The following chapters are dedicated to Katrina, who asked for them. I'm sorry that they're so poorly written, but I wrote them as fast as possible and haven't edited them yet. Hope you all like them!

Chapter Eight: Family

Last night's events had certainly been exciting, Challenger thought to himself. Marguerite's sudden weakness, Elaine's miraculous recovery, and then with the arrival of young Gavin Conway, the entire incredible history of the tree house family. That two of Marguerite's three living relatives had simply dropped on their doorstep was a strain on probability theory, but that the worldly Miss Krux--Lady Montclair, Challenger reminded himself--was also related their favorite jungle princess and hostess of three years defied all odds.

After her shocking behavior, Veronica had retired early for the night. Challenger was confused and disappointed in the actions of his younger "daughter", feeling that they were beneath the noble, courageous young woman he knew and loved. He hoped that she would be able to give Marguerite a much-needed apology. He just hoped that he wasn't around to see it. Three years had taught the men to dread the frequent clashes between the strong-willed women of the house.

Marguerite, too, was acting out of character. First by taking young Elaine under her wing, and then by merely accepting her fantastic tale. It was unlike his prickly elder child to accept any story without solid evidence and a few sarcastic quips on the side. Marguerite has listened to everything that Elaine and her brother had said without interruption. Challenger conceded that their evidence had been foolproof, but they had presented their case without it, and even with the physical documentation of their claims, he still doubted much of their story.

Veronica had been petty and cruel, and Marguerite kind and mellow--and all in one night. Challenger felt a ridiculous urge to dash into the lab and ensure that water still boiled at 100oC or look outside and check that the sun was indeed rising in the east.

It was.

Shaking his head at the realization that the plateau had led him to question the supremacy of scientific law once again, Challenger frowned. Elaine and Gavin Conway were still asleep, the girl curled up in Marguerite's bed, her brother camped out on the floor, diligently guarding his sister and cousin.

It was impossible they had told the truth. Statistically, scientifically impossible—or so his mind told him. Then again, after everything they had experienced on the plateau, nearly anything was possible. And everyone else believed them.

Veronica's reaction had been too vehement for there to have been any doubt in her mind. Marguerite seemed to trust Elaine implicitly, and so Roxton would have approved of the Conways even if they had not made a good impression upon him as well. And none of them were fools. Ned seemed the only one besides Challenger himself who hadn't expressed a verdict, yet he was naturally inclined to trust people. In light of the others' opinions, Challenger knew Ned would follow the three people whose judgement of character was usually impeccable. And even I am forced to concede that Elaine seems a charming girl and her brother an honest young man.

Challenger continued setting breakfast on the table, only mildly surprised that no one else had risen yet. Roxton and Veronica were still recuperating, while Marguerite and her cousins had likely been up into the wee hours of the morning, continuing a more private family reunion. Which left only…

"Good morning, Challenger," Ned's voice greeted him cheerfully. The young man's innate optimism impressed Challenger once again. Though now tempered by experience, that charming quality remained an essential part of the reporter's character. "Everyone is still asleep."

"Not quite, Neddy-boy." Roxton strode into the kitchen, Gavin Conway beside him. The casual air between the two was marred by an undercurrent of tension, and after three years living in close quarters with the British lord and viewing the melodrama that was his life, Challenger understood his dilemma. There was now another man in Marguerite's life—albeit a younger one—and to win her hand, Roxton would have to win not only her heart, but also the approval of her cousins. For now that she had finally found her family, they all knew she would never leave them. Poor Roxton, Challenger thought sympathetically. If it's not one thing with Marguerite, it's another.

"So, what's the agenda for today?" Ned asked.

"Our supplies are getting dangerously low. We're entirely out of meat, and it wouldn't hurt to have some fresh fruit and grains," Challenger replied. "We'll need a solid stockpile if we expect to make it back to London." Two heads whipped to face him, and Challenger bit back a groan. Had they been so preoccupied with their lady loves that they had ignored the fact they might have a way home? Slowly, all three turned to Gavin Conway, silently questioning.

The young man shook his head. "I'm sorry. I know you've been looking for a way back to England, but the way Elaine and I first entered the plateau has been closed." Challenger didn't bother to hide his disappointment.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time," Ned said humorously.

"That it isn't," Roxton agreed, resignedly amused by the plateau's seemingly endless tactics to keep them here. "In that case, gentlemen, shall we continue preparing for the next week of our stay here?"

Minutes later, all four rode the elevator down.

* * *

Elaine woke at the sound of the elevator. Marguerite was still asleep beside her, and so she crept out of bed as quietly as she could. They had talked for a long time the night before, and Elaine had enjoyed every moment of it. She had few memories of her mother, but as her legal guardian, Marguerite was the next best thing. She was clever, funny, and kind, and Elaine found her new guardian fascinating. In her opinion, Marguerite's past had only served to make her life more interesting.

She found Gavin's note pinned to his bedroll.

