The Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

It was beautiful. Garlands were strung from the lower walls to the high rafters above. Mistletoe was hung in several spots. A few cauldrons were in corners. Our friends assumed the same thing as everyone else; it was a possibly dangerous potion (mostly dangerous to boys). Some walked to cauldrons or mistletoe while others sat at tables and waited.

The first dance officially started at 8:10 p.m. Bob and Jimin took Beluga and Cho to dance at 8:15 (the second dance). Help and Fear stood outside the hall, waiting for trouble.

"Do you think there will be any?" Fear asked.

"Maybe," Help thoughtfully said. "I'm not sure. Kafazan isn't easy to stop."

"I guess. If so, we'll be ready," Fear held out his bow. "It's nice there are unlimited arrows."

"Yeah. I wonder how our friends are doing?"

***

Eventually, everyone, students and all, was tired. They found tables and had dinner. The three friends at the ball were amazed at the magic. After dinner, more dancing happened. Cedric threw many dirty looks at Jimin, who smiled back every time.

After an hour of dancing and eating, Beluga, Bob, and Jimin were tired. How is everyone still up and dancing? Beluga thought.

"So, Bob, how was your life before everything went crazy?" she asked.

"Well," Bob started. "My family had gotten separated by battles and betrayal. Only my mother and siblings are still with me. Our father got an offer and ran off. We still feel the sting. But I think I suffered a bit of memory loss."

"Why?"

"I can't remember lots of history of my world, but I think it started when we all met. I only have a few possessions, such as this crown."

Bob took a golden crown from inside his suit. It had several shining rubies encrusted around the middle. It caught the light and shone like the sun. Several students looked at them. He quickly stashed it away.

"It's, uh, really nice," Beluga said awkwardly.

"Hello, my name is Jimin. May I have this dance?" Jimin asked teasingly.

"Hmmm.... I think she would like that," Bob replied playfully.

They all laughed hysterically. Then, Jimin and Beluga went to the dance floor. After a song or two, the three snuck into the hall. Help and Fear were happy to see them. Help had packed their causal clothes along to the ball; Bob, Beluga, and Jimin changed in the bathroom.

After that, they took a vote: stay or go somewhere different? Their decision was to go somewhere else. Everyone prepared for travel and were whipped out of sight.

***

By now, they were pros at landing. Unfortunately, Help hadn't planned a place very well. They were plunged headfirst into a small battle. Fear readied his bow for defense.

"WHERE ARE WE, HELP?" Fear yelled over the noise.

"OH DEAR! THIS IS QUITE THE PICKLE, HUH," Help said.

They all shook their heads. Help explained where they were immediately.

"WE'RE IN THE WORLD OF NEVER AFTER IN THE SECOND BOOK. WE SHOULD HELP TAKE DOWN THESE TWO OGRES," Help pointed at opposite ends of the room.

Bob, Jimin, Fear, and Beluga noticed the ogres and ran at them. Wand bursts went off and swords slashed. After a few seconds, the ogres were stunned.

"Um, thanks for your help," A teenage boy said.

"No problem," Fear replied.

The five circled up and transported again. This time, they were at a long hall (big surprise) with a large sign. This sign said "AMAZON."

"The online shopping site?" Beluga wondered.

"Yeah. We should be pretty safe here," Help replied. "We could look around if you like."

Bob, Jimin, Fear, and Beluga excitedly looked around. Search bars are everywhere! Jimin thought.

After a while, a translucent mist settled over the hall. They could barely see each other. Suddenly, the search bars stopped working. Everyone looked around. There was a CRASH! and clattering and then silence. Everyone's weapons were out, ready for anything.

When the mist cleared, they regrouped in the middle.

"Did someone drop a wand and shield?" Bob asked.