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| >> Campfire Creative >> Appendix >> Action/Adventure >> ID #1483753 |   |
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| [Introduction]
There are many stories to tell about Hiro. Some of which may or may not be about wars or evil. These heros show many stories just by staring into their eyes. But the more they tell, the bigger the story gets.Here is the tale of heros. Heros of Hiro: Chronicles. Based on the PG-13 animated story series full of different connans in different chapters, Heros of Hiro: Chronicles tells of other different heros or the originals heros in these new adventures. Rules: -include your own character! Make any that you want with a flick of your finjgers on the laptop! -Make your own class that you want. -Choose from any species. |
 MS  Jiro: A well mannared and kind black stick with red hair, the leader of his group that journey to fight the Dark King. Allong the way he fell in love with Memly, an Anthro Zebra and went into a new level in their relationship. Jiro is an expert with his bow and takes precise shot in a flick of an eye. He's always quiet and shy sometimes but is always friendly and open.Kar: Jiro's brother but with a golden hair color. He's always the active type and kind but always defensive and overprotective. After sticking by his brother's side, he was able to fall in love with a red Dragoness, Shina. Kar's weapon of choice would be longswords. Memly: An Anthro zebra girl, once chosen to be the Dark King's bride. When she was about to be taken, Jiro and Kar killed the intruder and saved her life. Jrio always suspected her to be beautiful and more, but her voice was like an angel's. Memly and Jiro have drawn closer throughout their adventure. She usually doesn't weild any weapons but she is a magic user. Shina and Moy: Both red dragon siblings that used to work in a bookstore. Shina would be the clerk and Moy would be the stock overwatcher. When Jiro and Kar first arrive, they accepted a favor from Shina to rescure her brother for an Atlas. And afterwards, they both ended up joining Jiro and Kar. Although Shina doesn't know it before he confessed to her, Kar had a deep crush on her. --- The sky was as dark as night in the winter. the snow fell for 3 days in a never ending blizzard. Jiro, Kar and the others warm and rest up in their apartment in a local city called Kaivo. Few miles away from the capital city, Vovola. The guards there have always been through all day and night searching for any invading forces sent by the Dark King. Kar, Moy and Shina were away for quick errends as Jiro cares for Memly who has a slight fever. "Sick on a winter day... How worse can it get love?" asked Memly shivering a bit in her blankets. Jiro layed next to her massaging her body and keeping her warm. "It can't get any worse. We always get sick like this these days in the season." he said kissing the back of her neck. Memly neighed low and deeply a bit and snuggled beneath her lover. "Hehehe. Thanks love. I just wish the others don't stick in this wheather for too long..." Twiga The dark subjects: These characters are supposedly evil but there is more to them than anyone thinks.El Toro: Red Bull Anthro: El Toro is a zombie slave which means his heart was removed and replaced with one made out of stone, unlike some other slaves his heart is made of silver stone pure rock so sometimes he can feel real emotions but only occationaly. Tiamat: Tiamat is a dragoness with five heads who was once very beautiful but she was burned by a fire, in exchange for her loyalty Dark King swore to make her pretty once more ----- El Toro sat by himself in his chamber, he lay with his hands covering his chest where his heart had been removed. He heard a voice in his head "El Toro... El Toro...." It was the dark king "I need you to do some... infiltration, I need you to join with some enimies to figure out their plans for this I will alter your silver heart and allow you to 'cranch' or feel true emotion. But heed what I say do not betry me or I will take it away in an instant." The great red bull lumbered out of his room slowly feeling his emotions reterning "Go and do not fail me." Steve Ellen The Dark King shouted at one of his slaves. "There is a light on in the courtyard! Who turned on a light?" The slave, old Ben Sami, a captured warrior who had his hands burned off by the Dark King, bowed low. "I am sorry, Master, I will attend to it." "Do so at once! And remember my command: No lights! Keep it dark!" The Dark King's eyes glowed redly in the darkness. He had perfect night vision. When the sun came up he wore thick tinted goggles. If there was one thing he hated it was light. But there was much more than one thing he hated. He also hated love, kindness, affection, and anything that was cute or pretty. Fortunately, he was surrounded by ugliness, an ugliness he had created himself, an ugliness he felt comfortable in, an ugliness where he could sit and brood and think his dark ugly thoughts. MS And the only thing he would hate even more were the blue nation people. Powerful in magic and very powerful. But he, red and with his hateful heritage towards them drove him to full scale invasions across the land. He scrapped the handle on his throne chair and left a large mark on it."And why has no one found my marked bride Memly yet?!" he yelled. Meanwhile, Jiro rubbed Memly's shoulder and gave her a warming kiss. "Don't worry. You'll get better soon." he said as he got up and walked over to make soup for her. It turned a bit darker outside and the blizzard turned more rougher and more dangerous. Jiro was getting more worried about the others not coming back yet. Until there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" he called out. The door opened and in came Kar, Moy and Shina. "Hey! Whats worst than the coldest part of the Hiro ice lands?" said Kar as he sat down on his chair. "I don't know bro. What?" Kar took off his skin shoes and spread his legs out. "Being in a blizzard! Can you believe how cold it got this season?" Shina walked over and huggled Kar using her warm body to help him. "I don't know. I wish I knew anyways..." said Moy laying in his bed. Twiga El Toro, walked into a costume shop,"Hello." He said "I'd like to buy a Logfather suit." Logfather was the Winter God of Hiro. He travels around on a flying log bringing good cheer and toys to all the good kids of Hiro. "OK." Said the Red Stick shopkeep "It's in the back." Steve Ellen The shopkeeper had seven Logfather suits. "One of these ought to fit you," he said. "But you don't really look like the Logfather type." "What's that supposed to mean?" El Toro said. "Your facial expression is not one of good cheer, it's much sterner than that." El Toro tried to smile but his face muscles weren't used to it. He stopped trying when he saw the expression on the shopkeeper's face. The shopkeeper was frowning like he just saw a snake. "What were you doing? Your face?" "Nothing," El Toro said. "I've been ill. Sometimes my face muscles spasm. That's all. Let me try on this suit. It looks big enough." MS The shopkeeper nodded his head and opened the door to the dressing room. El Toro walked in and closed the door slowly putting on the suit. It was a bit small at first but he was able to fit nicely in it. Nothing was tight around him. Only the shoulders, and it seemed a bit rough and uncomfertable. But El Toro went with it anyways. He walked out and almost smiled to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper gave a good look at him and began to chuckle."As a matter of fact... You DO look like the Logfather type with those shoulders up like that." he said. Meanwhile, a wandering human mercenary named Kovu arrived in Volvora's gates. He was all wrapped up in robes and scarfs to keep himself warm. The city was bustling with life though. Outside and inside with lights and more. Many celebrating Logfather and the winter season. "Such the most beautiful time of the season and yet it has terrible wheather... No wonder people here keep their spirits up by keeping their mind on something else." he said to himself walking through the gates. People were selling a lot of things off the market places and many off price. Taxing gold was cut down to 30% for the season. "I guess the only thing these people had was love." Twiga El Toro, went to the local market. Where there was a signHelp Wanted, the sign read, Local to work as Logfather, must be good with kids "I'd like to sign up to be Logfather" El Toro said to the employer "Are you good with kids?" The Black stick asked "Sure." El Toro said "Takes a long time for my temper to flare." "You're hired." Said the stick. Meanwhile Moy was reading the newspaper when he saw something pecular "Did anyone read this?" He asked "Winter Beauty Pagent, At the Local Market. Funndraiser for poor Blue Sticks!" Steve Ellen Shina turned to Memly. "You should enter the pageant. You are so beautiful. Surely you would win." Memly blushed. "Stop it. You are more beutiful than me. You enter it." Kar grinned. "You are both beautiful. Look, there is a prize of 7 gold pieces. We could use that money." Moy continued reading the paper. "The Beauty Pageant is just one part of the Winter Carnival. There is also an axe throwing contest. Jiro? Is that not a specialty of yours? I have seen you split an apple at 20 paces." Jiro shrugged. "I'm not too bad with an axe. What's the prize?" "A new axe," Moy said. "I don't need a new axe but if it's a good one we could get a gold piece for it in the market. I say we all go to the Carnival." Kar frowned. "But the Dark King is looking for Memly." Moy laughed. "You don't think HE will come to the Winter Carnival, do you? He would be afraid some Blue Saboteur would put an arrow in his chest. Besides, by now he has forgotten all about Memly." "No," Jiro said. "The Dark King may not be at the Carnival, but you can be sure some of his men will be there." "I have the solution," Shina said. "Memly will be in a costume and I will do her hair and paint her face so that no one will recognize." Jiro rubbed his chin. "That might work. Let's do it then." * * * At the Ebony Palace the Dark King inspected his guards. It was late morning so the Dark King had on his black robe and his leather cap and his dark-tinted goggles. "Captain!" he said. "These men are in fine shape. Your new training program is working well." The Captain bowed low. "Thank you, Your Darkness. The Winter Pageant is this weekend and I wanted the guard to be at maximum readiness. There will be many strangers in Vovola. No doubt some of them will be spies for the Blue Kingdom. We intend to find them before they can harm us." "Excellent!" The Dark King rubbed his hands together. "And don't forget to keep an eye out for that little vixen, Memly. When I get my hands on her she will learn what happens to those who try to thwart me." * * * The wandering human mercenary named Kovu stood before a table in a dark corner of the Vovola marketplace. "How much is that dagger?" "Please, sire! That is not a dagger! It is a kitchen knife. There are no weapons allowed inside the Vovola gates except those carried by the Guard." "So I found out when they confiscated my sword at the gate. Very well, then. How much for that 'kitchen knife'?" The transaction was made and Kovu slipped the knife inside his tunic. MS