Chapter 33 [A/N: Again, building in connections to my Dubois Chronicles and older Super Lana Series. Differences will occur….]
Clark paced about the area. Jonathan's lecture rang in his ears and mind. "What did we do? What did I do?" He rubbed his hands across the back of his neck. "Mom?"
"I'll talk to him when we get back, Clark. This isn't anyone's fault." Martha shook her head. "Who would've thought that Mr. Arighatto would be up here too?"
"Considering who that man is, Mrs. Kent, I'm not surprised. My father's here too." Lex looked about the area. "I'm surprised we're not having this meeting at your foundation, Dr. Swann."
"My recordings are here, Alexander. I do not think we need to be reminded about Hansei Arighatto's capabilities. He led a group of ninjas into a restaurant a few minutes ago. Fortunately, we received help. We did not have to…call in…certain other parties yet." Swann narrowed his eyes.
"You mean Dave Dubois." The Smirk spread across Lex's face. "Hate to say it but I'd almost pay to watch him deal with Arighatto."
"Lex, Miranda's alive. Nobody should have to bury himself alive. Byron Moore's parents did that. To think that Mr. Arighatto would endanger people. I don't understand that." Martha frowned.
Lex rubbed the back of his neck. "Mrs. Kent, Arighatto's that arrogant. He doesn't care. He wanted to make a statement." Lex frowned. Memoria reminded him about other such statements and lessons. "Before Miranda comes in, Guys, don't talk about that stuff in front of her. I still can't believe what he did to her family. So, just be considerate."
"We're here for her, Lex." Lana took Clark's hand.
"Guys! What Dr. Swann's talking about. It's a place by some college not far from here. The Coffee Bean?" Chloe typed away on her keyboard. "Dr. Swann?"
"It was quite the scene." Stacy limped into the room. "I…I still have issues believing it and the journey over here as well. Can I have a place to sit down?"
"Right here, Captain." Clark slid a chair over to Stacy. He watched the elder man sit down. "Where are the others? Were Peter and Gwen in there?"
Stacy nodded. "They were. Gwen and I were taken from there by most unusual means. Spider-Man helped Peter from there. Then, he was a true hero."
"Wait. He could barely stand up in here a few hours ago. And he took on over a dozen ninjas and then Mr. Arighatto too?" Lana scratched her head. "How…?"
"I had help. Most of it though I got through." Spider-Man shrugged. "Part of that unusual stuff Captain Stacy brought up. Otherwise, restaurant full of people. Hero's job's never done. All in a day…right?"
"Too bad Mr. Parker didn't get the pictures. That'd be a great headline too," Chloe lamented.
"The public has seen enough of Arighatto's demon side." Lex frowned. "What about Clark and Lana though?" He noted Snapdragon and Miranda entering the area too. "How many people are coming? I thought this was a secret."
"It is, Alexander. We're the last ones." Swann watched Crosby close the door. "Thank you, Dr. Crosby. This has certainly been a more eventful visit than I had imagined it would be. I wanted to speak with the Kents, Miss Lang and Miss Dubois on their experiences and heritage. Each of us have a part and perspective. You do remember our families' summer vacations at the lake, Alexander?"
Memoria prompted glimmers into that era for Lex. "With our families, the Teagues and the Queens? Forgive me. I know we went on those trips. I don't remember very much about them. I remember you all would speak about some being called the Traveler. You all made an agreement to welcome and support him. Maybe Patty might remember some of that?"
"She didn't remember much more than you seem to." Swann turned to the screen. "Computer, first screen."
Screens lit up. Images of statues paraded across them. Pictographs akin to those in the Cowache Caves appeared carved into the walls and statues.
"That looks like the caves in Smallville," Chloe realized.
"They are. In addition, there is another site in Javalastan. The final one is in the Vendee region of Southwestern France." Snapdragon pointed out. "I am part of the order sworn to protect the Javalastani site. The Vendee site is still closely watched. Dr. Swann?"
"That's Mirabeau Chateau?" Miranda shuddered. "Arighatto took me there once. That place gave me the creeps. I felt Uncle Dave's energy all around that place."
Lex shook his head. "Not to steal Dr. Swann's show, that's because his problems started there. One of Lana's ancestors cursed him from that place in the seventeenth century. Her ghost caused its share of issues in Smallville and here in the northeast in the early 1980s. Then, she and another wizard got him back to her time. They tried to burn him at the stake. I have the chronicle in my safe back at the mansion. There's also a tapestry at the Cloisters a few miles from here."
"Yes." Swann turned to the computer. "Computer. Show Countess portrait and then tapestry on adjacent screen. The Cloisters gave us permission to scan an image of the tapestry, Alexander. That woman is the Countess Isobel Marguerite Thibidoux Dereaux. She was the high priestess to a demon named Dahak and a member of a well-established cult of an Italian inventor at that point. She was one of many who have sought to get close to those travelers from beyond our galaxy. The second picture shows a later depiction of the villagers' attempt to kill your uncle, Miss Dubois. That is his alter ego's ultimate form, the Destroyer. That is what Arighatto wanted with him and the darkness in you. Genealogy screen please."
