(Chapter 5: Arcane Friends and Downtime)
It would be a few weeks in the time since Jack and Ashley had returned to New Mexico, and in that time they had been both busy at work interviewing the new soldiers of their Legion, and figuring out a command structure to make it work for their fledgling army. Which was made possile thanks to Raphael's help as the A.I had downloaded a number of wartime and military files on command and organization'; which made the feat of doing so much easier to figure out who would be leading who, especially when a lucky few were former leaders of their own mercenary companies who had gotten shafted to say the least.
That being said, those weeks in question required a considerable amount of downtime given that 2 full weeks of constant interviews and working on further arming and supplying 160 people with wargear and lodging, as well as so many mouths to feed was quite the arduous task for the 2 co-commanders.
(June 30th, 2022, Florida, Pensacola, 1:45 Pm)
It would be a quarter till 2 in the afternoon as Ashley was waiting outside of a local Chick-Fill-A on her sorceress friend to arrive so they could both catch and talk on the subject of said sorcerer and her cabal of mages joining hers and Jack's Legion as their arcane muscle.
"She should be here by now what's taking her so long?" Ashley wondered
'Sorry, I'm a bit late, Ashley, I had to finish fighting one of Bezel's Guardians to get one their original grimories from one of their crypts. I'm teleporting to you right now…just give me one moment.' Ashley's sorceress friend spoke telepathically
"H-How are you talking to me right now, and wait a minute; where even are you?' Ashley wondered
'I am in southern Mongolia right now, and I am talking to you through telepathy…So just give me another 6 maybe 8 minutes and I will be over there…The one time I use a new lightning spell and I get covered in astral demon gore, just wonderful.' Was the powerful sorereress irritated response
'...Ok then, well good luck getting all that crap off of you, and safe teleporting I guess.' Ashley wished to her friend
"Thanks, luckily this grimoire was worth the trouble. Now I can actually replicate my own version of Bezel's charms. But beyond that, I will be with you shortly, Ashley. I can't wait to here what you have been up to lately.' The sorcerer in question said before ending the telepathic conversation
"Trust me, even I can't believe half the stuff I've been up to lately." Ashley said to herself as she awaited the powerful magician
With nearly several minutes passing before out of nowhere a reddish-pink portal appeared beside her, causing the cat-thief to nearly jump out of her seat, as a figure exited out of it as though they hadn't just causally ripped a portal through space to travel to a Starbucks. That figure stood at 5 foot 9, with bone-white hair with royal violet highlights that went down to her waist in a majestic curtain, with large brilliant orchid colored eyes, and fair skin, as well as a lithe build that with curves that bordered on betwitching yet still modest that framed her clothing.
Which was more casual since she was out of her standard affair, she wore a Nightwish t-shirt, black kapris with pink and purple trim, with matching dark purple flat boots, a silver chain around her neck with a heptagram pendant made of brass and emerald. Lastly was the fact that she wore gothic makeup of violet and magenta to help pull her attire together as she took a seat next to Ashley, with a curious look on her face on what Ashley wanted to talk with her about.
As such the two caught up on recent events with the sorcereress in question telling her of how she and her cabal of mages she had assembled over the years had recently got done with their latest venture; in going into one of the lost crypts of Bezel to take their arcane relics, grimoires and journals of otherworldly knowledge to great success. Which from what Ashley heard from her arcanely gifted friend was a whirlwind of adventure that sounded like something ripped straight out of a high-fantasy novel, given all of what she and her cabal had fought against to acquire their mythic prizes.
From there, after Charmcaster had finished telling her tale, did she lend the floor to Ashley who told her of her adventure with Jack in Hong Kong in defeating Pandabubba, how her friend was now a shapeshifting powerhouse, as well as how they had saved nearly 200 alien and alien-hybrids from being in bondage. Which lead them to her discussing the idea and offer to have her join the Legion she was co leading with Jack, in trusting no one else to help her in this endeavor given that who else to have help her than her massively powerful sorcerer of a best friend.
