The beginning of a new Chapter!
There are a lot of references to their first year.
I linked to them in this same post on my tumblr -> here
The whole thread about the Boys' first year in this forum is -> here
The UFO dropped Rubyn and Ji Ho at the Burrow. Francine is already waiting for them. There's a lot to manage and discuss...
Rubyn: "Are you ok, Ji Ho?"
Ji Ho didn't take the last flight with the UFO very well...
Ji Ho: "Uh... a bit dizzy but way better than last time!"
They followed Francine inside.
Where Genji already waited for them. Francine had called him after she sensed that Vlad and the others left this world with the Ship.
Ji Ho was going to live with Genji anyway after Vlad and him would have cut the Bond eventually.
But now they have another problem: Vlad, Ji Ho's bonded, is gone. Who knows where. And now other Vampires might want to claim Ji Ho. So Francine hopes Ji Ho returning to his first bonded Genji will do to keep them at bay...
Rubyn and Ji Ho filled Francine in about the Expedition, Professor Callahan and the other Jeb and Jack's message...
Francine teared up. Jeb is her beloved grandson: "Gods, Jeb..."
Rubyn: "But now we have all I need to proceed. We should soon see positive results and send Ji Ho over to the others to bring back Kiyoshi and 'move on' - whatever that means."
Francine took Ji Ho aside to talk alone with him.
Francine: "When you return to the others tell them it's up to you now. We won't interfere. You proved you became a proper team now.
So wether you cut the Bond or not - it's your decision. I know this won't be an easy one. It's your life after all and we can't force you to stay with Vlad, whom you don't love, to save creatures and fight the Council."
"But remember: you and Vlad signed a contract to do everything to cut the bond. We put in a lot of money and effort to help you and we ask a part of this money back from you. A lot of Rubyn's reasearch will be useful for the Resistance, but still."
Ji Ho: "I'm sorry we caused so much trouble. We made this decision from what we knew at this point to keep our friends safe from the Council. But we can't ignore Jeb's message. *Ji Ho sighs*
It's a dilemma... But I will accept my fate and stay with Vlad and we will use the Bond to do good. I will learn to love Vlad. And we will pay back the money."
Francine: "Very well then."
And then Rubyn, Ji Ho and Genji left the Burrow.
Rubyn went back to Britechester to continue her research on the meteorites, the pedestal and the recordings from Albaleyh.
And Ji Ho and Genji went over to Genji's flat above the Laundromat...
So many memories! Here, September 2022, just across the street Genji bit Ji Ho and claimed him, Vlad died, Ji Ho left the Space Bar to live with Genji, they held the duel where Vlad claimed Ji Ho and bit him and they formed their bond, which poisoned Vlad - and he died again...
Genji: "Are you sure it's ok for you?"
Ji Ho: "Don't worry, Genji. You had no choice either. It hadn't been easy for you too. Thank you for having me."
Ji Ho: "Oh. You kept the photos."
Genji: "You are so beautiful. Shall I take them off?"
Ji Ho: "No. It's ok."
Ji Ho knows that Bonds are doing things and make creatures a bit obsessed ^^' See Vlad...
Ji Ho took a shower and got rid of his jungle attire he wore almost non stop for the last days. They chatted and laughed and Genji was cooking for him. Ji Ho can't remember when he sat in peace alone with someone and just had a good time. (This was last time when you stayed with Genji, Ji Ho...)
Or anyone cooking only for him. Not even his own mother did this. Definitely not his mother...
It's so - homely... Ji Ho never had a proper home. He grew up in the Slums of Sulani and practically lived in the streets. Jeb, Saiwa and the others became his 'home' no matter where they lived. But they were always on the run - a save place, a haven, somewhere to stay... He licked blood and started to crave for something like this...
The meteorites teleported the ship into another cave...
Saiwa: "Are you ok? Where are we?"
Jeb: "It's the Otherworld. We are save here."
Jack: "Thank the maker - I guess?"
Malfoy was quiet and Jack changed back. The rooster would warn him should Vlad freak out again.
Jeb: "Other you and me did well, Jack! No one can touch us in the Otherworld."
There was an envelope and keys at the pedestal:
'Welcome home. Do your best. We love you. Jeb and Jack."
Jeb was almost crying again but he held back because he didn't want to worry Saiwa.
Saiwa: "We are going to have a home? In the Otherworld? Oh Jeb."
Now Saiwa was holding back his tears... This was too good to be true. Since they left for Mount Komorebi over a year ago and moved out of the Space Bar a little later they didn't have had a home anymore. Always on the run and fighting the Council. No time to breathe and no place to hide.
They were searching the cave for an exit to finally see their new home!
Jack: "Here is a ladder! *already climbs up* And a portal!"
Saiwa: "Omg Jack! Wait! We need to stay together!"
The portal lead to the sewers...
Saiwa: "..."
Jeb: "Don't worry. Other me surely picked an awesome home for us!"
Jack: "Over there is an exit!" Jack is always so excited, like the little puppy he is ^^'
Saiwa: "Wait at the top of the ladder. Don't go anywhere alone!"
Jack: "Doesn't look we can go anywhere at all... Locked in by trash..."
Saiwa: "Ach I knew this was to good to be true!"
Jack: "Hey. It's not that bad. We can clean up and make it really nice here! Right, Vlad? ...Vlad?" *nudges him*
Vlad: "Ah... right. Sure..."
They pushed the trash aside and stepped out.
Saiwa: "This is a junkyard!"
Jack: "Do you remember? You always said that about the Space Bar too! Haha - and then you cried when we moved out."
Saiwa: "Ach!"
Jack followed his nose: "There must be a market! A Night Market! We can deal with this junkyard tomorrow. Let's take a look around and eat something!"
Jeb: "Let's go and check out our neighborhood. VaniΓ«, don't be upset. Living in the Otherworld is the best that could possibly have happened to us. We're save here. And you'll see - after a few days of work it will be amazing here."
Saiwa sighs: "Let's go then..."
Jack: "That's my boy! Oh I'm so hungry! We haven't eaten since we left the Meteorite Crash Scene!"
Jack: "Look how beautiful it is! We will be so happy here!"
Jeb: "There are the food stands!"
Jack: "Ahh the smell! And it looks amazing too! Jeb, do you think you can learn to cook this?"
Jeb: "Sure "
Vlad: "It really is so beautiful here."
Saiwa: "Can I have this?"
Jeb: "You can have anything you want from me, VaniΓ«."
Saiwa: "Aowww Jeb!"
Jack: "Too bad you can't taste this. It's so delicious."
Saiwa: "Hey! They even sell outfits here! Oh - I can't wait to get rid of these clothes! And we're going to find a loose outfit for you which doesn't worsen your pain, Jack."
Jack: "Awesome! This cloth is amazing! It's cool and I really like the feeling of this skirt! Nothing pinches!"
Saiwa: "You do wear boxers, do you?"
Jack: "Hm?"
Saiwa: "Omg Jack!"
They took a walk along the river.
Saiwa: "It really is so beautiful."
Jeb: "You really are so beautiful. I love you."
Jeb: "We will be happy here."
Vlad: "Let's go home. You hurt."
Saiwa: "I'm sorry I was so upset, Jeb. Other Jeb and Jack sacrificed a lot to give us a safe place. Forgive me."
Jeb: "Ah don't worry, VaniΓ«. It was a bit of a shock for all of us ^^' We are going to make the best out of it, hm?"
(screenshots are not edited! Amazing lighting in Tomarang!)
(And we did well with the timing!)
Jack: "Where is our home? ΓΆ.Γ' "
Jeb: "We took the right route back, did we?"
Vlad: "Yes..."
Siawa: "Gods! I can't believe it! Are we cursed?"
ChΓ‘nh Linh walked by and overheard the last sentence: "Cursed? You should visit the temple then. Your arm doesn't look good either, boy."
ChΓ‘nh Linh: "My name is ChΓ‘nh and my partner Arturo serves at the temple. I'm sure he can help you. It's in Koh Sahpa."
Jack: "Thank you!"
ChΓ‘nh Linh: "Oh and you should stay away from that place. It's cursed!"
And then he left.
Only - they can't stay away from that place. Because it's their home...
Or it was...
But Jack can't accept this! Other Jack and Jeb sacrificed so much to give them a home!
Saiwa: "Jack! Wait!"
And as soon as they stood near enough, they could see it!
Jack: "Oh! I think this is a protection spell to hide our home! I bet other Jeb did that to keep us safe! Like Grimmauld Place!"
Vlad: "But aren't we safe anyway in the otherworld?"
Saiwa: "They must have had their reasons. Maybe they were extra cautious because we died?"
Jeb: "Don't say that! We don't know what happened."
Jack: "It's convenient that the buildings are barricaded. Lock Malfoy, Vlad and me up. Mal and I will stop Vlad before he reaches you - should he freak out again."
Saiwa sighs: "Ok. Let's hope Ji Ho joins us soon..."
And so they locked themselves in.
As soon as Jeb and Saiwa were alone...
Saiwa: "What are you doing?"
Jeb: "I want to do it with you - now. We wasted too much time. What if you really die and we never..."
Saiwa: "Jeb. No. I could have died yesterday or last week. It can happen anytime. We never know. I certainly won't have my first time on the floor in this junkyard - with the goats watching."
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, please."
Jack: "Omg Jeb! We can hear you and Malfoy can even see you! Get a room!"
Then they finally slept.
And they dreamt. Saiwa, Jack and Jeb dreamt of the Temple, Vlad of Ji Ho and Genji, Malfoy of his friends at the burrow, Crabbe and Goyle, and the goats dreamt that Valerian and Lunatic were a couple.
The whole desaster in the light of the dawning day. Oh my...
The Boys started to explore their new home.
Jack: "A houseboat!? A HOUSEBOAT!!!"
Jack entered tho boat: "Sai - Mal, Vlad and I will live here! Look at the sight!"
Saiwa: "It's really awesome!"
Sai stepped out again. In front of the next building.
'Little Hoof Daycare'...
Jeb: "Vlad! You have to see this!"
Vlad: "Adriano?"
Adriano: 'Vlad?'
Vlad and Jeb quickly cleaned the trash out.
Jeb: "We can keep the goats here! I was so worried. We couldn't have them runing around here as long as its so dangerous with all the junk around."
Vlad: "Aouw! Who is the best llama in the worlds?"
Adriano: 'That's me!'
Vlad: "Yes you are!"
Jeb: ^^'
Saiwa: "Haha that's so sweet! Look at them! And Adriano takes care of them "
They also found a garage...
Jack: "Oh Jeb! This is so amazing! A garage for us! And there's even a Tuk Tuk inside! We can make this our workshop!" (Jack and Jeb are Team Home Improvement ^^')
Vlad: "It's a lot of work but I can really see the potential here, Sai."
