Here's chapter 18 everyone! For most who have watched the entire series most of you know what this is.
As for the chapter itself, no it won't be a two part, no way in hell. It gonna work like that,
Chapter 18
Fun Gus
The next day after the group managed to loose Scarlemagne's nobles. The group continued to make their way through the city, getting deeper into the older parts. They've been followed the map Cappuchino gave them exactly as it said and the area was growing a light fog.
As of the moment we see Chris running forward jumping up into the air from a bridge making a decent landing in the process, working up a decent sweat. " Phew. " He wiped off some sweat off his brow. " Looks like all that training I did earlier in life, pays off. " The sound of grunting was heard.
He turned around to see Dave in his buff form, straining to carry the rest of the group. " Do not molt! Do not molt! Do not molt! " Wolf cried out as Chris watched this go on. " Right now that's all I can think about! " The bug said.
" He's gonna Molt! " Kipo said. " You better stop saying molt! " Dave said before dropping them. He landed to and surprisingly he didn't change. He managed to keep onto his muscle form.
" Made...it...through two...whole...blocks this time. " The bug said feeling a bit proud of himself as he recaptured his breath as Benson chimmed in. " Carrying all four of us and your still super Dave! " He was happy for his friend. " Dude, you are getting the hang of this. "
" Yeah, not to bad at all man. " Chris said as the bug gave him and Benson a high five. " Yeah, but I still say it'd be faster if we had a Mega Jaguar or Tiger. "
Wolf facepalmed herself at what he said. " We've been over this. She'll be stuck that way unless we find her anchor, and Chris has still yet to try and fully transform. "
" Pff, that won't a problem because were almost at my parents old burrow, oh right, it was also technically Chris's parents old home too. But that's okay, I'll find my anchor and maybe even learn more about my mom. "
" You're dad didn't tell you about her? " Wolf asked in confusion as Kipo grew nervous. " Uh...Well, it was a tough subject. She died of Burropox when I was a baby. "
" Oh, I'm sure your mom was awesome. "
" You think so? " Chris chuckled a bit patting her on the shoulder. " Yeah, look at this way. If you turned out to be awesome then so was she. " Hearing this brought a smile to her face.
" And I bet she was also great into singing into Hoot-hoots. " Wolf added making her 'sister' get excited. " Daw! I can't wait to get into their and find out! " Kipo rolled out the map to examine it.
" According to the map it's under some kind of orange...rainbow? " She was clearly confused by what was drawn on there as everyone gathered.
" Kipo, obviously that's a cheese waterfall. " Dave made the map go sideways. " You should no this. "
Chris raised an eyebrow in confusion on what he was suggesting. " What? "
" Yes! " Benson said happily. " Maybe it's the chetter toes headquarters! " He imagined the possiblities as Dave joined in. " We can get all the cheese we want! "
Meanwhile Chris hummed in thought and saw something up ahead. Grabbing the map out from his girlfriend's grip. He saw something in the distance and held up the map, and lowered it before going back up. He repeated the process a few more times. " Actually guys...I think that's it right there. " He said pointing towards a bunch of concrete sticking up out of the ground and some sort of orange stuff was seen.
" You know, what, Chris is right. That's gotta be it. " Kipo agreed completely. " Right is just a state of mind... " Another voice said chiming in. The group knew who it belonged to as they backed away from a fire hydrant coated in water. " Unless your ahead, then it's the opposite of left. " The water shapped into two hands and before long it took the shape of a familiar water mute they haven't seen in a while.
" Mullholland? " Chris wasn't expecting to see him again since there last encounter.
" You remember my name? " He asked happily as he detached himself from the fire hydrant. giving them a happy face. " Well, I'm just happy to hear that! "
" Nobody drink anything! Remember what happened last time!? " Kipo quickly covered her mouth with her shirt. " Yeah we do! " Dave anwsered. " And it was awesome! You take us to that party again? "
As the bug said this Mandu grew extremely happy and excited for some odd reason confusing the group greatly while the water bear understood. " You want me to take you back to that cheesy forest? Of course! "
He got splatted by Wolf's staff. " Don't even think about it! "
" Relax. " He reformed getting onto the scorpion stinger. " I'm not here to absorb anyone. " He reassured as Wolf lifted up her staff as he shifted pretending he had a hat and traveler's sack. " Lately this wide-eyed wanderer just been trying to find himself...By getting lost. "
" Lost? " Chris was confused. " How are you lost? " Mulholland split himself up.
" There are pieces of me everywhere right now..." He swirls around the fire hydrant making more copies of himself. " Some of me is far away. But it's all me. " He bounced onto Kipo's shoulder. " Anywho Kipo-tastic, I heard some 'things' are going on between you and him " He air quoted gaining a surprised look from Chris.
" How do you know that? "
" Oh, I have my ways... " Mulholland jumped onto Chris's shoulder. " By the way, good luck little cub. " The silver teen gave him a questioning look.
" You haven't been secretly following us have you? "
" Most certainly not. I'm just giving you a little nugget of good will for you both. I'm trying out being helpful. " He goes back to the fire hydrant absorbing his copies. " Hey fellas, if you change your mind about that party, or rather, if you want me to change your minds. "
" Oh no, your not changing anyone's minds. " Wolf said spinning her staff around. " Yeah! " Dave added before whispering loud enough for everyone to hear. " I'd be cool with it though. "
" What is wrong with you? " Wolf commented as Mullholland gained a hat taking it off and bowed farewell. " I'll be around... " He swirls around the fire hydrant going through the old cracks. " Byeee~ " Before his head disappeared he winked at them.
" Huh...Well, that happened... " Kipo spoke up.
