Chaotic:Ch2:Meet the creatures

   It was cool in the thrown room. Chaor looked at Takinom and sighed. She didn’t look cold. How was it he was the only one feeling any chill?
   The nine foot tall beast stood up and stepped down from his seat. “I’m going for a walk.” He said as Takinom went to question. Instead she nodded as went back to looking out the window. Chaor walked out of the room and went down the halls. Chills still ran through his spine as he exited the castle. A walk through the city might warm him up.


   Kaz looked around to see if he could find Penny. Apparently she had a different version of the city than he did. “I guess I should have asked her to meet me at the center of the city…” He said aloud to himself as he walked past the statue of the ruler of the Underworld. Kaz smiled as he watched H’earring walk across the open space. He had a bag with him, most likely food of some sorts. Kaz ran up towards him.
   “Hey H’earring.” He said. The little green creature turned around and grinned from ear to ear.

   “Kaz! Long time no see.” He said in a squeaky voice. Something which could annoy even the most patient of creatures.

   “Yea, no kidding.” Kaz said as H’earring tossed the bag to the ground. “Hey, have you seen any new payers wandering around here?” Kaz asked as he looked up and down the streets.

   H’earring smiled and nodded. “Yea, but he got chased off by Dardemus.” H’earring giggled and picked back up his bag. “Sorry Kaz, I have to go. Chaor has sent me on a mission.” Kaz sighed.

   “When will you be back? ‘Cuz I want you to meet the new player, once I find her…” Kaz looked around again in hopes to have Penny cross his line of sight. No such luck.

   H’earring giggled again. “Oh, a girl?” He grinned again. Kaz frowned at H’earrings obvious attempt to be funny.

   “Ha, ha.” Kaz said. “I mean it H’earring, I gotta find her, and you have to be back soon, I promised her she could meet you.” H’earrings giant ears perked up.

   “She wants to meet me? Gee, I would have thought Chaor would have been the first one you brought her to.” H’earring giggled again as his eyes sparkled. “I should be back by high noon.” He said as he pulled the bag over his shoulder again. “I’ll meet you here.” He said, his grin seeming to grow even more.

   “Yea, fine, we’ll meet you here. It might take all morning to find her anyways…” Kaz slouched as he tried again to spot Penny. “Well, see yea.” Kaz said as he started to walk down another street. H’earring waved happily as he too turned to leave.

   “Bye Kaz!” He shouted. Kaz grumbled as he pulled out his scanner. He hoped he could remember Penny’s username.
Kaz searched through his contacts until he found Sarah’s and pressed it to talk.

   Sarah showed up in the screen and frowned. “Hey Kaz, what’s up?” she asked as he took in a deep breath.

   “Well, you see, we have different location scans of the same place, so, could you please tell me her username so I can contact her and ask where she is…?” Kaz held his breath and shut his eyes as he waited. Sarah sighed.

   “Yea sure, but you better take good care of her Kaz!” Sarah shouted as Tom and Peyton’s faces showed up in the background behind Sarah. “Her username is ChaoticMutant. Both have a capital at the beginning.” Sarah said as Tom and Peyton disappeared again. They were no doubtingly adding Penny to their contact list.

   “Thanks Sarah got to go.” Kaz ended the conversation and searched up Penny’s contact. He pressed for talk and hoped she knew how to answer. It should be easy enough. His screen flashed and he knew she had answered. Penny’s face showed in the screen area and she looked at his curiously.

   “Where’d you go?” she demanded as her rage finally kicked in. “I’m like, lost here!” She shouted. Kaz cringed at the sudden noise.

   “Uh… I guess we have a different location code of the same place… it happens.” Kaz said while rubbing his neck. Sweat started to drip down his forehead. “But, I’m good wit finding you. Just tell me where you are.”

   Penny’s cheeks started to redden even more. “Where am I, huh? Well, gee, I don’t know, maybe try, somewhere in the Underworld City!” She shouted. “But then again, who knows!” She looked up away from her scanner for a moment then back down. “And no, I’m not going to stay put, I’ll try and find you.” She didn’t pry her eyes away from her scanner.

   “Well, I recognize the buildings that are behind you, I can find you much faster.” Kaz said. He looked up to his left and then right. “But first I have to figure out what way is what…” He said looking at the statue of the leader. “Oh, yea. Ha, central. That’s where I am. I’ll be to you in no time.” He said looking back at Penny’s image.

   “Well, you better or, AHH!” Kaz’s screen went blank and his eyes nearly popped out of his head with horror. What happened?

   “I’m coming Penny!” Kaz shouted as he sprinted in the direction the building were he had seen Penny pass. “Oh, it better not be anything serious!” He mumbled to himself.

