~*~
Disclaimer, etc. in part one
~*~
Authors notes: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! Whew! RL was really getting me these past few weeks... and now that I've written this, I gotta catch up on all those wonderful fics by Evil Irish Eyes, veggie5, CrimsonCat and all my other favorite writers. But first I gotta clear up is that I DON'T totally hate Finn, I just find her annoying at times. I also hate the fact that there's this Australian tax law that says there can be only so many non Australian actors on a show at once and they are substituting Lara Cox (Finn) for David Orth (Malone). I think that's what pisses me off the most about Finn, because if her character wasn't there Malone would be able to come back. And I have NOTHING against Challenger, I just happen to IDOLIZE M/R, N/V slide in at second, and Challenger is just sorta backing them all up! *g* So anywho... (P.s. My notes are outdated again all except for Evil Irish Eyes... I wrote them *before* Trapped aired!)
veggie5 - *bows down and says her daily devotions to the almighty queen of long reviews* Yet another WONDERFUL review! Lol, this is sad, I'm reviewing you for your review. Ah who cares... It's my way of saying I LOVE YA, GIRL! I always love reading your reviews 'cause I end up getting all misty eyed and laughing my ass off at the same time. It's quite the spectacle to behold. And as for M/R shippy moments... the last chapter of this story, whenever that may come around, is going to be MAJOR M/R mushy. That's going to be like, what ties it all together. *big grin* I bet you can't wait! And dang, you really want Julian dead don't you? Maybe I should let you jump in the story and axe her yourself? Lol... Keep it together and you'll get your wish in the end! :O)
Jaclyn - You love me? *sniffle* You really, really love me? *blows nose* And I'm the funniest person in the world? *bawls* But about Trapped... *drool* This week needs to go by FASTER! FASTER I SAY!!! But really, thanks for the wonderful review! I I... words can't describe... I can't go on... *bawls again, but managed to pull herself together* Now, don't burn yourself out to finish the next part of Severed, but don't dawdle either, lol. I reeeeaaaalllyyyyyyy wanna know what's gonna happen! EEP! *jumps up and down* Okay, now SHOO! WRITE! Lol...
Ascamelien - *crosses arms over chest diapprovingly* Are you telling me it took eleven chapters for you to review? I'm ashamed of you, Ascamelien! But you're forgiven, 'cause you finally reviewed! *grin* Thanks for all your kind words in that wonderful review! And like I said earlier, I don't dislike Challenger or anything... he just happened to come in last. But yeah, send Finn back to the future! Go, go, go! I was so mad in the episode Finn when she was there when they got back to the... past... uhm... Yeah. Lol! Anyway, you'd better keep reviewing, missy! :O)
Audrey - *holds hands up in defense* Cool, you like Finn and I like chicken. It's all good! *grin* But I just really don't like it when she called her "V". I Kept yelling, "IT'S VERONICA, YOU IDIOT!" throughout the whole episode, lol... oh well! And yeah, our heroes are a little gullible, but it makes me love them even more! Maybe next time good ol' Gladys or someone else pops up out of nowhere they'll be a little more cautious? Dunno, we'll have to see! Trapped... I've jumped up and down and shouted and been excited so much since Saturday that I can't do it anymore! I can't... jump... more... *falls over* I'm just glad you didn't suffocate!!! Oh and by the way: *whacks you for calling her brand*
Jackie - Hey man, glad you like the story! I just wanted to tell you I've noticed you reviewing since waaaay back when and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. Thanks!
CrimsonCat - Of course you're in my A/Ns... 'cause you're cool! Pretty much anyone who takes time to write super long reviews and/or who I've seen reviewing for a while gets in there. Either that or people who really motivate me or touch me big time with their reviews. So guys, if you're in my A/Ns it means you mean alot to me and I never want you to stop reviewing! As long as you'll read, I'll keep on writing!!!
Evil Irish Eyes - AAAAAHHH!!! TRAPPED!!! AAAAAHHH!!! HEART OF THE STORM!!! AAAAAHHH!!! How can they do this to us?! It's inhuman!!! *Falls to the floor kicking and crying* By the way... I am so sorry I haven't reviewed the past few chapters on your story yet. I just got back on fanfiction.net since like two weeks ago so I have ALOT of catching up to do. I promise you within like a day or two I'll have your story and everyone else's reviewed. *sigh* And Roxton no cry no more. Roxton happy. Roxton got some action! Lol... Anyway, gotta run. For some reason I've got huge man eating bats chasing me. Weird, eh?
Mayhem Mountain (12/?)
by: Brandy Leigh
~*~
"We need to split up," Veronica told the group as they started out down the path. She had a determined fire in her eyes, one that none of them had seen for quite some time. "Malone, you come with me. Roxton, Marguerite, you two look for Challenger."
Veronica paused and looked around. She bent down and examined the ground, checking for footprints. She found what she was looking for, stood back up, then pointed with her torch the direction Challenger had ran. "He went that way."
"Are you sure?" Marguerite asked.
"Positive. His footprints are still fresh."
"She's right," Roxton told Marguerite. "If we start now, we should be able to follow his path before anything else travels over it and throws us off."
"We'll meet back at the treehouse," Veronica said as she turned and began walking in the opposite direction.
"But what if you need help?" Marguerite called after her.
"Don't worry about us," Veronica said. "Just help Challenger!"
