Endgame Part One: Crimson Dawn By Jonas Teaser: IT BEGINS... After saving the Earth from a deadly comet, the Samurai Pizza Cats are prepared to lead "normal" lives. In the two months since the exile of their greatest enemy, plans have been made, dreams have been realized, and the healing process has begun. However, not all of the wounds are ready to heal. When a mysterious assault on the city of Little Tokyo suddenly shatters the peace, the Cats must discover the cause, and place their faith in a mysterious stranger with a shrouded past to ready them for the events that are yet to come. A new war is being fought, and it is not without casualties. It is the end of an era, and the Dawn of a new age. An old foe. A new ally. The same mission. NO MERCY NO PRISONERS NO SURRENDER AND NO ESCAPE. ENDGAME PART ONE: CRIMSON DAWN End Teaser. THAT was the teaser for the story you are about to read, entitled "Endgame", a three-part trilogy meant to be one of the biggest battles in SPC history. No futuristic super-team, no new members (with the exception of one), no crossovers, no video game rip-offs, NO CHEAP VICTORIES THROUGH INTERVENTION BY WORTHLESS CHARACTERS, no dime-a-dozen-throw-away-robots, and definitely no kiddie ride. This is my impression of what the original SPC should be, and what they would do if some seriously devastating event were to occur. THIS DEFINITELY ISN'T HARD CORE, THOUGH. Far from it. This is just Samurai Pizza Cats with a more serious edge. That teaser may not be the exact truth, but it's close enough to keep you interested. There will be a new teaser for each successive part of the trilogy. BEWARE: SEVERAL TONS of boring legal stuff follows, but it will only be displayed in part one, and has some vital story notes. You'll have to look back here for reference to parts two and three. (WARNING: The story is VERY DETAILED, but also VERY LONG. It's only part one-of three, so please, bear with me. Endgame will be the cornerstone for the rest of the SPC future as I construct it. Hard as they might try, none of the Pizza Cats will EVER forget it. I REALLY care about fan opinion, so please send any comments to ME. My E-mail address can be found at the end of part one.) Notes from the Author: I'm finally ready to try my first attempt at a fanfic, and it's gonna be a doozy! First, all the story notes and legal stuff: (NOTE: Almost all rules set forth by Endgame will apply to all of my future fanfics. Legal copy and notes will be displayed in THIS STORY ONLY!) 1. Samurai Pizza Cats are copyrighted by Sotsu Agency (1990) and Saban International (1991). Saban does not endorse or approve this story in any way. This is merely a story created by a dedicated fan. 2. Any and all musical references (Mighty Wings), dialogue (resistance is futile, etc.), or other such things taken from any source other than what I have created in MY mind are copyrighted trademarks of their respective owners. Anything I've taken is added to the story to make it seem more intense or realistic, and does not affect the phrases or their owners in any way. Consider it "echoing the greats"! Likewise, please ask my permission before using any of my characters in stories of your own. 3. There are those who believe the Pizza Cats to be some sort of "animaloids": cybernetic animal-robots (this partially explains the Big Cheese's ability to explode), which are somehow born instead of built. NOT IN MY BOOK! From here until the end of my fanfics, the Samurai Pizza Cats are 100% all-natural, fully-organic superheroes. They merely wear all of their equipment, and are not actually a part of it. This means that they will not be totally dependent on their energy packs, and will have SOME stamina to their credit. (Read on to see how this affects the Big Cheese.) 4. Ah, the eternal question: Do humans exist in the same universe as the SPC? According to me, YES. In my fanfics, the Earth's population is nearly equally divided between humans and sentient animals. It's through sheer coincidence (or a quirk in the show) that no humans have yet appeared. The inter-species relationship between animals and humans is a tense one, and since Little Tokyo is ruled by an animal monarchy, many humans feel uncomfortable living there. As a result, humans in Little Tokyo make up less than 1% of the total population, and are rarely or never seen. 5. Just how old are the Pizza Cats supposed to BE, anyway? I've read character info from several websites, but age is seldom mentioned. When it is, it makes you think "Man... they're a little OLD to be fighting like THAT..." Come on! I don't know about you, but Guido doesn't look 29 to ME. I don't want to carve anything in stone, here, but the Pizza Cats depicted in MY fanfics will all be approximately the same age, with one or two year gaps, all in their late teens to early twenties. 6. Some people say Little Tokyo is in Japan. Others say it's not, because some characters have made references to being unable to read or speak Japanese. For the benefits of my fanfics, Little Tokyo is one of those all-purpose, English-speaking, not-that-far-away-from-anything, unknown geographic locations. 7. One statement can sum up number seven: FOR THE DURATION OF ENDGAME, LIFE FOR THE SAMURAI PIZZA CATS WILL BE A LIVING HELL. For more detail, read on. I've steered the Pizza Cats concept in a more serious direction, avoiding the often over-the-top humor of the show (which doesn't mean I've omitted it entirely), and removing Mama-san, Junior, and the narrator, but without resorting to an extreme amount of profanity and violence. (Characters may slip up when angry or frustrated [believe me, this happens a lot], but it shouldn't go too far. I've been reading some more fanfics since I originally started writing this, and I have decided to up the violence level SLIGHTLY. If Endgame is going to have the desired consequences, it's going to have to be taken VERY SERIOUSLY.) As for how serious? Some of the characters' relationships are more intimately explored (to a suitable level), and, be warned, NOT EVERYONE GETS OUT ALIVE. To shorten this, for those of you who have ever seen an episode of Dragonball Z (also from Saban), look for the content to be somewhere along those lines. I don't want to change the series into some warped facsimile, but it needs a more serious approach. The Rescue Team was called in almost EVERY episode, implying that the Cats are wimps! Also, when neither the SPC or Rescue Team could halt a threat, something downright CHEAP happens to give the Cats the victory! Several enemies were defeated by Lucille blowing her top! I give you my word, THAT WON'T BE HAPPENING HERE. There are those that agree with me! Blackjack, the creator of SPC Labs (you can find the Net address further down), is creating his own fanfic series, SPC 2, and agrees that the Pizza Cats, when written about, should be considered to be intelligent beings with real feelings and emotions. (I'm not holding him to anything, here, but I need SOMETHING to back myself up with) It's MY job (hee hee) to see how far they can be pushed before going over the edge. (IMPORTANT NOTE! In the series, the Cats knew they were animated. [This has been referred to as "knowing they live in an episodic existence".] THAT DOES NOT APPLY HERE! They will believe themselves to be everyday, flesh and blood superheroes, and won't be making any wisecracks about the writers or other staff members. This also changes the reason for Big Cheese's ability to explode [not like he'll be doing it much anyway]. My explanation: He's a mutant, and was born with that odd ability.) 8. All characters in this story not found in the original Samurai Pizza Cats series are MY creations, and not copies of someone else's brainchildren. For instance, Blackjack's Samurai Hunter very closely resembles one of MY characters in this story (I even found another SPC fanfic character with the same name. MY character bears no relation to the other one). I thought MY character up long before I even read about this guy, I swear! When I saw how closely they resembled each other, I was a little spooked! Likewise, while Endgame itself will not be a crossover, I may plan to do one in the distant future (I've already got a ton of stuff lined up to follow Endgame). If this occurs, any characters, etc. taken from other sources will be the exclusive property of their respective owners. 9. The character Jonas (I named myself after HIM because I created him before I had Net access) may, at times, seem to possess an INSANE amount of power. He IS strong, but I assure you, he has his limits (there are about two instances in the entire trilogy where he becomes injured to the point of ABSOLUTE RAGE. I don't want to spoil it for you, but when this guy sets his goals, they WILL be accomplished...BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. When you see [or read about] the indescribably awesome amount of power he unleashes, you'll see why I HAD to have him do it TWICE!). For you Dragonball Z fans out there, think of Jonas as having Saiyan-level power. If he confuses you sometimes, don't worry; it's his way. (Yes, I know it's shameless self-insertion, but what can I say? It makes writing it that much more FUN!) 10. All religious ceremonies (weddings, funerals, etc.) conducted in this story will be depicted as Christian. If necessary, any given characters will identify themselves as Christian (saying "Dear God...", or something). [I really don't mean to offend anyone, but I know absolutely NOTHING about any religious ceremonies other than Christian! Sorry:(] That should just about cover all the legalities and such. Now for those of you still awake out there, here are some things that will help you understand the story a little better (plus what's above): 1. Endgame begins approximately two months after the end of "The Big Comet Caper". There's a timeline of sorts up ahead to explain things to this point, but I'm not delving deep into episode history. You'll understand the plot a lot better if you see or read about this episode first. You should also be familiar with the series overall. No characters vital to the plot (I mean VITAL. Characters whom I think are gimmicks, a general waste of time, or whose only purpose is to ensure a cheap victory, WILL BE SWIFTLY KILLED. I'll spare the Rescue Team [FOR NOW], because they have ACTUALLY been needed at times) have been dropped or changed, but some new ones may show up and remember, this is only part one-of-three. A lot can still happen by the end of the trilogy. 2. I've tried to create the story so that each part, if shown in some type of movie form, could be viewed in three 2-hour installments. 3. Notation is used for some text. Text can be enclosed in the following: <...> means a person is thinking that. It's different from [thinking], because the [] means that someone is thinking about something, but we don't get to see WHAT. [...] indicate facial expressions, actions, or settings. (...) indicates tone of voice or secondary stuff. {...} indicate footnotes from ME. 4. Some stuff like Big Cheese and Good Bird will be abbreviated into things like BC and GB. Also, GB will legally be part of the Pizza Cats team, so in most situations where the Cats are referred to, include him as well. 5. Anything that isn't really defined (names for some characters' finishing moves, etc.) I'll make up as I go along. Again, nothing will be official, and will apply to my fanfics only. 6. I can't estimate time length (hours, minutes) worth BEANS, so some time differences may be HIDEOUSLY inaccurate. 7. Will the real Pizza Cats please stand up? It's a BIG SPC universe out there, which gives me plenty of opportunities to mess up. So, if I misspell something or make an incorrect reference, show mercy. After all, I'm only human [sort of ;)]. This story is dedicated to Daniel Kary (a.k.a. White Cat), Blackjack, Princess Vi, and Erik Hollender (a.k.a. Koopa) for their excellent SPC websites. A special "Thank You" to Blackjack, whose own vivid fanfiction encouraged me to come forward with my own. (You can read Blackjack's fanfics on Erik's Guido Page at http://hollender.org/erik/guido.html [This place has the biggest SPC fanfic collection on the net!], or go directly to his site at SPC Labs [address given further down]) Visit the resident royalty, Princess Vi, on her page at http://members.aol.com/PrncssVi/Hello.html. You can visit White Cat's WWW Hall of Fame at http://www.kneehill.com/~karye/spcwwwhof.htm (There's SPC stuff here that's been collected from all over the net!) and Blackjack at SPC Labs at http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/4840 (Frequently updated, definitely one of the best sites out there.) Another excellent site is Pzario's Pizza Cats page, located at http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/4685/pizza2.htm. If you want a rough estimate of how intense Endgame will be, go to the Super Page here, and check out "Polly badly injured". Timeline: After "The Big Comet Caper": Weeks 1-4: Little Tokyo is still in shambles from the comet's destructive effects. Morale is high, however, and Little Tokyo is getting more tourist attention for being the home of the famous Samurai Pizza Cats. The Cats revealed their "secret" identities after the Big Cheese's exile. Business at the pizza parlor is at an all-time high, and all of the parlor's extensions (both the SPC's and the Rescue Teams' respective businesses) are packed with grateful Pizza Cat fans. The Princess has declared that as soon as a functioning treasury can be established, a small part be set aside to maintain the Pizza Cats' expenses (this being because the Princess was unaware of the Big Cheese's treachery until it was almost too late, and might not know about other potential threats for which the Cats could be needed). For the world-saving Pizza Cats, life is good. During the third week of the aftermath of the comet, Carla and Bad Bird (or, rather, Good Bird) are finally wed. It is a joyous occasion, with nearly everyone in attendance (including an out-of-work Rude Noise as part of the band, and some characters' parents). Several snapshots are taken, congratulations are said, and, at this point, Little Tokyo is slowly becoming a paradise. Weeks 5-7: Business for the pizzerias has slowed slightly, but a steady flow of customers still supports them. It is early during the fifth week when Speedy asks Polly for her hand in marriage. She blushingly accepts. It is another momentous occasion, with pictures taken, dreams realized, and lots of food. It is the middle of week seven when the Pizza Cats realize that they need to hire help. Even with all of the Cats and GB working overtime, customer demand is too high. The team is slowly succumbing to fatigue. Near the end of week 7, the Cats post a "Help Wanted" sign in the parlor window. That leads us to... Present Day. Any legal qualms may be viewed above, as well as story information. This info will not be displayed in parts two or three, because a lot of people just want to read the story without having to go through all this stuff first. You will be expected to use part one as reference for the rest of the trilogy. Be forewarned: Story quality may differ greatly at times, due largely to the circumstances at which a certain part was written (especially those scenes which were written at 2 AM, at which point you tend to let things slide). Let's see, did I forget anything...? Oh, yeah. Thanks to all my friends on IRC, who told me if I didn't finish this thing once I started, they'd hunt me down. (Thanks, guys! I needed that! ^_^) This story is copyright S.R.H. 1998. (Yes, that's me. No, I'm not telling you what it stands for.) If you have any questions or comments, you can find my E-mail address at the end of part one. For those of you not yet in comas, we can FINALLY get on with the story. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. Good Luck, Jonas Miles. Endgame Part One: Crimson Dawn [The story begins by showing the last ten minutes or so of "The Great Comet Caper". As the title comes up and the credits roll, we see snapshots in the background of GB and Carla's wedding, Speedy and Polly's wedding, as well as shots of the current condition of Little Tokyo. As the last credits fade...] [The setting is that of a dark place. Not a tunnel, exactly, but more like a cave with no visible entrance. Polly finds herself standing there, dressed in her battle armor, unaware of where she is or how she got there] Polly: [looks down at herself] (shouts) HELLO! SPEEDY? GUIDO? IS ANYONE THERE? [Polly hears nothing more than the echo of her own voice. Suddenly, a tunnel of light appears some distance away from her] Polly: [she slowly walks toward the light] [After about a minute, Polly hears crashing sounds coming from the direction of the light] Polly: (shouts) SPEEDY? GUIDO? IS THAT YOU? [There is no response. As the sounds continue, Polly now runs toward the light. As she gets closer, the sounds grow distinctively more metallic] Polly: (shouts) WHO'S THERE? SOMEONE ANSWER ME! [Still no response. Finally, the light opens in front of Polly. She clearly sees Speedy clashing swords with another figure, of about the same height, wearing darkly-colored armor. They are both dueling in some sort of gigantic spotlight. As she gets closer, Polly can see the figure even LOOKS LIKE Speedy] Polly: (surprised) SPEEDY!? Speedy: (same) [glancing over shoulder] POLLY!? WHAT ARE YOU...UNG! [As Speedy is distracted, the dark figure brings his sword down hard on Speedy's own, causing Speedy to lose his balance] Polly: (gasping) SPEEDY!! [Speedy quickly regains his balance] Speedy: (shouting) POLLY!! GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!! Polly: (confused) But... Speedy: (shouting) GO! NOW!! [Polly wants to run, but her legs won't respond. She is unable to move at all. Meanwhile, Speedy goes into his Cat's Eye Slash sequence. The dark figure mimics it] Speedy: (shouting) TAKE THIS, YOU IMPOSTOR! [Both Speedy and his opponent execute the Cat's Eye Slash. The two blasts collide, creating a colossal flash of light and energy that engulfs the entire area] Polly: [shielding her eyes from the glare] (screaming) SPEEDY!!! [The scene changes to Speedy and Polly's room at the pizza parlor. The wallpaper is white with pink and red blossoms, a few nightstands and dressers, a closet, and a large bed. On one of the nightstands is a photo of Speedy and Polly taking their wedding vows at the altar, as well as several other unidentifiable pictures. The room is dark, lit only by the faint glimmer of the sun's first rays of the day coming through the windows. Polly is lying on her back, in a pink nightgown, her face twisted into an expression of pain and discomfort. Speedy is lying beside her, face down, wearing his work clothes from the previous day {having worked late and being too exhausted to change:)}, except for his helmet, which lies on the floor. His face is buried in a pillow. {I've seen Speedy's head hair/fur, whatever in one episode I can't remember. It looked like it was coming through a taped-up crack in the front of his helmet. There's a picture of this on Pzario's Pizza Cats Page, among other places. It is a light brown-blonde color}] [Suddenly, Polly snaps up in bed. Her skin has a pale complexion. She is unaware of where she is, and is drenched in sweat] Polly: (screaming) SPEEDY!!! NOOOOOOO!!! Speedy: (surprised) HUH!? WHAT!? [Speedy snaps to a state of alertness, and looks at Polly] (confused) Polly...? [Polly, still not quite aware of where she is, looks over at Speedy] Polly: (in shock, and out of joy) SPEEDY!! YOU'RE ALIVE!!! [She hugs Speedy tightly, causing his eyes to bulge a little] Speedy: (choking) Easy, Polly. Calm down. You were having a nightmare. Polly: (confused) Huh? [For the first time, Polly realizes where she is. She lets go of Speedy, allowing him to breathe] A nightmare? (softly) Again...? [Suddenly, the door swings open. Guido and Francine are standing in the doorway, with alarmed looks on their faces. Guido is wearing a blue robe and sneakers {They were the closest thing to his bed}, without his helmet. Francine is wearing a green nightgown and bunny slippers. {Guido's hair is a darker shade of brown than Speedy's.} Guido: (alarmed) What happened!? Francine: (same) Is everything all right!? Speedy: Polly was having a nightmare, guys. We're okay. Francine: (relieved) Thank goodness! Guido: (same) From the way Polly screamed, we thought you were dead, Speedy! Polly: [still recovering from the nightmare] (softly, yet loud enough for everyone to hear) So did I... [She shivers at the thought] Speedy: [looks at Polly, then at Guido and Francine] We're all right, guys. Really. Francine: (concerned) Are you sure? Speedy: [nods] (reassuringly) Yes. We'll be fine. Guido: (unsure) Well...all right. [looks at his watch. The display reads 6:35] (to Francine) Hmm...well, Fran, we've got about half an hour until we open. Might as well start setting everything up. [He leaves the room] Francine: All right, I'll be there in a second. (to Speedy and Polly) Just call if you need anything. We'll be in the dining area. [Speedy nods. Francine exits, shutting the door behind her. Speedy turns to Polly] Speedy: [holds Polly's hands] (very concerned) Are you okay, hon? You're shaking like a leaf! You look a little pale, too. Polly: [nods] I'll be fine. [She turns to Speedy, tears forming in her eyes] (voice breaking) Oh Speedy, I'm just glad you're all right! [she hugs him again, looser this time, and sobs into his shoulder] Speedy: (consoling) Now, now, of course I'm all right. [He pushes Polly away a little, wiping a tear from her cheek with his finger] (curious) [frowning] Why wouldn't I be, anyway? Did something happen to me in your nightmare? Was it like the others? Polly: [regaining her composure, she shakes her head] No, this one was new. I was in a cave someplace, wearing my armor. I saw a light, and thought it might be a way out, so walked toward it. As I got closer, I could hear these crashing sounds, like metal on metal. The closer I came, the louder they got. I ran to see what it was, and saw you fighting with someone, swords drawn. Some kind of light was shining on both of you, like a spotlight. Speedy: Who was it? Someone we know? Polly: [shakes her head] No. He was about your height, wearing armor like yours, only black. The REALLY weird thing is, he even LOOKED LIKE you! [Speedy's eyes widen] Polly: (continues) I called out to you, and you yelled "GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!!" I wanted to run, but I couldn't! Every muscle in my body was completely frozen! You called the guy you were fighting an impostor, and used the Cat's Eye Slash...BUT HE DID TOO! The two of them collided, and everything went white, and...and... [she starts to lose it...] Speedy: [attempting to calm her] (reassuring) Now, Polly. It was just a nightmare. People have nightmares. Even if it wasn't, you know I can hold my own in a battle, right? We've beaten cheap imitations before, right? {Raise your hand if you remember "Phoney Baloney Cat"!} Polly: [sniffles and nods] Speedy: (reassuring) You have nothing to worry about. When I married you, I promised to protect you, and I'll sooner die than break that promise. "Till death do we part", remember? Polly: [nods] (softly) That's what I'm afraid of... [suddenly, she freezes for a second, and then smiles] Wait a minute! Are you saying I NEED protection, Mr. Cerviche? Speedy: [smiles] I know better, Mrs. Esther. [Speedy kisses Polly gently] Speedy: I'm only saying that if you need me, I'll always be there for you. You know that, right? Polly: Of course I do. [Speedy and Polly hug each other tightly] Speedy: Now, what do you say we go help Guido and Francine set the parlor up? Polly: [nods] You know, they're probably done by now. Speedy: [chuckles] You're probably right. [Speedy and Polly get out of bed. Polly searches for her uniform, while Speedy sits near the end of the bed, searching for his helmet. As Polly looks for her uniform...] Polly: (curious) Why were you sleeping in uniform, anyway? Speedy: [sighs] Oh, I spent all night going over those job applications. All those HUNDREDS of applications. Polly: [finds uniform, begins dressing quickly] Any likely candidates? Speedy: None. Nobody has any experience, everyone wants absurdly short hours, and don't get me started on the requested salaries. Polly: [now in uniform, places a small, heart-shaped, gold locket around her neck, and lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] (sympathetic) I'm sorry, dear. I didn't know you had such a rough night. I'll bet the last thing you need after a night like that is me waking up screaming at 6:00 AM, thinking you're dead... Speedy: (seriously) Hey, now. That wasn't your fault. You know that. Besides...[he stands, taking Polly's hands in his own] (softly) ...if you can't tell ME about your problems, who CAN you tell? Polly: [scratches her chin, as if in thought, then smiles] Well, I can always tell GUIDO... [Polly and Speedy both laugh, then kiss gently] Speedy: [picks up his helmet and puts it on] (confidently) Well, time to go to work. [Speedy and Polly exit their room, turn down the hall, pass Guido and Francine's rooms, and then enter the parlor's main serving area. They see that Guido and Francine have finished setting up, have dressed for the day, and are gazing into each other's eyes from opposite sides of a table. Polly quietly stifles a giggle] Speedy: [smiles] (loudly) I see you've finished without us! [Both Guido and Francine snap to attention] Guido: (startled) HUH!? (stammering) Oh...um...er...that is...uh...(trying to save face) WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? We open in ten minutes. Speedy: [smiles] Of course. [walks over to Guido] (whispers) You sly fox, you. Guido: (whispers, curious) What...? Francine: (matter-of-factly) We've been waiting for you two. Polly: [smiles] Uh-huh. [walks over to Francine] (whispers) Way-to-go, Frannie! Francine: (whispers, curious) What...? [A few minutes pass before GB {Good Bird, remember?} walks in] Speedy: Cutting it a little close, eh, GB? GB: (matter-of-factly) I had plenty of time. Cuts down on the traffic when you can FLY. Guido: That, and the fact that you live across the street. GB: [smiles] A technicality. [Everyone chuckles] GB: [waves Speedy and Guido over] Hey, guys! Can I talk to you for a minute? [Speedy and Guido exchange glances, then form a huddle with GB in a corner of the room, leaving Polly and Francine just standing there] Francine: (curious) What do you think they're talking about? Polly: [shrugs] Beats me, Fran. Boys will be boys. [Looks at a clock on the wall. It is 6:58 AM] The first customers should arrive any minute. Let's go warm up the ovens. (to Speedy, Guido, and GB) Hurry it up, boys! We're about to be swamped by our adoring fans, and they're gonna be HUNGRY! [GB, Speedy, and Guido nod. Polly and Francine head toward the ovens] Speedy: (whispers) Well, what is it? GB: (same) Did you guys hear that screaming this morning? What was that about? Guido: (same) You were AWAKE for that? GB: The early bird gets the big bucks, Guido. Do you know what that was about? Speedy: (sighs) Yeah. Polly had another nightmare. GB: (surprised) ANOTHER one? It must have been a NASTY one for her to scream like that. I didn't think she knew the MEANING of fear! How many does that make? Guido: Fourth one this week. What was this one about, anyway? Speedy: (sighs) It boils down to me fighting some twin with black armor in a cave somewhere. I tell Polly to run, but she can't move. I use the Cat's Eye Slash, the twin does too, they hit each other, the place goes white, and Polly wakes up screaming. She was amazed to find me ALIVE. [he looks toward Polly while she and Francine prepare one of the ovens] (worried) This was the worst one yet, guys. Is it NORMAL to have nightmares like this? It can't be HEALTHY, can it? Has something happened recently to CAUSE this? Guido: (reassuring) Don't worry, Speedy. These things happen. Not often, but they DO happen. GB: (same) Guido's right. When I was a kid, I used to have nightmares every night. They scared me to death, but they eventually went away. You should just wait and see what happens before you take any action. Speedy: (unsure) I guess you're right, guys. Thanks. GB: No sweat. Guido: Anytime, man. [Suddenly, Speedy, Guido, and GB's watches all start beeping. The displays all flash 7:00 AM. As the three of them look out the door of the parlor, a mass of people appears on the horizon. Francine and Polly take positions at the registers. Speedy flips down some sunglasses hidden in his helmet] Speedy: Heads up, guys. [cracks his knuckles] Here they come. [The day proceeds as many have for the past seven weeks. Herds of customers, rushed deliveries, and an exhausted team of Pizza Cats. When the 12:00 noon break comes...] Guido: [panting] (fatigued) Man, I don't know [pant] how much longer [pant] we can keep this up [pant]! GB: [same] (same) Yeah, [pant]. I'm beat [pant]! When are they gonna [pant] STOP loving us? Speedy: [same] (same) Don't worry, guys [pant]. SOMEONE good [pant] has to take that job [pant] sooner or later [pant]. Francine: (sing-songily) I'll bet you boys wished you worked the registers! [she and Polly giggle] [Speedy, Guido, and GB smile weakly] Polly: (comfortingly) Just relax, boys. You've got an hour before the next wave hits. I'll get you some water. [she heads for the sink] [Suddenly, the phone rings] Francine: Should I answer that? Speedy: Go ahead and pick up, Fran. Take their order and tell 'em we'll get it there as soon as our break's over. Francine: [picks up the receiver] (cheerfully) Samurai Pizza Cats! Delivery in thirty minutes or your pizza's cold! (confused) Huh? [smiles] (happily) Oh, hi Lucille! Go shopping this weekend? Well, I'm a little short on CASH...{It's not payday yet} (curious) Huh? Really? How much? [her eyes widen] (surprised) WHAT? Where did you get THAT? (normally) Uh-huh. Uh-huh. You still had some left? He bought them ALL? Wow. He just handed you a wad of cash? Hmph, well, what do you know? In that case, count me in! Okay. Bye! [hangs up] [Polly hands the guys some water] Guido: [takes a drink] (curious) What was THAT all about? Francine: Huh? Oh, nothing. Lucille just wanted to know if I was available for shopping this weekend. Speedy: What about the rest of it? Francine: When I told her I was low on cash, she told me she had a lot. Polly: How much? [Francine whispers something in Polly's ear. Polly's eyes widen] Polly: (surprised) Wow. Where did she get THAT? Francine: You know those comet pieces she was selling after it blew up? [Speedy, Polly, Guido, and GB all nod] Francine: Well, some guy in a cloak came to her door and asked if she had any left. She had a lot, and was going to sell them for cheap, but the guy just handed her a wad of cash, took the pieces, and left. [Everyone thinks for a moment] GB: (curious) Why would anyone want so many pieces of the comet? [Francine shrugs. Suddenly, the parlor door opens, accompanied by the ringing of the bell tied to the handle. Everyone looks toward the door. A cloaked figure walks in. He's about an inch taller than Guido, wearing a dark-brown hooded cloak. Beneath that, a brown, leathery suit of some type covers the rest of his body down to his feet, which are covered by what look like cloth {also brown} boots. He wears a leather belt (black) with several small pouches and satchels. Some sort of mechanical gauntlets (a chrome color) are clasped to his arms. Black gloves cover his hands {observant viewers will notice he has five (count 'em, FIVE) fingers!} Two bright, yellow eyes {no visible pupils} shine from underneath the hood. No other facial features are visible {it's like staring into a hole}. The figure walks up to the counter] Speedy: (whispers, to Guido) I thought you locked the door! Guido: (whispers, to Speedy) I DID! Francine: (nervously) Um, I'm sorry sir, but we're on break right now, and... Figure: [his voice is mid-range, and has a strange echo to it] (interrupts) Actually...[he carefully looks over everyone in the room] (hesitant) I'm...here about the job...? [Surprised expressions come over everyone's faces] Francine: (a little surprised) Oh! Well then...um...okay, just...uh...take a seat, and...Polly, can you hand me that notepad on the counter? [Polly hands Francine the notepad] Thanks. Now, if you're ready...[Both Francine and the figure sit on opposite sides of a table. Everyone gathers around. Francine picks up a pencil]...we can get started! Let's begin with your name... Figure: [thinking] Hmm... Francine: Something wrong...? Figure: No, it's just that I haven't been called by NAME for a while...[continues thinking, then stops] (to Francine) Call me Jonas. Jonas Miles. Francine: [scribbles on notepad] Okay...Jonas...[puts down pencil] ...allow me to introduce everyone. I'm Francine Manx, [points to others, respectively] and these are my co-workers: Speedy Cerviche, Polly Esther, Guido Anchovy, and Good Bird, although we all call him GB. [everyone waves] Jonas: [nods] I know who you all are. (to Francine) Then again, who doesn't? Francine: [smiles] Yeah, I suppose you're right. [picks up pencil] Anyway, moving on...age? Jonas: [chuckles quietly, rises to stifled laughter] Francine: (curious) What's so funny? Jonas: [chuckles] I'm sorry, but...you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Francine: (daring him) Try me. Jonas: [thinking] Let's just say...I'm younger than you THINK. Francine: (puzzled) Ooooookay...[scribbles on notepad] Speedy: (whispers) How old do YOU think he is? Guido: (same) Anywhere from eighteen to twenty. Twenty-two, tops. Francine: Any combat experience? Jonas: [chuckles] Just wait and see. Francine: Address? Jonas: I'll...have to talk to you about that... Francine: Marital status? Jonas: Single. Francine: Any hobbies? Jonas: [thinks] Well, I'm an...INVENTOR...of sorts... Francine: What languages do you speak? Jonas: English and a little Spanish. Francine: Education? Jonas: College graduation. Francine: Were you ever previously discharged by a company? Jonas: This would be my first place of employment. Francine: Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Jonas: No. Francine: Reason for employment here? Jonas: [thinking] Well, there are quite a FEW... Francine: Any one would be okay. Jonas: [thinking] Hmm...well, I HAVE always wanted to work alongside the Samurai Pizza Cats. Francine: (flattered) Why, um, thank you...uh...can you tell us a little about yourself? Some background information? Jonas: Could that wait until LATER...? Francine: (puzzled) Sure, I guess...any prior experience? Jonas: Well, no... [Everyone groans] Jonas: (quickly) But I AM willing to learn! I'm no slouch either. I know how to WORK. Francine: (unsure) All right...[scribbles on notepad] Well, all we need now is a requested salary. Jonas: (a little embarrassed) Well, this is going to sound unusual, but... Speedy: Jonas: (continues)...room and board? Everyone: (surprised) WHAT!? Polly: (concerned) Don't you have someplace to stay...? Jonas: (sighs) I'm not from around here. When the comet came, it wiped out all of the hotels. That's a real PAIN for all the tourists. You Pizza Cats are part of the reason I'm HERE. That's another reason why I want to work here. Speedy: (shouts) HUDDLE! [All of the Cats and GB form a huddle, leaving a confused Jonas sitting alone] Polly: (whispers) We can't just turn him AWAY... Speedy: (same) But he hasn't given us a whole lot of information, and he has no experience. Besides, he looks like he might scare away the customers! Guido: (same) He said we're part of the reason he's HERE. What does he mean? GB: (same) If we turn him away now, we might never find out... Francine: (same) I say we give him a chance. Jonas: (to group, shouts) HEY! [Everyone turns to Jonas, startled] Jonas: [walks toward the group] I'll make a deal with you: You've got about fifteen minutes until more customers completely swamp this place, just like every day. From now until the end of business hours this evening, you can take me on a trial run. I'll bake, make deliveries, whatever. If closing time comes and you're not satisfied, I'm gone. Deal? [extends his hand] Speedy: [Glances at the others. They all nod. He walks forward] Deal. [Shakes Jonas' hand] Jonas: [Squeezes Speedy's hand tightly. Speedy flinches] Thanks. You won't regret it. Speedy: [rubs his hand] Don't mention it...hey, GB! Take him in back and see if you can find him a spare apron! GB: [nods] (to Jonas) Okay, just follow me. Jonas: (as they walk toward the back) An APRON? I have to wear an APRON? [Once GB and Jonas have gone...] Speedy: [rubbing his hand] Hmm...strange... Polly: What's wrong? Speedy: Oh, nothing. The guy's got a TIGHT grip. Something else, too... Guido: Huh? Speedy: I can't really explain it...I felt something coming from him...something odd. It didn't hurt...it kind of felt GOOD...but it was also something...[flexes his hand] powerful. VERY powerful. Like holding onto a live wire, but without pain. Francine: Do you think we can count on him in a fight? Speedy: It's like the man said...we'll have to wait and see...(quietly) I just hope by then it won't be too late... GB: TA-DA! [Everyone turns to look. GB is standing beside Jonas, who is wearing one of the Pizza Cats' business aprons {what they wear at the parlor when they aren't in battle} just below the waist. The white apron and multicolored design clash with his brown suit. Speedy, Guido, Polly, and Francine snicker] Jonas: (annoyed) This...RUINS...my look. Polly: (seriously) Oh, come on. It's not THAT bad. [smiles] In fact, I think it's an improvement. It gives you COLOR. [Everyone smiles and nods] Jonas: [folds his arms] Hmph. Well, I certainly...(quietly) huh? [Everyone looks around. Nothing seems out of the ordinary] Speedy: (puzzled) What? Jonas: (whispers) Can't you hear that? [Everyone strains to listen] Speedy: I don't hear anything. Guido: Me neither. GB: Nope. Polly and Francine: [shaking their heads] (in unison) Uh-uh. Jonas: Well, I sure do. Hmm...[Looks out of the parlor door. His eyes narrow, and he hits a few buttons on his left gauntlet] [The view switches to that of Jonas. It appears normal in every way. The view is looking at the door of the parlor. Jonas can be heard pushing buttons. The view zooms in, so that only the outside and none of the door are showing. Jonas pushes more buttons, and the view switches to an infrared-type setup, with crosshairs in the middle and statistical data in the corners. A small mass appears on the horizon] Jonas: Magnify. [A beeping sound is heard, and the view zooms in even more. Now, the mass can clearly be identified as a large group of people, heading straight for the pizza parlor] Jonas: (quietly) Uh-oh. Speedy: (annoyed) WHAT? Jonas: (turns to Speedy) Your adoring fans are heading this way. [Everyone groans] Guido: ALREADY? Man, we need a longer break! GB: You said it! Speedy: [squints toward the crowd] Well, it looks like we have a few minutes until they get here. We might as well finish prepping the place. [Speedy and Polly warm the ovens, GB and Jonas sweep the floor, and Francine and Guido clean the counter and tables] Francine: [stops cleaning for a moment] Hey, Guido, have you noticed something? Guido: [stares at Francine dreamily] (softly) Yeah... Francine: [looks at Guido, blushes] (embarrassed) Oh, well...uh...why, thank you, Guido, but...um...have you noticed something about SPEEDY? Guido: Huh? [looks at Speedy] He doesn't seem any dif-[stops himself, thinks] Now that you mention it, he DOES seem different. I can't seem to put my finger on it. Francine: I think he's gotten taller. He seems to be about your height, now. Guido: I think you're right. (surprised) Wow, when did THAT happen? Francine: [shrugs] I don't know. It sort of just...happened. Guido: [thinks] Now that I think about it, I've noticed something strange about POLLY... Francine: (curious) What? Guido: When was the last time she yelled at me? At ANY of us? She hasn't gotten the slightest bit angry in a long time...you think she's SICK? Francine: [laughs] Guido, she doesn't get angry anymore because she's HAPPY. Marrying Speedy has made her the happiest she's been in a long time. [thinks] It's funny though...I never really noticed THAT, either... Guido: You know, you've gotten a little taller, too. Francine: Really? You think so? Guido: Yeah. You don't look up at me anymore. Francine: Weird. Why haven't we noticed these things? Guido: [shrugs] I guess we've just had a lot on our minds lately...[glances at Francine] Francine: Yeah, I guess so...[glances at Guido] [Guido and Francine continue working, silently] Jonas: (to GB) Can I ask you something? GB: Shoot. Jonas: (uneasily) This is going to sound a little strange, but...can I borrow your helmet? GB: (surprised) My helmet? I guess so...why? Jonas: Oh, just for a little project of mine. GB: When will I get it back? Jonas: I don't need it NOW, just before you leave today. I can have it back to you tomorrow morning. GB: Well, that IS a little strange...but okay. Jonas: Thanks. [Meanwhile, by the ovens...] Speedy: Well, honey, what do you think about this guy? I think he's creepy. Polly: [thinks] He's pretty mysterious. Secretive. It's hard to tell with all that stuff on, but he looks like he has a pretty large build. Does he look that muscular to you? Speedy: He doesn't really look like it to me, but I know he's GOT it. [rubs his hand] My hand still smarts. Polly: [smiles] Well, don't worry. I know of a few ways to make you feel better. Speedy: [same] Oh, yeah? Like what? Polly: [scratches her chin] Hmm...well, here's one. [She gently kisses Speedy on the lips] Speedy: (sighs) Thanks, dear. I needed that. It's going to be a LONG day. (to everyone) Okay, everyone! We're all set! (to GB) GB, open the doors. [GB opens the doors just as the first customers reach them. The parlor is soon filled with people] Speedy: Francine, can you and the others keep those people busy while I give Jonas something to do? Francine: Hurry up, Speedy! We're outnumbered here! Speedy: (to Jonas) Okay, since it's your first day, we'll start with something basic: deliveries. It's dirt simple: I give you a pizza and address slip, you quickly deliver the pizza to that address, collect the money, and return here for another one. This goes on and on until the end of business hours today. Get it? Jonas: [nods] Got it. Speedy: Good. Francine: Speedy, I've got one for the seaport! [tosses him slip] Speedy: (to Jonas) Okay, here's your chance. I'll make up the pizza, put it in a box, and you deliver it. [Speedy puts on the toppings, quickly cooks the pizza, puts it in a box, and hands it to Jonas] Speedy: Go on! I'll have more waiting when you get back. Jonas: All right. [Jonas takes the pizza and slip and walks off-screen. About three seconds later, an electrical sizzling sound is heard, accompanied by a dim, yellow flash. Five seconds after that, the same thing happens again {Speedy doesn't notice; he's boxing the next order}. Jonas walks back on-screen, money in hand] Jonas: Next. Speedy: [turns to Jonas] (shocked) HUH? What are you doing back? Where's your PIZZA!? Jonas: (puzzled) I...DELIVERED it... Speedy: (shocked) HOW!? The seaport's on the other side of the city! Even if you were fired out of the cannon, it would take you several MINUTES to get there, and TWICE AS LONG TO WALK BACK! Jonas: (confused) Walk? What are you...? [realizes why Speedy is shocked] Oh, I see! (laughs) Let me show you. Where's this order headed? Speedy: [hands Jonas pizza and slip] This one goes to...hey! This one goes to Guru Lou! Jonas: (curious) Guru Lou? You mean the guy who found the Supreme Catatonic? Speedy: [smiles] Yeah, that's...HUH!? [eyes Jonas suspiciously] How do you know about that? We never released that information to the public! Jonas: [chuckles] I have my ways. Now, watch this. [Jonas slowly walks away. As he does, he is surrounded by a yellowish glow {it looks like something from Quantum Leap, only yellow and faster}, and disappears in an electrical crackle and a flash of light. Speedy can hardly believe what he has just seen. A few seconds later, Jonas returns the same way, money in hand] Speedy: (slowly, in awe) How...did you...DO THAT!? Jonas: [chuckles] Teleportation is just ONE of my skills. You'll learn about the rest later. Right now, we have pizzas to deliver, right? Speedy: (hesitant) Right... [The rest of the day passes quickly, as the others learn of Jonas' ability to teleport. Crowds are actually worn down as Jonas handles ALL deliveries, freeing up everyone else for waiting tables. After business hours...] Francine: [smiles] This is great! This was the busiest day we've ever had, and we actually wore the crowd in the parlor down to under fifty people! Guido: Thanks, Jonas. You really pulled through back there. Jonas: I take it I'm hired, then? Speedy: All in favor, say "Eye!" Everyone: EYE! Speedy: [smiles] It's unanimous! [extends his hand] Congratulations! You're hired! Jonas: [shakes Speedy's hand] Thank you. This means a lot to me. Polly: Don't mention it. We really needed some help around here. GB: Yeah. [Yawns, looks at watch. It is 7:00 PM] Well guys, I'll be heading home, now. Carla's probably waiting for me. [walks over to Jonas, removes his helmet {GB has no hair, just several really black feathers}] Here you are. I'll expect it back tomorrow. Jonas: [takes helmet] You got it. Guido: [waves] Later, GB! [GB waves, then exits] Francine: (to Jonas) Why did he leave you his helmet? Jonas: I'm conducting a little work, that's all. Speedy: [yawns] I think GB had the right idea. I'm gonna turn in. Polly: Me, too. Francine: You guys are so LAZY! Well, I'M going to do a little work. Guido: I'll...help Francine. [Francine blushes] Speedy: [chuckles] (to Jonas) How about you, Jonas? Jonas: I'm not sleepy, but I've got some things to work on, so, if you'll excuse me...