A/N: Finally, we have the 2nd chapter of the American Dragons story. This time around, instead of just dragon breath, the trio would get sick, though in varying degrees. Frankly, it was odd that Jake never got sick once. So, some slight changes were made to fix that. One of these changes involve Jasmine. Let's leave it at that for now.
American Dragons Jake Long & Rose Anderson
Chapter 2: Dragon Fever
Act I
In the moonlight, Jake, Rose, Tulip, Lao Shi, and Fu Dog were heading back from the rooftop after the Huntsboy and Huntsgirl's attack hours ago.
"Okay, I just gotta get this out. If I'm not a dragon yet, then why'd you guys bring me along? And how do I even prepare?", Tulip asked.
"Well, I'm sure that question will be answered tomorrow, at some point. Right, Master?", Rose asked.
"That is correct.", Lao Shi responded.
"Ahh. Okay, so I get the whole cleaning the toilet with the tongue thing now. No problem. Very useful stuff. Disgusting, but useful.", Jake began.
"Right.", Lao Shi said.
"And that whole sweeping the floor with the tail thing? I see how that's gonna come in handy, too.", Jake added.
"Mm-hmm."
"But what about the part where I did all your laundry? I mean, you had me scrubbing all your nasty socks and drawers. Ecch! What's up with that?", Jake asked.
"What's upping was Grandpa needed his laundry done.", Lao Shi responded.
"And tomorrow, you get to do mine.", Fu added before laughing.
"But... But I just... Aw, man...!", Jake groaned, earning Rose and Tulip's giggles.
Suddenly, Jake, Rose, Tulip, Lao Shi, and Fu Dog noticed myriad magical creatures suddenly springing out from the woodwork, screaming as they fled away.
"Whoa. What's got them so spooked?", Tulip asked.
"Something tells me it might have something to do with that.", Rose replied, noticing and pointing to the open sewer hatch.
"My thoughts exactly, young one.", Lao Shi agreed.
Then, they all walked over to the open hatch.
"Uh, so, um... What exactly is down there freaking everybody out?", Jake asked.
"That's the million-dollar question, kid.", Fu Dog said.
The wind groaned as the group looked down toward the hatch.
"Guys? Uh... I'd love to go down there and do some serious magical realm defending, but, uh... the thing is, I'd prefer not to get my face rearranged the day before the fall dance.", Jake said.
"And the sewers are just so...", Rose began before she and Tulip shuddered.
"Filthy...!", the two sisters shuddered.
"Ah, girls, even the thirstiest frog cannot drink from two ponds at once.", Lao Shi said.
"In other words, duties before cuties.", Fu spoke.
Then, he quickly pushed Jake down through the hatch and into the sewers with a splash.
"Not cool, Fu Dog.", Rose and Tulip said in unison.
Suddenly, they heard a roaring noise nearby.
"Now, listen up, yo. Whatever you are, I'm here to tell you to take your nasty business out of the sew... Aah!", Jake shouted as he was suddenly blindsided and struck toward a wall.
"Jake!", Rose and Tulip shouted in unison before Jake's back hit the wall and he splashed into the water when he fell down.
"My face! How's my face?", Jake asked in panic.
Fu, Rose, and Tulip groaned before the shadow then floated over toward him.
"Do we have to go down there...?", Rose asked hesitantly.
"You both have a sacred duty. Nothing should prevent you from doing that.", Lao Shi only replied.
Both Rose and Tulip groaned before jumping in through the hatch.
"Okay, you asked for it. Dragon up!", Jake shouted before blue mist covered him and turned him into a red, serpentine dragon yet again.
However, he was missing his tail before the mist fixed that.
Then, as soon as Jake landed his first attack in dragon mode, Rose transformed into a dragon as well and whipped the creature into the wall.
"How you like these moves, huh, sewer freak?", Jake asked as he did some poses.
"Jake! Watch out for that...!", Rose and Tulip began.
But Jake wound up hitting the pipe with his tail, drenching himself in sewer water, and getting a can on his head as well as getting himself stuck in a soda bottle net, which Jake quickly removed to be able to breathe again.
"Jake, look out!", Tulip shouted.
Thanks to her warning, the creature moved in to attack only to miss as Jake dodged. In retaliation, Rose breathed fire on the creature, driving it away with a screeching whimper. Both girls sighed in relief as they and Jake turned back to normal.
"Yeah. Ha ha! Believe dat! Y'all see me represent? You see how a real dragon put it down?", Jake asked.
"Ugh... I'm just glad we're finally out of those sewers.", Rose said.
"Whatever it is, it will be back.", Lao Shi warned as he left.
"Joy killer.", Jake scoffed.
Suddenly, all 3 sneezed, making Fu Dog react.
"Hey, watch it, kids!', Fu groaned.
"Sorry, Fu. But... ACHOO! THAT'S a real joy killer.", Rose said, sneezing again.
"Ugh... Remind us never to go into those sewers again...", Tulip groaned before she sneezed again.
Act II
The next day, at school, Trixie and Spud went up to Jake, Rose, and Tulip, all 3 of which kept as much distance as possible while all skateboarded to school.
"Hey, yo, guys! You know it's that time of year again. Time to make things right with the universe and do the charity thing.", Trixie said.
"So you're volunteering at the homeless shelter instead of going to the dance?", Jake asked.
"What, you bananas? This dance is my charity thing. I'm takin' Spud, not only as a charity to him, but to all the homegirls who won't have to be his date.", Trixie said as Spud, while playing with his yo-yo, wound up tying himself up.
"Yeah, we're gonna wear matching shirts.", Spud added.
"Yeah, that sounds about right.", Rose said as Trixie shook her head to Jake.
When the 5 friends arrived, though, Trixie picked up a bad smell.
"Ew. Y'all smell somethin' funny?", Trixie asked as she untied Spud out of his yo-yo.
"Uh, it's not me. I showered today. Er, um, wait, was that yesterday? Or maybe it was last Tuesday. Well, I can't remember when I showered last.", Spud replied as the 5 friends entered the school.
"So Jakey-Jake, who you takin' to the dance?", Trixie asked.
Jake looked both ways before leaning in to whisper to her ear.
"I'm gonna ask Rose. But I don't know how I can do that. So, I need your help.", Jake whispered, surprising Trixie.
"And what about you?", Spud asked.
