The Last Triceracorn (Book One)

By Vincent M. Miceli

The Last Triceracorn (Book One) is a modern-day fantasy about two strong-willed and gifted sisters, Matea and Luciana, who unexpectedly find themselves drawn into this epic tale of worldly destruction, adventure, suspense, mystery, magic, and unusual settings. But they soon discover that they're not alone in this fight as they stumble upon a ban

• Language: English
• Publisher: M4 Publishing
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986324814

Book preview

One

How in the world did we ever wind up here? Matea asked.

I don’t know, said her younger sister, Luciana. I really can’t remember what happened. My head’s still a little foggy right now. How about you?

Same here. It feels like it’s a dream without being a dream. I know this is real, but at the same time, it feels like it’s not, Matea said.

The sisters now looked around but couldn’t see a thing.

Where are we? Matea asked… more to herself than her to her sister.

But Luciana quickly huffed, Well, wherever it is, I can’t see anything! She then strained her eyes in the pitch-black cave.

Both sisters then fell quiet until Matea eventually said, Do you hear that? It sounds like water dripping somewhere off in the distance.

Yes, I hear it, Luciana muttered. Plus, it’s very damp in here… like an indoor swimming pool.

Matea silently nodded to herself.

Luciana then changed the subject and asked, Are your hands tied behind your back?

Yes. It feels like some sort of twine or rope. It’s pretty tight.

Mine too, replied Luciana. But there’s also something very strange about it. It’s weird, but the rope feels wet and dry at the same time. I can’t quite explain it.

Just then, a loud growl unexpectedly interrupted their conversation as it echoed from the darkness.

Matea now whispered, Oh, did I forget to mention that I’m also hanging upside down?

Same here.

The girls then went silent again as they assessed their situation… until seconds later, a second growl broke their silence, but this time much closer.

That doesn’t sound good, Matea said.

You think? Luciana sarcastically snipped. I think it’s time to get out of here.

But suddenly, a loud explosion rattled the underground cavern, and the walls and ceiling started to crumble… until a faint light flooded the cave.

Wow, if things weren’t bad enough already, Luciana sighed. But at least I could now somewhat see you.

I guess then we better speed this up, Matea said. Are you wearing your lotion belt?

No. How about your potion belt? Do you still have it on?

No. That of course would’ve made things too easy.

Well then, I guess we’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way, Luciana insisted.

Old-fashioned way? You’re only 11 years old. How old-fashioned can it be? Matea smirked.

Luciana sneered, You know what I mean… now just start swinging your rope.

The two girls then rocked rock back and forth with all of their might.

So, what’s the plan here? Luciana asked in between swings. I grab and untie your hands, or you grab and untie mine?

Not exactly, Matea said.

Oh no! cried Luciana. I’m not biting your ropes off again! The last time I did that I couldn’t eat for a week.

Matea chuckled, Yes, but you saved us. If it wasn’t for that, we would’ve died for sure. But no, you don’t have to bite my ropes off again.

Then what?

But instead of answering, Matea simply urged, Just hurry up and swing! I hear footsteps!

And it was true… for as the cave’s rumbling died down, slow and heavy footsteps suddenly grew closer.

Luciana then spoke just above a whisper and asked, What do you think it is? A lion?

I’m not sure, but those footsteps have an evil sounding drag to them. Perhaps it’s some sort of a bear.

Just then, those footsteps stopped, and the sisters now sensed that the animal was only yards away.

Matea instantly abandoned her whisper and screamed, Swing harder!

I am, I am! screeched Luciana. What do you think I’m doing? But you still haven’t told me how we’re going to get down from here.

You’ll see.

So, with nothing more to be said, Luciana rocked wildly back and forth until she exclaimed, I can almost reach you!

Yet Matea paused as she now chose her next words very carefully. There’s no need to reach me, she said.

What!!! Then why in the world are we…

But just then, both girls crashed down to the ground below and they hit it with a heavy thud.

Ouch! Luciana muttered. What just happened?

Matea quickly brushed herself off and explained, Well, that explosion caused the cave’s ceiling and walls to crumble… and with that, the fractured pieces were sharp enough to fray the ropes.

