A cactus named Friend:Prophecy of The Blood Moon(Monsters of Etheria)

Chapter 35-The Ambush

After their triumphant return from the underwater temple, Frosty, Emblue, Boxy, Merlin, and Vortex finally arrived at Vortex's home. The Vascrunch's abode was a modest, sea-sheltered cave adorned with luminescent algae and shells. Vortex showed them inside, sharing stories of his past as they enjoyed a meal together. It was a moment of respite and camaraderie, allowing them to recharge after their arduous journey.

"This is where I must part ways with you," Vortex said, his tone both proud and wistful. "May your journey be filled with success."

The group expressed their gratitude, thanking Vortex for his guidance and bravery. With renewed spirits, they bid Vortex farewell and headed towards the bustling markets of Mabiki Town to restock their supplies. The streets were lively with vendors selling an array of goods—fresh produce, exotic spices, and essential equipment for their adventures. The vibrant atmosphere contrasted sharply with the dangers they had recently faced.

As they walked through the market, their attention was drawn to a commotion nearby. Shouts and crashes echoed from a shop at the end of the street. Without hesitation, they ran towards the noise, weaving through the crowd, their hearts pounding with urgency. They arrived to find a Frodiary, a mutated and more dangerous form of the Ribbomb, raiding the shop. The sight of the destruction ignited a sense of urgency among them, the once bustling shop now a scene of chaos.

"It's you party crashers again..." came a familiar voice, dripping with malice. The Frodiary turned, revealing itself as Dyrok, the Ribbomb they had fought before. His appearance was twisted, his once mischievous grin now replaced by a sinister sneer. "It's me, Dyrok! And this time, I got an ally with me."

Emerging from the shadows behind Dyrok was a Watchbot, its sleek black body and nuclear green visor radiating an ominous glow. The Watchbot, an elusive and formidable variant, scanned the group with an unsettling gaze. Its mechanical eyes seemed to pierce through them, assessing their every move.

Before they could react, the Watchbot shot out a blinding ray of energy. The powerful blast overwhelmed them, sending Frosty, Emblue, Boxy, and Merlin crashing to the ground. They struggled to rise, their strength sapped by the attack. Emblue's flames flickered weakly, and Boxy's normally sturdy form was visibly shaking.

"We need to... get up..." Emblue mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. But the fatigue was too great, and one by one, they succumbed to unconsciousness. Merlin's hand twitched as he tried to conjure a spell, but his magic flickered and died out. Frosty's vision blurred as he saw Dyrok's triumphant sneer.

Darkness enveloped them, and the world faded away, leaving them at the mercy of their new adversaries. The last thing Frosty saw was the Watchbot's visor glowing eerily in the dim light, a harbinger of the danger that awaited them.

The market had gone eerily silent as bystanders watched in horror, unsure of how to help. The presence of the Frodiary and the Watchbot was enough to keep them at bay, their fear palpable. As the team lay unconscious, Dyrok and the Watchbot methodically began to loot the shop, their sinister plan unfolding without resistance.

Despite their dire situation, the bond between Frosty, Emblue, Boxy, and Merlin remained unbroken. Even in unconsciousness, their spirits were intertwined, each one drawing strength from the other. This unyielding connection was their greatest asset, a beacon of hope in the encroaching darkness.

Somewhere in the depths of their shared consciousness, a resolve began to form. They had faced insurmountable odds before and had always risen to the challenge. This time would be no different. As they lay in the shadows, their bodies may have been defeated, but their spirits were far from broken.

Unbeknownst to their enemies, the true strength of the team was not just in their individual powers, but in their unity. The trials they had faced had forged an unbreakable bond, one that no foe could ever truly defeat. And as the light of hope flickered within them, it was only a matter of time before they rose once more to confront the darkness.