Monsters and Magic: Divide and Unite

By: DJ Rodriguez

(Author's Notes: Hi everyone! Thank you for all of your reviews. They really helped me a lot, and also were great motivators to get me to work more on my story! I really want to do my best for this novel; for the fans, for Disney and Toho, and more! So again, thank you for your reviews and also to the readers out there who have taken the time to at least take a glance at my work.

In this chapter, see what has been going on in the bayou and New Orleans. Jet Jaguar, Odie and Radelle are going to surprise you all on what they have been up to the past four days! Also, expect to see some action from the children Aubert, Magali, and Skyler. This chapter I hope delivers to all of you!

I also have a new song going to be posted here. I call it Love, Laughter and Life! It's a special song that is sung by Odie and Radelle, and it has a beat that is similar to Streets of Gold that is from the hit Disney classic movie Oliver and Company that is sung by Ruth Pointer, one of the Pointer Sisters from the 1980's. As for the title… I got it from my family. Our motto when it comes to family is that; Live, Laugh, and Love!

I do not own Godzilla or any of the other monsters/characters from Toho, nor do I own any of the characters and places that belong to Disney. I do own my OC creations, and also most of the songs in this novel! If I use a song that is by another artists or group, I will give him/her/them their just credit, dues and props.

Now, on with the novel!)


Chapter 26

It was another cool night in the bayou lands of New Orleans, the residents of the swamp either going to sleep or getting ready to take the night. In a large tree that was in the heart of the bayou, three beings were up and getting ready to go on another special romp through the wetlands. It was Jet Jaguar, Odie and Radelle! The magic-users and android from another universe were all preparing to go out into the bayou to look for some supplies. If one were to wonder on why they were going out to look for objects that normally would belong in a town, they would have to see the tree to see that they added a new addition to it. It was a medium-sized ship of sort, nestled right in the middle of the tree!

Odie was checking the magical potency within her club when she looked to where Jet Jaguar was at, which was at the bow of their new home. Her senses had grown sharper ever since the battle with Maxwell. She stated, "Honey, you got to relax a little! No one is gonna be coming here to see about no missing ship, especially one that's up in a tree!". She finished the sentence with a good laugh, Radelle who was nearby just smiling warmly at her pupil.

Jet Jaguar answered back, "I know, I know. Just can't help but be a bit concerned that someone might have seen me when I went… well, big.".

It all happened about four days ago:


~Flashback~

After the fierce battle with the Shadow Specter, it seemed that nature had decided to vent somewhat. The heavens started to fill with dark rainclouds, and when mid-afternoon hit, rain poured forth like a massive waterfall! The people of New Orleans took shelter inside their homes, but the construction workers of the fair city got out into the downpour to make sure that sandbags and other tools that would be used to divert the flooding waters were in place. While the population was safe, the ones in the swamp lands were not. The bayou did a wonderful job as a natural flood control, it was not enough this time for the water was coming down fast and hard. The animals had long since headed out to either another place to stay at until the rains and floods passed, or to take shelter in areas that the waters would not reach them.

Jet Jaguar, Odie and Radelle were safe up in their tree abode. The mature but fiery ladies were using their magic to make the branches above weave tightly around their home, so the rainwater would not make them any wetter then they were now. Jet Jaguar helped out, the machine with a soul using his strength to bind up certain branches that were not able to close together. In a matter of minutes, the three were protected from the elements and were now relaxing as now there was little for them to do on a day like this.

"Radelle, when do you suppose this rain going to stop?" Odie inquired to her friend and teacher. The beautiful mystic thought for a moment, then reached out with her magical senses. After a few moments passed, she opened her eyes and answered that the rain would not stop until tomorrow morning. That did not sit well for Odie, as the student of magic wanted to go out and do something other than just sit and wait for the weather to get better.

Jet Jaguar was about to say something when his internal computer issued an alert to him! The voice issued, "Red alert! Red alert! Sensors indicate that three human lives are in danger near vicinity! Bio-scans show that they are children; one thirteen year-old male, a twelve year-old female, and an eleven year-old male. Rescue is required immediately, or they will not survive!". That got his body in motion quick as he left the makeshift shelter, causing the women to wonder on what he was doing.

