Disclaimer: I'm so tired of saying this but I don't own them!!!!!
Notes: Thanks for the reviews and I want to say I really appreciated everything you sent me. Only one chapter to go and this is over. Sorry!
"Mom? Dad?" Christina called.
The young girl kept walking. When she woke up, she heard their voices calling for her. They sounded scared and in pain.
She kept moving in a trance-like state and found herself at the tree house. Taking a deep breath, she knew she was now in enemy territory and must keep her guard. She opened the latch of the fence and entered. Looking around, there was nothing that appeared out of the ordinary.
She walked around the tree to where the elevator was. The voices became louder. "Christina! Where are you?" they wailed.
She winced from the anguish in their voices. She knew this was wrong for her to go alone but these were her parents calling for her. What child would not go to their parents?
Christina step inside and went up. As she entered inside the Great Room, there was a calming silence and the fact there wasn't no more voices frightened her. Keeping her cool, Christina looked around. Out by the balcony, a large object loomed over her. She figured it had to be a cage. I bet they're in there. Those bastards, she thought angrily.
She ran to the front and peered inside. A human figure was in the corner of the cage but she couldn't make out whom it was. "Mom?" she whispered.
The head turned and when it did, Christina gasped. It wasn't her mom it was. Carl. "Got you!" he cried.
Out in the shadows, a group of men appeared and surrounded her. She looked around but there was no escape. One of the men came up with a long knife in his hand. Another grabbed her arms and twisted them to her back. She cried out in pain and Carl step out of the cage, smiling. The one with the knife came closer and had it pointed to her heart.
"No." she wept.
This couldn't be it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her parents and her best friend. She whipped her head and screamed out their names. The figures stared at her with lifeless eyes. She trembled as the knife came closer. She screamed for help but the laughter of the deranged men was all she could hear.
"Help us Christina. You are our only hope," whispered her mom.
She looked at her frankly. I can't help you when I'm going to die! Her mind wailed. Turning her attention back to the knife, she tried to struggle to free herself from her captives but the man's grip was cold and held her firmly.
"You shouldn't have come," said Monica hoarsely. "Now our race is going to end and it's all your fault Christina. Why did you come when you knew you can't save yourself?"
"I don't know!" she sobbed.
Her father stepped out and shouted, "Christina you weren't suppose to come! Didn't you hear our warning?"
Then the knife plunged into her heart and she screamed and then there was silence over the jungle.
"Nooooo!" Christina shouted.
"Christina wake up! You're having a nightmare!" cried Marguerite.
The heiress shook the future girl until she finally opened her eyes.
"Marguerite!"
The girl wrapped herself around the brunette and cried on her shoulder as Marguerite held her. Just then, Roxton and Veronica ran into Christina's room.
"What's going on?" the lord asked.
"Shh!" the dark-haired beauty ordered. Soothing, she softly asked, "What happened? I heard you screaming and crying."
Christina looked up at her with her tear-stained face. "It was horrible!" she sniffed. "I was killed by the hunters and my parents stood there and. and. they said I shouldn't have come and that they tried to warn me, oh Marguerite!" she cried.
The hunter and the blonde ran to the bedside to see what they could do to comfort her. As soon Christina composed herself she tried to reassure her new friends she was all right.
Marguerite dismissed it. "I'm not leaving Christina. You can trust me, now tell me, what exactly happened?"
She sighed. "I went to the tree house and I found a cage out on the balcony. When I looked inside there were a man in there and the next thing I knew I was being held down and a knife was pointed at my heart. I saw my parents and my best friend standing there, lifeless. I cried for help but they stood there and kept saying 'I shouldn't have come' and 'it's your fault that our race is going to end'."
The others sat there and listened intently. It was obvious this dream disturbed their new friend but didn't know how to approach it. "Maybe it was warning itself," suggested Veronica. "It probably was a vision to show you what happens if you did leave."
"Maybe," Christina said not sure.
"Well, it's still night out and we should get some more sleep before we planned anything," Roxton pointed out.
The four said their goodnights and they left Christina's room. Marguerite was still a little bit troubled at what just happened. The future girl was certainly getting to her and all ready the heiress was feeling bad that she would have to leave soon. Roxton noticed her troubled expression and after Veronica left, he decided to talk to her about it.
"Marguerite?"
"Hmmm," she said.
"Is there something wrong? I couldn't help but noticed that Christina's breakdown had really disturbed you."
"No it didn't," she brushed off.
The handsome hunter persisted. "Come on Marguerite. I know you so please spill it!"
"Spill it? Are you picking up Finn's slang?" Marguerite turned from him and was about to leave when he grabbed her arm and whirled her around.
"Marguerite," he said sternly in his I-Know-You're-Not-Getting-Away-With- This tone.
She huffed. "Fine! Yes it did bother me, happy?"
"No." He thought for a moment and then asked, "Marguerite, I know you're close to her and I know if she leaves it would be hard."
She pushed away from him. "Hard? John the poor girl is being hunted! If she does leave, her life will still be in danger. I don't know what might happened to her and I don't want to see her get killed!"
Roxton was a little surprised at her confession. "Marguerite if I didn't know better I think you might be considering that Christina should stay with us."
"I would love to have her stay but she has her own life and I don't want to meddle."
He gave her a look.
"Okay yes I really do want her stay! Is that wrong?"
"You heard the girl about her parents and her friend. Maybe the hunters capture them and that's why she had that dream. But she does have an obligation to her family and since she reminds me of someone I don't think she would abandon them," he smirked.
Marguerite blushed. She knew who that someone was.
"I don't know if I told you this but when you were shot I was terrified. It was like Kenya all over again and I was afraid I as going to lose you," he said softly and stared into her eyes.
Marguerite's entire body grew weak at the truthfulness in his voice and his eyes. "John." she started.
He shook his head. "Marguerite there were so many times I came to losing you and I want you to know something. If there's a slim chance of us not winning, I want you to leave with Christina to go to the future. I'll know you would be safe there."
"What about you?"
"I'll stay and fight. This is much as my fight since I * was * once a vampire too."
"John no! If you're staying so am I and there's nothing you can say that can change my mind."
"Marguerite please! I'm begging you!"
"No," she stated firmly. "Remember when we were stuck in that cave? You said you would never let me go and I'll never let you go either. I love you too much, John."
He smiled. "I love you too." He kissed her softly on top of her head and with there hand in hand; they went into Marguerite's room.
+++
The next morning, Christina was up bright and early. Stretching out she went downstairs. She walked past the dining room and went to the library that was a few doors down. There was another fireplace and on top was a statue of a raven. She went up to it and pressed the head down.
