The Adventures of the FancyCrazyHydrants: The Mission

By Baltazar Ray

The world was bracing for the coming of the third millenium. The year was 2999. After a harrowing three major world wars in the early decades of the year 2000, the world has been living and enjoying peace at the turn of the century. The new laws governing the country pushed back the world into a simpler but modern life—the pre-year 2000 life. Advance computers and robotics that man used against each other were cut down and were banned forever.

Alas, the villains were getting restless again and the coming of the third millennium was an
opportunity to conquer the world and yet again, create pandemonium amongst the people.

But a smart thinking scientist foresaw the coming disaster well ahead of his time and made plans to suppress the villains. He created the FancyCrazyHydrants—a group of super fire hydrants that became alive in time for the coming of the third millennium. Headed by Hydra and Pluggo, they journeyed from the town of Muttley to the streets of Guerlin City and to the depths of the Mohegan River to seek and accomplish their mission.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baltazar Ray
• Release date: Jul 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9780974538631

Baltazar Ray

Baltazar Ray, a resident of New York City--is an author, architect, and a photographer. Through his street photography series, he was inspired to create the FancyCrazyHydrants concept. This concept covers photographs, digital art works, graphic images in various media, and written words with the sole subject--the fire hydrant.The Adventures of the FancyCrazyHydrants (FCH) is a sci-fi children's book series written for Young Readers aged 9 to 12. It is a group of crime fighting super fire hydrants that became alive at the turn of the Third Millennium--as programmed by a scientist 100 years before they were timed to become alive. These fire hydrants have tremendous super powers in which they use WATER as their main source of power--to fly, roll, and run at great speed and outdo their enemies. The Adventures of the FancyCrazyHydrants is full of action packed stories and elements about the future.

Book preview

THE ADVENTURES OF THE FANCYCRAZYHYDRANTS™

THE MISSION™

BALTAZAR RAY

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2003 Baltazar Ray

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

Published by

FancyCrazy Publishing

E-mail: [e-mail]

Blog: www.FancyCrazyHydrants.tv

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fancycrazyhydrants

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/baltazarray/

Twitter: #fancycrazyhy

Conceptualized, designed, written, and illustrated by:

Baltazar Ray

ISBN: 0-9745386-9-8 (paperback)

ISBN: 0-9745386-3-9 (ebook)

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to all contributors—big or small, direct or indirect—to the editors, the designers, and the printers—Dana and Jonathan, my friends—Bill (my original hydrant buddy!), inspirations like Rosanne, Stan, Tanya, Jessel, Viviana, Madmo, Norman for his fervent love of art and hydrant sketches, Jan for her unfailing support, Trina and the Nutley Public Library for my debut FCH digital art exhibit.

My sincerest thanks to James Lyons IV, a gentleman who came out of the blue and offered his help to proofread and edit this book. That was noble. He saw and believed in this project and I appreciate that.

And thanks to all the pessimists and the doubters, the visionaries and the inspirers, the phenomenal Beatles and their music that kept me inspired all my life, my ubiquitous Queen and all the Queens of the World, my wonderful daughter Paulina (my audience and adviser), Sab and Fyor (my other children), and to my brightest light across the continent, FLOR, and most of all—the optimists and their incessant prodding and good vibes in helping me transform this idea into reality. You are all part of this chemistry. May the Voice be with you ALL.

Book Reviews:

Fun names, lots of adventure, fast pace, FancyCrazyHydrants is a merry read, recommended, five stars!—Molly Martin, book author

A sweet and enjoyable children’s tale. FancyCrazyHydrants would be a welcomed addition to any school or child’s personal library.—by Jill Eisnaugle, Author of Coastal Whispers

The newest superhero on the block may be as close as your curb! Young readers will find this unique story amusing and interesting. The concept of hero hydrants is tangible, because of the presence of fire plugs throughout everyone's neighborhoods. Since fire hydrants are already accepted as necessary to put out fires, the idea of them expanding their rescuer roles is somehow fitting. FancyCrazyHydrants: The Mission is a fun read with a new kind of hero.—Joyce Handso, Book Reviewer

Baltazar Ray renders a fresh and unique perspective and takes his readers to the limitless confines of his imagination. His playful superhumanization of the otherwise nondescript yet ubiquitous hydrants is sure to generate curiosity and interest to these unseen and unsung heroes. Definitely a good read for target age brackets, likewise interesting for more mature readers.—Albert Abetsky Martinez, reader

The book is full of vivid imagination. I believe it really does speak to children ages 9 to 12. It takes time, imagination and the thinking of a child to write children's books and I believe Baltazar Ray was successful in his endeavor. I recommend you to try this book, it is quite entertaining even for us adults!—Alina, reader

As an adult reading this book, I found it to be quirky, lively, and entertaining. The book moves at breakneck speed through a fictional Guerlin City in the year 3000, following the adventures of two heroic fire hydrants. As a New Yorker, I enjoyed the subtext of dealing with the perils of city-living as much as the story itself.—CR Cat, reader

FancyCrazyHydrants is a story about the importance of friendship and understanding and patience. Readers will enjoy the suspense and action during each chapter.—David Villanueva, children’s book author

NEVER MIND WHO I AM, I AM WHAT YOU SEE UP HERE… -The Voice. This text found in the introductory page of the book grabbed my attention and inspired me to read FancyCrazy Hydrants. There is more in this book than Baltazar Ray's creativity and playful imagination. This book contains inner wisdom and depth that will make you think about believing in Higher Power and your true self. Geared for young adults, it is also an enjoyable read for adults to discover their child within.—Lady Lavender, reader Southern California

Heroes on a MISSION!

Heroes tuning into an Intelligent Higher POWER!

Heroes journeying the path of Self-DISCOVERY!

