[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/v2QhSyE.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/apsPR5B.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=009fff]Event:[/colour][/b] The Owlglass Order [b]|[/b] [b][colour=009fff]Location:[/colour][/b] Ersand'Enise[hr][hr][/center][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/WFGAILi.png[/img][/center] Far from the watchful eyes of Ashon, Ayla, Kaureerah, Marci, and Zazzy, who were busy with upcoming trials and the impending melon derby, a clandestine gathering took place. Beneath the imposing shadow of the Glass Owl Statue, our heroes, Nyan-Acan the Nashibansek Coon and Nibbler, the Djamantese Giant Dormouse, met. They were known to a select few as [b]The Owl Glass Order[/b], and they convened with a singular purpose: to put a stop to Hot Salsa once and for all. Nyan-Acan, his fiery fur glinting in the soft moonlight that streamed through the window, gracefully leaped onto the mantelpiece where the owl was situated, a place of venerable significance within their covert society. The glass owl's eyes seemed to bestow their silent blessing upon the duo. Nyan-Acan, tipping his hat as he checked their surroundings, his deep purr barely above a whisper as he spoke, [colour=orange]"Amigo, the time has come for us to embark on the pursuit of the most coveted treasure of our enemy - the legendary golden Virangish pepper. We must navigate this treacherous course with caution and cunning."[/colour] Emerging from the dark corner of the drawing room they had convened in was Nibbler, the legendary defender of humans and Sanguinaires alike. His small, beady black eyes leered at the large feline’s figure, with a hint of apprehension in his furred body language. Ever vigilant, his head shifted side to side to assess whether they were truly safe, or a wolf walked among them. [color=#C8D135]“Pepper? What pepper?!”[/color] the nervous bugger became increasingly suspicious. [color=#C8D135]“All the peppers have been taken. Only the big Belcher knows the location of the last one …”[/color] the back paw rose up to scratch his ear in rapid little laps. [color=#C8D135]“You better have a plan, ‘Sploder!”[/color] Nyan-Acan, with a sly glint in his eye, checked the doorway once again. [colour=orange]"Ah, my dear amigo,"[/colour] he purred, [colour=orange]"We have a scheme so cunning, you can stick a brush on it and call it el zorro. We shall liberate the blankie from Nehki, that mischievous monkey bird, as she sleeps. With it, we shall frame Big Belcher, and amidst all the chaos and confusion, we shall abscond with the closely guarded secret of the Virangish pepper's whereabouts!"[/colour] With a flourish of his tail, he underlined the scheme. [colour=orange]"Hot Salsa shall never see it coming."[/colour] Nibbler squeaked. [color=#C8D135]“That would not be very nice to Nehki. Oh no, it wouldn’t.”[/color] he shook his head violently at the notion. [color=#C8D135]“But it is a sacrifice for the greater good. My calculations have determined to be the safest approach, yes.”[/color] then it was nods. [color=#C8D135]“But the blanket is at the very peak of this fortress! We will need my nibbleness to open the door, as well as my genius. Oh yes.”[/color] he sniffed about and slowly approached the cat. [color=#C8D135]“Once I unlock the trap door, you will have to use your soft paws to snatch it at record speeds. My calculations suggest that you can do it under 3 purr vibrations. Yes yes.”[/color] nod nod. Nyan-Acan hesitated for a moment. [colour=orange]"Amigo, to do it under three purr vibrations? That would put one of my nine lives at stake,"[/colour] he said, shaking as a chill went through his fur. [colour=orange]"We must be as swift as a gust of wind. Here's the plan: we shall execute the ol' switch-a-roo, replacing the blanket with one of the monkey's undergarments, for they shall indeed smell the same."[/colour] He waved a paw in front of his nose. [colour=orange]"Then, without a moment's hesitation, we must swiftly depart toward Big Belcher. Once she awakens, she shall summon her feathered fiends to her side, and by then, we shall be far, far away. A dance with danger, but one that suits our cunning perfectly!"[/colour] He pawed at his cape as he posed with it. Nibbler grinned internally. [color=#C8D135]“Excellent plan. We must act swiftly while the night is still young and the humans are still out.”