Snow Fight

by Winter Morgan

  Isabella closed her eyes and reached out with her mind. A smile flickered across her face. “There is more good in the world than bad.” She opened her eyes. “The fight is almost complete.”

  Miles smiled with relief. It was the first good news in a long time. “So I can take a break and hang out with my friends for a while?”

  Isabella shook her head. “If you wait too long, the Corruption will return.”

  “I was afraid you’d say that,” Miles said with a sigh. “How much Purification Powder can I get for these coins?”

  “It’ll cost all you have,” Autumn said, looking at his inventory. “You can’t spend everything you have on the powder.”

  “I can get more coins later,” Miles said with resolve. “It’s the only way we can be rid of the Corruption for good.”

  Isabella handed him the powder. John placed a delicious-smelling meal on the table for Miles. “You’ll have to keep up your strength. Eat something before you go.”

  Miles mumbled his thanks and dug in, eating heartily. “This is terrific,” he said through a mouth full of pumpkin pie.

  “You’re supposed to eat the meal before dessert,” Sarah chided him.

  “Pumpkin’s a vegetable. I’ll have the shrimp and soup for dessert,” Miles smiled through a mouthful of pie.

  “You can be so gross sometimes,” Autumn said.

  “You should see him when he takes out enemies with a severed zombie arm!” Sarah replied, laughing. “Now that’s gross!”

  Despite the bad news about Asher, the atmosphere at the dinner table was actually relaxed and fun. They joked, laughed, told each other stories about how they met Miles and about their first impressions of each other. Miles loved how quickly his new friends had become old friends, and he was sad that he had to leave them so soon.

  He packed up the best weapons Asher hadn’t stolen and took leftover food from dinner (mostly more pumpkin pie). He made sure his chests were locked, and double-checked his stock of Purification Powder. “I think I have everything,” he said as he prepared to leave. One by one, his companions shook his hand or crushed him in a hug. Then, wiping a tear from his eye that he hoped no one saw, he took off to find and fight the Corruption.

  Miles tramped through the desert and hit a snowy landscape next, amazed that a dry cactus could exist next to ice and cold. He looked around nervously. “Where there’s snow, there must be a snowman,” he said out loud to the cold evening air. His breath escaped from his mouth like fog, and he watched it puff into tiny white clouds for a few breaths before he realized it was snowing. Beautiful flakes were falling from the sky. Despite the cold, this was Miles’s favorite biome so far. It was quiet and still.

  Night was falling and he still had far to travel. Miles lit a torch to keep out the darkness. As he walked, he had the sense someone was following him. He looked back and saw someone bundled up in thick armor a few paces behind.

  Shuffle, shuffle. Groan.

  Miles assumed it was a zombie. The time of day was right and the sounds were a match. As it came closer, he realized it was actually a zombie Eskimo.

  “I’m assuming all zombies are built the same way,” Miles said to the rotting creature as it shuffled toward him. He pulled out his Beam Sword and tried it out on the approaching zombie. Zap! It glowed, lighting up the area and shooting a bullet straight at the zombie.

  “Easy kill,” Miles said happily, picking up the rare Eskimo armor drop and set of coins. The armor needed airing out—it reeked of decaying zombie flesh—but it would be useful if Miles planned to spend any more time in the snow.

  The white snow turned purple as Miles reached the edge of the Corruption. Miles was sad to see it had darkened the beautiful snow and he vowed to see it clean again. He walked as he blew the powder across the landscape, annoyed that he had Asher to thank for this new technique. He reached the end of the biome as it turned to jungle and was amazed to see the jungle was lush and green—not an inch of Corruption anywhere, and he still had powder left.

  Miles dug where the Corruption had ended and sprinkled powder on the few purple spots he had missed. He went back to the other edge where the Corruption had made its first bruise on the snow and dug there as well, carefully searching for signs of purple. Even one leftover block could spread and take over the land again.

  Miles wiped his brow, surprised that he was sweating in the icy cold of the snow biome. Miles hoped he had the time and strength to get back to the Hallow. He had done his part, restoring balance. Now it was up to others to keep it away. He had earned a rest.

  Chapter 14

  YOU’RE A SLIME

  As Miles neared the Hallow, he heard arguing coming from the house. He looked up and saw Sarah holding a breakable pot, ready to throw it at someone. Miles rushed to the tree house. When he got to the landing, he saw that someone was Asher!

  “You have some nerve coming back here!” Miles shouted.

  Isabella stood between Sarah and Asher. “I think you should listen to what Asher had to say,” she said.

  “Why? He stole my sword and tried to kill me!” Miles practically screamed at Isabella.

  Asher held up his hands in protest. “That was a misunderstanding,” he said.

  Just then, they heard shouts coming from down below. “Shoo! Shoo! Get them out of here! They’re ruining my potions!” Cedric yelled. They all ran down to see slimes hopping up and down, surrounding poor Cedric. “They won’t leave me alone!”

