Zappers of Sneldegar: The Soul Alliance, #3

Zappers of Sneldegar

By

Charles Streams

Copyright © 2013 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.

Zappers of Sneldegar is book 3 in The Soul Alliance Series.

Printed Version ISBN

ISBN-13: 978-0-9818818-4-3

ISBN-10:0-9818818-4-X

To Olivia,

imaginative and daring

Table of Contents

1.  The Autumn Equinox Baby

2.  Zombie Trance

3.  Underground Guard

4.  In the Swamp

5.  Brinkoppers

6.  Donald, Grizz, & Promises

7.  The Initiator & the Incenditos

8.  Sneaky Chanters

9.  The Nobody Nemesis

10.  Billy & the Bullets

11.  The Cave of Curiosity

12.  The Bog Island 

13.  Slick Versus Gor Round #3: A Slick Surprise

14.  The Itch

15.  The Teleportation Maze

16.  The Funniest Joke in the World

17.  The Caverns & the Home Front

18.  Thunder Fist Peak

19.  The Orange Gelatinous Mass

20.  Packet Problems

21.  Dark & Gray

22.  Blood-Red Duel

23.  The Bullish Dreamboat

24.  I Have to Go Back

25.  Jungle Buddies

26.  The Curious Claw

27.  Taci’s Tree

28.  The Princess of the Fuzzeeps

29.  The Father of the Princess

30.  The Lake of Stars

31.  Riza Shavings

32.  Back to Valley View

33.  Out of the Swamp

34.  The Follower

35.  The Secret Autumn Equinox Meeting

36.  The Dance of the Three Orphans

37.  Claw Rumble

38.  The Last Straw for the Trooches

39.  Diner Decoy

40.  The Real Snarfalog Chant

41.  Fun Trouble

42.  Brotherly Betrayal

43.  Confrontations

44.  Slime’s Bad Mood

45.  The Sparkling Zaps Dance

46.  Leonard’s Confusion

47.  Borrowed Birthstones

48.  Birthday Dive Bombs

49.  Snow Search

50.  In the Bog

51.  The Soul Metal Mine

52.  A Full Thanksgiving

53.  The Quaff Crystal Cavern

54.  Delmon’s Treasure

55.  Sneldegar Blood

56.  The Winter Ball

57.  The Red W

58.  Scepter Sealed

59.  Sweets & Surgery

60.  Spy Implants

61.  The Amazing Reappearing Flame

62.  The Pilgrimage of the Incenditos

63.  The Initiator Prophecy

64.  The Break-in

65.  Heroes & Lurkers

66.  Safe Havens

67.  Tyler Fickle Farnley

68.  The Seaside Cavern

69.  The Zappers of Sneldegar & Swamp Magic

70.  Opportunities

71.  Bowling with Zaps

72.  Defanged

73.  Graham’s Dilemmas

74.  The Price of Popularity

75.  The Defender

76.  Pretender

77.  Forty Years Ago

78.  Pinecones, Pillars, & Planks

79.  The Battle for the Blue 

80.  Memorial

81.  The Rings of Bubblash

82.  All the Greens

83.  Respite of Horror

84.  Black

85.  Renewal

86.  Slow Motion

87.  Aggression

88.  The Claw of the Nemesis

89.  Trudging Along

90.  When Boys Become Men

Chapter 1: The Autumn Equinox Baby

The Chanulville night was dark and stormy, and all the cobblestone streets were bare because the torrential downpour that had continued for a full week had caused all Chanulanos to remain indoors most of the time. For as long as anyone could remember, heavy rainfall had accompanied the autumn equinox, but this year, the storms had lasted much longer than usual.

Defying the overwhelming tempest, a figure dressed in a blue robe scurried down the flooded streets of the blue section of Chanulville and ran across the empty land between the blue section and the swamp. He headed toward a small, green cottage a short distance away from the swamp. The windows were mysteriously lit up from the fire within the small house. The figure looked in every direction, hurriedly strode up the dirt walk, pulled a golden chain from underneath the front of his robe, and held a glowing green crystal against the front door. The door slowly opened, and the man stepped into the cozy, warm living room of the cottage. A doorway to the right of the fireplace led into the kitchen. A staircase led up the right-hand wall, where a balcony ran to the left, overlooking the living room. Closed doors on the upper floor led to the small bedrooms of the house.

Hey, Sappy! a gravelly voice said as the man in the blue robe stepped inside. The man who had spoken was wearing a purple robe, had black hair, and two black circles appeared to ooze out of his eyes. Is the deed done?

The man in the blue robe didn’t respond as he palm zapped his blue robe and brown hair to dry himself.

Two other people, a man and a woman, wearing green robes, looked across the room and smiled. The man, who had slicked back black hair, immediately stood up and walked to the door to help palm zap the man dry. The woman, who had long black hair, and had been breastfeeding a little baby boy, gently placed the now sleeping child in a basket lined with a green blanket.

When the man in the blue robe was dry, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of a beautiful young lady with long brown hair.

Oozy Gooze, Zippin’ Sipper, and Beautiful Beryl, I’m happy to present to you the soon to be Mrs. Ojeluza, Sapiro said, holding the picture so the firelight lit it up. After everyone had looked at the picture, he lifted it up and gave it a big kiss.

Beryl, Sipper, and Gooze clapped as they encircled Sapiro to give him congratulatory hugs.

You two, Gooze said, looking at Sipper and Sapiro. We’re only in our twenties, and you’ve already tied yourselves down. The young always seem to forget, that without freedom there is only regret.

All three of the others laughed at the proverb, but Sipper’s face showed mild concern as he looked at Gooze. Gooze noticed Sipper’s expression, and they looked into each other’s eyes momentarily, but neither of them spoke because their celebration had been a little too noisy and woken up the baby. As the four Chanulanos turned to look at the baby, they didn’t hear the normal crying sound that a recently woken up infant would make – a sweet laughter filled the room instead.

Tears suddenly sprung into Beryl’s eyes, and Sipper took hold of her hand.

Can you two make sure he’s all right for a minute? Sipper asked.

Gooze and Sapiro nodded their heads, and Sipper led Beryl into the kitchen.

