The Lost World Unofficial Season 4
Episode 5: The Future (The characters you love, the story you can't get
enough of, the twist you would never have believed.)
Disclaimer: The little voices tell me I own The Lost World so plubbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbth! And Once More With Feeling also. (Aka Buffy the Musical)
A/N: READ THIS: Thanks for reviews. Format fixed, format fixed, la dee da dee da dee~! Duck on my head.
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Saeel looked out her chamber window to the world outside. This day, the day after Marguerite read from the sacred scroll, the sky was clear and lovely. She smiled, something she did not do often in these dark days. Aieca had overcome the challenges that had destroyed the previous Chosen One, saving both herself and her Warrior. And thanks to Aiec's poignant tale of what could have happened, there was no chance that Marguerite would now back out and attempt to take back the proverbial thing. (Nanny joke) As a matter of fact, the wedding was today. Sarneera walked up behind her.
"What news?"
"The Chaos is quelled," Saeel answered. "The Chosen One has succeeded in her mission. As has the Magician; the Plateau is sealed."
"The Gatekeeper?" Sarneera wanted to know.
"He is working as we speak. He will be done before the happy hour."
Sarneera nodded. "We are fortunate that the happy day has come this time. There was much sorrow in the land of Avalon during the reign of our good Lady Abigail."
"Indeed. These Seven are by far the most resilient and powerful I've seen yet." She paused. "Of course, you know, the story of the Seer is different this time."
Sarneera stared into space, pensive. "Does she yet know of her destiny?" Saeel's smile faded. "No. The Gatekeeper must tell her." "They will be sorrowful," Sarneera reminded her. Her head hung. "Her pain will not last." Marguerite and Lord Roxton were dressed in the ancient wedding clothes of Avalon, no less beautiful than they had been the day they were first worn, over five hundred years ago. They had been tucked away for forty years. Miss Krux's gown had layers of soft coral pink overlaid with a golden mesh. In the morning sun, it seemed to glow with it's own light. Roxton's silver garb was made to match the lacing on the neckline of his intended's dress. They stood before the throne of Avalon where Veronica sat., all beaming. Finn, George, Arthur, Ned, Saeel, and Sarneera flanked the pair. The day was perfect.
It is custom in Avalon that the Chosen One and the Warrior always recite the same vows in every incarnation. they have no choice in the matter. At first, both John and Marguerite protested using words that they had no say in the creation of, but upon reading the vows, they instantly changed their minds. Once again they were reminded of the fact that they were reincarnations of a thousand Chosen Ones, a thousand Warriors. The vows were in fact written by them. And it didn't take them long to learn them, either. They had them almost memorized.
Veronica remembered her part as well. "Recite the vows."
"Chosen One, my love. I have awaited this day for so long. When I met you, I saw your intriguing eyes. I knew I would be with you forever. It had to be. No matter how hard you fought me, I still loved you. I knew in my heart that I could never stop, and I didn't understand why. Now I know it is my destiny. And it is a destiny I would not trade for anything."
"My warrior, my love. I have awaited this day for so long. When I met you, the world disappeared. I felt I could get my life back to where it should be. But I was afraid. You had the patience to wait for me, help me along the way, and I am so grateful. I never understood why I loved you when it was so difficult for me. Now I understand that it is my destiny. And it is a destiny I would not trade for anything."
Despite the traditional solemnity of Avalon weddings (particularly those involving members of the Sacred Seven), Veronica cracked a smile. 'Bout darn time, she thought. "You are now joined. For one more lifetime, to eternity."
Marguerite couldn't help herself. She broke out laughing, starting a chain reaction that even the solemn faced Saeel could not resist. They kissed, and the remainder of the day was spent laughing, dancing, feasting, and basically just getting down with their bad selves. There was not a trace, no hint of the sorrow they would soon be facing. Saeel and Sarneera, knowing better than to spoil the occasion, said nothing. Let them have this last joy.
Finn and Veronica were dancing while Ned and George had a drink. Actually, the drink was more an excuse for George, who was teaching Finn, to at least temporarily keep his feet safe. She was learning quickly, though, and Veronica was attempting to teach her the foxtrot. She was doing tolerably well, and so far Veronica's feet were uninjured. The song ended, and all the celebrants looked to Saeel, who stood on the stage, ready to make an announcement. "Our friend, the Gatekeeper," she gestured to Ned, "Has be working on the necessary changes to the timeline. Tomorrow the Seven must venture to the center of the Plateau where time can be restructured." Finn, George, Ned, and Veronica seemed disappointed. They had hoped to stay in Avalon a little longer. John and Marguerite groaned, frustrated, but for a different reason. "Why?" Marguerite asked. Saeel, in all her long years, and strong even beyond those years, suddenly felt a twinge of regret at what she was forcing these people to do. She did not wish to tell them. "The Gatekeeper will explain all in the morning."