   Penny looked up from the ground to find her scanner. It had gone quit a distance from where she had landed when she tripped. She crawled over to it and picked it up. Not a scratch. “Wow, these things are tough…” She said under her breath as she dusted it off.
   She stood up and did the same to herself as she went over her outfit. It didn’t matter really if her jeans were torn, but it was getting close to cold out in this place, she could feel a chill coming, and she had absolutely no clue how long Kaz was going to keep her here, so she had to make today’s outfit last.
   She suddenly felt a sensation ripple through her spin. She was being watched by someone, and it wasn’t small. She slowly turned around, lifting her hand defensively incase she needed to fight off whatever it was that stood so close to her. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a shadow that loomed overtop of her own, smothering it out completely, other than the feet, her feet and legs here still seeable in the shadow image. This creature was big.
   A low rumbling grow escaped the creature behind Penny as she brought the body of the creature into view. It was really big, could have been ten feet tall, or more, and it was red, a fire truck red, with a tail like a dinosaur, and horns so blue frostbite looked black and white. And its eyes, they were the purest blue she had ever seen, with white pupils that almost blended in with the rest of the blue. But anger filled them evermore with every passing second she stood without words.
Stumbling to find the best sentence to ease the fiery monster Penny dropped her hands in a manner of defeat. All she could say was,
   “You’re Chaor…” Her words came out in a hushed whoosh, barely more than a whisper. The red giant seemed to approve of this though. It relaxed and smiled. She could tell he was still trying to scare her, it wasn’t working… at least not to the heights he wanted.

   “Yes, and who are you?” Chaor demanded as his tail whipped towards his front. Penny backed a step backwards and whimpered. This was too cool.

   “My name is Penny.” She said with a slight bow towards Chaor. Her back hardly bent but her head lowered far enough for her chin to almost touch her chest. It seemed acceptable.

   Just as she was about to say something else Kaz ran into her. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tight. “I’m so glad I found you!” He said as he started to let go. Penny pushed him hard and he fell on the ground. Kaz looked up startled as Penny took three giant steps back. Her eyes seemed to glow as she gritted her teeth. “Oh, sorry.” Kaz said standing up. He tensed as Penny put her hands back down to her sides.

   “No, don’t be.” She said as she drew in a deep breath. Her eyes closed and she exhaled. “I should have told you…” Her eyes opened and they were a calm candy green once more. “It’s my fault, not yours.” She smiled unsurely. Kaz looked around and his eyes widened. He thought for sure his eyes were going to fall out soon.

   “Chaor…?” He said, he staggered over towards Penny. Chaor chuckled as he watched Kaz stumble at his feet. “Penny, this is Chaor…” Kaz seemed unsure of himself now. What was happening?

   “We’ve already met.” Chaor said as his smile widened. Kaz looked to Penny.

   “What?” Penny asked as she saw Kaz staring at her. “Just because I’m new, does not mean I can’t handle meeting my hero.” She folded her arm across her chest and narrowed her eyes. Kaz’s mouth gaped open and he looked to Chaor who held his head high.

   “Hero?” Chaor asked looking at Penny.

   Penny looked up to him and smiled. “Yea. Why, you don’t like people idolizing you?” She asked pulling out her scanner. “How do you go back Kaz?” she asked handing her scanner to him. Kaz’s mouth opened even farther.

   “Back? What do you mean back?! We just got here!” He said pushing Penny’s scanner back towards her, more carefully so he didn’t touch her hands, just the scanner.” You have to meet H’earring! He’ll be back around noon!”  Penny looked at her scanner in frustration.

   “Well…?” She said looking at Chaor. “What would you do?” she asked.

   Chaor raised his eyebrows and laughed. “I would probably have blasted his head off if I was in your position.” He chuckled again and crossed his arms, mimicking Penny.
   Kaz jumped up and down three times in spot and waved his hands.

   “No, no, no! Please no ideas!” He begged, bringing the idea to walk a good distance away from Penny. “No, I promise, no more losing you. We’ll go see the others back in the castle.” Kaz said pointing his hand in the direction of the giant building. “See? There are a lot of cool things to see there.” He grinned as sweat started falling down his face. Chaor chuckled again and moved in Penny’s direction.

   “You both are welcome there today. It’s a slow day, nothing much to do. Even Von Bloot isn’t trying anything.” Chaor motioned his hand towards the castle. Kaz stood still and held his breath. Could this get any weirder?

   “Well, ok…” Penny said tugging Kaz’s vest lightly. “Are you coming?” She said pulling her hand back and putting it in her pocket. “You said no more losing me…” She smiled as Kaz snapped back to reality.

   “Uh, yea. Yea, I’m coming. Hehe” He pulled out his scanner and looked it over. “I need to get a scan of Takinom too, so yea. Let’s go.” He smiled as Chaor looked at him.

   “She might not let you today Kazzy.” Chaor said. Penny blushed as she heard Chaors pet name for Kaz.

   “Oh…” Kaz said as he put his scanner back. “Ok, well, yea, that’s up to her then I guess.” He smiled at Chaor and looked to Penny. “Hey, I still have to show you how to scan creatures.” Penny looked at Chaor and at her scanner then to Kaz in confusion. “H’earring will let you. No doubting that.” Kaz said walking a few feet past Penny in the direction of the castle. Penny giggled as she watched Chaor shake his head.

