Chapter Text
And so, the Spellbinders of Happy Tree Town journeys forth, awaiting for whatever treachery Wizard City has to offer. Their last excursion has sent them to fight the harrowing horror known as Lady Blackhope, she would’ve had her way in showing Wizard City TRUE pain & sorrow…had it not been for the newest addition to the spellbinders, Giggles – The Theurgist, a friend to the Fairies.
Now, Cuddles, Flaky, and Giggles go their separate ways to take on the Undead Army who have gained a hold of Triton Avenue, Cyclops Lane, and Firecat Alley.
In this chapter, we follow Flaky’s perspective as she traveled through the mythic streets of Cyclops Lane. Compared to its counterpart, Triton Avenue, you could see how bright and luscious the street is.
Despite this, Flaky can’t help but feel…helpless, and even more nervous than ever before. Not only is she walking through a completely new world different from hers, but this time, she’s walking it alone.
“I can do this…I can do this…” Flaky says to herself remembering Giggles’ encouragement as she walked through the streets of Cyclops Lane.
Soon enough, she sees two things in her path – 1: a spooky dark cave just at the edge of the cave. Worst of all, the gates seem to be taken out and thrown to the side.
2, however, is a much friendlier option - A festive little park just across from her. Clearly preferring the 2nd option, the Necromancer was quick to scurry across the street to the park.
Despite being festive…it’s also a ghost town, just like the streets. The Necromancer couldn’t help but say one thing in mind:
“Where…IS everyone?” Flaky couldn’t help but ask. Until…
“Well, now!”
“ACK!” Flaky screams out as a voice behind her immediately made her jump. She points her weapon to the figure behind her. Sure enough, it was but another wizard adorned in a gold & yellow hood & robe.
“Didn’t expect to see another Wizard here. Especially a jumpy one.” The Wizard says as Flaky lowers her weapon.
“S-sorry, kinda the first time I’m on my own, and…well, a lot’s been going on, so OF COURSE, I’d be a bit jumpy!” Flaky replies, nervously as the Wizard hopped atop the stage.
“If that’s the case, the Muldoon’s doing a lousy job at sending Wizards. Then again, talented Wizards like me are quite hard to come by” The Conjurer says, co*ckily. Flaky simply tilts her head in confusion.
“Excuse me? B-but he sent us because we’re the only ones who could help!” Flaky protests, as the Conjurer smiles in amusem*nt.
“Well them, let’s put that to the test, shall we? And hopefully, you won’t run off like the others.” The Conjurer challenged.
“Huh?” Flaky asks.
“I’m Nolan Stormgate. It seems you’ve entered into a crossfire between Wizard City & the Giants.” Nolan introduces.
“I-I’m Flaky.” Flaky says, nervously. Nolan simply scoffed in amusem*nt.
“Flaky. If you must know what’s going on, then for some reason the Giants began rebelling. Their leader, General Akilles proclaimed an edict outlawing those with more eyes than he.” Nolan explains.
“So…everyone but themselves. If I had to guess, that’s why everything’s a ghost town around here. He must’ve driven everyone off.” Flaky deduced.
“Yes…but it’s strange. General Akilles always seemed like an honorable fellow, without insecurities to his ocular limitations. The other students and I came to successfully confirm the thwarting of the Cyclops Rebellion…but as you can see…the thwarting was unsuccessful.” Nolan explains.
“How so?” Flaky asks.
“I don’t know! It was suppose to be impossible to thwart! Professor Drake was the one who took it personally and handled the problem like any other could: summon the Trolls & Minotaur to deal with them!” Nolan says, confidently.
….Flaky could only force a smile on this one.
“Ahh, Professor Drake! How…reassuring…” Flaky says, meekly.
“Look, the point is that those blasted Trolls & Minotuar Warhorns aren’t listening to ANYTHING we say. They’re all just walking in circles, now! It may…have a connection to ANOTHER dilemma we seem to be having.” Nolan suggests.
“Another dilemma?” Flaky asks.
You see, for some reason Necromantic artifacts have been resurfacing throughout Cyclops Lane. I asked the students to look into it, but you’ll find that they are…gonezo. Probably couldn’t handle the situation and vanished back to Ravenwood.” Nolan inquires.
“Hmmm…” Flaky says as she’s beginning to put two & two together. “Do you…perhaps think the Undead Army might be involved with the Cyclops Rebellion?”
“It’s a possible idea. After all, it’s no coincidence that the Giants destroyed the Haunted Cave gate. Though…it’s rather surprising that the Undead hasn’t come out, yet.” Nolan deduced.
“So, what can we do?” Flaky asks as Nolan immediately hopped off the stage.
“I thought you’d never ask, my dear! Because I plan to try again at persuading the Trolls & the Minotaur by my side, while YOU find those artifacts that could be disrupting their sense of thought! And what better place to look THEN…”
At that moment, Nolan wrapped his arm around Flaky as he points to…a harrowing location that Flaky tried to avoid.
“THE HAUNTED CAVE!” Nolan says dramtically. Flaky could only look with such fear in her eyes.
“Um…h-H-Haunted Cave…?” Flaky asks, nervously.
“Yep!” Nolan says, happily.
“Emphasis on the word…h-haunted?” Flaky asks with increasing fear in her voice.
“It’s the perfect lead, y’see! Where else could these Undead Artifacts come from than the very source of the Undead encroaching upon Wizard City? Find me an Artifact in there, and maybe we can disrupt the Undead’s control over them!” Nolan says, happily.
“B-but, why me?!” Flaky begs.
“Do you SEE anyone else available?” Nolan asks, co*ckily. “Cyclops Lane needs a hero. Think you have what it takes to pass the grade?”
The crimson porcupine couldn’t help but lower her head…and then she gives a sigh as she summons her staff and her deck of spells.
“Not like I really have a choice, huh?” Flaky asks.
“I knew you’d see things my way! Now, let’s uncover this mystery! Good luck!” Nolan says happily as he took out his own spell cards and raced the other way, leading deeper into the streets.
“A f*cking GRAND Wizard adventure, huh, Cuddles?” Flaky mumbles as she drags her feet to the route leading back to the Haunted Cave.
The Haunted Cave
Trembling in her robe, Flaky finds herself in the darkness of the Haunted Cave. As if she found herself in Halloween Town, it was an entire town under Wizard City.
As the autumn leaves fall throughout the dark cave, the porcupine finds herself in the streets of the Haunted Cave with Pumpkins are scattered about, and even the trees have faces. Haunting grins similar to the Jack-o-Lanterns, themselves.
And of course, upon entering…she sees the mindless Undead wandering about, spanning from Ghosts, to Zombies, to Banshees. Everyone was here. The red porcupine could only gulp.
Compared to the topside’s pink & blue sky…these skies here in the Haunted Cave are purple and blue…where the only light that shines in this cave…is pristine-white majesty of the moon.
“Fantastic…and to think I liked The Nightmare Before Christmas…” Flaky says to herself. She only took a deep breath and shrouded herself with her hood…and simply walked through the streets.
Luckily for her, it seems that her hood has provided the best use of stealth, because it seems the Undead aren’t even heeding any mind of her. She’s just as invisible as the ghosts.
“Alright…alright, I can do this. All I need to do…is just fine ONE Artifact, and get outta here.” Flaky says as she soon makes her way to the Marketplace.
Just as she suspected, even more Undead make their way here…not as an army. But as townspeople, the same as the residence of Wizard City.
“Oh…this kinda makes things a bit more difficult…” Flaky says nervously, when suddenly…
BUMP!
Her thoughts were suddenly halted when she bumped into someone in front of her.
“O-oh! Sorr-eeeeeeeeeeeeee…” Flaky says before squealing in terror at the hooded Skeleton staring right in front of her. The skeleton simply tilts his head in confusion.
“Ye…alright, kid?” The skeleton couldn’t help but ask. Despite being in a squealing trance, Flaky, noticed something…the skeleton…doesn’t seem to even recognize her under her hood.
“Eeeeeee…yeah? Y-yeah! I’m fine…I-I’m sorry.” Flaky says, finally regaining her speech. The skeleton blinks before giving a hearty guffaw.
“G-AHAHAHAA! Ah, it’s okay, kid! We’re ALL used to things bumping in the night, AIN’T I RIGHT?!” The skeleton announced to the whole marketplace, earning a few laughs & ghostly wails from the Undead.
“Ye don’t seem dead, yet ya smell dead. Betcha you’re one of them Wizard City Necromancers, huh?” The hooded skeleton asks, making Flaky sweat bullets.
“Um…uh-uh…s-so what if I am?” Flaky asks, bashfully. The hooded skeleton only chuckles.
“Fidgety lil’ Necromancer, huh? Ah, relax, kid. The Haunted Cave welcomes ALL Necromancers & Witch who wind up here!” The skeleton says as he uses his Gold to pay the Apple Vendor two caramel apples.
“Poison Apple?” The hooded skeleton asks. Flaky took notice of the a lime-colored substance running down the apple. Cautiously the porcupine smells it…surprisingly smells like lime.
“I..appreciate the offer, but I’m not hungry.” Flaky says…before…
GROWL
Her stomach growling, right on cue. It seems the porcupine forgot to stop by the Stopping District to grab something to eat.
“Your stomach seems to disagree. In any case, relax, will ya? The apple ain’t LITERALLY laced with poison! It just comes with the theme!” The robed skeleton says. Reluctantly, Flaky takes the Carmel apple.
“Well…if it’s not poison.” Flaky says as she carefully gives the ‘Poison’ Apple…a lick. It tastes…as sweet as sweet can be. And the ‘poison’ tastes like lime. With courage, the porcupine eats up the Poison Apple.
“Mmmmmmm~ Say…this is yummy! If it isn’t Poison on the apple, then…what is it?” Flaky asks as she enjoyed the delicacy.
“A delicacy that ALL the undead enjoy: Bloodbat vomit mixed with Sweeteners all the way from Karamelle!” The hooded pirate says, happily…immediately making Flaky stop eating.
“….Bloodbat what?” Flaky asks.
“Bloodbat vomit!” The hooded Pirate says as he eats up his own Poison Apple…all while Flaky spits out her own Candied Apple…and began to puke behind one of the dead flower pots in the Marketplace.
“HEY! You don’t understand how hard it was to get those damn Sweetners! You Wizards are Picky, I swear.” The Zombie Merchant says before slamming his hat down and taking his leave.
“Ah, could be worse. I heard Gobbler vomit’s even more potent.” The hooded skeleton says as he sat on the bench. Finally, regaining her composure, Flaky looks to the skeleton dizzily.
“U-um…thanks for the treat…b-but, I REALLY gotta get going.” Flaky says as she began to took her leave, when suddenly…
“What’s the rush?” A stray Haunted Minion asks completely making the hooded porcupine jolt in fear.
“Yeah! We Undead take pride in makin’ Pumpkin Pie, too! We’ve got all sorts of treats for the living, if Poison Apples ain’t your thing!” The hooded skeleton says.
“It’s just that…well…” Flaky says trying to think up of a lie without revealing the plan. Soon, she thought of one.
“I-it’s just that…I’m doing an assignment, for u-uh Professor Malorn! A-and he wants me to find a Death Artifact for him. A-and I don’t wanna keep him waiting!” Flaky lies, happily.
“An Death Artifact?” The hooded skeleton asks…when suddenly the little Haunted Minion Ghost pops up.
“Why don’t you try the Graveyard?” The Haunted Minion asks as all the color washed away from Flaky’s fur.
“Uh…G-Graveyard?” Flaky asks.
“Ah, that’s a good place to start, ain’t it? Ebonwood Graveyard, just at the outskirts of town. Lots of stuff has been resurfacin’ in all sorts of tombs & crypts.” The hooded skeleton replies.
“I think it might be the Death Core bringing them all together.” The Haunted Minion says as Flaky tilts her head in confusion.
“The Death Core?” Flaky asks.
“Yeah! That puny lil’ Onyx is the main source of ALL Death Magic in Wizard City. It’s what keepin’ an ol’ bag o’bones like me in tact! Haha!” The hooded skeleton says, happily.
“Lord Malistaire didn’t wanna bother with that one. He’s got his eyes set on all the other cores in Wizard City. I dunno what he’s planning, but he’s using those cores to keep everyone distracted.” The Haunted Minion asks.
“Really…?” Flaky asks in intrigue.
“Heh. Heard a buncha snot-nosed Wizard brats were able to beat up Rattlebones to save the Life Core. I tell ya, Malsitaire’s got some trouble on his hands, huh, kid?” The hooded skeleton says to Flaky, making her laugh bashfully.
“Eheheheh, y-yeah! S-seems like it!” Flaky says, nervously. “S-so…uh…just out of curiosity, w-what happens if someone were to…take the Death Core away from here?” The two Undead look at each other and simply shrugged.
“Nothing really…” The Haunted Minion simply says.
“So long as you ain’t suckin’ up the Magic in that core.” The hooded skeleton adds.
“Aaaand…you say that there are just…many more artifacts that can be found in the Graveyard?” Flaky asks.
“Yeah!” A Haunted Minion exclaims.
“Tons of ‘em, if ya know where to look!” The hooded skeleton replies. Flaky has all the information she needs. And thus, she was ready to take her leave to her next venture.
“Well, boys, I-I thank you for helping me out! P-Professor Malorn will really be pleased with the Artifact I give him!” Flaky says as she darts off.
“No problem, kid! Give my regards to ol’ Ashthorn! I always admired that kid fillin’ in Malstiaire’s big shoes.” The hooded skeleton says as the Haunted Minion tilts his head in confusion.