"It sounds like you and that Spicer guy have been busy. I didn't think you were the one to lead an army, Ashley." Charmcaster spoke
"Well, these past 2 months with Jack have been an eye-opener, Hope. Turns out that I have been settling by just taking whatever I want from people…Granted I can still do that with what we're building, but at least now I can get so much more out of it. Why settle for a few valuables from some crusty old senators' house, when I can get my payday and then some from whoever we take out together." Ashley replied as she and Charmcaster ate their pizza
"Which is why I want to bring you on to the Legion. Think about it, we can work together and take the world by storm. I have one of my friends to watch my back while things are going down, and you have a place where you and your mages can have funding and resources to go on more adventures, and look for all the magical gear you want." Ashley further spoke much to the interest of the sorceress
"I will admit, it would be nice to have more resources at our disposal. Not to mention, an actual place to live instead of having to use magic to deceive and trick people into giving us free rooms at hotels. Its nice, but at the very same time annoying and taxing to do on a consistent basis." Charmcaster replied in liking the idea of having somewhere to stay in the long term
"Not to mention, that with how much we plan on doing in the future, we'll be able to get you enough gear to get your get-back against that Aadwaitya guy." Ashley said back getting Charmcaster's undivided attention at that chestnut
"Are you absolutely sure that you can do that? Because, even with everything I have at my disposal; it still is not enough to take on Aadwaitya completely. Not when he commands the power of the Alpha Rune in Ledgerdomain." Charmcaster asked with genuine hope in her eyes
"I'm positive of it. You should see the stuff we have ready in just two months of getting started. By the time, you're ready to get it back in blood, you have my word that an entire Legions' worth of badasses, plus Jack, plus me, plus your own people will be there to help you get this done…I wouldn't be making you this offer if I didn't think that we could do something to help you get what you want." Ashley answered back determined to help her friend in her revenge quest
"I will take you at your word, Ashley…If joining this Legion of yours; means I not only get to avenge what happened to my family; but also being able to work alongside you again. Then I will be more than happy to join you." Charmcaster said to the cat-thief turned co-legion commander
"That's awesome! Thanks for signing on, Hope, you are not gonna be disappointed…I just ask that you have your people cool it when they're doing their magic. No offense to them or anything like that, its just that we haven't reinforced everything to handle all of the stuff you guys can do just yet." Ashley spoke genuinely excited to have one of her friends on-board
"If you want, I can have my mages ward the area with defensive runes. This way the security there will be increased without having to spare any more manpower to do so." Charmcaster offered
"That actually isn't a bad idea. I will have to check this over with Jack, since he's the one that's heading everything…That guy really has been working overtime to make sure everything is on track; for what we're going to do in the future." Ashley spoke in having seen Jack work like an absolute madman to get their Legion up and running as quickly as possible
"From what you've told me, his work ethic and dedication are almost unreal…Once I confirm things with my mages in Mongolia, we will arrive as soon as possible to join the two of you." Charmcaster told the blonde before her
"I look forward to it, but in the meantime consider this one on me, Hope. It is the very least I can do, now that your going to be joining Jack and I's Legion." Ashley said as she put 2 20's on the table to pay for their meal
"You don't have to do this, Ashley. I could handle it just fine." Charmcaster replied
"It's fine, Jack and I have money to burn after what we did in Hong Kong. I just want you and your people to be on top of it; when we finally start working together." Ashley said back in being more than happy to pay for their food
"Besides, you are my friend, and its the least I can do for you." Ashley spoke getting a small smile from the mage
"I don't know what I would do without you, you really are a good person, Ashley." Charmcaster thanked her for just simply being a friend
"Hey it is not a problem at all, what are friends for after all." Ashley said back
From thereon the two continued to have a time enjoying their company, as they continued their lunch together in either talking about all of what they could do as they would play catch-up with each other, to Warhammer40K, their favorite anime, and the possibility of what stuff could be done for Charmcaster and her cabal of mages. However, the sorcereress in question did have to bid her farewells given that she could only do so much, before having to return to lead her myriad of mages, and so in a burst of violet flames she disappeared as though she had never existed in that space to begin with; leaving a content Ashley over what had happened.