[/color] and just as he spoke, he heard a couple walking in. He and Nyan-Acan hid under a table, where a couple of women made their way to the first food in giggles. Then, Nibbler took his chance and dashed out an opened window and climbed to the attic’s smaller, singular window. With a little bit of magic, he could nimbly sneak in and open the latch for Nyan-Acan to slip in. [color=#C8D135]“Shhh,”[/color] whispered the rodent. [color=#C8D135]“the avian is fast asleep, but always alert! I will grab the undergarments, you slip the blanket off, then we exchange!”[/color] The plan was proceeding without a hitch, and not even the giggling girls would interfere; in fact, they provided the perfect distraction. Allowing Nyan-Acan to scamper up the stairs towards the attic from the inside. The Monkey never kept the ladders down, for he had no reason, but Nyan-Acan was a cat, and so he leaped to latch onto them, pulling himself into the now-open hatch in the attic. The room was cool as the Avian rested, lying there vulnerable and asleep, clutching the blanki. Stealthy like a cat, the feline nimbly traversed the wooden planks, using his paws to sense any squeaky boards and gracefully avoided them. As he finally reached Nehki, he tipped his hat toward Nibbler, as he used his soft paws to swipe the blankie away quickly. Yet, it did not budge! The monkey bird had its grip firm, refusing to release its treasure. Nibbler was approaching with the smelly garments, as he called out in a hushed tone and whispered, [colour=orange]"The Blanki! It won't move. She clings to it tighter than a mouse to cheese!"[/colour] Nibbler, on his side, was merely browsing through the smelly clothing left by Ashon. Which was the best to substitute a blanket was a challenge, as all were either very big, or too small. [color=#C8D135]“Ah-ha!”[/color] the dormouse dug into the pile like a mole in dirt, pulling out Penny’s old skirt from there. It was perfect! Dragging it out with his mouth, he was about ready to celebrate when … [color=#C8D135]“A mouse, you say?”[/color] a Cheshire cat smile grew within, even if he couldn’t actually smile. [color=#C8D135]“It sounds like you require my expertise, ‘Sploder. Move aside!”[/color] of course, these were all subtle squeaks. The rodent scurried over to the sleeping Monkeybird and worked his magic: he slid the skirt between one of the wings and the blanket, until it started taking quite a bit of space, and eventually Nehki would clench the thicker of the two - being the skirt in this case. [color=#C8D135]“Now.”[/color] whispered Nibbler to Nyan-acan. Soon, Nehki was going to wake up from the commotion and improvised switcheroos. They had to be swift! Nyan-Acan gave a determined tug on the blankie, wresting it free from the Monkeybird's grasp! The once pristine fabric now stained a permanent sooty hue from its escapades avoiding the clothes' washer, which caused the cat to wrinkle his nose. [colour=orange]"Let's make haste with this wretched item before she awakens!"[/colour] With the prized blankie clutched in his teeth, Nyan-Acan darted for the window. He could hear the Monkeybird's squawking growing louder as she awoke to the trickery, [colour=red]"Squuuuaaaa! Ma Blankie!"[/colour]. As he reached the windowsill, he noticed a nearby table and knocked over a vase filled with marbles. The marbles clattered and rolled across the floor, further diverting the Monkeybird's attention toward the door hatch. As they leaped out of the window, the moonlight guided their way. Nyan-Acan spotted a clothesline, its ends hanging perilously close to a roof's edge. With feline grace, he used the blankie to lasso one of the line's sagging ends. In a daring move, he swung, gracefully gliding through the night air. He could feel the wind rustling his fur as he approached the fence. Finally, Nyan-Acan landed on the fence with all four paws poised for action. He turned to Nibbler, and flashed a sly grin. [colour=orange]"Come, my amigo, we have damsels to rescue from the clutches of the Hot Salsa! Adventure awaits!"[/colour] Just as they were making their mad dash, with Nibbler taking his own exit, they’d notice Zarina in the kitchen. She was indulging in some drink and did not seem bothered by the Monkeybird cries. Curious! But she then retreated to her room with the other figure. Nibbler flew out of a window and … Flew some more. He could fly, and when he could he’d stick to rooftops to avoid attention, but there was no need for acrobatics. He definitely didn’t have the style of Nyan-Acan. Reunited with the cat, the rodent stretched his hind legs and yawned. [color=#C8D135]“We must first infiltrate the draconic stronghold, ‘Sploder. Our greatest struggle yet. I estimate a 21% chance we even survive! Oh wait.”