Part 5 has been brought to you by the letters 'R', 'L', 'A', 'M', and 'F',
or what the author will do when he starts getting flames.
Jazz
"How can it be time now?"
up one effective smoke screen. Releasing the chain and screaming
like Tarzan, Jazz heard several arrows hit the chain. Jazz,
himself, had opted to stay behind and eased his way around behind
the archer.
Having not hit it's intended target, the archer stepped out
of the shadows, looking for the target. Seeing this, Jazz
steeled his nerves, hoping he had enough time. Running at full
tilt, Jazz bellowed and hit the archer with a hard body check,
knocking them to the ground.
Hearing a female cry, Jazz stumbled, falling on top of his
intended killer. Removing his would-be killer's cloth mask,
Jazz's eyes met Arshes' eyes. "Arshes, what are you doing?"
"You missed meeting us after Sheila showed you the forge.
So Gara and I decided to have a practice session in an area of
your choice."
"Right." said Gara, stepping into the light.
"I'm sorry." replied Jazz, climbing off Arshes and getting
back to his feet. Helping Arshes up, Jazz finished "I just got
excited and wanted to get to work on this."
"Okay. You have progressed well. Our work is almost done."
said Gara approvingly.
"Okay...but would be able to teach some of the advanced
techniques you both know. I never know when they might be
useful." asked Jazz.
Nodding each, the practice resumed inside the forge.
After the session, Jazz went for a walk around the barracks
looking for his recruits, finding two almost immediately. After
an hour of more searching, Jazz led his two would be charges to
meet the Princess, for her approval."
Seeing Jazz and two others enter her study, Sheila said
"Greetings Sir Jazz. I trust you have found your recruits."
"Aye m'lady. I have found two of the three I had hoped to
find. Princess, this is Sir Nobemaza, formerly of the Jade Bears
and Sir Chiyuki, formerly of the Gold Falcons."
Nodding, Sheila asked "Sir Jazz, what shall you call your
new regiment?"
Going speechless, Jazz looked at his two recruits, hoping
they might have a good name. Noticing a weapon that both
carried, namely a saber like edged weapon, Jazz thought
frantically Should I?'
Seeing princess Sheila beginning to get a little impatient,
Jazz cleared his throat and said "We shall be called the Mounted
Armored Saber Knights, or M.A.S.K. for short." [Where did you
think I was gonna call the team?? Knight Sabers'?? -author]
"Very good." nodded Sheila.
Excusing themselves, Jazz led his two new recruits down to
the forge. The day ended with the forge being almost up to full
operational capacity.
Before completely closing shop, Jazz worked on a few things,
knowing he would be going back into the library tunnel soon.
With the accompaniment of someone else.' he thought, remembering
Tia's lecture.
The next morning, Jazz wrapped up a few party favors' and
headed out to track down someone to go exploring with him.
Setting up his two charges to get the forge going, Jazz came
across Arshes first and asked her to join him.
"Jazz, what is it with you and tunnel exploring?" asked
Arshes with a grin.
There's a couple other tunnels I'd like to explore.' said
Jazz mentally, his hentai said rearing it's head. Blushing
brightly, Jazz, surprised he would even think that, responded
"I...I...I just want to see where it leads. That's all. You
never did tell me where it lead to."
"That's because we wanted to you do the exploring yourself."
responded Arshes. "Though, we did manage to wipe out most of the
creatures that lurked there."
"Good. Let's go." said Jazz, turning towards the library.
"Okay...but won't we need a few things?" asked Arshes.
"Right. Meet me at the library in about ten minutes?"
Nodding, Jazz and Arshes split up, heading in different
directions.
Nine minutes later, Jazz waited for Arshes to show up.
Seeing her decked out with her spiked shoulder pads and other
armor, Jazz's headed tilted to one side, sighing softly.
Looking Jazz over, Arshes asked, indicating several small,
round objects on his belt beside his war hammers, "Jazz, what are
those things?"
"Something I hope I won't have to use. Shall we?"
Getting to the tunnel entrance, Jazz and Arshes worked their
way along the way with little trouble, light being provided by a
handy spell and Jazz's staff(fully charged).
Coming to the top of the stairs, it seemed that another pack
of rats had decided to colonize the tunnel. Backing off with a
fireball from Arshes, the rats skittered at the duo
threateningly.
Taking two objects from his belt, Jazz commanded, pulling a
pin from both, "Arshes, cover your ears!"
"Why?" she asked, as Jazz threw the two objects into the rat
pack, who didn't move away fast enough.
5...4...3...2...1...' thought Jazz, covering his own ears
and dragging Arshes behind some cover.
BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM rattled the tunnel, spreading
pieces of rats in all directions.
"Jazz, what the Anthrathrax's name were those?" asked
Arshes, her voice loud.
"Those, my dear lady, are called hand grenades. Crude but
very effective." replied Jazz, grinning.
"Okay..." said Arshes, taking a step away from Jazz.
"Arshes, relax. The pins are still in these." said Jazz,
indicating the ones left on his belt.
"Okay..." replied Arshes, still no believing that Jazz
actually had something so dangerous on his belt.
Easing their way down the stairs, the two intrepid explores
didn't come across any more creatures. "Probably scared off by
the first blast" theorized Jazz.
Walking along another corridor, Arshes and Jazz came face-to-face with a LARGE door. Tapping it slightly, Jazz knew it was
solid, several inches thick, and made of metal.
"Okay...search the door." said Jazz, brandishing his staff
over the door and frame, looking for a switch of some sort.
Arshes started doing the same at the other side of the door.
Coming up with nothing, both rested a bit. "Jazz, what
about your grenades?"
"Nope...not enough power. That door is as thick as it is
big. I would need a LOT of gunpowder."
Sighing softly, Arshes replied "Okay..."
Looking at the door again, Jazz noticed a raised section at
about the midpoint of the door. Scrambling over to it, Jazz
found the molds for two sets of hand prints and small inscription
between the hand prints. Arshes settled down next to him and
asked "What'd you find?"
