Astra makes her choice.

The sound of barking snapped her out of her trance. "Velus? What is it?" she asked. Velus had found her. He seemed to be yapping at Christian. "Velus, don't worry, there's nothing to be afraid of. He's a sweet guy." Velus didn't seem so convinced. She looked in Christian's eyes, and moved for him...

Then she remembered. "Where's Fred?" she asked Velus. "Why aren't you with him?" Velus only yapped in response. Christian gave the dog-teen a withering look and he shrank away.

"Now then, my lady, let's pick up where we left off." He touched her, and Astra felt like she had never felt better in her life...

"No. We have to rescue Fred first. He saved my life. I can't be so ungrateful to him."

"Fredrigo D'Honaire is a brave knight, my lady. He can handle himself. Now let us continue."

Astra looked into his eyes. They seemed to draw her in, like twin whirlpools...

"No. I have to find Fred. I can't let my friend die."

"You've spent all your life worrying about others. Maybe it's time you thought about yourself for a change? Let Fredrigo D'Honaire take care of himself..."

Astra realized that she did feel that way. But she resisted. "No," she said, this time not looking into his eyes. "I can't let Fred die. He's my friend. He's noble and true and kind and bold." As Christian's influence started to fall away, she realized how she felt about Fred. It was true and clear, even through Christian's muddling influence. "And I love him! I love Fredrigo D'Honaire!"

With those words, the false knight's baleful influence shattered utterly. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO" wailed Christian. He seemed to freeze in place and shatter like glass...

And Fred appeared out of nowhere next to him. "Fred! You're alright!" said Astra, and she kissed him.

Fred looked a little bemused at this, but pleased. "What was that about, Astra?" asked Fred.

Astra decided to just go out and say it. "I love you."

Fred was startled and awed. "I am glad you feel that way. You are like no other woman I've ever met...my lady."

Astra smiled and kissed him again.

"So what happened? Where was I?" asked Fred.

"I don't know, but I was under the influence of some power that was reading my mind. Something is trying to control me, but who or why, I don't know." Suddenly...

1. Someone stepped into the cave.
2. Maniacal laughter filled the room.
3. An object appeared out of nowhere.
4. The scenery seemed to swirl and change...
5. Fred disappeared.

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