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The Chronicles of Joey and Pepper
By Kelly Gneiting
Joey & Pepper and the King of Japan
"Wow!" Pepper exclaimed. "You are a genius Bob!"
Joey and Pepper were down in Bob's secret laboratory under his house, a place only the three of them knew about.
The room was a museum of inventions. Bob had ray guns, mini-rocket ships, satellite dishes, and a host of spy gadgets that were just hanging on the wall. As well, super-computers lined shelves all throughout the room. From these computers, Bob was monitoring secret missions and other spy activity all across the Earth. Joey and Pepper loved to come to this secret room because there was always something new and different waiting for them.
Hanging on Bob's walls were eye-glasses that could see through walls. Nonchalantly, Bob put them on and glanced up to the ceiling. "Yep, there's my wife fixing dinner." He joked.
Both dogs laughed. "Hey, Joey and Pepper..." Bob suddenly beckoned. "Do you want to see something that will knock your socks off? Come here." Both dogs instantly left their curiosities and followed Bob as he walked down a dark hallway to a curious looking door.
"This invention is the most secret and best invention that I have ever made. It's an invention that people would kill to have. It's an invention that would blow world renown scientists out of their egos should they discover that such an invention was even possible. What I'm about to show you, I have never shown to any living creature. Are you ready?" Joey and Pepper
s jaw's had dropped. They were seething with curiosity.
"Yea Bob! We're ready. We're ready!" both dogs muttered.
"This invention is so secretive that I keep it in this room under extra security." Bob said as he fumbled for his keys.
"This invention is so powerful; if it ever got into the wrong hands it could annihilate the world! I actually have mechanisms set to destroy this machine should somebody break the door in...it's that important to protect..."
"What is it? What is it Bob?" By now Joey and Pepper were jumping and yipping with anticipation. Slowly, Bob shoved a key into the slot and opened the door. There it was a
silver booth-shaped structure with the subscription... Time Machine 4XT9000.
"Ohhhhhhh!" both dogs sighed together. "Does it really work?"
"Oh it works? I've only tested it for a minute going forward in time, and backward in time. I'm too scared to set the machine to go beyond this. Going back in time can be unsafe you know!" Bob replied. "I have it for emergency purposes. Some day there might be a reason to go waaaaay back in time-a real world crisis of some sort! You know going back in time can be real dangerous. Let's say you went back 200 years and killed a fly. That would mean that the fly you killed would never foster offspring. Now let's say that the fly you killed would have had 400 baby flies. Then those flies would have had babies and even more flies would have been born...say 10,000 more. You can see that you've not only killed one fly but thousands and billions by the time 200 years would go by. Now let's say that for every 1 million flies not born one frog dies...that would have ate the flies, then for every thousand frogs that dies, one fox dies..." Bob continued talking as Joey and Pepper gazed beyond Bob. The silver booth beyond him was suddenly beginning to fill with light.
"Bob?" Joey exclaimed urgently. But Bob was still going on and on...
"...and for every hundred lions not born, thousands of deer live who would have got eaten..."
"Bob!" Joey's voice got more intense.
Beyond Bob, the light emanating from the machine was growing brighter and brighter. But Bob was still continuing on.
"Bob!!!!!!" Joey finally yelled. "Look behind you!!"
Bob turned towards the time machine...and instantly shielded his eyes from the brightness. "What is happening?" he exclaimed.
Then all at once the light originating from inside the booth vanished, and in its place stood a man.
Joey, Pepper and Bob all gasped, and for several seconds stared at him.
The man had a short beard and appeared oriental in ethnicity, and as he stepped outside the silver booth, the three could see that his clothing looked like that of an ancient warrior.
The three continued starring in wonder, but the man's voice broke the silence. "Are you the dogs that are called Joey and Pepper?" he asked, looking at the dogs. His English dialect was choppy. It was quite clear that the man wasn't from that area, or that time.
Both dogs stood petrified, looking at the man but not saying anything. Bob then answered. "Yes these are the dogs Joey and Pepper." he replied. "May I ask who you are, and what you are doing here?"
"My name is Yozeku. I am from the country you know as Japan. I come from the year 500 BC in search of the dogs called Joey and Pepper."
"What? Why do you want these dogs?" Bob asked.
With a stoic look, the oriental man continued.
"Written prophecy among my people say two dogs would come from sacred porthole in cave to save my country from slavery by ensuring Kazuchi's victory. Legend says these dogs would be named Jonti, and Pracula-or in English terms Joey and Pepper.