"Today, really was a good day." Ashley said to herself as she got a text message from Jack stating that he would be busy getting to know one of the newly appointed division leaders
"And on the plus side, I won't have to worry about Jack causing too much trouble...That means I can go on a bit of shopping spree to update my wardrobe…No offense to Hong Kong, but that place really didn't have any cute outfits to fit my style." Ashley spoke as soon headed off to go clothes shopping for herself
(The next day, Jack's Mansion, Florida ,1:45 Pm, July 1st, 2022)
All the while in the following day as Jack was currently doing his bit of downtime in testing out the newly made Bolter Guns he was making for his Legion, with him doing this alongside one his newly minted division leaders/chapter masters, was a former mercenary company leader and male Arachnachimp named Kharn who was very much enjoying his freedom.
"So what do you think, Kharn? You think these will get the job done when everything gets set up?" Jack asked the multi-limbed alien
"The recoil is a bit strong on these thing, but considering that they can punch through almost anything. Then I don't really have any complaints." Kharn asked after emptying the magazine of his Bolter Gun
"Glad you like it, because it took a bit to finally get the design on these down. But now that I know actual people other than my Jack-Sentinels can wield them without getting absolutely wrecked by it. I'm gonna make sure that these babies get produced en masse for you guys." Jack answered back with a delighted grin on his face
"By the way, how do you feel about getting armor-piercing or shrapnel bolts for these?" Jack asked as he put in another magazine into his Bolt Pistol
"You can make shrapnel rounds for these?" I understand armor-piercing, but how will shrapnel ones work exactly?" Kharn asked as he loaded another magazine into his firearm as well
"Simple, one the bolt hits a target it'll burst and then send out all of these razor shards that will shred not only that person, but will tear all of his friends in a 10 foot radius to a bloody paste. Think of it, like a Bouncing Betty in bullet form, but instead of steel balls its someone getting hit with hundreds metal and crystal shards that can rip through reinforced plating that they put on battleships." Jack explained to the monkey-like alien
"And how long did it take you to create the concept for this?" Kharn questioned
"I made and had this perfected over a weekend. You would be surprised what happens when you get bored, and have nothing but a 6-pack of Sprite, Breaking Benjamin and time on your hands to come up with stuff." Jack answered back much to his division leaders' surprise
"If this Legion business doesn't end up working for you, you could definitely make a killing in the weapons-crafting business. Hell, with what you have my division doing as an assault squad; we could do contracts and a half to get our name out there and then some; if you want?" Kharn suggested
"Wait you can make that happen?" Jack questioned as the Arachnichimp nodded
"Yeah, I still have my contacts I can reach out too. My idiot lieutenant may have thrown me under the bus to save his sorry hide. But there was a reason why I was the leader of our battalion." Kharn said with a sharp-toothed grin
"Because, I know how to make sure that things are kept regulated, and how to maintain contacts and contracts. Since I realized a long time ago, its not about brute strength or having the biggest guns…granted it does help. But what does matter is making sure you have a game plan in mind, that you know what's going where, the defenses of your opposition, how much supplies you have to get a mission done and so on." Kharn further spoke
"So you were the leader and logistics guy?" Jack questioned once more
"Yes, yes I was. Because, if there's one thing you need to learn in this game. It is that everything we do is a numbers game, from your men, to the weapons you have, it does not matter. Because the more connections you have, the more well-armed your Legion will be, and overall the better your success rates will be in the field." Kharn replied while continuing to fire his Bolter Gun with unnerring swiftness
"In that case, I have so much more work to do than I thought. Because, its going to be a long, long while before we get our feet off the ground. Especially, when we need to train everyone to be ready for missions, and to take out Pandabubba's attack dog in Brazil, much less go up against this Vulkanus guy." Jack said as he fired his Bolt Pistol with frightening levels of near-pinpoint accuracy
"You want to take down, Vulkanus of all people? I knew you had some ceramite balls on you, but I didn't think that yours were that big. " Kharn said with a howl-like laugh
"I know he's supposed to be some big-bad galactic crime-lord, but as far as I'm concerned...he's just another schnook in my way. So if we're going to start problems because he wants to get active, then he can bring it, and I'll be ready and then some." Jack replied as he fired another shot at the targets kidneys
"And you're sure about doing this? Vulkanus is one of the biggest crime-lords this side of the Andromeda Galaxy, for a damn good reason, Spicer. Taking him down won't be as easy as what you did in Hong Kong. Vulkanus is a tough, vicious son of a bitch; with a lot of men, weapons, and gunships to back him with whatever he does…That's not even counting the gear he has on his person, that makes him even more of a problem to deal with. There's a reason why he's held onto his territory since before you were a sperm in your daddy's nutsack." Kharn said back knowing full well of the powerhouse that Vulkanus was
Given that even in his mercenary days before he was double-crossed did he know full well that Vulkanus was an absolute menace in the galactic underworld, so much so that he was infamous for being a Plumber-killer in having killed a bakers' dozen Magister-class Plumbers. As such to say that taking down Vulkanus would be a problem was an understatement given the sheer force of just what he was capable of; both physically and with his own wargear that it was going to be one helluva show to say the least.