Elaine—

I know you'll be up first, so please let the others know so they won't worry. Lord Roxton and I have gone hunting. Mr. Malone and Professor Challenger have gone to gather what foodstuffs they can. We should all be back by late afternoon. I've borrowed one of Lord Roxton's rifles and left you my Webley—I know you hate it, but please carry it anyway. If the ladies wake before noon and feel up to it, the gentlemen would appreciate it if they went to the Zanga village to purchase supplies. Veronica should know what to buy. Don't cheat them, Elaine. They've helped Marguerite and Miss Layton too much for you to use them for practice. I know you're angry, but if we're to travel by tonight, Veronica needs to be in good health. Just do it before she wakes up, kitten. And stay out of trouble.

All my love, Gavin

Elaine sighed. She loved her brother dearly, but she could still resent his perpetual overprotective attitude. He—and Marguerite, now—were all she had; Gavin had often been overtaxed, raising his baby sister alone. They both knew that neither could deny the other anything. And so she found herself quietly moving down the hall to Veronica's room to honor his request, sounding much like Marguerite as she muttered angrily to herself about the audacity of men.

* * *

It had been nearly a five-hour journey now, Veronica mused, and she and Marguerite still hadn't exchanged two words to each other. Not that there's been a lack of conversation, she thought, glancing over at Elaine. The girl had been eager to learn everything about their lives on the plateau, and Marguerite had surprisingly humored the child. Uncomfortable though she was, Veronica still found it interesting to hear Marguerite's version of their adventures. She was even more surprised when she realized that Marguerite was consistently downplaying her roles in them, not that she'd bothered to correct the woman.

When they reached the Zanga village, it became apparent that Elaine was indeed Marguerite's cousin. It took Elaine about five words before she spoke the Zanga language as fluently as Veronica did. The natives were surprised, but they'd gotten used to stranger things, living on the plateau and near the explorers. Veronica left Marguerite and Elaine in the market and went off to find Assai, needing the advice of an old friend.

Assai was at home; Jarl out hunting with the other Zanga warriors. Somehow the entire story spilled out of Veronica and she found herself in Assai's arms, sobbing. When she had finished, Assai handed her a glass of water and sat quietly.

"I don't know what to do," Veronica told her friend softly.

"Veronica, we've been friends for years. And as your friend, I'll tell you honestly. You already know what you need to do. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. And tell your mother hello for me when you see her." The Zanga girl gave a shocked Veronica a hug before swiftly exiting the hut.

It had taken Veronica a few minutes to digest the latest piece of advice, and another hour to gather the courage to take it to heart. They had just come in sight of the tree house, and it appeared that at least one party beaten them home. Elaine dashed through the gate as soon as Veronica had it opened and called the elevator down, leaping in before it had reached the ground. Marguerite made a motion to follow, but Veronica frantically caught her elbow.

"What do you think you're doing?" Marguerite spat at the jungle girl.

Veronica was taken aback. "I…may I speak with you for a minute?"

Marguerite's expression was unreadable as she dropped her pack into the elevator and sent Elaine up with the supplies. "What is it?"

For a long moment Veronica said nothing. Marguerite's eyes narrowed and her mouth opened slightly, no doubt to deliver another scathing commentary. And then…

"I'm sorry!"

Marguerite said nothing. The heiress regarded the jungle girl enigmatically, and Veronica's heart wrenched.

"I said, I'm SORRY!!!" Veronica shouted.

"So I heard," Marguerite replied sarcastically.

Veronica had been wrong, horribly wrong, and she knew it. Taking a deep breath, she maintained control of her temper and her pride, and continued. "I was wrong to say those things about your parents, and your cousins. I was angry and bitter, and I was hurt. I know it's no excuse for what I did, but I hope that someday you can forgive me. My mother is the only family I have left now, and I've never had a sister or a cousin before. I thought of you as a sister before I knew we were related, and I hope that someday, maybe, you might think of me that way too. I'm sorry, Marguerite."

The apology took every ounce of courage that Veronica had, and unwilling to face the storm that was likely to follow it, the jungle girl turned to go.

"Wait." It was barely more than a whisper, but Veronica heard it, and paused. Slowly, fearfully, she turned around, fully prepared to face a furious Marguerite. But three years had changed both of them in more ways than they knew.

"I accept your apology, and ask you to accept mine." Veronica couldn't believe her ears and glanced up, startled. Marguerite's face was no longer impassive, but filled with more emotions that Veronica could recognize. Her eyes were a dark blue-green, and so intent on the blonde's face that she nearly flinched. "I apologize for selling you out to Jacoba, for…for the ten thousand and one mean things I've done since then to make you furious. And if you can ask for my forgiveness over one fight after all that, I can't refuse you. I…I've never had any family, Veronica, but you know…" Marguerite gave her a small, watery smile. "If I could pick any family in the world, you'd still be my sister."

The heiress looked nervously at the jungle girl. Veronica stood in shock for a moment, then hurled herself at Marguerite, laughing, crying, and smiling at the same time. Marguerite awkwardly returned the embrace, muttering to herself. "Even if you are an annoying little sister, at that…" Naturally, Veronica only laughed harder.

A/N: I also wanted to thank everyone who reviewed, and thus persuaded me to continue with this, especially TheChosenOne, Adina, Brandy Leigh, MissMeganJane, AerinBrown, and Katrina.