The Boys bring the farm back into shape. They want at least do this for Martha since they practically failed to bring the horses back.
Jeb even tries to refurbish the truck! Oh my...
Jeb, Jack and Saiwa don't know yet of Vlad's thought to untie the bond between him and Ji Ho. Which would make it impossible to make the farm visible again since the meteorites are tied to Ji Ho and Vlad and the magic of their bond.
Vlad and Kiyoshi are about to demolish Adriano's crooked stable.
Image
Vlad: "Don't worry, Adriano. You'll get a better place to live!"
Adriano is not convinced. (The shadow of them )
Vlad is playing along even though he knows that their efforts are pointless. They will soon leave after the bond is untied and the farm will remain invisible forever.
And they can all live a relatively free and calm life after this. Who knows where it's leading? Jeb and Saiwa will live at their own place together, that's for sure. And maybe he will look for a place for Jack, Adriano and him. Kiyoshi will return to the temple and go whereever the Council sends him. And Ji Ho?
Meanwhile poor Saiwa is still worrying about what to tell Martha. She set such high hopes in them. And now she'll get the farm back without the horses. And since the horses are attached to the goats through their deal, she'll even loose them! Oh my - they are going to have to care for a whole zoo! 6 part time horses, 6 goats, a llama and a werewolf!
Ji Ho is letting off steam.
Now that they finally overcame all of their hardships and Ji Ho is finally trying to learn to love Vlad - Vlad wants to untie their bond!
Image
He just can't figure him out! Why is everything so complicated with him? Like Kiyoshi said - they could do so much good in this world and help people with their magic. And if they'd have to touch each other or do whatever the Bond demands - he'd gladly do it! Ach.
'Five o'clock in the mornin' I'm already up and gone
Lord, I'm so tired. How long can this go on?
Workin' in the coal mine Goin' on down, down
Workin' in a coal mine Oops, about to slip down'
I like this screenshot of Jeb so much that I pondered about his possible future as a mechanic.
And since Jack loves cars too (besides spaceships why not let them open a garage together? ππππ π¨π½βπ§π¨π½βπ§
Somewhere in the future ^^'
Jack in Strangerville during the 'Sabotage' chapter.
Jack at Summer Solstice, when he stole Ms Coombes truck to save Ji Ho's life with 'Welcome to the Jungle'
Jack in his special from the 70's Party
And in his room at Belgraves Institute, where he barely had anything on his wall than photos of Kiyoshi - and a car ^^'
And adult Jack's son Logan. His kidnapper got in a fight with some random NPC and he only had eyes for the car! Like father - like son ^^'
They could use Guilia's Garage. Only - Saiwa would have to drive the cars in and out of the garage. Neither Jeb nor Jack has a drivers license - yet. Haha I remember Sims 3 days when you could teach your kids driving! Imagine Saiwa teaching Jack how to drive! Two get into the car - but only one gets out ΓΆ.Γ'
Looks so much better now! This farm will never be a flagship build but at least it looks not that rundown anymore when Martha returns.
Jeb even managed to get that truck roadworthy again!
And Saiwa and Ji Ho planted grapevines. So Martha can make at least her wine here for a living.
Since she has no horses and goats anymore -.-
Kiyoshi and the goats are worried. What is Vlad's plan? Is he really going to try to untie the bond? Does Adriano look so angry because he knows something we don't know?
They moved the Goat Party to the back of the lot.
Martha won't have much use of it after the goats left with the Boys :,(
Maybe their last barbeque at the farm.
(The way Jeb looks at Vlad)
After dinner they went over to the firepit to burn the remnants of the shrubs they'd cut all day.
Jack, who isn't aware of Vlad's plans to cut the bond (and by doing so making it impossible to give the farm back to Martha):
Jack: "Ah Martha will be happy here. Even without horses and goats. We did our best and we can move on with a good conscience, right?"
Vlad: "Uhm - right."
And then Ji Ho looked at him with a transfigured gaze... As if he couldn't wait to give the Bond whatever it might demand from them to uncover the farm.
Vlad is feeling seasick...
Wait - is the Bond playing tricks on him? It must be aware of what he is about to do!
Saiwa: "Vlad! No weakness! We need you in your best shape tomorrow!"
Jack managed to light the fire without causing a havoc. That's suspicious. And another hint that something is terribly wrong here.
Aouwww
They were all tired and didn't last long. And when the fire burnt down, the went to the patio and said good night. Ji Ho had a talk with their Lily and Saiwa gave Jack instructions for his first night sharing a room with Kiyoshi. (Saiwa doesn't know they already shared a room at the Temple and at the Burrow. And of course no one knows about their secret relationship...).
Saiwa: "Don't act weird! I haven't forgotten about your obssession with Kiyoshi. Stay away from him - don't even look is his direction. Don't make him feel uncomfortable - or you'll sleep on your blanket here at the patio - I warn you."
Jack: "Yeah yeah - understood. Can I go now? I'm tired. "
But of course Jack stared at Kiyoshi when he came out of the shower. How couldn't he? He's a werewolf after all and Kiyoshi is the most beautiful being he'd ever seen!
Saiwa, from the patio: "JACK! I knew I couldn't trust you!"
Jack: ? Γ.Γ'
Saiwa: "This is your last warning."
Saiwa: "Stay behind this line and the divider."
A torture room for Jack...
And then Kiyoshi made it even worse: "Don't worry, Saiwa. We will be good - and it won't be for long. I will have to leave soon. You know, my obligations for the Resistance."
Saiwa: "Right. Thank you for helping us out, Kiyoshi. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Just endure him for a little longer."
Kiyoshi: "I will."
'And I'm never gonna leave ya baby
Storms will come it'll rain like crazy
We'll find our shelter in each other baby. I will never leave you
No I'm never gonna leave ya baby
We'll beat the odds and then just maybe
Find a little hideaway escape yeah. I will never leave you'
Kiyoshi: "Don't be sad. It only makes it harder for me to leave. We knew this day would come. Let's just be happy we could spend this time here together, hm?"
Kiyoshi walked towards him.
Jack: "What are you doing? Saiwa said..."
Kiyoshi: "He only said you should stay behind the line... no word about me "
Jack: "You are my kind of scum, fearless and inventive."
Kiyoshi: "I wish it weren't like it is. But we can't help it. We gotta make the most out of the little time we have together."
And they did.
Jack: "Kiyoshi, before you leave ... we need to talk. About what I said earlier. About us and this 'fated mates thing'..."
Kiyoshi: "I wish you wouldn't call it like this."
Jack: "Uhm anyway - I had to make this 'let something go to gain something' deal with Greg in the Otherworld and I promised to not be so 'obsessive' about you anymore. I will try to trust you more and wind down my jealousy to not be a burden for you..."
Kiyoshi: "Gods Jack! Why would you say that? Oh I wish I could make you feel it! You wouldn't have doubts anymore."
Jack: "Ah - but don't expect too much. I will always be a burden for you. But I want you to know that I do my best."
Kiyoshi: "Jack - are you listening to me? Jack - I love you and I will always love you - no matter what. Do you think my deity would let you live if you weren't my fated mate?"
Jack: "Maybe you're the one of us with the weirder beliefs? What if this old man tricked you and he's just as crazy as I am? Just more powerful? What makes you so sure about us? Why would fate waste someone like you on someone like me?"
Kiyoshi: "I'm going to have faith for both of us then - until you feel it too. You'll see. Don't worry too much."
'We'll follow the rainbow wherever the four winds blow
And there'll be a new day comin' your way
I'm gonna be here for ya from now on this you know somehow
You've been stretched to the limits but it's alright now'
Ji Ho sleeps so deeply since Vlad and him share a room, he didn't even hear Adriano coming inside.
Only when he stomped with his hooves, Ji Ho eventually woke up.
Ji Ho noticed that Vlad was gone! And he remembered what he said about cutting their bond! Adriano really knew something we didn't know!
Ji Ho: "Thank you, Adriano!"
Ji Ho ran outside as fast as he could to stop him - but it was too late.
At least Ji Ho saw in which direction Vlad and Diablo rode.
Ji Ho hastily donned his clothes and called Yang Mal so they could follow Vlad.
Ji Ho can't let Vlad do this - not now they've come so far!
Oh no - Ji Ho was distracted thinking of Vlad and lost his way!
Will he find another way? Will he be able to find Vlad? And if - will he be in time to stop him?
'You're heading on a one way trip
It's blizzarding out so you take a dip
Then you look down at your phone
No message from your baby 'cause you're all alone
With all your cheats and all your lies
Your faithful father won't forgive your crimes'
Ji Ho and Yang Mal finally reached New Appaloosa.
There is Diablo! In front of the 'Oak Barrel'!
And Vlad!
And - Morgan? Oh no - she found them!
Ji Ho: "Leave Vlad alone!"
