The Big Date" Part IX - the absolutely *FINAL* part! :) Message: [Summary of the *entire* story so far - settle in for a long one, folks...] Five months after the end of the "Resurrection" Saga, Widget Bernouli and Leviathan Walker finally begin their long-awaited first date. But all is not right. An Evil Presence is sickened by the display, and wishes to snuff it out for good. The Evil Persona first hires...HIM...to take out the couple by causing them to hate each other. But Widget's Magical Female Powers [tm] are too much, and send...HIM...away. The Persona's next idea involved Team Rocket. But when they refuse (on the grounds that "Team Rocket not only *promotes* True Love wherever it exists, we are its veritable symbol!" {Roy Neal Grissom}), the Persona sends them "blasting off again". And after sending Team Rocket back to the Coffeehouse, the Persona decides to hire someone that can truly end this date. Figuring that by destroying Strider, he'd destroy Leviathan, the Persona hires Negaduck and the Fearsome Five to handle the job; when they arrive, the five supervillians had no idea what to expect--nor what Strider looked like, so they decide to shoot first and ask questions later. The Coffeehouse patrons protect Strider, and send the Fearsome Five on their way; this failure enrages the Evil Persona enough to make him take care of the problem personally. Meanwhile, Mihoshi (of "Tenchi Muyo" fame) decides to pay Strider a visit, and after talking to him for a few minutes, she--as well as Sailor Moon and the rest of the females in the Coffeehouse--turn their MFPs on Strider to cheer him up; needless to say, the Evil Persona decides to back off of going to the Coffeehouse. The Persona calls upon the (next to him) ultimate evil, Sephiroth of "Final Fantasy VII", to help, but the One-Winged Angel is stopped somehow before he even reaches the Coffeehouse. But then he realizes that all of the couples getting together in the Coffeehouse could have their love destroyed by simply ending the love between Leviathan and Widget. And he decides to use one of the Coffeehouse patrons--Lawainee Lait--to do the deed. But the hatred between her and another Lahwhinie foil that plan. So the Persona finally decides to end it--and do the job himself. He went for Strider, but other patrons stopped him and took off the mask hiding his face--and it revealed many long-lost and long-forgotten Rangerphiles, until the shape-shifting mask covering his *true* identity... "The Enduring Man-Child", Roy Neal Grissom. Complaining that if cannot experience love, no one should, EM-C confessed that he was the Evil Persona. But Kuwani, Chipper, and the J.A.M. sensed that the Persona was simply possessing Roy Neal, and (after EM-C's confession) that the Persona moved once more--this time, to Aivars. Sensing danger, the Lawhinies send an E-Mail to the Furry personification of all that is good (Mrs. Brisby, if you didn't know) and attempted to end the Evil Persona's possession of Aivars. It did end--when the Persona celebrated (too early) a small misstep on Leviathan's part, which turned out to be nothing at all. Strider also introduced the Coffeehouse to Sage Freehaven, a anthropomorphic wolf that couldn't be controlled by the Persona, and was thus a wild card in the fight against the Persona. But figuring that no one would expect the same trick twice, the Persona once again inhabited Aivars' body, grabbed a nearby blaster, and shot first at El J.A.M., then at Sage; his next target was Kat. Sage, meanwhile, used a special technique to separate the Evil Persona from Aivars. But the Persona used the opportunity to grab Widget, threatening harm against her if the Coffeehouse didn't back off. But Leviathan got up, told him otherwise...and kissed Widget. Weakened, the Persona staggered, and when Mrs. Brisby arrived, he was thought to be finished off once and for all. But The J.A.M. and Bunnie had a plan--gather some other famous couples, bring them to the Coffeehouse, then have them--and the couples already in the Coffeehouse--show affection for each other; this, in turn, would eliminate the Evil Persona once and for all. The couples, you ask? "Max and Roxanne Baloo and Rebecca Cunningham Darkwing Duck and [Morganna McCawber] Buster Bunny and Babs Bunny (no relation) Lucky and [I forgot her name, from 101 Dalmatians] Doug [Funnie] and Patty Mayonnaise Superman and [Lois] Lane Eek The Cat and [Annabelle] Flavio and Marita (Animaniacs) Mickey and Minnie Donald and Daisy The Brain and Billie Balto and Jenna Simba and Nala Aladdin and Jasmine" {El J.A.M.