What Was There All Along
Part I
Alex
Derek was dead. No matter how many times she repeated those words to herself, Alex just couldn't believe it was true. Just before he had destroyed the house, he had confessed his feelings for her. And now he was gone forever. The beautiful researcher had not stirred out of her room for three days thus far, refusing to eat or speak with anyone. She simply lay on her bed, with a picture, Nick had managed to retrieve for her - and cried.
It was a picture of Alex getting her degree given to her by Derek himself a broad smile on his face. It was her favourite. Staring down at it, she ignored the knock at her door, remembering stolen moments with her friend, her lover and her mentor. Who knew what might have happened if he hadn't... No she wouldn't even think about that. Burying her head in the pillow she sobbed her heart out for the man she had loved. And lost.
Rachel
"Alex, honey, it's Rachel - can I come in." Rachel heard her friend's sobbing from within, but didn't know what to say or do to make it better1. There was nothing that could be said that would take away the pain of losing Derek - indeed Rachel had her hands full with her daughter, Kat, and Nick who was solidly refusing to vent any emotion about the loss of the father figure and, more importantly, his friend. Nick was hurting, but he wasn't showing it, directing more practical issues like construction crews, and such.
Rachel too, missed the reassurance of the friend and sometimes bloody annoying Precept, and had cried herself to sleep for the last few nights too, rocking Kat in her arms in attempt to comfort both of them.
She tried once more to get Alex to answer, but in the end left her alone. She needed to work through it herself - no-one else could make her come to grips with Derek's death.
Nick
He watched Rachel try to get Alex to come out for the umpteenth time, without comment even though he knew it would do no good. Alex was grieving, Rachel should concentrate on her own "grieving process" and leave other people to theirs. The good doctor had already tried to get him to talk about his feelings.. but Nick did not want to go there. Derek had left him in charge, and he had to keep things together, keep things moving... just like Derek would've.
He just had to push everything down and keep it there, until everything was sorted - then and only then would Nick grieve for his friend.
Kat
She hated everything and everyone. Why had her mother and the others let him do that! Derek should never have died! In fact, Kat was not certain he was... she still felt something, very faint and distant, but it was definately real. She had tried to tune into it but she couldn't get close - it seemed to be buzzing and not entirely there. Her mother and the others were all shocked and in pain over the loss, even Nick who was trying so hard not to lose it. She had heard him crying during the night, sobbing into the pillow and saying sorry for blaming the Precept for Julia's death. He had repeated it over and over..
That night....
The house was still, but far from quiet. Nick was quietly sobbing in his sleep - reliving the last moments of his friends life. Rachel was tossing and turning - dreaming of an image of an injured, flapping bird, little Kat watching her fearfully. And Alex too was dreaming of a bird - a beautiful Falcon that soared and swooped, searching for a safe port. She heard him whispering her name like he had before he had left them all. Alex..... Reach for me Alex and I will come to you.... You know this place, Alex, you know me.... She woke with a start, the sun streaming in the window. She rose quickly, and went to shower. She had a place she needed to be and there wasn't much time. The urgency in her dream had told her that.
The Return
"Hey Alex? Where are you going."
"I can't explain Nick, just get me over to the Island would you. Please?"
"The island - Alex, honey - " He didn't understand, but one look at her face was all he needed.
Grabbing their coats, they left a note for the others, and hurried out the door.
It took a while to get to the island, fgand when they did Alex gave a gasp. The House was a charred mess, blackened foundations and ruined debris. But this was not what she had come to see. She ran to where the garden once was, looking up and shielding her eyes. Nick followed, scanning the sky too but there was nothing but blue sky and clouds. Nothing else. Alex frowned but didn't budge from her position, sitting down determined to wait for something to happen. Nick didn't know what the hell was happening any more, but he was tired so the two sat. Three hours later and they were joined by Kat, Phillip and Rachel. Phillip had only just arrived from Ireland, and looked terrible. They all sat down, Alex refusing to explain. The sun began to set, in its glorious colours, and Alex stood up, feeling a flutter of excitement in her heart. Now was the time! She scanned the darkening sky once more and all of a sudden a black shape wheeled around the island, dazzling in its beauty and grace - a falcon.
