Thorn of Gooze: The Soul Alliance, #2

Thorn of Gooze

By

Charles Streams

Copyright © 2009 Charles Streams

All rights reserved by the author. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Thorn of Gooze is book 2 in The Soul Alliance Series.

Printed version ISBN

ISBN-13: 978-0-9818818-2-9

ISBN-10: 0-9818818-2-3

To Matthew,

for winning a round of UNO

and becoming the first ganawker to bark

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Ancient Time Movie

Chapter 2 The Ancient Treasures 

Chapter 3 Pure Chanulanos

Chapter 4 New Move-ins

Chapter 5 Gutter Strike Lanes

Chapter 6 Rats, Spikes, & a Dagger

Chapter 7 Plopper Invasion

Chapter 8 Dusty Illusions

Chapter 9 Orange Rush

Chapter 10 Purple Rocks & the Red Wing

Chapter 11 The Soul Mixers

Chapter 12 Roble’s Responsibility

Chapter 13 Blastoffs

Chapter 14 Serpent Time

Chapter 15 Slick Versus Gor Round #2: Mummify!

Chapter 16 Slime’s Forest Excursion

Chapter 17 The Twin Souls Test

Chapter 18 Just in Case

Chapter 19 The Thorn of Gooze

Chapter 20 Quaffs

Chapter 21 The Chamber of Goo

Chapter 22 Fountains & Frenzies

Chapter 23 The Moonlight Battle in the Valley of Sneldegar

Chapter 24 Chambers of Protection

Chapter 25 Protector & Guardian

Chapter 26 Ancient Time Movie 2

Chapter 1: Ancient Time Movie

Off the main road of Valley View Canyon in Utah where the reservoir bent farther up the canyon, a secluded, lesser-known road forked off to the right. The paved road curved in between grassy hills, where any visitor would see more cows than people and would be surprised to find that the inhabitants of the small town were still nice enough to raise a hand of salutation as a car passed by.

Three-quarters of the way up this fork of the canyon, where the road turned rocky and unpaved as it paralleled the canyon river, many of the kids that lived in Salasburg would gather and look up at the haunted cabin on the hill where a lone tree stood amongst all the sagebrush. A common threat made to any annoying kid in the town was to drag him to the top of the hill and tie him to the tree, but everyone knew the threat would never be carried out. Although the adults of the valley didn’t believe any of the kids, the children had seen the spooky figure inside the cabin and the red lights he shot out of his eyes.

Night had already covered the valley, and a few of the village kids had come together at the bottom of the hill for an end-of-school dare. They slowly began walking toward the hill, trying not to trip over the sagebrush. Even before they were five feet up the hill, the kids looked up at the cabin window and saw the horrible red eyes glaring back at them. They immediately sprinted back down the hill yelling.

Annoying kids! Mick Mcgintling said as he saw the kids run off. He turned off his nightlight shining from the palm of his hand that had been illuminating his eyes and fluffy white hair. He had been paranoid for the last couple of months and had been looking out the window more and more often.

Mick was wearing his red pajamas and continued closing all the blinds of his windows before climbing upstairs to his bedroom. He jumped into bed, pulled his covers over himself, and quickly fell asleep.

An hour later there was a whoosh in his closet and Mick jerked awake. His instincts kicking in, he quickly rolled off his bed on the opposite side from his closet and started zapping red lasers out of his index fingers at the dark figure emerging from the closet.

Stop zapping me! the dark figure laughed, hurrying over to turn on the light.

Slick! What the heck are you doing? Mick said.

You’re edgier than I thought, Slick replied.

Get out of here, Mick grumbled, rolling back onto his bed.

Slick ignored him and sat on the side of the bed.

It’s official, Slick said. The Pyramid of Kukulcán has been named one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

You didn’t need to wake me up to tell me that, Mick grumbled. We’ve snuck down that pyramid a bunch of times anyway. Get out of here.

I can’t sleep, and I have something to show you, Slick said.

Why can’t it wait till morning? Mick asked, his tired voice sounding more like he was grunting rather than talking.

I already told you I can’t sleep, and it’s important, Slick said, zapping one of Mick’s legs.

Mick sat up quickly, trying to shake off his sleepiness.

You’re edgy too? Mick asked.

No! I’ve just got a lot on my mind. You’re the one looking out the window every ten seconds.

With those lousy kids what am I supposed to do? I don’t want to be caught off guard.

We both know many things are going to start happening, but I doubt it’ll be that easy to find where you live, Slick said.

Mick scooted himself to the edge of the bed.

Maybe not, but it makes it hard to trust all the Chosen Ones, Mick said.

Yes, but Roger’s the only one who knows where you live, and he’s not going to tell anyone, Slick said.

I know that, but I could be seen randomly some place in Utah, Mick said, standing up and walking to the closet.

You’re more scared than I thought! Slick laughed. Do you want to teleport together so you don’t feel as afraid?

If you’re going to show me something, just hurry, Mick grumbled.

Slick walked over to the closet and, before Mick could react, zapped him on the arm and teleported to Kulk. Mick appeared a few seconds after him, rubbing his arm where Slick’s green zap had left a mark.

I’m not starting that game with you again, Mick said.

We’ll see about that, Slick laughed, heading out of the teleportation chamber and down the corridor. Out in the corridor a trail of popcorn began and they followed it.

Who’s been eating popcorn in here? Mick said. Just because more people are coming through Kulk, that doesn’t mean I’m going to allow them to leave messes in the corridors.

Edgy, Slick said, stopping in front of a section of wall on a side corridor. He pulled a green crystal out from underneath his shirt, held it against the wall, and a secret door slid open, exposing a round room. The only things in the room were a statue in the exact middle and a green couch pushed against one of the walls. A green ball of slime was sitting on the couch next to a humongous green bowl filled with popcorn.

Why did you spill all that popcorn, Slime? Slick said to the green ball.

It’s hard to balance such a huge bowl while bouncing, Slime grumbled in reply.

What happened to all your stuff in here? Mick asked.

Spring cleaning! Slick said, sitting down next to Slime.

