Chapter 3: Reunion with Katy and Beezle
Unaware of what had happened to the West Wind, Unico and his new friends pressed on their voyage. "Where are we going, Ahmed?" asked Unico. "To find your friends. I believe that they too will be integral in the salvation of the world," said Ahmed.
"Friends? I don't have any friends except the West Wind and now Star Runner and you," said Unico. "Oh dear, I've forgot!" exclaimed Ahmed. "Forgot what?" asked Unico. "Forgot that you have forgotten," responded Ahmed. "What do you mean?" asked Unico. "To make things easier for you Unico, the West Wind removed all memories of the friends you made before you left them," said Ahmed.
"You mean we're on our way to pick up friends he doesn't remember?" asked Star Runner. "Friends he doesn't remember yet!" exclaimed Ahmed as he pointed his staff at the little unicorn in front of him. A glow emitted from the points and entered into Unico's eyes.
Suddenly, a look of realization appeared on Unico's face. "Beezle! Katy! Cheri! I remember them! I remember them all!" exclaimed Unico. Ahmed sighed in satisfaction. "Yes, Unico. We need the ones who love you the most: the friends you had to leave behind because of the gods' pursuit. I imagine they'll be very happy to see you again," he said. "Oh boy! Hurry up, Star Runner! I want to see them!" exclaimed Unico. "Hold your horses, kid. At the rate we're going, it'll be sundown before we even reach the location Ahmed gave me. So just sit back and enjoy the ride," said Star Runner.
Unico lay on the deck of the boat. But inside, he could not contain his excitement of seeing his beloved friends again.
After a long trip, the boat came to a stop at the edge of the forest just as the sun was beginning to go down. "This is where we get off, Unico," said Ahmed as he stepped off Star Runner. Unico leapt off the boat as well. He gasped happily as he saw what was in front of him.
Farther down on the other side of a river, was a cottage. "I know that place. That's the home of the old woman whom Katy thought was a witch. All my memories are back," said Unico. "I'm glad to hear that, Unico. And in that house, Katy still lives there. The old woman has adopted her as a granddaughter. Beezle's there too, seeing as how he was stranded after the West Wind took you away," said Ahmed. "I hope they remember me," said Unico sounding a little worried. "They have never forgotten you and they miss you terribly," said the wizard. "They better. I don't want to have come all this way for nothing," said Star Runner.
"Okay, Star Runner. Go hide in the forest and be ready to come when I call you," said Ahmed. Star Runner nodded and flew off into the forest. "Will he be okay? Even though that evil baron is gone, the forest still scares me a bit, Ahmed," said Unico. "Don't worry. Star Runner knows how to take care of himself. He can hear me no matter where he is. Now come on. Let's go see your friends," said Ahmed.
Unico and Ahmed were about to cross a bridge to go across the river when all of a sudden, the unicorn piped up. "Wait. I hear something," he said. "Quickly, hide. We don't know what it can be. It could be something from the Cloak of Darkness," said Ahmed as he grabbed Unico and hid behind a tree. "It doesn't sound evil, Ahmed. It sounds like singing. It sounds familiar," said Unico.
Unico and Ahmed looked behind the tree. What Unico saw made him smile. It was a pretty girl approaching the river. She was wearing a pinkish orange dress with a white apron. She had green eyes and a red ribbon in her black hair. She was carrying a bucket. As she bent down to the river to gather water, she sang, "My ribbon's red. My whisker's long. My paws are white as snow. And every day, I sing this song no matter where I go. I'm a cat and that is why I sing a song. A song of meow, meow, meow."
"It's Katy. And she's singing her song. Although, I think she should change the words since she's not a cat anymore," whispered Unico. "Shall we surprise her?" asked Ahmed. "Yes, let's," said Unico. "All right. Get under my cloak and keep out of sight until I give the word," said Ahmed. Unico nodded as he walked under Ahmed's cloak.
Katy gathered her water and started to adjust her ribbon while singing her song. Then she heard a voice call out, "Hello, little girl." Katy stopped singing and looked up. On the other side of the river, she saw Ahmed. "You have a lovely voice, my dear," said the wizard.
"Who are you? I've never seen you around here before," said Katy. "You don't know me, Katy. I'm not from around here. But I know everything about you, kitty cat," said Ahmed. Katy gasped. She picked up her bucket and backed away. "How did you know that?" she asked nervously. Ahmed just smiled. "I understand. You're a little cautious of strangers since that incident with the baron, aren't you Katy? But you needn't worry about me because I bring back to you an old friend," he said as he pulled back his cloak.
