Heyhwa: Yes, I agree, Flaréoné is possibly one of my favourite characters
too ^_^ and the fight with the zombie chicken.I thought that was kinda too
quick :/ oh well, its probably just me XD Thank You :)
Rayfan: as I said before, Flaréoné was meant to show up before this (chapter 4 :/) but yes, he's finally here, and no, Rayman wont go through this everytime he finds an aspect (it'll be much much worse :))
Lysha: thank you :)
Dawnspirit: Antibiotics won't work I'm afraid, Rayman can only be cured by magic this time.or maybe something else ;)
Disclaimer: I own nothing but: the cave of jades, Flaréoné, Fianna, the freelings, and the valley of the cave. I don't own Rayman.
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Chapter 8: Hallucinations, Councils, and Journeys.
-_~*~_-
It was a week later, and the companions were no closer to setting off then they were after the meeting. This was mainly due to Rayman: his situation had not improved greatly.
Furio and Furion set out everyday, attempting to heal him. Apparently, He had improved, but not by much. Everybody was beginning to feel worried about him, not least Ly and Globox.
Ly had thought that the ex-slaves would move out, back to their villages. But she had been wrong. They had decided to stay in the valley. The slave drivers had made themselves - or rather, the slaves had made - excellent accommodations.
The slaves had decided to move into these houses. They had been captured village at a time, and all put together. They had come to know each other. They had grown into a community. They called themselves the freelings, ironically.
Ly and Globox had helped them clear out all the rubbish, and clutter that the drivers had left there. They both found it hard to concentrate; their mind often going back to Rayman, and how he was.
Rayman was still unconscious, and he had been for the last few days. According to Furion, this was natural; his body was saving its energy to go purely into healing his wounds.
His wounds were beginning to heal, and close, but it was a hard task to get out all the dust and dirt away from his wounds to prevent an infection. He was heavily beat, and his body was severely scratched and bruised, where he had been attacked.
Flaréoné, however, was nowhere to be seen. He had disappeared the very day that Rayman had fallen unconscious, and he had not returned.
'Ly!' a voice spoke, interrupting Ly's thoughts and bringing her back to reality. 'Be careful!' She turned and saw that the speaker had been a girl who Ly had befriended a while ago. Her name was Fianna. Ly looked up and smiled at her. She realised that she had almost walked into the wall.
Fianna was a limbless creature, rather like Rayman. She had lovely, deep blue eyes, and a beautiful face. Her eyes almost always seemed to tinkle in the sunlight. Her long hair was sliver and seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
She was genuinely a peaceful person, but when the time arose she could be as ferocious as any. She had led the main slave charge against the slave drivers, and it was a wonder that she had not been killed. Many of the slaves considered her a hero. She was one of the few that had been captured alone; her family and friends had all been killed.
'It's Rayman isn't it?' Fianna asked, seeming to read Ly's mind. She had come to know Ly very well in the short space of time she had known her.
'Yes.I've known him for a very long time. I don't know how I'd cope if he.died' she replied, trying to choke down the tears in her eyes. Fianna nodded sympathetically.
'I know how you feel. Are you sure you'll be ok?' Fianna asked Ly. Ly nodded slowly, not trusting herself to speak.
-_~*~_-
Pain! Fear! Danger!
That was all that Rayman felt. He was in agony. He looked around, trying to find his friends, but they were nowhere to be seen.
He began to run, trying to shout out their names, but no sound came out. He tried to calm himself. He covered his face with his hands. Trying to wash away the pain, the fear. He looked around, for he could not shake the feeling that he was being watched.
And that he was in danger.
He took in his bearings, noticing that he was in the middle of nowhere - it was sandy. That was all that he could see for miles around up to the flat horizon.
He remembered the sand golems, and began to run; trying his utmost to get away from the danger. He ran for what felt to him like miles, but his movements were becoming sluggish, as though he was running through porridge.
But then he was no longer in the sand. He had the peculiar sensation that he was falling, and he tried to activate his helicopter. But it wouldn't work. He was surrounded by blackness.
Then the feeling went: he no longer felt that he was falling. As his vision slowly returned to him he saw that he was near some trees. They were large, palm like, but they were scarce and few in number.
He tried again to find out where he was, but his thoughts were interrupted by a smell. He sniffed gently, and realised that it was the sweet aroma of water. He strained his hearing and found out which direction it was in.
As he walked in that direction, the birds began to whistle softly. He felt at peace for a little while, but as he neared the water, he began to feel the uncomfortable danger feeling again.
He reached the water. His mouth was suddenly dry, so he bent over to take a drink. He took three large swigs, and then watched his reflection lazily for a little while.
