All the animals now turned to Maximojo. Glitta sparked over his shoulder. “Although we are from another galaxy unlike yours, she twinkled, “our missions take us anywhere in the universe. Together we are known as the cosmic duo, and have been looking forward to this adventure since we left our homestar, Plaxo.”
“Glitta and I have been together ever since I found her hidden behind a moon,” Maximojo said. “She was lost and far away from her home.
At that moment we knew we would become the fabled ones you have read about in Fa-Hairy Tail Stories.” Glitta watched the expressions on the faces of the animals, knowing that they would never be the same, when she saw an alert signal flare up over in the Kingdom.
“Stariola! The loud crashing of the animal ladder has alerted the guards from the other side of the gate, Mojo!”
“Sorry for collapsing against the wall,” the elephant apologized. “I guess I slipped-up.”
“We couldn’t have done it without you. Now we must move quickly before they arrive,” Maximojo said, flinging his pack over his shoulder.
With a big heave from the animals, the Golden Gates slowly opened. Maximojo entered with Woofster, Meowlen and Whinniston at his side. Meowlen leaped to the front beside Maximojo and Glitta, and slipped on some sensible, but trendy walkwear. The rest of the animals waved goodbye and dispersed. The gates slammed shut behind the Mojo Team.
From the mysterious sewer grate on Main Street came rustling noises and loud squeals.
By the time the guards arrived at the gate, Maximojo and his friends were long gone.
Chapter 4
Whinniston strode gallantly through the streets of Kavalon, the rest of the team on his back.
Maximojo was without a cosmic care in the world as he listened to the angelic realms. Glitta had beamed into the airways to provide the party with a selection of upbeat celestial tunes, broadcast live for galactic voyagers. The music sailed into their ears. Maximojo swung rhythmically to the beat while the others enjoyed the ride.
The traffic began merging with incoming lanes. Everyone was heading toward the city, it seemed. Carried away by the music, Maximojo had moved from his seat to the top of Whinniston’s forelock. Whinniston couldn’t see through his dangling legs. He weaved between the speeding carriers and accidently veered into the opposite lane. He whinnied, “How can I keep my eyes on the road with all your bopping about in my face? I prefer country pastures to busy roads.” The horse picked up his pace.
Glitta switched to softer melodies.
To break free of the congestion, Whinniston leaped over a few carriers and broke into a gallop. Glitta threw glow balls at the carriers trying to pass them. The result was a three-lane pileup behind them.
“I knew she would clear the freeway,” Whinniston nickered. “We have places to go and we command clearance.” His travelling companions hung low on his back trying to stay out of trouble. Maximojo grabbed the horse’s forelock and braced his legs, directing with a paw. Those they passed had surprised looks on their faces when the glow balls burst.
“We’re turned around and are going the wrong way, Mojo!” Glitta sparked, circling Whinniston to get him on track. “We are supposed to be inconspicuous and not draw attention from the locals.”
“Look who’s talking,” Whinniston said, nodding at the honking carriers covered in sparkles. “I was clearing a little room for us!” A stray glow ball bonked Mojo from behind. “Keep low for a big one!” Glitta said. “Sparkafras!” Glitter covered the road.
“It is difficult enough to see with Whinniston’s mane flying everywhere!” Woofster shouted from behind the horse’s shoulders. “Easy does it. There are passengers aboard!” he said, struggling to be heard over the roar of traffic.
“Hang on tight,” Whinniston said, and made a sharp right turn to avoid a collision with the carriers, who were furiously waving their arms at him. “Watch where you are going,” one shouted as it sped past. Whinniston slowed to a trot as they approached the city.
“Hey, haven’t you ever seen a horse before?” Whinniston snorted at curious onlookers huddled on the curbs. Main Street was bustling with activity, its sidewalks overflowing with pedestrians strolling past little stucco shops and eateries, their chimneys puffing tiny smoke rings. “I still have it in me, and have never forgotten a step. Watch! I’ll give you something to stare at,” he said to the gawking street vendors. He lifted his head and proceeded with fancy dressage gaits. “They must be impressed by now,” he thought to himself.
