The Big Date -- Part 10 --------------------------------- *So far...* Strider's furry alter-ego, Sage Freehaven, showed up at the Coffeehouse to throw off the Evil Force's plans. But the Evil Force had other plans. Figuring no one would think he'd pull the same trick twice, the Evil Force possessed Aivars' body once more, this time grabbing a blaster from...somewhere...and using on his first target. The J.A.M. With the Jaguar out of the way, Evil-Aivars Ver. 2 aimed the blaster and fired at Sage's head, then aimed at Kat, Kuwani, and Chipper--until Aivars managed to regain partial control of his body. The Evil Force was semi-contained, but for how long? And what will become of The J.A.M., and Sage? And will The Big Date end well? ----- Sage Freehaven was lying down on the floor, shocked by what had just happened. This was the first time he had visited this place, and he had just been shot at! Slowly standing up, he felt his right ear. It was slightly burned--the anthro-wolf had barely managed to dodge the shot without getting killed. "Alright, *WHO DID THIS*?!?" he screamed, pointing at his semi-bloody ear. The entire Coffeehouse, including Leviathan and Widget, turned to look at this strange newcomer. Then they pointed at Evil-Aivars. "Stand...ASIDE." The coldness in his voice chilled all of the guests of the Coffeehouse to their bones. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, and Evil Aivars got a perfect view of the wolf. As well as a DBZ-esque battle aura flaring up. "TAMASHII..." A burst of energy formed in Sage's paw. It cast an eerie glow upon the face of the wolf, showing a sinister smile and his razor-sharp teeth. "...BUNRI!!" Sage reared back, and let the ball of energy fly straight at Evil-Aivars. The blast was thrown at such an amazing speed, no one but Sage (and Strider :) could follow it; yet, it hit its target perfectly, and knocked him down to the floor, flat on his back. Aivars, on the other hand, stood in place, cowering. "WHAT WAS THAT?!?" the Coffeehouse patrons said simultaneously, surprised at what they were looking at--after that immense blast, Aivars was still standing; a glowing humanoid form was lying on the ground a few inches away. "Loosely translated, 'Soul Separation.' I felt out the Evil Presence, adjusted my energy, and shot an attack that would not only separate him from Aivars, but make him semi-solid, thus making it impossible for him to possess any of us again." Sage smirked. "That's why I love not having been in a story yet--I can do anything I want. HAH!" "You fools. It won't do you any good--I've already won, thanks to that wolf!" the Evil Force exclaimed as it--in one fluid motion--got up off the floor and ran over to Leviathan and Widget's table, grabbing the female and lifting her up out of her chair. The large figure wrapped his arms around Widget's neck, squeezing it slightly. "Every single one of you, stay where you are! One wrong move, and I'll snap her neck!" "*Like hell you will!*" Leviathan replied coldly as he sprang up, facing the Evil Presence; if there was a hint of fear in the "Dark Savior's" body, he wasn't letting on. "If you even want to *attempt* to *think about* killing Widget, you'll have to go through *ME*!" "What? You would give your life...for her? But--but why?" the Evil Force asked, a semblance of a worried face appearing on the energy-being. "You can't be revived again if you're killed now!" "Because I've spent enough time with Widget to know one thing..." Leviathan Walker stepped in front of the Evil Presence and took Widget's chin in his hand. "Widget Bernouli, I would gladly give my life to keep you safe. I love you, Widget." And he kissed her. He had kissed Gadget before, but it had meant hardly anything to him. But this kiss...it was a kiss of true love. Never before had Leviathan felt this way, and he probably never would again. Now was the time to show his true feelings. And if this was to be his only kiss, then he knew he would die feeling he had lived a full life. "I love you, Widget Bernouli...and I always will." *** [A note from the author...] Yeah, yeah, so I'm a helpless, soft-at-heart romantic--sue me, already! This is how I wanted to write it from the beginning, so just try and stop me. And yes, I planned on writing Sage doing what he did--again, sue me! ^_- Now we can start finishing this story up. We still need to get Mrs. Brisby in the Coffeehouse, too, BTW--but I'm sure you guys can take care of that. :) ------ [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* Right when the Wolf separated the TEP from Aivars, the Rangers finally arrived. There, Dale noticed that on one corner of the Coffeehouse, several doctors were tending to The J.A.M., who was lying on his stomach. Bunnie Rabbot was beside him, with a *very* worried look on her face. Dale and Foxglove ran over to them, and asked, "What happened?" "J.A.M. got shot by that Tremendously Evil Presence, Sugah!" "Odio----------los blasters------------------------GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR------------------" A doctor applied