Gooze and Sapiro walked over to the baby basket. Sapiro quickly knelt down and looked into the baby’s bright green eyes. He grabbed hold of the baby’s little feet and wiggled them back and forth, then tickled his stomach.

The baby laughed as he felt the fingers on his toes and stomach.

In the kitchen, Sipper embraced Beryl as she burst into tears.

Beryl, what’s wrong? Are you depressed after the pregnancy? Sipper asked, caressing the back of her hair. I know it was hard hiding the pregnancy, especially when you couldn’t leave the house while you were showing.

Sipper, you know what’s wrong! He is not a normal child! He never cries! It doesn’t matter what happens, he always laughs! He laughs when he wakes up, he laughs when he’s hungry because his tummy grumbles, and he laughs when he poops his diaper! That is not normal! It’s been a week, and he has not cried once! Beryl said through her tears.

Most people prefer it when their child laughs to when he cries, Sipper said.

Yes, but he was born on the autumn equinox. He is not a normal baby boy! Beryl said.

It’s just a day, Sipper said. Every year a baby is born on the day of the spring equinox, and everyone makes a big deal about it, but they just end up being a normal child with a normal life.

You know this is different because we’re the Sneldegar family! Beryl said, bursting into a new round of tears. Our life is so crazy and unpredictable! What is his life going to be like?

Beryl buried her face in Sipper’s shoulder again. Sipper held his wife tightly, but he looked down at the lump that bulged out underneath the chest of his green robe. He was pondering what to say to comfort his wife when a buzzing sounded from the kitchen counter. There was a jar there filled with different green rocks from the swamp, and on top of them all was a shining green crystal.

That is not normal! Beryl said. Birthstones are not supposed to glow!

I know it was glowing even when it was still attached to the umbilical cord, but it’s still just a birthstone, Sipper said.

Beryl gave Sipper a look of disbelief, and then the green birthstone jumped into the air, flew across the room, and bounced against Sipper’s arm.

Ouch! Sipper exclaimed, feeling the birthstone burn him.

The birthstone continued to bounce on Sipper’s arm and made its way to his face, leaving green burn marks everywhere it touched.

Sipper finally snatched the glowing birthstone and grabbed Beryl’s hand with his other hand before hurrying them both through the living room and out the front door. Gooze and Sapiro were concerned, so Sapiro picked up the baby and followed Gooze to the doorway to make sure the green couple was okay.

Sipper and Beryl were standing in the pouring rain. He held out his hand and shot his green soulbeam at the glowing birthstone. Beryl looked up at Sipper, and he nodded his head. She shot her green soulbeam, and it met with Sipper’s on the green crystal. The gem glowed a brighter green, suddenly shot into the air, and flew deep into the swamp.

Beryl looked at Sipper in disbelief.

Fine, now that wasn’t normal, but at least we don’t have to worry about the birthstone anymore, Sipper said, escorting his wife back inside so they could palm zap each other dry.

As Sipper walked by Sapiro, who was still holding the child, the baby chuckled softly. Sipper stopped next to Sapiro, and the baby laughed more seeing all the funny-looking green marks all over his father’s face.

You mischievous little greenie! You’re laughing at my face! Sipper said, tickling the baby boy.

As Sipper tickled the baby, Sapiro suddenly felt wetness and lifted the baby up in the air. Sapiro’s blue robe was completely soaked. The baby laughed even harder, seemingly knowing what he had done.

Sapiro handed the baby to Sipper and started caressing the baby’s cheeks, tickling his stomach at the same time.

Baby Slick, baby Slick, baby Slick, Sapiro said.

Slick! Slick! Slick! a gruff voice yelled.

Slick felt two hands, one firm and one slimy, slap the back of his head. Loud crying was filling the room, and he turned to see a white-haired man giving him a stern look and a green ball of slime sitting on his shoulder. Slick quickly passed a hand over his slick-backed black hair.

Snap out of it! Zep’s baby is only a week old, and you were zapping him? Mick said. That’s even weird for you to be doing!

Mick reached out to zap Slick’s arm, but Slick grabbed his hand, made sure Slime was really on his shoulder, and pulled Mick to the corner of the room. Slick looked back to where Zep and Brook’s new baby boy, Xaler, was laying in his little crib. Brook, Zep, Otto, and Ora, who was holding Ashwin, were all staring at him. Zep’s two kids, Taci and Xetrov, were gazing at Slick too. Xetrov was four years old and had blondish-brown hair, and he was hugging his father’s leg with a concerned expression. Taci, who was six and had brownish-blonde hair, was laughing at Slick.

Was either of your green crystals doing anything just now? Slick asked in a whisper.

No, Slime replied.

No, but I actually think my red crystal might’ve warmed up a little, but in the forty-two years I’ve been in Chanulville that usually only happens on my birthday, so maybe I was just imagining it, Mick replied.

Why? Slime asked.

The green crystal hanging beneath Slick’s shirt suddenly glowed green. Zep and Otto, who had turned back to Xaler, looked back over with concerned expressions.

We need to get everyone to Kulk immediately, Slick said quietly to Mick and Slime.

* * *

It was a warm summer’s day, the first day in June, and three teenagers were lying on a raft in the middle of Treeches Lake looking up at the blue sky. The lake was surrounded by mountains that still had a few patches of snow on them. If anyone had seen them, they would have figured they were just three high-school students enjoying a relaxing afternoon the week after school had ended. This wasn’t the case.

All three of their lives had drastically changed over the past two years and had especially changed over the past three months – they were no longer just normal high-school kids.

Roger Torrents was thinking about his new responsibility of being the Protector of Chanulville. Was his life really going to be filled with zapping duels and danger every single day?

Israel Mckinley was thinking about his new responsibility of being the Guardian of Chanulville. How was he even capable of guarding all the artifacts of Chanulville when he was so physically weak?

Hazel Adelobra was thinking about Roger’s and Israel’s new responsibilities. As Roger and Israel’s self-proclaimed bodyguard, how was she going to assure their safety? She knew she had to be ready because defending Roger and Israel was key to protecting her own world.

Roger slowly sat up on the raft and looked in the water. His movement broke Israel and Hazel out of their thoughts, and they both sat up as well. Roger and Israel had light brown hair and blue eyes, and both were wearing shorts, T-shirts, and tennis shoes, but Hazel was wearing a lavender-colored dress and was barefoot. She had long brownish-blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Why won’t you two let me zap in your yearbooks? Hazel asked breathily since she was wearing a black mask.

