Chrono Corruption
Act 3: Origin of the Flame
Chapter 14: Return of the King
*Middle Ages, 605 A.D. Guardia Forest*
"Master Glenn, Master Glenn, I have finished my daily routine! Is there any more work to be done?" asked a purple spiky-haired pre-teen. He wore an orange scarf, a white tunic with black tights, yellow boots and gloves, a black belt with a gold buckle, and a bronze short sword and a wooden shield on his back.
A man emerged from the brush and swept his long green hair from his eyes. It was kept in a loose ponytail. "Ah, Tata, you have finished so soon? You will make a great Squire!" praised Glenn. Glenn wore a dark green cape, a bronze breastplate, white britches, a belt with his scabbard fixed to it, a bronze shield, and blue gloves and boots.
"Thank you, Master Glenn! I will become a great knight and carry on your legacy!" Tata said as he kneeled respectfully.
"Tata, you have improved so much since you came to me last year. However, you have a long way to go as of yet," Glenn explained.
"Yes, Master Glenn, so are we to return to the castle now?" Tata asked curiously as he rose.
"Yes, I believe that would be best," Glenn said with a grin.
On the way back, Tata witnessed many frogs moving through the forest. "Master Glenn, has there not been more frogs as of late? Has their population increased so much?"
"You may be onto something Tata. The rain has been plentiful this year, so perhaps their food source has also multiplied," Glenn deduced.
"Master Glenn..., do you... ever miss being a frog-like being?" Tata asked reluctantly.
Glenn paused as he gazed into the sky as it quickly began to cloud up, "Would you believe me if I said that there are some things I do miss about it? However, returning to my original form... is like sleeping in one's own bed after a long journey. I had good times as a frog as well as bad and those are irreplaceable memories, but given a choice, I would never return to the form of a frog!" he laughed.
"I would not either Master Glenn!" laughed Tata alongside him.
*Castle Guardia, Throne Room*
King Guardia sat at his throne adjusting his long red robe, while his wife, uncanny to Marle, sat next to him fanning herself to keep cool. Glenn and Tata kneeled before them, "The boy's training is completed for today, your Majesty!" Glenn said strongly.
"Ah, good news Sir Glenn, you may rest for the remainder of the day," King Guardia said relieving them.
"Oh, and Sir Glenn, might you do me one small favor?" Queen Leene asked attempting to keep her irritation to herself.
"Certainly, what would you have of me, your Majesty?" Glenn asked politely.
"Might you go to the kitchen and get me a bowl of the new Frog Stew that is being prepared? I wish to try it," Queen Leene asked hungrily.
"Yes, your Majesty, right away. Come, Tata, let us go," Glenn said as he excused himself and Tata.
Down in the kitchen, many Guardian Knights of all ranks sat at the wooden tables munching on the new recipe. Save for one, of course, who lies in the corner complaining of hunger. A maid came and delivered his food and he became ecstatic. A maid approached Glenn, "If you are waiting for the Frog Stew, it'll be a while...," she sighed from overwork.
"Not for me, the Queen demands a portion!" Glenn said strongly. "Tata, take a seat and make yourself comfortable. I will tend to the Queen."
"Aren't you going to eat, Master?" Tata asked curiously.
"Yes, but..., frog meat is not to my tastes. You understand...?" Glenn said trying to hold back his disgust.
"Oh right, what manner am I thinking?! Of course, it would not be to your palette!" Tata said as he cheerfully secured a seat amongst the knights, who offered him high respect.
The maid returned posthaste with a decorative bowl and the best-prepared stew they had to offer. He took it and made his way back to the Queen. Upon his arrival, Glenn gracefully handed Queen Leene the stew. She began to eat it politely, "Mmm, this is simply divine! Thank you Sir Glenn for your kindness. I know a dish like this must trouble you somewhat..."
"Not at all my Queen, but if I may, I wish to take my leave," Glenn asked politely.
