A/N: (is doing homework) Blah… TT;

Banjo: Need any help?

Actually, yeah, I need to review my terms. What's a pronoun?

Banjo: A noun that's lost its amateur status.

TT; Wow, you're a scream, Banjo.

Kazooie: XD Actually, that was pretty funny!

You're right. XD Glad you like the picture, Fairy Red! Here's the chappie!


The vengeful demon had returned.

Only I had the power to stop him.

With both my friends and even my enemy at my side, I was ready.

It was time to avenge my father,

And save the world while I'm at it.


The Amethyst Shamans: Chapter 14: The Return of Talmar

The trio entered the largest hut where about ten elder Amethystians, including the Elder himself, sat on the floor in a large circle, looking as if holding council. The other Isle o' Hags heroes sat apart from the circle near the doorway, eyeing Banjo quietly. Kazooie took her place among them, and the two bears joined the circle. Banjo felt slightly out of place, but pushed these feelings aside and straightened up, ready to listen.

Each elder faced them and gave him a silent nod in greeting. Hesitantly, he nodded in return.

Kyra spoke first. "Father, what was the need to bring us here? What has happened?"

The Elder sighed ruefully. "The witch's attack disturbed the island greatly, and this has angered the demon sealed below the island. We believe that your presence has also been noticed, Talmar, further angering him. His fury will bring destruction to not only Amethystar, but the rest of the world as well, for his dreadful powers will spread rapidly across the seas."

Banjo and Kyra sat in shock as the bad news hit them with full force. Banjo especially, for he suddenly he had a bad feeling that his role as a Protector was going to endanger his life.

"D-does this mean I have to…?"

"We cannot live in fear of the demon any longer," the Elder said sternly, eyeing Banjo levelly. "He must be destroyed, and you are the only one suited for the task, Talmar."

Banjo lightly sighed, then nodded in response. Remembering his resolve from before, he accepted the task without complaint.

"Very well." The Elder and all the others stood. "Now is the time we Elders release your shaman powers at your full disposable. Come with us."


Later, the tribe had gathered once more around the Sacred Circle of the Moon, awaiting yet another grand event, one they had been waiting for years. The elders surrounded the circular pillar, ready to perform the ritual. The Isle o' Hags residents watched as Banjo stepped atop the pillar and stood on the ancient amethyst stone. He looked at the waiting people below him, feeling slightly uneasy, but stood tall and nodded towards the Elder.

The Elder returned the nod in response, the proclaimed, "Fellow elders! Our last Protector has returned, and now to complete his destined task, we must break the seals we had placed before and awaken his powers to the world!"

And with that, the ritual began. A new incense, known as Sage, filled the air with its distinct scent, crisp as newborn magic. A magical aura radiated from the Circle as the elders began to chant in the ancient language.

"Kxo tojkadot edo xuj semo…"

The stone under Banjo's feet lit up, releasing a column of lavender light, enveloping him in its magical glow.

"…Xaj kujb aj den scouh…"

Banjo felt the magic take its course, and he gently shut his eyes and let the ritual take over calmly. He became lighter than air, his feet lifting off the ground as the column of light hovered him into the air gently.

The spectators below watched in amazement, mostly his close friends. Tooty held Kazooie close as both witnessed in enchantment, uncertainty, and concern.

"…Xaj fenohj jxucc ro unubed…"

At the peak of his flight, Banjo felt an abundant burst of magic power from within. A brilliant flash of pure light erupted, causing the spectators below to shield their eyes.

"…Udt xo jxucc rosemo u Fhekoskoh edso meho!"

The light died down, and everyone looked in amazement at his transformation as he slowly floated back down onto solid ground.

Banjo now wore a small, purple, forest-type vest with a high collar, barely covering his shoulders. Under this was a white, baggy, long-sleeved undershirt, cross-wrapped across his lower chest and with large cuffs with jagged purple prints. His yellow shorts were replaced by baggy pants with ripped edges, tied tightly with leather string at his ankles. These were held up by a black leather belt, and his large feet now wore lavender sandals. A leather headband tanned from fur fit under his bangs and just below his ears, the long ties dangling from the loose knot behind. His amethyst crystal necklace glittered as it hung from his neck.

A great hush followed as they all looked at him in either awe or surprise. Banjo looked down at himself, surprised himself, as he was not used to so much clothing on his person, let alone the strange magic feeling he felt inside.

His friends as well looked at him in shock, Kazooie especially. Never had she imagined her best friend, someone so innocent, so unique, to be the important, ancient figure she now looked upon. Needless to say, she was shocked.

Finally, the Elder stepped in front of Banjo as the newly-shaman looked up at the old bear uncertainly. The Elder smiled softly in return.

"Your powers have been awakened, Talmar. You are our Protector now, and Protectors are given a special Amethystian weapon."

Out from under his robe, he brought out a short sword made of amethyst stone and placed it in Banjo's paws. Its hilt was dazzled in other precious stones, including emerald, ruby, and quartz. The rest of the hilt and sheath were ornately carved with many fancy symbols and pictographs. Banjo pulled the short sword out of its sheath, and its stone blade reflected the moon's light.

Slowly, Banjo sheathed the sword and strapped it to his belt, then looked back up at the Elder with uncertain eyes of aquamarine.

