A/N:
Ellie: - *clings onto lamp-post* NO!
Danger Mouse: - *tugging with all his might* COME ON! The holidays are over - you have to go back to school!
Ellie: - *whimpers* But - it's SCHOOL! There's the uniform - the lessons - the constant reminder that Christmas is over -
Danger Mouse: - Yes, but it gives you a good education.
Ellie: - But with all my homework, I'll miss your show!
Danger Mouse: - You can see it during the weekend.
Ellie: - Oh, yeah. Good point. *Grabs backpack and runs down the street to school*.
Danger Mouse: - *Mops forehead* Good grief. Anyway, Happy Belated New Year, everyone!
*
Chapter 4
"DM, I think you really should have the therapy", said Kim for the umpteenth time.
The heroic trio were sitting around the table in the kitchen. DM had worked up an appetite and had eaten three sandwiches. Kim and Penfold were relieved that he had acquired a good appetite and were beginning to worry slightly less now.
DM looked down at his baguette and thought for a moment. He was beginning to see from his friends' point of view - both dreams really should be treated for. It would make DM's life easier, and he could worry less. But the thought of letting the visions of his brother go...
But I'd still have the memories, thought DM. It wouldn't be a complete loss.
"You know - maybe you're right", he said. "It would be easier - not just for me, but for all of us. But you have your own problems to worry about, Kim".
"We'll take care of that later", said Kim. "Right now, we are focusing on YOU".
DM smiled at his friend's loyalty and encouragement.
"Now, why not call the Professor", advised Kim. "He can give you more information".
"Yes, I was meaning to do that", said DM. "Let's see - it's one o'clock now, and over at Looney Island he must have just finished his lunch. I'll get onto him now".
Going through to the lounge, DM dialled Squakencluck's number and waited for his friend's face to come up on screen. But instead of Squakencluck's small face, Colonel K appeared.
"Colonel K?" asked DM, confused. "I was in the middle of calling Professor Squakencluck!"
"I'm sorry, DM", apologised the Colonel. "But I have an emergency for you. Agent 14 spied Stilletto and Leatherhead at Hamper Hill, and they weren't having a picnic!"
"What were they doing?" asked DM.
"Agent 14 heard screaming. He thinks they kidnapped someone; a woman".
"Oh, good grief", frowned DM, as Kim and Penfold came in after him.
"Agent 14 followed the van as far as he could - unfortunately he didn't have a tracking device on him. He followed them as far as a woods. Then he lost them. He thinks they might be IN the woods".
"What's the name of the wood?" asked DM.
"Er - I believe it's Squirrel Wood", replied the Colonel. "It's one of the few places in Britain where whole colonies of squirrels live".
"I hope they're a friendly lot", frowned DM.
"I'll send reinforcements out if we fall short of all communication", assured the Colonel.
"Right - we'll get onto it right away", said DM.
"Good luck. Over and out", said the Colonel, and his face disappeared.
"Let's go, Penfold", said DM to his assistant.
"Wait. DM, can't I come?" asked Kim. "If there's a woman in trouble, she might need a fellow female figure to talk to her. Please".
Kim was pleading now. DM thought about it for a fraction of a second before nodding.
"You're right. Hop on. You could play a big part in this mission".
He smiled at her as she sat on the couch with him. Sometimes, he couldn't help wondering whether she really needed training.
Realising he was letting his lovesick side get the better of him, DM gave himself a sharp pinch just before the couch took off down to the car.
*
Belinda's eyes fluttered open. She could see a sort of grey, uneven surface above her, and there was an uncomfortable surface below her.
Belinda lay there for a moment, and then sat up with great difficulty due to her stomach. She realised for the first time her hands were tied behind her back. There was a gag over her mouth.
Belinda panicked. What on earth was this...?
Then she remembered what had happened to Jerry. He wasn't in here with her - she was alone.
No voice, no hands and I don't know where I am, thought Belinda. And no-one could have heard me screaming back at the car - did they?
Well - at least it was something, At least she had a shred of hope to cling to. In the meantime, she hoped to get some enlightment from whoever had done this to both herself and Jerry.
* Greenback was pleased. He had Taylor and his wife - and now he could put his plan into action.
"Stilletto, Leatherhead", he said to the two henchmen standing in front of him. Both had disgarded of their large anoraks and were now in their normal clothes.
"Si, Barone?" asked Stilletto.
"I'm happy to announce that you two are heading for a raise", said the toad.
"Thanks, sir!" enthused Leatherhead.
