Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings and I write this story as an avid fan with no profit or gain.
A/N: Alright, I know it's been a long time. Between work, family visiting, and life throwing some curveballs at me… Writing was a slow process. To make amends, this chapter is over 11K words and I am already 2K into the next one. Hope to have it out reasonably soon. There may be typos because I am eager to publish this and edited quickly- Also I will be responding to all your wonderful reviews in Chapter 39. If you find any typos, please send me a private message so I may correct them. Thank you!
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Quick recap- Retired Admiral Kevin Harris and his team have returned to Blue Lite with a captured and drunk Mac. They, along with Yessenia, confront President Green and learn his true intentions for Middle Earth. Using a comatose Anthony against them, Green forces them to remain silent and returns a dying Lauriel to experimentations. Infuriated, the Harris family and their allies begin to plot against the President and find a way to return Lauriel to Middle Earth before it's too late.
Chapter 38
"You're beautiful."
Lauriel smiled softly and turned slightly, just in time to catch a swift and playful kiss on the cheek. Her smile grew larger and Lauriel pressed a hand to the strong chest of her husband. "What has you in such a good mood?"
"This," he said, and swept his arm in a grand gesture. She followed the arm, her golden eyes sweeping over the wooden realm's hall. Elves danced joyfully, their bodies turning and spinning to the music. Others sat at tables, their loud and drunken conversations only interrupted by bites into the impressive feast that lay before them. Mirkwood had never been more alive.
Another kiss was placed on her cheek, and Legolas murmured, "I am prince to a strong people and husband to an even stronger wife. Of course I'm happy."
His blue orbs glowed brightly, and Lauriel felt herself becoming lost within them. "Now come." He pulled her forward. "Dance with me."
Her hearty laughter filled the air as he twirled her around, his hands expertly guiding her through the dance. Elves moved away, creating a circle around the royal pair who was oblivious to the world around them. Lauriel's lungs hurt from laughing so much, and it wasn't until the end of the song did she finally notice everyone watching. Her cheeks warmed and she rubbed her neck, embarrassed. Legolas, on the other hand, glanced around and grinned wickedly at their onlookers.
"Come now." The deep and proud voice of King Thranduil made everyone look towards the head table. Sitting regally, the crown on his head ever-present, the king raised an eyebrow. "You have been princess for… three hundred years now? Will you ever learn to overcome your shyness?"
"Father," Legolas warned, wrapping his arm around Lauriel's waist.
Her embarrassment deepened, but so did her irritation. Sensing her change of mood, Legolas moved her away. "Let's go."
"Go?" She spared a glance over her shoulder, glad to see the dancing resume as the music returned. Thranduil's heavy gaze remained on her and after a long moment, he gave her a deep nod before turning away. Facing forward again, Lauriel frowned as she was led towards a wooden door. She did not recognize this way. "Go where?"
"Home, of course," Legolas answered with a chuckle.
"But we are home…" The rest of her words were lost as they passed through the door and entered a modern kitchen. Her mother's kitchen, to be exact.
"Oh, there you two are!" Yessenia stepped away from the stove and shooed them in. "We've been waiting for you. Do you know how difficult it is to keep your father away from the food? Sit, sit!"
Lauriel was at a loss as Legolas steered her towards the dining room and pulled out a seat for her. She hovered over the table, which was set nicely with her grandmother's plates from Peru. Seated at the head of the table was her father. Kevin Harris wore jeans and a collared shirt, but what struck her odd was the short beard that covered his lower face. She had never seen him with facial hair before. Kevin rolled his eyes. "About time. I'm starving."
"Sit, my love," Legolas prompted, still holding out the chair. Lauriel's eyes tore away from her father and towards the elf beside her. Legolas' hair was short, his pointed ears in full view, and they looked extremely odd against his t-shirt and jeans. The plain clothing appeared dull and inadequate to his striking and handsome immortal features.
Something wasn't right…
Lauriel shook her head, stepping away from the table. "W-What?"
"Watch out, mija." Her mother passed by with a bowl of hot rice. "I don't want to burn you."
"Smells delicious," Legolas said, beaming.
"What kept you? Work again?" Kevin directed his question to Legolas.
"It's been busy at the office all week. I've had a few late nights but-"
A hologram popped up in the corner, appearing over the phone system on the table. "Looks like your sister is calling," Kevin said, giving his wife a tired look. "What does she want now?"
"And you wonder why she never wants to visit," Yessenia glared, running back to the kitchen. "Answer it, Kevin, and be nice."
Kevin gave his daughter and son-in-law an eye roll and stood, doing as he was told. With her parents distracted, Legolas leaned in and whispered, "Are you alright?"
Lauriel's golden eyes were wide, full of fear and confusion. She stared at him, then down at the seat he held out; then to her father, who was speaking with the hologram; and finally to the kitchen, where her mother was digging through the refrigerator.
"This isn't right."
"What do you mean?" Legolas frowned. "What isn't right?"
"I-" Lauriel stammered, then thought quickly. "I need to use the bathroom. Be right back."
He looked ready to protest, but Yessenia's voice called out, "Legolas, I need your help reaching something."
After giving his wife a concerned look, Legolas finally nodded and called back, "Coming!"
Dazedly, Lauriel stumbled away from the room. She entered the side hallway and leaned heavily against the wall, her fingers clutching her modern summer dress. She could feel her heart thudding wildly under the material and inspected the wall across from her. The frames held photographs of memories she did not recognize. There was an image of her and Legolas, standing on a cliff overlooking the San Francisco Bay Bridge, arms wrapped around each other and eyes hidden by sunglasses. Another frame held a picture of her standing in a wedding gown, her parents on each side of her. The one beside it was another wedding photograph, this time with Legolas and her closest relatives all massing together, smiling brightly at the camera.
Where was…
Where was… The name was the tip of her tongue.
Her heart clenched and Lauriel hunched over, thinking hard. "Anthony." The name came out of her mouth on its own, and before Lauriel knew what she was doing, she was sprinting up the stairs. Her foot caught and she fell, slamming her knees into the wooden steps. Pain burst into her legs, and she heard her mom shout her name. As she heard Legolas' familiar steps coming towards her, Lauriel recovered and continued to run. She quickly opened a door and rushed inside. The bed was empty, and the room was devoid of any trophies or signs of her brother. She collapsed against the open door, making it sway until it collided with the wall behind it.
"What's wrong?" Warm hands were lifting her up and moving her towards the bed. "Are you ill?"
Lauriel shut her eyes hard and spoke the name again, louder this time. "Anthony. Where is Anthony?"
Suddenly, the hands were gone. The room fell silent and Lauriel tentatively opened her eyes, only to find Legolas gone. For a moment, she thought she was alone in the room but she noticed the other body occupying the bed. Anthony's limp body lay in the bed, covered by a sheet, and the machine connected to him beeped in a comforting rhythm. The sight of her brother washed away the strange and confusing sensation that had hung over her. Now, her mind felt clear and free.