[starts to walk away, then stops] By the way...where exactly DO I sleep? [All the Cats think for a moment] Polly: [waving her hand] (excited) Ooh! Oh, I know! I know! Speedy: What is it, dear? Polly: [smiles] (to Speedy) He can sleep in MY room! Guido: [smiles] Yeah! Francine: [same] Great idea, Polly! Speedy: [same] You're right! That'll be perfect! Jonas: [puts left hand behind his head] Well, I didn't mean to IMPOSE... Polly: (confused) Huh? What...oh, you thought I meant...[laughs] No, no, you don't understand. When Speedy and I married, I moved into HIS room. Now, we just use my old room for storing junk. Jonas: Oh. Well, that's fine with me. Where is it? Speedy: [points toward the rooms] Down that hall, fourth door on the left. Jonas: Well, in that case...[walks toward the rooms]...I'll see you all in the morning. Thank you all again. Good night. Speedy: Wait a sec. That room's totally empty. There might be some boxes in there, but there's no bed or furniture. Jonas: I'll take care of it. Good night. Everyone: Good night! [The view follows Jonas down to Polly's old room. As Jonas opens the door, we can see a few large boxes stacked in one corner. The rest of the room is bare] Jonas: [looks the room over] Hmph. Not bad. Could use a little decorating, though...[closes door on the camera] [Back in the serving area...] Speedy: (to Guido and Francine) So, you two are going to stay up and work? Guido: [lays a hand on Francine's shoulder] That's right. Francine: [touches Guido's hand, smiles] Don't let us keep you up. Speedy: [shrugs] Have it your way. [yawns, heads for his room] Polly: [smiles] (to Guido and Francine) Good night, you two. [Guido and Francine nod. Camera follows Speedy and Polly to their room] Polly: (to Speedy) Isn't it romantic, the way they're always together? Speedy: I suppose. I was never like that. [shuts room door] Polly: {puts her hands on her hips] (accusingly) Oh, REALLY? Speedy: (puzzled) What? Polly: As I recall, you were like that for weeks until you proposed to me. Speedy: [kisses Polly on the cheek] I was nervous! I wanted to be on your good side when I asked you. Polly: (surprised) You thought I might refuse? Speedy: [removes helmet] You DID say you needed time to think about it. Polly: But... [Suddenly, there comes a knock at the door] Speedy: Who is it? Jonas: It's Jonas. May I come in? Speedy: Sure. [Speedy sits on the bed] [Jonas enters, Guido's helmet tucked under one arm] Speedy: What do you need? Jonas: (hesitating) This is going to sound a little odd, but... Polly: [smiles] A lot of things about you are odd. Go ahead. Jonas: [laughs] I'll...take that as a COMPLIMENT. Anyway...can I borrow your helmets? Speedy: You starting a drive, or what? Polly: (to Speedy) SPEEDY! [takes Speedy's helmet, removes her own] (to Jonas) Here you are, Jonas. We'll get them back tomorrow, right? Jonas: [takes helmets, nods] Right. Thanks. [Jonas exits, shutting the door behind him] Polly: [turns to Speedy] So, do you still think he's creepy? [removes her locket, sets it on a dresser] Speedy: Yes, just not as creepy as before. He's a little STRANGE... Polly: [sits on the bed] Give him time. It's only his first day. [rubs her neck and groans] Speedy: [turns to Polly] (concerned) Huh? What is it? Polly: [rubbing her neck] Nothing. My neck's just a little sore...[groans] Speedy: [thinks] Sit still for a second. [gets on his knees behind Polly, begins massaging her neck and shoulders] Polly: [closes her eyes] Mmm...that feels GREAT...[begins purring loudly] Speedy: [stops massaging] (surprised) Polly? Polly: (purring) Yeah? Speedy: Is that YOU? Polly: Of course it is, silly. Why? Speedy: [continues massaging] Nothing, I guess. I just don't think I've ever heard you purr before...{Ironic, since Polly's Kyatto Ninden Teyandee (Japanese Pizza Cats, affectionately referred to as KNT) name is Pururun, which translates to a purring sound. So, HA!} Polly: (a little hurt) Didn't you hear me at our wedding...? Speedy: Well, the Rude Noise's interpretation of "The Wedding March" was a little LOUD... [Speedy and Polly laugh. Speedy massages Polly's neck for several minutes] Speedy: Is that better? Polly: Yeah, a LOT better. [Speedy prepares to lie down...] Polly: Okay, your turn. Speedy: (puzzled) Huh? Polly: You heard me. Sit up. Speedy: Well, I don't really NEED... Polly: Speedy Cerviche, I'm your WIFE. I know when something's bothering you. Now, sit up. [Speedy sits up, and Polly begins massaging HIS shoulders. Much to his surprise, Speedy HIMSELF begins to purr] Speedy: (purring) Oh, man...that's WONDERFUL...I don't deserve you, Polly. Polly: [chuckles] I know. (concerned) Boy, Speedy, your muscles are all tense and knotted. Are you nervous about something? Speedy: (sighs) Well, I am a LITTLE nervous... Polly: About what? Speedy: Well...[softly] about YOU... Polly: [stops massaging] (very surprised) HUH!? Speedy: I mean, about your NIGHTMARES. I don't think it's HEALTHY to have them like you have. What if something happened to you to CAUSE this? If something were to happen to you, I...I...[begins crying softly] Polly: [hugs Speedy] (consoling) Oh, Speedy. I didn't know you were so upset. But you said it yourself. These things happen. If it's normal or not, we're going to go through it TOGETHER. The BOTH of us. Speedy: [stops crying] (confidently) You're right. We ARE going through this together. We're going to make it, too. Polly: [smiles] That's right. Now, just relax... [Polly massages Speedy's shoulders for several minutes] Speedy: Thanks, Polly. I really DID need that. [gets up, removes uniform] I'm taking a shower. What about you? Polly: [yawns] I'll take one in the morning. Good night, dear. I love you. Speedy: Good night, sweetheart. I love you, too. [gives Polly a long kiss] [Speedy takes a shower, and dresses in a white robe. He goes to bed to find Polly in her pink nightgown, fast asleep. Speedy gets into bed, gently kisses her on the cheek, and is soon asleep himself.] {OKAY, FOLKS. THAT was the calm before the storm. Tomorrow will be the beginning of things to come. The next two days will lead into that "LIVING HELL" I told you about. Hang on, 'cause HERE WE GO...!} [The setting is the second floor of the parlor. Stairs can be seen in one corner, leading down to the hallway where the bedrooms are. The second floor itself consists of one small room, nearly bare, with a table and several chairs, some boxes stacked in a corner, and a glass door that leads to a small balcony near the front of the parlor. On the balcony are a table and two chairs. The door is open, and the sun's first rays are streaming into the room. Jonas is sitting at the table inside, with all of the team's helmets lined up in front of him. He is not dressed as the day before. He is still wearing his cloak and gloves, but now wears a T-shirt that says "SPC FOREVER" {HA!}, blue jeans, and sneakers. He has no visible fur, and the skin on his arms is a beige color. He is examining Speedy's helmet.] Jonas: [puts down Speedy's helmet] (to himself, exhausted, with no echo in his voice) I'M FINISHED. [Looks at the gold watch on his left arm. The display reads 6:00 AM] It took me an hour and a half EACH, but I'm finally FINISHED. [Jonas gets up, stretches, and walks out onto the balcony. A warm breeze causes his cloak to billow out behind him.] Jonas: (to himself) Well, today's the first full day I have to talk to them. Will they believe what I have to say, or will they think I'm crazy? [chuckles, walks back into the room] Or does it really MATTER? Either way, I HAVE to convince them that the threat is very real. But how do I get them to lis- Francine: [walks up the stairs] (interrupting) Hello? Is anyone up here? Jonas: [turns to Francine] (to Francine) It's just me, Francine. Francine: [rubs her eyes] Oh, hello, Jonas. I THOUGHT I heard someone up here... Jonas: What are you doing up? Francine: [smiles] I'm an early riser. What about you? [looks around] What are you doing up HERE, anyway? Jonas: Just finishing some work. I needed some air. [points to helmets] I worked on two of those until 10:00 last night, slept for five hours, and finished the last two this morning. Francine: (surprised) ONLY five hours? You must be exhausted! Jonas: [chuckles] After an average day of work, I regain almost 20% of my energy for every hour I sleep. It allows me to get more work done. Francine: So, you're a workaholic? Jonas: [chuckles] There's a fine line between being a workaholic and simply enjoying your work. I enjoy what I do. Francine: What exactly DO you do? Jonas: I'll tell you later. I have a LOT of things to tell you all today... Francine: [nods] Right. [notices how Jonas is dressed] (surprised) Why in the world are you dressed like THAT? Where's the echo in your voice? Jonas: [puzzled] This is me casual. The echo's fake. Francine: If this is you casual, what was yesterday's look? Jonas: [thinks] Prepared. Francine: PREPARED? FOR WHAT? Jonas: [shrugs] Anything. [chuckles] Honestly, would you have still hired me if I had walked in yesterday looking like THIS? Francine: [laughs] If you still managed to show us you were worth it, yes. It's just that...we all thought you were so...COLD. Jonas: [laughs] You were SUPPOSED to. It's the whole intimidation factor. If you look stronger than you really are, nobody will mess with you. Francine: [nods] So, tell me...are you as strong as you look? Jonas: Now, now. That would be TELLING. You'll just have to wait and see. Francine: I suppose you're right...[looks past Jonas] (softly) Wow. Jonas: Huh? [turns around] (softly) Oh. [The sun is rising over a hill, colored a dark red. The surrounding sky and clouds are colored a very bright red] Jonas: A crimson dawn. Francine: (curious) A what? Jonas: It's what I call sunrises like these. You ever hear of Krakatoa, Francine? Francine: [thinks] Wasn't that a volcano somewhere? Jonas: [nods] On the island of the same name in the Sunda Strait, the body of water that connects the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean. In 1883, Krakatoa erupted FOUR times, creating a tidal wave that killed over 36,000 people. The explosion blew the island apart, and shot volcanic dust twenty miles into the air. Winds carried the dust around the Earth TEN times. Sunsets seen through the dust were called "Krakatoa sunsets" around the world. When seen through the dust, the sun and sky appeared blood-red. These eerie sunsets lasted for years. [walks out onto the balcony] A crimson dawn is essentially the same thing, only at sunrise. They may or may not be caused by volcanic dust, but they're a rare sight nowadays. [turns to Francine, shakes his head] Didn't get many of these back home. Francine: (impressed) How do you know all that? Jonas: [chuckles, taps his hood] You'd be surprised at all the useless information I've got up here. [looks at sunrise] Still, beautiful, don't you think? Francine: [softly] Yeah...beautiful...[hangs her head, sighs] If you'll excuse me...[she slowly walks down the stairs] Jonas: [he picks up the helmets and follows Francine] [Francine slowly heads for the serving area and takes a seat at a table. She hangs her head and sighs. Jonas follows, making no sound.] Francine: [sighs] Jonas: You could just tell him, you know. Francine: (startled) HUH!? [turns to Jonas] Tell WHO? WHAT? Jonas: Tell Guido how you feel, of course. Francine: (panicking) TELL GUIDO HOW I FEEL!? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!? Jonas: [crosses his arms] Francine, I may have only been here a DAY, but it's obvious that you care for him. The thought patterns you're emitting are very potent. Talking to a telepath, that makes it pretty useless for you to deny anything. Francine: (REALLY panicked) ME!? CARE FOR GUIDO!? THAT'S ABSURD! THAT'S RIDICULOUS! THAT'S... [Jonas gives Francine a cold look] Francine: (softly) ...absolutely right. Is it that obvious? Jonas: (shocked) You talk like it's something to be ASHAMED OF! Francine, being in love is one of the most wonderful feelings you can ever have! One of the best things that can ever HAPPEN to you! You should feel GREAT! Francine: I know, but...I'm just so NERVOUS...so UNSURE... Jonas: [sets helmets on the table, takes a seat] (comfortingly) That comes NATURALLY. Now, tell me what's on your mind. Francine: [sighs] Guido and I have always been good friends. Ever since we were kids. We got together with Speedy and Polly and formed this pizza parlor because we would all be around each other, and it was something we loved to do. We've worked together all these years, but I never really seemed to notice him. I met a nice guy, named Bucky {Gender Bender Butterflies-not seen in the U.S.!}, and we went out a couple of times, but one day, he told me there was someone else, and that was the end of it. [begins crying softly] Jonas: [lays a hand on Francine's shoulder] (comfortingly) Now, now. Take your time. Francine: [nods, sniffles] I was devastated. I promised myself I'd never fall in love again. Then, when Speedy, Polly, and Lucille got singing contracts, Guido felt like no one cared about him. {No-talent Guido} I think that's when I first began to really notice him. Underneath his macho exterior, there's a sensitive, lonely cat inside. I really felt sorry for him, and wanted to tell him I cared, but I was just too afraid of what he might say. He seemed interested in Polly, anyway, so I decided to just forget about it. [sighs] After Polly married Speedy, I noticed a change in him. He didn't flirt with girls NEARLY as much as he used to, and tried to help me whenever he could. Like last night. I know Guido. He HATES unnecessary work, but he stayed up to help me anyway. That's exactly what we did, too. Worked. He helped me figure up some expenses, said good night, and went to bed. He's been dropping other little hints for a while, now...[hangs her head] I...I think I'm falling in love with him... Jonas: If he's been helping you so much, he probably feels the same way about YOU. Francine: [nods] I thought he might, but... it's just that...Guido's always been a ladies' man, and...I'm not sure if he really cares about me or not. Jonas: When was the last time you saw him with someone else? Francine: [snaps her head up] (surprised) I...I don't know...he almost NEVER goes out, except for deliveries, and even then, he's always back right away. Jonas: Can you think of any other reason he would be doing this? Francine: [thinks] Well, maybe for a RAISE... Jonas: [scoffs] I DOUBT it. Francine, I think you should accept the possibility that Guido may love you just as much, if not more than, you love him. Francine: [smiles] You...you really think so? Jonas: When he said he was going to stay up and help you last night, the tone in his voice, the look in his eyes...they didn't say he WANTED anything from you...they said he just wanted to BE with you. Francine: [flashes back to Guido laying his hand on her shoulder, tears begin streaming down her cheeks] (voice breaking) You...you're RIGHT! [hugs Jonas, sobs into his shoulder] Jonas: [pats Francine on the back] (comfortingly) There, there. Let it all out. That's right. Francine: (sobbing) He...he DOES care...but...how do I let him know how I feel? Jonas: [thinks] Hmm...[looks out of parlor door, at sunrise] I think I've got a way to truly test him and let YOU drop a few hints of your own. Francine: [lets go of Jonas, smiles] Really? How? Jonas: Well, you could...[whispers in Francine's ear] Francine: [smiles] I THOUGHT about that, but...do you think it'll work? Jonas: [shrugs] Only one way to find out. [Francine and Jonas slowly get up from the table, and walk toward Guido's room. About halfway there, Francine stops] Francine: [turns to Jonas] But, what if he- Jonas: (interrupting) Francine, you can't live your life based on "ifs". You've got to take a gamble SOMETIME, or you'll never get anywhere. [Francine doesn't move] Jonas: [lays a hand on Francine's shoulder, sighs] Look, at the very LEAST, you'll be able to find out if he really cares about you. You'll never forgive yourself if you miss this chance. [Speedy and Polly exit their room and enter the main area, dressed as the night before. Polly is wearing her gold locket] Speedy: (groggily) Mornin'. [he rushes into the kitchen] Jonas: (to Polly) What's with HIM? Polly: [smiles] Oh, he's like that EVERY morning. He just needs something to wake him up. Join us? Jonas: Sure. (to Francine) I'll see you later. [Jonas and Polly go to join Speedy. Jonas grabs the team's helmets] Polly: [as they walk away] What's with that OUTFIT? Jonas: (puzzled) This is me CASUAL. [Francine slowly walks toward Guido's room. The door is open. Guido's room has wallpaper with green diamonds against a blue background, two dressers, a nightstand with a lamp, a closet, and one bed. One picture of the entire Pizza Cats team sits on the nightstand. Guido is sleeping soundly, wearing his blue robe. Francine shakes him gently] Francine: (whispers) Guido...Guido...Guido! Guido: (drowsily) Huh? What izzit? [sees Francine, snaps awake] (softly) Oh. Francine. Francine: [smiles] (whispers) Come here, sleepyhead. Guido: [gets out of bed] (same) Is something wrong? Francine: No, there's just something I want you to see. Hurry up! [Francine leads Guido upstairs, and out onto the balcony. The sunrise is still in view] Francine: [sits down, points to sunrise] Look at that. Guido: [sits down] (in awe, softly) Whoa... Francine: Jonas calls it a crimson dawn. Isn't it beautiful? Guido: Yeah...[turns to Francine] (softly)...it sure is. [Francine turns to Guido, and their eyes lock. As Guido and Francine silently embrace, the scenery changes to that of the kitchen. Speedy and Jonas {mysteriously back in his suit from the previous day} are sitting at a table, with the team's helmets sitting in front of them. They are both drinking cups of something. Polly is raiding the fridge] Speedy: (curious) So, just what did you do to our helmets, anyway? Jonas: I made a few modifications. Nothing serious. They won't interfere with the helmets' normal uses. [begins softly humming "Mighty Wings"] Speedy: What's that? Jonas: What's what? Speedy: That tune you're humming. It sounds really familiar. Jonas: It's Mighty Wings. By Cheap Trick. Speedy: [thinking] Mighty Wings...Mighty Wings...I KNOW I've heard that somewhere...[realizes] That's from Top Gun, isn't it? Jonas: [nods] It was a great movie, but I liked the music better. I found it...soothing. Relaxing. I train to it sometimes. You can listen to some, you know. Speedy: (curious) Really? How? Jonas: [holds out Speedy's helmet] Here, put this on. [Speedy puts on his helmet] Flip down the visor. [Speedy flips down the helmet's visor (the red part with the glass sphere). Polly sits down with a cup of something, and, curious, puts on her OWN helmet, and flips down its visor. The view switches to Speedy's. It's normal, except with a light blue hue and a blinking cursor in the upper-left corner] Speedy: There's a typing prompt in the corner. Jonas: That means it's ready to receive commands. Say something. Speedy: [thinks] Umm...music. [The prompt disappears, and is replaced by the message: SPECIFY] Speedy: "SPECIFY"...? Jonas: "Music" is pretty broad. That thing can receive radio signals, or select from the programmed archive. Give a song type, or name, or something. Speedy: Mighty Wings. [A menu pops up. It is that of a standard music player, with play, stop, etc. icons] Speedy: Play. [Speedy hears all of Mighty Wings played inside his helmet. When the song is over...] Jonas: The whole setup is mainly voice controlled, but I can wire a keypad into your armor if you want. Speedy: [lifts up visor] (impressed) That's pretty cool. What else did you do? Jonas: [thinks] Well, I gave it night-amplification and infrared visual enhancements, telescopic zoom features, a two-way radio to myself and the other helmets, automatic light source correction, audio amplification and reduction remixers, an x-ray scanner, AM/FM radio, and...that's all I can remember off the top of my head. I also rewired the cellular cat bell system. Now any bell can contact any other bell. Speedy: (VERY impressed) Jeez, man. How did you DO all that? Jonas: [chuckles] I told you, I'm sort of an inventor, but I'm also a pretty good technician. I can handle almost any piece of technology on the planet. Speedy: You did ALL this LAST NIGHT? Jonas: Two last night, two this morning. Why? Speedy: [smiles] You're a real piece of work, you know that? [turns to Polly] Hey, Polly, did you hear...Polly? [Polly is sitting with her head lying on the table, visor down, and breathing slowly. She is loosely clutching the cup in her hand] Speedy: [nudges Polly gently] Polly...? [Polly doesn't respond, but softly mumbles something incoherently. Speedy lifts her visor up. Her eyes are tightly shut. It is clear she is asleep] Speedy: [sighs, lays a hand on her shoulder] (softly) Oh, Polly... Jonas: She must be tired. Speedy: [sighs] She hasn't slept well for a few days. She's been having these really vivid nightmares. Terrible stuff. I've DIED in three out of four. She didn't have any last night, but she's probably slept only 30 hours in the last five days. She needs to rest, but there's really not a lot of time to spare. [gently shakes Polly] Come on, girl. Wake up. Polly: [raises her head up] (drowsily) Hnnh? What? Speedy: You fell asleep. [Looks at his watch: 6:30] It's 6:30. Polly: (surprised) I WHAT? Just now? Ooh, I need more SLEEP... Jonas: (curious, to Polly) Tell me about these nightmares of yours. Polly: (puzzled) My...? [gives Speedy a sharp look, sighs] There's not much to tell. They just really scare me, and they're getting worse. Speedy thinks something might have happened to somehow TRIGGER this. Jonas: Give me an example. Polly: [thinks] Well, I had one about three nights ago... {WARNING: You REALLY SHOULD be familiar with "The Big Comet Caper" before you read this!} [Scene switches to the large crowd watching Speedy and Bad Bird battling the comet in the Supreme Catatonic] Polly: (voice-over) It's about when Speedy and Bad Bird were trying to stop the comet... [A bright flash turns night into day. The comet has been annihilated, but has apparently taken Speedy and Bad Bird with it] Polly: [drops to her knees, teary-eyed] (voice breaking) Oh, Speedy... [The entire crowd begins sobbing in grief. Polly is having a breakdown] Guido: [kneels, lays a hand on Polly's shoulder] (consoling) Please don't cry, Polly. I'll take care of you now that Speedy's gone to the big restaurant in the sky. Polly: [looks up at Guido, teary-eyed, and smiles weakly] I'll be okay. Francine: LOOK, UP IN THE SKY! Polly and Guido: (in unison) Huh? [One large, blue and white fireball streaks toward the crowd] Guido: (panicking) QUICK, GET OUTTA THE WAY! [The crowd scatters, and the fireball smashes to the ground. As the smoke clears, the silhouette of Bad Bird can be seen, holding a limp Speedy in his arms. Bad Bird staggers forward a few steps, sets Speedy down on the ground, and collapses to one knee] Carla: [runs forward] BIRDIE! BB: (weakly) C...Carla? [Carla hugs BB tightly] Carla: (sobbing) Oh, Birdie. BB: What? Carla: Don't leave me again. BB: I never, ever will, Carla. I promise. [Polly runs to the prone Speedy, and holds him in her arms] Polly: (sobbing) Oh, Speedy... Speedy: (VERY weakly) Now, now. You knew I couldn't leave without seeing you one last time... Polly: [smiles] (through tears) Don't say that. You're going to be just fi- Speedy: [puts a finger to Polly's lips] (softly) Shh. Guido? Guido: [kneels down] I'm here. Speedy: [coughs] I...I want you to promise me you'll take care of Polly for me. Guido: (unsure) Speedy, I... Speedy: PROMISE ME, or I SWEAR I'll come back to HAUNT you...[coughs] Guido: [nods] (voice breaking) I...I promise. [Speedy nods. He gently strokes Polly's cheek with his right hand. He slowly closes his eyes, and his hand falls to the ground, limp] Polly: [crying hysterically, pulls Speedy close to her] (sobbing) SPEEDY!!! PLEASE, DON'T LEAVE ME!!! (softly) Speedy...! [As Polly sobs over the body of her fallen love, all is silent, save for the sound of her crying] Polly: (voice-over) I thought NOTHING could top THAT. [Scene returns to the kitchen table. Polly is shaking slightly, and Speedy has his left arm around her] Polly: I had actually LIVED through that. EXPERIENCED it. Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I knew it had happened DIFFERENTLY. I knew it wasn't REAL. That kind of took the edge off. I wasn't prepared for what came the next night. It was totally new. I didn't have any reference for this one. So help me, I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. Jonas: Tell me what happened. [Polly tells Jonas about her dream of the cave, and Speedy's duel with the dark figure. When she's finished...] Polly: [shivering] (voice breaking) I'm sorry. I can't go on... Speedy: [hugs Polly tightly] (consoling, to Polly) Easy, now. I'm here. (to Jonas) So, what do you think? Jonas: [thinks] Hmm...I think the comet dream is just an altered memory of a traumatic experience. We don't WANT to remember times like those, but when we do, our mind makes them out to be worse than they really were. I wouldn't worry about it. The other one, though, I can't explain. You say you've never been in a situation like that before? Polly: [shakes her head] Uh-uh. We've been underground before, but nothing even remotely like THAT has ever happened. Jonas: You haven't had a history of dreams coming true, have you? Polly: No. Jonas: (quietly) Hmm...I think we can rule out empathic visions. (normally) Well, I'd have to say that the cave one is just a random nightmare. No connection to reality, just your mind playing tricks on you. Speedy: What about this string of nightmares over the past few days? Jonas: Probably from STRESS. You've been run ragged by this constant, non-stop flow of customers. Your bodies need rest, but you refuse to give it to them...which is why I've given you today and tomorrow off. Speedy and Polly: (shocked, in unison) YOU WHAT!? Jonas: [holds up his hands in defense] Whoa, whoa! Before you bite my head off, there's another reason. Voice: What might that be? [Everyone turns to the doorway. GB is standing there, with his arms crossed] Speedy: Didn't hear you come in, GB. How long have you been standing there? GB: Long enough. [takes a seat] So tell us, Jonas. What's the other reason? Jonas: Have any of you checked inventory lately? Everyone else: Uh...no... Jonas: Well, I have. You've been churning out pizzas for the last two months, and you're running low on materials. There's not enough dough left for a pepperoni roll! There's no PEPPERONI! You can take a couple of days off to rest and get some supplies. It'll be GOOD for you. You'll be raking the money in again in no time, and the Rescue Team's locations will handle the customers you miss. Speedy: (unsure) I suppose you're right...I better go tell Francine. Where is she, anyway? Jonas: [chuckles] If I'm right...and I usually am...she's on the balcony with Guido. [Speedy starts to walk toward the staircase] Polly: (to Speedy) Just what do you think you're doing? Speedy: (puzzled) Going to tell Francine... Polly: ALONE? You know how much she loves money, Speedy. When she hears about our little vacation, she's going to rip you APART. I'm going with you. GB: Me, too. Jonas: Me, three. Francine and I have something to discuss... Speedy: [shrugs] All right. Let's go. [Jonas picks up GB's helmet, hands it to GB] Jonas: Here you are. GB: [puts helmet on] Thanks. What did you do to it anyway? Jonas: Just a little tinkering, that's all. [Speedy laughs] GB: (curious) What's so funny? Speedy: [smiles] Just wait until you see his definition of "a little tinkering". [The group walks up to the second floor, and stops at the top of the staircase. They see Guido and Francine sitting at the table on the balcony, facing the sunrise. Guido has his left arm around Francine, while she rests her head on his shoulder.] Speedy: [chuckles] Well, I'll be... Polly: [giggles] Oh, how sweet. GB: They're so CUTE... Jonas: [chuckles] [He lifts his right arm, pointing it at Guido and Francine, and pushes a button on his right gauntlet. A quiet clicking sound is heard.] [His eyes narrow] Do I hear what I THINK I hear? Speedy: (curious) What? Jonas: Just a second. [He walks over in front of Guido and Francine. Not even trying, he doesn't make a sound. Guido and Francine's eyes are shut, and both are making soft purring sounds. Jonas quickly rejoins the others.] Jonas: (stifling laughter) I don't believe it. Polly: What? Jonas: [points to Guido and Francine] They're ASLEEP. GB: Really? [Jonas nods] Speedy: [chuckles] Well, as much as I hate to do this...[walks toward Guido and Francine] Jonas: [grabs Speedy's arm] What are you doing? Speedy: (puzzled) I'm waking them up! SOMEONE has to tell them they're not working today. Jonas: (shocked) NOT NOW! Speedy: (puzzled) Why not? Jonas: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder, sighs] Speedy, did you know that every day, there's always a chance you could die? It depends on what your situation is, but it's ALWAYS there. There are millions of ways you could die today, but almost none have any real chance of happening. A car accident, a crumbling building, a loose wire. They're all around you, but very unlikely. But, they could still happen. There's a chance that Guido and Francine won't be able to be together like this again, so please...let them have this moment. [Speedy stares blankly, in shock] Jonas: [sighs] Call me paranoid, but Francine just got the courage to tell Guido how she felt about him. PLEASE, Speedy...just wait a little longer. Speedy: (shocked) A...all right...we can wait until they come downstairs. Jonas: (relieved) Thank you. [walks downstairs] GB: (shocked) WOW. Polly: [puts an arm around Speedy] Are you okay, Speedy? Speedy: [gulps, nods] Yeah. That was WEIRD. Since when does he care so much for our well being? GB: He says we're the reason he's here, Speedy. Maybe he needs us for something. Speedy: Like WHAT? This guy is REALLY beginning to creep me out. Polly: He was talking with Francine earlier. Does he need HER? Speedy: [shakes his head] I don't know why he could possibly need her. I think he wants us to be mentally fit. He was interested in your nightmares. He spoke like there wouldn't BE any tomorrow! Plus, he went on his own authority and gave us TWO DAYS OFF! What is he planning? GB: We should just wait and see what happens. He still has a lot he needs to tell us. Speedy: [nods] You're right. Come on. We need to get ready for the day. [The trio walks downstairs, and sits down at the kitchen table. Jonas is sitting there, arms crossed and eyes closed, apparently asleep. A few minutes pass before Guido and Francine walk in, looks of shock on their faces] Guido: (upset) WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? CUSTOMERS WILL BE HERE ANY MINUTE! Speedy: Calm down, Guido. We're off today. Francine: (getting angry) WHO SAYS SO!? Speedy, Polly, and GB: [pointing to Jonas] (in unison) HE DOES! Jonas: [waking up] (drowsily) Hnnh? What? Francine: (shouts, to Jonas) YOU!!! Jonas: [falls out of his chair, snaps awake] WHOA! Now, calm down, Francine. I can explain... [Jonas quickly explains his reasons for giving the team two days off] Francine: (calmer) Well, we can't make money if we can't make pizza... Jonas: Don't worry about it. We'll get some supplies, and then I'll give you the information you want. Guido: Sounds good to me. [sees his helmet lying on the table] Hey! [puts it on] (to Jonas) You must've finished. What'd you DO, anyway? Jonas: [chuckles] I'll tell you later. Right now, we should get ready for the day. Speedy: (shouts) SHOWER! [dashes out of the room] Guido: Huh? Hey, wait! No fair! I need one more than you do! [chases after Speedy] Polly: You're BOTH wrong! I'M first! [chases Speedy and Guido] Jonas: (to GB) Well, what about YOU? GB: [laughs] I showered before I left the HOUSE! Still, watching them kill each other should prove...entertaining. [Walks out of the room. Jonas starts to follow when...] Francine: Jonas? Jonas: [turns around] Yes? Something wrong? [Francine walks up to Jonas and hugs him tightly] Jonas: (surprised) FRANCINE!? Francine: [lets go, smiles] I just wanted to thank you for your advice earlier. Jonas: Then it worked? Francine: [nods] We just sat there and watched the sunrise. I must've dozed off. When I woke up, Guido asked me if I wanted to go out to dinner tonight. Jonas: That's GREAT! What'd you say? Francine: [laughs] YES, of course! Oh, I'm so happy! I haven't felt this alive for a LONG time. How can I ever thank you? Jonas: [chuckles] I'll think of something. [begins to walk out] Oh, by the way: Don't worry about dozing off. When I found you, you were BOTH asleep. [walks out] Francine: [blushes] (to herself) Oh, Guido...[walks out] [Scene switches to Jonas and GB, leaning on the parlor wall outside, near the door. The sun is high in the sky, now, and people are walking the streets.] GB: (to Jonas, annoyed) They're taking their sweet time. [looks at watch: 11:30] It's almost NOON! Jonas: [shrugs] If they all managed to just get along, they should be out soon. [silent for a moment] Can I ask you something? GB: Sure. Jonas: Why did you change your name to "Good Bird"? GB: Simple. "Bad Bird" didn't fit my personality anymore. I'm Good Bird now. It means exactly what it says. Jonas: Well, no offense, but..."Good Bird" sounds kind of...WIMPY. GB: [silent for a moment, laughs] It does, doesn't it? My given name was "Bad Bird", but I wasn't that kind of person anymore. Since it was my real name, I couldn't really think of anything else to change it to. Nobody else really liked "Good Bird", either, so they all just call me GB, except for Carla. [laughs] They call me by that name so much, I think they've forgotten what it means! Jonas: You could have kept "Bad Bird", only used it in a different context. Like, "Bad" meaning "Cool". GB: [nods] Speedy mentioned that. But, I just couldn't stand to even remotely have that name connected to me. I HATE myself for what I did as Bad Bird. I had to make a new start, and a new name to go with it. Jonas: Well said. [The parlor door opens, and Polly walks out, dressed in her helmet, blue jeans, and a T-shirt that says "I'm a Little Tokyo girl and I can KICK YOUR BUTT!" Following closely behind are Francine, in her regular clothes, and Speedy and Guido in their work clothes without aprons.] GB: Took you long enough. Speedy: I couldn't find my SOCKS! Guido: We're here NOW, aren't we? GB: [sighs] I suppose so... Polly: Where to first? Jonas: Let's walk for a while. I haven't had a lot of time to see the sights around here. [Everyone nods. The group heads in the general direction of the market area. Much of the city is still under repair from the comet's effects. Citizens can be seen boarding up holes, reattaching shingles, and hammering nails. The group eventually comes to a three-way fork in the road, right in front of the palace. The palace itself is undergoing MAJOR reconstruction, and a large crane can be seen lifting girders up to the palace roof] Francine: Which way? Speedy: [scratches his chin] Hmm... Voice: (shouts) LOOK OUT! [The group looks up toward the direction of the voice. Horrified, they see that the crane's arm is hanging loosely, and suddenly breaks off, plunging toward the citizens below. Chaos erupts in the street, as people scramble to get out of the way.] Francine: [puts hands to her mouth] (gasps) MY GOD! Polly: [eyes dart from the crane to the crowd] The PEOPLE! Speedy: GB, you try and pull that thing from above. The rest of us will try to brace it from down here. Guido: Speedy, that crane must weigh TONS! We'll be CRUSHED! Speedy: [turns to Guido] (frantic) Well, we've got to do SOME- Jonas: (interrupting) DOWN!! [Speedy, Polly, GB, Guido, and Francine all turn to Jonas. He is crouching on one knee, grasping his right wrist with his left hand. A yellowish mass of energy forms around his fist, and flies toward the falling crane. The blast hits the crane with incredible force, vaporizing it. All the Cats and citizens stare, dumbfounded.] Guido: [notices staring citizens] (to crowd) Uh...HE'S WITH US! [Upon hearing THIS, the citizens resume their actions as if nothing had happened] Speedy: (to Jonas, badly shaken) HOW...DID YOU...DO THAT!? Jonas: [stands] When we get back from this little venture, I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything. Polly: You better, mister. You've got a LOT of explaining to do. Francine: [recovering] Well, which way? [It is agreed upon that the group should split up, in order to get done faster. Three pairs are formed: Speedy with Polly, Guido with Francine, and Jonas with GB. As they go their separate ways, we join Speedy and Polly] Speedy: [looking down list] (mumbling) Tomatoes...tomatoes...where's the PRODUCE around here? Polly: [grasping Speedy's hand tightly] (nervously) Speedy, did you SEE that? He DISINTIGRATED that crane! POOF, GONE! What if he's NOT on our side? Imagine what he'll do to US! Speedy: [stops walking, turns to Polly] (comfortingly) If he's NOT on our side, then he'll answer to ME. You have NOTHING to worry about. Polly: Y...you really think so? Speedy: I KNOW so. [kisses Polly gently] Now, come on. We've got some groceries to-ah, here they are! [Speedy grabs a red tomato off of a nearby stand. The view zooms in on the tomato until the screen is completely red, then slowly zooms out from the red on Guido's large, triangle-shaped accessory on his chest. He and Francine are holding hands, looking at the buildings as they walk by] Francine: [squinting at buildings, shielding her eyes from the sun with one hand] Hard to tell where everything is with the sun shining like this... Guido: (smoothly) The sun is but a spark when compared to your radiant beauty. Francine: [blushes] Oh, Guido...oh, here we are! [Guido and Francine have stopped in front of a small fish-items store] Francine: You looking for anything in particular, Guido? Guido...? Guido: [Looking at something across the street, off-camera. Turns to Francine] Fran, I've got something REALLY important I have to take care of. I'll only be a minute. Will you wait for me? Francine: (a little puzzled) Of course. I'll just be in here. [points to store] Would you mind telling me what you're going to do? Guido: (hesitant) Well...it's kind of...PERSONAL...if you don't mind... Francine: (softly) Oh. Well, um, all right, then. I'll see you...[Walks into store, a confused expression on her face. Guido waits until Francine has gone in, and then walks off-camera] [Scene switches to Francine, holding a half-full shopping cart, browsing the shelves] Francine: [A hand comes down on Francine's shoulder] Voice: Hey. Francine: [whirls around] (surprised) EEK! [Guido stands there, a little shocked] Guido: (quickly) Easy, Fran. It's just me. Francine: [puts a hand on her chest] (relieved) You SCARED me. (puzzled) That didn't take long. What did you do? Guido: Something I've been meaning to do for a long time now, that's all. You finished? Francine: [examines cart] I think so...yeah, I've got everything. Guido: [same] Hmm...hey, you forgot the anchovies. [tosses in a can] Francine: [smiles] Trust me, that's all I've been thinking about. Guido: (puzzled)...? Francine: [smiles] Come on, let's go. [Finally, we join Jonas and GB. GB walks out of a store door {side-view} carrying one small bag] GB: (to Jonas) Hurry up! We've gotta meet the others! [Jonas walks out, carrying several large sacks that almost block his view] Jonas: You COULD give me a hand, here... GB: [laughs] You're the rookie. We get to kick you around for at least a DAY. [both laugh] What's the matter? Can't take it? Jonas: [chuckles] I could easily carry ALL of these with ONE hand, but I'd have trouble keeping them BALANCED. Come on, the others are probably waiting for us. [Everyone meets up at the pizza parlor a few minutes later] Francine: Whew, glad that's done. Now... [Everyone turns to Jonas] Francine: Spill it. EVERYTHING. Jonas: [takes a seat, sighs] All right. You deserve an explanation, so here it is: I finished school about two or three years ago. When I got out, I realized that I hadn't planned on getting a job. I did a few things here and there, nothing long-term, but I enjoyed it, and made enough to support myself. In my spare time, which I have a LOT of, I create machines with any spare parts I can find. I have some relatives in high places, so they send me materials they don't require. The American government has a surprising amount of surplus. [points to his suit] Underneath this molecularly-enhanced fabric, there's more technology than you'll find in some COUNTRIES. It's the reason my face appears to you the way it does, and causes the echo in my voice. GB: You're American? Jonas: [nods] Born and raised. I eventually got bored with what I built. I watched a lot of sci-fi TV, and actually managed to create some of the stuff I saw. The teleporter, for example, and a few other things. Medical aids. Even WEAPONS. I stored them, thinking I'd never use them. I needed a challenge, something that would keep me occupied, and I would actually USE. I thought about time-travel, but decided it was FAR too dangerous. The prospect of alternate realities intrigued me, so I decided to build a machine that would allow me to view these other dimensions before I actually attempted travel. [Everyone is listening, dumbfounded] Jonas: (continues) It took a TON of material, several revisions, and nearly a year to complete, but I finally finished. When I got it working, I immediately wished I never did. Polly: Why? Jonas: I saw great miracles performed in those other universes, but I also saw horrors even I could never imagine. Evil beings with power that STAGGERS comprehension, with no counterparts to stop them. They would ravage freely, and commit atrocities that are just too...HIDEOUS to mention. [chuckles] Odd...I believe I've viewed over two dozen realities...but the Samurai Pizza Cats only existed in TWO out of all of them. I viewed for months, until I had seen enough. I promised myself that I would NEVER let what I had seen there happen HERE. Plus, I wanted to go to those places myself. I had to prepare. Had to become equal with what I'd seen. I trained myself in every technique I could find. I traveled to other countries and studied under Grand Masters. I learned magic and mysticism, concentration and speed, telepathy and focus, and developed several techniques of my OWN. My body was now a powerhouse of energy. That, combined with this suit I constructed from my best materials, made me RIVAL what I had seen on those other worlds. I was READY. For what, I wasn't sure, but I knew that I was prepared for almost ANY eventuality. Guido: (shocked) That's a lot of time preparing for something that might never HAPPEN. Even if you travel there, you might not encounter anything. Jonas: [nods] That nagged at me, too. What if it was all for nothing? What if all that brutal, grueling training was WASTED? I couldn't accept that. I knew that somewhere, there are those who could effortlessly decimate all of the Earth's military resources. If the military was helpless, then more drastic measures would have to be taken. IF. Nothing may EVER happen. I may never run into anything even remotely dangerous out there. That's when I heard about some of the things that went on around here. Giant robots attacking frequently, overpowering the authorities, yet always stopped by a team of heroes. No clear details were ever given, but I had renewed hope. SOMEONE knew about what could happen, and was apparently ready for it. Those robots were proof that something could happen. To test myself, I created replicas of some of the robots. I was surprised at how easily I CRUSHED them. Apparently, the training had paid off. I wasn't INVINCIBLE, though. I knew that. If something happened, I'd need HELP. Others like me, who train themselves for the unexpected, certainly exist, but I had no idea how to contact them. Then, six weeks ago, I heard about YOU. Speedy: Us? Jonas: [nods] In more detail this time. Past reports were vague, but saving the planet from that comet made you BIG news back home. I was fascinated. Three cats and a bird with extraordinary powers were the defenders of an entire city, and ran a pizza parlor on the side. It was almost laughable. I became obsessed, and sought out all the information I could on you. Newspaper articles, videos, anything I could find. I wanted to meet you in person, to discuss expanding your horizons from Little Tokyo to a larger scale, but what could I say? "Hi, how would you like to undergo physically demanding and exhausting training in preparation for a product of my paranoia?" PLEASE. I'd be COMMITTED for something like that. I've also changed my views since then. Little Tokyo's not exactly next door, either. I couldn't come all the way here without a good excuse. Then, about a month ago, I got one. My father is a coal miner back home, and he found a strange suit of armor while digging in one of the mines. He didn't show anyone, and figured I might be able to find out what it was, so he brought it to me. I did some research, and found out that it was created by an American apprentice to the Ancient Shoguns. After he went back home, he forged an armor suit based on the Shoguns' designs. It wasn't endowed with magical powers like your three, but it was sturdy, and was kind of a tribute to the Shoguns. How it ended up in that mine, I don't know. I thought it would be better to bring it here to be with the rest of the Shoguns' armory than let it sit in an American museum somewhere. Plus, it gave me a chance to meet YOU. That reminds me... [Jonas closes his eyes in concentration. An orange suit of armor (resembling Speedy's only orange in the white places) seems to emerge from him. It hovers in the air for a moment, then clatters to the floor. It is badly damaged, with several large cracks] Jonas: Hid that for safe-keeping. GB: [examines the armor] This thing's seen better days... Jonas: [nods] I couldn't tell how long it had been in that mine. Time has caused it great damage. Speedy: So, you trained to prepare yourself for what COULD happen here and what COULD happen when you travel to another dimension. Jonas: [shakes his head] Not quite, not anymore, but that's a small part of it. I'm more concerned with things over here, first. Speedy: How bad could it possibly BE? Jonas: [thinks] You ever seen a man blow up a planet with two fingers, Cerviche? Speedy: Uh...no... Jonas: (darkly) Well, I HAVE. How's THAT for a nightmare? Speedy: (shocked, fearful) B...but...why do you need US? Jonas: I've analyzed several possible threats that could occur here, and the countermeasures that could be deployed to stop them. [shakes his head] Your team is among the strongest of the countermeasures, but you still PALE in comparison to what lurks out there...and HERE. I've come to deliver this armor...and ask you to undergo some training. To just BE READY. Not for an invasion anymore, but...to back me up in case something DOES happen. Francine: Why come all the way out here? Why not ask someone closer to home, like...the New York Pizza Cats {Seen in "Mission in Manhattan", ironically not aired in the U.S.!