As Jean knew too well what was lying ahead of him, feelings of disgust, fear and uncertainty were swelling inside him. In fact, there are only few things to cheer up a man facing the most agonizing task in his entire life and unbelievable dangers. Faith in God. Faith in his own abilities and in what he really is capable of. And a girl´s love, of course. Truly, Nadia´s love was the thing that kept him from chickening out. Being inside Nadia´s stomach was something that didn´t even scare him, as he knew that he didn´t have to worry about getting out again. But this time, things would be different, judging from who he was about to enter. Even if Jean saved that Grandis´ life, he didn´t expect gratitude or kindness. His only hope was to get out of Grandis´ before she woke up again, he didn´t even want to think about what could happen if she was conscious again with him inside her stomach...he would most likely never see daylight again. Except for Nadia entering the stage and teaching that woman a lesson or two and getting him out of the slimy prison.
Nadia, who took Jean out of his special place between her breasts in the meantime and placed him on her palm again, slowly approached Grandis, still lying on the ground unconscious. She was probably more scared than Jean himself, since she could have lost everything that matters to her. Blue Water, the key to the secrets that surround her past, and Jean, the only one who ever showed any interest in her and treated her in a kind and sweet manner, in a way any other girl could have only dreamed of. Only few boys really are that gentle and caring, so Nadia was grateful that she met Jean, being such a wonderful person. Sure, she met him in the most unusual situation imaginable, but that somehow made the emotional impact even stronger. Aren´t these things that make make love even more special (and heartrending)? One thing was for sure: she would do anything in order to get Jean out of there, no matter how and under which circumstances. Looking at the lovely boy on her palm, that feeling of guilt rose inside her soul, knowing that she should have never allowed him to do such a dangerous and foolish thing. But looking into his face, she could see determination and a strong will. He was hell-bent on getting Nadia´s precious amulet out of there, providing her with yet another proof for Jean´s love and passion.
"Jean, are you really sure about that?"
"Absolutely. Don´t worry about me, Nadia. Stomach acids cannot harm me in any way, that´s at least what I experienced inside you."
"Yes, you´re right. I believe in you, Jean. You have my trust, and you will be safe, I´m sure. My heart´s telling me you´ll soon be on my palm again, carrying Blue Water and smiling at me..."
"No way your heart could be wrong! Now I´m not afraid anymore. Thank you, ma belle femme!"
"Jean. Be careful, okay?"
"Yes, I will. As your heart has foreseen it..."
Having that stupid, yet likable and adventurous smile in his face, Nadia was sure that there was no way a determined boy like Jean couldn´t get through such an ordeal. His spirit was incredibly strong and unbreakable...and his will shined with such wondrous light...Considering Jean´s age, his behavior was remarkable. Seldom do 14 year olds have such a strong will and such a passion.
"Let´s do this, Nadia."
She nodded slightly, slowly kneeling down before Grandis´ body and lowering her palm over Grandis´ wide opened mouth. From his safe position on Nadia´s soft palm, Jean dared to take a look into the abyss of Grandis´ mouth, and it must have been a horrible sight for him (imagine the almighty Sarlaac...you really could compare Grandis´s mouth with that). He swallowed hard as he saw the red cave beneath him, with her throat providing hints on his further way into this woman´s digestive tract. Nadia lowered her hand a little more so it was slightly above Grandis´ mouth. Now Jean could easily jump into the open maw.
"Be safe." Nadia whispered. Jean, although sick of fear, managed to show her a confident smile, trying to convince Nadia that everything was a-okay. He didn´t want her to worry about him by showing hints of fear and insecurity.
"I will. Don´t worry."
Taking a deep breath, Jean said some last words before he finally decided to make the fateful jump.
"I won´t be long."
Then Nadia felt that Jean´s tiny feet left the skin of her palm as he jumped into the air and quickly descended into the red cave of Grandis´ mouth.