antiseptic here, "y odio--------------------que me suceda ESTO----------------------------!!!!!!" Dale was confused for a moment, since he didn't speak Spanish. "Hush, Sugah! There's nothin' more yew can dew now!" The Lagomorph put her paw (the real one) on his head, trying to silence the Panther's groaning. Dale looked at his wife, and was about to ask her-- "'I hate blasters, I hate that this happens to me.'" she translated. Just then, Meowth saw that everyone was looking at Widget, Leviathan, and the TEP, as they faced off, and as Leviathan kissed Widget in defiance. He also noticed that his arch-nemesis, The J.A.M., was diabled. He unsheathed his claws. . . . . . *************** Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] The J.A.M. ------ You want Mrs. Brisby? You got her! With all this chaos raging, no one noticed a pitiable sound emanating from the kitchen behind the snack bar. Everyone was instead watching the action. So no one heard the muffled sobs. No one except one. Her sharp ears pivoted, finding out the direction of the sound and tracing it to its source. There, on a little stool, sat the disheveled and thoroughly miserable Man-Child. "Oh Neal . . . my poor child . . . don't tell me . . . ?" she asked. Man-Child was shocked into stopping his crying temporarily until he saw who it was. He had no secrets from Mrs. Brisby. "Well . . . " he managed after a while, " . . . i--it wasn't as if it was a surprise or anything . . . she wasn't really approachable. It . . . it was just an illusion created by the glasses!" And he began sobbing again. Mrs. Brisby was silent for a moment, angry that the heartless Yolei had disregarded her warnings about her charge's fragile heart and his especial susceptibility to to beautiful girls with glasses, with their apparent but totally illusory vulnerability. She would have to have a very stern talk with her! But for now Man-Child needed attending to. "Come with me," she said after a while. Man-Child was too heartbroken to be in much of a hurry, but he looked up eventually, dried his eyes momentarily, and followed his furry toon mother of the past nineteen years out of the kitchen. He was very self-conscious at first, not wanting the others to see him in this condition. He didn't realize that they were far too preoccupied with vital matters at that moment and simply could not afford to pay attention to him. Similarly, Mrs. Brisby ignored them altogether, ignored the yelling and the confusion, ignored the combat, the dust, and energy blasts, and led Man-Child to an unoccupied corner of the Coffeehouse. Sitting on a bench behind a table she scooted up against the wall and said, "now come lie down and put your head in my lap." Ordinarily Man-Child would have accepted the invitation at once, but they were in a public Coffeehouse and not alone, and this was merely a Coffeehouse bench and not a couch. He seemed reluctant. "C'mon!" she encouraged him. He looked about only momentarily before accepting the invitation. It certainly wasn't a comfortable fit, with his legs sticking out into the aisle, but he managed. Then, stroking the place where his hair used to be, Mrs. Brisby began humming in a low, clear, dignified voice. Man-Child smiled in spite of himself at the sound of the familiar melody. She really did have a beautiful singing voice, and as far as he knew he was the only one who knew that. Then she began singing the words: Sheep may safely Graze in pasture 'Neath a watchful shepherd's eye Man-Child had always attributed a great deal of mystical significance to this song, probably much more than was justified. Perhaps it was just because it was by his favorite composer. Sheep may safely Graze in pasture, Sheep may safely Graze in pasture . . . She didn't sing all the words, just those that she knew meant so much to him. The repetition could never be monotonous; the beautiful melody would not allow it. 'Neath a watchful Shepherd's eye! She repeated the last line with all the flourishes she could muster: 'Ne-e-eath a wa-a-atchful shep-herd's eye! Then she resumed humming the baroque melody very softly. Man-Child, though, didnt' hear. He was now completely asleep, all heartbreak temporarily forgotten, and a smile was on his face. The others though had heard. Foxglove with her acute hearing and her shared taste in favorite composers with Man-Child was the first to notice, and she brought Dale over with her. And though the voice was soft and small, it somehow seemed to drown out the sounds of war and pain and bloodshed. Soon almost everyone in the Coffeehouse, except for the immediate cobatants (who were very nonplussed at ceasing to be the center of attention) were crowded about the site, Man-Child lying uncomfortably on the bench, his legs sticking out much too far, yet his head nestled securely in Mrs. Brisby's lap, a smile on his innocent face. "Shhhh. He's asleep now," Mrs. Brisby told the others softly. And turning to the heartbroken unfortunate in her lap she said, almost quoting verbatim the famous line of Maria Ouspenskaya, "now rest, and know peace for a