Morgan: "He is the one who ordered me here. He now knows you beguiled him with your siren's song to obtain acess to his powers.
He booked this hotel room to bond with me and get rid of you before you can cause more harm to him and his friends."
Ji Ho: "What???"
Vlad turned around with a cold gaze: "Morgan - come."
Morgan: "You heard him. He is aware that all of their hardships started after you joined them. Do you want them to be on the run forever? The Council is only after them because of you and the prophecy. Vlad alone is no danger to them and your friends neither.
You only brought them misery."
Morgan: "He'll bond with me and this finally will be over. The prophecy will be null and void and Vlad and your friends can live in peace. Leave now for good and don't bother us."
This said, she went inside - to become Vlad's bonded.
Ji Ho knows she is right. His inner turmoil caused a thunderstorm and he watched them helplessly from the street below.
And when they turned off the lights and closed the curtains, Ji Ho awakened from his stasis.
What is more important to him?
His friends being save without him? Or selfishly clinging on them - and Vlad? And put them in jeopardy...
He is in despair. And torn. Unable to think straight.
And so he asked the gods and the universe for a sign.
Shall he stop them?
And they answered...
And what a sign it was!
Ji Ho was just about to storm inside to stop them - when Morgan left. Possibly to report to the council of her victory.
It was too late.
Oh no! Ji Ho ran over to the entrance...
But should he enter? What would that matter now anyway? Wouldn't it be better to leave silently - like he came? Now that it all was decided?
He could go back to Genji, his first bonded and live with him?
'Once upon a time I was falling in love but now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do, a total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart'
Ji Ho fought the urge to run away/break down/throw up and went upstairs. Morgan even put one of these β‘ roses on the nightstand!
Oh gods! Why did he even enter this room? It feels like he'd been stabbed in his heart with a red hot dagger.
The bond was silent. Both of them felt it.
Even though he wanted to run, Ji Ho stepped into the room.
Vlad wanted to scream at him. How could Ji Ho live among them for over one year and trick them all? How could they have been so oblivious? Everyone knows how cold-blooded and evil mermaids are. They drag you into the dephts with their chants and laugh while you slowly drown. So why is Ji Ho crying? Because he got caught before he succeeded?
But no soul can stand seeing Ji Ho cry. Not even a black one like Vlad's...
And when Ji Ho was just about to leave, Vlad stopped him.
And the bond took over the reins again...
Does this mean it's still there? Or is there something else dragging them towards each other?
Neither Vlad nor Ji Ho were capeable to form any thought.
'You think it's over, that it's our last time
But I can't accept those thoughts
I can't let go. Cuz' you never know
My love for you, your love for me
We'll never find a love the same again
Nobody knows. We always know
And even though Vlad is convinced that Ji Ho put a siren's spell on him to seduce him to get a grip on his powers and Ji Ho thinks Vlad bit Morgan to cut their bond, they couldn't fight it.
Whatever was left between them was still strong enough to break their resistance.
A sharp gaze digs into my head
It's not me, my chrome heart hasn't moved at all
It's what you chose, woah
Flowing through your blood vessels
Are hundreds of millions of my crystals
Finally it has started, the end of my transformation
Isn't this love too? Oh, woah
Early morning at the Farm. Ji Ho and Vlad are late for breakfast.
(And the Lily blooms! When Ji Ho talked to it yesterday evening there were no blossoms. And now, after this night together, it blooms? ΓΆ.ΓΆ)
Saiwa finds their room empty. (And Ji Ho even forgot his phone when he found Vlad gone and chased after him.)
So Sai called Vlad.
Vlad's phone rings... π±π
Saiwa, via the phone: "You little rascals! Sneaked away to woohoo!"
Vlad: "How do you know?!"
Saiwa: "What do you mean? That was the plan anyway. And it worked! The farm is visible again! The crater is gone! Haha and I was worried it would take more to convince you! See you!"
They had been tricked - again! Even though Vlad had tried everything to cut their bond and spare Ji Ho from this madness - they again saved the world by making love...
And as the sun rose, Morgan's evil seed of doubts rose in Vlad and Ji Ho.
Involuntary they saved the farm with their bond magic.
But Vlad doesn't feel the bond anymore. It's mad at him and won't forgive his betrayal and attempted murder. He will be punished.
Ji Ho is its good boy. He always had a deeper connection to the bond and did his best to make it happy, even though it was so hard for him.
'There's nothing more I want now
I can't even tell if my heart is beating
Instead of having forceful conversations with others
I'd rather enjoy the awkward silence with you
So stay, wherever that may be
When darkness comes sometimes, I'll be your fire
In a world full of lies, the only truth is you
This' a letter from me to you
Don't leave me before the dark night traps me in
Do you still love me?
If you feel the same, don't leave today
Don't ask why it has to be you. Just stay with me'
When Ji Ho and Vlad crossed the bridge to the farm they heard Juniper, who was riding in front of them, yell: "THE FARM!"
So Saiwa was right. The farm is visible again!
As they stepped towards the meteorites, where the others waited, Ji Ho froze. There was his dead brother. The last time he appeared to Ji Ho was when he worked at the 'Diner de los Muertos' last year.
No one except Ji Ho can see him anyway so there was no need to upset the others. Like last year, Tae Woon held a little ghost and a sea shell... He took a few steps in Ji Ho's direction and vanished again.
Ji Ho had been so busy then that he hadn't thought a lot about this encounter. But now it's time to take actions to send his brother to the other side - and find out what happened to Guidry, whom Ms Coombes had sent out to help Tae Woon - and never was seen again...
Time to finally remove the meteorites. Will they ever find out why they fell from the sky the same moment when Vlad and Ji Ho met? And why they caused an impact that could make a whole farm vanish?
Vlad and Ji Ho silently agreed to not tell the others about Morgan and the poison she injected them. Saiwa would kill them.
They would leave soon anyway. And if the Council should look for them here, they'd be long gone.
If looks could kill...
When Vlad and Ji Ho stepped closer, the last remnants of the crater faded and they finally could pick up the meteorites.
Mission complete!
They will spend the rest of the day cleaning up and pack their belongings together and leave tomorrow morning. Who knows where...
'Well, I really don't mind the rain and the smile can hide all the pain
But you're down when you're ridin' the train that's takin' the long way
And I dream of the things I'll do
With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe'
Saiwa and Kiyoshi/Conny are on their way to Martha, to bring the good/bad news.
She already awaits them. "Oh the horses! How wonderful!"
Kiyoshi/Conny: "You have sheep now?"
Martha: "Haha yes! Between us - these goats scared the hell out of me! I'm glad you took them with you. I will give them away after you left. Sheep are so much more sociable and friendly! Look at them!"
Martha asked them inside where another suprise waited.
Mysterious Rancher Roberto Crinkletop! Agnes Crumplebottom's husband on the run!
Martha: "I hired him to help me with the farm, now that it's visible again."
And then Saiwa had to confess that the horses refused to leave the Otherworld. Except for some shorter visits and the new episodes for 'The Stables'. And that they bound themselves to the goats and the Boys...
Martha: "Don't worry, Boys! We are too old anyway to care for six horses. The sheep and the vineyard will keep us busy enough. And you deserve them!"
"Look, I am well aware what you did for me. You risked your health and your lives to find the horses and bring the farm back. And by doing this you hadn't even enough time to make a living with the farm and I can't pay you. You don't owe me anything and I'm so, so grateful!"
Martha: "Right, my dear Roberto?"
Kiyoshi/Conny: "Ahem - I think we should leave now..."
Martha: "Let's meet at the Country Bunker this evening to celebrate! It's on me."
Saiwa: "Thank you, Martha. For everything."
'Never had a plan just a livin' for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin' and a litttle 'bout love'
The Boys are packing their belongings together. They'll leave the farm early tomorrow morning. One of the neighbors gifted them an old horse trailer for Adriano. (In fact they were happy to get rid of it. Now that the horse hype is over, the trailers can be found abandoned all over Chestnut Ridge...)
Jack: "Ah I can't wait to leave! We almost spent two months here in this wasteland!"
Ji Ho looks not good at all.
Saiwa: "Don't worry. We will find a place for us. In the meantime we can stay at the Bunker or at the Temple."
Ji Ho: "Ok..." Saiwa doesn't know about his inner turmoil revolving around Vlad and his dead brother...
And then Kiyoshi called Saiwa inside.
Kiyoshi: "I'm leaving tonight. It's too uncertain for me now that the Farm is visible again and I'm not protected by how different time goes by here. The Council will want to see me soon. And I thought I might have my eyes and ears there to warn you if somthing comes up about you."
Saiwa: "Thank you, Kiyoshi. For everything you did for us."
Saiwa: "You are really something else. I felt that from the first moment I met you - it literally hit me like a bolt! Hahaha."
A bolt? A BOLT???