Saiwa: "I really hope you are right."
...and a potions shop. It's really as if other Jack and Jeb had set this up for them!
Jeb: "We can work here, VaniΓ«. Sell potions and stuff for our living!"
Jeb: "And upstairs is a little room for us! We can live here together and I can make sure nothing happens to you!"
Saiwa: "Jeb. Let's not freak out again, ok? I love you more than anything but you won't watch me 25/7. We will be fine, hm?"
Jeb: "VaniΓ«..."
But VaniΓ« shuts Jeb's mouth...
Jack and Vlad head to the Temple to seek help for Jack's painful rash.
As long as they are unsure of the dangers of their new place they decided no one goes anywhere alone.
And since Jack is the only one who can stop Vlad should he freak out again, they go together.
While Jeb and Saiwa start to make this place a home.
At least Saiwa thought so...
Jeb: "Finally alone! Let's get a room!"
Saiwa, breathless: "Jeb. If you don't stop this we are going to have serious problems. We can't build our life upon that I might die. Let's live for now. Because now is all we have, hm? We are going to do our work here today and make our home liveable and I promise I'll spend the night with you. Deal?"
Jeb sighs from the depths of his soul: "Deal..."
They went over to the shed.
Just to find the goats on the loose! They forgot to lock the gate...
After they cought the goats and brought them back to the daycare:
Jeb: "I found something gamechanging!"
Jeb: "I'd been so worried because there's no furniture here and we have no money... But other Jeb and Jack left us this!"
Saiwa: ?
Jeb: "We have a lot of junk and trash here and with these machines we can turn it into the furniture we like!"
Saiwa: "No way! This is just like magic!"
And so Jeb started to collect the trash and Saiwa designed the furniture.
Saiwa: "That's just awesome! Look at this beautiful sink! We'll just make some basics today like beds, a place to cook and eat and a bathroom. And if Vlad and Jack don't like their stuff, we can just throw it into the machine again and make something else! There's no limits!"
Speaking of Vlad and Jack. Looks like they lost their way ^^'
Vlad: "When are we finally there?"
Vlad and Jack arrived at the temple to seek relief for Jack's pain.
They greeted Arturo, the servant at this Temple, ChΓ‘n's partner.
Jack thought it would be honest to tell Arturo in advance that they don't have much money before he makes any effort to help him.
But Arturo reassured him. This Temple helps anyone in need.
Arturo: "You know, our diety once was a temple servant too. He put his duty for his diety and his studies for the temple over everything. Even over his loved one. As a result, he lost his love. His diety was furious and banned him. So he sat under this tree here to reflect and eventually became one with the tree.
This reminds us that we are here to serve the people and our loved ones before anything else."
Arturo: "The tree cares for us. We pot his saplings and sell them. They have the tree's healing powers too. The income just from the saplings is enough to run the temple. So don't worry about money, hm?"
Jack: "I see. Thank you. This place is really amazing."
Arturo: "It is. I consider myself very lucky to be allowed to serve here. The tree is picky ^^' He allows not just anybody around him and touch his precious saplings and soil."
Arturo took them inside to see what he can do for Jack. And Jack told him about his searing pain after he left his fated mate.
Arturo: "Oh I never met someone who left his fated mate. It's a wonder you are still alive! How did it happen?"
Jack: "He kept claiming that we were fated mates but I never felt it.
I ... had a very difficult past and I'm... damaged, you know? He had his obligations, urged me to keep our relationship a secret, was barely there - all this stacked and drove me just deeper into my madness. It was too much for me to keep going. My life and sanity - or our love. I chose life. I guess fate makes mistakes sometimes too. If I only were 'normal' - I could have endured it and..."
Vlad: "No Jack. No one should have to 'endure' anything when it comes to love. That's also the reason why I want to cut the bond. I love Ji Ho too much to let him 'endure' me and the Bond."
Arturo: "But Jack, you just gave you the answer yourself!"
Jack: "What do you mean?"
Arturo: "Follow me."
They offered fruit and incense at the shrine in silence.
Arturo. "You are damaged and your fated mated couldn't protect you, even caused you more pain. So you protected yourself - from him and your love for him. Subconsciously. That's why you couldn't feel it.
As you said. Going on with him and deepen your relationship - giving in being fated mates - would only have caused you more and more pain. So your subconscious stopped you from feeling it. You have to heal first."
Jack: "How can I heal?"
Arturo: "It takes time and treatment. Like healing any other wound. The pain in your soul and heart already reached your body. It was about time you came here. The tree can ease your pain and pave a path for you. But you'll have to walk it yourself."
Jack: "I will."
Arturo: "Let's go then!"
Arturo: "Meditaion is important on your way to healing. You need a certain state of mindfulness and awareness to listen to and care for the needs of your soul and your heart. Come join us, Vlad!"
When Arturo took Jack to the massage, Vlad didn't join them ^^'
Arturo: "I will be very careful to not touch your rash. But your body needs this to relax. To be able to deal with the pain. You'll feel so much better this evening, you'll see."
Jack: "I really hope so..."
Arturo: "And when it's getting worse again, don't hesitate to come back, hear me? I'm here to help."
Jack: "Ok ^^' "
Vlad went over to the kitchen to prepare a meal for them. That's the least he can do for Arturo for helping Jack.
To be continued...
(If you have an idea about the tree, you might be right ΓΆ.Γ'
But please do not spoil
This was a very mindblowing episode for me. I never knew why Jack never felt 'the fated mates thing' until this night!
And what Arturo said is also very important for my own healing. Thank you, Arturo!
After the massage Arturo showed Jack the hot tub.
Arturo: "This is healing water. Saturated with the magic of the tree. Filtered by his roots. I'll check on you later, take your time and relax."
Jack: "Thank you. For everything."
Arturo: "You are very welcome here, Jack."
After Jack entered the tub, he suddenly felt so sad. Telling Arturo about Kiyoshi brought up all the memories in a bulk and Jack was having a hard time dealing with all the feelings that hit him. He should have tried harder to stay with Kiyoshi, his fated mate. But he was too weak...
In the meantime Vlad went to the river. Ji Ho would love it here. But he's not with them.
He's surely with Genji! Because of them!
Oh no, the Bond is overwhelming Vlad again!
But before he totally freaked out, he felt the tree reaching out for him, soothing him. And he dragged Vlad back towards the temple...
The aura of this tree seems oddly familiar. A presence Vlad hadn't felt since...
Jack felt something at his back. As if someone was caressing him. To console him ΓΆ.Γ'
The roots were reaching out for him!
Jack yelled for Arturo. The roots weren't trying to strangle him, were they? Vlad also came running from the river.
Jack told them what happened.
Arturo: "This is really strange. He never did this before. Did he hurt you?"
Jack: "No. Not at all. It's strange but I really feel so much better now!"
Arturo: "Ah that's a relief. Let's eat then!"
Vlad is serving the food he cooked earlier. He's proud of himself ^^'
Vlad: "I hope you're hungry!"
Jack: "And how hungry I am! We haven't eaten since yesterday evening at the Night Market!"
Vlad: "Dig in!"
Jack, making a choked noise: "Omg Vlad!"
Vlad: "What?"
Jack: "The food! I'm so sorry, Arturo! Vlad can't digest food so he could'nt taste what he cooked!"
Arturo: "Uh *coughs* I'm...*coughs* ... fine!"
Vlad: "Uhm, I'll better fetch you some water then. I'm inconsolable, Arturo. After all you did for us today. We are going to make it up to you."
Arturo: "It's fine. Just... don't cook for me again ^^' "
Vlad and Jack return from their visit at the Temple.
Jack feels so much better now but...
Vlad: "This does not look like the place we left this morning...I think we've lost our way - again..."
Jack: "Aren't we supposed to see the swamp with that creepy plant when we're afar from our home?'
But they heard Saiwa shouting: "We're here!"
Jack: "What happened here? Oh, this is amazing! And Jeb cooked!" Jack knuckles a tear out of the corner of his eye. This day is too much for him.
Saiwa: "Haven't you eaten all day?"
Jack: "Vlad cooked..."
Saiwa: "Oh no."
They sat down to eat.
Jack: "This is so beautiful! Where did you get all this stuff from? We have no money!"
And Sai told them about the machines they found in the shed.
Jack: "This is just like magic!"
Jack told Sai about the amazing Temple and that he feels so much better now that he doesn't even mind sleeping on the floor again tonight.
He talked like a waterfall ^^'
But Saiwa told him he won't have to and winks at him
And Vlad still feels bad he gave Arturo a hard time with his 'meal' and so he asked Jeb if he could brew a few potions for the temple to make it up to Arturo.
Jeb: "Sure. I'll do that right tomorrow morning and you can take them with you on your next visit."
And then they wen't over to the houseboat to show Jack his new room.
Jack: "Oh there's the Astromech! How did you get him up here from the ship?"
Saiwa: "We used the crane ^^' "
Saiwa: "Jack? Don't cry! If you hate it we throw it back into the machine and make something you like better!"
Jack: "Noooo! This is one of the most beautiful things you ever did for me! I love you!"
Vlad: "I won't sleep while the rooster is in this bed."
Saiwa: "We just did the most needed stuff today. A place to cook and eat, two beds, bathroom and a little nicknack to make it homelier We'll show you tomorrow how the machines work and then you can create whatever you want. We have enough junk around here to feed them ^^`"
Sai left them to keep his promise to spend the night with Jeb.
While Jack, Vlad and Malfoy inaugurate Jack's new home with a Star Wars movie.
They've watched this movie for the upteenth time so they started to chat about the temple - and the tree...
Jack: "This temple has a strange aura. But Arturo is amazing and I feel so much better - my body and my soul will heal, Vlad.
But the roots scared me a bit."
Vlad: "I'm so glad, Jack. And I felt it too. I'm going to stay with you next time. We should also help out at the Temple to make it up to Arturo and repay for his help. And maybe find out why this tree feels so familiar."
Sai and Jeb went up to Jeb's new apartment above the potion shop.
It's the first time Saiwa is here.
Saiwa: "Oh Jeb. This is amazing!"
Jeb: "I only finished this room and the bathroom yet. The only rooms we need tonight."
Jeb: "This bookshelf is actually a door! Let me show you."
Saiwa: "That's clever! And cool! This is so different from your old room but still so you!"
They quickly took their clothes off. Except for their shorts.
Jeb: "Uhm... You shower first?"
Saiwa: "Let's shower together."
Jeb: "Are you sure you want this?"
(Saiwa is the only one of them who never saw Jeb naked. Jeb avoided this for so long. But other Jeb's message, the fear Sai could die early, changed this.)
Saiwa: "You wanted to do it before I die, remember?"
Jeb: "Don't joke about this, VaniΓ«."
Jeb: "Are you really sure?"