The celebrations lasted long into the night. During that time, Marguerite's bedchambers had been specially dressed up by handmaidens as a surprise. They entered, but slammed the door in my face as this is a PG rated fanfic. (Darn!)
John Roxton was the first to wake. Daylight. Stupid sacred mission. He wanted to stay with his wife. She was still asleep. So beautiful when she was asleep. He hated to wake her, but Saeel would be very mad if they didn't come soon, and he knew in his gut it was important. And part of him missed the tree house. It would be nice to be back home. He pondered that for a minute. Had he really just called the tree house home?
"Wake up, dear. We have to go." "Mmmmm. Don't wanna. Wanna stay here." She was still half asleep. She rolled over to face him. She touched his face and put on her sweetest expression. "Can't we stay here?"
So, so tempting, Roxton thought. But he knew they had to go. He told Marguerite this. "We'll be back by tonight," he promised. "Come on, up we get." Marguerite pouted, but got up none the less.
The trek to the tree house was relatively uneventful. Chaos didn't give them any trouble. They were all glad to see their old abode, particularly Veronica who became almost giddy at the sight of it. But Ned seemed particularly withdrawn.
"Isn't it wonderful, Ned," She asked. "We're home." Ned looked down sadly at his mount. "Yeah, home." Veronica thought something must be wrong, but said nothing.
The horses did not need restrained, as they were Avalon's finest and knew better than to go anywhere. They would wait patiently for their riders. They all rode in the elevator. It was a little crammed, but nobody seemed to mind. They sat around the table, Ned at the head of it.
"It is my job to tell all of you of the next task in our journey to save the Plateau, and ultimately, the world." He looked at the floor, almost as if it was too hard to even continue. "It will be the most difficult task we've yet faced. I truly, deeply wish we did not have to go through with it." He looked at Finn a little too long as he said this, then his head fell, and Veronica, who said nothing, could have sworn she saw a tear welling in his eye.
Finally she spoke. "It's all right, Neddy." (Sane readers may wish to skip the part between the asterisks) * She started singing. "I've got a theory it doesn't matter. What can't we face if we're together? What's in this place that we can't weather? Apocalypse? We've all been there. The same old tricks; why should we care?" All the others but Ned chimed in. "What can't we do if we get in it? We'll work it through within a minute. We have to try. We'll pay the price. It's do or die."
Roxton sang, "Hey, I've died twice."
"What can't we face if we're together? What's in this place that we can't weather? There's nothing we can't face."
"Except for bunnies," Finn chimed in.
"What the hell was that?" Roxton wondered when they were finished.
"I don't know," Summerlee replied. "And what's with the bunnies?"*
When they had all recovered, Ned looked at each of them in turn, worry in his eyes. His voice wavered as he spoke. "The task itself is not difficult. It will take place in a matter of minutes, seconds even, and the danger is minimal." He took one, long, sad breath. "The difficulty is emotional. And I don't know for certain that we can handle it. And I know we can't handle it together."
The others grew eerily silent.
Finn spoke now. "What're ya talking about?" She turned to her best friend. "Vee, what does he mean?" More silence. No one wanted to answer her question. They were starting to understand. I know we can't handle it TOGETHER. The words resonated. But no one wanted to tell her that they would be losing one of their own. They sat, uncomfortable, wondering who, waiting for Ned to tell them more.
"The remaining task is to fix the timeline, make it so that the future will correct itself. The future as we know it will never happen." He choked a little. It's destiny; something we must do."
George was the first to understand why Ned despaired. "But if we fix the timeline and make it so that no outsiders never come to the Plateau. . ." They all looked at Finn, none saying anything.
She smiled weakly. "The entire world, or my life." Her eyes filled with tears as it sunk in. "Come on, Challenger, give me a hard one." She looked at each of the others in turn. "Whatever I have to do."
"Finn," Challenger spoke up. "Do you know what you're doing, what you're saying. You would cease to exist."
A tear rolled down her cheek. "It is my destiny."
Now Veronica was on her feet, sobbing. "No, I won't let this happen. Ned, you can't just tell us to make her disappear. I won't let you!"
Now Finn rose. She was as angry as any of them had ever seen her. "Vee, it isn't your decision. I have to face this on my own." She looked around to all of them, pleading. "None of you has seen the things I have; the future that is coming. If I can prevent that from happening, I will do it gladly." She paused, seeing the stunned look on everyone's face. "Just give me some time to prepare." With that, she headed to her bedroom. Finn did not cry often, but this was a special occasion. In the quiet of her room, she sobbed as she got everything in order for her astral journey to who knew where.