One of the bookcases slid open and a hidden staircase was revealed. She walked up the crooked stairs and at the top was a room.
Opening the door, she stepped inside. The room was dark and no light was anywhere. Christina closed the door and after lightly tapping her crescent a few times, the room magically was lit.
In the middle of the room, a greenish blue ball was floating. She didn't want the others' to see this because they might freak out. She placed both hands on the ball and closed her eyes.
A little shock coursed through her body and she felt her mind being transported to a different place.
When she opened her eyes, the room was all foggy and after a few minutes of adjusting to the smoke, she saw two figures.
"Mom and Dad, I need your help!" she pleaded.
"I'm sorry but your parents were kidnapped, Christina. We tried to help but they were too strong," said a deep voice as the figure moved forward.
"Zack is that you?" she squinted as she tried to make out the body. He was tall and his flaxen hair seemed to have grown a bit, she noticed but his same old friendly periwinkle eyes stared into hers. "Zack!"
"Chris, we have been awaiting for you. We tried to contact you but the message wouldn't get through. I hoped that your parents sent you a warning or something."
Remembering the dream, she nodded. "They did. I saw Monica with them, was she kidnapped too?"
"Yes." The other figure steps up beside Zack. This one looked familiar to Christina, but she couldn't remember. Then a scene from many years ago pop up and the woman standing by her friend was just about 6 with long, flowing blonde hair and the deepest green eyes you could ever see.
"Dayna! Is that you? God, it's been so long!" Christina cried.
Her old friend grinned. "Yeah, just like old times Chris."
She laughed. How she missed her childhood friend! After she sober up, Christina got to the point. "Who kidnapped them?"
"Carl Magger. He's David Kaulfuss's successor," answered Zack.
"Carl Magger? The name sounds somewhat familiar," Christina thought aloud. "Listen, I need your help. The hunters are calling for reinforcements and I need some people here. I found five people and they are willing to help our cause."
"Are they humans? What about Calista?" asked Zack.
"Calista's dead. And yes they are humans but before you say anything, they helped me so much. We're all staying in the castle and."
"Castle? The one that Nathaniel Smith built?" interrupted Dayna.
"That's the one. If you could send help then there's a chance of beating them once and for all. There are other innocent people here and I know for a fact that the enemy won't take kindly of the natives. They will all die and I won't allow it."
"I don't know if it will be possible, Chris," stated Zack. "It's too late to get an army together. As adviser to your family I don't think it can be done."
"But it has to be!" Christina whined. "Zack, you have stuck by me for years and you were there for me when Mark died. Tell me, you can do it. Tell me."
She never noticed that when she said Mark's name, Zack pained a bit. She's still mourning over him. I can't believe it since it happened a couple of years ago! he thought. "Fine. I'll see what I can do. But I'm going there understand?"
"Me too. I haven't seen you in years Chris! We really have to sit down and catch up. By the way, who is Mark?" Dayna asked.
"Her boyfriend. This is not a tea party and we don't have enough time to chat so Dayna you're going to help me, and Chris get back to those people. We'll see you in a few hours," Zack said.
"Right."
+++
Around seven, the explorers started to stir. It was a pretty hectic night and everyone was a little bit tense.
"Did you sleep well?" the handsome hunter said as he looked down at his love.
She giggled. Even though things were bleak, he could make her feel better. "Absolutely. Better in a long time all things considering."
He smiled and kissed her on top of her head. "We better get up or we'll have to try explain our situation to the others' if they find us."
Marguerite was happy that Roxton wanted to keep their relationship a secret, well, for a little bit.
They got up and got dressed and hurried downstairs to the dining room. The others greeted them but someone was missing.
"Where's Christina?" asked the heiress.
"She could still be in bed," Veronica pointed out. "She did have a rough night."
"What happened?" asked the curious girl from the future.
"Nothing," the brunette said. "She had a nightmare that's all and nothing else."
Before Finn could ask more, Christina flew into the room as if she was on air. "There you are! We were wondering what happened to you?" smiled Roxton.
"Good morning everyone! I have some great news for you!"
"What? We can go home?" asked Veronica.
"No, but we are going to have help. My friends are gathering a troop together as we speak and in a few hours we will fight the hunters."
+++
Tree House
It took a bit longer than Cain thought but they had enough men to fight in case the vampire called for help. He returned to the tree house, happy, since he was successfully carried it out without any men squealing. Normally, this truthful man would have told someone what really happened but he was deeply afraid. Before he met Carl, he heard rumors about how crazy he could be. His orders on killing the men confirmed this. Cain promised himself that he wouldn't interfere the orders that Magger gives. He didn't want to be the next to die by his hand.
"Congratulations Cain! I knew you could do it!" Carl greeted him. Cain smiled at the praise but in the pit of his stomach he felt sick. The new recruitments didn't know what they gotten themselves into and to have this madman as a leader didn't do that much help.
Inspecting the men, Magger knew they had the perfect men. He looked up to the tree house and told them, "Gentlemen, I'm afraid you'll have to stay down here until we are ready to attack. Don't worry about the local wildlife, there's an electric thingy that would protect you and of course there's your guns. But know this, at this time tomorrow, we will locate the enemy and terminate anyone who helps them!"
The men cheered and up above on the balcony, the worried vampires watched.
"This is not good Craig. What are we going to do?" asked Claire.
Her husband looked on and couldn't bring himself to tell her the truth. Monica overlooked the exchange and knew already what he might say. She felt tears forming but stop, for she had to be strong for them. This whole thing was becoming too much for the couple to bear. She looked down at her hands and vowed she wouldn't let anything happen to them like it did with her parents.
+++
Castle
Christina told them everything that her friends told her. Challenger was excited and wanted to know how the future woman could communicate with the people in the future.
"I'll tell you another day," Christina told the disappointed scientist. "In the mean time, you guys should enjoy your visit here since not many people get to see this and it will take your minds off this predicament."
"Yes that would be a good idea. Is there a lab around here I could look at?" asked the visionary.
Laughing, she nodded. "Just to let you know it's medieval."
"Fine by me," said Challenger.
"Well, it's in the basement. Just take the main hallway down and there's a chamber door that leads to the lab." The eager man of science ran out in search of his heaven.
Turning to the others, she asked: "So what about you guys? I know this place is ancient but you could do a lot here."
"I'm going to go help Challenger," said Finn. "That lab sounds kind of cool."
When she left, Christina and the others stood around the dining room.
"Well, if were going to fight then it's best to check and make sure our weapons are in the top notch shape," said Roxton.
