Venice, the famous 1300-year-old city built in the middle of a lagoon on stacks of petrified wood. There were islands, both natural and man-made, bridges to get from one island to the next without needing a boat, a rich history, beautiful art, and a bright sun that would've burned Jack's albino skin had he not been wearing sunscreen.

Jack landed his hover jet just outside the city. Close enough to walk, but far enough so the craft wouldn't get wet. Jack's heliopack was fast, but Venice was just too far from China.

"You know, no matter which Venice I go to," Kaz said as Jack parked, "I'm always wonderstruck."

Jack smiled, "Yeah, it's an engineering marvel! Not to mention the vast empire it once had. I mean, 1200 years with the same government, that's insane!"

Kaz nodded, "Agreed. I've always been amazed by the amount of civic engagement the Venetian government had. Well balanced, each faction looking out for the people while trying to prevent the others from gaining the upper hand; merchants governing and supporting merchants; publicly funded boat production that rivaled the Industrial Revolution; being willing to trade with anyone, no matter their religion or the political climate; not destroying the precious centuries-old Byzantine artwork and books during the 4th Crusade; really admirable."

Jack slowly nodded, then they entered the city.

The pair chatted and explored, both having an excellent time. When they entered the gelato shop, they were warmly greeted by the owner.

"Ah, Signore Jack Spicer. Nice to uh see ya again."

"You too Lorenzo." Jack answered as he and Kaz walked further in, "Got anything new?"

"In terms of flavors, no." Lorenzo said with a shake of his head. Then he brightened up, "But my nephew just had a child, and we've been oh so busy. He named her Lucrezia, which I thought wasn't the best, due to Lucrezia Borgia, but it's his daughter, and she was a woman of power." Suddenly, the man noticed Kaz, "And who's this with you?" the man pointed his pointer finger at the boy in a reprimanding manner, "Naughty Jack for not being a gentleman and introducing your friend."

Jack felt embarrassed, but tried to play it off.

"It's ok." Kaz answered in near perfect Venetian, "I'm sure he was getting to it."

"Oh so you speak Venetian, no?"

"Sì." Kaz answered, "And all of the languages native to Italy. I'm a polyglot."

"A very pretty polyglot." Lorenzo added, making Kaz blush and Jack feel slightly jealous for some reason.

"This is Kazumi Malric-Dragoon." Jack said at last, introducing his friend.

"Pleasure to meet you." Kaz said while extending a hand.

"Pleasure to meet you too," Lorenzo replied, but he looked a little confused.

"Mx. You can call me, 'Mx.'" Kaz said.

"Grazie, Mx. Dragoon." Lorenzo replied, "Now, what can I get for you?"

The two teens looked over the flavors.

"I'll have, my usual, but put lemons on it." Jack ordered.

"Candied lemons on strawberry and vanilla?! My, what a brave young man you are." Lorenzo commented when he heard the order.

"I like to try new things." Jack shrugged as Lorenzo made the order.

Kaz stared at the options. They wanted something new, but also something familiar. Then when it came time to order, Kaz said, "I'll have chocolate and vanilla."

"Ah, very good." Lorenzo said, then made the order.

"Thank you." Kaz gratefully answered as they grabbed the order, then Jack paid. Kaz had wanted to pay for their own ice cream, but Jack insisted. He was rich, and felt like repaying them for all that they had done.

When they had finished their treat, the pair said goodbye to Lorenzo and explored the city. Gazing at the art, dancing in the street, riding the gondolas, it was a perfect day.

Then a Shen Gong Wu revealed itself.