I only own Colette and Vincent.

All other characters and TUFF Puppy (c) Butch Hartman

Zippy had been cowering in the corner of the closet the whole time. She was too afraid to go out and see what was happening for fear of being caught. She could only hope that Snaptrap and his siblings would be brought back to the room safely and that Snaptrap's henchman would arrive soon. It was times like this that she hated being so small. She felt useless.

A noise from outside made her become instantly alert. She cocked her head towards the closet door, trying to make out what was being said:

"Alright, back inside you three!"

"Ugh, could one of you help me shove lardo back in here?!"

"Alright, alright, hold on. Okay...ready, set, push! There!"

"Ha! He looks like one of those Thanksgiving Parade balloons!"

"Yeah! A rat that's allergic to cheese! How pathetic is that?!"

"Lucky for you guys, the boss isn't gonna have you tied up this time! But don't be gettin' any ideas! So sit down and shut your traps!"

Zippy heard a door slam followed by silence. She ventured on over to the closet door and peeked out from underneath. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark and she could tell that Matt and Pat were back. Squeezing out from under the door, she zipped into the air and darted over to the two rats.

"Matt! Pat! What hap- Eeeeek!"

Zippy jerked back at the sight before her. A humongous form, like a big blob was sitting in the middle of the room. Upon closer inspection, Zippy realized what it was.

"Snaptrap? Oh my gosh, what happened to you?!"

"Cheese, was what happened," Pat explained. "Those two jerks made him eat a whole round slab of it to get back at him for beating them at pool. And right in front of everyone on the whole yacht."

Zippy stared pityingly at the bloated rat. "Poor guy. What an awful thing to do. He looks terrible."

Snaptrap said nothing, not even looking at anyone. Then the door opened and a guard tossed something onto the bed.

"Here," he said gruffly, "We were told to give you guys this. They said it's for your brother." The guard glanced at Snaptrap and scoffed. "Heh, if you asked me, the loser deserved this."

Before Matt could make a retort, the door slammed shut. He walked over to the bed and inspected the item. "It's Verminious' allergy medication," he spoke in surprise, "Odd, I wouldn't have expected them to give this to us. I wonder what made them do it?"

"Who cares?" Pat answered. "Just give Verm the medicine."

Matt went over to Snaptrap and applied the allergy medicine. He stood back as they all waited for the medication to take affect. It took awhile, but the swelling began to go down little by little. Snaptrap was soon back to his normal size though he hadn't spoken a word during that whole time. In fact, Snaptrap hadn't said anything since the cheese incident. Though he was now back to normal, his expression was still the same: hurt, humiliated, and broken. He just stood there in the middle of the room, his head hanging down.

Matt walked over to him. "Verminious?" He spoke in concern.

Snaptrap slowly looked up at his brother. Matt winced at his pitiful expression. Snaptrap's yellow eyes seemed dull and clouded and a bit bloodshot, like he was holding back tears. Their spark of life seemed to be gone. Suddenly, Snaptrap made a gagging noise and clasped a hand to his mouth. He turned around and ran straight for the cabin room's bathroom. Matt, Pat, and Zippy grimaced as they heard loud retching noises emanate from it. Eating the huge slab of cheese had proved to be too much for the poor rat.

Zippy perched on one of the beds and looked at Matt and Pat. "It was bad wasn't it?" She asked.

Matt walked over to a chair and sat down. "They wouldn't let him stop until he had eaten the entire thing. They even recorded it and posted it online, the wretches. All that time they laughed and mocked him." He stared straight ahead. "Even some of the guests themselves laughed," he said in soft disbelief. Matt stayed quiet for a moment then shook his head somberly , "Verminious...he didn't deserve that. He may have caused all that trouble earlier but...even he didn't deserve that."

Pat and Zippy stayed silent, as they listened to Snaptrap still vomiting up all the cheese. Zippy then noticed something different about Matt. "What happened to your clothes?" She asked.

Matt looked himself over and sighed. "Dr. Rabies took them...and my monocle. My shoes he threw into the sea. He had Colette tied to a weight and threatened to throw her overboard if I didn't comply. I had no choice."

"That stupid Catastrophe took my pearl necklace," Pat complained, feeling her now bare neck.

"What happened to Snaptrap's snout?" Zippy asked.