"You are dismissed now. I want to have a few words with Mr. Taylor via the cell videphones".
Stilletto and Leatherhead both sniggered, and then left the room. Greenback was left alone with his pet caterpillar Nero.
"Now, my fuffy joy", said Greenback to Nero, as he spun around on his chair to face the screen. "Now to have a word with Mr. Taylor and bring him round to see things our way".
Nero gave a series of nervous squeaks.
"Fear not, Nero", said Greenback. "He will fall into our clutches. A brother will do ANYTHING for a sister".
*
Jerry woke up on a hard floor. He groaned, and tried to move his arms - but they wouldn't move. Jerry looked up and saw that he was chained to the wall.
What the heck? he thought, trying to struggle. Where's Belinda?
Jerry was sitting in an empty room. There was a door with a small barred window at the other end, but that was no use. There was nothing else.
Confused, Jerry tried to remember what had happened. The foul smell...Belinda's screaming...then the next thing he knew, he was in this place.
At that moment, Jerry snapped to attention as a crackling came from above him. He looked up to see a TV screen - and a toad's face was present on it.
"This is getting weird", Jerry moaned. "I think I'm seeing things now".
"I think not, Mr. Taylor", croaked the toad. Jerry gasped. Then he growled.
"What have you done with my wife?" he demanded. "Where's Belinda?"
"Oh, don't worry about that", grinned the toad. "We've put her in a safe place - she'll be fine".
Jerry gave a furious yell.
"She's pregnant!" he cried as he squirmed in his metal binds. "She's pregnant, and if she goes into labour all alone - "
The toad just gave a small smile
"Mr. Taylor, I beg you to keep calm. Your wife is safe".
"Why, you - "
"Now, we have more important things to discuss", said Greenback, ignoring Jerry's last remark. "It concerns your sister".
Jerry frowned. "Kim? What has she got to do with anything?"
"I've met her before, under...strange circumstances".
Jerry exploded.
"How dare you! So that's where she disappeared to - you must have kidnapped her!"
"I only did it for your sister's safety", Greenback, continuing with his charade. "I have some information for you about her", said Greenback pleasantly. "Have you ever wondered what she's up to nowadays?"
"What she does is nothing to do with you", snarled Jerry.
"She's an agent. And guess who she's working alongside? The greatest secret agent in the world - Danger Mouse".
"You're lying", said Jerry. "She never said anything about knowing Danger Mouse".
But, he thought, It would explain why she doesn't visit anymore.
So - do I believe him or not?
"Maybe this will help you believe me", said Greenback. His face disappeared from the screen to be replaced by a photo of Kim, a mouse, and a hamster.
Jerry gasped. Unless he was mistaken, the mouse was Danger Mouse!
"Do you have any idea what that mouse has done to your sister?" asked Greenback's voice in the background.
Jerry narrowed his eyes. He didn't know WHAT to believe - but if something had happened to Kim, he wanted to know about it.
"Tell me", he said cautiously.
*
The Mark III landed in a clearing in Squirrel Wood. DM got out first, looked around, and then turned to Kim and Penfold.
"I think it's clear", he said. "I'm not taking any chances; we have no agency links in this wood".
"So they might not trust us", rationalized Kim, as she got out and helped Penfold out too.
"Yes - so just hope we don't run into any squirrels", said DM. "Now - "
At that moment, there was a rustling. DM stopped in mid-sentence and whirled around. He looked up at the trees and then at the long stems of grass. Nothing.
DM narrowed his eyes. "I think we'd better stay together for the moment. We'll do a brief round of these woods; then if it seems safe we'll split up".
He took Penfold's hand and Penfold in turn grabbed onto Kim's. DM then led them out of the clearing and down a narrow pathway.
It seemed to become darker. Penfold clung on even tighter to DM's hand. Then he gasped as something grabbed his ankle. Screaming, Penfold fell to the ground, his hands over his eyes.
"It's got me! A squirrel's got me! Help!"
"Penfold, for goodness sake!" snapped DM's voice. Penfold opened his eyes and saw Danger Mouse pulling a tree-root off his ankle.
"You just tripped", he explained, as he cleared the last of it and helped his friend up. "I just hope no-one's heard us".
"Sorry", said Penfold sheepishly. "I just got a bit nervous".
DM shook his head and the three continued on their way. Then there were rustlings all around, and squirrels seemed to drop from the sky, surrounding the trio.
"Penfold", said DM, as he looked at the squirrels on his side. "I am going to hold you responsible for this".
