Chapter 29: The Creature from the Tar Caverns

A group of UnderWorld soldiers was heading deep into a series of caverns located near Sabretooth Cavern. "I don't like this. Going to such a dangerous Location to speak to an equally dangerous Creature." Soldier 1 said. "What? You'd rather be stuck back at Gothos Tower cleansing the wall of that purple filth?" Soldier 2 asked. "Well, no. It's just that- Well, what does Lord Chaor expect if we actually recruit this thing?" Soldier 1 asked. "I don't know. But whatever Chaor's planning for this Creature, we need to respect his decision." Soldier 3 said. The other soldiers looked at each other as they continued.

Soon, they reached their assigned Location. An entire cavern filled with tar pools. "This is where our mystery Creature is supposed to live." Soldier 3 said. "Here? This is just a cave filled with tar pools. Nothing could live in here." Soldier 1 said. But suddenly, something reached out of the pool nearby and pulled soldier 1 in. "Nothing you say?" Soldier 3 asked mockingly. Soldier 1 was tossed out of the pool, almost traumatized from what happened. Just then, a Creature completely covered in tar with dozens of little eyes on its body and a big bright green eye emerged from the tar pool and slowly stepped towards the soldiers. "What is Lord Chaor's bidding?" The tar Creature asked.


(Intro)


In Chaotic, Sidney and Nika were having a match in the Beta Drome. They were battling in Crystal Cave. Sidney was battling as Maglax. Nika was battling as Vyll. Maglax fired Iron Balls, bouncing off the crystals, causing them to shatter. Vyll flew as fast as he could to dodge them. Then he formed an Entropy Modulator on his wrist and fired Power Punch, knocking Maglax back a bit. "Sorry, Sid. Looks like this round goes to me." Vyll said. "You sure about that?" Maglax asked. Just then, the crystal shards started to shake. Then they started to levitate. Vyll was confused until he looked at Maglax. He was using his electro telekinesis to move the crystal shards, pointing them directly at Vyll. Then he fired them. Vyll braced himself as the crystal shards slashed at him, coding him on impact.

Afterwards, the girls headed to the Port Court to meet the others. "That was pretty clever, using Maglax's powers to control the crystals. Makes me want to get a scan of him." Nika said. "Thank you. But your Vyll was pretty amazing too. Now I want to scan him." Sidney said. "I've got an extra if you want to trade." Nika offered. "Sure. Trade for one of my extra Airsaulters and my extra New Mipedian Tropics scan?" Sidney asked. "Deal." Nika said.

"I'm telling you, there is no way that a Creature could live in the Tar Caverns!" Gisele's voice called, startling the 2 girls. "Sounds like trouble." Sidney said. "And I'm telling you, there is! I've seen it!" Minnie said as Sidney and Nika arrived. "Impossible! I've been to the Tar Caverns and not once have I seen any Creature make a home there!" Gisele said. "That's because the Creature is also made of tar! It's so he can camouflage himself with his surroundings!" Minnie said.

"What's all this about?" Sidney asked. "Oh, they're just trying to settle an argument." Robbie said. "What kind of argument?" Nika asked. "Well, there's a rumor going around about a Creature who's supposed to be living in the Tar Caverns in the UnderWorld." Robbie explained. "The Tar Caverns? Where's that?" Sidney asked. "It's right near Sabretooth Cavern, just outside UnderWorld City." Nika said. "Have you ever been there?" Sidney asked. "A few times. But I've never seen the Creature." Nika said. "Well, I'd say this calls for an adventure." Sidney said. "Wait. You're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you lass?" Robbie asked. "If this Creature does exist, I want to scan it." Sidney said. "Sounds like an adventure to me. I'm in." Nika said. "Me too. Let's get Minnie and Gisele and head down to the Tar Caverns." Robbie said.

The gang ported to UnderWorld City and headed towards Sabretooth Cavern. They entered the tunnels and searched for the Tar Caverns. "The Tar Caverns are right down this way." Minnie said, leading the way. "Right. I'll expect a full heart-on apology when I prove you wrong." Gisele said. "Funny. I was gonna say the same thing to you." Minnie said. "Shh! I hear something." Sidney said, hearing something. Voices were echoing off the tunnel walls. "This way." Minnie whispered, leading the gang down the tunnel.

The gang peaked out from behind a rock, seeing the UnderWorlders. "UnderWorlder soldiers." Robbie whispered. "Why would they be here at the Tar Caverns?" Nika asked. "Wait. I see something in the pool." Sidney whispered. The gang looked as the pool started to bubble. And then, the tar Creature emerged from the pool. "That's him! That's the tar Creature!" Minnie whispered. "I don't believe it!" Gisele whispered. "There really is a Creature living down here." Robbie whispered. "And a really cool looking one at that." Nika whispered.

