A/N: Hi everyone! Sorry it took so long for me to update! I had school and now am full time at work so, I'm still going to try to stick to the deadlines I set, but if I falter, don't worry, I won't send an author's note saying "I'm working on it" so every time the story is updated, it will be with a new chapter guaranteed, so please bear with me. Now for those who have been keeping up with the story, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Now we have a ways to go until the ending, and many events are going to take place that will probably pull on your heart strings. That being said, for those of you who would like to wait for the ending that, like I promise before, will be worth it in the end, then you can definitely come back when it's done so that the impact won't be so bad. For those who have a "Bring it on! I'm in for this story to the very end no matter what!" attitude, then first of all, Thank you, your patience will be rewarded greatly, but second, fair warning, there are going to be some serious…stuff…that will take place before the "Happily Ever After" ending. So just a fair warning. Okay, if you guys are ready for it, then please note the following chapters will have violent content. So here we go…

In life, I have learned that not only is it full of surprises, expectations, and wonders, but also that it has the tendency to merge all of those qualities and catch you off guard in an ambush. Sounds silly you say? Well you can't tell me that you've never had that feeling like someone's out to get you Bucko! Everyone has! But then again, I don't think anyone's ever stalked or has been stalked on a regular basis during childhood…Never mind, that's another story entirely…I guess I should start making a little more sense. But truth be told, I've been kind of on the fritz lately ever since my beloved left for San Lorenzo. Maybe it's just nerves? Criminy, I'm not for sure.

Helga stepped outside on her porch and sighed calmly as she took a sip of her morning coffee. With the twins being asleep, she finally had the chance to take in the morning as its sunlight graced her skin with its warmth. Before she could compliment the mood with a heartfelt poem she felt in the spur of the moment however, her ring tone sounded from the living room, making her rush inside full speed to answer it before the ring could repeat itself again. Knowing who it was from, she smiled as she now multitasked between turning up the volume of her cell phone and pouring herself another cup of coffee; not taking notice of the slight bruise on her arm she got from literally diving over the couch to answer the phone call. But considering who it was on the other line, she could care less as they said their greetings to each other. Once the introductions and passionate "I miss you's" were exchanged, the conversation continued.

"So you're basically halfway there?" Helga asked.

"Well if by halfway you mean I've just gotten off my first layover flight, then yeah I guess." Arnold answered on the other line, exhaustion clear in his voice.

"Wow, you sound tired."

"Yeah, jet lag is hitting me pretty hard. But I had to call to see how everyone was doing. How are the twins?"

"Sleep. And I'm taking advantage of every second so don't jinx this for me Bucko!" She scowled playfully.

He chucked lightly. "Wouldn't dream of it. Well I hope you don't mind me calling…again. I mean I know what we talked about and I know I kind of maybe overdid it again by calling you every time I hit a traffic light on the way to the airport, but…I just couldn't help it. I really miss you Helga. I miss you and the twins so much!"

"You haven't even gotten to San Lorenzo yet!" She scoffed with a laugh while shaking her head.

"I can't help it…You have that impact on me…" He smirked, lowering his voice.

"Why Football-Head, are you implying that you have an addiction problem of some sort?" She gasped playfully.

"Guilty as charged, Beautiful…"

"So you're saying I'm your poison then." She raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Ever since I was 3…In more ways than one…"

"Hey, watch it Bucko! Don't go making me actually want you now! Phone sex isn't really my style…Especially this early. What would the passengers think?"

"Since when do you care about what other people think?" He asked playfully.

"Mm. 'Got a point there. You're right. I don't give a sh**. But either way, I'm going to let you go so you can get some rest. You sound exhausted and it's bringing down my vibe geesh."

"Mm okay, guess you're right…So I guess it goes without saying how much you miss me?" Arnold smiled playfully.

"Oh just ever so much Paste for Brains. I'm practically dying over here…Nearly killed myself trying to answer my phone and everything…" Helga deadpanned.

"Way to boost my confidence, Helga." He chuckled while rolling his eyes. "Alright, I'll let you know when I make it to San Lorenzo. Until then, give my love to Phil and Hal for me."

"Will do Babe! Be careful."

"Alright. I love you, Angel."

"I Love you too, my Football Headed love god." She said lovingly.