}? Jonas: [silent for a moment, then bursts into laughter] You...you mean Sundance, DeeDee, and Cosmo? [laughs] They're able fighters, but they've never faced any REAL threat. They just don't have the intense combat experience that you do. Speedy: So, you want us to train, under YOU, for an event that may NEVER occur, so you can have peace-of-mind? Jonas: [shakes his head] YOU'RE MISSING IT, HERE. I'm not concerned about my paranoia anymore. I've been leaving FAR too much to chance. I just want some backup in case of an emergency. No more huge, world-devastating consequences. If something serious happens, and I can't handle it alone, I'm asking you to train to HELP ME. In your current state, against something that could stop ME, you wouldn't make much of a difference. Speedy: [sighs] I'm sorry, but we just CAN'T. This is the first opportunity we've had in a long time to just RELAX. We've settled into normal lives here, and I've been thinking about hanging up my Ginzu Sword...for good. [Everyone else nods] Jonas: [nods] I understand. I didn't want to have to bring this up, but...I understand that you cannot confirm the whereabouts of either Seymour "Big" Cheese, or his associate, Jerry Atrick? Polly: That's right. They were exiled when we stopped the comet. Jonas: So, to the best of your knowledge, they are still alive? Guido: Yeah, so? Jonas: (under his breath, angrily) Damn. (normally) Never think anyone dead until you see the body yourself. Do you realize that if they ever come back, they are going to be REALLY PISSED OFF? Speedy: LET 'EM! We trounced them before, we'll do it again! Polly: We're sorry, Jonas, but we just can't accept. Jonas: [sighs] All right. If that's your decision, I'll respect it. Francine: You're not going to quit now, are you? Jonas: [shakes his head] No, no. I still enjoy being here. I just wish I could change your minds... GB: [thinks for a moment] I'll do it. Cats: (surprised) HUH!? Jonas: You will? GB: Come on, guys. This is a chance for us to better ourselves. We might as well take it. Guido: Are you SERIOUS? GB: Yeah. I haven't used my skills in a while. This would be good for me...for ALL of us. Speedy: [turns to Polly and Guido] Well...? Polly: [shrugs] Your decision, Speedy. Guido: Yeah. Whatever you decide, we'll back you up on. Speedy: [thinks] (to Jonas) All right. We'll do it. Jonas: (relieved) Thank you. All of you. You don't know WHAT this means to me. Polly: But, won't training like yours take MONTHS? Jonas: [shakes his head] No. I've refined the teaching methods. [Looks at his left gauntlet. A display reads: 1:00 PM] I can teach you the basics by 6:00. Speedy: Not bad. Francine: Can I train too? Guido: (concerned) Are you sure, Fran? You don't see much combat. I wouldn't want you to get hurt... Francine: (touched but trying to hide it) I'll be fine, Guido. I've been training a little myself, remember? I can handle a little more. Jonas: We can begin anytime. Speedy: Hold on. I want a test of your abilities, first. Fran, put that armor there somewhere safe, will you? I'm gonna show Jonas the Training Facility. Francine: [nods] Okay. [picks up the armor, hauls it off somewhere in the back] Speedy: The rest of you, follow me. [Speedy leads everyone else to the stairs leading to the second floor. He stops in front of them, stoops down, and opens a hidden trap door with a staircase leading down. Everyone descends the stairs, which lead to a large room with steel walls, and some exercising equipment] Speedy: This is where we train new recruits. What do you think? Jonas: [looks room over] This will do. You say you want to test me? [Francine silently walks down the stairs] Speedy: [nods] Let's see how good you really are. Ten ninja crow cutouts will pop up throughout the room. I'll rate you on how many you take out and how quickly you do it. Your time limit is thirty seconds. Ready? [A sword sheath materializes on Jonas' belt] Jonas: [grasps the hilt, pulls it out a little] Ready. Speedy: Francine? The crows, please? [Francine pushes a small red button on the wall. Ten ninja crow cutouts flip up around the room. Everything turns black for a moment, and several yellow slash marks are seen across the screen. The screen reverts to normal, and Jonas is seen in the exact same position as before, except he slides the hilt into the sheath. After a moment, nine crow cutouts fall over, sliced in half.] GB: (stunned) WHOA. Polly: Satisfied, Speedy? Speedy: (in shock) Yeah... Jonas: Odd. I only count nine... Guido: Up there! [Points to the ceiling. A single crow cutout is hanging upside-down. Twin beams of yellow energy shoot from Jonas' eyes, vaporizing the crow] Jonas: Where? Guido: (stunned) Uh...nothing. Francine: How quick was that? Speedy: Um...excluding that last crow...TWO SECONDS!? Jonas: (puzzled) Two? Damn, must be getting slow... [All turn, dumbfounded, to Jonas] Jonas: [laughs] I'm KIDDING! So, now what? Speedy: [shrugs] The ball's in your court, now. You're the trainer. Train us. Jonas: Not quite yet. I want a test of YOUR abilities, now. GB: Us? Jonas: Yes. I have to gauge your abilities before I attempt to enhance them. Polly: What do you suggest? Jonas: [thinks] Attack me. All of you. Speedy: WHAT? That's not a fair test! Jonas: True. There aren't enough of you, but we'll deal with what we've got. Guido: (whispering to Francine) This guy's one slice short of a pizza. Jonas: I heard that. I want you to give me everything you've got. Speedy: You'll be KILLED! Jonas: [walks to far side of the room] Try me. Show no mercy. GB: Why? [Jonas turns around, points his fist toward the ground, and uses energy to cut off a circular piece of the floor around Speedy, Polly, Guido, and GB. The piece slowly begins to lift into the air, with the four still on it.] Jonas: (darkly, with echo) Because I WON'T. [The chunk of floor crashes to the ground. The four quickly recover from the fall] Speedy: HUDDLE! [Speedy, Polly, Guido, GB, and Francine form a huddle] Speedy: Okay...I think we're WAY out of our league, here. Polly: How is he doing those things? Guido: Everything he said about what he learned must be true. Speedy: Fran, you'll have to sit this one out. Francine: Fine by me. GB: How are we gonna take this guy? He could fry us at fifty paces! Speedy: [shakes his head] He won't. He wants to see what we're made of. Polly: We should take him on all at once, but sending in someone to occupy him first. There's no way he can fight ALL of us. GB: I'll distract him. Guido: Agreed. Ready... All: BREAK! [The Cats assume attack positions] Jonas: One moment. You're not wearing any armor. Speedy: Huh? [looks down at himself] YIKES! He's right! Jonas: [chuckles] Just a second. [points a fist at the group] Speedy: (alarmed) Hey, WAIT!! [A yellow energy field envelops the Cats, instantly clothing them in their armor] Speedy: (puzzled) Huh? [looks down at himself] We're still HERE? [eyes Jonas suspiciously] You know what? I don't WANNA know. Jonas: [chuckles] Whenever you're ready. [GB draws his sword, leaps into the air, and flies straight toward Jonas] GB: (shouts) YAAAAAH! [Just before GB can spear him, Jonas sidesteps GB, grabs him near the neck of the armor, and slams him down HARD on the floor] Jonas: [bending over GB] One down... Guido: HA! [Leaps onto Jonas' back and hangs on his neck. Blue currents of electricity begin surging off of Jonas and into Guido. Guido flies off Jonas' back and slams into a nearby wall, denting it] Jonas: Two... Francine: (screams) GUIDO! [runs over to Guido's limp form] (sobbing) Oh, Guido... Polly: (shouts) I KNEW YOU WERE NO GOOD! [leaps high into the air, toward Jonas, sword drawn] Jonas: Eh? [sees Polly coming, raises a clenched fist] Polly: Huh? Oh, NO! [A yellow blast of energy erupts from Jonas' fist, and slams into Polly's face. Her bloodcurdling scream reverberates throughout the room. She clutches her face with both hands, as she and her sword fall to the floor] Speedy: (shouts) POLLY!!! [Sprints over to her. She is clutching her face, writhing in pain] Polly: [clutching her face] (muffled, in EXTREME pain) My face...my face is on fire... Speedy: [teary-eyed] (softly) Polly...[grits teeth] (enraged, to Jonas) SHE WAS RIGHT ABOUT YOU, YOU MONSTER!!! [draws sword, charges Jonas] AAAARRGH!!! Jonas: [Draws his own sword fully. It's about one and a half times the length of Speedy's, and is changing colors rapidly. Chuckles] Excellent, excellent! Come on, then! TAKE ME! That was three... [Speedy and Jonas clash swords in an insane flurry of strikes and counterstrikes. It seems impossible for either not to be killed] Jonas: [dodging Speedy's swings] Francine: [checking Guido] [notices Polly, who has stopped moving] Speedy: [crosses swords with Jonas] (enraged) I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!! Jonas: [chuckles] Now, now, Cerviche. You can't kill me if you're UNCONSCIOUS! [Jonas' sword begins to glow a bright yellow, and hums loudly. A blinding explosion engulfs the center of the room. Francine shields her eyes. As the smoke clears, Jonas can be seen, unscathed, carrying a limp Speedy and Polly over each shoulder. He walks over to Francine] Jonas: That's four. Francine: [looks up, tears streaming down her cheeks] (shouts) GO ON! I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU! TAKE ME OUT, JUST LIKE YOU DID THEM! Jonas: (calmly) No, Francine. Francine: (shocked) H...huh? Jonas: I'm not out to hurt YOU, or THEM. I've finished gauging them. Now, come on. Help me get them upstairs. Francine: (confused) But- Jonas: (interrupting) No "buts". Their injuries are extensive. They need medical attention. Now, LET'S GO. [Scene changes to a black screen. Two slits appear and widen, as if someone is opening their eyes. The view is blurred and hazy.] Speedy: (groggily) Huh? What...? [View switches to Speedy propped up in a chair in the serving area. He's sitting at a table with Polly, Guido, and GB, also propped up. They all appear to be unconscious. None show any signs of being in a battle, and Polly's face is undamaged. Francine is sitting at the counter, hanging her head.] Speedy: [looks around] (confused) What happened? Francine: [snaps her head up, turns to Speedy] (surprised) SPEEDY!? [runs over to Speedy, hugs him tightly] (joyously) Oh, YOU'RE ALL RIGHT! Speedy: [pats Francine on the back] (consoling) Easy, Fran. I'm all right. What happened? Francine: (puzzled) You don't remember? Speedy: I remember...fighting Jonas...then nothing. What happened? Francine: He wiped the floor with you guys. He blasted Polly in the face, and you lost it. You clashed swords, there was an explosion, and he walked out without a scratch. Speedy: (angrily) WHERE IS HE? I'LL- Francine: (interrupting) WHOA, WHOA! Calm down. He HEALED you guys. Speedy: (confused) Huh? Francine: [nods] Yeah. All of you were out cold, and hurt badly, especially Polly. He and I carried you all up here, and he healed your wounds. Polly was burned very badly, but he just touched her face, and it was as good as new. Speedy: (stunned) Wow. How long have we been out? Francine: [thinks] About twenty minutes. Speedy: Are the others okay? Francine: Well, how do YOU feel? Speedy: [rubs his neck] A little stiff, but other than that... Francine: The others should feel the same way. Let's try and wake them. Speedy: [nods] Right. [shakes Polly gently] Polly...come on, honey. Wake up. Polly: (drowsily) Huh? Where...? [snaps awake] (alarmed) WHERE'S JONAS!? [feels her face] My face...it's okay... Speedy: (quickly) Whoa, hold on. It's all right. [As Speedy explains the situation to Polly, Francine attempts to wake Guido] Francine: Guido...come on, Guido. I know you're in there. Guido: (drowsily) Unnh...[rubs his head] Anybody get the number of that TANK? What happened? GB: [wakes up] Huh? Where am I? Are we trained yet? [Francine fills in Guido and GB] GB: Man, he did all THAT? Where is he now? Jonas: Right here. [Everyone spins to face the parlor door. Jonas walks slowly toward the group] Jonas: I'm sorry to have done that to you, but unless I put you in a real combat situation, you would have held back. I had to rate you in a full-blown fight. Speedy: Fight? That was no fight. That was a MASSACRE! WE DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE! Jonas: [shakes his head] Not against ME, anyway, but that's to be expected. You're a formidable fighting force. All of you combined could easily LEVEL Little Tokyo. Polly: How did you heal us? That blast hit me head-on, but my face is fine. It felt like it was melting off my skull. Jonas: It WAS. I have extensive medical and mystical rejuvenating capabilities. You'll learn some later. Guido: So, how do we rate? Do we make the grade? Jonas: As a unit, you are a force to be reckoned with. AS A UNIT. We need to work on honing your individual fighting skills. GB: Where do we go from here? Jonas: Come below. It's time for me to teach you the basics. [Everyone proceeds to the training room] Jonas: Before we proceed, I want to make something perfectly clear...[punches a wall hard, making a large dent] I will NOT tolerate disrespect. You have something to say, you say it to my FACE. Understood? All: Yes, SIR! Jonas: Good. Now, I want each of you to hit me with your most powerful attacks. Literally give me your best shot. I won't fight back or try to dodge. I want to see the best you have. Speedy: Are you sure about that? We've never seen anyone quite like you, but I'm not sure if even YOU could take in all of that power. Jonas: Maybe you're not, but I am. You'll soon learn just how tough I really am. It'd take a MIRACLE on your part to actually cause me injury. Give me the best you've got. Speedy: [shrugs] Have it your way. All right, guys. You heard the man. Hit 'em hard! [Everyone backs away from Jonas, and each go into their respective finishing maneuvers (except Francine). GB uses his awesome move from "Bad Bird Uncaged". All of the moves coalesce into a ball, which strikes Jonas full on. After the smoke clears, Jonas is seen still standing, unscathed.] Jonas: Not bad! I'm impressed. Speedy: (shocked) That's UNREAL! Polly: (same) That would have KILLED anyone else! Jonas: Not ANYONE, but most people, yes. What do you call all those? Speedy: Mine's the only one we've ever really named. It's the patented Cerviche Cat's Eye Slash. Jonas: What about the rest of you? Surely you can think of something. Polly: [thinks] Hmm...The Heartbreaker. Guido: [same] ...Azure Flame. GB: [same] ...The Firebird. Jonas: [nods] None for you, Francine? Francine: [chuckles, shakes her head] 'Fraid not. I mainly stay on the sidelines rather than fight. Jonas: I see...well, we can fix that. Would all of you line up, please? [Everyone lines up single-file and faces Jonas] Jonas: Each one of you represents a different part of the mind and body based on your personality. It is when you all come together that you are strongest. However, something can be done to make you stronger individually. [walks up to Speedy] Speedy Cerviche. You are a noble cat of awesome power. Never backing down from a fight, you battle with unrivaled spirit and an unbreakable will. The leader of the Pizza Cats, your mission is the defense of Little Tokyo and all who reside there. Lately, however, you've considered just giving it all up, to spend time with your wife and never bring her into the crossfire again. You represent energy, honor, and the determined spirit. [Speedy nods] Jonas: [walks up to Polly] Polly Esther. Your gentle beauty masks the raw power that dwells within you. Possessed of powerful emotions and brute strength, you are a main point of support for the team. Driven in battle by your will to win and your love for your husband, you are loved by those who know you, and feared by those who do not. You are living proof that "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." You are love, hate, and power. [Polly blushes] Jonas: [walks up to Guido] Guido Anchovy. A cat with a suave, macho exterior, that masks the sensitive, gentle tenderness inside. Though a powerful fighter, there are times when you feel neglected by your teammates and others. Your motivation is the protection of the ones you care about, as well as defending the honor of the Pizza Cat name. However, you yourself have been contemplating retirement, as you stand on the verge of one of the biggest decisions of your life. Your swordsman abilities are unparalleled. You are dexterity, accuracy, and skill. Guido: (puzzled) How did you...? Jonas: [walks up to GB] "Good Bird". You are a battle-hardened warrior, trying to make amends for the horrible atrocities you committed during your service to the Big Cheese. Your drive in battle is the purification of your conscience. Your natural ability to fly and lightning quick reflexes make you a formidable opponent against any force. You are agility, nobility, and speed. [GB nods] Jonas: [walks up to Francine] Finally, Francine Manx. Not accustomed to the combat scene, you provide moral support from the sidelines. Only recently, through limited training, have you begun to realize your potential. You're fun-loving, and actually a little shy. More technical than your comrades, you manage the business itself, while they handle the manual labor. Currently, you are...exploring an opportunity at companionship. Although you try to maintain a positive attitude, you have always had a secret fear that every time your friends went into battle, you were afraid that they might not be coming back. You are sensitivity, compassion, and the very essence of hope. [Everyone turns to Francine] Francine: [hangs her head] (softly) That's true. Each time you went out, I was so scared for you all. I'd never fought in a battle, so I didn't know what it was like for you to fight. Even then, I was scared to death. If...if you'd ever fought someone like Jonas...I know that you wouldn't be standing here right now...[begins to tremble] Guido: [gently lays a hand on Francine's shoulder] Francine... [Francine turns to Guido, tears in her eyes] Guido: We ARE here. Right now. That's what matters. Francine: [sniffles, nods] I know...but... Guido: [shakes his head] "But" nothing. We've always pulled through before, and we always will. [smiles] Besides, once you join the team, we'll be UNSTOPPABLE. Francine: [laughs, hugs Guido gently] Thanks, Guido. I needed that. Guido: [pats Francine on the back] Don't mention it. Jonas: [chuckles] Now, since that's clear, it's all of these qualities and more that make you such an effective team. This training will help you to become stronger separately, making for an enhanced team. Speedy: Wait a sec. If we're all those things, what are you? Jonas: [thinks] All of the above, and more. Speedy: (mumbling) Sorry I asked... Jonas: [chuckles] Well, are you ready? [Everyone nods] Jonas: Good. Your training officially begins now. Lesson one: Control. You can't fight if you don't know what you're doing. In battle, your emotions can be your greatest ally, or your deadliest foe. Speedy, when you attacked me, your mind was clouded with rage. If you had FOCUSED it, used it to increase the accuracy of your strikes, I would have had a harder time with you. Your emotions give you drive in battle. Let me show you. (to Polly) Hit me. Polly: (confused) Say WHAT? Jonas: You heard me. Hit me. [Polly hesitates, then punches Jonas lightly in the shoulder] Jonas: Huh? Oh, for...POLLY, HIT ME! LIKE THIS! [Jonas makes a fist, rears back, and punches Speedy squarely in the face. The impact sends him flying into a wall. He slumps to the ground.] Polly: SPEEDY! (to Jonas) Why, you...[Punches Jonas hard in the face {or where his face SHOULD be}. The sound of the blow echoes throughout the room. Jonas doesn't budge. Speedy's form flickers, and disappears. The real Speedy materializes beside Polly.] Polly: [grasping her hand] (in pain) Ung...like punching a WALL... Francine: (puzzled) Uh...what just happened? Jonas: A hologram. I made Speedy invisible to the rest of you. I couldn't waste time waiting for him to wake up again. The point is this: Whenever our emotions take control in battle, they are accompanied by an adrenaline rush. If you don't control your emotions and the energy the adrenaline has given you, you'll be more likely to make a mistake. If you can focus on your target, however, you can greatly increase the accuracy and power of your blows. Bottom line: STAY FOCUSED. Got that? [Everyone nods] Jonas: Good. Lesson 2: Energy Control. You know how to focus your inner energy. Some call it chi, some call it ki, I just call it energy for simplicity's sake. What you DON'T know is how to manipulate it and energy from other sources. The Cat's Eye Slash is a good example, but you can't rely on it alone. A friend of mine once said that the universe was alive with energy, woven into it like threads. I want you to breathe deeply, close your eyes, and try to visualize this. Concentration is ESSENTIAL. [View switches to Speedy's. He closes his eyes as instructed.] Jonas: Now, open your eyes. [Speedy opens his eyes. He sees the room, only very differently from before. The background is a dark purple color, and all around him are small strands of glowing, orange energy] Speedy: (softly, in awe) Wow. It's beautiful... Jonas: [chuckles] I take it you can see it, then? Francine: Yeah...it's so pretty... Jonas: Reach out, and grab a few threads. [Speedy does so. A loose field of white energy forms around his hand] Polly: [giggles] It tickles... Jonas: A tingling sensation is normal. I want you to concentrate. Try to form the energy into a smoother circle. [The energy around Speedy's hand takes a more defined, circular shape] Jonas: Good. Now, loosen up a little. Try to regain your normal view without losing the energy. [Speedy's view slowly returns to normal. The view pans out, and we can see the Cats all standing in a line, with energy of their respective colors glowing around their hands {Speedy-white Polly-pinkish Guido-blue GB-olive green Francine-dim yellow-green}.] GB: Groovy! Jonas: Now, carefully, release it. Speedy: Where? Jonas: Me. I can take it. Polly: Are you sure? Jonas: [laughs] You couldn't hurt me if you WANTED to. Go ahead. Guido: Okay, you asked for it... [Everyone releases their energy in beams toward Jonas, a little crookedly. He absorbs it all without showing any indication of pain] Jonas: Not too bad. You have a pretty good power average, and your aims could improve, but other than that... Speedy: Will it always take that long to do? You wiped out that crane in seconds. Jonas: No. As time passes, with frequent use, your bodies will become more adapted to it. You'll also build up a kind of internal reserve, and won't have to use as much concentration. It'll become second nature to you. That pretty much covers that. Oh, I almost forgot. I want you to meet someone. [walks over to the group, points to one gauntlet] This...is Hunter. Say hello, Hunter. Hunter: [voice is digitized, but not monotone] Greetings. Speedy: Hunter? Jonas: Hunter is this suit's computer system. I built him myself. He has artificial intelligence, and is my primary source of information. He's also one of my best friends, and he cheats at chess. Hunter: Sir, I cannot cheat. Jonas: [laughs] I'm KIDDING, Hunter! I still need to work on his sense of humor. Speedy, please place your hand on him. [Speedy lays a hand on Hunter] Jonas: Say your name. Speedy: Speedy Cerviche. Jonas: Hunter, file voice pattern under Cerviche, Speedy. Hunter: [beeps] Pattern filed. Jonas: Take a DNA sample. [A quiet whooshing sound is heard. Speedy suddenly yanks his hand back] Speedy: (in pain) YEOW! [Looks down at his hand. A small spot of blood is seen in the middle of his palm. Rubs his hand] Why'd he do that? Jonas: You'll see. Hunter, file sample under Cerviche, Speedy. Hunter: [beeps] Sample filed. Jonas: If the rest of you would please do the same? [The process repeats, ending with Francine] Jonas: File sample under Manx, Francine. Hunter: [beeps] Sample filed. Jonas: Grant all bearers of these samples emergency authorization. Hunter: [beeps] System configuration updated. Speedy: (curious) Emergency authorization? Jonas: If I should ever become wounded or disabled, this entry gives you access to Hunter's systems. He'll recognize you by your voice patterns and DNA markers. The chances of me being immobilized are slim, but this is just a precaution. Now, I'm going to teach you a little trick. You can get a rough estimate on the power level of an opponent if you concentrate. I want you to close your eyes and breathe deeply, as before, but try to sense the energy of those around you. Focus on them instead of yourself. [Speedy does as instructed. We switch to his black screen, closed-eyes view] Jonas: All right, open. [Speedy opens his eyes. Everything appears normal, except the background has a very light orange hue] Jonas: Turn to face someone. [Speedy turns to face Polly. Her entire body is surrounded by a deep orange field of energy, about 3 inches in width] Speedy: (softly) Whoa...[Reaches out and touches Polly's cheek. She closes her eyes and blushes] What is this, Jonas? Jonas: What you see is your opponent's spiritual energy. The larger amount, the more powerful your opponent is. Over time, your fields will grow larger and brighter. Use this technique to gauge someone before you pick a fight. [Speedy looks down at his own hands. They have the same orange glow around them. He glances at everyone else. The same effect, except for Francine, who has a fainter glow than the others.] Speedy: [Turns to look at Jonas, then jerks head away. The glow radiating from Jonas is blinding, and almost totally white] AAH! Polly: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] (alarmed) What's wrong, Speedy? Speedy: [points to Jonas] D...don't look toward him...it's like staring into the sun... Jonas: I suppose I should have anticipated this. To me, my field appears relatively normal. I can't even see yours. Speedy: [rubs eyes] I'll bet...what next? Are we finished? Jonas: [chuckles] Not just yet. Next is something along the lines of energy control, but more difficult. [turns to GB] You don't really need this, but it may prove useful. GB: What is it? Jonas: You can use stored energy in a variety of ways, offensive projection being one of them. You can also use it for speed enhancement, protection, and...[slowly lifts off the ground] levitation. [Everyone watches Jonas float, amazed] Polly: How do we do THAT? Jonas: This, like all other energy use, requires focus and concentration. Clear your minds. Use the energy you have to push yourself away from the ground. [Slowly, one by one, the team lifts about a foot off the ground] Guido: [smiles] Think happy thoughts, guys. [Everyone chuckles] Jonas: Actually, that really does help. Keeping your mind on something pleasant can help you focus. Ironically, the rage fueling you from a tragedy can have the same effect. Use some energy to push yourself in different directions. [Speedy slowly floats toward Jonas] Speedy: This is great! This makes our hover-jets obsolete! Jonas: [nods] Don't be hasty, Speedy. You can only keep this up as long as you have the strength. If you've been in a battle, you may not have the necessary energy. [Meanwhile, Francine is flying slow loop-the-loops around Guido] Francine: [smiles, laughs] This is FUN! Jonas: [laughs] You're a natural, Francine. [Guido chuckles quietly, but is then silent. His face has a vacant expression] Francine: [notices the look on Guido's face] Huh? [stops in front of him] Something wrong, Guido? Guido: [snaps out of it] Huh? [sighs] Oh, it's nothing, Fran. Just got a lot on my mind, that's all. Francine: Well...do you want to talk about it? Guido: I'm not ready...not just yet... Francine: Well...you know that we're always here for you, right? That you can tell us anything? Guido: [smiles] Yeah, I know. It's just a little personal, that's all. [Francine nods, begins to turn away, then stops. She lays a hand on Guido's shoulder] Francine: When you're ready...you know where to find me. [gives Guido a light kiss on the cheek, then turns away] Guido: [eyes widen a little, touches Francine's shoulder] Francine? Francine: [turns around] Yeah? Guido: Thanks. I mean that. Francine: [smiles] Anytime, Guido. Jonas: Hmm...[checks the time...4:15] That'll be plenty of time. Okay, guys. Get back on the ground. [Everyone slowly floats down] Jonas: We're going to get advanced, now. You all know from experience that a good weapon can help in any battle. Example: [draws his sword] This...is Crusader. Forged out of ore from the very comet that you destroyed. Speedy: YOU'RE the one that bought all those pieces from Lucille? Jonas: [nods] My sword was titanium, but I found that with a little molecular tweaking on those pieces, I could create something stronger. The fact that it's comet ore also endows it with certain...qualities. VERY sturdy. Polly: Why is it changing colors like that? Jonas: A side effect of its comet origin. Contains INCREDIBLE power. I've managed to tune it to my physiology, so that it will be difficult for anyone but me to wield it. One of my most trusted weapons. Guido: [nods] We all know the difference a weapon can make. What's your point? Jonas: Well, take your magical weapons, for example. You feel confident in battle because you use them, right? [Everyone nods] Jonas: I don't know why. I mean, they have almost no magic left in them anyway. Everyone: (shocked) WHAT!? Jonas: Let me explain. You've used these weapons for quite some time, right? Speedy: [nods] Yeah, years. Jonas: Over the years, your bodies have absorbed most of the magical energy. The weapons are almost completely drained, making them as ordinary as your average sword. They are still preferable, due to their high durability. You've probably never noticed the drain because the energy isn't actually gone. It's just been moved from your weapons into your bodies. Since you always use the same ones, you might never have noticed. Speedy: [looks down at his sword] So, my magical Ginzu sword isn't magical anymore? Jonas: [nods] It still contains some magic, but you've absorbed over 90%. Don't discard your weapons: they are still stronger than anything you can buy. What I'm about to teach you may be useful if you ever lose your weapons. This will require intense concentration. Totally clear your minds. Gather energy, as before. [The familiar white glow surrounds Speedy's hands] Jonas: Form it into a weapon of some kind. [The energy in Speedy's hands slowly forms into dual swords] Jonas: Concentrate on keeping it stable. Try to make it solid. [The swords slowly begin to take on more detail. Beads of sweat run down Speedy's forehead] Speedy: [gritting teeth] (strained) Man...this is harder than you make it look... Jonas: Tell me about it. Energy focus of this level is highly draining. Now, concentrate. Make the energy completely solid. Now! [A flash of white light. Speedy drops to his knees, loosely clutching two whole, solid swords, and gasping for breath] Speedy: [Breathing heavily, glances at his teammates. All are in relatively the same state, clutching their newly formed weapons: Polly with a lance, Guido with a mace, GB with an iron staff, and Francine with a long, spike-studded whip] (a little surprised) Not bad, Francy. Francine: [same, smiles weakly] Thanks. Jonas: [holding a bola, standing upright] Getting something out of nothing is no easy task. Don't do this unless you have to. Since the weapons were created from your own bodies' energy, they will conduct energy better than your normal weapons, increasing the power of your strikes. GB: [recovering] What do we do with these things? Jonas: You can keep them, sell them, whatever. They are ordinary weapons, yet slightly more durable than usual because of the unique way they were formed. A weapon's main purpose is to provide an energy focus point. You can use several others, such as your eyes or hands, but most people prefer a solid object they can hold. [Speedy collects the new weapons and stacks them in the corner] Guido: How much more is there? That'll really take a lot out of you. Jonas: Not much more. Let's see...what's next...oh, yes. Now, I'm going to teach you a little mental discipline. Everyone get comfortable. [Everyone takes a seat on the floor] Jonas: Your mind can be one of your greatest tools. Its uses range from instant communication to telekinetically performing tasks at a distance. Just relax, and clear your minds. [About fifteen seconds pass in silence. Then...] Jonas: (to group, telepathically {PSI}) Can you hear me? Speedy: (same, with some difficulty) Yeah...but...hard to...focus... Jonas: (PSI) It's not easy, but it can really help you out. GB: (same) I remember reading about this stuff. Isn't it supposed to be mind-to-mind? Jonas: (same) Usually, yes, but I'm amplifying your thoughts to help you all get used to it. (out loud) I think that's enough of that for now. You've been through a lot, and I don't want to overexert you. I have one thing left to teach you, and you won't even have to do anything. Come with me. [walks upstairs] [The Cats follow Jonas upstairs and outside, to the parlor's back yard] Jonas: [sits on the grass] Form a circle. [Everyone sits in a circle] Guido: (curious) Why are we out here? Jonas: An outdoors setting is necessary for what comes next. I'm going to train you in the ways of magic. Everyone else: (excited) Magic!? Jonas: (calmly) Whoa, whoa. Hold on. Magic isn't all it's rumored to be. It is very powerful, but magic of specific types can often be easily stopped. That's why we're going to stick to mainly "neutral" and healing magic. Also, you don't need some absurdly long chant or ridiculous phrase to use magic. "Alakazam, Hocus Pocus, How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if he had a gas-powered chainsaw", none of them mean anything. You'll get a distinct feeling when you tap your magical reserves. Don't ask me how you'll know, you just will. You'll build up a reserve to this, as well. GB: So, why here? Why not inside? Jonas: You'll see. This decision isn't up to me. It's left up to those of the...uh...higher order...to decide if you can be safely endowed and trusted with magical abilities. Polly: (puzzled) Higher order? What...[realizes, points to sky] You mean to tell me- Jonas: (interrupting) You got it. This is up to them. Everyone hold hands. [Everyone does so] Jonas: Now, breathe deeply, concentrate, and above all, BE QUIET. [Everyone nods] Jonas: (quietly mumbling) Let these noble beings, who have and will protect the innocent and mete out justice, have the strength to survive the greater fight. They have learned much, and become strong, yet now they seek aid in their quest. I fear that if they are unprepared, all we be for naught. Their hearts are pure, their spirits are strong. Help them. Please... [Suddenly, five bolts of lightning streak from the sky, striking Speedy, Polly, Guido, GB, and Francine. None are injured] Francine: (shocked) EEK! Speedy: (same) Were we just...struck by lightning...in broad daylight...? Jonas: [gets up] (relieved) That's just their way of saying "yes". Guido: Now I see why you wanted to do this outdoors. GB: (shaken) Well, you think they could be more SUBTLE? Jonas: Just be glad they did it at all. Took me THREE tries. [checks the time: 5:00] All right. Go inside and rest, train, whatever. In one hour, you'll face me again. I want to see how much you've improved. It'll give you some time to become familiar with your new abilities and maybe improvise some techniques of your own. [walks back inside] Speedy: We've got to fight him AGAIN? GB: NOT something to look forward to. Polly: [feels her face] You said it. Guido: [has that distant look in his eye again] Francine: What do we do? Speedy: [shrugs] We might as well find out what we can really do. Come on. [The team walks back inside. Jonas is seated at one of the tables, fiddling with a gauntlet. The team quietly heads down to the training room. An hour passes. One of Jonas' gauntlets beeps] Jonas: Eh? [checks time: 6:00] (surprised) Six already? Shall we check on them, Hunter? Hunter: If you wish to, sir. Jonas: [gets up] What do you think of my little training program, Hunter? Hunter: You didn't teach them everything, sir. Jonas: Now, Hunter. You know better. They have to get some field experience. Besides, I can't teach them much more. Almost everything else is EXTREMELY high-level. I don't think they have enough energy yet. I can't risk burning them out. Hunter: Sir, in regards to the things you told them...about your past... Jonas: What about it? Hunter: Don't you think it sounded a little...hokey? Jonas: [blinks in surprise, laughs] Maybe a little, but I want them to be able to trust me. I COULD have given them the shortened version. I looked through a door, didn't like what I saw on the other side, and decided to change it. That's when I realized there were still things to change on this side, first. [walks down to the training room] [Upon entering, we see Guido sparring with Francine, Speedy and Polly circling each other, and GB leaning against a wall with his visor down {Since he doesn't really have a visor, his helmet is just tipped down over his eyes}] Guido: Now, be careful Fran. I don't want to hurt you... Francine: [smiles] It's nice of you to worry, Guido, but I'll be fine. You ready? Guido: [shrugs] Whenever you are. [Guido and Francine engage in limited combat, with Fran throwing must of the punches, and Guido dodging easily. Guido makes almost no attempt to fight back. Meanwhile...] Polly: [lunges at Speedy, pinning his arms and legs to the floor with her own] HA! Speedy: [Struggling to get up, but Polly is in a pushup-like position over him, and is gripping his wrists tightly] Nngh... Polly: Pop quiz, hotshot: Your wife has you pinned to the floor by your arms and legs, and you're absolutely HELPLESS. What do you do? Speedy: Hey, come on Polly. I can't move. Let me up. Polly: [smiles, leans close] What are you gonna do about it? Speedy: [thinks] Well...THIS! [kisses Polly passionately] Polly: (a little surprised) Mmf? [loosens her grip on Speedy] Speedy: (softly) I love you, Polly Esther. Polly: (same) I love you, too. Speedy: But even so...[flips Polly over, reversing their positions] you should never let your guard down. Polly: [laughs] Why you sneaky... Speedy: [smiles] I prefer to be called CUNNING. Guido: [laughs] The day Speedy's cunning, I'll hang up my umbrell-OOF! [Guido's distraction allows Francine to deliver a kick to the head, knocking him down] Francine: [gasps] Oh, I'm sorry, Guido! Speedy: (annoyed, to Guido) HEY! Polly: [smiles] Well, whatever you are, I still love you. [kisses Speedy gently] Speedy: [smiles, helps Polly up] I know. Francine: [pulling Guido up] I'm sorry, Guido. Are you all right? Guido: [rubbing his head] (annoyed) Yeah...[holds Francine's hands, smiles] I am now. [Francine closes her eyes and blushes] Jonas: [clearing throat] AHEM. Speedy: Oh, there you are. Is it six already? Jonas: [nods] Yes. Are you ready? Speedy: [turns to the others] Guys? [they nod] Yeah, we're ready. Jonas: [Nods. Notices GB, who is still leaning against the wall, and points] What's with him? Speedy: Huh? [turns to GB] I don't know. He went over there when we first came in. Jonas: He's been in that same position for an hour? Speedy: I guess so... Jonas: [walks up to GB, examines him] Hmm...vitals are steady...