Prepare yourselves. Because this will contain a very special present to everyone. Including the slugs. Merry Christmas.
'…' Infinity's POV
Chapter 46: Trapped by Obsession
A few days after the gang's vacation at Sandstone Cavern, Eli sat on the living room couch, reading his book to learn about the other Spirits.
He continued where he left off on the 28th page. "The Nature Spirit is the embodiment of nature. This spirit can feel and understand what nature is feeling and what it is saying. The Nature Spirit has the ability to restore all nature that has been damaged. But when the spirit feels anger, all nature will wither and die."
He turned to the 29th page. It showed a picture of the Nature Spirit. It strongly resembled a Vinedrill. A title below the picture read 'The Plant Elemental.'
He then turned to the 30th page. It showed another picture of the Nature Spirit, but with a young boy as the spirit sat on top of his head with a playful smile.
He turned to the 31st page. "As strong as steel, the Metal Spirit is the most ferocious spirit among its fellow spirits. Its skin is incredibly durable and it is impossible to be stabbed through, thus, it becomes very strong armor. When in battle, the Metal Spirit shows its fury and will attack anyone who dares to do harm those it has sworn loyalty to."
He turned to the 32nd page. It showed a picture of the Metal Spirit in the form of a tiger. But it was twice as big than a normal tiger. Its entire body was made of metal with golden stripes and bright yellow eyes. Its face showed a ferocious expression. A title at the bottom read 'The Iron Tiger.'
He then turned to the 33rd page. It showed another picture of the Metal Spirit, but with a little elf boy asleep across its stomach. The spirit was curled around the sleeping little elf boy protectively.
He turned the 34th page. "Spreading its plague across the distant caverns, the Toxic Spirit is the deadliest spirit as it carries the incurable plague originating from its powerful venom. A single touch from this dangerous spirit would result in mortals meeting their doom…"
He turned to the 35th page. It showed a picture of the Toxic Spirit. It strongly resembled a Flatulorhinkus. A title below the picture read 'The Toxic Elemental.'
He then turned to the 36th page. It showed another picture of the Toxic Spirit being held in the hands of a little elf girl. The Toxic Spirit was smiling a bit.
'I recognize these Nature and Toxic Spirits. I've seen them in my vision a few months ago. But what do these visions mean?' Eli thought. "Hey, babe." Trixie said. "Morning, bro." Harley said. "Oh. Hey guys." Eli said. "Reading that book again?" Trixie asked. "Yeah. I've actually been wondering about some of these spirits." Eli said. "Hey, Infinity!" He called. Just then, the Universal Slug appeared on Harley's shoulder. 'You called, Eli?' He asked. "Oh, you finally named him. Infinity huh?" Trixie asked. 'Of course. Rather fits me actually. But then, of course, I am in relation to the universe after all.' Infinity said. "I should say so." Harley said.
"Anyway, do you know anything about these First Protectors, Infinity?" Eli asked. Infinity hopped down to Eli's shoulder and looked at the pictures of the First Protectors. 'I'm afraid I'm not too familiar with any of these creatures. I haven't seen such beings in such a long time.' Infinity said. "Well, that's unfortunate." Harley said. "Well, if you remember anything, you just let me know." Eli said. 'Of course. Always happy to be of help.' Infinity said.
Just then, Dana bolted right down stairs. "Whoa! Dana, where's the fire, girl?" Trixie asked. "Just got a distress call. And you're not gonna believe who it was from." Dana said. "Who?" Eli asked. "Deagan." Dana revealed. Eli, Harley and Trixie were shocked to hear this.
(Intro)
The gang all woke up and watched Deagan's distress call. "Shane Gang, I know I wouldn't be sending this distress call unless it wasn't important. But I heard about what Dred did to Twist. And apparently, I'm next on his list. I need your help. Please." Deagan said as the call ended.
"You think it's a trick?" Kord asked. "Maybe. But if Dred's targeting Deagan now, we have to help him." Eli said. "Eli's right. And who knows? Twist redeemed himself when we saved him from Dred. Maybe Deagan will too." Harley said. "It's possible." Mario said. "It's worth a try." Aerona said. "What do you think, Dana?" Lash asked. Dana just stayed silent, looking sadly at the floor. "Oh. Right. I forgot." Lash said, feeling ashamed. "No, it's okay, Lash. You guys do what you have to do. But I'm gonna sit this one out." Dana said, leaving for her room.