"I'm positive, Kharn. I don't really like the fact that he's enslaving people, since that's just a massive inefficiency practice for one. Then on the otherside, it's just the biggest waste of time to do that to people; when there are so many other ways of getting them to work for you. So as far as I'm concerned, this Vulkanus guy has got to go, since he is in the potential way of what I want to do going forward." Jack told the Arachnichimp as he continued firing his Bolt Pistol at the target
"And what exactly is it that you want to do from here on out? You haven't exactly told us what it is that you want to do." Kharn asked as he fired another short volley from his Bolter Gun
"Don't get me wrong, I owe you a massive life debt for stopping me from being sold off to Vulkanus. But I would still like to know what exactly I'm fighting for." Kharn further questioned the Omnitrix bearer
"To be honest, it's sort of a lot of different things all at once. On one hand, I want to conquer the world, since being a warlord does sound awesome, but on the other hand since I have this Omnitrix. There's now so much more I can do beyond just world domination. I can lead my Legion to be one the best mercenary companies there are, become intergalactic privateers, take over a country because fuck it why not…The sky is the literal limit, and I honestly don't know where I wanna take myself." Jack answered back
"Then as a piece of a advice; after we deal with Pandabubba's remaining lieutenant. That I would think about what you would want to do going forward…Take it from someone who has been in the mercenary lifestyle for nearly 30 years; that there is a lot that can be done on that front, if you want to just be filthy rich and see the galaxy. Being a warlord is pretty good too, but it'll put the Plumbers and everyone that fancies themselves superhero to be on your ass for the remainder of your life." Kharn told him
"So the bottom line, of what I'm getting at is this. Take the time to plan out how you want to take this to the next level. We will follow you into battle for what you've done for us, we owe you that and then some…But we cannot do that if we don't know what we're going to fight as." Kharn further spoke as he put one his hands on Jack's back
"I appreciate the advice, because I'm barely in my 20's and doing all of this is really a mindfuck. Since I haven't even come up with a name for our Legion yet…So holy balls, am I going to have to do a lot on my schedule." Jack said in just now realizing how much he had on his plate
"If you ever need any help with that stuff. I'm always at the ready, I don't really have much to do on my downtime other than practicing with the new gear you make for us, and training our recruits." Kharn told Jack as he patted him on the back whilst landing several head shots in quick succesion
"Thanks, I appreciate it, and by the way you're more than welcome to join Ashley and I on our game nights. The both of us are always happy to teach people how to play." Jack spoke as the shorter yet highly muscular alien cracked a sharp tooth grin across his face
"I wouldn't mind that at all, sounds like it could be fun." Was Kharn's response as they continued firing
"Trust me, it is and then some. Warhammer 40K rules." Jack said back
'And soon enough my Legion is gonna do the same after we take down Pandabubba's last goon, and then we can set our sights on whoever this Vulkanus fucker is.' Were Jack's thoughts as he continued to chill out in his backyard made firing range with the Division leader of his Legion
(6 hours later, 8:18 Pm, Jack's Mansion)
That being said, it would be later on in the night as Jack and Ashley were currently chilling out for the night watching one of their favorite movies together, and what Jack considered the most Goated of all Marvel movies; Iron Man 2.