Bring his staff closer, Jazz said "Something...now to see if
this makes any sense..." Jazz read aloud.
When evil swells upon the land,
The two shall become one,
For this and this alone shall waken,
The Golden Knight of the Sun.
[Can anyone guess where I am going with this? -author]
"Doesn't make sense to me." said Arshes, looking at Jazz.
Jazz rolled back from his haunches to sit flat on the
ground. My God...can it be...' he thought in disbelief.
Noticing his strange expression, Arshes asked "What is it?
What does the inscription mean?"
"If what is behind this door is what I think it is, there
may just be an end to this war sooner than hoped for."
"Why?"
"Well, only one way to see. Arshes, put your hands up
against those hand prints. I'll put my hands on these." said
Jazz, indicating each set of hand prints.
The door glowed briefly at the hand contact but nothing else
happened. "Okay...we aren't the ones in the rhyme."
"Do you have any idea who it might be then?"
"Maybe...but don't know for sure...oh well."
Noticing Arshes expression starting to turn glum, Jazz said
"But hey, we discovered something. Race ya back?"
"Okay." said Arshes, taking off back towards the library.
Halfway up the stairs, a glint of light caught Jazz's eye.
What is this?' he thought taking a peak inside a small side
tunnel. "Arshes, I found something!" Jazz yelled up the stairs
to the retreating form of Arshes.
Waiting for Arshes to return, the two entered the tunnel,
walking halfway hunched over due to the short ceiling.
The tunnel suddenly opened up into a wide area of many
pools, glistening with light. After much oooo'ing and
aahhh'ing, Jazz and Arshes came to stand at the center of the
pool haven. "Any idea what this is?" asked Jazz quietly.
"No idea..." whispered Arshes in turn.
Looking into a pool, Jazz noticed a small black dot at the
bottom of the pool. Stripping off most of his outer wear much to
Arshes' concern, Jazz dove into the pool.
The moment he did, a tingling sensation rippled through his
body and the cold water washed over him. [Can anybody tell where
I might be going with this? -author] Feeling slightly different,
Jazz swam down further, hitting a pocket of warm water. Grabbing
the black sphere, Jazz launched from the bottom, following the
warm water to the surface.
Climbing from the pool, Jazz inspected the sphere that
happened to be about the size of a 12" softball. Hefting in his
hands, he noted that it didn't weigh a lot and was indeed black.
Not space black, or gloss/matte black, but of my god that's
black. The type of black that you might loose small object and
pocket change in. (Sorry...I had to...UF saga has been a big
influence. -author) But it also seemed to have a shine to it.
"Jazz, what is that?" asked Arshes, looking at the black
sphere.
"I don't know....hey wait, this pool was warm."
"Yeah so?"
"It should have been bitter cold. I wonder." said Jazz,
looking back at the pool. "That, and what's feeding these pools?
These walls are solid."
Handing the sphere to Arshes, who looked at it intently,
Jazz dove back into the pool, a strange tingling washing over him
again. Another realization hit him as he opened his eyes once
again under water. Little salt and sulfur content. Hmm...'
Noticing a pulsing glow to his left, Jazz continued further down.
Coming to the bottom, Jazz noticed several patches of red on
the floor of the pool. Entering a jet of hot water, Jazz once
again felt a strange tingling sensation. What the heck is
that?' he thought, his brow furrowing.
Noting he was getting low on breath, Jazz kicked to the
surface, breaking the pool surface easily. "Jazz, what'd you
find?" asked Arshes, seeing the would be explorer.
"Something of interest."
"Really." said Arshes, starting to take off her extra gear,
looking like she wanted to go swimming.
"Arshes, STOP!!!" commanded Jazz.
"What? Why?" asked Arshes, looking at the bobbing Jazz.
"There's something strange with this water. I...don't want
to risk something bad happening to you." said Jazz.
"Okay.." replied a disheartened Arshes.
"Arshes, please don't. I...care about you too much to let
something happen."
Arshes seemed to perk up slightly. "Do you want your
staff?"
"No....but see if you can get a reading from the pool with
it. Something strange is going on here and I want to know what
it is. Thanks."
Taking Jazz's staff, Arshes cast a scanning spell over the
pool as Jazz dove back under the water surface after fetching his
gloves. Getting some strange results, Arshes knew that Jazz had
probably been right in stopping her.
Meanwhile on the bottom of the pool, Jazz dig into the
gravelly bottom, revealing five large(about the size of a 16"
softball, though flat), star shaped crystals, radiating a LOT of
heat. Okay...' he thought, picking each up carefully.
Surfacing quickly, Jazz set the crystals on the side of the
pool. Climbing from the pool, Ashes giggled at the sight of the
thoroughly soaked Jazz. Something close to a drowned rat if you
picture it. "Arshes, could you please turn around?" asked Jazz.
"Why?"
"Arshes."
"Okay. I'll be outside." replied Arshes, walking out the
entrance of the side corridor.
Sighing, Jazz stripped off his soaked clothing ringing it
out. Looking at the fire' crystals, Jazz had an idea. (Two
guesses what it was? -author) Picking up one the crystals with a
gloved right hand, he did a little impromptu ironing, drying his
clothes slightly.
After a few minutes, Jazz got redressed. Looking around one
last time, he noticed something else. Man, I have got to
improve my perception proficiency.' he thought with a chuckle.
Walking along the wall, he came to a section where water seemed
to be leaking from a few cracks.
Taking the edge of his boomerang, Jazz dug into the wall,
finding a small entombed area from which the water streamed.
Seeing several glistening objects at the bottom of the small
pool, Jazz reached in and pulled out three cylindrical, blue
crystals. What the heck?" he thought as the crystals suddenly
started spewing forth water.
Setting the crystals down at the side of a pool, Jazz
reached back in and pulled out two more. Seeing more inside,
Jazz opted to leave those behind to fuel the pools.