Without missing a beat, Luciana rubbed her head and grumbled, Way to go genius. I don’t know what hurts more… the fall or the way you talk?

Ha ha, very funny, Matea mocked. Now, let’s get out of these ropes.

So, the girls swiftly untied themselves, and as they did, they listened for those heavy footsteps once again… but now, it was quiet, too quiet, which concerned them just the same.

What do you think? whispered Luciana. It’s awfully quiet in here. I think we need to leave.

Who’s the genius now? Matea taunted. But I couldn’t agree with you more.

But suddenly, as if on cue, the footsteps started once again… yet this time, a loud hissing sound joined the fun.

Instantly, the sisters froze as they now sensed that the unknown creature was only inches away.

Meanwhile, Matea tried to pin-point the creepy sounds but soon frowned, This cave’s echo is throwing me off. I can’t figure out where that thing is.

No need to, said a raspy voice. I’m right here.

A bit startled, both sisters spun at once, but only to see that a strange and disgusting creature now stood before them.

Surprisingly, the beast hissed towards the girls as if to say hello.

What in the world is that thing? Luciana blurted out.

Yet Matea stayed quiet as she gazed upon the 10 foot long, four-foot-high monster… and with six sturdy legs, it looked a lot like a Komodo dragon.

Suddenly, the beast hissed again… yet this time, it scratched its black blotchy skin and red magma-like ooze dripped from its body.

Luciana squinted at the ooze and muttered, Yuck.

"Never mind that. Did you see its fangs and claws?’

Yes, Luciana nodded as she focused in on the beast’s knife-like claws.

Well, at least we now know it’s some type of dragon, Matea said.

Suddenly, the creature sneered, and with its six-inch fangs, croaked, Come closer girls.

Luciana quickly faced her sister and sighed, Great… this thing talks.

Of course, I do, growled the beast. Now, like I said, come closer.

No thanks, both sisters said simultaneously as they slowly backed away.

I see that my ropes didn’t hold you, he squinted. Most impressive.

Matea quickly asked the beast, How is it that you can talk?

But the dragon-like lizard simply snickered and rasped, I think you already know the answer to that.

Matea then pondered for a second before muttering, The golden cluster.

Yes, very good, the beast nodded. Somehow that cosmic explosion triggered something inside all of us so that we could finally talk.

Us? We? Luciana asked. Who are you talking about?

Other animals, smirked the beast. But not all of us, just some.

Matea then changed the subject and asked, Are you from Earth?

Ha, this pitiful planet? he scorned. Not a chance.

Then where are you from? Luciana curiously asked.

I come from the molten planet, Fuso. It’s two galaxies away from your miserable little home.

The sisters then fell silent as they digested this new information… until Matea finally said, Well, you obviously brought us here for a reason. So, what is it?

You don’t remember?

No. Our memory is a little fuzzy right now.

Ah yes… my venom does have that effect, croaked the fork-tongued beast. But don’t worry, it should return soon.

In the meantime, Luciana’s patience began to wear thin… so she quickly snipped, You didn’t answer my sister’s question. Why are we here?

An old friend is looking for you. He hired me to find you.

An old friend? That seems highly doubtful, Matea grimaced. Who’s that? And by the way… who are you?

"Me? Good question. In most galaxies, I’m known as The Lost-Hunter. When somebody goes lost or missing, I’m hired to find them. And as always, I deliver… just like I did with you two. My name is Kruug."

Well, it’s NOT a pleasure to meet you, Luciana said sarcastically.

Matea instantly laughed at her sister’s sassiness.

My my… she’s a rude one, Kruug sneered.

Yet Luciana folded her arms and defiantly smirked, You haven’t seen anything yet.

Again, Matea laughed… but this time, she turned towards her feisty little sister and said, Let’s just find out why we’re here.

So, after a long pause, Luciana reluctantly nodded.

Matea then faced Kruug again and asked, So why are we here?

Like I said before. An old friend is looking for you.

Who? Matea demanded.

Kruug flashed a wicked smile before rasping, Gauro.