" But at least we don't have to worry about him being our enemy. " Chris smiled as he walked forward towards the pillars of concrete. " So that's good, I'm actually kind of glad. "
" How are you glad? " Wolf asked as the silver teen shrugged his shoulders. " I don't know, I just like his personality. But c'mon guys lets focus, on getting Kipo's anchor. "
With that said one by one they all began to make their way inside of the old burrow. One thing was for sure, whatever made the opening meant something happened to it. This added more questions to the locations history.
After pushing aside a curtain of the orange stuff aside, the group had now finally arrived at their destination. After days of walking they succeeded much to Kipo's relief.
" We made it...My parent's burrow... "
" Or rather what's left of it that's still in tact... " Chris said glancing around the area while Dave examined the orange stuff. " Ah! This isn't cheese! "
On que Benson sighed. " We dreamed to big. "
" So what if it's fungus and it smells like pumpkin barf. The important thing is, we're here. " Kipo said trying to bring the mood back up.
" This place is huge. How are we gonna find your parents apartment? " Wolf questioned.
" Eh, we'll know soon enough. " Chris said as he started to make his way down. " C'mon, let's start looking before it gets dark. " As they made their down the group wasn't aware that the entrance they went through closed by itself.
Elsewhere we see the trio of cloaked figures following a trail of large ants.
" You know, I bet they put the moon far away so we don't eat it. "
" You can't eat a star Gretta. "
" The moon is neither a star or edible. Okay, I don't have time to explain that right now, because we have to find that monkey. "
" If were trying to find a monkey, why are we following ants? " They stopped near some grass. " I told you Zane, monkey's eat ants. " She turned out to be right because they found the ant's hill, inside was a long stick poking out of it. Next to it was some tracks and they headed north, leaving a distinct trail.
The sound of flamingo's screeching was heard. Ducking down, they spotted Scarlamagne and his nobles, with the collar in there possession. " It's him, we have to move faster! "
" I can get us a ride... " Gretta spoke up making them turn to a dragon fly. " I have a special connection with animals. " And by special connection she wrestled it to the ground and gave them a thumbs up
Dave went out flying to check the area while the others were looking at there new surroundings. " I've seen places that had fungus...But this, this places takes the cake. " Chris commented.
" Yeah, I know, this is crazy. " Benson agreed as he looked up the big hole above them. " But I really don't wanna know what made that... "
" Probably a mega mute... " Wolf guessed. " One might've dug it's way in here...Maybe that's why Kipo's dad left. "
" No...That hole wasn't made from above, it was made from inside... " Chris said looking up at the hole while Kipo looked to her boyfriend in confusion.
" How do you know? "
Chris stopped in his tracks. " Look around, what do you see? "
" Just fungus. " Benson anwsered but Wolf knew where he was getting at with this. " There's no signs of damage anywhere else. "
" So what did happen here then? " Kipo questioned in curiosity. " Hopefully my parent's might be able to tell us what happened. " She then proceeded to wipe away some fungus revealing some sort of clear glass panel. Upon touching it, the panel lit up revealing a DNA helix and it was then more panels lit up in unison.
" What is this place? " Wolf questioned while Kipo noticed the mark on the panel. " That's a DNA helix! " She turns to Chris putting her hands on his shoulders. " Chris! This means both of our parents came from an entire burrow of scientists! "
" Yeah...That's cool I guess? " He said before she let go of him as they continued walking.
" That would probably explain a lot between you and your dad... " Wolf commented as Chris leaned in and whispered. " Probably her mom to. "
While walking he looked down to see the number of floors that were present. " There sure are a lot floors here... " Behind them Mandu followed before walking backwards eyeing a big clump of fungus and got ready to bite it.
" Mandu! " Dave spoke up making her pause. " That is not cheese! I've...already tried it. " The pig seemed to ignore him and closed her eyes to bite it. But nothing happened to her shock, it was gone, the clump practically vanished.
" All of this so high tech... " Benson said in awe. " And the power still runs... " Chris added. " This place had to been important for something. "
" Ooh! Do you think you scan your eyeball? " Kipo wondered. " If it takes eyeballs, we know who's eyes we use. " Dave said pointing over at Mandu earning a frown from the little pig.
As they were about to proceed Benson noticed something and wiped away some fungus covering the top part of the panel. It revealed a last name, Valen and he gasped in realization. " There in alphabetical order! "
" Were in the V section come on! " Kipo lead the way forward as they continued further down.
While doing so, the group was unaware that something was moving in the fungus, behind the glass it was almost like they were being watched. Dave noticed something odd and flew up to a window, clearing the fungus covering the glass and peered inside. Soon enough something splattered on the glass scaring him, causing the bug to molt falling onto the ground.
Benson heard his friend and ran over to his now old bug friend helping him up. " Dave, you okay? "
" There's a ghost! In there! " He pointed to the window in fear making Benson pear inside to see that the whole entire room was filled with dead insects all in either jars or glass displays. " It's just a dead bug, c'mon. "
Minutes later, the rest of the group made their way through through the U,T,R,S,Q & P sections. Now they were on the O section.
" Olman, Otts... " Kipo read the names out loud and stopped a single door where the name was covered. After getting a clear view they found what they were looking for. " Oak! Here it is! "
" Don't go in! " They turn to old Dave. " This place is haunted. "
" Dave, what did I just tell you? " Benson scolded his friend. " Don't mind him, sometimes old man Dave is pretty paranoid. Bye-bye fun Dave. "
" Were going in! I think I know the code. " Kipo turned her ams into paws, but was stopped by Chris. " Oh, no, no. Allow me. " Chris's hands turned into paws and just tore the door of it's hinges throwing it aside. Returning his hands to normal he guestered inside.
" ladies first... " Kipo giggled at his actions and pecked his cheek " Why thank you. " Chuckling a bit with a blush he followed her inside and she was absorbing the atmosphere and the idea of her folks former residence. " So...this is where my parents lived. "
The others went inside and old Dave grabbed two pieces of a broken broom. " Know what else lived here? A ghost and he hates clean! "
" Yep...Ghost's notoriously messy... " Benson just went along with what he was saying. " You weren't kidding about that paranoid thing. " Wolf whispered while everyone wasn't paying attention, three strands snagged a part of the broom the old bug was holding scaring him.