Underneath the cloak, sat a little white unicorn. Katy gasped as a stunned look appeared on her face. Unico smiled. "Hello, Katy. I've come back," said Unico. Tears started to stream down Katy's face. "Unico!" she cried out with happiness. "Katy!" said Unico as he ran to the bridge and crossed it. On the other side, Unico leapt into Katy's arms. Tears of happiness rolled down both their faces as they hugged. "Granny told me you'd never come back. But I never gave up hope and I never forgot you," said Katy.
"It's good to see you too, Katy. I have someone I'd like you to meet," said Unico as he leapt from her arms and toward Ahmed who had crossed the bridge to the other side. "This is my new friend Ahmed the wizard," said Unico. "Pleased to meet you," said Ahmed as he bowed down. "I can't thank you enough for bringing Unico back to me. But how did you know that I was a cat once, Ahmed? And how did you know about the baron?" asked the girl.
"That is not important right now, Katy. Tell me. Where is Beezle, the Devil of Solitude?" asked Ahmed. "Yeah, Katy. Where is Beezle? I want to see him again," said Unico. "Oh he's out gathering fruit in the forest. But honestly Unico, I don't see how you two became friends. He really drives me crazy," said Katy. "Does he ever talk about me?" asked Unico. "Of course, Unico. He hasn't forgotten about you either. After you left, he said that he would chase you to the ends of the earth. But he reluctantly stayed with Granny and I. Although he doesn't particularly show it, I know he's missed you as much as I have. He'll be back soon. But until then, let's go up to the cottage and wait. I can't wait to show Granny that you've come back," said Katy. "How hospitable of you, Katy. We have come a long way. I think I'll make us all some tea," said Ahmed.
Katy picked up Unico. "You don't mind me carrying you Unico, do you? It's just been so long since I've seen you that I want to keep you close," said Katy. "That's okay, Katy. I want to keep close to you as well," said Unico. Katy smiled as she carried Unico in her arms. With Ahmed following her, Katy led the way to the cottage where they would wait until Beezle came back.
Deep in the forest, in an apple tree, a strange little creature was gathering apples. He had blue skin and he was bipedal. He had a great amount of bushy brown hair on his head that covered his eyes and a large green belly button. A small white horn was on his forehead and a little black nose was on his face. He also had a long pointed tail with a basket dangling on it. His name was Beezle, the Devil of Solitude. He hummed as he took apples from the tree and placed them in the basket.
"There. That should be enough for the cat girl, the old lady and myself. Although, I wish I had a reason to pick enough for four. Oh Unico, why'd you have to go?" he said as he leapt down from the tree to the ground.
He was about to head off in the direction toward the cottage when he stopped. The small devil sniffed the air. He looked in all directions. "Something's here. Something unfamiliar. It's giving me the creeps," he said.
Then he thought he saw something move behind the trees. He growled. "Whoever you are, show yourself!" he demanded.
Then, stepping out from behind the trees was a quartet of creatures that made Beezle gasp in shock. "What the devil?" he asked. He now stood before a quartet of living puppets. The four of them slowly moved toward the diminutive demon on their wooden-like legs.
Beezle shook off his shock and growled angrily. "Whatever you creatures are, you stay away from me! I'm a devil and we're a very ferocious breed. So if you know what's good for you, back off!" he yelled. The puppets took no heed of his warning and continued their approach.
"All right! You asked for it!" yelled Beezle as he charged at one of the puppets with his horn lowered. Upon contact, the stiff puppet fell over. "Ha ha!" laughed Beezle as he leapt off the knocked over puppet and aimed a kick toward another puppet. Like the first one, the second puppet fell over on impact.
Then Beezle faced the remaining two puppets. "Lightning, come to me!" he shouted as he twirled his finger around in the air. A cloud appeared around him and small lightning flashes emitted within it. In an instant, the cloud vanished and Beezle pointed his finger at the two puppets. A bolt of lightning shot out from his finger followed by a second. Each of them hit the puppets causing them to fall.
With his enemies vanquished, Beezle put his hands on the back of his head and grinned. "Thought they could get the best of the Devil of Solitude, could they? Well, there's nothing I can't handle," he gloated.
But Beezle spoke too soon for the puppets began to rise from the ground. They stared at Beezle with their blank expressions on their faces. Beezle's face had turned to a look of terror.