Horror took his as he saw that there were bodies of dead people and animals, some fully decayed, others not so.
He scrabbled away from the water, his mouth still wet from the drink. He felt horrified that he had drunk that impure water.
He felt a hot sensation on his back, and turned to see that the trees were on fire. He gasped, choking in the fumes. He slipped backwards, into the water. He sank slowly to the bottom, unable to keep himself afloat. As he felt himself nestle between the other dead bodies, he realised that this would be his dying place.
It was ironic. He was surrounded by water, yet he was as thirsty as he had ever been - perhaps even more so.
Already his lungs were beginning to burst, but as he stared up at the sky, looking at the stars he loved so much, a shadow came over him.
His senses were slowing, but he could make out four figures, disfigured by the rippling water. With a spasm of horror, he realised that it was the same foursome that he had seen in the picture. He tried again to shout, to ask Flaréoné for help. But it did not come.
Darkness was overcoming Rayman.
-_~*~_-
'Ly! Ly-come-over-here-quick-Furio-and-Furion-said-that-something's- happening!' Globox yelled excitedly, jumping from one foot to another. Ly stared at him.
'Calm down Globox, what did you say.and try saying it slower this time!' she said to him. Globox took a huge breath, and said again.
'Furio and Furion think that something's happening, and it sounded good too!' Ly paused for a second, then dropped the bundle of firewood she had been about to pick up.
'Take me to them.'
-_~*~_-
Furio was watching Rayman, making sure that he didn't get any worse, and keeping him alive.
In truth, both the brothers had believed that Rayman stood little chance of survival. Rayman seemed to be proving them wrong.
Over the past few days, Rayman has steadily gained health. He awoke from his unconsciousness with a need for water. His mouth was extremely dry. After he had drunk the water given to him by a freeling, he stood up, shakily, and the first thing he asked was where Flaréoné was.
'I don't know,' replied Furio. 'He disappeared as soon as you fell unconscious.' Rayman was about to question him further, but Ly had run up to him, and hugged him hard. Tears fell down her face, as she broke off embarrassedly from the embrace. Globox stood next to her, beaming.
Behind them, and approaching perhaps more slowly was a freeling. It was Fianna. Rayman gazed at her for a few seconds before asking Ly if she knew where Flaréoné had gone.
'No,' she said, shaking her head. 'But he did say to me that he would be back soon.' Rayman sighed, sitting back down onto his bed. Fianna spoke softly to the others, suggesting that Rayman needed a rest.
'After all,' she smiled, 'he has saved us all, battled with an army of zombies, and still managed to come back to us.' Rayman was grateful for this, for he felt weak, but he didn't want to admit it.
Curiously, once they had all gone - though reluctantly - he could not sleep. Questions raged through his minds, about his dream, about the cave.but mostly about Flaréoné. Where was he now? What was he doing in Rayman's dream? Why wasn't Rayman with any of his friends?
There were some voices outside his bedroom. Rayman recognised Flaréoné. He jumped out of his bed, and limped toward the door. He opened it, and a sudden hush fell.
Flaréoné turned, and spoke to Rayman.
'Rayman,' he said, quietly and urgently. 'There was a special type of venom inside the giant zombie's beak. I do not know where the venom came from - indeed I don't know where the bird came from.'
He held a small flower in his hand; freshly picked. 'I have been looking for the cure to that venom. Three drops of this and you should be cured.' Rayman took it. He looked in Flaréoné's face.
He saw no lie in his eyes, and genuine worry was on Flaréoné's face. Rayman took the flower from his hands, feeling the softness of it. He looked down at it.
'It is a very magical plant,' Flaréoné was saying. 'It has become very rare, for many had been taken for their magical heeling properties. I suggest that we all wait outside, because the outburst of energy may be a bit much.' Rayman nodded, and walked back inside. Ly closed the door.
'How come you were away for so long?' Ly asked Flaréoné, not as trustful as Rayman.
'As I said,' he replied. 'It is a rare plant. It went searching many miles to find it.' Ly sensed the truth in his voice and decided not to ask any more questions.
Ly was about to say something, but she was interrupted by a huge explosion.
The house itself seemed to have jumped a few centimetres into the air - though it hadn't really - and a blinding light escaped from every hole, space or gap anywhere in it.
The light intensified, massive bursts of magical energy and light escaping the house. Ly's thoughts were on Rayman, was he safe? Had the plant been powerful enough - or too powerful?
As suddenly at it had begun, the light stopped. There was an eerie silence, following the outbreak of sound that had been just seconds before. Many people had stopped what they were doing to stare at the house.