} And now, finally...after seven months...the beginning of the end...the absolutely, positively *FINAL* part of... "The Big Date!" ---------- Slowly, but surely, the couples starting arriving thanks to Kuwani and her interdimensional portals. The first to arrive were Mickey and Minnie Mouse, followed by Buster and Babs...Aladdin and Jasmine came next, then Donald and Daisy... "Well, let's get the ones already here paired up, huh?" Kat suggested. Agreeing with the notion, Gadget got together with Chip at one table (sorry, Antis--that's the way it is ;), Dale sat with Foxglove, Strider with Mihoshi (couldn't resist :), Leviathan with Widget...and even Chipper reserved a table for himself and Kuwani once the Tari mage was done. Meanwhile, those without someone to couple up with found a group of table a distance away from the "Love Trap" (no relation to the "Love Shack" ;), and started to "complain" about not having anyone to sit with other than themselves. Of course, this was all a trick to lure the Persona back to the Coffeehouse... ----- ...and when the Persona sensed their grumbling and complaining, he smiled (is that possible?). "Finally...I can tear down the love of the entire free world in ONE BLOW!" And as he waved his hand and phased out of existence from his current location, J.A.M. (who was still in the infirmary with Bunnie Rabbot) felt the energy. ----- "He's baaaaaaack..." J.A.M. said. ----- [Author's Note] Okay, guys and gals...it was early September when we started this thing...and I think it's *BEYOND* time we finish this thing. Don't leave out anybody...the Tenchi gang, the Pokemon gang...Eave and AtticRat...the Lawhinies...Dyglo...and anyone else you think of that's been in the Coffeehouse. And before some other, more talented writer brings this over-extended thread to an end, I want to personally thank every writer who was involved with this story for sticking through it, and for officially making it the *only* thread to be carried over *three* separate boards (the old Acorn Cafe, the old and new Story Boards), as well as the single longest thread in RR Messageboard history. (Not to mention one of the more interesting. ;) And maybe, just maybe...it'll all be over by the end of the month. ^_- (And I'll *never* start another Coffeehouse thread again, I promise you all that; this one was *too* long, and too much trouble! :) "Quote the Strider...forevermore." ============================================ "Quote the Strider, forevermore." "Triple-S", "Strider" Stephen Stone http://www.crosswinds.net/~stridersss ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I know it's my first venture into this thread, but I couldn't resist. Seven months and I just barely caught the plotline. ---------------------------- "Let me get this straight," said Rebecca Cunningham after Kuwani led them to a table. "We're here to destroy some Evil Presence by bringing together different couples, and I'm paired up with Baloo?" "Well, it was pretty short notice," replied Kuwani. "Just do your best." Rebecca clenched her teeth and looked at Baloo. "I can't believe I'm doing this." "Sssshhh, Becky, it'll be all right," Baloo said. "It's just pretend. Besides, we're not the weirdest couple. Just look around." Indeed, the Coffeehouse was quite a sight. Dogs, cats, hippopotami, rabbits, ducks, wolves, lions, humans, and even a fedora-clad chipmunk and slightly uncomfortable-looking mouse(hey, I never said I was a pro) had positioned themselves around tables in various locations and were doing their best to look lovey-dovey. Some were succeeding quite well; others less so. Kuwani leaned over to Chipper. "Are you sure this is going to work?" "Do you have a better plan?" Just then Kuwani felt the energy. Chipper felt it too. And they both knew. He was back. Jeff Parkes ------ Tis time [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* The J.A.M. and Bunnie finally left Sick Bay, with the Jaguar's shoulder more or less stabilised and patched up. He decided to keep his damaged shirt, since he knew