Wow! I didn't think I would get this chapter up so fast. Well, compared to my other fics at least ^_^
Okay, a few things on the side note. I'd like to thank Midnight as always, and Vilya who helped out with this chapter. A long time ago, Picard was originally going to be Leon. Or that was the rumored name on the net, before he was Piers. And we were trying to think of a good name for Picard's uncle, so we decided to use Leon ^_^ which I think fits him fairly well. So Vilya gets credit for that.
Another quick note. Before I got to Lemuria, there was a huge rumor on the net going on about how Picard was the Prince of Lemuria, implying he was the king's son. Now, I was having fun with the entire mindread thing, and I read Uncle Leon's mind after Picard left, and before I talked to him again. And apparently Picard's father died when Picard was in his youth. Which meant, that he wasn't the son of the king. Excpet, I still liked the idea, and made him the great-grandson. Plus it was a possible idea, and it's fanfiction. So I can ^_^ Plus it'll work very nicely later on in the fic.
Trials by Water: Meeting
Picard expertly steered his ship through the narrow waterways that led to the Lemuria docks. The vessel drifted slowly with the calm waters, almost as if it knew where it was going. His mind wandered to thoughts of the greeting he might receive in a few short moments. Joy? Anger? Would they even let him past the gates?
"Really Picard; you worry too much."
He smiled slightly at the small blue creature that had appeared on his left shoulder. The Mercury Djinni's inquisitive golden eyes met his own. "Easy for you to say. You are not the one in possible trouble."
"Do you always have to be so negative?" Shade asked, tilting his head.
"You don't know what'll happen until you get back home." Spring now appeared on Picard's right shoulder. "Besides, Conservato doesn't have the final say about what happens to you."
"Exactly! He just thinks he owns the place." Picard crolled his eyes upwards to see Rime staring back down at him from his perch on top of his head.
"And Uncle Leon won't be very happy if his only family is banished from Lemuria forever." Spring added cheerfully.
Picard sighed as he turned the last corner and the dock came into view. "I know that." He stared straight ahead. "I do not want to be turned away again. I have been gone for so long that it's almost as if I don't belong here here anymore. Maybe I should have stayed with Felix."
"What are you talking about?" Spring's golden eyes flashed. "Hydros trusted you above all others in Lemuria! He won't let his favorite great-grandson be banished without putting up a good fight."
Picard grinned. "I am his only great-grandson."
"Exactly!" Shade chirped. "Which makes you his favorite."
"Why do I even bother talking with Djinn?" Picard wondered as he stopped the ship perfectly at the dock.
"Come on! You know you love us!" Serac's voice echoed through his mind.
"And if you get depressed again, we'll tell Jenna." Shade shifted to his right leg. "She refused to let you get depressed when your mother died, remember?"
Picard blinked questioningly. "I remember...wait a minute. How do you plan to do that?"
"Easy." Sour appreared in his pocket. "We Djinn have connections with all other Djinn."
"You mean you can communicate with Flint and the others even from this great distance?" Picard raised his eyebrow in suspiscion. Djinn didn't lie, but sometimes they liked to stretch the truth a bit.
"Yup!" Serac said. "It's hard to explain how, but it can be done."
"I won't even ask then," Picard sighed as he climed down the ladder and set foor on solid ground.
Shade tilted his head. "We'll explain it to you one day." He vanished without another word, as did the rest of the miniature horde, leaving Picard alone as he apporached the gates into Lemuria. He smiled as he heard two very familiar voices around the corner.
"Did you hear something?"
"I heard it. Someone's aproaching."
"Who's there? Show yourself!"
Luke and Jacques were on guard duty again and as alert as ever, ready to pounce on any intruders. They had only let Felix in because Picard was with a member of his group. Normally, Luke and Jacques were fairly friendly, but they could be quick to anger. "Do not worry, it's only me," Picard said as he stepped past the statue.
"Picard?" Luke questioned. "It can't be-"
"Picard!" Jacques took a step forward in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you mean 'what am I doing here?' This is my home, is it not? King Hydros has ordered my return once my mission was complete."
Luke shook his head. "But Conservato has ordered us to keep you out. He said you were banished. I'm sorry, Picard."
Picard stared at the two of them, golden eyes expressing a mix of hurt and anger. He had known them for a very long time. How could they abandon their trust in him so quickly?
"Can you at least inform Kind Hydros of my arrival?" he asked. "I am positive he will want to see me. I have pressing news for him."
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask him?" Jacques gave a quizzical look to Luke. "What do you think?