"Do you really know where this thing is hiding?" Malone asked Veronica as he watched Roxton and Marguerite start off after Challenger.
"Not a hundred percent, but it's the best I can figure. Zanga legend says that when this creature went into hiding it took residence in a hillside in the south mountain range of the plateau," Veronica began.
"No offense, but isn't that quite the broad area?" Malone asked a bit skeptically.
"Yes, but there is one strip of rock that no Zanga will ever go near in that area. No one will say why, but if my thoughts are correct I've got a pretty good idea."
"The resting place of our good pal Julian."
Veronica nodded, never taking her eyes away from the path in front of her. She was deep in thought, trying to remember the path to one of the most forbidden strips of land on the plateau.
"What exactly is our plan once we find this place?" Malone asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I was thinking on going with your idea," Veronica told him.
"And that would be?"
"We torch the bitch."
Malone stopped short and almost dropped his torch, bursting into laughter. He couldn't stop himself even though Veronica had turned and began to give him a death glare. He stuffed his hand over his mouth to stifle the laughter, but it just wouldn't stop.
"Just what do you find so funny?" Veronica asked angrily.
"I'm sorry," Malone said through his laughter. "It's just I've never heard you curse before. Hell, I don't think I've ever seen you mad enough to curse!"
"I still don't see the humor, Malone."
"I'm sorry Veronica!" Malone said, still laughing. "But you should have seen your face! I'm sure glad it's not me you're mad at."
Veronica kept glaring at Malone, trying her hardest to stay mad at him. Her attempts were futile and soon his laughter became contagious. Veronica broke into a grin, a small fit of laughter following it. She whacked Malone on the arm playfully as she fought to control the giggles.
"I guess you're right," Veronica told him as her laughter subsided.
"I am?" Malone asked, a little shocked.
Veronica nodded. "I don't think I've ever been that angry. Not that I can remember, anyway. And honestly, I don't think anyone has ever made me laugh so hard when I was mad."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Malone asked, a little taken back by Veronica's sudden change in mood.
"It's good, silly!" Veronica exclaimed, then sighed. "I guess I was being a little crazy. I shouldn't let this bother me so much."
"You have every right to be upset, Veronica. We're all getting rather angry with the situation, we just have to keep our heads and stick together."
Veronica nodded, leaning in to give Malone a small kiss. "Thank you, Ned. For everything."
Malone just smiled and blushed lightly, wondering what he'd ever done to deserve such a wonderful woman. She was pure energy, the true definition of life on the plateau. He loved everything about her: her smile, her laughter, even her anger... as long as it wasn't directed at him.
"We should keep moving," Veronica said as she pulled away and started back down the path. "We've got a long way to go."
Malone sighed and moved to follow her, hoping this whole nightmare would be over soon. He didn't know how much more of this whole charade he'd be able to take before he broke down and went insane.
Meanwhile, Roxton and Marguerite continued along the path that Challenger had left behind, the scenery around them beginning to look more and more familiar. It wasn't long before Roxton noticed the path they were following was going to lead them right back to the treehouse.
"John, we're heading back towards the treehouse, aren't we?" Marguerite asked as she began to recognize the area as well.
"It looks that way. Challenger must have figured he'd fair best against Julian on our own playing field," Roxton replied.
"I'm starting to think this whole plateau is her playing field, that this battle is a lost cause," Marguerite said on a sigh.
"That's what she wants us to believe, Marguerite. We can't give in to her and let her get under our skin or she'll win. You know, you need to learn to be more optimistic."
"Well what exactly do you want me to believe, John? That all we have to do is think happy thoughts and all will be well?"
"Well it's a start!" Roxton exclaimed. "If you just sit down and give up, what hope do we have?"
Marguerite just shook her head and gave Roxton an exasperated look. "Why do you always feel the need to charge in and treat everything like some great and history changing war? You act like you're a big bad warrior who's duty is to save the day, every day. When will you learn that you're just an average man, you have the right to accept defeat!"
"I don't want to accept defeat," Roxton told her.
"You don't have to accept defeat, but you don't have to try so bloody hard to save everyone. What you're doing is not healthy, John. You need to realize that it is not your job to save everyone."
"I have to atleast try, Marguerite. If I don't, I feel like everything I've been through, everything that's happened to my friends and family was for nothing. I feel like I'm worthless if I don't try. If I just sit by and watch I'll always know that there was something I could have done, that if someone gets hurt I could have kept it from happening."
"And if you keep charging in head first, guns blazing, you are going to be the one getting hurt."
"Marguerite, I..."
Marguerite stepped forward to Roxton and took his face in her hands. She looked him straight in the eyes, determined for him to hear her out.
"John, listen to me. I am grateful every day of my life to have you by my side to love me and protect me. I don't know what I would do if you weren't there, and to be honest, I don't want to find out. Hell, I'll admit that I probably wouldn't be alive right now if it wasn't for you. It's wonderful that you want to save everyone, but you can't. If you keep risking your life you are going to get yourself killed, and I... I don't know if I could handle that, John. Not now, not ever."
Roxton managed to give Marguerite a small reassuring smile, then rose his hand to brush away the few stray tears that she had not managed to contain. In the three years he'd know her, she had never been so honest and open with him. To have her trust him so completely and confide in him touched him more deeply than she could ever know. The walls that had kept him out for so long were finally beginning to crumble.
