The girls went back in and soon the images reappeared. Brighter this time,
definitely happier and for the first time Thomas was there. He was smiling,
his arm around Abigail who was grinning. They were, all of them including
Vivian, smiling, at their feet played a young dark-haired girl.
Vivian smiled widely "I'm so glad mother agreed to this, it's a little unbelievable though. I guess age has mellowed her."
Abigail smiled "either that or 6 years without her daughters"
"When does your ship leave?"
"In about 2 hours. Oh god Vivvy I'm going to miss you so much"
"Oh me too, but we always knew your child had to be born on the plateau. Just like I was. At least you can stay with Thomas" she sent his a mischievous look "Although I'm not sure why you'd want too"
He smiled "My dear sister-in-law because of my inexorable charm, of course."
She batted her eyelashes "of course"
"Unc Toma, Unc Toma" the little toddler had stood and was waddling over to Thomas her hand out stretched "ook, ook, ook" she said shoving the paper in his big hands.
"Oh darling this is great" he said as he scooped her up "Is this us?"
She nodded, plopping her thumb in her mouth and laying he head on his shoulder
"I love it, I'll keep it always." He looked at her than back at the women "I'm not sure there are words to say how much I'm gonna miss this kid."
Vivian smiled "don't worry in a few months you'll have one just like her.although yours will probably be blonde."
Abigail smiled and looked at Thomas with the child then said "I'll give you the Emerald and Ruby sets for her"
Vivian smiled "I want the sapphire"
"That has my initials on it and it was a wedding gift"
"Sapphire or nothing"
Abigail smiled at Thomas and the child "Sorry babe her price is too high"
Thomas shook his head in mock sadness "Come on baby, let's get away from these mercenaries"
Abigail laughed "sorry but you can't, we have to get going to the docks" the smile slowly died and she faced her sister with a concerned look.
"I'll be okay, Abby." Vivian said softly
"I know"
"Then why are there tears in your eyes?"
"I'll miss you. Always."
"me too. Its not fair, your taking my niece before I get meet her" Vivvy pouted for a moment than said seriously "When its time, just call and I'll come. When we have to take our places, all you have to do is summon me and I'll be right there."
"I know. Take care of yourself"
They hugged for a long moment. When they pulled apart both were crying
"What is this" Thomas said as he came upon them, still holding the child "stop the tears, no ones dying here, we'll all see each other again."
Then he lifted the child high into the air and said "won't we?" she laughed and cooed, bringing her down he held her in a hug saying softly "I love you kid"
She smiled, showing two bottom front teeth "ove you" she said.
Abigail took the child in her arms next and held her close "One day when you come to visit me I'll introduce you to your cousin and you two are going to have so much fun. You'll love having a cousin"
"osin" the little girl repeated looking intently into her aunts face
"That's right cousin.Oh sweetie I'm going to miss you so much. Try not to grow up too fast okay."
Vivvy smiled as Thomas reached to give her hug "be good" he said and added firmly "take care of yourself."
She nodded "you too, take care of her okay. And the baby .by the way do we have a name yet?"
They both nodded Abigail spoke softly "Well. Since you used the A from Abigail to name Alana, we decided to use the V from Vivian and name her." she paused for dramatic effect "Veronica"
Vivian smiled "it's a wonderful name."
They smiled "we thought you'd like it" said Abigail as she handed Alana to Vivian. "Here take her because I'm about three seconds from giving you my Sapphire set."
Taking her child Vivian smiled but there were tears in her eyes "well leave already"
They all smiled and there was one more round of hugs as they all promised to see each other soon and then the Layton's left. Vivian smiled sadly and went to the window. She lifted the curtain and watched them leave, "its just you and me now Lee, just you and me" she said softly as she gently let the curtain fall in place.
The image faded but almost instantly another appeared without the explorers so much as moving. This one held Vivian once again sitting on a bed staring into space. It was a lovely room and sunshine bathed it with a gentle glow.
She could feel it, Abby was calling her, it was time - time to go. She sighed gently, six years was a long time. Her daughter was 8 years old now. Hearing laughter she moved to the window and saw Alana playing with the neighbor's sons. They would have to be cleared, those boys, before they left.
She was leaving, she smiled softly, moving to the mirror. The reflection in it was different from the one that had first looked into it 12 years ago. She had come here, to the Outside, searching for something, expecting something, she didn't know what she'd been expecting but looking around she knew that it certainly wasn't this. Never in a million years could she have imagined the way things turned out. Her mother had known though, looking back she was sure that her mother had seen what was in store for daughters. It scared her a little when she thought of her mothers warning 'as happy as you are in your happiest moment just as intense will one day be your pain' her mother had said with intensity that it still chilled her.
She'd been very happy for a long time and sure it had been painful when she'd been forced to clear Richard but it just didn't seem like that was what her mother had been talking about.
She sighed, suddenly she felt a sense of urgency descend upon her. She heard the words just a whisper really, but they were there 'come.Vivvy.I need you'. Even with worlds separating them Vivian knew her sister was crying. She ran downstairs and out into the yard.
"Alana, Alana, sweetie come here" a young Marguerite ran up to her mother, two dark-haired boys trailing behind her. One of the boys, the younger of the two, bore an uncanny resemblance to Roxton.
"What is it Mother?" she said with a smile, her eyes shining
"I want you to say good-bye to the boys and go into the house."
"Mom its still light outside"
"Yeah" the boys chorused
Looking at them she smiled, they were over at her house nearly daily and she loved them as if they were her own. "Boys, Alana and I are going on a trip so say good-bye to her"
Alana tugged on her mother's skirt, "We're going on a trip"
"Yes, say good-bye"
"Where are we going?" she asked curiously.
"We're going to South America sweetie"
"To where? I don't wanna go" she said in a pouty voice.
The boys echoed her request "Yeah don't go"
Vivian opened her mouth to answer her but a wave of dizziness assaulted her and she once again heard her sister's voice, this time loud and distinct, "Clear them all Viv, all three, it will be quicker that way. I need you here Now."