Kovu walked around the city hoping to find his target. He looked back on his poster that showed a red stick figure with black hair and gray that almost looked like like a zombie would have."Now to find where this guy is at." he said walking around. Meanwhile Jiro and the others decided to fix up for the pagent. But Memly needed to get better. Jiro handed her the soup and went to the others and sat down. "Well Memly would have to get better soon. I hope it is soon. Or else we might not make it in time." he said. Twiga Shina raised her paw shyly."If Memly does not get better quick enough than maybe..." She blushed "Go on..." Said Kar "Maybe I could enter the Pagent." Shina said "You really sure you want to do it?" Moy asked "We need the money, And Mother said I look good in green" Meanwhile El Toro saw women lining up to sign up for the pagent and his silver heart began to thump wildly 'I'm feeling arousel again!' He thought to himself 'My emoitions are coming back!' Steve Ellen El Toro went back to his room at the Red Rabbit Inn and opened the box containing his new Logfather suit. If I wear this the women will like me. Such were the simple thoughts of El Toro. And he did look good in the logfather suit with its buckskin fringes and rabbit fur cuffs drawing attention to his broad shoulders. He strutted around the marketplace for a while, smiling at the ladies, or trying to smile. He still didn't have the smile thing quite right and he could see thathis attempts at a smile were disturbing some. Maybe he should try for a dark serious look? So he started frowning at women and that actually seemed to work a little better because one woman spoke to him. She was wearing a dark blue tunic trimmed in silver. "Hello," she said. "I am a visitor here in Valvora. I wonder if I may ask you a question?" El Toro couldn't help but notice the shapely curves of the woman's body. "Certainly! I would be happy to help you." "Where is a good place to get a bed in this town? One that is not too expensive, but yet does not come equipped with fleas and bedbugs." "Ah, I know just the place," El Toro said. "It's where I am staying myself, The Red Rabbit Inn. The prices are low, the beds are clean, and the kitchen serves a delicious roast rabbit. If you like, I can show you the way." "Thank you!" the woman said. "My name is Trisha and I am from Kaivo." "I am El Toro." "Oh, I thought you were the Logfather." For a moment he thought she was serious, then he realized she was joking. I like this woman, he thought. "Did you come to Valvora for the Winter Carnival?" he said. She looked at him. "Have you ever killed anyone?" He wasn't sure he heard her correctly. "What?" "I have heard of you, El Toro, and I need your services. I don't have money to pay you, but... if you like my body, and I think you do, then you can have me and do what you want, just please help me. Please!" He thought rapidly. His job for the Dark King required him to infiltrate any subversive group he could find operating in Valvora. Perhaps this woman was a subversive. Technically, he could consider it a part of his job to go along with her and see what she was up to. "Yes," he said. "I will help you. And I can save you some money on a room at the inn. You can sleep with me in my room. I have a large bed." Her eyes were dark. "Alright. But you promise to help me?" "I promise." MS Kar blushed trying to picture Shilla in a beautiful green outfit. Jiro looked at his brother and chuckled moving to the bed."Well if you go either way I'll stick with Memly." he said. Memly made a small neigh of delight and nuzzled his neck with her muzzle. Kar and Shina both laughed and stood up. "Hehe than I guess im in eh?" Shina said. Kar smiled and hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek. "Of course you are~! Besides, I always wanted to see a beautiful red dragoness in green~! it is the winter season after all~!" he said. Twiga The day of the pagent, Shina and Memly signed up.They slipped into the Anthro dressing rooms where they saw a particular Dragon with five heads! "Who is she?" Shina asked "That is Tiamat." Said a female skunk anthro "She comes from a race of dragons that can live for three hundred years!" "How old is she?" Memly asked "No one knows for certain." Piped in a anthro elephant Steve Ellen The band was tuning their instruments for the Grand March which always began the Winter Carnival. The conductor was an anthro lion named Begottamus. His mane was snow white because he was so old but he could still snap his conductor's wand around. He tapped his music stand. "Let me hear an A-flat from the horn section!" Preceding the band would be 20 dancing girls in snappy costumes. They were all jumping around trying to stay warm because it was early in the morning with frost on the ground and their uniforms were skimpy. "In the name of the Great Swan, when is this damn parade going to start? I'm freezing!" said one of the bare-legged girls. "Places everybody!" roared Begottamus and the girls lined up with the band behind them. After the band would come a dozen clowns, then a float from the vegetable growers' association piled high with turnips and cabbages. After that was a hundred school kids in homemade uniforms. Then a float from the dairy association featuring a 500-pound cheese and three beautiful farmgirls. Next was the ratcatchers' float with an amusing tableau of cardboard rats running away from a giant cardboard ratcatcher. And more floats after that. The streets of Valvora were narrow and lined with people but somehow every year the parade managed to make it though. "Alright, musicians!" yelled Begottamus. "This is it! Everyone look sharp, watch your step, and stay in tune! Let the parade begin!" A fanfare was blown on the trumpets. The drummers started up a march rhythm. The dancing girls high-stepped out in front. The floats began to creakily roll. The annual Valvora Winter Carnival was now in session. MS Kovu walked among the crowd as people watched and followed the parade. He walked through the crowds hoping to find the target he's looking for. Through the crowd he accidentally bumped into the red headed stick Jiro."Hey man! Watch where your going ok?" Jiro said rubbing his bottom. Kovu extended his hand from his robe and helped Jiro stand up. "My apologize good sir. I wasn't looking where I was going. I was trying to find a particullar fellow that probably be here." he explained. "Well.. Its ok. Neither was I and the crowd is rough. So I bet that accidents always happen. And who are you searching for?" "Uhhh... Something. Anyways mind if I stick around for a while?" Jiro smiled and srugged. "Go ahead. Hey by the way, when's the Logfather coming?" Kar cheered and yelled as he saw Shina and Memly out into the open. He called towards them but the girls couldn't hear. Jiro had to hold his ears since he was so close to him. Twiga Kovu watched the girls march out. He had never seen such beauty!After the parade Kovu got himself a meatball sub. Than he noticed the Logfather AKA El Toro He was following a five headed dragoness known as Tiamat "Remember Toro." The Dragoness purred "When I blow the whisle you pull the rope." "What's that mean?" Kovu asked himself Steve Ellen El Toro plodded along behind the dragoness. She has big hips, he thought. Even after she carefully explained the rope to him he wasn't sure what it was all about. But Tiamat would answer none of his questions. She didn't believe in curiosity and discouraged it every chance she got. Fine, El Toro thought, it will be Tiamat's fault if something goes wrong. El Toro was a strong believer in getting all the details of a plan and knowing what was going on. That's why the Dark King had sent him to infiltrate, because of his attention to details. El Toro sighed. The only infiltrating he had done so far was infiltrating Trisha last night in his room at the inn. She made an excellent bed companion. Her story was a strange one. Trisha was born into royalty, the daughter of a duke in the Blue Kingdom, but when Trisha was still a small child, there had been treachery, the Duke was in danger, and Trisha had been hidden away in a loyal servant's house. Unfortunately, the Duke was killed, the servant ran off to the countryside with Trisha, and she was raised as a peasant girl on a farm. It was only when she reached the age of 17 that she had been told of her true birthright. When Trisha found out that she was really an aristocrat, she vowed to kill the man who had killed her father. That man was Kyle Slank and he was now a member of the Dark King's Guard. El Toro thought about his promise to Trisha, to help her kill Kyle Slank. It would not be easy to kill a guardsman. They were seldom alone and they were tough and well-trained. But he wasn't going to worry about that now. For right now he had to concentrate on Tiamat the Dragoness and her damned rope. Twiga Memly and Shina were waiting behind the stage wearing winter gowns, Shina was wearing a green one and Memly was wearing blue.They were waiting their turn as the other girls showed off their stuff. They were right after a young Snake woman named T'ress, She swolwly made her way onto the stage, but than a harsh wind started to blow and blew her dress right off! The snake quickly ran off the stage Steve Ellen Shina and Memly wished each other luck in this first part of the Beauty Pageant - the Talent Show. Secretly they were glad the Snake Girl had a wardrobe malfunction. She would have been a hard act to beat. Memly played a lullaby on the flute, then Shina sang a song about the summer pumpkin harvest. They were both good, but the audience seemed to prefer a little blonde girl from North Kaiva who performed a juggling act featuring flaming batons. Then came the Swimsuit Display. Shina was the favorite. No other girl had so many curves in just the right places as Shina did. Then came the Question Segment. Each girl had to answer a question about public affairs. Shina looked foolish when she said the Dark King was a black man from the South. Memly didn't do too bad on her question. She knew the Seven Rights of Valvorans. Except she messed up on number 6, the Right to Eat Highly Spiced Pickled Cabbage, getting it confused with the Right to Eat Fresh Fruit Pie in Season. It was the Gown Parade where Memly really shined. She looked truly elegant in her long blue gown, just like royalty. Memly and Shina stood with the rest of the girls while the judges debated amongst themselves. Finally the head judge mounted the steps to the stage. "Let me have your attention please! This year's winner of the Miss Valvora Winter Carnival prize is..." MS Everyone was on their toes leaning forward hoping to hear the announcment."