Facets of a Jewel (cont’d.)

It was just as he had thought. Marcia was not heading to another house; she was headed back to the mine.

She parked the car and walked around to the back of the store. Jason shadowed her, keeping himself hidden behind the rocks nearby. He watched as she greeted her father. Then, they both stood silently together, watching several Spectran crab mechas approach.

Jason gaped as he watched many green clad goons and then Zoltar, himself walk out to greet them.

“I knew it.” He whispered to himself. “Marcia is being bullied by the Spectrans. I’ll have to put a stop to this…” Jason unzipped the leg pocket in his pants, and pulled out his gun. Then, he stood up, dislodging several large rocks in the process, causing them to cascade down the small cliff he was standing on. A hand grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back down.

“Shhh, Jason, ol’ buddy, it’s just me…Jimbo.”

“Jimbo, what are you doing here? I almost killed you.” Jason whispered, slightly annoyed by the interference.

“You don’t want to take on that guy, Jason. That’s Zoltar. He’s the leader of Planet Spectra.”

“I know who he is, Jimbo.” Jason griped. “But what is he doing?”

“Ms. Tate and Olaf are giving him their gems. He uses them for his army somehow.”

“So Zoltar is bullying them into giving him their profits? What does he need gems for?”

“Same as everybody else, I guess. There’s good money in gems, and they use the diamonds in their weapons, I think.” Jimbo replied softly. “Don’t worry, though, I talked to Chief Anderson at the Federation, and he’s gonna send out the G-Force team. Haven’t seen ‘em yet, though.”

Zoltar and his men heard the commotion and immediately stood at attention.

“What was that?” Zoltar shouted.

Marcia eyed the nearby cliff and calmed the Spectran leader down.

“Just a simple rockslide. It happens all the time, Zoltar. There is nothing to worry about. Now let’s get on with the transfer.”

“Very well.” Zoltar agreed. He watched carefully as the goons loaded box after box into the mechas. He stopped one goon and examined the contents of the container.

“This isn’t the amount I asked for. I need more diamonds in order for the new mecha to work properly!” Zoltar yelled. Then he turned to the goons, “Load faster, you idiots! We don’t want to be discovered!”

“We are working as fast as we can, Zoltar. I need more time.” Marcia replied.

“Zoltar, just because you have been given the throne of Spectra, doesn’t give you the right to make such demands.” Olaf sneered. “Remember where you came from.”

He was answered by a sharp smack across his face. “Shut up, you old fool! You were worthless on Spectra, and you are worthless here. You are lucky I allow you to live!”

Marcia rushed to her father’s aid. “Olaf!”

As soon as the goons finished packing the boxes, Zoltar turned to leave. “I had better see twice as many gems, and ten times the amount of diamonds when I return, or you shall be eliminated!” The mechas disappeared, digging their way back underground.

Jason turned to Jimbo.

“Damn Spectra!” He spat. “Now we know why Ms. Tate and Olaf are so gruff. Zoltar is constantly threatening them.”

Jimbo nodded. “Yeah, they are kinda stressed out. I hope G- Force shows up soon. Ms. Tate really needs their help.”

…and I’ll make sure she gets it… Jason thought.

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Olaf left immediately after the mechas departed, and Jimbo soon disappeared as well.

Jason rushed after Marcia as he watched her return to her car. He decided that this time, he would show himself to her.

“Marcia…” He stepped out of the shadows and called out to her.

Her eyes widened. “Jason! I thought I told you to stay put…”

“I’m sorry Marcia, I was worried about you…and now I can see that I had reason to be worried.”

“I’ll have to explain.” Marcia began, “All is not what it seems.”

Marcia hastily opened the car door, and whispered hoarsely to her companion. “Get in, quick. I don’t want anyone to see you.”

Jason did as he was told, and Marcia drove him back to her place. Now he understood why she lived in such a humble dwelling.

“Marcia, I’ll help you get rid of Zoltar…” Jason began. “That bastard has been bugging me for a long time, and now, to see what he is doing to you and your father…” The Condor clenched his teeth and balled up his fists.

Marcia placed a comforting hand on Jason’s shoulder. “Sit down, love. I have to explain some things to you.”

Jason sat down on the front porch swing, and the mood was very different than it had been earlier in the evening. The Condor sat rigid, seething with anger at the Spectran leader.