Pat looked towards the bathroom. The vomiting had stopped. "Madame Catastrophe scratched him after he told her and Dr. Rabies off," she explained, "He told them to leave me and Matt alone and called them cowards, and some other daring stuff. Then he made a remark about Catastrophe's goatee. That's what pushed her over the edge."

Pat sighed. "He got hurt defending us."

Zippy looked towards the bathroom pityingly. "That was a brave thing to do," she said soberly.

"It was," Matt agreed.

Zippy darted up and zipped towards the restroom. "I'm gonna make sure he's alright," she said.

As the two siblings watched her go, Pat spoke."You think Verm'll be okay, Matt?"

Matt sighed as he leaned back against the chair. "I'm-I'm sure he will. Thank goodness his allergy isn't lethal. His stomach just couldn't take all that cheese. That was a great amount for any rat to consume."

Pat folded her arms and leaned against the wall. "He looked pretty bad didn't he Matt? He looked so...broken."

Matt reached up absentmindedly to inspect his monocle, but then remembered he no longer had it. "Oh, I-I'm sure he'll be fine. You know Verminious, he always seems to bounce right back from these things."

The tone of Matt's voice indicated that he really was not sure, but Pat didn't argue. "Verm was really somethin' out there wasn't he?" She asked. "Telling those two off like that. I gotta admit...he was pretty amazing."

Matt said nothing but just stared down at his folded hands.

"He stood up for us Matt," Pat pointed out.

"I know," Matt finally answered, "I know."

Both siblings were lost in their own thoughts until Snaptrap finally exited the restroom with Zippy fluttering behind. He didn't speak to either Matt or Pat nor did he look at them. He went straight over to one of the beds and flopped down on top of it. He curled up tightly into himself, as if trying disappear from the world. Zippy landed on the nightstand next to the bed staring at him in concern then back at Matt and Pat. Matt got up from the chair and walked over to his brother. He bent down, making eye contact so that Snaptrap could see him in the dark room.

"Verminious?" He asked, "Are you alright?"

Snaptrap said nothing, he just continued to stare ahead, as if he were looking right through Matt. His eyes looked blank, no longer full of the mischievous life that was always in them. The cheese incident seemed to have broken what little spirit Snaptrap had left in him. He gave a small sigh and curled up even tighter. Matt's ears drooped with worry then perked up as he remembered something. He quickly headed over to the closet and disappeared inside. Pat and Zippy watched curiously as they heard Matt rummaging through the closet. In a moment, he came back out, carrying Vincent the skull in his hands. He went over to Snaptrap and held the skull out to him.

"Look, it's Vincent," he said somewhat hopefully, "Your um, little skull friend. Remember him?"

Snaptrap's eyes looked up at the little skull which grinned blankly at him. He slowly started to reach out to it, but then drew his hand back and shut his eyes tightly. Matt glanced at Pat, both looking even more worried. Placing Vincent on the nightstand, Matt reached out and gently touched Snaptrap's shoulder.

"Verminious, it's alri-"

"Don't touch me!" Snaptrap suddenly hissed, slapping Matt's hand away. "You won alright?! You and Pat won! You're the better rats!"

Matt drew back in shock at the unexpected outburst. "We won?" He replied, rubbing his hand in confusion, "What on earth are you talking about?"

Snaptrap raised his head angrily from the pillow. "You were right okay? I'm a loser! I'm a big fat stupid-headed loser! I can't do anything right, I messed up everything and I got what I deserved!"

His head flopped back down as he gave a huff of frustration. Glancing out at the nightstand, he reached out and clutched Vincent tightly to him, like a small child cradling a teddy bear.

"You just want me to talk to Vincent so you could laugh at me," he whimpered hoarsely, "Just like everyone did on deck. They all laughed at me. I try my best, but in the end, everyone always laughs."

Matt and Pat watched Snaptrap shut his eyes even tighter as if trying to block out the hurtful memory. They just stood awkwardly, not sure how to respond. Offering comfort to their little brother was sadly something they rarely, if ever did.

"Verminious," Matt finally spoke, "We...Pat and I, we didn't laugh."

"Inside you were," Snaptrap replied scathingly, "I know you were. Admit it! You enjoyed it! You enjoyed seeing me humiliated, just like you always have. I bet it felt good, didn't it? You finally got back at me for what I did today. Your stupid little brother, getting his just desserts. That's what you wanted isn't it?!"

"Wha?...No!...No we...I..." Matt stuttered, trying to think of what to say. "Verminious, Pat and I took no pleasure in that. We begged them to stop but..."