   “Why not Chaor?” Penny asked looking at Kaz. Kaz turned around and frowned.

   “Chaor isn’t big on letting just anybody scan him.” Kaz said. Penny imitated Kaz’s face making a frown.

   “Well, we won’t know about me until we ask,.” She said turning to Chaor. The little time she had just spent watching Kaz and Chaor gave her a pretty good idea about how Chaor would react to her. He didn’t seem to the type to bite off your head at a simple innocent question.
   “Chaor, may I please scan you?” She asked. Kaz started walking back towards Penny.

   Chaor smiled and nodded. “That is if Kaz can manage to show you how, of course, or he might think you’re not ready.” Chaor smirked at Kaz playfully as Kaz made a sarcastic laughing sound.

   “Very funny, Chaor.” He said with a role of his eyes. “OK then, here we go.” Kaz stood close to Penny’s side and pointed his finger at the buttons she was to press. He knew better than to take without asking, especially after what he had just experienced.
   Penny followed Kaz’s instructions and then pointed the scanning part of the scanner at Chaor. He smiled and she knew it was a ‘go-ahead’ sign. She pressed the button Kaz had pointed out and watched as a blue and white stream of light coned out in a flat line and run up and down Chaor’s body. Penny blushed a little bringing into her mind something her friend Frogz would have said. It wasn’t something to bring up, not here, nor till the age of eighteen if at all.
   Chaor started walking in the direction Kaz had been trying to move once the blue and white beam fell off him. He grinned widely once his front was out of the two humans view. He took a deep breath and called out for them to follow, or go do something else.
   Kaz looked up at Chaor as he called out over his shoulder. Gently he nudged Penny in the arm and nodded his head towards the building again. Penny nodded in return as she looked at her scanner again. The image of Chaor was the same as the card she had back at the warehouse tucked inside of the pillow-case by the computer stand. The stats on this image were different, but that was to be expected. She had many doubles of creatures and had found that most of them, if any at all, matched one hundred percent.
   She walked close to Kaz as they followed Chaor. They had to jog every now and then to keep up, but it wasn’t so bad. Their destination seemed to come closer with every passing breath.

   “Kaz?” Penny said as she watched more creatures walk past with bows to Chaor and waves or grunts towards Kaz.
   Kaz looked at Penny after he waved to another creature that was carrying a box in one arm.

   “Yea?” He said as they jogged a few more feet closer towards Chaor, only falling back more and more when they came to a walk again.

   “What would happen if you never when home? Ported back I mean, to Earth?” Kaz looked upwards to the rocky ceiling of the Underworld. That was a good question, but he didn’t know the answer.

   “I don’t know. I guess you would have to ask a Code Master if you ever get to challenge one, or get challenged by one.” Kaz smiled and Penny skipped a step, almost falling, but regaining her balance. Kaz’s face palled and he looked away, hoping he wouldn’t get in to much trouble for not catching her. Penny looked at him and smiled again.

   “It’s alright.” She said. “I catch myself all the time.” She blushed. “Sorry again for freaking like that…” She looked at her feet and watched where she stepped. “I’m just not used to people being around me…” She looked back up and her green eye that wasn’t hidden behind red spiked bangs glistened like she was about to cry.

   “Oh…” Kaz said as he pulled out his scanner. He had received a challenge. “Um, Penny…” He said catching Chaors attention, which of course was honed in on them the whole time. “I’ve got a match coming up in a half hour; will you be alright hanging here just looking around until I get back? By that time H’earring should be back.” Penny looked up as they passed under the giant archway doors.

   “I guess so, as long as I know where I am, it should be fine…” She said eyeing Kaz cautiously. “How long?” She asked.

   Kaz rubbed his neck and sighed. “Could be an hour to two. It depends on the skill of the players in the match.” He said as he pulled his scanner out farther in front of them. “I’m going to get a scan of this place, how about you?” He said, remembering that he promised H’earring that Penny would scan him. “Wait!” He said, stopping. “You have to come with me, your scanner, and all scanners, can only hold one type of each scan. Like a creature scan, only one will be held, and only one battle-gear scan will be held. It won’t let you scan more than one at a time.” Kaz rubbed her temples. “Sorry, I almost forgot about that.”
   Chaor chuckled as he continued on his way to the throne room. It seemed he would not have the two humans company for much longer. “Well, we better get going back to Chaotic. I’ll show you how to upload your scans, and then you can hang with the others and watch me battle!” Kaz’s eyes lit up.
   Penny giggled and watched Chaor’s tail disappear around the corner up ahead.

   “Well, OK, but I want a scan of the throne room though.” She said as she started to jog forward more, to gain sight of the fire red creature. “Then we’ll go. How much farther?” She asked looking back as the flame head boy, who too had started to jog forwards.