Holding her breath, Alex took a few steps away from the others, trying desperately to figure out what she was to do. She remembered the dream ...reach for me Alex, and I will come to you - the words reverberated and with a sudden realisation she ran forward and flung her arm out crying out.
"DEREK COME TO ME!" She screamed the words, not caring who heard or watched.
"Alex -" tried Rachel, this was not going to be pleasant but it might be the cathersis her friend needed.
The falcon wheeled and then swooped low.
"Alex, it'll rip your arm to pieces!" Shouted Nick, and started forward. Kat shook her head, something very important was going to happen.
"Nick please don't. She's doing the right thing. Trust her." She said, tugging on his hand.
The falcon swooped lower and then came into land, its talons digging into her arm. Crying in pain, Alex refused to move.
"No dammit, Derek. It can hurt all it likes - but I'm not letting you go again. I refuse, do you hear me! I'm not letting you go!"
The falcon shimmered and transmuted into something else for a second. The others watched as the figure of their friend took the place of the falcon, hanging onto Alex's arm for dear life, for a minute before fading out again.
"Derek, please come back to me.. I know it hurts, but we want you with us.. please Derek.... try harder.. you're strong enough dammit - fight! If I ever meant anything to you then prove it now!" She sobbed, trying to get through to him. It made the difference.
"Alex..." He materialised again and this time he stayed. "Alex..." And he collapsed into her arms, unconscious.
"It's okay baby, I got you. I got you..." She cradled his limp body in her arms, only now her tears were of joy, not grief.
The others crowded round, each one silently thanking god for their friend's return.
The Recovery
She watched him sleeping, a smile on her face. All was right with the world, The Legacy was satisfied that Derek was in fact Derek, and not some Darkside agent. He was being treated at the Hospital for concussion, burns, broken ribs and various other assorted injuries. His story had been an incredible one. While sealing the portal, Derek's father had come for him - and that had been the Darkside's undoing. Derek's real fear was of his father coming back to drag him off into hell, and when he saw him he had reacted without thought and cast a transmutation spell. Transformed into a Falcon, it was only Alex who could save him. But she had left the island and not returned, so he had had to concentrate and try to reach her through her dreams. His deadline was four days, before he could no longer keeping his personality together - he would become the falcon and lose himself forever. But he was safe now, and with Alex and that was all the petite researcher cared about. She had not left his side for an instant, content in the knowledge that he loved her, wanted to be with her and had come back for her. It would be difficult, there would be issues, but not until the House was rebuilt. Until then, he was hers and she was gonna mollycoddle him to the full.
She stroked his hair gently, and he opened his eyes.
"Shh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you honey. Go back to sleep."
"Come with me and I might..." He whispered back, some of the old humor shining through the weakened Precept. He held his arms out and she slid into their warm embrace. Leaning carefully against him, avoiding his IV line, Alex settled into him, head lying on his left side. Luckily the majority of his injuries were on his right side - so she could nestle without hurting him. His long arm went about her slim waist, cradling her close.
"Alex.." She turned her head carefully and received a lingering kiss.
"Goodnight" He whispered.... she nodded and closed her eyes. When he thought she was sleeping he looked down at her and added, "I love you Alex", before settling into sleep himself. Far from sleeping, Alex smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. She slept.
Rachel and Nick found them the next morning.
"Get the camera, Nick. This one is for Alex." The ex-Seal went and returned with a little mini camera. Rachel snapped a couple of photos, and then they hid it from prying Dutch eyes.