"Enough emotional tidal waves, huh?" Roxton asked with a smile. "Let's go find Challenger and make sure he's alive, alright? We can sit down and talk about all of this after this whole thing is over."
Marguerite nodded slightly and returned his smile. "Sounds like a plan to me," she told him.
The two turned back to the path they had been following, neither quite sure of what they were feeling. They both knew that if they persued their relationship there would be a long road ahead of them with many rough patches, and there also be would be many trying times. Neither of them knew how long they would last, but both of them knew they could not survive without the other. Only time would tell...
"How much farther?" Malone asked Veronica, beginning to tire from their trek. They hadn't stopped even once in the past few hours they had been walking.
"It's hard to tell," Veronica told him. "I think it's only an hour or so more, but I'm not sure exactly where we were when we started out."
Malone sighed and slowed down a bit. "Hey, do you think we could take a break?" he asked.
"Only if we make it quick, Ned. The longer we take, the more time we give Julian to rebuild her strength. She's not a happy person right now, and personally I don't want to know what kind of revenge she's got planned."
"Me either," Malone said, sitting down on a nearby rock. "God knows how much damage she did when she wasn't mad, but now..."
"Exactly my point," Veronica replied, sitting down next to him.
"Do you really thing we can do this?" Malone asked her. "Take Julian out, I mean."
"Of course we can," Veronica said with a smile. "We've faced a lot since you arrived three years ago, and we've pulled through it all. We'll get through this just fine, I'm sure of it."
Although Malone wasn't as optimistic on the matter as she was, he returned her smile none the less. He didn't think they would fail, but he knew that this was something far more high risk and dangerous than they had ever faced before. Who knew what Julian was capable of? They'd already witnessed some of her power, and it was definitely not a force to be reckoned with.
"Come on Ned," Veronica said as she stood. "We've wasted enough time already."
"We've only been stopped for a minute, Veronica!" Malone complained.
"A minute which could very well decide if we win or lose this battle."
Malone sighed and stood, giving Veronica a weary look he said, "This coming from the woman who said she was sure we'd prevail."
"Well, I've been known to be wrong."
With that, Veronica started back down the path once again, leaving Malone behind with a very perplexed look on his face. After a moment he jumped to life, jogging to catch up with the retreating blonde.
"Hey Veronica, wait up! You're really not helping me feel any better, you know..."
Veronica just laughed and continued on, completely unaware of the eyes that watched her travel.
"There's the treehouse," Roxton said as he and Marguerite entered the clearing where their home stood.
"Oh thank God," Marguerite said as she jogged towards the electric fence. "I never thought I'd be so happy to see this place!"
Roxton laughed and flipped the switch which would allow them entry through the fence. "You and me both, Marguerite."
Marguerite headed over to the elevator as Roxton reactivated the fence and waited for him to join her. As soon as he was inside the cart she hit the switch, causing the cart to accend into the treehouse.
"Challenger?" she called out once the elevator had come to a complete stop.
"George?" Roxton echoed as he stepped out of the cart.
A low groan came from the vicinity of the kitchen/dining area, and the two explorers looked at eachother. Seconds later they dashed over to the table where two glasses laid, one overturned and empty and one standing full. Next to the table lay George Challenger, unconscious and covered with perspiration.
"George... George can you hear me?" Marguerite asked softly as she knelt down beside him. She lightly brushed the sweat from his cheek then checked to see how his pulse felt.
"How does it look?" Roxton asked.
"His pulse is quick and thready, and his breathing is heavy and slow. Given that information and the obvious lack of struggle... If I had to guess I'd say he was knocked unconscious by some sort of sedative. He probably didn't even know it was coming."
"Just great," Roxton muttered. "How much longer do you think he'll be out?"
"I have no idea," Marguerite replied while looking around. "I just wish I knew what he'd been knocked out with. If I knew that I might be able to tell you."
"Here," Roxton said, picking up the fallen glass. "Do you think he might have drank it from this?"
"Quite possibly," Marguerite said as she stood and inspected the glass. She looked over and noticed the second glass, picking it up. She shrugged then said, "If it was in the water, there was no way he could have known."
Roxton nodded towards Challenger's lab where the door was still sitting wide open and said, "Maybe we should check his lab. Who knows, we might find what knocked him out."
"You stay here with Challenger and see if you can wake him up, I'll go take a quick look."
"Be careful, Marguerite. Who knows what kind of traps may be laying around."
Marguerite smiled lightly and drew her gun, walking over to the lab. She entered it and began to search over the contents of the room. It didn't take her long to find the ingredients for the sedative which were still scattered across Challenger's work space. Inspecting it, she realized what Challenger had been trying to make and sighed.
"Well I don't think anyone tried to poison Challenger, he made the sedative himself," she called out to Roxton.
"What kind of sedative was it?" Roxton called back.
Marguerite exited the lab, carrying a mixing bowl which still contained a small bit of the drug.
"A very strong one," she told him. "A small pinch of this would render someone unconscious for hours. If Challenger swallowed a large dose, he could be out for days."
Roxton sighed and looked back down at Challenger. "We should probably move him to his room. That way atleast he'll be comfortable."
"Right," Marguerite said, coming over to help Roxton carry Challenger into his room. The two laid him on his bed, made sure he was covered with blankets and comfortable, then went back out into the living quarters.
"What now?" Marguerite asked, sitting down in one of the wicker chairs.