"Ms. Vivian are you alright?" the oldest of the boys asked reaching out to steady her.
"Should I send for mother?" asked the other. At ages 12 and 9 the boys thought themselves young men and acted like it.
"No, no Johnny. I'm fine." She said smiling slightly at him. "Children", she continued "I want you to stand here in front of me in a line."
They all smiled slightly, and did as they were told.
"Alright now what?" Alana asked her voice bright, obviously thinking it was some type of game.
"Now" her mother responded "I want you three to close your eyes and think of all the fun time you've had together, of all the games you've played, and all the pranks you've pulled and even all the times you've been punished."
The children did as they were told and small smiles played across their faces. Vivian gently placed her hand on each head. Every time she did so, she glowed and the child's eyes would open and stare blankly ahead.
Taking a deep breath she began with the oldest. Her eyes intense, her voice passive she stated calmly, "You will go home now William, you will go and take a rest in your bedroom. When you awaken this day shall hold no special significance, it shall blend in with all other days. Erased from your mind are the thoughts and memories of a dark-haired woman and her daughter. Gone from your thoughts is the image of a beloved little sister. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for and have felt for her and her mother. The house next to yours has always been empty, you have never visited there. Go home now William."
Immediately William turned and headed for the street, presumably towards his house. She sighed, one down two to go. These two would be harder, it was always hard to clear people who didn't know, even harder to clear those unwilling and these two would be unwilling. She place her hand on the young boys head and repeated the same things she had said to William only using his name, John. However, when she told him to go home, he did not move.
Vivian frowned slightly, she turned to her daughter. "Alana" she said softly "Erased from your mind are thoughts of two young male playmates. Gone from your thoughts is the image of two older brothers. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for these boys, who were your friends, your brothers, but are not any longer. Go now into the house, Alana."
The frown returned deeper this time. Alana also did not move.
"Vivian, please, I need you.." Abigail's voice resounded through Vivian's body, causing a shiver to run through her. She needed to get to her sister now. In sheer desperation, Vivian did something she knew her mother would fume over. She place one had on each child's head and explored the links between them. After a moment she drew back and smiled.
Saying softly "No wonder I can't clear you two of each other, I'm trying to do the impossible - to sever the link the between Mates " she sighed.
"Vivian, Please" it was a whisper now, full of despair and pain. It brought tears to her eyes. Her sister needed her.
Once again touching each child she delved deep into each's subconscious. "Heed my words children for I tell the truth. I see the how entwined your paths are but together you cannot remain, not now. I must separate your paths, but my word you have that I will draw them together once again. Today, however you must let go but one day you will be joined as the Mates that you are. Until then you shall wait for each other. "
She pulled back and lifted Alana into her arms. Both children still seemed to be in a trance of some sort. "Go home John" she said softly. The child moved away and as soon as he was out of sight, Vivian waved her hand and a portal appeared. Taking a deep breath and one last look around, she held her daughter tight and stepped into it.
The image faded and Roxton jumped up from his seat. "That's impossible" he stated firmly. "this whole thing is impossible"
He was pacing now and the others were just looking at him. What could they say? It certainly seemed impossible, but was it? Challenger sighed, on this plateau nothing is impossible.
"No, George, that is. That's impossible"
Challenger hadn't realized that he'd spoken a loud but now he added softly "You never know."
He never finished because Roxton with a downward slash of his hand interrupted him proclaiming "Bloody hell that was my brother, that was me!.you don't think I'd remember? I grew up next to that house, It was always closed away. No one ever lived there!"
"Obviously, you weren't suppose to remember" Finn stated with her practical attitude.
"Maybe we just need to see more to understand" Challenger said quietly, this was fascinating really. He glanced at Marguerite and Veronica, neither had said anything but were paying close attention.
Roxton sighed angrily "and what the blazes is 'mate', suppose to be?
Veronica answered in a dull voice "I think the term 'mate' refers to.to soul mates."
Roxton looked over to Marguerite "do you remember anything like that Marguerite?"
It took her a moment to focus, then she answered also in a dull voice "I think Finn is right, we weren't suppose to remember."
Veronica added "and the only way to understand is to keep watching. She took Marguerite hand and they all watched the images return.
Both women, Abigail and Vivian, were dressed in long flowing white robes. They were seated together and slowly the explorers heard their conversation.
"11 months its been already" Abigail said softly
Vivian didn't respond just took her sisters hand and gave it a gently squeeze
"I miss him so much, Viv. If it wasn't for Veronica I don't know how I could have survived it."
Vivian sighed "It's turned out okay, I suppose. The plateau is safe, the girls are safe, and we're safe."
"Yes, but we're not happy"
Vivian paused a moment then waved her hand a before the two women appeared the image of two young girls. One dark-haired, the blonde, both had curly hair and both were soaked through and through as they played in a small pond. Their smiles' were a mile wide, their eyes' shone brightly, and their shrieks of happiness seemed to reverberate in the small room.
"Oh, I don't know Abby, I think somewhere along the line we have become happy, not as happy as we one day thought we'd be but happy none the less."
Abby stared at the image of her daughter and niece "they certainly seem to be having a lot of fun"
Vivian laughed a little "do you remember how it was the first few day after we got here. The way they couldn't even eat meals together."
Abigail smiled "yeah, they'd end up at each others throats." She paused "I'm glad they got over that"
Vivian smiled "yeah."
The two women continued to talk but the image changed. Now the explorers were seeing and hearing the young girls talk.
Marguerite was still in the water, while Veronica was standing at the edge of the small pond wringing water out of her hair.
"Lee, lets go if we're gonna go" the young blonde said with frustration. Her cousin was wading in the pond an intense look on her face.
"Not yet Ronni, they're still looking" replied the brunette seriously "We can't get caught"
Veronica sat down crossed legged at the edge "the best way not to get caught is not to do it,"
Alana (Marguerite) smiled, "yeah but where's the fun in that?"
"They'll be furious if they catch us, Lee, we're not suppose to leave Avalon without protection."
"Come on Ronni, live a little."
"I don't want to get in trouble, I'm not going to go."
