Disclaimer: JQ characters belong to HB & Turner Productions. Charles Wallace, Meg and everything associated to the "Time" trilogy belongs to Madeleine L'Engle. Daphne belongs to Daria. Characters used without permission. No $$ made for this venture. Enjoy! ^_^. Category: Episodal, X-over, Past, Other HR Rating: Some adult stuff. But nothing majorly explicit. Discretion is advised. Archivers: Not a problem, as long as you tell me where you put this baby! ^_^. Summary: The epilogue! ^_^. This is a continuing series. It is advisable to read the preceding chapters before reading this one if you haven't done so. The earlier chapters are available in the fanfiction page of my site at: http://members.xoom.com/inachan/jqfics.html or at your request at inachan2@ican.net January 10, 1999 The Ripple Effect (Epilogue) by: Ina-chan (inachan2@ican.net) Jonny suddenly found himself at the place that introduced him and his friends to this strange adventure... Which is ironically... nowhere... "outside of time." He looked up and saw Charles Wallace perched up on... an invisible something... swinging his legs and looking down at him expectantly, "Don't worry about your family. Time is back to normal... sort of." Jonny gave him a thoughtful look for a moment before speaking, "It really happened, didn't it?" Charles Wallace sighed as he dropped to the other boy's level, "If you believe it to be." "You mean I'm... everyone's... going to forget all of this when I go back?" Charles smiled, "We human beings are strange creatures. We live by logic and the protective layers of our memories. If there is something we don't understand... or we fear... we forget... no not really forget... more like... remember differently." "I just want to know one thing. Why did the Ecthroi chose me?" "Why NOT you?" Charles laughed before putting on his usual serious expression, "Every existing being is challenged by the Ecthroi, Jonny. Everyone is taken at least one point of their life to cross them. You're just one of the more fortunate ones who didn't fall." "I just wish that there are other battles that I wish I won..." Jonny said quietly Charles Wallace simply shook his head, "Time is a lot more like water than we think. not only with the whole universe be affected by a single ripple across its smoothness... you can also divert... guide 'time' to wherever you wish it to go, like changing the route of a stream. In the end, however, water will always find its way to the sea... as time will eventually lead a person to his destiny." "Destiny..." Jonny repeated absent-mindedly as he suddenly felt light-headed. A final flash of light preceded his disappearance, leaving Charles Wallace to stare at the empty void... *** "Rach?.... Rach?...." Faded voices of concern invaded her fogged up mind. She tentatively opened her eyes to be greeted by a blob of... something... hovering over her head. "Rob, for the last time," Rach called out groggily to the blurred image, "TOUCH football." Her vision cleared and she saw herself staring into the depths of the deepest... most beautiful blue eyes she has ever seen. She smiled as she recognized to whom they belonged to. "Hi." "Hi," He paused, a little unsure of what to say to the young woman cradled comfortably in his eyes, "Are you all right?" "I'm not really sure..." Rachel replied seriously, "Why is it that I always find myself coming back to my senses in your arms? I'm beginning to sense a nasty pattern here..." Her voice trailed as became more aware of his warmth and his scent. Well... maybe not so nasty... "AWW, C'mon you guys! Not in public!" Jean teased unmercifully "Yeah! Go get a room, you two!" Another voice pitched in Rachel gaped at the realization that half of the student body were watching them curiously and found herself falling into an unceremonious heap on the ground as the couple instinctively and hastily tried to disengage themselves from each other. "Smooth move Benton!" *** "Hey! What's wrong with you?" Meg called out to her co-assistant in bewilderment, "You're not being your usual annoying, self-absorbed, arrogant self." "I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Benton replied flatly, "I just haven't had enough sleep lately." Meg raised an eyebrow, "Eh?" Benton frowned, "I keep having these strange dreams... They're not nightmares or anything... just... weird." Meg crossed her arms, "If it has anything to do with Gigantor, or black silk lingerie, or Gigantor WEARING a black silk lingerie... I don't want to hear it..." The young woman ducked in time before a crumpled piece of paper hit her between the eyes. "I'm serious Margaret!" Benton exclaimed exasperatedly as he swept a glance at the bulky machine at the corner of the lab, "Don't you ever wonder if there is an external force out there directing us to do what he do in our lives?" "Benton..." Meg pushed her glasses up her nose as she put a hand on her co-worker's shoulder, "WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING?" *** Just a few more hours to go... And Rachel has never felt a turmoil of emotions boiling within her in her entire life. If she had her way, she would just stay in her room, hide under the covers of her bed, let his mother, cousins, and aunts run around like headless chickens for all she cared until tomorrow is over. TACK... TACK... TACK... She popped her head out of her covers in time to see another pebble strike her window. With a loud groan, she dragged herself out of her bed, opened the barrier and dodged just in time as another pebble sailed through the window just past her ear. "Watch