Chapter 3: Swords and Shells
The temperature of the pool was perfect as was the chlorine levels. Hun had done his research and set the thermostat for both the pool and the building to what many websites have deemed to be the perfect temperature for turtles. He didn’t want too much chlorine in the water, just enough to keep any algae from forming. Being that it was an indoor pool he did not have to worry about bugs or grass. He didn’t want too much of the green chemical in the water. He read that turtles absorbed a lot through their skin and he did not wish to get sick. Then again most animals, including humans, can absorb stuff through their skin. That was how that flea crap worked on their pitbull, Shwarzenegger.
As he continued to swim he thought a bit more of his mutation and what Dr. Westerly had said. He did not feel any food cravings. Turtles were omnivores like humans, although they also ate bugs and contrary to popular belief they did not like lettuce. Hun still liked lettuce with his sandwiches. In fact as soon as he was done with his swim he was going to have a tuna sandwich with lettuce and pickles.
He took a deep breath and floated on his back. It was a bit easier to float this way, now that he had a shell. In fact he was also a faster and better swimmer. He didn’t crave it any more or any less than he did when he was human, although now he was more prone to clean himself after he had gotten out of the pool to make certain he did not absorb anything and to rinse out his hair with cold water and used a bit of a leave in conditioner. He was never big on grooming before and just washed his hair with a two in one, but now that he was a reptile he wanted to make sure his hair was in healthy condition. It was the only trait that he had left that was mammalian.
He gritted his teeth as he thought about those who made him lose his humanity. They turned him into an animal and he will show them how much of an animal he can be when he crushed their bones and stained his claws with their blood. It was a pity he would not be able to kill the other four, the ones that brought the mutagen with them.
“Boss,” Kenny’s voice came through the intercom, prompting Hun to open his eyes. “Our informant wishes to see you.”
“Send her in,” Hun instructed.
Gabby’s information had been pretty much hit and miss or hit or miss. There was no Medakans amongst the Purple Dragons. No one who used that as their nickname or their last name. He wanted to be subtle about it. He only asked for the real names of the Dragons and any other possible nickname, under the pretense that another name might be better and more suiting for that particular member. Hun planned on confronting Gabby about that, he was also a bit curious on what kind of baked treat she brought this time.
“Two Ton’s crew just returned with the last of the swords,” Kenny said.
“Tell him to put it with the others,” Hun ordered.
“Gottcha, Boss,” Kenny said before he signed off.
Hun thought about installing a intercom throughout the building, including his office. His Dragons would just have to press the button in order to talk to him, actually that would be a good idea.
There was small knock on the double doors.
“Come in,” Hun said and swam closer to the shallow side.
Gabby walked in wearing the similar style of jeans and a light blue halter-top. She did her make up wrong. Hun could see a bit of white powder that was dusting the bottom of her chin.
“There is no Medakans,” Hun said in a low voice. “You have been lying.”
“I have only been going by what my source knows,” Gabby said. She was backing against the wall. “He is harder to pinpoint than we thought.”
“He?” Hun asked. If Medakans was real then they had narrowed it down.
“That has been confirmed,” Gabby said. She kept looking at him and at the pool. There was a new look in her eyes that Hun had yet to see on her. He had seen that look on others but not her. It was the look of fear.
“My nudity isn’t bothering you is it?” He glanced down. Everything was still tucked away. He rarely went skinny-dipping in the pool before, even though when he swam he was the only one in the water. Ever since he was walked in on while gaming he did not want to take any chances. “Naked mutants can be frightening.”
“It’s not you. It’s the pool itself. A recent phobia I’m trying to overcome.”
“Ah,” Hun said and nodded. Many of his Dragons had similar fears. Needles was superstitious about the number 13. He refused to be on the 13th floor and stayed home on Friday the 13th. Raz was afraid of bees and all matter of flying stinging insects. Two ton had a problem with clowns and Hun himself was creeped out by Christopher Walken. He could never watch that cowbell sketch. There was also that recent problem with mirrors.
“I also have some information about one your most recent acquirements,” Gabby said. “But I will wait until you are done with your swim.”
“I am done now,” Hun said as he pulled himself out of the water, but Gabby had already run out the room. She probably could only be near what she feared for so long before it really got to her.
-
Hun had had half expected to meet up with Gabby when he entered the room where all the swords were. There were a few Dragons in their including Raz, but there was no sign of his informant, nor was Kenny or Needles.
