Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. All other characters are of my own creation and are fictitious. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1 [Luthor Mansion—Two nights following the Kent wedding]

After a brisk drive to and from Metropolis to work off his nerves, Lex parked his favorite Ferrari in his garage’s third stall and leaned back into the leather seat. While he knew that his friends would seek answers to the latest situation confronting them all, he had hoped that such a venture wouldn’t come so soon after the wedding. Nor was he thrilled that the rationale for the trip remained a secret.

He brooded to himself, smelling trouble’s potent odor. For some reason, he knew something had happened to them.

And given that the Duboises and Heloise were gone as well, it would have to do with certain ancient threats. He was sure of it. Dave, you should know better!

He stalked out of the structure and out onto the grounds. Once there, he gazed upon the distant stars shining dimly back at him in the inky backdrop.

“Ye willna find yer answers there, Boy,” a voice rasped darkly.

The billionaire froze at the sound. The dialect and tone he knew from Lichtenfeld’s ghost. He saw the scar on his hand glow, seeming to confirm that hypothesis. But this accent was male and familiar. Although he had only heard it once before, he knew who it was. “Little far from Salem, aren’t you?” He wheeled around to find the Mystery Man considering him.

The intruder laughed incredulously at him. “This world is but a wee speck to me, Alexander Luthor! An’ Ah’ve been ‘ere many times ‘fore. Dubois knows that as do ye. Ah’ll have the children an’ ye!”

Lex stood tall, making himself show no fear. “You and your daughter should go play with Dad and Stuart. You suit each other. As for Clark and Lana, you may find that easier said than done. The Protector’s ready for you.”

“So the boy thinks.” The wizard growled softly to himself. “It seems others snoop about where they shouldna!” His yellow eyes flitted about from right to left; a smile prepared to sprout canary feathers revealing darker designs. “Come forth, Sow! Ye would know a’ me?”

Chloe stepped cautiously into the lamplight; her eyes surveying the scene as well as the hulking figure in the pilgrim-like garb in front of her. “Lex, what is this?”

He frowned. “The source of our problem, Chloe. This is Lichtenfeld’s father.”

“Lex, don’t start with the ghost stories too!” she snapped.

The Mystery Man glared at her. “Ye’ll speak of my daughter w’ respect! Ah should burn ye fer yer tongue. But Ah want the children to see ye suffer.”

“Then you’re the reason Dr. Dubois is…the way he is? Split and….?” Her eyes grew wide. Her mind spun, trying to process all of the information flooding through it. In the past, the stories seemed mere fairy tales and local folk legends.

Now the Answer loomed in front of her.

“Close enough, Chloe,” Lex interjected, stepping between her and their antagonist. “Get in the house. I’ll deal with this.”

She glared defiantly. “I’m not leaving you!”

The Mystery Man grinned, savoring this burst of chivalry from both fronts. “Well now! Such a reaction in ye!” The diamond glittering on her left hand confirmed it. “And marked she is as well.” He scratched his chin. “As fer yer question, the Destroyer is Anne’s dear child. Ah’m the collector of a debt.”

“Two years early as I recall,” Lex chided. “What have you done with them?”

“Ask ‘em when they return! The green witch took them in a puff of mist. Soon, Ah’ll be a great-grandsire an’ ye’ll rue the day, meae puellae dolori.” He stalked toward the waiting white steed and mounted it. “On the anniversary, Ah’ll return!” He spurred the steed and took off into the night.

“Did he just…?” She shook her head. “There really is? It’s true?”

“All of it,” Lex admitted. “In the house now.” He almost shoved her through the front door and slammed it shut behind her. “That’s why they disappeared!”

“I’d bet on it,” Jasmine concurred, standing off of the main staircase and brandishing her scimitar. “I saw the whole thing. He arrived just before you both did. I trust that is the demon haunting our friends? The one who made the Jinn?”

