Questions and Answers
Nicole looked towards the marsh, where the woman was standing, literally, on the water's surface. In her hand, she held several strands of rope, all connected to her friends above.
"It's so nice to see you again," she cooed, "I hope this time we can actually talk."
"What have you done to my friends?" Nicole asked in a shrill voice.
"Nothing damaging, they're just bound and gagged. I don't want any...interruptions."
"What the fuck do you want lady?"
"Language dear. And I never did introduce myself, did I? How rude of me. Over the years, I have gone by many names, but I prefer my very first name, Meave. But before I explain, I better take care of something."
She stretched out the hand that held the ropes, where a single tread erupted from the others. It sped through the woods, only to return with Owen in tow. He too was gagged.
"That's one problem dealt with, but I can feel a second problem. Just arrived by portal, typical. Can you not feel it Nicole?"
Nicole couldn't answer, because just then, the trees bended to reveal a path. Walking in was an old, short man with a long white beard and deep blue robes. Once he was beside Nicole, the path disappeared and the trees returned to their normal positions. A rope sped out and trapped the man, forcing him to his knees.
"Merlin, after all these years," Meave sneered.
"It is not a pleasure, I assure you. And I see you have become stronger with your magic. I applaud you." the man named Merlin replied sarcastically.
"Come on, after a few centuries, you could at least write. And I should hope so; I've had a couple years to practise."
"I would rather forget about you."
"Please. Without me, there would be no others."
"Will someone please explain what's going on?" Nicole yelled at them.
Meave laughed, "You haven't explained anything to her?"
"I haven't even met him before!" Nicole exclaimed.
"Oh dear, you have much to learn," Meave sighed, "Would you like me to explain?"
"Please!"
"Fine, but you don't come in till later. Our story begins centuries ago, to the time of Camelot and King Arthur. Picture if you will, a certain wizard but bored and curious. He wonders if life could be created without the need for a man and woman. He is especially curious if said life could be created with a certain appearance. So he begins to meddle with nature to create life, never telling a soul of course, for fear he will be in trouble. Thinking that a man would try to steal his power, he sets to create a woman. He uses his only love, Nimue—or the Lady of the Lake as you may know her- for the body figure. And as added inspiration, he added sea water to the mix. On the full moon of that month, he mixes many ingredients into a large cast-iron pot, including his own blood. After uttering an incantation, he sees that it has worked once a woman rises from the pot. She has the appearance similar to his fair Lady. That woman was me just so you know."
"You look nothing like her, she is more beautiful," Merlin cut in.
"Shut up old man and do not interrupt," Meave shrieked before taking a calming breath. "Back to our story, the wizard was so joyful that his creation was alive, he set out to make more like her. Since she had been forged with seawater, he wanted to experiment with other elements. He climbed the highest mountain for the swiftest wind and reached deep into the ground for the best earth. He even took the hot coals from his own fire. With each element, he decided to experiment with age as well. While he was busy playing God, his first creation became empty with self-worth. She was nothing more but a body with no real purpose. She was forced to stay in his hut and work for him. One day, when he went away on a quest, she found his spell book and fooled around with the magic. She taught herself spells and incantations. Before the wizard returned, she escaped up the chimney and flew away, but accidently left some of her hair behind in her hairbrush, which the wizard later used in his other creations. Imagine, as she was travelling, she felt herself growing weaker after the second creation was born. When she finally became too weak, she travelled back to the wizard. He explained that he had used her hair and had sent the second someplace around the globe in a different time. The only way the girl could find it was if she lived long enough to find her. The girl ran to start searching. The odd thing she did find was that the longer she stayed near mortals, the faster she aged. She could look a few years older just by living in a populated city for one year, but looked younger when she was on her own for four. She kept doing the process in order not to age too much. After a century or two, the girl was clever enough to follow Merlin since he visited the previous creations or took his newest one somewhere different, but always just missed him. He had created a third and released it just before taking on Nimue as an apprentice. After Merlin was foolish enough to be trapped in a tree by his love, the girl went searching on her own. When she heard of his escape generations later, she found out he had made a fourth and final one. She followed him to a small town in America where he was silently watching her every few years. And that is where you come in."
"But," Nicole managed to say, "My parents...my mother gave birth to me-"
"No they didn't you fool! Did you ever notice how different you were compared to your parents? How different you were from your so called 'sister'. That was because Merlin left you at their doorstep!"
"No! You're lying!" Nicole cried as tears streamed down her face.
"Why would I lie about something so obvious?" Meave sneered, "You have been living with mortals for too long. They are so predictable...and easy to kill."
