Forgotten Heritage Part I by Andy Fox (landru@minn.net) March 10, 2003 This story and any accompanying art is available online at http://www1.minn.net/~landru/book. This is a G-rated story. All commercially licensed cartoon characters are copyright and trademarks of their respective companies. All the rest are unique characters of Andy Fox. Fluffy's voice provided by Joss Ackland Sasha Raccoon's voice provided by Janet Wright Phillip Sandal played by Keith David ...the rest are up to you! Translation of Fluffy's dialog in chapter one provided by "Acme's English <-> Toon Rabbit dictionary, 5th Edition". This is a work of pure fiction based upon the Andy Fox Chronicles storyline, but not to the point where they are required reading for this story. Any similarities between the events depicted in this story to actual ones in Toonity is purely coincidental. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER 1: A World Expands "Pinky?" "Yes, Brain?" "Are you ready?" "Um... ready for what, Brain?" *whack* "Ouch! Hahaha! Zort!" Two white lab mice stood precariously upon a small round dais. The shorter of the two held a large remote-control in a paw. He pressed a few buttons on it, causing a wild arc of energy to dance and play around the two mice and illuminate the entire lab. The mouse held the remote above him triumphantly. "Finally, Pinky! We are about to rule the world!" The mouse depressed a large red button on the remote. The thunderous crash of a gigantic energy bolt filled the room with sound and dazzling light, and then--complete silence. The energy bolt fizzed into nothingness, and a thin wisp of charred fur rose up from the now empty dais. + + + + + + Andy awoke to the sound of something barely audible. His large, pointed ears twitched as they picked up sounds throughout the house. They heard Slappy down on the back deck reading a book, and they heard Skippy playing darts downstairs in one of the game rooms. It made Andy happy to hear these sounds. For decades his home had only one permanent resident. Now it will full of the sounds of others. Neither of the the sounds from the two squirrels, however, was the sound that had caught his attention. It was another faint sound that the fox had noticed. Stretching, he smiled as he finally realized that the sound was coming from a television in another corner of the mansion where another new resident of the house could often be found. After performing his normal toiletry motions, he set off down the hallway to the source of the noise. As he went, he caught the strong smell of nut bread being toasted from down in the kitchen. His stomach began to growl. He opened the door to Fluffy's "room" to see the giant carousel rabbit sprawled out on the couch watching television. It was a very unnatural position for a rabbit, yet Fluffy appeared to be quite comfortable. Upon seeing Andy, however, he began to meekly remove himself from the couch and relinquish the piece of furniture to the fox. Andy quickly raised a paw. "Don't bother," he began. "This is your room too." He glanced at the television which was tuned to a local cartoon drama channel. Fluffy caught his gaze. "I can't understand what's being said," he shrugged, speaking to the fox in his language of Rabbit, "but I like to watch it anyhow." "Mmmm." Andy scratched his chin. "Sometimes I wish I was smarter like other animals," Fluffy sighed, "then I'd know English and understand what everyone around me is saying." "Yes," Andy muttered. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that." He sat down next to Fluffy. "I'm sorry if I've made you feel a bit out of place here with me. Not many of my friends can speak Rabbit, so when they come over..." "Oh, no. It's not you," Fluffy protested hurriedly. "It's just that... well, when you're on a carousel you don't do that much talking. Oh. sure we animals would talk amongst ourselves, and we always knew what was going on in the world, But now... well..." Fluffy stammered. He pretended to examine one of his forepaws as he finished. "I can't even talk to Skippy and have him understand me." The fox gently took one of Fluffy's hind feet and picked a piece of dirt from it. He tossed it aside where it vanished in mid-air before ever reaching the floor. "I think he understands you well enough," Andy offered, petting the rabbit's large foot before placing it back on the couch. "Well, you know what I mean," Fluffy argued quietly, stretching his toes. "I enjoy greatly playing with the little scamp. I just wish I could tell him that once in a while." "Mmmm." Again the fox gave his chin a scratch. What Fluffy had failed to mention, however, was that he had had no trouble at all understanding the young toons he spent time with down at Oak Creek Park, but then again, youths, especially animal toons, don't need to confuse their thoughts with words. A simple wave, a pet, or a smile was all that was needed to convey a message, and Fluffy could certainly understand a smile. "Well, maybe this will help," Andy spoke up after a pause. he held out his left paw in front of him, palm open. It began to crackle and glow with energy as a white ball of light formed in it. Fluffy watched the strange