“Doesn’t that Wizard seem a lil…familiar to you?” The Haunted Minion asks.
“Nah, not really!” The skeleton simply says as the Haunted Minion focused his eyes on the running porcupine. Not too long…it simply shrugged and continued his shopping.
Ebonwood Graveyard
“Graveyards. It’s ALWAYS Graveyards. f*cking hell…” Flaky mumbles in annoyance as she soon arrives in Ebonwood Graveyard. Upon opening the creaky gates, she finds herself in the great cemetary bathed in the light of the moon.
Even more Jack-O-Lanterns scatter alongside the tombstones and dead trees. And lo…at the center of the Graveyard, she sees it.
A majestic statue, holding in its cold grasp a sparkling Onyx: the Death Core.
Survaying the Graveyard, the porcupine could see even more gates leading out of the Graveyard. 2 of them in the fathest reaches of the field leading back into the streets, no doubt leading to the tunnels to Triton Avenue & Firecat Alley.
And at the farthest corner of the Graveyard just across from the great statue is a gate leading to the doors…of a house. The question is…just who’s house is that in the distance?
All these thoughts racing, yet Flaky clearly has just one objective. To find just ONE artifact to bring back to Nolan. She looks to the Death Core with but one thought in mind:
“Hmm…maybe I can just show Nolan the Death Core, and then…I can keep it and give it to Ambrose. Maybe he’ll have a better idea on what to do with it. Better in his care than the Undead’s.” Flaky says to herself as she approached the statue.
It was a statue of a woman. A woman with curly hair, glasses, and a crown of flowers atop her head. She had a long robe…and on one hand she has her wand, whereas her other hand…the Death Core.
“Huh…with a statue in her honor, this Wizard must be someone important…” Flaky says to herself aloud…as she then hears another voice speak up.
“Sylvia Drake.” A woman’s voice spoke up. Jolting in surprise, the porcupine turned around quickly and points her wand…at a frail old woman adorned in a white skirt, a green apron, and a long skirt simply resting on one of the tombstones.
Tucked in her hands is a rose…and a scrapbook. Flaky was quick to lower her wand at the woman…and gently asked.
“S-Sylvia Drake?” Flaky asks. The woman simply chuckles.
“Oh…I did hear that you’re rather new, aren’t you? My name is Gloria Krendell.” The old woman says as she joins the porcupine to look to the statue.
“Flaky, m-ma’am.” Flaky replies as the old woman sighs.
“Sylvia. Before Moolinda Wu, she was the Life Professor. Finest Theurgist of the trade, that’s for sure. Not only that…but she was Malistaire’s wife…and my cherished friend.” Gloria explained.
“Malistaire’s…wife?” Flaky asks.
“Poetic, ain’t it? How she carries her Life Wand in one hand, and the Death Core in the other? It’s supposed to signify that she’ll always have a part of him.” Gloria says.
“What happened to her?” Flaky asks. The old woman soon lowers her head.
“She…she was taken so cruelly by Death’s cold hand.” Gloria says as she placed the rose before the statue. Flaky could only cover her mouth in horror.
“One day, she caught a nasty cold…and she just wouldn’t get better. Headmaster Ambrose even called in the greatest Theurgists and Doctors the Spiral could offer, but they still couldn’t heal her.” Gloria explained.
“That’s…awful. I can’t really imagine being a Life Professor being struct down like that…” Flaky says as Gloria could only sigh as she looked to the mansion before the two.
“It was a dark time for Wizard City. But out of everyone, Malistaire took it the hardest. He couldn’t bare to let her go…so weeks after, he withdrew from his Ravenwood colleagues, and even his brother, Cyrus.” Gloria explained as tears began to fog her glasses.
“Listen…you don’t really have to explain all of it to me, if you don’t want to. It must be hard to handle, I’m sure.” Flaky says as she held the old woman’s hand. Gloria, could only chuckle.
“It’s quite alright, dear. After all…I at least still have the memories.” Gloria says as she looks to her scrapbook. With a smile, she asks a question that took Flaky by surprise:
“So…how do you intend to take the Death Core?” Flaky tensed up.
“H-how did you…” Flaky says before Gloria interrupted her.
“Ah, come now, dear, I’ve been here for quite a while. I’ve heard what you wanted to do. And…I don’t think I’ve ever met a Necromancer as kind as you.” Gloria says happily. Flaky, meanwhile, lowers her head, sadly.
“I was going to take the Death Core away so the Undead wouldn’t use it…but…would it even feel right to do that?” Flaky asks as Gloria pets the little porcupine.
“As much as I hate to admit it, dear…even I can see how Malistaire’s changed. I don’t know what he’s planning…but I can feel that he has LONG kept that anger, sorrow, and pain, since Sylvia’s death. I can’t imagine the horror he might cause upon using the Death Core for himself, or worse…giving the Undead the power.” Gloria explains.
“True…” Flaky says, softly.
“You’re doing the right thing, child. Do what you can to keep that core away from this place.” Gloria says kindly as Flaky approached the statue and took out her staff. It glows a shimmering glow, as she slams her staff to the base of the statue.
“Death’s Grip.” Flaky says as skeletal arms soon sprouting off the statue’s arm. Simply moving her staff, Flaky motions the skeletal arm to snatch up the Death Core; and once she waves her staff up high, the arm throws the Death Core high in the air for Flaky to snatch and put into her bag.
“You have my word, Ms. Krendell, that I’ll bring the Death Core to a much safer place.” Flaky pledged as Gloria smiles.
“Will you now?” Soon, the two immediately turned to see a ghost floating towards them, with an army of Undead by his side.
A ghost adorned in the same white robe as all ghosts…and yet…a skill floats for the ghost’s head. Surrounding the skull is an aura of cold…cold Thaumaturgy.
“Oh…that’s a new one…” Flaky says, frightfully as Gloria glares at the ghost, knowing full-well who this ghost is.
“Foulgaze.” Gloria says in a dangerous tone. “You’re the thieving spectre that stole my scrapbook! Luckily, I was quick to get it back from your cold grasp!”
The ghost scoffed.
“The pain of loss…a chilling feeling, I know. But the cold, cold, reality of things…is that dearest Sylvia is gone. All of those memories of the past are…what they are – in the past. Meanwhile, Malistaire has plans for the future and it will not be absconded by a meek…little…Wizard.” Foulgaze says looking to Flaky.
“You have to run, child. Foulgaze is a powerful asset to Malistaire’s army. With the Death Core in HIS hands, he’ll command the power of Frost & Necromancy.” Gloria explains.
“Sounds like a bitter combo. If Cuddles & I can beat Rattlebones, we can beat this guy, too!” Flaky says, determinedly as Foulgaze only chuckles.
“Oh you poor fool…” Foulgaze says…as he simply raised his arms…and soon slammed them down, summoning a powerful trail of frosted needles to travel towards Flaky & Gloria. They were quick to dodge as the spikes stopped at Sylvia’s statue.
“My power expands beyond Rattlebones. Now…give me the Death Core…or my spikes WILL not miss.” Foulgaze says, threateningly as his army of Lost Souls edged closer, as well. Both Flaky & Gloria looked at each other and nodded their heads in agreement.
“So…what I’ve gathered is that your specialty is Ice, right?” Flaky asks as she arose from the ground as Gloria slinked away.
“Yes. Death’s cold and cruel grip is what fuels my bleak fire.” Foulgaze says. Flaky smirks.
“Fire, huh? You mean…” Flaky says, before getting out of the way, revealing Gloria with a Jack-O-Lantern in her hands.
“LIKE THIS, FIRE!?” Gloria yells out as she used all of her strength to throw the Jack-O-Lantern to Foulgaze. The ghost, clearly wasn’t impressed.
“Is that really the best you could do, Krendell?” Foulgaze asked. But before he could freeze it, Flaky throws a card at the Jack-O-Lantern.
Upon impact, Dark Fairy Dust began to covet the pumpkin, as a Dark Fairy was summoned. The Undead looked obliviously at the Pumpkin simply fluttering through the night sky as the Fairy carries it with her dust. Foulgaze, meanwhile had enough of this. But before he could attack…
“Heheheh! TAKE THIS!” The Dark Fairy says giddily as she simply kicked the Jack-O-Lantern.
“WH-GAHHHHHHHHH!” Before Foulgaze knew it, a bright stream of Fire came at him, making the frosted ghost shield his eyes. To make matters worse, the Dark Fairy hurled the Pumpkin straight at the ghost, making him tumble to the ground.
Just the distraction needed for Flaky & Gloria to escape.
“GLORIA, GET GOING! I THINK ONE OF THOSE GATES LEAD TO THE OTHER STREETS!” Flaky yelled out pointing to the two gates on each side of the Graveyard.
“B-but what about you?!” Gloria asks.
“I’ll be fine! Get going!” Flaky yells out as she and Gloria was quick to dart away to different directions, leaving the Undead Army confused on who to chase, after.
Suddenly, Foulgaze arose from the ground, completely freezing the Pumpkin, and making it crumble as his aura returns. The ghost looks in annoyance at both Gloria who was booking it to the gate leading to Firecat Alley, and then to Flaky using the gate back to the town.
“Hmph. Don’t bother with the old lady. The scrapbook wasn’t even what Malistaire wanted. Bring to me the Death Core. And for good measures…bring to me the spiked rat’s head.” Foulgaze commanded.
Haunted Streets
Running. Running with all her life, the crimson porcupine frantically run past the town square and through the streets of the Haunted Cave to escape the Undead chasing after her. She could not DARE to look back, all that matters to her is to take the Death Core out of here.
Unfortunately, Flaky took one glace back only to see a whole army of Haunted Minions & Rotting Fodders chasing after her. Soon…she took notice of something harrowing.
The Rotting Fodders had their shovels out, and the Haunted Minions were possessing pumpkins. Soon enough…the Rotting Fodders let loose a powerful stream of Necromantic Energy, while the possessed pumpkins roared out a stream of fire at the porcupine.
“CRAPCRAPCRAPCRAAAAAP!” Flaky screams out as she was quick to dodge the attacks. Soon…
“RAGHH!
“AHHH!”
CLANG!
Two Rotting Fodders were about to slam Flaky’s head in with their shovels, but the porcupine was quick to summon her Staff to block the attacks. Unfortunately, the Possessed Pumpkins were drawing near with another fire blast at hand.
Flaky, however, had an idea.
“If I can’t beat you guys, I can take the Pumpkins on, since those are…I think Fire.” Flaky says as she was quick to throw the Undead off her staff and projected a powerful emerald Necromantic blast at the 3 Possessed Pumpkins.
SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT!
The Pumpkins were destroyed…but all that’s done is reveal the Haunted Minions, who only hissed at the Necromancer.
“Crap!” Flaky says, meekly. Quickly before the Rotting Fodders could slam their spades to the ground, Flaky rolled away and sped off as fast as she could as the Undead Army chased her.
“Dammit…DAMMIT! It’s always Undead, huh?” Flaky says to herself…until she looked with happiness as she sees something in the distance.
It was the entranced she used to go into the Haunted Cave, in the distance.
“YES! AH!” Flaky cheers, before she could make it out, she tripped. Fate taunts her, as she would in Happy Tree Town as she sprained her ankle just upon reaching the gates leading to Cyclops Lane.
“NOW’S OUR CHANCE, LADS! LET’S GET THAT CORE!” The Rotting Fodder yells out as the Undead charged at the porcupine at top speed. Even despite being at the entrance, her sprained ankle gives her the disadvantage. The Undead’s too fast for her.
“No..nononononono! I’ve gotta have some sorta spell!” Flaky says as she limped to entrance, frantically flipping through her deck of spell cards.
Soon, she finds it. A shimmering green card in comparison to her black cards. A Fairy spell, given to her by Lady Oriel. But before she could even take it out…
“HAAAAA!” A Fodder yells out as he grabs Flaky & slams her into the door of an abandoned house. To make matters worse for her, she was stuck to the door, courtesy of her quills.
“Your time’s up, kiddo. Hand over the Death Core…and we’ll see if Lord Malistaire’ll have ya as a part of our crew.” The Fodder says as he points his spade towards Flaky’s neck. All while the porcupine was panicking beyond belief.
“No…n-no…t-this can’t be happening! I-I’ve done too much already to die now!” Flaky says in her thoughts…as the Rotting Fodder slowly went for the kill…all while the other Undead took notice of something.
Her staff was glowing brighter…and brighter. As the porcupine could only remember everything that she’s already been through…and all the words of encouragement that she’s got in such little time here.
“Thanks to your efforts, Unicorn Way was quickly taken back from those nasty Undead!” Ms. Dawnwillow says as Flitter presents to the trio the Life Core.
“I mean…kinda empty. I mean…sure we saved Unicorn Way, but what’s stopping Malistaire from taking it over again?” Flaky couldn’t help but ask.
“We will do EVERYTHING in our power to ensure that won’t happen, Flaky. You and Cuddles have done a good deed for Wizard City. Be proud.” Ambrose assures.
“YEAH!” Cuddles cheers.
“Cuddles & Flaky, huh? You’re those two students that everyone’s been talking about, recent, huh? Your heroics on Unicorn Way are the talk of the town! Some say that you may just be Wizard City’s last hope…and to think you’ve just enrolled, as well!” Sergeant Muldoon says in admiration.
But then…there’s one piece of encouragement that stood out to Flaky…something that made her staff glow even brighter. Words of encouragement from…a friend.
“It’ll be ok, Flaky. You’ve just gotta believe in yourself! Show…whatever the hell’s in there that you’re the Necromancing BOSS!” Giggles encourages, making Flaky blush.