"I hate to wake them." Mused Rachel, but there were tests to be done, and if all went well, Derek would be allowed home. Rachel's home - Alex was currently in the spare room, but judging from the two before her, that wasn't going to be a problem. Of course, she might need a new bed when Derek recovered sufficiently.. but Rachel didn't give a damn. This had taken a long time to happen, and she wasn't about to condemn anything about it. Alex belonged with Derek and he with her.
"Alex...honey.. wake up now." Nick gently prodded her shoulder and she woke with a little moan.
"Nick? What is it, what's wrong?" She asked, immediately checking that Derek was still with her. Every time she woke up, it was with the fear that everything had been a dream and that Derek was really gone.
"Nothing, just thought you might want to take Derek home to a real bed." He answered with a grin. He hadn't stopped grinning since his friend's somewhat dramatic return. Everything was right, and nothing could go wrong.
"Really! I can take him home?." She looked at Rachel, with her eyes shining, and the blonde doctor couldn't help but laugh.
At their faces she managed to stop laughing long enough to explain.
"You sounded like a kid who wants to take home a puppy." She laughed again, and they joined in.
Derek woke, to laughter, and watched confused as they continued to laugh at his confused expression.
"What is it?" He asked, good-naturedly.
"Nothing, Boss. You're getting out today."
"Really? I can go home?" He asked, in exactly the same manner as Alex had. It sent them into fits of giggles again.
"If all you lot are gonna do is laugh, you can stay here and I'll go home." They subsided.
"Nick, how's the house coming?" He asked.
"Derek - no work. Alex - here's the key, I'll be home around 4 with Kat." And Rachel went to see about Derek's discharge.
"Alex.. Hmmm" She kissed him, then, not caring that Nick was there.
And he kissed her back.
"Hey you two, go get a room." Said Nick. "But Derek? Dress first. That hospital gown does nothing for you."
"Oh I don't know, Nick. It's certainly doing something for me." Rebutted Alex, defending her beloved.
Shaking her head and muttering about absurdities and women in general - Nick left, a huge grin still on his face.
Alex took Derek home.
Part I
Alex
Derek was dead. No matter how many times she repeated those words to herself, Alex just couldn't believe it was true. Just before he had destroyed the house, he had confessed his feelings for her. And now he was gone forever. The beautiful researcher had not stirred out of her room for three days thus far, refusing to eat or speak with anyone. She simply lay on her bed, with a picture, Nick had managed to retrieve for her - and cried.
It was a picture of Alex getting her degree given to her by Derek himself a broad smile on his face. It was her favourite. Staring down at it, she ignored the knock at her door, remembering stolen moments with her friend, her lover and her mentor. Who knew what might have happened if he hadn't... No she wouldn't even think about that. Burying her head in the pillow she sobbed her heart out for the man she had loved. And lost.
Rachel
"Alex, honey, it's Rachel - can I come in." Rachel heard her friend's sobbing from within, but didn't know what to say or do to make it better1. There was nothing that could be said that would take away the pain of losing Derek - indeed Rachel had her hands full with her daughter, Kat, and Nick who was solidly refusing to vent any emotion about the loss of the father figure and, more importantly, his friend. Nick was hurting, but he wasn't showing it, directing more practical issues like construction crews, and such.
Rachel too, missed the reassurance of the friend and sometimes bloody annoying Precept, and had cried herself to sleep for the last few nights too, rocking Kat in her arms in attempt to comfort both of them.
She tried once more to get Alex to answer, but in the end left her alone. She needed to work through it herself - no-one else could make her come to grips with Derek's death.
Nick
He watched Rachel try to get Alex to come out for the umpteenth time, without comment even though he knew it would do no good. Alex was grieving, Rachel should concentrate on her own "grieving process" and leave other people to theirs. The good doctor had already tried to get him to talk about his feelings.. but Nick did not want to go there. Derek had left him in charge, and he had to keep things together, keep things moving... just like Derek would've.
He just had to push everything down and keep it there, until everything was sorted - then and only then would Nick grieve for his friend.
