Claimer: I own Deanna J. Fox, and Sir Robert A. Blake not to mention this
whole story line. So please no copying.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World, or any of its story's or characters. So don't sue cause I never said I did and you'll lose.
Author's Pre Notes: EXAMS ARE FINISHED!!!!!! SUMMER!!!!! SOMETHING THAT I NOW CAN ENJOY!!!!!
OK now I have to seriously get myself out of second gear with the story don't I, so so so sorry about that. But ah! I mean tests and state tests and all the --- stuff. And I had a little writers block so sorry if this is boring but I'm working on it, I'm trying to get the ending down, then it will be so easy to type up, I just have to get the perfect ending, you know the one you want to read, lol.
Not to mention what happened to the poor Website, I think we overloaded it with greatness my fellow authors-LOL
And you all have been so wonderful and kind with your reviews please keep them coming!!
All right now to all you beautiful people who did review . . . .
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magick18~ Are you kidding of course I missed you!!!!! LOL Miss me? Sorry it was such a long wait I really really am!!
Glad you moved to the floor the balancing can be dangerous stuff, but put some pillows behind you incase you fall back. LOL
I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY glad I mean really really glad that you like everything going on. It makes me so happy!!!! I hope you like this chapter I promise to continue on as soon as I can. Thanks so much!!
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Brandy Leigh~ I know I know I know, next chapter coming I promise schools out so I have the time, but do I have the energy? Lol I will I promise!! For you !! I'll do it!!
Yeah that is so freaky about the movie, lol, and that's why I don't watch movies like that, they are never close to the show, lol. SO I understand. And yes I am Evil, lol, Thanks so much!!!
I hope you like this chapter it's kinda well-er- not one of my best but yeah, please tell me, THANKS so much!!!
P.s. And I believe you are do for a chapter my friend . .lol
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Ryalin (Ryalin1@aol.com)~ Really it's totally ok about not reviewing every chapter, and I am really omg you have no idea I am so sorry for keeping you waiting so long and then well giving you this-er-thing. I promise to be working diligently on the next chapter and I'll make it good. I'll really try I promise!!
I'm so glad you like the story so far, and last chapter I was so excited that you enjoyed it. I can relate with the hair thing, I just thought that would be so cute!! Lol. Yes I am Evil- I-I yes sorry I am. LOL Well thanks so much!! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you!! Thanks so much!!
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Veggie5 ~ You senseless babbling? Never . .. .lol And yeah um put the cleaver away, sell it or something . . .yeah . .. lol- I think
YOUR STORY DOES NOT SUCK!! Cause then I wouldn't be reading it now would I *sticks tongue out * so there! Lol
OK and lol, I know the French is everywhere, and I actually knew what you said, lol, I was so excited, to clarify I am only in French I, well now French II but yeah, I'm not very linguistically inclined like Marguerite and many others, but I'm getting there!! Lol Happy dance!! . . . ok never mind . . . .
Yeah I can relate at screaming at the tv and the family thinking your crazy, maybe not in that order but . . .lol jk
BUT PLEASE WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SEASON FINALE!!!! AH!!! I'm GOING TO DIE!!!!!!
I missed it and I'm mad, and I don't know what happened!!! I feel so clueless!!! AH *Lucy cry * WWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Ok *Breath*, sorry about that . . . yeah loopy I am, Evil I am me I am . . .sam I am? Lol wow that was very random sorry.
OK anyway, no problem I love your stores and what I say is always the truth!! I love 'em!!! I do I do I dOO oOO!!! So keep up the great work! And yes I know get myself in gear . .so sorry it took so long, exams bad, bad bad bad . .. . regents . .bad . .bad . .bad . . .Rl going to kill me!! Lol
Demanding is ok as long as the cleaver is gone, lol
Well hope you had a good sleep and that this chapter doesn't disappoint you, it's one of those, so you know I'm still breathing chapters, yeah those . . .Well I love hearing form you thanks so much!!!! What you say means so much to me!!!
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Pam (altochanteuse@junoc.om) ~WOAH haven't heard form you in a long time!!! How are ya!!?!?!? LoL So great to hear form you!! I am so glad you like the story so far!! Really it means a lot that you reviewed. Sorry it took so long and I hope this doesn't disappoint you. Thanks so so much!!
Oh and my muse she knows, lol, now if she would only leave me alone and let me finish this story!!! *Jumps over back of the chair tackling muse to the ground, struggle is heard. Evil jumps up brushing stray hairs away from face and calmly walks back to the computer and sits down * Now thank you so much for reviewing hope you continue to enjoy the story!!
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Lixta (Lixta@hotmail.com)~ Sorry for taking so long and sorry if you thought I was being snappish, really I really appreciate your opinions and love'em to death, lol.
I'm really glad you liked the last chapter, I hope this one is acceptable, it's not one of my better chapters. . .me sorry . . .*sniffle*
I do better next time . . .I hope . . .
Yeah those cliffhangers are a pain in the you know where, sorry about that, just kinda happens, lol.
Have you guessed what the shuffling is, I bet you know . .
Well please tell me what you think, and sorry again, Thanks so much for reviewing!!! And sticking with me for so long!! THANKS!!!
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Wdge~ Sorry about that dear . . . . I know cliffhanger bad, me bad, no me Evil! Lol And I am so so so so sorry it took so long, I hope to be faster now that exams are over and summer is hear . . .
And please explain what you said before, I found that view very very interesting.
How do you think Robert should be standing up to Deanna?
And how so is he tame?
Pleas point it out, I'm very curious now, I would really love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks so much!!!
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Ascamelien~ Hey chicky!! Sabrina- hun- relax!! I'm here it's O -K!!
Well it's true you are the best of the very best! lol I'm glad I made you happy. So did ya miss me/ I missed talking to you . .and I think you have a story due don't yah! Lol
I should really say anything . . . . . . . I feel so bad about not updating lately I'm so sorry!! I just had exams and RL let me tell you! Geez it's all going to kill me!!
Challenger *chuckles shaking her head* gotta love'em
And Omg!! You made my like . . .. . EVERYTHING!!! When you told me you want to have another Deanna story!! I am so so so happy thank you!!!! Lol shh some people like Finn, lol . .But I'm with you on this one, lol.
LOL I don't think you look like Wayne Gretsky either, much prettier, lol. But you are the great one of my story!!
And AH!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your compliments are so much more than generous!!! Really!!!
And I know poor Margy but Roxton's there for her, awwwww, sorry that I grossed you out, yeah and fainting wouldn't have helped them but out here it's ok, lol jk. I wouldn't want you to faint wither.
Couple cuteness it what I live for!! LoL
Thanks again, I feel so special *blushes*
And omg I know the hair ah!! I would hate myself to actually I do now,
I had long chestnut reddish hair, and it was like past my shoulder and I got it cut!! AH!! It feels so short!! But it's only like at? On my shoulder, not so bad but *Whimper* I miss my hair!! Lol but it needed to be cut it was kinda damaged, oh well *sigh* it'll grow I just hope . . .. quickly!!
Lol sorry about that my friend, had to tell someone.