light intently, as if expecting it to suddenly lash out and bounce wildly around the room. He had learned about Andy's abilities since coming to live with him, but even though he knew the fox would never use them to hurt him, Fluffy couldn't help being a rabbit. A second later the glow vanished from Andy's paw and was replaced by a small pendant. "I've been working on this for you," he said, showing the small item to Fluffy. It contained two green stones and two white ones. The stones had been cut into triangles and arranged to form the shape of a diamond. They were set in a simple gold setting. "What is it?" Fluffy asked, wrinkling his nose at the object. "Something to help you communicate," Andy answered. "With it, you will be able to understand English as if it were Rabbit. And, It will also make what you say in Rabbit understandable for others who don't speak it." Fluffy scowled. "That little thing will do all that?" Andy nodded. Fluffy looked hard at the fox, trying to decide if he was worth believing. "Just place it against your fur," Andy went on, seeming to ignore Fluffy's skepticism. "It will stay on until you pull it off." Fluffy remained silent, his eyes focusing on the pendent in the fox's paw. Andy and Fluffy sat quietly on the couch, reading the other's expression. All animals, including toon animals, are capable of a great deal of communication through silent means of body language and unconscious gestures. Andy had used it with Fluffy back on that warm autumn night when he had given the rabbit the power of flight. It allowed the two to sit quietly and enjoy each other's company: sharing their feelings and thoughts with each other without uttering a single word. Andy sensed Fluffy's thoughts in the rabbit's twitching whiskers as he sat next to him on the couch. The rabbit's dark brown eyes looked back at him, then away. Andy laid his right paw on Fluffy's flank. He patted him reassuringly. "I know how you feel, but it's perfectly safe," he said in a low voice. "It's your choice, my friend." After a pause, Fluffy came to a decision on his pondering. "I'd like to try it," he said, his voice still hinting a bit of disbelief. Andy passed the pendant to Fluffy. The rabbit examined it briefly, then gently placed it on his chest. The pendent shimmered slightly as it affixed itself to his fur. Fluffy removed his paw. The pendent remained attached. "Now what?" The rabbit said in a deep, sonorous and warm voice that filled the room with resonance--a voice that, until that moment, had only been heard by those who were fluent in the Lapine language. Andy smiled to himself at hearing Fluffy's voice. He picked up the television remote and flipped to a random channel. It was showing an old science fiction movie Andy didn't recognize. Fluffy's ears twitched and he turned to the screen: "I couldn't fight them," a man was saying to another. "There were too many." "What happened to Stevens?" asked the second man. "He stayed to keep watch over the invaders' camp." Fluffy stared in astonishment at the television, his mouth gaping open as the dialog came to him crisp and clear. "We'll need to get over to the river," said a third man. "Take Jenkins with you. We've got to find their weakness." "Yes, Sir." The corners of Fluffy's mouth turned upwards and formed a smile. He began to chuckle, then laugh with triumph. "Ha, ha!" he rumbled joyfully. "It's like they are all speaking in Rabbit!" Fluffy turned and looked excitedly at Andy. "Do you hear them? It's wonderful!" "Quite," Andy said. "Oh, don't be so dang smug you fox," Fluffy scoffed, playfully kicking Andy with a hind foot. "This is amazing!" Fluffy turned back to the television. The movie had been temporarily abandoned for a commercial advertising new "bargain-priced" real estate that had just recently become available along The San Andreas Fault line. Fluffy watched it intently. "Wow." "It's just a commercial," Andy shrugged. He stood up and walked over to stand next to Fluffy at the end of the couch. Fluffy continued to listen, then began to scowl a bit. He turned to Andy. "What is 'mortgage'?" "A way of paying for something," Andy answered. Fluffy looked confused. "I didn't understand some of the words in that commercial. Are you sure this thing is working?" Andy sighed. "It's working fine," he said dryly. "The pendent only translates, Fluffy. It doesn't do any more." The fox reached over and laid a gentle paw on the rabbit. "There are some words that just don't translate between English and Rabbit--things that just don't belong in a rabbit's world--and shouldn't really I suppose," he added, more to himself than to Fluffy. "But," he finished, "I don't think you need to worry about any of them." He heard Fluffy give a small sigh, but it wasn't a sigh of disappointment. The rabbit had been given an unexpected ability. His world had just become much more grand and intricate. Andy only hoped that the rabbit would not lose touch with his own Lapine ways and hemisphere of thinking, now that he would be able to communicate outside of that world. Over the years Andy had seen toons too often casting aside their own natural traits and turning into nothing more than humans in animal