Disclaimer: I don't own TLW or any of the characters! So you just keep
your lawyers away and we will get along just fine!
AN: I want to give three wonderful people my biggest thanks and all my love! Clux, Velma-Kelly-Online, and Keys3033! I love you girls, and this chapter wouldn't be here without you!
Destiny Calls
Chapter 7: The Rescue
By: TheChosenOne3
The rest of the way to the city was made in silence. The Avatars were not a talkative bunch and the explorers were too worried about Marguerite to do much in the way of conversation. Each explorer was not only worried about their fallen companion, but they were wrapped up in their own thoughts as well.
Finn had tried to lighten the mood that had descended upon the small band by talking energetically about anything and everything. Malone tried to humor her, as did Challenger, but eventually they all three fell into silence with their companions.
Initially the explorers wanted to rest for a while and give Marguerite a chance to rejoin them in the world of consciousness, but the Avatars were adamant that they continue on to Avalon. When questioned why, they said that they wanted to make it back home before night fell. Veronica, however, got the feeling that there was more to it than that. Challenger looked over Marguerite and said that moving her would not do anything to hinder her recovery, seeing as how he had no idea why she was not conscious in the first place.
The Avatars suggested a stretcher be made to carry the Chosen One, but Roxton would not hear of it. Challenger tried to convince Roxton of the sense in letting the Avatars carry Marguerite, after all Roxton needed rest too, but Roxton was obstinate.
"I'll be fine George. If she wakes up I want to be right there. We'd better head out if we want to get there before sundown." Roxton effortlessly picked up the raven haired beauty and turned to look at his companions. He gave them his 'don't-try-to-argue-because-it's-pointless- now-lets-just-go' look. Half of the Avatars lead the way and the other half covered the rear. Veronica and Malone fell into step behind the leaders, followed by Roxton and Marguerite, and Challenger and Finn came up before the other half of the Avatars.
Roxton insisted that the explorers be able to protect themselves, despite the presence of the Avatars, so he gave his rifle to Veronica and Marguerite's to Finn. Both women protested their need of the weapons, but Roxton insisted that should trouble come they will be down by two people, so Finn would need to be able to reload quicker than she could with her crossbow and Veronica would need something that did more damage faster than her knives. The two women solemnly accepted the new, slightly awkward weapons. They had both been given lessons by Marguerite, Roxton, and Malone, so they knew how to use the artillery it was just not their weapon of choice.
So there they were, on their way to Avalon, in complete silence, with the exception of Roxton who was quietly murmuring to the unconscious heiress. Marguerite did not stir the entire time, which worried the scientist who was checking on her regularly.
It was nearly sundown by the time they saw the gates of Avalon. A collage of emotions swept through the weary travelers: anxiety, relief, excitement, curiosity, and joy. They had finally reached their intended destination; the only thing left to do was cross the threshold.
The Avatars all moved to the side and let the Destined Ones through first. The explorers really hadn't expected what they found beyond the gates. Avalon looked like a cross between ancient Athens and medieval England. There was a main street leading up to two obviously different buildings. The larger one was an exact replica of a castle one might find all along England in the Middle Ages. The smaller one was partially hidden behind the first and looked like a smaller version of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. The main street was lined with shops and carts of all types and branched off into allies lined with quaint little homes.
The explorers were stunned to say the least. The city was filled with people, people of every tribe and species that they had come by. They could even spot a few lizard men and women among the other citizens of the city. This was easily the largest single concentration of people that the explorers have come across in their entire time on the plateau, including Veronica.
As the explorers began to move the through throng of people, the citizens stopped what they were doing to stare at the newcomers. Then as one the people of Avalon dropped their heads and fell to one knee in a bow of respect to the outsiders. The explorers were slightly stunned at the display, it wasn't often they were given such a warm greeting. Roxton was the first to recover from his stupor, Marguerite's prone form consuming his focus once more.
"We have to get help for Marguerite. She hasn't moved once." Roxton said gruffly.