Evil? Eileen? Evil Eileen, hmm has a nice ring to it . .lol Yeah I know I am so sorry, I really am, well I'm sorry for keep you waiting so long. Sabrina!! FORGIVE ME!! *Throws herself next to her on the cliff*
Yeah I know sorry, lol . .I hope this chapter is ok, I wrote it kinda quickly so everyone would know I was still breathing, lol. You'll tell me honestly how it turned out right? Please!! I trust you and you're judgment.
Yes and I can't wait to read the next chapter to your story!!! *Sits on the cliff humming to herself swinging feet slightly, looking around, waiting patiently*
And thank you so much for your kind words they mean a lot to me and my story, *pats the story on the head*
Sorry again that my chapter took so long . .
And you ARE the VERY BEST!!
Well then good morning, well it's afternoon now,
So good afternoon to you, lol I've been sitting here way to long, lol I have to go take my story for a walk or something . . . *sung* I've got cabin fever- I've got cabin fever . . .lol
And I totally understand trust me when my stomach says feed me, I go . . lol . .. I'm not very nice to be around when I'm hungry, rarrrrrhh, lol.
So thanks so so so so so so much again!!! Luv ya!! You Are the BEST!!
Hope to hear from you soon and please bring you're story, lol. Thanks!!!
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Gabbo~ Hey there, oh don't worry about it! I understand, what's important is that you're reviewing now. It means a lot. And I missed ya!! So I'm so happy you're back!!
Sorry about the cliffhanger I hope this helps, but I must say it's not my best work so I apologize.
*Hands her bigger fan* It will all be ok, maybe we'll get you a seat belt for your computer chair, lol jk. And what could go wrong now? I think that's what Marguerite is thinking . . . .Well I hope you like this, watch your head. Thanks so much for your review!! I love to hear your opinions!!! Thanks
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TYPO WARNIGNG: I've been gone for weeks I wrote this fast, ok course there are going to be typos!! Lol but my apologies all the same . .
Oh and this chapter is just a little chaotic so it might be hard to follow, my apologizes, if they are not needed well . .. that's good to . . lol
1 OK now onto the fun—err- yeah . . .lol
Everyone was as still as stone listening to the shuffling and clanking noises echoing from the tunnels around them. They looked around cautiously with their eyes, weapons ready.
Marguerite eyes were wide, her right hand apprehensively resting on her gun, she moved up against Roxton reaching back for him. He saw this and took her hand a minute squeezing it to reassure her that he was there.
The strange sounds suddenly stopped.
Everyone straightened up for a minute. But Deanna's brow was still firmly set; she looked at Roxton who motioned for everyone to stay on guard.
They all looked on as Deanna silently walked over to the other side of the cavern listening.
But it was Roxton who heard something, behind him? He turned around and looked at the cave wall, he swaggered over to it with a puzzled face releasing Marguerite's hand. (AW! another Roxton face!!)
She turned and watched him as he pressed his ear against the wall. Marguerite didn't want to say anything afraid of disturbing his concentration on whatever it was that he was doing, but she was getting impatient and scared.
"Roxton-!" she hissed a bit unsteady.
He held up his hand a minute gesturing for her to be just a bit more patient. Everyone's eyes were intently on him now.
He motioned for Veronica to listen. She approached the wall and listened, she stood up puzzled. Robert came over and listened.
"It almost sounds like footsteps-," whispered Veronica, but they are kind of meshed together in the echo and far apart. Then it's the strangest thing, it's like they are coming right at us, through the wall. Is there a passageway behind there?"
"There could be," Robert shrugged "Deanna dear, come listen to this." He called quietly
Her brow still fixed in a frown she came over to the wall, she looked at Robert perplexed who shook his head and stepped away, he walked across the cavern to where the others were conversing in hushed voices, aware that something just wasn't right.
Marguerite walked over with Deanna, her curiosity getting the best of her. They both pressed their ears against the cold wall. Marguerite jumped at the sound. It was great boom, then silence and then another great boom. Marguerite had her hand pressed against the wall and suddenly felt the smallest vibration through the wall at the next boom. She pulled away from the wall started.
Deanna looked at her a second having also felt the vibration. They stared at each other a second, until they felt another quake, then their eyes grew wide.
"Uhhhh-ahhhhh!"
The others jerked up spinning around hearing Marguerite and Deanna shout quickly running away from the wall.
"What the-" Roxton started then he felt the ground tremor under his feet.
"Veronica!" Ned called sternly running after Robert and Challenger who had taken off for the gape in the cavern wall.
"Run! The wall is going to come down!!" Marguerite cried grabbing Roxton's arm thrusting him foreword. He broke out into a run reaching back hooking her around the waist, carrying her with him then throwing them both to the ground the cave wall exploding behind them.
The dust and debris filled the cavern blinding everyone for a moment. Then everything was quiet with just the echoes of the last of the rock falling to the ground around them, the dust began to settle.
Roxton coughed looking down at Marguerite who he had shielded with his body. She nodded assuring him that she was fine although a bit flustered. Then she heard an echoing sound and jerked her head up to now the great hole in the cavern wall.
The dust in the air was still very thick so it was almost impossible to clearly see who or what was coming.
"Now those are defiantly footsteps," Veronica coughed kneeling next to Marguerite and Roxton, who each straightened up.
Suddenly a figure swooped out of the fog brushing it easily out of the way revealing his face. "Honey I'm home!" he called mockingly
Robert and Challenger stuck their heads out form the hole they had dove into.
Marguerite gasped "Haiton!"
And indeed it was, but he was different, he seemed bigger, younger, he even almost seemed handsome, his eyes had turned a ghastly pale green, his robes were stark white and his whole essence seemed to emit power.
"That means he did it!! Daknet's death finished the curse!!" Robert yelled jumping from the caver cut out Challenger stepping down behind him.
"Is it possible?!" Veronica cried seeing how he had apparently obliterated the cave wall and the many tunnel walls behind it creating his own path.
"There's only one way to find out!" came Deanna's voice as she swung out of the fog her rifle inches from Haiton's chest. "Hey Hun" she said venomously, without hesitation she pulled the trigger, re-cocked it and fired again.
Haiton flew back to the ground cracking it.
Deanna stood over him emptying the shells from her gun onto the ground, her eyes never leaving him.
"Oh," everyone gasped as Haiton sat up and stood with ease completely unharmed.
Deanna scowled aiming to shoot him again.
He smirked and waved his hand quickly at her, the rifle flew out of her grip, he waved his hand again and she flew back across the cavern into the gape in the stone wall.
"Deanna!" Robert cried running over jumping up into the hole.
Haiton cackled with delight, "You see you can't hurt me,"
"Want a bet!" Marguerite sneered leafing quickly through the now complete book. Haiton's face fell at the sight of it.
"Seventa-fermockra-tenat-rau-sha!" Marguerite said quickly her voice dripping with venom.
A green lightning came up from the ground beneath Haiton's feet sending Haiton flying across the room mirroring what he had done to Deanna.
Robert viciously kicked him out of the gape in the wall and without a thought jumped on him wrestling with him on the ground.
"Robert no!" Deanna screamed
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"What did you just do?" asked Roxton watching Robert struggle with Haiton
"Um . ." said Marguerite looking through the book
"You don't know?!"
"NO-um yes well, wait!- here" she pointed in the book he just looked and then looked at her with a 'yeah and I'm suppose to know what that means' face "I reversed what he just did, so what he did to someone or something gets done to him. .I think," she said looking back at the book.
