Here's the next chapter. In celebration of Halloween. Enjoy!
Chapter 43: It Comes By Night
Night time at High Plains Cavern. The local Phosphoro slugs were dimming their lights to go to sleep. However, in the local town, the people were taking precautions. "You know the drill, people! Lock 'em and block 'em! Everyone inside and secure your slugs!" The local leader, Brodie, called. Everyone locked their windows and doors. Apparently, some kind of creature has been attacking the town for some reason.
At a little farm outside town, a little girl named Trini was playing with her Hoverbug, Flutter. Trini was jumping up and down, trying to catch Flutter. "Come over here!" Trini said, trying to catch the slug. Flutter finally flew into Trini's hands. "Trini, time for bed!" Trini's mother called from the house. Trini mouthed the same thing, knowing her mom. "Aw, mom! Do I have to? Flutter and I wanna play some more!" She whined. "Flutter will still be there in the morning. Now come inside." Her mother assured.
Trini sadly brought Flutter into the slug house and placed him with the other sleeping slugs. "See you in the morning, you crazy little meatheads." She said as Flutter fell asleep. Trini then hurried out and turned on the security fence surrounding the slug house. "And don't forget to turn the fence on." Her mother called. Trini groaned, then hurried into the house.
Suddenly, the mysterious creature, who had been watching from the woods, hovered through the fence and into the slug house. Flutter woke up, saw the creature and shrieked, waking up the other slugs and causing a panic. By then, Trini had come back out to get her hat. It fell off as she was playing with Flutter. "It's okay, you guys. I just forgot my-" She started to say as she got her hat, but then she screamed, seeing the creature lording over her. She ran back into the house as the creature disappeared back into the woods.
(Intro)
The next morning, Brodie called the Shane Gang down to the cavern. The gang decided to bring Bella along for the ride. Just as the Shane Gang arrived, Brodie was happy to see Trixie. "Trixie!" She called. "Brodie!" Trixie called back. Brodie ran up to Trixie as she dismounted Boomer and they hugged each other tightly. "Oh, I missed you!" Brodie said. "I missed you too!" Trixie said. "Well, that is quite a welcome." Pronto said. "Yeah. Totally wins over the welcome you got back at Molemound." Harley joked. Mario, Lash, Dana and Kala laughed. "Oh, ha-ha. Very funny." Pronto said, unamused.
Trixie and Brodie broke the hug, remembering that the others were there. "Sorry guys. This is Brodie, my sister. We grew up together here in High Plains Cavern." Trixie introduced. "Nice to meet you, Brodie. I'm Eli." Eli said, shaking Brodie's hand. "Pleasured. Great to finally meet my future brother-in-law." Brodie said. Eli looked at Trixie with a curious smile. "I told her about our engagement over a video call a few months back." Trixie said with embarrassment.
They looked at the slugs in the slug house. Apparently, the monster had somehow drained the energy from the slugs. "It started about a month back. Just a few random slugs at first, but now. This is the worst we've ever seen it." Brodie explained. "And your healer slugs don't help?" Eli asked. "We don't have any. Main reason we called you. Heard you had a couple mighty solid fellas named Doc and Ping." Brodie said. Ping hopped onto Harley's shoulder. "Well, I did have Doc." Eli said. "I'm sorry." Brodie said. "No! He's fine. Just far away." Eli said. "But we've made do with Ping." Harley said.
Ping hopped into the pen and looked over the slugs. He tried to heal one of them, but suddenly, a red aura blocked out his healing light. Ping was pushed back. "Ping's healing powers aren't working. Something must be blocking them out." Harley said. "I actually have to admit, when Trixie said you needed some help, we weren't expecting this. It's like something sucked the juice right out of them." Eli said. "But what could've caused something like this?" Aerona asked. "That would be the creature." Brodie said. "Creature?" Kord asked. "What creature?" Dana asked. "The High Plains Monster. It's something of a local legend. No one's actually seen it. But whatever did this slipped through the force fence like it was nothing." Brodie said. "But I've seen it. It's big and it's scary and it has long legs like a spider." Trini explained. "Don't worry, Trini. Flutter's gonna be just fine." Trixie assured. Burpy nodded in agreement. "She's right. If this monster does exist, we'll stop it." Aerona said. Trini smiled.
Just then, Bella came up to Trini and purred at her. Trini gasped at the sight of Bella. "Is that a Zesherian?" Brodie asked, just as surprised. "Yep. She sure is." Trixie said. "I thought they were extinct. This is the first time I've seen one alive." Brodie said. "Her name's Bella." Eli introduced. Trini shakenly raised her hand and petted Bella's head. Bella then licked Trini's face, making her giggle. "She likes you." Harley chuckled.
"Well, if Ping's healing abilities do not work, what can we do?" Paulina asked. "Could we take them to the Lightwell?" Trixie asked. "Perhaps. But it doesn't explain what's causing this or if it'll prevent it from happening again." Eli said. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Brodie. I promise." Trixie said. "If you could just give us a moment." Kord said. Brodie and Trini left the slug house. "Okay. I'm all for helping the slugs, but a monster, Eli. I don't know. I'm an engineer. In my mind, if I can't see it or I can't hit it, it don't exist." Kord said. "I'm with Kord on this one, boss. It'll be hard trying to find a creature that may not even be real. And we pirates are a very superstitious bunch." Watts said. "What do you think, Trixie? You really think it's a monster?" Eli asked. "Well, I believe Trini saw something. And look at these slugs. I know Brodie. She's not the kind of person to exaggerate. If we don't figure this out soon, people could get desperate." Trixie said.