“One who helped the Protector be who he is, you might say,” he corrected them both. “Why don’t you both wait for me in the study? I need to make a phone call.” He sighed and dialed the line.

“Singleton,” Garth answered sleepily. “Lex, what is it?”

“Garth, the Mystery Man was just here,” the billionaire declared. “I thought you and Karen should know.”

“Are you okay?” the agent inquired anxiously.

“Fine other than a case of nerves. Garth, Chloe and Jasmine both saw him this time,” Lex confirmed.

“Terrific.” Garth stared anxiously at his wife who returned the favor. “We appreciate the warning. Any signs of the others?”

“None. He had no idea either. He mentioned a green witch taking them in mist. I’ll bet that’s Deirdre. They went to find answers in the other dimension. Anyhow, we’ll need to talk on this soon. Just thought you’d like a heads up,” the billionaire replied.

“Thanks, Lex. We appreciate it,” Garth concurred just before hanging up.

Lex did the same before heading for the study. “I’m glad you two are all right.” He poured himself a brandy and considered it in the candlelight.

“Lex, what was he doing here?” Chloe demanded.

“Taunting us just like always.” He considered his mother’s portrait again. “Just as he did the night Mom was infected.” He gulped the drink down. “Now we know the threat’s real.”

The two girls stared silently at him; their questions withering under the aura in the room. One thing they knew…the threat was indeed real.





Chapter 2 [Next Morning—Kent Farm]

The sun rose slowly in the east on that late June morning. As if fearful of the wizard’s reappearance, the birds timidly started to chirp their welcome to the new day.

Despite their worries, Jonathan, Martha and Miranda persevered in their routines around the farm. Judging from the newlyweds’ mood and Dave’s previous mentioning of finding answers, they gathered that the latter had taken Clark, Lana (and probably Heloise) with him. Still, they had wanted to share more time with everyone after the ceremony.

Jonathan raked the old hay out of the cows’ stalls and replaced it with fresher cover. Then he noticed something glow brightly and heard voices upstairs. “What the devil?” He hurried toward the stairs.

****



[A/N: Of course, we know where the group went. For more, read “Contagion”, “Isobel” and “Heritage” in the Dubois Chronicles Series 2.]

[Two minutes earlier—the Loft]

In a bright flash of light, Clark, Lana, Heloise, Dave, April and their newly born twins, Colin and Peggy arrived back where they started.

“We’re back!” April realized.

“An amazing trick to be sure,” Heloise concurred.

“As nice as it is to see everyone again, it’s nice to be home,” Lana declared.

“At least we have some information on what we’ll be facing,” Clark interjected.

“Potential information, Clark.” Dave rocked his daughter to sleep. “Remember, events are unfolding differently between our universe and theirs.” He quirked a brow anxiously.

<”You sense it too, don’t you?”> the priestess inquired.

“Oui,” Dave agreed.

“Sense what?” April queried.

“Professor?” Clark asked, feeling disconcerted.

“Later,” the medievalist insisted, sensing Jonathan’s approach. “Your Dad’s coming.”

The super teens eyed each other, knowing that another lesson would be forthcoming from him or Jor-El at some point.

“I don’t suppose you can tell me where you’ve been?” Jonathan demanded.

“Fact finding mission, Jonathan,” April sighed. “It was overwhelming.”

“Fact finding mission?” the farmer asked impatiently.

“About our situation and Krypton, Dad,” Clark explained. “It was kind of sudden. Especially after our run in with that Mystery Guy.”

“He came after us after the reception, Dad,” Lana added. “Fortunately, Dr. Dubois and Heloise were there.”

Jonathan nodded although he wasn’t completely satisfied with the answers. The thought of the cloaked intruder being close by once again egged his already overly-developed paranoia further. “Your mother’s in the house making breakfast. I’m sure you’ll have quite the tale to tell.” He glanced at the Duboises. “And are those who I think they are?”