[/color] a sudden itch took him over, leading him to nibble his own abdomen before focusing again. [color=#C8D135]“Anyway,”[/color] back to panic mode. [color=#C8D135]“ahhhh weren’t gonna die if we do this! Darn darn darn!!!”[/color] he paced in circles, super nervous. Nyan-Acan flashed a reassuring feline grin at his companion. [colour=orange]"Don't fret, my furry amigo. If you enter through the rafters, they won't be able to climb up there. We shall strike a deal with the mighty Big Belcher, then employ the blankie to veil our escape."[/colour] With a graceful leap, they followed the fence toward the formidable dragon's lair, already hearing the restless Froabas as they drew near. [colour=orange]"Mind you, Roedor, steer clear of the winged ones. They have an appetite for anything furry, and we're not on their menu tonight. Swiftness is our greatest ally."[/colour] The cunning cat moved with feline agility along the sheds, deftly avoiding any holes as the dragons below made desperate attempts to snatch an easy meal. Nyan-Acan skilfully ducked and weaved, hopping from one support beam to another, narrowly evading plumes of fire that ignited around him. In a death-defying antic, he leaped across to the Skuggvar pen, where his cloak caught the tail end of an almost-fiery demise. He used his paws to pat out the flames, revealing a charred yet triumphant smile. [colour=orange]"That was a close shave, my friend. I could feel the leche curdle within me."[/colour] This pen at the top was somewhat less perilous, but the residence of Big Belcher was not to be underestimated. With a fearless glint in his eye, Nyan-Acan forged ahead, ready to face whatever challenges awaited within the draconic lair. Nibbler was terrified! Even though he had the chemical magic to repulse the beasts, his instinct told him to stay back. [color=#C8D135]“You must go forward on your own, ‘Sploder! I will stand guard!”[/color] the rodent stayed at the entrance of the specialised barn, in a pile of hay, and prayed in his own mouse way. Nyan-Acan found a particularly large pen, and inside snored a large beast. A Skuggvar, not even fully grown, had caught his scent when he drew near. With a loud, wet yawn, the mighty animal shifted to look his way, but did not stand. It gurgled and sniffed, before addressing the visitor. [color=329990]“Well, well, well, if it isn't the rather sizable and impressively polished feline. What, I must inquire, is the reason for your presence in my humble abode, my diminutive acquaintance?”[/color] Nyan-Acan, with a graceful cat-like saunter, prowled along the pen's edge. [colour=orange]"You see, my formidable friend, we are in dire need of something. A treasure, if you will, that only you possess: the secret lair of the fiery Hot Salsa. It is for the safety of our fair damsels that we must return victorious."[/colour] He gracefully slipped through the pen's doorway, casting an appraising gaze upon the colossal beast. [colour=orange]"They've enlisted the one they call Abdel, not the one ending in Aziz, but the one you fondly refer to as... Master."[/colour] The gurgles got louder and culminated into a single, loud burp. Qadira raised her front legs to raise her figure a tad, but her hind ones remained lazy. [color=329990]“You refer to my Master, do you? It is essential to clarify that he is merely a compatriot, even though he happens to be the benevolent provider of sustenance. My commitment to principles of honour and loyalty remains unwavering, and thus, I shall steadfastly guard the veil of secrecy that shrouds his affairs.”[/color] she leaned closer to the cat and blew hot steam into his furred face. [color=329990]“I cannot oblige your request without proper recompense, dear cat. You see, my assistance comes at a cost.”[/color] [colour=orange]"A cost, you say?"[/colour] Nyan-Acan's eyes gleamed with curiosity. [colour=orange]"Why, reveal the price, my noble amiga, so we may strike a deal and celebrate with a round of leche to honour our newfound alliance."