"Ooh, you haven't used that nickname in a while! You do miss me don't you?" He gasped playfully.

"Eh, shut up and get some shut eye already, Geek bait."

"Whatever you say, Helga. Bye now." He laughed and hung up.

Once they finished the phone call, Helga finally noticed the dull pain of her arm throbbing. "Criminy what the heck did I do to my arm?" She noticed the spot turning a darker shade and went to put an ice pack on it. Once she realized how she got the bruise from her little stunt of diving over the couch, she shook her head. "Oh yeah. That's how. Well it's official. I'm a basket case!" She then heard the sound of faint crying and knew it was time to feed the kids.

"Wow, it's funny. I thought I would be relieved to have the Paste for Brains out of my hair for a while, and while the peace is nice, it's just not the same…I guess I miss him more than I thought I would…Oh Arnold! My Beloved!"

She took out her locket and began her monologue.

"How foolish was I to think for one moment that I could carry on even the slightest act of breathing without your presence. If only you could see how I long for you again! The place of sanctuary that we have deemed our bedroom was once an area of paradise with your loving arms around me, and is now yet a simple tool of providing me needed slumber. It is cold without you my Love! You complete me! My Dearest Arnold! Could it be that I was the hypocrite this entire time that you have showered me with your clinginess and long for it again?"

She paused for a moment recollecting all the moments when her husband refused to leave her side for even a second; particularly the moment when she was in the bathroom taking care of business.

"…Meh maybe it's just nerves." She shrugged and put the locket away in her shirt.

The crying upstairs grew louder.

"Alright! Alright already! Mommy's coming! Keep your diapers on!" She exclaimed, but then her eyes grew wide at that certain possibility…

"No seriously! Please! Keep your diapers on!"

She rushed up the stairs.

Later on that day

Helga sighed as she plopped unceremoniously on the couch. After a full day of the twins waking up and wanting nothing more than to run around the house all day in an attempt to pull Abner's curly tail, she was kept busy and she occupied the twins with optimal entertainment. Feeding them, reading them stories, finger painting, building block towers and knocking them over again, downloading fun learning apps on her phone, you name it. She gave them the works. After a final merciless diaper change and an encore of their favorite movie, the twins were finally out for the evening. The tired mother was also tempted to enter into a world of deep slumber, but she had a career to maintain, so grumbling multiple profanities, she grabbed her pink book where she kept all of her rough drafts and got to work on her newest edition.

Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't lie and say that she didn't enjoy the peaceful silence. Inspirations were hitting her left and right until soon enough, sleep was the last thing on her mind. Once she reviewed her work, she deemed her brainstorming process a huge success and decided to reward herself with a giant bowl of pork rinds and the WrestleMania special that sounded from her television. As she kicked up her fluffy pink slipper covered feet on the coffee table, she sighed in contentment.

"Aw man! Now THIS is the life! 'The hell was I blubberin' about earlier? Oh Arnold you complete me! Whatever will I do without your precious presence to encase me in your love?" She batted her eyelashes dramatically, mocking her earlier monologue. "Psh, well for one thing I'm able to put my kicks up without hearing, 'Oh Helga come on! I set my coffee there you know!' Yeesh! What a moron, what an overly goody-goody, I mean besides missing the amazing sex, I'm doing just fine without him!" She put her hands behind her head and smirked in satisfaction.

"Ah, yep! Nothing can ruin this moment for me!"

The doorbell rang.

"…The fu**?" She raised an eyebrow in confusion and irritation at the sudden disturbance.

Her scowl did not go unnoticed, but instead deepened at the sight of the entire female gang storming into her house the moment she opened the door. The ladies were all dressed to kill and were led by the one and only Rhonda Lloyd-Gammelthorpe who was carrying a bunch of shopping bags filled with gosh knows what…

"Helga Darling! I hope you're ready! There's no time to waste you know!" The fashionably dressed woman said cheerfully.

"The fu-?!"

"-You've been cooped up in this house for the past century! You need to get out! Now that your husband's gone we have so graciously decided to keep you company!" Rhonda explained. Phoebe looked sympathetically at her friend, while Patty just shook her head.

"Well, I don't know about a century, but it has been a while since we've hung out with you Helga! I guess motherhood will do that to ya huh?" Nadine smiled.

