Chapter 49: The Child of the Lightwell

Gateway Cavern under attack. Dr. Blakk's army, aided by the Darkbane, has once again invaded the cavern in order to take control of the Outland Reach. The King of Sling's forces, aided by Jacques, Reuben and his team, held ground as they fought back. Blakk's forces fired several of their ghouls, including 3 Hop Jacks, hitting the King's cover. "Alright. Time for the Bump-n-Blast!" The King yelled, slinging a Hop Rock. But a Darkbane slung a Greneater, intercepting the slug.

"We're getting pummeled bad out here, King!" Jacques exclaimed. "Not to worry. We just need to hold out until help arrives." The King assured. "What kind of help?" Jacques asked, although knowing what the answer was. Just then, the sound of a motor came to their ears. "Ah. I believe that it had just arrived." The King said.

Everyone turned around to see the Shane Gang coming in on their mecha beasts. "Heads up, King! We got you covered!" Harley called, slinging his own new Forgesmelter, Molt. The slug transformed and belched out Forgestrike. 3 of the goons scattered out of the way, not wanting to get burned. Vance rode in at full speed. "Time for a little Volt Special." He said, loading his blaster. He leapt off Champ and slung Swimy, soaking the ground around the troops with Aquajet. The goons were confused. Then Vance held up Storm's barrel. "Uh oh." One troop said, knowing what was coming. Vance slung Storm, electrocuting the water with Tazerbolt, shocking the goons. "Now that's a volt fit for a Volt." Vance said.

Eli, Kord and Aerona took cover beside the King and Jacques. "Good thing you guys got here. I don't think we could've lasted another minute." Jacques said. "You'd think Blakk would've learned his lesson after the last time he tried to take this cavern." Kord said, slinging Tox, his new Neotox. Tox sprayed 2 goons' blasters with Rustaloid, corroding them and preventing them from working. "I guess whatever Blakk's after in the Outland Reach, it must be very important for his plans." Aerona said. "And we have to stop them before they go out and find it." Eli said.

Little did they know, another operative was watching them from the roofs. "I'm in position. The Shane Gang are about to win." The figure said into his comm. "Good. Once they do, you know what to do." Blakk said. The figure brought out a sniper, loaded a Greneater and took aim.

Just like he said, the Shane Gang started driving Blakk's goons back. Dana slung her new Diggrix, Diggie, tunneling under towards the goons. Rune then slung his AquaBeek, Thurisaz, into the tunnel and splashed the goons with Aquajet. "Aw, they're all wet. Let's give them a good blow-dry." Trixie said as she, Lash and Paulina slung Bluster, Winger and Capricorn. Together, they blew a triple Galestorm attack, blowing the troops into the wall. The remaining troops retreated out of the town.

"Whew. Let's hope that's the last we'll see of those guys." The King said. "Maybe. But I know Blakk won't give up this cavern until he gets whatever he's after out in the Outland Reach." Eli said. "But first thing's first. Let's gather the others and rest up. If they're bringing reinforcements, we need to be at full strength." Harley said. But before the gang could start to leave, the sniper fired his Greneater. The ghoul hit the ground behind them and sent everyone flying.


(Intro)


As the smoke from the explosion cleared, everyone caught in the blast slowly recovered. "Well, that was a blast." Kord joked. Kala playfully tossed a rock at his helmet. "Where's Eli?" Harley asked. "And Trixie?" Kord added. "And Fareeda?" Aerona said. "Lash? Where is Lash?" Shimei asked. "And Vance, Mario and Dana too?" Eliza added. "Gang? I found them! And you're not going to like the stage they are in." Pronto said. The gang all grouped up with Pronto and saw in horror what he was talking about. Eli, Trixie, Vance Mario, Lash, Dana and Fareeda were all heavily injured from the blast. "Oh no!" Kord said. "Eli!" Eliza cried. "Whoever caused that blast is going to pay!" Harley said, his eyes going crimson red. "Easy, sweetie. There will be time to go after the one responsible." Eliza said, calming her son. "She's right. We need to get them to a hospital." Paulina said. "Actually." The King said suddenly, making everyone turn to face him. "I know someone who will be able to help." The King said.

The King brought the gang to a local house as they carried Eli and the others. "The people let me and my family use this place when my mansion's being redone." The King explained. "Family? You, the King of Sling, have a family?" Harley asked in shock. "Yes. And the person who can help lives right in there." The King said.

