Chapter 4: Jig-A-Lig

Golems Mine had many names some called it Golems Haven or Golems Nest. It was a large mountain with a village at the bottom for red Warfs. After crossing the border of Lower Boe, you became stuck in a large wasteland. The only village within this land was called Faza. Faza was inhabited by several different races and creatures. The majority are both Golems and the Red Warfs. Golems always had control over the land and mines. They were large creatures that were made of rock. What they lacked in intelligence they made up for in strength. It would take a full squad of assassins to destroy a single golem and when the golems would group up, nothing could stop them. Even if you managed to cut a golem in half, they could regenerate their body with debris around them. The only way to kill them would be to pierce their heart, which was a stone in the center of their chest. Warfs were small but efficient workers. They spent all day working in the mines. They could also create blades in Faza and sell them to the marketplace in Lower Boe. Golem’s Mine was important because a vast majority of metals and minerals were in the mine. Some saw the Golems and Warfs as a master/slave relationship. Others saw Warfs as low-paid workers. But the Warfs couldn’t care as long as they could go to the bars in the village at night. To drink off a long day of work. As Bri landed in Faza, she noticed a group of Warfs running towards the central plaza. Komo and Maka started dashing in the direction of the Warfs. She came up to a large podium in the middle with a medium-sized Warf talking to a crowd. The Warfs’ name was Donkirk the leader of his people.

“So today’s quota was met. We have fulfilled the shipment needed by Boe..” Don states.

The crowd starts to dance and cheer. Everyone starts to roar in approval.

“Everyone can drink are fair share tonight as tomorrow is our rest day. Make sure you watch your alcohol consumption tomorrow though because the day after will be hard work.” Don replies.

A random Warf in the crowd starts to boo Don.

“Who’s Booing, come to the front so I can snap your neck in two,” Don yells

Everyone starts to get serious and stay silent.

“We party tonight my friends and anyone that can out-drink me gets extra Meni,” Don shouts.

They all start to cheer again.

“If anyone else has anything important to say speak now.” Don

The crowd stays silent.

“Oh almost forgot, level five of the mine is closed off after the accident two days ago. Everyone knows about the collapse of the entrance to level five tunnels and the Warfs lost that day. Rest your head in respect.” Don says.

The whole group of Warfs lower their heads and put a hand over their heart. Some take off their hats and hold them close to themselves.

“The condition of the mine isn’t the best, we know that. I’m trying to work with the Golems to prevent any future deaths from happening. If you have any suggestions either speak now or please let me know later.” Don yells.

The random Warf that booed earlier comes to the front. His name was Uba

“The work sucks here and every month warfs die. You do a shit job at being a leader.” Uba yells

“Then leave and travel to Lower Boe. Sleep in an alleyway for all I care. Look for work in the city. No one is forcing you to stay here. I bet you wouldn’t last a day in Boe.” Don glares at Uba.

“Fuck that, how about I knock you out right here and now. Then I’ll become the new leader with more pay. You don’t even mine much anymore. You reap the benefits of all our hard work.” Uba yells

The crowd starts to whisper to each other with small talk. Don grabs his iron knuckles. He dashes towards Uba and strikes him right in the face sending Uba spiraling through the air. Uba soars through the air and smashes into a house. The whole crowd cheers. They start to chant.

“Don, Don, Don KIRK.” Crowd chants.

“Let that be a lesson to anyone that steps out of line. I’m doing my best to improve our working conditions. Just be patient. Everyone knows how hard it is to change a Golem’s mind. Stubborn rock creeps. Now let's drink and feast tonight on a successful shipment completed.

The crowd nods their heads in agreement. Then starts to cheer again. Bri and Maka approach the front. Don spots them and starts to yell Bri’s name.

“Bri, I was wondering when you would show up. Let’s grab a drink and we can share stories.” Don states.

“I would love to drink but I have plans for training with this little guy later. He’s going to take the Reapers test soon.” Bri states.

“Come on one drink, I will once again show you that warfs have the best nightlife,” Don replies.

“Fine, but one drink always turns into two then three.” Kai sighs.

“Live a little, Komo. You never know when you could die. Come drink and feast with me tonight. I’ll take you to the new best bar in Faza. Don motions to a bar in the central plaza.

“Lead the way.” Bri motions to Don.

The whole group of Warfs stares at Maka. Most of them have never seen a Keke before. Maka lights himself on fire and the group gets scared and then awes in amazement. Maka keeps lighting himself on fire and then extinguishes himself. Almost like the flickering of a light blub. Then Don shouts let’s go and the whole group moves together to the bar. They notice a large Golem sitting at the entrance to the bar. It scans the group of them as they enter but stays silent. As they enter the bar they notice groups of Warfs all sitting and drinking.

