Well, here is the last section...the biggest section...enjoy.
C&C welcome...in all forms.
jazz
"I am the light that brightens the darkest night,
I am the warhammer that pounds the nails of justice into the board of evil,
i am...the Service man, and I am hear to punish you."
AT5: Sir Jazz meets the Sailor Scouts.
(What do you mean that hasn't been written yet?? How can I quote it
already??)
Chapter 12 Living Impaired
"Now, you die."
-Deedlit Satori-Undocumented Features #3
"You, Wakko Warner, have been declared officially living
impaired."
-Death-Animaniacs
Sunlight reflected off the metal surfaces of the two metal
warriors, blinding Jazz and everyone looking through the hole
Jazz had caused. [Metallicana didn't fall...it survived...They
lied to me...grrr.] thought Jazz, marveling at the two metal
knights.
Turning to face Karlos and Abigail, Jazz yelled "It's
clobbering time!!!" Charging across the broken stone floor, Jazz
attempted a swipe at Karlos with his staff.
Karlos, for his part, managed to erect a shield against the
staff attack. Abigail, casting a quick low level spell, made
Jazz back off several yards.
Suddenly the Golden Knight lashed out with a fist,
shattering two towers on the outer rim of the castle. Not to be
left behind, the Mythizord swung its massive staff, decimating
several orcs, trolls, and giants inside the castle courtyard.
Having several tons of rubble come falling towards them,
Karlos and Abigail made a run for it, dodging the falling rubble.
Tempted to follow them, Jazz turned back towards Geo, Luche, and
Tia. Tia had quieted her screaming when Jazz broke free and
eliminated the torturer. Striking her bindings, Tia found
herself free and quickly covered herself.
Moving to the wall chained Geo and Luche, Jazz slashed with
his staff at their chains. The staff glowed brightly as it ate
through the metal chains, freeing the two captives. "Are you two
alright?"
"We will heal, Jazz."
"Geo, look after your daughter. I have two assholes to
kill." said Jazz, his jaw setting, anger raging in his eyes.
"Jazz, be careful."
With a nod, Jazz ran after the two escaping sorcerers.
Coming across a massive fight in the castle's courtyard, Jazz
instantly recognized Metallicana troops, Sir Crodyn at their
head. [Karlos, Abigail...there can be only one.] Jazz thought
with determination.
Nobemaza, at the head control of the Mythizord, noticed a
familiar figure running across the courtyard, staff in hand.
"I've found Jazz." he said to the other two in the cockpit.
"Good. Now we can end this." replied Chiyuki.
"Yeah...incoming giant." said Ann.
A giant approached the Mythizord, club, a.k.a. tree, in
hand. So what that it's opponent was almost twice it's height
and 4-5 times it's weight, the giant still attacked. The zord
intercepted the attack by lashing out with a kick from it's right
leg. The giant went flying, landing with a sickening crunch.
Inside the Golden Knight, Crodyn worked the controls
feverously , trying to keep full control of the armored figure.
"Felicia, what's that red glowing signal?"
"There is an unknown energy buildup in the far corner, and
somewhat under the castle." said Felicia, feeling right at home
inside the her station.
"Any idea what it might be?"
"My best guess is that they are trying to awaken Anthrathrax
again." replied Felicia, suddenly pitched forward into the
console before her. "Crodyn, what was that?"
"A mage thinking a firebolt might harm us. He is about to
be dealt with." said Crodyn, sending the Knight's right fist
through the location of the mage.
Down in the courtyard, Jazz wandered through the courtyard
at a full tilt run, helping Metallicana troops where necessary.
"I want you and six others to guard and escort Lord Geo, Tia, and
Luche out of here and back to Metallicana. They have some
important work to do." ordered Jazz, pointing the three in
question.
"Who are you?" asked the soldier challengingly.
"I, Sir Jazz, command you."
Hearing the name of Jazz, the soldier looked at the man
slightly afraid, sputtering "Right away m'lord...I...I..."
"Save it. Just get them out of here and back to Metallicana
as fast as you can." replied Jazz, wandering off again, hunting
more prey.
The soldier led the three has been prisoners to a waiting
transport, a horse drawn combat supply wagon. Getting inside,
the soldier signaled the driver to make for best possible speed
for Metallicana.
"Dad, do you think Jazz is okay?"
"No."
"Why not?" asked a confused Tia.
"Jazz doesn't like to see people hurt. Remember the time
back at Metallicana when those three squires were picking on a
servant girl."
"Yeah. He nearly beat them senseless."
Nodding, Geo continued "I never told anyone this, but when
he did nearly kill those three squires, he came to me. I was
in..."
[Flashback Sequence. (As if you couldn't tell.)]
Geo studied the unwound scroll before him with slight
interest. While his eyes were on the scroll, his mind roamed
elsewhere. Being broken from his train of thought by a knocking
on his study's door, Geo climbed from his chair to answer it.
Opening the door, Geo found a very distraught Jazz pacing on
the other side.
"Geo, can I talk with you??" asked Jazz urgently.
"Yes, Jazz. Come in, come in." replied geo, stepping away
from the door's portal to let the anxiety ridden techie enter.
Seeing Jazz continue to pace, Geo said "Sit down and tell me
what's wrong."
"Geo..." tried Jazz, sitting in a chair.
Beginning to become a little worried, Geo asked "Jazz, what
happened?"
"Geo...I just nearly...killed...some people."
Geo's brow instantly furrowed up, having known that Jazz was
usually a very peaceful individual. "Jazz...what caused this
reaction?"
"Between the stress I've been under lately and a few other
things, I finally blew." stated Jazz quietly, his eyes closed
shamefully.
"Jazz..."
"Geo...I have always had a loosy temper. I just got pushed
to my limit a short while ago..."
"What caused this??"
"Well...I saw three squires...picking on a servant girl...in
a more secluded spot of the castle. Before you ask, I got lost
in thought and therefore got lost for real. I happened upon the
incident mainly be accident. I just got a feeling that something
was very much wrong right there."
"This feeling...what brought it out?"
"Well, between the young woman pleading me for help, her
clothes pretty torn, and a look of primal hunger in the squires'
eyes, I knew pretty well that I couldn't leave her."
"Then what happened?"
"I pulled the girl behind to protect her and faced off
against the squires. Between the low lighting of the room and my
impromptu disguise, they didn't recognize me. If they had, I'm
sure things would have ended right there."
"What happened next?"
"Well, all three jumped me. My lessons with Arshes and Gara
have made more than a match for anyone of them. This was also
when I noted the smell of liquor about them. I knew that it
wasn't going to be easy to get them to stay down. Unfortunately,
I forgot one of the main rules Arshes and Gara tried to drill
into me about hand to hand combat."
"And what was that?"
"Always be ready if there are more than what you see. I
failed to figure they probably had a lookout."
"What happened when the lookout returned?"
"Well, he went instantly after the servant girl. They
intended to have fun with the young woman right for the start, if
you know what I mean."
"Yes, I do, Jazz. What caused you to snap?"
"Do you remember Felicia's, you know, Talon's daughter,
story of when I first arrived?" At Geo's nod, Jazz continued on,
his voice dropping to almost a whisper, "When she screamed in
pure terror, I felt something break inside of me and something
mean and nasty take over. These men wanted only one thing and
didn't care how they got it. They were without honor, and I
reacted on that. I finally came to when the servant girl
screamed for me to stop."
"What happened to the four squires?" asked Geo, fearful of
the answer.
"All four were unconscious, with multiple broken bones. I
was about to finish one of the squires off completely when the
servant girl woke me from whatever had taken control."
"Jazz, has this happened before?"
"Not that I know of...at least not to this extent. Geo, I
have a lousy temper and those squires pushed me beyond my limit."
"Where are they now??"
"The squires and the servant girl are seeing some of your
healers currently. Geo, I scared that girl just as bad if not
worse than all four of the squires combined." said Jazz,
heartwrenchingly.
"Jazz, I know...I'm sorry...you mentioned earlier that the
squires were without honor. What did that have to do with this
incident?"
Sighing to get control of himself again, Jazz said "Most
fights I have been in, myself and the other person have followed
an honor code. Geo, they just wanted to meet their animalistic
needs, that was all. There was no honor there. All I knew was
that I had to protect the girl. So..."
"So??"
"So...met there force with an equal measure of no holds
barred combat."
"Jazz, you did what you needed to do."
"GEO, I NEARLY KILLED FOUR MEN!!!!"
"Would they have killed you?"
"...I guess..." replied Jazz quietly after a few moments.
"There you go."
"Geo, I would try not to kill if I can help it."
"Jazz, I know who you feel. Sometimes, it is the only
option available to you in combat. Let's take a case in point.
A invader wants to take over Metallicana. He will do whatever is
necessary in his power to accomplish his goal. He would be
willing to kill, maim, destroy anyone or anything that got in his
path. The defenders must meet this with an equal amount of
feriocity. If they don't, Metallicana will surely fall."
"I think I can understand, but I don't like it."
"Nor do a lot of people, Jazz, nor do a lot of people. But
sometimes you must do what is absolutely necessary to defend
those you care about."
"I know..."
"Jazz, if there is nothing else, I believe you have a lesson
with Tia and Sheila that started a few minutes ago."
Cursing under his breath, Jazz said, as he headed out the
door at a near full run "Thanks for the talk, Geo. Later."
Geo's concentration drifts back to the rumbling supply
wagon. "The same thing's happening here. He snapped when the
torturer was about to..."
Tia bowed her head, nodding slowly. "I think I understand
now."
"I just hoped he hasn't gone insane."
"Why?"
"Tia, it's because of his upbringing."
"How so?" Confusion once again clouding her features.
Suddenly Luche whimpered softly as the wagon jostled from the
road, having woken nor long ago. Tia wrapped her arms around the
young boy, lovingly and comfortingly.
"Tia, he is very rigid when it comes to dealing with women
and how they should be treated."
"Yeah, I kinda noticed how he put us," meaning Arshes,
Sheila, and herself, "almost on a pedestal. Why does he do
that?"
"Daughter, he values you, and all women. When the torturer
was about to rape you, he went past anger, past rage. Remember
that lifeless look he would get in his eyes whenever he got hurt
or a female was in trouble when he had magic?"
"Yeah..."
"I almost saw it again before he broke free."
"Oh..."
The rest of the journey back to Metallicana was made in
relative silence, the wagon jostling slightly in the rougher
sections of the road.
Jazz cut another orc down, freeing up another soldier.
"Which way did Karlos and Abigail go?" Jazz asked the soldier he
had just saved.
"They headed that way, down the stairs." replied the
soldier, pointing out the stairwell.
"Thanks." said Jazz, running again, though not towards the
stairs. Instead, he ran towards the vehicle that was suppose to
get Geo, Luche, and Tia to safety. Climbing up into the cockpit,
Jazz surveyed the damage done to the vehicle, whish amounted to
nothing more than a variety of dents in the armor.
Looking at the pressure gauge, Jazz's eyes went wide at the
reading. Full power. Actually 125% power. [They must not have
released the pressure when they were captured.] he thought.
Flicking several switches, the displays inside the cockpit
came to full power, giving a complete readout of the metal
monster. Grabbing the gear shift, Jazz eased it into '1st' gear,
edging his way towards the stairway. When something got in his
way, Jazz opened up with the main chaingun, slicing several
enemies in half.
Suddenly the mouth of the stairwell erupted, excess energy
cascading in the surroundings. [What the hell?] thought Jazz,
trying to force the tank to make headway against the energy
storm. Slowly a figure rose from the stairwell. Abigail looked
at the war that going on around him.
Tossing a forcebolt at the Mythizord, Jazz watched in horror
as the Mythizord toppled over backwards. Inside the zord,
Nobemaza, Ann, and Chiyuki screamed, bracing themselves for
impact. Hitting the ground hard and bouncing twice, Nobemaza
said "Report?"
"No casualties, only minor injuries. Power is down."
replied Chiyuki, looking over the board in front of him.
"Re-routing power now. Full power in thirty seconds." said
Ann, hunched over her console, working feverously.
"Okay. Let's make sure we don't get hit with another one of
those." said Nobemaza.
"Right." replied Chiyuki, noticing the power returning to
his panel.
When full power was achieved, Nobemaza said, grasping the
controls, "Let's get back to our feet."
With a cacophony of grinding gears, metal on metal squeals,
and hollow knocks, the Mythizord re-achieved vertical mode, just
in time to catch the Golden Knight.
Golden Knight, seeing the Mythizord knocking off it's feet,
tried it's best to dodge the multiple bolts fired off by Abigail.
Crodyn worked the controls like a profession with Felicia backing
him up as much as she could.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Being caught with a twin
strike of forcebolts, the Golden Knight went flying. Stopping
suddenly, Crodyn yelled "Fel, report."
"The Mythizord caught us. Minor Damage to the torso.
Everything still seems to be running fine."
"Thank goodness."
Opening a channel, Crodyn said "Thanks M.A.S.K."