Rose turned left and right for a bit before whispering to Spud.
"I'm gonna ask Jake to the dance, but the problem is, I don't know how to.", Rose whispered to Spud, surprising him as well.
Only Tulip noticed how Jake and Rose were each secretly planning to ask each other out without them knowing.
"Oh, brother... if only they knew...", Tulip said.
"Gonna? You better get on that train, buddy. He's gonna pull out of the station without you. He'll be all, whoo-hoo! Later, girl. I got an older lady. And you'll be all, no, um, I'm mature! And then you... Bam! You hit a telephone pole. And then you'll just be lyin' there, watching his caboose get away.", Spud said while acting out said scenario.
"Okay, first off, aren't you being overdramatic, Spud? And secondly, the thing about boys is, you can't come across too eager.", Rose replied.
"Yeah. Wait, what?", Jake puzzled.
"This train is running on my schedule.", Rose said to Spud.
"You think you can. You think you can!", Trixie said to Rose.
"I know I can.", Rose said.
"Well, just go talk to him already.", Tulip said.
"But how will I know if he feels the same way?", Rose asked.
"Simple. You're looking right at him.", Tulip replied.
She turned to notice Jake looking eager to ask him out.
"Jake?", Rose asked, realizing what Tulip meant.
"Glad you two found each other, but what about me? Where do I fit in all this?", Tulip asked.
"Yo, we here for ya, Tulip.", Trixie assured.
"Bro, let the healing begin.", Spud added.
"Guys, no time for tears. I gotta find a date!", Tulip urged.
"Look, I wouldn't do this for just anyone, but...", Spud began before Trixie interrupted him in rebuttal.
"Ah! Hey, hey, hey! You are my date. Tulip will be a'ight as long as she pop a couple of mints or gum or somethin' before she start askin' boys out.", Trixie suggested.
"What? My breath doesn't smell that bad! Does it?", Tulip puzzled.
Then, she checked and sniffed her own breath.
"Ugh...! Okay, maybe it does smell bad.", Tulip groaned.
Then, Jake and Rose each noticed each other giving off their own bad breaths as they checked.
"What? We both have bad breath?!", Rose asked in surprise.
"So that's what smells funny. Supercalifragilistic chronic halitosis. Ecch.", Spud said in disgust.
"Yeah, what is that? That's just funky.", Trixie said as she and Spud started to leave.
"Yucky.", Spud commented.
"Ugh!", Trixie added.
"We'll, uh, see ya at the dance, okay?", Rose said to Tulip as she and Jake left.
"Yeah. See you later...", Tulip sighed.
At lunch time, Tulip went over to a boy in the cafeteria.
"Hey, baby, how you doin'?", Tulip asked, her bad breath inadvertently making said boy covered his nose with his hand.
"Ugh! And I thought the tuna stroganoff stunk up the place.", the boy said in disgust.
"What? Still?! But I used mouthwash right before lunch! I swear!", Tulip said in shock.
"You want my advice babe? Take a breath mint. Or better yet, take the whole roll.", the student said as he poured the whole roll of breath mints into Tulip's mouth, earning her sigh.
Later, she went up to another boy as he was trying his shoe.
"Hey, baby, school dance? You? Me? What do you think?", Tulip asked.
But the boy nervously backed away from her.
"Um, I? You?", the boy asked.
Tulip noticed the boy backing away toward the plank and stopped.
"Look out behind you!", Tulip shouted.
The boy turned around, but it was too late. Fortunately, when he tripped on the plank, it was only a scrape.
"Ow!", the boy exclaimed.
Tulip winced with a sharp inhale from this.
"Sorry. So, I'm guessing that's a no?", Tulip asked.
Later, Jake and Rose were at class with Professor Rotwood.
"So, class, the one important thing to note about the Nix is that during the day, they appear human, but once the moon reaches its apex at the center, they transform into a terrifying serpentine-like monster that sucks the souls out of you from the shadows!", Professor Rotwood warned, showing a supposed picture of said nix.
"Huh? That creature. It looks so... familiar...", Rose said.
Speaking of transforming, at that moment, both Jake and Rose's necks not only grew longer, but also had turned draconic and scaly with Jake's neck being red and Rose's being pink. It didn't take long for them to notice before gasping and each wrapping their necks around in a way to make their long necks resemble scarves.
"Yo, Professor Rotwood? Any chance we could head home?", Jake asked.
"Yeah, we're not feeling too good.", Rose added.
Meanwhile, Tulip was at the hall.
"Why fight it, cutie? I need a date and you don't have one, so...", Tulip began.
But the moment the man turned around, he turned out to be the janitor, making her gag in disgust.
"Forget it. That's not gonna work. You're too old for me. Besides, even if I wanted to ask you out, you'd just smell my bad breath, and you're just gonna barf.", Tulip said, her bad breath sniffed by the janitor.
The janitor then barfed into the bucket in reaction, making her sigh.
"See? That's not right...!", Tulip groaned.
Just then, someone spoke up on the PA.
"Attention, students. Due to a mysterious odor, we will be evacuating the building until hazmat crews have located the source of the stench.", the man spoke before the bell rang and the students cheered as they left.
"Even the whole school doesn't like it...", Tulip groaned, sounding as if she was starting to get sick.
Almost immediately, she began to grow blue scales on her face as well as claws, talons, draconic eyes with slits, fangs, wings, and a tail, all with a literally sick feeling as she groaned, her breath causing the lockers to peel where it was touched. Not long after, she discovered her newly draconic body parts.
"What the...? Claws? Fangs? Wings? And a tail?", Tulip asked before gasping. "I'm turning into a dragon... I'm turning into a dragon!"
But she was so lost in the excitement that she hadn't accounted for her stomach pains. She groaned loudly, cradling her stomach as if in pain.
"Ugh...! I feel like I'm about to...!"
Then, she retched out. But it wasn't any food that came out. It was fire! After she stopped, she groaned.
"Maybe it'd be so cool if I wasn't so sick..."
Moments later, Jake, Rose, and Tulip were all back at the dojo, the former two's necks back to normal.
"Ai-yah. You all have Dragon Fever, all right.", Lao Shi said.
"Dragon Fever?", the trio asked.
"Ah, yes. I can recognize the symptoms. Dragon Breath, malfunctioning of the shape shifting glands...", Lao Shi began as Jake and Rose's heads suddenly became dragon heads and Tulip groaned from said upset stomach before vomiting out fire again.
