Thank you all, I tried really hard to make the story good. And for those who would like to re-read it. I have compiled the whole story so you don't have to go through pages and comments:

The Tales of Prince Jazzo 6th

Chapter 1, The Unhappy Prince:
"But father, do I have to wear this long robe? It makes it hard to play tag, and find mushrooms for the tribe."
"Son, you must wear it to show your honor."
"But what about tag, and mushrooms. And I won't be able to find shells and pebbles, and no more butterflies. They're so much fun to catch. And the beetles. They crawl all over you, and it's fun, and-"
"Son, you are a prince," my father interrupted. "You are royalty. You have more important things to do and learn. Running around, finding things, and getting dirty are things that the rest of the tribe kids do because they have nothing better to do. You must study tribe history, survival techniques, what to do in emergencies, and you have to wear a long robe, but it's worth it. You will be king someday."
"So! I'd rather be a regular villager than king. All I get to do is sit behind a stupid gong and tell people what to do. It's boring, and stupid. I don't want to be a king, or a prince."
"Son, that is not just a 'stupid gong.' That is the Gong of Wonder and you are blessed to just even lay eyes on such an artifact. It also controls the fate of our tribe. As king, you shall sit behind it, and you shall ring it with honor. Right now, you shall worship it and respect it. Do you understand me?"
I sighed. "Yes, I understand you." But my father still frowned.
"Son, many, many summers ago, your great-great-great-grandfather, King Jazzo, and his wife, journeyed down that very waterfall over there." He pointed to the pond and the waterfall above it. I sighed again. I had heard this story millions of times. "And King Jazzo and his Queen found five abandoned, hungry, dirty children. The seven of them had absolutely nothing, but they made the most of it, and created a successful tribe. King Jazzo was the noblest man to ever live and you are a descendent of him. You are named for him and you must show your honor. It is your duty as a prince . . ." I stopped listening. I had heard all of this before. I stared out at the other kids playing tag. I wanted to play too. Being a prince was stupid and just had a lot of rules. My mind trailed off.
"Now, do you understand me?" my father said.
"Oh what," I turned around. "Oh, yes, I do understand father, I will show my honor."
"Good, now, remember, you still must be skillful at farming, building, researching, and healing. Elder Uma is waiting for you, it is time for your first lessons. Elder Uma will teach you the skills needed for survival in the tribe. Every king so far has been a master at all five skills. You must also or you will be dishonoring your family."
"But, but, Elders only need to master three."
"Yes, but you are a prince, and you will eventually be king. You are higher than any of the villager elders and therefore you must be even more skilled. Now, Elder Uma is a very good teacher and you are lucky that you have him to teach you. Now, he is waiting by the pond for you. Go get started."
I sighed. This was no fun. I walked over to the pond, not very happy about everything that I had to do and everything that I couldn't do. I looked again at the other children happily playing tag. Being prince was no fun.

Chapter 2, On the Way to the Pond:
I walked along the sand, slowly. I didn't want to go have a tutor. Most of the kids who go to school say it is boring, and they only need to learn one skill while I have to master 5! I decided to take the "long way." That was all the way around the village. That way, I'd get to pass the tag game, walk by the ocean and the hospital and the sewing hut, and maybe see some of other kids on the way. I didn't really have any friends. As I walked by the tag game, some kids came up to me.
"Wow," one said. "That's a nifty robe you got there." They were all a few years younger than me.
"Thanks," I said. "But it's very uncomfortable."
"So," one of them began shyly. "How much fun do you get to have as a prince? It must be the best." I sighed.
"I don't like being a prince. It's no fun. I just sit around and learn about the tribe. I never get to have any fun or play. I wish I wasn't a prince."
"Oo," said the first kid. "I'll be the prince for you."
"No, me!" said another. Then they broke into a chorus of "no, me"s. Well, there is one advantage of being a prince. And I am about to use it.
"SILCENCE!!" I bellowed. There, I used it. The kids stopped immediately.
"We're s-s-sorry, Prince Jazzo" they said and started whimpering.
"It's OK," I said in a comforting tone. They smiled. "And please, just call me Jazzo."
"OK," they chorussed.
"And, um," I began. "Do you mind if I join your game?"
"Not at all, please join," said the first kid again. He was the oldest of the bunch but still younger than me. In my mind I was jumping with joy, but I said a simple, "thank you," took off my robe, don't worry I had regular clothes under it, and joined the game. I learned the first kid was Weeko and he was the "leader" of their little group. We became fast friends. After about 2 Suntwists (hours) I realized Elder Uma was waiting for me. I was very late. I turned around quickly and saw my father, standing right in front of me, with the "I am disappointed in you" look on his face. After noticing me, the other kids bowed to the king, and ran off quickly. I was in trouble.