Later, the gang met up with Brodie in the town. "Brodie, you said that the High Plains Monster was a 'local' legend. Are there any other local legends you could tell us about?" Eli asked. "There is one other legend. The Light Phoenix." Brodie said. "Could you please tell us?" Eliza asked. "The Light Phoenix is supposed to represent the element of light, and it's said that it possesses the power to restore light and perish evil forever. It also says that it drives away monsters that dwell in the shadows as they fear the power of the light." Brodie explained. Eli thoughts went to the Light Spirit from his book. "Brodie, you're talking about the Light Spirit, one of the First Protectors of Slugterra." He said. The gang and Brodie were surprised by this. "Eli, how do you know that?" Trixie asked. "Remember that book we found in the Repository in Molemound? I learned about the Light Spirit and the other Spirits from the book." Eli said. "I saw a picture of the Light Spirit and it resembled the mythical firebird." "Even so, it's just an old story. Nobody knows if it still even exists. According to the legend, from what I know, the Light Phoenix mysteriously vanished along with its friends." Brodie said. That got Eli to start thinking. 'I wonder what happened to them when they disappeared.' He thought.
Later, Brodie brought the gang to the meeting hall. But when Eli opened the door, the place was a madhouse. People and slugs arguing and shouting. "Please! Order! Order!" A councilman called. "What's going on here?" Eli asked. "Got me. Nobody told me about a meeting." Brodie said. "Order! Order please! A decision has been reached!" The councilman called. Everyone immediately settled down. "Thank you. Now, it is with full understanding of the desperation of the ranching situation that the town council has voted unanimously to award a bounty. 2000 gold!" That shocked the gang, but it caught Pronto's attention. "Everything our treasury has to the slug slinger who brings in the High Plains Monster." The people then started to speak against this. "But we don't need bounty hunters! I called in the Shane Gang!" Brodie said, gesturing to the gang. "Hey." Eli said. "They can have a shot at it too. At this point, Brodie, we need all the help we can get." The councilman said.
"Wow. Trixie wasn't kidding about the town getting desperate." Vance said. "I know. Like the skinny Ice Ogre that will eat anything to stay alive, the council will do anything to be rid of this monster." Shimei said. "This doesn't look good, babe." Trixie said. "Tell me about it. This kind of money, this much desperation, people could get hurt." Eli said. Just then, an earsplitting scratching noise caught everyone's attention. Everyone turned to see Pronto scratching a blackboard. "PRONTO!" Harley shouted. "Eh. Sorry." Pronto said sheepishly. 'It's like he's purposely trying to get a rise out of me.' Harley thought.
Just then, a group of familiar faces came in. Stalker, Frost, Flame and the Power Trips. "Stalker." Eli said. "Frost and Flame." Harley growled. "The Power Trips too." Lash said. "We'll bag your creature. But it'll 5000 gold. Not 2. 5 thousand. That should get our services, the monster, and your piece of mind." Stalker said. The council whispered to each other. "Mister, you and your cohorts can get it, we'll fine the money." The councilman said. Stalker smile slyly at Eli, who just glared back at the man who tried to kill him over possession of Mo at Jungle Cavern. Even Belle snarled at the sight of Stalker.
Just then, Frost, Flame and the male Trips set their eyes on the Garcias. "Well, well, well. Looks like my frozen heart has just melted, baby." Frost said. "Yeah, never have I seen such beauty in women before." The green Trip said. "So, what say after we catch this monster, we grab a nice chicken dinner and see where the night leads us?" Flame asked, playing with a strand of Aerona's hair. Aerona just stared for a second. Then she headbutted Flame, breaking his nose. "We don't date crooks." She said clearly. Frost and the Trips got the message and backed off.
Later that night, both groups prepared their blasters and slugs. "Frost, Flame, the Power Trips. The council is making a mistake, Brodie. We know these guys. They're bad news. Stalker especially." Eli said. "Not to mention they're also in league with Dr. Blakk." Harley said. "Well, isn't there something you can do?" Brodie asked. Eli nodded and walked towards Stalker. Harley followed, knowing Stalker's type. "What do you want, Shanes?" Stalker asked without a care. "I know we have a history, but if we're gonna be here, we all need to work together." Eli said, making Stalker groan. "He's right. It'll better our chances of catching this thing." Harley said. "Better our chances at splitting the bounty, you mean." Stalker said. "The bounty?! That's all you care about?!" Harley asked in anger. "We're not doing this for money!" Eli said. "We're not?" Pronto asked in confusion. The gang just looked at him with deadpan faces. "Uh, we're not." Pronto said. "These people need help! And they don't need their town destroyed!" Eli said. "They don't?" Pronto asked, hacking a mailbox with an axe. The gang just groaned. "Uh, they don't." Pronto said, sheepishly trying to hide his mistake. "Come on, man. Use your head." Eli said. "Yeah. This thing could be dangerous." Harley said. "To slugs. Do I look like a slug to you? I may be on Blakk's payroll like the other 5, but I work alone when it comes to hunting monsters, kids." Stalker said, walking away. "Oh. And take care of the Zesherian while you can. Because after I bag this monster, I'm coming for her."
That made Harley mad, his eyes going blood red, ready to change into his Darkbane mode. Eli put a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, calming him down. "Don't worry, Harley. Remember, no one will ever hurt Bella while we're around." He assured. Harley nodded. "He's right. Cheer up, dude. We'll just have to find the creature first." Kord said. "How?" Harley asked. "Check it out." Kord showed them a new mod for his blaster. "It's a motion detector mod. Anything bigger than a molenoid comes are way, this thing will light up like a Phosphoro slug." "Good thinking, Kord. Let's get going." Eli said. "Wait!" Brodie called. The gang turned to see her walking up with her own blaster in hand. It was a light purple blaster of Billy's model. "I'm going with you." She revealed. "Brodie, no!" Trixie protested. "It's my choice, Trix. It is our home we're fighting for, and I want to do what I can to help." Brodie said. Trixie felt unsure, but agreed either way, knowing her own sister.