The mechanical marvel was getting soaked to his metal body, but fortunately for him the alloy that made his being were waterproof and also rust-free. Jet Jaguar enhanced his scanners, hearing and motion sensors. He heard the water rushing and sloshing all around the bayou, but his life-scanners showed that nearby about half a mile away were three children that were caught in the flood! He was about to leap out of the tree and go to where the little ones were at, but he was stopped by Radelle and Odie who had come out to see on what had gotten into him.

"What in Heaven's name you doing, young man?! This is no time to be going out in this mess!" Radelle exclaimed, quickly getting completely soaked to the bone. Same with Odie, was drenched like her teacher.

Jet Jaguar explained, "I sense someone is out here, three children are out and caught in the flood! I need to go and save them!". Upon hearing that news, the spirited women got their act together. When it came to saving children, they got immediately down to business. Rain or no rain! Odie and Radelle clutched their magical objects tightly, the Voodoo Queen immediately telling for Jet Jaguar to lead the way.

The android tuned his scanners to the east, and managed to pick up the three bio-signals. He pointed in that direction and stated, "Over there! They are being carried away by the flood in that direction!". Jet Jaguar then leapt off of the tree, jumping towards where another tree was still standing! While some of the cypress trees had been destroyed by the massive force of the flood, a majority were still standing strong against the powerful current. He was now hop-scotching across the water, going towards the children. Odie and Radelle used their magic to form a golden cloud of sort at their feet, and leapt after Jet Jaguar! They were replicating their friend's incredible ability with their mystic arts!

Odie looked to her mentor as they were leaping through the downpour and inquired hotly, "What durn fool young'uns are even out in weather like this?!". One could not find fault in her temper at this point, going out in very bad weather and getting soaked to the bone. But since it was to save lives of little ones, she held her temper in check.

Radelle answered, "I don't know, my student! But we got to get them out of this mess! It's like the Great Lord above turned on his sink at full blast!". In a way, she was not wrong. The weather was intensifying by the minute, so it was close to what Radelle had just stated.

Jet Jaguar increased his pace as the trio continued in the direction of where the children were at. He was thinking, 'I really hope it is not Aubert, Magali, and Skyler!'. He was very concerned for his friends, and wished that they were back at their homes, safe and sound from the rain. They soon reached their destination, he landing on a large cypress tree with Odie and Radelle landing beside him.

Odie asked, "Well, metal man! Where are them young'uns?! I can't sense much due to all this rain!". While her senses were sharp, she still needed more training especially in conditions such as this.

Jet Jaguar looked this way and that, and soon spotted their quarry! Three children were drifting in the Mississippi River, one of the largest rivers in the world! It had grown much in size due to the rain and spilled over onto land. The android magnified his vision, and saw that drifting in the river hanging onto a large tree branch was… Aubert, Magali, and Skyler! The two boys and one girl were hanging for dear life on the tree branch, but were getting tossed around due to the wind and waves.

He exclaimed, "I found them! They are in the swollen river! We need to go and get them before they slip off!". He was about to dive into the water when Radelle held him back. He looked to her, wondering why he was prevented from rescuing the kids.

The mystic stated, "Use your head, young man! The mighty Mississippi River is now too strong and powerful, even for a marvel such as yourself! We need to think this through!". Jet Jaguar saw the wisdom in her words. Indeed, the river was now very great and terrible due to the storm, and it would be an immense challenge even for him to try a rescue attempt. He looked to where the kids were, then spotted something else coming their way. It was a medium-sized boat of sort, the kind used in river systems like this one! Jet Jaguar did a scan, and saw that the vessel was empty, concluding that it must have been carried off by the water from its station.

He pointed at the boat and exclaimed, "We can use the boat to help us! Radelle, can you and Odie use your magic to give me a boost to it? I can get on board and use the craft to get the kids!".

Radelle peered out into the distance, using a tiny bit of her mystic power to enhance her eyesight. Once she saw the children and the boat, she replied, "We can give you the boost! Don't know if it will be enough to get you there! The river has a mighty temper now!". It was true. The wind and waves were rocking the boat and other debris around, and there would be no guarantee that Jet Jaguar would land right on target on the first try.