"And who could forget the upset stomach and projectile flaming nausea for your case?", Lao Shi added.
"Sorry, Master...", Tulip groaned.
"It is quite all right, young one.", Lao Shi said before Rose and Jake's heads turned back to normal only for the two to grow tails uncontrollably.
"I knew we shouldn't have gone into the sewers!", Rose groaned.
"I just wish that creature we fought didn't happen to be in the sewers because look how sick we are!", Tulip snapped.
"You mean how sick 'you' are.", Lao Shi retorted.
"What? What do you mean?!", Tulip asked.
"Since Jake and Rose contracted the fever at this age while able to turn into dragons, their condition should be manageable. But in your case, it is very grave news if you contract it before you ever reach a point you can transform at will. You've already sprouted dragon claws, fangs, wings, talons, scales, and a tail, all prematurely, I might add, not to mention your upset stomach. And with a hot-headed temper like that, you don't want to know what potential risks would happen the next time you REALLY lose your cool.", Lao Shi said.
"First off, how do you know these stages are premature? And second, I have to get to the dance! I always show up at curricular events whenever I could. And if there was one I couldn't attend, I'd have let them know by now. But I didn't tell them, and there is no way I can be a no-show to that dance!", Tulip shouted, her eyes starting to turn feral.
"Just calm down, Tulip. The fever should go away soon.", Rose assured, soothing her enough for her to calm down.
"I hope so...", Tulip sighed.
"Oh, yeah. Grandpa, how long do you think it would take before the fever goes away?", Jake asked.
"Normally, it should only last for one, two, maybe three days.", Lao Shi replied.
"3 DAYS?! The Fall dance is tonight!", Tulip shouted, starting to lose it as she grew slightly taller until Rose hugged her just enough to get her attention.
"Just calm down, Tulip. We'll figure this thing out somehow. And sooner, rather than later, at that.", Rose said, her dragon breath making its way over to the stressed-out Tulip.
Tulip would've stayed angry, let alone get madder than usual, but the dragon breath went to her nose, giving her a calming reaction.
"Okay. I don't know how your breath got me to calm down, but... I guess I'll keep my cool. For now.", Tulip sighed, shrinking back to normal height.
"Hm. Quite peculiar...", Lao Shi pondered.
"Unacceptable, Gramps. Me and Rose got a dance to go to, you feelin' me?", Jake asked.
"The dance is not, as of this moment, important. What is important other than your recovery is for us to identify the creature in the sewer. The Dragon Council is awaiting a full report.", Lao Shi responded, checking over the books as Rose looked over.
"Anything in those books about how to help me get better, or at the very least, less sick?", Tulip asked, groaning as she held her stomach, not knowing that her breath making Lao Shi cough.
"Sorry, Master. I can't tell if my dragon breath is actually dragon breath or just vomit breath. Although, the vomit breath is more like a fire gas, so, it's hard to tell.", Tulip said.
"You should not rush things so hastily. Slow and steady often wins the race.", Lao Shi said as Fu Dog popped out, listening in.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Like with the hare and the tortoise?", Tulip asked, earning his nod.
"Uh, actually, no. Otherwise, the turtles would all be winners.", Jake said.
"Hmm? Bah! Do not question your Dragon Master!", Lao Shi said, getting back to the research on the creature from last night.
Suddenly, Fu grabbed Tulip by the tail.
"Tulip?", Jake and Rose puzzled before going over to where she and Fu Dog are.
"Don't you EVER grab my tail again!", Tulip snarled, moving her tail away.
"Gah...! Okay. Anyway, you seriously taking advice from a man who hasn't had a date since the Ming dynasty? Follow me, kid. I got just the thing that'll do wonders for ya.", Fu Dog said.
"Oh. Well, you could've at least said that.", Tulip said before her stomach ached again, making her groan once more.
"And could you make it quick, please?", Tulip asked.
"No problem.", Fu Dog assured.
Later, Fu Dog brought Jake, Rose, and Tulip over to the desk and pot.
"Crushed bat guano... Bang! A little pinch of Rosemary... Baboom! And last but not least, a little eau de toad.", Fu Dog said.
He was putting in the pot crushed bat guano, a pinch of Rosemary, and finally, toad wart, much to the trio's disgust. All that was left now was to mix the potion, making it glow with a bit of a magic explosion and smoke. Then, Fu carried three necklaces which held crystal shards before said shards were dipped into the potion.
"Bingo! As long as you're wearing this baby, Tulip, all the lethal and wacky symptoms of Dragon Fever, bad breath is an extra, is but a distant nightmare. I even got those two extras ready for you guys, too.", Fu said, handing all 3 to Jake, Rose, and Tulip.
When they all put them on, while Jake and Rose's bodies returned back to normal completely, Tulip at least started to sprout up and look better, though still in her current state.
"I don't look any different, but...", Tulip began before noticing something.
"Wait... The fever... It looks like I still have it, but... I feel like I don't have it at all. I feel better!", Tulip grinned.
"Well, it's a work-in progress, so I couldn't get rid of all the symptoms, hence your lizard-like appearance.", Fu Dog explained.
"Eh. I'll manage. As long as I'm feeling 100% with this thing on, I wanna try this stage out.", Tulip said.
"Good to see you're getting better, Tulip.", Rose grinned.
"And our dragon powers aren't going crazy anymore!", Jake grinned.
"Thanks, Fu! You're the best!", Tulip said, hugging him tightly.
"Ah, ah, ah! Just be careful with it. Toad wart isn't back in season until June.", Fu Dog warned.
"Oh. Sorry.", Tulip apologized.
"Now about getting you a date to the dance...", Fu said.
"Huh? But I already asked every boy in school right before I came down with the fever.", Tulip puzzled.
"Wow. Every boy?", Jake asked, earning Tulip's nod with a condescending look.
"Who said anything about school?", Fu Dog smirked.
"Okay, what do you have in mind?", Rose asked.
Later, Fu Dog, Jake, Rose, and Tulip, now draping her wings over her shoulders like a cape and wrapping her tail along her waist like a belt, were all taking the subway train.
"Now, if you really want to go to the fall dance, you gotta show up at the dance with a Grade-A prime hottie. You gotta show her that you're a serious player.", Fu Dog said.
