Night fell over the Temple and Lady Demon arrived with her client to claim Ji Ho. Since he's without a rightful bonded after Vlad went to the Otherworld without him.
It's Caleb Vatore!
Caleb: "You didn't exaggerate, Lady Demon. He's beautiful."
Even Dtui seems to be enchanted by Caleb!
Caleb: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ji Ho."
(Exactly the moment Ji Ho and Caleb touched for the first time, the lights went on! ΓΆ.ΓΆ And Lady Demon seems very pleased with herself ^^')
Ji Ho was stunned. And when he was able to use his brain again he regretted his choice of dress. (He initially chose this attire to scare of any potential client ^^')
They went inside to hear Ji Ho's decision.
Genji or Caleb.
Huh - Ji Ho started to think that maybe it is not that bad of an idea to try it with Caleb... Vlad still had 3 days to claim him back. And if not...
Caleb: "I will treat you like a prince."
... he would treat him like a prince...
Ji Ho: "Uhm... ok - I guess?"
Omg Ji Ho ^^'
Ji Ho excused himself to have a short talk with his friends.
Jack: "Gods - what? Caleb Vatore? And he pays for you? Tell him he can have me in addition at no extra charge!"
Saiwa: "Oh my, he's so handsome - and he's kind. It will work out, you'll see. And if Vlad doesn't come back - I mean, I hope he does - but ... it's Caleb Vatore!"
And so they decided to let Ji Ho be claimed by Caleb to make it easier for Vlad to claim him back... and because everyone thinks Ji Ho hit the lottery with Caleb ^^'
And then finally, finally Vlad and Jeb made their way back from the Otherworld! But where are their shirts?
They ran over to the temple. Hopefully in time!
Ouf! Luckily Genji was quick-witted enough to steal some time. He started an argument with Lady Demon about that Ji Ho is his bonded and it's not legal to steal him away from him and give him to Caleb...
Vlad: "What is going on here?" (Vlad and Jeb really had no idea what is going on here. They went over the fence to the Otherworld and hadn't heard of Ji Ho since they travelled to the Tomarang with the ship from Selvadorada.)
Saiwa: "Gods, Jeb!" *hungry kiss*
Vlad went to the altar to stop this madness: "Ji Ho is mine!"
Genji: "Hey, Caleb. How about we two share a coffin?"
Genji is very clever. He started the argument with Lady Demon not only for Ji Ho and Vlad. He wanted to hit on Caleb
Now that Ji Ho's rightful bonded is back, they decided to make their bond official in vampire terms so no one ever will question it again and try to claim Ji Ho while Vlad is in the Otherworld.
Ji Ho: "Let's go over to the sanctuary and fix your eyes..."
And that's what they did.
They kissed...
Outtakes
When I added Vlad and Jeb to the household during Ji Ho and Caleb's ceremony, Vlad spawned there and looked so sad.
Poor Lady Demon. The lucrative deal with Ji Ho is called off.
But she will get a pretty penny for setting up Caleb with Genji too
And finally Vlad asked Ji Ho to be his boyfriend.
Vlad: "From now on, no one will ever touch you again."
Ji Ho: "But I want you to touch me."
... *sigh*
When Ji Ho woke up, Vlad had already left. And Ji Ho was glad he did. It would have been too awkward to wake up next to him.
There was a lily on the bed. A symbol of Vlad's love for him.
All obstacles are out of their way now. No curse and no need to cut the Bond anymore.
They have a home now in the Otherworld and they are save there.
Only thing Ji Ho has left to do is to learn how to love Vlad...
Vlad stepped out of the sanctuary. Dtui and Rubyn are already up and busy with the pedestals.
They are trying to figure out how to send the Boys back and forth between their home in the Otherworld and this world.
Dtui: "Morning Vlad! It went very well as I see. You have your eyes back! The others are at Ichiraku's."
Vlad: "Morning. Ah, yes ^^' and thanks!"
Jeb and Jack noticed Vlad's good old eyes: "Oh my finally!"
(Saiwa is sulking because neither Vlad nor Jeb told them why they showed up without their shirts yesterday...
Jeb even in his hot cowboy outfit...)
And really, Vlad regained his black eyes! It seems the Bond has forgiven him for trying to bond with Morgan and murder the Bond...
A little later Ji Ho joined them.
Jack: "Ji Ho! How do you feel after you shoved Caleb Vatore from your bed and your neck? For Vlad ^^' "
Ji Ho flushed. But he sat next to Vlad
Saiwa to Vlad: "You must be a very good boy now to not make Ji Ho regret his decision "
Jack: "Ah lucky Genji! He left together with Lady Demon and Caleb in the limousine!"
They indulged their breakfast and chatted for a while. Knowing they'd return to their new home soon. Together.
Ah, it's been a while since I've seen them so carefree and happy!
Only - Kiyoshi's place is empty. Let's hope they get him out of that tree soon.
Saiwa: "You still haven't told us why you showed up without your shirts yesterday..."
Vlad: "What happens behind the fence, stays behind the fence."
Saiwa: "Yeah? What if I kill you behind the fence?"
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, such things happen when riding the fence. I told you it's dangerous. You never know from which leg of the Trousers of Time you'll emerge when you hop in the waistband. Let's just forget about it, hm?"
Pff. Sai went over to Dtui and Rubyn to discuss when they are going to send them back home.
Rubyn: "We still have no idea how to send you back and forth by yourself. If we send you back now, either Vlad or Ji Ho has to stay here with their meteorite."
Saiwa: "Oh. No that's not an option. Other Jeb urged us to stay together..."
Dtui: "While I cast my spells here yesterday, I figured a few things out. We already know that the meteorites, together with the crystals, allow you to teleport to certain places. Rubyn could be able to build a portable device for you. But we need more information about the powers of the crystals."
Saiwa: "Oh we'd found an amazing website with all the information about the crystals when we were on the clue hunt in Selvadorada!"
Dtui: "Unfortunately we need information from a specific old book. This wisdom is not shared on the internet.
Saiwa. We can't send you home yet. We need you to go to the library in Windenburg to find this book. Make sure nobody recognizes you there. The Council is still after you. I'm sorry."
Rubyn: "Hey, you've already managed harder stuff, right?"
Oh no...
Then poor Saiwa went over to the Temple with Dtui to discuss Kiyoshi.
Saiwa: "We've made good progress and I'm positive we'll get him out of that tree. Little Goat already shows up from time to time.
I'm just not sure how to interpret Other Jeb's message. When he urged us to stay together, did he also mean Kiyoshi? And If yes, how is he supposed to stay with us in the Otherworld when he has his duties here at the Temple. And for the Resistance?"
Dtui: "I fear Kiyoshi can't return back here anyway. KΕjin banned him from the Temple. And he's of no use for the Resistance either as it is. Keep him with you and look after him. He still has so much to learn."
Oh no...
Ji Ho: "I hope Genji isn't sad I chose Caleb. Over him..."
Jack: "Don't worry. He also chose Caleb ^^' Anybody would "
Vlad: "Tch...this bigheaded goth kitten. And what is even going on with his hair?..."
And so it came that three riders arrived on a full moon night in snowy Windenburg.
Eccentric Author Rottenmeier and his two assistants.
And from the opposite direction, Professor Sesemann and his insanely beautiful wife Adelheid entered the small town.
They are so in love with each other.
Author Rottenmeier is here to visit the famous Library.
Unfortunately it has already closed.
Author Rottenmeier: "Ah these glasses! When are they going to open again?"
Assistant Peter: "Oh no! Only after Winterfest!"
Assistant Clara is obsessed with the snowflakes. Originally she's from Sulani and hadn't seen much snow in her life yet. ^^'
And the Cat Cafe is closed too. The Professor loves hissing creatures, like his beautiful wife But here in Windenburg they are no creatures.
And they have to make sure no one suspects them as such.
But it's late anyway and it was a long trip so they went to their rooms.
It's an older two story apartment with only one bedroom.
Anything else was already booked up.
Assistant Peter: "There is a double and a single bed..."
Assistant Clara: "You can have the single bed, Peter."
Assistant Peter: "Thank you, Clara!"
Author Rottenmeier: ΓΆ.ΓΆ'
Next morning - Winterfest!
The Professor and his beautiful wife are grocery shopping.
She loves him so much
And the Author and his assistants shop for decorations and a tree.
Assistant Peter: "Which one is the best?"
But Assistant Clara and the Author are distracted...
Adelheid: "Look, Tobias! This little goat looks like Little Goat!"
And then Adelheid heard a familiar voice: "Hey Bird!"
Adelheid: "Arturo!?"
Arturo: "Oh finally I found you, Bird! Your lost love is back! The morning after Winter Solstice I found him under the tree! Now you two can finally be together! Oh, I'm so tired! He always tried go go back into the tree. I haven't slept since then."
Jeb: "Gods, Kiyoshi."
Saiwa: "Whats wrong with him?"
Arturo: "Nothing. He'd been a tree for a few decades, that's all. But now he's finally together with his beloved Bird. So I guess he'll soon recover. Oh I'm so happy for you two! What a love story! If you don't mind I'll leave now - so tired! I booked a room, here's the keys. Visit me when you're back in Tomarang! You're such a beautiful couple!"
And then Arturo left.
Tobias: "Bird? Love story?"
Adelheid: "I'll explain later ^^' Let's gather the others!"
Saiwa and Jeb brought Kiyoshi over to Vlad, Ji Ho and Jack's apartment and called them down.
Saiwa: "Good news everyone!"
Saiwa: "Kiyoshi is back!"
And then he told them about how Arturo found him under the tree in Tomarang the morning after Winter Solstice.
Saiwa: "Seems Ji Ho and Vlad's Bond Magic on Winter Solstice did a miracle again. You two are just amazing!"
Little Goat: 'Tch - what are they even talking about!? It had been me! I managed to cross the barrier between the worlds with Kiri and Kumo's help! And I opened the box and gave him his heart back!'
Saiwa: "Vlad, it's upon us to watch over Kiyoshi. Arturo said he's trying to go back into the tree. Us vampires don't need that much sleep so let's spare the others."
Vlad: "Sure. The first watch is on me. Kiyoshi cared for me when my soul was in hell. I owe him."
Saiwa: "Uhm... now that we decided to be honest to each other...
It had been Ji Ho who cared for you all the time. That's how he fell in love with Luci. You had been so mad about it and Ji Ho was so afraid of you so Kiyoshi said it was him."
Vlad: "..."
Saiwa: "Don't be mad, hm? Ji Ho and you already saw anything from each other."
Vlad: "One day I'm going to die from embarrassment..."
Meanwhile Jeb prepared Winterfest Dinner and Jack and Ji Ho decorated.
Little Goat: 'When can we eat?'
Jeb: "In a little while."
Little Goat: 'Can we eat this?'
Saiwa: "No!"
Little Goat: 'Can we eat this?'
Jack: "No!"
(TMI: It was Jack's Little Goat that wanted to eat anything! ^^')
And then finally dinner was ready!
Poor Jack, he just started to feel better and now Kiyoshi is back...
But the Boys are finally together again after all these months!
(Kiyoshi left them in september and shortly after they'd all been separated...) So Jeb's mission to put the Boys back together again is completed!
Guess who just got back today?
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven't changed, had much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy
They were askin' if you were around
How you was, where you could be found
I told 'em you were livin' downtown
Drivin' all the old men crazy
It's upon the two youngest to clean up after dinner. Saiwa and Jeb already went over to their room and Vlad and Kiyoshi are about to go upstairs too.
Ji Ho: "Vlad. The Bond. Can we?"
Omg they are still not able to talk to each other in whole sentences!
But Vlad knows what Ji Ho needs. He felt it too. The bond wants them to touch... It's still so awkward.
Vlad is hesistant. He wanted this to end and spare Ji Ho from the demands of their Bond. But that's not possible anymore. They need to stay together to avoid further disaster and they already said 'yes' to the bond and each other.
Since Ji Ho now knows they have a home in the Otherworld and are safe there, he is contended with his life with Vlad and the Bond.
He will learn how to love Vlad and they will live the best life they can have. And he loves to be touched by Vlad and trusts him.
That's a beginning, right?
(Usually Ji Ho hates it to be touched due to his traumatic childhood.)
Vlad sighs. They will overcome this too. Ji Ho doesn't love him so Vlad won't go any further than embracing Ji Ho to please their Bond. And only touch him when Ji Ho voluntarly comes to him. And only long enough to make the bond happy (for a while)... (Yes, Vlad, you're a man of honor, we get that.) But it's so hard for Vlad because he loves Ji Ho more than his own life. And it feels so good.
Jack: "I'm so happy so see you two finally getting closer. We will continue our how-to-love-Vlad lessons and I will show you that Vlad is the best for you, hm? You were able to love Luci and this will help you to love Vlad, right?"
Jack is determined ^^' Vlad is his best friend and Ji Ho is like a brother to him. He wants them to be happy.
Jack hadn't been at the Temple for a while to get his pain treated by Arturo so Ji Ho is helping him to get back into meditation.
And after meditation, Ji Ho and Jack were talking for a while. Jack told Ji Ho what he learned at the Temple. That he hadn't been able to feel 'this fated mates thing' with his Alpha because he'd been protecting himself from the pain that his Alpha would have caused him if he gave in and therefore couldn't fully commit to him.
Jack: "I'll take you to the Temple too when we're back home. I'm sure Arturo can help you. Maybe you are protecting yourself from loving Vlad too?"
Ji Ho: "What do you mean?"
Jack: "I'm quite sure you already do love Vlad. You fell in love with Luci before you knew it was him, right? And Luci is Vlad - and the Bond."
Ji Ho: "Maybe you are right... I can't wait to meet Arturo!"
It's already late and Ji Ho eventually went upstairs.
And Jack figured that it's less painful when he shifts into wolf. And the warmth of the fire is doing him good too.
