Zulu's Adventure of Bravery

     Treasure Hunt Series -

     Chapter 1

     This story began long ago in a mysterious land…… A land without boats or schools or coconuts; a land that seemed older than any other. This land plays host to a hidden cave that had been created by an earthquake in year three. The earthquake shook Neopia’s core so violently that it caused a deep chasm in the earth, which revealed a hidden tunnel filled with heavy vines, strange-smelling roots, and dense vegetation. It is believed that if you can make it through the impenetrable brush and up into the tunnel, you will be led to the lair of an evil monster. This monster is said to guard hidden treasures for those who dare face it.

     Not long ago, rumours began to spread throughout the community that a Neopian had disappeared into the cave on a hunt for a great treasure. After hearing some of these rumours, one brave Neopet decided to seek out some answers. His plan was to find the missing Neopian and (hopefully) obtain the treasure. That Neopian's name was Zulu. Before heading to the cave, Zulu put on a brave face and equipped himself. His helmet was his best line of protection. Even though it was small and simple, it came with cool red goggles and covered his face nicely. Only a Neopet of his species could wear this helmet, and it had been given to him by his father. Feeling ready for the dangers ahead, he marched over towards the door and started on his journey.

     Zulu stepped outside and stretched his wings, all the while thinking about how happy he was to be a Korbat. He could travel to most places in Neopia, and it was only a short flight away thanks to his strong wings. Even though he was considered prehistoric himself, Zulu had not been to this land very many times and was unsure exactly where he was going. When he arrived in the Tyrannian Jungle, Zulu found the villagers talking emphatically and pointing off towards the volcano. He knew that was the direction he wanted to go, and after a few minutes of travelling, Zulu heard such a commotion that he had little difficulty finding his way to the cave. As he approached the hidden cave, Zulu was surprised to see such a large crowd. He was even more surprised to see that in the crowd was Judge Hog.

     When he noticed Zulu’s arrival, Judge Hog excused himself from the crowd and approached Zulu. Zulu smiled, and after a brief ‘hello’ he asked if the rumours were true. Judge Hog gestured towards the cave and invited Zulu to see the evidence himself. Upon closer inspection Zulu saw that a trail of footprints could be seen right outside of the entrance to the cave, indicating that someone had gone inside. However, there were no footprints coming out of the cave that Zulu could locate. He spoke to Judge Hog about the findings, and it was confirmed that they had a missing Neopians case on their hands.

     When Zulu tried to learn more about the identity of the missing Neopain, Judge Hog motioned for him to move away from the crowd. Hog quietly informed him that the Defenders of Neopia were unsure of the Neopian's whereabouts. They were also unsure whether or not the missing Neopian was in need of help. Zulu was stunned to hear the news! His face must have betrayed him, because he was quickly told not to make a scene. In order to keep them from panicking, Judge Hog had not told the public the truth. Instead, he told them that the Defenders had been able to communicate with the missing Neopian, and that he had requested assistance from within the cave.

     Wanting to help, Zulu asked how the Defenders planned to locate the missing Neopian. Judge Hog then gave Zulu the chance to serve his local community and became a rightful member of the Defenders of Neopia. Zulu grinned with pride as Judge Hog asked him to visit the Defenders of Neopia headquarters to discuss the situation in more detail. Thanks to his fast reflexes he had passed the test for prospective candidates with flying colours, and now just needed to prove his nerves of steel. Zulu felt a sense of excitement for what was to come as he started off on his journey to Neopia Central.

     Chapter 2

     Later that day, Zulu came flying into Neopia Central. He headed straight for the Plaza and walked into the Defenders of Neopia headquarters; barely able to contain his excitement. Upon entering the lobby, Zulu glanced at the incredible artefacts on display before pausing in front of a cape in a glass case. He imagined what his own cape would look like if he was able to prove his bravery and become a Defender of Neopia. Zulu’s thoughts were interrupted when his gaze was drawn up to the shiny shields on the walls. He pictured himself wearing a shirt with the Defender of Neopia shield on its chest. After his bit of daydreaming was done, Zulu proceeded to meet with Judge Hog.

     As Zulu approached an office with Judge Hog's name on the door, he noticed that there was a group of Neopians gathered inside. Judge Hog’s company was gathered around his desk, and they were conversing about an ancient treasure rumoured to be in the cave. While standing in the doorway, Zulu could hear them saying that the missing Neopian was a descendent of the great Uncle Tharg. Zulu had heard of Tharg, and knew of him as a generous Neopian who provided goods, Neopoints, and protection for his community. Clearly, this Neopian was following in the footsteps of his ancestors and was hunting down treasure to provide for the members of his community. Hog paused the group’s discussion to invite Zulu to join them at the desk. Once Zulu was with them, Judge Hog and the other Defenders in the room went on to give him the rest of the information they had on the case.

     After the briefing, Zulu understood that the cave had been deemed unsafe by surveyors many years ago and that the Neopian was likely in grave danger. It was also suspected that one of the infamous criminals of Neopia had followed the Neopian into the cave, with hopes of stealing the treasure once it was found. There were a number of suspects, but they had not found any evidence to indicate which criminal was the culprit. The potential suspects included: The Meerca Henchmen, Lord Kass, Dr. Sloth, Malkus Vile, Galem Darkhand, and Kanrik. If any of these criminals were to find the Neopian it was unlikely that the treasure or the thief would ever be found.

     It was Zulu's job to return to the cave and carry out the search for potential leads on either of the Neopian's locations. Judge Hog warned him that the mission he faced was not for the light-hearted and would present many dangers. The cave he was going to enter was not only structurally unsound; it was also home to a mighty beast! Zulu shook Judge Hog's hand while he committed to finding the answers needed to locate Uncle Tharg’s descendant and the Neopian responsible for his disappearance. Clear on his intentions, Zulu put on his helmet and proceeded back to the hidden cave. While he flew to Tyrannia he mentally prepared himself for the sights, sounds, and experiences that were ahead. Before landing, he put on a brave face but was still feeling incredibly nervous within.

     When Zulu reached the entrance of the cave he was greeted by the council of elders. They were becoming increasingly worried by the Neopian’s disappearance and wanted to know if the Defenders of Neopia had a plan to rescue him. They threatened to call a town meeting to declare an emergency if their friend did not return soon. Zulu reassured the elders, telling them that the Neopian was trapped but unharmed. The Grand Elder, Kyruggi, said they would postpone the meeting by three days, and led the council back to the Tyrannian Town Hall. Once they were out of sight, Zulu took a deep breath and prepared himself for the challenges ahead.

     Zulu began by examining the surroundings at the entrance of the cave, scanning the ground for anything that looked out of place. Straight ahead of him were the tracks of the Neopian, as well as a few large, smudged footprints on the floor. The shape of the prints were distorted, but it was clear that someone had followed the Neopian into the cave. To the left Zulu saw nothing out of the ordinary, but when he looked to the right he immediately noticed a jagged bit of paper sticking out from in between two boulders. He bent down to grab the ripped piece of paper and saw that it was the better part of a map. The map revealed an ancient tunnel system that went through the cave and had various trails marked on it.

     Zulu decided that he needed to search further into the cave to find any possible leads…

To be continued…