Mick just stood there waiting for Slick to hurry and show him whatever he had planned.

Hurry and sit down so we can start the movie! Slick said.

I’m not watching a movie when it’s almost midnight!

Trust me; I think this is a movie you’ll want to see.

Tell me what it’s about! Mick said sternly.

I’ve never seen it before, but I really think you’ll want to see it, Slick said again, holding up a green crystal.

Where’d you get that? Mick asked, finally going to sit down on the couch next to the bowl of popcorn.

The Tunkal gave it to me and Slime, Slick said. He stood up and walked over to the statue in the middle of the room. He slid the green gem into a slot on the back of the statue’s neck, hurried back to the couch, and started munching on some popcorn.

The statue started emitting a green light from its eyes, projecting onto the wall.

Dad always did have the greenest eyes, Slime said, and both he and Slick started laughing.

Eat some popcorn, Mick, Slick suggested.

I already brushed my teeth, Mick replied as Slick threw a piece of popcorn into his fluffy white hair. Stop that now!

Slick was about to throw another piece of popcorn but sound started coming from the statue, so he turned quickly to look at the wall.

The lights went out suddenly and the projection on the wall became clear and full of color. On the wall, the quiosco of the zócalo of Chanulville was being shown, and it was obviously nighttime and rainy. The projection zoomed in, and in the center of the quiosco the Central Orb was completely black. The light fixture that hung from the top of the quiosco with a green, purple, and yellow orb attached to it was spinning. Five men walked up and stood around the Central Orb. Each was dressed in a robe, one purple, one orange, one red, one yellow, and one blue. The man in the purple robe was the tallest of the group. The man in the red robe wore glasses and looked very dignified. The man in the orange robe had a very stern face and was the bulkiest. The man in the yellow robe wore glasses and was completely bald except for a few wispy hairs. The man in the blue robe was skinny and had a firm face.

The Ancient Ones? Mick said in wonder.

This movie is going to be better than I thought, Slick said, grabbing another handful of popcorn and stuffing it into his mouth.

* * *

I’m so sick of this, Roger Torrents said to himself, kicking off his covers.

He sat up on the side of his bed and touched the chain hanging around his neck. Ever since Otto had given him the orb summoner that he had worn for the past two months, Roger hadn’t been able to fall asleep quickly. The orb summoner hadn’t done anything yet, but it was supposed to alert the members of the Soul Alliance when something dangerous or threatening was happening in Chanulville. For some reason, Roger had thought after the Compliance Ceremony and the Soul Freezers rescue of Rebecca Clinger that things would immediately become more dangerous.

He stood up, walked over to his closet, and disappeared. He felt the air rushing past him as he teleported, but his stomach no longer dropped like it had most times he had done this the previous year. He appeared shortly after in the dimly lit, gray teleportation chamber in Kulk. Kulk was the name of the place in between the outside world and Chanulville. Teleporting seemed completely normal to Roger now because it had been the previous year during spring break that Mick had contacted him while he was visiting Chichén Itzá. The soul detector had alerted Mick that a Chosen One was nearby, and he found Roger at the top of the Pyramid of Kukulcán. After finding Roger, Mick had shown him all about teleporting and Chanulville.

Roger was heading for the door of the teleportation chamber when he heard someone else come out of the teleporter. He turned and saw a skinny boy with glasses.

You too? Roger laughed.

I hate this thing already, Israel Mckinley replied, grabbing the orb summoner that hung around his neck. I haven’t been able to sleep, and I did terrible on my finals.

Israel, a ninety-eight percent is still a very high score.

Israel was about to argue but decided against it.

I can’t believe nothing has happened in two months. I thought danger would be around every corner from now on, Israel said.

I know, but I guess the Soul Freezers would’ve done an all out attack a long time ago if they thought they could win, Roger said.

Soul Freezers were the enemies of Chanulville. They were Chanulanos that had turned bad and had lost the color of their soulbeams. Roger and Israel were very scared every time they thought about them.

They walked out of the teleportation chamber and stepped on some popcorn that was in the middle of the corridor.

Who’s been eating popcorn in here? Roger said.

They headed down the passageway away from the popcorn, and a doorway slid open as they stopped in front of it. They passed the gray table and chairs in the Color Council chamber and went to the corner of the room. Roger shot his red soulbeam out of his stomach at the black insignia and a doorway opened to Chanulville.

The starry sky of Chanulville was beautiful, and Roger and Israel both looked up at the stars as they started on the trail that went down the rolling hills to the main plaza that everyone called the zócalo. Roger and Israel loved Chanulville. The valley was partially surrounded by mountains, and on the opposite side were four different wilderness sections: the forest, the jungle, the swamp, and the caverns. Roger and Israel had both been in the forest on a class field trip, in the jungle in dangerous situations, and to Slick and Slime’s house in the swamp. They still knew very little about the wilderness areas and preferred to stay in the safety of the Chanulville Valley.

At least we won’t be doing anything this last week of school, Roger said.

Israel just nodded his head. He and Israel were never very talkative, but Roger felt like Israel was especially silent tonight, and something other than tiredness seemed to be bothering him.

You don’t want school to end? Roger asked, wondering if that was the problem.

Why does everyone always think that? Israel said, sounding very upset. Just because I wear glasses, that doesn’t make me one hundred percent nerd.

Sorry, Roger replied.

They continued down the trail in silence until they reached the archway that led into the zócalo. The main plaza was divided into six colored sections: red, yellow, orange, blue, green, and purple. Everyone in Chanulville was one of those six colors based on the color of their soulbeams and zaps. A Chanulano soulbeam was the wide beam shot out of the stomach, and zaps were the lasers shot out of the fingers. Chanulville’s complicated past had led to deep prejudice amongst all the colors that still existed in the present day.

Once they walked through the archway, Israel broke the silence.

Are we friends? he asked.

What? Roger replied, taken aback by Israel’s question.

Are we friends? Israel repeated more firmly.

Israel, we’ve eaten lunch together just about every day during the school year. We probably wouldn’t have done that if we weren’t friends.

