Chapter 9 About an hour later, after Link and Kou had returned from their woodland frolic, Cricket was helping Link clean up their dinner, when Strator approached Cricket. "Hey Crick? Can I talk to you for a while?" She looked at him, and it was apparent what he wanted to talk about. Cricket looked at Link wildly. "Oh, but... er... I have to help Link clean up! Yep, she needs some help, boy oh boy does she!" she said hurriedly. "Oh, that's okay! I can handle it! Go on now!" said Link cheerfully. Cricket shot Link a murderous glance. She sighed and walked off after Strator. Hlao grinned. All this love business was very funny. He shot a sly glance at Kandari. "Heh, they're going to do Emthane's job for him, killing us with all this mushy stuff!" Kandari laughed too. "Yep, Emthane's gonna be pissed after there's no one left to kill!" Strator stopped a ways into the woods. He turned to her. "Cricket," he said, "why are you trying to avoid me?" "I'm not!" she said. He drew closer. She pulled back. "See?" he said. "What, are you scared?" �I'm not scared!" "Ah, of course not. Well, show me you're not, then." She knew it would come to this. Admitting it. "I...I guess I am scared of love..." she said quietly. "Why?" said Strator gently. "Everything I used to love is destroyed... my family, my friends, my best friend of all... I am not allowing myself to love anything else. All that ever comes from it is sadness." This confused Strator. "But why? Great things can come from love. Happiness. You are so sad right now... and I am not dying anytime soon! I swear!" "But we are coming to Emthane's fortress soon, and I know there is a battle that is going to take place there. If I lost you too..." "Ah! The heart of stone!!! It's cracking!!" cried Strator in mock alarm. "I never knew my fair ladyship cared so much!" He drew close again. He took her hand. "Tell me what I am thinking, now, my lady." Cricket looked into his eyes. She saw a degree of love that was frightening to her, more than words could say. "I hardly need to read your mind to tell what you are thinking..." she told him, and with that, she threw caution to the wind, and threw her arms around his neck. Strator was cheering in his mind! Affection! From the Heartless one!! He turned his face to her, and gently kissed her. This time, she didn't struggle. He said to her then, "See how good this is working? I didn't even get injured this time!" "We can arrange that..." said Cricket. "Oh, no, I dare not. I wouldn't want to deprive you of any fun!" She laughed, and kissed him again. He was right, love wasn't half bad. Garnet awakened. She was tied up, and from where she was bound, it looked like she was in the main chamber. She heard a voice that sent shivers down her spine speak. "Ah, her highness has come alive again." "Show yourself!" she commanded prissily. "Oh," said the voice in mock respect. "Bow down to her majesty! I shall not show myself now, it would take all the fun out of this joyful experience." "My father will have your head for this!" she screamed. "Your father will be dead before long, as will everyone else..." The voice barked out a harsh cackle. Emthane was taking immense pleasure in verbally torturing Garnet. She would make a fine prize to hold for ransom, and then, after the king's riches were his, he could wipe out everyone! He loved being evil. It was what he did best, after all. He chortled. Emthane whirled. "Azeroth. I expect you and the other doddering nincompoops will not fail me this time? The girl's party draws near. It will not be long before they arrive here. Kill the others, but allow the girl to reach me." Azeroth's armored head nodded. "Yes, Lord. They will not fail this time." Emthane felt elated. The end was drawing near. He could sense it... Cricket and Strator looked overhead. The sky was now a reddish purple. They simply looked at each other, for they both understood what was coming soon... Chapter 10 Burning. Dying. Hate. That's what surrounded Cricket. She walked through the empty corridor in the fortress, searching for Emthane. She looked into a side room, and she saw Strator. Azeroth lunged at him, piercing him through. Cricket screamed. She started to run, but all she could hear was crazed laughter. Her head felt like it was going to explode. All around her, she could see her friends being slaughtered. All of a sudden, Asia appeared in front of her. "I killed your family!" she shrieked at Cricket, and then she was replaced with Emthane. Emthane laughed as he sent Cricket to a fiery inferno of death... Cricket awoke in a cold sweat. She breathed heavily, and she looked around. Her friends were sleeping peacefully, and none were dead. She saw Strator, who was sitting near her, and he was keeping watch. "Are you ok?" he looked worried. "You were tossing around and you're all sweaty." "Yeah, I'm ok. Bad thoughts in the head, I guess." "Ah, a nightmare. About what we are going to face soon, I bet." "You're right on that one," she said. She sat down next to him. "I dreamed that you and everyone else was killed, and then Emthane appeared in front of me, and then he killed me too." "That will not happen. I will not allow that to happen." said Strator with conviction. "Haha good," said Cricket, and hugged him. "Now, go get some