Last time Bloom and the others arrived on planet Jurai to introduce Roderick to Sasami's sister Ayeka, Empress of Jurai. We also met Mihoshi, a detective in the Galaxy Police who isn't the smartest apple in the barrel. Then there was Little Washu who, in the eyes of Tecna, Timmy and Elise, is the greatest scientific mind in the universe. On with the show!
Chapter 9: No Need For A Party
Preparations for the party that would announce Sasami's engagement to Roderick were completed in less than a day, a feat that impressed Stella greatly. "On Solaria," she said, "It would take at least a week to get ready for a party such as this." "Juraian magic and technology works differently than the rest of the universe," said Sasami.
"I'm curious as to how that is," said Tecna, "I have so many questions to ask Dr. Washu, and so little time." "I'm sure Little Washu would make the time for you," said Sasami, "She is over 20,000 years old after all." "I had no idea," said Flora, "She looks so young, I wonder what her secret is?"
"Probably a mixture of magic and science," said Bloom, "Like everything else on Jurai." While waiting for the party to be prepared, Bloom had learned a lot about Juraian culture, along with the extent of the Juraian Empire; an empire that spanned several star systems politically, economically and socially.
"So what are you wearing to the party, Stella?" asked Layla. "I still haven't decided on what dress to wear," said Stella as she checked her watch. Locally it was 2:00 P.M., with the party set to start at 7:00. "There's so much to do and so little time to do it in," said Stella, "I need to choose what shoes to wear, what jewelry, what color makeup and I still need to get my hair done." "We all need to get ready," said Bloom, "So we'd better get started."
Elsewhere in the castle Sky and the boys were also getting ready. "I still can't believe we have to wear a tuxedo," said Sky, "I look like a frigging penguin in one." "You know," said Roderick, "A tuxedo doesn't always has to be black and white, it can be any color combination you choose."
"How can you be so calm at a time like this?" asked Brandon, "If I were you, and this were the party where it would be announced that I was engaged to Stella, I'd be sweating like a pig in the middle of summer." "I guess it's the way I am," said Roderick, "I'm just calm all the time."
"Speaking of engagements," said Riven to Brandon, "When are you gonna ask Stella to marry you?" "The same time I'm asking Bloom to marry me," said Sky, "After the girls finish school." "That seems to be a logical time to ask," said Timmy.
Meanwhile on the roof of the castle, four figures materialized just behind a security camera. "So this is Jurai," said Darcy as she, Icy, Stormy and the fourth figure got their bearings, "I've seen better." "Since when?" asked Stormy. "Never mind that, ladies," said Icy, "We're here, and here is where Bloom and her stupid friends are at."
"So what are we waiting for?" asked Stormy, "Let's find Bloom and kill her." She beckoned at the person who came with them; a tall man with short dark-brown hair and cold black eyes, he carried a black attaché case, "Salamei assigned you to us, so, um, what did you say your name was?" "Normad," said the tall man in a cold tone. "Well, Normad," said Darcy, "Salami told us that you're among the best assassins in the galaxy."
"I am," said Normad flatly. "Well how should we proceed on the destruction of Bloom?" asked Darcy. "Simple," said Normad, "Locate and eliminate the target, then leave." "You don't say much," said Stormy, "Do you?" "No," said Normad.
"Well while you're having a nice conversation," said Darcy, "I'm gonna go look for Bloom." "Okay," said Icy, "Just don't get caught or seen." "Never happen," said Darcy as she swung over the edge of the roof. She then phased through the wall. "If only we can move through roofs," said Stormy. "Well it's your fault for saying we should cut class that particular day," said Icy.
Darcy returned ten minutes later. "Looks like they're getting ready for a huge party tonight," she said, "an engagement party I think." "Oh can we ruin it?" Stormy asked eagerly, "Can we? Huh-huh, can we?" "Focus, Stormy," said Icy, "We're here to destroy Bloom, disrupting parties can wait."
"Well Bloom is going to be at the party," said Darcy, "As well as a certain witch whom you, Icy, have a grudge with from Cloud Tower." "I know several witches from school that I don't like," said Icy, "Be more specific." "She's the one who replaced you as Cloud Tower Student Body President," said Darcy, "Is that specific enough for you?"
"That bitch Carmen Dawson!" exclaimed Icy, "What's she doing here with those pathetic pixies?" "I don't know," said Darcy, "But if the top two people you hate are here at the same time, it can't be more than a coincidence."
"You're right," said Icy, "This was meant to be. We'll spoil their little party, alright." "Yes!" exclaimed Stormy. "We'll crash the celebrations when the time is right," said Icy, "Then we'll destroy both Bloom and Carmen in one shot."
Bloom and the others were ready for the party by 6:55. Bloom wore an orange and blue dress. Stella wore strapless number in three shades of gold. Flora was a mix of pink and green, while Musa was in blue and indigo. Tecna wore light blue, while Layla was in blue and green. "Blue is definitely the new black on Jurai," said Stella. "It sure is," said Sasami as she displayed her blue and red kimono.
