Wakfu: Aeri The Eliatrope

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 24: Someone Familiar

Leaving Bonta, and the Lightnings, the two followed the Wakfu of Yugo and Adamai. It was a bit difficult since their Wakfu seemed to move from place to place. They had to switch direction a few times on the way. Once it stopped, it was an easy way over. What was waiting for them in that direction was a weird mass of a town. It was a ball which had bits and pieces of a town in it, it wasn't moving now, but it had been before. It was late in the evening when they got there. In the middle of the town was a huge tower, which looked like it would belong to a count or something. They jumped from rooftop to rooftop as they closed in on it. They could feel someone elses Wakfu as well, there were multiple people there.
What made Aeri stop was a sound she heard close by. She followed it, jumping on the bits and pieces of the buildings. She heard the voice coming closer. It was so close, she couldn't see anyone but their voice was so clear, so loud. Then she reached out her arms, and something fell on them. Something fluffy and big. A black bow-meow. She held it in her hands and looked extremely confused. She was sure she had heard someone yelling. ;"A Bow-Meow?" She said to herself. ;"Who're you calling a Bow-Meow!?" It said. It could talk. Aeri was surprised by this but didn't let go of it. There was a long way down. ;"Let me go you stupid girl!" It demanded. Aeri looked down and then back at it. ;"Are you sure about that?" She asked. When the Bow-Meow saw what a drop it was, it clinged to her arm. ;"M-maybe don't drop this little kitty?" It asked nicely. Aeri looked at it amused. When Shiro caught up to her, he stared at the cat. ;"What's the poor little thing doing out here all alone?" He asked. The cat looked annoyed. ;"Who's a POOR LITTLE THING You dumb boy?!" It spat. Shiro immediately deadpanned. ;"Drop the thing Aeri." He said. ;"He's just a poor little, sassy kitty." She said petting him a little. ;"My name is Granny Smisse! And I'm NOT a cat." He said. The two looked at each other and then back at him. ;"Sure", "Of course." They said, not believing a word he told them. Aeri put the cat down, letting it go it's way. ;"Be careful, these buildings are not as sound as they look!" She said after him. They wouldn't have known but they would see that Bow-Meow again some day soon.
They made their way to the tower, only to be greeted by a group of people. A big group if ghouls, and three people they didn't know. Fourth one of them however, was familiar. He wore similar hat to Aeri's but blue. He had a sand colored hair and brown eyes, and he wore an orange tank top, blue shorts, and brown and blue shoes. Besides him there were three others, a young Sadida girl, a Iop Knight, and an older Enutrof man. They seemed to be... hugging? While the ghouls were slowly making their way towards them. The Iop Knight stolen the shadows of the Enutrof and Sadida, turning them into ghouls as well. Aeri and Shiro quickly made their way through the window, Shiro blew fire at the ghouls, while Aeri made a portal, dropping the Sadida girl and Enutrof further away from Yugo. She couldn't see Adamai anywhere, but she felt his Wakfu further away. 'He must be elsewhere.' She thought. ;"Sorry it took so long little brother." Aeri said looking at Yugo's direction. He looked back at her. ;"Who are you-?" He asked before it dawned on him who she must be. ;"NOW what is this?? More intruders?! How many friends do you have Yugo??" The Iop asked angrily. He was wearing a ring with a Shushu in it, his eyes were white and he had black markings on his body. ;"Rubilax! What have you done with Dally!?" Yugo yelled. ;"Dally?" Aeri asked. ;"He's our friend who Rubilax the Shushu is currently inhabiting." Aeri and Shiro seemed to got the picture. ;"So all we have to do is to beat him then?" She asked. Yugo nodded. The ghouls seemed to be able to jump through the firewall Shiro created, as they came to view unharmed. ;"Not these guys again!" Shiro said annoyedly.  The ghouls surrounded them. ;"And now my slaves, captured them!" Rubilax commanded. Shiro started tossing the ghouls around as soon as they jumped towards him, and Aeri blasted them with her Stasis powers. Yugo tried to portal away from them but they grabbed him. ;"Yugo!" Aeri yelped. That bit of distraction gave the ghouls the chance to grab her too as well as Shiro. And they couldn't blast Yugo's friends.
Rubilax the Shushu currently in hold of Sir Percedal's body took the three with him underground to the mines, which were full of stone clones of Rubilax' current body. He walked them up to a big mirror, telling the others to back up, as he was going to contact the King of Shushus, Rushu with it. Yugo, Aeri and Shiro were told to kneel in front of him. Aeri and Shiro did so begrudgingly. When Rushu himself came to view on the other side of the mirror, something inside Aeri snapped. She could feel nothing but awful dread towards him. She wanted to run away and hide. But she couldn't move. She missed most of the conversation, but she heard about the part of making a portal for Rushu, in order to escape his prison dimension using an Eliatrope, or two. Along with getting a new dragon for a pet. Aeri could feel the cold sweat fall down her temples. She was visibly shaking. Shiro looked at her worriedly. ;"Sis?" He asked. Aeri felt the red markings appearing on her skin, as she lifted her hand towards the mirror where the Shushu was talking to. Just then another interruption happened, when a Cra girl appeared from the elevator to the mines. Aeri seemed to snap out of it. ;"Another friend of yours Yugo?" She asked her nodded. ;"Evangelyne." He said. The girl seemed to talk about how the Shushu Rubilax wasn't as bad as he let on, and that he didn't need to work for Rushu. The Shushu seemed conflicted about this, he broke the mirror and stopped the communication with his Lord, releasing the body of Percedal and taking his place inside a small sword Percedal carried with him. The Sadida Girl and the Enutrof got their shadows back as well, turning back to normal. The stone clones having released from their master went berserk attacking the people who used to be ghouls, and Yugo and his friends, as well as Aeri and Shiro. Everyone attacked them, Enutrof Ruel with his trusty shovel, Sadida Amalia with her plant powers, Evanglyne the Cra with her bow, Percedal the Iop with his sword Rubilax, Shiro with his dragon powers and Yugo and Aeri with their portal powers. The stone clones broke one by one, but by each shot, the earth began to rumble more and more, forcing the people to flee to safety. Aeri and Shiro's priority was Yugo's safety. Once they were sure he was okay, they could flee themselves. Two of Yugo's friends were left underground, and Yugo was worried he wouldn't see them again. But they emerged from the waters nearby as the town began to sank down, into a mess without a Master to control the ground. They watched the Sun rise from the shore near by. Aeri hugged Yugo, and Shiro joined in on it. ;"It's nice to finally meet you little brother." She said smiling. Yugo's friends watched the scene dumbfounded. They had no idea there would be any more Eliatropes, or Dragons around, that weren't inside a Dofus. But they seemed happy that everyone was alright for now.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 25: Warriors Way

The group, after defeating the stone clones, had decided to head towards he Kingdom of Sadida, Amalia's home, where Adamai was waiting for Yugo to come back. Yugo on the other hand had told Aeri and Shiro all about their journey, and fight against the mad Xelor Nox, and about their quest to find Grougaloragran's Dofus which they now had, with the Eliacube. It sounded familiar to Aeri, for reasons she couldn't remember. She was just relieved that they had found the Dofus. After some time, Ruel, Yugo and Percedal started to complain about being hungry, this ended in a little lover's spat between Evangelyne and Percedal over grammar. Amalia suggested that they'd eat some berries which were all around them. They started eating them, until they noticed a small winged pig, which Amalia thought was adorable. But the guys had different plans for it. They stared at it ravenously. Even Shiro licked his lips in hunger. They ended up roasting it. Evangelyne helped comforting Amalia who grieved for a while over the pig, but ended up giving in on hunger herself and eating it. The others of course ate as well. Ruel told them a story about a great Dragon Pig and the group thanked it for the meal. Unbeknownst to them, they had just awakened the REAL Dragon Pig underground who was angry at them for eating a smaller piglet.
When Ruel went to 'answer natures call' He never returned. The group got worried about him and went to check on him, but they couldn't find him anywhere. What they DID find was an entrance to an underground cave, with stone carvings of the Dragon Pig, as well as a map of the place. ;"Oh! Oh! I know these symbols!" Percedal said excitedly studying the map carefully. ;"Yes, Yes, that's great and all Dally but we have to move if we want to save Ruel." Evangelyne told him. ;"But Eva, dungeons are MY SPECIALITY. I know them better than anyone else on this group." He argued. ;"You two haven't been to any dungeons have you?" He asked Shiro and Aeri who shook their heads. "SEE? I know my way around a dungeon or two and this mark clearly indicates-" he started to monologue but Eva, Amalia, Yugo and Shiro went ahead and entered the cave. Aeri stayed behind to comfort Percedal. ;"I'm sure they know you're the expert, they're just worried about their friend." She told him placing a hand on his shoulder. The Iop felt a bit better hearing that. There was a loud sound, and some unknown gas came out of the cave, and out came four little Dragon Piglets. Percedal and Aeri looked at them in confusion. ;"Eva??" He asked. The piglet made a sound as a "yes." ;"Amalia, Yugo.. Shiro??" Aeri asked the three others who made a small whine as a yes. They looked at each other and then back at the piglets. ;"SEE?? THIS is why you follow the Dungeon pro!" Percedal said. "This mark right here means DANGER" He pointed at the mark on the map. He sighed. "Guess I have to lead this expasi- expison- this time!" He said marching onward. Aeri grabbed his brother to a carry and followed Percedal. Thet both covered their mouths as to not breathe in the gas that turned the others to piglets. They ran hurriedly through the room, and into another one. This one had disappearing and reappearing markings on the floor. They had to jump on the marked tiles and follow the rhythm. It was all going well until Amalia took a closer look at her from accidentally stepping on another tile which in turn triggered the traps. They ran dodging swirly blades coming from walls and the floor. Then they had to try and not get flattened by stones in the next room which moved horizontally and vertically. They came to a bigger room which seemed to have a pile of garbage on the floor, but as they stepped in the pile started to move. It created a metallic pig. ;"This must be the mini boss!" Percedal said. "I'll handle this one!" He continued rushing in to attack it with his sword. It went down rather easily, but Eva was still impressed by his moves. Shiro was ready to fight it even in his new pig form, but there was little he could do.
Finally they made their way into the last room where they saw Ruel in a big cauldron with vegetables in it. ;"Listen you don't want to eat me without the right seasoning. I'll taste bad." He told the Dragon Pig who was adding different spices in. The Pig turned around upon hearing Percedal and crew coming in, and he growled at them, cracking his knuckles. Percedal readied his sword. ;"The big guy's mine!" He declared. Aeri nodded understanding. ;"Be careful." She said. ;"Iops aren't careful, they go into the fight head first!" He yelled, running towards the pig, attempting to cut it, but The Pig uppercuted him instead. Percedal landed on the ground, quickly recovering from the blow attacking The Pig again, this time he used his head against his. Repeatedly. The Pig tried to shake him off, but wasn't expecting Evangelyne to bite his tail. He screamed and kicked Eva to the ground. That angered Percedal, he started landing punch after punch on The Pig, and finally he kneed it's stomach. The Pig grabbed his leg and threw him against a supporting pillar. The two then began a fist fight against each other. They both hit each other in the face as hard as they could, falling to the ground, then they started laughing like old friends. They both had respect towards one another as warriors. And because of it, The Pig let Ruel go, on one condition, they were to never eat Dragon Piglets again. Which they promised.
Amalia, Yugo, Evangelyne and Shiroazaad were all turned back to normal, thanks to the Dragon Pigs' magic. The group then continued their way, but once again the boys started to complain of hunger. ;"Well boy's you don't need to go hungry anymore." Amalia said. ;"Because we're here. At the Kingdom of Sadida." She said, and truly before them laid the beautiful botanical paradise.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 26: Family Reunion

Once they made it to Sadida, Adamai wasn't happy. Apparently Yugo had left him behind when he was in a hurry to answer Evangelyne's recall arrow. It has transported him, Ruel and Amalia to her. He was however overjoyed when he saw Aeri and Shiroazaad. ;"Grougal told me a lot about you two!" He said. "Where have you been this entire time?" He asked. Aeri and Shiro laughed hugging and patting Adamai. ;"We've been travelling around, and training to become stronger. As well as looking for our Dofus, which is in a safe place for now." Aeri told him. Shiro continued. ;"We also made some new friends with a group if Rogues." Yugo and Adamai both listened, interested in the story. They told them all about their adventures, minus the little jailbreak and thieving parts. As well as their time in the convent, and how much they seemed to know of their culture. Adamai was amazed someone else but them knew anything about it. Yugo and Adamai in turn told them everything they knew of what Grougaloragran had told them, and about the Eliacube. After they were done Adamai happened to mention: ;"So we do HAVE the cube, but SOMEONE has been to afraid to use it to find our people." He said crossing his arms. Aeri looked at Yugo. ;"Well I'm sure he wants to Adamai, but maybe he isn't ready yet?" She said carefully. ;"WHEN will he be ready then? The Cube belongs to us, as does the Dofus, and they're keeping both of them under constant watch. WE should be able to use them as we see fit!" He spat. Aeri thought that Adamai WAS right, but you couldn't force anyone to use something they didn't want to. ;"So what do you suggest then?" Shiro asked his dragon brother. Adamai gave him a sly smile for an answer.
Later in the evening, Adamai had asked to meet him and Yugo in the forest. Aeri and Shiro waited for them to show. Yugo came on time, but they had to wait for Adamai for a while. Once the small dragon emerged, he had a bag with him. In it were the Eliacube and Grougaloragran's Dofus. ;"Adamai! Did you steal those?" Aeri asked worriedly. ;"It's hardly stealing if you're taking back something that belongs to you." He said, and he did have a point. "I'll need your help if you're willing to that is." He said. ;"Of course we'll help you brother." Shiro said. ;"What're we doing anyway?" Yugo asked. ;"We're tapping into the Eliacube, and trying to find our family." Adamai told them. The three looked shocked, but understood the urgency of the situation. The four sat down on the ground, putting the Dofus and the Cube in the middle of them. They then began to insert their Wakfu and Stasis into the cube through the Dofus. It created an energy square around them, as they focused hard on what they wanted to happen. There was a big flash of light, and the four were sent backwards due to the energy wave that followed. The four were disoriented by this. Aeri looked around, her vision blurry from the light, she thought she saw a figure moving. ;"Yugo?" She asked, reaching towards him with her hand. She grabbed his hand. ;"Are you okay?" She asked him, until she realized it wasn't him. Light brown eyes looked back at her green ones behind glasses, he wore a white shirt and hat similar to Aeri's, and brown pants and shoes. His hair was light brown, with his beard. She stared at him for a while, he stared back, as if he had seen a ghost. ;"Is it really you...?" He asked, in a whispery tone, his mouth dry. Shiro heard a crying noise. He shook his head trying to balance himself, he looked to his side and saw an Eliatrope baby with a baby dragon on top of his head. ;"Grougal? Chibi?" He asked, kneeling in front of them. Yugo and Adamai both stared at them as well until they noticed the man talking to Aeri. ;"You're really here.." He said teary eyed, as he reached towards Aeri who instinctively moved back a bit. ;"Um Hello, who are you?" Yugo asked the man, who looked at him wide eyed, leaning back. ;"It's you!" He yelped ;"My name is Yugo.. Are you an Eliatrope as well?" They hadn't noticed but others had been looking for them, and were currently watching the scene from the bushes. The man seemed overwhelmed, as he tried to talk, he lost consciousness. Aeri took a good look at him, wondering how he knew her.
They took him inside the Palace, and laid him on a bed, an Eniripsa was called to heal him. The four were currently having to hear a lecture over the use of Dofus and Eliacube without permission from Amalia's brother Prince Armand. ;"Do you have any idea what could've happened? What if it had gone horribly wrong??" He spat. Shiro mumbled: "But it didn't." As soon as he saw Armands expression he turned away from him. Chibi was given to Alibert to take care of for the moment as he was well versed in Eliatrope care. ;"How is he?" Aeri asked the Eniripsa as she left the room. ;"He's stable, but still very fragile, he keeps asking where he is, and doesn't make much sense.." she told her. ;"Can we see him?" Shiro asked quickly ignoring Armand. ;"Yes you can." The Eniripsa answered. The four entered the room. The man laid on the bed, looking at the ceiling, until he saw the four of them. ;"So it is really you." He said calmly. ;"My name is Yugo, this is Adamai, Shiroazaad and Aeri, who are you? Are you an Eliatrope too?" He asked. The man looked at him and Adamai and then at Shiro and Aeri. ;"So you don't remember anything?" He asked. The four shook their heads. ;"Well I remember somethings with Shiro, but.. they Don't make much sense." Aeri confessed. The man closed his eyes, remembering everything. ;"There is so much to tell." He said. "My name is Qilby, and yes, I am an Eliatrope like you." He said. Something inside Aeri's mind connected to the name. ;"Qilby..." she mumbled. "You were-, are my... teacher? Aren't you?" She asked him. Qilby nodded. ;"Yes, I am. And you're my favorite student." He smiled at her. "I must see what has become of the world." He said, as he got up from the bed. He walked outside to be greeted with luscious green colors everywhere, a Kingdom full of life. He stared, like he couldn't believe his eyes. He had to sit down for a while, Amalia made him a seat out of a flower. Aeri saw that he had no left arm as he sat down. ;"This world is very different from ours, but it looks nearly identical, to what it was when we first came here." Qilby explained. ;"When we came here? Are we not from this world?" Yugo asked. ;"No Yugo we're not. We're from a planet far, far away." Qilby explained. Alibert couldn't believe Yugo was actually from another planet. Qilby told everyone about the Eliatrope Dofus, and their relationship to the dragons as well as their former planet. ;"We formed a Council of seven, although I should say fourteen. Mina and Phaeris ended all conflict between their brothers and sisters, Glip and Baltazar taught the children the way of Wakfu. Chibi and Grougaloragran were the inventors. Nora and Efrim looked so innocent playing in the fields, Yugo and Adamai were the valiant protectors of our people, Aeri and Shiroazaad, you were like the embodiment of the Goddess and the Great Dragon themselves, and me and my dragon sister Shinonome were proud to be the King and Queen of our people." He explained. Aeri could remember spending a lot of time with Qilby and Shinonome especially.
He told them about the war against Orgonax, and how the Eliatropes were forced to flee from their planet, and use other dead planets as fuel for their machine Zinit which they used to travel the Krozmos, until they came upon what is now know as the World of Twelve. Until Orgonax found them and attacked again, bringing war upon their people. "Many were lost in the war, but we managed to save the children and move them to a different dimension, and Yugo and Adamai, against my wishes you did the same to me. I do not know if it was because I was your King, or whether it was because I had lost my arm fighting against Orgonax and the Mechasms." He told them. "Aeri and Shiroazaad, you fought bravely against them, but even your powers weren't enough against them. We lost you two that day, and it breaks my heart I wasn't able to stop it." He said shedding a tear. He then fell asleep for a while, but awoke to Grougal smacking on his face, and nearly frying his beard.
He explained that they would need his Dofus if they were to free the rest of their people, as it took one to get him back as well. He told them he could feel it far away. In a place called the Crimson Archipelago. ;"Then we must go and get it!" Yugo exclaimed. ;"Yes, We'll find it and bring it back" Aeri concured. ;"Eliatrope's promise!" Yugo said.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 27: Journey's Start

While they were preparing to go on a journey to the Crimson Archipelago, the group were saying their Goodbyes to their families. Well except for Aeri and Shiroazaad who preferred "see you later." ;"It's too bad you can come with us Qilby." Aeri said. ;"I would love to accompany you, but I'm still too weak." He said looking somewhat ashamed. ;"What I Don't get is.. why does Shiro get to go, and I'm here playing dragon nanny?" Adamai asked, deadpanning. ;"Because you're the only one strong enough to tame this little beast." King Oakheart told him, petting Grougal, who soon spewed fire at him. Alibert didn't think he could take care of baby Chibi, but after he looked at his innocent face he was absolutely sold on it. When Qilby suggested to help with Chibi, and reached down to touch him, Grougaloragran spat fire at his direction. He said that Grougal is as jealous of a dragon as ever. Amalia was sad, because she hadn't gotten a permission to join Yugo and others on their journey. She nevertheless came to say Goodbyes. Yugo gave her a big hug, and she patted his head, she then ran away crying, as it all became too much for her. Ruel was telling some Sadida children how to play Gobbowl, while Evangelyne and Percedal had a talk with Armand. Ruel thought he has lost his Haven Bag, but his Drheller Junior brought it to him from the bushes. They waved to everyone who wished them goodluck on their journey and went through a Zaap portal.
They ended up on a swamp, where Evangelyne went through their plan, to travel by a cable car through Pincher Pass, in order to avoid going by boat which made Percedal sick. Ruel told them a story about how he's grandma used to own a cable car back in the day. Amalia, soon after that, emerged from Ruel's Haven Bag, as she had secretly snuck in to be able to go on a journey with them. ;"I can't believe none of you asked me to go with you on an adventure! Thankfully us girls stick together!" Amalia said high fiving Evangelyne.
When they arrived to the scene, it turned out to actually BE owned by none other than Ruel's grandma, who the rest of the family thought was dead. She had a bigger Drheller named Orifan. She was as much of a cheapskate as Ruel was, having made the prices ten times as big as they used to be. She was a cute little lady, but she had quite the temper. Ruel reminiscented about the days he used to spent with his Grandma, and came to the conclusion she had always been as greedy as ever. The payment was 300 kamas per person making it whopping 2100 kamas. Ruel wasn't ready to pay that much, so Amalia ended up paying for everyone BUT him. It turned out that the cable car was pedal powered, Ruel's Grandma had to be very strong to move the entire thing. The group watched the scenery as the cable car slowly but surely made it's way over the pass. It was beautiful sea view.
What they weren't expecting was five bandits coming their way on a skeleton birds with shadowy wings. Apparently Yugo and his friends had seen similar beings before, with a rider called the "Black Crow." Aeri readied herself as the bandits landed on the roof of the car. ;"Hello Ladies and Gentlemen! We're here to Rob you!" Said the leader of the bandits. The groups original leader and Ruel's Grandma had had a deal of them leaving her cable car alone, but the new leader didn't quite think so. "I'll be taking all of your kamas, this Cable car, and everything your passengers have." He said. His lackeys all cheered for him. Shiro made a low growl. The others readied themselves for battle, which the bandits weren't expecting. The leader shook in fear. They tried to make a run for it, once Ruel's Grandma fused with Orifan, to make an Enutrof/Drheller mash up. She jumped in the air and started spinning as did Orifan and they fused together. She had long yellow tusks and claws, with greyish fur, and partially blind eyes. The bandits were attempting to cut the cable of the car to make it fall into the ocean, but Yugo and his friends with the help of Aeri and Shiro decided to fight back. The cable car itself had a hidden weapon inside it. A potato gun, which the Grandma used to shoot the bandits with. Shiro grew his dragon wings and rose up into the sky to attack the bandits. Evangelyne used her bow to shoot them down, and Aeri used her Stasis blasts on them. Once they were weakened, Percedal jumped on one of the birds and stole the mount by kicking the rider off. Yugo stole another one by portaling behind the Leader and making the bird fly head first into the cable car. One by one the bandits were all taken care of. They tied them up, and continued their way through the pass, once on the other side, they left the bandits with Grandma, as it was HER car they attacked, it was only fair for her to decide their fate. The group took their mounts to save some time in travelling. Shiro travelled with Percedal, and Aeri with Evangelyne.
Aeri tried to connect the dots. Qilby had been her teacher, as well as brother, so that must have meant HE was the one from her memories calling for her. He had always been in her visions, more than anyone else. Somehow he made her feel calm and safe. He had been there for her the entire time, and Aeri just couldn't remember. Coincidentally, Shiro was thinking about Shinonome, who was the other one who had been there for the twins whenever they needed someone to talk to, or when they needed advice on something. The two had always been most helpful. They felt bad that they couldn't remember them any better than that, as their memories were still jumbled. ;"Am I forgetting something important...?" Aeri mumbled to herself. ;"Did you say something?" Eva asked. She shook her head. ;"Oh, no it's nothing really!" She told her. She couldn't explain it, but she had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. She felt as if she should've stayed in Sadida Kingdom, with him and Adamai.

