Chapter 6: A New Disaster
The past few weeks have seen plenty excitement. Between the planned marriage, a feathery snow fall that entertained the monsters, and the warm feeling all around Respite, many found themselves constantly up and about. Even the monsters, pets or strays, realized the increase in activity. Some more than others as Susan and Richard found themselves in the same position as their owners as well.
"You do realize we don't have to do this... right?" Richard remarked.
"Says the nargacuga who tried for four months to cook a meal for a barrioth who threatens to freeze things." Susan said.
"Touche."
"So, exactly what were your plans after revealing your feelings for me?"
"Uh..."
"Don't tell me, you didn't think that part out."
"Yes?"
"Richard."
"Uh-oh."
"I am going to freeze you so cold, you are going to die shivering years later."
"Can I roll him into a fire pit to warm him up?" Phantom asked, walking in on the conversation.
"You wouldn't have to, but thanks anyway little guy." Richard said.
"Phantom, I thought I said you were to get cleaned up." Sparky remarked.
"I did." Phantom replied.
"Then why do you smell like fish? Get over here."
On the other side of town, inside the Ranger Headquarters, John was pacing. It took weeks of planning and now all he had left were hours. He wasn't afraid about backing off, more so if it would go well.
Calm the hell down already, he told constantly told himself.
He knew everything was going to work the way he planned but he had second doubts, namely on nearly impossible events. The worst however was a lingering thought of something else. Something that was quite likely but equally unlikely. It sent chills up his spine and the last time that happened was when a deviljoh swam up a beach half dead. Even though a team of expert Rangers took care of it, he felt a sense of dread that day.
"Hey John. Ready for tonight?" a Ranger asked.
"Yeah. Just thinking..." John answered.
"Ha! Not even married and you're already thinking! So what will the names be?"
"What? No! I'm... Nevermind."
"Just teasing ya. Well, best of luck."
"Hey, is Bernard coming?"
"Nope. That SOB is busy checking on the Baggi's up north."
"Good. Still not sure why he went sour for no reason though."
A few hours later, the wedding was underway. Sparky made sure that Phantom had a Sleepyfish to keep the anxious gore magala calm. Although, he was hopping it wasn't too much. Still, the prospect of something special and a nulberry pie was enough to keep the drowsy infant partially awake. If there was any food Phantom loved more than seasoned fish grilled to perfection with the right amount of spices, it was nulberries.
"I know, I know," Sparky whispered as Phantom gave an agitated yawn before shifting his balance, "It's only for a few more minutes."
Phantom yawned again. He now knew why a Sleeepyfish was named a Sleepyfish. He also was smart enough to know why his father gave him one instead of a Sushifish. The waiting was long and boring and if he were fully awake, he would have walked out. However, looking back across the room, he saw John and Grace kiss each other. Next thing he knew, the area broke into cheers. His tired, young mind processed this as some random magical event that adults found good.
Sparky felt his tail wag. Even though Phantom would probably pester him with questions later, he was happy for his owners. Life no longer seemed complicated as split world of being a pet or a stray, there were no more complications about being a father or a simple survivor, the only thing that mattered was this moment.
About time, Richard and Susan thought together although still happy.
Hours later, the town was having a full party going on. Food, games, even items were given out for free. The monsters quickly found themselves enjoying it as well. Pets got a free excuse to meet friends, strays were given a free night to have decent food (even unfinished scraps were plentiful), and several knew that they could enjoy the attention of pedestrians who simply walked by and stopped to give some affection.
"Sparky!" Lightning called.
"Hey! How's it going?" Sparky asked.
"Good. How's Phantom?" Lightning asked.
"Probably asleep by now."
"Why do you say that?"
Sparky looked towards a dinning table and saw the tiny figure under it. Lightning, following his gaze, say that Phantom fell asleep by having half his face in a half-eaten nulberry pie.
"Maybe that Sleepyfish was a little too much for him." Sparky said with a cringe.
"Nah, little guy will be fine. Although he will be surprised when he wakes up." Lightning said.
Sparky laughed at this. Phantom may love nulberries, but he was in for a surprise if he woke up with his face still buried in the pie. Ah the little joys of laughing at one's expense good heartedly, even if it was your adopted son.
"So," Sparky started once he was finished laughing, "Miss anything in the alleys the past few months?"
"Nothing new other than word spreading about a particular zinogre and gore magala. You really shook the streets doing what you did Sparky." Lightning answered.
"You try scarring a new born who looks at you and calls you 'daddy'." Sparky snorted.
"You always did have-" Lightning was cut off by a sudden gust of wind.
The air become thick with some kind of cold, dread, and death all at once. It wasn't just a random gust, it was a storm blowing through the entire city. All commotion stopped as eyes looked towards the dark clouds above. One thing was for sure, this was not normal.
"I think we should get inside." Sparky said uneasily.
"Yeah me too." Lightning agreed.
Before either could move, something slammed into a building causing it to crumble. Panic broke out as the unexpected attack barraged the city. Why were they under attack and (perhaps more importantly) what was the thing behind it?! The answer came out of the sky like a divine being with terrible wrath.
"What the hell is that thing?!" John yelled.
The beast roared and the square pulsed with energy. The ground became a sudden minefield as small explosions blew tables, chairs, and anything not bolted down into the sky.
"Kill! Kill! Destroy everything! Slaughter!" the thing shrieked in an agonized, overjoyed voice.
"Sparky! Get over here!" Richard called.
"I'm not going anywhere without Phantom!" Sparky yelped.
The hybrid spun around to see the "thing" going on rampage, right next to where Phantom is hiding. The sight made Sparky boil and as he prepared to let loose the volatile energy inside of him. However, there would be nothing he could do as something hit him in the head hard. The last thing he heard was a panicked squeak and a triumphant roar.
"...he...up?" something spoke.
"-ow...know?" another asked in return.
Where am I? Gah! What the hell?!, Sparky thought as migraine speared his head.
"He's coming to." John's voice said over him.
Sparky woke up and groaned. He felt something cold being placed on his head and a delicious smell wafted into his nose. Too hungry and tired to think about anything else, he eagerly bit into the steak.
"Glad to see you're still in there. Got worried after three days." John said.
Three days? Damn, how long was I...Phantom?, Sparky suddenly realized the familiar pressure on his paws was missing.
"I'm sorry Sparky," John said, realizing the zinogre's distress, "It took Phantom and left. Bloody monstrosity."
The headache stopped, the hunger stopped, everything stopped. Phantom was taken?
