Wander of Wonder/Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven is the seventh issue of the series Wander of Wonder. The issue is extended due to it being the birthday of the main character, Nix.

Transcript
Nix is seen sleeping before suddenly waking up, he gets out of bed, revealing he slept in his regular clothes instead of pajamas. Nix looks at Jayna for a few seconds before it suddenly cuts to him running downstairs. After the final "birthday" he slides in front of the entrance to the kitchen, expecting to see his cake. However, there is nothing there. Maximus comes up behind Nix. Nix follows Maximus into the throne room where he sees all of his friends who live in the castle waiting for him. Jack hands Nix some money. Bartholomew hands Nix a white scaly toe. Desmond hands Nix a necklace. Charlotte hands him a green scarf. Charlotte hands him a music box. Charlotte kisses Nix on the cheek before walking off. Maximus hands Nix a book. Rolf hands Nix a fish in a bag. Nix looks at his sword, which still has the word "diabhal" written on it. Desmond holds out a strange tube-like object. Nix grabs the pipe and looks around at everyone. He then looks up at Maximus, who smiles at him and gives him a thumbs up. Nix then puts the pipe in his mouth and inhales. Suddenly, the entire world goes black and white and Nix is seen standing in a dessert. Nix wanders for a bit before encountering a man in a black hood and a mask. He slowly removes his mask until it is completely gone. A large amount of black smoke begins blowing out of the man's face and surrounds Nix, who admires the smoke in silence before suddenly falling backward. It cuts back to reality where Nix is coughing, pink smoke puffing out of his mouth as he does. Nix puts the pipe in his mouth again and inhales. It is taken away from him by Jack, Nix coughing again. A bell rings behind them as maid Maria clears her throat. A flashback begins, Desmond is dressed like a barbarian and is rampaging through a horde of enemies. In the flashback, Desmond is devouring some meat when he hears something. He looks ahead, revealing a young Roselyn dressed in a samurai robe and wearing a demon mask. She removes it slowly before tossing it to the ground, crushing it, and drawing a blade. Roselyn smiles with determination. Desmond slowly stands up, revealing just how much larger he is compared to Roselyn and leaping in front of her. Roselyn stares at him for a few seconds before shaking her head and gritting her teeth. Flashback Desmond strikes Roselyn hard enough for her to fly through the air and slam on the ground multiple times. A single blood drop hits the floor. Desmond rubs a very small scar on his head. He stares in shock for a few seconds. She does nothing. She does nothing. Desmond runs over to her and listens for a heartbeat After realizing there is no one coming he pulls out a small bag and searches inside of it for a minute before pulling out a small white berry and putting it in her mouth. Green smoke comes out of her mouth and she begins coughing before falling backward and passing out. Desmond sits in front of her for a minute and it suddenly cuts to later that night. Roselyn wakes up and sees Desmond making something. He gives her a fried fish-like creature. She looks at it for a few seconds before eating it, tearing its skin off and covering her mouth with yellow juices. She slows down her eating, looking up at Desmond and swallowing. She smiles at him as the flashback ends. Everyone turns to face him and he goes completely silent. In the flashback, a very young Jack is knocked to the ground by a small orange slime in front of Bartholomew and Maximus. The slime jumps at him and Jack punches it only for another one to jump on top of him. Jack grabs it and tosses it before punching yet another slime. Later, the three stand just outside of a cave, with Jack wielding a wooden sword and Bartholomew a stone one. Jack attempts to enter but is stopped by Maximus. Maximus walks into the cave, ignoring Jack's question, and pulls out a piece of flint and a knife, flicking the flint and creating sparks that temporarily light the area, which is revealed to be covered in orange goo. The three walk deeper into the cave, looking around as the slime drips down. Maximus points and Bartholomew and Jack look in shock as a gigantic Living Ooze sits in the middle of the cave, with tiny Oozes offering food for the giant one. A small Ooze gives a piece of bread to the emperor, who absorbs the Ooze into itself. A slime jumps on Maximus' back. He pulls it off only for another two more to jump on him, quickly followed by many others. Bartholomew runs to try and help Maximus while a very afraid Jack sits by the sidelines. Bartholomew tries to rip them off but Oozes also begin covering him. Jack begins running but the exit is covered by Oozes. He then runs back inside and looks around in panic, realizing more and more Oozes are appearing. The emperor then begins moving towards them, making very odd noises in the process. Jack looks around and sees Maximus' knife and flint on the ground, picking both up before looking in a panic once again. Jack looks at Maximus. Jack stands there for a second before running and leaping towards the emperor, a horde of Oozes following him as he goes right through the emperor and floats inside of it before flicking the flint with the knife. It then cuts back to the present. Maximus wraps his arm around Jack's head and noogies him.
 * Nix: It's my birthday!!!
 * Jayna: How did your scarf not move an inch while you were asleep?
 * Nix: Birthday, birthday, birthday, birthday, birthday!
 * Nix: Huh?