Saiwa: "Omg Jeb!"
Saiwa: "Come on now!"
Saiwa still didn't see Jeb naked when he removed the towel in all that steam.
Jeb: "We don't have to do it. I was just so shocked from the message and afraid I could loose you. I'm sorry. I didn't want to talk you into this."
Saiwa: "I still want to do it. But not tonight, hm? And not in a hurry or just because you could loose me. We'll take our time to explore each other and do it right."
Jeb: "I love you."
Jeb: "No matter what we do. I will never hurt you."
They went back to Jeb's bedroom.
Early next morning. Saiwa and Jeb are still in the afterglow of their happy night together. But duty calls.
Vlad and Jack are early up too.
They thought it might be a good idea to catch some fish. Breakfast and mindfulness - all in one!
This will take a while to catch enough fish for a proper breakfast...
But it's good for Jack's mental health so we won't complain.
Sai and Jeb went jogging to explore their new neighborhood.
It's a bit strange that no one is around. But this is the Otherworld. Usually no one stays here longer since it's very hard to even get there, let alone stay. And the Boys can't leave or contact the others until Rubyn finds a way to activate the meteorites...
Saiwa: "I hope Rubyn finds a way to send us back and forth soon. Vlad almost freaked out again yesterday at the Temple. He said the tree there stopped him. We need Ji Ho here. And I miss him."
Jeb: "Me too. I hope he is ok."
Saiwa: "Let's concentrate on finding Kiyoshi and renovate our home, hm? Better than complaining about things we can't conrol."
Saiwa: "As expected. We have absolutely no internet here. Nowhere. We must be very careful when we are separated. There's no way to let the others know when we are in danger. Maybe other Jeb did right to hide our home... We know too little about the Otherworld to be sure we are really safe here..."
Jeb: "Well - safer than 'over there'."
They took some selfies and jogged back home.
Saiwa: "We should plan our next date soon. I liked it - a lot."
Jeb blushes.
Jack and Vlad are already at work. Jeb showed them how to use the machines to create furniture and stuff out of junk and trash.
Vlad: "We should also create workplaces. We'll need money."
Jack: "Let's hurry and finish Jebs potion shop so he can brew the potions for the temple and then we make a cool room for Saiwa as a thank you for mine! If we let him do it it will just contain a bed and a computer ^^' "
Vlad: "Or just the computer, hahaha."
After Jeb and Sai came back from jogging, Jeb started right away with the potions for the Temple to pay back Arturo.
Saiwa is sitting in the corner, supposed to make floorplans on how to use the buildings of their new home. But he can't help watching Jeb.
Jeb is so sexy when he does his magic. And hot. Jeb is so, so hot... Sai got lost in thought of last night...
Jeb: "Are you still watching me?"
Saiwa: "Hm?"
TMI: Just in case you wondered if Vlad slept in a bed with Malfoy: Yes, Malfoy sneaked back in after they fell asleep ^^'
He takes his job very serious.
They are so cute.
Outtakes:
Vlad: "This is a really nice helmet over there..."
Jack: "Hm?"
Vlad and Jack went to the Temple again. To help Arturo out and bring him the potions as a reward for his help.
Arturo: "Thank you, Boys! This will help a lot keep the saplings healthy and strong!"
Arturo: "And these potions will help our guests. Let's make a prayer at the shrine."
...
Arturo: "So, you're also here to help? Ah, that's great! I'm the only servant here and old, so there's a lot to do ^^' "
Vlad mopped the decks...
... and Jack assisted Arturo with the saplings.
As soon as Jack touched one of the little trees, it started to glow ΓΆ.Γ'
Arturo: "This world is full of wonders! I've never seen this before! Are you a holy man?"
Jack: "Certainly not..."
Vlad thinks it's time to talk about the tree...
Why does it have such a strong influence on Jack and Vlad? Vlad has a hunch.
Vlad: "So, for how long is this tree here? And when did your diety became one with the tree?"
Arturo: "Oh, I was a young boy of 15 or 16 when I found him here! It must have happened shortly before because I could still see our diety. He was so beautiful! Only a few years older than me. He didn't move and it seemed he was already in other spheres. But before he fully vanished into the tree, his last ond only words were 'I like bird' or something like this. Which makes sense because birds live in trees, right? And maybe he liked them? Who knows. But therefore I decorated this Temple with birds ^^' To make him happy."
Arturo: "A little later he fully became one with the tree. The glowing orbs were smaller than today. They wandered slowly from the roots to the tree tops and grew. I think they lived off of him. That was the last time something changed. Until yesterday when the roots touched Jack in the hot tub... And today, when he touched the sapling."
Jack was determined to find out more and went back into the hot tub. But Vlad stayed with him this time to keep him safe. For a while nothing happened and Vlad relaxed. But then the roots reached out for Jack again! Even more and thicker ones than last time! They seemed to grow through his body! But Jack felt no pain - it felt so good.
Vlad: "JACK! Get out of there!"
Jack obeyed, reluctantly: "Don't worry Vlad. They didn't hurt me. It feels good, actually. Look, there's no holes or blood. Maybe they are ethereal?"
Vlad: "I don't care. You won't go in there again. My job is to keep you save. We both know how hard it is to loose each other, right?"
Jack: "You are right. I'm sorry, Vlad. And we promised Saiwa not to do anything stupid again."
On their way back, Vlad thought he saw Kiyoshi's Little Goat under the tree from the corner of his eye.
But when he turned and looked closer, there was nothing.
This can't be anyway. This tree is here for decades and Kiyoshi vanished only a few weeks ago.
Vlad lead Jack to a little beach after they left the Temple.
They have to disuss what happened there today.
Vlad told Jack that he saw Kiyoshi's Little Goat under the tree.
Vlad: "Maybe therefore the tree has such a strong reaction on us and reaches out for us! He even stopped me from freaking out again."
Vlad: "But can it be? Arturo told us the tree is already there for decades and Kiyoshi vanished only a few weeks ago..."
Jack: "Do you remember when I fell into coma? For you it had been only a few days but I was there for months. No one knows how time works in the Otherworld. Maybe, when we come back to the 'real world', months have passed!"
Vlad: "Gods, don't say that! Thinking of Ji Ho living with Genji for months..." Vlad already felt the Bond taking over control again...
Vlad tried to regain control: "I can't think of that or you'll have to stop me from freaking out again."
Jack: "Ok. And it doesn't have to be like that. When we went to find the horses, the time didn't go by faster."
Vlad: "Anyway. We need to get Kiyoshi out there. But I don't know how far we can trust Arturo. Better we not tell him where we live and why we are here. Other Jeb and Jack must have hidden our home for a reason and they sent us here for a reason. To find Kiyoshi."
Jack: "Let's go home and talk to the others."
This post refers a lot to the happenings in their first year after Genji bit Ji Ho.
The story thread of their first year is -> here
Back to Ji Ho and Genji.
They hadn't heard anything from the others but Rubyn is working under high pressure to bring them back together.
Ji Ho is working with Genji at the Laundromat.
Ji Ho: "Can you believe it's already 15 months ago since we had the duel here and Vlad claimed me back?"
Genji: "It's madness. So much happened since then! I'd never have thought I'd see you again."
In their lunch break they played 'Sims Forever' together in the arcade next door.
Little Goat: 'Can someone turn this on for me?'
Sure!
Genji: "It's warm today. We could go to the lake after work."
Ji Ho: "That would be nice!"
And that's what they did on this sunny late autumn day.
They took Little Goat and Yang Mal with them.
It was even warm enough for Ji Ho to swim.
(There is a similar scene when Vlad sat where Genji sits now from Beltane this year.)
Eventually they went back home to eat and watch tv.
Such a nice day.
Until it wasn't.
They had an unexpected and unwelcome guest: Lady Demon...
(Lady Demon already was a menace in our other story...)
Lady Demon: "Huh, that was about time. How do you withstand this tiny, run down 'place'?" *shudders*
She came right to the point:
"You know you can't keep Ji Ho, Genji. I have customers who will pay a fortune to make him theirs."
Genji: "I'm Ji Ho's bonded! You have no right to take him from me!"
Lady Demon: "I fear you're not. Ji Ho's rightful bonded is gone and the bond between you and Ji Ho had never been solidified. You never fully claimed him."
Lady Demon: "You have time until Winter Solstice. Claim Ji Ho or leave him with a new bonded to care for him and protect him. He can live anywhere a better life than here. They will treat him like a prince."
And then she left. I knew this day was too good to be true...
Genji and Ji Ho were devastated. They'll join Rubyn tomorrow and try to excellrate the reasearch on the meteorites to join Ji Ho with the others.
And Ji Ho went down to the Laundromat again. Where he and Vlad initiated their Bond. Ji Ho tries to send a message to Vlad over their Bond.
Ji Ho: "Vlad. Please, help me. Find me."
Next day Ji Ho and Genji arrived in Britechester to support Rubyn with her research on the meteorites to bring Ji Ho and the others back together again.
Poor Rubyn is already working at full speed and now she's also under time constraints...
Rubyn: "What's wrong with these people? Winter Solstice is in 4 days! This is still work for weeks! I have to figure out which crystals to use and how this pedestal works and I also have to make sure you are safe! Gods! I'm stuck - I need ideas..."
She also showed them the setup in the yard behind her laboratory. There is already a second pedestal. Different to the one that vanished with the ship.
Rubyn: "This will be the stationary one. If it all goes well, we will be able to use the meteorites to let you travel between the worlds. At least I hope that the ship teleported your friends to the Otherworld."
Rubyn called her collegues from Foxbury to gather new inspiration.
They met at the 'Book Nook'.
And while Rubyn discusses meteorite matters with her fellow physicists (without revealing too much to not put the Boys in jeopardy):
Ji Ho: "If it all goes wrong and Vlad can't come back in time, I'd rather stay with you than being claimed by some of Lady D's 'customers' - prince or no prince."
Genji is chuckling.
Ji Ho: "What?"
Genji: "Don't be stupid, Ji Ho. You could live a life of plenty. You are too precious to be a 'Laundromat Prince'."
It's late and there's a firework over at UBrite Arena.
They went to the roof to watch it.
Rubyn: "Oh Ji Ho. I feel so sorry for you. We'll do anything possible to help you. Such a mess!"
Genji: "Let's take this smiley as a good omen that all will be well in the end, hm?"
Ji Ho: "I was serious in the 'Book Nook', Genji. We get along really well and I'm so thankful you have me and protect me. I had a difficult past and I hate to get touched. But if Vlad doesn't make it I'd like to solidify our Bond."
Genji: "Oh Ji Ho, I caused you so much pain I can't even imagine. I will never be able to make it up to you. And you flatter me that you consider this after all that happened between us. But I still hope Vlad makes it. You two belong together."
Ji Ho: "I'm not sure if I can love him."
