#luckily jessica arrived to put him in his place ok

[rvspecter]

[justjessame]

The Deal Chapter Four

GREENE FARM~THAT EVENING

The good news? No one was dead, yet. The better news, for my dad at least? That I was the same blood type as both him and Carl. The bad news? My little brother had been shot. A hunting accident if you can believe it. The poor hunter, a man named Otis, looked as though he wished it were him. And if you listened to Lori, she did.

I winced as the ‘nurse’ stabbed the needle into my vein. Shit, that burned. “It’ll take a few minutes, hon.” She offered, as the blood began flowing out of me. She was Otis’ wife, and I felt for both of them. No one wanted to hurt a child, not even by accident, especially now.

I nodded. “Thank you.” I said, sitting still as the blood came out of me at a steady flow. She looked surprised at my gratitude. “You’re trying to save my brother,” I offered a weak smile. “So thank you.” Hershel had walked to the outer room to speak with my parents. Dad looked like death, they’d taken so much of his blood already, so I was happy to give him a break. Carl was laying on the bed, so still and quiet, so unlike my little brother. I took his hand in mine, the one not connected to the needle. I felt his hand clutch at mine and I knew he felt me. “Carl, you’ve got to fight, but not the doctor.” I knew he had, I heard about it. “He needs to save you, do you hear me? I won’t let you go, baby brother.” I felt the tears fall from my eyes and heard the discussion of when the rest of our group would arrive, but it was like a static filled channel.

“I think you’ve given your limit,” the older farmer and doctor said, tugging the needle from my arm. I’d fallen asleep with my head on Carl’s sick bed, his hand still clutched in mine. “I think your daddy wants to speak to you, young lady.” His smile was kind and so were his eyes.

I nodded, and stood up, feeling dizzy almost immediately. “Thank you.” I offered weakly, as I felt someone’s arms help me out of the room. I looked up and groaned. Shane, of course. “That thank you was to the good doctor, not you.” I spat, letting him take me to Dad and Lori.

They had been given a room of their own, and Shane knew me well enough to not start something I didn’t want to hear. Especially since I now looked the same as Dad had when we’d arrived. In my parents’ room, there was a sandwich and glass of milk waiting for me. Dad moved forward to hug me to him. And then Lori’s arms joined his. I felt like a baby, like a toddler when I was scared of the sound of the storms outside and they’d had to comfort me.

“He’ll be alright, Jessi.” Dad whispered in my hair. “He will.” I was shaking, even I could feel how badly.

“And you’re helping so much, Jess.” Lori added, gripping me tighter. “The fact that you and Rick have the same blood type, that’s so helpful, honey.”

They pulled me to a chair and sat me down. Handing me the sandwich on a plate and the glass of milk they waited until some of my color returned. Once I felt a little steadier, I realized that Shane was still in the room. I sat down my dinner and asked about the elephant in the room.

“What’s going on?” I asked, seeing them share a look. “What’s wrong?”

Lori sighed and Dad looked like he’d rather be on the moon. “Carl is gonna need to be sedated, Jessi.” Dad said, looking like he was breaking apart slowly. “Hershel isn’t sure he’ll be still enough without it.”

I nodded showing that I understood. “He doesn’t have all the supplies he needs here. Someone has to go fetch them, if they’re even available anymore.” Lori said, managing only just to hold back tears.

Another nod from me. “Shane and Otis are gonna head out and try to get what Hershel tells them to, but we have to tell you that there’s a chance-”

I stopped that shit right there. “No.” I said, shaking my head. “There’s not a chance, Dad. It will work. Otis and Shane are going to find what he needs and Hershel will fix him.” I was glaring at my parents, daring them to contradict me. “You came back from the DEAD, Daddy. I won’t even pretend like Carl won’t do the same.” The thought that my baby brother wouldn’t make it? That couldn’t even be considered. It would be like losing Daryl. Or Dad. Or Lori even. Not imaginable.