"I'll go help him," said Marguerite. After the dark-haired couple left the two shook their heads. They knew what else they might do and kept it to themselves.
"So Christina, you said you can find out what's going on the plateau. I was wondering if you could show me the Zangas?"
The worried jungle princess hoped she could show her.
"Why not? But don't freak on me, okay?"
"Freak?" said the confused blonde.
"Never mind. Follow me."
They went to the room that Christina was previously in. Veronica stood in amazement at what was in front of her. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Now I want you to place your hands on the ball and think of the Zangas. Keep that in mind and clear all thoughts, understand?"
She nodded. "Aren't you going to do this?"
Christina shook her head. "This is important to you. But you are going to feel sort of strange but it's nothing to worry about. Go on and do it."
The blonde beauty did what she was told. In a few seconds she experienced what Christina felt and found herself standing in the village.
Taking a few steps, there was no one around. This is strange. They should all be out, she thought. As if they could hear her thoughts, one by one they came out. They all looked afraid to Veronica. Then she saw Assai. "Assai!" she called.
She ran to her friend but she went through her. Then Jarl came out beside his wife. "You have to tell them, Assai," he said softly.
Looking up at her husband, she nodded. "Everyone! Listen!"
Her people gathered around as the princess spoke. "We have heard from some neighboring tribes of strangers on our lands. Some already approached them and sadly they were killed. These people looked like our friends at the tree house but they are not friendly. Please, don't mistake them as our friends. We don't know why they're here and hopefully they'll leave soon before anymore innocents die."
During this speech, Veronica started to cry. Then as fast as she arrived, she was back at the castle. Judging by her reaction, Christina knew something was wrong.
"What happened?"
"Them," Veronica gritted. "Those hunters! They already killed some people and who knows how long it will take them to find the village."
"I'm terribly sorry, Veronica. I really am but you can't escape the inevitable."
"I see now. I hope we can win this."
"So do I."
+++
Future, 2020
"Yo Zack, everyone's here!" announced Dayna.
"Good now we can go and help Chris."
Zack got up but Dayna stopped him. "Dayna, what the hell are you doing? We have to leave now."
"I know but before tell me what happened when we talked with Chris."
He looked at her blankly.
"About this Mark-guy. I saw you and you were sort of upset. So spill it."
"If I don't tell you then what are you going to do?"
"Annoy the hell out of you."
He sighed. "Fine! Well he was Chris's boyfriend but he died trying to protect her from being killed by David Kaulfuss."
"Oh."
"Well yeah. Anyways, I guess she never really got over his death and I don't know why since it happened a couple of years ago!"
"You like her, don't you?"
"What!? I don't like her. Dayna you're crazy."
"No I'm not. Just admit it that you like her since we were kids. And don't try to pull a fast one on me because I know Zack. It was so obvious."
He gulped. "So? I mean, I thought she like me too but I was wrong and so I'm not going to obsess over this."
"Did you even try to ask her out? No I bet you didn't. Zack, this is the right time to tell her your feelings. If you don't then you'll never get the chance again."
"We should go," he said and went past her.
"Fine! Ignore me, that's what everyone does," she yelled to him. Sighing, she went after him.
When she caught up to him, Zack asked, "By the way Dayna, how many are helping us?"
"Fifteen," she mumbled.
"What?"
"Fifteen," she repeated.
He stopped in his tracks. "Did you say fifteen?"
"Do you have wax in your ears? Yes, fifteen!"
"This is not good Dayna. Why couldn't you get more, this is important!"
"Sorry but there are people already taking care of the problem here and they don't think it's not important for them to go to the plateau."
"Did you tell them it had to with their leader?" Zack asked, getting annoyed.
"Yes, of course! And they love to help but what about families here? They need to be protected. It was Mr. Smith's fault that he told everyone if there's a situation like this should arise, fight for home and not anything else."
"Jesus Christ! This is not just a rescue mission but suicide!"
"Chris said 5 people were helping and there's going to be her, you, and me so that makes 23."
"23 won't cut it."
"Shut up and stop being such a baby. We can do this. Now off to the plateau!"
+++
Plateau, 1922
A golden light appeared and 18 vampires were shot out like a cannon, each landing in an uncomfortable position.
"Get off me!"
"Hey get your foot out of my face!"
"Ouch! That was my hand you bit!"
As soon as they all got up, Zack led the way to the castle.
+++
Castle
Christina was starting to become worried. She waited for 15 hours and there was no sign of her friends anywhere. A million scenarios went through her mind that could make her friends delay. One got worse right after the other. Marguerite found Christina in her room looking out the window.
"Hey there. Are you all right?"
"Hmm," Christina answered as she face her. "Nothing really. I'm worried and my friends are late nothing big," she said a little too bit harsh.
"Christina your friends will be here soon so don't think the worse," Marguerite replied softly.
"Easy for you to say since all yours is already here."
"No, not all of them."
"Who are you missing?"
"Malone, well, he's off on an adventure to find himself but he should be back soon, we're hoping. And there's Summerlee. We're not sure if he's dead or if he made it back to London."
"Summerlee? I knew a Summerlee once," Christina said.
"You do? Who?"
"Thomas Summerlee. He was the coolest guy ever. He was one of the few humans to stand up for us and he was everyone's Grandpa. I remember when I was about 4, he dressed up as Santa at my house for Christmas. That was before I found out but he was always my Santa. He made my life better and like jolly Old Saint Nick, he granted some of my wishes. He still does even though he's not here."
"Like what?"
Smiling, she replied, "An older sister. Marguerite, the time I spent here means so much to me. It has been a long time since I was able to talk to someone, especially a human, about my feelings and my life. You and I have so much in common and I don't know what might happen to me if I leave. I don't want to lose this or any of the others'."
The older woman eyes were gathering tears when she said that. "You know, I would love it if you could stay but you have others' that need you. But you will be always welcome here if you should otherwise," Marguerite told her.
"Thank you." They both hugged and Marguerite deeply wanted her to stay but Roxton was right. She couldn't.
Downstairs, Finn and Veronica were examining the paintings in the hallway. Most of them were about 500 years old and there was a couple that were 10.
"I guess those were Calista's," Finn remarked.
"These are beautiful," Veronica commented.
Both women heard a loud banging sound coming across the hallway. Veronica mouthed the word 'Door' and both ran to it with their weapons ready. Finn step forward and swung it opened.
For a moment the two blondes stared at the visitors as they stare back. The one in the front, a dashing man walked in. The idea that the two women were armed didn't seem to faze him as he strolled inside with the others at his heels. Finding her voice Veronica said.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
The man looked at her and replied, "We're here to help Christina. And if you two are suppose to be guards or something you are doing an awful job."
