A chaotic crowd of prisoners swarmed around the entrance to the next level of the dungeon. Shobai and Richard strained to see past them into the dark abyss.

What happened? Richard said. 

I heard she couldn’t make her quota, so she snuck down to level four. A prisoner said. And now– 

A desperate cry echoed from the chambers below. 

We asked the guards to do something, but nobody seemed to care.

What did she look like? Shobai said.

Pale skin, white hair… I bet five kilos she’s already dead. The prisoner said. Any takers?

 I’ll take that bet. Richard said.

When suddenly, his chain ripped through the air! Shobai had taken off for level four at full speed, dragging him behind.

Stopppp! Richard screamed, but it was too late. They had darted through the prisoners and into the darkness.

I have to find her! Shobai said. It was his fault they were even in this dungeon, so if there was even a slight chance it was her, he had to act. He followed the cries through the cold, rocky terrain and into a dimly lit atrium–a haunted dreamscape.

Dense shrouds of white stretched like ropes over jagged stones and grotesque platforms. Every wall was plastered in layers of translucent webbing. And there in the middle, a woman hung from the ceiling suspended by webs. She was weak and elderly, her head lulling, barely conscious. 

It’s not her. Shobai said, relieved.

Great, glad you figured that out! Richard said. Can we leave now?

Shobai ignored him. Even if it wasn’t Tiana, this woman clearly needed help. 

It’s ok. He said. We’re here now. 

The elderly woman could barely speak, his voice a ragged whisper.

I’ve been looking for thirty years… and I still haven’t found it. She grasped Shobai tightly, thrusting something into his hands.

Please. She said, Finish my work. Enter the gates of death and come out victorious. Only you–

Nope. Richard said and yanked Shobai back. I’ve seen this storyline and it sucks. Find someone else, you old hag!

Sir. The old woman said. Only you can– 

ROAAARRRRR.

Six giant, poisonous spiders crackled into view. Their malevolent, demonic eye-clusters pulsated. Their boil-covered mouths dripped with acidic venom. And their long, razor sharp talons pierced the ground as they drew near. Shobai stuttered in cold sweat.

Please. She said, Enter the gates. Strike the wall. Break the curse!

I– Shobai said. 

Let’s go! Richard said and took off at full speed through the dark tunnels, dragging Shobai behind. With each turn, they grew more and more exhausted, until…

No! Shobai said. A dead end. He slammed his fist against the far wall, then another, searching for any give, any weakness, but there was nothing. They were trapped like prey. He clutched the old woman's gift tightly. Then he felt it–a small tug on the chain. 

Richard had hidden himself in a barely perceptible dark alcove, a narrow slit between two rocks. Shobai quickly made his way over. 

Stay back, there’s only enough room for one, Butt Grabber! Richard said and pushed him out. 

Sensei, don’t be selfish. Shobai said and forced himself in.

Not the butt!

HISS.

As they spoke, several massive talons sprawled over the alcove, casting shadows deep within. 

They’re here. Shovai whispered.

I’m sorry I was mean to you. Richard said. I don’t want to die.

It’s ok. Shobai said. 

The men held each other tightly awaiting their inevitable demise, but only warmth came. Something wet and warm was dripping onto Shobai’s leg. Reluctantly, he looked down and saw the unthinkable. Richard had soiled his pants. 

This way! A guard said. There’s two more. The lantern flashed in front of their hiding spot drawing the monsters away. Only a small trail of fluid remained.

Come out, come out wherever you are. A familiar voice said.

Don’t move. Richard said. If he finds us–

Donavon stuck his head inside of the alcove. There you are, Puddles.