Nicole stared up at Meave before springing up off the ground. "You bitch!" she screamed as she charged. Meave pretended to yawn as another rope shot across the swamp and grabbed Nicole's legs, wrapping up her torso and snaring her arms. She fell to the ground with a thump.
"I really thought I wouldn't have to do that," Meave sighed, "But you have become predictable too."
"You killed them too...my parents," Nicole managed to utter.
"Yes, I did. See, I had finally found out exactly where you were shortly after Merlin's last visit. I was so close to you I couldn't resist any longer. I knocked on the door and your "father" opened up. I made my demands clear, but he wouldn't give you up. So I had to take care of him. Upstairs, I found your "mother" with a measly little pocketknife. That knife did nothing for her. But here is where the story twists. I tried entering your room, but I couldn't get in. That's when I concluded that Merlin must have had some charm on you. I had to wait until that charm wore off, which it did several weeks ago."
Nicole stared at Meave with hateful eyes. She only looked away when she noticed that her kidnappers had appeared on the other side of the marsh.
"Your parents were nothing but holes under my belt. I have killed people in the past. Just decade and a half ago, for example, I remember I was in Ireland posing as a bartender in a small, nameless town. I loved playing with this man who loved his beer more than his wife and four kids. It was easy to look like his death was a drunken driving accident. I think the same thing happened to your father, right Patrick?"
Nicole looked to see the Irish man was red with fury. He screamed, "You witch! You were the one my old man cheated with? It broke me mother's heart it did!" He charged at her, but was snagged with a rope and hoisted above in the trees.
"Don't be too upset dear. Your father was easy to manipulate. It must run in the family," Meave began to laugh. A rope branched off from her hand, aiming directly for Jose. When he was beside Patrick, she explained, "I don't want a repeat of what transpired for our next side story. Barcelona, Spain about nine years ago is the setting for our tale. Posing as a flower salesman, I always saw the same two young people so in love passing my stand. I had heard that the man had proposed with a necklace and the wedding was to be a big celebration. I was very bored, and the prospect of meddling was just too much to pass. As a master of disguise, it was simple to change into a gorgeous bull fighter and ask the little lady to run away with me. When she refused my offers, the next step was obvious. I managed to stick around town along enough to hear her fiancée's screams. Her murder even hit national news as one of the greatest unsolved cases in years. That story is pretty accurate, wouldn't you say Jose?"
Tears were pouring down Jose's face with anger and sadness. He couldn't say anything.
"See how you are all connected to my plan. If you are wondering, I did no wrong to Pierre; he was just a nice young man who hid me in Paris after my time in Spain. When I told him who I was and of my plan, he couldn't refuse and was loyal to me ever since. I was still in a meddling mood when I found out Patrick and Jose were working at the same shipping yard, years later. I arranged for Pierre to befriend them, and that is when my plan truly went into effect."
Nicole's rage had turned to disbelief. "How could you do that to them?"
"Because I could with my powers I have. Killing people is a simple act if you were born with no conscious. That is why killing you and everyone here will be easy. And since I'm in the area I wonder how messing with a certain billionaire's family will make me richer and be...amusing in the process."
"If you harm Alexander-" Nicole stopped when a bright light began illuminating from above. Nicole was blinded until the light stopped. In front of her was a man with long white hair, pointed ears and the strangest attire Nicole had ever seen. He wore navy blue tights, a purple tunic with a gold sash around his waist, an orange shirt underneath it with gold trimmings around the sleeves. His knee length boots were exactly like his shirt. He grinned fro to ear in a fake sort of way. Nicole noticed how his eyes looked mischievous, yet cunning.
"Big mistake Meave, now you've invited me to play," the man spoke in a merry voice.
"Who are you?" Meave asked in disgust.
"Like you, I am called by many a name, but I like Puck, the trickster," he told her as he gave her a mock bow.
"Puck?" Nicole asked in a confused tone.
"Don't worry sweetheart, I'll protect you," Puck winked to her.
"In that case, I hope you're ready to play my game, Puck," she said the last part mockingly. With a menacing laugh, she raised her arm out to him. The water around her swirled and reached for her open palm. She rotated her wrist upwards, sending the water directly at Puck. He used one hand to conjure up a platform directly under Nicole, raising her off the ground. With his other hand, he created pillars to help stop the attack. But the water weaved between the columns, nearly knocking over Puck. He rose several feet in the air, conjuring up a wall around Meave. Water burst though the barrier, crumbling it. Water again shot through the air, but instead of one strong blast, the water split into two, making it a prong. The two pointed spike nearly pinned Puck to a tree, but he hovered above it before it could trap him.
