Soon the path began to level out and Max and Sarah found themselves in a large flat field strewn with numerous small to medium-sized rocks. A sizable bovine creature was standing halfway across the field with its back turned to them. It hadn't appeared to notice them yet. 

"Shh," Max whispered. "This could be another threat to our well-being. Stay quiet, I'll sneak up behind that guy and knock him out." 

He darted forward, kicking over a small rock in the process. Instantly a cloud of green smoke burst forth from the ground with a loud whooshing sound. Upon inhaling the vapors, Max found himself hit with an inexplicable wave of fear. He curled up into a fetal position on the ground and began whimpering. 

The creature, who was covered in thick matted brown hair and sported two large gray horns in its head, whirled around quickly upon hearing the noise. "You fools! Don't move! And more importantly don't touch anything! I'll be right there!" It maneuvered its way delicately across the field, carefully avoiding every little pebble in its path. "Are you all right, son?" 

Max blinked his eyes rapidly and stared around. The intense feeling of fear began to slowly melt away. He sat up and let out one last shiver before placing his hands on his hips indignantly. "What's going on here? I demand an explanation immediately!" 

"It was the rock," the creature explained. "When you kicked it you set loose something nasty. Looks like you got hit with the fear this time." 

"What are you talking about?" Sarah asked. 

"Oh, I suppose you've never heard of this place. These are Pandora's rocks." 

"What are you supposed to be," Max asked. "Pandora's ox?" 

"No, I'm a yak," the creature said. "My name's Willy. I kind of serve as a guardian here." 

"I see," Max said. "Who the hell is Pandora anyway and why the hell does she own a bunch of rocks that scare the living daylights out of people?" 

"Pandora's a wealthy businesswoman who lives in the city," Willy explained. "She discovered this place while out taking a nature walk. Nobody's sure why, but each of these rocks seems to hold down some sort of heinousness. If you lift them up you set them loose. Some of them make you scared, some of them make you sick, some of them make you want to murder people." 

"I don't think I need help from a rock to want to murder Max sometimes," Sarah said under her breath. 

"Anyway, Pandora found this place quite by accident. Turns out she's somewhat of a rock collector, so she started picking up as many rocks as she could find. It took several bouts of nausea, paranoia, and bleak feelings of loneliness before she started making the connection that lifting rocks was causing strange physical and emotional reactions in her. Apparently she turned over a greed rock next because she immediately rushed back into the city and filed a property claim on the area, thinking she could turn a profit by bottling this stuff up and selling it as weapons. Turns out she was right. She made billions of strands of floss selling to the various criminals and scoundrels that inhabit the city, not the least of them being Trevor Mastodon." 

"That guy's got the ability to fuck with people's emotions?" Max asked. "That's not good. This Pandora sounds like an evil bitch." 

"You forget she was beset by greed from this place. It wasn't really her fault," Willy explained. "Besides, she eventually came to her senses and shut down operations. Of course by that time the damage was already done." 

"What's to keep people like Trevor Mastodon from just coming out here and gathering it for himself?" Sarah asked. 

"Well, ostensibly that's why I'm here," Willy explained. "I'm supposed to shoot trespassers on sight. But something about being around all of this nastiness has made me a bit of a pacifist. I try to gently guide people away from the area rather than resort to violence." 

"That's very noble of you," Max said. "And that's no bull." 

"Hey," Sarah said. "What did I say to you about making puns?" 

"But it's true. This guy's no bull... he's a yak." Max giggled to himself. 

In a fit of irritation, Sarah picked up a rock with the intention of smacking Max across the head with it. Before she could throw it a cloud of red smoke burst forth and enveloped her causing her to experience a strange bout of jealousy and inferiority that she certainly hadn't had a minute ago. "I don't know why but I'm suddenly very envious of your wit, Max. I wish I could make puns half as good as you can." 

"Heh heh," Max chuckled to himself. "I think I kind of like this place after all. These are the most truthful words I've heard her say yet. What'd you do, turn over an honesty rock?" 

"I don't think it's honesty," Sarah crinkled her forehead in confusion. "I don't recall ever feeling this way before but I'm suddenly overwhelmed with the realization of how much better you are than me." 

"True, true," Max rubbed his chin. "Go on." 

"Actually I'm kind of jealous of your superiority. I kind of feel like breaking your arms. Maybe that'll even us up a little." 

"Whoah, let's not get carried away here, babe," Max cringed instinctively. "It's refreshing to hear you acknowledge your betters, but there's no need to hate." 

Sarah made a sudden grab for Max's arm, but Willy restrained her gently. "See? This is why I told you not to touch any of the rocks. They're very dangerous and they do have a habit of bringing out the worst in people." 

"I wish I could break free but it's suddenly obvious that you're my physical superior in every way, shape, and form," Sarah lamented. "I wish I could be half as strong as you." 

"Looks like you've got a temporary inferiority complex from an envy rock," Willy said. "Don't worry, it'll pass." 

