“Indeed. Also, unlike your previous opponents, the rock elemental is actually quite friendly. In most instances, one can convince them to provide their essence without a fight.”
“That’s great. Why do we even need the Khopesh then?”
“Because it’s never that easy dummy,” Vix smiled.
“Victoria is correct,” Freddy started, ”While the rock elementals are quite friendly, should they decide to attack, they are quite formidable foes. If you need to engage in combat you will be very happy to have a sand shifter by your side.”
“But I should definitely try and talk to it first right?”
“Yes, however, while they are the most likely elemental to strike up a bargain for their essence, the rock elemental is not known for reaching a deal quickly.”
“Because they talk slow like the trees?”
“No, because they are eternally patient. Unlike the other elementals, which have a discernable lifespan, the rock elemental may in fact be immortal. Much like the rocks from which they are comprised, time seems to hold very little meaning to them. So, they become quite bored and look for any excuse to kill time. Including drawing out any conversation they can,” Freddy finished.
“Oh good. Lucky for us we aren’t in a hurry.”
“Exactly,” Vix said, matching my own sarcasm.
We all collectively sighed and Freddy pointed me in the proper direction. The rocks around us grew larger and more frequent. Another half hour of walking found us approaching what I can only describe as a rock city. Most of the stones were at least two stories high and grouped close enough together that we had to wind around them to continue on. We made our way towards the center and eventually they opened up into a huge circle.
The opening was probably just big enough to fit a small house in. It felt a bit smaller than I expected from the giant rocks surrounding us. But the perfect symmetry of the circle made it clear this wasn’t a natural formation. This was built. Which meant something was strong enough to lift the surrounding stones and situate them exactly as it wanted. I was betting that something was my new friend the rock elemental.
Freddy confirmed we were in the right place. Apparently unlike the other elementals, the rocks were very clear about where they lived. Part of their desire to attract visitors I imagined. I motioned for Freddy and Vix to stay by the edge and out of harms way as best as possible. Then, after looking around a bit and failing to spot the creature of note, I used my gift.
“Hey Rocky, where are you?”
After a couple moments, the sound of rock grinding on rock started coming from the far side of the circle. Then, the rock elemental stepped around one of the large perimeter stones and into the circle.
It was huge and exactly as I’m sure you pictured. An enormous pile of rocks positioned in a way to seem vaguely humanoid. The rocks had a reddish brown hue to them and mostly seemed to be the same color pattern throughout. They were almost all large stones, various shapes of which kept it from being symmetrical. Its head was actually leaning quite prominently to the right. The head by the way, which towered over the surrounding rocks. You know, the rocks that were several stories high. If I were to guess, I’d say Rocky here was at least four stories high and half that wide. A very imposing figure.
“Hey Rocky, do you mind if I call you Rocky?”
“Hello little one. I do not mind at all. However I must tell you it is one of the least creative names I have been given,” he said.
As you guessed he had a very gravelly voice and I’m guessing he’s a he because it was so deep and full of bass. The five boulders that made up his head all shifted as he spoke. While I couldn’t make out a mouth or eyes, it was clearly moving with his voice and staring at me.
“I mean, I’m sure it doesn’t seem very creative until I tell you my name is Apollo. Apollo Creed. Nice to meet you.”
“It is very nice to meet you Apollo Creed. Why does your name make my name more creative?”
“Because of a movie that obviously you’ve never seen as you live in the Veil and you’re a rock.”
“That is correct,” he laughed, “I have never seen a movie. Will you please tell me about it?”
“Um sure. Rocky is a boxer known for being super tough. Apollo is the world-boxing champion. They box and then become the best of friends. Much like us I hope, minus the boxing part.”
“What is boxing?”
“Oh, it’s when two people put on padded gloves so they don’t hurt each other and then attempt to hurt each other. It’s kind of odd in that way. But it’s a fairly popular sport back where we come from.”