"DON'T PRETEND THAT YOU CARE!" Snaptrap shouted, sitting up suddenly. Matt and Pat drew back in fear as their little brother ranted on them accusingly.

"Don't act like you feel sorry for me! I know the truth! You were glad to see them do that to me! You enjoyed seeing me treated like crud! That's all you've two ever treated me like! Always laughing at me! Always putting me down! No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, it's never good enough! Nothing I do ever impresses you or our dumb family! I'm just a laughingstock for you to make fun of and to make you all look better! You two, always rubbing your yachts, and fancy homes, and wealth in my face! Always leaving me out of stuff! Calling me a loser and a failure! I hate you! I hate everyone!"

Matt began to step forward. "Verminious...brother..."

"Don't call me that!" Snaptrap spat viciously. "I'm not your brother. You have no little brother, remember?"

Matt just blinked, looking rather shamefaced. Snaptrap sneered. "Exactly! I don't exist! That's pretty much how everyone treats me! You guys! Mom! The whole family! All of stinkin' Petropolis! No one's ever had a good thing to say about me or to me! Ever since I was pup, you guys hated my guts! What do you want from me?! To apologize for being born?! Well, alright! I'm sorry, okay?! I'm sorry I had the nerve to be born into this family! There, happy now?!"

"It-It's not like that, Verm," Pat stated. Snaptrap gave a humorless laugh. "It's not?! Oh come on, Pat! Remember what you said at the reunion? 'Everyone, a toast to my little brother, the worst villain and dresser in Petropolis!' Remember that, Pat? Oh and don't forget how you mentioned how I've been a loser all these years!' Any of that ring a bell, Pat? Well, gee, I'm so sorry, dear sister! I completely forgot that all that was code for: 'I love ya' little bro!"

Pat kept silent in reply. Snaptrap narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, that's what I thought," he said bitterly. He turned to Matt. "And you, you boat lovin' snob! Always looking down your nose at me! The only reason I came over today was because I had to deliver those stupid cookies mom made for you! Her best batch of cookies for her 'dear little Matti'! She never makes me cookies of her own will, Matt! Not even on my birthday! She's never even made me a cake! I have to twist her arm to get her to do something like that! But oh, she'll do anything for her precious Matthew and Patricia! She's always bragging about you idiots to her friends! Always saying how proud she is of you! But not me! No, I'm just the stupid boy! The reject! The one no one ever wants around!"

He stared at the skull in his hands. "Just like you didn't want Vincent," he said dejectedly. Matt and Pat watched as Snaptrap fiddled around with the skull in his hands. Matt slowly walked up to his brother.

"Verminious, come on now, all that's not entirely true," he spoke encouragingly.

Snaptrap stared up at him like he was insane. "Don't lie to me," he growled, "You can give your false sympathies to someone who cares." He stared at Vincent, biting his lip angrily.

Matt tried again. "Verminious, please," he said quietly, "Let's just sit down and try to talk about this..."

Snaptrap got up from the bed and began to back away towards the desk, with an almost sob like laugh.. "You wanna talk to me? After all these years, now you wanna chat with your little brother? It's too late for that, Matt! I don't wanna talk to either of you! Ever!"

"Come on, Verm..." Pat began to plead.

"Shut up!" Snaptrap snapped venomously. "Both of you just shut up and leave me alone!"

As he came up right next to the desk, Snaptrap grabbed the picture that Matt had placed on it earlier and hurled it with all his might at his siblings. Matt and Pat both ducked as the picture flew over them and crashed against the wall. A shattering of glass was heard as it fell to the floor. The three siblings and Zippy stared in shock at what just happened. Matt, Pat, and Snaptrap stood stone still as if rooted to the floor, staring at the mess. Zippy flew down to the mess and hovered just above it.

"I'm afraid the whole frame is broken," she announced with regret, "but the picture looks alright."

Snaptrap slowly began to walk over to where Zippy was, almost as if in a trance. As he did, he took something out from his pocket. Turning it on, it was revealed to be a flashlight.

"Where did you get that?" Matt asked, finding his voice.

Snaptrap gently picked up the photo, being careful not to cut himself on the glass. "I stole it from one of those guards when they weren't looking," he half mumbled. "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's pick pocketing." Snaptrap stared at the picture intently. As he did, a change seemed to come over his face. Matt and Pat watched their little brother warily, confused by his expression. He slowly walked over to the bed in silence and sat down, never once taking his eyes of the photo. Zippy flew over to Snaptrap and perched on his shoulder. She stared quizzically at the picture.