The room Finn occupied was the one where Summerlee formerly dwelled. Many of his possessions still haunted it. So it was decided that, for this one night, they would share. Summerlee had offered to share quarters with Challenger or Ned to give the young girl some time to reflect before morning. She stoutly refused, touting that she would rather have company. She felt that she would shortly be going to an infinite loneliness, and did not want to start the trip sooner than necessary.
"What was it like to live here, I mean, before you left for Avalon?"
Arthur thought about that for a moment. "They were different then. The same people, but very different somehow. Marguerite was once colder. When we first came, she tried to sell Veronica to the Zanga chief to find a way off the Plateau."
"Marguerite's not that bad," Finn disagreed. "Just annoying."
He nodded. "No longer. She has grown a great deal from the frightened, insecure girl I knew when we came here."
"Roxton," was all Finn said. Not a question. "Hmm, mostly, yes. But family in general. You see, no one had ever loved her before." Finn nodded. "I understand. What about Challenger? You two are buddies." Summerlee laughed aloud. "We used to hate each other. Silly how petty professional differences come between people who were meant to be friends. We have both become more open. And what's more, dear Challenger has learned what it is to have children who depend on him." He looked up at her from the floor. "You had a great deal to do with that, my dear. He simply adores you. He could not love you more were you his very own."
Finn smiled warmly, knowing it was true. "Roxton?" A question this time.
Summerlee frowned. "I could be quite wrong, but I believe he came here because he had nowhere else to go. Or at least, he imagined that he didn't. Has anyone told you about his brother?"
Finn nodded. "Vee did. Poor guy."
Summerlee continued. "He didn't really feel he had any reason to live, I believe. But like all of us, he found family." He paused, wondering if he should ask. "What about you Finn? Have you found your family here?"
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Finn rose early that morning, having been unable to sleep. Her black jumpsuit was wrinkled from tossing and turning. The rest of the group was already up, standing in a circle, waiting silently. She moved to Roxton, who was not even trying to conceal his sorrow, first. "You're the closest I've ever had to a bigger brother." She was in tears, as was he. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I love you. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you, too, Finn. I'll think of you so often. I love you like a sister."
"Oh, Marg. I'll miss you so much."
"You, too, Finn." Marguerite took the younger girl in an embrace. "I'll remember you always."
Next was Summerlee. "I wish I could have known you longer, dear. I adore you." He hugged her tight.
"Thanks for everything," Arthur."
Making her way around the circle, she began to sob harder. Next was George. He was crying and making no effort to conceal it. "What do I say to my father?" she wanted to know. "I love you, George."
"I love you like my own daughter. You know that, right?" Finn nodded, sniffing, hugged him tighter and longer than any of the others. She then moved on to Ned.
"I haven't known you very long." She made a pathetic attempt to smile. "But you're my family, and I love you anyway." She kissed him lightly on his face.
"Come here," Ned gestured for a hug. "Forget the timeline. We'll always remember you. Love you, kid."
"Take good care of my big sister," she told him, breaking down even more.
With every bit of solemnity he answered. "I promise."
Then, the hardest goodbye. "Vee. You've been so good to me. I don't know what to say. Thank you for being my sister. I love you so much."
"I love you, too, Finn." She looked her in the eye, through all her tears. "Remember: sisters are forever."
Finn stood in the circle, still crying. Ned stood in the exact center of the Plateau, between the arrows. He had to try very hard to keep his voice from cracking. "This Plateau, this sacred land must never be touched by the influences of outsiders. None but the. . . six, must ever come here. By the power of the Gatekeeper, I command that the timeline be altered. None but the six have ever set foot in this land from the outside.
A flash of light, and Finn was gone.
Another, momentarily, and someone was crumpled on the floor, adorned in leather, much like Veronica. They moved to her. Finn!
A grin spread across Veronica's face. "It can't be!"
"How?" Marguerite asked, though the tone of her voice made it clear that she really didn't care. "Did it not work?"
Ned shook his head. "It did. I can feel it."
"Ouchie," was all Finn had to say. It was no longer out of her mouth when she was smothered by hugs. "Ooof." She looked down at her garb and then up at the others with a quizzical expression.
"We don't know either," said Veronica, reading her thoughts. She helped the younger girl up. They noticed something then that they hadn't before. She was wearing a gold heart necklace. (Naturally it was Marguerite who noticed this, but they were all so excited that no one joked about that but me. I'm not really that excited because I know the end of the episode. Ha, ha.) Veronica held it up. Engraved on the front were the letters 'FVM.' As the others pondered this, Finn stared at the other side.