 * Maximus: I know, I know, you're very excited but its a tradition in the castle to keep a squire's cake hidden until the end of the day on their birthday.
 * Nix: What sick joke is this?
 * Maximus: Oh hush up and follow me, everybody's waiting to give you your presents.
 * Everybody: Happy birthday!
 * Nix: Daww, you guys all got me presents?
 * Jack: Actually I forgot this was happening so I got you this.
 * Nix: Oh... well, it's the thought that counts. Honestly, I expected you to forget, no offense.
 * Bartholomew: And I got you this!
 * Bartholomew: It's the toe of a Farunkenheim! it's said to bring you good luck!
 * Nix: Thanks.
 * Desmond: My wife and I got you this!
 * Nix: Huh?
 * Roselyn: It's traditionally given by sheep to symbolize their friendship with someone.
 * Nix: Oh, neat, thanks!
 * Charlotte: And I got you this!
 * Charlotte: I thought the old one was a little tacky.
 * Nix: My mother gave me this scarf.
 * Charlotte: Oh... oh dear... well, it's a good thing I got you this too.
 * Charlotte: It's a replica of the one you delivered to me when we first met.
 * Nix: Nice.
 * Charlotte: You're welcome!
 * Nix: I feel like she knows and she's just teasing me at this point...
 * Maximus: What?
 * Nix: Nothing.
 * Maximus: Okay... well, here's your gift from me.
 * Nix: Oh, "Starting Small, A Story of Triumphs and Loses by Maximus Atkinson"! this is your book! you know, I've been meaning to read it but... I don't get paid... so...
 * Maximus: Yeah, yeah, that makes sense.
 * Rolf: I got you this!
 * Rolf: Its name is Greg. I think anyway, the guy who sold me it had a pretty big speech impediment.
 * Nix: I’ll just name him Greg then.
 * Desmond: All and all congratulations Nix, over the course of the past few months you've managed to do so much already! you've managed to befriend three of my greatest knights, you saved me and my whole family's lives from assassins, and you've even sealed away a monster!
 * Nix: I'm still a little uncomfortable holding this thing... you know, knowing what's inside it and all.
 * Desmond: Well then put it down and take this instead!
 * Nix: A pipe?
 * Desmond: It's Kunzite! have you ever heard of it?
 * Nix: The gem?
 * Desmond: No, it's a... well, I don't really know what it is but it's good. Try it! you're old enough now!
 * Nix: That was both incredible and terrifying at the same time...
 * Desmond: You know, legend has it that--
 * Jack: Don't do it again, man, this stuff is ground up magic crystals! too much of it could cause a lot worse than coughing!
 * Nix: Heh... heh heh...
 * Jack: What's so funny?
 * Nix: You took it out of my hands because you thought I was in danger...
 * Jack: So?
 * Nix: You care about me, don't you?
 * Jack: What?
 * Nix: You care about me, that's why you stopped me!
 * Jack: Gah, you've been a teenager for ten minutes and already you're developing some lip...
 * Maria: Now we continue on to the traditional stories of the squire's first birthday!
 * Nix: Stories?
 * Maximus: Ah, yes, I almost forgot! whenever a squire has their first birthday in the castle we celebrate by telling them stories!
 * Nix: Okay, but after this, we get cake, right?
 * Maximus: Yes, Nix, after this, we get cake...
 * Nix: Yay!
 * Roselyn: We shall go first.
 * Nix: Wha... no offense, your highnesses, but you two don't seem very... um... interesting.
 * Jack: ...I'm amazed you didn't see a problem with that statement...
 * Desmond: I know we don't seem like much, but trust me young one, we are much more than we seem! the story of how we met is truly one for the ages.
 * Desmond (narration): Back then I wasn't just King Desmond... I was Desmond the Mighty and Fierce! ruler of the land and slayer of gods! I prided myself on how many men I had defeated and no man had posed any challenge to me!
 * Nix (narration): And you must have fallen in love with him because of his incredible fighting abilities, right Queen Roselyn?
 * Roselyn (narration): Good guess, young lad, but no.
 * Nix (narration): Oh. Then, um... how exactly did you meet him?
 * Roselyn (narration): He said no man had posed any challenge to him...
 * Flashback Desmond: And you are...?
 * Flashback Roselyn: I am Roselyn of the Eighth Tribe. I've come here to defeat you...
 * Flashback Desmond: The Eighth Tribe? the tribe of warrior women from the outskirts?
 * Flashback Roselyn: The very same! and I have come to defeat you in hand to hand combat!
 * Flashback Desmond: Ahahaha!!
 * Flashback Roselyn: Have I amused you...?
 * Flashback Desmond: I am the God Slayer! you are like the buzzing of flies to me!
 * Flashback Roselyn: I don't see why you find my statement funny, ape...
 * Flashback Desmond: Then allow me to show you.
 * Flashback Desmond: Whoever draws first blood will be crowned the victor of this encounter.
 * Flashback Roselyn: Very well...