"No problem. Let's tag team him." came the reply as the
zord gestured towards the floating, glowing Abigail, after it had
set the Golden Knight down.
"Wait...there's something approaching him." came the Ann's
voice over the link.
Looking back towards Abigail, all five people noticed the
undersized, steel gray tank rolling towards Abigail. "Jazz, is
that you?" radioed Chiyuki.
"Yes...now stand back." replied the angry voice of Jazz.
After replying to Chiyuki's question, Jazz screamed at the
top of his lungs, while pulling two levers and stomping on a
floor button, "GUNHED, STANDING MODE!!!!!!!"
Suddenly the two pairs of wheels on each side contracted
together. The tank rose from the ground as the four tiers of
wheels locked into place, giving the tank a look like it had
roller blades on. The upper torso, not to be left behind,
shifted slightly, rising a little from the waist. Two arms swung
out from their housing on either side of the torso.
Abigail's attention was caught on the movement before him.
Watching with mild amazement as the tank before him turned into a
metallic, gray colored knight. [Useless. So it wants to be
destroyed first? So first it shall be.] thought Abigail, winding
up. Fortunately, GUNHED rolled a higher initiative. The
resulting attack caught Abigail completely off guard.
Inside the cockpit, Jazz did something he had warned Ann,
Chiyuki, and Nobemaza not to do. Ever. He pushed the Big. Red.
Button.(tm) Abigail suddenly found himself the localized target
of mortar rounds, rockets, gatling guns, and grenades.
When the smoke cleared, Jazz mumbled, looking at the red
splotch, "He's gonna feel that in the morning."
"Geez, Jazz. Did you have to go medieval on his ass?" asked
Chiyuki over the radio, using something Jazz had said before.
"Yes." shot back Jazz.
"Okay." whimpered Chiyuki, causing the other four listeners
to chuckle or giggle, depending on their preference.
"We still have one more wizard to deal with." said Jazz,
returning grimly to the task at hand.
"I'm getting those abnormally high energy readings again."
said Felicia over the tacnet.
Realizing what Karlos was doing, Jazz thought sorrowfully
[Sheila must be going through a lot of pain right now.]
Back in Metallicana, Sheila screamed out in dire agony.
Rushing to her side, the old hag asked "What is it, child?"
"Pain...fire..." replied Sheila weakly, sweat oozing and
running from every pour on her body.
"Rest now." said the old woman, helping Sheila to her bed.
[They must be trying to raise Anthrathrax.]
Sheila screamed once again, her breathing becoming very
short and in gasps. [I hope they stop it soon. I don't think
she can take much more.] thought the woman grimly.
Opening the tacnet, Jazz said, with hurried urgency, "We
need to shut it down quickly."
"Why?"
"He's trying to awaken Anthrathrax."
"Oh shit!" was the mutual consensus.
Suddenly, the ground behind the stairwell entrance buckled,
sending shock waves in all directions. Gunhed, Golden Knight,
and the Mythizord were knocked off their feet.
Slowly, a mis-shapened figure rose from the ground, it's
human like face roaring at anyone who would oppose it. Coming to
hover directly over the castle, Karlos, standing atop
Anthrathrax, watched in glee as the troops from Metallicana ran
away, outside the castle walls.
Turning his attention to the three giant mechanoids, Karlos,
through Anthrathrax, cut loose with a barrage of energy spears.
Chiyuki, Ann, Nobemaza, Crodyn, and Felicia watched in horror as
the energy storm seemed to focus on the Gunhed unit, which had
still been trying to stand upright again.
Had been, because it swallowed the strike whole and began to
glow brightly. "Jazz, GET OUT OF THERE!!!!!" yelled Crodyn over
the tacnet.
"Can't...no...gonna try to...save it..." replied Jazz
hoarsely, the heat becoming unbearable. Suddenly Gunhed went up
in a cloud of flame, smoke, and small metal fragments. Ann and
Felicia screamed, in unison, "JAZZ!!!!!!" Crodyn, Nobemaza, and
Chiyuki shook their heads in disbelief.
Jazz knew Gunhed has reached its limit. Karlos poured on
more energy that what Jazz expected. [I should have figured he
would go for Antrathrax.] thought Jazz, sweating excessively.
When the temperature reached a critical point, Jazz laid his hand
on button labeled "Fall down, go boom!"
Suddenly Gunhed blew apart, obscuring sight and creating a
rather large crater. The Golden Knight and the Mythizord stances
mirrored the reactions of the pilots; utter shock.
"Is he..." started Ann.
"He can't be..." tried Chiyuki.
But the proof lay before them in the smoking, debris ladened
crater. Fires still raged as the occasional explosions were
heard as the ammunition cooked off.
A sudden laugh filled the air as Karlos said loudly "He was
no match for me as are you two."
Rearing back atop Anthrathrax, Karlos began another spell,
which would wipe the two metal behemoths from this existence.
Crodyn and Nobemaza brought their mechanical knights into a
defensive posture, waiting for the blow from Karlos.
Suddenly a series of explosions erupted in the air around
Karlos. The spell Karlos prepared fizzled as his concentration
broke. For dramatic effect, a gentle breeze appeared from the
west to part the smoke, revealing a lone figure.
Dressed in his singed and scorched uniform, Jazz had the
main gun from Gunhed propped up on his shoulder. The gun finally
wound down as it's steam supply exhausted itself. "Now that I
have your attention, Karlos. Give up or be destroyed!" shouted
Jazz defiantly.
Karlos looked down at the still smoking techie and began to
laugh. "You think you can beat me."
"Yes." said Jazz curtly. Jazz immediately thereafter
launched into a series of moves that lost Karlos in their
significance. Jazz's left arm shot out to the side, as if to
grab something. Bringing it back around to the front, Jazz made
a cocking move with his right arm, as if he held a large gun in
his arms.
Crodyn watched the display, immediately catching on. The
M.A.S.K. also caught on, after having seen the display at
Metallicana. "Felicia, bring the main gun online and begin power
build up."
"Hai." nodded Felicia, pressing a variety of buttons.
Karlos looked up to see the Golden Knight start to do the
same moves that Jazz had. Cursing loudly, Karlos began to build
up the energy for the spell he started to cast earlier as fast as
he could.
Jazz turned to face the Golden Knight as the panel slid down
over the face of the Knight and two metal bars flipped down from
the back of the legs to hit the ground. [Here it comes, Karlos.]
thought Jazz, diving for cover.
Crodyn beat Karlos to the punch, the Golden Knight's gun
emitting a ray of energy at Anthrathrax, completely hiding them
from view. Jazz, Nobemaza, Crodyn, Ann, Chiyuki, and Felicia
began to cheer but stopped abruptly seeing the still whole
Anthrathrax: the singed and pitted but still whole Anthrathrax.
As one, everyone either said or thought a common phrase.
"Oh shit!"
Karlos was now beyond being pissed off. His castle had been
destroyed. Most of his army had been erradicated. And now these
people wanted to stand in his way of world conquest. He had had
enough and he didn't want to take anymore. To accent this, he
started tossing force bolts like a farmer sowing seed at the two
mechanical knights before him.
Seeing the whole Karlos and Anthrathrax, Jazz spat his curse
and scrambled towards the Mythizord. Just as the first force
bolt hit, Jazz managed to get a foot panel open and to the ladder
therein. Hanging on for dear life, Jazz ascended the inside of
the Mythizord towards the cockpit.
Getting to the cockpit with almost inhuman speed, Jazz
collapsed in the only chair that wasn't occupied, his chest
heaving. "Jazz, any ideas?" asked Nobemaza urgently.
"I have one..."
"What is it?" asked Chiyuki fearfully, not liking the weird
aura that was now surrounding Anthrathrax and Karlos.
Opening up a tacnet line to Crodyn, Jazz radioed "Crodyn,
prepare to fire your main gun again but not until I tell you."
"Right, Jazz. What's the plan? Oh yeah, good to see you
alive." responded Crodyn.
"It's good to be alive. I'm about to explain the plan to my
team. Just be ready." radioed Jazz, shutting down the comm line.
"Jazz?" asked Ann urgently, a scarlet red hue washing into
the cockpit.
"Okay. Listen up. Disengage from each other. Not a word
till I finish." said Jazz, seeing the disbelieving eyes of his
team. "When you return to your own cockpits, you should find a
large lever labeled "Do Not Use, Ever". Use it and monitor your
instruments. Also, set your motors on overload. We will have
one shot at this."
Chiyuki couldn't help but ask "Does this have anything to do
with the design changes we saw from the original designs?"
"Cheewie, yes. I opted to make the changes from what I
could remember. If something doesn't fit, next to the lever you
should find a dial. Use it."
Nobemaza, Chiyuki, and Ann nodded slowly, reaching for their
disconnect levers. As one, they yelled "Mythizord, separate!"
Crodyn and Felicia watched as the Mythizord fell into it's
three separate components. [What are they doing?] thought Crodyn.
Suddenly the radio inside the Golden Knight's cockpit
erupted. "Prepare for docking sequence!" The voice was
unmistakably Jazz's.
Crodyn and Felicia looked at each other, trying to figure
out what Jazz meant by that. They didn't have to wait for long.
The Golden Knight shuddered slightly as something hit it's back.
The radio reported "Condor in position."
The Iron Rhino rolled around, approaching the Golden Knight
at full speed. Launching from the ground, it's chassis aimed at
the Knight. Crodyn and Felicia watched in amazement as the
Rhino's wheels extended, and upon contact with the Knight, slid
around the Knight's torso to connect with the Condor.
The last but not least to link up was the Metal Griffin.
Chiyuki pulled the lever in question with some hesitancy,
thinking [I hope this works]. The Griffin launched itself at the
Knight and began to split in half. As the docking sequence was
about to finish, Chiyuki saw the instruments on his panel start
to fade. [Crap. Time for the dial.] "Delta gamma formation
commencing!" yelled the Griffon pilot, twisting the dial to
option #2. Before Chiyuki could figure out what was happening,
the Knight was now wearing a pair of hi-tech boots that run up
the outside of the legs to connect with the other two M.A.S.K.
vehicles.
Nobemaza, Chiyuki, and Ann began the instructed energy build
up. Jazz, having ridden the cockpit of the Iron Rhino, was now
making his way to the cockpit of the Golden Knight. Getting
inside, Jazz found himself in a hug from Felicia. "Jazz, what
now?" asked Crodyn, looking at the technician questioningly from
his piloting chair.
Getting Felicia back to her control station, Jazz said
determinedly "Fire the big gun."
Shrugging, Crodyn and Felicia followed the order, routing
power to the gun. "Jazz, what makes you think it will work this
time?" asked Crodyn, his eyes not looking at the energy gauges.
"Crodyn, we're getting twice...no, make that three
times...no no, make that five times...Jazz, what did you do?"
asked Felicia, looking up from her station.
"I am having my team's vehicles route their power through
your systems to give you more power for your gun. If my
calculations are correct, you should..."
"Jazz, we're loosing power." cried Felicia suddenly.
"Crap." stated Jazz, running to look at the displays before
Felicia.
Suddenly the radio squaked. "Jazz, I have a problem with
two of my connectors." radioed Ann. "It may still be from the
damage I suffered back in Metallicana. I'm not sure."
Nodding, Jazz radioed back "No problem. I'll be there
shortly." Before turning to go, Jazz said, commander-like,
"Don't fire until I say."
Crodyn nodded as the Jazz leapt through the service way
hatch, heading for the Golden Condor. Jazz eased his way down
the ladder as something rocked the Golden Knight. [Karlos must be
tossing a higher level spell. Gotta hurry.] thought Jazz grimly.
Getting to connector in question, Jazz looked at the four
part power transfer system. The problem soon showed itself as
being that two of the connectors had been destroyed or severely
damaged. [Crap. Now what do I do.] thought Jazz, looking for
something to substitute for a relay.
"Jazz, can you fix it?" shouted Ann from her cockpit.
"I...I think..." started Jazz, his eyes falling on his right
arm and the staff in it's holster. [Will it work??] thought Jazz
desperately, grabbing onto a nearby pipe as the Golden Knight
shook from another strike.
"JAZZ!!???!!!" screamed Ann.
"Ann, we're gonna do this by the numbers. At '1', I want
you to radio Crodyn to bring up full power and fire the cannon."
"Jazz, what are you going to do?"
"Trust me!!!!" replied Jazz.
"Jazz, I hate it when you say that."
"Tough! FIVE!!!!" yelled Jazz. As he yelled, Jazz pulled
the staff from his forearm and held it between two relays.
"FOUR!!!!!" Jazz yelled a moment later, extending the staff
to full length, bridging the gap. In his cockpit, Crodyn watched
as the power began to rise again.
Getting on the tacnet, Crodyn yelled "Whatever you are
going, keep doing it."
Sighing deeply, Jazz knew in heart what he must do. [This is
definitely going to leave a mark.] he thought grimly. Shoving
his left fist into one end of the relay, Jazz shouted "THREE!!!"