Shane was nodding and I wanted to throw my sandwich and glass at him. Fuck you and just get it done, I thought. I knew why he was doing it. He wanted Lori’s gratitude and her hero worship back. Screw that, I didn’t care. He better take Otis and find whatever medical stuff that Hershel required to fix my baby brother, or else.

HOURS LATER~SHANE’S RETURN WITHOUT OTIS

While Shane and Otis were gone, Dad and Lori took my place at Carl’s bedside. They insisted that I get rest. Since I was blood bag B, and Dad was blood bag A I agreed. Sleep came, mostly because donating as much blood as physically possible without death was a great sleep aid. Good to know. I woke up to the sounds of Shane’s return. He was alone and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that Otis wasn’t just dead, he was sacrificed.

Shane wouldn’t want to share the glow of triumph, nah that wasn’t his style. When he went to the bathroom to shower, I went to find my dad. He told me quietly what happened, then told me to be on standby, since our services might still be needed. He also warned me that no one had told Patricia, the nurse and Otis’ wife, since she was definitely needed.

When the surgery was over, my parents and I stepped into the room. My God, had Carl always been so small? His personality was always so big and full of energy that seeing him lying on the bed after his operation made my heart hurt. Dad took the chair I’d sat on earlier, and Lori pulled on to the foot of the bed. I stood between the two of them, while Dad tried to eat a sandwich. He told us stories about Shane and him as children, and I fought to stay composed. Luckily they were both so focused on Carl that I didn’t have to shield my facial expressions as much as normal.

Shane walked in a bit later, sporting a dead man’s clothes and new buzzcut. I eyed him suspiciously and felt vindicated by his careful avoidance of my gaze. Must suck, I thought, knowing that at least one person in the group could see straight through your bullshit. We maintained a family vigil, until Hershel insisted that Lori and Dad get some rest. I think he knew I was a lost cause and he shooed Shane out as well. I took Dad’s seat after he and Lori kissed me goodnight. Taking my baby brother’s hand in mine again, I sat at his side until he woke up.

“Jessi?” I heard his hoarse voice and saw the sunlight streaming through the lace curtains. I looked up from where my head had fallen in sleep on his bed, again. He was awake. Thank God.

“Hey, little brother.” I whispered, happy that I could see him awake. “Don’t move, kid.” He’d started to twist. “You were shot, Carl. So take a rest, would you?” He chuckled and held a hand to his bandage. “Do you hurt? Should I go get Hershel?”

“Who?” He asked, inquisitive little brother back again. “Is Dad here? Mom?”

I smiled, and ran my free hand through his damp hair. “Hershel is the doctor who saved you. Actually he’s a veterinarian.” I stopped and pretended to think about that. “I did always say you were a monkey, guess that’s proof.” He giggled and I went on to assure him. “Dad and your mom are here, soon everyone will be.” I smiled down at him as I stood. Dropping a kiss on his forehead, I offered to fetch Dad and Lori. His hand gripped mine for a moment, holding me still.

“Did they find Sofia?” He asked, so worried, and I knew he was because we’d all heard him calling her name.

I nodded, and turned away so he couldn’t see the guilt of the lie I was telling. “I”ll go get Dad and Lori, OK?” He released me and I rushed from the room.

I warned Dad and Lori of the lie I told. And I watched from the doorway as they went inside and saw for themselves that he was ok. Leaning on the frame, I watched my family interact, smiling at their ease of return to normal. Lori left to use give us some time alone and to check to see if the others had come yet. I laughed when my little brother said he and Dad were the same now that they’d both been shot.

“Yeah, I think your mother would rather hear we got the same eyes. So let’s keep that between us. Since you’re in the club now, you get to wear the hat. Didn’t you know? We’ll pad the rim tomorrow so it sits better.” They looked over to where I was still standing.

“Oh, I’m good.” I said, hands up. “I share your blood type, got the same color hair. That’s more than enough for me. I have enough holes without adding to the tally.” I came over to sit on the bed while they worked out Dad’s hat schedule.

“I love you two,” Dad said, holding Carl’s hand and reaching for mine. I gave it over willingly. “Y’all, and your mom,” he nodded at Carl, “are my world.”