"Remember who you are," Finn said aloud. "What?" Challenger wanted to know. "It's engraved on the back," she told them. They turned it over and confirmed what she said. Challenger was the first to come to grips with the implications. "You read it." Finn smiled a little. "Yeah, I guess I did. Cool." "You didn't need to sound it out or anything," he added. "Your ability to read has vastly improved in a matter of minutes. How is that possible."
"I dunno."
"Hey, look at this." Ned was holding a leather-bound journal. "It's not mine. I think it came with Finn." They all sat at the table and read it together.
The inside cover was written in a child's hand. It read: Finn's Diary.
They were all dumbfounded, Finn included. "How is this possible?" John wanted to know.
His wife poked him. "You forget, this is the Plateau."
George read from the book. "Today is my fifth birthday. Momma said it is important to keep a diary. So this is my diary. Today I played ball with Benny and Jaalupa.. . ." George broke off here, flipped through some pages. "They're all much the same, childhood activities and such. Is any of this familiar, Finn?"
"None of it. I couldn't have written it. Does it say anything that might explain why I'm here?"
George nodded. "I'm looking. Wait. I think I've found something., here. 'My parents told me today that it's important to remember who I am. I need to know who my family is. So I drew a family tree. They told me it would be really important someday. They told me, remember who you are.'"
George turned the page. It was indeed a family tree.
Finn Vee
Victoria Abigail Roxton / William Randall Malone
Sayelo (Zanga) / George Edward Roxton
Saael (Avalon) / Thomas Arthur Malone
Rosaro (Zanga) / William John Roxton Taranla (Avalon) / Edward Charles Malone Jr.
Lady Marguerite Krux Roxton / Lord John Roxton Veronica Layton Malone/ Edward Malone
"So that's my whole family, back to my great grandparents, who I never met, but my parents tell me I'll really know them someday. I don't know what they mean."
"A contagious smile broke out on Finn's face. "No way. Do you mean. . ." She turned to Veronica. "You mean all this time I imagined you were my sister, you were really my grandma?"
Veronica nodded warily. "I guess but, don't call me that."
Finn pondered this. "So. . . Great - grandma?"
Now Veronica just looked annoyed. "That's just weird." She grinned. "How about you just call me Vee?"
Challenger caught their attention. "There's more. 'Mom says I'm the future Protector of the Plateau. And today she told me the weirdest thing. She said someday, after I take the throne, I will be in great danger, and a man will come to me to take me to a time that will be safe for me. His name will be George, she said. She told me I have to remember that. when I come back, I will not remember where I have been, but I must take this diary with me, and when I read it, I will remember everything."
They all looked at Finn expectantly. And they were not disappointed. She smiled. "I do remember. I've been the Protector for nearly a year now." She frowned, in both concentration and sadness. "Avalon was overtaken. Some of my guards were killed. I escaped, and when I did, a man named George came for me, just like my mother said he would. You. You took me to a cave."
"The cave with the time travel device," George interjected.
"Right. And you transported us both here so I could rest before taking back the throne.
So it was decided that for the next few days, Finn stayed in the tree house with them. And she would be happier than she had been in either version of her lifetime. She was with her whole family. This was truly the life she was meant to have. She was scheduled to stay a week.
That same evening, Veronica walked out to the balcony to sort her thoughts. So many things, all at once. Ned followed her out. He seemed almost to read her mind. "Busy day, huh?"
Veronica laughed, a humorless sound. "Tell me about it. Coming back home. Learning that my best friend is actually my great - granddaughter." She paused, uncertainly. "Learning my own destiny." She avoided his gaze as she said this, and he did not question it Silence. After what could have been a lifetime, she spoke. "I love you, Ned. And until today, I never really thought about how much. I just took it for granted. Now to see our future in black and white. Suddenly I feel . . ." She searched for the right word as Ned waited with antici. . . one, two, three, Say it! 'Pation. "Stupid. I can't believe how unaware I've been this whole time." She turned to face him. "I need to be with you always."
Ned grinned. "I can take a hint." He knelt. "Veronica, will you marry me?"
Veronica smiled broadly. "You know I will."
They reentered the house. Veronica spoke up, "Finn will be coming back with us to Avalon, for at least a day." The others looked confused. Veronica clarified. "She will need to be with us for the wedding."
It took a moment for them to catch on. "But the wedding was yesterday," Finn pointed out. They all realized what Veronica meant at once, and there were congratulations all around. The next week would perhaps be the most joyous the explorers had ever known.
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Hey, you didn't REALLY think I was going to let anything happen to Finn now, did you? Fool you twice, shame on you!
Next week on The Lost World:
"Finn, my name is George. You need to come with me now."
"You're the one my mother told me about."
"No time, you have to come with me now. You've got two weddings to go to"
"Weddings? Nobody told me anything about that."
