Disclaimer: These are not my characters, I am only borrowing them
Author's Note: Thank you to all those who reviewed my story. Here's the first part The Connection there will be one more part to this chapter and then after that one more chapter. I hope you enjoy it, feel free to write in with suggestions or comments.
~*~*~ The Connection (part 1) ~*~*~
Challenger took a step forward "What the blazes is that?"
Finn waved her hand at him "shush, challenger they're talking"
The explores became silent and watched the images. All wondering what was really going on. Veronica and Marguerite removed their hands from the field but still the images stayed and the voices became very clear as if they were really there instead of just images.
The girls stood before what seemed to be a throne of likes and both had on their faces expressions of anger and rebellion.
"We want to go mother" said the young Abigail firmly
"You can't keep us against our will" spoke the other young girl
The woman seated on the throne was no longer young but still obvious was the great beauty that had been there. She sighed as she looked at the girls. Both with defiant expressions on their faces. Softly, calmly she spoke "Abigail, Vivian please be reasonable. The plateau is dangerous, it is not fit for either of you, having grown up in here in Avalon you do not know how to live out in that world."
The girls exchanged looks of confusion. "Mother" said Abigail "we weren't talking about going out into the plateau"
"You weren't?"
Vivian shook her head "no, of course not, it's savage out there. It is to the Outside we wish to go"
The look of horror that crossed the older woman's face would have been comical had their not been so much terror in it. "Absolutely not" she said harshly then added "that is my answer, you are dismissed"
The girls were shocked for a moment then anger settled onto their features. "We will not leave, you haven't heard out argument yet" replied Abigail taking a step forward.
"I don't need to hear. If you think the plateau is savage, well let me tell you the Outside is even more so. It tears people to pieces, sucks out all the good and light, leaving behind monsters who are ever worse because they don't realize what monsters they have become. The answer is No I will not allow my girls in that environment. It's not good enough for you."
Vivian took a step forward to stand next to her sister. "It was good enough for you, Mother. You were allowed to go. We've seen images. You went and loved it, you only came back because it was you duty."
She shook her head "It was different then. Not as brutal. I won't allow you."
"Mother, you can not live our lives for us, you can't protect us from everything. We've never left Avalon. We long to see the world. To meet people. Why do you deny us that?" Abigail said softly looking deeply into her mother's eyes.
She sighed, and looked down for a moment. When she looked up there were tears in her eyes. She stood and descended the throne, standing before her girls she placed one hand on each there heads. One dark, the other fair, she held them there for a moment.
Then said softly "If I allow you to go you will indeed see the world and meet people, you will find joy, my daughters." She paused removing her hands from them "but you will also find sorrow. Are you willing to take that chance girls, are you willing to go even though I can assure you, that as happy as you are in your happiest moment just as intense will one day be your pain."
The girls were looking down and stayed that way for a long moment. Then simultaneously they looked up and said softly "yes"
Their mother nodded sadly, she took each face between her hands and pressed a gently kiss to each brow. "You must come immediately when I call for you" she said releasing them.
They nodded, the defiance in their expressions was gone replaced now by a little uncertainty. They were going to be given what they wanted but the warning that had been given to them, had dampened their spirits.
Taking a deep breath their mother waved a hand and a door appeared before the girls. "Alright then my darlings, may god be with you" .
The girls stepped forward into the portal and then just as quickly as the images appeared they were gone leaving the explorers staring at an empty force field.
"Well.." Proclaimed Roxton as he got up "that was.. intriguing"
"It certainly was, the force field served to reflect images to us the images. " Challenger said as he also stood to take a closer look at the field.
Veronica and Marguerite didn't say anything. Even as Finn stated she was hungry and she and Roxton began preparing a meal. Even as Challenger ran around checking this and that. The two women just sat there, not speaking to each other, not even looking at each other. Slowly, as if in a dream, still without looking at each other the two woman reached out and pressed their palms against the field. Once again the lights appeared and the others seeing that the images were returning, also returned to watch.