The puppets made no move to attack. Instead, they began to transform. Their faces changed from blank expressions to looks of anger. Curved horns sprouted from the sides of their square heads. Sharp clawed hands and feet emerged from the square ends of their arms and legs. Their rectangular arms and legs changed into stronger and less stiff limbs. Rows of spikes popped out of their backs. Their grayish color turned darker. They began to surround Beezle.
"Uh so you guys are more powerful than I thought. Can't we be friends?" asked Beezle with a nervous grin. The puppets' response was leaping toward Beezle with intent to pin him. Beezle jumped upwards causing the puppets to collide with each other. They all collapsed in a heap. His basket dropped to the ground and his apples spilled over it.
"I'm getting out of here," said Beezle as he leapt off through the tree tops. The puppets got up and tried to pursue after him. But they ended up slipping on Beezle's spilled apples.
With the puppets delayed, Beezle fled through the forest. 'I don't know what those things are. But I do know they're big trouble. I must warn Katy and the old woman. How I wish Unico was here,' he thought as he ran back to the cottage.
Little did Beezle know, that in the cottage, his old friend was telling about his adventures he had when he left. His audience was seated around the table. Katy and Ahmed were there. Also there was an old woman with a tattered dress, white hair and a rather large nose. She was Katy's Granny who had adopted her. She seemed rather amazed that the little unicorn she thought would never come back had. They all had teacups in front of them. Except Unico who had a saucer of tea in front of him.
"My, this is good tea. I've never tasted anything so well in all my years," said Granny. "Thank you, madam. One of the things I pride myself on is not my various knowledge of spells, but my talent for making a mean pot of tea," said Ahmed.
"Oh I'm so happy that you're back, Unico. And when Beezle gets back, we won't let you go again. You're staying with us this time forever," said Katy. "That's a very nice sentiment, Katy. But I'm afraid that I didn't bring Unico back here to stay with you. You see, we actually came to get you and Beezle," said Ahmed. "Huh? But why?" asked Katy. "You see Katy, Ahmed told me that I have something to do and that I need your help to do it. Beezle's too. I don't know what it is yet. But if I don't do it, the entire world's doomed," said Unico. "But what can I do? And besides, I can't leave Granny here all by herself. I said I'd never leave her again," said Katy.
Ahmed was about to speak. But he was interrupted by the sound of screaming coming from the outside. "That's Beezle!" exclaimed Unico. "And it sounds like he's in trouble," said Katy.
Suddenly, the cottage door opened and in ran Beezle. He slammed the door behind him and leaned on it, gasping for air. "What's wrong, Beezle?" asked Unico as he approached his old friend. "It's terrible, Unico. I was attacked by a group of strange creatures. They're in the forest and they're." Beezle stopped as he realized who he was talking to. "Unico? Is that you?" he asked. "Yes, Beezle. I've come back," said Unico. Beezle grabbed his friend in a tight embrace. "Leaping Lucifer! I knew you'd come back!" exclaimed the devil as he subjected the little unicorn to a rather rough noogie. "I'm glad to see you too, Beezle. But can you please let me go?" asked Unico. Beezle let go of Unico.
"Where have you been? And who's this guy?" asked Beezle looking at Ahmed. "First things first, Beezle. What were you talking about strange creatures in the forest?" asked Katy. "Oh. While I was gathering apples, I was surrounded by these strange wooden-like creatures. I tried to fight them off. But then they got too tough. So I ran for it. We've got to get out of here. They could be here any minute," said Beezle in a panic.
Ahmed walked over to the window of the cottage and looked out toward the forest. He gasped. "Oh my! Unico, look at this!" he called. Unico climbed onto the windowsill and looked at what the wizard had been looking at. What he saw was a sight that made his eyes open wide. Emerging from the woods was not a quartet of transformed living puppets but an entire army.
"Living puppets? But.but." stammered Unico. "Unico, you know those things?" asked Beezle. "I've met them before. But they were nothing like this. They didn't look as evil," said Unico. "I'll have to explain this later, Unico. All I can tell you is that these puppets are servants of the Cloak of Darkness. It is integral that we all escape. Star Runner!" called Ahmed through the window.
"How are we going to escape? We're trapped," said Granny. "My vessel will be here soon. Katy, when it arrives, get your Granny aboard it. I'll hold off the puppets until you can," said Ahmed as he took up his staff and headed for the door. Unico followed him. "I'm going to help you, Ahmed. I'm supposed to save this world from the Cloak of Darkness so I might as well start right now," said Unico. "Count me in too. Friends should stick together," said Beezle stepping up beside Unico. "Okay you two. Let's go," said Ahmed as he opened the door and the three of them ran out. "Be careful," said Katy as she began to help the old woman toward the door.