“Where is Gabby?” Hun asked.
“She said she was busy,” Raz said in an annoyed tone.
“What about the others?”
“Kenny and Needles said they both have something to do,” Raz said. “And Two Ton mentioned he needed to cool down.”
“What do we have?” Hun asked. It was time to get right down to business.
“We just finished hitting the last of the antique shops in town,” Raz said as she led him to a table that was covered with a cloth. “Found a bunch of pretty blades.”
Hun lifted the cloth and stared at them. There were several swords lying on the table of various sizes. He recognized claymores, long swords, broad swords, katanas, tachis, krises, cutlasses, sabers, patas and rapiers. Their hilts all had unique designs. Some were plain while others were fancy. Some of the pommels even had what appeared to be real jewels embedded in them.
“Nice,” Hun said as he dropped the cloth.
“We did good?” Raz asked as she crossed her arms.
“You did well.” Hun nodded.
“How much scratch do you think we’ll make?”
“Plenty,” Hun said as he surveyed the room. There were several more tables covered in cloths, all of them containing more swords that had been swiped. “Our buyer is an extremely wealthy man.”
“So who is this man?” Raz asked.
“Alessendro Garbaldi is from Italy. He’s head of the Garbaldi International a corporation spread across Europe and appearing here in America.”
“I’ve never heard of him,” Raz said. “Never heard of his corporation either.”
Hun shrugged. Not everyone has. “He has set up business locations in the southwest, places like in California and Texas and the states in between. He’s dripping rich and loves to collect fine swords, and he doesn’t care who he buys it from.”
“He’s mafia?”
“I have no idea.” Hun shook his head. “I do know that we have been contacting his people and will set up a meeting in a few days.”
“And he’s going to buy all of them?”
“I have no idea if he is going to buy any of them. From what I have read Garbaldi is a selective man.”
“So there is a chance that he might not buy any?”
Hun nodded. “Even if he doesn’t buy any there will still be other buyers, but I want to make sure we have a good selection for him to choose.”
“And there is a great variety,” Raz added.
“ I am going to need one of you to speak on my behalf.” He was most likely going to choose someone like Needles. Not only did the man know how to dress to impress, but he was also one of the smartest members of the Purple Dragons.
“What if we get one of the tech guys to set up an intercom system?” Raz asked.
“That would be good,” Hun said as he rubbed his chin. “But will we have it done in time?”
Raz shrugged. “I dunno.”
“We’ll talk more on the subject. Where is Gabby? She said she has some information on one of the swords.”
“I don’t know where she went,” Raz said with a scowl. “And I don’t know why you let her come and go as she pleases. She’s not one of us. You never let anyone else just saunter in to chat with you.”
“She is odd. Let’s just say I want to learn her true motivations.”
“Hopefully her true motivations will not lead us to the FBI.”
The door to the room opened and Two Ton ran inside. “Boss,” he gasped.
“What is it?” Hun asked.
“Cookies,” Two Ton said. “Hundreds of them. This way.” He turned around and ran out of the room.
“Cookies?” Hun blinked.
“That was unexpected,” Raz said. “You think we should check it out.”
“Might as well,” Hun said. He already knew where the cookies came from. He didn’t expect hundreds of cookies. Then again Two Ton could be exaggerating.
As they approached the dining area they could see several Purple Dragons surrounding the tables. Hun was also able to get a good whiff of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. He could not remember the last time he had those.
“This is the last of the three batches,” Gabby said as she came out carrying three cookie sheets.
“You made these here?” Hun asked as Gabby used a spatula to remove the cookies from the trays and place them in neat stacks up high on the plates.
“That would explain why she brought in all those chocolate chips,” Two Ton mumbled with a mouthful of cookie.
“Hello sir,” Gabby greeted when she caught Hun’s eye. “A few of your members were grumbling the other day about how there weren’t anything like cookies to snack on. So I improvised.”
“Great improvising,” a Dragon said.
“Yeah thanks.”
“She made three kinds,“ Two Ton said. “There is big and puffy, thin and crispy and chewy.”
Hun just stared at Raz who just shrugged before he grabbed one of the cookies and took a bite. Damn that was good. It was crispy but not the bad kind of crispy and the chocolate chips were still warm.
Raz also selected one of the cookies and took a bite. “I’m going to have to give Betty Crocker here some credit.”