" Oh! The spirits are mad we invaded they space! We need to leave now! Everybody follow me! " He went out the door making Benson sigh. " He'll be back. " He said while the rest of the group was looking through the apartment.
" It looks like a lot of your parents old stuff is still here... " Wolf commented.
" I know! " Kipo said happily while jumping up on an old bed. " It's like they totally jumped on this bed! "
" Yeah, and I bet they stabbed food with these knives. " The young survivor said holding out an old knife.
" Right! Oh I can see it now! " she went over to the kitchen and threw a towel around her neck and began to imitate her father. " Song, dinners ready! " Chris smiled seeing how much fun she was having, and rushed over to the couch. " Coming Leo! I'm almost finished doing math for fun! " She switched to her dad's imitation. " Your always doing math for fun! Yeah, cause it's fun! "
" That's not what they sounded like. I'm just bad at voices. "
" I bet this was yours... " they turned to Benson holding up some baby clothes that had an owl on it. He tossed it over to her. " Aww! It's so little. I can't believe I was ever this small~ " She then hummed in thought. " Not getting that 'anchor' type of feeling the goats told me about. " Kipo air quoted.
" Hey, Kipo? What the heck is this thing? " Chris asked in confusion holding up a small purple toy shaped like a propeller.
" Oh, that's just a fidget spinner. " Kipo anwsered. " What do you with it? "
" Just spin it between your fingers. " Chris did as he was instructed. " Like this? " He spun it around.
" Yeah, like that. "
" Hm. This is actually kind of fun. " Chris continued messing around with it. " Anyways, back to the topic. Kipo, don't you think maybe it's gotta be something of more emotional value? I mean, that'd make a perfect anchor for anyoe.
" Yeah, I think your might be right. But I'm keeping this. " Kipo hugged up on the old clothes and looked to her faithful pig ally who had a water canteen. " Aww, thanks Mandu. Defiantly not my anchor, but super useful, for later. " She took what the pig found and got up from the couch. What Mandu didn't know was that something poked her from behind and then from up above.
While Kipo put the canteen into Benson's backpack, she looked down to see the pig was trembling in fear. As she was about to comfort her, Kipo noticed something was on the ceiling. It was a star chart. " They also had this? I thought this was just a thing with me and my dad. But I guess my mom loved the stars too! "
The group didn't notice a tendril moving in the mold and from the looks of things Mandu had enough and started to make her way out.
" Wait a minute... " The female hybrid noticed something. " The Leo constellation has an extra star, right there. " She pointed to a noticable star in the cieling. " It's not like my dad to get it wrong... "
" Or maybe... " Benson got up on the bed and jumped pressing onto the star. Right on que a part of the wall opened making Kipo excited. " Secret panel! I always wanted one of these! " Rushing over there she noticed something was inside. It was a book. " Project Kipo! Oh my gosh that's me! " She read the title excitedly.
Chris looked over her shoulder. " Huh, looks my folks thought of the same thing. C'mon let's see what it says. "
" Yeah, read it! " Benson agreed as they all took a spot while Kipo sat down on the couch. " Oh! Formulas! "
" Uh, maybe save that reading to yourself. " Chris suggested much to Wolf and Benson's relief. " Ah, good point. Here we go. "
We now cut to the sky where the three cloaked figures were flying through the air on a dragon fly. The one with the witch doctor mask was manning the 'wheel'. The three of them were determined to find the Mega Monkey before Scarlamange did, and they needed to find it fast. Luckily for them, they were following him and his nobles.
" The sky's windy, it burns out lips, they'd be chapped. All the time. " The driver glanced to the one sitting behind her. " Thank you. Gretta. " With the flock of flamingo's in sight she looked through a pair of binoculars getting a clear view of the mandrill himself and the mega monkey's collar.
Then all the sudden a loud noise was heard causing the flock to go down along with the trio's dragonfly. The three of them screamed as they went down, crashing into a cactus landing on a rooftop.
From the looks of it, these two things added up, loud music, cactus's all around. It meant they were at Cactus town. At the same time, Scarlemange's flock came crashing down and he glared at the ones responsible.
" Oh no, was this to loud for you? " Cotton asked holding her six string wearing a set of noise cancelling headphones with two other Umulat snakes right by her. Right behind them was a set of heavy amplifiers. " This is barely a whisper for me. " She started playing, and her friends headbanged while Scarlemagne and his nobles covered their ears, all except for the flamingos.
" Everyone okay? " The leader asked while the male member pulled a thorn out of his arm. " Good! My bones are like steel! "
" I hurt my toe! " Gretta informed. " But that happened before we crashed. " More loud music was heard and they ran to the edge of the roof while making sure they were hidden.
" You know the rules. Nobody enters through Umulat Snake territory without permission. " Cotton said. " That includes Umulat air space man! " She continued to play some more much to the ape and flamingo's displeasure.
" It's loud, but it isn't that bad. " Zane said. " Mute hearing is more sensitive then ours. " There leader explained. " Oh! I like this song now! " Gretta said. Meanwhile down at the streets, while Scarlamagne noticed his human slaves were unaffected by the guitar playing. Grunting to speak he gave his orders.
" Nobles! Take them out! " The humans obeyed, drawing rapiers and made their way over to the snakes. " Why isn't this working!? " Cotton was confused as her tactic was useless on humans. And then things got worse as there speakers were stabbed.
With the music now gone, Scarlemagne and his nobles were no longer affected. The mandrill grinned evilly. " You'll regret getting in my way. " With a snap of his fingers the nobles got back on their feet while the Umulat snakes lunged forward.