“That sounds like great fun. Will you please tell me more of this movie with the boxing?” Rocky asked.
“I’d love to, but you see Rocky, we are in kind of a hurry. A friend of mine is in trouble and in order to help her out of it I need your essence. Is there any chance you’d give that to me?”
“I would be happy to help,” he smiled I think, “But first, please tell me of this trouble.”
“Let me guess, you want to hear about it in excruciating detail right?”
“Oh yes, yes please,” he said, very excited.
“Rocky, let me ask you a question here. How long do you think you’ll want to keep me talking before you give me the essence?”
He tilted his head as if he was pondering the question before answering, “Well, not too long. I understand you’re in a hurry. Perhaps you could just tell me a few more things before I help you.”
“Sure, how about we set a limit. Like, three questions or something?”
‘That sounds very fair.”
“Awesome, ask away?”
“What does awesome mean?”
“Oh, it means something is very good.”
“I understand. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Next question?”
“Well this will be the first question. That was a clarification,” he smiled.
“Okay, fine. First question. Go.”
“What is the origin of this boxing?”
“I mean, I don’t know how much detail I can give you there. Honestly people have been punching people in the face for thousands of years. But I think the Greeks started it. The Olympics maybe.”
“What are the Olympics?”
“Is that your second question or a clarification?”
“A clarification. It is not fair of you to offer an answer which is itself full of questions.”
“Okay Rocky, let’s be honest here. You’re going to ask for a lot of clarifications aren’t you?”
He just smiled and sat back on the ground, snuggling his back against the large perimeter rocks, as he was getting comfortable. I nodded to myself as I understood where this was going. But, before starting a huge fight, there was one more question I wanted to know the answer to.
“Okay Rocky, I see what’s happening here. I need to ask you one question before we continue.”
“Of course. What would you like to know?”
“Are you alone here?”
“Very much so I’m afraid. Why do you ask?”
“I ask because I’m afraid I’m going to have to show you what Apollo Creed did to Rocky.”
With that I drew the Khopesh from my back. His expression and demeanor instantly changed. He sprang to his feet and the rocks shifted around his body to make it clear he was in aggressive mode. He stepped slowly to the side, ready to fight.
“Now, Rocky, I have no interest in fighting you. I really don’t.”
‘They why bring such a threat,” he asked.
“Because there are lives on the line. Innocent people are going to die if I don’t get your essence as quickly as possible. I really would prefer you just give it to me.”
“You ask for my help and after I agree you threatened me. Why would I trust you?”
‘That’s a fair point. I can only offer you my word. I wish you no harm. Another time I would have loved to sit here and chat with you. But at the moment, I’m
afraid I can’t afford that luxury. Please, just give me your essence.”
“And if I don’t,” he snarled.
“I’m really hoping you will.”
That shocked him. He was clearly waiting for the threat. I could see the confusion on his rocky face. I hoped he could detect the sincerity in my voice. I really didn’t want to fight him. Especially not with the Khopesh, which Freddy told me would hurt Rocky badly. The idea of hurting this friendly creature made me sad. It must have shown on my face because Rocky calmed down. He didn’t sit back down, but the rocks that made up his body shifted into a more neutral position, if that makes sense.
“You will answer one question, fully before I agree,” he said.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Why do you need it?”
I sighed heavily before starting. I didn’t want to waste time, but it was a fair question. So, as quickly as possible I told him everything. About Vix, her parents, the sarcophagus, the key, and the race against the clock. I told him all of it, in a great deal of detail. I’ll admit, I was talking pretty fast, but I did the honorable thing and didn’t leave anything out. When I was done he scratched his rocky head with his huge hand.
“I have decided I will help you. But you must bring the key to me and leave the weapon behind,” he stated firmly.
“And no harm will come to me?”
“You have my word.”
“Good enough for me.”
