Empath's Honeymoon/Part 9

Empath and the fox went scouting around the island, looking for possible entrances that the Tortans might use to go in and out of King Tortarus' secret lair. Ultimately they came across a lone Tortan who was wandering around by himself, one that the fox particularly recognized. "That is Creepshell, the one who I constantly see by himself on this island," he said. "He must be the one who is the most loyal to King Tortarus himself."

"Let's see how loyal he actually is," Empath said.

Creepshell's wandering soon led him straight into Empath himself, who just stood there in his path. "This smurf is willing to wager you wouldn't happen to know anything about a young blue female your fellows have just captured recently," he said.

"Uh, actually, I don't know what you're talking about," Creepshell said, sounding a bit fearful.

"This smurf can sense that you do, and unless you want this smurf to shake you out of your shell, you had better give this smurf some answers," Empath said.

"Uh, actually, you'll have to catch me first," Creepshell said as he started to run off. "See you later."

Empath stood there for a moment, then caused his star mark to glow. Instantly, Creepshell found himself tripping and falling, flipping over many times until he landed on his back, unable to move.

Empath came over to where Creepshell was lying and picked him up. "You're going to lead this smurf to a way that this smurf can reach Smurfette, or this smurf will smurf much worse to you than smurf you on your back," he demanded.

"Please, don't hurt me," Creepshell cried out. "I will help you, but there is only one way that beings as big as you can go in through."

Empath put Creepshell back on his feet, who then led him on a way to a secret passageway that was hidden underneath a mossy growth. "Stay close to me, and you won't get lost," Creepshell warned.

Empath followed Creepshell into the passageway, which admittedly was dark, though Empath could sense his way through without stumbling. Then he came to a giant chamber where all he could say was "Great Ancestors!" as he saw a massive army of Tortans armed with various types of weapons that they intended to use on the residents of the island.

"That's as far as I'll take you," Creepshell said. "You're pretty much on your own from here. Have a good day!" And with that, the Tortan ran off.

Empath decided that he would try to skirt around the massive weapons complex, keeping a low profile as much as he could in order not to draw any attention to himself. Most of the Tortans were too busy with their weapons-building and military drills to pay much attention to what Empath was doing.

Then he came to a room that seemed to be heavily guarded, with a massive door in front of it. He could sense that it must be King Tortarus' main chamber. He used his mental abilities to make himself invisible and undetectable so that he could slip by them unnoticed. The guards just continued on with their duties oblivious to what was going on.

Then Empath came to a room that strangely didn't seem to be guarded, but was locked with a heavy lock. He touched the lock and caused it to open, allowing him to step into the room. Inside he could sense that there was Smurfette.

"Empath, is that you?" Smurfette said when he entered.

"Yes, it is this smurf who has come to get you out," Empath answered.

"Empath, King Tortarus has the last piece of the Mystic Star," Smurfette said.

"Then we must find a way to smurf it from his hands so we can fully restore the Mystic Star," Empath said. "Do you know where it is?"

"I'm afraid I don't," Smurfette said.

"Then we will have to search the entire place until we can find it," Empath said. "Follow me and try to stay quiet."

To be expanded on.