Zulu's Adventure of Bravery

     Last week we left our heroes deep inside the hidden cave. Having made it through the treacherously icy tunnels, they finally found someone... or something...

     Chapter 9

     Kanrik leapt forward into the fissure in the cave’s wall. Once inside, his lantern filled the crevice with light. Across the way, the group could see someone tied to a chair… They couldn’t believe it, they had finally found the missing Neopian! After a long journey on their search for him, the group’s efforts had finally proved fruitful. They rushed over towards the missing Neopian and proceeded to untie him from the chair.

     The missing Neopian was elated to see the group and to be unbound from the chair. He thanked them frantically for helping him and explained that he had begun to think he would never be found. After chatting for a few moments about what he had been through, the missing Neopian realized he had forgotten to tell the heroes his name. He introduced himself as Tharg Jr., and thanked his rescuers again. Everyone was eager to get out of the cave, and escort Tharg Jr. back to the village of Tyrammet.

     There seemed to be a faint breeze coming from overhead, so Zulu began looking for an exit above them. He found a hole in the icy ceiling that led to a sloping tunnel where the breeze was more noticeable. While calling for the others, Zulu located a sizeable ice shard where he was able to attach a rope for climbing. Soon everyone was heading up the tunnel, this time with Hannah taking the lead. The Ice Caves champion glided along the ice, reaching a level part of the slope before the others. Noticing the rest of the group having some difficulty, Hannah asked Zulu for the rope and found something she could tie it to.

     The companions regrouped at the top of the slope, and Hannah took the rope for the next incline. The journey was neither quick nor easy, but with the satisfaction of finding the Neopian, the group was motivated. The increasingly steady breeze told them that each step they took brought them closer to the cave’s exit. A short time later they were able to see a cavern ahead, where light was pouring in from the ceiling.

     Zulu flew up looking for something to attach the rope to, but instead found a group of Neopets who were having a snowball fight! Seeing Zulu’s Defenders of Neopia cape, they offered their assistance and grabbed the rope. Zulu looked around, surprised that he had travelled all the way from Tyrannia to Terror mountain while underground. One by one, the rest of the group climbed out of the chasm and into the Ice Caves. They thanked the kind strangers, and Hannah directed her companions towards the mouth of the cave where they could take a ski lift.

     After some slippery trekking, the group had reached the exit of the Ice Caves and were almost back in town. Everyone took a moment to relax while they waited for the ski lift that would take them down to Happy Valley. While biding their time, the group discussed what Galem had said back in the cave...Only one certain Bori knew of the treasure's location. Armin was thinking of the Bori’s he knew that were good at fixing things. Being so close to the top of the mountain reminded him of the Toy Repair Shop, and the old Bori that owned it. Following this revelation, the group agreed to change their plans. They would pay a visit to Donny at the top of the mountain before heading down into the valley.

     The ski lift soon arrived, and it was an easy trip up the mountain. When they reached the top, the group trudged down a path surrounded by snowdrifts that led to the repair shop. On the walkway, the snow itself wasn't too deep, but it was slightly melted on the surface and therefore quite slippery. Armin was a bit of a celebrity among the Bori species, so once they arrived at the shop he offered to talk to Donny first. When they walked in, the group found Donny at a table in the corner. He was slurping Fish Negg Stew from a Cheery Tomato Soup Bowl, but paused when he caught sight of Armin. Donny joked that Armin wasn’t so small anymore while eyeing up the rest of the group. When his eyes came to Zulu’s cape, Donny stood up and asked the group what they needed.

     Zulu asked if a purple Grarrl with red eyes had come through with a request to take something apart instead of putting it back together. Donny squinted his eyes and suggested that maybe he had a patron fitting that description. Armin then explained that the Grarrl was Galem Darkhand, and what he brought to the repair shop was stolen treasure. Donny was shocked; Galem was no friend of Terror Mountain’s but he was a paying customer! The group urged Donny to do the right thing, and Tharg Jr. asked for the treasure to be returned to the villagers of Tyrammet. Donny thought for a minute and then agreed to give it back in exchange for the promise of future business. Should the Defenders of Neopia ever need their weapons repaired, they would come to Donny’s Repair Shop.

     Treasure in hand, the group left the shop and took the ski lift down the mountain. When they reached the valley below, they continued hiking until the snow began to melt away into sparse patches of grass. Eventually, they came to a dirt road where they were thrilled to see an Uggamobile waiting to transport passengers to Tyrannia. Tharg Jr. ran to the shuttle and asked if it would take them to Tyrammet. The driver said he would take them to the Tyrannian Jungle, but could not navigate all the way into the village. With that, everyone piled into the Uggamobile and they set off.

     Finally, after a relaxing drive, they reached the Tyrannian Jungle. The Uggamobile came to a stop beside the bridge that Tharg Jr. would cross to get into the village of Tyrammet. The Neopian was obviously hungry and worn out, even more so than the others. He informed the group that he was going to head home and return to his family. He thanked the group for coming to his aid and not giving up on their search. He asked them to meet him tomorrow at the town hall so he, and the council of elders, could thank them properly. The group said goodbye to Tharg Jr. and watched as he crossed the bridge. They smiled, glad that the Neopian would soon be safe in his home and able to share the treasure with his village.

      Chapter 10

     With a great sense of accomplishment, the heroes headed towards the Defenders of Neopia headquarters. Having identified Galem as the guilty culprit and saving both the missing Neopian and his treasure, the team had a lot to tell Judge Hog. As usual, Zulu became more and more excited as the group approached Neopia Central.

     After entering the headquarters, the group were surrounded by officials. There were many questions asked, but the group were looking for Judge Hog and only wanted to speak with him. They walked across the room towards his office and were greeted by Hog himself before they could even knock on his door. Hog invited them in and allowed them to fill him in on their findings. After an in-depth explanation of the circumstances, Hog congratulated the group for successfully rescuing the missing Neopian. He explained that Galem had been missing in action for a long time and that it was strange that he would risk being captured to steal the treasure. Hog told the group that he would put out wanted posters for Galem and that the DoN would work towards locating and apprehending him.

     Judge Hog invited Zulu, Hannah, Armin and Kanrik to visit the DoN headquarters whenever they wished and told them that they would be welcome members of the DoN team. After thanking the group collectively, he then asked to speak exclusively with Kanrik. Hog apologized to Kanrik for being so quick to accuse him of being involved in the crime. He asked Kanrik to come to the town hall tomorrow so that Hog could formally recognize him in front of the community. Kanrik thanked Hog for his invitation, shook his hand, and told him that he would be there tomorrow.

     After finishing with Kanrik, Hog now sought out Zulu. Judge Hog told Zulu that he wasn’t always sure that he would be successful in finding the missing Neopian, but that he knew that he had the right attitude for the task. Hog explained that he was very impressed with Zulu’s commitment and bravery. Hog informed him that he would be publicly recognizing Kanrik tomorrow at the town hall and that he would also like to recognize Zulu. Zulu agreed to attend the town hall celebration, provided Hog recognized Hannah and Armin as well. Hog agreed with Zulu’s suggestion and shook his hand.

     As Hog and Zulu exited the office, the group reconvened for one last time. The team had been successful, they had worked very hard and supported each other, and they had accomplished their goal. Zulu, Hannah, Armin, and Kanrik are living proof that if you put your mind to something and don’t give up, you can do anything! They were all an inspiration to those around them and would continue to be for the rest of their lives.

     The End.