 * Desmond (narration): Our battle raged on for many hours.
 * Roselyn (narration): Exaggeration.
 * Desmond (narration): An hour.
 * Roselyn (narration): Keep trying.
 * Desmond (narration): Four minutes...
 * Roselyn (narration): Which was still his longest battle at the time.
 * Flashback Desmond: Ha! I told you that no one would--
 * Flashback Desmond: Aheh... ahahahaha! incredible... you actually managed to cut me... ma'am?
 * Flashback Desmond: Ma'am!?
 * Flashback Desmond: Still alive... hello?! can anyone help?!
 * Flashback Desmond: Ah, good, you're up!
 * Flashback Roselyn: ...What happened...?
 * Flashback Desmond: I'm sorry, I underestimated my own strength. I swung with too much force. I'm too used to fighting people who are around my own size and I assumed you'd be able to take it. I understand if you never want to see me again...
 * Flashback Roselyn: ...Why are you still here?
 * Flashback Desmond: I couldn't have left you! you'd wake up all alone in the woods!
 * Flashback Roselyn: ...You felt bad enough that you stayed behind just to make sure I wouldn't be alone when I woke up?
 * Flashback Desmond: That and I'm sure you'd be at least somewhat hungry. So I made you this!
 * Flashback Roselyn: Sorry, I hate the way I eat...
 * Flashback Desmond: Oh, I don't mind. I actually find messy eaters endearing! it's adorable!
 * Flashback Roselyn: Oh, um... thank you...
 * Desmond: After that, we decided to become partners in the art of war. We fought countless battles with each other and eventually... we fell in love. And, I'll be honest, throughout my life I've made a lot of mistakes, but I think I made up for all of them the moment I decided to make you my Queen.
 * Roselyn: Stop it, you'll make me embarrassed!
 * Jack: Blah.
 * Nix: That was awesome!
 * Maximus: Do you agree, Jack?
 * Jack: ...Um...
 * Maximus: Well, if you do, how about you tell a story next?
 * Jack: ...Why are all of your punishments both cruel and unusual?
 * Maximus: Because I choose them to.
 * Jack: Okay, well, uh... my story is... um...
 * Bartholomew: Talk about our first adventure together!
 * Jack: Yes, that, that's what I was going to say all along!
 * Nix: Oh, neat! what happened on your first adventure?
 * Jack: ...Um...
 * Flashback Maximus: Oh come on, you can't let a simple Living Ooze tear you down like that!
 * Flashback Jack: Do you think I'm letting it hit me!?
 * Flashback Maximus: Yes, yes I do.
 * Flashback Jack: I'm freakin' not!
 * Flashback Maximus: Hm... three Living Oozes showing up in the same minute...
 * Flashback Bartholomew: What about it?
 * Flashback Maximus: We may be close to a nest.
 * Flashback Jack: So that's why they are stronger than usual?
 * Flashback Maximus: You fought Ooze before?
 * Flashback Jack: I, um... no...
 * Flashback Maximus: Well, sad to break it to you, but being near their nests doesn't make Living Oozes stronger.
 * Flashback Bartholomew: Ha! you got beat by an Ooze!
 * Flashback Jack: Shut it!
 * Flashback Bartholomew: Nah!
 * Flashback Maximus: No time for fighting, boys, we need to find that nest. Oozes are known for multiplying and in numbers, they can be very dangerous.
 * Flashback Maximus: Don't go rushing in, if this place really is a nest then a squire like you would never be able to handle it.
 * Flashback Jack: ...Why did you specify like me?
 * Flashback Maximus: Yep. This is a nest.
 * Flashback Batholomew: What do we do?
 * Flashback Maximus: Don't panic and follow my lead.
 * Flashback Bartholomew: This place is disgusting!
 * Flashback Maximus: A lot more disgusting than it probably should be considering how small the Oozes are.
 * Flashback Jack: Where do you think the rest of the slime came from then?
 * Flashback Bartholomew: This is horrifying but kinda cute at the same time.
 * Flashback Jack: What are they doing?
 * Flashback Maximus: That right there is what we in the business call Emperor-Class monsters. They're bigger than other monsters and they rule over the little ones, who feed it. And if the emperor doesn't like the food...
 * Flashback Maximus: Too bad...
 * Flashback Jack: How do we beat it?
 * Flashback Maximus: Sorry, but there is no "we" this time. You kids can't get involved in this.
 * Flashback Bartholomew: What? how come?
 * Flashback Maximus: They don't call them Emperor-Classes for nothing. They--
 * Flashback Jack: Should we help him?
 * Flashback Bartholomew: What are you talking about!? obviously!!
 * Flashback Maximus: Run Jack! get help!
 * Flashback Maximus: Jack.
 * Flashback Maximus: Whatever you're thinking, don't do it...
 * Nix: What happened after that?
 * Jack: It burst into flames with me inside. During our training, Maximus taught us that Oozes were very flammable.
 * Maximus: And that was when I realized just how much potential Jack had in him!