"As you wish Glenn, you are dismissed," Queen Leene said with a content smile.
*Later that Evening*
Glenn opened his eyes to a loud castle. He awoke in his quarters to find it still in the middle of the night. The loud noise that could be heard, was the audible croaking of frogs, to his dismay. "Something is amiss," Glenn said to himself as he sensed something wrong. He leaped from his bed and when he placed his feet on the stone floor, he noticed a creepy sight. Frogs, hundreds of frogs, lined the entire room, all croaking a song. "What madness is this?!" Glenn said in horror.
His horror had only begun as he heard the footsteps come down the stairs. He gazed slowly behind him and he froze in fear. Tata stood before him transformed into a humanoid frog, like he, himself used to be, but he was purple instead of green. He reached for Glenn, "Ma...ster... Gle...nn, w-what has... happened to me...?" Tata croaked.
"TATA!" Glenn shrieked. Who has done this?! What is happening?!"
"The Queen... go to her... everyone... is a frog...!" he croaked.
"Stay here, I will see to this!" Glenn said as he grabbed his fabled sword and a round bronze shield.
As Glenn neared the large wooden doors to the throne room, he paused and swallowed hard, fearful of what he would see. He opened them slowly, hoping no one would notice, but to no avail. A bellowing voice could be heard, "Ah, someone enters, come here would you?"
Glenn's memory had been triggered, "That voice! It is none other than...!" he thought as he approached the throne. "The Frog King!"
A massively obese frog monster sat upon the throne. It wore a red cape and even had a big golden crown on its head. "Ah, Sir Glenn! What a pleasure! My, have you grown since I last saw you! Although, why aren't you a frog right now? I was sure everyone ate my food. Oh well, it does not matter much. I'll just feed you to my new Queen! Have you met?" he grinned widely.
Torches lit up a massive figure next to him, surely enough the horrid sight brought Glenn to his knees. Queen Leene had been transformed into an amphibious being that resembled the Frog King himself. She was even larger than he was and only retained a few human features, such as her blue eyes and long golden ponytail. Her body was smooth and slimy. The green color was rich and vibrant. "Ah, Sir Glenn, so good of you to have come! I was feeling a tad peckish, but I think you'll do!" she said as she opened her mouth.
A huge red tongue emerged, but the Frog King stopped her in a disciplinary way, "Hey, stop that! I swear, women right? They're always so cute when you first marry them! Then they just let themselves go!" he said in a comical tone.
Glenn's fear finally gave way to anger, "What is all this?" he said gnashing his teeth.
"Oh, have you forgotten? I swore revenge on you after that Nirvana Strike or whatever it was called, that your Master Cyrus hit me with! I was so angry that I decided to get revenge on the whole lot of you! So after I recovered I retreated into the depths of the swamplands and brushed up on some old Fiend magic! I noticed you people began eating my precious frogs when our numbers became great, so I snuck some 'special' ingredients into the latest batch of stew! I must say, it was so easy to take over! Why did the old Fiendlord not take this tactic into consideration? I may be more dangerous than even him now!" he laughed triumphantly.
The room then flooded with hypnotized Frog Knights that resembled himself as he did long ago, "This be a nightmare...," Glenn said, his breathing irregular.
"Oh no, Glenn, this is no dream, this is REALITY!" he bellowed as Glenn drew his sword expecting a fight. Unfortunately, he was yet again stricken with horror. His fabled blade, the Grandleon, was replaced with but a mere bronze sword. "Missing something?" the Frog King said with a laugh. Glenn sheathed the bronze sword and he retreated. He was followed by the Frog Knights like they were zombies and Queen Leene cried for him to return as she was still hungry. He was nearly stopped on his way out of the castle but managed to escape. He then made his way down the grand stairs that led to the castle itself from the Guardia Forest.