[Lifts up GB's helmet. His eyes are shut] He's asleep. Hunter, what was the last command input into this helmet? Hunter: Working...last accessed command was "index". Jonas: [laughs] Oh, THAT explains it! No wonder he's asleep! Polly: What do you mean? Is there something wrong? Jonas: No, it's just that the helmet is displaying its ENTIRE file index. At the rate it displays information, that would take several hours. [shakes GB] Wake up, Bird. GB: [blinks] (drowsily) Hnnh? Oh, hi guys. [yawns] That's quite an index. Is it six yet? Jonas: [nods] You ready? GB: [stretches] Yeah. Let's do it. Jonas: Whenever you're ready. Remember everything I taught you, and try to incorporate some of it into your fighting. Listening to music helps my concentration a great deal. [Speedy motions the team into a huddle] Guido: Same strategy? Speedy: [shakes his head] Uh-uh. He's lethal as a swordsman. We should all try to keep our distance. Francine: Are you sure that will help? Speedy: He'll have a hard time hitting us if we just keep moving. Polly: We should get him occupied, then hit him with everything we've got. GB: Agreed. Speedy: Ready... All: BREAK! [Everyone lines up and faces Jonas] Jonas: [chuckles] Here, kitty, kitty, kitty... Speedy: That was LOW. Hyah! [Leaps into the air, and throws several Ginzu stars at Jonas. They all fly toward his head, but suddenly stop about an inch away and hang in the air] Jonas: [shakes his head] You can do better than that. [the stars fly back toward Speedy, who manages to successfully deflect them all] Speedy: [smiles] You're right, I can... Guido: [maneuvers around behind Jonas] [a pale blue glow surrounds him] [Raises a glowing fist. Magical energy bursts out, slamming into Jonas. The recoil sends Guido skidding back several feet. Jonas is unfazed] WHOA! That stuff has quite a KICK! Jonas: [turns around] Eh? Not bad, Anchovy. Glad to see you've learned something. Now, say good night. [raises a fist] Speedy and GB: (in unison) HA! [Both bring their swords down on the back of Jonas' head. There is a sound like steel striking solid rock, and both hold onto their swords as they vibrate from the impact] [Unnoticed to anyone, Francine sneaks over to the pile of weapons and picks up the whip she created earlier] Jonas: [turns to Speedy and GB, chuckles] Nice try. [Grabs their heads, and butts them together. They fall to the ground, dazed] [From out of nowhere, Polly, with a running start, tackles Jonas to the ground] Jonas: (surprised) OOF! Guido: [helping Speedy and GB up] You guys okay? GB: [rubbing his head] Yeah...that didn't quite go like we planned... Speedy: [same] No kidding...where's Polly? Polly: [crouching over Jonas] Let's see how you handle a lady! [bares her claws, slashes at Jonas' face] AAH! [Holds her hand in pain. Her claws have been reduced to nubs] Jonas: [chuckles] That must've hurt...how's THIS? [Electricity surges off his body. The charge sends Polly flying across the room, and into Speedy, knocking him down] Speedy: [struggling to his feet] (weakly) You okay, hon? Polly: [same] (same) Oh, I'm DANDY. [cough] Guido: We should end this before it gets out of hand. Speedy: [nods] Right. (to Jonas) You wanted to see our power? Well, TAKE A LOOK! [Everyone goes into their finishing maneuvers once again. They coalesce into a ball quickly, so we don't get a very good look at how they've improved. The ball strikes Jonas head on. The resulting explosion is blinding, and the impact knocks the Cats off their feet. Scene changes too the streets of Little Tokyo. The ground shakes a little, there is a sound like thunder, and many people fall down. Reenter the training room. The scene is clouded in smoke] Speedy: [coughs] Is everyone all right? [cough] Polly: [same] Yeah...did we get him? [cough] [The smoke clears a little. Francine can be seen holding GB tightly] Francine: [eyes shut] Are you okay, Guido? GB: [smiles] Why, Francine. I didn't know you cared. Francine: HUH? [opens her eyes] EEK! [runs over to Guido] Guido: [laughs] I'm fine, Francine. Thanks. Speedy: [squinting] I don't see Jonas. You think we hurt him? [All the smoke finally clears. Jonas is crouching down in the middle of the room. The area around him has been scorched black, but he remains unscathed] Jonas: [running his hand along the floor] Come on, come on. Where...? [stops] Ah, here we are! [picks something up, lifts it to his hood] Sorry, lost a contact lens! [Everyone stands in shock] Jonas: [stands] My turn? All right. [Four yellow balls of energy form in his hands. He begins juggling them] Here, CATCH! [The balls fly out, striking Speedy, Polly, Guido, and GB squarely in their chests, knocking them down] Jonas: Game over. You lose. Francine: (yelling) NOT JUST YET! Jonas: [turns to Francine] (surprised) WHAT? Everyone else: (dazed) Huh...? Francine: (yelling) YOU WANNA PLAY GAMES, MISTER? WELL, YOU'VE NEVER PLAYED ME! [Twirls whip in the air like a lasso. It begins to glow a bright green] Catch THIS! [A green tornado of energy is formed by the whip. It hits Jonas with incredible force, creating a blinding flash of light. Unbelievably, he still stands] Francine: [grunts in pain, breathing heavily] Jonas: (surprised) VERY GOOD, Francine! For a novice, that was an EXCELLENT move! I'm IMPRESSED! Francine: [silent, can barely stand] Speedy: [armor slightly charred] Never seen her do anything like THAT. [turns to Jonas] Speaking of which, what's YOUR big finish? Jonas: [thinks] I have a few...only one is really safe...let me show you. [Unsheathes Crusader and holds it above his head, grasping the hilt tightly. The sword splits down the middle into two thinner ones, which he holds in each hand. He forms a cross with them, and they begin to glow a bright purple.] (echoing) CRUSADER...CROSS...CUT!!! [Jonas scrapes the swords against each other, and a large, purple, cross-shaped beam of energy slams into the training room wall, creating the biggest explosion yet. Once again, people on the surface are thrown off their feet. The smoke clears, and a massive, black dent has been left in the wall] Jonas: (weakly) Affectionately referred to as the Triple-C. [cough] Had to tone that one down a little...full strength would turn this whole place into a crater. GB: (surprised) Do I detect a hint of fatigue? Jonas: [chuckles] Hey, can you blame me? I've gone through a lot today. Training you hasn't been easy. I'm proud of you all. You're on your way to becoming some of the greatest heroes this world will ever see. Speaking of which...you guys go rather easy on Polly and Francine. Guido: (darkly) You don't hit a girl, man. It just doesn't happen. [Speedy and GB nod in agreement] Jonas: [sigh] I was afraid of this. I can understand that you have qualms about striking females...I do too...but you do realize that you can only take it so far? Speedy: What do you mean? Jonas: For instance, I'm sure that Polly probably doesn't feel any hesitation about hitting you, Speedy. Polly: (annoyed) HEY! Jonas: In a battle, I mean. Take this training session. She can attack you at will, but you try your best to avoid fighting back. Speedy: Well, yeah...[quietly] she's a woman, man. Polly: [gives Speedy an icy glare] JUST WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT? Speedy: (quickly) Absolutely nothing, Polly. I...I just don't want to...well... Jonas: Hurt her, right? Two things: Not all women are helpless. I'm willing to bet that Polly could take you, Guido, AND GB on at the same time. But also, not every woman will be your ally. If you meet one in battle, they will be out to KILL you. In mortal combat, my friend, the rules change. You have to do whatever is necessary to defend yourself. Speedy: [nods] I know there are exceptions, but...it's just so...BARBARIC... Jonas: [nods] Good. I'm glad you know there are limits. Just remember that you can't drop your defenses because your opponent is female. They're going to know you'll hesitate, and will use that to their full advantage. You're fully trained, now. The rest of the evening is yours. Guido: [walks over to Francine] (concerned) Are you okay? You haven't said much. Francine: [smiles weakly] I'm okay. You guys just make it look so easy. It's harder than it looks. Guido: [smiles] That was really something, Fran. If you don't feel up to dinner tonight...I'll understand... Francine: (shocked) OH MY GOSH! I forgot! [grabs Guido by the hand, drags him upstairs] Come on, we've got to get ready! Guido: (surprised) Hey, wait up! Slow down! Polly: (puzzled) Where are they going? Speedy: [shrugs] Got me. They probably just want to get out of this room. We've been here for hours. Polly: Well, I think they have the right idea. [looks down at her charred armor] I need to shower again. [walks upstairs] GB: [checks the time: 7:00] It's already seven? No way! Jonas: [chuckles] Time flies when you're fighting for your life. [Speedy and GB laugh] Speedy: Yeah, that'll do it. GB: I'm heading home, guys. Later. Speedy: Later, GB. [Jonas nods to GB. After he leaves...] Speedy: [looks room over, noticing the charred, black walls and floor] Well, it was nice while it lasted. Jonas: I'll have it as good as new by tomorrow. Speedy: [smiles] You looking for a raise, or what? Jonas: [chuckles] Raise? You mean you're going to PAY me, too? [Speedy and Jonas laugh] Speedy: I'm heading up. See you there. [walks upstairs] Jonas: Well, Hunter, not a bad day. Not that bad at all. Hunter: Indeed, sir. Their abilities have been greatly enhanced. You have taught them well. Jonas: Thanks. Care for a game of chess? No cheating, now. Hunter: Very funny, sir. Jonas: [laughs, walks upstairs] [Speedy walks into the serving area to find Polly sitting at a table, resting her head on one hand] Speedy: I thought you were going to take a shower. Polly: I was, but Guido's in right now, and Francine's next. They beat me to it. Speedy: [snickers] You poor girl. [takes a seat, attempts to stifle laughter] Polly: [smiles] (curious) What's so funny? Speedy: [chuckles] I just noticed something. Your face...it's pitch black. [It's true: All the dust from those explosions has collected on Polly's face, turning it an ashy black] Polly: Really? [laughs] Look who's talking! [Speedy is in the same condition] Speedy: [smiles] Just a second. [Speedy gets up, grabs a paper towel, soaks it at the sink, and returns] Speedy: [wipes Polly's face] There we are. Polly: [takes the towel from Speedy, wipes his face, and smiles] You know, you looked kind of cute like that. Speedy: [smiles] Really? Maybe I should do that more often. [Polly and Speedy laugh] [Jonas silently enters the room] Speedy: Let's see what's on TV. [grabs the remote from the counter, flips on the TV] TV Newscaster: In other news, the business district of Little Tokyo was shaken by two odd tremors earlier this evening. Eyewitnesses claim that there was a sound resembling thunder, then a vibration of some kind that threw them off their feet. Although the tremors were strong enough to cause some citizens to loose their footing, no businesses or residencies were damaged. As for the cause, scientists are as of yet unsure. Although Little Tokyo has had a history of seismic activity, geologists say that these tremors were most likely caused by a small amount of pressure being released from within the earth, and no side effects are expected. Citizens have been assured that there is no danger, and that these small quakes are in no way connected to the long-dormant volcano of Mount Coochie. In sports... Speedy: [smacks himself on the forehead] OOPS! [laughs] Polly: [giggles] I guess we got a little carried away... Jonas: Is little Tokyo seismically active? Speedy: Yeah. There was a pretty big quake a few years back. Remember that, Polly? Polly: [nods] It was pretty bad. Buildings collapsed, gas mains busted open...it wasn't pretty. Still, few people were hurt, and everything was under control in a few days. Jonas: Hmm...gives me something to research...well, if anyone needs me, I'll be in my room. Good night. Speedy: You turning in already? Jonas: [nods] I could use a little rest. It's been a LONG day. Good night. Speedy and Polly: Good night! [Jonas walks toward his room] Speedy: Polly...can I talk to you for a minute? Polly: Of course, Speedy. What's on your mind? Speedy: Wait here. [walks off toward the rooms] Polly: Speedy: [returns, carrying the two swords he created earlier, and opens the parlor door] Follow me. [walks out] [Polly, confused, follows. Speedy heads into the back yard. Although it's only a little after 7:00, the sun has set, and the first stars are visible in the sky. Speedy is gazing at them] Polly: (puzzled) What do you want to talk about, Speedy? Speedy: [turns to Polly] All that training today has made me remember something I'd almost forgotten. Something it's my duty as a Cerviche to do. Polly: (curious) What? Speedy: [blinks] You don't know? Polly: [shakes her head] I'm clueless. What is it? Speedy: Well, for all intents and purposes, you're a Cerviche now, which means it's time for you to receive something that only a Cerviche can have. Polly: (annoyed) WHAT? Speedy: [smiles] The secret of the Cat's Eye Slash, of course. Polly: (surprised) Speedy, that belongs to you. I can't- Speedy: (interrupting) It belongs to every member of the Cerviche family that can be trusted with its secret. [lays a hand on Polly's shoulder] I trust you more than anyone else on the planet, Polly. If something should ever happen to me, someone will need to carry the secret on. It's been in the family for generations. Polly: (softly) Speedy... Speedy: Before I can show you, you must promise me two things: 1, you will never use this unless it is an emergency, and 2, you will never reveal this secret to anyone except a trusted member of the Cerviche family. Polly: [nods] I promise. Speedy: All right. Hold these. [hands her the swords] Just watch closely, and do as I do. [goes into his Cat's Eye Slash sequence, unleashing a blast into the heavens. Since his new training, the Slash has grown larger and brighter] (breathing heavily) Your turn. [Polly mimics the maneuver, only her Slash is a pinkish color] Polly: (happily) I DID IT! Not much of a secret, is it? Speedy: Nobody knows why, but it seems very difficult for anyone outside of the Cerviche bloodline to execute it. [turns to Polly] I'm proud of you, honey. [Gives her a long kiss] Polly: [blushing a deep red, smiles] Speedy, you're making me blush... Speedy: [smiles, puts an arm around Polly] Come on. Let's get inside. [Meanwhile...] [We see Jonas sitting at a desk in his room. Not much furniture has been added, but there is a small bed, and several charts and diagrams on the walls. A knock comes at the door] Jonas: Who is it? Francine: It's me. May I come in? Jonas: [opens the door] Of course, Francine. Francine: [shuts the door behind her] Thanks. [looks around] Where did this stuff come from? Jonas: You know how you created that whip earlier? You don't exactly know how that works, do you? Francine: No... Jonas: Well, when you DO know, you can operate on a larger scale. What can I do for you? Francine: I'm nervous...Guido and I are going out soon...I'm not sure what to do... Jonas: You mean how to behave? Just be yourself! Your personality is a big part of why he likes you. Francine: I know...but...what if...(whispers) what if he makes a PASS at me? Jonas: [laughing] Francine, we're talking about GUIDO, here! Francine: I guess you're right...do you have any advice? Jonas: Like I said, be yourself. Be kind, listen to what he says to you, and keep an eye on him. I can guarantee he's just as nervous as you are. Francine: You think so? Jonas: I'm positive. Now, go on. Enjoy yourself. Francine: [hugs Jonas gently] Thanks. You're a lifesaver. Jonas: No problem, Fran. Good night. [Enter the dining area. The wall clock reads: 7:54. Speedy and Polly are sitting at a table playing tic-tac-toe. It's very quiet and peaceful] Speedy: (frustrated) That's three times in a row you've beaten me, Polly. I think you've rigged it. Polly: [smiles] Can I help it if you married a master of tic-tac-toe? [both laugh] Francine: [clears throat] Ahem. [Speedy and Polly turn to Francine. She is wearing a beautiful green dress, with her hair let down and wearing a necklace with an emerald hanging from it. By a cat's standards, she looks stunning] Speedy: (softly) Wow... Polly: Not bad, Fran! Francine: How do I look? Speedy: Well Fran, you look, um...well...you look GREAT! Francine: [smiles] You think so? Polly: He's right, Francine. You look fabulous. [Jonas enters the room, gives Francine a quick once-over, gives a wolf whistle, and raids the fridge] Francine: [blushes] Thanks, Jonas. Speedy: What's the occasion, Fran? Francine: I'm going out to dinner tonight. Polly: Really? With who? Francine: [thinks] A gentleman. [Guido walks in, dressed in something like a tuxedo, with his hair parted to the side. Quite a handsome cat] Guido: Ready, Francine? Speedy: Where are YOU going, Guido? Guido: (puzzled) I'm taking Francine out to dinner. Speedy: [shakes his head] That can't be right. She's going out with a GENTLEMAN. I know that can't be you. [laughs] Polly: [giggling] SPEEDY! [Jonas can be heard snickering from the fridge] Guido: (annoyed) HEY! Francine: (seriously) That wasn't very nice, Speedy. Speedy: [chuckling] I'm sorry, Guido. I hope you two have fun. Guido: We will. Ready, Fran? Francine: [hooks her arm with Guido's] Yeah. Let's go. [Francine and Guido leave the parlor] Polly: [shakes her head] Still a little hard to believe, those two together. Who would have thought? Speedy: Yeah...that reminds me: When was the last time WE ate? I'm kinda HUNGRY. Polly: Me, too. Hey, Jonas! Anything appetizing in there? Jonas: [tosses Polly two wrapped bundles] Not sure what they are, but they outrank everything else in here. Speedy: [unwraps a bundle] Oh, I remember these! These are those extra pepperoni rolls from a few days back, remember? Fran got a little sick, and couldn't eat hers. These are PERFECT! [munches on one] Polly: Yeah, these will be fine. Thanks, Jonas. [munches on a roll] [Jonas pulls a large sub sandwich out of the fridge and heads to his room with it. Slowly, time passes. The serving area grows dark and empty, as Speedy and Polly go to bed. The scene switches to a black screen, which is suddenly lit up by statistical data and the results of several scans, like a computer starting up] Jonas: (drowsily) Wha...? What is it, Hunter? What time is it? [The screen slowly comes into focus in a night-vision type view. We see the inside of Jonas' room] Hunter: It is approximately 11:00 PM, sir. Jonas: Eleven? I've only slept for three hours! After yesterday, I'm going to need at least TEN! Why did you wake me? Hunter: Sorry to disturb you, sir, but motion sensors have detected new bio-signatures entering the parlor. Scans match with records of Guido Anchovy and Francine Manx. Jonas: Oh, they must be back from their date. Is that all? Hunter: I thought you might be interested in the results, sir. Jonas: You're right, I am. Well, since you've already chosen to wake me, I guess we should see how it turned out. Engage all systems. [View switches to the parlor door. Guido and Francine's silhouettes can be seen making their way toward their rooms. Despite the darkness, they don't seem to have any trouble] Francine: (whispering) I guess we got in a little late, huh? Guido: [chuckles] (same) Yeah, a little. [Guido and Francine both stop outside of Guido's room] Francine: (nervously) Guido...I just want you to know...I had a really good time tonight...and, uh... Guido: [holds Francine's hands] (same) Um, yeah...me, too...uh...maybe we can do it again sometime... [Their eyes lock, and Guido gives Francine a long, deep kiss] Guido: [caresses Francine's cheek] (softly) Good night, Francine. [enters his room, shuts the door, leans against it, and slides to the floor] (relieved) WHEW. Francine: [after Guido has gone in, pumps her fist in the air] (quietly) YES! Jonas: (whispers) Francine? Francine: [turns around, revealing her glowing green eyes] (same) Yes? Jonas: (surprised) YIKES! [puts a hand on his chest] (relieved) Forgot cats could DO that. Francine: [chuckles] Look who's talking! Why are you up? Jonas: [chuckles] Hunter woke me. Thought you might be burglars. So, how did it go? Francine: Oh, it was WONDERFUL! We went out to dinner at...oh, what's it called...that place with the REALLY long name... Jonas: [nods] I know which one. Go on. Francine: The food was great, and Guido was just perfect. He gave the waiter a big tip. After that, we went out to a movie. Jonas: Which one? Francine: "Lost in Space". Jonas: I've thought about seeing that one. How was it? Francine: [chuckles] Actually, I couldn't tell you. Jonas: Why not? Francine: (embarrassed) Well, I kind of...fell asleep...AGAIN... Jonas: [chuckles] Well, I guess I can forget about asking Guido. Francine: [laughs] He might have watched it! Jonas: Between the choice of the movie or you, I think he picked you. What next? Francine: Then we came here, and...oh, Jonas...he kissed me...I never wanted that to end... Jonas: I saw. What will you do now? Francine: Right now? I'm going to SLEEP. I have a lot to think about. [hugs Jonas gently] I want to thank you again for your advice. It made it a lot easier for me. Jonas: [pats Francine on the back] No problem, Francine. Pleasant dreams. Francine: [smiles] Count on it. [goes into her room] [Jonas heads back into his room and, content with the day's accomplishments, falls into a dreamless sleep] {I realize that unless I put some real action in here soon, you're going to stop reading. Well, brace yourselves, because today is the day when Endgame shows its true colors. Ready? Well, too bad, because we're going ahead anyway.} [The scene is the outside of the parlor. It's early morning, and the sun is rising over a hill. There's a hint of fog in the air, and the early birds are chirping. Enter the parlor kitchen. Polly is sitting at a table, reading the newspaper, and drinking a cup of coffee. Once again, she is wearing her pink nightgown and gold locket. Speedy enters, wearing his white robe] Speedy: Morning, beautiful. [kisses Polly on the cheek] Polly: [smiles] Good morning, dear. I made us some coffee. Speedy: [pours himself a cup] What are you doing up? Polly: I woke up early. I didn't want to wake you, so I got up and came in here. Speedy: (concerned) You didn't have another nightmare, did you? Polly: Actually, I had a pretty good dream. Speedy: Really? About what? Polly: [grins slyly] You. Speedy: [arches an eyebrow] REALLY? [Jonas enters the room, dressed in his usual attire] Polly: [smiles] I'll tell you later. [Jonas' eyes glow a dim yellow. He walks over to Speedy, looks at the cup in his hands, snatches it away, gulps down the contents, hands Speedy the empty cup, and walks over to the fridge] Speedy: [stares blankly at the cup]...okay... Polly: [laughs] Well, at least when he wants something, he's straightforward. Speedy: [pours himself another cup] (annoyed) That's not always a GOOD thing... Jonas: [pulls a sandwich of some sort out of the fridge, softly hums "We are the Champions"] God, I love that song. Speedy: [sips his coffee] Kinda reminds you of yourself, doesn't it? Jonas: [chuckles] Perhaps. Got to admit, it has great rhythm. [A few minutes later, Francine walks in, in her green nightgown, a contented look on her face] Speedy: You look rather happy, Fran. What's up? Francine: [smiles] Last night was possibly the best night of my entire life. Polly: I take it your date with Guido turned out well? Francine: (to Jonas) You were right about pleasant dreams. They don't get much more pleasant than that. Polly: [giggles] I see... Jonas: Glad to hear it, Fran. I bet you feel a lot better now. Francine: "Better"? "Better" doesn't do what I'm feeling JUSTICE. I feel like I could run the 10K in thirty seconds. Jonas: I doubt it. My best time is forty-five. [Everyone gives Jonas a shocked look] Jonas: [laughs] I'm KIDDING! You people have NO sense of humor. Speedy: [sips his coffee] Sure we do. You just have a singular wit, that's all. Jonas: I'll take that as a compliment, Speedy. Polly: [chuckles] Easy, you two. Save it for AFTER breakfast. [A few minutes pass before Guido walks in, in his blue robe] Guido: Morning everyone. [Everyone nods] Guido: [walks up to Francine, gazes into her eyes] (softly) Good morning, Francine. Francine: [blushes] Good morning, Guido... Speedy: Care for some coffee, Guido? Guido: COFFEE. Never thought I'd be so glad to hear that word. [pours himself a cup] Want some, Fran? Francine: Sure. [Guido pours a cup, and she takes it] Guido: Anyone else? Voice: I'll take one. [Everyone turns to the doorway to see GB standing there] Speedy: A little early, eh GB? [checks his watch] It's only 6:45. GB: [shrugs] I didn't have anything better to do. Figured I might as well come on over. Polly: [yawns] Well, the more the merrier. How's Carla doing? GB: [pours himself some coffee] She's doing fine, thanks. Did I forget to tell you? She got a job as a clown-for-hire. Speedy: That's right. She used to be in the circus, didn't she {"All you need is Love", one of those annoying little not-shown-in-the-U.S. episodes}? What do you mean by "clown-for-hire"? GB: You know, like a rent-a-clown. She entertains at parties and such. The pay's not great, but she enjoys doing it, and I just want to see her happy. Francine: Good for her. [thinks] (curious) Exactly how much DOES she make, anyway? Guido: [laughs] "Show me the money!" [Everyone chuckles] Jonas: [takes a seat] Polly, can I ask you a personal question? Polly: Sure, I guess. What is it? Jonas: Why did you keep your last name as Esther? Just out of curiosity. Polly: Oh, I didn't have anything against Cerviche, but, um... Speedy: We all decided that "Polly Cerviche" sounded kind of, well... Jonas: Stupid? [Francine bursts into laughter] Speedy: Well, that's not exactly the term I would've used... Guido: I've got a question for YOU, Jonas. Jonas: Shoot. Guido: Were you ever a Marine or Navy SEAL? Your style would seem to indicate military training. Jonas: [sighs] God, I have NOTHING but respect for those people. I can't imagine the sheer HELL they must put themselves through to be the best. No, I never joined the military. Too many rules, too much protocol. I operate by my OWN rules. Still, I did study some military combat techniques. They come in handy at times. Guido: [nods] I thought so. Francine: [stretches] Well, what are our plans for today? Polly: [shrugs] We don't have any. I think we should take a little time to clean this place up. Speedy: [sips his coffee, nods] Yeah. [notices that blank look on Guido's face again] Hey, Guido! You in there? Guido: [snaps out of it] (startled) Huh? Speedy: You've really been out of it lately, man. You all right? Guido: [nods] Yeah, I'm fine. I've just been...thinking... Speedy: All right. Just checking. GB: Should we get started? Speedy: [gets up] Yeah, might as well. Let's go. [As the hours pass, the group slowly manages to spruce the parlor up. Later...] Polly: [feeling around underneath a table] (puzzled) Huh? [Pulls her hand out. A large wad of gum is stuck to it] (disgusted) EWW! Francine: (same) GROSS! GB: [sick expression] Yuck... Speedy: [scoops up wad with a paper towel, throws it away] There we go. Polly: [washing her hands] (muttering) Some people...just don't have any respect for a clean eating environment... Jonas: [scrubbing some tiling] You should see my house. You'd be horrified. [laughs] [Guido is silently sweeping the floor] Francine: (whispers, to Polly) Polly, I'm worried about Guido. Polly: (whispers, to Francine) What do you mean? Why? Francine: He's been acting strange lately. One minute, he'll be deep in conversation with you, and the next, he'll be 1000 miles away. Polly: [shrugs] You heard him. He has a lot on his mind. Just give him time. Francine: (unsure) I guess you're right...still...I can't help but worry about him... Polly: (comfortingly) He'll be fine, Francine. Trust me. [grins] So, tell me about your date. Francine: [same] What do you want to know? Polly: Everything. Don't spare the details. [As Francine informs Polly of her date with Guido, we check on the fearless leader and his cohorts...] Speedy: Polly was right. We don't have anything planned for today. Eventually, everything's going to be clean. Then what? GB: I don't know about you, but I could USE a rest after yesterday. That training wasn't exactly a cakewalk. Speedy: [nods] "Cakewalk" is most definitely NOT the term I would use to describe that. Jonas: I never said it would be EASY. Not once. Speedy: [laughs] Can't argue with that...[glances at Guido] Guys, I think something's bothering Guido. I know he says he's thinking, but he doesn't look like he's enjoying it very much. I'd have to say he almost looks like he's in PAIN. GB: [nods] Yeah, I noticed. You're the big psychic expert, Jonas. Do you know what's wrong with him? Jonas: I...have a theory. I can sense what he's thinking. How could I NOT? It's something very important, very personal, that much I can tell. He has conflicting emotions about it. It's really bothering him, causing a lot of stress. Speedy: Will he be all right? Jonas: Once he resolves whatever issues he's dealing with, yes. However, it may take time. GB: Is there anything we can do? Jonas: [shakes his head] If this is what I think it is, then no. He'll HAVE to go through this on his own. Speedy: I hope he gets through this...he may not think so sometimes, but Guido's a very important part of the team. We'd be nowhere without him. [Back to the girls...] Polly: He KISSED you? What'd YOU do? Francine: Nothing! I was a little surprised, but I wasn't ABOUT to stop him! [Polly and Francine laugh] Polly: So, where do you go from here? Francine: I'm not sure...I'd like to go out again, but we just went last night. To go so soon after that... Polly: You never know, Fran. He might find the idea just as appealing as you do. Francine: [smiles] You think so? Polly: He's the one who asked you out in the first place. Francine: [thinks] Maybe you're right...thanks, Polly. Polly: Don't ment- [Suddenly, the videophone rings, cutting Polly off] Francine: I'll get it! [Pushes a button. Big Al's face pops up on the screen, slightly blurred. Everyone gathers around] What's up, Al? Al: Hello, Francine. Are Speedy and the others there? Speedy: Right here, Al. We're all here. Al: Good. [spots Jonas] (curious) Who's that? Speedy: Al, I'd like to introduce you to our newest member, Jonas Miles. Jonas: [nods] You must be Big Al Dente. A pleasure. Al: Is he any good? Speedy: Al, this guy could take all of us out with both hands tied behind his back. I'd have to say that qualifies as "good". Al: (impressed) Oh. Well, in that case, welcome aboard. Guido: I trust this isn't a social call, Al? Al: [shakes his head] I'm afraid not, Guido. There have been complaints of some sort of disturbance downtown, but we're not sure what it is. There have been reports of the ground shaking, violently at times, and several radio and television transmissions are being interfered with. You're barely getting through to me. Polly: You look a little blurred yourself, Al. Any ideas as to what might be causing this? Al: [shakes his head] None. Citizens are growing more concerned, and I'm not entirely sure what to do. Jonas: [tapping a gauntlet] Hmm...there's some kind of electromagnetic disturbance downtown. That would explain the interference, but not the shaking. Fascinating... GB: Can you tell what it is? Jonas: No, but these readings say it's using enough power to run Las Vegas for a week. I want to check this out. Al: That's why I called. I think the people will calm down a little if they know the Samurai Pizza Cats are investigating. Speedy: [nods] All right. It shouldn't take all of us to handle this. GB, you and Francine stay here and finish up. The rest of us should be able to handle whatever's out there. Princess Vi: [on videophone] (faintly, off-screen) I'M SENDING YOU TO PRISONER ISLAND! Al: [looks off-screen] Uh-oh, the Princess lost another game of checkers. I have to go. Glad to see you're working on this. Talk to you later. [screen switches off] Francine: All righty...[pushes a few buttons on the launch console] (puzzled) Huh? Oh, not again! Sorry guys, but the cannon's acting up again. You'll have to walk. Jonas: In that case...[teleports the team's armors onto them] you might want these. Where exactly are we going, Francine? Francine: You got those comet pieces from Lucille, right? Her house is right in that area. Polly: [shrugs] Walking's fine with me. I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway. [walks toward the doorway] Speedy: [following Polly] Don't be silly. You look great. Polly: [blushing slightly] Why, thank you, dear. [Jonas follows Speedy and Polly. Guido turns to follow when...] Francine: Guido? [Speedy, Polly, and Jonas stop in the doorway] Guido: [turns to Francine] Yeah, Fran? Francine: (hesitant) Please...be careful... Guido: [walks up to Francine, gives her a long kiss] (softly) I will. [Guido walks to join a stunned Speedy and Polly] Speedy: Go, Guido! Polly: Wow, Guido. She'll be remembering THAT for a while. Jonas: [chuckles] Guido: [puts a hand behind his head, blushes a little] I just kissed her goodbye, guys. That's all. Speedy: SUUURE! [Polly giggles] [As Speedy, Polly, Guido, and Jonas leave...] GB: (teasing) Fran and Guido, sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G... Francine: [blushing deeply] (dreamily) Yeah...[realizes what GB is doing] (annoyed) HEY! CUT THAT OUT! [GB laughs hysterically] [Scene cuts to Speedy, Polly, Guido, and Jonas walking the streets. It is nearly midday, and the streets are crowded. Many citizens wave at the Pizza Cats as they walk by. The group takes a turn and begins walking along a quiet backstreet] Speedy: All right, Guido, spill it. Guido: (puzzled) Excuse me? Speedy: Your mind has been hanging out in the Twilight Zone lately, and I want to know WHY. Guido: Speedy...it's kind of PERSONAL... Polly: It's not that we don't respect your privacy, Guido. We DO, it's just that you're really starting to worry us, especially Francine. Guido: (softly) Francine...(normally) All right. I'll tell you what's on my mind, Speedy, but you have to tell me something first. Speedy: Shoot. Guido: What was it like when you asked Polly to marry you? [Speedy and Polly give Guido surprised looks] Polly: (puzzled) Why do you want to know that? Guido: You tell me, and I'll tell you. Speedy: I can tell you what it was like up to the night when I asked her, but it's a long story. Guido: [shrugs] It's a long walk. Speedy: [hesitates] All right. [stops walking] But you must all promise me something first. What I'm about to tell you, I've never told anyone, not even YOU, Polly. After we get back, I don't want Francine, GB, or anyone else to know about it. Understood? [Everyone nods] Speedy: All right. When I decided to ask Polly to marry me, it wasn't for her looks. [Polly gives Speedy a very hurt look] Speedy: (quickly) I mean, uh, it wasn't ONLY for her looks. [hugs Polly tightly] Don't get me wrong, Polly. You're BEAUTIFUL. But, I married her more for her personality. I knew that though she tried to look fierce on the outside, there was really a caring, gentle person inside. [Polly smiles] Speedy: I'd had my eye on her for a long time. We'd known each other since we were old enough to walk, and working with her really helped me to get to know her better. A few times, I mustered up the courage to ask her out, but something would always happen before I got the chance. Jonas: Like what? Speedy: [rubs his head] Most of the time, a frying pan to the side of my head. She always had a VERY short temper. That kind of discouraged me, but I didn't give up. The thing is, this happened SEVERAL times. When she wasn't asleep or working, she was yelling at me or Guido. I didn't know what to do. [hangs his head] By the time I realized I'd fallen in love with her, I was almost out of options. [Polly slowly turns pale] Polly: (whispers, to Jonas) What's wrong with him? He's talking like I'm not even here! Jonas: (whispers, to Polly) I think he's been waiting to get this off his chest. To him, he and Guido ARE the only ones here. Did you ever know about this? Polly: No. I never knew he cared about me for so long. He was always flirting with Lucille. Speedy: [overhearing Polly] Polly, I've never, EVER told ANYONE this, but...one of the reasons I flirted with Lucille so much was because I was hoping you'd step in, show you cared. Polly: (shocked) I DID! Speedy: [nods] Yeah, you did. But with that TEMPER of yours. You never bothered to try and discuss things, or try and talk it out. You hit me first, and asked questions later. Even when Bad Bird almost killed me (Bad Bird Uncaged)! When I came back, what did I get? A warm hug? An "I missed you"? No, I got a KICK IN THE HEAD! [his emotions overwhelming him, he punches a nearby steel pole, bending it in half] AAAARRGH! [his fists begin to glow white with energy] Jonas: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] Easy, Speedy. Calm down. Speedy: [his energy slowly dissipates] Sorry. Anyway, that's how it was. I wanted to tell her how I felt, but I was scared to death of how she might react. When she and Lucille formed the Pointless Sisters, it ripped me apart inside. I might never have had a chance to tell her how much I loved her, but I wanted her to be happy, so I didn't say anything. [sigh] Finally, I decided to ask her flat out to marry me, and hoped she'd let me talk to her before she caved my face in. That's what I wanted to talk to her about the night the comet came. I didn't care about some hokey legend. I'd just finally decided that I'd had enough. At least if she refused, I'd know I could finally give up. I knew she didn't HATE me, but for all I knew, she might not have any feelings for me at all. Polly: [teary-eyed] (softly) Speedy... Speedy: [clenches a fist] Then...the Big Cheese ruined everything. He turned the comet toward Earth, threatening the entire planet. After I came back from destroying the comet, I was actually a little surprised by how Polly reacted. From the way she always beat me up, I never thought she really cared about me. Later, Guido told me how she'd had a nervous breakdown while I was up there. That gave me the courage to try one last time. Guido: When did you ask her? Speedy: The night of that little party we had about three weeks ago. You know, that one to celebrate how much money we'd pulled in? Guido: [nods] Yeah. You announced it then, but I didn't know you asked her the same night. Speedy: I remember it vividly... [Scene does a flashback ripple to three weeks ago. We see the pizza parlor from the outside. It's late at night, and almost every light in the parlor is on. Switch to the inside. Polly, Guido, Francine, and the Rescue Team are all standing in the dining area with glasses of punch, chatting happily. Speedy stands alone in a corner, with his eyes half-open, deep in thought] General Catton: [raises his glass] A toast: To the most profitable week the Pizza Cats have ever had! Cheers! All but Speedy: [raise their glasses] Cheers! Polly: [takes a drink of her punch, notices Speedy alone] Huh? [walks over to him] Something wrong, Speedy? Speedy: (comes to his senses) Huh? Oh, it's nothing, Polly. Just have a lot on my mind, that's all. Polly: The last time you had a lot on your mind, you wanted to talk to me. We never got around to it. Speedy: [sighs] I know...which is why I'd like to talk to you tonight. Do you have a few minutes? Polly: (a little surprised) Sure. Just let me go to the bathroom and- Speedy: (interrupting) I'll be upstairs. [slowly walks upstairs] Polly: (confused) [Scene switches to the second floor. Speedy stands alone, gazing at the stars, and shaking a little. In a few minutes, Polly walks up] Polly: (concerned) Speedy, are you cold? You're shivering! Speedy: [gulps] No, Polly, I'm all right. Just a little nervous. Guido: (voice-over) Were you nervous, Speedy? Polly: (voice-over) He just said he was! Guido: (voice-over) I know, but HOW nervous? It's important. Speedy: (voice-over) I can easily say that I have NEVER been more nervous in my entire life. My chest ached, my head was throbbing, and I could barely stand up, but other than that, I felt great. Polly: (voice-over) [laughs] You hadn't even STARTED yet! Jonas: (voice-over) Well, come on! I want to hear the rest! Speedy: (voice-over) Okay, okay... Polly: (puzzled) Nervous? About what? Speedy: [reaches into his pocket] Here, I want you to have this. [pulls out a golden, heart-shaped locket, hands it to Polly] Polly: (in awe) Oh, Speedy...it's beautiful...[Opens the locket. Inside is a picture of Polly helping Speedy up off the ground, holding a broken frying pan in one hand] Guido: (voice-over) [laughs] I remember taking that one! Jonas: (voice-over, sarcastically) Oh, THERE'S a nice picture... Speedy: (voice-over, annoyed) It was the best one I could find of us together! Polly: (voice-over) [nervous laugh] Polly: (confused) But Speedy...why? You know you didn't have to. Speedy: [sighs, lays a hand on Polly's shoulder] Because I care, Polly. [Polly stands in stunned silence] Speedy: [shaking very badly now, kneels down, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a small, velvet box] Polly Esther, I love you more than life itself, with all my heart and soul. [opens the box, revealing a diamond ring] Will you marry me? Polly: [gently takes the ring] (softly, in shock) Oh, Speedy...I...I need some time to- Speedy: [nods] (cutting her off) Of course. Take all the time you need. [Polly walks slowly into the room by the balcony, cradling the ring and locket in her hands, while Speedy returns his gaze to the stars] Guido: (voice-over) How did YOU feel, Polly? Polly: (voice-over) Now it was MY turn to be nervous. Hey, it was only the BIGGEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! I always thought he might ask me someday, but not quite that soon. I looked at the ring, at him, and back at the ring again. Then I asked myself one simple question: Did I want to spend the rest of my life with this man? [Polly slips the ring on, and fastens the locket around her neck] Polly: (voice-over) I knew the answer was yes. [Polly walks back out onto the balcony. Speedy is shaking VERY badly now, and is grasping the balcony railing for support] Polly: (voice-over) [laughs] Poor Speedy was shaking so much, it's a miracle the parlor didn't collapse! Polly: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] Hey. Speedy: [surprised and nervous, jumps nearly a foot in the air] AAH! Polly: [holding onto him] (quickly) Easy, Speedy, easy. It's me. Speedy: [calming down] Oh...[breathing heavily] Sorry. [notices Polly is wearing the ring and locket] Hey...does this mean...? Polly: [smiles] Yes. Speedy: [for a moment, uncomprehending] Yes? [smiles, tears run down his cheeks] YES! [Speedy picks Polly up by the waist and spins around and around with her] Speedy: (yells, joyously) SHE SAID YES!!! [hugs Polly tightly, cries joyously] [Downstairs...] Francine: [looking up at the ceiling] Do you hear yelling, Guido? Guido: [same] Yeah. Speedy and Polly went up there a few minutes ago. You don't think she hurt him, do you? [Minutes later, Speedy and Polly come downstairs] Speedy: [holding Polly's hand, clears his throat] Excuse me, everyone. We have an announcement to make. Guido: There you two are. Are you okay, Speedy? Speedy: [smiles] Guido, I've never felt better in my entire life. Guido: (puzzled)...? Francine: What's the big announcement? Polly: [smiles] Speedy and I are getting married! [For a moment, everyone is silent] Guido: Um...ALL RIGHT! Francine: Uh...YEAH! [Everyone begins clapping] Speedy: [smiles] (whispers, to Polly) Guess that took a second to sink in, huh? Polly: [laughs] [Scene ripples back to present day] Guido: After that, you were married about three days later. Speedy: That's right. Okay, your turn. Polly: [grabs Speedy's arm] You two go ahead. We'll be right there. [Guido and Jonas exchange glances, then continue on] Speedy: [turns to Polly] (puzzled) What is it, Polly? Polly: [tears stream down her cheeks] (voice breaking) Oh, Speedy, I'm so sorry! [hugs Speedy tightly, sobbing loudly] Speedy: [pats Polly on the back] (consoling, feeling guilty) Oh, God, Polly. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel guilty. It's not your fault. It's mine, for not trying hard enough. Polly: [sobbing] No. If I had just taken the time to listen to what you had to say instead of being so mean to you...why didn't I see it sooner? [sobs] Speedy: [wipes a tear from Polly's cheek] It all worked out for the best, didn't it? We're here now, aren't we? Together? Polly: [sniffles] Yes, but... Speedy: No "buts". I married you for who you are. A gentle, loving, compassionate person. I don't have to worry about keeping an eye on you because I know you can take care of yourself. You're tougher than most MEN I know. You know that. It's part of what makes you so special. Without you, there would be no Samurai Pizza Cats. Polly: [sniffles, laughs] I guess so...[Opens her locket. Inside is a picture of herself and Speedy standing in front of their wedding cake. She smiles] Speedy: (softly) Whatever happens, I'll always love you, with all my heart and soul. [kisses Polly passionately] Now, what do you say we catch up...partner? Polly: [grasps Speedy's hand tightly] I'm with you...partner. [Up ahead...] Guido: Are they walking slower, or did they stop? Jonas: [stops, turns around] Here they come. [Polly comes running up, with Speedy behind] Polly: [laughing, gasping for breath] I...I beat ya! [gasp] Speedy: [same] No fair! [gasp] You...took a head start! [gasp] Guido: You two okay? Speedy: [recovering] Yeah...just a little...family fun... [Polly laughs] Guido: [chuckles] Okay...so, it's my turn now? Speedy: Yeah. Your turn to empty your life onto the street. What's with all this zoning out lately? Guido: Well...the reason is...I've been thinking about asking Francine to marry me. Polly: (shocked) You? Marry Francine? Speedy: [laughs] Is the great kitty Casanova ready to settle down? Jonas: I KNEW IT! I could sense it was something very personal, but without directly invading your mind, I couldn't put my finger on it. Guido: (seriously) C'mon, guys. I'm dead serious here. Polly: We know, it's just that this is unexpected. Speedy: [begins chuckling quietly] Guido: (curious) What's so funny? Speedy: [smiles] Don't you remember, Guido? Guido: Remember what? Speedy: When Polly and I were married. Francine caught the bouquet, after it bounced off your head. [laughs] I still remember how Polly wrestled it away from her at GB and Carla's wedding! Polly: [nervous laugh] Jonas: Isn't this a little SUDDEN? You only went on your first date last night! Guido: I know, but...I've been meaning to ask her for a while now...I've just been afraid of what she might say...when she asked me to watch the sunrise with her the other day, it made me feel better. Dinner last night helped, too. Polly: [lays a hand on Guido's shoulder] Guido, I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but...Francine really wants to see you again. Guido: [smiles] She does? Jonas: Yes. She cares about you a great deal, but she's been just as afraid as you have, for the same reason. She's very concerned for your well-being. Guido: I...I didn't know...