The Wolf and the seven six Little Goats
Meanwhile Vlad cared for Kiyoshi. And he thought about what Saiwa said.
That Ji Ho cared for him/Luci when his soul was in hell.
Yes, Ji Ho and him already saw anything from each other but that was after that!
Kiyoshi is still not responding/acting like a tree.
Vlad: "Kiyoshi. Come back. We need to help Jack."
β¦ I'll be there for you (When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you (Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you ('Cause you're there for me too)
December 27, the Library is finally open again! Eccentric Author Rottenmeier and his two cute assistants went over to look for that book about the crystals Dtui told them about. To finally get that device build by Rubyn that lets them travel back to their home in the otherworld and back again by themselves.
Vlad/Author Rottenmeier has to stay in the background to not out himself as a creature.
(Ji Ho had been a bit too eager to give him his black eyes back...)
Ji Ho/Clara and Jack/Peter gave the bored librarian the list with books for the Author's 'research' (they'd put a few unsuspicious, common books about crystals and gemstones on the list too to pretend the Author is researching for his next book.)
Bored Librarian: "I'll print you a list where to find them but you need to pick them yourself. We're short on staff this time of the year."
Bored Librarian: "You can have the room at the top of the stairs. Identification please." (In this world creatures are not allowed access to certain books and information. The Council does not want them to be even more powerful and dangerous ΓΆ.Γ' Only Muggles are allowed access to certain books.)
Vlad: "You don't need to see their identification."
Bored Librarian: "I don't need to see your identification."
Vlad: "They can go about their business."
Bored Librarian: "You can go about your business."
Jack: "Why thank you "
(The epic scene that inspired me -> here)
And so they went upstairs to do their research.
Vlad was taking notes and Ji Ho and Jack picked the books for him. It appeared that the unsuspicious books were very useful too.
Ji Ho and Vlad were busy and Jack got bored. And so he went to the sci fi section... He needed to distract himself from the fact that Kiyoshi is back... Better not think of the consequences and the madness that will follow...
And Jack really found a Star Wars book he didn't know! It's a very old copy named 'Escape from Batuu'. He'd never heard of that book. Is it even legit? He started to read anyway. Because distraction...
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
(Sounds promising!)
It was the story about the lovers Val and Jino.
Escape from Batuu
(The book Jack found at the Library)
This is the story about the lovers Val and Jino. They lived happily together in their little housing at Batuu.
Val and Jino loved each other dearly. Jino was so beautiful and amazing, Val couldn't get enough of him.
And Val was a very talented mechanic. They couldn't have been happier.
Until the First Order got note of Val's talent and recruited him as TIE fighter pilot and mechanic.
And then Lt. Agnon saw how beautiful Val's love Jino was. Lt. Agnon knew of his master's fondness for pretty men and so he claimed Jino for his master.
Of course Jino rejected. But Lt. Agnon threatened him that the First Order (with Val as squadron leader!) would destroy his home planet, shouldn't he give in, and put him under arrest...
Jino and Val were devastated.
Their happy life had crumbled to pieces.
The following night Jino sneaked out and they met in secret.
Val: "Don't worry. I have a plan."
Jino: "I love you."
Val: "I know."
Early next morning
Lt. Agnon and Jino awaited the arrival of his master. He would take Jino with him and make him his.
Val and Jino made eye contact - and Jino ran over to Val's TIE Fighter!
And so they'd made their escape from Batuu!
Lt. Agnon's master was furious!
Kylo Ren: "You will be mine, Jino. You will be mine!"
Kylo Ren gave order to destroy Jino's home planet but unfortunately (or fortunately ^^') Jino's home planet was Batuu... ^^
And so he started to hunt Val and Jino through the Galaxy.
Val and Jino experienced the most wonderful adventures together and were always a few steps ahead. They never got cought and lived a very happy and very long life and found good friends. They swore each other everlasting love and even promised to find and love each other in their next lives.
And after their death, their friends shot their urns into space.
Where they travelled next to each other many lightyears - through wormholes, around suns and between galaxies... until they penetrated the atmosphere over Chestnut Ridge, became meteorites and crashed at Martha's Farm!
On the very day Ji Ho and Vlad met for the first time at the Highschool in Copperdale!
While Vlad, Jack and Ji Ho do their research at the library, Saiwa and Jeb took Kiyoshi to the Cat Cafe. They have the hope the cats would bring him out of his tree state.
And really, he reacted on them!
Saiwa was giving Jack last instructions and told him to call should they need them at the library.
All our ingame cats are here today ^^'
The waiter was flirting with Saiwa.
The Waiter: "I'll serve you in a minute "
The Waiter: "Which crime did you commit to have to spend the days after Winterfest with your two professors?"
Saiwa: "Oh, we're working on a project ^^' "
Tha Waiter gave Saiwa his number: "Call me in your freetime. I'll show you the town."
Poor Jeb. He still thinks that Saiwa doesn't play in his league and is way too hot for him...
Jeb: "Why didn't you tell him you're my wife?"
Saiwa: "The Professor/Student story is more plausible, now that Kiyoshi is with us. It would look weird when two grown men hang out with a 'girl' like me."
Saiwa: "You can punish me later for this, hm?" *winks*
Jeb: "Uhm...ok ^^' "
'She doesn't give you time for questions
As she locks up your arm in hers
And you follow 'till your sense of which direction
Completely disappears' In the year of the cat - Al Stewart
Meanwhile Kiyoshi and Kira carefully approach each other.
Jeb: "I hope we have him back soon."
Saiwa: "We will. In his world he'd been a tree for decades. He just needs time to accustom."
And about an hour later, Jack excitedly called from the library.
He'd found a Star Wars book!
Saiwa pinched the bridge of his nose: "Jack, you only had one job to do and ended up with Star Wars?"
Jack, over the phone: "This time you will thank me for this!"
@8doggone Thank you π Yes, these goats are the cutest thing! π
Saiwa, Jeb and Kiyoshi went over to the library after Jack had called.
Vlad: "Gods, Saiwa. What about your background story being the Professor's wife? You look like a student dressed to entice her two professors for better grades!"
Saiwa: "Yeah, since Kiyoshi is back we needed to adjust. And staid and bland isn't my style anyway ^^' "
Jeb: "..."
Saiwa: "So Jack, what about that Star Wars book is so important to drag us away from Kiyoshi's cat therapy?"
Jack: "I'm glad you asked!"
And then Jack showed them excitedly the story of Vlad and Ji Ho's meteorites.
Saiwa: "Val and Jino? I don't know. And you can barely see their faces... And how are the writers of such trashy sci fi novels even supposed to know about that?"
Jack gasped in dismay: "Trashy sci fi novels? Ach! I don't even talk to you. Jeb, please, conjure me a copy, hm? You are my best friend and..."
Vlad: What?"
Jack: "Uhm - my second best friend and..."
Ji Ho: "What?"
Jack: "Oh ehm - you're like a brother to me! Please hm?"
Saiwa: "Oh my! Just do it Jeb before he drives himself even deeper in trouble... I'm like a brother to you, you little brat!"
Jack: "Aww yes you are! Thank you! This book explains everything! And you know how much I love Star Wars. And Vlad and Ji Ho are my favourite ship!"
Saiwa: "I thought Jeb and I are your favourite ship!"
Jeb, saving the day: "All step back a bit, Copypasto spell incoming!"
'β¦ Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
β¦ Oh, keep smilin' and keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
Oh, that's what friends are for'
And so Jeb conjured a copy of the Star Wars book and - just to be sure and since they're already at it, one of the old book about crystals too. They are still so amazed when Jeb does his magic
Saiwa sent a digital copy of the crystal book to Rubyn.
And since they'd used lots of unplanned spells today, they decided to leave the town full of Muggles tomorrow morning and move to a more concluded place in the countryside until they hear from Rubyn or Dtui. That's cheaper anyway.
Saiwa, Jack, Jiho and Jeb spent the rest of the day at the ice rink...
And Vlad went for a walk with Kiyoshi. Maybe some of their impressions here would help to bring him back.
(The way he looks at Vlad )
Vlad bought some of these delicious pretzels for the others
(In Nuremberg they have these special pretzels at the food stands in town. Not with grain salt but with powder salt. Oh my, they are amazing! Never had better ones.)
Saiwa was still revved up from seeing Jeb doing his magic (and he still had to make up to him) so they went to their room 'to pack their stuff together'.
Student: "I've been a bad student, Professor... I forgot to prepare for the seminar..."
Professor: "So what are we going to do now? I can't give you a pass on that..."
Student: "Professor..."
Student: "Please, don't be so tough on me. I've never had a seminar before..."
Professor: "There's no way to avoid it..."
Student: "I will accept any punishment for my deeds, Professor."
Professor: "Any?"
*Student nods*
Professor: "I will teach you how to do it."
...
Saiwa: "Uhm Jeb?"
Jeb slowly blinks his eyes open: "Hm?"
Saiwa: "And my punishment?"
Jeb: "You know I can't hurt you."
Saiwa: "Oh..."
It was already evening when they reached the countryside of Windenburg - Windslar. It always takes a while to call the horses, care for them and saddle them. It wasn't before noon they could finally leave the Old Town.
Jack lead them here. He'd found a cheap accomodation they can afford, he said...
Saiwa: "So - where is it?"
Jack: "We should soon be there."
Saiwa: "I shouldn't have trusted you on this."
It's hard for Saiwa to let go and let the others take responsibility so not always everything stacks on Saiwa's shoulders.
Especially when Jack plans something...
And so they rode on...
'But I know what I'm going to do
I'm gonna ride on, Ride on
(Ride on) standing on the edge of the road
(Ride on) thumb in the air
(Ride on) one of these days I'm gonna change my evil ways
'Til then I'll just keep riding on'
The only building far and wide and it's a palace...
Saiwa: "What is going on here? Are we going to break in or what? Are you crazy? When the Council catches us here..."
Jack: "Don't worry. A friend said the owners are away over the holidays and need someone to look after the place."
Saiwa: "You don't have any friends besides us, Jack."
Jack: "Ok, it was Greg!"
Saiwa: "Greg doesn't have any friends either..."
Jack: "Hey, just trust us, ok? Greg said the key is beneath this snail here...
Ah! There it is! See?"
Meanwhile the others dismount their horses too.
Jeb: "Why doesn't Kiyoshi wear his warm coat, by the way?"
Vlad: "Uhm..."
Jeb: "It's not easy to take care of someone so helpless, hm?"
Vlad already knew before how much Ji Ho had done for him while his soul was in hell - even though he was so afraid of him...
Jeb: "Jack and I go first."
Saiwa: "I'd say let Jack go first..."
Jack: "Hey, don't worry. It's legit!"
Jack went in.
And then they heard him scream: "WAaaahhh!" and ran after him!
Saiwa: "Omg Jack! Are you ok?"
Jack: "Yes! Look at this! This is a winery! Look at all this stuff!"
(Jack started nectar making back in Chestnut Ridge.)
Saiwa: "Omg Jack!"
Jeb: "Don't you think this is a kind of present from Noxee and Greg?"
Ji Ho: "This is awesome!"
The Boys got up early to prepare for their New Year's Party. They decided to stay at the winery. It's too dangerous to go anywhere since they have to hide from the Council. This is also the reason why there will be no we-are-here fireworks today.
(The animals say thank you And poor Kiyoshi too.
Who still is in tree mode and has no idea what's going on...)
Ji Ho and Jack are in charge to care for the goats and Kumo, who also came back with Kiri (Kiyoshi's horse and his sheep).
They drove them outside and started to build a snowpal.
Kumo: 'The goats are making a mess in the vineyard...'
Jack: "Oh no!"
They were eating grapes? In winter?
Jack: "Oh no - we have to stop them. The grapes are frozen! They will get stomach ache!"
So they quickly picked the leftover grapes from the vines.
Jack: "We could use them to make Ice Wine!"
Ji Ho: "But aren't they spoiled?"
Jack: "No. This is a speciality. It's a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine."
Ji Ho: "Oh! I never heard of that. Just googled it and it says:
'The sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, but the water does, allowing for a more concentrated grape juice to develop. The grapes' must is then pressed from the frozen grapes, resulting in a smaller amount of more concentrated, very sweet juice. With ice wines, the freezing happens before the fermentation, not afterwards.'
How do you know about all that?"
Jack: "Haha you know when I'm really into something I can't be stopped learning everything about it. Like my Armadillo Phase, you remember? Since Chestnut Ridge it's wine We will have a very delicious wine for our New Year's dinner today "
Meanwhile Saiwa and Vlad (and Kiyoshi) went downstairs to move the furniture around and set the table.
And then Jeb came in...
Jeb: "I'm going to prepare the food with Kiyoshi. He always liked when we cooked together. Maybe when he watches me he remembers and it helps him come back, you know?"
And then Jeb took Kiyoshi over to the kitchen.
Sai and Vlad shared a look. Why is Jeb dressed so strange?
Jack was busy making the Ice Wine
"Gods my feet are so cold! Whose idea was this?"
Soon it went dark and the party started with dinner.
They didn't turn the lights on and went with candlelight to not draw any uneccessary attention on the winery.
And Vlad is still wondering why Jeb is dressed like this... That's so not his style - at all...
Saiwa held a little speech about how happy they can be that they are all together again - and healthy. And that they finally found a home.
And about their plans for next year.
Doing anything to get Kiyoshi's absent mind out of tree mode.
Get that device build by Rubyn that will be able to teleport them between their home in the Otherworld and the Muggle World.
Making their crappy home a happy home.
Staying together.
And help other creatures where they can, now that Ji Ho and Vlad finally said 'yes' to each other and their Bond.
And then they ran around a bit because they can't stay sit even if their life depended on it... *sigh*
But they all agreed how amazing Jack's Ice Wine was.
Jack: "I love you, pal."
Vlad: "I know, pal."