"Who're those kids in there?" She asked.

Snaptrap stared at it for what seemed like a long time before replying:

"It's us."

Zippy's eyes widened as she turned back to the picture. In the background was a clear blue sky with the ocean underneath, it's waves crashing down onto shore. In the foreground, were none other than Matt, Pat, and Snaptrap: just mere little rat pups at the time. Matt and Pat were happily burying their little brother in the sand, while Snaptrap, his head and feet sticking out of the mound, watched them with great amusement. All three were obviously enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Matt came over and sat down next to Snaptrap. He looked at the picture in a moment of silence before speaking.

"How did you get this?" He asked. He didn't sound upset, but rather curious. Snaptrap kept his eyes on the photograph as he explained.

"I was looking at it when you discovered me in your room this morning. I got scared and hid it in my coat without thinking. I didn't mean to steal it. Besides, I have the same picture at home."

Matt looked at him in surprise. "You do? I've never seen it."

"I keep it in my room," Snaptrap replied, "And well, you guys never go into my room."

Pat came on over and sat on the other side of Snaptrap. She too looked at the picture.

"I have this photo also," she said quietly.

The three siblings and Zippy continued to stare at the figures in the photograph.

"You looked like you had a lot of fun," Zippy spoke.

A wistful smile hovered on Matt's features. "We did. It was a beautiful day, so our parents decided to take us to the beach. We ate lunch then splashed around in the water for a bit." He gave a small chuckle. "Heh, I remember Verminious kept searching around for a shark."

"I swore I saw one," Snaptrap insisted.

Pat gave a small amused smile. "Yeah, and you freaked me outwhen you said you spotted one," she said.

Snaptrap gave a little laugh as he kept his eyes on the picture. He too started to smile a bit as the memory of that day became more clear to him. "Yeah, I remember. When went back to the shore you wanted us to help you find some sea shells. That's when we found that hermit crab. Well, actually, Matt was the one that found it."

Matt's ear twitched in annoyance. "Blasted thing pinched my foot," he muttered. Snaptrap continued.

"Then I started fooling around in the sand and tried making a sand castle. Then you guys pitched in to help. That's when you and Matt suggested that you bury me."

"And you totally went for it," Pat said with a smile.

"Yeah," Snaptrap said. "It sounded like a lot of fun. I liked how cool the sand felt."

Matt's smile grew a bit more as he recalled it all. "It was fun, I must admit. Soon the only thing that was sticking out were your head and feet. That's when mother took that picture."

"Heh, yeah," Snaptrap said. "Later on, we went to the boardwalk. Well, actually, it wasn't the boardwalk yet. It was just some gift shops and food carts and a merry go round. we all got ice cream cones and ate them while we watched the boats go by." He turned to Matt. "You really liked watching those boats," he stated.

The slender rat nodded. "I think that's when I first developed an interest in boats and sailing."

"Yeah," said Snaptrap, "You said when you got older, you were gonna buy a boat and sail around the world and find treasure."

Matt's ears perked up in surprise. "You...you remember that?" He asked.

Snaptrap nodded. "Yeah. And Pat said she wanted to be a singer someday," he said reflectively. He then turned to Pat. "You said you were gonna be famous and sing for people all over the world."

Both Matt and Pat stared in surprise at their brother. "I can't believe you actually remember that after all these years," Pat said, shaking her head in amazement.

"Or that you remember that whole day so well," Matt added.

Snaptrap looked at the picture. His expression became somewhat wistful. "It was when you guys actually wanted me around," he said quietly.

Matt and Pat exchanged silent glances as Snaptrap continued. "It's all so clear in my mind now. I dunno why it's stuck with me all these years. I guess cause we were all so happy that day: the three of us with mom and da-" Snaptrap shut his mouth immediately, as if afraid to say any more. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and kept his eyes on the picture While Matt and Pat stared off in different directions, all three looking a bit sad. The rat siblings stayed quiet for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.

Matt broke the silence, clearing his throat before he spoke. "Er, Verminious, what you did out there earlier...you know, standing up for me and Pat...I um...well, thank you...for doing that."

Snaptrap gave a surprised glance at his brother. It was a long time since Matt thanked him for anything. "Uh, yeah, you're welcome," he said somewhat awkwardly.

