Samurai Pizza Cats: Dawn of a New Age, Chapter Three: The Offer. (The story begins. As the title and credits scroll by, we see pictures if the current state of Little Tokyo, as well as pictures of the SPC running along the roofs, flying through the air after being shot out of the cannon, surfing the waves, and posing for the camera; all to the awesome musical score of Kyatto Ninden Teyande. We also see footage of Sovan and Neina practicing karate, and Angelo working on some sort of machine. As the last credits roll by, we see one last picture before the screen fades....the SPC crew posing together in front of the camera.....) (A couple of birds fly through the clear blue sky, which only has a few white clouds drifting through it. The midday sun hangs high in the sky, and a few rays are reflected in the camera. Panning down, we see Little Tokyo Hospital. The camera switches to the interior of the room Speedy is resting in. Hes lying in bed, sleeping. The camera closes in on his face, and we see him start to wake up.) Speedy: Nnngh....uh? (Opens his eyes. He sits up, looking around the room.) So it wasn’t a dream after all.... (Looks down at himself, testing his arms.) The doctors were right. I feel just fine. (Quietly) After what happened, I can’t believe it. (He looks up at the ceiling, a thoughtful look on his face) (Thinking) Sovan.... (Flashback of Sovan, Neina, and Angelo fighting the Lune is seen. The flashback ends with Sovan doing his Star of David finisher on the Lune, causing it to explode. When we fade back to Speedy, his expression is even more thoughtful than before.) Speedy: (Quietly, to himself) How did he and his friends heal our injuries? How were they able to defeat that robot so easily? Where did they come from, and what do they want from us? (Sighs) (Out loud) Well, I won’t find out if I sit in bed all day. (Swings his legs over the side of the bed.) I guess I better find out how the others are doing. (Standing, he walks towards the door. Just as he reaches it, Dr. Reinheiler opens the door and walks in, carrying a clipboard under his arm.) Dr. Reinheiler: (Smiles) Ah, good morning, Mr. Cerviche! Sleep well? Speedy: Like a log. Have you seen my wife? Dr. Reinheiler: Your wife and your friends are waiting for you in the lobby. (Hands Speedy his waiter outfit) By the way, those strangers swung by and dropped these off. The armored suits you and your friends were wearing were badly damaged, so the one in the lab coat said he would repair them for you guys. Speedy: (Recalling the vast upgrades Angelo made to their helmets.) (Wryly, almost to himself) Huh. I wonder what kind of surprises he’ll put in this time. Dr. Reinheiler: (Overhearing him) What? Speedy: (To Dr. Reinheiler) Oh, nothing. Just mumbling to myself. (Motioning to the door.) Can you leave so I can get changed? Dr. Reinheiler: Certainly. (Walks out the door. He pokes his head back in for a moment.) Remember, your friends are waiting- Speedy: (Finishing for him) -In the lobby. Thanks, doc. Dr. Reinheiler: No trouble. (Dr. Reinheiler closes the door behind him. Speedy looks at his waiter’s outfit.) Speedy: Well, better get changed and see what Sovan and his buddies have to say. (He begins to unbutton the hospital gown. We cut to the lobby of the hospital, where patients are milling around. Its a pristine place with a gray-carpeted floor, several chairs against the walls and six more in the middle of the room, lined with their backs against another row of chairs. A secretary sits behind a desk near an elevator door, typing into her keyboard. One of the walls is comprised of windows, giving patients a good look at the city outside. Sovan is currently standing by the window, his back to Polly, Guido, and GB. Judging from the refelction of his face in the window, its clear hes deep in thought.) Polly: (To Sovan) Hey, I don’t mean to interrupt whatever it is youre thinking about, but....how were you able to take out that robot so easily? Guido: You said you were going to tell us when you called us down here. Why are you still quiet? Sovan: (Still looking out the window, his eyes on a passenger plane headed for Little Tokyo Airport) I’ll explain everything, guys. I’m just waiting for everyone else to get here, then I’ll tell you everything you want to know. G.B.: Everyone else? You mean Neina, Angelo, and Speedy? Sovan: (Nods) Yeah, and some of your other friends, like Francine and Carla. (Looks at the gang.) They’ve been really worried about you. Guido: (A concerned look appears on his face.) Yeah? What did you tell them? Sovan: (Smiles) We told them not to worry; that all you guys needed was a little rest, and you’d be much better. (Indicates the gang.) And look, you’re just fine now! Not even a bruise on you guys! How’s that for feeling better? (Before he can get an answer, the sound of the elevator door opening is heard, and a familiar voice speaks.) Speedy: Hey guys, hows everything going? Sovan/Polly/Guido/GB: Huh? (They all turn to look at him.) Polly: (Smiles) Speedy! You’re awake! (Walks over to him, looks him over.) How do you feel? Speedy: (Smiles back at her) Just fine, thanks. Guido: (Walking over) Good to see you up and about, buddy. Sovan said you were just as fine as the rest of us, but I have to admit, I had my doubts after hearing the kind of punishment that robot dealt you. Speedy: (Grins) Ah, I’m just fine. Not even a scratch on me. (Looks at Sovan, his voice becoming serious) I’m a little curious about that, Sovan. How WERE you able to heal injuries like that so well, and so quickly? (Sovan opens his mouth to answer, but the door on the other side of the lobby opens. Carla and Francine appear, both looking VERY concerned. Neina follows them closely, closing the door behind them.) G.B.: Carla...? Carla: BIRDIE!! (Runs over to him, hugs him tightly.) (Tearfully) Oh, Birdie, I heard about what happened. I was so afraid, I thought you might be..... G.B.: (Holds her close, running his fingers through her hair.) (Reassuring) It’s okay Carla, I’m just fine. Carla: (Looks at him, smiles.) Yeah, I know. I was really worried when I was on my way here with Francine. (Indicates Neina.) That woman over there found us on our way over and told us you were all right. I wasn’t quite sure though, till I saw you just now. G.B.: Remember me telling you about the new people we hired? (Indicates Sovan and Neina.) The guy in the yellow Gi jacket is Sovan, and that woman who led you here is Neina. Carla: (Looks at Sovan and Neina.) Wow. You weren’t kidding when you said they were a little unusual. (Meanwhile, Francine and Guido are looking at each other, relief and concern in both of their eyes. For a minute neither one is sure what to say.) Guido: Uh.....it’s......it’s good to see you, Francine. I hope I didn’t make you too worried. Francine: Well....ah.....it’s no problem, really......and I’m glad to see you’re not badly hurt. From what I heard, you weren’t doing so well a while ago. Guido: (Shakes his head.) I wasn’t. From what the doctors told me, I probably would have been dead if Sovan and his friends hadn’t intervened. Francine: Really?? What did they do? Guido: I’m not sure. Sovan said he was going to tell us. (To Sovan, curious.) How DID you manage to heal injuries like the ones we had? (All eyes shift to Sovan.) Sovan: (Clears his throat.) Well, it’s basically a form of- (At that moment, the door bangs open again, cutting Sovan off once more. All four members of the Rescue Team stride into the room, led by Angelo.) Angelo: (Stops and looks back at the Rescue Team, indicating the SPC with a wave of his arm.) There they are fellas. I told you they were just fine. Rescue Team: (In unison) HI, GUYS!! (They walk over and begins asking a variety of questions, their voices blurring together. After a couple minutes...) Speedy: (Holds up his arms.) Whoa, whoa! One person at a time, please! General Catton: (Holds up a hand to quiet the other members of the Rescue Team.) Well, it begins like this. We had heard about the robot about half an hour after you guys were launched. Francine called us and said that although she didnt know what was happening, she felt really uneasy, and said that shed feel better if we went to help you guys out. Spritz: But by the time we got there, the robot had already been destroyed. We landed just in time to see an ambulance carrying you guys off to the hospital, and those three (Indicates Sovan, Neina, and Angelo) watching the van go. When we asked them what happened, they told us about the whole fight, and how they intervened when you guys were getting torn up. They said that your conditions had been pretty life threatening, but that they had taken care of it and that you guys should be just fine. Meowzma: We wanted to come and see how you were right away, but they suggested that we give them some time to rest. After some discussion, we decided that was the best thing to do, and crashed at my place. (Indicates Angelo.) This morning, that guy in the lab coat came over and said you guys were up and about. Bat Cat: So we followed him here, and, well...