"How serious do I need to be?", Tulip asked coyly.
"With that kind of attitude? Very. Now, I happen to know some boys on my side of town that might be willing to help you out.", Fu Dog assured.
"Heh. Bring it on, Fu!", Tulip grinned.
"You took the words right outta my mouth, girl.", Jake said.
"Not that I mind you guys coming along for support, but what are you and Rose even doing here? You two have each other.", Tulip asked.
"Like you said. Support.", Rose replied.
The horn blew as it passed by some passengers. Then, the brakes hissed and the train stopped, allowing the passengers to get up and leave. Even Tulip, Jake, and Rose started off on their way until Fu Dog stopped them.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up, kids.", Fu said.
"But isn't this the last stop?", Tulip asked.
"Not for us, it ain't.", Fu Dog replied before winking to the driver, who was revealed to have been a magical elf with long-leg-like pants.
"Huh?", the trio puzzled in surprise.
"This here's the express train to magicville. Ha ha ha!", Fu Dog chuckled as the driver pressed his button and tipped his hat whilst his skin turned bright purple.
Suddenly, the train car got lifted up through a magic portal, taking the four to a sort of bazaar full of magical creatures and artifacts galore.
"Eye of newt, 5 for $1.00!", a woman called.
"Guano! Get your guano!", a green-haired, frill-eared man called.
"Earmuffs! Hide your pointy ears all winter long.", an earmuff seller called.
"Welcome to Magus Bazaar, kids. Anything you need, you can find it here.", Fu Dog said.
Tulip took a look at the Bazaar.
"Whoa. A bazaar with everything a magical creature might need? You guys are doing pretty well for yourselves.", Tulip grinned.
She was about to walk back, but Fu Dog stopped her.
"Hey, hey, hey. Stick close. I don't want you talking to anybody unless I give you the thumbs-up. Some of these characters are a little unsavory.", Fu Dog warned.
"Oh. Okay. Noted.", Tulip replied.
"Look. There's someone up there we could try.", Rose suggested before Fu Dog whistled.
"Hey, Peter, you back here yet?", Fu Dog asked.
"Hey, Fu Dog! You out of bat liver oil already?", Peter asked.
"Heh heh. Nah. Nah. I got someone here I'd like you to meet. Tulip, meet Pa... Pa... Peter.", Fu Dog said.
Seeing him up close, Tulip blushed.
"Come on, kid. Work your magic.", Fu Dog said before taking off.
"Oh, right! Uh, hey, listen, Peter, I was wondering, if you weren't busy tomorrow night, maybe I could...", Tulip began.
But as soon as Peter's lower spider half was revealed, Tulip froze up.
"Uh-oh.", Rose said in worry right before Tulip let out a loud squeak of fear and took off quickly.
"Tulip, wait!", Rose shouted, going after her.
"Was it something I said?", Peter called.
"I'm sorry, Tulip! I didn't know!", Rose shouted to her sister.
Tulip, however, in her hasty panic, bumped into Fu Dog.
"Hey, what's the matter with you?", Fu Dog asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I was just scared off by the EIGHT HAIRY SPIDER LEGS!", Tulip scolded.
"Hey, I thought you might be a leg girl.", Fu Dog said, only earning both Rose glaring at him with a clear of her throat and Tulip's apprehensive growl.
"All right, relax. I got a few other options.", Fu Dog assured.
"Explain. Now!", Tulip glared.
At that moment, Jake saw a suggestion and shouted.
"Twins!", Jake shouted, puzzling Tulip.
"Huh? Twins?"
"They ain't just twins. They're oracle twins. Seers, as in they can see the future. Huh? Huh?", Fu Dog asked.
"Wow. How cool is that?", Jake asked.
"Huh. I guess it does sound pretty cool.", Tulip said.
Then, she went over to the twins.
"Hi! you're cute. Want to know the exact time of day you're gonna die?", the first twin asked cheerfully, catching her off-guard.
"Gah! Uh..."
"You're finally going to go dragon while babysitting Jake's sister, Haley. Whoop-dee-do.", the 2nd twin stated gloomily.
Tulip had mixed feelings.
"I can't tell if I should be sad I'm not getting them any sooner or happy that it's actually gonna happen.", Tulip said.
"Uh, here's the deal, kid. Mark, little Mr. sunshine, he can only see the bad stuff that's gonna happen. Greg, Mr. gloom-and-doom, can only see the good stuff. Go figure. Anyhow, you got your pick.", Fu Dog said.
"You should totally have that temper of yours checked.", Mark said before chuckling, making her growl.
"I do NOT have a temper!", Tulip snarled for a moment before sighing. "I pick neither."
"Look, fu, with all due respect, I'm looking for someone I could relate to, not someone that freaks me out.", Tulip stated.
"Whoa, take it easy, kid. We're just getting warmed up.", Fu Dog said.
Just then, Jake and Rose saw a long, black-haired woman in a red dress with a purse at the potions store.
"How about her?", Jake asked.
"What?", Tulip asked.
"Yeah. She looks normal enough.", Rose added.
Tulip then saw the women they saw.
"Huh. I guess she does.", Tulip said, going over to her before Jake helped push her along.
"Go get her, Tulip!", Jake encouraged.
But Fu Dog, out of concern, felt otherwise.
"No way, kid. Some of these girls are dangerous."
"Relax, Fu Dog. We'll keep an eye on her."
"And we'll make sure nothing happens.", Rose added as she and Jake followed Tulip.
"Just stick with me, Tulip. I'll make sure you don't get...", Fu Dog began before he wound up grabbed by a horned goblin. "Hurt?"
Just then, who should turn up but a smaller, light green goblin with big ears and slightly small hair.
"Well, well, well... You've got a lot of nerve showing your face around here.", the goblin glared with a smirk.
"Herbert, come on, I was gonna pay you back those dog biscuits. Seriously. I just need a little more time.", Fu pleaded.
Meanwhile, Tulip went over to the woman.
"Hi. Do you happen to come here often?", Tulip asked.
"Heh. No, I'm just in town for a few days visiting my family.", the woman said.
"Oh. That's nice. I'm Tulip, by the way.", Tulip responded.
"I'm Jasmine.", Jasmine greeted.
"Hi. Oh! Uh, listen, there's a dance at my school tomorrow night, and I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to go with me. As a friend?", Tulip asked.