"You really told those two off," Pat said, "I've never seen you act like that."

Snaptrap shrugged. "They were being jerks," he replied.

"It wasn't just us though," Matt pointed out, "You stood up for our whole family. It was very impressive."

Snaptrap's ears perked up a bit. "It was?" He asked, sounding delighted.

Matt nodded. "Truly amazing. I'm just sorry that...you had to go through...you know, the cheese and everything."

Snaptrap's ears drooped a bit as he remembered the whole cheese incident. He tried to shake it off like it was nothing. "It's not the first time my cheese allergy has acted up," he mumbled.

Matt reached out and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. Snaptrap looked up and saw his brother smiling at him approvingly.

"You did good, Verminious," Matt said, with a hint of pride in his voice. "Well done."

Snaptrap stared at the hand on his shoulder then back at his brother, completely speechless. He realized Matt wasn't joking or being sarcastic. That smile was genuine. He was completely sincere.

Well done.

The words seemed to echo in Snaptrap's ears. He quickly turned away from his brother, wondering why his vision was getting blurry. "Stupid darkness," he muttered, rubbing his eyes, "It's putting a strain on my eyes."

Matt smiled. "Well, once we figure out a way to get to that Scrambler Device and get it off the engine, the lights will turn back on."

"Oh yeah," Pat muttered, "Piece of cake."

"Maybe I could sneak out and get it off," Zippy suggested. "Snaptrap can tell me where on the engine he placed it."

Snaptrap rubbed his arm sheepishly. "Uh, I don't think I really could. I can't really explain where it is. I'd have to show you myself."

Matt sighed. "We'll think of some way of escape. The answer is right in front of us, I just know it." He stood up from the bed and began to pace back and forth. Pat and Snaptrap also stood up. As they did, Pat turned to Snaptrap.

"You were pretty great out there, Verm," she said sincerely, "Thanks again." Snaptrap smiled in reply.

Pat then gave him a small playful punch in the shoulder. "Sorry about locking ya in the closet," she apologized.

"That's okay," Snaptrap said, "It wasn't so bad. It was kinda relaxing actually. Just like the museum air vents."

Pat raised an eyebrow. "Air vents?" She repeated, quizzically.

"Yeah," Snaptrap replied, "I like to sit in the air vents in the Petropolis Museum sometimes. It's very relaxing. You guys should try it."

Matt stopped his pacing and stared in disbelief at his little brother. "You sit in museum air vents?"

"Sure," Snaptrap said in a matter of fact way, "And not just museum ones. I like all kinds of air vents. Libraries, supermarkets..." He started to wave the flashlight around as he continued: "Community centers, factories, the White House, or even ones like this vent here." Snaptrap shone his flashlight up towards the ceiling, near the closet. Matt and Pat looked up to see a large air vent, that was used to cool down or heat up the cabin room.

"They're a nice quiet place to think," Snaptrap stated, "Hey, Matt, if we get out of this, can I check out the air vents here? I've never been in a yacht vent."

Matt didn't answer. He didn't even seem to be paying attention. He just continued to stare at the air vent in deep thought. "Air vents," he whispered thoughtfully.

Slowly his eyes started to widen and a huge smile formed on his face. "The air vents," he whispered again. He started to chuckle softly which soon turned into quiet laughter. Pat, Snaptrap, and Zippy exchanged nervous glances, certain that the normally reserved rat was loosing it. "The air vents!" Matt exclaimed in contained excitement, "Of course! That's it! The air vents! Ha! Ha! Why didn't I see that before?!"

To everyone's complete shock, Matt grabbed Snaptrap and hugged him heartily. Freaked out, Snaptrap tuned to Pat and Zippy and whispered urgently: "Guys! Matt's gone off the deep end! You two distract him while I use the flashlight to knock 'im out!"

Matt released Snaptrap and ruffled his ears fondly. "Oh, I'm quite sane, Brother, regardless of my present behavior," Matt assured while grinning from ear to ear. "I'd never thought I'd say this Verminious, but you are a genius!"

Snaptrap rubbed his ears dumbly, taken completely off guard by Matt's compliment. Pat and Zippy were also unnerved. Pat leaned closer to Snaptrap. "You won't hit 'im too hard, right?" She whispered.