"We've got company," said Roxton cocking his rifle looking down the 'new' hallway
"Oh fantastic!" Marguerite spat closing the book as the horde of soldiers approached
"There is way to many of them- we'll never make it out of here!" cried Malone rationally
Robert screamed out in pain and an eerie pale blue lightening shooting out from his direction.
-----
Everyone spun around,
Haiton held Robert by his right wrist and neck, he gritted his teeth fiercely a greedy fire in his ghastly green eyes.
"Oh no! He's draining his life force!" Challenger remembered quickly and mad a run for them.
But Deanna was quicker and closer she leaped out of the cavern wall like a jungle cat, tackling Haiton to the ground, throwing him off Robert.
She scratched at his face and arms as he held to her.
"The stronger you are the stronger I'll be," he said in a sick sing-song voice, she threw her arm and smacked him in the jaw, throwing him back a bit. She tried to scramble away but he pinned her to the ground grasping her wrists. She screamed out as her body filled with pain, the life being ripped from her body.
-------
Blake could feel his head spinning as he scrambled up from the cold cave floor.
"Blake!" He heard Roxton shout, "We've got to find a way out of here, by more time, there are warriors coming from all sides!" Roxton finished pushing off three warriors from his back shooting two of them dead.
Robert looked around and there were, armed men were climbing in from every entrance or hold in the cavern.
He looked and saw two warriors holding Marguerite she was screaming about something trying to pull away, then he heard the other scream.
"Deanna he" gasped making a dash for where he had left her unprotected.
-----
Marguerite bit one of the warriors arms and he abruptly pulled away, she cursed at them in there own language and threw her elbows back into the other two warrior's stomachs, knocking them in pain to the ground. She jumped out of their arms reach and aimed her gun at Haiton's head, she shot. She had to get him off Deanna; he was draining her energy they were surrounded in red lightening.
Marguerite's breath was rapid, she gritted her teeth and readied her shot, she swallowed and pulled the trigger fighting the urge to look away.
It had perfect aim and hit Haiton in the temple, which in any other circumstance would have killed him, but it didn't. But it did knock him off her and into the cave wall. Robert just getting to the scene pulled Deanna out of the way.
He pulled her against him and nodded to Marguerite looking back to the woman in his arms. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was harsh, she panted her brow glistening with sweat.
Haiton moved again, Marguerite realized she had left the book with Roxton and shrugging in exasperation started shooting him again. He growled in annoyance, she stepped back as she shot inching back closer to the others.
Robert picked Deanna up and jumped into the gape in cave wall, laying her down,
"It's alright-it" she swallowed "Alright as soon as-as I stop shaking, It'll be fine, remember, fine just fine-"
Robert held her tight gritting his teeth in rage, He did remember how could he ever forget, but he couldn't reminisce now, Haiton was standing again, he had to stay on his guard.
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Come on John!" Marguerite yelled as she turned and ran away form Haiton who started hurling balls of energy at them.
Roxton looking back starting sprinting after her.
-------
Veronica saw Roxton and Marguerite running from Haiton so she threw her knife, it hit one of the balls of energy just as Haiton threw it and it exploded in his face sending him back onto the ground, stunned.
"Nice shot!" said Malone grinning
"Why thank you," she smiled back
------
"Marguerite-Roxton look!" said Challenger pointing upward.
"What is it George? More warriors?!" said Roxton rifle ready looking around.
"No there!" said Marguerite "There is a hole in the ceiling from when Haiton blasted the wall apart!"
"How do we stop them from following?" asked Veronica her and Ned running up from the side, Ned coving her, looking back for more warriors.
"I don't think it matters as long as-" Marguerite started but was interrupted by Ned
"With this" he said handing something back
"That'll do it," Marguerite and everyone shook their heads quickly
"Alright lets go, get Robert and Deanna, lets try not to draw a lot of attention," said Roxton cautiously as they broke apart.
"Where are you getting all of that stuff!?" Veronica asked Running up alongside Ned pointing to the dynamite
He just smiled slightly cocking his head, in a cute 'I don't know' way.
----
"Robert! Robert!" called Marguerite before she ran and jumped up onto the gape. "Robert we-oh god Deanna-"
"I'm ok-" she said groggily attempting to sit up
Robert just folded her onto his chest, "What sis you find?"
"There is a way out, to right where the water is-was-err- where is Haiton?" Just then blast came and hit just to the side of the gape.
"Does that answer your question?"
"More than words ever could- lets go," she said jumping out of the gape joining Roxton who had been covering them with his rifle.
Robert jumped down holding Deanna not wanting to risk her walking before she had to.
---
Haiton suddenly realized what they were doing, "You fools they're trying to escape! Get them!" he fired a lightening bolt their way.
----
"AH!" the explorer's yelled jumping to the sides
"That's it!" said Marguerite "Time for a little distraction-" she fingered through the pages of the book. "Quom ic-guirat- "
Haiton flew back against the wall green energy coming up from the earth, "Gooule men-trac-sha!" Another blast of green energy and Haiton was stuck pressed into the wall, yelling and cursing.
"Haha" Marguerite snickered snapping the book closed turning.
"Marguerite!" Veronica yelled as she saw a warrior raise a musket at the raven hair woman.
It all seemed to happen in slow motion-
Marguerite turned at being called-
Roxton yelled out-
Veronica lunged pushing Marguerite out of the way, she felt the shot hit and fell to the ground with the impact, her whole body shooting with pain.
"AH!"
"Veronica!" Marguerite cried completely terror stricken, scrambling to her friend "Veronica!- Oh why would you do such a thing!"
Veronica groaned as Marguerite turned her over, Malone ran and slid to his knees next to her.
"Veronica –oh god Veronica"
Marguerite blinked, there was no blood, why was there no blood? She diligently searched for a wound, smoothing over the tight vest she had given the huntress to wear. She then ripped it open, there was no wound but Veronica would have a hell of a bruise, Marguerite could already see her sun bronzed abdomen changing many dark colors, some blood vessels having burst, it was no wonder Veronica was in such pain. Marguerite looked puzzled now, as did Malone, and Challenger who looked back and forth from covering them to how Veronica was.
"What is it? How bad is it?!' said Veronica terrified trying to sit up and see, her stomach filling with shots of pain.
"Shh" Ned soothed running his hand over her hair.
Marguerite closed the vest again running her fingers over where the shot would have hit to cause the bruising. She felt something cold and soft, she lifted up her fingers, they were covered in black powder, she continued to prod along in the same spot and felt something warm. 'The musket ball' she thought and dug her fingers around it pulling it out releasing more of the black powder from the vest onto her hand.
She looked at it, the musket ball, sloppily made, had been smashed somewhat in coming in contact with the vest, or the powder in the vest rather.
She turned and moved her hand toward Challenger who took it looking at the powder,
"Lead," he and another person said at the same time, he turned surprised, and it was Deanna. Robert still held her up but she stood on her feet.
Challenger cocked his head about to ask a question,
"Later" said Deanna as Roxton came running from the middle of the cavern where he had been holding off the warriors.
"We have to go-now!" he said jumping up through the hole.
"Hand Veronica up to me!"