(Gestures around him.) Here we are. (Looks at the SPC.) By the way, how ARE you guys? Polly: Were just fine now, thanks for asking. Spritz: What kind of madman was able to build a robot that took all you guys with no problem? Guido: We don’t know, that’s part of the mystery. Meowzma: (Indicating Sovan, Neina, and Angelo) Did those guys save your lives like they said they did? G.B.: (Nods) That’s right. General Catton: How did they DO something like that? Speedy: We’re not sure yet. Sovan and his friends were going to tell us. (Looks at Sovan.) So how DID you do those things, anyway? Sovan: Well, it goes like this- Neina: (Holds up a hand) Wait a minute! I have the strangest feeling I’ve forgotten something.....(Thinks for a minute, then snaps her fingers) That’s right! Francine and Carla told me about two other people who were close friends of the Pizza Cats, so I called them on the way over. They should be here pretty soon. Sovan: All right. We’ll wait for them to show up. (As if on cue, the door bangs open, and Big Al Dente rushes in, looking concerned.) Big Al: Pizza Cats! I heard about what happened! Are you okay?? Speedy: Calm down, Big Al, we’re all okay. (Indicates Sovan and his friends) These guys helped us. Big Al: (Looks at Sovan and his friends) Is that so? If that’s true, then the city owes them a deep debt of gratitude. (Extends a hand to shake) Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Big Al Dente, and I’m the head of security at the Royal Palace. Sovan: (Shakes his hand) Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. Big Al: Just call me Big Al. Everyone else here does. May I ask who you are? Sovan: I’m Sovan. Neina: I’m Neina. Angelo: And I’m Angelo. Big Al: Well, I’m glad to meet you all. Since you helped the Pizza Cats stop that robot, I’m assuming you’re experienced in combat. Speedy: You can say that again, Big Al. In fact, these guys even healed our injuries before the paramedics arrived. Big Al: (Looks at Speedy) (Curious) Really? How’d they do that? Polly: We’re not sure. They said they’d tell us when everyone got here. (Looks at Sovan, Neina, and Angelo) How about it, guys? Ready to spill your guts? Sovan: Is everyone here? I don’t want to get interrupted by someone opening the door and rushing over to see how you guys are again. Neina: There’s still one other person I called, remember? She said she’d be over as soon as she could. (Strokes her chin) Might be a little longer than I thought, though. When I told her about it, I heard some crying, followed an explosion on the other end of the line. I hope she isn’t hurt or something.....what was her name, anyway? Lucille, something like that....? (Upon hearing this, everyone except Neina, Sovan, and Angelo are suddenly nervous.) Guido: (Nervous) Wait a minute. You mean you called LUCILLE about this? Neina: Well, yeah. Is there some reason I shouldn’t have? (Before anyone can explain Lucilles explosive personality, the door opens yet again, and Lucille runs towards the group, looking VERY worried. Everyone except Sovan, Neina, and Angelo react.) Lucille: Guys! I heard about everything, and I was so worried!! Of course, you’re okay now, but when I think of what might have happened to you.....(Tearfully) I just get so upset...! (Covers her face with her hands as she begins to cry.) Speedy/Polly/Guido/Francine: AAAH!! RUN FOR IT!! (Everyone quickly dashes for the nearest form of protection they can find, taking cover behind chairs, tables, and even the reception desk. The only ones who don’t do so are Sovan Neina, and Angelo. They just stare at everyone else hiding, unaware of the impending doom behind them as the missle launchers in Lucille’s hairdo open.) Sovan: Where on Earth are you guys going? Neina: You’d think a bomb was about to go off! G.B.: (Hiding behind the desk with a protective arm around Carla) Don’t just stand out there in the open, you guys! Take cover, QUICK!! Sovan/Neina/Angelo: Huh? (They turn around and see Lucille about to fire. Looks of shock quickly register on their faces) WHAT THE-?! (Just then, Lucille blows her top, missles flying towards our mysterious trio. We catch a glimpse of their surprised reaction before the explosions hide them from view. We cut to the outside of the hospital building. The scene suddenly shakes, and we hear the sound of an explosion. After a few moments, we cut back to the inside of the hospital. To put it simply, it looks like a bomb hit. Magazines and furniture have been knocked helter- skelter, scorch marks show where missles impacted against the floor and walls, and a veil of smoke hangs in the air. Slowly, the smoke clears away, showing Lucille standing in the middle of all this, looking rather sheepish.) Lucille: (Looking around) Oh my.....I think I might have overreacted. (The SPC, Carla, and Big Al Dente crawl out from wherever they were hiding. Speedy, Polly, Guido, and Francine get up from behind a row of chairs, G.B., Carla, and Al Dente rise from where they were crouching behind the reception desk, and the Rescue Team stand up from where they were taking cover on the ground.) G.B.: (A touch of sarcasm in his voice) You think? Just a little? Speedy: I hope Sovan and his friends weren’t hurt too badly. Polly: Yeah. (Suddenly, a look of surprise appears on her face, and she points at a cloud of smoke in the area Sovan, Neina, and Angelo were standing) Hey, look! Speedy: Huh? (Follows her gaze, and a suprised look appeared on his face as well) HUH? (Much to everyones surprise, the smoke clears away to reveal Sovan, Neina, and Angelo, standing a couple inches away from where they were standing when the missles hit. Aside from a slightly singed appearance and their obvious surprise, our mysterious three- some look basically unharmed.) Sovan: (To no one in particular) Whoa. And people say that I have a quick temper. Big Al: (Walks over, looking a bit cautious) Uh...are you people okay? Neina: A little cooked on the outside, but other than that, I’m just fine. (To Sovan and Angelo) How about you guys? Sovan: I’m okay. Angelo: A little surprised, I must admit, but nothing serious. Speedy: (Impressed) Wow, I didnt think ANYONE could withstand Lucilles missles like that! Well, G.B. did once, but thats when he was using the ancient armor of Worc as Bad Bird [See Bad Bird Uncaged, Part 1]. Meowzma: (Also impressed) What planet are you guys FROM, anyway? Sovan: Well, it’s a long story, but basically- Neina: Hold it! Sovan: (Groans) Don’t tell me there’s somebody ELSE we need to wait for? Neina: Nah, I think we got everyone. But I think we should go back to the parlor before we tell you. No sense drawing any more of a crowd than we already have. (The SPC look around, and sure enough, they have the attention of the whole lobby. The other patients and visitors, having crawled out from whatever they were hiding under or behind, are now staring at them.) Sovan: (Sheepish) Errr....yes, I suppose you’re right. (Looks at Speedy) Shall we head back to the parlor? Speedy: Sounds like a good idea to me. (The scene cuts to a shadowy room that looks very futuristic, with high-tech circuitry lining the walls. A large, very futuristic-looking computer dominates one wall, the oval- shaped screen glowing a soft blue-green. There is also some sort of capsule [very similar to the ones in the Megaman X games, except that the base and the top are red, and the opaque green glass tube seperating them has a series of thick wires leading into it. The beeping and whirring of computers fills the room. Dr. Pontoon, the raccoon scientist from the prievious episode, is seated at the control panel of the large computer, typing commands into it. At that moment, the door slides open, and the Mystery Villain walks in, hidden by shadow, as always.) (Half an hour later, we cut back to the SPC restaurant. The Sorry, We’re Closed sign is still up. Inside, everyone is gathered around one of the larger lables, sipping various drinks. Speedy sets down his half-empty cup of coffee and looks at Sovan, whos sitting on one of the chairs backwards.) Speedy: Feel like telling us now? Sovan: (Sets down his glass of Lemon-Lime Powerade) Certainly. (Looks at the SPC.) One thing though, before I begin: this is going to seem a little radical, but you have my word that it is the honest truth. Neina: (Finishes a glass of soda) And if at any point you have some question, feel free to ask. We’ll try to answer ‘em for you. (The SPC look at each other, then back at Sovan, Neina, and Angelo.) Speedy: (A little confused) Uh.....okay.... Polly: (Also confused) Go ahead..... Sovan: (Sighs, stands up) Okay.....I guess I’ll start from the beginning. (Clears his throat to get everyones attention, then begins) My name wasn’t always Sovan Kawasagi. A long time ago, I was known as Joseph Andrews. I lived with my family in Chicago until I was about 16 years old. At that time, my family and I moved from Chicago to Hawaii. We adapted to our new surroundings pretty quickly. Mom found a place where she could put her skills as a therapist to good use, I found some cool places to hang out, and the whole family made some good friends pretty quickly. We were able to make ends meet, and then some. (Sighs) All in all, I was pretty content with my life. Then, one day, my life took an eventful turn. Polly: Really? What happened? Sovan: I was walking home one day, having done a little shopping at a beachside anime shop, when a storm unlike any I’d ever seen rolled in. Thunder rumbled, lightning crackled......