Leaning forward, Lauriel took Anthony's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry that I was away for so long. I'm here now."
Never letting go of her brother's hand, Lauriel lay down beside him on the bed and pressed a kiss to his still cheek. "I won't ever leave you again."
His eyes flew open, and Lauriel screamed, falling away and off the bed. She stared up in horror at the bed as her comatose brother calmly sat up, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off a decade of sleep. "Hey sis," he said and smirked down at her, his handsome face filling with a healthy glow. "Long time, no see."
Lauriel scrambled back further until she backed up against the opposite wall. "This… this isn't real."
Anthony stretched his neck out, tugging on the cords that connected him to the machine. "You're right on that one. I'm a lot more handsome than this in the real world. Really? Did you have to imagine me so… thin?"
She gaped as he flexed his arms, which had lost their muscle mass years ago. Sighing, Anthony slowly turned his body out of the bed and his pale, slim form spilled off the bed's edge. "What is this then?" she demanded, watching as he set his feet against the floor. "Where am I?"
"Your head." Anthony snorted. "Where else would we be, you dummy? And to think, Dad and Mom always said you were the brains of the family…"
"So this is a dream."
"Of sorts." Anthony stood up and wobbled. He fell forward, and out of pure instinct, Lauriel shot up, catching her brother. He groaned, his body weight entirely on her for a long moment before he forced himself back up. His skin felt so real against her own, and Lauriel began to doubt if this was truly a dream. "Listen to me," Anthony said, staring down at her. Even now, when she had grown taller and leaner, he still could look down upon her. "You need to wake up."
"What?"
"It's time to wake up," he repeated, shaking her by his shoulders. His face was full of emotions, but the most obvious was his fear. "You can't stay here. Your body is shutting down but you need to fight it. You need to find a way back to Legolas and-"
"I can't!" She pulled away from his hold. "I'm too weak to even walk. How the hell am I supposed to get past security and activate the door?"
"You have family and friends to help you."
Her golden eyes burned with fury. "If you're really part of my me and in my head, then you know I can't trust anyone besides Mom and Big B. It's over, Anthony; I failed."
"Listen to me!" Anthony stared up at the ceiling, as if hearing something she could not. "Listen, you idiot, we don't have much time-"
Lauriel's eyebrows furrowed. "What do-"
"Shut up and listen," her older brother snapped, pulling rank. He was one of the few people in the two worlds she knew who could pull that tone with her and not get punched. "You're going to wake up and it's going to hurt. You're going to want to give in, but you can't. Fight it and wake up. There's still a way to get back to Legolas."
Now Lauriel could hear what had frightened Anthony so much. She could hear distant voices speaking, as if they were in the hallway outside, and with every second, they came closer. She wanted to shout at Anthony, scream how impossible the situation was, but his words had sparked hope inside her.
Against her better judgment, Lauriel asked, "How?"
Anthony smiled sadly at her. "They were wrong before, but trust Dad and Scott. They'll help you."
"They betrayed me," Lauriel said, frowning. "They betrayed us."
"It's time." Anthony stared at the door as the outside voices became so loud that Lauriel struggled to hear him. "Trust them. See you soon, little sis."
Before she could say goodbye, she was torn away from the room.
…
...
Everything hurt. Immense pain rained into every pore, flowed through every vein, and spilled into her very soul, threatening to shatter whatever remained. In her first few moments of consciousness, Lauriel wanted nothing more than to slip back into oblivion, back into the darkness and peace of nothingness, but Anthony had told her…
Fight it.
She pushed back against the pain, the thoughts of her brother hurtling against the blackness, giving her the strength to combat it. With every second, awareness continued to returned to her.
Her eyes were closed, and she struggled to feel her limbs under a great invisible weight that pressed against her body. From the moment she had first awoken in the quarantine cell to this new awakening, this dimension suffocated her. It was filled with such heavy, dull air. There was no magic here to fill her lungs with light, refreshing oxygen. She could feel this empty dimension pressing against her, desperately fighting to end the magical abomination that she was here.
Lauriel was no longer a being of Earth, and it wanted her to know it. The world around her seemed muffled – she could barely hear the voices around her, barely feel the fingers on her skin or the needles that pricked her. Everything but the pain was muffled.
"Brain activity is stabilizing." An alien voice shattered the bubble that seemed to surround her. Suddenly, the world cleared and she could feel and hear everything plainly. Lauriel felt herself fully pulled back into reality. Her eyes opened and a white concrete ceiling came into focus. She blinked and her head rolled dizzily. Dr. Claire Ryder stood nearby, armed with her clipboard as always.
"Welcome back, Lauren," the woman greeted her, wearing an unpleasant expression. "How are you feeling? Better?"
Lauriel blinked again, this time in surprise as her the grogginess began to ebb away. She… She did feel better! The pain had lessened to a dull ache and her senses were as clear as the day she had come back to this hellhole.
"What…" She licked her dry, unused lips. "What did you do to me?"
"Think of it like an adrenaline shot. We injected a potent combination of chemicals that sent your nervous system into overdrive. Based on how quickly your body burned through the sedative, it shouldn't last more than a few hours."
"Why?" Lauriel's eyes narrowed. "Why not let me just die in peace?"
"After tonight, you'll be returned home where you can die whenever you wish." The doctor did not sound pleased with this development. "Your father has struck a deal with the president, it seems, despite my protests. Really, for the benefit of science, you should die here under observation."
Home… She felt both happy and saddened by the idea of returning there. It would be a comfort to pass in her mother's house, a place she had grown to love, close to the real Anthony, but it would also mean failure. The door would continue to open and close, bridging the gap between the two dimensions, and she would be unable to stop it.
"What do you want from me?"
"We have one last task for you. Stand up, Lauren."
Her arms moved with surprising ease. They felt sore, as if she worked out too hard the day before and her muscles strained. Still, it was a blessing not to feel more. The injection's ability to dull pain was impressive. Lauriel pushed against the bed and lifted her body into a sitting position. Staring at her feet, Lauriel wiggled her toes and watched them move at her command.
"The president has planned a gala tonight here at Blue Lite. He's announcing the existence of the door and the dimension we have discovered to members of Congress and important government figures. It's the first step towards full public disclosure." Dr. Ryder ignored Lauriel's shocked gasp. "You are to attend the event and do as you are told."
"Now I understand. I am to be put on display, the first of many trophies from Middle-Earth."
"Not a trophy, but a symbol. You represent the future, dear Lauren. You are proof that biology has a way of evolving into something so much greater than what we are today. You are living proof of immorality, incredible healing rates, immunity to disease, and abilities we only dreamed of. Now, we only have a few hours until the injection wears off. Please follow me and we'll get you dressed."
"No."
"Surely a few hours are worth going home?"
When Lauriel remained frozen in place, the doctor sighed, "Do not make this more difficult than it needs to be. The president asked that we not inflict any new injuries tonight, but we will do what is necessary."
"Where is my family?"