Outside, the unicorn, the devil and the wizard faced the approaching puppet army. Unico's horn had grown longer so it now looked like a sword and wings like that of a fairy had sprouted from his back. Beezle had his fists put up. Ahmed had his staff pointed at the oncoming army. "Stay away from us, you spawn of evil!" he yelled. The puppets took no heed of Ahmed's demand and continued their approach.
"Hey down there!" yelled a voice from above. The three of them looked up and saw a flying boat circling around in the air. "Star Runner!" cried Unico happily. "A flying boat? Unico, where did you get this guy?" asked Beezle. "How am I going to land with all those creatures down there?" asked Star Runner. "Just get down here. We'll hold them off. There's a girl and an old woman who need to be picked up. We'll get out of here then," shouted Ahmed. "Okay," replied the boat as he began to lower in altitude.
"Arctic winds, come to our aid!" yelled Ahmed. A freezing wind emitted from the wizard's staff and headed toward some of the puppets. The puppets became encased in blocks of ice.
"Come on, Unico! Let's show these creatures like we showed that baron," said Beezle as he ran toward the puppets. "Be careful, Beezle. These things maybe evil. But they are also living beings," said the unicorn flying after him. "What do you mean?" asked Beezle. "The last time I encountered the living puppets, they were transformed people and animals. So don't hurt them. Just try to stop them. The last thing I want is something innocent to get hurt," said Unico.
"Well there goes my fun," said the devil begrudgingly as he leapt into the air and slammed his horn into the chest of a puppet. The horn didn't penetrate. But it did cause enough force to push the puppet down.
Unico swooped behind a puppet. Using his hooves, he kicked the puppet and it fell on its flat face. Unico didn't have much time to rejoice over his victory when another puppet jumped toward him and swiped at him with its claw. Unico flew out of the way and sliced his horn toward the legs of the puppet. The puppet tripped over the horn and onto the ground.
Unico landed on the ground in front of the fallen puppets. 'These puppets are more vicious than the ones Lord Kuruku made. What's going on?' thought Unico.
Suddenly, two puppets jumped on either side of him. Unico gasped. The puppets were about to attack when they were blasted back by white beams. Unico looked in the direction of the beams and saw Ahmed with his staff pointed toward him. "Thanks Ahmed," said Unico. "Don't mention it. Just keep the puppets busy until Katy gets the old woman aboard Star Runner," said the wizard. Unico nodded as he charged toward more puppets.
In the meantime, Katy had assisted her adoptive grandmother in exiting the cottage. Being very old, Granny couldn't move very well so she had to lean on Katy as she walked. Once they got out of the cottage, Katy watched the melee in front of them as Unico, Beezle, and Ahmed fought against the evil puppets. "Katy, we have to get out of here," said Granny. "I don't see where Ahmed wanted us to go. The place is crawling with those puppet things," said Katy.
Suddenly, Star Runner dropped onto the ground. He turned his head toward Katy and her Granny and said, "If you want to get out of here, come aboard!" Katy and her Granny looked shocked to see a boat speak. "How is this possible?" asked Granny. "Hey, when it comes to wizards and their transportation, nothing's impossible. Now are you getting on or not?" asked Star Runner.
"Come Granny. If this is Ahmed's boat, then we know it is safe," said Katy as she led the old woman toward the boat and helped her in. Katy was about to board Star Runner when a trio of puppets leapt from behind her and grabbed her. The girl screamed in fear. "Katy!" yelled Granny.
"Let her go!" yelled Unico as he sped toward one of the puppets and head butted it away. Beezle jumped behind another and wrapped his tail around its legs. He pulled his tail with all his might and the puppet came crashing down. Finally, Ahmed blasted the remaining puppet with a beam, setting Katy free.
"Come on! Let's get out of here," said the wizard as he, Unico, Beezle and Katy boarded the enchanted boat. "Where to?" asked Star Runner. "Back to the tower!" ordered Ahmed. "You got it, boss," responded the boat as he took off from the ground.
As Star Runner lifted off, several puppets jumped and clung to the sides. "Oh no you don't!" yelled Unico as he thrust his horn underneath the claws and forced them to let go. Ahmed batted the clinging puppets away with his staff. Once all the puppets had been fought off Star Runner, he took his passengers high into the night sky. Below them, the puppet army shook their claws angrily at the boat. Their attack had been foiled.
