Martian Invasion Page 7

  “This calls for another party!” Bunny shouted. She activated her Party Center with a pop, and everyone was instantly wearing party hats and surrounded by balloons.

  A status message appeared: “Looks like Bunny’s throwing a party!”

  Roland went up to Carlo with an outstretched hand. “Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can party on.”

  Carlo grinned and shook his hand. “Let’s paint this town red to celebrate.”

  “I was thinking a dark shade of pink, actually,” Roland replied.

  Carlo started to argue but thought better of it. “Whatever you say, my friend!”

  Sarah danced by with her scissors out, popping balloons as she went. Katie put her hand on Sarah’s arm. “Running with scissors is a no-no. Dancing with scissors is downright dangerous. Don’t make me give you a time out in the infirmary!”

  Sarah apologized and tucked her scissors away, then pulled out a pin and continued popping balloons. Katie sighed and walked away, deciding for once to let down her guard and have fun. She’d deal with all the bruises and bumps after the party was over.

  Asher gathered the rest of the villagers together to start a limbo game with Cedric’s magic staff. Bunny sat back and watched the fun, happy she could help her friends blow off some steam after a tough battle.

  “They make great teammates, don’t they?” Miles said to Owen. Owen nodded. “This is why I spend so much time in the village. I like feeling like part of something bigger, you know?”

  “I understand,” Owen said. “But I’m still glad we dragged you out on our adventures.”

  “And we brought some adventure back with us too,” Miles added. “So, what’s next? Are you guys going to stay here for a while?”

  Owen was about to answer that he wasn’t sure when Asher ran past to return to the limbo line. “Not a chance, brother! Not while there’s more to conquer out there in the wide world!”

  The song ended and everyone in the room heard Asher’s next comment. “You should leave your village and come with us! The Three Amigos reunited together again!”

  All eyes turned to Miles, some of their faces were angry, others were stunned, sad, or accusing. Miles stood there, his mouth open but no sound escaped. He closed his eyes for a moment, wishing everyone hadn’t heard Asher’s request and wishing Asher hadn’t made it at all.

  Chapter 15:

  OTHER PLANS

  Miles grabbed Asher’s arm and pulled him away. Owen strode after them. When they reached a quiet spot away from the crowds, Miles spun around angrily to face Asher. “Why would you say that in front of everyone like that?” he said angrily. “After everyone worked so hard to support us. Right when they’re celebrating too.”

  “What’s the big deal?” Asher asked defensively. “They’re fine with us coming and going.”

  “For one, it makes us look ungrateful,” Miles replied. “They all put a lot on the line for us. The dust hasn’t even cleared and you’re already running off and bringing me into your plans without asking.”

  “I did ask,” Asher replied. “I’m asking right now.”

  “Just hear Asher out, okay?” Owen said gently.

  “Okay,” Miles replied reluctantly. “What’s your next big quest?”

  “Ocram,” Asher and Owen said together.

  Miles nodded. He had been expecting that was their goal all along and said as much to the pair.

  “How did you know?” Owen asked, wide-eyed. Miles was happy to see he still had the ability to surprise his friend.

  “With all three mechanical bosses defeated, Ocram is the next big boss on the list. Plus, the Soul of Blight drop is a valuable ingredient in crafting all sorts of next-generation weaponry,” Miles explained. “Good luck with your quest.”

  “So you’re not coming, then?” Asher asked. “I was expecting that from you as well.”

  Miles shook his head no. He was itchy to get back to his responsibilities here in the village, and he was eager to spend some time with Sarah and John. The more time they spent together, the closer they had become as friends. Plus, in the past few battles, he realized there was still so much he didn’t know about this hardmode world. He had a lot more reading up to do, and all that reading could benefit Asher and Owen, along with any other warriors who came along. “My place is here for now,” Miles replied simply. “But it doesn’t mean I won’t join you for another battle vacation again!”

  Owen laughed at that comment. “We’ll take you up on that, you know.”