Helga blinked tiredly at them still trying to understand the disturbance of her peaceful evening.

"Okay. Again. What the fu** are you Chuckleheads going on about?!"

"Oh Helga! I know it must be just ever so hard without Arnold around! That must have been an oh so very difficult decision to let him go, but it was very honorable at the same time! We just want you to know that we're here for you! Especially me, my ever so wonderful cousin in law!" Lila gushed as she hugged Helga abruptly, not taking notice of the blonde's sudden eye twitching. She finally came to her sense and shoved Lila off of her roughly.

"Criminy! Will you get a grip already?! I was doing just dandy before you morons stormed in!" Helga crossed her arms, keeping her voice down as to not wake up the twins upstairs.

"Well nice to see that you're as cheery as ever Helga!" Beauty smirked.

"Oh, were we interrupting you from doing something important Helga?" Sheena asked.

"Oh of course not! No, I was just suffering in agony at the peaceful serenity of finally having time for myself after playing mommy of the year all day today, and painfully stomaching these crispy, crunchy pork rinds that I haven't enjoyed since conceiving twins, and flipping on the television, near tears at the special WrestleMania episode I've been waiting to see since forever…THAT I'M CURRENTLY MISSING BECAUSE OF YOU BOZOS! SO I'M JUST PEACHY!" Helga started out sarcastically only to nearly scream at the end.

"You poor thing! What an atrocious way to spend a night! Just the sound of it makes me cringe! What kind of friends would we be if we didn't fix that! No worries, I have just the cure!" Rhonda rushed and threw a shopping bag into Helga's arms.

Once again, the blonde tiredly blinked. "What the he** is this?"

"Your outfit for the night duh!" Rhonda rolled her eyes. "I swear you, Phoebe, and Patty make it so da** difficult! Ugh new mothers!"

"What is she going on about? And why is everyone dressed like a bunch of valley girl chicks from that 'Honest housewives' show I hate so much!" Helga scowled at Phoebe and Patty who shrugged helplessly.

"Don't look at us. We're pretty much victims like you are…" Patty droned as she tried to adjust her rather short length off the shoulder dress.

"It is evident that Rhonda took the time out to gather every female in our gang together for night festivities meant for the purpose of fellowship among females…I cannot explain the rather inappropriate clothing choices however." Phoebe sheepishly replied, while trying to walk properly in her rather high heeled sandals.

"That's right! So hurry up and get dressed Helga because we're having…." Rhonda started.

Helga's eyes widened in realization and horror. "Oh no..."

"A LADIES NIGHT OUT!" The girls all screamed in excitement.

"OH HE** NO! NO way! UH-UH! Count me out!" Helga exclaimed, raising her voice above the high pitched squeals.

"But Helga!" Lila whined.

"Aw come on!" Gloria joined in.

"Yeah, it's going to be so much fun!" Beauty chimed.

"No! I was doing just fine having my own ladies night out on my comfy sofa, TV, and junk food! I won't let you take that from me! Not after the day I've had!" Helga spat and flopped back down on her couch, crunching down on some pork rinds. Before she could watch her favorite fighter throw a fatal punch, the TV blacked out, and was suddenly blocked by the features of a curvy model-like physique, with hands on her hips.

Helga nearly exploded. "ON NO! YOU DID NOT JUST TOUCH MY TV! WHAT THE FU-?!"

"My deepest and sincere apologies Helga…I must have made my proposal sound like you actually had a say in the matter! My mistake for making it sound like you had a choice. Of course you don't." Rhonda stated politely, but smiled deviously as she snapped her fingers.

Phoebe and Patty watched as the ladies ganged up on the pajama cladded blonde.

"WHAT THE?! HEY! GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME! WHAT THE FU-"

"Aww! The twins are so cute Helga! I hope you don't mind me holding them for a little bit!" Lila cooed as she held the now very wide awake twins in her arms.

Helga poked her head out from the pile of women on top of her.

"OH MY GO-DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG IT TOOK FOR ME TO GET THEM ASLEEP?! HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING! LET GO OF ME! THIS IS AN AMBUSH!"

She was overtaken by the ladies once more, as her limbs struggled left and right to get away from their grasp.

