Minor Spoilers for Epiphany
Chapter 20:Letting Go
It took the next three days for Alexa to get Lorne to agree with Jack's plan. He loved it, he did, he just wasn't 100 percent sure about it. But all it took was a little pushing and assurance, along with Lexa's great smile for him to go along with it.
Finally, they got the okay from Beckett to proceed with the mission. For the past two days Lexa's blood count had returned to normal and was stable, so he released her. They were heading off-world to deal with Edana, so only a few people were required. Seated in the Jumper were Colonel Sheppard, Teyla, Ronan, Major Lorne, and Alexa. The Gate connected and they flew through to the planet that Sheppard had recently spent months on. "I gotta say, I am not happy to be back here. I've totally had my fill of this planet."
"Not to worry Colonel, we won't be getting that close to the Cloister. I think we should release her just outside of the ridge, let her decided." Lexa reassured the Colonel.
Lorne still wasn't sure if this was going to work. "Are you sure she'll be able to ascend. I mean, yeah, she's an Ancient, but look at all she's done. She's kind of, evil."
"She's not really evil, she just caught a bad break. Besides, I have two words, Anubis, and Ori." Lexa pointed out that anyone could ascend, no matter good or evil.
"Good point." Lorne admitted defeat. "Okay, so what's the plan for when we release her?" As Sheppard landed the Jumper, closer to the Ridge than on their previous visit, Alexa explained. She reminded everyone that they were just there to make sure Edana didn't try anything, and that she would do all the talking. They made their way up the Ridge and stopped about 100 feet from the doorway to the Cloister, as Sheppard insisted he would get no closer.
Teyla set the urn on the ground and they all circled around. Lexa stepped up to it, removed the lid, and stepped back to her place in formation. The others readied their stunners as Edana emerged from the urn. She looked around and then focused on Alexa. "What is the meaning of this," Edana hissed as she hovered above the urn.
Lexa could tell by Edana's tone that she wasn't in the mood to make any deals. "Just hear me out. In no way is this a proposition of any kind, I may have found a way for you to be with Keegan again."
Edana's feet touched the ground, for the mention of her fiancé's name overwhelmed her with emotions. She gathered her feelings and spoke, "You pulled that from my dreams, I'm impressed. Now just how do you plan on doing this?"
Lexa spoke confidently, "A few weeks ago Colonel Sheppard happened upon this place. Just through this ridge lies the Cloister, a place where time passes at an accelerated rate. A place where Ancients come, to follow the final path to ascension."
Edana was confused, for the Ancients did not discover ascension until after her confinement in the urn. "What is this 'ascension' you speak of?"
"It's following a higher path of enlightenment, where you shed your physical body and exist as pure energy. I'm kind of hoping that sense you're already half way there, that you'll be able to ascend with no problem, almost immediately. Unfortunately, there is only so much I could do, so we're leaving you here whether you decide to enter the Cloister, or not," Lexa explained.
After a few minutes of contemplation Edana agreed and Lexa and Lorne walked her to the entrance. The coupled stopped, and Marc put his arm around Alexa's back, as she leaned into him and put her's around his waist. Edana continued the few paces to the doorway and before stepping through she turned to them, "Nothing can change what I have done, all I can offer is an apology. Thank you."
They nodded and watched as Edana disappeared into the Cloister. Marc hugged Lexa tightly, "Sorry, you'll never know if it worked or not."
Lexa looked up at him and threw a quick smile. "I'll never have solid proof, but I do have a feeling that she'll get her fairy-tale ending." Marc chuckled, and they both took one last look at the doorway before heading back to the others. "It's done, let's go home," she told them and they began the walk back to the Jumper. As they continued on Lexa and Lorne laced fingers, for they know it was the last day they would spend together for awhile.
Edana stepped through the doorway and continued through the cave to the other side of the ridge. She looked around at the beautiful scenery and felt the sun shining down on her. "Alright, now what do I do?" She was unsure of how to proceed. She continued to eye the area around her and then caught glimpse of a swirling orb of light nearing her.
The lights got closer, and right in front of her they took the bodily form of a familiar face. "Just relinquish your fears, and let go." Keegan held out his hand. Edana took it and did as he instructed. As they began to float Edana's color changed from red-orange to brilliant shades of blue. The two kissed and turned to orbs, and floated off to spend all of eternity together.