Temple of the Golden Squirrel

(Blowhole's POV)

Doris and I were inside the dimly lit treasure chamber of the golden squirrel. We were on the now empty treasure platforms suspended above the molten earth below by chains. Doris had explained that the entrance to the temple was currently blocked by lava. Doris said that their was some sort of switch or activation pad on this platform but that Kowalski didn't tell her which.

"How did they get down there?" I asked.

"Something about something the warriors did," Doris said, "Kowalski didn't give any specifics."

"The stone better be down there," I said, "or else."

The platform was lowered, the lava in the pit drained away, and the secret entrance to the temple was opened. Blowhole and Doris rolled into the temple to find the spirit of the Golden Squirrel sitting there.

The Golden Squirrel turned to the pair and said, "Welcome Francis Blowhole son of Francis, And Doris Blowhole Daughter of Francis."

"You know us?" I asked.

"It is my curse to know all who journey here," the Golden Squirrel replied

"Where's the soul stone," I said.

"You should know…it extracts a terrible price," the squirrel replied.

"I am prepared," I said gritting my teeth, "bring me to the stone."

"We all think that at first. We are all wrong," the squirrel replied leading us into the temple.

"How is it you know this place so well?" I asked as we entered the main chamber of the temple.

"A lifetime ago, I, too, sought the stones. I even held one in my hand. But it cast me out, banished me here. Guiding others to a treasure I cannot possess," the squirrel said, "the True Treasure of the Golden Squirrel."

The Floor was damaged cracks splitting the image of the world map into many pieces. A destroyed altar and a ruined stone portal dominated the room. The ceiling had fallen away the image of a giant asteroid shattered on the floor. One could smell fire and brimstone and felt intense heat. In one corner was a massive hole and a peek inside it reveals a 50ft drop down a deep dark cave to a solid rocky plinth.

"What you seek lies before you. As does what you fear," the golden squirrel said.

"What's this," I said looking at the pit.

"The price," the squirrel said, "Soul hold a special place among the Infinity Stones. You might say it has a certain wisdom."

"Tell me what it needs," I quietly demanded.

"It requires a sacrifice," the squirrel replied, "so the one who welds it…understands it's power."

"A sacrifice of what exactly?" I asked already dreading the answer.

"In order to take the stone, you must lose that which you love. A soul... for a soul," the squirrel said.

Doris laughed and shouted to my back, "At long last. You find something you can't have. All my life, I dreamed of a day... a moment when you would get what you deserved. And I was always so disappointed. But now... you only seek revenge. The universe has judged you. You asked it for a prize, and it told you no. You failed. And do you wanna know why? Because you love nothing. No one."

But then I turned to her and she saw my tears, "Tears?" Doris said, "really. You think your crocodile tears will help you?"

"Oh sister," I said, "sorry that it came to this."

"What?" Doris said.

"Those tears are not for him," the squirrel said.

"I love you sis," I said with a tear as I pushed her scooter towards the pit, "goodbye."

"No," Doris said struggling to move her scooter forward against the power and speed of mine, "This isn't love."

I smiled sadly and said, "I Ignored my destiny once. I cannot do that again. Even for you. I'm sorry sis."

"No, you're not," Doris said as her scooter started to roll off the edge.

I pushed a button and activated, "MINDJACKER!"

"No!" Doris said.

The Mindjacker blasted her and she fell over the edge as she pasted out, "I'm sorry," I repeated remorseful for the first time in my life.

There was a flash and I found myself laying on the treasure platform. I painfully pulled myself back on to my awaiting scooter and looked at the Infinity Flipper. I looked to see the orange soul stone in the flipper. I thought for a second, I saw Doris in the stone, but it was quickly replaced by my reflection. Oh, this better be worth it Pen-gu-wins.

(end of chapter ten)