Meanwhile back at the old Burrow Kipo had read some of the journals contents. Such as how they came up with the idea of how a human had the abilities of a Mega Mute. They altered the Mutagen to favor the growth horomone and combine them with the Mutagen enhanced DNA of Apex predators.
The list of DNA samples they used were Jaguar, Falcon, Monkey and Komodo Dragon. They infused them with samples and only one of those four samples would fertilize.
" I was that hybrid baby... " Kipo looked over to Chris. " Chris! Were both living science experiments! " She squealed in excitement. " Isn't that cool!? "
" Uh, I guess so? " Chris managed to anwser before they heard a loud bang and a scream. They knew who it belonged to.
" Is that Dave? " Kipo was the first to ask. " Is it? " Benson pretended like he didn't know.
" The wall! Hide! A face! " The screaming continued. " Pretty sure it is. " Wolf confirmed it.
" He probably doesn't need me... " Benson said and then... " Benson! Benson! " Chris, Kipo and Wolf looked to the said teen. " You were saying? " Chris mused.
He sighed in defeat getting up. " I'll go check it out. " Outside he followed the old bug to where had this supposed encounter. " T-There was face in that wall...I swear! "
" Well Mr Wallface is gone now. Like he never existed...But we haven't seen any ghosts so maybe you'll be safer with us, back inside. " While Benson left Dave continued talking about the supposed face on the wall before following his friend. Unaware that there was a hamster skull inside the fungus.
Inside the old apartment, the rest of the group continued looking through the journal while old Dave and Mandu came back in.
" I know what I'm talking about! I've visited the specteral plain between life. "
" No. No you haven't. " Benson said as he went back to the journal. " Okay, fine! But I still know what I saw. "
" Guys listen to this! " Kipo said as she continued reading it out loud: " Today I came home and Leo was making dinner and once I got there, told Leo news of newest addition to our little family. His reaction was priceless and he was so happy. Were so excited and can't wait to meet our little Kipo... " She couldn't help but laugh and cry a bit in joy.
" They loved you so much. " Wolf said before putting an arm around her shoulder making her friend hug her. " Are we hugging? Bring it in, were hugging. " Benson said joining in. " Don't count me out. " Chris joined in and narrowly avoided an incoming vase.
They look over to Old Dave. " Quit haunting me you evil spirit! " He continued to throw more vases. " You have no power! Your weak! "
Benson sighed in annoyance again. " Sorry guys. " He got up to take care of him while Kipo reopened the journal. " So, if this your anchor? "
" I'm not sure. " Kipo anwsered. " Maybe I just haven't gotten to the entry that makes me all anchory yet. "
" Okay, keep reading. " Wolf urged. " Yeah, let's see what else it has to say. " Chris felt the same way and they continued doing so.
Back at Cactus town, Scarlamagne's nobles and the Umulat's snakes continued their tussle all while the trio continued to watch on. The leader looked over and saw the collar was un guarded. " Get the collar! " She got salutes in response from Zane and Gretta while she climbed down and followed the monkey tracks leading inside the giant grove of cactus's the group had been too, weeks earlier.
Entering inside silently making sure the monkey wouldn't wake up and sighed in relief.
" I did it...I found you first...For the future of humanity, I'll never let Scarlamange have you. "
" Hey! " She turned around to see her companions come flying in with the repaired collar. They took off their masks revealing their faces. Gretta had had short messy brown hair and light blue eyes. Zane meanwhile had purple hair and brown eyes.
" We got the collar away from Scarlamange. "
" Good. " Their leader was very pleased unaware that the mega ape behind her was waking up. " Now get it on the monkey... " Instead she was greeted with growling and a snarl. " Quick! Get it on! " She was flicked away by one of it's hands before long the monkey got up and swatted the Gretta, Zane and the dragonfly onto the ground.
The ape roared away before leaping out of the hole it made. After a while the commotion settled down and everyone's senses came back to them.
" Dr Emilia! " Zane and Gretta rushed over to their leader. Her mask was cracked, seeing no use in it she threw it aside and pulled over her hood. Grunting in anger as she got back up onto her feet.
" Phew, that monkey packs a punch. " Gretta said as Emilia stretched out an arm. " Yeah...She must really miss me... " She said in annoyance. " The monkey was mine for thirteen years, I'm not giving up that easily. Let's go. "
" Dragon fly's busted. " Zane informed as the said insect was clearly out of it. " We ain't flying no where. "
" I can fix it! " Gretta said. " I just need another dragon fly. "
" Don't bother. " Emilia said. " We go on foot. " With those words said they made their way out not knowing someone else in particular spotted her 'pet' fleeing.
Back at the old burrow Kipo continued reading through the journal.
" Guy's, my mom opened a jar of Kimchee! "
" That's cool...I guess? " Chris shrugged his shoulders exchanging a look with Wolf.
" No listen. " She read the entry: " As I was opening it, the whole entire glass jar shattered, just as I was turning the cap. I didn't know what happened, but from me and Lio knew there would be side effects of the pregnancy, but I never expected super strength would be one of them. I also told him that earlier when someone bumped into my belly, I grew fur on my arm. " Kipo gasped at this new information.
" What!? " Chris, Wolf and Benson all exclaimed at once in surprise as Kipo got up and followed her. " Super strength, me, fur. Just like me! Guys, was a Mega Jaguar, just like me! " Upon hearing this new information the group cheered in victory while Kipo hugged Chris.
" Haha! " Your in the same boat as I am! Dad was a tiger and I'm also a tiger, so good for you! " The silver teen said feeling good upon hearing this everyone else.
" That's amazing! Kimchee and peanut butter sounds gross. But that's amazing! " Benson exclaimed unaware that the mold was moving. " Does that mean!? "
" This is my anchor! " Kipo confirmed Wolf's question. " I think so! We just have to keep reading and... " Unexpectedly the journal was snatched out of Kipo's hands by a tendril of fungus up into the cieling.