[/colour] As the dragon released a rather unpleasant breath in his direction, the cat couldn't help but cough and, in a display of feline elegance, produce a well-timed hairball. [colour=orange]"My apologies for such untimely manners. We shall handle this minor matter."[/colour] Using the distraction caused by the dragon's belch and his own coughing fit, Nyan-Acan seized the opportunity to deftly plant the precious blankie within the Skuggvar's den. [colour=orange]"It was indeed a slip of the tongue,"[/colour] Nyan-Acan continued with charming humility, addressing the majestic queen of her domain. [colour=orange]"I meant no disrespect. I see you as a sovereign, not a servant. How, then, may one please an almighty queen like yourself? We aim to strike a bargain to safeguard your domain from the encroachment of the fiery Hot Salsa."[/colour] The feline's words were filled with deference and charm. The beast regarded Nyan-Acan with growing scepticism. Its small, beady eye narrowed as it turned its head to more properly observe the feline with one of them. [color=329990]“You articulate your thoughts as though you doubt the fiery intensity of my breath, insinuating that it might not be up to the challenge of handling the salsa. I must assert that I find this proposition of limited benefit to me, and as a result, the cost you must pay for my assistance will be quite substantial.”[/color] the beast sniffed the air again. [color=329990]“These olfactory senses of mine detect a rather unpleasant and noxious odour wafting through the air. Pray, may I inquire as to the source and nature of this disconcerting scent?”[/color] It shook its head and focused on the deal itself. [color=329990]“I desire one of each: A tooth of the legendary sky dragon of the North. A scale of the tyrannical dragon of the south. A drop of blood of the ruler of the seas. The saliva of the king of mud and swamps. And the claw of the emperor of sands!”[/color] The Monkeybirds descended upon the pen with raucous squalls. [colour=red]"BLANKIE! You've got Blankie!"[/colour] they cried out in a cacophony of avian voices. Nekh-butt perched atop the Skuggvar pen, launching a relentless pecking barrage. The rest of the birds joined in, a chorus of support for their sibling as they relentlessly harried the dragon within. [colour=red]"Give, give! Give back my blankie!"[/colour] Nyan-Acan's whiskers twitched with a devious feline smirk. [colour=orange]"Well, it seems you've added another treasure to your collection, my Reina. However, if you'd be so kind as to share the information I seek, I can certainly assist you in handling this matter."[/colour] With an elegant slink, he gracefully made his exit, leaving Qadira at the mercy of the squawking Monkeybirds. [colour=red]"STOLE Blankie!"[/colour] they chimed, as the audacious cat moved to spectate till the dragon relented. Qadira roared in annoyance. Its tail flailed about and was about ready to unleash vicious quills to snuff out the problem. However, a low growl from another pen seemed to dissuade her. That, and an outside force - Nibbler - was actively hampering her abilities! Pushed into a corner, and not wanting any chastising, she relented. [color=329990]“Very well, I shall acquiesce to your request. Should you successfully eradicate this troublesome issue, I shall, in turn, be inclined to bestow upon you the very desires you seek, my dear interlocutor!”[/color] Nyan-Acan sported a smug expression as Qadira finally relented, her draconic gaze meeting his. [colour=orange]"Give us the location, and this conundrum shall be resolved with the swiftness of a cat's pounce."[/colour] He gracefully moved to unveil the cherished blankie, revealing it to the curious Monkeybirds who observed from above. [colour=red]"Blankie! Oh, there it is! Give me,"[/colour] Nehki cried out in a delightful state of distress. The anticipation in the air was palpable as Nyan-Acan held the coveted treasure within his grasp. Qadira cursed the restraints that kept her from breaking the pen, and consequently from attacking the other animals. Glaring at the cat, it conceded with a soft blink of its eyes. [color=329990]“It is agreeable, I consent to your request. The incendiary fruit you seek is presently located within the shared residence for our peers, where a festive gathering is currently in progress. I must forewarn you that its imminent consumption is all but assured.”