Alana smiled "good they're not watching. Lets go" She proceeded to get out of the water and dry out her hair. She slipped on her shoes and her pulled on her shorts.
"I'm not going, Lee."
She sighed and glared and her cousin "Veronica, please, you do this every time. So lets save ourselves some time okay. Yes, we'd be breaking the rules, yes, if we got caught we'd be punished, yes its dangerous but both you and me know that in the end you'll end up coming so lets just go"
Veronica opened her mouth to protest but paused, Alana was right, that's what always happened. With a disgusted sigh she grabbed her bag. "Fine you win but I have a bad feeling about this."
Alana smiled "as you always do, my dear cousin, as you always do"
The girls moved quickly and soon were in front of a portal. There were two guards but they were facing outwards not inwards. Alana focused her eyes on the guards.
"Aunt Viv is gonna have a fit when she figures out you've been using your gift"
Alana glared at her cousin, "shhhh"
After a moment the intense look faded and Alana smiled. "okay, lets go, we have 60 seconds to out of view."
The girls got up and raced out of the Avalon and into the jungle of the Plateau. The explorers watched as they ran around and laughed commenting on this and that. Really it was just innocent fun. They came to a clearing suddenly and Veronica stopped, her smile faded, and she blanched.
"Ronni, what is it?" Alana asked her cousin in a concerned voice
"There's something here, Lee, I can feel it. We need to go. We're too far, we're not safe here"
Alana nodded without argument and immediately turned, they had only gotten a few steps when a man dressed in black dropped in front of them. The girls screamed and turned to run but found themselves surrounded by other men who were also dressed in the same style of black clothing. The men closed in on them and they tuned the other way to face the first they had seen. He was smiling and in that moment the girls knew fear, real fear. They were too far from the safety of Avalon.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the man moved forward, a smile of genuine amusement on his face.
"If it isn't the next line of protectors"
Alana lifted her chin "We don't know what your talking about. Let us pass we need to get to our village"
If possible the man seemed even more pleased "I can feel the magic emanating from you both. Oh, but you've been naughty little girls. I know your mommies would never have let you out here by yourselves" he paused and looked around "and I don't see any Avatars around. So you two must have escaped."
Quite suddenly the smile left his face and he reached out and roughly grabbed the closest girl to him, Alana. "You really should have listened to mommy."
Veronica reacted and launched herself at him "let her go!"
With a back ward sweep of his hand he sent her to the ground. But that action gave Alana the anger she needed to fuel her attack. She glowed from top to bottom and the man holding her shook, his eyes bulging out.
"Run Ronni" she screamed and Veronica stood up and ran, the men around them began closing in and at the last second Veronica grabbed Alana's hand and pulled her away. The connection was broken and the man fell to the ground but the others were still in pursuit.
"I told you this was a bad idea" Veronica yelled at her as they ran through the jungle
"Later, Ronni, later"
The image changed to show Abigail and Vivian as they both jump up with a start.
"Did you feel that?" asked Abigail
Vivian nodded "the girls" she said tremulously. She waved her hand and the image of the girls being chased in the jungle appeared. Veronica was ahead and Alana closely followed but the image behind Alana is what made them gasp, it was Mordred.
"Oh god" Abigail said, her hand going to her throat. "Vivian they're leading him."
Vivian reached her hand into the image but it was too late. The girls were at the entrance and the portal opened. Vivian and Abigail joined hands and soon a loud cry was heard throughout Avalon. Avatars began to pour in from everywhere as the girls rushed in with Mordred and his men on their tails.
Raising her voice to be heard over the noise Abigail said "that's not enough Vivian, set up the barrier, we can pull the girls through"
Vivian did, a protective wall encircled them, just as the girls came upon them "Mom!!!" they each yelled.
What followed was a mini-battle. The Avatars fought Mordred's men but the girls couldn't make it through, each was held captive. They were fighting against their captors but were getting no where.
"Momma.." They cried
"Give me your hand and I'll pull you through, they can't come in here"
The girls stretched towards their mother's, around them the battle raged. Steadily the Avatars were driving them away.
Then Mordred himself appeared and proclaimed "The dark-haired one holds the power, get her first"
But his men were being defeated and they could not. Those that held the girls were already beginning to loose their holds.
One of the Avatars attacked the man holding Veronica, she was promptly tossed aside in the scrimmage, landing hard on the ground, she lay unconscience.
"Veronica!" Abigail screamed and made a move to go to her but Vivian stopped her.
"You mustn't"
Abigail kept didn't move but kept her eyes on her child. Vivian shifted her gaze to Alana. She was still fighting, the captor, and was now winning. Vivian went to her and stretched out her hand, if she could just get a grip she could pull her in, the tips of their fingers were touching.
The she saw it, Mordred coming up behind her daughter, Mordred holding a blade, Mordred positioning that blade in front of her baby's neck. She screamed, a scream full of passion and agony; and through those finger tips burst forth a bolt of light, that enfolded her daughter. In that instant Alana vanished from the man's hold. Mordred's blade swished air where only an instant ago her child's neck had been.
Vivian dropped to the ground and covered her face with her hands. Modred looked momentarily annoyed then he too vanished. The Avatars expelled all his men and re-established the borders of Avalon but Vivian didn't notice this, she sobbed hysterically. Abigail went to her daughter and examined her, then placing a gently kiss on her brow got up.
She knelt next to her sister and pulled her into her arms. "shhhh, darling, its alright, it'll be alright" she murmured gently.
Vivian shook her head and pulled away from her sister, she stood up and began to pace "No it won't be alright, It'll never be alright again. Oh, god what have I done, what have I done. My baby!" she said in a hysterical voice.
"Vivian stop it" Abigail reached out to her but Vivian withdrew as if burned.
"I sent her out there, Abigail, alone! I sent my baby out into that world by herself, he'll find her, and when he does he'll, he'll."
Abigail grabbed her sister roughly by the shoulders and shook "Stop it Vivian. He won't find her," when Vivian opened her mouth to argue, Abigail added "not if we strip her"
Vivian shook her head and pulled herself free "We can't."