   “Just through there.” He said as Penny vanished behind the corner. Kaz caught up and watched as Penny started to pull her scanner from the pouch on the side of her pants. “Wait.” Kaz said. “I’m going to scan Takinom first, as I do that you can come over and scan from there. It’s a better shot if you scan closer to the throne.” Penny smiled in appreciation and nodded.
   Kaz walked over to Takinom and looked at Chaor quickly, and then to Penny who followed behind slowly, and very cautiously.

   “May I scan the Throne room?” She asked looking back and for the between the three creatures. She recognized two of them; the other was a mystery to her still.
Chaor nodded with a slight smile. He seemed less lose now that he was in here. She held up her scanner and pressed the button. Blue and white light danced throughout the room as it collected data. The screen showed up the Thrown room’s code and picture and Penny smiled. “Thank you.” She said waiting for Kaz.

   “Uh… hey, Takinom.” Kaz started to say. The red and tan winged creature looked at Kaz, her expression softening only a little when she let her eyes glance at Chaor for a split second. He was watching them. “Would it be alright if I got a scan of you?” Kaz asked holding up his scanner by his face. “I have a match coming up, and I was hoping to have a new scan-“
   Takinom raised her hand and shook her head.

   “Not today, Kaz.” She said crossing her arms.
Kaz sighed and drooped his arms, nearly letting his scanner fall to the ground.

   “OK, well, some other time then.” Kaz said hoping it wasn’t just a question. Takinom nodded her head and gave a weak smile. She didn’t look too well today. Her normally dark skin had lightened.
   Kaz turned towards Agitos and smiled. “How about you?” He asked walking a few meters towards the blue serpent like creature.
   Agitos smiled and nodded. “Very well. It does seem like it’s been a while since someone has asked me for a scan.” He chuckled and Penny looked at him. His mood didn’t fit what he was… she didn’t feel right.

   “Kaz, your match?” She said holding her scanner close to herself so no one could grab it easily. Her thumb hovered over the button to go home. She knew how to do that at least.
   Kaz looked back to Penny as he scanned Agitos. Penny’s face had fallen into shadow as she looked at them, her unhidden eye gleaming. “We should go now…” she said as she watched Agitos’ own eyes shimmer with an unknown rage.
   Chaor caught the act just in time. Agitos struck at Kaz with his clawed reptilian like hands, nearly slicing Kaz’s glasses off his face, along with his nose. Chaor threw Agitos across the room and incapacitated him with a Web Snare. Takinom’s eyes widened in horror and she quickly jumped down the few stairs and pushed Kaz and Penny behind her, her gargoyle like wings spreading out, trying to block the view..

   “Get out of here you two!” she shouted. Chaor yelled at Agitos to stop struggling as he pressed his foot down on Agitos’ side.
   Agitos didn’t stop moving… his eyes widened… Kaz stopped breathing for a moment, watching and waiting… Penny gasped and watched Chaor pull out something from a pouch he was wearing… a ghostly figure rose into the air with the trinket looking object… Takinom’s hand pushed them farther back… Kaz grabbed Penny’s hand and pushed her scanner back into it… they ignited in white and blue swirling light… they were back at Chaotic in time for Kaz’s match…


   Penny watched the battle rage as she sat in silence between Sarah and Peyton. Tom stood with a solemn look on his face, questions and concern plastered all over in red marker. He watched the battle intensely and waited for anything. What he was looking for only Penny would guess.

   ‘Do not hurt these friends girl. If you have any sence you would just get up and leave! Look what’s been happening so far! I bet none of this bad crap happens when you aren’t thee!’ Penny closed her eyes tight and held her breath. Her thoughts and emotions tangled inside her head. Normally she could control each and every aspect of her own mind, but that was when she was alone, when all she had to do was look out for her self.
   ‘Get up. Go home. Don’t look back. Never again deal with strangers who open so freely to sad little girls who don’t even know what to do with themselves!’ Penny tightened her eyes and started biting her cheek.
   Peyton looked at Penny and frowned. Kaz had only briefly told them what had happened and he knew Penny wouldn’t feel like talking.

   ‘Poor thing, she must feel terrified! Her first trip to Perim and the creatures start acting weird and attacking each other… wow…’ Peyton sighed and nudged Penny in the side.
   “Hey, are you feeling alright?” He asked pushing an unopened can of Sprite towards her. She took it and nodded her head up and down slowly.

   “Is what happened normal?” She asked opening the can as she looked up to the screens showing the battle.

   Peyton looked up to the screens too and took in a deep breath.
   “You see, creatures normally attack each other… that’s why they are in different Tribes, they can’t get along.” Penny narrowed her eyes like she was about to throw a temper tantrum.

   “They were the same tribe though…” She said taking a sip of the pop, trying to calm her anger before she hit him. The bubbles from the soda crackled and bit at her tongue, taking her mind slightly off of the subject at hand.

   Peyton fiddled with his thumbs and stared at a half eaten piece of pizza. He had no explanation as to why Agitos, Chaor’s adviser, would have attacked friends of the Underworld leaders, especially in front of him and Takinom.
He drooped his head down and looked at the shadowed floor, then back once again to the battle.