I first thought Vlad would go over and sit with Ji Ho but he went to sit with Kiyoshi and showed him how to use this strange thing in his hand.
Vlad: "That's a glass. Put it to your mouth and drink. Don't forget to spread your little finger... Exactly. Well done!"
Hahaha Ji Ho and Jack ^^'
No matter how hard the times were Jack had because of Kiyoshi, it hurts him to see Kiyoshi so lost and helpless.
After Dinner they went upstairs.
Jeb and Ji Ho were chatting about Ji Ho's progress on his Siren's Songs. Other Jeb had insisted in his message that Ji Ho should continue working on them. So it must be important.
Ji Ho: "I started working on them while I was living with Genji. I'm getting better and it sounds quite good but I still struggle to influence things and persons, like my grandfather did, you know?"
Jeb: "Let's hear anyway?"
Ji Ho: "Uhm... ok ^^' So I found out it's not really about composing a new song but to get into the right mindset and use a certain tone and voice."
And then Ji Ho started to sing a song they all knew very well.
The Misty Mountains Song from The Hobbit:
'Far over the misty mountains cold to dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away, ere break of day to claim our long-forgotten gold
Goblets they carved there for themselves and harps of gold, where no man delves
There lay they long, and many a song was sung unheard by men or elves
The pines were roaring on the heights the winds was moaning in the night
The fire was red, it flaming spread the trees like torches blazed with light
The bells were ringing in the dale and men looked up with faces pale
The dragon's ire, more fierce than fire laid low their towers and houses frail'
And even though Jack was not in his wolf, his hair on his neck stood to an end. Something felt strange. And his sensible nose cought the scent of ozone.
But the song was so beautifully sung.
None of them could stop themselves from humming along with Ji Ho, just like the dwarves did with Thorin in 'The Hobbit'.
And then it happened. Six little lights appeared and danced around them. It was just like magic. (In fact it actually was magic ^^')
So Ji Ho was able to influence with his voice. But it seems just his friends and just when they're all together. They'll yet have to figure what to do with this new trait.
A little while later a werewolf ran along.
Just to make sure his son and his friends are safe
They went very quiet after Ji Ho's song. And when they were able to clear their thoughts, they started to discuss how amazing it was and what they would be able to achieve - until Saiwa stopped them.
This was a party after all. They could ponder about this next year
And so he started the movie.
'Happy New Year' with Shah Rukh Khan.
They are all crazy for him and happily sang 'India Waale' along with him.
'Yoon toh seedhe bade.
Kabhi chahe toh haathon se lete lakeerein chura
O humko parwah nahi.
Joh bhi kehta hai kehne de jag yeh bhala ya bura
Jaisi bhi marzi ho hamari.Karte hai aisi hoshyari
Par dil se yaar joh le pukaar toh jaan nisaar kar daale'
'Usually we're very simple
But if we want we can steal the lines from one's palms
We don't care what the world says about us, good or bad
Whatever we desire we attain that by using our smartness
But if someone calls from their heart then we'll sacrifice our life for them'
Saiwa cuddled with Jeb and Ji Ho moved closer to Vlad. They hadn't touched yet today and the Bond was hungry...
And when the movie was over it was midnight. Good timing!
Happy New Year, Boys!
It's the first New Year's Eve they spend all together.
Jack went outside to be alone for a while. But Kiyoshi followed him.
We'll never know if Kiyoshi was just mimicking the others or really wanted to embrace Jack. Jack let it happen. Even though his relationship with Kiyoshi drove him into utter madness and he never felt 'this fated mates thing', he loved Kiyoshi. And he misses him.
They didn't last long after midnight. Goats had to be fed and the winery had to be tidied up early next morning...
Sai and Jeb went to their room first. Sai will finally ask Jeb what possessed him to wear this outfit today...
Jeb: "Don't you remember? I wore this jacket on our first date and you bought me these trousers and then we had our first quarrel because I didn't like them and..."
Saiwa: "Of course I remember. But why do you wear it when you don't like it? It's so not you - at all."
Jeb: "You said in the library that staid and bland isn't your style...but my style is staid and bland and..."
Saiwa: "Oh Jeb! Your style isn't staid and bland. It's your style and I love it. And I love you, no matter what you wear. Do not change because I say stupid stuff. I can't believe it - you yourself said that to me when I was worried you were disgusted by the way I dress."
Jeb: "So you don't prefer any of my outfits over the other? And it doesn't matter what I wear?"
Saiwa: "Uhm - not so fast. I'd really love to meet my professor again "
Professor: "Here I am. So what was that important you wanted to meet me on New Years Eve?"
Student: "I'm still worried about that seminar..."
Professor: "Don't you worry. I'll help you prepare for it."
The Room where they celebrated is Vlad and Kiyoshi's room. Jack and Ji Ho share a room on the opposite side. Jack already went over.
And Ji Ho hugged Vlad good night.
Ji Ho: "I will learn how to love you, I promise."
Vlad wanted to reassure him that it is fine if he doesn't love him. That he is fine. But before he could say anything, Ji Ho kissed him.
Ji Ho: "Shhh..."
Ah! I wish a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you!
May we get a peaceful, silent 2024.
Thank you for reading, following, commenting, liking - and existing
You are amazing!
This post with all the links to the references -> here on my tumblr. There is also a poll about Jack's facial hair ^^'
Ji Ho and Jack are out and about with the goats again. They are having so much fun in the snow!
Jack: "What do you think is the story behind these monolithes?"
Ji Ho: "I have no idea..."
They walked over.
Jack: "Have you seen how they glowed at night? There must be some magic behind."
Ji Ho: "Strange that the Council hadn't destroyed them yet."
Jack: "Maybe we find something on the internet?"
...
Ji Ho: "Hmmm... no. Nothing. Strange."
Little Goat: 'Tch - internet. Everyone knows that these are 'The Three Old Hags'. And that they'd been turned to stone because they'd been so nosy!'
Little Goat: 'Exactly. And the blue glow comes from their crystal ball they'd used to spy onto others!'
Little Goat: 'And the Council did try to destroy them but they are still too powerful, even as monolithes.'
They went back to the winery to clean up.
Jack: "Almost done here. You?"
Ji Ho: "Also. Let's feed the goats then. They are already hungry again ^^' "
Little Goat: 'He rather looks like a hockey player ^^'
Little Goat: 'I'd rather they'd stop their nonsense and feed us! I'm hungry again!'
Meanwhile the others had tidied up too. They called the horses and left Windenburg.
Each group in an other direction.
The hot student and her two professors and the Author and his two cute assistants.
Ah, this was a fun chapter in Windenburg!
The Boys are on their way to the Temple in Mount Komorebi to see how far Dtui and Rubyn are with their teleporter device... now that they have the information about the crystals.
So they can finally all go back home to Tomarang
Mount Komorebi - Temple District
Kiyoshi is still banned from the Temple so Jeb texts Rubyn and asks her what do do...
Jeb: "Ah, Rubyn said to bring him to the One OK Rock Bar? She said he's only been banned from the Temple itself but not from the buildings nearby."
Jack: "Ah that's a relief." (Neither Jack nor the others (nor Kiyoshi himself...) know that Kiyoshi got banned from the Temple because he lost control over his demon side (because Jack had left him... because Kiyoshi neglected Jack and Jack went crazy...)
And so Kiyoshi returned to the Temple after more than two months in this world - and a few decades in the Otherworld he'd spent in that tree...
Saiwa went over to the Temple to talk to Dtui, and the others to the Bar to meet Rubyn.
Ji Ho: "Ah the pedestals are still here!"
Jack: "Very proactive from Rubyn to place them here and not at the Temple Grounds."
Jeb and Rubyn shared their latest news about the crystals and the device. And of course they told her the story about the meteorites from the book Jack had found. (Rubyn is just as crazy about Star Wars as Jack and Vlad ^^'). They agreed to find out more about this book, the story and the author.
But back to the teleport devices.
Rubyn: "I'm positive we can send you back to the Otherworld soon! The device is built and we just need to adjust it and calibrate with all of you and then you're ready to go!"
Jack: "Awesome!"
Dtui is so sad. She is not allowed to see Kiyoshi until he learned why he'd been banned from the Temple...
Saiwa reassured her: "Don't worry. He doesn't suffer. He's still in tree mode. But I'm sure we'll get him back and then he will learn from his mistakes and you'll meet again."
Dtui stayed at the Temple and Saiwa went over to the others.
Rubyn handed Ji Ho and Vlad their devices and they inserted their meteorites. She explained the functions and divided them in two teams. For 'balance'...
Jack to Vlad: "See you on the other side, Pal!"
The others were too anxious to say anything. No one had ever tested these devices. What if something goes wrong?
But nothing went wrong. Because nothing really happened.
Rubyn: "Argh! It's too weak! The beams have to cross. But we're already at full power... "
Oh no...
But then Jeb had the idea that saved the mission:
"Ji Ho - sing!"
And Ji Ho sang. The lights appeared around them, the scent of ozone wafted through the air and the beams crossed!
Amazing!
And then the Boys were gone.
Rubyn cheered!
Hopefully she sent them to the right place - in one piece...
The beginning of a new Chapter!
As always, you can find this post with all the links to the references on my -> tumblr
Jeb: "Are you all ok?"
They were.
Saiwa: "Something went wrong. We are not in the cave on the ship.
But at least it's Tomarang! Rubyn is a genius!"
Jack: "I don't think something went wrong. The pedestals and the ship. We don't need them with these devices and Ji Ho's voice!"
'One dream, one soul, one prize, one goal
One golden glance of what should be
One shaft of light that shows the way no mortal man can win this day
The bell that rings inside your mind is challenging the doors of time
The waiting seems eternity. The day will dawn of sanity' A Kind of Magic - Queen
Vlad: "At least there's barely a soul around in the Otherworld. It would be embarrassing if someone saw us in our snowsuits here..."
Arturo: "Evening Boys! How are you, Jack? Meet me at the temple tomorrow, I'll ease your pain. And good to see you again Bird. Are you happy your lover is back? Ah, I gotta go home now, I'm so tired. See you!"
At least he didn't ask about their outfits - and what they are doing here ^^' That's one of the good things in the Otherworld. No one wonders - no one asks.
The Boys are tired too. The horses refused to cooperate today so they had to walk the long way home...
And then Ji Ho and Kiyoshi saw their new home for the first time.
Ji Ho almost cried: "We will be so happy here."
He never had a save place to stay.
They cared for the goats, changed their clothes and Vlad and Adriano celebrated their reunion.
Vlad: "You could have visited, you know."
Adriano: 'I know ' (But it seems Adriano enjoyed his alone time ^^')
They met in the kitchen. It's late and they only have two bedrooms yet. So who sleeps where?
Jack thinks it's time to let the others know about his suspicion that Saiwa is not only Kiyoshi's lost love 'Bird' but also his fated mate...
(Of course he won't tell them anything about Kiyoshi and himself.)
Jack: "... and therefore I think Kiyoshi should stay near you - to help him come back. You heard what Arturo said. You were in his thoughts before he vanished in the tree! Only you can help him come back."
Saiwa: "What? I won't fake a relationship with Kiyoshi!"
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, this won't be a fake relationship. Just be near him. He doesn't even know where he is or who he is. When we have him back, we clarify it, hm? I know him for so many years now. Everyone was always crazy for him but he never really felt for someone. It must have meant something that his last words were about you."
Poor Saiwa.
And poor Jeb. This must be so hard for him even though Kiyoshi is one of his best friends.
And poor, poor Jack... he can't even tell the others that Kiyoshi always thought Jack is his fated mate and they'd been together because he swore on his life he wouldn't tell...
Saiwa: "This is so wrong!"
Saiwa: "I hope we are doing the right thing here..."
Jeb: "Me too..."
(Omg Jeb looks at the photo where he kissed his VaniΓ« by the river...)
Vlad: "Are you sure you don't want to sleep in your bed?"
Jack: "Who want's a bed when he can wrap himself in a Pizza!
... Ouw - now I'm hungry..."
This post with all the reference links -> here on my tumblr.
Next morning. Jack sneaked out. Ji Ho and Vlad are still sound asleep. The main work of doing their Bond Magic is still on them and it drains them. Despite the devices. Vlad will hate it. He wanted to spare Ji Ho from all this...
Jack went over to the garage to work on their rooms. They need more place to sleep. He is still amazed how easy and fast these machines build furniture and stuff! Out of trash and junk!
Meanwhile Jeb, Saiwa and Kiyoshi went to the kitchen. Jeb insists that Saiwa is cooking today with Kiyoshi - to help him come back...
Sai can't get over how Jeb put Kiyoshi over him.
Saiwa had always been jealous of Kiyoshi and Jeb.
Jeb didn't even hesitate agreeing to their fake relationship!
How far will this go?
Jeb dwells on his own thoughs. He knows that Saiwa always had a crush on Kiyoshi. Everyone has. That's just how Kiyoshi is. But he is his best friend and he trusts him unconditionally. And he would do anything to bring him back. Even though Kiyoshi could never tell him much about his duties for the Council, the Resistance and the Temple.
But watching them together makes Jeb think if it was the right decision. What will he do when this fated-mates-thing is true? Did Kiyoshi love Saiwa all the time and just never told them because Kiyoshi knew how much he loved Saiwa? Did he give up on Saiwa so they could be together? Gods - the way Kiyoshi looks at him...
Will Jeb be able to give up on Saiwa so Kiyoshi and Saiwa can be together? ΓΆ.Γ'
Ji Ho and Vlad eventually got up and they gathered for breakfast.
They are so happy to be all together again
Ji Ho couldn't avoid to bring up the fact that they'll have to pay back Francine, Rubyn, Dtui and Leander (Vlad growled when he heard Ji Ho mentioning him ^^') for their help. But all of them agreed that they'd happily earn money the best they can to pay back.
This place - their home - is more than they could ever hope for! Of course they would work to keep and earn it!