Glenn decided to take refuge deep in the Guardia Forest as it would be too easy for him to be found in a village if the people of the village had met the same fate. He managed to find a grotto, not unlike the one he had lived in while he was a frog in the Cursed Woods all the way in Porre. A trip to Porre was impossible under the current circumstances. All he could do was bide his time and hope some resistance would form against the Frog King.
*Three Days Pass*
Glenn wandered the depths of Guardia Forest, surviving off of spring water and forest mushrooms and vegetables. He could constantly hear the eerie croaking of the frogs as if it were some style of worship. As Glenn hid in the treetops he witnessed a group of knights carrying torches through the forest. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that they were still human. Feeling desperate, Glenn leaped from the tree and landed in front of them. Startled, they went on the defensive, "Who goes there?!" said the leading knight.
Glenn threw back his hood, "It is I, Glenn!" he whispered loudly.
The Knights dropped their guard in relief, "Oh thank the heavens! The Hero of Guardia is still with us! Quickly, you must come with us, outside the forest to the Guardia Plains! Small camps have been set up for preparation against the Frog King!"
"Is the King still around? Is he safe?" Glenn asked with hope.
"Yes, he is with us! It is a miracle that he escaped!" explained the knight.
And it was so, the Knights successfully escorted Glenn out of Guardia Forest and into the country's great plains. All across the plains, he could see torches lit at small campsites. The knights took him into the camps to find the King. Glenn was taken to a large tent far into the fields. When he entered the King looked upon his face and he nearly wept in relief. "Oh, Sir Glenn! How wonderful that you are still with us!" he said.
"Your Majesty, I am glad to see you as well!" Glenn said, also in relief. "What has transpired since I had been hiding?"
The King cleared his throat and began in a more serious tone, "As you know, my wife was taken from me. She has been turned into a massive amphibious creature that is now called, 'The Frog Queen'. Other than this, we don't know much, as the knights that have transformed also prevent direct entry into the forest. We have been attempting to gather information regarding the matter, but so far, nothing of value has risen. This a bad time for the Knight Captain to away..."
"Then allow me to take his place!" Glenn asked strongly, with fierce valor.
"I was hoping you would! You will make a fine substitute!" the King said with flattery.
As Glenn and the King spoke, two knights outside the tent could be heard struggling with someone as they approached. They entered with a small purple, humanoid frog monster. The creature spoke, "Put me down! I'm not with them! I am the squire of Sir Glenn, Tata!" pleaded the monster.
"Tata! Please release the boy, he is with me!" Glenn pleaded.
Tata was released and he came to Glenn on his knees, "Master Glenn! I am so glad you are here! You can beat the Frog King and lift the curse! I know you can!"
"Yes Tata, I fully intend to do so, but I will need my sword, the one that defeated the Fiendlord Magus, the Grandleon!" Glenn claimed. "The Frog King's minions stole it from me in my rest!"
"The Grandleon! I tried to get it, but I was too scared..., but I know where it is!" Tata said ecstatically.
"You have seen it?!" Glenn asked bewildered.
"The Frog King's minions took it and have been using it to execute prisoners! It is drenched in the blood of the innocent!" Tata claimed. "At this rate, your sword may become corrupt!"
"...No..., I must not allow the Frog King to do as he pleases!" Glenn said with a clenched fist.
"Oh! I'm not sure if it is important or not, but I heard the Frog King saying something about a 'Frozen Flame' and how the Guardians used it to become the leading nation of the world. I'm not sure what it means, but they are also hoping to find it as well," Tata claimed.
The King went pale in the face, "The Frozen Flame? How does he know of such a legend?"
Glenn seemed confused, "What is this thing? A weapon? A treasure?"