  “I hope you do!” Miles replied. “I’ll be reading up on the bosses you haven’t faced yet so I can help.”

  “So you’re going to be my hardmode guide after all,” Owen laughed. “I knew it all along!”

  “Can we make it a big announcement? I think it could help your image too,” Asher asked. Miles shrugged. He knew once he told his friends he had chosen to stay that all would be forgiven anyway. He followed Asher and Owen back to the party.

  As soon as they arrived, the music stopped again and everyone turned to look at them. Bunny and Sarah stared angrily, their hands on their hips. John, Jack, Isaac, and Autumn avoided their gaze. If Miles was to go on another journey, he knew those two would have asked to come. Danny looked sad. Miles realized that if he left again, Danny wouldn’t get his house after all. He wanted to reassure them all right away, but he had given Asher permission to break the news so all he could do was stand and wait. Before Asher could speak, Katie confronted Miles. “Do you have an announcement to make?”

  “He doesn’t, but I do.” Asher stepped forward. “Owen and I invited Miles to face one of our hardest enemies yet. Ocram.”

  John and Jack nudged each other with excitement. “He’s gonna do it!” John said.

  “I hope he takes us this time,” Jack replied.

  “Shhhh!” Autumn silenced them. “We’ll miss the announcement.”

  “He said no,” Owen announced.

  “He did?” Autumn and Isaac said together, clearly surprised.

  “He did!” Bunny, Sarah, and Roland called out with excitement.

  Miles smiled at his friends’ reaction. “I’ve been gone for too long already,” he addressed the group. “I have new friends to build houses for,” he looked at Danny who broke into a big gap-toothed grin. “And I have old friends I haven’t spent enough time with in a while.” Sarah blushed while John gave Miles a thumbs up. “I’m not saying I’ve completely hung up my weapons, but for now, my place is here.”

  Miles turned to Owen and Asher. “Please join me in wishing our two adventurous friends farewell and good luck!” Everyone cheered, whether it was to support Asher and Owen’s quest or to express their relief that Miles was staying. “Now let’s get back to the party and give these guys one heck of a send-off!”

  Chapter 16:

  CATCH OF THE DAY

  After a good night’s sleep, Asher and Owen woke before daybreak to head out on their next quest. Miles met them at the edge of the village.

  “You didn’t have to get up to see us off,” Asher said. “But we appreciate it!”

  “Actually, I got up early to tend to the farm animals,” Miles replied, showing them an empty feed bucket. “I figured you guys would still be in bed.”

  “We wanted to get an early start. We have a lot to do,” Owen chimed in.

  “You know you can’t summon Ocram until dark, right?” Miles asked.

  “We know,” Asher said sullenly. “We have to craft the suspicious looking skull first. And we need to create an arena.”

  “I’m happy to hear you’ve learned something about advance planning from our travels together!” Miles said. “A good arena can make all the difference in battle.”

  “You’re a good teacher, Miles,” Owen said. “But don’t give us any more hints. We left behind a couple of beds in your basement. If we fail, we’ll wind up there and you’ll greet us at breakfast one day. We’ll be happy to listen to any clues you want to give us then
!”

  “Smart idea. I hope I see you soon walking through the gates of the village, and not appearing over pancakes after a failed battle!”

  They said their farewells. Asher and Owen walked off to find adventure and Miles went to find a new adventure of his own.

  He looked in on Danny who was still fast asleep in his temporary bedroom. Miles quietly gathered supplies and went off to his favorite tree to build Danny his new house. Isabella came by as Miles was setting up his workspace. “Whatcha doing?” she asked, inspecting his supplies.

  “I’m building a tree house for Danny. You wouldn’t want to help, would you?” Miles asked.

  “I totally would. Living in a tree is one of the most perfect experiences ever. Being at one with nature and . . .”

  Miles cut Isabella off. “Right, I know all about your love of nature but we have work to do. How did you get the idea to build your house in a tree in the Hallow?”