it!" She hissed as loudly as she dared "Sorry," The red haired figure below her replied in the same manner, "I just had to see you. I need to talk to you about something very important." "Benton, we're getting married in..." Rachel stopped as she glanced on her watch, "Ten hours. It's bad luck for..." "That's what I needed to talk about." "Oh? What is it?" "I can't marry you." Rachel blinked. The only reaction he let her have to the announcement. "Look at it. This isn't a wedding. It's a three ring circus. I love your family... but at the moment they are driving me nuts!" "Well your aunt and her 500 intimate friends don't exactly thrill me either," Rachel shot back in annoyance. She rested her chin on her hand with a sigh, "So what do you propose we do now?" "Let's elope," Benton replied without batting an eyelash The young woman almost slid through the window in surprise, "Elope? Now?" Benton simply nodded enthusiastically, "Now." Without another word, Rachel flashed the first smile she had in the past few weeks. With practiced agility, she climbed out of her window and death defyingly jumped into her fiancee's panicking arms... and caused the both of them to fall into a ungraceful heap. "What are you trying to do? Kill yourself?" Benton reprimanded, his voice rising in anger "Nah-uh, darling, you're not going to get away from me that easily," Rachel whispered huskily before capturing his lips for a brief stolen kiss, "You're mine, Benton. 'Till death do us part." "Then... we better... move..." Benton murmured in-between kisses "Yes... we better...... you know... everyone's... going to be... so pissed off..." "We'll... make it up... to them..." *** Benton desperately tried to fight the growing lump in his throat as a tiny bundle was presented to him. The newborn infant fussed and flailed his limbs in annoyance, obviously unhappy about being prevented from taking his nap. "Hello baby," Benton greeted his son in a raspy whisper, as he caressed the tiny face with his index finger As if recognizing the owner of the voice, the infant stopped his protesting, opened his eyes as if searching his holder's face. He instinctively grabbed the large finger in his tiny fist as it came to reach, before making a big yawn and settling down to sleep. Benton turned to his beaming wife in silent joy and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Don't you two ever rest?" A young voice hissed in annoyance as a teen-aged girl walked into the room "Why Daphne, why don't you just come on in without knocking?" Rachel called softly to her sister with a sarcastic smirk, "Where's the rest of the clan? "They'll be in any minute. Mom's still trying to revive Papa," Daphne whispered back, "Hey! Can I look at him? Did you finally decide on a name?" The new parents looked at each other and shared a knowing smile. *** "JONATHAN QUEST! STOP IT THIS INSTANT!" The two-year-old toddler replied to the command by splashing more water at his mother with a peal of childish laughter, joined by his father's amused baritone. Rachel wiped blew a lock of wet bangs from her eyes and glared at her husband who was filming the event a safe distance away. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Rachel called out venomously, "Stop it! I'm all wet!" "Wet! Wet! Wet! Wet!" The child sang in a loud babble "Darling, you are always beautiful. Right now, you are as lovely as Aphrodite rising from the waters..." Benton began mischievously in a poetic voice, "... with the astounding grace of a drowning lab rat." "Rat! Rat! Rat! Rat! Rat!" "Lab rat?" Rachel glared at him dangerously, "All right you big he-man, know it all... Let's see how YOU fare in giving your son a bath!" *** "Are you sure about this decision Alena?" Rachel asked quietly "It's still quite dangerous to go back now," Benton agreed in a similar manner "It is time for me to return," Alena Stasny nodded determinedly before making a small laugh, "To be quite honest, I've started to grow jealous of your happiness. I believe its time for me to start searching for my own." Alena felt a small tug on her sleeve and looked down to see her best friends' son looking at her mournfully, "Are you going away for good?" The young woman's heart melted as she picked up the little boy in a hug and sat him on her lap, "Don't be so sad Angel. We'll see each other again. And when we do, I'll show you all the beautiful sights in Prague..." *** "Did you find her?" Benton asked the man before him, his words still laced with optimism Agent Philip Corven simply met his eyes with an unreadable expression... and he instantly knew the answer. Benton Quest ran his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes as a cold numbness washed over his entire being. "Dr. Quest..." Corven began in his formal banter, "Benton... I know this isn't the proper time... but its important that you start facing the issues regarding Jonny's safety." "Do whatever you think is best," Benton said defeatedly in an almost inaudible whisper. "I'm sorry," Corven bowed his head reverently before turning to leave *** "Race" Bannon stared at the hyperactive and over enthusiastic child before him, and wondered for the hundredth time what the hell he's gotten himself into this time. Despite all things, he can't help but instantly like the friendly eight-year-old boy... and his barrage of infinite questions. He only hoped that this Dr. Quest is nothing like the pompous, holier than thou, government scientists that he had brushes against in the past... not that all of them are like that of course. It was then, the