Well I'm back, whether you like it or not. You know if I owned anything in
this story, besides the story line that is, there would already be a fourth
season, or at least an end to "Heart of the Storm." Without further ado.
Legacy: Marguerite's Turn Chapter 2: A Day of Fun By: TheChosenOne
It had been a couple of months since Marguerite's "birthday." Life got back to normal. It was a little awkward at first. None of the explorers knew what to say to Marguerite, and Marguerite didn't know how to read their reactions. Eventually Finn couldn't take it and decided to break the ice. It had been a week after Marguerite's confession. The tension in the air was so thick it was almost tangible. Finn couldn't stand all of the awkward silence. Marguerite was sitting in her own corner of the common room, Veronica was painting, Malone was writing, Roxton was cleaning his guns, and Challenger was actually taking a break from his lab and reading a book in the common room with the others. Although he wasn't taking a break so much as keeping an eye on Marguerite. Her recent lack of color had been worrying him. Finn had walked in the room that afternoon and knew that everyone was concerned about Marguerite; after all, she hadn't said a full sentence to anyone since she woke up from her nap that afternoon. But they all refused to discuss the incident for fear of driving her away. Marguerite felt that the fragile bonds that she had built with this family had either been destroyed or weakened to breaking point.
Finn glanced at each one of her friends. She saw them each glance at Marguerite and she saw Marguerite reading the same page she had been reading since Finn left the room twenty minutes before.
"That's it!" Finn exclaimed. The others all looked up at Finn to see what had her so annoyed. Finn walked over to Marguerite, yanked her off of the chair she was sitting in, and gave her a hug before she had a chance to get angry. Not that she could have said anything if she wanted to, Finn was cutting off her air supply. The young girl realized that she was killing Marguerite instead of helping her and loosened the hug but did not let go. After the air reached her lungs, Marguerite awkwardly returned the hug. It did not take long for tears to spring to both of the girls' eyes.
After getting over her shock, Veronica got up and joined her two friends, her two sisters. Veronica first hugged them both. Then Finn stepped back and let Marguerite and Veronica have their moment together. Finn knew that no matter how much she was like Veronica or Marguerite, Marguerite and Veronica had a bond she could never really share with either of them. Just like Marguerite could not share in the bond Finn and Veronica had, and Veronica could never share in the bond that Marguerite and Finn had. And yes they had a bond. It started when Marguerite taught Finn how to shoot her rifle, then a pistol. Finn then let Marguerite have a go with the crossbow. Finn hadn't even let Veronica do that yet. Yes, they each had their own ways of relating to one another, just like sisters.
Soon Malone was on his feet and walked over to the women. He was definitely shy and self-conscious about hugging this woman. He did feel like he had found an older sister who just liked to tease him a bit, but he wasn't sure how she felt about him. He wasn't so sure she felt as if he was family, a friend, or just someone she had been stuck with for the better part of three years. Yet he knew that she was insecure about what she had shared with them, and Veronica and Finn had just reassured her that she had not lost the family she had earned here. Yes, Marguerite earned every ounce of respect, loyalty, love and even a little admiration that they all gave her. When Marguerite did not stiffen in response to his embrace, he knew that the feelings of siblinghood were reciprocated.
Malone stepped back and gave Marguerite a little smile, when she returned it, he took a bold step and kissed her on the cheek. He knew that stunned her a bit. He then walked over to Veronica and let Challenger have his turn. He walked up to Marguerite, but did not embrace her as the others did. He put his hands on her upper arms and looked down at her. Until now no words had been spoken, for fear of wrecking the moment.