*
"Your sister didn't know who to tell", said Greenback, as Jerry took in the toad's story with horror. "She was abused and neglected, and she didn't know who to tell. But I knew something was happening, and brought her to my Frog Head Flyer one night. And she told me all - how he made her believe that he really cared for her; and then how he started to abuse her. Every day in the same room with him was a nightmare; she couldn't see him without being kicked or punched".
"I'll kill him", breathed Jerry. "I will".
"Now, we mustn't go and do something we may regret later", scolded Greenback, as he silently branded himself a genius. "I feel as much as you - "
"Believe me, I wouldn't regret it", snarled Jerry.
"I'm going to let you go", said Greenback suddenly. Jerry looked up.
"You're going to -"
"Both your sister and wife are somewhere in this wood", said Greenback. He pressed a button at his desk, and the chains flew apart. Jerry pulled both his hands free, and rubbed his wrists.
"You have to find your family", said Greenback. "It's entirely down to you. Good luck"
"Thankyou", said Jerry, as the cell door flew open. He ran through it - and found himself outside. Frowning, he went back into the cell and looked up at Greenback's face.
"But I don't know where I am", he said.
"Squirrel Wood", answered Greenback.
"Where can I find Belinda and Kim?" he asked.
"Like I said, it's down to you", said Greenback. "But there's one more thing. Danger Mouse is here too - with Kim. If I were you - " Greenback narrowed his eyes " - I would go and defend her against that cruel mouse. Isn't a brother supposed to defend a sister?"
Then the screen went blank.
Jerry looked at the blank screen for a moment, and then went back inside. He frowned as he looked around. Then he decided that whatever he was faced with in this forest, finding the girls was important. Besides, he had a score to settle with Danger Mouse when they met.
I always Danger Mouse was great, thought Jerry, as he set off down a path.
Well, it looks like I was wrong. Yes, a brother DOES protect a sister - and I'm going to protect mine.
*
Meanwhile...
DM, Kim and Penfold were still stuck in the clearing, surrounded by squirrels. None of them had ever seen so many!
"Who are you?" asked the biggest squirrel in a noble voice. He seemed to be the leader.
"Erm", said DM, as he stepped forward. "Hello - my name is Danger Mouse, and these are my assistants Penfold and Kim". He gestured back to his two friends, who were both standing to attention themselves, and keeping a sharp eye on the army of squirrels surrounding them.
"I know not of any of you", said the large squirrel. "Attack!"
DM poised himself as three squirrels ran right at him and pinned him to the ground. Kim and Penfold ran to help him, but two squirrels grabbed them both.
"Wait!" cried a younger male voice. "No - wait!"
The squirrels stopped grappling as a boy squirrel came pushing through. He placed a hand on the large squirrel's shoulder.
"Father", he said breathlessly. "Call them off!"
"Elijah, these are trespassers", frowned the leader.
"But I know them!" cried Elijah. "Danger Mouse is the world's greatest secret agent!"
"I do not care for his occupation", said the squirrel firmly. "He and his followers are on our land".
"Father, humans come through every day!" cried the boy. "And we do not attack them!"
"That is because humans are one of the world's strongest creatures. They are liable to take us all down".
"But SHE is a human!" cried Elijah, pointing at Kim.
"ONE human, my son", said the father. "It is easy for us to take her".
"No!" cried the boy. He skipped past his father and stood in front of DM. "I will not let you! Danger Mouse protects this whole earth. Innocent people owe their lives to him! So if you want to kill them, father, you will have to kill me too!"
"My son! Move aside!" snapped his father.
"No!" cried the young squirrel. He glared past DM at the two squirrels holding Kim and Penfold. They took the hint and let them go.
DM thought he had been quiet long enough and decided to try and reason with the leader.
"Listen", he said, walking forwards slightly as he addressed the large squirrel. "We don't intend to hurt you and your colony. We were assigned to this wood to search for someone, that's all".
"How can I believe that?" asked the father. "You wear an eyepatch and have a human on our side. To us, humans are hostile. And your eyepatch just deepens our suspicions".
"I've had this eyepatch since the beginning", frowned DM. "It's not something I can help. And Kim here wouldn't hurt a fly. She is helping us, that's all".
He looked round at the army of squirrels.
"Now, if you do not mind my haste", he said. "I am looking for someone, and you are causing a delay. I am not a father myself, but I know that if I were, I would listen to my child's plea. If you really value your son, then please let us through".
"He's good", muttered Penfold to Kim. She put a finger to her lips, indicating for him to shush; but she smiled as she did so.
