Speaking of people who aren't dead... I'm back after, like, 1-2 years. In case you can't figure out who I am, I went by the alias "Mr.NoName" before I left.

At any rate, I'm back now because I miss this place and the SPC fandom. So I'll be around from now on.  

Glad to have you back Kit.

(OCC: Ok guys. No promises, just an attempt to see if I can hit a story that we can all enjoy & contribute to... like we used to. )

The clock that loomed over the schoolyard clanked to the top of the hour as the sun crested overhead.
It's series of bells followed shortly behind with a beautiful tone signaling the beginning of the school day.

The students all lined up in a formation that'd been rehearsed many times before, and most likely would occur many more times after today.
Before them rested a large assembled platform where their school's principal, Amoto Tio, would be giving an important announcement.

...

Principal Tio : *Looking out over the students and faculty from behind the podium, a warm smile over his face as he began to speak in a forceful voice.* Good morning students! I hope you're all ready for a new day, however as you all know well today's not going to be quite like any of your normal school days.

Kyo : *Standing with his homeroom class, his eyebrows inquisitively perk up.* -=At least he's kind enough to warn us before one of those crazy days hits today...=-

Principal Tio : As any of you whom have been paying attention in home room should know, today is the first of what will hopefully be many, annual job fairs to be held here at Little Tokyo High. *He gestures to the school building.* Over the weekend many businesses from around the city & surrounding area have set up inside the school, and gymnasium and are looking forward to meeting every one of you.

Sheena : *Stifling a yawn.* *In a low whisper.* Blah blah blah... Sheena doesn't know why she had to show up to this.

Camma : *Standing at proper attention.* *In a similar low whisper.* You know why we must be here. Please take this opportunity and make the most of it big sister.

Principal Tio : Now, as you enter either of the buildings please be sure to pick up a worksheet to take with you as you visit the various businesses. *His face turns stern.* Be forewarned, you are to treat each business here with the respect you'd show to any of your teachers. Not your version of respect, the school's version. Any student caught causing trouble for any of our guests will find themselves assisting the janitorial staff here every day until graduation.

Sheena : O_o ... *Stands up straighter, swallowing hard.*

Principal Tio : *Lightens his face back to his original smile.* Now... Have fun today, but think carefully. While this isn't exactly college, it still is important for you to look and see what you may find your calling in life. Some of you may not be destined for college after this. That is why you must use the time you have now before you become a full adult and find out what you wish to do for most of your life. *He then gestures towards the school.* With that my dear students, the last thing I shall say to you all today is... Carpe diem!


With that, the students began cheering, the ranks began breaking up, and everyone began filtering into the school.

27, bah, you don't look that old VV!
Happy Birthday! I hope it was a blast! 

I'd be happy with pretty much any type of remake.

As long as it didn't suck.

And as long as Michael Bay has nothing to do with it.

*

Wow...
That guy is really getting pummeled.
Not that I have too much to say in his defense.

The 1st Transformers movie was alright... I just didn't care for the whole "Technology is inherently evil." message that it seemed to permeate.
The 2nd Transformers movie annoyed me because it was too long, and Buff's character sucks. (Why the hell would you say "No" to having your awesome car hanging out with you!?)
The 3rd Transformers movie bothered me on multiple story points.

And so far I've heard nothing but bad vibes about his TMNT movie.

... So... Yeah... I 2nd Aster's notions.

Indeed! Happy Birthday to one of our resident artist Pizzacat, and Master Programmer!
... I hope they stop by before all the cake is gone. 

As a kid, I loved "Lost in Space."
Especially episodes where Robot got a chance to shine.

I never saw season 1, and after seeing this brief clip below, I wish I had.
The thing about it... Watching the clip now it's almost sad to watch the robots fighting.
It's more of a "Yo momma's so fat..." match until the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuJtf5-aPuk

That's when my hero, Robot, gets tired and takes a nap... *Le-Sigh*

I really like it when he draws those two. ^_^
I wonder what Otama's thinking about in the picture from 3-21-2014.
She has her abacus in her hand, so I'm guessing a few of her bills came in higher than she wanted. 