sleep. If we're going to destroy an evil sorcerer tomorrow, you have to be well-rested!" and he rushed her off to her bedroll. Kou woke up a little while later. He rose from his bed, and got some water. Strator watched him silently. The dawn was beginning to break, and neither of them were looking forward to the coming day. The sky was turning redder every day, and they knew the final battle would come soon. "Should we wake everyone else up?" Kou asked. Strator shook his head. "Wake Kandari and Hlao. Link and Cricket could use a few extra hours of sleep." "Two beauties like them hardly need beauty sleep," laughed Kou, but he agreed. The four men went about the camp, making food, packing things up, and getting weapons ready. Kandari said, "It's time to wake up those lazy girls. The food is ready." Hlao went to the two bodies and shook them awake. Link popped up energetically, but Cricket groaned and scrunched her face up. "Too early," she said, and fell back asleep. Hlao sighed and woke her up again. She rose grumpily and grabbed a plate for some food. She sat and ate in silence, knowing that her fears would come to a head in the coming day. She sighed deeply, and so did the others, knowing exactly how she felt. "The girl draws near," said Asia. "Fool, you think I do not know?" his fist banged down on the counter. "Prepare everyone for battle." He got up and walked to where Garnet was chained. "Hmm, such a shame for a pretty maiden to be in such a situation..." he said to her, stroking her hair. He bent low to her, as though to kiss her. She spit in his eye at the last second. He reared back in rage. "You just signed your death warrant! Kiss your precious kingdom goodbye!!" he said in a huffy fury, and rushed out to prepare for the oncoming visitors. Cricket and the rest had at last reached the final hill before the fortress. They looked down the short way to where they knew, before long, all hell would be released upon them... Chapter 11 Cricket stood at the huge doors of the fortress. She feared what was inside more than anything in the world. She wished she could just go home, but this fortress held the reason she could not do that... The doors cracked open. Strator drew his sword, and with it outstretched, he stepped inside. "It's ok," he called. "There's no one here!" The others stepped inside. Cricket was the last to enter. She took a deep breath, and followed. The smell inside was musty and old. Cricket made a small ball of light to brighten the room. She wanted to save as much power as possible, should it come to a final battle. Two hallways dimly lit by candles stood before them. Cricket's light faded. "Uh, ok. Cricket, Hlao and I will go down this corridor, and Kou, Link, and Kandari, you guys go this way. Cricket will be able to contact you, and be careful, above all! Link, wait until you are absolutely sure you need to use your powers before you do, because if you use them too early, it will get you killed. Be wary, and good luck!" Strator said, sounding a little braver than he felt. With that, the entire group embraced each other, and then they went their separate ways. Emthane's long nailed fingers clicked down on the table. "Asia, Azeroth, I'm sending you two after Cricket and her two friends. Tiamat, Cliff, you two imbeciles should be more than a match for those others. I shall try to provide you with as much help as I can, but fail me, and I shall kill you myself!!" His voice echoed in the walls. The four evil associates nodded hurriedly. They rushed out to take care of business. Emthane went to Garnet. "It will not be long now, my beauty. The world shall be mine, and I will destroy your kingdom in front of your very eyes." Kou held his bow at the ready. Kandari charged Kou's bow with power, so that it might help them. Link stayed close behind them, armed with a short sword. They entered a small room, and finding that it was empty, they continued on. Cliff slunk along behind them. Link was walking carefully, but he saw his target. He grabbed her, covering her mouth, and held the dagger to her throat. She gave a muffled scream, and Kou whirled around. "I'll kill her," said Cliff. Kou lowered his bow. He could see that Link was doing her best to handle the situation. The sword was still in her hand, but it was twisted in a way that required her to cut herself in order to get a stab at Cliff. She moved slowly and imperceptibly, and she almost had the sword under her command. At last, she had it! She clutched the hilt, and gave Kou a signal with her eyes. He gripped the bow, ready to strike. Link stabbed Cliff in the leg with the sword. He yelped, and Kou's bow raised. He took aim, and at such a short range, he could not miss. The charged arrow pierced Cliff's chest, and he fell to the ground. Tiamat leapt from the shadows, taking Kandari unexpectedly. Kandari fired a burst of power at Tiamat, but she dodged and sent a spirit at Kandari. He felt his body slowing, and the world seemed to stop for him. He saw Link crying out, and Kou's pained look as they tried to fight off the demonic spirits sent upon them. Kou sent a cry out to Cricket. Help us! We're all going to die unless you help! Cricket sent small portions of her power to the three brave battlers. Kandari straightened up, and