Everyone is singing Warven songs and chanting as a group. Bri, Don, and Maka take a seat at an open table in the center of the bar. A female Warf waitress is running around fanatically trying to serve them all. She approaches the table.

“Hi, I’m Ann, welcome to Trick’s Bar, what do you want to drink and eat today?” Ann asks. A screen pops up near them with several different types of beers and food. Bri scrolls through the list.

“I haven’t been to this bar before what would you recommend?” Bri asks Ann.

“Oh, we just opened three weeks ago. I would recommend, the beef stew. It has several different types of meat in it. The fried chicken is also fantastic. But if you can afford steak, I would highly recommend buying the steak here.” Ann rambles on.

“Anything cheesy?” Maka squeaks.

“We have mac and cheese but no one ever orders it. Sometimes it’s served as a side.” Ann rolls her eyes.

“I’ll take two steaks for me and Don. Don’t worry Don, I’ll pay for the meal today. Also a Mac and Cheese for Meke.” Bri states.

“It’s Maka.” Maka squeeks.

“ Thanks, Bri, the next meal will be on me.” Don looks happy to have steak today.

“How would you want the steaks cooked? Also, the steak comes with mashed potatoes and different veggies.” Ann replies.

“Medium-rare.” They both reply together.

“What drinks for you? We have freshly brewed apple ale today.” Ann asks.

“What drink did I get last time, I was here? Remember that bar we went too? The bar was called Teds” Bri asks

“Nog’s cider and Teds got destroyed so they made this one. The drunken Warfs started a brawl and a golem came. He smashed the entire bar. Uba ended up setting it on fire.” Don replies.

‘A common day in Faza. Pretty similar to Turks Bar in Lower Boe” Bri states.

“Speak of the devil, that Uba kid is always starting something. Young whipper- snapper. Way too hot-headed.” Don replies as Uba enters the bar and sits at the far back with a group of Warfs.

“Come on, I have eight other tables to attend too. I don’t have all day.” Ann rolls her eyes again.

“Three Nogs, please. Thank you, dear.” Don replies. The waitress walks away.

“So Bri, what’s new? How does it feel to be controlled by a massive group of enforcement robots in the city?” Don asks.

“It’s the same feeling as Golems controlling your race of Warfs. Robots are in control they enforce the law, but the Reapers make the moves behind the scenes.” Bri states.

Ann arrives with the three Nog’s beers. She places them on the table.

“Enjoy. The food will be ready soon, sorry for the wait. We are always so busy before the Warfs' day off.” Ann hurries away.

“Any new weapons you’ve created? Better to buy them here. I still love my katana but have been feeling like wielding a claymore soon. A doctor I met is making me a new body that should be able to handle better weapons. Everyone knows how good dwarven blacksmithing is. Maybe we could work out a deal?” Bri says

“Aww yes, I have good news. We have discovered a new form of ore down at level seven. This new ore can be used to make a new form of metal. I have let certain scientists in Boe know. Let me take a look at your Black Katana. I could have it sharpened while we drink but will have to make new weapons for you.” Don asks.

Komo puts her black katana on the table. Don feels the blade and then grabs it then stands up. He swings twice with the blade checking its condition. Then a small hover bot flies into the bar towards them. The vent opens in the hover bot, and air comes out. It sucks the katana toward it. It uses magnetic energy to hold the blade, then flies away. The group keeps drinking.

“So what type of blades would you want me to make?” Don asks.

“I’m thinking one black katana and one purple katana. For close combat of course and in close corner combat. You know how small houses are in Lower Boe. I’ve also noticed your iron knuckles and want something similar to them. But something stronger like power gauntlets. ” Bri replies.

“I’ll start to make them right away once we start processing the new metals.” Don smiles and then winks.

“Thanks, Kirk,” Bri replies.

“Let’s drink to the discovery,” Don says.

“And new friendships.” Maka squeaks.

“Cheers,” Bri says. They all finish their glasses.

“Ann, more BEERS.” Don starts to shout.

“Coming, Don,” Ann shouts back and brings a new set of cider beers.

“So where did you meet this little mouse?” Don

“I’m a Keke, probably the strongest Keke you’ll ever meet. I don’t think you’ll meet any Kekes. I haven’t found any new friends or family.” Maka squeaks.

“Until now, my new friend,” Don replies and Bri nods her head.

“I was always a street rat, stealing and scavenging food. Sleeping in alleyways. Sometimes I would steal parts and sell them. Now it's my destiny to become a Reaper. What’s being apart of a clan like Bri?