(Pauses for a minute, then continues.) It was like a typhoon. I was trying to find shelter, when a bolt of lightning came zapping down from the clouds and struck me. I fully expected to die within seconds. But instead of pain, I felt a strange tingle run through my whole body. Then light and sound flooded my senses, and that was all I remembered for a while. Speedy: What happened to you after that? Sovan: Well, what happened next was pretty amazing, and some beautiful things happened to me, like floating through a starry night sky, with all the wonders of the cosmos around me, and rainbow clouds beneath. Anyway, I ultimately wound up at the home of this extraterrestrial being known as Zendar. He offered me his hospitality, as well as an explanation on what had happened. I took him up on both offers. After I had gotten comfortable, Zendar explained that I had been pulled through time and space, and had landed in a dimension known as the Imagiverse-a place where anything can happen, and probably will. He explained that although it was a place of wonder, there were dark forces that would seek to dominate it for one reason or another. He asked me if I wanted to help repel those forces. Being the type of guy who can’t stand injustice and evil, and who would do anything to help out others, I agreed. (Sovan pauses to drink some Powerade, then continues.) Sovan: From that day on, I went by the name of Sovan Kawasagi, which means Star Dragon in the native language of Zendars people. He enhanced my speed, agility, strength, endurance, and overall power, and taught me martial arts, acrobatics, and swordplay by using Dream Crystals.... (G.B. raises his hand.) Sovan: Yes, G.B.? G.B.: What are Dream Crystals? Sovan: They’re a sort of subconscious training device. Each one is packed with the knowledge of experts on whatever the crystal teaches. When the crystal is pressed against your forehead, you fall into a dream state, where you have a vision of yourself doing whatever the Dream Crystal teaches you. Once you wake up from the dream, the stuff you learned in the dream will seem natural to you, like you’ve always known it. For example, when I was using the Dream Crystal of Martial Arts, I had a dream of myself fighting a group of warriors with a Kung Fu-type fighting style. When I woke up, I realized that I knew that style like a second nature, almost as if I had lived my life knowing it. Speedy: (Catching on) Oh, you mean like in that movie The Matrix? Sovan: You got it. Anyway, Zendar also bestowed the powers of magic and mysticism upon me. Although they lay dormant when I first got them, Zendar explained that as time passed and I gained experience, I would become aware of these powers. Then he sent me to an island on an alternate Earth that served as the location of Keegos School of Yemagasa Martial Arts. After hearing my story, the sensei, Hayuki Keego, invited me to stay at the dojo/home with him and his other three students. (Pauses for a minute, looking into his glass.) Since then, I’ve had many incredible adventures, clashed with the forces of evil several times, and met many good friends. Guido: You mean like Neina and Angelo? Sovan: Yeah. (Indicates Neina.) Neina, for example, is an ex-space pirate who I ran into when she was trying to give a lust-driven fellow pirate the slip. Neina: When I ran into him, I explained what was going on, and that led into a conversation between the two of us. To be honest, I found his gentle, noble-hearted, yet fun-loving personality really nice, a big change from some of the guys I knew in my space pirate days. (Her eyes narrow) Like that deluded jerk, Keiro, who Sovan mentioned earlier. He had-still has for that matter-this crazy notion that I’m wildly in love with him, and tried to take me out on a date. I was about to tell him what I thought of his arrogant, macho attitude with a knuckle sandwich when Sovan stepped up to Keiro and told him that by judging my less-than-supporitve attitude, he figured that I had no intention of going out with him. Keiro then decided that he would liberate me of his wimpy burden, and attacked. I was about to stop him.....(Flashes a grin of satisfaction) but it quickly became clear that Sovan could take care of himself, and he sent Keiro packing after a hard fight, raising my opinion of him a couple more notches. Sovan Kawasagi: After the fight, we chatted some more, and Neina developed an interest in learning the Yemagasa fighting style, as well as giving up the life of a space pirate for that of an adventurer, and joined me and the others at Keego’s home. (Smiles) Neina’s a real nice person, once you get to know her. Besides being a strong and skilled fighter, she’s a strong-willed person with a wild spirit, which leads to her having hobbies like jetbiking down the side of an erupting volcano, or flying through a nebula. She also has a tender side, mainly when around children or baby animals. Neina: So there you have it. That’s my story. Francine: (Indicates Angelo) What about him? Sovan: Him? (Smiles and puts a hand on Angelos shoulder) Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Dr. Angelo Habuki, one of the greatest scientific minds in the known universe. Angelo: (Smiles and takes a bow) At your service. Sovan: He comes from a planet known as Uru, and is a certified genius. My friends and I met him one day while we were out exploring this island about 20 miles away from our home. After a series of events took place, he decided to join up with us, because he apparently found us and the adventures that seemed to be drawn to us interesting. Since then, hes become another resident at Keego’s home, repeatedly coming up with strange and unique inventions that usually lead to more adventures. Angelo: As you can probably guess by now, there’s never a dull moment with us. Speedy: Yeah, we kinda got that impression by now. But my question is: what does all this have to do with us? Neina: Well, it’s kind of complicated, but like Sovan said before, we’ve spent a long time clashing with various forces of evil. Criminal masterminds, warriors from the Netherworld, et cetera et cetera, so on and so forth. We’ve also gone places and done things that would last in your dreams for all time. Then, a few months ago, Zendar called us back to his home for a little chat. He told us that we had done very well in defending our world, and was pleased that Sovan had come to thoroughly enjoy it. Then he decided to tell us something groundbreaking. Polly: What was that? Sovan: The Imagiverse was not only a universe in itself, but also a connecting point to other universes, other realities. When he showed us some of these, we were awestruck by everything that happened in these realities. Zendar then explained that he had had a premonition that something serious was going to happen, that evil forces from various dimensions would meet and combine forces to become even more dangerous, and that the best way to counter it was to unite the various heroes of these worlds together. Neina: (Pouring another glass of soda) We compiled a list of all the known villains in the universe, and what they could be capable of, as well as the various heroes that could be called upon to counter them. (Looks at the Pizza Cats) Your names came up on the list. You have potential to become great heroes, even greater than you are already. (Sips her drink) And make no mistake, you will have to improve in order to defend Little Tokyo, and quite possibly beyond that. If you don’t believe me, well....