Jaune and Courage the Cowardly Dog
Chapter 90: Bride of the Swamp Monster
"Mam, please, for the last time. Jaune here is taken." Neptune said, irritated as he tried to get an older lady out of the store.
"By who?" The lady asked with a purr directed at me.
"By me." Iris growled. And I was sure that had I not been next to her and holding her hand, she would have struck the lady with a lightning bolt.
"Aw, that's too bad. Well, see you later, cutie. Come now, Rebecca. Let's go home." The lady said before leaving the store with her daughter.
"I'm starting to think this was a mistake." Neptune as he closed the door before walking over to me.
"Yeah." I agreed.
"While I don't like how some of these people are acting toward you, I do like your new haircut; I think it suits you." Iris said, smiling as she gently rubbed her hand through my hair.
"Thanks, Iris." I said, smiling before leaning to kiss her on her lips.
You might be wondering what had just happened. Well, earlier today, Ren, Neptune, and I were going throughout Nowhere to pick up a few things for the wedding. And at one point during the day, Neptune suggested that before we get the tuxedos for the wedding, I should get a haircut. Seeing no reason not to, and knowing that my hair was getting a bit long, I agreed to get one. However, for some reason, after the haircut, I had been getting a lot of attention from some of the women of Nowhere. While at first, it was nothing more than the occasional compliment, it quickly got out of hand. Thankfully, Ren, Courage, and Neptune had my back and helped keep some of them away.
But we then discovered that the place that normally sells tuxedos went out of business. Thankfully, there was another place we knew about that also sells tuxedos. However, it was all the way on the other side of Nowhere, where we would need a vehicle to get there. At first, we planned on taking a taxi there after dropping some stuff off at the farmhouse. But once we got there, I saw that Iris had decided to visit. Typically, I loved having Iris next to me as I felt lonely without her next to me. But I was hoping to find something at one of the stores to give to her as a present since it was the one-year anniversary of when we had our first date. Yet, that didn't mean I wasn't going to enjoy spending more time with her. I just had to be more careful when we went shopping. Yet, that was proving difficult when women kept flirting with me in front of Iris. And since Ren had to leave as Nora fell ill, Neptune was the only one here still helping me, which I appreciated.
"Oh, Eustace, it's gorgeous." Muriel exclaimed as she gazed upon the silver locket. We were currently in an Antique Shop browsing some items. After dropping off our stuff, Muriel asked us where we were heading. We told her we were taking a taxi to the other end of the Nowhere to get my tux. She then suggested that we all go there in Eustace's truck to save money and spend time together. Unfortunately, the store was out of tuxedos. Now, we are heading back home but decided to make a pit stop at this store. "Just like the locket my great aunt Gertrude had."
"AAHHH! What am I!?" Eustace impatiently grumbled while tapping his foot.
"See everyone? This picture of us fits perfectly." Muriel said as she showed us a photo of her, Iris, Courage, and me.
'Mm-hmm.' Courage agreed, smiling.
"It does look lovely." Iris agreed.
'Maybe I could get Iris a locket.' I wondered before remembering that I had already given her a locket that she wears around her neck constantly. And after looking around the store, I didn't find anything that impressive, and I wanted to give her something that genuinely showed how much I loved her. 'But what?'
"Aw, it's junk is all it is." Eustace grumbled.
"And here's one of Eustace for the other side." Muriel said as she inserted a photo of Eustace on the left side of the locket.
"Aw, now it's only half junk."
'Maybe Neptune could help.' I thought as I quickly spotted him on the other side of the store, flirting with some girls. Although, only one was even remotely paying attention to him while the other two were busy staring at me. Luckily, Iris didn't notice; otherwise, a storm would have blown them out of the store. Seeing that Neptune wasn't getting anywhere, he moved on to two other girls on the other side of the shop. 'Never mind. He's busy now. Wait, isn't he with Weiss?'
"So, we'll give you half." Eustace said, snapping me from my thoughts. Looking toward him, I noticed that he took out his wallet and paid the cashier. But instead of paying the total price, he only paid half.