"Your mother and brother are in their living quarters. The invitation tonight did not include them. Your mother has been given instructions to prepare for the trip home," Dr. Ryder responded, irritated by the question. "Your father-"
"If I cooperate," Lauriel cut in, not caring to know the rest, "you will release us all? No tricks?"
"If you play your role well tonight, you and your family will be free to go in the morning." Dr. Ryder made no effort to hide her fury. "Now follow me."
They must have been planning this for quite some time, Lauriel soon realized. There was a team assembled in another room that expertly covered her bruises and wounds with makeup, curled and twisted her hair into a beautiful updo, and placed her into a stunning evening gown. The dress was full length, slim and well-fitted to her lean frame, and its golden silk purposely complimented her eyes. Lauriel laughed at the sight of her reflection. She truly looked the trophy she was meant to be, shiny and beautiful… a false promise of immortality and power.
"Ma'am." An assistant held out two pairs of shoes to Dr. Ryder. One was a set of matching heels and the other matching flats. "Which should she wear?"
"Flats." Dr. Ryder did not hesitate. "She's already tall enough, and we don't want her falling over when the serum beings to wear off."
While the flats were put onto her feet, Lauriel glared at the doctor, who continued, "When you begin to feel the pain again or any sign of the serum wearing off, you are to inform either the president of one of his assistants immediately. Until then, you will hide any pain you feel and you will not speak a single word of what has occurred. If you are asked a question, you will allow the president to answer for you. Your job is simply to be seen tonight, not heard. Understood?"
Lauriel merely glared, her golden eyes burning dangerously.
For a split second, Dr. Ryder looked frightened, but lowered her eyes to her clipboard and cleared her throat. "Go."
…
…
The serum was incredible, a true feat of science. How they managed to bring her back from the brink of depth was impressive. She felt wonderful, fit as a fiddle, and ready to accomplish anything. It was frightening how easy she walked, how powerful she felt within this façade, and how close she was to snapping the neck of the man who stood beside her.
President Green seemed oblivious to the rage that radiated off the dark-haired beauty that accompanied him at the gala, however. He guided her throughout the room, introducing her to dozens of men and women, who openly gawked and inspected her. Their praises made her want to laugh and cry; their questions both amused and infuriated her, but worst of all was their hunger – their hunger to attain what she had gained. She could see it in their eyes, even those who seemed to be truly kind and sincere. All were, at the very least, curious about this new immortal and the land from where she'd come.
By the end of the cocktail hour, she could sense the giddiness in President Green. The man had seen the reactions too, and knew that he'd already won them over.
Lauriel's fingers clenched inward, forming shaking fists as she followed behind him and towards the head table. With his back to her, Lauriel did nothing to hide her emotions, and she was satisfied to see a few people step away warily from her as she passed. One man, however, did not move away. Lauriel's glare settled on her father, who wore his formal uniform. Had it not been for the bags under his eyes, Admiral Harris would have looked handsome in the midst of the gala. In another time, another place, Lauriel would have told him so. But that was not this reality. Lauriel walked past the man, ignoring him completely. Interestingly, President Green also did not acknowledge the admiral's presence.
"Here you are, my dear," President Green said as he pulled a chair back for her. He grinned down at her as he quietly praised, "You are doing well. I'm glad you chose to cooperate."
"I've seen many things in my lifetime," Lauriel murmured, her face settling into an eerie calm. "I have fought wars in two worlds, and if I have learned anything from them, it is that men like you… always get what they deserve. Your world will crumble soon, make no mistake."
"Says the immortal who will die within the day," Green chuckled as he took the seat beside her. He waved off the security detail that hovered closely and the two suited men backed away, disappearing against the backdrop. "Such a waste."
"Soon, yes," she responded with a cold smile. "Who knows, perhaps your end will come before mine."
President Green, tired of their banter, ignored her. Michelle Gats approached a podium and cleared her throat, the microphone sending the noise throughout the event. Conversations quieted and hundreds of men and women looked to the podium. Michelle made a grand sweeping gesture with her arm. "Please take your seats so we may begin our presentation."
Lauriel watched coldly as the members of government, heads of the largest companies, and some of the richest people in the world found their seats. She swept her eyes over them, fully aware of their stares and attention. Her face remained smooth and emotionless, even as she found the table that sat her father and other influential military men and women. The lights dimmed and she watched as screens were lowered from the ceiling throughout the gala, granting the audience and head tables multiple angles for viewing.
The dramatic and deep voice of a narrator began as footage of the landscapes of Middle Earth appeared on screen. "Not since the time of Christopher Columbus has our world experienced the discovery of new lands and possibilities. Imagine a place with endless resources, unprecedented potential for development, and the secret to immortality…"
Now the screen showed footage of the elves, beautiful and regal, as they lived their daily lives. This was footage Lauriel had never seen before, and based on the angle and way the camera moved, it was obviously shot from a helmet camera. The elves walked through the market of Lothlórien, casting curious but friendly glances to whoever wore the helmet.
At the edges of the footage were glimpses of legs and arms, clad in American military uniforms. Ah, now Lauriel understood. This must have been from Scott and his team's initial arrival in Middle Earth. Haldir had explained that they'd found the men close to the forest borders and had brought them into the safety of the city once it was known they were kinsmen to her. From there, they joined the elves on their march to Helms Deep. Lauriel's fingers gripped the white table cloth tightly, her emotions taunt as she continued to watch the screen. The elves were smiling at Scott and his men- welcoming them into their city, having no idea that their faces would be shown as advertisements of immortality and false promises. They were unknowingly smiling at their doom.
"We sought friendship with these natives." The narrator sounded full of hope and vigor as the images from Helm's Deep appeared.
The stone fortress was revealed to the gala once again from a helmet camera. The man it belonged to had stood back, filming the introductions between Admiral Harris and King Théoden, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, and the rest. It all looked grand and the crowd watched in approval. Yes, everyone preferred a peaceful way of getting what they wanted, and it looked like the retired admiral was taking the first steps towards friendship.
"When the natives faced annihilation," the narrator continued, "it was American men and women who joined them in their fight against these monstrous creatures. Our countrymen volunteered to defend the lives of men, women, children, and beings called elves against impossible odds."
The screens now played terrifying images of Orcs and Uruk-hai charging towards the fotress.
"An alliance was founded between the people of Middle Earth and Earth. Together, we fought bravely and valiantly."
Now the true carnage appeared. Lauriel's eyebrows lifted in surprise at the violent and raw footage of the battle. President Green had not held back, and as she watched the crowd's reactions, Lauriel understood why. The video of enormous, inhuman beasts charging over ladders and into the stone keep was terrifying – but seeing them tear through men and elves with otherworldly strength made these powerful and rich people cringe, cry out, look away, and fear what they saw. Fear would be Green's weapon, and Lauriel could see it take hold of the crowd. She glanced to the President and saw his eyes alight in pleasure, but his face remained morose and serious. He didn't watch the screens, but rather observed his prey.
