Carson's POV
Three individuals stood before Carson and Ronon silently.
Silver robes flowed like water about the trio. A short, serious looking woman regarded Carson with an expression of warmth. A slender male stood next to her with a mop of chocolate curls-eyes twinkling with untold mischief. In the front was a formidable man who bore faint traces of age in his brow. An approving smile rested on the gruff features as he gazed at Carson patiently. Satisfaction bled off the group in waves.
Exchanging a glance with Ronon, Carson stepped forward.
"I don't mean to be rude," Carson remarked hesitantly. "But, what in the blazes is going on?"
The groups laughter mingled and echoed off the walls in merriment. Ronon stood stiff, apprehensive; Carson stared tensely.
The older man's lips quirked as he spoke. "Carson, you achieved what we ordained you to do. Naturally, your people welcome you to join us, however, we are of the opinion you are not ready to ascend and leave behind the ones you love."
A plethora of questions flooded the new Ancient. Not least being where were they? The wraith were all dead? Nausea nearly overcame Carson. He had taken part in the genocide of an entire species; he was a murderer. Guilt assailed his heart, wounding him to the depths of his spirit.
"I know you grieve," the man said gravely. "But remember my child, millions more perished while the wraith scourge lived. The burden of your heart does not ease in knowing this, however, it is your own people that bade you accept this undertaking. The fault lies at our feet not yours."
Numb with sorrow, Ronon's swift forward movements ceased to register on Carson's blanked mind until he spoke brusquely.
"We died," Ronon stated. "I understand why Carson is here, but why am I here?"
The three Ancients considered him. "Ronon Dex," elder Ancient began gravely. "The leaders of the Ancients do not approve of your rash actions. In fact, we believe your morality leaves much to be desired. Yet your selfless offering of your own life allowed for Carson's mission to be successful; the Council of Ancients recognizes the merit in your actions this day. As a reward for your honorable deed, we have decided to return you to Atlantis with our hopes that you shall continue to progress with this change of heart. The Ancients honor you."
Carson was dumbstruck. Ronon got to return home? Was he returning as well? Too preoccupied with his own thoughts, Carson failed to register the man and woman approach him. Awareness was returned when he felt hands on his shoulders.
The woman smiled at him brightly while pressing her palm to his chest. The curly haired man winked at him--his own hand pressing on Carson's opposite shoulder.
"Wha?" Carson managed to squeak out.
"We wanted to see our child up close," the lady said simply. "Even if it is only for a moment."
"You are…" Carson asked stunned. "..my parents?"
"Correct," his father replied with a bright smile. "But for now we shall continue to love you from afar; you must return to Atlantis and live the life we took from you."
"You're sending me back too," Carson's face lit up full of joy. "I thought I would never see Rodney again! But, I would like to get to know my own parents as well…"
Carson glanced hopefully towards the pair in an emotion akin to awestruck.
"I am pleased to watch you grow, my son." the man said. "We will see you again when you are ready. Your happiness is in spring; go bloom my child."
"We shall see you in your dreams," his mother remarked. "You shall know us there."
"Or when you ascend to us again," the Ancient leader murmured slyly. "Farewell, child of the Ancients; You are ever a child of destiny: our chosen. And Ronon!"
The elder stared at the Runner with an intensity defying reason. The Runner returned the stare with a typical questioning glare.
"Take care of our child." the elder charged him. "To you we shall entrust our most precious commodity; his mission is far from over--only beginning."
Carson felt a wave of acceptance flood Ronon's being with a scarcely perceptible nod exchanged between the pair.
Then an ethereal glow surrounded them both before the pair vanished from sight.
Ronon's POV
They appeared side by side before the sea. The sun glittered serenely across the sky and the waves caressed the Atlantian piers.
Ronon considered the attire the Ancients had replaced his own clothing with. A critical eye examined the knee high black boots along with matching ebony, suede leggings with a matching vest over a white shirt. Not something he would have picked…but he could get used to it.
"Ronon," the physician's voice whispered. "I can't do this. Killing people will destroy me. Bloody hell."
Ronon instinctively put his arms around the smaller man, embracing him.
"They are not gods," Ronon said authoritively. "We shall live our lives the best way we can; there wants don't matter. Besides, no matter what happens I'll look after you. McKay will be sticking to you like glue for a while too I bet. All things will be fine. Wait and see."
Sparkling blue eyes peered up at him from beneath a veil of tears, but a smile traced his face.
"Child of Atlantis," the healer muttered. "Rodney's gonna love that one."
He smirked wickedly at the smaller man before returning his gaze to the drifting water.
Shepherd's POV
"Cant you drive this thing any faster Colonel?" McKay demanded sarcastically. "Or is gramma style your new thing?"
"Shut your pie-hole McKay," Shepherd said dangerously. "You're not the only one with someone you care about MIA."
"Please," Teyla interjected. "Arguing will not help Dr. Carson or Ronon."
"He started it." McKay muttered. "Besides, the Colonel's just cranky because I'm getting some and he isn't."
Shepherd fumed silently but did not reply. McKay could be such an asshole sometimes. Why did Carson put up with him? Wait…why did he put up with him? The back hatch was so tempting on days like this--no can do though. Teyla did not deserve to be blown into space over a spat with McKay. But boy was it tempting.
Out of nowhere, a surge of light flashed sharply blinding them.
An instant later, John became aware of solid ground beneath his feet. He glanced down and noted he was back in his quarters--Atlantis. Turning slightly he jumped as Ronon's cheeky grin flashed towards him.
Disbelief filled him. "How did you? What?"
"Long story," the big man shrugged as he stepped closer to him.
"Well," John said neutrally, "I'd like to hear it…an explanation for all this would be good." He gestured around him expectantly.
Ronon flashed him another smile. "The short version now, long will have to wait."
"Deal," John remarked tentatively. Ronon was up to something…
"Carson and I destroyed the wraith and ascended Ancients offered us the opportunity to return here for our heroism." Ronon remarked simply. "Then they returned us all to Atlantis when we accepted."
"You're going to have to tell me the true story later," Shepherd said seriously. "But for now, I'll settle for you being here."
Ronon grinned wickedly as he approached Shepherd. John felt himself shiver in response to the stare Ronon offered him.
Oh yes, today was a good day.
Rodney's POV
He cradled his sleeping lover close to his chest. The fear that had confined itself to his chest abated and he relaxed. For a moment at least, true peace was instilled in the astrophysicist.
The man he loved slept soundly in his arms. A priceless treasure returned to him this eve. As he reflected, Rodney considered the mercy he had been shown by Carson's people. Happiness was by no means the proper description for his joy.
"Don't you leave me again," Rodney said. He tightened his hold on the Ancient possessively."
Losing him would be death.
Rodney stroked the strands away from Carson's face and kissed his forehead.
The future shined bright again. Destiny was just beginning.
Author's Note: I am contemplating continuing, but I have not made up my mind yet.