Genji: "You will. Sleep now. We will have a busy time here until Winter Solstice."
They took Ji Ho's meteorite with them to charge it with their Bond.
And Genji was watching over Ji Ho's sleep...
Back to Tomarang.
The Boys worked all day and pondered about how to get Kiyoshi out of that tree...
But Vlad and Jack are also eager to show Saiwa and Jeb the new kitchen and dining they've built today out of junk and trash.
So they ran over through the rain storm.
Jeb: "Oh that's awesome!"
Jack: "Yeah, we can't eat outside at the stand on days like this and Jeb can teach us how to cook!"
Saiwa: "I can't believe you two did this! It's so beautiful!"
Jack: "Hey!"
Saiwa: "Now, let's discuss Kiyoshi."
Before they could even sit down, Ji Ho's call for help hit Vlad, painfully.
Vlad: "Ahhhhrgh ... Someones threatening Ji Ho."
Saiwa: "What did you see?"
Vlad: "Only Ji Ho asking me for help."
Saiwa: "Ji Ho never asked us for help. Not even to save his brother."
Jack: "But what can we do? We are unable to contact anyone over there and no one over there seems to be able to help Ji Ho... Otherwise he wouldn't have asked Vlad for help."
Jeb sighs: "There might be a way. But I never took someone with me to travel between the worlds... And I've only been able to travel from and to places I know very well."
And then he told them about 'fence riding'.
Saiwa: "So - it's dangerous and we'll be divided - again..."
Saiwa: "Gods. I know, Other Jeb urged us to stay together but he also said we are supposed to 'gather'. Means: bring Ji Ho and Kiyoshi back. Jeb, you need to bring Vlad over there to help Ji Ho."
Vlad: "He wouldn't have reached out for me if it weren't urgent and necessary. We barely even talk."
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, it will kill me when I'm gone and something happens to you."
Saiwa: "Jeb. We will be careful and we are safe here."
It didn't take much to convince Jeb. Ji Ho is his best friend.
Saiwa to Vlad: "Bring Jeb and Ji Ho back safe."
Vlad nods.
They agreed to leave Vlad's meteorite with Sai and Jack. Should Rubyn find a way to make the pedestals work.
They went down to the ship to use any leftover energy from the meteorites to send Jeb and Vlad over 'the fence' to the 'real world'.
And Jeb kissed Saiwa goodbye.
Jeb: "Stay safe, I beg you."
Saiwa: "I will. Take care and bring them back safe."
Jeb reaches out for Vlad: "Come here, we'll have to..."
Vlad: "What? Here?" (Omg Vlad! Does he think he has to do some kind of 'Bond Magic' with Jeb? And he's not generally opposed, just worried doing it here???)
Jeb: "What? OMG Vlad! Not what you think! I don't even want to know what you are thinking! We'll have to touch. Take my hands. JUST my hands!"
And then Jeb took Vlad's hands in his and they vanished. Hopefully to the right time and place to save Ji Ho!
Jack: "It worked! You'll see, they'll be back with Ji Ho in no time!"
Saiwa: "I really hope so. Gods, Jack..."
Early next morning, after Jeb and Vlad left to rescue Ji Ho, Saiwa and Jack went to the Temple. To help Arturo with his work.
And check what they can do to bring Kiyoshi back.
There he really is! Kiyoshi's Little Goat!
Jack: "So Vlad did see right last time!"
Arturo: "You know him? I saw him quite a few times since you left the other day."
Jack asked Arturo if it's possible to place the box with Kiyoshi's heart near the tree. (Jack had to confess this to Saiwa yesterday... Saiwa was too broken from Jeb's departure to hit him for keeping secrets again...) But eventually they agreed it could be of help to place the box here to bring Kiyoshi back...
Arturo didn't ask any questions about the box. The tree already showed him that there must be a special connection between the tree and these Boys. You start to accept the weirdest things when you work at a place like this ^^'
Arturo: "Let's put it over there."
So they placed the box with Kiyoshi's heart at the meditation place right next to the tree. And since they're already here they also meditated for a while. To heal Jack.
Arturo also removed the curtain that separated the meditation place from the tree. The Boys already proved that it's not necessary to keep them from the tree.
When Arturo walked by a little later, he spotted the tattooed bird on Saiwa's shoulder.
Arturo: "Is it you my diety referred to in his last words? The Bird?
You Boys are really something else!"
Arturo: "He must have loved you so much. He was barely visible and mainly in other spheres and still he said something that sounded like 'I like 'bird'' before he finally left. That's so romantic! Ah, I really hope he comes back and treats you better then. Aouwww π"
Seems Arturo is quite the romantic ^^'
Oh no... This is feeding Jack's crazy theory that Saiwa is Kiyoshi's fated mate and not him! Kiyoshi isn't even back and the madness hits Jack right in his stomach again!
And he can't even set it right because he promised Kiyoshi to keep their relationship a secret.
They can't tell Arturo anyway because they don't know if they can trust him.
Oh Jack...
In the evening, after Arturo, Saiwa and Jack finished their work and left.
Saiwa: "I can't believe Kiyoshi's last words referred to me. I must confess, I'm a bit flattered... I mean, everyone is crazy for him. We all are. But I never thought he actually ever had been into someone. So this maybe means something else? What could he have meant?"
But Jack doesn't listen. He's lost in his own weird theories about Kiyoshi...
How did he even end up in that tree?
When all was quiet, Little Goat went to the box and opened the lid with his little muzzle.
And this is how Kiyoshi got his heart back.
Well done, Little Goat!
And the tree seemed to glow a little brighter tonight.
Editor's Note: Should you ever be confused about the lore I refer to, you can always hop to the same post on my tumblr where I link to all previous episodes/happenings that explain anything you need to know about the current episode you are reading.
I usually post here and on my tumblr at the same day so -> here is my tumblr archive, just pick the day the episode you want to learn more about was released and you can dive deeper into the lore.
So you can start to read (and understand) this story at any point.
There is also the thread of the Boys' first year together and how it all began (we are in their second year now).
And of course you can always ask me
Sai and Jack went back home. There was still no sign of Jeb and Vlad. Neither of Rubyn and Ji Ho.
Saiwa is worried beyond measure. And Jack is still deep in thoughts about Kiyoshi. What are they supposed to do when they have to live together as Other Jeb and Jack demanded?
Jack and Sai are of no help for each other this evening...
They cared for the goats and went over to Jack's houseboat. Sai still has no room of his own and he can't sleep alone in Jeb's bed. It hurts too much to be there without him. And Jack can't sleep alone anyway.
Saiwa: "How are you able to watch Star Wars movies today..."
Jack, from his Star Wars world: "Distraction."
They have the meteorite always close nearby to see if something changes.
And when the movie was finally over, Sai came back from brushing his teeth and Jack was about to go to bed...
Jack: "Sai look!"
Sai: ?
Vlad's meteorite started to glow!
Saiwa: "To the ship, quick - oh my..."
No time to dress. Rubyn finally found out how to teleport them back!
After the first shock, they were excited to see the others again! And that the teleportation is finally working!
Off they go.
As expected, they'd been teleported to Rubyn's lab in Britechester. In the real world.
Rubyn: "There you are! We made it!"
It seems Genji and Ji Ho were able to activate the meteorites on the modified pedestal with their bond magic ΓΆ.Γ' It really seems a once knotted bond can't completely fade, even if 'overwritten'...
Saiwa: "But... where are Jeb and Vlad?"
Ji Ho: "Why are they not with you?"
Rubyn: "Oh no..."
After Rubyn told them that Ji Ho will be claimed by a customer of Lady Demon or has to tighten the bond with Genji - should Vlad not show up as his bonded tomorrow at Winter Solstice - Saiwa had a breakdown.
Jack: "Sai, come on. We need a plan. Stay strong - for Jeb, hm?"
Saiwa sobs: "Gods, Jeb! Why did I allow them to leave! What are we supposed to do now?"
December 21. Winter Solstice
And the first snow.
This night is the longest night of the year and from tomorrow on, the days are getting longer again until Summer Solstice. This is my favourite day of all. Because it gives hope in the darkest of times. Without having to do or achieve something, the light comes back into our life. And this is my wish for you today. May the light come back into your life. Just like so. I know many of you are struggling. Don't lose hope and have faith in time β₯οΈ
Rubyn, Genji and the Boys went to the Temple at Mount Komorebi where Ji Ho is supposed to chose his new bonded. Genji or 'a client' of Lady Demon...
Someone who is willing to pay a pretty penny for a precious mermaid. And someone who is brave/stupid enough to make him his bonded. Mermaid's blood is deadly poisonous for vampires. Not many live to tell (Genji, for example). And even Vlad paid with his life for it.
Time is short, but Rubyn and Dtui are not willing to give up on trying to summon Vlad here to avoid this.
Rubyn brought the pedestals and the meteorites and Dtui is casting additional spells.
They still have time until sun sets and the longest night of the year begins and Lady Demon shows up.
They were hugging (to acitivate some bond magic...), casting spells and adjusting the pedestals for hours now. But of no avail...
What if Vlad and Jeb don't find their way back?
Rubyn is at her wit's end. If only Vlad hadn't left his meteorite with Saiwa and Jack!
They gathered in the hall of the Temple to warm up and discuss how to proceed.
Ji Ho: "I talked to Genji and I'm fine with being his bonded. This is the best solution. We'd still be able to be together just as Other Jeb demanded. Who knows who this ominous client of Lady Demon will be? She alone already scares me so much! I'm better off with Genji. We get along so well."
Dtui: "If this is your wish. Just know that once you tighten your already existing bond with Genji, it will be nearly impossible for Vlad to claim you back. *sighs* But we have no choice anyway, have we?"
Saiwa: "But maybe - if Ji Ho choses Lady Demon's client - we could buy a little time. The book we found in Saarburg said it's three days until the bond needs to be completed. And if Ji Ho somehow stalls the 'completion' with the client, Vlad has a chance to claim him back. He's his righful bonded after all."
Ji Ho: "I don't know if I'm strong enough to act up against a vampire and stall the completion of the bond with him. And I won't be able to stay with you then. He surely won't let me leave again after he paid for me and claimed me."
Jack: "What a nightmare..."
They went back out again to try to bring Vlad here in time until night falls. But after a another few hours more without any success...
Saiwa: "Let's stop this now. Dtui already worked herself to exhaustion."
Image
And just a little later Lady Demon and her client arrived in a big limousine. To claim Ji Ho...
Comments
The beginning of a new Chapter!
There are a lot of references to their first year.
I linked to them in this same post on my tumblr -> here
The whole thread about the Boys' first year in this forum is -> here
The UFO dropped Rubyn and Ji Ho at the Burrow. Francine is already waiting for them. There's a lot to manage and discuss...