(Thinks for a minute) Do you remember that robot that attacked the city yesterday? Guido: Of course we remember! Polly: How could we possibly forget? Speedy: That thing nearly killed us, after all! Lucille: (Clutches her cup of tea, her voice trembling) Oh my goodness, that thing almost killed you?? (Tears form at the corners of her eyes, indicating a missle barrage isnt too far away. Lucille sets the teacup down and covers her eyes as she begins to cry) Ohh.... (Thankfully, before Lucille can let loose with a missle strike that would probably decimate the parlor, Spritz takes action, offering her the cup of tea she had set down.) Spritz: Now now, calm down, miss! It’s true that our friends were badly hurt, but they’re all better now, so there’s no reason to cry! Here, have some tea. It’ll help calm you down. (Lucille considers this for a minute, then wipes the tears from her eyes. Smiling, she picks up the cup.) Lucille: (Cheerfully) You’re right, I feel much better now. Thank you. Spritz: No problem. Speedy: (To Spritz) Nice save, buddy. (Turns to Sovan, Neina, and Angelo) You were saying something about that robot we fought yesterday? Neina: Yep. He was a combat model that exceeds anything you guys have faced yet! And you if you guys thought HE was tough, think again! Unless I miss my guess, he was just the beginning, and that more powerful and dangerous villains to come! And I’m afraid that, at your current level of ability, you wont stand a chance! Angelo: Thats why we’re making you an offer. Speedy: An offer? What kind of offer? Sovan: If you’re interested, well help you train yourselves in body, mind, and spirit. As a result, you’ll become stronger overall; so you’ll be more than a match for the enemy that is threatening Little Tokyo, and be able to continue your quest to uphold peace, justice, and your way of life. (Clasps his hands in front of him) That, my friends, is our offer. I can understand if youre a little skeptical. Heck, I’ve been through all this, and I can hardly believe it myself. Speedy: Oh no, we believe you. It’s just that this is a really big descision for us. Polly: He’s right. We’ve never had this kind of thing happen to us before. Guido: Besides, if we do accept, who’s gonna protect the city while were away? Neina: Dont worry about it, well take care of it. Sovan: (Getting up) In any case, this is all optional. You guys don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. We’re not forcing you into anything. This is entirely up to you. If you want, we can give you some time to think about this. What do you think? Do you need some time to consider this? Francine: That sounds like a good idea to me. Speedy: Yeah. (To Sovan, Neina, and Angelo) Can you give us, oh, say, half an hour to discuss this? Sovan: Certainly. (To Neina and Angelo) Cmon, guys, let’s wait in our room while the Pizza Cats make their descision. Neina/Angelo: (Nod simultaneously) (In unison) Gotcha. (As the three of them walk down the hall, Sovan looks back at everyone.) Sovan: (Calling over his shoulder) If you do decide to accept our offer....do so for the sake of the city and those who live in it, if nothing else. (As Sovan and his friends leave, the scene switches to the streets of Little Tokyo. Although things have pretty much settled down to normal, theres still repair work being done by construction workers on areas of the city that were damaged during the Lunes rampage. As the townspeople chat with each other and go about their basic errands, the view pulls up to the rooftops to reveal IG-36 standing on the roof of one of the taller buildings, watching the people below. Switching to its view, we see it is basically normal, save for statistical data running down one side of the screen, and a darker area outlined by a green rectangle in the middle (Like a in high-tech camera.) As it looks across the city, we see mission-related text scroll by IG-36s point of view. ) IG-36: (Reading the text to itself quietly) Mission objectives are as follows: Eliminate the three newcomers at the Pizza Cat parlor. Terminate the Pizza Cats. Destroy Pizza Cat restaraunt afterwards to eliminate anything that might still be dangerous. These goals will be accomplished. (With that, IG-36 begins leaping from rooftop to rooftop, quickly fading from sight. Meanwhile, back at the restaraunt, the SPC and their friends have gathered around a table. Speedy leans forward, clearing his throat to get everyones attention.) Speedy: All right everyone, you heard the offer Sovan and his friends made. The question here is, do we accept it or not? (Looks around the table) Before I answer yes or no, I want to hear what everyone else thinks. After all, this concerns not just me, Polly, Guido, and G.B., but everyone else here! So, before I give an answer to the request Sovan and his friends made, I’d like to hear what everybody thinks about this. Big Al: (Sets down his cup of tea, looks at Speedy) Well Speedy, I think this training trip would be a good thing for not just you, but all of Little Tokyo. These new villains, whoever they are, are far more powerful than any other foe you have faced thus far. If it weren’t for Sovan and his friends, I very much doubt that you would still be alive. For the sake of Little Tokyo and everyone in it, it is my opinion as the head of security for the royal family that you should take Sovan and his friends up on this offer. Lucille: He’s right. As things stand, if something that could bring those three new guys down to their knees attacked, I don’t think youd stand much of a chance. Guido: You’ve got a point there, but who’s gonna keep an eye on the city while were gone. General Catton: Stands up and thumps his chest proudly:: Dont worry about it, Guido. Sovan and his friends said they would figure out how to handle that, but even if they can’t you can bet me and the others will do everything we can to protect this city! All we need to do is have our weaapons upgraded by Guru Lou or something, and then we should be able to repel whatever threatens the city while youre gone! G.B.: (Looks at Carla) Well honey, what do you think? Carla: I think that this is a good idea, Birdie. This is a good chance to improve your skills, not to mention protect everyone in Little Tokyo. I suggest you go with those three people. G.B.: (Smiles at her) Our feelings on the matter are alike, then. Im going. Polly: (Looking at Francine) How about you, Fran? We haven’t heard from you yet; What’s your opinion on this? (Everyone looks at Francine. She has her eyes closed and is stroking her chin, obviously deep in thought. After a minute or two, she apparently makes up her mind about something, and straightens up to look at the SPC.) Francine: All right, I give the green light, too....but only if I can join you guys. SPC: (All blink in surprise) Huh? Francine: (Looks at her reflection in the cup of green tea she holds) I know this sounds strange, but when I heard you guys were nearly killed, I was really afraid. You guys are some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and since the day you guys first became the Pizza Cats. I’ve always been worrying about your safety. As time passed, I’ve gotten used to you guys being superheroes, but part of me has always feared...... (Her voice becomes softer, perhaps even a bit tearful).....that you wouldn’t be coming back..... Guido: (Softly) Francine..... Francine: (Stands up, determination visible on her face) Thats why I’ve been taking karate lessons lately. I’m not going to sit back as my friends go into life-threatening battles by themselves any more, not when I can come along and help them fight. (Looks at the Pizza Cats) So if you’re going on a training trip, I’m going, too. Polly: (Looks at Speedy) What do you think, Speedy? Do we let Francine on the team? Speedy: (Nods) Why not? (To Francine) Congrats, Francine. You’re an official member of the Pizza Cats. (Looks at everyone) So this is it, then. We’re going with Sovan and his friends to enhance our skills as protectors of Little Tokyo. Does anybody feel opposed to this? (Everyone shakes their heads.) Speedy: (Squares his shoulders) All right, then. As soon as Sovan and his pals return, we give them our agreement. (As if on cue, Sovan and Neina walk into the dining area.) Polly: (To Neina and Angelo) Oh, hey, you guys. (Blinks) Huh? Where’s Angelo? Sovan: He’s checking something out on his computer. He told us it’s important. (Looks at Speedy) So, have you guys considered our offer? Speedy: (Nods) As a matter of fact, we have. Neina: And what is your answer? (Before Speedy can open his mouth to reply, there is a silent whoosh as the front door of the parlor slides open. Everyone turns to see a mysterious starnger walk into the parlor. Its hard to tell what the stranger looks like, since its face is concealed beneath the shadow of a wide-brimmed fedora, and its body is covered by a long brown trench coat. The figure walks towards the group, stopping