Having five crystals that spewed water like there was no
tomorrow and five fire crystals that seemed to be getting hotter
with each passing minute, Jazz shouted "YES!!!!!" as an option
made itself available. Serendipity at work.' he thought, seeing
Arshes come running.
"What's wrong?" she asked concernedly.
"Nothing. Things are starting to go right for a change."
Getting a questioning gaze from Arshes, Jazz continued "I
now have the means to make something a possibility."
Getting another, stronger questioning glance from her, Jazz
said, grinning mischievously, "M'lady, thou shall soon see what
an engineer can truly do."
Shaking her head, Arshes once again thought she would never
understand the moist looking man before her.
Chuckling, Jazz asked "Should we get going? It should be
just about time for lunch."
Nodding, both headed back up the stairs and out through the
library. Getting to the dining area, the impatient faces of Tia,
Geo, Darschu, Sheila, and Gara met the duo.
"Uh-oh." mumbled Jazz, realizing he was once again in
trouble for being late.
"Jazz..." started Tia.
"I can explain." rushed Jazz.
"Please explain." said Sheila.
"Arshes and I went exploring that tunnel and stairwell I
found earlier."
"Okay..." said Tia, impatiently.
"Well, we found out where it led, but got sidetracked on the
way back." Setting the black sphere, five fire crystals on
dishware, and five water crystals in empty glasses on the table,
Jazz said "We found these." The water crystals instantly filled
the glasses they were in but not one drop more. The fire
crystals gave off a great deal of physical heat.
"Jazz, what are these?" asked Geo.
"I don't know." said Jazz, feeling lucky. Drinking from a
glass that held a water crystal, Jazz set the glass back down to
have it be refilled by the crystal.
Looking at everyone's amazed expression, Jazz attempted "Am
I at least partially forgiven? I DID take Arshes with me."
Getting a slight nod from everyone who still stared somewhat
at the crystals, Jazz sat down at the table waiting for lunch to
be served.
After lunch, Jazz opted to keep the water crystals in the
glasses he had put them in and the fire crystals on the heat
resistant dishware. Getting back up to his room after the final
trip, Jazz set the crystals on the vanity while he held onto the
black sphere. What are you?' he thought, caressing it.
Hearing a throat clear itself at his door, Jazz looked up to
see Arshes. "If you are done caressing that egg, you have a
session with Tia and Sheila shortly."
Blushing brightly, Jazz mumbled, while setting the sphere on
one of the pillows on his bed, "Oh yeah...almost forgot."
Remembering something else, Jazz said "Arshes, remind me
tomorrow morning to go see the Aurica, the head cook, about
getting some of the rat repellent she uses."
"Why not see her now?"
"I believe she is off getting supplies and didn't want to be
bothered today."
"Okay, now hurry up or Tia will really let into you."
"Don't remind me." said Jazz with a chuckle.
Meeting Arshes out in the hallway, Jazz closed the door to
his room, but not before his eyes passed one more time over the
sphere. Could it be??' he asked himself Naa. Never happen.
I'd have to work with Washu on that.'
That night, Jazz reworked the design for the tank once last
time, he hoped. Steam Power!!! Arr Arr Arr Arr!' Jazz tim
taylor-ed. Working with Nobemaza and Chiyuki, Jazz laid out the
basic design and estimated the construction time. I really need
a forth person here.' thought Jazz for the thousandth, climbing
into his bed tiredly.
After his session with Gara and Arshes, Jazz fiddled with a
few things in the forge before remembering something he had to do
this morning. Getting cleaned up hastily, Jazz beelined it
towards the kitchen. Nobemaza and Chiyuki were going full tilt
on the forge, already hammering out several parts of the future
tank. Getting to the kitchen, Jazz didn't see Aurica anywhere
and sent a servant to go get her for him.
While Jazz waited around for the cook, he noticed that one
of the kitchen drudges was having some trouble with a rotisserie
mechanism. As he approached, he saw that she had begun to fix it
so it would work again. "What I wouldn't give for some tools
now?" he heard her mumble.
Another drudge came by and said, scoldingly, "Ann, you know
the Aurica doesn't like you messing with stuff here. Wait for a
blacksmith to make you a new one."
"Why? This one just needs a little tightening." said Ann,
trying to tighten the bolts with the edge of a spoon.
Hearing a throat clear behind her and something off to her
left, Ann turned to see a set of tools being offered by an
average looking individual. "Can I help you?" she asked,
slightly afraid.
"Not really, but I may be able to help you. Here. You
needed some tools, and I have a few tools to offer."
"What?"
"You said that you wished you had the proper tools to fix
this properly." said Jazz, gesturing to the rotisserie.
Taking the tools hesitantly, Ann kept a weary eye on the
stranger as she fixed the rotisserie so that it worked properly
once again. Offering the tools back to the man, the man said,
with a smile, "Keep them. You might need them again."
"Thank you, m'lord." said Ann.
"No problem. Well, gotta go talk to the head cook." said
the stranger, walking over to Aurica.
Ann watched the exchange between with some amusement, as the
stranger seemed to have been caught off guard. Suddenly, Ann
found herself under the scrutiny of the two talkers. Quickly,
Ann diverted her attention to fixing the rotisserie.
Looking up, Ann noticed the stranger had left and still
pondered who he was. Shrugging, Ann returned to her work.
After doing the clean up of lunch, Auric made the
announcement that all the drudges had the rest of the day off.
Ann, as well as the others, gave up a cheer...until she saw the
stranger enter the kitchen and put on an apron and begin to cook.
After handing a small packet of tools to the drudge named
Ann', Jazz walked over to Aurica, the head cook for Metallicana.
"Greetings, Lady Aurica. I was wondering if I could use some of
the rodent repellent you use here."
"I what do I get in return? That stuff isn't easy to come
by." asked Aurica, attempting to barter.
"Fine. What do you want?"
"Hmmm..."
"Well...I am a decent blacksmith now. I can cook and clean.
I do a little bit of everything."
"You can cook?" asked Aurica, scrutinizing the young man
before her, almost challengingly.