But what if we’d never found out about Chanulville? Would we still have eaten lunch together?

Well, probably not, but— Roger started but Israel cut him off.

And now that school is ending there won’t be lunchtime to go to the library.

Aren’t you planning on coming to Chanulville during the summer?

Yes, but... Israel started, but couldn’t find anything to say.

Israel, we’re both going to be in Chanulville all the time helping out and going to Slick’s Slides and stuff, aren’t we?

Well, yeah.

Who else do you think I’m going to do all those things with?

Israel thought for a moment.

Don’t even think of saying Marc or Willard, Roger said, chuckling.

Israel finally smiled.

So can we look for the red and yellow Ancient Treasures together? Israel said.

Is that what you’re worried about? Roger asked. I don’t want to have to look for the red one alone either. Hopefully Mick and Slick will help us too, and we can all look for them together.

I hope so, Israel said, letting out a huge yawn.

In the middle of the zócalo they walked past the quiosco. The quiosco’s basic structure was similar to a gazebo, but the red Central Orb was in the center on a gray pedestal, and six smaller orbs were on the railing. Throughout the previous year each color of Chosen Ones had had to generate a Respite of Power, and the fact that the smaller orbs had taken on a color was proof that the respites had been generated successfully.

They continued over by the king’s pyramid at the end of the zócalo. The outside of the king’s pyramid was almost identical to the Pyramid of Kukulcán in Chichén Itzá except instead of serpent heads at the bottom of the main staircase, there were large chicken heads. Off in a fenced off area, Roger heard some chickens clucking.

Poor chickens, Roger said before they turned and headed back up the trail toward Kulk. The chickens were used for monthly sacrifices carried out by King Yumma Yumma, the pompous ruler of Chanulville.

Why do you think Slick let’s us use his slides without paying when everyone else in the Soul Alliance has to? Israel asked, using his yellow soulbeam to open the doorway in the side of the mountain that led back into Kulk.

I’ve never known for sure why Slick includes us and not anyone else, Roger replied, even though he was always overjoyed that that was the way it was.

They walked back to the teleportation chamber yawning constantly. On the floor there was a note with Israel zapped in orange letters on the front, and he bent to pick it up. Roger curiously leaned over and read the note along with Israel.

You’re the cutest Chosen One.

Who put this here? Israel asked, yawning yet again.

Good question, Roger said, yawning and chuckling.

Israel pocketed the note and they both teleported back to their rooms, flopped onto their beds, and immediately fell asleep.

* * *

Stop chewing so loud, Slime said, glaring at Slick.

Slick ignored him, grabbed another handful of popcorn, and turned back to watch the movie.

Where is Saxon? the Ancient One in the orange robe asked.

I am sure he will be here very soon, Orrick, the Ancient One in the purple robe replied.

A few minutes later a man wearing a green robe ran through the archway of the zócalo, up the stairs of the quiosco, and joined the other five men. He had a very carefree air about him and slicked back gray hair.

Sorry I’m a little bit late, Saxon said, adjusting the gold chain around his neck so it hung out over his robe. At the bottom of the chain was a square gold plate with SAXON engraved on it.

I thought we were not going to leave anything behind, Orrick said, looking at Saxon’s chain.

Don’t worry, I have the Tunkal right here, Saxon said, pulling out a shiny drum from underneath his robe and placing it on top of the black Central Orb.

I was referring to the crystal that has decorated your summoner for so many years, Orrick replied.

It must’ve fallen off, Saxon said, but Orrick gave him a look of disbelief.

Shall we gather in? the man in the purple robe suggested.

The six Ancient Ones moved in closer to the Central Orb and, without thinking, each one seemed to examine the orb where six different chunks of the orb were missing.

How did he do this? the man in the red robe asked.

The man in the purple robe shook his head, and the other five turned to look at the Ancient One in the yellow robe.

Dark prophecies? the man in the yellow robe said. He could’ve found some old scrolls that taught him exactly what to do.

Why were we not warned sooner? the blue Ancient One asked.

He was too quick. He had teleporters generated in all the places he needed to be and carried out his plans flawlessly, until we showed up, the yellow Ancient One explained.

Are you sure this is the only way to stop him? Orrick said, pulling out his own gold chain with his name engraved on the plate hanging from it. Why do we not stay and fight him?

We have already been through this. A straight out fight would not work, the purple Ancient One said. We have to safely hide the Ancient Treasures. We know what they are capable of doing to the Central Orb in the wrong hands. If we hide them, he will have to find another way to fully fulfill his plan.

How can you say that, Gerrick? Where did you, Saxon, and Hughbert go last night? Orrick said, pointing in turn to Gerrick, Saxon, and the yellow Ancient One.

We went to where he is now residing, and you must trust us! Gerrick said pleadingly. We will be back to fight, but it may take years for us to heal the Central Orb, and if we do not take the precautions we have discussed, it will be much easier for him to destroy the Central Orb. He must have other followers by now. It will not just be us six against him.

Orrick nodded disappointedly and his stern face lightened.

We are prepared and we can accomplish this, Gerrick said.

Suddenly all six Ancient Ones looked alert, and each one grabbed hold of the gold plate that hung around their necks because each of the engraved names had lit up.

He knows what we’ve done, Saxon said. We have to go now.

All six nodded, and each one reached under his robe, pulling out gleaming weapons. The red Ancient One lifted a dagger and placed the point in the hole of the Central Orb closest to him. Hughbert lifted a mace, Orrick a battleaxe, the blue Ancient One a sword, Saxon a stiletto, and Gerrick a spear. Each placed a sharp edge of each weapon in the corresponding hole.

The projection focused in, and all six Ancient Ones were wearing a gold ring on their right hand with the same color gem as their robes. In turn, each of the Ancient Ones shot his soulbeam at the Central Orb and recited his name.

Rufus, the red Ancient One said.

Hughbert.

Orrick.

Egmond.

Saxon.

Gerrick.