The tar Creature walked up to the soldiers. "I am ready to serve Lord Chaor." He said. "Good. Then we must leave for Gothos Tower. He'll be expecting you." Soldier 1 said. The gang was shocked to hear this. "He's working for Chaor!" Nika whispered. "They're coming this way!" Minnie whispered. The gang ducked down as the tar Creature and the soldiers passed by. "Let's grab a quick scan of this Creature and get out of here." Sidney whispered, getting her scanner ready. The others got their scanners ready too. They took aim at the tar Creature and scanned him. The soldiers noticed this. "Look!" "Chaotic players!" "It's the Majors girl and her friends!" "Blast them!" The soldiers readied their BattleGear and fired. The gang got their scans and ported away before the attacks could hit them.

Back in Chaotic, the gang looked at their scan of the tar Creature. "Says here his name is Morotuve. He's good at fire attacks." Nika said. "Well, I'll be the first to admit that I was wrong." Gisele said. "I told you. But what were those soldiers talking to him about?" Minnie asked. "I don't know. But if Chaor's involved, it must be a plan for an attack on the Tribal Alliance." Sidney said. "So, what're we gonna do?" Robbie asked. Everyone started to think. "I think we should split up and perform separate tasks." Sidney suggested. "What do you have in mind, Sid?" Minnie asked. "Okay, here's what we're gonna do. Does anyone have any scans of Gothos Tower?" Sidney asked. "I've got a few." Nika said. "Okay then. Nika, since those soldiers and Morotuve were heading for Gothos Tower, you port there and try to find out what Chaor's plan is." Sidney said. "Right." Nika said. "Minnie and Robbie, you guys port to Kiru City and tell the Alliance that Chaor's got a new ally coming." Sidney said. "You got it, Sid." Minnie said. "But what are you gonna do?" Robbie asked. "Gisele and I are gonna see what Morotuve can do in the Beta Drome. See if he's got any weak spots." Sidney said. "We'll call if we find any after the match." Gisele said. Minnie, Robbie and Nika nodded.

At the Beta Drome, Sidney and Gisele set up their decks for a one-on-one match. "Battling at the Lava Pond will a good idea for 2 Creatures good with fire attacks." Gisele said. "You sure you don't want to test your scan of Morotuve like I am?" Sidney asked. "Nah. Morotuve's all yours. Besides, when it comes to fighting fire with fire, my Faash and I have never lost a battle." Gisele said. "Okay then." Sidney said. The girls locked their decks and revealed their teams. "Morotuve attacks Faash!" Sidney declared. Gisele transformed into the big bug. Sidney transformed into the big tar monster. She felt a bit disgusted at her new appearance. "This body's gonna take some getting used to." She said. "Yeah, he's not so easy on the eyes. But don't worry. I'll go easy on you." Gisele said. "Then let's get Chaotic." Sidney said.

At Kiru City, Minnie and Robbie told the Tribal leaders about their predicament. "You did the right thing coming here to tell us about this." Maxxor said. "But what does Chaor want with this Creature?" Mudeenu asked. "I don't know. But I know Chaor better than any UnderWorlder. He must be targeting something important to the Alliance." Takinom said. "But what could that be?" Smildon asked. "We don't know yet. But we'll know soon. We have our friend Nika at Gothos Tower spying on them. If anyone can give us the intel, she can." Minnie said. "Let's hope so. For the Alliance's sake." Maxxor said with worry.

At Gothos Tower, Nika hid up in the balconies while Chaor's soldiers brought Morotuve up to him. "Morotuve. It's been a long time." Chaor said. "Too long, my lord." Morotuve said, bowing to the UnderWorlder leader. 'What're you planning here, Chaor?' Nika thought as she watched.

At the Lava Pond, Morotuve looked around for Faash. Just then, the Danian hopped into view and fired a Torrent of Flame. The attack hit Morotuve, knocking him into the rocks. "Hey! What happened to taking it easy?" Morotuve asked. "Sorry, Sid. It was a reflex. Honest." Faash assured. "Well, I've got reflexes too. Magma Balls!" Morotuve shouted, firing hundreds of Magma Balls from all his eyes. Faash guarded himself with his arms as the attack hit him. "Steam Rage!" Faash fired a fire stream, pushing Morotuve back.

Meanwhile, Nika still listened in on what Chaor and Morotuve were planning. "Here's what I have planned for you. I want you to help attack the Mipedian Dew Farm." Chaor said. "The Dew Farm. Why there, sir?" Morotuve asked. "The Watering Stone at the Dew Farm helps supply the Mipedians with fresh water when they're too far to travel to the New Tropics. With your tar, we're gonna contaminate the Watering Stone's water and poison the Mipedians. With them out of the way, the Mipedian Desert will be easy conquering, and we'll be one step closer to ruling all of Perim." Chaor explained. Nika gasped silently. "Can you do it?" Chaor asked. "I can. And I will, my lord." Morotuve said. "Good. On your way then." Chaor said. "Yes sir." Morotuve said before leaving. "I gotta tell the others." Nika whispered, dialing Kiru City on her scanner and porting out of the tower.