But Rayman was still not there. Ly waited anxiously, but she heeded Flaréoné's advice, and stood her ground.
And still Rayman didn't come. Many of the people who had stopped to watch had gone back to working, or doing whatever they had been doing before.
And still Rayman did not come.
Lt stepped forward, but Flaréoné put a hand out to stop her. It was dangerous. Ly sighed.
And still Rayman did not come out.
'R-Rayman?' said Globox quietly, then louder. 'Rayman?'
And finally they received an answer.
'I'm.here,' Rayman's voice said, sounding very weak. 'Hang on, I'll be right there.'
The door creaked slowly open, revealing Rayman. He looked slightly shell- shocked and his hair had been flung backwards. He walked slightly wobbly, and walked out of the door. He managed a small smile.
'I feel better now,' he smiled. 'Thanks Flaréoné.'
'You're welcome,' he replied. 'But we should get going.' Rayman nodded.
'I think I need a small wash first.' He said.
'There's a stream just inside the woods. You can have a shower there.' Fianna said.
Rayman walked into the trees toward the water.
'C'mon,' said Fianna. 'You should get ready. You're going soon.' There was a hint of sadness in her voice. It felt as though she would lose a friend.
-_~*~_-
'Rayman, we got to prepare to take off again.' Ly told him. 'We're setting off within three days.' Rayman nodded. He had come back from his wash, and now he needed to get ready for the journey.
According to Flaréoné, this journey was going to take a long time, and they were going to be away from food for a long time. Therefore they had to pack enough food and water to last them a long time.
Globox was an excellent asset in this case, being able to store food, amongst other things, in his neck. He also had the power to make rain, which would serve as a drink. This meant that they didn't have to take as much water with them.
Rayman had few belongings, but he packed a lot of food, and placed it all on a backpack. Some of the creatures in the valley had magical packs that didn't need to be carried, as long as the creature had enough strength to keep them afloat. Rayman used one of these.
Furio and Furion had asked Flaréoné if there was any need for animals; pack animals, or riding. Flaréoné shook his great head, and said not yet.
Flaréoné usually stayed in his fiery form. However, now he used his human form instead, for the comfort of others, and also to hide his identity.
All in all it was going to be a busy day.
Rayman was walking back to the hut that he had slept in, and had lived in for the past few days. He was carrying food from the village store. Most of the slave drivers had eaten raw flesh, and other gruesome things. The villages had thrown these things away. But there were still a lot of edible food.
Rayman dumped his food in his house, and walked back to the store. As he approached it, he heard a lot of people shouting, and the sound of metal- against-metal.
Rayman ran round the corner and realised what was happening. There were few people guarding the food stores. A small army had chosen to attack here. The battle was raging around the centre, were a tall man was standing, a grim smile on his face. Flaréoné was attacking the attackers with bolts of fire, and things that looked like Rayman's power balls. Furio and Furion were hacking about with their swords, hacking their way through the enemy forces. Ly was standing on a high rock, sending sphere after bright sphere into the crowd. Globox was sending storm-clouds over the enemies, lightning striking down at all of them. Out of the slaves there was only one person. Fianna. She was attacking heroically, slashing and cutting with a magnificent sword.
Rayman stared at this grim scene for a few seconds, before charging down himself, sending power balls into the crowd. He leapt over a wall of enemies, punching them as he leapt. They all went down.
Rayman found himself face to face with the tall man. He brandished his sword, and Rayman raised his fists. The man charged at Rayman stabbing his sword where he knew Rayman would leap.
Rayman was forced to jump backwards, punching the man in the face and chest. The man staggered under the blows, but regained his stamina and charged again. This time he slashed in the place where Rayman's legs should have been, utilising his training. He swore under his breath as he realised that this would not affect Rayman.
He attacked again, pretending that he was going to attack Rayman's 'legs' again, but instead jabbed his sword into Rayman's heart. He missed by a hairs' breadth.
Rayman charged up a power ball, and let it loose, the electricity charging as it went, smacking the warrior full in the face.
'RETREAT!' He shouted, sensing that he was loosing the battle. Rayman looked around, and saw that the soldiers were indeed losing.
A passionate anger was sparked up in their eyes, but they were very disciplined. They retreated as soon as the order was given. Rayman looked around.
None of his friends seemed any worse for the wear, but they were all thoroughly shaken.
Ly was still standing on the rock, a sphere still in her hand. She smiled down at the others, and threw it at the retreating enemies.
Globox sighed to himself, but he to look happy that they had driven off the intruders. He was sweating, and he directed the rain cloud over his head to wash him out.