some major clobbering would probably be happening right about now. Both of their fur began standing on end. "Any moment now, Sugah," said Bunnie, holding him close. Then, the last two couples stepped out of the portal. One young female looked around. "Crimney! What are we doing here? And what is this place? Who's this TEP person? And where's that Kuw-Kuw---what was her name, Footballhead?" "J.A.M., Sugah, what on Mobius were you thinking??" "It's ok, Hun, I'll take care of this." He walked over to the two couples. All were 9 years old, and human. The first male was African-American, his afro towered above his head, and he wore a long-sleeved red shirt and black pants. His partner was Asian, with GLASSES (!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and a blue dress. The second male was a bit short, his head was rather wide and somewhat compact in the middle, he had blonde spiked hair, green eyes, and wore a small blue cap, a plaid shirt under a blue sweater, and blue pants. His "partner" was a tall blue-eyed blonde with one eyebrow, long pigtails tied with a large pink ribbon, and she wore a pink jumper. And she seemed very MEAN.... "Gerald, Phoebe, Arnold, Helga, I'm glad you could make it," said the Jaguar. All four backed off as they saw the carnivore approaching. "What's going on?" asked Helga. The J.A.M. was about to go into a lengthy explanation again, but the presence increased. "Helga, I don't have time to explain right now. But if there was ever a time to reveal your heart, it's now. You must help us defeat a force which wants to destroy love everywhere. Only true love can destroy it! Only--" RRRRRRRRRUMMMMMMMMBBBLLLLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! "Jaguar dude, what are you talking about?" she asked, rather scared, backing off more, her bully image quickly crumbling. "True love? What do you mean by that? W-what makes you think *I* have it? What---" RRRRRRRRRUMMMMMMMMBBBLLLLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! Seeing her reaction, Baloo looked at Becky, "Becky, I know we had our differences, and I know I'm asking for a knuckle sandwich and the unemployment line..............................but I don't know if we're gonna come out of this one, and I want to say...........I need to say...................." "What?" "I love y---" RRRRRRRRRUMMMMMMMMBBBLLLLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rebecca looked at Baloo, wide eyed. Helga saw all the couples coming closer. She saw Gerald and Phoebe embrace tight. She looked at Arnold, the hunk of her dreams. And then she felt the most evil presence she had ever felt before.... ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] ------ The bickering at the "singles" table suddenly stopped. "Well, he's here!" "Now that we've got him, what do we do with him?" muttered Jack. They had been working themselves into a fair imitation of frustration and rage, but now that the TEP had appeared, they simply sat and glared at him to keep his attention. Inside, Jack was mildly amused, though he scowled as fiercely as the rest and continued to think hateful thoughts at the TEP. "Hey, he's still not completely insubstantial. If someone takes a swing at him, he might actually feel it." one of the group said thoughtfully. Hawnurra flexed his paws, then began buffing the already needle-like claws which slid forth. "What a fascinating concept!" he purred. One way or another, they intended to distract the TEP long enough for the "Love League" to get going. Karl ------ TEP snickered "Actually, i even hope you could do something like this," he glared at the feline and marine. Alex and Lawainee joined the bachelor's table. "He looks pretty sure of himself," Alex pointed at TEP, the whole group at the moment was looking at. "They always do. Right before they fell over," Lawainee countered. "No, i meant, wont he feel all the... how to say..." "The sticky mushy love feel?" Lawainee raised eyebrows. "Maybe he grew tolerant?" Aiva ------ Feelings, nothing more than feelings... Jack was wondering how long he'd have to sit and hate this TEP guy. It wasn't really his nature. As he'd often said to the newbies in the Doom game, back when he was a Gamesprite Marine, "Don't waste your time hating your enemy - just shoot him." Hawnurra, on the other paw, had a cat's