Back in the match, Faash was pushing Morotuve back with Ember Swarm. "I'm actually surprised that despite being covered in tar, Morotuve hasn't caught fire yet." Faash said. "Yeah. Guess Morotuve's tar is fireproof. Lucky me." Morotuve said, firing back with Inferno Gust. Faash was knocked close to the edge, nearly falling into the lava. "Is that all you got?" He asked, not backing down as Morotuve approached. "Not nearly. Try this on for size." Morotuve stretched out his arm and grabbed Faash. But then, his arm started to smoke. "That can't be good." He said. Then, his entire arm caught fire. He screamed in pain and let go of Faash. He shook his arm heavily until the fire finally went out. Both of them were in complete shock at what they had just witnessed. "Did you see that?" Morotuve asked. "Your whole arm caught fire when it got too close to the Lava Pond." Faash said. "Hmm. I guess this tar isn't flameproof after all. It's flammable when Morotuve too close to something super-hot." Morotuve said. "We'll be sure to tell the others as soon as our match is over." Faash said. "Then bring it on." Morotuve said.

Back at Kiru City, Nika told Minnie, Robbie and the Alliance Chaor's plan. "They're gonna poison the Mipedians at the Dew Farm?!" Odu asked. "Chaor has taken this too far! No one dares target our water supply!" Mudeenu said. "I'm actually surprised that we never thought of that." Odu said. "Yeah. I'm surprised myself." Mudeenu said. "Not the time for that! Morotuve might be on his way to the Dew Farm right now." Takinom said. "We'll assemble a squad and head out that way immediately." Maxxor said. "We'll go too. Hopefully Sidney and Gisele have discovered some weaknesses before the day's over." Minnie said. "Then let's start hoping." Maxxor said, patting Minnie's shoulder.

Back in the match, Morotuve and Faash were slowly panting after firing several fire attacks at each other. "Gotta say. Never thought Morotuve would last this long." Faash said. "I know. Despite being made of tar, he's a pretty tough UnderWorlder. I just might use him with Verlina in my next match." Morotuve said. "Right. But no time for that. We must end this match. I've got a feeling Chaor's making his move." Faash said. "Then it pains me to do this to you, Gisele. Magmamite!" Morotuve blasted a fist of magma from his chest. Faash was blasted back by the attack and fell into the lava, coding on impact.

Back in Perim, Maxxor, Takinom, Mudeenu, Odu, Minnie, Robbie and Nika had arrived at the Dew Farm with a strike team consisting of Crawsectus, Klasp, Bierk, Frafdo, Ibiaan and several soldiers. Takinom was looking out with a Scout's Monocular. Just then, she saw Morotuve and a dozen UnderWorld soldiers approaching. "They're coming!" She called. "Kids, you better take cover. This could get messy." Mudeenu said. "When is it not messy?" Minnie asked as she, Robbie and Nika ran for cover. Morotuve and the soldiers were almost on top of them. "This is it. Get ready." Maxxor said. Everyone got ready to fight.

Morotuve and the soldiers marched up to the Dew Farm. "Once these waters are contaminated, we'll have one less tribe to contend with." Morotuve said. Suddenly, one of the soldiers saw a Flame Orb coming at them from above. "Incoming!" He shouted. The attack hit, knocking the guards down. "I see we have company already." Morotuve said. Maxxor and his team walked up to the tar-covered UnderWorlder. "Morotuve, right? Don't believe we've had the pleasure." Maxxor said. "Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Maxxor. A pleasure to destroy you and poison the Mipedian Dew Farm." Morotuve said. "Try it!" Mudeenu shouted, launching Fearocity.

As Minnie, Robbie and Nika watched, Minnie received a call on her scanner. "Hello?" Minnie said as she answered. "Min! What's going on? Where are you guys?" Sidney asked. "The Mipedian Dew Farm. Morotuve's here. His mission was to try and poison the water to poison the Mipedians." Nika explained. "We managed to intercept with the Alliance. But we don't know how long we're gonna last." Robbie said. "Please tell me you 2 found something in your match." Minnie begged. "Actually, we did." Sidney said. Morotuve's tar coating isn't flammable to fire attacks. But it's very flammable to something extremely hot. Like lava." Gisele explained. "Thanks for the tip. Port here and tell Maxxor. Quickly!" Minnie said. "We'll be right there!" Sidney said, ending the call.