They met up with the boys outside the castle ballroom. Sky was in a blue tuxedo, Brandon in a yellow and white one, while Helia was in green. Riven wore a red one and Timmy was in a lighter shade of blue. Roderick wore traditional black.
"You look beautiful," said Sky to Bloom. "You don't look half bad in blue," said Bloom. "Now that we're all ready," said Stella, "I feel that the time is right to make our entrance." "Where's Carmen, Morgan and Elise?" asked Flora.
"We're here," said Carmen as she, Elise and Morgan hurried to catch up. Carmen wore red and black, Elise in blue and yellow, while Morgan in red and yellow. "I can't walk in this thing," complained Morgan after she nearly tripped over her dress, "I wanted to wear a pinstripe suit, but these two goobers forced me into this thing."
"It's only for tonight," said Carmen, "You can be such a wimp sometimes." ""We'll discuss this later," said Elise, "I believe the celebratory event is about to begin." The doors to the Ballroom opened and they went in, Sasami and Roderick in the lead. The ballroom was huge with blue walls and purple columns. The ceiling was one big glass skylight.
"Look!" said Stormy as she, Icy, Darcy and Normad looked down through the glass ceiling, "There's Bloom! Let's get her!" "Not yet," said Icy as she alternated her glaring between Bloom and Carmen, "We wait until the time is right." "Check out what they're serving," said Darcy, "I think those are the little hot dogs that they serve on toothpicks and dipping sauce."
"You're right," said Icy as she looked own, "So what?" "And they have bite-sized pizzas with tiny slices of pepperoni," said Darcy, a look of longing on her face, "And they have chopped liver on crackers with caviar." "What's your problem?" asked Stormy. "I'm hungry," said Darcy, "That's what. I haven't had anything to eat since this morning." "Well it's your damn fault for not bringing a snack or two," said Icy.
The party was underway, mostly with mingling and small talk. "They're just standing around talking," said an impatient Stormy, "Let's hit them now and hit them hard!" "We wait until the time is right," said Icy, "Not one second sooner." "I can see at least 30 varieties of cheese," said Darcy, "They've got seedless grapes, cherries with the pits removed, pineapple cubes, vegetables with ten kinds of dips and gods knows how many different pastries!" "Now you're making me hungry," said Stormy, "So just shut up!"
About thirty minutes into the party a bell rang to get everyone's attention. On a raised step was Ayeka; she wore a bright purple kimono with the royal crown of Jurai. To her left was Ryoko in a blue and green kimono, while Washu stood to Ayeka's right in green and yellow robes.
"May I have everyone's attention please," said Ayeka, "Thank you. Tonight we celebrate the engagement of my sister, Sasami, to Roderick of Solaria." There was a loud round of applause from the many guests, Stella being among the loudest to clap. Ayeka raised her hand for silence, "While my parents, The Lord Azusa and Lady Misaki cannot be here to celebrate with us, I am sure they share the joy I feel with the up-coming joining of my sister and Roderick."
Another round of applause from the gusts followed. "Now?" asked Stormy anxiously. "In a bit," answered Icy who getting annoyed with Stormy's whining.
"I cannot express enough the happiness I feel that my sister has found someone whom she can be happy with," said Ayeka who was struggling to hold back tears of joy, a struggle that was about to end, "Oh, I told myself I wouldn't cry…"
"I think I've lost my appetite," said a disgusted Darcy, "Wait, is that? It is! They have 'Crunchy Frog'!" "Now?" asked Stormy. "If you ask me that question one more time, Stormy," said Icy, "I will gouge out one of your eyeballs and skull-f#ck you with a rusty pipe! So just sit down and shut up!"
"What Her Majesty is trying to say," said Ryoko while Ayeka pulled herself together, "Is that she'd like to propose a toast to the happy couple-to-be." "That's absolutely right, Ryoko," said Ayeka, who then whispered to Ryoko, "Thanks, but I still don't like you." "I'm not all that fond of you either," Ryoko whispered back.
Crystal glasses filled with wine were handed out to the guests. "To Sasami and Roderick," said Ayeka as she raised her glass, then everyone raised their glass, "May their lives be long, happy and blessed with children."
"Now," said Icy. "You mean it?" Stormy asked eagerly. "Yes," answered Icy. "Finally!" exclaimed Stormy as she jumped through a section the glass ceiling, shattering it. "We could have blasted it first," said Darcy as Stormy began throwing bolts of dark lightning at the terrified guests below, "She never was patient." Darcy then jumped through the open ceiling and began some terrorizing of her own.
"You coming?" Icy asked Normad as she prepared to jump down. "I will wait here," said Normad as he opened his attaché case, reveling a disassembled dart rifle, "Until I have the perfect 'shot' of Bloom, then I shall eliminate the target." "Suit yourself," said Icy as she jumped down to join Darcy and Stormy.
The end of chapter 9. Next time Bloom and the others fight back against the witches, while Carmen confronts Icy. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!