“Yes, Jonathan. This is Colin. Dave’s got his sister, Peggy,” the florist responded. “Maybe we’ll do that breakfast and then we need to be getting back to town. I want Karen to see these little guys.”

“Better make sure Mom and Miri get their turn otherwise you’ll never hear the end of it,” Lana advised knowingly.

“Perish the thought,” Dave joked while heading for the stairs. “Come on, Peg. Let’s meet your cousin.”

The others followed quickly feeling eager to catch up with everyone.

Miranda waited for them on the porch. “We were about to send out the dogs. What happened?”

“We were over in the other universe finding out about our cloaked nuisance, Sunshine. Clark and Lana had a run in with him. You haven’t seen him, have you?” Dave explained.

“No. I made sure Cassie and Angie are okay. Aunt Karen’s with them now,” Miri responded.

“Thanks for that. Anyhow, while we were gone, we added two faces to the family. This is your cousin, Peggy. Aunt April has your cousin, Colin, with her,” her uncle noted.

The sensei looked warmly at the twins, adding a smile for good measure. “Hello there! I’m Miri. Love you both.” She kissed each baby’s forehead in turn. “Come on. Let’s get some breakfast. Then you can do what you have to do.”




Chapter 3 [Several hours later—Talon]

Lana checked the previous three days’ receipts to see how the café fared during her absence. Much to her relief, the operations had gone on without a hitch. “Nice to see that went all right.”

“And that you’re back okay,” Chloe added while setting a coffee in front of her. “Where did you go this time?”

Lana glanced around, making sure that they were out of earshot. “We visited the other side again. Our counterparts had answers for us concerning Mr. Dark and Creepy.”

“Glad to hear that,” the reporter indicated, trying to suppress a shiver.

Unfortunately, Lana noticed the reaction. She arched an eyebrow. “Did something happen that you want to tell me about?”

“Around here? Just another day in Paradise,” Chloe deadpanned.

“Chloe, come on.” The former cheerleader leaned across the table, staring into her friend’s eyes. With her enhanced hearing, she could detect the other’s jackhammering heartbeat. “Are you and Lex okay?”

“You’re doing the lie detector thing, aren’t you? That’s really not fair,” the reporter groused while finishing her coffee. “Yeah something did happen. Last night, your Mr. Dark and Creepy showed up at the mansion and baited Lex and me. Whatever you found out, I hope it’s good for dealing with that jerk.”

“We’ll see,” Lana hoped. After this, Clark and I really need to see Jor-El.


****


[Angie’s Floral Emporium]

Karen held Colin gently in her arms, rocking him to sleep. She turned to April who watched Peggy sleeping in the corner. “Glad that you’re back and they’re okay.”

“You and me both. They treated us really well over there but there was so much going on. I guess I’ll never completely understand,” April replied. “Then again, we both know what it means to be around Dave especially considering Clark and Lana’s situation as well.”

“That’s putting it mildly. When you disappeared, we thought that Madame Gregoire had something to do with it,” Karen presumed.

“Not directly at least. I will need to talk to Dave about something his counterpart said. Apparently, we’ve only scratched the surface to the weirdness. Terrific. Just when I thought this couldn’t get any worse.”

“Dave won’t let anything happen to you or the kids. You can count on that. Meantime, you missed the Pilgrim’s latest incursion. He showed up at Lex’s place last night,” Karen informed her.

“I wish that guy would stay away,” April groused before yawning. “Just let me take the kids upstairs.”

“I’ve got everything set here. You rest,” Karen insisted.

“Okay. Karen, seriously—thanks for keeping an eye on the girls and the shop.” With that, she took both babies upstairs.

Karen watched her sister-in-law go up the stairs before shaking her head. Now what are you doing, Dave?




Chapter 4
[Luthor Mansion]

Dave walked up to the front door of the mansion, knowing full well that Lex would want the full story behind the sudden trip. Hopefully, he’ll just accept what I have to say and that will be that. He knocked at the door.