They discussed their possibilities. Jack could sell his amazing nectar, Vlad his paintings... And they'd have to find a way to send their produce to the Muggle World. The Otherworld is populated too sparsely.
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, you could start programming again and even develop computer games!"
Saiwa: "Uh - I'm good with computers - but there's a lot more to a game than just programming the code. I would have to compose the music and sounds, make up and write the story and dialogues and then all the design stuff and concept art. I can't do any of these things."
If only Saiwa would know some creatures who are capable of all these things...
(Vlad is writer, Ji Ho composer and Jack draws ^^')
After breakfast Jack took Ji Ho upstairs.
He decorated a room for him.
Ji Ho: "Gods, Jack - this is too much. It even looks better than your room!"
Jack: "What? Nothing looks better than my Space House Boat!"
There is even a bathtub at the balcony with view on the river! And Jack even made a corner with all of Ji Ho's music stuff!
Ji Ho: "Thank you, Jack. It's so beautiful! I've never had a room of my own!"
Jack: "You have the best view of all of our rooms. Right on the river."
Ji Ho: "It's stunning. Wow."
Then they talked a bit about their 'learn how to love lessons' and pondered about how Ji Ho could be able to learn how to love Vlad...
Jack: "Let's go to the temple and visit Arturo later. I have to see him anyway, my pain gets worse again. He'll have advice for us."
Ji Ho: "I hope so. I hate to see Vlad suffer because of me."
When will you ever learn when there's nowhere left to turn
Don't let your spirit burn I'll wait 'till you return
All the dreams that we were building
We never lived them
We could lose it, we should use it Lessons in love - Level 42
This post with all the reference links -> here on my tumblr.
As promised, Jack took Ji Ho to the Temple to meet Arturo.
And even though Kiyoshi left the tree, there must still be a connection between them. The orbs in the tree are still there and glow brightly...
First they meditated and eased Jack's pain.
It seems Arturo added even more bird deco to the temple ^^'
He's so happy that the man that became a tree and came back is united with his beloved 'Bird' again...
Jack felt so much better after Arturo eased his pain so he started to do the chores around the temple to help Arturo and pay back for his help.
He can't remember how often he said 'Don't eat this!' to the goats today... (Kiyoshi's Little Goat and Kumo are here too. They seemed to have missed the tree. They also spend decades with him.)
Ji Ho went to talk to Arturo about Vlad. He told him their whole story.
Arturo: "You went through a lot."
Ji Ho: "Yes. I know it's only him for me and it's only me for him.
We can feel us through the bond. We know anything from each other. We don't even have to talk. And I know how much he loves me. Why can't I love him? I was able to love Luci.
Luci was basically him - and I still can't.
And even though we are so close and even woohooed and kissed a few times, it's still so awkward between us."
Jack and the goats had finished their chores and joined them.
Arturo: "It seems you skipped a few steps, huh?"
Ji Ho: "Skipped?"
Arturo: "Or should I say you started from the wrong end?
Usually you start a relationship with some carefree time together, go on dates, chat and laugh together, get to know each other - and then youfall in love.
But you were first afraid of him, then he died, then you were afraid a curse could hit you... You had to do things only lovers do and had the weight of the world upon your shoulders.
These are no conditions for love to grow."
Jack: "Gods, you are right! They will do all of this and Ji Ho will fall in love! And I will help them!"
'Here comes the rain again. Raining in my head like a tragedy.
Tearing me apart like a new emotion.
I want to breathe in the open wind - I want to kiss like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean. Is it raining with you?
So, baby, talk to me - like lovers do
Walk with me - like lovers do'
On their way back, Jack showed Ji Ho a bit around.
They also went to the little beach where Vlad and Jack were before.
Ji Ho: "It's just so amazing here. I can't believe we will live here. It's just like paradise. How do we deserve this?"
Jack: "I think we really do deserve it after all we went through, don't you think?"
Ji Ho: "Haha oh my - right you are!"
They swam around a bit and admired the stunning scenery.
Ji Ho: "These wooden stilt houses are just so beautiful. They would be perfect for a weekend trip to the beach."
Jack:"That would be awesome! I wonder if we can buy a lot here to build one. Let's ask Arturo next time."
They lay on the beach for a while. The warmth is relieving Jack's pain.
Ji Ho: "I wonder what Vlad will say about us dating, chatting and laughing ΓΆ.ΓΆ"
Jack: "Hahaha - he will hate it. But don't worry. I'm there."
Ji Ho: "But Arturo is right. We only had hardships together..."
Jack: "I'm sure it gets easier for you when you get to know him. How he really is. You can find no better man."
Same episode with links to the references of former episodes -> here on my tumblr.
While Ji Ho and Jack visit the Temple, Vlad, Saiwa and Jeb plan and build Saiwa and Vlad's rooms. They also add their workspaces so they can start to earn money to payback Rubyn and the others.
Vlad: "Shall I take Kiyoshi with me for a while so you two can spend time together?"
(Omg they also started to decorate with birds here!)
Jeb: "No, it's the best he stays with Saiwa as long as possible. It's time we get him back soon. He's been a tree for much too long now. Let's hope he's fully curable. I'm so worried."
Saiwa: "Yes, it's the best Kiyoshi spends a lot of time with his beloved 'Bird'... We're fates mates after all. Who cares about what I want."
Vlad sighs.
After they finished, Jeb went over to his Potions Shop to work and Saiwa took Kiyoshi with him to his new room.
There's still a lot to do but Saiwa finally(!) has a computer again!
He started programming on the computer game and is pondering over a device to send their produce and messages over to the Muggle World.
Saiwa parked Kiyoshi in front of Kids TV. Maybe Count von Count is able to reach him ^^'
And Vlad started writing again. Also for the computer game.
But he's also worried about Jeb and Saiwa. Vlad knows how it feels when you have to endure your loved one with another... When he only thinks of Leander and Ji ho together his blood starts to boil...
Or Caleb. Or Genji.
A few hours later he went over to Saiwa to talk about their progress on the game.
And about Jeb.
Vlad: "Sai. You would have decided the same for any of us. Do you remember how you wanted Ji Ho and me to do Bond Magic to rescue the horses? Even though you knew how hard it was for us? We all agreed to stay together and do what we have to do, right?"
Saiwa sighs.
Vlad: "And it must have hurt Jeb when you decided to be the hot student for your professors, hm? You always do whats the best for us and put yourself last. How can he possibly think you're not on board helping Kiyoshi? You know how much Jeb loves you. Talk to each other, hm?"
Saiwa laughs: "To hear that from you of all creatures! Like you and Ji Ho talk to each other?"
Vlad: "We don't need to talk. We have the Bond."
Saiwa sighs.
Jack and Ji Ho are back from the Temple and Jack went over to talk to Jeb.
Jeb: "How can Sai be upset when we only want to bring Kiyoshi back? He needs us!"
Jack: "Give him time to adjust. He's not used to making not all decisions by himself.
Saiwa was always responsilbe for anything we did. He seems so tough but he went through a lot. Like all of us. You are both damaged and wounded. And you both are your first everything for each other. And Saiwa loves you more than anything. Don't be upset."
Jeb sighs.
'Sometimes I feel I've got to run away
I've got to get away
From the pain you drive into the heart of me
The love we share seems to go nowhere
And I've lost my light
For I toss and turn, I can't sleep at night
Once I ran to you (I ran) Now I run from you
This tainted love you've given. I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that's not nearly all. Tainted love (oh-oh-oh-oh)' Tainted love - Soft Cell
Ji Ho enjoys his new room, the balcony and the view.
He sighs happily.
The Ji Ho of tomorrow will have to deal with grumpy Vlad and their new approach on having a 'healthy' relationship...
Jeb ran out of ingredients for his potions and since they can't just hop over to the Muggle World to stock up (they have the devices now, but it still drains Vlad and Ji Ho), Jeb tries to find similar herbs and stuff here in the Otherworld.
He took Ji Ho with him to show him around.
But he can't stop thinking about Kiyoshi - and Saiwa.
Jeb: "What if Kiyoshi never had a partner because Sai really is his fated mate? And now he will be alone forever because I took Sai from him? And he never said anything because he's my best friend..."
Ji Ho: "Jeb. You and Sai belong together. Not even fate can ignore that."
Jeb sighed: "But how can I compete against a fated mate? I just love Saiwa. No Bond, no fated connection..."
Until Kiyoshi gets back they won't get an answer anyway. And so they looked for promising plants and stuff. It's getting dark already.
Jeb never paid much attention to the plants in the Otherworld. His visits before were only short.
But he knows what he's looking for so he took a few samples to examine. Saiwa is mad at him, so he has enough time to do some research in his shop...
When it was too dark to see and the got hungry, Jeb showed Ji Ho the Night Market.
Ji Ho: "It's so amazing here. And so empty. It really seems we and Arturo are the only ones who can stay here for longer."
Jeb: "All thanks to you and Vlad."
Ji Ho: "And Rubyn ^^'"
Meanwhile at the Crappy Home.
Saiwa: "I really hope you're doing your best too to come back, Kiyoshi... this is so humiliating. I wonder what else I have to do to bring you back..."
Saiwa: "At least you have the decency to look away."
Jack had decorated them a bathroom with a bird wallpaper.
Saiwa: "Note to myself: kill Jack."
Saiwa knows that Vlad is right. He would have asked the same of any of them to save any of them...
And Jeb and him went through enough to not make their lives harder with such a stupid quarrel. Saiwa just can't figure why Kiyoshi's last thoughts and words were about him.
If he really were attracted to him: Why hadn't Kiyoshi hit on him when Jeb and him had broken up last year? This is so strange.
And why had he never told him?
Or did he flirt? Had Kiyoshi been hitting on him and he just never noticed it?
'I saw myself as a concealed attraction
I felt you kept me away from the heat and the action
Just like a child, stubborn and misconceiving
That's how I started the show
One of us had to go
Now I'm changed and I want you to know
One of us is crying, one of us is lying in a lonely bed
Staring at the ceiling, wishing she was somewhere else instead
One of us is lonely, one of us is only waiting for a call
Sorry for herself, feeling stupid, feeling small
Wishing she had never left at all'
Ji Ho built a little patio with a fireplace for Jack who still is in pain from leaving his Alpha.
The warmth does him so good.
Vlad can see them from his room. He's glad that Ji Ho cares for Jack, his best friend. How long will he have to endure this pain? It's been months already and it doesn't go away...
Vlad is sitting here for a while already and still only has written three words. But watching Ji Ho is warming his cold, black heart... and he's so beautiful...
And while Saiwa and Kiyoshi are sleeping in Saiwas room and in Saiwa's bed, Jeb is working all night long. He's researching Otherworld's flora to distract him from the fact that Saiwa and Kiyoshi are sleeping in Saiwas room and in Saiwa's bed...
Ji Ho is determined to help Jack to keep track of his meditation practice to ease his pain. So he moved the furniture aside and set up a place to practice and woke up Jack. It's 6 am...
Arturo also suggested to start with Yoga.
And Ji Ho even placed a pizza yoga mat for Jack ^^'
The Boys had yoga lessons at the 'Tandoori Palace' and with Francine.
Vlad is still awake. After Ji Ho and Jack went to bed yesterday, he finally had the mindset to write without distraction.
And now Ji Ho is back again.
Poor Vlad...
After their practice, Jack showed Ji Ho their shared bathroom.
It's in Vlad's building.
Vlad heard Jack's voice and went over to ask him how the practice went and if it eased his pain.
Ji Ho: "Did you forget something, Jack?"
Vlad: "Forgive me."
(Did you notice that Ji Ho's tail only has blue dots in the next pic and not before? After he noticed it is Vlad and not Jack? ΓΆ.Γ' I never noticed before that they are sometimes there and sometimes not(?) strange...)
Will it ever be not awkward between them?
'When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter, far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose'
Jack felt good after doing yoga and meditating with Ji Ho. He went over to Jeb's shop because he had an idea. But poor Jeb was finally sleeping after working the whole night through.
Since Jack never knows how long he can work until the pain comes back, he grabbed a few of the herbs Jeb and Ji Ho collected and left again.
And later, when Jeb was awake, rummaging around in the garage, he called him over.
Jeb: "Omg, Jack! A greenhouse!"
Between the garage and the restaurant, Jack had managed to build a little greenhouse and beds for the outdoor plants!
And Arturo seems to have gifted them one of the saplings from the tree
Jeb: "That's awesome! I can grow my Otherworlds plants here and the few ones I have left from the Muggle World!"
Jack: "I already started and potted them ^^' "
Jeb: "That's perfect. I don't know what to say."
Jack: "No need to ^^ I also grow my nectar plants here, see?"
Jack: "And there's a planting station and a sink, pots, earth, fertilizer..."
Jeb: "Thank you, Jack. Really. I'm having a really hard time with this whole 'Bird' thing and keeping me busy and distracted helps me to get out of my head."
Jack: "Yeah. Same for me."
And they have a little shady place for their breaks.
'It's not easy love, but you've got friends you can trust
Friends will be friends
When you're in need of love they give you care and attention
Friends will be friends
When you're through with life and all hope is lost
Hold out your hand 'cause friends will be friends
Right till the end' Friends will be friends - Queen
Jeb went back to work and Jack to his houseboat to make the designs for their video game. To keep himself busy and distracted from the thoughts that Kiyoshi is together with Saiwa, his fated mate. Saiwa, the last of them Kiyoshi had thought about before he became one with the tree...
Comments
Night fell over the Temple and Lady Demon arrived with her client to claim Ji Ho. Since he's without a rightful bonded after Vlad went to the Otherworld without him.
It's Caleb Vatore!
Caleb: "You didn't exaggerate, Lady Demon. He's beautiful."
Even Dtui seems to be enchanted by Caleb!
Caleb: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ji Ho."
