The Fair-Haired Ones

Veronica had lived in the Lost World for as long as she could remember. Her parents were said to have died when she was young. It was ever since then that Veronica had to fend for herself. She had been alone in this strange world until one day when she met other survivors from another time. There was a professor, a writer, a businessman, and a wealthy thief. They had all been transported to The Lost World from 19th century England, or there about. No one could understand how this time traveling worked. Until they found a route home, they had to survive.

They all had become quick friends. Veronica was quite taken with the writer, Ned Malone. They had been close up until her accidental separation from the group. The wild groups wanted no part in being civil, and the often unfavorable weather made this Lost World unpredictable. The uncivil world was the cause of Veronica's departure this day.

"Tell me again why we volunteered to go on this wild goose chase for George's research specimens?" Veronica asked as she made her way through vines.

"Would you really trust Roxton and Marguerite going to this place for priceless items?" Malone answered.

"I see your point," Veronica said. "They make enough trouble for themselves."

Malone laughed. It was true that Lord John Roxton and Marguerite Krux were like fire and ice. Nonetheless, those two were made for each other, despite the Marguerite's sticky fingers.

Veronica suddenly stopped in her tracks and listened.

"What is it?" Malone asked. His golden hair glistened in the sun.

Then, large footsteps scattered about and the smell of blood was in the air.

"Raptors," Malone whispered.

"Let's hurry," Veronica suggested. She took her dagger from her leather boots before continuing along.

Veronica and Malone tracked quickly through the jungle. Her shirt and skirt were short and didn't get caught easily on branches. Malone had tripped and was tangled in dead wood. She ran back to him, but couldn't free his legs from thier entanglement. Hissing and cackling of a raptor sent other wildlife fleeing as it prepared to surround Malone and Veronica.

"Get out of her, Veronica," Malone ordered.

"I'm not leaving you behind," Veronica said sternly, bringing Malone to his feet.

Malone placed his arm around Veronica's shoulder as they flew into the jungle. Jumping over logs and dodging tree branches and vines, the two came upon the cliffs overlooking the grass plains.

"The bastards, they've cornered us," Malone said.

Veronica held her dagger close as Malone's hand steadied his pistol. They listened, but there was no sign of a raptor. There was no hiss or footstep heard.

Malone eased. "Maybe we lost them."

Suddenly a raptor lept from the bushes. It thrased its tail violently, striking Veronica, and sending her tumbling down the grassy hillside.

"Veronica!!!" Malone shouted and made aim for the reptile.

Veronica landed rock bottom. Her surroundings became distorted and fuzzy. Veronica felt like she was falling slowly, yet steady for the longest time. Then, she blacked out.

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"Maybe she's dead..."

Voice clouded over Veronica.

"She's not dead, she's breathing, idiot..."

Veronica felt like she was buried, yet she was alive. She was in a state between being asleep and awake, and she wanted to scream.

"Well, I didn't know.....Don't call me idiot, idiot..."

"Hey, I think she's coming around..."

Veronica's eyes fluttered open and she sat up. She looked around and everything seemed different.

"Where am I?" Veronica whispered to herself.

Well, in the Shire," a cheery voice answered. "Welcome to the Shire!"

Veronica whipped around to see two small men-like creatures before her. The other waved to her, and then Veronica fainted once again.

"You think we overdid it a bit, Pip?...."