The King seemed lost in thought as he gathered himself. He then excused everyone else other than Glenn and Tata from his presence. "It is a strange tale, but I shall share it. It was supposed to have been kept a long-dead secret, but it continues to haunt us. The Frozen Flame was a power source that we supposedly found some six hundred years ago and its presence helped us create the kingdom. There was a long war between the nations that would become the four large ones they are today. Guardia, Porre, Medina and Choras. With Guardia at the head of the chain. Many tribes banded together to become part of one of these four nations. With the Flame, we supposedly had the upper hand over them. This is all that I know, as much of it is lost to history. I doubted the Flame's existence because I chose to believe that the Goddess of Fate simply chose Guardia to lead," the King explained.
"So if this Frozen Flame exists we should lay claim to it before the Frog King...," Glenn said, determined. "Your Majesty, do you know of any place it may be hidden?"
The King pondered as he scratched his scruffy brown beard. "If it is here in the Kingdom, then it would probably be in the catacombs beneath the castle..."
Glenn blinked his eyes, "This is the first time I've heard of this. Castle Guardia has catacombs beneath it?"
"Yes, but they were sealed off, centuries ago. Not a soul has been down there and for good reason," the King warned.
"...And, what reason is that...?" Tata asked with a shiver.
"Well, two reasons actually. One; the place is a winding labyrinth and it is easy to get lost, and two; it is said to be haunted by the souls that Guardia defeated to establish ourselves. So, it is without a doubt a frightening endeavor," the King explained fearfully.
"I think for now I should focus on reclaiming the Grandleon. With it, I can slay the Frog King!" Glenn said strongly. "Tata, do you know exactly where the sword is?"
"Yep, it's in the kitchen. As I said it's being used to hack up prisoners and...," Tata began growing fearful and he started to weep. "...and they are feeding the parts to... the Frog King," he choked.
Glenn and the King were in horror, "What kind of abomination is this?!" Glenn said as the King nearly went into a state of shock.
"Do you hear the frogs praying through the forest? Every so often a deep gurgling sound is heard along with it?" Tata asked sniffling.
Glenn took a moment to focus his hearing and sure enough, a deep bellowing growl could be heard amongst the frog's croaking chant, "Yes, I hear it, it is faint, but there," he said.
"That's Queen Leene's belly..., they... feed her everything they can! She's always hungry!" Tata said trying not to choke up again. "Even... people... she is like a bullfrog... she will eat anything! Even other frogs!"
"This is madness...!" the King said. "What are they even chanting for?"
"I think... it is a chant of victory...," Tata said with a sniff. "Or maybe a prayer for rain."
"Tata, how did you escape, knowing all these things? If the others are controlled, why were you not?" Glenn asked curiously.
Tata sniffed, "I am a child, not a knight... The Frog King only wanted the Queen, her Knights, and servants. Anyone else... would become food..."
"Your Majesty, do you have any plan yet to get me into the castle undetected?" Glenn asked desperately.
"Not yet, but the spies are working on it. For now, get some rest, Glenn. We hope to have something come the dawn," ordered the King.
Glenn reluctantly agreed, "Y-yes, your Majesty." With that, both he and Tata turned in for the night.
*Dawn*
The dawn came and with it, rain. The King entered the tent that Glenn and Tata had taken refuge in for the night. "Sir Glenn, rise, for we have a plan!" he said strongly.
Glenn rose with little sleep, "Finally, I was not able to sleep! What should I do, Your Majesty?"
"Truce Canyon has our answer," the King started. "There, you will find a secret entrance into the catacombs beneath the castle."
"We enter through the back door? Splendid, I shall ready myself immediately!" Glenn said wholeheartedly.
As he got to his feet he felt a tug on his cape, Tata gazed at him, "What shall I do, Master Glenn?"
Glenn gave the notion some thought, "You are still very young, but you have proven yourself the youngest person to nearly become a squire since myself. I would feel safe if you remained here, but if you came with me and we succeeded, then Knighthood would assuredly be in your future. So, one of the first principles I will teach you is that a man makes his own decisions. Do you want to come with me, Tata? It is acceptable if you do not, Knighthood will not be out of your reach if you stay here and I will not place it against you. Give this some thought as I consult more with the King and get ready for battle."