Pardon?

Well, I see no reason to make a new thread since this one is still on page 1. ^^;

Merry Christmas to everyone again for 2013.
Granted... Anyone reading this has probably already finished their Christmas activities.
At the very least... I hope you all are well, and get home safe from wherever you are.

Take care!

Happy Birthday to our beautifully dangerous, deviously artistic diva, Sans Soul!

Hope you're all well & enjoying time with loved ones.
*Is currently watching "A Christmas Story" *

*** Meanwhile... Across town... Close to the hotel where Ashley & her folks were staying... ***

The streets were active with people moving around. The shops were bursting with activity as people prepared for the lunch hour, and the tourists that usually followed.
From a long distance away, on top of another building, a figure stood watching. He glanced through an scope focused upon a seemingly normal potted plant.
His eyes glanced down at his watch, then back up at the plant.

?? : ... 3... *Brings up his hands, both clenched in fists.*  2... *Licks his lips in anticipation.* 1...

As he expands his hands, his view through the scope was clouded by a blue mist. As he looked up the sound of the "POW!" finally reached him.
The entire area far away from him was filling with a mysterious blue cloud, and he was very, very elated.

?? : *Grins widely.* Ohh... This is going to be exciting! *Packs up his scope, and proceeds to leave the roof.*


*** Moments later... ***

Lucille : *Holding up her microphone, looking at the camera.* Oh dear, I hope I got my hair looking right. *Clears her throat.* Good day everyone! This is Lucille, reporting to you live from the site of what appears to be the site of a horrible, terrible, and not very nice prank.

The camera begins panning the area behind Lucille, which now has a blue tinge to it as the cloud seems to be dissipating quickly.

Lucille : *Looks behind her at some of the people.* Oh! Wow! I didn't realize there was a beard convention in town!

The camera focuses in on all the various people. Every single one of them have great, big, bushy beards. Men, women, and children alike.

*** A short while later... In the Beard Grower's Anonymous Club Room... ***

At this time of day, the club room was currently unoccupied by any classes.
Not wasting any time, both Sheena and Camma swiftly entered into the room undetected.

Sheena : *Walked over to where the device from the other day was presented.* This is where the big explosion happened.

Camma : *Walks over, carefully surveying the area, she gestures to the table.* Here's where a device was on the table... *She squints, following barely distinguishable markings on the table.* Here's where a device was pulled off the table... * And here's approximately where it should've fallen.

Sheena : *Rolls her eyes.* Yes, the big black marks where the thingy exploded are a kind of giveaway.

Camma : *Stands up, locking her eyes on her sister's.* I still don't see where this is going Sheena. I can detect no traces of radiation or chemical compounds in the room. As I've stated before, the facial hair on your person is completely natural.

Sheena : *Clenches her fists, thrusting her arms down her sides, stomping her feet.* NO IT'S NOT NO IT'S NOT NO IT'S NOT!!! Sheena is a delicate flower, a true woman. SHEENA SHOULDN'T HAVE A~

Just then, the door opened up swiftly, catching both Sheena & Camma by surprise.
In the entrance of the room stood an odd sphinx cat.
While she wore the school uniform meant for female students, and had a female physique, she currently sprouted an thin "english" style mustache with a small goatee on her chin.

Sheena : *Immediately recognizes her.* YOU! You did this to Sheena!!! And this time it's not fake!!!

Club President (of Beard Growers Anonymous) : *Blinks a few times, then smiles brightly.* Sheena!? SHEENA! *She rushes over, and embraces Sheena in a tight hug.* It finally happened! Oh~ I'm so happy!!!

Sheena : *Taken aback.* WOAH! Woah! Are you crazy!?

Camma : *Watches everything, an eye-brow raised in puzzled thought.* ...