Matt walked up to his siblings, bringing all of them and Zippy into a huddle. He motioned for all of them to be quiet as he explained:

"What I mean is that Verminious has unwittingly pointed out a means of escape. I just remembered that all the vents on this yacht are connected! If we can get this one opened, we can slip in and quietly make our way through the yacht. We can get to the engine room, remove the Scrambler Device, then make our way to the steering room and radio for help!"

"Really?" Pat spoke, also starting to sound excited, "That's fantastic! But, wait, there's one problem. The yacht is crawling with guards."

"I've thought of that as well, Sister," Matt replied, "As we make our way to the engine room, we can stop off at the vents over the cabins of the guests. We can loosen the screws on their vents and tell them to be ready. I'm sure the effects of the poison is starting to wear off by now. We can rally together a small army, so to speak."

"Then we do have a chance!" Zippy exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes!" Snaptrap said, then he scratched his head. "Uh, but how are we gonna get the vent open?"

Matt turned to Zippy. "Zippy, do you think you could unscrew the bolts with your beak?"

Zippy looked towards the vent and flew up to it. After carefully examining the bolts, she turned to Matt. "I think I can do it," she said confidently.

Matt rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Excellent!" He said with a smile, "Go to it. Verminious, you keep the flashlight on the vent so Zippy can see the bolts. Pat and I will listen for anyone coming!"

Zippy went to work at the bolts while Matt and Pat went over to the room door, keeping their ears against it. Snaptrap watched Zippy as he kept the flashlight steady. He looked down at the picture he still held in his other hand and thought back to the conversation he just had with his siblings. A small smile began to form on his face. Though they never said it directly, he knew now that his siblings had been worried about him after his cheese ordeal. That was the first time in years they ever showed any concern for him.

And the picture. Not only did each of them clearly remember that day at the beach, but they all had the same picture in their rooms to boot. There was obviously something special about that day, that made each of them hold onto it in their hearts. Probably because...it was a day when they enjoyed being together. When they all felt at least a hint of love for each other. When they were truly happy...even their mom and their...

A pang of sadness suddenly tugged at Snaptrap's heart. He quickly shook his head as if trying to get something out of his mind. Well, anyways, it was no doubt that Snaptrap and his siblings held that day in great significance. None of them admitted it out loud, but it was obvious they all cherished it.

But most amazing of all for Snaptrap was a simple but great breakthrough: his siblings had told him he did good, and even sounded proud of him. And this time he wasn't in his Marzipan disguise. He was himself, Verminious Snaptrap, their little brother.

Well done.

Snaptrap's smile grew wider. Maybe Zippy was right. Maybe...maybe it wasn't entirely hopeless for them. Just then a warning from Pat brought him out of his thoughts.

"Someone's coming!" She whispered urgently.

Zippy quickly zoomed down and hid inside Vincent while the rat siblings scattered through out the room to avoid looking suspicious. Snaptrap shoved Vincent (with Zippy inside it) under one of the beds and jumped on top. He quickly hid the flashlight under the pillow and rested his head on top of it. Matt sat in a chair while Pat sat upon the other bed. Just as they got to their places, the door opened and a guard pushed Colette into the room.

"Don't be causing any trouble!" He growled before slamming the door.

"Colette!" Matt exclaimed practically jumping up from the chair. He rushed over to her with concern. "Are-are you alright? They didn't hurt you did they?"

Colette gave him a reassuring smile. "I am fine, Matthew. They didn't do anything, they just tried to frighten me. I'm alright, really." She gave Matt a look of concern. "But...are you alright? After what happened out there..."

Matt sighed. "Oh, we're alright, just a bit shaken up."

Colette touched the collar on his turtleneck. "And they took your nice coat too," she sighed sympathetically."

Matt shrugged. "Well, heh, I-I have others at home."

Colette straightened out his collar. "Well, either way, you look handsome," She said with a slightly flirtatious smile.

Matt just grinned as his face turned a bit red. Snaptrap rolled his eyes. "Are we gonna have to go into the closet to give you two some alone time?" He asked.

Matt shot him an annoyed look. "I'm feeling pleasant towards you right now, don't ruin it," he warned.

Colette glanced in surprise at Snaptrap. "Oh, Snaptrap, you are back to normal, I see. I am glad. That was awful what those beasts did to you."

Snaptrap shrugged trying to sound casual. "Oh, it was nothing. I mean, it was just an allergy attack. No biggie."

Colette smiled. "I must admit, I was very impressive how you stood up to them."