"Marguerite, I don't think I have ever told you how much of a daughter you have become to me. When we first arrived here, I found you to be the most obstinate, infuriating woman I had ever met. After that bee attacked Summerlee, I saw so many things in you that I had never noticed before. I saw a light in your eyes, which I was sure no one else had ever seen. You are an amazing person. You have lived more alone than Veronica I think, and yet you were able to save a little portion of hope for this world, for humanity in general. We have all seen you risk your life for others and not just us either. After all we have been through together, I have come to recognize all of you as the children I denied myself to have. It is easier with five adult children, whose life I don't hold in the palm of my hand. All five of you are adults who just need someone to watch over them, constantly I might add. You, Marguerite, are the most independent of my children; the most determined not rely on anyone else unless it's absolutely necessary. But you are also the one who needs people to rely on the most." After his little speech, he drew his daughter into his arms and let her cry on his shoulder. He always enjoyed his talks with Marguerite on the balcony at night when the others were in bed. They were both night owls. It was then he saw the most of Marguerite's soul. She didn't really open up to him, she just conversed with him. She was the only one left with him that he could actually discuss some of his scientific theories with. Although most of the time they talked about the days events, their house mates, or even the immensity of the universe. It didn't matter what they talked about, it was that they talked that mattered. Challenger pulled back and kissed Marguerite's forehead, he walked over to Finn and whispered, "Well done." Roxton walked up to Marguerite. He wanted to just take her in his arms and kiss all of the doubt, fear, and pain away. But he knew that such a public display of affection right now would be too much for her to handle. There would be plenty of time for such activities later, when they were alone. For now he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. She was no longer crying, she had used most of her tears on Challenger's shoulder. She merely leaned on him in acknowledgement of his comfort and in need of his strength.
"See, I told you you had nothing to worry about. All five of us are here for you when you need us. You do not have to fear being cast out of the treehouse or our family for having human weaknesses." Roxton whispered in her ear.
"Marguerite, none of can claim to understand how hard your life has been. But from what you told us last week, has helped greatly to explain why you have felt such a frantic need to distance yourself from all of us." Challenger explained. Marguerite just smiled and nodded her head.
"Now can we eat lunch, I'm starving." Finn exclaimed. Her friends looked at Finn and laughed at her one-track mind.
Veronica and Malone volunteered to make lunch. Roxton went back to finish his guns. Finn decided to set the table.
"Marguerite, may I speak to you in my lab a second?"
"Sure George, I'll be there in a minute." Marguerite put the book she was pretending to read on the bookshelf and followed Challenger to the lab.
"What is it George?"
"Marguerite, I was wondering if you have been feeling all right lately? Your skin has had a significant lack in color recently. I figured that it is probably due to the fact that you have probably eaten a total of five meals this past week, but I want to make sure."
"I have been feeling a bit weak lately, but that is probably being caused by my lack of nourishment. Sorry to have caused you alarm. I promise to eat three square meals a day again. I think I just got my appetite back." Marguerite turned to walk out of the lab when she turned back around and added, "Thank you for worrying about me as only a father could." With that she went to join the others in the dining room. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * After that eventful afternoon, the days seemed to meld into each other. Nothing significant happened to anyone. Marguerite's color returned and the explorers got back to their daily routines. Even the plateau allowed the little family to regain its strength after its little storm. One day all of that changed. It started out like any other day. They had all gone about their chores. After the chores were done, the women decided they wanted to go out on a picnic. So while the men were out, they packed the basket and gathered the gear. When all three of the men returned from wherever it was they were working that day, the women told the men the plan and they agreed. Veronica led the way to one of her favorite picnic spots that she used to go to as a child. When they got there the explorers all agreed that it was a lovely place. They were in a small meadow where beautiful wild flowers grew. To one side of the meadow was a waterfall that fell into a large pool. So the explorers set out the blanket and the food and ate lunch. Lunch was full of laughter, jokes, crazy stories, and fond memories.
"I felt so bad for Ned. That was the third time that day he got in the head." Veronica finished telling Finn about one of their many adventures. The rest of the group laughed at the memory.
"Hey I had that lump on my head for a week!" Malone exclaimed rubbing his head.