“I love the two of you and Lori, too, Dad.” I answered, squeezing his hand. “Just do me a favor, you two?” They both looked at me. “No more gunshot wounds, please?” They rolled their eyes and chuckled. Standing I let them know I was going to check to see if everyone made their way to the farm. Dad stopped me before I could leave the room.

“Jessica, you don’t have to share a tent now.” The tone was clear, Dixon wasn’t needed for my comfort now.

“I know I don’t have to, Dad.” I said, turning to face him. “Maybe I just want to.” And on that note, I was gone. I loved the man, but I was an adult. And he’d have to come to terms with Daryl, sooner or later.

Later that day, Patricia requested that we put Otis’ memory to rest. Since we didn’t have a body, that seemed fair. I watched Shane’s obvious discomfort at being asked to relive Otis’ final moments, and make up what was clearly not the poor man’s last words. Oh, to pry open your rotten brain, I thought, and see for myself just what you did to that poor man. We all stacked rocks on a nice memorial pile, and then we began that difficult task of deciding whether or not to restart the search for Sofia.

Dad thinks we should, if only to put our minds to rest, a decision that Shane clearly disagrees with, since I see him trying to talk Dad out of it. I rolled my eyes as Maggie, the woman on the horse who found Lori and me and told the others how to find the farm, brought out a map to help the search. Daryl tried to talk me out of it, seeing how pale I still am, but I refused to listen. Sitting here and keeping Lori and Carl company doesn’t seem like much help.

Daryl was a little surprised when Dad sent the two of us off onto our own grid while he and Shane went to theirs. Walking through the forest, hearing Andrea bitching in her own grid, I asked Daryl the likelihood of Sofia surviving alone for this long in a walker-filled forest and swamp. He smirks at me and I hold out my hand to him. Taking it, we walk hand in hand, eyes on the ground for signs of her passing through. “People get lost, they survive.” He raises my hand to his lips and kisses it. “Happens all the time.”

“She’s twelve.” I hear Andrea offer, from the left of us. Great, an audience.

“Hell, I was younger than her and I got lost. Nine days in the woods, eating berries, and wiping my ass on poison oak.” He laughed, letting our hands fall from view, but keeping mine linked with his.

Andrea came closer, and I was about to snark at her about the grid, but felt the urge fall away. “They found you?” She was curious clearly.

The gruff chuckle that Daryl gave made my stomach flip. “My dad was off on a bender with some waitress. Merle was doin’ another stint in juvie. Didn’t even know I was gone. I made my way back though. Went straight into the kitchen and made myself a sandwich. No worse for the wear. Except my ass itched somethin’ awful.”

Andrea laughed and I raised an eyebrow. Better than bitching, I thought. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, that is a terrible story.”

Daryl gave his own laugh and I joined in, it was pretty horrible. “Only difference is that Sofia has people lookin’ for her. I call that an advantage.”

I smiled up at him and squeezed his hand. Andrea drifted back to her grid, and I hoped that she hadn’t missed anything by coming over to ours. “She may have missed some signs,” I said quietly and he nodded.

“Yeah, but she stopped her complainin’.” He winked at me and I smiled.

THE NEXT DAY~GREENE FARM

Everyone is pissed because Hershel demanded that our group give over the weapons. I’m not sure why people don’t understand that it’s his land, his farm. He has the right to set the rules. I roll my eyes as Shane leads the vote of bitching and moaning about this newest issue. I see Daryl about to walk away, but rush up to join him.

“Want to come with me?” He asks, looking down at me from behind bangs that are starting to get unruly. I nod and he motions for me to come along.

Once we clear the treeline, I turn to him for a kiss. Searching for Sofia is important, I get that and so does he, but the lack of privacy in this damn place is killing me. He chuckles against my lips. I pull back and we continue along, looking for a new place to search.

The only thing we find is an abandoned house that looks like she might have been inside. Outside, Daryl is drawn to some pretty white flowers growing wild near the house. I stand beside him as he tells me the legend of the Cherokee Rose.