"I suppose not." Luke agreed. "Wait here, Picard. I'll speak to the King."
"Thank you, Luke." Picard gave a slight sigh of relief as he watched Luke leave. If anyone else had been on guard duty, he may not have stood any chance of getting back into Lemuria.
After what seemed like an eternity, Luke returned. "I apologize for taking so long. King Hydros is extrememly busy. He won't be able to see you right away."
"When can I see him?"
"He doesn't know. But he wants you to go straight to the palace and wait for him in the Library. No one should be using it. Just don't linger anywhere else until he sees you."
Picard smiled. "I appreciate this Luke, Jacques. I do not know how I can repay you."
"No need, Picard," Luke assured him. "We know you left for both the better and the worse. We hope you can stay, but Lord Conservato-"
"I know. I am hoping to talk to Hydros before he does. Can you do me one more favor?"
"We'll try." Jacques nodded.
"Please let my uncle know I made it back to Lemuria. It may be a while before I am able to visit him."
Luke smiled. "Sure, I'll let him know. He'll be glad to know you made it back."
"I wouldn't mind a home cooked meal either," Picard muttered as he ascended the stairs and entered his homeland once more.
He wasn't sure how long he had been gone, but everything still seemed the same. Picard ignored the odd stares from some of the other Lemurians as they watched him walk through their streets. Whatever Conservato had told them, it had been enough to thoroughly poison their minds. These were glares of contempt, the kind given to an unwelcome and unloved invader. This made it even easier to comply with his orders and head straight to the palace.
"Picard, we've been expecting you," one of the palace guards stated.
Picard nodded. "I've been ordered to wait in the library."
"That's what Luke told us," the second guard agreed. "You may enter."
The guards politely moved aside, allowing him to enter the grand palace. He turned the corner and went into the library, once again ignoring the glares from the other Lemurians milling about.
Picard sighed as he sat on the chair in the far corner of the room. It had been so long since he set foot inside the palace. He had been going into the castle since he was little and he knew every inch of it by heart. And since he was the great-grandson of the King, he had been able to come and go as he pleased, at least most of the time. What would he do if he was banished for good? Sure, he could live with his friends, but it wouldn't be the same. This was the only home he'd ever known. To lose it would be akin o losing a piece of himself.
He leaned up against the wall, waiting patiently for King Hydros. Hours passed and still the Library door did not open. The long journey began to catch up with him and he started to drift off. He wasn't sure if he actually did fall asleep or not, but he was met by a very rude awakening.
"What part of banished do you not understand!?"
Picard snapped to attention at the shout and he was lifted out of his chair to meet Lord Conservato's angry eyes.
"King Hydros ordered my return," Picard said calmly as he returned the glare. He shook himself free of Conservato's grasp and stumbled backwards slightly.
"I said you're banished! And I am not changing my mind. You left Lemuria; you choose your own fate. You know the law!"
"Well, it is a very stupid law if you ask me. Was it one of your ideas?" Picard asked this without thinking and instantly regretted it as Conservato slapped him across the face. Hard.
"Insolent whelp! How dare you speak to me thus?" The old senator's beard prickled with rage. He rolled his shoulders to help keep his temper in check. "You lit the Lighthouses. Isn't that enough damage? If you weren't Hydros's pet..."
"...King," Picard emphasized, "Hydros knew what was happening to the world around us. If I had not helped Felix and his companions light the beacons, even Lemuria would have vanished! Weyard was dying!"
"King Hydros is a fool. He raised you into thinking you should be concerned with the outside world. You're only his pet because he feels sorry for you. Your mother was too sick to even play with you, and your father foolishly got himself killed. You have no place here in Lemuria."
Picard clenched his hands into trembling fists. He had gone too far. He lowered his voice, forcing himself to maintain his cool demeanor. "You are the one who knows nothing, Conservato. My mother did her best to raise me after father died. And I left to save Weyard and Lemuria. You are just too blind and too stubborn to see it!"
Conservato's eyes flashed evilly as he took a step foward towards Picard, backing him against the bookshelf on the wall. Several books were knocked from the shelf with the force of it, falling onto Picard's head, and one of them even striking Conservato. "You will not be allowed to stay as long as I'm around," he hissed.
"Conservato!"
The King was standing in the doorway. Conservato turned and bobbed his head respectfully. "Hydros, I assume you're here to tell Picard that he is not going to be allowed to stay?"
Hydros gave him an icy glare. "I would like to speak with Picard alone, if you don't mind."