patience and outlook on life. His eyes showed an almost unnatural quickness of reaction and awareness of every tiny movement the TEP made. The tip of Hawnurra's tail twitched, slightly, involuntarily. He looked hungry... Lawainee looked at him, rubbed one fist in the other hand, and considered giving him a "noogy". Just to see what might happen. (Noogy: To rub one's knuckles vigorously on someone's head, usually shouting "noogies!" while doing so. A very annoying practice.) Karl ------ The tension worked up another hundered pascals TEP still was waiting on something, or so the others were thinking. It also obviously was becoming clear, that that something - or someone - was running late. Alex leaned closer to the Jake. "I think, we all are looking dumb, doing nothing," he whispered. Marine didnt take eyes off the TEP. Aivars looked at Kat somewhere far deeper into the cafee. "I think, something has to be done." He said and stood up, straighening his clothes. Walking up to the TEP so that only pair of metres were between them, he sized him up and down, earning a scowl from the intruder. "Why wont you just give up and let us live in peace?" Aivars suddenly said. Aiva ------ Showdown? [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* "Alone?" asked the TEP. "Why would I leave you alone, now that I have every single [nearly gagging] *loving* couple you could think of?" "I think you made an oversight in your master plan, TEP," growled The J.A.M., as he approached him, along with Bunnie. The TEP was prepared to feed on his hatred, but suddenly... ...he could find none. Now ALL the couples surrounded him, and then the friends of the couples. "The oversight you did, TEP, is a very simple one," said Mrs. Brisby, stepping closer and closer to him. "You failed to see that--" she was now right in front of him, GAZING into his eyes-- "true love...is ETERNAL." She then raised her paws, and did something the TEP never expected: She *hugged* him. All the couples then did their best PDA's possible, as modestly as they could, but expressing true love nonetheless. The Jaguar, however, had an idea. After he and Bunnie stopped their kiss, he went to a table, and pulled out a small plaque from his kangaroo pouch. Then he pulled out a small candle, which he lit carefully. As he stepped back, Bunnie read the inscription. *RESERVED FOR FAITH FORRESTER* "We all wait for you, Sis," he whispered, holding Bunnie's paw once more. The TEP was surrounded by love... ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] ------ But while THIS was going on . . . Message: . . . in her sumptious paradise Inouye Miyako, aka Yolei, was still burning with rage at the apparent recovery of The Enduring Man-Child from her soul-destroying rejection, as well as the gentle rebuke Mrs. Brisby had quietly given her in private (so as not to embarrass her in front of anyone else). "How dare they!" she cried, "I am irresistable!" Then, "Come, my servants!" she commanded. Jeannette Miller (from the Chipettes) and Kelly Martin (in her persona of Becca from "Life Goes On") entered, a little sad at their mistress' attitude of vengeance. "Bring my weapons!" she declared. "Your Majesty, are you sure you want to . . . ?" Jeannette began, but she was instantly cut off. "How dare you question me!!!" the siren roared. Jeannette and Kelly looked sadly at each other, curtsied to their mistress, and left. They shortly returned with a case which they opened, and Yolei rubbed her hands with glee as she looked through her invincible arsenal of GLASSES!!!!! "Now!" she said, "I shall select the most nerdy, least threatening, most inviting set of glasses I can find. Then I shall return to the cafe where the combination of my adorable, awe-inspiring beauty and my shy, bookish, approachable glasses shall drive every male insane!!!" And she cackled evilly. Soon she found exactly what she was looking for: a pair of glasses so nerdy, so un-hip, that they made Buddy Holly seem like Ricky Martin in comparison. She grinned wickedly in anticipation. "NOW we shall see who shall reject whom!" she declared, "for these frames are so innocent and nerdy that someone, even the shyest and most easily intimidated boy, will surely dare to approach me, and it is at that point that I shall destroy him