The Lost Curse - Chamber Theft

Frogs were obviously no match to the might of Mother Nature as Mother Nature prevailed. Sandstorms and landspouts combined to produce a lethal cocktail of dust, wind and sand that shrouded and blanketed the kingdoms of Kosei and Kosai. The frog community residing in both kingdoms was annihilated one by one, until the last frog standing was choked to death through the inhalation of this deadly concoction. Soon, the rage in Mother Nature subsided and all that was left of both kingdoms were millions of carcasses waiting to be decomposed.

* * *

The empire of Frogworld consisted of the kingdoms of Kosei, Kosai, Kosui and Kosoi. Lying just a few miles off a desert, the empire, especially the kingdoms of Kosei and Kosai, were often the targets of devastating sandstorms that would not hesitate to suffocate any frog and pour trillions of sand grains into the kingdoms. Although such sandstorms were frequent, no frog had expected a sandstorm of that magnitude to hit Kosei and Kosai and obliterated the two kingdoms. The major destruction and the sudden fading of the sandstorm resulted in rumours and speculations circulating around Frogworld which boiled down to this point: What had caused this tragedy? No frog could provide a viable explanation to unravel the mystery behind the sandstorm until this day...

This was the day that leaders from both Kosui and Kosoi were to meet up and discuss on possible and practical solutions to overcome the intractable issue of minimising damage caused by sandstorms onto the frog community. However, something cropped up in Kosui, and the meeting had to be postponed. Apparently, there was a security breach in one of the secret chambers that housed the possible weapon which had contributed to the widespread damage to Frogworld- the manuscript. Created by Dictator Greens, a former leader of Kosei, during the Dark Days when Kosei and the 3 other kingdoms were engaged in war, its sole purpose was for Kosei to reign supreme by eradicating the 3 other kingdoms, which Dictator Greens deemed as stumbling blocks to his objective of ruling Frogworld. Miraculously, his audacious plan was foiled when his closest aide backstabbed and assassinated him, which evetually led to Kosei's surrender.

The manuscript was handed to Kosui for safe keeping which had remained there ever since. Temptations to steal the manuscript and to catch a glimpse of it were ever present, but were denied through the deployment of tight security measures that ensured the manuscript never see the light of day until now.

The Lost Curse - Journey to Nowhere

The king of Kosui was outraged, and without hesitation, summoned the entire security force responsible in guarding the chamber that housed the manuscript. Pointing his long, pink tongue at every one of them, he began screaming profanities, cursing, swearing and gesturing feet signals linked to the middle toe as those responsible for the loss kowtowed incessantly, pleading the king to spare their life.

"Prince Froggie, I want you to lead a group of chivalrous frogs to retrieve that lost manuscript. I don't care what kind of orthodox or unorthodox methods you are going to employ to accomplish this mission. And, extradite the mastermind behind this theft back to Kosui, for that darn frog shall face the power of justice, and most probably, have his puny little head snapped at the gallows," the king ordered and punctuated his command with a sinister smile.

Prince Froggie stared at his father in disbelief and in astonishment. Although he was a scholar and graduate from the Arsenal Department in Kosui's most prestigious university, Lilypad University, he was not taught by lecturers anything related to cursed manuscripts, thus making this mission challenging and difficult to execute.

As challenging the mission might be, he had to be a filial prince and not defy his father's orders. Gathering his frog knights, which comprised mainly of archers in the form of poison dart frogs, he set off towards his location in mind, the lost and fallen kingdom of Kosei.

The Lost Curse - The Banned Word

Scurrying through his bag full of maps, Mapper, a cartographer, managed to locate a map that would bring Prince Froggie and his troops to their desired destination, in search of clues regarding the manuscript.

"Sir, I am afraid the route to Kosei may be a treacherous one. According to the map, there are 2 routes to Kosei- either we cut through Kosii, or we shall embark on this notorious route called the Route to Hell," Mapper exclaimed before showing the 2 routes found on the map to Prince Froggie.

"Darn Mapper, did you not know that Kosii is a banned word in Frogworld," a senior frog official shouted out as Prince Froggie stared in bewilderment. Upon discovering Prince Froggie's bewildered stare, that senior frog official started to explain the story behind the taboo word, Kosii.

