Taken In Again
Disclaimer: It's a fan fiction, what do you expect? I own whatever wasn't invented already. A/N: I used the birthdays of the cast members, and a random one for Alisha.
September passed, and the league really hasn't visited me since the time at lunch. October passed as well, and the more into school I was, the less I was with the league, so I haven't really seen them all that much, except for the weekends, where I was able to sneak a few escapes. To be honest, I actually missed them…I craved to be with them like you couldn't imagine. I've changed, so much ever since school started…ever since I had to be away from them. I'm beginning to get the idea I have separation issues, but I can tell it's much more than that…
…much more.
---
When Halloween came to end the month, I came through the portal just as the league was setting up a small party. Orange and black decorations were everywhere, set up in the halls, dining room, and library. Several types of sweets were set up; not the kind I'm used to in my time. I mean, this is 1899…where in this world would we be able to find a snickers bar? They hadn't been invented yet…
I got the memo for the Halloween party a few weeks earlier. I was so excited; it possessed me ever since they told me they were having it. It was the only thing I could think about, and even my friends have commented that I've been a little over-excited and shaken. I was told to be prepared to dress in a mask or something. I still had the outfit from the German masquerade ball, so I wore that. Through the portal I came, but I had only met up with Tom when I reached the dining room. He was helping out with the food being prepared. He wore a suit, and a plain looking mask. I hope I wasn't too dressed up.
"Hey!" I said extravagantly from across the room.
"Oh, hey! Happy Halloween! Good to see you again, finally. You get a good cover?"
"I'm tricker-treating with my friends as we speak."
"Good."
Just then, Mina and Rodney walked in together, dressed tastefully. Rodney's outfit was similar to Tom's. He eyed me carefully and mysteriously when he saw me there. Things between us have been weird, lately. We haven't done anything like that night in Plymouth in a while. I fear he might be catching on the idea that he's not the one I love, yet he still treats me like there's nothing on his mind but our relationship. On the other hand, Mina wore a beautiful red dress and a matching lace mask. Similar to my outfit, but different details and color. Apparently I've given up my jealous grief for Mina, in reference to Henry. If they loved each other…which is what it still seems, I'm not going to stand in their way…as long as it makes him happy...and at a point her too. Plus, the rest of the league respects Mina, and if I mixed tensions with her I could with them as well. It just pains me to see the man I love with someone else. Any woman would.
Nemo, Allan, and Henry walked in next; Allan and Henry's outfit similar to Tom and Rodney's, Nemo's was simply his blue uniform with some minor changes, and a mask to match.
"Well, I guess the masks don't work. We already know who everyone is." I said, trying to lighten the mood, if it wasn't lightened already.
"We don't have to." said Rodney…but by the way he said it, I don't think he meant the importance of our identity.
"Right, well lets get this party going, shall we?" With that, Tom played the phonograph, and music started playing. It was a creepy kind of opera, I kind of liked it. Actually, I really liked it.
To my surprise it was Rodney who asked to dance with Mina first. With that I definitely stuck to my 'Rodney is getting suspicious' theory. But what really surprised me was that Henry asked me to dance first, not seeming to notice the other two. He bowed, I curtseyed, and we grasped each other's hands right into a waltz. In the corner of my eye I saw Allan, Nemo and Tom quietly talking to each other by the table, each eating something. I watched Rodney and Mina dancing, when Rodney and my eyes met at a dreadlock second. His eyes were slightly cold, I could tell. Even though he wore glasses, his stare burned through.
I looked back to Henry, and he seemed to be watching me the whole time. When we met eyes, he looked away, embarrassed. Then we met up again, and smiled. It felt so timeless when we spun around the room, like I couldn't see anything else but him.
…I know. It sounds cheesy. But they aren't wrong when they saw those things, because it's exactly what it feels like. And for the first time I actually believed it.
"It's like the ball. The first time we actually met." he said. It sounded so weird, the way I was feeling.
"Heh…yeah." I really didn't know what to say. I was, dare I say, speechless.
"Mm."