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“Were a family, much like these Warfs. We protect businesses in exchange for Meni but lately, it's been hard to protect so many stores in Lower Boe. We need more members. Sometimes we help black market trade deals that go down. Sid operates in mysterious ways. I just work for Meni, but sometimes you have to kill someone. It’s just business. Everyone thinks they have the advantage in Lower Boe. Thank god, I don’t live there, Complex Centre is so peaceful.” Bri says.

“Speaking of members, you do know what the new shipment for the Reapers is?” Don asks.

“Everyone getting new weapons? Cin will be excited. He’s been using war glaives forever.” Bri asks.

“Well, I’m working on new gear for the Reapers but much more. We have been creating a massive amount of Scythes for Sid’s order. You will be transporting the Reapers shipment.”

“Hmm, what is Sid thinking? What would a massive amount of Scythes be used for? Bri asks.

“Robot guards? Maka asks.

“Reapers bots,” Don states.

“Smart, now we can cover more areas in Lower Boe. Might make me work less too.” Bri says.

“I bet you’ll only get the difficult missions from now on. But my blades will always cover your asses.” Don replies.

Ann walks to the group with plates of food. The two steaks look delicious. The vegetables are cooked perfectly and the mashed potato is covered in gravy. The mac and cheese is placed in front of Maka. Maka’s eyes light up like a kid in a candy store.

“Any ketchup?” Maka squeaks.

Ann snaps her fingers and a dispenser appears in the air. It hovers over the mac and cheese, then drizzles ketchup onto the dish.

“Alright Dig in,” Don announces.

The whole group starts eating. Bri cuts the steak into small pieces while Don just grabs the whole thing with his fork and starts biting it. The steak is delish and melts in your mouth.

“Come on drink up. Let’s see who can drink the most. Warven style.” Don preaches.

He finishes his steak and then starts to chug his beer.

“Four more rounds Ann,” Don shouts.

“Time to actually party. The first person to finish four beers gets 1000 meni.” Don says.

Bri and Maka stare at each other with their game faces. They start to grin. Then Ann approaches the table with twelve beers. They get ready to drink and Don says go. Maka starts to finish his first beer the fastest then slows down with the last three. Don drinks all of them faster then Bri or Maka. After Don finishes he sticks out his tongue and says, “Sore losers.” They party and drink into the night. Don puts on a warven song from a machine jukebox. Don steps into the middle of the room and all the Warfs join him. They do a jig similar to an Irish jig, kicking their feet as they dance in circles. Maka lights himself on fire and then spins through the air. Maka loses balance and lands on the back of Uba’s head. He knocks Uba out cold and all the Warfs laugh. They dance and drink all night. When the sun rises they stumble out of the bar. Don, Bri, and Maka walk to a corner of Faza where the transport ships are. Inside the Reaper's shipment is a container with different weapons, scythes, and materials. A hover bot flies over to Bri with her black Katana. Bri grabs the Katana and notices how sharp it is now.

“Here’s your ship and your Katana, hope you have a great day ahead of you, I’ll see you soon Komo.”

Bri hugs Don and then the ship door opens. A platform extends outward. They walk into the ship. They walk to the pilots' room and look at the computer. Both of them take their seats.

“How many times have you flown this?” Maka asks.

“Not too many, usually I just let it auto-pilot because I drink too much with the Warfs,” Bri replies. Bri puts her palm on a fingerprint detector. The control panel of the ship starts beeping. Bri flicks several switches on the panel.

“Tada turn engines on. Enter auto-pilot mode. Destination Reapers’ Storage.” Bri says out loud.

The transport ship enters flight mode and the engines power up. Bri looks outside the window to see a group of Warfs all waving at her. You see fire come out of the jet engines and the transport ship takes off into the sky. Bri and Maka start to nap while the auto-pilot controls the ship. The spaceship soars through the sky passing by other large ships. It is another bright sunny day on Boe. After 45 minutes of sleep and travel, Bri wakes up.

“Destination arrived, Lower Boe, Reapers Storage. Entering Landing mode.”

A large warehouse that is shaped like a dome is on the border of Lower Boe. It is a Reapers storage warehouse. At the border of Lower Boe, you notice the wasteland and can see the mountain of Golem’s Mine in the distance. Bri inputs some buttons onto the console of the transport ship. A screen pops up on the console in the ship. It says to place a hand on the fingerprint reader. Kai puts her palm on the hand reader and the dome opens from the top of the building. Bri lands the transport ship inside the dome. The entrance to the ship opens and they walk down the platform outside the ship. A large mechanical arm grabs the container from the ship and moves it to another room.

“Hey anyone here?” Bri shouts.

“Hello?” Maka tried to yell but has a soft voice.

“Aww, no one is ever in this warehouse,” Bri says.

A screen pops up in front of Bri with a picture of Sid.

