I would just like to start this story by saying I don't own LXG. Nor do I own characters from "The Count of Monte Cristo", "Dracula", "Frankenstein", "Tarzan", "The Time Machine", "Faust", or"The Island of Dr. Moreau". I am happy to say this is my first LXG fic! Hooray for me. I hope ya enjoy it. Sorry if anyone is OOC.
Chapter 1: The Count of Monte Cristo and Van Helsing.
Place: A small Island near France. Time: August 19, 1900.-
The Nautilus sailed close to the shore. From the deck, Tom could see the castle which sat on a hill in the center of the small island. Not many people had seen the castle, nor had they even been to the Isle of Monte Cristo… which made Tom all the more curious as to why they had been summoned there.
"Tell me again why were here." Skinner complained.
"Because," Nemo replied. "We were invited by the Count to discuss important business."
"And what important business is that?"
"We do not know yet."
"I see. So basically, we're going to meet some guy whom we've never met for reasons unknown to us on an island we've never heard about. Yeah, sounds pretty smart to me."
"Don't worry Skinner," Said Tom. "If this turns out to be some kind of trap, Nemo's crew will help us out. That is, if we need any help."
"I agree with Skinner." Mina said sternly. "As unbelievable as that is."
"So do I." Jekyll agreed. "How do we know this isn't some sort of trick?"
"I have heard of this Count," Said Nemo. "From what I understand, he isn't the type to try and take control of the world."
"And if what you've heard is wrong…?" Mina inquired.
"As Tom said, if we need help my crew has orders to attack the Count's castle."
"Or you could just let me handle it." Jekyll heard Hyde say.
"I'm still not sure about this." Said Mina.
"Don't worry," Said Tom. "I'll keep ya safe."
Mina just rolled her eyes. After the Nautilus had been docked, Tom, Nemo, and the others stepped out onto the shore. They were greeted by one of the Count's servants.
"Welcome to the Isle of Monte Cristo." He said, with an odd accent which was either Spanish or French. "My name is Jacopo, and I have been sent to escort you to the castle."
"An escort huh?" Said Tom. "Fancy."
"The Count wanted me to show you where your rooms are located before dinner. Shall we go?"
Tom and Nemo were ready, but the others were still hesitant.
Jacopo led them to the castle and showed them a long hall with several rooms. "Gentlemen, your rooms are on this side of the hall." He said. "Dr. Jekyll, your room is the first one. Mr. Sawyer, your room is after that, Captain Nemo's room is next and Mr. Skinner's is last." He pointed to a door on the other side of the hall. "And this is your room Mrs. Harker. Now, if you will all follow me, the dining room is this way."
They walked down a few more halls and corridors until they reached a large hall. It was lit by several old fashioned gas lamps. The light from which was reflected off a large chandelier.
In the center of the room was a long table with six chairs. There were place cards in front of each chair, so Jacopo didn't need to tell them where to sit.
The chair at the end of the table was large and meticulously crafted from a fine mahogany. The cushion was made of red silk, embroidered with a tiger in a fighting position.
But the most amazing item of all was a large painting on the wall. It was the portrait of a young woman standing on the shore looking out at the ocean. She was very beautiful, and her clothes suggest the painting was done some time around the mid 1800s.
"If you will excuse me," Said Jacopo, interrupting the silence. "I shall inform the Count of your arrival. Please make yourselves comfortable."
Jacopo left the room before any of them could say anything.
The five of them decided to find their seats and sit down. Skinner and Jekyll sat on one side with Jekyll next to the large chair at the end, while Mina and Nemo sat on the opposite side with Mina facing Jekyll. Tom sat at the end opposite of the large throne-like chair which was no doubt for the Count.
After a few moments of waiting, they heard the door open and turned to see an elegant man in grand clothing enter the room. "So you are the famed League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." He said with a smile. "Welcome to my castle. I am the Count of Monte Cristo." He walked over to the table and sat down on the large chair. He looked at his guests with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. "I am glad to see you accepted my invitation. I have been looking forward to meeting all of you." The Count's voice was smooth and soft, yet slightly gruff. He spoke excellent English, though you could tell his native language was French. He had gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He appeared to be about fifty years of age, but the Count's eyes seemed far older than the rest of his features. They also seemed to convey a kindness which hardship had wiped away from the rest of his face. Mina couldn't help but be reminded of Dorian's eyes.
After a moment of silence, several servants walked in carrying trays of food which they placed on the table. There was lobster, roast pig, pheasants, soup, clams, and several strange yet wonderful dishes from all around the world.
"I hope the food is to your liking." The Count said, after the servants had finished placing the food on the table and left. "I wasn't sure what you would prefer, so I set out a large selection for you." Despite the large banquet in front of them, none of them even touched the food. Though Skinner almost went for the wine. The Count chuckled at their distrust. "I can assure you that none of it is poisoned. Though I'm not surprised by your skepticism."