costumes-- driving cars and sitting at desks from nine to five with the occasional coffee break; ghosts of their true selves, he thought. He had seen it happen, and he hated it. To Andy, animal toons were given great gifts of animal bodies and minds, and that those species traits should be respected and cherished. This included himself, and he had vowed he would to live up to his own gift and be the best fox he could be. It was for that reason that he had chosen the large piece of property containing woods and field that he now lived on. It was filled with simple animal toons with whom he had enjoyed many hours of company: rabbits, mice, raccoons, robins, tree snakes, voles, weasels, and even foxes. Some animals were natural enemies with each other, some weren't, but at least in the toon world the rules of predator/prey are not always so easily dictated. If they were, he would not now be friends with a rabbit, or be in love with a squirrel. Lately, however, Andy had began to wonder how much of a fox he had really been: living in a mansion rather than a den, and he did work at a desk, sometimes from nine to five. Though he was unaware of it, Fluffy's presence had begun to stir up some very old feelings in him--feelings that he hadn't thought of in a long time. "I'll leave you to get use it," Andy said. He patted Fluffy and walked over to the door. "Whenever you have had enough of English, just take the pendent off." He continued, sounding just a bit morose. "Sometimes words can be a terrible distraction to one's true self, Fluffy. There's nothing wrong with speaking only Rabbit. Please, don't ever forget what you are--so many toons do." He headed out of the room. Half-way through the door he stopped and added, "Oh, and by the way, Fluffy, you *are* a very smart animal. I don't ever want to hear you speak otherwise about yourself again." "Andy?" came Fluffy's hesitant voice after a pause. "Yes, Fluffy?" "Thank you." The rabbit looked back at Andy in a way that said that he had understood the fox's concerns exactly. Andy smiled. "I'll be downstairs," he called as he disappeared down the hall, leaving Fluffy to his privacy. CHAPTER 2: Preparation And Apprehension A small alarm clock rang noisily as half-past seven arrived, causing a previously slumbering form to awaken with a start and fumble blindly for the annoying piece of clockwork. Yawning excessively, Buster silenced the clock and stumbled out of bed, scratching his fur and muttering. It was a morning like any other for the rabbit, but a hint of cheer suddenly perked up his sleepy expression as he remembered that there was only one week left of classes at Acme Looniversity. Next Friday the Tiny Toons and everyone else in their class would finally graduate from the Loo and begin their lives outside of school. This thought made Buster smile as he looked at himself in a mirror while combing his fur: One week and they would be done. Ten minutes later, Babs was standing outside of Buster's burrow calling down to him: "Buster! You ready yet?" "In a minute, Babs." Buster hastily threw together a quick, carrot-laden lunch and dashed out to join Babs. "So do you know what the deal is with today's classes?" Babs asked as the two rabbits made their way through Acme Forest. Buster shrugged. "Haven't got a clue, Babsy. Must be something pretty important though to have a private assembly that takes up the whole afternoon." "I hear Andy might be there, even," Babs said, sounding a bit worried. "Just as long as he doesn't spring another one of those theoretical toon physics tests on us again." Buster shuddered briefly. "That thing was murder." "It wasn't his fault," Babs pointed out. "He was just subbing for Wile E. that day." "Yeah, but I think he added a few extra questions to the professor's exam anyhow." Babs scowled at the blue rabbit. "I donno why you're making such a big fuss--you got most of them right." Buster laughed nervously. "Just lucky I guess." The two rabbits continued on through the woods to the Looniversity. The pre-class atmosphere at the Loo, which normally consisted of students fumbling around half-asleep for their books and grumbling about the homework they didn't do, or the history exam looming before them, had been lifted in the last several weeks and replaced with higher spirits and general comradery as their graduation day approached and their classes would end. Buster and Babs greeted their friends cheerfully, the halls filled with happy and excited chatter in anticipation of the end of the school year. Amidst the happy chatter, however, Buster and Babs noticed that they weren't the only toons in the dark on that day's curriculum. The rest of the Tiny Toons present were muttering amongst themselves concerning the afternoon's assembly. "It's a test," Montana Man demanded, smacking a fist into an open palm. "Like, I don't remember anyone telling us about one," Shirley said as she breezed by on her way to her locker, followed by Plucky who was desperately trying to get Shirley to notice him. His pursuit was ended abruptly as he was trampled flat by a orange blur of feathers followed by a gray blur of fur. "So, what are your plans for the Summer, Fifi," Hamton