CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: Revival.

The Breegull eased the Jiggy into the slot. "Come on..."

The platform they had made it to stood high above the murky clouds, which gave way to a timeless night sky. Everything was set and ready.

The key shifted into place, activating and unlocking several bolts. The vault opened, and a pile of bear plopped out.

"Phew!" said Mary. "If you told me that didn't stink, I'd call you a liar."

"Oh grow up," Kazooie insisted. "Now Mumbo, are you ready?"

The Shaman pulled out a collapsible spell pad and placed it on the floor. "Yes, but need 30 Glowbos."

"Whaaaaaat?" yelled the three.

"Only kidding." He gave a nervous laugh, curling his fingers around the empty space where his zapping stick would be. After clearing his throat, he began his enchantment: "Eekum-Bokum, Eekum-Bokum. Bring-im Back-um, Bring-im Back-um!"

A mild thunderclap was heard beyond the clouds. A stream of light wafted out of nowhere, making contact with what was left of the bear. The remains ignited with a soft glow, and patches of flesh and fur began to piece together into a recognizable whole.

"Oh my god, it's working!" Bottles realized.

Then, with a great flash, the enchantment had been completed.

"Banjo!" pleaded the Breegull. "Please, speak!" The four gathered closely to hear his first words.

"Guh-huh!"

Kazooie held the bear in a tight embrace.

"Wow," said Mary. "I wasn't quite expecting that response..."

"Mumbo feel warm and tingly inside." He joined in the hug.

"Aw, why not?" said Bottles, and became part of the group cuddle as well.

"Count me out," said the canary. "Oh, what am I saying?" she also added to the bonding session.

"Gosh!" said the confused bear. "I didn't know you guys liked me THAT much."

Bottles smiled. "Well, you have that sort of effect on people."

"Really?" said Banjo. "Because the last thing I remember is Kazooie here throwing burgers at me."

She gave a fidgety grin. "Heh, heh. 'Throwing' is such a negative word. I prefer to call it 'serving'."

"He got served, all right," said Mary.

They all laughed, not realizing what was rising out of the mist behind them.

"Oh, would ye look at th' reunion!" said the instantly recognizable voice.

The group turned around to see the mammoth ships hovering under the stars. The Rusty Bucket was much more smooth and polished than its namesake now, leading the way for the Salty Hippo and the Grumblina.

Mumbo fainted without hesitation.

"Where's the Shanty?" the Captain demanded to know.

A few seconds later it appeared, carrying a team of mummified Gruntlings.

Blackeye groaned. "I guess that's what ye get when ye have th' undead operate a ship."

The sea Grumblins on the other craft adjusted their turrets, waiting for the signal.

"Not yet, ye lousy runts," he warned. "So furry bear, how does it feel to be revived, only to die once more?"

Banjo shrugged. "It feels kind of ironic, actually."

"Bah!" He looked to the Fleet. "Men, you may fire when ready." Thus the vessels all warmed up their guns -- with one exception.

"Blubber!" said Captain Ungry. "What in the name of the Salty are you waitin' for?"

"I--I can't," said the hippo with a slight burp.

"Oh?" said Ungry. "Well I can!" He pushed him aside, pilling the weapon's crank.

Suddenly, and with great ferocity, the ships all fired at once, destroying the top of the fortress.