Me: Wow I actually updated on time. Sweetness! (Does a little dance) Hit it Icefire!

Icefire: Maxxaronie doesn't own SRMTHFG, but she is holding them hostage until the ransom is paid. Until then Maxxaronie can torture them, or not, till her heart's content.

Chapter Eight: Starting on a Dangerous Journey

Jen returned to the room where the others had been waiting. She was wearing a white blouse and light pink overalls. She had light blue gloves on her hands, light blue boots on her feet, and a light blue bag on her hips. A light pink ribbon sat upon her head.

"I'm ready to go Athelas." Jen said.

Athelas nodded and stood. She went over to Jen and embraced her. "Please be careful, Jennifer. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything ever happened to you."

Jen hugged Athelas back and smiled. "Don't worry I'll be careful. I have to come back for Chiro's sake. That knowledge will keep me going no matter what. I'll never give in. I've made that promise to my father. I've got the inner strength to get me there. Besides I've got a guardian angel to watch over me. Don't worry, mother."

"Mother?" Antauri asked confused.

Athelas released her daughter and turned to look at the black monkey. "Yes she is my daughter. When she was born she didn't have the traits of my people. I sent her to be raised with her father so that she would fit in with other children her age." She looked back at Jen. "Go now, Jennifer. Go and be swift. Fly on your father's wings."

Jen nodded and turned to leave. She stopped and looked over her shoulder. "I'll be back soon, and that's a promise." Jen walked out the door, Mandarin, Antauri, and her father's transparent form close beside her.

They didn't go very far before they ran into Wish. "Hi, Jen! Are we going on another trip for herbs?"

Jen didn't answer. She went to stand before Wish, who watched her with confusion. Jen dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around Wish. "No, Wish. I need you to stay here. You are the only one I can talk to telepathically. I need you to keep an eye on Chiro."

"Wha-" Wish began but Jen cut her off.

"Chiro has become very ill. I need you to stay here so I'll be able to know of Chiro's status. I'm sorry I can't take you with Wish." Jen said sadly.

"I...I understand Jen. Are Mandarin and Antauri going with you?"

"Yes."

Jen released Wish and stood. She turned to face Mandarin and Antauri. "Let's go."

Wish followed although she wasn't going. When they stepped outside Wish stopped at the door. Jen looked back at Wish over her shoulder. She watched as her father's form vanished before she turned and began to run down the path, followed by the orange monkey and the black monkey.

People watched her as she raced by. I'm not going fast enough!

A young boy with red hair, eyes, ears, tail, and wings joined them. "Hey where are you going in such a hurry?" Jen ignored the boy. "Hey I'm talking to you!" the boy made a grab for Jen but she dodged.

"Go away, Albert. I have no time for you." Jen increased her speed and so did Albert and the monkeys.

"Come now, Jen, just tell me and I'll leave you alone."

Jen rounded on him in her anger. "None of your business! There is a life on the line right now and I'm the only one who can save him! So piss off and let me be!" The monkeys and Albert stared at her in awe.

Jen increased her speed and Albert pulled up. He watched them go. She had never acted like that before. It must be someone she was good friends with for her to act like that... or maybe I pushed her too far...

They ran through a field of grass their muscles were tiring. They had been running for 1 hour straight. The violet colored moon hung in the black sky. Small violet stars twinkled, winking at her telling her she wouldn't let the boy down. Jen just hopped they were right.

After another hour there was no way they could run any longer. They stopped to rest. Mandarin and Antauri sat back to back, supporting each other. Jen sat away from them and took out a small device that looked like a ball. A holographic map appeared and Jen studied it. After she knew where the mountain was, considering it was closer, she put the map away.

She lay back and rested her hands under her head. She closed her eyes and forced herself to relax. Something furry pressed against her on her right and left. She opened her eyes and looked at the two monkeys. She brought her arms out from under her had and brought them around Antauri and Mandarin.

"How about we rest for now? Our muscles need a little time to recover and so does our depleted energy." Jen suggested.

As an answer both monkeys curled up against her and closed their eyes. Jen smiled at them and looked at the winking stars above. Her exhaustion finally got the best of her and she fell asleep.

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