asked as he stood next to the skunk's locker. "ah do not know," she sighed happily, "but eet will be so good to be out on our own. I have been thinking about taking a road trip around zee country to see all zee sights. One gets tired of zees same old California weather every day, no?" Hamton slumped into a dopey-looking stupor as Fifi passed a paw under his chin and caressed it lightly. "Maybe you want to come weeth me?" she asked, batting her eyes at him and making Hamton's tongue loll out onto the floor. Fifi slammed her locker door shut, knocking the pig out of his hypnotic trance. "Sure, Fifi," he said, coming to attention. "I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind." "Aw," Fifi said, brushing her tail past him. "You are zee sweet piggy." Hamton nodded blankly, transfixed by the shapely purple skunk. "See you at lunch," she called, disappearing down the hall, leaving the pig still in a state of immobile happiness by her locker. Buster and Babs made their way through the throngs of toons to their lockers and retrieved their books. Slamming his locker door shut, Buster was greeted by Plucky. "Did you rabbits hear?" the duck announced proudly, throwing his chest feathers out in proud display. "They're going to give me the Achievement of Excellence award today. That's what this big secret assembly is about!" Buster and Babs turned and looked dryly at each other. As if on cue, they simultaneously burst out in roaring laughter. "Yeah, right, Plucky!" Buster sputtered through his laughter. "Award for biggest ego, maybe," Babs added, snickering. "Humph," Plucky said, snubbing the two rabbits and walking off with his head held high. Still snickering between themselves, the rabbits headed off to their first class. CHAPTER 3: Quiet Unrest "So where've you been all morning?" Slappy demanded loosely. "Your breakfast was getting cold." "Sorry, hon," came an apologetic reply. Andy emerged from the house to join Slappy on the back patio which connected to the kitchen where Slappy had spent the morning making breakfast. She was now sitting in a cushioned deck chair next to a small white table, looking very relaxed and at ease. She peered at the fox over the edge of a book she was reading, titled: "The Joy Of Explosives". Andy bent down and kissed her softly before seating himself at the table. Before him was a plate full of food: eggs, toast, fried potatoes, all neatly arranged and prepared by someone who took great pride in her work. To the side was a bowl of honey dew melon pieces. "Eat," came the squirrel's stunted command from behind the book. "Yes, Ma'am," Andy smiled, and loaded a fork full of food. After downing several mouthfuls of the scrumptious meal, the fox paused and stole a loving glance at the squirrel across from him. Slappy pretended not to notice, and hid her smile with her book. "You'll make a vegetarian out of me yet," Andy commented slyly, enjoying his breakfast. "Heh!" Slappy laughed. "And I'll win the award for 'Most Non-violent Cartoon Short', heh ha. But thanks anyway." The fox laughed and munched on a piece of melon. "Well, thank you for putting up with me then." Slappy lowered her book briefly to eye Andy. "If you can bear to love an old, cranky squirrel, I can put up with the diet of a carnivore, heh ha." Andy smiled lovingly back at her before returning to his breakfast. "Well?" Slappy spoke up after a few minutes. "I'm still waiting for an answer." Andy looked up, caught off-guard. Then, remembering that he had never answered her question, he sighed. "Oh," Andy said, clumsily clearing his throat. "I was, um... creating irony." He poked at the nut bread toast on his plate--one of Slappy's specialties. He suddenly had an overwhelming desire to change the subject. "So it *is* gone, then?" he asked. Slappy nodded. It had taken nearly three months for the psychic and cosmic powers that she had inadvertently received from Andy when they bonded to fade and disappear. "I haven't been able to read your mind for over a week," she commented. "And the powers?" Slappy shrugged and pointed a finger at him. After a silent few seconds of nothing happening, she sighed and lowered it. "You aren't sad about it, are you, Slappy?" he asked, taking her hand in his and holding it tenderly. "Naw," Slappy smiled. "It wasn't mine to have anyhow. Nope," she smiled, matter-of-factly, "it's back where it belongs: in the fox I love. Heh ha." Half way across the yard in a large oak tree, two chipmunks were quarreling noisily over an acorn. The squabbling soon ended however, as a third chipmunk, larger than the other two, appeared. She seized the nut and chattered angrily to the other two. Then all three scampered down the trunk of the tree. Andy watched the trio as they crossed the yard and disappeared into the woods beyond. "Slappy," Andy began, sounding distant, "did you ever take the Toon Animal Heritage ritual?" Slappy reached for her coffee and glanced oddly at the fox. "My mother did," she said after taking a sip. "I haven't." "How did it turn out?" Slappy replaced her coffee and went back to her reading. "She was able to climb through the trees about a hundred times better afterwards." Andy made a contemplative