good doctor finally emerged and Race Bannon tried hard not to raise an eyebrow. He knew every thing about the man according to the files, but pieces of paper don't really say a whole lot about a person 'cept for the basic legal facts, don't they. He could sense that familiar aura of guarded hostility in the other man. Not that he blamed him. If he was forced into a situation like this, he would be pissed off too. Seeing that wall melt, however, the moment the child ran to his father in greeting, also triggered Race Bannon's own fatherly sensibilities. Reserving whatever prejudices he has against the red haired scientific treasure. "You must be Agent Bannon," The doctor began "Dad," Jonny interrupted in a loud whisper, "He prefers to be called Race." "I see that you have already gotten aquainted with my son, "A half-hearted smile found itself into the young scientist's lips "He is a fine young man, sir." "Then there is nothing else to do other than welcome you, Agent Bannon." "Daaad! It's RACE!" "Thank you, sir." *** Jonny giggled as the small white and black puppy chased his tail playfully on the floor. He snapped his fingers and the dog automatically ran to him and begged to scratch its tummy. "Have you decided on what to name him yet?" Race suddenly asked the ten-year-old before biting into a cracker Jonny's face fell as he put the puppy on his lap and scratched its ears, "I haven't decided yet..." "Well, you can't go around calling him 'dog' or he'll start thinking that's his name." "I know... but its hard thinking of a really cool name for him." "Hmmm... then why don't you start by thinking of a name to describe something that's unique on him. Like that black mask around his eyes." "I guess that's a start..." "Unless you have something in mind," Race peered at the tiny dog The puppy cocked its head curiously at the man and panted. Then suddenly jumped into the air and snatched the piece of cracker Race held in his hand. "HEY!" Race called out in surprise before his forehead lined into a frown, "Why that sneaky little..." *** "BANDIT! HEEL BOY! HEEL!" The barks of a puppy and the yells of a boy pierced through the busy sounds of the streets of Calcutta. The young street urchin only known as Hadji lifted his head to see the same curious dog return to settle the scruples it had with the animal he kept in his basket. He was just ready to observe the group of foreigners, as he usually does when a movement caught the corner of his eye. He turned his head in time to see a man move out from his hiding place behind a corner, pull out a knife, and throw. "All right! All right! That's enough Bandit! Your mongoose has had it!" The red haired man scolded the small dog in amusement TWACK! The sound of the knife hitting wood rang loudly in his ears as he felt the impact of the weapon against the basket cover he used as a makeshift of a shield. He removed the weapon and inspected his prize. "OH NO YOU DON'T!" He was about to turn and check the well being of the man he just saved when Hadji suddenly found himself driven and pinned to the ground by a fast moving object. He stared at his attacker for a moment, trying to catch the breath knocked out of his lungs. "All right buddy, who are you?" His captor demanded indignantly in English "That man!" Hadji struggled both physically and verbally as he pointed helplessly towards the direction of the assassin's blade, "That man! He's getting away!" "Jonny let him go. He just saved my life." "Okay Dad..." The blonde boy said reluctantly as he peered at the young Hindu through narrowed slits, "But I still don't trust him." "It is good that you do not," Hadji smirked as he felt his attacker loosen his hold. Before the other boy can react, Hadji grabbed the other boy's torso as he used his legs for leverage to flip the blonde off of him and into the air. Hadji stood up and put his hands on hips as he watched the other boy shake his head with a stunned expression on his face. "Now, we are even." "Hey, you're pretty good at judo," The boy commented with a new tone of respect Hadji simply smiled as he held out his hand, "Friends?" The blonde boy smiled back as he took the thin brown hands in his, "Friends." *** The cool Maine breeze blew against Hadji's face as he turned uncertainly to his best friend beside him, "Are you sure this will work Jonny?" Jonny made one last peek through the bushes before giving his co-conspirator a self-assured wink, "Trust me, Hadj. We're gonna get Race THIS time." He carefully weighed the fragile water balloon in his hand, "The moment he walks by, we attack and let him have it." Bandit gave a small bark in agreement. "If you say so..." Hadji relented as he scratched the dog perched on his lap It was then they heard the older man's voice calling their names. Two pairs of eyes widened as their free hands automatically moved to silence their handicap's "motor". Sensing their victim directly beside their hiding place, two boys let out a loud whoop and threw a volley of water balloons, hitting their target on the mark. The figure let out an indignant shriek at the cold exploding masses. It was then, two pairs of eyes widened in terror as they realized who they hit. Race blinked at the scene before him before breaking into an amused grin, "Well, boys. Look who came over to visit for a few days. Have fun." With the basic fact that girls mature faster in all aspects at that stage of their pubescent years is enough of reason to feel intimidated by the sight of a bigger, very wet, and very angry twelve- year-old girl to a small thirteen-year-old, and