Glicko’s Parting Gift

"They're gone! Glicko and Kari are gone!" Rick cried out.

"We'll worry about them later." The Pirate said calmly. "We have to deal with whatever this is that Glicko left behind for us."

"We've got this." Cerissa added. "We now have another mage on our side, thanks to Essie." She then turned to Essie and nodded with a smile.

"Yes Cerissa, I will do all I can to help you all." Essie replied, smiling back.

A giant wave that Glicko had summoned before departing roared over the crew's heads, landing in the sand a few feet away. Sand figures began rising from the sand, staring at the crew with evil red eyes. The figures then materialized into people the heroes were familiar with. The figures no longer looked like sand monsters, but now looked like indistinguishable versions of Petunia, Cerissa, Essie, and Rick's parents.

"Mom, Dad, is it really you?" Rick asked, choking up.

"I'm so sorry Rick, but I sense that they are imposters." Essie said sympathetically. "They are as fake as the Essie standing with them."

"These folks are probably not friendly, and it seems like each one has been customized for each of us individually." The Pirate told his allies. "The beach appears to be deserted, so let's give each other some room for dealing with our challengers."

"Agreed." Cerissa responded. "Stick with me though Essie, I have a feeling our foes will be coming at us with a similar attack. Let's team up against them."

"Sounds good Cerissa." Essie said kindly. "I know we're just meeting, but I feel like I knew you in my old life, before my memory was taken away."

"I feel the same way." Cerissa said with a smile. "I look forward to getting to know you again."

Rick's parents approached him, with sadistic smirks on their faces.

"Yeah, my parents would never look at me like that." Rick said with resolve. "You've got to go!"

To be continued....