From: scullyspice@juno.com Hi, guys! This has been hjanging round my head, and I've been meaning to put it out, however, I just started taking Driver's Ed, which takes up a big chunck of my time. Anyway, without further ado: Categories: ALT, E, H, JQ2K, ML Date: 8 April, 1999 Disclaimer: Hanna Barbera owns JQ and cast. Alexis Ericta owns JQ2K. The MLer's own themselves. Archivers: Feel free. Jade's Trick Canto 6: The Travelers By: Sara Metz Bryce Crenshaw glared at his brother Travis. "Would you knock that off!" Travis removed the pipe from his mouth. "Sorry, I just thought you might enjoy some traveling music. Apparently, I was wrong!" Travis replied snappily. "Both of you, knock it off!" Red Sonya drawled. Travis and Bryce shut up immediatly. They knew better than to ignore the woman: she had a good foot on both of them, and a whole lot more muscles. She could stuff them into their knapsacks in half a second, if so inclined. Bryce turned around to apologize when he realized that Rory had returned. The dark skinned boy moved silently, a skill he had picked up in one of the southern countries. "Well, well. The Klepto is back. Did anyone see you?" he asked jovially, feeling better now that Travis had stopped playing his stupid pipe. "No." The quiet boy replied. "I got a good haul - all gold. No jewelry or momentos to connect us to the robbery. We should be planning on a comfortable ride from her to Madestra." Travis remarked sarcastically, "Well, maybe they'll have some food there. Sp how about some dinner? Some bush sparrow would go down real well with the ale I 'borrowed' from that drunk back there." Rory unstrapped his bow. "I suppose I can do that. I'll be back soon." He moved off into the bushes with the legendary noicelessness that had caused Bryce to agree to let him join their traveling group. Sonya looked at the setting sun. "I suppose we should stop here for then night, then. We'll have to keep watch though." She said, looking around a small clearing in approval. "Why?" Bryce asked. "I heard the villagers talking about vampire attacks in the forest. They've lost three folks in the past week. So, without a watch we'll be sitting ducks.: "Good point, Red. I'll take first watch, Trav second, Sonya third, and Rory fourth." Bryce concluded. "Man, bro, plan our whole lives out for us." Travis replied. Suddenly Rory burst through the foliage. He was assisting a slender girl in white. "My Gods, Rory, what happened?" Red Sonya asked. "I don't know. I just ran across her." Rory replied breathlessly. Red Sonya assisted the girl in sitting down. "They're after me! They're after me!" the girl started crying. Travis tried to calm her down, asking, "Who?" The blond girl wailed again, "The Vampires!!" "Wjhat are we going to do with her?" Bryce asked, lowly. "We'll take her with us." Rory announced. When the others looked up, he just shrugged. "What else would we do?" End Canto 6 Disclaimer: HB owns JQ and Pals. Alexis owns the JQ2K team. MLers owns themselves, and are used w/ permission. No money is being made, though I did win an award. ::vbeg:: Categories: H, Alt, JQ2K, Archivers: Please! Jade's Trick Canto 7 The Search By: Sara Metz "The Prince has been poisoned!" someone cried out. Mishelle Jenks, Jessie Bannon, and Jonny Quest attempted to push to the center of the throng. They were standing in the center of the Royal Hall in the Royal Palace in Madresta, Castille. They had been attending a Royal Ball until it was interrupted by the collapse of Prince Christopher. The crowd murmured with surprise when the Prince stood up "Sorry for the commotion, Folks. I wasn't poisoned." He said sheepishly, rubbing his head. "Actually, my sister Lesli accidentally hit me in the head with a punch spoon and overreacted. Please rejoin the festivities." The prince turned and grabbed his sister Princess Lesli by the arm, with an angry look on his face. "Well, that was odd." Mishelle remarked. "I just don't like the look on Princess Lesli's face. Rather sinister." "I do have to agree with you." Jessie replied. "Some party!" Mishelle shrugged, and walked over to the buffet table. Jessie followed her over and grabbed some cheese off a platter. "Well, at least they set out a good spread." "So what is the reason for this party?" Mishelle asked. As she had only recently arrived in Madresta after a week on the road, she wasn't up to date on any of the recent news. "Well, Jessie's dad, General 'Race' Bannon, won our latest battle against Navarre. You know, the country to the south?" Jonny replied. Mishelle glowered. "I do know my geography, thank you very much, Bleach-head." She growled lowly. Jessie giggled. The ball was winding down, and most of the guests had gone. Jessie, Jonny