It has been a LONG time since I've updated. In fact I had to go back just to remember what I wrote! I want to finish this story and get off this board because I'm totally outclassed by the writers on this site. Some of you truly have a gift of writing. With that said I'm going to try and finish this in the next few chapters. Please forgive in advance my grammar, spelling, made up kiddie imagination of mine and you know what to expect...a hack!
(Side note: I tried to write this story in a way that multiple situations are happening but at different times. I failed because I wasn't sure how to do that. So if things in this story seem off just try to keep that in mind and I'm going to close a gap with Finn (hopefully it works). Also challenger and summerlee are just in the background and will make guest appearances)
Chapter 10: All Paths Cross
Months have passed as new things happen for the explorers. Veronica has found herself a man named Terrin, a palace guard with a heart of gold. They spend a lot of time talking and walking together. He seemed to help Veronica heal from the many wounds Malone's leaving and death had inflicted upon her. They became inseparable and in love. As Marguerite watches them, she still has a little guilt knowing that Malone isn't dead but she won't ruin her sister's happiness. For now, before things got worse, she knew Veronica deserved to be happy. It was a dangerous chance that Marguerite was willing to take. Hopefully she could fix this with minor damage.
Marguerite and Roxton bond was only growing stronger by the day but he was worried about his wife. They had told no one about Marguerite's nightmares with cold sweats, knowing that Mordren was getting close and that she could feel his power and pull getting stronger. He was also aware of the dangerous secret she kept from Veronica and the impact it could have. It had led to some major arguments but Marguerite was such a stubborn woman and she wouldn't accept help. She felt she had to carry it because no one else could. That was the story of her life. Roxton knew what he must do, protect his woman no matter the cost.
Abigail's guardian Mia seemed to fit right in with the tree house family especially Finn. They had alot in common. Mia never opened up to anyone about her past, at least what she could remember. Mia showed Finn the only thing she had from her mother, a necklace. Abigail found Mia broken, bloody and holding on to the necklace. Once Finn saw the necklace she immediately hugged Mia. To Mia surprise that was the necklace Finn's mother had given her sister right before they were separated. Finn knew that they had to be sisters.
"Is that all you remember...can you recall anything else" asked Finn.
"No, just broken memories. I can't believe that we found each other. I always wondered what happened to you. I was so helpless! I promised I'd never be that way again" said Mia.
"Well you don't now, we are together and nothing will separate us" said Finn as they hug and shed tears of joy.
"Wait let me tell how I ran into our great gramps Ned Malone! It all started..."said Finn as she told her sister the story.
Veronica sits back and smiles as she watches the two sisters laugh at the stories they share. Abigail walks up and puts her hand on Veronica's shoulder. Veronica gives her mother a warm smile.
"So how are you feeling mom" ask Veronica.
"I'm tired. I think our time is running short but I'm glad we got to enjoy what time we have left" said Abigail with a smile.
"I don't want to lose you mom. I've spent so much time looking for you. It just seems like we are constantly on borrowed time" said Veronica.
"Honey, please don't waste time thinking about the negatives! Lets enjoy the time we have left" said Abigail as she ran her fingers through her daughter's hair.
"Mom what if I don't know what to do" asked Veronica.
"Veronica, you will do exactly what you need to when the time is right" said Abigail.
Veronica smiles at how her mother can quiet her fears. Terrin walks in and immediately gets their attention. Abigail has always approved of him but she knew the life of a protector was difficult especially when trying to maintain a relationship. It didn't matter to him though. He loved Veronica and would gladly give his life for her. Terrin had asked Abigail to be Veronica's Guardian but she couldn't force that on them. She wanted Terrin and Veronica to have love that wasn't forbidden.
"Pardon me my Protector and princess. If you don't mind I'd like to steal your daughter for a nice walk in the park" asked Terrin.
"You are excused and you may take my daughter" smiled Abigail as she walks away.
"I think my mother loves you like a son" said Veronica.
"We'll I'm a lovable guy" teased Terrin.
"Yes you are and a perfect gentleman" said Veronica as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Listen, I know this may not be the best time but I want to tell you my intentions. I want to be whatever you need me to be. I want you to marry me" asked Terrin.
Veronica hesitates for a second but then smiles and hugs Terrin.