The King and the gang entered the house. "Honey, I'm home!" The King called. "I'm in the kitchen, babe!" A woman's voice called. The gang looked on as a beautiful tan woman with blonde hair exited the kitchen and walked up to the King and kissed him. "Shane Gang, this is my beautiful wife, Arianna." The King introduced. "Ah, I see you brought guests, Frederick." Arianna said. "Frederick?!" The gang asked in shock. "Yes. My real name is Frederick Valentino." The King said with a sigh. "Harley Shane. Pleasure to meet you." Harley said. "Shane Gang? What an honor. Frederick's told me so much about you. How you helped him beat Dr. Blakk the first time he attacked our cavern." Arianna said. She then noticed the Eli and the others unconscious. "What's going on here?" She asked in concern. "Honey, we need to see Barry." The King said. Arianna nodded with understanding.

Arianna brought the gang to another room in the house. She knocked on the door. "What is it, Mom?" A voice asked. "We have injured friends here, Barry. We need your help." The King called. The door opened, revealing a 15-year-old boy with wavy chin-length silver hair and cyan eyes, a black and blue short-sleeved vest with silver trim, a white collar and sleeves, a dark teal t-shirt, blue jeans with light blue cuffs, black and white sneakers with red dots, cyan fingerless gloves with light blue borders and a crimson and white cap with an orange styled ST. He also had a Boon Doc on his shoulder. "What's going on, Dad?" The boy, Barry, asked. "We have need of your…special powers." The King said. Barry looked at the Shane Gang, then at the unconscious members. Seeing that they were badly injured. "Bring them in." He said.

The gang lay Eli, Trixie, Vance, Mario, Lash, Dana and Fareeda all around Barry in a circle. "How's your kid gonna heal our friends?" Kord asked. "Just watch. You'll see." The King said. Barry closed his eyes and sat in a meditator's position. Then he started to glow. Then Eli, Trixie, Vance, Mario, Lash, Dana and Fareeda started to glow too. The gang looked on in awe. After a few more seconds, the glowing died down. Then Eli and the others started to wake up. "What happened?" Trixie asked. "Ow. What hit me?" Mario asked, touching his head. "Where are we?" Dana asked. "And who's the boy?" Lash asked. "Yeah, you all might want to stay sitting down for a few minutes." The King said.

The King told Eli and the others about Arianna and Barry and how he saved them. "Wow. Thanks for the help. I guess." Eli said. "Anytime." Barry said. "So, how did Barry even get those sweet healing powers anyway?" Kord asked. "Actually, I was born with them." Barry said. "Born with them?" Dana asked. "I'll tell this story." The King said.

[Flashback]

"Arianna had fallen ill while she was pregnant with Barry." The King looked over a pale and heavily pregnant Arianna. "I swore I would find a way to save her and our unborn child." The King kissed Arianna on her forehead and left the room.

"I knew of only one place where I could find the cure for my beloved Arianna and who to talk to in order to get it. The Shadow Clan." The King entered the Dark Periphery. And just as he entered, he soon found himself surrounded by the Shadow Clan. A 2-year-old Rune was standing beside his father. "I told them about my wife's illness, her being pregnant and begged for their help." The King explained everything to the Chief. The Chief stared at him for a while. He could see that the King was willing to go through anything to help his wife. Then he looked at Rune, understanding what it meant to help a loved one.

The King and the Shadow Clan now stood in front of the Lightwell. "So, they brought me to the Lightwell through the shadows." The Chief filled up a bottle of the Lightwell's water and handed it to the King. The King was actually surprised by this. The Chief gestured over to little Rune. "I didn't understand it at first until I saw little Rune. It was then I understood that the Chief understood the circumstances I was willing to go through to save my wife." The King took the bottle and held out his hand. The Chief took it and shook it.

"I brought the water back to my wife and gave it to her." The King gave Arianna the water. After a few seconds, Arianna's color came back to her skin. The married couple embraced each other emotionally, but carefully due to Arianna's pregnancy.

"But what I didn't know was that by giving Arianna the Lightwell's water, would change our child forever." After Arianna gave birth to little Barry, both parents noticed that their little boy had silver hair and cyan eyes.