A couple of men grabbed both Veronica and Finn and took their knives and held them to their throats.
"Stop!"
Everyone looked up towards the stairs as Christina came flying down. "Zack! Tell your men to let go of my friends!"
"Sorry, I didn't know," he said sheepishly. He quickly turned his face so Christina couldn't see him blushing. This all didn't go unnoticed by Finn, who started to smirk.
"Chris I'm so happy to actually see you and not your shadow!" Dayna laughed as she hugged her close friend. From hearing all of the commotion, Roxton, Marguerite, and Challenger ran out to see what was going on.
"I'm grateful you guys came," Christina said. She went around and introducing the explorers to Zack and Dayna.
"No hard feelings," Zack said as he shook Veronica and Finn's hands.
"No hard feelings."
Christina looked at the other people that Zack brought. Some of them she recognized but the others were new to her. The amount didn't make her happy since they didn't know how many they were going up against. Well, she thought, at least we have some help but we are going to have to be extra careful. Smiling, she told the newcomers to relax since she knew they arrived after fighting nonstop for days.
"You heard the boss, time for some R&R!" cried Dayna.
When they all left, Christina and the others' went to the dining room to discuss the situation.
After explaining everything Zack groaned. "I knew we should have force more fighters to come. 23 is definitely not to cut it."
"I know," Christina said softly. Getting up, she walked around thinking what they should do. Then an idea hit her.
"Dayna! Remember when we were five and we used to play The Blob?"
"Uhh, yeah," she said. "What does that have to with anything?"
"Easy! I know my parents had our troops trained differently but we have the element of surprise!"
"How?" asked Roxton.
Getting excited, the future woman tried to explain. "Our numbers are small we know that but we have to get down n' dirty in order to win. Veronica didn't you say that the Zangas are going to keep their guard up."
"Yes."
"Go to them. They are your friends no doubt and convince them to help us. Maybe we can get other tribes to help too. Our numbers will increase and just like the game we will all stick together and make sure that every last vampire hunter is stuck to us!"
Zack and Dayna were becoming excited like Christina but the explorers, including Finn, had no idea what they were talking about.
Forgetting about the others' Christina could tell from their expressions they had never played The Blob before. Well, of course, they haven't since the movie was made in the 1950s but surely they heard of Tag.
"Well if we are going to ask the Zangas for help we have to wait for tomorrow morning," pointed out Challenger.
"Who says we have to wait till morning?" grinned Christina.
+++
"I can't believe I'm doing this! Could this day get any better?" Marguerite groaned.
"You're not the only one," replied Zack.
Christina sent Marguerite, Veronica, Zack, and one of the other vampires to the village. It stood for reason why Veronica would go but Marguerite was a linguist and Christina felt she could help spread the word to the other villagers' who didn't understand English.
Roxton was none too happy that Marguerite was going but Christina told him how crucial it was. Though, the idea of two vampires going along didn't make the matter better for the lord even if one of them was a good friend of Christina's.
"Shh!" hushed Veronica. "I think I hear something."
Zack and the other vampire stopped and listened. "Nothing's there," Zack said a little bit annoyed.
After taking a few steps, a knife came flying out and almost hit Zack.
"Duck!" yelled the jungle princess.
Everyone ducked as knives and spears came flying from every side. "Damn this idea!" muttered the brunette.
"What the hell is that?" yelled the other vamp.
"Cannibals!" cried Veronica.
Marguerite whipped out her pistol and started shooting the nearest cannibal. Still lying down, she crawled around and shot any cannibal within her range. Taking a cue, Zack and the other vampire jumped up and ran into jungle.
"Where the hell are they going?!" screamed the older woman.
With no answer, Veronica took her knife and threw it at a cannibal above Marguerite. The older woman looked up in shock as a tall, burly man-eater fell to the left side of her. "Thanks," she said to Veronica.
Then a loud shriek was heard and then there was silence. Both women looked at each other. It didn't sound quite human.
There was some movement in the bushes and Zack and his accomplice came out, like the cat that swallowed the canary.
"Where were you two?" demanded Veronica.
"There." Zack pointed to where they came from. "And there, there, and I almost forgot there too."
"Don't get to smart with us!" yelled Marguerite.
"I'm not! Just take a look if you don't believe us."
Veronica saw some little blood on Zack's shirt and had an idea what they were doing and didn't press the issue. Neither did Marguerite.
Soon, they were off again to the village.
+++
When they arrived, it was still a tad bit dark out but no one stopped for breaks along the way because everyone was tense and worried that they would turn them down.
Surprisingly, no one in the village was asleep. Assai looked up and when she saw Veronica, her face brightened.
"Veronica!"
Both women embraced and quickly Veronica explained the dilemma to the native princess. Assai listened intently and after she lowered her head. "I don't know if my people are willing to die for strangers."
"They are not strangers Assai! I know some of your people had already died from these hunters but think of this as a tribute to them. If we don't help then everyone will die, including myself, you, Jarl, your people, and everyone on the plateau. You have to help us!" Veronica urged.
When there was no answer, Zack stepped between them and spoke sternly to Veronica. "This was a lame idea to come. Let's go back. I don't have the time for this."
Taking one more look at her friend, Veronica turned hiding her remorse expression.
"Don't go!" Assai cried out. Turning around, Veronica faced Assai.
"Assai."
"No!" she said firmly. "You are right Veronica. If we don't help then I'll be signing my people's death warrant. I won't allow it. If we help then there's a good chance of surviving and I would like to at least try and help."
"Thank you Assai! You have no idea what this means!" Veronica cried with joy.
"So Assai, is it? Do you any other tribes that will help also?" asked Zack.
She nodded. "I will send messengers immediately to my kin. I want everyone to go with you now."
"Got it. Wait! The other tribes won't know where the castle is," Veronica said.
"I'll go with the messengers," volunteered Zack. "Tell Chris I'll get back as soon as possible."
The blonde nodded. "Be careful."
"I'm always careful," he replied. "But if I don't then tell Chris..."
To be continued........
Hey! I'm finally done with this chapter! I would have finish sooner but my computer had hijackers and I had to go without the Internet for days! But now I'm back on so you guys can enjoy this. I hope you all had a terrific Christmas I know I sure did. Thanks for all the reviews it meant a lot! Oh, and Big Red I hope you enjoyed the little story I wrote for you and Part 2 will be ready for your b-day so you have to wait!!!!!!!!! Ha Ha Ha! PLEASE REVIEW!!!!
