[Lord Stanley]

Well, you have to admit it's different from everything else. I'm a fantasy writer, not science fiction.

Hey, hold on. Lemme rethink that. I'm also a sci-fi writer, because I'm also doing "Bounty Hunter" in the non-Oddworld section right now.

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CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN

Lord Fragg emerged from his chamber in an entirely foul and somewhat terrified attitude.

He had entirely no idea what was happening to Oddworld today. First had come reports of Mudokon attacks on the western border, news of huge Mudokon armies massing all over Glukksonia. Then there had been Abe and Stranger's daring breakout from the palace prison, and then -

And then this.

This.

The end of everything.

Fragg's life had gone from good to bad to worse in less than a week.

First had been the destruction of his beloved money-producing factory, MeechCo, by none other than the long-quiet Mudokon "hero" Abe. Then had come his long series of playing treachery and power against King Glok and for his own side.

And now he was not the top Slog anymore.

Now he was paying obeisance to a tattooed Gabbit that had only been seen once before, back when Glok was king. Security cameras showed Fragg with this Gabbit discussing Lord Fragg’s work with Abe, around the time of his stay near the canyon.

King Fragg had never been one to bow and scrape to anyone, even if it meant climbing up the ladder to success. He had always grabbed and thrown everyone ahead of him off the ladder and kept climbing.

But this…this Gabbit was something else. A Gabbit that could not only use something he called “the Dark,” but that was also ruthlessly intelligent and had stated his intentions of destroying Abe in the most brutal of ways.

Once Fragg had awoken from his unconsciousness caused by the Bringer of Pain’s shadow blast – or whatever it had been – it had only been to hear his new foe’s voice blasting over the loudspeakers: “This is the Bringer of Pain. All Slig forces must stand down immediately, or I will destroy the boiler beneath the palace and you will all burn. I have Abe and Stranger with me atop the palace; if you actually desire to see them die, then you will pledge your allegiance to me, now.”

Fragg had no choice. He’d pledged his allegiance.

But that was only because he wanted Abe to die. Perhaps he could rally his Sligs together…

But later. Once he’d discovered a weakness in this insane Gabbit’s powers. Then, and only then, when he was certain of success, would he strike.

He neared the steps leading to the open trapdoor above; he could hear that demonic laughter that announced the Bringer of Pain’s presence, and the hoarse swearing coming from Stranger, and the groans that were coming from Abe.

Fragg decided that, though he might not be in control now, he would get his kingdom back. One way or another.

Then he mounted the steps…

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