Hun nodded and turned to Gabby. “You have information about one of the swords?”
“The sword of the ancient hero,” Gabby said before she pursed her lips. “Or the legendary hero. We need to see if you have it first.”
“What is so special about this particular sword?” Hun asked.
“Not here,” Gabby said and glanced at the rest of the Dragons. “In your office after we find it.”
He grabbed her by the collar of her shirt and lifted her up. “Who do you think you are to be giving me orders?”
“Not orders,” Gabby said. She did not bat an eye or express any discomfort. “It’s a matter of trust issues and-“ her voice became a whisper. “Your Judas.”
Hun set her down. “I have worked with many of my boys and girls for years and I have only known you for a few days.
“Your life is in my hands whether you think it is or not. My orders are to keep you safe no matter what.”
Hun just stared at her for a few seconds. He could just order to have her thrown out, or he could throw her out himself, but he will never know if any of the stolen swords are special or not, nor know how special it is.
“So I will repeat myself in a manner that is more fitting of a request,” Gabby said. “May I go see if you have the sword and I shall explain it’s merit’s to you.”
“Fine,” he might as well see what the hell this was about. “But you better not be toying with me.”
“I do not toy with my clients,” Gabby said as she retrieved her cane that was resting against the side of the table.
Hun led her to the room where all the swords are kept. “It will be wise for you to keep your lips shut about what you see. I may have to end your life if you speak to the authorities.”
“Your business practices are not my business,” Gabby said. “These were the orders that were given to me by my boss.”
“And he would be?” Hun grabbed onto the door’s handles.
“She,” Gabby said. “And that is all I can say on the matter.”
She was being god damn cryptic again and it was pissing him off. He scowled at her as he opened the door.
“The sword of the ancient hero has a blade made out of bronze,” Gabby explained as she lifted up the cloth on one of the tables. “But as strong as diamond. Nothing can break it.”
“That does bare some interest,” Hun said as he lifted up another cloth to look for this sword. A couple of swords had blades made out of bronze.
“The grip of the halter is covered with braided reddish brown leather,” Gabby continued as she dropped the cloth and went to another table. “There are golden wings at the ends of each of the cross guard, and a polished black stone in the rain guard.”
“Not here,” Hun said as he dropped the cloth. He looked at another table. One of the bronze sword’s did have a braided leather covering on the grip, but it was black and the adornment of the cross guard was more like curved fangs instead of wings. Another bust. He lifted another cloth and checked the swords. There were a few that had reddish brown braided leather, and one had golden wings at the cross guard. He slid it out of it’s sheath. The blade was indeed bronze and there was a round black stone just under the hilt. He wasn’t sure if it was obsidian or onyx.
“I found it,” Hun held up the blade.
“May we discuss more of it’s details in your office?” Gabby asked.
“We may,” Hun nodded. If the sword is as special as she said it was then he would rather keep it in his office.
Gabby was silent until the doors were closed. “During battle wielder of the blade can create a blinding flash.”
“Doesn’t seem too special,” Hun said as he slid the sword from its scabbard. “I do like the idea of it being indestructible.”
“It is one of the few weapons that can kill a creature that is pure evil, such as demons and other monsters, yet it cannot harm the innocent.”
“What the sword deems is innocent or what the wielder does?” Hun asked as he continued to study the weapon.
“I am not sure,” Gabby said and held out her arm. “I can heal.”
Hun blinked and ran the edge of the blade against her arm. There was no mark, not even a scratch. He ran it again and there was still nothing. He used it in a sawing motion but he still couldn’t cut through her flesh.
“This blade has to be dull.”
“Keep it held out,” Gabby said as she removed the top of the post it notes and let it float to the floor. The second the paper came into contact with the blade it was sliced in half.
“Amazing,” Hun said as he slid the blade back into the scabbard. “I will certainly not sell such an amazing weapon.”
“Boss,” Two Ton cried out from the other side of the doors. “We got-“ there was a sound of a crack and Two Ton came crashing through the doors, rolling head over heels before landing near their feet. There was a noticeable bruise at the side of his head and blood dripping from where his lower lip was split.
There were the sounds of a struggle out side. The laser rifles of the Purple Dragons accompanied several hollow wooden sounds.
“Gang war?” Gabby asked. Her grip tightened at the base of her cane.
