The New Samurai

Story by: Phoenix710

Summary: Polly's younger sister, Sayaka, is nearly done with her Samurai training, and Polly is eagerly awaiting the day of the ceremony which will allow her sister to realize her lifelong dream…to follow Polly into battle, and always be at her sister's side. However, The Big Cheese desires revenge on the Pizza Cats, and so he plans to kidnap Sayaka, hoping that Polly will be too worried about her sister to fight. Sundance realizes the error of his ways, and heads back to Little Tokyo to warn the Pizza Cats, as his first step towards redemption.

Disclaimer: I do not own Samurai Pizza Cats, or any of the characters. Samurai Pizza Cats, and all associated characters, are registered trademarks of Saban. All original characters are products of my imagination.

Chapter One: A New Day Begins

With the rising of the sun over the city of Little Tokyo came another brand new day, full of new beginnings, and a very welcome bit of news for one of the city's most famous residents, Polly Esther Cerviche. She'd just received a letter from her sister, Sayaka, in which she said that her Samurai training was nearly complete, and that Al Dente would be swearing her in at the official ceremony one week from today. She said, "Speedy, listen to this…my sister Sayaka's dream is finally coming true! She's gonna be done with her training soon, and Al's gonna swear her in as a Samurai one week from today." Speedy replied, "Oh wow…that's great news, Kitten! Why don't we go and pay your family a visit, and take your sister out to lunch, to celebrate her success…does that sound good to you?" Polly smiled, and then she hugged him. She replied, "Speedy, that sounds like a wonderful way to congratulate her…honestly, I could never be this happy with any other Cat, Speedy…you've always been there for me when I've needed you, you've never left me, even when this awful temper of mine flares up. Anybody else would've run for the hills…but you've been right by my side. I love you, Speedy…and I always will." Speedy looked into Polly's beautiful blue eyes, while running his fingers through her fiery red hair, before he answered, "Polly, you may have a bad temper, but I've stayed with you because I can see past that…down to where the real you is. You're strong, loyal, smart, a great friend…not to mention my BEST friend, and you're also the one that I love, more than anything else in the world. I'll be with you until the end of time, Polly." Throwing her arms around Speedy's shoulders, Polly kissed him deeply, and he responded by pulling her even closer, until Speedy noticed the time on the clock by their bed. He said, "I'd love to continue this, Polly…but I don't think Francine would appreciate us playing hooky…and we also need to take care of Aiko." After she Polly replied, "You're right, Speedy. You go and get ready, and feed Aiko." Speedy nodded, and he then gave Polly a quick kiss on the cheek, before heading into the shower. Polly looked into her daughter's crib, and saw her lovely little angel smile at her. Polly said, "Good morning, sweetie…how's my sweet little angel today?" Aiko snuggled against her mother's chest, and purred softly, as Polly gently rubbed the little kitten's fur. She grabbed a bottle, and sat down on her bed, as she watched her daughter's eyes gleam. Aiko was a spitting image of Polly…blue eyes and all. Speedy truly was her perfect soulmate…and Aiko was the result of their unending love. She thought of her sister Sayaka…even as a kitten, the younger Esther sister had wanted to follow in Polly's footsteps. In fact, Polly still remembered the conversation she'd had with Sayaka, on the night that she and Speedy had announced their engagement.