"I'll do it for the lady." The cashier said, smiling.
"That's so sweet of you." Muriel said, admiring her new locket while Eustace went over to the door.
"Fog's getting thick. Let's git." He said before exiting the door, followed by Muriel and Courage.
"Something wrong, Jaune?" Iris asked when she saw that I stayed by the desk.
"I'll be out in a minute." I assured her. She nodded before exiting the store.
"When's the wedding?" The cashier asked, somehow already knowing that Iris and I were engaged.
"In a few months."
"Looking for the wedding ring?"
"Yes and no. I'm looking for something to give her. The anniversary of when we first met is coming up, and I want to surprise her with a gift. But I'm not sure what. Any ideas?"
"Well, I would say a locket similar to the one your mother now has, but I don't have another, and you already gave her one. How about a gemstone necklace?"
"Maybe. I'll have to look it up. But I don't suppose you have any?" I asked, hopeful.
"Sorry, kid. Don't have any."
"Oh, well. Thanks anyway." I said, slightly disappointed but relieved now that I had an idea about what to get Iris. "Alright, Neptune. Let's go. The others are waiting."
"Coming." He said before flirting with the girls one last time. "You find anything yet?"
"Not yet. But I have an idea about what to get her. Also, thanks for helping with that lady earlier."
"No problem." He said as we exited the shop and headed to the truck.
Ten Minutes Later
"Darn fog is thick as your breath, dog." Eustace complained.
'EEEE!' Courage shrieked after exhaling and smelling his breath.
"I really like your haircut, Jaune." Iris said before letting out a yawn as she leaned into me. Smiling, I rested my head on hers while wrapping my arm around her.
"You two really make a sweet couple." Neptune commented before letting a yawn. "But, anyway. Think your folks would let me stay the night?"
"Of course. When we get back, I'll show you the guest bedroom."
"Thanks, man." Neptune said, smiling. But he then grew nervous.
"Everything alright?" Iris asked.
"I might sound like an ass for saying this but are you two ready for the road ahead?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, only vaguely aware of what he was hesitating to say.
"Marriage is a big commitment. And while everyone can see you two deeply love each other... Uh, how do I say this?"
"What are you getting at?" Iris asked, curious.
"Marriage is a long road filled with hurdles. Are you two sure you're ready to face them?" He asked in a serious tone that contrasted how laid back he typically acts. Iris and I looked at each for a moment before nodding and smiling.
"Yes." We both answered.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"Yes." I answered. "Iris and I talked about our future a while back."
"About a month after Jaune proposed, we began going down all the hardships we could possibly face after we are married. Some other married couples even came over and gave their own advice." Iris added.
"Besides, if anything does come up that we haven't already discussed, we'll face it together." I finished while pulling Iris closer.
"In that case, good luck." Neptune said, smiling.
"Thanks."
"Oh, the new locket is the perfect home for my favorite photos." Muriel said, shifting our attention to her.
"Let me see that." Eustace said, snatching the locket.
"Watch it, Eustace." We warned after seeing Eustace roughly grab the locket from Muriel's hands.
"Oh, dang slippery piece of junk." He said when the locket slipped out of his hand and landed on the dashboard.
"HEY! HANDS ON THE WHEEL!" Neptune shouted when the truck suddenly jerked to the side.
"EUSTACE! WATCH THE ROAD!" Muriel said, panicking.
"SHUT UP!" Eustace shouted, trying to catch the locket. However, the truck went out of control and started skidding across the road as soon as he said this. I tried to get in the truck to take the wheel, but Iris pulled me back. I wondered why she did this but quickly understood why when the truck flew off the road and onto a steep decline.
"AAAAHHHH!" We all screamed as we entered what appeared to be a forest. Thankfully, Eustace managed to avoid hitting any trees narrowly.
"THERE'S A SWAMP AHEAD!" Iris shouted, pointing to the bottom of the decline.
