Chapter 6

Instructions

King Crimson launched into the sky, followed by Queen Cyan, Aqua, Lava, Smoke, and Fire. Aqua watched the ground smudge beneath them as they flew hastily toward their destination. When they arrived at Dark’s cave, Emerald ran up to them. She skidded to a halt in front of King Crimson. “As soon as we landed, Sky saw a small white dragon taking off and flew after it. I stayed behind to guard the cave.” “Which direction did they go?” Queen Cyan asked. “That way,” said Emerald, pointing north towards the mountains. “We should go and find Sky,” Aqua remarked. “You’re right,” replied King Crimson, “Smoke and Fire, you can stay behind and guard with Emerald. Everyone else, follow me.” As they lifted off into the azure sky and flew towards the mountains, Aqua looked at the closest mountain and saw a landing near the bottom. “There’s Sky!” she exclaimed excitedly. “Yes! Let’s hurry!” Queen Cyan answered enthusiastically. They dived towards the mountain and landed beside Sky, who was holding down a small white dragon. The dragon was anxiously clasping a pouch in his talons. “What are you doing here, Cloud?” King Crimson asked. “N- n- nothing, sir,” he replied nervously. “I’m not so sure,” Sky said, “What is in that pouch?” Cloud’s eyes widened in terror as King Crimson pried it out of his grip and opened it, revealing the Glow-Flower tucked inside. A deep voice rang out behind them, “I see you’ve found my accomplice.” “Dark, what are you doing here?” King Crimson asked levelly. “Coming to get that, of course,” replied Dark, nodding at the Glow-Flower. “You can’t!” Lava interjected. “Who says?” replied Dark, “Or would you like to duel again? You know how well the last one went.” “I am,” said King Crimson, “I am stopping you.” “Oh, really,” Dark growled, “You think you can stop me.” Then, Dark sprang toward King Crimson, but King Crimson deftly stepped aside, and Dark hit the ground hard. “You won’t beat me like that,” said King Crimson grimly. Dark hurtled himself at King Crimson again, but King Crimson leaped into the air and landed on his back, off-balancing him and forcing him to the ground. “Get out of here,” snarled King Crimson, “I exile you beyond these mountains, past my border. If any of my guards see you in my territory after today, they will kill you.” “Your kingdom won’t last forever,” Dark retorted, “You will see me again.” As Dark trudged off, Aqua was happy. The Glow-Flower was back. Dark was exiled, and they could live in peace once more.