Hey Jammers! Before chapter four begins, I would like to deeply apologize for my absence. The AJMV for this chapter, which was never completed, began to ruin the fun of this series for me. The AJMV was just causing me some issues with my mental health, so I let it go. For a month. But I’m back and ready to continue with the series. There is no AJMV this chapter, but expect them to pick back up. This one was a parody, and the editing for it was excessive. I hope you understand, and let’s get into it!

Chapter Four; Mariah the Great

Soon after, I had arrived on a beautiful bridge with water rushing underneath of it. Every part of Jamaa was beautiful; The flowers, animals, buildings, and even the weather was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Books can only tell you so much. Before I could continue on my quest, a loud trumpet blared. 

“Hear ye, hear ye! I present King Xavier III, Queen Lucy, Princess Olivia, and Prince Liam of Jamaa!” A well-dressed man yelled to the crowd. Everyone began cheering as the royal family got out of their coach. My eyes wandered over to the princess’ gown. I never understood how royals can wear such elegant gowns all the time. You must be born with that talent. 

“Hello Jamaa! We are here to inform you all that this year’s Night of the Phantom celebration will be taking place on the thirty-first of October. We hope to see you all there.” The king announced. Everyone began to cheer. Night of the Phantoms? I’ve heard about that before. That’s where mother goes the last day in October every year. She goes out to terrorize Jamaa. It’s every Phantom’s favorite day of the year! Perhaps I could go this year. 

My mind began to wander off about how cool it would be to finally join in on Night of the Phantoms this year. I had read about it a few times before in the Jamaa Journal. Jammers join together at the castle and have a grand ball to celebrate another year saved thanks to the Alphas. Night of the Phantoms is the anniversary of the first attack on Jamaa. To us phantoms, the Night of the Phantoms is a night of havoc and chaos. Every phantom goes out to try to wreck havoc on Jamaa for all of the years of having to endure hiding. The Phantom King and his army would try to attack the castle every year, be stopped quickly by the Alphas, and retreat. That was it. Every year. 

Mother tells me that she usually joins the rest of the phantoms in invading the town. Most people are at the castle, but those who remain are powerless against the phantoms surrounding them. Usually the Alphas manage to somehow stop both groups. You’d think a powerful villain would be unstoppable. Ha! That’s my grandfather for you. 

I walked around Jamaa Township, looking into the stores. I noticed a young horse and his mother trotting down a path towards a large statue. The statue shimmered in the fall light. I followed behind them, watching the statue come into view. It was a beautiful, blue bird with his/her head held high. Her feathers reflected the light from the sun all around the beautiful nature surrounding the statue. The breeze made it all feel more real. 

“Who is that?” The little horse asked. 

“This is Mira. Don’t you remember the story I have told you about her?” The woman asked her young son, who shook his head. She giggled, ruffling his mane. Mira. That sounds familiar. As if I’ve read about her before. 

“Mira is the Mother and Guardian Spirit of Jamaa. She was created by Zios, the Sky Father. They fell in love with each other.” The mother explained, looking up at the statue. Zios?

“Then what?” The little horse asked. The mother laughed. 

“Well, my little knowledge-seeker, the two lovers created Jamaa. They created the very land you’re galloping through everyday.” The mother explained, stroking the little horse’s mane once more. 

“But one day, Zios left her for unknown reasons. Nobody, not even the Alphas, know why. This causes Mira to become upset and angry, causing her tears to turn pure black, spawning the phantoms we know of today. But I’m sure the Alphas will save Jamaa once and for all.” The mother finished, watching the boy stare in awe of the statue of the goddess before him. Save Jamaa? They really think they’ll win? 

The mother and son turned around, and I jumped behind a building wall to avoid being seen. When they walked past, I walked back out and stared at the statue of Mira once more. 

“You really think you can win this, Mira? Think again.” I muttered, whipping around and marching onto the path back into the crowded Jamaa. 

******

I walked past Jam-Mart-Clothing, a clothing store, when a sign spotted my eye. It was nailed to a tree. I tore it off of the tree and read it carefully: 

All of Jamaa is Welcomed to the Annual Night of the Phantoms Gala! 

Time: 8:00 PM

Date: October 31st 

The Alphas and Jamaa’s soldiers will be on high alert for the entire event. 

We hope to see your attendance.

-King Xavier Tagata  Fausia III

I never noticed how long King’s names are. I’m sure he has an even larger title he goes by. I wonder what his names mean. 

But back onto the task on hand. Right here, in my grasp, is the date and time for one of the festist times of the year for Jamaa. Oh, how sad it would be to see it all crumble right before their eyes. This could be my big plan. Instead of just attacking at a random time in the middle of Jamaa Township, I could beat the Phantom army to it. I could attack the castle and actually succeed for the phantoms. The Phantom King would realise he was wrong about me and allow me to claim my place on the throne of the Phantoms. I would finally get the respect I deserve. I would be Mariah the Great! 

If it’s a Gala they want, that’s what they’ll get.