"What's wrong with Dana? She looked so sad." Rune said, worried about Dana. "You see, Dana and Deagan are siblings." Harley said. "Yeah. They're the children of Will Shane's recon man, Tom Por." Vance said. "They used to be the best thieves in Slugterra long after their dad died." Trixie said. "But Deagan has a seriously bad obsession with Burpy and Hestia." Kord said. "So, Deagan betrayed Dana to join Dr. Blakk." Eli said. "And I adopted Dana into the Shane family, making her Eli and Harley's sister." Eliza finished. "Oh. I see now. But how come she never told me about him?" Rune asked. "Well, even after all this time, she's still upset from being betrayed. Can't say I blame her though. It is very heartbreaking to be betrayed by one of your own flesh and blood." Pronto said. "Makes you lucky that your quintuplets are all over you." Harley joked. Pronto growled at this. "Alright. Fun's fun, Harley, but we better head out if we're gonna help Deagan." Eli said. The gang prepared to head out. But Rune just stared up at Dana's room. Eli noticed this, walked over to Rune and put a hand on hist shoulder. "Perhaps you should stay too. Keep her company." He suggested. "Yeah. Maybe you're right." Rune said, thinking the same thing.
Dana sat on her bed, thinking about everything her and Deagan had been through. Then someone knocked on her door. "Come in." She called. Rune opened the door and entered. "Rune? I thought you left with Eli and the others." Dana said. "Nah. Eli suggested I stick around, keep you company." Rune said. Dana chuckled and blushed at this. "That's Eli for you. So thoughtful for his siblings." She said. Rune looked at Dana as he sat next to her. "They told me about Deagan. That he was your brother." He said. "Was. He wasn't that way after he betrayed me for Blakk." Dana said. "Yes. They told me. About his obsession with their Infurnuses." Rune said. "Believe me. He wasn't always like that. I remember one time when we were kids." Dana started explain.
[Flashback]
"We were playing in Quinsingly Cavern." Dana and Deagan were playing in the streets with Webby. "But then we came into deep trouble." Dana, not seeing where she was going, ran into someone. She fell to the ground and looked up. A hideous cave troll and his 2 human lackeys loomed over her angrily. "You bumped into Gausher. You pay big time, child." He growled. "His name was Gausher. And he was the meanest cave troll of them all." The lackeys grabbed her arms and held Dana up. Gausher cracked his knuckles, preparing to hurt Dana hard. "But that's when Deagan came to my rescue." But then, a rock hit Gausher in the head. "LEAVE HER ALONE!" Deagan yelled. Gausher turned and saw Deagan standing behind him. "Run along, child. We'll deal with you later." Gausher said. "I said leave her alone. Unless you're too cowardly to duel me." Deagan insulted. Gausher got really mad from that. He drew his blaster and slung a Rammstone. Deagan dodged the slug. The lackeys dropped Dana and ran to join their leader. "He distracted Gausher long enough for me to escape." Dana saw this chance to escape. She ran for the cavern exit. Deagan saw Dana leaving and decided to join. As Gausher and his lackeys slung more slugs, Deagan tossed Webby as hard as he could upwards. Webby transformed, latched onto a pole and shot a web at Deagan. Grabbing the web, Deagan jumped, dodging the slugs, and swung on the web over Gausher and his lackeys. The 2 of them landed and ran to join Dana.
[Flashback End]
"Deagan saved my life that day. And he gave me Webby so that I would never have to be afraid again." Dana finished. Webby chittered sweetly, nuzzling her slinger's cheek. "Sounds like you guys were really inseparable. What changed?" Rune asked. "When our father mentioned the Shane treasure. Deagan thought that the treasure would also include the Shane's most valuable slug." Dana said. "The Infurnus." Rune guessed. "From that day, he was obsessed. He was willing to do anything to get his hands on Burpy. Even if it meant betraying me." Dana said. "He may have betrayed you, but he's still your brother." Rune said. He patted Dana's shoulder and left her room. Dana began to think about what he said.
Meanwhile, at Blakk's Citadel, Dred and Nacho had just intercepted Deagan's distress call. "It would appear that Deagan has just found out our true intensions." Dred said. "Which is why we must dispose of him more than ever now. You know your assignment. Go out there, find him and kill him." Nacho ordered. "Of course. But what of the Shane Gang? No doubt they'll be out looking for him too." Dred said. "I will send our forces out to distract them. That will give you plenty of time for you to carry out your duty." Nacho said.
After they left, the gang looked for any signs of Deagan. "So, not that Pronto is complaining, but what will we do once we find the traitorous Por brother?" Pronto asked. "He's right. Even if we find him, what's to stop him from trying to take Burpy or Hestia again?" Fareeda asked. "Don't worry. He won't. Harley and I will make sure of that." Eli said. Harley nodded.
Just then, Kord noticed something coming out of the sky. As it got closer, he gasped, seeing that it was a Hop Jack. "Incoming!" He called. The gang leapt their mechas out of the ghoul's way. "Welcome, Shane Gang." A familiar voice said. Eli glared as he looked up. And there, on the hillside, stood Nacho's army, led by Jon Bull, CC, the Hooligang, Frost, Flame and the Gentleman. "You're just in time…for your demise." Bull said, taking aim.