The two girls, Abigail and Vivian, reappeared only this time they appeared older, they were dressed differently, their manner was more sophisticated - these were not young girls but young women. Vivian was sitting on the bed, tears streaming down her face as Abigail paced back and forth the small room.
"Vivvy , stop that you're making it worse. Tears aren't going to fix anything." Abigail's voice was firm but tender as she stopped and knelt by the side of the bed. She reached for her sister's hand and gave it a gently squeeze. "It'll be okay, you'll see, things will work out"
Wiping at her tears Vivvy shook her head "no it's not going to be okay. For Christ's sake I'm Pregnant!!!" standing up she paced to the other side to the room. 'What am I going to do?
Standing up with her, Abby reached out and grabbed her sisters arm to stop her pacing "Your going to stop crying, that's what your going to do" she said gently "No crying over the conception of a child."
Vivvy looked at her and nodded, wiping at her tears. Silently, both sisters agreed to go into the small parlor that adjoined the bedroom. It was decorated very nicely, with warm colors and plush carpet. They took seats and then just sat. Both working out in their minds what this child meant to there way of life.
"he'd marry you" Abby said softly
She nodded "I know"
"but your not going to let him are you?"
Vivvy sighed "No I'm not"
Abby opened her mouth to argue but Vivvy continued firmly "I don't want to hear it Abby. He's married. He has children. In my mind that closes the issue."
"He's not going to let you disappear, any more than Thomas would let me disappear and you know it"
"I'll make him, I'll threaten to tell his wife or something"
Abby smiled "He'd like that"
"Yeah I know he would. Its just.he has children, Abby. I can't"
"Why not? He's yours, he's your mate. Just like Thomas is mine. We were all destined to be together. It was meant to be. She's the one that got in the way. She interfered with divine mates."
"I can't do it, Abby, I just can't, I could never live with myself."
"Fine but that doesn't erase the fact that he loves you and when he finds out your going to give him a child, he's not just going to let you leave his life. I mean you saw what happened last year, when we were going to leave, both Richard and Thomas demanded explanations and when we told them the truth, do you remember what their reaction was?"
Abby was well into her tirade now, leaning forward in her seat and gesturing widely with her hands, she didn't even give Vivvy a chance to speak before she continued "They said they'd come with, that they'd mount an expedition and travel to South America with us. Now do you think he's just going to let you leave his life, he'd follow you anywhere."
Vivvy didn't respond just looked down. Then after a moment she lifted her head and said almost inaudibly "I'll clear him"
Abby's eyes widened "you can't.that's.I mean..Its...Mother would never allow it" she finished but just in her tone you could tell that she knew it was a lame argument.
Vivvy tilting her chin stubbornly "I don't have to consult, Mother on it. I'm a woman now. I make my own decisions. We've been living in the Outside for almost 4 years now. I think its safe to say that our judgment is sound. This is necessary and you know it"
Abby was silent.
"You don know it, don't you, Abby? This is the only way, right?" The proud girl of a few moments ago was now replaced by an uncertain youth seeking the approval of her sibling.
Abby nodded "Yes it is the way, the only way he'd ever let you go if is he never knew you at all"
"I'll talk to him about it. He may do it willingly. It would certainly simplify his life"
Abby nodded and said softly "He may"
The girls were silent. The silence was heavy, consuming them, both pretended to be thinking but in truth neither was. They had never used the gift in the Outside, they had considered it but always had opted not too. What was the point of meeting people like they had told their Mother if they were going to clear the minds of everyone who didn't like them? So there were a few people across Europe who didn't have the fondest memories of either of them, that was alright, it was all part of living.
Suddenly out of no where Abby's face lit up with a smile "I'm going to be an aunt!"
Vivvy smiled "that took long enough to sink in"
Abby got up and wrapped her sister in an embrace "I'm going to be an aunt!!!! I'll be Aunt Abby!!"
"No your not, not if you squeeze the life out of me!!..let go Abby" She said laughing.
Abby pulled her to her feet and began jumping up and down laughing and screaming 'I'm going to an Aunt!!!!!!!"
On this not note the images disappeared once again. Everyone was silent waiting for Veronica's and Marguerite's reactions.
