Disclaimer: I cannot lay claim to this wonderful plot and its characters, (besides my own twisted creations) though I fervently wish it were otherwise. [Folds arms and pouts] Why can't you major television corporations learn to share?
Rating: PG. I'm positive this time.
[Cue excerpt from "Fern Gully The Last Rainforest"]
Zack: "I'm positive."
Batty: "Only fools are positive."
Zack: "Are you sure?"
Batty: "I'm positive."
Sorry. Just had to get that out of my system. ;)
Summary: This is a short conclusion, wrap-up for the story I've put so much into writing. Here it goes: Elf 17 and Jarod have successfully evaded the clutches of the Centre. How will everyone react, and what will they do now?
!!!Authors Note!!!: I just wanted to say how thankful I am to all of you who have read my story and to those who have also taken the time to give me feedback. I wouldn't have continued with the story if you all hadn't told me your opinions, and it is your opinions that are compelling me to write a sequel. I hope you enjoyed reading the tale as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Feedback: (Shadow Elf is becoming desperate. She just realized that her powers are lacking, and that her wits are somewhat less then witty. She is now resolved to make one final move…)
[Pointing behind the mage] "Look! It's Saruman!"
Maverick: [Spinning around to look with wide and joy-filled eyes] Where?!
Sucker. [Shadow Elf turns and runs down the hill, and only when she reaches the bottom does Maverick realize that his idol Saruman is not truly there]
Maverick: Drat.
[Muttering with such a high tone and speed that the sound resembles gerbils on helium] "Portal rise and realm be opened, portal rise and realm be opened…" (A large doorway grows from the ground, swirling blue, clearly made of magical forces)
[Shadow Elf grins and looks back at Maverick before giving him a sloppy salute] "See ya, you obsessive and all around freaky psychopath! Remember to write from the mental institution!" [She blows him a kiss and hops in, and from inside the portal you can hear music that strangely resembles the sound track from George Lucas' "Star Wars"]
Maverick: [Frowns and folds his arms as the portal closes and disappears] I lose more magical beings that way…
Quote:
"Endings Are Only Beginnings In Disguise."
----Unknown
**********************************ShadowElfBard************************************
One For The Feedback, Two For The Need, Three To Have Fun, And Four to Read!
9:23 AM
Blue Cove, Delaware
The Centre
Mr. Parker's Office
Everyone was once again gathered in the Director's room, though most were a little worse for wear. Mr. Parker had slightly disheveled hair, Raines had bags under his eyes, Lyle looked partially insane, and Bridgett didn't have a lollipop in her mouth for once. (She'd eaten them all out of anxiety last night while awaiting news on the pretenders' location). Broots was more nervous than ever, and still couldn't figure out why he had to come with Ms. Parker to her father's office, (though he suspected it was a new form of torture) but he managed to stand still and shift his eyes only a little. Ms. Parker looked perfect, as usual. She could walk through a tiger pit, become struck by lightning, and get sucked into a twister and not a single hair would be out of place. It was like some supernatural talent she had.
Mr. Parker cleared his throat, ready to receive the news, but already knowing what it would be. "Well Lyle, Raines, what is the verdict?"
Raines looked to Lyle, silently urging him on with his eyes. Lyle tried to remain calm but couldn't keep his fists from shaking with fury as he placed the metal collar and control device on his father's desk, along with an empty vial and a needle. He took a step back and thrust his hands into his suit pockets to hide his hands as they were struck by tremors. "These were found in a computer storage room on sub-level 10." He gave a rueful smile. "The residue of the chemical found in the vial has been accurately identified as a counter-agent to he memory loss drug administered to Jarod. There is an estimated eighty-nine point three percent chance that Jarod now remember who he is."
Mr. Parker regarded the items with tightly closed lips, but Ms. Parker, remembering the act she had to keep up, burst out with anger and "surprise" about hearing of Jarod's memory loss.
"You gave him a drug to make him lose his memory?! Why wasn't I told?!"
"That information was given out only on a strict need-to know basis." Raines sneered. "You didn't need to know and so therefore you were not told."
"Didn't need to know? And who made that bull-headed decision?" she demanded angrily.
"That would be me." Lyle told her, her anger actually calming his rage.
"Figures." She scoffed. "Well, I warned you earlier 'dear brother'," she spat out, "that it would only be a few days before Jarod escaped and me and the two idiots had to return to the dungeon." She folded her arms. "Though I had figured you'd be able to hold him longer than a mere week."