The Central Orb glowed gold, and the Tunkal that Saxon had placed on it was blasted off and flew through the air, disappearing into the night. A long piece of parchment appeared, a golden beam from the orb wrote on it, and it fell to the ground.

The six Ancient Ones hurried down the steps of the quiosco and through the archway out of the zócalo. They walked briskly up the muddy trail and stopped when they came to the mountainside.

Gerrick shot his purple soulbeam at the mountain wall and a door opened. All six Ancient Ones turned and looked out longingly over Chanulville. Each one raised his arm with his index finger extended in salute and let a single zap out into the night sky. Gerrick turned and led them into the opening. Saxon was the last one to enter, and he turned quickly, his gold nameplate visible, and gave a last wave to Chanulville. After they went through the doorway, the mountainside closed.

The lights turned on, the projection shut off immediately, and Mick, Slick, and Slime were all sitting there with their mouths hanging open, the bowl of popcorn still almost full.

What the heck was that? Mick said.

Slick and Slime both shook their heads in unison.

At least it clarified one thing I’d always wondered about, Slick said.

What? Mick asked.

Greens always have been the handsomest Chanulanos, Slick laughed.

Mick zapped at Slick.

It’s like the history books say, Mick said. The Ancient Ones did just disappear because they left Chanulville trying to save the Central Orb. They must’ve died in the outside world.

Slick and Slime shook their heads in unison again.

We just saw that in the movie, Mick said.

Slick reached into his pocket and slowly pulled out a gold chain. At the end of the chain was a gold plate with the name SAXON engraved on it.

So they made it back to Chanulville? Mick asked.

At least Saxon seems to have, Slick replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"Who is he?" Mick asked.

He’s Slime. Who did you think? Slick laughed.

Slime threw a green glob at Slick’s face.

Who was the ‘he’ the Ancient Ones were talking about? Mick said, ignoring Slick.

Slick and Slime shook their heads in unison again.

We don’t know, but we definitely need to find out, Slick said, throwing another piece of popcorn into Mick’s hair.

Chapter 2: The Ancient Treasures

Only two more days of school! Roger yelled, thudding down the stairs in Mick’s house. Not that we’ll be doing anything worthwhile in class.

I was just getting ready to head to Kulk, Mick said.

I wasn’t going to come here, but Israel was worried he’d written down his summer reading assignment for English wrong, so he went to double-check with the teacher.

Oh well, let’s go see if everyone shows up for this meeting, Mick said, walking over to the garbage can and spitting into it. It’s been two months, and sometimes I can still taste mud in my mouth.

They walked upstairs, down the hall to Mick’s room, stepped into the closet, and teleported to Kulk. As they walked down the corridor, a warm but urgent sensation erupted in both of their chests. Roger quickly pulled out his orb summoner. The small gold orb that hung in the middle of the gold circle was glowing slightly. Roger’s heart started pounding out of control.

Let’s go, Mick said calmly, starting to run down the corridor.

Roger followed Mick down the hallway. Now that the moment he had been anticipating for two months was finally happening, he felt like he didn’t know what to do.

Mick shot his soulbeam, opening the door into Chanulville and both of them ran down the dirt path, following the directions in which their orb summoners guided them. Roger was glad that he was with Mick since he followed the summons without a problem and led them straight to the green section of Chanulville, where no houses stood.

In the middle of the green section, Roger and Mick saw Slick and Slime standing around a huge pit.

This better not be some joke, Mick said, approaching the pit.

Look what we found! Slick said jovially.

Roger and Mick peered into the pit, and there was a big snarfalog ripping a ham bone to pieces. Snarfalogs were the most feared creatures in Chanulville. They had thick pinkish-red skin and huge fangs.

It came straight out the jungle, and Slime and I were the first people he saw so he ran toward us. Luckily for us, he couldn’t jump over the entire pit and got trapped down there, Slick said.

You gave it some meat? Mick asked sternly.

He looked hungry, Slick said.

Zepnargle, Otto, a few of the king’s guards, and other random people were arriving and surrounding the pit. As everyone saw the snarfalog the crowd became very restless and scared.

A few minutes later, Israel came panting into the green section.

I got here as soon as I could, Israel said. As he looked into the pit and saw the snarfalog, he turned completely pale and put a hand on Roger’s shoulder to steady himself.

Don’t worry, Israel. The snarfalog isn’t getting out of the pit, Slick said, smiling to try and calm him down. Israel only gave a weak smile in return.

As everyone discussed what actions should be taken, Roger saw Margaret and Willard run into the group, out of breath. He also saw Evelyn run up shakily and then walk around at the back of the crowd feeling dumb about not knowing exactly what she should be doing.

The crowd got bigger and bigger and more and more restless as people came to see what was going on. Soon Gor, the head guard and the king’s bodyguard, showed up and pushed his way in front of the other guards, his usual spear in his right hand and sporting a new goatee he had grown over the past two months. Seeing the snarfalog, he immediately zapped at it. The snarfalog snarled and ran over to the edge of the pit where Gor was zapping from.

Most of the women and a lot of the men in the crowd screamed when they saw the vicious movements of the snarfalog and ran away. As a bunch of the crowd cleared, Roger saw Taci running toward Zep, followed by a briskly walking Brook, who was carrying Xetrov in her arms. Zep quickly picked up Taci, and she anxiously looked into the pit and screeched loudly as she saw the snarfalog.

Gor continued zapping at the beast, but he was missing most of the time because, surprisingly, the hunky looking snarfalog was very spry for its size.

I guess we better take care of this, Slick said.

Roger turned to see what Slick was going to have them do, but as he did so, Slime bounced into the pit and slammed against the snarfalog, knocking him toward the opposite end of the pit where no one was standing. Slick led Mick, Roger, Israel, Otto, and Zep around to the other side.

The snarfalog quickly shook off the surprise ram by Slime and looked furious. He growled and turned toward Slime, but before he could do anything, Slime bounced underneath the snarfalog. With a huge groan, Slime bounced with all the strength he could muster and lofted the snarfalog right out of the pit.