Kat
She hated everything and everyone. Why had her mother and the others let him do that! Derek should never have died! In fact, Kat was not certain he was... she still felt something, very faint and distant, but it was definately real. She had tried to tune into it but she couldn't get close - it seemed to be buzzing and not entirely there. Her mother and the others were all shocked and in pain over the loss, even Nick who was trying so hard not to lose it. She had heard him crying during the night, sobbing into the pillow and saying sorry for blaming the Precept for Julia's death. He had repeated it over and over..
That night....
The house was still, but far from quiet. Nick was quietly sobbing in his sleep - reliving the last moments of his friends life. Rachel was tossing and turning - dreaming of an image of an injured, flapping bird, little Kat watching her fearfully. And Alex too was dreaming of a bird - a beautiful Falcon that soared and swooped, searching for a safe port. She heard him whispering her name like he had before he had left them all. Alex..... Reach for me Alex and I will come to you.... You know this place, Alex, you know me.... She woke with a start, the sun streaming in the window. She rose quickly, and went to shower. She had a place she needed to be and there wasn't much time. The urgency in her dream had told her that.
The Return
"Hey Alex? Where are you going."
"I can't explain Nick, just get me over to the Island would you. Please?"
"The island - Alex, honey - " He didn't understand, but one look at her face was all he needed.
Grabbing their coats, they left a note for the others, and hurried out the door.
It took a while to get to the island, fgand when they did Alex gave a gasp. The House was a charred mess, blackened foundations and ruined debris. But this was not what she had come to see. She ran to where the garden once was, looking up and shielding her eyes. Nick followed, scanning the sky too but there was nothing but blue sky and clouds. Nothing else. Alex frowned but didn't budge from her position, sitting down determined to wait for something to happen. Nick didn't know what the hell was happening any more, but he was tired so the two sat. Three hours later and they were joined by Kat, Phillip and Rachel. Phillip had only just arrived from Ireland, and looked terrible. They all sat down, Alex refusing to explain. The sun began to set, in its glorious colours, and Alex stood up, feeling a flutter of excitement in her heart. Now was the time! She scanned the darkening sky once more and all of a sudden a black shape wheeled around the island, dazzling in its beauty and grace - a falcon.
Holding her breath, Alex took a few steps away from the others, trying desperately to figure out what she was to do. She remembered the dream ...reach for me Alex, and I will come to you - the words reverberated and with a sudden realisation she ran forward and flung her arm out crying out.
"DEREK COME TO ME!" She screamed the words, not caring who heard or watched.
"Alex -" tried Rachel, this was not going to be pleasant but it might be the cathersis her friend needed.
The falcon wheeled and then swooped low.
"Alex, it'll rip your arm to pieces!" Shouted Nick, and started forward. Kat shook her head, something very important was going to happen.
"Nick please don't. She's doing the right thing. Trust her." She said, tugging on his hand.
The falcon swooped lower and then came into land, its talons digging into her arm. Crying in pain, Alex refused to move.
"No dammit, Derek. It can hurt all it likes - but I'm not letting you go again. I refuse, do you hear me! I'm not letting you go!"
The falcon shimmered and transmuted into something else for a second. The others watched as the figure of their friend took the place of the falcon, hanging onto Alex's arm for dear life, for a minute before fading out again.
"Derek, please come back to me.. I know it hurts, but we want you with us.. please Derek.... try harder.. you're strong enough dammit - fight! If I ever meant anything to you then prove it now!" She sobbed, trying to get through to him. It made the difference.
"Alex..." He materialised again and this time he stayed. "Alex..." And he collapsed into her arms, unconscious.
"It's okay baby, I got you. I got you..." She cradled his limp body in her arms, only now her tears were of joy, not grief.
The others crowded round, each one silently thanking god for their friend's return.