It was Marguerite who spoke softly she said "Richard is my fathers name" she turned to look at Veronica "You don't think..that woman."
Veronica reached for her hand "lets see", she said softly. As their hands gently touched the field. New images appeared on it.
It was a darkened room in it stood a tall man with dark and broad shoulders. His face was serious and he looked weary. Beside him stood a shorter man with a doctor's bag in his hands.
"It's alright, Sir Richard, she'll be okay as soon as she gets some rest"
Richard nodded "And the baby" he asked softly
"She's perfect, an angel, go take a look, she's in the cradle over there. I must get going"
The doctor made a move to leave but Richard grabbed his arm and placed several bills into his hand. "This stays quiet" was all he said but the 'or else' was clearly implied.
The young doctor nodded "it goes to the grave with me Sir."
Richard nodded. When the man left the room. He proceeded to the foot of the bed, where the woman he loved lay. She was asleep, her dark curls splayed out around, chest gently rising and falling. She looked peaceful, thank god. He hadn't been around when his wife had given birth. As a result never in his life had he felt so helpless as when he had stood holding her hand as pain had wracked her body. She had screamed in agony and he hadn't been able to help her, but the worst were her tears. He hated it when she cried, hated it when those shining blue eyes were dimmed by tears.
Just then a small cry was heard and he turned with a smile. He made his way over to the crib. There lay his daughter. He lifted her gently and smiled wider when she opened blurry blue eyes "The doctor was right" he said softly "you are perfect. You have your Mother's eyes - lucky you." Glancing at the bed "She has beautiful eyes."
"Richard?" came a sleepy voice from the bed "is that you?"
"Yeah" he said. Stepping into the light but staying far enough from the bed that she couldn't reach him "its me"
Sitting up slowly she took in the image of him holding their daughter with hungry eyes. Knowing it would have to last a lifetime. After a moment she said "It's time Richard, come give her to me" her voice was soft, regretful.
He looked down at the sleeping child. "How does this work again? I forget about you, is that it?"
She smiled but he could tell she was on the verge of tears "No Richard you don't forget. You just never knew. It will be like you never met me. I will never have exited in your life and thus neither will she"
He looked down at his bundle again. Could he really give her up? Didn't he have a right to her?
"Give her to me Viv. I'll take her, I'll take care of her, let me keep her, please. Let me have this piece of you."
Her eyes filled with tears "No, I'm sorry I can't. Please Richard, don't make this any harder than it has to be, please just give her to me and let me clear you."
"I can't"
"It won't hurt, I promise, One moment of pain when you put her in my arms and then it will be gone. You won't miss us, you'll never have known us."
He took a step towards her, "What about you?" he said softy
She gave him a shaky smile "I won't be so lucky, I'll always miss you, always remember you."
"We'd be happy Viv. If you gave us a chance, we could be happy."
She nodded "I know, but its not right Richard, and you know. 'Us' should never have exited in the first place." She looked and him directly "give her to me and come, don't make this more painful than it has to be" she paused and the tears spilled out over her cheeks "Please Richard, don't make this any harder than it already is, can't you see how much it hurts? Let's just get it over with..please. You promised. You said if I let you see her you'd let me clear you, that was the deal."
"I know, but now..I just.I don't think I can. Viv I could take care of her, I cou -"
"NO! Richard, you couldn't! You can't protect her!!! If word got out that a Protector was with an Outsider, everything!! would come after her. And you can't protect her from it!!!" She took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm herself "only if I stripped her gift could you take care of her and I won't do that. Her gift is her legacy and I won't take that away."
He was silent for a moment then said with quiet resolve. "Give me your word. Your word that someday, somehow I'll hold her again, that I'll know she's my daughter, someday. I want your word that if I give her up now, you'll give her back to me, even if it's just for a moment"
She shook her head, the tears coming fast now "I can't do that."
"please, give me that Viv"
She took a deep breath "I.can't..I.oh alright! Fine I give you my word. Someday, somehow you'll hold her and know she's yours. Now come please."