  “I’ve got this,” Asher said, pulling out a familiar Cobalt Sword. He slashed at the slimes, killing off the entire invasion. All the companions could do was watch in awe. The sword was so fast, so efficient, so beautiful. And it belonged to Miles.

  As Asher slew the final Slime with a satisfying splat, Miles rushed at him angrily. Asher stopped him, holding up the Cobalt weapon. “Not so fast,” Asher teased. “This is one powerful blade. You don’t want to have an accident with it.”

  “That is my sword and you know it!” Miles shouted.

  Asher laughed. “Of course I know it. I took it from your chest. You know, you should keep your weapons locked up. You’re far too trusting.”

  “So you admit it?” Sarah said, standing next to Miles in a show of support.

  “Yes, I do. Now that the balance is restored and I have these awesome weapons, you’re no use to me anymore.”

  Isabella burst into tears. “But we trusted you!” she cried. John and Cedric went to comfort her.

  Jack and Autumn went to stand by Miles and Sarah. “Leave. now!” Jack ordered Asher.

  “Not before I get my weapons back,” Miles growled.

  “You’ll have to fight me for them,” Asher replied, holding up the Cobalt Sword. “You’re no match for me.”

  Miles pulled out his trusty broadsword and clashed weapons with Asher. Their skills were evenly matched, but Asher’s sword had more power and speed.

  “I hope this teaches you a lesson,” Asher said as he swung at Miles, grazing his leg. Miles thrust his sword at Asher. Asher ducked away and countered with a blow to Miles’s head. Miles reeled back in pain and white spots danced in front of his eyes. As he lay on the ground, he looked up to see Asher standing above him.

  “Guess that means I win,” Asher said, grinning. Miles tried to reply, but everything went dark. He had been defeated with his own sword.

  Chapter 15

  ICE MELTS

  Miles woke up in the house in the Hallow, surrounded by his friends. And Asher. “What’s he doing here?” Miles demanded. He sounded weaker than he had hoped he would.

  “It’s okay,” Autumn said. “He’s here to apologize.”

  “I am,” Asher said softly. “I took it too far.”

  “You destroyed me. With my own sword. Too far doesn’t begin to cover it,” Miles said, trying to sit up.

  Asher sat on the side of Miles’s bed. “I’ve been a bad friend. You don’t deserve anything I did. I am sorry. This is what I’ve been doing for a long time, makin
g friends with people to take advantage of them. I’ve never been ashamed until now.”

  “Why now?” Sarah demanded.

  “Because you’re so nice. You’re not just companions; you’re family. Many groups help each other for their own gain, but you care for each other.” Asher bowed his head. “At first it made me angry. I tried to come up with a plan to punish you for being so good. I had to wait until you defeated the Corruption, Miles, and while I waited, I carried out my plans to make your friends like me better and then get rid of you.”

  “What changed your mind?” Miles asked.

  “All of you. When I was invisible, I followed Miles back here and watched you at dinner, laughing and having a good time. I wanted that. At first, I thought I’d have to do away with Miles and replace him. Sorry about that, pal,” Asher said as an aside to Miles. “But as soon as I beat you, I realized I had done a terrible thing. I had gotten rid of my first real friend.” Asher began to sob. “I only hope you can forgive me.”

  “That was a nice speech,” Miles said. “But you’ll have to do a lot better than make a speech to gain our trust.”

  Asher nodded. “I understand.” He took a large pouch of coins from his inventory and handed it over to Isabella.

  “What’s this for?” she asked.

  “Purification Powder. It should be enough to stop the Corruption for good.” Asher spread his hands wide. “All I have is my coins and my word, but I’ll do everything I can to prove that you can trust me.”

  Isabella opened the pouch and poured the coins onto the bed. Her eyes opened wide in surprise. “They’re all platinum. This is a fortune.”

  “And I’m giving it all to you so we can stop the Corruption together.” Asher turned to Miles. “You spent your time and money fighting the Corruption when all you wanted was to be a great warrior. To show you how much I appreciate your sacrifice, from now on, my job is to fight the spread of the Corruption and help protect our friends. If you’ll let me.”

  Isabella looked at Miles questioningly. “Give him the powder, I guess,” Miles said. “Let’s see what he does with it.” Isabella doled out the powder and Asher stacked it in his inventory.

  “I won’t let you guys down. I promise. Miles was a great teacher. You, too, Isabella. I’m better at spreading powder and digging than I am at fighting. My griefing days are over,” Asher announced.

  “Speaking of digging, how did you get that Laser Drill?” Miles asked.

  Asher smiled mischievously. “You probably don’t want to know. I don’t come out looking good in that story!”

  Miles patted him on the back. “Perhaps when you return from spreading the powder, we can sit around a campfire and you can tell us about your adventures.”

  Asher smiled. “It’s a plan.” He headed to the door. “I’ll see you soon,” he said to the group. “And that’s a promise, not a threat!”