Soon, the porcupine’s eyes snapped wide-open…and her eyes shine a glistening silver as her staff glows a majestic silver, as well.
“I am the boss…” Flaky says to herself…before pointing her shimmering staff at the Rotting Fodder, who was already going in for the kill. Soon…Flaky calls out her newest spell.
“BANSHEE!” Flaky screams out as she projects a powerful ball of Necromantic energy at the Rotting Fodder, sending it flying across the street as the Undead watched in surprise.
Soon…the smoke clears as the Undead gazed upon a new Undead staring right back at them. An Undead that Flaky can control. A Banshee similar to the Scarlet Screamers. Only she has white hair and bony-pale skin.
“AHHHHHHHHHHH!” The Banshee screams out sending a shockwave towards Flaky, making the crimson porcupine close her eyes, frightfully. Did the spell go wrong?
No.
The Banshee, nearly hit the porcupine…but instead the Banshee hits the top half of the door, thus freeing her quills. Unfortunately, the Porcupine was still wounded from her sprained ankle as she limped closer to the Undead.
Meanwhile, the Rotting Fodder on the ground shook his head and arose as he looked to his gawking companions.
“What? You ain’t gonna let one Banshee get the better of us will ya!? Lord Foulgaze is gonna turn us into a buncha undead POPSICLES if we don’t get that Death Core!” The Rotting Fodder yelled out.
“You’re not getting the Death Core.” Flaky says, determinedly…as she raised her staff up high. “GET ‘EM!” Flaky yells out as she slams her staff to the ground.
Soon…the Banshee screams.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Soon, the Banshee lets out an ear-piercing scream across all the Haunted Cave. It was too much to bear for even the Undead’s ears, as Flaky helplessly covered her ears, as well.
Soon, the Haunted Minions were overwhelmed with the scream…and the little sheet ghosts, they simply…
POP! POP! POP!
Exploded. Popped like mere daisies. And what of the commanding Rotting Fodder? He was all but angry, gazing at the Necromancer focusing on her spell. This gave him the chance to attempt to throw his spade…until the Banshee gazes at him.
Before Flaky could even react, her spell was quick to fly to the Rotting Fodder…grab him by the shoulder, get close to him….and scream.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The shockwave was powerful enough to completely wash away the green that…WAS his face. The scream was even powerful enough to even chip away the solid skull atop the fodder’s head.
All that was left of that commanding Fodder was but a mere headless husk. Gently, the Banshee lets go of his shoulder…as the headless creature flopped to the ground. Only one Undead remains. Both Flaky & the Banshee glares at the remaining Rotting Fodder.
“Hisss!” The Banshee hissed making the Ghoul cower in fear. With a satisfied smirk…the Banshee dispels…and its silver dust remnants fluttered towards Flaky.
It swirls and swirls into a miniature tornado into the porcupine’s hand…and soon, with a shimmering beam of light…a new spell card was formed. The Banshee spell card; added to her deck.
“So now, I can summon you whenever you want, huh?” Flaky says to her spelldeck. The porcupine only smiles. “Maybe…maybe I can do this.”
And quickly, before the Undead’s bravery returns, Flaky limped herself out of the Haunted Cave. The lone Rotting Fodder was about to chase after. Until…
“Leave her.” A familiar cold & chilling voice says. The Rotting Fodder turned back in fear to find the freezing phantom behind him, Foulgaze.
“We will take back the Death Core, soon. For now…let the Giants play with her. So long as they’re on our side, the poor child…has nowhere to run.” Foulgaze says in a dangerous tone as he looks to the tunnel.
Cyclops Lane
After such an eventful encounter into the darkness of the Haunted Cave, the limping porcupine is immediately met with the piercing-bright sunlight of the day. She has finally made her way back into Cyclops Lane…and even more fortunate for her, nary a single encounter with the Undead…or even the Giants.
As the porcupine limps to a distance farther away from the Haunted Cave, she then takes from her Spell Deck the Fairy card given to her by Lady Oriel. Scanning her surroundings in case any surprise enemies wish to show up, she can now confirm that the coast is clear.
“Alright…looks like the Undead’s off my trail. No better time to use this than now.” Flaky says as she was about to cast the Fairy spell.
Until…
“WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH!”
CRASH!
The porcupine looked in surprise as a LITERAL PERSON fell from the air and crashed into the empty house right next to her. Quickly, the porcupine limped to see who it was. Sure enough…it was…
“NOLAN!” Flaky yelled out in concern. Despite being crashed into such a sturdy wall…the child was all but dazed as he shook his head to regain his composure. “Are you okay?”
“Well, now…you’ve certainly taken your time. I’d half expected you’d scurry off just like the others.” Nolan says co*ckily. He tried to stand up, but was quick to wince in pain.
“Hold on, I got you, man. I was just about to heal myself.” Flaky says as she crumples up her Fairy card just as Cuddles did.
Soon, the card turns into a small orb of light; to which Flaky throws it up in the air, thus summoning a friendly little Fairy.
“A Necromancer using Life Magic? Such poetic irony~” Nolan muses.
“You don’t know the half of it….” Flaky says, reminiscing what has happened in the Haunted Cave. Soon, the Fairy fluttered forth and swirled around both Flaky & Nolan, sprinkling her Fairy Dust around them.
Soon enough, their wounds were beginning to mend, and the two wizards were beginning to feel feeling in their legs again. A strange yet potent thing that their wounds were so quick to mend.
And with a happy little giggle, the Fairy disappears with a poof of dust, just like that.
“Much obliged, Flaky.” Nolan says, happily.
“So um…s-should I even ask…HOW you were sent flying?” Flaky couldn’t help but ask as the Conjurer sighs.
“Take a guess.” Nolan simply says before…
CRASH!
Taking the two by surprise, the trees in front of them were so easily broken apart, and thrown by the side like twigs. And thus…comes Flaky’s answers – three towering gruff green-skinned monsters with clubs for weapons.
“I tried again at persuading the Trolls the join us instead of fighting us. The fact that I was sent into the house…probably can give a bit of an idea on how it went.” Nolan says.
“TROLLS SMASH PUNY TWO-EYES!” A Troll yells out as all three of them simply slammed their clubs to the ground causing a powerful Earthquake across Cyclops Lane. This is turn, causes the rubble from above the two wizards to fall.
“LOOK OUT!” Flaky yells out as she was quick to grab Nolan’s hand as the two were quick to speed out of the way before the rubble fell on them.
“HAAAAAA!” Another Troll yells out as his club glows a shimmering gold glow, before throwing it at the two Wizards. It was Nolan’s time to shine.
“MYTH SHIELD!” Nolan yells out as his staff glows a shimmering blue glow. With a slam of his staff he conjures up a circle of story pages around him & Flaky.
On impact, these pages simply dispelled the Troll’s club. Unfortunately, with a golden glow, the Troll was able to resummon that club.
“Now, let’s gives tell these Trolls a bit of a story!” Nolan calls out as he raised his staff up high, making all the pages flutter up high into the air until it all completely forms into a simple spellbook with an eye in the center. Soon…he calls out his next spell.
“SPELLBOUND’S STRIKE!” Nolan yells out as he levitates the book closer towards the Trolls. At his command, the book opens thus projecting out a powerful blue beam of golden words & symbols.
Unfortunately, even Flaky can see that the Trolls were defending the blast with their Clubs. Without a Myth Prism, the spell isn’t very effective. Which means…it’s time for Flaky to use her new spell.
Soon, she takes out her Spell Deck to take her newfound Banshee card from it…and then she throws it up in the air.
“BANSHEE!” Flaky yells out…and with a poof of dark smoke, the Banshee appears where Flaky’s card once was. All it took was a simple…
“AHHHHHHHHHH!” To send the Trolls flying back with the combined power of Nolan’s spell.
“Not bad, not bad. ‘Course, MY spell was what did it~” Nolan says, co*ckily.
“Even when it seems like the spell was ineffective ‘cause Myth vs Myth doesn’t go well with each other?” Flaky asks as she raised a brow.
…..
“But of course, my friend! That’s how AMAZING Conjuration is!” Nolan boasts, earning a sigh from Flaky. The battle…however, wasn’t done, as the Trolls arose from the ground and snarled in agitation.
“They’re still at it.” Flaky says in concern. Nolan could only ponder his next move.
“SURELY my theory must be right. The Trolls MUST be bent on destroying us because of the Undead’s influence.” Nolan says as he turns to Flaky. “Did you bring an artifact from the Haunted Cave?”
“Well…that depends, does this count as one?” Flaky asks. At first Nolan doesn’t at all look impressed.
“Oh joy, a great & shiny Onyx. Well…maybe if we thr-wait a minute…” Nolan says before looking back at the Onyx in realization. The fact that it’s shimmering in powerful Necromantic energy could only mean one thing to him:
“T-this is the Death Core! The source of ALL Death Magic in Wizard City!” Nolan says in surprise.
“Better to take it away from the Haunted Cave where it’s more vulnerable to the Undead Army’s clutches. Do you think we can get the Trolls’ attention with it?” Flaky asks.
“HUUURAGH!” Another Troll yells out as he projects from his club a stream of yellow magic at the Two Wizards.
“MYTH SHIELD!” Nolan yells out as he summons his Myth Shield again, once again dispelling the Magic upon impact.
“It could get ANYONE’S attention, let alone the Trolls.” Nolan deduced as he levitates the Death Core high up for the Trolls to clearly see.
“HEY, TROLLS! LOOKIE LOOKIE~” Flaky calls out gaining their attention. The Trolls simply looked up to see the Death Core floating before them. Nolan & Flaky were both hoping that the Trolls would try to snatch the Onyx up in favor of the Undead Army.
…..
Yet…they’re doing no such thing. To the Wizard’s confusion, the Trolls simply looked at the Death Core confusedly as Nolan dismissed his Myth Shield.
“Why…aren’t they going for it?” Flaky whispers. The Trolls simply shrugged, and continued throwing their clubs at the two Wizards. Luckily, Nolan was prepared with as many Myth Shields as he could muster.
Still…something doesn’t add up.
“Ok…so the Giants AREN’T influenced by the Undead. If the Trolls don’t care for it, what use would it be for the Cyclopes & Minotaur?” Nolan says to the porcupine.
“So…what now?” Flaky asks. Nolan simply smirks as the Trolls raised their clubs high. But before they could attack…
“SCREEEEEEEEEEEE!” Nolan was quick to summon a pair of Bloodbats and throw them at the Trolls. The Trolls were trying to swat them away as the Bloodbats only fluttered into their faces while spitting out green goo on them, making Flaky’s gut wrench.
“Guess I know what a Bloodbat is, now…” Flaky says, meekly as her face turned green. The distraction, meanwhile was a perfect setup for Nolan. As he can NOW cast…
“MYTH PRISM!” Nolan yells out as he held his staff up high. As the Bloodbats fluttered away, the Trolls were soon enveloped in a shimmering-blue prism barrier with bubbles floating blissfully around them.
This clearly didn’t stop the Trolls, as they simply snarled and…
“RGAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” Charged at the two Wizards with a roar that could shake a village. Flaky prepared for battle as she asked…
“Got a plan to use something with that Myth Prism?” Flaky asks.
“How about a taste of their own medicine?” Nolan says as his staff glows a shimmering gold glow…as he summons his next spell:
“TROLL!” Nolan cries out as he throws the shimmering green glow up high in the air. In a shimmering flash of light appears a Troll soaring high up in the air looking to see his own brethren attacking two wizards.
This angers the airborne Troll as he raised his club high…and dived down to the ground with a massive…
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Upon meeting with the ground, the Troll creates the same powerful Earthquake as before; this time sending his brethren flying, crashing into the trees and skidding to the other side of the street.
“Whoa…” Flaky says in awe. Nolan, meanwhile, looked at the fallen Trolls, smugly.
“The beauty of Prisms, dears Flaky. Upon casting it, your spells will hit your enemies hard with the OPPOSITE of their Magic Type.” Nolan explains as his Troll dispels.
“Opposite?” Flaky asks.
“Take Myth for example. Our main forte revolves around that of pure fantasy. Meanwhile our opposites, Storm, is more….technological and…scientific…if not grossly…mechanical; they just don’t mix with each other, which is why the Magic is weak to each other.” Nolan explains.
“So, Prism Spells take advantage of that weakness by converting the damage?” Flaky asks.
“Exactimundo! Now then…” Nolan says as he & Flaky approached 3 Trolls that arose from the ground from the damage. All it took was the two Wizards glaring at them…to make them run.
“FLEE! PUNY TWO-EYES SCARY!” A Troll cries out as the other were quick to take their leave. The ones that were farther down the street were also quick to scatter away….although…Flaky & Nolan soon noticed one of them dropping a piece of paper.
“That Troll dropped something.” Flaky says as she & Nolan raced back to the upper street to catch the paper before the wind could snatch it up.
“A letter?” Flaky asks as she looks to the envelope with an eye seal. She gives it to Nolan.
“It’s a memo from the Cyclopes. What would Trolls even need this for? They can’t read.” Nolan says as he opens up the letter and reads it.
“I’m guessing it’s something all the Giants get, illiterate or not.” Flaky says. Nolan’s eyes widened with every passage read.
“Uh-ohhhh….” Nolan says, meekly.
“What is it?” Flaky asks.
“It seems that I…MAY have had a bit of an…error in regards to our missing students.” Nolan says meekly as he holds the letter down for the little porcupine.
“To all Giants in Cyclops Lane: Earlier this morning has been an eventful day, to say the least. A band of students have found out about or plans to attack Wizard City, but Taurus Maximus was quick to capture them & send them to my keep.