"HIT THE BRAKES!" Neptune shouted as he held onto the side of the truck and braced himself. Unfortunately, either Eustace didn't hear him in time or chose to ignore him as the truck hit the water hard.
'Are you guys, okay?' Courage asked, dazed.
"We're fine, Courage. Just a little dazed, but fine." I answered while holding my head in pain. Thankfully, my aura lessened the pain significantly. "How about you guys?"
'Rattled, but fine.'
"We're fine, dear. But I think we're in a swamp." Muriel answered as sounds of animals howling came from all around us.
"MURIEL! YOUR LOCKET!" Iris suddenly shouted, pointing to the dashboard.
"OH!" Muriel gasped when she saw it sliding to the side, where it, unfortunately, fell into the swamp water. "EUSTACE! MY LOCKET!"
"Your locket? What about my truck?" Eustace complained, not caring for the locket.
'Still get it. We can still get it.' Courage barked while pointing to the swamp.
"Quit complaining and get out and push." Eustace demanded.
"Fine." I said with a sigh before hopping out of the truck. "Come on. Let's get Eustace's truck out of the swamp."
Iris and Neptune nodded before getting out, followed by Muriel and Courage. We then walked to the front of the truck and began to push it out of the water. However, we made no progress as the truck was really stuck in the swamp water. Although, Neptune remained on the sidelines as he was still deathly afraid of water.
'If only Yang or Nora were here. They could get the truck unstuck in no time.' I thought as we took a small break.
"If you'd been driving carefully, I'd still have my locket." Muriel said, upset.
"And they wouldn't be having to push your truck out of a swamp." Neptune added. We glared at him but said nothing as we knew he would have helped if he wasn't so afraid. Besides, we weren't going to make him enter the water when he had a phobia of it.
"YEAH? PUSH HARDER!" Eustace said, not caring.
"Why don't you get out here and push." Neptune challenged while Courage, Iris, and I glared at Eustace.
"My poor locket with my favorite photos, probably floating down to the bottom." Muriel said, upset.
'Don't worry, Muriel. We'll find a way to get it back.' Courage assured her.
Bottom of the Swamp
As Jaune and the others kept arguing with Eustace, the locket slowly floated down to the bottom of the swamp. But after it landed, a large hand soon lifted the locket a few feet above the ground as a large pile of dried mud rose to a sitting position. Soon, two yellow eyes opened up to look at what fell in its hands. However, the creature could not make out the photo as dirt and seaweed covered it.
"AHH. Hmm." The creature growled after clearing the mud and seeing Muriel in the photo clearly.
Back on Top
"Come on, you weak nothings." Eustace complained.
"We're pushing as hard as we can." Muriel grunted. "And we could use a little help."
"Aw. What am I?" Eustace grumbled as he got out of the truck and walked toward us.
"So, what's your plan?" Neptune asked.
"Quiet." Eustace shouted as he continued to think. He then quickly pulled out his mask. "BOOGA! BOOGA! BOOGA!"
'AAAHHH!' Courage screamed before lifting the truck out of the water and pushing it back onto dry land.
"HA! HA! HA! OW!" Eustace laughed before shouting in pain when Muriel hit him on the head with a branch, followed by Neptune striking him with his trident. And before he could ask what he did, Iris struck him with lightning. Thankfully, she waited until the rest of us were out of the water.
"Alright. It's been a long day so let's just head home." I said, tired while going over to Courage to try and calm him down.
Half an Hour Later
"I can't believe my locket's gone." Muriel said, distraught as we headed home. Luckily, Eustace wasn't knocked out for long, and the truck was still operational.
"Big deal. I still got my truck. Heh, heh, heh." He said, smirking.
"Speaking of which." Neptune said, glaring at Eustace. "Do you know how to drive, Jaune?"
"Yeah, I learned how to a long time ago."
"Cool. Will you bet getting your own car soon then?"
"I'm actually in the process of making one. A while back, we found the chassis of a car, and I have been slowly fixing everything up."