..........The winner is Memly!!" he yelled aloud and gestured the anthro zebra. Everyone was all cheering hearing that the zebra won. Jiro cheered louder than anyone and whistled to her. She looked at Jiro and blushed deeply as she walked towards the stage shyly. Kovu smiled seeing that his new friends were happy that the zebra won. But it wasn't time for him to rest yet as he continued to look around for the man. The same man who El Toro was also targeting. "Uhhh... Well my new friends it looks like its time for me to depart." he said as adjusted his robe. Kar and Jiro looked back at him with confusion. "Why so early?" said Jiro. "Yeah! Its the festivle!" said his brother. Kovu raised his hand and smiled but looked kinda shameful to dissapoint his new friends. "Its just that I have one last job to do before I truely relax." Twiga A guy in a tuxedo presented Memly with flowers, a crown and started sining a really god awaful song"Here she is, Oh yeah here she is!" Meanwhile El Toro was standing by the rope waiting for Tiamat to blow the whistle... Steve Ellen Memly beamed with pride. This was so wonderful. And they would get the gold pieces for a prize. They wouldn't starve this winner. She listened to the guy in the tuxedo sing to her as she strutted around the stage. There she is... Miss Valvoria There she is... our ideal There were many who thought they compared Many like her who came and dared Dared to compete in a contest to decide Who would be Valvora's new bride...... And now we have finally decide...ed THERE she is!... Miss Valvoria THERE she is... our ideal Memly accepted the wreaths and bouquets of flowers that were piled around her. Flashbulbs popped, people cheered. Even in her happiness she felt a bit of sadness that it would soon be over. Not so far away from that happy scene El Toro was tensing up. Tiamat had raised the whistle to her lips. El Toro tightened his grip on the rope... MS Though, El Toro wasn't sure what the idea was, he kept on looking around tightning the rope. Ontop of a weapon's smith shop, Kyle Slank in his robes and armor watches as the festivle continued on. He raised his bow targeting El Toro. But little did he know that El Toro was also part of the Dark King's legion. The only thing he's targeting him was because he saw the anthro talking to that blue woman. Kovu moved away from the crowd and headed towards an allyway near the smith shop. Hoping no one was there, Kovu began to climb up the shop with his knife at the ready."YAHOO! MEMLY!" Jiro yelled out jumping. Memly looked down at Jiro and blushed as she waved to him and gave him a blow kiss. Shina did the same to Kar and the 2 brothers fell clutching their hearts. "Hehhe. Silly sticks arn't they Mem~?" asked Shina. "You bet. They are brothers you know?" she replied. Moy showed up unexpectidly with a bunch of gifts and accessories. "Who won?!" he yelled aloud. "Memly~!" they both said. "Ahh.. Oh well~! Still gifts!" Twiga Just than Tiamat blew the whistle!El Toro pulled the rope and a peice of the floor was pulled up reavealing... A flying boat! It was the boat of the dark king! Steve Ellen People shrank back as the winged boat drifted slowly up. It's coal black skin was polished to a high gloss. On the forward deck stood the Captain of the Guard with a megaphone raised to his mouth. "People of Valvora! Here me now! The Dark King sends his deepest regards! He has chosen to reward the winner of the Miss Valvora Beauty Pageant with a place in the Ebonty Palace. She will be a special consort of the King and live a life of luxury. Congratulations, Memly!" Memly dropped the flowers she was holding. "Oh no! The Dark King must know who I am!" Jiro reached up and yanked her off the stage. "Come on! Let's get out of here!" The crowd had applauded the Guard Captain's words, thinking it was an honor for Memly to be chosen by the Dark King, and now they surged around to congratulate her, making it almost impossible for Memly and Jiro to move. "Get out of the way!" Jiro screamed, but they were trapped in the surge of bodies. He looked up to see the flying boat now over their heads. Guardsmen were leaning over the side with a net in their hands, ready to toss it down and capture Memly. One of those guardsmen suddenly clutched at an arrow in his chest and fell over the side. Women screamed as his body hit the pavement with a sickening thud. On top of the weapon smith's shop Kyle Slank slowly lowered his bow and smiled. No one would ever know he had gotten even with that sonafabitch Kenny Sloan who had beaten him at cards and taken all his money. Suddenly a man leaped from the stairway and knocked Kyle down. Kovu the mercenary raised his knife to plunge it into Kyle's heart but Kyle rolled aside. "Who are you?" Kyle yelled. Kovu lunged at him again, saying nothing. He was only paid to kill, not explain why. El Toro had been watching the flying boat hover over the crowd, but out of the corner of his eye he noticed a commotion on one of the rooftops. Could that be... It was! Kyle Slank fighting with someone. El Toro ran up the stairway to join the fight. El Tiamat the Dragoness lowered the whistle from her mouth. Sometimes I only have a little part to play, she thought, but a small action can trigger large events. MS (Btw. In case anyone doesn't know the story, look into my first interactive story. Thanks. From: MS300) Everyone was yelling in terror as the Guardsmans began to decend from the ship and chase after Jiro and Memly. It was tough to get to them since the crowd was so large. One guardsman accidentally bumbed into a giant raging minotuar. "Ok you damn guardsman! Im going to teach you a lesson for ruining a season like this!" he yelled as he picked him up. The guardsman was waving his arms trying to struggle to get out of his grip. "NO NO WAIT PLEASE!" he yelled. The minotuar scoffed and threw the Guardsman into the rest of the solders. "Oh crap!" the injured guardsman said as he figured he landed on Tiamat. Tge 5 headed dragoness looked up at the man and growled ready to toast him for his idiocy. But Memly has already made her way out of the festivle. Meanwhile, El Toro found a ladder that was bit enough to reach towards the weapon smith's roof. He climbed over and stood ontop of the roof. Kyle was taken aback from Kovu's pwerful swing from his knife. But he didn't know that he accidentally bumbed into El Toro.The Ox looked down and smirked evily at the red stick. Kovu almost smiled as well figuring that this Ox was going to help. "Are you the one called Kyle Slank?" he said. The guardsman looked up at the giant Ox and grew wide eyed. "What if I am?!" he yelled. The Ox picked him up and threw him near the edge. "GAH!" El Toro walked over towards him and took out his mace. "There's someone who you hurted. And killed her father. Im going to fulfill her wish and silence you." Kovu was a bit surprised to hear that El Toro was also after this man. Except, the captian of the blue national guardsman gave Kovu the order to take him out. He walked over and tapped his foot. "May we both do the honors?" he said. Twiga El Toro lowered his horns and pierced the offender!Than Kovu... Steve Ellen ...cut off one of Kyle Slank's ears. "This will be my proof," Kovu said. "Good idea," El Toro said, and cut off Kyle Slank's other ear. "I have someone to give this to." That night, at El Toro's room in the Red Rabbit Inn, Trisha made love to him with extreme passion. "Thank you for everything," she said. Around her neck on a leather thong was Kyle Slank's ear. "How long do you intend to wear that thing?" El Toro asked. "Forever." El Toro smiled his lopsided smile. Forever was a long time. One day that ear would seem silly to her, he thought, and she would toss it away like a piece of trash. This was the way of the world. Today's passions become tomorrow's ho-hums. He put his hand on her naked skin and felt the warmth. Yes, passion didn't last forever, but for tonight he would enjoy it. He pulled her close. "Again?" she said. "Yes... because I am... El Toro!" MS After a while, the gang all regrouped at the plaza again once every guardsman escaped. A few had been killed and many injured and arrested. No civilians were hurt thankfully. And the minotaur was granted with a medal of bravery. Though the festivle may have looked like it was ruined, the people still had their hopes high as ever. After that night the people seemingly have gotten the courage to oppose the red nation and the Dark King. Memly was a bit depressed however, and she sat on the edge of the pavement as she watched the people repairing the plaza."I can't believe... After all this time... I thought I escaped his grasp. That evil king must have known of the festivle and planned this..." she said. She cried to herself and shivered standing up. She looked down at her beautiful garement and took it off, revealing herself back into her normal clothing. The anthro zebra tossed the blue dress aside and began to walk away. "Hey..." Jiro quietly called out to her. Memly turned her head to face her lover who held the blue dress in his hands. "I think you dropped this." Jiro quietly walked over to her and laid a hand on her shoulder and rubbed it. "Leave it... It only makes me more of a target for him...." "Thats not true Memly... None of it is true. Remember when we met I swore to protect your life after that attack that day? Remember? And what happened now? Were you taken? No. Because I stayed by your side and defended you. And I always will till the very end." Memly stared into Jiro's eyes as hers were beggining to water. She cried one more time and wrapped her arms around Jiro. "Shhh...Its all ok now love...." Memly grasped on his shirt as she buried her head into his chest gasping and panting from crying. "Jiro...Tonight...Please....For me.... For our everlasting love... Stay with me tonight alone..." Twiga That night they headed to a small apartment.Memly stared out the window wistfully "I made your favorite." Jiro said trying to cheer her up "Seaweed Salad?" Memly asked not even looking up MS Jiro nodded his head as he laid the dish on the table near Memly. She kept on looking out the window sighing sadly. It wasn't long until Kar, Shina and Moy came back. But they weren't there for long since they had to help with the repairs. Jiro sat on the chair and looked into the Zebra's sad eyes and sighed. He didn't know what to do to make her feel any better. Than... He thought of something he never had before. He walked over behind her and ran his hands across her shoulders and to her chest. She almost made a neigh and jumped."Jiro!?" she neighed. Jiro only smiled and laughed hugging her gently. But his one hand was still on her as the other soothed her face. "Sorry love... I hated to see you all sad and such. So I wanted to get you riled up. Get it off your mind. Remember, its the winter season. Logfather would surely want everyone to have something. Even you~! " he said. Memly looked up at Jiro and blushed deeply. "Jiro..." "Yes... I will... Tonight for you." Twiga After dinner, they crept into the bedroom,(I'm not sure how far I should go because this story is rated 13+) Jiro kissed Memly's eqiune lips, they were extremly flexable and strong. Memly ran her fingers through his red hair, Jiro than ran his fingers through her black and white mane, tying it into a loose braid and than letting it unwind by itself Steve Ellen While Jiro and Memly performed the ancient biological rituals that please and satisfy, the Dark King was pacing back and forth in his Hall of Worry. It was a room he had designed himself, a room where he could think about the many things that aggravated his restless mind. So she escapes me again, he thought. This little zebra anthro, Memly, has a gift for escaping. I would like to lock her in one of my dungeon cells. Let's see her escape from THAT. Then I would punish her very slowly. First with the little pains, the little humiliations, the small tortures, then week after week slowly getting worse, more pain, more humiliation, until her life was