[/color] it huffed out of its powerful nostrils. Nyan-Acan bowed with all the panache of a toreador, gracefully taking the cherished blanket into his possession. He swiftly opened the hatch, inviting the monkeybird to swoop in towards the inviting blankie, all while providing a convenient escape from the looming dragon. The resulting commotion of squawking and fluttering feathers, combined with the occasional belch from Big Belcher, artfully masked his exit. As Nyan-Acan elegantly made his way back to his rodent companion, he couldn't help but comment, [colour=orange]"She may have been a stern negotiator, but my feline charm won the day. We now possess the coveted location! And a dire warning. They're preparing to intrude into a grand festivity, and so our little mission is going to add a little sour cream to their hot salsa."[/colour] His words were punctuated with a mischievous glint in his eye. Nibbler was taking a nap! Only with the appearance of the cat did he snap back into reality. [color=#C8D135]“Wha-what?! Yes, all is safe! Oh,”[/color] he blinked. [color=#C8D135]“Hey boss.”[/color] he even raised his paw in a very humanlike salute. [color=#C8D135]“Sour cream …”[/color] the critter scratched his ear, pensive. [color=#C8D135]“What’s that?”[/color] Although the duo could discuss all they wanted, back in Abdel residence with a few other Tethered and commonfolk, was a salsa in mid-preparation. The ingredients had been prepared, and the Virangish pepper was nearing its zenith as the fiery piece that would ruin the otherwise mildly spicy delight of the coming evenings. Would our heroes make it in time? The duo, bound for Abdel's place, had a mission of great import. Young Abdel had succumbed to the allure of the forbidden spice, lured by the promises of Hot Salsa, and aimed to poison their beloved damsels with this perilous concoction. They dashed through the cobbled streets of Ersand'Enise, their every step filled with a daring sense of purpose. As they raced through the bustling student district, they hopped onto carriages, nimbly crossed rooftops, and engaged in feats of unparalleled agility as they ventured through the treacherous workman quarter. It was on this intrepid journey that they encountered a distraction that threatened to derail their mission. Approaching the student dorms, Nyan-Acan's heart seemed to leap from his chest as he beheld a spectacular sight. There, on a moonlit balcony, sat the stunning Goma cat, her speckled fur shimmering like a starlit night. [colour=orange]"Meeeeeeowzer!"[/colour] Nyan-Acan couldn't help himself. He began to groom himself with a flourish, whistling charmingly toward the exquisite beauty. At this moment, the feline adventurer's attention momentarily strayed, captivated by the allure of the other cat. If Nyan-Acan’s will could be truly tested by this wicked obstacle, Nibbler had no chance. He, too, noticed a thing of beauty: A petite dormouse he had reluctantly courted out of sheer nervousness. Out of instinct, he puffed out his chest and tapped his tail onto the ground below him to capture her attention. His striped coat was thick and made him look even bigger than he already was. [color=#C8D135]“Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh!”[/color] he panicked, although his body acted naturally. [color=#C8D135]“Do I look to wimpy?! On no, I definitely look too wimpy … I estimate a 3% chance of getting any positive attention!”[/color] Nyan-Acan couldn't help but be amused by the flustered state of his rodent friend as he gazed in the direction of the enchanting dormouse. [colour=orange]"Ah, it seems you've found a lady friend who has caught your eye as well!"[/colour] His whiskers twitched with amusement as he gave his companion an encouraging pat on the back. [colour=orange]"Remember, my dear friend, confidence is the key when wooing the fairer sex. Be as cool as a cat, and you'll surely capture her heart. But fret not, we have the matter of this confounded Pepper to attend to first."[/colour] With a mischievous glint in his eye, Nyan-Acan leaned in close, placing his paw by his mouth to whisper conspiratorially, [colour=orange]"And once we've dealt with the Pepper, you can impress her by showing her how you can take on a cat. That pretty kitty next to her will surely see my selfless act as a demonstration of my good character. Purrfect, wouldn't you say?"