Chapter 3, Elder Uma:
"Well?" he asked.
"OK, I'm really sorry. I was on my way to the pond and, well, I met some nice kids. And I've been playing tag. It was so much fun. I was gonna only play for a little bit, but I lost track of time, and I'm sorry."
"And your robe?" He asked sternly.
"Umm, I put it down right there." I pointed to the spot where my robe laid, now dirty, in the sand.
"Put it on" my father bellowed. I did what he said. "And some with me. You are going to apologize to Elder Uma for keeping him waiting. Prince or no prince, that is disrespect." I sighed and followed. We walked over to the pond. He was holding my hand and marching loudly so everyone noticed. It was embarrassing. We got to the pond. I saw Elder Uma for the first time. He was very old, he was wearing a doctor's robe, (we all know what that looks like in VV2), and he was meditating. Just sitting there, eyes closed, humming. He stopped meditating when he noticed us. When my father saw Elder Uma look at us, he said "I'll leave you two alone" and walked away.
"Hello Elder Uma," I said. He stood up.
"Greetings," he said, bowed, then sat back down.
"I'm terribly sorry for keeping you waiting so long-"
"Nonesense," he cut in. "It's natural for a young boy to avoid his first day of school or tutoring. Can't say I didn't as a child. Come, sit down. Enjoy the pond. Let's get to know each other. And don't worry about keeping me waiting. When I am meditating, it is almost as if no time is passing." He seemed nice. I sat down beside him. "So," he began. "tell me a bit about yourself, then I shall tell you a bit about myself."
"OK, Elder Uma-"
"Please," he cut in again. "Call me Cucha. That is what everyone in your dad's family calls me."
"OK Cucha. I'm Prince Jazzo the sixth-"
"Oh, enough of that. I know who you are. This is a small village after all. Tell me about you, what you like to do, who you like to play with. I would like to know."
"Well Cucha, I like to play tag. I recently discovered the fun of it."
"Tag," he chuckled. "I remember that game. My great-grandfather invented that game. I remember when he taught it to me. I had so much fun, back when I was your age. A world of excitement it was. Now, please continue." I liked this man, and I desperately wanted to say the truth, that I didn't like being prince. But then how would he think of me? I was about to say something else, but it blurted out.
"I don't like being prince." I didn't want to look like I was now embarrassed to say it after he heard it, so I waited for his answer. He chuckled.
"Of course you do." I gave him a confused glance. "Oh, it's quite natural. It's not a fun job, learning so much, so many rules, and not being able to play all the time. You're not the first Jazzo to complain. Actually, the reason I chuckled was because I distinctly remember those exact words coming out of your father's mouth when he was your age and I was 19. He and I were best friends and he would always complain to me, every chance he'd get. His father would always teach him about honor and eventually, he realized how important honoring your family actually is. That is why he is teaching the same things to you. And I hope I am still around when the day comes that you are teaching these rules and traditions to your own children who will bicker about it to their friends. It's a natural cycle. But I've been talking to long. I'm sure you are not here to hear more history and things like that. I'm sure you get enough of that at home in the palace." I liked Elder Uma. He understood things and whether he will be right or wrong about this "cycle," he did understand me, and I felt comfortable talking to him. I smiled, but then a question popped into my mind.
"But, if he knows it's natural, why does he still force me to like being a prince?"
"Ah," he said as if he was waiting to hear that question. "It's quite simple. If he didn't force you to like it, you'd be getting away with it. For the cycle to continue, you must go through the hard parts or else the cycle will stop, and we'll have a line of unhappy kings that don't know about honor and tradition and important things."
"But," I began. THis was all confusing. "I don't get it. If you're telling me it's natural, why can't he?"
"It's not about saying that it's natural, it's about letting you get away with it. If he let you get away with it, you would never grow up to realize how important everything he says is because he'll have stopped explaining it. It's complicated, you don't have to understand. Just remember, listen to what your father says, and you're not different for not wanting to be prince. So, anything else?"
"Not really, no."
"OK, well, it is getting dark. You should be getting home. And tomorrow, we'll start lessons."
"Thanks Eld-um, Cucha. I am looking forward to starting lessons tomorrow." He smiled.
"That's good to hear, now, run along." We smiled at each other and I proceeded to go back to the palace.

Chapter 4: Ema
I walked home at a normal pace but I was smiling. I was happy. I had met someone who understood. Though he was confusing sometimes, and I didn't get the "cycle thing" he understood being a kid. More than my father did. When I got home, my father was on his throne reading a scroll.
"Hi father," I said. He looked up from his scroll, removed his reading glasses, and looked at me.
"Hello. So, how did it go with Elder Uma?"
"Oh, it went quite well. Cucha is-"
"Cucha, huh," my father interrupted. "I'm assuming he called told you to call him that."
"Yes father, and he told me that you used to call him that too."
"Ah," my father said. "But did he tell you the story of how he got that name?"
"Um, no."
"Well," my father smiled and said. "It's his story so I'll let him tell it. Tomorrow, you go ask him to tell you."
"OK, I will. So he wasn't angry about me being late."
"Well, I didn't think he would be angry. That man hasn't been angry since, well, let's not go there. But I still wanted you to apologize, to be polite."
"But wait, he hasn't been angry since when?"
"I said, let's not go there. It was a while ago."
"Umm, OK. So, he was very nice, and we had a good time and," I was about to tell him about what he said about not wanting to be a prince being natural, but I decided not to, just to be safe. "And, I'm, um, excited for going back tomorrow."
"Good," he said. "Now, it's time for supper. Go to the sewing hut, get changed into your evening clothes, and meet me at the palace dining room." I smiled and was about to leave when he said one more thing: "Oh, by the way, please don't get distracted this time. It won't look good if the prince is late for supper." I smiled again, and walked away. I didn't realize how dark it now was. I made my way to the sewing hut where Tuna, the seamstress, was waiting for me.
"Hello Tuna," I said. "My evening clothes please."
"Certainly, my prince," she said, bowed, and walked away to get my evening clothes. I waited patiently for her to go through all of the clothes she kept for people. I waited for a little bit, and finally Tuna came back. "Here you go Prince Jazzo," she said and bowed once more.
"Thank you I said and left. As I was walking out, I bumped into a young girl who was walking towards the sewing hut. We both got up.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry Prince Jazzo," she said.
"Me too, it was my fault I said." Then I really noticed her for the first time. She looked about my age. She was so beautiful. I was instantly in love with her. "So," I began. "Where are you going. Oh, and I am terribly sorry, but I don't happen to know your name." She smiled.
"It's OK Prince Jazzo. I'm Ema, Tuna's apprentice. I'm just here to tell her that dinner is ready." Let me just make something clear about the way class and status works in the Jazzo Tribe. There are three social classes, or groups. They don't have names but this is what they consist of. Group 1: The royal family and the elders. That is my group. Group 2: The families. Group 3: Everyone else. Group one ate in the palace dining room. Groups two and three ate around the cookfire. Fathers who were also elders could choose where they wanted to dine, but most chose the palace. Back to what happened with Ema. I was thinking of what to say, but nothing seemed right. Was I going to complement her? Was I going to say I was in love with her? I decided to take the safe route.
"OK, it was nice meeting you Ema. I'll see you around." We smiled, she bowed, and we went our separate directions.