The screens rippled. A family tree replaced it.
"Miss Lang, this is the family tree that your mother and Miss Dubois' uncle put together with Lillian Luthor's patronage. Your family has a mixed history of good and evil, I am sorry to say. Miss Stacy, Mrs. Kent's and your appearance outside here as well at your home last night was the work of magic."
"Doctor, the woman identified herself as Heloise. There was another claiming to be an angel named Louise. Does that help you?" Stacy chimed in.
"Heloise Thibidoux Gregoire to be precise. You saw her? Then she is still alive. I do not know who Louise is."
"Captain Stacy, does that Louise look like Lana with a fifties beehive hairdo?" Spider-Man pointed at Lana for emphasis.
"Why yes! She indeed does!" Stacy furrowed his brow.
"I ran into her last night. Let's say she's the real deal. I kind of made a promise to keep the rest of the details to myself. Sorry." Spider-Man shrugged. "Parker knows. He and you can talk. He can tell me the rest." He looked over the chart. "Hey! That 1692 lady, Rebecca? I don't remember her in Salem. Mystery wizard? Hey, Doc, big guy that dresses like a Puritan?" He shook his head.
"She was there apparently, Spider-Man." Swann frowned. "So, you were there."
"Yeah, I was. Long story." Spider-Man shook his head. "Let me guess. They sacrificed those poor people so they could get out of town. Your wizard called himself the Dark Rider. He even blasted Doc Doom without an effort. Sorry. I still see them hanging from that tree." A pronounced shudder shook his shoulders and back.
"It was right outside the Kent farmhouse in 1983 too. I remember it took Dave on. That's the first time the Protector got out completely." Lex shook his head. "It was up in Amherst six months later. Your Mom was there, Lana. She said it sent Dave and the Protector back to 1604. Dr. Swann, there was another woman. If that is Heloise, she had a sister, Clarise."
"That is correct. She is watching as well. She likes her privacy. Mrs. Kent?" Swann noted.
"Sister Clarise was interesting. My husband and I have not seen her since the meteor shower. But, Dr. Swann, there have been people who have sought to get at Clark. I presume that is who you mean by the Traveler? We had to protect him. That's why he and I can be cautious to the point of seeming paranoid. It is necessary."
"With my father around, I'd agree. The Teagues are still there. I played a role. I wish I could've known. I would have kept the secret secure." Lex rubbed his chin. "I watched my mother helping your uncle, Miranda. I wish I had known your real identity. I would've had you staying at the mansion. Along with Mr. Stacy and Gwen, I was going to invite you to move in. Same with Peter Parker. You're out of school for the summer at least. Right? Why don't you come back with us? Maybe Peter can work something out with the Ledger? If you all want, there are other newspapers he can freelance with?"
"I know we have Mrs. Parker's house up here. Sorry but with that creepy guy and his ninjas running around, I'd like to be some place safe. Dad, sorry." Gwen winced.
"We've had this discussion. Mr. Luthor, we'd appreciate that. Peter's aunt is heading to Florida for the near future. Perhaps we can try it and see where that goes? I know Metropolis has opportunities as well. The transfer deadline is coming up." Stacy hobbled across the room. He extended his hand. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. And it's Lex." Lex shook his hand. He turned to Spider-Man. "That's good for you too."
Spider-Man nodded. He looked about the room. "Yeah. That sounds tempting. I like New York. Metropolis could be good. Maybe the police would accept me? Be nice for a change. Hey, Lex. Just take care of Parker. Okay?"
"I'll do that. I think Arighatto's shown why you shouldn't be alone either. I can protect you." Lex shrugged. "That includes your secret identity. You saved my friends. I'll be honest. I'm going to have two very profile international guests in residence at the mansion. I could use you keeping an eye on things from time to time. Just a thought."
"That works. Okay. You mean that Princess? Sure. She sent Snappy over there to bail me out this morning. I can watch out for her too. I just don't want any cops or anything." Spider-Man shook Lex's hand too. "I can help keep an eye on our super kids here. Ask Big Jennifer, Joe and Louise."
"I'm sure Jonathan would appreciate that." Martha mulled over Spider-Man's offer. Bugle's editorials screamed menace and worse about him. Still, his action blew away the accusations. Moreover, he cared in a genuine way. "You've spoken with Jor-El?"
"Yeah. He talked with me this morning. That's how I knew to get in there and pull him out." Spider-Man shook his head. I wish I knew if I could trust Chloe. If she wasn't here, I'd just unmask here. "I'd like my own questions answered. And what Parker and I saw from the crash site and in the museum, yeah, the kids are something else. They also have a weakness. They have to watch their backs."
"Arighatto used the you know what on us, Mom. He knows about it." Clark shook his head. "Wish we could deal with that."