I couldn't keep my eyes off of Rodney. He definitely knew. Or at least he knew something was up. Or he was mad. I don't know. I'm not good at this. So I did the worst possible thing I could do.
"Henry, can I ask you something? Do you know if Rodney has been having any issues lately against me? 'Cause he's been eyeing me really weird lately."
He almost looked like he was hurt. He glanced over in his direction, and then took me to the side.
"I'm not too sure. The last couple of weeks he's been acting real different lately."
"Ever since?"
"I can't tell."
"Huh…" Rodney hasn't been the same at all. Anyone would think of him as this fun-loving, cheery Scott that can always either brighten the mood or be slightly annoying with all his remarks. But now it's like the mysterious invisible man he really is is shining through.
…unless…
Henry watched intently as the possibility passed through my mind.
"Alisha? What is it?" I looked up to him, and I have no idea for how long. At the thought, I gave a smirk and a huff at the same time. I shook my head, trying to hold back the idea. But I couldn't help thinking it would be alright to try.
"I mean…can you do anything…like, with your powers?"
"I—I can try something, but I very much doubt it's the case."
"What is?"
"I'll let you know in a moment…"
I closed my eyes, and recited an incantation in my head. When I opened my eyes nothing happened. And I pray to the gods that nothing backfired like how the sin spell did.
"Anything?"
"Henry…has he been like this a lot? To anyone else?"
"Not by much, to the rest of us he's just a bit gloomy…betrayed, almost."
I gulped.
"But whenever any of us mention you, he slightly makes a face or something…I don't know. Did something happen between you two?"
I thought about how to answer that. "Yes, actually. Something happened alright." I looked back to Henry, after it seeming like hours staring at Rodney and him staring back. "I'm sorry…I'll just ignore it, I suppose."
"It's quite alright."
I tried dancing some more with Henry, but after a while I apologized for not being up to the rest of the night." I made my way to the large double white doors of the room, and passed by Rodney and Mina casually talking side by side. Before I left the room, before I finished walking passed them, I tended to say "Happy Halloween" in a somewhat harsh tone as I threw my mask across the room; my eyes flaming in ice.
---
That was the last time I saw the league before thanksgiving came. I returned that night, telling my family I wasn't feeling too good, that I wanted to stay home rather than going to the annual family thanksgiving dinner at my aunt's house. My parents aren't that gullible, but I'm just really good at getting things my way…that and I'm good at faking a sickness. I swear, in middle school I was such a troublemaker, going to the nurse 24/7 and to guidance as much as possible, etc. But then when high school hit I turned into an angel. As much as I miss the olden days, I shudder at the memory.
I met the league once more in the traditional dining room, all seated around the over-filled table. A giant turkey waiting to be carved lay smack in the middle of the table, surrounded by pie, stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, cranberry sauce…really anything imaginable to eat on Thanksgiving. I sat down right next to Henry, for once. Mina sat on his other side and Rodney sat on her other side. Nemo, Allan and Tom sat on the other end, a few chairs apart.
Once I sat down, arriving on time for once, we all began to eat. I ate little, for I wasn't much of an eater anyway. I'm hardly ever hungry, and when I am, I always get full easily. I felt pretty bad for Nemo making so much food, since I wasn't eating much. Well I know just as much he didn't have all the food just for me. It was for the league and the crew as well.
"Well, I can tell for one that this is going to be a habit!" Tom exclaimed. I looked up half-interested.
"What will be, Tom?" Mina asked.
"Celebrating the holidays together. I like it! Last Halloween was fun, were eating together on Thanksgiving…I can't wait for Christmas!"
Christmas! Oh my god! I haven't even thought of it! It's in less than a month, and I have absolutely no idea what to get everyone!
"Mm…" Rodney wiped his mouth. "Me neither. It's been such a long time since I've actually celebrated."
"Me too." said Henry. He looked down at the table, seeming to have a memory.
"What other holidays are left?" asked Tom.
"Valentines Day, Easter…birthdays." I commented.
"Birthdays! Hey, is anybody's coming up? Mine's not until June…" He looked around the table as I looked down, trying to avoid the question.
