as you want.”

And for a while longer, they stayed locked in the safety of each others’ arms.


****


[Loft]

DC-Dave stood in the Loft, staring into the salmon and magenta sky of early dawn. He brooded, thinking how close they had come to the edge. He sighed. This just keeps happening!

As if on cue, the church bell rang out, calling parishioners to service in town….

…and recalling the memories from high school and the Hunt. Thus we run the circle again! He clenched his fist and felt his indignation blossom in his gut. This is the last time!

“Hey, Dave,” Karen called, coming up the stairs bringing two cups of coffee. “How are you doing?” Despite her question, she could feel the mood tremors rising from him.

“Outraged. I feel violated again! Those bastards did it to us again! This reminds you of something?” he vented, throwing himself on the couch and burying his face in his hands.

She nodded. “That situation you’re calling the hunt. We got through that because we worked as a team. We did the same thing here.”

“We left the danger out there. I was sloppy and Mrs. Colavitto paid for it!” he seethed.

“Dave, cut it out! That wasn’t your fault! What—you’re not supposed to live a life?” His sister sat down next to him. “We’re all right. Lana and Lex are okay. I have my stubborn twin brother back.”

“I know. Thanks,” he expressed, cooling off slightly. “I just want to put the lid on them.”

“So do it,” his counterpart interjected, joining them there. “Just remember what you and the Child taught the Protector and me.”

“And that is?” she asked curiously.

“Go in but have a plan and know the stakes.” The SL-Dave paced the floor. “If there’s anyone who knows what’s going on in your head, Dave, it’s me. We need firepower but we have that.”

“We leave the kids out of this,” DC-Dave indicated. “I vote for Xena, Nick, Spider-Man, Trance, Dylan, Divia and Hope. You and me are leading the party.” He glared at them.

She shivered, thinking of both Children running amok in the Vendee. I really need to talk to Xena and Angie before this goes down. “How about Deirdre?”

“No. I don’t want her as a target,” DC-Dave indicated.

Seeing the mists appear, she guessed, “I think she might have something to say about that.”

“What if I don’t give you a choice?” the priestess supposed. “I’m going, Papa. End of it. I’m not just your daughter but a priestess of Althanor! As such, I am sworn to eradicate this evil!” She set her jaw and returned his glare. “Deal with it.”

Karen had to smirk. “She is your daughter, Dave.”

“Hey, don’t look at me,” SL-Dave declared, putting his hands up. “The Protector and I both think she’s a good addition.”

“You’re outvoted, Papa,” Deirdre noted.

He looked at her. “I don’t doubt you, Kiddo. I just worry is all. We have to be focused. I’ve lost enough to these creeps.”

“So be focused, Papa. I’m not a little girl anymore. Remember we made it through the Pit together?” Deirdre informed him. Seeing him concede a nod, she added, “I can deal with the Vendee too. I’ve had time to study what you and Auntie went through there. I know what we’re getting ourselves into. Besides, Rebecca and I have a grudge match coming.”

Her father shuddered, releasing the Child. “Cut that shit out! Watch yerself!”

“You do the same,” his ‘niece’ countered.

“Ah’m lettin’ Big Bro blow steam. Ah know the crap goin’ down,” the DC-Dark One hissed. “Don’ do nothin’ stooped. Got it?” He pointed for emphasis.

“I’ll watch my back,” Deirdre agreed. “Having you both there will make me feel a lot better.”

“’Kay.” The DC-Dark One gulped his coffee down and wiped his mouth with the napkin underneath. “Gimme a minnit an’ Ah’ll let Big Bro out. We’re hungry.”

“Picture Place okay for you both?” Karen asked, looking at her brother and his counterpart. Seeing them nod, she agreed, “I’ll see if the others are up for it. Come on, Dee-Dee, I think they want to be alone for a minute.”

The priestess followed her down the stairs.

As soon as they were alone, SL-Dave inquired, “You want Dave to talk to me or do you want to talk with the Protector?”

“Let ‘im out,” the Child growled.

Barely a second later, the Protector retorted, “Yeah wha?”

“Lots a’ stuff.” The DC-Dark One looked at his ‘twin’. “Thanks fer pullin’ me outta that crap. Ah needed someone ta whup me straight.”

“Ya did that fer me, Bud. Ya heard the Squirt, right?” the Protector responded.

“Yeah. Ah don’ want her hurt. Ya know?” the Child replied. “Wha’d’ya think?”

“Bout wha? Whuppin’ them buttwipes? Ya know Ah’m there!” the Protector concurred. “An’ yer right. Leave them Kiddies outta it. Light Boy’s countin’ on it.”

“Right. Then we break that stoopid book!” the Child snarled. Feeling another presence, they saw Angie standing at the bottom of the stairs. “Yeah wha?”

“Breakfast for us all, Guys,” she told them. “And remember, we’re going in together. All of us. Xena wanted you to know she means it. So do I. I want my husband in one piece. April deserves the same. Got it?”

“Hey ya know Ah like how she kicks ass!” the Child agreed.

“Yeah. Let’s git changed an’ join ‘em,” the Protector noted.

After both Daves had regained control, she urged, “Let’s move. I know those waffles and coffee are getting cold.”

“Wouldn’t want that to happen,” she giggled, glad to hear him make a joke. Seeing SL-Dave hang back, she asked, “Are you okay?”

He nodded. “Sorry. Seeing you two together reminds me of my Angie.”

“We didn’t mean to upset you,” his counterpart told him.

“You didn’t. I’m glad that you both are doing okay. It reminds me that April and our kids are waiting for me and my charges to get back,” SL-Dave indicated. “Come on. They’re waiting.”

They headed down the stairs and out into the driveway to see everyone including the two teenaged couples and friends waiting.

“It’s going to be okay, Professor,” DC-Lana indicated as her husband, Chloe and Lex nodded for emphasis.

“The same for us, Dr. Dubois,” SL-Clark concurred.

“We’re in this together,” his fiancée agreed.

“Yeah I know,” the librarian agreed, giving his counterpart’s hand a supportive squeeze. “United we survive, divided we fall.”

“So it is with the Commonwealth; so it is here,” Trance agreed, pulling back her hood for a second before readjusting it.

Let’s hope we can stick to that. SL-Clark and Lana exchanged anxious glances with their Dubois counterparts. Something’s up. What are they up to? And why aren’t we going to like it?

[“We need to keep our eyes open,” the DC-Clark and Lana agreed telepathically.]

Having agreed on that, the sextet climbed into the DC-Lana’s blazer and drove toward town, following the others.

Little did they know how the top was about to blow off that box. The Coven had had their dance.

Now the Piper wanted to be paid.

And soon, the allies would deliver the bill….What a bill that would be…..What a bill indeed.

THE END (for now)

 

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