Notes: Thanks for the reviews and I want to say I really appreciated everything you sent me. Only one chapter to go and this is over. Sorry!
"Mom? Dad?" Christina called.
The young girl kept walking. When she woke up, she heard their voices calling for her. They sounded scared and in pain.
She kept moving in a trance-like state and found herself at the tree house. Taking a deep breath, she knew she was now in enemy territory and must keep her guard. She opened the latch of the fence and entered. Looking around, there was nothing that appeared out of the ordinary.
She walked around the tree to where the elevator was. The voices became louder. "Christina! Where are you?" they wailed.
She winced from the anguish in their voices. She knew this was wrong for her to go alone but these were her parents calling for her. What child would not go to their parents?
Christina step inside and went up. As she entered inside the Great Room, there was a calming silence and the fact there wasn't no more voices frightened her. Keeping her cool, Christina looked around. Out by the balcony, a large object loomed over her. She figured it had to be a cage. I bet they're in there. Those bastards, she thought angrily.
She ran to the front and peered inside. A human figure was in the corner of the cage but she couldn't make out whom it was. "Mom?" she whispered.
The head turned and when it did, Christina gasped. It wasn't her mom it was. Carl. "Got you!" he cried.
Out in the shadows, a group of men appeared and surrounded her. She looked around but there was no escape. One of the men came up with a long knife in his hand. Another grabbed her arms and twisted them to her back. She cried out in pain and Carl step out of the cage, smiling. The one with the knife came closer and had it pointed to her heart.
"No." she wept.
This couldn't be it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her parents and her best friend. She whipped her head and screamed out their names. The figures stared at her with lifeless eyes. She trembled as the knife came closer. She screamed for help but the laughter of the deranged men was all she could hear.
"Help us Christina. You are our only hope," whispered her mom.
She looked at her frankly. I can't help you when I'm going to die! Her mind wailed. Turning her attention back to the knife, she tried to struggle to free herself from her captives but the man's grip was cold and held her firmly.
"You shouldn't have come," said Monica hoarsely. "Now our race is going to end and it's all your fault Christina. Why did you come when you knew you can't save yourself?"
"I don't know!" she sobbed.
Her father stepped out and shouted, "Christina you weren't suppose to come! Didn't you hear our warning?"
Then the knife plunged into her heart and she screamed and then there was silence over the jungle.
"Nooooo!" Christina shouted.
"Christina wake up! You're having a nightmare!" cried Marguerite.
The heiress shook the future girl until she finally opened her eyes.
"Marguerite!"
The girl wrapped herself around the brunette and cried on her shoulder as Marguerite held her. Just then, Roxton and Veronica ran into Christina's room.
"What's going on?" the lord asked.
"Shh!" the dark-haired beauty ordered. Soothing, she softly asked, "What happened? I heard you screaming and crying."
Christina looked up at her with her tear-stained face. "It was horrible!" she sniffed. "I was killed by the hunters and my parents stood there and. and. they said I shouldn't have come and that they tried to warn me, oh Marguerite!" she cried.
The hunter and the blonde ran to the bedside to see what they could do to comfort her. As soon Christina composed herself she tried to reassure her new friends she was all right.
Marguerite dismissed it. "I'm not leaving Christina. You can trust me, now tell me, what exactly happened?"
She sighed. "I went to the tree house and I found a cage out on the balcony. When I looked inside there were a man in there and the next thing I knew I was being held down and a knife was pointed at my heart. I saw my parents and my best friend standing there, lifeless. I cried for help but they stood there and kept saying 'I shouldn't have come' and 'it's your fault that our race is going to end'."
The others sat there and listened intently. It was obvious this dream disturbed their new friend but didn't know how to approach it. "Maybe it was warning itself," suggested Veronica. "It probably was a vision to show you what happens if you did leave."
"Maybe," Christina said not sure.
"Well, it's still night out and we should get some more sleep before we planned anything," Roxton pointed out.
The four said their goodnights and they left Christina's room. Marguerite was still a little bit troubled at what just happened. The future girl was certainly getting to her and all ready the heiress was feeling bad that she would have to leave soon. Roxton noticed her troubled expression and after Veronica left, he decided to talk to her about it.
"Marguerite?"
"Hmmm," she said.
"Is there something wrong? I couldn't help but noticed that Christina's breakdown had really disturbed you."
"No it didn't," she brushed off.
The handsome hunter persisted. "Come on Marguerite. I know you so please spill it!"
"Spill it? Are you picking up Finn's slang?" Marguerite turned from him and was about to leave when he grabbed her arm and whirled her around.
"Marguerite," he said sternly in his I-Know-You're-Not-Getting-Away-With- This tone.
She huffed. "Fine! Yes it did bother me, happy?"
"No." He thought for a moment and then asked, "Marguerite, I know you're close to her and I know if she leaves it would be hard."
She pushed away from him. "Hard? John the poor girl is being hunted! If she does leave, her life will still be in danger. I don't know what might happened to her and I don't want to see her get killed!"
Roxton was a little surprised at her confession. "Marguerite if I didn't know better I think you might be considering that Christina should stay with us."
"I would love to have her stay but she has her own life and I don't want to meddle."
He gave her a look.
"Okay yes I really do want her stay! Is that wrong?"
"You heard the girl about her parents and her friend. Maybe the hunters capture them and that's why she had that dream. But she does have an obligation to her family and since she reminds me of someone I don't think she would abandon them," he smirked.
Marguerite blushed. She knew who that someone was.
"I don't know if I told you this but when you were shot I was terrified. It was like Kenya all over again and I was afraid I as going to lose you," he said softly and stared into her eyes.
Marguerite's entire body grew weak at the truthfulness in his voice and his eyes. "John." she started.
He shook his head. "Marguerite there were so many times I came to losing you and I want you to know something. If there's a slim chance of us not winning, I want you to leave with Christina to go to the future. I'll know you would be safe there."
"What about you?"
"I'll stay and fight. This is much as my fight since I * was * once a vampire too."
"John no! If you're staying so am I and there's nothing you can say that can change my mind."
"Marguerite please! I'm begging you!"
"No," she stated firmly. "Remember when we were stuck in that cave? You said you would never let me go and I'll never let you go either. I love you too much, John."
He smiled. "I love you too." He kissed her softly on top of her head and with there hand in hand; they went into Marguerite's room.
+++
The next morning, Christina was up bright and early. Stretching out she went downstairs. She walked past the dining room and went to the library that was a few doors down. There was another fireplace and on top was a statue of a raven. She went up to it and pressed the head down.
