Zios's Enchanted

Prologue
"So, whadda we do now?" Peck asked.

"I dunno," Liza replied, "but if Cosmo makes Boomseed salad one more time, I permit you to hit him with a Paintseed."

Peck groaned, "It's been five years since we've fought! I don't even remember where they are."

"Gilbert...Greely...they were the ones who kept us fighting," Liza muttered sadly.

"Are you saying we're lazy?" Peck gasped in mock disgust.

"No," Liza laughed, "well--yes. But after they died--"

"They died to save Jamaa, Liza! We don't have to bring that up!" Peck yelled.

There was an awkward silence.

"I'm sorry, Liza," Peck apologized, "it was hard on me too."

"No, I apologize," Liza said, "I shouldn't bring up the past. The Phantoms are gone now, that's all that matters."

"He-ey, does anybody want Boomseed salad?" called Cosmo from the kitchen.

"NO!" Peck and Liza yelled in sync.

"Your loss," Cosmo laughed, and started munching the spiky meal.

Suddenly, a miniature figure of Zios's mask vibrated, blue light flowing from the eye and mouth holes.

Peck's already large eyes widened. "L-Liza-" she started.

"I know," Liza gasped quickly, "Cosmo!" Cosmo appeared from the kitchen, Boomseed remains still on his mouth, "Wot?"

"The-the mask!" Liza squeaked.

The mask rose up and began to speak,

"The Phantoms are not dead; rather, they are beginning to rise. The Alphas' reign is short now that the forces are multiplying; you must recruit the ones I bless with magic before you end. If the New Alphas do not reign...well, Jamaa's demise is soon coming."

The glowing stopped; the mask fell; the Alphas stared.

"We'll have to hurry before all the Alphas disappear," Liza said. "Right, Cosmo?"

Cosmo was gone...a bowl of Boomseed salad sat in dust.

To be continued....