Nicole watched the fight from her platform, unsure of what to do.
"Nicole!" Merlin called out, "Use the earth!"
Nicole looked at him funny until she figured something. Her arms were tied, but her wrists and hands were free to move. She leaned to the side so her hand was grazing the platform.
"Now imagine using the dirt to help cut the ropes," Merlin instructed, "You could fashion a knife or-"
Before he could finish, a large spike burst out from the platform, brushing past Nicole enough to slice the ropes.
"That works too."
Nicole stood up just as Puck was blindsided by a blast of water, causing him to fall to the ground. Meave started to walk towards him with a murderous look in her eye. Puck sent two blocks flying towards each other on both sides of Meave, but she easily deflected them. Nicole searched for a solution. Spying quite a few rocks on the ground, she got an idea. Working fast, she gathered some dirt around her just as Meave reached Puck.
Puck moved his arm towards the ground but Meave was able to step on it, pinning Puck to the ground.
"You have been a thorn in my side for too long, trickster," she growled, raising her hand to Puck, "But I will make your death quick. Goodbye-"
A loud swish made Meave stop just before a large rock collided with the back of her head. The rock fell to the ground, a blue mixture draped over it. Meave reached behind her head to feel that her skull had caved in and the liquid was pouring from the wound. She looked at the rock, then to Nicole. She didn't notice that she had stepped off of Puck's hand, giving him a few precious seconds to clap his hands together, thus allowing him to teleport.
"You will regret that mud child!" Meave shrieked as she sent a shot of water flying at Nicole, completely ignoring her injury. Nicole dove to the ground of the platform, just missing the blast.
"You look as though you need help," a voice came from above. Looking up, Nicole saw Puck was hovering overhead. "Allow me." He touched the platform, causing it to descend downwards. Once Nicole was on the ground, she yelled,
"What was that for? Now she can obliterate me!"
"Then I suggest you slice her before she obliterates you," Puck winked. Nicole caught onto what he was saying. Crouching down, she punched the ground and closed her eyes. The soil around her began to shift upwards, wrapping itself around her arm. As she raised her arm, the rest of the earth narrowed to make a long point at the end, resembling a sword. Staring down at what she created, she whispered to Puck,
"I don't know about this."
"I told you, I will always protect you."
Somewhere in her brain, something clicked.
"Owen?"
Puck only winked at her before turning his attention to Meave, who had started walking towards the pair. She stopped when she saw the addition to Nicole's arm.
"Well, all you could fashion was a knife? You are like that mother of yours after all. Hopefully your death will be less painful," Meave began to laugh. Rage began to leak from Nicole. She thought of all those who had been affected by Meave-Jose and his fiancé, Patrick and his family, Nicole's parents, Abby, the Xanatos's, Owen- they were somehow involved with Meave, whether directly or otherwise. Those thoughts fuelled her to charge Meave and have the strength to swing her sword downwards.
The wild cackling had ceased once Meave felt something slice through her. Looking down, her left arm was completely detached from her body and was lying still on the ground. The ropes that had been attached to her arm withered and shrivelled up. Blue fluid poured from her arm, shoulder and the cut deep in her torso. She stared horrified at Nicole who stood deeply breathing in front of her, her sword still in Meave's body. Nicole pulled hard on her arm, taking out the sword from Meave, causing more fluid to shoot out before falling to her knees. Stumbling back, Meave fell to the ground, making her eyelevel with Nicole.
"I never knew... you had it in you," Meave managed to utter. Pierre ran to her, bending down to pick her up. "Get off me you fool!" she screamed before she rose to her feet. "You... may have won...this one... but mark my word... that you and everyone you love will die slowly and...very painfully. I promise you until I breathe my last breath."
Before Nicole or Puck could respond, Meave summoned a portal and dragged Pierre though it. She laughed weakly, as her and Nicole's eyes met holding until Meave had completely disappeared. When the portal closed, a sudden chill escaped, freezing the ground.
Nicole stared at the frozen ground before a hand reached out to her. Owen stood where Puck once was, smiling softly down at her. Taking his hand, he pulled her up, steadying her as she he again pulled her to her feet. Nicole laughed weakly which, for a rare moment, Owen returned. They stopped when they heard Brooklyn groan. Broadway was helping him up while Angela did the same with her father. Patrick was assisting Jose up while trying to stop him from crying. Xanatos was brushing his suit. A crashing came through the forest before another gargoyle appeared. He looked like of a griffin, with his yellowish skin, a hawk-like beak, feathered wings and a lion-like tail. He wore a leather leotard looking piece of clothing. He ran to Merlin, helping him up before saying hello to Angela and Goliath. They talked quietly to each other before Goliath introduced Brooklyn and Broadway to the new gargoyle.