"You don't think I can cook? That sounds like a challenge.
Name the day and meal you want me to cook and how many you want
me to cook for."
"Okay. Tonight's supper. Everyone within the castle."
"But...but..." said Jazz, caught off-guard.
"No cook, no rat repellent." said Aurica, thinking he was
about to bow out.
Stiffening his upper lip, Jazz said "Fine. I want the
kitchen cleared after lunch is cleaned up. I will most likely
need the aid of a few kitchen drudges to run errands for me."
"Fine. Also, the meal must be tasteful and well received."
"Okay..." said Jazz, trying to come up with an idea on what
to serve. "One more thing."
"Yes?"
"If I do a REALLY good job, I want the kitchen drudge known
as Ann' to be reassigned down at my forge." said Jazz, sticking
his right hand out, towards Aurica.
"Okay." said Aurica, shaking Jazz's hand. At least now
that trouble maker will be out of my hair...if he wins...but I
doubt he will...'
"Fine. I shall return after lunch." said Jazz, leaving the
kitchen, deep in thought, trying to come up with a menu.
That night, Aurica wandered about the ranks of soldiers to
see how Jazz had done. She hadn't even gotten through the first
rank when sounds of "Good job.", "Tasted great.", and the like
assaulted her ears. Her hopes of actually having beaten the
young man took a mean nosedive as the same thing was echoed by
each group of soldiers she visited.
Meanwhile in the private dining area of Princess Sheila, the
regulars came in to see the unusual site of Jazz wearing an
apron. "Jazz, why are you wearing that apron?" asked Tia.
"That, M'lady, will be answered shortly. Now please take
your seats so that supper maybe served." Gara and Darschu
practically dove for their seats. Arshes gave Jazz a strange
look as she sat down. What does he have in mind?" she thought.
Dishing up a bowl of soup and serving each person, Jazz
asked, seeing that no one touch it, "What's wrong?"
"Jazz, what is this?" asked Geo, pointing at his bowl of
soup.
"It's an old family recipe. It's good. Trust me." said
Jazz. The soup in question consisted of a golden colored base
with chunks of carrot and celery. But what was putting everyone
off, was the fact that it had good sized, puffy looking, off-white pieces floating in the broth.
"When have we heard this before?" said Darschu, poking at an
off-white mass in his bowl.
"What? Is everyone afraid to try something new?"
Not wanting to be called a coward, Gara took up his spoon
and tried a chunk of a puffy piece in his soup. "It's good." he
said, chewing and finding the soup decent.
Needing no further prompting, everyone dug in. "I'm glad
you like it but save room, the main course is still coming." said
Jazz, seeing Darschu and Gara finish off their bowlfuls and were
looking ready to ask for seconds.
After everyone finished, Jazz uncovered three circular pans.
Setting a pan between Geo and Tia, Sheila and Gara, Arshes and
Darschu, Jazz said "The main course is served."
"Jazz, what is..."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Jazz replied "It's called a
pizza, where I come from. It is a dish best eaten in the company
of friends, which we all here are."
Selecting a piece, Jazz eased it onto his plate and began to
chow down. Following his example, each person selected a piece
and tried it experimentally. Gara and Darschu fell right into
eating it right away. I thought I liked pizza. Best not let
those two near a pizza joint.' thought Jazz as the pizzas closest
to the two disappeared rapidly.
As soon as the pans were cleared, Jazz served up another
round. "I came prepared." he responded to the looks of Gara's
and Darschu's faces when the empty pans disappeared. Jazz also
noticed Tia roll her eyes at Darschu's consumption. Must have a
high eye-rolling proficiency.' Jazz thought, remembering a
sniglet from Otaku Rising.
After fifteen minutes of noshing, Jazz announced "Time for
dessert."
"Dessert?" asked an uncertain Sheila, who was beginning to
feel REALLY full.
"Yes." said Jazz, grinning evilly and lifting the lid from a
finally tray. Everyone saw circular, golden brown objects,
peppered with large black spots.
"Jazz, what are those?" asked Arshes, having see something
similar out in the wild, mainly crawling around a large pieces of
carrion.
"These are called chocolate chip cookies.' Enjoy." said
Jazz, snaking one for himself while passing the tray to Geo.
Taking the first step, Jazz chomped down on the cookie. Finding
the cookies slightly harder than usual, Jazz thought, with a
chuckle, Well, that's what I get for trying to cook with a wood
burner. Oh well. But it does look like a won me a bet.'
After everyone finished, Jazz asked "So, how was it?"
"Okay." nodded Gara.
"It was good." said Sheila, looking extremely full.
Everyone else agreed with that sentiment. "Thanks. You
have just won me a bet."
"Bet?" asked Geo.
"Yeah. Aurica bet me that I couldn't cook period, let alone
for everyone in Metallicana. I guess I proved her wrong."
"You cooked this?" asked Tia in disbelief.
"Yeah. Don't believe me??"
"Before, no. Now, yes." said Geo.
"Good. I hope I only have to do it once. Aurica now owes
me some rat repellent and one kitchen drudge."
"Kitchen drudge?" asked Arshes.
"And what do have in mind for the kitchen drudge?" asked
Darschu, grinning hentai-ishly.
"Nothing of that sort. Just a future member of my M.A.S.K.
team." said Jazz.
"She will be the fourth person?" asked Sheila having met the
previous two members a short while ago.
"Yes. She has skills greater that an ordinary drudge should
and I would like a chance to develop them a little further."
"I bet that's not the only thing he'd like to develop."
whispered Darschu, to no one in particular.
"DARSCHU!!!" exclaimed Arshes and Tia at the same time,
standing up and looking at the smirking wizard. Before either
could go on, a golden brown disc flew between the two to hit
Darschu on the forehead, the projectile breaking into crumbs upon
impact.
"Darschu, don't. I already have another target." said Jazz
coolly. Everyone else turned to look at Jazz, as he continued
with a slightly mischievous smile "And these cookies make good
throwing projectiles too."
