A.N: I'VE GOT THE BOX SET! YAY! And twenty four hours later, I've watched right through the eps (apart from TEOTW and TUD. Coz my bro watches them over and over and over… You get my point), still working my way through the special features. Still… BACK ON TRACK! (Slaps self!)
Thanks (As usual) Go to… Joshwales (Not in this story!), Ark Led (I agree, although he's growing on me, He don't belong in this universe!), Dory Shotgun (This will explain everything! I hope…), Freak and proud (Not really, like your logic, but she is who she is, and everyone is unique!), Danielle (I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but Heck, I don't mind OD I'm an Australian, and I couldn't be anything other than an Aussie. I live in Sydney, was in at the Town Hall today, and my grandma had a pet kangaroo when she was growing up), James Jago (Hmm… I haven't looked at it yet, but I'm usually pretty good with my english…), And Kazzy.
So now, I believe it is time to return to scheduled proceedings.
Till Next Time!
Thought of the Day: You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.
-Colette
The Greatest Summer of All Time, Chapter 14.
Ties That Bind
By Starlite1.
"Great," Adrian snapped as he pelted around the corner, "You couldn't just think of something easier, and maybe…Less Destructive? Like a coat hanger, a hairpin… Something other than blowing the sides of the walls out?"
Josie glared at her brother, "Fine! You're in charge of busting us out next time! As far as I'm concerned, we're out, we're going to try and escape, and do something crazy and death-defying along the lines of what Mum and Dad usually do."
Anita, Jack and Senka hurtled around the corner, "Sounds like a plan." Anita panted.
"Only problem is we've got a whole bunch of guards on our tails." Senka explained.
Josie cursed, "Damnit! Let's move then. Last thing I want to be is someone's dinner."
With that they took off down the corridor, Edward trailing confusedly behind them.
"By the way," Adrian called back, "How do you know there'll be a next time."
"I don't know. I just know…"
IOIOIOIOIOI
The ground was painfully hard as Lucy was thrown into an ill-lit room. Her entire being ached with abuse, and she could feel at least one cracked rib. Struggling to sit up, she glanced around the room. It was bare and functional, with a sleeping pallet in the centre, and a dying hearth in the grate. Lying in a crumpled heap in front of the grate was another woman.
Gritting her teeth against the pain, she crawled over to turn her onto her back. Massive purple bruises covered her face and limbs. Her dark dress was ripped and shredded. Blood matted her hair, and her right arm hung at a most peculiar angle. Through the damage reft upon her, Lucy could see a glimmer of youth, a hint of handsomeness now disguised by abuse.
You poor girl…Lucy thought, gingerly ripping strips off her dress, and beginning work on the injuries. She didn't have much to work with, but what she did have would last until Jack arrived.
She hoped.
IOIOIOIOI
"In here!" Edward hissed, ducking into a side passage. Quickly the rest joined him, as the sound of boots clattered on the cobblestones. So far they had been forced into hiding by six patrols, and the stress was evident on each of their faces.
Slowly the patrol receded away from their position, drawing a sigh of relief from the escapees.
"So who is it we're trying to find?" Jack agitatedly murmured.
Edward glared at him, "My closest friend and confidant, my good sir. He has stood by me since my youth, and I have frequently trusted with me with my life. I give you my firmest assurance he is dependable."
Jack scowled, but firmly bit his tongue.
"Talk about macho conflict!" Anita muttered to Josie. She couldn't help but nod in consent.
Meanwhile, Adrian was busy prodding the wall. Stone grating on stone filled the air. The smell of damp, earthy air filled the passage, halting the brewing argument.
"Uhm… Would this help?" He asked uncertainly.
Jack just blinked, and Josie intervened, "Yep, my dear brother, that will help."
With that, she boldly pushed aside the cobwebs, ploughing into the darkness.
IOIOIOIOI
The girl tossed and turned fretfully in her sleep, battling against unseen enemies in a feverish conflict. Knowing there was little she could do without her kit, Lucy kept her vigil.
Time had no meaning in the dim chamber. Occasionally sounds would filter in, snippets of a fragile connection to the outside world. Fervently she wished for some measure of time, a reference point in the twilight.
When she awoke, she awoke with a scream. Her eyes snapped open, bloodshot and terrified.
"Calm down!" Lucy soothed, trying to calm the wild look in her eyes.
As her breathing slowed, she became aware of what was around her.