"We wait, I suppose. There's really not much else we can do until Veronica and Malone get back," Roxton replied, taking a seat across from her.
"This is all one bloody nightmare," Marguerite said on a sigh.
"Oh I don't know about that, Marguerite. What was the last time we had this much of an adventure?"
Marguerite scoffed. "You call this an adventure? I call it a disaster!"
"Well if it wasn't for this 'disaster', do you really think you and I would be as close as we are right now?"
"That's not a very fair question, John."
"I'm being serious, here."
"So am I!" Marguerite exclaimed, intending on ending the conversation.
Roxton sighed and continued. "All I'm trying to say is, something good has actually come out of this. You don't understand how much it means to me that we've grown closer and you're starting opening yourself up to me."
"It would have happened sooner or later," Marguerite mumbled, looking away.
"Yes but it didn't happen later, it happened now... and I'm glad it did. I love you, Marguerite."
Marguerite looked up at him slyly, smiling, then stood up. She slowly, sensually glided over to where he was and promptly sat herself in his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck she leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"I'm glad too, John. Because if it hadn't, I wouldn't be able to do this..." she trailed off, lowering her lips to Roxton's earlobe.
Roxton jumped slightly and groaned at the sensation, reaching up to wrap his arms around Marguerite's waist. He closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling, but was suddenly snapped out of it by the sound of a very amused Challenger clearing his throat. Roxton jumped up, dropping Marguerite onto her rump on the floor.
"Oh!" Marguerite exclaimed as Roxton accidentally dumped her out of his lap. "John!"
Challenger couldn't contain his laughter, and soon he was doubled over, clutching his sides as he laughed harder than he had in a long time. Marguerite soon began to blush as she realized what was going on, and her frustration at being dumped into the floor was forgotten as embarrassment quickly set in.
"Challenger!" Marguerite exclaimed, rather angry that the man was finding the situation as humorous as he was.
"I'm sorry Marguerite," Challenger managed between chuckles. "I really shouldn't be laughing."
Marguerite pulled herself up off of the floor and shouted, "You're right, you shouldn't!"
"Are you feeling better, George?" Roxton asked, somewhat to cover up his own embarrassment and somewhat to save the man from Marguerite's wrath.
"Very much so," Challenger replied. "I'm rather sluggish, but atleast I'm alive."
Marguerite sighed and nodded, trying to push aside her anger. "Yes, you're lucky to be alive at all. That was a mighty strong sedative you took, George. What happened?"
"I was trying to drug Julian so it would be easier to handle her. Apparently she was immune to the sedative though, and I ended up being the one to take the fall."
"Obviously," Marguerite replied sarcastically.
"Where are Veronica and Malone?" Challenger asked, looking around and seeing neither of them.
"They went to find Julian," Roxton told him.
"Why in God's name would they do that?"
"Veronica think she knows how to kill her," Marguerite answered.
"How?" Challenger asked, quite intrigued.
"Fire," was all Roxton said.
"Fire? How does she figure fire will kill Julian?"
"Veronica says there's an old Zanga legend telling of a creature that fits Julian to a tee. In the legend, the creature was afraid of fire, and when the Zanga villagers places fire in their tents as protection the creature went away and never returned," Roxton explained.
"And apparently the creature ran and hid in a strip of land within the south mountain range of the plateau," Marguerite added.
"Is that where Veronica and Malone are?" Challenger asked.
Both Marguerite and Roxton nodded.
"Shouldn't we go after them to try and help?"
"Veronica told us to meet her here," Roxton told him.
"And I don't know about you two, but I could certainly use some rest. No use in losing a good night's sleep just because they're out wondering through the woods," Marguerite said in her usual carefree tone.
Roxton smiled and said, "Actually, that's not a bad idea. We should all get some rest."
"I think I've gotten enough rest already," Challenger said with a slight chuckle.
"Well then how about keeping watch for us, eh old boy?" Roxton said, giving him a pat on the back.
"I'd be glad to," Challenger said with a smile. "I'll call you two if anything happens."
"Sounds good to me," Marguerite said, walking past him back towards the bedrooms.
Challenger let out a heavy sigh and sat down in the chair out on the balcony so that he could get some fresh air. He smiled to himself as he thought back to the scene he had found when he walked out of his room. He knew Marguerite and Roxton had become closer these past few days, but he didn't know they had gotten that close. He shook his head lightly, not noticing that Roxton had followed Marguerite into her room...
~*~
End part twelve
~*~
Authors notes: Whew, Finally! I never thought I'd get this bloody chapter finished!!! I know it's pretty much a filler, but I guess it did have some helpful information... and ALOT of M/R shippiness! WOO!!! Not to mention I threw in a bit of N/V for all you fans out there... YOU'RE WELCOME! Lol... Anywayz, a big thank you goes out to all of you that have stuck by me throughout this whole thing. From breaking the posting record to breaking the NON posting record (*grin*), a handful of you have reviewed, reviewed and reviewed. The next chapter, which will most likely be the last or atleast the one before the last, will be dedicated entirely to you. Especially to those of you who have the strong desire to see Julian get her come-upance. You WILL be rewarded in the next chapter, I promise! Once again, thank you all!!!
~*~
Possible questions answered in part 13:
Will Veronica and Malone be able to defeat Julian?
Who was watching Veronica along the path?
Oooooo, what are Roxton and Marguerite doooiiiinnnggg?!
You'll have to read to find out, buddy...