On top of this, we have finally convinced the Trolls to ally with us, as well, which was…easier than expected. Soon, we shall make our advance to Olde Town once Taurus procures the Myth Core from Talos’ Eye. Once our triumph is complete, we shall signal the Undead, and let the invasion proceed as according to the Master’s plan.
In the meantime, all units are to patrol Cyclops Lane in search of anymore students running amuck. Any Wizards you find, bring them back to my keep, where I determine what to do with them.
Sincerely, General Akillies of the Cyclopes Legion.”
As the wind blows throughout the street, Nolan & Flaky could only look in silence at this note.
“The Myth Core…” Flaky says, fearfully.
“So, the students didn’t run off to Ravenwood…they’ve been captured. WELP, I’ve been wrong before, it seems!” Nolan says, nervously.
“God…the Trolls literally leveled a HOUSE down with just their own Magic. Just…imagine how much damage they can do with the Myth Core powering them.” Flaky says in fear.
“Same with the Death Core, the Myth Core is the source of ALL Myth Magic. With the Giants working together to hog it all for themselves, they could level Wizard City to the ground.” Nolan says, dangerously.
“And if the Undead wasn’t involved with them…something else is up. So…what do we do?” Flaky couldn’t help but ask.
“Well, Flaky, my friend…it seems like there’s only one thing left to do.” Nolan says, determinedly. Flaky could only gulp.
“Fight the Giants, head on, for some answers?” Flaky asks, meekly…as Nolan blinks in confusion.
“What are you, crazy? They’ll rip us apart! No. The one thing left to do is….tell an adult.” Nolan simply replies.
…..
Flaky only blinks in confusion.
“….Y’know, I kinda like that suggestion better.” Flaky says, truthfully. “So, should we report this to the Headmaster?”
“No. We report this to a far better resource. A person who knows of ALL the machinations of what makes a Myth Minion tick…or rather, even the inner-machinations of Myth Magic, in general! I say we talk to…” Nolan announced dramatically as Flaky gives a heavy sigh, knowing who exactly Nolan’s talking about.
“Professor Drake?” Flaky asks, drearily.
“PROFESSOR DRAKE!” Nolan announces, triumphantly…as he soon takes out a book from his hat, and raced back to Festival Park. “I’LL LEAVE YOU TO IT!”
“W-WAIT, WHAT?!” Flaky yelled out.
“SOMEONE’S GOTTA KEEP AN EYE OUT ON TAURUS MAXIMUS IN CASE HE MAKES HIS MOVE ON THE MYTH CORE! GOOD LUUUUUUUUUUCK~” Nolan yells out as he soon makes his departure farther & father away from the crimson Necromancer…who could only give a sigh.
“Why is it always me…?” Flaky sighs.
Ravenwood
As the birds fluttered throughout the campus, we soon see Flaky strolling amogst the crowd of human students as Magic fluttered around her. Ravenwood…just as magical as she first laid eyes on it. Soon, she once against makes her way into the steps of the Myth School. The porcupine could only sigh.
“Truthfully, I didn’t think I gave a good impression, last time. M-maybe…things can be different, this time.” Flaky says, confidently as she slowly opened the door.
Poking her head into the Myth School, she once again sees Professor Drake hard on paperwork, just like when she first met him. Almost as if he didn’t even leave his desk.
In annoyance he raised a brow and looked to Flaky…who was just simply staring at him from behind the door. In annoyance he says,
“You can come in, Miss Flaky.” Professor Drake says, making the crimson porcupine gulp. With a nervous smile on her face, she enters the classroom.
“Professor Draaaaaak~ hehehe, h-h-how was your day?” Flaky asks, trying to make small talk. Professor Drake, of course…clearly did not care for small talk.
“I take it there is a reason why you are peeping into my classroom?” Professor Drake asks, credulously. Flaky took a deep breath and tried to explain as much as she could.
“Well, it’s just that there’s a bit of trouble on Cyclops Lane, and a lot of things happened, what with the Trolls & Cyclops trying to take over. On top of that there a students captured and we tried to get the Giants to stop using a Death Artifact and-” Flaky prattle on…and on…and on, until Professor Drake stopped her, clearly bored of this exchange.
“Oh, joyous. You’re one of those fast-talking students aren’t you? Lovely.” Professor Drake sighs, as Flaky, amidst her panting answers:
“No…not really. Just wanted to get my point across. A lot happened in a short minute…” Flaky confessed.
“I’m sure.” Professor Drake says, rolling his eyes. “But let me save you the trouble of breathlessly barking and dancing around like a dog reporting a mishap in a well – I already everything.”
“Y-you do?” Flaky asks.
“Yes. And I need you, Miss. Flaky…to help me save Cyclops Lane. That is…if you’re up for it, of course.” Professor Drake simply says, as the crimson porcupine blinks in surprise. She…didn’t expect this to be so…easy.
“O-of course, Professor! It’s why I’m here, after all!” Flaky says as she smiles.
“Excellent. Your task is simple: Go to the Shopping District and speak to Victor Darkwood, the clothier. He will give you…something of GREAT importance, and I wish for you to bring it back to me.” Professor Drake instructs, making Flaky tilt her head in confusion.
“The…Clothier will?” Flaky asks.
“Do you doubt me?” Professor Drake asks, raising a brow.
“O-of course not, Professor. It’s just that…” Flaky retorts, but was interrupted by the Professor.
“Then do this thing, young Wizard. The fate of Cyclops Lane rests in your hands! Or…paws, whatever.” Professor Drake says, dramatically.
Flaky has a feeling that the Professor is bullsh*tting her…but even she knows that she doesn’t really have that much of a choice. With a great sigh she answers.
“I’ll get right on that, Professor.” Flaky says as she took her leave from the Myth School as Cyrus continues his paperwork.
“Finally, some peace and quiet.” Professor Drake sighs.
Shopping District
Once again walking along the bustling Shopping District, Flaky scoured the streets left & right, up & down, in search for the Clothing Shop. Doesn’t make it any easier given that there are several clothing shops in this bustling place.
Flaky could even see Wizards going in & out of a Magic Mirror shop. Some of which…look completely different compared to when they first entered the shop.
“Huh…a Magic Mirror. This place DEFINITELY has everything, huh?” Flaky says in awe as she soon enters the shop Professor Drake marked on her map – Darkwood’s Apparel Barrel.
DING-DING!
“A CUSTOMER, I HEAR~?!” A voice yells from the back the very moment Flaky enters the clothing shop. Zooming into the shop was a dark-skinned rotund man. Immediately, he makes his spiel despite not even noticing Flaky approaching the counter.
“Welcome, WELCOME, WELCOME! To Darkwood’s Apparel Barrel, where shopping for apparel’s more fun than Monquistans in a barrel!” Announced the shopkeeper, Victor Darkwood.
“Mon…quistan?” Flaky asks as Victor FINALLY took notices of the little porcupine. He dramatically gives out a gasp.
“Well, WELL, WELL! Am I in the presence of a legend?” Victor asks, making the porcupine tilt her head, confusedly.
“Ehheheh…y-you must be mistaking me for someone else, sir. I-I’m just-” Flaky tries to explain but the shopkeeper interrupts her.
“NONSENSE! Word spreads like wildfire, y’know. TWO NEW STUDENTS! Peculiar types, mind you; a yellow rabbit and a red porcupine. And to think, already they’ve done the unthinkable: defending our streets from the wrath of the treacherous Rattlebones, and the GLOOMY Lady Blackhope! Unicorn Way AND Olde Town protected!” Victor Darkwood emphasizes making Flaky look at him in surprise.
“Wow…word really does spread like wildfire.” Flaky says in awe.
“And to think, you’re making rounds, and you’ve JUST enrolled in Ravenwood! So, with that I ask, OH LEGENDARY Wizard, what can I do for you, this day?” Victor asks as he simply…bows to Flaky.
“Oh…um, y-you don’t really need to do all THAT, man. I’m just here to pick up something for Professor Drake.” Flaky says, bashfully…IMMEDIATELY making Victor Darkwood’s face drop.
“Ah…Professor Drake.” Victor says, glumly. “Outta curiosity, which one? The MEAN one…or the EVIL one?”
“Uh…which one is Cyrus?” Flaky asks, fearfully.
“Oh, Cyrus. He’s the mean one. Doesn’t really make it any better. The Drake Brothers have ALWAYS been a prickly pair. Can’t say I really mind there bein’ one-less Drake around, these days. JUST A MOMENT!” Victor Darkwood says as he zips to the back of the shop.
All of this, only made Flaky ponder in thought. Thinking about her accomplishments thus far…and the Drake Brothers.
“I didn’t really think I’d do all that fine on my own, but…here I am. Defeating Trolls & escaping…t-that Foulgaze, guy.” Flaky says as she soon takes from her pocket the Death Core.
“Note to self…I REALLY need to get this back to the Headmaster. But…y’know, all in all, maybe Giggles is right. Maybe…I do got this.” Flaky says as she could only give a smile as her eyes were glued to the Death Core.
When suddenly…
“HERE YA ARE!”
“WHOA!” Before the porcupine knew it, Victor Darkwood threw to her a HEAVY bag of…what she could assume be clothing. Before the weight of the clothing take her, she drops the bag to the ground, and looked at the Clothier in confusion.
“Wait…what is this?” Flaky asks.
“Whattaya think it is? It’s Grumpy ol’ Cyrus’ laundry, pressed AND folded correctly, no matter what he says.” Victor says in annoyance, making Flaky look at him with…such great confusion in her pied-eyes.
“Laundry?” Flaky asks.
“Aye! Isn’t that what ya came here for?” Victor asks.
“Well, n-not really…” Flaky mumbles.
“Well, sorry, kid, you’ll have to take it up with him. It’s not my business.” Victor shrugged. Still confused, Flaky also shrugged as she dragged the bag out of the shop, to Victor’s surprise.
“WAITWAITWAIT, WAIT WAAAAAIT!” Victor yells out as he raced behind the counter to lift the bag up. “Don’t go dragging the clothing on the pavement, he’s gonna kill me!”
“But…” Flaky starts, before Victor inturrupts her, again.
“Look, my fault for havin’ a KID do all the heavy-lifting, so how ‘bout I bring the clothes to him, and you follow me. Sound good?” Victor asks.
“Please, Mr. Darkwood, you don’t have to do all that” Flaky says before Victor carefully ruffles the tuft of fur atop her head, carefully avoiding the quills, of course.
“I insist! NOW C’MON! Before Drake’s patience suffers the same fate as his hair, HAHA!” Victor laughs earning a giggle from the little porcupine before they both exit the shop.
Myth School
SLAM!
Professor Drake could only sigh as his peace & quiet was once again absconded by Victor Darkwood slamming the door open.
“SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR PROFESSOR DRAKE~!” Victor announces as he & Flaky enters the Myth School. An annoyed Professor could only look as Victor placed his laundry before him.
“Well, that certainly took you long enough, Miss. Flaky.” Cyrus says to Flaky who only sunk behind Victor’s leg. Soon, the Myth Professor’s gaze went from her to Victor.
“And as for you, Mr. Darkwood. I look forward to seeing how improperly you folded my robes…again.” Cyrus says, earning a glare from Victor.
“Listen, ya pompous git. I did my best to fold ‘em. It’s on you to expect your laundry to be on par with Queen Vicorgia’s. YA AIN’T THAT SPECIAL, DRAKE!” Victor yells out taking his leave from the Myth school with a
SLAM!
“I merely expect my laundry to be done by a person…and not a trapsing Bloodbat.” Cyrus mumbles as he continues his work…leaving both him & Flaky alone in silence.
….
As a few minutes of silence passed, Professor Drake could only give a heavy sigh.
“You’re still here, Miss. Flaky?” Cyrus says, annoyed. Twiddling her thumbs, Flaky answered the Professor.
“Well, it’s just that…not much really happened, Professor. T-the situation on Cyclops Lane-” Flaky starts but was interrupted by Professor Drake.
“Is well under control.” He continues for her. “I sent an army of Trolls to ensure as much.”
“But that’s the problem, Professor! The Trolls aren’t doing anything to help us! They’re…well…” Flaky continues as she was trying to find the right word for it. Professor Drake, meanwhile raises a brow, in frustration.
“Revolting?” Professor Drake asks, as Flaky snaps her finger in realization.
“YEAH! That’s the word! The Trolls are revolting!” Flaky exclaims.
…..
More silence.
“I thought as much. Yes, well such an annoyance must be dealt with, harshly.” The Professor says bluntly as he soon rummages through his desk. For some reason, Flaky notices the tone in the Professor’s voice to be…harsher. And more annoyed than usual.
“Here.” Cyrus says as he gives Flaky a letter with the Myth seal on it. “Take this letter to Headmaster Ambrose. THAT should settle things to MY satisfaction.”
“Uh…” Flaky starts, but the Professor simply gives her an angered glare. Bashfully, she sees herself out.
“Heheh…n-no problem, Professor.” Flaky says, bashfully, as she soon takes her leave.
Headmaster’s Office
Opening up the door, Flaky, once again, enters the Headmaster’s Office to see Ambrose singing and cleaning his office. Looking in awe, she sees how spic & span the place was compared to when she last entered his domain.
“AH, Flaky!” Headmaster Ambrose says happily as he soon took notice of the crimson porcupine roaming around the office. He soon levitates his broom away and approaches her.
“I didn’t expect you to come back so soon, and well…alone. What happened to Cuddles?” Ambrose asks as Flaky takes a seat.
“Well, we had to separate to deal with what’s going on in the three streets beyond Olde Town. We found one of our friends, and she’s looking into what’s going on in Firecat Alley. Cuddles is in Triton Avenue, and I…kinda got sidetracked while investigating Cyclops Lane.” Flaky explains.
