"You always know what to say at all times, Logan... you know that?", Jasmine smiled as she responded by kissing him right on the lips. "Thank you... and I don't know how I do it if what you say is true.", Logan said.
Jasmine leaned on his shoulder while walking, "It's a good thing that we got rings to help out.", glancing at her iron-made silver ring with a set diamond that's almost blue, and Logan's metal-made black ring with an etched blue leaf symbol, hung on necklaces, waiting for the moment to be put on the proper ring fingers.
Logan chuckled, "True. I can't wait to see you all dressed up, Jazz.", and Jasmine blushed, smiling widely. They, along with the others, got into the guest quarters, reuniting with John and Emma.
"Well, you two look like the children haven't been keeping you up.", Logan joked upon first seeing the parents. "Well, they're not exactly like normal children, Logan.", Emma smiled. "For starters, they're already toddlers and can talk a bit."
Jasmine grinned lightly, "So I was right. Magic brought things along faster than normal.", and Zuri asked, "So, where's the little imps?", with a smirk.
John chuckled, "They're sleeping after another morning of play. Be quiet.", with a gesture of his finger, and waved them forward, and the team peeked around the corner to see the usual pile of sleeping children.
Haku smiled, "Aww, look at that. Almost like puppies in a way.", and Emma chuckled, "You'd be almost right. Miranda there, who's twitching in her sleep, with the curly light brown hair, she's a wolf pup shapeshifter.".
Pippa gasped softly, "Oh, that's even better than I thought. Who's the half-dragon, half human boy on top of the pile?", and John smiled, "That's Kyle...He nearly scared us to death with his premature birth.".
Adam nodded, "Mrs. Potts said something similar about being careful during pregnancy...He looks strong to me.", and Emma smiled softly, "Thank you, Adam, he had our attention for two months before the others hatched. The boy with the thick brown hair in that bird nest hairstyle, that's Liam, he's also a dragon shapeshifter. And our other daughter, Zoey, with the dirty blonde hair, she's a fox cub shapeshifter. And the one with the dark red hair, that's Jared, he's a lion cub shapeshifter, and intersex as well.".
Jasmine widened her eyes in surprise, "Intersex people is very rare, but not unheard of! Wow, that's remarkable.", while the main team is beyond shocked.
"You know, when I first heard you were having five... I really wondered how you two were going to handle it all.", Jason admitted as the parents smiled.
"Well, I fainted upon hearing that.", John said. "But after that, we more or less got used to the idea and all and so far, these five haven't caused us too many issues thankfully.".
Logan grinned lightly, "That's good.", before glancing at Jasmine who nodded subtly, and Logan rubbed the back of his neck, "How do you feel about having a double wedding?", with a smile.
"You know that Emma had the same suggestion?", John smirked much to the surprise of Logan and Jasmine. "Did you really?", Jasmine looked at her as Emma nodded.
"Indeed. I thought it was maybe a better idea than two separate ones, especially since we're all here now and all.", Emma chuckled with a smile.
Zuri giggled, "This is going to be epic!", before Haku shushes her, glancing at the slumbering children who only twitches and turns over in their sleep.
"One thing they have in common is that they're pretty much heavy sleepers with a couple of exceptions.", John chuckles warmly.
Pippa smiled, "We better move to the living room.", and they agreed, walking back quietly to the living room, and grinned at Emma and Jasmine, "You better make us bridesmaids!".
Emma giggled, "Already counting on it. Of course, Jim and Jason will be the best men, obviously. As for the children, they will be sitting with the rest of you.".
Jasmine smiled, "Brilliant. What do you think since this is now a double wedding, how much longer then to wait?", and Emma smiled, "Just one more week. After all, we can share the wedding cake, but it doesn't hurt to add decorations and floral arrangements of your own as well.".
Logan nodded, "So, three weeks before the double wedding, then. That's plenty of time to get everything planned to perfection.", and John smirks, "And time for you to get to know your nieces and nephews and explore Atlantis thoroughly. Face it, you're all family too, just in an unconventional way.".
"That's true.", Logan said as he looked over to Jasmine. "And... the honeymoon?".
"Well, it's fully up to you what you want to do. After the mess that John and I went through as well as the incident we had with Kyle when he was born; I think John and I will more than likely just spend some alone time with each other.", Emma said.
"And you, Logan?", Jasmine asked. "I understand if you don't want to do anything either...". Obviously, they were thinking about Logan's issue in the past; the mental scars that probably would never truly heal.
Logan looked at Jason, remembering an intense conversation with his brother about the issue while Jasmine was asleep one night on the journey back to Aquarine, and Jason gave him a subtle, reassuring smile.
Logan took a deep breath, "I have been holding back for a long time since that mental nightmare, and it's time to face my fears. I love you, Jasmine. One thing for sure, we have vials of the anti-pregnancy elixir, so you don't have to worry about any more unexpected surprises, Emma, and same thing for you, Jazz.", with a small smile.
Jasmine smiled so brightly, happy to see that Logan is willing to try to face it all. John nodded with a smile, "Alright then, it's all settled.", before hearing a chirp, "Sounds like the children's waking up. Let's have them meet you all properly.".
