Chapter 3: Battle For Neopia!
And so it began. It took nearly a month, and I took my winged part of the squadron through countless flying drills. Others on the ground were taught how dart in and strike hard before darting back out again.
Luvin and her squadron were doing fantastically. Several packs of Lupes flocked together and began practicing their charges over the forested terrain that was to be our battleground. Other small groups began forming under Luvin's leadership and soon our army was a frightening force.
Ryshu and the old Techo Master were kept busy teaching both of our squadrons how to fight and defend themselves. The soup kitchen supplied all of us with delicious soups, and I managed to slip the Soup Faerie a new recipe that would be more filling for everyone. Weapons shops from all over donated to our cause and ensured that everyone was well equipped.
The day of battle dawned dark, cloudy and was threatening rain and thunder. A gelert scout, Arcannio, came running full out, yelping that Atera's army was on the march and would be here in less than an hour. He shuddered, telling us of mutated pets forced to march under the power of slave collars and other terrifying monsters that had to have been raised from the Spooky Forest.
Several former owners cried out in fear, afraid of fighting their own mutant pets and hurting them.
"Wait a minute!" I cried, in my piercing Eyrie screech, then lowered my voice when everyone stared at me, "You heard him. They're under the power of slave collars right? Well when you meet a mutant pet, break the collars off. Do that and half of Atera's army will turn against her and fight for our cause."
"Hear that?" I heard Luvin's Kougra roar, "We have our own allies waiting for us to set them free. She thinks we'll wimp out. Well we will show her that NOBODY messes with pet owners!"
The groups took up savage cries and began getting themselves ready. I took my team and we all took to the trees and other hiding places. Kacheeks took their places by nets and Kikos hopped into the streams to spray blasts of water. Eyries crouched on branches, ready to dive bomb the enemy.
Luvin's lupe packs lurked in bushes and shrubs waiting to pounce once they caught sight of the bigger, fiercer pets under Atera's control. Her fellow Kougras were standing in full view behind Luvin, waiting for the Dark faerie to show her face.
"You all know the drill. That dark amulet is the source of her power on us. Faerie Kougras fly around her and keep her distracted," Luvin looked at her group to make sure they all knew their roles. Several former owners nodded grimly and rested their paws on their swords.
Slowly the forest began to darken, even though it was in the middle of the day.
"So it begins," murmured Luvin, and the pets about her stirred a little uncomfortably.
The darkness was oppressive, and we could all feel the evil within it. It was like a cold chill that settled over our souls. A few of the younger owners and pets whimpered softly and huddled together, but quickly fell silent.
The tread of feet were heard first. Then pairs of glowing eyes blazed in the gathering darkness. Then slowly forms became visible.
Those of us hiding in the trees tensed and watched as the army passed beneath us. We would wait for the signal.
Luvin stood on top of a boulder, a feral smile on her face as the army of evil drew to a stop a few feet away. There was some shifting in the ranks, and then Atera herself appeared, riding the Monocerous. The evil darkness came directly from her, and she seemed to wear it like a cloak.
"In the name of the Faerie Queen, stand down Atera. Return us to who we were!" Luvin snarled.
The Dark Faerie sneered, "You were only the beginning. So this is your pathetic army? You are hardly even worth my time. I was right. With owners turned into pets, there is no one to direct the house pets they call Neopians!"
Luvin's eyes flashed under her helmet and she drew her million-degree sword with a harsh cry. The sword flared to life brilliantly, cutting through the darkness like...well…a knife. "For Neopia!"
"For Neopia!" roared her army, and the battle began.