" Whoa! " Benson and the group weren't expecting this at all and things seemed to grow more intense as the mold on the floor started to move. " What is happening!? "
" I don't know! " Wolf and Chris said at once as a tendril held up the journal and waved it in a taunting way. " Ah! The journal! " She tried to grab it, but her hand got caught into it. Luckily for her Chris pulled her back and soon freaked out seeing the wad of mold on her hand started to move around.
Then the sound of a child's laughter was heard, everyone looked around where it was coming from but couldn't point out where. " Are you freakin kidding me right now!? "
" What was that!? " Kipo felt the same way as Chris did. " Nope! Don't like it! " Wolf commented.
" Oh man, Dave is right! This place is haunted by an evil spirit that's gonna kill us all! Kill us all! " As Benson was about to go on Chris grabbed his cheek and slapped him to snap him out of it. " Thank you I needed that "
" You're welcome. " All the sudden something poked through the mold right behind the. " Hi! " The sudden voice took them by surprised making them run into the kicthen.
" Ah! Mini ghost! " The fungus head popped up next to them. " You said ghost! " He popped in another spot. " I'm the toast! " Then another. " And the boast! "
" I like rhymes, and dimes and splimes.
" Soooo, I'm Chris...Who are you exactly? " Chris managed to ask despite this entirely being new for him. They had a clear look, this Mute was a mutation from actual fungus. They could make out it's solid green eyes and it's small stubby arms and he defiantly sounded to be a child.
" Well, I'm not a ghost or toast. I'm Fun Gus! " He disappeared making everyone look for him until an arm came extending out holding a piece of paper that was obviously supposed to be shaped like a bird. " I made a pterodactyl, I named him Joe. " He gave it to Kipo.
" Oh my goodness...How cute are you!? " Wolf smacked it out of her hands. " Not cute Kipo! "
" Right! Focus, Fun Gus? Where are our friends? "
" Oh, you mean Bluey and Squigle Baby man? " As if on que, Mandu and Toddler Dave came in taken by a current of fungus. They both swam up to a spot on the wall around Fun Gus circling around him. " Were playing! They're my favorite new toys! "
" Toys!? " Wolf clearly didn't like the sound of that and neither did the group. The fungus only giggled like the little kid he was.
" Listen, I know Dave and Mandu are totally fun, but there not toys. Would you give them back? " He appeared above them. " Nope. Wait, I mean, no thank you. "
Wolf pointed her weapon at him. " Listen you oversized mushroom, you better give them back right now! " This apparently scarred him as he fled to the couch.
" Wolf don't, he's just a little kid. " Kipo felt sympathy for the mute but they needed to find there friends. " I have an idea. Hey, do you wanna read a story? "
Fun Gus made his way to a wall and gasped in excitement. " A story!? " Chris put a hand on Kipo's shoulder and leaned in to whisper. " Let me do the talking on this one. " She nodded and so he took the lead.
" You betcha' all the good stuff that makes a story worth reading. And if you bring back bluey and squigely baby man, we can all read it together. "
All the sudden Gus appeared in front of them with the journal in his possession. " Okay, but I want to read it. I'm a great reader. "
" Yeah that's perfectly fine. Go on ahead, read away. " The fungus began to dart from place to place while reading the journal. " X+3 and then two lines on top of each other. "
" Okay, guys start looking for them and I'll listen to him reading. " Chris whispered and so everyone did so while he sat down.
" Where's the fun part? " Gus whined as he flipped the pages before finding something. " Oh! Here it is! When I told Leo about the fur, he was surprised. Like very surprised, which was to be expected, cause I didn't expect it either. One moment it was there, then it just disappeared like it was never there. Most likely this was a result of the fetus's stem cells passing into me. With the effects beginning to show, we had to become more careful. If it happened at the lab with our coworkers, then they'll know the truth that we isolated the mutagen cure. If they got there hands on it, then everything we'd so hard for will only be wasted and Mutes would turn back to being normal animals. So ultimately we decided it'd be best if I was to stay home until I have our baby. It wasn't easy because we needed a very good reason for me not to leave. Luckily Lio was smart enough to make up an excuse, like Burrow Pox and made up all sorts of symptoms... "
While Gus continued to read on with Chris listening in Kipo was surprised to hear this new information. " Burrow Pox isn't real? Then what happened to my mom? Do you think she's still alive? " The journal not only explained the background of her birth, but also brought out more questions into the light.
" Maybe...Maybe 'they' took her... " Wolf spoke up. " Whoever 'they' are. "
" Do you think they could be Scarlamagne and his nobles? " Benson whispered. " I mean he did seem to know your dad... "
" Bensons onto something...Your dad called him Hugo. "
" And the fact that he didn't like it either. " Chris added. " Looks like there was more stuff your dad tried to hide from you. " From nearby Benson opened up a cupboard and the mute popped out. " Hey! " He scared Benson. " What you guys looking for? " Gus popped into another spot. " Were you listening to my story? "
Chris hummed in response as he walked over to him. " Yes we were, and you weren't kidding when you said you were a good reader. But we were also looking for our friends. " Gus appeared above the wall over him. " But I'm not done playing with them yet...I haven't had anyone to play with in so long. "
" Like how long? "
" I don't know. " Chris pondered in thought gaining a sympathetic look. " So Gus? I've been meaning to ask. Is it just you living here? "
" Yep pretty much! "
" You don't have like a mom or dad or something? "
" Not anymore...One night they went out and never came back.. So it's just been me... " Now the group felt even more sympathy for him especially Chris, but they needed to find there friends.
" Hmm, so how's about say that we play a game? " Gus gasped showing he was excited. " You good at hide and seek? "
" Am I! "
" Cool, so listen if we win then you'll give back Dave and Mandu. If you win, then we stay here for another day and we'll play with you. " Gus appeared on another part of the wall.