Marcia slid her slim, bony arm around Jason’s shoulders. “I have a confession to make.” She began, clearing her throat uncomfortably. “I wasn’t going to tell you this, but now that you’ve seen Zoltar, I must tell you the truth. My name isn’t Marcia…it’s Mala. Zoltar is my brother, and Olaf is my father. We are all from the planet Spectra.”

“What!?” Jason pulled away from her in disbelief. “I can’t believe it, Marcia…Mala…I trusted you…”

“I never lied to you, Jason; I just didn’t tell you the whole truth. Our planet is badly polluted, and we need to find somewhere else to live.” She took in a deep breath and continued. “Most Spectrans wanted to coexist peacefully on other planets, but the Great Spirit had other plans.”

“Great Spirit?” Jason’s eyebrows knitted in disgust. He wondered if what Mala was saying to him was true. His heart told him to trust her, but his mind was telling him otherwise.

“Yes, Zoltar became part of a cult that worshipped the evil Spirit. The cult grew rapidly and spread across Spectra, until it became so powerful, that it took over what remained of our rapidly declining planet. The Great Spirit, or Luminous One, as he is referred to, took over my brother’s mind, replacing my father and making Zoltar the new leader of Spectra. Father and I resisted, and we were banished here to work for the army along with the rest of the resistance. All of us reside here in Lulo…the mine workers, Fred, Kayla, Renee, Jimbo…everyone is Spectran except you. Zoltar and his Spirit will kill us if we don’t do as we are told.”

“I don’t believe it. Your own brother would kill you?”

Mala nodded. “Yes. Zoltar is so brainwashed that he hardly even recognizes us as his family any more. He would kill us in an instant. Please, Jason. Keep this between us. I will most likely be executed if Zoltar finds out I have shared this information with an earthling.”

“Don’t worry, Mala. I’m here for you now.” Jason relaxed a bit, allowing his heart to take over. He leaned in closer to kiss her. Mala might be Spectran, but he felt as though what she was telling him was the truth.

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The next morning, they rode together to work, careful to be early enough that no one saw them arrive together. Work began as usual, and Jason drove out to meet Jimbo, ready to load more rocks into the trucks.

“Hey Jase,” Jimbo spoke in a hushed tone. “Don’t say a word about what you saw last night, ok? You could be killed if you know too much.”

“I understand, Jimbo.” Jason replied, as he climbed out of his truck.

“We gotta get twice as much this week. I don’t want anything to happen to Ms. Tate. She seems rough on the outside, but she’s a real nice lady when you get to know her.”

Jason felt a twinge of jealousy at Jimbo’s last comment. “And how well do you know Ms. Tate?”

Jimbo chuckled heartily. “Oh no, no…” He threw his hands into the air. “It’s not like that. I’ve just known her family for a long time. I’m just a friend.’

Jason laughed uncomfortably for a moment and then he and Jimbo got back to work.

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Meanwhile, Princess and Mark arrived in Lulo. The Chief had decided to send them, posing as a married couple, since the mission was taking longer than he had expected.

Anderson knew Jason would not like it, but he was becoming more and more concerned about Jason’s well-being. It was decided that Keyop and Tiny would stay behind, and bring in the Phoenix later, if it was needed.

“There’s the Lucky Strike mine, now.” Princess pointed. “I wonder if Jason is in there?”

Mark smiled. “Yeah, No doubt he’ll be glad to see us. I’m hoping he doesn’t decide to use us as a dart board for interfering. Just play it cool, Princess. We don’t want to blow his cover.”

“Got it, Mark.”

The pair climbed out of their vehicle and held hands as they walked up to the mine. They were greeted by Fred.

“Welcome to the Lucky Strike!” He drawled. “I’m Prospector Fred. Ya want a small bucket for 10, a medium for 25, or a large for 50? If yer’ real serious, I can getcha the giant size, for 100.”

Mark handed him a fifty dollar bill. “Give us a large…we’re on our honeymoon, and we expect to strike it rich!”

Princess beamed. “Have the customers had much luck today, Fred?”

“Some.” Fred smiled as he handed Mark a bucket. “We had a nice size sapphire earlier this morning. I have a feelin’ you’ll have some good luck today, pretty lady.”

“Thanks, Fred.” Princess grinned. She eyed her new husband. “Come on, Sweetheart, we have some work to do.”

Princess and Mark sifted through their bucket, keeping an eye out for Jason the entire time.

“I don’t see him anywhere, Mark. I hope he’s ok.” Princess whispered as she swished water through the screen.

