The Closing

A week passed after the ball. Jessica and her friends were on the road again. In fact, it had been the very next day. Well, that was mainly because Jet had been itching to leave; he hated to stay in one place. Virginia had given in only because she enjoyed traveling almost as much as he did. So then Clive and Gallows both agreed as well; after the team had pulled Gallows out of the bar where he was having a drink with Laura. With them gone, Jessica found no real reason to stick around; adventure calls.

So after they'd pulled Laura out of the bar as well, the Blazing Guns took to the road again. Even though their individual goals had been satisfied, they still wanted to travel as a team. Knowing Filgaia was on the road to recovery, Lyla wanted to make sure nothing else would try to damage the rejuvenating Wasteland. As in, she was still eager to hunt Demons in order to fulfill her duties as one of the Defenders.

Vincent knew that his aunt and uncle probably wouldn't believe him unless Virginia went along with them to Boot Hill. He hoped that with his ARM he could do something good; to let his parents know that he had grown up ok despite what had happened. He also wanted to spend more time with Lyla.

Laura still wanted to have a good time, however she was no longer interested in blindly getting laid just for the sake of it. She was waiting for the day that she and Gallows reunited. The two of them were alike in many ways, so it was a good match. But since both traveled, it would be awhile before they met again. Perhaps then there wouldn't be any interruptions from either side; although she didn't bet on it.

Then there was Jessica herself. With the truth about her family finally found, it didn't matter as much as it used to if they hurried up. Now, she wanted to take her time and take in the beauty of the new growth in the Wastelands. She wanted to watch it change and hope that one day she would see their world in all its former glory. And for that, Jessica needed to travel around Filgaia to view the new scenery.

Besides, there was one other reason to travel…him. Alfred Schroedinger; the young man who'd stolen her heart. She knew he wouldn't be at his home, but he'd be with Maya on her adventures. She was talking about becoming the President of Filgaia; that's what Virginia had said when they were talking back in Doria. Such an ambitious girl. Hopefully she'd not use brute force; else she'd be in for some real mega headaches. Alfred must be worried about her. He always was; even when she wasn't getting into a risky situation. It was the love that every sibling in the world should feel for one another. She always knew he had a heart of gold. No matter how timid he seemed on the outside, he always came through.

So after the week, they were back in the town of Little Rock. Vincent and Lyla had gone to see his grandfather; who had just gotten back from the mines. He wanted to let the old man know what had gone on and who was responsible. Edwin didn't take much convincing to know the boy wasn't lying; he had a sixth sense for truthfulness. So they were all in his house, drinking tea and having some cookies.

Laura was in the saloon; no surprises there. Only this time, she was being more careful. There weren't any of her friends around to save her ass if she got too drunk. She'd wait until they all came back later that night. Besides, if she drank mildly now, she'd have extra room to party after they ate dinner.

But Jessica was sitting on an abandoned mining cart. Her head was turned towards the town's gate; as if she sensed a presence coming towards her. Something told the girl that she had to wait on that spot. If she hadn't been a priestess, she'd have scoffed at those feelings. But she was so she did what she was told. If she didn't listen, she'd never know. Besides, her feelings always turned out right.

As if on cue, the girl heard footsteps coming up towards her. Something told her they were friendly, so she didn't make a move. Jessica smiled. She always knew to trust her instincts and her heart when it came down to the punch. "I take it you're doing well. I got finished with my party; everyone's ok."

"That's good," Alfred replied, "Sis is resting at the saloon; reading a new novel. Probably going to use it in her next battle; whenever that is. She makes sure to read a book through at least once in order to practice her techniques before using it in actual combat. Todd is with her and Shady's taking a nap. I wanted to get some fresh air, and saw your friend Laura sitting at the bar. She's not drunk; surprisingly."

"Laura's saving her binge for tonight. She wants to be sober when we all get back so she doesn't get in trouble. Believe it or not, she has finally met her double. He's just like her in the departments of drinking and getting laid. So now she wants to wait to have her fun; if you know what I mean," she said.

Alfred laughed a bit and replied, "I get the picture. At least she's learning to control herself a little bit more. Well, even if it's not a big improvement, it's something. Kind of like how Sis eventually began to act friendly towards Virginia. She still hadn't changed her basic personality, but she recognized the offer for friendship. That means we aren't being beaten up by the Maxwell Gang anymore. Well, unless she tries to become Filgaia's President through aggressive means; peaceful ones won't really hurt anyone."

At that minute, they heard a scream. Suddenly, they saw Percival run out of the saloon with a look of fear on his face. He was being chased by Maya; guns blazing. The two guessed, accurately as it would later be confirmed, he had finally broken her patience with his flirting. But he was still smiling as he screamed. It made Jessica confused. What could be going on to cause this man to smile in this instance?

Jessica began to giggle a little. "Well, it seems that even an ARM to his face can't ease his crush on Maya. I've never seen someone so crazy. And you know how many weird people I've met in my long journey across the Wastelands. Perhaps we were born into born into the generation for nuts and loons."

"He's willing to let Sis call the shots," Alfred added, "She's not going to find a guy like that in a million years. Most people don't seem to respect power and strength if the person is a woman. But you, Virginia, and Sis have proven that women can do anything that men can. I hope none of you ever fall to what others say. After all, it's not really a nice point of view; and maybe you'll be the ones to change it."

"Perhaps. Hey…Alfred? I was wondering if you, you know, like me," Jessica whispered. She then turned her head away embarrassed. The young priestess hadn't expected to be so blunt. Well, she often talked too much in regards to others' feelings, however her own emotions took more coaxing out.

Alfred smiled at her, and said, "Of course I like you Jessica. You're like nobody else in this world. I admire your determination, courage, and kindness. Although, I still have to travel the world with Sis and the others so I don't have time for a serious relationship at the moment." He looked right into her eyes.

Jessica felt all of her apprehension slip away. "I agree. I mean, we're only sixteen. We've got our whole lives ahead of us. When the time comes for us to quit our journeys and devote ourselves to a relationship, then we'll know it in our hearts. Mom always said that I had a superior sense of prediction."

Teefa's Last Words...

Well, sad to say, this one is over. But not my Wild ARMs stories in general. I've always got more ideas. I'll be posting a holiday story that is actually a sequel to this fic that takes place around the Festival of the Guardians (Filgaian Christmas made up for an earlier fic) where the Blazing Guns, Maxwell Gang, and Schroedinger Family have a party and insanity ensues. And after the New Year, I will be uploading a fic revolving around Virginia, Jessica, and Emily during the funeral for Virginia's mother.