Unaware of what had happened to the West Wind, Unico and his new friends pressed on their voyage. "Where are we going, Ahmed?" asked Unico. "To find your friends. I believe that they too will be integral in the salvation of the world," said Ahmed.
"Friends? I don't have any friends except the West Wind and now Star Runner and you," said Unico. "Oh dear, I've forgot!" exclaimed Ahmed. "Forgot what?" asked Unico. "Forgot that you have forgotten," responded Ahmed. "What do you mean?" asked Unico. "To make things easier for you Unico, the West Wind removed all memories of the friends you made before you left them," said Ahmed.
"You mean we're on our way to pick up friends he doesn't remember?" asked Star Runner. "Friends he doesn't remember yet!" exclaimed Ahmed as he pointed his staff at the little unicorn in front of him. A glow emitted from the points and entered into Unico's eyes.
Suddenly, a look of realization appeared on Unico's face. "Beezle! Katy! Cheri! I remember them! I remember them all!" exclaimed Unico. Ahmed sighed in satisfaction. "Yes, Unico. We need the ones who love you the most: the friends you had to leave behind because of the gods' pursuit. I imagine they'll be very happy to see you again," he said. "Oh boy! Hurry up, Star Runner! I want to see them!" exclaimed Unico. "Hold your horses, kid. At the rate we're going, it'll be sundown before we even reach the location Ahmed gave me. So just sit back and enjoy the ride," said Star Runner.
Unico lay on the deck of the boat. But inside, he could not contain his excitement of seeing his beloved friends again.
After a long trip, the boat came to a stop at the edge of the forest just as the sun was beginning to go down. "This is where we get off, Unico," said Ahmed as he stepped off Star Runner. Unico leapt off the boat as well. He gasped happily as he saw what was in front of him.
Farther down on the other side of a river, was a cottage. "I know that place. That's the home of the old woman whom Katy thought was a witch. All my memories are back," said Unico. "I'm glad to hear that, Unico. And in that house, Katy still lives there. The old woman has adopted her as a granddaughter. Beezle's there too, seeing as how he was stranded after the West Wind took you away," said Ahmed. "I hope they remember me," said Unico sounding a little worried. "They have never forgotten you and they miss you terribly," said the wizard. "They better. I don't want to have come all this way for nothing," said Star Runner.
"Okay, Star Runner. Go hide in the forest and be ready to come when I call you," said Ahmed. Star Runner nodded and flew off into the forest. "Will he be okay? Even though that evil baron is gone, the forest still scares me a bit, Ahmed," said Unico. "Don't worry. Star Runner knows how to take care of himself. He can hear me no matter where he is. Now come on. Let's go see your friends," said Ahmed.
Unico and Ahmed were about to cross a bridge to go across the river when all of a sudden, the unicorn piped up. "Wait. I hear something," he said. "Quickly, hide. We don't know what it can be. It could be something from the Cloak of Darkness," said Ahmed as he grabbed Unico and hid behind a tree. "It doesn't sound evil, Ahmed. It sounds like singing. It sounds familiar," said Unico.
Unico and Ahmed looked behind the tree. What Unico saw made him smile. It was a pretty girl approaching the river. She was wearing a pinkish orange dress with a white apron. She had green eyes and a red ribbon in her black hair. She was carrying a bucket. As she bent down to the river to gather water, she sang, "My ribbon's red. My whisker's long. My paws are white as snow. And every day, I sing this song no matter where I go. I'm a cat and that is why I sing a song. A song of meow, meow, meow."
"It's Katy. And she's singing her song. Although, I think she should change the words since she's not a cat anymore," whispered Unico. "Shall we surprise her?" asked Ahmed. "Yes, let's," said Unico. "All right. Get under my cloak and keep out of sight until I give the word," said Ahmed. Unico nodded as he walked under Ahmed's cloak.
Katy gathered her water and started to adjust her ribbon while singing her song. Then she heard a voice call out, "Hello, little girl." Katy stopped singing and looked up. On the other side of the river, she saw Ahmed. "You have a lovely voice, my dear," said the wizard.
"Who are you? I've never seen you around here before," said Katy. "You don't know me, Katy. I'm not from around here. But I know everything about you, kitty cat," said Ahmed. Katy gasped. She picked up her bucket and backed away. "How did you know that?" she asked nervously. Ahmed just smiled. "I understand. You're a little cautious of strangers since that incident with the baron, aren't you Katy? But you needn't worry about me because I bring back to you an old friend," he said as he pulled back his cloak.
