Authors Note -So this is the last chapter folks. It has been a fantastic and hugely unexpected ride for me and I hope it was for you too. The story had a life of its own and to be honest, I had little control over what was going on. I hope that I did the "Sanctuary" team some justice and kept the characters the way that they were meant to be. I also hope that you enjoyed the invention of a new race of people/abnormals. Thank you to all those that read and reveiwed. I hugely appreciate the support and feedback. Enjoy the last chapter and don't leave me hanging, let me know what you think!
Chapter Ten - The Future Is Now
There was no need for shelter now. All the Darkers had been killed or had moved under ground in fear. Now that the Lighters had gained control and had proved their power, the Darkers had nothing. And you could feel the change all over the land. The field where the battle had taken place was now an area for celebration. As Helen moved through the crowd, she smiled as some of the younger Khardsians grabbed her hand, tugging excitedly. She paused and let the children swarm all over her. She had become a legend, they all had. Tales of the battle hadn't taken long to move down to the children, adult warriors weaving a story to go down in history. Helen let them talk, letting the images that they had been given wash over her. She looked over the tops of the children's heads and saw that each of her team had also garnered a similar fan club.
"They are here to celebrate Queen Lily, young ones. Leave our hero's alone"
There was a moan of protest and Helen smiled at the sound of Anjaka's thoughts. The images from the children took on one of protest and they were all talking at once, trying to make a reason to remain where they were.
"Later young ones. Your heads are filled with enough stories of war. Go and play"
The children dispersed and Helen could finally see her clearly. Anjaka looked the same way she always had. Her clothes were laced with gold and she wore a small crown on her head. Helen stood and pulled the young woman into a hug.
"Anjaka, it is so good to see you. How are you?"
Anjaka pulled away with a smile.
"We are well. It is good to see you as well Helen Magnus"
Once her connection with Anjaka was once again established, Helen felt the familiar warmth as her teams minds met hers. She glanced at John and he smiled at her.
"It's nice to hear you again"
"You too"
"We can hear you, remember?"
Kate laughed at them as they were moved further into the celebrations. Hands reached out to touch them, to tug at their clothes and even bow down to them. Helen felt embarrassed by all the attention. Helen wasn't keeping track of where they were going but when Anjaka paused and turned, Helen smiled widely. Lily had gotten so big. She smiled at Helen and she could see two little teeth just starting to come through. She was dressed the same as the other Khardsians but her outfit was made of gold and a crown of silver and gold rested on her head.
"Hey Lily. You've gotten so big"
Lily went willingly into Helen's arms and soon she was being passed from person to person. Helen had to smile at the flashes of memory from Lily as she reconnected with each of the team. She missed them as much as they missed her.
"Helen Magnus, may I speak to you privately?"
"Sure Anjaka"
Anjaka took her hand and they weaved through the crowd. Anjaka lead them to a quiet corner.
"Is anything wrong?"
"Oh no Helen Magnus, I didn't mean to worry you. I have something that I wish to ask of you."
"What's that?"
Anjaka turned and grasped both of Helen's hands in hers.
"There is a tradition in your world of God-parents, is there not?"
"Yes there is. Most parents have that in place so if something should happen to the parents the child has someone to be with"
"To act as a parent of sorts, correct?"
"Yes"
"That is what I wished to ask of you here. Lily will have me as long as I can remain here and she will always have guards. But I wish her to have something more. I wish for her to have a home if anything would happen. I wish her to have somewhere to go when she needs help. To talk to someone if she can't talk to me"
Helen was surprised by Anjaka's words and the eagerness behind her thoughts.
"Anjaka, surely there is someone - "
"There is no one. I trusted my daughter with you before and I wish to be able to do it again. Lily is Queen and she will have many enemies. I cannot live forever"
"Anjaka, neither can I. I am merely human."
"But a special one, who's life has no real end in sight"
"But Anjaka - "
"Helen Magnus, will you do my daughter and I the honour of becoming her Godmother?"
"Does that even exist in your world?"
"Something similar. You will be called her Tarjeeka. I need to ask your team as well"
"Why?"
"They are part of our family and part of you. Bonding Lily to you means she is also bonded to them. I will not do so without full consent."