The group headed into the forest. The gang, Frost, Flame and the Power Trips patrolled on the ground while Stalker hopped through the trees. Their slugs kept their eyes open with fear. Bella sniffed the ground, hoping to catch a scent. "So, here's a joke, brothers. What do you call a Flopper slug that transforms?" The girl Trip asked to try and keep things interesting. But little did they know, the creature's tendrils crept behind them in the trees. Paulina followed close behind the gang, but then something caught her eyes. A small green glow in the distance. "Uh, guys? Guys?" She called. But the gang was too far ahead. She looked to where the glow came from, gulped and set off to see what it was.
Kord eyed his motion detector mod. "Huh. That's weird." He said. "What is?" Eli asked. "Yeah, what's wrong, Kord?" Harley asked.
The girl Trip turned to see that her brothers were gone. "Brothers? Brothers!" She called.
Kord banged his blaster to try and get the motion detector working. "Come on! Ugh, nothing! I thought I had something and then it was gone. That's the last time I but an off-brand blaster mod." He groaned.
"Brothers! BROTHERS!" The girl Trip called, thinking her brothers were playing some kind of trick. Just then, there was a rustle in the bushes. She turned to see, blaster ready. The monster appeared from the bushes and growled. The girl Trip gasped at what she saw and ran. The monster caught up with her and attacked, making her scream.
The gang heard the scream. "The Power Trips! Come on!" Eli said. The gang ran towards the Trips' location. Unfortunately, Kord got caught on a rope trap Stalker set for the monster, causing him to drop his blaster. The gang, joined by Frost and Flame, looked around for the Power Trips. Pronto looked up and gasped. "Guys? I think I found them." He said. The Trips were hanging from a tree, looking completely drained.
They managed to get the Trips down and leaned them against the tree. "What happened to them?" Fareeda asked. "Looks like these clowns here got themselves iced." Frost said. "It's just like the slugs." Trixie said. "Like they were drained." Mario said. "No way, man! This thing's hunting people now?! This is NOT what I signed up for, man!" Flame panicked. Watts smacked Flame. "Calm DOWN, man!" He said.
Just then, Stalker came out from the bushes. "You're making noise! What's wrong?" He asked. "What's wrong is that we're 3 men- uh- 2 men and a lady down!" Eli said. "This is what happens when we don't work together. And your stupid traps aren't catching the creature, they're trapping us!" He gestured to Kord hanging from the rope. "Hi. I'm upside down." Kord said. Stalker drew his machete and climbed the tree. "Appreciate this, man. I-" Kord started to say as something started beeping. "Quiet!" Stalker said. "Hey! Oh, that's just my blaster." Kord said. But then he realized what the beeping meant. "Oh. Cut me down." "Kord?" Eli asked. "What's happening?" Aerona asked. "Proximity alert! Something's coming! Something BIG! Cut me down!" Kord shouted. Stalker prepped his blaster. "Well, how close is it?" Flame asked. "REALLY CLOSE! CUT ME DOWN!" Kord shouted. Stalker finally cut Kord free.
Kord grabbed his blaster. "I can't tell. It's coming from…multiple directions." He said. "There's more than ONE?!" Pronto asked in shock and fear as his slugs chittered nervously. Just then the signal disappeared. "No! Not anymore. This doesn't make any sense." Kord said, smacking his blaster. Another signal popped up. "Wait! Wait, wait. Wait. I got a new signal. 400 yards out." Kord said as the monster approached. "It's close." Eli said as everyone readied their blasters. Bella growled and got ready to fight, having got the scent. Pronto farted nervously. Bluster whimpered from Trixie's blaster. "300 yards." Kord said. The monster got closer. "Everyone, get ready." Eli said. Pronto farted again and the monster got closer. "200 yards. It's moving way too fast!" Kord said as everyone circled up. "What the heck, man?! Where is it?! I CAN'T SEE NOTHING OUT HERE!" Flame shrieked. The monster got even closer and Pronto farted once more. "100 yards! 50 yards!" Pronto gave a light toot. "It's right on top of us!" Kord said. But then, the signal disappeared. There was nothing in sight. "Huh." "That's what you get for buying off-brand gear." Frost said.
But then, the monster appeared from out of the trees. Everyone fired their slugs all at once. But the monster just absorbed their energy and roared. Stalker fired a Thresher, but the monster swatted him with its tentacle. "Stalker!" Eli called. Bella leapt for the monster, but it caught her and threw her into Watts. "Hey! Hands off!" Frost called, slinging a Frostcrawler, but it just bounced off the monster's body. Flame slung another slug just as the monster wrapped its tentacle around his ankles. "Flame, look out!" Eli called. Too late. The monster yanked Flame up and somehow drained him of his energy, hanging him in the tree when finished.
The gang continued to sling their slugs. Trixie slung her new Gazzer, Quinn. Aerona slung her new AquaBeek, Current. Kala slung her new Frightgeist, Annabelle. But nothing seemed to be working. The monster swatted Frost off his feet. Eli dodged the incoming tentacles as he reloaded. Stalker dodged a tentacle and slung another slug. The monster threw a tree at the group. Trixie and Kord managed to roll out of the way. "We're not having any effect on it! Ideas?!" Trixie asked. "Just 1. Run for it!" Eli called. Everyone quickly ran away, but the monster chased after them. They fired at the monster to try and slow it down. But then, the monster grabbed Trixie's legs and dragged her away. "TRIXIE!" Eli cried. The gange fired more slugs at the monster and chased after it. "They're getting away!" Brodie cried. "Pronto cannot see a thing!" Pronto said. "Light it up, Glimmer!" Eli said, slinging Glimmer and lighting the forest up with Flashbang. "Help him out, Sparkly!" Kala said, slinging Sparkly. "You too, Little Star!" Fareeda said, slinging her new Phosphoro, Little Star. Both slugs joined Glimmer by using Flashbang. The light caused the monster to flinch and flee, leaving Trixie behind, drained like the others.