Lyle simply gave a tight smile, using it to hold back the dozen evil things he was imagining doing to her.
Mr. Parker finally looked up from the items on his desk, an expression so blank and unreadable upon his face that all bickering and talking stopped and all in the room focused on him.
"How was the escape done Raines? What are your theories?"
"Either there was a computer failure like we thought, and Elf 17 took advantage of the situation, or the failure was purposely created. We're not sure at this point which one it was."
Strangely, Broots didn't move suspiciously when the idea of inside help was presented. Though it may have been because of the evil death glare that Ms. Parker had given him earlier and the clearly implied threat of losing an appendage.
"You have reason to believe that one of our own could have helped them?" Mr. Parker said, his tone low and deadly.
"We have no real evidence yet, but there's always the possibility." Raines answered back curtly.
Ms. Parker watched her father's face, trying to decipher the emotions he was doing so well at hiding. She couldn't recognize what she saw. Well, perhaps she should just ask him.
"Daddy?" She asked, using her best 'concerned-and-loving-loyal-daughter' voice.
He sighed. "I'm all right angel. It's just frustrating that Jarod is able to so easily slip out of our traps, and then the idea that one of our own employees might have helped them..."
Bridgett gave a sympathetic look and hugged him. "Aw, it'll be better luv. There's always next time."
He smiled at her and embraced her back. "Yes, you're right, there's always next time." They rubbed noses together, adding to Ms. Parker's urge to vomit, and then Mr. Parker turned back to his audience.
"You know doubt know that the Triumvate will have to know of this, though I doubt we could keep it a secret anyways. Raines, you and my son will both be coming with me to the Tower." He took on a grim look. "If we're lucky the punishment will be a light one." He stood up and looked over at his daughter. "As of right now you angel, along with your technician and Dr. Green will be put back on the pursuit team. I have to check with the higher-ups, but I'm nearly positive that you'll be adding Elf 17 to your search."
Ms. Parker nodded and took the orders as her permission to leave. She jerked her head at Broots, and he began to follow her out of the room. But right before she left she stopped by Lyle, and leaned in close to his ear.
"Oh and Lyle?" she whispered, her eyes glittering with cruel intent. "I told you so." Then she turned and walked out, her head up and confident as always.
Lyle didn't even turn to watch her go, but by the expression on his face it was painfully obvious that the words had struck home and ignited a fire.
Raines watched Lyle and then raised an eyebrow questioningly.
Lyle turned to him and put on his best calm and cool smile. "She was just wishing me luck."
Mr. Parker stood and gestured to the door and the three men filed out, prepared to receive judgment from the Tower, Lyle and Raines lagging a little behind.
"We'll have to watch over your sister's little group." Raines told him, once he was sure that the Director was out of range.
"If we're even able to see after the Triumvate is through with us that is." Lyle responded grimly.
"We have brought back the DSA case and the DSA's within them are already being copied and sent off. They'll go lighter on us because of that." He gave Lyle a measuring look. "But we understand each other as far as your sister and her team are involved?"
Lyle remembered the words she had whispered so maliciously into his ear. He clenched his fists. "Oh don't worry about that Raines. If I find out that any of them aided Elf 17 and Jarod, they will receive no mercy from me." His eyes blazed. "If they helped, they will pay."
Raines gave a satisfied smirk.
"Keep up your two!" Mr. Parker yelled back at them.
Lyle and Raines ceased their chatter, and resumed walking at a normal pace, strolling down the corridors to discover their fate.
10:14
AM
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware
Pursuit Team's Main Office
Sydney set down his box of personal items and desk decorators with a sigh of pure joy.
"It's good to be back." He announced to the near-empty room.
Broots, sitting over at his computer, having already set up his office, smiled at the older man's declaration. "Yeah Syd, I have to agree with you there." He suddenly scanned the room worriedly.
Sydney chuckled. "No Broots, there are no cameras watching us. They took them down when we were moved out remember? They won't be set back up until this afternoon. "
"Oh good." Broots said in relief. He then resumed typing, his fingers becoming a blur as they sped across the keyboard. He stopped, and read what he'd written, his brow furrowed.
Sydney, slightly intrigued by the technician's concentration, walked over to him. "What's that you're working on Broots?"