Matea instantly shot her sister a dreadful look. That’s... that's impossible! she stuttered. He’s dead!

And yet here we are, reasoned Kruug.

Luciana now joined in and frowned, We killed him! We saw him die!

Ah, that. Yes, I heard about that epic battle. I couldn’t believe my six ears when I found out that two little blond-haired, blue-eyed girls defeated the mighty Gauro. By the way… how old are you two anyway?

I’m 11, and she’s 14, Luciana revealed.

How young. I’m 314 years old, declared Kruug. And I’m sorry to say, but your winning days are over.

I doubt that! both sisters stubbornly said.

But just then, and without warning, Kruug spat out a poisonous globby substance right at Luciana’s face… but she sidestepped the thick mass and it splattered harmlessly onto the wall behind her.

A stunned Kruug tried to blink away his shock. Wow! You’re a fast one, he marveled. How did you get to be so fast?

Born that way, bragged Luciana. My father always said that I have the reaction time of a mongoose.

Then how about your sister? Is she also that fast? Kruug then turned towards Matea to launch his venomous spit.

But now it was Matea’s turn to defiantly shake her head. I wouldn’t bother, she said. I may not be as quick as my sister, but you’ve already revealed your plan.

What do you mean? Kruug croaked.

Well, you’re about 15 feet away, and by my calculation, your venom should travel at about 9 miles per hour… so it won’t reach me for several seconds. I have plenty of time to get out of the way now that I know it’s coming.

An astonished Kruug looked incredibly from Matea to Luciana.

Luciana immediately laughed as she saw the baffled look on Kruug's face. Tell me about it, she smirked. I have to listen to that type of mumbo-jumbo every day.

Very funny, Matea mocked.

Meanwhile, Kruug looked back to the older sister and asked, So, tell me… how did you get to be so smart?

Born that way, Matea now bragged. My father always said that I have the memory of an elephant, while my little sister here smells like one.

Very funny yourself, Luciana chuckled, before adding… But actually, that was a good one. Nice burn.

Kruug then listened to the friendly banter between sisters before switching gears. Enough of this! he screamed. No more games. I guess I’ll just have to go to plan B. Time to recapture you both again.

Not a chance, Luciana said. You look way too slow to capture us.

I don’t think so, Kruug rattled in his deep menacing voice. But don’t worry… not me. That’s why I have my minions.

Minions? Luciana asked.

Yes, minions, Kruug repeated. He then slammed his gigantic tail onto the ground… and his magma-like ooze exploded into every direction.

Suddenly, the sisters frowned as several oddly shaped creatures flooded the area... and within seconds, these short, pale, and skinny creatures surrounded the girls.

Matea quickly pointed to the minions’ bulging fangs and warned, Watch out for their teeth. They look very sharp.

Yet Luciana didn’t immediately respond as she was too mesmerized by the thick layer of skin covering the creatures’ eyes. I think they’re blind, she eventually said as she watched mucus drip down their faces.

They are, replied Matea. They’re Troglobites. The cave’s darkness eliminated their need for sight. But don’t let their blindness fool you because their other senses are highly enhanced.

If I only had my headband, Luciana said. Then maybe I could communicate with them.

Not a chance, Matea countered. Their souls are as black as this cave.

Luciana then pursed her lips as she silently thought about this. Yes, I guess you’re right, she finally nodded.

Just then, Matea faced Kruug and asked, Speaking of... where's all of our belongings?

Kruug laughed and said, Over there on the wall… not that you’ll be needing them. Then, without another moment’s delay, he ordered his troops to attack.

Without delay, the Troglobites instantly darted towards the girls, and within seconds, the sisters were completely surrounded by these vile and revolting creatures.

Two

Sorry girls, but your time is up, bellowed Kruug. Gauro will be here soon, and I plan on collecting my handsome reward.

What reward? Matea curiously asked.

All the slurbits I could eat.

The sisters now frowned at each other until Luciana asked, What the heck is a slurbit?

Are you kidding me? Kruug scowled. It’s only the most delicious treat ever. They’re fish droppings dipped in snail slime. But Gauro is the only one who knows how and where to find them.