The others nodded their head in silent agreement. Veronica turned to ask the Avatars where they would find her mother and help for their friend, but their guides had disappeared into the crowd and were no longer in sight. Her friends looked to her for direction and she knew that they figured she was their best shot. Wordlessly she led the way down the main street.
The citizens held their positions until well after the explorers passed by. The street returned to its normal hustle and bustle, but there was a very excited energy to the crowd that it was lacking before. It was as if seeing the strangers awakened a hope long ago distinguished. The explorers decided to ask about the odd behavior when their friend was out of, whatever she was in.
They headed towards the first castle-like structure, hoping that they would find whoever was in charge and get some help. Veronica knew who she would find in there, and she was very anxious to be reunited with this particular person. Malone sensed her unease, and walked up beside her and silently took her hand. He did not meet her gaze when her eyes widened in surprise, he simply gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and continued to walk forward.
A woman met them at the entrance to the castle. It was instantly obvious who this woman was. Her long golden blonde hair, sun bronzed skin, and sky blue eyes left no doubt as to whom this woman was. None other than Abigail Layton was waiting for the small party. As soon as mother's eyes met daughter's Veronica's hand involuntarily tightened its hold on Ned's.
The group halted in front at the bottom of the staircase at the castle's entrance. All were silent; no one knew exactly what to say. Abigail gazed down at the weary bunch, taking each member of the group. Her eyes lingered on the heiress a bit longer than the rest of the gang. She took in her limp state and the fact that she was in the arms of who Abigail figured was Lord John Roxton. Her gazed settled on her daughter, her beautiful, full-grown daughter, who was no longer the little girl that Abigail last saw her as, but a strong independent woman. Both identical pairs of blue eyes filled with unshed tears. Then, as if on command, both women ran towards each other.
They embraced each other tightly, trying to erase the years of loneliness that both had to endure. It wasn't a very long hug, they knew that time was of the essence for Marguerite and that their reunion would have to be postponed, but it was enough, for now at least.
"I have missed you so much Mother." Veronica whispered as she pulled back to look at her mother.
"I have missed you too my darling, very much. But we can talk later, Marguerite is in trouble." Abigail smoothed back a strand of her daughter's hair. Then she looked at the rest of them. With a nod of her head Abigail summoned a servant. "Take these people to the forbidden chambers." The servant's eyes widened.
"What about Marguerite? She needs help." Roxton said missing the look between Abigail and the servant.
"And help is what she will receive. She will be taken to the Temple of the high priestess and a ritual will be preformed. The rest of you can wait and rest in the chamber until rite is over."
"No. I will not leave her. Where she goes, I go." Everything about Roxton, from his protective stance to his intense gaze to his stern tone, told his friends that there was absolutely no other option.
"Nor will we. Marguerite is our family and we will not abandon her now." Challenger said gruffly. The others nodded in agreement.
Abigail gave them all an appraising look. Then with a curt nod, lead the way to the structure resembling the Greek temple, which the explorers could only gather was the Temple of the high priestess.
*************
Roxton gently laid Marguerite down on the altar in the center of the large room. He gazed down at his sleeping beauty. 'Please wake up soon love. I miss that beautiful smile and those gorgeous eyes.' With that thought he kissed her forehead and turned back to his companions.
"So how exactly will this ritual revive Marguerite?" He asked of Abigail.
"Oh I will do for her pretty much what she did for you. The only difference is Marguerite is not being held captive. She made sure you were all back safely before starting the journey between worlds herself. At the last second something, attempted to pull her back, but it was too weak and could not hold her. She used the last of her energy to fend it off and is no longer able to make her way back. So I will transfer some of our collective energy to her and guide her back."
"How do you know all of this?" Veronica asked quietly, having a feeling she already knew the answer.
"It is part of my gifts as a part a Protector of the plateau. I felt her much like you did when she released all of that energy before. I have been sensing her since she rescued the rest of you. I was afraid that she wouldn't have the power to get all of you home. I'm glad she did, I don't know if I would have been able to retrieve the rest of you as well." Abigail looked at the group hanging on her every word, she gave them a small smile, as reassuring as she could muster.