"You have helped me to heal wounds that I thought was impossible. I love you Terrin but why tell me this now? You know what we are up against" said Veronica.
"I just had to tell you, I didn't want another minute to pass without you knowing how I feel about you. I'll take you however I can get you. Just think about it" said Terrin.
"I'll think about it but things may get tough for a while" said Veronica.
"I'll be by your side through it all" said Terrin as he gets down on one knee and gives Veronica a beautiful ring.
Veronica accepts the proposal with hugs and kisses. Abigail comes and hugs her future son in law. With all commotion going on Marguerite and Roxton walk into the courtyard as Veronica tells her the news. Marguerite smiles but she has a sadness behind her eyes and Roxton knows it. Marguerite leaves abruptly and Roxton follows her.
"What have I done Roxton? I hope this doesn't come back and blow up in my face" said Marguerite.
"Listen my love, you had to make a hard choice" said Roxton.
"My baby sister will be happy John, I'll make this turn out right" said Marguerite.
"You don't know if Tribune's information is reliable" said Roxton.
"I have a gut feeling he was telling the truth. I promised I wouldn't lie to her anymore. I used to be good at that but I've changed John" said Marguerite.
"No matter what happens I'll be by your side come what may" said Roxton as he embraces his wife.
"I just hope she understands if it ever comes out" said Marguerite.
"You don't give your sister enough credit. Trust me, she will understand" said Roxton.
"I know people John but I hope your right" said Marguerite.
"Hey you guys hear about Vee and Terrin getting engaged" shouted Finn.
Before they can answer Finn runs off. They smile at each other and go to join the festivities. Abigail throws a big engagement dinner for Veronica and Terrin. As the party is going on Marguerite walks out to the balcony.
"Penny for your thoughts" said Abigail as Marguerite responds with a smile.
"Just have a lot on my mind" said Marguerite.
"I'm amazed at how you take responsibility for everyone" said Abigail.
"It's what's got me through so many times in life. Beside if I want something done right, I do it myself" said Marguerite.
"You don't have to anymore. You have family and friends who love and care for you" said Abigail.
"That's the way it starts then I lose everyone" said Marguerite as a tear streaks down her face.
"I know you can feel Mordren getting stronger and me getting weaker. It's an advantage you have that Veronica doesn't. You look surprised, well don't be. I was waiting for the right time to tell you" said Abigail.
"I wanted to say something before but I was trying to protect everyone" said Marguerite.
"You will have to make hard choices that others won't. You will have to protect all of us Marguerite but let others help you. You don't have to carry it alone" said Abigail.
Marguerite nods and smiles at Abigail. They share a hug that seems to melt all of Marguerites fears but its short lived. Some guards come running out to the balcony and tell Abigail that Avalon is under attack. Abigail has to cut the dinner party short and get everyone to safety. Veronica and Marguerite are taken to Abigail's inner chamber and surrounded by elite guards. They put up a fuss but Abigail told them it needed to be this way.
"My lady Mordrens army have already started to advance on the palace" said one of the guards.
"Then we draw a line in the sand and hold them there. I must face Mordren. I cant beat him but i can slow him down. Come Mia, lets go" said Abigail.
"We'll have a surprise waiting for them. Summerlee and I have been preparing for this day" said Challenger.
"Do whatever you have to. We just need to hold them off until Challenger is ready. Finn I need you to stay and protect Veronica and marguerite" said Abigail.
"On it! Sis you be careful, you to big bro" said Finn as she hugs her sister and Roxton.
"My lady the troops are ready. Finn tell Veronica I love her" said Terrin.
"Gotcha, watch yourself out there" said Finn.
"Take this mirror, we'll signal you when we are ready. Just get there attention and lead them to the choke point" said Challenger.
Meanwhile Mordren and his army have managed to destroy any resistance they encountered to this point.
"What's your plan sir" asked Malone.
"Brute force" said Mordren.
"We need a strategy sir. They'll be better prepared when we get to that palace" said Malone.
"They will be no match for us. Now leave me be and do your job" snarled Mordren.
General Malone glares at Mordren knowing they will suffer huge casualties again. He can't put his finger on it but he know Mordren is hiding something.
"These men don't even know they are walking to their death. Hopefully they can inflict some costly damage but the real kicker is you Ned Malone. You are the wild card that is going to send Marguerite running to me" says Mordren to his self.