Author's Note: Here is the first chapter in this story. I do know where this is going but it might take me some time to write it.
Until then, enjoy.
Rip Hunter climbed the stairs from his basement workshop in the hopes of finding breakfast. With the kitchen empty Rip located some bread and cheese, cutting himself a few slices before grabbing some milk and sitting at the table to eat. A knock on the door made him grimace but rather than call for either Grace or Smith to answer it as his 'status' demanded Rip headed to the back door, realising his mistake instantly.
"My apologies, sir," the young woman stepped back nervously when she saw him, "I...I...I..."
"Can I help you?" Rip asked kindly before she could stammer any more.
She dropped her head and pulled a book from her basket, "Mr Smith left this at my father's workshop this morning when he brought the clock to be fixed. I thought I would return it in case he required it."
Forcing himself not to laugh at the young woman Rip motioned her inside, "I'm sure Smith will be grateful that you came to return this. Please take a seat and I will let him know you're here."
Surprise covered her face but before she could protest Rip brought her inside sitting her at the table.
"I'll be right back," Rip told her.
Rip found Smith and Grace organising the weapons and supplies in the library, Beth sitting in the corner reading a book.
"Smith, you have a guest waiting in the kitchen," Rip interrupted them.
Confused the other man frowned, "Who?"
"A young lady returning a book you left when getting one of our clocks fixed," Rip replied, forcing himself not to grin when Smith's eyes widened before he headed to the kitchen without another word.
Beth appeared at his legs suddenly, "What's going on?"
Picking her up Rip pressed his finger to his lips for her to stay silent before he followed Grace so they could eavesdrop. He shared an amused smile with Grace at the awkward conversation going on in the kitchen.
"What's so funny?" Beth demanded annoyed that she didn't understand they were smiling.
Rip kissed her hair before putting her down again; he motioned Grace to take her back to the library then entered the kitchen once more.
"You should escort Miss Taylor home," Rip told Smith, "Since she was so considerate to return your property."
Smith threw a dark look at Rip but as they weren't alone he couldn't say anything. Instead turned to the young woman sitting there and offered his arm to her. With a sweet shy smile Smith's visitor took his arm and allowed him to lead her out.
"What happened?" Beth demanded when Rip returned to the library, "Why won't you tell me?"
Rip chuckled and tapped her nose affectionately, "I'll tell you when you're older but I now understand why we've needed to get clocks and watches fixed so much recently."
x
The glow of the core filled the cupboard while Rip stared at it hypnotised by his memories. He'd been here in Victorian London for just over a year and Rip found he was settled, more or less. He still missed Gideon's steadying presence and voice of reason. Grace and Smith were his friends, as much as they could be under the circumstances but neither could replace his Gideon.
Forcing himself to close the cupboard Rip returned to checking the information they'd received from their network about the strange events in the city caused by the creatures that had followed him through time. He had been tracking one that was attacking people near the river but so far couldn't find it.
"Michael?"
Rip looked up from his work at the call to find his little sister skip into his study and over to his side.
"Grace said lunch is ready," she told him strictly, "So you are to come to eat."
"Really," Rip did his best not to chuckle at her stern face, "And who is telling me to?"
Folding her arms across her chest she drew herself up, "Me."
Rip rested his hands on her arms and kissed the top of her head, "In that case, I will come and have lunch with you."
Beth grinned taking his hand leading him out of the room.
Rip and Grace walked slowly through the market where they were picking up supplies, as well as some information from their network.
"Mr Hunter," Grace said rescuing him from one of their neighbours, "I think I've found what you were looking for to get Miss Elizabeth. Unfortunately the vendor will not be here long."
"Excuse me," Rip said to the man who had been talking at him for the past ten minutes before murmuring to Grace as they walked away, "Thank you."
She smiled slightly, "I didn't want you shooting him."
Rip nodded, "It was becoming a close call."
"Two of the boys need to talk to you," Grace told him becoming serious again, "Just by the fishmonger."
"Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes," he told her, "See if you can find a present for Beth in case we run into the insanely boring man again."
She nodded with a smile while he made his way through the stalls to find the kids who were waiting to talk to him.
"Matthew, Liam?" he greeted the two boys when he found them, "What do you have for me?"
They looked at one another before Liam, the younger of the two, nudged Matthew to speak.
"There's something happening at the docks," Matthew spoke up, "Workers were talking. Three men disappeared two nights ago, police found parts of their bodies this morning."