sound. Slappy's eyes briefly regarded his expression over the edge of her book. She had noticed that her fox seemed to be rather preoccupied lately. He had been more reserved and contemplative than usual, as if dogged by something he didn't want to face, or something he had been hiding from. She also noticed that whatever it was that was bothering the fox, it seemed to be especially strong that morning. She gave Andy another look, and saw that his gaze had returned to the yard and the woods beyond. Her eyes disappeared behind the book once again. + + + + + + Skippy Squirrel eyed the dart board in front of him with vicious determination. His concentration was locked fully upon it as he carefully aimed his dart. He was about to make a perfect bulls-eye for the third time in a row--a new record--when his concentration was abruptly intruded upon by a voice coming from behind him. "Hello, lad." Skippy spun around quickly and nearly lost his balance. Standing directly behind him was Fluffy. The squirrel's jaw went slack, the dart in his paw fell noisily to the floor. From inside the house came the sudden gleeful screams of a young squirrel, followed almost immediately by unchecked laugher. "He can talk! He can talk!" Out on the deck, in the bright daylight of a warm, summer morning, Slappy eyed the house, then scowled at Andy. "What did you do now?" "Me?" Andy asked innocently. CHAPTER 4: The Acquisition The sudden outpouring of 60's rock 'N' roll music from a clock/radio brought Arthur Trenton out of his sleep with a start. His thoughts scrambled about like ants as he tried to get his bearings. Half-remembered fragments of voices and images danced around in the human's head, slowly ebbing away as the music from the radio persisted, insisting that it was more important than any other memories. Such was the situation on many a morning. Arthur was a twitchy brown-haired man in his thirties who always seemed to be looking over his shoulder at something behind him. He lived alone in a small house in a quiet suburb of Kansas City where the winters were tolerable and the people were friendly enough, so long as they weren't after him. Stricken with a perpetual case of paranoia, however, turned out to be a positive trait for his current line of work. Arthur spent his days at a local high school as its computer network administrator. His primary duties consisted of keeping all the kids who fancied themselves as the future hackers and geniuses of the world from ravaging the school's private files, while at the same time making sure they were free to pursue their own interests using the network to perform their academic work and to access the internet. He did this job extremely well, and he enjoyed the simple freedoms the job offered. He had also established a warm rapport with many of the gifted students, and had earned a unique admiration from the ones who tried to challenge his network's security. He was the great challenge to overcome-- the ultimate test of their abilities. Fortunately, their abilities fell far short of anything that Arthur needed to worry about. Arthur was also an avid cartoon fan. His office proper was far from intimidating to the students compared to those of the rest of the faculty. In fact it was downright welcoming and was in danger of breaking the strict rules of conformity as a place where students actually enjoyed being in while at school. It was littered with numerous cartoon character figures and paraphernalia. A Looney Tunes calendar hung on one of his walls next to several framed pictures of cartoon characters printed off of the art department's color printer. A small community of beanbag plushes sat atop his computer monitor, and a large stuffed coyote stood guard next to the door to keep out the rabble. In his off hours, when he wasn't doing laundry or vacuuming, Arthur could be found either watching cartoons, discussing cartoons with other fans via the internet, or drinking massive quantities of scotch so see if it made some cartoons more funny. Arthur also dabbled in writing fan stories about various cartoon characters, posting his works to an internet group for review and his own enjoyment. Beyond these outward activities, however, there was more to Arthur Trenton than most knew, and am ever-present cloud, a haze of disconnected thoughts and images beyond the simple wold around him, followed Arthur wherever he went. It was on one evening, as Arthur was busy comparing and contrasting the differences between Little John in Disney's Robin Hood and Baloo from Disney's The Jungle Book to an online internet chat group, when his doorbell sounded. Three men in black suits stood outside his door. They were dressed identically with white shirts and subdued-colored ties. Behind them was a large van parked along the road. One of the men produced a small wallet of identification as he addressed Arthur. "Arthur Trenton?" A severe case of paralysis began to set in on Arthur, except for his left hand which began to fumble uselessly in the air, trying to find something to do with itself. "Yes?" "My name is Phillip Sandal, NSA. Please come with us." The man's voice was firm, but not hostile. The two others behind