In surprisingly short time, the children became glued to the team, enjoying the games and lunchtime around them. For the next two weeks, the team was excited to help the children explore Atlantis with supervision while the two couples worked on their wedding outfits, food, decorations, and all.
But unfortunately, despite Queen Kida's orders in commanding that word of the children and the weddings are kept secret, some Atlanteans, exploring some of Narnia, visited a pub and got drunk, spilling the news unintentionally which some of Orcus' shadow minions overheard, and went straight to the Dark Black Mountains to tell Orcus.
"Are you sure?", Orcus asked as one of the minions nodded. "Interesting... very interesting.". The demon quickly stood up from his throne and started making his way to the one restricted area of the dark palace that only he was allowed into. He walked into the room and shut the door, before kneeling on the floor as a black fire erupted before him.
"Oh, great king of the underworld, I am here to lend news to you, some interesting news you'll find to be advantageous.", Orcus bowed his head.
A rumbling voice growled out, "Ah, Orcus. How interesting, my son?", veiled in the shadows and black fire, red eyes gleaming, and Orcus looked up submissively, "Father, some of my shadow minions had overheard about things that have already happened and will happen soon, in the kingdom of Atlantis.".
"Go on.", the voice rumbled, and Orcus continued, "Turns out the famed United Talons is there, and the leaders of the team had welcomed offspring recently, but not any offspring, they're actually shapeshifters, and two of them are dragon shapeshifters while the others are of the usual, normal shapeshifters we see every day.".
"I see...", the voice contemplated things. "Pity they're not in a more... vulnerable position. Atlantis is far from our reach... even further now since the defeats in those lands.".
"Thanks, in total to those Talons.", Orcus growled. The voice spoke, "And what will happen soon?", and Orcus spoke with a sharp, slightly disgusted tone, "The leaders of the group, along with another couple are having a double wedding, and it will happen in a week.".
The voice gave a rumbling hum in thought, "Meaning that the group and Atlantis will be distracted. One or both of the dragon hatchling shapeshifters would be leverage. See if you can have Frollo send a message to Clayton. He's the perfect hunter for this.".
"Are you sure about this?", Orcus expressed his doubts. "Clayton is notoriously known for being... unworkable in terms of planning. He's still obsessed with his actions in the Congo that I fear he might simply just ignore Frollo's request.".
The voice spoke, "He'll accept the mission to capture the one or two of the dragon hatchling shapeshifters if we have General Scar's captains and their respective battalions to dispose of the rebellion groups that Clayton has been having trouble with.".
Orcus rubbed his chin, "So, then he would be happy to be king of Congo, and he will listen to you then, Father!".
The voice chuckles, "Precisely. But if he fails to do the mission properly, Congo will be yours, my son, to your wishes. After all, the jungle forests of Congo are more dangerous in shadows than in anywhere else.".
"Indeed, but my concern is that Scar himself might have difficulties quelling the rebellion in the jungles; it might lead to a target against Clayton that the Talons couldn't possibly pass up." Orcus said.
"Either he goes to Atlantis, or they come to him... either way, the Talons would finally be within our grasp...", the voice growled firmly.
Orcus nodded, "Yes, great king of the underworld, your command is heard. I'll tell Frollo to order Scar to send his captains and some of their battalions to Congo while Scar and the rest of the battalions keep fighting in Narnia, and Frollo to inform Clayton of the mission.".
The voice spoke, "Excellent. You are dismissed, my son.", and Orcus bowed with a nod, leaving the room, ready to do his leader, his king, his father's command.
When word reached Frollo; he honestly didn't know what to make of it. All the information that Orcus gave him; the location of the Talons, what they had been doing for the past few months and their forthcoming plans, he honestly couldn't believe it. He was only glad they were distracted for the time being. After how fast Tremaine was destroyed only not long after he talked with her about Cruella's defeat, he feared he would be next within a week!
"Scar might be somewhat hesitant to divert what forces he has to the Congo.", Frollo explained to Orcus. "Mickey and the Narnians have recently rallied and launched a furious counteroffensive. Not to mention that the jungle has obsessed Clayton... he's not stopping until he's finally crushed all and gotten his vengeance.".
Orcus narrowed his eyes, "Do you dare disobey Chernabog?", and Frollo paled, realizing that Chernabog is the other outcome than the United Talons killing him.
Frollo exhaled, "Understood, Orcus. I'll talk to Scar and Clayton. Perhaps a reward for Clayton...After all, he's greedy for money from selling exotic animals and slaves. If he does the mission properly, maybe a wagonload of money that we stole from the supply trains in Narnia...".
"Good... it would be unfortunate if I was to have to fully take charge of this war.", Orcus threatened as Frollo nodded. Now he truly understood he made a deal with the devil... and if he didn't help end the Talons' threat once and for all... it would probably mean his end.
And so, Orcus left Frollo to do the orders, and with Scar in the base, it was virtually no time when Scar learned of his part, and Frollo to contact Clayton through his flame connection, glad that Clayton is vain, not very much vain as Tremaine was, but still, having a head-size mirror for his shaving time.