such a living Hell of agony that she would be begging for death. But there would be no death for her. Just more years living in my dungeoan, her beauty ruined, her youth gone, and occasionally I would visit her and ask her if she was sorry she wasn't nice to me when she had the chance. The Dark King chuckled thinking about Memly broken and forlorn, begging him for mercy. Ha! Mercy! No, that wasn't something she would get from him. He left the Hall of Worry and strode into his Chamber of Decisions. He would not trust this job to his Guards. They had proved very incompetent at the Winter Festival. He wrote a quick note on parchment: Need your services. Come at once! Then folded it twice and sealed it with wax. On the outside he wrote a name and address. He stepped down the hall to the Communications Room. Old Scragpile Flopsap was on duty. "Send this letter immediately!" Scragpile accepted the letter. "Yes sir, Your Darkness! I will send a boy on a fast pony." "No!" the Dark King said. "I want this done quickly. Use a flying boat." "Sir? An entire flying boat just to send one letter?" The Dark King loomed over Scragpile. "Are you questioning me?" Scragpile began trembling. "No, Sire! No! I am merely confirming your orders. Thy will be done!" MS (Just go as much as it doesn't get too much detailed on the scene.MS300) "Than go!" he yelled scaring Scragpile out of the room. He sat down on his throne and thought to himself. He thought that there was no way for Memly to have escaped on her own. She had someone else. Or maybe more. "Who did you have with you zebra girl?" he said to himself. After a few hours later, Memly and Jiro both slept together in their bed cuddled into each other's embrace and the blankets. They were still naked though. But they didn't care nor noticed since they were asleep. When Moy, Kar and Shina came back they dared not said a word and walked into their own room giggling. Twiga When they woke up, they got dressed and headed out for breakfast.Shina was stirring a pot of oatmeal and Moy was using his firey breath to make toast Steve Ellen They sat around eating oatmeal and toast and drinking hot cocoa. Nobody spoke. Finally Jiro said, "Memly and I are leaving Valora." Shina looked up, very surprised. "Why? We have money now. We can easily make it through the winter." "It's too dangerous for Memly," Jiro said. "The Dark King has never stopped looking for her. I don't think he ever will. We're going over the mountains to Jimalia." "Jimalia! But that's practically a wilderness. How will you live?" "It's not a total wilderness. There are settlements there. Maybe no big cities like Valvora... but it's not a wilderness." Kar folded his arms across his chest, leaned back, and looked hard at Jiro. "That's the kind of life you want Memly to have? Scrubbing around in the backwoods where there is no soap or hot water?" Memly shook her head. "Don't be silly, Kar. All you need for hot water is a fire. I'm sure the natives have fire. Geez! It's not cavemen there, you know?" MS Kar stood bit dense for a bit than sighed nodding. "Yeah I guess... But what about us? If your gone what will happen to us?" he said. Jiro didn't think about that before and felt almost bad about not bringing either his brother or the rest with them. He sat quetly as long as he could thinking. Twiga "There is a place I can think of..." Jiro said"And that is..." Kar said tapping his foot. "Gardenia" Jiro said "The Garden capital of the world." Steve Ellen Kar squinted. "I thought Gardenia was just a myth." "I believe it really exists. The legends say it lies on the other side of Jimalia." "You mean the Legend of the Girl and the Rose? Sure, we've all heard that one since we were kids, but that's just a tale told to children, Jiro. Gardenia is not a real place." Jiro's eyes were glowing. "I believe it IS a real place. Let's all go there!" Kar leaned back. "Ah, Jiro, Jiro, Jiro. Sometimes you be so crazy." Shina grabbed Kar's arm. "Let's go with Jiro and Memly to Jimalia. If Gardenia exists then people will have heard about it in Jimalia." "What?! Are you going crazy too? I'm not going to just up and leave Valvora and run off on some stupid search for a fairytale place that doesn't even exist." MS Moy stood there not even sure what to do. He was unsure weather he listens to Jiro or Kar."Bro come on! Can't we just go?" Shina asked Moy. Moy was stunned and unsure what to do. He wanted to do whatever his sister wanted. But he never really believed that Gardenia existed. "Ummm...... Oh! Oh oh oh... I feel sick...." he said trying to sneak this out by acting. Twiga Shina wasen't fooled and she knew Moy was acting."Come on Moy! Stop being so foolish and make up your mind!" Steve Ellen "We need more information," Moy said. "Remember that old guy at the marketplace who claims he's been all over the world?" "Oh yeah," Kar said. "He sells brassware. He's got a long white beard. They call him Judge Rudy. I don't know why." "Let's talk to him then. See what he thinks about Gardenia." MS Everyone all nodded in agreement and began to head out. They headed towards the marketplace which now stremaed with crowds. They came up to an old man with a long white beard showing the finest collections around Hiro!"Come! Come all and take a look at the finest items you would never find anywhere else! And the greatest rare treasures from mountains, volcanos, the frost world of the north of Hiro and many more!" said the old man. Jiro and Memly looked at each other and smiled knowing they found the right man. "That's him. Lets go!" he said. Twiga "Exuse me." Jiro said "Do you know where Gadenia is?""Of Course!" Judge Rudy said "It's ten miles down the road Adina!" Everyone gulped Adina was a land of perpetual earthquakes and volcanos! Steve Ellen "So it's a real place?" Moy said. "Have you actually been there?" Judge Rudy nodded. "Yes! I was there! Many years ago. It wasn't easy! We had to go through Adina and Adina was very active that year. Everyday there was an earthquake. Our packhorses were scared to death. We had to tie them all together with two ropes so they wouldn't run away. And then a volcano erupted and covered the main road with lava." "What did you do?" "We went around. What do you think? But we got there and let me tell you Gardenia is just as beautiful a place as you could ever want to see. Everywhere there are palm trees and flowers and oranges and lemons and pineapples. And rum. They make an excellent rum in Gardenia." "I'm going there," Jiro said. The old man looked him up and down. "You are? You don't seem sturdy enough to me for such a tough journey." "I'm sturdier than I look,' Jiro said. Memly leaned on Jiro and rubbed his shoulder. "He's VERY sturdy! We'll make it." Judge Rudy looked at her. "You are going too, young lady? It's no trip for a woman. There are many bandits, crooks, monsters, and bad guys of every kind between here and Gardenia." Memly looked lovingly at Jiro. "As long as I am with Jiro I will be safe." MS Jiro smiled as he laid his arms around Memly snuggling her."That's correct!" he said. Kar sighed but smiled and walked in to join. "Don't forget! You have me brother! I may not think of any fantasy stuff but whatever some old man says I go." Moy nodded and Shina as well as they walked forward as well. "Well than! You must be very brave together on this journey! But you might need some assistance on your way. I heard there was a mercenary in town. Human one. Named Kovu." the old man replied. Twiga Kovu was currently busy buying groveries for himself"Let's see, free range mushrooms, Check, olives check wine..." "KOVU!" The five adventures blurted out at the same time "GAH! Don't scream like that!" Kovu said "I almost dropped my eggs!" Steve Ellen "We have a proposition for you," Moy said. "We are going to Gardenia. How about coming with us?" Kovu studied them. "Gardenia, eh? Funny that you should mention that place." Shina grinned. "Funny haha or funny strange?" "Funny strange," Kovu said. "Last night I dreamed of Gardenia." "Have you ever been there?" "Oh yes, I've been to Gardenia. It's an interesting story. Want to hear it?" MS The entire group all yelled out yes to Kovu to hear his story."Ok ok gang easy up! I'll tell. Well.... Last night... I dreamed that I was in Gardenia. And there I saw deliciouse fruits and many more! But... Since there was a large city built near there years ago they picked almost all the fruits and vegitables. Whats left there is the beautiful flowers that last for eternity. I couldn't remember what flowers they were but they were beautiful. The only fruits and vegitables there are left is the buds that now grow on the trees. Its still beautiful though. And luciouse~!" he explained as he thought about it. Twiga After the story everyone gazemazed in gazemazment!"I will lead you to Gadrdenia." Kovu said "If you do one thing for me." "And that is..." Jiro said "Can you read these coupons for me? I can't read the experation date." Steve Ellen Jiro studied the coupons. "I can't read them either. What language are they in?" "Let me see those," Shina said and grabbed the coupons. "Hmmmm. My grandmother used to write like this. They're printed in what's called The Old Tongue. It's a forbidden language now by order of the Dark King." "Oooo," Memly shuddered. "The Dark King!" "So what are the coupons for anyway?" Kar said. "And, uh, if they are printed in an extinct language isn't it safe to asume they have expired?" "You're probably right," Kovu said, stuffing the coupons back into his keepall. "Okay, I'll lead you to Gardenia. "Technically you didn't do the one thing I asked you to do, but since you had a good explanation of why you couldn't do it, I'll honor my end of the deal. Let's leave first thing in the morning." MS Everyone all nodded at Kovu and agreed. Meanwhile, Tiamat waited impatiently for El Toro to return to wherever the hell he was. It wasn't like El Toro to be just late of all days and time. Her heads began to squabble at one another as she stood near the inn growling."Where the hell is that Ox?!" she yelled. A human who passed by her and was near froze not making a word. His eyes were wide as he looked at her. She growled back at the human scaring him away. She tried not to attract too much attention. Twiga El Toro finally came back "Where have you been?" Tiamat demanded "Oh... Here and there." The Ox said slyly Meanwhile the Heroes were headed for Gardenia.... Steve Ellen Problem Number One was getting out of Valvora. It's not easy getting out of a walled city that only has two gates and both gates are well guarded by the Dark King's minions. "We'll have to smuggle Memly out in a wagonload of hay," Jiro said. Kar rolled his eyes. "That's so Old School, bro! Don't you think the guards will poke spears in the hay?" "Maybe you're right. Anybody got an idea?" "Yes," Shina said. "I have an excellent idea. We dress up as a troupe of mimes. We'll have white faces and won't talk and the guards won't recognize us." Jiro nodded. "That could work. And we'll have long robes. Great! Let's do it." "I'll purchase some supplies for the journey," Kovu said. "Remember, we want to leave first thing in the morning." In another part of town a hunky ox and a 5-headed dragoness were having a spirited argument. The dragoness was winning, 5 heads to 1. MS (Ummm Steve, Valvora wasn't property of the Dark King. It was blue