I come from another time into the future to bring back dogs, in that Kazuchi's victory will be secure."
"Victory?" Bob asked. "Victory in what? Who is Kazuchi, and why does he need them to win? What is happening that you need to bring to 500 BC Japan these two dogs?"
"I only know what is legend. Without dogs, my country, Japan, will be overthrown in year 2015 by nation of mongrels. Legend mentions mass people dead from my country-fire, and blood. Then in time, Japan simply will not exist. In my time, there is a sumo battle set between Kazuchi and Nakata, and legend say that if dogs Joey and Pepper do not come through porthole in cave, Nakata will win and control of our shores will be ceded to the Northern Japanese, a bloodthirsty and war-monging people. But should Joey and Pepper exit porthole, Kazuchi will win and our shores will be ceded to the Southern Japanese...a peace-loving people, a people that will ensure our heritage for all time."
Bob glared at the oriental man wide-eyed. He suddenly wondered why it had not dawned on him that building something so important as a time machine could enable people to come to him as well as he to them. He did understand that going back in time and changing historical facts would alter human life into the future. So although completely dumbfounded, Bob had to concede to the stranger's words. After all, how could he argue with legend?
"Joey, Pepper?" Bob finally said, turning to the dogs. "Are you ready for this?"
Oh boy, were they ready!
Talk about an adventure! Both dogs thought.
"Yeeeeah!" they said slowly, still a bit dazed. "Japan! Wow!"
"Please dogs follow me." said the oriental man as he stepped back into the silver booth. All Bob could do was watch as his canine friends stepped into his magical booth. Both dogs had a look of wild anticipation when they disappeared into this air.
There was a flash, and then the booth door opened again. All Joey and Pepper could see was darkness except for a faint trickle of light in the distance.
"Please dogs. Follow me." Yozeku replied. "We must exit cave this way." Though faintly, they could see their leader in front of them, guiding them towards the dim light. Minutes later, Joey and Pepper exited into the scenery of mountains and trees. In the sky the full rays of the Sun shined down on them. As well, gathered all around the countryside were numerous oriental people. They were all standing up and looking towards Joey, Pepper and their Japanese guide.
In a loud voice Yozeku beckoned to them.
"Women and Men of the Southern country, I give you Joey and Pepper!" At this the quiet of the mountains turned into the noisy booming of voices as thousands of onlookers instantly burst into cheering and singing. Amidst the tumultuous ongoing noise, Yozeku turned back towards Joey and Pepper. On his face was a proud smile.
What an introduction to their adventure! The dogs privately thought. What could happen next? Yozeku's voice interrupted the cheering. "Come Joey and Pepper. You will now meet the King of Japan."
Joey and Pepper then followed their Japanese guide as he led them through the trees and alongside a creek. As they walked, gradually the people dispersed in several directions. From the looks of makeshift houses that dotted the land, Joey and Pepper could see that they were going home.
For an hour Joey and Pepper followed Yozeku, over several hills and through the brush. Finally, their journey led them up a small mountain which was the location of an old cemetery. The peak overlooked a large valley below, and in the midst of the valley stood a castle. The King of Japan! Both dogs thought. Wow!
Sure enough, the dogs could see a path leading from the cemetery down the mountain to the spectacular dwelling of the King. Fifteen minutes later they had arrived as two huge doors opened to let the travelers inside.
"Come, come. This way." a man said at the entrance before quickly scurrying off. Joey and Pepper followed close behind, through large candle- lit hallways, and up stone steps. As they walked, Joey and Pepper looked around. This was the most magnificent building they had ever been in. Seconds later, another set of doors opened to reveal a man dressed in dazzling apparel, sitting on the edge of a throne...the King!
"Are these the dogs Joey and Pepper?" the man asked fervently.
"They are your highness!" Yozeku answered.
"Then Kazuchi will win the sumo battle tomorrow, and Nakata's spell is broken. Finally, the southern countryside will rule Japan."
"Yes, your majesty. That is correct." Yozeku again replied.
"Bring the dogs closer." said the King. Slowly Joey and Pepper approached the man's throne.
