After blacking out during the battle, Mika found himself floating in a dark void. A dim light flickered ahead, and a skeletal figure glided towards him.
“You… you’re that apparition behind Tobi. Just what are you?”
“I’m King Harold…” It was a sad and distant voice.
Mika gasped as he recognized the Arlorian royal crest on the figure’s breastplate. “But… weren’t you all killed in that war years ago?”
“Tobi… is the last survivor. Now that Esmerelda has been defeated, I can finally rest. Please, take good care of her…” the apparition shimmered, and was gone.
“EEOWW!” Mika jerked awake, a sharp pain in his arm. He was lying on the straw in a musty barn, illuminated by a shaft of sunlight from a single window above. Examining himself, he found that he was naked expect for a loincloth, a string of bandages ringed his torso, and a light wound on his arm was partially slathered with a salve that Luka had been trying to apply.
“Ah. The delicate mage is finally awake.” Audrey drawled.
“Luka, I didn’t know you were a healer?”
“I’m not certain how much Luka really knows about the healing arts.” Audrey continued. “But he sure couldn’t pass up the opportunity to strip you and clean you up.” she smirked.
Mika turned back towards Luka. “Why are you still a little boy? We can change you back to Jayrene anytime you know.”
“But you still haven’t told me what kind of man you prefer!” Luka protested. “You know what, I think I can make a guess. You’re the type that secretly likes to be dominated right? Why don’t I become a beefy barbarian for you? Just like the legendary Traskol, but with bigger & more sinewy muscles, as well as a tight, sexy butt.” he winked.
“Will you cut that out! I already told you, I’m not interested in a relationship right now!” Mika flushed angrily.
“The man can lie, but his body tells the truth.” Luka snickered as he pointed at Mika’s tented loincloth. Tobi and Ander looked at each other and giggled.
“Okay, kids!” Audrey clapped her hands. “While you’re all fooling around, I’m sure the innkeeper is searching for that witch. It’s only a matter of time before he finds us here. Anyone got any ideas?”
“I’ve got one.” Mika said. “One of us should impersonate the witch and try to get the stone from the innkeeper.”
“You mean, like do a body swap?”
“Yup.” Mika nodded. “But with who?” They looked at each other uncertainly.
“Well, it’s got to be me.” Tobi said. “I’m the only one who knows Esmerelda well enough to imitate her behavior. If any of you tried, he’ll find out in an instant.”
“Are you sure? This is pretty dangerous…”
“Yes. Now go ahead and cast the spell.” Tobi ordered. Mika began the incantation, and a prism of light shone between Tobi and the unconscious Esmerelda lying on the barn floor.
When it was done, Esmerelda’s eyes popped open, and she immediately tried to teleport, but nothing happened. Panicked, she attempted a series of other spells which failed completely. “What’s this? I’m a LITTLE GIRL?” she shrieked and started to throw a tantrum, kicking, screaming and biting at anything around her.
Audrey strode forward, effortlessly picked up the misbehaving tyke, lay her face down on her lap and started to administer a good, hard spanking. “So what are you again?” she said sternly.
“I’m a..” Esmerelda stammered between sobs.
“Can’t HEAR you.”
“I’m a.. a.. naughty little girl…” she cried out helplessly.
“Are you going to behave now?”
“Yes, yes, please stop….” she pleaded. Audrey released the former witch and made her stand over in the corner.
Mika watched with concern as Tobi picked herself up off the floor unsteadily. “Are you sure you’re going to be alright?” he asked.
“Don’t worry. I know what to do.”
“Be careful.” Mika said as he watched her turn and leave the barn.