The narrator's voice died away as audio from the battle came blasting through the speakers. Shouts and screams both monster and ally attacked the gala. It lasted just long enough for the gala attendees to feel their hope fade and vulnerability rise – just in time for the ghastly sounds to die away and be replaced with dramatic, hopeful music. They had created this video to perfectly manipulate the audience's emotions.
"And at the center of this alliance, an American Marine, turned into an immortal warrior–"
The footage was obviously from a helmet of one of Scott's team that was zoomed in. They'd been far above the ground level, shooting the prototype weapons from their snipers nest, but the camera quality was perfect nonetheless. It was rough and bouncing, since the man wearing the helmet was currently fighting for his life, but it didn't matter. The footage of Lauriel blasting her way through the battle and towards Haldir was clear enough to send its intended message.
She didn't even recognize herself. Lauriel's mouth went dry and her eyes widened as the screens revealed her bloody slaughter across the battlefield. She looked like a demon – cutting down every Uruk and Orc that dared to oppose her. She flipped, evading arrows, and spun so quickly that the red energy from her rifle looked almost like a tornado… And she was at the center of it.
Lauriel began to rise from her seat, feeling the hundreds of eyes shifting to her in awe. They glanced back and forth between the screens to the real warrior seated before them. "Sit down," Green hissed, his calm demeanor slipping for a moment.
"Evolution is a slow and tedious process." The narrator's voice rose over the heroic music again. "Science has brought humanity many successes, but also many failures… failures we may now overcome. With your support, we can solve illness, perfect the American soldier, and unlock the secret to immortality. Imagine a future where America and its people can live forever…"
Lauriel continued to stand, ignoring Green's hands that pulled at her dress.
"With your support," the narrator continued, "we can gain powers that mankind has never dreamed of."
Now the video changed to footage of Gandalf fighting. The wizard appeared like an old man to the gala attendees, an old man surrounded by monsters who would most likely kill him quickly. But gasps filled the air as Gandalf killed the creatures with a lethal combination of his sword and magic. The magical white light that shot out of his staff was blinding, illuminating the gala so well that Lauriel finally caught sight of movement in the back of the room.
There had been guards posted around the exterior of the room, which came as no surprise considering the President of the United States was in attendance, as well as many members of the same country's government. What caught Lauriel's attention, however, was the sudden appearance of Blue Lite security. At least a dozen men, some she recognized from her father's team to Middle Earth, had strolled into the gala and taken positions alongside the Secret Service men. Her eyebrows furrowed at the Secret Service's reaction – they shifted uncomfortably and she heard one of them ask, "What's going on? We weren't informed of the extra detail–"
Lauriel became distracted though when her father stood up slowly, his eyes meeting hers. She stood up straight now, immediately recognizing the lethal determination in his expression.
Something was about to happen.
"Sit down!" Green snapped again from her side. His hands pulled even harder on her dress, but he couldn't pull too hard without drawing attention.
Her right hand slammed down onto his grip, and the man withdrew, shocked. "Touch me again," she said without breaking eye contact with her father, "and I will cut your throat with your butter knife."
President Green's voice turned icy. "What did you say to me, girl?"
Green had never been a military man, but he'd grown up in hunting country and knew how to wield a knife. He picked up his steak knife, ignoring its butter-wielding cousin that she'd named, and held it to her side discreetly. "Sit down."
Before Lauriel could respond, the video and its lying narrator abruptly ended. The screens went blank and silence filled the hall. From where he stood, Admiral Harris bellowed, "Everything you have been told and everything you have seen here tonight is a lie. That man–" He pointed directly to the president, who was caught holding a knife to Lauriel as she turned her body away, revealing the weapon. The crowd shouted in alarm and gasped. The knife dropped from Green's hand and his face went white.
"That man," Admiral Harris repeated with even more vigor now, "holds my daughter and myself hostage. He has threatened to kill my son! My fellow Americans, watch, and you'll see Green is the real monster here!"
The screens came to life again, but they no longer played the propaganda film. Instead, footage from what was obviously a security camera began to play. Lauriel couldn't help but wince at the sight of her bloody, gaunt, and exhausted body in her father's arms. Beside him stood Scott, her mother, and Dr. Williams. Together, they faced a few guards, who held their weapons up uncertainly. What unfolded before them was a standoff, where she had been the prize. Lauriel watched closely, having been unconscious for the actual event.
A guard spoke on-screen. "We can't let you just take the test subject, sir… I'm sorry Scott."
Lauriel's eyes widened in recognition. She knew that guard! They'd been friends for years! How could Jeremy have just stand outside and let them torture her–
"Test subject?" Scott roared. "She has a fucking name, man, and you know it! Jeremy, you met Lauren years ago and you let them experiment on her? You know her!"
Another guard, one that Lauriel did not know, responded in embarrassment, "We just stand guard outside the lab. We had no idea what they were doing to her. Besides, she volunteered for it."
"Look at her!" her mother screamed. "Look at what they're doing to her! You think she signed up to be tortured? They forced her to come back!"
"I don't know anything about that, ma'am," the guard answered meekly.
"Her brother, my son, is in a coma. He took a bullet to the head during a mission. They threatened to remove his life support if she did not cooperate."
The crowd gasped, and all eyes fell to Green, who had been frozen with shock. The man regained his senses, though, and began to move backwards, ready to flee, but Lauriel stepped forward quickly. Grabbing his shoulder, she pushed him back down into his seat. "No," she whispered. "Stay and watch."
Trapped by her immortal strength, Green could only sit helplessly as the footage continued to play. Lauriel did not hear the Secret Service men stationed behind their table approach, and she glanced over her shoulder suspiciously. Her lips pulled back into a surprised smile. There, standing over the bodies of two unconscious Secret Service men, was Scott and Jeremy. Her friends held fingers over their lips, signaling for her to remain quiet. With the table raised on a platform before them and the lights dimmed, the audience wouldn't be able to see them.
Green's body stiffened when the sound of his voice came over the speakers. "Kevin, what do you think you are doing?"
Lauriel and the crowd watched as President Green, Michelle Gats, and the Secret Service approached the standoff. The president smirked as he ordered, "Hand her over, Kevin."
"No."
"You heard your wife, or I suppose I should say ex-wife? You know what we'll do if you do not cooperate."
"What kind of man uses a comatose soldier as leverage?" Scott bellowed.
"Silence." Green held up a hand. "Hand the girl over, or Michelle here will have to make an unfortunate phone call. What's your son's nameagain?"
"Anthony, sir," Michelle supplied with a cool smile.
"Ah, yes, Anthony. He's just down the hall; it won't take long to pull the plug."
Lauriel's eyebrows rose as chaos erupted. Men and women were on their feet, shouting in outrage and pointing accusatory fingers and fists at the president and his allies in Congress. She glanced to the perimeter and expected to see the Blue Lite guards fighting back the Secret Service staff. Instead, she sat them all watching the chaos, some of the Secret Service men even removing their ear comms. No one, not even his own security detail, wanted to protect a man who held a comatose American hero hostage. The president seemed to realize this too and hung his head, knowing his career was over.