[Flashback End]

"Yeah, I actually consider my silver hair and cyan eyes a totally pretty good look for me." Barry said. "Okay. So, the Shadow Clan gave you water from the Lightwell to cure your wife and that's how Barry got his powers?" Eli asked. "That's right. I was there when I was 2." Rune said. "Indeed. And I have to say, you've really grown much handsome." The King said. "Thanks, Frederick." Rune said. "Frederick?" Eli asked. "That's the King's name, Eli." Harley said. The King smiled and shrugged. "So, back to the story. When did Barry discover his powers?" Trixie asked. "Oh, I'll tell this part." Barry said.

[Flashback]

"When I was 5-years-old, I found this very sick Boon Doc." Barry was playing outside when he heard this very weak chitter nearby. He looked and found a baby Boon Doc, looking very sick. "Its sickness must've been serious because it couldn't heal itself." Barry looked over the Boon Doc, unsure of what to do. "I didn't know what to do, but I had to do something. So, I picked it up. But as I did, something happened." Barry gently picked up the Boon Doc. But then, a strange glow started to form around Barry. The glow started forming around the slug too. And after a few seconds, the slug was healed. "I wasn't sure how it happened, but I actually healed the Boon Doc." The slug chittered with happiness. Even Barry was happy, holding the little guy up to his cheek, letting her nuzzle him.

[Flashback End]

"And little Vega here hasn't left my side ever since." Barry finished as his Boon Doc, Vega, hopped up to his shoulder. "That's very sweet." Eliza said. "You must help a lot of people in the caverns with your powers." Kord said. "Actually, I've never been outside of Gateway Cavern." Barry said sadly. "What? Why?" Aerona asked. "Because we always feared that if Barry's powers got out to the public, he'd become a target for Dr. Blakk's experimentation. So, we've kept him safe here in our home." The King explained. Barry looked at the floor sadly. Eli noticed this. He could tell that Barry was unhappy being so…overprotected.

But little did the gang know, the sniper from earlier was watching them from outside the window. "So, the King of Sling has a son who has healing powers from the Lightwell, eh? Dr. Blakk is going to reward me so much for bringing him this walking lab rat." The sniper said.


Later, the gang and the King started to go over a new plan of attack against another one of Blakk's attacks. "We should have a sniper set up here in case another one tries to sneak attack on us again." Eli said. "Agreed and we'll have a few other slingers set up in the alleyways to ambush and box in any stragglers." The King said.

As Pronto was trying to listen, while picking the wax from his ears, he heard a psst. "Mr. Pronto." A voice whispered. Pronto turned to see Barry peeking out from the next room, gesturing to come to the room. Pronto entered the next room. "Is there something the matter?" He asked. "Yes. I want to get out of this place. I want to see what's out there beyond this cavern." Barry said. "For as long as I've had these powers, my parents have become overprotective, fearing that someone would try to take me and use my powers for their own benefit. I know they mean well, but it feels like I'm locked up in a jail cell." Pronto felt sympathy for the boy. "I know how that feels. I was once held in a jail cell run by a corrupt judge." He said. "Which is why I, Pronto Geronimo, am going to take you on your first adventure outside this cavern!" "Really?!" Barry asked with glee. "Of course." Pronto said.

Pronto and Barry quietly snuck out of the house and mounted Fernando. "So, where are you gonna take me, Pronto?" Barry asked. "Ah. Pronto will be taking you to a little place to meet some very good friends of his." Pronto said. As the 2 rode off, the sniper, pulling back his hood, revealing himself to be a maroon amphibanoid, watched them with a team of goons. "You sure your tracker was carefully placed, sir?" A goon asked. "Of course, I did. I take precautions of every opportunity I see." The amphibanoid said.

[Flashback]

When the amphibanoid took the shot with the Greneater, he slung a Jollyfist under the smoke's cover while the Shane Gang recovered, hitting Pronto with Jagtagger. Pronto wondered confusedly at what hit him, but then just shrugged it off.

[Flashback End]

"All we do now, is follow the molenoid to his little hangout, and the healer boy will belong to Dr. Blakk." The amphibanoid said, tracking Pronto on his blaster's scope. Just then, they heard the door open and close. They ducked back and saw Rune coming out and mounting Walker. Apparently, he noticed Pronto and Barry leaving the house and decided to follow them. "What're you up to, Pronto?" He asked as he rode off to follow. "And while we track the mole with my ghoul, we can also follow the Prince of the Shadows himself." The amphibanoid said.


