THE JOURNEY OF THE JELLS

Chapter 3: A Side-Quest

Minion wrapped himself up in a blanket and snuck towards Zimbos tent. He had some questions to ask. It was dead of night, and the group was asleep. The Omega opened the tent flap for him , and Minion crawled in. Where did you come from? was the first question. My family was once many, and we travelled near and far, stretching from Torble Sea to the snowy mountains, battling many times. Then came Burner, and we somehow accidently got right in his secret hideout, he got mad and killed us all, burning us. However, we were metal, so we could not die from fire. So we pretended to be dead. He left us alone. Four of us escaped before we were found. Maybe I over-answered your question? Minion laughed. Then he grew serious as he found what he had missed. You said four. Who was the other one? Zimbo looked nervous. It is hard for me to tell anyone this, but since we are comrades now, I guess I will tell you the tragic story. He was an Automaton named Otto. He was good, and one day he went in to steal some food for us (like we always do) from a food supply for some kind of war. Otto went in the same time Burner did. They met again and fought face to face, and Burner got him to be a general. Third Troop. Minion took a deep breath. Third Troop was only two away from Burners troop. They had a really tough battle with the lamest squad in the worst troop a while ago. He SO did not want to meet Third Troop. He nodded and went to bed in his own tent.

The next morning they went north, like they had been doing. But they came to a gate with Durahans along the walls. A HUGE Durahan stepped forward. Do you want to pass here? it asked. Yes, of course, Minion replied, for he was the new captain of this group. Baxter was looking at a Garuda that just didnt seem right. It was too- well, evil looking. Show me your permit then, the Durahan said. What the hell are you talking about? Minion asked angrily. You have to get a permit. To get one, go to the Golem Village in ParePare and ask for a guide to the Dark Temple. In the heart of the Dark Temple, there are many permits. Grab one and you can pass. If you are against Burner, you will have a 25 percent chance of getting out alive, if you use your wits and power. If you are with Burner, you have a 2 percent chance of getting out. That will prove if you are worthy of passing this place. We shall honer and respect you if you come back with a permit, and even send two of our people to go with you, the Durahan said, not even taking a breath. It cant be too hard, Scaler said hopefully. I sure hope so, Gengen replied. Well, lets go then, Minion said gruffly. Maybe we will meet new allies. And so they went deep into the ParePare jungle, traveling for seven days and seven nights. Suddenly, Gengen scooped up a pot. What is this? he asked his friends. I cant open it. Maybe we should break it and see whats inside. Hanger snapped to attention. NO WAY! he shouted, running up and grabbing the pot. This is a Magic Pot. It temps you to break it to see what is inside. When you do, you are cursed by a Bajarl. You blow everyone within a mile to smithereens! I know because it goes after travellers, and my family were travellers. It killed my second cousin! The more the brave Henger looked at the pot, the more he hated it. Oh, he hated it. He wanted to break it. His fingers trembling with rage, he raised his arms and threw it on the ground. But Baxter was young and quick, and he stretched out his body just in time to have the pot bounce harmlessly off his elastic-like body. Now, he said, placing the pot against a tree. Now we leave. And nobody look at the pot! So they left, and traveled a couple more days, lost, hoping to see someone to ask to find Golem Village. Then they saw an injured CrabSaurian. Its left leg was chewed completely off, and it was crawling, leg in hand, trying to get somewhere. Gengen rushed toward its side. Hanger and Zimbo held him back though. Then the CrabSaurian noticed the group. Help me, it cried. Help me get to Golem Village. They have great doctors there that can mend my leg. We will help you get there, if you tell us where Golem Village is, Minion said. Of course! Of course I will. By the way, my name is Crabbe. What are your names? Crabbe asked politely. Minion introduced the gang. Deed was asking Crabbe so many questions, Minion thought Crabbe was going to die. But Crabbe seemed to like this annoying little Mono Eyed. Scaler was satisfied. Minion didnt know how on earth he could like Deed when he was asking him questions like: If the surgery doesnt work, can I eat your leg? Can I? Can I? Huh? Can I? Finally, they got to Golem Village. First they took Crabbe to the hospital, where they bid him a friendly farewell. Then they went to the restaurant and paid for the most expensive food so they could quench their hunger. Next, they went to the Inn and slept for a couple days, so when they woke up, the owner was very mad, they had only bought one nights worth of sleep. The group had to pay him extra, they didnt dare fight with a fully grown Golem. Then they went their seperate ways along town, shopping for supplies and armor. Baxter and Gengen went to the candy shop, shopping for treats for the journey, Hanger and Zimbo went to the blacksmith to get sharpened (they are machines, after all), Minion went alone to the armory (he was going to go with Scaler,but Scaler insisted on bringing Deed), and Scaler and Deed went to buy weapons. At least Scaler did. Deed snuck into a Tiger strip bar (he,he), and drooled over the women there. At last they all met at night, refreshed and filled bags full of goodies, Deed looking dazed. And they slept in the inn again, for tomorrow they would go and find a guide. What will happen to them in the Dark Temple???????????

-- JellTrainer (lukadjukic@yahoo.com), February 27, 2000