The mechanical marvel remarked, "Just like you and Odie have been teaching me, just have to have a little faith and trust! Now, wait till I say the word and then give me the boost!". Radelle nodded, a small smile on her face despite the weather. It seemed that Jet Jaguar really took the lessons she and Odie have been teaching him well. She and her pupil got together, using their mystical abilities to stick to the tree like glue. Jet Jaguar then hunched down, readying himself for the big leap of faith! His internal computer calculated everything from wind speed and direction to the power of the water and waves.

After about three minutes had passed, Jet Jaguar saw his window of opportunity! He yelled out, "Odie, Radelle… NOW!". The mystical women put much power as they could into the android's legs, a golden glow covering the appendages from knee to feet, and Jet Jaguar shot up high and fast as he leapt! He was a bit surprised on the power boost, doing some recalculations in his head as he was in the air.

In the water, the three young ones were hanging on for dear life on the branch they were on. After a huge dip in the water, and coming back up for air, Aubert yelled out, "WHOSE IDEA WAS THIS TO COME OUT AND SEE IF JET JAGUAR WAS ALRIGHT IN THIS STORM!?".

Magali answered, "I'm sorry already! I just wanted to know if he was alright, that's all!". The three friends had been outside playing when they saw the storm coming in earlier, but instead of going back to their homes to get to safety, Magali wanted to go into the bayou to find Jet Jaguar. She really wanted to make sure that he was going to be alright. Aubert and Skyler were reluctant, as they had no idea where the Voodoo mystic users really lived and the storm was looking worse by the minute. However, the brave and plucky girl would not be deterred. She made her way into the bayou, going deep into it. Aubert could not let his secret crush go off on her own, so he followed. Skyler sighed, and took after his friend.

The three were close to the Mississippi River when the storm finally hit, and she hit hard! The trio tried to find their way back to civilization, but the wind and rain were forcing them to go further and further away from their home. It was a matter of time before the water was rising rapidly and they were forced to climb one of the trees to keep themselves from washing away in the current. The tree branch soon snapped off under the combined weight of the humans and the rainwater that was accumulating! The trio were now in the flooded Mississippi River, and hoping that a miracle would happen to save them.

Skyler yelled out, "Everyone, hang on tight! We're going to make it! Just keep your head above the water!". It was a brave gesture, but it was nearly impossible to do at this point. They kept on getting dunked harshly into the flooding waters, and their grip was weakening by the second. Magali was coughing up a lot of water from her mouth, and her grip on the branch was waning fast! She would have let go… had it not been for Aubert who saved her! Using some strength that he didn't even know he had, the young La Bouff grabbed her arm with his left hand and prevented her from being washed away!

He grunted as he held onto both the branch and Magali! He strained and spoke, "I'm… not… letting you… go!". The young lady was surprised and touched by her friend's courage as he was trying to hold onto her. However, the strain was too much and it was starting to show. He held on as best he could, but it was only for a few moments. Skyler was about to see both his friends be swept into the powerful river… when something grabbed onto Aubert by the scruff of the neck and lifted both he and Magali out of the water!

The trio looked to see who it was, and they saw a familiar face that was on a wooden boat that had just come their way. It was Jet Jaguar! The eternal smiling face of the android looked down on them, and he hauled the two kids out of the water and onto the boat. He looked to Skyler and exclaimed, "Follow up, kid!". He then smashed the end of the branch, turning it into a kind of see-saw that shot the African-American teen into the air and onto the boat! He landed between his friends, who asked if he was okay.

Aubert turned to their savior/hero and said, "Jet Jaguar! You're here! How did you know-?!". However, a strong wave crashed into the ship, causing it to jump a little bit into the air and rocking the craft.

The android replied, "We'll talk later when you all are safe! Right now, I have to steer this thing somewhere less turbulent!". He went to the wheel of the ship and steered it as best he could, trying to head into some cypress trees that were nearby. His internal computer stated that the trees were deep enough to withstand the water, and also close enough to stop the boat safely enough for them to climb to the trees. However, the current's strength was great… too great for the boat's rudder. When Jet Jaguar tried to steer towards his target, the rudder snapped and the steering wheel was now rendered useless!

