Jonny Quest-Heart's Desire: Part I
DISCLAIMER: no own…no $$...please don't sue!
Jonny Quest awoke abnormally early for him on a Saturday morning in the summertime. The sun was just beginning to peek over the eastern horizon when Jonny threw the thin blanket covering him and peered through his window out to the cliffs hanging above the sandy beach and serene, yet lively ocean. The gentle summer breeze blew the fresh salty ocean air right to his nostrils. He inhaled the freshness that lingered in the air, then, after a slow passing moment, threw on a well-worn pair of shorts, a loose white tank top, and beach sandals and leisurely paced out to the rocky edge of the cliff just past the lighthouse. Slowly lowering himself to the ground, Jonny let his legs dangle off the edge and gazed at the breathtaking scene before him. The sunrise set fiery shades of reds, oranges, and yellows across the early morning sky and reflected off the ocean waves.
The peace and quiet of the spot and time of day gave Jonny time to himself to think. There was so much on his mind that he felt that he was nearly unable to sort out with others so close to him, even in the vastness of the Quest Compound. He couldn't stop thinking about all that had happened in his life the last couple of years, especially with Jessie. Jessica Bannon had been on Jonny's mind a lot lately, especially since the two-year anniversary of the London incident was so near. Jonny couldn't help but think about how he had nearly lost Jessie because he was too blind to Irena Kafka's trickery. He couldn't stop thinking about how he would have killed Irena if Jessie hadn't woken up. He couldn't stop thinking about what he might do if he were to ever see Irena again. Would he kill her? Would he ignore her? Would he let Jessie handle her? No, that was something he would never allow to happen. Irena could not be allowed any where near Jessie, especially alone. No, Jonny would make sure that if Jessie ever had to go through the horror of seeing Irena Kafka again, he would most definitely be with her.
FLASHBACK
Jonny and Jessie had been in London with Estella for one of her archaeology conventions. Estella's presence was mandatory, and the two teens saw this as a perfect opportunity to spend some time away from the compound without their fathers. They begged and begged their parents until the three adults finally relented, Race being the most hesitant of the three. But after seeing the puppy-dog pout come through on his daughter's face, he begrudgingly agreed. As punishment, however, for using those means to get his permission, Race pep-talked Jessie in the cockpit of the dragonfly about being careful and staying out of trouble while they were in London. Race watched with an amused expression plastered across his face as Jessie wrinkled her nose in disgust and annoyance at her father's persistence of the 'no heroics' saying that had become so cliché in their family.
When they finally arrived in London, Jonny said goodbye to Race and waved at him before catapulting himself out of the dragonfly to grab his bag from the luggage compartment. Jessie and Estella both gave Race a quick hug, said goodbye, and followed Jonny's trail out—without the jumping. After checking into their hotel, Estella gave the teens a number where she could be reached while at the convention, told them when she should be back, and went right back through the door she had entered from moments before.
Once they were unpacked, Jonny and Jessie decided to do some sight-seeing. They had been to London before, of course, but never without their fathers. Jessie's favorites were the museums, while Jonny's was "Big Ben", so they agreed to one museum and the infamous London clock. By the time they had finished at "Big Ben", it was close to 1:00 in the afternoon.
"Hey, Jess, how about some lunch? I don't know about you, but I'm hungry!" Jessie just had to laugh at the expression on Jonny's face as he clenched his arms to his stomach and keeled over in mock starvation.
"You're always hungry, Hotshot. C'mon, there's a café not far from here. We can stop there and then maybe walk the shops for a while before we have to go back to the hotel." They were nearing the café when they suddenly heard someone calling out their names. They looked over to see a pleased Irena Kafka running toward them and waving happily.
"Irena! What are you doing here?" Jonny asked the young pianist, stunned to see her here.
"Well, I'm here to play a concert at the theatre. What are you two doing here?" Before Jonny could reply, Jessie jumped in with a response.
"We're here with my mom. She had to go to an archaeology convention this weekend, and she and our dads let us come with her." Jessie replied, giving the young, sophisticated blonde in front of them a mild glare.
"Speaking of which," Jessie continued, "we had better get going, Jonny. We don't want Mom to worry." Jessie began to pull Jonny's arm in the opposite direction of the café, which he was now beginning to eye longingly.
"But, Jess, what about…"
"Oh, come ON! You can eat back at the hotel." With that, Jonny resigned and allowed Jessie to pull him away from the café…and Irena Kafka.