But to no avail.

Meanwhile, Lila walked into a nearby room away from the screams and vulgar language that was spewing out of the blonde's mouth, the football headed twins nestled tightly in her arms.

"Hi there little ones! Can you say Auntie Lila?" Lila cooed at the twins who turned to look at each other then back at the red head and blinked at her cluelessly.

"Come on, you can do it! Say hi Auntie Liii-laaaa"

Phil continued to blink at the red head while Hal started to blubber.

"L-la la!" Hal blurted out innocently.

"Aw close! No, no, no, try it again. Liii-la" She cooed at them once more.

"La-la-la-la" Hal clapped and giggled playfully. Phil then pouted and folded his little arms. "No lala! Me sleepy! Me want down now!"

It was Lila's turn to blink.

Finally, after a few minutes and multiple death threats issued, Helga grumbled as she emerged from the pile dressed in a black halter dress secured at the waist with a shimmering pink belt. She nearly stumbled in the black high heeled boots as she stomped over to snatch the twins form Lila's grasp.

"Yay mommy!" The twins chorused as they hugged their mother.

"Mommy pwetty! Mommy pwetty!" Hal praised innocently.

Helga softened and smiled at her daughter. She kissed both of them on the foreheads and scowled at Rhonda.

"And just what am I supposed to do with these 2 now that you idiots woke them up? I can't just leave them alone, doi!"

"We'll drop them off with Jodi and Ethan at Phoebe's house where all the boys will watch them. Now let's hurry! Grab their stuff real quick and let's go! I'm sure it doesn't take but like 5 seconds to gather their belongings. Chop, chop! I have mani, pedis scheduled for us in the next 10 minutes!" Rhonda declared.

"Yeah, because any mother can pack a full diaper bag in less than 5 seconds…" Patty deadpanned.

"That's the spirit! I knew you ladies would see things my way! Now let's have some fun! We all deserve it!" Rhonda flipped her silky dark hair over her shoulder as the ladies left out the house to get in the limo.

Helga begrudgingly grabbed 2 diaper bags and started to load them with necessities while grumbling.

"Hmph! You don't deserve sh** except for my foot to be shoved far up your preppy, stupid a-…"

"HELGA! HURRY UP!" Rhonda shouted impatiently.

"I'M COMING! CRIMINY!" She yelled back, shoving a bunch of diapers into the bags, zipping them up, and grabbing the twins.

"So…I don't understand. What was so bad about having a ladies night out again?" A deep voice chuckled over the phone.

"What was so bad?! I'll tell you 'what was so bad' Football-Head! I was fu**ing ambushed! I mean the gang literally jumped me! Of course I could have taken them on, but I didn't want to wake up the twins. Apparently little Miss Susie sunshine from hell did that for me!" Helga grumbled as she drummed her lovely, yet not wanted, manicured nails on the table, as she waited for her husband to stop laughing.

"Shut up! It's not funny!" Helga growled.

"S-sorry! I was just picturing-ha-ha!" Arnold laughed.

"You know what screw you! You won't be laughing when Ol' Betsy gets shoved up your nose if you don't shut the fu** up!" Helga threatened.

"Okay. Okay. I'll stop. Ha-ha-promise." Arnold snickered, trying to calm down at the risk of his fuming wife.

A silence was heard. Helga sighed as she knew what was coming.

A snicker followed by a full outburst of laughter sounded over the phone.

"I'm going to hang up in your face now...Then when you get back, I'm going to punch it." Helga deadpanned.

"I-I'm sorry Honey! But in all honesty, I'm glad that you had the chance to get out of the house and hang out with the gang. You needed some fun time since I can't imagine how busy you've been with Philie and Halie." Arnold smiled.

"You're joking right? I'll have you know that I was having the time of my life just being in my PJ's, putting my kicks up on the coffee table, and gorging on a bowl of pork rinds and binge watching WrestleMania! And the kids were asleep too? I was practically in heaven! Then the chic lookin' she devil and her gang of demons dragged me out, kicking and screaming, to some section of hell known as the nail salon, where my hands were violated! UGH!" Helga exclaimed.

"I bet you look beautiful. I wish I could see." Her husband cooed.

"Don't you dare try to play suck up. You're still in trouble with me Bucko!" Helga scowled playfully.