Snaptrap just rubbed the back of his neck and smiled shyly. Pat looked at Colette curiously. "You know I'm surprised that they put you back in this room," she said, "You'd think they would've kept you somewhere else to keep Matt in check or something."

"What exactly are you insinuating?" Matt asked, a bit flustered.

Pat Gave a smug grin. "Come on, Matt, it's no secret. You'd do anything to make sure Colette was safe."

Matt's face turned even more red as he noticed Colette smiling at him. He gave a nervous cough. "Ahem! Er, yes, well, w-why did they put you in here, Colette?" He asked.

Colette suddenly looked a bit nervous. "Oh, er, I-I'm not sure," she stuttered, "I...I couldn't make out what was going on exactly..."

Matt nodded. "Hmm, yes, who knows what's going on in Rabies and Catastrophe's minds, other than trying to get the engine started."

Colette sighed impatiently. "And who knows how long that will take. How hard can it be to fix a stupid boat engine?!"

Snaptrap was surprised by the anger and frustration in Colette's voice. "Sheesh, what are you so upset about? We're the ones who'll be in trouble if it gets fixed."

"Um, well, that is because we are in complete darkness with the power off," Colette spoke a bit hesitantly, "You see I...I've never been too fond of the dark. Plus, I am getting a little hungry. I get a little moody sometimes when I have not eaten right away. I apologize For my outburst."

"No need to be sorry, Colette," Matt said sympathetically, "This incident is taking a toll on all of us. And it's been a long while since any of us have had a bite to eat. Even I'm starting to feel peckish. But there's no need to fret." He lowered his voice to a whisper: "You see, my siblings and I have actually come up with a plan of escape."

Colette's eyes widened. "Y-You have? How?"

"The vents," Matt answered, pointing to the one on the ceiling. "The whole ventilation system on this yacht is connected to all the rooms. We can make our way through it, and alert the guests of our plan. Once we get to the engine room, that's when we'll initiate a plan to fight against Rabies' and Catastrophe's forces."

"I pointed out the vents!" Snaptrap exclaimed proudly, "Tell her I pointed out the vents, Matt!"

Matt rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Verminious pointed out the vents," he said with a hopeless sigh.

"Why is the engine room so important?" Colette asked.

Matt smiled. "We know what made the engine stop. It turns out Verminious planted a sort of Scrambler Device on it that sends out scrambling waves that will shut down anny electronic device or machine. Unfortunately, he set the strength too high, and it ended up shutting down all the power on the yacht. Once we remove the device and switch it off, all power will turn back on, including the engine. Then we can radio for help."

Colette looked to the vent in uncertainty. "But how will we even get the vent off?"

Matt smiled craftily. "With our secret weapon. Verminious?"

Snaptrap peeked under the bed and brought Vincent out. "It's okay, Zip. Colette's with us," he said to the skull.

Colette gasped as the small hummingbird popped her head out of the skull's eye socket. "Hello!" Zippy greeted, flying out towards Colette.

The pretty skunk just blinked in shock. "Who...?"

"Colette, this is Zippy," Matt explained, "She's Birdbrain's assistant and the key to opening the vents. Her beak is just the right size for unscrewing the bolts."

Zippy did a little flip in the air. "Yup! I'll have that vent loose in two shakes of my tail!"

Colette looked from Zippy to Matt, a strange expression on her face. Then she smiled in delight. "Then escape is possible," she spoke softly, "And We can get the boat running again! Oh, Matthew, this is wonderful!"

She rushed over to Matt and planted a kiss on his cheek. The slender rat's face flushed a crimson red as a foolish grin formed on his face. Colette smiled back at him coyly.

"Hey!" Snaptrap exclaimed indignantly, "He wouldn't have even thought of all that if I hadn't brought up the vents!"

"Then Zippy can kiss ya, cause I sure as heck ain't doin' it," Pat said, rolling her eyes.

"Uh, no," Zippy replied in a deadpan voice.

"Alright! Alright!" Matt spoke urgently, regaining his composure, "Come on now, we haven't a moment to lose!"

Zippy flew back to the vent and continued loosening the screws. Matt watched her with the flashlight while Pat and Snaptrap listened at the room door. It took a little while, but soon Zippy was on the last screw. Matt stood on a chair and took hold of the vent so it wouldn't fall. The last screw finally fell off and landed on the floor with a slight tinkle. Matt carefully brought the vent grate down and rested it on the floor as Pat and Snaptrap eagerly ran over. Zippy darted up into the vent checking out it's dimensions.