"It would have been nice if she would have let us down," Xanatos sighed as he straightened his posture. Nicole
"That is certainly not how Meave works," Merlin told them as he brushed dirt off his sleeve.
"Then tell us," Xanatos said, "How she does function. And you might as well tell us some other things too."
"I think you all deserve answers. Ask anything you wish."
"Is it true," Nicole started, "That I am not really a human, just a body with powers?"
"The first statement is true, the second...not so much. You see, when I first created Meave, I was set out on creating a body with certain appearance instead of an actual person with feelings. After Meave was created, I began to notice how inhuman she really was. She had no real conscious or emotions such as love or compassion. She was driven, yes, but with no real feelings, she had no way to distinguish what was right and wrong. I realised I was too late when she began teaching herself magic. I never intended for her to learn, because I knew she would use it for evil. When she fled, yet left some of her hair behind, I figured the only way to defeat her was to create more like her, but with emotions and feelings. Meave is technically immortal, but can age slightly in years if around mortals. How all of my creations can do this I haven't figured out yet. Her hair was used so that my newer creations could harness the element they were imbedded with and have the same drive as her, but with a sense of when to stop. You, Nicole are my fourth and final creation. You seem to be the most emotional out of the four."
"So Nicole was a normal looking child when she was younger, correct?" Xanatos asked.
"Indeed she was. With my creations, I began to experiment with age after Meave. You were to represent the childhood years of a regular human. After you were made, I realised how unfair it was for you to live as small child for the rest of your existence. With the others, I observed how they aged with humans in an almost natural way. My plan was for you to grow up naturally, and then once you hit an appropriate age-say eighteen-I would tell you everything."
"Why was I placed with...Amelia and William Kent?" Nicole asked quietly.
"I didn't want Meave finding you in such a vulnerable state, so I searched for a suitable home where you could live. I was in America when I happened upon Alford. I met your parents in their bookstore shortly after they moved to there. I stayed for a while and became good friends with them, and I must say they were very good people. When they later disclosed to me how they were trying to have a child-but could not-I knew that you would be welcome there. One night, about twenty five years ago, I brought you with me in a small basket as I went to say goodbye to the Kent's, under the guise I was moving away. They were shocked when they first saw you, but once I had explained everything, they accepted you. I saw that whenever I stopped by to check up on you that you were happy in your home. When I found that you had been blessed with a baby sister, I was happy for you and your parents."
Nicole paused before asking, "Why is it that I can remember certain memories and not others? The night...Meave came; I only remember a few instances."
Merlin sighed softly before explaining, "Whenever I came to visit, you were very intent on using your powers. I never wanted you to use your powers and then show a mortal, or have one see you. I did what I now realise was a selfish thing. I wiped your memory of all instances of you performing magic, in hope that you wouldn't know how to use it until the proper time. The funny thing was you always taught yourself again. And as for that night... I was supposed to check up on you as usual, but I had arrived after Meave. Finding your parents, I felt as though I should have come sooner, but there was nothing I could or could have done. There are no spells that can bring the dead back to life completely. After, I immediately went looking for you and your sister, only to find you in your bedroom. Your sister was asleep, but you were wide awake, as if you were waiting for me. I remember you wanted to know where your parents were. I knew that if you saw your parents in the state they were in...I couldn't allow that. I wiped your memory one last time and set a charm over you that neither you nor your sister could wake until you had left your house. I had to stop visiting you, because I knew Meave would find you through me."
"No, they are simply stored in your subconscious. I believe I am a little behind regarding the set age, but what better time than the present? Would you like your memories back?" Merlin asked as he stretched out his hands.
Nicole was nervous about what her memories held. She looked to Owen. He merely nodded, giving her the slightest smile. Turning back to Merlin, she firmly grasped his hand, closing her eyes.
It was though a dam within her mind had burst, flooding her subconscious with long forgotten memories. She saw Merlin beaming down at her the first time she opened her eyes, him carrying her to the Kent's house and waving goodbye. She was in her kitchen; throwing her peas at her father and making the other vegetables grow. In the garden, her mother groaned at how her flowers weren't blooming but Nicole ran a tiny hand over them and their colours were revealed. Her mother was sick in bed, but she perked up once she saw the orchids Nicole produced. The backyard was muddy after a rainstorm, creating the perfect conditions for a mud fight. Nicole easily won when she moulded tons of mud together and threw it at her unsuspecting father's back. When baby Abby refused to stop crying one day, Nicole made the bouquet on the table dance in front of her, turning her crying into squeals of joy.