"Hey," Scott said quietly from where he stood. He did not raise his voice, knowing she would hear him perfectly well. "We need to go. Jeremy here will make sure Green doesn't try to run. Follow me on my mark."
With so many furious eyes on her and the president, Lauriel did not react. Instead, she let her hand fall away from the president and let the chaos continue. The footage had momentarily frozen, but now resumed. Slowly, silence fell over the disrupted crowd as they watched Admiral Harris heartbreakingly hand over the broken body of his daughter to a guard.
"Why?" Kevin demanded, his voice cold. "Why are you doing this? You are the President of the United States. You are supposed to represent freedom and democracy."
"Freedom and democracy… Such powerful ideas and even more powerful tools, when used correctly," Green interrupted. "That's why I've always liked you, Kevin. You are a man of principle, even now. It didn't matter how high you rose in the ranks; you were still the same idealistic fool. You were a great ally. Our friendship during the campaign really helped with the veterans' vote, and you were one hell of a golf buddy. It's nothing personal, my old friend, simply politics. Not only have we discovered an endless power supply and weapons that will revolutionize this world, but we've found a treasure in that other dimension. Do you have any idea how much money there is to be made?"
"So what, you're going to kill everyone there and take their resources? It won't be a war, it'll be a massacre."
Green made a face. "Ah, that's the tricky part. Our economy is still struggling to recover from the war and the people are hurting. They're afraid of a civil war, like in China, and fear… fear is a powerful thing. They're desperate, so desperate that they'd be willing to endure another war if it meant making our country the richest in the world again. Plus, unlocking the secret to immortality is one hell of a motivator. Thank you for completing Phase Two for me. With my nephew, your daughter, and Miller out of the way, we've taken care of our own. Phase Three can finally begin."
"So that's what it's all been leading up to… You're going to invade Middle-Earth."
"You can't go to war without Congress and the public's support,"Yessenia challenged. "Somehow I don't think 'help me slaughter an entire world so we can steal their resources and abilities' is going to go well with them."
"You're right," Green conceded, but then grinned wickedly. "But when they see footage of monsters attacking our troops, who are courageously trying to rescue kidnapped Americans, and an elf murdering the decorated Captain Alan Rochester with an arrow through the throat, they'll have a change of heart. It's easy to control the people when they're scared and angry."
"You're talking about slaughtering innocent people. It's not just monsters there, but other humans like us." Yessenia's voice trembled. "There are women and children–"
"Who cares?"
Chaos, stronger and more violent, broke out again. Men and women were screaming at each other as fists and accusations were thrown about. With no sign of the Secret Service whisking the president away, several men and women approached the head table with fierce expressions. Most, Lauriel noted, were military leaders, and she knew they would ensure Green would not escape his fate or justice.
"Now." Scott's voice captured Lauriel's attention and she immediately backed away from the table and into the dark perimeter. She took care to step over the unconscious Secret Service men and eyed Jeremy warily.
Her friend had aged, just as everyone else in this world, and he refused to meet her eyes. Jeremy whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Lauren."
She gently patted his arm. "It's alright. It's good to see you, old friend."
Jeremy's dark brown eyes finally met hers, and they were filled with relief. He opened his mouth to speak, but Scott beat him to it. "No time. We're on a schedule."
"Go," Jeremy agreed, taking a step towards Green. The president was now surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the country, all of whom were not happy about being played.
"Thank you, Jeremy." Scott nodded deeply before running towards an exit. Lauriel followed, glancing over her shoulder one last time. Despite everything that had happened, she couldn't help but worry for her father. Her golden eyes could not locate him before the gala vanished from sight and she found herself chasing Scott down a hallway.
"Where are we going?" She did not hide the suspicion in her voice.
Scott slowed for a moment to turn and look at her, a pained expression on his face. "Look, I messed up, okay? I didn't know what your dad had planned. I was just following orders from a man I trusted. I'm sorry Laure- I mean, Lauriel. I fucked up and we can talk all about it one day, but right now we need to keep moving."
"You did not answer my question."
Resuming his speed again, Scott said, "We're going home."
"Home?" Lauriel frowned, not knowing precisely where that meant. "What about Anthony and my- ugh."
Her feet stumbled and Lauriel nearly fell, but managed to recover. She gritted her teeth as pain began to shoot through her legs. Scott spun around and approached her anxiously. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"The serum," she muttered. "It's beginning to wear off."
He swore and asked, "Can you still walk?"
Bitter determination filled her and Lauriel took a tentatively step forward. It hurt, but she would try her damned hardest to ignore the pain. "I'll keep going as long as I can."
Suddenly, the alarms sounded and lights began to flash. Scott sighed, "Damn. I thought we'd have more time."
They resumed their running, a little slower though, and Lauriel asked, "What the hell is going on?"
"Your father came up with a plan to get you and everyone out of here," Scott explained. "It's risky, but some of the guards are helping. The rest… well, we may need to fight our way through."
As if summoned, they rounded a corner and nearly collided with a group of guards. They were a mix of Blue Lite staff, Secret Service, and private security hired for the gala. For a long moment, they all stared at one another, and then one man lunged for Lauriel.
Instinct sent her pushing off the ground, grunting as her legs cried out, and spinning over the man's shoulders. As her torso passed over him, she punched the side of his head and the man fell limp. It hadn't been a lethal blow, but the other guards watched her land in shock.
"We don't have to fight," Scott announced grimly. "We're not your enemy."
"What the hell is going on, Atkins?" one of the Blue Lite staff members spoke. She was a tall woman with muscular arms that hovered over the pistol at her belt. "Quarantine's been breached, the perimeter broken, and we're getting contradicting orders. Now we find you here with the subject–"
"Her name is Major Lauriel Harris," Scott cut in. "I don't have time to explain everything, so ask your men at the gala. The short version is the president is a fraud and I'm getting Lauriel to safety. So step aside."
"Can't let you do that, sir." The woman shifted uneasily. "We're all under direct orders from the president to keep the perimeter and ensure that Major Harris remains at his side."
While they spoke, Lauriel subtly moved towards the nearest wall and leaned on it. She couldn't help, but let her arms fall limp by her sides as the pain moved into them. Her body was shutting down at an alarmingly fast rate.
"I understand," Scott murmured. "I know what it's like to follow orders too. Sorry about this then."
Before their opponents could react, the sound of a weapon firing came and they all fell. Lauriel gaped at who stood at the other end of the hallway. The fact that she had not heard or seen him approach was testament to how rapidly the serum was fading.
"M-Mac?" She grunted as her legs gave out and Lauriel found herself sitting awkwardly against a wall. "Ugh…"
The dwarf sprinted towards her, the strange compact pistol in his hand lowering. Behind his burly form, she could see Dr. Williams and Jim standing together, both wearing large packs. Lauriel groaned as Scott silently moved the bodies into the closest room and Mac crouched beside her.
"Hey there, pointy ears," the dwarf said with a gruff smile.
"H-How are you…" She shook her head. "I don't understand."