Chapter 5: Lesson Number One
I walked to the palace dining room. Supper was boring as it usually was. Supper consisted of three parts. These were the same day, after day, after day. First, we all sat down, said are prayers thanking the Isola gods for our successful tribe. Then, we'd we'd eat. That I must say was my favorite part. The best fish, crabs, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms, were served to those dining in the palace dining room. The rest went to everyone else. Every night was a feast. Then, we have peace time. It was sort of a tradition in our tribe, that after eating, we all sit with our eyes and mouthes closed for a full suntwist (hour.) This, supposedly, helped digestion. At other meals, it was only a half a suntwist, but after supper, it was one full suntwist. Being young, this was my least favorite part. I'd often get scolded by my father for making noise. Well, supper was over and I went to bed. I couldn't wait for my lesson with Cucha tomorrow. I dreamt about Ema and about how beautiful she was, and then I woke up smiling. As soon as I woke up, I left to see Elder Uma. It was quite early and I wanted to get there first so I could greet him coming in, but when I got there, he was already there meditating.
"Hi," I said. He looked up.
"Oh, hello Prince Jazzo. How do you do?"
"Fine thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, let's get down to business. The first skill you are to master is farming. In my opinion, it is the simplest to learn but the hardest to actually go around doing. It is very tiring and the farmers of our village have amazing stamina. So, the first thing you should know is how to catch fish."
"Yes Cucha, but I actually wanted to know how you got your nickname Cucha. I told my dad I called you that and he asked if I knew why and I said no and he said to ask you because it was your story-"
"Slow down please Prince Jazzo. I am old and my hearing is not that good, but I shall tell you how I got my name Cucha. Well, the tribe that was home to Jazzo and Mrs. Jazzo who originally came down the waterfall was called the Munacucha (moo-nah-coo-chah) and basically, my great-grandfather always called my Cucha. It's just a shortened version of the tribe name. So, back to busine-"
"Wait. My dad made a big deal about letting you tell the story, but that's it? Really? It's that simple?"
"Yes. That's the story. Now, let me teach you how to fish. There are two ways of going about this task. Do you know what they are?"
"Yes," I proudly announced because I happened to know what they were just from going around the village. "Grabbing them with your hands, and stabbing the with spears."
"Very good," Cucha said and smiled. "But, do you want to know a secret?"
"Yes," I exclaimed. I loved secrets.
"Well, there is actually a third way, but you mustn't tell anyone but your father who knows." I nodded. "We elders once discovered an odd pinkish powder growing under the diving rock." He pointed to under the diving rock then proceeded talking. "That powder is a fish magnet. If you take this net here," he pointed to a net sitting beside him. "Put it in the water and put a tiny grain of that powder near it, very soon you'll have about twelve fish swimming into the net!"
"Wow," I said. "But why is it a secret?"
"There is very little of this powder and we always want to have a bit when the time comes that it is needed most. If everyone knew, they'd use it constantly because it makes work easier. Then we'd run out. That's why those who know only use it every once in a while when it is extremely necessary. Understand."
"Yes Cucha." And for the next few suntwists, he taught me all about fishing, planting, watering, and harvesting crops, and lots of secrets that I never knew. We were about done and I was full of knowledge. We said our goodbyes but as I was walking out, he looked sad, like he felt guilty about something. I walked away, but he shouted "Wait." I turned around and came back.
"OK, I'll admit, I lied about the story of how I got my name. I feel guilty about it and I think I should tell you the real story." I smiled and quickly sat down next to him. He sighed. "It's an embarrassing story which is why I am reluctant to tell it, but, you are my pupil and I shall tell you. The tribe was called Munacucha but there's more to it. As a kid, I was a lot like you. I didn't like rules or any of the things you don't like. I was also devious, always getting into trouble. Munacucha has a meaning. 'Mun' means hard-working. 'Acu' means smart or witty. 'Cha' means brave or fearless. That was the tribe's name" hard-working, smart, and fearless. However, 'cucha' means lazy. My great-grandfather always used to joke about that play on words in the tribe name, but then he started calling me Cucha because I was a bit lazy." I chuckled a bit, but then stopped when he looked up. "And the name stuck. I've always been called Cucha, so that's why I told you to call me that. That's also probably why your father didn't introduce me as 'Cucha' because he wasn't sure if I wanted to be called that. But, that's my name now, and telling someone else makes me feel better. So thank you for asking." We smiled.
"Thanks for telling me the truth," I said. He nodded and I walked back to the palace.