Tata dipped his head in thought, "Yes, Mater Glenn..."
*Later*
Glenn stood around a set of council members that replaced the Knights of the Square Table as the original members and their Captain was away on a journey. The King himself led them. Glenn was equipped with the finest Bronze Edge, Shield, Breastplate, Legguards, and Gauntlets. This full set of armor was known as the 'Bronzed Hero' set. His Hero Medal shined brilliantly as it clung to his breastplate. "Shall we go over the plan again for clarity?" asked the King.
"Yes, please do," Glenn agreed.
King Guardia read the plan from a parchment, "So then, you will cut through Truce Village and make your way to the Canyon. There, you will follow the river until it takes you deep into the Guardia Forest. You will see the castle looming above you at all times and you are to travel through the forest while approaching the castle. Eventually, you will hit the cliffs the castle is built upon. From there, you will need to find a cave entrance. You will find it due to the wooden portcullis blocking it. This will take you into the catacombs," he said as he gazed at Glenn. "Be brave Sir Glenn, I know you can do it!"
"Yes, your Majesty!" Glenn said as the King dismissed him.
As he turned to leave the Knights saluted his leave with their swords held high, Tata approached Glenn. "Sir Glenn! I wish to accompany you! I have given this much thought and I believe that I would rather risk battle and death as I am than sit and cower!"
Glenn closed his eyes in thought, but then spoke, "Tata, you have been dealt such a poor hand and I know your feelings perfectly well. I would like you to stay, but no matter what I say, you would follow regardless." Glenn smiled with a chuckle, "...You are braver than I was when I was that age... So follow me if you wish lad, I swear to protect you with my very life!"
Tata knelt in appreciation, "Yes, Sir Glenn! Thank you for this honor!" shouted the boy as he picked up his copper short sword and wooden shield.
"Then let us go, we shall arrive at Truce Village by dusk," Glenn said with Tata following close behind.
*Truce Village*
And it was so, Glenn and Tata reached the outskirts of Truce Village upon the fall of Twilight. The village was in an almost comical state of disarray. Dancing frogs harassed the townsfolk with their pranks as they ran wild. The amphibians did as they pleased. They started fires, jumped on people, ate their food, and made themselves at home as they sang. Glenn and Tata were furious at the sight. Glenn knelt down to Tata, "Tata, we must help the townspeople! For your first task at hand I want you to slay at least twenty frogs in the town as we pass through!" he whispered strongly.
With silent haste, Glenn and Tata entered the village and began to slay the frogs. One by one they fell before them. The people cheered as they were inspired to fight back themselves. Tata remembered his master's teachings and quickly gained hold of his new form. He slew frog after frog, poisonous and non-poisonous. Both he and Glenn slew them without mercy with Tata counting all the way. They easily made their way to the center of town and the frogs began to retreat. A silence fell over the town as the frogs were being driven back. Tata turned to Glenn, "That is twenty frogs, Master Glenn!" he said proudly as he sheathed his blade.
"Good work, lad! Now, while they are in the midst of confusion, let us head toward the canyon!" Glenn instructed strongly.
"Yes, Master Glenn!" Tata followed bravely.
As the amphibians were caught up in their confusion, Glenn and Tata broke through the village in a hurry and vanished into the canyon's brush near the stream.
As they trekked deeper into the canyon, they noticed the frog's presence dwindle quickly to nothing. Imps and Roundillos were the only presence known the further they went. They fought off the thieving Imps and scattered the Roundillos until the locals left them alone entirely and allowed them to enter into a hidden forest path. The forest here was thick and silent. The wind did not even reach this part of Guardia Forest. "Are you ready Tata? Do not let your guard down, for we do not know what lies within," warned Glenn.
"Yes, Master Glenn," Tata said with a tight grip on his sword hilt.