"I'm rather jealous that you guys are free from this affliction but I'm not," Sarah said. "How long is this going to last?" 

"Depends on the strength of the dosage," Willy shrugged. "Sometimes the effects pass after a few minutes, sometimes it takes days, weeks, even months." 

"Well, I for one like the change," Max said. "Except for the trying to break my arms part. Drop that and keep the rest and we've got a new and improved Sarah on our hands as far as I'm concerned." 

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I think it's starting to wear off," Sarah smiled with a sense of self-satisfaction. "I'm beginning to feel my usual vague level of contempt for you, Max. In fact, I can't imagine envying you at all. I must have been temporarily out of my mind." 

"I agree you were out of your mind," Max said. "I don't think there's anything temporary about it though. You're one crazy bitch." 

"You jerk!" Sarah was about to pick up another rock but suddenly thought better of it. "I'll deal with you later, mister. In the meantime how do we get across this field without disturbing more rocks?" 

"Oh I don't recommend trying to cross the field," Willy said seriously. "I can do it because I know the ins and outs of it like the back of my hoof." 

"You could guide us across," Sarah said. 

"It's not really a matter of needing a guide," Willy said. "You've just got to avoid knocking over any rocks. But you have to be very steady on your feet in order not to disturb any. Even the smallest pebble can set off a dangerous burst of smoke." 

"Well then what should we do?" Sarah asked. "We have to get to the other side of this field." 

"I suggest taking the long way around," Willy said. "It'll only add a few hours to your journey. You've just got to work your way over that big tall mountain peak there and you'll be right on the other side." 

"Fuck that," Max said. "Why don't you give us a ride on your back? You're a big strong beast of burden." 

"Well, I don't know," Willy said. 

"Why not?" Max said. "What's the big deal? Come on! We'll be your best friends." 

"I really can't," Willy said. 

"Is this about money?" Max demanded. "We'll hook you up with some floss. Come on!" 

"It's not that," Willy said. "It's just, well, I'd feel terrible if I dropped you. You might knock over several rocks at once and who knows what would happen." 

"We'll hang on tight," Max pleaded. 

"Besides, Max is more or less expendable," Sarah said. 

"Oh you jest, woman, but you know you want to bear my pollywogs." 

"That's revolting," Sarah frowned. "Anyway, will you please carry us across the field Willy? We're desperate." 

"All right," Willy said after a moment's hesitation. "Hop on. But whatever you do, don't let go. It's a veritable mine field out there." 

They piled onto the yak's back and he lifted them with ease. He maneuvered his way across the field with a precision born of many hours of practice. He carefully avoided even the tiniest of pebbles as he danced his way across in a graceful ballet. 

He only had a few more steps to go when Sarah suddenly turned into a rat again. Willy glanced over his shoulder to announce their imminent arrival to safety when he noticed the big repulsive rat clinging tightly to him.  

"What the fuck is that?!" he let out a shrill shriek and instinctively began fidgeting. "Get it off me!" He hurled Sarah and Max off of his back. They landed in a heap on the path ahead of them, a bit battered and bruised, but clear of the danger posed by the rocks. 

Willy did not fare so well as he managed to knock over several rocks during his brief bout of panic. Instantly several clouds of smoke shot up and surrounded him. He let out another shriek and began trembling violently, clutching his forehead as he stumbled backwards. His now uncontrolled movements were causing more rocks to get knocked over, sending even more clouds of smoke blasting into his face. He began alternately weeping and screaming as he continued to bulldoze haphazardly through the field, knocking over more rocks every step of the way. Finally he curled up into a little ball sucking his hoof, sobbing, and shuddering. 

"Poor bastard," Max winced. "Oh well, at least we're safe." 

Sarah had resumed human form upon hitting the ground. "That's the second time I've changed back when I've fallen. I wonder if there's anything to that?" 

"Hmm, could be the impact forces the transformation," Max pondered. "If you want to test that theory out I could slap you around a bit." 

"Try it and I'll break your neck," Sarah growled. 

"Your borderline psychotic attitude is so cute," Max said. "Now let's be on our way, shall we?" 

"Shouldn't we help Willy out?" Sarah asked. "He looks like he's in pretty bad shape and he did help us after all." 

"Yeah, what a sucker," Max laughed. He stopped short as he noticed Sarah glaring at him menacingly. "That is to say, yes, it was very magnanimous of him, but we'd be risking falling prey to the rocks ourselves and then what good would we be to him? Don't worry he'll recover eventually. Now let's get the hell out of here." 

"I guess you're right," Sarah shrugged.  

Apparently Willy kicked another rock loose because they heard a poofing sound originating from behind them followed by a loud groan. Max whistled a little tune and carried on without looking back as Sarah reluctantly followed. 

They walked a few steps when Max came to an abrupt stop and stared in amazement at the ground in front of him. 

"What is it?" Sarah asked. 

"Could it be?" Max whispered. "Why, yes, I believe it is!" 