Jack's fuses blew. Gladly he hadn't dissembled his whiteboard yet. And so he put all the puzzle pieces together:
1. The evidence someone met his fated mate is that it hits them like a bolt.
2. Jack hadn't been hit by a bolt ever.
3. Kiyoshi claims he had been hit by a bolt when he first saw him, but there was another person in that room, except Dtui (who already had met her fated mate) and that was π Saiwa!
5. And Saiwa just said he had been hit by a bolt when he first saw Kiyoshi!
6. What when on the day Kiyoshi asked Ji Ho for a prom date 'with his cute friend over there' he meant Saiwa and not him?
7. Therefore he walked past him on prom day! Because Saiwa is Kiyoshi's fated mate and not him!
Jack: "What game are you playing, demon?"
omg Jack...
'Here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I've ever known
Like a drifter, I was born to walk alone
And I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
I'm just another heart in need of rescue
Waiting on love's sweet charity
And I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days'
The Boys' last night in Chestnut Ridge. They ride over to the Country Bunker to meet Martha.
Jack and Ji Ho are falling behind. Both lost in thought. Jack didn't even complain about riding his crazy horse.
Saiwa: "Hurry up you two!"
Martha: "So you finally can return home!"
Saiwa: "Ah uhm - we are staying with friends. We don't have a home yet."
Martha: "Oh Boys..."
Kiyoshi is so sad he has to leave Jack. Their time together was too short. And it's breaking Kiyoshi's heart that Jack doesn't feel their special connection. It would make it so much easier for them to endure their absence from each other if Jack had a little faith in their love.
Kiyoshi: "Jeb, I left a present for you and Saiwa. Make sure you use it well."
Jeb: "Thank you my friend! We will. What is it?"
Kiyoshi: "Ask Saiwa."
The neighbors asked them to play a last song before they leave. They even removed the fence ^^' Jack joined Ji Ho and Jeb with his violin. Despite his many mental problems, Jack is very talented in arts and music.
Do the locals wear bear costumes to show their solidarity for the creatures? How sweet π The Boys slowly change the view people have on creatures.
Ji Ho sang: 'Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong
West Virginia, mounty mamma - Take me home, country roads'.
Will the Boys ever call a place their home? Or will they be on the road forever? Running from the Council.
And when Ji Ho sang the verse
'All my memories gathered 'round her
Miner's lady stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrops in my eye'
Kiyoshi was close to tears and left.
He can't say a proper goodbye to Jack anyway and his heart is too heavy to face the others.
And so Kiyoshi left Chestnut Ridge to return to his obligations within the Council - and the Resistance. Who knows when they can meet again.
But not alone. Little Goat, Kiri and Kiri's sheep Kumo accompany him.
Soon after Kiyoshi, Ji Ho left.
He's heading for Sulani - to eventually find Guidry and send his dead brother to the other side.
And then Vlad stumbled and fell.
Jack: "OMG Vlad!"
Vlad is blind again.
The punishment for trying to murder the bond.
(TMI Vlad was blind when he returned from hell after his death.)
Since Ji Ho had been able to fix Vlad's blindness before, they were looking for him. But he was nowhere to be found and didn't answer his phone.
Saiwa has a hunch: "What happened yesterday? I should have known making the farm visible couldn't have been solved this easily. Why are you blind, Vlad?"
They went back to the farm to see if Ji Ho is there.
Jack is already running inside.
Saiwa: "Vlad wait, Jeb is going to help you to dismount."
Vlad and his foolish pride...
Jeb: "I'm here, Vlad."
Vlad: "We need to leave immediately! Ji Ho went to Sulani! Alone!"
Saiwa: "Did Vlad fall on his head?"
Jeb: "I'm sorry, he was too fast. But Vlad, Ji Ho would never set a foot at Sulani again. His life there was a nightmare. Let's get you patched up and then we try to find Ji Ho."
Vlad: "NO! I've seen his dead brother, with the ghost and the shell! The shell resembles Sulani and the ghost Guidry, who also vanished at Sulani!"
Saiwa: "Vlad, that's nonsense. If he wanted to save his brother and Guidry, he would have told us and we would have helped him."
Vlad: "He thought he is a nuisance and a danger to us."
Saiwa: "Why would he think that? What happened that night?"
Vlad: "I wanted Ji Ho to be free to choose whom he loves and spare him from this 'save the world with making love' madness! So I wanted to cut our bond. I did this for you too. We can't be on the run forever. Each one of you deserves a life without this madness. Ji Ho must have had the same thoughts. You are all only in danger because of us and that πΈπΈπΈπΈ bond."
Saiwa: "Do you really think that? What life would that be under the Council? Yes, we all want a better life - but this won't be possible without fighting for it! And that's why we are doing this!"
Saiwa: "So what happened?"
Vlad sighs: "I remembered the prophecy and Morgan's offer and I called her to bond with her and finally end this. She must have told Ji Ho about my intentions."
Saiwa started to cry: "I can't believe you did this. Why is no one ever talking to us before he does something stupid? But you didn't, right? Otherwise you couldn't have made the farm visible again, right? Tell me you didn't bond with Morgan!"
Vlad: "I couldn't. And she left." Saiwa: "Let me guess. Ji Ho does still think you did, right? Because you don't talk, right? Gods - I can't believe I shipped you!"
Saiwa squared his shoulders: "Get in the car. We're heading for Sulani."
Vlad is Jack's best friend. But Jack is not sure if he can forgive him this. But Saiwa will kill Vlad anyway after they found Ji Ho, so...
And this is how the Boys, Adriano, the goats and the horses left Chestnut Ridge.
'I've cussed, I've prayed, I've said goodbye
I've shook my fist and asked God why
These days, when I'm missin' you this much'
Ji Ho, Yang Mal and Little Goat reached Sulani to find Guidry and send Ji Ho's dead brother to the other side.
It wasn't easy for Ji Ho to return. He had a traumatic life here.
Suddenly he heard the Siren Song. For the first time in his life.
Even though Ji Ho and his mother were mermaids, he'd never met others of his kin.
Oh but this song was so beautiful - promises of home, family, happyness, carefreeness... All he has to do to gain all this was to enter the ocean and follow the song... And he did.
The song lead him to a cave.
"I have been waiting for you" an old merman said.
"Follow me."
They sat down in the cave and the old man sang a song about his daughter, Tina.
About how she saw a beautiful man and fell in love.
She abandoned her kin to follow him.
But Axel lived in the slums of Sulani and soon they had severe financial problems.
But the creditor suggested to waive a part of the debts if Tina would be 'nice' to him...
She loved Axel so much and eventually gave in...
And so Tina started to work at the 'House of the Rising Sun' to help Axel pay his debts. She gave birth to two sons.
Old man: "Seems you're tired now. Sleep."
And then he carried Ji Ho to a prison cell in the cave.
Where Guidry also was locked in!
Guidry: "Oh no..."
Old man: "He's just as dumb as his mother."
Somewhere in a lab at Sulani.
A while ago Neynah, an alien scientist, installed CCTV to monitor a few suspicious spots on the island. And today the alarm in the cave went off...
"Argh!" She ran outside and jumped on her jet ski...
Meanwhile in the cave.
Old man: "Time to call my clients..."
Councillor: "Good job, old man. We won't bother you - for a while. Keep the ghost here until we need him."
Old man: "You heard them. Back to your cell or the little boy suffers."
And while they negotiated,
Neynah entered the cave! Perfect timing!
She opened the cell with a strange alien app on her phone...
Neynah: "Wake up! You need to leave - now! The Council is already here! Meet me at the MRI as soon as you're save!"
Ji Ho is so dizzy from the Siren's Song, he has no idea what's going on...
Neynah: "Gogogo!"
And so Ji Ho stumbled into the water and swam as fast as he could.
But soon he was at the end of his strength and about to drown.
That was when his friend, the dolphin found him.
The dolphin carried Ji Ho to the shore. Hopefully it's not too late...
They mounted their horses and started their search for Ji Ho.
Jack: "I don't know if I can forgive Vlad if something happened to Ji Ho."
Saiwa: "Same."
Jeb: "Can you sense through the bond where Ji Ho is? Like you did at Mount Komorebi?"
Vlad: "I can feel the Bond no more..."
And then Saiwa and Jack found Yang Mal. Alone.
And a little later Jeb found Ji Ho. Finally.
He'd been lying there the whole night.
Jeb: "Ji Ho! Gods, Ji Ho."
Jack: "Is he ok?"
Jeb: "He's so cold!"
But a bear hug from Jeb brought back the live in Ji Ho.
Saiwa, close to tears: "Gods, Ji Ho..."
Ji Ho told them what happened.
Saiwa: "But why would your grandfather hand you over to the Council? And why did he held Guidry captured? And how even? Guidry is a ghost, he could have just left?"
Jeb: "Let's find this 'MRI' the alien talked about. She might have some answers."