him stood silently, and Arthur wondered if they were their for intimidation alone. Arthur's left hand found the door frame and grasped it tightly, happy to have found a temporary home for itself. He leaned forward and squinted at the man's displayed identification, but was unable to make it out. "Ahhhh... who are you?" he asked. "What is this?" Phillip pocketed his credentials. "We've with a special division of the NSA that caters to unique situations. I been ordered to acquire you and bring you with us." "This is nuts," Arthur muttered, backing away slightly. "I assure you, Mr. Trenton. This is quite real. You aren't in any trouble. We only require your presence, and possible assistance. These men are here for your protection." "My protection?" Arthur repeated. Part of him wanted to laugh at the utter ridiculousness of the situation. The other half wanted to run in fear. He split the difference and did neither, standing in simple disbelief. "Please come with us and everything will be explained," Phillip repeated. Arthur's paralysis was slowly replaced by an odd sense of exhilaration as he climbed into the van. Phillip and the other two men followed, locking the doors. One of the men began to occupy himself by fiddling with a piece of electronic equipment that looked like it had been assembled in the back room of a Radio Shack. He held out a long black wand attached to the device in Arthur's direction and fiddled with a dial. Odd little lights flashed on and off from within the device's innards as the man examined the data it produced. After several seconds he nodded smartly to Phillip. "Let's go," Phillip called to the van's driver. The van came to life and rolled away down the street. "Do not be nervous, Mr. Trenton," Phillip said calmly. "As I said, you are not in any trouble. Think of this as... an unexpected vacation. Your presence is currently required elsewhere." Arthur's voice came out quick and panicked: "By who? For what?" "We were only given a general description of the person we were to acquire," Phillip continued. "We did some research. You were the closest match. And now..." Phillip cocked his head towards the man holding the electronic device, "...we're pretty sure you are the one we've been looking for." Arthur simply stared back, suddenly feeling at a disadvantage somehow. Phillip eyed Arthur closely. His voice took on an knowingly inquisitive tone. "Tell us, Arthur, How are Slappy and Fluffy doing?" Arthur froze. He began to break out in a cold sweat. That and his stunned silence at Phillip's question was enough of an answer. Phillip turned and nodded to the rest of the men in the van. "Just relax," he said, turning back to Arthur. "There are some... people who would like to meet you." He emphasized the word "people." CHAPTER 5: Cause For Concern "Coyote!" Andy smiled wide as he opened his front door. "What a surprise! Good to see you." "And you," Wile E. said cordially. He stepped inside and hugged the fox warmly, then nodded to Slappy. "Mrs. Squirrel." "Oh, please," Slappy groaned. "Since when did you become all formal, Mr. Flea Bag?" The two shook paws and hugged. "This guy hasn't been giving you any trouble now, has he?" Wile E. asked Slappy jokingly. Andy folded his arms and smirked. "Who, him?" Slappy asked, gesturing to Andy as if he were some new appliance. "Nah. I got him under control. Heh ha." "Yes," Wile E. nodded. "So I've seen." He turned to Andy and eyed him mischievously. "How's your back?" "Okay, okay," Andy grumbled, wrapping an arm around the coyote and leading him into the parlor. A blur of brown fur nearly trampled them as Skippy ran past and out the front door. "Bye, Aunt Slappy! Bye, Unc!" he called, disappearing outside, obviously late for school. Andy batted a paw at the smoke trail left by the young squirrel. "Well you see how it is around here. How are things with you?" "Oh, nominal," the coyote shrugged. The parlor's large windows caught the angled rays of the morning sun, making the contents of the room glow in an inviting sort of way. The fox and coyote made themselves comfortable in two of the room's plush red armchairs while Slappy wandered off. She returned a few minutes later with a glass of iced tea for the coyote. "Ah," Wile E. remarked appreciatively. He thanked the squirrel. Andy eyed Slappy sternly. "But you said it..." "It is," Slappy snapped back. "But I still got a good memory, and besides, his throat sounded raspy." The far end of the parlor ended in a breakfast bar which connected with the kitchen. Slappy seated herself at one of the stools and busied herself sorting through a large, neglected stack of mail. "What was that all about?" asked the coyote, cocking a thumb in Slappy's direction. "Oh, nothing," Andy said, brushing the topic under the southwest-style rug lying on the floor between them. "It's about time you came by, Coyote. I've been meaning to talk to you about someone." "Oh?" Wile E. raised a bushy eyebrow. "And what pray-tell would that be, my vulpine friend?" At that moment, Fluffy appeared in the doorway and casually hopped into the parlor. "Ah," Wile E. spoke up brightly at seeing Fluffy, "so this is the fellow who's been filling your thoughts