“Ahh, wonderous! I’m so glad you were able to find one of your friends! And I assure you, my dear, you will find the rest, soon enough. Now them, what news do you bring from Cyclops Lane?” Ambrose asks.
“Well, we were hoping to ask Professor Drake for help and…well, he gave me this.” Flaky says as he hands the Headmaster Cyrus’ letter.
“A note? Hmmm?” The Headmaster says as he opens up the letter and reads it. The more he reads the letter, the more surprised…and evidently annoyed he got.
“Oh, what RUBBISH!” Ambrose says as he crumples up the paper and levitates it to the trash. “I will NOT expel you from Ravenwood!”
This immediately made Flaky look at him in surprise.
“Wait…WHAT?!” Flaky cries out.
“I realize that Professor Drake takes peculiar umbrage at the whole ‘Trolls are revolting’ joke, but handing a student an expulsion letter for it?! That’s just too far!” Headmaster Ambrose says in outrage.
This, immediately, made Flaky’s eye twitch. In frustration she dug her gloved hands into her face and gives out a frustrated sigh.
“I wasn’t TRYING to make a joke, Headmaster! I mean REVOLT! As in the Trolls are ATTACKING CYCLOPS LANE!” Flaky yelled out in frustration. The Headmaster could only give a tired sigh and smiled at the porcupine.
“It’s quite alright, Flaky. Professor Drake is a rather…difficult one of our staff, but I assure you, he may seem callous, but he’s not Malistaire. If anything, he’s one of our most trusted teachers in Ravenwood.” Ambrose assures, earning a sigh from Flaky.
“Well…if you trust him, then…maybe I can give it a shot.” Flaky sighs.
“I do apologize, on his behalf, Flaky. Even though…he won’t care to admit that you are owed one. Now then…onto the Trolls.” Ambrose apologizes.
“Yeah…Professor Drake said that he summoned them to combat the Cyclops…but we don’t know why they’re attacking.” Flaky explains.
“It’s strange…the Cyclops shouldn’t be showing such hostility.” Ambrose says, pondering.
“Why not?” Flaky asks.
“General Akillies and his men were the first to be Conjured by Professor Drake, long ago. As the Guardians of the Myth Core. When the Undead attacked, we had hoped that the Cyclopes & Minotaur would drive them out…but now…both General Akilles AND Taurus Maximus have gone back on their word.” The Headmaster explained.
“Any ideas on why?” Flaky asks.
“I don’t know why…but I fear something far more sinister might be behind General Akilles’ change of heart. But we will need to know more.” Ambrose explains. Flaky could only give a tired sigh.
“Something tells me that Professor Drake may have a better idea than the both of us…” Flaky says, tiredly, earning a sigh from Ambrose.
“If you would like, Flaky, I can go speak to him-” Ambrose says before being interrupted by the little Necromancer.
“Nah, it’s fine. I’ll deal. But…if you don’t mind, Headmaster, there IS something you could do…i-if you want, of course.” Flaky request, earning a brow raise from Ambrose.
“Oh? And what that be?” Ambrose asks. Soon, Flaky approaches the Headmaster as she takes from her pouch…The Death Core.
“T-The Death Core? Flaky, how did you-” Ambrose asks but the porcupine continues on.
“I was trying to find a Death artifact from the Dark Cave, thinking that there might be a correlation between the Undead & the Trolls attacking. The Death Core might just be the best thing but…there isn’t one. So, I was going to bring it back to you. I thought it’d be safer in your hands more than mine or the Undead’s.” Flaky explains.
“Ahhh, I see. Well, Flaky, you can consider the Death Core safe in my hands. The Commons and every other area in my perimeter is protected from the Undead’s influence. And thanks to yours and Cuddles’ efforts, so is Unicorn Way.” Ambrose assures. Flaky could only smile at the Headmaster’s bubbly yet kind demeanor.
“Thanks, Headmaster.” Flaky says, happily.
“Of course, my child.” Ambrose says as Flaky soon took her leave.
Myth School
“Even STILL you pester me. I had HOPED that the Headmaster would straighten things out.” Professor Drake sighs as Flaky, once again, enters the Myth School. With a deep breath, Flaky soon explains to the Myth Professor what’s going on.
“Professor Drake…I understand that we’ve kinda gone on the wrong foot here, but…I’m being genuine on saying that I didn’t mean that whole…’Trolls are revolting’ thing.” Flaky explains as Professor Drake raises a brow.
“Oh?” Professor Drake asks, incredulously.
“What I’m trying to say is that the Trolls you summoned have turned against you guys and are ALSO attacking Cyclops Lane alongside the Cyclopes and Minotaur. On top of that, they ALSO captured a couple of missing students that went in there.” Flaky explained slowly.
“And so you cowered back to Ravenwood to ask for my help? And whos’ keeping the Giants from advancing into Olde Town?” Cyrus asks.
“Well…one of your students, Nolan Stormgate asked me to get you while he goes out to hold the line, himself.” Flaky answered.
…..
“I don’t believe you.” Cyrus says, bluntly.
“WHA!?” Flaky cried out.
“Yeah, the moment you said Master Nolan is holding the lie, I stopped believing this tale.” Cyrus says as he continues his paperwork, earning more frustration on Flaky’s part.
“PROFESOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!” Flaky cries out, tiredly.
“Although…” Professor Drake says, earning Flaky’s attention. “Thinking more about it, Wizard City IS an old world and it’s not quite an uncommon thing for fantasy to meet with reality.”
“So…you believe me?” Flaky asks.
“In a sense. It’s not…an impossible thing to believe that a dark presence has enthralled my minions. Something could have challenged the Cyclops’ Code of Honor.” Professor Drake deduced.
“Code of Honor?” Flaky asks as she takes a seat in one of the student desks.
“I’m sure by now, you know that the Cyclopes were summoned by myself to protect the Myth Core; the source of all Myth Magic in Wizard City?” Cyrus asks.
“Yeah, the Headmaster told me that.” Flaky replies.
“Well, I assume the Headmaster has forgotten to mention that the Cyclopes are a rather…prideful bunch. Their Code of Honor states NEVER to bow to weakness. Before becoming the Guardian of the Myth Core, General Akilles challenged me to a dual. Naturally, I defeated him.” Professor Drake explains.
“So, by that logic…the Cyclopes only obey those who’re stronger than them?” Flaky asks. Drake nods his head.
“Precisely. The Cyclopes cannot be defeated so easily, the Minotaur especially. This can only mean that someone…far more powerful than I am must’ve challenged them and won.” Professor Drake deduced.
“Malistaire…” Flaky mumbles.
“Ahhhh…” Cyrus says gaining Flaky’s attention.
“I HAVE heard that you’ve met him upon entering Wizard City. Many thought it a myth, or that Malistaire is dead…but of course, I know my brother too well. I knew that someday he would return to Wizard City. The question is…why?” Cyrus couldn’t help but ask himself.
“It…looks like there’s a pattern, Professor. I think Malistaire might be going after the Cores. And…I wanna bet that he defeated Akilles just to get closer to the Myth Core.” Flaky deduced.
“Malistaire has always favored Necromancy. He has no care for the other Schools and the Magic they entail. So the question still remains…why would he care?” Cyrus couldn’t help but say.
“Well…it doesn’t seem like we’ll get any questions just sitting here. Right now, the best place to start is putting a stop to General Akilles.” Flaky inquires as Cyrus looks to the porcupine.
“Think you can handle it? You’re still an Apprentice Necromancer, after all. And General Akilles is a powerful foe.” Cyrus challenged as Flaky soon summons her staff.
“I can do this, Professor. After all…I’m the Necromancing Boss.” Flaky says, determinedly. Cyrus, for once, gives a smile to the porcupine.
“Then I wish you luck on this venture, Miss. Flaky.” Professor Drake says, earning a hopeful smile from the crimson porcupine.
“I won’t let you down, Professor!” Flaky says determinedly as she exits the Myth School before echoing to herself, once again…
“I AM the boss!” She encourages herself.
Cyclops Lane
With all her might, Flaky rushed through the emptied streets of Cyclops Lane, dodging as many Trolls as she could while elegantly defeating them with either her Ghoul, her Dark Fairy, or her newly acquired Banshee.
She rushed with all her might, desperately searching for Nolan. For even SHE knows that it’s been a while since she & the Conjurer parted ways.
“NOLAN! NOOOOOLAAAAAAAAN!” Flaky cries out through the emptied streets. Soon enough, she enters the Festival Park, but they were just as emptied as she last saw them.
“Dammit, where IS he?” Flaky says as she frantically scans the Festival Park for him.
Until…
“WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH!”
SPLASH!
“Whoa. Déjà vu.” Flaky says to herself as Nolan was sent flying past her and to the pond surrounding the park.
“WHY IS IT ALWAYS SEVERAL OF YOU!” Nolan screams out.
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!!!!!
Taking her by surprise, Flaky looks to see three Minotaur charging straight towards her & Nolan. It’s clear that they were mad. REALLY mad. I wonder why?
“Can’t you just WAIT, man? Why confrontation?” Flaky couldn’t help but ask.
“YOU WERE TAKING TOO LONG!” Nolan exclaims. Immediately, the Minotaur were quick to raise their axes down upon Flaky, to which the crimson porcupine was quick to backflip out of the way. Immediately, she summoned her staff and casts her spell.
“BANSHEE!” Flaky cries out. The Banshee immediately sprang out of her staff to give an ear-piercing scream loud enough to send the Bull Beasts back flying.
“EXCELLENT, I’ll take from here!” Nolan says, happily as he dried himself off & twirled his wand.
“Myth Prism, MYTH PRISM, MYTH PRISM!” Nolan yells out three times, summoning three Myth Prisms on the Three Minotaur. He then takes a card from his deck & hurled it high into the sky.
“NOW, COME FORTH, CYCLOPS!” Nolan shouts out. With a golden gleam of light, the Cyclops appeared in place of the card.
“GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The Cyclops roared as he hurled his hammer to the ground.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Almost immediately, the moment it hits the ground in between the Minotaur, the earth itself shook & shivered as pieces of rubble flew, along with Magic dust. The powerful slam was enough to completely dispel the 3 Minotaur, adding onto the power boost of the Myth Prism.
From the Minotaur something flew high in the sky. An emblem of sorts. Something that clearly belonged to one of them. As the Cyclops dispelled as well, Nolan snatched up the emblem and took Flaky’s hand.
“GOT IT! Now, let’s get going, we’ve no time!” Nolan says happily as he & Flaky raced through the upper streets of Cyclops Lane.
“W-wait a sec, where’re we going?!” Flaky called out.
“We haven’t a moment too soon! While you were gone, I figured out how to get into Akilles’ keep. All I needed was to show the guardsman, Romulus, a Minotaur emblem! I’ve got it, now I’m prepped and ready to go to keep, sneak in, and save the captive Wizards!” Nolan explained.
“Honestly…that kinda works out then!” Flaky says, happily.
“Really? Does that mean Professor Drake found a solution?” Nolan asks.
“Looks like it. We HAVE to defeat General Akilles!” Flaky says, determinedly, immediately making Nolan stop dead on his tracks, upon reaching the gates to Akilles’ keep.
“HUH!? Whoa, whoa, WHOA, WHOA! TIME OUT!” Nolan interjects.
“Isn’t…that why you were going to Akilles’ keep?” Flaky asks.
“I was simply just going to go in there to sneak in, save the missing students, and sneak out! MY PLAN HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH CHALLENGING GENERAL AKILLES!” Nolan retorts.
“Nolan, we HAVE to fight him. There’s a chance that if we do, we can convince him to put a stop to ALL of this.” Flaky explains. Nolan looks at the little porcupine in understanding.
“You’re talking about the Cyclops Code of Honor, aren’t you?” Nolan asks as Flaky nods. “Even IF that’s the reason he’s behind his change of heart, there’s still the fact that General Akilles is NIGH INVINCIBLE! Only 1 person in ALL of Wizard City was able to defeat him.”
“2, if our theory’s right. We’ve got no time to figure it out, unfortunately. If the Giants get the Myth Core, it’ll be all over for us!” Flaky explains.
“Then you must hurry, young ones.” A new voice says, making the two Wizards tense up. Quickly, they pointed their weapons at a Cyclops looming towards them.
Nolan, however, was the first to lower his weapon.
“Oh, it’s just Romulus.” Nolan says with a sigh.
“Is…is he a friend or foe?” Flaky asks.
“Both. Who’d you think told me to get the Minotaur Emblem?” Nolan asks as the two approached the Cyclops. He could only give them a heavy sigh.
“General Akilles, as we speak, is preparing his forces to march to Talos’ Peak.” Romulus says as he points to the distance. Flaky & Nolan turned around to see just what he’s pointing at.
They didn’t notice it while they were running, but farther back in the Residential Area…there is towering statue of a Cyclops holding a massive piece of land on his back.
“Atop the land the statue holds is where the Myth Core & all its glory rests. I’m unsure how, but General Akilles & his men have every intention to climb the statue.” Romulus explains.
“Well, I do believe we have the qualifications to go in his keep & stop him, don’t you agree?” Nolan asks co*ckily as he presents to Romulus the Minotaur Emblem, earning a smirk from the Cyclops.
“Well played, my friends. I wish both good luck.” Romulus says as Nolan entered the keep…but Flaky could look at this whole scene, confusedly.
“Wait a sec…don’t you think this seems…a-a-bit too perfect? I mean…what’s exactly…stopping Romulus from…y’know stopping us?” Flaky couldn’t help but ask the two.