nation's city.) Twiga Meanwhile El Toro scanned the skys looking for enemy birds, bats or other flying creatures.Just than a bat (One of the King's minion bats) Flew down "Trouble in the High Mountains!" The Bat said "Someone has started many fires in the Dark King's weapon labs!" Steve Ellen "Get those fires out!" the Dark King yelled. "When I find the moron who started these fires I'm going to kill him!" "Maybe it was a saboteur?" suggested old Ben Sami. "Then I'll kill him twice. Once for my own pleasure and once as an example to whoever sent him." Not for the first time old Ben Sami wondered if the Dark King was getting senile. Just that morning the Dark King had said something about sending Ben Sami on an errand to "my city, Valvora". Ben Sami had to remind him that Valvora belonged to the Blue Kingdom. "Then I will capture it and make it mine!" screamed the Dark King. MS Tiamat growled and grabbed whatever she had on her and grabbed El Toro's hand."Come on El Toro! Whatever the hell happened we must find who did this immediately!" she yelled running off. The bat ran with the two as well straight out the city gates. Meanwhile back at the mountain, a Gyrphon woman in robes stood from a faraway tree watching the solders trying to stop the flames from spreading. Twiga "Interesting." She thought and she flew off heading for parts unknownMeanwhile the heroes found that they were almost at Gardnia but saw a river of lava was blocking their path Steve Ellen "Uh oh," Kovu said. "You know what this means?""What?" Jiro said. "We have to go all the way back to Alvion where the road forked and take the left fork instead. It makes the journey ten times as difficult." "Surely not ten times?" "I'm factoring in that it will be on a path I never traveled before and facing dangers we are as yet unaware of. Do you still want to go to Gardenia?" "Yes!" Jiro said and then the others agreed: "Yes. Sure. Okay, let's do it." MS (sorry for my absence everyone. I have been doing stuff revently that caught me busy. Don't worry though I have not forgotten the campfire. MS300.) Meanwhile, the Gryphon woman walked amongst the crowd of solders who were unaware of her since they were busy watching the flames. A human male barking out orders to his solders was the only one who noticed the Gryphon. "You there! Anthro bird! What are you doing here? This is a restricted area and no one leaves until Tiamat comes back from the mission!" he yelled. The Gryphon woman paid no mind as she watched the weapons lab burn. Many explosions occured inside the lab and flames spurted out. "Sabotour?" she asked. The human clenched his teeth and looked back at the flames. "Yes...." The Gryphon woman looked around the area and noticed a badge on the snow no one noticed. She walked over and picked it up. It had the mark of The Kingdom. Blue nation's imperial capital empire. "I think I know who it was that caused your unfortune human." she said. Twiga "The blue kingdom." She said holding up the badgeFinally at long last the heroes reached Gardania the fragrant flowers and fruits helped the air smell sweet the air was so clean it sparkled! "Welcome Brave Heroes!" Said a great female voice. A green sea serpent woman appeared "Can it be?" Shina gasped "Could it possibly be?" Moy breathed "Aunt Liana?" Both dragons said Steve Ellen "Come in! Come in!" Aunt Liana said. "I can't believe my niece and nephew finally found their way all the way up here to Gardenia! It's amazing! How did you know I was here?" Shina smiled. "Uh... well actually we didn't know you were here." "But then why did you come here?" "It's a long story..." "That's okay," Aunt Liana said. "I want to hear it. Don't start yet. I'll make some hot cocoa and cookies." MS Moy and Shina nodded and walked into her home. Jiro Kar and Shelly both waited a few seconds before walking in. The place was more wonderful than they expected. Kovu just stayed outside looking at the fruitless trees. They had fruit buds growing though and seeds as well. Before anyone noticed, Kovu walked off on his own to see the place like in his dream. He walked through the feilds and stumbled upon a small lake.Kovu smiled and kneeled down and scooped up water drinking it. The lake water was so refreshing that Kovu had to dunk his head in it. Until he opened his eyes and saw a blue stick staring back at him wide eyed and surprised. "WHOA!" Kovu yelled falling on his bottom. Twiga The Blue Stick just shook his head, muttered something about 'kids and walked off.The heroes gathered around Liana's place. "This place is a lot like the Rain Forest I grew up in as a foal." Memly said "How come the Dark King hasen't come here yet?" Steve Ellen Aunt Liana shuddered. "I don't know how you put up with that guy. He hasn't come here because we are so happy and peaceful that it makes him puke just to think about it. Our sweetness partly comes from the many magical fruit trees that grow here. They emit a pollen into the air that sickens evil people. It's very difficult for an evil person to get into Gardenia." "I'm glad me and my friends got in!" Memly said. "Oh, I can see you are all good people! But if one of the Dark King's evil little helpers tried to come to Gardenia, he would get lost and get sick and grow discouraged and give up." "So what do you guys do for fun around here?" MS Aunt Liana smiled a bit."There is a small city here that you can go to. Its nothing like the other cities though. Its more peaceful. They hold special events there for Gardenia. Usually others would swim in the lake water not far from here." she said. Memly nodded her head and smiled as well. She felt like she could go for a swim. "So.. Aunt Liana, how did you get here anyways?" asked Moy. "Believe me nephew, it wasn't easy. I went the other way towards it by the stream leading towards a waterfall." "Wow I hope you were ok." said Shina. Twiga At the side of the lake Memly and Jiro swam in the fragrant blue waters"This place is so beautiful!" Memly said "I feel like I could stay here for the rest of my life." "I concur." Jiro said Shina and Moy listened to their Aunt's tale Hope and wonder filled their eyes Steve Ellen That evening, when they were all sitting around the table after a meal of sea soup, fried littles, and a baked frump, Liana poured them all a mug of her best hard cider. Soon everyone was relaxed and had a silly smile on their face. "Would you like me to tell you the Legend of the Tree of Forgetfullness?" Liana said. There were nods all around and Memly managed to mumble, "Yes, tell us." Liana took a sip from her mug and began to speak... Many years ago before the first people came to Gardenia there was a kingdom of thinking plants living here. You're probably wondering how plants think and the answer is very slowly. A day for a plant is like one minute for us. Our year to a plant is just a day. Spring is the morning, summer is midday, autumn is evening, and winter is night. That's when trees sleep - in the winter, their night. Then they all wake up again in the morning - the spring - to begin a new day. Plants communicate with each other through their roots. In fact, in some ways a forest is like one giant brain underground. The roots are the neurons and synapses of the forest brain. They release messenger chemicals into the soil to communicate. It's very slow communication, because plants think very slowly. You might be wondering if a plant can see a person. Normally, no. Because people move too fast. To a plant, a person is just a flickering blur. Until... the person dies. Then after a person is buried in the ground, the roots of nearby plants touch him. In that way plants came to know about people. But there is another way plants know about people and that's because of the houses people build. Since the houses stay in one place for long periods of time, the plants can see them. But the people who live in the houses flicker by like hummingbirds. Occasionally someone will be visible for a moment when he naps in the yard. As Liana droned on, Memly and Shina and Moy fell asleep, but Jiro was still awake. "Aunt Liana," Jiro said. "What about the Tree of Forgetfulness? Did you forget about it?" Liana smiled at Jiro. "You're the only one listening. I think I like you best." Jiro grinned and felt his eyelids grow heavy. He slumped down, fast asleep, snoring. MS Meanwhile, Kovu sneaked outside the evening and wondered what they would do next. The Dark King's forces are spreading farther into Hiro, and the Kingdom can't hold them for much longer at their boarders. They began to spread too beyond the south and almost at Valvora. Soon they would control that and take the Imperial City."What are we to do? We can't stay here...." he said to himself. "I may be a mercenary but I don't want this world to be over his control...." On the other side of the small lake, the blue stick woman sat crossed legged on the grass listening to Kovu. It didn't take long for him to notice she was listening. "Hey. You know its not nice to easedrop on a man you know?" Twiga The blue stick woman smiled "That's ok I wasen't paying that much attention. I'll be leaving now."She was about to turn when Kovu grabbed her arm "Who are you?" He asked Steve Ellen She gasped. "How did you get to this side of the lake so fast?" Kovu smiled. "I am Kovu, the fastest mercenary in Valvora. Now tell me who are you?" "Let go of my arm first. Your grip is like a mountain bear." "Have you ever been bitten by a mountain bear?" She yanked her arm away from him. "No. You are an impertinent man." "And you are a lovely woman." She laughed at him. "Your sweet words will gain you nothing. I know all about you mercenaries and your ways." Kovu held out his hands, palms up. "I am not like the rest. I am Kovu." "Kovu! Kovu! Kovu! You are proud of that name, aren't you? Do you think I don't know what it means? It's in the Oranji language, isn't it? You were born a gypsy. Kovu means Little Thief." Kovu's face reddened, then he got back his self-control. "And how does a country girl living way up her in Gardenia know the Oranji language?" "Wouldn't you like to know," she said. Kovu grabbed her and pulled her so close their faces were only an inch apart. "Yes, I would like to know." MS The blue stick girl almost blushed as she was drawn close to his face. She faked her coughed and gently pushed Kovu away."Alright then. Since your so nosey I'll tell you. Im Ardalina. I came from.... Well.... Actually im a princess... Of the Imperial king south of Hiro. Past through the desert plains and to the shores. The Imperial city where my father... King Akorosh V was the largest for bringing the nations and anthros into a union. But my father, the new king, is more stricter and more overprotective. He keeps on raising law enforcements and guards up to defend us. But he is also hurting us with his cruel might. He may be trying to protect us but its the wrong way. He hates the Dark King so much...." she explained. Kovu's mouth dropped down straight on the ground in total shock of the entire story. A princess! Wow! Twiga They walked away together under the starlight.Amazed Kovu, wanted to know more about the Princess. Meanwhile The Dark King saw that the heroes were in Gardenia where he could not reach them... Steve Ellen The Dark King stared at his crystal viewing screen where he could see the tiny figures of Memly and Jiro and the