“We will see,” Hun said as he opened the doors.
It wasn’t a rival gang. It was them. His most hated enemy and once again they dared to enter his building. He saw three of them fighting his Dragons along with Jones. He could not see the fourth one, nor did he know if the rodent or if the red-head was with them.
The fourth turtle ran into the area with a cookie in his mouth.
“Mikey,” the angry one glared at his brother before he kicked a Dragon in the stomach.
The one called Mikey bit down on the cookie and removed the rest from his mouth. “These are great. You should have grabbed one.” He ducked a few blasts before consuming the rest of the cookie.
“I take it they are not friends of yours,” Gabby said. “Although I wonder if I should be flattered that one of them likes my cookies.”
“They are the ones who did this to me,” Hun said. He did not remove his glare from the battle. “Turtles.” He cried out.
“Where’s the sword, Hun,” the turtle in charge, Leonardo asked.
“That should be the least of your concerns,” Hun said as Gabby stepped in front of him. “Protect me later.” He shoved her out of the way and loped up the leader of the freaks.
Leonardo side stepped him at the last second but did not react with his own blades before Hun socked him in the stomach.
Hun grunted and turned when the brainy one came with his big stick. Hun grabbed the edge of the weapon and lifted both it and the turtle and shook until the turtle fell off. He turned to the where the other turtles were. The angry one and the goofy one were taking out the Dragons that were in the room.
“Goongalah,” Jones shouted above him.
The crack of wood met wood as Jones’s hockey stick was blocked by Gabby’s cane.
“And that is why I don’t believe in battle cries,” Gabby said as she delivered a couple of her fancy high kicks against the masked man. “The enemy can hear you coming at the last second.”
“Whoa,” Jones grunted as he was able to dodge a few of her moves but was eventually struck in the chest.
Hun smiled inside. That girl can hold her own, but his main focus was with the enemy. He turned just in time for Leonardo to kick him in the chest, but it was not enough. He smacked away the turtle leader and tripped.
“Good one, Donny,” Mikey said.
Hun rolled on his back as the goofy turtle was about to strike him with his nun chucks. He raised his foot and kicked away the teen, before he stood back up and charged straight to where Leonardo and the brainy one were.
A sharp pain struck him in the arm. Hun looked to where a sai was sticking out of his flesh.
“Gotcha you lumbering, poor excuse for a turtle,” the angry one said.
Hun shouted out at the cocky turtle in red.
“Uh oh dude,” Mikey said. “You called him the T-word.”
“Mikey we are the T-word,” the brainy one said.
“Still blaming us for your own doing?” Leonardo said.
“You mutant scum did this to me,” Hun removed the sai from his arm and threw it at the turtle leader.
All four jumped toward him to attack.
“No,” Gabby cried. She distanced herself from Jones and blocked the attack from Leonardo before she twirled around and delivered her kicks at Mikey who barely dodged them.
The battle took on an interesting turn as Hun thrust his fists at his enemies. He was able to yank the katanas from Leonardo and grab the brainy one. Whenever one of his enemies got too close they were blocked off by Gabby.
Suddenly there was a beeping sound and the brainy one rolled away to answer his cell phone.
“Guys she’s got it,” the brainy one said.
“Let’s go,” Leonardo said.
“Great,” the angry one said. “I’m getting sick of dancing with Fred and Ginger here.” He ran off along with his brothers and Jones who kept his eyes on them.
“The one in red is either a comedian or a jerk,” Gabby said.
Hun grunted. “Come back here. Come back here you freaks.” He ran after them but Gabby jumped in his path. “Get out of my way.”
“You are injured,” She grabbed his wrist with one hand placed another over his injury.
The pain slowly ebbed away and was mixed with a tickling feeling.
“There,” Gabby said as removed her hand. The wound was gone.
“What are you?” Hun asked.
“Your protector,” she said. “I wonder what they were really after?”
“They were distracting us,” Hun realized. Damn it he was an idiot. He should have figured that out.
“Boss,” Two Ton said as he staggered out of Hun’s office. “She took the sword. That O’Neil, I mean Jones chick. I tried to stop her but she knocked me out.”
“They were after the sword,” Hun growled.
“We must have stolen it from the Jones’s shop,” Two Ton said.
“The sword cannot be sold to anyone,” Gabby said.
“It won’t be,” Hun snarled. He was going to find away to get that blade back.