"We have to, it's the only way. Both of them, Vivian, both must be stripped of their gifts, of their magic" Abigail voice became quiet "They're not safe here anymore. You'll have to strip them, clear them, and set them out of here"
Vivian shook her head, she seemed a bit more calm in the face of her sister's serene state but was still agitated. "Their magic is their Legacy Abby, if we take that we take who they are."
"There is no other choice, Veronica, we'll place in the Plateau, with the Amazons to guard her and Alana we'll leave in the Outside."
Slowly shaking her head Vivian said softly "They won't remember each other, if they don't remember each other than how will they keep the bond. Abby if they don't keep the bond, they won't be able to work together for the plateau."
"Their link is strong"
"Strong enough to survive the years and worlds that will separate them?"
"Yes, it will survive" Abigail said firmly
"how can you be so sure?"
Abby smiled slightly "because ours would have."
"yes but they won't know each other, they won't remember, they."
"Dammit, Vivvy, stop making things so difficult. You know very well that the link lies in emotion not memory. And you know that emotion can not be erased only."
"Only hidden."
Abigail took a deep breath "yeah, sorry I didn't meant to."
Vivian smiled slightly "don't worry about it, you can't always be the perfect big sister."
They were silent a moment, then Abigail said gently "You have to do it Vivvy, for their own good. For our survival, for there's, and for the plateau"
She nodded "I know". She took a deep and waved her hand. The image of Alana appeared, she lay unconscience on the ground, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm, her dark splayed out around her.
"oh my darling, forgive me" Vivian said softly with tears in her eyes and voice and she reached into the image and touched her sleeping daughter. Alana glowed as Vivian touched her, but slowly the glow seemed to seep out of her and then there was nothing.
She broke away from her daughter tears streaming down her face and sobs shaking her body. "I can't do it, Abby, I can't clear her, I can't."
"Yes you can. Your love for her will give you the strength you need. Do it, Viv"
Taking a deep breath, Vivian reached to touch her daughter once again but this time an intense look over took her entire face and she spoke softly but with a firm gentle voice that wavered only a few times in the beginning but grew strong in the end.
"My darling child, heed my words. From this day forth you cease to be Alana. Gone is that name from your very being and everything that is associated with that name. That girl no longer exists. Erased from your mind are thoughts of Avalon and everyone that belongs to it, any slight memories that come to you are but dreams, they are but fairy tales and fairy tales are not true. Gone from your thoughts is the image of a mother, of an aunt, of a cousin. These are things others, have not you. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for these beings. That love is to be buried deep within you, with the memories, they are but elusive dreams. This day and is like others before it. Nothing out of common, you are one of many other young girls, you are treated as one of many others, yet you are different, you feel that, you will always feel that. This and others, this year and others will all blur in together, nothing eventful happened in them. They are ordinary. You are alone, no one can help you but still you will search for h for help, for any one that can help. You will search, always you will search, always in you there will be a restlessness, it will lead you to places and the closer you get to the goal the more intense the restlessness will be. It will follow you every where until." here Vivian paused and wiped a tear from her face "until it leads you home again, my dear child, until it brings you back to me."
Taking a deep breath, she looked at her sister. Abigail nodded and the image of the dark-haired child faded. Vivian quickly turned and went to where Veronica lay. She drew the glow from this child as well and then placed her hands on the child's head. She spoke firmly and gently, emotion on the edge of her voice but not full being heard only understood.
"Veronica, listen closely my dear child, erased from your mind are thoughts of Avalon and everyone that belongs to it, any slight memories that come to you are but dreams, an elusive dream that you can never quite grasp. Gone from your thoughts is the image of an aunt and of a cousin. Never have you heard any reference to any of these things. Your parents are not with you but they are well, this you know, they have left you but they will return. You know this. They love you, and you are secure in this knowledge. Your parents have left you in the care of the Amazons, they are good to you, you will learn from them but you will never be one of them, you are different and you know this, you sense it. You are not meant to be a warrior. You are meant to wait. You do not know for what but you still wait, a feeling of expectancy fills your hours, your days, your years. One day this expectancy will be fulfilled and then you will begin to search. You will not rest until you find what you are looking for, you will not know, until you find it. This day is like every other, since the day your parents left to collect plant samples, nothing is different and ht days seem to blur into one another. Sleep now, darling, when you awaken all will be well."
Vivian spent a few moments more on Veronica, for she was not just to be cleared but also to be rearranged. Many of her memories had to altered and this took some time. Then she allowed Abigail to place a kiss on her daughter silky head before she waved her hand and Veronica disappeared.
When they stood they just looked at one another then without a word they went into each others arms both knowing that there could never be words to describe what they had lost today.
Vivian pulled away first taking a deep breath and wiping at her tears. "I can't leave her Out there alone. I can't"
Abigail too wiped away at her tears, there was no use crying over what was done. She followed her sister to the other side of the room. "There's nothing you can do"
"Yes there is. I can keep my promise"
"What promise?"
"The one I made to Richard. I told him he could have her one day, the day has come"
Abigail looked skeptical "and how do you plan to do this"
Vivian smiled, a genuine smile that seemed to make them both feel better "why using my gift of course"
She waved her hand and the image Richard Krux appeared. Without pausing to think, Vivian reached in and touched him.
"Listen carefully Richard Krux. It is time to find your daughter. You will search for her, starting this very moment you will be plagued by a need to find her. Her image will be seared into your heart, into your very soul. You will not be at peace, you will not rest, you will not sleep, or eat, or relax, until she is safe under your roof. She will be your Princess, your darling, and no one will ever take her place. For her you will defy everyone, because once you take her in your arms you will know that she is yours and you will claim. Go now, this very moment and find her, find your daughter."
Vivian pulled back and smiled to herself as the image faded. "There" she said obviously satisfied with herself. "He'll take care of her". Then the smile slowly died. She turned to her sister and said quietly in a dull voice "now what?"
Abigail sighed her expression just as sad as Vivian's "now we wait," she said sadly "we wait for them to find each other, we wait for them to find us, we wait for them to find themselves."