Meowlen gently nudged the horse. “Be kind to the strangers. Can you blame them?” she said. “They were only admiring my fashionable attire.”
The sidewalks stretched out on either side of the Mojo Team in mosaic patterns made from stone pieces inset into flattened meteorite. On every corner stood a lamp post capped with a bright globe that lit up after dusk from the reflection of the stars.
Meowlen stood beside Maximojo with her tail wrapped around a braid in Whinniston’s mane. She leaned forward and waved so that the locals could better appreciate her riding hat.
“Thank you. Thank you,” Meowlen said as she bowed, swinging a lilac scarf with a gemstone necklace that matched the inscription on the Golden Gates over her shoulder. “Purrr-fect! I knew I would need it for a special occasion.” Though she was meticulous with her apparel and chose designer outfits and cosmic classics for every possible occasion, no one could understand her rationale. She zipped up her favorite speckled sapphire jacket – that is, if she had a favorite – right up to the jade studded lapel. The movement caught Whinniston’s eye.
“How does she change so quickly?” he wondered, impressed.
She jumped onto Whinniston’s withers and eloquently entwined a paw. To her dismay, a manicured nail got snagged in a tattered knot that Madame Kindel had forgotten to brush out. “Oh no! My favorite color, Saturn Red, is now chipped!” She compared her nails and looked at her companions for sympathy.
“There is nothing I can do,” Woofster said. He sat upright, his tail dangling off the horse’s shoulder and grabbed a handful of mane. He whirled the other paw in the air as if he were a rodeo star. “Isn’t it obvious I am a little busy? Giddy up. Giddy up. Wooah, Whinniston!” He reminisced about his life before he was sideswiped in the junk yard. “Those were the days when I thought I had the world in the pad of my paws.” He rubbed the hip that had begun to ache from the ride, and settled onto his belly with his legs and arms hanging over the sides. He took a deep breath and howled, waving goodbye to the bustling sight they were leaving behind like the rest of his memories.
He felt the call of duty, and he reached over to untangle Meowlen. “I knew you would change your mind sooner or later,” she purred. “Be careful not to chip the polish. I only have Pluto Purple with me and it would clash with red.” Then, all of a sudden she said, “Stop! Halt! I’m getting off! This looks like the fashion district of Kavalon. Pretty upscale, even for the elite!” Her hair stood on end, her curiosity piqued. “I want to browse in these boutiques. Do you think Master McFee would mind if we are a little late?” She glanced at the clock in the city square. “A little treat to ourselves! Shopping sprees are essential to keep up with the latest trends.”
“Did you say treat?” Maximojo and Woofster said in unison. Both drooled as they looked around, considering the possibility.
“Everyone seems to have a purpose,” Glitta said. “Look at locals rushing around carrying stacks of goods.” She couldn’t understand, and got dizzy from watching them.
“Yes, where is everyone going?” Meowlen said. “Especially when they can get everything they might want over there?” She pointed to the maze of shops.
Whinniston had an urge to take charge. When it came to swiftness and sure-footedness, he was confident. “That is why the Alliance chose me above the other horses,” he thought. “I may not have achieved my mojo potential yet, but when it comes to a race against all odds with limited time, Whinniston can always be relied on!” He said, “My glo
rious mane has been adorned with many medals for my agility and speed, if I do say so myself.” He bowed, and everyone slid forward.
“Easy with the gratitude, big fellow. Remember whose aboard. Heads up! I’ll be on critter watch.” Woofster reminded him and sat up, regaining his composure. “I am top dog on this mission ... after Maximojo!” He flung his ears away from his eyes.
“Onward towards the mountains,” Maximojo said from between the horse’s ears. “To the outskirts of Kavalon where Master McFee awaits.” He bent over and stared into Whinniston’s face, teasingly, while Glitta gently cracked a light beam over the horse’s hindquarters.
