I noticed his body seemed to be shrinking. His biody was literally melting away!
His head and hands tore free from his melting body. He yelled out this scream which came from his free-floating head.
"Now you die!" he yelled.
His right hand struck me with a claw, and it HURT. Blood trickled from the corner of my lip. He thenbreathed out a violent blaze, and it really burned us. He was definitely more powerful now. Chamoro cast Healus to heal some of the burn damage. I used the Sword of Ramias to double Hassan's attack power , Muriel cast Increase and Barbara cast Barrier.
After a round of dodging the worst of his attacks, Hassan was ready to deliver a powered-up Spirit Punch. Deathtamoor had a gleam in his eye, and Hassan fell asleep! Cursing him, I struck him with a GigaSlash and we continued to battle furiously.
My heart and breathing raced as it never raced before as I enegaged the Dai Maou in battle, doing my best to avoid his powerful attacks. We went all around this strange room as we tried to kill each other.
One of his hands then smacked me against a rock.
"Fools!" he yelled. "You can never win!"
"We won't give up!" I yelled.
Terry then threw a whole bunch of rocks at Deathtamoor, and Hassan, who had woken up, struck Deathtamoor's head with the Metal King Sword. We then continued the engagement with Deathtamoor, slicing and pounding and shucking and jiving. All the while, Chamoro cast Healus, replenishing our vigor. Even so, I could feel the exhaustion coming in. Nevertheless, I had to press on.
I had a kingdom, a whole world to fight for.
And so I pressed on, giving it my all, striking the head with GigaSlash or performing Hustle Dance to heal my partners. As we fought Deathtamoor, he was retreating back.
"Press forward!" yelled Hassan. "We can not fail!"
And so we did. We continued to engage Deathtamoor, and he seemed to be pulling back.
He then opened his mouth real wide, and I felt this really strong wind tearing right at me.
I fell down. Getting up and looking around, I could see that the others have fallen, and they are not getting up.
"Come on!" I yelled. "We can't just give up!"
"It looks like your time has just run out," said Deathtamoor, wickedly grinning.
I looked at my teammates.
There was one thing I must do.
I started dancing the GiveLife Dance. I danced as much as I can even as Deathtamoor closed in on me.
I then saw Hassan, Muriel, Barbara, Chamoro, and Terry all rise up.
And then I collpased from exhaustion.
The next thing I knew, Chamoro was standing above me; apparently he cast Revive to continue the fight.
I raised the Sword of Ramias to double Hassan's incredible attack power, and then I prepared to deal with Deathtamoor. The fight continued on in earnest. We fought the Dai Maou with renewed vigor.
We did not press forward. Instead, we retreated even as we delivereds powerful blows or spells against Deathtamoor.
"You can not beat me even with your ability to revive," he said.
I continued the fight, giving him ground, or its equivalent here in this space.
As the fight continued, I could feel exhaustion creeping in. I noticed the spellcasting had stopped; we all expended our magical power. I could no longer do the GigaSlash.
And yet I had to keep going, even if it was a simple sword thrust.
I kept parrying his blows while striking at him.
And then the Sword of Ramias felt like a lead weight. I was short of breatrh, clearly exhausted.
Deathtamoor then came after me.
I heard this crack, and I saw him stung by a Gringham Whip.
There was this expression on his face, an expression of pain.
"Urrrgh!" he grunted. "To...to think I could be defeated by these insects! My..consciousness is fading. My world is falling apart. Argggggh!"
Deathtamoor lierally melted away. I looked at Barbara, who was grinning despite her obvious pain.
"We did it," she said.
"All right!" yelled Hassan, clutching his side.
Then I heard the rumbling and felt myself shake.
"Can you hear me?" asked this voice. "It's me, Masarl!"
"What's up?" I asked.
"Get out of there!" he yelled. "I don;t know why but this world is falling apart!"
"We beat Deathtamoor!" I yelled.
"You did? That must be it. Go! We'll save the people living in his realm! You should be able to get out on your own. Ready, Krimut?"
"Yes, brother," replied Krimut.
We all got into the wagon.
"How do we get out of here?" asked Muriel.