Chapter 6 King Jazzo:
As I was walking back to the castle, I saw Ema. She was watching the scientists work. I decided to use this as a chance to get to know her better. I went over and stood there for a few seconds. Then she noticed me.
"Hi Prince Jazzo," she said. "What are you doing here."
"Oh," I thought of something quick. "My father told me to, um, watch the scientists and study what they're doing because I have to master every skill."
"Oh," she said. "Well, I don't want to interrupt you so-"
"No," I said. "It's fine. I don't need to do that um, now, But, while we're here. Let's, um, you know, get to know each other a bit more."
"Well, the gong took my parents when I was very young and I was raised by the elders and now that I am 10, I am old enough to apprentice so I help Tuna with sewing. She says she isn't going to live forever and I'm going to be next after her."
"Wow," I said. I wasn't sure which to respond to first. But I decided to respond to all of it. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents. That is very sad, I'm sure."
"Well I don't even remember them really. And I wouldn't want to do anything besides sewing ever in my life."
"Yes. You're life sounds much more interesting than mine." Of course, being a prince, I'm sure she thought it was weird to hear me say that and she looked at me funny.
"You're a prince. How can your life be boring?"
"Well, all I get to do is sit around, listen to all the things I'll have to do when I'm king, and learn so much. And I never get to have any fun."
"Well, being an apprentice I have to learn a lot too. Do you know I actually get to make some evening gowns all by my self?"
"Wow," I said in awe of her beauty and skills. "That's amazing."
"Yeah," she sighed. "But I never get to play either."
"I guess we have quite a bit in common," I said and smiled. She smiled back. "I have an idea. Let's go back to the palace. I can show you around." She gasped and smiled.
"I've always wanted to see inside the palace. Thank you ever so much." On the way there, we talked and talked and became friends. The guards asked me who she was and I said she was my guest. They let us in and she was in awe of everything. We went into the main room and everyone was there. All the elders, including Cucha, and all the guards. They all looked very sad and not a head high.
"Prince Jazzo," said Cucha. "We've been waiting for you. We have some news. Your father, King Jazzo, has been bitten by fire ants." I gasped.
"Will he be okay? Are the doctors looking at him?" Cucha began to cry.
"They-th-they were fatal bites Prince Jazzo." I can imagine the look of shock and sadness on my face because I felt it inside. I ran to the door but Ema caught me. I cried into her arms.

Chapter 7 The New King:
I cried for a while but then I manned up. I got up, walked over to Cucha and asked him if we could have a funeral for my father. Normally, funerals are small, private and within one family. This funeral I wanted to be a grand event. Cucha said he wanted everyone to leave because he needed to talk to me alone.
"Prince Jazzo, you are next in line for the throne. Though, you aren't even close to ready to take on this responsibility, the will of your father says that the next person to inherit the throne will be the eldest living descendant of the Jazzo line with no exceptions. That, my pupil, is you." I had a look of shock on my face.
"But, you're his best friend, and you've mastered everything. Why can't you do it."
"We have carefully looked over the will. All I can do is be your advisor. You, my friend, I mean, your highness, are the king." He bowed. He bowed, to ME! Then I realized what this meant. I could do anything I wanted to. All that stuff about honor didn't matter because there was no one to boss me around.
"Now, may I proceed to tell you the first things I recommend you doing?" Wow. If I wasn't the king, that would have been more like, "Now I shall tell you what the first thing you have to do is." But I was king and I had to grant permission for everything.
"Yes, you may proceed," I said in my deepest 10-year-old voice.
"Well, your highness, you must have a council of advisors, but it is up to you to appoint them. Though they will be much older, you have power over them." That sounded pretty good to me.
"OK, Cucha, I choose you as my head advisor." I smiled. He smiled back.
"Now, you must appoint a head of research and technology, a head of the agricultural department, a head of the medical team, a head of the construction and engineering department, and some other elders that you want to advise you." This was so much for my small brain to handle, but I was basically able to understand it, because my father had all these people as well.
"But Cucha, I just want you to advise me. I don't want these other people."
"Well," he said. "I can be your head advisor and head of a maximum of one of the departments, but that is it. I recommend using the same people your father used for all the departments. He had a very nice council if I remember correctly."
"OK, then I will tell them all that they have been chosen. But wait, how do I tell people things."
"Oh, I almost forgot. You must appoint a royal messenger."
"Hmm, I know. I'll choose Weeko. He is one of my friends who I met a little while ago."
"Well, King Jazzo, it would be better if you chose an adult." I did not like to hear that, so for the first time I used my power.
"I am the king, and I choose Weeko." Cucha sighed.
"OK. One last thing for now. You must choose a queen." I began to remember when my mom was alive. She always told me that she was sure I'd find the most beautiful girl in the world to be my queen when the time came. I'm sure she never realized it would be this soon. My first thought was Ema. That would be the best.
"Cucha, I choose Ema as my queen." He smiled.
"I could have predicted it," said Cucha.