[The human body is a better conductor of power than metal,
especially copper.] Jazz remembered from a long forgotten biology
class from high school. [I hope this works.]
Ramming his right fist into the other relay connector, Jazz
shouted "TWO!!!!"
[Here goes nothing. May the gods and goddesses bless this
foolish, wish-receiving mortal.] thought Jazz, as time seemed to
slow down. "ONE!!!"
Up in her cockpit, Ann hit the tacnet, shouting "Bring up
full power and fire!!!"
In the Golden Knight cockpit, Felicia brought up full power,
marveling that the readouts said the Knight suddenly had ten
times the power available. The world came to seeming standstill
as Crodyn hit the firing switch, it's click seeming to echo.
Inside Jazz's mind's eye, time slowed down tremendously. As
the power from the "Mounts" began to flow through his body,
everything seemed to turn a bright shade of green.
Looking around, he saw he was lying flat on a grassy hill,
looking up at the cloud ladened sky.
In the distance, a dark splotch seemed to descend from the
heavens. As it drew closer, he could make out wings. Not the
usual type of wings one would expect on an angel, these appeared
to be leathern. Jazz looked into the face of this descending
entity, to find something that had a demonic look by the kindness
of an angel. Before any else could be done, the world faded
completely to black.
Karlos watched in fascination as one of the mechanical
Knights broke down. He began to worry as the three components
formed up on the Golden Knight.
Knowing he had to stop them, Karlos pulled power from
Anthrathrax and started letting off force bolt after force bolt
upon the Knight.
As he was about to level a much strong force bolt, his
attention drew to the fact that on the hollow wand the Knight
held, baffles suddenly opened.
His world was suddenly washed out in a wave of bright,
multi-colored light. [What the he...] he thought as his body
broke apart in its sub-atomic particle make-up. Anthrathrax
joined him shortly thereafter as the wave ran through him like a
runaway train.
When the visor lifted on the Golden Knight, Crodyn and
Felicia cried out in joy. Nobemaza and Chiyuki soon joined in
the cheer. Ann exited her cockpit and eased her way down to
where Jazz had gone. Hitting the radio broadcast button, Crodyn
said "Jazz, whatever you did, it worked?"
Not getting a response, Crodyn tried again "Jazz??"
Suddenly Ann's frantic voice was heard. "Jazz is down. We
need to get him back to Metallicana now!" When she had gone to
check on the techie leader, she found him hanging limply between
the broken relays, his hands still inside.
"What did he do?" asked Crodyn, concernedly.
"He...he...we need to get to Metallicana, now." radioed Ann,
trying hard not to go into hysterics.
"Right...prepare for lift off." said Crodyn grimly.
Throwing a series of switches, the Golden Knight shuddered
slightly as the wings on the Golden Condor extended out to full
length. "Lifting off!" said Crodyn, hitting the thruster switch.
The ground troops that had traveled with the two mechanical
Knights watched in amazement as the combined behemoth slowly rose
from the ground, heading back towards Metallicana.
Chapter 13 Not Ending but a New Beginning
"Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt."
Quinn-Sliders
"A Smith and Wesson beats four Aces."
Murphy's Law-Sub Particle #13
Jazz stared at the scenery. [Oh boy, here I am once again.
If this is a dream, then I must have survived.]
"Yes, you did, Sir Jazz."
Turning to the source of the voice and half expecting to see
himself again, Jazz came up short. His eyes fell upon a creature
standing 6' 5" tall with tannish colored skin. Her slightly
ovoid face was framed with long brown hair and small horns high
in her forehead. Dark brown wings were folded around her,
clasped in the front with the wing claws. Her smooth skin
betrayed the toughness therein.
Jazz stepped back a step. [Who are you?]
"I am you. I am Lady Jasmine."
Jazz slumped against a rock formation. [How...]
"Maybe I should explain."
[Please do.]
"In my time, I was a great gargoyle, loved by most. During
one of the battles against Anthrathrax, I gave up my life to save
a close friend of mine."
[You mean that murel depicted true events?]
"Yes. It was a tribute that was done in my honor. The
place of springs you happened upon was a place dedicated in my
honor. I was buried on that site and my spirit imbued it with a
sense of beauty."
[Then how am I talking with you?]
"When you found the place and took a dip in one of the
pools, I became a part of you at that moment."
[Why me?]
"Jazz, you are special. It took a special person in the
first place to locate my haven."
[...]
Jasmine stepped closer to Jazz. "Jazz, you and I are now
one forever. I know this might seem inconvenient to you..."
Jazz stood back up straight and stepped closer to Jasmine,
putting a finger to her lips. [Jasmine, I'm...not sure...what to
say.] Looking deeply into her eyes, Jazz continued [I...I'm not
sure if I can meet your needs.]
Jasmine reached out and clasp Jazz's hand with both of hers.
"Jazz, it happened for a reason and for a purpose."
Nodding, Jazz said [To live in interesting times. So...]
"So?"
[How 'bout them Packers?]
Jasmine giggled softly. Her connection with Jazz had
enlightened her greatly about the young man. "Jazz..."
[Yes, m'lady?]
"Jazz, just be careful around cold water."
[Why?]
"I do turn to stone during sunlight."
[Okay....but...why didn't I become stone before?]
"I can only think of is the magic in the area."
[Magic??]
"Yes, when I was alive, there was no magic. Now with the
high level of magic in the world, it might nullify the change
factor."
[So, if I go to a world of technology, the curse will be in
full effect?]
"Yes."
[Hmm...no problem. I can deal with staying away from Cold
Water during the day.] Looking at the female gargoyle of his
person, Jazz felt a small twinge of something cross his emotions
at the sight of her. [Jasmine?]
"Yes, Jazz?" she asked, looking back towards the young man.
Jasmine suddenly found herself in a hug. Not sure how to
respond, she wrapped her arms around Jazz. "What's this for?"
[You looked like you needed it.]
"Thank you, Jazz." she whispered, laying her head on his
shoulder.
Running a hand through her hair gently, Jazz hugged her
closer. Feeling a wetness on his shoulder, Jazz looked at her
face again, to see twin trails of tears. [Why are you crying?] he
asked gently.
"I...I finally realized...that I'm...all alone now...my clan
was destroyed..."
[No, you are not. I am here.] To re-affirm this, Jazz
tilted up her chin with his right hand and kissed her lightly on
the lips. Suddenly, Jazz's vision faded into a bright, white
light.
When the light faded again, Jazz a bunch of fuzzy images
standing over him. Blinking several times, the world came into
focus rather quickly. Jazz found himself looking into the
relieved faces of Arshes, Tia, Luche, Geo, Sheila, and Gara.
Swallowing on a dry throat, he felt a cool sensation held to
his lips and opened his mouth. He noted it had a slightly funny
taste to it. [It's not water but it will do. Must be one of
Geo's elixirs.]
"So...what's happenin'?" asked Jazz, softly and gravelly.
"How do you feel, Jazz?" asked Geo.
"Like I got run over by Anthrathrax and then it backed up
over me to make sure it got me the first time around." he
replied, his voice getting better.
"Jazz, what did you do?" asked Gara. "Ann didn't know for
sure."
"Acted as power conductor." he said hoarsely.
"You made a power conductor? What did you use?" asked
Sheila, not wanting to know the possible answer.
"Me."
"You mean you channeled the power of your machines through
your body into that large, bulky metallic knight that now stands
outside Metallicana's gates??" asked Arshes, her voice rising as
well as her normally dark skin turning a deep shade of crimson.
At this point, everyone else in the room stepped away from the
bed. Hell hath no fury like a scorned magical dark elf.
Jazz only nodded, trying to sink into and past the bed.
Arshes' eyes went wide with fury, but a bead of water could be
seen forming in them.
With a body racking sob, she fell into him and beat on his
chest. "Whywhywhywhywhy?? Couldn't you have done something
else?" asked Arshes, stopping and collapsing into sobs.
Not use to this, Jazz went into shock for a slight moment.
Reaching up and wrapping his arms around her when she started to
sob loudly, Jazz tried to comfort her. Without needing a cue,
Geo ushered everyone from the room. If Jazz had been watching,
he would have seen Luche and Tia gravitate together, Tia leading
Luche from the room. No surprise there. But he would have had a
slight surprise when Sheila and Gara came together.
For a time they remained like this till Arshes' tears
slowed. "Why did you do it?" Arshes asked, sitting on the edge
of the bed, still leaning over Jazz and looking into his eyes.
"It was the only thing I could think of. I'm sorry I hurt
you, Arshes." replied Jazz softly. [That, and I knew I would
survive on a gut hunch.] he added silently, remembering meeting
himself earlier. Without another word, Jazz drew Arshes closer,
kissing her lightly, though with passion, on the lips. "I'm
sorry."
Falling back into his arms, Arshes wrapped him in a hug.
"Just don't ever do that again."
"Never." replied Jazz, softly. Laying his hands on her
back, Jazz sighed contentedly, drifting off back to sleep.
Arshes didn't mind because she soon joined him in slumber.
Several hours later, Jazz once again woke to that unpleasant
hot sensation. Looking down at the slumbering form of Arshes,
Jazz lightly ran his hand over her hair, remembering.
Remembering how back at Con. U. how he often wished to be here
and then when arriving, how to impress her. Skuld's wish made it
possible for him to live out a fantasy. He just hoped it would
never end.
Arshes began to awaken from her slumber, murmuring softly.
Smiling and sighing blissfully, Jazz rubbed her back softly.
Arshes awoke fully, looking up into Jazz's green eyes. "Morning,
beautiful." he said quietly.
"Jazz, is it really morning?" she asked.
"Yeah, I think it is. How long was I unconscious?"
Jazz began to get worried at the distressed look that
entered Arshes' face. "You were out for nearly a week. I was so
worried about you..." started Arshes, her eyes beginning to
water.
"Shhh. I'm alright now." said Jazz quietly, trying to
comfort the half dark elf. Wrapping her in a hug which she
returned strongly, he tried to sooth away her problems.
For a while, he held her close. But after a few minutes,
Jazz said "I think it's time I get out of this bed. What do you
say, m'lady?"
Arshes merely nodded in response, not trusting her voice.
Reluctantly, she climbed from the bed.
"If you be so kind as to hand me my staff, I will be up and
going before you can say...whatever you want to say."
With a slight giggle, Arshes handed Jazz his staff from the
window sill. [Staff. Internal diagnostic.] Jazz thought at his
staff.
*Minor damage yet to be repaired. 3 Megabytes of memory in
use. 500 Terrabytes yet to use. Energy level at maximum. How
can I assist?* replied the staff.
[Huh?? You can store information?]
*Hai, and objects as well, though they take up much more
room. You created me with that option.*
[Alll-righty then. Engage Healing level...3] thought Jazz,
taking a potshot at the extent of his injuries.
Arshes watched raptly as a green glow started at the staff
and then moved up Jazz's arms to cover his entire body.
Breathing deeply when it was done, Jazz stretched. "Feeling
better??" Arshes asked.
"Yes, but I am hungry."
Suddenly a bell tolling rolled through the room. "Just in
time for breakfast." said Jazz. "We better hurry before Gara and
Darsch...was that Luche I saw last night?"
"Yes. Geo and Tia have tried many things to get the seal to
cancel but nothing worked. They were gonna try once more this
morning, just before breakfast."
A female scream from the main courtyard echoed off the
castle walls. Looking at each other, Jazz and Arshes rushed to
the window looking down, thinking Metallicana was once again
under attack.
At the main water fountain, both could see what looked like
a young boy, kneeling and working something inside the fountain
with his hands. It almost looked like he was washing something.
That wasn't who screamed. Tia stood over the boy, her face red
and yelling, though not loud enough to each Jazz's window.
Jazz's brow furrowed as he looked a little closer at the basket
next to the young man. The basket nearly overflowed with bright,
pastel pieces of what looked like cloth.
Then realization hit...like a 30 pound sledgehammer. [He
can't be...] thought Jazz, giggling. The giggling turned into
full body laughing, causing Jazz to fall into his bed and laugh
even harder.
Arshes looked between the scene outside and Jazz, perplexed
not beginning to describe her expression. Swallowing his
laughter, Jazz looked up at Arshes and broke out laughing all
over again.
Getting a little tired of not knowing what was so funny,
Arshes said, her voice echoing her annoyance, "Jazz, what is so
funny? If you don't tell me shortly, I will have to take
measures against you."
Breathing deeply, Jazz sat up, his face red, and said "I
swear Darschu is an influence on that boy."
"Jazz..."
"Arshes, look at what is in the basket."
Looking out the window and down at the fountain scene,
Arshes said "So, Luche is washing some of Tia's clothes."
"It's not that he is washing. It was WHAT he is washing."
"Jazz, what do you mean?"
"Oy...Arshes, Luche is washing most if not all of Tia's
underwear where everyone could see."
"Oh..." replied Arshes softly, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Now you know why I was laughing."
"Okay...I better not find you doing something similar with
my clothes."