"Which one?" Marguerite's question caused the group to fall into another fit of laughter.
"Well now that we have all gotten a good laugh at my expense, who's up for a swim?" Everyone, with the exception of Challenger and Marguerite, enthusiastically agreed.
"Come on Challenger, Marguerite. The water won't hurt I promise." Roxton tried to coax the two into coming.
"I'll pack up our picnic and meet you down at the waterfall." Marguerite said. It was no longer so strange to hear Marguerite volunteer to do her share of the work. She had begun pitching in a lot more lately. No one questioned it, incase it wouldn't last.
"What do you say Challenger? The exercise will do you some good." Veronica joined in the effort. They were having too much of a good time to let anyone just sit out, and it has been a while since everyone was in such a good mood.
"Alright count me in."
"You guys go ahead. I'll help Marguerite." Challenger, Malone, Finn, and Veronica all headed towards the pond. They knew that Roxton wanted some alone time with Marguerite.
"John what are you doing. You hate packing up when you could be out having more fun."
"I can think of nothing more fun than being here with you, my dear." Roxton slipped his arms around Marguerite's waist and proceeded to kiss her neck.
"You are more of a hindrance than a help, do you know that?" Marguerite tried her best to seem annoyed, but Roxton was just too damn good.
"And you love it."
After everything was put away, Roxton and Marguerite made their way over to their friends. Finn, Malone, and Veronica were having the biggest water war the plateau had ever seen. While Challenger sat off to the side of the pond and relaxed. As they walked up the younger trio stopped what they were doing and focused all of their attacks on the newcomers. Marguerite saw it coming and got out of range. Unfortunately Roxton wasn't as quick. He was almost completely drenched, again. Marguerite nearly fell to the ground because she was laughing so hard.
"Oh you think that's funny Ms. Krux." All fell silent; they didn't know whether Roxton was being serious, or just joking around.
"No, of course not Lord Roxton. I think it's hilarious!" Marguerite and the others burst out laughing. Hey it was Marguerite's funeral.
"Then you'll find this hysterical." In the blink of an eye Roxton scooped Marguerite up and ran up the slope to the top of the waterfall. Before Marguerite could wiggle her way out of it, Roxton jumped into the pond, carrying Ms. Krux with him.
Roxton came up laughing and Marguerite came up with murder in her eyes. The others were going to laugh but one look at the fire in Marguerite's eyes even shut up Finn.
"Roxton! How dare you?!" Marguerite slowly advanced on the hunter. After seeing that she wasn't just playing, he stopped laughing and started to fear for his life. 'Great. There goes our good day.' Veronica thought.
"Marguerite.I. I thought."
"No Roxton you didn't think!" By now Marguerite had backed Roxton out of the water and back up the slope. "I can't believe you! You actually let me push you up here." Before any response could be made Marguerite pushed Roxton back down into the water.
The rest of the group was laughing as hard as they ever laughed before, partly in relief that Marguerite was not really angry, and partly because Roxton was spitting out the whole pond. Apparently Marguerite took Roxton completely by surprise.
"Bravo Marguerite!" Challenger said from below. Malone, Veronica, and Finn began to applaud and Marguerite took a fake bow.
"Wow, I thought you were really going to kill Roxton. But pushing him back in the pond was more entertaining." Finn stated, pointing to Roxton's astonished face.
"I must admit Marguerite." Roxton was cut off when Marguerite's hand went up to silence him and her attention focused on something in the jungle.
"Do you guys hear that? What beautiful music." Marguerite was no longer even speaking to them, more to herself. Her companions glanced at each other but didn't say a word. They all concentrated and they soon heard very faint, very strange music coming from the jungle. Before any of them could say anything, Marguerite moved towards the sounds as if in a trance. In her zombie-like state, Marguerite didn't even grab her weapons. It was the fact that Marguerite went unarmed that worried them. Marguerite was one of the most suspicious of all of them, it wasn't like her to go to strange places unarmed. All five of the explorers got out of the water, gathered their stuff, and followed Marguerite.
