originaljackass | Ch. 8 - The Death and Return of Jack of Fables

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Ch. 8 - The Death and Return of Jack of Fables

[The moment Jack woke up, somewhere out in the woods, his eyes shot open and he reached for his chest, expecting to find a sword sticking out of it. But there wasn't one. More than that, he could see that his fingers... well, he had fingers. No claws. He felt his face and the familiar stubble was there, as was his long hair, and he quickly determined he had a chest and a feet and his Happy Stick is there and not... scaly.

Whew. Load off his mind. It also proves that people really DO revive in Luceti. But he also knows that people LOSE things when they die. The first thing he does is find something sharp enough to cut himself on. He's pleased to see it quickly heal up, nearly instantly, as if the wound had never been there at all. He then finds a boulder and throws it, proving he is indeed super strong still. So he had his looks and power again... but what about his loot? He'd have to go back to the cave later and see if those bastards that killed him hadn't stolen it all.

... thought he wasn't sure if he should bother. Last thing he wanted to do was risk dragon-ing it up again.

So he takes a long, lonely hike to the village and returns home. He grabs a nice button up shirt, a black sports coat and slacks to toss on. So he'd died twice now. Neither time took. And he was looking as good as ever. Now just as long as he didn't turn into a dragon again, he was A-OK.

So the first thing he does is go to the journals.]

[Voice]

Looks like I'm back to the land of the living and I ain't a dragon anymore. How is it that death is the cure for so many afflictions? First order of business - any women out there wanting a roll in the hay? It's been months since I had any. We can make it as romantic as you like, suits me just fine.

Oh. Guess I owe an apology towards certain individuals for any injuries I may have caused during that scuffle. But in my defense? You guys killed me. So don't expect me to feel too guilty about that.

Thirdly... thirdly... I need some cigarettes and a beer. And some painkillers. I also think I've got on hell of a case of phantom limb going here after losing those extra wings... and the tail.

Oh yeah, anyone seen a tiny blue cow running around? I lost track of the thing a few weeks ago.

[Yeah, screw the journal, he's going to the bar to smoke and drink. If he can't have some sex, this will just have to do.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Welcome back.

[Says the girl from what looks like a hospital bed. She's been in the clinic since last week, after that messy fight with him no less.]

Thanks. Looks like you've seen better days.

[Huh, looks like he really did a number on her.]

[Not as much of a number as she did on him.]

I'll be out in a couple days. I wish I could see you in person, but I have been advised not to walk around much.

[And yet he's just fine!]

Huh. Guess I could swing by for a visit. [He probably ought to feel bad she's in a state like that. Especially since she appears to be so young. Yet at the same time... yeah, she did kill him.]

If you want, I would be happy to see you. [Especially because it feels like forever since she saw him as a fleshy person and not a dragon.]

[He's sort of expecting another sword in the chest if he goes to see her. Maybe he should bring some heat.]

Yeah, sure. Why not? They got you up in the clinic or over in the dome?

[Well she has the sword, but not enough power to use it. Probably a good time to dish out revenge.]

The dome. It was the closer facility at the time.

I'l stop by later, then.

[... but he's not in a terrible rush. He is going to visit the bar for a bit, after all. Fortunately he doesn't have too many drinks and his death penalty wasn't his ability to hold his liquor. So when he does show up, he's about his normal self, but with the edge off thanks to a slight buzz. As a consequence of that, he decided to bring dinner in the form of two large sub sandwiches, which he has in a box under his arm. And of course, he has a pistol tucked away behind his back and under his shirt. He can't be too careful.

When he finally tracks down her room, he knocks on her door outside as he lets himself in.]

Yo Saber, you awake?

[She wonders what takes the wait, but figures he probably had a long walk over or something. Not that she minds - not like she'll be going anywhere any time soon. Plus it gives her time to think on how to speak with him, given their last meeting was...well not the best she could hope for.]

I am, Jack. You can come in.

[Funny how she's being so pleasant about this... in his mind, more suspicious than anything. He sits down and sets the box on the serving table next to the bed.]

You hungry? I brought my dinner with me. Hope you don't mind. [Human food is so much better when you're a human.]

[She shakes her head as he speaks. It was...very shocking to see him in person once again.]

I have been provided enough food here, so please help yourself to your dinner. Unless you feel it is too daunting to finish alone.

[He pops open the box. It's way too much for even a grown man to put away himself.]

I'll give it a try, but my stomach's a lot smaller now.

[She smiles, though it's a rather sad one, and nods.]

Don't push yourself too hard, Jack. Overeating isn't smart.

[Says the one who probably eats enough food to feed a family of four.]

I think a full stomach is the least of my troubles. [He leans forward, ignoring the subs for now.]

So let's cut to the chase. Why am I here?

...I wanted to see that you were alright. That you were...actually alive.

And you're actually just that concerned, despite the part where I tried to torch you?

Believe what you want...my intention was never to kill you Jack. [That was simply what it came down to. And it was not something she wanted to do at all.]

Hmph.

[He leans back again, not entirely satisfied, but willing to buy this for now.]

So that's it, then.

...I'm sorry. I don't what else I could say, but I'm sorry.

[And she's apologizing. He wonders if she should let her. If he was a better man, he'd probably stop her. But he isn't.]

I ain't looking for anything special. It's not the first time I've died. If you want to put it behind us, then consider it behind us.

But--

[She stopped before she continued. No, she can't put it behind that simply. Not after promising him he would returned to normal safely.]

...I didn't even expect that you would want to come and see me.

Shit... you actually feel bad about it, don't you? [He groans, then pinches the bridge of his nose.]

Look, dying sucked. Not gonna lie. Being a dragon sucked. Thanks to this place, I'm back to my old self.So as far as all that goes? I'm good. [He takes his sub and takes a bite. Oh yeah.]

Is it so unnatural to feel guilt over killing someone you promised to help.

[She looks down and nods.]

I suppose...I can be glad you are back to normal.

[You know, there's not a lot of people he knows who would be so determined to help him. Even after being a bastard like that. Usually that's enough to make people wise up to him.]

There you go. Silver lining.

[A sigh.] Ever the optimist. [She lays back down on the bed and closes her eyes.] However, I must say I did expect the added company. I only asked Karai to come along with me formally.

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