The Lost World

Prompt: Snow White offers her home to the explorers and Lord Rumpton tries to get close to a certain heiress; the Ape-men attack. (Rated T)

A tree house!

An actual bona fide tree house was where Snow White lived. As she led the explorers to her humble abode, she told them that her parents built it during their expedition twenty-one years ago.

"They fell in love with the Plateau and decided to stay," she said. "I've lived here my whole life. But you have to be careful. There are many creatures that will be all too happy to eat you, especially the T-Rex."

"T-Rex?" Hopper stammered. "You're saying—?"

"Yes. Dinosaurs are alive here. And if you're quick… you might be able to have a meal out of one before they eat you." Snow smirked.

"Mm. A T-Rex will make a fine trophy," purred Rumpton with anticipation. Patting his rifle, he turned and gave Belle a boyish wink.

"Not if they decide to make one out of you Lord Rumpton. I'm sure your hide will be the talk of the whole animal kingdom," Belle said.

"Well, I do have a pretty damn good hide if I say so. Thank you for noticing." His eyes sparkled as the color rose in her cheeks and she quickly walked away from him, mumbling something under her breath.

They did manage to see a few pterodactyls and a brontosaurus. All of which filled Mills' eyes with greed at the proof he had to show the Zoological Society that he was right and not crazy. Nolan was filled with wonder—taking it all in for his journals and readers. He certainly found the story of the century! Hopper was in shock and begrudgingly knew he would have to apologize to Mills for calling his theories preposterous.

As soon as they arrived at the tree house, it was truly a magnificent sight to behold. It sat about fifty feet high and had a working elevator to take them up. It took a couple of trips but once everyone was settled inside—they were able to look around the warm and pleasant home—pleased to find some civilization in this savage land.

"My parents are botanists," Snow explained, showing them the many pots of flowers and plants scattered all over. Hopper picked one up close to him and called it by its natural name. "Why! I thought they were all extinct."

"Many are but for some reason they survived here," Snow said with an amused and knowing smile.

Belle looked at the kitchen to the main living space—all opened and bright with the sun peeking through. She saw shelves filled with books, and for the first time, a genuine smile blossomed. "Not a bad selection," she said to herself. There were quite a few science textbooks but there were some entertaining novels at least.

"So where are your parents?" Hopper asked politely.

Snow wavered. "Oh, they went to gather some samples."

"I hope they won't mind us as guests," Nolan said.

"They won't." Her smile was thin and tightlipped.

Belle thought that was odd and inquired, "What time do you think they'll be back?"

"I don't know," Snow confessed. "They're missing."

"Missing?" the beauty repeated. "For how long?"

"Eleven years," the dark-haired girl replied. "But I know they'll be back."

"Eleven years?" Belle snorted to herself.

"We can help you find them," Nolan jumped in quickly. Ever the heroic. "The Plateau seems like a very big place."

"It is and thank you," Snow said gratefully, the twinkle back in her eyes as she gazed at Nolan. "Now, let me show you to your rooms."

The tree house had three floors so it was large enough to accommodate each explorer in his (or her) room and downstairs was a lab, which Mills was in his element. It was well-equipped and with the additional supplies they brought… Mills was a kid in a candy store.

Belle found a box of rocks and gems and took it upon herself to peruse it. Mentally, she made a note to ask Snow where the precious gems came from so she could "collect" more.

"It's hard to believe you're on top of the world," the gruff Scottish voice said, interrupting her concentration. And there was only one man that spoke with that accent…

"Lord Rumpton," she cooed. "Checking on me again, I see. What the jungle girl's company not interesting enough for a hunter like yourself?"

"The company is fine. It's you I'm not sure about."

"Oh?" She stood up and cast a look at him, her brow arched defiantly. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

He reached over to snatch the gem in her hand. Holding it up to the light, he inspected it to see what was so intriguing about it. "You're a geologist you say," he commented. "Yet, you know so many languages."

"So? Is that a crime?"

"It's just… a little voice in my head tells me I should throw you to the wolves for the good of the party. First chance that I get." His smirk bared his teeth as his eyes swept over her.

"Why don't you?" she whispered, challenging him as she stepped closer in his personal space.

"Because another voice tells me that you only meet a woman made out of fire and steel once in a blue moon. And you wouldn't want to waste her when she's in your hands."

As he spoke, Rumpton moved in and slowly tilted his head as he sealed the remaining distance with a kiss. There was a pause and then he jumped back, his hand flying to his lower lip as he stared at her with shock and anger at the bite.

"I'm not in your hands Lord Rumpton," Belle said with no mistaken tone that meant be-careful-what-you-do-next. "And if you do get the chance to throw me to the wolves… Go ahead and try. You might be surprised who gets thrown in first."

With a spin of her heels, Belle stalked away and up the stairs where everyone gathered. The hunter followed behind her, but he veered off so he wouldn't be near her. Belle fought to hold back a smile. She put him in his place all right. Maybe this will teach him a lesson and leave her alone.

The group was joined by another young woman. She was clearly dressed in tribal clothes with long brown hair with threads of red woven in her tresses. She looked at the explorers with wary cautions as Snow calmly explained to her they were friends.

"This is Rubi of the Zanga tribe. One of the few friendly natives here on the Plateau," Snow told them. "She's also my best friend."

The introductions went around, and as time went on, Rubi started to relax. She even shared that her people knew of a tunnel of caves that could help the explorers return to the mainland. Her father needed to be persuaded although he was wary of strangers that come here. Apparently, the Whites had to prove their worthiness and trust too before they were accepted.

Evening came and Snow prepared a wonderful feast of roasted raptor, which strangely tasted of chicken. Rumpton wanted to see one and Snow promised he would have his chance as long as he doesn't do anything stupid.

They ate to their fill and sat around and shared tales of London to Snow and Rubi. Nolan had a knack for storytelling, but it didn't mean he could make any subject exciting. While he was telling about a World Series game in New York, there was a loud snap and then the roof caved in.

Men… At least they looked like men covered in hair came through, waving clubs around as they attacked the unsuspecting people.

Snow shouted "Ape-men!" and took out her knife and began to fight.

Whatever they could get their hands on was used as a weapon. Belle looked up to see a hairy creature creeping behind Rumpton. Pulling out her pistol at her hip, she took aim and shot the bugger in the head. The hunter regarded her with relief and thanks.

The attack stretched on for what felt like five minutes when one grabbed Rubi and hoisted her up to the ceiling where more of them waited.

"Rubi!" Snow screamed as her friend punched and kicked, but it was no use. There were too many and in a flash it was over. The Ape-men left but there were a few that weren't as lucky as their bodies laid on the floor.

"We have to save her!" Snow exclaimed but Nolan grabbed her arm to keep her from leaving.

"It's too dark out!" he cried. "And we don't know how many there are!"

"It's a risk we have to take," Rumpton said. "Everyone grab your guns!"