05 The Monster

CHAPTER 5 THE MONSTER Tag flew as fast as he could, swooping this way and that. He could hear something moving behind him, getting closer and closer. He turned his head and saw a large creature! It was furry like a caterpillar, with yellow and green stripes. It had four horns on its head, and its long body was so wide that it took up the whole tunnel.

It's going to catch me! Tag thought. Then he remembered his gift from Talia. Blaze's mother had given Tag and Skyla each a special gift. Tag's was a bright green liquid that swirled inside a small glass bottle that hung from around his neck. The liquid gave him magical flying powers, but only for a short amount of time. He quickly opened the bottle and let a drop of the magical liquid drip into his beak.

Suddenly, his wings began to flap. They flapped faster and faster—so fast he could barely see them! Tag zoomed through the maze and grinned back at the giant caterpillar as it chased after him. After a while, Tag's wings started to slow down. Then he heard a new, louder noise. It sounded like thunder! Tag looked back. The caterpillar was still behind him. But now there was something else chasing the caterpillar. It was a gigantic marble!

It's going to squish us both! Tag realized in terror. The caterpillar reached Tag. "Jump onto my back!" the caterpillar shouted. Tag didn't have time to think. He grabbed the caterpillar's fur, and they raced on as the marble rumbled behind them. The marble was gaining speed!

But then Tag could see the path ahead of them was ending. And beyond it was nothing but a deep black hole. "Stop!" Tag yelled. He closed his eyes and waited for them to fall.