Wiping off the cookie crumbs, Darschu said, grinning
mischievously, "Jazz, you have to sleep sometime."
"Oh, I'm so scary. Makes me shiver with fright." said Jazz
sarcastically, shaking.
Darschu fumed, as the servants began to clean up the dishes
and food scrapes. Jazz headed for the kitchen to collect on a
certain bet after excusing himself.
Find Aurica right away, Jazz said "Hello. I believe you owe
me a few things."
"Yeah. Here." said Aurica, begrudgingly and pointing to two
large buckets of rat repellent. Turning towards the dish area,
Aurica shouted "Ann, come here now."
Seeing her approach, Ann bowed and asked timidly "What is
it, m'lady?"
"You no longer belong here. Go with him." said Aurica,
pointing to Jazz.
"Why? What did I do?" asked Ann in fright.
"Nothing. Though you do deserve a better working
environment." said Jazz, cutting Aurica off. "I need and want
you to work with me in my forge. Your talents would be very
useful and appreciated."
A light of happiness entered her eyes as a dream seemed to
be coming true. Bowing to Aurica, Jazz and Ann headed back to
his forge. Getting back there, Sir Nobemaza asked "Sir Jazz, did
you eat supper?"
Jazz said, the ends of his mouth turning up in a small
smile, "Yeah. What did you think?"
"It was GOOD!!!" said Nobemaza and Chiyuki excitedly in
unison. Jazz couldn't help but think of Hans and Franz from SNL
when thinking of those two.
"That's good. At least I know I can still cook." said Jazz
with a chuckle.
"You cooked that feast?" asked Chiyuki in disbelief.
"Why does everyone think I can't cook? Yes, I did cook it
and Ann here can verify it."
"Yes, he did." replied Ann quietly.
"Ann, I want you to meet Nobemaza and Chiyuki. They will be
your teammates. Princess Sheila has formed us into our own team.
Now we just have to live up to what she hopes. Nobemaza, ease
her into things. Chiyuki, I want you to introduce her to what
this team is about. I have a few things I need to take care of."
"Okay, boss." both said, saluting.
"Ayi-yi-yi...will you both relax. I run an informal ship
around here, so lighten up." said Jazz, taking the two buckets of
rat repellent over to the tome library.
Chapter 9 Overwhelming Odds
"Don't think of it as being outnumbered. Think of it as
having a very wide shot selection."
Rerob-Undocumented Features
"Sometimes, shit happens, someone has to deal with it, and
who ya gonna call?"
Peter Venkman-Ghostbusters II
BBBBBBBBAAAAAARRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!
The explosion rolled Jazz from his bed onto the floor.
What the hell??!!??' Jazz thought, hoping Chiyuki wasn't doing
another late night boiler experiment. The last time, Jazz
managed to bleed off enough pressure so that the system didn't
blow up, taking the forge with it.
Climbing to his feet, Jazz raced to the window as bright
oranges and reds danced on his walls. Attack?? Metallicana
under attack?' Jazz thought, seeing armed ants' swarming over
the walls of Metallicana.
Taking a deep breath, Jazz's mood instant switched from a
near panic to determined, anger. You want to invade my city?
Fine, but you deal with me.' he thought determinedly, running to
his wardrobe.
Pulling out a special set of clothes he had specially made,
Jazz pulled on the one piece, green/brown jumpsuit, zipping up
the zipper. Pulling on the work boots, Jazz hooked his usual
combat belt about his waist. Pausing long enough to look in the
vanity mirror, Jazz nodded. Who are you going to call?' he
thought, racing from his room.
Coming to a recently installed device, Jazz grabbed on,
wrapping his legs around it, and let gravity take over. Man, I
love this fireman's pole.' When it had been first installed,
Jazz and practically everyone else took many-a-trip down its
length. Now it was serving the purpose it was meant to.
Getting to the forge, Jazz strolled towards the also
recently completed creation. "Is she ready to go?" asked Jazz,
commander-like.
"Steam is at 60% pressure and rising." reported Ann, from
inside the tank.
"How goes the battle?"
"We are taking heavy losses but we are holding our ground."
reported Nobemaza from the lookout station at the top of the
forge.
Helping Chiyuki finish undraping the cloth curtain form the
tank, Jazz picked up a hammer and did a slow walk around of the
tank. Tapping vital areas for a clear resonant sound, Chiyuki
soon joined him.
"Nobemaza, tell me when the battle line is directly in front
of the door and seems to be holding steady there." yelled Jazz.
"Check. Sir Crodyn and his troops seem to be doing about
the best against the enemy." Nobemaza reported back.
"Bonus. We may still have a chance. Hopefully, this
thing," said Jazz, patting one of the six wheels, "will tip the
scales in our favor."
"It should." said Chiyuki, as sure of anything.
"Yes." supplied Ann.
"Okay. Battle plan. When I launch, it will be up to you
two plus our look out to defend this forge." Both Ann and
Chiyuki nodded. "Good. I have a few smaller surprises for you
to use that will keep the enemy at bay." Walking over to and
opening up a large chest, Jazz continued "These are high powered
but have limited ammo." Inside the chest were smaller sized
versions of the gatling launchers on Sir Crodyn's armor. "Don't
completely hose down any enemy that comes near the forge. Just
take quick short bursts if necessary." Both listeners nodded
once again.
"Jazz, the party's set."
"Check." yelled Jazz in response. Turning to the two before
him, Jazz said, half snarling "Let's rumble."
Walking over to the tank, Jazz climbed up the metal ladder
and eased his way into the cockpit. Looking at the controls,
Jazz thought "Darn. I have put WAY too many controls in this
thing. I just hope I can remember what they all do.' Looking at
the pressure gauge, Jazz saw that it read 95% power. That's
enough to launch.'
Going back to the doorway, Jazz yelled "Gratan Mark 2,
preparing for launch!!!" Seeing Ann and Chiyuki scramble out of
the way, Jazz closed the hatch and climbed back into the pilot's
seat.