"Jim and that doctor fella broke me out of quarantine. I had one hell of a hangover still–" At Lauriel's puzzled expression, Mac sighed. "Your dad and his team came to Erebor and tricked me into coming back to Earth by getting me drunk. Damn bastards. I was going to kill them, but breaking me out and taking us back home was an acceptable apology."
Mac's brawny arms slipped under her thin form and picked her up with ease. "Man, have you lost weight or something?"
She smiled at the joke, but she found it hard to find humor after hearing that her father had kidnapped yet another person. "Good to see you, Mac. Wait, what do you mean take us home?"
"We're going back to Middle Earth. All of us."
Taken aback by this declaration, Lauriel looked to Jim, who nodded in confirmation. She didn't trust Jim though, not when he had so desperately wanted Anna back and to return to their normal life, so her eyes settled on Dr. Williams.
The older man adjusted his glasses and spoke quietly. "We…" He glanced at Jim, whose face darkened with shame. "We have all made mistakes and you have suffered for it. Please, let us fix what we have broken and seek a fresh start elsewhere."
"W-What about your life here?"
Dr. Williams chuckled, "My dear, I have spent my entire life trying to make the world a better place. Instead of using my discoveries and inventions for good, though, this world has twisted them into something I cannot allow. The love of my life is gone and I have no children. If I cannot make this world better, then I'd like to spend my remaining years trying in Middle Earth."
"I was jealous and selfish," Jim spoke up, straightening. "I let my emotions cloud my judgement and that mistake cost Anna, the woman I love, the father of her child. Holdred was a good man; even I could see that, and it made my jealousy even worse. Robert will have to grow up without a father and it's my fault. All I can do now is try to make things right, and that boy deserves to at least live in Holdred's world with his father's relatives. I'll never stop loving Anna, and if staying close to her means leaving everything behind, then so be it. I stopped caring about this world ten years ago anyway."
Scott emerged from the room and Lauriel stared at him. "And what about you?"
"I'm divorced, have no children, and I'm restless as ever." Scott tried to shake off the seriousness of the question with a shrug, but his words were sober and solemn nonetheless. "From what I've seen, you two and Anna have found happy lives there. Hopefully, I can too."
A thoughtful silence overcame their group. Feeling a bit awkward, Lauriel changed the subject. She nodded towards the closed door behind Jim. "Are they dead?"
"No, just stunned. We didn't want to hurt anyone. Now, we need to get moving. Doctor, I'll take that."
Dr. Williams allowed Scott to remove the large pack and sighed in relief. With Scott leading and Jim guarding from the back, the group moved forward.
…
…
Yessenia paced back and forth, muttering to herself in Spanish. Periodically, she would pause and check on Anthony. A tiny part of her always, without fail, hoped that he would miraculously open his eyes, and every time, that small part of her felt bitter disappointment. Now though, she felt something else too: a new hope that grew with each passing moment. Hope for a new life in a new world where perhaps Anthony could… Yessenia pushed the thoughts away, not wanting to lose her focus in daydreams.
The mechanical door slid open with a hydraulic hiss, and Kevin strode into the room. He still wore his uniform and-
"Is that blood?" She eyed the red stain on his arm warily.
Kevin did not skip a beat as he took a position at the head of the cot and began to push Anthony towards the door. Yessenia immediately grabbed the stunning pistol and adjusted the pack on her back. She went to the door first, and after checking the hallway announced, "Clear."
They went into the hallway together, two parents guiding and protecting their only son. Speaking quietly, Yessenia pressed the issue. "Are you hurt?"
"It's not mine," Kevin murmured, his eyes constantly roaming. "General Corr punched Senator David after the video and I happened to be standing by."
Yessenia's eyes widened slightly. "So things went well then?"
"Too well. Jeremy and some of the guards had to protect Green from his own cabinet members. His presidency is over. He'll probably be in a jail cell by morning."
"Good, and Lauriel?"
"She went with Scott. With any luck, they'll beat us to the meeting point."
Yessenia pursed her lips together, but silently prayed to every god she knew and the Valar that luck remained on their side.
…
…
"Hang in there, Princess."
"D-Don't." Lauriel struggled to speak. She couldn't see anymore, her vision so blurred that everything was just a mess of colors smeared together, but she recognized Mac's rugged voice instantly. Her voice wobbled as her limp body bounced with each step he took. "Call… me that," she finished.
He didn't laugh, his concern outweighing his humor. Lauriel couldn't laugh even if she wanted to. Her body ached and suffered so badly. The great weight of this world had returned, eager to suffocate her unnatural magical body.
She heard them come across more guards, and her ears roared with the sound of gunfire. Mac's hold on her had tightened and when the gunfire was over, Lauriel felt them move on.
Finally, they came to a stop again. "What's…" she mumbled, her mouth starting to feel numb, "happening?"
"Stay with us." Scott's voice was close, but she could not see where he was. "Dr. Williams is getting us into the wing with the door. Everyone else will be meeting us here."
Lauriel wanted to ask who else was coming, who else had decided to leave this world behind, but her mouth could not move. At least, she thought, she wasn't making noises. Was that groaning sound coming from her or someone else? It was becoming impossible to tell as her ears began to ring from pain. Fear filled her as she realized this was the end.
…
…
They were almost there! Yessenia felt her anxiety lift as they made it to the bottom of the stairs. All the elevators were shut down during alarms, and so she and Kevin were forced to carry Anthony's cot down. With adrenaline and a parent's love motivating them, neither struggled with the weight as they descended into Blue Lite's basement wing, where the door and its support labs were located. They carefully set the cot back down, and Yessenia lifted her stunner, resuming her guard, but froze when she noticed movement down the hall.
Armed with her clipboard, Dr. Claire Ryder froze as she realized she was not alone. The woman nervously adjusted her glasses. "What–" Her eyes fell onto Anthony and then to the admiral, staring at the blood on his otherwise pristine uniform.
"Go." Yessenia lowered her stunner and approached the woman with fierce, loud footsteps. "I'll take care of her."
Kevin hesitated, but then glanced at the woman responsible for torturing their daughter. "Hurry" was all he said as he pushed Anthony along and vanished down the hallway and around a turn.
Left alone, the two women evaluated one another. Yessenia stopped only a foot short of the scientist who held her clipboard tightly to her chest, realizing there was nowhere to run.
"I'll scream!" Dr. Ryder threatened. "The guards, they'll hear me and–"
"No one will come."
After a long moment, the clipboard slipped from Dr. Ryder's hold and clattered onto the ground. "What are you going to do with me?"
"I haven't decided." Yessenia's voice was cold and harsh. "Tell me, do you feel any regret for what you did to her? How you tore apart my daughter?"
"It was for science."
The answer was given immediately and without a tremor of fear. Yessenia sucked in a breath, realizing that no, this woman felt nothing. "I will never understand people like you."
"Please, let me go."