"As your royal Highness had known earlier, the manuscript was the brainchild of the former leader of Kosei, Dictator Greens. Apparently, Greens made use of the manuscript to revive dead frogs and re-create a frog community in a kingdom that he had created called Kosii. These frogs who were given a new lease of life were enslaved and forced to be part of Greens's army. Those frogs who defied Greens were brutally tortured till they complied. With a kingdom of soldiers, and a manuscript in hand, Greens was prepared to launch an assault and reign supreme over Frogworld. Fortunately, he was backstabbed and killed by his closest aide. Frog officials who were responsible in the war were trialed and executed. The life of Greens's closest aide was not spared either as he was executed. Before the execution, he requested that Kosii be destroyed and never to be mentioned again. He had also requested for the manuscript to be locked up and never to see the light of day again. That lad had at least some conscience within him," the senior official explained as Prince Froggie listened intently.

"Well, I guess we shall depart for Kosei via Kosii then. I have heard rumours regarding the Route to Hell and I am positive that these rumours sounded very pessimistic," Prince Froggie proclaimed as he and his troops set forth for Kosii.

The Lost Curse - The History of Kosii

As Prince Froggie and his group of frog knights continued on their journey to Kosii, that senior frog official who had earlier explained the history behind the banned word, Kosii began ranting on and on again, but this time it was with regards to the history of Kosii.

"Kosii's fate was sealed when an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.7 struck the kingdom. No one, not even the top seismologists and fortune-tellers could predict the occurence of this massive earthquake. Further catastrophe ensued as the earthquake triggered a tsunami in the Kosii Ocean. Residents of Kosii were caught off guard and off balance as strong tidal waves made their grand and unprecendented entrance into Kosii. Within seconds, the entire kingdom of Kosii was obliterated.

Before the tragedy occurred, Kosii was a kingdom that all frogs love to visit. Known as the "Enchanted Beauty", Kosii possessed what other kingdoms could only dream of- beaches that offered serenity and tranquility, crystal-clear water that would reflect sunlight into your eyes as well as unspoilt greenery in the form of rainforests which is also home to thousands of exotic creatures and plants. The oxygen that the frog community in Kosii depended on was so pure that coroners never gave "breathing in too much polluted air" as a cause of death. Frogs from all kingdoms located in Frogworld would also seize every opportunity they had to flock to Kosii to catch the sunset. Historic records have revealed that the most ideal and beautiful location to watch sunsets would be at Kosii, for the uncontaminated clear water would paint an identical image of the sun as it made its grand exit from the sky. As the surroundings started to turn dark, fireworks would be shot high up into the heart of the sky and shadows casted by the infrastructures of Kosii could be made visible under the mystical moonlight. It was a pity that a kingdom with such seemingly impeccable beauty be destroyed by an act of Mother Nature.

Kosii vanished from Frogworld and that was what we perceived it to be. Little did we knew that Dictator Greens had made use of the manuscript to re-create Kosii and somehow, managed to brainwash them in committing themselves to the Greens's army. Well, you knew the rest, your Highness," that senior frog official explained as he reached out for a bottle of insect juice to quench his thirst.

***

"I want him alive, for that manuscript's rightful owner is me and ME ALONE. With this manuscript at hand, I am invincible," a young frog exclaimed as he pointed his webbed feet to a screen which captured an image of a frog that resembled Prince Froggie.

The Lost Curse - Weakness of Love

"Welcome to my palace. I apologise for the sudden invitation and I wish that you would have a pleasant stay in my dungeon that I had specially prepared for you," the mysterious frog exclaimed. Although Prince Froggie is semi-conscious, he recognised that voice immediately and hastily shouted out Frolyn. Disgruntled, "Frolyn" walked up to Prince Froggie and gave him 2 tight slaps, threatening to kill him if he spouted nonsense again.

"I want this frog out of my sight now," "Frolyn" shouted. As Prince Froggie was dragged towards his cell, screams of Frolyn could be heard echoing down the corridor leading to the dungeon as he shouted the name relentlessly.

"I am so sorry, my Dear," "Frolyn" muttered under her breath as tears streamed down her face, out of sight of her frog ninjas and fellow frog slaves.