of late." Fluffy turned at hearing the new voice. Seeing the coyote he started and sat up on his haunches. "Crimany!" he gasped. "A 'yote!" Andy broke into a snicker. Wile E. was taken aback and looked a bit helpless at the accusation. "Fluffy," Andy called. "I'd like you to meet my friend and brother, Wile E. Coyote." Fluffy nervously twitched his whiskers a few times, "Brother," he scowled. "That?" Andy nodded and winked at the rabbit. Fluffy snorted. He resumed his calm air and continued into the room. "It figures," he said, hopping over to a table holding a bowl full of carrots. He helped himself to one of the brightly-colored vegetables. "Coyotes, foxes... it's a wonder I'm alive at all with all you carnivores around here. I suppose there'll be weasels around here next." "So he does talk," Wile E. observed dryly, still a bit shaken from the rabbit's comments. "Humph," Fluffy grumbled smugly. Finishing the carrot he nabbed a large sprig of parsley and lollopped over to a window with it. "Indeed." "Strong-minded, too," Wile E. added. "I see why you get along so well with him." "Yes," Andy smiled. "He is. As for the talking, well..." Andy directed the coyote's gaze to the pendent on Fluffy's chest. "Not really." "Ah," Wile E. said, waving a paw. "Intelligent creature none the less." "So," Andy began, "what brings you here, Coyote?" Wile E. gave an odd grumble and took a sip of his iced tea. "You." "Me?" The coyote nodded. "We're all set up at the Loo for the Tiny Toons' animal heritage assembly this afternoon." The fox sighed. "Yes. It's finally come." Wile E. shrugged. "I don't think there's anything to worry about." "No," Andy agreed, decisively. The fox seemed to lose himself in thought briefly. He gazed up into space and scratched his ear. "You didn't come over here just to tell me that, did you?" he asked. "And what's wrong with a coyote wanting to visit with his best friend?" Wile E. accused. Andy half-shrugged and smiled. A hint of concern flashed through his thoughts from the coyote like a single drop of rain in a summer shower, and was just as quickly dismissed as the coyote's thoughts were distracted by a large rabbit brushing by his chair. His morning snack complete, Fluffy quietly walked over and sat on his haunches next to Andy's chair. "There is something," Wile E. admitted, watching the rabbit intently. "Tell me, do you know where Pinky and The Brain are?" Andy shrugged again. "In their cage?" he offered jokingly. The coyote shook his head. "Try again." "Involved in an intricate plan to take over the world, then?" "Strike two. Would you like to try for three?" "What am I, my mouse's keeper? How about Elmyra Duff's house? I understand they grew quite fond of life there." Wile E. let out a small chuckle. "Nope. Last seen they checked into lab room 3 at Tetra Dimensional to use the electromagnetic phase inverter. They never checked out and no one's seen them since. That was four days ago." "Odd," was all Andy had to say, unconsciously reaching an arm over and resting it across Fluffy's back. His fingers petted the rabbit's side. "I'm sure they'll turn up," he said casually. "All the same, people are starting to wonder. It's not like The Brain to leave lab equipment running or not check out. Can you check to see where they went?" "Anything for my fellow scientists." Andy closed his eyes and remained silent for several seconds. Slowly his standard smirk turned into a scowl. After a pause he opened his eyes and looked in confusion at the coyote across from him. "Strange--I don't sense them anywhere in the area." He fell silent again for another second or two before adding, "or the planet, for that matter." "Oh, great," muttered the coyote, pawing the arm of his chair in frustration. He stared at his glass of iced tea accusingly. "If those two got themselves lost somewhere there'll be heck to pay with Warners." Andy continued to scowl thoughtfully as he pondered over the situation. His fingers unconsciously traced their way along the edge of Fluffy's saddle where smooth thin leather met plush fur. Wile E. eyed the fox's movements and smiled to himself. Andy spoke up again. "Maybe you should check the sensor log records for the lab--see what you can find." He waved a paw. "I'm sure they're around somewhere. Maybe they are on Planet X or W or something. We'll find them, though it will make the labs quieter for a while without those two trouble- makers." The coyote nodded in agreement. He stood up, preparing to go. "Come by this afternoon when you're done at the Loo. I should have something by then." "Can do." "So tell me one thing, Fox," Wile E. added, cautiously walking up to Fluffy and eyeing him uncertainly, "Why a rabbit of all things? What was it about, em... Fluffy here... that he ended up here with you? Why not a horse?" "I find rabbits infinitely more preferable to be with." Andy said quietly, standing and walking over to where Slappy was sitting. The corners of Fluffy's mouth lifted into a smug smirk of confidence as he returned Wile E.'s gaze, causing the coyote to feel even more unsettled by the creature, as if Fluffy knew something he didn't. "Indeed," muttered Wile E. "And ride as well?" "Naturally," Andy