Disclaimer, etc. in part one
~*~
Authors notes: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! Whew! RL was really getting me these past few weeks... and now that I've written this, I gotta catch up on all those wonderful fics by Evil Irish Eyes, veggie5, CrimsonCat and all my other favorite writers. But first I gotta clear up is that I DON'T totally hate Finn, I just find her annoying at times. I also hate the fact that there's this Australian tax law that says there can be only so many non Australian actors on a show at once and they are substituting Lara Cox (Finn) for David Orth (Malone). I think that's what pisses me off the most about Finn, because if her character wasn't there Malone would be able to come back. And I have NOTHING against Challenger, I just happen to IDOLIZE M/R, N/V slide in at second, and Challenger is just sorta backing them all up! *g* So anywho... (P.s. My notes are outdated again all except for Evil Irish Eyes... I wrote them *before* Trapped aired!)
veggie5 - *bows down and says her daily devotions to the almighty queen of long reviews* Yet another WONDERFUL review! Lol, this is sad, I'm reviewing you for your review. Ah who cares... It's my way of saying I LOVE YA, GIRL! I always love reading your reviews 'cause I end up getting all misty eyed and laughing my ass off at the same time. It's quite the spectacle to behold. And as for M/R shippy moments... the last chapter of this story, whenever that may come around, is going to be MAJOR M/R mushy. That's going to be like, what ties it all together. *big grin* I bet you can't wait! And dang, you really want Julian dead don't you? Maybe I should let you jump in the story and axe her yourself? Lol... Keep it together and you'll get your wish in the end! :O)
Jaclyn - You love me? *sniffle* You really, really love me? *blows nose* And I'm the funniest person in the world? *bawls* But about Trapped... *drool* This week needs to go by FASTER! FASTER I SAY!!! But really, thanks for the wonderful review! I I... words can't describe... I can't go on... *bawls again, but managed to pull herself together* Now, don't burn yourself out to finish the next part of Severed, but don't dawdle either, lol. I reeeeaaaalllyyyyyyy wanna know what's gonna happen! EEP! *jumps up and down* Okay, now SHOO! WRITE! Lol...
Ascamelien - *crosses arms over chest diapprovingly* Are you telling me it took eleven chapters for you to review? I'm ashamed of you, Ascamelien! But you're forgiven, 'cause you finally reviewed! *grin* Thanks for all your kind words in that wonderful review! And like I said earlier, I don't dislike Challenger or anything... he just happened to come in last. But yeah, send Finn back to the future! Go, go, go! I was so mad in the episode Finn when she was there when they got back to the... past... uhm... Yeah. Lol! Anyway, you'd better keep reviewing, missy! :O)
Audrey - *holds hands up in defense* Cool, you like Finn and I like chicken. It's all good! *grin* But I just really don't like it when she called her "V". I Kept yelling, "IT'S VERONICA, YOU IDIOT!" throughout the whole episode, lol... oh well! And yeah, our heroes are a little gullible, but it makes me love them even more! Maybe next time good ol' Gladys or someone else pops up out of nowhere they'll be a little more cautious? Dunno, we'll have to see! Trapped... I've jumped up and down and shouted and been excited so much since Saturday that I can't do it anymore! I can't... jump... more... *falls over* I'm just glad you didn't suffocate!!! Oh and by the way: *whacks you for calling her brand*
Jackie - Hey man, glad you like the story! I just wanted to tell you I've noticed you reviewing since waaaay back when and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. Thanks!
CrimsonCat - Of course you're in my A/Ns... 'cause you're cool! Pretty much anyone who takes time to write super long reviews and/or who I've seen reviewing for a while gets in there. Either that or people who really motivate me or touch me big time with their reviews. So guys, if you're in my A/Ns it means you mean alot to me and I never want you to stop reviewing! As long as you'll read, I'll keep on writing!!!
Evil Irish Eyes - AAAAAHHH!!! TRAPPED!!! AAAAAHHH!!! HEART OF THE STORM!!! AAAAAHHH!!! How can they do this to us?! It's inhuman!!! *Falls to the floor kicking and crying* By the way... I am so sorry I haven't reviewed the past few chapters on your story yet. I just got back on fanfiction.net since like two weeks ago so I have ALOT of catching up to do. I promise you within like a day or two I'll have your story and everyone else's reviewed. *sigh* And Roxton no cry no more. Roxton happy. Roxton got some action! Lol... Anyway, gotta run. For some reason I've got huge man eating bats chasing me. Weird, eh?
Mayhem Mountain (12/?)
by: Brandy Leigh
~*~
"We need to split up," Veronica told the group as they started out down the path. She had a determined fire in her eyes, one that none of them had seen for quite some time. "Malone, you come with me. Roxton, Marguerite, you two look for Challenger."
Veronica paused and looked around. She bent down and examined the ground, checking for footprints. She found what she was looking for, stood back up, then pointed with her torch the direction Challenger had ran. "He went that way."
"Are you sure?" Marguerite asked.
"Positive. His footprints are still fresh."
"She's right," Roxton told Marguerite. "If we start now, we should be able to follow his path before anything else travels over it and throws us off."
"We'll meet back at the treehouse," Veronica said as she turned and began walking in the opposite direction.
"But what if you need help?" Marguerite called after her.
"Don't worry about us," Veronica said. "Just help Challenger!"