struck Tiamat with his fist. She was taken by surprise, assuming that the three were still under her influences. She landed by Cliff's body, and taking his dagger, she readied herself. She knew that if she got rid of the enchanter, the others would be sitting ducks. She crouched, and as Kandari approached her, she flung herself upon him. She stabbed and stabbed, and he went down. Kou bellowed, "NOOOOOO!!!!", and raised the bow. The bow drew back, and he let the arrow fly. It went true, and Tiamat was hit in the head. She was dead. Kandari was still clinging to life, barely. Link crouched. She said, "I can save you! I'll use my powers." "No! You'll just get yourself killed. My life is through. Must take me to Cricket..." he croaked. "She needs my power, she can use it before I die." Kou's brows knit together. He could see the poison working on Kandari. "I'll tell her," he said. Crick! Kandari wants you to take his energy and use it. He's dying, and he says you must take it now! Cricket stopped dead in her tracks. Hlao and Strator stopped, worried. "It's Kandari," she said. "We're losing him." Breathing hard, she opened the link to Kandari. His power surged into her, and she felt a jolt. Goodbye, my friend. You die today as a hero. We will never forget you. A tear dropped from her eye. Strator came to her. "He is gone." she said, and with that, she continued down the long corridor. Link and Kou continued down the long hall silently, wondering how this adventure had gotten to this point. They had lost two, maybe more, because they had no knowledge of Cricket's party. All they knew was that Cricket was still alive. Cricket, Hlao, and Strator searched room after room for Emthane, but to no avail. They wandered about, frantically looking for the end of their quest. They entered a room, but no Emthane. Instead, there stood Asia and Azeroth. The five regarded each other silently, and then were launched into battle. Chapter 12 Cricket's fist connected squarely with Asia's jaw. Asia dropped, and Cricket grabbed her and dragged her to the corner. She held a knife at her throat, threatening to stab if she made a move. Meanwhile, Hlao and Strator tangled with the dangerous Azeroth. It was all they could do to defend themselves. Asia watched the battle between the three men. She knew Cricket would slice her if she tried to move. She focused on a large chair. It levitated, and moved toward Hlao. Cricket watched in awe. Asia... she couldn't possibly! But she was! "Hlao! Watch out!" she screamed. He turned to look, and the chair hit him in the gut. He flew back. Hlao! Hold on, it will be ok. Hlao's knees buckled, and he fell to the floor. Azeroth and Strator were still grappling. They now had their swords out, and it was turning into a proper duel. Azeroth lunged at Strator, but he parried and struck. Azeroth blocked jarringly, and Strator pause to wipe the blood from his face. Azeroth saw his chance. He knocked Strator to the ground, with his sword point at Strator's throat. Strator's sword fell harmlessly to the ground. He knew Azeroth had him. He was going to die. Asia watched helplessly. She was torn between two choices. She looked about the room. In one corner was Hlao, breathing hard and struggling to stay alive. In the middle of the floor was Strator and Azeroth, poised to kill. And here she was, with a knife at her throat. She looked over at Cricket, who was sweating. A tear rolled down Cricket's face and fell onto Asia�s. Asia saw Azeroth going for the kill. She didn't even think, she just did what she felt in her heart. The heavy chair hit Azeroth in the skull. He looked surprised, and then fell. Cricket looked at Asia in disbelief. "You..." "Yes. I'm sorry, old friend. Please, forgive me someday." Strator leapt to his feet. He raised his sword high above his head. Then, it clashed down upon Azeroth. Cricket looked away. Asia spoke to Cricket urgently. "Cricket. Emthane will kill me when he finds that I have helped you. You must take my power, as I know you can use it." She was sobbing a little now. "I did the best I could to help. Now, take my hand, and I'll show you what really happened to the village that day..." Cricket took Asia's hand. She felt a jolt, and visions appeared in her head. Horrible pictures, of burning, just like in her dream... She screamed a long, anguished scream. Strator and Hlao were mystified. The two women appeared to be off in another world. They stayed silent. Cricket opened the link between them. Asia's power surged into Cricket, added to her own and Kandari's power. Asia stumbled and lay down on the ground. "I will never forget what you have done here, my friend," said Cricket with several more tears. "Thank you. You have saved us today." "I'm... sorry for everything I have done... I am sorry for taking part in the deaths of your friends... I'm sorry..." Her ears perked up. "Emthane is coming this way! Go, now! I am through here, you must go! Goodbye, Cricket." Cricket hugged her friend. Strator helped Hlao to his feet, and the three left the room quickly. They dodged quickly into a side room, because Emthane himself passed by. He took no notice of the three silent avengers. They slipped out into the main corridor again, and took off to the main chamber. Asia brought herself to