Furio and Furion were watching the retreating forces with narrowed eyes. They replaced their swords into their hilts, but their still remained in their fighting positions.
Flaréoné had an angry look in his face, and he looked down at the dead bodies around him. Rayman was shocked. He himself hadn't killed, just made them unconscious. It looked like Flaréoné was not used to killing either.
Fianna replaced her sword into the sword hilt. On of her armless hands was dragging down, and it was red, smeared with blood. Ly ran over to her, and began to heal the wounds. Fianna and Ly started talking, already the exhilaration of the battle coming to them.
Rayman was impressed by Fianna's bravery, enemies lay by her feet, left and right, felled by Fianna's blade. She herself had been scratched once or twice but nothing serious.
He waited for a while watching Ly and Fianna, but he turned to the Furio brothers. But they were not there, and they were talking to Flaréoné. Rayman heard bits of what they were saying.
'It's a bit suspicious though isn't it Flaréoné?'
'I would agree to that, but I had nothing to do with the intruders!'
'Oh, right, and what else were you doing for the last few days, if not looking for them?' There was a slight growl in Furion's voice, but he stopped as Rayman came nearer.
'Flaréoné,' he began. 'I believe that you are telling the truth. Butdo you know who they were? Who were those people?'
'I believe that they were servitors of the enemy.' Flaréoné said, and walked back to the house.
Rayman walked over to Fianna and Ly - Globox was with them now too - and listened to them talk for a little while. Fianna saw him, and invited his to join the conversation.
'Fianna, that's twice that this valley has been attacked. I think that there should be some means of defence when we are gone.' Rayman suggested. Fianna thought for a while then replied.
'I know. But there aren't that many warriors in the valley, and I don't know how else to defend.'
'How about a wall?'
-_~*~_-
After Globox's brilliant suggestion, Ly and Fianna began to round up all the freelings. After they had been told the plan they all agreed that some defence was needed, and set about collecting hard materials that would make do for a wall. Then those that could fight were told that if the walls were broken it would be up to them to defend.
Rayman, Globox, Ly, Furio, Furion and Flaréoné were amongst the many that were setting up the wall. All their provisions had been packed, and they had decided to stay until the defence was complete. There was going to be a big vote today, to see who would be the leader of the freelings.
Fianna had decided to candidate after Ly had suggested it.
Ly saw Fianna a bit away, and made her way to her.
'Good luck Fianna,' said Ly. Fianna smiled at her.
'Thanks,' she replied. 'I'm feeling nervous.' She looked it too.
'You'll be fine!' Ly said.
'I know,' she sighed. 'Well, I have to go. Bye!'
-_~*~_-
They were setting off today. A huge crowd had arrived to see them off. People, lums fairies, creatures of all sorts were there to see off their saviours.
'.And so, we must say goodbye to our great benefactors, who saved us from the clutches of a terrible evil!' This was the end of a speech. It had been spoken by the leathery-looking person who most people called Traid.
The freelings had decided that they had needed a leader, and there had been a great vote. Fianna had won almost unanimously, with a few votes going to Traid and various other people.
Ly wanted to congratulate Fianna, but Ly hadn't seen her since yesterday, just before the announcements of the votes were read out.
The wall had been completed very quickly, promising a good and sturdy defence. Traid was the person who had told Rayman that he could go into the cave of jades. He was doing a good-bye speech rather then Fianna because Fianna had told him to do it.
There was a stage set out above the people, and magical speakers had been put in place. Ly looked down into the crowd, but she couldn't see Fianna. She felt gloomy at not being able to say goodbye to her new friend. There was a huge cheer, and Ly realised that Traid's speech had ended and Rayman had been asked to step up onto the podium, and say a few words.
Before long, his speech was finished too, and as he stepped off the podium, Traid spoke to them.
'I want you all to remember that we are always in your dept. we wish you a very safe journey, and a happy return. If you ever pass by here again, please visit us.'
'We will,' smiled Rayman. 'But I am afraid that we will have to go.'
'Rayman,' Traid spoke. 'Are you sure that you are able to go?'
'I'll be ok. We should get going.' He replied. They all walked up off the podium, Traid and Ly were last. Before Traid reached the stairs, Ly stopped him.
'Have you seen Fianna anywhere?' she asked. Traid shook his head.
'I haven't seen her since yesterday I am afraid.' He replied. Ly sighed.
'It doesn't matter,' she said. 'I'll be seeing you!'
She ran down the stairs to catch up with Rayman and the others. They moved through the centre of where the crowd was, and another cheer reached their ears. As the walked into the trees, a stealthy figure, clad entirely in a black cloak that covered its face and also it's body. It slipped down off the trees, and began to follow Rayman and his friends.