[/colour] The feline adventurer's playful advice was tinged with a sense of adventure and camaraderie as they continued their quest. Reinvigorated by the words of Nyan-Acan, Nibbler led the endeavour to securing the pepper, with the puss-in-boots in tow. Abdel’s home was the common’s dorm, essentially, with a communal kitchen that held a small cauldron filled with the cooking salsa. The odour was alluring to both carnivores and herbivores alike, with the strong scent of tomatoes mixed with foreign spices from around the Twin Continents. What was missing was the most dreadful of all, and their goal. They snuck in by the window, while most of the youths were enjoying music played by their fellow bardic commoners, a couple were preparing food that was to come with the hot salsa. And, right by the frequently used chopping board was an untouched Virangish Pepper on a clean plate, almost like a pedestal with how distinct it was from the rest of the foods, and ready to spoil the wondrous sauce it was so close too. [color=#C8D135]“This is our chance.”[/color] whispered Nibbler from the vantage point of one of the tallest shelves in the kitchen. [color=#C8D135]“Make a distraction to get them out, and we’ll swipe the pepper!”[/color] Nyan-Acan darted under the table, his feline instincts on high alert. The cauldron of Hot Salsa bubbled away, its fiery contents threatening to wreak havoc on the taste buds of any unfortunate soul who dared consume it. As the time drew near for the final, and decidedly indigestible, ingredient to be added, Nyan-Acan braced himself. With Nibbler's call for a distraction ringing in his ears, Nyan-Acan surveyed the scene, his keen eyes spotting a dangling tablecloth. A mischievous grin crossed his whiskered face as he made his move. With a swift tug, he sent the tableware and cauldron crashing to the floor, creating a chaotic mess. Amidst the culinary chaos, Nyan-Acan's eyes widened as he beheld a surprise. His feline grace and curiosity drove him to examine the disorder he had caused. Suddenly, he recoiled in shock. There, amidst the spilled concoction, lay a large green object with dark stripes. It slithered ominously across the floor, its gaping mouth reminiscent of a royal sand wyrm, and it was none other than Pepino-Dessierto himself. [colour=orange]"Holy Moly, it is Pepino-Dessierto!"[/colour] Nyan-Acan exclaimed in sheer surprise. [center][h3][url=https://youtu.be/Pk2t5o3E0dc?si=6wicaa-yg9duct4j]♫[/url][/h3][/center] The monster slithered at staggering speeds toward Nyan-acan, prompting the large cat to bounce in terror and retreat, although not without his paws missing out on some friction, making for quite the comedic getaway. His speed and ‘agility’ managed to get him away from the clutches of the beast while Nibbler launched his counter attack by hopping off his vantage point and staring down the creature for a powerful internal chemical attack. Nothing happened. It was completely unaffected, much to the rodent’s dismay! And that wasn’t all, the ruckus the two had made caused multiple utensils to fall from the counters and tables, forcing the two to scramble. What a mess! Plates were broken and rubbish spread all over the floor. But the green creature wasn’t done. The red coon tried to put an end to this with more explosive magic: A VOID-made kinetic explosion, that … Made the thing roll away, mostly unscathed, and even more things were falling! And just as it bonked against the nearby shelf, the edifice began to fall upon the two heroes. Quickly, they dodged! Both with their lightning reflexes and wit, they elegantly jumped on opposite sides, and emerged with new vigour. The tables were about to turn! Literally. The final assault was nigh - Both Nyan-Acan and Nibbler readied themselves. The latter with pieces of plate and forks levitating in the air with his mind until he hurled them all to pin the calamity. Meanwhile, the cat seized a knife, touched it with the VOID and went for the final blow now that their enemy was rendered immobile. With a quick succession of slashes, the beast remained in one piece … For all but two seconds. It crumbled into many little slices. The Cucumber had been slain. With a triumphant gesture, Pepino-Dessierto met his end! The dynamic duo caused a raucous commotion, sending pots and pans flying in every direction, while the air was filled with the tinkling of shattered plates and the crashing of glass. The cacophony of their deeds reverberated through the house, and the ominous thudding of footsteps drew closer as the household's occupants rushed to the scene of the culinary crime. [colour=orange]"Nyibbleeer, my friend, we must be swift!"