Falshion glowed, and then he sprouted wings. His wings flapped and the wagon took off! We flew through the room, and through the glowing fog. The fog got brighter.
And then I saw a clear blue sky.
"Where are we?" asked Chamoro.
"Look!" yelled Terry.
I looked at the ground which was thousands of feet below. I could clearly see Zenithia Castle.
"It's over," I said, relieved.
oooooooooooo
We went back to the throne room of Zenithia Castle; I explained the situation to King Zenith. Masarl and KLrimut were already there.
"Well done, your Highness!" said the king. "Deathtamoor's realm has vanished. These two saved the people trapped there. The threat of Deathtamoor is gone. Without you, he would have conquered the dream world and the real world. As King of Zenithia, I thnak you on behalf of the people of the dream world"
"Thankl you, your Majesty," I said.
"We are grateful to you and your retainers. But you do not belong here. The Dai Maou's power made this world tangible to the real world. We will vanish from your point of view. Do not worry, this is as it should be."
"By your leave, sire," I said.
"I should go now," said Terry. "I'm not good at this."
"Hey wait!" yelled Muriel. "You don't have to hurry."
Terry was already gone from the room, on his way back to the wagon.
"He's such a child," she said. "I'll go back to the wagon." She quickly bowed to King Zenith. "Your Majesty."
"If the Dai Maou had not tried to take over the dream world, we would not have met," said King Zenith. "Such is fate. His power starts to fade, we will not be visible."
"I had no idea this castle existed," said Masarl.
"We'll stay a little longer," said Krimut. "We thank you for rescuing us from the Dai Maou."
On my way out of the castle, I came across the man who was watching the egg.
"This is our future," he said.
"We wish you well," I said.
oooooooooooooo
We then headed to the dream world incarnation of Reidock Castle. Hassan and I were admitted, since we were soldiers in this Reidock's army.
"Hello there," said a soldier. "General Soldi awaits you in the throne room."
So we went there. We stood and saluted him.
"So what happened?" asked Soldi. "The sages saved me and everyone else, and I returned here."
"We defeated Deathamoor, sir," I said.
"You would not believe how difficult it was, sir," said Hassan.
"I thank you for helping us out. I know you can not stay here, so you will be honorably discharged."
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"The king is not asvailable, so he left this note."
I read the note.
"I am glad you are okay," it read. "I'll be waiting for you below, so make sure to show your faces when you get back - the King of Reidock."
As we were leaving the castle, I said, "You know, without Deathtamoor, Tom would not have been reincarnated as Soldi."
"Life does have some surprises," said Hassan.
oooooooooooo
We then went back to Calberona.
"Well done, Barbara," said Mr. Calbe. "You saved us from the Dai Maou Deathtamoor."
"Someone had to do it," said Barbara.
"You have enough power to be called a great sorceress. The elder would have been very happy."
"I can not act as elder any more," said this old lady who had filled in for Bubole.
"So you want me to be elder?" asked Barbara.
"Oh no," replied Calbe. "You are much too young, too inexperienced. Being an elder requires wisdom as well as power."
"Of course," said Barbara.
"I will study under King Zenith. I may learn hidden magics."
"I'll think about it a little longer. I want to decide what to do on my own."
"That is a good idea."
"I don't understand myself, really. We'd better go now."
oooooooooooooooo
We then flew north to Lifecod. It was bustling as ever.
"You came back," said a man. "Come with me."
We then went to the Elder's residence.
"Is this because of you?" I asked.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"All the monsters disappeared. All thanks to you. you and your friends all did great. Come, let us drink!"
And so we did. We went to the tavern which was managed by Rand's dad. We all talked about your adventures and stuff, and the people of Lifecod talked about what they did. I wondered how much of it was what they did in the real world and how much of it was what they aspired to do."
"You know," said Judy. "I wish I could have married you."
"Not too late for that," I said, leaning back. "I could be your prince in shining armor, you know."
"That Spirit Festival," said this priest. "I knew something would happen." He yawned. "I feel sleepy. Must be from the drink."
I knew the reason why he felt sleepy.
I walked over to Tania's house. Rand was waiting outside.
"The monsters are gone, but Tania feels lonely," he said. "I'll wait until the day Tania opens her heart to me."
"Keep your options open," I said.