"And how exactly will you guide her back?" Finn questioned, she didn't like the sound of this.
"That is where Lord Roxton comes in." All eyes turned to Roxton. He looked over at Abigail with an expression that clearly said, "And how am I supposed to do that?"
"Tell me Lord Roxton, ever since you met Marguerite, you have been very aware of her presence, haven't you?"
"Everyone is aware of that woman's presence, she makes sure of it." He added the last with a fond smile.
"That maybe so, but you are aware of her every move, every emotion that passes through her, you feel it don't you?"
Roxton gave her a long searching look. Seeing nothing but reassurance he answered, "Yes."
"Then you will be her guide back here. You can feel her as she feels you. That is how it has always been. It is part of your destiny."
"About this destiny thing that everyone seems to keep mentioning, what exactly does it mean?" Challenger asked. He had been surprisingly quiet, considering they were about to perform a supernatural ceremony in order to bring Marguerite's conscious back from a void between two different planes of existence.
"I am sorry Professor Challenger, but I am afraid that is something only Marguerite can answer. We need to begin. Tempest will soon gain enough energy to go after her, and without Lord Roxton she is vulnerable." Everyone chose to ignore the latter part of the statement, for now.
"All of you form a circle around Marguerite as you did before. Lord Roxton, you might want to lie down with Marguerite, unless you want to get bruised when you fall unconscious as well."
Roxton hesitated, but did what Abigail suggested. Abigail began to chant. It was not the beautiful melody that Marguerite had sung; this was more of a poem in a language that no one understood. Roxton's eyes closed and his body relaxed.
"That is the most relaxed he has been since this whole thing started." Ned mused to the others, trying to lighten the somber mood. They each gave him a weak smile in return.
*************
"Marguerite there you are!" Roxton found Marguerite sitting on the ground, knees pulled up to her chin, rocking back and forth. "Marguerite, love, what's wrong?" Roxton sat down beside her and gathered her in his arms. At the familiarity of his embrace Marguerite looked up at him.
"John is that really you?" She spoke with such loneliness and desperation that Roxton found all he could do was nod. Her arms immediately wrapped themselves around his neck. In response he held her on his lap, one hand holding her to him while the other stroked her hair soothingly. Marguerite did not cry, but she was trembling.
"Marguerite what happened?" He whispered quietly, trying to keep the note of panic out of his voice.
"Oh John, I tried to get back I really did, but I just wasn't strong enough. When Tempest tried to pull me back, I knew I wasn't going to make it back with the rest of you, but it will be a cold day in Hell when I voluntarily stay with that sadistic jackass. Oh John, my dreams, my nightmares, all of them, they just keep appearing over and over. I just want to get out of here John, can we go home?" He remembered the last time she had asked him that, right after that visit from Morrigan.
"Of course we can darling. Now come on lets stand up and go home." They stood up together. He took her hands in his, they closed their eyes, and when they opened them again, they were lying next to each other with five anxious faces staring down at them.
Everyone took their turn hugging Marguerite and asking if she was alright and such. When the excitement died down Marguerite noticed the not-so-new face, and recognized her immediately.
"Where are we?" She directed her question at Abigail.
"We are in the Temple of the high priestess Morrigan. But there is time for history lessons later. It is time."
"Time for what?" Finn asked cocking her head to one side.
"Time for you to go to the forbidden chamber, time for you to learn your destiny."
To Be Continued. . .
SierraSunshine: It was along time coming but this is where the real adventure begins. Thank you for being a loyal reviewer! Love ya much!
A. Windsor: I love you!!! You are such a sweet heart. Thank you for being so loyal to all of my stories! I hope this chapter meets your approval.
Angel LeeAnn: I hope you feel better soon! We all missed you! I'm glad you got back to writing, now for the reading part.think if this chapter as your get well soon card ;)
Taya7: You are such a dear! I will keep writing if you keep reading!
ABD: Tempest reminds me of you.and me when we get into those moods of ours! And I always keep up the good work!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I love you all!