Vivian nodded "we wait for them to come home"
Vivian smiled widely "I'm so glad mother agreed to this, it's a little unbelievable though. I guess age has mellowed her."
Abigail smiled "either that or 6 years without her daughters"
"When does your ship leave?"
"In about 2 hours. Oh god Vivvy I'm going to miss you so much"
"Oh me too, but we always knew your child had to be born on the plateau. Just like I was. At least you can stay with Thomas" she sent his a mischievous look "Although I'm not sure why you'd want too"
He smiled "My dear sister-in-law because of my inexorable charm, of course."
She batted her eyelashes "of course"
"Unc Toma, Unc Toma" the little toddler had stood and was waddling over to Thomas her hand out stretched "ook, ook, ook" she said shoving the paper in his big hands.
"Oh darling this is great" he said as he scooped her up "Is this us?"
She nodded, plopping her thumb in her mouth and laying he head on his shoulder
"I love it, I'll keep it always." He looked at her than back at the women "I'm not sure there are words to say how much I'm gonna miss this kid."
Vivian smiled "don't worry in a few months you'll have one just like her.although yours will probably be blonde."
Abigail smiled and looked at Thomas with the child then said "I'll give you the Emerald and Ruby sets for her"
Vivian smiled "I want the sapphire"
"That has my initials on it and it was a wedding gift"
"Sapphire or nothing"
Abigail smiled at Thomas and the child "Sorry babe her price is too high"
Thomas shook his head in mock sadness "Come on baby, let's get away from these mercenaries"
Abigail laughed "sorry but you can't, we have to get going to the docks" the smile slowly died and she faced her sister with a concerned look.
"I'll be okay, Abby." Vivian said softly
"I know"
"Then why are there tears in your eyes?"
"I'll miss you. Always."
"me too. Its not fair, your taking my niece before I get meet her" Vivvy pouted for a moment than said seriously "When its time, just call and I'll come. When we have to take our places, all you have to do is summon me and I'll be right there."
"I know. Take care of yourself"
They hugged for a long moment. When they pulled apart both were crying
"What is this" Thomas said as he came upon them, still holding the child "stop the tears, no ones dying here, we'll all see each other again."
Then he lifted the child high into the air and said "won't we?" she laughed and cooed, bringing her down he held her in a hug saying softly "I love you kid"
She smiled, showing two bottom front teeth "ove you" she said.
Abigail took the child in her arms next and held her close "One day when you come to visit me I'll introduce you to your cousin and you two are going to have so much fun. You'll love having a cousin"
"osin" the little girl repeated looking intently into her aunts face
"That's right cousin.Oh sweetie I'm going to miss you so much. Try not to grow up too fast okay."
Vivvy smiled as Thomas reached to give her hug "be good" he said and added firmly "take care of yourself."
She nodded "you too, take care of her okay. And the baby .by the way do we have a name yet?"
They both nodded Abigail spoke softly "Well. Since you used the A from Abigail to name Alana, we decided to use the V from Vivian and name her." she paused for dramatic effect "Veronica"
Vivian smiled "it's a wonderful name."
They smiled "we thought you'd like it" said Abigail as she handed Alana to Vivian. "Here take her because I'm about three seconds from giving you my Sapphire set."
Taking her child Vivian smiled but there were tears in her eyes "well leave already"
They all smiled and there was one more round of hugs as they all promised to see each other soon and then the Layton's left. Vivian smiled sadly and went to the window. She lifted the curtain and watched them leave, "its just you and me now Lee, just you and me" she said softly as she gently let the curtain fall in place.
The image faded but almost instantly another appeared without the explorers so much as moving. This one held Vivian once again sitting on a bed staring into space. It was a lovely room and sunshine bathed it with a gentle glow.
She could feel it, Abby was calling her, it was time - time to go. She sighed gently, six years was a long time. Her daughter was 8 years old now. Hearing laughter she moved to the window and saw Alana playing with the neighbor's sons. They would have to be cleared, those boys, before they left.
She was leaving, she smiled softly, moving to the mirror. The reflection in it was different from the one that had first looked into it 12 years ago. She had come here, to the Outside, searching for something, expecting something, she didn't know what she'd been expecting but looking around she knew that it certainly wasn't this. Never in a million years could she have imagined the way things turned out. Her mother had known though, looking back she was sure that her mother had seen what was in store for daughters. It scared her a little when she thought of her mothers warning 'as happy as you are in your happiest moment just as intense will one day be your pain' her mother had said with intensity that it still chilled her.
She'd been very happy for a long time and sure it had been painful when she'd been forced to clear Richard but it just didn't seem like that was what her mother had been talking about.
She sighed, suddenly she felt a sense of urgency descend upon her. She heard the words just a whisper really, but they were there 'come.Vivvy.I need you'. Even with worlds separating them Vivian knew her sister was crying. She ran downstairs and out into the yard.
"Alana, Alana, sweetie come here" a young Marguerite ran up to her mother, two dark-haired boys trailing behind her. One of the boys, the younger of the two, bore an uncanny resemblance to Roxton.
"What is it Mother?" she said with a smile, her eyes shining
"I want you to say good-bye to the boys and go into the house."
"Mom its still light outside"
"Yeah" the boys chorused
Looking at them she smiled, they were over at her house nearly daily and she loved them as if they were her own. "Boys, Alana and I are going on a trip so say good-bye to her"
Alana tugged on her mother's skirt, "We're going on a trip"
"Yes, say good-bye"
"Where are we going?" she asked curiously.
"We're going to South America sweetie"
"To where? I don't wanna go" she said in a pouty voice.
The boys echoed her request "Yeah don't go"
Vivian opened her mouth to answer her but a wave of dizziness assaulted her and she once again heard her sister's voice, this time loud and distinct, "Clear them all Viv, all three, it will be quicker that way. I need you here Now."
"Ms. Vivian are you alright?" the oldest of the boys asked reaching out to steady her.
"Should I send for mother?" asked the other. At ages 12 and 9 the boys thought themselves young men and acted like it.