I then entered the house.
"Brother," said Tania. "I must thank you for what you did."
"You are welcome," I said.
"Promise you won't forget about me."
"Of course I won't. You gave me shelter when I was lost and broken. You treated me as a brother."
"I understand a little what's going on. I suddenly feel sleepy. Goodbye. I...love you."
She lay down on the bed. Her color started to fade and she started to blur, until she was a ghostly figure.
The Dai Maou's leftover power was fading.
I left the housde, and all I saw were faded, blurry images.
"We'd better go now," said Hassan.
And so we did. Falshion took us high into the sky, and then through the dimensional barrier to the real world.
ooooooooooooooo
We touched down just outside Granmaz's place. Muriel, Terry, and I went outside.
"I'm back," said Muriel, greeting the fortune teller. "Terry is with me, too."
"it is good to have you back," said Granmaz. "And the same goes with you, Terry. I have been watching you."
"Madam," said Terry.
"To think you would defeat Deathtamoor," said the fortune teller. Dreams give birth to hope, hope gives one the power to live. But dreams can give birth to greed, and he was engulfed by his own greed. You all fought well."
"I would like to continue studying under you, Granmaz," said Muriel. "I want to use my ability to read dreams and tell fortunes to help others."
"That was why I asked you to accompany the prince and his companions," said Granmaz. "One must gain wisdom from the world before they can continue in this business."
"Thank you," said Muriel.
"No need to thank me. I shall treat you all to a big feast."
"We would like that, madam," I said.
And so we did. oooooooooooo
We then went to San Marino to drop of Hassan at his home. His parents were both inside the house.
"Hi there," he said. "I'm back."
"Honey," said his mother. "Hassan's back."
"Yeah, I know," said his father, looking away.
"Mom, Dad," said Hassan. "Sorry for making you worry like that."
"Hassan, why are you smiling like you finished some sort of normal job. You could be an engineer!"
"That's right," Hassan said to us all. "I will continue my career as a carpenter. As long as there is strength in my arms, I will be the best carpenter I could be."
"I wiah you luck," I said.
"Listen, buddy. It was great hangin' with you. We got to learn a lot of stuff. But we got to move on, you know."
"Of course."
"We'll meet again," said Chamoro.
"You all take care."
And so we left.
ooooooooooooooo
We then flew to Gent. Chamoro and I went to his grandfather's house.
"Is Grandfather here?" Chamoro asked this man.
"No," he replied. "The Ship of God came back, and he went to check it out."
"He must be in the shrine then."
So we went there. The Ship of God was back in its dock.
"I have returned, Grandfather," said Chamoro.
"Well done," said his grandfather. "You have certainly matured."
"How did the ship come back here?"
"It came back on its own when the job was done. You and your friends saved us, both the healers and those to be healed. Our God is certainly pleased."
"Now that the threat of Dethtamoor is dealt with, I will stay here to learn to heal people," said Chamoro. "If you get injured, we will help."
"Our God will certainly bless you," said his grandfather.
"Take care," I said. "Both of you."
And so I left Gent.
ooooooooooooooo
We flew to Gandino. Muriel and Terry went to this stone house in the southeast section of the city.
"is it really you, Muriel and Terry?" asked this old man.
"Yes, Father," replied Muriel.
"You call me Father, even after I sold you?"
"You did raise us. We turned out the way we did because of you."
"Oh Muriel," said her father.
"I want to study to be a fortune teller," said Muriel. "My teacher will be Granmaz, who lives near San Marino."
"It's enough to see you both alive. It's enough for me."
"We'd like to speak to our parents alone," said Muriel.
"You take care," I said.
oooooooooooooooo
We then flew to Lifecod.
When Barbara and I got there, the town is empty.
"Where is everyone?" she asked.
We went to the Elder's house.
"So you've come back," said the Elder. "You did save the world, my lord. Have you been tio the castle yet?"
"No," I said.
"They are holding a festival there. Everyone went."
"And what about you?"
"I don't fit in around castles. I'll just stay and protect the village. Everyone awaits your return, your Highness."
"Take care. I thank you for your hospitality."
ooooooooooooo
We then returned to Reidock Castle. I went straight to the throne room to see Mother and Father. It was a happy reunion.