More memories flashed in front of Nicole. By the time the final memory of that single October night—Merlin reaching down and grasping her hand under the bed—a single tear was rolling down Nicole's cheek. She let go of Merlin's hand, but felt another slide along her back and rest on her shoulder. She leaned in closer to Owen as she wiped her tear away.
"There's one more question you haven't answered," Nicole said quietly, "What about the others? Who are they and where can I find them?"
Merlin merely smirked. "I had a feeling you would ask that. There are two others like you and Meave, but one represents fire and young adult hood while the other symbolizes air and old age. As for who and where, I cannot reveal anything here. Meave may not be here, but she could still be listening."
"But where can I find them?" Nicole asked again.
"You wish to find your sisters? Whatever for?" Merlin asked curiously.
"Because the only way we can possibly defeat Meave would be together. Meave is looking for them too, correct? I can find them-"
"You mean we can," Owen corrected. Nicole turned to face him.
"I have to do this on my own," she told him, "All I need to know is where to find them."
"Nicole," Brooklyn spoke for the first time, "This is too big to take on by yourself. With Meave intent on killing you, you are like a moving target-"
"That is exactly the point! She promised that she would kill everyone I loved. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if any of you were hurt."
Merlin chuckled lightly, "You are very motherly, I must say. Always considering others before thyself is a blessing, but it may also be a curse. I agree with your friends. The mission you are about to embark on is filled with risks. Although your sisters are nothing like Meave, they still may be unstable with their powers. You are certainly going to need all the help you can get."
"I volunteer to go!" Brooklyn said eagerly before pretending to cough, "If it means a trip around the world."
"I wanna go too! Think of all the food I can try!" Broadway added.
"Hopefully the world is ready for your stomach," Brooklyn muttered under his breath.
Goliath turned to Angela before sighing, "I have been on enough world trips for a lifetime. How about you, daughter?"
"I must agree with my father, I have seen the world and its beauty." Upon seeing Broadway's saddened look, she added, "Maybe Lexington would be willing to join you."
Broadway and Brooklyn gave each other a look before high fiving.
"I cannot accompany you this time," Xanatos said, "but I can offer you access to a private jet and whatever else you desire. I am sure Owen however, would be able."
"To what, sir?" Owen raised an eyebrow.
"To assist Nicole in her adventure."
"But sir, what about Xanatos Industries and yourself?" Not to mention Alexander."
"Fox and I are certainly capable with taking care of business and our son. Besides, someone as powerful as Meave could be a threat to my son. The sooner she is dealt with the better."
Owen was at a loss for words. He knew that he had duties to tend to and a reputation to uphold. Puck couldn't help but voice his opinion.
Come on, live a little! Boss man is always saying how you should take a vacation. And when was the last time you went around the world? I doubt an opportunity like this is going to pop up again, what with you being the loyal slave you are.
I don't need a vacation.
You might not, but I do. I want my freedom again! Who knows, maybe we can go to the Bahamas or Tahiti. I wonder what it is like at this time of year. Can you imagine me in one of those rope hammocks, sipping out of a coconut?
There will be no need for you to appear, because Alexander will not be around.
Drat! Technicalities are the pits!
I will here no more of this.
Fine, just one more thing. Would it kill you to think of Nicole? She needs someone like you to be her "knight in shining armour". Think of her last boyfriend. He was a real schmuck. And you know you like her; don't deny it, because you know that I know. Besides, she is rather... cute, no?"
"Owen?"
He looked down at Nicole. Staring up with her green eyes he almost felt as if he was looking into her thoughts, her soul, and her heart. She had experienced life altering situations and had her heart broken. She was about to embark on a dangerous quest she might not survive. Risking everything, she was willing to face Meave—with powers she never knew she had-for the people—and creatures—she loved and cared for. She needed his support and guidance. She needed him.
"I'm coming as well."
*Once making sure that all pitchforks have been placed on the ground, Riddle hands out more chapters*
I know you may have a lot questions, so let me answer a few.
When I first wrote this, I considered the mysterious woman we now know as Meave to be someone like Morgan Le Fray or Nimue, if not them. But then, I thought how cliché that was and how the story might not have been able to grow. That is why I am taking the story in the direction it is going, so Nicole will have more adventures. If you have a question about what you read above, feel free to ask, I don't mind.
Regarding that third chapter I promised you, it may be late, because I have to do some major editing. Reassured, it will come, my faithful reader.
Bonne nuit ou le matin de bons partout où vous êtes, *Good night or good morning whereever you are*
RiddleGirl7