Jazz began to grin evilly. "That's just incentive enough to
go ahead and try to do it. Now, I just need to get at where you
keep your underwear."
"What underwear?" asked Arshes, innocently.
Jazz frozen, his potential commentary lost. Not coming up
with anything better, Jazz facefaulted.
Climbing up from the floor, Jazz looked at the giggling
Arshes with malicious intent. "Not funny."
"I thought it was." Arshes giggled.
"At least I know have something to talk to Gara about."
replied Jazz with a grin.
"Don't you dare."
"Whatchya gonna do to stop me if I do?"
"It would involve rope and hot wax."
Jazz shriveled up, whimpering softly. "Arshes, you
wouldn't, would you?"
Nodding, Arshes quickly exited the room with a sly grin,
heading for hers to get changed. Jazz breathed in deeply and set
about getting changed into better clothes. Selecting a light
billowly shirt and jean like shorts, Jazz had everything looking
proper by the time Arshes came back.
Knowing they had to take every short cut possible in order
to get there on time, the duo cut corners, leapt down short
stairwells, and even rode a banister. As Arshes was about to
head down the stairs, Jazz pulled her to a stop, pointing to the
fireman's pole. Arshes looked at it apprehensively. [That's
right. She was one of the few people who didn't take a trip on
it.] thought Jazz. "Just do what I do and you will be fine."
Grabbing the pole, Jazz slid down it's length with relative
ease. "If something should go wrong, let go and I'll catch you!"
he shouted back up the pole.
Arshes closed her eyes tightly and gripped the pole. "EEP!"
she cried as gravity took over, pulling her towards the ground.
Seeing her a approaching a tad fast, Jazz prepared to catch
her. Suddenly Arshes' eyes opened to see Jazz near the pole. At
about ten feet from the ground, Arshes let go of the pole, aiming
her fall directly at Jazz.
Jazz's eyes went wide as Arshes fell into his waiting arms,
knocking them both to the ground. "Arshes, why you do that?"
"You said you'd catch me." she replied, smiling coyly.
"Oh yeah." replied Jazz, beginning to tickle her.
"Jazz, stop. We need to get to breakfast." she giggled.
"Okay. We'll talk about this later." said Jazz, finally get
up after Arshes climbed off him. Walking hand in hand, they
scampered into the dining room, much to the surprise of everyone
present.
The servers went back into the kitchen to get more food for
the two newly arrived eaters. Jazz's eyes widened at the pile of
pancakes set before him. Without needing a command, Jazz dug in
with the enthusiasm of a hungry lumberjack. Knowing he would be
the best to talk to before a meal, Sheila and Tia waited for him
to finish before letting him have it.
Sighing deeply, Jazz looked at the empty plate longingly.
[Good food, good friends, what else could a man wish for?]
Casting a glance to his left at Arshes, Jazz thought with a sigh
[That helps.]
"Jazz." said Tia and Shiela at the same time, their tones
giving clue to what was about to happen.
Looking at the two ladies, Jazz's hope suddenly dropped. [Oh
boy. I am dead. I am SO dead.]
Sheila looked at Tia, the two sharing a grin, an evil grin.
At the grin, Jazz's hopes dropped even further.
"We want to talk to you about what you did during the last
battle." said Sheila.
"It's not my fault. Things just happened at way. I'm
sorry." rushed Jazz, fearing the worse.
Giggling softly, Sheila continued in a mock serious tone "We
have decided that something needs to be done about you. You
acted on impulse and irrationally. Willing sacrificed yourself
for others. Employing others into teamwork while you, yourself
rejected it. How do you plead?"
Looking at everyone else at the table, Jazz saw both Gara
and the renewed Darschu smirking, Geo sat impassively though a
smile was starting to turn the ends of his lips, Tia returned the
look sternly, and Arshes was trying valiantly not meet his gaze.
Sighing deeply, Jazz bowed his head, saying "I am guilty of the
above charges, but did so..."
"That is all we need to know for now, Sir Jazz." interrupted
Sheila formally.
"Jazz, please stand." said Tia.
Rising to his feet, Jazz turned to face Sheila, resigning
himself to fate.
"Jazz, tonight, your sentence is..."
"Hanging?"
"No."
"Beheading?"
"No."
"Boiling in oil?"
"No."
"Iron Maiden?" Jazz couldn't help but think of two
California youth and their magical telephone booth.
"No."
"Drawing and quartering?"
"No."
"Stretching and disembowling?"
"NO!" replied Sheila, slightly sickened by the idea.
"EEEWWW!!!!" corresponded Tia.
"Firing squad?"
"No."
"Poison?"
"No."
"Then what is my punishment?"
[So he wants it like that, huh?] thought Tia, laughing
inside. [Time for the punch line.]
"Jazz, tonight you will come to the great hall, dressed in
your best attire, and..."
[Here it comes.] thought Jazz resignedly.
"And partake in a celebration in your honor. We, the people
of Metallicana, owe you a great deal." finished Sheila.
Jazz's jaw dropped. "Wh...why me?"
Gara, Tia, and Darschu laughed at Jazz's face. Geo went to
full grin mode. Arshes looked at Jazz, giggling. Suddenly
Nobemaza, Chiyuki, Ann, Felicia, and Crodyn walked in.
"Jazz, you helped us to finally defeat Karlos, Abigail, and
Anthrathrax. It's time you took some of the credit." said
Crodyn, grinning at Jazz's disbelief.
"No ifs, ands, or buts, Jazz. You will be there for a night
of dancing and feasting, or we will hunt you down." said Sheila,
grinning evilly. Jazz shuttered slightly. Sheila had gotten
better at it since the first evil grin he had seen on her face.
"Aye, Aye. I will be there." said Jazz, finally rolling
with the joke.
Shortly, after breakfast was cleared, Jazz headed down to
his forge to meet with his team. Seeing the still grinning trio,
Jazz threatened "If you don't wipe those grins off your faces, I
will. So, what happened after the destruction of Anthrathrax."
The trio of mecha-engineers brought their leader up to date.
The forces of evil fell into complete disarray. Those that
hadn't been killed, fled to the mountains. Metallicana had
started the slow process of rebuilding. Princess Sheila had
formed M.A.S.K. into their own official unit with ranks, titles,
and powers. She also allowed them start taking on applicants and
more squires into the squad. Nobemaza had proposed to Ann.
Chiyuki, not wanting to be left behind, proposed to one of the
females squires, a young lady named Sayaka. The "Mounts" were
completely repaired with a possible four more on the drawing
board. Through an accident by Chiyuki, the crystals could be
broken down with little effect on their usefulness.
Jazz's head spun at the assault of information and changes.
Congratulating the two perspective couples, Jazz headed out from
the forge, knowing someone he had to meet. Little did he know
that it would be for the last time.
Knocking on the door before him, Jazz pushed it open slowing
upon hearing a muffled "Come in." from the other side.
Bowing from the waist, Jazz said "Good morning, your
highness. How are you?"
"I am...well, Sir Jazz. Please pull up a seat." replied the
King softly, his voice very gravelly.
Jazz looked at the aging man, not at all liking what he was
seeing. Instead of the vibrate man from before the battle, the
king had deteriorated to a shell of what he had been. Starting
to cough suddenly, Jazz looked on with great concern as several
moments passed before it stopped.
"How are you, Sir Jazz?" rasped the king.
"I am well. M'lord, is there anything I can do to help
you?" asked Jazz, starting to reach for his staff.
"Jazz, I am...old and...not much more for...this world..."
Suddenly the king was set upon by a wave of seizures.
"Jazz, get my daughter...hurry..." rasped the King.
Nodding curtly, Jazz ran from the room. Grabbing every
servant he could find, he sent them searching for Sheila.
Finding her being escorted by a servant, Jazz lead her up to her
father's room.
Geo was next to the bed, attempting to heal the ailing King
without much luck.
Upon seeing her father, Sheila screamed "Father!!" while
rushing to his side.
<Death of Optimus Prime:Transformers, the Movie Soundtrack>
Looking at his daughter with near lifeless eyes, the king
rasped "Daughter...take now...the throne..of Metallicana."
Jazz noticed the door ease open, allowing Gara, Arshes, Tia,
Darschu, Talon, Felicia, and Crodyn into the room. Turning his
attention back to Sheila and her father, he say the crown pass
into her hands.
Suddenly the King's voice raised "Gara, please approach."
Approaching the bed apprehensively, Gara kneeled down on one
knee before the King. "Gara, we...have talked...I give you...my
blessing. Now you...must ask."
Nodding curtly, Gara turned to face Sheila, still on bended
knee. Gara took Sheila's right hand in his own and said formally
"Princess Sheila, I was the Ninja Master of over 2000 trainees.
In some cases, some people would have called that a small nation,
and I would have been called a prince. My nation has all but
disappeared, and I have sworn my loyalty to you and Metallicana.
This day and this moment, I ask for your hand in marriage."
Sheila brought her left hand to her mouth in surprise.
"Gara...I...I don't..." Breathing deeply and looking at her
father, Sheila replied, after getting a nod from her father,
"Lord Gara, you have sworn such as you say. And I this day
accept your proposal from marriage."
Jazz reached up with his right hand and wiped the potential
tears from his eyes. Jazz looked back towards the king and
became more concerned. The king has gone paler.
Fighting down a fit of coughing, the king rasped "My time is
short...Jazz, come closer."
Nodding, Jazz approached the king, kneeling before him on
one knee. "Traveler from...a foreign world. You took up...a
fight that...wasn't yours...helped others...found love...please
defend this world."
Bowing his head, Jazz stated "I will do so to the best of my
ability. That I promise to you."
"Sir Jazz...you have no...relation here...no house to claim
you...please accept this. I hereby...adopt you into...the house
of Draconcia...Jason, son of Jens."
Jazz's brow furrowed as his cast a glance sidewise, trying
to get an idea of what it might mean. What he saw troubled him.
Princess, now Queen, Sheila was wide eyed, looking between her
father and him repeatedly. Everyone else was bowing slightly,
even Darschu, with what seemed to be respect.
[What the hell? It's like I got adopted into royalty.
Unless...] thought Jazz, turning back to face the King.
Nodding, Jazz said "I do accept, m'lord."
"Thank you...I...I...i..." And with that, Jazz looked in
horror as the King faded, his lifelight going out, his skin
becoming an ashen gray. Sheila screamed in agony, crying and
clinging to Gara. Tia clung to Darschu, crying. Felicia and
Crodyn hugged each other comfortingly. Darschu and Gara tried to
comfort their significant others while trying to contain their
emotions. Talon and Geo bowed their heads respectfully. Geo
also pulled the bed sheet up over the King. Jazz stayed kneeled
down, breathing shallowly, and trying to control his emotions.
After several minutes, Jazz felt a hand on his shoulder.
Looking up, his eyes met Sheila's face. "I'm sorry...I should
have...could have..." he stammered quietly.
"Brother, you did...what you could...let's go..." replied
Sheila, confirming what Jazz thought.
Slowly, everyone ushered from the room, except Geo and Tia,
who stayed to do last rites. Getting to a balcony over looking
the central courtyard, Sheila made the dual announcement of her
queenship and her father's death. The gathered crowd accepted
both readily.
It was also determined that the celebration planned for that
night would still go on. It would help the people cope as well
as those directly involved.
The afternoon found Jazz in the kitchen, helping Aurica with
the preparations for the night. Since the cooking incident,
Aurica actually came to accept the young man as an equal in the
kitchen. Jazz also came accept the diminutive, corpulent cook as
an equal in command and respect. Also, being the kitchen, it
gave him time to come to terms with what had happened recently.
Gossiping with the kitchen drudges as he helped peel potato
like tubers, he learned what kind of stuff happens at a castle
wide festival. He learned and started to become very afraid.
Afraid for the fact that he couldn't dance to save his soul.
Excusing himself from the kitchen, Jazz soot out Sheila
and/or Tia to get some information straight. Stopping by his
room, Jazz cleaned himself up and changed clothes. Stopping for
a brief moment, he gazed at the black spheroid on the vanity.
Picking it up, he held and caressed it tenderly. Getting a large
pouch from the vanity top, he slipped the spheroid, now wrapped
in padding, into the pouch.
Securing it to his belt, Jazz opened his door, to begin his
search anew for Tia and/or Sheila. Closing his door behind him,
Jazz practically ran over Queen Sheila.
Dropping instantly to one knee, he said "M'lady."
"Jazz, get up. I'm still the same person I was before."
Rising slowly to his feet, he replied "You are but you now
command a lot more power and respect. I...I'm sorry about your
father. I should have..."
Tears began to well in Sheila's eyes. [Damn! I had to go
remind her.] thought Jazz fiercely. Sheila suddenly found
herself in a warm hug as a sob overtook her.
For a few minutes, that is where the two remained. Pulling
away from her, Jazz looked about, vaguely uncomfortable.
Remembering why she was at his room, Sheila asked "Jazz,
what did you need to see me about?"
"The festival is still going on, right?"
"Yes."