Ji Ho: "Ok. I feel better now. Let's go. Uhm ... What happened to him? Why is he blind again?"
Jeb: "Communication Issues. We'll talk about this later."
The MRI (Marine Research Institute) at Sulani. It wasn't hard to find.
Neynah waves: "Hey! Oh you made it! Come in!"
Jack: "What a strange place."
Ji Ho introduced his friends and Neynah gave them all the information she collected so far. It seems Ji Ho's grandfather kept Ji Ho's brother there with a Siren's Song and Guidry stayed by his side because the boy would get punished if Guidry left. She tried to free them once but the spell was too strong and she had no idea whom to ask for help so she installed the CCTV to monitor the cave.
It took them a while to figure out a proper plan. If things go bad they would have to hurt Ji Ho's grandfather.
Saiwa: "Are you ok with this?"
Ji Ho: "We do what needs to be done to save my brother and Guidry. He deserves no mercy after all he'd done. Holding them captive for over a year just in case to do some damage one day. That's how merfolk are - cold, cruel and unemotional. And I sound just the same right now..."
Jeb: "You know this is not true, Ji Ho."
They left Vlad and Jack at the MRI. Vlad tried to make a fuss but he only would put Ji Ho and the others in jeopardy. He was of no use there - blind as he was. So he reluctantly agreed.
Ji Ho swam back to the cave - where his grandfather already waited.
Old man: "Still not enough of your worthless branch of the family?"
Ji Ho: "This is over now. Tae Woon and Guidry will leave with me."
Old man: "I don't think so. Even though you are watered-down I still have power over you. You are only half merfolk and you fell for my song. And Tae Woon isn't merfolk at all and dead and I can control him. You are in no postion to make claims. Go back to your cell before I have to punish your brother."
Guidry: "Do what he says. I tried everything possible to stop him - futile."
And that was all Jeb needed to hear. He stepped out of his hideout and silenced the old man. This eventually broke the song and Tae Woon and Guidry were free to leave. And maybe Jeb put a little extra ingredient in his spell to roughen the old man's vocal chords. So no further harm can be done by him.
Later Guidry told them that Tae Woon died because he followed the Call of the Ocean. Every merfolk hears this call and needs to follow. But Tae Woon was only half merfolk and no one looked after him. He hadn't the abilty to change form and so he drowned.
Tae woon died years before Ji Ho was born and even though he couldn't interact with Ji Ho, Tae Woon stayed with him all those years until Ji Ho left Sulani with Ms Coombes (see Ji Ho's Story -> here). Which is tragic because Ji Ho stayed in this hell because he refused to leave Tae Woon.
Today is Mabon.
Known as the pagan Thanksgiving, Mabon marks the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are equal, making it a time of balance, equality and harmony.
Modern Mabon celebrations are a time to give thanks for the abundance of Mother Earth - both literally and spiritually. Itβs also a good time to reflect on the Wheel of the Year, recognizing your successes and letting go of the things that did not serve you during the past twelve months.
After the Boys rescued Guidry and Ji Ho's brother, Neynah took them over to the Shipwreck. An outlying place where they could send Ji Ho's brother to the other side and celebrate Mabon in peace.
Jeb and Jack prepare food and drinks.
Saiwa: "Thank you, Neynah, for everything you did for us."
Neynah: "I wish I could have helped them earlier, though."
Saiwa: "Grieve not. You did the best you were able to. It all went well in the end."
Ji Ho is also sorry he didn't take action earlier. He should have done something after Tae Woon appeared to him for the first time or when he heard that Guidry went missing.
Guidry: "Ah, time is nothing for ghosts. I didn't even notice that already over a year went by. Don't worry. And look. Tae Woon isn't even fully aware of us - or time. As always. He never showed any reaction the time I spent with him. It's good he finally leaves. There is a better place for him."
Ji Ho: "Thank you, Guidry."
Jack and Saiwa are too mad at Vlad to care about him. Even though all went well in the end, he could have killed Ji Ho by cutting the bond. Only Jeb seems to understand that Vlad did all this for Ji Ho and his friends and so he went over to him.
Vlad: "When I left the Castle after Wesley got killed, I swore to myself I'd be never that helpless again to protect my loved one. And here I am again. Blind and helpless. While I should kill that guy from the 'House of the rising Sun' who made Ji Ho's life a hell. He made Ji Ho's mother a fallen woman and wanted Ji Ho to work there too. Jeb - take me to the slums. I'm going to kill him."
Jeb: "Vlad. Killing him would bring you to jail. Or a even a death sentence. Remember where you got the scars on your back from. Jack once told you the same. Ji Ho wouldn't want you to become a murderer. And it would change nothing for Ji Ho. The damage can't be undone by killing this man. Help Ji Ho to overcome this instead, hm?"
It's time for Ji Ho's dead brother to finally leave this world and move on to the other side. Guidry opened a gate for him. It's easier to move between the worlds on festivals in the wheel of the year.
There's nothing that keeps him here anymore and a good part of him had been gone long before.
Vlad standing behind Ji Ho like last year as Luci at the Dia de los Angelitos when Tae Woon left.
Guidry: "There is a better place waiting for him."
Ji Ho knows - but still...
As if the last days in Chestnut Ridge weren't hard enough for Ji Ho...
A dark moon is rising ΓΆ.Γ' Hopefully not a bad omen.
After Ji Ho's brother left, Ji Ho tried to calm down to not spoil the festivity.
Jack is missing Kiyoshi, who wasn't with them. On the other side he still fears that Saiwa - and not him - is Kiyoshi's fated mate ΓΆ.ΓΆ
And he has no one to talk about it...
Vlad's only company are the animals. They still adore him, as always. The MRI's cat, Jadzia, bared company to him - until she got hungry.
Ji Ho is still thinking about leaving the others. They'd seen now what merfolk is capable of and how cruel and cold they are - even to their own family.
Ji Ho: "I should leave you, now that you've seen how merfolk are."
Jack: "We've seen how you are. That's all that matters. And don't worry about you putting us in danger. Saiwa already said it to Vlad: We are in this together to fight for a better life. And it's worth it. Stay with us."
Ji Ho: "Hm. Ok, I will. ... *awkward silence*
Uhm - shouldn't I do some 'bond magic' with Vlad to bring his eyelight back?"
Jack: "He would refuse. He even wanted to cut the bond to spare you from doing 'bond magic'..."
Ji Ho: "He will rather stay blind?"
Jack: "You know how he is."
Vlad: "Jeb, you don't have to care for me. Ji Ho is your best friend. You must be more mad at me than Sai and Jack."
Jeb: "I do this because Ji Ho is my best friend. He might not know it yet, but I'm pretty sure he loves you, Vlad. I've seen him with Luci. And Luci is the very core of you. Just give him more time."
Jeb: "If you don't want me to care for you as long as you are blind - will you let Ji Ho fix it?"
Vlad: "No. I don't want him to subordinate himself for the bond. I can't even forgive myself that night at the 'Oak Barrel'. The bond has too much power over us. Ji Ho even thought I bonded with Morgan and didn't hesitate... This must be so awful for him."
Jeb: "I don't think he really believed it and he wouldn't have done it if it was. You heard him at the tavern. He has a different approach on this than we have. There are not many people he is comfortable with to touch him. And you're one of them."
The Boys spend the night at Sulani but will leave with the first ferry. They don't want Ji Ho stay here longer than necessary.
The betrayal of his grandfather and the parting of his brother must have been devastating to him.
At least he sleeps. Vlad is watching over him.
How will he ever make it up to Ji Ho.
Since they are still homeless, they don't really know where to go.
Saiwa: "Just to make this clear - neither Jack nor I will care for you, Vlad! You're the only one to blame for your blindness and you deserved it for what you did to Ji Ho!"
Vlad: "Fine! I will stay away from you! Far far away! So I can cause no furter damage! I did what I did to spare you from this madness. That was my only intention! I didn't mean to kill or hurt anyone!"
A message on Saiwa's phone interrupted them.
Oh no. Of course the three witches know what happened...
So the dark moon was a bad omen!
Like the dark sun on a morning this february in Strangerville!
The witches usually don't interfere with the Boys' lives - but these two times they did. Because they really messed up.
Saiwa: "Let's leave. Wake up, Jack."
Saiwa: "They want Guidry to attend there too..."
And so the Boys left Sulani again. To an uncertain future.
Comments
The Boys bring the farm back into shape. They want at least do this for Martha since they practically failed to bring the horses back.
Jeb even tries to refurbish the truck! Oh my...
Jeb, Jack and Saiwa don't know yet of Vlad's thought to untie the bond between him and Ji Ho. Which would make it impossible to make the farm visible again since the meteorites are tied to Ji Ho and Vlad and the magic of their bond.
Vlad and Kiyoshi are about to demolish Adriano's crooked stable.