Meanwhile, back in the house, the Shane Gang and the King's recon group had finished going over the plan. "Okay. Everybody know what to do in case of another attack?" Eli asked. "Sure thing, Eli." The King said. "Good. Then we'll set everybody into position when there's trouble coming." Eli said. "Kord, I want you and Mario on overwatch. Get up on the roofs so that no snipers can surprise us again. Pronto, I want you on-" Eli stopped, noticing Pronto was gone. "Where's Pronto?" He asked. "Rune's gone too." Dana said, noticing Rune was gone too. The King and Arianna looked around. Barry was gone too. "Oh no. Barry's gone too." The King said with worry.

The gang went outside, seeing Fernando and Walker gone. "This is all my fault. Me being overprotective of my own son in the house has drove him to rebellion. All because I was afraid Dr. Blakk would find out about his powers." The King said. "It's not your fault, King. I would've done the same to protect Eli and Harley." Eliza said, smiling at her sons. Eli and Harley nodded. Fareeda looked over the mecha tracks. "Rune's mecha tracks are still fresh. Pronto's are about an hour old. But someone's following them." She deduced. "But where would Pronto take Barry. There's not a lot out here to go." Kord pointed out. Burpy started chittering. "Looks like Burpy knows." Eli said. He took Burpy and set him on the ground. "What're you doing?" The King asked. "Just watch." Eli said. Burpy closed his eyes and transformed into his human form. The King was shocked to see this. "Whoa." He said. "What is it, Burpy? Do you know where Pronto took Barry?" Eli asked. "There is one place I know where Pronto has plenty of friends. The hideout of the same guys who helped me and Pronto break you guys out of Stalagmite 17." Burpy said.

"The Puppy Lovable! Home to Pronto's good friends, the Grizzly Wolves." Pronto said as he and Barry reached the Puppy Lovable. Barry felt unsure about this. Pronto looked at him, seeing the uncertainty. "Do not worry, my friend. The Wolves may seem dangerous, but they are the friendliest bunch of people in Slugterra." He assured. Barry understood.

Pronto burst through the door. "HELLO, MY FRIENDS!" He shouted with greetings. "PRONTO!" The Wolves shouted welcoming. Barry watched as Pronto and the Wolves greeted each other. "Wow. He's quite the role model here." He said with impression. "You have no idea." Buff Hulk said, surprising Barry. "Sorry there, little one. Buff Hulk." Buff said, helping Barry up. "Barry Valentino." Barry introduced. "Hey, Barry!" Pronto called. Barry turned to the bar where Pronto was at. "Come over here. Got someone I want you to meet." Pronto said.

Hookie gave both Pronto and Barry large root beer floaters and made one for himself. "There you go, boys. 2 large root beer floaters. Got the recipe from the keeper at Monarch Inn. We're tight buds." Hookie said. "Thank you, Hookie." Pronto said. "So, Pronto tells me you're the King of Sling's son." Hookie said. "Yes." Barry said, taking a sip from his floater. "And I hear that you've got these special healing powers." Hookie said. "That's right. My mother was ill when she was pregnant with me. My father cured her with water from the Lightwell given to him by the Shadow Clan." Barry explained. "Huh. The Shadow Clan are hardly trusting of Slugterrans. Your father must've had a serious dedication to save you and your mother to go to them." Hookie said. "Yeah. And it was due to the water that I got my powers. And because of that, my father has kept me in solitude so that Dr. Blakk wouldn't find out about me." Barry said. Hookie and Pronto looked at each other. "You know, kid, lots of people go to such measures to ensure the protection of their families. Pronto's a clear example." Hookie said. "Yes. When I lost my twin brother, Pinto, I swore I wouldn't let anything happen to my younger quintuplet siblings." Pronto said. "I understand, Pronto. But I just wish I could show my father that I can handle myself." Barry said. "Do you perhaps know how to sling slugs, lad?" Hookie asked. "Well, I know a little bit. I watched my dad do it a lot." Barry said. "Perhaps if you show your father how well you are as a slug slinger, he may have a change of heart." Hookie explained. Barry thought about that. "Thanks, Hookie." Barry said, raising his pint. Hookie raised his pint and clinked with Barry's.

Just then, there was an explosion outside. Pronto, Barry and the Wolves turned to the door. The amphibanoid and his troops entered the café. "What do you want?" Hookie asked. "We seek a boy. We want him for Dr. Blakk. Hand him over to us and we leave with this rundown dump intact." The amphibanoid bargained. Pronto got ready to draw his blaster. But just then, Rune appeared from the shadows and slung his AquaBeek, Thurisaz, knocking the amphibanoid down with Aquajet. "There's your answer." Rune said.