Slick instructed everyone to zap at the ground around the beast and, realizing he was vastly outnumbered, the snarfalog ran straight back into the jungle. Israel didn’t zap but just stood shakily behind everyone.

Taci clapped happily as they headed back toward the crowd, and Gor broke through, giving Slick a furious look.

What’re you doing? That ball of slime just freed the snarfalog!

Since you couldn’t seem to zap him at all, I figured we should just let him go, Slick replied, laughing.

Gor gave Slick another hateful look but didn’t reply and just headed back to further instruct the other guards.

The rest of the crowd dispersed and Slick, Slime, Mick, Roger, Israel, Otto, Zep and his family walked back toward the zócalo.

Snarf! Taci said excitedly.

It just proves how important each Chanulano’s coming of age is, Brook said, setting Xetrov down so he could run and hug Slime. Even though she cuts off the end of most of her words, Taci’s talking went from almost nothing to at least understandable in the few months after her coming of age.

Everyone smiled at Taci. In Chanulville a Chanulano’s coming of age occurred when he or she was about five years old and was when they first shot their soulbeam.

We better head back to Kulk for our meeting. I’m sure Rod and Jessica are already furious we’re late, Mick said.

Zep walked his family home as Otto hurried to his to get some things for the meeting. Slick, Slime, Mick, Roger, and Israel walked up the path together toward Kulk.

Are you sure letting the snarfalog go was the best thing? Mick asked Slick.

I figured there are going to be enough battles in the next while that killing a trapped snarfalog wouldn’t do much good. Besides, if the snarfalog makes it back to the Soul Freezers, maybe they’ll think it didn’t reach Chanulville and won’t realize what fear it struck in everyone.

As they entered Kulk, they headed toward the Soul Alliance meeting room.

Israel, can I talk to you for a minute? Slick asked. We’ll be right back.

Mick gave Slick a worried look but didn’t say anything and led Roger into the meeting room.

* * *

Slick led Israel down the corridor, Slime sitting on his shoulder. As they passed the teleportation chamber they heard someone throwing up. They quickly looked in and Graham was leaning against the wall, his orange hat in his hand and a disgusting pile of vomit on the floor.

Graham looked up in surprise seeing Slick walk in.

I think living in Kulk is taking some getting used to for me, Graham quickly said. It’s been making me very nauseous.

That’s weird because no Chanulano has ever reported being sick from being in Kulk before, Slick replied, smiling.

I’ve been living here full-time for the past two months though, Graham said.

Slick stood there thinking for a moment.

Graham... Slick began then stopped.

Graham just stood there looking at the floor.

We’re off then, but please clean that vomit up. It smells worse than that snarfalog that was just in the green section. Disgusting! Slick said, leading Israel back out into the corridor.

Graham poked his head out of the teleportation chamber.

There was a snarfalog in the valley?

We’ll talk later, Graham, Slick said, smiling and waving.

Slick led Israel along some side corridors and leaned against the wall so a secret door slid open. He stepped aside and motioned for Israel to walk in.

Israel hadn’t said anything to Slick during their walk down the corridor and felt very nervous as the wall slid shut behind them because he was completely alone with Slick and Slime. While he was used to Slick’s antics and knew he had a nice heart, he was never sure how trustworthy Slick was, which made him slightly scared to be alone with him.

Israel, we need to have a serious conversation, Slick said.

Israel was surprised that Slick wasn’t laughing at all.

I can’t help being scared of snarfalogs, Slick, Israel said, thinking that Slick was going to tell him he didn’t deserve to be a Chosen One for not daring to zap at the snarfalog.

Who isn’t scared of snarfalogs? Slick asked.

You’re not! Israel said louder than he meant to. He kept looking around the room, but since there was only a statue and couch, he didn’t know where else to look.

Getting a snarfalog to leave Chanulville doesn’t mean I’m not scared. What can you do though? You don’t just sit down and shake in your booties and let the snarfalog eat you. You have to take action and get rid of it, scared or not.

Slick moved his head so his eyes lined up with Israel’s. Israel let out a soft laugh.

Israel, I want you to be involved with something, but I have to know if you’re up for the responsibility.

Israel just looked at Slick, confused.

Now that the Soul Freezers know there’s a Chosen One of every color, and that we fulfilled the Respites of Power Prophecy, things are going to start happening in Chanulville. I don’t know exactly what they’re going to be, but I’m pretty sure they’re going to be much worse than one snarfalog, Slick continued.

Seeing Israel looking very sad, Slick put one hand on his shoulder. Slime bounced and sat on Israel’s other shoulder, which made Israel even more nervous.

Like I said, Israel, we really want you to be involved with us, but I realize that just swearing Compliance was a big step that brought its own danger. Being involved with us would be even more dangerous, and I don’t want you to be hurt if you’re not up for it.

I don’t think I understand what you’re saying, Israel said.

Israel, I can’t really tell you any more unless you’re willing to commit.

Maybe I don’t need to know then, Israel said, a sense of relief flowing over him.

That’s the thing, Israel. If you don’t commit, you can’t be in the meetings with me and the others anymore.

Tears immediately sprung into Israel’s eyes. Memories of people not wanting him to be on their kickball team or involved with them because he was scrawny and nerdy came flooding back. All last year he had worked to feel accepted in Chanulville and now Slick was giving him an ultimatum that wouldn’t allow him to be with the lone group of people he had felt accepted by in his entire life.

Slick pulled Israel into a hug, which only made the tears pour out more freely.

Do you want some time to think about it? Slick asked.

Israel shook his head and adjusted his glasses.

Just hurry and do whatever you have to do to make me be involved. It sounds like I’ll die either way. Either from being a complete loner or having a snarfalog eat me. I’d rather be torn to pieces and not be a loner in Chanulville too.

Israel, I didn’t mean to make it sound that cut-and-dried. You couldn’t go to official meetings with us, but it doesn’t mean we’d never talk to you again.

Please just hurry, Slick, Israel said, still looking at the floor.

Take your orb summoner out, Slick said.