The gang looked over Trixie. "Trix! Come on, sis! Say something!" Brodie cried. "My expert diagnosis is she's still alive." Pronto said. Just then, Bella sensed something and growled. The gang readied their blasters. But it was only Stalker and Frost. "Hey-yo, cool your jets, cats." Frost said. "Never thought I'd be relieved to see you guys." Harley said. "Change your mind about sticking together?" Eli asked. "Follow me." Stalker said. The gang followed.
They regrouped at an abandoned warehouse. "I hope Trixie's gonna be alright." Brodie said. "She's alive. Just- I don't know." Eli said. "She's dead weight. Should've left her behind." Frost said. Brodie jolted to Frost, pointing her blaster at his head. "Don't ever say that again." She warned darkly. "Yeah. Sorry, bro. That's not our style." Kord said. "We gotta look out for ourselves, man." Frost said, despite the blaster aimed at his head. "You're wrong! We'll never survive unless we look out for each other. We'll figure out a way to help Flame and the Trips. I promise." Eli said. "You sure you don't want some of our food, Stalker?" Harley asked. "It'll be a cold day before I need a couple of kids to survive in the wild." Stalker said coldly. "Sorry I asked." Harley said with sarcasm.
"It just don't jive." Frost said. "What doesn't?" Eli asked. "Get with it, dad. Monster drains slugs, then it drains people. It's a drag, see? Doesn't make sense." Frost explained. "He has a point. The same question has been taxing my outer brains." Pronto said. "Since when?" Harley asked. "There's an old cave troll legend." Kord said. "What kind of legend?" Dana asked. "That people and slugs share the same energy. Deep down. A light you could call it. Magic from the earliest days. I never took much stock in it, but maybe that's why this creature's draining us now." Kord explained. "That does make sense. Grandma told me of the same legend when I was 4." Shimei said. "King. So, how do we beat it?" Frost asked. "Light." Eli said. Frost was confused. "The monster is afraid of light. In the woods, Fareeda, Kala and I used Phosphoro slugs and it fled. That's why it only attacks at night." Eli deduced. "You know, he's right. It did flee when they shot those slugs." Kord said. "Then we have a plan." Harley said. "So, what do we got?" Eli asked.
The group tallied up their Phosphoros. "Alright. That's 11 Phosphoros from each of our arsenals and one flashlight with…half a charge left." Kord said. "This somehow does not look promising." Pronto said. "Well, it's a start. Tonight, we'll sleep in shifts and take turns on guard." Eli suggested. Just then, Pronto noticed something off from the Garcias. "Uh, Garcias? Is one of you missing?" He asked. The sisters were shocked by that question and quickly realized that Paulina wasn't with them when the monster attacked. "Where's Paulina?!" Fareeda asked. "She must still be out there!" Kala said. "Well, I'm going out to look for her." Aerona said. "No. Wait until dawn." Stalker said. That made the sisters glare at him with anger.
Fareeda stomped over to Stalker and grabbed his vest, pulling him to her angry face. "You listen to me, you heartless bastard! Money is meaningless and pointless! All you think about is hurting people without a care, including the lives of the animals you've hunted! My sisters and I love Paulina very much, and we're willing to go find her, despite the monster being out there!" Fareeda cussed. "Like how Eli and Harley love Bella so much because she's their most beloved pet ever since she disappeared 10 years ago and reunited with them after she was found!" Stalker was shocked by her words. He then noticed tears forming in her eyes. This causes him to feel something he never felt before. Sympathy. Before he could speak, Fareeda pushed him away and walked to the doors with Aerona and Kala following.
The gang was shocked to see Fareeda react like that as the sisters left. "What was that all about?" Brodie asked. "The Garcia Quadruplets' love is so strong, it gives them strength and nothing can break their sisterly love. They are unwilling to abandon their sister." Eliza explained. "We should go with them, Eli. They'll need our help." Harley said. "Right. Harley, Bella and I are going to help the Garcias. You stay and guard the warehouse." Eli said. The others nodded. Eli, Harley and Bella exited the warehouse and ran to catch up with the sisters. However, the monster was already close by, ready to attack the warehouse.
As the sisters continued, Fareeda was still fuming at what Stalker said. "I can't believe the nerve of that man!" She cussed. "Okay, calm down, Fareeda. It's okay." Kala said. "Girls!" Eli called. The sisters turned to see the brothers and Bella catching up to them. "Eli? Harley? Bella? What're you doing here?" Aerona asked. "We want to help you find Paulina." Harley said. The sisters smiled at each other. "Thank you." Aerona said. Eli and Harley nodded.
Just then, Bella got the scent of something and started growling. "What's the matter, girl?" Eli asked. Harley noticed movement in the undergrowth and caught a glimpse of a familiar tail. "There's something out there." He said. They drew their blasters and went to investigate, forming a circle. Then, something crept up on them. They saw that it was only a few Shadow Clan scouts, much to their relief. "You should be more careful. We almost slugged you." Eli said as he and Harley put on their Shadow Talkers and the sisters put on their Shadow Earpieces. "What brings the Shadow Clan out this far from the Shadow Periphery?" Harley asked. "There is a great disturbance here, sons of Shane and daughters of Garcia." The lead scout said. "Huh. So, you've noticed." Eli said. "Shadow and light must exist in balance or all is threatened." The scout said. "Okay. Thanks for that. Helpful really. But we got a thing. So-" Eli said. "You fight in shadow. You see your enemy, but do not understand." The scout said. "Then can you help us? What are we dealing with here?" Eli asked. "We have already shown you." The scout said. Harley thought about this. "The High Plains Monster is from the Deep Caverns, isn't it?" He guessed. The barrier between worlds is weakened. Deep in the bowls of the earth, the Darkbane and their monsters wait for the time to rise up and take all of Slugterra." The scout explained. "They're magic is weak here. It costs them to travel through the barrier. But they have ways of returning to physical form." "That's why it's draining slugs and the others. It's using their energy to revert back to its physical form." Harley deduced. "A slug's natural magic is protected. There are forces which can pervert this. This was the first." The scout explained. "Good to know. Now let's go stop this thing." Eli said, preparing to head back.
