The rainforest's treasure

"Hi Jackie!" Jade said, when he stepped out of the taxi in front of his new rented house. She looked like she's been waiting for him for a long time at the front door. "Jade!" he exclaimed, startled as always. "What are you doing here? And how did you get here so quickly?" "I want to see Pemuya right now," she demanded. "And I got here using the Snake and Rabbit talismans. Invisibility and speed - it's so cool!" Jackie chuckled, shaking his head. "You're not supposed to use those without supervision." "It's okay, Uncle Jackie," she said, bouncing on her toes. "I'm a quick learner. Now, where is she?" "Somewhere in the house," he replied. "But I must warn you that she's naked." "What?" Jade's eyes widened. "Is she okay?" Jackie nodded. "It's just... she's not used to wearing clothes," he explained. "Her tribe didn't wear them, and it's... difficult for her." Jade's curiosity was piqued, but she also felt a pang of empathy. "Oh," she said softly. "I see. I hope she won't be embarrassed. I'm a girl, like her." Jackie nodded, leading her inside. "Just be respectful, okay? And careful. She's with child, remember?" The house was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of floorboards. Jade followed Jackie into the living room, her eyes darting around as if expecting Pemuya to jump out from behind the couch. "Jackie," she whispered, "where is she?" Her curiosity was palpable, her eyes searching the room for any sign of the mysterious jungle girl. He gestured toward the bedroom, his heart racing with anticipation. "Pemuya's in there, resting," he said gently. "Why don't you wait here?" Jade nodded, plopping down on the couch, her eyes never leaving the closed door. She had a million questions, but she knew now was not the time. The house was a sanctuary for Pemuya, a place where she could adjust to the overwhelming change. Jackie stepped into the bedroom, his eyes searching for Pemuya. She lay on the bed, her coppery skin glowing in the soft lamplight. Her nakedness was as natural as the jungle she came from, her swollen belly a testament to the life they had created together. He approached her quietly, not wanting to disturb her rest. "Pemuya," he said softly, his voice a gentle caress in the stillness. "Jade's here. She wants to meet you." Her eyes snapped open, a mix of excitement and nerves flickering in their depths. "Jackie," she breathed, her hand instinctively moving to cover her bare stomach. "Jade is here?" Jackie nodded, his eyes filled with love and concern. "Yes, she's in the living room. Do you want to meet her?" Pemuya took a deep breath, nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "I want to meet... family." Jackie's heart swelled with love and pride as he took her hand, leading her out to the living room. "Tea?" Jade beamed at them, holding out a tray with two steaming cups of freshly made tea. Pemuya looked at Jackie with wide eyes, not understanding the gesture but recognizing the kindness in it. He nodded and took one for her. The scent of the tea was a mix of floral and citrus. She took a tentative sip, the warm liquid soothing her throat. "Thank you," she murmured. Jade studied Pemuya, her curiosity piqued by the young girl's exotic beauty. "Jackie," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder, "she's so beautiful." Jackie couldn't agree more. The love he felt for Pemuya was like nothing he had ever experienced before. "Thank you, Jade," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Can I touch your belly?" Jade asked with soft curiosity. Pemuya's eyes grew wide with surprise, but she nodded, allowing Jade to place her hand on the small bump. The contact sent a warm rush through her body, a bond forming between them. Jade's eyes lit up with wonder. "Cool!" she said in a loud whisper. "I will be a cousin soon!" Jackie's eyes grew wide at Jade's outburst, but Pemuya's expression remained calm. It was clear that she didn't understand the full extent of Jade's words, but the excitement in the young girl's voice was infectious. Pemuya offered a tentative smile, and Jackie felt a knot in his stomach loosen. "Good job, Jackie," Jade praised, her hand still stroking Pemuya's belly. Jackie's face turned a deep shade of red. "Jade," he admonished gently, "you're embarrassing me." "Sorry," Jade beamed apologetically. "Now, what can I do for Pemuya? Fluff her pillow? Bring her something? Sing a lullaby?" "Return to Uncle," Jackie suggested firmly. "You know that your fussing will only cause trouble. Remember how I broke my both legs because of you?" Jade pouted but nodded, knowing that Jackie was right. With a wave of her hand, she vanished, using the power of the Snake talisman. The sudden absence of her energy left the room feeling eerily quiet. Pemuya's gaze followed Jade's disappearance, and then she turned to Jackie with a questioning look. He chuckled, explaining, "It's a family thing. You'll get used to it." He sat beside her on the bed, taking her hand in his. "You okay?" he asked, searching her eyes for any sign of discomfort. "Jade is good," she smiled to him. Jackie nodded, his own smile reflecting in her eyes. "Yes, she's a handful, but she has a good heart. And you'll meet my Uncle and Tohru, his apprentice, as soon as you'll wish."