The Wolves and goons sprang into action, drawing their blasters and began firing. The Wolves turned their tables to their sides to use as shields. The goons fired all types of ghouls from Grimmstones, Greneaters and Thrashers to Hop Jacks, Pyringos and Briardrills. The Wolves all fired back with their slugs from Tormatos, Neotoxes, and Flaringos to AquaBeeks, Hop Rocks and Threshers.

"These tables won't be enough to hold against those ghouls, boss!" Buff said. "Nice going, Pronto! Taking Barry to a place while also leading Blakk's forces right to him!" Rune exclaimed. "Hey! This was my idea! I wanted to see what was outside the cavern and Pronto said this was a welcoming place!" Barry said. "Hey! This is no time to be arguing in my café when we're under attack!" Hookie exclaimed, firing a Sand Angler and hitting a couple of goons with Dunebugger. "So, how are we gonna get out of here?" Barry asked. "Follow me. I know a short cut for you guys." Hookie said, leading the 3 away from the fight. As the amphibanoid fired his ghouls with his troops, he noticed Hookie, Pronto, Rune and Barry sneaking away. "And where are you going?" He asked silently.

Hookie led the 2 Shane Gang members and Barry to a secret tunnel. "Go. We'll hold them as long as we can." Hookie said. "Thank you. And good luck, my friend." Pronto said, before going into the tunnel. Rune nodded to Hookie and followed Pronto. Barry hesitated. "It's okay to be scared, lad." Hookie said, putting a comforting hand on Barry's shoulder. "But don't let fear control you. Someday, you'll learn to make your stand. Now go." Barry nodded and followed Pronto and Rune into the tunnel. The amphibanoid, hiding behind a wall, tracked Pronto on his blaster, chuckling sinisterly.

Meanwhile, the gang followed Burpy towards the Puppy Lovable. "You sure this café is where Pronto's Wolf friends hang out?" Eli asked. "Positive. You won't find any other place like it out this far." Burpy said. "I hope we find Barry. I also hope he'll forgive me for putting him through this." The King said. "Don't worry. I'm sure he will once you guys have the talk…Frederick." Harley said teasingly. The King blushed hard at the younger Shane brother saying his real name. That also made Arianna giggle.

"LOOK!" Burpy called, pointing out. "What is it?" Kord asked. "What happened?" Trixie asked. "The Puppy Lovable is under attack!" Burpy said. The gang looked out to see the Puppy Lovable under heavy ghoul fire. "Barry!" Arianna cried. "We gotta help the Wolves out!" Dana said. "Right. Let's go!" Eli called. Burpy transformed back into a slug and hopped back to Eli as the gang charged towards the Puppy Lovable.

The Wolves struggled to hold their own. One goon slung a Grimmstone, knocking Footie back to Hookie. "Fractured Skull, that hurt!" Footie cussed. "We can't hold off forever, Hookie! Now what?!" Buff asked. Hookie tried to think of something. But then, another blaster was heard from afar. The Wolves turned to see a Thresher coming in and slicing 3 of the goons' blasters with Throttlebite. "What now is that the Shane Gang comes to our rescue." Hookie said. Eli rode in, reloaded his blaster and slung Mucky, striking a goon in the butt with Chortlesnort, sending him running for the hills in pain. Trixie slung her new Hexlet, Charm, hitting a goon with HyJinx. The goon, oblivious to what happened, prepared to shoot. But his loaded Amperling sneezed, delivering a recoiled shock him. Fareeda slung her new Flaringo, Firefly, blasting a goon's head with Blastburst. "Come on, Wolves! Let's help the Shane Gang send them packing!" Hookie called. The Wolves howled for battle and charged back into the fray, firing their slugs. The remaining goons saw that they were being out flanked and retreated.

Afterwards, the gang helped the Wolves recover. "You alright there, old timer?" Kord asked as he helped Lady Drunker onto a chair. "I want a drink." Lady Drunker replied. "Don't mind that. She really likes her drinks." Footie said. "Thanks for the help, Shanes. The old place will take some time to fix up, but she's been through worse." Hookie said. "Anytime, Hookie." Eli said. "Hey, do you guys know where Pronto, Rune and Barry are?" Aerona asked. "Yeah, Pronto and Barry came here just before those goons showed up. The Shadow Prince appeared and started the whole fight." Hookie said. "And where are they now?" The King asked. "They escaped through our secret tunnel just as things got ugly." Hookie said. "Where does the tunnel end?" Arianna asked. "To a canyon near East Rift. That way." Hookie said, pointing out to the left.