"Oh, I'd love to, but...", Jasmine began.
"What's wrong?"
"I just have to be home early. I stayed out late last night and got in so much trouble. You don't even know.", Jasmine said.
"Oh. Well, how early do you have to be?", Tulip asked.
"Oh, you know, some time around... 10:23 and 15 seconds Eastern Standard Time. Oh, it's this whole lunar cycle thing.", Jasmine said.
"Huh. That's weirdly specific. But sure. I'll try and make sure you get home early.", Tulip said.
Seeing the progress themselves, Jake and Rose turned to each other, finally plucking up the courage to ask each other out.
"Rose. I was just... I've been wanting to ask you something for a while. But I wanted to do it in the best way. Problem is, I didn't know how, because I thought: 'Rose is too cool for this.'", Jake admitted, his face turning red.
Rose was embarrassed and spoke shyly.
"I'm not as cool as you think."
"Yeah. So, uh, Rose, I... I was just wondering if, uh...", Jake began before Rose quickly interrupted.
"Do you wanna go out with me?!", Rose interrupted.
"No way, you too?! And I was so ready...", Jake said.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, you can say it.", Rose said.
"Uh, okay... Rose, I was wondering if you had any plans for the dance and if you wanna go out with me, if not.
"Oh. Well, first off, I don't have any plans. And second..., YES!", Rose responded with a bit of a nervous, yet mostly excited giggle.
"Oh! That's great!", Jake grinned.
Suddenly, Fu Dog spoke up, now being hung upside down.
"Guys, come on. Be reasonable.", Fu Dog pleaded.
"Um, I'll see you tomorrow, okay, Jasmine?", Tulip asked before rushing over to Fu Dog.
"The blood's rushing to my head.", Fu Dog pleaded.
"Hey! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?", Tulip shouted before the bodyguard dropped Fu Dog and growled at Tulip.
Of course, she simply tapped on the bodyguard's back, confusing him, and then kicked him back towards the cart. Before Herbert could flee, she grabbed him with her tail and chucked him toward his bodyguard right before tossing a tent at them.
"Dang, girl! Who knew you had some moves?", Jake asked, surprised.
"Thanks.", Tulip grinned.
"Are you okay?", Rose asked, picking Fu Dog up enough to get him standing back up again.
"Whew, nice save, kid. Now, maybe we can find you a date in troll town.", Fu Dog said.
"Nah, there's no need. I think I found the one I was looking for anyway.", Tulip said, turning to Jasmine, who waved to her. "All that and more."
"Moon rocks! Get your moon rocks right here!", the vendor said before Jasmine's eyes momentarily turned red as she walked away.
Act III
Later, at home, Jake was getting ready for the fall dance. Or rather, he was getting pictures taken.
"Aah! Oh, come on. Mom!", Jake groaned.
"Ooh! I can't help it, Jake. You just look so handsome! Okay, hold still. Hold still!", Susan responded, still taking pictures.
"You know, son, your tie might fit a little better if you took off this necklace.", Jonathan suggested, picking up the necklace, quickly making Jake worried.
"NO! I mean, uh, heh. No, I mean, the ladies like to see a little bling-bling. Know what I'm sayin', pops?", Jake said nervously.
"No. I have no idea.", Jonathan said before the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!", Haley assured before answering the door.
Sure enough, she found Rose, in a beautiful white dress with a pink accent, complement her, and tie the corsage to her wrist.
"Hi. Is Jake here?", Rose asked.
"Oh. Hi, Rose. So, you two are going to the dance together? I'm surprised. My brother's never dated anyone as pretty as you. Actually, my brother's never dated.", Haley said.
"Really? That's so sweet.", Rose grinned.
"Oh, he's the best. He sleeps with a night light, picks his toes, and Mom had to send him to school with extra underwear for the entire first grade. Accidents.", Haley whispered, teasingly.
"Oh.", Rose said in slight surprise.
"Hey! Rose! You two ready for the dance yet?!", Tulip called.
"Be right there, Tulip!", Rose called in reply.
"Well, bye.", Jake said as he and Rose were about to leave.
But then, Susan stopped them.
"Hold it! hold it! hold it! hold it!", Susan shouted before then taking a picture.
"Okay! Okay, well, don't wait up!", Jake said as he and Rose left with Tulip and Jasmine following them.
"Huh. That's weird. Tulip's friend, Jasmine has red eye in every one of these pictures.", Susan said, showing to Jonathan one of the pictures in which Jasmine has red eyes.
"Huh. Camera must be broken.", Jonathan guessed.
"Speaking of Tulip, did you see her? She's definitely rocking that Dragon costume. Must be gettin' close to Halloween.", Jonathan said.
Later, the two groups have arrived at the fall dance at school where Trixie was laying some ground rules.
"Look here, Spud, I showed up with you, but I ain't about to dance with you, get your punch, or pose for any photos that can later be used against me. Are you hearin' me?", Trixie asked.
"No, ma'am.", Spud only responded before Trixie saw Jake and Rose together as well as Tulip and Jasmine.
"Right on, Jake!", Trixie shouted in surprise.
"Hey, guys.", Rose greeted.
"Trixie, Spud, I'd like you to meet Jasmine.", Tulip introduced.
"It's nice to meet you guys. How are you doing?", Jasmine asked.
"Maybe we should get our dance...", Spud began.
"Ah! Shut it down, dough boy.", Trixie said, shooting down the idea.
"Okay.", Spud sighed sadly.
Jake, Rose, Tulip, and Jasmine all looked to one another, puzzled.
Meanwhile, Lao Shi was apparently trying to fix the camera.
"Tell the Council I do not have any information about the creature yet. Apparently, my daughter thinks fixing a digital camera is more important than restoring peace to the community.", Lao Shi grumbled in complaint.
"No skin off my wings. I'm paid by the hour.", the fairy assured.
Just then, Lao Shi noticed something amiss in the photo.
"Wait! Nix!", Lao Shi shouted.
"Gesundheit.", the fairy said.
"No, no, listen.", Lao Shi spoke as he got out a book, which unveiled a magical portrait of Jasmine, who appeared human right before transforming into a nix.
"The Nix is a creature who, while harmless and beautiful during the day, becomes a soul-sucking monster when the moon reaches the center of the night sky.", Lao Shi explained.