Flashback…

At the Esther Household, the family members of both Speedy and Polly had gathered for a very special dinner, since Speedy and Polly had both called up their families, letting them know that they had a very important announcement to make. They had met for dinner at Polly's home, at 6:30pm, and once everyone had gathered around the table, Speedy walked up to the front of the room, put an arm around Polly's shoulders, and said, "First of all, I'd like to say a hearty thank you to Polly's parents, for allowing her and I to be friends for all these years. I've grown up at her side, and I've watched her go from being a wonderful, sweet kitten, to being a strong, loyal, and very brave Samurai. Mr. and Mrs. Esther, Sayaka, Aunt Lydia, Uncle Irving,…" He paused, and looked up to Heaven for a moment, remembering his parents, Jon and Kagome, before he continued. "Tonight, Polly and I would like to announce to all of you, that as of now, we are now happily engaged." Polly showed off her ring, and her mother ran up to hug her, along with Sayaka, while Speedy was given a hearty pat on the back from his uncle, and a firm handshake by Polly's father. Sayaka took Polly aside, and said, "Oh sis…I can't believe this! I mean, I knew you and Speedy would eventually fall in love, but this soon, after the Comet incident…" Polly replied, "Sayaka, if this whole Comet caper has taught me anything, I've learned never to take life for granted. I almost lost Speedy when the comet exploded. To think that I'd have to suddenly be without the Cat that I've grown up with, and fallen deeply in love with…I couldn't stand to have my heart crushed. When he handed me that ring…I knew then that we were meant to be together. I love him, Sayaka…more than I could ever say." Sayaka replied, "Polly, I know you do. Remember…I was there when you two were growing up together, and I've seen how much you two have always been there at each other's side. Polly, I promise you this…one day, I'm going to become a Samurai, and follow in your footsteps." Polly put her hands on her younger sister's shoulders, and said, "Sayaka, I want you to know that being a Samurai isn't as easy as it may seem. It's dangerous work, and I never know if the day might come when I'll have to lay down my life in order to protect this city…but since I've got Speedy, Guido, and Good Bird at my side, I know that I'll always have my friends to count on." Sayaka said, "Polly, you've always been there for me, when I was a kitten. You'd defend me if I got picked on, you'd comfort me when I got sick or scared, you'd read to me at night, you'd help me with homework, and you always let me play with you and Speedy…so I want to be by your side, as you defend this city and it's people." Polly smiled, and said, "You make me so proud to be your sister, Sayaka…I love you." Sayaka hugged Polly, and the two sisters were soon joined by their parents. In the meantime, Speedy looked on, as he stood between his Aunt Lydia and Uncle Irving. Speedy looked up at his Uncle, and said, "I've gotta be the luckiest Cat in the world, to be engaged to such a wonderful girl like Polly. I should've realized it sooner that Polly was the one I've been in love with, for all this time…and I almost never got to tell her. I'll never make that mistake again, ever. Mom was right, Uncle Irving…Polly and I truly were meant to be." Speedy's uncle replied, "Yes, Speedy…Polly truly is a remarkable young lady, and I can tell you right now…your parents, may they both rest in peace, I just know that they're very proud of you…just like your Aunt Lydia and I both are." Speedy smiled, and joined his Aunt and Uncle in a warm, hearty hug, until Polly's mother announced "DINNER TIME!!!" Speedy and everyone else then sat down to eat, and Speedy spent the entire meal thinking of how lucky he was, to have met Polly, not to mention that he would soon be her husband.

End Flashback.

Polly was reading a book to her daughter, when Speedy finally came out of the shower. She said, "I'll be right out, Speedy…I just need to freshen up a bit, and then we'll head downstairs." Speedy took his daughter from Polly, and began gently rocking her back and forth, while Polly took a quick shower. As soon as she was ready to go, Polly came out, and she couldn't resist snapping a photo of her husband, as he rolled around on the floor, while Aiko pretended to 'capture Big Cheese'. Polly chuckled, and said, "You know, Speedy…you really do a great impression of that idiot rat, minus the explosions, of course." Speedy lifted himself up, and Polly placed Aiko onto her shoulder, before she and Speedy headed downstairs for breakfast.

Downstairs…

Lucille was sitting down, having a piece of toast, while she watched Guido take care of their twins, Yattaro and Pururun. Carla, in the meantime, was trying her best not to laugh, as she watched her husband Good Bird play 'horse' with their son Kazuma, who was now just over a year old. Francine was starting to wonder if she'd need to go up and wake the other two Cats, when she suddenly heard Speedy say, "Morning, Francine. Sorry to keep ya waiting." Francine said, "It's okay, Speedy, honest. You and Polly both have a daughter to take care of now…so I'm willing to let it slide. Now then, how do you want your eggs done?" Speedy replied, "Uhm…I'll have an omelet, with bacon and toast." Polly said, "Same here, Francine." Smiling, the blond-haired restaurant manager headed over to the stove, and started cracking eggs for her friends.