utterly! MWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!!" In other words, Yolei was just a typical girl [notice the bitterness, y'all]. Then she was engulfed in a soft glow which gradually grew brighter and brighter until it disappeared, and Yolei with it. Meanwhile in the Coffeehouse a miracle was in progress. For the Totally Evil Presence, the being who had known no love in its entire existence--an existence as ancient as the world itself--and who had sworn to destroy all the love in all the worlds, was experiencing a feeling it had never known before. It was beginning to succumb to the Supreme Magical Female Powers(tm) of Mrs. Brisby, the very Jungian archtype of both romantic and maternal love. The face of every single occupant of the cafe began to glow with a hope that none dared even mention: that the TEP would at long last know love. Trouble was, everyone was glowing a little too much. Then everyone noticed that it was not they who were glowing, but a Presence who was materializing in the midst of the room. Brighter and brighter it glowed until all had to shield their eyes. Then suddenly the light was gone, but in its place was an ANGEL such as could not be described in human tongue for beauty and desirability . . . AND SHE WAS WEARIN' GLASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO BE CONTINUED . . . mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!!!!!! The Enduring Man-Child ------ The TEP turned, irritated at this intrusion- - And was instantly smitten, for not only was this creature lovely and yet somehow helpless-looking (the perfect bait to attract evil), there was also a feeling in his heart that he was meeting a soul very much like his own. Evil. He took a step toward her. Karl ------ While everyone was distracted... A purple portal opened near Knuckles. Julie-Su and Kalindra walked out of it, and the portal winked out. Julie-Su sneaked behind Knckles and asked,"Is it too late to join this party?" "Wha..?" said the startled red Mobian echidna. "Julie-Su, what are you doing here?" The pink, Mobian echidna replied, "Isn't it obvious? Kalindra brought me here so...hey! Where'd she go?" Julie-Su looked around, but there was no sign of the rabbit battlemage. Knuckles shrugged. "Just as well; she might cause more trouble given the situation. Anyway, it's nice to see ya." Julie-Su smiled. Kat ------ In the attic: Attic Rat turned, still a bit shocked to find Eve there with him. She gave him a look that clearly said, "And where ELSE would I be?" and then smiled, winked, and asked "Want to join that lovey-dovey party downstairs?" Her expression was betrayed by a certain tension in her voice as she whispered. She was not a happy rat. "The TEP is still down there." "And we're up here." "That's what I do. I'm an Attic Rat." "Your friends aren't." "You think I should go help them." It wasn't a question. "I think WE should go help them." She confirmed his suspicions. He considered for a moment, sighed, and then headed toward the attic stairs, beckoning Eve to follow. This whole "relationship" thing was a bit more than he'd imagined it would be, he thought as they quietly stepped down into the Acorn Cafe's kitchen. He hadn't realized he'd be taking on an extra conscience... ------ Trying to move things along [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* The TEP and Inouye Miyako, aka Yolei, continued to GAZE at each other. Something was building up, something huge and powerful... ...something that snapped the momemt Attic Rat and Eve got together, as well when Knuckles and Julie-su arrived... Yolei had found someone who had a kindred heart, one that, for some reason, wanted to destroy. The TEP found someone who, despite her wearing glasses, had such an innocence about her, yet a tremendous sense of danger... And for the final blow, Mrs. Brisbi took both of their hands and put them together. A bright light began to engulf both the TEP and Yolei. A light that then engulfed all present in the Coffeehouse. The TEP and Yolei began emitting soft sparks, slowly at first, but with increasing intensity by the moment [think the final scene in "Star Trek, The Motion Picture]. Both began to rise, and then to spin... [ok guys, prepare for the ending, finally!] ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. [WARP!!!] ------ "Stop that!" Chip whispered to Lawhiney. She pulled the stick out of the marshmallow she had been holding near the twirling, sparkling evil couple. Then, grinning, popped it into her mouth. "What?" She asked, around the sticky treat. Karl ------ "Why?" someone said. Chip turned and saw other Lawainee, together with Alex, standing near them. "Why to stop them?" Lawainee repeat, looking at the pair now in circle of sparks. "I mean, it looks that the TEP had found his significant other. And from my own memories, after that, you dont think about other things." "They will be gone and i hate to say this - but good riddance," Alex added. - Aivars stepped back from the TEP and the unknown girl in glasses. He felt, that he had to be alarmed, but somehow al this scene did was to calm him down. He looked around, noticeed the serene smile on Ms Brisby face, and understood. And that felt suddenly wonderful. And... "Why not?" some voice inside his head whispered. "You had wanted to this for a long time. The moment you started to write. Cant think about the better moment, can you?" Aivars looked around. It seemed, the peacing effect had extended to all present. He gathered all courage and made a few steps toward where Kat was standing. "excuse... that is... err..." he suddenly was at loss of words. ------ Chip looked confused, then - "Oh, you thought I was talking about stopping this new romance!" Chip shook his head. "No, really, I was just suggesting to Lawhiney that she stop..." She stuck her tongue out at him, and he had to stifle a giggle at the marshmallowy mess she'd made of her face. "Ahem, stop roasting marshmallows over the loving couple!!" Lawhiney walked over to Chip, as brazen a hussy as ever, and gave him a big messy kiss. He stood there for several seconds trying to figure out what had just happened, while she accepted a napkin from a waiter and wiped her face. Dale helpfully tapped Chip on the shoulder and whispered "You've got marshmallow all over you!" Lawhiney put another marshmallow on her roasting stick and returned to her cookery. She was humming a little tune, feeling unusually happy and carefree, as might be expected when one consumes things warmed over the magical fires of new love. Or maybe it was just the sugar rush she was feeling. ------ The duo were dumbstruck for a moment. Then Lawainee broke up into laughing, and soon Alex followed. Aiva ------ Dale looked up and said - Message: "How long are they going to keep spinning like that? It's making me dizzy just watching them!" Chip, looking somewhat rabid due to the foamy white candy sticking to his face, bonked him on the head. "I wish I had a photo of that!" Monty laughed. "You looked like Plato for a minute there, Chip!" "Oh, I'm sure the Coffeehouse security cameras caught it all." Gadget put in helpfully. "Would you like it in a digital format, or a print suitable for framing?" "Framing, yes indeed luv." Monty grinned. "We'll frame him right proper!" Meanwhile, Lawhinie suprised herself with a giggle. Then she giggled about it. She was feeling decidedly odd. Karl ------ And now, the beginning of the end of the conclusion (hopefully) [...unWARP!!!] Good evening. ************* As all the patrons laughed, the TEP and Yole continued to spin and to rise, faster and faster, until they were both as one bright light, which then slowly rose through the roof, and disappeared from sight. The light and sparks faded away. The TEP was gone. And all the love in the universe was safe, for now. Mrs. Brisby then padded up to EM-C. "So as you can see, dear one, if the Tremendously Evil Presence found his Significant Other, then there is hope for you." She then turned to the other un-paired patrons. "There is hope, for *all* of you." Turning back to EM-C, she said, "Appearances have nothing to do with it. Look around, and see all the women who have their partners. Look that some have GLASSES. True Love goes beyond defective vision. True Love sees the heart. And as we just saw, True Love conquers all. And, I have a little confession I want to make..." She rummaged through a pocket, and pullet out a pair of........ "Mrs. Brisby, you wear GLASSES?" asked Dale, in shock. The Mouse Lady put on her small spectacles just behind her nose. "Myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism are common among females as well," she said. "If males can look beyond that, females can also look beyond the external, which some still find cute, anyways..." Mrs. Brisby then stepped closer to EM-C......