Ned and Marguerite tried as gently as they could to pick Veronica up, Ned held her legs as Roxton pulled her through the hole.
"Deanna next," said Malone reaching back and with Robert helping her through the hole.
"Marguerite!" Ned called
"Wait!-" she cried running over and grabbing the book and the pages that had fallen from it when veronica had so selflessly pushed her out of the way of that bullet.
Challenger scrambled up through the hole.
Marguerite heard someone curse and a crumble, she turned, Haiton was free from the wall.
"Damn," she cursed, but luckily he hadn't gotten his senses back about him yet. He stumbled about like he didn't have his land legs.
"Come on Marguerite!" Robert yelled jumping through the hole.
-------
"Where is Marguerite? And Malone?" asked Roxton quickly
Robert shrugged, "she had to grab something I don't know"
"Get everyone away from the hole-" Roxton ordered and ran over to it,
"Malone!" he growled
----
"Come on Marguerite!" Ned pleaded, "Roxton's pretty mad,"
"I bet he is- " she mumbled under her breath walking back toward Malone, fingering through the book and watching Haiton at the same time.
Malone stated to climb through the hole seeing her making her way back.
"Marguerite come on!" he yelled Roxton yelling at him,
Haiton suddenly realized what was going on and straightened up instantly seeing Marguerite and then the open book,
"Oh no, you won't get the chance agai-" he started charging toward her but she had already found what she was looking for.
She smirked "Quom ic-guirat-Gooule men-trac-sha" and Haiton flew back into the wall again blasting energy as he went.
Marguerite turned and sprinted for the hole, ned pulled her up and lit the dynamite throwing it into the cave, he scrambled up and jumped out of it pulling Marguerite out behind him as it exploded sending the both of them flying.
-----
Marguerite felt someone pull her up by her upper arms, it was Roxton he turned her shaking her once, "Don't up scare me like that-" he trailed off hugging her.
Marguerite was completely surprised looking around an eyebrow cocked puzzled, and still a bit disoriented.
"Is everyone alright?' asked Challenger
"As alright as expected," groaned Veronica sitting up.
"Veronica!" said Marguerite rushing over to the other woman.
"Oh my god, Veronica are you alright? Oh- why would you do that?" she asked her voice becoming weak tears coming to her eyes at the thoughts of what could have happened, no one had ever done anything like that for her.
Veronica was somewhat surprised by the other woman, but inside not really, she knew how she felt about Marguerite and how Marguerite really felt about her.
Veronica hugged her, "You're my sister, what would I do without my sister,"
Marguerite wiped her face with her free hand with a sniffle and smiled laughing a bit, "Yeah, but what would I do without you,"
"Oh Marguerite" Veronica cooed hugging her tighter
-----
Challenger smiled proudly looking on at the two women, who would have ever thought,' who would have ever thought' he laughed in his head 'but now isn't the time, we have to live through this first,'
----
"Where is the book!" Deanna stressed digging through the rubble having seen it wasn't with Marguerite, "Marguerite did you have it when you came up!" she said getting a bit frantic.
"Yes," she said leaning back form Veronica getting back to business.
"I've got it," called Malone
Deanna sighed her back to the collapsed cave.
All of a sudden the earth began to quake and the ruble of the mountainside shook, and it exploded upward shoots of energy springing up from all through it. Bats and their horrid prehistoric cousins came bounding out of the mountain having been released by the explosion.
"Take cover in the trees!" Roxton yelled ushering everyone in.
The ground continued to quake and explode around them; the earth exploded right beneath Malone's feet cause him to soar over in one direction the book in another.
"The book!" Deanna shrieked running for it.
"NO!" said Robert picking her up around the waist, pulling her out of the way before a huge bolder landed where she had been standing, boxing the book into a crevice between the ruble.
"Robert no! Put me down! I have to get it!" she screamed kicking as he pulled her out of the way into the jungle, dodging bats and rock shrapnel.
----
"Where is the book?!" cried Marguerite when Robert dropped Deanna a bit harshly on the ground next to her.
Deanna glared at him a second then turned to Marguerite.
"It's still out there, stuck under these huge rocks, we have to get it!"
"And soon," said Marguerite looking out into the clearing where Haiton and his men, that were still alive, climbed up out of what used to be the cavern.
"Marguerite!" whispered Roxton
She and Deanna looked at him, he pointed back into the jungle. There was something snapping sticks and twigs, no a lot of them, but enough that you knew something was there.
"Oh great," Marguerite whined exasperated
Dawn had come and it was much easier to see through the dense jungle, but they saw nothing. That was until Deanna made a silent mad dash for the noise.
"Deanna!" they all called started, Robert moved to go after her, but Roxton stopped him holding him firmly back.
Deanna rounded a large group of brush and waited for something, then she abruptly jumped through it disappearing from their view.
"What is she doing?!" whispered Veronica a hand on her abdomen, the pain in it feeling as if it was boring through to her soul.
Robert tensed to sprint after her but Roxton held fast to him.
"She knows something we don't, she didn't tell us to come, so we wait," he said firmly, "We wait," he repeated with a tired sigh
Robert relaxed somewhat and sat back.
A minute or so later, which seemed a eternity for the explorers. Deanna re- emerged from the brush a bag in hand. She cautiously but with new strength made her way silently back to the explorers.
"What the hell were you thinking what is going on?!" Robert snapped the second she got back.
She just smirked at him moving her eyes toward the jungle, "The jungle has ears and eyes and artillery,"
Robert sat puzzled a second till he heard a familiar sound, like and owl but more bellowed, then it hit him.
"the Chief and the warriors they got here!"
"Just in time," Deanna smile handing Roxton the bag, which was full of ammunition
"Well if this isn't a miracle-" Roxton almost laughed
Everyone looked around them at the jungle that they knew was full of friends, their hope refueled and burning strong, they were going to get through this, they were going to stop him.
"Deanna rest a minute," said Robert sympathetically
She disregarded the kind word and just smiled at him, continuing to reload their weapons.
'When I will see this through, I will see that everything is alright and that everyone is ok, then, then I can rest' she thought.
Her head jerked up as she heard some of Haiton's warriors talking. 'what were they saying, find no-er-found, it- no-that, damn languages! Ok think- found that-that-' she thought listening
"Ah!" said she out loud
"What!" said Malone
"They found the book!" she said quickly, cocking her rifle, she took a foot up on the rocks they where hiding behind and jumped down into the clearing firing her rifle at the warriors trying to work the book out of the crevice.
"Deanna!!" they all called
"Here we go again!" Robert cried mirroring Deanna's move into the clearing.
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Author's Post notes: I know I know I know! You hate me, it's ok I guess I deserve it, But I promise I am working hard on a great chapter next really, I just didn't want you to think I gave up on this, which I haven't and will never, I mean I have to finish this before I can start to let lose the other ideas that my muse is beating me with, and I will finish it and finish it well I pray. So please your time and patience mean the world to me please!!
And please review and I know this wasn't one of my better chapters but please, tell my what you thought and how you like the story so far please and I will try really hard to get the next chapter finished.
On a different note how many of you knew what the shuffling sound was? Huh come on how many? What did you think it was?