"What do you think?" Matt asked.

"It looks big enough," Zippy called down, "I think you guys'll be able to fit."

Matt nodded and stared down at Snaptrap. "Verminious, I'll need you to help boost me up," he said.

Snaptrap stood next to the chair and braced himself as Matt stepped onto his shoulders. He held up his hands as Matt carefully placed one foot on each hand. With a grunt, Snaptrap pushed his brother up to the vent duct. Matt grabbed onto the edges and with great effort, pulled himself up into the vent.

"Well?" Pat asked excitedly.

"Zippy's right," Matt replied, scanning the duct, "We'll should be able to crawl right through."

"We'll have Colette go next," Pat suggested, "She looks pretty light. Hey, wait, where is Colette?"

"Yes, I am here!" Colette answered coming out of the restroom. "Pardone moi, um, I had to...powder my nose."

Snaptrap pointed to the vent. "Matt made it up already. You're next to go."

Colette came over and stared up at the vent. Matt looked down towards her with a reassuring smile. "It's alright, we'll all fit," he said.

Colette climbed onto the chair and onto Snaptrap's shoulders. It didn't take Snaptrap much effort to lift Colette up to the air vent. Matt reached down and got a firm grip on Colette's hands. With a great heave he pulled her up towards him. For a few seconds they were in each others' arms. Colette smiled shyly at Matthew, who grinned and gave a nervous gulp. He helped Colette move to the other side of the opening to make more room.

"Pat, you're next," Matt called down.

Snaptrap helped Pat up to the vent as Matt and Colette grabed her hands and hauled her up. Snaptrap looked up to the vent in a bit of uncertainty. Matt peeked out at him.

"Don't worry, we'll pull you up. We're not leaving you behind," he said with a smile.

Snaptrap smiled back and was about to climb onto the chair when he remembered something. He ran over to the bed he had been on and shoved something into his lab coat. He then darted back over to the chair and stood up on it. Pat peeked out from the duct, opposite of Matt.

"Try jumping up as high as you can and stretch out your arms," she instructed.

Snaptrap crouched down, readying himself, then gave a powerful leap straight up towards the duct. He stretched his arms out towards his brother and sister with all his might. Matt and Pat reached out and caught their brother, each one grabbing a hand. With a few straining grunts, they slowly pulled Snaptrap up. He scrambled into the vent duct, next to Matt. Zippy's head darted back and forth. There were two directions to choose from.

"Which way do we go?" She asked.

Matt looked towards both directions, giving the matter great thought. He nodded to the vent way behind him and Snaptrap.

"Let's try this way," he suggested. He started off, crawling on all fours followed by Snaptrap, Colette, then Pat. Zippy, meanwhile,hovered next to Matt. As they crawled through the dark air ducts, Matt looked back to Snaptrap.

"By the way, why did you go to the bed before coming up?" He asked.

Snaptrap reached into his lab coat and brought out a skull. "I had to get Vincent," he said, "I couldn't leave him behind."

Matt shook his head. "Of course," he said in a 'why did I bother to ask?' tone.

"I also went back for this," Snaptrap added, pulling out a piece of paper from his lab coat. Matt turned his head more to get a better look. It was the photograph they had looked at in the room, minus the frame. Snaptrap held the picture out to his brother.

"I'd thought you'd might want this," he said.

Pausing, Matt took the photograph and stared at it then back at Snaptrap. He gave his brother a small but appreciative smile. "Thank you," he said, gratefully.

"You're welcome," Snaptrap replied, returning the smile.

Matt tucked the photo carefully into his turtleneck sweater and continued to crawl through the air ducts, followed by the others. All the while hoping they were headed towards the engine room.

And freedom.

Awww, sibling moment.^^

Snaptrap gave quite a rant earlier. Poor guy, after what he went through anyone would snap. But at least he and his siblings seem to patch things up.

I like to think these three had some good times together when they were wee pups. And just maybe those good times aren't completely forgotten. Notice I had them keep silent when the subject of their dad was brought up. I wanted to leave that purposely vague. So far in the show we've never heard mention of Snaptrap's dad...or Dudley and Kitty's for that matter. Interesting.

Couldn't resist putting in that sweet moment between Matt and Colette.^^

Glad Snaptrap and his siblings worked things out. But will they make it out of this?