Rubyn: "Are you ok, Ji Ho?"
Ji Ho didn't take the last flight with the UFO very well...
Ji Ho: "Uh... a bit dizzy but way better than last time!"
They followed Francine inside.
Where Genji already waited for them. Francine had called him after she sensed that Vlad and the others left this world with the Ship.
Ji Ho was going to live with Genji anyway after Vlad and him would have cut the Bond eventually.
But now they have another problem: Vlad, Ji Ho's bonded, is gone. Who knows where. And now other Vampires might want to claim Ji Ho. So Francine hopes Ji Ho returning to his first bonded Genji will do to keep them at bay...
Rubyn and Ji Ho filled Francine in about the Expedition, Professor Callahan and the other Jeb and Jack's message...
Francine teared up. Jeb is her beloved grandson: "Gods, Jeb..."
Rubyn: "But now we have all I need to proceed. We should soon see positive results and send Ji Ho over to the others to bring back Kiyoshi and 'move on' - whatever that means."
Francine took Ji Ho aside to talk alone with him.
Francine: "When you return to the others tell them it's up to you now. We won't interfere. You proved you became a proper team now.
So wether you cut the Bond or not - it's your decision. I know this won't be an easy one. It's your life after all and we can't force you to stay with Vlad, whom you don't love, to save creatures and fight the Council."
"But remember: you and Vlad signed a contract to do everything to cut the bond. We put in a lot of money and effort to help you and we ask a part of this money back from you. A lot of Rubyn's reasearch will be useful for the Resistance, but still."
Ji Ho: "I'm sorry we caused so much trouble. We made this decision from what we knew at this point to keep our friends safe from the Council. But we can't ignore Jeb's message. *Ji Ho sighs*
It's a dilemma... But I will accept my fate and stay with Vlad and we will use the Bond to do good. I will learn to love Vlad. And we will pay back the money."
Francine: "Very well then."
And then Rubyn, Ji Ho and Genji left the Burrow.
Rubyn went back to Britechester to continue her research on the meteorites, the pedestal and the recordings from Albaleyh.
And Ji Ho and Genji went over to Genji's flat above the Laundromat...
So many memories! Here, September 2022, just across the street Genji bit Ji Ho and claimed him, Vlad died, Ji Ho left the Space Bar to live with Genji, they held the duel where Vlad claimed Ji Ho and bit him and they formed their bond, which poisoned Vlad - and he died again...
Genji: "Are you sure it's ok for you?"
Ji Ho: "Don't worry, Genji. You had no choice either. It hadn't been easy for you too. Thank you for having me."
Ji Ho: "Oh. You kept the photos."
Genji: "You are so beautiful. Shall I take them off?"
Ji Ho: "No. It's ok."
Ji Ho knows that Bonds are doing things and make creatures a bit obsessed ^^' See Vlad...
Ji Ho took a shower and got rid of his jungle attire he wore almost non stop for the last days. They chatted and laughed and Genji was cooking for him. Ji Ho can't remember when he sat in peace alone with someone and just had a good time. (This was last time when you stayed with Genji, Ji Ho...)
Or anyone cooking only for him. Not even his own mother did this. Definitely not his mother...
It's so - homely... Ji Ho never had a proper home. He grew up in the Slums of Sulani and practically lived in the streets. Jeb, Saiwa and the others became his 'home' no matter where they lived. But they were always on the run - a save place, a haven, somewhere to stay... He licked blood and started to crave for something like this...
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¨
The meteorites teleported the ship into another cave...
Saiwa: "Are you ok? Where are we?"
Jeb: "It's the Otherworld. We are save here."
Jack: "Thank the maker - I guess?"
Malfoy was quiet and Jack changed back. The rooster would warn him should Vlad freak out again.
Jeb: "Other you and me did well, Jack! No one can touch us in the Otherworld."
There was an envelope and keys at the pedestal:
'Welcome home. Do your best. We love you. Jeb and Jack."
Jeb was almost crying again but he held back because he didn't want to worry Saiwa.
Saiwa: "We are going to have a home? In the Otherworld? Oh Jeb."
Now Saiwa was holding back his tears... This was too good to be true. Since they left for Mount Komorebi over a year ago and moved out of the Space Bar a little later they didn't have had a home anymore. Always on the run and fighting the Council. No time to breathe and no place to hide.
They were searching the cave for an exit to finally see their new home!
Jack: "Here is a ladder! *already climbs up* And a portal!"
Saiwa: "Omg Jack! Wait! We need to stay together!"
The portal lead to the sewers...
Saiwa: "..."
Jeb: "Don't worry. Other me surely picked an awesome home for us!"
Jack: "Over there is an exit!" Jack is always so excited, like the little puppy he is ^^'
Saiwa: "Wait at the top of the ladder. Don't go anywhere alone!"
Jack: "Doesn't look we can go anywhere at all... Locked in by trash..."
Saiwa: "Ach I knew this was to good to be true!"
Jack: "Hey. It's not that bad. We can clean up and make it really nice here! Right, Vlad? ...Vlad?" *nudges him*
Vlad: "Ah... right. Sure..."
Jack: "See? Let's keep a little optimism here."
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¨
Greetings from Tomarang!
They pushed the trash aside and stepped out.
Saiwa: "This is a junkyard!"
Jack: "Do you remember? You always said that about the Space Bar too! Haha - and then you cried when we moved out."
Saiwa: "Ach!"
Jack followed his nose: "There must be a market! A Night Market! We can deal with this junkyard tomorrow. Let's take a look around and eat something!"
Jeb: "Let's go and check out our neighborhood. VaniΓ«, don't be upset. Living in the Otherworld is the best that could possibly have happened to us. We're save here. And you'll see - after a few days of work it will be amazing here."
Saiwa sighs: "Let's go then..."
Jack: "That's my boy! Oh I'm so hungry! We haven't eaten since we left the Meteorite Crash Scene!"
Jack: "Look how beautiful it is! We will be so happy here!"
Jeb: "There are the food stands!"
Jack: "Ahh the smell! And it looks amazing too! Jeb, do you think you can learn to cook this?"
Jeb: "Sure
Vlad: "It really is so beautiful here."
Saiwa: "Can I have this?"
Jeb: "You can have anything you want from me, VaniΓ«."
Saiwa: "Aowww Jeb!"
Jack: "Too bad you can't taste this. It's so delicious."
Saiwa: "Hey! They even sell outfits here! Oh - I can't wait to get rid of these clothes! And we're going to find a loose outfit for you which doesn't worsen your pain, Jack."
Jack: "Awesome! This cloth is amazing! It's cool and I really like the feeling of this skirt! Nothing pinches!"
Saiwa: "You do wear boxers, do you?"
Jack: "Hm?"
Saiwa: "Omg Jack!"
They took a walk along the river.
Saiwa: "It really is so beautiful."
Jeb: "You really are so beautiful. I love you."
Jeb: "We will be happy here."
Vlad: "Let's go home. You hurt."
Saiwa: "I'm sorry I was so upset, Jeb. Other Jeb and Jack sacrificed a lot to give us a safe place. Forgive me."
Jeb: "Ah don't worry, VaniΓ«. It was a bit of a shock for all of us ^^' We are going to make the best out of it, hm?"
(screenshots are not edited! Amazing lighting in Tomarang!)
(And we did well with the timing!)
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¨
Jack: "Where is our home? ΓΆ.Γ' "
Jeb: "We took the right route back, did we?"
Vlad: "Yes..."
Siawa: "Gods! I can't believe it! Are we cursed?"
ChΓ‘nh Linh walked by and overheard the last sentence: "Cursed? You should visit the temple then. Your arm doesn't look good either, boy."
ChΓ‘nh Linh: "My name is ChΓ‘nh and my partner Arturo serves at the temple. I'm sure he can help you. It's in Koh Sahpa."
Jack: "Thank you!"
ChΓ‘nh Linh: "Oh and you should stay away from that place. It's cursed!"
And then he left.
Only - they can't stay away from that place. Because it's their home...
Or it was...
But Jack can't accept this! Other Jack and Jeb sacrificed so much to give them a home!
Saiwa: "Jack! Wait!"
And as soon as they stood near enough, they could see it!
Jack: "Oh! I think this is a protection spell to hide our home! I bet other Jeb did that to keep us safe! Like Grimmauld Place!"
Vlad: "But aren't we safe anyway in the otherworld?"
Saiwa: "They must have had their reasons. Maybe they were extra cautious because we died?"
Jeb: "Don't say that! We don't know what happened."
Jack: "It's convenient that the buildings are barricaded. Lock Malfoy, Vlad and me up. Mal and I will stop Vlad before he reaches you - should he freak out again."
Saiwa sighs: "Ok. Let's hope Ji Ho joins us soon..."
And so they locked themselves in.
As soon as Jeb and Saiwa were alone...
Saiwa: "What are you doing?"
Jeb: "I want to do it with you - now. We wasted too much time. What if you really die and we never..."
Saiwa: "Jeb. No. I could have died yesterday or last week. It can happen anytime. We never know. I certainly won't have my first time on the floor in this junkyard - with the goats watching."
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, please."
Jack: "Omg Jeb! We can hear you and Malfoy can even see you! Get a room!"
Then they finally slept.
And they dreamt. Saiwa, Jack and Jeb dreamt of the Temple, Vlad of Ji Ho and Genji, Malfoy of his friends at the burrow, Crabbe and Goyle, and the goats dreamt that Valerian and Lunatic were a couple.
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¨
The whole desaster in the light of the dawning day. Oh my...
The Boys started to explore their new home.
Jack: "A houseboat!? A HOUSEBOAT!!!"
Jack entered tho boat: "Sai - Mal, Vlad and I will live here! Look at the sight!"
Saiwa: "It's really awesome!"
Sai stepped out again. In front of the next building.
'Little Hoof Daycare'...
Jeb: "Vlad! You have to see this!"
Vlad: "Adriano?"
Adriano: 'Vlad?'
Vlad and Jeb quickly cleaned the trash out.
Jeb: "We can keep the goats here! I was so worried. We couldn't have them runing around here as long as its so dangerous with all the junk around."
Vlad: "Aouw! Who is the best llama in the worlds?"
Adriano: 'That's me!'
Vlad: "Yes you are!"
Jeb: ^^'
Saiwa: "Haha that's so sweet! Look at them! And Adriano takes care of them
They also found a garage...
Jack: "Oh Jeb! This is so amazing! A garage for us! And there's even a Tuk Tuk inside! We can make this our workshop!" (Jack and Jeb are Team Home Improvement ^^')
Vlad: "It's a lot of work but I can really see the potential here, Sai."
Saiwa: "I really hope you are right."
...and a potions shop. It's really as if other Jack and Jeb had set this up for them!
Jeb: "We can work here, VaniΓ«. Sell potions and stuff for our living!"