Remember reviews are motivating. . . . . . . . . . . and I can use all the help I can get . . . lol
Disclaimer: I don't own Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World, or any of its story's or characters. So don't sue cause I never said I did and you'll lose.
Author's Pre Notes: EXAMS ARE FINISHED!!!!!! SUMMER!!!!! SOMETHING THAT I NOW CAN ENJOY!!!!!
OK now I have to seriously get myself out of second gear with the story don't I, so so so sorry about that. But ah! I mean tests and state tests and all the --- stuff. And I had a little writers block so sorry if this is boring but I'm working on it, I'm trying to get the ending down, then it will be so easy to type up, I just have to get the perfect ending, you know the one you want to read, lol.
Not to mention what happened to the poor Website, I think we overloaded it with greatness my fellow authors-LOL
And you all have been so wonderful and kind with your reviews please keep them coming!!
All right now to all you beautiful people who did review . . . .
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magick18~ Are you kidding of course I missed you!!!!! LOL Miss me? Sorry it was such a long wait I really really am!!
Glad you moved to the floor the balancing can be dangerous stuff, but put some pillows behind you incase you fall back. LOL
I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY glad I mean really really glad that you like everything going on. It makes me so happy!!!! I hope you like this chapter I promise to continue on as soon as I can. Thanks so much!!
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Brandy Leigh~ I know I know I know, next chapter coming I promise schools out so I have the time, but do I have the energy? Lol I will I promise!! For you !! I'll do it!!
Yeah that is so freaky about the movie, lol, and that's why I don't watch movies like that, they are never close to the show, lol. SO I understand. And yes I am Evil, lol, Thanks so much!!!
I hope you like this chapter it's kinda well-er- not one of my best but yeah, please tell me, THANKS so much!!!
P.s. And I believe you are do for a chapter my friend . .lol
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Ryalin (Ryalin1@aol.com)~ Really it's totally ok about not reviewing every chapter, and I am really omg you have no idea I am so sorry for keeping you waiting so long and then well giving you this-er-thing. I promise to be working diligently on the next chapter and I'll make it good. I'll really try I promise!!
I'm so glad you like the story so far, and last chapter I was so excited that you enjoyed it. I can relate with the hair thing, I just thought that would be so cute!! Lol. Yes I am Evil- I-I yes sorry I am. LOL Well thanks so much!! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you!! Thanks so much!!
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Veggie5 ~ You senseless babbling? Never . .. .lol And yeah um put the cleaver away, sell it or something . . .yeah . .. lol- I think
YOUR STORY DOES NOT SUCK!! Cause then I wouldn't be reading it now would I *sticks tongue out * so there! Lol
OK and lol, I know the French is everywhere, and I actually knew what you said, lol, I was so excited, to clarify I am only in French I, well now French II but yeah, I'm not very linguistically inclined like Marguerite and many others, but I'm getting there!! Lol Happy dance!! . . . ok never mind . . . .
Yeah I can relate at screaming at the tv and the family thinking your crazy, maybe not in that order but . . .lol jk
BUT PLEASE WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SEASON FINALE!!!! AH!!! I'm GOING TO DIE!!!!!!
I missed it and I'm mad, and I don't know what happened!!! I feel so clueless!!! AH *Lucy cry * WWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Ok *Breath*, sorry about that . . . yeah loopy I am, Evil I am me I am . . .sam I am? Lol wow that was very random sorry.
OK anyway, no problem I love your stores and what I say is always the truth!! I love 'em!!! I do I do I dOO oOO!!! So keep up the great work! And yes I know get myself in gear . .so sorry it took so long, exams bad, bad bad bad . .. . regents . .bad . .bad . .bad . . .Rl going to kill me!! Lol
Demanding is ok as long as the cleaver is gone, lol
Well hope you had a good sleep and that this chapter doesn't disappoint you, it's one of those, so you know I'm still breathing chapters, yeah those . . .Well I love hearing form you thanks so much!!!! What you say means so much to me!!!
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Pam (altochanteuse@junoc.om) ~WOAH haven't heard form you in a long time!!! How are ya!!?!?!? LoL So great to hear form you!! I am so glad you like the story so far!! Really it means a lot that you reviewed. Sorry it took so long and I hope this doesn't disappoint you. Thanks so so much!!
Oh and my muse she knows, lol, now if she would only leave me alone and let me finish this story!!! *Jumps over back of the chair tackling muse to the ground, struggle is heard. Evil jumps up brushing stray hairs away from face and calmly walks back to the computer and sits down * Now thank you so much for reviewing hope you continue to enjoy the story!!
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Lixta (Lixta@hotmail.com)~ Sorry for taking so long and sorry if you thought I was being snappish, really I really appreciate your opinions and love'em to death, lol.
I'm really glad you liked the last chapter, I hope this one is acceptable, it's not one of my better chapters. . .me sorry . . .*sniffle*
I do better next time . . .I hope . . .
Yeah those cliffhangers are a pain in the you know where, sorry about that, just kinda happens, lol.
Have you guessed what the shuffling is, I bet you know . .
Well please tell me what you think, and sorry again, Thanks so much for reviewing!!! And sticking with me for so long!! THANKS!!!
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Wdge~ Sorry about that dear . . . . I know cliffhanger bad, me bad, no me Evil! Lol And I am so so so so sorry it took so long, I hope to be faster now that exams are over and summer is hear . . .
And please explain what you said before, I found that view very very interesting.
How do you think Robert should be standing up to Deanna?
And how so is he tame?
Pleas point it out, I'm very curious now, I would really love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks so much!!!
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Ascamelien~ Hey chicky!! Sabrina- hun- relax!! I'm here it's O -K!!
Well it's true you are the best of the very best! lol I'm glad I made you happy. So did ya miss me/ I missed talking to you . .and I think you have a story due don't yah! Lol
I should really say anything . . . . . . . I feel so bad about not updating lately I'm so sorry!! I just had exams and RL let me tell you! Geez it's all going to kill me!!
Challenger *chuckles shaking her head* gotta love'em
And Omg!! You made my like . . .. . EVERYTHING!!! When you told me you want to have another Deanna story!! I am so so so happy thank you!!!! Lol shh some people like Finn, lol . .But I'm with you on this one, lol.
LOL I don't think you look like Wayne Gretsky either, much prettier, lol. But you are the great one of my story!!
And AH!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your compliments are so much more than generous!!! Really!!!
And I know poor Margy but Roxton's there for her, awwwww, sorry that I grossed you out, yeah and fainting wouldn't have helped them but out here it's ok, lol jk. I wouldn't want you to faint wither.
Couple cuteness it what I live for!! LoL
Thanks again, I feel so special *blushes*
And omg I know the hair ah!! I would hate myself to actually I do now,
I had long chestnut reddish hair, and it was like past my shoulder and I got it cut!! AH!! It feels so short!! But it's only like at? On my shoulder, not so bad but *Whimper* I miss my hair!! Lol but it needed to be cut it was kinda damaged, oh well *sigh* it'll grow I just hope . . .. quickly!!
Lol sorry about that my friend, had to tell someone.
