The Sypder's Amulet: Part Four

by beckykwinson

We hitched a lift out of the Haunted Woods, stopping to say thank you to Edna for her help. Icebolt still had not woken up, and Shadows was becoming worried. He scratched his head anxiously as we sat on the train, trying to get some sleep. I emphasise the word TRYING. Shadows was keeping us all awake, and over exciting the pet pets, who all loved a good yell. Tuftyias Mallard quacked away all night, Bubbleisias Frogarott croaked and jumped around the carriage, Jumanjiochis Triffin got in everyone's way, and made a nuisance of itself, and Peanut, my Noil would not shut up growling. By the time we arrived at Neopia Central, we were all shattered. The only place open was the Art Centre, so we all sat around the wooden tables in the coffee shop, sipping our hot drinks. Icebolt was STILL asleep. It annoyed me. I wanted to speak to him, to find out what he liked doing, whether he was the same as me. Shadows kept frowning, and huffing and puffing.

"I'm SURE he's in a coma. Why hasn't he woken up? He never used to be like this!"

"What did he used to be like?"

"Energetic. Highly excitable. Loved Gormball and Dice-A-Roo. Favourite Food was Lupe Chia Treats. Hated Chias and Spyders. Favourite Toy was the Big n' Bouncy Ball. Shadows sounded like an electronic organiser, as he reeled off a list. We stared at him pitifully. Poor Guy. He must have been torn apart when he found out what had happened. I stared at my family. What would it be like if they all went missing because of me? I didn't like thinking about it. What about when they died? I shook myself. Stop it Iceburg. This whole thing was pulling me under, forcing me to think about things I didn't want to. What about when I was not breathing? STOP IT! Only old people acted like this. I wasn't old!

Suddenly, the table jolted. Icebolt sat up straight, and screamed. The old Techo at the next table started. "Stop that bleedin' screamin' Can't a chap have a cup o' coffee in peace? You stupid kids!"

He glared at Becki, who shuddered. The old Techo was mutated, and had a black patch over one eye. His face was scarred, as if clawed by some ferocious creature, and most of his nose was missing. He turned around, and sipped his tea, but from the mirror in front of me, I saw he was watching. I glared at him furiously, and he snarled.

We all went back to staring at my twin, who was rigid and shuddering like mad.

"Where-where am I??"

Shadows put his arm round him. "Icebolt, you're safe now. No-one can harm you here."

Icebolt stopped shuddering, and shrugged Shadows arm off furiously.

"You left me. You left me to be. All you care about is ICEBURG! You don't care about ME!"

"I feared this would happen. Icebolt I am sorry. I care for you and Iceburg equally, but he has the amulet, which is more precious than the Faerie Queen. In the wrong hands, it could destroy the whole of Neopia."

"You care more about that STUPID amulet, than you do me!" Shadows growled frighteningly. Icebolt fell silent.

"I apoligised, didn't I?" Shadows roared. "Now you listen to me! You either help me, and get rid of the Spyder Queen, or you get lost, and get put in the pound again, where ANYONE can get you!"

Icebolt scowled. I think we all knew Shadows would never throw an innocent pet to Dr. Death, let alone Icebolt, but we weren't 100% positive. He was so unpredictable at the moment, no-one knew what would happen. Icebolt was trapped. Reluctantly, he gave in.

"Right," Shadows started, clapping together his dusty paws, and showering dust over the table." I suggest we all find somewhere to stay for the night. We'll visit the Neolodge in about ten minutes, and then-"

"Hang on," interupted Becki. "We've got another NeoHome down on Aisha Avenue. My brother gave it to me when he left Neopia. I'm not sure what it's like, but it's big enough for six of us. It's got a pretty good security system too."

"EXCELLENT! We'll go there--just stop off at the bank on the way down Becki, and get out all the important stuff like food out of the Deposit Box, and put all the toys and books in. And also, claim the insurance on your old Home and furniture. You did remember to pay it?"

"Of course! It was Peophin Platinum, I should get loads out of it!"

We left the coffee shop and the catacombs, and walked down the pretty suburban street of Aisha Avenue. Bluebells and Daffodils were planted neatly in flower beds, in simple patterns. We came to Number 66. Becki produced a small golden key, which glittered in the soft moonlight. Shivering with the thoughts of decent food and a hot bath, we stepped into the hallway, which was made of Jelly, and was furnished with a creamy rug, and several bean bags and pillows. Becki picked them up, and dragged them into the next room.

As we settled down, each on a Kauvara Sofa, there was a loud rattling on the door. Everyone blundered about blindly in the darkness. No one thought of the light switch. Despairingly, I used my Sparks Ability.

To be continued...