The Adventures of Juuji & the Mutants!

Kao -the slug mutant better known as ‘The Merchant of Kalsa’ was doing his morning rounds, watching his exotic collection. Behind him, the clean-up crew of the twin rat servants, Boaz and Zoab were meticulously gobbling up on the trail of slime he was leaving behind. When he came to the cell holding the old butterfly, he stopped and shoved his tentacles inside through the metal bars to have a better look. The eyes above the tentacles were wide open, peering and seeking to have a glimpse of the now aged and withered butterfly. His eyesight was not very good nowadays, but it was clear to see that the butterfly’s glory days were visibly long gone. That is why Gomoch had to bring him the ‘fresh’ butterfly soon. He slid backward and the twins jumped out of his way, almost bumping into each other. Kao shifted his tentacles towards Boaz and signaled for the rats to retreat.

“Make sure he’s fed today,” said Kao, “He’s still got a little left in him to attract some customers willing to pay to see a butterfly in the flesh”

“Understood boss,” said Boaz.

As Kao was giving his instructions, Rogo, the head of security, came running toward him. He stopped just shy of stepping on Kao’s foot, which was covered in gunk.

“What is it now?” asked Kao.

“You won’t believe what I have to say Boss!” said Rogo.

He caught his breath and looked for the right words to say to Kao. Everyone in the courtyard stopped doing whatever it was they were doing. Even the baby slugs stopped gliding and playing around. They were all ears waiting for Rogo to break the news.

“They are here!” exclaimed Rogo. “Who? Gomoch?” said Kao.

“No boss,” said Rogo, “you won’t believe who it is.”

“You either speak now or join the butterfly in the cage,” said Kao. He was starting to get annoyed with Rogo. The anticipation of the news was getting too much to wait any longer. Rogo realized he had better not make Kao angry because he still needed his four meals a day without fail. Star-nosed mole mutants are always hungry, and he could not fathom losing even one meal in a day. That was enough motivation for him not to monkey around. The desired effect of anticipation had been established with the crowd and he could continue with his delivery.

“The butterfly boss,” said Rogo, “She’s been spotted within the city limits.” The crowd in the courtyard made a loud murmur of astonishment.

“Alone? How?” said Kao, “with Gomoch?”

“No,” said Rogo, “She’s with a young boy, a child on a cradle, and a two-headed dog,”

Kao was surprised and confused at the same time. It did not make sense for the butterfly to come to him. He had sent a team to have her captured.

“Where is Gomoch and the rest of the hunters?” asked Kao.

“I don’t know boss,” said Rogo, “but word on the streets is that they were last spotted near the magic spring,”

“That’s over 9 days walk from here,” said Kao.

 He was now more confused than before. He moved around the courtyard, sliding about with the two rat servants trying to catch up with him. When Kao was anxious, angry, or nervous, he produced more slime to move around with better agility. It was the worst time for the rat servants who had to keep up with the mess he left behind. They were going to add weight these few coming days if Rogo’s news is anything to go by. “That’s not it all boss,” said Rogo, “They want an audience with you,”

“What?” shouted Kao. The eyes above his tentacles almost popped out of their sockets. The crowd in the courtyard let out a loud cry of surprise.

“Huh,” said Boaz as he tried to catch up with Kao.

“Today is not a good day brother,” said Zoab, “I’m almost getting full.” The rat servant whispered to his twin.

“Is that the boy’s idea?” asked Kao. Somebody yelled the name Juuji in the crowd. “Is that the boy’s name?” asked Kao.

“That’s what I heard boss,” said Rogo.