 

Edited 5 Oct 2022 by Shinomi-chan

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 28: The Knight

A figure was running through a thick forest, wearing all black clothing and a mask. They had a black Bow-Meow. A light shone from behind them. A blinding bright light. They jumped over a tree trunk as they continued running in panic. ;"RUN Remi!" Granny yelled. ;"I'm trying Granny!" Remington yelled back, as the light came closer and closer. Something big and loud was coming. ;"Go Granny!" Remington said throwing his Bow-Meow brother further away from the thing. ;"Remi!!!!" He yelped as light enveloped everything.
Elsewhere our heroes were flying on the skeleton birds, tired from the long flight. ;"Maybe we should all rest for a few hours! We're all tired from flying for so long" Evangelyne suggested, but because of the wind and distance, the others could barely hear her. ;"What?? continue flying?? Shouldn't we rest for a little while?" Amalia asked confused. ;"What?! Fly for a few more hours? Are you mad??" Ruel asked angrily. Evangelyne flew closer to Percedal who was clearly worried for his Shushu friend, who hadn't spoken anything since the day he lost control over the stone clones, and went against Rushu himself by disobeying orders. When she raised her voice to talk to the others however Percedal accidentally dropped Rubilax. They landed on the ground for the night to rest up, but Percedal was too worried for Rubilax to enjoy the time off. ;"Rubi, why won't you say anything??" He asked the Shushu who remained silent. He then began hitting the sword against a rock repeatedly in order to get a reaction out of him, but there was none. Aeri wondered whether he'd be alright. ;"I'm sure your friend will come around eventually Percedal." She said to him. He seemed a bit more hopeful after that, but was still worried. They set up a camp for the night, and Amalia was telling them stories about her early life when a huge tree fell over the campfire. The heroes looked up to see something big, and bright. It came closer at a fast pace. They quickly jumped to the side only to see it was a huge train. Something flew from the side of it. A net, it caught all of them easily, and threw them into one of the carts. The train then began filling the cart with a sleeping gas, which our heroes couldn't resist. They soon fell asleep. The train took them to a tower, full of jail cells. Someone watched them from a little hatch on the side of the cart, as he placed them into the cell.
When they awoke they were surprised to see a man in a golden shining armor standing outside the cell holding Rubilax in hand. Aeri had a special cuffs in hands which prevented her from moving. ;"Hey, why do I have THESE?" She asked confused. The man pointed the Sword at her. ;"Quiet you Shushu! No longer will you deceive anyone, with your clever disguise!" He declared. Aeri was utterly confused. ;"I'm not a Shushu! What are you even talking about??" She argued. ;"Then why did my radar detect YOU? It only works on Shushus." He said. Aeri thought about it and it must have been because of her Stasis powers. ;"I-..." she attempted to say but stayed quiet. Yugo went to comfort her. The man introduced himself as the Justice Knight, a hero who finds, and captures Shushus so they'll never again be of danger to others. He told them a story of how Rubilax had while in control of Percedal's body attacked the Justice Knight and his Father, whom he had lost in the battle against the Shushus and ghouls. ;"and that is why Justice will prevail!" He said leaving Rubilax stabbed through the balconys wooden part. Our Heroes tried to figure out a way out of the cell, as well as how to free Aeri, when they heard talking from a cell next to theirs. ;"Who's there?" Aeri asked. ;"I know that voice.." said a familiar voice. ;"Wait.. Granny?" Aeri asked. Evangelyne looked at her, ;"How do you know Granny Smisse?" She asked. ;"We met him in the Rubilaxia town, shortly" She explained. ;"Then that means.." Eva said. ;"Yes I'm here too my sweet archer." Said Remington. Percedal was about to say something but was interrupted: ;"Who's that?" Yugo asked. Evangelyne explained that she had ran into a couple of worst kind of Rogues in Rubilaxia. ;"Why don't we let bygones be bygones, and help each other escape this wretched place, before the idiot comes back?" Remington asked. ;"So you have a plan?" Ruel asked. ;"A good Rogue always has a plan." Remington said. ;"See that orb with eyeballs in front of your cell? That's the inhibitor, take it down and you can get out of your cell." He explained. ;"Oh I've seen these before." Aeri said. ;"We need something to cover the eyes!" She said. The boys began throwing pieces of their clothing one by one, but seemed to miss each time, they even used Shiro's cape but missed. They were down to two options: Either one of the girls uses a piece of clothing, or Yugo or Aeri uses their hat. Aeri held down to her hat embarrassed that someone would see her wings, so Yugo was the one to use his. He actually made it, and portaled outside to get the others out.
They didn't have the keys to Aeri's specially made cuffs, so Shiro carried his sister in his arms. When they got Remington out, he nearly managed to throw Eva of the balcony! She fell, but was caught by Percedal, who in turn was caught by Yugo, Amalia and Ruel. ;"Now we're even." Remington said. ;"And because I'm such a gentleman I'll leave you a present." He said opening up another cell, which had a special sigil on it. It disappeared, letting whatever was inside break free. Out came a giant dog like creature with big strong arms, and black fur. It walked on two legs. ;"Thank you for freeing me. As a thanks I won't eat you." It said to Remington. "But your Bow-Meow on the other hand makes a tasty snack." It said, grabbing Granny, it's stomach opened up and it placed the poor cat inside, closing it's stomach soon after. Yugo tried to attack the being, who in turn used it's fist against him. It then looked at it's hand, and suddenly it could make portals similar to Aeri's in color. She got chills from it. ;"Oh no." She said. As the being attacked them using the newfound portal magic. Evangelyne tried to run up it's arm to hit it with her arrow, but was surrounded by portals, there was a big explosion of energy, and soon all of them were down for the count. Shiro had accidentally let go of Aeri, who was currently hanging off of the balcony. The being looked at her. ;"You. You smell familiar..." it said, reaching it's hand towards her, grabbing her by her cape. ;"Why do you smell like a Shushu?" It asked in it's low growling voice. ;"No matter, I'll take you with me." It said, easily breaking the cuffs placed on by Justice Knight. It then grabbed Aeri, and looked at Rubilax who was laying on the ground. ;"And you traitor..." he said grabbing Rubi and placing him in his stomach. "Will tell me why you treated me so badly during our last meeting." He it said, smashing through the wall and outside the tower.
Justice Knight had returned because of the commotion, and he wasn't happy to see the mess. ;"You let Anathar escape?! Do you have any idea what you've done?!" He yelled. "This will not do." He said. Gesturing for everyone involved following him. He brought them to a meeting room, ;"Anathar is the worst kind of Shushu, powerful and dangerous. He is also.. my Father. He had to use his Shushu to protect me from Rubilax, but was too weak to take back control, I then placed him inside a magical cell until I could figure out a solution." Yugo listened excitedly, as he thought the Knight was cool, Amalia on the other hand was smitten by him. ;"We must capture him, and bring him, the Bow-Meow, Shushu, and your friend back, we will call ourselves, The Justice Band!" He declared. Remington wasn't exactly into the plan but couldn't just leave his brother. Ruel thought he was just full on crazy calling a Bow-Meow his brother. They travelled by the train, radar showing both Aeri and Anathar's location. ;"This makes no sense." The Knight said. "According to this Anathar and your friend should be right in front of us!" He stopped the train. Him and Percedal guarded the sides of the train, Yugo, Amalia and Evangelyne the front, and Ruel and Remington the back. They saw a red light in the distance, and more portals opened up, but they weren't expecting Anathar to attack from above. He crushed the train easily, sending everyone flying, he held Aeri in his right hand tightly. She couldn't make any portals, but could feel her markings appearing again, slowly. The portals gave her an awful feeling, like they lead to another world which she didn't want to see. Oh how right she was. Black appendages appeared from the portals which turned into tiny arms and claws that attacked everyone. They bravely fought them off. Shiro attacked Anathar with fire, who quickly opened up a portal in front of him, the fire going inside of it. Anathar was very agile for his size. He easily jumped around when they tried to attack by arrows and plants, and shovels, and guns. There was a bigger portal behind him, the Justice Knight along with Percedal and Yugo tried to push Anathar in, while Shiro tried to make him let go of Aeri. The fight had been too much for Anathar, who spat out Justice Knight's Father, and opened up his stomach. Justice Knight immediately ran to his father's aid. ;"Dally please don't let him take me, it's Rushu's world in there!" Rubilax said panicked. ;"Remi!" Yelled Granny. Both Remington and Percedal tried to get what they had come for, pushing one another. ;"I'm not going home empty handed..." Anathar said, swinging his right arm, still holding Aeri, squeezing in Yugo, Percedal and Remington as well. As the portal closed them all inside of it, everyone watched in horror as it disappeared like it had never existed in the first place.

 

Edited 5 Oct 2022 by Shinomi-chan

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 29: Rushu

Back in Sadida Kingdom, Qilby was talking to King Oakheart and Armand about their God Sadida, whom he had seen a long time ago. Alibert was having problems with calming down baby Chibi, so he came to ask Qilby for help, who immediately knew what to do. He told Chibi a story about a Tofu named Hoodie, who was in love with another Tofu named Rose. This seemed to make Chibi visibly happy, as he stopped crying. Everyone clapped at Qilby's expertise. Grougal however who had came back from a flight didn't quite agree, biting down on Qilby's index finger. Qilby managed to get him off of him, but Grougaloragran spat fire at him. Thanks to Adamai he missed. ;"Grougal! That's it! Why do you always do things like that??" Adamai asked angrily. Grougal went to embrace his twin brother Chibi. ;"Don't be too hard on him Adamai, black dragons have always been possessive, Grougaloragran in particular." Said Qilby. Adamai felt something wrong with Yugo, he got a sharp pain as a sign. ;"Master Adamai are you alright??" King Oakheart asked worriedly. ;"It's Yugo. I can't feel his Wakfu anymore. It's like he's left our world." He said.
Meanwhile, Yugo, Percedal, Remington and Aeri found themselves in a world very different from theirs. It was warm as all heck, and full of brimstone and fire. Bits and pieces of stone hovered in the air, as black creatures began appearing one by one. ;"Does anyone know where we are?" Percedal asked worriedly. The others shook their heads. ;"More importantly, does anyone know a way out?" Remington asked, annoyedly. "They used a portal to bring us here so maybe we need one to go back?" He said looking at Aeri and Yugo. ;"I Have never opened a portal to another world before!" Yugo said. ;"Me neither." concured Aeri. ;"Oh don't be so pessimistic, there's always a way." Remington said. ;"Welcome to the world of Shushus everyone." Said Rubilax, looking around at the other Shushus. Aeri felt dread like never before, she held her hand on Yugo's shoulder, visibly shaking. ;"I don't like this place..." she mumbled. The ground shook as something, nay someone came closer. ;"Anathar, what have you brought with you?" A booming, demanding voice asked. What came to view was the King of Shushu's Rushu. He was a big, tall, and strong looking
He had huge horns, and a red firey beard, when he hovered in flames came after him. Anathar kneeled ;"Oh your deviousness, I have brought for you not one, but two with the power to open portals, so that you may conquer their world." He said. ;"Conquer our world? What for?" Yugo asked. ;"Why? Because there's nothing left here to destroy!" Rushu laughed. "Is that the traitor Rubilax you have there?!" He yelled watching scared Rubilax. "And is that a Bow-Meow?! Horribly cute creature! Get it away from me!!" He commanded, Anathar immediately threw Granny away towards a rock. ;"Rubilax why haven't you turned back to your original form??" He asked. Rubilax looked at him: ;"I can't! I'm imprisoned." He told him. ;"You know that law doesn't abide here. Now turn before I make you!" He commanded. Rubilax then turned into his original form, a Shushu made out of rock with tiny horns, and tusks, with muscly body and white eyes, only a little taller than Percedal. Rushu's gaze then turned to Aeri. "What have we here?" He asked curiously, coming closer to her level. ;"An Eliatrope girl sir." Anathar said. ;"I know what an Eliatrope is! But this one feels different. More like one of.. US." He said in a low growl. "Welcome home little one." He said to Aeri, who was frozen in fear. Rushu reached his hand towards her, Yugo protectively got in the way. Aeri felt her markings growing rapidly. ;"Hey fatso!" Percedal yelled. Rushu stopped to look at him. ;"WHAT?!" He yelled. ;"Yeah you, who died and made you the King!?" Percedal yelled back. Rushu angered by his words, closed in on him ready to fly him, when Rubilax suddenly yelled: "I invoke the RUSH!" Rushu glanced at him. ;"GRANTED." He laughed. ;"What's the Rush?" Yugo asked. ;"It's an ancient Shushu tradition. We fight against Pirashus for Rushu's entertainment, as long as we can." Rubilax said. ;"THAT'S your plan??" Remington said. ;"At least we'll die with honor in battle." Rubi said deadpanning. ;"Wait, DIE?!" Remington yelped. Granny on his shoulder, who was shaking in fear didn't like that idea one bit.
They were escorted to an arena inside the castle of Rushu. ;"Now our guests will entertain us by fighting against the six hundred and sixty six for as long as they can! Let the RUSH commence!" Rushu announced. "Anathar, take good care of our guests!" He ordered, as Anathar came in wearing a new skeleton armor. ;"As you wish my King." He said. Rushu signaled the Rush starting by breaking his glass in his hands. Suddenly hundreds of Pirashus attacked, running over to Rubilax who let them hit him, as he grew in size the more He's hurt. Percedal, Yugo and Aeri fought them with their respective powers. Percedal helped Rubilax the best He could kicking and hitting the Pirashus, even hitting them with one of their own. Aeri blasted Stasis power at them at a rapid speed, sparks coming from her markings on her arms and legs. She was completely focused on destroying them. Yugo noticed this soon enough, when a blast flew by him nearly hitting him in the process. ;"Aeri?! Are you alright?." He asked in the midst of the fight. She didn't answer, only yelled as she blasted away. ;"Aeri!" Yugo tried to get her attention. It was only after he touched her arm that she snapped out of it. ;"Hm..? Yugo? What-? Where are we?" She asked, the red glow stopping, and markings disappearing. While they were fighting Remington and Granny were hiding behind a pillar as to not get involved. ;"Aeri? Are you okay? You haven't been yourself since we arrived." Yugo said. ;"Yeah. I'm fine.. " she lied. Yugo was about to say something when a sharp pain went through his head, he could hear Adamai calling for him. ;"We need to leave.." He mumbled. He looked around and finally his gaze nailed on something. ;"Quick, everyone this way!" Yugo yelled as everyone followed him. Anathar had managed to copy Rubilax' power, hitting himself, growing in size. He was huge. He attempted to hit Percedal and Rubi, who ran from underneath him. ;"Careful not to crush the Eliatropes Anathar!" Rushu said. Anathar thought for a moment that he had atomised them since he couldn't see anyone, but Rushu soon noticed them running away from the arena, towards the front door of the castle. ;"My Eliatropes are getting away! Get them!!" He commanded as his subjects went after them. Percedal used his head, literally to open the front door. ;"There should be a portal.. Um there somewhere." Yugo said pointing at the hovering bits and pieces of rocks. They began jumping on them onwards, until Remington spotted a portal further away. ;"There it is! Quickly now everyone!" He said, as the group turned to run to the portal. Rushu infuriated, becan flying to get to them, fire dragging behind him, even burning his subjects. He flew over our heroes and stopped between them and the portal. ;"You're not getting anywhere! You will stay here, forever!" He said his voice booming. Rubilax threw Granny at him who distracted him long enough for the group to get past Rushu. Percedal, and Aeri ran past him and into the portal. On the other side, Amalia, Ruel, Shiro and Evangelyne were waiting. Qilby and Adamai were holding the portal open with the Eliacube.
Remington stopped running, and turned his back on Yugo. ;"I can't leave my brother!" He said running towards Rushu, who held Granny by the tail. Yugo tried to go after him, but was grabbed through the portal by Amalia as it closed up. ;"Yugo!" She said crying tears of joy. When Qilby and Adamai stopped using the cube, both of them were extemely tired. They both fell unconscious. Yugo grabbed Adamai and Aeri grabbed Qilby before they fell on the ground. The use of the Eliacube had made it snow outside. Aeri was worried for Qilby's health as he hadn't been on his full power yet. Shiro hugged Aeri after they placed Qilby in bed to rest. He had been worried over his sister, as they were linked, and he could feel her distress. Justice Knight thanked them for helping get her father back, and his father thanked them for getting rid of Anathar. Once Qilby was better, him and Adamai got ready to get back to Sadida Kingdom. ;"Qilby." Aeri asked grabbing hold of his sleeve. ;"Yes?" He asked. ;"Would it be okay if I came back with you two?" She asked rather sadly. ;"You're not going with us?" Yugo asked. ;"No, Yugo. I wasn't very helpful in Rushu's dimension, and nearly lost myself there. I'm afraid I won't be much help for you in battle. So I'm going back, to train my powers." She explained. Shiro looked at her worriedly. ;"Then I'll go too." He said. ;"No, you should go and help Yugo and others. You're the stronger and more stable from us two." She said hugging him. "Please keep them safe." She continued. ;"I do my best." Shiro promised. ;"And I'll do my best to help your sister in her studies." Qilby said placing his hand on her shoulder. "You just focus on the journey ahead. Getting back my Dofus and freeing our people is the greatest gift you could give me." He said. ;"I promise we will." Yugo said.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 30: The Trial

The group had begrudgingly decided to go through the city of Brakmar in order to get to Qilby's Dofus faster. Shiro felt awkward going back to the City of Sin, since the last time they were literally chased away. Yugo was happy because he knew someone from there, a Gobbowler named Kriss Krass. He was going to go greet him if possible and introduce Shiroazaad to him. When they were entering the city, Ruel asked for a large family discount. The man in the toll booth didn't quite believe the others were his children until he told him that some characteristics jump a few generations. He didn't pry any further. They saw lots of vendors and salesmen as they went by on a trolley. They sold poison, assassinations, and the oh do familiar shapeshifting potion. Ruel thought that they should ask about Kriss from a local tavern, but as soon as he even said his name inside, everyone turned against them. All the people in the tavern got out their weapons ready to fight, so our heroes gave them just that. Hitting and kicking the people around the tavern, until the owner showed up. ;"I hope you paid to ruin my tavern beforehand!" He said. Everything in Brakmar costed money. Even breaking things. Yugo showed him a photo of Kriss Krass, telling him that they were looking for him.
The man guider them towards an arena which was packed with people. There seemed to be a trial going on. There, they saw a familiar figure. It was the Sacrier himself Kriss Krass on the stand. Being accused of being guilty for abusing his power as a Gobbowler, and slandering Brakmarian Gobbowl, by reading Bontarian Gobbowl magazines. They even had a man dressed as "Kriss' mother" saying that execution would do him a world of good. ;"This doesn't necessarily mean that Kriss is guilty of anything, you can be taken on trial for not paying your taxes in time." Amalia told Yugo, who was mad and sad, that Kriss had to be there to begin with. Shiroazaad watched the trial with disgust. ;"This town really is rotten to the core." He said. Even the Prince of Brakmar was there, as well as the Brakmarian Gobbowler team Brack N' Black, with their very famous 'Masked Gobbowler' leader. He wore a black and red mask with white fluffy hair, as well as red and black outfit. The trial seemed to be just about done, when Yugo took the stand. He portaled next to Kriss to say a few words for him. ;"Kriss is an excellent Gobbowler! He plays with honor, and honesty, and would never do anything to harm Gobbowls reputation!" He said, the crowd laughing at him. ;"And he doesn't especially play as bad as you Brack N' Black!" He declared. Everyone got quiet. Even the prosecutor was speechless.
One of the Gobbowl hosts, Jactance jumped on the stage, inspired by Yugo. ;"Are you going to take the challenge Brakmar?! Bontarian Team has just given you a challenge you can not miss! Either play Gobbowl or be forever ridiculed, by the City who was afraid of a child!" He announced. The Masked Gobbowler got up showing s thumbs up for the challenge. ;"He has accepted the challenge! It is now Bonta against Brakmar on Gobbowl field!" Jactance said. ;"Yes, if they win, Kriss Krass goes free, if they lose, he is shortened by the neck." The Judge said, hitting down his hammer. ;"The match shall commence tomorrow at midday. Ladies you may leave the arena, the trial is now finished." He said.
To play they needed at least five members, lucky for them they had Shiroazaad as fifth player but.. ;"I have never played Gobbowl before." He confessed. ;"Oh don't worry about it my boy, you'll get the hang of it in no time." Ruel said. ;"I can't believe we're playing against The Masked Gobbowler! He's my idol!" Said Amalia. ;"YOU'RE not playing against him. WE are." Ruel said. ;"I forgot. In Brakmar women aren't allowed to play Gobbowl!" Amalia cried. ;"It'll be fine once we teach Shiro here how to play in style." Ruel reassured. Shiro gulped. ;"Just in case, I think we should should ready for anything." Evangelyne said. They had to buy new equipment since Ruel's old ones didn't cut it. They also had to pay for their possible funerals, in case they lost. It all costed them seven hundred and fifty-six kamas, leaving them with two kamas, which they used to buy Ruel  a cheerleader outfit. Evangelyne and Amalia drank the shapeshifting potion in order to get on the arena with their friends. They took on fake names Evangelion and Amalius.
Once they entered Kriss nearly gave their identities away when he saw the two women turned men, but Ruel was there to save the day. They took their places in the arena. ;"Alright now Shiro it is very easy. Just use your power gloves and shoes as you see fit, the point is to take the Gobbowl, to the opposite side of the arena and score a point, remember to keep your hand on the ball while you do so." Ruel instructed. Shiro felt quite uneasy being on the arena with thousands of people watching, but he nodded. While Aeri wasn't there she could feel the uneasiness of her brother. The match started, our Heroes Team Warsenal seemed to have the upper hand, until the Brack N' Black Team decided to beat them to the ground one by one. It was a massacre of a game. Shiro got his head slammed to the ground by Brack N' Black's Pandawa who was huge with big muscles. He showed no mercy. Evangelion got a face full of Feca fist when he tried to get the ball, and Kriss Krass immediately got kicked to the ground head first. The Masked Gobbowler just watched him squirm on the ground not doing anything in particular. When Kriss actually got the ball however, Masked moved quickly to retrieve it from him, with style. Slomo, the referee showed everyone what happened in slow motion with his Xelor's time powers. But eventhough Masked had the ball, he wouldn't score against them. The announcers thought it was because he was making a point. Shiro pressed forward trying to take the ball, jumping up with his power shoes, but Masked jumped over him and took it. Kriss immediately went after him, to retrieve the ball from him, and by using never before dome technique, by kicking the ball with his feet instead of holding it in his hands, he scored a point against Masked. ;"Yes! That's how we play Gobbowl!" Evangelion said. Amalius came towards him: "You Iop, we're not supposed to say Gobbowl!" He quickly covered his mouth but it was too late. They turned back into women, Slomo was so shocked he fainted. Everyone in the arena got quiet when they saw what happened. ;"Women?! Playing Gobbowl?!" The Prince spat. The Judge saw this and snapped: ;"Shorten the guilty one by the neck!!" He declared hitting his hammer. They immediately set up an execution area for Kriss. ;"Wait!" Someone said. It was the Masked Gobbowler. No one knew he could speak. He took off his mask, showing his face for everyone to see. It was a woman. A woman playing Gobbowl for so long. Slomo who had just recovered from the initial shock fell unconscious once more. ;"Maud?" Kriss asked. ;"Kriss." She said.
Our heroes were all facing execution. They had all been placed neatly in row, for allowing women to play in their team, as well as Maud who had been deceiving everyone for years now. The Executioner sharpened his battle ax, ready to do his job when Brack N' Black interrupted them. ;"We demand justice! We were deceived for all this time! Death by Gobbowl!" They yelled. But they were missing a player. Brakmar's Prince's right hand suggested they'd use Emporg who had previously been seen as a possible weapon, but they hadn't figured out how to use him yet. They retrieved him from his cell. He was a tall, tan man with a strong jaw, as well as tiny horns and had a big stomach. He began stretching as soon as he got on the arena. ;"I haven't played Gobbowl for fifty years." He stated. Brack N' Black weren't sure if they could trust him on playing but he gave them a wink in response. ;"I've already sold my soul to Gobbowl a long time ago." He stated. Ruel thought he knew someone who used to say so in his youth, but his name wasn't Emporg. ;"This is Death By Gobbowl! The first team to score a point wins!" The Judge declared, hitting his hammer down, starting the match. Once it started the Brack N' Black immediately went for Maud who hadn't even gotten the ball yet. Percedal couldn't accept it and shoved her out of harms way, taking all of the hits himself. He was benched soon after. Shiro watched as Emprog stopped his stretching and began running. He was fast, REALLY fast. You could barely see him. Still Shiro attempted to stop him with his power gloves and shoes. Using their strength against him, but instead he got a full body blow by the Emporg. He flew high up into the sky and crashed down in a painful manner. He too was benched soon after. Evangelyne tried to stop him as well but failed. She was sent flying to the ground, arms first. She had to be benched. Amalia tried to stop the Emporg from scoring, who broke her shield and many bones in her body. Soon it was just Yugo, Maud and Kriss on the arena. ;"What was his name?" Ruel wondered. "Martin..? No.. it was.. MARILYN! YES MARILYYYYN!" He yelled. Emporg stopped right as he was about to score. He was frozen in place. Everyone in the arena got quiet again. ;"Marilyn?" Everyone wondered. Soon whispers and murmurs filled the arena as everyone thought about rumors they had heard about the Emporg. Once it actually hit them that his name was indeed Marilyn they started to laugh. The Judge, The Prince, Prosecutor, everyone laughed except Yugo and his friends, who were too shocked to do anything. Soon Emporg's horns grew, and a red glow filled his eyes. ;"DO NOT. CALL ME MARILYN." He said to a member of Brack N' Black who was still laughing, he sent him flying to the ground, throwing him over his shoulder, he did this to All of the members one by one. He then made an extremely powerful dash on the ground jumping, which broke the arena in two. Gladly the arena was held together by chain so it didn't fall into the lava underneath.
Yugo took the ball off of the ground and looked at the Emporg ;"You shouldn't care about what others say  just because your name is Marilyn." He said. Emporg only got madder. "And I shouldn't have said that." Yugo said running away from Emporg as fast as he could. He didn't use his portaling powers as he thought it'd be cheating. Shiro tried to fly in after Yugo to help him, but because of the blow he got he couldn't move too well. ;"Yugo.. Please be alright.." He silently prayed. Yugo ran from the crazed Emporg, as Maud and Kriss followed. Yugo passed the ball to Kriss in the midst of things, but Emporg was still coming after him. He ran to a roof where he followed, cornering Yugo. Maud could only think of one thing that could stop him. A special attack she and Kriss had been training for: Gobbowl Ballzooka. Only thing was Kriss had never perfected it.  ;"Think like a Gobbowl, become the Gobbowl." Maud instructed. As the two focused on the attack. The ball glowed in purple and orange as they lifted it up from the ground and yelled: "GOBBOWL BALLZOOKA!" The ball flew at a high speed, right towards Emporg, who was dashing right at Yugo, right on his face. There was a big explosion and he had been stopped. Yugo's friends looked at the scene from the other side of the arena, as Yugo, Maud and Kriss all scored a point together. They had won the game, and Kriss' freedom. They clapped their hands together.
In a tavern near by, the word about Masked Gobbowler being a woman got out, the word spread quickly across the city. ;"Hey did you hear about that Emporg though? His name was actually Marilyn!" Someone said. As the Emporg who was currently in hiding, finished his drink, his eyes got that same mad look as before. ;"Never. Call me. Marilyn!" He said.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 31: The Bamboo Monsters

Our Heroes were travelling to the beautiful valley of Pandalucia, or so Ruel made it seem at least. According to him it was a place where travellers from far and wide would come to visit just to get a taste of their bamboo milk, and party with the Pandawa's. Supposedly they'd have a Zaap portal which they could use to travel. But when they arrived, the valley wasn't at all like what Ruel had described. The place was filled with muddy, murky water, and the bamboos were rotten to the core. The place seemed deserted. They couldn't find anyone there. Amalia tried to see with her powers what was making the bamboos rot, and it turned out to be sea water which had completely spread around the valley. ;"But where are all of the people?" Shiroazaad asked looking around. He was trying to hear if anyone was near by, but couldn't pick up on anything. ;"See? This is JUST what I knew it was going to be, messy and awful and so... Pandawa." Amalia whined. ;"I don't know, compared to Rushu's world it's kind of nice." Rubilax said. Evangelyne sighed. ;"Let's just get to the portal then." She said, as they walked onwards they could hear something. Someone. ;"Drink..." they said. When they turned to look all they could see was horrible bamboo monsters with green glowing eyes and mouths, slowly but surely they came towards them, moving very jitterly. ;"Drink..." they all chanted, growled. Evangelyne tried to hit them with one of her arrows but it went straight through them. ;"Can you tell me how we're supposed to fight something we can't even touch?" She asked panickedly. ;"We don't. We run!" Ruel said. ;"RUN? Oh nononono, Iops don't run from a fight!" Percedal said, but was dragged along by Shiro who began running. As they ran, Yugo's Tofu, Az flew through one of the monsters, beginning to turn into one of them. Yugo saw this and yelled: ;"Do no touch them at all!" Portaling away hurriedly. Ruel tried to cut them with his shovel, but they could easily reasemble. One of them touched him, and he immediately turned into bamboo looking tree monster. Eva and Percedal were fighting and running away as well, but they both got turned into bamboo monsters. First Eva, and then Percedal who couldn't fight against her. Shiro was flying above them as to not get touched. Yugo got turned, when he saved Amalia from the monsters, but Az touched him.