While on the run, Deagan had stopped to rest in Scorch Sparks Cavern. But then, Deagan could hear the sound of footsteps approaching him. He stood up and saw Dred. "And here I thought you would be difficult to find." Dred said mockingly. Deagan just glared at the man who killed his friend. Dred smiled wickedly, drew his blaster and slung his first ghoul.
Bull slings his ghoul, a Grimmstone. Eli leapt off Lucky, dodging the ghoul, and slung Sparky. The Grenuke exploded, sending a small batch of guards flying. Pronto charged in with Vance and Lash. Pronto slung Bitey, Vance slung Legs and Lash slung Sprout. Frost, Flame and 2 more guards sling a Frostfang, a Hop Jack, a Thrasher and a Tempesto. Legs trapped the Tempesto with his web. Sprout trapped the Frostfang with Tendrella, but got knocked down by the Thrasher. And Bitey collided with the Hop Jack. Pronto chuckled boastfully. But then Vance and Lash scattered away. Pronto turned and screamed at the sight of a couple of Harmashelts coming towards him. He tried to dodge the ghouls, but their impact to the ground blew him away.
The Garcia sisters slung Icestorm, Aquarius, Bulldozer and Virgo. They performed their martial arts and commanded them. Aerona had Icestorm spin around and fire several spikes of ice with Winterhorn, striking several guards' blasters. Fareeda had Aquarius spray the guards with several sprays from Aquajet. Kala had Bulldozer tunnel underground and opened a Vibroquake sinkhole beneath 3 more guards. And Paulina had Virgo wrap her tendrils around 4 other guards, spinning them around and sending them flying.
"Very impressive for such beautiful girls." Croesus' voice said. The Garcias turned to see the male members of the Hooligang coming towards them. "You must be the Hooligang. Eli told us about you." Fareeda said. "And you lovely visions must be the Garcia Quadruplets. We've heard of you from Nacho. Though you 4 are much more beautiful than how he described." Billy said, flustered with the sisters' beauty. "Seriously, Billy?! I'm right over here!" Belinda yelled out of jealousy. "Oh! Sorry, Belinda!" Billy called out of embarrassment. Seeing that Billy was distracted, Fareeda loaded her blaster and took aim. "Look out!" Sid called. Too late. Fareeda slung Maggie, slamming her tail into Billy with Metalhead. Aerona, Kala and Paulina quickly slung their slugs too, knocking Croesus, Sid and the hunters down in a flash. "Boys." The female hunter said. "I should be jealous, but Billy is still my brother and my lover, and I would love him to the end of our lives." Belinda said. But then, an Arachnet latched its web around the 2 women. "A sister who's also her brother's lover." Aerona said as her Arachnet, Nelly, hopped back to her. "Well, that's just wrong on so many levels." "Who asked you?!" Belinda snapped, turning her head with a humph. "How rude." Kala muttered to her sisters.
Meanwhile, Deagan dodged Dred's ghoul and slung a Jollyfist. Dred slung a Grimmstone to intercept. Then he slung a Hop Jack, blasting Deagan off his feet. Deagan groaned in pain and looked at his left leg. The blast had torn through his pants and his skin. "Yeah. That's really painful, isn't it?" Dred asked mockingly. Deagan only glared up at him. "Well, you're about to feel a lot more pain." Dred said, slinging another ghoul.
Shimei blocked a Harmashelt and a Pyringo. Then she flipped over the 2 guards who slung them and swatted them down with her blaster staff. "I would prefer if you would stay still." The Gentleman's voice said. Shimei slowly turned around, seeing him and a dozen guards aiming at her. "Now that's no way to treat a lady." Aerona said as she and her sisters aided Shimei. "And they say that you're a gentleman." Paulina said. The Gentleman did not take that well. "Blast them." He said. But before they could squeeze their triggers, the Garcias shot first, slinging their new slugs. Aerona slung her new Grenuke, Kaboom, firing Spikesploder from his body. Fareeda slung her new Speedstinger, Leo, bouncing the spikes to the ground around the guards with Gatoreturn and heading back to her. Kala slung her new Arachnet, Tara, spinning several webs and launching them at the guards' feet, sticking them into place. And Paulina slung her new Diggrix, Libra, churning up the dirt around them with Siltscreen, creating a huge dust cloud. Then the spikes exploded, sending the guards flying.