and Mishelle were more than ready to leave, what with the poison scare, and the rather vicious verbal attack by Rex Derbyshire. The trio sent their respective bodyguards to fetch their carriages and head home. Once back at the Bannon townhouse, Mishelle and Jessie prepared to settle in for a good night's rest. Mishelle's thoughts were a turmoil between the appearance of Rex Derbyshire, the man who had killed her family and friends, and the earlier attempt on her life. Suddenly she remembered the reason for her journey here. She needed to find her mentor's son, Hadji, who was kidnapped when he was a young boy. Now, years later, Mishelle was here to carry out Neela's dying wish: to find her missing son and tell him of his past. Mishelle moved swiftly into Jessie's bedchamber, which adjoined her own. "Jessie?" she asked tentatively. "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure." Jessie replied. "What's the matter?" Mishelle sat down on the edge of the bed. "Well, the whole reason for my being here is to find my mentor's son. I was trying to find him when the assassin pushed me in front of your carriage. Since you seem to have a finger on the pulse of the city, I was wondering if you could help me find him." "Of course." Jessie replied without a moment's hesitation. 'What is his name?" "Hadji Singh. His mother was Neela Singh. She died recently. Whenwhen Rex burned down the village I was staying in and slaughtered the inhabitants." Mishelle's composure wavered, but did not break. She was used to holding in her feelings. "Hadji Singh. That name does sound familiar. Why does it?" Jessie pondered. "I know! One of the rather bourgeoisie class. He was supposedly an orphan when one of the local merchants took him in. Pasha, I believe the name was. Anyway, his name is Hadj Singhah. It does sound rather close to what you're looking for." "Thanks, Jess. Can we investigate tomorrow?" Mishelle asked impatiently. "Sure, why not? It's better than destroying yet another dress during fencing practice. Oh! We can invite Jonny along." Jessie replied. "Oh goody goody gumdrops. By the way, is his hair color natural?" Madresta The following morning Jessie and Mishelle started out early on their quest to find Hadji Singh. Though most would think this was a hopeless task, the two girls had some help - magic and connections. Mishelle's magic could help find the general location of Neela's son, but Jessie's connections would help them find the correct address. The girls were strolling through the crowded market area of Madresta. They were dressed comfortably in leggings and tunics, with short swords hanging by their sides. "Well, this is where I felt the vibrations yesterday, but they're gone now." Jessie frowned. "That could be a problem. This was the only place where we knew he'd been." "Hey, what about your connections? Haven't you found his address out from them?" Mishelle asked. "Jeez! Don't be so grouchy!" Jessie reprimanded her. Mishelle sighed. "Sorry. I just really want to get this over with so that I can find Derbyshire and kill him." She said quietly. Jessie patted her shoulder. "We'll find him soon, I promise. Anyway, I did find out his address. But since it's nowhere near here, I thought we should go with your feelings first." "Well, my feelings have gotten us a boatload of crap so far. Let's go check out that address you got. It's worth a try." Mishelle shrugged. "Okay. Oh, can you wait a minute? I see Ava and Tai-Lee over there. Do you mind if I stop and talk to them for a minute?" "No, that's fine." Mishelle replied, as they walked over to the girls. Ava bore a noticeable resemblance to Baron Michael, and Tai-Lee was an attractive Oriental girl. "Jessie! Hi!" Ava yelled as they came closer. "Did you manage to escape my brother?" Mishelle nodded to herself. Her primary conclusion was correct; Ava was Baron Michael's sister. Tai-Lee spoke up. "Good day, Jessie. May I inquire as to who your friend is?" "Of course. Tai-Lee, Ava, this is Mishelle Jenks. She's staying with me for a while." "Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you. May I inquire as to the reason for your visit to Madresta?" Mishelle winced inwardly. "I'm looking for the son of my mentor. She believed - believes that he is here in Madresta." "That's interesting." Ava said. "As it happens, Tai-Lee and I work under the head magician of Madresta, Elfin. We do have access to all the census records. How long ago did you believe he arrived?" "Approximately ten years ago. His name is Hadji Singh." Mishelle replied. "I knew of Hadj Singhah, the merchant's son. Could you check the records for him?" Jessie asked the two. "Sure." Ava replied. "Uh-oh! I see my brother coming. I'll get out