"Wait." Aerona spoke up. Eli stopped, remembering their other problem. "Do you know where Paulina is? We got separated when the monster attacked us." Aerona asked. The scouts then moved aside and revealed Paulina standing right there. The sisters gasped once they saw she was okay and immediately ran over and brought her into a big group hug. Eli, Harley and Bella smiled at the sight of the sisters reunited with their younger sister. "Where did you get to? You disappeared before the monster attacked us." Kala asked. "I got sidetracked because I saw a green light in the distance and went to investigate. I tried to tell you guys, but you were too far ahead to hear me." Paulina explained. "And what exactly did you find?" Harley asked. Paulina showed them what she found. 6 green-black slugs with big neon green eyes and a light filament like an anglerfish on their heads. Eli, Harley and the Garcias were amazed, seeing a new species of slug. "Meet the Glowbyss slugs." Paulina introduced. 5 of the Glowbyss slugs hopped to Eli, Harley and the 3 Garcias.
"We found the young Garcia when we were scouting the area and we took her to safety from the monster." The scout said. The Garcias were grateful to the Shadow Clan helping their sister. Suddenly, the group heard Pronto scream. They turned and saw that the monster had just attacked the warehouse. Eli turned to ask the Shadow Clan if they wanted to help, but they were already gone. "Boy, those guys sure travel fast." Harley said. The 7 hustled to get back to the warehouse.
At the warehouse, Pronto had set it on fire to try and scare the monster. Vance, Mario and Watts were drained. Frost slung a slug as he dodged the tentacles. "Hello?! Somebody help Pronto!" Pronto called as the fire surrounded him and Trixie. "We told you not to set the warehouse on fire!" Kord scolded from the loft. "What were you even thinking?!" Eliza asked. "Our enemy hates light! Therefore, he must also hate fire. Ha!" Pronto said. "Yeah! But so do WE!" Kord yelled. Stalker slung a Rammstone at the monster, but it caught the slug and drained its energy. "Lash! Let's try a double-spark assault!" Dana called. Lash nodded. They took aim and fired Spark and Dana's new Flaringo, Sprite. The slugs fired Blastburst at the monster, but it didn't even scratch it. The monster grabbed the Flaringos and sucked out their energy. "Spark!" Lash cried. "Sprite!" Dana cried. The monster tossed the drained slugs aside and grabbed Lash and Dana, draining their energy too. "Lash! NO!" Shimei cried as the monster dropped her boyfriend and Dana.
Eli, Harley, Bella and the Garcias entered just as the monster swatted Stalker. "It's getting toasty in here!" Pronto cried as he tried to blow out the fire. Eli loaded and slung Beeker, putting out the fire with a spinning Aquajet. "Guys!" Kord called. "Kord! Behind you!" Eli called. The monster's tentacle tapped Kord's shoulders, confusing him before grabbing him. The monster tried to whack Eli, but he jumped back. The monster then grabbed Frost, Shimei, Eliza and Pronto. "Drag, baby." Frost said before he was drained. Pronto, Shimei and Kord were drained next. "Eli! Harley! Run!" Eliza mustered out before being drained last. "NO!" Eli cried. The monster dropped them and turned its attention to Eli, Harley, Bella and the Garcias.
The monster was about to grab Paulina, but she was pulled back by an Arachnet slung by Stalker. "Time to go." Stalker said. "Come on! Let's go!" Brodie said. The gang ran into the forest and the monster chased after them. "Okay. Let's see what you can do." Harley said, deciding to try out his new Glowbyss. He loaded the slug and slung her. She transformed and attacked with Luminous Bang, blinding the monster and stunning it. "Whoa! So, that's what you do. Effective. But kinda spooky when you transform though." Harley said, picking up the slug and rejoining the others. "We have to go back!" Eli said. "Live to fight another day, then you can help your friends!" Stalker said. Just then, they slipped and slid down a steep hill, nearly falling over a cliff. The monster, having recovered from the Glowbyss attack, caught up to them. Eli slung Glimmer, Harley slung Flasher, Fareeda slung Little Star and Kala slung Sparkly, scaring the monster with Flashbang. "Jump!" Stalker said. The group jumped off the cliff and into the river below. The monster, not being able to see them, flew off.
Stalker swam back to the shore, helping Eli and the others onto shore. Bella shook the water off her fur, hitting the others. "Thanks a lot, Bella." Harley said sarcastically. "It won't stop now. It has our scent." Stalker said. "Our scent?" Eli asked, smelling himself. "How can you tell?" Kala asked. "I know when I'm being hunted." Stalker said, pushing a boat into the river. "Now help me with this boat. The river's the fastest way back to town." "He's right. We'll need reinforcements." Brodie said as she, Stalker, the Garcias and Bella entered the boat while Eli and Harley pushed the boat into the current before joining. Stalker jetted the boat as fast as it could go, nearly knocking the others out. "STALKER!" Harley shouted.