[EM-C, you can take it from here] Julie-Su, upon seeing this, turned to Knuckles. "Um, Knux, honey, I have a small confession as well..." And she, too pulled out a pair of glasses and put them on. One by one, the females began to reveal their hidden ocular defects, and one by one, they began to don their spectacles, which came in all shapes and sizes, though they were all different because all of the different species represented. Even Helga put on a small pair of glasses in front of Arnold. "Helga------you---------?" was all he could ask before he kissed her again. Misty, too, put on a pair, and turned to look at Ash. Inadvertedly, he was suddenly hit with her MFP™. "Misty, I---I------" was all he could saw before she replied, "Me too, Ash." The J.A.M. then asked Bunnie, "And you wear glasses too?" "Um, no, Sugah, Ah have perfect vision." "Oh, in that case..." With that, he reached into his kangaroo pouch, and pulled out-- "I have a -5 on both eyes. I hope you don't mind." The near-bottlebase pair was now placed in front of the panther's orange eyes. "Wow, Sugah! Yew now look like a--a--" "Nerd?" "NO!!! A--a--------------um-------well, Ah don't know what yew look like, but yew're mine and that's all that matters!" "Well, with the TEP gone on his own date, maybe he'll leave Leviathan and Widget alone, finally." "And maybe the rest of us as well?" "Of course. We can all continue our dates here." "Well, now that's fine to hear, Sugah. Say, Ah've been meanin' to ask yew some questions. What's this Ah hear about yew survivin' a crash near a lake, electrical shocks, and an out-of-control warp?" The Onça sighed. "I've--I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I'm sorry I kept it from you all this time, I just didn't want to worry you. It all began when I volunteered to find the Ball of Wind........." Finally, peace settled in the Coffeehouse once more, now that True Love had destroyed evil once again. And True Love was safe, all throughout the universe. The couples would stay for a while, commenting on what had happened, and even those who weren't paired enjoyed being with their other friends, which was also an expression of love. And all was safe, for now... ************* Until next time, remember: I AM THE J.A.M. Good evening. ------ HOMINA!!! ::Splat!:: The Enduring Man-Child ------ Wrapping things up A certain cat-earred human looked on in both amazement and amusement. "Well, -that- was quite unexpected!" she mused. "All's well that ends well, I guess." She then noticed that Aivars slowly making his way toward her location. "Hrmm." she mused again. "I wonder what he wants? He seems rather hesitant." Just then, the outer door to the Coffeehouse opened. First, 7 dragonballs (all in a cluster) -floated- inside. These were soon followed by a blond rabbit (not Faith)in a purple cloak. "I finally found all seven..." declared Kalindra. Chip and Dale blinked. Monty stared at the newcomer. Gadget said, "Golly! Why'd you go to all that trouble?" Kalindra blinked. Kat went into a giggling fit. Several tables away, Kuwani had been watching the scene intently. Chipper noticed and asked her, "Friend of yours?" Kuwani knew he was referring to the rabbit battlemage and nodded. "She is known to me. But who let her in the Coffeehouse?" The Jedi chipmunk shrugged. "Probably your silly Writer." "Figures." muttered the Tari. "Must have been awfully worried to bring Kal in here. Awfully worried or desparate." Kuwani took a sip of juice. After she stopped giggling, Kat shouted, "Everything worked out fine! We don't really need them now!" Kalindra blinked again. And stared. And frowned. Then she grinned. "Well, I have them, needed or not, so somebody should put them to good use." Kat ------ In a final scene of domestic bliss... Lawhiney and Shaka-baka walked arm-in-arm out the door. He looked happy, but confused. She just looked happy. "Uhm, dudette, like, uhm... what's happening here?" "Nothing wrong with a little walk, is there dear?" "Whoa!" He thought hard. "You never call me "dear". "Get used to it, dear." "Uhhh... OK." Karl ------ ------ End of file (finally!) ______