As always the standard disclaimer applies: I do not own the Happy Tree Friends; they are the property of Mondo Media. In addition the character of Fresko the Feline belongs to Deviant Art user Yoshi Lord. I own only my own characters and this story.

Now here's chapter 60:

60 – RETURNING HOME

Barely an hour had passed before Barry was ready to return to Metramegopolis. While he packed up Loco came in to see him.

"I'm sorry to see you go" said Loco, "it's been good having you back again. Don't wait six years before making another visit."

"I'll try" said Barry with laugh, "if you'll promise me that next time you come to Metramegopolis it's for some reason less dire than a war."

"Deal" said Loco, "I hope you had a restful time these past few weeks."

"Loved it" said Barry, "hard to believe I've been here for three weeks already."

"It should have been longer" said Loco, "especially since it looks like you're going back to a crisis. Let me know if you need any help."

"Thanks" said Barry, "but if we can't handle this on our own then we're in a lot more trouble than I think. I'm sure Flippy, Splendid, and Fresko can take these two guys. I just hope we manage to rescue Mrs. Ride before they do anything to her, although knowing her, maybe it's the two Marauders I should be worried about."

"I don't know her very well" said Loco, "only met her a few times. She seemed pretty tough from the reading I got of her."

"She is" said Barry, "but she's very understated about it. She lets her husband do most of the physical work, only stepping in if it absolutely can't be helped. It's a good system actually, because people tend to underestimate her and dismiss her out of hand. Do they get a surprise later!"

"Anna Ride isn't her real name, is it?" said Loco.

"No" said Barry, "and Tony isn't her husband's real name either. I don't know what their real names are; I don't think anyone on the Council does, not even the mayor. They do a lot of covert work so I suppose they hide their real names to protect themselves." Barry considered. "I could be wrong" he continued, "I've never asked them about it and I don't intend to. Their actions are enough."

Loco nodded. Barry finished his packing.

"Well I'm sorry I can't take Lifty and Shifty with me" said Barry, "but this is a little rushed."

"Don't worry about that" said Loco, "we'll probably send them with Sniffles after you sort out this crisis."

"Lucky him" murmured Barry wryly.

Loco took Barry back to the Mole's office where he found that Handy had remained to see him off. Flaky was not present; the Mole himself was operating the teleport this time.

"I believe Fresko and Flippy will be waiting for you when you get back" said the Mole.

"Good" said Barry, "I'm sure they'll fill me in on everything."

"And I have a favor to ask" said the Mole. He quickly told Barry what he needed done. Barry nodded and said he would do it.

"The passage is ready" said the Mole, "you can go at any time."

"Give my love to my grandson" said Loco, embracing Barry. Handy then came forward and said good-bye. Barry thanked all three animals and stepped into the teleport station.

Instantly he was back in the same landing bay at Metramegopolis from which he had left three weeks earlier. He stepped out of the receiver station and heard it switch off. He looked around to see Cuddles (who had been operating it at this end) begin to dismantle it. When he turned back from the station he found that Fresko and Flippy had indeed come to greet him, and Toothy and Emily were also there. Barry and Emily immediately embraced and kissed the way only lovers can who have been parted for a while. When they broke apart Barry greeted the others.

"Welcome back" said Flippy with a grin, "I hope you had a good time."

"It was very restful" said Barry, "your grandfather sends his love."

"Glad to hear it" said Flippy.

"Where's Sniffles?" asked Toothy.

"That" said Barry, "is something we'll need to talk about when the Council convenes. He's still at the Animal City, and he's going to stay there until this crisis is over."

"That can only mean one thing" said Emily wisely. Barry nodded but cautioned her and the others that it was probably wiser not to discuss it openly.

"When is the meeting?" he asked.

"The mayor set it for an hour after you got back" said Toothy, "so you could go home first."

"That was thoughtful of her" said Barry, picking up his luggage and preparing to go. Then suddenly he turned around.

"Oh Cuddles" he said, "I forgot to tell you; the Mole has message for you."

"Does he?" asked Cuddles, looking up from his work.

"Yes," said Barry, "are you done dismantling this thing already?"

"Just about" said Cuddles, "it breaks down a lot faster than it sets up. Hold on a second."

Cuddles finished dismantling the receiver station. He packed up the various parts of it and stowed them back in Fresko's flyer. Then he came back.

"So what does the Mole have to say?" he asked Barry. Barry looked at Cuddles for a second. Then without warning he grabbed Cuddles right front leg and turned it around until he found Cuddles' personal emergency teleporter, strapped to the leg like a wristwatch. Before anyone could react Barry grabbed Cuddles' left front paw and used it to hit the main control, activating the device. He let go at once, which was a good thing as Cuddles vanished immediately (he reappeared at once in the Mole's office where he found the Mole, Handy, and Loco waiting for him).

"Bye-bye bunny" said Barry, "I'm not the only one going home today."

For a moment no one moved, then Fresko spoke.

"The Mole asked you to do that, didn't he?" he asked. Barry nodded.

"I presume you sent him back to the Animal City?" said Flippy.

"Yes" said Barry, "Handy ordered it for safety reasons."

"Good" said Flippy, "that takes care of one security problem. I wish all problems could be solved so easily."

(To Be Continued)