CHAPTER 2: Preparation And Apprehension


A small alarm clock rang noisily as half-past seven arrived, causing a previously slumbering form to awaken with a start and fumble blindly for the annoying piece of clockwork.
Yawning excessively, Buster silenced the clock and stumbled out of bed, scratching his fur and muttering. It was a morning like any other for the rabbit, but a hint of cheer suddenly perked up his sleepy expression as he remembered that there was only one week left of classes at Acme Looniversity. Next Friday the Tiny Toons and everyone else in their class would finally graduate from the Loo and begin their lives outside of school. This thought made Buster smile as he looked at himself in a mirror while combing his fur: One week and they would be done.
Ten minutes later, Babs was standing outside of Buster's burrow calling down to him: "Buster! You ready yet?"
"In a minute, Babs."
Buster hastily threw together a quick, carrot-laden lunch and dashed out to join Babs.

"So do you know what the deal is with today's classes?" Babs asked as the two rabbits made their way through Acme Forest.
Buster shrugged. "Haven't got a clue, Babsy. Must be something pretty important though to have a private assembly that takes up the whole afternoon."
"I hear Andy might be there, even," Babs said, sounding a bit worried.
"Just as long as he doesn't spring another one of those theoretical toon physics tests on us again." Buster shuddered briefly. "That thing was murder."
"It wasn't his fault," Babs pointed out. "He was just subbing for Wile E. that day."
"Yeah, but I think he added a few extra questions to the professor's exam anyhow."
Babs scowled at the blue rabbit. "I donno why you're making such a big fuss--you got most of them right."
Buster laughed nervously. "Just lucky I guess."
The two rabbits continued on through the woods to the Looniversity. The pre-class atmosphere at the Loo, which normally consisted of students fumbling around half-asleep for their books and grumbling about the homework they didn't do, or the history exam looming before them, had been lifted in the last several weeks and replaced with higher spirits and general comradery as their graduation day approached and their classes would end.
Buster and Babs greeted their friends cheerfully, the halls filled with happy and excited chatter in anticipation of the end of the school year. Amidst the happy chatter, however, Buster and Babs noticed that they weren't the only toons in the dark on that day's curriculum. The rest of the Tiny Toons present were muttering amongst themselves concerning the afternoon's assembly.
"It's a test," Montana Man demanded, smacking a fist into an open palm.
"Like, I don't remember anyone telling us about one," Shirley said as she breezed by on her way to her locker, followed by Plucky who was desperately trying to get Shirley to notice him. His pursuit was ended abruptly as he was trampled flat by a orange blur of feathers followed by a gray blur of fur.

"So, what are your plans for the Summer, Fifi," Hamton asked as he stood next to the skunk's locker.
"ah do not know," she sighed happily, "but eet will be so good to be out on our own. I have been thinking about taking a road trip around zee country to see all zee sights. One gets tired of zees same old California weather every day, no?"
Hamton slumped into a dopey-looking stupor as Fifi passed a paw under his chin and caressed it lightly. "Maybe you want to come weeth me?" she asked, batting her eyes at him and making Hamton's tongue loll out onto the floor. Fifi slammed her locker door shut, knocking the pig out of his hypnotic trance. "Sure, Fifi," he said, coming to attention. "I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind."
"Aw," Fifi said, brushing her tail past him. "You are zee sweet piggy." Hamton nodded blankly, transfixed by the shapely purple skunk.
"See you at lunch," she called, disappearing down the hall, leaving the pig still in a state of immobile happiness by her locker.

Buster and Babs made their way through the throngs of toons to their lockers and retrieved their books. Slamming his locker door shut, Buster was greeted by Plucky.
"Did you rabbits hear?" the duck announced proudly, throwing his chest feathers out in proud display. "They're going to give me the Achievement of Excellence award today. That's what this big secret assembly is about!"
Buster and Babs turned and looked dryly at each other. As if on cue, they simultaneously burst out in roaring laughter.
"Yeah, right, Plucky!" Buster sputtered through his laughter.
"Award for biggest ego, maybe," Babs added, snickering.
"Humph," Plucky said, snubbing the two rabbits and walking off with his head held high.
Still snickering between themselves, the rabbits headed off to their first class.