“It's a Cherokee Rose. The story is that when American soldiers were moving Indians off their land on the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee mothers were grieving and crying so much 'cause they were losing their little ones along the way from exposure and disease and starvation. A lot of them just disappeared. So the elders, they said a prayer; asked for a sign to uplift the mothers' spirits, give them strength and hope. The next day this rose started to grow where the mothers' tears fell.” His voice is low and gruff, and I listen in silence. Placing my hands on his shoulders, and rubbing away the tension growing in his muscles. “That’s the story anyhow.”

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, leaning down and kissing his neck. “You should take her one.” He cuts one off from the group and I look around for a suitable vase. Picking up a discarded bottle I hand it to him. “Tell Carol the story, Daryl. Give her some hope.”

He stood up and cupped my cheek in his free hand. “You’re sweeter than the rest think, Jessi.” Leaning forward his lips brush mine. “And that full moon night is comin’, soon I hope.” His smile lights up my day brighter than the sun shines.

“Let’s head back, Romeo.” I wink at him and our arms link together. How did I end up so damn lucky at the end of civilization?

[maxhamproductions]

Earth's friends: Grognak's invasion

Grognak's Invasion

Everything has lead us to this point here. The big green tentacle alien lead his army of clones to earth from Venus. After devastating the planet but not conquering, he was thirsty for blood. His large ships were the fiercest in the Universe. Their cannons capable of destroying the largest of buildings and the strongest of forts. It was time to reign supreme in the Milky Way Galaxy. Somehow the great Venusian warrior Venus Mercury managed to somehow talk Grognak into going to earth instead of conquering Venus, earth is approximately 3 light years away from Venus and Grognak's ships can travel that in about 12 earth hours.

 

Venus Mercury almost failed her people. Though she did manage to fend Grognak off and keep Venus safe for the fine being, she knew he'd be back eventually unless she destroyed him. Watching her people suffer was too hard for her to do nothing about earth's invasion. She looked at her companions, Clay, and Sheeta, they knew that the three of them were about to go to earth on a suicide mission. Venus' ship is the fastest in the universe. They hopped in her flying sphere and set off for earth, they will arrive in eight hours.

As they got closer to the blue and green planet she scanned the area for landing spots.

“Prepare for landing!” Sheeta said as the giant sphere came crashing down into the Mojave desert creating a rather large crater. They got out of their spacecraft in their shiny silver spacesuits the took steps into the sand. As they scanned the area Clay found something.

“It appears this planet's leader is located 2,583 miles in some place called ‘Manhattan’ if we leave now we can warn them with plenty of time before Grognak's inevitable arrival. They activated their spacesuit jetpacks and began flying to New York.

 

They flew faster than anything that has ever been seen on earth and because of this the F.A.A jumped onto their tails really fast.

“What should we do ma'am?” Her big green assistant asked.

“We've more important things to do than play with earth jets! Ignore them!” Venys commanded. They left the jets in their dust leaving the jet pilots confused and angered.

President Luciano was alerted of them and he assumed they were related to the resistance and Sandra's renegades.

“Dammit! Send out the robot drones to scout the area!” Vice President Jack Blade pushed a button he pulled out of his pocket which launched hundreds of tiny yet powerful drones.

When Venus and her cohorts arrived in Manhattan they scanned for the location to the Miracorps H.Q and walked on foot as their space suits changed to blend in to look like earth clothes.

 

The flying at super sonic speeds didn't just attract the attention of earths main government but it also caught the attention of Sandra and her renegades.

“Woah! What was that?” Blades said pointing at the sky but the aliens were gone with the blink of an eye. The entire group was stunned and luckily they were not far from Manhattan.

“Let's go there might be trouble!” Sandra said very concerned. What went through her mind was more about what Jack might have created to terrorize civilians more easily. They left and trekked as fast as they could.

When Sandra and her renegades arrived Venus and her friends were already at H.Q in what looked like a standoff with Jack and his team of villains to the left of her, NYPD to the right and President Luciano himself in front. Sandra and her renegades arrived next to Venus assuming she needed protection.