Jenkins opened it and smiled. “Ah, Master Dubois! How are you?”

“It’s been a long two days, Mr. Jenkins, but we’re all right. All things considered, so far so good. Is Mr. Luthor in?” the medievalist inquired.

“He’s in his study, sir. Follow me,” the butler replied before leading him up the stairs toward the double doors. Opening them, he announced, “Master Luthor, Dr. Dubois is here.”

“Send him right in. Thanks, Jenkins,” the billionaire agreed.

“Thanks, Lex,” Dave replied while entering the area. “It’s been quite the week.”

“You can say that again. Coffee?” Lex offered while pouring a cup for himself.

“Thanks.” Dave looked around anxiously, picking up on the residue from the previous night. “What the? He was here?”

“I wondered how long it would take for you to pick up on our mystery guest,” Lex commented. “He showed up last night and Chloe saw him.”

“Chloe saw him? Oh that’s great.” The medievalist rubbed his forehead. “I was hoping to avoid another expose.” He sighed heavily. “We don’t need another Candy Colavitto type case.”

“I cautioned her and Jasmine last night, Dave. Still you might want to talk with them at some point about the situation. Speaking of the last couple of days, where did you and the kids go?” Lex inquired.

“We went to see our counterparts and find out more about the Pilgrim Pest and this dark legend.” Dave paced the room. “Dave filled in some blanks for Heloise and me. In addition, I saw her, Lex.”

“Her?”

“Isobel—well their universe’s version of her. The Protector and Child apparently dealt with her.” He shuddered, still recalling the encounter with the witch in the Vendee. “We apparently will have more to deal with than just our obnoxious intruder. And with our newest arrivals, I want to be doubly careful,” Dave explained.

“Newest arrivals?” Lex grinned. “The twins?”

“Colin and Peggy. April gave birth two days ago. They’re both happy and healthy,” Dave reported. “At long last, there’s a son to carry on the Dubois name. Not that I don’t love the girls any less of course but now…..”

“Now you’ve beaten the curse.” Lex embraced the older man tightly. “Congratulations.”

“I’ve won a victory. Let’s hold off the celebrations until after we deal with the upcoming threat.” Dave took a deep breath. “Meantime, I was wondering if that offer was still open from the community college.”

“It is and I gave your acceptance. You might want to touch base with them but I don’t see any problems,” the billionaire assured him.

“Might as well get things going on all fronts while we’re waiting,” Dave agreed. “Meantime, just watch your back and Chloe’s. Okay?”

“You know I will in addition to Clark and Lana’s,” Lex declared.

“That’s what I was counting on. Sorry I have to run but April needs help with the kids. I just wanted you to know that we’re all back safe and sound,” Dave concluded before finishing his coffee and departing.

Lex watched his friend’s car disappear down Route 40 heading back toward town. He frowned. What is it that you’re not telling me, Dave?





Chapter 5 [Cowache Caves]

Even as everyone else caught up on the last couple of days, Clark hurried to catch up on his chores before heading for the caves. Other than assuring his parents that everything was okay, he wanted confirmation from Jor-El on certain things. It’s unbelievable how advanced Ror-El’s world is! To think that we’re really the link to all of that!

All of what, my Son? You’ve returned with questions, I imagine? Jor-El replied. Join me in the central chamber.

Clark super sped to the designated place to find his father’s spirit floating there. Sorry, Jor-El. We just got back and…I had some questions.

I see. And who is this ‘Ror-El’ I heard in your thoughts?

Clark shrugged. He’s our…descendant. Lana and I were on a planet based on Kryptonian society. We saw so much stuff and they told us a lot about Krypton. It’s really awesome to think Lana and I are….

The repository for our culture? Kal-El, haven’t I told you that you have a great responsibility? Through Lana and you, our civilization has its best chance of survival. While this is an unexpected surprise, I’m glad you both visited that place.