"Your injuries are grave. I cannot do much for you here." Lucy soothed her
She moaned as she jolted her arm, "I have returned to this prison? Or might this be some sort of unholy torture of the afterlife?"
"You are alive." Lucy replied, "If barely. Might I inquire after your name?"
"Pray forgive me my rambling." She requested through clenched teeth, "I am Lady Katherine Tannin, confidant and spy mistress to His Highness. And presently captive herein for at least a fortnight."
"You have every right to ramble. There are few I have met who can endure injuries such as yours without loosing their cohesiveness. I am Tam Lucia, healer and traveller." She said, gingerly helping the spy mistress to sit up, tending once more to the broken arm, "Although most people tend to call my Lucy."
"I am honoured." Katherine said, hissing as a bandage was tightened.
Lucy grimaced apologetically, "I am sorry for this pain, but without it your arm shan't heal correctly. If I had a draught to give you, be assured I would."
"I thank you for your kindness." Katherine said, her face relaxing as Lucy rested her arm in a makeshift sling made from yet another strip of her tattered dress.
Katherine looked inquisitively at her dress, "Your frock is in a dreadful state, Ma'am. I feel rather ashamed it is on my behalf."
"How do you know that this is not how my clothing generally is?" she replied nonchalantly.
"You seem far to courteous to settle for remaining in a state of untidiness, if I may be so bold to say."
Lucy smiled self consciously, "And if I may be so bold, you appear to be a very astute persona."
"It comes from working beside such a man as Edward for fourteen years."
"Do you hold him in high regard?"
"Most certainly. He is a most wonderful character, and his absence these past seasons has been particularly difficult."
"How so?"
Katherine shrugged helplessly, a blush creeping up her cheeks, "He is a confidant, who understands what I do, how I think. Most womenfolk believe I am rouge. Edward's absence had made my duty to him far more difficult. Then of course there is the Regent…"
IOIOIOIOI
Mortimer stumbled dazedly along the corridor, following the instructions fed to him by his masters. He half walked, half collapsed down the stairway to the dungeons, not noticing the melee of guards rushing around haplessly or the rubble fallen across everything. Purposefully he was drawn to the cell that had previously held his nephew.
"Where are the prisoners who heretofore occupied this cell?" He mechanically demanded of the closest guard.
Nervously, he shrugged, "Gone. Along with all the others that were detained. We are currently seeking to intern them once more."
A dangerous look crept into the expression of the regent. His hand drew back in what seemed like slow motion, crashing down upon the unsuspecting guard with terrifying force, before he dashed off once more into the darkness.
IOIOIOI
Cobwebs ghosted over Josie's face as she fumbled along the corridor blindly. Behind her came the occasional mutterings from the rest of the party. Cursing the lack of illumination, she felt the wall fall away. Adrian collided into her behind rather unceremoniously, sending her sprawling.
"Could you watch it please?" She grumbled, searching once more for the wall, "Again, and I'll have to take up living on the ground!"
"If I could see half an inch in front of my eyes, be assured my dear sis that I would use it to avoid your rear I end. I have no pleasure in meeting you rump."
They suddenly fell silent as the trepidating sound of marching footsteps. Instantly they fell silent, frozen with fear.
Muffled voices filtered in, "Smith……No sign of……Trepidating…Tannin?…wish we could…Regent…"
"Officer's quarters." Edward hissed, "Safe if needed."
A rather booming command issued through the wall, "Attention!" Instantaneously the sound of forty pairs of boots snapping together came.
"Men, ready for inspection! His Royal Highness returns before the morn. You allegiance to his righteous reign demands it of you."
"It's John!" Edward whispered excitedly.
Jack rolled his eyes, "That's great, so we just march out there, get ourselves captured and thrown back into gaol?
"You still doubt my fortitude?" Edward demanded in vexation.
"No," Jack disagreed, "It's just that I've already been gaol twice this week, and I would rather not visit one again."
"Would it not be more beneficial in the long run to take the risk and see if they can assist us?" Senka interrupted, his voice sharp.
Jack sighed in frustration, "Fine, if we must. But if your parents kill me, I'm blaming you!" He paused for a moment, "Only problem is getting out of here."
Silence.
"Stop staring at me!" Josie moaned.
"How do you know we're staring at you?" Anita questioned smugly.
"I can feel it." She retorted huffily, "And don't you think an explosion in the middle of the barracks might just raise suspicion?"