[Reaches into his pocket, pulls out a small green box, and removes the lid. Inside is a diamond ring] Speedy: That's not a bad ring, Guido. When did you get it? Guido: While we were out yesterday. While Francine went into a store, I went into the jeweler's for a second. I plan to ask her when we get back from checking this out. [hangs his head] (softly) I...I love her, you guys. Speedy: You asked me how I proposed to Polly because you needed some reference, right? Guido: [nods] I wanted to hear how you fought your nervousness. Speedy: [laughs] You should talk to Meowzma or GB! They have more marriage experience than we do. Polly: Well, you know that whatever you do, we're behind you 100%, right? Guido: You mean it? Speedy: Of course. You two mean the world to us. We need you. [Jonas nods in agreement] Guido: [smiles] Thanks, guys. You don't know how much that means to me. Polly: [gives Guido a hug] No sweat, Guido. [The group walks along for several minutes] Jonas: Are we THERE yet? Speedy: [points ahead to a group of buildings about 100 yards away] Just beyond there. [Suddenly, a blinding explosion engulfs the area Speedy was pointing to. There is a sound like a massive train slamming into a chemical factory. The sky fills with smoke] Jonas: [shields his eyes] (yelling over sound) What the hell was that!? Guido: [same] (same) Some kind of BOMB! Polly: [same] (same) We've got to get over there, NOW! Speedy: [same] (same) Jonas, can you teleport us there? Jonas: [hits a few buttons on one gauntlet] No good! We're too close to the source of that interference! We'll have to run! [The group sprints toward the flames. When they are about 50 yards away, a chain of explosions knocks them off their feet] Speedy: [falls down] OOMPH! Guido: [struggling to his feet, coughing] I can't see! Polly: [same] It's hard to breathe...[cough] Jonas: Hunter! Engage their oxygen filtration measures, NOW! [On all the Cats' helmets, masks similar to the ones on their Catatonic suits slide down. Switch to Speedy's view. It's an infrared-type view, and all the smoke has been filtered out] Speedy: [breathing heavily] Thanks, Jonas. What's going on!? Jonas: Could be anything. Maybe a gas line ruptured or something. Let's GO! [The group finally arrives on the street where the explosions originated. There is rubble everywhere. Several buildings are collapsed or badly damaged, and many are on fire. Several large, circular indentations have been made in the ground. The smoke from the fires is lifting high into the sky] Guido: (shocked) Good Lord... Polly: (same) What HAPPENED here...? Speedy: We'll find out later. Right now, we've got to worry about these people! It's broad daylight. The streets were packed. There's no telling how many people are buried alive here! Jonas: You handle the people, I'll handle the fires. Hunter! I need a carbon dioxide dispenser! Hunter: A fire extinguisher, sir? Jonas: YES! [A small nozzle forms on one of Jonas' gauntlets. He levitates around, dousing fires] Guido: [Hacking away at some rubble with his sword. A hand reaches out and grabs his forearm] You'll be all right. Injured Construction Worker: (relieved) Thank you, man. Polly: [Lifts a large slab of concrete of the street. A family is huddled closely together underneath. Polly tosses the slab aside] Quickly! Get to safety! Speedy: [helping an elderly man covered with ash out of some rubble] There you are. [A baby can be heard crying] Speedy: [turns in the direction of the crying] Eh? [Sees a woman clutching her baby, crouching in the structure of a collapsing building. A large chunk of granite crumbles off and plummets straight for them] NO! [Unsheathes his sword, leaps high into the air, and slices the chunk into small pieces. Grabs the woman's hand] Come on, we've gotta move! [leads her out just as the building collapses behind them] Woman: [hugs Speedy tightly] (crying) Oh, how can I ever thank you? Speedy: (embarrassed) Um...well...uh... Polly: (slightly annoyed) He's MARRIED. [yanks Speedy away] Guido: (shocked) Oh, NO! GUYS!! LUCILLE!!! [Speedy and Polly turn to face Lucille's house. It has completely collapsed, and a hand is sticking out of the rubble] Speedy: [Tosses aside some rubble, grabs the hand, and pulls out Lucille's brother Wally {"If you Knew Sushi Like I Know Sushi", actually shown in the U.S.! Yay! ;)}] (shocked) WALLY!? Wally: (weakly) Speedy? Is that YOU? Speedy: [facemask slides up] We've had a little makeover, Wally. What happened here? Wally: I'm not sure. It all happened so fast...where's my sister? Guido: [hacking away at rubble] We're trying to get her out! Jonas: Wait. [Stares at the ruin of Lucille's house, narrows his eyes, and hangs his head] I'm sorry. There's no one left alive in there. Wally: LUCILLE! [falls to his knees, sobbing] Polly: [hugs Wally, through tears] (consoling) There, there, Wally. I'm sorry. It'll be okay. Guido: (softly) Lucille...[tears run down his cheeks] Speedy: [grits his teeth, clenches his fists] Lucille...[white energy forms around his hands] Jonas: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] Easy, Speedy. Save it for whoever did this. Right now, we've got to find out what happened. Wally: (distraught, softly) Lucille... Polly: I know this hurts, Wally. I've been there. When I thought I lost Speedy, I wanted to die. He came back, but even if he didn't, I know I would have moved on. I'd never forget him, just like you'll never forget Lucille. No one should have to go through this, but they do. Please...we need your help to find out who did this. Wally: [recovering] You...you're right...I'll tell you everything I know...it's what she would have wanted...[glances at Jonas] Who's he? Polly: His name's Jonas. He's our newest member. Guido: Is there anyone else left, Jonas? Jonas: [looks around] No one we can help, Guido. I'm sorry. Speedy: (trying to be calm) Wally...what happened? Wally: (sniffles) We...we were just drinking tea when...the whole place shook a little. I looked out the window...[points to a circular indentation] and with each shake, those holes began appearing out of nowhere. I didn't see anything around to make them. Then, buildings just started caving in. Again, I saw nothing causing it. We got up to run, when I heard this sound...like out of one of those science fiction movies. Jonas: Like this? [points a glowing fist to the sky, and unleashes a blast of energy] Wally: [eyes widen] Yeah, like that, only higher-pitched. The whole place went white, and the next thing I knew, I was buried in here. Jonas: Hunter, scan for unfamiliar energy signatures. Hunter: Working...[beeps] Unrecorded energy signature detected. Most likely cause: Weapons discharge. Polly: Wally, do you have anywhere to go? Wally: [sniffles] Yeah, I know some people... Polly: Go there. Now. Please. Wally: All right. [turns to go, stops] Polly...promise me you'll get whoever did this. Polly: [nods] I promise. [Everyone nods. Wally leaves] Jonas: Check out these holes, guys. [All gather around a large indentation] Jonas: Hunter, analyze: Four pairs of large, circular indentations, about four feet in diameter, and three inches deep. Hunter: Working...traces of titanium and an unknown alloy found. Jonas: Unknown alloy? Collect samples. Polly: What could have done this? Those explosions didn't cause these. Wally said they came out of nowhere. Jonas: An explosion wouldn't make a crater in a perfect circle anyway. This slope drops straight down, too. An explosion's crater is more likely to have a curved slope. Size is WAY too small for what we saw. [crouches down] Judging from the depth...I'd say something dropped down from directly above. Something BIG, and HEAVY. At least a few tons. [gets up] Guys, I think these are TRACKS. Guido: What would make tracks like these? Jonas: Let's review the facts. 1: Traces of titanium and an unknown alloy found. 2: Track depth indicates a weight of several tons. 3: These are BIG tracks. 4: Explosions set off, possibly caused by energy weapons. 5: Mass destruction. So, what's big, metal, and likes to break stuff? Speedy: [clenches fists, begins to glow] (quietly) ROBOTS. Polly: But HOW? It can't be Seymour! He was exiled and left penniless! Jonas: Who else do you know that likes to use gigantic robots for mindless destruction? Guido: Whatever it was, it's not here now. [thinks] If it's not here now, where IS it? Jonas: I wonder...could all this have been...[looks toward the pizza parlor] a diversion? [eyes narrow] We have to get back! NOW! Speedy: Why? What- [A loud explosion from the direction of the parlor cuts Speedy off] Guido: (yells) FRANCINE! Jonas: Hunter! Teleport us to the parlor, NOW! Hunter: Interference detected, sir. There is a danger of pattern dispers- Jonas: (interrupting) I DON'T CARE! DO IT NOW! [View switches to the front of GB's house. Several walls have collapsed. The outlines of Speedy, Polly, Guido, and Jonas appear in faint yellow, flicker, and then fully materialize] Speedy: Did we make it? Jonas: That was risky, but we got through. Polly: [turns to parlor] Oh, no... [The parlor looks...bad. The dining area has been exposed, the balcony destroyed, and the front of the cannon is missing, although the rooms remain intact] Speedy: [begins slashing away at the rubble] Come on! Looks like it didn't hit it that hard! Jonas: [tosses away debris] I think we surprised it! It didn't expect us here so soon! Polly: I found GB! [GB has sustained several cuts and bruises, but is otherwise okay] Speedy: GB! You okay, man? GB: (dazed) Francine...she's still in there... Guido: I FOUND HER! [Francine is buried from the waist down, has sustained multiple cuts, and has a trickle of blood running down the side of her head] Francine: [smiles] (weakly) Were you careful, like I asked? Guido: [teary-eyed] Yeah. Looks like you've seen better days, though. [Francine smiles, and slips into unconsciousness] Guido: (frantic) FRANCINE! [Scene changes to a hospital hallway. Speedy and Polly sit in two chairs next to each other, holding hands tightly. Both have worried looks on their faces. GB walks slowly down the hallway, with his ribs bandaged and a Band-Aid on his forehead] Speedy: [gets up to help GB] Easy, friend. You all right? GB: [nods] Doctors say I'll be fine. Just some cuts and bruises, nothing broken. Is Francine okay? Polly: We don't know. Guido's been with her since we got here. There hasn't been any word. GB: Have you seen Carla? Is she here? Speedy: (sadly) GB...your house collapsed. We don't know where Carla is. She might be... GB: NO! (crying softly) Carla... Carla: BIRDIE! GB: Huh? [Speedy, Polly, and GB turn to look down the hall. Carla is running toward them, with Jonas walking close behind] GB: Carla...? Carla: [hugs GB tightly] (sobbing) Oh, Birdie... GB: [winces] (in pain) Watch the ribs, hon. Carla: [lets go, teary-eyed] I was out shopping while you were at work. I saw some explosion across town, and decided to head home. When I got there, our house had just...fallen in. The parlor looked just as bad. But that man...[points to Jonas] said he was a friend of yours, and knew where you were. He was looking around the place. GB: [smiles] That's Jonas, Carla. Remember me telling you about him? Carla: THAT'S him? Somehow, I thought he'd be...taller. Jonas: [laughs] There's something I don't get often! (seriously) Your house and the parlor were lucky. Whatever was attacking wasn't expecting us, and took off when we got there. Almost everything is intact, and what isn't can be replaced. I'm going back to look for clues. Any word on Francine? Speedy: [shakes his head] None. We just have to hope that no news is good news. Polly: Speaking of news...[gets up, turns on small television in the corner] TV Newscaster: Once again, our top story of the hour: The mysterious explosions that ripped through Little Tokyo at around noon today. Although many are unsure about what may have caused these explosions, Little Tokyo's most prominent scientific mind, the Professor, believes he has an explanation. Professor? Professor: We have a very mysterious situation here! Based on a limited gathering of evidence, we have a theory that these explosions were caused when a very localized earthquake struck this area of Little Tokyo, similar to those felt yesterday, and ruptured a gas main. This set off a series of explosions, which only worsened the situation. TV Newscaster: Eyewitnesses place the Samurai Pizza Cats on the scene, helping the wounded and investigating damage. Here is some amateur video, shot by a bystander. [Grainy video pops up of Speedy saving the woman in the building] TV Newscaster: The Cats left abruptly, however, when an explosion occurred at their headquarters across town. The Professor's explanation for the damage caused there is the same as for the rest of the city. He believes that somehow, ANOTHER earthquake localized itself on that area, focusing on the parlor, and damaging surrounding buildings. City-wide damage results have come in: 103 dead, more than twice as many wounded, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural damages. [Jonas mutters something inaudible] Speedy: [switches off TV, sits down] Polly: 103 people...just, killed... Carla: That's horrible... GB: What happened down there, guys? Speedy: [shakes his head] We're not sure. There were holes, BIG ones. We think they may be tracks. There were metallic traces in them, so they may have been made by...a robot. GB: (shocked) A WHAT!? Speedy: That's not all. Lucille...Lucille didn't make it. Carla: [teary-eyed] Lucille...no...[buries her head in GB's shoulder] GB: [hugs Carla tightly] (consoling) There, there. It'll be all right. Jonas: What happened on your end? GB: [shakes his head] I don't know. I was kind of making fun of Francine about her and Guido, just playing around. Suddenly, the roof just fell in. Next thing I knew, Polly was pulling me out. Jonas: Just a second. [places a hand on GB's shoulder, and a yellow glow surrounds him] How do you feel? GB: (surprised) I feel GREAT! [rips off Band-Aid and rib bandages] Thanks! Carla: What happened to Francine? [Guido trudges down the hall, looking at the floor] Jonas: How is she, Guido? Guido: [walks up to Jonas] (quietly, but obviously angry) Who did this? Jonas: Calm down, Guido. Guido: [picks Jonas up by the neck of his cloak, slams him against the wall] (enraged) WHO DID THIS!? Jonas: Now, Guido. I know how you feel right now, and- Guido: [tears streaming down his cheeks] (interrupting, ballistic) THE HELL YOU DO!! ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IS DEAD, AND THE WOMAN I LOVE IS DYING DOWN THE HALL!!! HOW IN THE HELL COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW HOW I FEEL!?!? [begins to glow a bright blue] Jonas: Put me down, Guido. Guido: WHY!?!? Jonas: [eyes narrow] (darkly) Because I don't know of many ways to make you let go of me that won't take your ARM OFF. Guido: [Eyes widen as he comes to his senses. Slowly, he lowers Jonas down] (stammering) I...I'm sorry, I...(voice breaking) I just love her so much! [hugs Jonas out of emotion, sobs into his shoulder] Jonas: [pats Guido on the back] (a little surprised) Um...easy, Guido...(PSI to Speedy and Polly, pleading) HELP ME! Speedy: [lays a hand on Guido's shoulder] Come on, my friend. It'll be all right. Polly: [supporting Guido with her shoulder] He's right. Come over here, and talk to us. Guido: [leans on Polly, having a total breakdown] I lost Lucille, I can't lose Francine too! Jonas: Guido, did you say DYING, as in "not dead yet"? Guido: [sniffles] Yes. The doctors are taking her into surgery now. They...they don't expect her to make it... Jonas: [grabs Guido, shakes him] (frantic) WHERE? QUICKLY! Guido: [points] (surprised) Down the hall, third door on the right. What- [Before Guido can say another word, Jonas sprints down the hall. Scene switches to the operating room. Francine lies prone on a table, wearing a blanket and oxygen mask. Several doctors and nurses are gathered around her, wearing blue garb, goggles, and masks] Doctor: All right, we're going to start by removing some of this damaged skin from the head area. Nurse, scalpel. [One of the nurses hands the doctor a scalpel. As he gets ready to make the first incision, Jonas walks in] Doctor: Who are you? Where's your mask? Jonas: I'm the Cats' resident physician. I'm germ-free, I assure you. Please, put that scalpel down. Doctor: Nurse, call security. Tell them to get down here immediately. [A nurse reaches for a yellow phone on the wall, but her hand stops inches from it] Nurse: I...I can't move! [Several doctors and nurses try to move, but find they can't] Jonas: [sighs, shakes his head] Some people, eh, Hunter? [walks up to Francine] Well, at least they didn't open you up yet, Francine. One less injury for me to take care of. Analysis, Hunter? Hunter: Working...multiple lacerations, broken ribs, collapsed lung, internal- Jonas: (interrupting) That's enough, Hunter. I'd rather not know. [lays a hand on Francine's head] (softly) Heal. [Several cuts on Francine's face disappear, but a few still remain] Jonas: (puzzled) WHAT? What's this? That should have given her a complete recovery! Hunter: Analyzing...no permanent damage remains, although several minor wounds are still present. There appears to be some sort of counteragent in effect. Jonas: Scan for any anomalies. Hunter: Unidentified energy signature detected. Jonas: The same one from earlier? Hunter: Yes, sir. Jonas: (muttering) How could that counteract my powers...? [shrugs] We'll worry about that later. Looks like we'll have to do this the slow way. [reaches into one of the pouches on his belt, pulls out a small metal gauntlet, and clasps it to Francine's right arm] That should speed things up a little. (softly) Wake up, Francine. Francine: [slowly opens her eyes] (weakly, puzzled) Wh...where am I...? Jonas: The hospital. How do you feel? Francine: [rubs her head] (groans, sarcastically) Oh, never better. What happened? Jonas: Something attacked the parlor. You and GB were inside. Francine: Is he all right? Jonas: He's fine. Francine: Where's everyone else? Jonas: In the hall, worried sick about you. Guido's a nervous wreck. Francine: (softly) Guido...can I see him? Jonas: Of course. Wait just a minute. [starts to walk out, then stops] Oh, yes. Almost forgot. [an odd electrical sound is heard] You are free to proceed, doctors. [The medical staff can only stare blankly as Jonas walks out. Speedy spots him as he's coming down the hall and walks over] Speedy: How is she? Jonas: She'll be fine. Her healing will take about a day, though. I found traces of that energy signature we found downtown on her. I don't know how, but it's actually DAMPENING my powers. Most unusual. [spots Polly with an arm around Guido, who is hanging his head] How's Guido? Speedy: [looks over at Polly and Guido, sighs] We've been having a little confessional for the last few minutes. He's convinced Fran isn't going to make it, and has been spilling his guts about how much he cares for her. He's very vulnerable right now. Jonas: Better let me through, then. [Walks over to Guido, lays a hand on his shoulder. Guido looks up at him with tear-filled eyes] (softly) Talk to her, Guido. She's waiting for you. [Guido, without saying a word, gets up and bolts down the hall] Jonas: I'm heading back to the parlor to search for clues. I shouldn't be long. Polly: Expect to find GB and Carla there. They already left. [Jonas nods, and exits. Enter the operating room. Guido is conversing with one of the doctors] Doctor: Please, try and keep it to a minimum. We're not sure what your friend did, but this woman still needs to get some rest. She hasn't completely healed yet. Guido: [nods] I will. [walks over to Francine's bed] (softly) How you doing? Francine: [smiles] Better, now that you're here. Guido: [same] Glad to hear it. Since you're not critical anymore, the doctors are going to move you to an actual room soon. Francine: Good. I'm getting sick of being in here. [silent for a moment] Guido, did you really have a breakdown in the hall? Guido: (surprised) Well, er...um...who told you? Francine: Who do you think? Guido: [mutters something under his breath] Francine: (seriously) Hey, now. I DID ask him what was going on. Besides...[smiles] It's comforting to know you care so much. [touches Guido's hand] Guido: [squeezes Francine's hand, blushes a little] Francine: [sighs, laughs softly] Well, it looks like Lucille and I might have to postpone our little shopping trip this weekend. Guido: (sadly) Francine...we have to talk. [Scene switches to the hallway again. Guido walks down the hall with a saddened look on his face] Polly: How is she? Guido: I told her about Lucille. She needs some time alone after that. Speedy: You sure that was wise in her current condition? Guido: Better she hear it from me than from some stranger, Speedy. [looks around] Where's Jonas? Speedy: Went back to the parlor to check things out. Haven't heard from him. [There is a loud slam as a door is kicked open. Jonas stalks down the hall, clutching something in his right hand. He walks up to the counter by Speedy and Polly and slams whatever it is down so hard, it cracks the counter surface. GB and Carla walk up, and Jonas leaves again] Speedy: [Examines the item. It appears to be a crumpled piece of paper] Hmm...[Unfolds it. It is a photograph of one of the parlor's exterior walls, with some kind of design burnt into it. The design is a birdlike skull with wings and gnashing fangs, with crossed talons underneath] This is...the emblem of the Flying Skull! GB: Not quite, but a close variation. I can't believe the Flying Skull would do something like this. Polly: Why not? We've fought them dozens of times, you included! Carla: Although Ninja Crows study the ways of combat, they also have a strict honor code. The slaughter we heard about downtown wasn't honorable, it was a mass killing of innocents. Guido: Jonas looked angry. You know what was wrong? Speedy: Guido...I think that's his way of saying..."I told you so". He warned us this could happen, remember? Now that it has, I think he's almost blaming us for rejecting his training at first. Guido: Maybe he set this whole thing up. We don't know what he can really do, and his story sounds phony to ME. Polly: If he was against us, why go to all the trouble? Why not simply kill us and be done with it? GB: LISTEN TO YOURSELVES! I don't know if you've forgotten, but one of the main reasons Francine is still alive is because of him. He told us what he did for her. This whole thing has him pretty spooked. He can't figure out how whatever this is can weaken his powers. Guido: [sighs] I guess you're right...he DID help Francine... [A doctor walks up] Doctor: Are you friends of Miss Manx? Speedy: Yes. Will she be all right? Doctor: Her progress, due to the intervention of your cloaked friend, has been astounding. Although her remaining injuries are minor, we want to keep her overnight for observation, just to be on the safe side. Speedy: [turns to group] What do you think? Voice: Yes. [Everyone turns to see Jonas walk in the door] Jonas: The parlor has been completely thrashed. You have nowhere else to go. Doctor: I'll take that as a yes. I'll have materials ready for all of you soon. [leaves] Speedy: Find anything? Jonas: Two more holes, and...something else. I came to tell you that I'm heading back, and you can return to the parlor in the morning. Polly: Don't tell me you're going to try and rebuild it! Jonas: No trying. Only doing. Later. [leaves] GB: (as Yoda) "Do, or do not. There is no try." Guido: [chuckles] That's a fact. [The hours pass quickly as everyone settles into makeshift accommodations in the hospital. Late that night...] Speedy: [staring at the Flying Skull emblem] Voice: Hey. [Speedy looks up to see the assembled Rescue Team] Speedy: [gets up, shakes General Catton's hand] It's good to see you. What took you so long? Spritz: You won't believe this, but we just heard about it! Catton: [nods] Our businesses were packed all day from the customers you usually get. I flipped on the TV to see most of the city in ruins. Meowzma: The General called the rest of us and told us to turn on the news. We could hardly believe it! Bat Cat: Are you guys okay? Speedy: [nods] I was there, and I barely believe it myself. We're okay, but Francine got busted up pretty badly. She's in there with Guido. [Points to Francine's room. Polly enters that room with some coffee] Also, Lucille...she didn't make it, guys... Spritz: That's terrible! Bat Cat: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] I'm sorry, Speedy. Speedy: (softly) I know...[sigh] Things just keep getting weirder and weirder. Meowzma: The news showed some guy in a cloak sneaking around your restaurant. Who was it? Speedy: That would be our newest member, Jonas Miles. Guys, he's unreal. Uses powers like nothing we've ever seen before. He put us through some kind of training course yesterday, taught us some of what he knows. [slowly levitates out of his seat] I mean, LOOK at this! [The Rescue Team stares in awe] Speedy: [slowly floats back down] I'll be sure to tell you all about that later. NOT a pleasant experience. Catton: Any idea who did this yet? Speedy: Evidence points to a robot...and that's not all. [hands Catton the photo] That was BURNED into the parlor wall. Catton: The Ninja Crows? But, they've never been this VICIOUS! Speedy: I know. Carla doesn't believe they did it. Neither does GB. [As if on cue, GB and Carla walk in] GB: Well, well. Look who's here. Rescue Team: (in unison) CARLA! [entire team gives Carla a monstrous hug] Carla: (surprised) ACK! Birdie, help! [laughs] GB: [laughs] You're on your own! Spritz: [hugs Carla] Good to see you, Carla. Carla: Good to see you guys, too. Meowzma: [shakes GB's hand] How you been? GB: As well as can be expected. I'm glad someone familiar finally showed up. Polly: [walks out of Francine's room] (curious) What's going on? Rescue Team: (in unison) POLLY! [massive hug] Polly: (surprised) WHA? [laughs, hugs all team members] I missed you boys, too! Bat Cat: Glad to see you're okay, Polly. Catton: Yeah. Polly: [touched but trying to hide it] Thanks, boys. Why don't you see Fran and Guido? They're right in there. [points] Catton: Good idea, Polly. [hands Speedy the photo, then walks into Francine's room, followed by the rest of the team] Rescue Team: (in unison) FRANCINE! [Francine can be heard laughing hysterically] Polly: [giggles, sits next to Speedy] They haven't changed a bit. Speedy: [smiles] Yeah. How are Francine and Guido? Polly: Francine's doing well, but poor Guido needed some coffee. He hasn't left her side all night, and I don't think he plans to. Carla: [sighs] How sweet... GB: Well, if you two don't mind, Carla and I are going to find someplace to sleep. Speedy: [nods] Go ahead. [GB and Carla go up the hall a little, and sit in two empty chairs next to each other] Polly: (concerned) You should try and get some sleep too, dear. Staring at that photo all night won't help you any. Speedy: [sighs] I know. I just feel so helpless. We were caught totally off guard with this. Never saw it coming. Makes me feel...well...(almost inaudibly) scared. Polly: (shocked) SCARED? YOU? Speedy: [nods, too embarrassed to say anything] Polly: [hugs Speedy tightly] I'm sorry, Speedy. I just don't really see you scared that often. You're always the one reinforcing ME. But you know something? There's no one else on Earth I'd rather be with at a time like this. [kisses Speedy gently, rests her head on his shoulder, and closes her eyes] Speedy: [smiles] (softly) Thanks, Polly. I just wish I was as confident about this as you are. Polly: [mumbles something softly, already fast asleep] Speedy: [smiles] Good night, sweetheart. [kisses Polly on the cheek, and is soon asleep himself] [Scene switches to a close up of a digital clock on a wall. The display reads 2:00 AM. The hospital is very dark, with the only light coming from dimly lit wall lights and some moonlight coming in through the windows. Switch to Francine's room. Francine is asleep in her bed. Guido sits asleep in a chair, snoring quietly. The Rescue Team members are in sitting positions on the floor, propped up against a wall, asleep. Switch to the hallway. GB and Carla are asleep, with a blanket draped over them. The view slowly pans over to Speedy and Polly, and a dark figure is draping a blanket over them, as well] Jonas: (softly) Sleep well, my friends. Hunter: Do you not wish to report to them what you've found, sir? Jonas: They've had a very hard day, Hunter. They won't be of any use to me if they're too fatigued to fight. Hunter: But you DO plan to wake them? Jonas: Eventually, YES. But not yet. Pull up a map of the Earth for me. [A small beam of light emits from one of Jonas' gauntlets, projecting a 3-D globe of the Earth] Jonas: Give me a location based on the information we found. [A blip pops up somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean] Jonas: (puzzled) What? Hunter, recheck your calculations. Hunter: Working...calculations confirmed. Location is correct. Jonas: But that doesn't make any sense...you up for a little road trip, Hunter? Hunter: Always, sir. [Jonas silently disappears. Scene switches to Francine's room, later that morning. It's still early, but sunlight is shining in through the windows. Francine is still asleep, but the Rescue Team is nowhere to be seen. Guido walks in with a tray of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and orange juice, and sets it down on the bed] Guido: (softly) Francine...Francine? Francine: (drowsily) Huh? [smiles] Oh, hi Guido. [yawn] What time is it? Guido: About 8:00. How do you feel? Francine: [thinks] Let me check. [sits up quickly, throws her arms around Guido] I feel GREAT! Guido: [laughs, pats Francine on the back] Glad to hear it, Fran. I brought you some breakfast. Francine: Oh, thank you. [takes a bite of the eggs] Where did the Rescue Team go? Guido: They're downstairs in the cafeteria. I thought you might like some breakfast in bed. Francine: [smiles] You'd be right. [takes a drink of the orange juice] Would you like some? Guido: [shakes his head] I already ate. I'm not hungry. Francine: [nods, silent for a moment] Guido...tell me something...did you stay here all night? Guido: Yeah. Francine: Awake? Guido: I stayed up until...12:30, 1:00 maybe. Then I fell asleep. Francine: (concerned) Guido, you really shouldn't have. I know you're concerned, but you shouldn't sacrifice your health for me. Guido: [holds Francine's hands, sighs] Francine, you know you mean a lot to me. I couldn't get any rest without making sure you'd be safe, first. Francine: (softly) Guido, I... [Jonas walks in] Jonas: (hurriedly) There you are, Guido. Glad to see you awake, Francine. How do you feel? Francine: [nods] I'm fine. Is something wrong? You look out of breath. Jonas: I found something. I need to get everyone together downstairs as soon as possible. Guido: We're ready now, if you need us. Jonas: Good. Follow me. [quickly walks out] Guido: [helping Francine up] Easy does it. Francine: [smiles] I'll be fine, Guido. You can go on ahead. Guido: [shakes his head] Not a chance. I'm not letting you out of my sight. Francine: (touched) Well, if that's the way you want it...[jumps up, dashes out the door] You'll have to catch me, first! Guido: (surprised) Huh? Hey, wait up! [chases after Francine] [Scene changes to the hospital cafeteria. Speedy, Polly, GB, Carla, and the Rescue Team are all gathered around a table talking about something. Guido and Francine walk in, holding hands tightly] Speedy: [notices Guido and Francine enter] Eh? [gets up, gives Francine a gentle hug] You okay, Francy? Francine: [nods] I feel much better, Speedy. Thanks. Guido: [looks around] Where's Jonas? He told us to come down here. Polly: [walks over] We were kind of hoping you could tell us the same thing. [The ventilation grate above the table clatters to the ground, and Jonas drops from the ducts onto the table, sword drawn. Everyone in the room stares in shock] Jonas: [sheathes his sword] (darkly) If I had been hostile, none of you would still be BREATHING. Speedy: Why exactly are we down here, anyway? Jonas: [jumps off the table, walks over to Francine, removes the gauntlet on her arm, and returns it to his satchel] I found something you'll all want to see. We'd best get back to the parlor. GB: What parlor? The whole place caved in. Jonas: I didn't deny myself sleep last night for nothing. Let's go. [Within ten minutes, everyone arrives at the parlor. It and GB's house have been totally restored] Polly: [touches a parlor wall in disbelief] How...? Jonas: Wasn't that difficult with the blueprints stored in memory. Come on. [Walks inside. Everyone follows] Speedy: So, what'd you find? Jonas: [flips off the lights] Just a second. [Points an arm toward a wall. A light on his gauntlet projects an image onto it. It appears to be the surface of the ocean, late at night] I found something else other than that emblem burned into a wall. On another wall, I found a set of latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. They corresponded to this position, approximately 100 miles away from the Hawaiian Islands. GB: [squints at the image] I don't see anything. Jonas: Conventional scans didn't turn up anything, and I was ready to begin an underwater scan, when I saw this. [A small white dot appears in the image. The view zooms in to reveal a commercial jetliner] Little Tokyo Air, Flight 920, round-trip to Hawaii. Including the 2 pilots, it has a capacity of 322 people. The majority of them consist of children and tourists, just looking for a good time. [The plane flies along for about ten seconds, then suddenly bursts into flames, and crashes into the water] All of them are dead. Polly: [turns away] Unnh... Guido: (shocked) 322 people... Jonas: Combined with those that died yesterday, that brings our fatality total up to 425. That's when I tried running different scans. Look at this. [View brightens to the point where you'd think it was midday] Now, what do you see? Speedy: [squints, points to the image] What's this? [The area Speedy is pointing to has no visible objects, but appears distorted, as if next to an incredible heat source] Jonas: [nods] That...is light being bent and warped. The effect can create...[Raises his other hand, which turns invisible, creating the same distorted effect] artificial invisibility. It can be done with technology or your body's energy, but either way, it takes an enormous amount of energy. That explains why no one saw anything actually attack yesterday. The attacker was cloaked! The power source that kept the field stable was the cause of all that signal interference. The amount of power it was giving off to maintain the cloak was distorting the signals. [makes his hand visible] It's difficult to stay cloaked for long, because the power drain is just too high. If you use your body's own energy, you can only stand the strain for a few minutes. Spritz: So, what exactly are we looking at? Jonas: After I figured out what was causing that distortion, I modified my sensors to compensate. Take a look at THIS. [The image changes to an infrared type view. In the area that was once distorted, a huge, sphere-shaped fortress shimmers into view, hovering in the air. Turrets of several shapes and sizes cover the surface] Catton: (in awe) What in the world is THAT? Jonas: That...is our target. I took a good look around this thing. It's nearly the size of the Palace. That blast that blew up the plane? The same type that was used downtown. This is where our mystery attacker is from. I ran every scan I could think of on this place. It's generating an almost incomprehensible amount of power, but no radiation was picked up. It's littered with defenses, from laser turrets to some kind of force field. If we're going to take it out, we're going to need HELP. We'll spend today preparing, and strike at dawn tomorrow. We've got to try and end this as soon as possible. Bat Cat: We don't even know who's behind this. How are we going to prepare? Jonas: We'll be going up against some heavy ordinance, here. We should try and allocate some resources of our own. We should try and get help from the immediate area, first. Any ideas? Meowzma: We should try Big Al, first. If we make him understand the city's in danger, he'll help us. Jonas: [nods] Good idea. Let's go. [Scene switches to Big Al's room at the Palace. Everyone is standing in front of Big Al] Al: [shakes his head] I'm sorry, but I can't help you. Speedy: (shocked) WHAT!? Al, you've gotta be KIDDING! Al: I'm truly sorry, Speedy, but all of our efforts are being put into reconstruction of the city. We just don't have any material to spare. Guido: Al, whoever this is, they've already killed over 400 people, including Lucille. They almost killed GB and Francine. They'll kill again unless we stop them. Al: [thinks] Hmm...you can ask Princess Violet for help yourself, but there's nothing I can do. Polly: Where is she? Vi: (off-screen) I'M SENDING YOU TO PRISONER ISLAND!!! GB: [winces] That would be her now. Rescue Team: (in unison) [gulp] Uh-huh. Jonas: How bad can she BE? Carla: You'll see. Vi: (off-screen) AL!!! GET IN HERE, NOW!!! Al: [sighs] Well, here's your chance. Come on. [Everyone enters the throne room. Vi is sitting on a pillow, with Emperor Fred and Empress Frieda on both sides, sitting on their thrones. Everyone enters the room and bows down] Vi: AL, I WANT YOU TO-[notices everyone with Al] (puzzled) Huh? What are THEY doing here? Al: They'd like to make a request, your highness. Vi: Oh. Well then, out with it. I don't have all day. [Speedy gets up, and begins to walk toward Vi] Vi: What are you doing? Speedy: (puzzled) Um...making a request, your highness. Vi: Not YOU. Let the new guy do it. Speedy: (confused) New guy...? Vi: [points to Jonas] Him, parmesan brain. The one with the cloak. Jonas: Me? Vi: Yes, YOU. Come up here. [Jonas gets up, and walks up to Vi] Vi: What's your name? Jonas: Jonas, your majesty. Jonas Miles. Vi: Jonas, eh? State your business here. Jonas: Well, your highness, we're preparing to launch a large-scale assault on a target we believe poses a threat to Little Tokyo and the surrounding area. The target has already been the cause of several deaths, the latest incident with a plane early this morning. Vi: [nods] Yes, I heard about that. Terrible tragedy. Jonas: We're allocating supplies in preparation for a counteroffensive. On behalf of the team, I'm asking you to give us any materials you can spare. Vi: [nods] I understand. [turns around] However, I'm afraid that what you're asking may not be possible. Jonas: But- Vi: (cutting Jonas off) I'm not being cruel, but you must understand what the city is going through right now. That comet devastated us. We're focusing nearly all of our resources on the reconstruction effort. We have almost nothing to spare. Jonas: I understand, but- Vi: (interrupting again) Hey, wait a second. You look familiar...[turns to face Jonas] Weren't you involved in an incident with a crane a couple of days ago? Jonas: Yes, Princess, but- Vi: (interrupting yet again) That was deliberate destruction of Little Tokyo government property, involved in the reconstruction effort! What is your defense? Jonas: (getting angry) I was saving- Vi: AL!!! SEND THIS MAN TO PRISONER ISLAND!!! [A crash of thunder resounds throughout the Palace] Jonas: (enraged) ENOUGH!!! [The force of Jonas' voice knocks everyone down] Jonas: [begins to glow a bright yellow] (ballistic) DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH IN THE LAST 24 HOURS!? DO YOU!?!? WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH A PERSONAL HELL THAT A SPOILED BRAT LIKE YOURSELF CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE!!! 425 PEOPLE ARE DEAD, SOME OF THEM GOOD FRIENDS!!! BUT DO YOU SHED ONE DAMN TEAR IN REMORSE!?!? NO!!! WELL, I'M GOING TO TEACH YOU A LESSON IN RESPECT YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!!! [A bluish beam of energy shoots out from the confines of Jonas' hood, striking Vi in the forehead. The impact knocks her against a wall] Jonas: (under his breath) God forgive me for what I just did. Emperor Fred: FA-RED! Frieda: GUARDS!!! GET HIM!!! [Two guards near the doorway get up and unsheathe their swords] Jonas: [Unsheathes Crusader. An ear-splitting sound is heard as the blade cleaves the air] (has completely lost it) YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME!? COME ON!!! TRY ME!!! [The Pizza Cats can only watch in stunned silence. The stunned guards stop dead in their tracks] Vi: [getting to her feet] No, wait. It's all right. Frieda: [helps Vi to her feet] (concerned) Are you okay, snugglebunny? Fred: (same) Fred? Vi: (recovering) I'm fine, mother. In fact...[stands] I think I've never seen things quite so clearly. [walks up to Jonas, hangs her head] I...I'm sorry. All except Jonas: (shocked) WHAT!? Jonas: [shakes his head] Please, don't apologize, Princess. I'm the one who's sorry. What I did was uncalled for. I just haven't had much sleep lately, and, well... Vi: [nods] I understand, now that I've seen what you've been through. You will have at your disposal any resources I can spare you. Still, you must understand that attention has to be focused on city repairs. Jonas: [nods] Indeed. Thank you, Princess. Vi: [same] Good luck. [As Jonas leaves the room, followed by a group of stunned Pizza Cats...] Speedy: What did you DO to her? Jonas: [hangs his head] Something I had no right to do. I really overreacted back there. I mentally injected her with memories from the last 24 hours. Those explosions, the collapsing buildings, the hospital...everything. Polly: [winces] Ouch. That must have been awful. Jonas: [nods] Vi's always been pampered by her palace attendants. She's never known anything like what we went through yesterday. I effectively gave her a crash course in reality. I was just so angry...I had to make her realize how important this really is. Guido: I doubt she'll ever forget that little moment. What do we do now? Jonas: [shrugs] Anyone else know of a place where we can get supplies? GB: We should try Guru Lou. He always has some surplus lying around. Spritz: That's pretty far away. Lou lives near the base of Mount Coochie. How will we get there? Jonas: Hunter? Hunter: Large amount of interference detected in desired target area, sir. Teleportation is inadvisable. Polly: (alarmed) Interference? Do you think that thing got Lou!? Jonas: [shakes his head] That would be illogical. Why hit now, when we're all awake? Why not last night, when we were vulnerable? Uh-uh. Whoever is doing this is playing it like a game of chess. It's our move. Our opponent is so confident of victory, they've dropped their address right into our laps. That was a mistake on their part. It's time for us to put them in checkmate. Catton: We should get going as soon as possible. It'll take an hour or two to get to Lou's if we walk. Bat Cat: The General's right. We need to get moving. Meowzma: Can you make it that far, Francine? In your condition? Francine: I don't really have much of a condition anymore. I feel fine now. Jonas: [nods] Good. Once we reach Lou's, we'll get supplies, and stay the night. We finish this tomorrow. [The team begins the long walk to Guru Lou's. The blazing sun passes overhead, making travel all the more difficult for our distressed heroes. About half way to their destination, Speedy gets something off his chest] Speedy: (to Jonas) You're really taking this hard, aren't you? Jonas: (curious) How do you mean? Speedy: By all rights, we should be far more upset than you. This hit OUR town, OUR home, hurt people WE know...or knew. But throughout it all, you've spearheaded an effort to strike back, while we've still been recovering from the sheer shock of it all. You've been working like you're possessed. The way you spoke to Vi today. If you were well-rested, you wouldn't have done that. You don't even know us that well. Why? Jonas: [sighs] I suppose it is a little strange. But you have to look at it from my point of view. In the last 2 days, 425 lives have been snuffed off the planet. Gone. It's almost certain that without my presence here, at least one of you would be among them. That realization has lit a fire inside me. This is what all those years of training were for. [clenches his fists] Ooh hoo hoo, someone is going to PAY. Speedy: [nods] It's just very odd. Even through all this chaos, you've maintained a leadership role. You've gone out of your way putting effort into this, and, well...