We already told you we don’t like people marking up our yearbooks, Roger said.

That’s what yearbooks are for! I already know Slick did something to them. Just let me see! Hazel said.

No, Israel said.

So, Israel, are you really done growing? Hazel asked. Or do people in the outside world grow later in life too?

Stop asking me about that, Israel said. I’ve told you before that growth and maturity happen the same way as they do in Chanulville.

You don’t have to get so upset about it, Hazel said. Since you’re short, you’ll always fit in much better in Chanulville. Roger’s not too tall, but he’s so stocky that he’ll stick out even after our teenage years.

A look of exasperation crossed Israel’s face, and Roger started chuckling.

Fine, Hazel said when neither of the boys said anything in reply. Let’s go over this stuff about Slick and Slime one more time then, Hazel said. You really expect me to believe that Slick and Slime are as old as Mick?

Hazel, if you don’t want to believe us, fine! Roger said. Slick and Slime had the soul detector, and they detected Mick. That’s how Mick found Chanulville. It was all in Mick’s little red journal.

How can Mick, Slick, and Slime be almost the same age? Mick’s hair is completely white and Slick’s is a young, black color, Hazel replied.

I already told you. Slick dyes his hair black. It’s really gray, Roger said. When I made it through his booby traps into his house and he dressed up as a zombie, he wasn’t dyeing his hair gray. He’d washed out the dye and was re-dyeing it black.

I’ve already told you that that doesn’t make any sense. How could no one know that Slick and Slime were alive all those years in the swamp? There must be something more to swamp magic that we don’t know about, Hazel said.

Whatever, Roger said. Slick, Slime, and Mick wouldn’t share any more details with us, so who knows? Slick and Slime have been hiding from Israel and me for the past two months. They only zap-torture us and don’t say anything. And stop talking about it! Slick can tell when we’ve been discussing it, and then he will really torment us.

That’s it! I’ve had enough of wearing this stupid mask! Hazel exclaimed.

But you look so pretty while you’re wearing it, Roger said.

And don’t throw up on the raft, Israel said, referring to the fact that most Chanulanos who were in the outside world too long got nauseous.

Hazel took the black glowing mask off and gave Roger and Israel a look of annoyance mixed with a smile. Even though they mostly only made sarcastic comments to her, at least they were talking to her more than they had during the previous year.

If either of you tell my dad that I took the mask off, you’ll pay! Hazel said.

Yes, Your Majesty, Israel mumbled.

What did you say? Hazel asked.

Israel blushed and Roger started snickering.

Stop calling me that, or I’m going to push both of you in the lake! Hazel said.

Israel joined Roger in laughing.

It’s just that we still can’t believe that Prince Yumma Yumma is your secret admirer, Israel said.

"Well, now you know why I didn’t tell you. You’re both way too immature to handle information like that! Hazel said. And besides, I’m still not so sure that Prince Yumma Yumma wasn’t the one who caught you two peeking into my window."

Roger and Israel started laughing again and looked at each other. Israel gave Roger a prodding look.

"I guess if we’re too immature, that means you’re still not going to tell us what was happening to you the night we caught Prince Yumma Yumma leaving you that bracelet," Roger said.

I already told you! I had the flu and sometimes a Chanulano has to shoot his or her soulbeam out like that in order to get better, Hazel replied. And yes, you are both too immature to even know that!

So it has nothing to do with the fact that it happened a few days before your sixteenth birthday? Roger said.

Hazel reached out her hands, trying to zap-pinch Roger.

Roger and Israel backed away and started laughing again, but then all three of their chests were shocked by the green crystals that hung around their necks. Israel was so surprised that he fell backward and plopped into the lake. Hazel immediately dove into the water and grabbed a hold of Israel. She helped him back onto the raft and then pulled herself up. She knelt over Israel, checking to see if he might need mouth-to-mouth, so Israel hurriedly sat up to show that he was breathing fine.

They quickly looked around the lake and, still not seeing anyone there, they started zapping themselves back to shore. The wind picked up, and it took them longer to reach the edge of the lake than was normal. As they were stepping onto dry ground, they heard rocks falling on the side of the mountain and saw Slick and Mick running toward them.

When Roger and Israel saw Slick, they immediately ran the opposite way along the shore of Treeches Lake.

Get back here! Slick yelled. He shot two zaps out of his index fingers, blasting himself off into the air so he could easily maneuver along the shore of the lake and catch up to Roger and Israel. He landed, grabbed them both by an arm, and stomped them back to where Hazel and Mick were waiting.

Is anyone else at the lake today? Slick asked. Roger and Israel were shocked by Slick’s tone. He usually laughed all the time and rarely used his serious voice.

We haven’t seen anyone here all day, Roger replied.

Then what took you so long? Slick said. The green crystal summoned you like ten minutes ago. Why are you all wet, Israel? Hazel, why aren’t you wearing the soul metal mask?

Slick grabbed the mask from Hazel, jammed it back onto her face, and then started palm zapping Hazel and Israel to dry their clothes.

What’s going on? Roger asked. "We told you we were going to be at the yellow respite, and you said as long as we let you know where we’re going, it’s fine. Israel fell off the raft when the green crystal summoned us, but we still didn’t take that long to get to shore."

Didn’t you say you were going to the red Respite of Power? Slick asked.

No. Remember how I told you that a herd of deer has been pooping all over Noge’s Cove so we were coming here instead? Roger said.

We just need everyone back in Kulk immediately, Slick said.

Slick took a portable teleporter out of his pocket and laid it on the ground. He stood there waiting until Roger, Israel, and Hazel shot their soulbeams and had all teleported back to Kulk. As soon as they appeared in Kulk, Slime wrapped around all three of them until Slick and Mick appeared out of the teleporter.

Take them to the Zappers’ room, Slick said to Slime.

Slime forced Roger, Israel, and Hazel to walk squashed together down the dimly lit, gray stone corridors of Kulk as Slick and Mick followed. Slime came to a halt in front of a section of wall along one of the side corridors. Slick hurried forward, pulled a green crystal out from underneath his shirt, and placed it against the wall. The wall slid open, and Slime forced the threesome into the room before letting them go.