He placed a gentle kiss on the child's head and then went and placed her in Vivian's arms. As she placed her hand on his head and met his eyes. He said firmly "You won't be able to do it."
She blinked a little "I won't?" she said uncertainly
"No you won't. It doesn't matter how powerful you are, you won't be able to erase my love for you."
She smiled gently "I know, love doesn't erase. I couldn't even if I wanted to. All I can do is still its passion and redirect its course."
He nodded "I love you"
She smoothed his hair as more tears flowed "I love you"
Then she closed her eyes and a subtle glow illuminated her form. When she reopened her eyes they were intense and focused while his were now blurred. She kept the eye contact and after a moment she said firmly in a passive voice "You love your wife and children, they are your reason for living, never again will you stray from your marriage. All your love and affection is to be focused on them. Erased from your mind are memories of this woman and her child. Gone from your thoughts are images of your times together. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for her and her child. " she paused "These past years will become blurred with many others, nothing significant will ever pop up about them. In obscurity they will always remain. Go home now, and never look back."
He stood like a zombie and without so much as a moments hesitation left the room.
Vivvy looked down at her little girl and finally let the sobs out, she let herself cry and when her daughter started crying she let her cry too. They had both lost something today, something they would never have back and the pain of that blocked out everything else. It could have been moments, minutes, or hours that mother and daughter stayed like that - crying together but when it was over Vivian felt renewed, she had shed her old life and now she started a new one.
The image had begun to fade away when Marguerite bolted from her chair and headed for the balcony proclaiming in general that she 'needed some air'. The group was silent when she left. The implications that these images were portraying were beginning to get clearer. But still there were questions.
Veronica stood "I'll get her" she said softly. The others nodded. Knowing that whatever was going on involved only the two of them.
Veronica stood behind her but didn't say anything. Marguerite broke the silence "That was my father." She said quietly "That was Richard Krux" she tuned to face Veronica "how can..-"
Veronica held up her hand "I don't know, but I know how we an figure it out." She paused "We're getting closer - can you feel it?"
Marguerite nodded "yeah"
"come on, let's finish this"
To be Continued...
Author's Note: Thank you to all those who reviewed my story. Here's the first part The Connection there will be one more part to this chapter and then after that one more chapter. I hope you enjoy it, feel free to write in with suggestions or comments.
~*~*~ The Connection (part 1) ~*~*~
Challenger took a step forward "What the blazes is that?"
Finn waved her hand at him "shush, challenger they're talking"
The explores became silent and watched the images. All wondering what was really going on. Veronica and Marguerite removed their hands from the field but still the images stayed and the voices became very clear as if they were really there instead of just images.
The girls stood before what seemed to be a throne of likes and both had on their faces expressions of anger and rebellion.
"We want to go mother" said the young Abigail firmly
"You can't keep us against our will" spoke the other young girl
The woman seated on the throne was no longer young but still obvious was the great beauty that had been there. She sighed as she looked at the girls. Both with defiant expressions on their faces. Softly, calmly she spoke "Abigail, Vivian please be reasonable. The plateau is dangerous, it is not fit for either of you, having grown up in here in Avalon you do not know how to live out in that world."
The girls exchanged looks of confusion. "Mother" said Abigail "we weren't talking about going out into the plateau"
"You weren't?"
Vivian shook her head "no, of course not, it's savage out there. It is to the Outside we wish to go"
The look of horror that crossed the older woman's face would have been comical had their not been so much terror in it. "Absolutely not" she said harshly then added "that is my answer, you are dismissed"
The girls were shocked for a moment then anger settled onto their features. "We will not leave, you haven't heard out argument yet" replied Abigail taking a step forward.
"I don't need to hear. If you think the plateau is savage, well let me tell you the Outside is even more so. It tears people to pieces, sucks out all the good and light, leaving behind monsters who are ever worse because they don't realize what monsters they have become. The answer is No I will not allow my girls in that environment. It's not good enough for you."
Vivian took a step forward to stand next to her sister. "It was good enough for you, Mother. You were allowed to go. We've seen images. You went and loved it, you only came back because it was you duty."