"When am I ever not?" Arnold rolled his eyes with a smile. "Well would it lighten my punishment, if I told you I finally made it?"

"You're in San Lorenzo now?" Helga asked with excitement.

"Just arrived! I know I'll be escorted to the hidden city in a little bit. After that point…I won't be able to contact you until the ceremony is over, so that's why I was calling to let you know and to hear your voice one more time…" Arnold stated reluctantly.

"Eh, quit with the drama already Arnoldo. It won't be that long. I'm just glad you made it safely! We'll have plenty of time to talk when it's over…Especially when you come home…We'll do lots of talking then…" Helga said, her voice lowering into a sultry tone.

"Hmm…Sounds great…I can hardly wait." Arnold said, matching her tone.

"Do what you gotta do my Love. I'll talk to you soon." Helga said lovingly.

"Until then my Helga. Tell the kids I love them!" He replied lovingly.

"I wi-"

"Daddy! Daddy!"

"Daddy? Me want talk daddy!"

"-Aand I spoke too soon…Hold on Arnoldo, they're practically jumping up and down. Alright, Alright! Here he is! Calm down!"

Helga picked the twins up, set them in her lap, and gave them the phone.

"Hi daddy!" They chorused.

"Hi Philie! Hi Halie! How are my two favorite kids in the whole wide world? Have you been good for mommy?" Arnold cooed.

"Yes daddy!" they chorused once more as if they were perfect innocent little angels.

Helga scoffed but smiled as she shook her head.

"Good! Daddy misses you so much! I'm going to get you both something special when I come home!" He smiled.

"Pwesent?" Phil's bright blue eyes lit with excitement.

"Yay pwesent!" Hal cheered.

"But you have to keep being good okay? I need both of you to watch mommy and make sure she's being good too!" Arnold explained.

"Kay daddy!" The twins cheered in unison.

"That's my special little knight and brave little sunshine! Okay. Daddy has to get ready to go. But I'll talk to you soon! I love you both so much! I love all of you!" Arnold replied in a loving tone.

"We wuv you daddy!" Phil, Hal, and Helga chorused in sweet unison.

After getting off the phone, Arnold sighed, but smiled at the thought of how wonderful his family was. He couldn't wait to be back home again; but he knew he had something important to do. He took in the familiar features of the dense jungle scenery as he saw a small traveling car come towards his direction. Once the car stopped, he couldn't fully register who it was until he was grabbed into an abrupt embrace by a giggling woman, along with the sensation of a hearty pat on the back by a chuckling man.

It was then when Arnold realized it was his two very close and special friends that he made while living in San Lorenzo when he was 12; Maria and Roberto. Maria, though rather short, was very beautiful and intelligent. She was a real go getter and became fast friends with Arnold and Roberto despite certain family issues. Her uncle was Eduardo who used to be very close with Arnold's parents, but later betrayed them by selling them out and the Green Eyed Tribe's possessions to La Sombra. From then on, no one trusted anyone from his family and Maria was treated cruelly because of it; despite the fact that she was actually part of the Green Eyed Tribe as well. But it was Arnold who stood up for her and convinced everyone that it was unfair to hold such bitterness and prejudice perspectives against her since it wasn't her fault. Thanks to him. The Green eyes were convicted to give her a chance and she proved her worth as a translator, researcher, and ambassador for the tribe.

Roberto was special since he was an important member of the Green Eyed Tribe. Elder was actually Roberto's grandfather and since he saw how close Arnold had become to him, along with how they viewed the Football Headed individual, he wasted no time in becoming friends with him as well. It was a little bit of a rivalry between them however. Once Roberto met Maria, he was amazed at her beauty and was immediately smitten. Unfortunately, the caramel skinned beauty had her eyes on another person; one with a weird shaped head and who was quickly gaining favor with all of the Green Eyed Tribe. Although Arnold did not return the sentiment for that moment, considering how his heart seemingly belonged to another; one who was prophesied to be the fiery, yet tender hearted Guerra (warrior), he had once given her a chance when he was convinced that his beloved had moved on from a letter that Gerald sent him. At first things were going well between the two of them, but as much as she fell for Arnold, Arnold could not fool himself into believing what he felt was love, and broke it off before any real damage could be done. However, while Arnold eventually moved on and even reunited with his first love, Maria was still deeply attached to him and decided to love him from afar, deterring Roberto's hopes of her ever giving him a chance. Not that she knows how he feels anyways. So he too, had chosen to love from afar.