"Do you really know where this thing is hiding?" Malone asked Veronica as he watched Roxton and Marguerite start off after Challenger.
"Not a hundred percent, but it's the best I can figure. Zanga legend says that when this creature went into hiding it took residence in a hillside in the south mountain range of the plateau," Veronica began.
"No offense, but isn't that quite the broad area?" Malone asked a bit skeptically.
"Yes, but there is one strip of rock that no Zanga will ever go near in that area. No one will say why, but if my thoughts are correct I've got a pretty good idea."
"The resting place of our good pal Julian."
Veronica nodded, never taking her eyes away from the path in front of her. She was deep in thought, trying to remember the path to one of the most forbidden strips of land on the plateau.
"What exactly is our plan once we find this place?" Malone asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I was thinking on going with your idea," Veronica told him.
"And that would be?"
"We torch the bitch."
Malone stopped short and almost dropped his torch, bursting into laughter. He couldn't stop himself even though Veronica had turned and began to give him a death glare. He stuffed his hand over his mouth to stifle the laughter, but it just wouldn't stop.
"Just what do you find so funny?" Veronica asked angrily.
"I'm sorry," Malone said through his laughter. "It's just I've never heard you curse before. Hell, I don't think I've ever seen you mad enough to curse!"
"I still don't see the humor, Malone."
"I'm sorry Veronica!" Malone said, still laughing. "But you should have seen your face! I'm sure glad it's not me you're mad at."
Veronica kept glaring at Malone, trying her hardest to stay mad at him. Her attempts were futile and soon his laughter became contagious. Veronica broke into a grin, a small fit of laughter following it. She whacked Malone on the arm playfully as she fought to control the giggles.
"I guess you're right," Veronica told him as her laughter subsided.
"I am?" Malone asked, a little shocked.
Veronica nodded. "I don't think I've ever been that angry. Not that I can remember, anyway. And honestly, I don't think anyone has ever made me laugh so hard when I was mad."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Malone asked, a little taken back by Veronica's sudden change in mood.
"It's good, silly!" Veronica exclaimed, then sighed. "I guess I was being a little crazy. I shouldn't let this bother me so much."
"You have every right to be upset, Veronica. We're all getting rather angry with the situation, we just have to keep our heads and stick together."
Veronica nodded, leaning in to give Malone a small kiss. "Thank you, Ned. For everything."
Malone just smiled and blushed lightly, wondering what he'd ever done to deserve such a wonderful woman. She was pure energy, the true definition of life on the plateau. He loved everything about her: her smile, her laughter, even her anger... as long as it wasn't directed at him.
"We should keep moving," Veronica said as she pulled away and started back down the path. "We've got a long way to go."
Malone sighed and moved to follow her, hoping this whole nightmare would be over soon. He didn't know how much more of this whole charade he'd be able to take before he broke down and went insane.
Meanwhile, Roxton and Marguerite continued along the path that Challenger had left behind, the scenery around them beginning to look more and more familiar. It wasn't long before Roxton noticed the path they were following was going to lead them right back to the treehouse.
"John, we're heading back towards the treehouse, aren't we?" Marguerite asked as she began to recognize the area as well.
"It looks that way. Challenger must have figured he'd fair best against Julian on our own playing field," Roxton replied.
"I'm starting to think this whole plateau is her playing field, that this battle is a lost cause," Marguerite said on a sigh.
"That's what she wants us to believe, Marguerite. We can't give in to her and let her get under our skin or she'll win. You know, you need to learn to be more optimistic."
"Well what exactly do you want me to believe, John? That all we have to do is think happy thoughts and all will be well?"
"Well it's a start!" Roxton exclaimed. "If you just sit down and give up, what hope do we have?"
Marguerite just shook her head and gave Roxton an exasperated look. "Why do you always feel the need to charge in and treat everything like some great and history changing war? You act like you're a big bad warrior who's duty is to save the day, every day. When will you learn that you're just an average man, you have the right to accept defeat!"
"I don't want to accept defeat," Roxton told her.
"You don't have to accept defeat, but you don't have to try so bloody hard to save everyone. What you're doing is not healthy, John. You need to realize that it is not your job to save everyone."
"I have to atleast try, Marguerite. If I don't, I feel like everything I've been through, everything that's happened to my friends and family was for nothing. I feel like I'm worthless if I don't try. If I just sit by and watch I'll always know that there was something I could have done, that if someone gets hurt I could have kept it from happening."
"And if you keep charging in head first, guns blazing, you are going to be the one getting hurt."
"Marguerite, I..."
Marguerite stepped forward to Roxton and took his face in her hands. She looked him straight in the eyes, determined for him to hear her out.
"John, listen to me. I am grateful every day of my life to have you by my side to love me and protect me. I don't know what I would do if you weren't there, and to be honest, I don't want to find out. Hell, I'll admit that I probably wouldn't be alive right now if it wasn't for you. It's wonderful that you want to save everyone, but you can't. If you keep risking your life you are going to get yourself killed, and I... I don't know if I could handle that, John. Not now, not ever."
Roxton managed to give Marguerite a small reassuring smile, then rose his hand to brush away the few stray tears that she had not managed to contain. In the three years he'd know her, she had never been so honest and open with him. To have her trust him so completely and confide in him touched him more deeply than she could ever know. The walls that had kept him out for so long were finally beginning to crumble.