“Don’t worry, Princess. The Chief said he is in charge of deliveries, so he might be down at the mines. We’ll see him today, I’m sure of it.”

“I certainly hope he hasn’t gotten in over his head.” The Swan muttered. “What’ll we do when we’re finished?”

“Easy.” Mark stated. “I’ll just keep buying buckets.”

888888888888888

An hour had passed, and Mark and Princess carried a bucketful of rocks into the appraisal office. They waited in line for another hour, trying to be patient and constantly scanning the area for their teammate. Finally, it was their turn at the desk.

Kayla, a tawny-haired beauty, gazed up and stared only at Mark as she addressed them.

“Looks like you have some great finds here,” she stated, as she bent down to examine the rocks under the light.

“This one is an emerald…see the slight hint of green?” She gazed once more into Mark’s blue eyes and smiled.

Princess noticed that she was being ignored and was rapidly becoming annoyed.

Kayla picked up another one. “Wow. This is a huge sapphire. It’s bigger than the one that was found earlier today.”

Mark’s eyes widened. “You mean that rusty-looking rock is a sapphire? I would have tossed it away.”

“Sapphires look ugly on the outside, but they are beautiful once you look underneath the surface.” Kayla giggled flirtatiously.

She gazed back into the bucket, and rinsed off a muddy stone. “Oh my. Did you realize that you had a diamond in here?”

“Uh, no. “ Mark replied. “A diamond, huh? Must be beginner’s luck.”

He chuckled softly and smiled at Kayla.

Princess immediately grabbed him by the arm. “I think it’s honeymooner’s luck, right, sweetie?” She leaned in and gave Mark a quick peck on the cheek.

Kayla leaned back in her seat and smiled uncomfortably. “Oh, you two just got married. Congratulations!”

She directed her attention back to Mark. “I think a nice piece of jewelry for your new wife would make a great honeymoon gift.”

Princess grinned. “Yes, honey, how about a ring? You weren’t able to afford an engagement ring, so this diamond we found together is perfect.”

She saw Mark clench his jaw. “Anything you say, honey.”

The couple spent another half an hour choosing settings and cuts, and finally placed their order.

“Come back tomorrow and it should be ready. Olaf does beautiful work. I think you’ll be pleased.” Kayla remarked.

“Ok, then, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mark waved back to her as he picked up the bucket, and walked toward the exit with Princess.

“We’ll see you tomorrow.” The Swan corrected him.

88888888888

The pair walked back to the car and plopped down in their seats.

“A diamond ring??” Mark growled.

“Well, we had to order something, and if we’re supposed to be married, I need a ring!” Princess huffed.

“But did it have to be a diamond ring? And the most expensive setting they had? The Chief is going to kill me.”

“Don’t worry about the Chief. Besides, I deserve it after watching you and Kayla drool all over each other.”

Mark stiffened. “What are you talking about? I didn’t drool. I was just being civil to her.”

“Well, regardless, she was drooling all over you.” Princess pulled down the rear view mirror and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. “Look, just forget about it, Mark. It’s getting late and we need to find Jason.”

“We also need to get settled into our hotel room.” Mark grinned devilishly.

Princess snapped back at him. “I don’t know what you’re smiling about…you’re sleeping on the floor.”

“Have it your way, Princess.” Mark grumbled. “Let’s just go and unpack, and then go over to Jason’s. We’re sure to find him there.”

888888888888

As the daylight faded, Jason trudged into the office, poised to clock out for the day. A deep, gravelly voice stopped him in his tracks.

“You look tired, Jason.”

He turned back to see Mala smiling warmly at him. She walked over to him and rubbed his sore shoulders.

“Yeah,” he grinned. “I could use someone to help me relax. Know anyone?”

“I happen to know just the right woman. Let me lock up and I’ll follow you to your place.”

Jason watched Mala as she walked out to close the store. If someone had told him a month ago that he would have fallen in love with Zoltar's sister, he would have used them as a pin cushion for his feather shuriken.

But as it happened, he had unwittingly fallen for the slim blonde with the stern, yet beautiful face. He knew all too well that people weren't always what they seemed to be.

What a shock it had been to hear that Zoltar had fallen victim to a cult, and there was actually an evil spirit controlling his actions, and causing him to turn on his family.

How heartbreaking it must have been for Mala and her father...yet they certainly put on a brave face.

8888888888888888888

Mala followed behind Jason in her convertible, speeding down the back roads until they reached his small cottage.