Shiro immediately dashed towards Amalia, to save her from the monster who had now circled her. All seemed lost when one of them touched her, until someone threw a disc like hat at the beings, effectively knocking them down. The stranger took out a wooden bottle, and drank from it. He then spat the contents of it right at Amalia who was half way turning. ;"Who are you??" Shiro asked, eyeing the stranger. ;"Pandiego De La Vega, and if you don't want to turn into one of those beings, follow me." He said. He was a tall, lanky Pandawa, who looked like he hadn't exactly been worried about personal hygiene. Amalia was about to complain about his rude behavior until she noticed that she was fully cured. They followed Pandiego who led them away from the beings, quietly and fast. ;"This valley used to be beautiful, bamboo growing everywhere, until Ogrest's Chaos happened, bringing the salt water in. We tried to get it out, and even replant the bamboos, but it was of no use." He explained them as they came closer to a hiding place up upon a hill. ;"You spat something on me and it healed me! What was it?" Amalia asked curiously. ;"unspoiled bamboo milk from the original bamboo." He said. "I've been trying to make a new kind of bamboo which could survive in saat water, but so far I haven't been successful." He told them. Shiro looked around the place, it had an alarm system made entirely out of bamboo and yarn. He had managed to salvage some drinking water from rainwater as well. ;"Are you the only one still... Normal?" Shiro asked Pandiego, who nodded. ;"The others turned into Pandarids when they drank spoilt bamboo milk, they could infect others by touch and soon, the entire valley was gone." He explained. ;"Why haven't you left this place then?" Amalia asked. He smiled, ;"Because a true bamboo farmer never leaves his crops untended." He proudly declared. Amalia and Shiro exchanged glances. His house was neat from the outside, but inside was a mess, truly he lived alone. He explained about a plan to use the original bamboo milk from Jack Pandiels' cellar, only problem was that it was surrounded by Pandarids, that's where he needed help from Shiro and Amalia. They'd need a diversion if they wanted to get in. Amalia suggested they'd get her friends to help as well by turning them back to normal, as Yugo liked to play the hero. Pandiego seemed happy that they decided to help him. He spat on his hand and reached out for a handshake. ;"Put it there friends." He said. Both Amalia and Shiro seemed disgusted by this, but nevertheless shook his hand in agreement.

That night, neither Amalia or Shiro could sleep over the many sounds of Pandiego. They needed some fresh air. Amalia prayed to Sadida that they'd have the strength to save her friends and the valley. Crying on one of the bamboo experiments, a soft green glow appearing soon after. Shiro felt bad for Amalia, and for the others, wishing he would be strong enough to help them all. The alarm system went off, the Pandarids had come for them. Pandiego quickly blew a candle out and readied his wagon. He then came for Amalia and Shiroazaad. ;"Does either one of you know any Pandawa songs?" He asked. Shiro knew none as he didn't really sing, but Amalia seemed to know one called Pandawa's Ball. ;"Alright that's a classic, it'll work. Now, dance as I do, sing, and try not to touch them." He said. Shiro crossed his arms. ;"I don't dance or sing." He whispered angrily. Amalia gave him the stink eye, until he gave up, and mimicked her movements. They sang as they moved forwards, hands up in the air, the Pandarids seemed to like it as they too raised their hands up high in the air and moved in a dance like manner. Our heroes quickly got on Pandiego's wagon which he wheeled into the valley.

Amalia at first tricked turned Yugo outside, where she and Pandiego gave him a milk bath using bamboo mill pumps. Yugo then with Shiro was a distraction to the Pandarids who were waiting in front of the cellar. Once they were after them, Amalia used her plant powers to break the cellars door lock. They got in buy Jack Pandiels himself wasn't very happy that someone came for HIS milk. He tried to swat them with an umbrella, which Shiro who had come back quickly burnt to dust, Amalia using her powers then tied him up. As the Pandarids came closer they began pumping the bamboo milk at them, they closed the doors so they wouldn't get inside. But the Pandarids made cracks on the door. Amalia noticed Eva and Percedal near the door, so they opened the door a little bit, got them inside and turned them back to normal. They then helped pumping the milk towards the Pandarids. When there was no milk left, Percedal started whacking them with the pump. Jack Pandiels turned into one of those beings, began breaking the door, it was easy thanks to his large size and newly found strength. The Pandarids came closer and closer, pumps emptying faster than they could refuel. Pandiego took a barrel of milk and threw it on the ground to protect himself and Amalia. Shiro got in front of them protectively, ready to fire if necessary. Amalia got an idea. She threw three seeds into three different barrels which turned into bigger versions of her doll. They scooped as much milk as they could in their mouths, and launched it all on the Pandarids. Everyone was cured.

The people of the valley celebrated, being free from the curse. Amalia's dolls made it rain bamboo milk on everyone. It turned out that one of Pandiego's experiments had worked. They could replant the entire valley with real bamboo now. Amalia danced and sang with Pandiego happily. The others drank lots of milk. Shiro, however was still worried about his sister who had been left behind. He knew he could trust Qilby's methods in teaching but, he just couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be as easy as initially thought.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 32: The Contest 

Our Heroes were looking for a harbor which, because of the Chaos of Ogrest, was underwater. They decided to find an inexpensive Inn as Ruel wasn't in a spending mood. They soon found one called Chaos Inn. It was a nice little place. They saw a note about a singing competition called Y Factor. Shiro couldn't have cared less about it, but Amalia thought she might have a chance in it. She began singing a song, in her sweet voice. ;"Take it from a pro Amalia, give up, you don't stand a chance." Ruel said. He told them that he used to be a famous bard who stopped because of 'artistic differences.' Whatever it meant. When they were booking in, Ruel didn't exactly agree on the cost with the worker. ;"eighty kamas per person!? Are you mad? That's ten times as expensive as in Brakmar, and I already had to deal with that!" He yelled, demanding to meet the owner. Apparently he was seeing to the singing competition, there was a stage near by, which had several different singers on one by one. He seemed interested in a man singing in baritone, when suddenly another man appeared. He wore a long brown coat with a covering red and white hat. He took something from his pocket, a bottle. He opened it and blew the contents on the singer, who coughed because of the powder. He soon found out, that he had lost his beautiful singing voice, which was replaced with a high pitched tone. The mystery man soon ran away laughing in a harmonic tone. Percedal thought it was all part of a show. The others watched just as weirded out. ;"What just happened?" Shiro asked. ;"I think that man just lost his voice but.." Evangelyne said. ;"None of you even tried to stop him!" The owner said angrily turning to face them. Ruel immediately knew who he was ;"Phil Harmonic??" He asked. ;"Ruel Stroud?!" Harmonic yelped.

They went to his office to talk about things, the man was just giving instructions to hid nephew Ardwin who apparently tried to catch the Voice Thief but got hurt in the process. Ruel marched in to meet Phil who was sitting in his chair fanning himself. ;"So you came back?" Phil asked, eyeing Ruel suspiciously. ;"And I see you haven't changed a bit." Ruel said, looking back at Phil in an annoyed way. There was a picture of the two from their Bard years on the wall of the office, they used to be in the same band. ;"Um what was your band called?" Yugo tried to ask to de-escalate the situation. ;"Ruel and the Comets." Ruel said. ;"Phil Harmonic's Orchestra!" Phil said. The two went back and forth like this for a good while. ;"Mhm, artistic differences, I see." Eva said. Ruel managed to make a deal with Phil, his bill over catching the Voice Thief.

And that's how the investigations began. Shiro and others enjoyed their meal downstairs, Amalia also asked for two of their finest rooms as well as baths, and to treat them like royalty. Percedal was just happy getting something to eat. He shoveled up the food like no tomorrow. Afterwards Ruel, Yugo, Shiro and Percedal along with Junior Ruel's Drheller, they began to look for clues. They checked the stage, and the close by area but couldn't find anything. Then began the interrogations. They began by asking all singers about their alibis. Most of them weren't exactly helpful. One of the singers who was a small girl seemed interested in Yugo when it was hid turn to interrogate. ;"Has anyone told you that you're cute?" She asked, Yugo blushed, embarrassed. Shiro was trying hard not to laugh at his brothers situation. When he interrogated a Sadida woman in turn she seemed to be flirting with him, which Shiro couldn't take at all, switching with Ruel hurriedly. He was as red as a tomato. Percedal tried to interrogate the cook, but he wouldn't even make a peep. The list of the suspects was wide, and they had no idea who the Voice Thief could be. They heard a scream upstairs which gave them a little hope of catching him, but unfortunately he had already got away. He had attacked Amalia who was singing in the bath, her sweet voice was now a low growl, she could barely speak because of it. Ruel thought of a plan after, he gave each other group members beewax earplugs to use during the competition. That's when they'd catch him.

The competition began without a hitch, the singers appeared one by one. Shiro nearly got a heart attack when the beautiful Sadida woman blew a kiss towards him. He hid his face ashamed. Yugo in turn got a wink from the little girl singer, which made him blush. It wasn't until the last singer, the former baritone one appeared, that the Thief came to view as well. He used a specialised gun he had to stop everyone in place. It looked like a megaphone but smaller. No one who heard the wavelength could move. ;"You should've ended the competition Phil Harmonic!" He said in a singy song voice, holding a big bottle of powder with him. He threw it up in the air, and waited for it to hit the ground, but it never did. Yugo used his portal powers to catch the bottle. Shiro dashed onwards towards the Voice Thief, who quickly kicked him off of him, and began running away. Shiro grew his dragon wings to fly after him. When the Voice Thief destroyed the bridge after he had crossed, Shiro flew over it, Yugo portaled over it, Ruel had tried to chase him too until the bridge collapsed, but was saved by Amalia's powers. ;"Come back you scoundrel!" Shiro yelled after him. He spat fire at him, which the Thief agilely avoided. Shiro cursed under his breath. The Thief used his gun at him, which thankfully Shiro avoided as well, as it could break through a solid wall if necessary. Yugo hopped in after the Thief as well, using his Wakfu blast against him, while he used his gun, the two collided and caused and explosion to happen which sent the Voice Thief flying towards a building. He fell in through the roof. Yugo thought it was over, but it wasn't until Evangelyne shot a freezing arrow that the Thief finally stopped. Just as he was about to shoot Yugo and Shiro with his wavelength gun.

The now thawed Voice Thief was unmasked in front of everyone and it was none other than Phil's own nephew Ardwin. ;"You never gave ME a chance! You truly have no taste in music or singing!" He spat. Phil was outraged, but made him work for what he had done. Ardwin had to fix the broken bridge, as well as the houses he had broken with his wavelength gun. He had a ball and chain on his ankle. And that is how Ruel got a free dinner, a good night's sleep, and got totally out of huge debt he would've had, had they not gotten the Thief. Amalia's voice was still kind of wonky, but it would turn to normal in time.

At the same time, in Sadida Kingdom, King Oakheart had sent summons for the other Kings and Queens in order to get the Council of Twelve all together. Aeri was on a walk with Qilby at the gardens. Everyone looked at them as they walked. ;"Look it's the King of Eliatropes." They whispered amongst themselves ;"Have you gotten a full night's sleep Aeri?" He asked. Aeri shook her head. ;"I guess I worry about Shiro, we've never really been apart for too long and now, while he isn't alone his still.." she explained. Qilby nodded understanding. ;"I understand that you're worried of your brother, but if you can not focus on other things as well it's a problem." He said. She nodded. ;"Now, how about that Stasis training I promised you?" He asked. Aeri seemed to get some of her energy back after hearing that. ;"Yes please." She said. They sat down in the middle of the gardens, and focused only on each others presence. ;"Now focus only on my voice. And try to mix your Stasis with my Wakfu." Aeri did as told. Her red energy began enveloping her as his blue energy did him. The two collided, but didn't cause a bigger reaction, it was as if they had accepted each other, they mixed together well creating a spot of purple energy in the middle of them. ;"Interesting reaction." He said. Aeri stared at the purple ball of energy mesmerised. Qilby took her hand in his. ;"Aeri, do you.. really not remember anything? Not about, how we used to be?" He asked in a worried tone. ;"I only have bits and pieces, but none of them seem to go together. I wish I could remember more. I'm sorry." She said sadly. He seemed to understand what she was feeling, like it was his own pain, despite the two not being twins. "But.. what do you mean 'how we used to be?'" She asked him, when a guard showed up. ;"Your majesty Qilby, King Oakheart wishes to speak with you." He said. ;"Of course I'll be right there. I'm sorry Aeri, we have to leave the training for later." He said, walking towards the castle, leaving Aeri confused about the past.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 33: The Dungeon

Our Heroes found themselves from the shore of an unknown island, where Ruel was currently stuck in a giant clam. Shiro and Percedal woke up near him, to see that he was struggling to get out. They immediately began pulling his feet in order to free him. Yugo had woken up to all of the commotion ;"What's going on?" He asked. ;"Ruel is stuck, help us pull him out!" Percedal said. Yugo took one long look at Ruel's disgusting feet and decided he wasn't really up for it. Amalia came soon after, with Ruel's shovel. ;"You'll never get him out like that." She said using his shovel as a lever, she placed it inside the clam, and pushed it downwards as hard as she could. Soon it popped open, and Ruel was free. He was holding a big Pearl between his teeth. Shiro sighed. ;"Is THAT why you got stuck in the first place??" He said rhetorically. Yugo laughed. ;"Where's Eva?" He asked Amalia who pointed at the jungle. They found her sketching a big statue. ;"This statue must mean.. That we're on a Wabbit Island." She said. Yugo looked at the fox like statue. ;"So that's a Wabbit?" He asked. ;"No Yugo, that's a Lenald." Said Eva. ;"Then why isn't it called Lenald Island?" Asked Shiro. ;"Because the Lenalds used to live here first before the Wabbits came and wiped them out." Ruel explained. ;"If this really is the Wabbit island, it means there's a mega dungeon near by with the Wa Wabbit boss!!" Percedal said excitedly, jumping up and down in place. They discussed how they were going to get off of the island withoiut a ship, considering their options. What our heroes didn't know was that they were being watched by a shady figure on top of a tree branch. It wasn't until he fell that they noticed him. ;"Who's there?!" Shiro yelled readying himself for battle. What he saw was just a small blue Wabbit with crooked front teeth and beard. ;"Pwease don't huwt me. I am the Wa Wabbit, and I need youw hewp." He spoke with an accent. "Hewp me and I can give you a boat!" He said. Shiro eyed him suspiciously.

They nevertheless decided to hear him out. He told them that he was just minding his own business with some puzzles and cross-stitches, and was attacked by a being with dark magic and trickery, that he was forced to leave his subjects behind, in order to survive the ordeal. Percedal felt sorry for the small being offering him some fish, but he turned out to be a vegetawian who only ate cawwots. He told them he could show them the way, if they decided to help him, but they should make up their minds quick as there were many heroes on the island ready to take his generous offer. The team huddled together. ;"I don't know about this I don't really trust him" Eva said. ;"Me neither, his whole story seems suspicious." Shiro concured. ;"But he could give us a boat, we could leave this place behind!" Amalia said. ;"Besides if he IS the Wa Wabbit isn't it our job as heroes to see it through that he won't hurt anyone else?" Yugo said. Evangelyne sighed. ;"Guess you're right." She said.

The group then decided to go with him into the Dungeon. The entrance was very old and dusty, it hadn't been used in a while. When the group seemed hesitant to go the Wa Wabbit took Az from Yugo and threw him in. ;"Now we have to go aftew him no?" He said. The group quickly ran to get Az from the Dungeon. ;"Why would you do that?!" Shiro asked angrily. ;"That's how we test fow fiwedamp." Wa Wabbit explained. ;"Ah we Enutrofs use that method a lot. If there's gas, the Tofu would choke." Ruel said. Yugo seemed startled by the news. They came to a crossroad, looking at both directions. ;"Which way now?" Amalia asked, looking at the Wabbit. He didn't seem to understand that they were waiting for him to answer. ;"Oh you'we asking me? I don't know the way. I'm a modewn Kwing, my awchitect takes cawe of the wayout." He explained. The group seemed a bit disheartened. But Percedal was already leading the group towards the right path, so they followed quietly. After some time they came in front of a big carrot shaped door. ;"My Thwone woom is just on the othew side of the doow." He said. When he pulled A lever to open the door, instead the ground beneath opened up, causing our heroes to fall into a dark pit. They survived the fall but were now forced to go through a messy Dungeon full of different traps and puzzles. One room had a lava pit, which, thanks to Amalia's powers wasn't a problem to cross. Another had cawwot monsters, which Shiro easily roasted with his fire. And Yugo took care of any falling enemies from the ceiling. The last room had a riddle to solve, and falling cawwot spikes from the ceiling. But gladly, the group was able to solve it in Wabbit language.

They fell into the throne room where a small being sat on the Wa Wabbit's throne, holding his cane and crown, and cape. ;"YOU!" The Wabbit said, going after the being, who quickly ran from him. The little game of tag ended in the being falling and losing all of the King's items. The little fox looking being looked at our heroes shyly. ;"A Lenald! I thought they were extinct!" Ruel said. ;"So did I." The King said, grabbing his things. The Lenald explained that he had rightfully won the Dungeon from Wa Wabbit in a game of cards. He had won his guards at first, then going up to the King himself. He had won his crown, cape, cane, and all of his treasure easily from him. ;"Guawdes! Get that wittwe pest and put aww of them in pwison!" He ordered. Shiro looked at him angrily. ;"Knew there was something wrong with him." He said breathing a little fire. "Let me handle him." He said. ;"No, let ME handle him, I'M the dungeons expert, and the one who originally wanted to fight him!" Percedal said. ;"Fine you take the King, I take the guards." Shiro suggested. ;"Deal!" Percedal said. ;"Oh, I wiww give you the fight of youw wife Iop." The King said snapping his fingers when two mecha armored Wabbits came inside. The mechas had cawwot rockets, and chain arms. Shiro flew towards one of them, burning it with his flames, a scared Wabbit came from the inside singed, puffing a smoke cloud out. Another one was taken on by Amalia, whose powers didn't quite cut it, Percedal was running after the Wa Wabbit with Rubilax. The Wa Wabbit shot energy at Percedal, who stared wide eyed as he jumped to the side. ;"What was that Rubi??" He asked. ;"I think that was a Wamehameha." He explained. Percedal quickly moved again when he sent another energy blast at him. Yugo used his portal powers to take the blast and moved it over the other mecha which instantly burned, a bruised Wabbit climbing out of it. ;"No more running you wodent!" Said Percedal as he caught the Wa Wabbit, standing on top of him on one leg. ;"Yes, you owe us a ship!" Amalia said. ;"I nevew said anything about a ship, I said a boat, it's diffewent." He told them. They climbed onboard the small boat, which was shaped more like a barrel. ;"Wonder if this'll float." Eva said. ;"Fwoat? Don't wowwy about that. But you'ww definitewy feew the wind in youw haiw!" The Wabbit said. "The exit is up thewe!" He pointed to the roof. As he readied the catapult, to shoot the boat up. ;"Saiyonawa!" He laughed as he cut the rope, sending them flying up, everyone screamed.

Aeri could feel Shiro's discomfort. ;"I hope he's doing alright.." she mumbled. ;"Aeri? Are you listening to me?" Qilby asked. ;"Ah, yes! Of course. Um, could you please repeat that?" She asked embarrassed. ;"I want you to take part in the upcoming Council meeting with me and Adamai." He said. ;"Me? But, I barely do anything or give a new outlook or.." she rambled on. He placed his hand on her shoulder. ;"But your presence calms me down, and you would be of great help." He smiled at her. ;"Really? So you get NERVOUS?" She asked sarcastically. Thet both laughed. ;"More than you know, yes." He answered. ;"Well alright, if the King needs me then... Sure I'll do it." She said giving a bright smile. ;"Thank you, you have no idea how much it means to me." He said softly. The two then returned to the training.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 34: The Curse

The group had been sent flying, on a tiny barrel boat, it flew for a long time until it eventually landed on water, sinking immediately. Our heroes sank with it. Once they awakened, they were on the shore, next to it, a scorching hot desert. They walked for miles without a drop of water. Percedal got so desperate he tried to drink his own sweat off of his cape. Shiro nearly got a heatstroke, his face was all burnt up from the sun light. They were followed, by a small group of fluffy blue creatures, with big blue eyes. Eva questioned why they always got to these predicaments, and came to the conclusion it was because they always help others, instead of staying on task. ;"We're still not even half way to Shinonome's Dofus, and we've already spent this long. At this rate, it'll be months before we're done!" She told Yugo. "What about Aeri and Adamai who are probably worried sick of us?" She asked. Yugo looked to the ground understanding. ;"I.. I understand Eva, from now on we stay on task on getting to the Dofus!" He swore.

Finally, they found an Oasis, which their Shushu map, Skirbble had shown. They began running towards it in great haste. It was a beautiful small spring of water, with something shiny on the bottom of it. Percedal was so happy he leaped straight into it, or he would have, but someone stopped him, sending him flying backwards and onto the ground. It was a man. A warrior with long lance. He wore a golden chest plate, with a hat made of straw, and a gladiator skirt, with arm and leg protectors. ;"My name is Bordegann, and I will not allow anyone to drink from this spring!" He declared. ;"Excuse us sir but we have an urgency to freshen up." Ruel tried, but it didn't work. ;"Why can't we drink from the spring?" Yugo asked. ;"Why? Because..  Because you just can't." He told them. They readied themselves for a fight, when they heard someone. ;"No! Please stop!" They yelled. A woman came to view. She wore mismatched socks with a white dress, and a multicolored scarf. ;"Please it's not his fault, he just.. doesn't know what he's doing." She said, walking towards Bordegann. She offered him different variety of foods, and gave our heroes a bottle of water to drink. ;"Women and Children first." Said Amalia who chugged the water quickly. She then gave it to Eva who gave it to Yugo, and Finally to Ruel, Percedal and Shiro. But there wasn't a drop left. ;"Who are you stranger?" Asked Bordegann from the woman. ;"Alia. My name is Alia." She told him. "I come here every day." She explained. She offered to show the group of heroes to her town which wasn't far away.

The town looked nearly deserted, the wind blew around, carrying desert dust with it. The people who anyone could see looked miserable, and sad. The fluffy blue creatures were everywhere. Once Ruel and Percedal located a fountain theu both ran in and dived halfway into it. Shiro walked behind them, but upon seeing what the fountain statue looked like decided he wasn't as thirsty anymore. Alia offered to give them some food for crossing the desert, which they kindly took. ;"What happened here? It all looks so.. deserted." Yugo said. Alia then began to tell them her story: The spring was cursed. Bordegann was Alia's sweetheart, who led an expedition to a new home, since their old home was destroyed by the Ogrest's Chaos. When they heard nothing from them in months, they had decided to join them, but they only found Bordegann who had lost half of his mind already. He couldn't even tell who Alia was, and the others were no where to be seen. He has attacked them with great power, trying to guard the spring. ;"I do not blame Bordegann, it must be the spring's fault I'm sure of it." Alia said. "The others may say I'm crazy taking care of him day by day, trying to get him to remember me but.. I can't just leave him." She said, crying. Yugo was about to tell her they'd help her when Eva gave him an angry look. ;"I'm sorry Alia, we have an incredibly important task ahead of us.. But we'll be back as soon as we can to help! Right Eva?" He asked. Eva nodded at this.

When they were all set to go, Eva had some doubts about her methods. ;"I don't.. think I can leave them like this." She said crying a bit. ;"Eva?" Shiro asked. ;"I want to help them!" She said. Yugo grabbed her hand, and leaned towards her in agreement. ;"Does anyone else understand what's going on there?" Ruel asked. The others shook their heads. So they decided on a strategy. First, Alia would go and give Bordegann his meal as usual, then they'd incapacitate him and look for clues in the spring. Amalia used her powers to hold him still, while the others looked for runes, altars, anything suspicious. But he soon got out as he got mad, his powers grew. It sent a shock back to Amalia who then lost consciousness. Percedal wanted to fight him, but Evangelyne wouldn't let him, as he wasn't a bad guy, just under a curse. The second plan was even more ridiculous. They faked a wedding. Bordegann and Alia's. It was all going rather smoothly, everyone even dressed up in white to sell the look, but as Bordegann was going with Alia, he forgot who she was, and attacked them again. Then it was Percedal's plan. Using his favorite desert as bait, he took a fishing rod, and placed the hook on the metallic plate where the desert was, reeling it down on Bordegann's level. When he was closed he reeled it back up and down as he jumped trying to get the desert. ;"This is how my master got me out of a well I was sulking in." Percedal said. ;"Are you SURE, this'll work?" Shiroazaad said doubting. ;"Trust me this'll-" he said when there was a bite on the rod. He quickly tried reeling it in, but only got an empty plate back with a bite mark on it. Ruel tried to tell a story to Bordegann to make him fall asleep, but the only problem was EVERYONE did so. He threw a mug at Percedal who loudly yelled: ;"DO NOT TOUCH MY EVA!", waking Bordegann effectively.  Who immediately attacked them.

