Friend or Foe

The next day, the group headed to the north cave in order to find the key. After wandering for what seemed like an eternity, Fam stumbled upon it. After activating every trap in the area in the process, but she still managed to find the key they needed.

"With this key," Lyle whispered, "We stand a chance. Let's got to Gladsar tower."

They headed to the south cave, and began taking the pass to the tower. It was a long maze, filled with traps and lots of stairs. The group traveled through the cave for what seemed like hours, before they finally took a break to make camp. They figured it would be better to rest for the night, and then head to the tower the next morning. Everyone was getting cranky.

That night, Lyle watched as Rasha sat in front of the fire. They were the only two who couldn't sleep. She looked like she was lost in thought, or worried about the coming fight.

"Rasha, you really need to get some sleep. We can't have our sorceress falling ill before the final battle. We really need your help on this one, you're a vital part of the team," Lyle stated.

Rasha told him, "I'm ok. I was doubting myself for some time, but now I feel much better. I heard you and Migel talking the other day, and was worried. But I know you'd never try to hurt me. Rugudorull is playing mind games with us, that is all. He's looking for a way to hurt you through me."

Lyle nodded. "That's the only thing it could be. You're not Rahashina, so don't worry about a thing. I believe in you, even if the others turn against you, I'll still be your friend."

"I know Lyle," Rasha replied, "You and I have always been together. Nothing will ever change our friendship. But there's something I have to tell you before we enter the final battle."

"What is it Rasha? I'm listening, you can talk about it now," Lyle stated.

But before the sorceress could speak, she heard snickering. When she turned around, she saw the others had all woken up. Although she didn't know it, Migel had still been awake, and he'd decided to have some fun by waking Ihrie and Fam up to see the scene that was unfolding.

He told her, "Don't pay any attention to us, continue your little discussion. I'd love to know what you have to say to Lyle now. Especially since you waited until we were all supposed to be asleep."

Rasha glared at him. "Mind your own business Migel. This isn't a peep show. Just go to sleep, you certainly need a rest before continuing. Or else your reflexes might slow, and they'd be about as effective as your brains. You too Ihrie, we don't need you being slowed down. And Fang Girl, you really need to replenish your magical energy, in case we need you to heal our wounds up there."

They all gave her a mock salute as a joke. At once, everyone began to laugh. Rasha included. When the laughter died down, the group all lay in their sleeping bags, and went to sleep.

* * *

The next day, the group finally arrived at Gladsar Tower. There, they began another endless climb. Nobody was really happy about having to go up another tower. Rasha began to think that the ancients who built these places loved to torture the people who had to work in them.

Finally, they arrived at the top. There, they found a single switch on the ground. If what Lyle heard in Arubus was true, then that would trigger a teleporter which would take them to Doom Island. So he stepped forward, getting ready to activate the teleporter so they could head onwards.

Suddenly, a strange man appeared. He looked to be wearing some armor that gave him an almost catlike appearance. In his hands, he held a large glaive. And it was pointed right at Lyle.

"So, the descendant of Maxim challenges me," he sneered, "My name is Nazeby, a servant of Rugudorull. I will let you go no further towards my master's chambers. Your journey ends here."

"Well that was an original speech. I was shocked for a moment, I thought you would just copy the ones that every villain has used in the past. That was amazing," Rasha said sarcastically.

Nazeby demanded, "Don't mock me woman. Or else I might get angry enough to lop off that pretty blond head of yours. Back away, my fight is with Lyle."

Lyle unsheathed Sargus. "If it's a fight you want, then I'll give it to you." He charged the monster, and struck him with his sword. Nazeby barely had time to scream as he died.

"Splendid Lyle Rehbart Reon," echoed Rugudorull's voice, "But you should know that I planned this trap all along. Now, die." With that, he blasted everyone around with energy bolts.

Rasha was the first up. Immediately, she went to see if Lyle was ok. But suddenly, she felt faint, and saw herself being killed by him again. She shook off the dream, knowing it was only an illusion.
"But it is real Rasha. Or should I say Rahashina. Your dreams reflect what you know in your heart. Now, take Sargus and come to me," demanded Rugudorull.

Rasha felt like she couldn't control her body anymore. She took the sword from Lyle's belt, and took the teleporter to Doom Island. Once there, the woman traveled to the upper hall, the location of Maxim's final battle. Rugudorull took the sword from her, and destroyed it in one blow.

* * *

Lyle woke up shortly after. He noticed Rasha was gone, and began to worry. The young man called out, "Rasha, Rasha, where have you got too Rasha? Answer me!"

Fam suddenly looked at his swordbelt. "Lyle! Sargus is gone! What are we going to do?"

But Lyle didn't seem to hear what she was saying. Instead, all he could do was cry out for Rasha. The others awoke and saw what was going on. They could see the fear and worry in their leader's eyes, as he called out again and again with no results.

- - - -

What will they do? Only Sargus can defeat the Sinistraels, how can they win without it. And more dumb game show parody chapter names...