“Attention earth we request an attendance with the leader of this fine planet with an urgent announcement. “ She, Sheeta, and Clay put down their weapons.

 

Everyone lowered their weapons. The President, concerned, spoke aloud.

“What planet are you from exactly? I am Tony Luciano president of earth.”

“Mr. President we haven't much time an evil conqueror named Grognak is on his way as we speak to take over this planet and kill all earthlings. “ The president raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

“Please go on ms….”

“Mercury. Venus Mercury the great warrior princess of Venus.” She was recognized by one of his secret service members. They whispered in his ear.

“Sir, that is Jessica Stryder from our failed space program of about five years ago.”

“Didn't we abandon her?”

“Yes sir.”

“Ms. Mercury please tell us what we should do to prepare for this…”

“Grognak.”

“Right Grognak. (Call the paranormal force). Right this way please let's discuss further in my office. “ He forced a smile and let her into the massive building. Jack and Sandra looked at each other and both felt this was not the time to continue their rivalry.

 

It was the start of a normal school day at Stan Lee Elementary located in Queens. For Jackson, Chloe, Lacey, and Seeley they moved on into their classrooms before a melancholy announcement was heard over the p.a system.

“Attention faculty and students there is a major event going on at the Capitol building, Miracorps H.Q, please turn on your classroom projectors to watch the news. Chloe and Jackson's teacher did just that. The announcer was a young blond lady

“It appears just one hour ago there was a standoff between local and federal authorities and the terrorists known as Sandra's renegades. Witnesses are unsure why they were there but they also say there was an alien girl in the middle of it all asking for a conference with president Luciano Witnesses claim she has to warn him of a dangerous alien coming to conquer earth!” After hearing this news both Jackson and Chloe raised their hands and asked to use the bathroom. The teacher dismissed them and out in the hallway they met up with their younger siblings Lacey and Seeley and they transformed into the Siamese Ninja Heroes.

“Let's get ready for action!” Jackson yelled.

 

They transformed into the feline quad and teleported to where they needed to go. When they arrived they confused both Jack and Sandra.

“What the hell?” Jack yelled.

“We really need to address that teleportation after transformation thing don't we?” Skye laughed. Max scanned the feline children as did Garfield.

“It appears what we have before us are four mystical feline beings powered by the elements “ Max said giving his analysis.

“In English please! Reeze said smacking him in the back of the head.

“Four magic cats.” Max dubbed it down for him.

“First aliens now cats?” Reeze said scratching his head.

“Uh fear not citizens we are the Siamese Ninja Heroes and we are here to stop the evil aliens!” Fury said deepening his voice as he spoke.

 

“Did someone say aliens “ A voice from afar uttered. It was Vocatus and Adolwolf of the Paranormal Force! Jack recognized him right away and decided to go inside the building and meet up with president Luciano.

“I don't need this kind of trouble Jack Blade out!” Sandra on the other hand was a little more star struck. She had never met any of the Paranormal Force or even seen them in person. The Siamese Ninja Heroes didn't know who he was. Vocatus shot them with a beam that froze them in team.

“Are these the aliens?” Vocatus asked.

“They don't smell like aliens, sir!” Adolwolf replied sniffing them. “They smell like…children.”

“Who are you and why are you…dressed like that?” Vocatus asked as he unfrozen them.

“We're the Siamese Ninja Heroes!” Bibie blurted out.

“Run along kiddos , this is grown up work.” He turned to Sandra.

“I'm going to pretend I didn't see you as my orders are to arrest you on the spot.”

“Thanks Captain!” Sandra said as she and her cohorts fled the scene. The cats stayed.

“But we're here to help!” Fury exclaimed.

“This is no job for kids even if you are mystics.” They became annoyed but Fury was angered.

“Do you know why they call me Fury?”

“Fury don't!” Rosie said trying to hold Fury back but fire entered his eyes and a fireball in each hand.

“I'm not playing!” He said as he shoved Rosie to the side and marched toward Vocatus.

“Don't do this Fury! We don't attack other good guys!”