-_~*~_-
Rayfan: as I said before, Flaréoné was meant to show up before this (chapter 4 :/) but yes, he's finally here, and no, Rayman wont go through this everytime he finds an aspect (it'll be much much worse :))
Lysha: thank you :)
Dawnspirit: Antibiotics won't work I'm afraid, Rayman can only be cured by magic this time.or maybe something else ;)
Disclaimer: I own nothing but: the cave of jades, Flaréoné, Fianna, the freelings, and the valley of the cave. I don't own Rayman.
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Chapter 8: Hallucinations, Councils, and Journeys.
-_~*~_-
It was a week later, and the companions were no closer to setting off then they were after the meeting. This was mainly due to Rayman: his situation had not improved greatly.
Furio and Furion set out everyday, attempting to heal him. Apparently, He had improved, but not by much. Everybody was beginning to feel worried about him, not least Ly and Globox.
Ly had thought that the ex-slaves would move out, back to their villages. But she had been wrong. They had decided to stay in the valley. The slave drivers had made themselves - or rather, the slaves had made - excellent accommodations.
The slaves had decided to move into these houses. They had been captured village at a time, and all put together. They had come to know each other. They had grown into a community. They called themselves the freelings, ironically.
Ly and Globox had helped them clear out all the rubbish, and clutter that the drivers had left there. They both found it hard to concentrate; their mind often going back to Rayman, and how he was.
Rayman was still unconscious, and he had been for the last few days. According to Furion, this was natural; his body was saving its energy to go purely into healing his wounds.
His wounds were beginning to heal, and close, but it was a hard task to get out all the dust and dirt away from his wounds to prevent an infection. He was heavily beat, and his body was severely scratched and bruised, where he had been attacked.
Flaréoné, however, was nowhere to be seen. He had disappeared the very day that Rayman had fallen unconscious, and he had not returned.
'Ly!' a voice spoke, interrupting Ly's thoughts and bringing her back to reality. 'Be careful!' She turned and saw that the speaker had been a girl who Ly had befriended a while ago. Her name was Fianna. Ly looked up and smiled at her. She realised that she had almost walked into the wall.
Fianna was a limbless creature, rather like Rayman. She had lovely, deep blue eyes, and a beautiful face. Her eyes almost always seemed to tinkle in the sunlight. Her long hair was sliver and seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
She was genuinely a peaceful person, but when the time arose she could be as ferocious as any. She had led the main slave charge against the slave drivers, and it was a wonder that she had not been killed. Many of the slaves considered her a hero. She was one of the few that had been captured alone; her family and friends had all been killed.
'It's Rayman isn't it?' Fianna asked, seeming to read Ly's mind. She had come to know Ly very well in the short space of time she had known her.
'Yes.I've known him for a very long time. I don't know how I'd cope if he.died' she replied, trying to choke down the tears in her eyes. Fianna nodded sympathetically.
'I know how you feel. Are you sure you'll be ok?' Fianna asked Ly. Ly nodded slowly, not trusting herself to speak.
-_~*~_-
Pain! Fear! Danger!
That was all that Rayman felt. He was in agony. He looked around, trying to find his friends, but they were nowhere to be seen.
He began to run, trying to shout out their names, but no sound came out. He tried to calm himself. He covered his face with his hands. Trying to wash away the pain, the fear. He looked around, for he could not shake the feeling that he was being watched.
And that he was in danger.
He took in his bearings, noticing that he was in the middle of nowhere - it was sandy. That was all that he could see for miles around up to the flat horizon.
He remembered the sand golems, and began to run; trying his utmost to get away from the danger. He ran for what felt to him like miles, but his movements were becoming sluggish, as though he was running through porridge.
But then he was no longer in the sand. He had the peculiar sensation that he was falling, and he tried to activate his helicopter. But it wouldn't work. He was surrounded by blackness.
Then the feeling went: he no longer felt that he was falling. As his vision slowly returned to him he saw that he was near some trees. They were large, palm like, but they were scarce and few in number.
He tried again to find out where he was, but his thoughts were interrupted by a smell. He sniffed gently, and realised that it was the sweet aroma of water. He strained his hearing and found out which direction it was in.
As he walked in that direction, the birds began to whistle softly. He felt at peace for a little while, but as he neared the water, he began to feel the uncomfortable danger feeling again.
He reached the water. His mouth was suddenly dry, so he bent over to take a drink. He took three large swigs, and then watched his reflection lazily for a little while.
Horror took his as he saw that there were bodies of dead people and animals, some fully decayed, others not so.