"There's gonna be feasting and hmm...dancing, right?"
"Yes."
"Oh boy..." mumbled Jazz.
"Jazz, what is it?"
"Do you promise not to laugh?" Seeing her nod, Jazz said
quietly "I can't dance. Not enough coordination."
"Jazz, that's nothing to be ashamed of. I'll get Tia and we
can meet in our usual spot in an hour. How is that?"
Jazz brighten slightly. "Okay, in an hour. Sheila, one
more question."
"Yes??"
"My adopted name, Draconcian, whose is it?"
"It is mine."
"You mean..."
"Yes, you and I are now brother and sister. Though, you are
not in line to gain the throne."
Jazz shook his head in disbelief. "That is definitely
alright by me. Sheila, Shi-chan, sis, sister, I don't even know
how to call you now. Ayi-yi-yi."
"Jazz, brother, it private, you can call me anything you
want. In public, address me formally."
"That I will, my queen." Jazz replied with an overly
dramatic, sweeping bow.
Sheila giggled softly before saying "Just meet me and Tia
down at the church in an hour."
"Yes, ma'am."
Without another word, the two people headed in different
directions. Sheila headed for the church while Jazz headed for
his forge. He hadn't taken more than three steps when a wave of
energy pass over him.
Pulling the staff from it's holster, Jazz concentrated on
it. [What's going on?]
*You will be traveling soon. Be ready.*
[How soon?]
*Three days.*
"Ayi-yi-yi." mumbled Jazz. Slamming the staff back into his
forearm bracer, Jazz thought [Three days and a lot of stuff to do
here yet. Better get cracking.]
Heading down to the library instead, Jazz started pulling
out texts left and right, texts he wanted to memorize. Setting
the books on a table, he headed back upstairs for the meeting
with Sheila and Tia in the church.
Getting to the customary room where his earliest of lessons
had happened, Jazz's eyes fell delightedly on Sheila and Tia.
"Greetings, m'lord." said Tia bowing.
"Greetings, m'ladies." replied Jazz, bowing also.
"So what is this that you don't know how to dance?" asked
Tia, smirking.
Grinning sheepishly, Jazz nodded. "Yes. I'm not sure what
you call dancing here but I seriously doubt I know it."
Looking at Sheila, Tia asked her "So, where should we
begin?"
"I would say at the beginning. Jazz, what forms of dancing
do you know?"
Blinking, Jazz stated "Nothing that would probably fit in
here. What I know is based on where I came from. If you teach
me yours, I'll show you mine."
Nodding, Tia and Sheila once again resumed their roles as
his teachers. Starting off easy, things soon progressed into
different waltzes and other formal forms.
One hour later, the trio split to start getting ready for
the celebration that night. Arriving back at his room, Jazz
found three servants waiting for him.
"What are you doing here?"
"We were sent by Queen Sheila to assist you in getting ready
for tonight." replied the first.
"She wanted to ensure that you would be properly attired and
expertly groomed." said the second.
"So, we best get started. Into the tub with you." said the
third. "We will get your clothes ready."
Grumbling softly under his breath, Jazz grabbed a few
hygiene things and headed for the bathroom to get cleaned up, but
not before setting his black spheroid care package on his vanity.
Opening the door, he found that a bath had already been drawn for
him. Striping down and easing his way into the water, Jazz
quickly lathered up and rinsed off.
Entering his room with a towel wrapped around his waist, the
three servants descended on Jazz like three individual cyclones.
After twenty minutes of intense activity, the servants backed
away from Jazz, admiring their work.
Looking at his reflection in the vanity mirror, Jazz almost
didn't recognize himself. His hair was neatly combed, and his
face was clean shaven. He wore a white gold tunic under a
rust/brown vest, embroidered with minute designs. A pair of dark
brown, form fitting jean like pants ran the length of his legs.
On his feet, his usual boots had been replaced with a similar
pair, though these sported a shine. Last, but least, the forearm
braces were put on after being thoroughly cleaned and polished.
Making a few minor adjustments, Jazz headed down to the
festival. Changing his mind slightly, he swung by Arshes' room
to see if she was ready yet.
Knocking on her door tentatively, a servant answered. "Yes?
Can I help you?"
"Is Arshes ready yet?"
"No. She will be ready in a little bit. Sir Jazz?
"Yes."
"If you will wait here, please. We were told that you may
be escorting Lady Arshes this night."
Nodding, Jazz tooled around in the hallway for a few minutes
as the servant closed the door. In the middle of a tooling, Jazz
heard "Well, how do I look?"
"Arshes, you look..." was all Jazz could get out. His brain
had faulted as his eyes fell upon her. Wearing a low cut,
strapless black dress that hugged her in all the right places and
a few places it didn't need to be, Arshes exemplified beauty in
it's basic form.
Getting no response from her escort, Arshes walked over to
Jazz with a half swagger and placing her right hand on his cheek.
Jazz felt an electric shock run up and down his spine but still
wouldn't budge. Bringing in the big guns, Arshes brought her
other hand up to his cheek gently and kissed him fully and deeply
on the lips.
Breaking the kiss, Arshes fought hard to restrain a wave of
giggles as Jazz seemed to melt like butter. Well, it seemed to
work as Jazz sputtered "A..a...a...arr..."
"Well, how do I look?" she asked again, breathily this time.
Jazz's mind default to what he had started calling Kuno
mode. "M'lady, thy beauty is far beyond my ability to describe
accurately fore it has delighted mine eyes and doth boggled what
little I have for a mind. My heart beats only to live for the
moments when I am in your presence. Please grant to me a slight
wish of allowing me to escort you to the grand ball being
presented downstairs this night."
Arshes giggled softly both at what Jazz had said and that he
managed to say it all in one breath without breaking stride.
"Yes, you may, kind sir."
Holding out his arm, Arshes slid hers in and around his.
Together, they walked down to the ballroom. Jazz managed to
regain a little sense, whispering softly "Arshes, you look
beautiful. Thanks."
"For what?" she asked slightly confused.
"For everything." replied Jazz softly, turning to face her
directly in front of the main door to the great hall. Reaching
up with his right hand, Jazz tilted her head up slightly and
kissed her gently on the lips.
Just then the doors opened to announce the couple. Jazz
stopped the kiss and turned to face the open doorway, only to be
greeted with hundreds of joyous people. Blushing brightly, Jazz
and Arshes walked down the aisle towards the head table. Looking
at the head table, Jazz could see Gara and Darschu trying hard
not to break out laughing. Tia bubbled over in giggles. Sheila
threatened to follow her. Geo grinned broadly.
Shaking his head, Jazz looked around the room at everyone
who was present. He noticed that like the last celebration he
had been to, all the companies of soldiers were seated together.
Coming to the front of the hall, Jazz finally saw his team
situated around a table with their squires and two faces he
didn't recognize.
Coming to stand before the head table, Jazz bowed down on
one knee as the rest of the hall quieted down.
"Welcome, Sir Jazz and Lady Arshes."
"Thank you, Queen Sheila for your hospitality. I am honored
to be in your presence. May the gods bless this day."
"Sir Jazz, you have down a great deal since you arrived
several months ago. You have served Metallicana and her people
well and faithfully."
"All I do, my Queen, is to your glory."
"Stand Sir Jazz and let the celebration begin."
The hall immediately erupted into a cacophony on noise as
food was served and the instrumentalists began playing. Jazz and
Arshes took their seats and began eating like everyone else.
After dinner, the tables were cleared and set to the side.
The time for dancing had begun. The band began with several
traditional melodies. The hours seemed to roll one into another
as Jazz danced with Arshes, Tia, Sheila, and several other
females in a variety of dances, a couple of which the earlier
lesson hadn't covered.
After about three hours of traditional Metallicana melodies,
Jazz had had just about enough. Approaching the musical group,
Jazz attempted to make a deal with the leader for one song, a
song from his time. Arriving at a bargain, Jazz wandered off in
search of a fellow musician.
Finding her standing off to one side, talking with Tia and
Sheila, Jazz stated "Arshes, I need your help."
"What is it, Jazz?"
"I know that you hate for a lot of people to know your
skilled at the lute, but I need your help."
Arshes' brow furrowed. "Jazz, why?"
"Well, I sorta made a deal with the conductor to let me play
one song from where I am from. Unfortunately I would have to
play three to five parts by myself. I may be good but I am NOT
that good. Will you help me??"
"Okay...but you are going to owe me severely."
"All right. You can collect tonight up in my room." Tia's
eyes went wide at this. Turning to face the young priestess,
Jazz said, in mock shock, "Tia! You must be hanging around
Darschu way too long. Shame on you. And _You_ called _ME_ a
pervert."
Arshes became slightly confused by this since she was most
likely thinking the same that Tia had been, she figured. [I will
find out tonight I guess.] Arshes thought with a mental shrug.
Heading to Jazz's room to get his lute, they headed over to
Arshes' room to get hers and to practice. Jazz laid down the
basic riff, melody, and harmony. After several minutes of
practice, the duo headed back down to the hall.
Getting amongst the musicians, Jazz climbed into the drum
section, doing a little re-arranging to make sure that everything
was easily accessible. Doing a little practice at several key
spots to make sure his lute was easily accessible, Jazz signaled
the conductor with a nod.
The conductor had warned the rest of the group to follow
whatever Jazz and Arshes do after listening for a short while.
Returning the nod to Jazz, the conductor brought up his baton to
signal his musicians at Jazz's next cue.
Clicking off a short time with his drum sticks, Jazz raised
his voice to get everyone's attention. [I hope this works.]
thought Jazz as a higher pitched laugh reverbed from his throat
and as the words "WIPE OUT!!!" echoed thereafter.
<Wipe Out:Surfaris>
Jazz beat out the basic time on drums, thankful for his
increased time sense and hand-eye coordination. His eye-foot
coordination still needed some work. At the proper moment, Jazz
switched to his lute, followed by Arshes. During the time the
song lasted, all 10 minutes worth, the musicians picked up the
melody easily and started doing variations. The percussionists
of the group took up their drums, assisting Jazz wherever it was
needed.
Jazz laughed mentally at some of the horrified looks among
several members of the audience, the more venerable ones. [Back
to the Future revisited.] thought Jazz, chuckling.
By the time the night ended, Jazz played several other
oldies ranging from "Johnny B. Goode" to "Twist and Shout" to
"Earth Angel."(Two guesses who that was sung to. -Author) the
last piece of the night kinda brought back how and why Jazz got
his nickname. The sweet sound of "Sweet Georgia Brown" flowed
through the hall.
It was well into the morning hours when things were finally
shut down and finally cleaning was done. After helping the
kitchen crew clean up the last of the dishes, Jazz found the
other pieces of his formal wear. He knew what clean up details
often included and had taken off a good portion of his clothes so
they wouldn't get ruined.
Jazz guessed it be about three in the morning when he
finally got back to his room. Barely able to get out of his
clothes, Jazz crashed into his bed. Jazz couldn't help but
chuckle at some of the looks the music he played brought out in
people. [I just hope I haven't started a new fad here.
Actually, it might not be too bad...hmm...] His team accepted
the songs readily, mainly because they heard him humming the
tunes while he worked.
Suddenly a soft knocking echoed off his door. Climbing his
way from bed, Jazz opened the door to find Arshes standing in the
hallway.
"Can I help you, m'lady?"
"I'm here to collect." replied Arshes with a devilish grin.
"D'oh!!! That's right. I said I would repay you for your
help with the music. Okay...take your shirt off and go lie on my
bed." said Jazz, off-handedly with a shrug.
Arshes went wide eyed at Jazz's request. She had changed
from her dress to a simple tunic/blouse/short skirt combination
that Tia usually wore. The only thing she didn't have on were
the personables...you know...underthings....ah hell, underwear.
Her hair was also pulled back into a ponytail. Needless to say,
this caught her off guard.
Shrugging, Arshes hesitantly stripped down and laid down on
Jazz's bed. [I wonder if Jazz plans to...] thought Arshes, her
mind going over a few of the fantasies she had had, especially
recently, dealing with a certain gentleman. Jazz, in the
meantime, had something slightly different in mind and was
searching his wardrobe and vanity for something special,
something special he had made a while ago and not used yet.
Finding it, he turned back to face Arshes and almost dropped
it and his jaw. Blushing brightly, Jazz turned immediately away,
saying in a high, squeeky voice "Arshes, could you please turn
over onto your stomach, please?" Jazz had thought for sure she
would be wearing the usual under attire. [Whywhywhywhywhywhy?
Maybe she doesn't have underwear...hmmm...stop thinking that.
Gotta think pure, happy thoughts.] he asked himself.
Arshes took in the request and the blush creeping onto
Jazz's face with mild confusion. [I thought...maybe...]
Shrugging, she flipped over onto her stomach.
Hearing his bed creak, Jazz risked a look back over towards
Arshes, who was now lying on her stomach. [She did have nice,
well rounded...] started Jazz's id, before being malleted by his
ego and super-ego. Looking over her fully, Jazz's id rose again.