"Nice. Do you know what model it is?" Neptune asked, curious. Chuckling, we began to talk about the progress I had made so far as we continued heading back to the farmhouse.
Swamp
The water of the swamp started to bubble as a creature's head poked out. And as the creature slowly walked toward the edge, we see that it was the same creature from before when the locket fell to the floor. And once he was out of the water, it was easy to see that he was massive. Lifting his arm, he opened his fist to reveal the same locket that fell into the swamp earlier.
"My swamp woman." The swamp monster growled. "I lost you once, but now I'm bringing you back, and nothing's going to stop me. NOTHING!"
Taking a few deep sniffs of the air, the Swamp Monster happily exhaled when he picked up the scent of what he thinks is his Swap Woman. Clenching his fast to he doesn't lose the locket, the Swamp Monster began following the trail in hopes of finding his lover.
One Hour Later
We see the same shop Jaune and the others were at before they crashed into the swamp. Seeing that the scent had brought him here, the Swamp Monster decided to go inside and see if anyone had recently seen his Swamp Woman. Reaching the shop's front, the Swamp Monster ripped the door off its hinges before entering the store.
"Yes? What pleases you?" The cashier asked.
"Have you seen this woman?" The Swamp Monster asked, showing the cashier the photo of Muriel.
"Uh... I don't think. I mean-Oh, the slime!"
"SLIME?" The Swamp Monster asked, sounding offended and angry.
"Not in a bad way, you understand."
"Have you seen her?" The Swamp Monster asked, trying to keep himself composed. But when the cashier shook his head, the Swamp Monster let out a deafening roar that disfigured the cashier's face while also showing his spine. The Swamp Monster's shouting was so loud that it brought down the store. Seeing that he got nothing from this place nor the man, the Swamp Monster decided to keep following his Swamp Woman's scent.
Farmhouse
Near Midnight
'We interrupt this program with a special report.' The television reporter announced, getting our attention as the words 'special report' kept scrolling on the screen.
"I take this happens often?" Neptune asked as we ate the cookies that Muriel had made for us. We were all in the living room watching a movie to relax after a long day of shopping and getting the truck out of the swamp. However, before we could relax, we needed to take a shower to clean off all muck and dirt that clung to us. Luckily, we didn't need to, as Iris made a storm to wash us off, so we didn't dirty the house when we entered to get to the bathroom.
"Not as often as you would think." I answered with Courage nodding his head after drinking his glass of milk.
'It's amazing! A huge Swamp Man has been on a rampage of destruction throughout Nowhere.' The reporter announced as the screen changed to show the really cheap burger place that Eustace loves. But after a moment, the building came down to reveal the Swamp Man screaming.
'WHERE ARE YOU, SWAMP WOMAN!?' He shouted.
'Who's to blame? Who will pay the price? This is a story deep in controversy.' The reporter said as he appeared in front of the destroyed restaurant.
"Is he always where something dangerous happens?" Neptune asked, curious.
"Yup. No matter how dangerous or unlikely survival is, he will still be there to give a live report." I answered.
'I remember that he even gave a live report of a tsunami before getting swept away by the tsunami.' Courage added, which I then translated.
"Wow. He honestly reminds me of Lisa Lavender. But less obsessed and more just wanting to get the report out to the public." Neptune said, impressed.
'AAAAHHHH! SWAMP WOMAN! I WANT YOU BACK!' The Swamp Man declared, obviously distraught after his screams brought down a deli store.
"Ugly man ain't getting no girlfriend back unless she's blind and stupid." Eustace mocked.
"I think it's sweet that he is looking for his lover." Iris argued, glaring at Eustace.
"Hopefully, he will find her, and hopefully, they can repair their relationship. That is if it was broken or strained in the first place." I said.
"But let's pray to Oum that it wasn't strained or broken, and he's just worried for his girlfriend." Neptune added.
'What drama! What spectacle! How did you ever come up with this outstanding stunt?' The reporter asked the Swamp Man. But instead of answering, the Swamp Man screamed so loud that the reporter flew away.