"It's a surprise. Congratulations. You'll be the first person in history to see both sets of her great - grandparents' weddings. Now lets' go!"
Disclaimer: The little voices tell me I own The Lost World so plubbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbth! And Once More With Feeling also. (Aka Buffy the Musical)
A/N: READ THIS: Thanks for reviews. Format fixed, format fixed, la dee da dee da dee~! Duck on my head.
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Saeel looked out her chamber window to the world outside. This day, the day after Marguerite read from the sacred scroll, the sky was clear and lovely. She smiled, something she did not do often in these dark days. Aieca had overcome the challenges that had destroyed the previous Chosen One, saving both herself and her Warrior. And thanks to Aiec's poignant tale of what could have happened, there was no chance that Marguerite would now back out and attempt to take back the proverbial thing. (Nanny joke) As a matter of fact, the wedding was today. Sarneera walked up behind her.
"What news?"
"The Chaos is quelled," Saeel answered. "The Chosen One has succeeded in her mission. As has the Magician; the Plateau is sealed."
"The Gatekeeper?" Sarneera wanted to know.
"He is working as we speak. He will be done before the happy hour."
Sarneera nodded. "We are fortunate that the happy day has come this time. There was much sorrow in the land of Avalon during the reign of our good Lady Abigail."
"Indeed. These Seven are by far the most resilient and powerful I've seen yet." She paused. "Of course, you know, the story of the Seer is different this time."
Sarneera stared into space, pensive. "Does she yet know of her destiny?" Saeel's smile faded. "No. The Gatekeeper must tell her." "They will be sorrowful," Sarneera reminded her. Her head hung. "Her pain will not last." Marguerite and Lord Roxton were dressed in the ancient wedding clothes of Avalon, no less beautiful than they had been the day they were first worn, over five hundred years ago. They had been tucked away for forty years. Miss Krux's gown had layers of soft coral pink overlaid with a golden mesh. In the morning sun, it seemed to glow with it's own light. Roxton's silver garb was made to match the lacing on the neckline of his intended's dress. They stood before the throne of Avalon where Veronica sat., all beaming. Finn, George, Arthur, Ned, Saeel, and Sarneera flanked the pair. The day was perfect.
It is custom in Avalon that the Chosen One and the Warrior always recite the same vows in every incarnation. they have no choice in the matter. At first, both John and Marguerite protested using words that they had no say in the creation of, but upon reading the vows, they instantly changed their minds. Once again they were reminded of the fact that they were reincarnations of a thousand Chosen Ones, a thousand Warriors. The vows were in fact written by them. And it didn't take them long to learn them, either. They had them almost memorized.
Veronica remembered her part as well. "Recite the vows."
"Chosen One, my love. I have awaited this day for so long. When I met you, I saw your intriguing eyes. I knew I would be with you forever. It had to be. No matter how hard you fought me, I still loved you. I knew in my heart that I could never stop, and I didn't understand why. Now I know it is my destiny. And it is a destiny I would not trade for anything."
"My warrior, my love. I have awaited this day for so long. When I met you, the world disappeared. I felt I could get my life back to where it should be. But I was afraid. You had the patience to wait for me, help me along the way, and I am so grateful. I never understood why I loved you when it was so difficult for me. Now I understand that it is my destiny. And it is a destiny I would not trade for anything."
Despite the traditional solemnity of Avalon weddings (particularly those involving members of the Sacred Seven), Veronica cracked a smile. 'Bout darn time, she thought. "You are now joined. For one more lifetime, to eternity."
Marguerite couldn't help herself. She broke out laughing, starting a chain reaction that even the solemn faced Saeel could not resist. They kissed, and the remainder of the day was spent laughing, dancing, feasting, and basically just getting down with their bad selves. There was not a trace, no hint of the sorrow they would soon be facing. Saeel and Sarneera, knowing better than to spoil the occasion, said nothing. Let them have this last joy.
Finn and Veronica were dancing while Ned and George had a drink. Actually, the drink was more an excuse for George, who was teaching Finn, to at least temporarily keep his feet safe. She was learning quickly, though, and Veronica was attempting to teach her the foxtrot. She was doing tolerably well, and so far Veronica's feet were uninjured. The song ended, and all the celebrants looked to Saeel, who stood on the stage, ready to make an announcement. "Our friend, the Gatekeeper," she gestured to Ned, "Has be working on the necessary changes to the timeline. Tomorrow the Seven must venture to the center of the Plateau where time can be restructured." Finn, George, Ned, and Veronica seemed disappointed. They had hoped to stay in Avalon a little longer. John and Marguerite groaned, frustrated, but for a different reason. "Why?" Marguerite asked. Saeel, in all her long years, and strong even beyond those years, suddenly felt a twinge of regret at what she was forcing these people to do. She did not wish to tell them. "The Gatekeeper will explain all in the morning."
