Sailorlyoko4life: Hello everyone! That's right its a new chapter in a months time! I'm just as excited as you are!

Jade: Yeah so are we!

Zak: Let's get to it!

Disclaimer: If you didn't know by now, I don't own either of these series. I know, I'm sad about it too.

Dreams and Questions

Zak wasn't kidding about the view. Jade couldn't believe it. From up above on the air deck she could see for miles and there were nothing but trees rivers. It was the Amazon rain forest. Zak couldn't help but smile at Jade's wide eyes. He knew she would like it.

Him himself had mixed feelings about this place though. So many things made sense now and he didn't like to think that this is where Argost had first discovered he had his powers. And they had lost that piece of the Kur Stone to him too. But it wasn't all bad. He gained a sister that day too.

"This is were we had met Zon. We accidentally wrecked her home so we gave her one with us. I decided to name her after her original home." He told Jade. Jackie overheard too.

"To be honest, I have always been curious how you got your umm, siblings." He said with amusement. This family never ceases to amaze him.

8 minutes later

Once everyone was present at the ships bay they went over the game plan.

"Alright so we are here to refuel on some solar energy and in the meantime we are also here to collect some special herbs and check out some old locations." Drew started. Doc continued the breakdown.

"We've decided to cover more ground by splitting up into teams again, but we are mixing it up this time." He smiled at the two confused faces he got from Zak and Jade. He continued.

"Jackie will go check out the old locations we used to use for hiding important 'things' to make sure they haven't been disturbed. Zak will be accompanying him." Jackie and Zak looked at each other with smiles and nods. Drew took over then.

"Uncle will be with me on a different path to collect the more difficult herbs." Jades eyebrows went up at that. It sounded like they were splitting into three groups instead of two. But that would mean she would be with...

"I can see you e already figured it out Jade." She turned towards Docs voice. "You're with me on another different route to check on some cryptids and collect some of the easier herbs to find on the list." He gave her a thumbs up and she just nodded and said "Cool." He furrowed his brows a little. He had expected a fist pump or at least a more enthusiastic response from her. She had always been excited to learn about more cryptids.

After they broke apart to gather what they needed to go out, he approached his son.

"Is there anything I should know about Jade before we head out?"

"What do you mean dad?" Zak was surprised by the question.

"I mean... I don't know... maybe I'm just imagining it, but I feel like she's not as excited to go on this hunt as she would normally be." Doc said with a bit of uncertainty.

"Oh that... she's just tired. You know, nightmares and all that." He said, trying to avoid his dads eyes.

"Well that's one of the reasons we are doing this. Your mother wants to try a potion with Uncle that has rare ingredients that they think might help you two with those nightmares." Doc stated sadly. He knew this was hard on both of them and at this point he was willing to try anything, even magic, to help them sleep better.

Zak didn't know that. He was honestly surprised. His dad doesn't believe in magic so it was weird that he was helping with this.

"Speaking of which are there any topics I should steer clear of? I don't want to upset her or anything." Doc asked.

Zak put his hand on his chin to think out his response. "Don't say anything about the shadows that's creepy, don't tell her she cant help, don't make fun of her height, don't bring a bologna sandwich cause she hates the smell of bologna, don't sing country music, aaaaand don't be too bossy or else she takes it as a challenge to prove you wrong. It's best to negotiate with her if you disagree on something." Zak rattled off. "Oh and maybe don't bring up her parents right now. It's a bit of a sore topic today."

Doc was bewildered at all the information.

"That's... quite a list. I'll try to remember it." He smiled and chuckled. He could tell Zak was close with Jade but it seems like they are closer then he had realized. He definitely made a mental note about the parents thing. He would have to be careful with his questions he had about her home.

"Did you need anything else dad?" Zak asked.

"No I think that covers it. Have fun with Jackie, and stay safe. You know most of the areas we have on your map so I expect you to help guide him through the tough stuff. This place is as dangerous as it is beautiful." Zak nodded sharply. He knew to take the warning seriously.

"Good. Now have a good trip." He patted his shoulder as he walked off.

"You too dad." Zak said, hoping his father had heard it.

Later with Drew and Uncle

"Do you really think the kids are getting worse?" She asked as they were onto their third ingredient.

"Uncle doesn't know for sure, but there has been more disturbance in the air then there was days ago. We must act quickly before anything get's any worse. Magic must defeat magic." Uncle said quietly. They had to duck quickly under a shrub to wait for a creature to pass to get the next ingredient.

Drew simply nodded. She didn't feel anything in the air... but she is a light sleeper and she has heard muffled crying in the hallways at night more often then before. She assumed it was the kids. They acted like everything was fine during the day but the more she woke up to hearing the shower running or whispering and muffled crying at night the more she felt they were just pretending. That Tarakudo demon had done something to them. And she wanted to stop it.

With Jackie and Zak

Zak was glad to be with Jackie. He was cool and down to earth, much like his parents. Plus he could use this opportunity to talk to him about Jades parents.