Professor Dubois’ kids were born in a birthing chamber.

As you were, Jor-El confirmed. Interesting indeed. Your counterparts are well, I trust?

They were great. They send their best, Clark replied.

At some point, I will need to discuss this with you and Lana both. Meantime, did you find out about the Vendee witch and the demon wizard? Jor-El wondered.

We heard about the Countess Isobel and the Professor’s counterpart’s run ins with her. He really had a hard time with her. As it was, he and the others just beat her while we were there. Was it that bad for Dr. Dubois here? Clark reported.

You will need to ask him, Kal-El. However, you should know that the demon wizard has been in the vicinity again last night, Jor-El indicated. We cannot hide from him or the ones he serves. Was there something else from the trip?

Clark mused on that point for a minute before replying, Do Kryptonians have psychic abilities other than the telepathy?

Some have. Kal-El, if you suspect that Lana or you have such gifts, we shall work on them at once. Those abilities would be valuable indeed, Jor-El explained.

Clark studied the cave paintings again before answering, That’s what I thought. With that, he began to tell Jor-El some of what happened in the other universe.


*****


[Loft—Two hours later]

After finishing his talk with Jor-El, Clark rushed back to his loft, seeking some quiet time to work through the critical issues revealed by the recent trip (and people’s reactions to it). Although complicated before, life seemed more cumbersome at that point. We learned about our heritage. At least Lana and I know what it means to be Kryptonian. But can we handle the other stuff coming at us? He sighed heavily.

“Such a heavy expression,” Heloise declared from the staircase. Looking around the area, she nodded. “I can see why you spend time up here contemplating things.”

“It’s peaceful,” he answered guardedly.

She eyed him, taking in his cautious expression. “Clark, I mean you no harm nor do I seek to know all of your secrets or Lana’s for that matter. I am sorry for disturbing your solitude.”

“That’s all right. I’m used to keeping secrets, I guess,” he assured her.

She complimented, “A wise strategy when one is not sure of their surroundings. You have learned some caution on our trip. Good. It will serve you well.”

“I have to look out for Lana, my folks and everyone,” he noted seriously. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” she agreed.

“You miss her, don’t you? Sister Clarise, I mean,” he inquired.

Her eyes went heavy and she let out a deep breath. “Oui. She was quite a treasure especially against my mother’s evil. She was a true source of light and goodness in the dark of the Vendee.”

“And what we heard about—that happened?”

“That’s another question, Young One,” she teased; her mood lightening momentarily. “Still, it is important that you know about those things involving Dr. Dubois and myself. The confrontation happened but exactly the way they related it. For our purposes though, it was close enough to the truth.” She rubbed his shoulder. “Watch for Lana and yourself in the coming months. Remember that you both will not be alone in that time.” She turned back toward the stairs. “Do not fear to learn what you do not know. Adjustments are a part of life. Au revoir, Clark.” With that, she left.

For the next few hours, he stared out the Loft’s window, contemplating her advice and wondering what exactly waiting for them beyond the horizon. “What did she mean by adjustments? Great. Another puzzle.”





Conclusion [Hours later]
[Talon Apartment]

April set the twins down to sleep and collapsed into a chair. While she had known that motherhood would be a challenge, she didn’t anticipate it being so demanding. And to think Dave and I haven’t dealt with the late night feedings, diaper changes, etc. She heard the door open and close. “Dave?”

Her husband walked into the room and kissed her. “How are they all doing?” he whispered.

“We’re hanging in there,” she assured him. “Cassie and Angie were wondering if you would want to do something tonight.”

“That’d be great but I can’t leave you with the twins….” he started to protest.

She smiled. “Yes you’re the twins’ dad and I’ll hold you to your share. Trust me. However, between the wedding and our disappearing act, the girls need some quality time too. Go ahead. Miri’s going to be up here to check on me.”