"Ok. Can you get them here? I'm not sure if I can find my way back"
Anjaka smiled softly and closed her eyes. Helen felt her reaching out to her team, telling them that they were needed for something important. She was quick to reassure them that nothing was wrong but they were needed. In a few minutes Kate, Henry, Will, John and Big-Guy had joined them.
"I called you here because I have something to ask."
Kate didn't hesitate.
"What is it? Anything you need Anjaka, just ask"
Helen could feel the some feeling coming from her team. In the Khardsians, they had formed bonds. She had seen Will and Henry talking to the warriors that they fought beside and John making the same awkward conversations with some of the elders. Anjaka had been right in her letter - shedding blood together had made them another form of family. As for Kate, she knew that when the young woman took an alliance to something, she did so deeply and seriously. Helen knew that from personal experience.
"I wish for Helen Magnus to be Lily's Tarjeeka."
"What is that?"
John's thoughts were low and smooth, his curiosity peaked. He had come to stand beside her and in the shadow of their little gathering had taken her hand in his. She readjusted her palm so that their fingers were linked and she felt that sensation again, the small moment of completeness.
"Helen Magnus informs me that its "Godmother" in your language"
John nodded but Kate frowned.
"What does that have to do with us?"
"On bestowing this to Helen Magnus, I am also bestowing it on you."
"How does that work?"
Helen smiled at Kate.
"Because we function as one unit. If I am correct, in this culture, family does everything as a whole. An honour bestowed on me is also an honour bestowed on you. All of you"
Anjaka nodded, smiling at all of them.
"Making Helen Magnus her Tarjeeka means that you in turn become her Multa."
Now it was Helen's turn to be confused.
"Multa?"
"It means "Friends, family and protectors" - That is what you all shall be. If you consent of course"
"It will be an honour to become Lily's Tarjeeka Anjaka. Thank you"
Anjaka nodded before looking at the rest of the team. One by one they all consented and Helen could feel their pride and honour. Matter settled, Anjaka waved to a small cluster of teen Khardsians that had been watching in the corner. The young girls were all giggles and smiles as they rushed over.
"You shall take Helen Magnus and Kate Freelander to get dressed. They are Tarjeeka and Multa now, family. They are to be given all that they desire."
The young girls nodded and grabbed Kate's hand, then Helen's, pulling them away from the other's. John released Helen's hand easily, smiling.
"You are going to have fun"
Helen was just about to through a smart answer his way when she noticed a small group of young males on the other side of the room. She nodded towards them, her smile wide.
"So are you"
She didn't catch John's reaction, his face obscured as they moved back into the crowd. Helen allowed herself to be lead up a narrow stairwell and into a brightly lit room. Six girls in total were in the room with them, three working on Kate and three on Helen. She pushed aside Kate's voice of protest and focused on the girls in front of her.
"Take your clothes off please Helen Magnus"
Helen smiled at the young girls.
"How about I get to know you a little better first?"
The young girls exchanged quick smiles.
"To have a great hero talking to us? That would be an honour."
All three girls bowed slightly. Helen frowned and gently pulled each girl up again.
"Please don't do that. I am no hero"
"But you saved our land, our home, our entire race of people. We did not mean to upset you or disrespect you"
Helen sighed. Now they looked upset.
"What are your names?"
The girls exchanged another series of looks before the older of the three stepped forward.
"I am Chyer, this is Orrin and this is her sister Syrnu. We did not mean to upset you and hope that you accept our apologizes."
"No, you did not upset me. Anjaka explained that since we fought with you for your home, that makes us family. Is that correct?"
The girls all nodded.
"And in my world, family members are equals. There is no bowing, just love and respect"
Chyer spoke again, confused and unsure.
"So bowing is more disrespectful?"
"Within family, in a way, yes. Just treat me as you will anyone else, ok?"
The girls all nodded, all smiles again. Chyer stood in front of Helen, hands on her hips.
"We need to get you dressed. What you are wearing Helen Magnus, is strange. You need to wear normal clothes"
Helen looked down at her outfit, smiling to herself. She hadn't dressed up too much, after all their ride here were horses. She had worn a good set of pants, a nice top and jacket.