Evil? Eileen? Evil Eileen, hmm has a nice ring to it . .lol Yeah I know I am so sorry, I really am, well I'm sorry for keep you waiting so long. Sabrina!! FORGIVE ME!! *Throws herself next to her on the cliff*
Yeah I know sorry, lol . .I hope this chapter is ok, I wrote it kinda quickly so everyone would know I was still breathing, lol. You'll tell me honestly how it turned out right? Please!! I trust you and you're judgment.
Yes and I can't wait to read the next chapter to your story!!! *Sits on the cliff humming to herself swinging feet slightly, looking around, waiting patiently*
And thank you so much for your kind words they mean a lot to me and my story, *pats the story on the head*
Sorry again that my chapter took so long . .
And you ARE the VERY BEST!!
Well then good morning, well it's afternoon now,
So good afternoon to you, lol I've been sitting here way to long, lol I have to go take my story for a walk or something . . . *sung* I've got cabin fever- I've got cabin fever . . .lol
And I totally understand trust me when my stomach says feed me, I go . . lol . .. I'm not very nice to be around when I'm hungry, rarrrrrhh, lol.
So thanks so so so so so so much again!!! Luv ya!! You Are the BEST!!
Hope to hear from you soon and please bring you're story, lol. Thanks!!!
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Gabbo~ Hey there, oh don't worry about it! I understand, what's important is that you're reviewing now. It means a lot. And I missed ya!! So I'm so happy you're back!!
Sorry about the cliffhanger I hope this helps, but I must say it's not my best work so I apologize.
*Hands her bigger fan* It will all be ok, maybe we'll get you a seat belt for your computer chair, lol jk. And what could go wrong now? I think that's what Marguerite is thinking . . . .Well I hope you like this, watch your head. Thanks so much for your review!! I love to hear your opinions!!! Thanks
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TYPO WARNIGNG: I've been gone for weeks I wrote this fast, ok course there are going to be typos!! Lol but my apologies all the same . .
Oh and this chapter is just a little chaotic so it might be hard to follow, my apologizes, if they are not needed well . .. that's good to . . lol
1 OK now onto the fun—err- yeah . . .lol
Everyone was as still as stone listening to the shuffling and clanking noises echoing from the tunnels around them. They looked around cautiously with their eyes, weapons ready.
Marguerite eyes were wide, her right hand apprehensively resting on her gun, she moved up against Roxton reaching back for him. He saw this and took her hand a minute squeezing it to reassure her that he was there.
The strange sounds suddenly stopped.
Everyone straightened up for a minute. But Deanna's brow was still firmly set; she looked at Roxton who motioned for everyone to stay on guard.
They all looked on as Deanna silently walked over to the other side of the cavern listening.
But it was Roxton who heard something, behind him? He turned around and looked at the cave wall, he swaggered over to it with a puzzled face releasing Marguerite's hand. (AW! another Roxton face!!)
She turned and watched him as he pressed his ear against the wall. Marguerite didn't want to say anything afraid of disturbing his concentration on whatever it was that he was doing, but she was getting impatient and scared.
"Roxton-!" she hissed a bit unsteady.
He held up his hand a minute gesturing for her to be just a bit more patient. Everyone's eyes were intently on him now.
He motioned for Veronica to listen. She approached the wall and listened, she stood up puzzled. Robert came over and listened.
"It almost sounds like footsteps-," whispered Veronica, but they are kind of meshed together in the echo and far apart. Then it's the strangest thing, it's like they are coming right at us, through the wall. Is there a passageway behind there?"
"There could be," Robert shrugged "Deanna dear, come listen to this." He called quietly
Her brow still fixed in a frown she came over to the wall, she looked at Robert perplexed who shook his head and stepped away, he walked across the cavern to where the others were conversing in hushed voices, aware that something just wasn't right.
Marguerite walked over with Deanna, her curiosity getting the best of her. They both pressed their ears against the cold wall. Marguerite jumped at the sound. It was great boom, then silence and then another great boom. Marguerite had her hand pressed against the wall and suddenly felt the smallest vibration through the wall at the next boom. She pulled away from the wall started.
Deanna looked at her a second having also felt the vibration. They stared at each other a second, until they felt another quake, then their eyes grew wide.
"Uhhhh-ahhhhh!"
The others jerked up spinning around hearing Marguerite and Deanna shout quickly running away from the wall.
"What the-" Roxton started then he felt the ground tremor under his feet.
"Veronica!" Ned called sternly running after Robert and Challenger who had taken off for the gape in the cavern wall.
"Run! The wall is going to come down!!" Marguerite cried grabbing Roxton's arm thrusting him foreword. He broke out into a run reaching back hooking her around the waist, carrying her with him then throwing them both to the ground the cave wall exploding behind them.
The dust and debris filled the cavern blinding everyone for a moment. Then everything was quiet with just the echoes of the last of the rock falling to the ground around them, the dust began to settle.
Roxton coughed looking down at Marguerite who he had shielded with his body. She nodded assuring him that she was fine although a bit flustered. Then she heard an echoing sound and jerked her head up to now the great hole in the cavern wall.
The dust in the air was still very thick so it was almost impossible to clearly see who or what was coming.
"Now those are defiantly footsteps," Veronica coughed kneeling next to Marguerite and Roxton, who each straightened up.
Suddenly a figure swooped out of the fog brushing it easily out of the way revealing his face. "Honey I'm home!" he called mockingly
Robert and Challenger stuck their heads out form the hole they had dove into.
Marguerite gasped "Haiton!"
And indeed it was, but he was different, he seemed bigger, younger, he even almost seemed handsome, his eyes had turned a ghastly pale green, his robes were stark white and his whole essence seemed to emit power.
"That means he did it!! Daknet's death finished the curse!!" Robert yelled jumping from the caver cut out Challenger stepping down behind him.
"Is it possible?!" Veronica cried seeing how he had apparently obliterated the cave wall and the many tunnel walls behind it creating his own path.
"There's only one way to find out!" came Deanna's voice as she swung out of the fog her rifle inches from Haiton's chest. "Hey Hun" she said venomously, without hesitation she pulled the trigger, re-cocked it and fired again.
Haiton flew back to the ground cracking it.
Deanna stood over him emptying the shells from her gun onto the ground, her eyes never leaving him.
"Oh," everyone gasped as Haiton sat up and stood with ease completely unharmed.
Deanna scowled aiming to shoot him again.
He smirked and waved his hand quickly at her, the rifle flew out of her grip, he waved his hand again and she flew back across the cavern into the gape in the stone wall.
"Deanna!" Robert cried running over jumping up into the hole.
Haiton cackled with delight, "You see you can't hurt me,"
"Want a bet!" Marguerite sneered leafing quickly through the now complete book. Haiton's face fell at the sight of it.
"Seventa-fermockra-tenat-rau-sha!" Marguerite said quickly her voice dripping with venom.
A green lightning came up from the ground beneath Haiton's feet sending Haiton flying across the room mirroring what he had done to Deanna.
Robert viciously kicked him out of the gape in the wall and without a thought jumped on him wrestling with him on the ground.
"Robert no!" Deanna screamed
-------------
"What did you just do?" asked Roxton watching Robert struggle with Haiton
"Um . ." said Marguerite looking through the book
"You don't know?!"
"NO-um yes well, wait!- here" she pointed in the book he just looked and then looked at her with a 'yeah and I'm suppose to know what that means' face "I reversed what he just did, so what he did to someone or something gets done to him. .I think," she said looking back at the book.