"Very impressive. But even it takes more than that to defeat a gentleman." The Gentleman said. "Oh, don't worry. I've got something special for you." Shimei said as her 2 slugs, Jin and Kaz, hopped onto her shoulders. She started slowly spinning her blaster. Jin and Kaz hopped into their barrels as Shimei started spinning her blaster faster and twirling it around her. Then she split her blaster into 2 and took aim. The Gentleman was confused. Then Shimei slung Jin and Kaz at the same time. Both slugs transformed, grabbed each others hands and started spinning like a buzzsaw. "Unfortunate term." The Gentleman said. Jin and Kaz impacted in front of the Gentleman, causing a mega explosion, creating a big crater and making him shoot off into the distance. The fusion was called GrenukeSlam. Jin and Kaz hopped back to their slinger as she blew the smoke from both ends of her blaster. "Wow, you really got those fusion shots down." Aerona said. "Thanks. I've done a lot of practice with Eli and Harley." Shimei said.
Meanwhile, Deagan wasn't doing so well against Dred. His suit was all near to shreds and was on the ground panting. Dred had used his Smugglet to perform his taunting ploy, like he did with Joshwa. "Look at you. Look at where this Infurnus obsession got you. Twist's obsession with revenge drove Nacho to come to me. And now your obsession will be your end." Dred mocked. Deagan felt so scared, he couldn't even move. Then the real Dred loomed over him and threw a hard punch.
Dana jolted up from her bed. She felt her face, as if she felt Dred's punch. "Deagan." She whispered, knowing that her brother was in trouble. "Rune!" She called. Rune rushed into the room. "What's wrong?" He asked. "Deagan wasn't lying. He's in trouble. I can feel it. We have to save him." Dana said. "But the gang already left. Even if we knew where Deagan was, we'll never get to him in time on our mecha beasts." Rune said. "I know. But there's a quicker way we can get to Deagan." Dana said, holding up her Shadow Walker. Rune smiled and held up his Shadow Walker too.
Meanwhile, the gang had started driving Nacho's army back. Trixie slung Dunes, trapping 3 guards with Sandcrete. Watts slung Preserver to deflect a couple ghouls. "We need to drive them back so that they will retreat." Eli said. 'Eli, let me have a shot at them.' Infinity said, hopping onto Eli's shoulder. "You sure, Infinity?" Eli asked in concern. 'Of course. I know it's my duty to keep secret from threats like them, but am I not a part of this gang too?' Infinity asked. "Yeah. I guess you are." Eli said. 'Then let's get slinging.' Infinity said. Eli held up a barrel and Infinity hopped in. Eli slung Infinity and he fired the same elemental beam from back at his cavern. Elemental Convergence. The beam blasted several guards, including Bull, back and to the ground. "Fall back! We're done for today!" Jon Bull called. The army headed for their mechas, mounted them and rode off.
"Well, that was easy." Kala said. "No. They were just distracting us. We gotta get to Deagan now more than ever." Harley said. "Why? What is wrong?" Pronto asked. "I saw a vision alternating his death. Dred's gonna kill him at any time now." Harley explained. "Then we have to hurry." Eli said.
Deagan was now in bigger trouble. His face was now covered in blood and tears from all the punches Dred gave him. "Help me! Please! Help me!" He cried. Dred just chuckled evilly and held Deagan's head up by his hair. "No point in crying to help. Nothing can save you from your fait awaiting death." Dred said, drawing his assassin's knife. Deagan breathed heavily as Dred pressed the blade to his throat. But then, Dana and Rune appeared out of the shadows. "NO!" Dana yelled as she jump-kicked Dred away from her brother. Her and Rune looked over Deagan as he collapsed to the ground. Deagan could barely make out their faces due to his vision being blurry, but he could recognize Dana's face all too well. "Dana." He said weakly before passing out. "Well, well, well. This is rather touching. I'm gonna enjoy tearing it all up." Dred said as he got up.
Dana and Rune glared at the assassin. "You get your brother to safety. I'll handle Dred." Rune said. "But Rune, you can't handle Dred by yourself!" Dana objected. "I know, but Deagan's safety is the important thing right now." Rune said. "But-" Dana tried to say. "Listen. You remember what you said about your brother saving you from those thugs when you were kids?" Rune asked. "Yeah." Dana said. "Well, now it's time for you to return the favor." Rune said. Dana looked at her unconscious brother, remembering what he did for her. Then she back at Rune and nodded. Just then, a ghoul flew over their heads. "Go! I'll handle this!" Rune said, drawing his blaster and slinging Raidho.
Dana put Deagan's arm around her shoulder and carried him away as Rune dueled Dred. She managed to find cover behind a small ledge. She looked over her brother as she rested. "Don't worry, Deagan. You're gonna make it. I'll make sure of that." She said, stroking her brother's hair. "That is if we can forgive each other."