[It was nice, V-shaped, dark curly...] Jazz had minor two quick
minor seizures as his ego and super-ego sent his id way, and I
mean _WAY_ into the middle of next year. Sighing tremendously,
Jazz took the cork from the vial. Slowly, the scent of flowers
filled the room but not overpowering it.
Steeling himself, Jazz poured a little of the oil from the
jar into his hands and began to massage Arshes' back. Taking a
few moments, Jazz grabbed a towel and laid it almost over Arshes'
region between her waist and thighs. [Gottathinkhappythought,
gottathinkhappythoughts. Putitinthehappybox putitinthehappybox
Whyisn'tshewearingunderwear?? Whymewhymewhyme????]
Breathing deeply, Jazz continued on, almost in a completely
mechanical fashion. Arshes, on the other hand, reveled at the
feeling of Jazz's hands caressing her skin, often the way he
would in her dreams.
Hitting an especially sensitive area, Arshes moaned and then
almost whimpered as the caressing stopped. "Am I hurting you?"
whispered Jazz in her ear, bending over to do so.
"No...felt good..." she murmured in response.
The next forty-five minutes wound down like this. Jazz
said, whispering softly in her ear, "Time to flip over."
Arshes obediently rolled over. Jazz for his part, diverted
his eyes to search for another towel. When she had resituated
herself, Jazz half blindly laid the small towel he had found
across her chest.
Satisfied he had her properly protected, Jazz looked at her
fully, his heart beginning to thump loudly in his chest.
Breathing deeply to try to get his breathing back under control,
Jazz began to caress her face gently. Hearing her sigh softly,
Jazz continued to work, his fingers dancing lightly, acting quite
differently than when he worked down in the forge.
Getting a slightly evil thought, Jazz lightly ran the nail
of each index finger along the upper part of her ears out to the
tip. Looking down into her face with an impish grin, Jazz became
slightly afraid at the look in the dark elf's eyes. "Jazz, if
you continue doing that, I will not be held responsible for what
happens to you." stated Arshes softly.
"Why?" asked Jazz, his playful side coming to the forefront.
It was close to four in the morning, and Jazz had finally gone
into silly mode.
"Jazz..." started Arshes, stopping because Jazz once again
did what he had done before. Alarms started sounding and
resounding in Jazz's head as Arshes' eyes closed and she arched
off the bed. When her eyes opened again, Jazz swallowed audibly
at the fire within them. Not the fire of anger, but the fire of
something more powerful, more animalistic, more passionate, more
lustful. Her cheeks flushed at the feelings she experienced.
"I'll stop." sqeaked Jazz once again, withdrawing his hands
quickly, not wanting to aggravate the elf maiden further.
"Thank you..." replied Arshes, almost in a whimper. [Jazz,
why do you taunt but never follow through?] thought Arshes,
trying to quiet the fire raging in her veins that Jazz has
unexpectedly started. [If I didn't love and respect you as much
as I do, you would experience first hand the fire you started.]
Breathing deeply to clear his head, Jazz knew there must be
something in the air because the look Arshes had given him a few
moments before had made him slightly lightheaded.
Returning his attention back to her massage, Jazz began to
work her shoulders and collarbone area. As Jazz continued to
work, he noticed the flush from before had pretty subsided,
thankfully. Coming to the next problem region, Jazz simply
ignored them and began to work Arshes' stomach. [Yes, these are
the benefits of working out and staying fit. Nice, strong,
delicate abdominals.] thought Jazz, info-mercialisticly.
Slowing working his way lower, Jazz came to the next towel.
Jazz eased his way down to her hips, massaging, and then skipped
lower to work the outside of her upper thigh, though not too
high. Not until he was almost to her knees did he massage her
inner thigh. Jazz's thoughts once again strayed to all the
previous massages he had given. [They say that 90% of all
massages have erotic intents. This the first one that may break
my usual standard of always hitting in that 10% of safety.
Arshes, I care about you deeply, but...not yet...please. At
least I am gradually learning where her sensitive areas are.
*Evil laughter*] Looking back up towards her face, Jazz couldn't
help but notice two nub-like peaks under the towel. Breathing
through his nose to calm his own screaming blood stream, Jazz
noticed a slightly sweet, musky odor pervading the air of his
room. [Messing with her ears must have had a larger effect on
her than I thought. Mental Note: Don't mess with her ears unless
my intents are clear.]
Jazz finished up and collapsed into one of the many chairs
in his room. Sighing, he looked at the lightly sleeping Arshes
and chuckled softly. [Back where I come from, I would have done
anything to go out with you. Now here I am and I can't think of
what to do next. Ayi-yi-yi.] thought Jazz with a soft chuckle.
Slowly, Arshes began to stir. Jazz still couldn't get over
how catlike she moved and acted, especially when she was waking
up. Jazz watched her intently until the point where her body
rose well into his view, the towel across her chest slipping
away. Turning his head away, Jazz became very interested in the
cracks in the ceiling. [Ice cream, Ice tea, glaciers, liquid
nitrogen in the pants...aaeeiii.] thought Jazz desperately,
trying to lower the fire flowing through his bloodstream.
Arshes slowly stretched out, her muscles feeling totally
relaxed. [Whatever Jazz did, he does it well.] she thought.
Seeing him sitting in a chair looking at the ceiling, Arshes
shook her head slowly. [Jazz, Jazz, Jazz. What are we going to
do with you?? You are way too uptight. I do have one idea
however to get you to relax, but the question is: will you let me
do it for you?]
Padding gently over to the ceiling staring young man, Arshes
came up behind him, knelt and wrapped her arms about his neck.
"Thank you." she whispered in his right ear.
Immediately, the skin on her forearms felt an increased
heat. Looking inquisitively at the side of his face, she saw
Jazz had gone to critical blush mode. [After all this time, he
still blushes. We will definitely have to cure him of this.]
"Jazz, wouldn't you say it's time to go to bed?"
Bashing his ecchi side mentally, Jazz merely nodded, not
trusting his voice. "Okay, come on then." she whisper coyly.
"A..A...Arshes...together??" he squeaked out.
"Yes. Now come on." she said, rising fully to her feet,
dragging the technician to his feet also.
"O..only if you at least put back on the top shirt of what
you wore in here."
"But, it will hard to sleep in..." she responded coyly.
"Arshes, please...for my piece of mind, please?" asked the
near panic Jazz.
Arshes slipped on the top shirt, making sure it was loose
enough to be comfortable, and fully accessible. She managed to
finally get him into bed after a short struggle; drawing the
heavier curtains to block some of the sunlight in the morning.
Not wanting another statue incident, Arshes looked Jazz directly
in the face as she climbed into bed and pulling the covers over
them "Do you love me?"
Finding a resolve, Jazz said quietly "Yes. Now and forever,
m'lady."
"Thank you...now hold me, please." Arshes whisper asked
while snuggling closer and laying her head on his chest.
Jazz wrapped his arms around, bringing her upwards to almost
be eye to eye with him. "Sleep well, Ar-chan."
"You too, my love." replied Arshes with a soft kiss to
Jazz's lips. Arshes laid her head back down on Jazz's chest and
lulled into sleep by his beating heart. Jazz, for his part,
thought on the recent events with uncertainty. An image of
Arshes filled Jazz's vision as sleep finally claimed him.
The late morning sun poured into Jazz's room, making it too
bright to sleep. Jazz rose first, feeling a closeness wrapped
around him. Looking down and seeing Arshes, Jazz sighed softly
as his mind finally accepted her as a possible part of his life.
[Now, should I tell her about...] thought Jazz, remembering
his cursed form. [No, not yet.]
Arshes finally woke up and the pair made their way down to
lunch. The rest of the day, Jazz had planned to stay at work
down in the forge.
Entering through the side door quietly, Jazz came face to
face with all out action. Nobemaza and Ann were situated at a
table, going over some new designs. Chiyuki and his future bride
could be seen climbing in, out, and around the Iron Griffon,
which was in the shop for an overhaul.
Grinning evilly, Jazz eased over to the alarm he had built
as an alert of battle. Giving into a somewhat childish whim, he
activated and ended up rolling on the floor laughing.
Nobemaza and Ann leapt from their table, spilling whatever
they were drinking. Chiyuki and Sayaka emerged in a hurry from
the Iron Griffon, both rubbing their heads. The two new people
slide down a secondary fireman's pole to the main floor.
"Chiyuki, did you accidently activate the alarm again??"
yelled Nobemaza irritatedly. Nobemaza had fallen into Jazz's
footsteps, or his habits as it were. Just like Jazz, Nobemaza
had developed a need for hot tea after waking up. He had just
spilled his very first cup for the day and wasn't happy about it.
"NO!!! I was in the Griffon, no where near an alarm."
replied Chiyuki, still rubbing his head.
"What if we ask him about it?" stated Ann, pointing at the
laugh Jazz, who was leaning against the doorframe holding his
sides against the laughter.
"GET HIM!!!" declared Nobemaza, smiling. As one, everyone
present descended on Jazz, either tickling or hugging him.
After about ten minutes, Jazz slowly climbed to his feet.
"Sorry...I couldn't...resist pushing...the button." gasped Jazz,
fighting to get control of his breath again.
"Jazz, please. Don't ever do that again." said Nobemaza,
still a little miffed about losing his first cup of hot tea for
the day.
"Okay, okay...sorry. Now, I believe I have two new people
to meet."
"That you do, Sir Jazz, that you do." stated Chiyuki, his
voice going to game show host mode. "From the Crimson Dragons,
allow me to introduce Sir Norashi. And from the Silver Foxes,
Lady Giyoko."
Shaking both of their hands, Jazz asked seriously "Are you
two ready for some excitement? Some adventure?" [Okay, I'm
getting those vibes like when I chose Nobemaza, Ann, and Chiyuki.
Now let's see how they respond. Crimson Dragon training, huh?
He should be fun. Silver Foxes?? You mean I actually have
someone here from the all female legion. Oh boy...]
Norashi replied excitedly "Yes...finally."
"Yes, m'lord." said Giyoko formally.
[Okay, Norashi is definitely going to fit in. Giyoko is
going to be a little harder to break in. But hey, if Nobemaza
and Chiyuki can't break her, no one can.] "That is good. But
first, loose the formality. Inside these walls, I prefer to run
a much looser ship." Seeing Giyoko's incredulous look, Jazz
continued "But outside of here, all formality. We are all
friends here, but if I give an order, I expect it to be carried
out with all possible haste."
Giyoko seemed to settle down a little. [Any tighter, we'd
have to call the locksmith to loosen her up.] thought Jazz.
The group headed for the main planning table. Nobemaza
refilled his tea cup. Everyone else grabbed something to drink,
Giyoko also, though she did have to be encouraged to do so. For
the next hour, Jazz looked over the next designs for his team,
suggesting minor changes.
As the meeting closed out, Chiyuki had noticed Jazz's
strange, even for him, behavior since the start and confronted
him on it. "Jazz, what's wrong?"
"What do you mean?"
"I noticed it too. Jazz, what's on your mind?" asked Ann.
"Jazz, what's going on?" asked Nobemaza. "If it concerns
the squad or us, we would like to know."
"Okay..." Jazz finally broke and told them he would be
leaving them in two days.
"Jazz, why do you have to go?" asked Ann, getting close to
tears.
Comforting Ann by patting her hand lightly, Jazz said "Ann,
it has to do with what sent me here in the first place."
"And what was that?" asked Nobemaza.
"A wish."
"A wish?" asked a confused Norashi.
"Yes. A goddess granted a wish of mine and I ended up here.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it,
part of my wish as to travel to various locations in various
times, to experience a lot of stuff."
"Will you be coming back?" asked Giyoko.
"Yes, I will be coming back. I have to be back for the
weddings." said Jazz, smiling.
"What weddings?" asked Chiyuki.
"Everyone's." replied Jazz. "Now, I got some stuff I need
to get done before I leave."
The five knights as well as the squire squad wished Jazz the
best and offered to do what they could to help him prepare.
That night, Jazz really didn't feel all that hungry.
Everyone knew right away that something was up, especially since
Jazz usually gave Gara and Darschu a run for their money during a
meal. They all knew soemthing had to be up but weren't quite
sure how to approach him about it. Gara, Sheila, Darschu, Tia,
and Arshes turned their attention to Geo.
Seeing that practically everyone's attention was on him, Geo
cleared his throat and asked "Jazz, is there something wrong?"
"No...yeah...I don't know..." replied Jazz, his hands folded
together, thumbs out, and chin resting on his thumbs.
Looking amoungst themselves for a brief moment, Sheila spoke
up. "Brother, there is obviously soemthing bothering you. We
are your friends and would like to help."
With a heaving sigh, Jazz rose to his feet and began to pace
in front of the table. "I will be leaving in a short time."
"Going to look at the countryside?" asked Gara probingly.
"No...leaving here."
"Jazz, what do you mean?" asked Tia, voicing her confusion.
"Do you remember what brought me here in the first place?"