[hangs his head] We haven't done anything except follow you around. Jonas: (surprised) Don't tell me you feel GUILTY? Polly: [nods] Speedy's right. You've been working yourself to exhaustion, but what have we done? Nothing. We can't help but feel like we're not doing our part. Jonas: [stops walking] I don't want you to feel that way for another second. I don't blame you for being unable to help me out. You don't even know what the hell I've been doing to find out what I have. You have a right to grieve for those that were lost. One of the reasons I've been able to do so much is because I haven't been personally affected by this. Your home was crushed, your friends killed. Lesser people would have gone INSANE. But you've held on. That's a sign of your integrity. Speedy: But- Jonas: (interrupting) Pull yourselves together! You're Pizza Cats! Just because you haven't been able to do anything doesn't mean you don't care! That's all about to change! By tomorrow, you all know as well as I do that someone is going to get their ass kicked, Pizza Cats style! [Everyone nods, a bit rejuvenated by Jonas' comments] Jonas: Then this subject stops here? Speedy: [nods, smiles] You got it. Jonas: Good. Let's get moving then. Francine: Can you guys go ahead for a minute? Guido and I have to talk. Guido: (puzzled) We DO? Jonas: [nods] Just don't take too long, all right? [The rest of the group slowly walks off] Guido: (curious) What is it, Francine? Francine: Tell me what's wrong with you, Guido. Guido: (puzzled) Pardon ME? Francine: Guido Anchovy, for the last few days, your mind has been totally out of order. Someone could be talking to you, and you wouldn't even notice. I know Lucille's death has hit you hard. It hit me hard, too. But this started before she died. I want to know WHY. Guido: [sighs] You're right, Francine. Francine: (surprised) Huh? I am? Guido: [nods] You deserve an explanation, but it's just very personal, and, well... Francine: I know you have a right to privacy, Guido, but this isn't healthy. [hangs her head] I'm really worried about you. Guido: [Gently lifts Francine's head up with his index finger. Tears are forming in her eyes] I'm sorry, Francine. I'm just not ready yet. But soon, I promise. [gently kisses Francine on the cheek] Francine: [forces a smile] You promise? Guido: [smiles] Trust me, Fran. As far as this is concerned, you'll be the first to know. Francine: (curious) Really? Guido: [nods] Yeah. [puts an arm around Francine] Now, what do you say we join the others? Francine: [blushes slightly] You got it. [Up ahead...] Spritz: They coming? Jonas: [stops for a moment, looks back, then continues on] They're coming. Just keep going. [The group finally arrives at Guru Lou's at around 12:00-1:00 PM] Lou: [standing in the doorway] I've been expecting you! [squints at Jonas] Eh? Who's this? Speedy: Later, Lou. Let us in, will ya? It's hot out here! Lou: [steps aside] I heard about what happened yesterday. Are you all okay? Speedy: Physically, yes. Emotionally...[shakes his head] We'll never be the same. Lou: What took you so long to come here for help? I expected you sooner. Polly: We've been busy, Lou. Francine was hurt badly. She needed medical attention. We spent the night at the hospital. Lou: Are you all right, Francine? Francine: [nods] I'm fine, Lou. Just a headache, that's all. Carla: You can blame the headache on this HEAT! Can we get something to drink? Lou: [nods] Cups are near the sink. Help yourselves. [Polly begins getting cups of water for everyone] Jonas: I think I've figured out why there's so much interference up here. GB: Why is that? Jonas: Isn't there some kind of shrine up here or something? Lou: [nods] The Catatonic Robot was encased in a statue at the top of Mount Coochie. Why? Jonas: A magical field would account for the interference. Hard to compensate against that kind of field. Lou: Who are you, anyway? [Time passes as Speedy explains Jonas' story to Lou, as well as the information they've gathered on their new foe] Lou: Hmm, interesting. A fellow inventor, eh? Jonas: You could say that. Lou: Well, I can probably rig up something to mask you from being scanned, but it sounds like this thing has impressive weapons capabilities. How do you plan to get close enough to board it? Jonas: That'll be up to you and me. We'll also need transportation. Lou: [smiles] Already done. Follow me. [Walks out of the house and into the back yard. Everyone follows. There is a large object hidden underneath a white sheet. Yanks off the sheet] TA-DA! [The object resembles a rectangular cargo trailer that would hitch to the back of a semi-truck, and is roughly the same size. It has been modified with large wings, a cockpit, and two large engines on the back. It is impressive, but looks very odd] Speedy: Um... Polly: Er... Guido: Yeah... Lou: [knocks on one of the sides] Been working on it for a while now. Titanium coating. Dual engines. No weapons, though. It's designed to get you where you need to go, not for fighting. Jonas: [carefully examines the craft] Hmm...crude design, but it fits our needs. What do you call it? Lou: What do you mean? Jonas: [turns to Lou] You HAVE named it, haven't you? Lou: It never occurred to me to name it. Jonas: [shakes his head] Can't go on a mission without naming the ship. Might hex the whole thing. [turns to Speedy] Why don't you give it a shot, Cerviche? Speedy: (a little surprised) Huh? Me? Jonas: [nods] Yes, you. You're the leader, name this thing. Speedy: [scratches his chin] Hmm...[eyes widen as he thinks of something] How about...the Nova? Guido: Where'd you come up with Nova? Speedy: Dunno. Just seems to fit it. Polly: [smiles] It suits it just fine, dear. Jonas: Nova, eh? Not bad. [checks the time: 1:30 PM] (a hint of fatigue) Might as well get started. [walks back into the house] Catton: What's with HIM? Speedy: [sighs] He must be exhausted. He's been working nonstop for nearly a day now, without sleep. Time for us to pay him back. Bat Cat: Is it just me, or is anyone else here nervous about this whole thing? Meowzma: [nods] Tell me about it. Who knows what we'll find in that thing once we get inside? GB: The question isn't exactly what, but WHO. [Everyone turns to GB] GB: Think about it. Who could this possibly be? We never had any enemies, except for Seymour, and he's probably lying dead in a gutter somewhere. Jonas found a modified version of the Flying Skull insignia burnt into one of the parlor's walls, but they don't operate like this. The Rude Noise? They're so desperate for money, they play at weddings! So, who is it? Spritz: Guys, here's something we never thought of: What if this is somebody NEW? [Everyone stands silent for a moment] Guido: He's right. We only have experience against Seymour and his goons. If this was a new player to the game, we'd be totally unprepared. No prior experience, no reference, no expectations. Carla: Whoever they are, they're trying to frame the Flying Skull for it. We never had any mortal enemies, though. Do you have any ideas, Birdie? GB: [shakes his head] None. Almost none of this makes sense. Who would want to attack us? WHY? Speedy: I'm willing to bet our answers are inside that floating fortress. Once we crack it open, we'll have our answers. Polly: If we can get close enough. You saw what happened to that plane. We could be vaporized before we got close enough to board it. Lou: [laughs] Leave that to me. I'll be able to rig something up to scramble their readings on you. Jonas: (yelling from the house) You guys gonna help me out here, or what? [The next several hours pass almost like minutes. We see several scenes of everyone working, such as Polly carrying around a load of metal, Speedy hammering on something, and Jonas flipping down a welding mask, followed by a shower of sparks. As the sun begins to sink below the horizon...] Jonas: Okay, everyone! Break time! GB: [sets down the sack of scrap metal he's carrying, leans against a wall] WHEW! What's all this metal for, anyway? Lou: You'll need something to divert that thing's attention away from you while you try to get close, in case the stealth mode fails. Jonas and I have come up with something. Come look at this. [Everyone gathers around a table, which has some kind of blueprint on it. The plans show the front and side views of something resembling a mechanical butterfly] Guido: Hate to tell you, Lou, but it doesn't really look that fierce. Lou: The finished models will be approximately 3 feet tall, with small laser cannons. Individually, they won't do much damage, but in large numbers, if they aren't dealt with, they can be very dangerous. They should be highly maneuverable, and able to withstand a few direct hits each. Jonas: [walks in from the back yard, holding a wrench in one hand] (breathing heavily) Okay, the Nova now has cloaking capabilities! It's not much, but it was the best I could do with the materials at hand. You got those plans drawn up, Lou? Lou: [nods] Right here. Jonas: [looks over the blueprints] Hmm...these should do the job. I'll get started right away. [picks up a sack of scrap metal, and heads into another room] Lou: Does that man EVER rest? Speedy: [shakes his head] He's going to see this through to the end, even if it kills him. Carla: At the rate he's going, it might do just that. [looks around] You got a TV, Lou? I'd like to check the news, if you don't mind. Lou: I've got one in here SOMEWHERE, underneath all this junk. Just look around for it. Carla: [sifts through a pile of clothing, finds a small TV set] Here we are. [turns it on] TV Newscaster: In other news, Princess Vi made a shocking announcement earlier today, proclaiming that any citizens of Little Tokyo exiled to her islands of incarceration, such as the infamous Prisoner Island, are now free to return home. Council members say that a change has come over the Princess, and that she is not the same person she once was. Bat Cat: Well, I'll be... Jonas: [overhearing the TV, chuckles] TV Newscaster: This network has also learned from a reliable source that the Princess has, for an unknown reason, mobilized all ships in the Royal Navy not currently on assignment. This makes up a fleet of over a dozen battleships. No one knows where the ships are headed, or for what reason. Spritz: (surprised) Say WHAT? Jonas: [pokes his head in the room] Did I hear right? Did he say over a dozen battleships? Catton: Yeah. Any idea where they're headed? Jonas: I think she's sending them to the coordinates of that flying monstrosity. Meowzma: How would she know where it is? Jonas: When I blasted her earlier...that would have included that thing's position! GB: Won't they be in danger there? Jonas: [shakes his head] Destroying that fleet would have every decent military force in the world after that thing. It's in our opponent's best interest to remain covert...for now. [sighs] If you'll excuse me, I have work to do. [starts to walk out] Francine: Just where do you think you're going, mister? Jonas: (puzzled) To work... Francine: [shakes her head] Uh-uh, no way. YOU are going to get some rest. Jonas: (confused) What? Francine: Look at yourself, man! You've been running yourself ragged! You're the one who's always telling us to rest before a fight. Follow your own advice! Jonas: I appreciate your concern, Francine, but I'll be fine. I assure you. Francine: Oh, this isn't a request. This is an order from your boss. Jonas: [blinks in surprise, laughs] Well, when you put it THAT way...(uneasily) But what about all this work? It has to be finished by morning. Francine: [lays a hand on Jonas' shoulder] Then let us handle it, for once. You've done so much for us, we can never thank you enough. The very least we can do is try to repay you. Jonas: (unsure) I suppose...but you must follow those designs to the letter. Don't change ANYTHING without notifying me. Francine: [nods] We will, we will. Now go to bed before I dock your pay! Jonas: [laughs, glances at Speedy] Just a second. [walks over to Speedy] Just so you know, Speedy...I'm not trying to replace you as leader of the Pizza Cats. Speedy: [blinks in surprise, then scowls] It's not nice to mess with other people's minds, Miles. Jonas: I'm NOT! You people are just so open minded, you're practically throwing your thoughts at me. The point is this: I'll admit, I have been a little...commanding lately. That's only because this is what I was trained to do. What I spent years readying myself for. Now that the time has come, I plan to use what I've learned. Up until now, you were all temporarily incapacitated. You've recovered, though, and I must say...I'm glad to have someone fighting alongside me. No matter what happens, you are still the leader of this group. Remember that. Speedy: (a little surprised) Uh...okay... Francine: [supports Jonas on one shoulder] Come on, now. Let's get you into bed. You have a guest room or something, Lou? Lou: [nods] To your right, there. Jonas: [walking with Francine] But it's only a few minutes after 7:00...(whispering to Francine) You should worry about Guido more than me. Francine: (whispering to Jonas) Guido? [glances back at Guido, who is flipping channels on the TV set] What about him? Jonas: Haven't you seen how he's been these last few hours we've been working? Silent, tireless, efficient. I'm in this to end it as quickly as possible, but I think he's in it for REVENGE. Francine: (surprised) Revenge? GUIDO? Jonas: [nods] He blames himself for what happened to you, for not being there when the attack hit. He blames himself for Lucille's death, as well. You and I both know that there's nothing he could have done, but in his own eyes, he believes he has failed as a Pizza Cat. Francine: [stunned silence] Jonas: The ones with vengeance on their minds are by far the most dangerous. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING matters to them except getting even. He'll work until he drops if you don't stop him. That cat wants some payback. Francine: [worried look crosses her face] You get some rest. Let ME handle Guido. Jonas: [nods] All right. See you at dawn. [walks into the guest room] [Meanwhile...] Speedy: Wow, never seen Francine assert herself like that. Polly: [nods] Yeah. [turns to Speedy] You thought he was replacing you as leader? Speedy: [sighs] I'll admit, the thought did cross my mind. It just seemed like we weren't in control of our lives anymore. HE was. [Before anyone else can voice their opinion, Francine returns] Francine: Come here, Guido. Guido: [glances at Francine and Polly, then walks over to Francine] What'd I do? Francine: [blinks in surprise, then smiles] You haven't done anything, silly. I just need to talk to you. Guido: (curious) I'm listening. Francine: If it's all right...I'd like you to get some rest as well. Guido: (puzzled) But I feel fine. Francine: I know, but...I just don't want you pushing yourself like this. (softly) I don't blame you for what happened to me. Guido: [blinks in surprise, then sighs] You almost died back there, Francine. I can't just let this go. I'm going to stay with it. Francine: [shakes her head] I'm not asking you to let go, just to slow down a little. If you're not careful, you're going to end up working like Jonas, and I KNOW that isn't healthy, physically or mentally. Guido: Or what? You'll order ME to go to bed too? Francine: [shocked look] No, Guido, I won't. If you choose to keep this pace, that's your choice, but please...[lays a hand on Guido's shoulder] If not for yourself, then for ME, try to get some rest. Guido: [Silent for a moment, in thought, then grasps Francine's hand] I'll be in bed before midnight. I promise. Francine: [nods] All right. I'm going to hold you to that. Speedy: [has a distant, thinking look on his face, when he suddenly reaches out and grabs Polly by the arm tightly] (tensely, through clenched teeth) GHK! Polly: [winces] OW! [turns to Speedy] (puzzled) Speedy? What is it? Are you okay? Speedy: (voice wavering) I just thought of something, Polly. Polly: What? Speedy: Jonas...what if...what if he's a MACHINE? GB: Say WHAT? Jonas: Think about it. That would explain a lot. Why he never seems to get tired. His reflexes. Those energy blasts could have been created by a machine. A machine could fly. To top it all off, it's logical to assume that a machine could probably take more punishment than us. Guido: I don't think so, Speedy. He has to much personality to be a machine. Too much creativity in his fighting style. Speedy: You know how advanced today's technology is, Guido. He could be designed to be ultra-realistic. Francine: A machine can't read minds, Speedy. Also...[looks in the direction of the guest room] I've heard that man laugh. There's no machine on Earth that could duplicate that laugh. He's alive, and kicking. Polly: We need to get our minds focused. Jonas isn't what we should be concerned with. It's that THING hovering out there that's making us so nervous. We need to get our heads screwed on the right way, and get to work. [The group does just that. The scene fades to Guido, looking over a schematic, holding a cup of coffee in one hand. The area is dimly lit by a single overhead light. No one else is around, and Guido is apparently the only one awake. Lou walks in from another room, wearing a robe and nightcap] Lou: [squinting in the light] Guido? Guido: Huh? Oh, hi, Lou. What's up? Lou: I got up to get a glass of water. What are you still doing up? Guido: Just checking these schematics. Strange...are these butterfly things actually going to be able to help us? Lou: [nods] They should, if they work like they're supposed to. [Looks over to one side of the room. Several of the completed machines stand in a line] They take time to produce, though. All of us working together, and we completed seven of them. Guido: [nods] I hope they're worth it. You got the time? Lou: Time for what? Guido: [blinks in surprise, laughs] Let me rephrase that. What time is it? I think my watch is a little off. Lou: Oh. [checks his wristwatch] 11:58. Guido: (a little surprised) 11:58? That late? I promised Francine I'd be in bed by midnight. Lou: You'd best get going, then. Jonas has taken the guest bed, so take any space you can get in the rest of the house. Everyone else has. Guido: [nods] All right. At least my watch is on time. Good night, Lou. Lou: Good night, Guido. [Guido gets up, stretches, and slowly walks into the dark dining room of Lou's home. Through Guido's light-blue night vision view, we can see clearly. Speedy and Polly are sitting against a wall, asleep in each other's arms. Various Rescue Team members have assumed different positions throughout the room. Spritz, for example, is sprawled across the dining table. GB and Carla are sharing an easy chair, both asleep. Guido cannot help but chuckle at the sheer humor captured in this scene. He then spots Francine, sitting against a wall, alone, and shivering slightly. He quietly walks over and sits down next to her, attempting to be stealthy. He puts one arm around her, and closes his eyes] Francine: (whispering) Took you long enough. Guido: (same, surprised) You're awake? Francine: [sleepy smile] I couldn't sleep. I've been thinking too much. Guido: About what? Francine: A lot of things. Jonas, Lucille, this whole attack thing...[sighs] It's a lot to have on your mind when you're trying to sleep. [smiles] At least you made it by midnight. Guido: [smiles] I made you a promise, Francine. I'm a man of my word. Francine: You also promised to tell me what's bothering you. Do you feel like it now? Guido: Almost, Fran. Soon. Francine: All right. [Rests her head against Guido's chest, closes her eyes, and begins chuckling softly] Guido: What's so funny? Francine: You're just like a big teddy bear. [soft laugh] Guido: [blinks] [laughs] Thanks, Fran...I think. [Unknown to Guido, Francine couldn't hear him, for she was already fast asleep. The view fades to the outside of Lou's home, later that night. The sky is clear, and the stars are shining brightly. There is no movement for a few seconds, before Speedy Cerviche opens the front door, walks outside, and sits on the porch glider. He stares at the stars for several minutes, his facial expression indicating deep thought. About a minute later, Polly walks out] Polly: I knew I'd find you out here. Speedy: How so? Polly: [sits down next to Speedy] You've always loved to look at the stars. After hours, when you had nothing better to do, or on those nights you couldn't sleep, you'd be by the window, your eyes to the sky. Speedy: I didn't wake you getting up, did I? Polly: [shakes her head] No, I woke up from the cold. [silent for a moment] Strange, it's warmer out here than it is inside. Speedy: Lou keeps his place air-conditioned. Probably because it gets so hot here during the day. Polly: [nods] So, what are you doing out here? Speedy: [removes his helmet, sets it down, and runs a hand through his hair] Something I don't do a lot of...thinking. Polly: About what? Speedy: Everything that's happened in the last few days. Jonas' arrival, that bizarre training, the attack, Lucille's death, Francine's injury, and now this counterstrike. A few days ago, we were beaten to a pulp, by the man who's working alongside us! It all just sounds too insane to be real! We're bent out of shape about it, but when you think about it, our lives don't mean anything in the grand scheme of things. This planet is just a speck in the entire universe, and means virtually nothing, but we still care about this world and our insignificant little lives, and you know why? Because it's all we've got. Polly: (surprised) I never thought you to be the philosophical type, Speedy. Speedy: Times of crisis really make you think, hon. [sighs] I just wish I could STOP thinking for a sec so I could sort it all out. Polly: [lays a hand on Speedy's shoulder] You're not alone in this, Speedy. No matter how screwed up, twisted around, or upside-down our lives may become, they're still OUR lives, and we're going to get through them together. Speedy: I know, but- Polly: (interrupting) No "buts". Speedy Cerviche, you are my husband. There's a real bond between us that few people actually have. I will stand by your side through the end of the world, or the fires of Hell itself. You know why? Because I know you'd do the same for me, and that there's nothing the two of us can't do. So when you feel like you don't have a friend in the world, remember that you have me, and that you always will. Remember that. Speedy: (strongly) You...you're right, dear. This is who we are. This is what we were trained for, both this week and when we first became Samurai. We are the Samurai Pizza Cats, and there is NOTHING we cannot do. We're going to BEAT whoever it is that's been doing this to us, or die trying. Polly: [smiles] Don't you feel better now? Speedy: [nods] Yeah, I do. [leans over, gives Polly a long kiss] (softly) I know how often I tell you I love you, but somehow, it just doesn't seem to be enough. Polly: [smiles] (softly) You don't need to tell me something I already know. Still, it's nice to be reminded every once in a while. [rests her head on Speedy's shoulder, closes her eyes] [As Speedy Cerviche returns his gaze to the stars, we take a look inside Lou's home. It looks the same as before. Guido is still awake, and is stroking Francine's hair with one hand. Francine is still asleep] Guido: [chuckles softly] (whispering) Y'know, Fran, it's funny. We've known each other since we were kids, and worked side-by-side for years. In all that time together, we've had countless conversations, innumerable memories that we've shared. But now, after all that time, I can't say three simple words to your face. I guess it helps a little when I know you can't hear what I'm saying. [Francine mumbles something quietly, but does not awaken] Guido: Even though I know you can't hear me...I love you, Francine. [leans down, kisses Francine on the top of her head] [Still no reaction from Francine, but she does begin purring softly] Jonas: You'd probably feel a lot better if you could tell her when she's awake. [Guido looks up to see the form of Jonas, nearly invisible against the darkness] Guido: The operative word there is "could". That attack on the city, Lucille's death, Fran's hospitalization...[sigh] It all just shattered my nerves. It'll be a while before I can muster the courage again to tell her how I feel. Jonas: [nods] I understand. You're taking this a lot better than most people would. Guido: Don't I recall Francine telling you to get some rest? [checks his watch] It's one in the morning. Jonas: [nods] If I'm correct, she told you the same thing. Guido: I've got too much on my mind to sleep. What's your excuse? Jonas: I've had 6 hours of rest. Flying out to the middle of the ocean under my own power was draining, but that was quite a while ago, and I'm ready to resume work. Care to join me? Guido: [looks down at Francine, and back up at Jonas] Try and stop me. Jonas: I don't want you going on some hate-filled blood quest, Guido. A mind clouded with rage is a mind that'll get you killed. Guido: (a hint of anger in his voice) Firstly, it's MY decision to make. Second, I care about Francine more than anything else in the world, which leads to three: Whoever did this to her and killed Lucille is going to PAY, even if I have to beat them with my bare hands. Voice: Not if I get to them first. [Guido and Jonas turn to see GB walk in, his darkly-colored armor making him difficult to see] Guido: (curious) Where exactly have you BEEN, anyway? GB: On the roof with Carla. It's warmer out there, and...[looks at the piles of Lou's laundry throughout the room, makes a face] The air is cleaner, too. Jonas: Don't tell me I'm going to have TWO angry teammates on my hands. GB: [scowl] Hey, I have a right to be angry! My home was crushed, my friends hurt or killed, my body damaged, and...[looks down] If Carla had been there, she might have died. (angrily) Whoever did this, their ass is MINE. Guido: Hey, if anyone gets dibs on the boss, it's ME. Jonas: Whoa, hold on. Save it for tomorrow, guys. Now, are you sure you want to help me tonight? [Guido and GB nod] Jonas: Okay, but you're going to feel like crap in the morning. GB: If we don't do something soon, we won't live to see the end of the week. Guido: [nods] He's right. We've got to act, and when we do, we've got to be prepared. Jonas: [nods] Finally, SOMEONE understands. Go to where the finished models are, and wait for me. [Guido gets up, gently propping Francine up against the wall, and walks out of the room with GB] GB: (to Guido) Now, what's this about YOU having dibs on the boss? Guido: I TOLD you... [As they walk out of earshot...] Hunter: Quite an interesting situation, sir. Jonas: [nods] Indeed, Hunter. Before, I was reluctant to ask them to assist me in this matter. That attack left them unstable, and they needed time to grieve. But now... Hunter: What, sir? Jonas: Now they're through grieving, Hunter. Now they're angry, and ready to fight. [looks down at Francine, then walks out] May God help whatever gets in their way. {You still there? I'll admit, I may have slacked off on the detail a little bit for that day, but I'll make up for it in the last one. That's right, the last one. Crimson Dawn has entered its final 24-hour period. This is the day the bulk of the last 100+ pages has been building up to. No more useless jabber, no more intimate scenes. Only action, pain, and ooh hoo hoo, REVENGE. The action is going to hit HARD, and it's going to hit FAST, so don't blink, or you might miss something. You ready? Let's do it.} [The scene is the outside of Lou's house. It is very early in the morning. A gray mist cloaks most of the area, and a few birds are chirping. Speedy and Polly are still asleep on the front porch.] Speedy: [waking up] (drowsily) Huh? [rubs his eyes] [gently nudges Polly] Wake up, honey. Polly: [waking up] (drowsily) What? [looks up at Speedy] Uh...where is everyone? Speedy: I think we're the first ones up. Let's check inside. Polly: [gets up, stretches] Mmm...all right. [Speedy and Polly walk into the interior of the house. The Rescue Team is still sprawled out in their respective positions, but no one else is to be seen. Jonas walks in, carrying two cups in his hands] Jonas: Good morning. [hands Speedy and Polly a cup each] How do you feel? Speedy: [takes a gulp of the cup's contents] I feel fine. You, Polly? Polly: [same] A little stiff, but I'm okay. [looks around] Where is everyone? Jonas: Guido and GB are in the workroom. Lou's in the bathroom, and I set Francine aside in the guest room. She's still asleep. I haven't seen Carla. Carla: [walks in] I'm here. [yawns, stretches] I woke up, and Birdie was gone. You say he's in the workroom? Jonas: [nods] Yes. You might want to let him have a little more rest, though. He really worked hard last night. Francine: [walks in] Didn't I distinctly tell you to get some rest? Jonas: I rested, and went back to work again. Guido and GB decided to join me. Francine: Guido? (annoyed) Ooh, sometimes that cat makes me so angry! Where is he? Jonas: Easy, Francine. I DID ask them if they wanted to help me. They accepted. Follow me. [The group walks into the workroom. Guido is asleep at the table, his face buried in his arms. GB is leaning against a wall in a sitting position.] Speedy: How long have they been out? Jonas: Not long. Two, three hours, tops. Francine: [shaking Guido gently] Guido, are you there? Guido: [waking up] (sleepily) Huh? [lopsided smile] Oh, hello, Francine. How are you today? Francine: [frown] Guido, you promised me you'd get some rest. Guido: I'm a man of my word, Fran. I rested for an hour, and then went back to work. [looks her straight in the eyes] I gotta tell you, you look GREAT. Francine: [blinks in surprise, blushes deeply] (embarrassed) Um...well... Jonas: He's not fully awake yet. Still has a few screws loose. Carla: [holding GB's head in her hands, who has a goofy smile on his face] (softly) Oh, my poor Birdie. [turns to Jonas] Is there anything you can do for them? Jonas: Hmm...lessee here...Hunter, we got anything to fix this? Hunter: Perhaps your experimentation with genetic engineering, sir? Jonas: You mean that energy conservation formula? That won't help these men. Hunter: Not the final product, sir. Rather, an early version of it. Jonas: [silent for a moment] Oh, THAT. Well, yes, I suppose that would work... Polly: What? Jonas: There was a period of time in which I tried to create a formula that would mutate my cellular structure, allowing my cells to absorb and hold more energy from food. Eventually, I succeeded, but along the way, I stumbled upon a mixture that, when ingested, would directly infuse energy into the body, being absorbed through the mouth and throat, and bypassing digestion completely. The result was a burst of energy that lasted for nearly a week. I didn't sleep for days. Francine: Will that be able to help them? Jonas: It's the best shot we have. Hunter, give me two-no, three vials of that mixture. Dilute it so the surge will only last 24 hours. Hunter: Working... [Three vials containing a purplish liquid appear on Jonas' belt] Jonas: [removing the vials] I could use a little boost myself. [hands Guido and GB a vial each] Here you are. GB: [still a little out of it] Oh, goody! Soda pop! [drinks it down] Guido: [same] Mmm...grape? Jonas: (nervous tone) Uh...yeah. [drinks his vial] I should warn you guys, your bodies weren't meant to receive energy like this, so in a few seconds, it's gonna hurt like HELL. [drops his vial, clutches his stomach] YEARGH! Guido: [falls out of his chair] RRGH! GB: [clutching his stomach] UNNGH! Francine: (alarmed) GUIDO! [Carla is silent, though obviously nervous] Jonas: The pain's subsiding...there. Guido: [gets up, breathing heavily] Hey...I feel GREAT! GB: [same] Yeah...me too! Speedy: How long will this last? Jonas: It should remain in effect for the next 24 hours. I assume the rest of you slept well? Francine: [stretches] Like a log. Jonas: [nods] Good. You'll need all your energy for today. Are we ready? Polly: Wait a sec. Where's Lou? Lou: [stumbles in, his eyes baggy, and his hair messed up] Eh? Somebody call me? Guido: Get dressed, Lou. We're almost ready. Lou: Oh. [mumbles something to himself, and walks out] Speedy: So, this is it, huh? Polly: Yeah...seems like we've been waiting on this forever... Guido: Anyone got a plan? Jonas: Plan, no. A reasonable facsimile, yes. [Points a fist toward a wall. A projection of the floating fortress comes up] First, I'll hit this thing with an electromagnetic beam. I'll bet something this advanced would have countermeasures, but it should knock out the protective shield and at least half the weapons. Second, we release those attack drones we built. We managed to build a total of a dozen of them, plus we'll be cloaked during our approach, so that should allow us to reach boarding distance. We can latch onto one of the flat surfaces of this thing, and get inside from there. Once we get in, we find whatever it is we're looking for, and get out. [projection switches off] Any questions? Voice: I've got one. [Everyone turns to see the collected Rescue Team standing in the doorway] Spritz: What exactly ARE we looking for? Jonas: I'm not entirely sure. With any luck, we'll find our old "friend" from downtown. Guido: [cracks his knuckles] (darkly) Oh, I DO hope so. [Lou walks in silently] Catton: What happens once we get out? Jonas: The only fitting course of action...we blow that blasted thing to Hell. Bat Cat: How exactly do you plan to do that? Look at the SIZE of that thing! Jonas: We'll use the firepower from the fleet Vi sent, along with our own, if necessary. General, I designed two special shells for your cannons. They're loaded with several pounds of C-4, and set to explode on impact. When I give the word, you let that thing have it. [Catton nods] Jonas: One more thing...I'm not asking any of you to come along for this. If any of you decide to stay behind, I most certainly won't blame you. It's your decision to make. Still, let me make one thing perfectly clear: Whether you're going or you're not, I'll do this alone if I have to, but I'd prefer to have someone fighting alongside me. If you want to stay, speak up now. [No one says a word] Jonas: (relieved) Thank you all again. Francine: Should we be going, then? Jonas: (uneasily) Actually, Francine, I'd prefer that you and Carla stay behind. Francine: (shocked) WHAT!? Jonas: Let me explain, Fran. Carla has NO prior battle experience, and you're still developing! I don't want your first mission to be something this high-risk. Besides, I need someone to stay behind, ready to receive casualties. Carla: [nods] Suits me. Francine: [has a different opinion, poking Jonas in the chest] (livid) Listen up, mister! In less than a week, reality as I know it has totally gone down the toilet! I had a building collapse on me! I was hospitalized! Some people weren't that LUCKY! Now, you expect me to stand idly by and watch the people I care about most in the world go into ANOTHER battle, probably the biggest one they've ever had or ever will have, knowing full well that they might not be coming back!? NOT A CHANCE IN HELL! I'm going to go out there with you, find whoever did this, and so help me, I WILL MAKE THEM PAY!!! [Everyone is silent, shocked by Francine's sudden outburst] Jonas: [shrugs] Have it your way. But if you're coming along, you're not going looking like THAT. [Jonas raises a fist toward Francine, and a yellow glow envelops her. There is a bright flash. When it subsides, we see that she is now dressed in battle armor that is almost an exact match for Polly's, only green in the red places, with a hexagonal glass shape on the visor, and the Greek symbol Omega on the forearms. Clasped to her hip is the whip she created earlier.] Jonas: [nods in satisfaction] NOW you look like a Pizza Cat. Francine: [looks down at herself] (surprised) Wow! [notices her forearms] Eh? Why Omega? Jonas: [shrugs] I've always had a thing for Omega. It is supposed to represent the end. Or, something with the power to bring about the end. Guido: Somehow, I don't think that fits Fran's description. Jonas: (annoyed) So I have no fashion sense. So sue me. I'll be waiting on you in the Nova. [walks out] Speedy: Finally, we can get some answers. [walks out, followed by Polly, GB, Carla, and Lou] Francine: (muttering) Just sick and tired of being the "sidekick" around here... Guido: [a pained look crosses his face] Francine: (a little surprised) Huh? [turns to Guido] Did you say something? Guido: [blinks] No. Why? Francine: [shakes her head] It's nothing. Never mind. [walks out] Guido: (curious) [follows Francine] [Scene switches to the inside of the Nova. Lou and Jonas are seated in the front, at the controls, while everyone else sits in other seats, arranged in rows] Lou: Are we ready? [Everyone nods] Lou: All right, let's do it! [advances the throttle, but nothing happens] What? Speedy: What's wrong? Lou: [tries again] I don't know. All of the instruments check out, she just won't start. Jonas: [leans over the controls, his eyes narrow] (sarcastically) How about the button marked "On", Lou? Lou: Oh, yeah. (a little embarrassed) Sorry. [Lou pushes the button, and the engines kick on with a roar. The entire ship vibrates violently] Francine: [squeezing Guido's hand VERY tightly, with a nervous look on her face] (shakily) I'm not used to this! Mom never let me fly! Guido: [winces from the pain] Calm down, Francine. When you've been shot out of the cannon as many times as I have, you get used to flying. It eventually becomes kinda fun. Speedy: I'm waiting on the "fun" part, Guido! Polly and GB: (in unison) Yeah! Jonas: (loudly, over the sound of the engines) Are you sure this thing will hold together, Lou? Lou: (same) I don't have a frame of reference! She's on her maiden voyage! Jonas: (shouting) SO WAS THE TITANIC! Francine: [bites her lower lip, trying not to scream, and squeezes Guido's hand even tighter] Guido: [winces again] Really, Fran, it's not that bad. I'm right here with you. Besides...you're crushing my hand! Francine: [relaxes her grip a little] Sorry... [Slowly, the ship rises off the ground, and turns in the direction of the ocean] Carla: [on the ground, waving] Bye! Good luck! [The ship's engines turn on full blast, and it streaks away into the distance. The shaking is almost gone now, and the ship is already moving over the ocean] Jonas: Jeez, Lou. I gotta hand it to you. Once she gets in the air, this thing can really move! At this rate, we'll be at the target coordinates in a few minutes. GB: [looking out of a window] (softly) Carla... Speedy: (concerned, to GB) What's wrong? GB: [sighs] It's just...I forgot to tell Carla goodbye...and considering what we're up against...I might not live to see her again. Polly: Don't say things like that. You're going to get through this along with the rest of us, and get home to see her before the day is out. GB: I hope you're right, Polly...[sighs, looks out the window again] Guido: See, Fran? Once you're up in the air, it's not so bad. Francine: [still clutching Guido's hand] Just remember, Guido. If we crash, you don't get paid. Jonas: [attempting to stifle a laugh] Francine: (curious) What's so funny? Jonas: Remember how you said you were going to dock my pay if I didn't get some rest, Francine? Francine: Yeah, so? Jonas: I just remembered...you don't pay me anyway. Francine: (surprised) Um...uh... Jonas: [laughs] Yeah. That's what I said. Guido: [looking out of a window] (softly) Wow... Francine: (curious) Huh? [looks past Guido, and out the window] (softly) Whoa... [The sun is rising over the ocean horizon, with nothing to block the view. Once again, it is a reddish color, with the surrounding clouds a deep red] Jonas: (mumbling, more to himself than anyone else) This began with a crimson dawn...fitting it should end with one. Guido: (softly) You know, Fran...we're always so busy with what we're doing...we never really take time out to just sit back and realize how beautiful nature really is. Francine: (same) Yeah. It's a pity, really. Sometimes, I just wish that we could stop fighting, for once, and lead normal, everyday lives. [shakes her head] But it never seems to work out that way, does it? Guido: (comfortingly) We all feel like that at one time or another, Francine. All of us. Speedy, Polly, GB, myself...maybe even Jonas up there. But what gets us through each day is knowing that what we do is help people in need, and that if we were ever in need ourselves, we have people that we can count on to help us. Francine: [chuckle] You make it sound so easy, Guido. So care-free. But in my view, it's another story. It's missions like these that scare me so badly. Having no idea what we're up against, fighting incredible odds...[looks down] (very softly) It's missions like these that make me afraid you won't be coming back. Guido: [getting teary-eyed] Francine, I- Jonas: [ruining the moment] Eyes forward, people! We're almost there. [A burst of static comes over the radio] Voice on radio: Attention incoming craft. This is Admiral Dennis Jackson of the Imperial flagship Gemini. Identify yourself, over. Jonas: [gives Lou a cold look] You forgot to engage the cloak? Lou: [nervous laugh] Jonas: [sighs, picks up the radio mike] We read you, Gemini. This is Jonas Miles of the freighter Nova. How's it going, over? Jackson: We read you, Nova, loud and clear. This is restricted airspace. We have orders from the princess herself to fire on intruders. Change your course, please. Over. Jonas: Ah, I copy that, Gemini, but my name is Jonas Miles, and I have direct authorization from the princess to BE here. I'm hauling a...special cargo, over. Jackson: [silent for a moment] Please stand by. Polly: [pointing] Look, look! I see them! [Floating on the ocean's surface, about 150 yards away, is a small gray cluster. As it gets closer, we see that it is made up of well over a dozen battleships, differing in shape, size, and power] Speedy: (softly) Holy... GB: [low whistle] Jonas: (impressed) Um...that's good...that's VERY good... Jackson: Gemini to Nova, we have confirmed your authorization. Is there anything we can do for you? Over. Jonas: Actually, Gemini, I'd like it very much if you would put your fleet on alert and stand at the ready. Something big is about to go down. Over. Jackson: Roger that, Nova. We'll be standing by. Good luck. Gemini out. Spritz: Well, that wasn't so bad. [Suddenly, alarms in the ship begin blaring, and multiple lights begin flashing on the control console] Jonas: (sarcastically) Not that bad at all. Lou, what's going on!? Lou: Something has a radar lock on us! It's gotta be that fortress! Jonas: Hunter, what can we do about this!? Hunter: Working...suggested course of action would be to cloak to lose radar lock, followed by evasive maneuvers. Jonas: If we do that, they'll know we're still out here, and be on alert! There HAS to be another way! Hunter: Sir, they provided us with these coordinates. They are expecting us. Jonas: Good point. Well, I'm open to suggestions here! Lou, kill the throttle. I don't want to run headfirst into anything. And turn off that damn alarm! Lou: Done. Now what? Jonas: All right, let's just calm down. We're not dead yet. Why is that? Bat Cat: That thing is probably scanning us. Trying to figure out just what we are. Jonas: It'd help if I could see it. Hunter, activate cloak negation view. Hunter: Working...done. Jonas: (quietly) What? Speedy: What is it? Jonas: That thing's moved since I was here last. It's directly in front of us, but it's over 300 yards away. Polly: Why would they move if no one can see them? Jonas: They know that fleet didn't just stop at their last position for nothing. They know someone managed to spot them. Us. Hunter: WARNING! INCOMING PROJECTILE! Jonas: Show me! [Switch to Jonas' infrared view. It's zoomed in on a spherical, black object, moving rapidly] Jonas: What in the world is that? Guido: What's what? Jonas: There's an object coming at us...looks like a black basketball, and it's about the size of one. Hunter: Sir, that "black basketball" is carrying enough explosives to level the Palace. Jonas: How much time? Hunter: At current speed...ETA thirty seconds. Jonas: (mumbling) I KNEW I should have put some weapons on this thing. (normally) Okay, you heard him! What do we do!? Catton: [jumps up] I've got an idea! [begins banging on the ship's side latch] UNGH! It's jammed! Meowzma: I've got it! [swings his saw blades once along the door's edge, causing it to swing open] Hunter: Twenty seconds... Francine: What are you doing, General!? Catton: Just watch! [leans out the door. A small glass plate with targeting crosshairs flips from the side of his helmet over his left eye. The view switches to Catton's, as the crosshairs lock onto the sphere] Hunter: Ten, nine, eight... Jonas: Catton, whatever you're doing, do it NOW! Catton: [pushes a button on the triggering mechanism he holds in his hand. A small missile fires from his right cannon] Hold on! [Catton dives back into the ship. The explosion from the impact of the two projectiles is immense. Alarms go off all over the ship as it is tossed by the impact. During the chaos, Jonas slams his hand down on a large yellow button on the control console. As the ship finally stabilizes...] Speedy: [in slight pain] Everyone all right? Polly: [same] That knocked the wind out of me. GB: [getting to his feet] I'm okay. Guido: [helping Francine up, rubbing his head] Ooh, that brings back frying pan memories. Polly: (annoyed) HEY! Francine: I think I hit my head on something... Jonas: [getting up] Tell me, Hunter...was that or was that not more fun than any roller coaster we've ever been on? Hunter: The roller coasters don't attack you, sir. Lou: [cough] Reminds me of the time I crawled inside the dryer...