rest. "Look at them! Out of reach of me and being happy! It makes me want to puke! Why does nothing ever work out right for me?" Old Ben Sami limped into the room. "Sire? Tiamat and El Toru have returned to the palace." "Send them in at once!" Tiamat and El Toro strode in. "Hail, Dark Master!" Tiamat said. The Dark King scowled. "What have you learned about the fire?" "Very little. No one saw anyone start it. It may be of magical origin, Sire, started from a distance by some wizard versed in the arts of pyromania." The Dark King clasped his gnarled hands together. "A wizard, eh. Just what I need... Tiamat, I want you to continue to work on the fire problem. You may go now." After Tiamat left the Dark King turned to El Toro. "I have a special job for you. I've located Memly and I want you to go and capture her for me. She's in Gardenia." El Toro's jaw dropped. "Gardenia! That's a long way from here and I have heard that the town is well-protected from evil by magical trees." The Dark King blew out his breath in a sarcastic way. "Are you afraid of trees, Toro? Have you gotten so feeble that even trees hold fear for you?" El Toro stiffened. "El Toro is afraid of nothing!" "Good," the Dark King said. "Get a good horse from the stable and tell Ben Sami what supplies you will need." MS El Toro bowed and nodded as he walked out the throne. Though... He was unsure about all this. The only thing he thought was... Why did the Dark King send El Toro to go to Gardenia? Meanwhile, Kovu and Princess Ardalina stood besides the lake staring at each other. Kovu was unsure what to say or react, but he got enough courage to finally speak again but in a more intellectual tone with her. "So... Why have you come here than?" he asked. There was a hint of tear within the blue girl's eye's. She turned away making it look like she didn't want to say why. "To get away from my father. He's.... He's.... Too much.... He's acting too much like a power hungry madman.... I don't know what he's doing... First to start it off he was drafting every human, stick and anthro from Hiro to join him. They even took people at the age of 16! Than he increased taxes to ensure the economy wouldn't fail for his army production. Than stricter laws in all towns and cities, people who disobayed, or even commit a crime would be punished. To the fullest extent." she explained. Twiga Kovu's jaw dropped, he rubbed his arm nervously,Meanwhile El Toro plodded along on his way to Gardenia, along the way he heard music "Ugg, What an annoying sound!" He grumbled "Where is that coming from?" He peeked over some bushes to see a whole herd of anthro zebra doing their mating ritual! Steve Ellen El Toro found the sight of the zebra mating very exciting. He even briefly considered running among them to show them what a bull could do. But his sense of duty held him back. Onward to Gardenia! Even though El Toro seemed a rough and ready kind of guy, he always respected his assignments and tried to carry them out to the best of his ability. But seeing all the zebras mating reminded him that Memly was a zebra and after he captured her she would be in his power. It would be a long trip taking her to the Dark King. Many things could happen along the way. El Toro whistled a happy song. This might turn out to be one of his best assignments. MS He watched in amazement as the zebras sung with their beautiful voices for one another. It was truely a beautiful sight to see. For a second, El Toro felt another and warmer beat in his heart. He clutched his chest feeling only a slight pain. But for some reason, he felt better, and his stone heart almost turned into what everyone else's.What caught him off was that there was a young zebra girl sitting on a log, sad and alone. She sighed and curled her legs up about to cry. El Toro felt sympathey for her and felt the same emotion. He wanted to go over and comfort her but what about his assignment? Could he just wait for later or just do it? There was no time for an answer as he already approached the zebra girl. In fear she jumped and tripped. "I..Im sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." he said. The zebra girl shook a little but nodded getting up. "Its ok. Its just... I never saw a bull, or ox... or... I don't know... But I never saw your kind in the forest before." she said. El Toro nodded and sat with her. "Why are you alone?" At first, she wanted to bite her own tongue hearing that. But it wouldn't help her, she knew it kept her hurt more than her disability. "I... Can't sing." Twiga "Why not?" El Toro asked"A wizard cast a spell on me when I was just a filly." She said "everytime I try to sing my voice just dies on me." Steve Ellen El Toro looked deep into her eyes. "You must have faith in yourself. You must believe you can sing." Her story reminded El Toro of when he had been a green recruit in the Dark King's special forces, right before his first kill. He had been nervous, unsure of himself, afraid of failure. He almost botched the kill. Many kills later he understood that confidence was everything. He clasped the zebra girl's hand in his. "You must believe in yourself with all your heart. I know you will sing. Do not be afraid. Just do it." All this time their eyes had been locked together and the zebra girl felt she was in the presence of some mysterious ancient teacher come to show her the way. "I believe you," she said. "I will try. But.. the wizard's spell?" "Wizard spells degenerate over time," El Toro said. "That which was powerful when first cast may be very weak now. Soon you will find out. Go now and sing." The zebra girl took a few steps and looked back at El Toro. "Thank you." El Toro smiled his lopsided smile. "Go! Sing!" Then he turned back to his path, the road to Gardenia, and his current assignment - to capture Memly and bring her to the Dark King. MS Meanwhile back at the cottage, night fell for everyone asleep, but Memly woke up all panting and in a heat. She picked up Jiro who was snoring and headed towards the small cave besides the lake. "Jiro wake up please!" she said. Jiro groaned a bit but slowly lifted his eyes opened. "Memly? Where are we?" he asked. "Jiro.... Did you know that today is the mating sequence for our kin?" Jiro sat down and rubbed his eyes. "It is?" "Yes.... Jiro I know we already mated but this is a special ceremony almost. This is the time that when my kind has a more chance of a female getting pregnent. Its marked on this winter season day because of my kind's heat session. Usually both the anthro zebra male and female go into head this day. The female has a better chance at getting pregnent, and the male's chance of making it so for the female." Jiro's eyes shrunk and lets down a sweatdrop. He wouldn't mind getting kids. But this seemed a bit too sudden. But for some reason, for Jiro, it seemed all fine to him. Twiga Moy, Shina and Kar were sleeping, suddenly Kar sprang out of bed in a cold sweat."Ever get the odd feeling something creepy is coming your way?" He asked no one in particular Meanwhile, Memly and Jiro retreated to a cool dark cave... Steve Ellen Meanwhile, at a small mountain lake, Kovu and Ardalina were deep in conversation. Kovu had never talked with a princess before and he was delighted that this one was so easy to talk with. Actually, Kovu was mostly listening. Ardalina seemed to have no trouble finding things to say. She went on and on about King Akorosh V and his tax policy and court intrigues and how the kingdom was changing... "What kingdom was that again?" Kovu asked. Ardalina put her hands on her hips. "Voolmoor, the Kingdom of King Akorosh V! Surely you have heard of it!" "Not really," Kovu said. "It must be a small kingdom." Ardalina was silent for a moment. "Perhaps it is small... but it is a very important kingdom! Did you know the biggest Mung tree in the world is in Voolmoor? When King Akorosh was a little boy he..." As Ardalina talked, Kovu skipped small pebbles across the lake. After a while he didn't listen to her anymore and was lost in his own thoughts. MS Ardalina only had to figure out for a few minutes that Kovu wasn't paying attention. But giggled almost to see him so dumb. Or was he just acting dumb? She was now caught up in her moments with the events everyone was living in now. And with the Dark King's forces knocking at Akorosh's very doors. The council were completely falling all because of him. It seemed that its time for a new leader."Kovu.... The Kingdom needs someone...." she said. Kovu finally stopped before he threw the last stone. He listened to Ardalina again with her conversation. "Im only a princess. I can't overthrow my father.... But our land needs a new king.... Someone who is stronger." Kovu threw the stone but this time it was set farther than the rest. He stared at the spot where the last stone fell in and looked at the princess. "But the kingdom needs you. Your the next leader now." he said still staring at the spot. Ardalina looked at Kovu in confusion. "What do you mean?" Kovu jumped into the lake and swam towards the spot the stone was dropped. It wasn't hard to spot it since it was shining a bit. He took it and swam back onto land and sat next by Ardalina. "You are like this pebble. I threw this... And this went farther than any other stone I thew." "And that's suppose to mean what?" Kovu smiled and clenched the stone in his hand. "You could be chosen to successed your heritage." Steve Ellen Ardalina looked at Kovu with shining eyes. Would he take the hint? "But, Kovu," she said. "I could never do such a thing by myself. I would need a strong man by my side to help me rule. A man like you." Kovu stared at her as it sunk in what she was saying. He, Kovu, help to rule a kingdom? He was the son of a blacksmith become a mercenary. A killer for hire. He shook his head. "Do you even know who I am, Ardalina?" "Yes, I know who you are because I am sensitive to the inner nature of people. I sense great power in you. I see in you a man whose destiny it is to be a king. That's why you became a mercenary, isn't it? To win a kingdom for yourself?" Kovu looked up sharply. It was true he had felt that way in the beginning. But long ago he had abandoned those dreams when he realized what the life of a mercenary was really like. She must have some insight. "You can indeed see inside a man. Why are you hiding here in Gardenia instead of fighting to become queen of your kingdom?" She put her hands on his hands. "I guess because I had to come here to find you." Kovu felt how warm her hands were upon his own. "Things are happening very fast. I just met you a few minutes ago and already we are planning to take over a kingdom." She smiled. "Do you not believe what I say?" It was a moment before Kovu spoke. He squeezed her hands. "Yes. I do believe you... princess." And Kovu made a deep bow to Ardalina. MS Ardalina giggled and smiled happily at Kovu. But she adverted her eyes elsewhere to the north... Beyond the desert. "But... There is one problem..." she said. "And that is?" Ardalina sighed and sat down again. "The Dark King. He's coming sooner than expected I think." Twiga Kovu fell flat on his face when he heard that, he fell into a dead faint.Meanwhile in the cave Memly and Jiro slept by a cave river, they had mated a secong time. Meanwhile the young Zebra El Toro met, whose name was Demeter prepared to test her singing abilaty Steve Ellen