"I believe you said that a goddess granted you a wish." said
Darschu.
"Yes. Well, another facet of the wish will be taking place
in about three days."
"And what facet is that?" asked Arshes, fearing a possible
answer.
"The facet that I travel. I will be leaving this world for
a time."
"Jazz, you maybe leaving, but it sounds like you will be
back." stated Geo.
"Yes, I will. But I don't know when. I have a rough idea
that I will be back in time for some weddings. Sheila, i believe
you and Gara are to be wed about a year from now, right?"
"Yes. Exactly one year from yesterday."
"Okay. I know I will be back in time for it, but I may
arrive just before the ceremony begins or a month from now." said
Jazz. Casting a glance towards Arshes, Jazz didn't like the look
on her face. Combine anger, hurt, fear, yearning, and a few
others, you might get the idea.
"Arshes..." was all Jazz could get out before the dark elf
left the room at a run. "DAMN!!!" yelled Jazz angrily, trying to
drive his fist through the floor. [Why didn't I talk to her
privately first?]
"Jazz..." tried Sheila.
Climbing to his feet with a sigh, Jazz bowed his head and
turned to go. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me." With
slow, measured steps, Jazz walked from the room and up to his.
[Whywhywhywhywhywhywhywhy??] yelled Jazz mentally, over and
over again as his thoughts couldn't get off the image of the
retreating dark elf. [Arshes...I'm sorry...] thought Jazz,
collapsing into a chair, his eyes closed. Tears began to wind
their way down his cheeks.
Feeling something cool against his fingers, Jazz cracked
open one eye to see a glass filled with water. [I need some air
to clear my thoughts. What better way to get air than to fly?]
thought Jazz, his spirit lifting a little.
Climbing from the chair, Jazz stripped down to his now usual
wear for flying. Reaching for the glass of water, Jazz sighed
softly while dumping the contents over his head. When the
tingling subsided, Jazz prodded lightly over to the mirrored
vanity and ran a comb through her hair.
[Arshes, I think it's time you learned something else about
me. I just hope you will still care for me.] thought Jasmine,
her head bowing. Picking up two vials of water, one hot, the
other cold, she shifted them into a padded pouch on her waist.
Walking over to the window, she opened the curtains, looking
out into the star filled night. A crescent moon was just
starting to rise over the horizon. Leaping from the windowsill,
Jasmine spread her wings, catching the breeze and letting it lift
her with ease.
Winging over, she landed with a slight thud outside Arshes'
window. Breathing deeply, Jasmine stuck her head up over the
windowsill, asking "Arshes, may I...erk."
Arshes had heard the thump outside her window and instantly
drew her sword. When the intruder stuck its head above the sill,
she leveled the blade at it's throat.
Seeing the familiar face of Jasmine, Arshes withdrew her
sword, asking "What do you want?"
"Arshes, I...I was wondering if you wanted to talk." said
Jasmine, climbing into the dark elf's room.
"Talk about what?" asked Arshes sharply, shooting a killer
glance at Jasmine.
Holding up her hands and backing away defensively, Jasmine
tried "About Jazz and his leaving in a few days."
"What about it? He doesn't love me, he never has." said
Arshes, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
"Arshes, you don't know how wrong you are."
"Why do you say that?" asked Arshes bitterly.
"He loves you more than life itself. He would sooner give
up the wish than leave here, but he is locked into it."
"Chances are he will never return."
"He will return. It has been foretold in his future.
Though he will be gone and if I know him well enough, his heart
will always be yours, and he will long for the day he can be in
your arms again." said Jasmine, giving hint to Jazz's true
desires.
"How do you know that? Have you too been talking?"
"Arshes, in a way we have been..." replied Jasmine with
growing discomfort.
"What do you mean?"
[I didn't want to drop too many things on her at once
but...] thought Jasmine with regret. "Do you remember the time
you two found that place with the springs and wall decorations?"
"Yes."
"Do you remember when Jazz prevented you from joining him in
a spring?"
"Yes. Why are you asking this?"
"Well, Jazz was changed by that spring."
"Changed how?"
"It is what he has called a Ranma effect. At the touch of
cold water, he changes forms. With hot water, he changes back to
his usual self."
Nodding with slight comprehension, Arshes asked "What does
he change into?"
Sighing and bowing her head, Jasmine said "Arshes, you must
promise me that you will let him fully explain himself before you
shut him completely away from you."
"I promise...now let's go see him."
"Arshes...wait..." replied Jasmine, reaching into her pouch
for the warm vial.
"Jasmine, what do you..." started Arshes, seeing the small
vial in the gargoyle's hand. "Jasmine...you can't..."
Nodding almost shamefully, Jasmine poured the vial of hot
water over her head. Jazz sighed heavily as the tingling faded.
"Arshes, I'm sorry..."
Arshes watched with wide eyes as the female gargoyle
instantly shift into the more familiar form of Jazz. "Arshes,
I'm sorry..." was all Jazz could get out before she rung his bell
with a thunderous right hook.
"WHY??? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER?? WERE YOU LAUGHING
SECRETLY BEHIND MY BACK EVERY TIME WE TALKED???" screamed Arshes
at the retreating techie.
"Arshes...no..." tried Jazz, shaking his head.
"GET OUT!!! NOW!!!!"
"Arshes, please..."
"Jazz, leave before I kill you. I don't ever want to see
you again. Ever."
"Arshes, let me..."
"Jazz, LEAVE!!!" screamed Arshes, going to a last attempt.
Jazz watched in horror as the dark elf mage began to glow
with the power of magic being summoned upon. Falling to his
knees, Jazz bowed his head, eyes clamped shut as tears began to
work their way down his cheeks. [Just make it quick. That is
all I ask.]
Arshes watched with confusion as Jazz sank to his knees, as
if to wait. [Jazz, why didn't you run?] thought Arshes,
continuing to build up energy.
[Maybe because he truly does love you and prefer it to be
your hand that takes his life, than someone else's.] erupted the
thought for a region of Arshes' mind that had received recent
revival in dealing with the technician.
Stopping the drawing of power, Arshes canceled the spell,
remembering a promise she had made to Jazz's other form. "I
promised Jasmine that I would give you the chance to explain
yourself. It had better be good."
Standing again, Jazz asked quietly "Could we please have a
seat before I start?
Nodding curtly, Arshes sat on the edge of her bed while Jazz
took up a seat in a nearby chair.
"So, explain."
"Okay, Arshes...you remember when we found that place with
the springs and various wall pictures, right?"
"Yes. What does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything. When I dove into that pool the first time, I
felt this weird tingling sensation. That was when I was cursed."
"That was why you didn't want me to join you...fearing I
might be cursed too?"
"At the time, I wasn't sure what it was but I didn't want to
risk your safety. I care too much about you to let anything
happen to you."
Nodding slightly, Arshes asked "Why didn't you tell me about
this sooner?"
"Arshes, I'm still trying to come to terms with this. How
would you be if you suddenly found that at the touch of cold
water, you were to suddenly change not only species, but sex as
well?"
"I...wouldn't want too many people to know about it."
"Exactly. If I were to mention this to Gara and Darschu, I
would have to be triply afraid of cold water. We both know how
Darschu is towards women."
Nodding with a slight grin, Arshes said "I suppose that will
do. Now the next thing, why do you have to leave?"
"That, I have no power over. When I made that wish, I
didn't know at the time I would meet you in the first place I
traveled to and fall in love. Yes, Arshes, I do love you more
than life itself." said Jazz, getting up from the chair and
sitting down on the bed. Offering up a small prayer to whatever
deity had it's ear open, Jazz wrapped his arms around Arshes in a
gentle hug.
Taken slightly off guard, Arshes hesitantly returned the
hug. "From now, no more secrets, please." whispered Arshes.
Shaking his head, Jazz replied softly "Never."
After a few moments, they broke apart, almost unwillingly.
"I have a lot I need to get done before I leave. Please take
care of yourself. See you in the morning?"
Arshes slow nod, Jazz reached into his pouch for the other
vial. Jazz plodded over to the window, dumping the contents of
the vial over his head and snap changing to Jasmine. Looking
over her shoulder one last time, Jasmine launched from the
window, spreading her wings, allowing the wind to lift her.
[Jazz...Jasmine...makes sense..sort of. Tonight was the
start of many conversations we will be having. I just hope you
can deal with your curse. Many people will snap if it happened
to them.] thought Arshes, watching the shrinking form of Jasmine,
silhouetted by the moon.
Landing back in her room, Jasmine walked lightly over to the
vanity. Breathing deeply once and closer her eyes, Jasmine
splashed a conveniently placed glass of warm water on her face.
Opening his eyes, Jazz looked at his reflection intently.
[At least I was able to get another thing off my chest with
Arshes. I just hope nothing else comes up between us.]
Jazz wlaked over to his wardrobe, breaking out a change of
clothes. Picking out and putting on a forest green shirt, a pair
of dark shorts, and a pair of sturdy slippers, Jazz finished off
his change by strapping on his forearm bracer and outfiting a
belt of pouches with some stuff he might need for the night.
Sliding his staff home in the holster, Jazz blew out several
candles about his room, leaving only three going. Walking to the
door, Jazz slipped into the hallway, closing the door gently
behind him.
Slipping like a ghost, Jazz wound his way down to the
library. Sticking to the shadows, he didn't want to worry anyone
about his late night activities. Jazz knew his time was short
and had a lot to do. Since at night very few people were awake,
Jazz figured he could work in peace.
Coming to the library door, he spoke the opening enchantment
that Geo had placed on the door specifically for him. Getting
inside and closing the door, Jazz set out to fully light the room
since he would be needing as much light as possible. Uncovering
the glows, Jazz nodded at the brightness as the last glow was
unveiled, shining out brightly.
Pulling the staff from it's holster, Jazz examined it under
the lighting glows. [Solar powered, storage memory, healing,
shields....what else did I program you with?] thought Jazz,
shaking his head in disbelief at what he had wrought in the wood,
silver, and crystal creation in his hands.
Turning to full business mode, Jazz thought directly at the
staff [Defensor, internal diagnostic.]
*Damage: fully repaired. 3.3 megabytes in use. 500
terrabytes free. Energy level at 98.6%. How may I assist?*
[Prepare for massive data input.]
After a few quick moments, the staff replied *All recorders
ready for data input. Please begin.*
Holding the staff tip to the binding of the first of many
books for the night, Jazz waited a few moments for his staff
cleared up to go to the next source of input. Jazz had
discovered this ability in a previous incident, before the attack
on Metallicana.
When he made the discovery, Jazz had been putting an all-
nighter down in the library. It had been a few days after
finding the crystals. Jazz had worked all day on trying to get
the right system set-up necessary to power the M.A,S.K. vehicles.
Nobemaza and Chiyuki had been able to supply a lot of help but
something still wasn't working. Nobemaza and Chiyuki, at the
time, showed a lot of ingenuity, intuitiveness, and an almost
magical ability with machines. It still amazed Jazz that with
the level of tech Metallicana had, both men were able to
understand what their leader told them. Ann, herself, could talk
a game practically equal to Jazz. At the time, Jazz knew he had
the right people on his team and wondered how their nature tech
ability would effect how each piloted their vehicles when they
had finally been built. The last battle against Anthrathrax had
proved the Jazz what the effect was.
Jazz had been lost in thought at the time and once again
tripped over a tomb that stuck too far into the isle. Pitched
forward, Jazz managed to plant one hand on a nearby bookshelf
while other became a shock absorber. The hand that grabbed for
the bookshelf also head his staff at the time.
The staff made brief contact with the book Jazz had been
searching for. When Jazz rolled over and inspected his staff for
damage, imagery from the book entered into his mind. Stumbling
back to where he was working, Jazz began to make the necessary
changes to the Gratan's power system.
He could characterize until a few days later when he tried
to think of about the images in his head and couldn't remember.
Picking up his staff, the images returned readily. He labeled
that option the Scan/Xerox option for his staff. Unfortunately,
things at the time started to become very hectic in Metallicana
and he couldn't test several hypothesis he had developed. Now,
he had the time, what little he did have.
After finishing with the first book, Jazz called up another
internal diagnostic on the staff. *3.8 megabytes in use. Nearly
500 terrabytes of free space. 98.5% power.* replied the staff.
[Oy vey. I may very well run out of power before I finish
here. I can always come back in the morning after the staff had
a chance to recharge.] Jazz thought, heading for the next text.
For the next two and a half hours, Jazz went for text to
text, hitting books, manuscripts, and scrolls. When he finished,
he had hit roughly 70% of the library, and staff had dropped to
nearly 9% power.
Getting back to his room, Jazz set his staff on the
windowsill so the first morning rays of light would strike,
beginning it's recharge cycle. Striping down to the basics, Jazz
climbed into bed, sleep quickly claiming him.
The next morning, Jazz ventured down to the library again
right after breakfast. Breakfast itself had an overbearing sense
of dread and sadness about it, from Sheila's father's death and
the fact that Jazz would be leaving some time during the day.