“Well…Nolan tried to think, but Romulus immediately spoke up.
“My orders were to guard the keep from anyone not of the Giants. You having the medallion of the Minotaur does technically make both…of the Giants. So my hands are tied. Makes sense, doesn’t it?” Romulus asks as he gives…an awkward wink with his one eye.
“That makes sense…but please don’t do that again.” Flaky says, unnervingly earning a chuckle from the Cyclops.
“Fair enough. Now go, General Akilles could strike at any minute.” Romulus says as both Nolan & Flaky nodded their head in agreement.
“Let’s do it.” They say in unison…as the battle to reclaim Cyclops Lane from Malistaire…is at hand.
Akilles’ Keep
And thus, Flaky’s adventure finally takes her to the Keep…of General Akilles, commander of the Giants. A gigantic hall with a towering Cyclops statues in front of them…and the Myth insignia at the very center of the floor.
As the flags waved across the walls, we soon gaze upon these…empty & dormant halls. For the keep of the leader of the Giants…it seems awfully quiet. Until…
SLAM!
“HAVE NO FEAR, MY FRIENDS! YOUR RESCUERS…HAVE ARRIVED~” Nolan boisterously announced within these echoing halls as he slammed the massive doors open.
“Did…did you really have to do that? Now we’ve got a dangerous chance of…y’know~ THE CYCLOPES HEARING US?!” Flaky yells out.
“Nolan? Is that you?!” A voice called out.
“Of course it’s him! Who else do you know would barrel into someone’s room unannounced?!” Another voice yelled out.
In the far distance of the chamber, the two Wizards see it…a cell being occupied by 3 Wizards. Nolan was quick to dart off to the cage as Flaky trailed from behind.
“WAIT UP! Whoa-whoaaaaa!” Flaky yelled out as she tries to maintain her balance on these slippery clean floors.
Soon, Nolan approached the bars. Within cell was a male Thaumaturge and 2 young female wizards, one a Diviner and the other a Sorcerer.
“Ahhh, Electra, Rosie, and Garrick. So, this is where I find you three after hoping for results on reconnaissance.” Nolan says, smugly. The Diviner known as Electra Stormcloud only rolled her eyes.
“Don’t even start, Nolan. We’ve been doing all the work while YOU’VE been snoozing all day at the park. I BLAME YOU!” Electra yelled out.
“Come now, is that a way to treat your rescuer?” Nolan asks, smugly as Flaky rolled her eyes as she joined the arrogant Conjurer.
“Thing is, even when he’s doing the work, he just ends up getting flailed around by the Giants.” Flaky sighs as she continues to slip & slide across the halls.
“HEY! HEY…..I’d pay so much money to see that.” Electra exclaims. Soon, the Balance Wizard, Rosie Ironheart coughs.
“I would say that’s KINDA besides the point. Are you guys here to rescue us? PLEASE tell me you’re here to rescue us! The Giants have been torturing us with horrors beyond our wildest imaginations!!” Rosie says, frantically.
“Oh, god that’s…actually horrible. What have they been doing to you guys?” Flaky asks.
“Rosie’s got a pretty gnarly fear of dancing to catchy upbeat music.” Garrick says.
“Y-YOU DON’T HAVE TO DOWNPLAY IT LIKE THAT!” Rosie yells out.
“Ok, but seriously, you two DO have a plan to get us out, don’t you?” Electra asks.
“Oh, dearest, Electra, I’d be insulted if you think I don’t. These bars look as if they could fall down so easily. Nothing a bit of FORCE could handle it!” Nolan says as his staff began to glow, alarming the Diviner.
“NOLAN, WAIT! THEY’RE-” Electra calls out, but it was too late. The Conjurer was quick to project a shimmering blue ball of Magic at the cell. Unfortunately…
“WAK!” Flaky cries out as the Myth Ball ricochet off the bars and across the room.
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
A small explosion was made as the ball made a small crevasse behind them.
“Magic-Proof bars.” Electra finished with a sigh.
“Ohhhhh….” Nolan & Flaky say in unison.
“Well, we’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way. Pick the lock with something exceedingly sharp, and boom, we’ll be out of here before the Giants even notice. Flaky, if you don’t mind…” Nolan requests as Flaky looks at him in confusion.
“Mind w-OWWWWOWOWOWOWOWOWW!” Flaky suddenly cries out as Nolan was quick to nick off one of her quills to pick the lock.
“Exceedingly sharp, my dear!” Nolan says arrogantly as he picks the lock.
“At least ASK before taking what’s essentially A PIECE OF MY HAIR!” Flaky yells out as Electra only sighs.
“God damn…” She says
SLAM!
The doors behind them were immediately slammed open, taking Flaky off guard. Someone was coming, to everyone’s dismay.
“Now you’ve done it.” Electra sighs.
“Nolan…” Flaky says in concern, but the Conjurer was still busy picking the lock.
“Almost finished…whoever it is, distract them.” Nolan says in focus. Flaky could only sigh.
“Why does it ALWAYS have to be me…” Flaky mumbles, depressively…when soon footsteps were heard from behind her…tiny footsteps.
“HALT!”
Tiny or not, the Necromancer prepared for anything. She was quick to turn around with her staff clenched between her gloves…only to find a familiar figure entering the halls with an eyepatch…and a magical bow & arrow.
“WHO DARES TO ENTER THE DOMAIN OF THE CYCLOPS!? SPEAK NOW…OR FEEL THE RIGHT OF THE FINEST CYCLOPS IN THE LAND!” The voice booms…as Flaky tilts her head, confusedly.
Another Tree Friend: a tiny little beaver with lavender fur & big buck teeth. His attire seems to be akin to that of Robin Hood. He adorns himself in a shimmering yellow tunic with blue sleeves & blue pants. Strapped behind his back is a quiver full of arrows.
Flaky only tilts her head in confusion…as the little porcupine recognizes the little beaver.
“Toothy?” Flaky asks.
…..
The two tree friends could only look at each other…before Toothy soon gives a heavy sigh & lowers his ‘weapons.’
“Really? My rescue relies on HER?” Toothy yells out, exasperatedly.
“Good to see you too, dude…” Flaky mumbles as a single tear of sweat drops on her face.
CLICK!
“Et voila!” Nola says triumphantly as was able to pick the lock. Triumphantly, he opens the cage door. Until…
“NOT SO FAST!”
SNAP!
Before the Wizards could even have the chance to get out…a strange new Mythic barrier was quick to replace the broken lock…entrapping the students once more.
“NO!” Electra & Nolan yelled out in annoyance.
“Aw man…” Garrick sighs.
“HEY, HEYYYY! HOLD ON!” Before he could even react, Toothy was raised high up from the tail. It was a towering figure. Two towering figures.
“TOOTHY!” Flaky cried out.
“Forgive me, General. I admit it being a bit foolish of me to make Romulus the last line of this keep’s defense. He’s more of a coward than the rest of us…bowing to such weak & puny mortals.” A booming voice announces.
Nolan & Flaky turned around to see two Giants, gracefully approaching the Wizards at the center of the Keep.
A Minotaur & hooves of a bull…body of a man. He adorns himself in a crimson toga with a shimmering yellow jewel affixed in his belt buckle. In his possessions a shimmering gold axe…and a gold ring clasped on his horn. And cuffed to his hands are braces as sharp as thorns, glistening in heavy steel.
And a Cyclops, a prideful muscular man with a single eye. He adorns himself in a crimson skirt, and leather boots with steel-toed soles. A top his head…is a shimmering gold helmet with a bristles as thick and crimson as a broom.
The Commanders of the Cyclops Legion – General Akilles & his 2nd in command, Taurus Maximus who has Toothy captured by the tail.
“Hmph. No matter. Everyone’s already deployed to march to Talos’ Peak. I will reconvene with them shortly…but for now, it seems like we’ve some uninvited guests.” General Akilles says as he soon looks to the little Wizards.
“General Akilles.” Nolan says with a stern look on his face. “You call us weak & pitiful and yet, here you are groveling to a power who cares not of what happens to you or your kin.”
“It is true that it would seems rather weak-willed to bow to someone as cruel and cold as Malistaire.” General Akilles says earning a few mumbles from the 3 captives.
“But he has shown his strength, and the Cyclops Code of Honor bows to the strongest. And so…he has given us a mission – to procure to Myth Core…and if the decrees so, then so be it.” General Akilles explains.
“But why capture the students?” Flaky asks.
“HEY! WHO’S THE POWERFUL CYCLOPS HERE? WHY AM I ROPED INTO THIS?!” Toothy cries out as he tries to escape from Taurus’ grasp.
“Another portion of his plan – to capture anyone who stands in the way of our goal. Especially you…strange creatures.” Akilles says motioning to both Flaky & Toothy.
“Malistaire has a rather strange fondness of the likes of you – Ambrose’s chosen champions. Any that I find, he wishes for them to be captured, so that he’d deal with them, himself.” Taurus explains.
“But they’re sooooooo cute though! Why would he wanna deal with them?” Rosie cooed.
“Uhhh, thanks for the compliment, I guess…” Flaky says, bashfully.
“Hey, if humans call us cute, then you better embrace it, ‘cause BITCH? We’re adorable!” Toothy says, dramtically.
“Y’know…can’t argue with that, really.” Flaky replies.
“Not our business. This one, along with the other 3 Wizards have been easy pickings. Though…the one-eye has proved his usefulness in having a hand at capturing these students, as well as his mastery in Myth Magic.” Akilles replies as the prisoners all glare at Toothy.
“Dude…YOU’RE the one that captured them?” Flaky asks.
“It was LITERALLY the only way to get on their good side!” Toothy whispered.
“Then came the both of you – two VERY consistent roadblocks. Taurus, deal with them.” General Akilles explains. Soon…Taurus growls as he looks to Flaky with such agitation…and anger.
“With pleasure, Sire. This meddling ends now.” Taurus announces.
“Sorry that is has to be this way, Wizards….but I bid you farewell to you…and to all the Myth Magic in Wizard City.” General Akilles says as he soon takes his leave back into the door behind the group.
“And as for you…” Taurus says as he holds Toothy in front of his face, only snarling at the little beaver.
“C-c’mon, man. I’m the finest Cyclops in the land! A-a-and I brought the students like y’asked!” Toothy says, nervously.
“WAY TO THROW US UNDER THE BUS, MAN! f*ck YOU!” Electra yelled out…before Taurus rips out Toothy’s eyepatch. Clearly…nothing happened to it. It was perfectly fine.
“Cyclops, indeed.” Taurus says, bluntly, before Toothy smiles, nervously.
“I-I mean I STILL delivered the students to you guys! Not like I’m really worth your time, man! Just let me go, and whatever beef you have with Flaky, I’ll leave you to it!” Toothy says, sweetly.
“THEY HAVE BEEF WITH ME! FOR LITERALLY EXISTING! f*ck YOU!” Flaky yells out.
“Hmph….no.” Taurus Maximus says, bluntly….as he dispels the Myth Barrier blocking the three captive students.
“AH, sweet!” Garrick says as he was about to rush out of the cage…until…
“WHOAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
“OOOOF!”
Taurus simply threw Toothy into the cell, sending her & Garrick flying back against the wall. Dizzily the two wizards groaned as the Myth Barrier was reinstated. Only Sophie & Electra glared at Toothy.
“Now I know I may have wrong you guys…” Toothy starts.
“YOU THINK!?” Electra, Sophie, and Garrick all yell out in unison.
“I’ll deal with you Wizards later. For now…I’ve some bigger fish to fry.” Taurus says as his gaze returned to Nolan & Flaky. With an angered snort, Taurus Maximus prepares for battle…same for the two Wizards.
“Worry not, Flaky, unlike General Akilles, Taurus Maximus is practically and EASILY beatable. Not only that, but he has one weakness – an overwhelming thing that agitates him the most!” Nolan explains.
“O-oh! T-that’s actually pretty convenient! We could use that to our advantage! So, what agitates him the most?” Flaky asks.
“Oh, why the color red, of course.” Nolan says, casually.
…..
“Huh?” Flaky asks.
“All we need is something red to get Taurus’ attention-” Nolan starts before one of the students interrupted him.
“Um…I think you’re covered on that, dude…” Garrick replies.
“Why’s that?” Nolan tilts his head in confusion….before realizing one major thing that’s both a convince to him…and an inconvenience to Flaky:
Her entire f*cking fur is colored red.
“…..I see why there’s a cause for alarm.” Nolan replies.
“YOU THINK!?” Flaky, Toothy, & Electra screams out.
“GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” Taurus roars out as magical crimson symbols began to tattoo his body and the ring around his horn glows a shimmering gold glow.
Anger completely covets the Minotaur’s eyes to which they gaze upon one target: Flaky.
Two Symbols of Fire began to form in both his hands, as he summons right there & then two Sunbirds to fly down to the crimson porcupine.
“CRAP!” Flaky cries out as she frantically took out her staff as she raced to the center of the Keep to keep the Sunbirds away from Nolan & the cell. She then was quick to summon a Banshee to dispel the Sunbirds with an ear-piercing scream.
“WHOOO! HELL YEAH, FLAKY!” Toothy cheered.
“NOW you cheer me on, after basically throwing us all under the bus?” Flaky asks, sarcastically. Taurus, meanwhile, was not having this as the Sunbirds were dispelled.
He was quick to rush forward towards Flaky. Before she could even do anything, the Minotaur was quick to deliver a punch strong enough to send Flaky flying…
And stuck to the keep entrance with her quills.
“WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS f*ckING HAPPEN!?” Flaky cries out.
“Such impudence in an obnoxious color. I’ve heard of your heroics in Unicorn Way, Wizard…but here, YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME!” Taurus yells out as he charged with his golden axe raised up high.