Legacy: Marguerite's Turn Chapter 2: A Day of Fun By: TheChosenOne
It had been a couple of months since Marguerite's "birthday." Life got back to normal. It was a little awkward at first. None of the explorers knew what to say to Marguerite, and Marguerite didn't know how to read their reactions. Eventually Finn couldn't take it and decided to break the ice. It had been a week after Marguerite's confession. The tension in the air was so thick it was almost tangible. Finn couldn't stand all of the awkward silence. Marguerite was sitting in her own corner of the common room, Veronica was painting, Malone was writing, Roxton was cleaning his guns, and Challenger was actually taking a break from his lab and reading a book in the common room with the others. Although he wasn't taking a break so much as keeping an eye on Marguerite. Her recent lack of color had been worrying him. Finn had walked in the room that afternoon and knew that everyone was concerned about Marguerite; after all, she hadn't said a full sentence to anyone since she woke up from her nap that afternoon. But they all refused to discuss the incident for fear of driving her away. Marguerite felt that the fragile bonds that she had built with this family had either been destroyed or weakened to breaking point.
Finn glanced at each one of her friends. She saw them each glance at Marguerite and she saw Marguerite reading the same page she had been reading since Finn left the room twenty minutes before.
"That's it!" Finn exclaimed. The others all looked up at Finn to see what had her so annoyed. Finn walked over to Marguerite, yanked her off of the chair she was sitting in, and gave her a hug before she had a chance to get angry. Not that she could have said anything if she wanted to, Finn was cutting off her air supply. The young girl realized that she was killing Marguerite instead of helping her and loosened the hug but did not let go. After the air reached her lungs, Marguerite awkwardly returned the hug. It did not take long for tears to spring to both of the girls' eyes.
After getting over her shock, Veronica got up and joined her two friends, her two sisters. Veronica first hugged them both. Then Finn stepped back and let Marguerite and Veronica have their moment together. Finn knew that no matter how much she was like Veronica or Marguerite, Marguerite and Veronica had a bond she could never really share with either of them. Just like Marguerite could not share in the bond Finn and Veronica had, and Veronica could never share in the bond that Marguerite and Finn had. And yes they had a bond. It started when Marguerite taught Finn how to shoot her rifle, then a pistol. Finn then let Marguerite have a go with the crossbow. Finn hadn't even let Veronica do that yet. Yes, they each had their own ways of relating to one another, just like sisters.
Soon Malone was on his feet and walked over to the women. He was definitely shy and self-conscious about hugging this woman. He did feel like he had found an older sister who just liked to tease him a bit, but he wasn't sure how she felt about him. He wasn't so sure she felt as if he was family, a friend, or just someone she had been stuck with for the better part of three years. Yet he knew that she was insecure about what she had shared with them, and Veronica and Finn had just reassured her that she had not lost the family she had earned here. Yes, Marguerite earned every ounce of respect, loyalty, love and even a little admiration that they all gave her. When Marguerite did not stiffen in response to his embrace, he knew that the feelings of siblinghood were reciprocated.
Malone stepped back and gave Marguerite a little smile, when she returned it, he took a bold step and kissed her on the cheek. He knew that stunned her a bit. He then walked over to Veronica and let Challenger have his turn. He walked up to Marguerite, but did not embrace her as the others did. He put his hands on her upper arms and looked down at her. Until now no words had been spoken, for fear of wrecking the moment.