of here before he tries to ask me if I'm brushing and flossing. Ta!" Ava was right. Baron Michael was coming towards them at a rapid click. "Lady Jessica, Lady Mishelle! I have some terrible news!" "What is it, Michael?" Jessie asked with a frown. "You must return at once to the house and pack. We must leave at once." "Calm down and explain." Jessie said patiently. "Lilith, the vampire has rallied her forces of inhuman demons and vampires to attack Madresta. They are headed here as we speak." "But why?" Mishelle asked. "No one knows why. But we have got to leave. Your father wants us to go to his castle south of here. Did I see Ava just a minute ago?" He asked. "Yes, she and Tai-Lee were out shopping." "Can you catch up to them quickly? Lord Bannon said we can take them with us." "We can. We'll meet you at the house soon." Jessie and Mishelle ran off in pursuit of the girls. "What about Hadji?" Mishelle asked. "If he's smart, he'll leave the city, too. But we really don't want to be here when the vampires arrive. Have you ever seen a vampire attack?" "No." "Be glad you haven't." The pair ran faster into the warrens of the market. From: scullyspice@juno.com Disclaimer: HB owns JQ and pals. Alexis owns the JQ2K peeps. Mlers own themselves. Categories: Alt, JQ2K, H, E Archivers: Go with it. Jade's Trick Intermezzo 2 By: Sara Metz Lilith's Castle Lilith Thorn, the oldest Vampyr in the world, was having a temper tantrum. Literally. "Didn't I tell him not to mess with that Jenks girl? Didn't I, Vlad?" Lilith threw another priceless piece of art at the stone walls of her throne room. Several of the demons, Vampyrs, and other assorted paranormal creatures standing around that area ducked and covered. Lilith's temper tantrums were legendary in the paranormal community. It was rumored that not even the devil himself would deal with her when she was in such a mood. Prince Vlad, Lilith's consort, stepped forward. "I believe so. In fact, I am certain that you did. Shall we arrange an accident to befall him?" Vlad smiled evilly, baring ivory white fangs. "No." Lilith snapped. "He is still useful to us. However, if in the future, he becomes anuisance, we may need your services." "I would be pleased to fulfill whatever your Highness needs." Vlad replied. "However, on another note, about your missing servant" "Ah, the Lark. She has flown the coop, as it were. Continue the search, but don't use any of the forces needed for the strike on Madresta. The King must die, and I will be there to see it!" The entire company burst into maniacal laughter. From: scullyspice@juno.com Categories: E, Alt, H, JQ2K, ML Disclaimer: HB owns JQ, Lex owns JQ2K, Mler's own themselves Archivers: Sure, but tell me where it is. Date: May 29, 1999 Feedback: With much happiness! Jade's Trick Canto 8: The Attack By: Sara Metz Madresta, Castille Noon Jessie Bannon hurriedly threw clothes into her leather knapsack. She had only a few hours left before she and her friends would have to flee Madresta, the capital of Castille. She was utterly furious at being forced to leave her home just because some stupid vampyrs were determined to attack. "Jessie? Can I talk with you?" A quiet voice asked from the doorway. It was Tai-Lee Natsume, one of Jessie's friends, not to mention one of the main apprentices to Elfin, Madresta's leading sorceress. "Sure, Tai-Lee. What's the matter?" Jessie asked. "Nothing is really wrong. Ava and I were just wondering if you knew why Baron Michael is forcing us to leave the city." "Lilith, the queen of the vampyrs is leading an attack on Madresta as soon as the sun goes down. My father ordered Michael to take Jonny and me down to Dun Lieve to get away from them. After he saw Mishelle and I talking to Ava, he realized that his sister was still here, and asked us to take the two of you with us. Awfully convoluted, but that is what's happening." "I see." The Oriental girl looked thoughtful. "Does all of Madresta know what is going to happen?" Jessie winced. "No, though the king is declaring a city-wide curfew at sunset. Anyone who disobeys the curfew is at risk, though I'm sure most won't." "Yes. Well, I shall tell Baron Michael that Ava and I are ready. How are you coming along?" "I'll be done in a moment." Tai-Lee nodded and left the room. A few moments after she had left, Mishelle Jenks entered from her connecting room. "Well, I'm ready." The brunette said, cleaning off her sword. "I just feel bad about leaving. You know, without finding Hadji Singh, or Hadj Singhal. Whatever name he's going by." Jessie buckled her knapsack closed. "I agree with you, but once the attack is over, Michael will bring us back and we can continue the search. Ready?" She asked, swinging the knapsack over