short time, my son!" "The Enduring Man-Child" ------ Aftermath of the kiss... "I love you, Widget Bernouli...and I always will." The Evil Force was so sickened at the display that had just happened, he was forced to release Widget. The young mouse fell into Leviathan's arms, fainted from the shock. The Presence staggered back, temporarily weakened. Then someone shouted, "Get him now!" "Uh-oh." The Pokemon launched their special attacks while Aeka and Ryoko threw full power energy blasts. The magic users cast their spells. But the Evil Force knew better than to not have a defense, and put up a force field to protect himself. Sage, Strider, and Kat, meanwhile, were checking on Leviathan and Widget. "She's fine. She just fainted from the shock of everything that happened," Kat concluded. "Leviathan, did you mean what you said to Widget?" Strider asked. Leviathan nodded. "Every word of it." "Strider, Kat, get these two to the back and watch them until I come to get you." Sage stood up. "Where are you going?" Kat asked. "I'm going to help finish this." Sage's battle aura flared up--just as Mrs. Brisby's voice was heard ringing throughout the Coffeehouse: Sheep may safely Graze in pasture 'Neath a watchful shepherd's eye... ===== [Does that help, guys? ^_^] "Quote the Strider, forevermore." Triple-S --- Synchronized beautifully, Strider! "The Enduring Man-Child" ------ The room became oddly still. Even the Tremendously Evil Presence stood as though entranced by the gentle music. Perhaps it struck him more deeply than the others, since it was so foreign, unknown, to him. Above, in the attic, a frantic rat was rolling a huge, broken coffee-maker back to the scene of the conflict. He couldn't hear the music up there, and was intent only on dropping something big and heavy onto the TEP. He tripped, and the great stained and dented cylinder flew ahead, out of control. As it crashed through the ceiling, the lid popped open and swung back, bouncing on it's hinge. Like a steel sausage-wrapper, it slipped over the TEP and fell sideways, the lid snapping back into place with an airtight seal. Looking down, Attic Rat said, "Well, that was different." Karl ------ Way to do... Monday, 19-Feb-01 03:03:49 "I understood!" Aivars staggered backward, finding the relief against closest wall. Despite what Sage had claimed to do - not harming him, the fact, he was struggling in his soul with the TEP had left him more shaken thet pure phusically. "I...Not... I..." He slid down the wall into sitting position. "We cant win, if we fight," he whispered. "The more we fight, the more powerful TEP becames. But if we show love and compassion and tolerance... he weakens..." Unfortunately, that was said so quiet, only the closest ones may have heared that over the blasts shattering against TEP's forceshield. Strangely enough, missis Brisby song, sung in same quit voice, was heard very clearly. And, when TEPS shild suddenly went down, same instant Widget opened eyes and looked into Leviathan's eyes with so much love, it was suddeny clear, that TEP had lost - this time, totally and completely and irreversibly. The can, that felt over him, was a last drop. Shielded temporary from all attacks, TEP decided he had had enough. He teleported away - far away. Not straight to his home, just to some of darker places, to regain strength and confidence, he had lost in this struggle. He had just starting to relax, when he felt another evil soul appear near him. "Picked wrong target, lil' bro," someone said. "Who are you?" TEP bristled in anger. "I have no kin!" "So have i, but we still are like brothers," the other presence solidified into threeheaded dragon. "Want to know, where was your error?" TEP seethed. "I need no advices from others!" "Okay, count it a freebie," Dragon's left head grinned wickedly grin. "You lost becayse you had lost the battle not today, but a years ago." "Explain?" "You lost, because you fought with the grownup's. They already have thier faults in full, but they also have thier good things as well. They grew up reading the good books and watching the good shows, unlike the new generation that is now watching much poorer and badder ones." Dragon's heads talked one after another. "No, my little brother, you have no way of winning this battle. You will need start a new battle - over those that are kids today. Turn them TV's to the shows, where violence and swearing is the key, and also turn them to the shows, where PolitCorrrectness and PG ratings had made them so sticly and mushy, they will get allergic to the whole idea of doing good things, before they can understand what the good things are. You will see, in a generation, you will have army of followers ready to go and march with you against these do-good-ers." Dragon dissappeared, but TEP was still silent. "I think, i knew, where i will go next," TEP said slowly after a some time... ---- Ok, if some wonder, the threeheaded dragon comes from the play "To kill a dragon" by Jewgeny Schwartz, also the movie "To kill a dragon". It was written into year 1942, yet somehow it was actual