"Could you try doing it slightly less… violently?" Adrian suggested impatiently.
Josie finally asked resignedly, "Are you sure there's no exit?"
Adrian rolled his eyes, "What do you think we've been doing whilst you've been having your little spat? Now do you want to do something worthwhile, or sit around all day moaning like the spoilt brat I know you're not?"
"Fine!" she snapped.
He grinned, "Great. But try calming down."
"Do you want to try this?"
He blinked at her, "Could I?"
"You are her brother." Jack pointed out, "So it might work for you, and it's not as if we have much to lose at this point."
"Yeah…" Adrian shrugged, focusing on the wall. Quickly, beads of perspiration condensed on his forehead. Slowly, cracks of light appeared around one stone as it moved millimetre by millimetre. He began to tremble, straining against the brick as it stubbornly refused to move any further.
Finally in exasperation, he folded to the floor, "Couldn't do it." He gulped, the trembling fading, "Guess the telekinesis is all yours, sis."
"Oi!" Anita demanded, stumbling over to sit beside him, "You did brilliantly, the brick's looser, at least."
"Yeah, you did brilliantly, my dear big bro!" Josie said cheerfully.
"Now it shouldn't be so explosive…" Senka added thoughtfully.
"Sorry to disrupt the lovey-dovey team building moment, kids…" Jack interrupted, "But we do have a damsel in distress to rescue."
"Two, actually." Edward corrected.
Jack mock-glared at the King, "Never mind that, but every second we stay here is one less to tackle the Z'keth and get out of here!"
"Fine!" Josie grumbled, focusing on the brick her brother had shifted. With a sound halfway between a cork popping and skidding on a beach, it shot out across the outer room, colliding soundly with the other wall. Blinding light blasted into the passageway, momentarily dazzling them.
"WHAT?" Roared one of the soldiers, as they all crowded around the entrance.
"John!" Edward blurted out, pushing past Josie, to his old friend.
"Your Majesty!" John exclaimed in puzzlement, "You have returned! Why were we not informed of this happenstance?"
Edward pursed his lips, "My dear uncle, old friend. You were right about him. He is in league with devils, whom threaten the very lifeblood and people of our kingdom."
"How have you come to such accusations?" one of the men asked.
"They attacked my keep." Senka stated calmly, "Close to five hundred creatures without provocation waged a battle against my home, in the name of the king."
John turned to him, "And who are you to give such a statement, boy?"
Senka merely raised an eyebrow, "I am one of the men who fought them."
"You are but a child." Another scoffed.
"Appearances are often deceiving." He calmly retorted, "I did not rise to the reputation of one of the finest swordsmen in my home district without validation. I assure you of my honour and fidelity behind such a statement."
"And I have given my word I would and never have requested such an action against my own subjects." Edward added, "Thus, Mortimer being in league with them has become the evident reason behind it. 'Twas also backed by our previous correspondence, old friend."
"Then why were we not henceforth informed of your return?"
Edward pursed his lips, "That would be because my friends here and I were detained most unceremoniously by the regent and his followers. It was a rather unsavoury undertaking, and not one I wish to have to endure again."
John smiled grimly, "I believe, Your majesty, that action is therefore required?"
"I could not have said it better myself."
"Long Live the King!" The troops chorused happily at the prospect of adventure.
"Now I believe that none of you have seen Lady Tannin recently?" Heads shook, and Edward grimaced, "Then it is confirmed it was her whom I heard from our cell. Also my new friend's companion has also been taken. With any luck she is with Lady Tannin."
"Might I inquire as to the identity of this Lady?" John asked.
"My mother, the Lady Lucy, and Jack, my father's wife." Senka explained, firmly treading on Jack's foot as he opened his mouth.
John nodded, "For your wife then, Milord, we shall dedicate our resources."
"I…thank you, gracious sir." Jack said in a strangled voice.
"It would be dishonourable not to act, sir, but I accept your thanks gratefully. Although, presently I do believe we need a strategy to assist in the recovery of the womenfolk…"
IOIOIOI
The bed was warm and comfortable, as usual, yet rest would not come to Rose and The Doctor. Time slowed to a standstill, leaving them tossing and turning, their minds jumping around like fretful terriers.
"Still awake?" The Doctor asked quietly.
Rose shifted beside him, "Yep." A small sigh, "Nothing I can do about it, though, is there?"
