Irwin was fighting all his might when I joined in the battle.
The Consumer had taken the shape of a dragon and was thrashing around like a fish out of water, throwing people every which way.
I grabbed a fallen sword and started hitting at Milly’s dragon tail. Irwin swinging around in the air, slashing at the giant black dragon.
Loud BOOMS! sounded every so often followed by flashes of lights. The Consumer shrieked and lashed out at many of the warriors, causing them to fly through the air and land several feet from where they had been.
“Where,” screamed Milly, swiping at warriors left and right, “is Annie Colder?!”
I threw my sword at her neck but missed.
Oh good shot! I thought to myself, I bet I couldn't even hit the broadside of a barn!
“Annie!” bellowed a loud, pinched voice. I whirled around to find myself face to face with the dragon. All nine red glowing eyes were centered on me like those little red targets on guns.
The dragon’s mouth opened wide, revealing many razor sharp teeth. I shook like crazy as I backed away.
“Milly! Stop!” I cried, holding the my hands up to shield my face, “It doesn't have to be this way! You don't have to be evil!”
Suddenly, the dragon disappeared and my friend Milly in her human form stood before me.
“Annie, listen,” said Milly like she was the teacher and I was the student, “I need that locket. It's my only hope to have a better life. A life full of evil. A life full of torturing and world domination. Please, we can do it together. Just let me have the locket.”
She held out her hand and looked at me like I was her last hope.
I looked at her. Milly’s expression was simply, just hopefully. I took a deep breath and sighed.
“I'm sorry, Milly,” I said, “I can't help you. I won't give you the locket.”
Milly looked outraged.
“Fine,” she said slithering back into her dragon form, “Then die!”
She opened her mouth wide, ready to swallow me whole.
“Leave her alone!” shouted Irwin, running in front of me just as the monstrous jaws snapped shut.
“NOOOO!” I screamed and raised my sword.
Taking a running start, I ran full speed at the dragon and plunged the blade right into the stomach.
The Consumer screamed the loudest and most terrible scream I'd ever heard before and blood gushed from the conquered monster, soaking my legs with the dark red liquid. As the beast fell to the ground dead, I fell to my knees and cried.
Irwin, my best friend(and the boy I kinda liked!) had died! And for what!? To save me!? I feel like I should have died! Not Irwin! Me! I cried harder. As I bawled, I felt a hand wrap around me and in a few seconds, Mom, Peter, Mimi, and Princess Talia were crouched next to me.
“I'm so sorry, sweetheart,” whispered Mom, hugging me tightly.
Suddenly, I hear a loud zapping noise but I was too sad to see what it was.
“Annie?” I heard from behind me, “What's wrong?”
“Irwin’s dead!” I wailed loudly, tears flooding from my eyes on to the floor and mixing with the dragon blood.
I heard a little chuckle and cried even harder.
“I'm not dead, Annie,” said the voice.
I gasped and turned around.
Standing there, holding the Transporter, was Irwin. I got up and looked at him for a moment. Then, I ran at him and hugged him. Tears were falling so fast I couldn't stop.
“I thought you were dead,” I whispered.
“I thought I was too!” he replied and we laughed quietly.
“That was probably the best adventure I've had in a long time,” I said as we pulled away, “But the even better was the you were in it.”
“Awwwwww!” cooed everyone else. Irwin and I blushed.
“Miss Annie?” came a voice. I turned around and saw Princess Talia coming towards me.
“Yes, your Majesty?”
“I would like award you with this locket for slaying the Consumer and saving all these people and me.” She placed the large, golden locket around my neck and suddenly everyone was clapping and I was bowing and it was the best ending to a story ever.
“Let's go home,” whispered Peter from behind me. I stopped. Did I really want to leave all these wonderful things behind? Did I want to leave Irwin behind?
Mimi, Tabitha, and the fairies came up to me.
“Thank you so much,” Mimi said, giving me a hug, “For being here. Irwin has never been happier since you entered his world.”
“Thank you for entering mine,” I said, “You are a good parent for Irwin.”
Next the pixies came and swarmed me.
“We'll miss you, Annie!”
“I love you, Annie!”
“Thanks for visiting, Annie!”
“Do come again!”
“Don't forget us!”
I shook each of the pixies’ hands with my pinkies and turned to Tabitha. She smiled and patted me on the hand as she was too short to pat me on the back.
I turned to Irwin who had tears glittering in his eyes which meant he was just as sad as me.
“I'll miss you,” I said tearfully.
“Me too,” he replied just as sad.
I started to cry openly.
Irwin took my hand in his.
“It's okay,” he said, “I’ll remember.”
Fresh tears slipped down my cheeks.
“And I'll never forget,” I whispered as I gave him a final hug goodbye.
“Annie?” came my mom’s voice.
“Yes, Mom?” I said, thinking she would take me away.
“Mimi and I have talked it over,” She started to smile, “And she decided that she and Irwin are going to move into the house right next to us.”
I stared at her then ran over and thanked her a bazillion times.
“Thank you so much, Mom!” I cried and hugged her that seemed like forever.
“They didn't have an actual home so I thought it's only fair we let them into our neighborhood. You and Irwin can visit each other at any time!” She grinned at me and I smiled back. Irwin came and joined our circle of happiness.
My smile glowed so much I think it lit the whole world. And I think the world needs a lot more happy endings.