'And where do you think you are going, Zack and Knox?' Sreip said, knowing full well it was Piers and Miles.
'No, you're wrong! It's us! Piers and Miles we arrived here with Polly.'
'We know that idiot. Shhh,' said Sreip and put his arms around the boys.
Commander Rekrap turned in his chair, put down his third cup of tea and stood.
'Gentlemen, I know it too, so I bid you farewell.' He bowed low and was gone. On the way through, he waved to Commander Pope and Captain Bean. It was unanimous, within a split second they joined Commander Rekrap on the way to the Dark Universe.
Polly, India, Alison, Lily and Gemma ran out of the kitchen. Event and Salute smiled. The day was won.
'Time to leave, I think,' Sreip said.
'Sir, can you give me a few moments?' Piers asked.
'Well, if it's important.'
~
Piers took Polly's hand and walked to the front door of the church. He opened the door and called Kyssa and Elska, and from out of the wilderness came an aurora of bears. Elska and Kyssa ran to Piers, the little cub mewing with delight. She threw herself at Piers, nearly knocking him off his feet. She had grown quite a bit in the short time that Piers had been away.
'I just wanted to say goodbye,' Piers said as all the Freeflyers joined him. 'All the bears crowded round him. I will miss you, my bear friends, and I promise you, I will be back.'
Lord Knightly tapped Sreip on the shoulder. 'I think it's time, Sreip.'
Piers and Miles turned to the smiling face of Lord Knightly. 'Goodbye, my beautiful children,' he said. And in the blink of an eye, all the Earthbeings were back in their respective beds.
'Will they remember anything, Lord Knightly?' Selim said.
'No, not the Rebels decide to attack again. Which according to the past, will come round when they have re-grouped, and the earth has travelled round the sun. So we have a break. Come round for one of Mrs Hart's famous desserts.'
'Love to,' said Sreip and Selim. 'Love to.'
The End
(To Be Continued)
Polly Pippin and The Tunnel of Death Page 21