Triggering the forge door opener, Jazz hit the spot lights
and eased the tank from the forge. Hitting an auto play feature
he built in for the heck of it, Jazz nodded at the
appropriateness of the music, laughing softly.
<Imperial March: Star Wars> on calliope. Imagine if you
will.
Everyone on the battle field stopped in mid motion to look
at the large, metal bug roll from the half forgotten building.
Keeping their eyes on it, the bug rolled to the exact middle of
both sides, turning towards the side that had the orcs, goblins,
half-giants, and whatnot.
Suddenly a voice echoed loudly, nearly deafening the front
row of the invaders. "LEAVE NOW OR BE DESTROYED!!!"
The invaders looked at each other, at the bug, back each
other and shrugged. Rushing towards the bug and the defenders
with new vigor, the voice of the bug said "DON'T SAY I DIDN'T
WARN YOU."
Suddenly the bug shot forward with incredible speed, running
over and through the invaders. Two cylinders on the front of the
creature folded out and extended, crushing more of the enemy that
happened to be in it's path.
Inside the bug, Jazz was having a blast. Trying another
toy, Jazz selected the correct key card, slotted it, and played a
short note on the miniature keyboard. Suddenly a turret elevated
on the back of the carapace of the bug. Pulling down the
targeting goggles, Jazz target the invaders invasion tools and
fired. Seeing the tools go up in a large clout of smoke, Jazz
swept the cannon over the masses of invaders.
Seeing three giants attempt to team up on Sir Crodyn, Jazz
stomped on the accelerator while cuing up another key card. In
precision, the two doors opened and the robotic arms extended.
Yelling positively, Jazz grabbed one of the giants from behind
and tossed it several yards, crushing more invaders.
One of the other giants turned to face the bug that had
tossed it's friend. Gripping the giant in a game of uncle, Jazz
knew he had built the Gratan well but not that well. In
desperation he pulled a level and hit a chord on the keyboard.
Suddenly the Gratan rose up on it's four cylinders, coming nearly
eye-to-eye with the giant.
Looking into the face of the giant, Jazz yelled "FIRE!!!!"
as the cannon erupted a shell up the giant's nose. The giant
released the tank, trying to get the object from it's nasal
passageways. BBOOOMMM!!!! Jazz watched as the giant's head
exploded in a spray of bone, muscle, and other unknown parts.
Grenade up the nose. Not a pleasant way to go.' he thought,
slightly repulsed by the carnage.
Focusing his attention back on Sir Crodyn, Sir Crodyn
finished the last giant with little problem. Giving Sir Crodyn a
thumbs up with one of the mechanical arms, Jazz turned to the
next set of opponents. Sir Crodyn returned the gesture and also
went looking for more invaders.
Seeing several more invaders and siege equipment on the
bridge, Jazz aimed directly towards the bridge. Engaging the
battering rams, Jazz cleared the bridge easily, knocking invaders
into the moat. It's the Sampson Maneuver all over again.'
thought jazz with a laugh. Hearing multiple *pings* against the
hull, Jazz looked around for the archers.
Throwing several switches and pounding on the keyboard, the
Gratan leapt from the bridge into the moat, switching over to
Nautical mode. It's works!' thought Jazz as the propeller
kicked in.
Pulling another lever, two more openings revealed themselves
on the back of the Gratan. Using the targeting goggles, Jazz
opened fire with the gatling launchers, raking the archers badly.
Taking pot shots at me, ay? I don't think so.' thought
Jazz, doing several trips around Metallicana, firing everything
at the would be invaders.
After several hours of combat, the invasion force retreated
past the castle walls, into the mountains. Returning the Gratan
to his forge, Jazz released all steam pressure and helped Chiyuki
retrieve the fire crystal from its housing.
"YES!! We beat them back." shouted Nobemaza.
Nodding slowly, Jazz said with a disheartened sigh,
"Yeah...but how soon till they return?"
This seemed to bring a sense of gloom over the forge.
Suddenly remembering something, Jazz asked "Nobemaza, did you see
Darschu, Arshes, or Gara out on the battlefield?"
"Now that you mention it Jazz, no I didn't."
Oh shit.' thought Jazz, closing his eyes.
"Someone's approaching!" called down Ann from the lookout
tower.
"Friend or enemy?" called Chiyuki.
"Looks like Sir Crodyn. His armor is messed up something
fierce." replied Ann.
Crap. Another problem.' thought Jazz, rushing to the door,
meeting Sir Crodyn.
Seeing the doorway open, Sir Crodyn powered down his armor,
leaping from the cockpit. "Jazz, we have a problem."
"No shit. Your armor's messed up and our high magic users
are not here."
"That's just it. Arshes has been poisoned. Gara looks like
he has gone through the forge several times. That and Tia, Geo,
and Darschu are missing."
Raising his fists in anger, Jazz yelled, looking skyward,
"FUCK!!!!!!!" Hearing his swear, the four people present, Ann
had come down from the tower, stepped back involuntarily.
Looking back at Sir Crodyn, Jazz asked, his face drawn in
anger, "Where's Arshes?"
"She is being looked at by a healer in the Church."
"Take me there, now please." commanded Jazz.
Leading the way, Jazz followed on Crodyn's heels like a
bloodhound tracking a scent. Getting to the church, Jazz walked
towards the alter like a man on a mission.
Seeing the feverish, seizure impaired Arshes, Jazz's heart
broke within his chest. Biting back a sob, Jazz's lips tightened
as he asked "How is she?"
"She is better than what she was but she is far from
danger." replied the head healer beneath Geo.
His breathing becoming harder, Crodyn, Nobemaza, Ann, and
Chiyuki noticed that Jazz's head started to vibrate as the
knuckles of his clenched fists turned stark white. Falling to
one knee, Jazz attempted to drive his fist through the floor of
the church. DAMMIT!!!! Why couldn't I have protected her?' he
thought furiously.