a few feet away from them.) Francine: (Thinking) Shoot, I guess I forgot to lock the door. (Out loud) I’m sorry, sir, but we’re closed right now. I’m afraid youll have to come back another time. (The stranger gives no reply, simply standing there as he looks them over.) Francine: (Blinks in confusion, speaks a little louder) Sir, did you hear me? I’m sorry, but we’re closed right now. Could you please come back some other time? (Still no answer from the stranger. Perturbed by the lack of response from the mysterious visitor, Sovan takes a couple steps forward.) Sovan: Excuse me, it may not be my place to say this, being a new employee here and all, but I still think that its very rude that- (Abruptly, the stranger looks up. We see a pair of familar yellow eyes gleam beneath the hat as the stranger yanks the upper part of his trench coat open, exposing the metallic chestplate of IG-36. The yellow gem on the center of its chest becomes a glowing purple, then a strobing violet beam leaps from it to strike Sovan square in the chest.) Sovan: (Screams) AAH! (Falls to the floor, electricty crackling around his prone body, which now glows pale purple.) Neina: (Looking to him) (Alarmed) SOVAN!! (Before she can do anything else, though, another purple beam leaps from the strangers chest, this one hitting her in the side) (Screams) AAGH! (Falls to the floor beside Sovan.) Speedy: SOVAN! NEINA! (He and Polly run over to Sovan and Neina) Are you guys all right?! Sovan: (Turns his head to look at Speedy. It seems like he has trouble doing this.) (Through clenched teeth) Nrrgh......y-yeah...but I c-cant move! Neina: (Through clenched teeth as well) Nnngh.....t-that beam.....it must have paralyzed us! Polly: (Looks at IG-36) That stranger’s some kind of robot! And I think he’s here to try and kill us! (Her eyes narrow, and she cracks her kunckles) Well, just let him try! Speedy: I couldnt have said it better myself. (Shouting) Come on, guys! (Speedy, Polly, Guido, Francine, and G.B. line up and face IG-36.) Speedy: (To the others) All right, here’s the battle plan. Polly and I will attack it head on, while G.B. will strike from above, and Guido launches a sneak attack from behind. Francine, you haven’t had as much experience as the rest of us, so stay on the sidelines for this fight. I don’t want your first mission to be something this tough. Francine: (Hesitant) Well, okay...but watch yourselves, guys. (Steps away from the battlefield.) Speedy: All right then, guys..... SPC: (In unison) BREAK!! (They all take battle stances.) General Catton: (Holds up a hand) Wait a minute! You guys aren’t even wearing your armor! (This is a statement of truth, as all the SPC are wearing their basic waiter/waitress uniforms.) Speedy: Huh? (Looks down at his normal clothes.) Yikes! He’s right! Polly: (Snaps her fingers) Of course! How did we forget?! Angelo borrowed them and our weapons so that he could upgrade them! Guido: Well, what are we gonna do now? (At that moment, the Rescue Team walks into view, taking up fighting stances in front of the SPC.) General Catton: (Without taking his eyes off the robot) Speedy, you and your friends should leave this guy up to us. (His cannons shift into firing mode) Speedy: (Starts to open his mouth to protest) But.... Meowzma: (Looking over his shoulder) Theres no buts about this! Speedy, you and the others don’t have your armor or your weapons, so you won’t stand much of a chance against this guy! Besides, you guys can’t go through that special training that Sovan and his buddies have to offer if you’re dead! (His drill bits protude form his shoulders, and the buzz saws on his arms slide into position.) Let us handle this guy. G.B.: Hes right, Speedy. Right now, all we can do is wind up getting hurt or killed. Speedy: (Sighs reluctantly) I guess you’re right. Let’s keep back, guys. (To the Rescue Team) You guys watch yourselves, okay? Bat Cat: No problem! (His wings spread wide, and the helicopter rotor begins to spin.) Spritz: (As his gauntlet-mounted water cannons activate) After all, we’ve helped you guys out before, havent we? Speedy: (As he and the rest of the SPC back up) Yeah, I guess so. (As soon as the SPC are out of the way, General Catton turns to the other members of the Rescue Team.) General Catton: All right men, let’s give this robot what for! (With that, he turns back to IG-36 and fires several shots from his shoulder-mounted cannons towards the assassin droid.) (IG-36 leaps out of the cannonballs’ path, hits the ground and rolls, coming to its feet in a crouch. It extends its arms at General Catton, and twin wrist-mounted laser guns rise out hidden panels in the robot’s gauntlets. Dual beams of crimson energy leap out of the barrels of each gun, streaking towards General Catton. With a grunt, the general dodges out of the line of fire, but one of the beams clips him in the arm as he does so.) General Catton: (Wincing as he grabs his right shoulder) Ungh! (Looks at the bleeding wound the laser has made, then back at the robot.) You’re not one of those throwaway models the Big Cheese was so fond of, I see. (Takes aim at the robot again) Well, take THIS! (General Catton fires a couple more cannonballs in IG-36s direction. The assassin droid leaps out of the way, barely dodging the explosion as the cannonballs hit the ground where it was standing just a minute ago. Even as the robot rises to its feet, General Catton is charging towards it, preparing to tackle the robot. IG-36 reacts just in time, grabbing Catton’s fists with both hands. For a minute, the assassin drod and the general grapple with each other, each attemping to pull the other off their feet. As this struggle continues, the SPC watch from a distance.) Speedy: Come on, General! Throw him! General Catton: (Grunts as he wrestles with IG-36) How about it, bolt brain? Bitten off a little more than you could chew? IG-36: That’s what you should be asking yourself. (Tightens its grip on Catton’s arms and pulls forward.) General Catton: (As his feet begin to leave the ground) (Suprised) Wha...?! (IG-36 yanks the general off his feet, its upper body spinning rapidly on ball-bearing hips as it does so. After spinning Catton around for a few seconds, IG-36 releases its grip, sending the general flying through the air to crash into the wall.) General Catton (As he hits the wall) UNGH!! (With a groan, he slides to the ground.) Man, where did this guy come from? Krypton? (IG-36 turns towards the general, raising its arms at the general. Before IG-36 has a chance to fire its lasers again however, two powerful blasts of water slam into the assassin droid, knocking it off balance. Struggling to stay on its feet against the watery assault, IG-36 manages to turn its head to see the source: Spritz T. Cat, who drenches the assassin droid with a seemingly endless torrent of water.) Spritz: (As he sprays the robot) Why dont you cool off for a while, metalhead? (IG-36 manages to get an arm free from the waters pressure and swings it around in Spritzs direction, activating the laser unit on that arm as it does so. The scarlet beam burns a line in the wall, getting closer to Spritz.) Spritz: (Sees the beam coming) WHOA! (Throws himself to the ground as the beam passes harmlessly overhead. Unfortnately, he has to stop blasting IG-36 as a result.) (No longer having to deal with the pressure of Spritzs water cannons, IG-36 raises both arms and fires, twin beams slicing towards Spritz. The aquatic hero leaps to his feet and dodges out of the way of both lasers, returning fire with his water cannons. IG-36 fires at the same time, and the assassin laser beams leap out to meet Spritzs water blasts in midair. As the two forces push against each other, Spritz turns up the power on his water cannons, and IG-36 amplifies the energy being channel into its laser guns. The struggle of energy against water continues for a few seconds more. Then the twin beams of crimson energy push their way through the torrent of water, striking Spritz full in the chest.) Spritz: (As the beams hit him) AARGH!! (The concussive force of the lasers knocks him off his feet and sends him flying backward into the wall nearest the SPC. He hits the wall with a sickening crash, leaving an impressive dent as he slides to the ground. The SPC immediately run over to see if hes okay.) Speedy: (Looking at Spritz) SPRITZ! Are you okay?! Spritz: (Groans as he sits up) Yeah....I think so....