"Please, father", said Elijah. "Please just let me talk to them in private. You have heard Danger Mouse's words. He is a well-respected agent in his field and I'm positive we can trust him".
The father narrowed his eyes, but then sighed.
"Very well. You have a soft heart, Elijah".
"Unlike others, I don't judge a creature on the spot", said Elijah. He then turned to DM.
"Follow me. You and your friends", he said.
DM turned and gestured for Kim and Penfold to come over. Elijah then led them through the crowd of squirrels, and down a path.
"Forgive my father", apologised Elijah, once they were out of earshot. "He is a fine leader, but he is fierce with trespassers. He has slain many creatures before you".
Penfold trembled.
"Don't worry about your father", said DM, as they walked on. "I understand. I hope he doesn't give you a hard time over this".
"He has been like this many a time since my mother died", answered Elijah sadly. DM stopped in his tracks. He felt Kim's hand on his shoulder, gently pushing him forward.
"I'm - I'm sorry about that", said DM, as he walked faster to catch up with Elijah, the sweet touch on his back helping him to move forward. "What happened?"
"Some hunters shot her", replied Elijah. "Last year. It was an accident: they meant to kill a deer, but the bullet was aimed off the mark and killed Mother instead. You can see why my father resents humans so - excuse the expression", the boy added to Kim.
"That's alright", said Kim. "I hate hunters. They shouldn't shoot anything at all".
Elijah smiled.
"If only all humans were like you", he said. "I suppose mother was just in the wrong place at the wrong time".
The little group walked for ten minutes until they came into a clearing. Some large trees had been planted there, and they towered over the group.
"I'll go up first. You and yours stay here", said Elijah. Then he ran to one of the trees, and scarpered up it in the blink of an eye.
"How does he do it?" cried Penfold. Up above, Elijah heard him.
"Years of practice, my friend", he called down.
"Cor!" said Penfold.
Elijah reached into a small hole into the side of the tree, and brought out something thin and long. He then threw it down to DM and DM saw what it was: a rope made up of vines!
"I say - is it safe?" he called up.
"Certainly", replied Elijah. "I have been working on it for fifteen months. It is extra strong, I promise you".
"I'll take your word for it", called DM. "Penfold, you go first". He took his friend's hand and pushed him forwards. "Go on. It's nothing to be afraid of".
"Oh - erm - alright, Chief", called Penfold over his shoulder. He then grabbed the rope cautiously, and started to pull himself up.
"That's right, Penfold", said DM's voice encouragingly. "You can do it".
Penfold shut his eyes tight and climbed as best he could until he felt Elijah's hands grab him and place him safely on the branch beside him.
Once the rope had been thrown back down twice more and Kim and DM had climbed up, Elijah led them into the little hole he had gotten the rope out of.
"Sit", he invited, and DM, Kim and Penfold sat down on the wooden floor. Elijah sat opposite.
"Please forgive me for my lack of refreshments", apologised Elijah, as he sat down opposite them. "But I do not think my appetisers would appeal to you as much as to me".
"Of course", said Danger Mouse. "Now, I have a few questions. First of all, how did you know who I was?"
"I am friends with a garden squirrel", answered Elijah. "Her cousin is an agent in your organisation".
"I see", said DM, nodding. "Well, thankyou for saving us from your father's army. Now, one other question. Have you seen or heard any - strange activity in these woods?"
"Now that you mention it, I did", frowned Elijah. "About two hours ago I was searching for nuts. My route took me to the edge of the forest. There were two strange vehicles there. One was a big white van. The other was unlike any vehicle I have ever seen. It had a frog-shaped head, and it stood on legs. It was like a monster".
DM stood up and only just managed to avoid banging his head on the ceiling.
"That was the Frog Head Flyer", he told Elijah urgently. "It's the craft of my number one enemy, Baron Greenback".
"The toad who has tried and failed to taken over this earth for the duration of the last three years", said Elijah grimly. "I am sorry. I did not realise".
"It's not your fault, Elijah" said Kim comfortingly.
"No. Very few people have ever seen the Frog Head Flyer", added DM. "Now did you see anything else? Can you tell us where they were?"
"In the south-easterly direction of this wood", said Elijah.
"Anything else?"
"I'm afraid not", said Elijah. "I really am sorry".
"It's alright. I'm afraid we must go", said DM, as he made for the exit. "Thanks a lot Elijah - you've been a big help".