Demeter ran out onto the plain where all her friends were singing. The time of singing was almost over. Thank goodness she would not miss it this time like she had every year before. In her heart she thanked El Toro for giving her self-confidence. Demeter planted her feet firmly on the ground, took in a deep breath of air, threw back her head and emitted a mighty squawk. The other zebra folk stopped singing and turned their heads to stare at Demeter. After a beat, someone yelled, "What the hell are you doing out here, Demeter? You know you can't sing!" Demeter's face reddened and her eyes teared up. She ran off the field. "That damn bull!" she cursed. "Self-confidence, my ass!" MS Demeter walked over and sat back on the log again even more sad than she already was. No one wanted her and her singing was bad, no one wouldn't want here anyways. That was until, a white zebra came. He had no stripes and no beautiful features, but he was a good singer. Though no other zebra girl wanted him."Demeter?" he said quietly. Demeter recgonized that voice and looked up to see the white zebra. It was Pale Skin. Also known as Stal. "Stal? What are you doing here?" she asked. Stal kneeled down almost like he was about to cry. "I...I...I want to...I want to be your mate. To be with you." Demeter squeaked and blushed deeply red and coiled her legs hiding herself. "But my singing is so bad! Why would you want to be with me?" "Demeter have you always noticed that im white? I was born different from the others. No one wants a handsome zebra with no stripes. Even the males think im worthless." Demeter looked down in sadness feeling his pain. "I know the same thing with me Stal. I was only cursed by a witch. My singing is bad." "Even if it was.... It was kinda cute hearing a zebra squwaking." Sal chuckled and sat very close to Demeter and wrapped his arms around her. Demeter blushed and murred as she snuggled with him. 'I guess.... That bull was right after all... I just had to find the right person...' she thought to herself. Twiga Meanwhile in the cave, Memly woke up and felt a strange feeling inside her.She got outside and plucked fruit from a tree, She was ravenous! Jiro, stepped out and yawned Steve Ellen The sun was just peeking over the edge of the mountains. It's beautiful, Jiro thought. After three matings and only an hour of sleep, he should still be tired, but somehow he wasn't. Thoughts kept scurrying around in his brain. He had to build a home for Memly somewhere because there would be children soon. Jiro smiled to himself. He was sure of that. There would be children soon. Memly came to him with an armful of yellow fruit. Together they sat and ate as the sun climbed higher in the sky. "I will always remember this place," Memly said. MS Jiro snuggled Memly under his arms and kissed her on her cheek. She neighed a bit and kissed back blushing."So will I love." he said. They both cooed and chuckled as they sat with each other.Jiro's eye caught on to Kovu and a strange blue stick woman down by the lake. It seemed like they were talking about something, they were out of earshot so he couldn't understand. "Well lookie here. Looks like Kovu found a friend~!" said Memly giggling. Twiga Jiro and Memly watched them from the oteher sighed of the lake and sighed"What do you suppose the child will be?" Memly asked "Huh? You mean like boy or girl?" asked Jiro '"No, I mean..Antho or Stick." Steve Ellen "It doesn't matter to me," Jiro said. "I will love him no matter what he is." "Or her," Memly said. "Right! Him, her, it! I don't care! I loves my baby!" He laughed and hugged Memly. El Toro reached the river of lava that blocked the way to Gardenia. "Great Suffering Suppositories!" he cursed. "I knew I should have taken the left fork back at Albion. Now I'll have to retrace my steps." But El Toro had the quality of perseverance, It was what made him so formidable. So, after a lot more walking than he thought necessary, he finally reached the outskirts of Gardenia. He knew he couldn't enter Gardenia, because the magical trees would instantly detect his evil nature, but he had some ideas. He reasoned that Memly, being young, would get tired of being cooped up inside the city all the time. Eventually she would want to take a ride out into the countryside to have a picnic and swim in a mountain lake. That's where he would snatch her. El Toro sat down under a tree, an ordinary nonmagical tree, and meditated on ways to trick Memly into leaving the city. MS Memly cooed and neighed as she licked Jiro's cheek."Maybe more than one too~!" she said giggling. After a while, Kovu was finally able to pick himself up and rub the back of his head sweat dropping. Nervous a bit and chuckling. "Im sorry. I thought you said the Dark King was coming..... .... Who your seriouse?!" he yelled. Meanwhile, the entire weapons lab had been cleaned up and the fire stopped but repairs would take hours. The gryphon girl studied the enviroment and cooed to herself thinking about this wonderful destruction. But if the sabotaur was a blue nation solder, than its most doubtful that he would attack the lab instead of the economic system. The human officer walked back over to her. "And you miss still need to haul your ass out of here." he said. "Im not going nowhere until I find Kraman." she said. "Don't call the Dark King by his name! You call him by Dark King! And how do you know of him anyways?!" "You stupid human fool. I known him for far too long." Steve Ellen "I strongly resent being called a stupid human fool," the officer said. "My name is Delmar, Delmar Patton." The gryphon girl, Pathetica, tossed her hair back. "I don't care what your name is. To me you are a stupid human fool." Delmar grabbed Pathetica's arm. "You'll regret that, missy." Pathetica's eyes blazed. "Let go of me! I'll kick the slobber out of you if you don't let go." Delmar released her. "I'm only letting you go because I know what a gryphon's claws can do. But I don't like your attitude. You better watch your back, because if I see a chance to take you out I'll do it." Pathetica laughed at him. "Sure, hot shot. You do that. And then see what Kraman - oh, excuse me, I mean the Dark King - see what he has to say about it. Kraman isn't going to let anything bad happen to his precious Pathetica. You mess with me and you'll be out in the snow begging for apples." Delmar gave her the finger and marched away. Under her breath Pathetica muttered, "Stupid human fool..." MS After a few moments later, the Dark King came crashing down on the plateu ground. A few solders ran and both fell trying to get out of the way."How goes the repair?" he asked fiddling with his hilt of the sword. "Everything is g-going well master! We should get the lab operational in no time!" said one of the solders. "Good! Because in a matter of 2 weeks I want weapons prepare to invade the land of Hiro. Rest assure we shall become supreme once more as my ancestors are!" Pathetica walked slowly towards Kraman with a bit of cooing in her tone. "And who are you birdie?" Pathetica laughed and smiled. "Oh dear Kraman. You forgot me already didn't you?" she said. The Dark King jumped a bit and almost fell but regained himself. "How do you know my name?!" "Fool its me. Pathetica." Kraman stood pale for a bit unsure what to say. Pathetica was the most skilled assassian there was. Exceot she always had something for Kraman. But it was long ago. "How did you get here you?" "Its a long story." Twiga "After I left your serveces I met a group of wandering urchins.""Go on." Said The Dark King "Turns out there is hidden treasure in the Snowy wastes of Arctica, is what they told me." "What kind of treasure?" Steve Ellen "Hidden. Can't you pay attention?" "I got the hidden part but what was the exact composition of the treasure?" Pathetica tossed her hair back. "Zheesh! I'm not a bookkeeper or a scientist, Kraman. It was treasure, Just treasure. Do you want to hear my story or not?" The Dark King shrugged. "But what is treasure to you? Maybe it was a pile of pogs for all I know." Pathetica reared up. "Some pogs are worth a lot of money! ... But it wasn't pogs, you old fool. It was gold and diamonds and stuff like that. Treasure. Get it?" "Now I understand. Proceed with your story." MS Patherica fluffled her wings."These treasures I heard were burried by the blue nation long ago." The Dark King's eyes light up gold and grabbed her shoulder. "Can you take me?!" he yelled. "Oh but what about your attack on the capital?" "I got that 5 headed dragon girl and that Ox to take care of it. After he catches Memly that is." Twiga The griffon smiled "I'd be glad to." She said with a glint in her eyeMeanwhile Shina, Moy and Kar were watching a puppet show "Now it's time for Gadenia's favorite couple Worker and Parasite!" HUZZAH! Steve Ellen The curtain drew back on the little puppet stage to reveal Worker dressed in a blue denim shirt and Parasite wearing a silk smoking jacket and a top hat. "Work harder!" Parasite yelled and Worker began stacking boxes. "Faster! Faster!" Parasite yelled. Worker became a blur and the boxes piled up like a skyscraper then suddenly the pile fell over and buried Worker under boxes. "Ohhh! Ohhh!" Worker sobbed. "These boxes are full of cans of baked beans and they are heavy! I think I broke my back." "Get up!" Parasite screamed. "Go back to work!" The audience hissed and booed. "I can't do it!" Worker sobbed. "Yes, you can!" Parasite yelled and took a long leather whip and cracked it across Worker's shoulders. "Get up! Get up!" The audience was booing loudly. A third puppet appeared on the stage. He had a red jacket and a long white beard. "I am Justice!" he said. The audience cheered. Parasite turned on Justice. "Stay away! This is between me and Worker!" "No!" Justice said. "Wherever there is injustice in the world I must correct it. You are an evil person!" Justice pulled out a baseball bat from under his red jacket and began hitting Parasite over the head with it. He crushed Parasite's top hat. The audience cheered and laughed. "Thank you, Justice!" Worker said. And Worker helped Justice beat on Parasite. Parasite ran off the stage screaming, "Help! Help!" and Justice and Worker ran after him. The little curtain closed on the puppet stage. There was loud applause. "That was stupid," Shina said. "I hope the next show is better." They could hear the puppeteers rustling around behind the curtain setting the stage for the next show. MS Moy was clapping his hands and cheering with the rest of the crowd making Shina and Kar embaressed."Oh boy.. This is going to be a long day." she said. Kar hugged Shina and chuckled. "Don't worry love~! It'll be over sometime." he said. MEanwhile, Memly and Jiro were asleep under a shade of the tree. Memly cooed and yawned as she began to wake. She felt a bit hungry. Something for some apples. "Where to get apples? The forest?" she said to herself. Twiga Memly headed into the forrest she found what looked like an apple tree but when she moved closer"Darn, It's just a advertisment tree." Suddenly El Toro (Who had been behind a bush) Lunged to grab Memly Memly brayed with fright and dodged the attack and ran away Steve Ellen El Toro watched her run straight toward the pit he had dug and then camouflaged with a false cover of twigs. Crash! Memly fell in the pit. El Toro hurried over and within seconds had Memly