"Certainly. Picard and I were just having...a little chat. You do realize I refuse to let him stay."
"Your opinion has been noted."
"Very well."
King Hydros could see the look of relief on Picard's face as Conservato shuffled out of the room. "I hope he didn't cause you too much trouble. I'm sorry for taking so long."
"It is all right," Picard said. His voice was shaking. "I was expecting that sort of greeting from him." He bent down and began picking up some of the fallen books and placing them back on the shelf where they belonged.
"I never understand what is going through his mind," the King admitted gravely. "Are you alright Picard?"
"I'm fine." Picard said without looking up, as he picked up the last of the fallen books.
Hydros brightened as he changed the subject, smiling warmly at his great-grandson. "I'm glad to see you return safely home. I worried that I had sent you to your death."
"It was not easy," Picard said with a slight laugh. "If it had not been for Felix and the others, I doubt I would be standing here right now."
"Do not concern yourself with Conservato. I'm going to talk to him right now about this. I'll do everything within my power to let you stay. Can you wait here a little while longer? Or would you prefer to wait at your uncle's house?"
"I would rather go to my uncle's house. He's probably wondering what happened to me." Picard forced a smile. "I know he isn't going to let me stay in Lemuria. I could just leave now if you want me to. Felix has offered me a place with him. I would not be alone in the outside world."
"Nonsense!" Hydros declared. "Do not give up hope yet, Picard. I will do whatever it takes to avoid that outcome."
"Thank you."
The King nodded. "You may go to your uncle's house. I hope we can clear this matter up by nightfall. It's already evening, and I have lots to discuss with the Conservato. Hopefully this won't take long.
Picard waited for King Hydros to leave, he sighed as he stood in the doorway. "This is not my day."
***
YAY! Another chapter completed! Hopefully that wasn't too mean ^_^ And it was longer! And it didn't take 7 months to update! Like some of my other fics ^^;
Thanx all who reviewed! And if all goes well, I get my real computer back on Friday ^_^ yay! Then I can actually work on websites again! And update Garet's Kitchen, and all my other sites. And maybe get the OBHL fic up and running ^_^
And the more reviews I get, the faster I'll update ^_^ Although I think Midnight's gonna hurt me if I don't get Shadow's of the Mind up soon, so that's my next project. But who knows ^^;;
Okay, a few things on the side note. I'd like to thank Midnight as always, and Vilya who helped out with this chapter. A long time ago, Picard was originally going to be Leon. Or that was the rumored name on the net, before he was Piers. And we were trying to think of a good name for Picard's uncle, so we decided to use Leon ^_^ which I think fits him fairly well. So Vilya gets credit for that.
Another quick note. Before I got to Lemuria, there was a huge rumor on the net going on about how Picard was the Prince of Lemuria, implying he was the king's son. Now, I was having fun with the entire mindread thing, and I read Uncle Leon's mind after Picard left, and before I talked to him again. And apparently Picard's father died when Picard was in his youth. Which meant, that he wasn't the son of the king. Excpet, I still liked the idea, and made him the great-grandson. Plus it was a possible idea, and it's fanfiction. So I can ^_^ Plus it'll work very nicely later on in the fic.
Trials by Water: Meeting
Picard expertly steered his ship through the narrow waterways that led to the Lemuria docks. The vessel drifted slowly with the calm waters, almost as if it knew where it was going. His mind wandered to thoughts of the greeting he might receive in a few short moments. Joy? Anger? Would they even let him past the gates?
"Really Picard; you worry too much."
He smiled slightly at the small blue creature that had appeared on his left shoulder. The Mercury Djinni's inquisitive golden eyes met his own. "Easy for you to say. You are not the one in possible trouble."
"Do you always have to be so negative?" Shade asked, tilting his head.
"You don't know what'll happen until you get back home." Spring now appeared on Picard's right shoulder. "Besides, Conservato doesn't have the final say about what happens to you."
"Exactly! He just thinks he owns the place." Picard crolled his eyes upwards to see Rime staring back down at him from his perch on top of his head.
"And Uncle Leon won't be very happy if his only family is banished from Lemuria forever." Spring added cheerfully.
Picard sighed as he turned the last corner and the dock came into view. "I know that." He stared straight ahead. "I do not want to be turned away again. I have been gone for so long that it's almost as if I don't belong here here anymore. Maybe I should have stayed with Felix."
"What are you talking about?" Spring's golden eyes flashed. "Hydros trusted you above all others in Lemuria! He won't let his favorite great-grandson be banished without putting up a good fight."