He looked up, startled, and then grew a guilty expression, and seemed to be debating over whether he should tell Sydney the truth or not. He apparently decided it was all right, because he scooted out of the way and turned the monitor so that Sydney could read it easily.
Sydney looked at the e-mail he was typing and then read the attached documents. His eyes widened and the psychiatrist actually let his mouth hang open slightly.
"Broots are you sure--"
"It's all taken care of Sydney. I'm safe, the Centre won't be able to reach it."
Sydney smiled. "Well so long as the Centre can't get it, then I must say that this is undoubtedly the most caring, noble, and sincere thing I have ever witnessed someone in the Centre do."
Broots grew red in the face. "Oh no, it's nothing so big." He said humbly. "I mean I figure this is just paying her back for all she's done. She, she deserves it."
Sydney couldn't get the smile off of his face and he looked over what Broots was sending once more.
"Uh, Syd?"
"Yes Broots?"
"Do, do you think she'll like it?"
Sydney stood up straight and looked Broots in the eyes. "I'm afraid I don't know her well enough to make that judgment Broots. " Broots hung his head. "But," Sydney added, causing Broots to raise it. "I would think that to someone who has had as much done to them as her, it would be a most welcome gift, and one of the best that could be given."
"You think?"
"I do."
Broots looked back at what he'd written, seeing it in a different light. He brightened and grinned at Sydney. "Thanks."
Sydney gave him a warm smile. "Your welcome Broots." He clapped the man on the back. "Now, send that off and let's get started on the task at hand. We have a lot of work ahead of us, now that we'll be tracking down two pretenders."
Broots gave a playful pout. "Oh come on Sydney. Can't we wait a bit before we start that?"
"We could." Then Sydney looked at him meaningfully. "But we'd have to answer to Ms. Parker."
Broots turned pale and turned back to his computer, clicking the SEND button and starting up his search program, his movements faster than could be followed.
Sydney's amused laugh echoed throughout the room, and all seemed right in the world.
12: 47 PM
Blue Cove, Delaware
Blue Cove City Park
Elf 17 beamed as she gazed at the park full of happy children running, playing, laughing, living in a sweet, blissful ignorance of the troubles and woes of the world, afraid only of bugs and missing snack time or a cartoon show, seeing and understanding everything in the simple and logical view of a child. It was a sight that raised her spirits and made her question what it would have been like if she'd had the time to be a real kid when she was younger, to have fun outdoors, to make friends, to play in a sandbox and have ice cream at the park. Childhood seemed so good and pure a thing that it caused her to wonder how it was that someone could be so evil as to steal that away. How was it that adults could so easily forget childhood pleasures and willingly, consciously, take away that right and privilege from others? But, she supposed, perhaps greed was just too powerful a disease to overcome.
She and Jarod had split up last night after they'd escaped, and they'd agreed to meet at this park should it be safe and clear. Jarod had told her that he needed to get some things that he'd kept at a safe house here in Blue Cove, but that he did want to meet with her once more before they took their freedom and went their separate ways. Elf 17 had spent the night sleeping near the entrance of an alley, housed in a cardboard refrigerator box, knowing that the Centre would believe them to already be past the state line. When she'd woken up in the morning she was stunned upon seeing a few paper bills and some coins in an empty take-out box right in front of her makeshift abode.
People had thought her to be homeless, and it seemed that in Blue Cove, not everybody was like the Centre employees.
She'd ended up with nearly thirty dollars, and though she'd been mightily confused in the beginning, she'd discovered why the money had been left there and she'd decided to use it to buy some actual clothing so that she'd be able to fit in the crowds. She'd gone to a local Wal-Mart, and though she'd received odd looks at her unusual outfit and bare feet, the salespeople had been more than happy to help her pick something out.
She'd chose to get something a bit more flexible in style this time around. Though it had been nice of the boy at the clothing store in Las Vegas to pick it out for her, leather wasn't really her thing. And when she'd discovered what leather was actually made of, she'd been more determined than ever to stay as far away from that clothing material as humanly possible. So, in the end, she'd bought a pair of loose black sweatpants and a sky blue spaghetti-strap top.
She'd buried her Centre clothing in the dumpster out back.