“Uhhh, Nolan? Shouldn’t you do something?” Rosie asks the Conjurer who was just stunned at all that happened.
“O-oh! I should, shouldn’t I?” Nolan says as he was quick to summon a familiar card.
“GETHIMGETHIMGET HIM!!!!” Flaky cries out as her Banshee has not been dispelled yet. The Banshee was quick to send a gusty wind in the form of her scream to push back Taurus.
“Foolish Necromancer. You think but a mere wail is enough to stop me?!” Taurus yells out as he marches through the gust.
“TRUTHFULLY, I BELIEVE THIS CAN, THOUGH!” Nolan announced as…
“ACK!” Taurus was quickly hit with something strong & blunt. Strong enough to send HIM across the keep into the walls. It was Nolan’s Cyclops socking him right in the jaw with his sledgehammer.
All, meanwhile, Nolan was quick to get Flaky unstuck from the door.
“Betrayed by my own quills…again…” Flaky sighs.
“Consider going to the salon, someday. Might help with that…dandruff problem of yours, as well.” Nolan suggests.
“Gee, thanks…” Flaky says, sarcastically.
“IS HE WRONG!?” Toothy yelled out.
“NOT f*ckING HELPING, TOOTHY!” Flaky yells out as her Banshee finally dispels.
Soon enough, Taurus arose from the rubble, as he gives a heavy snarl at his prey.
“You think yourselves crude? This battle will do nothing for you. General Akilles and the Cyclops Legion, by now, should be making their march to Talos’ Peak. It’s only a matter of time before he takes the Myth Core from the altar and claims it for his own. Wizard City will FALL.” Taurus explains.
“He seems very…gung-ho about the destruction of Wizard City, don’t you guys think?” Rosie asks, meekly.
“YEAH, WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL, DUDE?! WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF WIZARD CITY FALLING!?” Electra yells out.
“They have a point, I see no reason as to why it’s such a positive thing to be cheerful about. You’re just as much a prisoner as they are.” Nolan says as he motions his Cyclops to attack Taurus.
Unfortunately, the Minotaur was quick to leap out of the Cyclops’ attack, causing more rubble to fall. Taurus, was once again standing in the center of the keep.
“What? You think that us Minotaur follow the Cyclops Code of Honor?” Taurus asks, earning a surprise look from all the Wizards’ faces. All except for Toothy who could only watch in confusion.
“Wait, what does that mean?” Toothy asks.
“It means that you and the other Minotaur are doing this…out of your own free will?” Flaky asks as Taurus slowly nods. “But…why?”
Nolan’s Cyclops began the attack once more…this time, Taurus was ready. With his hands out, he caught the Cyclops’ hands…as they battle a tremendous game of tug-o-war to see who pushes who back.
“Do you honestly believe for one second that we Minotaur would so easily bow to such weakling Wizards? You pathetic bunch know nothing about strength. You only win battles with but a wave of a wand. We Giants are honorable men…WE SUBMIT TO NO ONE!” Taurus yells out as he sends Nolan’s Cyclops to the opposite side of the hall besides Nolan & Flaky.
Soon, the Minotaur’s axe was raised up high…glowing a crimson and fiery glow…some similar to how Cuddles would use his spells.
“AND WE NEVER WILL!” Taurus yells out as he slams his axe to the ground…sending a powerful stream of fire at Nolan, Flaky, and the Cyclops.
The two Wizards were quick to leap out of the way. The Cyclops, however….
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
All that was left of the entrance to Akilles’ Keep was a gigantic crater where the door was.
Romulus only poked out, confusedly.
“Well…looks like you lot are handling things quite well, here.” Romulus simply says as he enters the hall.
“The toothless Cyclops. I admit, I admire you for betraying orders.” Taurus explains.
“Taurus, you know that it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s not weak-willed to ask for help in situations we clearly cannot handle on our own. It was foolish of General Akilles to challenge Malistaire.” Romulus explains.
“Foolish…or wonderous? I see this as golden opportunity. I am not bound by your pathetic Code of Honor, so once that fool, Akilles grabs the Myth Core…what’s really stopping me and my men from say…taking it away from him? And taking all the Myth Magic for myself?” Taurus asks, maliciously as Romulus was quick to catch on.
“General Akilles was a great man. Before Malistaire reared his ugly head to Cyclops Lane, Akilles was a caring Cyclops that welcomed you, the Trolls, and everyone in Cyclops Lane as if they were all family to him. Am I to believe after everything he’s done for you…you’d betray him?” Romulus asks.
“Seems he has a thing with thinking you lot are weak. And they call me arrogant.” Nolan snidely, remarks.
“YOU ARE!” Flaky and Electra yelled out.
“Wizards are nothing more than weaklings, Cyclopes toothless cowards, and Trolls? Well, they’re Trolls. It falls to the Minotaur to show Wizard City what TRUE strength is…and I, Taurus Maximus…WILL PROVIDE IT!” Taurus declares.
“Not while I live and breathe.” Romulus declared in a dangerous tone as Nolan & Flaky joined him.
Pandemonium hits the keep as the caged Wizards watched as sparks of Magic from Nolan & Flaky were projected to Taurus while he & Romulus were duking it out axe vs hammer. They were clearly on par with strength. At least until Nolan notices something.
The moment he caught Romulus’ swing with his bare hands, the Minotaur’s ring glows a brilliantly gold glow, and the tattoos around him began to glow as well. Taurus’ strength began to increase.
Soon enough, Taurus began to overpower Romulus with his strength to the point where he threw the Cyclops’ hammer to the other side of the halls, leaving him defenseless.
Before he could even react, Taurus was quick to deliver a punch, sending Romulus to the crater that was once the entrance.
“ROMULUS!” Flaky yelled out. But before she could even react…she was quickly hoisted up by Taurus by the leg. As the Minotaur gives a hearty snort to her face, the little porcupine could only smile, bashfully.
“GRAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Taurus roars out.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Flaky screams out amidst the Minotaur’s roar.
“FLAKY!” Toothy screams from behind the cell, showing genuine care for his Tree Friend.
“Now, Taurus, let’s be reasonable…” Nolan pipes up, unafraid to approach the towering Minotaur. Silence immediately emanates the halls as everyone faces the Conjurer.
“The spineless Conjurer.” Taurus snorts as he raises Flaky up high. “Even moreso than this red annoyance.”
“Oh, come now, such harsh words~” Nolan says, sarcastically. Everyone only looks at the Wizard, confusedly.
“What’s…what’s he doing?” Toothy couldn’t help but ask.
“Something stupid. What’s new?” Electra sighs. Soon, Romulus was quick to arise from the rubble as he raced back into the keep.
“NOLAN! STAY BACK, BOY! I’LL HANDLE HIM!” Romulus challenges as Nolan faced the Cyclops.
“What, all battered and bruised like that? Honestly, that’s quite a thing you Giants have in common.” Nolan says, boastfully as both Romulus & Taurus could only look at the boy in confusion.
“You all care about nothing more than brute strength, as if it’ll go anywhere. When the reason why us Wizards have a bit more leeway…” Nolan says, mischiviously.
Soon, Romulus sees it. A card glowing a shimmering gold crimson behind Nolan’s back.
And soon…
“BY USING OUR BRAINS!” Nolan yells out as he was quick to throw the card at Taurus. The Minotaur was quick to dodge the card.
“You missed, boy.” Taurus challenged. Nolan, simply gave a smug grin and raised a brow.
“Did I?” Nolan simply asks.
SCREEEEEEEEEEEE!
“GAH! W-WHAT?!” Taurus yells out when suddenly a Bloodbat fluttered behind him…quick to grab something precious from the Minotaur – his Horn Ring.
“WHOA!” Flaky yelled out. Distracted from the Bloodbat, Taurus was quick to drop both Flaky & his axe to the ground, as she quickly scuttled back to Nolan’s side.
“SCREEE! SCREEEEEEE!” The drooling Bloodbat screeched as it dropped the ring into Nolan’s hands. To Taurus’ surprise the tattoos covering him completely faded away…and even he could feel his strength beginning to dissipate.
Not only that, but the ward holding the Wizards hostage completely faded away, as well.
“W-we’re free?” Rosie asks.
“Does that count as something stupid, dude?” Garrick asks as Electra could only look in awe, as well.
“I uh…I don’t think so.” Electra says in awe. Taurus could only clench his fists & looked to the Wizard with a smug look on his face.
“How could you have known-” Taurus began before Nolan interrupted him.
“That that little ring of yours is the source of your Magic? Easy. One thing I’ve always learned is that any Magic user HAS to have something to power their Magic. An anchor, if you may. It was easy to guess that yours is your little ring, during our battle.” Nolan explains.
“You’ve noticed it too, huh? VERY inquisitive, little one!” Romulus complimented.
Taurus, once again, gives a sneer as he picks up his axe.
“Intuitive. I’ll give you that. BUT I STILL HAVE MY OWN RAW STRENGTH TO FIGHT YOU!” Taurus yells out as he was quick to throw his axe. But before he could hit Flaky, Nolan, and Taurus with it…
Taurus was quick to feel an arrow fly right past him. And before he knew it…the arrow forms into a shimmering blue bubble, capturing the axe.
“WHAT?!” Taurus yells out.
“JUST KNOW….I’M STILL NEW TO THE WIZ BIZ!” The three soon looked to see Toothy racing to the group with his arrows at the ready. With his axe captured by the Mythic Barrier…the time has come to finish this.
“Hold him down.” Romulus says, bluntly.
“On it.” Flaky says as her staff glows a shimmering cyan glow. As she rushed past Toothy & raised her staff up high to call down a familiar spell:
“DEATH’S GRIP!” Flaky cries out as skeletal bones arise from the ground and clenched onto Taurus’ hands. This time, the crimson porcupine concentrated with all her might to ensure the Minotaur won’t easily escape.
And for extra measures…
“I’LL HELP YA OUT, DUDE! TAURUS REALLY NEEDS TO CHILL OUT!” Garrick yells out as he slams his staff to the ground, encasing Taurus’ feet with ice, completely immobilizing him.
“NOOO! YOU VILE! WRETCHED WIZARDS! DON’T…THINK…FOR A SECOND! THAT YOU’VE WON!” Taurus cries out. All eyes went towards the man who gets the honor of the finishing blow…Romulus.
“Funny…’cause I truly think it’s over, Taurus Maximus.” Romulus says dangerous as all of his mythic power gathered around his hammer…as he rushes to Taurus with one powerful attack.
“HI-YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAA!” Romulus screams out. With all power, he swings his hammer with all high might, dead-set to Taurus, powerful enough to even crack his jaw.
But that was not all…the swing was powerful enough to send Taurus flying out of his binds and across the halls.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
One last massive explosion as Taurus was sent crashing through Akilles’ throne and to the walls. The minotaur was numb. His jaw broken, and he slides off the walls…and makes his fall with a powerful THUD!
Silence emanates throughout Akilles’ keep…as Taurus Maximus…has been defeated.
“Wait…is he?” Flaky couldn’t help but say as Sophie approached the fallen minotaur. Luckily…
“Nope! He’s still breathing! But you guys REALLY did a number on him. Especially that jaw of his, he’s gonna be eating tapioca for months.” Sophie explains. As tensions dwindles. The fight was over.
“It is done.” Romulus sighs as the Wizards cheered.
“ROCK ON, DUDE!” Garrick yelled.
“WE DID IT!” Electra cheered.
“Was there any doubt?” Nolan says, smugly as Electra soon approached the Conjurer. She pouts before giving a heavy sigh.
“Alright, fiiiiiine…I guess we have YOU to thank, Nolan.” Electra sighs as Flaky nods in agreement.
“Romulus & I would’ve been paste if it wasn’t for your quick thinking.” Flaky couldn’t help but say as Nolan gave a smug huff.
“Well, that isn’t to say my stratagem wouldn’t have worked had it not been for you holding it out on your own against him.” Nolan says, dismissively.
“Hey, hey, HEY! Excuse me! Is the TRUE star of the show coming in unnoticed? Or did you forget how you were SO close to getting your heads axed off?” Toothy yells out, boastfully earning a giggle from Flaky.
“Alright, dude, you, too. We owe you a thanks, as well.” Flaky giggles.
“Nah, dude! If anything, Romulus is the REAL MVP, here!” Garrick intervenes.
“That was AMAZING!” Sophie cheered as the Cyclops scratched his head, bashfully…before shaking his head, determinedly.
“Well, I appreciate your hunnied words, Wizards, but don’t thank me yet.” Romulus says as he soon faces the door that was once the entrance to Akilles’ Keep. Nolan looks, as well.
“He’s right. We still have to put a stop to General Akilles. It’s only a matter of time before he collects the Myth Core.” Nolan says, determinedly.
“But Talos’ Peak is way too high up! The Cyclopes can jump high, but…we’re not Cyclopes. How’ll we get up there?” Electra says as she looks to the gigantic Cyclops Statue towering the street. Soon, Romulus had an idea.
“The Chariot of Aethon!” Romulus replies.
“The Chariot of what?” Toothy asks.
“It’s a statue just beyond the edges of Festival Park. But…it’s only just that, Romulus. A statue.” Electra explains.
“I know the incantation that can reanimate it to life. From there, the Pegasi can take us to Talos’ Peak.” Romulus explains.
“Then what’re we waiting for? LET’S PUT AN END TO THIS, MY FRIENDS!” Nolan yells out.
“YEAH!” Everyone cheered with their wands raised up high (as well as Romulus’ hammer.) The battle for Cyclops Lane…is finally at hand.