"Enough emotional tidal waves, huh?" Roxton asked with a smile. "Let's go find Challenger and make sure he's alive, alright? We can sit down and talk about all of this after this whole thing is over."
Marguerite nodded slightly and returned his smile. "Sounds like a plan to me," she told him.
The two turned back to the path they had been following, neither quite sure of what they were feeling. They both knew that if they persued their relationship there would be a long road ahead of them with many rough patches, and there also be would be many trying times. Neither of them knew how long they would last, but both of them knew they could not survive without the other. Only time would tell...
"How much farther?" Malone asked Veronica, beginning to tire from their trek. They hadn't stopped even once in the past few hours they had been walking.
"It's hard to tell," Veronica told him. "I think it's only an hour or so more, but I'm not sure exactly where we were when we started out."
Malone sighed and slowed down a bit. "Hey, do you think we could take a break?" he asked.
"Only if we make it quick, Ned. The longer we take, the more time we give Julian to rebuild her strength. She's not a happy person right now, and personally I don't want to know what kind of revenge she's got planned."
"Me either," Malone said, sitting down on a nearby rock. "God knows how much damage she did when she wasn't mad, but now..."
"Exactly my point," Veronica replied, sitting down next to him.
"Do you really thing we can do this?" Malone asked her. "Take Julian out, I mean."
"Of course we can," Veronica said with a smile. "We've faced a lot since you arrived three years ago, and we've pulled through it all. We'll get through this just fine, I'm sure of it."
Although Malone wasn't as optimistic on the matter as she was, he returned her smile none the less. He didn't think they would fail, but he knew that this was something far more high risk and dangerous than they had ever faced before. Who knew what Julian was capable of? They'd already witnessed some of her power, and it was definitely not a force to be reckoned with.
"Come on Ned," Veronica said as she stood. "We've wasted enough time already."
"We've only been stopped for a minute, Veronica!" Malone complained.
"A minute which could very well decide if we win or lose this battle."
Malone sighed and stood, giving Veronica a weary look he said, "This coming from the woman who said she was sure we'd prevail."
"Well, I've been known to be wrong."
With that, Veronica started back down the path once again, leaving Malone behind with a very perplexed look on his face. After a moment he jumped to life, jogging to catch up with the retreating blonde.
"Hey Veronica, wait up! You're really not helping me feel any better, you know..."
Veronica just laughed and continued on, completely unaware of the eyes that watched her travel.
"There's the treehouse," Roxton said as he and Marguerite entered the clearing where their home stood.
"Oh thank God," Marguerite said as she jogged towards the electric fence. "I never thought I'd be so happy to see this place!"
Roxton laughed and flipped the switch which would allow them entry through the fence. "You and me both, Marguerite."
Marguerite headed over to the elevator as Roxton reactivated the fence and waited for him to join her. As soon as he was inside the cart she hit the switch, causing the cart to accend into the treehouse.
"Challenger?" she called out once the elevator had come to a complete stop.
"George?" Roxton echoed as he stepped out of the cart.
A low groan came from the vicinity of the kitchen/dining area, and the two explorers looked at eachother. Seconds later they dashed over to the table where two glasses laid, one overturned and empty and one standing full. Next to the table lay George Challenger, unconscious and covered with perspiration.
"George... George can you hear me?" Marguerite asked softly as she knelt down beside him. She lightly brushed the sweat from his cheek then checked to see how his pulse felt.
"How does it look?" Roxton asked.
"His pulse is quick and thready, and his breathing is heavy and slow. Given that information and the obvious lack of struggle... If I had to guess I'd say he was knocked unconscious by some sort of sedative. He probably didn't even know it was coming."
"Just great," Roxton muttered. "How much longer do you think he'll be out?"
"I have no idea," Marguerite replied while looking around. "I just wish I knew what he'd been knocked out with. If I knew that I might be able to tell you."
"Here," Roxton said, picking up the fallen glass. "Do you think he might have drank it from this?"
"Quite possibly," Marguerite said as she stood and inspected the glass. She looked over and noticed the second glass, picking it up. She shrugged then said, "If it was in the water, there was no way he could have known."
Roxton nodded towards Challenger's lab where the door was still sitting wide open and said, "Maybe we should check his lab. Who knows, we might find what knocked him out."
"You stay here with Challenger and see if you can wake him up, I'll go take a quick look."
"Be careful, Marguerite. Who knows what kind of traps may be laying around."
Marguerite smiled lightly and drew her gun, walking over to the lab. She entered it and began to search over the contents of the room. It didn't take her long to find the ingredients for the sedative which were still scattered across Challenger's work space. Inspecting it, she realized what Challenger had been trying to make and sighed.
"Well I don't think anyone tried to poison Challenger, he made the sedative himself," she called out to Roxton.
"What kind of sedative was it?" Roxton called back.
Marguerite exited the lab, carrying a mixing bowl which still contained a small bit of the drug.
"A very strong one," she told him. "A small pinch of this would render someone unconscious for hours. If Challenger swallowed a large dose, he could be out for days."
Roxton sighed and looked back down at Challenger. "We should probably move him to his room. That way atleast he'll be comfortable."
"Right," Marguerite said, coming over to help Roxton carry Challenger into his room. The two laid him on his bed, made sure he was covered with blankets and comfortable, then went back out into the living quarters.
"What now?" Marguerite asked, sitting down in one of the wicker chairs.