She shook her head "It was different then. Not as brutal. I won't allow you."
"Mother, you can not live our lives for us, you can't protect us from everything. We've never left Avalon. We long to see the world. To meet people. Why do you deny us that?" Abigail said softly looking deeply into her mother's eyes.
She sighed, and looked down for a moment. When she looked up there were tears in her eyes. She stood and descended the throne, standing before her girls she placed one hand on each there heads. One dark, the other fair, she held them there for a moment.
Then said softly "If I allow you to go you will indeed see the world and meet people, you will find joy, my daughters." She paused removing her hands from them "but you will also find sorrow. Are you willing to take that chance girls, are you willing to go even though I can assure you, that as happy as you are in your happiest moment just as intense will one day be your pain."
The girls were looking down and stayed that way for a long moment. Then simultaneously they looked up and said softly "yes"
Their mother nodded sadly, she took each face between her hands and pressed a gently kiss to each brow. "You must come immediately when I call for you" she said releasing them.
They nodded, the defiance in their expressions was gone replaced now by a little uncertainty. They were going to be given what they wanted but the warning that had been given to them, had dampened their spirits.
Taking a deep breath their mother waved a hand and a door appeared before the girls. "Alright then my darlings, may god be with you" .
The girls stepped forward into the portal and then just as quickly as the images appeared they were gone leaving the explorers staring at an empty force field.
"Well.." Proclaimed Roxton as he got up "that was.. intriguing"
"It certainly was, the force field served to reflect images to us the images. " Challenger said as he also stood to take a closer look at the field.
Veronica and Marguerite didn't say anything. Even as Finn stated she was hungry and she and Roxton began preparing a meal. Even as Challenger ran around checking this and that. The two women just sat there, not speaking to each other, not even looking at each other. Slowly, as if in a dream, still without looking at each other the two woman reached out and pressed their palms against the field. Once again the lights appeared and the others seeing that the images were returning, also returned to watch.
The two girls, Abigail and Vivian, reappeared only this time they appeared older, they were dressed differently, their manner was more sophisticated - these were not young girls but young women. Vivian was sitting on the bed, tears streaming down her face as Abigail paced back and forth the small room.
"Vivvy , stop that you're making it worse. Tears aren't going to fix anything." Abigail's voice was firm but tender as she stopped and knelt by the side of the bed. She reached for her sister's hand and gave it a gently squeeze. "It'll be okay, you'll see, things will work out"
Wiping at her tears Vivvy shook her head "no it's not going to be okay. For Christ's sake I'm Pregnant!!!" standing up she paced to the other side to the room. 'What am I going to do?
Standing up with her, Abby reached out and grabbed her sisters arm to stop her pacing "Your going to stop crying, that's what your going to do" she said gently "No crying over the conception of a child."
Vivvy looked at her and nodded, wiping at her tears. Silently, both sisters agreed to go into the small parlor that adjoined the bedroom. It was decorated very nicely, with warm colors and plush carpet. They took seats and then just sat. Both working out in their minds what this child meant to there way of life.
"he'd marry you" Abby said softly
She nodded "I know"
"but your not going to let him are you?"
Vivvy sighed "No I'm not"
Abby opened her mouth to argue but Vivvy continued firmly "I don't want to hear it Abby. He's married. He has children. In my mind that closes the issue."
"He's not going to let you disappear, any more than Thomas would let me disappear and you know it"
"I'll make him, I'll threaten to tell his wife or something"
Abby smiled "He'd like that"
"Yeah I know he would. Its just.he has children, Abby. I can't"
"Why not? He's yours, he's your mate. Just like Thomas is mine. We were all destined to be together. It was meant to be. She's the one that got in the way. She interfered with divine mates."
"I can't do it, Abby, I just can't, I could never live with myself."
"Fine but that doesn't erase the fact that he loves you and when he finds out your going to give him a child, he's not just going to let you leave his life. I mean you saw what happened last year, when we were going to leave, both Richard and Thomas demanded explanations and when we told them the truth, do you remember what their reaction was?"