Image
Vlad: "Don't worry, Adriano. You'll get a better place to live!"
Adriano is not convinced. (The shadow of them
Vlad is playing along even though he knows that their efforts are pointless. They will soon leave after the bond is untied and the farm will remain invisible forever.
And they can all live a relatively free and calm life after this. Who knows where it's leading? Jeb and Saiwa will live at their own place together, that's for sure. And maybe he will look for a place for Jack, Adriano and him. Kiyoshi will return to the temple and go whereever the Council sends him. And Ji Ho?
Meanwhile poor Saiwa is still worrying about what to tell Martha. She set such high hopes in them. And now she'll get the farm back without the horses. And since the horses are attached to the goats through their deal, she'll even loose them! Oh my - they are going to have to care for a whole zoo! 6 part time horses, 6 goats, a llama and a werewolf!
Ji Ho is letting off steam.
Now that they finally overcame all of their hardships and Ji Ho is finally trying to learn to love Vlad - Vlad wants to untie their bond!
Image
He just can't figure him out! Why is everything so complicated with him? Like Kiyoshi said - they could do so much good in this world and help people with their magic. And if they'd have to touch each other or do whatever the Bond demands - he'd gladly do it! Ach.
'Five o'clock in the mornin' I'm already up and gone
Lord, I'm so tired. How long can this go on?
Workin' in the coal mine Goin' on down, down
Workin' in a coal mine Oops, about to slip down'
Lee Dorsey - Working in the Coalmine
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I like this screenshot of Jeb so much that I pondered about his possible future as a mechanic.
And since Jack loves cars too (besides spaceships
Somewhere in the future ^^'
Jack in Strangerville during the 'Sabotage' chapter.
Jack at Summer Solstice, when he stole Ms Coombes truck to save Ji Ho's life with 'Welcome to the Jungle'
Jack in his special from the 70's Party
And in his room at Belgraves Institute, where he barely had anything on his wall than photos of Kiyoshi - and a car ^^'
And adult Jack's son Logan. His kidnapper got in a fight with some random NPC and he only had eyes for the car! Like father - like son ^^'
They could use Guilia's Garage. Only - Saiwa would have to drive the cars in and out of the garage. Neither Jeb nor Jack has a drivers license - yet. Haha I remember Sims 3 days when you could teach your kids driving! Imagine Saiwa teaching Jack how to drive! Two get into the car - but only one gets out ΓΆ.Γ'
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Looks so much better now! This farm will never be a flagship build but at least it looks not that rundown anymore when Martha returns.
Jeb even managed to get that truck roadworthy again!
And Saiwa and Ji Ho planted grapevines. So Martha can make at least her wine here for a living.
Since she has no horses and goats anymore -.-
Kiyoshi and the goats are worried. What is Vlad's plan? Is he really going to try to untie the bond? Does Adriano look so angry because he knows something we don't know?
They moved the Goat Party to the back of the lot.
Martha won't have much use of it after the goats left with the Boys :,(
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Maybe their last barbeque at the farm.
(The way Jeb looks at Vlad)
After dinner they went over to the firepit to burn the remnants of the shrubs they'd cut all day.
Jack, who isn't aware of Vlad's plans to cut the bond (and by doing so making it impossible to give the farm back to Martha):
Jack: "Ah Martha will be happy here. Even without horses and goats. We did our best and we can move on with a good conscience, right?"
Vlad: "Uhm - right."
And then Ji Ho looked at him with a transfigured gaze... As if he couldn't wait to give the Bond whatever it might demand from them to uncover the farm.
Vlad is feeling seasick...
Wait - is the Bond playing tricks on him? It must be aware of what he is about to do!
Saiwa: "Vlad! No weakness! We need you in your best shape tomorrow!"
Jack managed to light the fire without causing a havoc. That's suspicious. And another hint that something is terribly wrong here.
Aouwww
They were all tired and didn't last long. And when the fire burnt down, the went to the patio and said good night. Ji Ho had a talk with their Lily and Saiwa gave Jack instructions for his first night sharing a room with Kiyoshi. (Saiwa doesn't know they already shared a room at the Temple and at the Burrow. And of course no one knows about their secret relationship...).
Saiwa: "Don't act weird! I haven't forgotten about your obssession with Kiyoshi. Stay away from him - don't even look is his direction. Don't make him feel uncomfortable - or you'll sleep on your blanket here at the patio - I warn you."
Jack: "Yeah yeah - understood. Can I go now? I'm tired. "
But of course Jack stared at Kiyoshi when he came out of the shower. How couldn't he? He's a werewolf after all and Kiyoshi is the most beautiful being he'd ever seen!
Saiwa, from the patio: "JACK! I knew I couldn't trust you!"
Jack: ? Γ.Γ'
Saiwa: "This is your last warning."
Saiwa: "Stay behind this line and the divider."
A torture room for Jack...
And then Kiyoshi made it even worse: "Don't worry, Saiwa. We will be good - and it won't be for long. I will have to leave soon. You know, my obligations for the Resistance."
Saiwa: "Right. Thank you for helping us out, Kiyoshi. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Just endure him for a little longer."
Kiyoshi: "I will."
'And I'm never gonna leave ya baby
Storms will come it'll rain like crazy
We'll find our shelter in each other baby. I will never leave you
No I'm never gonna leave ya baby
We'll beat the odds and then just maybe
Find a little hideaway escape yeah. I will never leave you'
Never Leave - Jay Tighe
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Kiyoshi: "Don't be sad. It only makes it harder for me to leave. We knew this day would come. Let's just be happy we could spend this time here together, hm?"
Kiyoshi walked towards him.
Jack: "What are you doing? Saiwa said..."
Kiyoshi: "He only said you should stay behind the line... no word about me
Jack: "You are my kind of scum, fearless and inventive."
Kiyoshi: "I wish it weren't like it is. But we can't help it. We gotta make the most out of the little time we have together."
And they did.
Jack: "Kiyoshi, before you leave ... we need to talk. About what I said earlier. About us and this 'fated mates thing'..."
Kiyoshi: "I wish you wouldn't call it like this."
Jack: "Uhm anyway - I had to make this 'let something go to gain something' deal with Greg in the Otherworld and I promised to not be so 'obsessive' about you anymore. I will try to trust you more and wind down my jealousy to not be a burden for you..."
Kiyoshi: "Gods Jack! Why would you say that? Oh I wish I could make you feel it! You wouldn't have doubts anymore."
Jack: "Ah - but don't expect too much. I will always be a burden for you. But I want you to know that I do my best."
Kiyoshi: "Jack - are you listening to me? Jack - I love you and I will always love you - no matter what. Do you think my deity would let you live if you weren't my fated mate?"
Jack: "Maybe you're the one of us with the weirder beliefs? What if this old man tricked you and he's just as crazy as I am? Just more powerful? What makes you so sure about us? Why would fate waste someone like you on someone like me?"
Kiyoshi: "I'm going to have faith for both of us then - until you feel it too. You'll see. Don't worry too much."
'We'll follow the rainbow wherever the four winds blow
And there'll be a new day comin' your way
I'm gonna be here for ya from now on this you know somehow
You've been stretched to the limits but it's alright now'
Keith Urban - Making Memories Of Us
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Ji Ho sleeps so deeply since Vlad and him share a room, he didn't even hear Adriano coming inside.
Only when he stomped with his hooves, Ji Ho eventually woke up.
Ji Ho noticed that Vlad was gone! And he remembered what he said about cutting their bond! Adriano really knew something we didn't know!
Ji Ho: "Thank you, Adriano!"
Ji Ho ran outside as fast as he could to stop him - but it was too late.
At least Ji Ho saw in which direction Vlad and Diablo rode.
Ji Ho hastily donned his clothes and called Yang Mal so they could follow Vlad.
Ji Ho can't let Vlad do this - not now they've come so far!
Oh no - Ji Ho was distracted thinking of Vlad and lost his way!
Will he find another way? Will he be able to find Vlad? And if - will he be in time to stop him?
Tune in next time for another amazing episode of PIGS IN SPACE!
'Underwater Love'!
(I linked the Muppet Show episode with Luke Skywalker. That had always been the ending line ^^')
'You're heading on a one way trip
It's blizzarding out so you take a dip
Then you look down at your phone
No message from your baby 'cause you're all alone
With all your cheats and all your lies
Your faithful father won't forgive your crimes'
The Dead South - That -illegitimate child- Son
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Ji Ho and Yang Mal finally reached New Appaloosa.
There is Diablo! In front of the 'Oak Barrel'!
And Vlad!
And - Morgan? Oh no - she found them!
Ji Ho: "Leave Vlad alone!"
Morgan: "He is the one who ordered me here. He now knows you beguiled him with your siren's song to obtain acess to his powers.
He booked this hotel room to bond with me and get rid of you before you can cause more harm to him and his friends."
Ji Ho: "What???"