"No, no Johnny. I'm fine." She said smiling slightly at him. "Children", she continued "I want you to stand here in front of me in a line."
They all smiled slightly, and did as they were told.
"Alright now what?" Alana asked her voice bright, obviously thinking it was some type of game.
"Now" her mother responded "I want you three to close your eyes and think of all the fun time you've had together, of all the games you've played, and all the pranks you've pulled and even all the times you've been punished."
The children did as they were told and small smiles played across their faces. Vivian gently placed her hand on each head. Every time she did so, she glowed and the child's eyes would open and stare blankly ahead.
Taking a deep breath she began with the oldest. Her eyes intense, her voice passive she stated calmly, "You will go home now William, you will go and take a rest in your bedroom. When you awaken this day shall hold no special significance, it shall blend in with all other days. Erased from your mind are the thoughts and memories of a dark-haired woman and her daughter. Gone from your thoughts is the image of a beloved little sister. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for and have felt for her and her mother. The house next to yours has always been empty, you have never visited there. Go home now William."
Immediately William turned and headed for the street, presumably towards his house. She sighed, one down two to go. These two would be harder, it was always hard to clear people who didn't know, even harder to clear those unwilling and these two would be unwilling. She place her hand on the young boys head and repeated the same things she had said to William only using his name, John. However, when she told him to go home, he did not move.
Vivian frowned slightly, she turned to her daughter. "Alana" she said softly "Erased from your mind are thoughts of two young male playmates. Gone from your thoughts is the image of two older brothers. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for these boys, who were your friends, your brothers, but are not any longer. Go now into the house, Alana."
The frown returned deeper this time. Alana also did not move.
"Vivian, please, I need you.." Abigail's voice resounded through Vivian's body, causing a shiver to run through her. She needed to get to her sister now. In sheer desperation, Vivian did something she knew her mother would fume over. She place one had on each child's head and explored the links between them. After a moment she drew back and smiled.
Saying softly "No wonder I can't clear you two of each other, I'm trying to do the impossible - to sever the link the between Mates " she sighed.
"Vivian, Please" it was a whisper now, full of despair and pain. It brought tears to her eyes. Her sister needed her.
Once again touching each child she delved deep into each's subconscious. "Heed my words children for I tell the truth. I see the how entwined your paths are but together you cannot remain, not now. I must separate your paths, but my word you have that I will draw them together once again. Today, however you must let go but one day you will be joined as the Mates that you are. Until then you shall wait for each other. "
She pulled back and lifted Alana into her arms. Both children still seemed to be in a trance of some sort. "Go home John" she said softly. The child moved away and as soon as he was out of sight, Vivian waved her hand and a portal appeared. Taking a deep breath and one last look around, she held her daughter tight and stepped into it.
The image faded and Roxton jumped up from his seat. "That's impossible" he stated firmly. "this whole thing is impossible"
He was pacing now and the others were just looking at him. What could they say? It certainly seemed impossible, but was it? Challenger sighed, on this plateau nothing is impossible.
"No, George, that is. That's impossible"
Challenger hadn't realized that he'd spoken a loud but now he added softly "You never know."
He never finished because Roxton with a downward slash of his hand interrupted him proclaiming "Bloody hell that was my brother, that was me!.you don't think I'd remember? I grew up next to that house, It was always closed away. No one ever lived there!"
"Obviously, you weren't suppose to remember" Finn stated with her practical attitude.
"Maybe we just need to see more to understand" Challenger said quietly, this was fascinating really. He glanced at Marguerite and Veronica, neither had said anything but were paying close attention.
Roxton sighed angrily "and what the blazes is 'mate', suppose to be?
Veronica answered in a dull voice "I think the term 'mate' refers to.to soul mates."
Roxton looked over to Marguerite "do you remember anything like that Marguerite?"
It took her a moment to focus, then she answered also in a dull voice "I think Finn is right, we weren't suppose to remember."
Veronica added "and the only way to understand is to keep watching. She took Marguerite hand and they all watched the images return.
Both women, Abigail and Vivian, were dressed in long flowing white robes. They were seated together and slowly the explorers heard their conversation.
"11 months its been already" Abigail said softly
Vivian didn't respond just took her sisters hand and gave it a gently squeeze
"I miss him so much, Viv. If it wasn't for Veronica I don't know how I could have survived it."
Vivian sighed "It's turned out okay, I suppose. The plateau is safe, the girls are safe, and we're safe."
"Yes, but we're not happy"
Vivian paused a moment then waved her hand a before the two women appeared the image of two young girls. One dark-haired, the blonde, both had curly hair and both were soaked through and through as they played in a small pond. Their smiles' were a mile wide, their eyes' shone brightly, and their shrieks of happiness seemed to reverberate in the small room.
"Oh, I don't know Abby, I think somewhere along the line we have become happy, not as happy as we one day thought we'd be but happy none the less."
Abby stared at the image of her daughter and niece "they certainly seem to be having a lot of fun"
Vivian laughed a little "do you remember how it was the first few day after we got here. The way they couldn't even eat meals together."
Abigail smiled "yeah, they'd end up at each others throats." She paused "I'm glad they got over that"
Vivian smiled "yeah."
The two women continued to talk but the image changed. Now the explorers were seeing and hearing the young girls talk.
Marguerite was still in the water, while Veronica was standing at the edge of the small pond wringing water out of her hair.
"Lee, lets go if we're gonna go" the young blonde said with frustration. Her cousin was wading in the pond an intense look on her face.
"Not yet Ronni, they're still looking" replied the brunette seriously "We can't get caught"
Veronica sat down crossed legged at the edge "the best way not to get caught is not to do it,"
Alana (Marguerite) smiled, "yeah but where's the fun in that?"
"They'll be furious if they catch us, Lee, we're not suppose to leave Avalon without protection."
"Come on Ronni, live a little."
"I don't want to get in trouble, I'm not going to go."
Alana smiled "good they're not watching. Lets go" She proceeded to get out of the water and dry out her hair. She slipped on her shoes and her pulled on her shorts.
