Chapter 114: The Mistaken One

Chapter 114: The Mistaken One

Back at the spider fortress.

The Secret Ops group returns from their mission. They dump a large bag onto the stone floor. The moment it hits, a body spills out. Zeth’s unconscious form rolls onto the floor.

“What the—?” the red-armored spider snaps, completely taken by surprise. “This isn’t Keith! How did we grab the wrong guy?”

“How should I know?” the green-armored spider replies irritably.

“This is frustrating,” the red-armored spider growls.

Lady Spay steps forward, her expression calm and unfazed. “No matter. We can use this one to lure Keith to us. We will get what we want from him. Don’t you worry.” Her smile sharpens slightly. “In the meantime…”

She leans down and bites Zeth on the shoulder, injecting something into him.

***

Two days later, it is now Day 5 for the heroes in the Swamp Underworld.

Zeth slowly opens his eyes, groaning as he places his left hand on his forehead. He is no longer drunk.

“My head hurts,” he mutters.

He looks around and realizes he is inside a prison cell.

“Ugh. Where am I?” Zeth says, trying to piece things together. “I… remember fighting a humanoid spider…”

“Oh, finally awake, are you?” a familiar voice says.

Zeth looks up sharply. “You!”

“You are now our hostage,” the red-armored spider says coldly. “We want Keith. If he cooperates, you will be free to go.”

The spider turns around and walks away.

“Hey, wait!” Zeth shouts. “I want to talk!”

There is no response.

A sudden wave of sickness hits him. “I don’t… feel good,” he mutters.

He stumbles to the cell’s toilet and vomits violently. Blood mixes in with it.

“The carnivorous blood…” Zeth says, breathing heavily. “I’m starting to feel its effects.”

His expression hardens with anger.

“That’s it,” he growls. “I’m going to destroy these assholes now!”

Zeth fires a small Star Shine Blast at the cell bars, destroying them.

He sprints out, encountering no guards before he reaches the main room of the fortress. Lady Spay is waiting there, surrounded by other spider demons.

“Oh?” Lady Spay says calmly. “So, you broke out of your cell. You must not be some ordinary fellow, then.”

“Why do you seem so calm?” Zeth asks. “Your prisoner broke out and is about to kill you.”

“Go ahead,” Lady Spay replies smoothly. “Try to kill me.”

Zeth aims his hand forward as he forms a Star Shine Blast. He tries to fire it, but nothing happens. It just dissipates.

“Work!” Zeth shouts, frustrated.

He charges forward, attempting to attack her physically, but his body suddenly stops before he can reach her.

“Why can’t I attack you!?” Zeth shouts.

“Because I made you part spider,” Lady Spay replies. “Only a little bit, though. You still have your original mind and free will, but you can’t do anything that causes harm to one of us.”

“You have to be kidding me,” Zeth says in disbelief.

“Nope,” Lady Spay confirms. “If Keith turns himself over, you will be free to go, and I will reverse your spiderfication.”

Zeth smiles confidently. “When they all get here, they will kick your spider ass.”

“Your friends have already been defeated once,” Lady Spay replies. “They won’t fare better a second time.”

“You’d be surprised,” Zeth says, his confidence unwavering. “I won’t even try to escape. I’ll wait right here for them.”

Lady Spay chuckles softly. “Your confidence is amusing.”

***

Meanwhile, in the valleys of the Swamp Underworld.

The heroes begin their approach to Lady Spay’s fortress.

Zaydra leads the way, with Sasha beside her in her true personality, dark power radiating from her. Keith, Emily, Kurt, and Joe follow close behind.

“Let’s go,” Zaydra says.

“Death to the spiders,” Sasha says coldly. “Let the carnage begin.”

The Dark Princess makes her declaration.

Chapter 114 END
To be Continued in Chapter 115: Rampage in Lady Spay’s Fortress