Yeah, things were rather complicated with the strangely matched trio, but they still managed to keep a strong bond of friendship despite it all.

"¡Arnold! ¡Es tan bueno verte! ¡No puedo creer que realmente estés aquí!" (It's so good to see you! I can't believe you're really here!) The woman cheered.

"Maria! Hola! (Hello) It's always good to see you! And Roberto is that really you?! I can't believe how long it's been!" Arnold replied, returning the embrace and reaching over to shake the man's hand.

"¡Si! ¡Parece que ha sido una eternidad!" (Yes, it seems like it's been forever!) Maria replied with a bright smile as she tightened the embrace.

""¡Hay, por todos los cielos, (for goodness sake), María! Let the man breathe! And lighten up on the Spanish, you know he has never been able to keep up!" Roberto shook his head and smirked at the woman.

Arnold gave a half-lidded look and smirked. "You haven't changed a bit have you Roberto?"

"I could say the same for you Arnold; or should I say the Chosen One." The caramel colored man bowed jokingly.

"Don't even! You know how weird that makes me feel!" Arnold playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"I know. That's why I did it." Roberto chuckled.

"Don't be an idiot Rob! He's a special guest here and we should show him the utmost respect!" Maria broke the embrace to punch Roberto in the shoulder.

"Sucking up again as always eh Maria?" Roberto teased.

Maria blushed as she shook her head vigorously. "What?! Of course not! I was just- and you were-I mean- Ugh! Eres un dolor en el trasero!" (You're a pain in the butt!)

Arnold watched the two with an amused expression on his face. His friends' accents were heavy in Spanish, but definable in English. But once they started to argue, it was a full out Spanish war.

Arnold cleared his throat over their bickering. "Well! Like I said, it's great to see you both again…I just wish it were under…better circumstances." His voice held a tone of sadness.

"Si. A mi también me gustaría... (Yes, I wish as well...)"Roberto sighed heavily as he thought about his deceased grandfather.

"I'm so sorry Roberto…And to you as well Arnold. I know how both of you were close to him…He was close to me too." Maria sniffed as she put a hand on Roberto's shoulder.

"Well, we shouldn't waste any time. Come, the tribe is waiting for our arrival in the city. Preparations have already been made for your brief overnight stay with us." Roberto stated formerly.

Arnold nodded in reply.

"Brief overnight stay?" Maria turned to Arnold. "The ceremony will start in a few moments, but the event is to last for 4 days total. You won't be joining us?"

Arnold shook his head. "I agreed to come down here to pay my respects and to represent my family who couldn't be here to honor Elder. But as far as my length of staying here, I wanted to make it as short as possible so I can get back to Helga, Hal, and Phil."

"Hal and Phil?" Maria raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"My son and daughter. I didn't tell you guys about them?" Arnold smiled at the thought of his children.

"No es possible! (No way) You had children Arnold? I heard rumors, but also that your wife nearly passed due to complications. I take it everything turned out successful yes?" Roberto asked.

"It was hell. There were multiple complications and Helga was in the worst pain, which made me go through the worst pain and feeling in the world. Just the thought of losing her…It was torture. But it turned out okay in the end. In fact, more than okay. I couldn't ask for a better family. Hal and Phil are the most devoted yet exciting and lovable pair of twins you'll ever meet." Arnold explained.

"Pictures! I must see pictures!" Maria squealed.

Arnold pulled out his phone and selected a slideshow of photos containing his twin children, his wife, and them altogether as a family in general.

"They're so beautiful!" Maria smiled tearfully. Of course she had to push down feelings of envy at how her love would never be requited, but she was just happy to love than to not feel anything at all.

"¡Estoy tan feliz por ti Arnold" (I'm so happy for you Arnold…) She quickly wiped a tear away from her eye before it could be spotted.

Roberto noticed, but didn't say a word.

"Well, I can clearly see and understand why you are in such a hurry to return back to the States. We should go now. The ceremony is to begin shortly." Roberto announced.