"We've got company," said Roxton cocking his rifle looking down the 'new' hallway
"Oh fantastic!" Marguerite spat closing the book as the horde of soldiers approached
"There is way to many of them- we'll never make it out of here!" cried Malone rationally
Robert screamed out in pain and an eerie pale blue lightening shooting out from his direction.
-----
Everyone spun around,
Haiton held Robert by his right wrist and neck, he gritted his teeth fiercely a greedy fire in his ghastly green eyes.
"Oh no! He's draining his life force!" Challenger remembered quickly and mad a run for them.
But Deanna was quicker and closer she leaped out of the cavern wall like a jungle cat, tackling Haiton to the ground, throwing him off Robert.
She scratched at his face and arms as he held to her.
"The stronger you are the stronger I'll be," he said in a sick sing-song voice, she threw her arm and smacked him in the jaw, throwing him back a bit. She tried to scramble away but he pinned her to the ground grasping her wrists. She screamed out as her body filled with pain, the life being ripped from her body.
-------
Blake could feel his head spinning as he scrambled up from the cold cave floor.
"Blake!" He heard Roxton shout, "We've got to find a way out of here, by more time, there are warriors coming from all sides!" Roxton finished pushing off three warriors from his back shooting two of them dead.
Robert looked around and there were, armed men were climbing in from every entrance or hold in the cavern.
He looked and saw two warriors holding Marguerite she was screaming about something trying to pull away, then he heard the other scream.
"Deanna he" gasped making a dash for where he had left her unprotected.
-----
Marguerite bit one of the warriors arms and he abruptly pulled away, she cursed at them in there own language and threw her elbows back into the other two warrior's stomachs, knocking them in pain to the ground. She jumped out of their arms reach and aimed her gun at Haiton's head, she shot. She had to get him off Deanna; he was draining her energy they were surrounded in red lightening.
Marguerite's breath was rapid, she gritted her teeth and readied her shot, she swallowed and pulled the trigger fighting the urge to look away.
It had perfect aim and hit Haiton in the temple, which in any other circumstance would have killed him, but it didn't. But it did knock him off her and into the cave wall. Robert just getting to the scene pulled Deanna out of the way.
He pulled her against him and nodded to Marguerite looking back to the woman in his arms. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was harsh, she panted her brow glistening with sweat.
Haiton moved again, Marguerite realized she had left the book with Roxton and shrugging in exasperation started shooting him again. He growled in annoyance, she stepped back as she shot inching back closer to the others.
Robert picked Deanna up and jumped into the gape in cave wall, laying her down,
"It's alright-it" she swallowed "Alright as soon as-as I stop shaking, It'll be fine, remember, fine just fine-"
Robert held her tight gritting his teeth in rage, He did remember how could he ever forget, but he couldn't reminisce now, Haiton was standing again, he had to stay on his guard.
-------
Come on John!" Marguerite yelled as she turned and ran away form Haiton who started hurling balls of energy at them.
Roxton looking back starting sprinting after her.
-------
Veronica saw Roxton and Marguerite running from Haiton so she threw her knife, it hit one of the balls of energy just as Haiton threw it and it exploded in his face sending him back onto the ground, stunned.
"Nice shot!" said Malone grinning
"Why thank you," she smiled back
------
"Marguerite-Roxton look!" said Challenger pointing upward.
"What is it George? More warriors?!" said Roxton rifle ready looking around.
"No there!" said Marguerite "There is a hole in the ceiling from when Haiton blasted the wall apart!"
"How do we stop them from following?" asked Veronica her and Ned running up from the side, Ned coving her, looking back for more warriors.
"I don't think it matters as long as-" Marguerite started but was interrupted by Ned
"With this" he said handing something back
"That'll do it," Marguerite and everyone shook their heads quickly
"Alright lets go, get Robert and Deanna, lets try not to draw a lot of attention," said Roxton cautiously as they broke apart.
"Where are you getting all of that stuff!?" Veronica asked Running up alongside Ned pointing to the dynamite
He just smiled slightly cocking his head, in a cute 'I don't know' way.
----
"Robert! Robert!" called Marguerite before she ran and jumped up onto the gape. "Robert we-oh god Deanna-"
"I'm ok-" she said groggily attempting to sit up
Robert just folded her onto his chest, "What sis you find?"
"There is a way out, to right where the water is-was-err- where is Haiton?" Just then blast came and hit just to the side of the gape.
"Does that answer your question?"
"More than words ever could- lets go," she said jumping out of the gape joining Roxton who had been covering them with his rifle.
Robert jumped down holding Deanna not wanting to risk her walking before she had to.
---
Haiton suddenly realized what they were doing, "You fools they're trying to escape! Get them!" he fired a lightening bolt their way.
----
"AH!" the explorer's yelled jumping to the sides
"That's it!" said Marguerite "Time for a little distraction-" she fingered through the pages of the book. "Quom ic-guirat- "
Haiton flew back against the wall green energy coming up from the earth, "Gooule men-trac-sha!" Another blast of green energy and Haiton was stuck pressed into the wall, yelling and cursing.
"Haha" Marguerite snickered snapping the book closed turning.
"Marguerite!" Veronica yelled as she saw a warrior raise a musket at the raven hair woman.
It all seemed to happen in slow motion-
Marguerite turned at being called-
Roxton yelled out-
Veronica lunged pushing Marguerite out of the way, she felt the shot hit and fell to the ground with the impact, her whole body shooting with pain.
"AH!"
"Veronica!" Marguerite cried completely terror stricken, scrambling to her friend "Veronica!- Oh why would you do such a thing!"
Veronica groaned as Marguerite turned her over, Malone ran and slid to his knees next to her.
"Veronica –oh god Veronica"
Marguerite blinked, there was no blood, why was there no blood? She diligently searched for a wound, smoothing over the tight vest she had given the huntress to wear. She then ripped it open, there was no wound but Veronica would have a hell of a bruise, Marguerite could already see her sun bronzed abdomen changing many dark colors, some blood vessels having burst, it was no wonder Veronica was in such pain. Marguerite looked puzzled now, as did Malone, and Challenger who looked back and forth from covering them to how Veronica was.
"What is it? How bad is it?!' said Veronica terrified trying to sit up and see, her stomach filling with shots of pain.
"Shh" Ned soothed running his hand over her hair.
Marguerite closed the vest again running her fingers over where the shot would have hit to cause the bruising. She felt something cold and soft, she lifted up her fingers, they were covered in black powder, she continued to prod along in the same spot and felt something warm. 'The musket ball' she thought and dug her fingers around it pulling it out releasing more of the black powder from the vest onto her hand.
She looked at it, the musket ball, sloppily made, had been smashed somewhat in coming in contact with the vest, or the powder in the vest rather.
She turned and moved her hand toward Challenger who took it looking at the powder,
"Lead," he and another person said at the same time, he turned surprised, and it was Deanna. Robert still held her up but she stood on her feet.
Challenger cocked his head about to ask a question,
"Later" said Deanna as Roxton came running from the middle of the cavern where he had been holding off the warriors.
"We have to go-now!" he said jumping up through the hole.
"Hand Veronica up to me!"
