Hey Jammers! Cuteypie here, finally bringing chapter five to you all! There is no AJMV again, for the sole purpose that AJMVs will only be included for big plot points. You’ll be seeing one in the near future! Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter Five; Rise 

I ran along the backstreets of Jamaa to try to find a place to set up camp. The Alphas have Alpha Headquarters, and superheroes in fairytales always have their “secret lairs.” I needed one for me. 

While on the backstreets of Sarepia Forest, I swiped a few apples from a tree and some cash from a bag. I’ve never really attempted to steal before, but I’ve read some books on characters who were thieves. You just have to slip through the cracks, and it’s easy. 

I continued to hike up the mountains, coming across a small shack on the side of the mountain. 

“You’ll do.” I muttered, flicking my wrist and turning the shack into a lair. The inside had a bed, a prison cell, books full of spells and powers, and random junk around the floors. I made a gate for the outside, along with some phantom art on the walls. I added candles for an “evil effect” and voila! My evil lair was complete. I knew this book about villains would be useful. 

“Now to plan my attack.” I exclaimed, doing an evil laugh afterwards. I sat down in a chair and began to brainstorm. 

If the gala is in the left top  corner of Jamaa like the map says, it’ll be around Balloosh territory. The castle will have a lot of guards at the main entrance, but by the looks of these blueprints, there is a small window on the second floor in the back. If I can somehow latch a rope onto the windowsill, I can shimmy my way up and break the glass. The gala will be held in the ballroom, which is on the third floor. I can then go up the stairs and sneak around to the back of the ballroom entrance.

 If I plan this just right, I can attack at the moment they announce the royal family. If I can make myself a phantom army, that would be super. I need to claim the crown of the king and banish the royal family to the dungeons. If I can somehow spell the guards, that would be helpful. The only issue is the Alphas. Liza’s Alpha Staff can easily break all of my spells I make. Dang. 

If somehow, I can swipe her staff away from her and kidnap her at her weak point, I could probably make this plan work. The other Alphas don’t have the healing powers that Liza has. She’ll be my bate to get the crown if this goes wrong. 

I sat my maps and blueprints onto my desk and walked over to the window of the shack. I had to admit it. Jamaa is a beautiful place. Why do I want to destroy such beauty?

What am I even saying? Mother will be displeased if I don’t complete my task. I huffed and closed the curtains. I had two days until it would be time. I needed a disguise, but nothing fancy. I had to be able to fight if necessary. I looked around the room to see a rack of clothes in the corner. 

I shoved my way towards it and grabbed a black cape from the rack. Perfect. I switched from the dress into the cape. Personally, I hated dresses, but my mother forced me to wear them. I looked into the cracked mirror on the wall. Something was off. My eyes glanced towards my head, looking at my hat. I took it off, my purple hair in a bun. I took out the bun, letting my long hair flow freely. I french braided it to the side. This is the ultimate super villain outfit. Try me, Alphas! 

***(Two Days Later; Night of the Phantoms)***

I got out of bed early that morning, my brain surrounded by anxious thoughts. What if I failed? What if the Phantom King’s army beat me to it? I pushed those thoughts out of my head and put on my hat and dress back on. I had to make sure I went unnoticed tonight. I don’t need people recognizing me. Villain mistake number one. 

I opened the shack door, slamming it shut. Wood chunks fell from the ceiling. I shook the shavings off my hat and strutted off to get some breakfast. 

***

When I reached Jamaa Township, I spotted tons of shops full of Night of the Phantoms costumes and merchandise. This is what Jamaa does to celebrate our holiday? Dress up and go around asking for candy? Pathetic! We destroy lands on our special day! 

“Mommy, look at that phantom beanie!” A tiger cub tugged on his mother’s dress while they were walking along a path. 

“It’s lovely dear.” The mother shrugged it off. 

“Can we get it!” The little tiger asked. The mother halted. 

“Sweetie, the phantoms are villainous creatures. They try to hurt us. I refuse to buy you a hat with one of those disgusting creatures on it.” The mother snapped. I growled lowly. That was harsh-very harsh-but true. 

“But mommy! Maybe there’s good ones out there!” The boy sobbed into the mother’s dress. 

“Highly doubt that, Joseph. All phantoms are evil, vicious creatures who aim to destroy all that is good and beautiful.” The mother explained, taking ahold of the tiger’s hand once more. They walked off, the little boy watching the beanie as he walked away. A good phantom? What kind of food was that child eating? Good phantoms don’t exist! 

I trotted along the path, coming behind a cart of fresh fruit. I had a plan. 

“Excuse me?” I called out behind the building before the cart. The man turned around, and I made my move, I ducked down, and grabbed a few apples. Before I made my exit, I turned around and flicked my wrist. Suddenly, the crops became wilted and gross. I ran faster than I ever have in my life.

“What in Mira’s name! Get back here, thief!” The man cried, but I was gone before he could act. I crouched down under a tree. I bit into an apple. Score! A flamingo and an arctic wolf began to walk down the path. I scooted farther under the tree. 

“Did you hear about that attack about a half hour ago? Jeffery said that some sort of phantom-mutant-fox thing came up and destroyed all of his crops.” I sucked in a breath. 

“Really? Do those things even exist?” 

“Apparently. That’s his excuse for the gross plants, anyways. How could a phantom be a fox?” 

“Maybe he should tell the Alphas. I’m sure one of them is bound to know if it was an actual phantom or if he’s fibbing to save his business.” The two walked far enough away. I threw the apple cores onto the ground and got out from under the tree. Mutant? These innocent Jammers have no idea what they’re up against. I began to sneak into the alleyways to get back to the shack unnoticed. It would be show time soon, and I had to be ready to strike when the time came. Just wait, Jamaa. My time has arrived!  

Small cliffhanger! So what are your theories on chapter six? Will Mariah’s plan be successful? Jam On!