The Shadows of Darkness: Part Three

by nanjikat

"Here's a map, and here's the boat tickets," Master Techo said, handing us an ancient map and two tickets on the SMS Neopian. "And since you'll stop in Neopia Central go and visit Kauvara for supplies. You'll have food and tools waiting at your destination, but some of her magic spells could come in handy. Your bags are already packed and ready in the front hall. The boat leaves in half an hour. Good Luck."

We waved good-bye as we ran to the hall. We snatched up our packs and headed for the dock.

We got there about 25 minutes later, Me and Sandre barely had enough time to board before the boat left. We both stood by the rail and watched Mystery Island disappear on the horizon. I was a little scared. After all, Mystery Island was the only home I had ever known. Still, I was very excited. Most Neopians could only dream of this kind of adventure. Had I know what awaited us, I probably would have never boarded that boat at all.

***

A couple of days later, the boat had reached Neopian Central. There were more pets boarding, and we had two hours to look around. Me and Sandre went straight for Kauvara's shop. We were startled to find a large, angry crowd around the shop. Some of the pets were in heavy cloaks, which covered their grotesque faces. Apparently, some potions that Kauvara sold had turned those who drank them into hideous monsters. As I saw what looked like a mutated Chia run from the crowd, crying, I knew who was behind this. Dr. Sloth.

We managed to get through the crowd and into the shop. Kauvara was in tears.

"Kauvara, what's happened here?" Sandre asked her.

Kauvara lifted up her tearstained face and said "I sold some potions that a strange man sold me to see how well they'd sell, and when my customers drank them, they turned into monsters! I tried to turn them back to what they were before by giving them other potions, but it didn't work! They won't change back!" Then she burst into tears again.

I looked at Sandre. Was it my imagination, or was there a ghost of a smile on his face?

I shook the image out of my mind. I looked again and saw only concern on Sandre's face.

"Kauvara, the man must have been Dr Sloth! You need to give us some potions so we can get the Faerie artifacts so he can be defeated!"

"Here," she said after getting some of what seemed everything off the shelf. "This should prepare you for anything that comes your way. There's some healing potions, a couple of Novas, a bunch of fire jugs, some Nanka and lots of other stuff. The labels will explain everything. Good Luck!"

We thanked her and raced to the dock. We just barely made it. We were off to Winter Land.

***

The next day we got off at the Winter Land stop. We were met by a stranger in a blue parka.

The stranger didn't say a word, it simply handed us a bag, which had food and tools inside, and pointed to a small opening in the side on Terror Mountain. We thanked the stranger and headed to the opening. Behind us, the stranger simply disappeared.

As we headed towards the opening, I heard the paper Chia calling out the headline for the latest Neopian Times.

"Stock Reporters go missing Feb. 14! Read all about it!" he shouted.

I froze. "Sandre, that was the same day that we were in Neopian Central. We might have even seen who did it!"

Sandre looked at me, and I didn't like the look in his eyes. There was something wrong, something that shouldn't be there. "Let's Just go, OK?" he said coldly. I shivered as I followed him into the narrow passageway.

To be continued...