Well… they sound disgusting, Luciana winced.

Fool! Kruug suddenly snapped. Why am I even wasting my time with a planet pug like you? He then ordered his Troglobites to attack.

If only we had our belts, Matea said.

Well, we don’t, frowned Luciana.

So what do you think we should do?

Without missing a beat, Luciana smirked and said with a suggestive wink, Why don’t we introduce them to our little routine?

Sounds good to me, Matea smiled back.

So, without pause, the sisters locked forearms as Matea leaned backwards and pivoted her hips. She then straightened her arms and quickly turned her right arm over her left… while simultaneously, reversing her left foot and thrusting Luciana towards the advancing Troglobites.

Now fully extended, Luciana kicked out her legs into a scissors-type motion and knocked over three Troglobites… before gracefully landing both feet back onto the ground.

Matea nodded with a grin, Nice job.

Thanks.

Now it was Matea’s turn… so Luciana pivoted and twisted her sister into the air, and as Matea copied Luciana’s scissors-type kick, three more Troglobites fell to the ground.

The girls continued this rhythmic dance until all of the Troglobites were rendered unconscious.

Kruug, who was off to the side, stood there in disbelief, for nobody had ever defeated his Troglobites before. The furious Lost-Hunter then screamed aloud as he wildly slammed his tail onto the ground… and his volcanic-type ooze sprayed all about.

Luciana frowned and sarcastically said, That doesn’t look good.

No… no it doesn’t.

Kruug then lunged himself forward as he hissed and clawed his way towards the girls. I guess I’ll have to finish this myself! he grunted.

The sisters now looked at each other, and even though the Troglobites were out of commission, the threat still wasn’t over. Kruug needed to be taken seriously as his rage was out of control.

Meanwhile, Kruug now spat his poisonous venom frantically towards the girls, but because of their routine, the sisters were luckily a good distance away from him.

We don’t have much time, Matea urged.

Nope, said Luciana. She then turned around to look for an exit when she quickly noticed a stone wall behind her... and with a carved-out ledge about six feet up, she signaled to her sister, It’s time to leave.

Instantly, Matea read her sister’s mind, so she turned towards the cave’s ridge and bent her front knee. She then cupped her hands together and said, We better make this quick.

Luciana nodded as she glanced back at the raging Kruug, who was now only 10 feet away. So, without a second to spare, she took two giant steps, placed her right foot into Matea’s cupped hands, and sprang into a back flip.

Matea smiled as her sister safely flipped onto the top of the ridge. Now it’s my turn, she thought. She then darted towards the wall, but at the last second, dared a peek over her shoulder… and saw that Kruug was unfortunately only a few feet away. Oh no, she muttered to herself. I’m not going to make it.

Three

Kruug knew that he was going to capture the older of the two sisters. Nobody escapes from me, he celebrated. He then pictured catching the 14-year-old girl with his forked tongue and burning her flesh to the bone. Ha, he would’ve rejoiced. I guess you’re not so smart after all. But that never happened, because at the last second, the younger sister surprisingly threw a rock and knocked his tongue off course.

Moments earlier, Luciana had also known that her sister wasn’t going to make it. So, at the last second, she grabbed a nearby rock, threw it at Kruug, and reached for Matea, all in one fluid motion. The rock thankfully struck Kruug’s tongue a split second before Matea jumped into the air.

With Kruug’s tongue now off course, Matea grabbed Luciana’s out-stretched hand, and the younger sister quickly hoisted her up…but it was still close.

Kruug was mad… really mad, and even though his tongue out of the picture, he still dove at Matea as she scaled the wall… but unfortunately for him, he missed her by a mere inch as his momentum crashed him hard into the solid wall.

Now, the sisters likewise watched as Kruug collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Wow! Matea said as she looked at Luciana in amazement.

Yeah…I also knew that you weren’t going to make it.

Thanks, Matea said appreciatively. I thought I was a goner.

No problem, smirked Luciana. Besides, what are little sisters for?

So, it seems, Matea chuckled. But we better get out of here before Kruug wakes up.