He stepped back, smiling at Israel, and threw a green crystal to Slime. Slime glowed for a second, causing Israel to shiver momentarily, and tossed the crystal back to Slick. Slick shot his soulbeam at the gem, tossed it up into the air, and zapped it toward Israel. It shot forward and joined the gold orb in the middle of the larger circle at the end of the chain.

You’ll get used to it, but most often when the green crystal summons you, it’s a very urgent situation, and you must come to Chanulville immediately. Make sure you don’t show it to anyone.

Israel nodded his head in understanding.

So did you hear? Slick said excitedly.

What? Israel replied blandly.

The Ancient Treasures are weapons! Slick said.

* * *

Mick and Roger entered the meeting room. Jessica and Rod were sitting in their usual places on the back row. Marc sat sulkily on the row ahead of them. Rod had grown a couple of inches over the past year, Jessica was already wearing a sexy summer outfit, and Marc had cut his hair into a flat-top crew-cut style that he thought would impress girls during summer vacation.

Finally! Jessica yelled, scowling at Mick.

Hurry up, old man! Rod said.

Didn’t you guys feel your orb summoners? Mick said, walking to the front of the room.

Jessica and Rod were usually the last two to arrive but had been complaining about having a meeting during end-of-school party time and wanted to hurry and get it over with. Roger took a seat on the front row, only glancing at Rod and Jessica.

Yes, but we had a meeting! Jessica replied.

Well, there was a snarfalog loose in Chanulville, and we had to get rid of it, Mick said.

Jessica’s snooty face changed to one filled with fear.

I don’t think my orb summoner is working because I didn’t feel anything, Marc said.

We’ll have Otto check it out then, Mick said, his voice and face full of disbelief.

Slick, Slime, and Israel came in the room next. Slick was lugging a bag over his shoulder.

The liar is here! Rod said, clapping toward Israel.

Israel gave a worried look but didn’t say anything.

Rod, it’s about time you stopped saying disrespectful things to Israel! Mick said.

Rod held out his hands and shrugged his shoulders. Slick hurried over and leaned over Rod’s chair.

You need to stop calling Israel a liar, or you’ll have to answer to me, Slick said quietly.

"It is getting really old," Jessica added, but Rod just brushed her off.

Whatever, you Care Bear! I’ll say whatever I want! Rod said, moving over a seat to get away from Slick.

I love that cartoon, Slick said, smiling before heading to the front of the room.

Back toward the front of the room Israel took a seat next to Roger.

Did you already hear? Israel said quietly, his eyes bloodshot. The Ancient Treasures are weapons.

What? Roger replied, giving Slick a mean look as he sat down next to Mick. You said you’d wait till everyone was here.

No, I didn’t. I promised Israel I’d wait till he was there, Slick laughed in reply.

Sorry, Roger, I thought he’d already told the rest of you guys, Israel said, even though he looked pleased that he was the first to be told.

That’s all right, Roger said, reaching over and zapping Israel softly on the arm.

Israel jerked his arm away, blushing after realizing Roger wasn’t planning on zapping him hard.

Sorry, I was just playing, Roger said, knowing Israel was always wary because of all the times he had been picked on.

Mick was arguing with Slick about not waiting for everyone, but when the door opened and Odette walked in, Slick stood up and headed to the back of the room, followed by a bouncing Slime.

Odette gave Slick a strict old granny look as she walked over to sit in the row of chairs at the head of the room.

Zepnargle and Otto were next to enter, followed by Margaret, Evelyn, and Willard, the rest of the Soul Alliance members. The latter three were all talking about the snarfalog.

Besides Roger, the other Chosen Ones had all been on a school trip to Mexico the year before, and the soul detector had detected them as well. Surprisingly, they were all from the same school and everyone returned to Chanulville except one girl named Mindy Menlove. Mindy was very bitter at Jessica for staying in Chanulville and, while she hadn’t posed too big of a threat to anyone else, she had tried to track Jessica’s involvement in Chanulville whenever possible during the previous year. One other boy, Leonard Roundy, had stayed in Chanulville, but had been attacked by a Soul Freezer, causing him to lose his soulbeam and forget about Chanulville.

Everyone else had sworn Compliance to help Chanulville, but both Roger and Israel had frequently discussed that they didn’t see how people like Rod and Jessica could be considered Chosen Ones. They were constantly being rude and acting like they were superior to everyone else because they were popular.

Once everyone was seated, Roger expected Mick to start the meeting, but he continued waiting. He had been anxiously waiting to finally be able to discuss their plans to fulfill the next prophecy that had come forth during the Spring Equinox Festival. The prior year they had all had to generate a Respite of Power in a secluded location of their own choice, but the Ancient Treasures Prophecy didn’t give any specific instructions on where to find the Ancient Treasures. Mick had decided to postpone the meeting while everyone finished up their last couple months of school, and that way the Color Council members had had plenty of time to analyze the Ancient Treasures Prophecy.

As Jessica groaned from the back row, trying to figure out what the holdup was, the door opened once again. Gor led in King Yumma Yumma, followed by Preshar Engreidler, Lilac Tewtew, and Warrick Firmage, the three purple Chanulanos running for the purple Color Council position. Preshar had a pointy nose and always wore small glasses on the point of it. Lilac had curly blonde hair and was nice-looking. Warrick had dark brown hair and looked very formal and stiff.

King Yumma Yumma stood front and center as everyone else took a seat except Gor, who stayed standing behind one of the chairs.

Sorry for the delay, King Yumma Yumma began, drawing a scoff from Jessica, but I decided it is very important to have the three purple candidates involved so they will be well prepared regardless of who the winner is.

After his surprisingly short statement, King Yumma Yumma sat in the chair that Gor was standing behind. Gor leaned down and whispered something into the king’s ear, causing a look of great concern to cross the ruler’s face.

What do you think you are doing here? You’re not allowed to be within thirty feet of me! King Yumma Yumma said, pointing at Slick.

Don’t worry, I was just leaving! Slick replied, and with Slime on his shoulder, he headed toward the door.

Wait! Mick said as the door slid open.

What? Slick replied, looking around the room as if something exciting was happening that he hadn’t seen.