As Rune continued to duel against Dred, Dred got the upper hand. He slung an Attacknet, trapping Rune in a web. "How fortuitist. First, I kill the Prince of the Shadows. Then I kill the Por siblings. Man, I love my job." Dred said as he loaded his blaster. But then Rune started shrieking like the Shadow Clan. Dred was confused at why he did that. Just then, the Shadow Clan appeared around Dred, growling and hissing. "The Shadow Clan?! How did you-?!" Dred asked in a panic. He tried to sling a ghoul, but the Shadow Clan surrounded him and disappeared with him into the shadows.
"Dana! Rune!" Eli called as the Chief freed Rune from the web. Dana looked up as the gang rode up on their mechas. "What happened?" Harley asked. "Dred. The Shadow Clan managed to send him away, but Deagan's in pretty bad shape. We need to get him to a hospital now." Dana said. "Is there any cavern close that has a hospital?" Eli asked. "There is one. Slackawanna Cavern. It's only an hour's ride from here." Pronto said. "Well, stop your yacking and lead us there, Pronto!" Harley exclaimed.
The gang made it to Slackawanna Cavern's hospital in record time. The gang waited in the waiting hall as the doctors treated Deagan. Dana was the most worried, hoping that her brother will pull through. Then, the lead doctor came out of the operating room. "How is he?" Dana asked. "He's resting now. The wounds were not fatal and he didn't lose much blood." The doctor said. "Well, that's good news." Kord said. "He'll be awake shortly and he'll be taking visitors separately." The doctor said before leaving. "Well then, I think Dana should be the first one to see Deagan." Eli said. "Me?" Dana asked in surprise. "Of course. He's your brother." Eli said. "Rune told us about your childhood. How he saved your life and how he gave Webby to you." Harley said. "It's only fitting." Trixie said. The others nodded. Dana felt tears escape her eyes. "Thanks, guys. You're the best." She said.
Just then, Rune held up his Shadow Walker. "Where are you going?" Pronto asked. "I need to discuss something with my father. I'll be back." Rune said before he disappeared. "I wonder what he wants to discuss." Kord said. "Who knows? The Shadow Clan have a lot of secrets." Mario said. "I don't know why. But something's telling me that this is an extremely important secret." Eli said. "Yeah, I sense that too." Harley said.
Rune and the Chief arrived to a secluded part of the Dark Periphery. A vault of some kind. The Shadow Clan call it the Shadow Vault. "Rune, are you sure about this? You remember what happened the last time this slug was free. It nearly destroyed an entire cavern." The Chief said with concern. "I know. But she's been locked up in the Vault long enough. It's time she finally had a slinger to call her own." Rune said. He was unsure, but the Chief nodded. He held a Shadow Walker up to the Vault door. The markings on it lit up and it unlocked. As the door opened, a bright green fire ignited in the middle of the Vault.
Later, Deagan started to recover in his hospital bed. He woke up groaning, grabbing his head. "Steady there, bro. You've had a busy day." Dana said, sitting beside him. "Dana? Where are we?" Deagan asked as he rubbed his head. "Slackwanna Hospital. Dred really did a number of injuries on you." Dana said. "Thanks." Deagan sighed. "Listen, Dana, I- I want to take this time we have to- apologize for everything I've done." He started. "It's okay, Deagan." Dana said. "No, it isn't. You tried to warn me that my obsession would lead to my death. But I didn't listen. And look where it's gotten me." Deagan said. "Deagan, what you did, that's all in the past. What matters now is that you're still alive." Dana said. "But I betrayed you, the only family I had left after Dad died and Mom left." Deagan said. "Deagan, even though you did betray me, you're still my brother and I love you. Nothing will ever change that." Dana said. Deagan sniffed, tearing up and held out his arms. Dana leaned in and hugged her brother. "I guess this makes us even from when I saved you when we were kids, huh?" Deagan asked. "Yes. Yes, it does." Dana said.
"Well, glad to see you've recovered." A familiar voice said. Dana and Deagan looked at the door to see that Joshwa had come in. "Twist?! I thought you were dead! What're you doing here?!" Deagan asked in shock. "Eli called me and I thought I'd come to see my friend after he nearly got killed by Dred. And also, my name's not Twist." Joshwa said. "Huh? What're you talking about?" Deagan asked. "You see, my real name is Joshwa Jones, the long lost sixth sibling of the Jones Sextuplets. Lash's father kidnapped me from my birth family when I was just an infant. It was to make Lash's mother happy." Joshwa explained. "Whoa. Harsh." Deagan said. "But it's okay. The Shane Gang helped me find my birth family and they adopted Lash." Joshwa said. "That's cool. But one other thing. What happened to your arm?!" Deagan asked. Joshwa raised his robot arm. "Oh, this? Dred did this." Joshwa said. Deagan began to fuel up with rage. "I would've died from blood loss if Kala hadn't saved me. She requested the troll doctor at the hospital make this arm for me. I owe a lot to the Shane Gang for saving my life and discovering who I really am." Joshwa explained. "But wasn't it Will Shane who drove Lash's father to his death?" Deagan asked. "He…brought that onto himself. He accepted his fate and his punishment." Joshwa said. "Oh, I'm sorry." Deagan said. "It's okay. It taught me to let go of my revenge. Something you have to do too." Joshwa said. "I know." Deagan said sadly.