her feet to face Emthane. She was weakened, and stood no chance against his mighty powers. But that was not her intention, to stand against him. She was determined to face him bravely, strong to the very last. His voice dripped with rage. "You... have helped... the enemy..." he said very slowly. "I shall... kill you now..." He drew in his breath, and his nostrils flared. His eyes widened, and Asia could see the red fury in his eyes. She stood up tall, unafraid of what she knew was coming. As his arms raised, she smiled. She knew that she had done what was right, and her heart was satisfied again. White hot lances of death laced through her. The pain would have been excruciating, but she pushed aside the agony. She felt only happiness. The needles continued to pierce her until the last moment. It hurt her, but she didn't care. She died happy, despite the pain. She died a hero. She had succeeded in saving her friend for the second time. She only wished Cricket would succeed in destroying the man who had caused all of this... Everything went dark for Asia... Chapter 13 Cricket, Hlao, and Strator rushed down the hallway to the main chamber, where they knew the end to the quest lay. They burst into the room, but there was no Emthane there. Only Princess Garnet, who was tied up. Cricket knew Emthane must be with Asia still. He would return before long. Hlao ran to Garnet. "We have to get her out of here!" he said. He struggled to untie the ropes that bound her, but they appeared to be magic ropes. Kou and Link came into the room suddenly also. Cricket was extremely relieved to see them both alive. "Now, you guys, in moments, we will be facing the worst battle any of us have ever seen. He is only one man, but he has the power of one hundred men. Don't let your guard down. I'll be communicating during this, and if I tell you to do something, Don't argue! Just do it!" Emthane chortled to himself. He knew what was going on in his chamber. All of his henchmen were now dead, but bah, who needed them anyway? He was Emthane, he had been frightening, torturing, and murdering long before those young whips in his room had even been born. He laughed aloud. He strode back to the chamber slowly. He didn't want to miss a thing in this battle. It would be jolly good fun! Emthane entered the room. The five remaining travelers stood at the ready, not wanting to make any mistakes that would cost them their lives. Emthane spoke to them. "Welcome to my humble home. I hope you have enjoyed your stay here, but sadly, it's time for you to leave." The grin on his sinister face was creepy. The first waves of pain hit Cricket. She fell to her knees. She felt like she was burning alive. She looked around, and she saw her comrades feeling the same thing. She gave them each a small shield to ease the pain. Strator rose up first. He grasped the sword hilt, and lunged at the shape of Emthane. Emthane merely reappeared in another place. Strator cursed loudly. No one could hear him, because of the noise in the room. The crackling, the screaming, the crying of the princess, who was not in pain but was forced to watch the massacre. Crick, you might want to do something right about now! he shouted into her mind. She shook herself. What was she doing? She was being a baby again! She drew herself up. She was a warrior! Hlao! Grab Link, get her over by the Princess! We might need her here pretty fast! Hlao dragged Link out of harm's way, and he promptly returned to continue the battle. His large mace went spiraling through the air at Emthane. Emthane was busy trying to disappear to dodge a punch from Kou, and the mace hit him full force. His head snapped back. He released a double helping of fury upon the small group. Beside the searing pain, Cricket's mid was beginning to form an idea. An idea that just might work! Guys! I need you to give me your power! What?! Are you crazy?! Kou's angry voice echoed. We'll stand no chance once we are powerless, defenseless, and weaponless! Trust me! she cried back. I'll tell you when to open the link! NOW! she screamed. The power from Strator, Hlao, Link, Kou, and Garnet flowed into her. The power surged through her. She felt elated! She could do anything! Meanwhile, Emthane busied himself with a new spell. He unleashed it upon them. They all started to move slower and slower, but not Cricket. She had so much power now, she didn't even feel the effects. Link dropped to the ground, and Garnet passed out. Kou and Strator were struggling to stay awake, but they couldn't. They soon dropped also. Hlao was still standing, but barely. Emthane shocked him to the ground with a bolt of power. He fell, the electric currents flowing in him. Cricket came back to reality. She was now the only one standing. Her friends were littered about the room. She breathed. It all came to her now. But, she still didn't have quite enough power. She thought while trying to deflect the bolts that shot at her. One hit her, and she almost fell. This was worse pain than she had ever felt. She would die if another hit her. Hey... Why not use the bolts? One was probably all she needed! She lowered her shield and focused the link to open between her and the next bolt. She felt she had to do something to bring a bolt right now, so she yelled a