Chapter 5: Storm is Coming
Part 1: Months had passed since the defeat of Anq’coraj, and Wüden were beginning to become restless for some action. Daddy Cat’s Space Camaro had seen better days, but even with all repairs he made to the Warwagon, it still wasn’t able to break the atmosphere and return him to his satellite, which was still in orbit above the Earth. The Space Cat wasn’t the only one itching to get moving, Dingo still needed to save his child who was taken when Anq'coraj appeared, but the defeat of the Old God did nothing, and sitting around at The Hollow Log wasn’t putting him any closer finding them. The sun rose on the chilly November morning, the first frost of the year had lain a layer of white crystals on the fallen leaves littering the forest floor; Dingo addressed the group as they were gathering around the morning campfire, groggily rubbing the sleep from their eyes and munching on leftover rolls from dinner the previous night. “I need to go.” Dingo said, “I have to go alone. I’m wasting time waiting here for something to happen and the WarWagon is still out of commission.” He moved a stone on the ground with his foot. “I received a vision, and I’m going to follow it... to the north. I saw a shadow rising above the mountains, something tells me it may lead me to finding my kid.” Everyone remained silent, with only the crackle of firewood breaking the stillness of the morning. Dingo tightened up his furs, stood and grabbed a bag by his seat. “I’ll see ya, when I see ya.”He left the campfire with everyone stunned and speechless. “What just happened.” Flurpis was the first to speak. “Dingo’s gone solo.” DC responded, he lit his catnip joint and puffed a billow of smoke. “That’s not cash money, fam.” Scufflemöss sighed, everyone turned to the Troll. “Whizzity what?” “Why are you talking like that?” Flurpis questioned. “I’m trying something new, Dingo go somewhere new, Scufflemöss talk something new.” The Troll shrugged. “Is not good look for you, Scuffles.” Zopi remarked. “Pssssh, that’s jive ya turkey!” Scufflemöss waved. Zopi furrowed his brow, “Zopi is not Turkey.” |
Part 2:
The afternoon sun thawed the fresh, frosty air in the forest and Wüden set out to work on helping DC repair the WarWagon. Months ago, a faulty wire set the front end of the vehicle on fire, destroying some of the Space Camaro’s propulsion systems; needed to get DC airborne. The parts he needed were becoming far and few, and being trapped in the forest a great distance from an automotive store made it even more of a challenge. Using what he had on hand, some spare parts in the trunk, random junk he found around the Hollow Log, DC was able to cobble together makeshift pieces to fit his interstellar ride; but would it be enough to fly. “Okay, Flurpis, now tighten that zip tie there... Scuffles, put your finger here and hold.” DC coordinated his helpers. “Zopi, do you see a red light flashing on the dash?” “Yes, but it stop.” Zopi replied. “Good. Okay guys, let’s turn her on a see what she does.” DC signaled everyone to move away from the vehicle and took the driver’s seat. The transmission click-click-clicked and the engine rumbled to life. “We have ignition!” DC cheered, the others applauded their success. “Testing hover systems in 3,2,1...” The Warwagon sputtered and shook, shooting black smoke from under the chassis; then it slowly rose from the forest floor, it’s balding tires tucked beneath the wheel wells. “We have lift off!” Scufflemöss shouted over the ruckus. “Set her down und we can take break.” DC gave a thumbs up and pressed a series of buttons to lower the craft; but instead of it descending, the Warwagon began to fly forward at the group of onlookers. “Abort! Abort!” Flurpis cried sensing something was off. “I can’t! There’s something wrong!” DC shouted, “ I have to do it manually.” He took the wheel and angled it downward while disengaging the wheel locks. “Clear a path! Make a hole, I’m coming down!” DC was able to safely land the vehicle and save the work they had done. “I guess let’s break for today, we can come back tomorrow and run some tests.” DC reassured stepping out of the driver side. “At least we’re able to get airborne. I think we can get outta here by next week.” |
Part 3:
After DC landed the the Warwagon, Wüden took the rest of the day off to enjoy the cool Autumn afternoon in the forest. Zopi returned to his “crows nest” above their camp and played a tune on his acoustic guitar, the soothing sounds wafted down to the trio below like their own afternoon soundtrack. DC and Flurpis pondered on what could have gone wrong during the tests earlier that morning. Flurpis said he heard something rattling in reverse, but that couldn’t possibly make sense. “It sounded like,’aktatar aktatar aktatar’, but it shouldn’t.” Flurpis re-enacted what he heard previously. “Aktatar? You sure you don’t mean, ratatka?” DC puzzled. “That’s what I mean it’s backwards.” Flurpis threw his hands up. “The sound waves were going into the Camaro, not out. Remember...” he pointed at his eyes. “Remember what? That you wear a blindfold to keep shit from leaking out your face holes? I didn’t forget that.” DC said sarcastically. “No, ugh I see the sound waves.” Flurpis groaned, “but yeah... I also have been leaking...” “It’s pretty gross, man.” Scufflemöss added. “Anyway, can we get back to the sound?” Flurpis tried to steer the conversation back to the WarWagon. “If we can find the ‘aktatar’ sound, we could fix the Space Camaro.” “Worth a shot. We’ll test it tomorrow, let’s go scavenge some grub for now. I’m feeling like fish, isn’t there a river nearby?” “I’m down if you make more of those buns from last night.” Scufflemöss licked his lips. “Do not forget Zopi! He would like a fish as well.” The birdman called from his perch above, still strumming his guitar. “I’ll bring you a worm or something, bird!” DC replied from below. Zopi took an acorn and threw it at DC, “oops, the tree thinks you are rude!” “You should listen to him, DC,” Scufflemöss added, “Tree that throw acorn not to be mess with.” DC sighed, “I’m surrounded...” “Hi Surrounded, I’m Flurpis!” A collective groan rang out in the camp. |
Part 4:
The evening came and went on without any eventful happenings at the Hollow Log. Wüden sat quietly by the fire until each of member turned in for the night. The last embers of the campfire burnt out and the camp was cast into darkness, only to be broken by mornings first light, with fresh frost that covered the fallen leaves; a new day began. The band ate a light breakfast of river fish, rolls, and fresh berries; then set to find out what the mysterious “backwards” noise in the WarWagon’s engine was. “Yes, there Zopi hears it too!” Zopi tapped on the top of the exposed engine block. “There is something rattling around beneath here.” DC emerged from the driver side of the Camaro, and came around to where Zopi had pointed. “Under here?” DC reached his paw into the engine and felt around for a moment. “Feels like normal... but wait.” DC’s paw pad grazed something that wasn’t supposed to be there. “Yeah, definitely something in there. Lemme just...” He pushed his arm in deeper and wrapped his paw around a small cylindrical object. “Got it, it seems to be attached by a magnet, I could probably...” *tink* The object came free and DC lifted his arm out, but what he produced made a chill run through his body. “Guys, don’t panic.” DC held the object up, “it’s a thermal detonator.” "What’s a hernial detoner?” Flurpis asked. “THERMAL detonator.” DC emphasized. “It’s a Bomb.” Zopi and Flurpis jumped back in surprise and tried to give the bomb a bit of distance. “Those Space Pigs must have planted it when we had our showdown at the Piggly Wiggly. The magnet was interfering with the gravity compression systems. If I would’ve broken the atmosphere this thing would’ve ve gone off.” “Is it active?” Scufflemöss said from behind a tree. “It’s live, but the pressure sensor hasn’t been tripped yet. We’re safe, and I’ll disarm it. Good news is we got ourselves a free thermal detonator.” “Why do we need bomb? It just blow up.” Zopi questioned. “We don’t NEED it...” DC fiddled with the device until it clicked and beeped, signaling it was deactivated, “but after our last few encounters, we may want it... I doubt we’ve seen the last of those Space Pigs.” |
Part 5:
“Incoming Transmission,” a disembodied computer voice blared, it’s loud report bounced off the foreign steel walls of a small intergalactic cargo transport, idling just outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Incoming Transmission: Location, Planet Surface.” Purposeful footstep returned the computers alert through the haze, and a grey face, illuminated by the blue light of the Nav-screen appeared through the fog. Large, black eyes filled with hatred scanned the computer screen. “Good...” the being smirked, “set course for coordinates 40.7127281 by -74.0060152, N40, W74.” His slender hands moved quickly across the azure screen. “Prepare to disembark.” “Beginning Planet Entry Procedure. Location Locked. Descent commencing.” The computer responded and the ship hummed to life, moving closer to Earth. The being strapped himself into cockpit, and put an oxygen mask over his face. Belts clicked and he settled into his chair, his smirk grew into a grimace. “Finally, after decades of planning... searching, plotting, rotting away in that damn cell on Vorphixis 16; it will all be worth it.” His evil smile faded, an alert flashed red across his face. The space craft lurched and shook violently