"What?" Sarah repeated. 

"The perfect walking stick!" Max said gleefully as he picked up a gnarled piece of wood. 

"You stopped us for that?" Sarah sighed. 

"You seem to fail to understand the significance of this event," Max said without taking his eyes off the stick which he twirled slowly in his hands. "I didn't say this was merely a decent walking stick, or even a pretty damn good one, for that matter. No, this is the perfect walking stick." 

"Oh, I'm sorry," she rolled her eyes. "Wow. Gee. I'm utterly amazed. Can we keep going now?" 

"Yes, of course," Max said. "I can't wait to try this baby out. At least one of us will be taking the rest of this walk in luxury now." 

"It's an old piece of wood," Sarah pointed out. 

"Now, Sarah, no sour grapes. I found the stick, I get to keep it. Don't worry, we'll find you a usable walking stick. No, it won't be as good as mine, but if you're really nice maybe I'll let you take a few steps with it." 

"Well, I'll try to contain my jealousy," Sarah said. "That shouldn't be too difficult. The envy rock wore off awhile ago." 

"Yessiree, the perfect walking stick," Max smiled. 

"Would you shut up about that stupid stick already?" Sarah flung her hands in the air. 

"Sorry," Max replied. "I know this must be hard for you to deal with. Coming that close to finding the perfect walking stick only to have your traveling companion grab it first must really hurt. I shouldn't rub it in." 

"I'm not speaking to you anymore," Sarah folded her arms across her chest and walked in silence. 

"Fine with me," Max said. "That'll just give me more time to get better acquainted with 'Charlene' here." 

"You named your stick Charlene?" Sarah asked. 

"Somebody's quite the chatterbox," Max said. "I thought you weren't talking to me, Miss Yappity-mouth." 

"I'm not!" Sarah put her hands on her hips. "I mean starting now." 

They continued along the path without speaking to each other, although Max soliloquized for quite awhile about his stick. 

After awhile the path began to twist and curve sharply. It narrowed considerably so they were forced to walk single-file. It began to hug the mountainside on the right while a deep chasm lay to the left. Sarah looked down but could see only blackness. Her head spun a little and she leaned closer to the mountain, holding onto rocks with both hands. She wasn't too fond of heights. 

"The clouds are getting much thicker around here," Max noted. "We must be getting close." 

They rounded a bend and suddenly an enormous gray rectangular building with four gigantic smokestacks spewing forth clouds towered in front of them. Unfortunately it stood on a plateau on the other side of the chasm and there didn't appear to be any bridges leading to it. 

"Hmm," Max rubbed his chin. "This is a bit problematic." 

"Maybe this path continues on around to it," Sarah suggested. 

"Maybe it did at one time but if you look about thirty yards ahead of us it appears that the trail's collapsed. It's completely impassable." 

"Well what are we supposed to do? Jump across this chasm? It looks a little bit far." 

"And this looks like a nasty fall," Max said tossing a tiny rock over the edge. He listened for a bit but didn't hear an impact. "Maybe it's bottomless?" 

"That's ridiculous!" Sarah said. "There has to be a bottom somewhere. You just didn't throw a big enough object in." She grabbed his walking stick and tossed it over the edge before he could react. 

"Damn it, woman! Does your jealousy know no bounds?" Max sputtered angrily. "How would you like it if I tossed one of your most precious possessions into a bottomless pit?" 

"I highly doubt it's bottomless," Sarah said.  

"Have you heard an impact yet?" Max flailed his arms. "This thing is bottomless. Just like a good strip club." 

"Your analogies are charming," Sarah shook her head. "Now start thinking of a way to get across this thing." 

"Maybe if I still had my walking stick we could have pole vaulted across or something. But I guess now we'll never know." 

"Would you forget that stupid stick?" Sarah held her head. "It's gone, okay?" 

As if on cue the stick shot back into the air a short distance in front of them. It lingered for a few tantalizing seconds and then dropped downward again. 

"What the hell?" Sarah asked. 

"See?" Max said. "That's what happens in a bottomless pit! By definition it must be a hole through the center of the planet. Once you pop out the other side there's nowhere to go but to fall back in the hole again. You'd keep shooting back and forth forever. It's not too bad a way to go I guess. There's not much of an impact to worry about, and that's generally the worst part of any fall. On the other hand you'd probably starve to death eventually or something." 

After a few minutes the stick shot out of the pit again, this time at a bit of an angle. It landed safely on the other side next to the cloud factory. 

"Well at least my stick's okay, no thanks to you," Max said. "Of course I'm still not sure how we're going to get over there to retrieve it." 

"Something's strange about this chasm," Sarah said thoughtfully. "I have an idea." 

"Oh you do, do you? Well, what is it?" Max started to ask but was cut short as Sarah suddenly shoved him in the chest as hard as she could, sending him toppling over the edge. 

"You crazy bitch!" Max shouted as he tumbled into the blackness below.