" Okay! But you won't win, cause I'm super good at hiding stuff. "
" Well then, challenge accepted. " Chris smirked. " Cause I'm awesome at finding stuff. " And just like that he sunk back into the wall singing 'you'll never find them, you'll never find them~'
" What are you thinking!? " Wolf whispered. " We can't stay here another day! We can't afford to! "
" I know what I'm doing Wolf, just trust me. " They exited out of the apartment and outside Wolf poked the old bugs skin making it shatter.
" Dave! " Kipo whispered yelled calling out to their friends. " Mandu! "
" Dave can you hear me buddy? Look, I just want you to know, I'm sorry I didn't believe you. You don't always have to be fun Dave. I love all Dave to! "
" Stop talkin' about your feelings! " Pre teen Dave's voice was heard. " Ugh, so embarressing! "
" Dave! Where are you!? " Kipo called out and they then heard a familiar squeal. " Mandu? I can't see you anywhere! " Chris tapped her shoulder and shook his head, and just like that his nose became feline.
" But maybe we can smell them. " Focusing on her nose Kipo's nose turned as well. Both sniffed the air. " I got them! " Chris whispered as both hybrids rushed to the sides and skitted down a metal railing. Both continued following the trail until they stopped at a DNA helix statue. " There! "
On top was Dave, and Mandu including the journal. " Ugh, about time! This pigs to close, and I need my space! "
" Dave! " Benson was relieved to see his best friend was okay. " Oh, I should've listened to you, I'm so sorry! "
" You should be sorry! I straight up told you, if you'd listen... "
Kipo's nose caught wiff of something else and it was coming from Chris. But as soon as she smelled him the female hybrid recoiled in disgust.
" Ugh! " She made her nose return to normal. " What? " Chris raised an eyebrow in confusion. " You reek, like really bad... " Kipo anwsered catching her breath. Chris smelled himself and recoiled from the foul stench. " Yeesh. I need a bath, wait a minute... " He sniffed her and coughed lightly. " You talking about me? You need one just as bad I do! " He whispered as his nose returned to normal. " Note to self, find the nearest place to wash.
" Oh right. " Kipo remembered they were playing with Gus and called out to him. " We won! Fun Gus we won! "
He appeared on the helix statue. " Way to go you guys. " He came washing down the statue and across the floor leaving waves of mold like it was water. " Now that we played that game, we can play another one! "
" No! It's time to give Dave and Mandu back! " Kipo said reminding him of there deal but he wouldn't listen and instead swirled around the two mutes while the very area around them was shaking.
" Not till we play Simon Says, I'll be simon and it'll be Fun Gus Says or we can play jumpy! "
" There is no winning with this kid is there!? " Benson exclaimed as the place continued to shake like crazy.
Elsewhere in the air of Las Vistas Scarlamagne and his nobles were on
" Ha! Stupid Mega Monkey, thinks it is hiding! " The orangutaun began to laugh away, not realzing that the mega was much smarter then it looked. Scarlamagne noticed that it had a large net in it's hands and quickly enough he pulled back while the nobles were ensnared. The mandril laughed as he continued to chase the mega down.
Eventually, they arrived at the field of dogs and do to all the running, the mega monkey had to stop to catch her breath. However the sound of Scarlamange's flamingo got it's attention.
" Don't worry, I won't attack you. " He reassured. " In fact, look around. I'm alone. " He gestured to the area around him. Reluctantly the monkey finally decided to listen to what he had to say. " So you can understand me, magnificent. " For a brief moment the monkey tried to reach out for him for some odd reason.
" The human who enslaved you, stole my pheromones to do it...How would you like to get revenge on Doctor Emilia? " Upon hearing that name, the monkey roared in rage pleasing Scarlamange greatly. " Yes, join me! We won't rest until all humans share the same fate you were forced to endure! " The mandrill pulled back his head and began to laugh.
Despite wanting to get even, the monkey was now more hesitant upon hearing what he suggested and continued to run away. " Oh. Oh, where are you going? "
At the old burrow, the group continued to play more of Fun Gus's games. The only problem was that the whole place was shaking as he kept warping from one place to another.
" Fun Gus says tap your nose! Fun Gus says tickle your toes! Fun Gus says dance in your boats! Bop-bob give it a whirl! "
" Uh, Fun Gus could you maybe calm down a little!? "
" I'm sorry, I'm just so excited! " The little mute said. " What game is next!? "
" I got one! " Chris raised his hand seeing how a wrong move would piss the little guy off, and right now he couldn't afford to lost his trust. " You ever heard of a staring contest? "
Gus tilted in confusion. " What's that? "
" The way you play is simple. All you have to do is just keep your eyes open. Whoever blinks first loses. "
" Okay! That sounds fun! " Fun Gus gets into eye level with Chris. " Ready when you are! "
" Would you mind letting Dave and Mandu down? It'd be better so we could focus. "
" Sure, that's fine. " The two mutes were brought back down to the floor through some fungus.
" About time. " Preteen Dave said. " It was so weird being close to this pig... "
" Alright, first close eyes. " Chris and Gus did just that. " Now, ready...set...Stare! " They opened there eyes and started the game.
The fungus giggled a bit. " I'm already winning! "
" Ha in your dreams! Oh, Is that a blink I see? "
" N-no! I can keep going! "
Kipo smiled at this as she took the journal from Dave. " You know, Chris is doing really good with this. I'm surprised. "
" Yeah, I've never seen him like this before... " Wolf agreed.