"Oh, dear. What a horrible thing to go through. I heard that the nix used to be human until they were cursed by the Primordial Greek Goddess Nyx to become wild and berserk until they were exposed to the breath of a Dragon experiencing the full breadth of Dragon Fever; of course, the dragon in question would have to be a primal, rampaging one for the full potency to work.", the fairy said.
"Exactly. And... Wait. How do you know all this?", Lao Shi asked. "And did you say, 'primal, rampaging dragon'?!"
"I once majored in mythology. What do you expect?", the fairy replied.
"Oh, no...!", Lao Shi worried.
Meanwhile, at school, Jasmine spoke to Tulip as they, along with Jake and Rose, were dancing along.
"Um, Tulip, don't forget. I have to be home by...", Jasmine began.
"I know. 10:23, right?", Tulip asked.
"And 15 seconds. It's the exact time the moon reaches the center of the sky.", Jasmine warned.
"Like I said. I'll try and see if you can get back in time.", Tulip assured.
Suddenly, a couple of students swarmed over to Jasmine and Tulip.
"Who are you?", one student asked.
"Do you have a sister? Or even a half-sister?", another asked.
"'Try' being the operative word.", Tulip added in annoyance toward the other students. "Until then, we could always just watch other people dance. Like Jake, for instance."
At that moment, Jake was dancing.
"Gentlemen... It's like I says to my hot date Rose earlier, hot date Rose, I says, if you want the hotties, you gots to move your bodies. Hey! Don't hurt yourself. Uh! Uh. Over here. Check it out. What? Over here. Check it out. Party over here. Check it out.", Jake said as he danced, even spinning on his back.
But at that moment, Jasmine worriedly looked up at the moon, close to its apex.
"Uh, Tulip, it's getting late, and I'm not feeling too well.", Jasmine warned in worry.
"Already?", Tulip asked.
"Yo! Party over here! What? Party over here!", Jake spoke excitedly as he was getting picked up by the crowd.
"Tulip, the moon!", Jasmine urged.
"It can't be that bad to stay for at least one more second, can it?", Tulip puzzled.
"Yo, yo, yo, D.J.! Drop... Drop the beat!", Jake spoke.
"Trixie on the one and twos!", Trixie spoke, scratching the record before the song played.
"Please. I... I'm not feeling like myself really right now.", Jasmine said.
"That bad...?"
"I... I really need to go.", Jasmine urged.
"Okay. We're going.", Tulip nodded.
But before Tulip and Jasmine could leave, Jake and Rose turned up.
"What's wrong?", Rose asked.
"Guys, look. Jasmine's feeling off, and we really need to...", Tulip began.
"Come on. One dance won't hurt anyone.", Jake assured as he and Rose led them to the dance floor.
But then, Jasmine growled as her eyes turned red, which wasn't unnoticed as Tulip and Rose saw this.
"Somehow, I'm beginning to doubt it...", Tulip said in worry.
"Yo, yo, check it out. It's the MacDaddy giving MacDaddy lessons at the punch bowl in 10 minutes. Peace!", Jake shouted before Trixie went over to Jasmine.
"Uh, Tulip? You seen your hot date Jasmine lately?", Trixie asked.
"I know. She insisted over and over that we need to leave. She's even stressed about it.", Tulip replied before Jasmine growled as her eyes flashed red again.
"I don't think stressed does any justice, Tulip.", Rose responded.
Just then, Brad walked up to her.
"Hey, sweetie, you really know your way around a dance floor.", Brad said, only to earn Jasmine's growl.
"Well, grrr to you, too.", Brad said before Jasmine started to inhale, sucking a blue mist out of Brad and into her, rendering Brad a soul-less husk with spinning eyes that has nothing to do but walk around aimlessly while bumping into the other students.
"Yeah, that's not a good sign.", Rose said.
"We've gotta get Jake, right now!", Tulip urged.
Speaking of Jake, while at the turntables, he looked out and saw Jasmine stealing some souls, making him gasp.
"Yah! Trixie, whatever you do, don't let Spud dance with Jasmine.", Jake warned.
"Homeboy, please. I wish I thought Spud would dare dance with another g...", Trixie began only to notice that Spud wound up having his soul drained (though only Jake, Rose, and Tulip knew so far).
"Spud? Yo, Spud! Yo, Spud, snap out of it, boy!", Trixie shouted, trying to get him to come to his senses, but to no avail all while Rose and Tulip rushed over to him.
"Jake! It's Jasmine! She's...!", the two shouted.
"Yeah, I know.", Jake responded before he and the two girls, upon his insistence, hid underneath the table, allowing Tulip to make the call.
Meanwhile, Fu Dog was getting a wrinkle massage.
"Yeah, you store much tension in these wrinkles.", the 6-armed woman spoke in a swedish accent, massaging Fu Dog and laying a blanket over him.
Suddenly, the phone rang. The dog tried to get his phone only to get out an anvil and a woman's shoe before finally getting out his cell phone.
"Talk to the Fu.", Fu Dog said.
"Fu, we need your help. Jasmine's acting completely nuts because I wasn't able to get her home before 10:23 and 15 seconds on the Eastern Standard Time!", Tulip shouted.
"Date? What date?", Fu Dog asked.
"Well, remember this girl I saw from the flea market?", Tulip asked.
"Kid, what did you do?", Fu Dog asked.
"She took a Nix to the school dance.", Lao Shi answered, entering and holding up Jasmine's picture, making Fu Dog shudder in fear.
"A Nix? You mean the one with the...", Fu Dog began.
"AND put herself at risk of succumbing to the feral wrath of Dragon Fever.", Lao Shi said.
"How bad are we talkin' about?", Fu Dog asked before Lao Shi whispered into his ear, making the dog gasp in fear.
"Aw, Tulip, do you realize your date is a soul-stealing vixen?", Fu Dog asked.
"Well, I'm starting to, now.", Tulip responded.
"You guys gotta get her out of there, pronto. You don't want to know what happens to a Nix when the moon reaches the center of the sky.", Fu Dog warned.
"You don't think we've tried that?", Tulip spoke up.
Suddenly, thunder sounded.
"What was that?", Rose asked.
She, Jake, and Tulip all got out from under the table to see that the moon finally reached its apex and shone its light on Jasmine, covering her in a dark, sparkling mist, which transformed her into a winged, naga-demon with claws, fangs, and fiery red eyes as she roared.