(Exactly the moment Ji Ho and Caleb touched for the first time, the lights went on! ΓΆ.ΓΆ And Lady Demon seems very pleased with herself ^^')
Ji Ho was stunned. And when he was able to use his brain again he regretted his choice of dress. (He initially chose this attire to scare of any potential client ^^')
They went inside to hear Ji Ho's decision.
Genji or Caleb.
Huh - Ji Ho started to think that maybe it is not that bad of an idea to try it with Caleb... Vlad still had 3 days to claim him back. And if not...
Caleb: "I will treat you like a prince."
... he would treat him like a prince...
Ji Ho: "Uhm... ok - I guess?"
Omg Ji Ho ^^'
Ji Ho excused himself to have a short talk with his friends.
Jack: "Gods - what? Caleb Vatore? And he pays for you? Tell him he can have me in addition at no extra charge!"
Saiwa: "Oh my, he's so handsome - and he's kind. It will work out, you'll see. And if Vlad doesn't come back - I mean, I hope he does - but ... it's Caleb Vatore!"
And so they set everything up for the ceremony.
Caleb: "You are so beautiful."
To be continued...
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And so they decided to let Ji Ho be claimed by Caleb to make it easier for Vlad to claim him back... and because everyone thinks Ji Ho hit the lottery with Caleb ^^'
And then finally, finally Vlad and Jeb made their way back from the Otherworld! But where are their shirts?
They ran over to the temple. Hopefully in time!
Ouf! Luckily Genji was quick-witted enough to steal some time. He started an argument with Lady Demon about that Ji Ho is his bonded and it's not legal to steal him away from him and give him to Caleb...
Vlad: "What is going on here?" (Vlad and Jeb really had no idea what is going on here. They went over the fence to the Otherworld and hadn't heard of Ji Ho since they travelled to the Tomarang with the ship from Selvadorada.)
Saiwa: "Gods, Jeb!" *hungry kiss*
Vlad went to the altar to stop this madness: "Ji Ho is mine!"
Genji: "Hey, Caleb. How about we two share a coffin?"
Genji is very clever. He started the argument with Lady Demon not only for Ji Ho and Vlad. He wanted to hit on Caleb
Now that Ji Ho's rightful bonded is back, they decided to make their bond official in vampire terms so no one ever will question it again and try to claim Ji Ho while Vlad is in the Otherworld.
Ji Ho: "Let's go over to the sanctuary and fix your eyes..."
And that's what they did.
They kissed...
Outtakes
When I added Vlad and Jeb to the household during Ji Ho and Caleb's ceremony, Vlad spawned there and looked so sad.
Poor Lady Demon. The lucrative deal with Ji Ho is called off.
But she will get a pretty penny for setting up Caleb with Genji too
And finally Vlad asked Ji Ho to be his boyfriend.
Vlad: "From now on, no one will ever touch you again."
Ji Ho: "But I want you to touch me."
... *sigh*
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The Morning after Winter Solstice
When Ji Ho woke up, Vlad had already left. And Ji Ho was glad he did. It would have been too awkward to wake up next to him.
There was a lily on the bed. A symbol of Vlad's love for him.
All obstacles are out of their way now. No curse and no need to cut the Bond anymore.
They have a home now in the Otherworld and they are save there.
Only thing Ji Ho has left to do is to learn how to love Vlad...
Vlad stepped out of the sanctuary. Dtui and Rubyn are already up and busy with the pedestals.
They are trying to figure out how to send the Boys back and forth between their home in the Otherworld and this world.
Dtui: "Morning Vlad! It went very well as I see. You have your eyes back! The others are at Ichiraku's."
Vlad: "Morning. Ah, yes ^^' and thanks!"
Jeb and Jack noticed Vlad's good old eyes: "Oh my finally!"
(Saiwa is sulking because neither Vlad nor Jeb told them why they showed up without their shirts yesterday...
Jeb even in his hot cowboy outfit...)
And really, Vlad regained his black eyes! It seems the Bond has forgiven him for trying to bond with Morgan and murder the Bond...
A little later Ji Ho joined them.
Jack: "Ji Ho! How do you feel after you shoved Caleb Vatore from your bed and your neck? For Vlad ^^' "
Ji Ho flushed. But he sat next to Vlad
Saiwa to Vlad: "You must be a very good boy now to not make Ji Ho regret his decision
Jack: "Ah lucky Genji! He left together with Lady Demon and Caleb in the limousine!"
They indulged their breakfast and chatted for a while. Knowing they'd return to their new home soon. Together.
Ah, it's been a while since I've seen them so carefree and happy!
Only - Kiyoshi's place is empty. Let's hope they get him out of that tree soon.
Saiwa: "You still haven't told us why you showed up without your shirts yesterday..."
Vlad: "What happens behind the fence, stays behind the fence."
Saiwa: "Yeah? What if I kill you behind the fence?"
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, such things happen when riding the fence. I told you it's dangerous. You never know from which leg of the Trousers of Time you'll emerge when you hop in the waistband. Let's just forget about it, hm?"
Pff. Sai went over to Dtui and Rubyn to discuss when they are going to send them back home.
Rubyn: "We still have no idea how to send you back and forth by yourself. If we send you back now, either Vlad or Ji Ho has to stay here with their meteorite."
Saiwa: "Oh. No that's not an option. Other Jeb urged us to stay together..."
Dtui: "While I cast my spells here yesterday, I figured a few things out. We already know that the meteorites, together with the crystals, allow you to teleport to certain places. Rubyn could be able to build a portable device for you. But we need more information about the powers of the crystals."
Saiwa: "Oh we'd found an amazing website with all the information about the crystals when we were on the clue hunt in Selvadorada!"
Dtui: "Unfortunately we need information from a specific old book. This wisdom is not shared on the internet.
Saiwa. We can't send you home yet. We need you to go to the library in Windenburg to find this book. Make sure nobody recognizes you there. The Council is still after you. I'm sorry."
Rubyn: "Hey, you've already managed harder stuff, right?"
Oh no...
Then poor Saiwa went over to the Temple with Dtui to discuss Kiyoshi.
Saiwa: "We've made good progress and I'm positive we'll get him out of that tree. Little Goat already shows up from time to time.
I'm just not sure how to interpret Other Jeb's message. When he urged us to stay together, did he also mean Kiyoshi? And If yes, how is he supposed to stay with us in the Otherworld when he has his duties here at the Temple. And for the Resistance?"
Dtui: "I fear Kiyoshi can't return back here anyway. KΕjin banned him from the Temple. And he's of no use for the Resistance either as it is. Keep him with you and look after him. He still has so much to learn."
Oh no...
Ji Ho: "I hope Genji isn't sad I chose Caleb. Over him..."
Jack: "Don't worry. He also chose Caleb ^^' Anybody would
Vlad: "Tch...this bigheaded goth kitten. And what is even going on with his hair?..."
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And so it came that three riders arrived on a full moon night in snowy Windenburg.
Eccentric Author Rottenmeier and his two assistants.
And from the opposite direction, Professor Sesemann and his insanely beautiful wife Adelheid entered the small town.
They are so in love with each other.
Author Rottenmeier is here to visit the famous Library.
Unfortunately it has already closed.
Author Rottenmeier: "Ah these glasses! When are they going to open again?"
Assistant Peter: "Oh no! Only after Winterfest!"
Assistant Clara is obsessed with the snowflakes. Originally she's from Sulani and hadn't seen much snow in her life yet. ^^'
And the Cat Cafe is closed too. The Professor loves hissing creatures, like his beautiful wife
And they have to make sure no one suspects them as such.
But it's late anyway and it was a long trip so they went to their rooms.
It's an older two story apartment with only one bedroom.
Anything else was already booked up.
Assistant Peter: "There is a double and a single bed..."
Assistant Clara: "You can have the single bed, Peter."
Assistant Peter: "Thank you, Clara!"
Author Rottenmeier: ΓΆ.ΓΆ'
The Professor and his wife found their room too.
Finally alone...
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Next morning - Winterfest!
The Professor and his beautiful wife are grocery shopping.
She loves him so much
And the Author and his assistants shop for decorations and a tree.
Assistant Peter: "Which one is the best?"
But Assistant Clara and the Author are distracted...
Adelheid: "Look, Tobias! This little goat looks like Little Goat!"
And then Adelheid heard a familiar voice: "Hey Bird!"
Adelheid: "Arturo!?"
Arturo: "Oh finally I found you, Bird! Your lost love is back! The morning after Winter Solstice I found him under the tree! Now you two can finally be together! Oh, I'm so tired! He always tried go go back into the tree. I haven't slept since then."
Jeb: "Gods, Kiyoshi."
Saiwa: "Whats wrong with him?"
Arturo: "Nothing. He'd been a tree for a few decades, that's all. But now he's finally together with his beloved Bird. So I guess he'll soon recover. Oh I'm so happy for you two! What a love story! If you don't mind I'll leave now - so tired! I booked a room, here's the keys. Visit me when you're back in Tomarang! You're such a beautiful couple!"
And then Arturo left.
Tobias: "Bird? Love story?"
Adelheid: "I'll explain later ^^' Let's gather the others!"
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Saiwa and Jeb brought Kiyoshi over to Vlad, Ji Ho and Jack's apartment and called them down.
Saiwa: "Good news everyone!"
Saiwa: "Kiyoshi is back!"
And then he told them about how Arturo found him under the tree in Tomarang the morning after Winter Solstice.
Saiwa: "Seems Ji Ho and Vlad's Bond Magic on Winter Solstice did a miracle again. You two are just amazing!"
Little Goat: 'Tch - what are they even talking about!? It had been me! I managed to cross the barrier between the worlds with Kiri and Kumo's help! And I opened the box and gave him his heart back!'
Saiwa: "Vlad, it's upon us to watch over Kiyoshi. Arturo said he's trying to go back into the tree. Us vampires don't need that much sleep so let's spare the others."
Vlad: "Sure. The first watch is on me. Kiyoshi cared for me when my soul was in hell. I owe him."
Saiwa: "Uhm... now that we decided to be honest to each other...
It had been Ji Ho who cared for you all the time. That's how he fell in love with Luci. You had been so mad about it and Ji Ho was so afraid of you so Kiyoshi said it was him."
Vlad: "..."
Saiwa: "Don't be mad, hm? Ji Ho and you already saw anything from each other."
Vlad: "One day I'm going to die from embarrassment..."
Meanwhile Jeb prepared Winterfest Dinner and Jack and Ji Ho decorated.
Little Goat: 'When can we eat?'
Jeb: "In a little while."
Little Goat: 'Can we eat this?'
Saiwa: "No!"
Little Goat: 'Can we eat this?'
Jack: "No!"
(TMI: It was Jack's Little Goat that wanted to eat anything! ^^')
And then finally dinner was ready!
Poor Jack, he just started to feel better and now Kiyoshi is back...
But the Boys are finally together again after all these months!
(Kiyoshi left them in september and shortly after they'd all been separated...) So Jeb's mission to put the Boys back together again is completed!
Guess who just got back today?
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven't changed, had much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy
They were askin' if you were around
How you was, where you could be found
I told 'em you were livin' downtown
Drivin' all the old men crazy
The boys are back in town - Thin Lizzy
During the day they crafted presents at the Artisan's Yard.
Vlad painted Little Goat for Ji Ho
Ji Ho made a lily bouquet for Vlad
Saiwa crafted a romantic candle for Jeb
Jeb carved a romantic piece of wood (it seems they are both eager for their first woohoo ^^')
Jack hadn't known about Kiyoshi's return so he just went to the archeology work bench and extracted one of the artefacts they found in Selvadorada.
And Arturo fizzled romantic soda for them (with Kiyoshi standing next to him ^^')
As always you can find this post on my tumblr with all the links to the relevant episodes -> here
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It's upon the two youngest to clean up after dinner. Saiwa and Jeb already went over to their room and Vlad and Kiyoshi are about to go upstairs too.
Ji Ho: "Vlad. The Bond. Can we?"
Omg they are still not able to talk to each other in whole sentences!
But Vlad knows what Ji Ho needs. He felt it too. The bond wants them to touch... It's still so awkward.
Vlad is hesistant. He wanted this to end and spare Ji Ho from the demands of their Bond. But that's not possible anymore. They need to stay together to avoid further disaster and they already said 'yes' to the bond and each other.
Since Ji Ho now knows they have a home in the Otherworld and are safe there, he is contended with his life with Vlad and the Bond.
He will learn how to love Vlad and they will live the best life they can have. And he loves to be touched by Vlad and trusts him.
That's a beginning, right?
(Usually Ji Ho hates it to be touched due to his traumatic childhood.)
Vlad sighs. They will overcome this too. Ji Ho doesn't love him so Vlad won't go any further than embracing Ji Ho to please their Bond. And only touch him when Ji Ho voluntarly comes to him. And only long enough to make the bond happy (for a while)... (Yes, Vlad, you're a man of honor, we get that.) But it's so hard for Vlad because he loves Ji Ho more than his own life. And it feels so good.
Jack: "I'm so happy so see you two finally getting closer. We will continue our how-to-love-Vlad lessons and I will show you that Vlad is the best for you, hm? You were able to love Luci and this will help you to love Vlad, right?"
Jack is determined ^^' Vlad is his best friend and Ji Ho is like a brother to him. He wants them to be happy.
Jack hadn't been at the Temple for a while to get his pain treated by Arturo so Ji Ho is helping him to get back into meditation.
And after meditation, Ji Ho and Jack were talking for a while. Jack told Ji Ho what he learned at the Temple. That he hadn't been able to feel 'this fated mates thing' with his Alpha because he'd been protecting himself from the pain that his Alpha would have caused him if he gave in and therefore couldn't fully commit to him.
Jack: "I'll take you to the Temple too when we're back home. I'm sure Arturo can help you. Maybe you are protecting yourself from loving Vlad too?"
Ji Ho: "What do you mean?"
Jack: "I'm quite sure you already do love Vlad. You fell in love with Luci before you knew it was him, right? And Luci is Vlad - and the Bond."