as it broke through Earth’s atmosphere, flames licked at the hull and it fell prey to to Earth’s gravitational forces. Without warning, the craft jerked to the left and sunlight and oxygenated flames flooded into ship; pieces of the hull peeled away from re-entry G-forces. Smoke billowed from craft, leaving a trail of grey behind it, streaking across the blue sky. “Alert: Cabin Pressure unstable.” The computer blared over the din. “Prepare for Impact with Planet Surface.” The craft went into a barrel roll and plummeted towards the ground below. The being braced himself, eyes never breaking from the screen before him. “I won’t die here, I’ve come too far, crossed galaxies and searched dozens of planets for this chance. I will find you DEE-CEE. I will get my revenge!” He clenched his fists and held tightly to his restraints. “You will know my wrath...” he said through gritted teeth. “Impact In: 3...2...” “All will know the wrath of Cozmik Størm...” “1..." |
Part 6:
“Alright everybody, hold on to your butts.” DC said, paw poised to press the ignition button. “How will holding butts make this process safer?” Zopi asked from the backseat of the WarWagon. “Cat you are dumb.” “Maybe he means like this?” Flurpis put his hands over his face holes. “No no, Zopi is like this. Put hands on butt und that way you break neck und not hands when you eject from car.” Scufflemöss interjected. “Is better to be dead then hand bones broken like Dr. Strange.” “The Hell kinda logic... What?!” DC stared in disbelief, his mouth slightly agape. “How is being dead better than having broken hands?” “Well, with broken hand you could be an avenger und learn cool magicks. That does sound better” The Troll went on, “you know, just do what Flurpis do, Zopi. Then you can be wizard!” “Okay.” Zopi promptly covered his eyes. “Zopi is ready to be Wizard.” “Are we done?” DC scowled. He sighed and pressed the button unceremoniously. “Ignition.” The WarWagon rumbled, shook, and popped, but before too long it rose gracefully from forest floor, higher and higher above the trees; soon Wüden was gazing out above the forest that they had been living in for half a year. “Where to?” DC asked his passengers and lit a fresh Catnip Joint. “Caretaker’s House!” The Troll blurted out. “Is safe there, und there is tree for Zopi, und Garage for WarWagon. Und they usually have food that I take out of their fridge. Oh, und Scufflemöss have tent in backyard. Is real comfort!” “Are you sure they will be okay with a car full of...” DC pointed to Flurpis in the backseat, “Well, that, showing up and eating their food?” “They like Troll apparently, so what’s a few extra holes to feed.” The Troll shrugged. “No offense.” “None taken.” Flurpis said, his hands still over his face holes. “I’m gonna be a wizard.” “Then off to Caretaker’s House we go.” DC tapped on his Nav-screen inputting the address Scufflemöss gave him. “Gütbye Hollow Log. It was nice knowing ya.” Scufflemöss tearfully waved out the window to the forest below; and as the WarWagon began its flight into the afternoon horizon, so did Wüden move forward into a bright unknown future. |
Part 7:
“Geez Scufflemöss, you really need to give me more notice before you bring your friends over.” Caretaker said. Wüden was finally free of the forest and had decided to make Caretaker’s Backyard their new base of operations, unbeknownst to the owner of the property; Caretaker came running outside of her house when she saw the WarWagon arrive; then again, seeing a flying Camaro land in your driveway would surprise just about anyone, and at this point Caretaker was used to seeing weird things happen ever since she and her husband took in the Forest Troll years ago... after hitting him with their car. “Yeas, yeas, sorry Caretaker.” Scufflemöss said, “but this was only safe place Scufflemöss could think of, und there plenty of space for everyone.” “Wait, you want them all to live here?” Caretaker exclaimed. “Well, if it alright... uh Daddy Cat just need a place to fix the WarWagon temporarily, und Zopi never had a home, he only need tree in backyard, he güt, I promise.” The Troll pleaded. “And what about the other guy who is bleeding from his eyes? Does he need a Doctor or something?” She pointed at Flurpis, concerned and horrified. “Oh that Flurpis. He have buttholes for eyes. Is not blood he leak though.” Scufflemöss explained. “Hi. I’m an abomination.” Flurpis said waving in the wrong direction. Caretaker nervously waved back, making a grimace. “What is he leaking?” She whispered to the Troll. “We don’t know.” Scufflemöss replied. “So can we stay?!” “Yeah, I guess.” Caretaker said looking over the group of misfit humanoids. “You remember the rules for when you lived in the garage?” “Yea, no pyrotechnics, no stage diving, same rules as the Exit/In.” Scufflemöss rolled his eyes and sighed. “No loud noise, crazy party, or experiments on creatures that would draw the attention of federal government.” “Yup, you got it.” Caretaker gave Scufflemöss a thumbs up. “So anyone need a blanket or something to eat?” Wüden raised their hands in unison. “You got a toilet I could use?” Flurpis asked. “I gotta drain my face.” DC coughed at Flurpis’s request and shook his head. “Umhmm” Caretaker nodded and left Wüden to return inside the house. |