"Welcome, my son," said Father. "The Dai Maou was destroyed by your efforts."
"Yes," I said.
"Look at the clear sky! It is a sign of peace!"
"And we will maintain this peace, Father."
"You have worked hard to defend this kingdom and this world," said Mother. "Now you will return to your duties as prince."
"My experience will help me a great deal, Mother."
"By the way, it's been bugging me," said Father. "Who's that cute girl with you."
"Who me?" asked Barbara. "Are you talking about me, Majesty?"
"Never mind. But I see that my son can pick up chicks like I can. I am impressed you brought back such a babe."
"Dear," said Mother.
"We must prepare for the banquet," said Father. "Your friends are invited. Let's celebrate!"
And so we did.
oooooooooooooooo
The banquet was set in the ballroom, and all of my friends were there. The finest meat was served with delicious gravy, along with vegetables drenched in molten butter. It was much more delicious than salted fish which we ate during our journeys. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothes. I saw General Franco, decked out in his formal dress blues, with shiny brass buttons.
"Are you done, my lord?" asked a servant dressed in a black vest, white shirt, and black pants.
"Uh, yeah," I said, looking at the empty plate sitting on the cloth-covered wooden table.
"Let me take that, sire." The servant removed the plate even as I sipped some fine wine.
And then the band played and everyone started dancing.
"Why don't you dance too?" asked Father. "That Barbara girl really suits you."
I looked around. Barbara was not in the ballroom.
"If you want to see the future," said Muriel. "Come see me."
"I suck at dancing," said Chamoro. "I keep getting my feet tangled."
"So you were the prince," said Rand. "But even so, I can't let you have Tania."
"I understand," I said.
"Brother," said Tania. "Or should I call you Prince?"
"Yes," I said.
"Thank you for what you've done."
"You take care," I said to the lady whom I lived with for a month.
I left the ballroom and went upstairs.
"This castle could use some repairs," said Hassan. "If you need assistance, just call me. I won't charge too much."
"Definitely," I said.
"I'm not exactly a party person," said Terry. "I came here to show respect. I'll be leaving soon. Tell my big sister for me."
"Sure," I replied.
"Your Highness, I knew you would fulfill your fate in taking down Deathtamoor," said Franco. "Please protect thisd kingdom as its king."
"With your help, I shall," I vowed.
I went upstairs. Barbara was standing alone in thew throne room.
"I don;t have a physical form in the real world," she said. "I will soon be gone. I want to say goodbye. Tell the others goodbye too."
"Goodbye, Barbara," I said. "You have been a great help to us."
I gave her a hug. Her color faded away. She turned into this faded, blurry figure.
"I won't forget you."
And she disappeared from this world.
ooooooooooooooooooo
A few months later, I was talking with my parents in the throne room.
"have you thought of becoming King yet?" asked Father.
"Oh no," I said. "I must prepare myself, gain the necessary experience."
"You are wise, my son."
"I'm going to Granmaz's to meet my friends," I said.
ooooooooooooooo
I traveled to Granmaz's place southeast of San Marino.
"We will wait here, my liege," said one of the guards assigned to my security detail, for show of course. A prince has to travel with a security detail for show, even a prince that took on the Dai Maou.
A figure in blue appeared.
"Hello, Terry," I said. "How are you doing?"
"I found something in the cave near Amoru," he said. He presented this hardcover book with a picture of a babble engraved upon it. "It's titled the Book of Babbles. It has information on how to become really fast and really resistant like a metal babble."
We went inside the house. Hassan, Muriel, and Chamoro were waiting, sitting before the crystal ball.
"Let us begin," said Muriel.
"What's this about?" asked Hassan.
"Be quiet," said Chamoro.
The image in the orb became focused, and we can see three people. One of them was King Zenith, and one of them was Barbara! They all stood around this egg, which I recognized on my first trip to Zenithia.
"It's time, isn't it?' asked Barbara.
"It's gonna hatch," said the eggkeeper.
"It's finally raised," said King Zenith. "Our future."
" I wonder what it will be like, our future...Oh! It's started to hatch!" said Barbara.
And then the egg hatched, the sign of a new era.