Back in the town, as the people loaded their blasters with their Phosphoros, Eli told Brodie what the Shadow Clan told them. "I don't know, Eli. It's not in our nature to trust the Shadow Clan like yours. But if you say this thing is from the Deep Caverns, we need a plan." Brodie said as they looked over the slugs that hadn't been drained. "Eel." Harley said. The gang looked at him in confusion. "What did you say?" Kala asked. "The monster. It's called an Eel." Harley said. "How do you know that?" Eli asked. "Must be my Darkbane half. It's like I now have a knowledge of every creature that lives down in the Deep Caverns." Harley said. "So, what is the plan?" Aerona asked. "Hit it with Phosphoros and try to hold out until dawn." Eli said. "Heck of a plan." Brodie said. "It may not be much, but it's the best we got." Harley said.
They then noticed Stalker adjusting his blaster and walking off with a lantern. They went to join him. "I hope we can pull this off. Brodie's putting a lot of faith in us. They all are." Eli said. Stalker had had enough of this teamwork talk. "When are you gonna get it through your heads? There is no us. You 6 stay here with the slugs if you want. I'm gonna hunt that thing." He said, bumping Eli's shoulder and knocking Burpy off. Luckily, Fareeda quickly caught him. "Well, that's crazy! You won't last 5 seconds on your own!" She said. "She's right! It's suicide!" Aerona said. "I don't back down." Stalker said. The gang stepped in his way. "That thing drained my friends, my mother and my fiancé! They need us! This town needs us! You wanna be a tough guy? Fine! But sometimes being tough means knowing how to ask for help." Eli said. Stalker stared at Eli, pondering his words.
Everyone got into position and waited for the monster, or as Harley called it, the Eel, to appear. Eli, Harley, Bella, Aerona and Stalker took position on the ground while Brodie, Fareeda, Kala and Paulina took position on the roofs. Just then, they heard the Eel roar and the trees shaking. Stalker prepped his blaster. "Wait for it." Eli said. The Eel roared again as Eli loaded his blaster. Then it appeared and flew towards the town. "Wait for it." Eli said again. The Eel hovered over the town and prepared to attack. "Now!" Eli called, slinging Glimmer. Stalker followed with his own Phosphoro. "Open fire!" Brodie called. Everyone started slinging their Phosphoros. The Eel shrieked and flinched from the continuous Flashbangs. It tried to swat Eli, but he jumped back. It swatted one guy off his mecha as his wife slung another Phosphoro. The Eel flew up to the roof, but Brodie frightened it off with another Phosphoro. Eli re-slung Glimmer, getting the Eel's attention. It lunged its tentacle at Eli, but he moved aside and it grabbed the leg of a bull mecha beast. It tossed the mecha beast at Stalker, pinning him against a building wall.
"Stalker!" Eli called. He, Harley, Bella and Aerona ran to help as Stalker tried to push himself free. "You okay?" Eli asked. "Face it, guys. This is hopeless. You can't fight what you can't touch." Stalker said as they pulled him and the mecha free. Eli and the others looked back at the battle. The Eel grabbed a Phosphoro that was just slung and drained its energy. "I have an idea." Eli said. "What is it?" Harley asked. "We're gonna give this thing exactly what it wants." Eli said. "Are you out of your mind?!" Aerona asked in shock. "No. He's got it. If the Eel gets the energy it wants, it'll become physical and we can beat it." Harley said. "Aerona, you join Brodie and your sisters up on the roof and provide cover fire. Harley, Bella and I will lead the Eel towards the slugs." Eli said. "Right. Good luck, guys." Aerona said before heading over to rejoin her sisters and Brodie. Eli and Harley mounted the bull mecha and rode off with Bella following. Stalker looked on at the brothers with impression.
"Hey!" Eli called, getting the Eel's attention. "This way, you big ugly monster!" "You want energy?! We got it right here!" Harley shouted. The Eel saw the energy glowing from Burpy and the other slugs and prepared to attack. Eli, Harley and Bella led the Eel towards the slug pens. The Eel stopped as it saw all the energy from all the slugs. "That's right! This way!" Eli called. The slugs chittered with worry. "I'm sorry, guys. You'll just have to trust us." Eli said. The Eel lunged for the brothers and their pet. But they jumped out of the way. The Eel grabbed all the slugs in the first pen. "Missed us! Try again!" Eli yelled.
"What're they doing?!" Brodie asked, watching through binoculars. "Don't worry, Brodie. It's all part of the plan." Aerona said. "What plan?" Kala asked. "Watch and see." Aerona said.
The Eel drained the slugs it held and moved on to the next pen. It grabbed the slugs and drained them all. As Stalker joined the brothers, the Eel moved to the pen they were in front of. The 4 moved out of the way as the Eel took the slugs and drained them. Just then, a red aura surrounded the Eel and it became solid. "Okay! It's solid! You and me, ugly!" Stalker yelled. The Eel turned to him. "Let's dance." Stalker said. Unfortunately, the Eel reacted fast, grabbing Stalker and holding him up. "Let me go, you beast!" Stalker growled, preparing to shoot. But the Eel quickly drained him and tossed him aside.
"Stalker!" Eli yelled. "Well, so much for that distraction. What do we do now?" Harley asked. Bella growled. "You think you can handle that thing, Bella?" Eli asked with concern for his pet. Bella nodded, knowing the stakes. "Okay. Go get him, girl." Eli said. Bella roared her Sonic Roar, striking the Eel. Then she pounced it and started clawing and biting its back. The Eel tried to smack Bella with its tentacle, but she leapt off, dodging the attack. Bella then leapt up and swatted the Eel's face with her paws, scratching it with her claws in the process. The Eel roared in anger at Bella and she roared back with much ferocity before they continued to fight each other brutally. "So, brother, what's the plan now?" Harley asked. "It hates fire and it hates light. So, let's give it both." Eli said, holding up Glimmer. "A fusion shot? But are Burpy and Glimmer even compatible for a fusion move?" Harley asked. "I checked and they are. So, Hestia and Flasher should be too." Eli said. Hestia and Flasher hopped onto Harley's shoulder and chittered. "Right then. Let's try a double fusion." Harley said.