"I don't know what that is, Clark. If Arighatto knows about it, then we'll have to be ready." Lex took a deep breath. He regarded Clark and Lana again. "I can't believe you two are aliens."
"Clark is. That explosion that shook Smallville? Something happened. Joe…Jor-El…made me like this. Clark and I are both the same now. I'm still the same person. I'm just different." Lana shrugged. "I'm really glad I don't have to hide from Clark anymore."
"That makes two of us." Clark squeezed Lana's hand in his. "I'm glad you all know. It's a really big secret."
"I'd say it is." Stacy regarded the two teenagers. "I have read of previous travelers. I recall something about that Countess being married to a stranger?"
Swann cleared his throat. "Yes. His name was supposedly Pierre Deraux. The symbols around the Mirabeau Chateau chamber revealed his name as 'Bolin Sa'. Perhaps you can learn more in Smallville? I don't know. Pity that David cannot come out and simply provide answers. Clarise and Heloise would know more about their father. Professor Dubois is related to you as well, Miss Lang, through that line."
"So, I'm not an orphan?" Lana frowned.
"No, you aren't. Nell didn't let us tell you about them. I'm sorry, Lana. Maybe you can contact them now?" Martha assured her. "We don't know how to get a hold of them though. Sorry."
"Heloise seems like the 'I'll find you' type," Spider-Man interjected. "She really got me in a better position and helped Gwen and her Dad. That's cool in my book."
"Princess Jasmine has met them both. She speaks well of them," Snapdragon interjected. "She also extends an invitation to you all. Perhaps, Mr. Luthor, you can speak with the Consul about arrangements here for everyone?"
"Parker'll need to stop at the Daily Bugle." Spider-Man rolled his eyes under his mask. Can't wait for Jonah's rant on that one!
"I'll speak to Jameson myself. It's an emergency. He should understand," Lex presumed.
Spider-Man coughed. "No offense, Lex, this is J. Jonah Jameson we're talking about. The man who slanders me on a daily basis."
"Maybe you'll give me an interview? I know people." Chloe smirked. "I interned with Felicity Travers last summer. She's tough but fair. Besides, Mr. Foster, the Editor in Chief, is always looking for a great story. I'm not talking about you unmasking or anything. It would be good PR for you."
"Trust me. She doesn't pull punches," Clark advised.
"No, Clark, I don't. I wish I could interview you two as well. I know I can't." Chloe shook her head. "Wow. Now I'm glad I stopped that research."
"Yes. My systems detected spy software on your laptop, Miss Sullivan. It was disabled when you walked in here. It seems you might wish to run a deeper diagnostic on your systems?" Swann quirked an eyebrow. "But I have given you what I can. Beyond that, we can speak of course. I will be in contact. I would encourage caution. However, you must have control of your abilities. What happened two weeks ago cannot happen again."
"It won't." Clark promised.
"Very well. Alexander, I believe you can make arrangements for everyone? Miss Dubois, please give my regards to your Sensei when you see him. This trip underscores the need for caution and care. Mrs. Kent, I am sure Mr. Kent and you say the same. That is a good trait."
"Thank you, Dr. Swann. We do say that to Clark and Lana. It is a relief that people here know. We all have to support each other though." Martha checked her phone. "Lex, as much as I'd like to stay another day here in New York, we do need to be getting back."
"I know. I have business in Metropolis tomorrow myself. I was preparing to fly directly there and then have us all driven back to Smallville. I can have a plane fueled up and ready to go in a couple of hours. I'd rather Mr. Parker come with us. Given what's going on, I don't want to give Arighatto any isolated targets. Jameson can deal with it. Thanks, Dr. Swann. I'm glad you're alive. Sorry about your situation. I'd definitely like to stay in touch. My father may be difficult to deal with."
"He will be a challenge, Alexander. I will be in touch. I ask that you respect these secrets. I can have the car take you all to where you need to go. Spider-Man, I wish you well in what you decide. Thank you for your assistance." Swann nodded to them.
"Yeah. You too, Doc. Too bad Parker's not here. He's really into your stuff." Spider-Man waved to them. "I'll see you all out there!" He shot Gwen a look. Then he walked from the chamber.
"The Princess has asked me to watch him. Do not worry, my Friends. I will make sure he is all right. Mr. Parker is resting back at the Consulate. We will see him to the plane. Miranda, might I have a hand with Carpet please?" Snapdragon requested.
"Right with you. Boss, Clark, Mr. Luthor, be back." Miranda took her end and helped Snapdragon carry the transport out of the room.
"Everyone else, you're with me. Let's get something to eat. Then we can get back. Talon needs staffing. We need to get settled." Lex got on his phone. "Furner, Lex Luthor. I need you to get a jet ready. We've got passengers heading for Smallville." He walked out of the room.
Jonathan will be glad that we're back. But how will he take everyone knowing? Questions loomed in Martha's mind….