These Heroes relate to kids and adults of all ages. The FancyCrazyHydrants inspire a deeper message, planting the seeds of greatness within each whom read this work of art— developing the relationships with others, but most importantly with oneself.

As Pluggo, Hydra, and cohorts have accomplished this amazing mission, this is only the beginning. This marks a new creation of superheroes. This book delivers CREATIVITY, POTENTIAL, and SUPERHERO FUN!—Reverend Chamuel Bachiller, reader, CA

To my beloved parents, Angel and Josefina,

and to my beloved daughter, Paulina.

I am honored to have known you in this life.

Never mind who I am.

I am what you see up here . . .

—The Voice

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Reviews

Chapter 1 The Contact

Chapter 2 The Voice

Chapter 3 The Power

Chapter 4 Grunt

Chapter 5 Crooton

Chapter 6 Beatree

Chapter 7 The Mission

Chapter 8 Splatter

Chapter 9 Meet Five Feet

Chapter 10 Mohegan River

Chapter 11 Veeda

Chapter 12 Hydra’s Trip

Chapter 13 The Dream

Chapter 14 Elvira

Chapter 15 Hydra’s Back

Chapter 16 Déjà vu, Genoa, Déjà vu

Chapter 17 Big Tur

Chapter 18 Captain Hydra

Chapter 19 Fireeba, Billow and the Fyros

Chapter 20 Year 3000

Other books in the works

CHAPTER 1

The Contact

THE BRIGHT YELLOW TAXI sped down the lane and roared past an old couple waiting in vain. At five in the morning, the driver was weary from working all night. He had just dropped off his last fare and he was headed for the garage. Sixteen hours straight he’s been driving—a record for fools, he thought.

His eyes were half-closed and he was barely awake. All he could think of, as he pressed harder on the gas, was his soft, warm bed with its clean sheets and fresh smell. As he careened down the road, the taxi started to wobble. The driver had begun to fall asleep!

He ran two yellow lights and slammed on his brakes just as a man darted in front of him. He swerved, missing the man by mere inches, but not before the taxi climbed the curb. The driver, confused and desperate, scrambled for control…

SCREEEEEEECCH! KA-BLAMMM!

SPLASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHH!

Water, water everywhere and there was plenty to drink, too! A fountain of water gushed out of the sidewalk as high as the lamppost and started flooding the street. The taxi had come down like a hammer and severed a fire hydrant from its main pipe. Its main connection underground, cut and exposed to the sidewalk.

The thundering crash woke up the whole neighborhood. Lights could be seen coming on in sequence in all the buildings. People peered from their windows and others began pouring out into the street. Soon there was a crowd, all curious about the commotion. It was near daylight and everyone wanted to see what was going on—like a block party where new and old neighbors could see each other again and look at all the new and old faces.

Nelly, how are you?

Virginia, I didn’t know you're back!

Bill! What happened?

It was bizarre—a block party at five in the morning! People even brought out their dogs to mingle with the other dogs. Now, no one seemed to mind about the accident.

No, this was better. People were more curious about the melee, the gathering, the mingling, and the camaraderie.

TOOOOOOTEEEEE! TOOOOOOTEEEEE!

The incoming ambulances and the Water Department (WD) emergency crews with their loud and wailing sirens added to the festivity.

The medics carted out the injured driver as fast as they could, while the crew from the Water Department shut off the main valve, reducing the water torrent to a slow dribble.

Dogs were looking curiously at the hydrant, as if they had never seen a 'downed' hydrant before. It must have been some dog’s territory. Where do they go now to pee? You can almost hear them whimpering like they were worried or something.

* *

The day drifted by so fast, it was almost dusk and the hydrant remained undisturbed, still lying on the damp pavement. Some people, back from work, were out walking their dogs, and passed by the hydrant. The dogs were curious but were hesitant to relieve themselves. One dog raised his leg against the downed hydrant, but then changed his mind. Yaikks! A severed hydrant! I can’t stand this—it’s such a mess! thought the dog. I’ve got to pee somewhere else! Yuk! The dog was clearly whimpering.

The hydrant resembled a dead, wooden log covered with skin-like green moss. It was an old-style hydrant with several thick nozzles sticking out. The WD had declared these models obsolete and retired them years ago.

Years ago? one of the crewmen said. Then why not take them out?

The WD crew was gathered around the horizontal victim, and one of them said, Well, it is a way for the city to make money. This particular hydrant represents several hundred, or maybe even thousands of dollars in potential parking ticket fees. And besides, they look great on the sidewalk.

* *

The following morning as traffic was building up, a truck with its blaring music, whizzed right by the downed hydrant and proceeded for a few more blocks. The truck was lost. It made an abrupt stop and started backing up recklessly through the lines of cars behind it, weaving, with its red lights flashing. The truck driver was dumb enough to back up three blocks, snarling traffic all the way to the hydrant.

BEEEEEEP! BEEEEEEEP! HOOOOOOOONK!

The impatient and irate drivers leaned on their horns.

It’s early in the morning! Wha’d ‘ya want from me? the driver yelled, gesturing with raised hands.

After a couple of crazy maneuvers, the truck screeched to a stop. Its doors yanked open and two burly and scruffy men jumped down and walked toward the hydrant.

Hmm… this is a big one, the driver groaned, scratching his chin. Just what I need this morning. Ready for this one, Guido?

Guido, shorter of the two, mumbled something. He was still half asleep. He bent down and sized up the hydrant too. Alright, let’s take this one, Ben, Guido continued mumbling.

The two men bent down in unison to pick up the hydrant, Oomph! Hah!

For a moment, they seemed to be playing 'tug of war' and looked like they didn’t know where to go.

Stop Guido, stop! Ben yelled in disgust. "Okay, now, follow my direction and stop pulling the other way. You’re going to drop this one like the others. I