Underneath the cloak, sat a little white unicorn. Katy gasped as a stunned look appeared on her face. Unico smiled. "Hello, Katy. I've come back," said Unico. Tears started to stream down Katy's face. "Unico!" she cried out with happiness. "Katy!" said Unico as he ran to the bridge and crossed it. On the other side, Unico leapt into Katy's arms. Tears of happiness rolled down both their faces as they hugged. "Granny told me you'd never come back. But I never gave up hope and I never forgot you," said Katy.
"It's good to see you too, Katy. I have someone I'd like you to meet," said Unico as he leapt from her arms and toward Ahmed who had crossed the bridge to the other side. "This is my new friend Ahmed the wizard," said Unico. "Pleased to meet you," said Ahmed as he bowed down. "I can't thank you enough for bringing Unico back to me. But how did you know that I was a cat once, Ahmed? And how did you know about the baron?" asked the girl.
"That is not important right now, Katy. Tell me. Where is Beezle, the Devil of Solitude?" asked Ahmed. "Yeah, Katy. Where is Beezle? I want to see him again," said Unico. "Oh he's out gathering fruit in the forest. But honestly Unico, I don't see how you two became friends. He really drives me crazy," said Katy. "Does he ever talk about me?" asked Unico. "Of course, Unico. He hasn't forgotten about you either. After you left, he said that he would chase you to the ends of the earth. But he reluctantly stayed with Granny and I. Although he doesn't particularly show it, I know he's missed you as much as I have. He'll be back soon. But until then, let's go up to the cottage and wait. I can't wait to show Granny that you've come back," said Katy. "How hospitable of you, Katy. We have come a long way. I think I'll make us all some tea," said Ahmed.
Katy picked up Unico. "You don't mind me carrying you Unico, do you? It's just been so long since I've seen you that I want to keep you close," said Katy. "That's okay, Katy. I want to keep close to you as well," said Unico. Katy smiled as she carried Unico in her arms. With Ahmed following her, Katy led the way to the cottage where they would wait until Beezle came back.
Deep in the forest, in an apple tree, a strange little creature was gathering apples. He had blue skin and he was bipedal. He had a great amount of bushy brown hair on his head that covered his eyes and a large green belly button. A small white horn was on his forehead and a little black nose was on his face. He also had a long pointed tail with a basket dangling on it. His name was Beezle, the Devil of Solitude. He hummed as he took apples from the tree and placed them in the basket.
"There. That should be enough for the cat girl, the old lady and myself. Although, I wish I had a reason to pick enough for four. Oh Unico, why'd you have to go?" he said as he leapt down from the tree to the ground.
He was about to head off in the direction toward the cottage when he stopped. The small devil sniffed the air. He looked in all directions. "Something's here. Something unfamiliar. It's giving me the creeps," he said.
Then he thought he saw something move behind the trees. He growled. "Whoever you are, show yourself!" he demanded.
Then, stepping out from behind the trees was a quartet of creatures that made Beezle gasp in shock. "What the devil?" he asked. He now stood before a quartet of living puppets. The four of them slowly moved toward the diminutive demon on their wooden-like legs.
Beezle shook off his shock and growled angrily. "Whatever you creatures are, you stay away from me! I'm a devil and we're a very ferocious breed. So if you know what's good for you, back off!" he yelled. The puppets took no heed of his warning and continued their approach.
"All right! You asked for it!" yelled Beezle as he charged at one of the puppets with his horn lowered. Upon contact, the stiff puppet fell over. "Ha ha!" laughed Beezle as he leapt off the knocked over puppet and aimed a kick toward another puppet. Like the first one, the second puppet fell over on impact.
Then Beezle faced the remaining two puppets. "Lightning, come to me!" he shouted as he twirled his finger around in the air. A cloud appeared around him and small lightning flashes emitted within it. In an instant, the cloud vanished and Beezle pointed his finger at the two puppets. A bolt of lightning shot out from his finger followed by a second. Each of them hit the puppets causing them to fall.
With his enemies vanquished, Beezle put his hands on the back of his head and grinned. "Thought they could get the best of the Devil of Solitude, could they? Well, there's nothing I can't handle," he gloated.
But Beezle spoke too soon for the puppets began to rise from the ground. They stared at Beezle with their blank expressions on their faces. Beezle's face had turned to a look of terror.