Arnold nodded, but then noticed Maria with her back turned. "Maria? Are you okay? Sorry…stupid question…Will you be okay is what I meant to say."

"Yes…It's just…it's just really hard for me right now that's all. Your wife is aware that all communication to the outside is to be prohibited until after the ceremony and we're out of the city right?"

"Yeah. Not to worry, she's already aware. She encouraged me to do whatever I need to do." Arnold replied somberly.

"Okay. Let us go now then." Maria nodded.

They entered into the car and travelled into the depths of the Jungle, not noticing the pair of dark eyes that watched their every move as the voice chuckled darkly.

"It is time…"

The ceremony was breathtaking. Jewels, spices, candles, and various flowers surrounded the casket of the deceased leader; even the La Corazon was present in its sacred case. The Green Eyed Tribe all gathered together to honor the man who led them for so long in peace and justice. Men, women, and children all gathered together in an appropriate order and showed their respects. All of the leaders and nobles of the Tribe were dressed in special robes, including Roberto. However, when Arnold entered the scene, he was unprepared at the reactions of joy despite the gloomy atmosphere of mourning. It was then when he realized just how much he meant to the people. He was touched, but it did not lessen the sorrow in his heart for his beloved mentor. Nonetheless, he fought the urge to cringe when he saw the entire tribe bow before him and chant his name. Maria performed her duties as translator for Arnold and vice versa as it was time for Arnold to give his version of a eulogy. Before he could begin, however, a scream sounded from the far back section of the gathering.

The warriors of the Green Eyed Tribe wasted no time in seeing what the commotion was about, their spears drawn and ready, but before they could investigate the disturbance, each guard suddenly fell to the ground in a pool of blood, as multiple bullets rang out.

Numerous screams rang out, people scattered left and right, and panic was becoming evident.

It was then when a multitude of dark cladded men with weapons marched in on the scene, their guns drawn and aimed. They blocked all entrances and exits and stood in an organized formation that would put marines to shame. Among the darkness that now invaded the city, emerged a man in a dark, long robe and hood with a sword strapped to his back. His eyes were hidden as if they blended into the shadows, but his crooked smile was clearly visible.

"What a beautiful party! How sad that we didn't get invited!" His voice was chilling, heavily Hispanic in tone, but spoke clear English: particularly perfecting the art of sarcasm.

By this time, the rest of the warriors, mainly injured, but still alive, hastily tried to hide the Chosen One in a location that would prove safe for the time being. But their efforts were futile as more shots rang out and Arnold ducked for cover behind Elder's casket.

"No matter. Luckily, I enjoy crashing a good party. It adds to the zest of the moment. Wouldn't you agree good sir?" He calmly asked a dying warrior, as he grabbed him by the throat and tightened his grip, ultimately finishing the job as the man gasped for his last breath.

"Hmph…No answer. How rude. Oh well." He shrugged and chuckled evilly.

""¡Basta de juegos! (Enough with the games!)" What do you want from us follower of La Sombra?!" Roberto viciously spat as he stood valiantly from his position.

""¡Roberto! ¿¡Estás demente-loco!? ¡Baja ahora! (Are you crazy?! Get down now!)" Maria whispered violently as she tugged on Roberto's long robes as she crouched down beneath him.

"Ah yes…Look at you young Roberto, acting all high and mighty. I guess it's warranted seeing how you are the new ruler of the sacred Green Eyed Tribe. So sad that the old man kicked the bucket so early…I personally wanted to send him to hell much faster by myself…" The dark cladded man cackled.

"¡Cállate! ¡Maldito!-¡Bastardo! ¿¡Cómo te atreves!? ¡No lo deshonrrarás-humillarás-irrespetarás aquí! (SHUT UP! BASTARD! HOW DARE YOU?! WE WILL NOT DISRESPECT HIM HERE!)"Roberto then grabbed a spear from a fallen soldier and charged at the shadow like man.

He didn't get very far.

The breath was knocked out of him as one of the shadow soldiers punched him harshly in the abdomen and threw him violently to the ground, kicking him in his side repeatedly, and taking the spear and stabbing his hand.

"Roberto!" Maria and Arnold cried out as they heard Roberto's painful cries.

The dark cladded shadow man's smile grew wider.