Imperial Palace of Little Tokyo…

Princess Vi had just finished breakfast, and was reading the day's agenda. The first few items were simply routine business, which she decided to have some of her servants deal with. Others were more complicated, and she knew that her mother would need to act on them, since Vi wasn't nearly ready to assume full rulership duties as of yet…she was only twenty, and couldn't be considered for the title of Empress until she was twenty-one. Of course, Empress Frieda would also be the one to decide when her daughter would be ready. Vi dismissed those thoughts, and continued reading her list, until she came to the daily news. The first headline caught her eye immediately. It said, "ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, SAYAKA ESTHER, YOUNGER SISTER OF PIZZA CAT HEROINE POLLY ESTHER CERVICHE, TO BE INSTATED AS A FULL FLEDGED SAMURAI BY AL DENTE." Vi immediately summoned her servants, along with both Al Dente and Captain Kiryu. Her mother came along as well, and Vi said, "With the instatement of a new Samurai…ESPECIALLY one such as the sister of Polly, I want the best party imaginable to be prepared in honor of her achievement. Find out about her favorite foods, her favorite music…everything!!! I want this party to be perfect…OR SOMEONE'S GOING TO PRISONERS' ISLAND!!!" One of the servants muttered, "Oh boy…someone had too much caffeine this morning…uh-oh…" He noticed that Empress Frieda AND Princess Vi were looking at him rather angrilly, and that Captain Kiryu had a hand on his sword. Frieda shouted, "HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY DAUGHTER?!!!" The servant stammered, "H-honestly…your H-highness…I was j-just saying…" Frieda screamed, "SILENCE!!! TAKE HIM TO PRISONERS' ISLAND!!!" Captain Kiryu and Lieutenant Fuyutski led the servant away, and then Violet, Frieda, and Al began making preparations for Sayaka's commencement celebration.

Back at the Pizza Cats' Restaurant…

Polly was on the phone with her mother, while Speedy played with Aiko. She said, "Hello, mom. Yes…I'm just fine, and so are Speedy and Aiko. How are dad and Sayaka?" On the other end, Tane replied, "Your father's just fine, dear. As for your sister, she's all excited. After all…she's only a week away from receiving her own official status as a Samurai. She's a real master with Kodachi's, just like you are, honey…I'm so proud of her." Polly said, "I know you are, mom. I'm proud of her too. In fact, I was wondering if it would be okay with you if Speedy and I took her out to lunch today, to celebrate her making it through training. If you don't mind, I was also going to ask if we could all come over there, and have a special dinner in her honor." Tane replied, "Oh Polly, that's a wonderful idea! I'll have your sister get ready, so that you can take her out when you arrive. Take care…and tell my son-in-law that I said hello…not to mention my cute little granddaughter!" Polly replied, "Alright, mom. I love you." Polly then hung up the phone, and let Speedy know about her conversation with her mother. Speedy pulled Polly into a hug, before they both headed out the door, after letting their friends know where they were heading.

After Speedy and Polly left, Lucille looked over at Guido, and said, "Guido, I'm so happy for Polly. Her sister's going to be a Samurai soon…and she's got a wonderful family…her parents, her sister…and now Speedy and Aiko." Guido replied, "She certainly is a lucky girl, Lucille. She's also got a great bunch of friends. You, me, Good Bird, Carla, Francine…and everyone else that we've helped over the years. In fact…maybe we could do a little something for Sayaka as well." Lucille looked over at Guido, and asked, "What do you have in mind, Guido?" The blue-armored Samurai replied, "Well…I was thinking of maybe organizing Sayaka's graduation party, as my way of thanking Speedy and Polly, for all they've done for us. I'm gonna need your help though. Can you ask your brother Wally to make up some of his best Sushi for the party?" Lucille replied, "Oh Guido…of course I will! You're wonderful, honestly!" She teared up, and Guido quickly took her outside, so that she didn't give the Pizza restaurant a new sunroof. Once he got her back inside, she called her brother up, while Guido got in touch with his brother Cosmo, in regards to the rest of the catering. Francine put in calls to the Rescue Team, to give them the word about the upcoming party.