"You must smite the evil demon with the Amethyst Sword," the Elder explained, acknowledging the hesitant look on the youth's face. "This is your fate, Talmar. You mustn't have any complaints…"

Banjo looked away briefly, then looked back, fear replaced by determination. "I haven't any. I won't fail you, I promise."

The Elder grinned in response. "Very well."


A little later, they gathered in a quieter part of the village where the eyes of the curious Clan couldn't intrude as they decided how they were to reach the demon's lair beneath the island.

"We need to come to him," the Elder explained. "W won't be able to escape until he destroys this island."

Banjo nodded as he leaned over a tiny spring, glancing into the water at the colorful fish, lost in thought. "So, you're saying we have to dig into the island?"

"Precisely."

"That may be a problem…" Kyra mused, the Isle o' Hags residents nodding in agreement and thought. "None of us are great diggers. It would take days to reach the demon…"

Soon, Banjo looked up in realization, then turned to them all with a smirk. "I have an idea. Send the witch here."

Uncertainly, Kyra stood and left to send out for Gruntilda. Banjo's friends looked at him as if he might be nuts, but they all kept quiet. Minutes later, Kyra came back with about three or four escorts directing a disgruntled Gruntilda forward. As they approached, Banjo got to his feet, ready to perform a strange act of diplomacy.

Gruntilda was lightly pushed forward until she stood in front of Banjo. The witch looked him up and down, snickering. "What kinda get-up is that?"

"Don't test me," Banjo muttered, then regained his composure. "Listen and listen good. We need to get under the island to reach a demon and destroy it. You have the digger machine that can get us there. Get what I'm saying?"

Banjo's friends looked at him as if he was definitely nuts.

Grunty sneered, then cackled. "Fool! What makes you think I'd help you?"

"You want a world to take over?"

Grunty raised a brow.

"If this demon isn't dealt with soon, it will destroy everything." Banjo explained sternly, crossing his arms as he glared up at his enemy. "Without the Hag 1, we won't be able to reach it in time. So?" He brought out a paw to seal the deal. "Temporary truce?"

Grunty looked down at the paw as if it were a rattlesnake ready to strike. Then again, she DID want to take over the world someday…

"Banjo, are you insane?" Kazooie whispered harshly. "A team-up with the witch? You can't…!"

"Shh!" Banjo quickly shushed her, eyes not wavering from Grunty's fiery pods of orange. He shook his paw urgently. "Well? Is it a deal or not?"

Grunty scowled spitefully, then hissed, "Fine, fuzzhead, you've got yourself a deal." Then slyly, she spit a huge loogie into the palm of her hand and outstretched it, to which Banjo quickly drew back his paw, looking at the dripping hand disgustedly.

"Er, on second thought, forget the handshake," he said quickly.

Disappointed, Grunty wiped the snot off on her dress, then added sharply, "And for the record, I'm still going on and hating your guts!"

"The feeling's mutual, Grunty."

Gruntilda scoffed as she was led out to prepare the Hag 1 for its subterranean journey. Banjo watched her go, shaking his head in amusement.

"Well, that's dealt with." He turned to his friends. "Let's get ready for the…" But he stopped when he saw them beginning to walk away. "Hey, wait, where're you guys going?"

They stopped, facing him hesitantly. "Er, Banjo…" Bottles started. "How do we say it…"

"Banjo has new powers," Mumbo said gloomily. "Only you able to defeat demon. We don't want to get in way…"

Wumba nodded. "We head home, and stay out of way."

A baffled look crossed Banjo's face. "What? No! You can't leave! I need you guys!"

They stopped, not believing what he said. He… needed them…?

As they gathered in a circle, Banjo outstretched his arms around the huddle as far as he could. "I don't care what the Amethystians stay- I can't do this alone. I still need you guys' help and support…" He looked down at his disheartened partner. "Especially you, Kazooie."

She looked up as Banjo knelt down to her height and placed his paws on her small shoulders. "I wouldn't care if I had all the powers in the world. You and I'll always face our foes together, no matter what?"

Kazooie's face instantly brightened as she leaped into his arms in a fierce embrace. To fight alongside her dearest friend in the world was all she all wanted.

Kyra smiled warmly at this scene, and slowly she approached as Banjo stood. He turned to face her, and both locked eyes once more.

"I shall accompany you as well," she said firmly. "For times in which you will need my help and support."

Banjo smiled. "Thank you, Kyra."

Kyra nodded in response, returning the smile. They all turned and faced the Elder, who, to Kyra's surprise, had on a warm smile. "You approve of this, Father?"

"Even a Protector cannot fight alone," the Elder responded. "Nothing can stand against the power of friendship."

They all grinned. Banjo, feeling a tug at his vest, looked down to see Tooty holding his blue backpack. She handed it to him, and he strapped it on, nodding towards Kazooie. Happily, she hopped inside, ready to go. Banjo faced the rest of his friends, flashing them a determined smile.

"Let's show that demon what for!"

A/N: And that's that. If you're confused by the loogie part, in past times, when making agreements, people would spit into the palms of their hands before shaking on the deal.

Kazooie: Ew, weird…

Banjo: How'd you know that?

TT; My homework.

Kazooie: XD

Yeah, laugh it up, Chuckles. Review, people!