AN: I want to give three wonderful people my biggest thanks and all my love! Clux, Velma-Kelly-Online, and Keys3033! I love you girls, and this chapter wouldn't be here without you!
Destiny Calls
Chapter 7: The Rescue
By: TheChosenOne3
The rest of the way to the city was made in silence. The Avatars were not a talkative bunch and the explorers were too worried about Marguerite to do much in the way of conversation. Each explorer was not only worried about their fallen companion, but they were wrapped up in their own thoughts as well.
Finn had tried to lighten the mood that had descended upon the small band by talking energetically about anything and everything. Malone tried to humor her, as did Challenger, but eventually they all three fell into silence with their companions.
Initially the explorers wanted to rest for a while and give Marguerite a chance to rejoin them in the world of consciousness, but the Avatars were adamant that they continue on to Avalon. When questioned why, they said that they wanted to make it back home before night fell. Veronica, however, got the feeling that there was more to it than that. Challenger looked over Marguerite and said that moving her would not do anything to hinder her recovery, seeing as how he had no idea why she was not conscious in the first place.
The Avatars suggested a stretcher be made to carry the Chosen One, but Roxton would not hear of it. Challenger tried to convince Roxton of the sense in letting the Avatars carry Marguerite, after all Roxton needed rest too, but Roxton was obstinate.
"I'll be fine George. If she wakes up I want to be right there. We'd better head out if we want to get there before sundown." Roxton effortlessly picked up the raven haired beauty and turned to look at his companions. He gave them his 'don't-try-to-argue-because-it's-pointless- now-lets-just-go' look. Half of the Avatars lead the way and the other half covered the rear. Veronica and Malone fell into step behind the leaders, followed by Roxton and Marguerite, and Challenger and Finn came up before the other half of the Avatars.
Roxton insisted that the explorers be able to protect themselves, despite the presence of the Avatars, so he gave his rifle to Veronica and Marguerite's to Finn. Both women protested their need of the weapons, but Roxton insisted that should trouble come they will be down by two people, so Finn would need to be able to reload quicker than she could with her crossbow and Veronica would need something that did more damage faster than her knives. The two women solemnly accepted the new, slightly awkward weapons. They had both been given lessons by Marguerite, Roxton, and Malone, so they knew how to use the artillery it was just not their weapon of choice.
So there they were, on their way to Avalon, in complete silence, with the exception of Roxton who was quietly murmuring to the unconscious heiress. Marguerite did not stir the entire time, which worried the scientist who was checking on her regularly.
It was nearly sundown by the time they saw the gates of Avalon. A collage of emotions swept through the weary travelers: anxiety, relief, excitement, curiosity, and joy. They had finally reached their intended destination; the only thing left to do was cross the threshold.
The Avatars all moved to the side and let the Destined Ones through first. The explorers really hadn't expected what they found beyond the gates. Avalon looked like a cross between ancient Athens and medieval England. There was a main street leading up to two obviously different buildings. The larger one was an exact replica of a castle one might find all along England in the Middle Ages. The smaller one was partially hidden behind the first and looked like a smaller version of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. The main street was lined with shops and carts of all types and branched off into allies lined with quaint little homes.
The explorers were stunned to say the least. The city was filled with people, people of every tribe and species that they had come by. They could even spot a few lizard men and women among the other citizens of the city. This was easily the largest single concentration of people that the explorers have come across in their entire time on the plateau, including Veronica.
As the explorers began to move the through throng of people, the citizens stopped what they were doing to stare at the newcomers. Then as one the people of Avalon dropped their heads and fell to one knee in a bow of respect to the outsiders. The explorers were slightly stunned at the display, it wasn't often they were given such a warm greeting. Roxton was the first to recover from his stupor, Marguerite's prone form consuming his focus once more.
"We have to get help for Marguerite. She hasn't moved once." Roxton said gruffly.
