Halloween Fanfiction : A Dance of Danger, and a Tale of Regret (Chapter 1 up.)

[KyoZaber]

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...)

[KyoZaber]

==== 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...)

[Blackcat]

Keep the good work! 

[sans soul]

Hey Kyo,

Awesome to see you writing some fanfiction!
You played up the scenes well and Speedy is so well animated, I can really see all his expressions.

Nice work 

*