Chapter 8 The Inauguration:
I smiled. Of course he could have predicted it, it was obvious that I loved Ema. I'm sure she wouldn't in a million years refuse to be queen. I walked into the throne room. One of my fathers scrolls was still there. Tears came to my eyes but I held them in. I was king and I was strong. I climbed up on to the throne in front of the gong and looked out. I could see all the way to the palace entrance. Someone came over to me.
"Hello your highness," he said and bowed. "Would you like anything? I am Mahoi, your fathers, and now your personal assistant. If there is anything you need, please ring that bell over there, and I will be there in an instant."
"Why thank you, Mahoi. That is nice to know. I shall call you if I need you, but I am fine right now. Thank you."
"You're quite welcome your highness," Mahoi said, bowed, and ran off. Cucha walked in and came up to the throne.
"So, how is being king so far. Good?"
"Yes, I am enjoying it so far. Although nothings has really happened."
"Well, tonight at dinner is the inauguration. It's the party where we celebrate our new king. It will be quite festive. And you as the new king, have to start the prayers."
"What?!?! I don't know them by heart yet." Cucha chuckled.
"It's OK. THey're written down in a scroll for you. And enjoy your dinner for tomorrow will be quite hectic."
"Hectic?" I asked. "Why?"
"Well, because you will have to make sure everything is in order. There is a lot you must do each day."
"Oh, well, you will teach my, right?"
"Yes, of course." I was relieved. "But, I will have to teach you while you do it. I will walk you through it tomorrow, but then you're basically on your own."
"OK. I'll see you at dinner."
"Yes," he said, bowed, and left. I was nervous. This would be harder than I thought. I took a look at the prayer book. It was complicated and I didn't want to go in blind, for I never listened to them at dinner in the past, so I studied them until it was time for dinner. When dinnertime came, Mahoi came in and told me. He escorted me to the palace dining room. I knew that he was going go in first and announce my arrival, which he did. I walked in wearing my regular robes. I hadn't gotten king dinner robes made yet and my fathers were to big. It was embarrassing. I struggled through the prayers but finally got through them. I was the first to be served which was nice. As a prince, I was close to last. We ate, had peace time where I really tried not to talk because I was now king, and then it was time for the celebration. Cucha, who was sitting next to me, whispered to me that I was to rise and give a speech. I stood, nervously, and began.
"Ladies, gentleman, Elders, I thank you all for attending." That is how my father always started speeches. "I am very pleased to be the new king of the Jazzo Tribe and I will try my hardest to make sure the tribe is in order." I was about to sat down but Cucha whispered that I should talk about new rules I will make and things I will do. I continued. "Oh, I shall make only a few changes for now." Now I had to think of some changes. Nothing came, so I took it back. "Actually, I would like to experience a day as king before I adjust anything. I thank you all." They applauded and I sat down. The celebration was fun. I was given lots of praise about maturity and it was actually fin being in charge. I announced that all the kids of the tribe could attend the party, so I chatted with Ema a bit when she came.
"Ema," I began. "Guess what?" I blushed a bit as I thought about what I was about to do.
"What?" she said. I smiled.
"I have chosen you to be my queen." She gasped . . .

Chapter 8 Ema's Decision:
That was the gasp heard 'round the world. It sopped all hearts around the room. Jaws were open all around the room. But what did she say?
"Umm, umm, we need to talk about this. Come outside." We went outside. Alone in the dark. It was romantic.
"Your highness-"
"Please, call me Jazzo."
"There are many things that I have to consider. I love nothing besides apprenticing to Tuna and I wouldn't want to give it up for everything. But I do love you." I gasped, not realizing that I wasn't displaying the correct reaction to her saying she loved me.
"No, no no, that's not what I mean."
"No," I said. "I, I-I love you too." She gasped.
"Wow," she said. "I never thought it would be that easy."
"Me neither." And this was true.
"But Jazzo, I really don't think being queen is suit for me. And I don't want to give up sewing." I had to think about this. I had to come up with a way for her to be able to still sew. It was a hard predicament.
"Let me think. I'm sure I can come up with a solution." I thought, and thought, and thought, and it came to me. I had the perfect answer.
"OK, instead of apprenticing, you start a school where you teach other girls to sew. You still get to do what you love, but now, you will be the teacher. One of them can take over for Tuna and you can continue to teach others. That way, you get to do it, but can still be queen and do queen jobs. Is that good?"
She gasped then smiled. "Oh my, that's perfect." I smiled at her approval of my idea. "I'd love to teach others to sew. Oh Jazzo, you are brilliant."
"But now, is the real question." I went down on my knees. "Ema, will you be my queen?" She blushed and smiled.
"Yes, King Jazzo. I will be your queen." I smiled ear to ear. We opened the door to the palace. The sound of the door opening made everyone stop and look.
"Ladies and gentleman," I began. "We have an announcement to make."

Chapter 9 A New Beginning :
"Ema and I are getting married." I think it took about 15 seconds before everyone registered what we had said, but then the entire room applauded, Ema blushed, and I tried to stand as proudly and kingly as I could. It ran in my family.
"And," as soon as they heard a single word from my mouth, the people were silent immediately. "We have some other announcements and possibly new royal decrees. Queen Ema, as she will now be addressed by, who is currently apprenticing to Tuna, the village seamstress, will be starting a sewing school where she will teach other children how to sew. Our reasoning for starting this school is that Ema will not be able to take over for Tuna if she is queen, and this way, she can still be active in the field of sewing, and we will now have at least one person who can take over for Tuna. Any child in the village can attend this school with a parent or guardian's approval. A message will be sent around the village informing everyone. And this is all for now." I made sure I was standing as proudly as possible for inside, I was bubbling with excitement. I was excited that Ema was my queen, I was excited that I had just made a very kingly sounding speech, and I was excited to be king. As I enjoyed my applause, I realized this wouldn't be that hard. Or at least, I thought . . .