Abby was well into her tirade now, leaning forward in her seat and gesturing widely with her hands, she didn't even give Vivvy a chance to speak before she continued "They said they'd come with, that they'd mount an expedition and travel to South America with us. Now do you think he's just going to let you leave his life, he'd follow you anywhere."
Vivvy didn't respond just looked down. Then after a moment she lifted her head and said almost inaudibly "I'll clear him"
Abby's eyes widened "you can't.that's.I mean..Its...Mother would never allow it" she finished but just in her tone you could tell that she knew it was a lame argument.
Vivvy tilting her chin stubbornly "I don't have to consult, Mother on it. I'm a woman now. I make my own decisions. We've been living in the Outside for almost 4 years now. I think its safe to say that our judgment is sound. This is necessary and you know it"
Abby was silent.
"You don know it, don't you, Abby? This is the only way, right?" The proud girl of a few moments ago was now replaced by an uncertain youth seeking the approval of her sibling.
Abby nodded "Yes it is the way, the only way he'd ever let you go if is he never knew you at all"
"I'll talk to him about it. He may do it willingly. It would certainly simplify his life"
Abby nodded and said softly "He may"
The girls were silent. The silence was heavy, consuming them, both pretended to be thinking but in truth neither was. They had never used the gift in the Outside, they had considered it but always had opted not too. What was the point of meeting people like they had told their Mother if they were going to clear the minds of everyone who didn't like them? So there were a few people across Europe who didn't have the fondest memories of either of them, that was alright, it was all part of living.
Suddenly out of no where Abby's face lit up with a smile "I'm going to be an aunt!"
Vivvy smiled "that took long enough to sink in"
Abby got up and wrapped her sister in an embrace "I'm going to be an aunt!!!! I'll be Aunt Abby!!"
"No your not, not if you squeeze the life out of me!!..let go Abby" She said laughing.
Abby pulled her to her feet and began jumping up and down laughing and screaming 'I'm going to an Aunt!!!!!!!"
On this not note the images disappeared once again. Everyone was silent waiting for Veronica's and Marguerite's reactions.
It was Marguerite who spoke softly she said "Richard is my fathers name" she turned to look at Veronica "You don't think..that woman."
Veronica reached for her hand "lets see", she said softly. As their hands gently touched the field. New images appeared on it.
It was a darkened room in it stood a tall man with dark and broad shoulders. His face was serious and he looked weary. Beside him stood a shorter man with a doctor's bag in his hands.
"It's alright, Sir Richard, she'll be okay as soon as she gets some rest"
Richard nodded "And the baby" he asked softly
"She's perfect, an angel, go take a look, she's in the cradle over there. I must get going"
The doctor made a move to leave but Richard grabbed his arm and placed several bills into his hand. "This stays quiet" was all he said but the 'or else' was clearly implied.
The young doctor nodded "it goes to the grave with me Sir."
Richard nodded. When the man left the room. He proceeded to the foot of the bed, where the woman he loved lay. She was asleep, her dark curls splayed out around, chest gently rising and falling. She looked peaceful, thank god. He hadn't been around when his wife had given birth. As a result never in his life had he felt so helpless as when he had stood holding her hand as pain had wracked her body. She had screamed in agony and he hadn't been able to help her, but the worst were her tears. He hated it when she cried, hated it when those shining blue eyes were dimmed by tears.
Just then a small cry was heard and he turned with a smile. He made his way over to the crib. There lay his daughter. He lifted her gently and smiled wider when she opened blurry blue eyes "The doctor was right" he said softly "you are perfect. You have your Mother's eyes - lucky you." Glancing at the bed "She has beautiful eyes."
"Richard?" came a sleepy voice from the bed "is that you?"
"Yeah" he said. Stepping into the light but staying far enough from the bed that she couldn't reach him "its me"
Sitting up slowly she took in the image of him holding their daughter with hungry eyes. Knowing it would have to last a lifetime. After a moment she said "It's time Richard, come give her to me" her voice was soft, regretful.
He looked down at the sleeping child. "How does this work again? I forget about you, is that it?"