Magali looked to see that coming their way fast was a house, a small one that had been swept up by the flood. While small to some, it was large enough that a good hit to it would cause the boat to be smashed to bits! She exclaimed, "Look! A house up ahead! If we hit it, that'll be it!". The kids were now very scared, believing that this could be their end. But Jet Jaguar was not about to give up! He tried to come up with a solution, but nothing was coming. Just as they were a few minutes away from hitting the floating pile of wood, something happened! He remembered that he could change his size!

"That's it! Kids, hold on tight and please… do not scream or anything. Wish me luck!" the android instructed the children before leaping into the water. The three young ones, plus Odie and Radelle who had witnessed it, gasped and yelled out for their friend as he vanished underneath the churning waves!

Skyler exclaimed, "Is he crazy?! Why did he do something like that?!".

Aubert added, "And what did he mean by not screaming… whoa!". His sentence was interrupted when he and the others felt something grab the boat from the bottom. A flash of green light appeared underneath the vessel, and the boat started to rise upward out of the water!

Odie sensed something and exclaimed, "Well, I'll be an alligator's backside! Radelle, you seeing what I'm sensing?!". Her teacher nodded, saying that she was seeing an incredible sight that would be etched in her mind forever.

Rising up was… Jet Jaguar! The android had turned himself into giant! In actuality, it was his Miniature-form, but to many humans he looked like a giant! He rose above the treetops, and his feet were touching ground in the river! The children looked down, and was amazed to see that their friend had turned into a legendary being they had only read in children's books! Magali screamed in delight, cheering for her hero. Skyler and Aubert did the same, but they were more amazed then relieved then their female friend. Jet Jaguar walked towards where Radelle and Odie were at, and lowered his right hand to them. His other hand was holding up the boat.

He asked, "LADIES, NEED A LIFT? I WILL TAKE US BACK TO OUR HOME.". His voice was deep and strong, like that of a giant.

Radelle answered with a smile, "Now, who am I to refuse such a request from a gentleman? Odie, let's go home!". The two elderly but strong women jumped into the hand of their friend/ally, and the tall android headed back towards the tall tree in the bayou.

Little did they know but eyes were watching from a distance Aimeri Henderson, the sugar plantation owner. The lean and tall man was safe at his manor, the servants having put up barrier and such to protect his precious home and cash crops. He was about to go to his quarters, where beautiful Aude was waiting for him, when he felt some tremors in the distance. He went to his study, where a telescope was at, and looked through it out into the rain and scanned the Mississippi River. Needless to say, he was stunned silly upon seeing the form of Jet Jaguar!

~End flashback~


And that was how the boat came to rest at the top of the tree where the mystic women lived. When Jet Jaguar brought them back to Radelle and Odie's abode, he changed back to normal size and the adults confronted the children. When asked for an explanation, Magali stepped forward and told them that it was all her fault. The brave and honest little lady told on why they had been out in the first place, Odie and Radelle very much impressed by the girl's honesty. It gained much respect to the voodoo magic-users. Jet Jaguar listened, and then kneeled and put a hand on the young lady's head.

He said, "I am just glad that you are alright, and also thank you for being honest with us. But next time, listen to your friends here and just trust that I am safe wherever I am. Okay?". Magali smiled and just hugged her hero/friend, saying that she would listen to him. Aubert and Skyler also thanked Jet Jaguar by shaking his hand, saying that they were very grateful for the save as well.

It was then that Odie and Radelle laid down some ground rules for the young ones. They said that their tree home must be kept safe and secret, so that others who still did not accept black folks or magic would not find them. They were allowed to come to their abode, but only by escort of Jet Jaguar and also that they come up with some kind of story to say to their parents that would warrant them to stay out long without raising suspicion. The children agreed readily to this, glad that they were going to get to know the mystic-users better.