The others nodded their head in silent agreement. Veronica turned to ask the Avatars where they would find her mother and help for their friend, but their guides had disappeared into the crowd and were no longer in sight. Her friends looked to her for direction and she knew that they figured she was their best shot. Wordlessly she led the way down the main street.
The citizens held their positions until well after the explorers passed by. The street returned to its normal hustle and bustle, but there was a very excited energy to the crowd that it was lacking before. It was as if seeing the strangers awakened a hope long ago distinguished. The explorers decided to ask about the odd behavior when their friend was out of, whatever she was in.
They headed towards the first castle-like structure, hoping that they would find whoever was in charge and get some help. Veronica knew who she would find in there, and she was very anxious to be reunited with this particular person. Malone sensed her unease, and walked up beside her and silently took her hand. He did not meet her gaze when her eyes widened in surprise, he simply gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and continued to walk forward.
A woman met them at the entrance to the castle. It was instantly obvious who this woman was. Her long golden blonde hair, sun bronzed skin, and sky blue eyes left no doubt as to whom this woman was. None other than Abigail Layton was waiting for the small party. As soon as mother's eyes met daughter's Veronica's hand involuntarily tightened its hold on Ned's.
The group halted in front at the bottom of the staircase at the castle's entrance. All were silent; no one knew exactly what to say. Abigail gazed down at the weary bunch, taking each member of the group. Her eyes lingered on the heiress a bit longer than the rest of the gang. She took in her limp state and the fact that she was in the arms of who Abigail figured was Lord John Roxton. Her gazed settled on her daughter, her beautiful, full-grown daughter, who was no longer the little girl that Abigail last saw her as, but a strong independent woman. Both identical pairs of blue eyes filled with unshed tears. Then, as if on command, both women ran towards each other.
They embraced each other tightly, trying to erase the years of loneliness that both had to endure. It wasn't a very long hug, they knew that time was of the essence for Marguerite and that their reunion would have to be postponed, but it was enough, for now at least.
"I have missed you so much Mother." Veronica whispered as she pulled back to look at her mother.
"I have missed you too my darling, very much. But we can talk later, Marguerite is in trouble." Abigail smoothed back a strand of her daughter's hair. Then she looked at the rest of them. With a nod of her head Abigail summoned a servant. "Take these people to the forbidden chambers." The servant's eyes widened.
"What about Marguerite? She needs help." Roxton said missing the look between Abigail and the servant.
"And help is what she will receive. She will be taken to the Temple of the high priestess and a ritual will be preformed. The rest of you can wait and rest in the chamber until rite is over."
"No. I will not leave her. Where she goes, I go." Everything about Roxton, from his protective stance to his intense gaze to his stern tone, told his friends that there was absolutely no other option.
"Nor will we. Marguerite is our family and we will not abandon her now." Challenger said gruffly. The others nodded in agreement.
Abigail gave them all an appraising look. Then with a curt nod, lead the way to the structure resembling the Greek temple, which the explorers could only gather was the Temple of the high priestess.
*************
Roxton gently laid Marguerite down on the altar in the center of the large room. He gazed down at his sleeping beauty. 'Please wake up soon love. I miss that beautiful smile and those gorgeous eyes.' With that thought he kissed her forehead and turned back to his companions.
"So how exactly will this ritual revive Marguerite?" He asked of Abigail.
"Oh I will do for her pretty much what she did for you. The only difference is Marguerite is not being held captive. She made sure you were all back safely before starting the journey between worlds herself. At the last second something, attempted to pull her back, but it was too weak and could not hold her. She used the last of her energy to fend it off and is no longer able to make her way back. So I will transfer some of our collective energy to her and guide her back."
"How do you know all of this?" Veronica asked quietly, having a feeling she already knew the answer.
"It is part of my gifts as a part a Protector of the plateau. I felt her much like you did when she released all of that energy before. I have been sensing her since she rescued the rest of you. I was afraid that she wouldn't have the power to get all of you home. I'm glad she did, I don't know if I would have been able to retrieve the rest of you as well." Abigail looked at the group hanging on her every word, she gave them a small smile, as reassuring as she could muster.