Please stay. You know how important this meeting is, Mick said.

I’m not going to repeat myself to you again, Slick said.

Slime, Mick said.

Slime shook himself back and forth.

Why are you trying to convince him to stay? King Yumma Yumma said.

Mick glared furiously at the king.

Slick suddenly turned and took a few steps toward the front of the room. Everyone thought for a moment that he was going to stay, but then he just took Slime in his hands and faked he was throwing him at King Yumma Yumma. The king flailed his hands in fear, ruffling Lilac’s hair in the seat next to him. Slick and Slime hurried out the door laughing.

Disrespectful fool, Preshar said.

Roger and Israel both glared at him. As if his squeaky, high-pitched voice wasn’t annoying enough, Roger had overheard Magnar and Preshar discussing secret plans the previous year, and they were sure Preshar had ulterior motives in trying to become the purple Color Council member.

Slick and King Yumma Yumma’s disputes weren’t anything new, and most everyone had sat there calmly enjoying the show, but seeing Jessica’s steaming eyes, Mick hurried and started the meeting.

Under the circumstances I will just tell you all that we are continuing to study the Ancient Treasures Prophecy to figure out exactly what steps need to be taken to fulfill it. If any of you have any insights of your own, please let us know immediately.

I think it must mean all the Chosen Ones should be given tons of money and treasure to store at our Respites of Power, Rod said, leaning back in his chair.

Mick didn’t even look at Rod and completely ignored his comment, but King Yumma Yumma looked appalled before whispering something to Gor.

Classes will be starting in a few weeks. Don’t worry, we’ll take everyone’s schedule into account, Mick said before Jessica could open her mouth to complain. Odette will continue teaching Ancient Chanulville History, but Zep, Otto, and I will all be joining to teach Advanced Zaps, Nature and Creatures, and Prophecies to make the classes shorter.

Both Odette and King Yumma Yumma looked a little confused when Mick said all three would be team teaching but didn’t say anything.

We already know how to zap. What more is there to it? Jessica said.

I’m glad to see you’re so anxious to get started with your classes, Jessica, Mick replied. Some of you still need work on your left-handed zapping, and we’ll be covering palm zaps, nightlights, shielding, and other things of the sort.

Jessica gave Mick a look of disgust, but Mick hurried and turned the time over to Otto before she could say anything. Roger could tell Mick was trying hard not to smile.

Otto stood up and hung four pictures against the wall. Everyone turned to look at them.

What do you think you are doing? King Yumma Yumma said. I did not authorize you to talk about this.

Just because your father outlawed any mention of these four does not mean we aren’t going to talk about them. Everyone in the Soul Alliance has sworn Compliance, and they all need to be aware, Mick said boldly. If you are too uncomfortable talking about this subject, then you can step outside.

The king looked upset, but stood up quickly, motioned for Gor, Lilac, Warrick, and Preshar to follow him, and headed out the door. The three purple candidates looked like they wanted to stay, but wanting to stay in the king’s good graces more they followed him out.

As you were told before you swore Compliance, there were some Chosen Ones that broke Compliance and are now enemies of Chanulville, Otto explained in an unusually glum voice. He usually explained everything in great detail and with gusto. No one has seen any of them for many years, but I generated these pictures to fit what they would look like today.

How can no one have seen them for so many years? Marc asked.

When they were here, it wasn’t like with all you guys being from the same place. All the Chosen Ones were from different places, and once they turned bad no one could keep track of them, Otto explained.

The room fell completely silent, just like the first time they had been told about the Soul Freezers.

We can only assume that when Rebecca escaped she told the Soul Freezers all the information she had, Otto continued. Which included the knowledge that all of you live in Utah. Due to the circumstances, you should all be aware just in case the Soul Freezers that can travel outside of Chanulville show up in Utah.

Evelyn as usual was about to burst into tears, and Jessica’s face took on its often combination of anger and fear.

The first one here is Blaine Warnock, Otto said, zapping underneath the first picture. Claudette Alberteau is next, followed by Alfred Claunch and Spence Orloss.

Everyone took time looking at the pictures. Blaine had stylish blond hair and a strong face. Claudette had a wrinkly face and big, dark hair. Alfred had dark-rimmed glasses, stiff brown hair, and pockmarks on his cheeks. Spence was completely bald and had sunken eyes. All four of them looked extremely unhappy in their pictures. Roger wondered if Otto had done this on purpose.

So what should we do if we see one of them? Margaret asked.

Ignoring them and pretending like you have no idea who they are would be the best thing to do, I think, Otto said, looking toward Mick and Zep to see if they agreed. If they think you don’t know who they are, they might underestimate the knowledge we have of them. Stay away from them at all costs, but don’t show panic or fear, or they will have a mental advantage over you.

Roger glanced around the room, and everyone was still silent. They had all been told before they swore Compliance that they might be exposed to some dangerous situations, but now that they were talking about it, it all seemed more real.

No one asked any more questions and Mick dismissed them all.

You three better not be discussing the Ancient Treasures Prophecy with Slick, Roger and Israel heard Odette say to Mick, Zep, and Otto as they headed toward the door. King Yumma Yumma gave strict orders that Slick is not to be involved.

Don’t worry, Mick said, heading toward the door and exiting with Roger and Israel. Someone needs to loosen that granny bun in her hair.

Roger and Israel laughed as they headed down the corridor to Mick’s room. Mick wasn’t usually one to make fun of Odette, but he had been especially on edge the past couple of months and didn’t like anyone meddling in important affairs.

As they neared Mick’s room, they heard loud snoring, and as the door slid open they saw Slick lying on Mick’s bed. His snoring sounded real, but the smile on his face made it all too obvious that he wasn’t asleep.

You know I don’t like other people lying on my bed! Mick exclaimed, zapping at Slick until he rolled off the bed.

As Slick laughed on the floor, Mick grabbed the bag that Slick had been carrying earlier. Slick jumped up and snatched it away. Slime was really asleep on Mick’s bed, but Mick didn’t say anything about it.