"Only too glad to assist, my friends", said Elijah, as he followed them outside. "I only hope you find who you are looking for". He paused for a moment, thoughtful, and ran back inside the hole. When he came out again, he held something in a little pouch made out of leaves.
"This is a medicine", he told them, as he handed it to Kim. "It will sustain any wounds you may recieve. I worked on it myself. I just hope you will not need it".
"Thankyou, Elijah", said DM, as Kim pocketed the medicine and started to slide gently down the vine rope that was hanging from the branch. "I hope we will see you again soon. Bye".
He picked up Penfold, and put him up on his shoulders. Penfold hung on tight as DM slid down the rope at top speed, and landed at the bottom.
"Alright, you two", he said to his assistants. "Let's get on. We know where Greenback is - that's where we go".
*
Jerry looked at the two paths he was faced with. One led off to the right and the other in a sort of south-easterly direction. Both paths seemed to hold equal possibilities.
Jerry decided to take a chance, and set off down the south-easterly way.
*
Belinda gave a squeak of pain as her teeth missed the gag and struck her lip instead. For the last half-hour, she had attempted to bite through the gag and call for help. But so far, she had failed.
What am I going to do? she thought. How am I going to get free? And where on earth is Jerry?
No-one had come to see her. Belinda was bored, afraid, hungry and thirsty. She was also going mad from just sitting in the same place. She wriggled around a bit - and then gave a muffled cry of pain as something sharp poked her back. She turned around slightly and saw a sharp piece of rock sticking out from the cave wall.
Belinda glared at it. Then the glare vanished, to be replaced by a thoughtful frown. Maybe she could use the rock to get rid of the gag.
Belinda wriggled slowly and painfully onto her side. She knew that whatever she did, she had to be careful with her baby.
She arched out her head towards the rock, and tried to catch it on the sharpest point. It wasn't easy, but finally, the gag caught onto the rock, and Belinda gently brought her head up as the gag was dragged down. Finally, her mouth was free.
Belinda opened her mouth and screamed long and loud.
Ellie: - *clings onto lamp-post* NO!
Danger Mouse: - *tugging with all his might* COME ON! The holidays are over - you have to go back to school!
Ellie: - *whimpers* But - it's SCHOOL! There's the uniform - the lessons - the constant reminder that Christmas is over -
Danger Mouse: - Yes, but it gives you a good education.
Ellie: - But with all my homework, I'll miss your show!
Danger Mouse: - You can see it during the weekend.
Ellie: - Oh, yeah. Good point. *Grabs backpack and runs down the street to school*.
Danger Mouse: - *Mops forehead* Good grief. Anyway, Happy Belated New Year, everyone!
*
Chapter 4
"DM, I think you really should have the therapy", said Kim for the umpteenth time.
The heroic trio were sitting around the table in the kitchen. DM had worked up an appetite and had eaten three sandwiches. Kim and Penfold were relieved that he had acquired a good appetite and were beginning to worry slightly less now.
DM looked down at his baguette and thought for a moment. He was beginning to see from his friends' point of view - both dreams really should be treated for. It would make DM's life easier, and he could worry less. But the thought of letting the visions of his brother go...
But I'd still have the memories, thought DM. It wouldn't be a complete loss.
"You know - maybe you're right", he said. "It would be easier - not just for me, but for all of us. But you have your own problems to worry about, Kim".
"We'll take care of that later", said Kim. "Right now, we are focusing on YOU".
DM smiled at his friend's loyalty and encouragement.
"Now, why not call the Professor", advised Kim. "He can give you more information".
"Yes, I was meaning to do that", said DM. "Let's see - it's one o'clock now, and over at Looney Island he must have just finished his lunch. I'll get onto him now".
Going through to the lounge, DM dialled Squakencluck's number and waited for his friend's face to come up on screen. But instead of Squakencluck's small face, Colonel K appeared.
"Colonel K?" asked DM, confused. "I was in the middle of calling Professor Squakencluck!"
"I'm sorry, DM", apologised the Colonel. "But I have an emergency for you. Agent 14 spied Stilletto and Leatherhead at Hamper Hill, and they weren't having a picnic!"
"What were they doing?" asked DM.
"Agent 14 heard screaming. He thinks they kidnapped someone; a woman".
"Oh, good grief", frowned DM, as Kim and Penfold came in after him.
"Agent 14 followed the van as far as he could - unfortunately he didn't have a tracking device on him. He followed them as far as a woods. Then he lost them. He thinks they might be IN the woods".
"What's the name of the wood?" asked DM.