Rip grimaced, "Thank you," he pulled out a few coins and passed them to the boys who then scurried away leaving Rip musing on this new information.
After a few moments he headed back to find Grace frowning to see she had bought several ribbons as well as two dresses and a new doll for Beth.
"I said a present," Rip sighed shaking his head, "I have one more stop before we head back to the house. Come on."
x
The bookshop was old and musty but Rip had found it contained books which were able to provide information on a lot of the creatures they faced.
"Good day, Mr Hunter," the old man who owned the shop greeted as they walked in, "I have what you asked for."
"Thank you, Mr Collins," Rip said softly, examining the pile of books when they were set on the counter in front of him. Placing them in the bag he'd brought Rip paid the man before he and Grace started home once more.
"The boys gave some information on the docks," Rip told her while they walked through the streets, "Smith and I will head there tonight to check it out."
Grace frowned slightly but nodded.
"I've also been thinking about the creatures we've faced," Rip continued, absently nodding to those who greeted him, "And how sometimes they appear in random parts of the city while other attacks have been clustered in the one area."
"I did not notice that," Grace admitted, "But now I see it. Do you think it is significant?"
"I'm not sure," Rip opened the front door and allowed her inside first, "While we're out I want you to go over every encounter we've had and map out each location along with what was there. See if there is a pattern of some kind."
Grace nodded before she frowned, "Do you hear that?"
Rip strained hearing soft music coming from the lounge. When Grace opened the door they laughed to find Smith holding Beth's hands while she stood on his feet as he danced to the music with her.
"It's a pity we can't let Miss Taylor see this," Rip murmured.
Grace laughed.
Hearing them Smith looked up embarrassment covering his face while Beth ran to Rip for a hug.
"Okay," Rip lifted his sister into his arms, "Let's get some dinner."
x
"Michael?" Beth asked while he tucked her into bed, "Are you going to hunt the monsters again tonight?"
Rip nodded, "I am. You know that means..."
"Grace is in charge," Beth rolled her eyes with a long suffering sigh, "I know, Michael."
Chuckling Rip kissed her forehead, "I know you do. Just make sure you don't forget that the moment I leave."
At his reminder Beth looked up at him with completely innocent eyes reminding him of Jonas so much that it took his breath away for a moment. Shaking himself he tapped her nose affectionately.
"Will you come and say goodnight when you get back?" Beth asked, taking a hold of his hand and tracing the small scar just at his thumb.
Rip nodded, "I always do."
Beth smiled at his assurance, wrapping her arms around her doll she snuggled down into her pillows to sleep. Rip kissed her forehead again before he left to deal with his other responsibilities.
Gideon stood on the bridge of the Waverider looking down on the Earth below her. It seemed so calm, so peaceful in this time.
"Are you alright?" Rip's voice came from behind her, "You've been quiet for some time."
She turned to him, "I'm just thinking how beautiful it looks. I have never truly appreciated it until now," giving a slight shrug Gideon turned back to look at the planet before her, "Then again I have never truly seen it until now."
"I know," he moved to her side, "And down there is the protection you will need to keep you safe while you remove the Time Bureau for good."
She tilted her head towards him, "They do not deserve to remain for any longer."
Rip nodded and stepped back motioning her forward, "Then let's get to work."
Gideon picked her cloak up and fixed it on before she opened a portal to what looked like a park. Walking through the portal Gideon felt those who had been exiled when the Time Demon was released, there were many of them but there was also something else. Something she knew well, something comforting in the cold city.
"Gideon?" Rip asked from her side, "What is it?"
She turned to him, "It is a part of a Timeship."
"What?"
"I can feel the energy of a core," Gideon told him, "A core here in this time. Someone has that power in this place where they do not understand what it can do. It is something that I need to retrieve."
Rip rested his hand at her cheek, "That is something we can deal with later. You have to be protected first. I need you to be safe."
"Of course," Gideon said softly, "I shall do as you ask, Captain."
With a deep breath she started walking towards the exiled to find her army, to find those who would help her rid the universe of the people who believed they had the right to run up and down the timeline doing whatever they wanted.
Reaching a cave Gideon stepped inside and smiled when the creature that reminded her of a wolf appeared before her. It snarled about to attack but stopped when Gideon raised her hand.
"You are mine now," Gideon told it gently, "I am here to lead you to safety after you do something for me."
It growled for a moment before its head dipped in a low bow. Gideon smiled and stroked its fur before starting further into the cavern with her first defender trotting protectively at her side.
She had work to do.