Over at the Esther Household…

Speedy and Polly arrived, just in time to see Sayaka finishing up with one of her practice routines for the ceremony. She faced down a practice dummy made of bamboo. There were several of them, and Sayaka charged straight at the lead dummy, slicing it from top to bottom in one fluid motion. Polly watched in amazement, along with Speedy, as her sister proceeded to cut down one dummy after another, ending with a cross slash that cut the final dummy into four pieces. She slid her blades back into their scabbards, and then she grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off of her forehead. Turning around, she saw her older sister, along with Speedy, and she quickly ran up and hugged them both. She said, "Polly, Mom told me you and Speedy wanted to take me out to lunch…thank you so much!" Polly replied, "You deserve it, Sayaka…you've done a great job with your training, and I just know that you're going to be a terrific Samurai." Speedy replied, "That's right…any sister of my lovely Polly here…she's got the blood of a true champion in her." Sayaka hugged Speedy, and said, "I'm just gonna head up for a quick shower, and then we can head out." Polly's parents came out, right as Sayaka headed upstairs. Akira said, "Hello, Speedy. How are things over at the parlor?" Speedy replied, "They're just fine, honestly. Business has really been booming, and I'm really glad we've got Good Bird there to help us out. He's as great at Pizza Delivery as he is when it comes to fighting Ninja Crows. Aiko's doing fine too, and she's back home with Guido and Lucille." Tane responded, "I'm glad to hear it, Speedy. How have you and Polly been getting along?" Speedy replied, "What can I say…I can't live without her, and if I lost her…I'd feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest. Polly means everything to me, Tane…and I never want to be without her." Polly kissed Speedy, until Sayaka came downstairs, wearing a light blue Tee-shirt and a pair of jeans. After saying their good-byes, the three cats headed out to the Seaside Steakhouse.

Prisoners' Island…

The Big Cheese was sitting around, stuffing his face with sushi, while Jerry tried to think of a new plan. Cheese walked over, and asked, "Well Jerry…have you come up with a plan yet?" Jerry replied, "Not yet, Cheesy…but I'm working on it." Cheese screamed, "YOU IDIOT!!! HOW LONG CAN IT POSSIBLY TAKE FOR YOU TO COME UP WITH A PLAN?!!!" Jerry muttered, "Not as long as it takes for you to figure out the difference between Elmer's paste and toothpaste…uh-oh…" Cheese shouted, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!!! JERRY…I'M GETTING ANGRY…VERY…VERY…AAANNNGRYYY…AAARRRGGGHHH!!!" Cheese exploded, and Jerry went flying into the water. After he swam back to shore, he noticed two Ninja Crows carrying the crates full of their weekly food shipment. After they pried it open, one of the Ninja Crows began to pull out the newspaper that was included. Jerry saw the headline about Polly's sister, and said, "Hmmm…that gives me an idea…" He grabbed the newspaper, and said, "Excuse me, Cheesy…but I've just found something that we can use to finally have our revenge on the Samurai Pizza Cats. The younger sister of the redhaired hellcat Polly is going to become a Samurai herself in one week. I figure that if we can kidnap her, we can force all of the other Cats to surrender, leaving Little Tokyo to us." Cheese replied, "What a lovely plan, Jerry. Get the Ninja Crows working on a new robot weapon, one that'll finally put those rotten felines out of our way once and for all." Jerry replied, "Of course, Seymour…and I've got the perfect robot in mind. It's based off of a robot called the Calamity Gundam, from Gundam Seed. The robot stands at 54.7 feet tall, and it weighs in at 81.48 tons. In terms of firepower, it's got a pair of 125mm high-energy beam cannons on the back, a 580mm chest-mounted multi-phase beam cannon, two 115mm beam cannons on the shield, and a 337mm plasma bazooka. Those pesky felines are done for, once we get this robot ready." Cheese replied, "I like it, Jerry. Get on it, right away." Jerry replied, "Of course, Seymour." Meanwhile, Sundance said, "I've had enough of being an outcast, and a traitor. Yeah, Speedy and I may have our differences, but I'm not gonna be an accessory to kidnapping again. I've learned my lesson, and I need to prove it to everyone. I'm outta here." He got some sturdy tree branches, lashed them together with vines, and then he made a sail for his raft, and took off for Little Tokyo, determined to begin his redemption.

Next Chapter: Sundance arrives in Little Tokyo, and he explains to Speedy and the other Pizza Cats about what Cheese is planning to do. After Polly convinces him that Sundance deserves a chance, Speedy accepts his former rival's apologies, and Sundance then departs, along with Speedy and Polly, to speak to Princess Vi and gain her official pardon. Once that's done, he heads back to New York, so that he can redeem himself in the eyes of his teammates, the New York Pizza Cats. Cheese, Jerry, and the Ninja Crows depart Prisoners' Island, and set their new scheme in motion. Sayaka is tricked into going to a phony news interview, and she is ambushed by Ninja Crows. She fights valiantly, but they eventually overpower her. Polly hears of her sister's abduction, and the Pizza Cats, along with Good Bird, set out to rescue her and stop Cheese's latest plan. Be here next time for Chapter Two: Sundance's Redemption and Cheese's Return