;"Time to go back to basics." Said Amalia. Her plan was simple: faking an emergency. Alia went to Bordegann, and Amalia began yelling: ;"Oh no! Please help! I'm being robbed!" Bordegann, being a man of justice couldn't take that, and he quickly got outside. Where Percedal and Shiro did a combined attack to create a pressure wave which sent Bordegann into the air, and where Yugo kept him busy with his portals, making him fall from portal to portal. The others then looked through the spring. Ruel saw the shining things at the bottom, taking them out one by one as they kept disappearing as soon as he took them out. One of the blue beings turned into a human. ;"It's one of the towns girls!" Alia said. Eva looked around to see what Ruel was doing. ;"It's the gems at the bottom of the spring, quick take them out!" And they all began collecting them, and one by one the towns people turned back to normal, unfortunately for Yugo one of them was on his head at the time, and he lost control over his portals. Dropping Bordegann, who then began running back to the spring. When he saw what they were doing, he attacked them. Shiro was the first one to attack back, he smacked the lance he held with his dragon arm, as it broke in two, Percedal quickly used another pressure wave attack to keep Bordegann away from the spring. The lance dropped into the water, and down into the bottom which now glowed in red. As a watery snake like being appeared. ;"I remember that creature! We're doomed." Bordegann said. As soon as it dashed towards him, and he was enveloped by the water, he turned into a blue fluffy creature. Shiroazaad blew fire at the watery being, turning it for a moment, to steam. It rose up from the spring, readying itself for an attack. Eva called to Yugo: ;"Yugo! You must hit the spring with all you've got!" And he did as asked. He created a portal, then another on top of it and blasted away, making all or the jewels rise up in the air, turning all of the people back to normal. Bordegann was reunited with Alia, and our heroes could continue their way towards the Dofus of Shinonome.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 35: The Council

Yugo and his friends were travelling to Havenport in order to take the boat towards the Crimson Archipelago. They decided on the longer route closer to the shore, since the main road would usually have Rogues, ready to steal everything you had. Yugo was training to control his smaller Wakfu blasts better, while Shiroazaad supervised close by. He seemed to be doing rather well with them. Ruel boasted how he used to be called the "Fastest Drawer in The World of Twelve", as he pulled out a peashooter from his Haven Bag. He tried to show Yugo he still had it in him, but when he tried to hit Amalia's flower on her head he instead hit her backside. Yugo seemed to find this funny, Shiroazaad only shook his head embarrassed for Ruel.

 

Meanwhile in the Sadida Kingdom, the last delegate arrived to the scene. It was the Prince of Brakmar, who did not really agree with a guard, when he asked to see his summons. He looked like someone had just committed the most vile sin ever. The situation was saved as the servant of King Oakheart, Hoodie arrived to the scene, taking the Prince to his quarters. At the same time Adamai was angry at Grougaloragran, who had gone to the stables, trying to hunt for the royal Dragoturkey. He had instead gotten a face full of hoof. Armand was just having a conversation about it with Adamai. Master Joris and Qilby had a talk about the history of dragons, while Aeri was preparing mentally for the Council. She was absolute nerve wreck. Even if there weren't that many people there, they were still the Kings and Queens of their respective Classes. She paced back and forth in place, trying to calm down her racing mind. It wasn't until Qilby took her hand in his, that she was able to. He was about to say something to her, when Hoodie came inside doors banging. ;"Your Majesty! The last delegate has arrived!" He explained, to another servant, for he couldn't see behind his front hair too well. They then went to speak with the King. ;"Father, the last representative has arrived." The Prince said. The King nodded ;"For once on time, they must be eager to hear your story Highness Qilby." He said. "Are you ready?" He asked. ;"Don't worry, I have been ready for an eternity." Qilby answered confidently.

 

They were taken to the Council on a giant lily pad, as it floated on the waters. Everyone else had just gotten there, to take their respective seating. The lily pad stopped in the middle, as King Oakheart made his announcement: ;"It's time for a new era, and as so it is our responsibility to make it into a celebration, as we hear from our new comrades, I will now hand it on to his Highness Qilby." He said, everyone waiting patiently for his story. Qilby began by making a small orb of energy, raising it high in the air, making it rain beautiful bits and pieces of Wakfu, as he began his story. He told the Council what he had told to Yugo and others, about the Eliatropes, the Krosmoz, Mechasms, Orgonax and Zinit. Everyone listened to his words in awe. ;"And that is how our race disappeared from the World of Twelve, when the God's were but little children." He explained. The Eniripsa Queen raised his hand. ;"Highness Qilby, Excuse me, but how do you know that your children are.. Well still children? Are the Eliatropes immortal?" She asked. ;"The dimension they're in, there is no time, which is why I haven't aged myself." He explained. The King Sram asked: ;"What of the beings that attacked you, the Mechasms, are they still a threat?", Qilby shook his head: ;"No, and neither is the one that followed us here, Orgonax. They have been destroyed." He told them. ;"What of the vessel you used to get here? The Zinit? Is it still around?" The King Xelor asked. ;"Destroyed in the battle between Mechasms and Eliatropes I'm afraid." Qilby said. Memories began flooding Aeri's vision. Memories of the Zinit and how they used to travel from planet to planet, how Qilby would show her his new findings, and how he'd teach her things about different species. She felt nauseous but managed to sit straight next to Adamai who noticed her not feeling well. ;"Aeri? Are you alright?" He asked whispering. ;"Yes I'm okay.." she said holding her head. ;"Well you can count on us Sacriers to share your pain, join with us!" Sacrier King said. ;"You know our love towards dragons, your Majesty, your place is with us Osamodas." The King said. Everyone seemed so generous and kind towards them. Until the Cra Matriarch had something whispered to her. ;"Excuse me your Highness, but just how many children are we talking about?" She asked. Qilby smiled ;"Well if my memory serves me well, and I know it does: several tens of thousands." He told them. Everyone began whispering and murmuring in the crowd. ;"Who's going to take care of all of them??", "Where do we put them?", ;"Who's going to pay for all of this?" Aeri watched the scene kind of annoyed. Those WERE, her people they were talking about like they were a problem. Qilby too raised an eyebrow at them. ;"And how do we know that the Eliatropes come with PEACEFUL, intentions?" Prince of Brakmar said, clearly intending to make people question their good intentions. Aeri could feel her blood boil, but remained as calm as she could, seeing as Qilby said nothing either. ;"What do you mean?" Someone said. ;"What do we actually know about them besides the tales Highness Qilby has told us? I know that one of them started a revolt not too long ago, a child at that, who wore similar hat as Highness Qilby and that girl over there!" He told them. Everyone gasped. ;"I heard only a child defeated Nox the Xelor.." someone mumbled. ;"How do we know it isn't an invasion..?" Adamai stood up ;"I doubt Yugo would start a revolt, he's saved the world before!" He said. ;"Ah yes, saved the world from an Eliatrope device, the Eliacube! Which is being kept by the Sadidas!" The Prince argued. Aeri wobbling, stood up as well. ;"It might be ours but we sure didn't give it to him! It wasn't Yugo's fault he got it in his greedy hands!" Aeri said. ;"It wouldn't have existed if it wasn't for your people." The Prince said. "You can tell all the stories you want, but you can't expect to keep us in the dark and blindly listen to you. How do we know this isn't just some tactique from Bonta to attack Brakmar-" He tried to argue when Armand stood up, ;"Bonta and Brakmar are under a treaty! You have been at peace for a long time!" He said, the Prince of Brakmar tried to argue back until Adamai spat fire in the air. That did little to help, but proved a point. ;"How do we know that Sadida won't use the Eliacube against us?", ;"We want access to it as well!", ;"Where will we put all of those children??" , ;"Who will pay for all of this!?" They rambled on. Qilby seemed annoyed at this, as did Aeri who only listened with half an ear, to their arguing.

 

Afterwards Qilby was very tired from all of it. ;"That could've gone better..." Aeri said. ;"It couldn't have gone worse. Did you hear their accusations? We're a peaceful race. We're no invaders." Qilby said, rubbing his temples. Adamai seemed frustrated as well ;"It was as if they came just to argue some more with each other." He said. ;"At least the Queen of Pandawa seemed nice? Although not that Bamboo milk solves everything." Aeri said. ;"We really don't belong here anymore." Qilby mumbled. Aeri looked at him worriedly. ;"Qilby? Are you alright?" He quickly recovered from his slump as he gave Aeri a reassuring smile. ;"I am now, thank you." He said

 

Our Heroes continued on their way to Havenport until they saw someone fly up high above them. ;"Are those the Rogues ready to kidnap a Princess?!" Amalia yelled. ;"Not on my watch!" Percedal said, as he jumped high up in the sky on top of one or the big birds, they used. Evangelyne used her Cra eyes to look up. ;"Dally! Stop! They're not Rogues they're Cras!!" She yelled but he couldn't hear her. He began by raising his arms up high in the sky yelling: ;"Celestial Sword!!!" A big surge of energy hit the first rider sending his bird crashing onto the cliffside, the bird on top of the rider. He then jumped on another bird and kicked the rider off, whom Amalia had to save by making a giant flower to catch him. Shiro quickly flew up to Percedal. ;"Hey! They're not our enemies! They're good guys!" He told him, while he learned how to control the giant bird. Yugo portaled to the last rider and told them that they weren't enemies. ;"We're with Evangelyne the Cra!" He said. ;"Evangelyne? From the Brotherhood of Tofu?? By Cra!" The rider said, as he landed. They apologised quickly for Percedals behavior and explained the situation.  ;"Even if it's like this it is very nice to finally meet you lady Evangelyne." The rider said kissing her hand. ;"Our mission is actually about Cléophée." Another one said, trying to get his bird off of him. ;"Cléophée? What has she done now?" Eva asked frustrated. ;"She has ran away with two other Cras to form the Commission of the Golden Arrow, and to become as famous as you." He explained. "We were going to look for her in Havenport from the Trool Fair, as soon as we're ready elsewhere." He said. ;"Don't worry, we can look for her in Havenport and I'll send you an arrow if we find her." Eva said. ;"Thank you it'll help us a lot." He said, flying away on hid bird. As did the others. ;"THE TROOL FAIR?!" Ruel, Yugo and Percedal said all together, gushing about it for a while. ;"I guess it could be fun.." Shiro said a tiny bit of pink appearing on his face. ;"Um Eva, who's Cléophée?" Percedal asked. Eva blushed. ;"She's my sister." She said. ;"You have a sister??" Ruel asked. Percedal seemed angry at this, since Eva never once mentioned her sister to him, despite them dating. He refused to talk to her for the rest of the way. ;"Dally, I didn't have the time to mention her to you, there was.. your disappearance, and then your reappearance, and then I saved you from Rubilax." She said. ;"We know! You saved me!" He spat. Eva climbed closer to him ;"You can be really annoying when you want to!" She said. ;"YES WE KNOW THAT TOO, Dally the idiot, Dally the annoying. You all take me for granted, you always laugh at me! Sometimes I wonder Eva, why are you even with some Iop brain like me?" He said, Eva nearly cried. She hadn't meant it like that. Ruel came to de-escalate the situation. ;"C'mon now friends! No more arguing! We're here! At the Trool Fair!" He said, as they looked forward, they could see the amazing, beautiful, colorful Fair ahead of them.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 36: The Fair

 

As our heroes entered the Trool Fair, something was in the air. Tension, between Eva and Percedal. He still wouldn't talk to her, and she was trying her hardest to apologise to him. Rubi seemed to work as his right hand man. ;"What else do you want me to say? I already told you why I haven't told you about my sister." Evangelyne said. ;"Maybe apologise again, maybe it'll work." Rubi said rolling his eye. ;"Percedal I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my Sister Cléophée." She said in a montone tone. ;"Good, now if you excuse us, we'll be at the arena watching the games." Rubi suggested. ;"Excellent idea Rubilax!" Percedal said, waving his cape passive aggressively at Eva while he left. ;"So what is this Cléophée like?" Shiro asked Amalia who groaned. ;"She's the worst kind of brat. She once wouldn't even talk to me unless it was to insult me!" She told him. Shiro tried to imagine what she'd look like based off of the information given. Yugo and Ruel were having too much fun to go look for her. They played all sorts of carnival games. They even gave Shiro a Gobball plushie, which he embarrassingly accepted from them, carrying it around with him like a baby.

Meanwhile Percedal was at the stand watching fighters brawling in the arena. It seemed to be two Cra's against three Trools. The Cra's were having their butts kicked by the Trools who flinged them around like ragdolls. Hitting and smacking them on the ground whenever they got back up. They jumped on them in a full body smash, and hit their elbows onto their stomach, sending them rolling on the ground. One of them tried running at one of the Trools, but he stopped him with his arm, making him fall back on the ground. The poor Cra reached towards someone. A third Cra, who had been behind the ropes so far. He switched with her, as she agilely jumped into the ring, and began assaulting the three Trools alone. She swinged the first one to the ropes, and kicked him when he bounced back her way, she air kicked the other one in the face multiple times, and took the third one into a headlock. One of them got up and grabbed her from behind, whom she kicked in the face, until he grabbed her leg. ;"Oh no! Will no one come to rescue this beautiful Cra??" The announcer said. "Who ever let these kids on the ring?! Oh wait it was me!" The announcer laughed. "Remember audience is welcome to take part in the fight at any time!" He said. Percedal heard this and without a second of a thought he was in, just as the Trool threw the poor girl to his friend. Percedal quickly saved her half way by grabbing her in his arms. ;"Are you alright?" He asked. ;"Oh, hi?" The Cra said. ;"Time to show these Trools what we can do!" Percedal said hitting Rubi lightly on the ground, when nothing happened he tried harder. ;"Why doesn't anything happen??" He asked. ;"I Don't know, maybe stage fright?" Rubilax said just as confused. ;"It's the eye, it stops us from using our magical powers." The Cra said pointing at the Inhibitor. ;"Oh no, we're going to end in our underwear again" Percedal said. They then attacked the three Trools in the good old fashioned way. Percedal took one of them in a leg lock, while the Cra was hitting one of them in the face, from on top of the Trool's back. She then jumped from the ground using her hands, the Trool's head still between her thighs, as she slammed him down on the ground. The two then slammed down on the remaining Trool by holding each others hand and slamming their arms on his neck.

Evangelyne was looking for Cléophée when she heard an announcement: ;"I've never seen something so violent! The Brawlinator and Black Arrow are mutilating these three Trools! Oh what a massacre it is!!" She hurried to the arena, Yugo, Ruel, Amalia and Shiro in tow. When they got there Percedal and The Cra were fighting the Trools, Evangelyne came into the ring to give the last one a hit under the belt to save Cleo. The two then congratulated each other. ;"That was very well brawled for a Cra!" He said. ;"and that was very smart for a Iop!" She told him. ;"Hear that Eva? Smart for a Iop!" He told her proudly. Evangelyne sighed. ;"Dally you wanted to meet her. Percedal, Cléophée. Cléophée, Percedal." She introduced. Cleo began gushing about him ;"THE Percedal?! From the Brotherhood of Tofu?! I can't believe it!" She excitedly said. When she met the rest of the gang she got even more excited. ;"Oh you must be Ruel the Enutrof, and Yugo the mysterious Eliatrope!! You're very famous!" She said touching the ears on his hat. "Who are you?" She asked Shiro. ;"I'm Shiroazaad." He said. ;"he's a dragon." Yugo said. Cléophée jumped up and down excitedly ;"A DRAGON? I've never met one before in my life!" She said looking at Shiro carefully from head to toe. He tried to hide himself behind the Gobball plushie he had.

Percedal and Cléo had been asked to come to the office of the Trool Fair's head Leon Zitrool. He told the two that he wanted them both in the night's fight together against the champion. Only problem was, it was three against one. Evangelyne was there with them, who begrudgingly, decided to take part in the fight IF Cléophée gave her word as a Cra, that she'd return to the City of Cra as soon as they were done. ;"Fine, I'll give my word as a Cra. Happy?" She asked Evangelyne, giving her the sweetest smile to her, while crossing her fingers behind her back. Eva then signed the contract with Cléo and Percedal.

They went through their plan which was to hit hard, go head first into the fight, and beat up the Trool. That according to his words was the ancestral secret Iop technique. He wouldn't listen to what Evangelyne said, but gladly listened to Cléophée who seemed like a fan. Shiroazaad couldn't really understand the whole "Gladiator fights" theme. As he only fought to protect others or himself. Mostly the former. The others seemed excited seeing their three friends fight in the arena. Even Amalia came to watch eventhough she couldn't stand Cléophée. Our two Gladiators were called The Lovers of The Ring, and Evangelyne was called Hit or Miss. They were against a giant Trool named Mirkool, AKA Wargl. They also had to fight in the cage, with pillars. The three wore matching red outfits with similar facepaint on. The two immediately dashed towards the big guy as soon as the bell rang, but Eva couldn't even budge. The two had the Trool in a hold, but only for a little while until he grabbed Cléophée and slammed her back first into his knee. She screamed in pain, which finally woke up Evangelyne, as she went to attack the Wargl. She grabbed his braid, as he tried to get her off of him. She dodged as the Trool tried to hit her. ;"Pretty good dodge right?" She asked. ;"Yeah perfect form, but we're supposed to be a team!" Cléo said. Eva looked at the two ashamed of herself. Cléophée got an idea. They huddled together for Wargl's annoyance. They then each ran to a different direction, Eva and Cléo both jumped on a pillar across one another, and Percedal went straight ahead towards the Trool. The two girls then both jumped past each other both grabbing one hand of the Trool, and Percedal jumped on his back, ripping his braid off of him. The big guy then turned into a huge softie. He couldn't even fight back. Percedal and Cléo then finished the job combo by combo. Eva was left back, to hold the giant braid of Mirkool. The match then ended the two being in limelight, and Evangelyne walking away from the arena, alone.

In the Sadida Kingdom. Qilby portaled to the room where they kept the Eliacube, the guards stood in place their eyes widened for a moment until they realised it was Qilby. ;"Oh your Highness! As you can see, we are guarding the Eliacube day and night, no one gets in." They told him. ;"No one." Said Qilby raising a brow at them. Adamai was feeling down without Yugo, Aeri kept him company, as she knew what it feels like to be without your sibling. They heard as Alibert sang Chibi to sleep softly. ;"Alibert? Is everything alright?" Asked Adamai. ;"Yes, the poor thing must've seen a nightmare. Good thing that the old lullabies I used to sing to Yugo still work." He said. Aeri smiled at him. ;"It's so weird to see him like this, as a baby, when I can clearly remember some moments in my life, where he was much older than me." She said. Adamai concured. ;"It is also weird not to have our siblings here.. I guess I feel lost without Yugo." He said. Aeri patted his head reassuringly. There was a sound a whine of sorts. ;"Grougal! This time I'll be sure to let him have it! I'll-" Adamai said when Alibert hushed him. ;"You'll wake Chibi." He said. Adamai and Aeri headed for the stables were they saw little Grougal unconscious on the ground. ;"What happened??" Aeri asked worriedly. ;"He went after yet another Royal Dragoturkey and got yet another kick in the face." Prince Armand said, who was there with two of his guards. ;"But I told him not to come here anymore!" Adamai said shockedly. ;"Clearly not strictly enough." A guard said annoyedly. Aeri glanced at him angrily. ;"Adamai, we're forever greatful to you and for what you've done for our Kingdom, but maybe we should consider that the Palace might not be the best place to raise a young dragon. We will talk about this tomorrow. It's time for a solution" Prince Armand said walking away. Aeri picked Grougal up, holding him in her arms, carefully snuggling him. Her and Adamai sat on a bench outside the Palace. ;"I Don't know about you, but I don't think we belong here." Aeri said silently. Adamai nodded. ;"No one seems to know how hard it is.. we're trying our best. What can we do??" He asked. ;"You are right we do not belong here." Said Qilby as he came to view from the shadows. ;"Qilby? What do you mean?" Aeri asked. ;"Look, no one here understands our kind, we don't belong here anymore. We must talk, I've made a decision." He said. "I have decided to move the Eliacube to a safer location, it's much too important for our people. We can't risk losing it." He continued. ;"But won't it be badly interpreted? Especially now?" Adamai asked. ;"Please, Adamai, Aeri, won't you help me? I can't do this without you. I need both of your strength." He said. "We must act now before the alarm is raised." He explained. The two gave each other a look of determination. The three sat down around the Eliacube, as Qilby began taking in their Wakfu and Stasis powers, as a portal opened up next to them, a big one. ;"Wow that was much faster than with Yugo." Adamai said. ;"All a matter of control Adamai." Qilby said smiling. As the cube turned into a robotic owl, which landed on Qilby's right shoulder. ;"Where are we going?" Aeri asked. Qilby laughed. ;"You'll see soon my dear. You'll see." He said as the bright light enveloped them all, and finally, they all disappeared.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 37: Finding A Ship

The Brotherhood of Tofu was trying to find a ship from Havenport. Rubilax wouldn't stop talking about how nice he thought Cléophée was, which annoyed Amalia beyond reason. ;"We get it, you liked her, but we're not going to talk about her all day!" She said. ;"But still, she was so nice, that Cléophée, Cléophée, Cléophée, Cléophée!" Rubi kept saying. ;"I still don't understand why we wouldn't let her join us on our guest." Yugo said. ;"It's because she didn't have a permission to even leave the City of Cra, and-" Eva tried. ;"And because us five The Brotherhood of Tofu have always travelled together." Amalia said, Eva nodding with her. ;"Well if you count in Adamai, Shiroazaad and Aeri there's actually eight of us, not five." Ruel argued. ;"Well Cléophée is far too young and immature to come with us on an adventure!" Evangelyne said. ;"Young? She's the same age as you were, when we first started our adventure." Ruel said. ;"Well I for one, think she should become a full member of the Brotherhood, who's with me?" Percedal asked raising a hand, Ruel and Yugo both raised theirs. Shiro shyly raised his as well. ;"Well she WAS nice to me at least?" He said. ;"C'mon now, we all know Eva can be a bit uptight, a killjoy and a bit annoying at times, but real friends don't mention these things!" Amalia argued, hitting Eva with insecurity. ;"uptight Eva, has a nice ring to it." Rubilax laughed. As the two girls went on ahead of the guys. "She's going to be so surprised when-" Rubi said but Percedal shushed him. Yugo and Shiro looked at Percedal and Ruel questioningly. When they finally arrived at the port, there were rather.. explosive kind of people. Ruel said he'd take care of the ship problem, since with Amalia's taste it'd cost a fortune to them. Percedal thought they'd sleep in Ruel's Haven Bag like a true Brotherhood of Tofu members would do. Amalia had had enough of them, and decided it was time for a girls night out, dragging Eva with her. ;"I thought they'd never leave." Ruel said knocking on his back a few times. It stared moving, a hand coming out of it. It was Cléophée. She had snuck inside during the night, when she escaped from her guards, and followed our heroes. ;"I okayed it with Percedal and Ruel." She told them. ;"We didn't tell you Yugo since you can't hold a secret." Ruel said. ;"You're too pure for lies, and underhanded tactics." Rubilax concured. ;"and Shiro would've given it away with his glare." Ruel said. Shiro huffed in response. "Now if anyone asks just say you just found us again, alright?" Ruel told Cléo. They decided to split up as Ruel seemed to work better solo, Cléo was left with the guys who all gave her a smile in return.

 

Our girls were discussing whether Eva was uptight or not. ;"Trust me, it's better that you're there to ground Dally, or we'd be fighting at every crossroad." Amalia had said, Eva felt pretty bad being called uptight and a killjoy, it really got to her. She began to wonder whether the others had been right about it. The girls checked in on a local Inn, for the night where they would soon find out it wasn't exactly what they were expecting. Ruel was looking through every ship in the port trying to find the cheapest looking one. Most were in great condition, which would definitely make them expensive to board. Finally, he found the perfect ship. It was a little rusty, had random laundry drying on it, and it looked as if it was going to fall apart at any given moment. It was just what he had been looking for. He hollered for anyone. A little girl came to view. She wore a red bandana on her head, and had long, straight black hair, her skin was tanned, she wore a teal shirt which showed her shoulders, and orange harem pants. With her was a small Kralove with a black captains hat with a skull on it. ;"Who goes there?" Asked the girl. ;"Hello, my name is Ruel Stroud and I'm looking for a ship, there are seven of us six being children." He explained. The Kralove and the girl began whispering with each other about the pricing. ;"1300 kamas." The girl said. ;"That's too much I'm going elsewhere" Ruel said. ;"Wait! 1100 kamas" the girl haggled. ;"500 and that's me being generous your ship is falling apart." He said. ;"Deal! 200 now, and the rest when boarding." The girl said. ;"100 now and rest when we get there." Ruel said. ;"Deal!" The girl said. Ruel was holding his kama pouch, as he threw it for the Kralove, a bird came by and took it from the air, landing on the shoulder of a pirate. ;"Didn't anyone tell you about the salt tax? You have to pay up before you do any business here." A Rogue woman said, she was very big in build, with lots of muscles. Ruel tried to fight her but she sent him flying to the other side of the port where Yugo, Percedal, Shiro and Cléophée were. He quickly recovered going back, but the pirates had already left. He opened up a barrel to see the scared Kralove inside. ;"They took my Elaine. My sweet little Elaine!" He said. ;"They also took my Kamas. NO ONE. Takes MY KAMAS." Ruel said. ;"Where are they?" He asked. ;"At Felinor's. He's the worst kind of Rogue around here." The Kralove said. ;"Show me the way." Ruel said  placing the Kralove, Black Ink, on top of his head, as he began marching towards where the pirates had gone.