"Oh, my." Muriel gasped. "Isn't that the shop where we brought the locket?"
'That is one angry Swamp Man.' The cashier said with his face still pulled back.
"And isn't that our farm?" Muriel asked when the television showed the Swamp Man walking toward our home.
'AAAHHHH!' Courage screamed with his tongue sticking out of his mouth. And on his tongue was his brain.
"It is." We said, worried.
"We better barricade the doors and get ready." Iris said as we got up from our seats with Neptune taking out his weapon.
'On it.' Courage said before rushing to the door and installing four locks on the door.
"Now you're talking." Eustace mocked as he walked over to Courage. He then picked Courage up and opened the door. "GO SLEEP WITH THE CHICKENS!"
'AAAHHHH! OW!' We heard Courage scream after Eustace threw him out of the house.
"HA! HA! HA!" Eustace laughed as he closed the door. But he stopped laughing when the storm that formed above him struck him with lightning.
"Where are you three going?" Muriel asked as Iris, Neptune, and I walked to the door.
"Alright. But be safe." Muriel warned. Nodding, we opened the door and exited the house. Looking around, we spotted Courage looking around for the Swamp Man in fear.
'Okay. Safe for now.'He said, sighing in relief.
"You okay, Courage?" Iris asked as we walked over to him.
'Fine. Just worried about the Swamp Man possibly hurting Muriel.'
"Yeah. So are we after seeing him bring down a few stores by screaming." Neptune agreed.
"How about we stand guard and watch? Maybe the Swamp Man will only pass us by the house. But if not, we can stop him before he hurts Muriel or even enters the house." Iris suggested.
"That's a good idea. I'll go get us some chairs." I said before rushing back into the house with Neptune. And despite it being so late, we also grabbed some snacks and drinks before returning outside. Once there, we set everything up and waited for the Swamp Man.
Two Hours Later
"What was that?" I said, waking up from my nap. Despite our best attempts, we fell asleep about an hour after setting up watch.
"THE SWAMP MAN!" Neptune shouted, pointing toward the house. Turning to the house, we saw the Swamp Man effortlessly rip the front door off its hinges before entering the house.
'AAAHHHH!' We all screamed in terror at the sight of the Swamp Man entering the house. But, after a moment, we stopped screaming and fell to the floor. Yet, it was not us who fell to the floor but rather the cut board cutouts we made to take our place while we took a break to get some more food.
"I told you Nowhere has the best hotdogs and sodas." I told Neptune as we returned with our food and drinks.
"Alright, alright. I'll give it to you. I'm just surprised the bookkeeper isn't running the store." Neptune said before taking a bite out of his food.
"How many stores does he have?" Iris asked, curious.
"From what I last recall, he has about three or four shops that he manages." I answered.
'Does he ever take-AH!' Courage began before gasping and dropping his food.
"Courage, what's wrong? Why-" I began, but Neptune cut me off.
"JAUNE! LOOK!" He shouted while pointing toward the house.
"Oh, no. Muriel." I shouted, afraid that the Swamp Man would hurt her.
Not wasting a second, we ran in after him in hopes of stopping him. Getting to the house, we raced inside while ignoring all the damage the Swamp Man caused by just walking through the door. Seeing that he went up the stairs, we ran after him and saw that he had reached Muriel's room.
"Swamp Woman." He growled before ripping the door off its hinges and throwing it behind him.
'WATCH OUT!' Courage shouted before pushing Neptune, Iris, and me to the floor. Unfortunately, he could not duck in time and got hit by the door. The force behind the blow sent him back down the stairs with his head sticking through the door. 'HA! HA! HA!'
You okay, Courage?" I asked, running to the stairs.
'Fine.' He answered, cackling before passing out. As much as I wanted to help Courage, I knew he would be fine in a few moments and that Muriel needed my help more. Racing back to her room, I saw that the Swamp Man had woken Muriel and Eustace from their slumber by screaming.