[cough] Rescue Team: (in unison) Ouch. Jonas: [climbs back into his seat] Okay, boys and girls...we are now officially cloaked! [reads the meter by the yellow button he pressed] She's eating up power, though. It'll last an hour, maybe two. (mumbling) Hunter, the next time you tell me to cloak, remind me to listen to you. Hunter: Yes, sir. Speedy: Well, that was fun. What now? Jonas: Considering how close of a call that was...with any luck, the enemy thinks we're dead. Spritz: How can we be sure they knew that...um...we were...uh...us? Jonas: That was a LOT of explosives to use on a target this small. I think they were pretty sure. Must have picked up on that radio transmission to the fleet. Polly: [gasp] The fleet! Won't they think we're dead, too? Speedy: We can't risk letting them know we're okay. Got to use the element of surprise while we still can. Jonas: [nods] Speedy's right. At a time like this, we'll need every advantage we can get. Meowzma: Does this mean we hit it now? Jonas: [nods] Let's do it. Lou, take us to within 100 yards, then stop. Lou: You got it. [hits a few buttons] Why stop there? Jonas: [cracks his knuckles] Time for a little pre-emptive strike. [As the ship slowly hovers to a distance of 100 yards, Jonas steps over to the now blown side hatch, and stands] Jonas: Lou, cloak the attack drones. Set their target as soon as that thing appears. Lou: [hits a few buttons] Ready. Jonas: [nods, raises his right arm in the direction of the fortress. A small turret pops out of his right gauntlet, and a high pitched whirring is heard as it begins to glow light blue] Hunter: Electromagnetic beam locked on target, sir. Jonas: (quietly) Time to rock and roll! [The beam fires from the turret, and streaks through the air. At first, it seems that Jonas may have missed completely, but then, the beam collides with something in mid-air, creating a distorted effect as it strikes its target. Slowly, the ominous form of the massive fortress shimmers into view] Francine: [puts a hand up to her mouth] Is that...? GB: (slowly, in awe) Would you look at the SIZE of... [Meanwhile, onboard the deck of the Gemini...] Crewman: (frantic) Admiral Jackson! Admiral Jackson! Jackson: Yes, what is it? Crewman: (panting) Sir, we have a visual on the target! Jackson: What? Where is it? Crewman: Well sir, it's...it's...[points behind Jackson] It's right there... [Jackson turns around to see a large, circular object, hovering in the air, over 300 yards away] Jackson: What!? Have we been in the wrong place!? (quietly) My...God...[sprints toward the Gemini's bridge, the crewman following right behind] When did we first see it? Crewman: Just a few seconds ago, sir. The captain of the Zodiac was surveying the area with binoculars, because he thought he saw something. He says a laser of some sort just...appeared out of nowhere, went through the air for a few seconds {Yeah, yeah. I know light travels at 186,000 miles per second, but where's the fun in THAT?}, and apparently hit something. A few seconds later, that THING showed up. [Jackson and the crewman reach the bridge] Jackson: None of our ships use beam weapons, do they? Crewman: [shakes his head] No, sir. None of our craft carry that kind of ordinance, and none report having fired any weapons. Jackson: [picks up a radio mike] This is Admiral Jackson to the fleet. Target has appeared, and is 200-350 yards away. I want all ships to come within firing range, and not an inch closer! [puts down the mike, turns to the crewman] Contact Princess Violet. Tell her...the Samurai Pizza Cats are still alive. [Speaking of the SPC...] Jonas: No time for sightseeing, guys! We gotta MOVE! Lou, cut loose the drones! [Lou presses a small green button. A hatch on the bottom of the Nova opens, and the odd-looking butterfly drones {Cloaked, yet visible to us through the magic of fanfiction :)}, fly out, and approach the fortress. Each one carries a dual set of lasers, and as all twelve of them fire at once, a chain of explosions rips across the fortress' surface] Jonas: That should keep them occupied for a while. Get us in close, Lou. VERY close. [The Nova weaves through the laser crossfire, and latches onto the side of the fortress] Jonas: [examining the fortress wall through the Nova's side hatch] Hmm...it's titanium...I think...and at least four or five inches thick. Bat Cat: Can you get through it? Jonas: With an acetylene torch...in about twenty minutes. With a laser welder...about ten minutes. Hunter, las- Guido: (interrupting) Allow me. [draws his sword, and clutches it tightly. He closes his eyes in concentration, and with four lightning-quick slashes, cuts a piece of the wall out in the shape of the doorway, which falls to the floor with a resounding, metallic CLANG] Jonas: (impressed) Or...we could do THAT. Guido: (in a cocky manner) [brushes his hands together] Thank you, come again. Plush dolls are available in the gift shop. Jonas: [turns back to the others] General, you and Bat Cat stay here with Lou. The rest of you, come with me. Lou, stay attached to this thing until I give you word to cut loose. And General, load up those special shells while we're gone. [turns around, and steps though the hole, followed by Speedy, Polly, Guido, Francine, GB, Spritz, and Meowzma] [The interior of the fortress is lit very dimly by a few lights on the hallway ceiling. The walls are lined with metal plates and circuitry. An odd mechanical humming sound can be heard, and overall, this is a creepy place. Hey, you'd be freaked out too, if you say a group of six cats, a bird, and an...unknown, all walking upright, with their eyes glowing, in a place like this] Jonas: You know...this kind of reminds me of Star Trek: First Contact. Speedy: (anxiety in his voice) That was a good movie. Jonas: Yeah...(same) and it scared the hell out of me. [All laugh nervously. The group walks along the hallway for several minutes, passing equipment as they go] Jonas: Hmm...wait a minute. Francine: Something wrong? Jonas: No, but...I have an idea. Spritz, Meowzma, I want you to turn your weapons on all this equipment and stuff we pass. The rest of you, just blast everything in sight. Spritz: What for? Jonas: This place is so huge, what we destroy probably won't affect the overall performance of the place. Still, if we're going to nuke this place anyway, it wouldn't hurt to mess it up a little along the way. [charges one of his hands with energy, and fries a nearby control panel] [And so, the group continues down the hallway, with Spritz blasting things with his water jets, Meowzma cutting into panels and circuitry, and everyone else just blasting stuff with energy. Speedy is about to toast some exposed circuit boards, when he stops suddenly, and his charge disappears] Polly: What is it, Speedy? Speedy: (quietly) Can you feel that? Guido: Feel what? Jonas: He senses something...I do too, but it's faint...how did you pick up on that so quickly, Cerviche? Speedy: It's a familiar feeling...one I've had several times before...long before we met you, Miles. Polly: He's right. I'm getting it too. Guido: Yeah...I just felt really...hostile. Spritz and Meowzma: (in unison) Yeah. Francine: (confused) Feel what? You guys are starting to freak me out. I don't sense anything. GB: It's a feeling that comes with being in battle, Francine. Since you don't have any experience, you wouldn't know. Francine: (annoyed) And you don't count that brawl a few days ago a battle? Polly: He means a real fight, Francine. Not a training session, but a fight where you're actually in danger. GB: Man, it's getting really strong now. I remember feeling like this before, but I can't remember what it MEANS. It's been so long... Guido: It's kind of a bad feeling...when it hits, you feel on guard, and a little angry... Speedy: You know GB, if I didn't know for sure that you were behind me, I could swear that-[stops himself] That's IT! GB: (hurt) You feel hostile toward me, Speedy? Speedy: Not against you, but against Bad Bird! All: (confused) What? Speedy: That feeling! It's a sense of alertness, of anger...because it's the feeling that you're about to meet the enemy! And the reason it's so familiar...[unsheathes his Ginzu sword] (quietly) Is because there are Ninja Crows ahead! [Upon hearing this, everyone quickly draws their weapons] Jonas: (tensely) Are you sure, Speedy? Polly: He's right. It's that same feeling we get when we're about to fight Ninja Crows. Guido: We'd fought them so many times, the feeling just eventually seemed natural. But since we haven't fought them in so long, it seems new. GB: I grew up in a Ninja Crow village. I AM a Ninja Crow! I remember that feeling so well...I'm surprised I couldn't remember what it meant! Jonas: You're probably tuned in to this better than the rest of us, GB. What can you tell us about what's coming? GB: [concentrating] They're in a group...about twelve, I think...but, something odd... Francine: What? GB: They're strong, for Ninja Crow standards. At least twice as strong as they should be. One in particular...he's a leader, I think. Speedy: That feeling...it just keeps getting stronger... Meowzma: Why? We're not moving. GB: No...but they are! [As if on cue, a platoon of Ninja Crows, thirteen in all, marches around the corner. Their large yellow eyes shine in the darkness, and the emblem of the Flying Skull upon their chests reflect what dim light there is. Leading the group of twelve is a crow almost identical to GB, with the same height, but with totally black armor instead of olive green, an orange Flying Skull logo on his chest, orange claws, and a narrower, orange beak] GB: Leader: (surprised) Wha!? Pizza Cats!? HERE!? Get them, quickly! Speedy: (yells) SCATTER! [There is a sudden blur of motion, and our furry feline heroes disappear] Leader: What? Speedy: (voice echoing, in prelude to standard entrance) I'm warning you, birdbrain, this is NOT a good time to mess with us! Polly: (same) Do yourselves a favor, and get out of our way! Guido: (same) Or, if you WANT to get hurt, stick around! It makes no difference to us! Leader: (indignantly) I have duties as a Ninja Crow! I will NOT abandon my post! [A spotlight comes mysteriously from out of nowhere, illuminating the form of Guido Anchovy, his face hidden by his umbrella] Guido: Have it your way, you walking featherduster! At least now...[moves his umbrella aside to reveal a face with an angry stare] (angrily) I don't have to LOOK for you. [A musical note echoes throughout the hallway, and a spotlight shines on Polly Esther] Polly: [removes her flute from her lips] It's time to kiss your tailfeathers...[blows a kiss] Goodbye! [A third, final spotlight reveals the kneeling form of Speedy Cerviche] Speedy: [stands] We'll show you Ninja Knockoffs what you get when you mess with the... [Polly and Guido appear next to Speedy in their traditional pose] Speedy, Polly, and Guido: (in unison) SAMURAI PIZZA CATS! Francine, GB, Jonas, Bat Cat, and Meowzma: [sliding into the frame] (in unison) Don't forget about us! Leader: [laughing] I think you overestimate your chances! After all, you ARE outnumbered. Jonas: The thirteen of you against the eight of us? PUH-LEEZE! I was hoping for more of a challenge! Leader: Hold your tongue, newbie! Simply because you and the cashier over there put on fighting uniforms, that doesn't make you Pizza Cats! Francine: (ballistic) CASHIER!?!? I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S A CASHIER!!! [Flings her whip with her right hand, wrapping it around the leader's arm. She jerks hard, pulling him off his feet. As he comes flying toward her, she clotheslines him with her left arm, knocking him to the floor] Pizza Cats: (impressed) Go, Francine! Leader: (dazed) Unnh...(to Ninja Crows) Don't just stand there, you idiots! Get them! [As the leader struggles to his feet, the Ninja Crows spread out in groups to attack] Guido: [facing four crows] Now, now, guys. It's not really ME you want to fight...[draws his patented Samurai Sunspot Umbrella, and uses the hypnotic effect] But each other! 4 crows: [eyes turn to little red swirls] Yeah! [They hack at each other for a few seconds, until they collapse in an injured heap] Guido: [sighs] So much talk, yet so little brains. [Meowzma and Spritz stand back-to-back, with four crows circling them] Spritz: Today's forecast: Heavy showers! [Uses his water jets to slam two crows against a wall] Meowzma: I've heard about Ninja Crow weaponry. Such shoddy design! [Swings his blades at the two remaining crows, slashing their swords in half] 2 crows: ACK! Meowzma: Night-night. [punches the crows out] [By now, the leader has regained his senses, and is engaging GB in battle. His sword closely resembles GB's] GB: [clashing swords with the leader] You're a disgrace to the Flying Skull! Leader: Look who's talking, you traitor! Speedy: (to the crow in front of him) I'm gonna give you one chance to give up. Think about it. Crow: Um... Speedy: Time's up! [punches the crow in the face, knocking him out] Francine: [walks up to the crow she's facing] (sexy tone) You know...we don't really have to fight... Crow: (confused) Uh... Francine: In fact...[tickles the underside of the crow's chin with her index finger] I believe we could really get to know each other...personally... Crow: [has his tongue hanging out] (dreamily) Oh, wow... Francine: [looking the crow in the eyes] The only problem is...[knees him in the gut] I'm already interested in someone else! Guido: [laughs] Get him, Fran! Francine: [giggles] Leader: [takes a swing at GB] GB: [dodges] Polly: [going into her Passion Paws of Power sequence] Why don't you come a little closer, cutie? Crow: [attempting to resist] AHH! NO! Jonas: [eyeing his crow opponent] [notices Polly's actions] (shouts) POLLY! STOP! Polly: [not noticing Jonas, pulls her hand back] You look kinda down. How about a free facelift? [bares her claws] Crow: [shuts his eyes] AAAAHHHH! [From out of nowhere, Jonas tackles Polly to the ground] Polly: OOF! (annoyed) What was that for!? Jonas: Polly, do you have any idea what you were about to do!? Polly: I was ABOUT to incapacitate that Ninja Crow! It's one of my trademark moves! Jonas: Oh, you were about to incapacitate him, all right...PERMANENTLY. [Before Polly can respond, the crow that Jonas was looking at earlier, and the one Polly was about to swipe, both sneak up behind Jonas, swords drawn] Polly: (screams) LOOK OUT! [Jonas turns around just as the crows bring their swords down. He manages to dodge in time, but the crows do manage to cause two small tears in his cloak] Jonas: [gets up, examines his cloak, and then looks at the Ninja Crows] Polly: (quietly) Uh-oh. Jonas: [grabs the Ninja Crow nearest to him] I just IRONED this cloak! [Currents of electricity surge off of his gauntlet, and into the crow. He then tosses its limp form onto the other one] Polly: [mouth open in shock] Jonas: Don't worry, he'll live. [helps Polly to her feet] Polly: [looks around] Is that the last of them? Jonas: [Sees GB and the leader dueling] Not quite. Leader: [swords crossed with GB] I trained under Master Atrick himself! You cannot defeat me! GB: Who do you think used to be Atrick's right hand man!? Jonas: GB, could you speed it up a little? We're on a tight schedule, here! [GB nods. He takes his left hand away from the hilt of his sword, losing a little leverage, balls it up into a fist, and punches the leader right in the face] Leader: UNGH! [falls to the ground] GB: [picks the leader up by the collar, holds him against the wall] Now, maybe this guy can give us some answers. Leader: Bad Bird? GB: (surprised) WHAT? (squints) Who...? [blinks in shock] Bladewing? Falcone Bladewing? Falcone: [smiles] It IS you! GB: [smiles, gives Falcone a friendly hug] My friend, I haven't seen you in years! How have you been? [Everyone else just stares in confusion] Falcone: I've done well. I can see YOU haven't changed. [rubs his beak] You've still got that nasty left hook. You always used it to beat me. GB: I've changed more than you know. But LOOK at you! You've grown! You were never the muscular type before. Falcone: ME? Look at YOU! You're a beast! I bet you can barely keep the girls off of you! GB: [blushing a little] Actually...I married Carla. Falcone: [jaw drops] You married CARLA? Oh man, now I ENVY you. Speedy: (interrupting) Excuse me, but...do you know this guy, GB? Falcone: (curious) GB? Is he talking to YOU, Bad Bird? GB: It's Good Bird now, but they all call me GB. Everyone, this is Falcone Bladewing, one of my best friends from growing up in the village back home. Francine: You're best friends? Could've fooled me, the way you were going at each other. Falcone: I didn't recognize Bad B...er...GB, here. He used to be a scrawny little fella. Now, he's a monster! GB: [chuckles] I didn't recognize you, either. What are you doing here, anyway? Falcone: After that comet fiasco, the Flying Skull went into a state of chaos. Master Atrick had totally disappeared. Not knowing what to do, we all went back to the village, to think. About a month ago, the Master contacted us. He had acquired a large amount of wealth in his absence, and used it to better all of us. We've trained harder, and at a faster pace than ever before, under the best teachers. [looks around at all of the unconscious crows] Unfortunately, you didn't really give them a chance to show off their refined skills. GB: That would explain why it felt like they were stronger than normal. Go on. Falcone: The Master needed a new second-in-command, since you had disappeared. I was the strongest among us, so I was selected. GB: I could tell by the equipment you're using. What else? Falcone: Even with my rank, I've been kept in the dark about a lot of things. For three weeks, I've sat around and done nothing at the small base that was set up in the village. About a week ago, I was assigned as the leader of security here. Polly: What exactly is "here"? Falcone: I don't know much about this place, even though I came up with a few ideas for it during its construction. Such as, the device that allows it to turn invisible. GB: You always were the brainy one. What is it? Falcone: I believe it to be a large-scale mining platform. The heavy ordinance would be used to clear away large sections of rock, exposing raw materials. The ability to hover allows easy access to difficult-to-reach areas. Guido: If it was gonna be used for mining, why all the defenses? Falcone: Some of the most sophisticated technology money can buy was incorporated in its construction. If any of it were to fall into the wrong hands, the results could be disastrous. Jonas: (muttering) Too bad that's already happened... Falcone: What do you mean? GB: We'll get to that. Where did all the money come from? Falcone: When the Master and his associate, "The Big Cheese" were exiled, they fled Little Tokyo by raft, and ran ashore on one of the neighboring islands. The people there are civilized, though not quite to the point of Little Tokyo. As the two of them looked around a bit, they stumbled upon an auction. Though the Big Cheese had foolishly spent all of his money during repeated attempts to destroy Little Tokyo, the Master was much wiser, and had managed to save a little. Spritz: Get to the part about all the money. Falcone: You know those "mystery trunks" they sometimes have at auctions, where nobody knows what's inside? [Everyone nods] Falcone: Well, they had one of those. The Master had no intention of bidding, but the Big Cheese grabbed all of the money out of his pocket, and bid all of it on the trunk. No one else was going to chance wasting their money, so the trunk was theirs. When they opened it, they were stunned. It contained diamonds, rubies, riches of all kinds. An emperor's ransom. Meowzma: About how much was inside? Falcone: In Little Tokyo currency...at least one billion dollars, probably more. All: [gaping] One BILLION dollars!? Falcone: [nods] It was the only way this place could have been built so quickly. It was constructed inside of two weeks. Speedy: How do you know all this? Falcone: Everyone knows that story. The Big Cheese has been bragging about "the greatest financial decision of his career". Guido: (berserk) THAT'S WHAT THIS HAS ALL BEEN ABOUT!? A DAMN AUCTION!? THAT'S WHAT LUCILLE DIED FOR!?!? OF ALL THE STUPID, IDIOTIC...AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!! [punches a wall hard, creating a massive dent] Francine: [puts an arm around Guido] Easy, now. Deep, cleansing breaths. Guido: [trembling with rage] Falcone: (puzzled) Died? Who died? What's going on? GB: A few days ago, Little Tokyo was attacked by something. Something invisible. A lot of people were killed, and the Flying Skull insignia was burned into a wall. My house was flattened. We're positive that whatever did it came from here. Falcone: (shocked) But the Flying Skull could never commit such atrocities! It must be the Big Cheese! Jonas: Hold the phone. Say that again? Falcone: The Flying Skull have always been honorable. They would never attack an opponent that couldn't see them, let alone participate in a mass slaughter of innocents! Therefore, the one behind it all must be the Big Cheese! Jonas: You mean to tell me that Seymour Cheese is HERE, NOW? Falcone: [nods] I've seen him walking the halls several times. Not many people actually work here, because almost everything is automated. Jonas: Good. That'll save us the trouble of having to evacuate. Falcone: Evacuate? Why? Speedy: We plan to blow this place up. Falcone: You WHAT!? GB: Falcone, I know the whole situation sounds strange...I STILL don't understand it...but we were attacked on the way here. Someone has something to hide. Falcone: Our orders were to dispatch intruders, especially Pizza Cats. We all found it strange that you were mentioned specifically, but none of us dared to question the Master. You'll find it difficult to destroy this place. Automated defenses are everywhere, and there are multiple engine rooms and backup generators. It was designed to protect against intruders. Speedy: (mumbling) How nice, Seymour remembers us. Well, he started this, and we're going to finish it. Falcone: Is there anything I can do to help? Polly: You want to help us? Falcone: I feel a personal responsibility in all this. I want to do anything I can. Jonas: [thinks for a moment] All right. Spritz, you and Meowzma head back to the Nova, and take Mr. Bladewing with you. Salvage any equipment from the hallway that you can. I want something to analyze when we return. GB: Why send him back? Falcone's an excellent fighter. I can tell you from firsthand experience. Jonas: Be that as it may, I don't want any more people endangered than there already are. Just get back, and stand by. When I need you to do something, I'll let you know. [Meowzma and Spritz nod, and walk back down the hallway, in the direction of the Nova. Falcone begins to follow, glances back with an unsure look on his face, and continues on] Jonas: [speaking into a CB mike that's clipped to his belt] Lou, Spritz and Meowzma are heading back. They have a...guest...with them. When they get back, I want you to disconnect with this thing, and back off to a distance of about...fifty yards, then stand by. Lou: (over the sound of laser fire in the background) You people think you could hurry it up in there? I think this thing is figuring out how to target the drones! We've lost three already! It's only a matter of time before it spots us, too! Jonas: [turns the radio off] Let's move. [The group of six continue their trek down the seemingly endless hallway, all of them visibly nervous and somewhat anxious about what may happen next] Speedy: I just don't understand it...Seymour was more annoying than he was dangerous. He's never been a cold-blooded killer. Guido: I know. Nothing's made any sense lately. If Falcone's right, then what caused Seymour to change so much? Polly: Speaking of not making sense...[turns to Jonas] Why did you tackle me? I had that crow in perfect position for a close-up of my new nail polish! Jonas: Did any of you notice a difference between the general style of that last fight and any others you've had? Speedy: Yeah, those Ninja Crows looked like they were a little...how do I say this...lagged? Jonas: You mean, they appeared to be slow-moving? Speedy: Yeah. I mean, they didn't really get to do that much anyway, but when those last two dove at you, it was like they were moving through water rather than air. Jonas: That's because your bodies are slowly growing stronger, and your perception is changing to match your own abilities. Since you could easily outmaneuver them, they appear sluggish to you. GB: Won't that really mess us up when we perform everyday tasks? Jonas: As time passes, you'll go through a few stages of it. Give it a week, maybe two, and your vision will have fully adapted to your body's conditioning, and return to normal. As for your question, Polly...[stops walking] Take a slash at this wall right here. Polly: Huh? Why? Jonas: To prove a point. Just give it a shot. Polly: [shrugs, unsheathes her sword] Jonas: Whoa, hold on. Not with your sword, with your claws. Polly: [looks at the wall, stares blankly at Jonas] Are you nuts!? That's gotta be at least an inch of solid steel! My claws won't even scratch the paint! Jonas: An inch and a half, and yes, they will. Polly: [sheathes her sword] (unsure) Are you sure about this? Jonas: [nods] Trust me. Polly: (quietly, mockingly) "Trust me", he says. If I break a nail, I'll trust him with a knuckle sandwich. [Polly bares her claws, takes a step back, reaches her hand back, and slashes at the wall. Her claws slice into it easily, creating four long, deep claw marks] Polly: (shocked) Um...how did I do that? Jonas: As I said before, your body has grown stronger in these past few days. The training has helped to intensify your fighting skills. Now, if you can do THAT to one and a half inches of solid steel...try to imagine what you would have done to that Ninja Crow's face. Polly: [gulps, her eyes widen, and she turns slightly pale] Jonas: Nothing less than a fatal hit. I'm sure that's not something you want to have to live with. Polly: [nods] You got that right. Speedy: [turns the corner] Are you okay, Polly? You don't look so-[turns his eyes forward, runs back around the corner] YIKE! Guido: What is it? Speedy: [leaning against the wall, breathing heavily] Turrets...lining the hallway... Jonas: How many? Speedy: Six...maybe eight... Polly: Did they see you? GB: If they had, I think we would have heard about it by now. Jonas: [cautiously peeks around the corner] Eight turrets, in two vertical columns, one on each side of the hallway. That's a problem. Francine: Anything we can use for cover? Jonas: No...although...it looks like they're guarding a door or something, along the side...I want to know what's in there. GB: So, how do we take them out? Jonas: One at a time. We don't want to make any mistakes. Polly: Any ideas. Speedy: I've got one. [pulls two Ginzu stars out of a hatch in his left gauntlet] Damn, I'm out. Oh well, I'll just have to make these count! Jonas: Whatever you're doing, Speedy, see if you can tell what type of ammo those things are using. [Speedy sidesteps into the hallway, throws the two Ginzu stars, and quickly steps back, as the spot where he stood moments before is pelted by laser fire] Speedy: That answer your question? Jonas: [muttering] Why can't they ever use PROJECTILE weapons? Why is it always LASER weapons? [A loud explosion is heard, rocking the immediate area] Jonas: [peeks around the corner] The top one on both sides is gone. Looks like you jammed the barrels, and when they tried to fire, they blew up. Francine: So there are six left? Jonas: [nods] Anyone else want to give it a shot? Guido: I've got an idea. [unsheathes his sword] Francine: Guido? What are you doing? Guido: Testing my idea. Jonas: Are you doing what I THINK you're doing? Guido: Probably. Jonas: Are you sure that will work? Guido: Always worked in the cartoons. [Before another word can be said, Guido steps out into the hallway, holding his sword in a blocking stance. Two laser blasts impact against the wall behind him, and he manages to deflect three back at the turrets. However, even Guido's skill with a blade is not quite good enough, as a blast nails him in his right side, searing his armor, and burning his skin] Guido: AAARRGGHHH!!! [As a series of explosions is heard, Speedy reaches out, and yanks Guido back to cover around the corner] Francine: [kneeling down next to Guido] (alarmed) Guido! [Guido lays on his back, clutching the still-smoking wound at his side. Beads of sweat form on his forehead, and he is in a great amount of pain] Francine: [growing red with anger] Grr...RRGH! [She stands, draws her whip, steps into the hall, and flings it in the direction of the turrets. She manages to wrap it around the barrel of one, and then yanks hard, pulling it right out of the wall. She then quickly sidesteps back to safety] Jonas: How many are left? Francine: [examining Guido's wound] Guido got three...and I took out one...that leaves two. [places her hand on Guido's wound, as it emits a pale green glow] Guido: [grunts in pain at Francine's touch, but slowly, the wound begins to close] Polly: [cracks her knuckles] Two, eh? Stand aside. [opens a small compartment on her right gauntlet, and removes a single heart-shaped dart] (frustrated) GRR, I only have one! Oh, well. Here we go! [steps into the hallway, throws the dart, and then dives for cover. A very loud explosion is heard, and GB looses his footing, falling down] GB: OOF! [slowly gets to his feet] What did you USE, Polly!? Jonas: [looks around the corner once again. There is now a small, smoking crater where one column of turrets once was] WHOA! [turns to Polly] What WAS that? Polly: [giggles] One of my patented heart bombs! [turns to the camera] Remember, if I hurt you, it's only because I...[blows a kiss] Love 'ya! [giggles again] Speedy: Polly...sweetheart...who are you talking to? Polly: [looks around] Um...just...reminding myself of something...that's all... Jonas: Remind ME to put one of those bombs on my Christmas list. Yeesh! [turns to Francine] How's Guido doing? Francine: Better, but that wound is still open. I tried healing him, but it just...stopped. Hunter: Interesting, sir. These weapons appear to hamper not only your powers, but magic overall. Jonas: (sarcastically) Today just keeps getting better and better, Hunter. GB: Just one left, now. Should you, or shall I? Jonas: [thinks] We both should. GB: What? Jonas: Just stand by, and watch. You'll know what to do, and when to do it. [Jonas steps into the hallway, and with blinding speed, dashes behind the turret. It doesn't seem to notice] Jonas: (taunting the turret) Hey you! Over here! [The turret rotates around to face Jonas, then does nothing, as if waiting to be provoked] Jonas: Yeah, you, you overgrown flashlight! You want a piece of me? I'm right here! [The turret fires rapidly, as Jonas attempts to dodge its shots. He does a good job of it, but does take a hit in the arm] Jonas: That the best you have, you penlight on steroids? Come on! [While Jonas occupies the turret, GB sneaks up behind it, and with a single motion, slices it off the wall] GB: (to Jonas) You okay? Jonas: I got knicked, but it's not bad. GB: You mean to tell me you could have done that the entire time? Jonas: Yes, but if I were against all eight, one of them probably would have detected me. If they were all on me at once, I don't know if I'd be able to handle it. GB: Why didn't you just blast it when you got behind it? Jonas: Aw, come on, now. I can't have ALL the fun. GB: [sigh] Let's check on Guido. [GB and Jonas go back around the corner to check on the fallen Guido] GB: How is he? Francine: The wound's completely closed now, but he'll be sore around there for a while. Guido: (dazed) Unnh...someone call me? Francine: Guido? Are you okay? Guido: [sits up] Alive, yes. Okay, uh-uh. Man, I feel like it's the day after GB's bachelor party. Speedy and GB: (in unison) Ooh... Francine: [smiles, then slaps Guido across the face] (slightly angry) Don't you ever scare me like that again! Guido: [rubs the side of his face, teary-eyed] Ouch... Francine: [hugs Guido tightly] Oh, I'm sorry Guido. I'm just glad you're okay. Guido: [pats Francine on the back] Yeah...I'm glad I'm okay, too. Jonas: [examining the door on the right-hand wall, behind the turrets] Okay, we've got a choice. We can turn here, and go through this door, or keep going through this hallway. Pick your poison. All: Door. Jonas: [nods] Door it is. Stand back, this thing may be rigged. [Presses a few buttons on a keypad next to the door] "Access code required"? Bah, here's your access code! [charges a fist, and blasts the keypad off the wall, causing the door to slide open. He looks inside] Oh, holy hell. GB: What's in there? Jonas: I think...you'll want to have a look at this... [Everyone groups around the door to look inside. The room is about the size of an average high school gymnasium, with racks and shelves lining the walls. Stacked in piles and placed upon those racks are weapons of every size and caliber, ranging from assault rifles to anti-tank missiles, to the sleek explosive black orbs] Jonas: Reminds me of my closet...only bigger... Speedy: [walking around] They're everywhere. There's no room to put anything along these walls. You'd have to put something new in the middle of the floor. Polly: Doesn't look like standard mining equipment to me. How about you guys? Francine: Yeah, I bet the labor union picked up the tab for all this. Speedy: [realizing something] What could all of this equipment possibly be for? There's more than enough here to overpower the Little Tokyo military. Guido: You really think Seymour is going to try and take the city by invading it? Speedy: It's all starting to make sense. [turns to Jonas] If you were going to forcibly invade a given location, and you had a massive budget with which to do it, what would you do? Jonas: [thinks] Well...first, I'd allocate enough resources and equipment to do the job. Speedy: [waves a hand through the air] Look around you. Done. What next? Jonas: Next...I'd try to neutralize any precautionary measures that could be used against me...[realizes Speedy's point] Which would mean YOU. Speedy: [nods] And after the defenses are gone? Jonas: [silent for a moment] I'd attack, and without anything to provide reasonable resistance...I'd win. [Everyone is silent] GB: That means...we're the last line of defense... Jonas: We're the ONLY line of defense. If we don't stop him...then that's it. He'll take Little Tokyo, and then...the other world governments will respond, and...oh my God... Polly: We could be looking at World War III here! Speedy: It wouldn't really last that long. Little Tokyo has almost no modern weaponry, and I doubt that even this place has nuclear armament. Still, other world leaders would consider it a threat. Jonas: [nods] I still haven't picked up any radiation. Guido: But...if everyone else fires on Little Tokyo... [All are silent] Jonas: Okay, people! This has just become a whole new ballgame! It could be a matter of hours before whatever Seymour is planning takes place, or it could be minutes. Either way, it's up to us to stop it. GB: We've got to find him, first. Jonas: [nods] Right. See any other doors leading out of this room? Polly: [looks around] Doesn't look like it. Jonas: Back to the hallway, then. [The group leaves the room, and begins to walk in the direction they were going, when...] Francine: Hey, what's this? [Francine has stopped in front of a large diagram next to the doorway] Guido: What is it, Francine? Francine: It's a map...I think... Jonas: [squinting at the diagram] I think she's right. A place this large would need some way for personnel to find their way around. Speedy: Can you tell where we are? Jonas: I think so. Let's see here...if this blue triangle is our present position...and this is the hallway we're in...then it should fork up ahead, into two paths. GB: What do we do then? Jonas: We'll blow up that bridge when we come to it. Hmm...wonder what all these symbols mean... Guido: No map key? Jonas: Personnel are probably trained to understand these symbols so intruders-like us-won't be able to recognize them. If this is the room we're standing next to, it's marked with a red circle. We can assume that from what we found in there, that a red circle designates an armory. Now how many rooms have a red circle? [All stare in horror, as nearly half of all the visible rooms are marked with a red circle] Polly: [leaning on a wall] Umm...I don't feel so good... Speedy: [same] Oh man, what have we gotten ourselves into? GB: If each of those rooms has roughly the same amount of weaponry as this one... Jonas: You can forget about Little Tokyo...there's enough ordinance here to level a small country! Francine: You don't think the Big Cheese is stupid enough to try and take over the world, do you? Speedy: I don't know what to think anymore...let's just go on ahead... [The group slowly walks through the dark hallway, even more nervous than before] Jonas: [doing some quick mental math] Incredible...the explosion from this place will be visible for miles around...the sound will be heard from much farther away... Polly: If it's that big, won't the fleet be in danger? Jonas: I can't remember my physics classes...the main danger will be debris, because the shockwave will only emanate horizontally from the explosion...[glances at Polly] Right? Polly: Um...uh... Guido: I don't get it...why didn't Seymour just attack us with THIS thing? I mean, it would take a while to reach the city, but there's no way we would have been able to defend against it. Speedy: Because he's an idiot, Guido. He told us where he was so he could toy with us. If he had the common sense to take us out when he had the chance, we wouldn't be here right now. Jonas: Yeah, most supervillains have that prob-hello! [The group has come to a fork in the hallway, splitting into two paths, left and right] GB: Which way? Speedy: Hmm...Miles, you go left. The rest of us will go right. Polly: Speedy, are you sure he should go alone? There's no telling who or what he might run into! Speedy: I'm sure he'll be able to handle it. Besides, something tells me that's exactly what he wants anyway. Jonas: As a matter of fact, that IS what I want. You're learning, Cerviche. Francine: Are you sure, Jonas? We haven't been in here that long, and it's already been pretty rough. Jonas: [chuckles] Trust me, Francine. I'll be fine. I've gone solo before, I can do it again. [taps his hood] I'll keep my comlink open, just in case. [With that, Jonas disappears down the left path] Guido: Man, he's quick. Speedy: No kidding. Let's go. [The group of five, now, continues down the hallway, moving slowly and cautiously, not knowing what to expect. Suddenly, they all come to a halt] Polly: Did anyone else just hear that? GB: If you mean a metallic scraping sound...then yes. [All listen closely as a faint whirring sound can be heard, accompanied by an occasional scratching sound] Speedy: It's getting louder...something's coming this way. [Everyone draws their weapons in preparation for battle] Francine: I've had enough nervousness today, I don't need this! Guido: You don't know the half of it, Fran. [Down the hallway, five pairs of glowing red eyes appear, growing larger as they approach] Speedy: This...could be a problem. [As the eyes slowly approach the light, their sources are revealed: Five robots, approximately the Cats' height, with square bodies, crane-like arms, and rectangular heads, sitting on tank tread-style feet. {If you bought a Nintendo Entertainment System when it was first released, you may remember R.O.B., a robotic accessory that worked in conjunction with games such as Gyromite. These robots closely resemble R.O.B., although they are three and a half feet tall.} They move in a V-type formation, although the two on the ends wobble slightly, bumping into the walls, causing the scraping sound. They'd almost look threatening if they weren't so funny-looking] GB: [laughing] Look everyone, it's R2-D2! Guido: [same] No, it's a few of those automated trash bins! [The lead robot fires two energy beams from it's eyes, which streak toward Guido. He ducks just in time, as the beams scorch the wall behind the area where he was just standing] Guido: Oh, I get it! They make Pop Tarts! [The Cats do their best to mount an offensive, but the intense laser fire keeps them occupied] GB: [leaps into the air while charging a fist with energy] Up here, ya walkin' erector set! [the robot looks up just as the energy blast hits it, turning it to melted slag] I got one! Speedy: [turns to the robot nearest him, whistles] Yoo-hoo, tin man! Over here! [The robot turns to Speedy] Speedy: You wanna take me on? I'm right here! Gimme your best shot! [The robot fires at Speedy, but he holds his sword at a flat angle, deflecting both beams back, and blowing the robot to smithereens] Speedy: [cocky grin] And they thought the scarecrow was brainless. [Unfortunately for Speedy, another robot blasts him in the back, knocking him to the floor] Polly: SPEEDY! [grabs the robot that's attacking Speedy, holds it over her head, and hurls it against a wall, shattering it, She runs over to Speedy] Speedy, are you all right? [Speedy was hit pretty hard, but the red, circular piece of armor on his back took most of the brunt. It now has a large hole in it] Speedy: [sitting up, groans] Ungh...that was nothing. Taken worse hits...from you... Polly: [smiles] Yeah, you're fine. Come on, we're not done yet. [helps Speedy up] [Francine attempts to wrap her whip around the arm of another robot, but it manages to catch her whip, and begins pulling her forward. She releases her whip, but before she can take any action, the robot is almost upon her, and she begins grappling with it] Jonas: [over the comlink in Francine's helmet] What's all that noise? What's going on? Francine: (shouting) I'M BUSY, HERE! Jonas: Can you give me a brief summary or something!? Francine: I'M IN A FISTFIGHT WITH A BERSERK MR. COFFEE! Jonas: ...? [As the robot's claws inch closer to Francine's face, Guido walks up behind it, grabs its rectangular head, and gives it a hard twist, snapping it off. Sparks fly from the severed head as the robot lets out a static-filled squawk] Guido: Maybe THAT will teach you to disrespect a lady. Francine: [pointing behind Guido] (screaming) GUIDO!! WATCH OUT!! [Guido turns to face the final remaining robot as it snaps its claws around his arms, sending electricity coursing through his body. Guido screams as the countless volts assault his body, but with remarkable determination, he still stands] Guido: [gritting his teeth, glowing a bright blue] LET...ME...GO!!! [a blue flash of light, and the robot's torso flies away from Guido at incredible speed, smashing into a nearby wall. Spent from the effort, Guido collapses to one knee] Francine: [having fallen down, slowly crawls over to Guido] (in shock, stammering) G-G-Guido? Guido: [a faint puff of smoke comes out of his mouth, and he manages a weak smile as he turns to face Francine] I think I've been electrocuted enough times for one week. Francine: [pointing at Guido] G-G-Guido...l-l-look... Guido: ...? [Guido looks down at himself to see that the robot's arms are still clamped to his own] Guido: [winces] Oh...sorry. [removes the robot's arms, helps Francine up] Are you okay? Francine: [trembling slightly] I'm a little shaken, but I'll be okay. What about you? Guido: Nothing a shower won't fix. [Francine nods. Suddenly, her eyes fill with tears, and she buries her head in Guido's shoulder, sobbing loudly] Guido: (alarmed) Francine? Are you all right? Francine: (sobbing) I thought you might be...I was sure you were...