Hazel, Roger, and Israel were shocked when they looked around the room. For the past months, Slick and Slime’s secret room had been packed with different things, but now only chairs and couches remained, and a single shelf had been built on one section of the wall where the Tunkal, the red Protector book, and the yellow Guardian book were sitting safely. Zepnargle Trooch, Otto Guzzlebop, Roble Adelobra, and Graham Brawlior were sitting there waiting for them. Zep was the tallest of the bunch with brown hair, green eyes, and he was in his late twenties. Otto and Roble were middle-aged and shorter like most Chanulanos. Otto wore glasses and had a round head and belly, and he was mostly bald except for his wispy hair. Roble had black hair, brown eyes, and rough, tan skin. Graham was Roger and Israel’s age. He had brown hair and was the most muscular Chanulano his age.

Roble, Hazel wasn’t wearing her mask when we got to Treeches Lake, Slick said.

Hazel, I told you never to take off that mask when you’re in the outside world! Roble said.

Slick! You’re not usually one to tattletale! Hazel said.

Slick burst out laughing and walked to the middle of the room.

Where did all Otto’s and Gooze’s stuff go? Roger asked. And what did you do with those two beds? We’ll need them if we’re going to be living in Chanulville full time during the summer.

We moved everything so we can have proper dueling practice. Otto’s and Gooze’s supplies are downstairs where there’s more space for Otto and Israel to make devices and for everyone to make quaffs, Slick said. We already took the two beds down to the Chac Mool chamber. Just because you’re the Protector now doesn’t mean you need to treat us like we’re stupid! Slick said, laughing.

Roger glared at Slick, so Slime bounced over and forced him, Israel, and Hazel to sit down on the green sofa on one side of the room.

I’m sorry for being so edgy all of sudden. I hope Xaler is okay. I didn’t mean to zap him so hard. I was just trying to zap-tickle him a little, Slick said.

Who zap-tickles a baby that’s only a week old? Mick said sternly.

It’s very enjoyable for a baby of any age, Slick said, making a face at Mick. Anyway, if Mick would stop interrupting, I was trying to apologize for being so jumpy all of a sudden, but something really weird happened, so I just wanted to make sure everyone’s families are all right and go over our summer plans once again.

What weird thing happened? Israel asked.

That’s none of the Guardian’s business, Slick laughed.

Both Roger and Israel rolled their eyes. After the Spring Equinox Festival a couple of months earlier, the Central Orb had automatically chosen Roger to be the new Protector and Israel to be the new Guardian. They still knew very little about exactly what that meant, only that the Protector was supposed to help protect the Defender of Chanulville and the Guardian was supposed to help keep all Chanulano artifacts secure.

Anyway, Slick continued again. If everyone will stop interrupting, I will continue. Zep, is your family okay?

You were just with my entire family at my house, Zep responded, looking at Slick, confused.

Otto, how’s your family? Slick asked.

Ora and Ashwin were with us at Zep’s house, Otto replied.

Roble? How’s your family? Slick continued.

I was with Avellana, Bellota, and Almendro when the green crystal summoned me, Roble said. Hazel looks all right. He stared at Hazel from across the room as if looking to see if there was some visible sign that she wasn’t okay.

Graham? Slick asked.

I haven’t talked to my parents in a long time. Should I be worried about them? Graham responded.

No, they’re probably fine, Slick said. Roger and Israel, how are your families?

They were fine this morning, Roger said.

Israel nodded his head in agreement.

Mick, how are you doing? Slick asked.

I’ve been with you all day! Mick replied gruffly. What’s going on?

Well, if everyone’s okay, we’ll continue, Slick said, ignoring Mick. How many Chosen Ones are going to be living in Chanulville during the summer?

Roger, Israel, Marc, Margaret, and Evelyn are on schedule for full time, Mick said. They’ve all filled out the work application for the pretend summer camp. Jessica refused to, Rod said he didn’t need to because his dad won’t notice if he’s gone or not, and Willard said his parents wouldn’t let him. I have the bus rental all scheduled, and everyone’s going to meet at Canyon Park in Valley View tomorrow.

We definitely want to try and find all the Rings of Bubblash as soon as possible. If neither of the blue Chosen Ones is going to be in Chanulville this summer, that does create some problems, Slick said.

Brook talked to Jessica, Zep said. And she said that Jessica said that as soon as someone locates the blue ring, she’ll come and retrieve it and be done with her Chanulano duty until the spring equinox.

That’s real helpful, Slick said, laughing. If we knew the exact locations of the rings, we wouldn’t have to look for them and wouldn’t have had to set up the fake job.

Let’s go over the clues that Saxon left right now, Mick said after he had scowled at Slick.

Saxon left clues about the rings? Israel asked.

Yes, Slick said. Since you don’t seem to know, Saxon’s last name was Sneldegar, and a couple people in this room are descendants of him. That’s why we’re called the Zappers of Sneldegar.

Slick faked a glare at Roger and Israel as Slime tossed globs of slime at them.

Just hurry, Slick! Mick demanded.

The green ring is hidden somewhere in the swamp, Slick said, smiling.

Besides the green ring, Mick said. Hurry it up!

No one go in Mick’s room while you’re invisible, Slick said. It puts him in a bad mood for like two months.

That rule only applies to you and Slime! Mick said gruffly.

Slick and Slime started laughing, but when Mick didn’t even crack a smile, Slick pulled out the green Defender book, opened it near the front, and continued talking.

The red ring is somewhere in the caverns. The yellow ring is somewhere in the jungle. The orange ring is somewhere in the mountains. The blue ring is somewhere in the forest. The green ring we already discussed. The purple ring is somewhere in the uncharted area on the other side of the mountains, Slick said. Those are the only clues I’ve found in any of the Defender, Guardian, or Protector books.

Have you thought about how we might group off when we look for the rings? Zep asked.

I’m definitely going with Roger and Israel to the caverns and jungle! Hazel said.

Hazel, that’s not for you to decide, Roble said.

Hazel gave her father an annoyed looked, but Mick started talking so she didn’t respond.