"Er - I believe it's Squirrel Wood", replied the Colonel. "It's one of the few places in Britain where whole colonies of squirrels live".
"I hope they're a friendly lot", frowned DM.
"I'll send reinforcements out if we fall short of all communication", assured the Colonel.
"Right - we'll get onto it right away", said DM.
"Good luck. Over and out", said the Colonel, and his face disappeared.
"Let's go, Penfold", said DM to his assistant.
"Wait. DM, can't I come?" asked Kim. "If there's a woman in trouble, she might need a fellow female figure to talk to her. Please".
Kim was pleading now. DM thought about it for a fraction of a second before nodding.
"You're right. Hop on. You could play a big part in this mission".
He smiled at her as she sat on the couch with him. Sometimes, he couldn't help wondering whether she really needed training.
Realising he was letting his lovesick side get the better of him, DM gave himself a sharp pinch just before the couch took off down to the car.
*
Belinda's eyes fluttered open. She could see a sort of grey, uneven surface above her, and there was an uncomfortable surface below her.
Belinda lay there for a moment, and then sat up with great difficulty due to her stomach. She realised for the first time her hands were tied behind her back. There was a gag over her mouth.
Belinda panicked. What on earth was this...?
Then she remembered what had happened to Jerry. He wasn't in here with her - she was alone.
No voice, no hands and I don't know where I am, thought Belinda. And no-one could have heard me screaming back at the car - did they?
Well - at least it was something, At least she had a shred of hope to cling to. In the meantime, she hoped to get some enlightment from whoever had done this to both herself and Jerry.
* Greenback was pleased. He had Taylor and his wife - and now he could put his plan into action.
"Stilletto, Leatherhead", he said to the two henchmen standing in front of him. Both had disgarded of their large anoraks and were now in their normal clothes.
"Si, Barone?" asked Stilletto.
"I'm happy to announce that you two are heading for a raise", said the toad.
"Thanks, sir!" enthused Leatherhead.
"You are dismissed now. I want to have a few words with Mr. Taylor via the cell videphones".
Stilletto and Leatherhead both sniggered, and then left the room. Greenback was left alone with his pet caterpillar Nero.
"Now, my fuffy joy", said Greenback to Nero, as he spun around on his chair to face the screen. "Now to have a word with Mr. Taylor and bring him round to see things our way".
Nero gave a series of nervous squeaks.
"Fear not, Nero", said Greenback. "He will fall into our clutches. A brother will do ANYTHING for a sister".
*
Jerry woke up on a hard floor. He groaned, and tried to move his arms - but they wouldn't move. Jerry looked up and saw that he was chained to the wall.
What the heck? he thought, trying to struggle. Where's Belinda?
Jerry was sitting in an empty room. There was a door with a small barred window at the other end, but that was no use. There was nothing else.
Confused, Jerry tried to remember what had happened. The foul smell...Belinda's screaming...then the next thing he knew, he was in this place.
At that moment, Jerry snapped to attention as a crackling came from above him. He looked up to see a TV screen - and a toad's face was present on it.
"This is getting weird", Jerry moaned. "I think I'm seeing things now".
"I think not, Mr. Taylor", croaked the toad. Jerry gasped. Then he growled.
"What have you done with my wife?" he demanded. "Where's Belinda?"
"Oh, don't worry about that", grinned the toad. "We've put her in a safe place - she'll be fine".
Jerry gave a furious yell.
"She's pregnant!" he cried as he squirmed in his metal binds. "She's pregnant, and if she goes into labour all alone - "
The toad just gave a small smile
"Mr. Taylor, I beg you to keep calm. Your wife is safe".
"Why, you - "
"Now, we have more important things to discuss", said Greenback, ignoring Jerry's last remark. "It concerns your sister".
Jerry frowned. "Kim? What has she got to do with anything?"
"I've met her before, under...strange circumstances".
Jerry exploded.
"How dare you! So that's where she disappeared to - you must have kidnapped her!"
"I only did it for your sister's safety", Greenback, continuing with his charade. "I have some information for you about her", said Greenback pleasantly. "Have you ever wondered what she's up to nowadays?"
"What she does is nothing to do with you", snarled Jerry.
"She's an agent. And guess who she's working alongside? The greatest secret agent in the world - Danger Mouse".
"You're lying", said Jerry. "She never said anything about knowing Danger Mouse".
But, he thought, It would explain why she doesn't visit anymore.
So - do I believe him or not?