"So, he is here…"

He put up a single hand, signifying the shadow guard to stop his torturing method on the new Green Eyed leader.

The guard mercilessly yanked the spear out of Roberto's hand.

Arnold cringed at the results. Wanting nothing more than to do something, but the rest of the soldiers and even civilians were hell bent on keeping him safe, and blocked him off completely.

"I agree. We should get down to business. Here is the deal. As you know, the followers of La Sombra have been rather anxious about their latest defeated endeavors on securing the capture of the La Corazon…And I am certain that there are many other treasures that can prove worth their while. But while they are after materialistic pleasures, I seek a different kind…A symbolic specific type that has been proven beyond precious to your people…"

"What makes you think….that we will give you anything of ours?!" Roberto spat in defiance, heavily breathing at the excruciating pain from his hand and from extensive blood loss.

"Because if you don't, my guards will shoot every single one of your people to where you will be known as extinct in the next few seconds." The man shrugged simply.

"And I'm sure we don't want that now do we? After all you-"

A baby's cry interrupted his threat. The dark cladded man pointed behind him without turning around, and the gun shots rang out once more, causing the entire civilization of women to cry in agony at the sudden deaths of their little ones.

"Sorry. I got interrupted; hate when that happens. Anyways, as I was saying, for such a small civilization that is barely even known to exist except to a chosen few, I think it would be rather dishonorable to have an endangered status so soon…And before you assume that I am bluffing, I'd like to make something perfectly clear. I don't bluff. The problems with villains and so called bad guys is that they maintain their humanity; opting for mercy and fulfilling last requests, when they could simply finish the job and have what they acquire. I am not one to waste time. So I shall only repeat myself once. Does everyone understand?"

The tribe was paralyzed in fear.

"I'll take that as a yes." He smirked.

"What is it that you want from us?" Roberto begrudgingly relented.

He pointed at the row of shadow guards. "Well they all just want the pretty and sparkly jewelry. However, I am no follower. I mean come now, why follow someone who is dead? No, my mission is rather…personal. I want the Chosen One; the one with the weird shaped head. I believe they refer to him as Arnold."

The civilization gasped, while Arnold's eyes widened; not just in fear, but in confusion of why he would be considered anything of significance to this lunatic. The tribe members that were keeping him hidden, quickly gathered around him to shield him, ready to give up their lives before ever delivering Arnold into the terrorist's hands.

Roberto looked up coldly to the dark cladded robed man. "No hay acuerdo." (No deal.)

The dark robed man just nodded. "You have no one to blame but yourself then." He snapped his fingers and the guards grabbed a bunch of innocent civilians and shot them one by one.

The massacre was ongoing.

It was horrific.

It just kept repeating.

Shot after shot.

Plead after plead.

Cry after cry.

Was it worth it?

He certainly didn't think so.

"STOP!" A voice shouted.

The terrified yet determined Green Eyed people, including Maria looked around frantically for the one they were protecting, only to find him gone form their grasp, and out in the open, staring down the merciless terrorist in a fierce anger.

"If it's me you want, then fine. But let everyone else go! You do, and I'll go with you to wherever. Just let everyone else live! Deja a mi pueblo!-Deja a mi gente en paz! (Leave my people alone!)"

"We have a deal. That is all I wanted in the first place." The dark cladded man smiled. He put a single hand up once more, and all of the guards released the captive civilians. They quickly grabbed rope and bound Arnold up, escorting him away.

His friends looked helplessly at him, but Arnold just nodded, trying to reassure them that he would be fine, and to get help as soon as possible.

"Oh and Robbie Mi amigo, (my friend) just so you know, there are plenty more of us around. The reason why they could not be here to join in on the fun is because they have been too busy conquering this city and the communications on the outside and pretty much this entire territory. We run and monitor everything now. So if even a word or rumor of this capture or any retaliation methods are breathed and we catch it, we will finish the job, and believe me when I say that our guns will not be the tools used to ensure all of the casualties that will be taking place. So, mums the word okay?"

He signaled the guard to shoot one more innocent civilian for emphasis; then turned back with a respectful bow.

"Pleasure doing business with you all! Until next time. I do so love a good ambush don't you?" With one wicked grin, he turned and left with his guards.