(Looks down at his chest. Although the armor has been blackened where the beams struck, the injury doesnt look life threatening.) (Puzzled) I wonder why those laser beams didnt punch a hole right through my chest? They tore through the walls easily enough. Polly: Maybe their power was weakened from pushing throuhg your hydro blast. G.B.: That makes sense. (Suddenly, he catches something out of the corner of his eye.) Hmm? (Turns to see IG-36 walking towards them.) Heads up guys! He’s coming our way! (The SPC tense for battle as IG-36 walks towards them, slowly, inevitably, like the Grim Reaper himself. the assassin droid stops when its about ten feet away from them. Once again, it raises its arms as it prepares to fire its arm-mounted laser guns. Just as it’s about to fire, though....) Meowzma: (Off-screen) KII-YAAH!! (The SPC and IG-36 both look to the left to see Meowzma lunging at the assassin droid, his right arm raised high to reveal the whirring buzz saw on his elbow. Before IG-36 has a chance to react, Meowzma brings the saw down on the laser gun on its right arm, shredding the coat sleeve covering it. Although IG-36 is made out of a harder-than- titanium alloy, the material the gun is made out of is another story. It takes some effort on Meowzmas part, but his saw cuts right through the metal cover to shred the circuitry beneath, rendering the gun on IG-36s right arm useless. At that moment, IG-36 dodges backward, pausing a minute or two to examine the sparking remnants of its right arm- laser. The assassin droid looks back at Meowzma, and the intact laser weapon on its left arm retracts into the wrist as the robot assumes a fighters stance. Sharp scythe-like blades slide out from hidden compartments on the outer sides of its forearms [like Kamaitachis blades from the video game The Ninja Warriors], slicing through the trench coats sleeves easily as the robot awaits Meowzmas attack.) Meowzma: (Observing the assassins new weapons and its posture) So, you want to settle this hand-to-hand, huh? (Narrows his eyes as he settles into a fighters crouch) Well, bring it on. I’m more than ready. (At that moment, IG-36 leaps forward, slashing with its bladed right forearm. Meowzma counters with his left elbow saw. The two blades meeting in a clash of sparks and metal. For a few minutes, the two of them battle each other with their respective blades, neither one scoring a hit on the other. Finally, IG-36 catches Meowzma off-guard with a swift kick to the solar plexis. As Meowzma doubles over, his breath exploding from his mouth, IG-36 tries to finish him off with a double slash. Meowzma recovers from the kick just in time, bringing up his saw blades to block the twin blades before they hit him. For a minute or two, the two warriors struggle against each other.) Meowzma: (Grits his teeth as he struggles to overcome IG-36s arm blades) I won’t let you win! IG-36: (As it tries to break Meowzmas buzz saws through sheer pressure) You have no choice. The odds are in my favor. Victory is close at hand. Meowzma: (Manages to smirk despite the effort it takes to stand up to IG-36s relentless pressure.) Oh, really? In case you haven’t noticed, we’re at a bit of a standoff at the moment. IG-36: Not for long. (Exerting the full strength of its motorized muscles, it manages to guide Meowzmas arms away from his body while keeping up the lock between its arm blades and Meowzmas buzz saws.) Meowzma: (Shock registering on his face as he finds himself subject to the assassin droids strength) Wh...what are you-? (At that moment, IG-36 lunges forward, ramming its head into Meowzma’s. Thankfully, his helmet absorbs most of the impact, otherwise the blow would surely have been fatal. IG-36’s attack still packs a wallop though, and the force of the blow knocks Meowzma off his feet and onto his back.) Guido: Oh, man, Meowzma! Are you okay?! Meowzma: (Groans as he manages to look at IG-36) (Dazed) Ugh.....that guy has a hard head..... (IG-36 slowly advances on him, the scythe-like blades retracting into its arms. The undamaged laser gun on the assassin droids left arm rises into position, and it takes slow, deliberate aim on Meowzmas forehead. Just as it is about to fire, a small black sphere is thrown from off-screen, exploding right in front of IG-36. As the assassin droid steps unsinged out of the smoke from the explosion, it turns its head to look in the direction the bomb came from to find Bat Cat hovering in the air a few feet away, holding a couple more of the bombs in his hands.) Bat Cat: (Flashes a cocky grin) How about it, Chrome-Dome? You ready for a couple of rounds with me? (Instead of answering, IG-36 fires its laser in Bat Cats direction. Our winged hero acts quickly, flying out of the path of the lethal crimson ray as it slices through the air where he just was. IG-36 quickly turns and fires at Bat Cat again. Once again, Bat Cat evades the scarlet beam as it burns past him. As he continues to dodge IG-36’s laser with incredible agility, he takes the opportunity to taunt his adversary.) Bat Cat: (Dodges the beam) Ah-ah! You’re getting slow! (Dodges again.) You missed! (Dodges to the side as another beam shoots past him.) You’ll have to do better than that! I’m way over here! (IG-36 fires a couple more shots, then tries the same trick it did on Spritz, sweeping the laser across the wall in Bat Cats direction. Bat Cat sees it coming and flies out of the way, the laser burning the wall close behind him. As the beam nears the counter, Francine and everyone else there ducks as the scarlet ray burns a line in the wall just above their heads. Once it passes, everybody gets up.) Francine: (Looks at the burnt line in the wall) (Sighs) There goes another five hundred dollars. Guido: Better the wall than us. (Meanwhile, Bat Cat has landed on the floor and is facing IG-36.) Bat Cat: Todays weather forecast: high winds.....(Activates the big rotor on his back and aims it at IG-36. A powerful wind is kicked up by the fan, pushing against the assassin droid with hurricane-like force. Surprisingly, the robot manages to stay upright, but is unable to take a step forward. Seeing this, Bat Cat pulls out the two bombs he was carrying)......With a possible chance of hail! (Throws one of the bombs.) (With expert precision, IG-36 tags the bomb in midair with a laser shot, causing it to explode harmlessly in front of him. Switching to its view [which is vibrating from the pressure of the wind], we see the smoke clear away just in time to reveal Bat Cat as he throws the second bomb. IG-36 isn’t able to react fast enough, and the bomb hits it in the face. The force of the blast is the one little push needed to make the assassin droid lose its balance in the mini-hurricane that Bat Cat has whipped up, and IG-36 is blown off its feet, sailing through the air to land on the floor several feet away.) General Catton: (Watches IG-36 fall, then turns to his scattered comrades) All right men, let’s get him before he gets back up! Meowzma/Spritz/Bat Cat: (In unison) Right! (The Rescue Teams backpacks [General Catton’s cannon pack, Bat Cat’s helicopter pack, etc] flash, then separate from their respective owners to combine with each other. The tanks on Spritz’s scuba pack slide apart to form an upside down V of sorts. General Catton’s cannon pack attaches to the connecting end of the scuba pack, the cannons sliding into firing mode. Meowzma’s drill pack attaches to the connecting point on top of this one, and Bat Cat’s flight pack connects to the top of this contraption. With a brilliant flash of white light, the transformation is complete, and all four members of the Rescue Team are holding up a large, powerful weapon [theres a name for this thing, but I cannot remember it for the life of me, so I’m calling it the Quad Nova Buster]. Together, they take aim at IG-36, who is just beginning to get up.) Bat Cat: Interlock complete! Meowzma: Energy levels at maximum! Spritz: Locked on target! General Catton: Quad Nova Buster..... Rescue Team: (In unison) FIRE!! (With that, they activate the Quad Nova Buster. The twin cannons begin to collect energy with a whining sound that increase in pitch, until both energy and sound build up to a peak. Balls of orange energy form at the end of each cannon and they explode into powerful energy beams that scream through the air towards IG-36, who has just gotten back on its feet. Just before the beams hit, the assassin droid shields itself with its arms. The energy rays hit IG-36 square on, unleashing a large explosion that hides it from view. Everyone has to shield their eyes from the glare of the blast.) Speedy: (Shields his eyes with one hand) NGH! Polly: (Covering her eyes) Holy tamale! (When the glare fades, everyone looks back at the blast zone. Everything there is shrouded in thick smoke, making it impossible to see what happened to IG-36.) Guido: (Squinting, trying to see through the thick smoke) I can’t see through the smoke. What happened to that guy? Bat Cat: (Also scanning the rising smoke cloud for any signs of movement) I think we got him. Sovan: (Looks towards the smoke, hoping against hope) I hope so.....