Club President : *Lets go, standing back on her feet, her hands now clasped together as she lightly hopped up and down.* Can I see it? Huh? Can I see it Sheena? Please say yes, I want to see it! You got to see mine, so I should get to see yours! I'll also show you everyone else's! It finally worked! Can I see it? PLLLLllleeeeeaaaaaaassseee!!!???


*** Meanwhile... Back in Homeroom... ***


Kyo : *Half listening in on Dash & Panzer's conversation.* -=Huh... Well... Glad he found someone... Good for him...=- ... *Looks around in the room... Noticing a few oddities.* ... *He leans back to Dash & Panzer, whispering.* Say... Do either of you guys remember the guy in the front row ever having a beard yesterday?


*** Meanwhile... Out at Little Tokyo Community College... ***


Guido : *Walking with Romero, dressed casually.* Now Romero... We're in prime hunting grounds. Little Tokyo Community College. You'll rarely find such a place full of lovely... single ladies all in one place. Here my brother is where they separate the men from the nerds. *He points.* There... The "beautician" wing... That is where your final test will begin. *Takes a deep breath, lightly letting it out.* But before that we're going to do some warm-ups. Always keep that in mind Romero, never tackle the big pizza all at once. You've gotta warm up the ovens first, bake 'em till their golden brown, pick 'em up carefully with both hands, and before you or they know it, you've got 'em!

Guido looks proudly over the area as many students walk back and forth between areas on the campus.
An exceptionally beautiful group of girls walk by, their skirts gently flowing in the wind.

Guido : *A tear comes to his eye, he is lightly getting choked up.* Today... *Sniff* Is going to be a great day!

Nifty sounding fan book!
The sketches from the planned sequel especially sound interesting.
Are the cast  & crew interviews recent?

*** Meanwhile... At the Anchovy Residence... ***


Guido : *Pouring himself another cup of coffee after hearing Romero's story.* Yowza lil bro! I knew high school was a whole different world from when I was in there, but I had no idea things had gotten so rough on your generation! No wonder it's been tough for you to keep bring'n dates home! *He takes another slurp from his mug, putting it down.* This means we gotta get serious on making more of a ladies man out of you! *Picks up the phone, and begins dialing Little Tokyo High.* Go get yourself cleaned up Romero, I'm calling the school & telling them you're sick today. Today, you and I... Well mostly you are going to do some heavy pick-up trainin!


*** Meanwhile... At Little Tokyo High... 30 minutes AFTER the bell rang starting the school day...***


Camma : *Running full-speed towards the main gates, her wet hair fluttering in the wind.* -=I can't believe my chronometer didn't alert me to the time! This tardiness should NEVER have happened!=-

As Camma rounded the bend, passing through the gates into the main yard, a hand reached out from some bushes, grabbing her and pulling her in.

Camma : Hey!?

Sheena : *A paper bag with holes for her eyes, and ears over her head.* Camma! SHHH! It's Sheena!

Camma : *Sighs, relaxing slightly.* What on earth are you DOING Sheena? We're late for class, and now is not the time to... *Her eye-brow twitches up.* Why do you have a beard underneath your bag?

Sheena : *In a harsh whisper.* That's what Sheena's been trying to tell you! Sheena needs your help getting rid of it!

Camma : *Sighs* Why don't you just shave it off?

Sheena : Sheena's tried that! The beard just grows back!

Camma : Did you get into grandmother's spell book again?

Sheena : HMPH! No! Sheena did not! You know Sheena's not allowed in there since... The "incident"!

Camma : Ok... Ok... Let's start from the beginning. What have you done, ate, sat on, or beat up in the past day or so that may have cause this?

(I don't have time tonight, I'll try to get something up tomorrow or Friday. Happy Thanksgiving dudes!)

==== Chapter 2 : The Bat

Speedy stood in the entryway surveying the scene before him.