   “We can check more of it out later, after Kaz’s match.” Sarah said putting her slice of pizza down onto a napkin. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation, and Chaor wouldn’t mine, hopefully, explaining it to us.” Penny nodded almost as if in a trance.

   “I’m going back there after Kaz is done his match. Weather he comes with me or not is his decision, but I’m supposed to meet H’earring.” She put the empty pop can down and crossed her arms across her chest. Her eyes gazed up at the screen in concentration. She should have known better, she should have looked ahead of the actions.


   When Kaz came out of the arena defeated and hurt, Penny and the others were waiting for him. Penny had her scanner out held in both hands. Kaz sighed and nodded, he was coming. Kaz pulled out his scanner and went to go with Penny when the victor came out of the drome.

   “Hey Kaz, how about you give me a challenge, like, when your actually able to support your tribe in battle!” The guy said walking away infuriated. “I though I was challenging a pro at this, guess not.” The guy left and both Peyton and Sarah were steaming.

   “It’s ok guys.” Kaz said frowning at the other player that was walking away. “I’ll beat him next time.” Kaz started walking over to the porting docks, followed by Penny. “We’ll be back in a while.” Kaz said.

   “Be careful Kaz.” Tom said, looking to Penny, still unsure about her as a person, but she was still human. “You too.” He said finally as they pressed the top button on their scanners and disappeared.

   Tom, Sarah and Peyton all looked at each other. “We should gather as much information from others about what happened.” Sarah said. “Maybe there’s something that was missed in Agitos’ stats.” Peyton and Tom nodded and pulled out their scanners.

   “First question, which person first?” Tom said looking through his scanners contacts.

   The others looked at their own lists and back to one another. “Maybe we could split up, go from top to bottom of all our lists, and then fan out to others.” Sarah nodded and looked at Tom.

   “Our best bet would also be to go to someone who uses Agitos the most.” She looked around.

   “Yea.” Tom said, looking around too. “Boy, this could take a while.” The three turned and walked off in different directions looking for their friends from their contacts first.

   Krystella stood behind a pillar and smiled widely. “This is interesting…” She said, her smile growing into a smirk. “The Underworld at a weak point, trust being lost making weak links…” She pulled out her own scanner. “Better get Clay; Von Bloot would be very pleased with news like this.” She laughed and walked away still laughing to herself.

~

   Kaz led Penny though a series of back passageways through the castle. He was very skilled at navigating them, but f course, when they got there he did say that he had been through them so much that it was like finding the bathroom at night.
“So, when we get to the throne room, we’ll wait until Chaor is alone, then we’ll go forward.” Kaz said, turning another corner, ducking down low, eyes searching constantly for anyone who might also be in there with them.

   “Does Chaor know about you wandering around in here?” Penny asked, pushing at the wall. It looked as though it could cave in, but it didn’t budge when she pushed it. “Weird place really…” She said speeding up to get her distance behind Kaz again. She didn’t like being to close, but being too far away was defiantly not on her safe list at the moment.
   Kaz shook his head and pushed up a part of the wall to his left. It looked dark underneath, a faint light showing from the other side.

   “Well be able to hide here until we know it’s safe to go out.” Kaz said as Penny looked at the hole in the wall then around, trying to find anything that could be better, even trying to run somewhere form the Throne room entrance. “We will be able to hear everything that goes on in the Throne room.” Kaz crawled in and up to the hiding place. Penny followed and sat beside him, pushing her red spiked bangs a little away from her eyes. Kaz said it could be hours before they could find Chaor alone, and wasn’t there something else they were to do? Penny sighed silently and crossed her legs. Kaz was already playing with his shoe as they waited for anything that could help them.

~

   Krystella and Clay stood at the entrance of Gothos Tower, smiles from ear to ear on both their faces as they walked into the castle.
   “This is going to be one of the best scan scams ever!” Clay exclaimed as he and the brunette girl walked into the main room, a throne almost.
   The two bowed slightly and grinned up at the six foot six blue creature. His wings swayed as he turned back towards the window showing the dark sea behind the castle.

   “What do you two want this time?” He said in and uninterested but agitated voice.

   “We come with some quite interesting news.” Krystella said studying her nails calmly. Clay smiled and waited for a response from the Underworld traitor.

   Two other creatures stepped out of the darkness behind the two humans. The female was blue ad white, her hair hung past her waist to her knees. Her outfit was blue and black with spikes and strings.
   The male was a honey-mustard yellow and his wings were like a gargoyle. He had one eye and a horn on top of his head. They both looked up and over from the humans to their leader.

   “Maybe this time their news would be more valuable other than of Chaor being defeated by Maxxor again.” The blue woman said. She eyed the two humans with no emotion.
   Krystella fumed slightly as she clenched her teeth.

   “Very well, what is it?” Von Bloot asked, turning towards his seat and sitting down, waiting for the story that always had the same ending; the humans would demand something.