Out of nowhere, the air was filled with what sounded like sirens. The piercing noise spooked Whinniston, who bolted, forgetting about his friends aboard. Everyone grabbed on tightly, as they nearly slid off.
“It’s only the clock in the city square,” Maximojo shouted. “The bells chime on the hour all night and day. Now watch your step near the curb. Wooah. Neigh!” But Whinniston paid no attention. They were off in a cloud of dust.
Woofster tried barking. “Heel. Those rodeo days are long gone. Now shorten those strides! Woohoo! This is the adventure I’ve been waiting for, but we won’t make it if we can’t hang on!” It was too late. He was thrown off, and barely caught hold of the horse’s tail as it whipped in the air.
“Hang on Woofster!” Maximojo hollered, and gripped both of Whinniston’s ears to steer the horse while his airborne legs flopped out to the sides. Glitta hooked onto his pack, and the team stormed out of the city. Meowlen was securely wrapped up in the mane.
“This is a little more of an adventure than someone of her class was expecting, I bet,” Woofster thought, and with a heave, clumsily threw himself back on, bumping into the beautiful cat. He looked bashful as he caught her glance, and regained his seat on the rump. Meowlen turned the other cheek.
He tried to act nonchalant and moved over. “Just checked his footing. The legwork looks in order for the trip.”
“That was a close call. I knew I still had it in these flanks.” Whinniston glanced over his shoulder. He slowed to a trot. “We did it. We’ve won the race and beat that piercing sound
with my swiftness. Rest assured it is out of range. Just listen. Nothing! We’re safe. You knew who you could count on to get us out of trouble.”
***
Back in Kavalon, the sight of fur balls flying by clinging to a panicked horse had startled everyone they passed. Maximojo had planned to go through the city as inconspicuously as possible so as not to influence the outcome of events. They had ended up making quite a spectacle of themselves, however.
“They arrived, then disappeared in a cloud of smoke,” one citizen later testified. “A clump of animals all piled on top of that poor horse.”
“Invaders sneaking in to overtake our land. Alert the Ruler!” another said while the commotion grew and the crowd began to panic. The Kavalon Alert Squad, arrived on the scene and took care of the traumatized. Although group hallucinations were rare, mirages after dusk had often been observed prior to a new moon.
“We all know anything can happen in this heat,” the squad leader said, loosening his helmet. “This is just another one of those times. Do you agree, or shall I inform the Ruler of your behavior? Break it up!”
Everyone began to leave. “It is extremely hot this season,” he added. “Continue on with your business. Move on!”
He wiped his forehead and everyone dispersed was convinced the sightings were the result of organized smog formed from the sun’s heat. They hustled on, the bizarre incident soon forgotten. Strange occurrences had become a way of life in Kavalon. Anything could happen.
***
Below the sewer grate on Main Street, red eyes glowed from the city lights, but went unnoticed above. A black rat pressed his face flush against the grate. Green foam began to form in the corners of his mouth. His claws wrapped around the rusty bars, which quivered with the hunger they saw in the rodent’s eyes.
He swung back and forth, and watched the horse gallop furiously past.
“Maximojo and his accomplices are heading toward their fate,” the rat sneered knowing a deliciously despicable demise awaited them.
He whipped out a spyscreen from behind an ear, wiped it with his elbow and shook it. His eyes widened as an image appeared on the display. The rat grinned, baring a few chipped teeth, and fiddled with the spyscreen until the picture came into focus. “They look a little shaken up from the ride, except for that cat,” he said. “What is she wearing?” The rat’s face contorted. “I knew it all along – she’s from out of town.” He turned the spyscreen off.
“This will be their last adventure, cut short,” he said to the others in his gang, who huddled against the sewer walls below the grate. “Only one world exists and will ever exist – mine – deep below the city lights where darkness rules.” His eyes burned, and he smacked his lips. “I can smell victory on the tip of my nose.”