Jet Jaguar looked at the boat that he just put down in the tree and commented, "I'll put that down once my energy recharges and I can grow again.". However, Odie and Radelle remarked in not being too hasty. They and the children looked to the new addition to the tree house, and the women folk saw possibilities.

Odie stated, "It be a bit unusual for a boat to be in a tree, but… I say it's a blessing! We can use this to add more color and life to this old girl! Radelle, how about it? This boat can be our new home within our home!". The elderly voodoo queen looked at her pupil, and smiled brightly. She was right! The boat was an unusual, but welcome addition to the tree and they would try to turn it into a place worth living in!


And that was how it happened four days ago.

The trio of children were sent back home to New Orleans after the rains had stopped, and the little ones had one DAUNTING challenge in explaining to their parents on why they had been gone for almost an entire day. While the young ones were meeting the challenge with the adults, Jet Jaguar and his two magic-users had their own problems. They had been going all around the bayou swamp lands, fixing and clearing everything that the flood had destroyed. The android had been making ditches and trenches to drain the water a bit faster, with Radelle and Odie lending a hand with their nature magic. It had been grueling for the trio, but they had made enough progress that the animals were returning back to their natural habitat. On the plus side, they also found discarded items that had been washed away by the flood.

And in this particular case, a man's trash is another's treasure.

In addition, the children made good on their promises in seeing and getting to know Radelle and Odie more better. In the mid-afternoons, they managed to escape their parents and with Jet Jaguar as their escort, came to the natural abode to see the African-American women. Magali, Skyler and Aubert brought in whatever they could to help decorate the home. The little ones brought new on what had been happening in New Orleans, and in return Odie and Radelle showed and taught them the lessons on what it meant to use magic. Aubert commented that the tree could use some staircases so they could walk up instead of relying on Jet Jaguar to carry them up.

Odie took the advice to heart, and used her mystic power to create a spiraling staircase on the tree! The steps were made entirely of wood from the tree itself, and it wound all around the large, tall and wide tree. She looked at the young La Bouff child, smiled and commented, "Hahahaha! How that be for you, suga?". The boy blushed brightly and thanked the lively mature woman. And that was how it had been since then, the kids bonding and getting to know the women more.


Now back to the present, Jet Jaguar was looking out at the horizon, wondering on what they would find on this little trip. Odie yelled out, "Hey Jet, we all ready to go! Come on!". The android turned and was about to join his companions when his sensors went off again. He looked to the bayou lands, and sensed that three familiar faces were approaching.

"Huh? Is that…?! Why are they coming here, and in the middle of the night no less?!" Jet Jaguar exclaimed as he leapt down to the ground. Odie and Radelle were a bit startled at the sudden action of their friend, but when the two mystically sensed the children coming their way, they headed down the stairs to see what was up.

Jet Jaguar landed at the base of the tree, and waited. Soon enough, coming to him were Magali, Aubert and Skyler. Both were panting hard, showing they had been running the whole way. The mechanical man went to the children and inquired, "What are you three doing here?! And in the middle of the night, no less?!". When Radelle and Odie arrived, they saw that Aubert had red eyes as if he had been crying.

Odie gently motioned for Jet Jaguar to give some distance to the young ones, kneeled down and looked at the young lad in the eyes. She said, "There, there young'un. Calm down, dry your eyes and tell me what is the matter? What has happened that made you and the others come back to our home?".

Aubert sniffed a little and answered, "My dad… h-he just fired another one of the black families! I was up trying to get some water to drink when I overheard my mom and dad talking to someone. I looked down from the stairs and saw that they were talking to Aimeri, another plantation owner. He said something I couldn't quite hear, and then I heard my dad call in one of the black families that live on my land. And I heard shouting, and next thing I heard… my dad fired them!". He was very upset because his father and mother, Enéas and Jacquie La Bouff, had been a little bit uptight more than usual.

The storm had done some serious damage to the crops, including the cotton. And once more, the black servants were being unfairly pushed to either save what was left of the plants… or being punished without being paid or worse. Aubert had been doing what he could to help the unfortunate servants, and his friends helped as well. But, there was little they could do in a situation like this. And now, it seemed that the La Bouff family was following the advice of a man who delighted in causing misery to the African-American folk.