   “Well,” Began Clay. Von Bloot sighed and rested his head on his hand, making it appear that he was just bored, when really he was starting to get annoyed. His pleasantry was starting to wear off already. “We heard from Chaors favorite human himself that the Underworld leader and his advisories are having trouble keeping themselves from attacking each other. Apparently Agitos and Chaor had an all out battle in the Throne room, and that both are weakened and that Takinom’s sick!” Clay grinned evilly as he watched Von Bloots reaction. He looked around to see the others faces; bother were in shock.

   “Really…?” Von Bloot got up out of his seat and wandered back over to the window. He seemed barley able to contain his excitement. “Well then, there’s only one thing to do in that case then.” Von Bloot turned back around and narrowed his eyes. “Attack and defeat them!” He started to laugh as a lightning bolt ripped across the sky behind him, as if on cue. Clay and Krystella smirked at each other. “Get the troops ready!” Von Bloot said as his two top worriers chuckled to the plan.
   They both bowed then ran off in their own direction to carry out their masters bidding.
   “And as for you two…” Von Bloot said walking closer to the two humans. “What would you like to scan?” They all started to laugh as sounds of the readying army started to build.

~

   Tom had had nearly enough of hunting for answers. Kaz and Penny must have the answers they need by now; after all, it was noon now.
   Tom Majors sat down at a table and looked up when he felt a presence standing above him. Sarah and Peyton were both there. They looked annoyed and exhausted.
   “Anything?” Tom asked sitting up more. Sarah and Peyton shook their heads. “I’m going to contact Kaz and see what’s up.” Tom said picking up his scanner.

   “Not yet, wait until he calls us. He might be hiding or something; otherwise he would have already called and told us what happened.” Peyton nodded as he slouched down in his seat.

   “Yea bro, Chaor might be keeping this hush hush towards Kaz. And you know what that means; Kaz is waiting for the right words to slip out.” He sat up again and waved over a robot and ordered some fried chicken wings and a pop.
Tom and Sarah both silently agreed and ordered a pop and some fries to share. They knew Peyton was right, but Tom still worried about Kaz being safe.

~

   Penny flipped her bangs for a tenth time and looked over at Kaz. “Can we please do something else for a while? My butt starting to hurt from sitting on the ground.”She shifted from her crossed leg position to sitting up on her knees. She could feel the tension and relaxing of her knee muscles getting used to the new position.

   “We’ll leave in a few more minutes, I’m still waiting for Chaor.” Kaz said peeking over the edge of their hiding spot. No one was in the Throne room, no one had been in there since they had first arrived.

   “Kaz, we have to go.” Penny said, her eyes widening as she looked at her scanner.

   Kaz turned back around and stared at her in annoyance. “Hey, you were the one who first said you wanted to come back, remember?” He said crawling over to her and pointing his finger accusingly.

   “Yea I wanted to come back to find out what was going on, but my main reason that I wanted to take up most of the day was meeting H’earring!” Penny seethed in a hushed whisper. There was no chancing if someone was around to hear them.

   Kaz’s eyes widened and he turned as pale as a ghost. “Oh man, H’earring! He should be there by now!!!” Kaz slapped his face and pulled at his hair. “I can’t miss this, I promised him you were going to met him! I even said that you thought he was a cool creature!” Kaz started crawling towards the hole in the wall.

   “I do think he’s a cool creature! He’s one of my favorite!” Penny said crawling after Kaz. “Where do we go to meet him?” She asked as they stood up in the secret passageway.

   “I told him we would meet him at the statue of Chaor in the center of the city.” Kaz said waving for Penny to follow him quickly. “He’s gunna be so hurt if we miss him!” Kaz zig-zaged through the pathways with Penny hot on his heels, not just for fear of getting lost and running into a big and mean creature, but also so she could figure out where that statue was placed. She hadn’t gotten to see it the first time they ported to the Underworld, but she was going to see it now, she too didn’t want to hurt little H’earring’s feelings.

   When they got there H’earring was already there, he didn’t look too happy, well, no one would if they had to wait without any contact to your friend Penny reasoned.
   H’earring turned around and looked at the two humans walking towards him and he instantly changed his attitudes expression. His eyes lit up and a grin stretched across his face, literally going from ear to ear. He pushed a bag closer to the statue and waved. His grin only seemed to get wider as they walked closer to him.
   “Hey Kaz!” H’earring rang out almost in a sing song way. Penny thought he must have been really happy to see Kaz.

   “Hey H’earring, So sorry were late! Something MAJOR happened in the Throne room!” Kaz said waving his hands around. “And I mean MAJOR!!!” Kaz looked down at H’earring who just crossed his arms.

   “Really? What happened?” He asked quickly glancing at Penny. Her cheeks burned and she stepped closer to Kaz. She knew H’earring was waiting for an introduction.

   “Well… let’s just say it’s best if you stay away from Agitos for a while…” Kaz said rubbing the back of his neck.
   H’earring shrugged and walked back over to his bag.