But then, the Eel threw Bella at a wall. "Bella!" Eli and Harley cried. As the Eel prepared to kill the Zesherian, a Hop Rock hit it out of nowhere. The Eel turned to see the Garcia sisters. "Get away from her, you butt-ugly beast!" Aerona shouted. As the Eel turned to attack them, all 4 slung their Glowbyss slugs, transforming and performing their Trans-Skull move. The Eel got so frightened, it froze on the spot, too scared to attack. Even Brodie and the other townspeople were frightened by their skeletal appearance. "That's gonna haunt my nightmares." Brodie said.
"Eli! Harley! Now!" Aerona called. Eli and Harley readied their double-barrel blasters. "Okay, Burpy, ready to go supernova?" Eli asked. Burpy chittered that he was ready. "You ready too, Hestia?" Harley asked. Hestia chittered the same answer. The brothers took aim at the Eel. "I hope this works." Eli said, slinging Burpy and Glimmer. Harley slung Hestia and Flasher. Both pairs of slugs spun back-to-back, creating 2 giant balls of bright fire. This was their fusion move, Supernova. The 2 balls of fiery light lit up the entire area. As Eli, Harley and the Garcias shielded their eyes, the Eel shrieked in pain before collapsing to the ground. Dead. The 2 Infurnuses and 2 Phosphoros nuzzled their heads, celebrating a job well done. Just then, orbs of energy started to release from the Eel's body. The Eel disappeared and the orbs zipped back to their rightful owners. Everyone who was drained by the Eel started to recover. "Hoo-hoo! Pronto must stop eating snack foods after midnight. They give me the craziest of nightmares." Pronto said. Even Flutter recovered, making Trini very happy. "Flutter!" Trini cheered as Flutter nuzzled her cheek and started playing again.
That morning, everything was going back to normal. The gang and Brodie relaxed by the slug pens while Trini played with Flutter while riding Bella. "Town's back to normal." Brodie said. "And we got some cool new slugs." Harley said, holding up his Glowbyss. "What happened to Stalker and the others?" Trixie asked. "I don't know. They left before daybreak. Without their reward too." Eli said. "Maybe my words got through to Stalker." Fareeda said. "Maybe. But if you ask me, I think he didn't want the reminder that he did something nice for people." Eli said. "You did a good thing, Eli." Brodie said. "Yeah. Maybe." Eli said, feeling down. "Why do you sound worried?" Kord asked. "Yeah. What's on your mind, boss?" Watts asked. "Something the Shadow Clan said. This was just the beginning. Slugterra's magic is fading. You really need to ask yourself, what's next?" Eli said.
Meanwhile, Stalker watched them from a high clifftop. "Our time working together is over, Shanes. Next time we meet, we're enemies again and your Zesherian will be mine." He said before walking away. But then, his thoughts drifted to what Fareeda said to him in the warehouse. But he shook it off and continued.
In the Deep Caverns, the monsters strolled the cavern outside the Darkbane kingdom. Another Eel flew out from a pillar, ready to attack.
Well, how about that for a special chapter for Halloween? The Shane Gang face an Eel from the Deep Caverns in High Plains Cavern with some unappreciated hired help from Stalker. And Paulina just discovered a brand-new slug. The Glowbyss. With the magic fading from Slugterra and the Darkbane on the verge of breaking through the barrier, like Eli said, what's next? Leave a review if you want. And Happy Halloween everyone.
Special thanks to FoxyKhai0209 for the idea of introducing the Glowbyss slug.
Slug Arsenal:
Eli Shane: Burpy (Infurnus), Joules (Tazerling), Noodle (Flopper), Banger (Armashelt), Bolo (Polero), Rammer (Rammstone), Rocky (Hop Rock), Chiller (Frostcrawler), Burner (Lavalynx), Suds (Bubbaleone), Goober (Jellyish), Sparky (Grenuke), Larry (Lariat), Gust (Tormato), Buzzsaw (Thresher), Digger (Crystalyd), Spinner (Arachnet), Mucky (Dirt Urchin), Tangles (Vinedrill), Spooker (Frightgeist), Charger (Fandango), Stunts (Speedstinger), Glimmer (Phosphoro), Mo (Enigmo), Dazer (Hypnogrif), Urchin (Sand Angler), Dozer (Slyren), Jinxer (Hexlet), Torch (Forgesmelter), Yang (Negashade), Beeker (AquaBeek), Mimkey, Jaws (MakoBreaker), Gasser (Flatulorhinkus), Crystal (Geoshard), Foggy (Neotox), Jammer (Xmitter), Bugsy (Hoverbug), Nero (Glowbyss)