“Good, you have arrived with the shipment. How was the flight?” Sid asks

“Slept the entire way, I want to go home and get some rest. I’ve been up all night.” Bri replies

“What have I told you about partying with the Warfs? What if someone tried to steal the shipment? You need to be at 100% percent when doing Reaper missions.” Sid lectures her.

“Relax, Sid. No one messes with the Reapers.” Bri states back.

“Tell that to the Taru that destroyed your arm. I have been scouting the other clans in Lower Boe. A shitstorm is coming soon. I have private information, that I need to tell you in person. Come to the hideout immediately after checking the warehouse.” Sid responds. Sid spots Maka next to her.

“So you must be the Keke, I’ve heard all about you from Giz,” Sid replies.

“Hey, I’m Maka,” Maka replies

“Komo, why is the Keke in are secret warehouse? You realize if he reveals any Reapers information to others, then I might have to kill him.” Sid states.

“Shit sorry boss, I’m still hungover. Totally forgot.” Bri says

“Its fine, I think this little guy has potential, maybe even Reaper potential. Alright, head to the hideout after you're done,” Sid replies

“Alright, I’ll see you there.” Bri ends the call.

Bri and Maka walk through the warehouse. They enter the next room to see conveyor belts that are building Reapers Bots. You watch mechanical arms assemble the bots, placing a black hood on each bot with a scythe. The bots all look to be in mint condition. Different machines and robots are running around the room. They enter the control room. Bri opens up a screen and looks through the details of the warehouse. Everything is working and on schedule. Bri nods her head to Maka. She sees that the last check-up was from Cin “DaK” Merr. Bri puts her hand on the palm reader. It registers her finger prints and says the last check-up is from Bri Komo.

“Everything looks okay. The Reaper bots should be completed in a couple of days.” Bri states

“That’s good. Is it okay that I’m here?” Maka asks

“This place is just a storage for junk, we never use it much. These Reapers bot assembly lines are new. Don’t worry about it, Sid’s always a hardass. But I can’t show you the hideout until you’re a member of the clan, after the reaper trials. If you successfully complete it.” Bri replies.

“Anything else we need to do here?” Maka asks.

“Nope, everything looks good. We are in the clear.” Bri replies.

They start to walk toward the entrance of the warehouse. As they near the entrance they see a scanner. It scans Bri and says Bri Komo confirmed. Then it scans Maka.

“Unknown entity detected, entering defensive mode. Locking down warehouse.” Scanner states.

“Shit, your still unregistered,” Bri says.

A group of Reapers bots approach them. Then turrets emerge from the ceiling. They start to fire at Maka. Maka lights himself on fire and then dodges the blasts. Maka uses his tails to morph into giant hands that absorb the bullets. Bri takes out her black Katana and quickly slashes through multiple Reapers bots. She attempts to call Sid as they start fighting the bots. The turrets and bots are only targeting Maka because he is the unknown entity. A screen pops up with Sid.

“Sid, we’ve got a problem. Maka clearly isn’t a Reaper and is an unregistered citizen so the whole warehouse is trying to kill him.”

You notice Maka dashing around the room, he dashes through a Reapers bot’s head and then slices multiple Reapers bots with his tails. Kaisii takes out a gun and shoots the turrets.

“Hahaha. Just wanted to test you two. Be ready for anything. That’s the Reaper's way. You are never safe in this city.” Sid responds.

“F you, Sid,” Bri yells.

“Computer power-down Reaper’s warehouse and open the warehouse door. See you soon Bri.” Sid replies.

“Asshole. Come on let's go Meeks.” Bri says.

They leave the warehouse and Bri turns on her air gliders. Maka jumps on her shoulder and they start flying through Lower Boe.

“I’ll take you to the entrance of the marketplace,” Bri says.

“Should, I wait in the marketplace or maybe I could wait at Gizmo’s lab,” Maka asks.

“I’ll give you the coordinates of my condo in Complex Centre. You’ll have to get past the security bots at the border of Lower Boe and Complex Centre but you can wait at my condo. After I meet with Sid, I’ll meet you at my condo.” Bri replies.

“Will we start training today?” Maka. Asks.

“If my hangover goes away, we’ll see,” Bri states

They fly through Lower Boe and eventually arrive at a crossroads. One direction leads to Giz’s Lab. Another direction leads to the marketplace and the final road leads to the unknown Reaper's hideout. A screen pops up near Bri and then scans Maka.

“I’ll see you later, Meke. Follow the marketplace until you get to Complex. I’ve inputted the location of my condo to you. Once you get to the condo climb to the 14th floor. There is a scanner on the balcony. I have already given access to the condo for you.” Bri states.

“Alright, see ya later Bri.” Maka starts dashing towards the marketplace.