"WHO THE HECK ARE YOU!?" Eustace demanded. Instead of answering, the Swamp Man grabbed Eustace and slammed him through the ceiling.
"Swamp Woman. I've come back for you." The Swamp Man said while showing Muriel the locket.
"STAY BACK!" Neptune shouted as he raced in and tried to attack the Swamp Man. Yet, to everyone's surprise and shock, the Swamp Man barely even registered the attack. Annoyed, the Swamp Man grabbed Neptune and tossed him and Iris and me. The blow caused us to go through the wall and into the room across the hall. With us out of the way, the Swamp Man grabbed Muriel and started making his way out of the house. And judging by the squeaking sound we heard, the Swamp Man stomped out Courage once he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"I've waited centuries for you to come home. Now I've got you, and I'm making you my bride." We heard him say before finally leaving the house.
"Ow. A-are you guys, okay?" I asked as I slowly got up before helping Iris and Neptune to their feet.
"Bruised, but fine." Neptune answered as his aura worked on healing him.
"Same." Iris answered.
"Now what?" Neptune asked.
"I have no idea." I answered.
"Well, we have to do something to rescue Muriel." Iris reminded.
"Yeah, but how? The Swamp Man seems like he can withstand any attack we throw at him."
'Perhaps we find his girlfriend.' Courage suggested as he walked toward us.
"That could work." I said, nodding.
"What could work?" Neptune asked, confused.
"Courage suggested that we find the Swamp Man's actual girlfriend." Iris explained.
"But how?"
"We have an annoying friend that can help us with that." I answered before motioning for Neptune to follow me to my room.
A Few Moments Later
"So, this is your friend that can help find the Swamp Man's girlfriend?" Neptune asked, skeptical about the whole thing when I showed him the family's computer.
"Yes." I answered with a sigh.
"I doubt that." Neptune said, not believing me.
'And I doubt you will ever successfully flirt with a girl or get over your fake fear of water.' The computer mocked.
"HEY! IT'S-"
'I know, it's a real fear. You flesh creatures are so dull, boring, and complain too much about everything.' The computer said, annoyed. 'Anyway, what do you want?'
"Is he always like this?" Neptune whispered.
"Always." I answered.
"We need your help finding the Swamp Man's missing girlfriend." Iris answered while Courage typed it on the keyboard.
'So, you want to find the Swampman's real girlfriend?'
'MM-HMM.' Courage answered as different profiles appeared on the screen.
'I think that's her.' The computer said as it stopped on a profile of Scaleygirl 127. And to the side of the name was a photo of a female Swamp Monster.
"Yeah, that's got to be her." Neptune agreed.
"Where is she located?" Iris asked.
'She's located in a small town called vlotzendale-knicksburg.'
'Huh?' Courage asked, confused.
"Where is that located, exactly?" Neptune asked, equally confused.
'I'll print you out a map, you nimrods.' The computer answered before printing out a map. And before Neptune could make a comeback, the computer shut itself off.
'Now, how do we get there?' Courage asked as he took the map.
"By plane." I answered.
Seven Hours Later
'Thank Oum, I've been saving up, and Charlie gave me a raise recently.' I thought as we stood in front of a post office. While the trip wasn't that long, the price of the plane tickets was higher than expected. Luckily, I had enough for four round-trip tickets. But after we landed, we were worried about how we would find the post office when we couldn't understand the language. Thankfully, Iris could read it with no problem.
"Well, let's head inside." Neptune said before turning to Courage. "You still have the locket?"
'Uh-huh.' He answered while holding out Muriel's locket.
'Muriel will be happy to get back her locket and pleased to see her photos still inside and undamaged.' I thought as we began climbing the stairs that led to the post office. 'Now I just have to find something for Iris.'
Nowhere Swamp
"We're home, Swampwoman." The Swampman said as he carried an unconscious Muriel into the water.
Vlotzendale-Knicksburg
Post Office
"IRIS!" I shouted, scared and nervous when she nearly lost it when three older ladies began flirting with me in front of her. "Please, calm down."