Ji Ho: "Maybe you are right... I can't wait to meet Arturo!"
It's already late and Ji Ho eventually went upstairs.
And Jack figured that it's less painful when he shifts into wolf. And the warmth of the fire is doing him good too.
The Wolf and the seven six Little Goats
Meanwhile Vlad cared for Kiyoshi. And he thought about what Saiwa said.
That Ji Ho cared for him/Luci when his soul was in hell.
Yes, Ji Ho and him already saw anything from each other but that was after that!
Kiyoshi is still not responding/acting like a tree.
Vlad: "Kiyoshi. Come back. We need to help Jack."
β¦ I'll be there for you (When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you (Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you ('Cause you're there for me too)
The Rembrandts - Friends Theme
Outtakes
Jack's Little Goat rather sleeps in the kitchen
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December 27, the Library is finally open again! Eccentric Author Rottenmeier and his two cute assistants went over to look for that book about the crystals Dtui told them about. To finally get that device build by Rubyn that lets them travel back to their home in the otherworld and back again by themselves.
Vlad/Author Rottenmeier has to stay in the background to not out himself as a creature.
(Ji Ho had been a bit too eager to give him his black eyes back...)
Ji Ho/Clara and Jack/Peter gave the bored librarian the list with books for the Author's 'research' (they'd put a few unsuspicious, common books about crystals and gemstones on the list too to pretend the Author is researching for his next book.)
Bored Librarian: "I'll print you a list where to find them but you need to pick them yourself. We're short on staff this time of the year."
Bored Librarian: "You can have the room at the top of the stairs. Identification please." (In this world creatures are not allowed access to certain books and information. The Council does not want them to be even more powerful and dangerous ΓΆ.Γ' Only Muggles are allowed access to certain books.)
Vlad: "You don't need to see their identification."
Bored Librarian: "I don't need to see your identification."
Vlad: "They can go about their business."
Bored Librarian: "You can go about your business."
Jack: "Why thank you
(The epic scene that inspired me -> here)
And so they went upstairs to do their research.
Vlad was taking notes and Ji Ho and Jack picked the books for him. It appeared that the unsuspicious books were very useful too.
Ji Ho and Vlad were busy and Jack got bored. And so he went to the sci fi section... He needed to distract himself from the fact that Kiyoshi is back... Better not think of the consequences and the madness that will follow...
And Jack really found a Star Wars book he didn't know! It's a very old copy named 'Escape from Batuu'. He'd never heard of that book. Is it even legit? He started to read anyway. Because distraction...
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
(Sounds promising!)
It was the story about the lovers Val and Jino.
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Escape from Batuu
(The book Jack found at the Library)
This is the story about the lovers Val and Jino. They lived happily together in their little housing at Batuu.
Val and Jino loved each other dearly. Jino was so beautiful and amazing, Val couldn't get enough of him.
And Val was a very talented mechanic. They couldn't have been happier.
Until the First Order got note of Val's talent and recruited him as TIE fighter pilot and mechanic.
And then Lt. Agnon saw how beautiful Val's love Jino was. Lt. Agnon knew of his master's fondness for pretty men and so he claimed Jino for his master.
Of course Jino rejected. But Lt. Agnon threatened him that the First Order (with Val as squadron leader!) would destroy his home planet, shouldn't he give in, and put him under arrest...
Jino and Val were devastated.
Their happy life had crumbled to pieces.
The following night Jino sneaked out and they met in secret.
Val: "Don't worry. I have a plan."
Jino: "I love you."
Val: "I know."
Early next morning
Lt. Agnon and Jino awaited the arrival of his master. He would take Jino with him and make him his.
Val and Jino made eye contact - and Jino ran over to Val's TIE Fighter!
And so they'd made their escape from Batuu!
Lt. Agnon's master was furious!
Kylo Ren: "You will be mine, Jino. You will be mine!"
Kylo Ren gave order to destroy Jino's home planet but unfortunately (or fortunately ^^') Jino's home planet was Batuu... ^^
And so he started to hunt Val and Jino through the Galaxy.
Val and Jino experienced the most wonderful adventures together and were always a few steps ahead. They never got cought and lived a very happy and very long life and found good friends. They swore each other everlasting love and even promised to find and love each other in their next lives.
And after their death, their friends shot their urns into space.
Where they travelled next to each other many lightyears - through wormholes, around suns and between galaxies... until they penetrated the atmosphere over Chestnut Ridge, became meteorites and crashed at Martha's Farm!
On the very day Ji Ho and Vlad met for the first time at the Highschool in Copperdale!
Whoa...
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While Vlad, Jack and Ji Ho do their research at the library, Saiwa and Jeb took Kiyoshi to the Cat Cafe. They have the hope the cats would bring him out of his tree state.
And really, he reacted on them!
Saiwa was giving Jack last instructions and told him to call should they need them at the library.
All our ingame cats are here today ^^'
The waiter was flirting with Saiwa.
The Waiter: "I'll serve you in a minute
The Waiter: "Which crime did you commit to have to spend the days after Winterfest with your two professors?"
Saiwa: "Oh, we're working on a project ^^' "
Tha Waiter gave Saiwa his number: "Call me in your freetime. I'll show you the town."
Poor Jeb. He still thinks that Saiwa doesn't play in his league and is way too hot for him...
Jeb: "Why didn't you tell him you're my wife?"
Saiwa: "The Professor/Student story is more plausible, now that Kiyoshi is with us. It would look weird when two grown men hang out with a 'girl' like me."
Saiwa: "You can punish me later for this, hm?" *winks*
Jeb: "Uhm...ok ^^' "
'She doesn't give you time for questions
As she locks up your arm in hers
And you follow 'till your sense of which direction
Completely disappears'
In the year of the cat - Al Stewart
Meanwhile Kiyoshi and Kira carefully approach each other.
Jeb: "I hope we have him back soon."
Saiwa: "We will. In his world he'd been a tree for decades. He just needs time to accustom."
And about an hour later, Jack excitedly called from the library.
He'd found a Star Wars book!
Saiwa pinched the bridge of his nose: "Jack, you only had one job to do and ended up with Star Wars?"
Jack, over the phone: "This time you will thank me for this!"
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@8doggone Thank you π Yes, these goats are the cutest thing! π
Saiwa, Jeb and Kiyoshi went over to the library after Jack had called.
Vlad: "Gods, Saiwa. What about your background story being the Professor's wife? You look like a student dressed to entice her two professors for better grades!"
Saiwa: "Yeah, since Kiyoshi is back we needed to adjust. And staid and bland isn't my style anyway ^^' "
Jeb: "..."
Saiwa: "So Jack, what about that Star Wars book is so important to drag us away from Kiyoshi's cat therapy?"
Jack: "I'm glad you asked!"
And then Jack showed them excitedly the story of Vlad and Ji Ho's meteorites.
Saiwa: "Val and Jino? I don't know. And you can barely see their faces... And how are the writers of such trashy sci fi novels even supposed to know about that?"
Jack gasped in dismay: "Trashy sci fi novels? Ach! I don't even talk to you. Jeb, please, conjure me a copy, hm? You are my best friend and..."
Vlad: What?"
Jack: "Uhm - my second best friend and..."
Ji Ho: "What?"
Jack: "Oh ehm - you're like a brother to me! Please hm?"
Saiwa: "Oh my! Just do it Jeb before he drives himself even deeper in trouble... I'm like a brother to you, you little brat!"
Jack: "Aww yes you are! Thank you! This book explains everything! And you know how much I love Star Wars. And Vlad and Ji Ho are my favourite ship!"
Saiwa: "I thought Jeb and I are your favourite ship!"
Jeb, saving the day: "All step back a bit, Copypasto spell incoming!"
'β¦ Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
β¦ Oh, keep smilin' and keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
Oh, that's what friends are for'
Dionne Warwick - That's What Friends Are For
ft. Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder
And so Jeb conjured a copy of the Star Wars book and - just to be sure and since they're already at it, one of the old book about crystals too. They are still so amazed when Jeb does his magic
Saiwa sent a digital copy of the crystal book to Rubyn.
And since they'd used lots of unplanned spells today, they decided to leave the town full of Muggles tomorrow morning and move to a more concluded place in the countryside until they hear from Rubyn or Dtui. That's cheaper anyway.
Saiwa, Jack, Jiho and Jeb spent the rest of the day at the ice rink...
And Vlad went for a walk with Kiyoshi. Maybe some of their impressions here would help to bring him back.
(The way he looks at Vlad
Vlad bought some of these delicious pretzels for the others
(In Nuremberg they have these special pretzels at the food stands in town. Not with grain salt but with powder salt. Oh my, they are amazing! Never had better ones.)
Saiwa was still revved up from seeing Jeb doing his magic (and he still had to make up to him) so they went to their room 'to pack their stuff together'.
Student: "I've been a bad student, Professor... I forgot to prepare for the seminar..."
Professor: "So what are we going to do now? I can't give you a pass on that..."
Student: "Professor..."
Student: "Please, don't be so tough on me. I've never had a seminar before..."
Professor: "There's no way to avoid it..."
Student: "I will accept any punishment for my deeds, Professor."
Professor: "Any?"
*Student nods*
Professor: "I will teach you how to do it."
...
Saiwa: "Uhm Jeb?"
Jeb slowly blinks his eyes open: "Hm?"
Saiwa: "And my punishment?"
Jeb: "You know I can't hurt you."
Saiwa: "Oh..."
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It was already evening when they reached the countryside of Windenburg - Windslar. It always takes a while to call the horses, care for them and saddle them. It wasn't before noon they could finally leave the Old Town.
Jack lead them here. He'd found a cheap accomodation they can afford, he said...
Saiwa: "So - where is it?"
Jack: "We should soon be there."
Saiwa: "I shouldn't have trusted you on this."
It's hard for Saiwa to let go and let the others take responsibility so not always everything stacks on Saiwa's shoulders.
Especially when Jack plans something...
And so they rode on...
'But I know what I'm going to do
I'm gonna ride on, Ride on
(Ride on) standing on the edge of the road
(Ride on) thumb in the air
(Ride on) one of these days I'm gonna change my evil ways
'Til then I'll just keep riding on'
AC/DC - Ride on
The only building far and wide and it's a palace...
Saiwa: "What is going on here? Are we going to break in or what? Are you crazy? When the Council catches us here..."
Jack: "Don't worry. A friend said the owners are away over the holidays and need someone to look after the place."
Saiwa: "You don't have any friends besides us, Jack."
Jack: "Ok, it was Greg!"
Saiwa: "Greg doesn't have any friends either..."
Jack: "Hey, just trust us, ok? Greg said the key is beneath this snail here...
Ah! There it is! See?"
Meanwhile the others dismount their horses too.
Jeb: "Why doesn't Kiyoshi wear his warm coat, by the way?"
Vlad: "Uhm..."
Jeb: "It's not easy to take care of someone so helpless, hm?"
Vlad already knew before how much Ji Ho had done for him while his soul was in hell - even though he was so afraid of him...
Jeb: "Jack and I go first."
Saiwa: "I'd say let Jack go first..."
Jack: "Hey, don't worry. It's legit!"
Jack went in.
And then they heard him scream: "WAaaahhh!" and ran after him!
Saiwa: "Omg Jack! Are you ok?"
Jack: "Yes! Look at this! This is a winery! Look at all this stuff!"
(Jack started nectar making back in Chestnut Ridge.)
Saiwa: "Omg Jack!"
Jeb: "Don't you think this is a kind of present from Noxee and Greg?"
Ji Ho: "This is awesome!"
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The Boys got up early to prepare for their New Year's Party. They decided to stay at the winery. It's too dangerous to go anywhere since they have to hide from the Council. This is also the reason why there will be no we-are-here fireworks today.
(The animals say thank you
Who still is in tree mode and has no idea what's going on...)
Ji Ho and Jack are in charge to care for the goats and Kumo, who also came back with Kiri (Kiyoshi's horse and his sheep).
They drove them outside and started to build a snowpal.
Kumo: 'The goats are making a mess in the vineyard...'
Jack: "Oh no!"
They were eating grapes? In winter?
Jack: "Oh no - we have to stop them. The grapes are frozen! They will get stomach ache!"
So they quickly picked the leftover grapes from the vines.
Jack: "We could use them to make Ice Wine!"
Ji Ho: "But aren't they spoiled?"
Jack: "No. This is a speciality. It's a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine."
Ji Ho: "Oh! I never heard of that. Just googled it and it says:
'The sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, but the water does, allowing for a more concentrated grape juice to develop. The grapes' must is then pressed from the frozen grapes, resulting in a smaller amount of more concentrated, very sweet juice. With ice wines, the freezing happens before the fermentation, not afterwards.'
How do you know about all that?"
Jack: "Haha you know when I'm really into something I can't be stopped learning everything about it. Like my Armadillo Phase, you remember? Since Chestnut Ridge it's wine
Meanwhile Saiwa and Vlad (and Kiyoshi) went downstairs to move the furniture around and set the table.
And then Jeb came in...
Jeb: "I'm going to prepare the food with Kiyoshi. He always liked when we cooked together. Maybe when he watches me he remembers and it helps him come back, you know?"
And then Jeb took Kiyoshi over to the kitchen.
Sai and Vlad shared a look. Why is Jeb dressed so strange?
Jack was busy making the Ice Wine
"Gods my feet are so cold! Whose idea was this?"
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Soon it went dark and the party started with dinner.
They didn't turn the lights on and went with candlelight to not draw any uneccessary attention on the winery.
And Vlad is still wondering why Jeb is dressed like this... That's so not his style - at all...
Saiwa held a little speech about how happy they can be that they are all together again - and healthy. And that they finally found a home.
And about their plans for next year.
Doing anything to get Kiyoshi's absent mind out of tree mode.
Get that device build by Rubyn that will be able to teleport them between their home in the Otherworld and the Muggle World.