"Marguerite, I don't think I have ever told you how much of a daughter you have become to me. When we first arrived here, I found you to be the most obstinate, infuriating woman I had ever met. After that bee attacked Summerlee, I saw so many things in you that I had never noticed before. I saw a light in your eyes, which I was sure no one else had ever seen. You are an amazing person. You have lived more alone than Veronica I think, and yet you were able to save a little portion of hope for this world, for humanity in general. We have all seen you risk your life for others and not just us either. After all we have been through together, I have come to recognize all of you as the children I denied myself to have. It is easier with five adult children, whose life I don't hold in the palm of my hand. All five of you are adults who just need someone to watch over them, constantly I might add. You, Marguerite, are the most independent of my children; the most determined not rely on anyone else unless it's absolutely necessary. But you are also the one who needs people to rely on the most." After his little speech, he drew his daughter into his arms and let her cry on his shoulder. He always enjoyed his talks with Marguerite on the balcony at night when the others were in bed. They were both night owls. It was then he saw the most of Marguerite's soul. She didn't really open up to him, she just conversed with him. She was the only one left with him that he could actually discuss some of his scientific theories with. Although most of the time they talked about the days events, their house mates, or even the immensity of the universe. It didn't matter what they talked about, it was that they talked that mattered. Challenger pulled back and kissed Marguerite's forehead, he walked over to Finn and whispered, "Well done." Roxton walked up to Marguerite. He wanted to just take her in his arms and kiss all of the doubt, fear, and pain away. But he knew that such a public display of affection right now would be too much for her to handle. There would be plenty of time for such activities later, when they were alone. For now he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. She was no longer crying, she had used most of her tears on Challenger's shoulder. She merely leaned on him in acknowledgement of his comfort and in need of his strength.
"See, I told you you had nothing to worry about. All five of us are here for you when you need us. You do not have to fear being cast out of the treehouse or our family for having human weaknesses." Roxton whispered in her ear.
"Marguerite, none of can claim to understand how hard your life has been. But from what you told us last week, has helped greatly to explain why you have felt such a frantic need to distance yourself from all of us." Challenger explained. Marguerite just smiled and nodded her head.
"Now can we eat lunch, I'm starving." Finn exclaimed. Her friends looked at Finn and laughed at her one-track mind.
Veronica and Malone volunteered to make lunch. Roxton went back to finish his guns. Finn decided to set the table.
"Marguerite, may I speak to you in my lab a second?"
"Sure George, I'll be there in a minute." Marguerite put the book she was pretending to read on the bookshelf and followed Challenger to the lab.
"What is it George?"
"Marguerite, I was wondering if you have been feeling all right lately? Your skin has had a significant lack in color recently. I figured that it is probably due to the fact that you have probably eaten a total of five meals this past week, but I want to make sure."
"I have been feeling a bit weak lately, but that is probably being caused by my lack of nourishment. Sorry to have caused you alarm. I promise to eat three square meals a day again. I think I just got my appetite back." Marguerite turned to walk out of the lab when she turned back around and added, "Thank you for worrying about me as only a father could." With that she went to join the others in the dining room. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * After that eventful afternoon, the days seemed to meld into each other. Nothing significant happened to anyone. Marguerite's color returned and the explorers got back to their daily routines. Even the plateau allowed the little family to regain its strength after its little storm. One day all of that changed. It started out like any other day. They had all gone about their chores. After the chores were done, the women decided they wanted to go out on a picnic. So while the men were out, they packed the basket and gathered the gear. When all three of the men returned from wherever it was they were working that day, the women told the men the plan and they agreed. Veronica led the way to one of her favorite picnic spots that she used to go to as a child. When they got there the explorers all agreed that it was a lovely place. They were in a small meadow where beautiful wild flowers grew. To one side of the meadow was a waterfall that fell into a large pool. So the explorers set out the blanket and the food and ate lunch. Lunch was full of laughter, jokes, crazy stories, and fond memories.
"I felt so bad for Ned. That was the third time that day he got in the head." Veronica finished telling Finn about one of their many adventures. The rest of the group laughed at the memory.
"Hey I had that lump on my head for a week!" Malone exclaimed rubbing his head.
"Which one?" Marguerite's question caused the group to fall into another fit of laughter.