She'd still been barefoot however, and had spent nearly all morning traveling through Blue Cove trying to find a place that sold footwear for three dollars and sixteen cents. She'd gone around stopping passer-bys and asking where she could locate a store that sold cheap shoes. Whenever she told them exactly how cheap she'd needed them though, they'd tell her they couldn't help her or downright laugh in her face. She'd been asking the fifteenth person that morning when an older woman, perhaps sixty or seventy, had taken pity on her. She'd brought her to her house and told her that she bought clothing for her granddaughter who was roughly the same size and build as she was, though perhaps a bit older, and had given her a pair of black open-toed sandals and a gray hooded sweatshirt with a glittering silver design of an intricately drawn butterfly on the front of it and a stretched version of the butterfly down the sleeves. It had been so wonderful that Elf 17 had refused it at first, saying that the lady should give it to her granddaughter and that she really didn't need it, but the lady had practically thrust it into her hands and just smiled at Elf 17's protests. When Elf 17 had left, after thanking the woman profusely for her generosity and kindness, she'd slipped what little money she'd had in her pockets into the old woman's penny jar. It had been all she could give, but she just hadn't been able to leave without paying her back in some way.
So now she sat under a tree, on a bench by the park, relishing in the mixture of sun and shadow dancing across her fair skin and wondering what it was that could be keeping Jarod.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Elf 17 slowly turned her head and gave Jarod a patronizing look as he sat down and joined her. "You're an hour late you know." Then she took in what he was wearing and gave a little laugh. "Though I suppose you were up to more important things hmm?"
He was wearing almost the exact same clothing he had adorned himself with when she'd first met him. He had on dark sunglasses, a black leather jacket, a black shirt, and a pair of dark jeans. He also had a black duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
He chuckled. "I could say the same about you. Where did you get the money?"
"I slept in an alley and people assumed I was homeless." She turned her head and gazed back at the children playing at the park. "Things are very different on the outside of the Centre. When I traveled with Broots, I thought I'd seen all that humans could do in every shape and form to some varying degree. I guess I still have a lot to learn."
Jarod watched the park also and smiled. "That statement's more true than you could ever hope to know. I've been running out here for nearly two or three years and they still surprise me in someway everyday." He then snapped his fingers. "Oh! I almost forgot." He opened his duffel bag and searched around before pulling out a red folder. He opened it and then removed two pieces of paper.
She raised an eyebrow. "Is that the famous red folder I've heard about?"
"Not the original. The Centre took and confiscated all of the stuff I had at the cabin, but I've been buying and storing things in a secret location here in Blue Cove, along with some money I've 'appropriated' from them, ever since I first got out so that should I ever need to make a hasty escape, I can leave my stuff behind without worrying about it." he frowned. "Though it is really a shame that they stole all of my pez containers. I had a really good collection going…"
She couldn't help but laugh. "You hid things you wanted to keep safe here, in Blue Cove?"
"They'd never think to look here would they?"
"No, I suppose not." She then frowned at the papers he held. "So, what are those?"
"Actually, I'm not sure. I was getting my stuff from the hide-away, and I was checking to see if my laptop still worked when it came up with a message that I had mail."
"Mail? You mean E-mail? But I didn't think that you let anyone know your address."
He was just as surprised as her. "I don't. Not unless I need Sydney or one of the other people on the pursuit team to do something for me. But even then, it's carefully concealed and there are tons of safety precautions."
She tilted her head. "So, who sent it?"
He looked heaven ward with a smirk. "Actually, it was Angelo." He held up his hands. "Don't ask me how he does it, even when I've tried, unsuccessfully I might add, to pretend him, I couldn't understand how he did anything. But anyhow, it seems that Broots typed this up for you, and Angelo routed it to me."
While Elf 17 blinked in confusion, he handed her the papers. She took them, a bit cautiously, and then began reading the letter that had been typed up aloud.
"Dear Elf 17,
The night after the Centre let me go home, my daughter asked me why I hadn't been able to leave before. What I'd told her was that my bosses thought that I'd done something they thought to be bad, and hadn't let me return because they wanted to find out if I really did it or not. It was the easiest way I could explain it to her, because even though she is thirteen and really smart, I still can't understand the Centre. She'd taken my explanation well enough, and had then asked me what had made them decide to let me off the hook. I'd told her it was because I had a very special friend who was looking out for me. (I saw the security footage. I still can't believe that you did those tests for me.) After I told her, she'd asked very simply, 'did you thank them'?
