Chapter 14

Chapter 14 DON'T SAY WE DIDN'T wARN YOU.... Po found Ash as soon as the final curtain had dropped. "Ash, that was amazing," he said. "I can't believe it all came together so well." Ash gave a wry smile. "Are you saying you doubted me?" "You? No way," Po answered. "But I thought for sure Baron Sweetcheeks would get loose and cause chaos."

The hamster in Ash's front pocket gave an indignant squeak. Ms. Minerva swept in and gave them each a hug. "Good job, everyone," she said. "Now, did either of you happen to notice any Broadway critics or Hollywood scouts in the audience? I think The Phantasm of the Cafetorium has a real future!" She peeked out past the curtain at the departing audience. "I sent out invitations but never heard back from anyone…." As Ms. Minerva slipped past the curtain, Doc approached Po and Ash. "So," she said. "How did I do?" "Doc, you nailed it!" said Po. "Honestly, you did even better than I could have done." "I suspect that's not true," said Doc. She smiled

warmly. "But I appreciate you both finding a way for me to participate. Not only did I enjoy it, I also got some ideas for automating lights throughout the school. I really think Minerva will come around when I tell her she can be in a spotlight all day, every day." Po somehow doubted that. "We have a little bit of time before the cast party," Ash said. "Want to get some homework done?" "I had another idea," said Po. "I asked Doc earlier backstage, and the computer lab is open again."

Ash's eyes lit up. "Are you suggesting that we fit in a quick game?" "I'd say Baker Gunther isn't quite done hunting monsters yet," Po answered. "There's an Evoker King out there who needs to face justice—flaky, buttery justice!" After days of waiting, they were back in Minecraft and again in front of that great vault door.

They looked around for enemies. They checked the door for booby-traps. But all was clear. They opened the door. "I don't know what I was expecting," said Po, looking at what stood before them. "But it wasn't that." There was a single block in the middle of the room. It floated a few inches above a plinth. It spun in place like a miniature planet.

"I THINK IT'S BEDROCK," said Morgan. "I think you're right," said Ash. "And that's unusual, to say the least." "Because BEDROCK isn't supposed to be loose like that?" Jodi asked. "NOT IN SURVIVAL MODE," said Harper. "It's not supposed to be collectible, but that looks ready to be collected." "Should we take it?" asked Po. "NO. I'LL BE TAKING IT," said a voice at their backs. Po and the others spun quickly around. There in the open doorway stood a gray