>>5219630Well. Time to point out the obvious. “You know. You could have just… asked for help, or something. Just sayin’.”
Sala looks back at you. “Ey, this is our responsibility.”
You raise an eyebrow. “And have a far more difficult time against whatever these things are planning?”
“Coulda’ handled it without yer interruptions…” she grumbles.
“Is this really the only reason you two came to the tournament?” you ask next.
“Eh, nah, that Pilaf bloke caters well, and might be able to snag a couplea’-”
Hado elbows her in the side gently. “Bad habits creeping up again.” She pouts but says nothing more. “What she means to say is, we didn’t exactly know when this would all happen, but participating might have been a good way to bait ‘em out. Especially with a prize like the wish-granting orbs there.”
“Did you know the Dragon Balls were here already?” you inquire… and Hado just taps the Scouter again. Right. How many of those did aunt Maple leave laying around? ‘Pantea, we’re about ready. Demons around the area, yea?’
‘Yep. Some people dressed in robes, and a host of less savory types. There’s some purple mage with what I think are horns and a dragon staff, a pterodactyl guy, a blue demon with big horns and a goofy hat, a purple Makyan that’s waving around some kind of magic staff, a bovine one with big bat wings, old bearded wizardly type with small horns, someone who dressed like how Dabura was described but with a fashionista flair, an angry clown, and- …their leader is a guy named “Shane” that talks in surfer lingo.’ She’s doing her best to keep herself from laughing at that last one.
‘We’re here. You can start us off, just be careful for any cursed objects, debuffing spells, and the many, many illusions they’re using.’
You crowd around the entrance with Sachie, Sala, and Hado, finding exactly what Pantea described… but also something much more important. That source of ominous energy you were feeling prior. Sala sucks in air through her teeth. “Damn, ‘s gotten bigger.”
“What do you mean ‘bigger?’” Sachie remarks critically, trying to keep her voice down.
“I mean somethin’s happened to it, probably those jackasses trying to force it to revive the wizard asshole.” She keeps her eyes forward. “Hado, it’s no illusion, is it?”
“No, it’s the real deal.” he says grimly. “And… I’m starting to worry they’re not just trying to bring back their comrade.”
(cont.)