"I do apologize for that. I hope that you can help me"
Syrnu smiled widely as she tugged on the laces of one of Helen's boots.
"You will be dressed like a normal Khardsian should be Helen Magnus. But first, these clothes need to come off"
Helen finally gave up trying to keep her own clothes and allowed the girls to tug them off her. She glanced up and saw Kate talking to the young girls that were dressing her. Helen smiled again when she heard Kate telling them what she just told Chyer, Orrin and Syrnu. Helen did everything the girls asked, turning, lifting and bending when needed. The girls placed a crown of flower on her head and with a giggle, stepped back and let herself look in the mirror. Her outfit was similar to Anjaka the first time Helen saw her. A fine weaving of fabric in so many different shades of green that Helen was fairly certain she could not identify half of them. A section of fabric was wrapped at the waist, sitting low on her hips and ending at her knee. Another section of fabric was twisted around her breasts, leaving her lower stomach and shoulders exposed. Another section of fabric was twisted into a cross over her chest and also on her back. She had sen the same cross on each of the Khardsian, even the small children. Perhaps it was a meaning of protection.
"Are you married Helen Magnus?"
Helen jecked out of her thoughts and smiled at Chyer.
"No Chyer, I'm not"
"Are you engaged?"
"No"
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
Helen's mind went to John, with no effort and no real reason. They hadn't talk, hadn't discussed what they were, who they were now that things were changed. She felt embarassed again as Chyer, Orrin and Syrnu burst into a fit of giggles.
"He's the tall hero. The quiet one. He watches you Helen Magnus. The way that Serrus watches Chyer"
The two younger girls continued giggling while Chyer blushed deeply. Helen smiled at her.
"Who is Serrus?"
Chyer looked at the two younger girls, who were still giggling and her blush went even deeper.
"That is not important"
Orrin stopped laughing long enough to point at Chyer's ankle.
"Then what is that? Liar"
There was a delicate piece of gold laced twine twisted around her slender ankle.
"What is that Chyer?"
Chyer smiled shyly.
"It means that one day Serrus and I will marry. You wear the anklet first, then when you are engaged, you wear the bracelet, then the ring. It is a way of showing that I have an intended"
"And is Serrus a nice man? Someone that you love?"
Helen recognised the smile that bloomed on Chyer's face, had seen it on her own many times before.
"Yes. He is a good man, a kind man and I am proud that I will one day be his wife. So Helen Magnus, I will give you this."
Chyer ducked low and it took Helen a second to realize that the young girl was giving her an anklet as well. Helen was going to protest but realized that there was no point. The girls stepped back again and Helen finally got to see Kate. She was dressed in a similar way to Helen.
"You look beautiful Kate"
"So do you Doc. Downside? I feel like have been attacked"
Helen gave her a wide smile.
"That was certainly an education wasn't it?"
Chyer stepped forward again, a small gold chain in her hand.
"You also need this Helen Magnus. You both do"
"What is that?"
" Protection and identification to what you are. Did you not notice that all close to the Queen wear one?"
"Actually, no"
"Well they do. It shows the world what you are to the Queen. Anjaka had these fashioned for you from the finest Khardsian gold."
Helen cupped the small emblem in her hand. Engraved in the centre was a mighty female warrior, sword drawn for attack.
"It's beautiful. So we all get one?"
"Yes Helen Magnus."
Helen lifted her hair so that Chyer could fix the clasp, the gold chilled as she released it, the emblem coming to sit in the centre of her chest. Orrin pushed her into a seat and smiled at the other two girls.
"Now for the final touch"
Helen closed her eyes and let them do what they needed too. It was quick, even by her standards and when she looked at her reflection, she smiled. Beginning at the left hand, a series of flowers and vines twisted up her arm, her shoulder and dipped to finish at the top of her outfit. There was another vine twisting up her throat, her cheek and several flowers finished the portrait around her eyes.
Chyer stood back, a small smile on her face.
"You are ready. You both are"
There small hands grasped hers again tugged her back down the stairs, Kate following closely behind. When they re-entered the party, now dressed as they should be, more people bowed before them. Chyer brushed them off, rushing forward and showing them what Helen and Kate had informed them. Several stood against instantly but most were confused by the information. Helen took in the rest of her team, all dressed as warriors, all having the same emblem dangling from their necks.