I turned and walked back to the edge, handing Vix the sword. She wasn’t happy about it, but the determined look on my face kept her from arguing with me. Freddy had secured the key after my charbroiling, so he handed it back to me and I walked back to Rocky. Standing by his feet and looking up reminded me just how huge and imposing he was. All he’d have to do is drop on top of me and I’d be a bug on a windshield. I held up the key and hoped for the best.
Rocky leaned down towards me and brought his face a few feet from my own. He took what seemed a breath and blew it out at the key I held. But since he was a forty-foot tall rock monster, he breath was hitting more than just the key. My entire body was covered in a moist dusty air. While it should have caused me to cough or feel uncomfortable, it didn’t. The key started to glow as it had done for the others. After a few moments it was over. Rocky stood back upright. I worried he was about to stomp on me, but he just stood there.
“Thank you so much for this. I’m very sorry I threatened you. It was an unfair thing for me to do.”
“Your apology is accepted. Perhaps when you are in this area again we can talk longer?”
“Absolutely. But now we must go. I’m sorry. I hope more company comes to visit you soon.”
“Thank you. So do I,” he smiled.
With that he turned and faded back behind the giant stones of the circle. I slowly started walking backwards, hoping this wasn’t part of some elaborate trick to lower my defenses. But I made it back to the edge, joined Freddy and Vix and we hurried off in the direction Freddy pointed. After keeping a speedy pace for an hour or so we all finally calmed down and took a break.
“Finally, an easy one,” I laughed and they joined in.
CHAPTER 19
Freddy repacked the key and started checking the map for our next destination. Vix was clearly ready to scold me for being so reckless. But she was cute when she was doing it, so I didn’t really mind. I was still holding the khopesh and extremely curious. There was a small jagged rock next to me so I placed the blade against it. As soon as I did, the rock started to give way and the blade moved through. It was like the rock was instantly turning to dust and parting in front of the weapon. A quick flick of the wrist and I was through. I looked up at Freddy and Vix.
“Holy crap. No wonder he didn’t want to fight. This is some kind of rock lightsaber.”
“That would be an accurate description,” Freddy nodded.
“And let’s all celebrate the fact that you knew what a lightsaber is.”
Freddy gave me a hard stare, “Of course I know what a lightsaber is.”
Vix and I laughed and Freddy shook his head before going back to his map. While he plotted our course, Vix and I ran around like a couple of five year olds with a new toy. We sliced up dozens of rocks, all the while valiantly trying to make authentic lightsaber sound effects. I think mine were better than hers. She disagreed. We headed back to Freddy once he stopped looking at the map.
“Are you two quite finished?” he asked.
“Yeah, sorry. This is just so much fun.”
“It’s pretty awesome. You should try it,” Vix said.
“Very well,” Freddy said, “I will give it a try.”
Vix carefully handed Freddy the blade. She didn’t want him losing a limb. But he calmly walked over to the nearest rock and prepared to swing. Before he did so, he turned to face us and looked at us like a parent about to show the kids how it’s done. Then with way more confidence than he had any right to have, Freddy started humming. It was a perfect lightsaber sound effect. He smiled, swung the sword, and managed to slice the rock in half. Holding up the sword he made the lightsaber off sound and smirked. Vix and I lost it. We couldn’t control our laugher.
“Freddy that was amazing.”
“Thank you,” he said, handing the sword back, “the weapon is quite exhilarating to use.”
Our playfull smiles all agreed with Freddy’s assessment. The sword was awesome. Freddy deserved it and much more for helping me out. I was happy to have such a fine gift to give him. But for now, I’d be holding onto the sword along with all of the other weapons. I packed the rocksaber away while Freddy explained our next destination. He pointed in a vaguely northeastern direction while he did so.
“Our final destination will be the crystal caves of Serpents Valley. They are quite infamous around here. While their beauty is striking and the urge to visit is great, they are very dangerous. This will be the most difficult of the elementals to deal with. The metal elemental is considered by scholars to be the most powerful of the five types.”