"Sorry. I-I don't know what came over me." She apologized, looking down.
"It's fine, Iris. Don't worry." I told her as I pulled her into a hug.
"I take you two are either newlyweds or recently got together." The Swampwoman, Catherine said as she adjusted her hat and bag from the storm that Iris made to get the other ladies away from me.
"Close to the first one. We're engaged, and the wedding is in a few months." I answered, smiling.
"Aw, how sweet." Catherine said while clasping her hands together. However, she then became serious while also curious. "But why were you so quick to try and blow those ladies out of the post office?"
"I was jealous and kind of scared." Iris reluctantly admitted.
"Why?" I asked while grabbing her hands and giving them a gentle squeeze.
"Tell us." Catherine encouraged.
"Well, being a Goddess is very lonely. So, it's just been my dog Duncan and me for a very long time. But when Jaune came into my life, I was no longer alone and felt something I hadn't felt for the longest of times. And that was the warmth and love of someone who genuinely cares for me."
"What about your parents?" Catherine asked.
"They're very busy, so I don't see them often, if at all. We do talk, but even that is rare."
"But now that you found him, you're worried you might lose him. And you don't want to go back to being alone." Catherine said, figuring out the reason.
"Yes. I love Jaune, and I-" Iris began, but I cut her off by gently turning her to face me. I then wiped the tears from her eyes before passionately kissing her on her lips. We stayed like that for a few moments, ignoring all the cheers coming from everyone around us. Even Neptune stopped flirting with some girls to cheer for us.
"I love you too, Iris, and I'll be by your side always." I told her as we moved apart.
"Thanks, Jaune." She said before pulling me into a hug and another quick kiss.
"See, you have nothing to worry about, dear. He's clearly in love with you and is willing to stay by your side." Catherine assured Iris.
'Uh-huh.' Courage agreed, wiping a happy tear from his eye.
"But you're going to have to work on that jealously, dear. While it is understandable why you feel this way considering what you told us, it is still dangerous as jealousy has caused people to split before."
"I will." Iris said, nodding.
"We will work on it together, Iris. Remember what we promised; whatever comes our way, we'll face it together." I corrected, causing her to smile even more.
"Thanks, Jaune. I'm so glad I met you."
"How sweet. But tell me again, why are you four here again?" Catherine asked.
"We're here about your supposed boyfriend, the Swampman." Neptune answered as he finished flirting with the other girls and came over to us.
"Oh, him. What do you want to know about him?" Catherine asked, now upset.
'Are you two still together?' Courage asked.
"I guess, but it's been a while since we last saw each other."
"Did you two hit a rough patch in your relationship?" Neptune asked as he sat down next to Courage.
"You could say that."
'What happened?' Courage asked.
"He just doesn't understand me. He thinks I'm, uh, forgetful. But I'm not forgetful. I just have a, uh, blocked head." Catherine said while lightly tapping her head. She then stood up frustrated while raising her arm. "But that still doesn't give him the right to be so impatient with me."
'MM-HMM.' Courage agreed.
"Patience is something that is very important for any relationship to last." I said, with Iris agreeing.
"Who are we talking about again?" Catherine asked, confused.
'Your boyfriend, the Swamp Man.' Courage answered.
"Oh, right. Him." Catherine said as she sat back down. "He waited how long for me?"
"Centuries at the very least." Iris answered.
"Centuries, huh. Maybe he's gotten more patient."
"Yeah, but right now, he's about to marry Jaune's adoptive mother." Neptune said while Courage showed the photo of Muriel that was in the locket.
"Marrying her?! Yuck, she's repulsive." Catherine said after taking the locket from Courage. She then gave the locket back before standing up. "I can't let this happen!"
"So, you'll help us?" Neptune asked as Catherine sat down.
"Oh, hello. Who are you four, and when did you all get here?" She asked, forgetting everything we had just discussed.
'AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!' Courage groaned in frustration while ripping his ears off.