"I don't think I have the words to describe how you look right now"
Helen felt the blush spread over her cheeks travel down her chest as John's warm thoughts made her skin tingle.
"You don't look to bad either"
It wasn't a lie. John, dressed as a warrior, was incredibly breath taking. He took her hand and they moved back towards the gathering Khardsians, who were waiting for Anjaka to speak. She was sitting on a chair next to Lily's small throne and the silence that fell when she raised her arm was amazing. Anjaka smiled down on them.
"Friends and family, we are here today to celebrate. Lily has taken her rightful place on the throne, we have won the battle for our home and have found new friends along the way"
Anjaka paused for the applause before speaking again.
"All of you by now know that we were joined in our battle by friends that are not of our realm. Humans that offered themselves for the greater good. Humans that have now become family. Please come forward, so that the people can see you"
Helen glanced around her before moving forward, coming to stand beside Anjaka, her team following, John's hand still in hers. In one sweep, most of the Khardsians bowed.
"I have made Helen Magnus Queen Lily's Tarjeeka. Multa is now the name given to the rest of the team, all who have shown honour and bravery. However, one particular human showed more then I would have ever expected."
Anjaka shifted and gabbed Kate's hand, pulling her to the front of the crowd.
"Kate Freelander, you came with me to destroy King Alkima. You almost gave your own life to help me defeat him."
"Anjaka, I didn't do anything special"
"Yes you did Kate Freelander. So it is with this that I honour you"
Anjaka motioned one of her warriors forward. He handed her a small crown and Anjaka turned back to Kate, a small smile on her face.
"I am crowning you Kate Freelander, Governess of our Warriors"
Kate frowned.
"You are making me Governess?"
Anjaka placed the crown on Kate, despite her protests. All the warriors in the room stood tall, swords drawn, faces lowered.
"You will have a hand in the planning and training of warriors. Bravery and determination like yours needs to be passed down"
"But we bet the Darkers"
"I understand the confusion. But the Darkers may someday rise again. The battle between Lighters and Darkers may never end. Your position is important in making sure that all warriors remain trained and aware of the realities of war."
Kate smiled widely and Helen smiled with her. She could feel the pride, the honour coming from Kate in waves. When the ceremony was over, they all said their goodbyes to Lily as the Queen was taken to bed. The younger Khardsians also dispersed, their parents shuffling them off to bed despite the groans of protest. Helen was sitting, enjoying the atmosphere when John approached her, a smile on his face. He bowed low at the waist and extended his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Helen smiled back and slid her hand into his. He lead her to the dance floor where other Khardsians were dancing, moving them into their own dark corner. They moved together, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder, his on her waist. They started with a fair gap between them but as the violins faded out and moved into another tune, the gap had ceased to exist. They were pressed together, their bodies moving of their own accord, coming together as if it was the most natural thing in world.
"I have a question"
Helen was too content to respond, enjoying the sweet burn that always happened when his skin brushed her own.
"Hmm?"
"What is the meaning of the twine around your ankle? I noticed that a few of the ladies had them"
Helen felt the contentment fade as she struggled to find the words to make him understand what it meant. She felt John's amusement in her mind as she gave the information to him without knowing it.
"Oh"
"I really wish that I could keep you from doing that"
"What"
"Seeing my thoughts before I had a chance to check them myself"
"See there is a downside to having me in your head"
Helen looked at him and frowned.
"Sadly, it's not the first time you have nested there"
John nodded slightly.
"I know. Does it help that you are the same for me? That you are always there in my mind and in my thoughts"
Hele considered that for a moment.
"Yes, a little. It does not help though, does it?"
"With what?"
Helen took a half step back from him, the night air chilling her skin where his had been, indicating between them.
"With...this. With us."
John chuckled warmly at her, pulling her back to him and resuming their swaying.
"We both know the reality of our relationship"
"So clear it up for me. What is that reality?"
John paused the movement of their bodies swaying, this time he pulled away slightly so that he could look at her.
"Really? You need to question it?"
"Not questioning per say, just awaiting a definition of sorts."
John glanced around them before looking at her again.
"How about we go outside, get a little more privacy?"