They were at the spot where the kur stone's fragment use to be, the spot in the mud they had gotten the imprint from completely gone to weathering.

"Careful Jackie. Those vines are as strong as rope, and they have a mind of their own." Zak warned as he saw the tree's that Argost had his family bound to a year ago. They continued to where the cryptids that were guarding the area the stone use to be.

"We don't have to disturb those do we?" Jackie asked, a little nervous.

"Thankfully, no. We are just here to make sure nothing else has." Zak whispered back. They moved away from the area. Jackie knew about what happened here but wondered how it effected Zak now. Especially since he was sweating quite a bit and looked pale.

"Are you feeling ok Zak? I know this is the Amazon and its humid and sticky but you look worse off then me." He asked. Zak grimaced. He was hoping the other wouldn't notice it.

"Actually I could use a break. Let's go somewhere more open." Zak led Jackie to the area they had landed in last time, where Zon's nest use to be. He sat on the ground and leaned back on a tree trunk. He rested his eyes for a bit but still answered Jackies next question.

"So how do you feel about what your parents do?" Jackie asked to break the silence. He wanted Zak to rest but that didn't mean he didn't want to ask questions. Zak kept his eyes closed but answered anyways.

"My parents help keep the two worlds of cryptids and humans separate for both of the worlds protection. I have always thought it was cool." He answered unevenly, was his breathing getting worse?

"What about friends? Do you ever want to go to school someday?" Jackie kept the questionnaire going.

"I never really felt the need to. I mean my parents are fun so we do a lot of cool stuff all the time. And I have my brother Fiskerton to play video games and all kinds of stuff with too. I guess I've never felt alone before so I never thought about it." Zak took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. He was trying to relax his body so his heart would slow down to a normal beat. He could swear he was seeing things earlier; like images of the way the forest used to be and hearing conversations with cryptids that he never had. It was getting worse, even though he wasn't around them anymore. He thought he heard Jackies voice again.

The next thing he knew he was opening his eyes to a room. Where did the forest go? After a second he recognized the place. Then he saw a familiar face. Tarakudo, but in humanoid form. Wait was this...

Tarakudo's demeanor straightened out and took on a more business look. "Very well then my former student, I see I have taught you a little too well. But I suppose you were expecting my presence due to her condition. You know I care about her just as much as you do, so of course I would come again to check on her due to what happened moths ago, and then what just happened yesterday." Wait... her, who was he talking about?

"Naturally. I expect no less from you. It pains me to see her like this. She was finally starting to get over what happened before and then everything goes to hell when they come back with a team of rebels. You can only imagine how angry and hurt she is." Zak was looking down at his hand, angrily making a fist. Whoever this her was and whatever happened, it was unforgivable. "To be honest I am still in shock myself that they, of all people, would do such a thing to her! They were her family! No matter what happens family should never cross that line." Zak's own voice was low and dangerous, seething with hate. "We spared the human race due to how much our families always loved us and we showed more mercy then they deserved for what they have done to the world, and this is how they repay us! Now there is nothing more holding me or her back from unleashing our full fury on them and their entire race!" Zak turned from his former master. He hated feeling like this. But what had transpired the past few years, what the secret scientist did to his family, what her family did to her, and especially yesterday's events... it was just too much for him to take sometimes.

Tarakudo came up to him and rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. He could feel him using his shadow powers to create a cooling effect that was spreading through him from his hand. It actually did help to relax him a little. His former master knew how much she meant to him, but he also knew that this was a possibility that could happen when Jade decided to become queen again. The humans wouldn't ever understand their way of thinking, they were too busy being selfish and greedy to see that they were dooming themselves.

Tarakudo had finally got through to Jade about this and fortunately Zak saw the reasoning as well and decided to keep his promise to her that he wouldn't let Jade go through this alone. The world needed saving, and they were the ones with the power to do it. They controlled two fronts, the shadows and influence over the cryptids. They understood how to fight and they also were raised to help people and do good and save the world. Well this is what they were made for. This is what they were raised for, to save the world, even if it meant enslaving it so it wouldn't meet its end.

They understood power and its responsibilities. They had a great mentor and they also had each other. That makes them perfect for this job. That makes this the perfect destiny. That makes them the perfect King and Queen.

Zak still didn't understand what this other version of him was thinking. What happened? Where was his family? Why is Jade's going against her? How did they get to this point of turning their back on all they had been taught? How did everything get to twisted?

Zak's anger subsided and he turned to take his friend to see his queen in their quarters. When they were about halfway the Oni king brought up a story. "Remember when this was all just starting? You and my little queen were just kids who were trying to please their parents. And then you came to realize the truth of reality and came to me to help you two get your start. And now you are the two most feared beings in the world, keeping it all under control and in one piece."