*SOB* Guido: (consoling) Easy, Francine. I'm a little crisp around the edges, but I'm okay. Francine: [smiles, through tears] Yeah, I know, but...but... Guido: But what? Francine: [shakes her head] Never mind. It's nothing. Speedy: You all right, Guido? Guido: [nods] Second time I've been electrocuted this week, but I'm okay. Jonas: [over comlink] ELECTROCUTED? What happened over there!? Polly: We ran into some robots, Miles. Speedy took a hit, and Guido...well...Guido took an electric shock, but it's nothing serious. Guido: [leaning against a wall] Now, Polly...[cough] I wouldn't go THAT far... GB: You well enough to go on, Guido? Guido: Yeah, just...gimme a second to...catch my breath here... Speedy: How's it going on your end, Miles? Something's going on. Jonas: [faint laser fire can be heard in the background] I'm in the engine room...or one of them. Ran into some turrets mounted on the ceiling, and they're determined to take me out. Speedy: Can you handle them alone? Jonas: There are a lot of them, but I'm taking cover behind a large metal container. Hunter: Sir, I believe you should reassess your situation. Jonas: What? What are you talking ab-(stops himself, quietly) Oh, no! [In the next moment, the Cats are thrown off their feet as a massive explosion rocks the entire complex. A tortured scream emits from the comlink, as the entire scene seems to tilt on its side. Switch to an outside view of the fortress, as it shudders violently, and the sound of the explosion reaches the Imperial Fleet] Jackson: Did we fire on that thing!? Crewman: No sir! No ships report firing! Jackson: Look at that thing! It's beginning to lose altitude! [Onboard the fortress, alarm klaxons blare loudly, as red warning lights flash rapidly] Computer voice: Warning! Warning! Damage sustained to engines! Switching to emergency turbines! [An outside view once again, as the fortress slowly stops its descent, and then slowly begins to rise into the air] Jackson: It stopped. What happened to it? Crewman: Unknown, sir. None of our craft have fired. Jackson: Crewman: Sir, the object has passed its previous point of altitude! Jackson: WHAT!? Are we still within weapons range? Crewman: Yes sir, but at the current rate of ascension, object will leave our maximum weapons range in...less than thirty minutes. [Back to the Cats. The scene has stabilized, and everyone struggles to get to their feet. They all rise slowly, having been slammed hard against the steel walls] Speedy: You there, Miles? [No response] Speedy: Come in, Jonas. Do you read? Jonas: (weakly, as Super Dave Osborne) New pain! Speedy: What happened? Are you all right? Jonas: I'm...I'm...[silent for a moment] I'm alive, Cerviche. Let's leave it at that. Speedy: Jonas: This room, it's just...gone. That blast ripped through a huge section of this area. If it had managed to hit one of the armories...we'd all be playing harps right now. Speedy: Do you know what caused it? Jonas: I'm not sure...so fast...everything went white...[cough] Speedy: Do you need help? Jonas: No...don't go anywhere. I've got a fix on your position, and should be there in a few minutes. Guido: [rubbing his head] Ouch... Polly: [coughs] I hear ya, Guido. GB: [dusts himself off] Anyone hurt? Speedy: I think Jonas was very near whatever blew up. I wasn't entirely sure he felt pain, but that was NOT a pleasant experience for him. Polly: I'm not hurt. Not badly. How about you guys? Speedy, Guido, and GB: (in unison) Fine. [Francine is oddly silent] Guido: (concerned) Francine? Are you okay? Francine: [teary-eyed, voice-breaking] No Guido, I'm not! [she hugs Guido loosely, sobbing uncontrollably] Guido: What's wrong? Francine: [sobbing] It's like before...I was always worried that you, Speedy, and Polly wouldn't be coming back when you went into a fight, and I didn't even know what it was like. And now that I do...[she looks up at Guido, tears in her eyes] How can I ever be a Pizza Cat if all I ever do is worry about you? Guido: (consoling) Francine, you know as well as I do that this job has risks. It's dangerous, but if we don't do it, who will? Francine: [nods] I know, but...when I saw that robot get you...and all the other things we've been through in the last HOUR...I...I just don't know if I can take it anymore! *SOB* Guido: [grabs Francine by her shoulders] (firmly) FRANCINE! GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF! [Francine stares at Guido in shock] Guido: I know you're scared! I am too! But you are NOT alone! All of us are behind you, all the way! This hasn't exactly been a typical day for us, either. Just because you worry about us doesn't make you any lesser of a person! It just means that you care about us! We care about you, too! [looks over to Speedy, Polly, and GB] Right? [All nod] Guido: (softly) That's what makes us so strong. We care about each other, and support one another. You worry about us because you care, and we care for you too...(under his breath) some of us more than others. (normally) But if we don't all hold together, then it doesn't work. The reason that we're so strong is because we work together, as a unit, and stay together through thick and thin. (softly) We NEED you, Francine. Francine: [silent for a moment] You...you're right, Guido. Thank you. Guido: [takes Francine's hands in his own] Francine...what's happened today has made me realize a few things, and...there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a while, now. Speedy: Francine: (curious) Tell me what? Guido: [gulp] Francine...I...I... [Before Guido can finish, the wall on the left-hand side suddenly explodes, once again knocking the Cats off their feet. As the smoke clears, a tall, dark figure can be seen, eyes glowing a bright yellow in the darkness] Speedy: [coughing] Think you could be more SUBTLE, Miles? All this getting thrown around is starting to HURT! Figure: (curious) Miles? Who is Miles? Speedy: (puzzled) Huh...? [As the last of the smoke drifts away, the figure is revealed to be a Ninja Crow, standing about an inch taller than GB. His physical features are almost an exact match for GB's, but he is obviously older. His armor consists of a simple breastplate, with no arm attachments, revealing toned, muscular arms. He wears no helmet, and he has that trademarked Ninja Crow glint-in-the-eye. He is also accompanied by four normal Ninja Crows] Polly: Who are you? Hunter: Accessing... Polly: [glances down at her armor] Wha...Hunter!? Hunter: Yes, Mrs. Esther? Polly: (confused) How can you be here? Aren't you with Jonas? Hunter: To increase efficiency, I have a direct link to all of your armors. I am responding to your query. Attempting identification... Jonas: [over comlink, coughs] Patch the image through to me, Hunter. Hunter: Working... [Switch to Polly's view, as her visor automatically flips down over her face. A photograph of the crow leader appears, accompanied by the message "SCANNING RECORDS". A few moments pass before a new message appears: "NO EXACT MATCHES FOUND. MOST PROBABLE MATCH IS DESIGNATE: JERRY ATRICK." An image of Jerry Atrick appears next to the leader's photo] Cats and Jonas: (shocked) WHAAAAAAAT!?!? Polly: Hunter, do you have a screw loose!? Atrick had to be 300 years old! This guy must be...thirty-five, tops! Hunter: Based on skeletal structure, dental records, and available scans, there is a 97.26 percent chance that the person in front of you is indeed Jerry Atrick. Leader: [chuckling] Observant...for a machine. Speedy: (shocked) But...you can't be! Guido: (same) H-...how? Jerry: Much to my surprise, Seymour has actually been using our newly acquired financial assets wisely. He has set up an academy for my Ninja Crows, and researched many new technologies, including...[flexes an arm] age reversal. GB: (angrily) How could you let him do that!? How could you let him kill all those people!? Jerry: [chuckling] Silence, traitor! Seymour left behind that insignia at MY request. Just a little reminder that neither you, or any of your feline friends will EVER be rid of us! GB: [trembling with rage] Grr....RRGH... Speedy: [takes a step back] Uh-oh... [With blinding speed, GB unsheathes his sword, and charges Jerry. Jerry barely manages to draw his own sword in time to block the attack] GB: (yelling) The rest of you take out those flunkies! Atrick is MINE! [Forces on both sides become a blur as the Cats engage the four crows in combat, and GB continues his ferocious battle with Jerry Atrick] Guido: (PSI to Speedy) I don't know how much more of this I can take, Speedy! Every muscle in my body is screaming for mercy! Speedy: (PSI to Guido) Hang in there, buddy! We've come too far to stop now! [Polly and a crow begin circling each other, preparing to attack] Polly: Bye-bye, birdie! [takes a swing at the crow with her sword] Crow: [dodges, and kicks Polly in the stomach, causing her to double over in pain. He then clasps his hands together, and smashes her over the back, forcing her down on all fours] Polly: [grunts in pain] Is that any way to treat a lady? Crow: [laughing] Pathetic! How could Speedy Cerviche ever love a loser like YOU? [Everyone else suddenly stops fighting, and turns in shock to the speaking crow] Guido: UH-OH. Speedy: You can say that again! Francine: (yelling to the crow) Now would be a good time to RUN! Crow: [smirks] Oh yeah? What's she gonna do? HIT ME? Jerry: Don't just stand there, you fool! [The warning comes too little, too late, as Polly slowly stands, her entire body shaking with anger. A red aura forms around her body, as she grabs the crow by the arm, lifts him up over her head, and hurls him with incredible force against a wall. The crow makes a large dent, then slumps limply to the ground] Polly: [breathing heavily] That one...was for Speedy! [All of the battles quickly resume as Polly leans against a wall, spent from that sudden burst of energy] [Another crow leaps high into the air, throwing four shuriken at Guido] Guido: Batter up! [takes out his umbrella, opens it, and begins spinning it rapidly. The shuriken deflect back at the crow, pinning him to the wall by his arms and legs] Crow: [looks around, a worried expression on his face] BAWK! Guido: [tsk tsk tsk] Please, hang around awhile! Speedy: [makes a face] "Hang around awhile"? UGH! Guido, you wouldn't know a good pun if it jumped up and bit you on the- [before Speedy can finish, a crow seems to come out of nowhere, knocking his sword from his hands] Crow: [has his sword at Speedy's throat, smirks] Whatcha gonna do now, Pizza Cat? Speedy: [thinks] How about...THIS? [Speedy's clenched fists begin to glow. He opens them for a moment, and there is a blinding flash of white light. The crow staggers back, dazed, giving Speedy enough time to pick up his sword and knock the crow's own sword away] Crow: (stammering) M-m-mercy! Speedy: [blinks] (puzzled) Mercy? [getting angry] MERCY!? [picks the crow up by the neck of his armor, and slams him against the wall] (ballistic) I'LL SHOW YOU MERCY! THE SAME MERCY YOU SHOWED MY FRIENDS BACK HOME! THE SAME MERCY YOU GAVE TO ALL THOSE INNOCENT PEOPLE! [his free hand begins glowing] HERE'S YOUR MERCY!!! [Before Speedy can deliver what would have surely been a fatal blow, Guido and Polly grab him from behind, attempting to restrain him] Polly: Don't do it, Speedy! Don't sink down to his level! Guido: Let him go, man! He's not worth it! Speedy: [glowing brightly now] (livid with rage) LET ME GO!!! SOMEONE HAS TO PAY!!! [While Polly and Guido attempt to calm Speedy down, the crow in question gets up, and begins to run away] Speedy: NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! [he temporarily manages to break free from Polly and Guido's grasp. He raises a glowing fist at the fleeing crow, and a blast of energy surges forth, striking the crow in the back, and knocking him down. Speedy's muscles relax, signifying him calming down] [The crow engaging Francine glances at Speedy, and beads of sweat begin to form on his forehead] Polly: (to Guido) Check that crow. [Guido nods, and walks over to the prone crow] (to Speedy) Feel better now? Speedy: [nods, trembling slightly] Honey...[looks down at his hands, which are shaking] What have I done? Polly: [puts an arm around Speedy] (consoling) Easy, Speedy. You were venting, that's all. [Guido walks over] Polly: How is he? Guido: He's alive, but he's out cold. Speedy really hit him hard. Speedy: [still trembling] I...I... Guido: You got angry, Speedy. I know how that feels. If I were you, I would have done the same thing. Polly: Hey...[looks around] Where's Francine? [Francine is busy with the final Ninja Crow. She reaches for her whip, but is shocked to find that it isn't where it should be] Francine: (confused) What? Where...? [spots her whip lying near the remains of the robot she was grappling earlier. It lies several feet away] Oh, NO! Crow: Oh, YES! [slowly approaches, his sword drawn, his face showing a sinister grin] Jonas: [over comlink] What is it? What's wrong? Francine: My whip...I can't get to it! Jonas: What do you mean, "I can't get to it"? Francine: I MEAN, it's lying about twenty feet away, and I'm standing TEN feet away from an armed Ninja Crow! Jonas: Quickly, open the main compartment on your left gauntlet! Francine: Why? What- Jonas: (interrupting) Just DO IT! [Francine does so. Inside the compartment are several bells, resembling the one she wears around her neck, only reduced to about the size of marbles] Francine: [slightly panicking as the crow comes closer] What am I gonna do, impersonate a Christmas tree!? Jonas: (with a hint of annoyance) Those devices are equipped with short-range, high-pitched sonic disruption fields. The frequency will destabilize your opponent's equilibrium, causing a state of disorientation. Utilities in your helmet will filter the effect out. Francine: IN ENGLISH!! Jonas: He'll get a migraine, lose his balance, and fall over! Just give one a good shake, and toss it at him! Francine: I hope you're right, Jonas! [Grabs one of the bells, begins shaking it furiously] (to the crow) Here, CATCH! [tosses it] [The crow catches the bell with his free hand. The bell begins vibrating rapidly, emitting a high-pitched squeal as it shakes. The crow falls down on his hands and knees, with his hands over his ears, attempting to shut out the sound. It is to no avail, however, and he passes out from the pain. Slowly, the sound dies down, and the bell slowly ceases vibrating] Francine: [winces] Is he... Jonas: I make my tools non-lethal if I can, Francine. When he wakes up, he's gonna have one hell of a headache. Are you all right? Francine: Yeah, I'm all right, but...I feel so tired...where are you? Jonas: I'm on my way, but that last hit I took is slowing me down. Can you hold your own until I get there? Francine: [retrieves her whip] No one's left, except Atrick, and it looks like GB is handling him pretty well. [Both GB and Jerry have sustained multiple cuts and bruises, but are still slashing at each other with incredible speed] Jerry: [panting] Good...but not good enough! [With one lightning quick motion, kicks GB's legs out from under him, knocking him onto his back. In the next instant, Jerry's sword is at GB's throat] GB: [scowling] Come a little closer, so I can spit in your face! Jerry: [smirking] I'll ignore that, and give you one last chance to make amends for your betrayal, and join me once again. Speedy: Are you NUTS!? He'll never join you! Not after what you did to the city! To US! [GB is silent] Jerry: (ignoring Speedy) THINK about it! The two of us combined would be unstoppable! We could easily overthrow Seymour, and rule Little Tokyo together! GB: [extends his hand to Atrick] Polly: Don't do it, GB! Jerry: [evil grin] I knew you'd see it my way! Now, I shall rule Little Tokyo, with you as my Second in command! [reaches down to help GB up] GB: [extended hand begins to glow] Rule THIS! [Energy surges forth from GB's hand, searing Atrick's face. He yells in pain, and falls to the ground, clutching his face] Guido: [helps GB up] You had us worried for a second there. GB: [grins] You don't honestly think I'd join THAT slime, do you? Speedy: You're convincing when you need to be, my friend. GB: [picks Jerry up by the collar] All right, "Master", I want to know WHY! Why did you attack the city? Why did you kill all those people? Jerry: [Moderately burned, but not seriously] (weakly) No matter...how cruel you may believe me to be...I am still a Ninja Crow...and I still have my honor...I would never murder innocents... GB: If not you, then WHO? Who's behind this? Seymour? Jerry: [nods weakly] He said...he wanted you all...to suffer... GB: (angrily) Where is he? WHERE!? [Jerry raises a claw, pointing down the remainder of the dark hallway. His hand then falls to the ground as he slips into unconsciousness] GB: [lets go of Atrick] Well...I'm glad that's clear... [Jonas steps through the hole in the wall that Jerry and his crows made, examining it as he does so. His cloak sports several tears, one of his gauntlets appears to be chipped, and his eyes dimly glow yellow] Jonas: [low whistle] Jeez, what came through HERE? [turns to face the Cats] [That would be an accurate statement. Almost everyone sports several bruises and cuts. Guido's armor is charred in many places. Speedy's is in relatively the same condition, with heavy damage to the back. Polly's bears several large dents. Deep cuts marr GB's armor. Francine is the only one with almost no visible damage, and everyone's faces show signs of fatigue] Jonas: I'll be honest, people...you look like crap. Speedy: You don't look so hot, yourself. Jonas: I assure you, I didn't look this good ten minutes ago. Francine: What happened to you? There was an explosion, and- Jonas: (interrupting) YEAH. I know. I was there. Remember that container I was behind? [All nod] Jonas: Well, at about the time you contacted me, Hunter informed me that the particular container I was behind was filled with a very volatile fuel. Not even completely liquid, more of an early venture into using energy for fuel. Anyway, the turrets firing at me had NO regard for that fact, and when one of the shots punctured the container...it blew up in my face. [Everyone winces] Speedy: Ouch. Jonas: Tell me about it. That set off a chain reaction throughout the room. Blew up other containers, all the engine turbines...everything. Don't think I've ever been hit that hard before. Still...something doesn't make sense... Speedy: Like what? Last time I was that close to something that exploded, it HURT! Jonas: Maybe so, but that's the only the second hit I've taken today. Starting at full strength...that shouldn't have hurt as much as it did...[shakes his head] I'll figure it out later. How did things go on your end? Speedy: Well, after we split up, we ran into a few robots...[motions to the strewn debris] Then after you said to stay put, Atrick and his goons showed up...[glances at the unconscious Jerry Atrick] and then you got here. Jonas: Did you get anything out of Atrick? Speedy: [nods] He told us where the Big Cheese is...[points down the hallway] IF we can believe a word he said. Jonas: [nods] Then this is it. We're almost through here. Can all of you make it? Guido: [leaning on a wall for support] (weakly) Sure...just gimme a second to rest... Polly: (same) Yeah...we can handle it...maybe... Jonas: [sigh] I was afraid of this. You've been battling nonstop for over an hour. That would drain ANYONE! Unfortunately, I don't have anything to give you a boost. That formula I gave Guido and GB earlier should have lasted longer, but I forgot to take into account how much energy you'd be expending here. Speedy: You're not the only one with an ace up his sleeve, Miles. What do you say we tap the emergency reserves, guys? Francine: Once we use it, Speedy, that'll be it. We won't have it for later. Speedy: If we DON'T use it, there might not BE a later. [The Cats all open small latches on their left gauntlets, and press a few buttons. Their headpieces blink rapidly, then glow softly] Speedy: (strengthened) Ahh...better. Jonas: Not bad, Cerviche. How long will it last? Speedy: Roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes. If we're not finished by then... Jonas: (turns to GB) What about you? You don't have any reserves. GB: [grins] I never said I NEEDED a boost, did I? Jonas: [chuckles] Indeed, you didn't. Guido: What about YOU, Jonas? Can YOU make it until the end? Jonas: I've waited too long for this day to be stopped now, Guido. I'll see it through...no matter what. Speedy: [nods] Then this really is it. Are we ready? [Everyone nods] Speedy: Let's do it. [The exhausted group once again treks down the dimly lit hallway. Broken panels spark and sputter. Debris from smashed robots and fallen grates litters the floor. However, one fine feline heroine has something on her mind...] Francine: (whispering to Guido) Guido? Guido: (whispering to Francine) Yes? Francine: What exactly was it you were going to tell me? Guido: [sighs] It was nothing, Francine. Just...nothing. Francine: You know something, Guido? I don't believe you. Guido: [blinks] You don't? Francine: I know something's bothering you, and I know you want to tell me, but for some reason, you just can't seem to get it out. Guido: (embarrassed) Um...well...that's because...uh... Francine: Let me finish. However, I also know that eventually, when you're ready, you WILL tell me. That's what matters. Guido: But...I...I... Francine: [smiles, grasps Guido's hand tightly] Just take your time, Guido. I'm in no rush. Guido: [smiles] You're right, Fran. When we get out of here, and we WILL get out of here, I'm going to take a little time to think about this. When I'm ready...I'll tell you. Francine: [gives Guido a gentle kiss on the cheek] I know. I'm looking forward to it. [Finally, the group comes to a large steel door at the end of the hallway. There is no visible handle, nor is there an access pad] Speedy: [examining the door] Probably opened from the other side...[turns to Polly] Sweetheart, if you would, please? Polly: My pleasure, dear. [Bares her claws, sinks them into the door, and rips it right off the frame, tossing it aside] GB: (imitating TV salesperson) Not available in any store! Get your very own Polly Esther, available in three easy payments of more than you've got! Our operators are standing by! Polly: [giggles] [The room behind the door is extremely large, roughly the size of an auditorium, and is dimly lit. It is completely bare, with no furniture or equipment at all. One side of the room is completely dark, with nothing visible. The Cats cautiously enter] Speedy: [looking around] Well...where is he? Jonas: [same] I don't know...let me check. [taps a few buttons on his right gauntlet] Eh? Let's try that again...[presses the same buttons] This isn't good... Polly: What's wrong? Jonas: Night vision display won't come up. Hunter: Auto-repair is still working on that particular system, sir. Jonas: Hmmph...must've been hit harder than I thought... Speedy: Not a problem. [Reaches up and flips a switch on the side of his helmet, activating the helmet light] [While the added light does reveal a little more of the room, nothing new is seen, and one side is still dark] Guido: Atrick said he would be here...I guess he was lying. Voice: Quite the contrary, hairball! [Everyone quickly turns to face the general direction of the voice. It seems to be coming from the unlit portion of the room] Speedy: (bitterly) I know that voice... Francine: We all do... [A large spotlight illuminates the dark portion of the room. A large red robot is revealed, standing approximately twenty-five feet tall, with cone-shaped legs connecting to a triangular body with a domed head. One arm is a vise-like claw, while the other resembles a large piston. Seated in the dome is none other than Seymour "Big" Cheese] BC: You remembered me, you worthless sacks of fur? [evil grin] I'm touched. Guido: Yeah, touched in the head! Speedy: What are you up to, cheese breath? What is this all about? BC: Come, come, is that any way to greet an old friend? Polly: You're no friend of ours, you raunchy rapscallion of a rodent! Jonas: (whispering) Nice one, Polly. Polly: (same) I thought so too. BC: [evil grin] Well, since I'm going to destroy you anyway, I might as well tell you. You pesky furballs were the only thing preventing me from taking Little Tokyo as my own. Every plot foiled, every plan ruined! However, I've rethought my strategy since the acquisition of my new wealth. I thought about how much easier it would be to conquer the city if I could just get rid of YOU! Francine: What's your point, banana-nose? BC: [chuckles] That attack on the city was payback for all the years that you've been meddling in my plans! All those people, all those dead...they're on YOUR conscience now! GB: Get real! We're not going to feel guilty for just doing our jobs! BC: Ah, but the Ninja Crows who assembled this robot-and this very fortress-are the real reason for success. I couldn't have done it without them. GB: [clenches his fists] Speedy: Calm down. He's just trying to get to you. Jonas: Hey...wait a minute...Hunter, compare the dimensions of that robot's feet to the tracks we found in the city. Hunter: Working...exact match found. Cats: (in shock) WHAAAAT? [Indeed, the cylinder-shaped bottoms of the robot's upside-down cone feet prove a perfect match for the tracks found in the Little Tokyo rubble] Guido: [trying to stay in control] You PERSONALLY murdered all those people? YOU killed Lucille? BC: [sinister grin] Ah, you mean the one with the atomic curlers? Yes, I had to make sure she would never interfere in my plans again! [maniacal laughing] Guido: [Ooh-hoo, ANGRY!] Francine: Easy, Guido...we've gotta come up with a plan here... BC: Now do you see? That was no random area of the city to be struck. That entire attack was meant solely for YOU! [begins laughing again] My own little game of Cat-and-Mouse, with the roles reversed! Jonas: You EVIL son of a- BC: (interrupting) And who might YOU be? You look like you jumped out of a C. S. Lewis novel! Jonas: (annoyed) My NAME is Jonas Miles. You'd do well to remember that. BC: You certainly don't look like a Samurai Pizza Cat. Jonas: I'm not a samurai, and I never SAID I was a cat. BC: My, my! Don't WE have an attitude! Jonas: [steps forward] You want a piece of me, pal? Come on! Free shot! Right here! Hunter: Sir, this course of action is inadvisable. Jonas: I know what I'm doing, Hunter. If this guy wants some, he can come and get it! BC: [sinister grin] My pleasure! [With blinding speed, the robot lurches forward, and slams its piston arm into Jonas. The tip seems to explode on contact, and his body sails through the air, smashing a hole in the wall behind the Cats. The force of the blow is so great, the Cats are knocked off their feet] Francine: Jonas! Speedy: Miles, are you there? [Nothing but static over the comlink] Speedy: (more urgently) Miles, do you read? Please respond. [Still static] BC: That's what you get when you meddle in my affairs! Now, after I'm finished with you, my armies will march into Little Tokyo, take the Palace, and-[before BC can finish, Speedy leaps up and gives the robot a hard punch to the chest, his fists glowing with energy] OOF! Speedy: You talk too much! [The robot takes a few steps back, rocked by the impact of Speedy's punch] Speedy: You murdering swine! If it wasn't for that man, none of us may be alive today! If it's the last thing I ever do, I'm taking you DOWN! [Speedy launches into his Cat's Eye Slash sequence. As he prepares to unleash its awesome power, the roar of a wildcat is heard in the background. The energy strikes the robot dead on, knocking it onto its back, but not destroying it] Speedy: What!? That's insane! That should have blown you into next year! BC: [gets up] You fool! Surely you don't think I can be defeated so easily! [A hatch opens on the claw arm, revealing a small cannon. It fires a beam at Speedy, who only just barely manages to dodge] Polly: Don't call my husband a fool! [Kicks the robot in the chest, knocking it back, before going into her Heartbreaker sequence. Again, the blast hits full on, knocking the robot down, but oddly, almost no damage can be seen] What's going on here!? BC: [struggling to get up] Your pathetic light show won't stop me this time! [makes it to his feet and fires at Polly, knicking her on the right shoulder] Polly: UNGH! Guido: (in a baby-ish tone) Aww, poor widdle Cheesy, did da big, bad Pizza Cat hurt youse? [punches the robot HARD in the chest] (angrily) GOOD! [The robot staggers back, but keeps its balance] Guido: [delivering a combination of devastating punches and kicks] This one's for Jonas! [WHAM!] This one's for Lucille! [WHAM!] This one's for Francine! [WHAM!] [The robot nearly topples over, but somehow manages to stay up] Guido: And this one...IS FOR ME! [goes into his Azure Flame sequence, knocking the robot down once again. Real signs of damage are finally beginning to show] BC: [with a bloody lip] Then this one's for ME! [Fires at Guido. Spent from that last effort, Guido is unable to dodge, and takes the hit full on. He collapses to the ground, unmoving] Polly: [screams] Speedy: (yells) GUIDO! Francine: NOOOOOO!!! [runs over to Guido, and kneels down. His armor is charred, and his body prone. Had she been level-headed enough to check his pulse, she would have seen that he was alive {But guess what? She DIDN'T!}] (sobbing) Guido...no...[slowly turns to the Big Cheese, glowing with hatred] YOU!!! BC: [gets up, laughing] Two down, four to go! Francine: (ballistic) AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! [Grabs her whip, and begins twirling it around her head as it crackles with energy] (echoing) EMERALD...TORNADO! [A large energy funnel forms, and slams into the robot, causing more damage, and knocking it down once again] BC: [groan] Not again... [Speedy and Polly join Francine by Guido] Francine: (sobbing) Guido...please...you're all I have... Speedy: [teary-eyed] (consoling) It'll be okay, Francine...somehow... Polly: [checks for a pulse] Hey...he's alive! Speedy and Francine: HE IS!? Polly: [nods] But just barely. We need to get him out of here! [Before the robot can get to its feet, GB comes seemingly from out of nowhere and goes into his Firebird sequence, smashing the robot farther into the ground. GB then lands near the others] GB: [examines Guido, winces] Ouch. Is it safe to move him? Speedy: If we DON'T move him, he might be dead by the time we get out of here. BC: [Has gotten up YET AGAIN {Gods!}, and moved into an attack position] Correction...you'll ALL be dead! [A chain of some kind extends from the claw arm, and in one smooth motion, it strikes Speedy, Polly, GB, and Francine in their chests, knocking them down] Speedy: Give it up, Seymour! From the looks of you, I'd say you can barely stand! [True enough, the constant assault by the Cats has cracked the robot's frame, cracked the dome on top, caused several dents, and caused some circuitry to be exposed. The blaster on the claw arm has been destroyed. The thing's seen better days] BC: Maybe...[another cannon appears on the piston arm] But I've still got more than enough left to destroy you! [Before BC can fire, a scream composed of a mixture of animalistic pain and rage pierces the air. Everyone turns in shock to the wall behind the Cats, the source of the sound] All: HUH!? BC: [eyes narrow] Impossible! He can't be... [The aforementioned wall suddenly explodes, clouding the scene with dust and smoke. When it clears, the battered visage of Jonas Miles can be standing in the rubble. His cloak has been torn all over, a patch of cloth is missing from his right arm, his left gauntlet sparks and sputters, and his hood is ripped, revealing a tuft of brown hair. His normally yellow eyes glow a crimson red, as do his clenched fists. A trickle of blood runs down both of his forearms. The area around his body appears distorted, as if next to incredible heat. {Need coffee. Keep away. :)}] Speedy: Um...Miles? Jonas: (voice is gravelly, as he struggles to keep calm) Speedy, do you remember all that stuff I said about self-control and focus? Speedy: Uh...yes...why? Jonas: Well, I am WAAAY beyond control right now, so I'd like you to do something for me. Speedy: Yeah...? Jonas: [turns to Speedy] (slowly) RUN...LIKE...HELL. Speedy: Don't have to tell ME twice! [Speedy, Polly, GB, and Francine head back toward the Nova at the best speed they can while supporting Guido, not wanting to injure him further] BC: So, you think you can take me alone, you walking night light? Well, let's see what you've got! [Seymour fires at Jonas, but he quickly leaps into the air, and fires a blast of his own from his left fist. BC dodges, but the blast rocks the entire room, creating a smoldering crater where BC stood just a moment before. In the hallway, the Cats nearly fall over as the shockwave reaches the area where they are. Alarms blare everywhere as red warning lights flash] Computer voice: Attention all personnel! Evacuate immediately! This is not a drill! Repeat, all personnel, abandon your posts and evacuate immediately! Speedy: Come on, we're almost there! [turns on his comlink] Lou, we're coming back! You better be there! Polly: Look, Atrick and his crows aren't here! Did they get out? GB: If not, they get to see up close just how big of a BOOM this place is going to make! [Onboard the deck of the Gemini, the crew can only watch as the fortress shakes violently] Jackson: Get the rescue choppers out here immediately! I don't know what's going on, but I'll bet we're going to have casualties! [Back to the fight. More craters litter the area, evidence of shots fired and missed. Jonas and BC face each other from across the room, each one anticipating the other's move] BC: [presses a few buttons inside the robot, and it slowly disappears, cloaking] Jonas: Hunter? Hunter, are you there? Hunter: Yes, sir. Jonas: Are you all right? Hunter: Several secondary systems are damaged or inoperable...however, all primary systems are nominal. Jonas: Good. Switch me to cloak negation view. [Switch to Jonas' view. The bright orange outline of Seymour's robot stands out against everything else] Jonas: Lock on target. Select ordinance: Disrupter. Hunter: Sir, that is lethal ordinance, and is a violation of the "No Killing" directive. Jonas: (angrily) Hunter, ask yourself: Is this a good time to question me? Hunter: (silent for a moment) Understood, sir. Security override accepted. [Switch to Jonas' view once again, as a targeting crosshair appears. A message is displayed: TARGET: DESIGNATE "SEYMOUR CHEESE". WEAPON: DISRUPTER. LETHAL ORDINANCE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED. DESTROY TARGET.] Jonas: [A green beam of energy fires from his right gauntlet, slamming into the robot and disabling the cloak] GOTCHA! [Before BC can move, Jonas unsheathes Crusader, plunges it into the robot, cuts it open, and pulls BC out] Jonas: (livid) SO, A WALKING NIGHT LIGHT, AM I? THIS IS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE YOU KILLED! [WHAM!] ONE! [WHAM!] TWO! [WHAM!] THREE! [Meanwhile, Speedy and the rest finally reach the Nova, and collapse inside] Falcone: What on Earth...? Catton: [examining their injuries] What happened to you guys? [eyes Guido] GAH! Speedy: (weakly) Played a game of Cat-and-Mouse...I think we won... Polly: Guido's really hurt. Hand me that first aid kit. [Back again...] Jonas: [WHAM!] EIGHTY-ONE! [WHAM!] EIGHTY-TWO! [WHAM!] EIGHTY-THREE! Hunter: Um...sir? Jonas: What is it, Hunter? I still have 342 to go! Hunter: Sir, your adrenaline rush will end in approximately thirty seconds, and this fortress' structural integrity is about to give out. Jonas: [looks at the Big Cheese, who has been reduced to an unconscious, bloody heap, and lets him go] All right. Let's get out of here. [Raises a fist, and blasts a hole in the side of the fortress, exposing the outside world. He walks over, and glances back at BC] See you in Hell, Seymour. [jumps out, and reaches for the mike clipped to his belt] This is Jonas Miles to all units. FIRE AT WILL! [With that, the mike slowly slides loose from his hand as an unconscious Jonas Miles plummets toward the Earth. Given the command, the Imperial Fleet begins pelting the underside of the fortress with high caliber shells and missiles. General Catton loads up his "special" shells, and prepares to fire] Catton: Let's see what these babies can do! [Catton fires, but the recoil from the shells is so powerful, he's blown through the wall of the ship! Bat Cat quickly swoops out to save the General, but is slowly dragged down by his weight until Falcone comes to assist him. The explosion rocks the Nova, even though it is nearly the length of a football field away] Meowzma: WOO-HOO! Spritz: Take 'em DOWN! [Onboard the Gemini...] Jackson: Keep firing! Blow that thing out of the sky! Crewman: Admiral, we have debris! Jackson: What? [Several large metal chunks hit the deck of the ship, but none cause any serious damage] Jackson: What is that...? [One particularly odd looking chunk of debris hits the deck at high speed, creating a large dent as it does so] Jackson: Someone check what that was! NOW! [Suddenly, a chain of explosions begins ripping the fortress apart. Bright flashes of light are accompanied by crashes that would equal that of thunder] Francine: The armories must be going off! [In the next instant, all is white as the fortress completely explodes. The explosion is so loud, windows on the ships below shatter. A rain of fiery debris plunges into the ocean, and in less than a minute, it is over. For a moment, all is silent. Then...] Speedy: YES!!! Polly: WE DID IT!!! GB: ALL RIGHT!!! [The scene is much the same on the Gemini and other ships, until...] Crewman: (over radio) This is the Gemini, we have a man down on deck! Repeat, this is Gemini, we have a man down! [The view turns black. Slowly, we have the "opening eyes" effect. The view is blurry, but slowly coming into focus] Voice: Unnh...what hit me? Polly: Look, he's waking up! [The view is clearer now. It's the interior of a hospital room, with Speedy, Polly, and the Rescue Team visible] Jonas: Wha...where am I? Speedy: Take it easy, Jonas. You're at the hospital. Jonas: I'm WHERE!? [bolts upright] WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO ME!? Speedy: WHOA, HOLD ON! No one has done anything. By the time we got here, most of your wounds had already closed. Even your cloak was repairing itself. [Jonas looks much the same as he did when he first appeared at the pizza parlor, but some parts of his cloak are still torn] Jonas: Hunter, you there? Hunter: Yes, sir. All systems nominal. Jonas: How long have I been out? Polly: Two, maybe three hours. Jonas: [tries to get up] Where-UNGH! Speedy: Just lie back, Miles. You may heal fast, but you were more burnt than Guido's homemade burritos when we found you. Jonas: What exactly happened to me? Catton: You fell onto the deck of the Gemini from all the way up on that fortress. You somehow caught on fire on the way down, and you hit very hard. Jonas: What happened to the fortress? Speedy: It blew up. Big time. Too bad you weren't conscious to see it. Jonas: I'll review your helmets' camera footage later. [looks around] Where is everyone else? Spritz: With Guido. He doesn't heal as fast as you do. Jonas: Is he all right? Meowzma: He was burned, but the doctors say he'll be fine. Francine, GB, and Carla are with him right now. Jonas: [nods, chuckles] We did it. We actually DID IT. Polly: [smiles] Yeah, we did, didn't we? Jonas: You've proven to me that I didn't waste my time coming here after all. We went in there prepared, and we got out alive. That's proof enough for me. Speedy: [smiles] Come on, all. I think he needs a little more rest. Jonas: Say hello to Guido for me. Bat Cat: You got it. [Later. The scene is a grassy hilltop, overlooking Little Tokyo. All of the Samurai Pizza Cats are gathered around a small stone tablet in the grass. The epitaph reads "Lucille Omitsu. {Omitsu is just her KNT name. There is no official last name. Hey, if YOU don't like it, complain to Saban!} The world will never be graced with her smile again." Guido has his ribs taped and the left side of his head bandaged. Jonas also has his ribs taped, with his right arm in a sling] Speedy: Would anyone like to say a few words? [All are silent] Speedy: Yeah...nothing can really describe this, can it? Guido: You couldn't put her into words, Speedy. You'd have to experience her in person to understand. Polly: Goodbye, Lucille...we'll miss you. [One by one, they all leave, each leaving behind a bundle of flowers. Jonas is the last to go] Jonas: I never knew you...but from what they say about you, then you must have really been something. See you around. [leaves] [The camera pans over to the side of the hill, where GB and the Cats are seen speaking with Falcone Bladewing] GB: Are you sure you don't want to stay? Falcone: [smiling, shakes his head] No, I'm afraid not. Now that I've seen the true nature of our "Master", I'll need a little time to myself...maybe do a little soul-searching. Speedy: Well...there will always be room for you back at the pizzeria, if you need a job. Falcone: [nods] Thank you. I hope to see you all again, and soon. GB: [gives Falcone a friendly hug] Stay well, Falcone. Falcone: [laughs] Please...call me Talon! [With that, Falcone Bladewing strides away, the evening sunlight glinting off his ebon armor] Speedy: (curious) Why'd he say to call him "Talon"? GB: A nickname we had for him a while back. He may not handle weapons that well, but he's absolutely lethal as a hand-to-hand fighter. His own talons could slice a block of solid stone to ribbons. We all thought the name fit pretty well, and it stuck. [Later, at the parlor] Speedy: So Miles, I guess it's off to dimension hopping for you, now that you've done what you wanted to here? Jonas: I'm afraid it's not that simple, Speedy. There's still work for me to do HERE. Speedy: (puzzled) What do you mean? Jonas: I've been analyzing some of the equipment we salvaged. It's ultra-sophisticated, with an armor the likes of which I've never seen before. It negates magic, as well as my other powers. So did those weapons Seymour used. He had to get it from SOMEWHERE...[walks off to his room] and I intend to find out WHERE. [Later still. The scene is the interior of the parlor. Through the windows, stars are visible in the night sky. Guido Anchovy sits alone at a table, dimly lit by the single light overhead. He is prepared for bed, yet he does not sleep. His eyes are red, possibly from lack of sleep, or...otherwise] Voice: Guido? Guido: [looks up to see Francine standing by the table. She too is ready for bed, but does not appear tired. Her eyes are red also] Oh, hi Francine. What are you doing up? Francine: I...couldn't sleep. You? Guido: Same here. [Both are silent] Francine: Guido? Guido: Yes? Francine: [hugs Guido tightly, while crying softly] (through tears) I miss Lucille! Guido: (same) Yeah...me too. [Guido and Francine cry in each other's arms, until they cry themselves to sleep] THE END NOT! I told you, this was a trilogy, as in "three parts"! Now, what good is a fanfic without a reason to read it? So, here for your enjoyment, the mini-teaser for Endgame: Part Two! [Speedy, in the standard victory pose with Polly and Guido] Speedy: On the next... [A crash of thunder, and a shot of Jonas against a dark background] Jonas: Pizza Cats. I can't say much for this one without giving the plot away, so here goes! Speedy and Guido VS. Polly and Francine, no holds barred! What the hell!? Plus, why has all of Little Tokyo turned against the Pizza Cats? All this AND the SPC social event of the year! You'll be kicking yourself if you miss this one! Endgame Part Two: Mirror, Mirror. BE HERE! Oh yeah, comments are welcome at jhill5@gateway.net. See you around! Jonas Miles