"It had made me wonder, and I'd realized that I hadn't. Yeah, I know that I turned off the computer functions, but I did that simply because it was the right thing to do. So, here I am, typing at my computer, writing things that could very easily get me killed if shown to the right person. No, I don't have a secret hope to commit suicide, but I needed to get you my 'thank-you' and I'm not about to spend the next two years trying to do it. =)
"On the page I have attached, is my gift to you. You can turn it down if you wish, it is your choice to do so, but I just wanted to try and give you something from my heart that would fully show and express to you my gratitude. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to when I can see you again, hopefully from the same side of the battlefield."
Elf 17 stopped and looked up at Jarod, judging his reaction and trying to see if it matched her own.
It did. His eyes were wide with wonder, and his mouth was opened slightly. He motioned with his hand for her to go on and she complied. The next paper looked like an official declaration.
"Dear sir or madam,
This document that you have received is a certifiable legal statement that will be added to state and federal records. This change upon your condition has either been requested or given to you (depending upon your legal status), and is to be seen as a permanent and binding alteration, to take effect three days after this notice is received at exactly twelve noon, corresponding with the time zone of the area in which this document was received. Should you wish to make any changes to the below information, it must be done before the expiration date. We congratulate you on your change, and hope that you are pleased with the results."
Before reading on, she looked up once more at Jarod, and saw that the corners of his mouth were curving into a smile. He knew what this was.
She took a deep breath and then read the last part.
"As of today, your name change is as follows," her eyes lit up with a blinding sparkle that rivaled all the diamonds of the world. "One: Elf 17, shall be henceforth referred to and known as: Astrea Edona Broots."
Her eyes watered and she let out a small sob of joy and elation as untainted ecstasy surged through her veins. She rubbed at her tears before reading the note that had been added on to the certificate by Broots.
"The first and middle parts of the name above is Greek, as I've discovered you're family lineage comes from. Astrea means innocence and purity and Edona means fiery spirit. I thought that they fit you perfectly. I've arranged it with the department who did this name change for me, so that the last name may be changed at any time. I did that so that you can take on the name that should have been yours should you ever find your real family. But until then, I'd like you to be a part of mine.
Your friend,
Broots."
She set down the paper and put a hand over her mouth, floating on a cloud nine that she'd never thought she'd be able to reach. She had a name. She had a true name, chosen with as much thought and compassion as any other. She was not Elf 17 any longer. She was not a simple science project, or a creation of a corporation; she was just she, herself. She was Astrea Edona Broots, and she was free.
Jarod stood up and held out his hand. She sniffed and then let out a rough sigh and carefully pocketed the paper.
"So," she said finally. "We separate now huh?"
He nodded. "That was the plan."
"Yeah." She shuffled her feet and bit her lip. "You know what Jarod? I never really liked following plans."
He studied her. "What are you suggesting?"
"I don't really know how to do the whole 'underdog heroine' bit. I'm not sure how to pick where I go to help people, or how to pick those I help." She clasped her hands behind her back and bounced on the balls of her feet. "You wouldn't mind all that much if I sort of joined you for a while would you? Just for one or two states?"
He pretended to be in deep thought, though he did it with purposeful amateurism. "Well…okay. But for four states, that's it."
She smiled and brought her hands out in front of her. "Thanks Jarod."
"You're welcome…Astrea."
"Astrea…" She murmured thoughtfully. "I'm really going to get used to the sound of that. Hey," she punched his arm playfully. "Race you!" She winked at him and then she dashed off, moving effortlessly across the grass.
"Hey wait! Race me where?" He groaned and shook his head with in exasperation. "What have I gotten myself into?" Then he sprinted off and followed her.
And so the two pretenders, Astrea and Jarod, ran. They ran towards new lives, new experiences, and new discoveries. For they were free, and it could be told from the sound of their laughter as it danced on the breeze, that they were going to use that freedom as best they could.
************************************************************************************
I sincerely hope that the ending to this half of the tale was a fitting one, and that you all enjoyed this little story of mine. Yes, there will be a sequel, and it will be posted in a few days so you need not wait long. But for the moment, our voyage has come to an end and I would like to make my appreciation for every scrap of feedback I received known. This story means a lot to me, as I hope it did to you, because it is my very first fan fiction and, because of all the feedback and reviews I received, it will not be the last. So, until next time, I bid you a fond farewell.
----------------ShadowElfBard