By then, Morotuve and his soldiers were slowly gaining the upper hand on the Alliance. Morotuve managed to subdue half the soldiers, Bierk, Frafdo and Klasp. "Keep up your guard! We can't let Morotuve poison the Dew Farm!" Mudeenu called, blasting with Lightning Burst. "We're trying! My fire attacks aren't even scorching Morotuve's tar!" Takinom exclaimed. "Neither are mine! His tar's pretty tough!" Maxxor said. Morotuve fired several Magma Balls, knocking back Maxxor and a few soldiers. "Keep firing!" Odu yelled. "Don't gotta tell me twice!" Mudeenu exclaimed. "Or me!" Takinom called. They continued pressing their attacks.

Maxxor groaned as he recovered. "Maxxor!" Sidney's voice called. Maxxor looked and saw Sidney and Gisele running over to help. "Girls! What're you doing here? It's getting pretty dangerous for humans!" Maxxor said. "We know. But we know how we can beat Morotuve." Sidney said. "Nothing can beat that walking tar pit! He's impervious to our fire attacks!" Maxxor exclaimed. "That's because your attacks aren't hot enough!" Gisele said. "She's right. We gotta lead Morotuve to an extremely hot Location." Sidney said. Just then, Mudeenu was knocked back by Morotuve, joining the group. "I heard everything. Sha-Kree Flats is close by here." He said. "That'll do. The extreme hotness of Sha-Kree Flats should be enough to light Morotuve's tar on fire." Sidney said. "But Morotuve's objective is to poison our water supply. There's no way we can lure him all the way to the Flats." Mudeenu said. "Maybe. But my family does have their way to get under an enemy's skin. Or in this case, tar coat." Sidney said.

By then, Morotuve's group finally managed to push the Alliance back. "It's no good! We can't keep this up any longer!" Ibiaan exclaimed. "But we have to try! We can't give up!" Takinom said. Just then, a rock hit Morotuve on the head. He turned and saw Sidney. "You! I saw you at the Tar Caverns! You're that Majors girl I've been hearing about!" He said. "That's right. I've heard that you're pretty tough for an UnderWorlder." Sidney said. "Yes. So?" Morotuve asked. "I just battled as you back in Chaotic. And I think I prefer using Solvis. He's way tougher than you. And better looking too." Sidney mocked. That triggered Morotive. "You wretched little HUMAN!" He shouted, firing a Lavalanche towards Sidney. She managed to dodge the attack and run off towards Sha-Kree Flats. Morotuve chased after her. "Morotuve! Stop! We have a mission to complete!" The lead soldier called.

"We gotta help Sidney!" Takinom called. "No need. Sidney knows what she's doing." Maxxor said. "And what is she doing?" Odu asked. "She's leading Morotuve to Sha-Kree Flats. The over-hot sun should be able to burn through Morotuve's tar." Gisele said. "Let's hope the kid knows what she's doing." Odu said.

Sidney continued to run as quick as she could. The sun was getting hotter, so she knew she had to be near Sha-Kree Flats. Just then, a Magmamight caused her to fly onto a flat piece of land. Sidney managed to turn to see Morotuve standing over her. "This is the end for you, little Majors. Lord Chaor will be most pleased when he hears that I've destroyed the one human who stood in his way of conquering Kiru City." Morotuve said, preparing to finish Sidney off. "You sure about that? Because it looks like your plans are going up in flames." Sidney said. Morotuve was confused, until he felt something hot on his arms. He looked and saw that his arms had caught fire. He screamed in pain and tried shake off the flames, but no avail. "You may have won this round, but we'll be back!" He shouted as he retreated. Sidney sighed with relief.

Back in Chaotic, Sidney told the rest of the group about what happened at Sha-Kree Flats. "Wow! So, our plan actually worked!" Gisele said. "Indeed, it did." Sidney said. "Wish I could've seen it." Nika said with disappointment. "Don't worry, Nika. I'm sure there'll be a next time if we ever run into Morotuve again." Minnie said. "Yeah. One thing we know about Chaor's flunkies. They never give up so easily." Robbie said. "Yeah, you're right." Gisele said. "So, in the meantime, you still up for that Vyll trade?" Sidney asked. "Oh, you bet I am." Nika said. The 2 got up and headed for the trading tables. "Well, at least the adventures not over for Sidney." Robbie said. "Fortunately, that's why we're her friends." Minnie joked. The 3 of them laughed.


New Cards:

Creature: Morotuve

UnderWorld Commander

Courage: 50

Power: 50

Wisdom: 35

Speed: 25

Elements: Fire

Mugic: 1

Energy: 45

They say he was just a myth, until it was too late. -Takinom

Location: Tar Caverns

Morotuve gains 10 Fire