After Dana and Joshwa decided to leave, Eli and Harley decided to go visit Deagan next. "Hey, Deagan." Eli said. "How're you doing?" Harley asked. "I'm doing okay, Shanes." Deagan said. Burpy and Hestia hopped out and chittered to greet Deagan, but he sadly turned away from them. Burpy was confused at this action. Hestia hopped to where Deagan turned his head, but Deagan turned the other way. "Whoa. What's up with you?" Eli asked. "I realized that you guys were right about my obsession with your Infurnuses. It nearly cost me my life. I'm sorry." Deagan said. Burpy and Hestia started chittering something. "Uh, what are they saying?" Harley asked. "I don't know." Eli said. 'Perhaps I can help you understand.' Infinity said, hopping up. "Infinity? How can you help?" Eli asked. 'It's better if I show you.' Infinity said.
Eli loaded Infinity into his blaster and took aim at Burpy and Hestia. "I hope you know what you're doing." Eli said. Then he slung Infinity. The slug transformed and surrounded the Infurnus slugs in a bright veil. Eli, Harley and Deagan shielded their eyes from the light. As the light died down, the 3 boys unshielded their eyes. In Burpy and Hestia's place stood 2 humans, one male and one female. "Hi, Eli." The boy said. "Hey, Harley." The girl said. "Burpy?!" Eli asked in shock. "Hestia?!" Harley asked in shock. Even Deagan was in shock at what he saw. Burpy now looked like Eli with the same hair style, a dark orange t-shirt with an Infurnus imprint, red cuffed capri jeans, pale orange gloves and crimson boots like Eli's. Hestia had the look of a popstar with elbow-length hair with a light red rose hairclip, a white long-sleeved t-shirt under a raspberry ruffled top with a small red ribbon and an Infurnus ornament on the chest, a baby red miniskirt, white stockings and dark raspberry flats. "What just happened?" Harley asked. 'That, my friends, was one of my special powers. I can change slugs into humans.' Infinity revealed. "So, you changed Burpy and Hestia into humans?" Eli asked in awe. 'Yes. I thought it would help them for young Deagan to understand.' Infinity said.
Burpy and Hestia sat down on both sides of Deagan's bed. "Now Deagan, we understand that you were obsessed with me and Hestia because that we Infurnus slugs are among the most powerful slugs in all of Slugterra, right?" Burpy asked. "Yes." Deagan said, still in shock from what happened. "Well, that's not entirely true." Burpy said. "My beloved is right. Just because we're very powerful, doesn't mean we're that special. We're both just slugs like every other slug in Slugterra, rare or average." Hestia said. "But there were rumors that there was only one of your kind in Slugterra. But then Blakk gave me Hestia." Deagan said. "Well, that's the myth. That there's only one Infurnus in each set of caverns. But the truth is, there are actually a large number of our kind." Burpy explained. "But how come I've only seen you 2?" Deagan asked. "That's because we keep our own cavern a secret until our newest champion in a decade comes forth to fight evil." Hestia explained. "I see." Deagan said, understanding.
Just then, Kord entered through the door. "Hey, guys. Rune made contact. He's on his way back." He reported. But then, he noticed Burpy and Hestia as humans. "Uh, who are these 2?" He asked. Eli, Harley, Burpy and Hestia looked at each other and nodded. "You and the others might wanna sit down for this." Eli said.
Eli and Harley gathered the rest of the gang and told them about Infinity changing Burpy and Hestia into humans. And boy, were they surprised. Especially Pronto. "This is incredible! I didn't think there was any way that a slug could reach such potential!" Trixie said excitedly as she filmed Burpy and Hestia with her camera. "That is the one thing about slugs. They always have their special secrets." Shimei said. "Indeed, we are." Hestia said. 'But that's not all my power does.' Infinity said. "What do you mean, Infinity?" Eli asked. "I'll show you what he means." Burpy said. Everyone watched Burpy as he stepped into the middle. Just then, Burpy started glow. Then a bright light shined and at the floor, stood Burpy, back as a slug. That surprised everyone, except Hestia. "Burpy changed back into a slug!" Harley exclaimed. 'That's the other part of my trick. When used on a slug, the slug can change back and forth between its slug form and human form.' Infinity explained. Burpy chittered in agreement. Just then, Kord received something on his comm. "What is it, Kord?" Eli asked. "Rune's back." Kord said.