   “I brought you something.” He said as he rummaged through the brown bag. Kaz turned his head slightly sideways. He started to grin then looked behind him to Penny, his smile faded. It wasn’t right to receive a gift when you were about to introduce someone.

   “Hey H’earring, this is Penny. She’s the girl I was telling you about earlier this morning. H’earring turned around with two packages in his hands. He smiled and nodded. “And Penny, this is obviously H’earring… sorry about the slow intro.” Kaz rubbed his arm as H’earring passed him one of the packages.
   “Thanks H’earring.” He said watching the three foot eight creature walk past him towards Penny. He stopped and outstretched his hand.

   “Hi.” He said. Penny shook his hand in turn as her checks turned red. He held up the second package towards her. Both Penny and Kaz tilted their heads in confusion.
   “Welcome to Perim.” He said placing the small package in Penny’s non-functioning hands.

   “Uh… th- thanks, H’earring.” She said looking down at the moss green wrapping paper.
   H’earring smiled and walked back towards his bag in front of them.

   “Well, are you going to open them?” He asked stepping back.
Penny and Kaz looked at each other then smiled.

   “Sure thing,” Kaz said as he started to tare off the packaging. Penny followed as Kaz did and unwrapped hers, being more careful to save the wrappings. They both looked at the small object in their hands as their eyes sparkled. Kaz’s expression lit up as he held the unwrapped present in his arms. Both presents were the same, a small grey tube like cylinder that narrowed at one end. It almost liked like a giant pen, easy to grip, but very awkward to write with if it was a pen. Kaz brought the object closer to his eyes and looked over to H’earring.
   “Thanks H’earring! This is awesome!” Kaz pointed the object and pressed a small button on the side with his thumb.
   A bolt of red and yellow lightning shot out of the end and destroyed a small boulder across the street. All that was left when the smoke cleared was a pile of dust. Penny looked at hers and her mind raced. He was giving them battle gear? Them? But why, why was he doing that? They were only humans! What use could come of by giving a human a weapon? All she has ever seen from her kind, man, with weapons, was destruction and fear. They couldn’t be a part of the Tribe wars now!

   “H’earring, thank you very much, but, if I may ask, why?” Penny felt her face flush as both boys looked at her. H’earring smiled and shrugged.

   “Well, a while ago, I tried to give one of these to Kaz, but he took off before I got the chance to show it to him.” Kaz shrunk a little and mumbled an apology about ignoring H’earring. “I thought that today would be a good time to give him it. I used on one a mission earlier today and I just remembered.” He picked up his bag again. “And, to make it fair, since I was meeting you, I brought and extra one. Didn’t want to be rude.” H’earring smiled as he watched Penny’s face soften.

   “Thank you.” She said again as adoration for H’earring filler her. It was almost hard to hide it; she didn’t want H’earring thinking she thought of him as a softy. He looked like a giant teddy bear to her up close.
   H’earring walked over to Kaz and tugged at his vest.

   “Why don’t you guys come to the tavern? Penny will be able to meet a lot of creatures that way.” He started walking towards the city.
Kaz looked at Penny and smiled. She nodded and they both started to walk after H’earring.

   “So, what do you guys do most the time out here?” Penny asked as they rounded a corner. She felt like a complete goof, but she needed the answers, she didn’t want to be left out on anything fun, and she really didn’t want to get stuck in the middle of something she should never even have tried.
   Kaz kept walking and looked up to the ceiling of the Underworld.

   “Well, for starters, there’s never anything not to do.” He laughed as he pulled his hands out from his pocket. “If scanning creatures gets boring, same thing with the battle gear or locations, there are always creatures like H’earring to hang out with, to wander around and sight see with.”

   “And getting into trouble by others, like Kybon.” H’earring added. Penny chuckled and Kaz’s face went red.

   “Yea, that too…,” He said scratching his arm. H’earring grinned and turned again, Kaz right beside him and Penny running to catch up. “Well, as I was saying, there’s a lot to do. If you get too bored, you could always go on a quest or something to help another creature out, or just to find awesome Mugics.” He pulled out his scanner. “See, this one here? It’s rare; it was the only of its kind.” Penny’s eyes widened.

   “How’d you get a scan of it?” she asked looking closely to its features. It was so pretty looking, all the blues. She wished she had one, it looked real powerful.

   “Well, I’ll tell you later back at Chaotic, I kind of need the help of the others to explain it all to you.” Penny nodded and looked down to her feet. The streets were made from stones and placed roughly just like that of and ancient Greek or Roman city.
   H’earring pushed open a set of doors and walked in, holding it long enough for Kaz to catch. Kaz held the door open for Penny then followed.
   The room they walked into was crowded with creatures. There were so many of them, and Penny almost couldn’t name any of them. She felt ashamed that she couldn’t recognize them, she loved to play chaotic.