Aubert finished up that he was upset, left his room via the window, and ran to Magali's house. He called for her to come out, and when she did and he told her the situation, she was very eager to help. Getting dressed and climbing down carefully and quietly, the two went over the Skyler. The young African lad was awakened, and upon asking them on why they were up, Magali said they were going to Odie's house to talk to her. Of course, the pre-teen was not thrilled to be going into the swamp this late at night, especially without Jet Jaguar escorting them. However, upon seeing the upset state of his friend, he decided to take a chance and go with them. So, the trio made their way through the swamp and towards Odie and Radelle's place.

Aubert finished, "I… I don't know what to do… I want to help, but I just feel so… so helpless… I wish I could change my parents for the better…". Odie and Radelle smiled like understanding mothers, the elder woman joining her pupil in drying the eyes of the young La Bouff boy.

Odie said, "Hehehe… you sure have a good heart suga, don't ever lose it.".

Radelle added in, "But, your heart must be tempered and filled with wisdom. So that you can find the solution to the problems that aid you, and also have faith that things will get better while working towards it.". Aubert, Magali and Skyler looked to the mystical, mature women of the bayou. Jet Jaguar was looking on as well, very much pleased on what Odie and Radelle were doing.

He said, "But I will give you this, young Aubert. You have come to seek wisdom and guidance from your other family.".

Magali looked a bit puzzled as did the rest and inquired, "Other family?". Odie chuckled and stated that families are more then just relations of blood, and that families are ones that live, laugh and love together. Radelle agreed, and with a subtle use of her magic, caused nature to make some music that was unique.


Listen to your dear Radelle and Odie, suga! We got the wisdom like those of loving mamas!

So just sit back and listen up well, dry your eyes and forget all of the fuss and drama!

Family is important, but it goes deeper then you think! Family is more then just flesh and blood!

Family is the time you spend with others, ones that open their hearts and let the love flood!

It can be close friends and others that share their time and feelings with you!

Those who share their beliefs in following the light, to help your heart beat true!

As the music picked up, so did the critters of the swamp! Fireflies lit up the darkness, surrounding the surprised children as they watched in awe at the light show! And also friendly animals who were close to Odie and Radelle, such as the alligators, frogs and more, came up to join in the warm, sweet feelings that were surrounding the area.

{Love, laughter and life! That is what makes a family strong and good!

Love, laughter and life! With a blessing from above, it stands firm like it should!

When you put your trust in each other, and also look to the Great One above.

You have the family that is more then just blood relations! One that shares laughter, is full of life…

And most of all, full of sweet love!}

As the natural music played, the kids started to dance and move to the music with Odie and Radelle! Even Jet Jaguar was moving his body to the beat, along with the various swamp and woodland animals that had come to join in.

When the world goes crazy, and your family starts to slip, don't worry and don't be scared!

Just look to your other family for help, to gain the strength to push on through! To see that they really cared!

Stick to what is true and right, never be weighed down by fear and doubt!

Let your brothers and sisters help you to stand tall, they will aid you in figuring it out!

The children were laughing, singing, and moving to the groove of the natural beat of the bayou! Aubert and Magali soon came together in the dancing, both blushing a serious case of redness that made them look adorable and cute. The animals and humans cheered for them to continue dancing together, even Jet Jaguar encouraging Aubert to go for it! With a gulp, the young man swallowed his fear, gathered his courage and danced with his secret crush. Magali was delighted at this new boldness in her friend, and started to really get into the groove now! Jet Jaguar smirked inside and said, "Well done, Aubert. Well done indeed!".

{Love, laughter and life! These three secrets make a family true!

Love, laughter and life! A family needs this to see life through!

Laugh at the moments you share with others, live life full and complete!

Most of all, love with all your heart! Share it with those you meet!}

As they were singing, and Aubert and Magali dancing with one another with a certain sweet, secret and special spark growing between them now, they were unaware of the danger that was coming their way…

Hahahahaha! Listen to your Mama Odie and Radelle too!

Jet Jaguar can come in if he really wants to!

Never give up hope, never give in when all seems lost and dark!