"You gotta admit, Ash. The team-up scene with Iron Man and War Machine just going at it will always be one of the coolest things ever." Jack said as they watched the two mechanized heroes go at it
"I won't really argue there. Between this, and Hulk and Abomination going at it. This is peak Marvel at its finest." Ashley replied in knowing that early Marvel was when it was at its finest
"Yep, I just hope that what they have going now is going to be good. Otherwise, and I really hate to say this is gonna be a really, REALLY rough patch for the M.C.U. Since you cannot tell me that there recent set of movies hasn't been their best." Jack spoke knowing that lately after Endgame that Marvel movies haven't really hit the same
"In their defense, they are coming off of the multi-movie epic that was setting up for Endgame. It's pretty hard to buld up from there when you pretty much created what should be your franchises swan song. So I'll give them some more time, especially since Love and Thunder looks pretty good." Ashley said back in defense of the long-running franchise
"Fair point, and they're actually going to put in Gorr the freaking God Butcher. So hopefully if they do it right, we get to see Thor just pop off and show why he's the last of the powerhouse old-guard. What with Iron Man being gone and Hulk being a giant nerd, the old-school Avengers really need a win right now." Jack said in the hopes that one of his favorite Avengers would be done justice in the latest movie
"Relax, Jack, there is no way they're going to botch this. With how popular Thor is and how much of a slam-dunk setup they have, I doubt they can mess this one up." Ashley told the Omnitrix bearer in reassurance
"I guess your right, I just want good comic-book movies to keep coming out, the last thing I need is to see the movie series I grew up with turn to crap. The less said about the new Star Wars trilogy the better, that was a conjoined hot mess that was just suffering to see crash and burn. Especially, with everything it could've been." Jack said in hopes of the M.C.U not turning into a dumpster fire like the last Star Wars Trilogy had
"Who could forget Rey Palpatine as the most middling 'Jedi' ever, I swear those movies did so much damage to Star Wars that it isn't even funny. Disney should not touch anything Star Wars related for a very long time." Jack furhter spoke in distaste of how much damage was done to one of his favorite series
"What about the Mandolorian and the Bad Batch? Those turned out pretty good." Ashley pointed out
"Those are exceptions to the rule. So I will give them credit for their T.V shows being awesome, and having knocked it out of the park so far. But when it comes to Star Wars movies, I do not trust them anywhere near one whatsoever. I would rather lick Thanos's hairy taint from top to bottom than see another one." Jack said as Ashley visibly cringed at the imagery that had been invoked
"Of all the ways to make me want to vomit, why would you pick that?" Ashley questioned wondering why her friend would choose to summon such cursed mental imagery
"Because, fuck it why not, and also cause I can and no one can stop me." Jack answered back
"Sometimes, I really hate how much of a chaotic bastard you are, you know that right?" Ashley said as she thumped him in the head
"I regret nothing!" Jack said as he retaliated by kicking her in the shin
"By the way, do you know what you want to do for your birthday coming up? It is in two months, and I would like to celebrate it with you." Ashley asked the redheaded nerd
"I dunno, probably get everyone together for a game/movie night and just go at it from there…I'm not really big on doing the whole going out on a night on the town. So the best thing I can think of is just having a chill night with everybody." Jack answered back
"With how out there you normally are, I would have figured that you were going to do something crazy. Maybe buying out an entire 6 Flags to have for yourself, or being a full-blown menace to an indigenous village somewhere." Said the blonde cat-thief
"Naaahhh, I honestly don't really feel like doing any of that. Maye later in the year or next year, but not now…Honestly, I'd rather just chill and spend time with you, our soon to be division leaders and just have a good time that way." Jack replied with a shrug of his shoulders
For the mad-genius turned Omnitrix bearer; just wanting to take things easy while he still could for his birthday; given that in the months to come that he would soon have his hands full in managing an ever-expanding army to take down everything from alien crime lords, supervillains, and so much more. Hence why he didn't really feel like doing anything outrageously bombastic, and instead just settling for doing some simple like an indoor movie and game night.