[/colour] Nyan-Acan declared with a twinkle in his eye. With feline agility, he sprang onto the table, snatching the Pepper in his mouth, his lips tingling with the fiery heat of the spice. This was indeed the genuine article. With a mighty leap, he vaulted toward the sink, plunging his face into the water to quell the burning sensation. With a slick move, he stashed the precious Pepper under his hat and bounded toward the open window, ready to make his grand escape. As he passed the wide-eyed and red-faced Abdel, who had just swung the door open in shock, Nyan-Acan couldn't resist a parting quip. [colour=orange]"This is my cue to exit, amigo."[/colour] With the Pepper safely hidden, the daring cat made his exit in a burst of feline grace and adventure, leaving behind a bemused and befuddled Abdel in his wake with Nibbler shortly behind. Or that’s what he thought! Nibbler, once the pepper secured, had actually flown out without a shred of desire for style. A little, lingering squeak was all that the cat would hear until they met again at their HQ, pepper secured and humans in shambles after a Monkeybird meltdown and a kitchen in chaos. But, all was right in paradise. All that remained was … [color=#C8D135]“So, what do we do with it?”[/color] inquired the ceaselessly nervous Nibbler, hesitating to even approach this fire made material. [color=#C8D135]“I say we burn it. Humans will let their greed to take precedence over reason, and they’ll claim it once more!”[/color] The Pepper swirled and danced within Nyan-Acan's agile paws as he pondered the most suitable course of action. Nibbler's words rang true; the humans would undoubtedly go to great lengths to ensure the vile ingredient's return, even resorting to sneaking it into their sweet desserts if they could. With a sly grin, he concluded, [colour=orange]"Let them never say that Nyan-Acan fails to repay his debts. We shall return to the Big Belcher, and she will breathe fire tonight!"[/colour] Their journey back would take them full circle, returning them to where it all began. As they approached the dragon pens, an air of palpable tension hung heavy. There was unmistakable anger and unease, the residue of the Monkeybirds' recent chaos. The Big Belcher grumbled with annoyance, her eyes smouldering with thoughts of revenge. Nyan-Acan, perched on a nearby roof, looked down at her, his tongue flicking out to lazily groom his paw. [colour=orange]"Missed me, my beautiful Reina?"[/colour] he purred, casting a charming gaze down toward the formidable dragon. His demeanour was filled with confidence and a playful sense of camaraderie, as he found himself once again in the presence of the dragon queen. Qadira regarded the feline with disdain. All she wanted to was eat him at this point. And now he came to flaunt his winning. [color=329990]“"It appears that you hold your own life in rather low regard, dear feline companion. I must emphatically express that, should your interruptions persist, I shall not hesitate to do more than just sample that pepper; a mere bite may not suffice to quell my vexation.”[/color] He tsked softly as he gazed upon the dragon. [colour=orange]"My Reina, you underestimate me so. I arrive bearing a symbol of peace."[/colour] With a flourish, he dangled the Legendary Golden Pepper before her, its glimmering hue befitting a sovereign's treasure. [colour=orange]"A delicacy fit for royalty."[/colour] With precise aim, he propelled the prized item into the Big Belcher's open maw. [colour=orange]"In exchange for a humble act of clemency, of course."[/colour] His tone was gracious, embodying a sense of charm and diplomacy as he sought to mend their relationship with this daring gesture. The Skuggvar gobbled up the small pepper. What a pitiful existence to consider this a danger to the culinary arts! Qadira was about to scoff until- it coughed, and cough some more. The gurgling was never this intense! And then came the flames! The mucus that her species turned to flames was no longer viscus, but a pure, fiery haze of intense heat. Luckily, the pen was made fireproof, but the whole barn suddenly got a bit too active to be considered safe. The howls of the Great Belcher were going to roar for the entirety of the night, all because of one mighty Virangish Pepper. Tomorrow will now come, thanks to the Maginimals! [hr][hr]