"Maybe this will help you believe me", said Greenback. His face disappeared from the screen to be replaced by a photo of Kim, a mouse, and a hamster.
Jerry gasped. Unless he was mistaken, the mouse was Danger Mouse!
"Do you have any idea what that mouse has done to your sister?" asked Greenback's voice in the background.
Jerry narrowed his eyes. He didn't know WHAT to believe - but if something had happened to Kim, he wanted to know about it.
"Tell me", he said cautiously.
*
The Mark III landed in a clearing in Squirrel Wood. DM got out first, looked around, and then turned to Kim and Penfold.
"I think it's clear", he said. "I'm not taking any chances; we have no agency links in this wood".
"So they might not trust us", rationalized Kim, as she got out and helped Penfold out too.
"Yes - so just hope we don't run into any squirrels", said DM. "Now - "
At that moment, there was a rustling. DM stopped in mid-sentence and whirled around. He looked up at the trees and then at the long stems of grass. Nothing.
DM narrowed his eyes. "I think we'd better stay together for the moment. We'll do a brief round of these woods; then if it seems safe we'll split up".
He took Penfold's hand and Penfold in turn grabbed onto Kim's. DM then led them out of the clearing and down a narrow pathway.
It seemed to become darker. Penfold clung on even tighter to DM's hand. Then he gasped as something grabbed his ankle. Screaming, Penfold fell to the ground, his hands over his eyes.
"It's got me! A squirrel's got me! Help!"
"Penfold, for goodness sake!" snapped DM's voice. Penfold opened his eyes and saw Danger Mouse pulling a tree-root off his ankle.
"You just tripped", he explained, as he cleared the last of it and helped his friend up. "I just hope no-one's heard us".
"Sorry", said Penfold sheepishly. "I just got a bit nervous".
DM shook his head and the three continued on their way. Then there were rustlings all around, and squirrels seemed to drop from the sky, surrounding the trio.
"Penfold", said DM, as he looked at the squirrels on his side. "I am going to hold you responsible for this".
*
"Your sister didn't know who to tell", said Greenback, as Jerry took in the toad's story with horror. "She was abused and neglected, and she didn't know who to tell. But I knew something was happening, and brought her to my Frog Head Flyer one night. And she told me all - how he made her believe that he really cared for her; and then how he started to abuse her. Every day in the same room with him was a nightmare; she couldn't see him without being kicked or punched".
"I'll kill him", breathed Jerry. "I will".
"Now, we mustn't go and do something we may regret later", scolded Greenback, as he silently branded himself a genius. "I feel as much as you - "
"Believe me, I wouldn't regret it", snarled Jerry.
"I'm going to let you go", said Greenback suddenly. Jerry looked up.
"You're going to -"
"Both your sister and wife are somewhere in this wood", said Greenback. He pressed a button at his desk, and the chains flew apart. Jerry pulled both his hands free, and rubbed his wrists.
"You have to find your family", said Greenback. "It's entirely down to you. Good luck"
"Thankyou", said Jerry, as the cell door flew open. He ran through it - and found himself outside. Frowning, he went back into the cell and looked up at Greenback's face.
"But I don't know where I am", he said.
"Squirrel Wood", answered Greenback.
"Where can I find Belinda and Kim?" he asked.
"Like I said, it's down to you", said Greenback. "But there's one more thing. Danger Mouse is here too - with Kim. If I were you - " Greenback narrowed his eyes " - I would go and defend her against that cruel mouse. Isn't a brother supposed to defend a sister?"
Then the screen went blank.
Jerry looked at the blank screen for a moment, and then went back inside. He frowned as he looked around. Then he decided that whatever he was faced with in this forest, finding the girls was important. Besides, he had a score to settle with Danger Mouse when they met.
I always Danger Mouse was great, thought Jerry, as he set off down a path.
Well, it looks like I was wrong. Yes, a brother DOES protect a sister - and I'm going to protect mine.
*
Meanwhile...
DM, Kim and Penfold were still stuck in the clearing, surrounded by squirrels. None of them had ever seen so many!
"Who are you?" asked the biggest squirrel in a noble voice. He seemed to be the leader.
"Erm", said DM, as he stepped forward. "Hello - my name is Danger Mouse, and these are my assistants Penfold and Kim". He gestured back to his two friends, who were both standing to attention themselves, and keeping a sharp eye on the army of squirrels surrounding them.
"I know not of any of you", said the large squirrel. "Attack!"
DM poised himself as three squirrels ran right at him and pinned him to the ground. Kim and Penfold ran to help him, but two squirrels grabbed them both.