Speedy : *Dumb-struck.* What in the world is goin on here?! *Pulls out the order slip.* This order says nothin about a Halloween party! … *Clenches his fist, lightly bopping the palm of his other hand.* That's it! This must be one of them Halloween parties! And Lucille was part of some prank! *A wide grin spreads across his face.* HAH! This isn't gonna be so bad! *He walks up to one of the shambling figures, grasping it's extended hand.* Hey there! Speedy Cerviche's the name! I've got your pizza delivery right~


His greeting was short lived as the figure he grasped smacked the side of his head with it's free arm.


Speedy :  YEOUCH! *An angered look appears over his face.* Hey~ What's the big idea…? *He notices that he's almost surrounded.*


As the figure pulls back for another smack, Speedy lunges forward, plowing over the figure, dashing down the grand hallway.


Speedy : Well it's been nice chat'n with you guys, but I really gotta deliver this pizza and find Lucille, so if you'll excuse me I'll come party with you sucker's later! *Gets  tackled by a large figure.* OOFFF!!!


His eyes darted up before him. On top of his chest sat another large cat that bore a familiar resemblance to Cosmo, except for the fact that he was pitch black.


Dark Cosmo : *Smerking.* Well now… Looky what we have here. Seems like someone thinks they can just barge into the ol' Count's castle uninvited!

Speedy : *Struggling.* Hey! Back off ya big lug! I'm all for parties, but not this kinda party!

Dark Cosmo : Party!? *A loud, mocking laugh echoes from his maw.* Oh, oh this is rich! *He looks over at the approaching hooded figures, still snerking with laughter.* Did you guys catch that? I swear they don't make heroes like they used to! *He looks back down at Speedy.* No matter… I guess you're after yer girl? The one Death took to the higher parts of the castle? Too bad for her that your "adventure" ends here isn't it?

Speedy : *Stops struggling for a moment.* What… What are you guys gonna do to Lucille?

Dark Cosmo : Oh don't you worry about that. Just… *Extends his claws, pulling his arms back.* Just close your eyes, and prepare to embrace eternity!


Speedy closed his eyes, and braced for the worst. As Dark Cosmo swung forwards, a loud shot echoed through the hallway, and a piece of the ceiling fell onto Dark Cosmo's head, knocking him out cold.


Speedy : *Opens up one eye.* Eh? *Notices that Cosmo's passed out on top of him.* …HAH!  I guess that means eternity's gonna have to wait! *As he pushes Dark Cosmo off, he notices a bag attached to a belt.* I'll be taking that! Now… *Grabs Dark Cosmo by the collar.* You're gonna tell me where that guy took Lucille! Or I'm gonna~


A cold hand rested on Speedy's shoulder.


Speedy : *Shivers run up and down his body.* Oh… That's right… Those things… *Screams, lets go of Dark Cosmo, then takes off running.*


He ran through the long Grand Hall, which oddly enough almost resembled an obstacle course. There were stairs leading up to platforms, more of those robed figures popping up all over chasing after him. Finally, he encountered a door at the end of the hallway which led into a dilapidated kitchen. He began walking through slowly, having sealed the grand hallway door behind to prevent the figures from following.


Speedy : *Panting as he walked, looking over the various ovens in dis-repair.* Ugg… Polly'd have a fit if she ever saw a kitchen this bad! *He stops for a moment, leaning on a counter.* Nothin in here useable as a weapon. *He holds his hand up.* Let's see what ol' Blackie was carrying with 'em.


As he opens the bag he finds a simple map of the castle, and a belt with a whip attached to it.


Speedy : *Holds up the belt, and looks at the whip.* Huh… I haven't seen one these things since I was in New York! *He clips on the belt, tosses the bag, then takes the whip into his hands.* Not my Ginzu, but it'll have to do if any more of them nuts are around this castle. Now… How do ya work this thing?


He spent a few minutes practicing. For the most part, he wasn't too bad. However, he wasn't too good. It would have to be enough though for the moment.
He found his way down to a cellar that had partially been flooded. On the other end he found his way back up, and into another part of the castle.
In this new hallway he found more figures, which his whip made quick use of. As he neared the end of the hallway…


Speedy : *Climbing another set of stairs leading to a door.* According to the map, this should lead me to a set of stairs. From there I just gotta keep climbing! *Stops at the top, reaching out for the door.*

?? : Woah there big guy! I'm afraid I just can't let you go no further, ya dig?