"I'm not going, Lee."
She sighed and glared and her cousin "Veronica, please, you do this every time. So lets save ourselves some time okay. Yes, we'd be breaking the rules, yes, if we got caught we'd be punished, yes its dangerous but both you and me know that in the end you'll end up coming so lets just go"
Veronica opened her mouth to protest but paused, Alana was right, that's what always happened. With a disgusted sigh she grabbed her bag. "Fine you win but I have a bad feeling about this."
Alana smiled "as you always do, my dear cousin, as you always do"
The girls moved quickly and soon were in front of a portal. There were two guards but they were facing outwards not inwards. Alana focused her eyes on the guards.
"Aunt Viv is gonna have a fit when she figures out you've been using your gift"
Alana glared at her cousin, "shhhh"
After a moment the intense look faded and Alana smiled. "okay, lets go, we have 60 seconds to out of view."
The girls got up and raced out of the Avalon and into the jungle of the Plateau. The explorers watched as they ran around and laughed commenting on this and that. Really it was just innocent fun. They came to a clearing suddenly and Veronica stopped, her smile faded, and she blanched.
"Ronni, what is it?" Alana asked her cousin in a concerned voice
"There's something here, Lee, I can feel it. We need to go. We're too far, we're not safe here"
Alana nodded without argument and immediately turned, they had only gotten a few steps when a man dressed in black dropped in front of them. The girls screamed and turned to run but found themselves surrounded by other men who were also dressed in the same style of black clothing. The men closed in on them and they tuned the other way to face the first they had seen. He was smiling and in that moment the girls knew fear, real fear. They were too far from the safety of Avalon.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the man moved forward, a smile of genuine amusement on his face.
"If it isn't the next line of protectors"
Alana lifted her chin "We don't know what your talking about. Let us pass we need to get to our village"
If possible the man seemed even more pleased "I can feel the magic emanating from you both. Oh, but you've been naughty little girls. I know your mommies would never have let you out here by yourselves" he paused and looked around "and I don't see any Avatars around. So you two must have escaped."
Quite suddenly the smile left his face and he reached out and roughly grabbed the closest girl to him, Alana. "You really should have listened to mommy."
Veronica reacted and launched herself at him "let her go!"
With a back ward sweep of his hand he sent her to the ground. But that action gave Alana the anger she needed to fuel her attack. She glowed from top to bottom and the man holding her shook, his eyes bulging out.
"Run Ronni" she screamed and Veronica stood up and ran, the men around them began closing in and at the last second Veronica grabbed Alana's hand and pulled her away. The connection was broken and the man fell to the ground but the others were still in pursuit.
"I told you this was a bad idea" Veronica yelled at her as they ran through the jungle
"Later, Ronni, later"
The image changed to show Abigail and Vivian as they both jump up with a start.
"Did you feel that?" asked Abigail
Vivian nodded "the girls" she said tremulously. She waved her hand and the image of the girls being chased in the jungle appeared. Veronica was ahead and Alana closely followed but the image behind Alana is what made them gasp, it was Mordred.
"Oh god" Abigail said, her hand going to her throat. "Vivian they're leading him."
Vivian reached her hand into the image but it was too late. The girls were at the entrance and the portal opened. Vivian and Abigail joined hands and soon a loud cry was heard throughout Avalon. Avatars began to pour in from everywhere as the girls rushed in with Mordred and his men on their tails.
Raising her voice to be heard over the noise Abigail said "that's not enough Vivian, set up the barrier, we can pull the girls through"
Vivian did, a protective wall encircled them, just as the girls came upon them "Mom!!!" they each yelled.
What followed was a mini-battle. The Avatars fought Mordred's men but the girls couldn't make it through, each was held captive. They were fighting against their captors but were getting no where.
"Momma.." They cried
"Give me your hand and I'll pull you through, they can't come in here"
The girls stretched towards their mother's, around them the battle raged. Steadily the Avatars were driving them away.
Then Mordred himself appeared and proclaimed "The dark-haired one holds the power, get her first"
But his men were being defeated and they could not. Those that held the girls were already beginning to loose their holds.
One of the Avatars attacked the man holding Veronica, she was promptly tossed aside in the scrimmage, landing hard on the ground, she lay unconscience.
"Veronica!" Abigail screamed and made a move to go to her but Vivian stopped her.
"You mustn't"
Abigail kept didn't move but kept her eyes on her child. Vivian shifted her gaze to Alana. She was still fighting, the captor, and was now winning. Vivian went to her and stretched out her hand, if she could just get a grip she could pull her in, the tips of their fingers were touching.
The she saw it, Mordred coming up behind her daughter, Mordred holding a blade, Mordred positioning that blade in front of her baby's neck. She screamed, a scream full of passion and agony; and through those finger tips burst forth a bolt of light, that enfolded her daughter. In that instant Alana vanished from the man's hold. Mordred's blade swished air where only an instant ago her child's neck had been.
Vivian dropped to the ground and covered her face with her hands. Modred looked momentarily annoyed then he too vanished. The Avatars expelled all his men and re-established the borders of Avalon but Vivian didn't notice this, she sobbed hysterically. Abigail went to her daughter and examined her, then placing a gently kiss on her brow got up.
She knelt next to her sister and pulled her into her arms. "shhhh, darling, its alright, it'll be alright" she murmured gently.
Vivian shook her head and pulled away from her sister, she stood up and began to pace "No it won't be alright, It'll never be alright again. Oh, god what have I done, what have I done. My baby!" she said in a hysterical voice.
"Vivian stop it" Abigail reached out to her but Vivian withdrew as if burned.
"I sent her out there, Abigail, alone! I sent my baby out into that world by herself, he'll find her, and when he does he'll, he'll."
Abigail grabbed her sister roughly by the shoulders and shook "Stop it Vivian. He won't find her," when Vivian opened her mouth to argue, Abigail added "not if we strip her"
Vivian shook her head and pulled herself free "We can't."