"We'll explain later. Right now, you need to follow us back to Nowhere Swamp. Your boyfriend, the Swampman has waited centuries for you and is about to marry someone who is repulsive." Iris answered but hesitated in calling her future mother-in-law repulsive.
"You mean Everett. He's getting married to someone who is repulsive. What are we waiting around her for? Take me to him." Catherine ordered as we exited the post office.
"Of course. Follow me." Iris told her but stopped halfway down the stairs when she saw that I hadn't moved yet. "Everything okay, Jaune?"
"Yeah. You guys go on ahead. We'll meet you there shortly; we just need to check something quick." I explained.
"Alright. But be quick." Iris said before running with Catherine to the airport.
'What do you want to check, Jaune?' Courage asked, confused.
"Did you find something for Iris?" Neptune asked.
"I did. Come on." I answered before running down the stairs and heading to the store across the street.
Nine Hours Later
'Hopefully, we're not too late.' I thought as we, minus Neptune, swam down to the bottom of the swamp. Thankfully, it seemed that we came in the nick of time as the Swampman was about to place the ring on Muriel's finger. 'Oh, thank Oum.'
"Everett!" Catherine shouted, getting his attention.
"Hmm." He grunted as he turned to look at us as we landed next to him. And once he saw Catherine, his face became filled with shock. "Swampwoman."
"Centuries, huh?" Catherine asked. Everett turned to look at Muriel before recoiling in disgust.
"Catherine." He said, smiling while opening his arms and walking toward her. "It has been so many years. My mind must have gotten foggy. I've been so confused."
"See? We can all be a little forgetful."
"I suppose."
'This is sweet.' I thought while Courage hummed in agreement.
"Why didn't you answer any of my letters?" Everett asked, curious. "I sent you hundreds."
"Whenever I go home after work, I'd forget where I'd live." Catherine answered. "Guess I missed your letters."
"Forgot where you'd live? How could you forget where you live?" Everett asked, sounding angry.
'Uh-oh. We better go, now.' I thought, worried. I then motioned for Courage to help me bring Muriel back to land. He nodded, and we grabbed Muriel and swam to the surface with Iris following behind us.
"Don't take that superior tone with me." Catherine warned.
"Seaweed could take a superior tone with you." Everett argued.
"YOU'RE SUCH A BULLY! A BEAST!" Catherine shouted.
"Is everyone okay?" Neptune asked as we reached the surface and gently placed Muriel on the ground.
"We're fine. We just need to catch our breath." Iris answered as Neptune handed us some towels.
"Dears." Muriel said, getting our attention.
"It's okay, Muriel. You're going to be okay." I told her as I helped her sit upright.
"I had an awful dream; I did." She said after coughing up some water.
"This might make you feel better. We found your locket." Neptune said as Courage placed the locked around Muriel's neck.
"Oh, my. Thank you all so much." Muriel said, happy before getting up. "Let's go home and take a nice long bath. And afterward, I can whip us up a nice meal."
"Iris." I said, getting her attention as the others began walking back home.
"Yes, Jaune?" She asked, curious.
"Here. It's been a year since we first met and nearing a year since we first started dating, so I wanted to get you a gift." I told her. And before she could say anything, I grabbed the small box near a tree and opened it to reveal a lariat gemstone jewelry necklace that ends in a motif. The gemstones on the chain itself were rose quartz. And there is a garnet gemstone at the bottom of the motif.
"Jaune. It's beautiful." Iris said, smiling as I placed the necklace around her neck. "Thank you."
"No, thank you, Iris, for giving me something to look forward to each day and making me happier than I had ever been before." I told her before kissing her on the lips.
"And thank you, Jaune, for making me the happiest deity to ever live." She said as we pulled apart. Smiling, we grabbed each other's hands before running to catch up with the others.
Notes:
The Next chapters: (1) Goat Pain with Blake and her parents and possibly Iris, not sure yet. (2) House Calls with Neon and Flint. (3) Rumplekiltskin with Coco. (4) Uncommon Cold with Team Rwby and Penny.