 

The others followed Ruel when they saw him going towards a restaurant, where lots of Rogues were busy playing arm wrestling, eating, and over all just had a good time. Ruel immediately headed towards the second floor doors which were guarded by two Rogues. He had a quiet staring contest with one of them until the Rogue gave up and did a secret knock on the door. When there was a response Ruel marched in angrily. Elaine was kept in a small cage. ;"Elaine are you okay?!" Black Ink yelled hopefully. ;"Dad! I'm fine. One of these guys mistook me for a little girl but I set him straight." She said growling at a beaten up Rogue. At the center of the room sat an Ecaflip with a red bandana on, he had a red coat worn like a cape over his shoulders, and matching red pants. He had blonde dreadlocks and he had golden eyes. ;"Felinor I assume. I came here for my kamas that she stole from me." Ruel said seething with anger, pointing at the  big Rogue woman. ;"Stole? Shinbreaker, did you do that?" Felinor asked the woman. ;"He hadn't paid his salt tax." She said. ;"Well there you have it Enutrof, everyone pays. Now get out, before we throw you out of here." Felinor said. ;"I could easily destroy this entire establishment with my friends, but lucky for you I'm tired and do not want to strain myself." Ruel said, his face all red from anger. ;"I challenge you Rogue! If I win you give me the girl and my money!" He yelled. The Rogue started at him wide eyed. He then went to tell the news to his crew. ;"I bet that I can win at arithmetics, and that the girl can eat more than your crew member. The red head will take on Shinbreaker at arm wrestling, the little boy will take on your best sharp shooter and the boy with markings will beat your best swordsman at a battle!" Ruel said confidently looking at Cléo, Percedal, Yugo and Shiro who looked back embarrassed. Felinor and his crew laughed hard at this. But true to his word Ruel DID win at arithmetics, Cléo did eat more of the disgusting seafood they served than Felinor's crew member, and Dally beat Shinbreaker using his Shushu powers, allowing Rubilax to possess him for a while, he destroyed part of the table as well. Yugo went against their knife thrower who threw all of the knives in row in the middle of the target, which Yugo easily destroyed with his Eliatrope powers. Shiroazaad went against their best sword man, whom he won by biting his sword, breaking it in two. He was too afraid to continue. Felinor thought they must be cheating, so he gave them one last challenge. Yugo would have to shoot through three kama coins with his powers, blindfolded. He accepted, having learned how to sense the Wakfu of all living beings, and how to see without seeing, he easily shot through the two first coins. The third coin was going to fall in front of Felinor when he shot the last energy blast which singed his bandana a bit. But he had won. ;"Now do I win or should I continue with the demonstration?" He asked. Felinor asked him to join his crew but Yugo told him: ;"I would love to play Pirates, but I have an important task at hand." Felinor laughed at this, and invited everyone to a party he was hosting. They partied the entire night away, letting Elaine go, and giving Ruel back his money.

 

The girls weren't having as much fun, not being able to sleep due to mosquitoes, and loud sounds coming from downstairs and from Felinors. They were totally tired and covered in bites the next day, while the others were tired from partying the entire night. When Amalia and Evangelyne saw Cléophée they were surprised to say the least. ;"I know what you're going to say, I made a promise to go to the City of Cra, but I kept my fingers crossed behind my back so my Cra's oath doesn't apply." Cléo said, helping Black Ink and Elaine with the sails. ;"Guess we're going to be travelling for a little while sis." She told Eva who didn't know what to feel, as they set sail to the Crimson Claws Archipelago.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 38: The Vessel

As our heroes were sailing towards the Crimson Archipelago, Yugo was feeling a little homesick. He had been away from Adamai too long. He began telling Elaine about him, and their upbringing. Dally was feeling seasick so Cléo showed him a trick on how to feel better, for the unfortune of Eva, who was feeling quite jealous of her sister.

 

A portal opened up in an unknown location, as Qilby, Aeri and Adamai entered in. ;"Here we are." Qilby said. Aeri and Adamai looked around for reasons they couldn't remember, the place seemed familiar. ;"This is our home, where we spent many, many years on our exodus across Krosmoz." Qilby explained. Aeri could remember how she used to run in the halls watching the space, and how she used to visit Qilby daily, to see how he was doing. To see if he had any new inventions, or teachings. She felt, oddly warm inside. The Eliacube now turned into an owl, took its place in the middle of the ship, it lighted up the entire place, making a spiral staircase appear. It then began following Qilby. Adamai told Qilby about Nox the Xelor who used the Eliacube to turn back the time. ;"Really? So nothing is impossible with you." Qilby said. ;"He almost destroyed the entire world to get what he wanted!" Adamai said. ;"We have a saying back at home, you can't make an omelette without breaking a few Dofus." Said Qilby laughing. Aeri watched as the lights turned on, following Qilby closely. ;"It takes a little energy to light up the ship, but to make it take off is another story completely." He mumbled. They came to a hallway full of drawings of Eliatropes. Aeri traced her hand on some of them. ;"This feels so familiar to me.." she said. ;"It should, this is the story of our family, of.. our people." Qilby said crying a single tear. Aeri grabbed his hand in hers. ;"Are you okay?" She asked. ;"I am now." He smiled at her. Adamai came after them, holding Grougal. ;"You seem distant." Adamai said. ;"Yes, I was just wondering how our home planet might look like now, the war between the Mechasms must've left it ravaged." Qilby explained. ;"So you feel homesick?" Adamai asked. He laughed ;"Not at all, just thinking of the planet I used to know like the back of my hand, which I will never lay a foot on again." He said. "I have a power Adamai, Aeri, unlike everyone else, I can remember all of my previous lives. I have several millenia worth of memories and knowledge. I learned a long fine ago it isn't a gift at all." He explained. Aeri felt like hugging him, but restrained herself.

 

Qilby opened up a door with his Wakfu. ;"Welcome to my old laboratory. Aeri you've been here before." He said. Aeri could feel the nostalgia rushing in. As she looked around when the doors closed behind them. She walked around looking into the containers, full of different kinds of beings and creatures. ;"Qilby.." she started. ;"Yes Aeri?" He asked. ;"You, hunted all of these creatures didn't you?" She asked. Qilby nodded ;"Of course." He said with a smile. ;"I started by keeping a specimen of each creature from our World, and then continued finding new ones during our travels in Krosmoz." He told them. "Thanks to my work we were able to cure many diseases, and bring forward Eliatrope science like never before. I spent a long time arranging things." He said. ;"You truly did a lot of amazing things Qilby." Aeri said, looking around in awe. Adamai felt more confused than anything. Qilby walked in front of a big machine, which lit up soon after. ;"I found one world in particular very interesting. I saw it the day we brought back Yugo and Aeri." Qilby said. ;"The world of Shushus?" Adamai asked. ;"Exactly. Although it is more of a dimension than a world." He explained. ;"Adamai, Aeri, I ask you to trust me, in a few days we have left this planet and go back to-" Qilby began. ;"Left? Where?" Adamai asked. ;"We're travelers, this world has nothing for us. It barely has enough energy to get the Zinit off of the ground." Qilby said. ;"But- wouldn't that destroy the world?" Adamai asked holding Grougal who held his eyes closed because of the bright lights. Aeri looked at Qilby worriedly. ;"Qilby... what do you mean?" She asked. ;"This world isn't ours." He said. ;"And that gives you the right to annihilate everything??" Adamai said angrily. ;"Annihilate is such a strong word, it'll just be.. ravaged." Qilby said. Adamai looked at him horrified. Aeri held her fingers tightly together. ;"Qilby, what are you saying?" She asked teary eyed, worried. ;"You haven't changed Adamai. No matter how much I try to convince you, you and your brother are too stubborn to listen." Qilby said. The Eliacube fused with his left arm, creating a Wakfu arm which had four claw like fingers with metal parts on the shoulder and wrist. His skin turned white, and black markings appeared around his body. His shirt got destroyed with his glasses, and his hats ears rose up straight. His eyes had a familiar blueish glow, and his beard and hair turned black. Aeri recognized this form from somewhere but, couldn't understand where. She had a bad gut feeling about this. ;"Qilby." She said taking a few steps forward. He wasn't expecting this. ;"I'm sorry Aeri." He said. ;"For what?" Aeri asked. Qilby quickly moved behind her, using his Wakfu he made her unconscious. He caught her before she could hit the ground. He carefully placed her on the ground. ;"For that." He said sadly. ;"DON'T YOU DARE HURT HER!" Adamai yelled. ;"Oh, I could never hurt her." Qilby said caressing her face. ;"I would have liked this to go differently Adamai. But I guess history repeats itself, as usual." He said stretching his new arm. ;"You're incapable of having a realistic vision of what is good for our people!" He told Adamai. Grougal had had enough, he dashed forward towards Qilby who made a portal in front of him and another in front of Grougal, he then hit him through it. Adamai caught him mid air. ;"Oh I've wanted to do that for a while now! Eversince you freed me from the Blank Dimension that pest has been getting on my nerves." Qilby said. ;"Where did you send Yugo and others?" Adamai asked, annoyedly. ;"To the promised place, they're going to get me my spare Dofus with my sister inside of it. It's time we meet again." He told him. ;"But, you could've gone there with the Eliacube!" Adamai argued. ;"Yes, but unfortunately I have a little problem with it's guardian Phaeris, we had a little dispute. But I have a plan to eliminate him" He explained looking at his fake arm. He walked forward. ;"And you're going to help me, whether you like it or not." Qilby said ;"I'd rather die you crazy old man!" Adamai yelled. ;"Oh trust me there are far worse things than dying." He began attacking Adamai, creating portals behind and next to him, blasting away with his new arm. ;"Don't worry Grougal! If we're patient we'll get him!" Qilby laughed. ;"You really believe that don't you?" He asked rhetorically. "Even with a thousand more years you wouldn't be able to do anything. Only that Phaeris can-" he began Adamai flew at him ;"You talk too much!!" He yelled. As Qilby created a portal to let him pass through. Grougal was close behind him. Qilby screamed as Grougal spat fire at him, and Adamai began hitting him repeatedly. Qilby managed to punch him off of him. Adamai laughed at his silly scream, and he laughed as well. Adamai told Qilby he wouldn't be able to do anything surprising as he witnessed Yugo Mastering his powers in a few months. ;"But he's only had the basic training, I have thousands of years worth of skill, as well as the Eliacube." Qilby said proudly. He began with simple portal tricks, following up with more difficult ones. Like creating portals all around Adamai hitting him from every angle. Grougal spat fire at him, which he dodged with ease, but it hit one of the containers instead. ;"No! My research!" He yelled. Adamai turned into a small Crackler to easily break more of the containers starting a chain reaction on them. ;"No! Most of those creatures are now extinct! You have no idea what you're doing!" Qilby pleaded. "Very well then, playtime is over." He said portaling to Grougal, and punching him to the ground. That made Adamai truly mad as he took a more of a dragonic form. Qilby was impressed. He made a Wakfu scythe, with it he cut Adamai's chest, and eye. His hard shell of a body began to break. He portaled, hitting Adamai from all directions. He tried to counter, and spew fire at him, but Qilby was too fast for him. He jumped around laughing, portaling from place to place, until he was under Adamai. And then, he jumped from behind, cutting his neck. Adamai fell on the ground unconscious, he cut his Wakfu instead of his actual neck. Qilby sat next to unconscious Adamai. ;"Phew. If a little Dragon gives me this much trouble, I surely am no match for Phaeris." He said. He took Grougal and threw him into the machine.

 

In Rushus World few Shushus were having an argument over a flower. Qilby then appeared blasting both of them with his Wakfu. ;"There, you can take me to your King now." He said. ;"Couldn't you have just asked?" They asked. ;"Yes but it was to save time." Qilby came to the castle, Aeri in his arms and Adamai hovering in the air by Qilby's power. Aeri began to wake up. ;"Uh... Qilby?" She asked him. ;"Good Morning my dear, we're here." He told her. Aeri looked around to see Rushu, and she froze. She immediately clinged to Qilby, shaking. ;"Hello everyone." Qilby said. Rushu seemed annoyed. ;"Anathar! WE are supposed to invade THEIR world not the other way around!" He yelled. ;"That's just what I came here to talk about. The Invasion, Carnage, Everything." Qilby explained. He slammed Adamai unceremoniously to the ground. ;"This here is a dragon, his kind is powerful, able to eat you all up just for fun." He continued. "Anyway I need help defeating a bigger dragon, most powerful even." He said. ;"Tell me about it mister.." Rushu said. ;"Qilby." He introduced himself. ;"I see you've also brought me an Eliatrope." Rushu said eyeing at Aeri, who still clinged to Qilby. ;"She's not part of the deal. She's here to... help me." Qilby quickly explained, letting her down. She still followed him closely as she didn't want anything to do with Rushu, who had captured Granny and made him into his own song bird, and Remington who now was his masseur. ;"Your name reminds me of a pretty little flower." Rushu said. ;"Uhm... Thank you? No one's ever said that before." Qilby said. ;"Now explain to me quickly before I suck out yout brain with your tibia... What makes you think we're into lizard destruction?" Rushu asked. ;"Oh nothing at all I just heard you'd like to invade the world.." Qilby said "I could make you a portal which would take you directly to the Gobballs." He said. ;"You would do that for me?" Rushu asked dumbfounded. ;"With great pleasure even. It'll take a few days but I can make an excellent invasion portal for you." He said. ;"And all you want is for us to help you kill a dragon?" Rushu asked sitting up. ;"Nothing more." Qilby said. Aeri looked at the scene horrified. 'He's not really going to help Rushu is he??' She thought. Rushu wondered for a moment before agreeing. ;"Fine little flower. You have a deal." He said shaking hands with Qilby. Well shaking a finger with him.

 

On the ship, both Yugo and Shiroazaad felt something wrong with their sibling. They felt a disturbance in their Wakfu and Stasis for a moment. The two then went for their respective spots. Yugo up the mast and Shiro at the back of the ship to think. They didn't move for good hour. The others began to worry about them. Cléo went to talk to Shiro about it, as Percedal went to talk with Yugo. The two were worried but they did feel a bit better afterwards.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 39: Sirens Song

 

The boys were currently fishing for food, as the girls were busy arguing with each other, well at least Amalia and Cléo were. Evangelyne tried to de-escalate the situation, but it didn't seem to help. Amalia then went to Elaine who was relaxing, watching the Kloon Snappers jump from the waters. ;"They're really pretty, and they bring good luck to ships everywhere, you shouldn't fish them or else-" Elaine explained as portals began appearing, catching the fish. They looked behind them to see Yugo place the fishes on a grill, which Shiroazaad started with his  fire. They then began eating. ;"Dad! Those are Kloon Snappers! Do you want to give us bad luck?!" Elaine yelled. Black Ink seemed to question this. ;"Are you sure these are Kloon Snappers??" He asked. ;"Yes, though usually they look better." She said. Black Ink then began pacing back and forth, screaming about bad luck, as Yugo, Ruel, Percedal and Shiro ate the fishes. ;"Needs more salt." Yugo said. ;"I think it needs a side." Shiro said. ;"You Iop brains are going to give us bad luck!" Amalia argued. ;"Women on ship bring bad luck and there's four of you." Ruel said back. Soon they were hit by a big wave. And another, sending the ship on a random direction between the waves. ;"I hope everyone knows how to swim." Percedal said, as the biggest wave hit them. ;"Grab onto the mast!" Elaine said, bringing rope, she began tying everyone to it. Percdal was accidentally tied by his feet, sending him upwards to swing back and forth. The waves crashed onto the ship, forcing it on top of a cliff. It was swinging on top of it, like on a scale. It barely stood still. The cliff was shaped like a ramp. ;"Is everyone okay??" Eva asked as the ship gently rocked. ;"I think so." Shiroazaad answered being tied upside down onto the mast. "Can you let us down from here though?" He continued as Eva untied the rope. Percedal and Cléo were still a bit tied up.

Suddenly, someone threw a make shift grabbing hook onto the ship, and began climbing up the cliff. They looked down to see bunch of baboons. They boarded the ship. Eva began shooting them with her magical arrows, as Shiro took one head on. One of them noticed Rubilax on the ground and tried to stab Percedal with him. ;"Little help Rubi??" Percedal said. ;"I thought you'd never ask, but you have to let me touch you." He said as the baboon hit Percedal's bottom. He changed into his prosesseja form, a big grey skinned Shushu, with orange hair and white eyes with tusks. He began throwing the baboons around like ragdolls. Shiroazaad joined him, throwing some off of the ship. Yugo portaled one of them out of the ship as well. Percedal smacked one of them with full force against the deck, making the ship rock a bit more to the right. He immediately retreated to left as to not make them fall. The baboons held onto each other for support. The ship was sent into a nosedive because Az decided to land on the right side, shifting the weight. The ship went down and into the water, and from there it flew high up the other cliff and on top of it. This time it stayed still. The baboons quickly left, scared. The group began climbing downwards towards the ground as Percedal fell down head first. ;"Dally are you alright?!" Eva yelled after him. He saw three women approaching him, checking if he was okay. ;"I'm just fine... I'm with angels. Three beautiful angels." He then lost consciousness. When he came to the three were tending him, as well as Ruel, Yugo, Shiro and Black Ink. ;"You must be so sore for all of that travel." One of them said massaging Ruel. ;"Aww look at him, He's so cute I just want to eat him up." Another one said stroking Yugo's hat. ;"You must be a great warrior to get this far." Third one said admiring Percedal. ;"Are you her father? You don't look your age." One of the women told Black Ink. ;"Why, yes I am Elaine's father. She looks older than she is doesn't she?" He answered. The girls looked at the scene, suspicious. ;"Oh you must be tired after your long journey, why don't you come with us to rest?" One of the women said, stroking Shiro's cheek gently, who immediately blushed at the sudden touch. The women wore short dresses, they all had white skin with teal colored long flowy hair and green eyes, they were very beautiful. ;"You live here all by yourself? You're very brave and pretty." Yugo said. ;"And you just happened to come by when you did?" Amalia asked crossing her arms, raising a brow. ;"Yes. We were just gathering firewood." One of the women said smiling. ;"Well thank you for your offer, but we must be going now." Eva said. ;"Do you usually make decision for others?" One of them asked. ;"Yes when these idiots are incapable of doing so!" Eva spat. ;"Hey, why are we idiots?!" Shiro asked angrily. ;"Yeah what have we done now??" Percedal continued. ;"Well nothing but-" Eva said. ;"Exactly. NOTHING, why do you always have to put us down like that?" Percedal asked. ;"Yes, why do you always have to be so aggressive?!" Yugo yelled. ;"It's decided these five idiots are going with the lovely ladies." Ruel said. ;"But dad-" Elaine tried. ;"No buts! We're going and that's final." Black Ink said. ;"What about us?! You're just going to abandon us and leave us to handle the ship?" Amalia said. ;"You're sooo great and smart, it shouldn't be a problem for you." Shiro said sarcastically. ;"Maybe you'll find a money who to yell at, and hit." Ruel continued. ;"And to correct it's speech you marrow minded pyrannical harpies!" Percedal said. As they went with the three women. ;"It's NARROW MINDED AND TYRANNICAL you idiots!" Eva yelled in after them. Yugo told Az to go with the girls, since he was trying to argue against him, and Ruel threw Junior away when the girls complained of a 'strange smell.'

The boys were being nurtured, as they ate different kinds of fruits and listened to the girls playing a harp. They were on cloud nine. Yugo tried to grab an api fruit, he noticed he had grown a brown tail. ;"What is this?? Cool!" He said happily, as one of the women smiled wickedly at this. The girls were trying to get the ship unstuck from the cliff by hitting it with Cra magic arrows. It fell into the sea with a splash. Elaine nearly fainted, when she saw how hard they were going on the ship. Once they were done they sat down on a tree trunk. ;"We're ready to go but.." Amalia said boredly. They were thinking about the guys. ;"Maybe we should go on a walk!" She suggested. ;"Great idea!" Said Eva. ;"And if we happen to see the guys we'll just tell them we're all set to go and ask for their apology!" Cléo said. They then began tracking them, based off of their Footprints and Percedal's hair. Elaine accidentally stepped on a wasp hive, lifting her foot up, which the wasps really didn't like, and they chased our heroines, until they dove into a lake. The wasps then left them alone but a big lizard from the lake didn't. Afterwards they were chased by a big sabertooth tiger, a bigger lizard, and a giant dinosaur. They hid in a tree. ;"What is wrong with this island?!" Amalia asked. ;"In the barracks, the only problem were the arachnees, which could easily be blasted away." Said Cléo. Elaine pointed behind them. ;"How do you get rid of THAT then?" A giant arachnee was coming closer and closer to them. They quickly ran away the big monster after them. They ran into a dead end, but the arachnee would come no where near them as soon as it realized where it was. It then ran away quickly whimpering. The girls turned to look behind them to notice a cave, which looked like a screaming face. They entered when they saw footprints leading inside. ;"Maybe they're in a nicer looking cave?" Amalia suggested, but was forced to follow when Evangelyne and Cléophée did. What they saw was utterly bizarre. Bunch of baboons stood around a smaller ape which was playing a game a monkey on it's shoulder, while three other apes were being nurtured by the women. ;"Ruel?" Cléo asked looking at the ape playing. ;"Yugo? Shiro?" Amalia asked looking at the two apes on a platform, which was decorated with dinosaur bones. ;"Hey you! Give us back our friends!" Amalia commanded. ;"Oh so you've finally decided to join us." One of the women said. ;"What have you done to them?!" Eva asked. ;"We've simply shown their true nature. Trust me they won't miss you at all." Another woman said. ;"Dad!" Elaine said looking at the four armed monkey with captains hat. ;"Their transformation is nearly complete, then they'll join our big family." One of the women said. ;"Give them back to us!" Amalia said. ;"Foolish girl we are the Bellaphones." One of the women said. ;"Bellaphones? But that means-" Elaine said. ;"That your friends and their Wakfu now belongs to us. But since you miss them so much. We'll give them back to you. Take good care of them." Bellaphone said, gesturing for the apes to attack the girls. Yugo made his portals and was about to attack Amalia who used her plant powers to make vines to stop him. ;"Yugo it's me!" She pleaded. But he wouldn't listen, breaking the vines. Shiroazaad attacked Cléophée who shot arrows at his direction. She was taken out by Ruel who threw his shovel at her. Evangelyne kept Percedal busy climbing up a wall. He followed. She shot an arrow at him causing a small explosion which sent him towards a wall. Amalia covered the others by making a small shield from her vines around them. ;"Hello blondie it's almost nice to see you." Rubilax said. "I hate seeing this guy monkeying around." He said. ;"Care to take the lead?" Eva said placing Rubi on Percedal's forehead, as he took full control over his body, growing in size. He soon dashed towards the others hitting the ground with a huge force, enough to sent them all flying and onto the ground. It knocked nearly everyone down, but Shiro wasn't done yet. He dashed towards Rubilax and spat fire at him. Evangelyne sent out an ice arrow the fire turning into steam. Rubi then headbutted Shiro until he fell unconscious. He then took him to a carry, as well as Black Ink. Cléo had Yugo and Amalia took Ruel with her vines and Eva had Percedal they were about to leave when the Bellaphones turned into ugly snake like creatures, with long faces and small horns and claws. They began singing a sonic attack, but after Eva shot one of them with her arrow, she flew towards her sisters, making them fall. The sonic attack hitting the roof as they did. Eva then shot her last arrow at the ceiling sending some stalactites to fall down and onto the Bellaphones. They made it out of the cave without a scratch but the Bellaphones weren't so lucky.

Afterwards Black Ink was trying to explain the girls why it took Yugo, Percedal and Shiro longer to turn than it did with Ruel and himself, as he thanked the girls for saving them. Ruel was apologising to Junior over and over again. Shiroazaad and Yugo were about to apologise until Amalia stopped them. ;"Please don't apologise, it would mean we'd have to apologise for our behavior these past days and I really don't feel like it. Besides the important thing is that everyone got away safely, and you turned back to normal." She said. Shiroazaad looked extremely embarrassed, he scratched his neck and said: ;"Please, no one tell my sister about what happened on the island." He said, his face turning red. The others giggled at this. Evangelyne and Percedal were at the stern of the ship holding hands together, leaning towards each other snuggly, they didn't say a word but they didn't need to.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 40: The Tyrant

Ruel and Black Ink were singing sea chanties, as they sailed close to an island. ;"Isn't that the island of Breta?! Oh how I would like to eat something else than fish for once." Ruel said. ;"Don't get your hopes up, we're not setting a tentacle on that island, last time we almost lost our ship!" Black Ink said. When suddenly Ruel clutched his chest in pain. He began whimpering and wailing like never before. Ruel accidentally touched the helm making the ship turn it's course. ;"What's happening?" Yugo asked. ;"Ruel's having a heart attack!" Cléo said. As Ruel fell down on the ground. ;"This is it for me children... I.. Goodluck Yugo." He said and stopped moving. ;"Ruel! No!" Yugo cried out.

On the island of Breta, the group was holding a funeral for Ruel, it had started raining so they all had black umbrellas, and black shades on. Percedal read the eulogy: ;"Ruel the Enutrof, a member of the Brotherhood of Tofu, a Friend, you will be forever remembered. May the God Enutrof, Father of the riches, take you to his side." Yugo cried out as he listened to the speech. It was then that Ruel opened his eyes and winked at him. Yugo began to smile. Shiro watched this scene confused. Ruel began running around with a smile on his face. ;"It's a miracle!" Percedal said. ;"To think I shed a tear for him." Evangelyne said. ;"He did it again.." Yugo said annoyedly. ;"How many times has this happened?" Shiro asked him. ;"A few times whenever he didn't feel like paying his bill at an Inn." He said. ;"So too many times." Shiro said deadpanning. ;"At least He's great at faking heart attacks." Cléo said. Ruel was busy trying to find a hidden treasure. He took out a map and began searching. He took Junior with him for digging, once he found the spot his Drheller dug until he found a small chest. ;"This treasure chest holds an item of ultimate power! Oh I don't dare to open it..." Ruel said opening the chest slowly. Everyone looked excitedly. There was a small golden colored ring inside. ;What? But- this isn't-" Ruel sputtered. He checked whether the ring was actually made of gold, when he realized it wasn't, he threw it a way and had a fit. ;"I still know how to read a treasure map-" He muttered. Percedal looked at the ring mesmerised. He took it and put it on his index finger. ;"Doesn't it fit a hero or what?" He asked as the ring started to glow. ;"Hey it's shiny- warm- Hot HOT!!" He waved his hand until something came out of the ring. A ghostly looking person. A man without legs. He was an Ecaflip man with lighter fur color and white hair, and goatee, he wore fancy looking clothes and had small glasses on. His eyes were glowing yellow. ;"AAH! A GHOST!" Percedal yelled and ran around, the person followed him but not from his own volition. When he hit a gravestone, the man was able to speak. ;"I'm not a ghost." He said. ;"Oh you must be a genie! For my three wishes.." Amalia began listing things. ;"If I was a genie I would grant more than three wishes for three lovely ladies like yourselves." He said. He flew close to Eva. ;"My name is Bubu, Sho Bubu." He introduced, coming a little too close to her. Percedal didn't quite like it. ;"Well mister Sho Bubble, you better not br flirting with MY GIRLFRIEND or else." He said trying to jump on him, but he went right through him. ;"Speaking of if you're not a ghost nor a genie, what are you doing at a cemetery?" Cléo asked. ;"It is a curse." He said sadly. "It happened over a year ago, I was marrying the woman of my dreams, Melo, she was the most beautiful woman on the island and some were jealous of our union. One of them being my best man Cassis." He explained. "But now that you've freed me I can find my love and break the curse." He said happily. ;"We would love to help you Sho, but we have an important task of our own to get to." Evangelyne said. Sho seemed disheartened hearing this. Percedal was crying. ;"It's so sad.." He said. "Don't worry Sho Booble! I Percedal of Sadlygrove shall help you! Iop's promise!" He declared.