***

"Dad, it is heartwrenching to see him in such a state- lacerated, bruised and dehydrated. I have the burning desire to render whatever help that he needs, but I am also equally afraid of offending you if I defy your orders. Although he had treated me as transparent by fooling around with other female frogs, my love for him still remains. During our wedding, I pledged to stick with him forever and I have no intention to break that promise," "Frolyn" exclaimed.

"Frolyn, listen. You are a fantastic daughter-in-law and an excellent wife whom Froggie failed to cherish. Ever since you became a member of the family, I have regarded you like my own. I will not allow any frog, especially Froggie, to bully and take advantage of you. Let him suffer for one more day before I arrive and knock some sense into him," Frolyn's dad replied.

Both Frolyn and her dad were communicating via video conferencing. Prince Froggie was right. That mysterious frog who threw him into the dungeon was Frolyn, and was also Prince Froggie's wife. Being the wife of his eldest son, the king of Kosui conferred her the title 'The Princess of Kosui'. Although Prince Froggie was married to Frolyn, he often frequented pubs and discotheques which were places where he would engage in promiscuous activities with other female frogs, while Frolyn, who had no idea what her husband was doing outside, would wait at home for her husband patiently.

The Lost Curse - Massacre

Prince Froggie and his troops had unknowingly stepped into the dangerous territory of Kosii. Meanwhile, thousands of frog ninjas, who were specially trained in the art of smelling, had picked up a foreign scent which resembled that of the prince. Snarling, and with their target ahead of them, they headed towards the prince with the intention to kill. On the other hand, the prince and his frog knights were inching towards their doom.

The frog knights and the prince himself had hopped for several hours and were reeling from the effects of heatstroke as the sunrays bore down on them. Most of the frog knights were suffering from dehydration as their supply of insect juice ran out. Despite this, the prince refused to stop for a short break as he urged his fellow comrades to persevere on.

"Sir, I..I guess we..we are not wel...wel..come here," a frog knight stuttered as he pointed his webbed feet towards the direction of a mountain located not far away from them. Armed with their long, razor-sharp teeth, the thousands of frog ninjas who were instructed by that mysterious frog charged down the mountain at breakneck speed that several of the frog knights, including the prince, were stunned. They had never witnessed or heard of a frog who was capable of hopping that quickly.

"Sir, they...they are not fr..frogs. They are skele...," another frog knight shouted as his throat was slashed by a frog ninja behind him. Prince Froggie and his men were surrounded. They were so engrossed with the speed of the frog ninjas as they made their descent down the mountain that they failed to notice a second wave of ninja frogs approaching and creeping up behind them.

Blood gushed out from the throat of each frog as the two waves of frog ninjas attacked the frog knights accompanying the prince. The prince was taken aback by the massacre that he attempted to escape, but to no avail. The prince was outnumbered and outclassed by the frog ninjas.

"Dear Mr Prince, my master wants to see you. I do not care if you reject the offer, for I shall use force if you do not comply," a frog ninja hissed, as he made his way towards Prince Froggie who was shocked and startled by the sudden change of events. Scanning the scene filled with bloodshed and carcasses, Prince Froggie shook his head in anguish as he was escorted away from the scene to a castle where the mysterious frog was waiting for him.

The Lost Curse - Limited Tolerance

Frolyn started to suspect her husband of having an affair as he would return home late every night, reeking of alcohol and perfume. Lipstick markings could be seen all over his frog cheeks. As Prince Froggie would return home drunk every night, there was not even a slightest opportunity for Frolyn to question her husband. Desperate for the truth, Frolyn engaged a Private Investigator who would help confirm her suspicions as the Private Investigator managed to gather evidence regarding Prince Froggie's unfaithfulness.

Feeling depressed and hurt, Frolyn sought the help from the king of Kosui who requested that she leave her unwanted memories in Kosui as she embarked on a journey to explore Frogworld. The king felt that this was the best solution to help divert Frolyn's attention from the current situation. The king of Kosui had also requested her to stay under the protection of frog knights, in a newly-built palace located in the former kingdom of Kosii. Frolyn agreed as she abandoned her bad memories by leaving Kosui for Kosii, and it turned out to be a major and fatal mistake.