The two sisters then followed the carved-out niche for about 20 yards… until they saw their belts and backpacks hanging on the wall.

Boy, am I glad to see these, Luciana voiced.

Me too.

So, without hesitation, the sisters strapped on their belts… Matea her potion belt, Luciana her lotion belt. Then, they looked inside their backpacks.

Looks like everything’s still here, stated Luciana. You?

Yes… now let’s go.

The sisters then continued to run along the ledge until it spilled out into a large room.

Luciana quickly gazed at the vast opening and whistled, This room is enormous.

Matea nodded as she likewise surveyed the area and said, Look at all of these stalagmites and stalactites... they’re everywhere.

Luciana then nudged her sister and pointed, Check out the walls. Those torches make this place feel awfully creepy.

So, with danger in the air, the girls carefully entered the room and looked for signs of trouble as they crept in.

Seems awfully quiet, Luciana whispered. What do you think?

Matea now listened intently... but after a second, said, I think I hear something.

What?

It sounds like whimpering. I think it’s coming from over there.

The girls then cautiously walked forward, and as they did, they turned around every now and then to make sure that somebody, or something, wasn’t sneaking up from behind. But eventually, they made it safely towards the back of the room.

Look… there’s a door, Luciana pointed.

Matea nodded as she gazed upon the large metal door hinged in between two giant stalagmites. It must be some sort of a room… or dungeon.

Luciana soon placed an ear against the door and said, I think you’re right. The sound’s coming from inside.

It sounds like crying, Matea said.

Luciana then tapped gently on the door and whispered, Hello?

A scared voice from within replied, Hello? Who’s out there?

Luciana now faced her sister and asked, So, what do you think?

Well, if they’re locked inside of there, I say that they can’t be friends with this Kruug. I think we should let them out.

Without delay, Luciana nodded in agreement.

So, with the matter settled, Matea reached into her belt and took out two small bottles. She then popped off the caps, held the two openings together, and shook the bottles back and forth.

All done? Luciana asked.

Almost, Matea said as she counted the seconds off in her head.

In the meantime, Luciana patiently watched as her sister now separated the bottles, which in turn, revealed a grayish-white mist of smoke.

Matea then smiled as the shape of a key took form.

I see that you finally perfected this little science spell, Luciana said... before chuckling, Last time it looked like a demented snake.

Ha ha, Matea frowned. But she quickly ignored her sister's taunt as the smoke-shaped key darkened in color and fell into the palm of her hand.

Luciana now admired the solid key resting in her sister's hand. Nice job, bro, she winked.

Matea laughed and shook her head as she placed the key into the door’s lock… and with the sound of a click, the door sprung open on well-oiled hinges.

Boy, this dungeon must get a lot of use, Luciana pointed out. Not a squeak to be heard.

Matea silently agreed.

At last, the girls peaked inside the cell, but it was too dark to see, so they both whispered, Hello?

Suddenly, and one by one, children now appeared from within the dungeon’s door… and these boys and girls seemed to be of all different ages and races.

Who are you guys, and why are you here? Matea asked.

But a tall thin boy, with dark hair and dark skin, stuttered, We don’t know. We all woke up here a little confused and found ourselves locked inside this room.

Both sisters quickly looked at one another as they likewise nodded.

It sounds like Kruug used his venom on you, Matea said. But don’t worry… your memories will return shortly.

That’s good, smiled the boy.

Matea then continued and said, Well, I’m Matea and this is my sister, Luciana. I’m 14 and she’s 11. We’re from Phoenix, Arizona.

The tall thin boy spoke again, I’m Tusheen and I’m 12 years old. This is my twin brother, Shutini. We’re from Mumbai, India.

Matea noticed the dissimilarities in the brothers. I take it that you’re fraternal twins? she asked.

Yes, nodded Shutini.

Next, a girl with sandy-brown hair introduced herself… and with an accent said, I’m Florlette. I’m 11 years old, and I’m from London, England.

Nice to meet you, said Matea.

Now a strong stern boy came forward and introduced himself as Grux, age 14, from Munich, Germany. He then nodded his appreciation towards the sisters for letting him out of that cage.