Making their crappy home a happy home.
Staying together.
And help other creatures where they can, now that Ji Ho and Vlad finally said 'yes' to each other and their Bond.
And then they ran around a bit because they can't stay sit even if their life depended on it... *sigh*
But they all agreed how amazing Jack's Ice Wine was.
Jack: "I love you, pal."
Vlad: "I know, pal."
I first thought Vlad would go over and sit with Ji Ho but he went to sit with Kiyoshi and showed him how to use this strange thing in his hand.
Vlad: "That's a glass. Put it to your mouth and drink. Don't forget to spread your little finger... Exactly. Well done!"
Hahaha Ji Ho and Jack ^^'
No matter how hard the times were Jack had because of Kiyoshi, it hurts him to see Kiyoshi so lost and helpless.
After Dinner they went upstairs.
Jeb and Ji Ho were chatting about Ji Ho's progress on his Siren's Songs. Other Jeb had insisted in his message that Ji Ho should continue working on them. So it must be important.
Ji Ho: "I started working on them while I was living with Genji. I'm getting better and it sounds quite good but I still struggle to influence things and persons, like my grandfather did, you know?"
Jeb: "Let's hear anyway?"
Ji Ho: "Uhm... ok ^^' So I found out it's not really about composing a new song but to get into the right mindset and use a certain tone and voice."
And then Ji Ho started to sing a song they all knew very well.
The Misty Mountains Song from The Hobbit:
'Far over the misty mountains cold to dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away, ere break of day to claim our long-forgotten gold
Goblets they carved there for themselves and harps of gold, where no man delves
There lay they long, and many a song was sung unheard by men or elves
The pines were roaring on the heights the winds was moaning in the night
The fire was red, it flaming spread the trees like torches blazed with light
The bells were ringing in the dale and men looked up with faces pale
The dragon's ire, more fierce than fire laid low their towers and houses frail'
And even though Jack was not in his wolf, his hair on his neck stood to an end. Something felt strange. And his sensible nose cought the scent of ozone.
But the song was so beautifully sung.
None of them could stop themselves from humming along with Ji Ho, just like the dwarves did with Thorin in 'The Hobbit'.
And then it happened. Six little lights appeared and danced around them. It was just like magic. (In fact it actually was magic ^^')
So Ji Ho was able to influence with his voice. But it seems just his friends and just when they're all together. They'll yet have to figure what to do with this new trait.
A little while later a werewolf ran along.
Just to make sure his son and his friends are safe
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They went very quiet after Ji Ho's song. And when they were able to clear their thoughts, they started to discuss how amazing it was and what they would be able to achieve - until Saiwa stopped them.
This was a party after all. They could ponder about this next year
And so he started the movie.
'Happy New Year' with Shah Rukh Khan.
They are all crazy for him and happily sang 'India Waale' along with him.
'Yoon toh seedhe bade.
Kabhi chahe toh haathon se lete lakeerein chura
O humko parwah nahi.
Joh bhi kehta hai kehne de jag yeh bhala ya bura
Jaisi bhi marzi ho hamari.Karte hai aisi hoshyari
Par dil se yaar joh le pukaar toh jaan nisaar kar daale'
'Usually we're very simple
But if we want we can steal the lines from one's palms
We don't care what the world says about us, good or bad
Whatever we desire we attain that by using our smartness
But if someone calls from their heart then we'll sacrifice our life for them'
Saiwa cuddled with Jeb and Ji Ho moved closer to Vlad. They hadn't touched yet today and the Bond was hungry...
And when the movie was over it was midnight. Good timing!
Happy New Year, Boys!
It's the first New Year's Eve they spend all together.
Jack went outside to be alone for a while. But Kiyoshi followed him.
We'll never know if Kiyoshi was just mimicking the others or really wanted to embrace Jack. Jack let it happen. Even though his relationship with Kiyoshi drove him into utter madness and he never felt 'this fated mates thing', he loved Kiyoshi. And he misses him.
They didn't last long after midnight. Goats had to be fed and the winery had to be tidied up early next morning...
Sai and Jeb went to their room first. Sai will finally ask Jeb what possessed him to wear this outfit today...
Jeb: "Don't you remember? I wore this jacket on our first date and you bought me these trousers and then we had our first quarrel because I didn't like them and..."
Saiwa: "Of course I remember. But why do you wear it when you don't like it? It's so not you - at all."
Jeb: "You said in the library that staid and bland isn't your style...but my style is staid and bland and..."
Saiwa: "Oh Jeb! Your style isn't staid and bland. It's your style and I love it. And I love you, no matter what you wear. Do not change because I say stupid stuff. I can't believe it - you yourself said that to me when I was worried you were disgusted by the way I dress."
Jeb: "So you don't prefer any of my outfits over the other? And it doesn't matter what I wear?"
Saiwa: "Uhm - not so fast. I'd really love to meet my professor again
Professor: "Here I am. So what was that important you wanted to meet me on New Years Eve?"
Student: "I'm still worried about that seminar..."
Professor: "Don't you worry. I'll help you prepare for it."
The Room where they celebrated is Vlad and Kiyoshi's room. Jack and Ji Ho share a room on the opposite side. Jack already went over.
And Ji Ho hugged Vlad good night.
Ji Ho: "I will learn how to love you, I promise."
Vlad wanted to reassure him that it is fine if he doesn't love him. That he is fine. But before he could say anything, Ji Ho kissed him.
Ji Ho: "Shhh..."
Ah! I wish a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you!
May we get a peaceful, silent 2024.
Thank you for reading, following, commenting, liking - and existing
You are amazing!
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¨
This post with all the links to the references -> here on my tumblr. There is also a poll about Jack's facial hair ^^'
Ji Ho and Jack are out and about with the goats again. They are having so much fun in the snow!
Jack: "What do you think is the story behind these monolithes?"
Ji Ho: "I have no idea..."
They walked over.
Jack: "Have you seen how they glowed at night? There must be some magic behind."
Ji Ho: "Strange that the Council hadn't destroyed them yet."
Jack: "Maybe we find something on the internet?"
...
Ji Ho: "Hmmm... no. Nothing. Strange."
Little Goat: 'Tch - internet. Everyone knows that these are 'The Three Old Hags'. And that they'd been turned to stone because they'd been so nosy!'
Little Goat: 'Exactly. And the blue glow comes from their crystal ball they'd used to spy onto others!'
Little Goat: 'And the Council did try to destroy them but they are still too powerful, even as monolithes.'
They went back to the winery to clean up.
Jack: "Almost done here. You?"
Ji Ho: "Also. Let's feed the goats then. They are already hungry again ^^' "
Little Goat: 'He rather looks like a hockey player ^^'
Little Goat: 'I'd rather they'd stop their nonsense and feed us! I'm hungry again!'
Meanwhile the others had tidied up too. They called the horses and left Windenburg.
Each group in an other direction.
The hot student and her two professors and the Author and his two cute assistants.
Ah, this was a fun chapter in Windenburg!
The Boys are on their way to the Temple in Mount Komorebi to see how far Dtui and Rubyn are with their teleporter device... now that they have the information about the crystals.
So they can finally all go back home to Tomarang
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Mount Komorebi - Temple District
Kiyoshi is still banned from the Temple so Jeb texts Rubyn and asks her what do do...
Jeb: "Ah, Rubyn said to bring him to the One OK Rock Bar? She said he's only been banned from the Temple itself but not from the buildings nearby."
Jack: "Ah that's a relief." (Neither Jack nor the others (nor Kiyoshi himself...) know that Kiyoshi got banned from the Temple because he lost control over his demon side (because Jack had left him... because Kiyoshi neglected Jack and Jack went crazy...)
And so Kiyoshi returned to the Temple after more than two months in this world - and a few decades in the Otherworld he'd spent in that tree...
Saiwa went over to the Temple to talk to Dtui, and the others to the Bar to meet Rubyn.
Ji Ho: "Ah the pedestals are still here!"
Jack: "Very proactive from Rubyn to place them here and not at the Temple Grounds."
Jeb and Rubyn shared their latest news about the crystals and the device. And of course they told her the story about the meteorites from the book Jack had found. (Rubyn is just as crazy about Star Wars as Jack and Vlad ^^'). They agreed to find out more about this book, the story and the author.
But back to the teleport devices.
Rubyn: "I'm positive we can send you back to the Otherworld soon! The device is built and we just need to adjust it and calibrate with all of you and then you're ready to go!"
Jack: "Awesome!"
Dtui is so sad. She is not allowed to see Kiyoshi until he learned why he'd been banned from the Temple...
Saiwa reassured her: "Don't worry. He doesn't suffer. He's still in tree mode. But I'm sure we'll get him back and then he will learn from his mistakes and you'll meet again."
Dtui stayed at the Temple and Saiwa went over to the others.
Rubyn handed Ji Ho and Vlad their devices and they inserted their meteorites. She explained the functions and divided them in two teams. For 'balance'...
Jack to Vlad: "See you on the other side, Pal!"
The others were too anxious to say anything. No one had ever tested these devices. What if something goes wrong?
But nothing went wrong. Because nothing really happened.
Rubyn: "Argh! It's too weak! The beams have to cross. But we're already at full power... "
Oh no...
But then Jeb had the idea that saved the mission:
"Ji Ho - sing!"
And Ji Ho sang. The lights appeared around them, the scent of ozone wafted through the air and the beams crossed!
Amazing!
And then the Boys were gone.
Rubyn cheered!
Hopefully she sent them to the right place - in one piece...
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As always, you can find this post with all the links to the references on my -> tumblr
Jeb: "Are you all ok?"
They were.
Saiwa: "Something went wrong. We are not in the cave on the ship.
But at least it's Tomarang! Rubyn is a genius!"
Jack: "I don't think something went wrong. The pedestals and the ship. We don't need them with these devices and Ji Ho's voice!"
'One dream, one soul, one prize, one goal
One golden glance of what should be
One shaft of light that shows the way no mortal man can win this day
The bell that rings inside your mind is challenging the doors of time
The waiting seems eternity. The day will dawn of sanity'
A Kind of Magic - Queen
Vlad: "At least there's barely a soul around in the Otherworld. It would be embarrassing if someone saw us in our snowsuits here..."
Arturo: "Evening Boys! How are you, Jack? Meet me at the temple tomorrow, I'll ease your pain. And good to see you again Bird. Are you happy your lover is back? Ah, I gotta go home now, I'm so tired. See you!"
At least he didn't ask about their outfits - and what they are doing here ^^' That's one of the good things in the Otherworld. No one wonders - no one asks.
The Boys are tired too. The horses refused to cooperate today so they had to walk the long way home...
And then Ji Ho and Kiyoshi saw their new home for the first time.
Ji Ho almost cried: "We will be so happy here."
He never had a save place to stay.
They cared for the goats, changed their clothes and Vlad and Adriano celebrated their reunion.
Vlad: "You could have visited, you know."
Adriano: 'I know
They met in the kitchen. It's late and they only have two bedrooms yet. So who sleeps where?
Jack thinks it's time to let the others know about his suspicion that Saiwa is not only Kiyoshi's lost love 'Bird' but also his fated mate...
(Of course he won't tell them anything about Kiyoshi and himself.)
Jack: "... and therefore I think Kiyoshi should stay near you - to help him come back. You heard what Arturo said. You were in his thoughts before he vanished in the tree! Only you can help him come back."
Saiwa: "What? I won't fake a relationship with Kiyoshi!"
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, this won't be a fake relationship. Just be near him. He doesn't even know where he is or who he is. When we have him back, we clarify it, hm? I know him for so many years now. Everyone was always crazy for him but he never really felt for someone. It must have meant something that his last words were about you."
Poor Saiwa.
And poor Jeb. This must be so hard for him even though Kiyoshi is one of his best friends.
And poor, poor Jack... he can't even tell the others that Kiyoshi always thought Jack is his fated mate and they'd been together because he swore on his life he wouldn't tell...
Saiwa: "This is so wrong!"
Saiwa: "I hope we are doing the right thing here..."
Jeb: "Me too..."
(Omg Jeb looks at the photo where he kissed his VaniΓ« by the river...)
Vlad: "Are you sure you don't want to sleep in your bed?"
Jack: "Who want's a bed when he can wrap himself in a Pizza!
... Ouw - now I'm hungry..."
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This post with all the reference links -> here on my tumblr.
Next morning. Jack sneaked out. Ji Ho and Vlad are still sound asleep. The main work of doing their Bond Magic is still on them and it drains them. Despite the devices. Vlad will hate it. He wanted to spare Ji Ho from all this...
Jack went over to the garage to work on their rooms. They need more place to sleep. He is still amazed how easy and fast these machines build furniture and stuff! Out of trash and junk!
Meanwhile Jeb, Saiwa and Kiyoshi went to the kitchen. Jeb insists that Saiwa is cooking today with Kiyoshi - to help him come back...
Sai can't get over how Jeb put Kiyoshi over him.
Saiwa had always been jealous of Kiyoshi and Jeb.
Jeb didn't even hesitate agreeing to their fake relationship!
How far will this go?
Jeb dwells on his own thoughs. He knows that Saiwa always had a crush on Kiyoshi. Everyone has. That's just how Kiyoshi is. But he is his best friend and he trusts him unconditionally. And he would do anything to bring him back. Even though Kiyoshi could never tell him much about his duties for the Council, the Resistance and the Temple.
But watching them together makes Jeb think if it was the right decision. What will he do when this fated-mates-thing is true? Did Kiyoshi love Saiwa all the time and just never told them because Kiyoshi knew how much he loved Saiwa? Did he give up on Saiwa so they could be together? Gods - the way Kiyoshi looks at him...
Will Jeb be able to give up on Saiwa so Kiyoshi and Saiwa can be together? ΓΆ.Γ'
Ji Ho and Vlad eventually got up and they gathered for breakfast.