He scrabbled away from the water, his mouth still wet from the drink. He felt horrified that he had drunk that impure water.
He felt a hot sensation on his back, and turned to see that the trees were on fire. He gasped, choking in the fumes. He slipped backwards, into the water. He sank slowly to the bottom, unable to keep himself afloat. As he felt himself nestle between the other dead bodies, he realised that this would be his dying place.
It was ironic. He was surrounded by water, yet he was as thirsty as he had ever been - perhaps even more so.
Already his lungs were beginning to burst, but as he stared up at the sky, looking at the stars he loved so much, a shadow came over him.
His senses were slowing, but he could make out four figures, disfigured by the rippling water. With a spasm of horror, he realised that it was the same foursome that he had seen in the picture. He tried again to shout, to ask Flaréoné for help. But it did not come.
Darkness was overcoming Rayman.
-_~*~_-
'Ly! Ly-come-over-here-quick-Furio-and-Furion-said-that-something's- happening!' Globox yelled excitedly, jumping from one foot to another. Ly stared at him.
'Calm down Globox, what did you say.and try saying it slower this time!' she said to him. Globox took a huge breath, and said again.
'Furio and Furion think that something's happening, and it sounded good too!' Ly paused for a second, then dropped the bundle of firewood she had been about to pick up.
'Take me to them.'
-_~*~_-
Furio was watching Rayman, making sure that he didn't get any worse, and keeping him alive.
In truth, both the brothers had believed that Rayman stood little chance of survival. Rayman seemed to be proving them wrong.
Over the past few days, Rayman has steadily gained health. He awoke from his unconsciousness with a need for water. His mouth was extremely dry. After he had drunk the water given to him by a freeling, he stood up, shakily, and the first thing he asked was where Flaréoné was.
'I don't know,' replied Furio. 'He disappeared as soon as you fell unconscious.' Rayman was about to question him further, but Ly had run up to him, and hugged him hard. Tears fell down her face, as she broke off embarrassedly from the embrace. Globox stood next to her, beaming.
Behind them, and approaching perhaps more slowly was a freeling. It was Fianna. Rayman gazed at her for a few seconds before asking Ly if she knew where Flaréoné had gone.
'No,' she said, shaking her head. 'But he did say to me that he would be back soon.' Rayman sighed, sitting back down onto his bed. Fianna spoke softly to the others, suggesting that Rayman needed a rest.
'After all,' she smiled, 'he has saved us all, battled with an army of zombies, and still managed to come back to us.' Rayman was grateful for this, for he felt weak, but he didn't want to admit it.
Curiously, once they had all gone - though reluctantly - he could not sleep. Questions raged through his minds, about his dream, about the cave.but mostly about Flaréoné. Where was he now? What was he doing in Rayman's dream? Why wasn't Rayman with any of his friends?
There were some voices outside his bedroom. Rayman recognised Flaréoné. He jumped out of his bed, and limped toward the door. He opened it, and a sudden hush fell.
Flaréoné turned, and spoke to Rayman.
'Rayman,' he said, quietly and urgently. 'There was a special type of venom inside the giant zombie's beak. I do not know where the venom came from - indeed I don't know where the bird came from.'
He held a small flower in his hand; freshly picked. 'I have been looking for the cure to that venom. Three drops of this and you should be cured.' Rayman took it. He looked in Flaréoné's face.
He saw no lie in his eyes, and genuine worry was on Flaréoné's face. Rayman took the flower from his hands, feeling the softness of it. He looked down at it.
'It is a very magical plant,' Flaréoné was saying. 'It has become very rare, for many had been taken for their magical heeling properties. I suggest that we all wait outside, because the outburst of energy may be a bit much.' Rayman nodded, and walked back inside. Ly closed the door.
'How come you were away for so long?' Ly asked Flaréoné, not as trustful as Rayman.
'As I said,' he replied. 'It is a rare plant. It went searching many miles to find it.' Ly sensed the truth in his voice and decided not to ask any more questions.
Ly was about to say something, but she was interrupted by a huge explosion.
The house itself seemed to have jumped a few centimetres into the air - though it hadn't really - and a blinding light escaped from every hole, space or gap anywhere in it.
The light intensified, massive bursts of magical energy and light escaping the house. Ly's thoughts were on Rayman, was he safe? Had the plant been powerful enough - or too powerful?
As suddenly at it had begun, the light stopped. There was an eerie silence, following the outbreak of sound that had been just seconds before. Many people had stopped what they were doing to stare at the house.
But Rayman was still not there. Ly waited anxiously, but she heeded Flaréoné's advice, and stood her ground.