“Oh good, I would hate to think it was getting easier.”
“Don’t worry. If you’re scared I’m happy to handle the next one,” Vix smiled.
“Ha, ha.”
“I am afraid it gets worse,” Freddy interrupted, “the metal elementals are almost always encountered in pairs.”
“Of course they are. Good thing we brought two swords to deal with them.”
“You did?” Vix questioned.
“We did?” Freddy followed.
“No. Because you didn’t tell me we’d have to fight two of them.”
“Of course,” Freddy frowned, “I should have shared that information earlier. As I was certain you did not want me joining you in battle, a second blade seemed like an unnecessary expense. I apologize. Had I know Victoria was accompanying us on this expedition, I might have offered alternative purchase advice.”
“He’s right. You were planning to leave me at home,” she sneered.
“Hey, I was trying to keep your safe.”
“I think we both know I can take care of myself. Plus, we’ve established that your house isn’t entirely safe.”
“Well I thought it was safe at the time. I already left my brother a voicemail telling him how much his security system sucked. We’ll find a way to fix it. For now, we have a pair of giant metal elementals to fight.”
“Indeed,” Freddy added, “I will be happy to tell you what I know as we walk.”
And with that we all began heading in the direction Freddy indicated. Vix pretended to be mad at me, but it didn’t last. She too was fascinated by what Freddy was telling us.
It turns out the metal elemental is a mostly humanoid looking foe. Although much larger proportions. In general they stand fifteen-feet high and have very wide torsos. Long arms end in oversized hands, which make incredibly scary sounding fists. They have stubby thick legs and huge feet. Its head is the only really weird thing of note. Apparently it’s not so much a head as
it’s a bump at the top of their shoulders to cap off a face in the middle of their huge chest. So, that should be fun to see.
But while all of that sounded pretty much as I was expecting, it was the last little tidbit Freddy dropped which really brought the weight of the threat home. It seems the term metal was giving me a false sense of solidity. While their punch feels like a fast moving Chevy, apparently they are also quite malleable. Which is a Freddy term meaning they’re the fricking T1000.
“So this thing is liquid metal?”
“I am not sure liquid is quite accurate,” Freddy started, “but their metal frame is very pliable.”
“Have you seen T2? I don’t want to fight that.”
“Me either. That sounds terrible. Glad it’s on you,” Vix smirked.
“Oh thank you very much. Wasn’t it your turn?”
She just laughed and held her hands up. I looked back at Freddy and hoped I was misunderstanding.
“Just so I understand. Are we saying this thing will have the flexibility of the water elemental and the strength of the rock elemental?”
Freddy thought for a moment before answering, then nodded to himself, “Yes, I believe that would be a very apt description of the opponent we face.”
“Oh and there’s two of them.”
I guess I sounded a bit too sarcastic because both Vix and Freddy laughed at me, which I found to be in poor taste as I was about to fight a pair of robots from the future. Here’s hoping Baxter actually does sell exceptional weapons. The rusting dagger was the second item we bought from Baxter, right after the charred blade. So far all of our J Street weapons had been exceptional, so there was no reason to assume otherwise with this one. But, it was also the blade Baxter essentially chose for me. Here’s hoping he knows what he’s doing. Fighting the T2 with a ceramic blade was not a very comforting thought.
I stopped and pulled the tuned blade out of my bag. It felt great in my hand, an exceptionally well-balanced weapon. The term dagger was a stretch however, as this was definitely more of a short sword, with the blade getting wider like a gladius. The metal was orange with a white stripe running down its length. The entire piece, including the handle, was ceramic. Beautiful white leather wrapped around the handle, giving it a comfortable grip and matching the white stripe in the blade. I can appreciate good color coordination in a weapon. I secured the weapon in the sheath on my back and continued walking.
G.H.O.S.T. Teams (Book 3) Spirits Page 19