The celebrations lasted long into the night. During that time, Marguerite's bedchambers had been specially dressed up by handmaidens as a surprise. They entered, but slammed the door in my face as this is a PG rated fanfic. (Darn!)
John Roxton was the first to wake. Daylight. Stupid sacred mission. He wanted to stay with his wife. She was still asleep. So beautiful when she was asleep. He hated to wake her, but Saeel would be very mad if they didn't come soon, and he knew in his gut it was important. And part of him missed the tree house. It would be nice to be back home. He pondered that for a minute. Had he really just called the tree house home?
"Wake up, dear. We have to go." "Mmmmm. Don't wanna. Wanna stay here." She was still half asleep. She rolled over to face him. She touched his face and put on her sweetest expression. "Can't we stay here?"
So, so tempting, Roxton thought. But he knew they had to go. He told Marguerite this. "We'll be back by tonight," he promised. "Come on, up we get." Marguerite pouted, but got up none the less.
The trek to the tree house was relatively uneventful. Chaos didn't give them any trouble. They were all glad to see their old abode, particularly Veronica who became almost giddy at the sight of it. But Ned seemed particularly withdrawn.
"Isn't it wonderful, Ned," She asked. "We're home." Ned looked down sadly at his mount. "Yeah, home." Veronica thought something must be wrong, but said nothing.
The horses did not need restrained, as they were Avalon's finest and knew better than to go anywhere. They would wait patiently for their riders. They all rode in the elevator. It was a little crammed, but nobody seemed to mind. They sat around the table, Ned at the head of it.
"It is my job to tell all of you of the next task in our journey to save the Plateau, and ultimately, the world." He looked at the floor, almost as if it was too hard to even continue. "It will be the most difficult task we've yet faced. I truly, deeply wish we did not have to go through with it." He looked at Finn a little too long as he said this, then his head fell, and Veronica, who said nothing, could have sworn she saw a tear welling in his eye.
Finally she spoke. "It's all right, Neddy." (Sane readers may wish to skip the part between the asterisks) * She started singing. "I've got a theory it doesn't matter. What can't we face if we're together? What's in this place that we can't weather? Apocalypse? We've all been there. The same old tricks; why should we care?" All the others but Ned chimed in. "What can't we do if we get in it? We'll work it through within a minute. We have to try. We'll pay the price. It's do or die."
Roxton sang, "Hey, I've died twice."
"What can't we face if we're together? What's in this place that we can't weather? There's nothing we can't face."
"Except for bunnies," Finn chimed in.
"What the hell was that?" Roxton wondered when they were finished.
"I don't know," Summerlee replied. "And what's with the bunnies?"*
When they had all recovered, Ned looked at each of them in turn, worry in his eyes. His voice wavered as he spoke. "The task itself is not difficult. It will take place in a matter of minutes, seconds even, and the danger is minimal." He took one, long, sad breath. "The difficulty is emotional. And I don't know for certain that we can handle it. And I know we can't handle it together."
The others grew eerily silent.
Finn spoke now. "What're ya talking about?" She turned to her best friend. "Vee, what does he mean?" More silence. No one wanted to answer her question. They were starting to understand. I know we can't handle it TOGETHER. The words resonated. But no one wanted to tell her that they would be losing one of their own. They sat, uncomfortable, wondering who, waiting for Ned to tell them more.
"The remaining task is to fix the timeline, make it so that the future will correct itself. The future as we know it will never happen." He choked a little. It's destiny; something we must do."
George was the first to understand why Ned despaired. "But if we fix the timeline and make it so that no outsiders never come to the Plateau. . ." They all looked at Finn, none saying anything.
She smiled weakly. "The entire world, or my life." Her eyes filled with tears as it sunk in. "Come on, Challenger, give me a hard one." She looked at each of the others in turn. "Whatever I have to do."
"Finn," Challenger spoke up. "Do you know what you're doing, what you're saying. You would cease to exist."
A tear rolled down her cheek. "It is my destiny."
Now Veronica was on her feet, sobbing. "No, I won't let this happen. Ned, you can't just tell us to make her disappear. I won't let you!"
Now Finn rose. She was as angry as any of them had ever seen her. "Vee, it isn't your decision. I have to face this on my own." She looked around to all of them, pleading. "None of you has seen the things I have; the future that is coming. If I can prevent that from happening, I will do it gladly." She paused, seeing the stunned look on everyone's face. "Just give me some time to prepare." With that, she headed to her bedroom. Finn did not cry often, but this was a special occasion. In the quiet of her room, she sobbed as she got everything in order for her astral journey to who knew where.