Taking a deep breath, Jazz got back up and slowly took
Arshes' right hand. Bending over her, Jazz held the hand to his
cheek, as a single tear, from his clenched closed eyes, rolled
down his cheek. Cracking his eyes open to look at her, Jazz
noticed his staff, in it's usual forearm holster, had begun to
glow.
"What poison is in her system?" Jazz asked softly.
"It is one designed for use against dark Elves." said the
healer, looking somewhat fearfully at the young man.
"And since she is half Dark Elf, it is affecting her system
in strange ways."
"Yes. We have tried the usual methods to deal with the
poison, but they are only working marginally."
Nodding, Jazz stood back up. Pulling the staff from it's
holster, Jazz placed the staff in her hand, wrapping her fingers
around it. Concentrating, Jazz willed the staff to start healing
her.
Everyone looked on as a greenish glow began to surround
Arshes, results becoming noticeable. Releasing the staff in her
care, Jazz turned to the head healer, saying "I have done a
little to help your healing. Just, please, keep a careful eye on
her. And make sure that a ray of sunshine falls upon her during
the day."
Turning back to the people who were with him, Jazz commanded
"Sir Crodyn, get all of the unit officers together in the dining
hall in one hour. Nobemaza, help him. Ann, Chiyuki, I want you
to go and get all of the smiths from their shops, forges, and
what not. We have a war council to convene and we will need
everyone there if we are to defend this castle."
As one, the four people nodded, heading out for on their
tasks. Sighing softly, Jazz looked around at all the injured in
the church. How many more will die before this is done?' he
thought, going philosophical. Sighing once again, Jazz headed
for the dining/meeting hall after looking at the now peaceful
form of Arshes one last time.
An hour later, Jazz called the session to order. "Ladies
and gentlemen, we have fought a fierce battle. We did well, but
some of our heavy hitters have been taken out. Lady Arshes Nei
is fighting for her life in the church. Lord Gara is recovering
in his room from a savage attack. High Priest Geo, his daughter
Tia Yohko, and Dark Schneider have been kidnaped." Waiting for
the despairing sounds to die down, Jazz continued "Supposedly,
whoever staged this attack, managed to reactivate the seal
trapping Dark Schneider back in the body of Luche Ren Ren."
Suddenly a voice in the back cried out "With those people
out of commission, what chance do we stand?"
Breathing deeply, Jazz said, using his commanding voice, "We
are set at a disadvantage on the magic front. But there is a way
we can overcome it."
Several shouts of "How??" echoed in the room.
"We have technology on our side. Many of you saw the tank
that fought on our side during the last battle I trust?" Seeing
several nods, Jazz said "I was the one at the controls. I and my
team have been busy."
"How many more tanks do you have?"
"I only have the one..." started Jazz, being interrupted by
several people yelling about it not being enough. Trying to keep
his anger in check, Jazz tried "But if we work..."
Suddenly the same voice erupted "That's all good for you,
but what about us?"
Jazz yelled, his lips drawing back in a snarl, "GODAMMIT!
Each of us has a God blessed role to play in this. I may not be
able to supply everyone of you with tank but DAMMIT, listen
before you pass judgement." Jazz breathed hard several times,
before noticing that the room had grown completely silent.
"Sir Crodyn, you will direct the armed forces in the best
way. Lord Talon, I want you to take command of all the
craftsmen. We need to defend this castle with all means
possible. Everyone here, you will listen to these two men until
this crisis is down." said Jazz, talking to each person or party
directly. "I will be in my forge. If you have questions, talk
to Sir Crodyn or Lord Talon."
Looking at the two men mentioned, Jazz said "If you two will
come with me, we have plans to discuss."
Ten minutes later, Jazz, Talon, Crodyn, Nobemaza, Chiyuki,
and Ann met in Jazz's forge. "Sorry about the outburst before."
said Jazz, looking slightly sheepish.
"No problem. I would have snapped also." said Talon.
"Okay. Planning time. Crodyn, I want you to direct the
troops we still have to the best defense of this castle. I
suspect they are after Princess Sheila again so that Anthrathrax
can be released finally."
Nodding solemnly, Crodyn said "Right."
Turning to Talon, Jazz continued "Talon, I want you to head
up the craftsmen. We need to improve the defenses of this
castle. I also have designs of anti-invasion weaponry that I
would like to see built."
Nodding in turn, Talon said, pointing to the Gratan, "Are
they anything like that?"
"No," replied Jazz, "They are a lot simpler to build."
"Okay."
"I will need you two to work closely with each other to
defend this castle."
"Jazz, it sounds like you won't be here."
"I won't." said Jazz softly.
"WHAT???" shouted the five people present.
"Someone has to rescue those who have been kidnaped and I'm
the only one who can be spared. All of you are necessary to
defend the castle."
"But why?"
"I have a debt I must repay and this is the best way. I
have faith in all of you to deal with things appropriately."
"Okay...but how do you plan to pull this off?" asked Crodyn.
"That's where a special project of mine comes into play."
said Jazz, with a slight grin.
"What's that?" asked Talon.
"Does it have to deal with the tarp covered thing outback?"
asked Ann, making a connection.
"Yes. Nobemaza, you have expressed an interest in the
Gratan. It is now yours to pilot. I believe you already have a
few changes in mind for it." Seeing Nobemaza nod, Jazz said "The
parts you need for the changes have been crafted already. They
only need to be installed."
Looking at his other two charges, Jazz said "You two also
have vehicles already in mind, correct?" Seeing twin nods, Jazz
said "I have started the process to fashion those vehicles. Both
are about 45 percent complete." Seeing their brighten faces,
Jazz smiled slowly.
Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door of the forge. Nobemaza
went over and answered it. Ushering in the messenger, Jazz
recognized her immediately.
"Father, the craftsmen are getting restless." said Felicia,
pointedly ignoring Jazz.
"Jazz, is there anything else?" asked Talon.
"No. Good luck."
As Talon and Felicia walked away, Jazz asked hesitantly,
"Felicia, can I please have a moment of your time?"