When they entered the town of  Breta they saw a bunch of guards stamping things with their stamp helmets. Everything that was okayed, got the same stamp mark on them, be it eggs, watermelons, bread or even people. Yugo and friends got the stamp mark on their hands. ;"This mark allows one day visit in the town, Don't wash your hands or you won't be able to get out." The guard said. The other guards were "checking" things and stamping them, breaking them in the process just for fun. Amalia thought it was a tyrannical way of upholding the law. They stopped in front of the Governor's Palace. ;"This is it, Sho said coming out from the ring. "My sweet Melo lives here. She is the Governor of the Island." He explained. ;"Well she has a weird way of leading that's for sure." Shiroazaad said glancing at the guards who were everywhere. ;"I know. I myself don't understand it either." Sho confessed. 'Melo, why so many guards on our island?' He thought.  When they looked at the stamp mark more clearly, Sho noticed that it was Cassis' head mark. Amalia demanded to get to see the Governor as the Princess of the Sadida, but the guards only laughed at her face calling her a 'common salad.' When that didn't work, Percedal tried the Iop way of diplomatics. He took both guards by the head and smashed them together. One of the guards went to warn the Governor. ;"Governor Cassis! It's war! We're being attacked by women, children and old men!" He yelled in panic as another guard flew by him. ;"Summon these outlaws right now!!" He demanded. He was a small sized man, with heavy make up on his face, and rolled up hair from the sides. He had a tiny mustache and he held a sceptre in his hand. ;"You! What have you done with my wife?!" Sho asked angrily. Cassis looked at him shocked ;"Sho?! You should be locked up in a chest somewhere!" He said. "And your 'wife?' As far as I remember you never made it to the altar." He said boredly. "HOW DARE YOU CLAIM MELO AS YOURS?! I should've thrown your ring into the ocean with the Bow Meow Fish!" He yelled. He showed that he indeed had Melo, in another ring. She was an Ecaflip woman with a darker fur color, and darker hair with beautiful golden eyes. She wore a simple white dress with a flower crown. ;"Melo!" Sho said happy to see his love. "Melo look at me my love!" He said as she looked his way. ;"Sho!" She said. The two tried to embrace each other but they were too far away, and instead Melo was forced to retreat to her prison ring. Cassis laughed at Sho's pain. ;"You can't do anything trapped in that ring. You've lost Sho." He said. He summoned his guards who quickly circled around all them. The battle began. Amalia sent them flying with her vines, as Eva and Cléo shot them with their magical arrows, and Cléo went for closer battle to kick and punch them. Percedal used Rubilax to hit the guards who were frozen by Eva's arrows and Yugo trapped them in his portals. Finally Cléo threw a flying bomb at them which she shot with an arrow, taking out four of them. Cassis looked scared. He ran down his long flight of stairs and into a smaller room yelling at our heroes ;"You will regret this!!"

He came back with a four legged stamping mecha bot. It kicked out Yugo and others easily. When they all attacked it, it didn't even get a scratch. ;"Does this thing have no weak spot?!" Shiro yelled annoyedly. Ruel was too busy reading his map over and over again to even notice it. It stamped the ground leaving a giant Cassis' face mark on it. Ruel studied it ;"There's a similar mark on the map but it's reversed." He turned the map around to see a pathway drawn on it. ;"It's REVERSED! YES THE MAP IS REVERSED!" He yelled as he danced nearly getting hit by Cassis' mecha. Shiro tried to burn it with his flames but only managed to singe it a little. When he used the middle part to try and hit our heroes a small hatch opened up from underneath it. ;"Listen to me I have a plan!" Eva said. First Yugo went to annoy Cassis, he tried to catch him with his machine. Shiro blew smoke right at the window and he couldn't see anything, Amalia then used her vines to tie the four legs of the robot. As it fell down, Eva and Cléo used their combined arrows to hit it's inside. It blew up neatly. Cassis tried to use his sceptre to trap Percedal inside a rock, but Shiro quickly punched him in the face, Amalia taking it from him. ;"Confiscated! And now.." He pointed at Cassis who ended up in the sceptre and then into a stamp which turned golden. Amalia then used the sceptre to free Sho and Melo who were happily reunited, they gave each other a sweet kiss. Our group then went back towards the ship where Elaine and Black Ink were waiting. Melo made a new law of happiness, it was now mandatory. She also made it so that everyone should sing at least three songs per day. Sho watched the scene worriedly. Ruel finally found his treasure. It was an extremely valuable card for his collection. Everyone else thought it was a waste of time, and were ready to leave Ruel there.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 41: Foggernauts 

There was quite the commotion in Rushus dimension. Everyone had gathered to witness the beginning of the Invasion. Aeri sat in the sidelines, watching Qilby make a portal for Rushu. She couldn't understand why, and neither could Rushu. She tried to keep her powers from activating but was failing miserably. Her red markings appearing on her skin, as they sparked and crackled a little. Her eyes had already turn glowing red, and she was losing control. One of the Shushus happened to step on her toe accidentally, which she quickly responded to, by blasting away an entire row of Shushus. Rushu watched this with interest. ;"You really ARE like us after all, destroying anything you can from your way." He said. Aeri froze. She turned to glare at him. ;"I'm nothing like you." She growled, clenching a fist. Qilby was in the middle of creating the portal necessary when he felt something wrong with Aeri, as he looked up he soon noticed what. The red markings had already spread throughout her body, she made a Stasis scythe appear from thin air. ;"Do I need to SHOW you just how different I am of you?" She asked Rushu who simply grinned. Qilby was quick to act. He dashed forward, behind Aeri, placing his hands on her shoulders. ;"Aeri, I know you're angry, but attacking him won't change anything. Please bear with it for a little while, and we can leave this place." He whispered. Aeri wanted to be angry at him, she was utterly confused about why he'd done those things to Adamai and Grougal, former which was now fused in with Anathar. But she couldn't find it in herself to be angry. Not at him. She felt... empty. She lowered her weapon, the markings started to fade from her skin slowly. ;"Thank you." He said, giving her a hug before he returned to work. ;"I haven't felt this kind of power before." Anathar said, landing down in his new dragonic form. He was big, white and blue dragon with multiple eyes and wide mouth. His head was rather small compared to rest of his body. ;"Yes but be careful with the dragon. I know from experience how hard they are to control." Qilby warned. ;"I still don't understand why you're helping me, I've looked at it from every angle and it doesn't make sense." Rushu said. ;"It's quite simple, I have a score to settle with Phaeris. He's the one who took my arm, and he will pay for it." Qilby said. ;"Ah, a story of revenge, and pain, it warms my heart." Rushu said. ;"Now, let us go, we wouldn't want to keep young Yugo waiting." Qilby said as he opened the portal, light enveloped everything.

 

Meanwhile our friends were enjoying a quiet meal, until they heard a sound. Cannon fire. Close by even. They had finally reached the Crimson Claw Archipelago. But something was wrong. Something big came from below. It rose up, lifting the boat they were on with it. A giant submarine. Some guards emerged to salute someone, a Prince and his General, who walked on deck. ;"Have you ever seen such a thing?" Yugo asked Black Ink who was just as confused as he was. ;"Not during my forty years of being a pirate, no." He confessed. The Prince wore a brown cape with yellow shirt with matching gloves, as well as white pants and brown boots. His General was a woman who had a short brown hair, and a red marking on her left eye. She wore a brown cape as well , with blue shirt, and brown gloves and boots, with black pants. She had a very stern look. ;"Hello strangers. You seem to be going in the wrong direction." The Prince said, flipping his white hair. Amalia had had enough of him: ;"I'm Amalia Sheram Sham, Princess of the Sadida and these people are my friends, the least you could do is to introduce yourself!" She yelled. ;"I'm Prince Adal, and I know your Kingdom well Princess. It is odd to meet a member of the Royal family travelling in... a mockery of a pirate ship." He said. ;"Who does that second rate Prince think he is? Ready the cannons!" Black Ink commanded. ;"We don't have any, dad." Elaine said. Yugo jumped on the deck of the submarine. The Prince immediately commanded the guards to ready themselves. His General reminded him that they couldn't let Yugo and his friends leave, for they had found the island of Crimson Claw. His father, King of Sufokia had ordered such. Adal told them to leave, but Yugo told him he had to get on the island no matter what. ;"Fine, do as you wish but be careful, it's war over there, a misfire of a cannon could easily sink your boat." He told Yugo. When he came back on Elaine and Black Ink's boat he seemed to be worrying about something. ;"What's wrong little brother?" Shiro asked. ;"I just think.. I might be leading you all into a war zone. I don't want another accident to happen like with Nox's Razortime." He said. "I do not want any harm to come to you my friends. And I can't ask you to come with me to the Crimson Claw." He explained to everyone. ;"Yugo, we're your friends, we've been through thick and thin with you. We won't be leaving you alone this time either." Said Amalia. ;"That's right Yugo, we're all going." Eva concured. Yugo gave her a hug. ;"Thank you friends." He said. And then he created a portal jumping in.

 

On the submarine the General was not happy about the Prince's decision to leave Yugo and the others alone. ;"We should've made an example of them. They knew the name of the Island, they didn't come here by accident." She said. ;"Perhaps not but as long as I am in command, I decide who lives or dies Generall Moffette. Besides I feel like the kid has something special in him." He said. ;"Very well my Prince" Moffette said. The Prince ordered all Steamarinos to prepare for an attack and to head towards Crimson Claws. ;"Let's not keep the dragon waiting." He said. On the other side of the fight, was Black Ink's ship, everything was going fine until it suddenly stopped. Elaine was put to check the problem. ;"It's the main steering axle, it looks broken, we won't be able to move!" She said. ;"Hey has anyone seen Yugo?" Shiro asked. ;"Now that wasn't cool Yugo." Eva said. ;"It couldn't have been him right?" Ruel said. ;"YUGO!!!" Amalia yelled. Yugo had boarded the submarine, and was currently hiding in the vents. As Prince Adal watched a live feed of a dragon fighting against his fleet. He had blue glowing eyes, with teal skin, and blue gills on the sides of his stomach. He wore brown pants and had small horn on top of his head. He looked somewhat human. Adal warned him that he would be firing him for real, now if he wouldn't move from the island. ;"You humans shall not take another rock from this island!" The dragon said. ;"That island belongs to the people of Sufokia. My people, make your nest elsewhere!" He said. ;"Phaeris has no nest. I am responsible for what lies on this island, leave now or you will die." He told the Prince. Adal ordered them to fire all cannons, they loaded them up with pink crystals and began shooting towards Phaeris, who in turn lifted a huge boulder with his powers, sending it towards the Foggernauts ships. It broke in pieces because of the cannons shooting but it managed to break one of the ships. Yugo watched the scene heartbroken. He couldn't watch anymore. ;"No! Leave him be! Dragons are naturally peaceful creatures!" He told them portaling to the front of the ship. ;"And how do you know that?" Adal asked, guards readying to shoot at Yugo. ;"Because I'm closely related to them, they are my people." He said. The General was about to grab him, when he portaled out of the way, jumping on her back and into the air, portaling close to the Prince. The General sounded the alarm, and Yugo was forced to hastily leave. ;"Didn't I tell you that child was special?" The Prince said.

Moffette requested to use the Fogflex which the Prince accepted. Yugo who had managed to get outside. Was faced with a small but powerful mecha. ;"Now I'll show you what I can do!" Moffette said. But before she could attack him, Shiroazaad spat fire at her mecha, stopping her on her tracks. ;"Shiro?! Where did you come from?" Yugo asked. ;"Did you forget I could fly? It was a dirty trick to do by the way" He said swinging at the mecha which flew backwards. Percedal was the next to appear. He had swum the entire way to Yugo and Shiro in his Shushu form. He took the Fogflex and threw it around to the sea. ;"I should throw you into the sea with your 'friends!'" He told Yugo. Prince Adal had charged a weapon called the Staser, it was ready to fire at Phaeris who was holding his own against the Foggernauts' attacks so far. Once it was shot it broke Phaeris' shield and sent him flying to the island. They then began firing at him, not letting him rest. He turned into his dragon form, and flew at them growling. Shiro looked at him. ;"Phaeris?" He asked mumbling. General Moffett called for backup. More Foggernauts in Fogflexes appeared on deck. They began fighting. Shiro and Percedal kept waving at them beating them one by one. ;"Have Mercy!!" One of them said" as Percedal broke his mecha suit. Moffette managed to cheap shot Percedal right in his stomach and sent him towards the island where he landed not so gracefully onto the ground.

Phaeris jumped on top of the submarine's deck and grabbed Yugo with him Shiro followed them soon after ;"I'll handle YOU later." He told Moffette. On the island, Percedal was recovering from the cheap shot. ;"Wow that machine packs a punch.", ;"Oh no this is terrible." Rubi said. ;"Don't worry we've had worse." Percedal told him. ;"Not that! On the mountain... they're coming!" Rubilax panicked. ;"Who's coming?" Percedal asked. ;"My brothers!" Rubilax said as a dark vortex like portal appeared on the sky, it dropped many flaming balls onto the ground, and they began to move. Shushus. Hundreds of them. Rushu came soon after, the sky was dark and Lightnings appeared out of the portal. As Rushu emerged, someone somewhere, got the message about it. Percedal's Master, Goultard. Rushu laughed as Anathar landed onto the island with him. Yugo saw this and looked down in confusion. ;"Adamai? Is that him down there?" He said. Qilby and Aeri stood on Rushu's shoulder much to the latters unfortune. She was clinging to Qilby for support and safety. Rushus voice boomed as he yelled: ;"We're gonna have so much fun, so many things to destroy!" He spread his arms. Shiro saw his sister, and was relieved she was alright. But confused as to why she and Qilby were so close to Rushu of all people. As the war on the Crimson Claws continued, things would only be turning towards worse.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 42: The Island

 

Prince Adal watched in horror as the Shushus fell through the portal onto the island, he had never seen such a thing in his life. Yugo watched with Phaeris as Anathar came into view. He could feel something was wrong with Adamai as soon as the possessed dragon appeared. He got a sharp pain in his head. ;"How can he be here? He was with Qilby..." Yugo said as he soon noticed Qilby smiling, standing on Rushu's shoulder, and Aeri who held onto dear life next to him. ;"That traitor, he's the cause of all of this!" Yugo said angrily watching the scene horrified. ;"Qilby, that name resonates in Phaeris' head like a distant vile echo." Phaeris said. ;"Phaeris? That's your name? How come I've never heard of you before?" Yugo asked. ;"Phaeris has guarded the treasure of this island for centuries child. A veil of invisibility prevented anyone from coming close." He explained. Yugo told him it was just like the one Grougaloragran created. Phaeris could remember him.

 

As soon as Rushu was on the ground, Aeri quickly portaled away, unable to be so close to him anymore. ;"Aeri! Wait!" Qilby yelled after her, when he noticed Phaeris up in the sky. ;"Anathar, if you want to test your powers, that dragon up there is the perfect opponent for it." He said, as Anathar grew wings and began flying towards Phaeris, who threw Yugo away from harms way. Then he engaged in a battle of dragons with Anathar, exchanging blows. The Fogflexes were attacking the Shushu's down on the ground, where Granny and Remington where hiding in the midst of battle, trying to find a place to hide in. Prince Adal ordered to bombard the island as he wasn't sure who to shoot at. Meanwhile Percedal was having the time of his life fighting the Shushus. Shiro wanted to find his sister as soon as possible but the many, many Shushus were coming at him from the air and the ground. He then began whacking them, and spitting fire. While doing so he also helped out some of the Foggernauts who were currently battling the Shushus down on the ground. Yugo went to Percedal, to tell him that he shouldn't stay on the battlefield. Rushu on the other hand wasn't happy that there were soldiers and an army in the sea. He grabbed Qilby before he could go after Aeri. ;"I knew you were hiding something you rat!" He yelled. Qilby tried to explain that he didn't know about the army, but Rushu began squeezing him in his hand, until Qilby grew his arm big enough to hit Rushu in the face. He then portaled away saying: ;"You fool! You're but a pawn, do whatever you want to this world, there won't be much left soon enough!" Rushu decided to fuse some of the submarines with him, creating a new kind of armor for himself with a robotic arm that could shoot similar beams to the other vessels. He began shooting back at them. Prince Adal ordered all Fogflexes to attack the Shushus on land. Yugo was trying to figure out how to free Adamai, he asked Rubilax about it but not even he knew how. Yugo decided that only Qilby could give him answers as he was the one responsible of all of this. He hopped from portal to portal trying to find him leaving Percedal and Rubi behind, who decided to fight for themselves. ;"Now who should we fight? On the left we have Rushu. Nearly unbeatable. On the right is the woman who owes me a a second round.. and up there, we have dragons. We can't go there anyway.. so. RUSHU IT IS!" Percedal decided. ;"Are you crazy?! You just said he was unbeatable!" Rubilax yelled. Percedal just smiled climbing his way towards Rushu. ;"Hey fatso!" He yelled. Rushu turned around to hit him with a fist surrounded by red energy, causing an explosion as he hit him.

 

Qilby had found Aeri who was watching the scene mortified. ;"Aeri, come with me, let's find my Dofus and leave this planet together!" He said reaching his hand towards her. Aeri didn't know what to feel. ;"Qilby I-" She started when Yugo appeared. ;"Qilby!" He yelled. ;"Ah Yugo, you've arrived. Do you like the show?" He asked. "I've never liked violence but seeing these idiots tear each other apart fascinates me." He said. "Compared to intelligence, strength is nothing." He continued. Aeri looked at the two. ;"Yugo! Are you okay? You're not hurt are you?" She asked worried. Yugo shook his head. ;"I'm fine... But he started all of this! He lied to us, and sent us on a journey so he could get the Eliacube!" He said. Qilby smiled. ;"I was too weak to fight you, besides I didn't lie, my Dofus is really on the island." He told Yugo. ;"You betrayed our kind and you-" Yugo said when Qilby hit him with his Wakfu arm. ;"Shut up! I didn't betray anyone, it was the other way around! Only Aeri and Shinonome have been there for me! And soon we'll be together to lead the Eliatrope people!" He laughed. "And believe me Yugo.." He said blasting towards him. "You won't ruin my plans a second time." He said. The two began fighting each other, by creating portals and blasting each other, they were pretty evenly matched. ;"Please don't! You're family!" Aeri yelled. ;"What have you done with Adamai!?" Yugo yelled. ;"That pest? I gave him to Rushu he would've come in my way sooner or later." Qilby said creating dozens of portals at the same time, Yugo watched in horror as he began blasting him. Yugo tried to dodge the best he could, blasting back, he managed to get behind Qilby, but he was caught by his foot, sending flying nearly into the ocean. Qilby went after him, still attacking him, as Aeri went after them both. Their little game of tag came to a close when Qilby hit Yugo down on the ground from behind him. He didn't get back up. Phaeris felt this and immediately dashed to his direction. Qilby made a Wakfu scythe saying: ;"You know, I would've liked this to go differently. Goodbye Yugo." He said raising the scythe, when Phaeris appeared to protect Yugo. Qilby dodged him and his fireball. Aeri watched the scene horrified. She didn't know who to help, or who's side she should be, they were all her family after all. ;"Phaeris remembers you Qilby the traitor, you started the war against Mechasms, millions of Eliatropes disappeared because of you!" Phaeris said. Remembering the time he took Qilby's left arm when they fought each other, Yugo sending him to the Blank Dimension, as a punishment for his crimes. Qilby told Phaeris that he was there to get his Dofus, but the dragon told him he'd never get it. That's when Anathar landed on the ground. Phaeris quickly took Yugo with his tail coiled around him and moved him to the side. Yugo yelled: ;"Give me back my brother!!" To Anathar who lunged towards Phaeris, breaking a wall behind them, falling into the waters below. Aeri was quick to act, portaling in after them. Qilby did so too as he felt his Dofus near by. The fall caused a vortex to appear. And Yugo, Phaeris and Anathar were taken underwater. Yugo nearly drowning in process.

 

Percedal and Rubilax were fighting Rushu who found Rubi's treachery likable. They jumped in towards Rushu who by using his index finger, sent them into a wall back first. He was about to hit them again when he sensed something. On the boat Evangelyne worried of Yugo, Percedal and Shiroazaad. ;"We can't leave them handle everything themselves! They'll get killed" She said. Amalia yelled: ;"Well maybe it teaches them not to toss us aside like this!" She huffed angrily. ;"Stop talking girls, something..  is coming closer." Ruel said. ;"I hear it too." Black Ink said. Laughter could be heard from above. Goultard jumped down into the ocean, the waters parting creating a small space for him. He then jumped back up creating a huge wave which moved the boat towards the Crimson Claw island. Goultard jumped on top of a cliff, breaking it's peak. ;"Rushu my old friend. What a surprise." He said. ;"Goultard?! I was intending to pay you a visit." Rushu said. ;"It seems you've forgotten the pact between two worlds." Goultard said. ;"They broke it first when they entered the Shukrute!" Rushu argued. Goultard noticed Percedal. ;"Dally? You know God's won't let this pass." He told Rushu.", ;"God's are too weak for me to worry about you insect. You too are but a shadow of your former self." Rushu said. ;"That's still enough to sent you to your own dimension." Goultard said. Rushu spat firestone at him, which Goultard easily dodged, and summoned his broken blade on a chain. Rushu summoned a giant battle hammer. Goultard jumped in the air, Percedal giving him a boost, as he dashed towards Rushu, swinging his blade he cut a part of his beard off. Rushy raised his hammer, and brought it down on Percedal and Goultard who both held it the best they could before Rushu managed to bring it down on them.

 

The boat finally made it to the shore, Evangelyne immediately jumped into battle, shooting the Shushus trying to locate Percedal. She asked Cléo to come with her, as Amalia went to Prince Adal to tell his plan wasn't working as well as he had thought. Amalia told him to instead concentrate on shooting the entrance or the portal in order to minimize friendly fire. He took it into "consideration" as he gave the order. Black Ink, Elaine and Ruel hid behind a broken up part of a Fogflex ans a rock, while Black Ink wanted to join the battle, when he tried he quickly retreated back, and got kicked by Elaine repeatedly for doing something so brash. Meanwhile Yugo, Phaeris and Aeri appeared from the waters. Aeri had made a portal big enough to take both Phaeris and Yugo through it. Phaeris laid Yugo on the ground, touching his forehead, he unlocked part of his abilities temporarily to be able to battle Qilby better. Usually it'd take years to master. Qilby appeared, saying: ;"Phaeris, you better tell me where my Dofus is, and MAYBE, I'll forgive you for taking my arm." He didn't comply. Instead he attacked Qilby, saying he wouldn't win even with the Eliacube. ;"Why do you think I brought friends?" He told the Dragon. Phaeris made a powerful blast, which made the cave they were in collapse. He took Aeri and Yugo to a carry, and began flying fast towards the room the Dofus was in. ;"Phaeris would've liked to meet his King differently." He told Yugo. ;"Your King? I see, so it was never Qilby, was it?" Yugo said. ;"Never. Phaeris has so many things he would like to tell you Yugo." He said. As they flew to the Dofus room, where a beautiful red egg was held on top of a long tree branch.  "Qilby can feel the vibrations of his Dofus, soon he'll be able to find us." Phaeris said. ;"Right you are again, Phaeris." Qilby said appearing. "I must thank you for keeping my Dofus safe for all these centuries." He said. ;"Keep the Dofus safe little King, I will handle the traitor." Said Phaeris, readying himself. ;"Stop calling me that!" Qilby yelled, as he made a portal appear, and Anathar lunged from the inside towards Phaeris. Yugo tried to get to the Dofus, but Qilby smacked him down on the ground with his Wakfu arm. Taking the Dofus for himself. ;"Shinonome, at last we're together." He said as the Dofus began to shine in brilliant blue hue. Pure energy appearing all around it. Qilby laughed. Aeri silently prayed that everything would end up well, as she watched Qilby closely. Yugo made a Wakfu sword and shield appear. ;"Qilby!! Let's finish this!" He yelled. As energy surrounded him. ;"Yugo please! There must be another way, please Don't Fight him!" Aeri yelled. ;"I- I can remember somethings.. about the Mechasm attack, and I'm sure he didn't mean for all of those people to perish like that! He couldn't have known." Aeri explained. Qilby looked at her softly. ;"I always said you were my favorite student." He said. Aeri felt conflicted. Yes Qilby might have done the bad thing Phaeris told them about, but he couldn't have known the full effect it'd have on their people right? He couldn't have..

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 43: War

As the war against the Shushus raged on, General Moffette was having the time of her life, destroying the black and red creatures ;"Come to mummy! I'll take good care of you!" She yelled as she ripped one of the Shushus in pieces with her Fogflex. She saw Prince Adal targetting the source of the problem with his guns, thinking it was the best way to go about it. Elaine, Ruel and Black Ink were hiding behind a former Fogflex when a giant Shushu appeared. ;"I wonder what you will taste like." It said as they screamed. Shiro came in flying to push the thing away, attacking it with his claws. He ripped it to shreds. Evangelyne and Cléophée came on soon after that. ;"Is everyone alright? Has anyone seen Dally?" Eva asked, when there was a giant explosion in coasts direction. ;"Never mind. I found him." She flatly said. Black Ink tried to play it cool saying they were in the middle of the battle as another one of the Shushus got turned into back goo, he jumped on Ruel covering his eyes with his tentacles. Eva went to where Percedal was, running and dodging through the battlefield much to Cléo's annoyance, as she couldn't even be sure if Percedal was there, yet she was ready to go anyway. ;"Love makes us blind", said Ruel. ;"I'll stay here and guard Ruel ans others, you can go after Evangelyne if you need to." Shiro told Cléo. ;"This is my fight. Too. Let's show these things what we can do. Together." She told him. He nodded.