  “Be safe,” Isabella called out.

  Chapter 16

  NEW ADVENTURES

  I hope we can trust him,” Autumn said, watching Asher leave.

  “We’ll know soon enough,” Miles said. “Isabella can keep an eye on the balance to track his progress.”

  “And you can go off to become a fearless warrior,” Jack said.

  “Yes,” Miles agreed. “But I realize I have apologies to make, too. I behaved badly through parts of this journey. I was braggy and immature and impatient at times. I wanted to battle and get ahead, not just cure the Corruption. I was wrong.”

  His friends nodded quietly.

  “Hey, wait a second.” Miles suddenly realized something else. “The dude still has my weapons!”

  Just then, Cedric walked in. “Young Miles? The adventurer asked me to show you something. Come.”

  “Hey, you remembered my name!” Miles said happily as he followed Cedric downstairs.

  Cedric held up his hand. Miles’s name was written on his palm. “The adventurer said it bothered you when I forgot your name, so he wrote it here.”

  “So you’ll remember my name until you wash your hand?” Miles asked.

  “That is most likely true!” Cedric laughed.

  Cedric led Miles to a large chest at the base of a tree. “The adventurer left it for you. I can’t recall his name, though. He didn’t write it down.”

  Miles opened the chest to find all of his weapons and armor, along with a set of Adamantite Armor—some of the strongest armor in Terraria. There was also a note, which said simply: “Go get ’em, Miles. I’ll be rooting for you!”

  Miles put on the armor. It was light and strong and fit perfectly.

  “You don’t even need a makeover now,” Sarah said. “You look perfectly fearless.”

  “Thanks, Sarah, but I could use a haircut, if you still want to give me one.”

  Sarah sat Miles down on a nearby tree stump and styled his hair, then took him to look at his reflection in a bucket of water. “You look sharp, if I may say so myself.”

  “I do look good,” Miles said, admiring his reflection. “Thanks.” He handed her a coin but she pushed it back toward him.

  “We’re friends,” she said. “Besides, you’re much easier to look at now that you’re not all scruffy.” She laughed. Miles laughed along with her.

  Miles found John looking through the weapons chest. “These are sweet weapons, Miles. What do you plan on doing with them?” he asked.

  Miles didn’t hesitate. “There’s one foe I’ve heard of—the Destroyer. He looks like the Eater of Worlds but he’s made of metal, won’t break apart, and shoots lasers.” Jack whistled with appreciation. “Now that I have this armor and my weapons, I think I can take him on. At least, I’d like to try.”

  Jack searched Miles’s inventory. “Let’s see. Your Dao of Pow will be useful, along with this Repeater. This Cobalt Shield will pair nicely with a Star Cloak—you’ll have to seek out a Mimic if you don’t have one already.”

  “My Meteor Staff will be a huge help,” Miles, turned to Jack. “What else do you think I will need?”

  “Well, you’ll need some healing potions or a nurse on staff during the fight,” Jack replied. “Some fireworks would kill it with practically no combat, and it would look spectacular …”

  “I don’t think I’ll use explosives or fireworks. I want a fair fight, me against the Destroyer. It’s the best way to become a true warrior,” Miles explained.

  “Although I love a good explosion, I respect your approach,” Jack said.

  John walked over, looking businesslike. “I hear you may need some healing potion.”

  Miles nodded. “I’m off to face my next foe, and I hear he’s a tough one.”

  “It’s the Destroyer, right?” John held out a stack of healing potion. “Take this. My gift to you.”

  Miles was surprised by his offer. “But you’re a merchant. You don’t usually give things away for free.”

  John hugged him. “You have given us so much. There is no way any of us could repay you. Please take the potion.” John continued, “I have a lot to gain if you come back a rich man because you defeated one of the hardest mobs in all of Terraria!”

  Miles smiled. “Well in that case, I’ll take it. But be prepared with a good stock of merchandise for when I come back. I’m going to need lots of new supplies!”

  Miles walked over to where Isabella was searching the map. “How is the Corruption holding off?”

  Isabella studied the map for longer than usual. Miles was beginning to worry when a big smile spread across her face. “Our world is almost completely pure. You have done well!”

  “And Asher?” Miles asked nervously.

  “He has been spreading the powder and digging trenches, just as you directed. And he has even filled in trenches where the Corruption is no longer a threat.”

  “Then I’m safe to go off on my next journey?” Miles asked.

  “Yes, Miles. Go and live your dream.” The dryad kissed him on the cheek.

  Miles gathered his supplies and readi
ed himself. They all gathered at the edge of the Hallow to say goodbye.

  “Good-bye, everyone! And thank you for everything!” Miles said.

  “Good-bye, Miles!” they all replied.

  “Be safe. Terraria needs you!” Isabella called to him.

  With a wave and a smile, Miles set off on his next adventure, hoping to return a warrior.