DUMBSTRUCK

DON'T LOOK BACK

Suclese, Roman, and Sparx all gather out front, "Up the road we will find Paulina. Youcan't miss her," Roman declares. 

After a short walk a woman slashing through robots in the road appears. All three arechopped in half sparking on the ground as Suclese, Roman, and Sparx arrive. 

Taking a big swig of her adult beverage, "Roman, glad to see you, old comrade!" 

"Paulina, always a pleasure to see you," Roman says, kissing her hand graciously. 

Giggling, "You're not much of a charmer but I'll take it," Paulina says. 

"We require your assistance," Roman contends. 

"Glad to see I am still valuable. Didn't know you had a daughter." Paulina jokes.Guzzling down her drink and smashing it over a robot who was nearing. She kicks it as itexplodes toward the ground, "What did you need my help with exactly?" 

"She's not my daughter. This is Suclese. She entered through the void and needs to returnhome." 

"Did you speak with the Oracle?" Paulina inquires. 

"Yes. The Oracle has provided us with the onyx starfish amulet. Once we make it to thefar side of the wasteland, we may break it and Suclese may return home." 

"Can you teleport us to the far side with your fancy magic?" Paulina asks. 

"Yes, my fancy magic will take us there and back." 

"Well, what are we standing here for?" 

"The Oracle said you needed aid in your rebellion," Roman reveals. 

"The rebellion is underway. What we know is all around the city small locations like thisone are sending out some type of brain scrambling waves." 

"That's insane!" Roman shouts."We need more time to pinpoint each spot. Truth of the matter is Emperor Bixby hasflipped this city upside down," Paulina explains. 

"That's an understatement," Roman replies. 

"Bixby's army is set to occupy the city in one week. If we stop the mind-altering machines,we have a chance to unite everyone against his tyranny," Paulina states. 

"Then let's get moving!" Roman hollers.Roman begins waving his staff around, "Vicadus-viconaluis-contastrophopia!" 

In a moment's notice they are at the far side of the wasteland."Thanks for your help," Suclese says. 

"Take care, Suclese. If you ever want to try your luck as a magician, we have a greatacademy here," Roman offers. 

"Goodbye kid!" Paulina shouts. 

Cracking the amulet with his staff. A major rumbling begins as the portal opens up. Afamily of three huge mechanical bears is crashing toward them. 

"Oh, dear. They must be out for revenge," Roman presumes. 

"What do we do?" Suclese asks. 

"You get home before the portal closes. We will do the same." 

Suclese takes one look back before entering the portal. Waking up in the spot she waslast in. Only a few minutes had passed. Feeling something on her neck. Holding it upcloser. It's the onyx starfish amulet.