Turn to your other family when you need to regain the spark!

Keep your spirit positive, your mind sharp and clean! Also look to the Great One above!

Show your laughter, show you have life… and most of all… show to all the love!


The song was slowly dying down, and all eyes were on Aubert and Magali as they were close to one other. The fiery brown-haired beauty was looking delightfully into the eyes of the shy La Bouff boy, but he was not looking away. Though both were young, they were starting to feel the special, secret spark that was gradually forming between them. Radelle, Odie, Skyler and even Jet Jaguar were looking proudly at the scene… until a powerful shot burst filled the air, disrupting everything! The animals flinched and panicked right away, the gators going back into the water and swimming away. The frogs leapt into the water as well, and the birds and fireflies also left the area. Jet Jaguar went to the kids, acting as their shield while Odie and Radelle lit up their staff/club.

A smooth and slick voice called out, "Well, well, well… lookie what we got here, ladies and gentlemen! It seems that the news and sightings were right for a change.". Jet Jaguar and his companions looked in the direction of the voice, the android's eyes lighting up blue to reveal what hid in the darkness. Revealing himself was… Aimari Henderson, the one that Aubert had a guest in his home!

And he was not alone. Following him were the townsfolk, including the parents of the kids! Many held torches and other stuff that served as weapons like pitchforks, shovels, and the like. Some even carried guns; handguns, pistols, and rifles too!

You see, Aimari had arranged it all. The slick and sneaky plantation owner had pieced together the puzzle on where the kids would run off to, and connected them with the giant he saw earlier. All he needed was to set the trap and bait. So he came up with a plan that was similar to one used by a fellow named Gaston who once lived in Europe. He used his charm and cunning to force Enéas and Jacquie to fire the black family servants, taking advantage of the father's frustration of the flooded crops. He had known about Aubert being upstairs, casting a brief glance to the boy and letting his scheme come out into the open. When the African father was now arguing with La Bouff, Aimari excused himself and went outside. Once he saw Aubert leaving the manor in a hurry, he smirked and started to get the next phase of his plan.

He went back inside, calmed down the situation with the Le Bouff and black family, and told them what he had seen. He even spun a tale, suggesting that Aubert was bewitched and heading to the bayou. Of course, the La Bouff's fell for the story; hook, line and sinker. Aimari then stated to gather some people to go into the bayou and find the boy. He then left, and went to the families of Magali and Skyler, spinning the same yarn and putting more twists to it. When the families discovered that their offspring were indeed gone, most of the townspeople rallied behind the slick and scheming man. The entire group went into the swamp, torches lit and weapons ready in case of attack.

After fifteen minutes of searching the bayou, most were ready to call it quits and go back to bed, saying they would look for the young ones in the morning. However, Aimari spotted the lights and heard the noise. That was when he showed them the sights, and all regained their strength as they went towards the noise. And soon, they were treated to a sight of dancing animals, lively natural music, their kids, the voodoo queens that they heard rumors about… and the mysterious metal man hero that had been the talk of the town for some time!

Jet Jaguar glared at the group, more so at Aimari who looked like he hit the mother lode of treasure! He spoke to himself, "This… is bad.".


(Author's Notes: Well, how did you like this one? I hope you all liked it! I thank Jesus for his hand in helping me to make this chapter! Believe me, I am surprised on how this turned out!

Jet Jaguar saved the kids from drowning, put the boat where it is now that will be one of the critical areas in The Princess and the Frog movie, and now is exposed to most of the townsfolk due to a scheming villain! Not bad, eh?

Next chapter, see what has happened with Hans, Space Godzilla and Gigan! I promise you all, it will be a chapter that will have you craving for more of this second novel… I hope.

Here are the questions: What would you have done as Jet Jaguar, Odie or Radelle in getting the kids out of the situation in the flooded Mississippi River? What would your reaction be in seeing Jet Jaguar turn into a giant? What kind of advice would you give to Aubert in this kind of situation? And finally… what would your first reaction be upon seeing most of New Orleans population there, all lit up with torches and carrying various weapons/tools with them?

R&R, no flames, enjoy and leave long reviews!)