From the shadows above, a dark figure swooped down, kicking Speedy in the chest with both it's feet sending Speedy rolling back down to the ground level.


Speedy : YeeahhhHoohOOo! *THUD* Erraaahhh… *Sits up.* What kind of cheap shot was that!? *Yet, another moment in the day he was completely surprised.* Bu… B… Bat Cat!?


The figure that stood above him still hovered in the air. While it's face looked almost like Bat Cat's, it's body was that of a very, very large bat. Complete with large ears, and fangs.


Big Bat Cat : Well now! I don't care what that ol~ Dark Cosmo says. You're not as dumb as you look tough guy! *Perches on the celling.* Sorry though, I can't let ya through. Boss-man's orders. Besides, you don't want to go up there anyway! All that's up in this castle is pain and regret. Leave now while you can, and just forget about your girl. I promise, after a few dancing lessons, some food, the marriage, and the eventual Boss turning her into a Vampire, she'll be fine!

Speedy : Marriage!? Vampire!? Over my dead body!

Big Bat Cat : *Sighs, shrugging his shoulders.* Suit yourself tough guy. Don't ever say that I, Lightning Ninja, did not attempt to give you a way outta this! *Brings his head back, then forces it forward, opening his mouth wide, belching fire out.* RRAAAHHHH!

Speedy : *Eyes open wide, he dodges to the side.* YEOWCH!


Thus the battle began. While the whip gave Speedy a distance advantage his Ginzu Sword never offered, it was still awkward to handle, and many of the hits missed the flying Big Bat Cat. The other factor that was beginning to be a problem was his energy and wear. Dodging the barrage of fire, and swooping attacks from Big Bat Cat's claws was beginning to get to him. His helmet symbol was beginning to flash rapidly as he felt more, and more of his energy leave him. Finally…


Speedy : *Wobbly from the last smack received from Big Bat Cat, he fell prone on one knee.* DoH~ That's gonna leave a mark~

Big Bat Cat : *Multiple bruise marks over his body. His goggles cracked, he was breathing heavily.* Gotta give ya credit tough guy, I haven't had this much fun for years. Maybe if we'd have met before this blasted curse turned this castle to a nightmare we'd have been… I don't know… Pen pals or somethin! *Takes a deep breath.* In any case… Now's where we have to part. It was nice knowing ya!

Speedy : *His hand tightens around the whip…* -= I ain't got much energy left. I can only dodge one more shot, maybe two. After that I'm out. I just need one good hit… If only I had some shuriken…=- *Across the room a feint glimmer catches his eye… a slight grin spread across his lips.* -= That's crazy enough… it just might work… =-


As soon as Big Bat Cat pulled his head back, Speedy was off. Dashing quickly across the room.
Big Bat Cat swerved himself around, following Speedy, and let loose a barrage of fire.
Speedy dove for the ground, the fire whizzing over his head. He skid on the floor, his hand extended, grasping the handle of a throwing axe.


Speedy : *Swiftly he came up prone, and with a moment's aim threw the axe with everything he had.* NNYYYAAAHHHH!


The axe soared through the air with amazing speed and power. Gleaming brilliantly in the light as it did so.
The axe struck it's target, moved through, and continued onward. Shattering against the far wall.
Big Bat Cat drifted there in mid-air for but a moment, then began to fall. His body began turning to a burning light.
His look of disbelief changed to one of pride. As he fully vanished in a bright flash of light, a small orb the size of a baseball hit the ground, bouncing, and rolling towards Speedy.


Speedy : *Panting heavily, he fell to the ground. His helmet light a solid white.* Ugg… *He looks at the orb resting by his face, his reflection partially seen, he smirks.* Heh… You look like you just put in a full day of fighting Ninja Crows. *As he looked into the orb, he briefly saw Lucille's face flash before him, then disappear.* … *A new look of determination came over him as he clenched the whip in one hand, and began to get up with his other.* I… have not yet begun to fight!