"And how exactly will you guide her back?" Finn questioned, she didn't like the sound of this.
"That is where Lord Roxton comes in." All eyes turned to Roxton. He looked over at Abigail with an expression that clearly said, "And how am I supposed to do that?"
"Tell me Lord Roxton, ever since you met Marguerite, you have been very aware of her presence, haven't you?"
"Everyone is aware of that woman's presence, she makes sure of it." He added the last with a fond smile.
"That maybe so, but you are aware of her every move, every emotion that passes through her, you feel it don't you?"
Roxton gave her a long searching look. Seeing nothing but reassurance he answered, "Yes."
"Then you will be her guide back here. You can feel her as she feels you. That is how it has always been. It is part of your destiny."
"About this destiny thing that everyone seems to keep mentioning, what exactly does it mean?" Challenger asked. He had been surprisingly quiet, considering they were about to perform a supernatural ceremony in order to bring Marguerite's conscious back from a void between two different planes of existence.
"I am sorry Professor Challenger, but I am afraid that is something only Marguerite can answer. We need to begin. Tempest will soon gain enough energy to go after her, and without Lord Roxton she is vulnerable." Everyone chose to ignore the latter part of the statement, for now.
"All of you form a circle around Marguerite as you did before. Lord Roxton, you might want to lie down with Marguerite, unless you want to get bruised when you fall unconscious as well."
Roxton hesitated, but did what Abigail suggested. Abigail began to chant. It was not the beautiful melody that Marguerite had sung; this was more of a poem in a language that no one understood. Roxton's eyes closed and his body relaxed.
"That is the most relaxed he has been since this whole thing started." Ned mused to the others, trying to lighten the somber mood. They each gave him a weak smile in return.
*************
"Marguerite there you are!" Roxton found Marguerite sitting on the ground, knees pulled up to her chin, rocking back and forth. "Marguerite, love, what's wrong?" Roxton sat down beside her and gathered her in his arms. At the familiarity of his embrace Marguerite looked up at him.
"John is that really you?" She spoke with such loneliness and desperation that Roxton found all he could do was nod. Her arms immediately wrapped themselves around his neck. In response he held her on his lap, one hand holding her to him while the other stroked her hair soothingly. Marguerite did not cry, but she was trembling.
"Marguerite what happened?" He whispered quietly, trying to keep the note of panic out of his voice.
"Oh John, I tried to get back I really did, but I just wasn't strong enough. When Tempest tried to pull me back, I knew I wasn't going to make it back with the rest of you, but it will be a cold day in Hell when I voluntarily stay with that sadistic jackass. Oh John, my dreams, my nightmares, all of them, they just keep appearing over and over. I just want to get out of here John, can we go home?" He remembered the last time she had asked him that, right after that visit from Morrigan.
"Of course we can darling. Now come on lets stand up and go home." They stood up together. He took her hands in his, they closed their eyes, and when they opened them again, they were lying next to each other with five anxious faces staring down at them.
Everyone took their turn hugging Marguerite and asking if she was alright and such. When the excitement died down Marguerite noticed the not-so-new face, and recognized her immediately.
"Where are we?" She directed her question at Abigail.
"We are in the Temple of the high priestess Morrigan. But there is time for history lessons later. It is time."
"Time for what?" Finn asked cocking her head to one side.
"Time for you to go to the forbidden chamber, time for you to learn your destiny."
To Be Continued. . .
SierraSunshine: It was along time coming but this is where the real adventure begins. Thank you for being a loyal reviewer! Love ya much!
A. Windsor: I love you!!! You are such a sweet heart. Thank you for being so loyal to all of my stories! I hope this chapter meets your approval.
Angel LeeAnn: I hope you feel better soon! We all missed you! I'm glad you got back to writing, now for the reading part.think if this chapter as your get well soon card ;)
Taya7: You are such a dear! I will keep writing if you keep reading!
ABD: Tempest reminds me of you.and me when we get into those moods of ours! And I always keep up the good work!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I love you all!