Getting inside the door continued on from where he had left
off. Just over an hour later, Jazz nodded as he finished with
the last manual. [Defensor, diagnostic.]
*65% power. 2.371 terrabytes in use. 497.629 terrabytes
free. Input completed?*
[Yes. Go to standby mode, please.]
*Check. Going to standby mode...now.*
Sliding the staff back into his forearm holster, Jazz
reshelved all the texts and such that he had pulled as of late.
Placing the last text where it belonged, Jazz headed for the
door. Stopping just short of the door, Jazz looked back over the
racks with a slight smile, thinking about what had all happened
here, from when he was first introduced to it, to the illusionary
revenge launched by Darschu, and up to this current moment.
With a heavy, almost sigh, Jazz opened, exited, and closed
the library door one last time before heading upstairs. Getting
to his room, Jazz began packing with a heavy heart. Like almost
anyone in his position, he had found something he knew he would
miss when he was traveling. But he also took hope in that he
would be back eventually and he gained hope form that.
Opening his wardrobe, Jazz opted to wear his M.A.S.K.
uniform, the one piece brown jumpsuit. True, it wouldn't matter
wherever he arrived, but it still kept a link to his second home.
Tying his work boots tight, Jazz slung his toolbelt around his
waist and clipped off the suspenders. Chuckling, Jazz's mind
wandered to when he had asked the castle tailor to make him the
pair of suspenders.
At first, the tailor didn't want anything to do with it,
much less the person who mentioned them. But with a little
coaxing and a little unbeknownst help from Sheila and Tia, the
tailor made Jazz the needed suspenders. Shortly thereafter, the
tailor found himself with requests for more suspenders, several
coming from the castle's craftsmen.
Hearing a knock on his door, Jazz broke from his revelry and
answered it. "Sir Jazz, could you please come down to my
father's forge please? We have something to give you." asked
Felicia, formally with a bow.
Shaking his head, Jazz replied "Yes, m'lady. It will be my
honor and shall be there shortly. Thank you."
Bowing again, Felicia turned to go, only to be stopped by
Jazz clearing his throat. Looking back at the technician with a
questioningly look, Jazz said "Felicia, I may share the last name
as Queen Sheila, but I am still the same person that you met oh
so long ago and had to equip for battle. Please stop with the
royalty bit. I would like to be friends with you instead of a
potential ruler. Could you please do that for me?"
"Yes, Jazz." replied Felicia, beginning to smile.
"Okay. That's better. I will be down at your father's
forge in a few minutes. There is a few things I need to wrap up
here first. Okay?"
Nodding, Felicia scampered off back to her father's forge.
Shaking his head with a chuckle, Jazz thought about
everything he had encountered with the young woman. He stopped
the memories short by walking over to his vanity.
Picking up the black spheroid, Jazz caressed its cool, yet
warm surface. [Just what are you? Are you what I think you
are?? How long till you hatch if you are?] thought Jazz, once
again hearing a *miya* which seemed to come from the egg.
Breaking out it's customary pouch, Jazz slipped it inside
and attached the pouch to his belt. Jazz sauntered back over to
his bed and slipped on his backpack. He had a sudden feeling
that seemed to center itself between his shoulder blades that his
time to leave was fast approaching.
Picking up a few last small items and shoving them into his
tool belt, Jazz secured everything else about his person before
opening his door. Jazz stepped over the threshold and closed the
door gently.
Jazz walked slowly down the hall, trying to take everything,
like he had when he first arrived. Walking down the short
stairwell, Jazz's eyes fell on the thing he had installed not so
long again. The fireman's pole.
[Should I?] asked Jazz of himself, already knowing the
answer, liking it and beginning to grin.
Throwing all caution to the wind, Jazz ran towards the pole,
considerably fast taking into account he was wearing several
dozen extra pounds. A brief second before getting to the pole,
Jazz yelled "COWABUNGA!!!!" Latching onto the pole with his
hands, Jazz twirled about the pole once before wrapping his legs
around it and letting gravity take over. The rushing air blew
his hair around as he slide down the length of the pole. Getting
to the bottom, Jazz panted slightly, trying to get his raging
heart rate back under control.
"That was fun." said Jazz to no one in particular, a wide
grin on his lips.
Ambling towards Talon's forge, Jazz arrived at the big door
as an idea planted itself and grew rapidly. Drawing back his
fist, Jazz tried to do a decent imitation of Robocop knocking on
the door of the drug warehouse from the first movie. Key word
here was try. Lacking Robocop's strength and armor, the
imitation lacked quite a bit.
The door opened to reveal not only Talon, Felicia, and
Crodyn, but also Jazz's entire M.A.S.K. team, complete with
squires. "Sir Jazz, reporting as asked. What's going on here?"
asked Jazz formally.
"Sir Jazz, we have a slight problem that only you can
relieve." replied Talon, just as formal.
"What, Lord Talon, can a lowly tech who appeared in the
great city known as Metallicana so many months ago do for you?"
"That is just it, Sir Jazz. Do you remember your very first
battle when you arrived in Metallicana?"
"Yes. I fought along side your beautiful daughter." replied
Jazz, grinning slightly at the blush beginning to color Felicia's
cheeks.
"Do you remember the weapons you used during that fight?"
"Yes. I used two warhammers that I had found hanging on the
wall in this very forge."
"Do you remember anything odd about or around the warhammers
when you picked them up to use them?"
"I seem to remember some sort of plaque placed above them.
What does that have to retain to the weapons I used so long ago?"
"Everything. Please follow me." said Talon, turning on his
heel and heading into the back of the forge.
Shrugging, Jazz followed closely behind Talon, trying to
figure out what the metalworking craftsman was up to. The smirks
and grins on the faces of his team, Crodyn, and Felicia didn't
help either. The one that really worried him was that Giyoko
actually had a slight grin curling the ends of her full lips.
Arriving at the spot where the warhammers hung on the wall,
Talon pointed to the sign above them and said "Jazz, please read
the plaque."
"In a time of crisis,
One, from a strange land,
Shall come. Using the might
Wrought within, he shall fight
And truly make a stand
To deal with evil concise." read Jazz.
Turning to Talon, Jazz asked, his brow furrowed, "What does
this have to do with me?"
"Jazz, think over the verse." replied Crodyn.
Breaking down the verse, Jazz's mind slowly opened up to the
possibilities. "You...don't mean...I can't be..."
Nodding, Talon replied "Yes, Sir Jazz, that plaque is
obviously talking about you. There was also a second verse, but
that has unfortunately been lost for some time now. But I do
have the basic gist of it."
Fearing the worse, Jazz asked "And what is that?"
Grinning again, Talon stated "the second verse made it very
clear that in order to pick up the warhammers in the first place,
the potential wielder's cause must be tried and pure. After
first picking up the warhammers, they will only accept the person
who picked them up and rebel against any other wielder."
"Talon, you can't be serious. I picked those things up in
the first place when I heard your daughter scream for help. I
knew I had to hel...that's what enabled me to pick up the hammers
in the first place, isn't it?"
"Yes, Sir Jazz. When you came to my rescue, the warhammers
became bound to you. They are now yours and yours alone." said
Felicia, smiling beautifully.
Jazz's head slumped forward. Everyone either chuckled or
giggled softly when they heard "whymewhymewhymewhyme??" coming
from the technician.
"Besides Jazz, isn't your preferred weapon of choice either
the staff or warhammer?" asked Sir Crodyn.
"Yes, but I can't take them. They were meant for someone
else. Besides, they are probably enchanted or something."
"Jazz, I tried to use them and they rebelled against me.'
said Talon seriously. "They are bonded to you and only you can
use them."
"Okay..." said Jazz, reaching forward with both hands.
Grasping the handle of each hammer, Jazz lifted them from the
wall carefully. Casting a quick look around him, Jazz launched
into a few katas he had worked out for a dual hammer style. The
katas worked fine. [I guess these were meant for me. At least
now, I have an extra weapon besides my staff.] thought Jazz.
Setting one of the hammers to the side, Jazz removed the one
hammer he had on his belt. Picking up the enchanted warhammer
again, Jazz slid it home in his toolbelt.
"Talon, you didn't say if these are enchanted or not. Also,
could I get another hammer holster?"
"Jazz, those warhammers are enchanted. And I do have
something that will work a lot better than another holster."
"Okay. What enchants are on these warhammers? And what
could be better than another holster?"
Handing Jazz another pouch to add to his belt, Talon said
"Put this on your belt and stick something inside."
Unclasping his toolbelt, Jazz slipped the new pouch on so it
rested by the leftmost pouch. Looking around for somethign to
put in the pouch, Jazz shrugged and slipped the warhammer inside,
knowing it would never fit. Jazz's eyes nearly bugged out as the
warhammer slid in with relative ease till it disappeared
completely. Looking between Talon and the pouch many times, jazz
asked "What just happened?"
"That pouch is a special gift made by several minor mages
here in Metallicana for you. Supposedly, it is bottomless and
can store anything, providing you can fit it inside. To pull out
what you put in, you only have to reach inside and think about
what you need."
"Okay...that solves may traveling problems. Now, about the
enchantments on the warhammers."
"I knew you would ask so I did a little research. When
those warhammers were crafted, the mage weaponsmith cast spells
of return and protection, plus a few others that I couldn't find
any reference to."
"Okay...so, if I chuck this at someone, it will return to
me."
"Yes."
"Interesting. If I need to be shielded against an attack, I
just command the hammer to do so and it will?
"Yes. The hammers are now yours. Use them in good health."
"Talon, you can bet I will. It has been nice meeting and
working with you. I will see you when I return." said Jazz,
shaking Talon's hand. Turning to face his posse, Jazz said "You
people have made my stay in Metallicana very memorable. Thanks."
"Don't get teary eyed on us, Jazz." said Chiyuki, laughing.
"Cheewie, don't make me @mallet you." said Jazz, shaking or
hugging each person in turn. "I want you guys to make sure
Metallicana is still standing when I return. Okay?"
As one, the entire group saluted Jazz. Shaking his head and
laughing, Jazz said "Come here you guys." Shortly thereafter,
Talon watched as the entire group came together in a giant hug.
Finally getting clear, Jazz strolled from Talon's forge,
heading for the private dining room. Stopping for a brief moment
to look up, Jazz looked at the towering mass of the Golden
Knight, standing over the city protectively. [What a strange
trip it has been. Why do I get this feeling that I haven't
experienced anything yet?] thought Jazz, checking his tool belt
one last time. Finding the black spheroid and everything else
securing placed on his person, Jazz eased his way from his
backpack on a sudden notion.
Setting on the steps that lead up into the main hall, Jazz
opened his backpack and began feeding the contents within to the
bottomless pouch. [Hey. I got it, might as well as use it.]
thought Jazz, finishing off everything within the backpack.
Shrugging, Jazz folded the backpack and slid it into the mouth of
the pouch. Reaching in, Jazz tested the reliability of the pouch
by test pulling several articles.
Hearing the lunch bell toll, Jazz rose to his feet and
headed inside for the meal.
*It is time* announced the staff at lunch.
Bowing his head and pushing himself away form the table,
Jazz said, regret heavy in his voice as he walked to stand in
front of the table, "It is time."
Darschu grabbed and shook Jazz's forearm. "Good journey.
Just be back in time for the wedding."
"I plan on it."
After releasing Darschu's forearm, Jazz found himself
wrapped in a hug. Looking down, Jazz looked into the teary-eyed
face of Tia. "Jazz, why do you have to go?"
"It's because of the wish. I will be back, this I promise."
"Okay. Just take care of yourself."
"I will. Besides I have something to return for."
Seeing Sheila approach, Jazz bowed from the waist. "Sister,
I will miss you. Take care and rule well."
"I will." responded Sheila, hugging Jazz as well.
"Gara, be nice to Sheila or I will come back sooner than you
think." Jazz mock warned the ninja master.
"I will. THAT, I _promise_ you."
Seeing Geo approach, Jazz bowed once again. "M'lord, I was
a know nothing yet you choose to educate me. I thank you."
"And I thank you also, Sir Jazz. You have saved Metallicana
and my only daughter. I am forever in your debt."
"I believe that levels out the debt I owe you for saving my
life so many times."
"God speed Jazz, and return soon."
"I will."
Turning to face Arshes, Jazz said "Arshes..."
"Jazz..."
Saying to heck with it all literally, both met in the middle
with a kiss and a hug. The kiss turned out to resemble something
like the one from the bath house incident.
Darschu looked over to Gara, and whispered "Is it me or has
it gotten warmer in here?"
"Definitely warmer." replied Gara, grinning. Suddenly, both
he and Darschu received elbows in the ribs from their significant
others.
Arshes and Jazz finally broke apart. "I will return soon."
said Jazz, turning to face away from the group.
Suddenly, Jazz's staff extended a foot past his fist and the
end opened into four sections. Jazz watched amazed as a beam of
light radiated off each point to become a point in the portal.
Waving one last time, Jazz leapt through the portal.