Vlad turned around with a cold gaze: "Morgan - come."
Morgan: "You heard him. He is aware that all of their hardships started after you joined them. Do you want them to be on the run forever? The Council is only after them because of you and the prophecy. Vlad alone is no danger to them and your friends neither.
You only brought them misery."
Morgan: "He'll bond with me and this finally will be over. The prophecy will be null and void and Vlad and your friends can live in peace. Leave now for good and don't bother us."
This said, she went inside - to become Vlad's bonded.
Ji Ho knows she is right. His inner turmoil caused a thunderstorm and he watched them helplessly from the street below.
And when they turned off the lights and closed the curtains, Ji Ho awakened from his stasis.
What is more important to him?
His friends being save without him? Or selfishly clinging on them - and Vlad? And put them in jeopardy...
He is in despair. And torn. Unable to think straight.
And so he asked the gods and the universe for a sign.
Shall he stop them?
And they answered...
And what a sign it was!
Ji Ho was just about to storm inside to stop them - when Morgan left. Possibly to report to the council of her victory.
It was too late.
Oh no! Ji Ho ran over to the entrance...
But should he enter? What would that matter now anyway? Wouldn't it be better to leave silently - like he came? Now that it all was decided?
He could go back to Genji, his first bonded and live with him?
'Once upon a time I was falling in love but now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do, a total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart'
Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
(OMG Ji Ho! The sign! Go in already!)
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Ji Ho fought the urge to run away/break down/throw up and went upstairs. Morgan even put one of these β‘ roses on the nightstand!
Oh gods! Why did he even enter this room? It feels like he'd been stabbed in his heart with a red hot dagger.
The bond was silent. Both of them felt it.
Even though he wanted to run, Ji Ho stepped into the room.
Vlad wanted to scream at him. How could Ji Ho live among them for over one year and trick them all? How could they have been so oblivious? Everyone knows how cold-blooded and evil mermaids are. They drag you into the dephts with their chants and laugh while you slowly drown. So why is Ji Ho crying? Because he got caught before he succeeded?
But no soul can stand seeing Ji Ho cry. Not even a black one like Vlad's...
And when Ji Ho was just about to leave, Vlad stopped him.
And the bond took over the reins again...
Does this mean it's still there? Or is there something else dragging them towards each other?
Neither Vlad nor Ji Ho were capeable to form any thought.
'You think it's over, that it's our last time
But I can't accept those thoughts
I can't let go. Cuz' you never know
My love for you, your love for me
We'll never find a love the same again
Nobody knows. We always know
Untitled 2014 by G-Dragon
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And even though Vlad is convinced that Ji Ho put a siren's spell on him to seduce him to get a grip on his powers and Ji Ho thinks Vlad bit Morgan to cut their bond, they couldn't fight it.
Whatever was left between them was still strong enough to break their resistance.
A sharp gaze digs into my head
It's not me, my chrome heart hasn't moved at all
It's what you chose, woah
Flowing through your blood vessels
Are hundreds of millions of my crystals
Finally it has started, the end of my transformation
Isn't this love too? Oh, woah
Mirotic - TVXQ
They did their magic again.
Soon after they fell asleep. Vlad with a smile on his face. Ji Ho already got hitten by reality as it seems.
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Early morning at the Farm. Ji Ho and Vlad are late for breakfast.
(And the Lily blooms! When Ji Ho talked to it yesterday evening there were no blossoms. And now, after this night together, it blooms? ΓΆ.ΓΆ)
Saiwa finds their room empty. (And Ji Ho even forgot his phone when he found Vlad gone and chased after him.)
So Sai called Vlad.
Vlad's phone rings... π±π
Saiwa, via the phone: "You little rascals! Sneaked away to woohoo!"
Vlad: "How do you know?!"
Saiwa: "What do you mean? That was the plan anyway. And it worked! The farm is visible again! The crater is gone! Haha and I was worried it would take more to convince you! See you!"
They had been tricked - again! Even though Vlad had tried everything to cut their bond and spare Ji Ho from this madness - they again saved the world by making love...
And as the sun rose, Morgan's evil seed of doubts rose in Vlad and Ji Ho.
Involuntary they saved the farm with their bond magic.
But Vlad doesn't feel the bond anymore. It's mad at him and won't forgive his betrayal and attempted murder. He will be punished.
Ji Ho is its good boy. He always had a deeper connection to the bond and did his best to make it happy, even though it was so hard for him.
'There's nothing more I want now
I can't even tell if my heart is beating
Instead of having forceful conversations with others
I'd rather enjoy the awkward silence with you
So stay, wherever that may be
When darkness comes sometimes, I'll be your fire
In a world full of lies, the only truth is you
This' a letter from me to you
Don't leave me before the dark night traps me in
Do you still love me?
If you feel the same, don't leave today
Don't ask why it has to be you. Just stay with me'
Stay - BLACKPINK
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When Ji Ho and Vlad crossed the bridge to the farm they heard Juniper, who was riding in front of them, yell: "THE FARM!"
So Saiwa was right. The farm is visible again!
As they stepped towards the meteorites, where the others waited, Ji Ho froze. There was his dead brother. The last time he appeared to Ji Ho was when he worked at the 'Diner de los Muertos' last year.
No one except Ji Ho can see him anyway so there was no need to upset the others. Like last year, Tae Woon held a little ghost and a sea shell... He took a few steps in Ji Ho's direction and vanished again.
Ji Ho had been so busy then that he hadn't thought a lot about this encounter. But now it's time to take actions to send his brother to the other side - and find out what happened to Guidry, whom Ms Coombes had sent out to help Tae Woon - and never was seen again...
Time to finally remove the meteorites. Will they ever find out why they fell from the sky the same moment when Vlad and Ji Ho met? And why they caused an impact that could make a whole farm vanish?
Vlad and Ji Ho silently agreed to not tell the others about Morgan and the poison she injected them. Saiwa would kill them.
They would leave soon anyway. And if the Council should look for them here, they'd be long gone.
If looks could kill...
When Vlad and Ji Ho stepped closer, the last remnants of the crater faded and they finally could pick up the meteorites.
Mission complete!
They will spend the rest of the day cleaning up and pack their belongings together and leave tomorrow morning. Who knows where...
'Well, I really don't mind the rain and the smile can hide all the pain
But you're down when you're ridin' the train that's takin' the long way
And I dream of the things I'll do
With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe'
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell
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Saiwa and Kiyoshi/Conny are on their way to Martha, to bring the good/bad news.
She already awaits them. "Oh the horses! How wonderful!"
Kiyoshi/Conny: "You have sheep now?"
Martha: "Haha yes! Between us - these goats scared the hell out of me! I'm glad you took them with you. I will give them away after you left. Sheep are so much more sociable and friendly! Look at them!"
Martha asked them inside where another suprise waited.
Mysterious Rancher Roberto Crinkletop! Agnes Crumplebottom's husband on the run!
Martha: "I hired him to help me with the farm, now that it's visible again."
And then Saiwa had to confess that the horses refused to leave the Otherworld. Except for some shorter visits and the new episodes for 'The Stables'. And that they bound themselves to the goats and the Boys...
Martha: "Don't worry, Boys! We are too old anyway to care for six horses. The sheep and the vineyard will keep us busy enough. And you deserve them!"
"Look, I am well aware what you did for me. You risked your health and your lives to find the horses and bring the farm back. And by doing this you hadn't even enough time to make a living with the farm and I can't pay you. You don't owe me anything and I'm so, so grateful!"
Martha: "Right, my dear Roberto?"
Kiyoshi/Conny: "Ahem - I think we should leave now..."
Martha: "Let's meet at the Country Bunker this evening to celebrate! It's on me."
Saiwa: "Thank you, Martha. For everything."
'Never had a plan just a livin' for the minute
Yeah, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin' and a litttle 'bout love'
Alan Jackson - Chattahoochee
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The Boys are packing their belongings together. They'll leave the farm early tomorrow morning. One of the neighbors gifted them an old horse trailer for Adriano. (In fact they were happy to get rid of it. Now that the horse hype is over, the trailers can be found abandoned all over Chestnut Ridge...)
Jack: "Ah I can't wait to leave! We almost spent two months here in this wasteland!"
Ji Ho looks not good at all.
Saiwa: "Don't worry. We will find a place for us. In the meantime we can stay at the Bunker or at the Temple."
Ji Ho: "Ok..." Saiwa doesn't know about his inner turmoil revolving around Vlad and his dead brother...
And then Kiyoshi called Saiwa inside.
Kiyoshi: "I'm leaving tonight. It's too uncertain for me now that the Farm is visible again and I'm not protected by how different time goes by here. The Council will want to see me soon. And I thought I might have my eyes and ears there to warn you if somthing comes up about you."
Saiwa: "Thank you, Kiyoshi. For everything you did for us."