"That is more than fine by me. The only thing I ask is that Megan not be invited. That brat is a monster, and I do not want to spend your 21st having to have one of our soldiers play babysitter to that blonde demon-child." Ashley spoke in not wanting to deal with Jack's spoiled brat of a cousin
"There is no way that I'm letting her come and ruin my birthday. I would rather have to fight Angron and Mortarion both as Daemon Primarchs than let her come." Was the Omnitrix Bearer's immediate response
"How much do you want to bet that since magic is real, and that aliens are real. That one of these days we'll have to fight the equivalent of a daemon Angron or the Tyranids?" Ashley asked wondering if such things were a potential possibility
"I really hope Tyranids don't actually exist. If there is one source of nightmare fuel that doesn't need to be a thing, it is the doomsday bugs that can just annihilate anything in their path…I swear why did Games Workshop have to turn bugs into nightmare fuel?" Jack wondered in hating the Tyranids not as a unit but more for the fact that they were just gut-wrenching cosmic horror that turned his stomach into knots
"You're asking the wrong person, Jack. But if it helps, I can't stand them either. Those things take having a gross factor to the next level, and hear I thought that the Death Guard and Papa Nurgle were the reigning champions of making me want to puke." Ashley replied in never having thought the Tyranids could out-gross the Death Guard
"You definitely are not wrong, Ash. As much as I love Morty and the plague gang, even I can defend them against the nastiness allegations." Jack said back
"...How about we queue up one of the dbza movies instead of grossing each other out between Morty and the super-bugs? Sound good to you?" Ashley suggested
"Sounds great, I'll go get more popcorn." Jack said as he hopped off the couch to go do so
(4 days later, Jack's Mansion, Florida ,2:10 Pm, July 5th, 2022)
That being said as time wore on in the month of July did Charmcaster and her cabal of sorcerers, wizards,and etc soon arrive; with Charmcaster sending them off to meet with Kharn and Raphael in order to see what they should do going forward to settle into everything.
"Thanks again for agreeing to do this, Hope. It really is going to be a major help with what we're trying to get done." Ashley thanked the sorcerer in question as they headed to where Jack was
"Think nothing of it. You are one of my closest friends outside of the small group of mages that I lead. So doing anything for you is nothing if not a small favor." Charmcaster spoke happy to help out as needed
"If you call having 46 spellcasters at your backing small. Then I look like Angela White and Janet Mason's lovechild." Ashley replied much to the confusion of the accomplish magician
"Should I know who those two are?" Charmcaster asked
"...It isn't that important, what is is that I get to work with two of my best friends! This is going to be awesome, I just know it!" Ashley answered back in not wanting to explain to her what the two pornstars were to her immensely powerful arcanist of a friend
"Fine by me…by the way where is your other friend? I have been looking forward to getting to know him." Charmcaster spoke wondering where the founder of the Legion she would soon join was
"He's in the backyard trying to crack open this weird puzzle box his parents sent to him. Honestly, how he hasn't cracked it open yet is a mystery to me." Ashley informed her friend
"Puzzle-box? Could I know what is so special about this particular puzzle-box?" Charmcaster questioned
"It has some weird magic seals on it that have made it surprisingly tought to crack open. Jack has shot with pistols, hit it with a chainsword, a shotgun he made, some grenades, a plasma pistol, and as you can see now; is trying to set it on fire." Ashley gestured as they made it to the backyard where Jack was busy blasting said rune-covered Puzzle-box with a flamethrower
'I will give whoever made these seals credit, it sure is resilient. Now the real question is do I build a Thermal Lance to crack it open or build a Lascannon?' Jack remarked to himself as he stopped after blasting it for a solid minute straight to see that despite the scorched earth the puzzle-box remained intact and unscathed
"Hey, Jack! If you're done trying to set that damn box on fire. I brought Charmcaster over so you two could talk shop!" Ashley called over to the Omnitrix bearer
"Alright, I will be right over in just a minute…Mental note, modify Flamers further to increase offensive output, test shows that while unable to incinerate the protective runes; they can melt through army-grade steel." Jack said before handing off the prototype Flamer to one of his Jack-Bots before using heavy-duty gloves to take the very warm Puzzle box with him
"Hope, this is one of my friends, resident inventor, shapeshifter extraordinaire, and founder of the Legion you and your sorcerer friends will be joining; Jack Spicer…Jack his is one of the strongest spellcasters to ever do it, and probably the real-life version of Dr. Strange; Hope Witherspoon." Ashley said as she introduced the two to each other
"If it helps, you can call me Charmcaster instead." The powerful mage told Jack