Harley Shane: Matchstick (Flaringo), Squirm (Flopper), Frostbite (Frostcrawler), Webs (Arachnet), Gels (Jellyish), Zipper (Hoverbug), Ivy (Vinedrill), Masher (Rammstone), Frights (Frightgeist), Shredder (Thresher), Smelly (Flatulorhinkus), Claws (Armashelt), Splatz (Lariat), Twister (Tormato), Lucky (Hexlet), Sizzle (Grenuke), Quill (Dirt Urchin), Ping (White Boon Doc), Bubbles (Bubbaleone), Polo (Polero), Skitter (Speedstinger), Flasher (Phosphoro), Gem (Geoshard), Hestia (Infurnus), Drill (Crystalyd), Ashe (Glowbyss)
Trixie Sting: Bluster (Tormato), Blizzard (Frostcrawler), Spider (Arachnet), Twirl (Polero), Balloon (Bubbaleone), Haunter (Frightgeist), Pounder (Rammstone), Slicer (Thresher), Rocks (Hop Rocks), Jelly (Jellyish), Blossom (Vinedrill), Spotty (Flopper), Dunes (Sand Angler), Zaps (Tazerling), Roller (Armashelt), Scorcher (Lavalynx), Nighty (Slyren), Starling (Phosphoro), Roxy (Crystalyd), Quinn (Gazzer)
Kord Zane: Bludgeon (Rammstone), Sploder (Hop Rock), Jolt (Tazerling), Trip (Polero), Flycatcher (Arachnet), Floatie (Bubbaleone), Iceberg (Frostcrawler), Scorch (Flaringo), Jetstream (AquaBeek), Spitz (Loogie), Chuckles (Gazzer), Floppy (Flopper), Pincer (Armashelt), Glint (Phosphoro), Throttle (Thresher), Quicksand (Sand Angler), Silv (Slicksilver), Pollen (Vinedrill), Flats (Flatulorhinkus), Cliff (Crystalyd)
Pronto Geronimo: Stinky (Flatulorhinkus), Slimey (Jellyish), Soapy (Bubbaleone), Bruiser (Rammstone), Flame (Flaringo), Loogie (Lariat), Windy (Tormato), Squeaky (Flopper), Blocky (Hop Rock), Freezie (Frostcrawler), Doozey (Slyren), Zappy (Tazerling), Stripey (Polero), Planty (Vinedrill), Shelly (Armashelt), Sharky (MakoBreaker), Bitey (Thresher), Zippy (Speedstinger), Molty (Firenzar), Spitty (Arachnet), Fissure (Crystalyd)
Vance Volt: Blast (Hop Rock), Bloom (Vinedrill), Crust (Lavalynx), Legs (Arachnet), Swimy (AquaBeek), Hardcase (Armashelt), Squish (Jellyish), Blow (Tormato), Cheep (Flopper), Punch (Rammstone), Chill (Frostcrawler), Swallow (Bubbaleone), Storm (Tazerling), Tim (Crystalyd)
Mario Bravado: Ricochet (Speedstinger), Slide (Frostcrawler), Crawler (Arachnet), Echo (AquaBeek), Mess (Jellyish), Breeze (Tormato), Kate (Flopper), Porky (Dirt Urchin), Dunk (Rammstone), Crush (Armashelt), Razz (Thresher), Pinkie (Bubbaleone), Chasm (Crystalyd)
Lash: Zing (Tazerling), Speedy (Speedstinger), Hopper (Hop Rock), Bubba (Bubbaleone), Stinx (Flatulorhinkus), String (Polero), Goat (Rammstone), Sleepy (Slyren), Webber (Arachnet), Ice (Frostcrawler), Spark (Flaringo), Winger (Tormato), Witch (Hexlet), Phlegm (Lariat), Peep (Flopper), Melt (Lavalynx), Clash (Armashelt), Shroud (Frightgeist), Oxide (Gazzer), Sprout (Vinedrill), Darcy (Crystalyd)
Shimei: Mong (Hop Rock), Jin (Rammstone), Zeng (Vinedrill), Leng (Polero), Kaz (Grenuke), Hindo (Flaringo), Huong (Phosphoro), Hei-Hei (Hoverbug), Yung (Armashelt), Mai (Arachnet), Fong (Bubbaleone), Wang (Tormato), Feng (Dirt Urchin), Ravine (Crystalyd)
Eliza Shane: Ellie (Flaringo), Min (Jellyish), Tink (Phosphoro), Pimpy (Bubbaleone), Jimbo (Hop Rock), Jason (Frightgeist), Fitz (Tazerling), Flick (Grenuke), Griff (Hypnogrif), Midnight (Slyren), Wilton (Neotox), Oya (Tormato), Canyon (Crystalyd)
Watts: Scourge (MakoBreaker), Polly (Hoverbug), Rush (Rammstone), Sinker (Hop Rock), Maelstrom (Tormato), Tidal Wave (AquaBeek), Preserver (Bubbaleone), Gorge (Crystalyd)
Dana Por: Webby (Arachnet), Willy (Frostcrawler), Tailwind (Tormato), Rosie (Vinedrill), Jinx (Hexlet), Nemo (AquaBeek), Poppy (Bubbaleone), Silvia (Slicksilver), Crevice (Crystalyd), Sprite (Flaringo)
Aerona Garcia: Goldie (Midas), Hiccup (Flaringo), Cancer (Armashelt), Icestorm (Frostcrawler), Bomb (Hop Rock), Goopy (Lariat), Slabs (Rammstone), Taurus (Crystalyd), Current (AquaBeek), Starry (Glowbyss)
Fareeda Garcia: Shiny (Midas), Thunderstorm (Tazerling), X (Xmitter), Aquarius (AquaBeek), Eve (Negashade), Maggie (Slicksilver), Sagittarius (Hoverbug), Jack Hammer (Crystalyd), Little Star (Phosphoro), Lantern (Glowbyss)
Kala Garcia: Aurum (Midas), Lila (Thugglet), Scorpio (Hexlet), Aries (Rammstone), Gemini (Polero), Sparkly (Phosphoro), Prick (Dirt Urchin), Bulldozer (Crystalyd), Annabelle (Frightgeist), Angelo (Glowbyss)
Paulina Garcia: Chrysos (Midas), Cepheus (Firenzar), Snowstorm (Narwhaddle), Cassiopeia (Sand Angler), Chainsaw (Thresher), Virgo (Vinedrill), Capricorn (Tormato), Hardstone (Armashelt), Abyss (Crystalyd), Neon (Glowbyss)
The Universal Slug
Pets: Bella (Zesherian), Wormy (Crystal Worm), Rath (Ice Ogre), Kobi, Cole and Amra (Lava Bats), Kibble and Nipper (Dino Rats), Reolin and Dew (Cavern Sharks), Marble (Gargoyle), Hydrus (Fish Monster), Crater (Cave Worm), Buzzy and Musca (Scorpion Bees)