He chuckled softly. “That’s our Miri.” He crept up to the crib where the two babies slept quietly and stole a look at them. He smiled warmly while watching their breathing before heading back over to his wife’s side. “They’re beautiful and so are you.” He kissed her again. “I’ll take Cassie and Angie to a movie.” He departed, heading for the flower shop where he knew Karen was watching them.

April shook her head. He is something else! She took a deep breath, recalling the news from earlier in the day concerning the teaching position. I hope we can have *some* normalcy for a change! But as she thought that, she could hear his counterpart’s advice about their issues being the tip of the iceberg. What did he mean by all of that? How will it affect us?



****

[Cemetery]

Lana parked her Explorer beside the cemetery and scratched her chin, worrying about the things she couldn’t see or deal with. During her shift at the Talon, she felt Clark’s anxiety over their link and did her best to reassure him. While she knew that he had gone to see Jor-El, she had allowed them their time, being certain that they would all be talking together about things soon enough.

She entered the necropolis hesitantly, still collecting her thoughts. Mom and Dr. Dubois both said that she was involved with those things. Why should it surprise me like this? They were friends. She saw her mother’s spirit waiting for her there. “Hi, Mom.”

Laura smiled warmly. “It’s good to see you, Dear. How was your trip? Did you find the answers you were looking for?”

Lana shrugged. “Some of it. Problem is—for every question we answered, ten others popped up. We did get the whole Isobel story—at least their version of it.” She looked earnestly at her. “I never realized how closely tied you were to the whole thing.”

“As Heloise would tell you, the Countess made sure of that. Did they show you the standoff at the university and the Vendee mess?” Seeing her daughter nod, she sighed. “Then you saw Dave at his worst. She intended for the Protector to be a demonic killer. You know of course that neither of them would hurt you or Clark.”

“Of course! Still to see what he is…and what you all went through unsettled me. I know Clark is digesting it,” Lana answered.

“Take your time and be patient with yourselves, Lana,” Laura advised seriously. “You both are still learning about yourselves and your abilities. There is still a great deal for you both to uncover.”

“Such as the mind stuff, right? Dr. Dubois mentioned that,” the younger woman guessed.

“For starters, yes. You should look to him and to Heloise for guidance. Even after 400 years, she is still developing her own talents. You can all teach each other something, I imagine.” She glanced toward the southwest. “I think Clark needs you. We can talk later, Sweetie.” With that, she disappeared into the late afternoon sunshine.

Fearing another situation, Lana rushed for her vehicle and drove away toward the farm.


****

[Loft]

Clark still sat on the couch, contemplating the setting sun and Heloise’s advice. How will we know what to look for? I don’t even know what to search for much less what to tell Lana! He picked up a stone and heaved it over his father’s fields in frustration.

[“It’s okay, Clark,”]

He turned to see his beloved observing him intently. “Everyone’s sneaking up on me today.”

“Maybe we should both work on our telepathic gifts?” she proposed while stepping over to his side. “Meantime, Mr. Kent, you need to relax.”

“How can we when that wizard guy or who knows what is lurking around the corner?” he retorted in frustration. “First it was Arighatto, then the Black Hand and now these other creeps!”

She shrugged. “We also had the County Fair. Remember? Who says we can’t enjoy a little more time like that together?” She embraced him, letting her eyes sparkle into his. “We will deal with these things one at a time. However, we’re due some ‘us’ time too.”

He grinned at her. “You think so, don’t you, Mrs. Kent?”

She smirked at him. “Don’t even try to get out of it, Clark. We just need to be careful. I didn’t see your parents’ truck around. Where’d they go?”

“They’re in Metropolis. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” he queried.

“You better believe it.” She kissed him passionately. “Let’s go.” Taking his hand, she led him toward the house and their momentary respite at super speed.

Soon enough, they would have to deal with the perils around them once again. However, for that night, they enjoyed each other’s company, relishing the long overdue pleasures that being newlyweds could provide.



THE END (for now)



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