(A mechanical whir cuts him off.) Huh?? (At that moment, the smoke clears away; revealing, like some dangerous joke, IG-36 in all its deadly glory. The hat has been blown clean off, and whats left of the coat now hangs in tatters over the assasin droids body, fully revealing it for what it truly is since the first time it showed up at the parlor. Other than its ruined disguise and a singe mark on its chest, IG-36 appears basically undamaged.) Everyone: (Shocked) HUH?! (Before anyone can react, IG-36 pivots in the direction of the Rescue Team, and dashes towards them with alarming speed. Before they can react, the assassin droid nails each of them with a series of pressure-point blows. Within seconds, the whole Rescue Team lies incapitated on the floor.) Speedy/Polly/Guido/G.B.: The Rescue Team! (All four of them run over to their fallen comrades.) Speedy: (Kneeling by General Catton) Are you guys okay?! General Catton: (Ignoring the pain he’s in, he looks at Speedy) (Through clenched teeth) Nnngh...yeah, we’re fine....but we can’t move an inch. (Suddenly sees something behind Speedy) Oh no, look! Speedy: Huh?! (He and the others spin around to see IG-36 walking towards Sovan and Neina, both still paralyzed and helpless to do anything as IG-36 approaches.) Oh no, Sovan and Neina! Meowzma: We can’t do anything, guys! It’s up to you! You’ve got to stop that thing before he kills Neina and Sovan! Polly: (Nods) Gotcha! Speedy: Okay guys, let’s do this! Polly/Guido/G.B.: (They nod) Right! (Meanwhile, IG-36 has stopped ten feet away from Sovan and Neina, and is now aiming its arm-mounted laser at them. Unable to do anything, Sovan and Neina glare helplessly at the assassin droid.) Sovan: You won’t get away with this! Neina: Just let me up, and I’ll tear your circuits out! IG-36: You won’t have the chance. (Is about to fire when a voice suddenly rings out from behind him.) Speedy’s Voice: (Off-screen) Hold it right there! (The assassin droid immediately turns around, finding itself face to face with Speedy, Polly, Guido, and G.B. All four have taken fighting stances, determination visible on their faces. It’s clear that they’re not going to back away, no matter how bad the odds are.) Speedy: We may not have our armor, but we won’t stand idly by and watch as you kill our friends! Polly: No matter how bad things look for us, we won’t back away from a battle where lives are at stake! Guido: Protecting the innocent, helping the injured, and fighting against those who threaten our home and those love is part of our code of honor! G.B.: That’s what makes us warriors of honor. If we die now, it will be done in the process of defending our friends! (At that moment, they are joined by Francine, Big Al Dente, Lucille, and Carla. Francine wields a heavy frying pan, Big Al hs a hand on his sword, Lucille has her missle launchers armed and ready to fire, and Carla takes a defensive pose. The SPC react in surprise.) Speedy: (Looking at them) Stay back, guys! This robots too strong! Leave him to us! Big Al: (Shakes his head) Without your armor and weapons? As the head Little Tokyos Royal Guard, I’m going to help you out! Lucille: (Nods) Thats right! I’m not standing by while my friends get kicked around, either! Francine: Dont forget, I’m one of you guys now, even though I don’t have any armor yet! I’ve got as much of a reason to be here as you do! G.B.: (Looking at Carla) What about you, honey? I thought you weren’t into violence. Carla: (Is standing right next to him, looks at him) Senseless violence solves nothing, Birdie. But if there are people in danger, and there’s no other way to help them.....besides, I don’t want you fighting this battle alone. I’ll help you. I used to take martial arts before you and I met, so I’ll be able to hold my own. G.B.: (Nods) All right, Carla. Speedy: (Realizes that his friends won’t be talked out of this) All right then, let’s show this robot what were made of! Everyone: Right! (The SPC and their friends take battle stances.) IG-36: (Its eyes glow ominously) Pathetic. (It also adopts a battle stance, the scythe blades sliding out of its arms. Before it can attack the assembled group, a familiar voice cuts him off.) Angelo’s Voice: (Off-screen) Enough. Everyone: (Surprised) Huh? (They look towards the entrance of the hallway leading to Sovan, Neina, and Angelos room, Angelo is standing in the entrance, carrying his giant mace [observant viewers will note that both it and parts of Angelos lab coat have slime on them].) Sovan: (Struggles to look in Angelos direction, manages a smile) Hey buddy, whereve you been? Angelo: (Nods in greeting to the SPC, Sovan, and Neina) I apologize for not showing up sooner, but one of my experiments got a little out of hand. Anyway, I think I arrived just in time. (Faces IG-36, takes a fighting stance with his mace.) You’ll have to deal with me. IG-36: (Turns to face Angelo, and we switch to its view. As targeting crosshairs lock on Angelo, a small picture depicting Sovan, Neina, and Angelo when they had the Lune surrounded appears. It’s clear to see that Angelo’s one of the three newcomers that IG-36 was sent to kill. With this knowledge, IG-36 fires a stun beam at Angelo, trying to put him out of the picture quickly.) Angelo: (Responds by dodging out of the beam’s path at the last second, causing it to hit the wall with no effect. At that moment, the camera cuts back to the observation room, where we see the Mystery Villain and Dr. Pontoon looking at a viewscreen which shows the scene in the parlor. They watch as IG-36 continues to fire stun beams at Angelo, who continues to successively dodge them all.) Dr. Pontoon: (Snaps his fingers.) I THOUGHT that someone was missing when IG-36 stunned those two interlopers! Mystery Villain: (Looks at Dr. Pontoon) So, are you sure the effect of the stun beam on those two will not wear off in the immediate future? Dr. Pontoon: (Shakes his head) Not unless- (Back in the parlor, Angelo suddenly leaps into the air to evade another of IG-36’s stun beams, landing right in front of the assassin droid. Before it can react, Angelo swings his mace in a sideways arc, hitting IG-36 full in the chest. As it stumbles backwards, we see the gemstone that acts as the source of the stun pulse generator crack and shatter. Back in the observation room, Dr. Pontoon and the Mystery Villain react.) Dr. Pontoon: (Gulps)...Unless the generator was damaged somehow. Mystery Villain: (Clenches a fist) Grr..... (Back in the parlor, the electric purple glow surrounding Sovan and Neina dissappates. Freed from its effects, they quickly rise to their feet.) Speedy: (Looks at Sovan and Neina) Hey, are you guys okay? Sovan: (Stretches, tilts his head from side to side.) Now that the beam is gone, we’re just fine! (Looks at IG-36, cracks his knuckles) Which is more that I can say for you! (As he says this, his eyes glow bright green. Suddenly, twin beams of green energy shoot out of his eyes [not all that different from Cyclops optic laser] towards the assassin droid.) (IG-36 retaliates quickly, firing a crimson beam from its arm-mounted laser gun. Sovan’s optic beams and IG-36’s laser collide in midair, and sparks fly as the two forces press against each other. For a minute, they seem to be evenly matched. Then Sovans optic beams break through IG-36s laser to strike the assassin droid squarely in the head. As it reels backward, Neina lunges forward, her no-datchi sword materializing in her hand with a flash of pink light. As she reaches IG-36, the screen turns black, and we see a pink slash mark streak across the screen for a second or two. When the view returns to normal, we see Neina kneeling behind IG-36, gripping her sword as if she had slashed with it. For a minute, IG-36 stands perfectly still. Then it collapses to the floor, its upper body seperating from its lower body. Neinas blade sliced it clean in half.) Neina: (Rises to her feet.) And that’s that. (Abruptly, IG-36s upper body rolls itself over onto its back, servos in its arms screech against the strain as its energy rapidly fades.) Neina: (Blinks) Huh? Guido: What’s it doing? (With great difficulty, IG-36 raises its right arm. With its left arm, the assassin droid flips open a hidden panle on its right arm, revealing a hidden keypad. IG-36 types in something on the keypad. Then its arms fall to its sides. For a few minutes, the yellow glare in its eyes flickers, then it fades away entirely as IG-36 goes off-line.) G.B: I wonder what that was all about? (Just then, he gets an answer. A panel on IG-36s chestplate slides open, revealing a digital timer. As everyone watches, the timer begins a countdown: 20....19....18....17....16....) Angelo: (Eyes widen behind his glasses as he realizes what