Ned and Marguerite tried as gently as they could to pick Veronica up, Ned held her legs as Roxton pulled her through the hole.
"Deanna next," said Malone reaching back and with Robert helping her through the hole.
"Marguerite!" Ned called
"Wait!-" she cried running over and grabbing the book and the pages that had fallen from it when veronica had so selflessly pushed her out of the way of that bullet.
Challenger scrambled up through the hole.
Marguerite heard someone curse and a crumble, she turned, Haiton was free from the wall.
"Damn," she cursed, but luckily he hadn't gotten his senses back about him yet. He stumbled about like he didn't have his land legs.
"Come on Marguerite!" Robert yelled jumping through the hole.
-------
"Where is Marguerite? And Malone?" asked Roxton quickly
Robert shrugged, "she had to grab something I don't know"
"Get everyone away from the hole-" Roxton ordered and ran over to it,
"Malone!" he growled
----
"Come on Marguerite!" Ned pleaded, "Roxton's pretty mad,"
"I bet he is- " she mumbled under her breath walking back toward Malone, fingering through the book and watching Haiton at the same time.
Malone stated to climb through the hole seeing her making her way back.
"Marguerite come on!" he yelled Roxton yelling at him,
Haiton suddenly realized what was going on and straightened up instantly seeing Marguerite and then the open book,
"Oh no, you won't get the chance agai-" he started charging toward her but she had already found what she was looking for.
She smirked "Quom ic-guirat-Gooule men-trac-sha" and Haiton flew back into the wall again blasting energy as he went.
Marguerite turned and sprinted for the hole, ned pulled her up and lit the dynamite throwing it into the cave, he scrambled up and jumped out of it pulling Marguerite out behind him as it exploded sending the both of them flying.
-----
Marguerite felt someone pull her up by her upper arms, it was Roxton he turned her shaking her once, "Don't up scare me like that-" he trailed off hugging her.
Marguerite was completely surprised looking around an eyebrow cocked puzzled, and still a bit disoriented.
"Is everyone alright?' asked Challenger
"As alright as expected," groaned Veronica sitting up.
"Veronica!" said Marguerite rushing over to the other woman.
"Oh my god, Veronica are you alright? Oh- why would you do that?" she asked her voice becoming weak tears coming to her eyes at the thoughts of what could have happened, no one had ever done anything like that for her.
Veronica was somewhat surprised by the other woman, but inside not really, she knew how she felt about Marguerite and how Marguerite really felt about her.
Veronica hugged her, "You're my sister, what would I do without my sister,"
Marguerite wiped her face with her free hand with a sniffle and smiled laughing a bit, "Yeah, but what would I do without you,"
"Oh Marguerite" Veronica cooed hugging her tighter
-----
Challenger smiled proudly looking on at the two women, who would have ever thought,' who would have ever thought' he laughed in his head 'but now isn't the time, we have to live through this first,'
----
"Where is the book!" Deanna stressed digging through the rubble having seen it wasn't with Marguerite, "Marguerite did you have it when you came up!" she said getting a bit frantic.
"Yes," she said leaning back form Veronica getting back to business.
"I've got it," called Malone
Deanna sighed her back to the collapsed cave.
All of a sudden the earth began to quake and the ruble of the mountainside shook, and it exploded upward shoots of energy springing up from all through it. Bats and their horrid prehistoric cousins came bounding out of the mountain having been released by the explosion.
"Take cover in the trees!" Roxton yelled ushering everyone in.
The ground continued to quake and explode around them; the earth exploded right beneath Malone's feet cause him to soar over in one direction the book in another.
"The book!" Deanna shrieked running for it.
"NO!" said Robert picking her up around the waist, pulling her out of the way before a huge bolder landed where she had been standing, boxing the book into a crevice between the ruble.
"Robert no! Put me down! I have to get it!" she screamed kicking as he pulled her out of the way into the jungle, dodging bats and rock shrapnel.
----
"Where is the book?!" cried Marguerite when Robert dropped Deanna a bit harshly on the ground next to her.
Deanna glared at him a second then turned to Marguerite.
"It's still out there, stuck under these huge rocks, we have to get it!"
"And soon," said Marguerite looking out into the clearing where Haiton and his men, that were still alive, climbed up out of what used to be the cavern.
"Marguerite!" whispered Roxton
She and Deanna looked at him, he pointed back into the jungle. There was something snapping sticks and twigs, no a lot of them, but enough that you knew something was there.
"Oh great," Marguerite whined exasperated
Dawn had come and it was much easier to see through the dense jungle, but they saw nothing. That was until Deanna made a silent mad dash for the noise.
"Deanna!" they all called started, Robert moved to go after her, but Roxton stopped him holding him firmly back.
Deanna rounded a large group of brush and waited for something, then she abruptly jumped through it disappearing from their view.
"What is she doing?!" whispered Veronica a hand on her abdomen, the pain in it feeling as if it was boring through to her soul.
Robert tensed to sprint after her but Roxton held fast to him.
"She knows something we don't, she didn't tell us to come, so we wait," he said firmly, "We wait," he repeated with a tired sigh
Robert relaxed somewhat and sat back.
A minute or so later, which seemed a eternity for the explorers. Deanna re- emerged from the brush a bag in hand. She cautiously but with new strength made her way silently back to the explorers.
"What the hell were you thinking what is going on?!" Robert snapped the second she got back.
She just smirked at him moving her eyes toward the jungle, "The jungle has ears and eyes and artillery,"
Robert sat puzzled a second till he heard a familiar sound, like and owl but more bellowed, then it hit him.
"the Chief and the warriors they got here!"
"Just in time," Deanna smile handing Roxton the bag, which was full of ammunition
"Well if this isn't a miracle-" Roxton almost laughed
Everyone looked around them at the jungle that they knew was full of friends, their hope refueled and burning strong, they were going to get through this, they were going to stop him.
"Deanna rest a minute," said Robert sympathetically
She disregarded the kind word and just smiled at him, continuing to reload their weapons.
'When I will see this through, I will see that everything is alright and that everyone is ok, then, then I can rest' she thought.
Her head jerked up as she heard some of Haiton's warriors talking. 'what were they saying, find no-er-found, it- no-that, damn languages! Ok think- found that-that-' she thought listening
"Ah!" said she out loud
"What!" said Malone
"They found the book!" she said quickly, cocking her rifle, she took a foot up on the rocks they where hiding behind and jumped down into the clearing firing her rifle at the warriors trying to work the book out of the crevice.
"Deanna!!" they all called
"Here we go again!" Robert cried mirroring Deanna's move into the clearing.
~!~!~!~!~!~
Author's Post notes: I know I know I know! You hate me, it's ok I guess I deserve it, But I promise I am working hard on a great chapter next really, I just didn't want you to think I gave up on this, which I haven't and will never, I mean I have to finish this before I can start to let lose the other ideas that my muse is beating me with, and I will finish it and finish it well I pray. So please your time and patience mean the world to me please!!
And please review and I know this wasn't one of my better chapters but please, tell my what you thought and how you like the story so far please and I will try really hard to get the next chapter finished.
On a different note how many of you knew what the shuffling sound was? Huh come on how many? What did you think it was?
Remember reviews are motivating. . . . . . . . . . . and I can use all the help I can get . . . lol