Fate of the Alphaverse

3 - Joseph

The soon-to-be ruler of Jungle was lying in coma in the Medical Ward. Despite Jacqui's best efforts, she could only reduce the poison's short term symptoms to an induced coma, to sleep it off, and to stop the horrible convulsing. Despite the coma, Jaymi still twitched from time to time, residue of the convulsions her body was desperately trying to fight and perform simultaneously. Jacqui had seen many treacherous acts in her time, but nothing had shaken her to the bone as much as this one. Maybe because it was so personal, who knew, but she was seriously stressing out.

Jemima had come in to see Jaymi at least five times already today, each time desperately checking for signs of awakening, despite what Jacqui had already told her; it could be years before Jaymi fought off the short term poisons, not to mention the long term effects. Heaven only knows how long it would be before she had enough energy to awaken.

Jaymi condition was questioned by many of the public. Jungle was at a loss without their leader, underage or not. Jocelyn Jhust was part of the public committee. The head of it, in fact. She came out of the blue to talk to Jacqui about Jaymi. "Jacqui, what can we do?" Jocelyn shook her head, at a loss. As the head of committee, she spoke for the public, on behalf of those without a voice, and more calmly than those with one. "The public needs a leader."

Jacqui rubbed her temples. "I don't know. I'm at a loss too." Both women stood in silence, contemplating the precarious situation they were both involved in. "I assume Joseph will take over?"

"Naturally. Joseph has the closest ties to royal blood. He will step in for now until some kind of order is made." Jocelyn bit her lip. "Oh Jacqui...."

Jacqui looked at her, immediately alarmed. "What? What's wrong?" Jocelyn was not normally one to pour out her emotions that easily. Her concern triggered a warning for Jacqui instantaneously.

"Jacqui..... They want to cormbulate her." Jocelyn bit her lip harder, and pulled her old hoodie up over her mouth and nose.

The colour drained from Jacqui's face. She swayed. Jocelyn watched, alarmed, to put it mildly. Jacqui steadied herself with the arm of the chair. "You can't be serious."

"I sure as hell wish I wasn't." A singular tear rolled down Jocelyn's cheek before she could hastily wipe it away. She swallowed, gulping down air, then cleared her throat in an authoritative matter. "I best be off. I'll touch base with you soon in regards to the princess."

Jacqui nodded her out, before turning back to her desk, which she promptly slumped on, defeated.

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Joseph was horrified when he heard the news. Jaymi was to be cormbulated? Utter madness! Immediately, he rushed off to find Jacqui, who repeated her conversation with Jocelyn. Joseph sighed, and shook his head. "Where is she, so I can at least say goodbye?"

Jacqui bit her lip, hesitant to tell Joseph the worst news yet. "She's...... gone. To be cormbulated. I'm sorry Joe. You'll have to run to catch the Wagon!"

Joseph's eyes flared. "Already? What kind of bullshit is that?" He roared.

"Language!" Jacqui admonished. "They are taking her to the fair side of Jungle, amongst Juwell Forest. They left an hour ago, so you'll have to hurry!"

"Shit!" Joseph swore under his breath. He took off without another word.

"LANGUAGE JOSEPH JINGKOK!" Jacqui shouted after him.

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Joseph took off, sprinting down the hall, feet pounding on the concrete floor. He flung open the door to the Medical Ward, ignoring all the odd looks and sly comments he was getting. He leapt onto the back of a passing mobile taxi, throwing a dollar to the driver in the process. "Don't worry, Jaymi. I'm coming!" He murmured under his breath. The man sitting next to him heard him.