Fergon, the leader of the mutant Hoglins proposed us a deal, the Copper Block for our safety.
“This cannot be. Surely there must be a way to let us through, right? I bet you guys want something else. Please tell us what you need. We can arrange anything.”
“You’ve heard us.” Fergon replied, now walking through the Hoglin crowd. “I will give you a few moments to contemplate your choice. Hand over the Copper block and you’re free to leave this place.”
“I am sorry to say this, guys, but we have lost.” General Bart replied. “The way I see it, we have no other choice but to give in to the demand of the Hoglins.”
“No!” Tom replied. “We cannot give the block away. Zack needs it more than anything in this world! Without this block, we cannot find the cure for him!”
“I agree with Tom. I am well aware of our current situation, but we cannot make this decision. Zack and the two other villagers are struggling against the radiation at this exact moment. Without Frank Bones’ expensive equipment, Doc Ivy cannot create a cure for them. We are doomed.”
“Zack, he is waiting for us.” Nora replied. “We cannot fail this. Zack trusts us.”
“I hate to break it to you guys, but I will have to agree with General Bart on this one.” Paul replied. “As much as I hate this idea, we cannot escape with the Copper Block still with us.”
“Listen to your friends, Striders. The humans over there know what they are talking about.” Fergon said. “Besides, they have made their choice. Now, I only need you to make yours.”
“No. They do not know what it feels like to be in our position.” I said. “Zack is one of us. He grew up with us. We all lived together in Heat Lake ever since we were born. He is a brother to us. I know Zack may not mean much to those two, but he is our family.”
“Morgan is right.” Nora replied. “I refuse to leave this place without the Copper Block. I’d rather go down with it.”
“Well said, Nora. You are not exactly the bravest one of our group, but you have honor in you.” Tom said. “You heard her right, Hoglins. Come and get us.”
“What a shame you are willing to perish just for a block. I cannot let you escape. Since you refuse to hand it over to me then I shall take it by force. Hoglins, take the Copper block from the Striders.” Fergon ordered.
Some ten Hoglins walked in my direction, their ferocious, red eyes gazing at the block on my back. I was nervously sweating, trying to find a way out of the situation. Maybe going back into the hole was a good idea? No, Paul was too far, and he was the only one who could close the entrance. The Hoglins would jump in after me and take me down. I had no choice but to run away. And I did!
“Look out, he is on the run!” Fergon alerted.
I started running towards the lava. But Striders are slow by nature, especially when we are not on hot lava. The wild Hoglins surrounded me in no time, giving me no chance to escape.
“If only these legs could move faster…”
Nora and Tom stayed back watching everything in horror.
“No… Not the Copper Block…” Nora muttered.
“Alright, last chance Strider. Give it now or face the consequences.” Fergon replied.
“I’m not giving it away! Not in a million years!” I screamed, trying to find a way out.
“Great. Then we’ll do it the fun way. Hoglins, attack!” Fergon yelled.
Ten wild Hoglins surrounded me, but Paul managed to stop the attack the very last second.
“Stop!” Paul yelled. “Stop for a moment, please. We will give it to you.” Paul started walking in my direction.
“Do not try anything funny, human. We have over a hundred Hoglins over here. I am well aware that with just two humans on your side you don’t stand a chance against my Hoglin horde.” Fergon said.
“Don’t worry, I’m not that silly that I would try and fight back. I care about my life.” Paul approached me, making his way through the Hoglins. “Hey Morgan, you need to give them the block”.
“No, Paul. I thought you were on our side!” I replied.
“I am on your side, buddy. That’s exactly why I am telling you to hand it over.” Paul said.
“No… I cannot give it up…” I said. “I can’t. Zack is not going to make it if we don’t bring the block to Frank Bones. I cannot do this.”
Paul took a quick look around and sighed.
“Okay, then. You have been very loyal to your friend, and I respect that. For that reason, I’m going to take a huge risk here. I’ll try to find us another choice.” Paul retrieved his Diamond sword and slayed the four Hoglins behind me. Then he jumped over me and slayed the other four who were sitting across. The two last Hoglins tried to attack him, but Paul was faster – he defeated the last two with a single hit.
“What are you doing?” Fergon asked.
“Isn’t it obvious? I am fighting back!” Paul replied. “General Bart, let’s go!”
General Bart picked up his sword and ran to Paul.
“Right! I will help you!” General Bart stuttered.
“Hehehehehe…” Fergon laughed. “This is going to be great. I cannot wait to see what you guys can do.”
“What do you mean, you monster? We are going to teach you a lesson! We will defeat a hundred Hoglins today, and we will return to Albeja with the block still with us!”
“Too bad you did not believe how intelligent we’ve become. When I told you we had over a hundred Hoglins, I lied.”
“What? How come?” Bart wondered.
Fergon growled, and we saw other Hoglin packs erupting from the hills.
“I should have said thousands.” Fergon completed.