As the duo walked away, Irena smirked to herself. Everything was falling into place exactly how she hoped.
A couple days later, Jessie and Jonny were walking the shops that they planned on going to before they ran into Irena. After glancing through the windows and seeing nothing that really caught their eye, Jonny suggested that they go across the bridge to the other shops. Jessie quickly agreed and they were on their way. The two were about half-way across the bridge suspended over the river, when a largely built man came running toward them. Surprised, Jonny and Jessie just stood there for a moment. When the man reached them, he shoved Jessie aside and continued running with what appeared to be a purse in his hand. Thrown off balance, Jessie banged her head against the rail of the bridge and went over the side, plunging into the cold waters of the river.
Without thinking twice, Jonny dove into the water after Jessie. After what seemed like hours, Jonny finally spotted a blur of red slowly sinking to the bottom of the river. When he finally got Jessie above the surface, he realized she wasn't breathing, so he hurried her over to the edge of the water as fast as he possibly could. It was only when he had finally gotten her ashore that he saw the huge gash in Jessie's head from when she hit her head. She was rapidly losing blood and was in dire need of immediate medical attention.
Once Jessie was finally in the hospital, he called Estella to let her know where they were. After telling her what happened, Jonny timidly asked her if she could call Race for him and let him know. He was afraid that once Race found out what happened, that he would despise Jonny for not protecting his 'little Ponchita'. The doctors tending to Jessie refused to tell him anything, since he was not immediate family. When Estella finally arrived, she was frantic with worry. The moment she saw Jonny, her heart stopped, and she nearly fainted. His complexion was far too pallor, and he appeared to be in a state of shock. She immediately rushed to his side and pleaded with him to talk to her, continually asking him to look at her and tell her what was wrong.
"I…Jess…Jessie…" Estella noticed tears threatening to spill over from his eyes, shining a brighter blue due to the unshed tears pooling in them.
"Shh…it's alright, Jonny. Just tell me what's wrong." Estella did her best to assure and comfort the shock-ridden teen with soothing words. Moving her hand to his unruly mop of hair, she brushed the stray locks away from his face and silently urged him on.
"I…convinced a nurse…that I was Jessie's brother…and…" He appeared as if he couldn't take any more at that point. Yet he continued on, knowing that it was Jessie's mother that was next to him. She deserved to know what was happening, and it would be easier for her to handle if he told her, rather than some doctor who didn't know either of these remarkable red-heads on a personal level. Jonny took a deep breath and steadied himself, intent on getting the rest of the information on Jessie's condition to her mother without falling apart.
"The combination of the gash in Jessie's head and the lack of oxygen when she took the plunge have left her comatose. She lost a lot of blood, Estella, and the doctors don't know if she'll make it through the night. The nurse told me that if she does, her chances of surviving will increase by fifty percent, and another the next day, and the next." Estella could see that Jonny was emotionally and physically right on the brink, and ordered him to go back to the hotel, assuring him that she would call the instant anything happened. He needed rest, and he knew that. But he just didn't see how he could possibly leave Jessie right now. When he voiced this to Estella, she sternly, yet gently, shoved him out the door and into a cab.
"Hmm…that boy really has been through far too much for his age. Now comes the hard part…calling Race."
A week went by, and Jessie hadn't changed. Dr. Quest and Race had flown out as soon as Estella got off the phone with Race. Jonny and Race were sitting in Jessie's room when two cops walked in. Rising from their seats, the two looked at the officers with identical anxious expressions. Turing to Jonny, one of the officers began to speak.
"We found the man responsible for what happened to your friend. He was picked up for sexual harassment yesterday, and we managed to wrangle a confession out of him. What we need you to do is come with us down to the station to identify him. He also admitted that he was hired specifically to take Miss Bannon out. Do you by chance know of anyone that goes by the name 'Kafka'?" Jonny was stunned when Irena's last name came out of the officer's mouth. So stunned, in fact, that all he could do was nod dumbly while following the officers out of Jessie's room.
When Jonny saw the perpetrator sitting alone in an interrogation room, he immediately recognized the man as Jessie's assailant. Jonny silently walked into the room and gritted his teeth while asking the man one single question.