Part 8:
“Bass und guitar?” “Check.” “Amps?” “Check.” Scufflemöss and Daddy Cat were staying busy in Caretaker’s Garage preparing for their next show on Saturday night at the @springwaterdive in Nashville. “Flurpis’s waste bucket?” “Uhhh... Check...” “Güt, then we are ready for the show.” Scufflemöss checked the last tick-box on his inventory sheet; since returning to Caretaker’s House, the Forest Troll had focused on improving his organizational skills; he wanted to contribute more to the group since all he did was “sing” and fight things with his Rööt. He wanted to prove that he was more than the monster that his hidden appendage made him be. Two times in a year the toothy creature in the Troll’s chest made him kill; not that the victims were lending anything to society, but he still lost control and vowed he would do better in 2020. “Hey guys...” Flurpis shuffled across the garage floor with his hands over his face holes. “I could use that bucket about now.” “What is the matter?” Zopi asked picking up his amp and loading it into the trunk of the WarWagon. “Need more TP for your bunghole?” “I don’t know... I just don’t feel so good all the sudden.” Flurpis winced. “Here, try not spill on the floor.” Scufflemöss passed the filth encrusted bucket to Flurpis. “Bucket, uncheck.” He erased his mark. “I think maybe I should probably sit this next show out...” Flurpis lowered his head nearer to his bucket. “I feel like shit... and for once I’m not trying making a pun.” “Dang... well who’s going to drum at the show?” DC asked. “Don’t worry... I got you covered.” Flurpis gave the guys a thumbs up. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna shit my face.” The band watched in horror as a thick, dark liquid rocketed from Flurpis’s facial sphincters. Then, there was a knock at the door and Caretaker entered carrying a tray with bowls. “Anyone hungry for some soup?” Caretaker said, then she saw Flurpis, “Nope.” She turned and walked back out of the garage, leaving the tray on a shelf by the door as she left. “The show must go on...” DC said, “Scuffles, you might want to get Flurpis more TP, he’s dripping...” |
Part 9:
“So who is going to be drumming for us?” DC asked while placing the Acid Ray that Wüden took from the Space Pig that summer into the trunk of the Warwagon and closed the lid. “Uh Flurpis said he had it covered. Like he going to channel into some guy at the venue und get him to play the set.” Scufflemöss tried to explain. “I honestly don’t understand it either.” “Where does he keep getting these weird powers from though? One day he’s leaking from his holes, the next he is lifting french fries with his mind and tossing them at Zopi.” DC leaned against the Warwagon. “I just don’t get it, man.” “It was delicious snack, Zopi welcomes new french fry overlord.” Zopi said crouched on the floor by Flurpis who was laying on his back with ice packs on his face. “Yeah, fry is güt, but it still strange.” Scufflemöss addressed Flurpis. “Hey, how you lift thing with mind?!” Flurpis’s only response was a short flatulent sound. “Awww he’s sleeping.” Scufflemöss cooed. “How can you tell?” DC craned his head to see, “I can’t see if his holes are open or he’s faking it.” DC questioned. “That was a sleep fart. I know a sleep fart when I hear one.” The Troll reassured. “Ah the life’s little mysteries.” Zopi added. Flurpis flatulated, again. “We should get going to the venue before he starts erupting or something.” DC jingled his keys and got in the driver seat of the Warwagon. “Doors are at 8, right?” “Yeah, und there’s no cover.” Scufflemöss added. “Don’t forget to bring that Acid Ray when we get there. We might need it.” DC reminded the Troll. “Yeah, okay.” Scufflemöss said while getting in the vehicle. Zopi rocked himself to a standing position, “Alright Flurpis, Imma head out. If you find more fries let Zopi know.” Flurpis flatulated. Zopi got in the Warwagon with the others; DC started up the engine and they rolled off to their first show of the year. ______ Meanwhile in Downtown Nashville, Cozmik Størm was lurking in the shadows, just out of sight of the prying eyes of Woo Girls on Pedal Taverns and tourists who were walking off their post New Year hangover. He could almost taste it, his revenge would be sweet. |