One of the bookcases slid open and a hidden staircase was revealed. She walked up the crooked stairs and at the top was a room.
Opening the door, she stepped inside. The room was dark and no light was anywhere. Christina closed the door and after lightly tapping her crescent a few times, the room magically was lit.
In the middle of the room, a greenish blue ball was floating. She didn't want the others' to see this because they might freak out. She placed both hands on the ball and closed her eyes.
A little shock coursed through her body and she felt her mind being transported to a different place.
When she opened her eyes, the room was all foggy and after a few minutes of adjusting to the smoke, she saw two figures.
"Mom and Dad, I need your help!" she pleaded.
"I'm sorry but your parents were kidnapped, Christina. We tried to help but they were too strong," said a deep voice as the figure moved forward.
"Zack is that you?" she squinted as she tried to make out the body. He was tall and his flaxen hair seemed to have grown a bit, she noticed but his same old friendly periwinkle eyes stared into hers. "Zack!"
"Chris, we have been awaiting for you. We tried to contact you but the message wouldn't get through. I hoped that your parents sent you a warning or something."
Remembering the dream, she nodded. "They did. I saw Monica with them, was she kidnapped too?"
"Yes." The other figure steps up beside Zack. This one looked familiar to Christina, but she couldn't remember. Then a scene from many years ago pop up and the woman standing by her friend was just about 6 with long, flowing blonde hair and the deepest green eyes you could ever see.
"Dayna! Is that you? God, it's been so long!" Christina cried.
Her old friend grinned. "Yeah, just like old times Chris."
She laughed. How she missed her childhood friend! After she sober up, Christina got to the point. "Who kidnapped them?"
"Carl Magger. He's David Kaulfuss's successor," answered Zack.
"Carl Magger? The name sounds somewhat familiar," Christina thought aloud. "Listen, I need your help. The hunters are calling for reinforcements and I need some people here. I found five people and they are willing to help our cause."
"Are they humans? What about Calista?" asked Zack.
"Calista's dead. And yes they are humans but before you say anything, they helped me so much. We're all staying in the castle and."
"Castle? The one that Nathaniel Smith built?" interrupted Dayna.
"That's the one. If you could send help then there's a chance of beating them once and for all. There are other innocent people here and I know for a fact that the enemy won't take kindly of the natives. They will all die and I won't allow it."
"I don't know if it will be possible, Chris," stated Zack. "It's too late to get an army together. As adviser to your family I don't think it can be done."
"But it has to be!" Christina whined. "Zack, you have stuck by me for years and you were there for me when Mark died. Tell me, you can do it. Tell me."
She never noticed that when she said Mark's name, Zack pained a bit. She's still mourning over him. I can't believe it since it happened a couple of years ago! he thought. "Fine. I'll see what I can do. But I'm going there understand?"
"Me too. I haven't seen you in years Chris! We really have to sit down and catch up. By the way, who is Mark?" Dayna asked.
"Her boyfriend. This is not a tea party and we don't have enough time to chat so Dayna you're going to help me, and Chris get back to those people. We'll see you in a few hours," Zack said.
"Right."
+++
Around seven, the explorers started to stir. It was a pretty hectic night and everyone was a little bit tense.
"Did you sleep well?" the handsome hunter said as he looked down at his love.
She giggled. Even though things were bleak, he could make her feel better. "Absolutely. Better in a long time all things considering."
He smiled and kissed her on top of her head. "We better get up or we'll have to try explain our situation to the others' if they find us."
Marguerite was happy that Roxton wanted to keep their relationship a secret, well, for a little bit.
They got up and got dressed and hurried downstairs to the dining room. The others greeted them but someone was missing.
"Where's Christina?" asked the heiress.
"She could still be in bed," Veronica pointed out. "She did have a rough night."
"What happened?" asked the curious girl from the future.
"Nothing," the brunette said. "She had a nightmare that's all and nothing else."
Before Finn could ask more, Christina flew into the room as if she was on air. "There you are! We were wondering what happened to you?" smiled Roxton.
"Good morning everyone! I have some great news for you!"
"What? We can go home?" asked Veronica.
"No, but we are going to have help. My friends are gathering a troop together as we speak and in a few hours we will fight the hunters."
+++
Tree House
It took a bit longer than Cain thought but they had enough men to fight in case the vampire called for help. He returned to the tree house, happy, since he was successfully carried it out without any men squealing. Normally, this truthful man would have told someone what really happened but he was deeply afraid. Before he met Carl, he heard rumors about how crazy he could be. His orders on killing the men confirmed this. Cain promised himself that he wouldn't interfere the orders that Magger gives. He didn't want to be the next to die by his hand.
"Congratulations Cain! I knew you could do it!" Carl greeted him. Cain smiled at the praise but in the pit of his stomach he felt sick. The new recruitments didn't know what they gotten themselves into and to have this madman as a leader didn't do that much help.
Inspecting the men, Magger knew they had the perfect men. He looked up to the tree house and told them, "Gentlemen, I'm afraid you'll have to stay down here until we are ready to attack. Don't worry about the local wildlife, there's an electric thingy that would protect you and of course there's your guns. But know this, at this time tomorrow, we will locate the enemy and terminate anyone who helps them!"
The men cheered and up above on the balcony, the worried vampires watched.
"This is not good Craig. What are we going to do?" asked Claire.
Her husband looked on and couldn't bring himself to tell her the truth. Monica overlooked the exchange and knew already what he might say. She felt tears forming but stop, for she had to be strong for them. This whole thing was becoming too much for the couple to bear. She looked down at her hands and vowed she wouldn't let anything happen to them like it did with her parents.
+++
Castle
Christina told them everything that her friends told her. Challenger was excited and wanted to know how the future woman could communicate with the people in the future.
"I'll tell you another day," Christina told the disappointed scientist. "In the mean time, you guys should enjoy your visit here since not many people get to see this and it will take your minds off this predicament."
"Yes that would be a good idea. Is there a lab around here I could look at?" asked the visionary.
Laughing, she nodded. "Just to let you know it's medieval."
"Fine by me," said Challenger.
"Well, it's in the basement. Just take the main hallway down and there's a chamber door that leads to the lab." The eager man of science ran out in search of his heaven.
Turning to the others, she asked: "So what about you guys? I know this place is ancient but you could do a lot here."
"I'm going to go help Challenger," said Finn. "That lab sounds kind of cool."
When she left, Christina and the others stood around the dining room.
"Well, if were going to fight then it's best to check and make sure our weapons are in the top notch shape," said Roxton.