"Why did Irena Kafka hire you to get rid of Jessie?" The daggers he was shooting with his eyes told the man that despite his age, he was no one to be trifled with. He nervously blurted out in the midst of rambling nervously that Irena had wanted Jessie out of the way so that she could get to him. Realization hit Jonny like a ton of bricks as he realized that from the moment they met, Irena had wanted Jonny for his money and his place in society and the public eye as a Quest.
Jessie had been transported via a medivac unit to a hospital in Maine. Roughly a month after the attack, she finally woke up, which was a relief to the whole family for more than one reason. The first and foremost reason being that they were glad to finally have their Jessie back. But another reason was Jonny. Since he found out that Irena was responsible for what happened to Jessie, he had taken on the appearance of death and evil itself. He wouldn't eat or sleep, intent on taking revenge on Irena for Jessie's attempted death. On several occasions, Race had to physically restrain Jonny to keep him from leaving and finding Irena Kafka to kill her himself. Jessie waking up seemed to be the only thing that could keep him from going completely over the edge. The need for him to remain by her side outweighed the need for him to revenge his closest friend. After she woke up, he decided that they would do that together in time. He wouldn't deprive Jessie of her revenge.
END FLASHBACK
The seagulls were cawing out over the water, waiting for an opportune moment to snag some food. The sounds of the seagulls and his own thoughts drowned out the sound of footsteps behind him. He didn't even realize someone was standing behind him until he felt a hand firmly placed on his shoulder. The sudden feeling of this hand jolted Jonny out of his reverie and back into reality. When he turned to see who it was, he was looking up into the face of Race Bannon, Jessie's father. Race sat down next to Jonny, and Jonny looked back to the scene in front of him.
"Nice morning, isn't it, Kiddo?" Race inquired.
"Yeah, Race, sure it is," was Jonny's absent-minded reply. Race saw the blank look on Jonny's face as he stared out at the Maine scenery before him and immediately became concerned.
"Jonny, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, Race."
"Uh-huh, sure it's not. Don't lie to me, Jonny. I know you better than that. You know you can tell me. What is it?" Jonny knew that his answer wouldn't fly with Race. Well, at least he knew where Jessie got her persistence.
"Geez, Race, so many things are wrong right now. I don't know where to start."
"So start at the first thought that comes into your head. Just take your time, and speak whatever's on your mind."
"You've been talking to Dad again, haven't you? Ok, well, it's Jessie."
"Jessie? What about her?" Race inquired with a suspicious gleam in his eye.
"Well, it's Jessie, and it's not. See, it's been about two years since the London incident, and I just can't stop thinking about all the things that led up to that and the events that followed up to now. You know, first Jessie gets hurt really badly in London, thanks to Irena. I don't know, Race, I just feel like fate has been so against me these last couple years. Every time I think about Jessie and what we've been through since Irena first walked into our lives, I think about what I almost did when Jess was in a coma and what I might do if we were to ever see Irena Kafka again. I really just hope that if we ever are that unfortunate, that Jessie won't find herself alone with her. Race, I swear, if Irena ever does anything to hurt Jess ever again, I'll….I'll…"
"I know, I know. Jonny, don't you think that I think about the same things all the time? Jonny, I almost lost my little girl to that bitch. The last thing I would ever want is for Jessie to be left alone with her again. But, Jonny, you need to understand, Jessie can take care of herself. Hell, she's my daughter, remember? I know it's hard. Believe me, I know. Just pray that it will never happen."
"I can't lose her, Race. I can't lose her, not again."
"I can't either, Kiddo."
"I love her, Race. I love Jessie with all my heart and I don't think I could bear losing her again."
"I know you do. Have you told her?"
"Yes, I have."
"Good, because I made that mistake with Estella a long time ago, and look at what happened to us."
"Yeah, but, Race, you and Estella still got back together in the end."
"But, Jonny, it took us years to do it. I don't want to see that happen to you and Jessie. I may not like that Jessie's fallen in love, but, if it had to happen, then, I'm glad it's with you. You're the only one who was ever good enough for her, you know."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Thanks a lot, Race."
"No problem, Jonny." Race got up and turned around to return to the Compound when he remembered why he came out to find Jonny in the first place. "Oh, and, Jonny, your dad and I are leaving for Chicago for another one of those WAY-too-long science conventions. You and Jessie can come if you want to, but I figured you really wouldn't want to do that, so, I left some pizza money on the counter and the numbers that you'll be able to reach us, well, me at. We'll be back sometime Monday evening if I'm lucky, ok?"