Jeb: "And upstairs is a little room for us! We can live here together and I can make sure nothing happens to you!"
Saiwa: "Jeb. Let's not freak out again, ok? I love you more than anything but you won't watch me 25/7. We will be fine, hm?"
Jeb: "VaniΓ«..."
But VaniΓ« shuts Jeb's mouth...
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The 'before' shots of their new home:
It's a lot of work...
But I can't wait to decorate with the new objects!
And the view from above:
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Photos from our night-out in Morensong/Tomarang
The screenshots:
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Jack and Vlad head to the Temple to seek help for Jack's painful rash.
As long as they are unsure of the dangers of their new place they decided no one goes anywhere alone.
And since Jack is the only one who can stop Vlad should he freak out again, they go together.
While Jeb and Saiwa start to make this place a home.
At least Saiwa thought so...
Jeb: "Finally alone! Let's get a room!"
Saiwa, breathless: "Jeb. If you don't stop this we are going to have serious problems. We can't build our life upon that I might die. Let's live for now. Because now is all we have, hm? We are going to do our work here today and make our home liveable and I promise I'll spend the night with you. Deal?"
Jeb sighs from the depths of his soul: "Deal..."
They went over to the shed.
Just to find the goats on the loose! They forgot to lock the gate...
After they cought the goats and brought them back to the daycare:
Jeb: "I found something gamechanging!"
Jeb: "I'd been so worried because there's no furniture here and we have no money... But other Jeb and Jack left us this!"
Saiwa: ?
Jeb: "We have a lot of junk and trash here and with these machines we can turn it into the furniture we like!"
Saiwa: "No way! This is just like magic!"
And so Jeb started to collect the trash and Saiwa designed the furniture.
Saiwa: "That's just awesome! Look at this beautiful sink! We'll just make some basics today like beds, a place to cook and eat and a bathroom. And if Vlad and Jack don't like their stuff, we can just throw it into the machine again and make something else! There's no limits!"
Speaking of Vlad and Jack. Looks like they lost their way ^^'
Vlad: "When are we finally there?"
Jack: "Uhm... soon."
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Vlad and Jack arrived at the temple to seek relief for Jack's pain.
They greeted Arturo, the servant at this Temple, ChΓ‘n's partner.
Jack thought it would be honest to tell Arturo in advance that they don't have much money before he makes any effort to help him.
But Arturo reassured him. This Temple helps anyone in need.
Arturo: "You know, our diety once was a temple servant too. He put his duty for his diety and his studies for the temple over everything. Even over his loved one. As a result, he lost his love. His diety was furious and banned him. So he sat under this tree here to reflect and eventually became one with the tree.
This reminds us that we are here to serve the people and our loved ones before anything else."
Arturo: "The tree cares for us. We pot his saplings and sell them. They have the tree's healing powers too. The income just from the saplings is enough to run the temple. So don't worry about money, hm?"
Jack: "I see. Thank you. This place is really amazing."
Arturo: "It is. I consider myself very lucky to be allowed to serve here. The tree is picky ^^' He allows not just anybody around him and touch his precious saplings and soil."
Arturo took them inside to see what he can do for Jack. And Jack told him about his searing pain after he left his fated mate.
Arturo: "Oh I never met someone who left his fated mate. It's a wonder you are still alive! How did it happen?"
Jack: "He kept claiming that we were fated mates but I never felt it.
I ... had a very difficult past and I'm... damaged, you know? He had his obligations, urged me to keep our relationship a secret, was barely there - all this stacked and drove me just deeper into my madness. It was too much for me to keep going. My life and sanity - or our love. I chose life. I guess fate makes mistakes sometimes too. If I only were 'normal' - I could have endured it and..."
Vlad: "No Jack. No one should have to 'endure' anything when it comes to love. That's also the reason why I want to cut the bond. I love Ji Ho too much to let him 'endure' me and the Bond."
Arturo: "But Jack, you just gave you the answer yourself!"
Jack: "What do you mean?"
Arturo: "Follow me."
They offered fruit and incense at the shrine in silence.
Arturo. "You are damaged and your fated mated couldn't protect you, even caused you more pain. So you protected yourself - from him and your love for him. Subconsciously. That's why you couldn't feel it.
As you said. Going on with him and deepen your relationship - giving in being fated mates - would only have caused you more and more pain. So your subconscious stopped you from feeling it. You have to heal first."
Jack: "How can I heal?"
Arturo: "It takes time and treatment. Like healing any other wound. The pain in your soul and heart already reached your body. It was about time you came here. The tree can ease your pain and pave a path for you. But you'll have to walk it yourself."
Jack: "I will."
Arturo: "Let's go then!"
Arturo: "Meditaion is important on your way to healing. You need a certain state of mindfulness and awareness to listen to and care for the needs of your soul and your heart. Come join us, Vlad!"
When Arturo took Jack to the massage, Vlad didn't join them ^^'
Arturo: "I will be very careful to not touch your rash. But your body needs this to relax. To be able to deal with the pain. You'll feel so much better this evening, you'll see."
Jack: "I really hope so..."
Arturo: "And when it's getting worse again, don't hesitate to come back, hear me? I'm here to help."
Jack: "Ok ^^' "
Vlad went over to the kitchen to prepare a meal for them. That's the least he can do for Arturo for helping Jack.
To be continued...
(If you have an idea about the tree, you might be right ΓΆ.Γ'
But please do not spoil
This was a very mindblowing episode for me. I never knew why Jack never felt 'the fated mates thing' until this night!
And what Arturo said is also very important for my own healing. Thank you, Arturo!
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After the massage Arturo showed Jack the hot tub.
Arturo: "This is healing water. Saturated with the magic of the tree. Filtered by his roots. I'll check on you later, take your time and relax."
Jack: "Thank you. For everything."
Arturo: "You are very welcome here, Jack."
After Jack entered the tub, he suddenly felt so sad. Telling Arturo about Kiyoshi brought up all the memories in a bulk and Jack was having a hard time dealing with all the feelings that hit him. He should have tried harder to stay with Kiyoshi, his fated mate. But he was too weak...
In the meantime Vlad went to the river. Ji Ho would love it here. But he's not with them.
He's surely with Genji! Because of them!
Oh no, the Bond is overwhelming Vlad again!
But before he totally freaked out, he felt the tree reaching out for him, soothing him. And he dragged Vlad back towards the temple...
The aura of this tree seems oddly familiar. A presence Vlad hadn't felt since...
Jack felt something at his back. As if someone was caressing him. To console him ΓΆ.Γ'
The roots were reaching out for him!
Jack yelled for Arturo. The roots weren't trying to strangle him, were they? Vlad also came running from the river.
Jack told them what happened.
Arturo: "This is really strange. He never did this before. Did he hurt you?"
Jack: "No. Not at all. It's strange but I really feel so much better now!"
Arturo: "Ah that's a relief. Let's eat then!"
Vlad is serving the food he cooked earlier. He's proud of himself ^^'
Vlad: "I hope you're hungry!"
Jack: "And how hungry I am! We haven't eaten since yesterday evening at the Night Market!"
Vlad: "Dig in!"
Jack, making a choked noise: "Omg Vlad!"
Vlad: "What?"
Jack: "The food! I'm so sorry, Arturo! Vlad can't digest food so he could'nt taste what he cooked!"
Arturo: "Uh *coughs* I'm...*coughs* ... fine!"
Vlad: "Uhm, I'll better fetch you some water then. I'm inconsolable, Arturo. After all you did for us today. We are going to make it up to you."
Arturo: "It's fine. Just... don't cook for me again ^^' "
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Vlad and Jack return from their visit at the Temple.
Jack feels so much better now but...
Vlad: "This does not look like the place we left this morning...I think we've lost our way - again..."
Jack: "Aren't we supposed to see the swamp with that creepy plant when we're afar from our home?'
But they heard Saiwa shouting: "We're here!"
Jack: "What happened here? Oh, this is amazing! And Jeb cooked!" Jack knuckles a tear out of the corner of his eye. This day is too much for him.
Saiwa: "Haven't you eaten all day?"
Jack: "Vlad cooked..."
Saiwa: "Oh no."
They sat down to eat.
Jack: "This is so beautiful! Where did you get all this stuff from? We have no money!"
And Sai told them about the machines they found in the shed.
Jack: "This is just like magic!"
Jack told Sai about the amazing Temple and that he feels so much better now that he doesn't even mind sleeping on the floor again tonight.
He talked like a waterfall ^^'
But Saiwa told him he won't have to and winks at him
And Vlad still feels bad he gave Arturo a hard time with his 'meal' and so he asked Jeb if he could brew a few potions for the temple to make it up to Arturo.
Jeb: "Sure. I'll do that right tomorrow morning and you can take them with you on your next visit."
And then they wen't over to the houseboat to show Jack his new room.
Jack: "Oh there's the Astromech! How did you get him up here from the ship?"
Saiwa: "We used the crane ^^' "
Saiwa: "Jack? Don't cry! If you hate it we throw it back into the machine and make something you like better!"
Jack: "Noooo! This is one of the most beautiful things you ever did for me! I love you!"
Vlad: "I won't sleep while the rooster is in this bed."
Saiwa: "We just did the most needed stuff today. A place to cook and eat, two beds, bathroom and a little nicknack to make it homelier
Sai left them to keep his promise to spend the night with Jeb.
While Jack, Vlad and Malfoy inaugurate Jack's new home with a Star Wars movie.
They've watched this movie for the upteenth time so they started to chat about the temple - and the tree...
Jack: "This temple has a strange aura. But Arturo is amazing and I feel so much better - my body and my soul will heal, Vlad.
But the roots scared me a bit."
Vlad: "I'm so glad, Jack. And I felt it too. I'm going to stay with you next time. We should also help out at the Temple to make it up to Arturo and repay for his help. And maybe find out why this tree feels so familiar."
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Sai and Jeb went up to Jeb's new apartment above the potion shop.
It's the first time Saiwa is here.
Saiwa: "Oh Jeb. This is amazing!"
Jeb: "I only finished this room and the bathroom yet. The only rooms we need tonight."
Jeb: "This bookshelf is actually a door! Let me show you."
Saiwa: "That's clever! And cool! This is so different from your old room but still so you!"
They quickly took their clothes off. Except for their shorts.
Jeb: "Uhm... You shower first?"
Saiwa: "Let's shower together."
Jeb: "Are you sure you want this?"
(Saiwa is the only one of them who never saw Jeb naked. Jeb avoided this for so long. But other Jeb's message, the fear Sai could die early, changed this.)
Saiwa: "You wanted to do it before I die, remember?"
Jeb: "Don't joke about this, VaniΓ«."
Jeb: "Are you really sure?"
Saiwa: "Omg Jeb!"