Picard grinned. "I am his only great-grandson."
"Exactly!" Shade chirped. "Which makes you his favorite."
"Why do I even bother talking with Djinn?" Picard wondered as he stopped the ship perfectly at the dock.
"Come on! You know you love us!" Serac's voice echoed through his mind.
"And if you get depressed again, we'll tell Jenna." Shade shifted to his right leg. "She refused to let you get depressed when your mother died, remember?"
Picard blinked questioningly. "I remember...wait a minute. How do you plan to do that?"
"Easy." Sour appreared in his pocket. "We Djinn have connections with all other Djinn."
"You mean you can communicate with Flint and the others even from this great distance?" Picard raised his eyebrow in suspiscion. Djinn didn't lie, but sometimes they liked to stretch the truth a bit.
"Yup!" Serac said. "It's hard to explain how, but it can be done."
"I won't even ask then," Picard sighed as he climed down the ladder and set foor on solid ground.
Shade tilted his head. "We'll explain it to you one day." He vanished without another word, as did the rest of the miniature horde, leaving Picard alone as he apporached the gates into Lemuria. He smiled as he heard two very familiar voices around the corner.
"Did you hear something?"
"I heard it. Someone's aproaching."
"Who's there? Show yourself!"
Luke and Jacques were on guard duty again and as alert as ever, ready to pounce on any intruders. They had only let Felix in because Picard was with a member of his group. Normally, Luke and Jacques were fairly friendly, but they could be quick to anger. "Do not worry, it's only me," Picard said as he stepped past the statue.
"Picard?" Luke questioned. "It can't be-"
"Picard!" Jacques took a step forward in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you mean 'what am I doing here?' This is my home, is it not? King Hydros has ordered my return once my mission was complete."
Luke shook his head. "But Conservato has ordered us to keep you out. He said you were banished. I'm sorry, Picard."
Picard stared at the two of them, golden eyes expressing a mix of hurt and anger. He had known them for a very long time. How could they abandon their trust in him so quickly?
"Can you at least inform Kind Hydros of my arrival?" he asked. "I am positive he will want to see me. I have pressing news for him."
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask him?" Jacques gave a quizzical look to Luke. "What do you think?
"I suppose not." Luke agreed. "Wait here, Picard. I'll speak to the King."
"Thank you, Luke." Picard gave a slight sigh of relief as he watched Luke leave. If anyone else had been on guard duty, he may not have stood any chance of getting back into Lemuria.
After what seemed like an eternity, Luke returned. "I apologize for taking so long. King Hydros is extrememly busy. He won't be able to see you right away."
"When can I see him?"
"He doesn't know. But he wants you to go straight to the palace and wait for him in the Library. No one should be using it. Just don't linger anywhere else until he sees you."
Picard smiled. "I appreciate this Luke, Jacques. I do not know how I can repay you."
"No need, Picard," Luke assured him. "We know you left for both the better and the worse. We hope you can stay, but Lord Conservato-"
"I know. I am hoping to talk to Hydros before he does. Can you do me one more favor?"
"We'll try." Jacques nodded.
"Please let my uncle know I made it back to Lemuria. It may be a while before I am able to visit him."
Luke smiled. "Sure, I'll let him know. He'll be glad to know you made it back."
"I wouldn't mind a home cooked meal either," Picard muttered as he ascended the stairs and entered his homeland once more.
He wasn't sure how long he had been gone, but everything still seemed the same. Picard ignored the odd stares from some of the other Lemurians as they watched him walk through their streets. Whatever Conservato had told them, it had been enough to thoroughly poison their minds. These were glares of contempt, the kind given to an unwelcome and unloved invader. This made it even easier to comply with his orders and head straight to the palace.
"Picard, we've been expecting you," one of the palace guards stated.
Picard nodded. "I've been ordered to wait in the library."
"That's what Luke told us," the second guard agreed. "You may enter."
The guards politely moved aside, allowing him to enter the grand palace. He turned the corner and went into the library, once again ignoring the glares from the other Lemurians milling about.
Picard sighed as he sat on the chair in the far corner of the room. It had been so long since he set foot inside the palace. He had been going into the castle since he was little and he knew every inch of it by heart. And since he was the great-grandson of the King, he had been able to come and go as he pleased, at least most of the time. What would he do if he was banished for good? Sure, he could live with his friends, but it wouldn't be the same. This was the only home he'd ever known. To lose it would be akin o losing a piece of himself.