"I was born in July." said Nemo.
"August!" Allan raised his hand.
"Mine's December 13th." said Rodney.
"November 18th."said Mina.
"Wow! Really? That was last week! We missed your birthday, Mina?" Tom said.
Mina looked up, sighing. "That's ok. I'm not really into people celebrating my birthday. I've almost forgotten it…I try to, I mean. Being an immortal, I try not to count the days I continue to live."
"Oh…sorry for bringing it up."
"It's quite alright, Tom…not your fault." I thought I heard a bump in her voice.
"Mine's in September." said Henry, moving down the line.
Tom and the league then looked to me.
"I—uh…well, mine was last week, too."
"Happy late birthday." Said Rodney, slightly startling me.
I didn't even bother answering him. "I…may not be an immortal, but technically I'm turning 16, and in this world I've already passed that age, so I think of it as me not having any birthdays at all in this world, I guess."
"No birthdays? No, you gotta still celebrate your birthdays!" Tom was being a little too energetic for my mood right now.
I shook my head. "I don't want the attention."
Apparently this shocked the league, the whole, 'I don't want attention' thing. Eh, I don't blame them. I can be an attention-getter at times.
All I did was shrug, and the night ended as a usual party would…occasional chatter, toasting, blah, blah, blah…
And once again, I went back to my normal teenage life, going back into the portal before my desire pulled me back to the Nautilus. I had my mind occupied on other things, however.
---
Tom, Nemo, Mina, Henry, Alisha, and Rodney set up the library in the Nautilus for Christmas Eve. A tree was set up, streamers draped from the ceiling, and lovely music escaped through the room. Tom, Nemo and Rodney stood on ladders hanging things, while Henry, Mina and Alisha helped out setting the platters and gifts. Tom got down from the ladder and suddenly looked around.
"Hey, has anybody seen Allan?"
"Here! And I could use a little help!" Allan came in with several presents stacked up in his arms. Henry quickly rushed to his side, taking a few from his burden.
Alisha placed a bowl of plum pudding on a table, put the ladle in, and plopped down in an armchair, slightly exhausted.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Rodney exclaimed while jumping down from the ladder. He plot himself next to Alisha on the arm of her chair, resulting in a very surprised look.
"So what first?" asked Mina.
Tom got down from his ladder and picked up a few presents from under the tree. He gave them out to the league.
"I couldn't help waiting." He smiled.
With gratitude, the league opened their presents from Tom as the rest were handed out.
I seriously can't wait to see what the league gave me for Christmas. The suspense was building so much…ugh! It's killing me on the inside!
Patel handed each of us the gifts, reading the tags and correctly recognizing where each present were to be in the hands of.
Well at least I got six gifts…I mean, someone could have not given me a gift, and I was grateful nobody came up with that thought. At least they were thoughtful. I opened the first one, coming from Mina. It was a beautiful black lace choker, giving my instincts the feel that it was originally Mina's. I opened the next one, and it was a leather journal, in perfect condition. A small tag was attached to it, saying it was from Tom. A message was written at the bottom:
You seem to be the type of person who thinks a lot. I thought in a journal you'd be able to write a few stuff down, if you want that is. If not, say the word. I had a feeling I should have gotten you the dress, anyway. You future people are hard to understand.
I took great joy in that. Considering my state of mind, the gift was the right choice. I looked up to Tom, and I met his eyes. Locking them to mine, he made a sort of embarrassed face. I cut him off by smiling and mouthing the word 'thanks'. He smiled back, relieved.
I opened the next box, wrapped a little bit better than the rest. Not better…just more with extra care, I guess. I had a strange feeling that it was from Rodney, and I was right. Inside lay a red box, and on the inside of that, a ring.
Immediately my hand rushed to my mouth, hoping my fears weren't real. The two gold sides of the ring joined together, sort of overlapping. A few small jewels were in the center at the joining, and it gave me the impression of a promise ring. A card lay on the inside.