Chapter 10 Day One:
I woke up, sweating a bit. I had had a dream about ringing the gong for the first time and accidentally breaking it. Of course, I knew that was impossible, but anything can happen in a dream. I got up, got dressed quickly, ate some mushroom stew for breakfast, and left quickly to go meet Cucha. When I got there, I sat down ready for a lesson and he looked at me confused.
"I'm ready to learn," I said. Then he smiled.
"Oh, you are king now. There is no time for school. You have to do your daily activities. As I said before, I will walk you through it today the best I can, but you better get used to your routine. Now, come along." I followed him. He led me to the research table. "The first task of the day is one that must be done two times a day. You must go around the entire village, and check everyone in the tribe to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do. When I say check in, I mean ask exactly what they are doing and get some information. Here is a check list with the name of all the adults in the tribe." I looked at the list in horror.
"There are 57 adults in this tribe. I have to check each one of them every day?"
"Two times a day actually," he said and chuckled. "You should start at the research table. Remember, ask what they are currently working on and write it down on the back. Also make sure there are no problems. But that is unlikely. There are always problems, and as king, you must fix them. So, go ahead." I took a deep breath, stood as proudly as I could, and went over to Samar who was working quite hard with some plants. I walked over and tapped him.
"Yes?" he asked. Then he noticed me. "Oh, hello Pri-, I mean King Jazzo." Then I realized I wasn't sure what to say. I looked at the list and noticed next to his name it said "F" for "Farmer."
"Samar, it says here you are a farmer."
"Oh, I am training to become an elder and I have already mastered farming."
"Oh," I said. Now I wasn't sure exactly what to do. "Excuse me one second," I said and blushed a bit. I went over to Cucha who was watching from behind.
"He says he mastered farming and is training to be an elder. What do I write?"
"Oh, next to 'F' write '+R' to show that that is what he is currently working on. Keep track of those who are training to be Elders also. Now ask what he is working on." I walked back over.
"So, what are you working on write now?" I asked.
"I am studying some herbs to try to increase the life span of villagers."
"OK," I said. "You do that." I wrote on the back: "Samar studying herbs."
I went back to Cucha. "OK," he said. "Now do this for everyone else." I sighed and did that. It took forever. Finally, I had a complete list. I looked at my sundial and it was already lunchtime.
"Cucha," I began. "It is time for lunch. Can I eat now?"
"Of course. You are the king and you can have lunch if you want to."
"OK," I said. "But if I can do whatever I want, then why do I have to do all of this?"
"You don't have to, but I highly recommend it. These are the things we've been doing in our tribe forever and we know that this system works. Would you really want to try something different that might not work?" I thought about it for a second.
"I guess you're right. May as well do what I know works." I went to the palace dining room and sat at the head of the table. It felt weird sitting in my father's spot, but it was my spot now. The cook brought in a huge plate of food. It was incredible. I had never gotten the king's portion before. It was all so delicious. I used to think the food I got as prince was good, but that was nothing in comparison. I finished quickly and after the thirty minutes of peace time, I asked Cucha a question.
"Where's Ema?"
"Why, at her sewing school of course. She probably already ate." I wondered if she was enjoying it.
"Well," I began. "What do I have to do next."
"Well your father usually took a nap at about this time, or just sat on his throne and read scrolls." That sounded nice. I was tired from all the work I had done, and my stomach was very full. I went to my bedroom, and fell fast asleep.

Chapter 11 Ema's School:
I woke up. My stomach was still full. I looked at my sundial. It looked like it was time for some task of some sort. I went to Cucha. He was by the pond, meditating, as he did pretty much all the time.
"Greetings King Jazzo," he said as he noticed me approaching. "Did you enjoy your rest?"
"Yes, thank you Cucha. So what task would you recommend that I do next."
"Well, it's up to you remember, but I'd recommend checking in with Ema. Just for today at least. And then, you should resume schooling."
"Schooling? But I'm king!" I protested.
"Is that an excuse for not having an education? I think not. Remember, your father wanted you to master every skill. You want to do that, don't you?" He was right. Whether or not my father was alive, I wanted to show him that I could do everything he wanted me to do. I wanted to show him that I have honor, that I can master every skill, that I am King Jazzo. I would not let him down.
"Yes, of course," I said. He smiled and bowed.
"You should go check on Ema and see how she's doing." That was my queue to leave. I stood proudly, and walked away. I went down to the sewing hut to see. I walked in quietly so I wouldn't disturb the lesson. Ema was demonstrating how to sew fabrics together to make clothing. It was interesting. Then one of the students noticed me.
"Look Miss Ema," the small girl said. "It's King Jazzo," and she pointed at me. Ema turned around.
"Oh, hi King Jazzo. The lessons are going very well."
"Great. But where's Tuna?"
"She's probably taking a rest right now."
"OK, so continue. I don't want to be a nuisance." And with that, I left to go back to Cucha. When I approached him, he ceased meditation and saw me.
"Oh, hello again. How is Ema's school going?"
"It looks like it's going quite well."
"Good. Now, today, I'm going to teach you how to ring the gong, since it will be time again tomorrow."
"Wow, that will be great. Don't we only ring it like every five sunloops(years)?"
"Yes, and it's almost time. So, I will teach you how to ring it, and how to interpret what it has done." And he taught me all about the proper way to hold the mallet, and how to tell what it does. And he even told me that one time it took life and many people died, but that only happened once. He told me that if rainbows or sparkles come out, it has granted something, and if it emits green smoke, it has taken something. He taught me how to check for what it did and how to read the vibrations. It was interesting.
"So, remember all of this, but I will help you tomorrow. At exactly 7 o' Gong sharp, you will ring it." I couldn't wait!