He leaned up against the wall, waiting patiently for King Hydros. Hours passed and still the Library door did not open. The long journey began to catch up with him and he started to drift off. He wasn't sure if he actually did fall asleep or not, but he was met by a very rude awakening.
"What part of banished do you not understand!?"
Picard snapped to attention at the shout and he was lifted out of his chair to meet Lord Conservato's angry eyes.
"King Hydros ordered my return," Picard said calmly as he returned the glare. He shook himself free of Conservato's grasp and stumbled backwards slightly.
"I said you're banished! And I am not changing my mind. You left Lemuria; you choose your own fate. You know the law!"
"Well, it is a very stupid law if you ask me. Was it one of your ideas?" Picard asked this without thinking and instantly regretted it as Conservato slapped him across the face. Hard.
"Insolent whelp! How dare you speak to me thus?" The old senator's beard prickled with rage. He rolled his shoulders to help keep his temper in check. "You lit the Lighthouses. Isn't that enough damage? If you weren't Hydros's pet..."
"...King," Picard emphasized, "Hydros knew what was happening to the world around us. If I had not helped Felix and his companions light the beacons, even Lemuria would have vanished! Weyard was dying!"
"King Hydros is a fool. He raised you into thinking you should be concerned with the outside world. You're only his pet because he feels sorry for you. Your mother was too sick to even play with you, and your father foolishly got himself killed. You have no place here in Lemuria."
Picard clenched his hands into trembling fists. He had gone too far. He lowered his voice, forcing himself to maintain his cool demeanor. "You are the one who knows nothing, Conservato. My mother did her best to raise me after father died. And I left to save Weyard and Lemuria. You are just too blind and too stubborn to see it!"
Conservato's eyes flashed evilly as he took a step foward towards Picard, backing him against the bookshelf on the wall. Several books were knocked from the shelf with the force of it, falling onto Picard's head, and one of them even striking Conservato. "You will not be allowed to stay as long as I'm around," he hissed.
"Conservato!"
The King was standing in the doorway. Conservato turned and bobbed his head respectfully. "Hydros, I assume you're here to tell Picard that he is not going to be allowed to stay?"
Hydros gave him an icy glare. "I would like to speak with Picard alone, if you don't mind."
"Certainly. Picard and I were just having...a little chat. You do realize I refuse to let him stay."
"Your opinion has been noted."
"Very well."
King Hydros could see the look of relief on Picard's face as Conservato shuffled out of the room. "I hope he didn't cause you too much trouble. I'm sorry for taking so long."
"It is all right," Picard said. His voice was shaking. "I was expecting that sort of greeting from him." He bent down and began picking up some of the fallen books and placing them back on the shelf where they belonged.
"I never understand what is going through his mind," the King admitted gravely. "Are you alright Picard?"
"I'm fine." Picard said without looking up, as he picked up the last of the fallen books.
Hydros brightened as he changed the subject, smiling warmly at his great-grandson. "I'm glad to see you return safely home. I worried that I had sent you to your death."
"It was not easy," Picard said with a slight laugh. "If it had not been for Felix and the others, I doubt I would be standing here right now."
"Do not concern yourself with Conservato. I'm going to talk to him right now about this. I'll do everything within my power to let you stay. Can you wait here a little while longer? Or would you prefer to wait at your uncle's house?"
"I would rather go to my uncle's house. He's probably wondering what happened to me." Picard forced a smile. "I know he isn't going to let me stay in Lemuria. I could just leave now if you want me to. Felix has offered me a place with him. I would not be alone in the outside world."
"Nonsense!" Hydros declared. "Do not give up hope yet, Picard. I will do whatever it takes to avoid that outcome."
"Thank you."
The King nodded. "You may go to your uncle's house. I hope we can clear this matter up by nightfall. It's already evening, and I have lots to discuss with the Conservato. Hopefully this won't take long.
Picard waited for King Hydros to leave, he sighed as he stood in the doorway. "This is not my day."
***
YAY! Another chapter completed! Hopefully that wasn't too mean ^_^ And it was longer! And it didn't take 7 months to update! Like some of my other fics ^^;
Thanx all who reviewed! And if all goes well, I get my real computer back on Friday ^_^ yay! Then I can actually work on websites again! And update Garet's Kitchen, and all my other sites. And maybe get the OBHL fic up and running ^_^
And the more reviews I get, the faster I'll update ^_^ Although I think Midnight's gonna hurt me if I don't get Shadow's of the Mind up soon, so that's my next project. But who knows ^^;;