Twisted Wonderland 2

No Price on Life

Ruggie explains his plan to the boys. Making sure to keep it simple and to the point so that this plan succeeds.

"Now I see." Sebek nods in understanding. "The plan is sound enough, and I certainly have no better ideas."

"Yeah, no objections here either." Jack agrees.

Ruggie grins. "Great. Then we'll buckle down and hit it with everything we got! Thanks for the vote of confidence, guys. You all ready?"

Floyd rubs the back of his neck. "I dunno. I'm not really feelin' this."

"Seriously?" Ruggie exclaims. "You're saying this NOW? It was YOUR idea to fight the shadow in the first place!"

"Yeah, but the plan's just plain boring." Floyd shrugs. "I'd rather fight it myself. More fun that way."

Sebek scoffs. "How self-centered can one merman be?"

"The whole plan'll fall apart without your help, Floyd!" Jack argues.

"Look, it's hard to get motivated when there's nothin' in it for me." Floyd grins. "So what's it worth to ya?"

Ruggie glowers at him. "Now you're trying to negotiate? Well, at least you're consistently inconsistent." He groans. "I'd rather not offer this to someone from Octavinelle... But I guess you can't put a price on life. Okay, fine. I'll do any one thing you ask."

Floyd smirks. "Anything? You sure about that, Sharksucker?"

"Wow, Ruggie..." Jack says. "You've got serious guts!"

Ruggie lofi is an ear. "As long as it doesn't put my life, finances, or future prospects at risk. And I'll only do it one time... No, that's too vague. I'll do anything that can be done in thirty minutes!"

Sebek tilts his head. "Those constraints do rather limit what Floyd could get out of the deal."

Floyd shrugs. "Eh... Sure, why not. Havin' you small fries around'll be enough of a disadvantage to keep things interesting, anyway."

Sebek glares at the twin. "YOU are the one who must endeavor to not drag ME down!"

Floyd bursts out laughing. "Bold talk. Just don't come cryin' to me if you need any help, 'kay?"

A snap of a branch catches everyone's attention. The boys turn their gaze to the shadows.

Jack lowers his ears, his tails waving anxiously. "It's coming, Ruggie!"

With a loud roar, a huge figure crashes through the bushes and stands at the edge of the fire's light. All the boys can see is a towering silhouette. The beast has glowing yellow eyes that glare at the boys. The beast is as tall as a mountain with antler like horns on his head. He's got fangs, razor sharp ones. Massive paws with killer claws for the feast.

Ruggie staggers back. "THAT'S what attacked the others? Okay, it's go time! Let's do this!"

"Unleash the Beast!" Yellow magic swirls around Jack as he transforms into a large, white wolf. He looks to Ruggie. "Get on, Ruggie!"

"Right!" Ruggie hops onto Jack's back and salutes the two boys. "See you guys soon!"

Jack charges into the woods and the beast quickly chases after them.

Sebek runs a hand through his hair. "What incredible speed... The shadow's chasing them. We best hurry."

"Yeah, sure." Floyd grins. "Can't let 'em beat us there, after all."

Under the thick canopy of the sprawling forest, Jack runs with Ruggie clinging to his back, their breath sharp and shallow, feet pounding against the damp earth. Branches claw at their faces as they weave through the maze of towering trees. The heavy thud of their pursuer echoing behind them. Each beat of the beast's massive paws seem to get closer, vibrating through the ground, a relentless drum chasing them through the night.