Saiwa: "Come on now!"
Saiwa still didn't see Jeb naked when he removed the towel in all that steam.
Jeb: "We don't have to do it. I was just so shocked from the message and afraid I could loose you. I'm sorry. I didn't want to talk you into this."
Saiwa: "I still want to do it. But not tonight, hm? And not in a hurry or just because you could loose me. We'll take our time to explore each other and do it right."
Jeb: "I love you."
Jeb: "No matter what we do. I will never hurt you."
They went back to Jeb's bedroom.
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Outtakes
*Annoying new-message-tone from Sai's phone*
Sai: "From Jack. He says we inspire him?"
Jeb: "He sent me the same message. This little rascal!"
Sai: "We better get dressed..."
The way he looks at them! hahaha
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Outtakes
Jeb: "Don't worry. I'll never hurt you, VaniΓ«."
Saiwa: "Ok!"
(Login madness ^^')
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Early next morning. Saiwa and Jeb are still in the afterglow of their happy night together. But duty calls.
Vlad and Jack are early up too.
They thought it might be a good idea to catch some fish. Breakfast and mindfulness - all in one!
This will take a while to catch enough fish for a proper breakfast...
But it's good for Jack's mental health so we won't complain.
Sai and Jeb went jogging to explore their new neighborhood.
It's a bit strange that no one is around. But this is the Otherworld. Usually no one stays here longer since it's very hard to even get there, let alone stay. And the Boys can't leave or contact the others until Rubyn finds a way to activate the meteorites...
Saiwa: "I hope Rubyn finds a way to send us back and forth soon. Vlad almost freaked out again yesterday at the Temple. He said the tree there stopped him. We need Ji Ho here. And I miss him."
Jeb: "Me too. I hope he is ok."
Saiwa: "Let's concentrate on finding Kiyoshi and renovate our home, hm? Better than complaining about things we can't conrol."
Saiwa: "As expected. We have absolutely no internet here. Nowhere. We must be very careful when we are separated. There's no way to let the others know when we are in danger. Maybe other Jeb did right to hide our home... We know too little about the Otherworld to be sure we are really safe here..."
Jeb: "Well - safer than 'over there'."
They took some selfies and jogged back home.
Saiwa: "We should plan our next date soon. I liked it - a lot."
Jeb blushes.
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Jack and Vlad are already at work. Jeb showed them how to use the machines to create furniture and stuff out of junk and trash.
Vlad: "We should also create workplaces. We'll need money."
Jack: "Let's hurry and finish Jebs potion shop so he can brew the potions for the temple and then we make a cool room for Saiwa as a thank you for mine! If we let him do it it will just contain a bed and a computer ^^' "
Vlad: "Or just the computer, hahaha."
After Jeb and Sai came back from jogging, Jeb started right away with the potions for the Temple to pay back Arturo.
Saiwa is sitting in the corner, supposed to make floorplans on how to use the buildings of their new home. But he can't help watching Jeb.
Jeb is so sexy when he does his magic. And hot. Jeb is so, so hot... Sai got lost in thought of last night...
Jeb: "Are you still watching me?"
Saiwa: "Hm?"
TMI: Just in case you wondered if Vlad slept in a bed with Malfoy: Yes, Malfoy sneaked back in after they fell asleep ^^'
He takes his job very serious.
They are so cute.
Outtakes:
Vlad: "This is a really nice helmet over there..."
Jack: "Hm?"
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Vlad and Jack went to the Temple again. To help Arturo out and bring him the potions as a reward for his help.
Arturo: "Thank you, Boys! This will help a lot keep the saplings healthy and strong!"
Arturo: "And these potions will help our guests. Let's make a prayer at the shrine."
...
Arturo: "So, you're also here to help? Ah, that's great! I'm the only servant here and old, so there's a lot to do ^^' "
Vlad mopped the decks...
... and Jack assisted Arturo with the saplings.
As soon as Jack touched one of the little trees, it started to glow ΓΆ.Γ'
Arturo: "This world is full of wonders! I've never seen this before! Are you a holy man?"
Jack: "Certainly not..."
Vlad thinks it's time to talk about the tree...
Why does it have such a strong influence on Jack and Vlad? Vlad has a hunch.
Vlad: "So, for how long is this tree here? And when did your diety became one with the tree?"
Arturo: "Oh, I was a young boy of 15 or 16 when I found him here! It must have happened shortly before because I could still see our diety. He was so beautiful! Only a few years older than me. He didn't move and it seemed he was already in other spheres. But before he fully vanished into the tree, his last ond only words were 'I like bird' or something like this. Which makes sense because birds live in trees, right? And maybe he liked them? Who knows. But therefore I decorated this Temple with birds ^^' To make him happy."
Arturo: "A little later he fully became one with the tree. The glowing orbs were smaller than today. They wandered slowly from the roots to the tree tops and grew. I think they lived off of him. That was the last time something changed. Until yesterday when the roots touched Jack in the hot tub... And today, when he touched the sapling."
Jack was determined to find out more and went back into the hot tub. But Vlad stayed with him this time to keep him safe. For a while nothing happened and Vlad relaxed. But then the roots reached out for Jack again! Even more and thicker ones than last time! They seemed to grow through his body! But Jack felt no pain - it felt so good.
Vlad: "JACK! Get out of there!"
Jack obeyed, reluctantly: "Don't worry Vlad. They didn't hurt me. It feels good, actually. Look, there's no holes or blood. Maybe they are ethereal?"
Vlad: "I don't care. You won't go in there again. My job is to keep you save. We both know how hard it is to loose each other, right?"
Jack: "You are right. I'm sorry, Vlad. And we promised Saiwa not to do anything stupid again."
On their way back, Vlad thought he saw Kiyoshi's Little Goat under the tree from the corner of his eye.
But when he turned and looked closer, there was nothing.
This can't be anyway. This tree is here for decades and Kiyoshi vanished only a few weeks ago.
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Vlad lead Jack to a little beach after they left the Temple.
They have to disuss what happened there today.
Vlad told Jack that he saw Kiyoshi's Little Goat under the tree.
Vlad: "Maybe therefore the tree has such a strong reaction on us and reaches out for us! He even stopped me from freaking out again."
Vlad: "But can it be? Arturo told us the tree is already there for decades and Kiyoshi vanished only a few weeks ago..."
Jack: "Do you remember when I fell into coma? For you it had been only a few days but I was there for months. No one knows how time works in the Otherworld. Maybe, when we come back to the 'real world', months have passed!"
Vlad: "Gods, don't say that! Thinking of Ji Ho living with Genji for months..." Vlad already felt the Bond taking over control again...
Vlad tried to regain control: "I can't think of that or you'll have to stop me from freaking out again."
Jack: "Ok. And it doesn't have to be like that. When we went to find the horses, the time didn't go by faster."
Vlad: "Anyway. We need to get Kiyoshi out there. But I don't know how far we can trust Arturo. Better we not tell him where we live and why we are here. Other Jeb and Jack must have hidden our home for a reason and they sent us here for a reason. To find Kiyoshi."
Jack: "Let's go home and talk to the others."
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This post refers a lot to the happenings in their first year after Genji bit Ji Ho.
The story thread of their first year is -> here
Back to Ji Ho and Genji.
They hadn't heard anything from the others but Rubyn is working under high pressure to bring them back together.
Ji Ho is working with Genji at the Laundromat.
Ji Ho: "Can you believe it's already 15 months ago since we had the duel here and Vlad claimed me back?"
Genji: "It's madness. So much happened since then! I'd never have thought I'd see you again."
In their lunch break they played 'Sims Forever' together in the arcade next door.
Little Goat: 'Can someone turn this on for me?'
Sure!
Genji: "It's warm today. We could go to the lake after work."
Ji Ho: "That would be nice!"
And that's what they did on this sunny late autumn day.
They took Little Goat and Yang Mal with them.
It was even warm enough for Ji Ho to swim.
(There is a similar scene when Vlad sat where Genji sits now from Beltane this year.)
Eventually they went back home to eat and watch tv.
Such a nice day.
Until it wasn't.
They had an unexpected and unwelcome guest: Lady Demon...
(Lady Demon already was a menace in our other story...)
Lady Demon: "Huh, that was about time. How do you withstand this tiny, run down 'place'?" *shudders*
She came right to the point:
"You know you can't keep Ji Ho, Genji. I have customers who will pay a fortune to make him theirs."
Genji: "I'm Ji Ho's bonded! You have no right to take him from me!"
Lady Demon: "I fear you're not. Ji Ho's rightful bonded is gone and the bond between you and Ji Ho had never been solidified. You never fully claimed him."
Lady Demon: "You have time until Winter Solstice. Claim Ji Ho or leave him with a new bonded to care for him and protect him. He can live anywhere a better life than here. They will treat him like a prince."
And then she left. I knew this day was too good to be true...
Genji and Ji Ho were devastated. They'll join Rubyn tomorrow and try to excellrate the reasearch on the meteorites to join Ji Ho with the others.
And Ji Ho went down to the Laundromat again. Where he and Vlad initiated their Bond. Ji Ho tries to send a message to Vlad over their Bond.
Ji Ho: "Vlad. Please, help me. Find me."
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Next day Ji Ho and Genji arrived in Britechester to support Rubyn with her research on the meteorites to bring Ji Ho and the others back together again.
Poor Rubyn is already working at full speed and now she's also under time constraints...
Rubyn: "What's wrong with these people? Winter Solstice is in 4 days! This is still work for weeks! I have to figure out which crystals to use and how this pedestal works and I also have to make sure you are safe! Gods! I'm stuck - I need ideas..."
She also showed them the setup in the yard behind her laboratory. There is already a second pedestal. Different to the one that vanished with the ship.
Rubyn: "This will be the stationary one. If it all goes well, we will be able to use the meteorites to let you travel between the worlds. At least I hope that the ship teleported your friends to the Otherworld."
Rubyn called her collegues from Foxbury to gather new inspiration.
They met at the 'Book Nook'.
And while Rubyn discusses meteorite matters with her fellow physicists (without revealing too much to not put the Boys in jeopardy):
Ji Ho: "If it all goes wrong and Vlad can't come back in time, I'd rather stay with you than being claimed by some of Lady D's 'customers' - prince or no prince."
Genji is chuckling.
Ji Ho: "What?"
Genji: "Don't be stupid, Ji Ho. You could live a life of plenty. You are too precious to be a 'Laundromat Prince'."
It's late and there's a firework over at UBrite Arena.
They went to the roof to watch it.
Rubyn: "Oh Ji Ho. I feel so sorry for you. We'll do anything possible to help you. Such a mess!"
Genji: "Let's take this smiley as a good omen that all will be well in the end, hm?"