“This is a nice place.” She commented, as she walked into the small living room.

“Yeah, kinda reminds me of your place. Only yours is a little nicer.” Jason replied. “Not much to eat around here…is soup and crackers okay?”

“I didn’t come here for the food. I came here for the company. It’s fine, Jason. Just don’t burn it.” She chuckled deeply.

Jason’s laughter could be heard from the kitchen. “I’ll be careful.” He said.

He walked back in and handed her a beer. “Sorry, I don’t have any wine.”

Mala gazed back at him and smirked.

He continued. “I need to go and take a shower. Are you ok right here for a minute?”

Mala just nodded back at him and attempted to sip her beer delicately. She watched Jason walk off toward the bathroom.

Her eyebrows rose as she heard him turn on the shower. Then gently, she placed her beer on the table and rose from the sofa. She was going to give Jason a surprise…

888888888888

As Mark finished unpacking his bags, he flopped onto the bed.

“Man, it feels good just to rest for a minute. It was such a long trip here.” He complained.

Princess looked up from her book. “No rest for the weary, Commander. We need to go and find Jason.”

Mark pushed himself up onto his elbows. “I know, Princess.” Then, he noticed what she was doing. “What are you reading?”

“A gem appraisal guide…” She replied. “I figured since we were coming to the mines, I had better know my gems. I brought this, too.” She held out an object for Mark to examine.

“A magnifying glass?”

“It’s a loupe. Jewelers use them to inspect jewelry. I am going to use it tomorrow on my ring.” Princess announced proudly.

“You know, that’s what I love about you, Princess, you’re always thinking.” Mark smiled warmly as he pushed himself off of the bed and walked over to hand his companion her loupe.

She stood up, took the object, and quickly pocketed it.

Mark’s arms snaked around her shoulders, and he pulled her in for a hug. “Can I call a truce?”

“No more flirting with the appraiser?”

“You’ve got it.” Mark smiled. “And no more diamond ring orders, ok?”

Princess nodded and smiled.

He released Princess from his embrace and pulled her by the hand. “I hate to ruin the moment, but we’ve gotta find Jason.”

8888888888

Jason pulled back the shower curtain, and white steam billowed into the rest of the bathroom. He wrapped a towel around his waist, and then handed one to Mala, who was standing behind him in the tub.

“That was incredible.” He sighed. “Mala, you are truly an amazing woman. I’ve never known anyone to be so…”

“Aggressive?” Mala smirked; she was quite pleased with herself. “I’ve been told I can come across that way...”

She wrapped a towel around her thin body and walked out into the living room. Jason followed her, still wearing nothing but a towel.

“Do you think the soup is ready, Jason? I’ve worked up an appetite…”

888888888

"Good thing Zark gave us directions." Mark stated as he and Princess pulled into Jason’s driveway and walked quietly up to the door.

They saw two cars outside, and only one dim light coming from the back of the house. They decided they had better approach cautiously. It seemed he had a visitor, and they didn’t want to jeopardize his cover.

Instead of knocking on the door, they decided to peek in the window first.

Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw.

Their jaws dropped as they watched their teammate, dressed only in a towel, walking into the room carrying a bowl to a woman who looked remarkably like the pictures the Chief had shown them of Marcia Tate...

…and "Ms. Tate" was also draped only in a towel.

“I don’t believe it…” Mark whispered.

“Jason…and Ms. Tate?” Princess gasped.

“Come on, Princess, let’s go. We can’t bother him tonight, but he has a lot of explaining to do tomorrow.”

88888888888888

Jason sat down on the couch, totally disregarding the damp towel that was still wrapped around his waist. He was totally at ease now with Mala at his side.

He had started out thinking of getting to know her as merely a mission, a means to an end, a way to stop Spectra in its tracks. However, the woman he thought was cold and calculating at first, had turned out to be a warm and comforting companion. She was someone who understood him, a kindred spirit.

“People have misjudged me my entire life.” Mala admitted as she sipped her soup delicately from her spoon. “My appearance may be intimidating, but I have a tender heart. I just keep it well-guarded. I rarely show this side of myself to anyone. The only person who truly knows me is my father.”

“I know what you mean.” Jason placed his spoon back into his empty bowl and placed it onto the coffee table. “My friends back at home think I am impatient and hot headed, and I admit, I can be at times, but that’s not who I am. And I don’t like to show my soft side, much, either…”

He leaned over and gave her a tender kiss. So Mala was Spectran…she wasn’t a typical Spectran, and she needed his help breaking away from the iron rule of her big brother and the Great Spirit. He decided then and there that he’d find a way to save her, and make her his.