   “Wow,” She said while Kaz and H’earring led her towards a smaller table near the wall. “There’s so many. I really have to start playing with more than just my favorite creatures.” She sat down next to Kaz on the edge while the small green creature with large ears and an orange mohawk of sorts sat across from them.
   Kaz smiled and looked around. Some of the creatures were staring at them oddly.

   “Well, now you can get to know them, and here’s your chance to meet a few.” Penny looked behind her and saw two giant creatures walking towards her and the boys. She looked at Kaz with wide eyes and gritted her teeth. Kaz noticed the muscle tighten in her cheeks and he stood up.
   “Hey guys.” He said with a wave. The two creatures smiled and looked down at Penny as she slowly turned around after H’earring nodding telling her it was OK. “This is Penny. She’s new here to Chaotic.” He tugged lightly at Penny’s shirt telling her to stand up. She did so and looked at the two creatures.

   “Hello.” She said with a slight bow of the head. “Pleased to meet you.” She smiled weakly and looked at both of them. She knew one of them; the other’s name seemed to escape her somehow.

   “Penny, this, if you don’t already know, is Kughar and Rothar.” Kaz looked at her and watched her eyes sparkle.

   “Oh yes, of course, how silly of me to have forgotten your name!” She said taking a step closer to the blue haired horse man. “I am so sorry for that.” She folded her hands in front of her chest. “You both are awesome creatures; of course all Underworlder’s plain out rock, but still. I am very pleased to meet you.” Her smile grew and faded in an almost twitch as she looked around the Tavern. Other creatures were now looking at her. Everyone, including Kaz and H’earring had on an expression of utter shock and confusion. “Uh… heh.” She grabbed her shoulder and tightened her grip.
   ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid! You stupid little girl, how could you possibly embarrass yourself even more than this?! Stupid!’ She mentally screamed at herself, sweat starting to form over her brow.
   “So, heh, heh, how is everyone?” Penny grinned and Kaz chuckled under his breath. The two creatures smiled and nodded.

   “So Kaz, how long do you think she would stand up against the others?” Penny looked at Kaz in puzzlement.

   “Uh,” Kaz was caught off guard. “What?” The blue haired creature smiled.

   “She looks tough.” He said looking Penny over. Penny tensed and let her fists ball up. Was he looking for a fight or something?

   “Yea,” Kughar added. “She looks just about tough enough to do what you do.” Kaz tilted his head in confusion. Even H’earring couldn’t understand what they were talking about.
   The two creatures looked at each other than back towards Penny, Kaz and H’earring. They both laughed catching the attention once more of the others in the Tavern.

   “What we are talking about Kaz, is we think she’s already got the mental power to go on missions like you do.” Kaz’s expression changed from confusion to understanding, but not the kind a good friend has towards his best friends final and determined decision.
   Kughar nodded and smiled.

   “Hey Kaz, how about you take her on one now.” Kaz frowned.

   “No way! This is only her second day in Chaotic, and her first in Perim! I’m not going to risk her life!” Penny looked at Kaz almost in horror.

   “What do you mean Kaz? What will happen if I die here?” She looked around at the others. “Well?!” She tightened her fists even more. “I’ll prove just how tough I can be if you guys don’t start some ‘splaining!” Her checks flushed for two reasons; one, she was angry, and two, she was embarrassed at how she could have possibly managed to end up saying ‘splaining instead of explaining.
   Kaz shuffled his feet and looked at the ground.

   “Well, if you die here, in Perim, it’s completely different than if you die in a battle back at Chaotic. Here, you don’t come back with a flash of blue light. Here, you don’t come back at all, ever.” Penny looked straight ahead at Kaz to the wall behind him. If she died there in Perim, she never got to come back, which means she’d never ever be able to have another memory like this; she would lose her new friends.
   Penny grabbed her stomach and sat down on the bench. Other creatures had completely stopped what they were doing and were now staring at her, full attention. Some had a look of amusement, making fun of her own expression, making fun of her fears that they had no understanding of. Others, they had an expression of worry, of almost disgusted at the laws provided, no way of revival at all like their Mugics.
   Kaz placed a hand gently over Penny’s shoulder.

   “Don’t worry, that’s why I’m not going to let you come on any missions yet. You aren’t ready.” She looked at him then at the others around her. Should she back down from a request from the creatures, her favorite tribe? Or should she be a safe little child and stay hidden behind more experienced people the rest of her life. No, this would not do.

   “No, I’ll go on any mission, no matter the dangers.” She looked at Kaz who went to object. “Don’t even.” She said jerking her shoulder out of Kaz’s light grasp. “If I wait, not matter how long to go on a mission here, I’ll always still be behind you. If I start now, I’ll have a fighting chance at being better, being as skilled as you, or at least close.” No one moved, only the mouths of certain creatures twitched up into smiles and grins. This kid had guts, but how much would only be shown after a mission, after she either succeeded, or had her guts spilled out all over the dirt ground.
   Penny looked at Rothar and Kughar. “What is it you wish for me to do?” They smiled and Kaz almost stepped back. What had he gotten her into?