answered, as if the answer was completely obvious. Wile E. gave a small mutter of contemplation, laying a paw on the rabbit's side cautiously. He tried to sound friendly and patted Fluffy's saddle, "Well, as long as I'm here, do you think I might..." "No you may not," Fluffy quickly answered back, turning at the coyote. "You're much to scruffy a character for my tastes." Wile E. was again taken aback. Andy covered his face and stifled a snicker. The coyote dropped his paw and slunk away from Fluffy. "Well, I..." he protested. He looked over to Andy for help, but the fox only smiled and shrugged innocently. "Like you said: he's strong-minded." "Sorry I asked," Wile E. grumbled, and turned away from the rabbit. He hadn't taken more than two steps away when Fluffy suddenly turned and came up behind Wile E. Lowering his head he butted it into the coyote, knocking him off his feet. The surprised coyote fell helplessly backwards onto Fluffy's back. Fluffy tossed his head and grinned smugly back at the coyote. "Some genius," he scoffed, still with his smug air. "Can't even tell when a rabbit is tricking you, eh?" "What?" Wile E. glanced at Andy in surprise, partly from suddenly finding himself astride the giant rabbit, and partly from the cutting down the rabbit had given him. Andy snickered. "He, um..." The fox smiled innocently. "I'm not getting into this." Wile E.'s long legs dangled comically as he straddled the rabbit. After a moment or two he relaxed slightly, carefully resting his paws on Fluffy's collar. He felt the rabbit's pulse through his warm fur. Fluffy strolled nonchalantly out of the parlor and around the foyer while the coyote laughed quietly, experiencing the unique joy of riding a toon carousel animal. Fluffy serpentized his way around the foyer to the front door, giving his passenger the fifty cent tour as he meandered around. Andy and Slappy emerged a short time later from the parlor and joined the pair. "A living toon carousel animal," Wile E. commented to his partner in science. "Fascinating." "Eh," Andy yawned, "no more so than a toon pencil or a toon cloud." "Still," Wile E. said, becoming braver and releasing a paw from Fluffy's collar, "I see the appeal: a very talented and noble creature." "Thank you," Fluffy said pleasantly, looking back and smiling at him. Wile E.'s attention shifted from Fluffy to Andy and Slappy as he noticed the pair standing side-by-side. Both toons still exhibited that unique glow that envelops all new couples as the joys of love floods their thoughts and emotions. Andy and Slappy had theirs in spades; they had enough glow between them to keep Las Vegas lit for a decade. "It's good to see you like this, Fox," Wile E. commented, suddenly quite sincere. "It's good to see a family in this house." Andy nodded. "It's finally more than a house, Coyote. It's become a home." "Complete with family pet," Wile E. added, looking down at Fluffy. Two seconds later a loud crash shook the room as it acquired a new furry brown wall decoration, discharged forcefully from Fluffy's back. "Smooth," Slappy said dryly. "Mmmurf," the furry spot on the wall mumbled. "it was just a joke." Andy calmly peeled Wile E. from the wall and wrung him out like a second- hand throw rug. A small cloud of dust escaped from the coyote's mouth as he popped back into shape. Back on his own two feet and somewhat shaky legs, he eyed Fluffy with a mixture of apology and genuine surprise. Fluffy returned his look with one of pure innocence. Toon familiarization protocols complete, and the two genuinely acquainted, Fluffy and Wile E. shook paws warmly. "Thank you," Wile E. said appreciatively. "Anytime, my friend," the rabbit retorted. Wile E. turned for the door. "This afternoon then," he reminded Andy. Then he waved and headed out the door and down the front walk. "Nice fellow," remarked Fluffy to Andy. "A bit stuffy though." + + + + + + The first thought that popped into Arthur's head at hearing Phillip's startling question was that these men were here to throw him against a wall for writing stories about licensed cartoon characters. He wondered if someone in the fan fiction community had been a spy for this unnamed "someone" who had requested his presence. Horrid waves of paranoia flooded his thoughts. Arthur's eyes darted around the inside of the van at the other two men, then out the windows to the view beyond. After several tense minutes, the van turned in to a small city airport some miles from Arthur's house. There, he was escorted onto a medium-sized jet with the men. On the jet, Phillip kept an eye on Arthur the whole time. At first Arthur thought Phillip was waiting for him to make some kind of break for it, but as time went on it seemed more as if Phillip was watching him for a different reason, like he expected something to happen and didn't want to miss it. Arthur almost felt sorry to disappoint him as he sat quietly and tried to hide his nervousness by paging through a magazine that he had been given to pass the time. Outside the jet, the sun's orange glow faded into pink as it disappeared into the western sky, its decent put into slow motion by the jet's westward progression. To Be Continued...