"Uh, I think we just found out.", Tulip said as both Jake and Rose gasped.
Act IV
Play Naruto Shippuden Music: "Orochimaru Theme (Fast Ver.)"
Jasmine roared as she stole nearly every last soul within her radius as the rest started to evacuate.
"Guys, stay calm! Leave in an orderly fashion!", Tulip urged.
But as they fled, the evacuees inadvertently bumped into her, making her necklace fly off her neck, unbeknownst to her as she stood up.
"So, that's why she wanted to be back home. Every time the full moon hits its apex, she winds up transforming into a soul-sucking monster. That's what she was trying to avoid this whole time!", Rose realized.
"And we were too late...!", Tulip said.
"And now, your date totally stole the souls of the entire student body! Talk about killing the party vibe.", Jake said.
"So, what are we supposed to do?", Rose asked.
"I think I can whip up a potion that'll help you guys out, but you gotta keep her busy till then.", Fu Dog urged.
"That's all we can do.", Tulip said.
"And whatever you do, do NOT, I repeat, do NOT take your necklace off!", Fu Dog warned, making Tulip realize that the necklace flew off and that she was no longer wearing it.
"Uh..., a little late for that...!", Tulip spoke in worry.
"What?! Okay. Just try to keep calm. If you don't, the next time you go ballistic, you could turn into a rampaging dragon!", Fu Dog warned.
"Uh..., okay. I'll try not to lose my cool. If I can...", Tulip responded before ending the call.
Then, Jake and Rose turned to each other and nodded.
"Dragon up!", Jake shouted before he and Rose both turned into dragons.
"Right on!", Jake said before he and Rose burst out from the table in Dragon forms.
"Time to go kick some Nix!", Rose added.
"Be careful!", Tulip warned.
"Look out, Nix, 'cause the Am-drag is on the sciz-ene...", Jake began only to get smacked toward a table alongside Rose, who was then grabbed and wrapped around by the tail by the Nix.
Stop Naruto Shippuden Music: "Orochimaru Theme (Fast Ver.)"
"Rose, no!", Tulip shouted in worry.
The nix then started to suck out Rose's soul, shocking, if not angering her.
"You leave her alone, you...!"
Play Naruto Shippuden Music: "Crimson Flames"
Suddenly, due to the increase in body temperature in accordance with her extreme concern for Rose, she yelled out in pain, attracting both the Nix and dragons' attention, which fortunately saved Rose from having her soul stolen, leaving her breathless for a brief moment.
"GAAAAAAAAAAH! SO MUCH PAIN! IT HURTS! MAKE IT STOP!", Tulip shouted as she suddenly started to turn dragon as Rose's soul came back in with Rose gasping full of life before seeing Rose's transformation.
But it was not in the usual way Jake did. If anything, she grew bigger, more animal-like as her dress tore off completely. Even amidst all of this and the pain, all she could focus on was the nix that hurt her sister and tried to take her soul.
"Oh, no.", Rose said in worry.
"Leave... Rose...! ALOOOOOOOOOONE!", Tulip roared, her face completely turning more draconic.
With a primal, draconic, shrieking roar, the transformation was complete. To start, the primal dragon took advantage of the nix's shock and used her tail to sweep Jasmine to the floor, making the nix snarl at the dragon, which then shrieked apprehensively in response before pursuing her. Jasmine was forced toward the turn table. There, she spotted the vinyl discs, picked them up as ammo, and tossed them at Tulip only for her to block them with her wings until Jasmine ran out of discs. The nix gasped before the primal dragon whacked her to the floor with her tail, although not before the nix got spun on the turntable.
"Oooh, that's gonna hurt.", Jake winced as Rose gasped.
The dragon then pounced on the nix and then shrieked with a roar once more, this time, blasting the nix with her dragon breath. The roar alone may not have made the nix flinch, but her dragon breath blasting out did the trick.
"Dragon... Breath. Whoa ho ho!", Jasmine coughed before toppling over backwards and releasing the souls of everyone else she drained all while the primal dragon roared victoriously.
Once they were returned, Jasmine recovered, still in Nix form, but with her eyes normal again as Rose ran over to her.
"Jasmine! Are you okay?", Rose asked.
"What the... What just happened? I remember not leaving on time and then nothing.", Jasmine puzzled.
Then, she looked up at the sky and saw the Moon still at its apex.
"Oh my… my curse, i-it's broken! But how? I didn't run into a-", Jasmine puzzled, noticing her current Nix form still active.
Just then, the primal dragon roared again as if to dissuade her.
"Well, that would be your date.", Rose said.
"Huh. Apparently, I did.", Jasmine said, baffled by the revelation.
Just then, Fu Dog and Lao Shi, in dragon form, turned up.
"Back off, soul siste...wha?!", Fu shouted, surprised by the development just as the student body was coming to.
"What happened?", one student asked.
"What's going on?", another puzzled.
"Hey, I don't remember this.", a third added.
"Uh..., hi?", Jasmine greeted a bit nervously.
The primal dragon then roared, scaring heck out of the student body.
"AH! Giant Dragon!", one student shouted before he and the others fled in a panic, leaving the place nearly vacant.
"Well, I guess that's one way to clear the room.", Rose said.
"It's her dragon fever. Normally, it is harmless, but like I said before, it is extremely dangerous for those who have yet to develop their dragon powers. If they get provoked while carrying the fever, they fully transform. And when they do, they not only risk losing themselves to the dragon's wrath, but if not properly treated, they also run the risk of being a mindless beast permanently.", Lao Shi warned.
"What?!", Jake and Rose shouted in panicked unison.
The primal dragon roared as she then charged toward Jake and Rose, barely missing them as they dodged.
"So, we just need to calm her down, right?", Rose asked.
"That's right! Here, kid. This ought to do the trick.", Fu Dog said, handing Jake the potion.
"Ha!", Jake said, rushing over to the primal dragon, which recovered with a snarl.
"Sorry, Tulip. But it's for your own good.", Jake said as he opened the bottle before drinking it.
"Jake, no!", Rose shouted.
"Kid, no! You're not supposed to drink it!", Fu Dog shouted at the same time, making Jake realize his mistake and spit the potion out.
"Huh?"