into near any time in last century, each generation found into it their own truths and relevations. Also, while the play itself wasnt banned, the theatres were forbidden to carry it out into sixties in SU. Aivars ------ Standing around... "You wanna look in there? I don't" Jack nudged the coffeemaker with his toe, very gently. It rolled a few feet, coming to a stop against a broken chair. "Golly, guys, I think it's empty!" Gadget walked in from wherever she was when nobody was looking, and unlatched the lid from the top of the broken brewer. She tugged on the handle, but it wouldn't move. Feeling the need to uphold the macho image of the Doom Marine Gamesprites, Jack braced his boot against the bottom edge of the coffeemaker, and pried upward, with Gadget, to lift the lid. "FWOOOOOP!" The lid popped open against the strong vacuum inside. Both Gadget and Jack dropped the coffeemaker in suprise. "There's nothing in it!" Jack said. "Actually, there WAS nothing in it, but now there's air in it, so you can't really say there's nothing in it any more. Or is a vacuum a thing? If it is, then there was something in it before too..." "Gadget?" Ms. Brisby had entered the room in her unassuming manner, and looked into the ancient, stained interior of the cylinder. "I think the man means the TEP has left." "Golly!" Gadget climbed into the coffeemaker and pulled a flashlight from somewhere to begin studying it. "I wonder if he left any clues?" Karl ------ [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* "...but I have a feeling he'll be back, Mrs. Brisby," said the Jaguar, tottering over to the mouse. "J.A.M.!" hissed Bunnie. "Get yer tail back to the doc, heah!" Still with a gaping injury on his back, the Panther painfully stood, shoved Meowth aside, much to his anger, and approached the singing mouse. "In a minute, hun," he said, causing Bunnie to blush. "Mrs. Brisby, I saw what happened. The TEP weakened when he saw a display of true love. But he immediately recovered when everyone tried to blast him, that was a display of true HATE. He will come back, and come back with a vengeance. We must show LOVE when he returns, not HATE, as much as we want to blast him out of the water. " "So what are yew suggestin', Sugah? That everyone play kissyface when he comes?" "That's not a bad idea. But even if we do, I don't think there's enough of us." He then counted off the couples: "You and me, Dale and Foxy, Leviathan and Widget, Chip and Gadget (sorry anti C+G fans!), EM-C and you, James and Ms. Bihn-" "HEY!!" yelled Jesse, being mostly ignored. "And maybe a few more. I doubt there's more than 10 couples in here." "So you're saying there's not enough love in this coffeehouse?" asked the Mouse. "I'm saying we can beat him if we show a Big Blast (obscure reference, guys) of true love. But we need more couples. And that's why we need Kuwani." So the three padded over to the Tari... ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] The J.A.M. ------ Kuwani & Chipper saw the trio approach... Tuesday, 27-Feb-01 17:17:22 The Tari raised an eyebrow and said, "The medics patch ya up -this- quickly?" "I need your help..." the Jaguar began, and then explained his idea." Kuwani began to grin mischivously. "Has any Writer ever put all of the inhabitants of Carealot into a CDRR fic?" "Carealot?" asked Bunnie, confused. "That's where the Care Bears live, right?" Chipper asked his companion. The Tari nodded. "Not that I recall." replied the Jedi chipmunk. "Heh. That never stopped -our- Writers before, Chipper." Kuwani commented with a wink as she slashed the air and left 3 glowing clawmarks, which quickly formed a portal. Kat ------ I got dibs on Cheer Bear! My woman!! YEAH!!! (Tweeee! Whistle! Wolf call!) "The Enduring Man-Child" ------ Care Bears? "You know what a 'care bear' is, A.R.?" "I've heard of them, Jack. A race of pudgy, lovable, teddy bear creatures with various logos on their tummies depicting their particular caring talents." "Sounds like Special Services." "Huhh?" "Entertainers for the troops." "Nah, these guys'd put up a pretty good fight themselves." "So would some of those entertainers, but that's a different story.." He paused, "So, what do these Care Bear guys do?" "Well, they have a sort of magic." Another pause, longer this time... "This I gotta see." The two watched as Kuwani created a portal to another - Universe? Realm? Paradigm? It was hard to tell... Karl ------ Re: Care Bears? [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* The Jaguar winced for a moment, as his back was still stinging with pain. "Well, they weren't exactly what I had in mind. But it wouldn't hurt to have them along. I just hope they don't break into a Big Blast of hate spawned by, ironically, True Love." "J.A.M., Sugah, I don't understan'!" "Bunnie, Hun," she blushed again, "when one feels true love for someone, and that someone is attacked by someone else, or something else, that love spawns such rage and hatred from the first person to the attacker, that he/she will do anything to destroy the attacker, whether it be a