an even smaller eleven- year-old. The fact that this angry twelve-year-old happens to be Race Bannon's daughter, just made the situation turn from intimidating to just pure terrifying. *** "Jeez Jonny, you're such a pack rat," Jessie commented as she inspected the dried up bottle of finger paint from a box of old toys "Hey!" The fourteen-year-old called out in mock indignation as he took the paint bottle from her hands, "This happens to be an artifact of my childhood. It means a lot to me." Jessie rolled her eyes, "Whatever!" "Sentimental value or not," Hadji cutted in as he handed Jonny a mop, "We promised Dr. Quest that we will do our share of the spring cleaning." "HEY!" Jonny yelled again, "How come YOU get the vacuum and I get the mop?" Hadji gave his best friend a flat look, "Because I called dibs." "Well then," Jonny said in a low dangerous tone as he waved the mop handle around, making light saber sound effects, "I challenge you for the vacuum." Jessie and Hadji exchanged looks and groaned. "Aww, c'mon Hadj? It'll be like the good old days," Jonny teased, "Back when I beat you silly with our mock sword fights." "Jonny," Hadji shook his head in exasperation, "Clean." Jonny cupped his hands on his nose and mouth and breathed heavily, before speaking in a deep muffled voice, "Luke, I am your father." "Fine! You can have the vacuum," Hadji complied irritably Jonny grinned, "Hmmm... I changed my mind. I think I like the mop better." Without word or warning, Hadji dismantled the vacuum's long tube and swung it at his best friend like an accomplished fencer in one smooth move. Jonny blocked in equal skill with his mop handle. Before long, Jessie found herself watching the two boys run around the attic like reject actors from a bad pirate movie. "Boys," Jessie shook her head and put her attention on the boxes before her. She reached in and her hands felt several rectangular objects. She pulled one out and found herself staring at a well preserved unlabelled old video tape. She narrowed her eyes as something flashed at the back of her mind at the sight of the object. She was about to call her friends' attention to her discovery when a yelp and a loud crash interrupted her train of thoughts. "Now you've done it!" "What do you mean ME?" Jessie sighed as she returned the tape into the box and shoved it aside, "Come on you guys! We were supposed to be cleaning, not making an even bigger mess." "It's not my fault." "So you are saying that it is mine?" *** In that place outside of time, Charles Wallace crossed his arms and cocked his head thoughtfully at the smooth reflection of the waters before him, "Hmmm... destiny..." [~FIN~] Comments, criticisms, bricks to inachan2@ican.net Author's squawk: YES! It is done! It is finished! See Lesli! I told ya I'll finish it for you within the week! ^_^. After almost 1 year! I finally finished it! Heh-heh... there's hope for "Valley" yet! ^_^. Well, now that its finished and I feel so proud of myself, I wanna thank the people who were inspirational in the production of this fic. First of is Nix (currently unsubscribed and will hopefully come back to us soon...). She helped me go through the outline and formulation of this story. Meach, your threa-- er encouragements to finish my fics have always been inspirational! ^_^. But seriously, Meach is my number one ego booster. She makes sure to send me comments and encouragement. And I want her and everyone to know that she's the BEST! ^_^. Lesli... our little talk made me feel guilty about leaving you hanging with my fics. So here. I glued my hyperactive self on my chair for three straight nights just to finish this fic for you. Now don't say that I don't do anything for you anymore darling, or I'll bring out the pesto flavoured noodles. Specially to Suze, for archiving this headache and having people mailing me out of interest for this fic. And most of all... to everyone else who has been sending me their comments and criticisms. If it weren't for your feedback and interest, I would have dumped his baby a long time ago. Daphne and the part where Jonny insists that Race wants to be called "Race" were stolen by the most excellent fics written by Daria-mem sahib ^_^. The part where Jonny meets Hadji is my interpretation of the actual material and dialogue from the CJQ episode "The Calcutta Adventure". Charles Wallace and Meg Murray are stolen from Madeleine L'Engle's books... and yes Meach... that bit with Benton and Rachel is the farthest I will go to writing something "lemony" scented. I know... its not even an orange... but what the heck. Don't expect anything like that from me. ^_^. Ja! Ina-chan *************************************************************************** Quote of the moment: "Cale, what if the pieces don't fit?" --- Rita, voicing out her concern the politest possible way regarding some possible difficulties about being newly married to an alien from another planet; from "Invasion America: On the Run" by Christie Golden. ~@@@~ Ina-chan inachan2@ican.net main: http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/psycho/66 W.A.R.: http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Set/1986 ICQ:13667820 ******************************************************************** * The Jonny Quest mailinglist jq@edc.ml.org * ******************************************************************** * To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to: majordomo@edc.ml.org * * with the message: unsubscribe jq subject is ignored * ********************************************************************