A Night with Yakko

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the cast of Animaniacs. They belong to Warner Brothers.

Claire looked on in disbelief, "Yakko…How?"

Yakko gave one of his famous cheeky grins, "Cause Yakko spelled backwards is okay. No, but I'm really here Death is allowing me to earn my life back. Honestly I thought you of all people would of figured out it was me already."

"It seemed too good to be true." Claire admitted.

Yakko's expression softened and he sat next to her, "Are they asleep?"

She nodded, "Out cold, why?"

"They can't know I'm here yet. I still haven't earned it back completely. They have to catch buddy and his accomplice, and see to it that justice is done. Only then I'll be allowed to fully return." He looked down and sighed.

Claire blinked, "But, its okay if I know?"

"I could only tell one person, and I trust you enough to keep my siblings safe, so I figured you were the best choice. Besides I still owe you an apology for never saying goodbye properly."

The girl thought back for a moment, "You mean the last time I saw you alive?"

Yakko nodded, "I didn't mean to leave like that. Plotz ordered for me to comeback. I tried so hard to find you before they dragged me away. I always lived with the guilt knowing you probably thought I had abandoned you. Claire I'm sorry."

Claire looked taken aback and smiled, "It's alright Yakko. I figured you had been dragged off against your will. I used to write you letters, but I guess they never got to you. Knowing grandpa he probably destroyed them before you ever saw them."

"You wrote to me?"

"Every week." Claire admitted and looked down at Wakko and Dot, "I always hoped that maybe I would get one back with stories of you and your siblings causing trouble."

Yakko almost looked guilty, "I did write every now and then, but I feared you had probably been moved so Plotz would isolate you again."

Claire shrugged, "I left shortly after yes. I was in a treatment center in Canada for a bit. I came back to the states after hearing what happened at the studio. When I heard what happened to you, I decided then and there that your siblings shouldn't have to endure that pain alone."

Yakko looked surprised, "Thank you. You certainly went beyond your promise."

Claire nodded, "You know, that means you still have to uphold your end of the deal as well. Of course if you ever can return back here with them."

Yakko shook his head, "No, until I am able to return back to all three of you. I couldn't separate you from those two. They've grown fond of you, just like I did."

The two noticed that the rain had stopped, and the stars were shinging dimly in the night sky. Yakko helped Claire move Wakko and Dot so she could get up and move. The two sat down next to one another and looked up at the stars. For the next half an hour the two pointed out constellations to one another. Quietly enough though to ensure that Wakko and Dot continued to sleep. Claire and Yakko both smiled since it brought back old memories from their time together at treatment. Yakko had taken notice that Claire was starting to tremble and looked at her almost in a scolding manner.

"When was the last time you ate?" He demanded.

Claire looked away slightly, "Yakko, I'll be fine."

"Look at me."

Claire turned to him and felt herself get pulled into a hug, "Yakko?"

"I already risked a lot to ensure you wouldn't go dying again. Wakko and Dot need you right now. Who knows maybe down the road I will too. You need to take care of yourself. I know you skipped dinner so Wakko and Dot would be able to eat, but you need to as well. Remember what happened when you refused to eat for days? Remember how miserable you were?" Yakko looked down at her, "So please Claire, if not for me. For them."

He motioned to the still sleeping Wakko and Dot. Claire was taken aback, she had never seen Yakko act in such a manner like this before. He was always happy go lucky and willing to do whatever he could to make others laugh and smile. That look of seriousness was soon replaced by a gentle smile and a coat wrapped around her shaking body.

"You'll catch your death of cold you know." He joked with her.

Claire playfully hit him, "Haha, doesn't work that way you know."

"I know" Yakko teased and helped her back up to her feet.

Claire smiled and looked up to the stars once again and noticed a shooting star. Closing her eyes she made a wish and vowed not to tell anyone. She looked over and noticed Yakko rubbings Dot's back and humming softly to Wakko. She noticed that he was fighting back tears, and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and looked at her, and tried to reassure her he would be fine. Both looked down as Dot began to toss and turn as if having a nightmare.

"Well duty calls." Yakko smiled.

Claire nodded, "They need you Yakko. Both do."

"Just leave it to me." Yakko replied.

Claire watched as he faded and returned back to being the pillow of the young Warners. From the looks of it Dot was having a nightmare, and a bad one at that. Rubbing her back she could only hope that somehow Yakko would be able to put the young girls fears to rest.

Meanwhile Dot was trapped in her nightmare full of monsters and other frights. One lunged at her only to be smacked away, looking to her left she saw Wakko had somehow entered her dream. Her fear turned to happiness slightly, until another monster came around.

"Wakko I'm scared" Dot whimpered.

Yakko held her close, "Don't worry Dot. It's just a dream, and remember what Yakko said he'll-"

"Always be there when you need me" Yakko replied and flattened the monster with a mallet.

"Yakko!" Dot and Wakko latched onto their older brother.

Yakko smiled, "Come on Sibs, let's go uhhhh somewhere nicer than this."

Wakko and Dot nodded and followed Yakko into a peaceful looking meadow. Dot grinned as she found a picnic had been set up and looked to her older brothers with pleading eyes, "Can we pwease have a tea party?"

"I dunno." Wakko started.

Dot worked her cute tactics even harder, "Pwetty pwease!"

Yakko grinned, "Come on Wak it won't kill us right? After that we'll do what you want."

"Deal" Wakko groaned.

"Yay!" Dot clapped and dragged her brothers to the picnic blanket.

The three sat there in peace and enjoyed the so called picnic. Before they could get to what Wakko wanted to do the two Warners were pulled from their sleep. They snapped up and looked at a very tired looking Claire, she had stayed true to her word.

"Morning you two. Sleep well?" She asked.

Dot nodded, "Yeah, I did"

"Same here" Wakko responded.

Claire smiled and got up, "Good, now let's go get some breakfast."

The two nodded and took one of Claire's hands and followed her to a nearby soup kitchen. If they exposed themselves enough perhaps it could help draw Buddy out. Little did they know that their whole idea was actually working to their favor. Buddy had been following them closely, but refused to get too close when he noticed Claire stayed up as a night watch. Soon the Warner's would have Buddy in their grasp, and could search for the second assailant.

-End-