" Look as much I'm enjoying seeing this too, I think we should get back to reading that journal. " Benson suggested as they were doing so they heard Gus scream but Chris didn't even flinch." Aw! You didn't flinch! " The fungus then realized he just blinked. " Darn it! "
" Haha! First rounds on me. " Chris said. " Whoo-whoop. Wanna go for round two? "
" Yes, yes, yes! " They started another round while Kipo read on what the journal said: " Today I made the biggest break through of my carrier. I finally gave birth to our new child and hope for living on the surface, a beautiful baby girl, our little Kipo. Even though it was sudden, and labor was caused do to stress, she was perfectly healthy and fine. Immediately the genetic DNA showed it's results after nine long months of waiting, we had a little jaguar.
While we were glad that she was born, we had to move quickly. Get her out of this place, it's not safe. Hopefully by then, we'll be able to take Hugo with us and leave. Hopefully along the way, we can find Khan and Aura...Hugo? " Kipo repeated the name that was said in the journal as they all regonized the name from before. " That's what my dad called... "
" Scarlamange. " Wolf finished her sentence. " If your parents were planning on Scarlamange with them..." Benson trailed off.
" Then who were they running from? " Kipo continued their line of thought. " This whole time I thought Scarlamange was the most evil thing out there. But what if he's not? What if there's someone else? " She gasped in realization. " What if they're the same ones that killed Chris's father? "
" That's very possible... " Wolf agreed with what her surrogate sister was thinking. " Both your parents and his all left this place. Chris's father left left because he had to protect his wife and Chris who wasn't born yet, and then your parents tried to leave with you and Scarlamange. This is all connected. "
" Haha! " They're line of thought was cut looking over to Chris. " I win! That was fun! "
" Yeah, it was. " Chris turned over to the group and back at the mute. " Hey, Gus, would you mind giving me a moment I need to talk with them. In the meantime, you can play with this. " Chris pulled out the fidget spinner he found at the apartment.
" How does it work? " Fun Gus asked. " Just, spin it like this. " Holding it between his left thumb and fourth finger he spun it around. " Now you try it. "
Gus took hold of it and started to spin it. " Oooh...I like this... "
" I'll be back. " Chris walked over to the group and placed a hand on Kipo's. " So? Did you find anything yet? "
" No. Chris I don't know, I'm learning more about my parents but there isn't anything. "
" There's gotta be something. "
" Well, I hate to break the mood but we need to leave. " Wolf spoke up in a serious tone while Chris sighed. " I know, I know. Just give a few with him, okay? " The silver teen walked up to the little mute who was having a blast with the fidget spinner laughing away.
" Gus? "
" Hmm? " He turned to him as he sat down. " Do you mind if we take a break? "
" Sure no problem Chris. " He appeared next to Chris continuing to play with the fidget spinner. " I'm getting pretty good at this by the way. So what did you want to talk about? "
" Gus, this isn't easy for me to say this, but. We need to leave pretty soon. " Gus stopped playing and looked to him a bit sad. " What? Why? Can't you just stay a little bit longer and play?
" Look, I'm sorry, but we can't afford to play right now...Gus, the reason we came here was because we needed some anwsers. "
" For what? "
" We came here help Kipo. " Chris motioned his head towards her. " You see at one point, her parents and my parents used to live here. "
" Really? How come they left? "
" I don't know...They all had there reasons...But like I said, we came here so we can help Kipo find a bit of closure. "
" What's does that mean? Closure? "
" You know how sometimes bad things happen? " He nodded. " Well not always, but every once in a while it does. It gets so bad that, your not the same as you used to be. "
" Is that book a part of it? "
" Yeah, the book was written by her parents, either they evidently left it here for her find one day or not, but that book will help her out immensely. Does any of this make any sense to you? "
" Hmmm...I guess so. " Gus shrugged.
" And there's more to this. Gus, were also in trouble... "
" Trouble? "
" Yeah, people are in trouble. Kipo's people, and our other friends...They need our help. That's why we have to leave. "
" But what about me? Didn't we have any fun? " Chris gave him a gentle smile and put a hand on his head. " Of course we did. I admit, you are pretty fun. But this is something we have to do. If not, then we'll be very sad. Do you understand? "
Fun Gus only lowered down his head and from the sounds of it he was about to break down and cry. " I-I do...Will you come back? "
" Of course. Gus, you and I have a lot more in common then you think? " The mute's eyes widened upon hearing this. " We do? " Chris nodded sadly. " Truth is, I lost both my parents to. " Gusgasped in shock. " I know what it's alone to, I've been by myself for a long time...There's always a day, when I keep waking up and thinking they'd be right beside me...You know how that is too, don't you? " Now it was Gus's turn to nod sadly as tears broke free and Chris pulled him over right next to him.
" I miss them so much... "
" I feel the same way about mine...I do. But Gus, listen, if they aren't saved then we might not be able to play again. If we somehow manage, then maybe you can finally have others to play with, besides us. "
" Really? "
" Yeah, I swear, when everyone's safe and I have some time, I'll come back and we can play as much as you want. "
" You promise. "
" I promise. " Chris held out his right pinky. " Pinky swear. "
The mute smiled making a tendril wrapping it around the finger. " Pinky swear. "
Minutes later the group exited out of the old burrow. " Chris! " They turn to see Fun Gus making a huge head of himself. " Let's play red, light, green light next time! "
" Absolutely! " The silver teen replied back. " And next time I might be able to bring some more friends! Hang in there Gus! "
" Bye-bye! " With that said the fungus mute went back down into the burrow.
" Wow, look at you. " Dave commented with a smirk. " If I didn't know any better, I'd say you done that before. "
" What are you talking about? I only just did what I thought was right. " Chris said.
Benson put an arm over Chris's shoulder. " Well, dude color us surprised, that your actually good with kids. "
" Yeah, which is actually a good thing... " Kipo said with a smile and lightly blushed for a moment getting something out of her head. Wolf meanwhile smirked, already knowing what it was about.
" Okay! Can we please change the topic!? " Chris asked out loud and turned to his girlfriend. " How do you feel? " He only got a groan in response as she walked forward.