As he began to stand, his free hand grasped the orb, and energy began to pulse through him.
As the orb disappeared from his hand, he noticed all his energy had returned, and he had in fact been fully healed.


Speedy : WOAH! Now that was just the kick in the butt I needed! *Leaps up into the air, then back down, he begins walking towards the door.* I don't know who this Count guy thinks he is… But he's got another thing coming if he thinks he can stop a Samurai Pizza Cat!

(To Be Continued...)

A Dance of Danger, and a Tale of Regret

A Samurai Pizza Cats Fan Fiction
By Kyo Zaber

==== Prologue

   The moon shone brightly in the sky that night. A thin mist acted as a veil, keeping much hidden from the eyes of mortals. Off in the distance a wolf howled at the full moon, only to be promptly silenced with a loud yelp. A flurry of bats screeched through the sky, as if announcing their dominance over nature.

   A white blur shot through the sky, parting the clouds as well as the bats. It was a sight to behold. A shining hero piercing the darkness of night. Ready to confront the darkness before it.

   To an observer it soared. With the beauty and grace of a shooting star, it proceeded to touch the earth as it had touched the sky. The mist on the ground parted as it SLAMED into the ground before the gates of a large ominous castle.

Thus… Our story begins…


==== Chapter 1 : The Beauty, and The Quest.

Speedy Cerviche slowly picked himself off of the ground, groaning with every move he made.

Speedy : Ugg… I swear these long distance deliveries will be the end of me some day!


As he stood tall beginning to collect his bearings, the loud screeching of a bat dive-bombing him quickly caught his attention.


Speedy : *Snapping his eyes to attention.* What the!? *Ducks* Hey! Watch it bat-brain! I'm busy!


When the bat swooped down for another attack, Speedy was ready with a rock in hand.


Speedy : Aww… Looks like someone's got a hearin problem! Let me find another way to say it… *Throws the rock with baseball pitcher accuracy.* Beat it!


The rock nailed the bat head-on, sending it flying away.


Speedy : *Stands triumphantly.* There! Now I can get down to business. Let's see here… *Pats his person down… feeling for the delivery ticket.*


As he stood there looking over Francine's directions for after he landed, a large flash of lightning from above caught his attention, especially since it had apparently come from nowhere.
As his eyes looked up, a large castle loomed a ways before him. An unsetting feeling formed in his gut as his stomach tied itself in knots repeatedly.


Speedy : *Gulps, a hint of worry in his voice.* Love the tone this place sets for itself.


As he begins walking towards the giant doors off in the distance, another flash of lightning causes his metallic fur to stand on end for but a moment, all of his fear was washed away as his eyes rest on a site.
Up on one of the many balconies of the castle sat a young woman. Her long hair drifted with the wind as she looked up at the full moon. She sat there as if she didn't have a care in the world.
As she sat there, she slowly stretched her arms over her head, striking a lovely pose. Then, without warning, she let out a cute sneeze that echoed for miles.
… Followed by a barrage of missiles launching from various parts of her person.


Speedy : *Squinting.* Naw… It can't be… *Eyes widening as the missiles begin to come closer.* It couldn't be… *Begins to run for cover.*


The missiles caught Speedy, flinging him into the air.


Speedy : IT IS! OH IT IS! *Begins falling back down.* LUCILLE!!!

Lucille : *On the balcony, rubbing her nose.* Oh my… This heavy country air really stirs my allergies up. *Her ears perk up at the sound of Speedy shouting her name.* Speedy? *She notices him flying up, then landing again.* Oh my! Yoo hoo! Speedy! *Waving.* Over here!!!

Speedy : *Quickly picks himself back up after slamming back down on the ground.* Hey! Lucille! What the heck are ya do'in way up there!?

Lucille : *Puts her hands to her ears.* What!?

Speedy : *Cups his hands around his mouth, shouting as loud as he can.* I SAID WHAT'RE YA DOING HERE!?