With that, they entered quietly and took in their surroundings. Indeed, the forest was dark and lush. Only small rays of light from the thick canopy made it through. There were taller trees here than elsewhere in the forest. When there was a break in the canopy, the castle could be seen looming in the twilight. Navigating this area proved difficult as many pathways resembled each other. The darkness of the night crept steadily closer as they came to dead end after dead end. Owls cooed in the branches above as it was time for them to awake. Then finally, at long last, Glenn and Tata arrived at the edge of the forest and were met with a steep cliff. Atop the cliff, the castle could be seen. "Now, we must find the entrance to the catacombs along this rocky wall," Glenn said as he was suddenly stopped by the echo of a light moan.
Glenn turned his attention to the source of the moan. A shadowy human figure shambled about making clanking noises as it lumbered toward them. The figure came into view and it was revealed to be an animated skeleton with deep hateful fire in its eye sockets. "Beware, Tata! Glenn shouted as he raised his shield to block the skeleton's scythe-like arms. Tata withdrew as Glenn took down the ghoul with one critical strike.
The skeletal apparition lies motionless on the ground all broken and defeated. "Master Glenn! It is true, the place is cursed!" Tata shivered.
Glenn inspected the skeleton closely and found it stranger than he had hoped. "These bones... are not animated by hate and sorrow alone... See how the bones themselves are twisted from their original human shape?" he said pulling back its hood, revealing a misshapen and inhuman skull. "Even the bones don't match those of a man. These arms are blades like a scythe and many are different sizes. Someone put this monster together like this. This is the work of Fiendish magics. Is someone making these abominations?" Glenn asked himself out loud.
"Is this like the ones you saw in the keep of the Fiendlord?" Tata asked nervously.
"Yes, this is no mere haunting. There is necromancy afoot, let us hope it does not await us in the catacombs!" Glenn said with worry.
Tata swallowed hard but they pressed on and easily found the entrance to the catacombs. The wooden portcullis had rotted away over time leaving only bits and pieces of itself behind.
"Shall we lad?" Glenn asked with a smile.
"Yes, Master Glenn, there is no turning back now!" Tata said growing nervous.
They entered cautiously, grabbing and lighting a torch as they did so. The passageways were tight and confining. Glenn was on high alert as he listened to faint moans. Tata followed close behind while occasionally looking back to make sure they were not snuck upon. Left, right, straight ahead, they took all these paths finding dead ends and odds and ends. Inscriptions were written on the walls of cracked stone. "Tata, look, arrows are inscribed here. I wonder where they may lead...," Glenn said as he inspected the wall.
"I hope that it is not a trap," Tata shivered. "The moans are getting louder..."
"Indeed, this is a place stained with blood," Glenn said staying alert.
They turned another right and saw a light, "Master Glenn, is someone there?" Tata asked nervously.
"We shall see," Glenn said as they approached quietly. Glenn poked his head around and a large rectangular room was set before them. It was constructed like a mausoleum with piles of bones lining the walls under stone archways. Torches lined the walls and the light of the ghostly blue flame touched every corner of the room. Skeletons lie on the floor as strange frogs they had never seen before danced about singing a weird deep song.
"Master Glenn, what has befallen these frogs? I can smell a revolting scent from here!" Tata whispered loudly.
"They are afflicted with undeath... Their skin is stricken with rot!" Glenn deduced.
"Undead frogs? Is there more to the Frog King's invasion than we know?" Tata asked worriedly.
"It would appear so," Glenn stated. "Nevertheless, we must not allow these blight-stricken amphibians to leave this place! So, on the count of three, we charge and attack the ones in this room!"
"O-okay, I am ready!" Tata said with sword and shield in hand.
"One... two... and three!" Glenn said with a battle cry as they turned the corner in a rush.
The skeletons sprang to life and the zombified frogs took notice immediately. The skeletons approached in a defensive stance like any well-trained knight and the frogs outstretched their gooey tongues. Glenn and Tata fought back with valor, their surprise attack benefitting them well as they smashed the skeletons and cut through the mushy frogs. They let not one escape the room. "That was intense! My heart still pounds!" Tata said breathing heavily.