The rat, known as Rutty, was the leader of the gang that lived beneath the city streets. He jumped onto a ledge that jutted out in the tunnel of the ancient sewer system.
“They entered our trap,” he said. “Imagine. The wondrous ones defeated by a measly rat. Well, not really measly. Not measly in the least!” He struck a pose, turned sideways, bent an arm and flexed a muscle. “Smart. Strong. Handsome. Yes. Very handsome! City rodents find me irresistible,” he said, slicking his hair away from his eyes, priming his ears and stretching his tail to a fine point. “But definitely not measly” he winked.
“Like I told you, my scheme will make their disappearance seem like a random mishap, one that will shake the planet out of orbit to collapse into oblivion. Or so it would appear,” he said, lifting his chin. “I have it all planned out with my gem dealer. I will rule up on land with my gang guarding the mines, below.”
The gang members below him murmured in agreement.
Rutty puffed out his chest and caught his reflection in a murky puddle. “Yes! Truly a distinguished Ruler,” he said, “and when their mission fails, Maximojo will be held accountable. He will have no alternative than to surrender his collar to me, and his storybook adventures will be over – never to be read again. That’s if he is ever found. Ratisico! Never! It will be an easy victory.” He waved his spyscreen. “As for Glitta, that sparkling stick, I have something extra in store for her. And I am sure that wand knows how to light the mines, dimly, the way I like it!”
“Did you see how radiant she is?” said one of the gang, a skunklen named Smelka, shivering beside a pile of sludge in a corner of the tunnel. She squinted, remembering its brightness. “I am sure she will learn fast – or else she will be in trouble!”
Rutty raised a fist. “First I will have to find a way to catch her. Meowlen is an interesting cat. Don’t you agree?” He whipped his tail and cracked it, then tucked it in his belt.
“She’ll eventually learn also,” Rutty said, “like all of you have, and I’ll be sure to teach that chameleon about dress codes in the mines. I can put the wand and the cat to good use, too, watching over the slaves.”
A lizzardo wiggled out of his hiding place, slowly lifted up a sticky foot and slapped it down. “Hey, Rutty. I am the top taskmaster in the mines below,” he said. His voice carried over the horn anchored on his flat head. “I’m the one who makes sure the slaves fill the carts with gems right to the top. What’s all the talk about others joining us?” He had watched angrily as the rodeo fled through the streets. “Having one of those join the gang … not when I’m at the guard post. We’ll be rid of all of them just like you said … all of them … the despicable demise routine.”
“Simmer it, Letcho!” Rutty snapped.
Smelka came out of the corner with her tail between her legs, with Scrapsie Scopiola clipped onto her ear. Now that Letcho had finished venting, it was safe to come out, although the stream of the fumes he had released had seeped through the grates and had begun to draw attention from the local
s.
“Get moving!” Rutty said, scurrying into the lead. “We’re right behind the horse!” They sped up by skimming on slime patches along the pipelines that ran beneath the rocky outer layer of the planet. The gang followed the Mojo Team in a parallel beneath street level until they reached an opening in the ground and squeezed out of the split pipe. “It’s clear. Move fast!” He whacked Letcho on his head.
Scrapsie attached himself onto Letcho’s neck. The lizzardo’s scales changed color with each mood. He was built for duty with a plate-like armor and razor teeth. Slivered eyes covered his head to provide for wide-range vision.
Scrapsie was from a line of poisonous scorpiolas who possessed the ultimate jagged stinger. It would paralyze just about any breathing mover Scrapsie chose to zap. He repeatedly threatened Letcho with the stinger, but the lizzardo barely noticed. Scrapsie’s attempted torments would never hurt Letcho through his armor, and Letcho’s suction-cup feet would terrorize Scrapsie if the scorpiola ever got sucked into them. It infuriated Scrapsie that he couldn’t have his way with the lizzardo, but he never gave up trying.
Maximojo and the Wand of Light Page 4