"You were supposed to pour it on Tulip! The potion renders whoever touches it powerless!", Fu Dog warned before Jake was forced back into human form, shrouded in blue mist.
"Aw, man!", Jake groaned.
The primal dragon roared, raining fire down on Jake, who had to flee from the flames, which started to set the place on fire.
"Uh, a little help, Gramps?", Jake asked in worry.
Lao Shi then kicked Tulip back from Jake, only serving to anger the dragon and provoke her into firing her dragon breath at him only for Lao Shi to retaliate with his own, clashing flames with one another. At that point, Rose rushed to Lao Shi.
"I'm here to help!", Rose shouted before firing her dragon fire at Tulip's, helping Lao Shi a little.
But in the end, it only spurred the primal dragon enough to overpower both of their fire with her own, knocking them back to the ground.
"Rose!", Jake shouted before rushing in to save her only for the primal dragon to grab him with her tail while pinning Rose and Lao Shi down with her claws.
"Jake! Rose!", Jasmine shouted in worry.
Then, she noticed the potion bottle and the punch.
"Wait a minute.", Jasmine said, picking up the bottle and noticing that there were some good few drops left, not to mention the punch as well.
"I know what to do.", Jasmine said, slithering over to the punch bowl and mixing the potion in it while Fu Dog was currently unaware.
"Come on, kid. I bet all my brownies on you. And I'm wishing my chocolate had been on the primal dragon, 'cause, frankly, you stink!", Fu Dog shouted.
The primal dragon roared, blasting her dragon breath yet again, but this time, on Jake, Rose, and Lao Shi.
"Uh, you're right! I do stink!", Jake realized before taking his necklace off and tossing it in the trash.
Rose gasped in worry before changing back and, to the best of her ability, removing her necklace. The primal dragon growled at them, looming over them still as she reared her draconic head.
End Naruto Shippuden Music: "Crimson Flames"
"H... How ya like me now, Tulip?", Jake asked.
Upon sniffing the dragon breath, the primal dragon became puzzled.
"Uh, yeah! That's right, Tulip! Back away! Back! Away!", Rose shouted.
The primal dragon growled softly before backing away while releasing her grip on the trio, from claw to tail.
"You guys did it!", Jasmine grinned, holding the punch-potion formula.
"So, now what?", Rose asked.
"Lure her outside. I'll handle the rest.", Jasmine urged, heading outside.
Then, Rose turned to Tulip.
"You hear that, Tulip? You have to follow me outside.", Rose spoke, heading outside.
Curious, the primal dragon followed Rose.
"That's right! Follow me!", Rose urged, leading the primal dragon outside.
Once outside the school, Jasmine poured the formula onto Tulip's talon. When that was done, the primal dragon groaned softly as if yawning before then collapsing while turning back to normal (well, normal as she could be as she was now back to her hybrid state, unconscious as she was now sleeping). Rose sighed in relief before growing dragon wings uncontrollably.
"We'll keep the she-dragon ix-nayed at the shop until sunrise. When the sun rises, she'll be good as new.", Fu Dog said, carrying Tulip there.
With that, Jake, whose head turned into a dragon head, and Rose turned to Jasmine, who gave a bit of a nervous giggle.
Play Ed Sheeran Music: "Perfect"
Moments later, the trio were slow-dancing while the night was still young. As they did, it showed Jake and Rose first meeting as kids and playing together before one day seeing that they're both dragons and then started training up to this day and then going to the present with both Jake and Rose in their dragon bodies with normal heads.
I found a love, for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
"So, um... I'm not sure how to put this, but I'm sorry I tried to suck the souls out of all your friends, and yours, at the dance.", Jasmine apologized.
"Hey, you warned Tulip you needed to get home 11 times. And she tried to help you get back home.", Rose said.
"I guess we were just too caught up in our own thing.", Jake added.
"Still, I should have told you.", Jasmine sighed.
"Well, at least your curse, or whatever it was, was lifted. Apparently.", Rose said.
"The curse I ha... used to have, was wrought upon my family and several other humans by the primeval Greek goddess Nyx long ago. The only way to lift the curse was a dos of dragon breath from a Dragon going through Dragon Fever.", Jasmine explained.
"So, our stanky breath from dragon fever's the cure?", Jake asked.
"Yes.", Jasmine nodded.
"Jasmine, I think there may be something we can do. We still have dragon fever, believe it or not.", Rose assured.
"Oh, so that's why you two are burning up.", Jasmine said.
"Well, don't forget random dragon changes.", Rose said before both Jake and Tulip wound up going through inverted changes. "Tulip wasn't the only one to get sick."
Jake chuckled a bit in embarrassment.
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it
Darling, you look perfect tonight
End Ed Sheeran Music: "Perfect"
The next morning, Jake and Rose were now at Jasmine's home with Jasmine now back in human form.
"Well, this is me. I had a really nice time, except for the whole, you know... Sorry again.", Jasmine sighed.
"Don't even sweat it. I'm just glad everyone's souls ended up back in their right bodies.", Jake said.
"Somehow, I doubt it and we may have to fix that later, but... maybe next time we'll make better choices. Like Tulip is with taking a breather and getting some rest.", Rose said in response while turning to Jasmine.
"Heh. Believe that.", Jake grinned before opening the door backwards and winding up falling down the stairs with both girls wincing.
"I'm cool. I'm cool.", Jake said.
"Jasmine, you mind explaining where that boy came from?", Jasmine's father asked.
"It's okay, Dad. He and Rose are here to help with our curse.", Jasmine said as she and Rose entered.
"And we won't waste any time, sir.", Rose assured, her dragon breath already weaving around Jasmine's father and mother, making sparkles glitter before the father and mother gasped in astonishment.
"I... I don't believe it.", Jasmine's father said.
"I feel as if a big cloud that was hanging over me finally disappeared...", Jasmine's mother added.
"No charge for medicine.", Rose grinned.
Back at school, true to Rose's suspicions, Trixie and Spud's souls were switched.
"Sweet mama flapjack! Please tell me I'm lookin' at a mirror!", Trixie reacted.
Speaking of mirror, Spud found out that he was now in Trixie's body.
"Dude! I could've sworn I was a dude.", Spud said.
A/N: So, how about these developments? Pretty surprising case surrounding the Nixes, huh? Especially the effects of Dragon Fever. Don't worry. TUlip will get better in the next episode. That much is certain.