Here's chapter 70

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 the Deviant Art user Rainbroach (formerly known as Yoshi Lord). I own only my own characters and this story.

70 – LIFTY FREAKS OUT

What had happened at Metramegopolis when the raccoon brothers arrived went like this: Because the Mole wanted the nature of the mission kept as quiet as possible he also didn't want Lifty and Shifty to attract a lot of attention when they went to Metramegopolis. So only a few people were there to receive them. Toothy was there, and Fresko at his request. The only others present were Cuddles (who was getting ready to leave) and Sniffles so he could run the teleporter to send Cuddles home.

"I'm really not looking forward to this" said Toothy to Fresko as they waited for the Mole's signal, "but at least it's not for long and I don't have to host them."

"I know what you mean" said Fresko, "they're probably not going to be happy to see me either. We'd better be on guard." Toothy nodded.

"I hope I can still fight" he said, looking with disapproval at his body although there wasn't anything wrong with it that Fresko could see.

"You still work out, don't you?" said Fresko.

"Yes but not as much as I'd like, and being a ruler doesn't help since almost all of my time is occupied with other junk. I'm definitely not in your class. I never was."

"Not everyone's meant to be a warrior" said Fresko mildly, "if you can defend yourself that's what matters. Besides you're a very good leader and that's more than enough for you to be doing."

"Thanks" said Toothy, "but I still wish I could have been on the front lines more during the last war."

"Don't do that!" said Fresko with alarm, "that would be bad. Who would take your place if you got killed?"

"There's always someone" said Toothy.

"But probably not nearly as qualified" said Fresko, "don't try to be a hero."

"I don't" said Toothy with a grin, "that's your job."

"Then let me do my job" said Fresko with a laugh, "and you keep doing yours. I hear you're in line to be the next mayor of Metramegopolis after Diana King's term ends."

"Oh God forbid!" said Toothy feigning a look of horror, "who in their right mind would want that job?"

Before Fresko could answer a signal went off on the teleport station. Cuddles saw it and turned to the other animals.

"They're coming" he said, and almost as soon as he had said that Shifty materialized in the station forcibly dragging Lifty behind him. As soon as they were clear of the station Shifty let go of his brother. Lifty jumped to his feet, turned around, and tried to go back through the portal, but Cuddles had already turned it off.

"Turn this back on" yelled Lifty, "send me back."

Toothy and Fresko looked at each other in surprise.

"What on earth – ?" Toothy began but didn't get any further because Shifty grabbed his brother and pulled him away from the station.

"Stop it Lifty!" Shifty hissed, "we're here! Get used to it. We're not going back."

"Let go of me!" Lifty yelled.

"Not 'til you calm down" Shifty replied.

"Let go of me now!" Lifty yelled again and, before Shifty could avoid it, struck Shifty across the face. Shifty fell back, letting go of his brother, but he was up at once and charged Lifty without hesitation. Before anyone else present knew what was happening Lifty and Shifty had gotten into a harsh free-for-all.

"This is unexpected" said Fresko, recovering first, "come on Toothy, we need to stop them." Toothy nodded and the two animals waded into the fight in an attempt to separate the brothers. Fresko grabbed Lifty and pulled him off of Shifty. Lifty took one look at his new attacker and his face curled into a snarl.

"You!" he spat at Fresko, "this is all your fault!" and he turned around and tried to jump on Fresko.

Toothy, meanwhile, grabbed Shifty and pulled him backwards. Although Toothy was nowhere near the fighter Fresko was he was still more than a match for Shifty and soon had the raccoon pinned down.

"He's gone mad" said Shifty to Toothy.

"Relax, it's under control" said Toothy although Fresko was having a slightly harder time than either he or Toothy expected. Lifty's anger gave him new adrenalin and he actually fought better than he had the last time he and Fresko met. Fresko had to dodge quickly to avoid the raccoon's first attempted hits. Nevertheless Fresko was still far superior to Lifty as a fighter, and he soon had the upper hand with the younger raccoon, holding him down with ease.

"Knock him out" yelled Shifty who was watching, "he needs it!"

"I agree" muttered Fresko, and with one more blow sent Lifty off to dreamland. Shifty came over to the two of them.

"He'll be all right" said Fresko looking at Lifty lying at his feet, "but would you mind telling me what the hell has gotten into him? I thought you two were supposed to be a unit."

"He's afraid" said Shifty looking at Fresko warily.

"He's more than afraid" said Cuddles from his place, "he's gone mental!"

"No he just needs a rest" said Shifty.

"He'll get it" said Fresko, "in a hospital. He'll be all right but he's going to be out for a while, and when he comes around he'll be very groggy."

"At least he'll be calmer" said Shifty, "I'm sorry about this."

"What?" said Fresko, amazed, "you're actually apologizing? And to me? The world must be coming to an end.

"That's enough" said Toothy, stepping between them and taking charge of the situation, "I'll get some people down here to take Lifty into care. Shifty you can stay with him if you want but don't go far. You're still not free."

"I know" said Shifty, "but it doesn't matter right now."

"Sniffles will you send Cuddles home?" said Toothy turning to the anteater. Sniffles nodded and in short order sent the rabbit back to the Animal City.

(To Be Continued)