3.35 An Official Disclosure

While mayhem was beginning to unfold, Josh scanned the crowds for Tika, finally spotting her at the camp, packing her things, tightly surrounded by her friends. It was becoming increasingly difficult to kidnap her, he was losing his once in a lifetime opportunity, could he really bear to watch it sail away? He couldn't be that loser… Did he dare go?

         The soldiers pouring fuel down the walls was the only thing that could divert his attention from Tika. Why were they doing that? Wasn’t that dangerous given the firework show? Where was Nolan?

         He wove his way behind the tents towards those in the know; the Security guards, now manning the gates. Why were they closed?

         "Where's Bell?" But his request fell upon deaf ears, his presence unacknowledged. "What's up with the fuel?" He tried again, but neither guard flinched.

         Defeated, he turned back towards the celebration grounds, noticing the Farewell Celebration Show program on display... None of this had been on the program at all, nobody in the courtyard seemed to know of the show's agenda today... He read the show line-up again... Nothing about a Dog Show…

         With a bad feeling now firmly lodged in his gut, he returned to the courtyard to find a seat, but his thoughts wouldn't stop tunneling… Why hadn't Bell mentioned anything to him?

         Voices hushed as Malodon trotted up the steps of the royal stage, shiny and almost unrecognizable in his theatrical red suit, they had never seen him perform in a ceremonial show like this before. A new theory emerged all on it’s own; this was an Official Disclosure!

         "Lunies and Gentlemen!" Atalon raised his hands to the crowds. "Let us hear a round of applause for the one who is about to transform the Entertainment Industry forever! Malodon, god of Transformation!"

         Flags, cheers and applause lacked enthusiasm now, the aribu questioned Malodon's shiny red skin tight suit, was it really him? Up until now, Malodon had played a background role, but today he was in the spotlight, to show them what he had been working on in the background of their lives, dressed like this?
         Malodon bowed to the great statue of Medel, then with a swift hand signal, the drumming began. Then, like some sort of magical conductor, Malodon began making all kinds of hand signals, mysterious hand signals and touching his lips. As he made his strange performance, a chorus of howls resonated from the carts, it was as if the dogons were singing from their cages!

         Gasps exploded from the crowds, even the merchants were in awe. What was this?

         "Those are the spliced body part creatures from the lab I told you about" Neter informed as he helped Mina pack the last things from the camp.

         "We can't let the children see this" she was stuffing things in a hurry now. "Are you sure Vikkar can open the gates?"

         "Don't worry" he assured, helping to hold the bags open. "You know what Atalon's doing, he's doing this because he knows it's triggering our past fears, he's deliberately making us panic, he’s trying to trip us up! Don't start panicking!"

         "I know…"

         "Stay focused. Just lead everyone to the entrance as planned. Vikkar will open the gate when you're all ready." He pushed a lock of hair away, her fear was the real danger here. "Don’t worry, no one is going to get burned or left behind this time."

         Mina nodded, conscious of the fear stealing her power, this was no time for fear to have a say.

         "Go discreetly" he cautioned, "we don't need to fan his flames. I'll make sure we've got everyone and meet you on the ship." He kissed her head and squeezed her hand gently before letting her go and turned towards Vikkar, but the god of Lightning was looking like he was in shock, too.

         "We'll be fine" Neter pressed his shoulder, assuring himself at the same time. They hadn't felt fear like this in so long, he had forgotten how powerful it was, he even felt himself fighting it off inside. "We've done this before, remember?" He tried his best to chase it away. "It's just like old times, except this time, we're prepared! Right?"

         "Right." Vikkar took a deep breath, trying to relax, wishing he could be so optimistic. This Dog Show surprise had thrown a wrench into another plan underway. He could only hope and pray that Ku had managed to steal the Panthers away without getting caught.