"I come from a long line of emperors who have battled with the North to defend the country we live in. We are a peaceful people who only want to live in harmony with each other. But the Northern people come upon us, making war with us continually. We do not want to live under their rule. For us and for the security of our people through time, we have read our ancient books and the legends there written. In our books we have discovered the secret to our conquest. As King of this people, I want to thank you for being among us at this time...a time when a sumo battle will take place on the morrow evening to determine the fate of our country, Japan. According to legend, you dogs are going to do something tomorrow during this battle that will ensure victory to Kazuchi who is for us. What you will do, I don't know...but you will do something...the legend is very clear."
The King then called to Yozeku. "Make sure that these dogs are treated well. After the feast of celebration, have them retire to their room to contemplate their duty on the morrow."
"Yes, your majesty." was Yozeku's reply.
That night and with full bellies, Yozeku led Joey and Pepper into a large bedroom. Yozeku was about ready to depart again, when Joey stopped him.
"Sir, before you leave can you tell me... What do you want us to do tomorrow during the match to ensure victory to Kazuchi?"
"I don't know." Yozeku replied. "That part of the legend isn't specific."
"Well, who are these sumo warriors and what would you like us to do?"
"Yeah!" Pepper interrupted. "Do you want us to bite his foot during the battle, or how about kick up dirt in his face? Or maybe we could go to where he lives and bark all night to keep him awake and tired tomorrow during his sumo match."
"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ..." Yozeku laughed. "No, you don't understand. Kazuchi and Nakata, the sumo warriors who are battling each other tomorrow, aren't human. They're great spirits, some say gods! The sumo battle isn't being held on the ground. It's being held up there." he said pointing up "...in the black sky tomorrow night, amidst the stars."
Joey and Pepper froze. "They're gods?" Joey exclaimed. "How are we supposed to alter a sumo match between gods, up in the stars?"
"Goodnight." said Yozeku as he exited the room and shut the door. Joey then turned to Pepper, who was glaring back at him with a very puzzled look.
"At least this is an adventure!" Pepper bellowed.
It took hours for Joey to drift off to sleep, long after Pepper-who was snoring once his head hit the pillow. For Joey, sleeping in a strange land, in a strange time, with the expectation of altering a major celestial event to be held in the stars, was haunting.
The next day soon greeted the two dogs. Pepper leaped out of bed. "C'mon Joey, let's go have some fun!" he said.
"Fun, you call this day fun? Haven't you thought about the sumo battle that's going to be held tonight, a battle in the stars that somehow you and I are going to affect?"
"You're too uptight Joey. When is the last time you've been in a land half way across the world, at a time 2,500 year before ours? Huh?"
Joey was speechless. Calmly he hopped up to his feet. "Well, at least if we go exploring I might be able to think better."
"That's the spirit. C'mon!" Just as the dogs exited their room they saw Yozeku walking in front of them.
"You can go anywhere in the entire kingdom, but please don't forget about our supper feast held at the going down of the sun. It will be after this feast when the sumo battle will begin."
Both dogs acknowledged. Pepper never had so much fun exploring that day...up a mountain, down a mountain, through the trees, barking at animals he'd never seen before. Joey tagged close behind, but never got too excited because of the queasy feeling in his stomach. He knew that darkness would soon be upon them. Alas, darkness came. Then the supper feast came and went. After the feast thousands of Japanese people began to surround the emperor's castle, laying out blankets and looking up at the stars. The emperor and his servants were outside as well, some sitting and others standing, but all were looking up. The stars were out in full force, and the sumo battle would begin soon.
Pepper trotted up to Joey with a big bone in his mouth. "Joey, do you want my bone?" he asked.
"No Pepper, can't you see what's about to take place?" Joey replied.
"Well, will you at least help me dig a hole, and bury it?"
Suddenly, a series of gasps trickled throughout the crowd. Joey looked up to see some of the stars moving and changing...they were forming into something. Other stars did the same thing. Joey couldn't believe his eyes as within the stars, two sumo wrestlers emerged, as did a sumo ring. Several seconds later, the stars outlined the warriors pacing back and forth, and alas, they squatted down and stretched their hands in front of them.
Boom! Both warriors blasted into each other and the sumo battle in the stars had begun.
Oh, thought Joey. This is it! How are we going to alter.......wait a second.
Joey suddenly turned to Pepper. "What did you say Pepper?" he quickly asked.
"About what, Joey, whether or not you wanted my bone?"
"No after that! You asked if I would help you dig a hole and bury it." Joey said slowly, in deep thought.
"That's it!" Joey yelled. He then quickly turned to Yozeku, who was standing nearby. "Yozeku, who is the sumo warrior that needs to lose?" Joey asked.
"Nakata." Yozeku replied.