He made no reply, simply gathering her into his arms, sensing the tension flowing out of her.
"Thankyou, My Theta." She murmured tiredly.
He quirked an eyebrow inquisitively, "We're getting into first names, my dearest?"
"Mhmm." She nodded in assent, "Still nothing we can do, is there?"
"Yes there is." He disagreed.
She shifted to stare him straight in the eyes, "And that would be…"
"Trust them. They've taken everything that this crazy trip has thrown at them so far, without batting an eyelash."
"Whatever's happening out there could be worse than what we've done so far." She retorted worriedly.
He gently kissed her head, "Then they'll take it in their stride with barely a blink of their eyes, and be home in time for tea tomorrow."
She smiled and snuggled deeper below the covers and into his arms, "Did we make the right choice when we kept them home?" She asked.
The Doctor considered, "The way we chose to do it was one that let them grow up normally. Not only did they learn everything on earth up to this point, but the grew up with people who love them." He paused, collecting his thoughts, "Sure they probably could have coped with it. But think of it this way: If they had been in the TARDIS from the second they were born, they'd never have known their grandmother as well as they do now, your mother probably would slap me every time we went for Sunday tea."
"You do have a point…" Rose began unconvincedly.
"And, she would probably be stuck, bored out of her wits back on the Estate, dressed like some trollop! Then of course, we come to Anita. Think of what she'd be like if she'd never met Josie. Not to sound boastful, but she would probably be a lost, isolated kid with no past, no future, and nothing to dream about apart from doom on a council estate for the rest of eternity…"
Rose mulled this slowly, "And instead she's fiery, and the best friend Josie could have asked for."
"Of course," the Doctor commented flippantly, "At the moment they could be sprinting for their lives after a dashing escape from prison…"
IOIOIOIOI
"So the plan is thus." John said, tapping the castle's plan impatiently, "We must stake out the positions of the draconian devils and dispose of them with the minimum amount of disruption. Meanwhile, His Majesty, Jack, myself and the remainder of their party shall endeavour to recover the Ladies with the minimum amount of fuss available. Yet none of us should hesitate to eradicate these foul imposters who aim to usurp the glorious name of England. Art thou with me?"
"AYE!" Roared the hundred or so men who had assembled in the officer's mess.
Josie glanced across at Anita, who was attempting to stifle a giggle. At her inquisitive stare, Anita replied, "We are supposed to be taking them by surprise, right?"
Realisation slowly dawned, leaving Josie in desperate need of air.
"What's with them?" Adrian asked Senka.
"No clue."
The men quickly departed from the huge room, leaving Jack, Edward, John and a small entourage of guards waiting towards the back.
"We were able to retrieve these from the store." John indicated, pointing to the
collection of paraphernalia placed on the table before them.
"My dagger!" Adrian exclaimed cheerfully, belting it on with fondness.
As well as the cherished blade, there was an extensive collection of weaponry and armour suitable to the occasion. Each selected a sword, a mace and chain armour, belting each item on hastily in an effort to be ready and focus on the task at hand. A double-check to ensure no faults that would see to their downfall at the most crucial moment, and they marched out to confront what lay ahead.
IOIOIOIOI
"Four hundred and forty seven…four hundred and forty eight…. Four hundred and forty nine…Four hundred and fifty…" Katherine counted, trying to ignore her arm.
"Having fun?" Lucy asked her dryly.
"Not really…Four hundred and fifty two…It is something to pass the time…. Four hundred and fifty three-"
The distant clash of steel upon steel abruptly interrupted her.
Lucy pursed her lips grimly, "It's starting."
"They've found out." She stated.
"It certainly seems so."
"How?"
She paused, "Senka's somehow involved in this, I just know it."
"Your son?" Katherine inquired.
"Yes. He has a horrendous knack of finding himself in the middle of trouble. Especially in the kitchens…"
Katherine attempted to smile, yet only managed a grimace, "My younger sister was like-"
"You Two. Up. Now." Came a voice from the door, the figure hidden in shadows.
The pair exchanged a wary glace, "Why?"
It came forward, claws clicking menacing, and the stench of death rolling off it as it loomed over them.
IOIOIOIOIOI
The first party they encountered was patrolling along the castle boundary. John quickly signalled for the men to take up strike positions as they returned.
"Now!" He shouted, plunging forward, sword in hand.
The fight was quick and bloody. Moonlight glinted upon the slicked blades, as they expertly dispersed of them, their claws barely having the chance to land a scratch, let alone a mortal blow.