The puppets made no move to attack. Instead, they began to transform. Their faces changed from blank expressions to looks of anger. Curved horns sprouted from the sides of their square heads. Sharp clawed hands and feet emerged from the square ends of their arms and legs. Their rectangular arms and legs changed into stronger and less stiff limbs. Rows of spikes popped out of their backs. Their grayish color turned darker. They began to surround Beezle.
"Uh so you guys are more powerful than I thought. Can't we be friends?" asked Beezle with a nervous grin. The puppets' response was leaping toward Beezle with intent to pin him. Beezle jumped upwards causing the puppets to collide with each other. They all collapsed in a heap. His basket dropped to the ground and his apples spilled over it.
"I'm getting out of here," said Beezle as he leapt off through the tree tops. The puppets got up and tried to pursue after him. But they ended up slipping on Beezle's spilled apples.
With the puppets delayed, Beezle fled through the forest. 'I don't know what those things are. But I do know they're big trouble. I must warn Katy and the old woman. How I wish Unico was here,' he thought as he ran back to the cottage.
Little did Beezle know, that in the cottage, his old friend was telling about his adventures he had when he left. His audience was seated around the table. Katy and Ahmed were there. Also there was an old woman with a tattered dress, white hair and a rather large nose. She was Katy's Granny who had adopted her. She seemed rather amazed that the little unicorn she thought would never come back had. They all had teacups in front of them. Except Unico who had a saucer of tea in front of him.
"My, this is good tea. I've never tasted anything so well in all my years," said Granny. "Thank you, madam. One of the things I pride myself on is not my various knowledge of spells, but my talent for making a mean pot of tea," said Ahmed.
"Oh I'm so happy that you're back, Unico. And when Beezle gets back, we won't let you go again. You're staying with us this time forever," said Katy. "That's a very nice sentiment, Katy. But I'm afraid that I didn't bring Unico back here to stay with you. You see, we actually came to get you and Beezle," said Ahmed. "Huh? But why?" asked Katy. "You see Katy, Ahmed told me that I have something to do and that I need your help to do it. Beezle's too. I don't know what it is yet. But if I don't do it, the entire world's doomed," said Unico. "But what can I do? And besides, I can't leave Granny here all by herself. I said I'd never leave her again," said Katy.
Ahmed was about to speak. But he was interrupted by the sound of screaming coming from the outside. "That's Beezle!" exclaimed Unico. "And it sounds like he's in trouble," said Katy.
Suddenly, the cottage door opened and in ran Beezle. He slammed the door behind him and leaned on it, gasping for air. "What's wrong, Beezle?" asked Unico as he approached his old friend. "It's terrible, Unico. I was attacked by a group of strange creatures. They're in the forest and they're." Beezle stopped as he realized who he was talking to. "Unico? Is that you?" he asked. "Yes, Beezle. I've come back," said Unico. Beezle grabbed his friend in a tight embrace. "Leaping Lucifer! I knew you'd come back!" exclaimed the devil as he subjected the little unicorn to a rather rough noogie. "I'm glad to see you too, Beezle. But can you please let me go?" asked Unico. Beezle let go of Unico.
"Where have you been? And who's this guy?" asked Beezle looking at Ahmed. "First things first, Beezle. What were you talking about strange creatures in the forest?" asked Katy. "Oh. While I was gathering apples, I was surrounded by these strange wooden-like creatures. I tried to fight them off. But then they got too tough. So I ran for it. We've got to get out of here. They could be here any minute," said Beezle in a panic.
Ahmed walked over to the window of the cottage and looked out toward the forest. He gasped. "Oh my! Unico, look at this!" he called. Unico climbed onto the windowsill and looked at what the wizard had been looking at. What he saw was a sight that made his eyes open wide. Emerging from the woods was not a quartet of transformed living puppets but an entire army.
"Living puppets? But.but." stammered Unico. "Unico, you know those things?" asked Beezle. "I've met them before. But they were nothing like this. They didn't look as evil," said Unico. "I'll have to explain this later, Unico. All I can tell you is that these puppets are servants of the Cloak of Darkness. It is integral that we all escape. Star Runner!" called Ahmed through the window.
"How are we going to escape? We're trapped," said Granny. "My vessel will be here soon. Katy, when it arrives, get your Granny aboard it. I'll hold off the puppets until you can," said Ahmed as he took up his staff and headed for the door. Unico followed him. "I'm going to help you, Ahmed. I'm supposed to save this world from the Cloak of Darkness so I might as well start right now," said Unico. "Count me in too. Friends should stick together," said Beezle stepping up beside Unico. "Okay you two. Let's go," said Ahmed as he opened the door and the three of them ran out. "Be careful," said Katy as she began to help the old woman toward the door.
