Another chapter uploaded for your reading pleasure. Contains spoilers for S3E20 Into the Black.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sanctuary or any of its characters. If only. Sigh.
Bold Italics = telepathic messages
Chapter 11:
(Vladimyr & Natalija's Apartment, Praxis, Hollow Earth - 2010)
"Dinner was absolutely amazing, Natalija and Vladimyr," Ranna states, placing her napkin on her plate.
Gregory nods, "I fully agree. It was an exquisite meal".
"Thank you," the twins answer in unision; something their grandfather and his new wife have become accustomed to.
Vladimyr wipes his mouth with his napkin, before continuing, "Actually, Natalija did most of the cooking. I just did the manual labor".
Natalija jabs her brother in the ribs with her elbow, eliciting an 'ow' from him and snickers from Gregory and Ranna. When he glares at her, his sister gives him her brightest smile. All of them break out in laughter.
"I do have to wonder what the special occasion is, though," their grandfather says, as they calm down, "After all, the two of you do not need to eat".
His grandchildren look at each other for a moment, before Natalija replies, "I thought it would be nice to have at least one family dinner, before we return home".
"So the two of you are planning on leaving soon?" Ranna inquires, all mirth gone.
Natalija looks down at her plate silently, her hands fidgeting with the napkin in her lap. Vladimyr reaches over and covers her hands with his one. He clears his throat and answers, "Tomorrow morning, actually".
"That soon?" their step grandmother asks.
"We have been putting it off for some time now," Vladimyr responds.
His sister looks over at their grandparents with sadness, "Praxis is a wonderous place and we love spending time with you, but we need to return home".
Gregory takes a deep breath, "Does your mother know?"
His grandson shakes his head, "We'll contact her, when we clear Praxis' shield".
Natalija rises, suddenly, and begins collecting the dirty dishes from the table, "I hope you left room for dessert". She turns and heads into the kitchen, without waiting for a response.
"Excuse me," Vladimyr says, "I should go help her". Gregory and Ranna nod in understanding.
When he enters the kitchen, he finds his sister poised over the cake she had made for dessert. The knife gripped in a shaking hand, while her silent sobs wrack her body. In two quick strides he closes the gap between them and removes the knife from her hand to place it on the countertop. She turns to him, burying her face in his shirt. I cannot do this, Vlad. I cannot leave more loved ones to die!
We have to, Tali. You know that. He rubs her back trying to soothe her.
She looks up at him with hope in her eyes. Why can we not just bring them with us? Tell them we want them to see us to the border?
As hard as it is for him, Vladimyr shakes his head. Mother was as adament about this, as she was heartbroken, Tali. Grandfather and Ranna die here in Praxis, when Worth powers up his time travel device.
A small cry escapes Natalija's lips, as she can no longer hold back the flood of tears from streaming down her cheeks. Her brother pulls her against him, cradling her in his arms. I'm sorry, Tali. I'm going to miss them, too. Unfortunately, this is something we cannot change.
I hope you liked it, even if it was a bit sad. Please leave a review. Thanks. Until next time.