“Shut up Rosie!” He created a huge flamethrower around Vocatus and Adolwolf as the other Siamese Ninja Heroes ran for cover. Skye texted Super Steak for help and Rosie contacted Sheila.

 

Steak sat in his seventh grade classroom counting the minutes until lunch. Mrs. Tanglia taught algebra boldly but mostly she was BORING. Steak's belt vibrated and he became anxious and fidgety.

“Is there a problem Steak?”

“Yes may I please get some fresh air?”

“Yes, but please hurry back!” She was annoyed but recognized the new school policy which was to allow students to leave as necessary. He rushed out of the classroom and into a janitor’s closet he answered his beeperwear saw that it was Seeley/Skye, rolled his eyes, but transformed into Super Steak and flew to Miracorps H.Q.

 

Sheila's home ect class was going well she, of course, was queen of the classroom distributing work to all of her classmates. When she noticed the text from Chloe/Rosie she stopped what she was doing and forwarded the message to her secret team mates.

“Are you ok, Sheila? You look like you saw a ghost. “ Her teacher asked.

“Yes sorry I just got an important text, I need to leave and make a phone call.”

“Of course!” Sheila scurried out of the school into the courtyard where her friends meet her. Scott is in a bathing suit as he was in the middle of swim class. They look at him and laugh.

“What happened Scott?”

“I received your text during swim team!” They snickered a bit more and all transformed into their respective beast modes. Jamie into a bird.

“Come on guys let's go help our friends!” Jamie said flying away as the others ran to try and keep up.

[coolminhye-blog]