"That is because undead beings reveal no sign of exhaustion! They simply keep coming even when body parts fall off!" Glenn stated as he sheathed his blade.
The duo took the time to search the room and found several rooms connected to it. The rooms contained coffins, some empty and others sealed. Glenn found leftover treasures and equipment left in the crypts. They then left these rooms and ventured deeper into the catacombs and began hearing the moaning again. Following the moans through the seemingly endless corridors and tunnels, they eventually came to a large open space. Heavily polluted water lies in ankle-deep puddles around the place. Undead frogs croaked while bathing in the putrified puddles and skeletons stood overlooking them. Just like before, Glenn had instructed and readied Tata and they assaulted the blighted beasts, destroying them one by one until none remained. They avoided the waters and pressed on, pursuing more moans.
After another long maze of dead ends in the darkness, they came to a large room. They peered inside and bore witness to an altar with a strange red glowing object being examined by an individual in a full-body cloak and hood. This individual was surrounded by the undead, who seemed to obey him. The room was also filled to the brim with various torture and execution devices. Glenn whispered to Tata, "Look, that must be the Lich causing these cadavers to rise!"
"A Lich is a sorcerer, right?" Tata asked.
"Yes, once we slay the cad, this spell will be broken!" Glenn confirmed. "Let us proceed!"
Tata nodded with a hard swallow as Glenn bravely entered the room. The Lich turned immediately and gazed at them, its skull burning with hatred for the living and its eye sockets gleaming with crimson light. The Lich pointed its finger toward Glenn and all the monsters turned their gaze to them. With a wave of the sorcerer's hand, the undead gave a war cry and began to attack. Glenn and Tata backed slowly to allow only a few to attack them at a time so they could properly deal with their numbers. With Glenn's skill in sword arts, they quickly dispatched the angry undead leaving only an irritated Lich. The sorcerer spoke, "We will have our revenge, Guardian!" said the Lich through gnashed teeth.
"You do not belong here! The dead should not walk among the living!" Glenn said as took a special stance and water magically surrounded his feet. "I shall cleanse this abomination with water, Bubble Burst!" Glenn prayed as he cast forth a large bubble with many smaller bubbles inside. The spell encapsulated the wizard and it burst like a bomb, showering the ground with water. The Lich lies in pieces on the ground.
Then the object it was inspecting upon the altar levitated and glowed with a menacing crimson light. It opened and took the shape of a still red flame. "That must be the 'Frozen Flame' the King talked about!" Tata said astonished.
A voice came from the flame, "Ah, you must be the Frogman after reclaiming his human form!" mocked the familiar voice. "And your apprentice now has the curse? How ironic!"
Glenn's memories flooded back to him upon hearing the voice. "No, it cannot be. You, the callous fool that was placed as General of Zeal? I thought you to be dead, or worse! How is it that you still live?" he asked bewildered.
"Fool? Me? I have attained immortality! I am one with this splinter of the mighty Lavos! And you? Still a lowly knight even after getting back your form! You don't even seem to have your 'Ruby Knife' with you anymore! What happened? Did you lose it gambling with drunks? Or perhaps, just maybe, these frogs took it! How deliciously ironic!" Dalton laughed heartily.
Glenn became angry, but still controlled his temperament, "So this ugly jewel is a part of that vile beast? I should feel horrid that it was through that monster's power that allowed us to rise as a kingdom, but I shall sort those feelings another day. You, however, have gone the same way the Queen of Zeal has gone. Drunk off of a false God's power! I shall destroy it and you!" Glenn said as he brought down his sword on the Flame.
"No, why do all of you idiots try that?! You can't destroy the Frozen Flame with such a measly weapon!" Dalton chastised as the power of the Flame repelled Glenn.
Glenn lay on the ground his blood veins glowing through his skin, "What is this foolery? What has happened to me?!"