Chapter 12 The Gong:
I went to bed after fixing some "problems" in the tribe. As Cucha had said, rarely is there a day with no problems. I went to bed eager for tomorrow. When I woke up, I suffered through the daily activities. It had never occurred to me how much the king had to do. It was still fun being called "Your Highness." The day went by slowly, but dinner came, I said a few things, we ate, had peace time, and then it was gong time. I stood in front of the gong with the mallet. It was heavy. Heavier than the one Cucha and I had practiced with. Cucha reminded me how to stand and how to strike. This was only the second time in my life I had witnessed the ringing of the gong. This time, I was ringing it. I held it as high as I could and looked at my target. I was sweating. As I swung the mallet, I could feel every muscle in my body working, until finally, BOOOOOM!!!!! The sound was so loud. The entire island seemed to shake. The birds squawked and ran away, some people began to lose their balance, and I watched as the air filled with thick green smoke. I remembered the signs. Thick green smoke meant bad. I closed my eyes, almost crying, but I didn't. I prayed to the Isola Gods. When the smoke cleared, I opened my eyes. Everything looked the same. But then, someone fell to the ground in a coughing fit. Others started to also. People were running to the hospital as quick as they could. About half the tribe was still by the gong, looking at me like helpless animals. The group that had run off to the hospital included Cucha, Ema, and even my other friends. The gong had taken health, and it was my fault. Most of the people left were kids. Finally one of them spoke. It was a kid a few years younger than me.
"What are we going to do King Jazzo. I'm scared," he said. His words made me almost cry, but I held it in. I did not know the answer to that question.

Chapter 13 Game Plan:
I thought about it for a second and then looked at the kids. I was their king. I had to say something that would get their hopes up. So I went with something simple but effective, especially on kids younger than I was.
"Don't worry, everything is going to be all right. I just need to come up with a game plan, but for now, is there any one here with any healing skill whatsoever?" No hands went in to the air, no signals were given that anyone met that requirement. I was in trouble.
"Well," I said. I hoped I could buy myself some time to think, but all eyes were on me. They were waiting for me to finish my sentence. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds, then I finished. "That is okay. We will find a way to heal the tribe's doctors, and they can heal others and teach us-" I was about to finish, when someone started coughing hysterically and others joined and ran off to the hospital. There were now only about 15 people left. They were all children. I had to act quickly. "I'll, um, be right back," I said and ran over to the hospital. I quickly found Cucha. "What do I do?!?!" I shouted in panic. He wheezed and then began to speak in an old, ill voice.
"Only the guiding hand," he stopped to cough, "can help you. Pray to the guiding hand. Ask," he coughed again, "for, fo-for, help." He began to wheeze louder. It seemed as if he was having trouble breathing. He was slipping away. I couldn't let it happen. I needed him. I couldn't let him slip.
"O high and mighty guiding hand," I began. "Please train the tribe members that are well to heal people, for only you can, or it will be the end of the Jazzo Tribe. Please." I looked around. I noticed the kids running over to the hospital, under the force of the mighty guiding hand, and healing adults. They healed the doctors first. As soon as Doctor Kailo was healed, I shouted for him. He came over quickly. He noticed Cucha dying at my feet and went to work. He worked fast. I was sweating and panting. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that people were being healed and getting up, but I was focussed on Cucha. We lay him down. We both stared at him. "Come on, come on, open your eyes. Please, open your eyes. Please be alive. Please be alive." Those were the thoughts flying through my head. "Just open your eye," I screamed half in tears. I was crying now. What if he didn't open his eyes. He had to. He had to open his eyes. I waited. Each tiny microsecond was like an hour. It was as if time was moving as slowly as ever. I could hear my heart beating slower and slower with fear. Then it hit me. That was it. I could listen for his heartbeat. The one bit of healing I knew, was that you can tell if a man is dead or alive by his heartbeat. I pressed my ear to his chest. At first I heard nothing. I moved my head around until I heard a faint thumping sound. He was alive.

Chapter 14 The Healing Plan:
"He's alive!" I said to Doctor Kailo. He was still examining Cucha.
"Barely," he added.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he is alive but he is quite weakened. He probably won't be able to move for a little while."
"What?!?!" This meant I was on my own.
"Well, he should be up and better pretty soon. For now, I'll carry him back to his hut to rest. King Jazzo, I seriously recommend organizing this. You need to figure out a way to heal everyone in time while I take Cucha to his hut."
"OK," I said and nodded. He bowed, to the best of his abilities while holding Cucha, and walked away. I couldn't think. My mind was full of worries about Cucha. I had to be strong for the tribe. They listened to me so I had to come up with the big idea. It wasn't helpful that my tutor was in a weakened condition and the rest of my council members were still being healed. I needed something to eat. I needed a stew. This tribe often made stews, but we only ever used one combination of herbs. I had always wondered what the other herbs would taste like. As I walked over to the black vine, which had never been used in a stew, an idea popped into my head. If the herbs on this island had medicinal effects, then if the right ones were combined in a stew, it would heal people. I was ready to try it, until I realized that I knew nothing about the healing effects of the island herbs. The doctors were too busy to study herbs. I had to try a stew and see if it worked. I quickly prepared the pot, ran to the stream, got water, and walked back carefully, so I wouldn't drop the water, got food, and then ran to the black vine. Something about it seemed medicinal. I then randomly picked two other herbs and threw them in the pot. I stirred and hoped for the best. I tasted the stew and suddenly, I felt a little tingle all around me. I felt weightless. And then, the feeling disappeared. I felt refreshed. This must be a good effect. I called over a doctor who was examining a patient. I told the doctor to have his patient try the stew.
"Not now King Jazzo. Healing the patient is the first priority, not tasting some new stew recipe."
"No doctor, the patient has to taste the stew. I think it has a medicinal effect."
"Nonsense. I wouldn't want to disobey you, really, but the life of the patient is at stake."
"Please," I begged. "I'm confident."
The doctor sighed. "OK, I'll carry the patient over to the stew." We brought her over and she tasted the stew. She began to pant a little bit and I could see something was happening inside her. I couldn't exactly describe what was happening, but when whatever happened was done, she stood up and spoke.
"Wow, I feel all better." And for the first time, I noticed who the patient was. It was Ema. I embraced her.