888888

The next morning, Princess and Mark headed back to the Lucky Strike. They were determined to catch up with their teammate and compare notes. And now, they were especially curious to find out why Jason had taken things so far with Ms. Tate.

The pair made their way to the appraisal counter, and were pleased to find that they were early enough to avoid the lines.

Kayla greeted them warmly. “Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, it’s good to see you again! I have your ring right here.”

She handed Princess a small, velvet box. Princess opened it and examined it carefully.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Kayla grinned proudly.

“I need a closer look,” Princess announced, as she pulled the jewelers’ loupe out of her pocket.

Kayla looked alarmed. She elbowed the other appraiser, Renee.

After a few minutes of examining the jewel, Princess closed up the magnifying glass and looked Kayla directly in the eyes. “This is nothing but cut glass.”

“I beg your pardon?” Kayla replied indignantly.

“I’d like to know where my diamond is, because this is glass.” Princess stiffened.

“I don’t know where you got your appraisal license, honey, but that is a diamond.” Renee stood up and approached Princess.

“Let me speak to your manager.” Princess growled. Her posture was becoming more and more dangerous. Mark stood by and watched, ready to jump in if he was needed.

Olaf finally stepped out from a back room.

“What is going on here?” The old man asked. His bushy, white eyebrows knit tightly together.

“This woman is questioning your work,” Renee snapped. She pointed an index finger at Princess.

“You replaced my diamond with glass. I want to know where the diamond is!” The Swan stood her ground.

Tempers flared, and angry voices filled the shop.

Finally, a familiar face stepped out from the shadows.

Princess bit her tongue to keep herself from calling out his name.

“Jason!” Kayla cried. “This woman thinks we replaced her diamond with glass! Isn’t that ridiculous?”

Jason’s eyes narrowed as he eyed his teammates. How dare they come in and stir things up…

“It’s ok, ladies. Get back to work. I am sure we can come up with some sort of compromise.” Jason spoke smoothly as he cupped a hand on Princess’ shoulder.

“Come with me, ma’am. I’ll introduce you to Ms. Tate, the owner of this establishment.”

He walked the pair around the corner, avoided Mala’s office, and led them to the back of the shop.

“What are you doing here?” Jason whispered apprehensively. “You’re messing everything up!”

“We just came to help investigate, Jason. I believe they are replacing all of the gems with cut glass, and keeping the gems for themselves.” Princess retaliated.

“I know that already. Look…I’ll meet you later on tonight and fill you in. Just…lay low for a while, ok?”

“Meet us at the Red Bank Inn tonight at 8, then. We’ll be waiting, Jason…don’t be late.” Mark ordered.

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It was rapidly growing darker outside, and Jason whistled appreciatively as he passed Mala’s office door on his way to clock out, flashing her a quick wink and a smile. He had planned on going back to her office to talk, but was sidetracked by Olaf.

“I didn’t get to talk to you about what you did earlier.” The old man said gruffly.

“I know, Olaf, I know it wasn’t my place to intervene, but Marcia wasn’t around.” Jason defended his actions.

“ I was going to say ‘thank you’…Marcia would be happy to know that you believe in her company the way you do.”

“I believe in Marcia, Olaf…” Jason stared directly into Olaf’s cloudy blue eyes.

Olaf didn’t respond. He just nodded and turned to leave.

888888888888

Mark eyed the clock on the wall. “He’s late.”

“Later than usual.” Princess agreed. “You don’t think he’s with Marcia again, do you?”

Mark shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t know. But we’re going to go and track him down. This is ridiculous.”

8888888888888888

Olaf’s departure was hindered by a loud crash coming from Marcia’s office.

Jason and Olaf darted back to the office to see Marcia being escorted outside by several green suited goons.

They followed the procession, only to find the caped leader of Spectra in their midst once again.

“Where are my gems, sister?” Zoltar bellowed. “You’ve had enough time, you pitiful excuse for a Spectran.”

“I have some, brother. Just give me more time…” The tall, thin blonde struggled in her captors’ grip.

The purple clad villain grimaced. “You have no allegiance to your home planet. You are a TRAITOR! And traitors must be executed immediately.”