Saiwa: "You are really something else. I felt that from the first moment I met you - it literally hit me like a bolt! Hahaha."
A bolt? A BOLT???
Jack's fuses blew. Gladly he hadn't dissembled his whiteboard yet. And so he put all the puzzle pieces together:
1. The evidence someone met his fated mate is that it hits them like a bolt.
2. Jack hadn't been hit by a bolt ever.
3. Kiyoshi claims he had been hit by a bolt when he first saw him, but there was another person in that room, except Dtui (who already had met her fated mate) and that was π Saiwa!
5. And Saiwa just said he had been hit by a bolt when he first saw Kiyoshi!
6. What when on the day Kiyoshi asked Ji Ho for a prom date 'with his cute friend over there' he meant Saiwa and not him?
7. Therefore he walked past him on prom day! Because Saiwa is Kiyoshi's fated mate and not him!
Jack: "What game are you playing, demon?"
omg Jack...
'Here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I've ever known
Like a drifter, I was born to walk alone
And I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
I'm just another heart in need of rescue
Waiting on love's sweet charity
And I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days'
Here I Go Again - Whitesnake
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The Boys' last night in Chestnut Ridge. They ride over to the Country Bunker to meet Martha.
Jack and Ji Ho are falling behind. Both lost in thought. Jack didn't even complain about riding his crazy horse.
Saiwa: "Hurry up you two!"
Martha: "So you finally can return home!"
Saiwa: "Ah uhm - we are staying with friends. We don't have a home yet."
Martha: "Oh Boys..."
Kiyoshi is so sad he has to leave Jack. Their time together was too short. And it's breaking Kiyoshi's heart that Jack doesn't feel their special connection. It would make it so much easier for them to endure their absence from each other if Jack had a little faith in their love.
Kiyoshi: "Jeb, I left a present for you and Saiwa. Make sure you use it well."
Jeb: "Thank you my friend! We will. What is it?"
Kiyoshi: "Ask Saiwa."
The neighbors asked them to play a last song before they leave. They even removed the fence ^^' Jack joined Ji Ho and Jeb with his violin. Despite his many mental problems, Jack is very talented in arts and music.
Do the locals wear bear costumes to show their solidarity for the creatures? How sweet π The Boys slowly change the view people have on creatures.
Ji Ho sang: 'Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong
West Virginia, mounty mamma - Take me home, country roads'.
Will the Boys ever call a place their home? Or will they be on the road forever? Running from the Council.
And when Ji Ho sang the verse
'All my memories gathered 'round her
Miner's lady stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrops in my eye'
Kiyoshi was close to tears and left.
He can't say a proper goodbye to Jack anyway and his heart is too heavy to face the others.
And so Kiyoshi left Chestnut Ridge to return to his obligations within the Council - and the Resistance. Who knows when they can meet again.
But not alone. Little Goat, Kiri and Kiri's sheep Kumo accompany him.
Soon after Kiyoshi, Ji Ho left.
He's heading for Sulani - to eventually find Guidry and send his dead brother to the other side.
And then Vlad stumbled and fell.
Jack: "OMG Vlad!"
Vlad is blind again.
The punishment for trying to murder the bond.
(TMI Vlad was blind when he returned from hell after his death.)
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Since Ji Ho had been able to fix Vlad's blindness before, they were looking for him. But he was nowhere to be found and didn't answer his phone.
Saiwa has a hunch: "What happened yesterday? I should have known making the farm visible couldn't have been solved this easily. Why are you blind, Vlad?"
They went back to the farm to see if Ji Ho is there.
Jack is already running inside.
Saiwa: "Vlad wait, Jeb is going to help you to dismount."
Vlad and his foolish pride...
Jeb: "I'm here, Vlad."
Vlad: "We need to leave immediately! Ji Ho went to Sulani! Alone!"
Saiwa: "Did Vlad fall on his head?"
Jeb: "I'm sorry, he was too fast. But Vlad, Ji Ho would never set a foot at Sulani again. His life there was a nightmare. Let's get you patched up and then we try to find Ji Ho."
Vlad: "NO! I've seen his dead brother, with the ghost and the shell! The shell resembles Sulani and the ghost Guidry, who also vanished at Sulani!"
Saiwa: "Vlad, that's nonsense. If he wanted to save his brother and Guidry, he would have told us and we would have helped him."
Vlad: "He thought he is a nuisance and a danger to us."
Saiwa: "Why would he think that? What happened that night?"
Vlad: "I wanted Ji Ho to be free to choose whom he loves and spare him from this 'save the world with making love' madness! So I wanted to cut our bond. I did this for you too. We can't be on the run forever. Each one of you deserves a life without this madness. Ji Ho must have had the same thoughts. You are all only in danger because of us and that πΈπΈπΈπΈ bond."
Saiwa: "Do you really think that? What life would that be under the Council? Yes, we all want a better life - but this won't be possible without fighting for it! And that's why we are doing this!"
Saiwa: "So what happened?"
Vlad sighs: "I remembered the prophecy and Morgan's offer and I called her to bond with her and finally end this. She must have told Ji Ho about my intentions."
Saiwa started to cry: "I can't believe you did this. Why is no one ever talking to us before he does something stupid? But you didn't, right? Otherwise you couldn't have made the farm visible again, right? Tell me you didn't bond with Morgan!"
Vlad: "I couldn't. And she left." Saiwa: "Let me guess. Ji Ho does still think you did, right? Because you don't talk, right? Gods - I can't believe I shipped you!"
Saiwa squared his shoulders: "Get in the car. We're heading for Sulani."
Vlad is Jack's best friend. But Jack is not sure if he can forgive him this. But Saiwa will kill Vlad anyway after they found Ji Ho, so...
And this is how the Boys, Adriano, the goats and the horses left Chestnut Ridge.
'I've cussed, I've prayed, I've said goodbye
I've shook my fist and asked God why
These days, when I'm missin' you this much'
I drive your truck - Lee Brice
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Ji Ho, Yang Mal and Little Goat reached Sulani to find Guidry and send Ji Ho's dead brother to the other side.
It wasn't easy for Ji Ho to return. He had a traumatic life here.
Suddenly he heard the Siren Song. For the first time in his life.
Even though Ji Ho and his mother were mermaids, he'd never met others of his kin.
Oh but this song was so beautiful - promises of home, family, happyness, carefreeness... All he has to do to gain all this was to enter the ocean and follow the song... And he did.
The song lead him to a cave.
"I have been waiting for you" an old merman said.
"Follow me."
They sat down in the cave and the old man sang a song about his daughter, Tina.
About how she saw a beautiful man and fell in love.
She abandoned her kin to follow him.
But Axel lived in the slums of Sulani and soon they had severe financial problems.
But the creditor suggested to waive a part of the debts if Tina would be 'nice' to him...
She loved Axel so much and eventually gave in...
And so Tina started to work at the 'House of the Rising Sun' to help Axel pay his debts. She gave birth to two sons.
Old man: "Seems you're tired now. Sleep."
And then he carried Ji Ho to a prison cell in the cave.
Where Guidry also was locked in!
Guidry: "Oh no..."
Old man: "He's just as dumb as his mother."
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Somewhere in a lab at Sulani.
A while ago Neynah, an alien scientist, installed CCTV to monitor a few suspicious spots on the island. And today the alarm in the cave went off...
"Argh!" She ran outside and jumped on her jet ski...
Meanwhile in the cave.
Old man: "Time to call my clients..."
Councillor: "Good job, old man. We won't bother you - for a while. Keep the ghost here until we need him."
Old man: "You heard them. Back to your cell or the little boy suffers."
And while they negotiated,
Neynah entered the cave! Perfect timing!
She opened the cell with a strange alien app on her phone...
Neynah: "Wake up! You need to leave - now! The Council is already here! Meet me at the MRI as soon as you're save!"
Ji Ho is so dizzy from the Siren's Song, he has no idea what's going on...
Neynah: "Gogogo!"
And so Ji Ho stumbled into the water and swam as fast as he could.
But soon he was at the end of his strength and about to drown.
That was when his friend, the dolphin found him.
The dolphin carried Ji Ho to the shore. Hopefully it's not too late...
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The Boys took the first ferry to Sulani.
They mounted their horses and started their search for Ji Ho.
Jack: "I don't know if I can forgive Vlad if something happened to Ji Ho."
Saiwa: "Same."
Jeb: "Can you sense through the bond where Ji Ho is? Like you did at Mount Komorebi?"
Vlad: "I can feel the Bond no more..."
And then Saiwa and Jack found Yang Mal. Alone.
And a little later Jeb found Ji Ho. Finally.
He'd been lying there the whole night.
Jeb: "Ji Ho! Gods, Ji Ho."
Jack: "Is he ok?"
Jeb: "He's so cold!"
But a bear hug from Jeb brought back the live in Ji Ho.