The room Finn occupied was the one where Summerlee formerly dwelled. Many of his possessions still haunted it. So it was decided that, for this one night, they would share. Summerlee had offered to share quarters with Challenger or Ned to give the young girl some time to reflect before morning. She stoutly refused, touting that she would rather have company. She felt that she would shortly be going to an infinite loneliness, and did not want to start the trip sooner than necessary.
"What was it like to live here, I mean, before you left for Avalon?"
Arthur thought about that for a moment. "They were different then. The same people, but very different somehow. Marguerite was once colder. When we first came, she tried to sell Veronica to the Zanga chief to find a way off the Plateau."
"Marguerite's not that bad," Finn disagreed. "Just annoying."
He nodded. "No longer. She has grown a great deal from the frightened, insecure girl I knew when we came here."
"Roxton," was all Finn said. Not a question. "Hmm, mostly, yes. But family in general. You see, no one had ever loved her before." Finn nodded. "I understand. What about Challenger? You two are buddies." Summerlee laughed aloud. "We used to hate each other. Silly how petty professional differences come between people who were meant to be friends. We have both become more open. And what's more, dear Challenger has learned what it is to have children who depend on him." He looked up at her from the floor. "You had a great deal to do with that, my dear. He simply adores you. He could not love you more were you his very own."
Finn smiled warmly, knowing it was true. "Roxton?" A question this time.
Summerlee frowned. "I could be quite wrong, but I believe he came here because he had nowhere else to go. Or at least, he imagined that he didn't. Has anyone told you about his brother?"
Finn nodded. "Vee did. Poor guy."
Summerlee continued. "He didn't really feel he had any reason to live, I believe. But like all of us, he found family." He paused, wondering if he should ask. "What about you Finn? Have you found your family here?"
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Finn rose early that morning, having been unable to sleep. Her black jumpsuit was wrinkled from tossing and turning. The rest of the group was already up, standing in a circle, waiting silently. She moved to Roxton, who was not even trying to conceal his sorrow, first. "You're the closest I've ever had to a bigger brother." She was in tears, as was he. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I love you. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you, too, Finn. I'll think of you so often. I love you like a sister."
"Oh, Marg. I'll miss you so much."
"You, too, Finn." Marguerite took the younger girl in an embrace. "I'll remember you always."
Next was Summerlee. "I wish I could have known you longer, dear. I adore you." He hugged her tight.
"Thanks for everything," Arthur."
Making her way around the circle, she began to sob harder. Next was George. He was crying and making no effort to conceal it. "What do I say to my father?" she wanted to know. "I love you, George."
"I love you like my own daughter. You know that, right?" Finn nodded, sniffing, hugged him tighter and longer than any of the others. She then moved on to Ned.
"I haven't known you very long." She made a pathetic attempt to smile. "But you're my family, and I love you anyway." She kissed him lightly on his face.
"Come here," Ned gestured for a hug. "Forget the timeline. We'll always remember you. Love you, kid."
"Take good care of my big sister," she told him, breaking down even more.
With every bit of solemnity he answered. "I promise."
Then, the hardest goodbye. "Vee. You've been so good to me. I don't know what to say. Thank you for being my sister. I love you so much."
"I love you, too, Finn." She looked her in the eye, through all her tears. "Remember: sisters are forever."
Finn stood in the circle, still crying. Ned stood in the exact center of the Plateau, between the arrows. He had to try very hard to keep his voice from cracking. "This Plateau, this sacred land must never be touched by the influences of outsiders. None but the. . . six, must ever come here. By the power of the Gatekeeper, I command that the timeline be altered. None but the six have ever set foot in this land from the outside.
A flash of light, and Finn was gone.
Another, momentarily, and someone was crumpled on the floor, adorned in leather, much like Veronica. They moved to her. Finn!
A grin spread across Veronica's face. "It can't be!"
"How?" Marguerite asked, though the tone of her voice made it clear that she really didn't care. "Did it not work?"
Ned shook his head. "It did. I can feel it."
"Ouchie," was all Finn had to say. It was no longer out of her mouth when she was smothered by hugs. "Ooof." She looked down at her garb and then up at the others with a quizzical expression.
"We don't know either," said Veronica, reading her thoughts. She helped the younger girl up. They noticed something then that they hadn't before. She was wearing a gold heart necklace. (Naturally it was Marguerite who noticed this, but they were all so excited that no one joked about that but me. I'm not really that excited because I know the end of the episode. Ha, ha.) Veronica held it up. Engraved on the front were the letters 'FVM.' As the others pondered this, Finn stared at the other side.
"Remember who you are," Finn said aloud. "What?" Challenger wanted to know. "It's engraved on the back," she told them. They turned it over and confirmed what she said. Challenger was the first to come to grips with the implications. "You read it." Finn smiled a little. "Yeah, I guess I did. Cool." "You didn't need to sound it out or anything," he added. "Your ability to read has vastly improved in a matter of minutes. How is that possible."