Hestia changed back into a slug and the gang headed out to meet Rune. Deagan, having been discharged, joined them. "Where did you go, Rune?" Dana asked. "I had to get something for Deagan." Rune said. "For me?" Deagan asked in confusion. Rune held out his hand, revealing another Infurnus! But this Infurnus was different. Its fire markings were jade green instead of yellow while its body was black and the eyes were green. The gang was surprised by this. "Another Infurnus?!" Eli asked in shock. "Not exactly. This is a Jade Infurnus. An extremely rare and powerful relative to the normal Infurnus." Rune said. "Oh! I have read tales of such a slug in the Repository. But I'd never thought I would ever see it in person." Pronto said. "True, she is a very rare sight. But also, very dangerous." Rune said. "What do you mean?" Vance asked. "Well, the Jade Infurnus' powers are on a different level than that of a regular Infurnus. Whenever the Jade Infurnus was slung, her fire power destroyed an entire cavern. Due to the danger she possesses, my Shadow Clan family locked the poor Jade Infurnus away in our most secretive location, the Shadow Vault. And she's been locked there for hundreds of years." Rune explained. "That's horrible. Poor little girl." Trixie said. "And that's why I've decided that it was time for her to be set free. For her to have a slinger of her own." Rune said, looking at Deagan. Everyone looked at Deagan. "Me? Are you sure?" Deagan asked in disbelief. "I am. I believe that you and the Jade Infurnus are alike. You were both prisoners in your own way. This slug was a prisoner of her own power and you were a prisoner of your own obsession." Rune said. "Exactly my point. I let my obsession take over. I don't deserve such a slug." Deagan said. "Yes, you do." Rune said. Deagan was surprised at what the Prince of Shadows said. "I know that with the Jade Infurnus as your slug, you will reach redemption." Rune assured, holding out his hand with the Jade Infurnus. Deagan stared at the slug. The Jade Infurnus softly chittered as she stared back. Deagan then held out his hand, and the Jade Infurnus hopped onto it, up his arm and onto his shoulder. "Well, I guess that makes your decision then." Rune said. "Thank you. We will do well together." Deagan said. The Jade Infurnus chittered in agreement.
Later, Deagan stared out into the caverns. The Jade Infurnus sat on his shoulder. "Hey." Paulina said. Deagan turned to see her walking up next to him. "Hey." He greeted. "Thought I'd find you here." Paulina said. "What're you doing here?" Deagan asked. "I thought I'd check up on you, see how you were doing." Paulina said. "I'm still alive, aren't I?" Deagan asked jokingly. Paulina giggled. "You were right, you know." Deagan said. "What's that?" Paulina asked in confusion. "You were right about my obsession. It nearly led me to my death. I feel awful since I didn't listen to your warning." Deagan said. "It's okay. It's all in the past now." Paulina said. Deagan looked at her, reached for her hand and took it. Paulina noticed this and smiled. Deagan was stunned to see her smile. To him, it made her look more beautiful than before. He felt his cheeks blushing.
"Well, isn't that sweet?" Dana's voice asked. Deagan and Paulina jolted around, seeing her sitting nearby. "My brother has a crush on the youngest Garcia." Dana teased. "What?! I do not!" Deagan denied. "Yes, you do." Dana teased. "Really? Well, what about the crush you have on Rune?" Deagan teased back. "WHAT?! Who told you about that?!" Dana asked out of embarrassment. "I may have only just met Rune, but I know you, Dana." Deagan said. Paulina giggled as she watched the Por siblings squabble with each other.
Afterwards, the 3 of them headed back to the hospital, where the gang was waiting. "Deagan, we've been talking, and we have an offer for you." Eli said. "What's that?" Deagan asked. Eliza stepped forth. "What would you think if you become part of our family by adopting you?" She revealed. Deagan was shocked. "Me? You want me to be a part of the Shane family?" He asked. "Yes. This way, you'll never be alone in the world again." Eliza said. "Yeah. They adopted me on the…day…when you…" Dana said, not willing to finish her sentence. "When I betrayed you." Deagan finished regrettably. "But now's the chance for you to be part of our family." Eli said. "Be a better man than your father was." Harley said. "What do you say…son?" Eliza asked. Deagan began to think about this. Then he looked at the rest of the gang, then at Dana. Dana smiled at him. "Thank you. Nothing would make me happier than to be a part of your family and your gang." Deagan said. The gang smiled. "But I have so much I need to redeem myself for. So, I will not be joining your gang. Yet." He said suddenly. That surprised everyone. "I've decided to take some time and head out on a journey to redeem myself." Deagan said. "You sure you want to do that?" Lash asked. "Yes. I've done so much damage to the caverns under Blakk's command. So, I want to head out and find redemption. And with Blake with me, I'm sure we can both find redemption." Deagan explained. "Uh, Blake?" Kord asked in confusion. "That's what I named her." Deagan said. "Oh. Now I feel awkward." Kord said.