We are still indecisive, and it all depends how many search parties we want to have out at the same time, Mick said. The groups can’t be too big or it will be easy to spot us. On the other hand, from the Ancient Ones’ movies we are pretty sure that Rayo knows where the red, blue, and orange rings are. And even though he can’t touch them before a Chosen One does, he will probably have a group of Soul Freezers waiting for us, so we want to have enough protection just in case.

Slime and I will be accompanying Marc into the swamp. I think we know the swamp well enough that we can find the green ring without too many problems, Slick said. Zep, you will obviously be going with Jessica and Willard if we can ever get them to come to Chanulville. You know the forest reasonably well, and some of the creatures there are friendly toward us since they helped Ora out last year.

Graham was looking at Mick and Slick with pleading eyes.

Of course, Graham will be helping Evelyn find the orange ring, and depending on who’s available, someone will be chaperoning them, Slick said, bursting with laughter. I mean accompanying them.

Graham blushed a dark red but still looked very pleased.

We’ll just have to see what other situations present themselves to see who is available to help look for each ring, Mick said. Roble will probably not be joining any search party because it wouldn’t be safe for him to be invisible all the time in case a Soul Freezer is on the lookout. We will be staggering the searches, but Roble’s primary objective will be to keep watch inside the Chanulville Valley. Especially tracking what Magnar and Preshar are up to, and keeping watch for if Wildred ever shows his face again.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Otto, how are the all-purpose emergency packs coming along? Slick asked.

They are very close to being done. They’ll definitely be ready in time for each of us to take on the searches for the Rings of Bubblash. As soon as I have everything organized and settled, I will be giving all the Zappers a full seminar, Otto replied excitedly.

Everyone smiled at Otto on hearing his energetic explanation. The previous year he had been very depressed because his wife, Ora, had been about to share technology with the Soul Freezers, and Otto was stripped of the yellow Color Council seat and of his title as Royal Inventor. But now his wife was back, they had adopted a son, and he was happy again, which was proven by his longwinded, scientific explanations.

Slick looked around the room to see if anyone else had any questions, and seeing that no one did, he dismissed everyone.

That’s what the big emergency was? Roger said. You came running at us like a madman just to review everything for the summer?

It was just a drill to keep everyone on their toes! Slick said. I would, however, like to ask everyone to be especially careful. Watch out for yourselves, watch out for your families, and watch out for Chanulville.

Everyone gave Slick a strange look, but he dismissed everyone. Roger, Israel, and Hazel all looked at Slick disbelievingly, but he paid them no attention.

Roble, do you have candy for us? Roger asked.

He’s all out, Slick said before Roble could reply.

Sorry, I don’t have any, Roble confirmed.

Roger gave them a confused look, but he, Israel, and Hazel went to enjoy the summer weather at Slick’s Slides. Otto and Zep headed down the steep staircase hidden beneath the statue of Slick and Slime’s father in the middle of the room, and Graham left to go wait for Evelyn to teleport to Kulk.

Roble approached, and Slick and Slime turned to him, but Mick quickly pushed his way in between them.

Excuse you, Slick said, laughing. We need to have a private conversation with Roble.

No! Mick said gruffly. Roble, you’ll have to talk to them later. Go down and help Otto and Zep with quaffs.

Roble looked a little confused, but just smiled and headed down through the hole in the middle of the room.

Mick closed the statue hole, grabbed Slick firmly on the elbow, and looked straight at him.

Slick, tell us what’s going on! Mick said sternly but with concern.

It was just a drill, Slick said.

Slick! You were in a trance for five minutes, and you didn’t even feel me and Slime smacking the back of your head, Mick said. Tell us what’s going on.

I don’t know what’s going on, Slick replied.

Why did we see green lights shooting out of the swamp on our way back to Kulk? Mick continued, not accepting Slick’s response. There’s green mist floating on the border of the swamp too.

Don’t ask me. Slime’s the real swamp expert, Slick said.

Slime slapped Slick’s forehead, leaving a green blob. Mick clutched Slick’s elbow harder and shook it.

Slick, do you promise that you don’t know what’s going on? Mick asked.

I promise that I don’t know what’s going on. I do know that something bad is going to happen though. I just don’t know what it is, Slick said.

Slick softly freed the elbow Mick had a hold of, reached up with both hands, and pushed Mick’s fluffy, white hair down.

Chapter 2: Zombie Trance

Large snowflakes were falling rapidly, and the dark night had already set in as a young mother walked quickly down the sidewalk next to a bowl-shaped park. Although in a hurry, she was cautious about each step she took so she didn’t slip, taking especially good care to shield the bundle she held against her chest from the snow.

She turned the corner, walked to the second building on the right-hand side of the street, and hurried up the walk. She stopped underneath the outcropping that covered the porch and lowered the bundle from her chest. The young mother gave the baby a quick kiss on his rosy cheek and slowly set him down on the porch, adjusting the red blanket to make sure the small piece of paper pinned to it with Mick written on it was visible. Her tears froze to her cheeks as she stood back up and reached out to push the doorbell.

Ding dong.

Hoooooooooooonnnnnkkkk!

The sound of the bus horn suddenly snapped Mick Mcgintling from his trance, and he looked around nervously. All the parents dropping off their kids were staring at him in the driver’s seat where he had been honking the horn. He quickly exited the bus and opened the baggage compartment.

Time to go! Mick said, trying to smile as if that’s the reason he had honked. We have more workers to pick up at other locations.

Roger, Israel, Margaret, Marc, and Evelyn all started putting their luggage in the compartment as they gave Mick strange looks. Roger and Israel said goodbye to their parents and hurried onto the bus. The other Chosen Ones took a longer time, and gave Marc’s parents the chance to approach Mick and start asking him more details about the summer camp, since Marc had been unable to give them many.

No, the workers aren’t allowed to come home during the weekends or for holidays, Mick explained to Marc’s parents. It’s a very exclusive summer camp.

He’s just the bus driver, Marc said, annoyed. He hardly knows anything about it.

Mick confirmed this with a nod and finally got everyone on the bus before pulling out of the parking lot of Canyon Park.

Margaret, Evelyn, and Marc, you three might as well just use the portable teleporter from here. Roger, Israel, and I will teleport your suitcases over after we return the bus, Mick said as he slowly drove down the street.