And still Rayman didn't come. Many of the people who had stopped to watch had gone back to working, or doing whatever they had been doing before.
And still Rayman did not come.
Lt stepped forward, but Flaréoné put a hand out to stop her. It was dangerous. Ly sighed.
And still Rayman did not come out.
'R-Rayman?' said Globox quietly, then louder. 'Rayman?'
And finally they received an answer.
'I'm.here,' Rayman's voice said, sounding very weak. 'Hang on, I'll be right there.'
The door creaked slowly open, revealing Rayman. He looked slightly shell- shocked and his hair had been flung backwards. He walked slightly wobbly, and walked out of the door. He managed a small smile.
'I feel better now,' he smiled. 'Thanks Flaréoné.'
'You're welcome,' he replied. 'But we should get going.' Rayman nodded.
'I think I need a small wash first.' He said.
'There's a stream just inside the woods. You can have a shower there.' Fianna said.
Rayman walked into the trees toward the water.
'C'mon,' said Fianna. 'You should get ready. You're going soon.' There was a hint of sadness in her voice. It felt as though she would lose a friend.
-_~*~_-
'Rayman, we got to prepare to take off again.' Ly told him. 'We're setting off within three days.' Rayman nodded. He had come back from his wash, and now he needed to get ready for the journey.
According to Flaréoné, this journey was going to take a long time, and they were going to be away from food for a long time. Therefore they had to pack enough food and water to last them a long time.
Globox was an excellent asset in this case, being able to store food, amongst other things, in his neck. He also had the power to make rain, which would serve as a drink. This meant that they didn't have to take as much water with them.
Rayman had few belongings, but he packed a lot of food, and placed it all on a backpack. Some of the creatures in the valley had magical packs that didn't need to be carried, as long as the creature had enough strength to keep them afloat. Rayman used one of these.
Furio and Furion had asked Flaréoné if there was any need for animals; pack animals, or riding. Flaréoné shook his great head, and said not yet.
Flaréoné usually stayed in his fiery form. However, now he used his human form instead, for the comfort of others, and also to hide his identity.
All in all it was going to be a busy day.
Rayman was walking back to the hut that he had slept in, and had lived in for the past few days. He was carrying food from the village store. Most of the slave drivers had eaten raw flesh, and other gruesome things. The villages had thrown these things away. But there were still a lot of edible food.
Rayman dumped his food in his house, and walked back to the store. As he approached it, he heard a lot of people shouting, and the sound of metal- against-metal.
Rayman ran round the corner and realised what was happening. There were few people guarding the food stores. A small army had chosen to attack here. The battle was raging around the centre, were a tall man was standing, a grim smile on his face. Flaréoné was attacking the attackers with bolts of fire, and things that looked like Rayman's power balls. Furio and Furion were hacking about with their swords, hacking their way through the enemy forces. Ly was standing on a high rock, sending sphere after bright sphere into the crowd. Globox was sending storm-clouds over the enemies, lightning striking down at all of them. Out of the slaves there was only one person. Fianna. She was attacking heroically, slashing and cutting with a magnificent sword.
Rayman stared at this grim scene for a few seconds, before charging down himself, sending power balls into the crowd. He leapt over a wall of enemies, punching them as he leapt. They all went down.
Rayman found himself face to face with the tall man. He brandished his sword, and Rayman raised his fists. The man charged at Rayman stabbing his sword where he knew Rayman would leap.
Rayman was forced to jump backwards, punching the man in the face and chest. The man staggered under the blows, but regained his stamina and charged again. This time he slashed in the place where Rayman's legs should have been, utilising his training. He swore under his breath as he realised that this would not affect Rayman.
He attacked again, pretending that he was going to attack Rayman's 'legs' again, but instead jabbed his sword into Rayman's heart. He missed by a hairs' breadth.
Rayman charged up a power ball, and let it loose, the electricity charging as it went, smacking the warrior full in the face.
'RETREAT!' He shouted, sensing that he was loosing the battle. Rayman looked around, and saw that the soldiers were indeed losing.
A passionate anger was sparked up in their eyes, but they were very disciplined. They retreated as soon as the order was given. Rayman looked around.
None of his friends seemed any worse for the wear, but they were all thoroughly shaken.
Ly was still standing on the rock, a sphere still in her hand. She smiled down at the others, and threw it at the retreating enemies.
Globox sighed to himself, but he to look happy that they had driven off the intruders. He was sweating, and he directed the rain cloud over his head to wash him out.
Furio and Furion were watching the retreating forces with narrowed eyes. They replaced their swords into their hilts, but their still remained in their fighting positions.