The Recovery
She watched him sleeping, a smile on her face. All was right with the world, The Legacy was satisfied that Derek was in fact Derek, and not some Darkside agent. He was being treated at the Hospital for concussion, burns, broken ribs and various other assorted injuries. His story had been an incredible one. While sealing the portal, Derek's father had come for him - and that had been the Darkside's undoing. Derek's real fear was of his father coming back to drag him off into hell, and when he saw him he had reacted without thought and cast a transmutation spell. Transformed into a Falcon, it was only Alex who could save him. But she had left the island and not returned, so he had had to concentrate and try to reach her through her dreams. His deadline was four days, before he could no longer keeping his personality together - he would become the falcon and lose himself forever. But he was safe now, and with Alex and that was all the petite researcher cared about. She had not left his side for an instant, content in the knowledge that he loved her, wanted to be with her and had come back for her. It would be difficult, there would be issues, but not until the House was rebuilt. Until then, he was hers and she was gonna mollycoddle him to the full.
She stroked his hair gently, and he opened his eyes.
"Shh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you honey. Go back to sleep."
"Come with me and I might..." He whispered back, some of the old humor shining through the weakened Precept. He held his arms out and she slid into their warm embrace. Leaning carefully against him, avoiding his IV line, Alex settled into him, head lying on his left side. Luckily the majority of his injuries were on his right side - so she could nestle without hurting him. His long arm went about her slim waist, cradling her close.
"Alex.." She turned her head carefully and received a lingering kiss.
"Goodnight" He whispered.... she nodded and closed her eyes. When he thought she was sleeping he looked down at her and added, "I love you Alex", before settling into sleep himself. Far from sleeping, Alex smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. She slept.
Rachel and Nick found them the next morning.
"Get the camera, Nick. This one is for Alex." The ex-Seal went and returned with a little mini camera. Rachel snapped a couple of photos, and then they hid it from prying Dutch eyes.
"I hate to wake them." Mused Rachel, but there were tests to be done, and if all went well, Derek would be allowed home. Rachel's home - Alex was currently in the spare room, but judging from the two before her, that wasn't going to be a problem. Of course, she might need a new bed when Derek recovered sufficiently.. but Rachel didn't give a damn. This had taken a long time to happen, and she wasn't about to condemn anything about it. Alex belonged with Derek and he with her.
"Alex...honey.. wake up now." Nick gently prodded her shoulder and she woke with a little moan.
"Nick? What is it, what's wrong?" She asked, immediately checking that Derek was still with her. Every time she woke up, it was with the fear that everything had been a dream and that Derek was really gone.
"Nothing, just thought you might want to take Derek home to a real bed." He answered with a grin. He hadn't stopped grinning since his friend's somewhat dramatic return. Everything was right, and nothing could go wrong.
"Really! I can take him home?." She looked at Rachel, with her eyes shining, and the blonde doctor couldn't help but laugh.
At their faces she managed to stop laughing long enough to explain.
"You sounded like a kid who wants to take home a puppy." She laughed again, and they joined in.
Derek woke, to laughter, and watched confused as they continued to laugh at his confused expression.
"What is it?" He asked, good-naturedly.
"Nothing, Boss. You're getting out today."
"Really? I can go home?" He asked, in exactly the same manner as Alex had. It sent them into fits of giggles again.
"If all you lot are gonna do is laugh, you can stay here and I'll go home." They subsided.
"Nick, how's the house coming?" He asked.
"Derek - no work. Alex - here's the key, I'll be home around 4 with Kat." And Rachel went to see about Derek's discharge.
"Alex.. Hmmm" She kissed him, then, not caring that Nick was there.
And he kissed her back.
"Hey you two, go get a room." Said Nick. "But Derek? Dress first. That hospital gown does nothing for you."
"Oh I don't know, Nick. It's certainly doing something for me." Rebutted Alex, defending her beloved.
Shaking her head and muttering about absurdities and women in general - Nick left, a huge grin still on his face.
Alex took Derek home.