Claire Ryder had no idea what was to come. She could not know that her very life lay in Yessenia's hands. The war veteran evaluated the doctor once again and knew that she needed to make a decision now. There was no time to waste. A hero would show mercy and let her go. A woman pure of heart would know it was the right thing to do. But Yessenia was not a hero, nor was she pure of heart. No… She was human and had suffered more than any person should. Worse, she was a pissed off mother.
Before the doctor could even blink, she crumpled to the ground, hit directly by the stunner.
Without a second glance, Yessenia sprinted down the hall and turned the corner. She ran to a large metal door and stared up at the camera that hung overhead. After a few seconds, the door hissed as its lock was released and slid open. Yessenia darted inside and heard the door shut immediately behind her. Her brown eyes scanned the room anxiously.
The door was larger than she had ever imagined. The frame itself was only wide enough to accommodate five, maybe six men, and only tall enough for a flag pole. It was the actual machine that was connected to and supported the frame that caught her off guard. The machine was monstrous, and she could hear the beeps and clicks of its components. The room itself was large too, leaving enough room for control panels, computers, screens, and a wide open area just in front of the door where traveling parties could gather. Off to the side of the room was a lab, completely empty now, but most likely this was where quarantine processing had begun.
To her immense relief, everyone had made it.
Five military bikes were positioned in front of the door with side cars and trailers. In one, Jim drove the sidecar that held Anna and a crying Robert. The sight of this room must have terrified the poor boy. In another, Big B drove an eager and grinning… short man? Yessnia's brows rose as she saw the dwarf, they were much thicker and hairy than she'd expected. Sensing her evaluation, Mac winked, "If you think I'm weird looking, just wait until you see the hobbits. I'm Mac, by the way."
"Yessenia," she automatically responded, deciding that she liked the young man-dwarf. Her attention shifted to the third bike where the driver seat was empty but a muttering Dr. Williams sat waiting in the sidecar. The scientist was audibly listing out a checklist, verifying the tasks complete. A fifth bike and side car were loaded with supplies and-
Running forward, Yessenia crouched to where Lauriel lay in the sidecar. Her body was cold and limp. "Is she-"
"Alive," Anna cut in. The red head was stroking her distraught son's hair but eyed the other worried mother in the room. "Just barely. There is little time left."
"Let's go!" Yessenia shouted, unable to keep the panic and anger from showing.
"We're almost ready," Scott said without looking at her.
The younger man and Kevin were working together to swiftly transfer Anthony and his equipment into the trailer of the fifth bike. It was a massive tube like thing, built with light but durable material. No matter what Middle Earth threw at the case, Kevin had assured her that their son would remain safe and untouched within. As Kevin shut the trailer and pressed his finger print to its hologram, the locks to the case hissed and Anthony was safely laying inside. The admiral, still in his bloody uniform, nodded to Yessenia who quickly stood and grabbed the helmet that lay on bike that pulled Lauriel. "Status report?" At Kevin's question, everyone put on their helmets.
"Bike 1, ready," Jim confirmed.
"Bike 2, ready." Big B echoed.
"Bike 3," Scott paused as he slipped his leg over the bike that held Dr. Williams and turned its engine on. "Ready."
Staring at her dying daughter, Yessenia declared, "Bike 4, ready."
With his own helmet now covering his head, Kevin mounted the last bike that pulled Anthony's trailer. "Bike 5, ready. Countdown will be initiated in three, two, one."
He pressed a remote and the massive machine began to hum. It's noise grew louder by the second until the mechanical roar made the room shake. Then, the light appeared. It came quickly and filled the span of the doorway brightly. If not for the tinted glass of her helmet, Yessenia would have squinted against the illuminous frame. She gulped as the light dimmed and an image appeared. A wall of trees spanned the doorway, enormous and dark they towered so tall that they could only see the beginnings of their trunks. The door was a short distance away from the boundary and in between was wild grass.
"Move out!" Kevin's voice ordered through their comms.
Immediately, Jim sped his bike through the door and Anna sat upright, her white prototype weapon lifted and ready to be used. Yessenia couldn't help but gasp as they simply vanished through the door and appeared in that other… world. Their shapes were a bit blurred, but after a long moment, Jim's voice echoed through their helmets. "Bike 1, clear."
Big B and Mac passed through next. "Bike 2, clear."
Scott and Dr. Williams crossed the door. "Bike 3, clear."
Yessenia inhaled deeply and pressed her foot down on the accelerator. The bike rolled forward quickly and smoothly. Her stomach twisted as the door began to swallow the front of the bike. Terror engulfed her and her hands tightened on the bike. She was leaving her world behind- her sister would have nothing but a voicemail for a goodbye, her house would be abandoned, her job deserted, her- She glanced quickly at her daughter's limp form and instantly all regret washed away. She loved her children more than anything. They were worth giving up the world.
Her foot pressed harder and the bike fully passed through the door. The grass was soft and ground level as Yessenia maneuvered the bike into position, falling into line with the others a safe distance from the door. Breathlessly she said, "Bike 4 clear."
Everyone looked to Lauriel, but the elleth remained limp and unresponsive. Yessenia felt her shoulders sag in disappointment.
"Don't worry, ma'am," The deep and soothing voice of Big B said. "She's here, she'll be okay now."
"A healer will fix her up in no time," Mac added. "Those pointy eared hippies know their stuff."
"Where are we?" Yessenia asked, looking around. They were at the edge of a massive clearing of rolling grass as far as the eye could see. To their backs was the enormous and intimidating forest, making Yessenia twist in her seat worriedly. She had never come to this world before and from the tales she'd heard, the woman half expected monsters to creep around every corner. The dark forest was not the scenery she'd been hoping to see. She eyed the white prototype rifle that had been placed in a bike's pack by her leg.
Before anyone could answer her question, they all turned to watch as Kevin and Anthony appeared safely through the door. Kevin moved the bike and trailer fast, putting significant distance between them and the inter-dimensional portal. "Bike 5, clear. Ten seconds until detonation."
Everyone shifted uneasily.
"Are you sure the area was cleared?" Dr. Williams asked quietly. The elderly man's shoulders were slumped, as if he bore a great weight.
Yessenia and Kevin exchanged a long, silent look. Neither of them mentioned a certain doctor and her clipboard laying in a hallway nearby. "It was clear," Scott spoke up when no one else did. "Security blocked anyone from entering the ward."
"Five seconds," Kevin warned.
They all waited anxiously and then winced when Robert's soft cries turned into horrified and frightened screams as an explosion blasted fire, air, and debris through the door before it vanished abruptly. It simply disappeared, its machine and support systems absolutely decimated by the explosions placed throughout the ward. The only evidence of the door and their passage was the burned grass and pieces of metal, glass, and wreckage littered throughout. The group gaped at the space where the door had been.
"Holy shit. We did it." Jim's voice was shaky. "We actually did it."
"Is everyone alright?" Kevin inquired, surveying them all.
Before anyone could respond, they all jumped when Lauriel suddenly sat up, gasping for air. Her torso heaved and thrashed, her legs pushing until her body went tumbling over the edge of the sidecar.