Helen nodded and John released her from his embrace, keeping her hand in his. They moved through the party, mostly ignored and made their way outside. John pulled her further down the track until the music was dim and the sound of conversations had faded. The night was cool but not cold as they sat on a soft slope, the moon beaming down on them. Helen leaned back on her arms and looked at the sky and the blanket of stars that they sat beneath.
"It is amazing what you can see when the city lights aren't outshining the stars"
John shifted beside her, assuming the same position as her, looking up with her.
"That's extremely poetic, even for you"
Helen smiled before tearing her gaze from the sky and turning to John.
"So, definitions?"
John laughed.
"No beating around the bush, huh?"
"No point"
John nodded and looked at the stars again.
"Do you remember our first kiss?"
Helen felt the heady rush as she was taken there, to that moment where her life would be changed forever. It was a few weeks after they had met and Helen had been admiring him behind her books and through lowered eyes. He was the first man that had ever given her that kind of attention and it made her nervous. Most of the men at the University avoided her because of what she was doing. But John, he seemed to love her rebellion. She had seen him laughing when she had gotten into arguments with professors. Had watched his amusement when she had gone head to head with other students. It took her a while to realize that he wasn't laughing at her, he was genuinely impressed by her. She never had a chance to question him though and so tried to ignore her feelings for John, pushing it aside. She thought she was alone that evening in the library, she often was at that time of the night. She was relaxing with a cup of tea and a scone, which was forbidden in the section she was in but she had missed lunch, she had been too busy studying. It was the whistling that jolted her from her thoughts. She hid the scone and left her tea to go and investigate. It was John Druitt, arms filled with books, who was whistling softly to himself. Helen moved away from the shadows and offered John a smile.
"I thought that I was alone"
John paused in his movement , bowing slightly.
"I apologize for interrupting you Dr. Magnus"
"That's fine. I'm used to being alone at this point of the night."
"A woman like you alone? Something is sincerely wrong when that happens."
Helen moved closer to him with a smile. She reached over to grab one of the books that he had in his arms, her hand brushing his chest. She heard him gasp, heard her own reaction to the touch. She lowered her eyes and looked at the book.
"This book is useless"
"How so?"
"It's not correct in any way. You are better off leaving that on the shelf"
John smiled at her and took the book from her hand, letting his fingers linger over hers. She felt the tingling warmth spread form her hand and up her arm. She was locked underneath that intense gaze of his. Her throat felt dry and she swallowed heavily. His voice was low and seductive when he spoke again.
"And what book would you suggest instead, Dr. Magnus?"
Helen cleared her throat and handed him another book, one that sat low on the shelf.
"This is definitely the better option"
This time when she looked at him again, she didn't fight his gaze. He ignored the offer of the book and used his free hand to brush a curl of blond hair from her cheek. She leaned into his touch, unable to stop herself.
"You are an incredible woman Helen Magnus"
Helen felt the flush in her cheeks, not used to the compliment. She was used to fighting for her place here.
"You are pretty incredible yourself John Druitt"
John smiled lightly at her and leaned forward slightly. Their breaths mingled delightfully and Helen felt light headed. By the time his lips found hers, the anticipation was too much and her nerves were standing on end. That was the first of many stolen kisses, ones that sealed their relationship for what it was.
Helen let the memory fill her before drifting back down to reality.
"I loved you so much."
"As I have always loved you"
"I don't know if it is enough John. For a new beginning I mean
John shrugged.
"I don't expect anything Helen. I had an idea though"
Helen turned to him more fully.
"And that would be?"
"We could start again. I know that we can't re-write history but we can certainly do something about the future."
Helen nodded, considering her options. Nothing could be done about everything in the past. But she wanted a future with him, had wanted that from the very moment that she had met him. Decision made, she extended her hand and offered him a bright smile.
"Hello, I'm Dr. Helen Magnus. And you are?"
John smiled back at her, grasping her hand in his.
"John Druitt. It's a pleasure to meet you"
Helen nodded.
"And you. So, what brings you here?"
The stupidity of the statement hit John first and he started to laugh. It was a deep bellowing sound that started Helen laughing as well. She leaned against him, her head against his chest as their laughter floated into the night.