 

Amalia was talking with Prince Adal who told her about his Kingdom. ;"Since we're sharing secrets, I might as well tell you.. I am the Prince of New Sufokia, the nation of seas and oceans." He told her. ;"But that nation disappeared years ago!" Amalia said. ;"That's what the world thinks, and I know what they say about my people. Our nation was wiped out but a giant tidal wave. If it weren't for our brilliant scientists, the entire nation might have been lost. Thanks to them we were able to build a dome, and survive underwater with our machines. Once we take a hold of the Crimson Claws, we'll be a nation once more. The island holds an ore which allows us to fuel our machines. See why this is so important to us? With it we could dominate the world! But we'd never do that, we're a peaceful nation." He told her while the cannons fired tirelessly at their enemy. Amalia wasn't sure what to make of it.
Meanwhile underwater Goultard and Percedal were holding onto Rushus hammer, they managed to throw it back at him, rising from the waters. ;"Are you alright Dally-O?" Asked Goultard. Percedal, tired but happy to be a part of such fight, gave a thumbs up. ;"We're all believing in you Dally-O." Rubilax mocked. Rushu was about to crush them with his hammer when he could feel something wrong with his Shushu. He turned to witness them being wiped out by the cannons. He threw a part of the cliff at the Sufokian army who quickly began shooting at the flying target, which turned into smaller boulders. It caused a giant wave to happen from impact, as it sent it out towards the Sufokian submarine. Prince Adal didn't panic as it was supposed to be unbreakable. The ship was however damaged a little from inside, as water came in with a bit of fire going on in the engines. Amalia explained that Rushu had the power of God's. ;"My friends ran into him before, they witnessed his power close by." She said. ;"What I've learned from long time ago Princess is that there is no Gods. Mostly they're just beings with abnormal powers. Beings I have made my duty to wipe off the map!" He told her, his face red from anger.

 

Evangelyne was hopping from rock to rock in the battlefield where one of Rushus attacks nearly hit her. She was safe once she got to a more quieter spot. There she daw Remington and Granny hiding. Eva was ready to pull out her bow at them when Remington told her, that in that setting their past hardly matters. ;"I want to get out of here, and not fight." He said. ;"That's true he just hides and screams like a little girl!" His Shushu weapons told her. ;"If you Haven't noticed we're on an island. And if Rushu wins, I don't think I have to tell you what he'll do with the survivors." She told them. Evangelyne then went to find Percedal. Goultard was busy coming up with a plan to defeat Rushu with Percedal, who got distracted when he saw Eva. ;"Does Rushu even HAVE a weak spot??" Rubilax asked Goultard, who was sure he had one. Percedal the told him to take care of Eva while he went to fight, climbing on Rushu. Yugo readied himself to face Qilby, who gave his Dofus for Aeri to hold. ;"Please hold onto this for me." He told her. "Yugo, my dear Yugo." Qilby began. ;"You must know that despite our differences we both have the same goal, to help our people." He said summoning his Wakfu scythe. ;"You never wanted to help our people, you only wanted to use them! You only thought of yourself. We have nothing in common!" Yugo said running at Qilby, jumping into a portal. Qilby was waiting for him to attack from behind. ;"I'm here!" Yugo said from the front. "Backstabbing is your specialty. Not mine!" He said as he swinged his sword which was stopped by Qilby's scythe. ;"You've always been arrogant Yugo." Qilby said, hitting him towards the ceiling, as Yugo made portals to come closer and throw his shield at him. Qilby dodged, hitting the shield away from him. The two engaged in a Scythe, Sword battle with their powers. Swinging at each other, and using their portals to dodge and inflict damage. Aeri watched the scene before her, she fell on her knees. ;"Shinonome... tell me. What can I do to help?" She asked quietly, holding onto the Dofus, burying her face in her hands as tears began to fall down her cheeks. Phaeris tried to help Yugo, to take him from harms way but Anathar lunged at him from the side, and through a wall. ;"I have an understanding and knowledge you'll never understand Yugo. I keep all my memories from my previous lives. I witnessed the birth of our people. From it's rise to it's decline.", ;"Which YOU are responsible of!" Yugo yelled. ;"Of course, there was nothing left to do on our planet. And nobody was listening to me." Qilby said. ;"You started the war against Mechasms. knowing our people would suffer, and would have to flee! And you did it anyway." Yugo said disappointed. "You put our world in danger, and now you're about to destroy another." He continued. Qilby extended his Wakfu arm to grab Yugo by the neck. ;"Your lack of maturity makes your views simplistic. If like me you had several thousands years of knowledge, you'd know we're nothing in the Krosmoz!" Qilby said, smashing Yugo to the ceiling. ;"Every living being thinks they're at the center of everything. Their routine becomes the most important thing. Let's leave such thinking to lesser minds Yugo." He told him pushing his side with his foot. "We have the privilege of being immortal. To wander the Krosmoz without a worry in the world. Living beings are born and disappear by thousands every second! Worlds are created and destroyed. We have the luck to witness this Krosmic dance and you want to waste it to protect a world that isn't even yours!?" Qilby yelled, as he swinged his scythe towards Yugo trying to hit him. Yugo formed his shield to protect himself. ;"You're wrong Qilby. This world IS mine!" He said making Qilby back away from him. ;"I've met some incredible people here.. and despite all your big speeches I'm willing to give my life protecting it!" Yugo argued. ;"You always had a habit of dying for very little Yugo." Qilby said smiling. They engaged in another fight which ended with Qilby shooting a beam of light at Yugo who flew to a wall back first. He didn't have much power to fight back. "Seems like this time your wishes will be granted my friend." Qilby said as he formed a ball of energy on his hand, to send multiple smaller beams at Yugo.

 

Phaeris took the hits for him. ;"You swore allegiance to a child knowing all I could offer?" Qilby asked Phaeris. ;"You will never have what our people have always needed." Phaeris said. ;"Which is?" Qilby asked smiling. ;"Love!" Phaeris answered. Qilby began firing at Phaeris on a fast pace. ;"Maybe not alone.." Qilby said glancing at Aeri, who looked back at him. ;"Qilby. Please don't do this." She pleaded. ;"Don't worry, this will be over in a moment." Qilby told her, Anathar came through the wall jumping on Phaeris, and going to Qilby's side. ;"You're going to pay for the arm you took from me." Qilby said, as he sent another blast towards Phaeris which was quickly covered by Yugo's shield. Qilby began rapid firing at Yugo who was struggling to hold the shield up. Anathar felt something inside him change. He could feel Adamai had began to fight back. ;"Farewell my brothers, know that I never intended it to go this way, but it was necessary." Qilby said as he readied his attack. ;"Child King you must flee." Phaeris said to Yugo who still refused to leave his side. It wasn't until Anathar screamed that Qilby got distracted. ;"What now? Can't you see this is crucial moment? My brothers deserve to leave this place honorably no?" He asked. ;"It's the dragon..." Anathar said. ;"Adamai, yes what about him?" Qilby asked. ;"He's fighting.." Anathar told him. ;"Well fight back you're not going to-" Qilby was about to say when Anathar suddenly opened his mouth, light coming out of it. Him and Adamai had been separated. ;"Adamai!" Both Yugo and Aeri yelled. ;"Hey, I'm back." Adamai said falling unconscious. Too tired to move. Anathar got up. ;"That's impossible! No one has ever been able to break free from me!" He said shocked. ;"Poor puppet, nothing is impossible to the Eliatrope people." Qilby said. ;"Are you calling ME a puppet?!" He yelled. ;"Of course, who else?" Qilby asked. Anathar tried to hit him, but Qilby redirected his blow back at him with his portals. "Poor dim-witted creature, do you want to end up as Shushi?!" He asked gesturing to his scythe. ;"N-no! You have your friends to attend to!" Anathar panicked. ;"Maybe you're not as stupid as you look. It's better this way isn't it?" Qilby extended his Wakfu arm sending Yugo to Adamai. He then pointed at both Him and Adamai, and Phaeris creating balls of energy to both of his hands. He was ready to release the energy when there was a rumble. ;"Is something going to get in the way every time I'm about to finish you off?! Is that it??" Qilby asked annoyedly. ;"Absolutely not. I'm just helping you reconcile." Said Anathar punching at a wall making stalactites fall one by one. ;"This poor dim-witted creature wouldn't want to ruin yout reunion." He said punching more, causing a cave in. Qilby hurried to Aeri's side to make a portal, as Phaeris jumped on top of Yugo and Adamai to protect them.

 

Meanwhile, Percedal was scaling Rushu climbing on his head and began whacking him multiple times on the face. Eva sent an arrow at him. ;"That tickles." Rushu said. ;"And it's a good distraction." Eva said as Goultard tied his chain around Rushus ankle, throwing him in the air as Percedal jumped down to get Evangelyne out of harms way. Rushu cursed under his breath when Goultard smashed him to a cliff. What came from Rushus side were tentacle like appendages. They coiled around Goultard. As a one eyed smaller creature appeared. It was completely black. ;"Is that Rushu?? But he's so small!" Percedal said. ;"That's his true form the thirty feet tall version is just to scare us." Rubilax said. Goultard broke free from the tentacles as he dashed towards Rushu with his blade who in turn took his hammer and flew towards Goultard. In the cave, ;"Two dragons and three Eliatropes in one strike. Now that's what I call a good job." Anathar said. Qilby and Aeri appeared from Qilby's portal. ;"Did you really think that would get rid of us?" Qilby asked. ;"It crossed my mind yes but it cost nothing to check..." Anathar said scared. ;"Yes it's going to cost you." Qilby said as he blasted towards Anathar who was left under a pile of rocks. ;"Now where were we? Oh yes." Qilby said taking his Dofus from Aeri, he began to make a portal. "Time to liberate our people and leave this world." He said. Phaeris held up a big stalactite, on his back from crushing Yugo and Adamai. ;"Little King can you see anything?" He asked. ;"Yes I see Qilby and Aeri. He's making a portal." He said. ;"You must stop him. Only you can get out of here." Phaeris told him. Yugo didn't want to leave but Adamai convinced him to. ;"I do what I can." He said. Qilby held his Dofus as a portal appeared. ;"After you my dear." He told Aeri who hesitantly went in. Qilby was about to follow when Yugo lunged at him sending them both inside. While travelling Qilby threw Yugo off of his back and into a place completely Blank. Yugo ran around in panic as he couldn't see anyone. ;"Qilby!!" He yelled. ;"So Yugo what do you think?" Qilby whispered from behind him. Yugo began to fall. ;"This is where you locked me for so many years! I fell into a coma, unable to think! Because of you I became undead!" Qilby yelled as he dashed towards Yugo multiple times. "After all I did for you this wasn't exactly what I had in mind as a reward." He told Yugo. ;"You betrayed your kind, destroyed our people and are about to do it again and you want us to pity you?!" Yugo yelled. ;"That would be appropriate. At least SOME of you seem to understand." He looked at Aeri, who looked at the ground. "But tell me, do you know why we came here?" Qilby asked. ;"I don't care and I'll do anything to stop you!" Yugo said jumping towards Qilby who hit him at the back of his neck sending him back down. ;"This Blank Dimension that was my prison for so long is on the road to the zone where our people are in, only the Eliacube is preventing us from not getting lost. Do you want to come with us to visit them?" He asked Yugo who couldn't say a word. ;"I'll take that as a yes." He said lifting Yugo up with his power. "And then I'll let you stay here for a few thousand years, you'll see it makes a man completely insane." He told him, throwing Yugo in to a portal him and Aeri following soon after. What he saw were children surrounding him, on a green small planet. There were similar ones near by. Full of other Eliatrope children. ;"Yugo is here! Tell everyone!" One of them said. Yugo watched in awe as more children began appearing around him.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 44: Emrub

Thousands of children gathered to come see their King Yugo who just arrived to their dimension. Yugo looked around confused. ;"Are you all Eliatropes?" He asked. One of the children grabbed his hand softly. ;"We are Eliatropes, but we're not like you. You're the King." She said smiling. Some of them surrounded Aeri as well. ;"Look it's Aeri!" One of them said, grabbing a hold of her cloak. Aeri shyly smiled at them, holding onto Shinonome's Dofus. Qilby placed his hands on Yugo's shoulders. ;"Welcome home Yugo, here, you are with your own kind, your family." He said. ;"My Family?" Yugo asked.

On Crimson Claws, the battle was still on-going, as Shiro battled the Shushus with the Fogflexes in his dragon form. Goultard had his hands full battling against Rushu whom he, tied with his chain, punching him upwards multiple times as the chain kept bringing him down. Finally he kicked him down from high up, releasing him from the chain. Rushu came from underground to try and bite him, but Goultard grabbed his hands in his and kept him away from himself. Evangelyne and Percedal watched the fight when they noticed something wrong with the giant Zaap portal. ;"Look Dally! It's shrinking!" She said. "Only a little while longer and this nightmare will end." She told him embracing him. ;"But I don't want it to end, it was just getting good!" He complained. ;"Iop brain." She told him, tapping her forehead slightly. ;"Hey! We agreed you wouldn't do that anymore!" He argued. Goultard and Rushu noticed it as well. ;"Qilby you treacherous little flower, you fooled me!" Rushu complained while fighting. He bit Goultards arm who in turn hit his head against Rushus multiple times to make him let go. A powerful aura began shining around him. ;"You've become the new God Iop?!" Rushu said shocked. Evangelyne was shocked too: ;"Your Master is the God Iop?!" She said. Percedal smiled awkwardly. Rushu called all of hid Shushus to him which turned into giant black goop of mass. They slithered towards Rushu who ate the entire thing, turning in form, getting an extra eye on his chest and new spines on his shoulders and feet. ;"Let's see if you have the courage and will power of the old God." Rushu said hitting Goultard, who was sent backwards. The two engaged in a quick battle as they exchanged kicks and punches at a rapid speed. Percedal wanted to join in on the fight but Eva wasn't so sure about it. ;"What's going on there is way beyond our understanding." She said. Grabbing his finger. He turned back to normal, looking at her, placing a kiss on her lips. ;"I have waited my whole life for a fight like this I must help my Master." He told her. ;"But you won't be able to do anything." She told him. ;"Winning isn't important. Participation is!" He said taking his sword out, running to cover his master. ;"Well well, if it isn't the suicidal Iop and the traitor Rubilax. How could you betray your people. Your own brothers!" Rushu said. ;"My brothers? My FAMILY? Is this the same family that fed me to Pirashus?" Rubilax asked angrily. ;"Well said my buddy!" Said Percedal. Evangelyne drawed her bow, coming next to Percedal. ;"Together till the end Dally." She said. Goultard grabbed Rushu by the waist. ;"Let's continue this little chat at your dimension dear Rushu!" He said. Rushu began hitting him with his elbows down to the ground. ;"No! Now that I'm finally here I'm staying!" He yelled. ;"Master I'm coming!" Percedal yelled. ;"No way! You still have lot of things to take care of here, daddy!" He winked as he jumped into the air with Rushu still in his hold. And into the portal. Once it disappeared it caused a big blast, which even the Foggernauts could feel in their submarine.

Back in Emrub, Yugo was busy looking around. ;"There are thousands of you.. but.. No adults?" He asked. A big white elderly dragon on a pillow came to view. ;"Their parents were lost in the war against Mechasms." He explained. He was a big, sturdy dragon with a white beard and blue eyes. ;"Balty?" Asked Aeri. The dragon turned to look at her. ;"It's good to see you little sister. But not with him. What are you doing here after what you did to these children's parents?!" Baltazar said. He climbed down from his little pillow which was floating in the air to stare down at Qilby angrily. Turning red in color as he got angrier. ;"You should watch your words dragon, just like me you wouldn't want to fight in front if these children. Think of the consequences." Qilby said smiling looking at the Eliatrope children. Baltazar immediately went in front of the children to protect them. ;"Why did you come here Qilby?" Baltazar asked. ;"For my people of course. It's high time we were reunited, to travel the Krosmoz like we used to." He explained. ;"You're insane. After everything you did. You think we'd follow you?!" Baltazar spat. "And you'd destroy Yugo's and Aeri's adoptive world!" He continued. Qilby extended his Wakfu arm to grab Baltazar by the neck and press him down onto the ground. ;"Balty!" Aeri yelled teary eyed. "Qilby.. please don't-" She tried to say. Baltazar turned white because of the hit. ;"Of course you'll follow me, we are the chosen people. We can explore the Krosmoz and that's what we're going to do!" Qilby explained as more children gathered around Baltazar to try and help him. "Whether you like it or not my dear Baltazar." Qilby continued. ;"Baltazar would rather die than follow the traitor of his people!" The dragon said. ;"That can be arranged!" Qilby said tightening his grip. Aeri grabbed his other arm. ;"Qilby please don't hurt him!" She pleaded. For a moment there was hesitation in his expression. Yugo blasted him in the face. Aeri backed away from him. ;"Ah, you. I should've gotten rid of you when I had the chance." Qilby said annoyedly at Yugo. ;"But you didn't. Just like you didn't finish Phaeris when you could've. And why you won't finish Baltazar, or any of the children here!" Yugo said. ;"Yugo..." Aeri said listening to him. ;"Attention everyone! Our King has just gotten a revelation. He thinks that he knows me. Now please do tell, why won't I get rid of you?" Qilby asked sarcastically. ;"Because you'll end up alone, and that's your greatest fear." Yugo said. "You claim you can get rid of us, but from the beginning you've been gathering us together! You could've defeated us many times now! You sent me to Phaeris, you brought us here. You betrayed your people, started a war, caused the downfall of your brothers and now you're about to end another world. But you Don't want to leave alone." Yugo explained as he walked forward. "The problem is that we know you Qilby. No more lies. Maybe I'm just a kid, but my heart tells me no one will follow you." He said. Qilby glanced at Aeri. ;"Oh? And you're sure about this?"  He said as a matter of factly. ;"If you want to leave, don't mind us." Yugo said. ;"Aeri, you will come with me won't you?" Qilby asked. Aeri hesitated. ;"Qilby I.. I'd want to, I really would, but what it costs is.. too much." She said sadly. ;"Say what you want Qilby, but you'll leave alone." Yugo said. ;"Shut up!!" Qilby yelled blasting at Yugo, sending him against a planet, which broke apart from the impact. The children got angry at him, trying to attack him. Qilby raised his Wakfu arm and brought it down on them, sending them flying onto the ground. Qilby began walking forward. "You don't know me, or my curse. So keep your childish advices to yourself." He told Yugo. "We are the chosen people, and you'd want to keep us and our knowledge on ONE PLANET? By doing so you'd chain your people down!" Qilby lectured. ;"And you put them six feet under." Said Baltazar. He began flying towards Qilby at a great speed. ;"Have a taste at Baltazar's power!" He said as he flew by Qilby and onto the ground. ;"Impressive. You never had a warrior's soul Baltazar. Put your head back in your books. It's less painful that way." Qilby said kicking his face.

Yugo took of his hat showing his Wakfu wings as he rose into the air. ;"Why won't you understand that no one will come with you?" He asked. "And as for me, I'll fight you no matter what." He said. ;"Yugo! Please don't do this." Aeri said. "There has to be a better way." She continued, clutching onto the Dofus. "Please!" She pleaded. Every child removed their hats and rose into the air as well. ;"We'll fight you Qilby!" They said. "We'll get our revenge!" Some of them said. "Murderer of our parents!" They yelled. ;"Shut up!" Qilby yelled. Aeri watched the scene heartbroken. "Please don't do this.." she mumbled under her breath as tears began falling down her cheeks. ;"I came to offer you a glorious destiny! But since you're all too stupid to understand. I'll just my dragon sister and Aeri with me and leave!" He said. ;"You're not going anywhere Qilby. Not if it means the destruction of the World of Twelve." Yugo said. ;"Oh really?? And you think a bunch of kids will be able to stop me?!" He yelled. He glanced at Aeri who still held the Dofus of Shinonome. As he dashed towards her. The children created a wall of portals to blast Qilby with. They then launched their attack. Qilby portaled on a smaller planet, the children close after him, he threw the planet at them, who in turn blasted it into tinier bits. Qilby flew away from their attack, but they managed to hit him anyway. He flew through a small asteroid, and then, the children dashed at him multiple times, attacking from every direction. He tried to attack back but it didn't work. He then made portals all around him, hitting all directions at once, sending the kids back onto the planet. And onto the ground. They fell one by one. Baltazar and Aeri watched horrified. Aeri tried to help any children she could by creating portals to catch them. ;"What a bunch of brats..." Qilby said under his breath. ;"Qilby." Shinonome said. ;"I'm coming my sister!" Qilby said as he flew to Aeri and Shinonome. He grabbed his Dofus in his Wakfu arm. ;"You're the only other one who's ever understood me, let's leave together. And-" Qilby tried to say but wad interrupted. ;"No. This must stop." Shinonome said. She caused a blast, making Qilby fall on the ground, his Wakfu arm separated from his body. ;"It can't be.." Qilby said as he saw what had happened. His form had changed again. This time his nails were black, his hair and beard were straw colored and around his eyes and around his lips were dark blue. He had dim markings on his body in light red. He tried to crawl towards the now separated Eliacube, where Yugo stood next to it. ;"Give me back the Eliacube! It belongs to me!" Qibly yelled. ;"Qilby, you must stop." Shinonome said. ;"Shinonome my sister, I've missed you so much. Please help me!" Qilby pleaded. ;"No, this must stop now, your quest has already cost too much to the Eliatrope people." She said. Her Dofus hovering in the air. "Do you think it was all worth it?" She asked. ;"It.. it was to me." Qilby said sadly. "Give me back the Eliacube!" Qilby yelled. ;"Never!" Yugo said. Aeri got in between the two. ;"ENOUGH. It is over." She said. She looked at Qilby. "It's over. Please. Don't Fight anymore. Your in no shape to do so." She told him. He sat on his knees. She then looked at Yugo. "What are you going to do to him?" She asked assertively. ;"There's only one thing to do. To sent him back to the Blank Dimension." He told her. ;"No! That is what caused all of this in the first place. You doing so changes nothing!" Aeri argued. ;"What would you have me do then? Leave him here? Set him free? Get out of the way Aeri." Yugo commanded. ;"No." Aeri said placing herself protectively in front of Qilby. "I won't let you send him there again." She said. ;"Then what do you suggest?" Baltazar asked calmly. ;"Look. I know what he's done, I know it won't bring your parents back, but even he doesn't deserve to end up in that Dimension! Not even Rushu deserves that! To be all alone for thousands of years without time, without anything or anyone... Please. Give me a week to find a solution. And if not... Then you can send me to the Blank Dimension with him. At least he won't be all alone." Aeri said. ;"Aeri.. Are you sure you should-" Yugo started. ;"I've made up my mind. I don't care if you sent guards, or whoever with me to check that I'm actually doing as promised. But I refuse to leave him again we just got him back. He's family no matter what. So please. One week is all I ask." She said looking at Baltazar. "Please Balty." She pleaded. He looked at her determined eyes. ;"Very well. One week." Aeri went to help Qilby up. ;"Let's go home." She said grabbing his hand. ;"...Thank you." He whispered. Aeri smiled. Yugo gave the Eliacube and Shinonome's Dofus for Baltazar and the children to guard. ;"You're all coming with us aren't you?" He asked. ;"That won't be possible Young King." Baltazar said. ;"Why not?" Yugo asked. ;"For thousands of reasons. You're not ready to reign over us and the world isn't ready to welcome us." Baltazar argued. "From here we can watch over you, and this is the second time the Eliacube has gotten the world in danger, it is dangerous to leave with beings with such little wisdom." He explained. ;"But I just found you. I don't want to lose you again." He said. ;"You're not losing us, you never did. We have been watching your adventures from when you were little. Soon you will make a great Eliatrope King." Baltazar said. "And on that day we'll come to you so that you can guide us like you did in the past." He continued. ;"We'll see each other soon, for now I'll leave you to watch over the Eliacube. It's in safer hands than it was in mine." Yugo said. One of the children brought back his hat, which he put back on. "Now you must free Grougaloragran and reunite with your friends." Baltazar said sending Yugo, Aeri and Qilby back with the Eliacube.

Percedal and Eva were making their way towards the beach. ;"Um.. what do you think Master meant when he called me 'daddy'?" Percedal asked. ;"I don't know." Eva confessed. ;"Do you think that maybe you.. Is it possible..?" Percedal asked twiddling with his fingers. ;"With an idiot like you? I don't think so." Remington said holding a gun towards Eva while keeping her in a hold. "Did you forget about me dumbass?" He asked. Percedal was forzen, shocked. "Now here's how this'll work. You'll give me your sword and I'll give you back the blondie." Remington said. Cléo ran towards them shooting Remington's gun from his hand. ;"Give me back my sister!" She commanded. Remington took aim with his other gun and pushed Eva away as he got ready to shoot. Eva however got in the way ;"Cléophée no!" She yelled as she jumped in the way. That's when Percedal got mad. He began walking towards Remington, who shot at him, but Dally just moved his head a little to dodge. He threw Rubilax to the ground and punched Remington with all of his might into the sea. Granny took Remi's gun and was promptly kicked away as well. ;"Don't worry Dally I'm okay." Eva said holding her shoulder. ;"Eva.. what do you say we took a break from adventuring... just for a few months?" Percedal said. ;"Just for a few months then." She said hugging him. Cléo joined in on the hug. ;"That was an excellent shot Cléo, not many could've done that!" Eva said. ;"Oh you're just saying that make me feel better." She said.