The Lost Curse - The Spirit Unleashed

Before Frolyn left for Kosii, the king of Kosui warned her never to succumb to temptations that she may encounter during her stay in the palace. As the king was vague and ambiguous in his warning, Frolyn headed towards Kosii with a question mark hovering above her head. During the journey to Kosii, she had tried to probe the accompanying frog knights as to what the king really meant by not to succumb to temptations but to no avail. The frog knights had no clue as to what the king really meant either. Refusing to believe them, Frolyn pestered her frog knights for the entire journey. As Frolyn was one of their masters, the frog knights had no choice but to control their temper even though they were frustrated and vexed by her constant irritation.

***

The frog knights heaved a sigh of relief as they finally arrived at the palace. The palace was a sight to behold. Awaiting their entry was a huge garden spread with lush greenery where rabbits and guinea pigs were seen hopping and running around neatly-trimmed shrubs and fruit trees. As Frolyn hopped into the garden, she was amazed by the softness and gentleness of the grass laid out around her. Touring the area surrounding the palace, she discovered an artificial waterfall whereby the water originated from the Kosii Ocean and would end up in a swimming pool, which was shaped into a frog, located beside the waterfall. The pool was so gigantic that thousands of frogs would be able to swim in it without much congestion. The pool resembled a miniature ocean, as marine life such as starfish, squid, stingrays and colourful fishes could be seen enjoying their time and freedom in the humungous pool. Frolyn was surprised further when she hopped into the hall of the palace. 5 frog slaves went down on one knee and greeted her. Scanning the area, she noticed several exquisite pieces of furniture that only the rich could afford. Overwhelmed by excitement, Frolyn seemed to have neglected the 5 frog slaves who were still kneeling as she continued on her tour by dashing up to the second storey.

"Ahhh.....," Frolyn screamed. The frog kinghts and slaves, who were responsible for her safety, rushed to the second storey only to find Frolyn safe and sound.

"I noticed something peculiar about this palace. The ceiling, floor and surrounding walls were made of high-quality glass that could not be stained and dirtied," Frolyn bragged, as she made her way down to the main hall. The frog knights and slaves looked at each other in disbelief as they had made the discovery far earlier than Frolyn.

Frolyn recalled her father-in-law's warning before she left for this palace. As she was unable to contain her curiosity, Frolyn decided to explore the place and search for things that may tempt and attract her. Opening door and door and ransacking room after room, she stumbled upon a chest which was glowing. Frolyn was intrigued by the mysterious glow. Ignoring her father-in-law's warning, she opened the chest and was greeted with a force so strong that caused Frolyn to fly. The door of the room shut automatically. Realising something was amiss, Frolyn screamed for help. The alert frog knights, who had earlier sensed an evil aura, heard her screams. Believing that something was amiss, they abandoned their game of poker as they combed the entire palace in search of Frolyn.

It was too late. Frolyn had unleashed an evil spirit.

"I am the spirit of a manuscript housed at Kosui. The manuscript is useless without me. I know you are a member of the royal family of Kosui, and I want you to collaborate with me," the spirit hissed, as she approached Frolyn and possessed her.

"I know you hate your husband. I can help you take revenge by destroying Kosui, by destroying whatever he has, as long as you lure him here. However, in order to lure him here, I want you to chant this spell with me," the spirit hissed. Unable to suppress the demon within her, Frolyn relented and chanted the spell. Unknowingly, Frolyn had caused the destruction of Kosei and Kosai.

"Now that Kosai and Kosei are gone, the next step is to obtain the manuscript. Repeat these 2 chants with me and you will be teleported back to Kosui. You will also be made invisible. Upon your touch, the manuscript will be invisible, thus making it easier for you to accomplish this mission. Next, I want you to tell the king of Kosui via video conferencing that you have a plan to make Prince Froggie leave that vixen. Anyway, those stupid frog knights out there searching for you are irritating pests whom I shall eliminate now," the spirit continued.

Chanting a spell, the frog knights and slaves who were combing the entire palace in search of Frolyn were killed instantaneously. The worse thing was they did not know what and who had killed them.

Frolyn accepted the mission and followed the spirit's orders reluctantly. The mission was a success as the manuscript was stolen and brought to the palace. The king of Kosui created a racket and instructed Prince Froggie to retrieve the manuscript, bearing in mind his collaboration with Frolyn.

"Frolyn, he is on his way to the palace now. I will like to stress that no help MUST be rendered to him if he looks out of sorts. He deserves it," the king of Kosui reported as Frolyn turned away from the monitor and returned to her possessed state.