Following Grux, a boy with light-brown skin and black hair spoke up. I’m from a small town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It’s called Playas del Coco. It’s a beautiful place. My name is Checo and I’m 12 years old.

Next was Qymma from Nairobi, Kenya. She was tall, lean, and 13 years old.

Matea and Luciana listened to the group as the rest of the children introduced themselves. They learned that:

Torm, an extremely thin and nervous-looking boy, was from Hong Kong, China. He was 10 years old;

Vslo was eight years old and from Moscow, Russia;

Vinzario was 11 years old and from Rome, Italy;

Sienna was 11 years old and from Melbourne, Australia; and

Sophia, age 12, was from Quebec, Canada.

Lastly, the smallest and youngest of the children spoke… and with a sniffle said, My name is Maiya. I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I’m six years old.

Well, I guess that’s everybody, Luciana smiled.

Not quite, said a voice from inside the cell’s darkness. And then, out stepped Zucco.

Four

The sisters rejoiced as they ran up to Zucco and gave him a great big hug. Zucco! they screamed. What are you doing here?

Zucco smiled at the girls. Unfortunately, you’re not the only one that Kruug captured for Gauro, said the life-size majestic bear.

Now in the light, the other children quickly saw that Zucco was about four-feet tall, with brown and golden fur, and eyes that sparkled as bright as gems.

The little Argentinian girl, Maiya, grinned and said, Your fur. It’s twinkling.

Yes, he smiled back. It twinkles and shimmers on its own.

Why? asked Maiya.

Because it reflects my mood.

Like happy or sad?

Exactly.

Now Sophia, in her thick Canadian accent, turned towards the sisters and asked, How do you two know him?

He’s our dear friend, Luciana smiled.

You could say it’s more than that, corrected Zucco. These two actually saved my life.

How? asked Sienna, the Australian girl.

But just then, trumpets interrupted their friendly conversation as they blared loudly in the background… and the sound seemed to last forever due to the cave’s echo. Then, after a few chilling seconds, the silence returned… but not for long.

What in the world was that? asked Checo, the Costa Rican boy.

No idea, said Luciana. And hopefully we don’t find out.

Suddenly, another sound now pierced the silence… high-pitched shrieks that fluttered in the distance.

That doesn’t sound good, cringed Vslo, the little Russian boy.

You think? Vinzario mocked. Sounds like there’s a party heading our way.

No party… sounds like trouble, Vslo dryly said.

Vinzario then smirked at the others and said, I guess he doesn’t get my sarcasm.

No time for jokes, Grux seriously said. It was obvious that the German boy didn’t have much of a sense of humor either.

Meanwhile, Maiya grabbed onto Matea’s leg and cried, I’m scared.

Matea immediately bent down and smiled, Don’t worry sweetie. We’re not going to let anything bad happen to you. I promise.

Maiya tried to stifle her tears, but it was no use, and a cascade of water flooded her face.

So, without delay, Luciana scooped Maiya up into her arms and smiled, Come here you. Us little ones need to stick together. And don’t worry… my mother doesn’t call me ‘Mother Hen’ for nothing.

Maiya soon wiped away her tears and smiled back.

Matea quickly shot Luciana an appreciative nod.

Luciana winked back.

Matea then faced the others and said, We need to find a way out of here. I’m guessing that we can’t go back the way we came since those shrieks are getting louder… and closer.

Florlette, the Londoner, nervously stammered, Then... then we’re trapped!

No… not necessarily, Matea suggested as she carefully surveyed the enormous room. There might be another way out.

What makes you say that? Tusheen and Shutini asked together.

Matea explained. Well, if Gauro’s behind our capture, he never goes anywhere with just one exit.

That’s true, Zucco nodded. I’ve known Gauro for a very long time, and he is a very cautious creature. He would never allow himself to be trapped inside a room with just the one exit.

Kruug? Gauro? Who are they? Torm, the Chinese boy, asked. He then faced Zucco and said, And speaking of… who are you?

But Zucco never had the chance to answer as that shrieking sound boomed into the