She smiled but he could tell she was on the verge of tears "No Richard you don't forget. You just never knew. It will be like you never met me. I will never have exited in your life and thus neither will she"
He looked down at his bundle again. Could he really give her up? Didn't he have a right to her?
"Give her to me Viv. I'll take her, I'll take care of her, let me keep her, please. Let me have this piece of you."
Her eyes filled with tears "No, I'm sorry I can't. Please Richard, don't make this any harder than it has to be, please just give her to me and let me clear you."
"I can't"
"It won't hurt, I promise, One moment of pain when you put her in my arms and then it will be gone. You won't miss us, you'll never have known us."
He took a step towards her, "What about you?" he said softy
She gave him a shaky smile "I won't be so lucky, I'll always miss you, always remember you."
"We'd be happy Viv. If you gave us a chance, we could be happy."
She nodded "I know, but its not right Richard, and you know. 'Us' should never have exited in the first place." She looked and him directly "give her to me and come, don't make this more painful than it has to be" she paused and the tears spilled out over her cheeks "Please Richard, don't make this any harder than it already is, can't you see how much it hurts? Let's just get it over with..please. You promised. You said if I let you see her you'd let me clear you, that was the deal."
"I know, but now..I just.I don't think I can. Viv I could take care of her, I cou -"
"NO! Richard, you couldn't! You can't protect her!!! If word got out that a Protector was with an Outsider, everything!! would come after her. And you can't protect her from it!!!" She took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm herself "only if I stripped her gift could you take care of her and I won't do that. Her gift is her legacy and I won't take that away."
He was silent for a moment then said with quiet resolve. "Give me your word. Your word that someday, somehow I'll hold her again, that I'll know she's my daughter, someday. I want your word that if I give her up now, you'll give her back to me, even if it's just for a moment"
She shook her head, the tears coming fast now "I can't do that."
"please, give me that Viv"
She took a deep breath "I.can't..I.oh alright! Fine I give you my word. Someday, somehow you'll hold her and know she's yours. Now come please."
He placed a gentle kiss on the child's head and then went and placed her in Vivian's arms. As she placed her hand on his head and met his eyes. He said firmly "You won't be able to do it."
She blinked a little "I won't?" she said uncertainly
"No you won't. It doesn't matter how powerful you are, you won't be able to erase my love for you."
She smiled gently "I know, love doesn't erase. I couldn't even if I wanted to. All I can do is still its passion and redirect its course."
He nodded "I love you"
She smoothed his hair as more tears flowed "I love you"
Then she closed her eyes and a subtle glow illuminated her form. When she reopened her eyes they were intense and focused while his were now blurred. She kept the eye contact and after a moment she said firmly in a passive voice "You love your wife and children, they are your reason for living, never again will you stray from your marriage. All your love and affection is to be focused on them. Erased from your mind are memories of this woman and her child. Gone from your thoughts are images of your times together. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for her and her child. " she paused "These past years will become blurred with many others, nothing significant will ever pop up about them. In obscurity they will always remain. Go home now, and never look back."
He stood like a zombie and without so much as a moments hesitation left the room.
Vivvy looked down at her little girl and finally let the sobs out, she let herself cry and when her daughter started crying she let her cry too. They had both lost something today, something they would never have back and the pain of that blocked out everything else. It could have been moments, minutes, or hours that mother and daughter stayed like that - crying together but when it was over Vivian felt renewed, she had shed her old life and now she started a new one.
The image had begun to fade away when Marguerite bolted from her chair and headed for the balcony proclaiming in general that she 'needed some air'. The group was silent when she left. The implications that these images were portraying were beginning to get clearer. But still there were questions.
Veronica stood "I'll get her" she said softly. The others nodded. Knowing that whatever was going on involved only the two of them.
Veronica stood behind her but didn't say anything. Marguerite broke the silence "That was my father." She said quietly "That was Richard Krux" she tuned to face Veronica "how can..-"
Veronica held up her hand "I don't know, but I know how we an figure it out." She paused "We're getting closer - can you feel it?"
Marguerite nodded "yeah"
"come on, let's finish this"
To be Continued...