"I'll go help him," said Marguerite. After the dark-haired couple left the two shook their heads. They knew what else they might do and kept it to themselves.
"So Christina, you said you can find out what's going on the plateau. I was wondering if you could show me the Zangas?"
The worried jungle princess hoped she could show her.
"Why not? But don't freak on me, okay?"
"Freak?" said the confused blonde.
"Never mind. Follow me."
They went to the room that Christina was previously in. Veronica stood in amazement at what was in front of her. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Now I want you to place your hands on the ball and think of the Zangas. Keep that in mind and clear all thoughts, understand?"
She nodded. "Aren't you going to do this?"
Christina shook her head. "This is important to you. But you are going to feel sort of strange but it's nothing to worry about. Go on and do it."
The blonde beauty did what she was told. In a few seconds she experienced what Christina felt and found herself standing in the village.
Taking a few steps, there was no one around. This is strange. They should all be out, she thought. As if they could hear her thoughts, one by one they came out. They all looked afraid to Veronica. Then she saw Assai. "Assai!" she called.
She ran to her friend but she went through her. Then Jarl came out beside his wife. "You have to tell them, Assai," he said softly.
Looking up at her husband, she nodded. "Everyone! Listen!"
Her people gathered around as the princess spoke. "We have heard from some neighboring tribes of strangers on our lands. Some already approached them and sadly they were killed. These people looked like our friends at the tree house but they are not friendly. Please, don't mistake them as our friends. We don't know why they're here and hopefully they'll leave soon before anymore innocents die."
During this speech, Veronica started to cry. Then as fast as she arrived, she was back at the castle. Judging by her reaction, Christina knew something was wrong.
"What happened?"
"Them," Veronica gritted. "Those hunters! They already killed some people and who knows how long it will take them to find the village."
"I'm terribly sorry, Veronica. I really am but you can't escape the inevitable."
"I see now. I hope we can win this."
"So do I."
+++
Future, 2020
"Yo Zack, everyone's here!" announced Dayna.
"Good now we can go and help Chris."
Zack got up but Dayna stopped him. "Dayna, what the hell are you doing? We have to leave now."
"I know but before tell me what happened when we talked with Chris."
He looked at her blankly.
"About this Mark-guy. I saw you and you were sort of upset. So spill it."
"If I don't tell you then what are you going to do?"
"Annoy the hell out of you."
He sighed. "Fine! Well he was Chris's boyfriend but he died trying to protect her from being killed by David Kaulfuss."
"Oh."
"Well yeah. Anyways, I guess she never really got over his death and I don't know why since it happened a couple of years ago!"
"You like her, don't you?"
"What!? I don't like her. Dayna you're crazy."
"No I'm not. Just admit it that you like her since we were kids. And don't try to pull a fast one on me because I know Zack. It was so obvious."
He gulped. "So? I mean, I thought she like me too but I was wrong and so I'm not going to obsess over this."
"Did you even try to ask her out? No I bet you didn't. Zack, this is the right time to tell her your feelings. If you don't then you'll never get the chance again."
"We should go," he said and went past her.
"Fine! Ignore me, that's what everyone does," she yelled to him. Sighing, she went after him.
When she caught up to him, Zack asked, "By the way Dayna, how many are helping us?"
"Fifteen," she mumbled.
"What?"
"Fifteen," she repeated.
He stopped in his tracks. "Did you say fifteen?"
"Do you have wax in your ears? Yes, fifteen!"
"This is not good Dayna. Why couldn't you get more, this is important!"
"Sorry but there are people already taking care of the problem here and they don't think it's not important for them to go to the plateau."
"Did you tell them it had to with their leader?" Zack asked, getting annoyed.
"Yes, of course! And they love to help but what about families here? They need to be protected. It was Mr. Smith's fault that he told everyone if there's a situation like this should arise, fight for home and not anything else."
"Jesus Christ! This is not just a rescue mission but suicide!"
"Chris said 5 people were helping and there's going to be her, you, and me so that makes 23."
"23 won't cut it."
"Shut up and stop being such a baby. We can do this. Now off to the plateau!"
+++
Plateau, 1922
A golden light appeared and 18 vampires were shot out like a cannon, each landing in an uncomfortable position.
"Get off me!"
"Hey get your foot out of my face!"
"Ouch! That was my hand you bit!"
As soon as they all got up, Zack led the way to the castle.
+++
Castle
Christina was starting to become worried. She waited for 15 hours and there was no sign of her friends anywhere. A million scenarios went through her mind that could make her friends delay. One got worse right after the other. Marguerite found Christina in her room looking out the window.
"Hey there. Are you all right?"
"Hmm," Christina answered as she face her. "Nothing really. I'm worried and my friends are late nothing big," she said a little too bit harsh.
"Christina your friends will be here soon so don't think the worse," Marguerite replied softly.
"Easy for you to say since all yours is already here."
"No, not all of them."
"Who are you missing?"
"Malone, well, he's off on an adventure to find himself but he should be back soon, we're hoping. And there's Summerlee. We're not sure if he's dead or if he made it back to London."
"Summerlee? I knew a Summerlee once," Christina said.
"You do? Who?"
"Thomas Summerlee. He was the coolest guy ever. He was one of the few humans to stand up for us and he was everyone's Grandpa. I remember when I was about 4, he dressed up as Santa at my house for Christmas. That was before I found out but he was always my Santa. He made my life better and like jolly Old Saint Nick, he granted some of my wishes. He still does even though he's not here."
"Like what?"
Smiling, she replied, "An older sister. Marguerite, the time I spent here means so much to me. It has been a long time since I was able to talk to someone, especially a human, about my feelings and my life. You and I have so much in common and I don't know what might happen to me if I leave. I don't want to lose this or any of the others'."
The older woman eyes were gathering tears when she said that. "You know, I would love it if you could stay but you have others' that need you. But you will be always welcome here if you should otherwise," Marguerite told her.
"Thank you." They both hugged and Marguerite deeply wanted her to stay but Roxton was right. She couldn't.
Downstairs, Finn and Veronica were examining the paintings in the hallway. Most of them were about 500 years old and there was a couple that were 10.
"I guess those were Calista's," Finn remarked.
"These are beautiful," Veronica commented.
Both women heard a loud banging sound coming across the hallway. Veronica mouthed the word 'Door' and both ran to it with their weapons ready. Finn step forward and swung it opened.
For a moment the two blondes stared at the visitors as they stare back. The one in the front, a dashing man walked in. The idea that the two women were armed didn't seem to faze him as he strolled inside with the others at his heels. Finding her voice Veronica said.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
The man looked at her and replied, "We're here to help Christina. And if you two are suppose to be guards or something you are doing an awful job."