Roger took out his portable teleporter and placed it in the aisle. Margaret, Evelyn, and Marc disappeared moments later, and Roger and Israel turned to Mick.

What’s going on, Mick? Roger said. You were in a trance for a couple of minutes while you were honking the horn.

I’m just a little stressed out about getting everyone safely to Kulk and everything, Mick said. Once I’m out of Valley View, I’ll feel safer knowing Blaine and the others can’t follow us.

Mick drove the bus up Valley View Canyon and parked in a turnoff next to the river. He piled everyone’s suitcases in Roger’s and Israel’s arms, and they used the portable teleporter to get to Kulk. Mick then drove the bus back to the place he had rented it from and used the portable teleporter in the bathroom.

Marc, Margaret, and Evelyn were all picking up their luggage where it had flown out of Roger and Israel’s hold as they exited the teleporter. As soon as Mick, Roger, and Israel were left alone in the teleportation chamber, Slick and Slime rushed in, closing in on Mick.

Is everything all right? Slick asked. Roger and Israel said you were in a zombie trance.

I was not in a zombie trance! Mick said. Everything’s fine!

Come to the Zappers’ room with us, Slick said.

I’m not going anywhere with you right now. I have to make sure everyone gets settled in their bedrooms, Mick said.

Roger and Israel led the way down the corridor to the Chac Mool chamber as Slick and Slime tried to pull Mick down one of the side corridors, but he fought them off and they separated.

I can’t believe King Yumma Yumma is forcing us to sleep in the Chac Mool chamber, Roger said. He had never been a fan of the statue in Kulk because histories spoke of the Maya and Aztecs putting sacrificial hearts in the bowl the statue held.

You can keep the door to your room closed so you don’t have to look at it, Mick responded.

Two guards were standing at the entrance to the chamber, and Mick, Roger, and Israel rushed by them. The chamber had eight rooms in total, four on each side. The boys were staying in the rooms on the right-hand side, and the girls on the left. There was one small bathroom that opened up on the back wall. Roger and Israel secretly planned to use the bathroom in Mick’s house in Salasburg instead of sharing one with everyone else.

Roger saw someone move inside the second room on the right and hurried over.

Hazel, what’re you doing in my room? Roger asked. Why are there two beds in here? And what are these bags on the beds?

Roger picked up the tan-colored pouch and opened it. It was filled with amlas.

Mick was nice enough to give each of the Chosen Ones a bag of amlas to pay for food and other things during the summer, Hazel replied happily. She was decorating the walls with red and yellow decorations. And there are two beds because you and Israel are sharing a room.

Sorry, Mick said from behind as he and Israel entered. Even though Rod said he isn’t going to be staying here full time, he requested to have his own room, and the easiest solution is for you two to share.

It’ll be fun to share a room and will be safer, Israel said, sitting down happily on his bed.

And I can visit both of you at the same time, and as your bodyguard, I can keep constant watch from my room, Hazel said as she started organizing Roger’s and Israel’s Chanulano trinkets on the shelves. My parents said that as long as I check in for dinner, I can stay in Kulk during the summer. She placed the two glass incenditos that she had given Roger and Israel for Christmas, the figurine of a Chanulano boy Roger had received during his first days in Chanulville, and the small snarfalog statuette that Mick had given Roger.

You already brought all our stuff down here? Roger said.

You two were late, so I decided to help you. There’s no reason to keep them on your study desks when you have a bedroom here now, Hazel said, folding Israel’s yellow blanket before putting it on the end of his bed.

Whatever, Roger said, flopping himself down on his bed that had red sheets.

Hazel was happily mounting Roger’s and Israel’s zaps and teleportation test plaques on the wall when a muscular young man with brown hair appeared at the door.

Miss Adelobra, you’re not supposed to be on the boys’ side of the chamber, Graham said, taking off his orange hat.

Graham, I’ve already told you to stop calling me that, and that rule only applies early in the morning and at night, Hazel said, rolling her eyes.

I have some things to discuss with Roger and Israel, Graham said.

Go ahead. I’m only decorating, Hazel said.

"We are going to discuss boy things," Graham said.

Hazel finally scoffed as she finished hanging a clock on the wall and walked toward the door.

My room is the fourth one on the left. Come and get me when you’re done, she said, exiting the room.

Roger and Israel laughed as she left and the door slid closed. Over the past two years, they had gotten used to Graham’s chivalrous attitude, but it still made them laugh and feel slightly uncomfortable.

May I sit down somewhere? Graham asked.

Roger sat up and motioned to Graham to sit on his bed with him.

Since you two have both been in the Zappers’ meetings, you know that Miss Evelyn and I have been secretly hanging out to hide our friendship from my parents, Graham began formally. I know the general population of Chanulville might not approve of it, but with the marriages of Mr. and Mrs. Adelobra and Mr. and Mrs. Ultranzon now being public, I’ve decided that now that Evelyn and I are both sixteen, I’m going to take the risk and try to take our relationship to the next level.

Both Roger and Israel looked shocked and glanced at each other.

Even you two don’t approve of it? Graham asked, seeing their expressions.

It’s just that in our world, sixteen is usually too young an age to even be thinking about marriage, Roger said.

Marriage? Graham exclaimed. I didn’t mean that. I meant after we find the orange ring, I’m considering taking her on an official first date.

Oh, Roger said. Sounds good.

But, Graham said, I need your help and advice. What are the usual dating customs in your world?

Roger had to control himself from laughing before he could respond.

Graham, I don’t really think Israel and I are the best people to ask that question, but from what I’ve seen, Chanulano dating is the same as in the outside world. You can go to dinner, go on a walk, watch a movie, or have a picnic. Any of those things are fine.

Really? I thought it would be more complicated than that, Graham said, looking at Israel, who affirmed what Roger had said. Well, I think I can handle that.

Graham hugged Roger and Israel and opened the door.

Roger and Israel walked out into the chamber, and as soon as Hazel saw them, she rushed over.

What did he want? she whispered.

Just asking about dating Evelyn, Roger replied, trying not to laugh.

Mick was helping Margaret and Evelyn move dressers into each of their rooms. Margaret was staying in the first room, and Evelyn the second. Marc came out of the third room on the right looking very upbeat.