Just then, Trixie noticed footprints on the ground. "Hey, check out these prints. They look like amphibanoid prints." She said, filming the prints with her camera. "Hookie, were there any amphibanoids other than yours here?" Harley asked. "There was one. He was leading those goons, asking for Barry." Hookie explained. Watts got curious. "What color was he?" He asked. "He looked purple-ish." Hookie said. "Oh no. Squid!" Watts said with worry. "Squid? You know him?" Eli asked. "Unfortunately. Drake, Brutale and I knew him back in Pirate School. He was also part of Drake's crew back before we met you guys. But one day, we caught him stealing slugs from Drake's treasury. Gave him the old heave-ho off the plank. Haven't seen him since." Watts explained. Mimkey, having known Squid too, snarled from his barrel at the memory of the traitor. "Well, now it appears he's working for Dr. Blakk now." Kord said. "From these tracks, looks like he's heading for East Rift like Pronto, Rune and Barry are heading." Trixie said. "But how's that possible? No one could track my tunnels from the outside." Hookie said. "He must be tracking them with a tracking ghoul. Like the one CC used to track me to the Lightwell." Eli said. "Then we better hurry if we're gonna save Pronto, Rune and Barry." Dana said.


Meanwhile, Pronto, Rune and Barry had followed the tunnel right into the canyon. "Where is this tunnel leading us?" Rune asked. Pronto sniffed the air. "Judging from the smell, I'd say we're just outside East Rift." He said. "How do you know?" Barry asked. "Pronto once foiled a scam going down at the Monarch Inn at East Rift." Pronto boasted. "Funny. Eli told me a different story about you guys foiling Gar Revelle down at Monarch Inn." Rune said. "Pfft. We have no time for corrections. I think I see the exit." Pronto said.

The 3 exited the tunnel just outside the canyon. Barry breathed in the air. "Gotta hand it to you, Pronto. Your Wolf friends sure know their escape plans." Rune said. "You see? Like Pronto, the Grizzly Wolves are a very keen ally to the Shane Gang." Pronto said. "I should say so." A voice said. Pronto went wide-eyed as Squid and 4 of his troops aimed their blasters at them. "You must be Pronto Geronimo. And Rune, Prince of the Shadows. And of course, Barry Valentino, son of the King of Sling." Squid guessed. "And who might you be, good sir?" Pronto asked daringly. "I am Squid, newest enforcer to Dr. Blakk's growing army." Squid introduced. Pronto and Rune tried to hold in their laughter, but couldn't help it. "Squid?!" "Your name is Squid?!" They asked as they laughed. "Yes. It's a common seaman name. It comes with the territory when you grow up in the pirate business." Squid said. "Pirate?! Then you really must be in secret league with Mavolio Drake!" Pronto said. "That slimeball? No. I was 'resigned' from his crew long ago. Now my loyalty is to Dr. Blakk." Squid said. Barry started to glare, knowing that Squid was after him. "Now, if you would be so kind, just hand the healer boy to me and we'll let you walk away with your lives." Squid said.

Pronto and Rune drew their blasters. "I don't think so." Pronto said. "You want Barry, you gotta go through us." Rune said. Squid just chuckled. "Boys." He motioned. The troops slung their ghouls, making Pronto, Rune and Barry dodge to the sides. Pronto slung Shelly, bashing into one of the goons. 2 more goons slung a Hop Jack and a Harmashelt. Rune ducked and slung a new slug. It transformed like a pufferfish with an anglerfish jaw and crab pincers. It fired magenta porcupine quills at the goons, causing them to run. "Good work, Fehu." Rune said as the slug hopped back to his hand. Barry hid by the tunnel's exit. The 4th goon took aim at Barry. Pronto saw this and slung Stinky at the goon. Stinky clouded the goon's face with Blorfball and he fainted from the stink. "And that is what you get when you mess with Pronto the magnificent." Pronto boasted.