A couple of men grabbed both Veronica and Finn and took their knives and held them to their throats.
"Stop!"
Everyone looked up towards the stairs as Christina came flying down. "Zack! Tell your men to let go of my friends!"
"Sorry, I didn't know," he said sheepishly. He quickly turned his face so Christina couldn't see him blushing. This all didn't go unnoticed by Finn, who started to smirk.
"Chris I'm so happy to actually see you and not your shadow!" Dayna laughed as she hugged her close friend. From hearing all of the commotion, Roxton, Marguerite, and Challenger ran out to see what was going on.
"I'm grateful you guys came," Christina said. She went around and introducing the explorers to Zack and Dayna.
"No hard feelings," Zack said as he shook Veronica and Finn's hands.
"No hard feelings."
Christina looked at the other people that Zack brought. Some of them she recognized but the others were new to her. The amount didn't make her happy since they didn't know how many they were going up against. Well, she thought, at least we have some help but we are going to have to be extra careful. Smiling, she told the newcomers to relax since she knew they arrived after fighting nonstop for days.
"You heard the boss, time for some R&R!" cried Dayna.
When they all left, Christina and the others' went to the dining room to discuss the situation.
After explaining everything Zack groaned. "I knew we should have force more fighters to come. 23 is definitely not to cut it."
"I know," Christina said softly. Getting up, she walked around thinking what they should do. Then an idea hit her.
"Dayna! Remember when we were five and we used to play The Blob?"
"Uhh, yeah," she said. "What does that have to with anything?"
"Easy! I know my parents had our troops trained differently but we have the element of surprise!"
"How?" asked Roxton.
Getting excited, the future woman tried to explain. "Our numbers are small we know that but we have to get down n' dirty in order to win. Veronica didn't you say that the Zangas are going to keep their guard up."
"Yes."
"Go to them. They are your friends no doubt and convince them to help us. Maybe we can get other tribes to help too. Our numbers will increase and just like the game we will all stick together and make sure that every last vampire hunter is stuck to us!"
Zack and Dayna were becoming excited like Christina but the explorers, including Finn, had no idea what they were talking about.
Forgetting about the others' Christina could tell from their expressions they had never played The Blob before. Well, of course, they haven't since the movie was made in the 1950s but surely they heard of Tag.
"Well if we are going to ask the Zangas for help we have to wait for tomorrow morning," pointed out Challenger.
"Who says we have to wait till morning?" grinned Christina.
+++
"I can't believe I'm doing this! Could this day get any better?" Marguerite groaned.
"You're not the only one," replied Zack.
Christina sent Marguerite, Veronica, Zack, and one of the other vampires to the village. It stood for reason why Veronica would go but Marguerite was a linguist and Christina felt she could help spread the word to the other villagers' who didn't understand English.
Roxton was none too happy that Marguerite was going but Christina told him how crucial it was. Though, the idea of two vampires going along didn't make the matter better for the lord even if one of them was a good friend of Christina's.
"Shh!" hushed Veronica. "I think I hear something."
Zack and the other vampire stopped and listened. "Nothing's there," Zack said a little bit annoyed.
After taking a few steps, a knife came flying out and almost hit Zack.
"Duck!" yelled the jungle princess.
Everyone ducked as knives and spears came flying from every side. "Damn this idea!" muttered the brunette.
"What the hell is that?" yelled the other vamp.
"Cannibals!" cried Veronica.
Marguerite whipped out her pistol and started shooting the nearest cannibal. Still lying down, she crawled around and shot any cannibal within her range. Taking a cue, Zack and the other vampire jumped up and ran into jungle.
"Where the hell are they going?!" screamed the older woman.
With no answer, Veronica took her knife and threw it at a cannibal above Marguerite. The older woman looked up in shock as a tall, burly man-eater fell to the left side of her. "Thanks," she said to Veronica.
Then a loud shriek was heard and then there was silence. Both women looked at each other. It didn't sound quite human.
There was some movement in the bushes and Zack and his accomplice came out, like the cat that swallowed the canary.
"Where were you two?" demanded Veronica.
"There." Zack pointed to where they came from. "And there, there, and I almost forgot there too."
"Don't get to smart with us!" yelled Marguerite.
"I'm not! Just take a look if you don't believe us."
Veronica saw some little blood on Zack's shirt and had an idea what they were doing and didn't press the issue. Neither did Marguerite.
Soon, they were off again to the village.
+++
When they arrived, it was still a tad bit dark out but no one stopped for breaks along the way because everyone was tense and worried that they would turn them down.
Surprisingly, no one in the village was asleep. Assai looked up and when she saw Veronica, her face brightened.
"Veronica!"
Both women embraced and quickly Veronica explained the dilemma to the native princess. Assai listened intently and after she lowered her head. "I don't know if my people are willing to die for strangers."
"They are not strangers Assai! I know some of your people had already died from these hunters but think of this as a tribute to them. If we don't help then everyone will die, including myself, you, Jarl, your people, and everyone on the plateau. You have to help us!" Veronica urged.
When there was no answer, Zack stepped between them and spoke sternly to Veronica. "This was a lame idea to come. Let's go back. I don't have the time for this."
Taking one more look at her friend, Veronica turned hiding her remorse expression.
"Don't go!" Assai cried out. Turning around, Veronica faced Assai.
"Assai."
"No!" she said firmly. "You are right Veronica. If we don't help then I'll be signing my people's death warrant. I won't allow it. If we help then there's a good chance of surviving and I would like to at least try and help."
"Thank you Assai! You have no idea what this means!" Veronica cried with joy.
"So Assai, is it? Do you any other tribes that will help also?" asked Zack.
She nodded. "I will send messengers immediately to my kin. I want everyone to go with you now."
"Got it. Wait! The other tribes won't know where the castle is," Veronica said.
"I'll go with the messengers," volunteered Zack. "Tell Chris I'll get back as soon as possible."
The blonde nodded. "Be careful."
"I'm always careful," he replied. "But if I don't then tell Chris..."
To be continued........
Hey! I'm finally done with this chapter! I would have finish sooner but my computer had hijackers and I had to go without the Internet for days! But now I'm back on so you guys can enjoy this. I hope you all had a terrific Christmas I know I sure did. Thanks for all the reviews it meant a lot! Oh, and Big Red I hope you enjoyed the little story I wrote for you and Part 2 will be ready for your b-day so you have to wait!!!!!!!!! Ha Ha Ha! PLEASE REVIEW!!!!