person, thing, disease, or situation. Even friendship love, such as the one we have for each other, brings forth hate when any of us is being attacked. The TEP knew that, and that's why it has been able to fend off all our attacks. Even if we all hit him with every single weapon and superpower on this planet, it would do no good, since it would all be brought out of hatred against the TEP. That's why I'm a bit worried about bringing the Care Bears, or even the Care Bears Family here. Your suggestion...." Bunnie raised an eyebrow. "Mah suggestion....playin' kissyface...?" She even began blushing. "...is what I had in mind, yes. It's nothing raunchy, really. All we have to do is display our love for each other in any normal PDA format." "PDA?" asked Foxglove." "Public Display of Affection. It doesn't even have to be kissing. Holding paws/wings, a paw on the head, or even...." his spots turned red a bit, "...being there when one is seriously injured." Bunnie looked at The J.A.M. for a moment, her eyes trembled very Anime-like, and she gave him a big hug. "GRRRRRRRRRRROOWWWWWWWWWWLLLLLLL!!!!!! Careful with the back, Sugar!!" he nearly screamed. "Sorry, Sugah," she whispered, moving her paws to his shoulders. "But you were saying that there were too few couples in here?" asked Foxglove. "Yes. I was about to ask Kuwani if she could retreive as many couples who have true love between them that we know of. Since she went to find the Care Bears, I hope she brings Good Luck and Polite Panda [TV series reference]." Bunnie then looked up for a moment, and then released him. "Ah need a pencil and paper or sumthin'! We've got to write down all thu cupples that we know! Lessee..." She found the writing artifacts, and with help from The J.A.M., Foxglove, and Dale, they wrote: Max and Roxanne Baloo and Rebecca Cunningham Darkwing Duck and Morgana (sp?) Buster Bunny and Babs Bunny (no relation) Lucky and [I forgot her name, from 101 Dalmatians] Doug Funnies and Patty Mayonnaise (sp?) Superman and Louise Lane Eek The Cat and [that fat girlfriend of his] Flavio and Marita (Animaniacs) [how many more can you name, guys?] The Jaguar then wrote two more couples down. Chipper then came over and asked, "Those four? Are you sure? They're only nine years old! And that last couple there, J.A.M., are you crazy?" "Maybe I am. Right now, however, I doubt age is relevant. We are in a desperate situation, and we have to get this list to Kuwani as soon as possible, because we don't know when the TEP is coming back! Say.....you wouldn't happen to be able to use the force to give her this list?" ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] The J.A.M. ------ The Big Date, Part...uh, whatever...continues "No need for that." a familiar voice said. Kuwani had just returned through her portal. A green bear with a 4-leaf clover and what looked like a panda followed her into the Coffeehouse. "I didn't bring the others 'cause they might be tempted to use their Stare attack on the Evil Presense." the Tari explained. "Kuwani, we need you to bring these couples here." said El J.A.M. as he showed her the list. The Tari examined the names, nodded, and asked, "What about Sonic & Sally?" Kat ------ Man-Child noticed the new arrivals . . . "Care Bears!" he exclaimed happily, "Awright now, where is Cheer Bear, MY WOMAN???" Man-Child began bouncing all around the place, proving an absolute nuisance to everyone else. The prospect of Cheer Bear (pink, cute little bow, aerobics outfit[!!!]) almost made up for his previous rejection by the Siren of Sirens, Yolei Inouye. Almost. "Now Man-Child," Kuwani was quick to interject, "I didn't bring ALL the Care Bears. Just Good Luck Bear and . . . uh . . . Polite Panda. That's really all we need!" "You . . . DIDN'T . . . bring . . . CHEER BEAR???" he asked in a growing rage that quite surprised all the other patrons, "Then DIE!!!!!" And quite contrary to his nature Man-Child LUNGED at the Tari, something completely out of character for him. "The TEP has once again possessed Man-Child!" Mrs. Brisby, his authoritative furry toon guardian angel proclaimed with authority. All groaned. They hadn't been prepared for this. Obviously there was still enough jealousy and resentment in Man-Child for the TEP to exploit. The Enduring Man-Child ------ Desperate times call for desperate measures! Attic Rat had no time to think, he simply reacted. With a shout, he threw himself at the Enduring Man-Child's knees in a clumsy but effective tackle, then squealed in pain as the large human fell across his back. "Get - him - off - of - me!" He gasped between the pummelings he was getting from EM-C's still-running legs. The TEP was enraged, no matter what level of control he exerted, this body was simply NOT responding properly! Karl ------ Kuwani shook her head... ..walked over to the pileup, and pulled E M-C off of Attic Rat. The Man-Child began hitting the Tari, but his blows seemed to have no effect. Kuwani just stood there and gazed into his eyes. "If I'd known you wanted to see her -that- badly, I would have taken you with me. Hey, I still -can-." Kuwani smiled sweetly. "Aw, poor guy..."she commented as she slipped her arms around him and hugged him gently. "Do you really wanna visit Cheer Bear? Even with Mrs. Brisby here?" Kat ------ SHE TOUCHED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" . . . screamed Man-Child, "A genuine, female, woman, two x-chromosome (I think that's right) BEING OF THE FEMALE PERSUASION actually TOUCHED me!!!!!!!" And he began bouncing off the walls. "It's okay," said Good Luck Bear, "Cheer Bear is always happy to meet her fans. Why don't you go back and bring her here?" "Well . . . okay," the Tari said, somewhat reluctantly. She opened the portal. "And . . . would you mind bringing Butterbear too, from "Wuzzles?" Man-Child stopped bouncing briefly enough to ask. "::Sigh:: Okay. Butterbear," said Kuwani. "And Melissa Raccoon?" he suggested hopefully. "Melissa . . . Raccoon?" Kuwani repeated incredulously. "And the cute female airplane flying polar bear from 'Santa Bear,' which was aired only once by CBS in 1987 and never since?" "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with . . . " "And Rebecca Cunningham?" "Look . . . " "And Sabrina?" "Listen, kid. We Neticens may violate Real World copyright laws, but we don't use each other's characters without permission. It's the pirates' code!" "And Alisoun from Julie's 'Answered Prayer' comic?" "I didn't think your taste ran to humans," Kuwani said softly. "And every girl I was in college with?" "Now see here!!!" Kuwani said finally with total disgust, "just how big a list of women do you have anyway?" Instead of responding, Man-Child began withdrawing from his pocket a piece of paper--obviously a list of some sort--which didn't seem to have an end. On and on it came as he continued to pull it out of his cute little overall bib pocket. Meanwhile, in a Paradise of Pomegranates, the celestial Pleasure Palace of Xanadu, the Garden Of Earthly Delights, the Siren of Sirens, Yolei Inouye, stared in her pool at the images playing out before her. "This cannot be!" she thundered, "I alone am the Supreme Mistress Of All Male Desire! Once a male has GAZED into these bewitching spectacled baby blues, he never recovers! He is never able to put his shattered, broken life back together! He lives out all his days in an agony of desire known only to the damned! How can that fat one recover from my devastating, soul-destroying rejection?" And she immediately hopped into her clam shell (or whatever it is) and descended into the midst of the patrons at the Rescue Ranger Coffeehouse. The patrons all gasped in astonishment as the newly descended shell opened to reveal the alluring, nubile maid within. AND SHE WAS WEARIN' GLASSES!!! The males in the Coffeehouse all took one step toward her as one, like a massive, mindless, unthinking avalanche of dead matter caught in the irresistable power of gravity! But Yolei Inouye, the untouchable, unreachable "goddess," would have none of it. Instead she fixed her irresistable, bespectacled stare upon the hapless Man-Child, opened wide her myopic eyes, and GAZED upon him. Then lifting an imperious arm, "Come to me, my totally depraved and helpless slave!" she commanded. The Coffeehouse was electric with the awesome power being exercised therein. The males were zoned out and the females, powerful though they were, could not compete with this entity, this vision that had come among them. Man-Child struggled for a while and then, wonder of wonders, broke out of the trance the Evil One was holding him under! "How . . . how can this be?" Yolei asked in a frightened voice, never before having met a male who could resist her, "a little earlier you were putty in my hands, and now you withstand a summons from me?" "Ay, Most Desirable One," Man-Child said in a calm, steady voice, totally unlike the desperate tones he usually employed in speaking with someone of the FEMALE gender. "You see, your EVIL BEAUTY no longer holds any fascination for me!" "You're . . . you're not **strange** or anything, are you?" Yolei asked, her voice trembling a little. "Lady, you don't know the half of it!" Kuwani mumbled, looking up briefly from the voluminous list of females Man-Child had handed her. But what no one seemed to notice was that Man-Child, surrounded by so much actual and potential female attention, was no longer consumed by jealousy and resentment and thus was no longer a suitable habitation for the Totally Evil Presence. It had discreetly fled. But to where? Or, more precisely . . . TO WHOM????? ------ Don't forget the other couples! [can anyone think of anymore?] [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. [Polite Panda is a Care Bear like panda, white abdomen, light gray torso and head, black limbs, black ears, black shoulders, and black around the eyes. She has a star with "trails" as her tummy symbol. i just hope I remember correctly!] Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] ------ picking up more pieces Thanx for jump-starting my crummy memory. I couldn't even which one was Cheer Bear 'til E M-C described her ;D BTW, does -anybody- involved know where the -heck- this story is going?!? I'm confused (again) ;o Now, let's see if I can wrap up some dangling plot points here... *** A few moments earlier... Leviathan ran his fingers through Widget's hair and asked, "Are you -sure-?" Widget Bernouli giggled. "I'm okay now; how many times do I have to tell you before it sinks in?" Leviathan's reply came in the form of a gentle hug. Meanwhile... After making sure Widget was okay, Kat looked around for the other victims of that encounter. She spotted Sage and teleported to him. "How ya doin', bub?" the cat-earred human asked the wolf. "I've been better, but I'll live." he replied. "Is this how guests get treated here?" "Not normally," replied Kat with a frown. "Things have been stranger than usual here lately. Better find your, uh, Writer & get the latest dirt from him." Kat spotted somebody else. "Later, Sage." she said before teleporting away. Aivars was sitting at a table in one of the dark corners of the Coffeehouse. He had his face buried in his arms and Alex was at his side. The mouse looked up when Kat appeared on the table. "How is he?" she asked. "Rather shaken up at the moment." the mouse answered. Kat thought, "Why does this Evil Presense seem to pick on E M-C and Aivars? Is it because they are Writers? Hmm...but if that's the link, why hasn't it tried to possess Strider? Afterall, Leviathan is -his- character. This is so flamin' frustrating..." "Aivars?" Kat asked cautiously. Aivars peeked, saw Kat, and had flashbacks of what the Evil Presense made him do. "Go away." he muttered and buried his head again. "It's not your fault, dude." Kat declared. Just then, a giant clamshell thingy appeared in the Coffeehouse. Aivars still had his head buried, so he did not the the shell open to reveal a young girl--who wore glasses (?!?). Kat didn't recognize her. Niether did Alex, but that didn't keep him from taking a few steps toward her. Kat frowned and tripped the mouse. "Nuh, uh, bub. She has 'Bad Girl' written all over her." Kat said as she grabbed a glass of water and splashed it on Alex. The mouse sputtered. "Thanks. I think." he grumbled. "No problem." Kat grinned mischeviously, and then turned her attention back to Aivars. Kat ------ Low and miserable Aivars didnt remember how he had made it from the place of fight to the table. Probably, his body had gone into autopilot mode, provided no input could be received from the higher ups... He heard Kat's voice, but that made him only draw more and more into his shell... "If i had been alone, i wouldn't hurt anyone... If i had been alone, i wouldn't be hurt..." the thoughts circled into his head. Alex eyed Kat and Aivars. The brown mouse sighed. "I think, i will leave you two and go look for Lawainee," he said. "She's been notoriously quiet the last encounter, better to check on her..." Aiva ------ Nowhere fast Kat put her hand on his shoulder; he jerked away. "It's not your fault." she firmly repeated. "So many...hurt," Aivars mumbled, "...because of me." "Because of that Evil Presense." Kat corrected. Silence. "Dude, I need your help." the cat-earred human declared. Kat ------ Hope? "Hmm?" Aivars raised head. "What help do you think i am able to provide? I couldnt even prevent me from being used against the others..." Alex vent around the main commotion, where the EMC was struggling vainly in paws of Kuwaini, looking for the well known mop of golden hair. Not the gadget's one. "There you are," he said, noticing Lavainee standing at the side of wall. "Shh!" Lavainee hissed quietly. "What..." "Dont disturb the moment..." Alex looked, and quitly retreated back to the side of Lavainee. "Oh, i near forgot what brought us all together there in first place," he smiled. "At least, TEP didn't manage to break their first date." "Yep," Lavainee Lait smiled softly, something that made her look very Gadgetlike, but also something, she didnt do very often. "I think, they may not even noticed his attempts. Lucky ones. Remember how we got together?" "How can i forget. You, me, and that berserking cat. That was one very active first date," Alex laughed quietly. "It went only downhill after that." "Yes, but it had some upward moments as well, didnt it?" Alex leaned closer to her. "Yes, and in the end it worked out somehow," Lavainee Lait grinned, returning to her usual mischievious look. "Say, mister Law, do you think, our misfortunes were also called out by the TEP?" Alex scratched his head. "Can't rule out that possibility. Say the truth, i thin, many things can be written of the the TEP's misdeeds. But saying 'TEP made me do this' wont turn it for better." "Sure it wont..." "Then how we go and ask someone more frequent visitor here, how could we do some good for the Cafe agaisnt the TEP?" "I think, Kat & Kuwaini are in charge," Lavainee pointed out at the big Tari. ------ Hey, Kuwani... [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. "...I just thought of more couples. Here." She read: Mickey and Minnie (the big cheese himself!) Donald and Daisy The Brain and Billie Balto and Jenna Simba and Nala Aladdin and Jasmine any more come to mind? Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] ------ Kuwani looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "I'm not so sure about the Brain & Billie...Brain was in love with her, but did Billie love him? The others are fine and I can't think of any more additions." Then she addressed the small group, "Any more suggestions, people?" ------ Well, we need all the love we can get here, and I think she did The J.A.M. ------ Kuwani nodded "Okay, then; I need to go round 'em up. If anybody thinks of more couples, Chipper can reach out to me with The Force." She held the list in her left paw and slashed the air with her right. Three glowing clawmarks appeared, spread, and formed a glowing portal. ***** Back in Kat's Lair... Kalindra had been snoozing on the couch (with her purple cloak covering her like a blanket) when she thought she heard laughter. "Who's there?" asked the rabbit. A female voice, which seemed to come from above, replied, "Well, if you don't know by now..." "D'oh. Nevermind. Uh, what's so funny?" Kalindra asked. "Ms. Lait seems to think two of -my- characters are in charge. Truth is, I've been confused 5 times already & the story isn't even over yet!" the Female Voice From Above explained. "Uh, I thought -I- was supposed to be the Confused One." said the rabbit battlemage as she scratched her head. A bit of laughter followed. "True, and if I keep this up, I might break -your- record. But enough of that; I need you to do something." "What?" "Go to Mobius & bring Julie-Su to the Ranger Coffeehouse. Knuckles should still be there. Then search the Dragon Planet & gather its 7 Dragonballs." Kalindra blinked her purple eyes. "Something about to, er, hit the fan there?" "Probably." replied the Voice From Above. "Better safe than sorry y'know." "Mmm? Okay, boss." The rabbit raised her hand and chanted. A ball of purple light formed and grew. Kalindra stepped into it and disappeared. Kat ------ What a situation! "Let me get this straight, we want to populate the Acorn Cafe with all of the moon-eyed, loving couples we can get from 'Toon town, so the TEP dies of diabetic shock, next time he shows up here?" "Not quite the best phraseology, my friend, but you have deduced the basic facts correctly." Hawnurra replied to the glum-looking Doom game sprite. "As much as I hate to say this, then, I guess I'd better keep my distance. I'm not in love with anyone right now Heck, I don't even feel real kindly toward anyone at the moment." The cougar paused. "My word, that's right! Those of us who have no 'significant others' may have to isolate ourselves in some way, so as to avoid contaminating the atmsphere of love we hope to generate!" Jack suddenly grinned, it wasn't pretty. "Any good trap needs bait." The cougar nodded. "Yes, that is so. The TEP will naturally seek out those filled with anger or frustration..." "I think I can do 'anger' pretty well, if I have to." "As can I, my militant friend. As can I." They went to discuss the idea with the others. Karl ------ The obligatory recap once more [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* Good Luck Bear and Polite Panda saw Kuwani disappear. He then turned to the Jaguar behind him and asked, "She didn't tell us a whole lot of what was happening, just that pure love was needed here. Why wasn't Love-a-Lot brought along?" The J.A.M. winced a bit, sat down, and explained, "There's this spirit going around, well, not much of a spirit since it's now semi-solid, and it wants to destroy all the love in the universe, much like Dark Heart or No-Heart. I don't know if this is the same spirit that was up against you guys before, because all we know about it is the name I gave it: The Tremendously Evil Presence, and what it wants: to destroy all the love in the universe, starting with that couple right there," he motioned to Leviathan and Widget. "All negative emotions seem to give it power, so we can't fight it with weapons or superpowers, because they are used by drawing on hate toward something that wants to kill a loved one, that's why we didn't bring all the Care Bears' Family along. Your Stare may have worked on Dark Heart and No-Heart, but it's doubtful it will work on the TEP. So, our plan is to brong every single couple we can think of, and when the TEP comes back, we all give it a good display of TLC by showing true love to our partners. That's where you two come in, you're one of the couples selected." "This is situation is really really strange, that's true. We'll defeat it by showing love for me and you?" asked Polite, in her usual rhyme. "Ah guess so," replied Bunnie. "Well, as long as we're here," said Good Luck, "we might as well get to know who will be working with us. You are?" "Good evening. I AM THE J.A.M." "Ah'm Bunnie Rabbot." "Leviathan, pleased to meet you." "Widget Brenoulli, at your service, Mr. Luck." "Chip." "Gadget." "Dale." "Foxglove." [anyone else wants to say hi to these guys?] The TEP, meanwhile... ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] The J.A.M.