"You can hardly blame us." Said Mina. "It's not very common for people such as us to be invited to fancy dinner parties. And I have grown somewhat suspicious of mysterious noblemen in secluded castles since my last encounter with a count."
"Ah yes, I have heard about your… acquaintance… with Count Dracula. As I have heard about all of you. You are a very interesting group of people."
"And I have heard about you Count." Said Nemo. "You too are very interesting. Tell me; is it true that you destroyed the lives and reputations of three men?"
"…Yes. I revealed certain… secrets… about their lives which revealed to the world how evil they truly were. Two of the wretches even committed suicide. But I assure you Captain, they deserved far worse than they got."
"I see. But that situation was supposed to have taken place over 55 years ago. You seem fairly young for a man who should be nearly one hundred years old."
"As you know Captain, the technological and medical advancements of our modern times are truly wondrous. You can easily use science to prolong your life if you have the right resources. But despite all my wealth I am not immortal, nor am I indestructible. I know that science cannot keep death away forever, nor do I care to attempt it. That is why you're here. I want you, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, to help me make a difference in this world. The only legacy I have on this planet is one of treachery, heartache, and vengeance. I wish to change all of that by continuing what Moriarty started nearly a year ago with all of you. Not by using you to conquer the world… but by helping you save it!"
"What're you talking about?" Tom asked.
"I am talking about making the League a true force of good! M recruited you to use your abilities against the world, but you instead used them to stop his evil plan. I have taken it upon myself to ask you if you will once again fight for justice against whatever evil may arise… as a true League."
The others were all speechless, until Tom spoke up. "Are you serious?"
"I am indeed." The Count replied with a smile on his face. "I have some friends in several of the world's highest governments, and they have all agreed to make you an official League, in order to ensure world peace. I can offer you my island and castle as a base of operations, and my wealth will be at your disposal if ever you need it."
This was just too much to believe. Tom couldn't even begin to say what he was thinking, nor could anyone else. This was all too good to be true.
"So then," Said Mina. "We would truly be a league this time?"
"And you would allow us to stay here?" Jekyll asked.
"Not only that," The Count continued. "But you could also train here to further hone your powers and skills. I have several facilities ready for you to use. A track for Mr. Hyde to exercise, a laboratory for Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Harker, a shooting range for Mr. Sawyer, and even a bar for Mr. Skinner."
"A bar…" Skinner repeated, sounding very hopeful. "For me?"
"Yes. Provided you don't try to steal from me. And just to warn you Mr. Skinner, I have very good senses aside from sight, so if I ever catch you sneaking about I will not be very happy." He said this calmly, but Skinner still got the message that the Count wasn't kidding. "Are we clear?"
"Crystal! Uh, but just one thing is buggin' me: What'll you get out of this?"
The Count lowered his eyes. "Let's just say… I'm fulfilling a promise I made long ago." He lifted his eyes once again to look at his guests. "So, what is your decision?"
Tom, Mina, Nemo, Jekyll, and Skinner all looked at each other for a moment, then nodded.
"We're in." Said Tom. "But this had better not be a trick."
"I promise it's not." The Count replied, then he stood up. "Now, allow me to introduce your newest member."
"Newest member?" Jekyll asked.
"Yes. I have been doing some research in order to find some new members for the League. 'The more the merrier' they always say. I found four suitable candidates to become members, one of which is already here."
"Who is he?" Mina asked.
"Someone you'll find very familiar Mrs. Harker." A door opened revealing a dark-haired man in a black coat and hat. "Allow me to introduce ProfessorAbraham Van Helsing, professor of biology, science, theology, and mythology."
"Pleased to meet you." Van Helsing replied, in a somewhat plain accent.
"Abraham?" Mina asked excitedly. She walked up to him. "I can't believe it's you! I haven't seen you in years!"
"I know. It's good to see you Mina."
"AHEM!" Tom cleared his throat, getting both Van Helsing's and Mina's attention. "Professor Van Helsing, Mina's told us about you."
"Indeed." Said Nemo. "We understand you are a 'monster hunter'."
"That's right." Van Helsing replied. "But now I've been invited to join your League. So, am I in?"
They all looked to Nemo, who had been considered the unofficial leader since Quartermain's death. He looked Van Helsing over for a moment, and then made his decision. "You seem like a capable fighter, and you also have an extensive knowledge. I believe you could be useful to the League. Welcome aboard."
"Excellent!" Said the Count. "And now, you should all get some rest. Tomorrow you need to start on your voyage to the North Pole."
"The North Pole?" Jekyll asked. "Why should we go there?"
"Because, that is where you will find the next recruit."
"Who would live in the North Pole?" Mina asked.
"Not so much a 'who'…" Van Helsing replied. "As much as a 'what'."
Hope ya liked it. Review if you did.
Next chapter: Frankenstein: Man or Monster?