" I don't know! C'mon get an anchory feeling! " She said to the journal as if it was a person. " Come on! Anchor feelings go! " Finally having enough she threw it it down onto the ground and sat down pulling her knees up while Chris squatted down putting a hand on her shoulder.
" So how do we stop Scarlamange? " Benson asked squatting down on the same level as they were. " I mean Chris could do it, but... " He couldn't find the right words to finish the sentence. Chris had never reached the same stage his father achieved, so relying on him could be the next option. But for right now, they didn't know what to do.
They did exactly as the goats told them to. Now everything they've worked so hard for was wasted. Or so it seemed cause Wolf spotted something sticking out of the journal. Kneeling down she picked it up and was surprised by what she'd found.
" Kipo? "
Not to far away, the nobles continued chasing the mega monkey down, equipped with gas sprays filled with Scarlamagnes pheromones they circled around the it. It was doing it's best trying not to breath it in but with how quick and small they were moving and her large size, the monkey was at a disadvantage.
Nearby Scarlamange watched the entire thing unfold as the flamingo's flew into the air circling above the mega. With their gas, they slowly descended down, encasing the ape with pheromone gas. The way this was going, the mega monkey wasn't able to hold out for much longer all while Scarlamange watched on with an evil grin.
Then for some reason, the monkey looked to the wristband tied on one of it's arms. The same one she got from Kipo.
" What is it? " Wolf only anwsered by passing her friend/sister a picture. Seeing it brought her to tears, it was picture that showed her as an infant with Lio holding the camera while her mother Song, held their daughter.
" It's my family... " Two tears dropped onto the photo which were easily whipped away. " Like...really us... " She wiped away her tears. " Who we truly are. Guys, this. Is my anchor. "
" Oh thank goodness! " Benson said in relief as they all hugged it out. However the moment was cut short when Kipo noticed something was off with the photo.
" Wait a second...my mom... " They all looked and they saw fur on one of her arms. " Her fur...It's not jaguar fur... "
" Yeah, it's brown..." It was then, he paused in realization, because it had hit him hard as he stood up. " Wait a minute...The journal said, four DNA samples were used in a possibility to create a Human/Mega hybrid. Jaguar, Falcon, Komodo Dragon, and... " He and the group gasped upon hearing what he was suggesting and it was then that the ground began to shake.
Benson stood up seeing something in the distance. Something very hard not to miss. " Look! " They all looked to see the Mega Monkey was walking, with Scarlamange's nobles flying near it and the said mandrill riding on one of it's shoulders.
Kipo could only look on in disbelief as the realization had hit her, and it hit her hard. " Mom! " It was indeed true, the Mega Monkey itself the same one that attacked her burrow, and started off a major portion of their adventure was her mother.
Tears leaked out from eyes as sadness welled up inside of her. All those years she though her mother was gone, when it turned out she was more closer then she could've imagined. And now her mother was under Scarlamange's mind control. Clenching the photo tighly, her sadness was soon replaced with rage! Her eyes became feline, her teeth became sharp fangs and with a roar, she got down onto all fours. Her arms became paws and fur was sprouting all over her body.
Soon enough a gust of wind so intense was made, strong enough to send the group flying. The group looked in disbelief, there friend had now fully transformed, embracing the beast inside, becoming a purple mega jaguar.
Turning around she roared, and laid eyes on the source of her rage. Scarlamange himself. Without much thought she ran forward. While running, Chris caught her family picture and passed it to Wolf.
" Kipo! " He got on all fours and started rushing after her.
" Kipo! " Wolf and the others joined in on the chase to try and stop her. As for Chris himself, he had to- No. He will get her back to her senses, even if he'd get hurt trying to.
To be continued
Welp, that's done. Sorry if I changed this dramatically, but honestly I'm fine with it.
As for the major change with turning Fun Gus from an enemy to ally, I figured why not? Not to mention give Chris a little moment to shine. Plus he could pretty much relate to him.
Yes, yes. I get Mullohand was supposed to help them out, and all but there's always next time.
Speaking of next time. It'll be something that many of you having been looking forward to. I'm not gonna say what it is, but trust me, you'll know it when you'll read it.
Anyways, hope you all liked this alternate take on Fus Gus, which doesn't take two whole chapters to cover it.
Peace everyone!
Oh and just to let you all know I've also updated Mysterious Magic my Assassination Classroom crossover, Ultraman Kiba. If you'd like check them all out, when you got the time or your just plain bored and got nothing else to do.
Take care now.
Now replying back to reviewers
gabeherndon308
Eh, I'm honestly not one so much for adding music. Honestly I rarely do it, and trust me it was a hassle trying to pick something for him to sing. The duet was easy, it was either Journey's Don't stop Believin' or Queen and David Bowies duet of Under Pressure.
avengersendgame426
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it and honestly that last part you said sounds pretty good. ;)
DJ Zombiex2
Hmm. Perhaps a part of bonus chapters maybe? I don't know. Those do sound pretty good, but maybe we could possibly talk this over where everything won't be revealed to like everybody? Just saying. Thank you...
Garrus Skywalker
Nah, they didn't reveal it. So it's no big deal.
Battlewolf1992
Happy to hear you liked it.
Spiral-Voltron-Zero0Q1
Just did.
Marbled Gold
Yeah, I figured why not? The idea sounded cool in my head, heck I had that idea since I saw the episode itself.
silverstudent
Eh, that's okay. You ever seen movies, animes, and cartoons where someone owed another a favor and there really weren't any details? It's like that.
Guest #1
Thank you!
Guest #2
Yeeep. It happened.
ROCuevas
As per ususal thank you.
Zash101
Always happy to satisfy another reader.
Fan chapter 15, 16x2 & 17.
Eh, she will. Nope, tigers are cooler to me, & no I changed it dramatically, which I'm okay with and everyone else it seems. It just did.
The Bored Woman.
Well I hope you enjoy it then.