Joshwa walked up to Deagan. "I understand your decision. When I discovered my birth family, I did the same thing because I wanted to get to know my birth family better as my redemption and rejoin the Shane Gang later." Joshwa explained. "Wow. I guess we're more alike than I would've thought." Deagan said. "Right. So, if you need any redemption advice, just give me a call." Joshwa said. "Thanks, bro." Deagan said. The 2 gave a soul brother handshake. After Joshwa stepped back, Dana then walked up to Deagan. "I know I can't stop you." She said sadly. Deagan looked down. "But I hope you find what you're looking for." Dana said. Deagan smiled and hugged his sister. Dana held her brother tightly and emotionally. Soon, they broke the hug and Deagan caressed Dana's cheek. "Goodbye, sis." He said. Dana sniffled as Deagan mounted his mecha. "Goodbye for now, Shane Gang. But don't worry. I'll see you all again. Someday." Deagan said before riding off. 'I felt like I was trapped by my own obsession…from the very start.' Eli, Harley and Eliza comforted Dana as they watched Deagan ride off until he was out of view.
Meanwhile, Dred had just returned to Blakk's Citadel. He was covered in foliage. The Shadow Clan had sent him to the jungle outside the cavern. Nacho, Locke and Load saw him come in. "What in tarnation happened to you?" Locke asked. "Why don't you take a guess?" Dred asked threateningly. Locke gulped nervously. "You 2 can go. I have business to discuss with Dred." Nacho said. Locke and Load almost immediately ran out. "So, what exactly happened?" Nacho asked. "I was prepared to kill the young Por, but his sister and the Prince of the Shadows stopped me. The Shadow Clan transported me to the jungle." Dred said. "So, Deagan Por still lives as well." Nacho said. "Yes. For all we know, he could be working with the Shane Gang now." Dred said. "It doesn't matter how many allies the Shanes have." Nacho said. "They won't be a match for what's coming."
Well, how's that for another surprise. Deagan becomes the next target for Dred. But as Dred prepares to kill him, he is rescued by Dana, Rune and the Shadow Clan. After Deagan recovers in Slackawanna Hospital, Rune gifts him with a rare powerful slug, the Jade Infurnus. And Eli, Harley and Eliza have adopted Deagan into their family like they did for Dana. Now Deagan's off on a journey towards redemption. But what Nacho said, what could be coming that the gang won't be a match for? Leave a review if you want.
And I hope you liked my surprise. Burpy and Hestia being able to transform into humans and back again thanks to the Universal Slug.
Special thanks to FoxyKhai0209 for the Jade Infurnus and human Burpy and Hestia.
Dedicated to wenjing10.
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 (Mimikreas), 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 Rock), 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 (Lariat), 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), Splatter (Jellyish), Gorge (Crystalyd)
Dana Por: Webby (Arachnet), Willy (Frostcrawler), Tailwind (Tormato), Rosie (Vinedrill), Jinx (Hexlet), Nemo (AquaBeek), Poppy (Bubbaleone), Richter (Rammstone), Silvia (Slicksilver), Crevice (Crystalyd), Sprite (Flaringo), Frags (Grenuke), Dupe (Polero)
Aerona Garcia: Goldie (Midas), Hiccup (Flaringo), Cancer (Armashelt), Icestorm (Frostcrawler), Bomb (Hop Rock), Goopy (Lariat), Slabs (Rammstone), Taurus (Crystalyd), Current (AquaBeek), Starry (Glowbyss), Nelly (Aracnhet), Kaboom (Grenuke)
Fareeda Garcia: Shiny (Midas), Thunderstorm (Tazerling), X (Xmitter), Aquarius (AquaBeek), Eve (Negashade), Maggie (Slicksilver), Sagittarius (Hoverbug), Jack Hammer (Crystalyd), Little Star (Phosphoro), Lantern (Glowbyss), Leo (Speedstinger)
Kala Garcia: Aurum (Midas), Lila (Thugglet), Scorpio (Hexlet), Aries (Rammstone), Gemini (Polero), Sparkly (Phosphoro), Prick (Dirt Urchin), Bulldozer (Crystalyd), Annabelle (Frightgeist), Angelo (Glowbyss), Tara (Arachnet)
Paulina Garcia: Chrysos (Midas), Cepheus (Firenzar), Snowstorm (Narwhaddle), Cassiopeia (Sand Angler), Chainsaw (Thresher), Virgo (Vinedrill), Capricorn (Tormato), Hardstone (Armashelt), Abyss (Crystalyd), Neon (Glowbyss), Libra (Diggerix)
Infinity 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 (Cavern Worm), Buzzy and Musca (Scorpion Bees), Boötes (Slug Hound puppy)