Chapter Fifty-Four

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Merry Christmas y'all!

"All right, anyone in there who wants to risk their neck for Corona, speak up!!", the Captain of the guard yelled as he came into the dungeons.
He then shoved the Saporian into one of the empty cells and locked it.
"Zhan Tiri, a powerful evil warlock, is going to destroy Corona and probably the whole world! The king has ordered me to free those who wish to fight!", he announced glaring at the rebel, "Your life will very much be in danger, so if you wish to be cozy I suggest you stay in here, but if you want to fight, speak up!"
Awkward silence filled the air as a person coughed.
"Looks like these prisoners know when to not get involved.", the Saporian rebel sneered.
He ignored him and waited for anyone to volunteer.
The Captain sighed and was about to turn and leave as someone spoke up.
"I want to defend and protect Corona Captain!", Pete yelled from across the long hall.
The Captain stopped in surprise and turned.
He walked over to Pete's cell and looked him over.
"Do you really? Or do ya just want to get out?", he barked staring him down.
Pete stares straight back into his eyes strongly.
"It's my job Captain, or was my job, protecting the kingdom.", Pete said putting his hands on the bars, "I want to help even if I get thrown back in here."
Pete stood up straighter, "I want to make a good difference in this world Cap, if you'll let me.", he said passionately.
The Captain's mustache twitched as he put in the key to the lock, "Get out."
He opened the door as Pete walked out and bowed to him, "Thank you for this opportunity sir."
He grunted, "The king gave me an order, I'm just following it."
Pete scratched the back of his head, "Right, fair enough I guess. But now I'm thinking of it, isn't Zhan Tiri from that legend that Xavier told us?"
Cap sighed, "Yes, but he isn't a legend.", he told Pete grimly, "He's very real and he has escaped from his prison and once he's ready, he will destroy Corona."
"With magic??", Pete asked nervously.
"Of course with magic! What else do you think he was going to use?!", the Captain yelled at him annoyed.
Pete nodded, "Right, of course. Sorry sir.", he said saluting.
"Uh Hey Captain? We've got something big coming.", Stan reported running down the hallways.
He then glanced at Pete before continuing, "The king told me that you need to wrap up your recruits from down here, it seems it might be the Zhan Tiri guy we're worried about is approaching the castle."
The Captain cursed and looked up at the ceiling before turning back to the cells.
"Alright maggots! No more games, you're helping or you're staying! Choose!", he yelled pacing past the prisoners.
Lady Caine then stood up, "Alright, I'm in.", she announced.
"Wait, what? Why?", Pickpocket asked looking at her shocked.
She rolled her eyes, "If we don't help we'll all die probably and that isn't any good. And I'd rather help out then be a sitting duck in the dungeon."
The Captain came over and unlocked her cell, "Alright, just don't go crying for your mother when you get out there.", he said.
Pete watched as Lady Caine laughed, "You don't have to worry about me Captain, you just worry about staying alive."
"Well if she's in, I am too!", Pickpocket said.
Dwayne nodded, "I second that!"
Soon the prison was full with people joining in, crying their response to help.
"You people will never win!!", the Saporian yelled angrily, "Zhan Tiri will crush those who appose him!"
Stan shook his head, "We are stronger in numbers and we've got pure will! I know we can win if we work together."
"Yeah, I know we can!", Pete said looking at Stan.
Tension wavered between them as Stan turned towards him.
The Captain started to unlock the cells as Pete cleared his throat.
"Listen, I'm sorry for taking those extremes toward you. I've regretted it the moment I did it.", Pete apologized, "I just wanted to do the right thing and help Varian. I guess I didn't go about it he right way."
"Your heck right you didn't, you even insulted my roast beef!", Stan said crossing his arms, "You have no idea how much that hurt."
"No, wait, you were the one who said you didn't like my beef.", Pete corrected, "Remember?"
Stan tapped his head, "Oh right, but you still weren't a good friend."
"I'm really sorry Stan, can we start over?", he apologized.
Stan put his mustache up in the air, "I don't know if we can."
"You guys and your drama, it's annoying.", Lady Caine interrupted popping up between them, "Just make up or hate each other already."
Suddenly the palace shook and a booming sound echoed throughout the walls as dust rained down from the ceiling.
Stan and Pete yelled out in alarm and leaped to into each other's arms hugging.
The Captain cursed again, "He's here!", he yelled unlocking the Stabbington's prison cell quickly, "File up and follow me hoodlums!"
"You're... heavy...!", Pete whisper shouted shaking under Stan's weight.
Stan looked at him, "Oh right, sorry about that, got carried away there.", he laughed letting go of Pete's neck and climbing out of his arms.
"Stop needing around!", the Captain ordered as he pointed to the doorway.
"Yes sir!", they responded saluting and rushing out together.
Pete glanced at Stan as they ran up the stairs and cracks appeared in the walls and ceiling.
"Since we're might end up dying.", Stan started, "I decided..."
"I thought you say we could do this! Were you lying?", Pete interrupted offended, "Do you have such little faith in Corona man?"
Stan facepalmed, "Well, Yes I did but that's not the point!", he sighed, "I can't stay mad at you any more."
"What? But I did all that stuff..."
"I know. And I forgive you, you thought you were doing the right thing for the kid. And I don't blame you.", Stan said.
Pete almost ran into the wall, "I can't say how grateful I am."
"Ugh, your best friends now, we get it. Why don't you kiss while your at ladies.", Lady Caine commented pushing past them as a piece of the ceiling fell down in front of them.
They looked at each other, "We'll talk later.", they both said at the same time as they grinned and ran after the captain and his motley gang.

My Christmas gift to you peeps! The gift of Pete and Stan!

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