Saiwa, close to tears: "Gods, Ji Ho..."
Ji Ho told them what happened.
Saiwa: "But why would your grandfather hand you over to the Council? And why did he held Guidry captured? And how even? Guidry is a ghost, he could have just left?"
Jeb: "Let's find this 'MRI' the alien talked about. She might have some answers."
Ji Ho: "Ok. I feel better now. Let's go. Uhm ... What happened to him? Why is he blind again?"
Jeb: "Communication Issues. We'll talk about this later."
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The MRI (Marine Research Institute) at Sulani. It wasn't hard to find.
Neynah waves: "Hey! Oh you made it! Come in!"
Jack: "What a strange place."
Ji Ho introduced his friends and Neynah gave them all the information she collected so far. It seems Ji Ho's grandfather kept Ji Ho's brother there with a Siren's Song and Guidry stayed by his side because the boy would get punished if Guidry left. She tried to free them once but the spell was too strong and she had no idea whom to ask for help so she installed the CCTV to monitor the cave.
It took them a while to figure out a proper plan. If things go bad they would have to hurt Ji Ho's grandfather.
Saiwa: "Are you ok with this?"
Ji Ho: "We do what needs to be done to save my brother and Guidry. He deserves no mercy after all he'd done. Holding them captive for over a year just in case to do some damage one day. That's how merfolk are - cold, cruel and unemotional. And I sound just the same right now..."
Jeb: "You know this is not true, Ji Ho."
They left Vlad and Jack at the MRI. Vlad tried to make a fuss but he only would put Ji Ho and the others in jeopardy. He was of no use there - blind as he was. So he reluctantly agreed.
Ji Ho swam back to the cave - where his grandfather already waited.
Old man: "Still not enough of your worthless branch of the family?"
Ji Ho: "This is over now. Tae Woon and Guidry will leave with me."
Old man: "I don't think so. Even though you are watered-down I still have power over you. You are only half merfolk and you fell for my song. And Tae Woon isn't merfolk at all and dead and I can control him. You are in no postion to make claims. Go back to your cell before I have to punish your brother."
Guidry: "Do what he says. I tried everything possible to stop him - futile."
And that was all Jeb needed to hear. He stepped out of his hideout and silenced the old man. This eventually broke the song and Tae Woon and Guidry were free to leave. And maybe Jeb put a little extra ingredient in his spell to roughen the old man's vocal chords. So no further harm can be done by him.
Later Guidry told them that Tae Woon died because he followed the Call of the Ocean. Every merfolk hears this call and needs to follow. But Tae Woon was only half merfolk and no one looked after him. He hadn't the abilty to change form and so he drowned.
Tae woon died years before Ji Ho was born and even though he couldn't interact with Ji Ho, Tae Woon stayed with him all those years until Ji Ho left Sulani with Ms Coombes (see Ji Ho's Story -> here). Which is tragic because Ji Ho stayed in this hell because he refused to leave Tae Woon.
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Today is Mabon.
Known as the pagan Thanksgiving, Mabon marks the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are equal, making it a time of balance, equality and harmony.
Modern Mabon celebrations are a time to give thanks for the abundance of Mother Earth - both literally and spiritually. Itβs also a good time to reflect on the Wheel of the Year, recognizing your successes and letting go of the things that did not serve you during the past twelve months.
After the Boys rescued Guidry and Ji Ho's brother, Neynah took them over to the Shipwreck. An outlying place where they could send Ji Ho's brother to the other side and celebrate Mabon in peace.
Jeb and Jack prepare food and drinks.
Saiwa: "Thank you, Neynah, for everything you did for us."
Neynah: "I wish I could have helped them earlier, though."
Saiwa: "Grieve not. You did the best you were able to. It all went well in the end."
Ji Ho is also sorry he didn't take action earlier. He should have done something after Tae Woon appeared to him for the first time or when he heard that Guidry went missing.
Guidry: "Ah, time is nothing for ghosts. I didn't even notice that already over a year went by. Don't worry. And look. Tae Woon isn't even fully aware of us - or time. As always. He never showed any reaction the time I spent with him. It's good he finally leaves. There is a better place for him."
Ji Ho: "Thank you, Guidry."
Jack and Saiwa are too mad at Vlad to care about him. Even though all went well in the end, he could have killed Ji Ho by cutting the bond. Only Jeb seems to understand that Vlad did all this for Ji Ho and his friends and so he went over to him.
Vlad: "When I left the Castle after Wesley got killed, I swore to myself I'd be never that helpless again to protect my loved one. And here I am again. Blind and helpless. While I should kill that guy from the 'House of the rising Sun' who made Ji Ho's life a hell. He made Ji Ho's mother a fallen woman and wanted Ji Ho to work there too. Jeb - take me to the slums. I'm going to kill him."
Jeb: "Vlad. Killing him would bring you to jail. Or a even a death sentence. Remember where you got the scars on your back from. Jack once told you the same. Ji Ho wouldn't want you to become a murderer. And it would change nothing for Ji Ho. The damage can't be undone by killing this man. Help Ji Ho to overcome this instead, hm?"
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It's time for Ji Ho's dead brother to finally leave this world and move on to the other side. Guidry opened a gate for him. It's easier to move between the worlds on festivals in the wheel of the year.
There's nothing that keeps him here anymore and a good part of him had been gone long before.
Vlad standing behind Ji Ho like last year as Luci at the Dia de los Angelitos when Tae Woon left.
Guidry: "There is a better place waiting for him."
Ji Ho knows - but still...
As if the last days in Chestnut Ridge weren't hard enough for Ji Ho...
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A dark moon is rising ΓΆ.Γ' Hopefully not a bad omen.
After Ji Ho's brother left, Ji Ho tried to calm down to not spoil the festivity.
Jack is missing Kiyoshi, who wasn't with them. On the other side he still fears that Saiwa - and not him - is Kiyoshi's fated mate ΓΆ.ΓΆ
And he has no one to talk about it...
Vlad's only company are the animals. They still adore him, as always. The MRI's cat, Jadzia, bared company to him - until she got hungry.
Ji Ho is still thinking about leaving the others. They'd seen now what merfolk is capable of and how cruel and cold they are - even to their own family.
Ji Ho: "I should leave you, now that you've seen how merfolk are."
Jack: "We've seen how you are. That's all that matters. And don't worry about you putting us in danger. Saiwa already said it to Vlad: We are in this together to fight for a better life. And it's worth it. Stay with us."
Ji Ho: "Hm. Ok, I will. ... *awkward silence*
Uhm - shouldn't I do some 'bond magic' with Vlad to bring his eyelight back?"
Jack: "He would refuse. He even wanted to cut the bond to spare you from doing 'bond magic'..."
Ji Ho: "He will rather stay blind?"
Jack: "You know how he is."
Vlad: "Jeb, you don't have to care for me. Ji Ho is your best friend. You must be more mad at me than Sai and Jack."
Jeb: "I do this because Ji Ho is my best friend. He might not know it yet, but I'm pretty sure he loves you, Vlad. I've seen him with Luci. And Luci is the very core of you. Just give him more time."
Jeb: "If you don't want me to care for you as long as you are blind - will you let Ji Ho fix it?"
Vlad: "No. I don't want him to subordinate himself for the bond. I can't even forgive myself that night at the 'Oak Barrel'. The bond has too much power over us. Ji Ho even thought I bonded with Morgan and didn't hesitate... This must be so awful for him."
Jeb: "I don't think he really believed it and he wouldn't have done it if it was. You heard him at the tavern. He has a different approach on this than we have. There are not many people he is comfortable with to touch him. And you're one of them."
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The Boys spend the night at Sulani but will leave with the first ferry. They don't want Ji Ho stay here longer than necessary.
The betrayal of his grandfather and the parting of his brother must have been devastating to him.
At least he sleeps. Vlad is watching over him.
How will he ever make it up to Ji Ho.
Since they are still homeless, they don't really know where to go.
Saiwa: "Just to make this clear - neither Jack nor I will care for you, Vlad! You're the only one to blame for your blindness and you deserved it for what you did to Ji Ho!"
Vlad: "Fine! I will stay away from you! Far far away! So I can cause no furter damage! I did what I did to spare you from this madness. That was my only intention! I didn't mean to kill or hurt anyone!"
A message on Saiwa's phone interrupted them.
Oh no. Of course the three witches know what happened...
So the dark moon was a bad omen!
Like the dark sun on a morning this february in Strangerville!
The witches usually don't interfere with the Boys' lives - but these two times they did. Because they really messed up.
Saiwa: "Let's leave. Wake up, Jack."
Saiwa: "They want Guidry to attend there too..."
And so the Boys left Sulani again. To an uncertain future.
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π Best of Buydebug βοΈ Short trips to the Oggiverse - Short Clips π¬ My Builds: Houses π Rooms π SciFi πΎ creatively edited Screenshots π¨