taunt at the evil one. "Hey, Ugly! Yeah, that's right! You're ugly, and you smell like rotting dog droppings!! Hahaha," she laughed, feeling somewhat more than crazy. This infuriated Emthane. How dare she? He would make her die a more painful death than she could imagine. She would pay! The bolt came straight for her! She collected the quick surge of power, but it was too much! A huge ball of glowing light gathered around her. She had too much power! She felt the power ripping her apart. She was being torn in all directions. It would destroy her unless she got rid of it. Right now. Strator had just barely regained consciousness. He saw Cricket, with the enormous ball of light around her. He knew she was in trouble, but he couldn't even move. Emthane was worried now. The ball looked like a bit too much for him as well. He tried to pause and think for a moment, but that moment was a major mistake. Cricket hurled the ball from her just instants before it would have torn her apart. The ball hurtled into Emthane. He was obliterated in an instant. There was no trace of the evil that had once corrupted the land. Except for a small puff of black smoke. The smoke went straight for Garnet. Cricket looked about her, dazed. She was now powerless. All of her power had been thrown into the ball. She saw the smoke. It went into Garnet's throat. Her face darkened, her skin became gray. She was dying. The remnants of Emthane wanted something to die. Tottering around, Cricket made her way over to the dying Princess. She had, in just a few minutes, accumulated a small amount of power. She poured this into the others. She staggered. The others rose up. "Link!" she cried. "Link! get up! Garnet needs you!" Link sat up. "What do you want me to do?" Cricket said, "Save her! Do your thing! Come on, hurry up!" Link looked embarrassed. "You want me to... kiss her?" Cricket yelled at Link in exasperation. "Link! She's dying! No one cares about that right now!!!" Link was still downcast. "Oh, but I don't have enough power anyway." Hlao stumbled over to her. "Take mine," he said. "Take it. Just don't kill me. Leave me enough to stay alive." Cricket hugged Hlao. "Thank you, friend. You are brave and honorable." The link opened. Hlao last remaining power flowed into Cricket. He fell, but Kou caught him and set him gently on the ground. Cricket sent the power to Link. Link kissed Garnet. Garnet's skin turned back to its usual rosy peach. She opened her eyes, and surveyed the ragtag band who had saved her life. Link fell into Kou's arms. "I forgive you," he said with a smile. "Just don't let it happen again." She laughed tiredly. He kissed her then. She fell asleep in his embrace. Cricket smiled. "See, that wasn't so bad. You saved our lives from the king's wrath. He would have had us all beheaded if we had allowed Garnet to be killed. Let's get out of here. I don't want to be here anymore." Strator put his arms around her as they processed out of the dark fortress. She felt glad to have him, because if he had not held her up, she would have collapsed onto the ground. As they left the castle, Hlao looked skyward. The sky was already turning blue. He smiled. They had succeeded. They made it back to GoldenLake at dusk. The only ones still awake were Hlao, Kou, and Strator, even though they were dead tired. Each of them carried a girl in their arms. The girls had all fallen asleep, but they had good reason to. The king hurried to greet them, and upon seeing his little Garnet, he yelped and ran. He shook Strator's hand, he hugged Kou, and he was crying out happily. "You! You have saved her! You can have whatever you want! Anything at all!" Strator tried to bow the best he could with Cricket clinging around his neck. "Majesty, all we wish is enough beds to accommodate us until tomorrow morning. We've had a long, rough day, and we are too weary to do any thing else." The king led them to beds immediately. They all fell asleep the instant their heads hit the pillow. In the morning, the king still continued with his unstoppable ideas. "You will be presented at court tonight. maybe it will go a little smoother than last time. Anyway, yes, you shall be presented as our saviors. You shall wear the finest clothes, drink the finest wine, have the finest of everything! This banquet is in your honor!" Cricket groaned, remembering the last banquet. She was still trying to recover from the embarrassment. Three hours later, the five of them were dressed in their finery. "Whoah, Deja Vu!" said Strator when Cricket appeared in her lilac dress. "Ah, your lordship, how pleasant to see you this evening," she said with mock politeness. He knelt to her. "What? What are you doing??" she said to him. He outstretched a gorgeous diamond ring to her. The king had promised them whatever they wanted, of course. "Will you marry me?" he said with his most dashing look o his face. A tear formed in Cricket's eye. "Yes, yes!!! Yes yes yes yes!!" She threw herself on him, and he said, "Oh, well that's ok if you don't want to..." and he kissed her. That night, they appeared on the staircase as heroes, all five of them. They would never forget the adventure they had, the evil they had destroyed, or the friends they had lost. But, they would move on and take life as it came