it is) It’s triggered a self- destruct program! (Everyone reacts.) Polly: We can’t let it go off in here! (Runs over to IG-36s upper body, picks it up, then runs out the door.) Speedy: (Runs after her) Polly?! (Outside the parlor, Polly skids to a ahalt in the middle of the street, stops to look at the timer. Shes got about 10 seconds left. Speedy skids to a halt beside her.) Speedy: What are you doing, Polly?? Polly: (Looks at him) Sometihing desperate! (Plants her feet firmly as she grasps IG-36s body by its metallic spinal cord, then starts spinning it around in the air. After a couple seconds she lets out a grunt as she releases her grip, throwing IG-36 with all her might, high into the sky.) (The view switches to a close-up on the timer on IG-36s chestplate as the last few seconds tick away. As soon as the timer hits zero, we hear a rapid beeping noise, and the screen turns white. The view cuts back to where Speedy and Polly are watching the flying robot from the ground. As they watch, the assassin droids body glows brightly, and rays of light shoot out of its body. A split-second later, IG-36 is engulfed in a large explosion. As the debris rain down, Speedy and Polly stare at the fading explosion.) Polly: Man, what did they put in that thing, twenty pounds of C-4?! Speedy: If that thing had gone off inside the parlor, we’d all have been vaporized! (Looks at Polly and smiles.) That was pretty quick thinking on your part. Good move, hon. Polly: (Looks at him and smiles, flashing a thumbs up) Well, what do you expect after having so much experience with major disasters? (Back in the observation room at the Mystery Villains hideout, the Mystery Villain and Dr. Pontoon are less than pleased with the results of the battle.) Mystery Villain: (Pounds his fist on the viewscreen) Damn!! I almost had them, and that fool in the lab coat intervened! Those cursed pests most have a blessed exsistance! Dr. Pontoon: I must point out, sir, that IG-36 handled those first two newcomers without too much of a problem mainly because it had the advantage of surprise. It wasn’t designed for all-out brawling. (Smirks) Besides, IG-36’s battle with those three gave me the chance to collect data on their power levels. With this data in our hands, we can design robots that fight them on their level now. Mystery Villain: (Chuckles wickedly) Excellent. I’m looking forward to next time, then. (Meanwhile, back at the parlor, everyone has gathered around one of the larger tables. The furniture has been moved back into place, but the craters and blast marks from the battle still remain. Every now and then, Francine looks around at the remaining damage, but she quickly tunes back into the topic at hand.) Sovan: (To Speedy) So, you guys have decided to come with us? Speedy: (Nods) Yes, we have. Polly: We’re ready to go whenever you are. G.B.: We’re going to have to become stronger if were going to be able to face whatever’s coming in the future. The battle we had a few minutes ago is proof of that. Guido: (Nods) G.B.’s right. If we dont accept your training, everyone we know and love.....(Glances at Francine for a second before continuing)...will probably fall under the iron fist of some madman. As Samurai Pizza Cats, this is our duty. Francine: (Looks at Sovan, Neina, and Angelo) You guys said you would take care of the repairs to the parlor and anything else that might need taking care of, right? (Sovan, Neina, and Angelo nod.) Francine: Then I’m free to go. Like I told the others beforehand, I’m not going to sit back as my friends go into these life or death battles anymore when I can help them out. Sovan: All right then, it’s settled. (Looks to Carla, Lucille, the Rescue Team, and Big Al Dente.) Any other questions? General Catton: Yeah, how are we going to protect the city while you guys are training? If that robot was any indication, we’ll need to have our power boosted, too. Lucille: We’re going to have to keep the Pizza Cats absense a secret, arent we? Carla: And how long will our friends and my husband be gone? Neina: (Holds up her hands reassuringly) Don’t worry about it, guys. We’ve got it all handled. Sovan: (Looks to Speedy, holds out his hand) Well, Cerviche? You ready to go places and do things that you only thought were possible in dreams? Speedy: (Looks at Sovan) Whenever you’re ready, me and the Samurai Pizza Cats will follow you and your buddies wherever you’re planning to take us. (The two of them shake hands. As the camera switches to views of the SPC and Sovan and hisfriends, we can tell there is a feeling of connection between these two groups of heroes, a sense of teamwork that lays any doubts that either side has to rest in that instant. At that moment, the Pizza Cats know that theyll soon embark on a journey that will be beyond anything theyve experienced up to that point. This is the dawn of a new age.) Sovan: All right, then. (Turns to face the wall, holds up his left arm. For the first time, we see the symbol of a purple flower on the green armguard covering his forearm) Zephyr, engage the portal now! (The flower symbol glows, and a series of energy bolts leap out of it to hit the wall hes facing. As everyone watches, a swirling vortex of blue-white light forms on the wall, growing and expanding until its about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Standing near the vortex, Speedy and his friends can feel their fur [or feathers, in G.B.s case] stand up as a result of static electricity radiating from the vortex. The vortex itself crackles and hums; and bolts of energy leap from it every here and there. The whole room is bathed in blue light from it.) Speedy: (To Sovan, amazed) Wha....what’s this? (Indicates the vortex.) Sovan: (Walks in front of the vortex.) (Explaining) This, ladies and gentlemen, is a type of portal. If you’ve ever seen science fiction or big fantasy stories, you know that they can connect places, planets, even whole dimensions together. (Waves a hand at the portal) You can step into one of these and wind up on the other side of the galaxy. And altough well be going even farther than that, theres no reason to be afraid, since its perfectly harmless. Here, I’ll show you. (Walks into the portal, vanishing with a crackle of electricity. Several minutes pass. Then he appears halfway out of the portal, waving.) You see? Totally safe! (Steps out of the portal, looks at the SPC.) So, ready to go? (The SPC all look at each other, then back at Sovan and his friends.) Polly: Uh.....yeah, I guess. Guido: Yeah, we, uh.....we trust you guys on this. Angelo: (Chuckles) You think this is amazing? Believe me my friends.....(He grins.) We’re just getting started. (With that, Sovan and his friends, accompanyed by the SPC, step into the portal and vanish into it with a flash of light. As Carla, Lucille, Big Al, and the Rescue Team watch, the portal crackles and sparks, then fades away completely, leaving no sign that it was ever there.) End Chapter Three (Cut to a scene of Speedy, Polly, and Guido in their traditional victory pose.) Speedy: (Voice-over) Next time, on Samurai Pizza Cats: Dawn of a New Age..... Narrator: (Said over footage of Sovan, Neina, Angelo, and the SPC flying through a tunnel of kaleidoscopic light.) Sovan and his friends lead the Samurai Pizza Cats to the home the powerful extraterrestrial wizard, Zendar! (Some footage of the SPC and Sovan and his friends showing up at a large pyramid that floats in the clouds of a beautiful night sky is shown, followed by shots of an elegant being clad in a deep blue hooded robe appear. Next, some footage of the SPC relaxing in various rooms is shown, followed by footage of Angelo and the SPC in some kind of high-tech lab, the SPC looking impressed as Angelo shows them their armor, which looks upgraded.) After a little relaxation from their trip, the SPC find out what Angelo’s little project was, and why he was so excited by it. (Some footage of Francine trying on some SPC-type armor, followed by shots of her doing several karate-type moves are shown.) Francine really seems to be fitting into the role of a Pizza Cat quite well! (Some footage of Zendar apparently talking, followed by Sovan, Neina, and Angelo taking battle poses in front of the SPC inside a room that looks similar to a martial arts dojo. As the SPC take fighting stances, the Narrator talks again.) When Sovan and his friends decide to test the SPC in order to gauge their power levels, the SPC are in for the fight of their lives! See it all next time on Samurai Pizza Cats: Dawn of a New Age, Episode 4: Enter the Yogaverse! FINALLY!! Ive finished my first 100% original chapter, and I think I did a good job! If you want to say anything my E-mail address is stil sovankawasagi@aol.com. Until next time, amigos!