Chapter 15 Celebration:
Ema and I looked at each other. "Ema, I'm so glad you are all right."
"J-J-Jazzo. H-how did it happen? With th-the stew, and-"
"I created a stew with different herbs. For some reason, the combination of those herbs were able to heal you completely. And now, the rest of the tribe members can have some and they'll all feel better. Look, Doctor Kailo is lining them up right now."
She turned around to see Doctor Kailo helping the villagers form a neat and orderly line in front of the stew."
"Jazzo," she said and smiled. "That's incredible. How did you know which herbs would work."
"Well," I began, "I didn't. It was a miracle." She smiled and embraced me again.

One after another, healed villagers would approach me and thank me. Then I remembered about Cucha. I worked my way through the line, took some stew in a cauldron, and ran over to Cucha's hut. I knocked.
"Come in," he said in a hoarse voice. I was excited.
"Cucha, Cucha, I saved everyone." He gasped and the wheezed again. "I created a magical stew that will completely restore a villagers health. Try some." I handed him the cauldron. He took it and took a sip. He started blinking. His eyes opened wider. He panted a bit, wheezed a bit, then stood up.
"Jazzo," he shouted and walked towards me. "That's incredible. You have truly saved the tribe. Come, there must be a celebration." We walked out and the whole village was gathered around the hut cheering. I raised my hands and they were quiet.
"I am so glad that you all are saved," I began, and then realized there really wasn't much to say. "Well, there isn't much to say, but there will be a celebration in the royal palace, and everyone is invited!" Cheers were heard through the crowd. They parted to let me through, and I led the way. It felt good to be leading a tribe. My tribe. This was my tribe. I am King Jazzo of the Jazzo Tribe!!!

We had the usual festivities. Village races, dinner, swimming, and all of that. Then, the eldest elder approached me in the water.
"King Jazzo, do you know about the 'Milestone Rock?'" Of course I did. That was the rock where we carved all the latest tribe achievements or milestones.
"Yes, of course I do."
"Come," he said and led me out of the water and into the castle. He brought me to the Milestone Rock. I saw a history of my tribe in that rock.
King Jazzo I:
Discovers Fire

King and Queen Jazzo I:
Have first child born in Jazzo Tribe.

King Jazzo I:
Has first small hut finished.

King Jazzo I:
Tribe reaches population milestone: 15

...
...
...
There was so much on there. So many King Jazzos and other villagers. I walked over to the more recent things. Then, I saw the latest entry.

King Jazzo VI:
Discovers healing stew, saves tribe.

It was the greatest thing I had ever seen. My name on the Milestone Rock. I was filled with joy. I walked outside of the palace and looked at the tribe. I stood proud in the King Robes I had changed into. I saw mothers running around trying to find their kids. I saw kids playing tag in straight lines. I saw farmers, back at work planting crops, harvesting coconuts, and fishing. I saw doctors studying the stew I had created. I saw Ema and her students. I saw Cucha meditating, but not by the pond (which was too loud,) but by the ocean. I saw a happy tribe. But not just any happy tribe, I saw my happy tribe.


-----------------------------Epilogue------------------------------

"Daddy, daddy!" I put down my scrolls and looked at my son.
"Yes Jazzo?"
"I'm done studying these stupid scrolls. I don't like these robes. I want to play."
"Jazzo, I know but-" I stopped speaking. I remember what Cucha had always said about the 'cycle' and about princes not liking being princes.. Though I had never understood it, I knew he was right, because it worked out for me and all those before me. I did what I knew I had to do.
"Look at me Prince Jazzo the 7th. I want to teach you something about honor. You are royalty and though you might not like it, you'll understand why I make you learn about the tribe history and things like that. Now, go to Elder Weeko who is waiting for you by the pond. It is time for you to learn your skills. You must master all five of them."
He frowned and walked off quietly. Like father like son. Cuchita came running in. "Daddy, daddy, guess what. Mommy taught me how to sew a whole dress all by myself."
"That's great Cuchita. You're just like your mommy. Do you know, that when she was your age, she was an apprentice to the village seamstress?"
"Wow. That's amazing. Well, I have to go find seashells. Bye daddy."
"Bye sweetie." I smiled at my daughter who was running off to go do her shell collecting. I fell asleep in my chair.

I woke up sweating. It was a habit of mine, but this time it had a reason. It was time to ring the gong, and I was going to be late. I ran over and the tribe was already gathered. I lifted the mallet and struck the gong. The sound was incredible as it always was, and the sky filled with rainbows. THe funny thing was, I couldn't tell what it had granted. Then, I saw a word appearing on it. The word was "vision." The gong had granted vision. As far as I knew, that had never happened before. I had no idea what it meant, but something inside me told me to go to the graveyard. I went and saw the ghost of Cucha. He smiled and winked at me.
"What a lovely tribe you have," the ghost of Cucha said and then disappeared back into his grave. I put some flowers on it. He had lived a long and happy life and was finally in a place where he could do what he loved to do all day long: meditate. I walked away and saw my kids running around. I smiled at my tribe.

-THE END-