The Fogflexes marched back on their ship as Prince Adal wondered what just happened. ;"Oh it's very simple. You came to get some ore and saved the world." Amalia said. ;"Oh is that it?" Adal said. General Moffette was happy as well she hadn't had this much fun in ages. ;"Thanks for the vacation Prince Adal!" She saluted. Phaeris, Adamai and Shiroazaad helped some of the leftover soldiers on the island who were incredibly afraid of the three dragons at first. ;"Phaeris means you no harm human." He said. Phaeris fell on his knees. ;"Phaeris! Are you okay??" Adamai asked worried. ;"Phaeris is fine don't worry about it.", he said. ;"It's amazing how much you're like Grougaloragran.." Shiroazaad said. ;"Phaeris takes that as a compliment." He said when Yugo emerged from the portal with Grougal in hand, with Aeri and Qilby. ;"The traitor!" Phaeris yelled. Aeri put her hand in front of Qilby protectively. ;"We have an arrangement. Please don't attack him anymore." She said. Phaeris was confused but understood. Yugo hugged Adamai as Shiro hugged Aeri. ;"I love you bro." Yugo said. "I found our people they'll be joining us soon!" He told Adamai. Cléo and others came to them too, Amalia who was still mad at Yugo came as well: ;"Yugo! How dare you leave us like a pair of dirty socks?!" She yelled, before hugging him "I was so scared!" She cried. ;"Where are Ruel, Black Ink and Elaine?" Yugo asked. The trio were currently busy trying to make themselves look as if they had been to a battle, they emerged complaining from behind a broken up Fogflex. Yugo laughed. Adal was thanking everyone for their help in battle, Cléo decided to go on an adventure with Black Ink and Elaine. Yugo and his friend flew on Phaeris' back and Qilby and Aeri on Shiro's back home. Remington and Granny had managed to steal a small submarine for themselves to use it was half way broken and full of water. ;"With this technological marvel we'll make a fortune!" Remington laughed. ;"Remi! It's leaking!!" Granny meowed, as the two began their long journey towards civilization. Alibert had decided to let Shiro and Aeri stay with his house since they had no where to go, and for the time being so would Qilby until Aeri would found a solution. Alibert was wary of him, but Aeri assured him he wouldn't do anything to anyone anymore.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 45: The Solution

It had almost been a week since the war on Crimson Claw Archipelago. Aeri was currently busy trying to find a solution for Qilby's situation. Of course they couldn't just let him go, he DID try to end the world, but putting him in the Blank Dimension was far too cruel for anyone to bear. She worked hard each day trying to get the pieces to match to the bigger picture. Qilby of course went with her where ever she went since she had promised not to let him out of her sight. Yugo, Shiro and Adamai went with her, to really make sure he wouldn't try anything. They were currently on the way to Justice Tower. ;"And you're sure we'll find what you need here?" Adamai asked doubtful. ;"Yes Adamai, I'm sure. They had them last time we were here." Aeri said reassuringly. ;"Them?" Qilby asked curiously. ;"You'll see." She said. Once they were there, they were greeted by both Justice Knight and his Father, both of them posed like heroes. ;"How can we help you?" They asked. ;"We're in need of one of your Inhibitors, if you don't mind?" Aeri asked. ;"For what?" Justice asked. ;"For ermh.. shall we say "living arrangements?"" She said. They DID happen to have one they could take, but the knights still wondered what it was for. Aeri hurriedly covered it with her cloak, thanking the two for their contribution. Next, it would be a visit to the Sadida Kingdom. This would be the harder part of their little journey.

Amalia was glad to see Yugo, Adamai, Shiro and Aeri, but she didn't exactly squeal with joy upon seeing Qilby there. Aeri had to work as a mediator between them. ;"We're here on a mission actually, though it does help that you're here Amalia. It's something that concerns you and your Father." Aeri said. Qilby tried to ignore all the angry looks he was getting, when he walked in the hallway. Aeri walked close by lightly holding onto his shoulder. Yugo and Adamai still weren't quite sure about all of this, but Shiro at least tried to stay hopeful of the situation. They were allowed an audience with the King. ;"King Oakheart, it is nice to see you again." Aeri started, bowing to him. The others did the same. "I'm here to talk to you about a rather important topic.. It is about Qilby actually." She said. "Everyone seems to be worried about what to do with him, and to be honest, the other option of sending him to the Blank Dimension, doesn't really seem fair to me." She explained. King Oakheart looked at Qilby, frowning. ;"Not only did he take the Eliacube, he lied to us, used us, and nearly caused the world to end. Why have you brought him with you here?" He asked pinching the bridge of his nose. ;"It is BECAUSE he did all of that, that I think he should remain in this world. He isn't able go leave even if he wanted to now, which in itself is  punishment enough. But I know that many would rather see him behind bars." She said. The King nodded. ;"Myself included." Aeri coughed. ;"Which is why I'm asking you, if it would be possible to place him in one of your jail cells? We have an inhibitor with us, which stops him from using all or his Eliatrope powers. He wouldn't be able to escape." She showed the eye to them, quickly covering it after. "Of course, I would come by to see him personally as this arrangement was my idea to begin with." She continued. ;"THAT'S your plan? Putting him in jail?" Adamai argued. ;"I'd rather that, than let him rot in a Dimension without time." Aeri said back. "Besides he'd had all the time in the world to reflect on his behavior here as well. This is just more humane." She said. "Of course only if you allow it King Oakheart." She said. The King pondered for a while. ;"The Brotherhood of Tofu has saved my Kingdom from certain doom before, and they just saved the world from this mad man's plans.." He said. Aeri remained hopeful, but could feel the cold sweat fall down her temples as she awaited the King's answer. ;"I don't pretend I know what you've all been through because of him, but what I wish for you to do is to take the full picture in consideration. He is at the end of the day, part of our people, even with his faults. He was driven mad by being in Blank Dimension, sending him back there wouldn't change a thing, plus we'll be able to monitor him here much better. We'd know his every move. I hope you'll understand that." Aeri explained them.

The King lift his hand up and towards Qilby. ;"Qilby the Eliatrope, for your crimes against the people of Sadida, nay the people of the World of Twelve. I hereby sentence you in behalf of everyone else, to jail in Sadida Kingdom, indefinitely." He said. Aeri could feel a surge of mixed feelings arising. Sure she was happy that Qilby would stay with them in World of Twelve, but sad that he would indeed have to be imprisoned. Even though she saw no other option for it. He was placed in a jail cell, with the Inhibitor in the ceiling watching his every move. The room he was in was different from most. The cell itself was made from stone and wood, but the room was much cleaner and on upper levels for holding a special kind of inmate. Aeri watched as Qilby was put in the jail cell. ;"I promise you I'll come visit you as often as I can." She said quietly at him. He nodded. "I'm sorry it had to go this way, I just wished there was another solution. But..there really isn't. Right?" Qilby lifted his head up to look at her. ;"Not that I can think of, no. But this is probably for the best. For now at least." He said. Shiro put his hands on her shoulders reassuringly, as she got teary eyed from having to witness Qilby's imprisonment. ;"Happy now?" She asked Yugo. He didn't look at her. She didn't resent him, but felt bad they'd have to split their family apart like this. If only there was a way they could all be together like they used to.. Before the war. Adamai huffed. ;"Well it's a step forward at least. You sure you can keep coming here just like that though?" He asked Aeri. ;"Please. I can handle this much. I think." She said trying to sound brave. ;"Let's just go home." Yugo said. While he wouldn't exactly say it out loud, he was relieved he didn't have to send Qilby to the Blank Dimension, that decision alone gave Yugo a lot of anxiety. Aeri thanked Amalia on the way out, as well as King Oakheart.

During her visits, Aeri would bring Qilby some books to read to help pass the time. She would spent some time talking with him about everything, and eventhough they had a guard next to them, it seemed to go rather well most of the time. Qilby nearly forgot he was in prison to begin with, the only thing reminding him were the bars in front of him. Alibert was quite worried for Aeri, as she spent most of her time in Sadida, with Qilby, while Shiroazaad helped around with Grougal and Chibi, with Yugo and Adamai. After some time had passed, they'd even let Qilby go on walks. With a guard who held the Inhibitor of course. During those times him and Aeri would be able to enjoy the nature, be nearly free. Only his powerlessness serving as a reminder, they weren't alone with each other. ;"Aeri, in theory. If us leaving wouldn't take the planets energy, would you come with me?" He asked her. Aeri smiled. ;"I would've liked nothing more than that." She  answered. The guard assigned to Qilby had accidentally started listening to their "private" conversation. ;"If only it was that simple." Qilby said sadly, adjusting his new glasses, which Aeri had given to him, since his old ones broke, after the transformation. ;"But this planet isn't so bad either. I just wish I could show it to you. And let you meet the people I've met during my travels." Aeri said. The guard got a bit teary eyed listening to them, trying to hide the fact. ;"Maybe some day you will.." Qilby said. ;"You'd like them I'm sure." She told him. Telling him about the Rogues in Bonta and about Palani and other Huppermages
"But most of all I wish I could go on a journey with you and Shiro." She said. "You along with Shinonome are my favorite people! Don't tell the others though, they could get jealous." She said giggling. Now the guard was just plain crying. ;"It's so sad! Why can't you two just travel together??" The guard said, earning confused glances from both Aeri and Qilby. They both laughed soon after this. Qilby may have had done some questionable things during his time, but Aeri knew that even so, his past gentleness and kindness towards her and his sister hadn't been a lie or a ruse. He had truly cared about them, and still did.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 46: Seven Lightnings 

 

Aeri had been sending letters to her Bontarian Rogue friends, about Yugo and his friends, as well as her adventures with Shiro. While they had been busy, trying to locate all of the missing members of Seven Lightnings, they now were busy with a new task. To go and see Aeri and Shiroazaad in Emelka. It had provided them with a little challenge, since the village in question, was small and hard to find. They had gotten turned around more than once trying to locate it. Once they finally managed to find it, they had gotten curious looks from the villagers, as it wasn't often they saw such a group wandering in to their little village. Most had hidden themselves or went home immediately, as a group of Rogues usually meant trouble. Lightning wasn't sure why the people seemed scared, they were just a little band of Rogues. Measly group of thirty or so, all put together with their individual groups.

 

Alibert was having his hands full with the restaurant, Shiro, Aeri, Yugo and Adamai helped tremendously, with their respective powers, as well as keeping an eye on little Chibi and Grougaloragran. They were just serving the food when someone came in running. ;"Rogues! A big band of them!" He yelled as he panicked. Everyone instantly got worried about the news, even more so when they actually saw them approaching, with weapons and all. ;"Run for your lives!" Someone yelled. The people were in panic as the Lightnings came closer. Alibert took his trusty shovel off of the wall, to protect his children. ;"No Rogue is going to set a foot in here!" He declared. Aeri and Yugo prepared to fight as well, until the former actually saw who the Rogues in question were. She smiled widely as she saw them, and went to greet them. ;"Everyone it's alright! I  know these Rogues! They won't hurt you!" She announced. ;"Heya kid!" Lighting greeted. ;"Hey old timer!" Aeri said back as they shook hands. "Are they...?" Aeri began. ;"The rest of our gang? Yes!" Lighting said smiling. ;"Aeri? How exactly do you know these Rogues?" Alibert questioned. Aeri just knew there was going to be a lecture about this later, despite the fact she was the older one. ;"They're my... friends?" She said giving an awkward smile to Alibert. "Shiro knows them too!" She pointed out. Shiro gave a quick glare to her. ;"What? You do!" She argued. "So Alibert... These are the Seven Lightnings Rogues." She introduced them. "I kind of told them all about you guys, in my letters.." she said scratching the back of her head awkwardly. "Seven Lightnings. This is my family. Well not all of it, but all who live here in Emelka." She said. Lightning went to shake hands with Alibert who hesitantly did the same. ;"As long as you don't try to steal anything you may stay." He said squinting his eyes in angry manner. ;"You got a deal old man." He said smiling at him. "He seems nice, your dad." Lightning told her. ;"He is, just a bit wary." She told him. ;"Well anyway. Here is the rest of the gang: Lightning Feet you already know, but here are the twins Lightning Strikes." He pointed to the two twin Iops in his group who both had a matching tattoos of two lightning bolts on their arm. "Lightning Tail." He showed a grey Ecaflip with a red bandana on, with a scar on his left eye. "Lightning Eyes." He pointed to the direction of a black and white eyed Sacrier. His pupils looked like lightning bolts. "And last but not least: Lightning Chin." He said pointing at the Feca with a huge scar on his chin. Aeri had a hard time trying not to laugh at some of the names. ;"Nice to meet you!" She managed to say smiling, trying not to giggle. Shiro was visibly shaking next to her keeping in laughter. ;"They all have their own groups of Rogues. I'm so proud of them. It used to be just us Seven at first until they decided to go off and see the world. They're my family." Lightning said. Alibert nearly teared up a little listening to the Rogues speech.

 

Lightning flashed a smile. ;"Although I suppose we should be called the Eight Lightnings nowadays, right? Red Lightning?" He nudged at Aeri. ;"I had hoped you had forgotten about that..." she admitted. ;"Ha! Never." He said patting her head. ;"Wow you really ARE part of Rogues team!" Yugo said excitedly. ;"But you haven't stolen anything at least." Alibert said. Aeri looked at the ground while whistling. ;"No, I have not..." she said. The Lightnings were interested in hearing more about Aeri's family and their adventures together, so they decided to stay a while, and for once, they actually paid for their meal instead of dine and dash. Some of the Rogue women were talking about just how cute Chibi and Grougal were, and couldn't believe they actually used to be very powerful and wise when Aeri told them about her past lives. ;"Really? THAT dragon used to be a bigshot?" Lightning Tail said pointing at the now soundly sleeping Grougal. ;"Yes and very big." Shiro added. ;"Wow, guess you really can't judge a book by it's cover." Lightning Tail said. ;"And your people come from eggs that they always share with one of those??" The Lightning Strikes asked. ;"Pretty much so, yup." Aeri nodded. ;"Wow. Wicked." They said awestruck. ;"Well this visit has been an eye opener. I mean imagine all you could steal with such power-" Lightning began until he noticed Alibert glaring at him. "I MEAN all the good you could do with those powers...?" He quietly said, twiddling his thumbs. Alibert seemed more pleased with this. ;"But what about the one you wrote about in your letter.. Qilby was it? Is he still a threat or..?" Lightning asked. Aeri shook her head. ;"Don't worry, he won't do anything to anyone anymore. He doesn't have his powers where he is at." She explained, looking kind of melancholic. ;"But you still see him don't you?" Lighting asked. ;"Yeah a lot of the time actually." She explained. ;"Which I still don't know what to think about." Alibert added. Aeri rolled her eyes playfully. ;"I wish you could meet him too, but I don't know how the King would feel about a group of Rogues coming to meet the infamous inmate." She explained. ;"Yeah not too many actually take the time to know us. All they see is a bunch of society's rejects ready to rob you blind. Which I don't blame them, we have done a lot of questionable things but... We're not bad guys." Lightning said. ;"No, you really aren't." Aeri said smiling at him. ;"Well this has been nice, but I think we need to get a move on before one of those villagers outside decides to bring the torch and poker." Lightning said pointing at some villagers who were listening in on the outside of the restaurant. ;"They won't do THAT...well maybe the torch thing but.." Aeri said. ;"It was nice seeing you Red, you too White" Lightning told Aeri and Shiro. "And it was a pleasure meeting all of you too." He said to Adamai, Yugo and Alibert. "Hopefully we can meet somewhere again." He said bowing kindly. As they left, the onlookers quickly spread around, as to not be caught snooping. Lightning laughed at this. They said their bye-bye's and began their trip towards Bonta. Aeri truly hoped there'd be a day when they could meet up with all of her friends.

 

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 47: The Loss Of A Teacher

 

Adamai and Yugo had wanted to come see the convent Shiroazaad and Aeri had trained in for years. They couldn't believe there would be a place still full of their peoples history. Aeri led the way as they came to the mountain the convent was located above of. ;"And there is this dragon guarding our Dofus on this mountain. She seems nice though." Aeri explained as they flew up the mountain. ;"Another dragon.. wonder if she'll let us pass just like that." Adamai said. ;"Oh Don't worry I'll introduce you. She is mostly really peaceful unless you try to got after the Dofus she's guarding. She's not much of a talker, but can definitely tell what kind of person you are just by looking at you." She said. ;"Unless she decides she hates other dragons now." Shiro said sarcastically. ;"Don't say that Shiroazaad!" Adamai whined. ;"So you really spent years training here against all sorts of magical creatures??" Yugo asked curiously. ;"Pretty much, yeah. Our teacher Palani was really great. Taught us everything we know about Elementals and such. Can't wait for you to meet her!" Aeri said. They came to the plateau of the mountain, there was a small cave near by where the dragon lived. The sky was clear but still they could barely see the convent from where they were standing. ;"It's just a little flight upwards." Aeri told them. Shiro took the form of a big bird, to allow them to climb on his back, and then they began their way up.

The convent was just as beautiful as before, nearly nothing had changed except there were some new paintings on the outern walls, depicting dragons and Eliatropes as well as the mark of Huppermages above. ;"And here we are." Shiro said turning back to his human form. They walked inside, and were weirded out when they couldn't see anyone. It was awfully quiet. No one was training, and they couldn't even see anyone walk through the halls as usual. ;"It's usually much more lively than this.." Aeri said getting a bad feeling about all of this. They walked through the halls trying to find anyone at all. Every room they searched was empty. Finally after some time, an adult Huppermage came into view. ;"Shiroazaad? Aeri?" He said. ;"Where is everyone? We've been trying to find anyone at all. Is Palani here?" Aeri asked the Huppermage, who looked like he had been crying. ;"Actually.. Palani is.. no longer with us." He said. Shiro and Aeri immediately bombared the poor man with questions. ;"What do you mean?", ;"Where is she?", ;"What happened?" The man calmed the two down before he began speaking again. ;"Palani is gone. She.. She died few weeks ago, due to an illness" He said. Adamai and Yugo looked at their siblings. ;"Aeri? Shiro? Are you alright?" They asked. The two were in shock. ;"We have actually organised a funeral for her. It's in the back room right at the end of this hallway. Would you like to attend?" The man asked. The two nodded silently. They followed the man, without saying a word. Yugo and Adamai came with them.

The room in question was big and well lit. It was full of flowers, and in the middle was a casket, where Palani laid. Her casket was plain white but it was decorated with many flowers and sigils. In her hands she had the stones she had used to teach the younger Huppermages back in the day. Her platinum blonde hair was wavy and long, almost to her waist. Her white and teal robes were straightened neatly, and her chocolate brown eyes were closed. Many Huppermages were placing either a flower or a small stone with sigil into the casket next to her. The man offered Aeri and Shiro a flower to place as well. Adamai and Yugo could only watch as the two walked closer to the open casket, to place their flowers. ;"She was one of the kindest teachers we ever had. I hope the Gods will guide her soul to a better place." Aeri said. ;"May the five elements be with you." Shiroazaad said. Some tears made their way down their cheeks. Yugo and Adamai grabbed their hands reassuringly. Aeri tried to give a small smile back at them. After everyone was done giving their respective flower or a rock, the students let out the four elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Since no one else could use it, Shiroazaad and Aeri let out Stasis energy to respect the five elements. It was an old tradition to do so after a Huppermage died, but only now did they have all five of them present.

Aeri and Shiro watched as the casket was lowered down in an outside garden they had behind the building. They carefully placed it into a hole and buried it with Earth Magic. The Mark of a Huppermage Mage was made on a wooden cross. ;"What was she like? Besides as a teacher?" Yugo asked Aeri who happily told them about her. ;"She was patient and kind, I never heard her raise her voice to anyone. She was a great Mage and a person." She told them. "She even took in some refugees without a place to go, and taught them their ways in magic and life." She continued. ;"She was very wise but never showed off with that, she was always ready to learn new things." Shiroazaad added. ;"I don't think I ever saw her get angry at anyone." He said. ;"She seemed really nice." Adamai admitted. "Too bad we couldn't meet her." He added. The four spent some time in the convent listening to the stories about Palani from other members, before they decided to leave. Just when they were about to leave, someone came to them. The Huppermage from before. ;"Actually there's something Palani would've liked you to have. She forgot to give them to you when you left last time." The man said handing them four stones each. ;"These are... Elemental sigil stones?" Aeri said. ;"Everyone gets them once they've finished with their training. These are yours to keep." The man said smiling. ;"Thank you." They said. "I hope you'll continue train the best Huppermages around." Aeri told the man. The journey back was done in complete silence. No one dared to say a word about what had just happened. Aeri and Shiroazaad remember all the times Palani had taught them, and given them guidance, when she had helped Aeri with her Stasis powers, and when she had welcomed them in just like that.  While she was gone, there was no doubt that she would be remembered.

[Shinomi-chan 294]

Chapter 48: The Hunt For Dofus Ruby

Aeri couldn't sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Palani, and Qilby. She had a hunch her brother wasn't sleeping either, even if it looked so to anyone else. What REALLY woke him and her up was a loud sound outside the window. Aeri quickly opened it and was met with a big red eye looking back at her. It was a dragon. And not just any dragon, THE dragon who guarded their Dofus along with the other one they had given to her. ;"What are you doing HERE?!" Aeri whisper screamed at her. The Dragon simply roared back silently. Sounding more like a whine. ;"The Dofus? What about it?" Aeri asked, understanding what she was telling her. The dragon whined again. ;"Wait someone STOLE IT?!" Aeri said a little too loud, Shiro stood next to her rubbing his eyes. ;"Stole what..?" He asked sleeppily his usually spikey hair a mess. ;"Our DOFUS Shiro." Aeri told him. His eyes opened wide. ;"WHAT-" He was about to yell until Aeri covered his mouth. ;"You'll wake up the whole house. Yes, someone stole it. I don't know who or how, but she said there was a hole directly under one of the Dofus when she woke up. So whoever did that must have come from underground. Do we know anyone who would want to steal our Dofus?" She asked him. They both pondered for a moment. ;"Besides Brakmarians... Wasn't there only one person who wanted a Red Dofus all to himself? The old Enutrof." Shiro mentioned. ;"Lanrac." Both of them said. ;"But he was all the way back at Bonta! How could he know where it was?!" Aeri thought out loud. "You wouldn't happen to have a scent on the culprit though?" She asked the dragon who did a nodding motion. "YOU DO?? Well this is GREAT! Now all we gotta do is retrieve our Dofus, show whoever took it whose the boss, and call it a day." She said confidently. "We can't take you with us though, you're too big everyone would see you. But we COULD land into a forest or so." Aeri thought.

The two placed themselves on the back of the dragon and then they were off into the night. They were surprised that the Dragon didn't took them to Bonta. Instead, she landed away from a smaller village in the middle of the journey. She was tracking like a Bow-Wow. Aeri and Shiroazaad continued their way on foot, hiding the dragon behind some trees. The village was small, but very neat little place. It seemed to prosper on it's own very well. While there weren't that many people, the two could easily begin to guess where their possible culprit could be, once they saw: the mines. They silently made their way down and followed the noise to get where they were supposed to. They saw some familiar looking Drhellers on the way, albeit a bit more older than what they used to be. They could hear speaking and laughter at the end of the tunnel. ;"I told you it was as easy as taking a candy from a baby!" Lanrac said laughing. He was currently holding the Dofus in his greedy little hands. Both Aeri and Shiro could feel their blood boiling at the sight. ;"That's just because you didn't take the dragon head on!" The other man said. He looked very familiar. Very snooty, and snobby. Shiro watched for a while before it dawned on him. It was the announcer from Brakmar who had seen Shiro and Aeri ran away on the day of the auction! ;"Can you really argue with the results? My Drhellers did an excellent job in digging their way up the mountain." Lanrac argued. ;"So it WAS you!" Aeri said coming out from hiding, pointing at the Enutrof who immediately clutched onto their Dofus. ;"YOU. I haven't forgotten how our last little meeting went." Lanrac said snapping his fingers. Immediately two Drhellers made their way to his side. ;"What are YOU doing here? This doesn't concern you." The announcer said. ;"It does though. But what I can't understand why are you two working together?" Shiroazaad asked. ;"Oh it's very simple, really. I needed back the Dofus you two stole from the auction, and this fine... 'gentleman' was just looking for one to sell and make a fortune. We decided to work together to track your little trail and get back what was rightfully ours." The announcer said fixing hid bowtie. ;"Except you failed." Aeri said. The two men looked at her shocked. ;"What do you mean, child?" The Enutrof asked. ;"That isn't the Dofus we took from Brakmar. That is OUR Dofus." She told the two. ;"and you're going to give it back." She told them. ;"Or what?" The announcer asked, when Aeri blasted a small Stasis blast towards him, just missing his head on purpose. ;"Or next time I won't be missing." She said. The Enutrof seemed to enjoy the show. ;"I KNEW you two were something else the first time I saw you." He said. "Why not join us? We'd make a fortune by selling this. And we could make a fortune, with your skills and my expertise." Lanrac tried to bargain. ;"No deal!" The two said. Shiro breathed fire towards them which they managed to avoid just in time. But Aeri portaled near Lanrac to take the Dofus. ;"I'm taking this back, thank you!" When the announcer attacked her holding a knife. He pinned her against the wall, trying to hit her, when she made a small portal and blasted him away. Lanrac jumped into the air, very nimbly for someone his age, and combined with one of his Drhellers. ;"You're not getting away this time!" He declared. ;"Cute trick, too bad we've seen it already." Shiro said, breathing smoke at him, creating a big enough smokescreen for them to get away, with their Dofus. They were just outside the mines when they heard a booming voice behind them. ;"I'm not losing my Dofus twice!!" Lanrac said charging at them. Aeri made a portal into the air then another one in front of the Enutrof, who ended up falling from the other portal and into some bushes. ;"Give up Lanrac. It is over. And if you EVER. Go after another Dofus well, we'll just have to get our friend involved." Shiroazaad said gesturing at the dragon still "hiding" behind some trees. ;"Trust me you wouldn't want that." Aeri said smiling at him. The Enutrof looked defeated, as he turned back to normal his Drheller tired from all of the commotion. "Do we have your word in it?" Aeri asked charging up an attack. ;".....FINE I GIVE UP. Just don't blast me!" Lanrac said angrily, shivering. ;"Did that seem sincere to you brother?" Aeri asked Shiro. ;"I don't know sister, he seemed kind of suspicious still..." Shiro said. Lanrac held up his hand. ;"I Lanrac the Enutrof, hereby swear I will not go after another Dofus for as long as I live... HAPPY?" He swore. ;"Very. Thank you." Shiro smiled as well. "What about that other guy though?" He asked Aeri. ;"He'll live. And I doubt he'll have the guts to face a dragon all by himself." She told him.

The two then got a ride back home, just as the morning Sun began rising. ;"Here. This one belongs with you for the time being." Aeri said handing the Dofus to the dragon. The dragon thanked the two by bumping her head against the two's foreheads affectionately. She flew away with the Dofus in her claws. Aeri and Shiro returned inside hurriedly. ;"Aeri? Shiro? How come you're up already?" Alibert asked just as the two were sneaking back into their room. ;"Y'know... we just took a little walk. Couldn't sleep all that well.." they told him scratching their necks. He seemed to believe them at least. Yugo and Adamai emerged from their rooms. ;"I had the weirdest dream. Shiroazaad and Aeri were flying on a dragons back and they were trying to find something..." Adamai said. ;"Weird. Me too!" Yugo said. The twins just laughed it off as if nothing had happened. ;"Dreams.. so weird. Haha.." Aeri said laughing.