  Isabella summoned a vine of protection at the base of the tree, grabbed some boards, and lifted herself up to the middle of the tree on the vine. “When you’re living in the Hallow, you need a house off the ground because of the unicorns,” she called down.

  Miles understood completely. Those unicorns were as dangerous as they were beautiful. They could stomp a weak house flat with a person in it just by running past.

  With Isabella’s help and guidance, the house came together quickly and looked much better than if Miles had created it on his own. By the time Danny emerged from his house rubbing the sleep dust from his eyes, the house was finished. Danny ran up to Miles and Isabella and thanked them enthusiastically. He scrambled up the tree and flopped down in his bed. “This is the best house ever! I can see all sorts of great fishing spots from here.” He scrambled back down to the ground where Miles and Isabella were smiling happily. “And that gives me an idea for a new challenge, if you’re up for it, Miles.”

  “I’d love to,” Miles replied. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this fishing trip, actually.”

  Danny turned to Isabella. “Thanks for your help in building the house, Isabella. I almost feel bad about putting that piranha tooth on your chair at the party!”

  Isabella laughed. “That’s okay. But I will get you back, so watch your step, little fisherman!”

  “I’d like to see you try!” Danny replied.

  “So, where to?” Miles asked Danny as they gathered their fishing gear.

  “To the ocean,” Danny replied. “Ever heard of a barking fish?” Miles shook his head no. “I haven’t, either. I’m just wondering if you did!”

  Miles laughed at Danny’s lame attempt at humor. It was nice to be on a quest that wasn’t likely to end up with a visit to the nurse or waking up in his bed after messing up.

  “So what are we looking for?” Miles asked.

  “I saw this bright orange and colorful fish by the ocean, and it was looking around frantically as though it was seeking a lost family member! Go catch it for me,” Danny ordered.

  “You mean a clownfish?” Miles asked. “That’s a weird name for a fish, don’t you think? They’re probably not very funny,” Miles observed.

  “They’re not,” Danny answered. “But you are.”

  It was a long walk to the ocean, but aside from the usual passive animals and ordinary biomes, they didn’t see much to note. They walked along quietly, enjoying the silence after their Martian ordeal the day before. They stopped to have a picnic on a rock at the top of a low hill. “The ocean is right down there,” Danny said, pointing toward the sparkling water just a little distance away. Miles couldn’t wait to get there. They quickly finished their lunch and headed to the ocean. They settled in at the shore and cast in their lines, hoping for a quick bite.

  It wasn’t long before Miles caught his first fish. They placed it in a bucket to bring home to their friends. “We’ll have a nice feast tonight,” Miles promised.

  “Are you doing the cooking?” Danny asked. “I’m a great fisherman but a terrible chef!”

  “We’ll sharpen our cooking skills together. We have lots of time to figure it out now that I’m back home,” Miles said happily.

  The third fish they caught was an orange and white striped fish. It was small—too small to cook, too big to keep in the new aquarium Danny had made for him. Miles was about to throw it back before Danny stopped him.

  “Clownfish!” he announced happily. “You did it. You met my challenge!”

  Miles looked more closely at the fish and laughed. “I can’t believe I almost threw it back!”

  Danny took a hat out of his inventory and placed it on Miles’s head. “Here’s your prize. An Angler hat! It marks you as a true fisherman.”

  “Thanks!” Miles said, looking down at his reflection in the water and straightening the hat. “Let’s head back to town to show our friends.”

  “It’s early,” Danny observed. “Do you want to explore a little before we head back? You never know what kinds of adventures we’ll find here at the ocean.”

  Miles shook his head. Adventure could wait. He couldn’t wait to get back home to the village and to his friends.

  “I’ll race you home!” he called to Danny and sprinted down the beach. Danny followed close behind. They laughed and ran all the way back home where Bunny had a party waiting for them. With good friends, every day brought a new reason to celebrate.