Dalton's anger rose as he gave a strong shout, "Not you too! Why won't the Flame give ME this power?! I will figure this out! But first, I like the events I see unfolding here! Your kingdom is besieged by amphibians. The undead lurk beneath your very feet. I will punish ALL who oppose me!"
The Lich from before rose again. This time it chanted a spell that caused all the extra flesh and bone that was leftover from the enemies they had faced to come to it and merge with it. The already grotesque creature morphed into an even more hideous form. It had become a dark blue, slimy blob-like worm with a huge gaping maw and yellow glowing eyes. It filled the room with death's odor as it opened its mouth and gave a deep moan that no man or beast make. Tata was scared stiff, but Glenn protected him. "Stay behind me Tata! This enemy may be too much for you to handle!" Glenn instructed.
Dalton mocked Glenn, "Have fun dealing with this little Deadhead! I'm sure that without your little holy sword you will find it most difficult to deal with yourself!"
The monster stood up as a snake would and it cast forth a dark spell. The spell bathed the surrounding area in black shadows with several violet-colored rings pulsating beneath their feet like small waves of water created by droplets in a puddle. Dark oily shadows scurried around and seemed to devour both Glenn and a now panicked Tata. Glenn was overcome with weakness, "My Water magic has been severely diminished! Tata, calm yourself! This spell was meant for me!" Glenn said as the darkness vanished. Tata was breathing heavily but calmed down a little after realizing he was unharmed.
Glenn attempted his water magic but quickly found that it was merely making the monster wet rather than causing any real damage. When he did so the creature retaliated with a dark gaseous breath that was as dark as chimney smoke. Glenn threw himself in its wake to protect Tata. Tata collapsed and could only watch as his Master suffered to preserve his life. Glenn coughed and wheezed, his sword strikes and water magic seemingly useless. He turned to Tata, "Tata, stand! Go, leave this place! I shall slay this monster!"
Tata stuttered through his crying, "B-but..., M-mas...ster Gl... enn!"
"Do as I say, Tata, there should be no undead left roaming the halls, go, leave now while you still can! I told you! I would protect your life with my own, as that's what my teacher had done for me!" Glenn said as Tata rose to his shaking feet. He closed his eyes in frustration and as he turned to hop away the Deadhead reached out past Glenn with its gooey tongue and grabbed the boy.
Glenn grabbed Tata's hands as he went by. All he could do was scream incoherently, as he could not form words due to his fear-stricken state. He struggled to hold onto Glenn, not wanting to be eaten. "Tata, the second principle I will teach you, is that a man never goes back on his word!" Glenn said as his muscles tightened and he was enveloped by a bronzed aura. With a bright flash of light, Glenn transformed. His hair shined like molten bronze and his eyes shined a golden light. With superhuman speed, Glenn leaped over Tata, "Take this and leave this world, abomination! Nirvana Break!" Glenn shouted as his sword shined with a blinding light. He brought it down and the environment seemed to shatter like glass as it broke the Deadhead into chunks of bone and flesh. Tata was set free before the monster could even draw him into its mouth. The monster was so heavily damaged that its parts dissolved instead of recombining.
Dalton went into a frenzy, "No, no, no, no, NO! Begone forever, into the depths of darkness in time!"
Dalton used the Flame's power to open a Gate, "What, this cannot be! Tata, escape now while you have the chance!" Glenn shouted as he was being drawn into the portal.
Tata jumped to his feet still struck with fear and he began hopping away. However, he kept his head turned to his master angry at himself because he could do nothing. Unfortunately, Tata ran into something. As he turned his head, both he and Glenn saw one of the Frog King's minions. A large frog stood in Tata's path, blocking his exit. The frog bellowed, "Now what's going on down here?"
Glenn's hand remained outstretched as the portal closed on him, "TATAAA!" he screamed as it sent him through time and space.
*End of Chapter*