Ji Ho: "I was serious in the 'Book Nook', Genji. We get along really well and I'm so thankful you have me and protect me. I had a difficult past and I hate to get touched. But if Vlad doesn't make it I'd like to solidify our Bond."
Genji: "Oh Ji Ho, I caused you so much pain I can't even imagine. I will never be able to make it up to you. And you flatter me that you consider this after all that happened between us. But I still hope Vlad makes it. You two belong together."
Ji Ho: "I'm not sure if I can love him."
Genji: "You will. Sleep now. We will have a busy time here until Winter Solstice."
They took Ji Ho's meteorite with them to charge it with their Bond.
And Genji was watching over Ji Ho's sleep...
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Back to Tomarang.
The Boys worked all day and pondered about how to get Kiyoshi out of that tree...
But Vlad and Jack are also eager to show Saiwa and Jeb the new kitchen and dining they've built today out of junk and trash.
So they ran over through the rain storm.
Jeb: "Oh that's awesome!"
Jack: "Yeah, we can't eat outside at the stand on days like this and Jeb can teach us how to cook!"
Saiwa: "I can't believe you two did this! It's so beautiful!"
Jack: "Hey!"
Saiwa: "Now, let's discuss Kiyoshi."
Before they could even sit down, Ji Ho's call for help hit Vlad, painfully.
Vlad: "Ahhhhrgh ... Someones threatening Ji Ho."
Saiwa: "What did you see?"
Vlad: "Only Ji Ho asking me for help."
Saiwa: "Ji Ho never asked us for help. Not even to save his brother."
Jack: "But what can we do? We are unable to contact anyone over there and no one over there seems to be able to help Ji Ho... Otherwise he wouldn't have asked Vlad for help."
Jeb sighs: "There might be a way. But I never took someone with me to travel between the worlds... And I've only been able to travel from and to places I know very well."
And then he told them about 'fence riding'.
Saiwa: "So - it's dangerous and we'll be divided - again..."
Saiwa: "Gods. I know, Other Jeb urged us to stay together but he also said we are supposed to 'gather'. Means: bring Ji Ho and Kiyoshi back. Jeb, you need to bring Vlad over there to help Ji Ho."
Vlad: "He wouldn't have reached out for me if it weren't urgent and necessary. We barely even talk."
Jeb: "VaniΓ«, it will kill me when I'm gone and something happens to you."
Saiwa: "Jeb. We will be careful and we are safe here."
It didn't take much to convince Jeb. Ji Ho is his best friend.
Saiwa to Vlad: "Bring Jeb and Ji Ho back safe."
Vlad nods.
They agreed to leave Vlad's meteorite with Sai and Jack. Should Rubyn find a way to make the pedestals work.
They went down to the ship to use any leftover energy from the meteorites to send Jeb and Vlad over 'the fence' to the 'real world'.
And Jeb kissed Saiwa goodbye.
Jeb: "Stay safe, I beg you."
Saiwa: "I will. Take care and bring them back safe."
Jeb reaches out for Vlad: "Come here, we'll have to..."
Vlad: "What? Here?" (Omg Vlad! Does he think he has to do some kind of 'Bond Magic' with Jeb? And he's not generally opposed, just worried doing it here???)
Jeb: "What? OMG Vlad! Not what you think! I don't even want to know what you are thinking! We'll have to touch. Take my hands. JUST my hands!"
And then Jeb took Vlad's hands in his and they vanished. Hopefully to the right time and place to save Ji Ho!
Jack: "It worked! You'll see, they'll be back with Ji Ho in no time!"
Saiwa: "I really hope so. Gods, Jack..."
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Outtakes
As if this day weren't worse enough...
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¨
Early next morning, after Jeb and Vlad left to rescue Ji Ho, Saiwa and Jack went to the Temple. To help Arturo with his work.
And check what they can do to bring Kiyoshi back.
There he really is! Kiyoshi's Little Goat!
Jack: "So Vlad did see right last time!"
Arturo: "You know him? I saw him quite a few times since you left the other day."
Jack asked Arturo if it's possible to place the box with Kiyoshi's heart near the tree. (Jack had to confess this to Saiwa yesterday... Saiwa was too broken from Jeb's departure to hit him for keeping secrets again...) But eventually they agreed it could be of help to place the box here to bring Kiyoshi back...
Arturo didn't ask any questions about the box. The tree already showed him that there must be a special connection between the tree and these Boys. You start to accept the weirdest things when you work at a place like this ^^'
Arturo: "Let's put it over there."
So they placed the box with Kiyoshi's heart at the meditation place right next to the tree. And since they're already here they also meditated for a while. To heal Jack.
Arturo also removed the curtain that separated the meditation place from the tree. The Boys already proved that it's not necessary to keep them from the tree.
When Arturo walked by a little later, he spotted the tattooed bird on Saiwa's shoulder.
Arturo: "Is it you my diety referred to in his last words? The Bird?
You Boys are really something else!"
Arturo: "He must have loved you so much. He was barely visible and mainly in other spheres and still he said something that sounded like 'I like 'bird'' before he finally left. That's so romantic! Ah, I really hope he comes back and treats you better then. Aouwww π"
Seems Arturo is quite the romantic ^^'
Oh no... This is feeding Jack's crazy theory that Saiwa is Kiyoshi's fated mate and not him! Kiyoshi isn't even back and the madness hits Jack right in his stomach again!
And he can't even set it right because he promised Kiyoshi to keep their relationship a secret.
They can't tell Arturo anyway because they don't know if they can trust him.
Oh Jack...
In the evening, after Arturo, Saiwa and Jack finished their work and left.
Saiwa: "I can't believe Kiyoshi's last words referred to me. I must confess, I'm a bit flattered... I mean, everyone is crazy for him. We all are. But I never thought he actually ever had been into someone. So this maybe means something else? What could he have meant?"
But Jack doesn't listen. He's lost in his own weird theories about Kiyoshi...
How did he even end up in that tree?
When all was quiet, Little Goat went to the box and opened the lid with his little muzzle.
And this is how Kiyoshi got his heart back.
Well done, Little Goat!
And the tree seemed to glow a little brighter tonight.
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¨
I usually post here and on my tumblr at the same day so -> here is my tumblr archive, just pick the day the episode you want to learn more about was released and you can dive deeper into the lore.
So you can start to read (and understand) this story at any point.
There is also the thread of the Boys' first year together and how it all began (we are in their second year now).
And of course you can always ask me
Sai and Jack went back home. There was still no sign of Jeb and Vlad. Neither of Rubyn and Ji Ho.
Saiwa is worried beyond measure. And Jack is still deep in thoughts about Kiyoshi. What are they supposed to do when they have to live together as Other Jeb and Jack demanded?
Jack and Sai are of no help for each other this evening...
They cared for the goats and went over to Jack's houseboat. Sai still has no room of his own and he can't sleep alone in Jeb's bed. It hurts too much to be there without him. And Jack can't sleep alone anyway.
Saiwa: "How are you able to watch Star Wars movies today..."
Jack, from his Star Wars world: "Distraction."
They have the meteorite always close nearby to see if something changes.
And when the movie was finally over, Sai came back from brushing his teeth and Jack was about to go to bed...
Jack: "Sai look!"
Sai: ?
Vlad's meteorite started to glow!
Saiwa: "To the ship, quick - oh my..."
No time to dress. Rubyn finally found out how to teleport them back!
After the first shock, they were excited to see the others again! And that the teleportation is finally working!
Off they go.
As expected, they'd been teleported to Rubyn's lab in Britechester. In the real world.
Rubyn: "There you are! We made it!"
It seems Genji and Ji Ho were able to activate the meteorites on the modified pedestal with their bond magic ΓΆ.Γ' It really seems a once knotted bond can't completely fade, even if 'overwritten'...
Saiwa: "But... where are Jeb and Vlad?"
Ji Ho: "Why are they not with you?"
Rubyn: "Oh no..."
After Rubyn told them that Ji Ho will be claimed by a customer of Lady Demon or has to tighten the bond with Genji - should Vlad not show up as his bonded tomorrow at Winter Solstice - Saiwa had a breakdown.
Jack: "Sai, come on. We need a plan. Stay strong - for Jeb, hm?"
Saiwa sobs: "Gods, Jeb! Why did I allow them to leave! What are we supposed to do now?"
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¨
December 21. Winter Solstice
And the first snow.
This night is the longest night of the year and from tomorrow on, the days are getting longer again until Summer Solstice. This is my favourite day of all. Because it gives hope in the darkest of times. Without having to do or achieve something, the light comes back into our life. And this is my wish for you today. May the light come back into your life. Just like so. I know many of you are struggling. Don't lose hope and have faith in time β₯οΈ
Rubyn, Genji and the Boys went to the Temple at Mount Komorebi where Ji Ho is supposed to chose his new bonded. Genji or 'a client' of Lady Demon...
Someone who is willing to pay a pretty penny for a precious mermaid. And someone who is brave/stupid enough to make him his bonded. Mermaid's blood is deadly poisonous for vampires. Not many live to tell (Genji, for example). And even Vlad paid with his life for it.
Time is short, but Rubyn and Dtui are not willing to give up on trying to summon Vlad here to avoid this.
Rubyn brought the pedestals and the meteorites and Dtui is casting additional spells.
They still have time until sun sets and the longest night of the year begins and Lady Demon shows up.
They were hugging (to acitivate some bond magic...), casting spells and adjusting the pedestals for hours now. But of no avail...
What if Vlad and Jeb don't find their way back?
Rubyn is at her wit's end. If only Vlad hadn't left his meteorite with Saiwa and Jack!
They gathered in the hall of the Temple to warm up and discuss how to proceed.
Ji Ho: "I talked to Genji and I'm fine with being his bonded. This is the best solution. We'd still be able to be together just as Other Jeb demanded. Who knows who this ominous client of Lady Demon will be? She alone already scares me so much! I'm better off with Genji. We get along so well."
Dtui: "If this is your wish. Just know that once you tighten your already existing bond with Genji, it will be nearly impossible for Vlad to claim you back. *sighs* But we have no choice anyway, have we?"
Saiwa: "But maybe - if Ji Ho choses Lady Demon's client - we could buy a little time. The book we found in Saarburg said it's three days until the bond needs to be completed. And if Ji Ho somehow stalls the 'completion' with the client, Vlad has a chance to claim him back. He's his righful bonded after all."
Ji Ho: "I don't know if I'm strong enough to act up against a vampire and stall the completion of the bond with him. And I won't be able to stay with you then. He surely won't let me leave again after he paid for me and claimed me."
Jack: "What a nightmare..."
They went back out again to try to bring Vlad here in time until night falls. But after a another few hours more without any success...
Saiwa: "Let's stop this now. Dtui already worked herself to exhaustion."
Image
And just a little later Lady Demon and her client arrived in a big limousine. To claim Ji Ho...
To be continued...
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¨