Why did you dig a pit in the middle of the green section? Mick asked.

Because I like the way it looks! Slick replied.

This isn’t going to be some more slides, is it? Mick asked.

Like you wouldn’t love it if it was. You’ll be going to Slick’s Slides just as much as anyone else this summer, Slick said.

Mick was going to continue arguing, but Zep and Otto raced through the door.

Odette has named herself policewoman, Zep said. She was trying to prevent us from coming to your room.

Let’s just hurry and see all the information, Slick, Mick said. You already wasted time leaving the meeting when all the Soul Alliance was there. Now we’ll have to get Jessica and Rod to come to another meeting, which is much more effort than it’s worth.

I already told you, if those three purple pimples were going to be at the meeting, I wasn’t going to share any of the information with them, Slick laughed. Greens do not trust purples.

Just get over your problems with Gor and King Yumma Yumma, Mick said.

I don’t like them because they’re stupid, not because they’re purples. I don’t trust purples because greens and purples have never gotten along.

I bet the purple and green Ancient Ones got along with each other, Mick said, glaring at Slick.

Now, now, Mick— Slick said.

Just open up that stupid bag! Mick said, cutting Slick off and grabbing at the bag.

Slick laughed and pulled the bag away, but he then moved the desk chair to the middle of the room and sat down on it before pulling out an object that looked like a fancy drum. Roger recognized it as the Tunkal that Slick had been sounding throughout the prior year, causing Chanulville to shake and colored objects to appear in the sky. Many legends said that when the Tunkal boom sounded, it meant the king was going to be overthrown, but Slick had said that was just a rumor, even though King Yumma Yumma was making Slick stay far away from him because he believed it was true.

As Israel and I already know, Slick began in a sophisticated voice, the Ancient Treasures have always been rumored to be weapons, and the Tunkal has helped us to prove that.

Slime came rolling across the bed and joined the group as he heard Slick speak.

Slick put the Tunkal on the ground and turned one of the little black crystals around the edge of the drum. The crystal turned red and on the canvas of the drum the shape of a dagger appeared. Its blade gleamed, and there were shining rubies on the white hilt.

Wow, Roger said. Is that the red Ancient Treasure?

Slick nodded his head and turned the next crystal. Surrounded in yellow light, a mace took shape, encrusted with yellow crystals. The yellow light reflected off Israel’s glasses as he looked on amazed. Otto, who normally would have clapped his hands in delight, still had an abnormally glum expression.

The next crystal turned orange and a battleaxe took form on the drum. Slick continued around the drum turning the other three crystals, the blue one lighting up a long sword, the green one a stiletto, and the purple one a sparkling spear.

Incredible, Zep said in his usual calm voice.

Slick reached back in his bag, pulled out some pictures, and handed them to Mick.

How did you print these out already? Mick said, looking at the printed pictures of the weapons.

Slick! I knew you’d been using my computer, Otto said.

Slick laughed as he took the golden pen that hung from the Tunkal and pressed a button on the side of the drum. All six of the weapons appeared and joined together in a single design.

They united Chanulanos in times of old, Slick said, pointing at how perfectly all the weapons fit together. And soon they’ll unite Chanulanos again.

Where can they be hidden though? Israel asked. I’ve memorized the prophecy, but it gives no clues to their exact locations.

Two lines give general clues, Slick said. Roger, which ones are they?

Roger blushed and felt stupid because he had no idea.

Your experience was the key, Roger, Slick said, making a weird face at him.

Roger just shrugged his shoulders.

‘Teleported out to avoid misuse, follow the signs chosen souls produce,’ Mick said softly. We all wondered why the soul detector was acting so differently when it was detecting Roger. Roger’s soulbeam was tingling at other ruins in Mexico. The Ancient Ones must’ve teleported the treasures out and hid them in various locations.

But Roger was visiting ruins that were incredibly far away, Israel said. How could the Ancient Ones have gotten that far without dying?

Israel, I’m not the only Chanulano to have ever left Chanulville, and I definitely won’t be the last, Slick said, giving Otto and Zep a very interesting look.

So tell us again what ruins you went to last summer, Roger, Zep said.

Teotihuacán, the Templo Mayor, and Uxmal. Those were the ones besides Chichén Itzá, Roger replied.

How’s Roble doing, Zep? Slick interjected.

Zep gave Slick a confused look for asking such a random question and ignored him.

Let’s get a big map of Mexico and start marking ruins on it, Zep said.

There are tons of ruins in Mexico, Israel said.

That’s why we better get started right now. The spring equinox is only ten months away, Zep said.

Chapter 3: Pure Chanulanos

Valley View High School was completely dark, but a man dressed all in black calmly walked down one of the ramps, turned down the hallway, and continued until he reached the door of the administration office. He tested the doorknob and, finding it locked, crouched down so he was at eye level with the knob. He lifted his right index finger and emitted a green light into the keyhole. With his left hand he continuously jiggled the doorknob while he twisted his finger until the green zap unlocked the door.

Looking both ways down the hallway, he quietly stepped into the administration office and made sure the door locked behind him. In one corner of the office there were stacks of boxes. The man walked toward them and, laying his hand out flat, a ball of green light lit them up. He moved his hand until he found the specific box he was looking for and put it on the ground.

Opening the box, he shined the green light over the books and pulled two of them out. He flipped through each one looking for a certain page, and when he found the page he was looking for, he emitted a green light from his finger. As he was marking the books, he began losing control of his silence as giggles erupted uncontrollably from his mouth. He quickly finished his business and replaced the books in the box, restacking it in the correct position before falling to the floor laughing hysterically.

Fortunately, as he was taking a breath in between giggles, he heard footsteps coming down the hallway. He took a shiny device out of his pocket, threw it to the ground, and shined a green beam from his stomach at the device. He suddenly disappeared along with the device.

The night watchman, who was on duty to prevent students from performing annual end-of-the-school-year pranks, shined his flashlight in through the administration office window. Seeing nothing, he tested the doorknob and, finding it was locked, continued his patrol of the school’s hallways, realizing he was more paranoid than he thought.