I’m all settled in! Marc said. This is going to be the best summer ever. We have more than two whole months free from any parents. Later today, I start in the summer research program at the university.

Roger, Israel, and Hazel nodded their heads. The previous year Marc had been associating with Mindy Menlove. In the end, Mindy had turned into a Soul Freezer and, since Marc had been giving her so much information about the Ancient Treasures, he got trapped and almost had his soulbeam forced out of him, which could have caused him to forget about Chanulville if one of the Soul Freezers had been able to shoot their soulbeam at his. He had changed his ways now, however, and had joined the summer research program at the Chanulville University to help study the prophecies.

When Margaret and Evelyn were just about finished unpacking their large suitcases, Rod and the single parent purple punks, who everyone called the SPPPs for short, walked into the chamber. Both the SPPPs had dark eyes, long black hair, and wore baggy clothes. Shag had a long face and he was a year older and slightly taller than Beeze, whose face was more rounded. Rod and Shag were escorting blonde-haired, purple Chanulanas, while Beeze followed behind. The three boys were each carrying a large purple bag, and everyone watched them as they walked to the middle of the room.

You girls will have to wait out here while we get settled in our room. Mick won’t allow girls on the right side of the chamber, Rod said.

The two purple Chanulanas quickly glanced at Mick and then looked at the ground. Although Rod never missed a chance to say something disrespectful about Mick, most Chanulanos were nervous around Mick since he was legendary, having been a Chosen One in Chanulville for over forty years.

Rod, Shag, and Beeze walked to the fourth room on the right. Once they were inside the room, Rod turned around and looked out at everyone staring. What? This is our room, and we’re going to keep our stuff in here, he said, closing the door.

Margaret led Evelyn over to the two purple Chanulanas and greeted them.

In case everyone else doesn’t know them, this is Shelly and Candice, Margaret said.

Marc immediately hurried forward and hugged both of them. He had had a crush on Shelly for a long time. Shelly and Candice greeted everyone else except for Hazel, who they didn’t even look at. Hazel gave no notice. She was a soul mixer because her father was a purple and her mother an orange, so she was used to most Chanulanos shunning her.

Let’s get out of here, Roger said. Slick’s Slides are calling.

Roger, Israel, and Hazel turned to leave, and Mick hurried out after them.

You guys are going to Slick’s Slides? Mick asked.

Yeah, Roger stated.

Wait for me while I teleport home to get my swimming suit, Mick said as they walked down the corridor and stopped in the teleportation chamber. You three know you can come to my house anytime you want, right?

Yes, Roger replied, giving Mick a strange look, as he was acting nervous.

Why don’t you teleport over there with me so Hazel knows where my teleporter is? Mick said. I’m just going to grab my swimming suit, so you won’t need your mask, Hazel.

Mick quickly teleported, and Roger, Israel, and Hazel group-teleported together to Mick’s house in Salasburg, Utah. When they walked out of the closet, Mick rapidly turned away from the window where he had been looking out of his blinds and walked to his dresser, where he started searching for his red swimming suit.

Here it is, Mick said as if he had just found a great treasure.

Roger, Israel, and Hazel were all staring at him.

Mick, what’s going on with you and Slick? Roger asked. You’re both acting weird.

Nothing, Mick said gruffly. Like I said earlier, I’m just stressed out about the whole summer schedule.

Mick walked over to the closet and disappeared. The other three followed and appeared shortly after in Kulk.

Get away from me! Mick said. Slick and Slime had him cornered in the teleportation chamber.

We need to talk to you, Slick said.

Slime tried to pin Mick against the wall, but Mick ducked, herded Roger, Israel, and Hazel to the door, and hurried down the corridor.

We’re going to Slick’s Slides, Mick said. We can talk later.

You can’t go to my slides if I don’t let you! Slick called down the corridor, but Mick didn’t turn back as he pushed Roger, Israel, and Hazel into the Color Council chamber.

* * *

The Soul Alliance gathered a couple of days later to officially discuss the summer schedule after everyone had settled in. No type of classes had been scheduled, much to Odette’s dismay, but no one else seemed to mind because any spare time was needed to focus on practicing zaps, nightlights, and shielding in preparation for looking for the Rings of Bubblash.

Mick was standing at the head of the room waiting to start the meeting until King Yumma Yumma arrived. Jessica hadn’t shown up, but Willard had, and he felt out of place as everyone else talked about their first days living in Kulk. The SPPPs had accompanied Rod and were sitting on the back row. Slick and Slime were huddled in the back corner, pretending to hide themselves from Odette’s strict glare. Odette Cottage was sitting with Lilac Tewtew and Zep at the front of the room. Odette was the old granny who was the orange Color Council member. Lilac was the blonde-haired purple council member.

Gor finally escorted King Yumma Yumma into the room, followed by Prince Yumma Yumma, who immediately glowered at Roger and Israel as he sat down. Gor Goobia was the king’s bodyguard. He was muscular and had dark eyes and black hair. The king and prince were both short and rotund in face, belly, and backside.

What’s he doing here? Roger whispered to Israel.

Who knows? Israel replied.

Looks like we’re all here, Mick said. We’ll quickly go over the Rings of Bubblash Prophecy and then discuss the summer groupings and schedule.

Mick walked over to the wall where a copy of the Central Orb Prophecy, the Respites of Power Prophecy, the Ancient Treasures Prophecy, part of the Defender, Guardian, Protector Prophecy, and now the Rings of Bubblash Prophecy were hanging. Over the past two years, they had studied the first four prophecies. The Central Orb Prophecy was the most important prophecy ever received in Chanulville and was the main prophecy; all the other prophecies had to be fulfilled in order to fulfill the Central Orb one. The Respites of Power Prophecy and the Ancient Treasures Prophecy had been fulfilled in the previous two years, and this year they had to work on the Rings of Bubblash Prophecy. The Defender, Guardian, Protector Prophecy was a prophecy that had been received during the Golden Era long ago, but part of it had been stolen. The previous year the Zappers had found a copy of the full prophecy, which explained that if Chosen Ones were present when the Guardian and Protector were killed, Chosen Ones were forced to take over those duties. Gooze Bubblash and Sapiro Ojeluza had been killed by Rayo Malgorpeo a few months ago, and Roger and Israel had been designated as the next Protector and Guardian, but Mick, Slick, and Slime had told them to keep that information secret at all costs.