tied up and on a leash. "Now we will make a journey," El Toro said. "You are going to be the Dark King's bride. Happy?" Memly cursed him. "I'll die before I ever lie down with the Dark King! I hate him! I hate him!" El Toro clucked his teeth. "The Dark King has ways of taming wild women. Come on. Let's get started. By the way, in case you are wondering, if you don't cooperate with me then your precious Jiro will be killed." "Wh-what?" Memly said. "That's right. Jiro will die if you don't come along quietly. Resistance is futile." "Please don't hurt Jiro," Memly said. "I'll come with you." When Jiro woke up he had a feeling something was wrong. "Memly?" he said. "Where are you? Memly? MEMLY!" MS Jiro jumped up frantic and ran across any place where Memly would be at. She wasn't in Shina and Moy's Aunt's house nor was she near the lake or cave. He began to grow more worried and ran trying to find his brother."KAR! KAR WHERE ARE YOU!?" he yelled. Kar Shina and Moy all jumped up hearing Jiro's call and ran over to find him to see what was wrong. "Jiro where are you!?" his brother called out. They finally got each other all panting. "Jiro what's going on!? Why were you sreaming?" "Its.... ITs.... Its Memly... I can't find her anywhere!" Twiga Everyone gasped with shock!"We have wings!" Moy said "We'll fly high and see if we can spot her from above!" With that the two dragons flew up into the sky to see if they could see the zebra... Steve Ellen El Toro flicked the reins. "Giddyup, you dumb little doggies!" In the back of the dog cart, tied and hidden under a tarp, Memly quietly cried big tears. She would never see Jiro again. There was a throb of dragon wings in the sky. A dragon flew over and kept going. El Toro pulled out a small cigar and lit it. He sang a little traveling song while he smoked... Oh the life of roamer is the life for me I'll roam everywhere and see what I can see I'll never have a boss I'll never say Yes, Sir! I'll kill a beast and eat him Then I'll dress up in his fur. Oh the life of a roamer is the life for me... When they returned, Moy had no news for Jiro. "We flew for miles. Not a sight of Memly. It's as though she vanished." MS Jiro looked down in disbelief. She couldn't have just 'vanish' out of nowhere. He was about to burst into tears. "Wait! You don't think...?" Shina shooked her head seldomly. "Its impossible. Remember my aunt said that Gardenia keeps out all kinds of evil." she said. "But she might have been lured! We have to find her!" he yelled as he begin to run. "Wait! We need to say goodbye to our aunt!" said Moy. "You guys go ahead! Me and Kar have to move!" Twiga Jiro and Kar got out their weapons.Kar kissed his arrow "I give my blessing to this arrow," He said "That it fly swift and sure to find who has capturtued Memly." He let loose his arrow and flew around like a ball in the pinball machine it bounced from tree, to rock to bush and landed in El Toro's rear end... Steve Ellen "Yow!" El Toro said, and pulled out the offending arrow. He looked it over. A magic seeker arrow! Someone was on his trail. As the dog cart bounced along the mountain road, El Toro kept alert for a cave. When he saw one big enough, he hid Memly in it. Then he resumed traveling with the dog cart. Kar and Jiro waited for the seeker arrow to return. When it didn't return Kar was jubilant. "The arrow has found our quarry! We must hurry and follow the arrow." Along the way they could see the chips in the trees where the arrow had bounced from one tree to the another. "Look!" Kar said. "There on the ground!" It was the arrow, snapped in two. There was a little blood on the point. Kar sniffed it. "Bull!" Jiro pointed at the cart tracks on the road. "That's why Shina and Moy did not see Memly. She must be in a cart pulled by a bull! Follow these tracks!" El Toro was resting under a tree when Kar and Jiro caaught up with him. They pointed their weapons at him. "Freeze!" Jiro said. El Toro puffed on his little cigar. "What's the problem, strangers. Do you intend to rob me?" "It is you who has robbed us," Jiro said. Kar pulled the cover off the dog cart. "She's not here!" "Where is she?" Jiro said. "Who?" El Toro said. "I don't know what you're talking about." MS Jiro and Kar looked at each other and back at the bull."A zebra girl was kiddnapped and we have to find her!" said Jiro franticly. "I have not see anyone with a Zebra girl sorry." El Toro respond. "Are you lying?!" "Why would I lie? Im just a traveler." Jiro yelled in frustration and walked off falling on his knees crying. "Oh gods why! Where is Memly!?" Steve Ellen Kar patted Jiro's shoulder. "Shhh.. It's okay. We'll find her." Kar dropped his voice to a whisper. "I don't trust that bull. He knows something he isn't telling us. Let's pretend we are going away, then we'll follow him and see what he does." El Toro watched Jiro and Kar and puffed on his little cigar. He didn't want to have to kill them, but he didn't like obstacles in his path. Maybe these two would be obsatcles and maybe they wouldn't. "Well," El Toro said. "I've rested enough. Guess I'll be on my way." He yelled at his dogs and they started pulling the cart. El Toro walked beside it, whistling. Jiro and Kar watched him go. "Are you sure?" Jiro said. "I don't want to waste time following him when we could be looking for Memly." "I'm sure he knows something. The only thing that worries me is I don't see where the arrow touched him. Maybe there are two bulls in this." Jiro sighed. "And maybe YOU are full of bull. Oh well... if we are going to follow him then let's do it before he gets too far ahead of us." Twiga Just than a meteior lannded on top of El Toro by fate or by chance"Oh Gawd!" El Toro cried "Someone help me! I can't breathe!" Jiro and Kar looked at each other and smiled "We'll help you." Said Kar "Only if you tell us where Memly is!" Steve Ellen "All right! I will tell you! But get the meteorite off me quick before I suffocate." Kar and Jiro pushed and shoved until they moved the meteorite. "We should sell that thing to a wizard," Kar said. Jiro prodded El Toro. "Now tell us where Memly is!" "She is in a cave," El Toro said, "About 3 miles back. Where there is a pile of blue stones and a dead tree shaped like a sea serpent." "Show us!" Jiro said. "I don't trust you." MS After a few minutes El Toro finally showed them the cave to where Memly was at. But it turns out she wasn't there at all and there was other tracks!"She's gone!" El Toro yelled running over to the cave. "What do you mean 'gone'?!" yelled Jiro. "Memly! She's gone! I left her here but...." "Guys! What are these tracks?" asked Moy as he kneeled down inspecting the ground. Twiga Jiro looked closely at the tracks "If I'm not mistaken..." He said "These are the pawprints of a skunk!"Memly was walking with Melba a young female skunk who helped get her out of the cave. "Thanks for helping me out of that jam back there." "No biggie." The Skunk said quietly "Do you think you can help me find the others?" Memly asked "Of Course." Steve Ellen The skunk threw back her head and yelled: "Harooooo! Haroooo! Here we are!" Jiro perked up. "Hello! Did you hear that?" "I sure did!" Kar said. "Let's go investigate it." El Toro used the opportunity to slip away into the bushes. "I'll salvage this operation," he muttered. "It ain't over yet." MS After a few hours left, Jiro and the others finally get to meet the skunk who saved Memly. Her nam was Ansla, and she was a wandering traveler."Thank you for what you have done Ansla... If I wouldn't have found Memly I don't know what I would do.." said Jiro cuddling Memly. "Its no problem~! I do whatever I can if someone's in trouble. And that Ox sure was trouble." she said. Kovu's eyes perked up a bit hearing the word Ox. "Ox? Like the one from Valvora?" he said. Twiga "I don't know." Ansla said "Maybe."Kovu stroked his chin and thought "Something's wrong..." He said "Something's not right if the same Ox who helped me fight is the same one who..." Who said no more and ran off Steve Ellen El Toro slipped back behind the rocks. He had heard everything. So Kovu was here in Gardenia too? Ironic how the two of them kept being in the same place at the same time. But this time El Toro thought they might be on different sides. It looked like Kovu was friends with Memly and her group. Kovu wouldn't like it if she were kidnapped. On the other hand, El Toro thought, perhaps he could turn that friendship to his own advantage. He stroked his chin while he schemed and plotted. MS Ardalina walked in the room with the others panting heavily."Guys! Kovu! We have a problem!" she was yelling out. Kovu jumped up almost immediatly after hearing her. "What?! What is is Ardalina?!" he said. Ardalina was panting heavily almost tripping over herself. "I just gotten a messenger eagle! He informed me.. The...the imperial city is under attack!" Everyone almost got out of their seats in shock. "We got to do something then!" yelled Moy. Kovu ran and gotten his leather armor and cape about to head out. "Jiro, Kar you guys we have to move now!" "No." said Jiro. Kovu stopped and turned around surprised. Even Shina, Moy and Kar. "What?! WHY!?" he yelled. "Me and Memly are staying here! We don't want anything to do with this war!" "But if you do stay here this place would be overruned no matter how powerful Gardenia is! If Kraman takes over it will be the end for all of Hiro!" Ardalina almost fell off her feet when she heard that name. "Kovu? H-how did you know about his name?" she asked. Kovu clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth. "Because.... Because I used to work for him before I betrayed him." Twiga "WHAT?!" Everyon'e face fell"Yes..." Kovu said "It was I." Steve Ellen El Toro was camped in the rocky hills outside of Gardenia, plotting his next move, when a messenger fish fell on his head. "What th--? he shouted. "Hey!" the fish said. "I've got a message from the Dark King. Forget Memly and get back to the Imperial City immediately. It's total war. Us against them. ... Why are you staring at me?" "Since when do fish fly?" "I didn't fly, dumbo. A messenger eagle carried me here." "Oh. Why didn't the eagle tell me the message?" "He's a mute." Later, as he stared into the flames of his campfire, El Toro wondered if he couldn't still perform his mission. Yes, he would return, but why not with Memly? MS Night began to fall as everyone started to pack their equipment. Liana kissed and said farewell to her nephew and neice hoping to meet them one day. Jiro and Memly were going along so that they can look after their friends. Kar went because he wanted to end the war. And as for Kovu and Ardalina... Well they lead for now into the new adventure. Heading south, towards the imperial city.But will Kovu ever gain his friends trust? And what of El Toro and Tiamat? Will the Ox forever be a slave and kidnapper for Kraman? Find out next time. MS ---------On the next Heros of Hiro adventure, The Dark King begins his invasion on the Imperial city and Kovu and his group must find a way to stop the war before the blue nation falls! But what else lurks within the depths of Kraman's mind? Heros of Hiro: The Pasts Shadow. The End! © Copyright 2008 MS, Twiga, Steve Ellen, (known as GROUP). All rights reserved. GROUP has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work. |
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