her shoulder. Both she and Mishelle were wearing leggings, linen shirts and tunics with their respective family colors and crests on them. They also both carried swords and leather knapsacks. "Yes, ready. I suppose you're right. The best thing to do is get out of here. How many carriages are we taking?" "Two. Jonny's father is staying here with Elfin to work on a spell to protect the royal family, so he's letting us use his carriage. And of course we'll be taking mine." The girls left the room. On the Road to Dun Lieve Late Afternoon The small party made their way from Madresta, under the double burden of the setting sun and the quickly looming clouds, dark on the horizon. Though they had two carriages at their disposal, the five teens had decided to stay together in Jessie's. "It looks like it's going to rain." Mishelle commented absently. "Tell us something we don't know, Jenks." Jonny remarked sarcastically. "Shut up, Bleach-head." Mishelle murmured, more concerned with the growing dark outside the window than the growing hostility between her and Jonny Quest. "Baron Michael, STOP!" Mishelle yelled suddenly. "What is it, Lady Jenks?" Michael asked. "There are some hitch-hikers out there. We should pick them up. It would be cruel to leave them out there." "I agree, Michael." Ava said. "Can't we pick them up, Brother?" "I suppose." Michael stopped the carriage. "Hey, down there! Would you fancy a ride?" Bryce Crenshaw grinned at Baron Michael. "We sure would! Do you have enough room for us?" "We certainly do! But some of you will have to ride in the other carriage." "That's fine!" Travis Crenshaw, Bryce's twin called out. Tai-Lee and Ava jumped out of the first carriage and moved to the second, per Michael's instructions. He didn't exactly trust the travelers, so decided to split up their group. Travis and Claudette entered the first carriage, an unlikely duo, the former with coppery hair and bright blue eyes, the latter a pale, thin blonde with hazel eyes. Bryce, Red Sonya, and Rory climbed into the second carriage. As the sky darkened and rain began to fall, Baron Michael shrugged into his cloak and urged the horses on. Approaching Madresta, 500 ft. up Just after Sunset "Vlad!" Lilith Thorn shouted as she and her vampyr minions flew towards Madresta. "I can feel her!" Vlad flew over to her. "The Lark? You have found her?" "Yes! You lead the attack, I must go and get her." Vlad frowned. "But why, my queen? Why is one human worth more than the invasion?" He said despising. "More than our master plan?" "That is the point, Vlad!" Lilith said fanatically. "She knows the whole of the plan! If she tells someone, we will be defeated!" "I see. Then go. I will command the attack. Fare well, my Queen!" Lilith flew off at a faster click towards the small convoy south of Madresta. On the Road to Dun Lieve 2 Hours after Sunset "How much further, Michael?" Jessie shouted over the pouring rain. "Not long. Less than an hour, I believe." He replied. "I, for one, will certainly be ready to get out of this weather." Travis replied jovially. "Ditto." Jonny replied sulkily. He and Mishelle had snapped at each other for about half-an-hour before they repaired to the opposite sides of the carriage. Travis had turned around to look at the other carriage when they heard a scream. "What happened?" Jessie yelled. "The other carriage has stopped." Travis said. "I can't see the driver." Suddenly they heard an inhuman shriek. Claudette turned dead white. "Lilith." She muttered in a small voice. "What?" Mishelle said, trying to move to the other side of the carriage as it came to an abrupt halt. "The vampyrs! She has come for me!" Claudette burst into violent sobs. "Shh. Shh." Mishelle tried to comfort the hysterical girl. "We're safe in here. Michael won't let him get us." Despite this reassurance, Mishelle shot Jessie a worried look over Claudette's head. Suddenly the roof of the carriage was ripped off. A beautiful young woman flew into the open space. "Well, Lark, it looks like you've found yourself some new friends. Pity they won't live." "Get away, Bitch!" Mishelle said, drawing her sword as she stood up. Unexpectedly, Michael jumped onto the flying vampyr. "I'll take you instead, foolish man. You shall never see your friends again." Lilith cackled and flew away into the night sky. "NOOOOOO!" Ava yelled, as she dashed out of the second carriage. "Michael!!" She fell to her knees in the middle of the muddy road. The others piled out of the carriages after her. Jessie and Tai-Lee hugged their bereaved friend as Mishelle comforted Claudette. The guys scanned the skies, swords and daggers out. The group huddled together as the rain fell gently, mourning the loss of their friend.