Outside, the unicorn, the devil and the wizard faced the approaching puppet army. Unico's horn had grown longer so it now looked like a sword and wings like that of a fairy had sprouted from his back. Beezle had his fists put up. Ahmed had his staff pointed at the oncoming army. "Stay away from us, you spawn of evil!" he yelled. The puppets took no heed of Ahmed's demand and continued their approach.
"Hey down there!" yelled a voice from above. The three of them looked up and saw a flying boat circling around in the air. "Star Runner!" cried Unico happily. "A flying boat? Unico, where did you get this guy?" asked Beezle. "How am I going to land with all those creatures down there?" asked Star Runner. "Just get down here. We'll hold them off. There's a girl and an old woman who need to be picked up. We'll get out of here then," shouted Ahmed. "Okay," replied the boat as he began to lower in altitude.
"Arctic winds, come to our aid!" yelled Ahmed. A freezing wind emitted from the wizard's staff and headed toward some of the puppets. The puppets became encased in blocks of ice.
"Come on, Unico! Let's show these creatures like we showed that baron," said Beezle as he ran toward the puppets. "Be careful, Beezle. These things maybe evil. But they are also living beings," said the unicorn flying after him. "What do you mean?" asked Beezle. "The last time I encountered the living puppets, they were transformed people and animals. So don't hurt them. Just try to stop them. The last thing I want is something innocent to get hurt," said Unico.
"Well there goes my fun," said the devil begrudgingly as he leapt into the air and slammed his horn into the chest of a puppet. The horn didn't penetrate. But it did cause enough force to push the puppet down.
Unico swooped behind a puppet. Using his hooves, he kicked the puppet and it fell on its flat face. Unico didn't have much time to rejoice over his victory when another puppet jumped toward him and swiped at him with its claw. Unico flew out of the way and sliced his horn toward the legs of the puppet. The puppet tripped over the horn and onto the ground.
Unico landed on the ground in front of the fallen puppets. 'These puppets are more vicious than the ones Lord Kuruku made. What's going on?' thought Unico.
Suddenly, two puppets jumped on either side of him. Unico gasped. The puppets were about to attack when they were blasted back by white beams. Unico looked in the direction of the beams and saw Ahmed with his staff pointed toward him. "Thanks Ahmed," said Unico. "Don't mention it. Just keep the puppets busy until Katy gets the old woman aboard Star Runner," said the wizard. Unico nodded as he charged toward more puppets.
In the meantime, Katy had assisted her adoptive grandmother in exiting the cottage. Being very old, Granny couldn't move very well so she had to lean on Katy as she walked. Once they got out of the cottage, Katy watched the melee in front of them as Unico, Beezle, and Ahmed fought against the evil puppets. "Katy, we have to get out of here," said Granny. "I don't see where Ahmed wanted us to go. The place is crawling with those puppet things," said Katy.
Suddenly, Star Runner dropped onto the ground. He turned his head toward Katy and her Granny and said, "If you want to get out of here, come aboard!" Katy and her Granny looked shocked to see a boat speak. "How is this possible?" asked Granny. "Hey, when it comes to wizards and their transportation, nothing's impossible. Now are you getting on or not?" asked Star Runner.
"Come Granny. If this is Ahmed's boat, then we know it is safe," said Katy as she led the old woman toward the boat and helped her in. Katy was about to board Star Runner when a trio of puppets leapt from behind her and grabbed her. The girl screamed in fear. "Katy!" yelled Granny.
"Let her go!" yelled Unico as he sped toward one of the puppets and head butted it away. Beezle jumped behind another and wrapped his tail around its legs. He pulled his tail with all his might and the puppet came crashing down. Finally, Ahmed blasted the remaining puppet with a beam, setting Katy free.
"Come on! Let's get out of here," said the wizard as he, Unico, Beezle and Katy boarded the enchanted boat. "Where to?" asked Star Runner. "Back to the tower!" ordered Ahmed. "You got it, boss," responded the boat as he took off from the ground.
As Star Runner lifted off, several puppets jumped and clung to the sides. "Oh no you don't!" yelled Unico as he thrust his horn underneath the claws and forced them to let go. Ahmed batted the clinging puppets away with his staff. Once all the puppets had been fought off Star Runner, he took his passengers high into the night sky. Below them, the puppet army shook their claws angrily at the boat. Their attack had been foiled.