He Came from Narnia: Chapter 2

Jessica followed Doodle through the dense woods to a pond and ducked into his little hole. She looked around in amazement with all his trinkets, swords, shields and daggers hanging on the walls. She noticed some pictures sitting on a mantle of a young Korean man and his wife, "Is this the Prince?", Jessica asked. Doodle scowled, "You really think the prince is that good looking? You silly woman, that is me before I was cursed to be a woodland elf." "That was you?", Jessica asked shocked. "Why were you cursed?" "Same reason the Prince is cursed to change into a Snow Wolf every full moon," Doodle said. "She is angry again. So I was taken from my wife and new baby to fight her and she turned half the army into woodland elves. I was a handsome man once, went by the name of YoungJae. I miss my wife, I used to live in your world. Now I'm stuck here until the chosen one comes home. That's why I'm so happy you're here!" "Wait, so what the Shaman back in the village said is true?", Jessica still shocked continued to pepper Doodle with questions. "Why do I have to fight? I don't know how to fight!" "When we get you into training you will remember," Doodle assured Jessica. "It's been 100's of years since you were banished. She knows you're home to take your revenge." "What is the Prince's name?", Jessica asked curiously. "Jackson," Doodle responded. "His name is Jackson and he has a fraternal twin brother who disappeared when they were kids. No one know what happened. And his best Knight is Mark, they guy can wield a sword like no one I've ever seen. If Jackson didn't make himself well known as the Prince of Narnia, Mark would easily be mistaken for a Prince instead of a Knight." "Mark must be pretty handsome then," Jessica stated. "He's handsome alright," Doodle responded. "People can also take Mark more seriously than Jackson. It's no wonder he got himself cursed, he taunts people and goofs around too much." "So who is SHE?", Jessica asked. "I don't know how to train for someone or something I don't know about." "She is the wicked Queen come back to turn Narnia into a snow covered forever cold land again. We don't mind snow in the winter when it comes, but winter all the time? I had to fight that big war and that's when I became this. I am immortal and as long as I am a woodland elf I will never grow old." Doodle sat down on a stool sadly and held the picture of him and his wife. "I miss her, Jessica. Help me go home." "I don't know how," Jessica said. "But, if you introduce me to the right people and help me train to fight the evil Queen, I will do my best!" "OK huntress Jessica, let's go!", Doodle said excitedly. "I have some other friends I want you to meet!" "Are they elves too?", Jessica asked. "A couple of them are," Doodle giggled. "The others were turned into a hobbit, a fox and a couple luckily stayed human!" Doodle took Jessica through a winding path of talking tree and animals, a little two tailed black and white fox came bounding at them and pounced on Doodle. "Junior!", Doodle yelled excitedly, "How is the day?" "The sun is shining and I hear the chosen one is here," Junior said. "This is a glorious day!" "Junior, meet Jessica," Doodle pointed in Jessica's direction. "She's the huntress who was banished to the other world during the battle, remember?" "Yes, I remember you," Junior said in a low growl. "How did you get back? Why did you come back?" "I followed a glowing path of blue bubbles to an armoire in Andong, South Korea," Jessica said. "I am on vacation with some friends and a crazy shaman lady told me I am the chosen one who will bind to worlds together." Junior the fox gasped, "You're the chosen one, huntress?" He bowed waggling his little butt and two tails in the air. "I'm so happy you're here. Being a fox for a little while was fun, but as the food grows scarce, it's less and less fun." "Do you have a wife and kids too, Junior?", Jessica asked. "Me? Oh heavens no," Junior explained, "I was just a rising pop star with amazing dancing skills. Sadly, very single and lonely. Stardom isn't easy, is it YoungJae?" "You two were pop stars together?", Jessica asked in awe. "Yep, apart of an up and coming Korean idol group," Doodle said hanging his head. "Then we all got sucked in here because Jackson wanted to be Prince!" Jessica roared with laughter, "You all got stuck being cursed because of a team mate? That's very greedy of him and not so Prince Charming like. He sounds like he deserves to be cursed." "I wouldn't say he deserves it necessarily," Junior said. "But he is kind of an asshat." "Let's go find JB and Yugyeom!", Doodle said excitedly. "They will love to meet Jessica!" Jessica set off on the trail with Doodle and Junior once more to find their friends. As we wandered through the forest Jessica heard a strange noise behind her and instinctively grabbed an arrow and her bow and aimed in the direction of the sound: "Don't shoot!", a dwarf yelled. "I'm a friend!" "It's JB!", Junior smiled as much as he could as a two tailed fox. "JB, the huntress has come home!" Jessica lowered her bow and placed the arrow back in the pouch, "How did I do that?" "Your primal instincts are returning, Jessica," JB said as he approached. "You've been gone too long. We've missed you here in the forest." "what was my role here? How do you all know me so well?", Jessica asked. "You are the protector of the forest, Jessica." JB explained. "Everyone knows, loves and fears you." JB reached out for a hug and Jessica shrank down a little to give it to him. Jessica isn't very tall, so hugging a dwarf isn't much of a chore. "We should keep going," Doodle urged. "We still need to find Yugyeom." As they continued walking the trees began talking more and welcoming Jessica home. She was overwhelmed at how many animals and woodland creatures knew her here. Back in Sacramento she was just shadow working odd jobs in order to make ends meet! Here in Narnia, she was famous! She was in charge of something other than her own pathetic