"Yeah, sure, Race, that's not a problem. When are you leaving?"
"In a couple hours, but I want to at least wait until Jessie is up so that I can say goodbye. Plus, I want to make sure to remind her to keep an eye on you while I'm gone."
"Hey, that's VERY funny, Race. Ok, well, I'll see you when I come inside, or else when you get home."
"Ok, Jonny, oh, and, don't worry about Jess. She'll be fine. Just keep an eye on her for me, will you? Honestly, I've been getting the same feelings you have about Irena, and I really don't think we've seen the last of her."
"Sure, Race, I'll do that. Thanks for the help."
"Any time, Jonny, any time." And with that, Race pivoted on his heel and went back into the house.
JQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQ
"Well, what have you got for me?"
"We're still working on it, Ms. Kafka."
"Like hell you are. I want those contacts available to me NOW!" Irena Kafka raved as she glared at her most recent computer hacker contact. After hearing that this guy was the best, not to mention the cheapest, in the business, Irena knew that he was her guy. With a final huff, she bolted around and headed through the door of the underground complex she was currently stationing her base of operations. The past school year for her was spent studying privately with a personal tutor so she would be able to keep a close eye on Jonny Quest and that leech, Jessica Bannon.
"Right away, Ms. Kafka," came the hushed and delayed reply of the hacker unfortunate enough to find himself in Irena Kafka's claws.
JQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQ
"DAD, I'll be FINE, really, I will. It's only for a couple days, and, like you said, you left all your contact numbers in case of an emergency…which there WON'T be. Relax, you'll be home before you know it." Jessie tried to calm her father's unsettling nerves of leaving Jonny and Jessie home alone for a couple days. Even though he knew the kids were more than capable of handling themselves in rough situations, Race had rarely left either of them home without supervision for more than twenty-four hours.
"I know you'll be fine, Ponchita. I just worry about you sometimes, that's all. I'm a father, we're allowed to do that once in a while, you know. Just promise you'll be careful, and that you'll call me IMMEDIATELY if ANYTHING happens. Promise?"
"Yes, Daddy, I promise."
"Sure, Race, we promise."
"Ok, then, I'll see you two in a couple days. Be good, and try to keep the Compound in one piece, all right?"
"All right," was the reply, in unison, of the two teens.
"Have a safe flight, Dad." Jessie said, giving her father a bear hug.
"I will, Ponchita. I love you." Was Race's response, returning the hug wholeheartedly.
"I love you, too." With that, Race kissed Jessie on the forehead, grabbed his bomber jacket, and headed out to the car. Dr. Quest had already said his goodbyes and was waiting for Race in the car when he walked out the door.
"So, Doc, shall we?" Race inquired, half-heartedly. Dr. Quest noticed the change in his burly bodyguard and long-time friend. He waited until they were well on the road away from the Quest Compound and daily traffic to approach the subject with the man.
"Race, what's wrong?"
"What are you talking about, Benton?"
"You know what I'm talking about. Something's going on with you. You can tell me, you know that. Now, what is it?"
"It's just something Jonny said this morning."
"What did he say?" Dr. Quest asked, his interest peaked at the mention of his son's name.
"Well, I saw him out at the cliff early this morning when I walked into the kitchen to get some coffee brewing, and…" Benton's eyes widened both in astonishment, at the fact that his son was up so early on a weekend in the summer, and in fear, for the fact that he was at the cliff—the same cliff he nearly fell to his death over nearly a year ago when the cliff edge gave way after a huge storm.
"And… what?"
"And, well, we started talking about what's been bugging him. I guess he's been as worried about Jess and Irena as I have. I guess it's just that it's so weird to me that they're both growing up. Next year they'll be going off to college, and they're in love. I mean, is it really possible for them to know that they are in love that young? They're still just kids. What could they possibly know about love? Well, anyway, since my little chat with Jonny, I've just been thinking a lot about Jessie and how much my little girl just isn't my little girl anymore. It's really unnerving. Actually, what it's doing is it's making me feel old."
"I know the feeling. And, hey, if you're old, then I'm ancient!"
"You know, Doc, you're not THAT much older than me." Race chuckled a little at Dr. Quest's comment.
At least that got a slightly positive reaction Dr. Quest thought.
