Close Nemesis

Chapter Thirty-Six: Facing Televisore

LYGOR:

I've been through many weird experiences in my life, but my most recent experience, I would say, is the weirdest. Nygyl's ability to slow down time was mentally draining, so Shenelda's turned him into a slug, carrying him on her shoulder.

Meanwhile, I continue to look back, wishing to return to my pirate crew so that I can clear things up with them.

However, I can't risk jeopardizing the mission. I don't know what this pebble star, but I bet it's very dangerous.

When I first entered the cave, I expected it to be cold and dark all throughout. However, I was wrong. The rocky cave walls are bioluminescent grey, and the cave itself is actually quite humid.

After several minutes of walking through the cave, we reach a hole at the end of the cave, and I look down the hole to find a narrow, grass covered platform glowing brighter than the bioluminescent walls. I shiver nervously, stepping back to avoid slipping in on the wet cave floor. However, Noldv and Equaz jump down;.

Once they land next to each other on the platform, they gasp.

"Guys, once we get off this platform, come on down!"

I hear a thud of feet on the ground, turning to face Nygyl, who has been transformed back into his normal form by Shenelda. Then, he jumps onto the rock wall, digging his right claws into the rock.

"Move over," Shenelda grumbles, squeezing past me, unknowingly knocking me into the wall.

She trips into the hole, and I look down to find Nygyl holding onto her tightly. with his one free hand. I watch as Noldv and Equaz step away from the platform, disappearing from view.

Then, Nygyl gently tosses Shenelda onto the platform and digs his other set of claws into the wall. He hangs there like an Islatopian sloth.

Speaking of Islatopia, this cave reminds me of the caverns that run deep under the islands. The most notable Islatopian cave, Iasequo Hollow, is located on Magameci Island. I've been there once with my parents when I was really young.

Anyway, enough reminiscing. I have a job to do. So, I jump onto the platform, before turning around to find Shenelda and the Teglyon engineers ahead. The thud behind me indicates that Nygyl has landed on the platform. Since I'm slightly claustrophobic, I stroll away from the platform, walking along a soggy grass path.

"This isn't a normal star," Nygyl remarks hungrily.

Nygyl's voice always sounds hungry, but I don't worry about him eating me. I think his species prefer dead animal flesh.

"That's because if it was a normal star, we would be dead already," I cheekily retort. "I don't even know if it even classifies as a star. From what Silveagak told me, I could tell that the pebble star was unique. When I was a pirate-"

"When you were a pirate?" quips Shenelda. "You still are!"

I take out my sword,

I had longed to find the most , before noticing a bright flash of blue light appear in front of us. When the light fades, I notice a golden faced humanoid with green eyes and white coal armour.

"TeleVisore, I presume?"

"Correct, pirate!" the figure responds. "You cannot go any further! I must be the one to claim the pebble star."

"Guys, do something!" I yell, before TeleVisore tosses a mischievous chuckle towards me.

"So pretty," TeleVisore expresses tastefully, before stabbing the skinnier Teglyon with a shiny knife.

"Noldv!" Nygyl shrieks, before teleporting in a flash of blue light behind TeleVisore.

Suddenly, I realize who TeleVisore is.

"You're an older version of him, aren't you?"

TeleVisore chuckles. "What if I am, pirate? What does it mean to you?'

I remain silent, not letting TeleVisore faze me.

"What do you want with the star orb?"

"You mean the Pebble Star?" TeleVisore inquires passively. "I know somewhat of what it does. And now that your former pirate crew is dead, I can freely take it for myself!"

I scowl, as a sick feeling enters my stomach.

"Idaj? You killed my pirate crew?"

"That's what I just said!" TeleVisore expresses coolly, before teleporting Shenelda away in a blue flash without even blinking.

"ARGH!" I scowl. "Where did you send her?"

TeleVisore then teleports away before he can answer.

I grumble, turning to Equaz, who stands over Noldv's green corpse.

"Who was that guy?" Equaz remarks.

I ignore Equaz, keeping my gaze focused towards Nygyl who stands near a bright green wall at the end of the corridor. I walk over to him, and his black eyes turns to face me.

"Lygor, it's a dead end. But I think I found the star. I reckon the energy of the star has been embedded into the cave."

I stare blankly into his black pupils. "We need to head back up. TeleVisore teleported Shenelda away, and he also killed my crew!"

"We need to get out of this cave, then!" Nygyl snarls, banging his fist against the wall, barely making a dent.

"I know, Nygyl," I express. "Just have patience. I've gotten into worse than this!"

"Sure, you have," he exclaims sarcastically.

"Don't give me attitude young man! I'm a pirate! I can walk you down the plank!"

Nygyl rolls his eyes. "You don't have a plank!"

"It doesn't matter!" I barkgruffly. "Just stop whining! We'll get through this