The last was entangled with Jack. A claw darted out, slashing Jack's shoulder. His eyes widened momentarily, before instinct took over, and he disposed of his enemy.
"Blasted Z'keth." He muttered, checking his shoulder.
The local members blinked at him in confusion, "Z'keth?"
"That's their proper name." Josie explained, moving over to check his wound.
Hastily, she ripped part of her shirt, cleaning his shoulder, before using another strip
to bind it, "You want to go back?" She asked him irritably.
"Not going to happen." He said determinedly
Grimly they pressed onwards.
IOIOIOIOI
"Did you find them?" The figure asked.
"No. They are lost." Mortimer responded.
Claws clicked against the armrest, "This is not acceptable. They should have been retrieved by now. Order the troops to apprehend them."
"Sir!" one of his soldiers interrupted, "The human troops!"
The figure spun, eyes flashing a menacing scarlet, "Where. Are. They?"
"Gone." The soldier answered helplessly.
He snarled incoherently, bolting to his feet, grabbing his chair and pummelling the ground with it and sending wood splinters blasting everywhere, "FIND THEM!"
Without waiting for dismissal, the soldier fled, leaving the Regent staring blankly into the abyss.
Slowly, the figure's temper calmed down, "It seems, my dear Mortimer, that my orders have been vetoed by your foolish nephew. He will pay. So will those brats and their good for nothing family, You mark my words." Slowly he turned, "Now, I believe it is time we relocated. My throne awaits, and I shall be extremely satisfied to see their downfall from there."
IOIOIOI
The hours ticked by, the midnight watch long since called. Steadily they made their way around the boundary of the castle, only encountering a few minor skirmishes along the way.
Unfortunately their good fortune soon ran out. The party they encountered close to the third hour past midnight was not so easily overcome as the first. Four dozen soldiers were marching, guarding a pair of massive, imposing doors, flanked either side by row upon row of tapered windows
"The throne room." Edward whispered, "The heart of the castle."
At that precise moment, one of the infantry shouted out, "SIR, THE FELONS!"
"That's not good, is it?" Anita said desperately, head turning to Adrian.
He drew his sword, "Not good at all."
Valiantly they ploughed into their enemy. The soldiers steadfastly march forth, blades colliding in a shower of sparks and blood.
One broke from the main group, advancing upon Anita. Her eyes grew wide in alarm, until something within her snapped. With a wail like a banshee, she ploughed into the creature, skewering him. The blood flowed out of him like a river. He grunted slightly before going limp, the life force fading from him. At the realisation of what she had done, the spark in her eyes faded, shock threatening to overcome her.
Covering her back, Adrian shouted, "You did what you had to do. If you hadn't, that would be you on the ground. You can pull yourself together, we've gotta push on!"
She simply nodded muttered, clamping down on the urge to retch and grimly pressing on.
IOIOIOIOIOI
"So you have finally grasped the courage to finish me off, Tregornan?" Katherine demanded through her newly acquired swollen lip.
The figure turned to face her, "Tut, tut. Come now, Miss Tannin, do we really have to resort to name calling?"
"Your own name is an insult to this world!" She snarled.
Tregornan waltzed over to loom over her, ignoring her. Calmly he drew his claws back, and without warning struck Lucy, slicing her from shoulder to abdomen, "Every insult you fling at me is another wound for your dear friend here, you insolent bitch."
Hatred burnt in her eyes, yet seeing Lucy grimace against the pain, she held her tongue.
Smugly, Tregornan loomed over them, "Wise move, mistress spy. Should you have spoken, there would have been more flesh to fill our stomachs come dawn. As it is, we have quite a nice specimen selected…"
A pair of tiny girls, barely past their fifth summer were dragged into the room. Tears fell down their faces like diamonds from heaven as they beat their tiny fists against the guards that held them. They shrieked piercingly, their terror fuelling their already powerful lungs.
"NOOOOO!" Katherine let out a blood-curdling scream.
IOIOIOIOI
Time halted.
Power crackled within Josie's icy orbs.
Apprehensively, her friends drew in around her.
"This. Ends. Here."
IOIOIOIOI
A.N: Yikes, My longest chapter yet! This was a blast to write, and I hope you had just as much fun reading it! Still, Please review and tell me! Constructive criticism is always welcome, and flames shall be used to blast up Geith!