"Well now that we have all gotten a good laugh at my expense, who's up for a swim?" Everyone, with the exception of Challenger and Marguerite, enthusiastically agreed.
"Come on Challenger, Marguerite. The water won't hurt I promise." Roxton tried to coax the two into coming.
"I'll pack up our picnic and meet you down at the waterfall." Marguerite said. It was no longer so strange to hear Marguerite volunteer to do her share of the work. She had begun pitching in a lot more lately. No one questioned it, incase it wouldn't last.
"What do you say Challenger? The exercise will do you some good." Veronica joined in the effort. They were having too much of a good time to let anyone just sit out, and it has been a while since everyone was in such a good mood.
"Alright count me in."
"You guys go ahead. I'll help Marguerite." Challenger, Malone, Finn, and Veronica all headed towards the pond. They knew that Roxton wanted some alone time with Marguerite.
"John what are you doing. You hate packing up when you could be out having more fun."
"I can think of nothing more fun than being here with you, my dear." Roxton slipped his arms around Marguerite's waist and proceeded to kiss her neck.
"You are more of a hindrance than a help, do you know that?" Marguerite tried her best to seem annoyed, but Roxton was just too damn good.
"And you love it."
After everything was put away, Roxton and Marguerite made their way over to their friends. Finn, Malone, and Veronica were having the biggest water war the plateau had ever seen. While Challenger sat off to the side of the pond and relaxed. As they walked up the younger trio stopped what they were doing and focused all of their attacks on the newcomers. Marguerite saw it coming and got out of range. Unfortunately Roxton wasn't as quick. He was almost completely drenched, again. Marguerite nearly fell to the ground because she was laughing so hard.
"Oh you think that's funny Ms. Krux." All fell silent; they didn't know whether Roxton was being serious, or just joking around.
"No, of course not Lord Roxton. I think it's hilarious!" Marguerite and the others burst out laughing. Hey it was Marguerite's funeral.
"Then you'll find this hysterical." In the blink of an eye Roxton scooped Marguerite up and ran up the slope to the top of the waterfall. Before Marguerite could wiggle her way out of it, Roxton jumped into the pond, carrying Ms. Krux with him.
Roxton came up laughing and Marguerite came up with murder in her eyes. The others were going to laugh but one look at the fire in Marguerite's eyes even shut up Finn.
"Roxton! How dare you?!" Marguerite slowly advanced on the hunter. After seeing that she wasn't just playing, he stopped laughing and started to fear for his life. 'Great. There goes our good day.' Veronica thought.
"Marguerite.I. I thought."
"No Roxton you didn't think!" By now Marguerite had backed Roxton out of the water and back up the slope. "I can't believe you! You actually let me push you up here." Before any response could be made Marguerite pushed Roxton back down into the water.
The rest of the group was laughing as hard as they ever laughed before, partly in relief that Marguerite was not really angry, and partly because Roxton was spitting out the whole pond. Apparently Marguerite took Roxton completely by surprise.
"Bravo Marguerite!" Challenger said from below. Malone, Veronica, and Finn began to applaud and Marguerite took a fake bow.
"Wow, I thought you were really going to kill Roxton. But pushing him back in the pond was more entertaining." Finn stated, pointing to Roxton's astonished face.
"I must admit Marguerite." Roxton was cut off when Marguerite's hand went up to silence him and her attention focused on something in the jungle.
"Do you guys hear that? What beautiful music." Marguerite was no longer even speaking to them, more to herself. Her companions glanced at each other but didn't say a word. They all concentrated and they soon heard very faint, very strange music coming from the jungle. Before any of them could say anything, Marguerite moved towards the sounds as if in a trance. In her zombie-like state, Marguerite didn't even grab her weapons. It was the fact that Marguerite went unarmed that worried them. Marguerite was one of the most suspicious of all of them, it wasn't like her to go to strange places unarmed. All five of the explorers got out of the water, gathered their stuff, and followed Marguerite.
