Chapter 7

The pair of friends were up by a wall with a hole in it, looking into a larger cavern. There was a rumbling coming through as they saw a giant corn mill, that was being pushed by a large crowd of monsters.

"Well, now we know what happens with all that corn." Marco had commented offhandedly, hoping for a distraction from the current situation they had, but it was too late. They saw all the guards that were posted around the cavern. Almost every entryway was guarded, even the darkest corners were guarded in the event of magical scissors, or one of the monstrous prisoners trying to escape.

"I, is this what you, go through daily with those monster fights?" Jackie had said this with a infinitesimal quiver in her voice, she was scared, and it was starting to show.

"Jackie, Janna, from this point on, it's going to get dangerous," Marco had turned to them with his shoulders squared and his head held high, "This is much more than Star and I are used to but we can handle it. I am stopping us now so as to give you one final chance to go back. You have never fought the monsters here, nor do you have a solid way to defend yourselves. You can go back home now, or you can stay, but we cannot guarantee your safety. I would recommend going back now." As Marco gave his small speech, one could tell the soothing and calm energy that seemed to emanate from his person. Still there was fear behind his eyes, even with his confidence masking it. But those present didn't notice.

"Marco," Tom had spoken up after being silent the whole time, "I know you are worried for others, but you can't seriously think we can just let you go down there with just you and Star-"

"Tom, that's why I let you come with us. I knew that they would follow, so that's why, if they decide to stay, you are going to help them. You are their bodyguard now. I hope you all can understand."

"Tom is right though, there has to be something we can do. I mean, you've seen how light-fingered I am." Janna let her frustration show at how she was being underestimated. "I say we free those captured monsters. They are obviously not being treated properly and shouldn't be forced into something like this."

"You know what Janna," Star had found her own silence pestering, but had something that she needed off of her chest, "You're right. We are going to need to free them. They are simply victims of circumstance."

"So let's go then." Marco commanded, "There seems to be a patrol coming through so there's no time to plan, everyone get ready, keep it quiet for as long as you possibly can."

Then the guards started to walk towards them, unaware of them, but their shadows looming around the corner and voices getting louder. With their spirits as high as they could manage they said in perfect unison, "Let's do this!" and took out the guards as they rounded the corner.

A/N: Let's get something said right now, I am trying to get closer to the climax asap, but lets just say we're getting there. I'm going to hope my poll gets answered. I'm looking at you readers!