"C'mon Pepper we got some diggin' to do!"
In a twinkling, Joey was sprinting through the brush again, with Pepper hot on his tail. "Joey, what are you doing?" Pepper eagerly asked as they continued running.
"Nakata... Nakata... Nakata..." Joey kept chanting.
"Joey, aren't you listening? Where are we going, and why do you keep chanting Nakata?" Pepper again asked.
Joey glanced up at the stars. The battle was continuing. They weren't too late.
"Joey?" Pepper impatiently pestered.
"Pepper, what do dogs like to do with bones?" Joey asked.
"We like to eat them, or bury them." Pepper answered.
"That's right. We like to bury them. Dogs like to bury bones and then later dig them up, right?"
"Uh, yea I guess." Pepper responded.
"Yozeku said that these warriors fighting in the sky were what?" Joey asked.
"I don't know, gods?" Pepper responded.
"Yes gods, but he also referred to them as great spirits. And a spirit is the continuation of someone who used to live in this world..or the remains of someone who HAS DIED!"
Suddenly Joey stopped. Pepper, who was lost in thought now had time to look around. The dogs had climbed to the top of the mountain that overlooked the emperor's castle. It was also the place were the cemetery was.
"Hurry Pepper, look for the word Nakata." Joey yelled, as he quickly ran to the nearest tombstone.
"Oh, I see!" Pepper replied. "Right, Nakata! Whoa Joey, here it is right here!" Joey turned back to see Pepper standing in front of a large headstone. In clear letters on its face read the word Nakata.
"Start digging" Joey snapped, and in an instant both dogs were digging into the ground. Since Pepper was a better digger, it took him mere seconds to make a deep hole.
Joey glanced up to the stars one more time.
Boom! One warrior had just got blasted by the other, but maintained his balance.
The match was continuing.
Then, with horror Joey watched as one starry-sky warrior simply stopped amid fighting, turned around, and glared down at Joey. The warrior's eyes penetrated Joey's soul, leaving Joey glaring back...too scared to budge.
"Joey, I think I found something!" Pepper muttered, tugging upward. But Joey couldn't turn away from the sky-warrior's evil eyes, staring horridly back at him with haunting fury. Then, as if Joey wasn't scared enough, suddenly the mountains rang with a firm, loud, echoing voice.
"WHO DISTURBES MY SLUMBER?!!!" it rumbled, as a great gust of wind whooshed by. At that exact moment Pepper jerked up from the hole, prizing a figurine in his mouth. It was a bone.
KABOOOOOOOOM!
Along with Joey, thousands of Japanese watched the sky as Kazuchi plowed into a distracted Nakata, sending him flying forward and outside the ring. Kazuchi had won. The countryside erupted with cheering and celebration.
Joey then watched as the stars suddenly froze forever to the outline of Kazuchi's winning pose. Several seconds went by before Joey could take his eyes off the sky. When he did he turned back towards Pepper, who had been oblivious to the entire event. "Good job Pepper. This is why we make a good team." he said.
Inside Bob's secret basement room was a glowing light, emanating from the silver booth. Then with a flash, Joey, Pepper, and Yozeku appeared. Bob was there too, waiting for them. The two dogs knew this was goodbye. They casually stepped outside the booth, leaving Yozeku still inside. "You have done well!" Yozeku spoke. "Our country is preserved now, for all time. We are indebted to you forever. From me, my children, the King of Japan, and every love-honoring person in our new country, we thank you."
Then with another flash of light the man disappeared, leaving Joey, Pepper, and Bob alone once again. There was silence for several seconds. "Did you kill any flies?" Bob asked.
Both dogs laughed as they exited the room. Bob then locked the door and the three wandered back down the hall to the main basement room.
"You know, dogs..." Bob remarked. "After you left, I went upstairs to my bedroom and grabbed a history book on Japan. Take a look at this..."
Eagerly, Joey and Pepper examined part of a paragraph Bob had outlined. It read: "Early Japanese legend tells of a sumo battle between two great spirits, Kazuchi and Nakata, held in the stars. Evidently at the same time of the battle, two dogs were
undercovering Nakata's remains in an ancient cemetery, and being distracted by this... Nakata lost his focus and was defeated by Kazuchi, claiming victory for all of Southern
Japan. Legend says the dogs names were Jonti, and Pracula, or in English terms, Joey and Pepper."
After they had finished reading, Bob snapped the book shut and with curious delight replied...
"Wish I could have been there."
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