Lucille : *Shakes her head in frustration.* I CAN'T HEAR YOU SPEEDY! JUST A SECOND I'LL BE RIGHT DOWN! *With that said, she leaps off the balcony, and begins descending down towards the ground.

Speedy : *His mouth gapes open for a moment…* HUH!?! *He snaps out of it quickly, clicking the pizza carrier onto his back, and kicking his jet-skates past red-line in a mad dash to catch the falling Lucille.* LUCILLE!!!


Time seemed to go in slow motion for Speedy as he saw her falling. Being a student from the college of hard knocks, … or falls in this case, he knew that it would be a miracle if he made it to where she'd impact in time.
His feet felt on fire as the thermal plating on his skates was melting under the extreme stress. He shrugged off the problem for the moment and focused on the task at hand. Then, something weird happened.
Lucille started falling slower… and slower… and slower. By the time Speedy had realized he didn't need to push himself so hard it was too late for his skates.


Lucille : *Touches down gracefully, straightening out her dress.* There! Now… Which was was Speedy from here again?


As if to answer her question, Speedy came blowing in, skidding to an immediate stop near a decorative fountain at the base of the stairs to the entrance.


Speedy : HOT! HOT YEOWCH! HOT!!!!! *Leaps into the fountain, slamming his heels against the side, triggering the emergency ejection of his skates, releasing the burning components from his near cooked feet.* AHHHHHhhhhh….

Lucille : *Rushes over to him.* Speedy! It's so good to see you!

Speedy : *Sheepishly smiles.* Yeah! It's good to see you too Lucille! *He tries getting out of the fountain, however his feet refuse to budge.* Y…Uh… ERRG! … Heh heh… Say, Lucille? Would ya mind giving me a hand here would ya?

Lucille : *Gasps.* Oh! Of course! *She reaches in, bracing herself, and begins pulling Speedy's arms.* OOooofff!


After a few moments of tugging, and shuffling, they managed to get Speedy nowhere.


Speedy : Wow, I guess my feet must've been hotter than I thought!

Lucille : *Winded * I'll say! I suppose, I'll have to go inside and get someone to help!

Speedy : That sounds like a plan! *Holds up his hands.* Wait! Wait wait… Just a minute here… Lucille, just what in the world are ya doin here!?

Lucille : *Giggles.* Well, It's a delightful story. You see…


As Lucille was beginning to describe her story, a piercing shriek filed the area.


Speedy : *Reflexively holding his hands against his ears, slowly bringing them down.* YEOW! What the heck was that noise!?

Lucille : *Bringing her hands down from her ears as well.* I don't~


Within the blink of an eye, a dark figure swooped from the sky, grasped Lucille into it's arms, and began flying away.
For but a moment, Speedy thought he caught the glimpse of what looked like a scythe.


Lucille : *Screams.* ERRRRAAAHHHHH!!! *She looks back at Speedy, fear in her eyes as she reaches out to him as she's carried away into an upper level of the castle.* SPEEDY!

Speedy : *Eyes wide open in shock.* LUCILLE!!! *Begins tugging at his feet in more earnest.* ERRRRGGGG!!!


Speedy's ears pick up the sound of squeaking. His eyes quickly look around to see what looks like a dark flapping mass of bats beginning to descend upon him.
One of the bats leading the pack had a large bump on it's head, complete with a white bandage.


Speedy : This isn't good! *He balls up his fists, and sends two mighty punches into the melted cement at his feet, finally freeing himself from his captivity.* Time to get the heck outta here!


As he hopped back onto ground, he began running in earnest for the door.
After a few tugs, he managed to get the door open, then slammed shut behind him, followed by the sound of many THUDs against the door.


Speedy : *Panting.* Uggg… Why do I get the feelin that this is gonna be one of those days I should'a stayed in bed?


