The Last Bus Ride - Swamp Hill (Part 1)

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The bus ride was an interesting adventure all by itself. Swamp Hill was over 300 miles away. Bus 32 turned into a flying vehicle. It made the trip in two hours. "Alright, we are here. Before you leave the bus, I am going to take a count of all your names. Sound off." With that, the children gave their names to Flavoid. "James, Max, Sarah, Lucy, George, Ron, Peter, Cindy, Wally, Chuck, Al, Beth, Connie, Jack, Emily, Paul, Rachel, Tim, Steven." "Yes, that's 19. We know what happened to Mary. Don't let that happen to you. Say George, how do you like being a human again." "Turning me into a weasel, very funny. If it weren't for your powers, I'd punch you clear across the universe." "Well that's too bad for you. Next time you insult me or anger me, I will turn you more into a weasel. You haven't even felt a taste of my powers." "Okay everyone. Off the bus. Go directly into the great, brick building first. You will be fed here and stay here overnight. There is much to see in Swamp Hill. I also want to tell you what you can expect here. Some things are not very pleasant." James whispered to Max, "I don't like the looks of this place at all. Notice that there is a cloud of gloom surrounding us. I think that we are going to be in for a very bad time." "You said it," Max whispered back. "I don't trust Flavoid at all. I wish that I was home right now. This place creeps me out." The children assembled into the dining area. "Sit down everyone and listen to what I have to say. In order to be good pets, you must face a certain amount of danger and unpleasantness. Today you will face both. There are Grimlets and flying Warbots. There are Slithers and Grogs. Also, be careful when walking on the soaking grass. More than one child was pulled into the ground by the Plaxoids. None of these names make any sense to you, but they will. Finally, the huge vines that surround Swamp Hill are not to be touched. They are twenty times worse than poison ivy. As for treatment, Boleen is the nurse, doctor, healer all rolled into one. Treat her well. Never upset her. We shall now walk out into the beginning of Swamp Hill. There are numerous paths to explore. Oh yes, one more thing. Commines are perhaps the most dangerous thing that you face here. Commines are creatures that float in the sky. They can cause you to hallucinate or fall into a state of paralysis. As long as you wear these goggles, you will be protected. Taking these goggles off would be a terrible mistake." "Wait a minute," said Lucy. "You've given us names of some creatures. You haven't told us anything about them. I'm not going out there. I might get killed." "You will do as I said," Flavoid spoke in a stern manner. "Disobedience will not be tolerated. Now follow me. I will talk more about all the creatures that you will encounter. Also, on the course of our expedition, at one point I shall divide you into five groups. You will take different paths. I will know where you are, but you will get no assistance from me. That is the time that you will face the most danger. Hopefully, none of you will die in the process." "I hate you," shouted Ron. "Why did you ever choose us to enter your stupid dimension?" "I chose you because I can. I mentioned before about other children. There are other pets that live in the 10th dimension. Most of the children are pets. A few are given special status. I will explain about this another time. Let's get going." Okay, I have aroused your curiosity. Part 2 will go right into the heart of Swamp Hill. Be prepared for a touch of nastiness.