…
…
There were no illusions this time. No one, not even Legolas or Anthony, appeared to offer their comfort and love. Her mind failed to conjure their images. In fact, her mind failed to do anything at all. Lauriel knew nothing but darkness and cold. Surely this was death. Only death could feel so empty but full, peaceful but violent, and everything but nothing all at once.
She had no body but simply… seemed to float and wither away.
The floating sensation grew stronger and Lauriel's very soul seemed to drift over waves of darkness. Death seemed less scary with the feeling. It like floating in water, relaxing and carefree as the waves took care of her.
Except, the waves grew stronger and stronger.
No- No they were becoming too strong. Lauriel could do nothing as the darkness overwhelmed her existence and swallowed her whole. She was drowning now, drowning in the nothingness and she searched for an escape. There was nothing. She was nothing.
And without warning, the darkness was thrust away and everything filled her. The scent of fresh air, the gentle breeze, the weight of a body, the feeling of cool metal and cloth on her skin, the sounds of people talking…
"Those pointy eared hippies know their stuff."
"Where are we?"
Lauriel could do nothing as life slowly tethered her soul back to her body. Piece by piece she was put back together. Bit by bit, her soul slid back into her immortal form. It was a sensation beyond words. But as the last pieces locked into place, Lauriel felt strength and energy rush through her. Her body lurched upwards and Lauriel's golden eyes opened wide as she gasped, lungs filling with nourishing air. The darkness no longer smothered and drowned her. Here, in this realm of magic, she could breathe.
She realized too late that she was falling. Throwing her arms out, Lauriel caught herself and stared down at grass. She gaped and fell over, still shocked by the sudden return to life. Where was she? How much time had passed? Was she still dying? What had happened to the others? So many questions spun through her mind as Lauriel stared up at the night sky. The stars glowed bright, without the hint of city lights or smog to hide them. Her view though was interrupted by several white and shiny helmets.
The helmet to her right was pulled away, revealing the tanned face of-
"Mom?" Golden eyes blinked in confusion. Was that her voice? It sounded so rough but familiar. She blinked again, feeling her senses settle. "Is-" She could feel her throat moving now, her unused voice filling the air, "Is that you?"
Tears were flowing down Yessenia's cheeks as she fell onto her daughter, grasping her tightly. "Oh! You're alive! You're alright!"
The others removed their helmets and Lauriel, looking over her mother's trembling form, stared in shock at the familiar faces. "What…" She sighed. "Damn. Guess I am dead then."
Mac snorted, "We almost lost you, but trust me darling, you're very much alive."
Lauriel's eyes narrowed suspiciously. The dwarf though chuckled, "Welcome back."
"Back?"
Yessenia moved back and pulled her daughter up with her. Sitting up, Lauriel at last surveyed their surroundings. They were huddled together, a few bikes and accompanying sidecars and trailers close by, and enormous trees hid them from the moon's light.
"No," Lauriel pushed away the hands that tried to hold her down as she weakly stood up. With each passing moment, she felt stronger and more in control. Her knees wobbled, but she pushed past Scott and her father, arm outreached for the forest. "No, it can't be."
Dr. Williams spoke softly. "A decade ago, I ripped you away from your family and you somehow landed here. I thought if only fitting that this time I bring you and your family here, together."
"Wait," Anna straightened up, holding Robert in her arms. "You mean that this, I mean we're-"
"Lothlórien," Jim confirmed. "We're back to Lothlórien."
The sight of the familiar trees made Lauriel's heart sing with joy. To many they appeared foreboding and dangerous, but to her they were magnificent and beautiful. She stepped forward a few more steps, her arm still outstretched, and then stumbled. By some miracle, this world had given her life again, but the damage to her body still remained.
Scott rushed forward, catching her in time. "Whoa there, we need to get you to a healer."
"We should find a path to the city," Big B looked around warily. "I don't like us being out here in the dark. Last time we checked, this dimension was still in the middle of a war."
Robert let out a soft, exhausted cry from his mother's arm. Jim held out his arms, "Here, I'll take him. You drive."
Anna hesitated, but then nodded. The boy seemed to calm down as Jim held him, climbing back into a sidecar while Anna leapt into the driver's seat. With the help of Scott, Lauriel returned to her own sidecar while the others resumed their positions.
"Here," Scott offered a helmet from a supply drawer. "We're not taking any chances- turn on night vision and movement sensors."
"My eyes are better than-"
"You're still injured and I doubt even your eyes can come back to life that quickly. You were basically dead," He countered. "Better safe than sorry."
Too tired for arguing, Lauriel did as he instructed. The helmet was snug around her head and her sensitive ears tingled at the pressure. She sank into the leather seat, now aware of how achy and sore she was. Looking over her body, bruises began to peek out from beneath the ruined makeup on her skin. Cuts were revealed, but most had already clotted and began to heal. She grimaced at the sight of her skinny arms and legs- she had lost too much weight. Time, rest, and food would return her back to a healthy state.
A ping alerted Lauriel to a private comms line being opened. Her mother's voice asked quietly, "How are you feeling?"
"I'll recover, Mamá."
"How do you know? You were so close to… dying."
Their bike rolled forward, taking the lead. No one knew this forest better than Lauriel and she would find a path for the bikes to use. Lauriel held a hand to her chest and smiled so widely that her cheeks burned. "Because I can feel him. He is with me again."
After a thoughtful moment, her mom asked, "Do you think he knows?"
"I'm not sure, but I hope he does."
On the main comms, Lauriel directed their group as best as she could. The helmet's vision confused her at first, but after a false turn, she knew where they were. The night was dark, but with the helmets, they made their way safely through the trees and across small streams. The bikes were quiet, so quiet that several deer came close enough for Lauriel to point them out. They traveled deep into the forest, the only source of light from the bikes, and Lauriel's stomach twisted.
"Something's wrong."
Her words instantly put everyone on alert. Those in the sidecars, even Jim holding a sleeping Robert, held their white weapons up. Their helmets scanned the area, but the only heat signatures came from small animals or birds.
"We should have crossed paths with a patrol by now," Lauriel explained looking up. "We've past too many empty flets."
"What should we do?"
It was rare for Kevin Harris to ask such a question, but there was no bitterness in his tone. They were in Lauriel's territory and she would make the decisions here. A lesson he had learned the hard way.
Lauriel reached up, ignoring the deep aching in her shoulders and arms, and pulled the helmet from her head. She heard Scott's protests from the internal speakers but removed it fully anyways. Placing the helmet on the floor of the sidecar, she closed her eyes and listened. Realizing what she was doing, the others turned off their bikes and sat still, waiting.
Her ears still tingled from being pressed against the helmet, but this did nothing to hinder her ability to hear the forest. She listened to the rapid steps of a nearby rabbit family, the steady trotting of deer, the gentle sounds of a stream flowing…
Then she heard them. Far, to the north, she could hear their heavy footsteps and clang of metal. It was faint, but unmistakable. Her eyes snapped open and golden orbs burned with rage.
"The forest is under attack."