A huge crowd of goons trained their weapons on Mala. Jason heard the click of the weapons as they were made ready to fire.

“Don’t you touch her, Zoltar!” Jason swaggered out among the crowd. His gun was already in his hand.

“You fool! You are outnumbered. You will be taken down easily by my men.”

“Not before I kill you first,” Jason sneered.

Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind. Jason dropped his gun.

“I won’t let you kill my son!” Olaf howled as he pulled the Condor to the ground. It seemed that the old grump still had feelings for his wicked offspring.

“Nicely done father. I may spare your life this time as a reward.” Zoltar’s lips curled in a cruel grin.

“You must allow Mala to live, too…” The old man demanded hoarsely.

“Very well. Perhaps she will get the gems I require after all. And it seems I already have someone to take her place.” Zoltar sneered, as his attention went back to the Condor, who stood with his hands in the air, scowling at his enemy.

“Tie him to that post!” Zoltar ordered.

Immediately the goons scattered, gathering ropes and chains from their mechas. They bound Jason tightly to the post, and readied the firing squad. Jason glared at his captors and reached back with his fingers, firmly pressing the face plate of his communicator, in an effort to call his friends with a bird scramble. However, he doubted they’d get to him in time.

Zoltar had always had a flair for the dramatic, and this was no exception. He had planned to videotape this execution for use on planet Spectra, to show his minions what happens to those who oppose him. The cameras were fixed onto the crab mechas to capture the event from every possible angle.

Mala watched in horror as her new found lover, one of the only people who knew who she really was, was about to be taken from her. She stood by, helpless against her brother.

“Ready!” The goons called out in unison.

“Aim!”

“Fire!”

The guns blazed forth with orange bursts and deafening blasts. Jason winced, shutting his eyes tightly and waiting for the bullets to strike him down.

However, the bullets never hit.

"Mala...NOOO!" A piercing cry came from the direction of the old man.

He opened his eyes and looked around him. The men were standing quietly in position. Their guns were lowered, and they were astonished. They were all staring at the two bodies that stretched out at Jason’s feet.

Jason looked down, hoping he would awaken from this nightmare. Both Mala and Olaf lay before him, riddled with bullets and gasping for air. It was evident that Mala tried to shield her lover from the blasts, and her father tried to protect her at the last possible moment.

Jason cried out, but his scream was overpowered by the shrieks of sheer terror from the goons. One after another fell to the ground, dead as two white shadows entered the scene.

“This is the end of the line, Zoltar! Your gem mining days are over!” The Eagle shouted.

Mark and Princess launched attacks on goon after goon, until the remaining offenders, including Zoltar, scurried back to their mechas and scuttled away.

Princess rushed over to untie Jason. “Jason!” She cried. “Are you ok?”

Jason didn’t reply.

Olaf had already passed on, but Mala was still struggling to breathe. He immediately bent down and cradled the dying Mala in his arms. “Mala! Please, don't leave me!”

Princess and Mark looked at each other. "Did he say Mala?" Mark whispered.

"I thought she was Marcia Tate..." Princess remarked softly.

As they observed their teammate's suffering, they felt helpless. There was no way to comfort him. Tears welled up in Princess’ eyes as she buried her face in Mark’s chest.

Mala coughed and sputtered as she tried to speak once more to Jason. “Thank you, Jason, for believing in me. I wish things had been different, but I will always be with you…”

“I will seek revenge on your brother, I swear it. Don’t leave me. Mala, please…I…” Jason choked out the words, but he couldn’t finish. The woman he had grown to love so deeply had breathed her last breath.

Jason tenderly laid Mala's body down on the ground next to her father. Then he stood up and punched the post, where he had been tied, and hung his head in defeat.

Princess placed a hand softly on his shoulder. He began to speak.

"She was Zoltar's sister. Olaf was their father. Zoltar is being controlled by an evil spirit, and Mala and the others didn't approve. They were banished here to collect jewels for Spectra."

He sighed shakily and continued. "I was just doing my job, getting close to her for the information, and I fell hard for her."

Mark's eyes widened. "You fell in love with Zoltar's sister?"

"That's right, I fell in love with the enemy. But she wasn't what she seemed. She was misunderstood. She loved me, too. That's why she died. I guess the curse continues, huh?"

"Jason..." Princess reached out to comfort her friend, but it was no use.

Mark pulled her gently back. "Don't worry, Princess, he just needs some time."

They both watched the Condor trod slowly to his car and drive away.