"We have to, it's the only way. Both of them, Vivian, both must be stripped of their gifts, of their magic" Abigail voice became quiet "They're not safe here anymore. You'll have to strip them, clear them, and set them out of here"
Vivian shook her head, she seemed a bit more calm in the face of her sister's serene state but was still agitated. "Their magic is their Legacy Abby, if we take that we take who they are."
"There is no other choice, Veronica, we'll place in the Plateau, with the Amazons to guard her and Alana we'll leave in the Outside."
Slowly shaking her head Vivian said softly "They won't remember each other, if they don't remember each other than how will they keep the bond. Abby if they don't keep the bond, they won't be able to work together for the plateau."
"Their link is strong"
"Strong enough to survive the years and worlds that will separate them?"
"Yes, it will survive" Abigail said firmly
"how can you be so sure?"
Abby smiled slightly "because ours would have."
"yes but they won't know each other, they won't remember, they."
"Dammit, Vivvy, stop making things so difficult. You know very well that the link lies in emotion not memory. And you know that emotion can not be erased only."
"Only hidden."
Abigail took a deep breath "yeah, sorry I didn't meant to."
Vivian smiled slightly "don't worry about it, you can't always be the perfect big sister."
They were silent a moment, then Abigail said gently "You have to do it Vivvy, for their own good. For our survival, for there's, and for the plateau"
She nodded "I know". She took a deep and waved her hand. The image of Alana appeared, she lay unconscience on the ground, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm, her dark splayed out around her.
"oh my darling, forgive me" Vivian said softly with tears in her eyes and voice and she reached into the image and touched her sleeping daughter. Alana glowed as Vivian touched her, but slowly the glow seemed to seep out of her and then there was nothing.
She broke away from her daughter tears streaming down her face and sobs shaking her body. "I can't do it, Abby, I can't clear her, I can't."
"Yes you can. Your love for her will give you the strength you need. Do it, Viv"
Taking a deep breath, Vivian reached to touch her daughter once again but this time an intense look over took her entire face and she spoke softly but with a firm gentle voice that wavered only a few times in the beginning but grew strong in the end.
"My darling child, heed my words. From this day forth you cease to be Alana. Gone is that name from your very being and everything that is associated with that name. That girl no longer exists. Erased from your mind are thoughts of Avalon and everyone that belongs to it, any slight memories that come to you are but dreams, they are but fairy tales and fairy tales are not true. Gone from your thoughts is the image of a mother, of an aunt, of a cousin. These are things others, have not you. Cleared from your emotions is the love you feel for these beings. That love is to be buried deep within you, with the memories, they are but elusive dreams. This day and is like others before it. Nothing out of common, you are one of many other young girls, you are treated as one of many others, yet you are different, you feel that, you will always feel that. This and others, this year and others will all blur in together, nothing eventful happened in them. They are ordinary. You are alone, no one can help you but still you will search for h for help, for any one that can help. You will search, always you will search, always in you there will be a restlessness, it will lead you to places and the closer you get to the goal the more intense the restlessness will be. It will follow you every where until." here Vivian paused and wiped a tear from her face "until it leads you home again, my dear child, until it brings you back to me."
Taking a deep breath, she looked at her sister. Abigail nodded and the image of the dark-haired child faded. Vivian quickly turned and went to where Veronica lay. She drew the glow from this child as well and then placed her hands on the child's head. She spoke firmly and gently, emotion on the edge of her voice but not full being heard only understood.
"Veronica, listen closely my dear child, erased from your mind are thoughts of Avalon and everyone that belongs to it, any slight memories that come to you are but dreams, an elusive dream that you can never quite grasp. Gone from your thoughts is the image of an aunt and of a cousin. Never have you heard any reference to any of these things. Your parents are not with you but they are well, this you know, they have left you but they will return. You know this. They love you, and you are secure in this knowledge. Your parents have left you in the care of the Amazons, they are good to you, you will learn from them but you will never be one of them, you are different and you know this, you sense it. You are not meant to be a warrior. You are meant to wait. You do not know for what but you still wait, a feeling of expectancy fills your hours, your days, your years. One day this expectancy will be fulfilled and then you will begin to search. You will not rest until you find what you are looking for, you will not know, until you find it. This day is like every other, since the day your parents left to collect plant samples, nothing is different and ht days seem to blur into one another. Sleep now, darling, when you awaken all will be well."
Vivian spent a few moments more on Veronica, for she was not just to be cleared but also to be rearranged. Many of her memories had to altered and this took some time. Then she allowed Abigail to place a kiss on her daughter silky head before she waved her hand and Veronica disappeared.
When they stood they just looked at one another then without a word they went into each others arms both knowing that there could never be words to describe what they had lost today.
Vivian pulled away first taking a deep breath and wiping at her tears. "I can't leave her Out there alone. I can't"
Abigail too wiped away at her tears, there was no use crying over what was done. She followed her sister to the other side of the room. "There's nothing you can do"
"Yes there is. I can keep my promise"
"What promise?"
"The one I made to Richard. I told him he could have her one day, the day has come"
Abigail looked skeptical "and how do you plan to do this"
Vivian smiled, a genuine smile that seemed to make them both feel better "why using my gift of course"
She waved her hand and the image Richard Krux appeared. Without pausing to think, Vivian reached in and touched him.
"Listen carefully Richard Krux. It is time to find your daughter. You will search for her, starting this very moment you will be plagued by a need to find her. Her image will be seared into your heart, into your very soul. You will not be at peace, you will not rest, you will not sleep, or eat, or relax, until she is safe under your roof. She will be your Princess, your darling, and no one will ever take her place. For her you will defy everyone, because once you take her in your arms you will know that she is yours and you will claim. Go now, this very moment and find her, find your daughter."
Vivian pulled back and smiled to herself as the image faded. "There" she said obviously satisfied with herself. "He'll take care of her". Then the smile slowly died. She turned to her sister and said quietly in a dull voice "now what?"
Abigail sighed her expression just as sad as Vivian's "now we wait," she said sadly "we wait for them to find each other, we wait for them to find us, we wait for them to find themselves."
Vivian nodded "we wait for them to come home"