Squid chuckled as Pronto and Rune took aim at him. "Well, well. Looks like I'm all alone now. Just how I like it." Squid said. "You have no hope of out-dueling us. Best for you to surrender." Pronto said. "Surrender? I have no meaning of the word." Squid said. "Maybe. But let's see what my Shadow Clan family has to say about that." Rune said. But before he could let out a screech, Squid slung a Jollyfist, covering most of Rune's face with Goo Boar. "Rune!" Pronto cried. Rune struggled to get the goo off his face, only to fall on his back. As Pronto turned back, Squid slung an Attacknet, trapping him in its web.

Barry gasped at the sight of this. His 2 new friends were beaten and trapped by one of Dr. Blakk's enforcers. "So, no one left, but the healer boy." Squid said, taking aim at the poor boy. "Now then, what's it gonna be, boy? You gonna come quietly?" Barry began to think about everything Pronto and Hookie told him, knowing that this was his chance. "No. I'm gonna duel you." He said. "You're gonna duel me?! How? You don't even have a blaster!" Squid laughed. Barry reached behind him and pulled out a blaster of the Shanes' model and 4 barrels containing a Tazerling, a Flopper, an Armashelt and a Thugglet. Squid couldn't believe his eyes.

"So, we gonna duel or what?" Barry asked. Squid snapped out of his shock and loaded another ghoul. "Let's do this, Cloak." Barry said as he loaded and slung his Thugglet, Cloak, at his feet, disappearing. And then, several illusions of Barry conjured around Squid. Squid repeatedly aimed his blaster at each Barry, not knowing which one to shoot. Barry then slung his Tazerling, Sapphire, shocking Squid with Tazerbolt. "Nice shot. Now I know where you are!" Squid said, turning to shoot. But Barry slung his Flopper, Pudding, at Squid's feet. Squid stepped on Pudding, causing him to slip and fall. "Sorry about that, Pudding." Barry said as Pudding hopped back into his hand. Pudding chittered with forgiveness. Now Squid was getting really mad. He prepared to fire his loaded ghoul, a ghouled Narwhaddle, a Harmwhaddle. But Barry acted fast and slung his Armashelt, Bob, bashing into Squid and causing the Harmwhaddle to fall out of his blaster.

Barry walked up to Squid as he started to recover. "It's over. Get out of here." He said. Squid growled as he got up and ran off. After he left, Barry walked up to the Harmwhaddle and picked it up. He then closed his eyes and started to glow. The ghoul then started to glow too until it was just a bright light. After a minute, the glow died down. Barry opened his eyes and in his hand was the Narwhaddle, all cured. The slug chittered with thanks. "No problem, my little friend." Barry said.

"Barry!" A voice called. Barry turned to see his parents and the Shane Gang walking towards him. "Mom. Dad." He said in surprised. "Rune!" Dana cried, rushing over to Rune's side. She helped him up as Rune continued trying to claw the hardened goop from his face. "Hold still, dude." Kord said as he walked over. He took out a bottle of spray and sprayed the goop. And in a few seconds, the goop dissolved. Rune coughed as his nose and mouth sucked in air again. "How'd you know to do that?" Dana asked. "Let's just say, the first time we met Nacho at Barton 'n' Spinx, we ended up in a certain situation." Kord said. "And how'd you get this stuff?" Dana asked. "Let's just say, me and Harley made a convincing deal for Spinx. Especially since he was practically scared of Harley after what he did to him last time." Kord explained. "Oh yeah. I think you guys told me about that." Dana said. Meanwhile, Trixie and Aerona were getting Pronto free of the Attacknet web. "Ouch! Careful! That's my face stuck on this web!" Pronto exclaimed. "Stop your whining!" Aerona said. Then finally, the girls pulled Pronto free, making him fall to the ground. "Thank you." Pronto said with his face in the dirt.

"How long were you watching?" Barry asked. "Long enough." The King said. "You saw me dueling Squid." Barry realized. "Yes. And by watching you duel, I had realized." The King said. "You realized what?" Barry asked. "That we were wrong about you, Barry." Arianna said. That surprised Barry. "That's right, son. After seeing you hold your own against Squid like that, we now know that you can handle yourself." The King said. "Can you forgive us for being so overprotective?" Arianna asked. Barry smiled and hugged his parents. "Of course, I forgive you guys. I also understand why you guys did so." He said. The King and Arianna smiled as they hugged their son back.