"We wait, I suppose. There's really not much else we can do until Veronica and Malone get back," Roxton replied, taking a seat across from her.
"This is all one bloody nightmare," Marguerite said on a sigh.
"Oh I don't know about that, Marguerite. What was the last time we had this much of an adventure?"
Marguerite scoffed. "You call this an adventure? I call it a disaster!"
"Well if it wasn't for this 'disaster', do you really think you and I would be as close as we are right now?"
"That's not a very fair question, John."
"I'm being serious, here."
"So am I!" Marguerite exclaimed, intending on ending the conversation.
Roxton sighed and continued. "All I'm trying to say is, something good has actually come out of this. You don't understand how much it means to me that we've grown closer and you're starting opening yourself up to me."
"It would have happened sooner or later," Marguerite mumbled, looking away.
"Yes but it didn't happen later, it happened now... and I'm glad it did. I love you, Marguerite."
Marguerite looked up at him slyly, smiling, then stood up. She slowly, sensually glided over to where he was and promptly sat herself in his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck she leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"I'm glad too, John. Because if it hadn't, I wouldn't be able to do this..." she trailed off, lowering her lips to Roxton's earlobe.
Roxton jumped slightly and groaned at the sensation, reaching up to wrap his arms around Marguerite's waist. He closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling, but was suddenly snapped out of it by the sound of a very amused Challenger clearing his throat. Roxton jumped up, dropping Marguerite onto her rump on the floor.
"Oh!" Marguerite exclaimed as Roxton accidentally dumped her out of his lap. "John!"
Challenger couldn't contain his laughter, and soon he was doubled over, clutching his sides as he laughed harder than he had in a long time. Marguerite soon began to blush as she realized what was going on, and her frustration at being dumped into the floor was forgotten as embarrassment quickly set in.
"Challenger!" Marguerite exclaimed, rather angry that the man was finding the situation as humorous as he was.
"I'm sorry Marguerite," Challenger managed between chuckles. "I really shouldn't be laughing."
Marguerite pulled herself up off of the floor and shouted, "You're right, you shouldn't!"
"Are you feeling better, George?" Roxton asked, somewhat to cover up his own embarrassment and somewhat to save the man from Marguerite's wrath.
"Very much so," Challenger replied. "I'm rather sluggish, but atleast I'm alive."
Marguerite sighed and nodded, trying to push aside her anger. "Yes, you're lucky to be alive at all. That was a mighty strong sedative you took, George. What happened?"
"I was trying to drug Julian so it would be easier to handle her. Apparently she was immune to the sedative though, and I ended up being the one to take the fall."
"Obviously," Marguerite replied sarcastically.
"Where are Veronica and Malone?" Challenger asked, looking around and seeing neither of them.
"They went to find Julian," Roxton told him.
"Why in God's name would they do that?"
"Veronica think she knows how to kill her," Marguerite answered.
"How?" Challenger asked, quite intrigued.
"Fire," was all Roxton said.
"Fire? How does she figure fire will kill Julian?"
"Veronica says there's an old Zanga legend telling of a creature that fits Julian to a tee. In the legend, the creature was afraid of fire, and when the Zanga villagers places fire in their tents as protection the creature went away and never returned," Roxton explained.
"And apparently the creature ran and hid in a strip of land within the south mountain range of the plateau," Marguerite added.
"Is that where Veronica and Malone are?" Challenger asked.
Both Marguerite and Roxton nodded.
"Shouldn't we go after them to try and help?"
"Veronica told us to meet her here," Roxton told him.
"And I don't know about you two, but I could certainly use some rest. No use in losing a good night's sleep just because they're out wondering through the woods," Marguerite said in her usual carefree tone.
Roxton smiled and said, "Actually, that's not a bad idea. We should all get some rest."
"I think I've gotten enough rest already," Challenger said with a slight chuckle.
"Well then how about keeping watch for us, eh old boy?" Roxton said, giving him a pat on the back.
"I'd be glad to," Challenger said with a smile. "I'll call you two if anything happens."
"Sounds good to me," Marguerite said, walking past him back towards the bedrooms.
Challenger let out a heavy sigh and sat down in the chair out on the balcony so that he could get some fresh air. He smiled to himself as he thought back to the scene he had found when he walked out of his room. He knew Marguerite and Roxton had become closer these past few days, but he didn't know they had gotten that close. He shook his head lightly, not noticing that Roxton had followed Marguerite into her room...
~*~
End part twelve
~*~
Authors notes: Whew, Finally! I never thought I'd get this bloody chapter finished!!! I know it's pretty much a filler, but I guess it did have some helpful information... and ALOT of M/R shippiness! WOO!!! Not to mention I threw in a bit of N/V for all you fans out there... YOU'RE WELCOME! Lol... Anywayz, a big thank you goes out to all of you that have stuck by me throughout this whole thing. From breaking the posting record to breaking the NON posting record (*grin*), a handful of you have reviewed, reviewed and reviewed. The next chapter, which will most likely be the last or atleast the one before the last, will be dedicated entirely to you. Especially to those of you who have the strong desire to see Julian get her come-upance. You WILL be rewarded in the next chapter, I promise! Once again, thank you all!!!
~*~
Possible questions answered in part 13:
Will Veronica and Malone be able to defeat Julian?
Who was watching Veronica along the path?
Oooooo, what are Roxton and Marguerite doooiiiinnnggg?!
You'll have to read to find out, buddy...