"No, I guess you're right. Look, Race, we're all worried about Jessie. These last couple years have really taken their toll on her. Tolls that shouldn't have to be taken by anyone her age, might I add. But, she's a smart young woman who is entirely capable of handling herself in most situations. Plus, she has Jonny there with her. Now, as far as their being in love is concerned, it is more than possible for them to know that they're in love at their age. Any fool can see it in their eyes every time they look at each other. Oh, yes, they are most definitely in love, without a doubt. But you are absolutely right about one thing, they are growing up. Have you talked with Estella about this?"
"Yeah, and she feels kind of the same way. But it's not the same thing. She's Jessie's mother, the one that Jessie runs to with all of her girl problems and for those 'woman-to-woman' chats that they have every so often. I'm her father, the one who's naturally overprotective of his little girl. She's my only child. Estella's the one who's giving Jess all the little tips and helpful hints about growing up and becoming the beautiful young woman she's turned out to be. Whereas, I'm the one who's sitting more on the sidelines in this area, keeping a VERY close eye on the situation, at ready to jump in and deal with all the problems—mainly the ones involving all the testosterone-induced hormones of every guy who so much as looks at her wrong. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"I think so. What I believe you're saying is that you're the one who is pacing and fretting about everything involving your daughter and her life, while Estella is the one who is more at ease with the fact that Jessie is growing up, and is there to help her every step of the way."
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm trying to say. I guess it's because Estella has been in Jessie's position before, and I haven't. Sure, we all grew up the same way Jonny and Jessie are, but both Jessie and Estella are women, I'm, well, obviously, not. I didn't deal with the same things that Estella dealt with growing up, and Jessie is currently dealing with."
"I understand what you're saying." At that point, they had arrived at the airport and were parked in front of the hangar where the Dragonfly was stored.
JQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQ
"Hey," Jessie said, walking up behind her boyfriend and placing her arms around his waist. The warm summer breeze blew her hair in every which direction as she stood with Jonny out in front of the lighthouse. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she continued, "Penny for your thoughts?"
"Hey, Jess," Jonny replied, turning around and returning her warm embrace. With her head now resting at the front of his shoulder, he rested his head on top of hers and buried his face in her fire-red hair. Feeling his grip tighten on her, Jessie began to worry about him.
"Jonny, what's wrong, Love?" She took her head from its resting place and raised it up to meet his gaze.
"It's nothing, Ace, really." Jonny knew that his answer most likely wouldn't fly with her, but he had to do everything he could to keep from telling her what he told her father earlier that day. Still keeping her arms wrapped around him, she began to pull herself away from him, knowing that he was lying to her and hiding something from her as well.
"Don't you do that to me, Quest. I know you better than that. Something's wrong, I can see it in your eyes. Why won't you tell me?" She inquired, strains of hurt finding their way up her throat and into her voice. Jonny noticed this and immediately regretted not telling her in the first place.
"Jessie, please don't think that I'm trying to keep secrets from you. I'm sorry, it's just…well…it's about Irena." When he said this, he saw the plain confusion reflecting in Jessie's eyes.
"What…about…her," Jessie asked cautiously, trying her hardest to keep a neutral tone in her voice, despite the thoughts that began to rage in her mind at the sound of HER name.
"Well, we haven't seen hide or hair of her for six months. To tell you the truth, I'm worried, Jess. I'm worried that the moment we let our guard down she's going to come back full throttle on us. I really don't want her to hurt you again. No, I CAN'T let her hurt you again. Don't get me wrong! I know that you can take care of yourself if the need arises, but, I just feel that you shouldn't have to, that's all. You're completely capable, and I know that. I just want to protect you because I love you so much and I don't…I don't… want to… lose you." At this, Jonny's voice began to break and he felt the tears beginning to well in his eyes at the thought of losing Jessie again. Noticing this, Jessie moved herself back into a tight embrace with him. Feeling her pressed up tightly against his body, he once again returned her embrace fiercely and buried his face into the base of her neck, letting her hair blow across the back of his neck in the wind. Jessie felt his slow tears begin to drip onto her neck and hugged him even tighter and closer than he was before.
"I love you, Jonny. Always know that." Jessie whispered into his ear, just loud enough for them to hear.
"I love you, too, Jess," came Jonny's reply, muffled from his face still being pressed up against her. Slowly lifting his face from her neck to look back into her emerald eyes, Jonny inched toward her, bringing their faces closer together. Within a single moment, their lips touched and they interlocked in a passionate embrace powerful enough to stop time itself.