broke ass life. Jessica was begging to change her mind about going back out of the armoire, she was getting comfortable here. Suddenly there was a buzz passed Jessica's ear and she jolted to the right. She grabbed an arrow from her pack and aimed in the direction the other arrow came from: "Welcome home Huntress," a sexy deep voice emerged from the thicket. "We've missed you." A handsome blond haired Asian man came out of the bushes strapping his bow over his back along with an elf sword. His pointy elf ears wiggled with delight at seeing Jessica and he extended his arms out for a hug. "I thought you said two of you were left human," I looked at Doodle. "Yeah, Jackson and Bam Bam are still human," Doodle said. "This is the other elf, he's just...bigger than me." Yugyeom continued to reach out to Jessica for a hug and she gave in. "I'm glad to see you home, babe." He said embracing her in his muscular elf arms. "BABE?!" Jessica asked confused. "I'm your girlfriend?" "You don't remember?", Yugyeom asked totally astonished and heart broken. "When I was still human we were engaged! You really don't remember?" "She remembers nothing, Yugyeom," Doodle said gently. "We need to be gentle. She may recognize faces but not really be able to put things into perspective just yet. Fill her in on details as we walk." "Who is Bam Bam?", Jessica asked. "He's a lucky one who got away from the curse," Junior said. "We haven't been able to find him yet. He just...disappeared." "Hopefully he didn't turn to the cold side and start working for HER," Yugyeom said coldly. "I would be greatly disappointed." "Didn't you say Prince Jackson had a fraternal twin who disappeared?", Jessica asked. "Bam Bam being Jackson's twin? No way! They look nothing a like!", JB said. "Hence being fraternal twins," Jessica said scowling. "Fraternal twins don't look like each other identical twins do!" JB hung his head low in shame for not understanding completely, he wasn't the brightest in the bunch but they loved him anyway. JB and everyone else is an important piece of the puzzle! And for Jessica, this was a like putting together a 3D 1,000 piece puzzle. She had no recollection of being a huntress in another realm and had no idea who these boys would be in the "realm" she just came from. She can't say the "real world" because to them, this is real, it's very real! The battles, the curses and the shapeshifting is all real for them and now it is real to her. The group came around a bend and heard horses approaching quickly, they all backed off to the side, Jessica grabbing Junior and holding him close so he didn’t get run over. Junior began to purr like a cat as Jessica pet him and played with his tails. The men on horses stopped: "Greetings Huntress, I heard you were back in Narnia," said a golden haired Asian boy high on his white steed. "Welcome home, huntress, your bow and arrow are in high demand." "Who are you?", Jessica asked. "And how do you know who I am?" The boy laughed throwing his head back, "You are funny huntress. I am Sir Mark, Prince Jackson's right hand. I will be happy to escort you and your friends back to the palace to meet the Prince himself so you may present your bow to his army." I looked at JB, Doodle, Yugyeom and the purring Junior in my arms for confirmation that this would be OK. They all nodded accept Junior who just continued to purr and nuzzle into Jessica's breast. "OK Sir Mark, we will follow you," Jessica said holding her head high attempting to be authoretive and not show how terrified she really was. "Great, follow me," Mark said turning his horse about with the rest of the knights behind him. We walked a good half mile before reaching the castle gates, Mark lead everyone in to the courtyard and asked them to wait there while he notified the Prince of their arrival. Jessica set Junior down and let him scamper about like the little two tailed fox he is with all his energy. He spotted a chicken coop and began to hunker down for a pounce. A guard caught him in mid pouncing stance and yelled: "Those are the Prince's chickens, fox! If you're hungry for one wait for dinner." Junior did as he was told but pouted none the less. He coward back to Jessica's feet and begged to be picked up again so he wouldn't cause anymore trouble. Shortly after Jessica picked Junior back up they heard the trumpets sound to make the announcement the Prince was on his way. They watched in anticipation for the Prince to walk through the crowd of Knights, and that he did. Prince Jackson made his grand entrance with his generously adorned silver crown, ice blue thrown robe gilded in white gold, his silver knee high boots and raven black pants and ruffled blouse with a white gold chain dangling around his neck. His broad shoulders, fine jaw line and piercing brown eyes took control of Jessica and she dropped Junior unknowingly. Junior snarled at Jessica in discomfort of being dropped carelessly and not receiving any form of an apology or scratch behind the ear to make him feel better. Jessica just continued to stare at Prince Jackson as he entered the court yard. Junior plopped himself in front of Jessica as her guard and proceeded to snarl and frill his fur at the Prince. "Huntress, welcome home!", Prince Jackson shouted with a smile raising his hands. "Welcome to my castle and thank you for bringing my friends along, I missed them." "If you missed them so much why don't they live here?", Jessica managed to utter angrily. "Why are they living in the forest where you ignore them?" The Prince scoffed, "I talk to them often enough! Besides, they know how to find me." The Prince sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, "Anyway, follow me, we shall dine and drink fine wine tonight in celebration of your return." The Prince turned about face throwing his robe behind him and sauntering away. Jessica had no idea what she was getting herself into by being in the Prince's clutches. Her new friends would have to be her conscience, otherwise things would end very very badly.