They are so happy to be all together again
Ji Ho couldn't avoid to bring up the fact that they'll have to pay back Francine, Rubyn, Dtui and Leander (Vlad growled when he heard Ji Ho mentioning him ^^') for their help. But all of them agreed that they'd happily earn money the best they can to pay back.
This place - their home - is more than they could ever hope for! Of course they would work to keep and earn it!
They discussed their possibilities. Jack could sell his amazing nectar, Vlad his paintings... And they'd have to find a way to send their produce to the Muggle World. The Otherworld is populated too sparsely.
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, you could start programming again and even develop computer games!"
Saiwa: "Uh - I'm good with computers - but there's a lot more to a game than just programming the code. I would have to compose the music and sounds, make up and write the story and dialogues and then all the design stuff and concept art. I can't do any of these things."
If only Saiwa would know some creatures who are capable of all these things...
(Vlad is writer, Ji Ho composer and Jack draws ^^')
After breakfast Jack took Ji Ho upstairs.
He decorated a room for him.
Ji Ho: "Gods, Jack - this is too much. It even looks better than your room!"
Jack: "What? Nothing looks better than my Space House Boat!"
There is even a bathtub at the balcony with view on the river! And Jack even made a corner with all of Ji Ho's music stuff!
Ji Ho: "Thank you, Jack. It's so beautiful! I've never had a room of my own!"
Jack: "You have the best view of all of our rooms. Right on the river."
Ji Ho: "It's stunning. Wow."
Then they talked a bit about their 'learn how to love lessons' and pondered about how Ji Ho could be able to learn how to love Vlad...
Jack: "Let's go to the temple and visit Arturo later. I have to see him anyway, my pain gets worse again. He'll have advice for us."
Ji Ho: "I hope so. I hate to see Vlad suffer because of me."
When will you ever learn when there's nowhere left to turn
Don't let your spirit burn I'll wait 'till you return
All the dreams that we were building
We never lived them
We could lose it, we should use it
Lessons in love - Level 42
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This post with all the reference links -> here on my tumblr.
As promised, Jack took Ji Ho to the Temple to meet Arturo.
And even though Kiyoshi left the tree, there must still be a connection between them. The orbs in the tree are still there and glow brightly...
First they meditated and eased Jack's pain.
It seems Arturo added even more bird deco to the temple ^^'
He's so happy that the man that became a tree and came back is united with his beloved 'Bird' again...
Jack felt so much better after Arturo eased his pain so he started to do the chores around the temple to help Arturo and pay back for his help.
He can't remember how often he said 'Don't eat this!' to the goats today... (Kiyoshi's Little Goat and Kumo are here too. They seemed to have missed the tree. They also spend decades with him.)
Ji Ho went to talk to Arturo about Vlad. He told him their whole story.
Arturo: "You went through a lot."
Ji Ho: "Yes. I know it's only him for me and it's only me for him.
We can feel us through the bond. We know anything from each other. We don't even have to talk. And I know how much he loves me. Why can't I love him? I was able to love Luci.
Luci was basically him - and I still can't.
And even though we are so close and even woohooed and kissed a few times, it's still so awkward between us."
Jack and the goats had finished their chores and joined them.
Arturo: "It seems you skipped a few steps, huh?"
Ji Ho: "Skipped?"
Arturo: "Or should I say you started from the wrong end?
Usually you start a relationship with some carefree time together, go on dates, chat and laugh together, get to know each other - and then youfall in love.
But you were first afraid of him, then he died, then you were afraid a curse could hit you... You had to do things only lovers do and had the weight of the world upon your shoulders.
These are no conditions for love to grow."
Jack: "Gods, you are right! They will do all of this and Ji Ho will fall in love! And I will help them!"
'Here comes the rain again. Raining in my head like a tragedy.
Tearing me apart like a new emotion.
I want to breathe in the open wind - I want to kiss like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean. Is it raining with you?
So, baby, talk to me - like lovers do
Walk with me - like lovers do'
Eurythmics - Here comes the rain again
On their way back, Jack showed Ji Ho a bit around.
They also went to the little beach where Vlad and Jack were before.
Ji Ho: "It's just so amazing here. I can't believe we will live here. It's just like paradise. How do we deserve this?"
Jack: "I think we really do deserve it after all we went through, don't you think?"
Ji Ho: "Haha oh my - right you are!"
They swam around a bit and admired the stunning scenery.
Ji Ho: "These wooden stilt houses are just so beautiful. They would be perfect for a weekend trip to the beach."
Jack:"That would be awesome! I wonder if we can buy a lot here to build one. Let's ask Arturo next time."
They lay on the beach for a while. The warmth is relieving Jack's pain.
Ji Ho: "I wonder what Vlad will say about us dating, chatting and laughing ΓΆ.ΓΆ"
Jack: "Hahaha - he will hate it. But don't worry. I'm there."
Ji Ho: "But Arturo is right. We only had hardships together..."
Jack: "I'm sure it gets easier for you when you get to know him. How he really is. You can find no better man."
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While Ji Ho and Jack visit the Temple, Vlad, Saiwa and Jeb plan and build Saiwa and Vlad's rooms. They also add their workspaces so they can start to earn money to payback Rubyn and the others.
Vlad: "Shall I take Kiyoshi with me for a while so you two can spend time together?"
(Omg they also started to decorate with birds here!)
Jeb: "No, it's the best he stays with Saiwa as long as possible. It's time we get him back soon. He's been a tree for much too long now. Let's hope he's fully curable. I'm so worried."
Saiwa: "Yes, it's the best Kiyoshi spends a lot of time with his beloved 'Bird'... We're fates mates after all. Who cares about what I want."
Vlad sighs.
After they finished, Jeb went over to his Potions Shop to work and Saiwa took Kiyoshi with him to his new room.
There's still a lot to do but Saiwa finally(!) has a computer again!
He started programming on the computer game and is pondering over a device to send their produce and messages over to the Muggle World.
Saiwa parked Kiyoshi in front of Kids TV. Maybe Count von Count is able to reach him ^^'
And Vlad started writing again. Also for the computer game.
But he's also worried about Jeb and Saiwa. Vlad knows how it feels when you have to endure your loved one with another... When he only thinks of Leander and Ji ho together his blood starts to boil...
Or Caleb. Or Genji.
A few hours later he went over to Saiwa to talk about their progress on the game.
And about Jeb.
Vlad: "Sai. You would have decided the same for any of us. Do you remember how you wanted Ji Ho and me to do Bond Magic to rescue the horses? Even though you knew how hard it was for us? We all agreed to stay together and do what we have to do, right?"
Saiwa sighs.
Vlad: "And it must have hurt Jeb when you decided to be the hot student for your professors, hm? You always do whats the best for us and put yourself last. How can he possibly think you're not on board helping Kiyoshi? You know how much Jeb loves you. Talk to each other, hm?"
Saiwa laughs: "To hear that from you of all creatures! Like you and Ji Ho talk to each other?"
Vlad: "We don't need to talk. We have the Bond."
Saiwa sighs.
Jack and Ji Ho are back from the Temple and Jack went over to talk to Jeb.
Jeb: "How can Sai be upset when we only want to bring Kiyoshi back? He needs us!"
Jack: "Give him time to adjust. He's not used to making not all decisions by himself.
Saiwa was always responsilbe for anything we did. He seems so tough but he went through a lot. Like all of us. You are both damaged and wounded. And you both are your first everything for each other. And Saiwa loves you more than anything. Don't be upset."
Jeb sighs.
'Sometimes I feel I've got to run away
I've got to get away
From the pain you drive into the heart of me
The love we share seems to go nowhere
And I've lost my light
For I toss and turn, I can't sleep at night
Once I ran to you (I ran) Now I run from you
This tainted love you've given. I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that's not nearly all. Tainted love (oh-oh-oh-oh)'
Tainted love - Soft Cell
Ji Ho enjoys his new room, the balcony and the view.
He sighs happily.
The Ji Ho of tomorrow will have to deal with grumpy Vlad and their new approach on having a 'healthy' relationship...
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Jeb ran out of ingredients for his potions and since they can't just hop over to the Muggle World to stock up (they have the devices now, but it still drains Vlad and Ji Ho), Jeb tries to find similar herbs and stuff here in the Otherworld.
He took Ji Ho with him to show him around.
But he can't stop thinking about Kiyoshi - and Saiwa.
Jeb: "What if Kiyoshi never had a partner because Sai really is his fated mate? And now he will be alone forever because I took Sai from him? And he never said anything because he's my best friend..."
Ji Ho: "Jeb. You and Sai belong together. Not even fate can ignore that."
Jeb sighed: "But how can I compete against a fated mate? I just love Saiwa. No Bond, no fated connection..."
Until Kiyoshi gets back they won't get an answer anyway. And so they looked for promising plants and stuff. It's getting dark already.
Jeb never paid much attention to the plants in the Otherworld. His visits before were only short.
But he knows what he's looking for so he took a few samples to examine. Saiwa is mad at him, so he has enough time to do some research in his shop...
When it was too dark to see and the got hungry, Jeb showed Ji Ho the Night Market.
Ji Ho: "It's so amazing here. And so empty. It really seems we and Arturo are the only ones who can stay here for longer."
Jeb: "All thanks to you and Vlad."
Ji Ho: "And Rubyn ^^'"
Meanwhile at the Crappy Home.
Saiwa: "I really hope you're doing your best too to come back, Kiyoshi... this is so humiliating. I wonder what else I have to do to bring you back..."
Saiwa: "At least you have the decency to look away."
Jack had decorated them a bathroom with a bird wallpaper.
Saiwa: "Note to myself: kill Jack."
Saiwa knows that Vlad is right. He would have asked the same of any of them to save any of them...
And Jeb and him went through enough to not make their lives harder with such a stupid quarrel. Saiwa just can't figure why Kiyoshi's last thoughts and words were about him.
If he really were attracted to him: Why hadn't Kiyoshi hit on him when Jeb and him had broken up last year? This is so strange.
And why had he never told him?
Or did he flirt? Had Kiyoshi been hitting on him and he just never noticed it?
'I saw myself as a concealed attraction
I felt you kept me away from the heat and the action
Just like a child, stubborn and misconceiving
That's how I started the show
One of us had to go
Now I'm changed and I want you to know
One of us is crying, one of us is lying in a lonely bed
Staring at the ceiling, wishing she was somewhere else instead
One of us is lonely, one of us is only waiting for a call
Sorry for herself, feeling stupid, feeling small
Wishing she had never left at all'
One of Us - ABBA
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Ji Ho built a little patio with a fireplace for Jack who still is in pain from leaving his Alpha.
The warmth does him so good.
Vlad can see them from his room. He's glad that Ji Ho cares for Jack, his best friend. How long will he have to endure this pain? It's been months already and it doesn't go away...
Vlad is sitting here for a while already and still only has written three words. But watching Ji Ho is warming his cold, black heart... and he's so beautiful...
And while Saiwa and Kiyoshi are sleeping in Saiwas room and in Saiwa's bed, Jeb is working all night long. He's researching Otherworld's flora to distract him from the fact that Saiwa and Kiyoshi are sleeping in Saiwas room and in Saiwa's bed...
Ji Ho is determined to help Jack to keep track of his meditation practice to ease his pain. So he moved the furniture aside and set up a place to practice and woke up Jack. It's 6 am...
Arturo also suggested to start with Yoga.
And Ji Ho even placed a pizza yoga mat for Jack ^^'
The Boys had yoga lessons at the 'Tandoori Palace' and with Francine.
Vlad is still awake. After Ji Ho and Jack went to bed yesterday, he finally had the mindset to write without distraction.
And now Ji Ho is back again.
Poor Vlad...
After their practice, Jack showed Ji Ho their shared bathroom.
It's in Vlad's building.
Vlad heard Jack's voice and went over to ask him how the practice went and if it eased his pain.
Ji Ho: "Did you forget something, Jack?"
Vlad: "Forgive me."
(Did you notice that Ji Ho's tail only has blue dots in the next pic and not before? After he noticed it is Vlad and not Jack? ΓΆ.Γ' I never noticed before that they are sometimes there and sometimes not(?) strange...)
Will it ever be not awkward between them?
'When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter, far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose'
The Rose - Bette Midler
Outtakes
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Jack felt good after doing yoga and meditating with Ji Ho. He went over to Jeb's shop because he had an idea. But poor Jeb was finally sleeping after working the whole night through.
Since Jack never knows how long he can work until the pain comes back, he grabbed a few of the herbs Jeb and Ji Ho collected and left again.
And later, when Jeb was awake, rummaging around in the garage, he called him over.
Jeb: "Omg, Jack! A greenhouse!"
Between the garage and the restaurant, Jack had managed to build a little greenhouse and beds for the outdoor plants!
And Arturo seems to have gifted them one of the saplings from the tree
Jeb: "That's awesome! I can grow my Otherworlds plants here and the few ones I have left from the Muggle World!"
Jack: "I already started and potted them ^^' "
Jeb: "That's perfect. I don't know what to say."
Jack: "No need to ^^ I also grow my nectar plants here, see?"
Jack: "And there's a planting station and a sink, pots, earth, fertilizer..."
Jeb: "Thank you, Jack. Really. I'm having a really hard time with this whole 'Bird' thing and keeping me busy and distracted helps me to get out of my head."
Jack: "Yeah. Same for me."
And they have a little shady place for their breaks.
'It's not easy love, but you've got friends you can trust
Friends will be friends
When you're in need of love they give you care and attention
Friends will be friends
When you're through with life and all hope is lost
Hold out your hand 'cause friends will be friends
Right till the end'
Friends will be friends - Queen
Jeb went back to work and Jack to his houseboat to make the designs for their video game. To keep himself busy and distracted from the thoughts that Kiyoshi is together with Saiwa, his fated mate. Saiwa, the last of them Kiyoshi had thought about before he became one with the tree...
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¨