Mick pointed to the Rings of Bubblash Prophecy for everyone to read again.

Chambers have been cut by ancient blades,

Jewels must be used to open them and aide.

Created with fire in the wilderness,

Pure gold the craftsman did possess.

Amazing abilities these gems allow,

To help the Soul Alliance fulfill their vow.

Worn on any finger to activate,

Though kept a secret the special traits.

Useful wherever teleported without a doubt,

But impossible to remove when taken out.

Chosen souls of each gem’s color the first to touch,

Or painful consequences will hurt much.

For Chanulville and the Central Orb to rally,

The Rings of Bubblash must be brought to the valley.

For the past two months, I have been studying nonstop to find out any information about the Rings of Bubblash, Mick began. "To fulfill the Ancient Treasures Prophecy last year, we cut the actual chambers of protection at the Respites of Power locations. The Rings of Bubblash will make it possible to open the chambers. From what I understand, this will allow for a safe place to keep any important artifacts that need to be stored outside of Chanulville.

"The prophecy does not give us specific directions, just like the Ancient Treasures Prophecy didn’t, but the one clue I can see is that they were crafted in the wilderness, and so they were hidden in the different wilderness areas of Chanulville as well.

"The many histories I’ve read talk about all sorts of rumors that the Rings of Bubblash give secret powers to whoever places them on a finger. Most of the rumors are extremely outrageous ranging from allowing you to make plants grow more quickly to transforming yourself into a snarfalog. I don’t believe any of these rumors, so we’ll just have to wait and see once we’ve recovered them.

We’ll get to the search groups in a moment, but for anyone involved that is not a Chosen One of the specific ring color, make sure you do not touch a Ring of Bubblash until a Chosen One has touched it first. I hope we never have to find out what pains will be inflicted if that is not followed, but since the prophecy specifically mentions it, be careful. Does anyone have any questions? Mick asked.

Margaret raised her hand with a confused look. I know we’re staying in Kulk this summer so we have time to find the rings, but the wilderness areas are huge, so are we just supposed to go wander around the jungle or something?

Yes and no, Mick replied. My research has also allowed me to narrow down general locations of each color of ring. The red ring is somewhere in the caverns, the yellow in the jungle, the orange in the mountains, the blue in the forest, the green in the swamp, and the purple in the unexplored desert area on the other side of the mountains.

Mick, that is an extreme assumption, Odette said. What are these sources that have led you to these locations, and why haven’t you shared them with the Color Council?

I only recently decided on this, but I don’t think my sources would be very helpful. I felt my soulbeam tingle, and that’s how I learned where the rings are located, Mick said.

Mick shot a quick glance at the Slick and Slime, who were both snickering because Mick couldn’t tell everyone they had learned that information from the Defender book.

Anyway, Mick continued. Back to your question, Margaret. We know the general wilderness area where each ring is located, but nothing else, so in a way, yes, you will have to just wander around and try to follow your soulbeam. The Ancient Ones probably didn’t leave any direct clues, so the Soul Freezers wouldn’t be able to find the locations of the rings either. However, through my studies I have also concluded that the Soul Freezers probably already know where the red, blue, and orange rings are.

Are you trying to scare all the Chosen Ones with your unbelievable statements? Odette said.

He’s gone mad! King Yumma Yumma said.

Mick, how is it possible that the Soul Freezers know the locations of the Rings of Bubblash when the prophecy was only received two months ago? Lilac asked.

Mick turned and looked at the chairs behind him. Zep was sitting calmly, already knowing Mick’s sources, but Odette, Lilac, King Yumma Yumma, and Gor were all looking at him like he was crazy. Prince Yumma Yumma was just looking furiously at Roger and Israel.

Mick turned back and looked at the disturbed faces of the Chosen Ones, then he glanced at the back corner where Slick and Slime were still sniggering.

I have to ask everyone here, Chanulano or not, to please keep this information secret, Mick said. The Soul Freezers have a leader named Rayo Malgorpeo. He led the attack four months earlier when the Soul Freezers came to the Chanulville Valley to kill Gooze and Sapiro. I don’t know how it’s possible, but he is over two hundred years old, which means he was a contemporary of the Ancient Ones, and so he knows some of the locations where the Ancient Ones hid the rings.

Ludicrous! Odette screeched.

King Yumma Yumma hurriedly stood up. He was breathing hard, causing his round belly to heave in and out.

That is an absurd fairytale that their ancestors invented to scare my ancestors, King Yumma Yumma said, pointing at Slick and Slime. I’ve read in the king’s log about the made-up, ghostly figure of Lord Rayo. He does not exist though! And further mention of that fable is punishable by law!

Sit down! Mick said to the king.

The king looked appalled, and Gor stepped forward, but Mick scowled at them and turned back to the Soul Alliance.

"I only wanted everyone to be informed. Regardless of if you believe it or not, I assure you that the Soul Freezers are going to be searching all throughout Chanulville to find any indication of the Rings of Bubblash and any sign of groups of Chosen Ones looking for them. I highly suggest if you are on a team searching for the red, blue, or orange ring that you be especially ready for an attack from the Soul Freezers.

As you all know, the whole reason for having you stay in Kulk during the summer was because the only form of transportation in Chanulville is walking and teleporting. There is no way to come and go every day from the Chanulville Valley because the rings may be hidden deep in the wilderness, and there aren’t any teleporters generated there. During the third week of June, four groups will be leaving in hopes of finding as many rings as possible before the summer is over. Me, Roger, and Israel will be going together to look for the yellow ring. Rod, Margaret, Shag, and Beeze will be going to look for the purple ring.

Rod, Shag, and Beeze all lifted their hands in the air with their thumbs extended, their middle and index fingers together in the form of guns, and zapped at the ceiling.

Graham, Evelyn, and Otto Guzzlebop will be going to look for the orange ring.

The Guzzlebops are enemies of Chanulville. He’ll hand over the orange ring directly to the Soul Freezers! King Yumma Yumma shouted.

"He is a yellow, so he won’t even be touching the orange ring. He will only be along to help find and arrive at the ring location. If you would allow for another yellow Color Council