Afterwards, the gang and the King's family headed back to Gateway Cavern. After they arrived, the gang prepared to leave. "You ever need our help again, you know how to contact us." Eli said. "Wait! I have something to ask of you." The King said. "What's that?" Harley asked. "I want Barry to join your gang." The King said. The gang was surprised to hear that. As was Barry. "After seeing Barry duel that Squid fella, I realized that Barry was meant for much more. And he can't be much more if I keep him hidden from the rest of Slugterra. And I believe with his slug slinging skills and his healing powers, he could be of great help to you." The King explained. Arianna smiled at her husband's words. The gang all looked at each other and nodded. "We would be honored to have your son join our gang, King." Eli said. "You mean it? I can join Eli's gang?" Barry asked. "But of course. You've always wanted to see what was out beyond this cavern. And joining the Shane Gang's the best way for you to do that." The King said. Barry smiled, hugged his father, then his mother and mounted Wyatt behind Kord. "Take care of our boy, Shanes." The King said. "Oh, we will…Frederick." Harley said teasingly. The King blushed at the mention of his real name. The gang rode away laughing.

Meanwhile, Squid reported back to Dr. Blakk. "So, the King of Sling has a son that can heal people and slugs." Blakk said. "I did my best to get him for you, Dr. Blakk. Please forgive me." Squid begged. "I know you did your best in your attempts, Squid. And I'm feeling…generous. I will not punish you this time." Blakk said. "Thank you, sir!" Squid said with relief. "Besides, I will need all of my current enforcers for my coming army if we are to destroy the Shanes and the Garcias once and for all." Blakk said.

Back at the hideout, Eli sat down to read his book. It had been a while since he read it. He started back at page 37, where he left off. 'Wielding the incredible power of all forms of Psionics, the Psychic Spirit is the most powerful psychic being that has ever existed in our world.'

Eli turned to the 38th page. It showed a picture of the Psychic Spirit in the form of a slug that resembled a wizard. A title was written below the picture. 'The Psychic Elemental.' Eli went wide-eyed, having seen this slug before. 'Isn't that Wizard?!' He thought.

He then looked at the 39th page. It showed another picture of the Psychic Spirit with a familiar young woman as the spirit stands on her left shoulder with a smile of respect.

By then, Harley walked in. "Hey, bro. Reading that book again?" He asked. "Hey, Harley? Do you recognize this slug?" Eli asked, showing Harley the Psychic Spirit's picture. Harley looked at the picture, recognizing it as Wizard. "That's Wizard! I'd recognize him anywhere!" He said. "That explains how he was able to help you control your transformation." Eli said. "I'm not exactly surprised. With the power he had when I fought Nacho, I would've considered him a Spirit. But still, who sent him to help me to begin with?" Harley asked. "That, my brother, is a riddle we'll have to solve for another time. Right now, we have an even bigger problem coming up, and we have to be ready." Eli said. Harley nodded and the 2 brothers gave their soul brother handshake.

Well, how was that for you guys? The Shane Gang meet the King of Sling's son, Barry Valentino, who has the power to heal people and slugs, gifted to him by water from the Lightwell. And now with Barry joining the Shane Gang, Blakk's forces will be getting stronger. What new battles await the Shane Gang? Leave a review if you want.

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), Molt (Forgesmelter)

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), Charm (Hexlet)

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), Tox (Neotox)

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), Diggie (Diggrix)

Aerona Garcia: Goldie (Midas), Hiccup (Flaringo), Cancer (Armashelt), Icestorm (Frostcrawler), Bomb (Hop Rock), Goopy (Lariat), Slabs (Rammstone), Taurus (Crystalyd), Current (AquaBeek), Starry (Glowbyss), Nelly (Arachnet), 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) Firefly (Flaringo)

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 Garica: Chrysos (Midas), Cepheus (Firenzar), Snowstorm (Narwhaddle), Cassiopeia (Sand Angler), Chainsaw (Thresher), Virgo (Vinedrill), Capricorn (Tormato), Hardstone (Armashelt), Abyss (Crystalyd), Neon (Glowbyss), Libra (Diggrix)

Rune: Fehu (Spikeshade), Uruz (Negashade), Thurisaz (AquaBeek), Ansuz (Thresher), Raidho (Armashelt), Kaunaz (Rammstone), Milja (Grenuke), Dikruz (Dirt Urchin)

Prince Barry: Vega (Boon Doc), Sapphire (Tazerling), Pudding (Flopper), Bob (Armashelt), Wade (Narwhaddle), Cloak (Thugglet)

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)