Well, what can I tell you? It's not a wedding ring…no, I don't plan on going this fast with our relationship. I just thought a little token of my admiration for you would work, like another type of ring of some sort. And I know you plan on keeping this a secret, so I understand if you don't want to wear it…in public, anyway. Think of it as a symbol of my love for you.
Merry Christmas.
Rodney.
My jaw dropped. It was so sweet, yet so unreal, almost. I could hear the ringing in my ears. Like the whole thing was too much of a shock I could barely even read the note. So being aware of the other people around me, I quickly skipped to the next gift, which was from Allan. Inside a bunch of paper was a shiny new rifle, stunningly dangerous. He knew well. The tag also made me laugh too.
You seem like the type of gal who would want this.
I went to Nemo's. It was a bunch of seriously old books, all on the cultural discoveries of his travels. I think it was his journals, or something. I was shocked. Not as shocked as Rodney's gift, I'm sure…but still. This was something completely personal of Nemo's, and he was giving it to me.
…TO ME.
I skimmed the inside…it was loaded with dates, discoveries, deaths, joy, everything Nemo must have been through in his past. I just had no idea why I'm the one who received this. I was grateful of course, but out of everyone, why would he give this to little old me? I looked up to him, my eyebrows furrowed in each other. He bowed his head with a smile. I smiled back, telepathically giving him my thousand thanks and respects.
And last but not least, Henry's gift.
I was so tense opening it. The way I felt about Henry was almost counting on his gift. If he gave me something pathetic, I'm sure my heart would burst and never heal again, and if it was something precious I felt I would cry with passion…
But that's just me.
The box was a fairly good size, and was of a smooth wood material. Slowly, very slowly I opened it.
My heart didn't burst, nor did it cry. I felt my insides…grow warm, almost. I wasn't happy or sad, or stunned, or anything else for that matter.
I was speechless, I was affectionate, but most importantly I was in love.
A medium sized bronze locket rested on the wood, in all its precious glory and confidence.
I must say, I do enjoy bronze.
There was an inscription on the outside of the locket, small enough for me to squint my eyes. Curved around the bottom of the circle-shaped locket, it said:
With love and care, always.
Okay, my heart has officially lifted to heaven. There was no picture on the inside, but like all the other gifts a small note was left on the inside of the box.
Alisha,
Edward and I have admired you from the start. You're smart, beautiful, and have been a great addition to the league. I know we all take great pride in calling you a part of us. A true friend like yourself has proven dear to all of us.
This locket was my wife's before her death, and Edward and I both granted the idea on giving it to you.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Alisha.
-Henry
On the very bottom of that very note, an extra message was written:
For what it's worth, I'm glad you found me in that alley.
Oh.
My.
God.
I was going to cry…no…I was crying. I could feel my eyes watering. In awkwardness I put away all my gifts to the side as I decided to watch the league open the rest of their gifts. Mine, at least. I didn't get them all much, but things that were individual and compassion.
I watched the smiles as Tom, Allan and Nemo opened their new technological devices/weapons; Mina and her new dress; Henry with his very special note and very lovely shiny new pocket watch; Rodney with his special note as well and potion. I saw him read the…description, too. I remember writing, 'Just In Case' on it. That's all.
Oh! I love how mysterious I can be!
He looked up to me with a very seriously curious and confused look, narrowed eyes and all.
But, I ignored him.
I lay back in the leather chair beneath me, feeling the hard feel coming on. I could feel my eyes burn of fire, yet cold as ice they were. Some people noticed my expression, especially Nemo. A smile stretched across my face. I saw them coming, raging through the swirl of purple light and into the void of my world. I saw the deaths of many, the betrayal of the ones I loved. I could tell the smile, and the gaze I set was burning with rage. As my vision prolonged, Nemo suddenly questioned my state of mind, obviously concerned.
"Ms. Dover?"
My grip on the armchair tightened.
"Alisha…are you alright?"
Tom's voice was faint in the back of my mind.
Out of my subconscious instinct, I snatched up Allan's rifle, cocked it into play, and gripped the handle tightly.
"They're coming." I said.