Mod Squad (The End...)

A glimmer of light shone through the foliage canopy of the forested area they were currently resting in, illuminating the small seat that Khan was resting in, right up againt a tree trunk. The party had just finished visiting Garren Windspear, taking a cut through the Windspear Hills after visiting Trademeet. It was such a nice day and they had traveled so long already, they were ready to make camp for the day, even if sundown was another few hours yet.

Looking around once or twice to ensure nobody else was around, Khan slowly removed a small, leather bound book from his pack, then flipped through to the last few entries he had written, before preparing to add another entry.

Day 158: Athkatla

I guess it's been some time since I've written anything in this journal; I've never been one for writing. But I find myself needing some sort of outlet more and more these days, whenever we're resting or sleeping at an inn, I just need some way of getting my feelings out there. I wish I could talk to the others, but I don't think I can. Not anymore, anyway. I think... well, I guess I'll go ahead and write it. I think I'm going insane.

It sounds crazy to say it, but I'm starting to believe it... little things, here and there. For instance, just the other day I tried to talk to Minsc, and all he did was stare at me... didn't answer, nothing! Just kept on walking. And walking. The worst part is, it's not just Minsc... it's everyone. Imoen, Aerie, Keldorn... none of them say anything to me, ever! They did for a while, back in the beginning... but not anymore. All they do is follow me. Am I going nuts? In the first few weeks, everyone was quiet, but I assumed it was because of Imoen's loss. Still, they'd banter with each other and me every now and then, but it's all stopped now. I might be crazy.

I just might be... every time we go questing, I always get the nagging feeling that we've been there before, or done this all at one time or another. Sometimes when we finish a battle, I get the strangest impression that I've fought it before... and lost. Repeatedly. Like as soon as we failed, we started again. Maybe my mind's failing, I don't know. Oops. Time to get moving. Will write more later.

Day 160: Umar Hills

Things haven't improved since my last entry; everyone is still just as quiet and nonresponsive as ever. Perhaps some sort of spell has been cast on them? I don't know... but I've got to do something. I can't let things continue the way they're going now.

Day 162: Athkatla

New turn of events: I helped a small child find his way home; the party responded! Each one said something about being proud of my actions (except for Jaheira, who just mentioned how I should maintain balance). Nothing more after that, but it's a start.

Day 165: Trademeet

Well, my latest efforts have failed. Took Jaheira out for dinner tonight in town. Played a game of chess with Keldorn. Stole something from Imoen. No response by any of them. I feel so alone... so lonely... I wish I knew what was going on. I thought that Jaheira and I, at the very least... well, for a long time we had so many meaningful talks, what with the whole Harper mess, trying to ease her through that... but after that one night when we... well, when I thought that afterward we would be closer than ever, but she hasn't spoken to me since! I'm at my wits end... and I guess there's only one thing left to do. I hate to do it, but... but I have no choice.

Khan smiled, taking a deep breath. He picked up his writing pen and opened an inkwell, then carefully began brushing in another entry.

Day 218: Windspear Hills

Such a beautiful day; I had to sit down and write a few things. A lot's changed since I wrote-

"Whatcha doin?"

Khan pulled up from the book, looking up at Imoen who was peering over his shoulder as he slammed the book closed. "Oh, nothing. Just some old journal stuff, that's all."

"Can I see?" Imoen asked, making a grab for the book even as Khan held it away from her. "Not a chance."

Imoen stuck her tongue out at Khan, and then slunk off, undoubtedly plotting to steal it later. Khan breathed a sigh, then grinned broadly. He glanced over at Jaheira as she walked by, leaned over and took her by the hand, pulling the druid into a kiss. Jaheira's initial surprise quickly gave way to enjoyment, though curiosity was still in her eyes when they pulled apart.

"You're in a fine mood... what was that for?"

"No reason." Khan beamed, the druid walking off slowly with a slight smile. The paladin leaned back against the tree he had been nestled against, sighing in contentment. Everyone was talking, his relationship with Jaheira was as good as it had ever been, and there was no shortage of fireside conversations. Khan opened the book once more, then dipped his pen, writing once more.

-the last entry. Ah, the changes that come about with a Banter Pack and a Flirt Pack installed...

X X X X X X

Author's Post Script: As the title doth say, this, my dear readers, is the end. Disregarding sudden flashes of game logic quirkiness that can be translated into humor, this is the last breach of the screen; ah, but it had to end some time, didn't it? It's been a fun ride, y'all... hope you've had as much fun reading as I had writing these shorts! A big thanks to anyone who read and especially to those who reviewed! You know who you are; a tip of the hat to ye! With any luck, I'll catch some if not all o' ye later in some new worlds of ff!

Regards,

Capt. Incredible