Jiaz: Gay? Really arh? Very gayish arh?

Madnun: Dear, you voted, so you've decided his destiny! *evil laughter* And Jiaz above, is another Jasper lover. She has given me the reasons why she love Jasper, though I'm so not convinced.. *rolls eyes* Your turn now.. =D

Amber-rulez: Nope, no miraculous antidote. I've made up my mind. *sardonic smiles and oblivious to the three glaring at her*

Hellz: =D.. You for one seems to take as much pleasure as I do about Kyle's soon to be coming death. Muahahaha.. That's cool! Jade and Kyle? Yeah.. soon! ;)

Alright alright. What's wrong people??? Why do you (looking pointedly at Jiaz and Madnun) like Jasper? What have I created? *hugs head in mock self-blaming* I should have made him a witch instead, since somehow he just charmed his way into your hearts without me knowing much. I don't know. Personally I don't think there's much about him to be developed. But I promise I'll try my best ok? He just simply wasn't one of the main characters I've considered much about. *sigh*

         Jasper popped his head into the living room and saw that his mother was watching a drama serial. Who needs drama serials to spice up your life when mine is pretty much one? He thought grimly. He stepped out of his room and into the living room, clearing his throat loudly.

         "Oh Jasper!" His mother turned and saw him standing behind the couch, looking as if he got something important to announce. The doorbell rang and Jasper gave a smile to Paula before getting the door. Halyssa, looking beautiful as ever, stepped in and greeted Paula. Jasper took her hand and brought her to the couch, sitting beside Paula.

         "Mom?" He started cautiously. Paula was alarmed immediately. What was her son up to? Oh god, please don't let this be bad, she prayed silently. Jasper had finally come back to her side, so closed to being gone once again. She was not sure if she could deal with it if Jasper told her he had met with another misfortune. She raised her eyebrows cautiously, prompting her son to speak.

         Jasper shifted in his seat and clasped Halyssa's hand tighter. He noticed his mother's glance straying towards their hands and he felt the strong need to reassure himself. He cleared his throat once more, drew a breath and finally said, "We've thought about this a long, long time. And we've decided," he paused, looking at Halyssa beamingly, "that I'm moving over to Halyssa's apartment."

         "Oh." Jasper was not sure what his mother's reply meant. Was that a disappointed falter in her voice? "Okay…" his mother continued slowly.

         "And uh… we're getting married in a month's time." Jasper said.

         The remote control slipped from Paula's grasp and landed on the carpeted floor, nevertheless the cushioned drop caused it to fall apart. The batteries rolled on the ground and Jasper bent down to gather them, taking the control and assembling it together.

         "Oh." Paula repeated. Then, she shook her head, as if trying to shake off some thoughts. "What's wrong with me?" She gave a little laugh, "I should be happy instead! My little boy's growing up!"

         Jasper studied his mother, was that tears glistening in her eyes? "Oh, come on mom." He said softly. "We'll only be a few apartments away."

         Paula swiped her eyes in embarrassment. "Of course, of course! Don't let me dampen your mood!" She reached for Halyssa, "Come, let me have a good look at my daughter-in-law." Paula looked at Halyssa, as if seeing her for the first time. Her hands were trembling as she took Halyssa's soft ones. The young lady in front of her was whom her son was going to spend the rest of his life with. The love from Halyssa was not only for Jasper, but it touched Paula's heart even. She took Jasper's hand and laid it over Halyssa's, "Then I shall give you my blessings!"

* * * * * *

         "How's the repairing of the machine coming along?" Nathaniel asked. Mervyn bowed in respect as he answered, "It will be done soon."

         Burning red eyes blazed at Mervyn and he felt his knees weakening, "How soon is soon?" Mervyn knew that Nathaniel was not really looking for an answer. "Haven't I told you before," hissed the tall vampire, "that Blood Iris could not wait?"

         "Don't worry, oh great one," Angus cooed. "We can always seize this opportunity to train up, so that we can launch a full force attack on the Daybreakers." Mervyn glared at the blond witch in disgust. Angus had only been in Blood Iris for a few weeks and he was already trying to get into Nathaniel's good books, lavishing the latter with flatteries. The greed and hunger for power in Angus's eyes were so obvious. Not you, scum, Mervyn thought ruthlessly.

         "Train?" Nathaniel gave a cold laugh. "Do we have the time?"

         "But we surely must do something now, isn't it?" Mervyn said frustratedly. If Nathaniel could not afford to wait even a while, how could greater tasks be accomplished? "The machine, like it or not, has to be repaired first. Then we can get the Source."

         Angus was impatient, "Why can't we simply get Jade here first?"

         "Are you brainless? The Daybreakers will come storming into Blood Iris to rescue her. So, we must get the source and drain her immediately, not sit and wait for her to be rescued, understand?" Mervyn scolded Angus.

         Nathaniel put up a hand, "That settles it. Mervyn, go and repair the damn machine now. And I don't care how you do it, but get it done soon, if you still want to stay alive. The rest shall be trained up. We don't want to take chances."

         Mervyn snorted inwardly. Wasn't that the plan that Angus had suggested initially? Nathaniel gave an expectant look at Angus, and the witch knew that he was dismissed. He took his leave and stomped back to his room angrily. He wanted to get Nathaniel's permission to get Jade over to Blood Iris first, but the damned Mervyn had to go against his plan! He wanted Jade for himself. Who cared about whether Blood Iris would get the power or not. Heck, if he could get Jade, he might even help her to get away from Blood Iris. He felt frustration mounting in his heart, and he shot a bolt of energy at the table in his room, splitting it into several pieces instantly. He paced in his room, contemplating his next move.

         Get Jade, get Jade, the mantra played in his head. He turned and started towards the doors, and then he stopped himself. How was he going to get past the security into Daybreak Center? He punched the wall in frustration, and then an idea dawned on him. Muttering a spell, he felt his skin getting taunt, his features shifting about in his face. He saw his feet rushing up to meet him, and he knew he was shrinking. Grabbing a mirror, he saw with satisfaction, not himself, but a boy about twelve years old. "Hello." He tested his voice, making sure that everything noticeable was changed. His voice came out a few pitches higher than his own.

         When he walked past the girl at the counter in Daybreak Center, she even greeted him cheerfully. He took the lift up to Jade's apartment, not wanting to orb in case it gave him away.

         He got out of the lift and went round a corner, smacking right straight into somebody. "Oops! Sorry! Are you alright sweetheart?" He lifted his head and saw Paula standing in front of him. He almost stumbled back in surprise, then realised that he was in disguise. Lowering his head, he muttered a reply and looked on as Paula entered the lift.

         He continued his way down the corridor, trying to look casual as he looked over the railings. It was approaching nighttime, and the distant rumblings of thunder made him feel like running to Jade ad holding her tight. Love, isn't it great, he mused. He slowed down as he approached the doors.

         Bringing up his hand, Angus was about to ring the doorbell when Jade opened the door.

* * * * * *

OOOHHHH!!! Bad Angus's in da house again! What could possibly happen? What drama will unfold? Stay tuned for the next instalment of The Source! Write in and tell me what you think about this! =D