Tarakudo loved re-living that moment where Jade came to him with so much anger due to what the secret scientist had done to Zak's family. Zak finally also turned to him due to this incident after coming out of the shock he was in while he and Jade stayed with the Oni king for a few days. Tarakudo offered him comfort and caring in his time of need, and of course Jade did more then that even. She was his soul mate. He knew it from when they first shared a secret moment together at night and ever since that feeling has only grown between the two.

"Yeah, I remember it all too well. But for obvious reasons it isn't as great of a memory for me due to circumstances. But I will admit that after time had passed and you had trained us even with our constant reservations and hesitations, you did a great job at helping us get to where we are now." Zak felt a found smile grace his lips, then he got to his and Jades room and opened the door and saw himself in a mirror... he didn't remember what was happening to his persona anymore because his mind froze in shock at first site of Jades appearance and then his own appearance and last statement. They were older. Like maybe 16. He looked like he had longer black and white hair and was taller with an outfit befitting of a young king. But Jade was stunning.

She sat with her legs crossed on the edge of a sofa looking at war plans, but stood up when they came in. She had an outfit that looked elegant but deadly at the same time. It was almost like a dress skirt connected to a jacket but it was purple and black and had a sword and other weapons on it. It was certainly multi- functional. And she was gorgeous. She had a feminine body that still showed through the outfit perfectly and her hair was longer as well, about halfway down her back. Her fangs were tucked in but her smile still sparkled when she saw their old master. Her human red eyes widened and sparked with excitement to see him and she ran up to throw her blue arms around Tarakudo in an endearing embrace.

He returned the hug and set her back down to the floor she had jumped from. His smile had nohting but fondness in it. Almost like a father. Then it turned into a frown. He put his hand on her shoulders.

"Are you alright? How badly did they hurt you this time? I swear-" He asked in concern for his little queen.

"Shhh. It's alright. I'm going to be fine. My wounds have already been mostly healed thanks to my powers. I'm just going over our defenses to make sure they can't get in again." She told him with a weak smile. Zak felt his older self furrowing his brows.

"I checked them already and doubled the crytpids on the south side where they had entered."

"Yes but I am looking into the underground path ways just in case they try another way. My shadows will make sure we are the only living things that will enter or exit them." She answered back. He nodded in agreement. He finally turned back to Tarakudo while Jade went back to the couch. She may be mostly healed but Zak knew it still took a toll on her, she still needed rest.

"Now I suppose you want to help us with our retaliation plans to wipe out the rebellion for good?" He asked, knowing the demon king wouldn't just come for a short visit. The red demon smiled.

"But of course."

With Doc and Jade

"Good, now stay focused on when his leg twitches. As soon as you feel he's about to jump you jump him." Doc whispered. They started out collecting herbs, then Doc decided to teach Jade how to track down the frog they needed and now he was teaching her how to catch it. She may have started out in a sour mood but he definitely managed to lift her energy levels. She was more focused on the mission now.

Jade was waiting, watching, totally focused. She had her net ready and her legs and arms where ready to move when his did. She lunged forward as the frog lept off the rock and managed to catch him in the mid-air. She quickly pulled the net closed so he couldn't escape. Her smile reached her eyes when she turned to Doc to show she was able to catch it. He gave her a high five and cheered. He was proud of her and she was beaming from it. If anyone would have told her she would be so happy to catch a frog she would have figured it must have been a magic one. But nope, it was an ordinary toad. Just a toad that could only be found in the amazon rain forest. Now that they had the last ingredient on their list they started to head back to the ship.

Doc took the chance to talk to Jade about some survivle skills that could come in handy to her in the future. They even stopped a couple times so he could show her some knots and how to make a fire whenever they passed the right places. She was happy to learn all of it. Then he bit the bullet when he asked about if she ever went camping before.

"Yeah, with Uncle Jackie." She answered. There was a silence as she watched the small flames get bigger when she blew on them. Then as Doc was about to change the topic she suprisingly spoke again.

"But never with my parents. They arn't very adventurous so we just stay in Hong Kong most of the time. I wish they could have taken me camping." She said. Her face was stoic but her tone was sad. He knew Zak warned him, but he went ahead and spoke his mind.

"I'm sure if they knew you wanted to they might consider it." He stated simply. The shift in the air was felt rather then seen. From an angry wind that came out of no where the fire went out. Jades face grimiced for a second before she stood up and grabbed her bag.

"We better get going. The other might worry if we are gone too long." She pulled out the map that Doc had taught her to read and started heading back toward the ship again. Doc caught up to her quickly. Zak was right about her having a problem with her parents. Was she angry with them? He didn't dare ask out loud. He just let her be. Until they got back to the ship. When she got to tell Drew how they caught the frog she seemed fine, but now he knew she wasn't completely. He would make sure to mention it to his wife later. But for now he had a different question creeping up.

"Where are Zak and Jackie?"

Alright guys! A new chapter in a month! I'm on fire! Let me know what you think of the new material! See you!

(looks behind her to see Zak and Jade playing Chinese checkers by the door and wonders if they will finally let her leave the room, or at least let her join the game.)