"What? Why?" asked Felicia, staying where she was standing,
with slight hostility.
Turning to the other four, Jazz said "You are dismissed.
Though Crodyn, could you please stay for a little bit?"
Two minutes later, the forge was clear of everyone except
Jazz, Crodyn, and Felicia. Jazz started pacing, staying out of
reach of Felicia. "Before any of you say something. I know you
two are to be married."
"How?" asked Crodyn and Felicia, slightly taken aback.
"I maybe naive, but I'm not completely stupid. I just
wanted to say...I approve it. You two will make a wonderful
couple." said Jazz, keeping his emotions in check.
"Why are you doing this?" asked Crodyn.
"I felt it was necessary and there is more info I need to
give to you two before I leave."
"Leave?" asked Felicia, her brow furrowing.
"Yes. I am going after Geo, Tia, and Darschu."
"Why?" she asked
"I owe those three a lot and I seem to be the only person
that can be spared at this time." said Jazz, with a sigh.
"But you don't know where they are." said Crodyn.
"I have a strong hunch as to where they are."
"At least let me send a regiment with you."
"No, you will need all the troops here to defend the castle.
Besides, one man can travel faster and do what I must. But
enough of that, the reason I asked you two to stay is related to
what I found."
"What is that?" asked Crodyn.
"In the library, I found a secret passage that led to a
large door."
"Yeah so?" said Felicia.
"To open the door, two people who have a bond need to place
their hands into a set of hand prints in the door. Behind the
door is something that will turn the tide of battle."
"Then let's go get it." said Crodyn.
"No. I want it saved as a last short desperation move, sort
of an ace in the hole in case we need it."
"Why us?" asked Felicia.
"Because...let's just call this another hunch I have.
Crodyn, if the battle looks like it is really going bad, I want
you and Felicia to go down to the library, follow the painted
line on the floor, and get the device out and start jolly-stomping the enemy."
"Jolly-stomping?" asked a confused Crodyn.
"Yeah, destroy whoever and whatever is attacking the castle
with any means necessary."
"Okay..." said Crodyn, nodding.
"Now, I have a rescue ploy to plan." said Jazz, sighing.
Crodyn and Felicia left the forge hand in hand. A single
tear rolled down Jazz's cheek as the door closed behind the two.
Felicia, I'm sorry for having hurt you...' he thought with
remorse. But it is better this way.'
Stepping over to his work bench, Jazz got to work, preparing
a few surprises for the invasion force. Invade my land, kidnap
and hurt my friends, and make me angry. I DON'T THINK SO! You
shall soon learn what it means to piss off an engineer.' thought
Jazz with grim determination.
Six days passed, a sense of building tension in the air.
During the time, Jazz prepped himself and visited Arshes many
times. Seeing the castle defenses coming to near completion,
Jazz knew it was about time for him to go save the three people
who had been kidnaped.
Walking through the central courtyard once last time, Talon
waved Jazz down to give an update. "Everything seems to be
working together. A couple of the craftsmen rebelled a little
but soon joined in after a little persuasion."
"That's good." nodded Jazz solemnly. "How goes the
construction of the catapults and other artillery pieces?"
"We have three catapults done with four more just about
there. The bastilla's have given us a little trouble but by
tomorrow morning, we should have five up and running."
"That's good. Talon." said Jazz, looking at the blacksmith
with slight regret.
"It's time, isn't it?"
Jazz could only nod in response.
"Jazz, by the gods, I wish you luck. Are you sure you don't
want any one to go with you?"
"Yes. It will be easier to travel alone."
"God speed." said Talon, grasping Jazz's forearm in a grip
of comradery.
Return the gesture, Jazz said "I'll need it. It is now up
to you and Sir Crodyn to defend this city as best you can. I
shall return as soon as I can with those who have been kidnaped."
Nodding once, Talon replied "We shall do our best."
"I can hope for nothing less. I will try to stall our would
be invaders to give you as much time to get ready as I can."
"Thanks. If we succeed, we will owe you a debt of
gratitude."
"Talon, not if, WHEN we succeed. I don't deserve it. The
people of Metallicana deserve the gratitude. Take care, my
friend."
"Take care." said Talon, before turning back to oversee the
construction of the last pieces of artillery.
Why do I feel like Ash from Army of Darkness all of a
sudden?' thought Jazz, looking at everything around him one last
time, as if trying to commit it to memory.
Sighing, Jazz headed for the soldier's barracks, he sought
out one other person he needed to see before leaving.
Finding him drilling the soldiers in various combat moves,
Jazz approached Crodyn slowly.
Seeing the young man approaching, Crodyn surmised what was
going through the man's head. It must be time.' he thought
grimly.
"Sir Jazz, I take it that it is time."
Nodding, Jazz replied "Aye. Sir Crodyn, it has been an
honor working and serving with you. Metallicana couldn't be in
better hands."
Gripping forearms, Crodyn looked deep into Jazz's eyes.
Finding a heavy heartedness, Crodyn knew that Jazz was in for the
fight of his life. "It has been an honor working with you also,
Sir Jazz. You will return with the prisoners and we will finally
win this war, once and for all."
"I hope so..."
"Jazz, you said it yourself. Everyone has a different role
to play. My role is different than yours, but yours is just as
important."
"Yeah...going into a strange land, facing thousands of
enemies by myself, with only technology on my side."
"Jazz, you said it yourself yesterday, that technology can
often times be confused with magic. You know what the spells can
do, but the enemy doesn't know what the power of technology is.
You do and can use any way possible."
"Thanks Crodyn."
"For what?"
"Giving me hope again. Maybe I will just pull this off."
"Jazz, quoting you. Do or do not, there is no try."
Chuckling, Jazz smiled slowly. "Yes, oh wise one. Defend
this castle. I shall return."
"That, I don't doubt. God Speed."
"Good luck then, you'll need it."
"Same to you." said Sir Crodyn, turning back to watch the
troops. Nodding slowly, Jazz headed back towards the main