"What?", Clayton huffed as Frollo could see him sitting on a small wooden stool as he was fiddling with his 'boomstick'. Clayton looked fairly disheveled with just how long he was spending in the thick of the Congo's jungles.
Frollo raised an eyebrow, "You heard me, William Clayton. Two contingencies for this mission; Some of General Scar's captains and some of the army battalions to assist your lackies in disposing of the rebellion groups, and a wagonload of gold that was stolen from a supply train in Narnia, but only if you accept it.".
Clayton scowled, "What is so important about this mission? What's in Atlantis?", and Frollo smirked, "I know you have a thing for exotic animals. How do you feel about capturing dragon hatchling shapeshifters? Why, to be specific, they're the offspring of the leaders of the United Talons who has been giving us trouble.".
Clayton stopped work on his weapon as he raised an eyebrow, "I would say I'd be somewhat interested. Simple hatchlings though... I'd much prefer a better hunt.".
"Oh, you mean going after the parents? The other members of the Talons that can turn?", Frollo responded. "If what rumors I've heard is true...", Clayton replied thoughtfully.
Frollo replied, "Some of it is clearly true since they have killed off Medusa, Cruella, and Tremaine. Not to mention the goblins, Gaston, Hans as well. But the parents or the others will be distracted with the weddings, plus they're dangerous, even for you, Clayton. Their two dragon hatchlings are practically helpless as they haven't learned the necessary traits of fire, flight, or hunting. Still, they will give you trouble, yet you like to see prey fight before they give their last breath or give up just to live.".
"I'd much prefer that they come to me... come into the jungle to try to rally the rebels... then I can crush them all in one sweep.", Clayton huffed. "I have no information if they are going to come...", Frollo said.
"They will if you have Scar and his forces come here... in fact, spread the rumor that Scar himself would be here would make too tempting a target.", Clayton smirked as he aimed the weapon elsewhere.
Frollo snapped furiously, knowing the exacts of Chernabog's orders, "Clayton, one or two of the dragon hatchlings are leverage! If you capture one or both of them quiet and all under their noses, they will have to obey your requests! Ransom if you will. They will be frantic to have their babies back to them, but they do not want to put them in danger, hence if you have them on the mainland at our base or Congo, and then all of us including Scar, myself, you, and all our soldiers will swarm the team, the rebellion, and anyone else once they're out of Atlantis! Then once they're dead, you can have Congo as king, Scar as king of Narnia once Mickey's dead, and as for me, I will see to Andalasia. By the gods, you can keep the hatchlings as your slaves!".
Clayton waited for a moment as he clearly was weighing his options. One hand, Frollo was right... but what made him hold was the fact that he would have to go to Atlantis... in the heart of territory that would be completely against him.
He sighed, "Alright... I'll do it... but I want that gold first before I even try to move on Atlantis.".
Frollo nodded, "It'll be sent out within the hour, Clayton. You're very lucky that the base borders Congo and Narnia on opposite sides. With the fastest horses and committed riders, it will be arriving within a day for a cart is more cumbersome and slower.".
Clayton smiled deviously, "Excellent. Once the gold is arrived and approved with my inspection, I'll be leaving by the night then. The rebellion seems to be asleep at night, so I'll slip by. I'll be by Enchanted Lake in the morning if I take my fastest horse. From there, probably sneak in by supply ship in one of the port towns and make my way into Atlantis, wearing a disguise.".
"Just make sure it gets done... the penalty if you fail and somehow survive and escape... will not be good.", Frollo threatened. "I won't.", Clayton scoffed as he locked his weapon.
Frollo nodded, "Good tidings, Clayton.", and Clayton replied, "Good tidings, Frollo.". The flames and the mirror shut off, and Clayton muttered, "At least I'll have a change of scenery.", getting up to check on his slaves, his animal collection, and the progress between his lackies and the rebellion.
Sure enough, the gold arrived not long after sunset, and Clayton, satisfied with everything, put all his slaves in loan to his lackeys as 'rewards', his animal collection all locked up and secured, went to inspect the gold that has been put into his underground storage, and with a command to his lackies to keep the rebellion busy, he took his fastest horse, departing from his much-earned treehouse castle, smirking at the fact that Tarzan, his favorite slave is locked up tight like the wild animal he is, and that he has gold to take care of special things he needs.
"Just sit tight... any chance of escape will be gone for sure. And then we'll be right back on track with things.", Clayton chuckled as he headed out; his mind running with how he planned on getting in and what he would do once there.
Tarzan glared at the departing Clayton, chained literally to the cage by the neck, arms, legs, and even his waist, unable to talk through the half-muzzle on him, and wondered why he's heading out...He sighed in grief and anger, lost in thought about his dead wife, Jane Porter, and prayed that his husband Shere Khan is safe with their twins.
He snorted, hoping wherever Clayton is going, he's going to have trouble or worse. By the gods, he would be elated if he heard that Clayton is dead in a ditch or something!
Meanwhile, Atlantis is bustling with excitement for the incoming double wedding that will happen in six days, unknowing that the next day will bring terror, pain, fear, rage, and more.