Talos’ Peak
Unfortunately for our heroes, it seems that they were too late. The Cyclops Legion has stood in formation as General Akilles marches across the lush garden before him. In front of him…is a great altar…where a single glistening Peridot floats majestically in a pillar of golden Magic – The Myth Core.
At ease, the Cyclops General takes the Myth Core from the protective pillar…and he looks at the tiny jewel with such heartache in his eyes.
He clearly does not want to do this…but he has no choice but to obey. The Code of Honor commands him to. He was about to absorb the Myth Core…before…
“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, AKILLES!” Romulus cries out. All the Cyclopes look to see Flaky, Toothy, Romulus, Nolan, and the 3 freed students all reaching Talos Peak…high in the sky with the Chariot of Aethon, the flaming chariot manned by the majestic Pegasus.
The Pegasus soon makes its decent to the grounds of Talos Peak, as everyone was quick to get off the Chariot and face the Cyclops General.
“So. Not even Taurus was a match for you, huh? I admit, Wizards…you are skilled, but you are still too late.” Akilles says as he gently squeezed the Myth Core.
Just like the Kraken, Mythic power began to course through the Cyclops General…as he begins to glow a shimmering gold glow.
“He’s absorbing the Magic from the Myth Core!” Sophie alerts.
“The Cyclops Code of Honor is just as outdated as we are, General! You don’t have to do this!” Romulus retorts.
“Romulus…my friend…I’m afraid I do.” General Akilles says, sadly. With a flash of golden light…he summons his own hammer. That of gold.
“Now…SUBMIT TO THE UNDEAD!!!” General Akilles roars out, and with a slam of his hammer, he sends a powerful golden shockwave across the garden.
“MYTH SHIELD!” Nolan screams out as he summons a powerful Mythic barrier, protecting everyone from Akilles’ powerful shockwave. Electra was quick to step up with her wand.
“Hohohoo, now you’re gonna get it, buddy.” Electra says as her wand crackles with electricity. With all her power, she twirled her wand and was quick to summon a powerful yet familiar beast.
“STORM SHARK!” Electra yells out as she summons the electric shark right out of her want to grab a chomp at General Akilles.
The shark was quick to take a bite at the Cyclops’ arm, and even electrocutes him a bit, as well…but Akilles was quick to simply throw the shark away off the cliff like it was a washed-up old newspaper.
“ATTACK!” General Akilles yelled out the other 6 Cyclopes were quick to hasten to the General’s side & charged at the Wizards.
“DEEP FREEZE!” Garrick yells out as he was quick to freeze 3 Cyclops dead in their tracks. Meanwhile a miniature sandy tornado formed in Sophie’s hands…as she was quick to cast HER spell.
“SANDSTORM!” Sophie yells out as she hurled the tiny sandstorm at the remaining 3 Cyclops. They scoffed at the tiny sandstorm…before it evidently grew three times their size & tossed them into the dusty sandstorm…
“GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Evidently throwing them all off the cliff. General Akilles was not pleased by this.
“You think I can’t summon more MONSTERS!?” General Akilles yelled out as he summons 6 Trolls to replace the Cyclopes he’s lost. Romulus, immediately knew what to do.
“GRAB THE MYTH CORE!” Romulus says to Nolan, Flaky, and Toothy.
“RIGHT!” The three say in unison as they rushed into battle while Romulus, Garrick, Electra, and Sophie faced off against the charging Trolls. With a snarl, Akilles was quick to action.
SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! The towering Cyclops was quick to slam his hammer down at the three Wizards. Luckily, all of them were able to dodge his attacks. Soon, it was Nolan’s time to shine.
“BLOODBAT!” Nolan cries out as he was quick to summon his Bloodbat to snatch away the Myth Core.
Unfortunately, General Akilles had such a wonderous grip, as the two monsters were at a tug-o-war. This, was where Toothy sprang into action.
“EAT IT, BUD!” Toothy says, co*ckily as he slings an arrow at Akilles’ hand.
“OW!” Akilles cries out, giving the Bloodbat the freedom from the General’s grasp.
“NOW, FLAKY!” Nolan cries out. The crimson porcupine immediately knew which spell to cast.
“BANSHEE!” Flaky cries out as she summons the screeching Banshee, once more to give out one, ear-piercing screech.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The haunting Banshee screeches out, making Akilles, and the Trolls cover their ears at the horrifyingly loud noise. This, meanwhile, gave Electra the perfect opportunity with all the Trolls distracted.
“CHAIN LIGHTNING!” Electra yells out as she summons a bolt of electricity at one of the Trolls. It yells in agony as the Lightning bounces to the next Troll, and then the next one, and then the next one.
Due to the boost of Storm Magic against Myth enemies, the Chain Lightning was powerful enough to take them all down.
Soon enough…General Akilles has had enough.
“ENOUGH!” Akilles yells out as he immediately grabs the Banshee by the throat and throws the Undead back to Flaky, sending her rolling back to Romulus and the others.
Next, General Akilles takes a gigantic leap up high to grab both the Bloodbat and the Myth Core, taking everyone by surprised.
“Dude, I thought you were joking, Electra…” Garrick says in awe.
“Nope. Cyclopes jump higher than Rabbits.” Electra says, a-matter-of-factly.
Soon, Mythic power began to course right back through Akilles’ skin. His hammer begins to shine an even brighter sheen of gold…as he soon calls out an attack of his own, a powerful one.
“SEISMIC SHATTER!!!!” Akilles screams out...as he throws his mallet down to the garden.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
A powerful shockwave hits the earth the Wizards were standing under…as the garden itself began to vibrate with such power. The shockwave was strong enough to send the Wizards flying across all different sorts of directions. It was even powerful enough to send Romulus to the ground.
“WHOAWHOAAAHHHHHHH!” Flaky screams out as the power was enough to send her dangling down the cliff. She held onto the piece of land with all her might, and doing EVERYTHING in her power to not look down.
“sh*tsh*tsh*t SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE THAT!” Unfortunately, she looked down. It was long way down, and the Chariot of Aethon flew back to Festival Park by Romulus’ command.
Even worse for the porcupine…she was slipping.
“GUYS!? GUYS A LITTLE HELP, HERE?!” Flaky cried out, fearfully. From all across different directions did the Wizards regain their composure, as they all looked in fear.
“DUDE!” Garrick yelled out.
“FLAKY!” Sophie screams out as she, Electra, and Garrick were quick to race to her…but it was too late. Her fingers slipped.
“AHHH!” The frightened porcupine screams…but the moment she was about to fall was the moment someone was quick to capture her.
“GOT YA!” Flaky looked up to see her savior be none other…than Nolan. Flaky grabbed both of Nolan’s hands, and the Conjurer was quick to pull her back onto the garden.
“Thanks.” Flaky sighs in relief.
“Two for two, it seems. Guess that makes us even.” Nolan says, co*ckily, earning a chuckle from Flaky.
“Guess so.” Flaky says amidst her laughing.
“EARTHQUAKE!” General Akilles screams out as he was flying right down the Garden of Talos, creating yet another
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Across Talos’ Peak.
This time, thankfully, everyone was able defend themselves from the shockwave. All…except for one.
“OH sh*t, ROMULUS!” Flaky cries out. Sure enough, everyone looked to see General Akilles, pridefull standing on top of Romulus as he takes back his golden hammer. The Cyclops looked at the surprised & wounded Wizards, smugly.
“You have done well, making it this far, Wizards…but only 2 Wizards have ever shown that they were capable of defeating me. You are clearly not up to the task.” General Akilles states. Flaky…soon sighs.
“He’s right.” Flaky sighs.
“F-Flaky-“ Sophie couldn’t help but say.
“Had it not been for Romulus’ Taurus would’ve beaten us to the curb.” Flaky sighs as Nolan agrees with her as he looks to Romulus who was trying to break free of Akilles’ foot.
“I…can’t help but agree. If Romulus can’t even defeat General Akilles, what hope do we have?” Nolan asks.
“Wizards…please. You can’t give up...not yet.” Romulus begs.
“He can’t REALLY be unbeatable…can he?” Electra couldn’t help but ask. But before anyone could even give up hope…something fast was sent forward right to General Akilles. Or rather…
STAB!
Akilles’ eye widens…as he felt something. A stinging…and BURNING sensation in a place that no one would dare to think to attack him in. He looks down to see an arrow lodged in the heel of his foot.
Silence emanates the entirety of Talos’ Peak as everyone turned to the sole architect behind this attack, Toothy…hiding himself behind the bushes with his bow raised and an arrow shot.
Before anyone knew it…Akilles fell to the ground, relinquishing Romulus, and drops from his hand the Myth Core as he gives out a blood-curdling scream:
“GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” A painful and echoing scream that echoes throughout all of Wizard City that even the people of Olde Town, the Shopping District, and even Ambrose’s office could hear.
“Damn…that’s brutal.” Electra simply says.
Akilles tried to reach for the arrow, but he could not reach his heel. Luckily…Toothy came in to dislodge the arrow from his heel, and twirled it co*ckily.
“Had enough?” Toothy asked. General Akilles could only look at the beaver agape.
“My heel…no one but the Drake brothers knew that it was my only weakness. How did you know…?” Akilles asks. Toothy simply shrugs.
“C’mon, dude. An unbeatable Warrior by the name of Akilles? It’s in literally EVERY myth book! I just had to wait for the right time to get the shot, so I just played along with everyone else until it was the PERFECT time to strike!” Toothy explains.
“Akilles’ heel…that’s actually ingenious!” Nolan inquires. Soon, Romulus arose from the ground and raised a hand for Akilles to take.
“Is it over, General? Like it or not, the boy did defeat you.” Romulus says…earning a chuckle from the General.
“He did…didn’t he?” Akilles says…as he takes Romulus’ hand, and the Cyclops helps him up from the ground.
“Very well, Wizards…I accept defeat. And by terms of the Cyclops Code of Honor, I am honor-bound…too serve Wizard City again.” General Akilles decreed as everyone cheered.
The sun shines majestically on the General’s face. As everyone cheers, he could breathe the sweet smell…of freedom.
“It wasn’t an easy choice to turn against Wizard City…and almost put you and my brethren in harm’s way. And for that…I truly can’t thank you enough.” General Akilles says.
“M-maybe the best way to start is to um…put the Myth Magic back to Cyclops Lane?” Flaky asks as she gently gives General Akilles the Myth Core. Once a shimmering bright peridot…now a dimmed shell.
“Right…a perfect place to start.” General Akilles says as he takes the Myth Core. Soon enough, Akilles glows a shimmering gold color.
Everyone soon sees all the Magic coursing through him now travels out of his body and into the Myth Core as its shimmering peridot beauty shines even bright & brighter.
He places it back into the Myth Barrier…as even Nolan & Toothy could feel their Magic glowing brighter & brighter.
“Myth Magic is BACK, BOYS!” Electra cheers.
“FANTASTIC!” Nolan cheers as he summons pages upon pages of story paper by his side, as Toothy only looks at HIS bow & arrows, confusedly.
“Still trying to get around this Magic sh*t, but HEY, I can work with this!” Toothy says, happily. Soon, Romulus whistles a powerful trill. Already, everyone can see the Chariot of Aethon flying to Talos’ Peak.
“Come Wizards. It’s time we take back down to the streets.” Romulus inquires.
“It will be a long process, by my men & I will rebuild what we’ve destroyed…starting with sealing back up the Haunted Cave gates.” General Akilles says.
“Ok, whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy-boy. You STILL owe us an explanation. Why’d you even go on this tyraid in the first place?” Electra couldn’t help but ask…until Flaky spoke up.
“Malistaire.” Flaky simply says.
“Oh right, the guy that has a liking to us…for some f*cking reason.” Toothy simply says.
“Cuddles & I kinda…got on his bad side the moment we first came into Wizard City. Seems like he’s trying to reach the School Cores.” Flaky explains.
“As well as gain the Guardians on his side. At first, I, of course, refused to give him the Myth Core but…well, you know the rest.” General Akilles sighs.
“Duuuude…I knew the old Death Professor was crazy but like…doncha think that’s TOO far, man?” Darrick asks.
“I don’t know what made him do these depraved acts…but he will NOT manipulate us again.” Romulus assures.
NEEEEEEEIIIIGH!
Soon enough, the Chariot of Aethon finally arrives to pick everyone up.
“Right then. Time to start rebuilding and reparing Cyclops Lane. Wizards, once again, I thank you, for helping us Cyclopes.” General Akilles says to both Nolan & Flaky.
“Well…if SOMEONE were to be thanked, I’d say…Miss. Flaky would be the perfect one. And…I suppose I owe you an apology for making you rush into so much danger.” Nolan says, bashfully.
“Damn, Nolan saying SORRY? Is this an alternate universe or something??” Electra asks as she got onto the chariot.
“It’s alright, man. After all…I really did prove to a friend that…well, I got this.” Flaky says as she and everyone else got onto the chariot.
“So, what’s your next step anyway, oh chosen hero of Cyclops Lane?” Sophie asks.
“Well…seems like it’s the best to report back to Headmaster Ambrose. He needs to hear about what’s going on, here.” Flaky explains as Toothy soon spoke up.
“You mentioned you AND Cuddles right? That means he’s here, too?” Toothy asks.
“Yep. Wanna come with?” Flaky asks, earning a dramatic gasp from the beaver.
“Dear madam, you assume I have ANYWHERE else to go!” Toothy says, dramatically earning a laugh from the group. As everyone laughs, Romulus whips the reigns…
NEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH!!
And the Pegasus soared high across the mythical sunny skies…as Flaky’s venture through Wizard City…continues.