"Sounds good to me, and thanks for agreeing to sign onto our Legion. I know it isn't much so far, but hopefully within the next year or two. We can be well on our way to something really incredible!" Jack said as he reached out with his free-hand to shake one of Charmcaster's own
"The pleasure is all mine. If anything, I am more than happy to simply have a place for myself and my group to stay at in the long-term. On top of having better resources to work with, when we hunt after mystic lore and arcane artifacts." Charmcaster said back as she shook hands with the Omnitrix bearer
"I'm sure that Ashley has told you all about what I am about." Charmcaster spoke as she soon conjured a table and chairs for Jack and herself to sit at
"She has and as long as you guys can help me out, then I am more than onboard to help you out with what you need. Everything goes both ways, and as long as we're both giving each other the assist; then we should be absolutely golden." Jack replied in seeing things as a 'you scratch my back, then I'll scratch yours' sort of deal with those in the divisions of his still growing Legion
"That sounds more than fine with me…Ashley, if you wouldn't mind, I would like to be to Jack more privately, if that is fine with you." Charmcaster requested
"Sure, go for it…I'll be practicing with my whip and Bolt Pistol if either of you need me." Ashley told them as she went to work to perfect her technique with both weapons
"So then, tell me what more do you have planned for me, and everyone that I am bringing with me to join the two of you?" Charmcaster questioned the Omnitrix bearer who grinned in already having a proposal of how he wanted things to function prepped
"I'm glad you asked, because I already have a few things set in place." Jack answered back
From thereon he told her of how he wanted to have her unit not only focus on building up it's arcane strengths through any of the studies of arcana and otherworldly knowledge she deemed need, but also growing it's ranks as each division would need to in the months to follow. But that through shared discussion that he intended to have Charmcaster's division focus as a magic-based assault and support unit, wherein they would use there spellcraft to inflict heavy damage, disrupt enemy lines, and help defend other division where and if possible.
Something that Charmcaster was willing to agree to, but with a few notes on how to run it given that in order to do as intended for being an aggressive arcane-based assault unit they would need tools and gear to function as such…This request was nothing that Jack could not handle as thanks to his acquiring Pandabubba's funds in addition to what he already had at his disposal, any resources needed for spellcraft and rituals were more than easy enough to take care of, and that was on top of any wargear that he was happy to build for her and her division.
Furthermore, Jack asked that her cabal turned division of his budding Legion wouldn't misuse their magic and spells against other members of the Legion; given hat he wanted everyone to work together as a unit, and as such was enforcing the strict rule that no one be outwardly dicks to each other nor misue their powers. Which was something that as a leader that Charmcaster could agree upon as well as lodging that Jack could easily provide, in having a wing of her divisions' own built within the next few weeks…other than that and a few other things that would be discussed once Tubbimura agreed to join everything was very much set.
"And that should be that, Charmcaster. Once your divisions' barracks and everything is taken care of, I will get started on making sure that the proper wargear is made for you guys. Then on top of that, I will begin working on making your very own personalized set of gear to use when we go out on missions." Jack told the sorcereress
"Will I be able to choose the colors that my division will be wearing, as i have a few ideas in mind?" Charmcaster questioned
"Of course, it is your division after all…Wouldn't really make sense if you didn't pick out what colors you guys were going to wear in the field." Jack answered back in not really caring for the colors that her chapter would be wearing
"Great to know. Other than that, and what other wargear that I would like to be made in the future. Then I am ready to begin integrating my followers into your Legions." Charmcaster told the Omnitrix bearer who looked ecstatic upon hearing this
"Great! That is just fantastic!...By the way, there is one other thing I would like for you to take a look at, when I'm not messing with it." Jack requested of the sorcereress
"Let me guess you want me to work towards figuring out a way to unlock that puzzle-box you have been 'working on'?" Charmcaster surmised with a quizzical look
"You nailed it! I know it has some magical nonsense on it, and for the life of me I can't figure out how to crack it…I'm more of a science and tech guy, than a magic guy. So I was thinking if it wasn't too much trouble that you could take a crack at it; when I'm not testing my weapons out against the defensive wards on it…That is if your up too it." Jack asked of his new arcana-based Chapter master
"Hmmm, it has been a while since I have challenged myself. Not to mention that I haven't seen magic like this at all. Looks like its ancient Chinese, Nordic, and maybe even Celtic? Whoever did this, made sure that whatever was sealed into it would not get out easily." Charmcaster said as she took a scrutinizing look over the interweaving runes and seals of the puzzle box