A grand hall stood before him. The room well lit from various oil-filled chandeliers dangling from the decaying ceiling.
The walls appeared to once have been a magnificent marble, now cracked from years of neglect. Full of cobwebs swaying from the air flowing in through the cracks.
The floor covered with dirt, grime, and other filth. The various curtains were dusty, torn, or in tattered shreds.
It was like something out of an old black & white movie… only real and in color.

As if to answer Speedy's question… Figures began appearing out of the ground.
Covered in shrouds, the only thing they seemed to do was extend a bony hand in Speedy's direction, and begin shuffling towards him.

(To be continued...)

The next day...

Sheena : *Snoring loudly, sprawled out all over her futon.*

Her small clock radio clicks on to life... The sound of her favorite radio program begins filling the room with the latest jPop hit.

Radio Host : *Fading in.* And that was "Treat me Flower" with their recent single, "Vedro-games." *Chuckles.* I've gotta say folks, who knew that a band purposely useing what Americans call "Engrish" would be so popular! In any case, we'll be taking a news break here in a few minutes, and re-join you all at the bottom of the hour. It's 6:27 on Little Tokyo's home for news, talk, and rhythm, JOLE-AM.

Sheena : *Takes a deep breath, stretching and getting up.* eerrrrAAAHHHH! *Mutters, and grumbles, walking out of her room, into the bathroom.*

Her eyes slightly shut, she pulls out her tooth brush & tooth paste. She begins brushing her teeth, not fully registering that she had to open her mouth a little wider than normal, and that her toothbrush had a little added resistance finding her mouth.
As she finishes, and rinses her mouth out, she idly wonders why she's dribbling so much water on her chest.
Completing her wakeup routeen, she runs some hot water though the faucet, cups her hands, then splashes her face, washing away the sleep out of her eyes... discovering...

Sheena : *Eyes tightly held shut, her hands scrub her face, she encounters very rough fur around her cheeks and chin.* ... Mum... huh? *She opens one eye wearily, squinting, then opens both eyes wide looking at herself in the mirror.* H... Wh... WHAT IS?! HOW!?!

She puts her hand to the bathroom mirror trying to wipe away the image before her, however cannot.
The image before her is her, in her PJs, with a great, big, bushy pink beard, smack dab on her face.

As her scream of rage echoed through her family's home, some birds walking out front quickly took flight, totally scared out of their minds as to what monster might emerge from the residence.


*** Meanwhile... At the Anchovy residence... ***

Guido : *Walks into the living room, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand, a smerk on his face from the scene before him.* Ahh... To be young again. *He walks over to his ornamental gong, picks up the mallet, gives it a flip, then gives it a good WHACK!*

~~~~GGGOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGG~~~~

Guido : Ok you two lovebirds, rise and shine!

Still dressed in their outfits from last night, both Camma and Romero leap up from the couch. The separate blankets on their bodies falling to the floor.

Camma : *Stumbles forward momentarily, balancing herself.* Wh... Where? *Lightly shakes her head, squeezing her eyes shut in concentration.* What happened last night?

Guido : *Sips some coffee from his mug.* Well now... I wouldn't say anything you two can't share happened last night. I just happened to come home after my late-late shift, and stumbled upon my lil bro and you slumped on the couch sleeping soundly. *Walks over to Romero, placing his arm around him.* Must've been one heck of a make-out session you two had. The mood-lighting was set to super low when I got in. I'm used to it of course, so that's why you both had blankets on after I got in.

Camma : *Concentrating even harder now.* I... I'm not sure that... *She opens her eyes, then looks up at the clock, gasping at the time.* Oh dear, I must get going. *She whirlwinds around the room, collecting all of her items, finally ending up outside the door, and within moments half-way across town towards home.*

Guido : *Slightly awestruck with the girl's speed.* ... Dang... Now I have to hear the details. *Begins giving Romero a noogie.* Spill it squirt! A girl that fast must've been one heck of a kisser!

I'm currently beginning Chapter 2 in the game.
I've got to sat, so far I'm loving it.

The voices all sound great, the art is beautiful, the music is a treat, and the story has me wondering where it'll lead.
I look forward to playing this game some more this week. ^_^