A Criminal In Another World

After a few days and much celebratory dining and drinking, Jaz kneels before the King and the Goddess in the newly constructed Throne room. Roehath and Halbrook stand by the steps to the throne.

"Jazmin Alexander Gart, you have done us a great service by despatching the archdemon. On behalf of myself, my family, and my Kingdom, we are in your debt. Ask anything, as your reward, and it shall be provided to you without question." The King announces.

Jaz looks up at Evilon, and then at the King. "I.. would like to make a request first, if I may."

"Certainly!" The King replies.

Jaz turns back to Evilon. "I need a moment with Edgar.. please."

Evilon nods. "Take all the time you need." She opens a portal behind Jaz.

Jaz stands and turns, walking through the portal. On the other side, Edgar sits at his desk accompanied by the dark-haired, bronze-skinned grim reaper from before.

Edgar looks up with a smile. "Ah! Jazmin! I heard you defeated the archdemon. Are you ready to return to your family?"

Jaz takes a seat on the other side of the desk. "I.. have actually been thinking about that, and I think it is best if I discuss it with Matthew first.. before I make a solid decision."

Edgar waves his hand and a door appears in the wall. "He has been waiting for you."

Jaz gets up and bows. "Thank you, Edgar."

Edgar presents his hand. "It has been a pleasure."

Jaz chuckles, taking his hand. "Shaking hands with death, himself. Few can say that."

"Even fewer can say they have done so twice!" Edgar laughs.

Jaz walks to the door. "No matter what I decide, thank you.. for everything you have done for us." She opens it and slowly enters.

The room is dimly lit by torches with a door positioned adjacent to the one Jaz had entered from. Jaz approaches the door and tries the knob, but it will not open for her. Slowly and gently, from behind her, two hands wander down her arms to her elbows, and a gentle kiss caresses her neck.

Jaz sighs happily. "You always knew the correct way to approach me."

Matthew chuckles gently. "It only took once getting elbowed in the nose for me to learn."

Jaz slowly turns around, giving him a passionate kiss. "I missed you, so much!"

Matthew wraps her in his arms. "I missed you too. However, I sense you wanted to discuss the future."

Jaz looks down. "I.. can't leave yet. I feel there is something worse than an archdemon looming over that kingdom, over those people." She looks back up at Matthew. "It is not that I am unwilling to rejoin you and our family. God knows.. I am so tired of fighting and killing. And I miss you all so much! I just can't leave knowing, feeling the way I do!"

Matthew smiles gently. "Your solider's instincts serve you well. It is as you say, there is something worse looming about." Matthew takes hold of her shoulders. "You are absolutely their best chance at survival. I know you are making the right choice."

Jaz buries her face in his chest. "Oh Matthew, you have always been so good to me!"

"You know.. I wouldn't be mad if you fell in love.. started another family." Matthew whispers.

Jaz sharply punches him in the kidney. "Idiot. You know no one could ever replace you."

Matthew painfully chuckles. "It.. is not a matter.. of replacing me. That Roehath is a fine man, in his own right..."

Jaz pushes away, looking Matthew in the eyes. "Are you kidding me?! He is so.. fragile."

Matthew laughs. "No one is perfect."

Jaz kisses him again. "You were always perfect.. in my eyes."

Matthew kisses her forehead. "Be safe, my dear. I shall be waiting for when you return."

They embrace once more before Jaz turns and leaves.

Walking back through the door, she whips a tear from her eye. "I am ready to give my answer to the King, Edgar."

Edgar opens the portal back to the throne room.

The female Grim Reaper smiles. "Try not to make my job too difficult."

Jaz smiles. "No promises!" She almost sings as she steps through the portal.

She looks at Edgar questioningly.

Edgar sighs. "Get ready for some long nights."

Jaz steps back through the portal, standing before the King and Evilon. "Your Highness, Goddess Evilon, I feel my work is not yet done. I respectfully request to continue my service to the Kingdom as the Goddess's.. child."

Roehath and Halbrook smile and nod.

"It is my belief the archdemon was just the beginning. I would like authority to begin a full scale retraining of a hand picked team of men. Furthermore, a bradishing of new equipment." Jaz adds.

"Are you expecting a massive enemy assult?" Halbrook asks.

Jaz looks at him. "In my experience, it is best to always plan for the worst."

"Granted!" The King announces. "Do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my Kingdom and my people!"

"Any assistance you need from us you shall receive." Evilon adds.

Jaz claps her hands once. "Perfect. Let's get started!" She motions to Roehath and Halbrook to follow.

Jaz heads out the door, followed closely by Roehath and Halbrook, to the courtyard. There Matt stands with all the guards lined up behind him.

Jaz paces in front of the line of men. "Okay men! Today is the first day of the rest of your lives. You will be put through hell, and I shall be your guide. You will emerge stronger, faster, wiser than ever before." Jaz sets down her dagger and takes a fighting stance. "Now who is first?" Her smile widens.