"So will you do it?" Jack asked once more
"I do not see what the harm would be in trying to crack open the seals on this weird-looking box. However, I want to be notified immediately of whatever is inside of it…Something powerful has to be locked away to have so many interlocking seals and wards on a wooden puzzle-box." Charmcaster answered back as Jack silently cheered and had to refrain from doing a victory dance out of sheer happy
"Thank you…hopefully whatever is inside is something super cool. Maybe a super daemon who can teach the both of us how to make magic war-machiens or something like that!" Were the words of the Omnitrix bearer with a semi-childish level of enthusiasm in his voice
"If it is that, then I will be sure to have some of my men at the ready with spells of binding. The last thing we need is to unleash an otherworldly entity without anything in place to make sure we are safe…I have traveled around the world too much, and dealt with too many things both from in and out of this world; to not have learned how to bind and banish things to places that aren't here." Charmcaster spoke
"Fair point, fair point…So what do we do now?" Jack asked
"Do you want to grab lunch, I am pretty hungry?" Charmcaster questioned as if on cue both of their stomachs rumbled to answer
"Sure why not, just let me grab the keys to my tank and we head out in a few minutes." Jack answered back much to the shock of how casually he mentioned such a thing
"You casually drive a tank to grab lunch?!" Said a very much surprised Charmcaster
"Well duuhhhh, what's the point of being an evil boy-genius if I can't drive around tanks to grab lunch, whenever I want. I can't be driving a regular schmegular car like a total pleb…Now come on, I know a Barbeque joint we can go too; that isn't too far from here." Jack said as he ran to go get the keys for said assault vehicle to drive around in
'My new boss is certainly 'something' alright…I have the strange feeling that I'm going to like it here.' Charmcaster said to herself as she followed suit
And so as Ashley's friend in Charmcaster joins alongside her cabal of sorcerer's to form the arcane arm of Jack's budding Legion, as well as the Omnitrix bearer sharing a moment or two with both Ashley and Kharn. What further awaits the 'boy-genius' as he continues to build his Legion into something powerful? Well, you'll have to stay tuned and find out, as we continue in the new installments of; Jack Spicer: Heylin Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as I hoped that you guys enjoyed this chapter and everything into it, as we get more Ben 10 characters into the mix; for what should be some fun shenanigans down the line; that I can't wait to get into. As thanks to your guys's wonderful support we are now 5 chapters deep into the story, and I couldn't be any happier to see it this far.
So with all that said and done, and my continued thanks for your ever-expanding support. This is Nomadic Chaos using the power of Chaos, and our Patron saint Khorne (Blood for the glorious Blood God, and Skulls for his great Throne) to give you guys good stuff to read. As our next chapter will have Tubbimura enter the mix.
Part 1 Theme Song: Ten Speed (Of God's Blood and Burial) by Coheed and Cambria
Random End Song: Shutter Speed by Karnivool
Now then onto the reviews from the previous Chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Oh yeah, as I wanted to make sure that when and if I got to Pandabubba getting absolutely annihilated, that I could make a show out of it. Because, if Jack is gonna beat the breaks off of him then it only makes sense that he does it in style...Trust me I hate DNAliens too, Kourtney, those Facehugger lookin' bastards should return to the pits of hell where they belong, also Ben and Gwen are offically plumbers who are taking it to the Highbreed on their own, and the guy they're referring to is the one Plumber who got on their ass for 'posing' as Plumbers and threatened to throw Kevin in the Null-Void again when they've been putting in work against the Highbreed, Forever Knights and etc in Alien force.
dustellion: Glad you like how I'm kicking things off so far, as it only ramps up more and more from hereon, since the idea of Jack amping his stuff up to 40K levels of crazy just seemed like too good of an idea not to have in the story; given how if Jack really committed he could be a problem. The Monks will eventually get involved, since Jack really isn't gonna like that he has competition going and so the very moment the Monks try to make a move on any operation he has going or on any Shen Gong Wu that catches his interest...they're gonna get it and HARD!
miguelfriera2001: We have about another 8 or so Chapters until canon, since canon does kick off once Wuya wakes up, and as for her reaction in seeing what she's gotten herself into, is something I am keeping a secret for when things finally pop off.
God of Wind 200: The reason for Ben's strength is simply that I decided to basically give him the trademark Tennyson strength, because here's the thing if Grandpa Max can box with Highbreed, an Aztec Death God, and who knows what else, then those genetics are getting passed onto Ben.