"I dunno."
"Hey, look at this." Ned was holding a leather-bound journal. "It's not mine. I think it came with Finn." They all sat at the table and read it together.
The inside cover was written in a child's hand. It read: Finn's Diary.
They were all dumbfounded, Finn included. "How is this possible?" John wanted to know.
His wife poked him. "You forget, this is the Plateau."
George read from the book. "Today is my fifth birthday. Momma said it is important to keep a diary. So this is my diary. Today I played ball with Benny and Jaalupa.. . ." George broke off here, flipped through some pages. "They're all much the same, childhood activities and such. Is any of this familiar, Finn?"
"None of it. I couldn't have written it. Does it say anything that might explain why I'm here?"
George nodded. "I'm looking. Wait. I think I've found something., here. 'My parents told me today that it's important to remember who I am. I need to know who my family is. So I drew a family tree. They told me it would be really important someday. They told me, remember who you are.'"
George turned the page. It was indeed a family tree.
Finn Vee
Victoria Abigail Roxton / William Randall Malone
Sayelo (Zanga) / George Edward Roxton
Saael (Avalon) / Thomas Arthur Malone
Rosaro (Zanga) / William John Roxton Taranla (Avalon) / Edward Charles Malone Jr.
Lady Marguerite Krux Roxton / Lord John Roxton Veronica Layton Malone/ Edward Malone
"So that's my whole family, back to my great grandparents, who I never met, but my parents tell me I'll really know them someday. I don't know what they mean."
"A contagious smile broke out on Finn's face. "No way. Do you mean. . ." She turned to Veronica. "You mean all this time I imagined you were my sister, you were really my grandma?"
Veronica nodded warily. "I guess but, don't call me that."
Finn pondered this. "So. . . Great - grandma?"
Now Veronica just looked annoyed. "That's just weird." She grinned. "How about you just call me Vee?"
Challenger caught their attention. "There's more. 'Mom says I'm the future Protector of the Plateau. And today she told me the weirdest thing. She said someday, after I take the throne, I will be in great danger, and a man will come to me to take me to a time that will be safe for me. His name will be George, she said. She told me I have to remember that. when I come back, I will not remember where I have been, but I must take this diary with me, and when I read it, I will remember everything."
They all looked at Finn expectantly. And they were not disappointed. She smiled. "I do remember. I've been the Protector for nearly a year now." She frowned, in both concentration and sadness. "Avalon was overtaken. Some of my guards were killed. I escaped, and when I did, a man named George came for me, just like my mother said he would. You. You took me to a cave."
"The cave with the time travel device," George interjected.
"Right. And you transported us both here so I could rest before taking back the throne.
So it was decided that for the next few days, Finn stayed in the tree house with them. And she would be happier than she had been in either version of her lifetime. She was with her whole family. This was truly the life she was meant to have. She was scheduled to stay a week.
That same evening, Veronica walked out to the balcony to sort her thoughts. So many things, all at once. Ned followed her out. He seemed almost to read her mind. "Busy day, huh?"
Veronica laughed, a humorless sound. "Tell me about it. Coming back home. Learning that my best friend is actually my great - granddaughter." She paused, uncertainly. "Learning my own destiny." She avoided his gaze as she said this, and he did not question it Silence. After what could have been a lifetime, she spoke. "I love you, Ned. And until today, I never really thought about how much. I just took it for granted. Now to see our future in black and white. Suddenly I feel . . ." She searched for the right word as Ned waited with antici. . . one, two, three, Say it! 'Pation. "Stupid. I can't believe how unaware I've been this whole time." She turned to face him. "I need to be with you always."
Ned grinned. "I can take a hint." He knelt. "Veronica, will you marry me?"
Veronica smiled broadly. "You know I will."
They reentered the house. Veronica spoke up, "Finn will be coming back with us to Avalon, for at least a day." The others looked confused. Veronica clarified. "She will need to be with us for the wedding."
It took a moment for them to catch on. "But the wedding was yesterday," Finn pointed out. They all realized what Veronica meant at once, and there were congratulations all around. The next week would perhaps be the most joyous the explorers had ever known.
*****************************************
Hey, you didn't REALLY think I was going to let anything happen to Finn now, did you? Fool you twice, shame on you!
Next week on The Lost World:
"Finn, my name is George. You need to come with me now."
"You're the one my mother told me about."
"No time, you have to come with me now. You've got two weddings to go to"
"Weddings? Nobody told me anything about that."
"It's a surprise. Congratulations. You'll be the first person in history to see both sets of her great - grandparents' weddings. Now lets' go!"