Flaréoné had an angry look in his face, and he looked down at the dead bodies around him. Rayman was shocked. He himself hadn't killed, just made them unconscious. It looked like Flaréoné was not used to killing either.
Fianna replaced her sword into the sword hilt. On of her armless hands was dragging down, and it was red, smeared with blood. Ly ran over to her, and began to heal the wounds. Fianna and Ly started talking, already the exhilaration of the battle coming to them.
Rayman was impressed by Fianna's bravery, enemies lay by her feet, left and right, felled by Fianna's blade. She herself had been scratched once or twice but nothing serious.
He waited for a while watching Ly and Fianna, but he turned to the Furio brothers. But they were not there, and they were talking to Flaréoné. Rayman heard bits of what they were saying.
'It's a bit suspicious though isn't it Flaréoné?'
'I would agree to that, but I had nothing to do with the intruders!'
'Oh, right, and what else were you doing for the last few days, if not looking for them?' There was a slight growl in Furion's voice, but he stopped as Rayman came nearer.
'Flaréoné,' he began. 'I believe that you are telling the truth. Butdo you know who they were? Who were those people?'
'I believe that they were servitors of the enemy.' Flaréoné said, and walked back to the house.
Rayman walked over to Fianna and Ly - Globox was with them now too - and listened to them talk for a little while. Fianna saw him, and invited his to join the conversation.
'Fianna, that's twice that this valley has been attacked. I think that there should be some means of defence when we are gone.' Rayman suggested. Fianna thought for a while then replied.
'I know. But there aren't that many warriors in the valley, and I don't know how else to defend.'
'How about a wall?'
-_~*~_-
After Globox's brilliant suggestion, Ly and Fianna began to round up all the freelings. After they had been told the plan they all agreed that some defence was needed, and set about collecting hard materials that would make do for a wall. Then those that could fight were told that if the walls were broken it would be up to them to defend.
Rayman, Globox, Ly, Furio, Furion and Flaréoné were amongst the many that were setting up the wall. All their provisions had been packed, and they had decided to stay until the defence was complete. There was going to be a big vote today, to see who would be the leader of the freelings.
Fianna had decided to candidate after Ly had suggested it.
Ly saw Fianna a bit away, and made her way to her.
'Good luck Fianna,' said Ly. Fianna smiled at her.
'Thanks,' she replied. 'I'm feeling nervous.' She looked it too.
'You'll be fine!' Ly said.
'I know,' she sighed. 'Well, I have to go. Bye!'
-_~*~_-
They were setting off today. A huge crowd had arrived to see them off. People, lums fairies, creatures of all sorts were there to see off their saviours.
'.And so, we must say goodbye to our great benefactors, who saved us from the clutches of a terrible evil!' This was the end of a speech. It had been spoken by the leathery-looking person who most people called Traid.
The freelings had decided that they had needed a leader, and there had been a great vote. Fianna had won almost unanimously, with a few votes going to Traid and various other people.
Ly wanted to congratulate Fianna, but Ly hadn't seen her since yesterday, just before the announcements of the votes were read out.
The wall had been completed very quickly, promising a good and sturdy defence. Traid was the person who had told Rayman that he could go into the cave of jades. He was doing a good-bye speech rather then Fianna because Fianna had told him to do it.
There was a stage set out above the people, and magical speakers had been put in place. Ly looked down into the crowd, but she couldn't see Fianna. She felt gloomy at not being able to say goodbye to her new friend. There was a huge cheer, and Ly realised that Traid's speech had ended and Rayman had been asked to step up onto the podium, and say a few words.
Before long, his speech was finished too, and as he stepped off the podium, Traid spoke to them.
'I want you all to remember that we are always in your dept. we wish you a very safe journey, and a happy return. If you ever pass by here again, please visit us.'
'We will,' smiled Rayman. 'But I am afraid that we will have to go.'
'Rayman,' Traid spoke. 'Are you sure that you are able to go?'
'I'll be ok. We should get going.' He replied. They all walked up off the podium, Traid and Ly were last. Before Traid reached the stairs, Ly stopped him.
'Have you seen Fianna anywhere?' she asked. Traid shook his head.
'I haven't seen her since yesterday I am afraid.' He replied. Ly sighed.
'It doesn't matter,' she said. 'I'll be seeing you!'
She ran down the stairs to catch up with Rayman and the others. They moved through the centre of where the crowd was, and another cheer reached their ears. As the walked into the trees, a stealthy figure, clad entirely in a black cloak that covered its face and also it's body. It slipped down off the trees, and began to follow Rayman and his friends.
-_~*~_-