"Wait!" cried a younger male voice. "No - wait!"
The squirrels stopped grappling as a boy squirrel came pushing through. He placed a hand on the large squirrel's shoulder.
"Father", he said breathlessly. "Call them off!"
"Elijah, these are trespassers", frowned the leader.
"But I know them!" cried Elijah. "Danger Mouse is the world's greatest secret agent!"
"I do not care for his occupation", said the squirrel firmly. "He and his followers are on our land".
"Father, humans come through every day!" cried the boy. "And we do not attack them!"
"That is because humans are one of the world's strongest creatures. They are liable to take us all down".
"But SHE is a human!" cried Elijah, pointing at Kim.
"ONE human, my son", said the father. "It is easy for us to take her".
"No!" cried the boy. He skipped past his father and stood in front of DM. "I will not let you! Danger Mouse protects this whole earth. Innocent people owe their lives to him! So if you want to kill them, father, you will have to kill me too!"
"My son! Move aside!" snapped his father.
"No!" cried the young squirrel. He glared past DM at the two squirrels holding Kim and Penfold. They took the hint and let them go.
DM thought he had been quiet long enough and decided to try and reason with the leader.
"Listen", he said, walking forwards slightly as he addressed the large squirrel. "We don't intend to hurt you and your colony. We were assigned to this wood to search for someone, that's all".
"How can I believe that?" asked the father. "You wear an eyepatch and have a human on our side. To us, humans are hostile. And your eyepatch just deepens our suspicions".
"I've had this eyepatch since the beginning", frowned DM. "It's not something I can help. And Kim here wouldn't hurt a fly. She is helping us, that's all".
He looked round at the army of squirrels.
"Now, if you do not mind my haste", he said. "I am looking for someone, and you are causing a delay. I am not a father myself, but I know that if I were, I would listen to my child's plea. If you really value your son, then please let us through".
"He's good", muttered Penfold to Kim. She put a finger to her lips, indicating for him to shush; but she smiled as she did so.
"Please, father", said Elijah. "Please just let me talk to them in private. You have heard Danger Mouse's words. He is a well-respected agent in his field and I'm positive we can trust him".
The father narrowed his eyes, but then sighed.
"Very well. You have a soft heart, Elijah".
"Unlike others, I don't judge a creature on the spot", said Elijah. He then turned to DM.
"Follow me. You and your friends", he said.
DM turned and gestured for Kim and Penfold to come over. Elijah then led them through the crowd of squirrels, and down a path.
"Forgive my father", apologised Elijah, once they were out of earshot. "He is a fine leader, but he is fierce with trespassers. He has slain many creatures before you".
Penfold trembled.
"Don't worry about your father", said DM, as they walked on. "I understand. I hope he doesn't give you a hard time over this".
"He has been like this many a time since my mother died", answered Elijah sadly. DM stopped in his tracks. He felt Kim's hand on his shoulder, gently pushing him forward.
"I'm - I'm sorry about that", said DM, as he walked faster to catch up with Elijah, the sweet touch on his back helping him to move forward. "What happened?"
"Some hunters shot her", replied Elijah. "Last year. It was an accident: they meant to kill a deer, but the bullet was aimed off the mark and killed Mother instead. You can see why my father resents humans so - excuse the expression", the boy added to Kim.
"That's alright", said Kim. "I hate hunters. They shouldn't shoot anything at all".
Elijah smiled.
"If only all humans were like you", he said. "I suppose mother was just in the wrong place at the wrong time".
The little group walked for ten minutes until they came into a clearing. Some large trees had been planted there, and they towered over the group.
"I'll go up first. You and yours stay here", said Elijah. Then he ran to one of the trees, and scarpered up it in the blink of an eye.
"How does he do it?" cried Penfold. Up above, Elijah heard him.
"Years of practice, my friend", he called down.
"Cor!" said Penfold.
Elijah reached into a small hole into the side of the tree, and brought out something thin and long. He then threw it down to DM and DM saw what it was: a rope made up of vines!
"I say - is it safe?" he called up.
"Certainly", replied Elijah. "I have been working on it for fifteen months. It is extra strong, I promise you".
"I'll take your word for it", called DM. "Penfold, you go first". He took his friend's hand and pushed him forwards. "Go on. It's nothing to be afraid of".
"Oh - erm - alright, Chief", called Penfold over his shoulder. He then grabbed the rope cautiously, and started to pull himself up.
"That's right, Penfold", said DM's voice encouragingly. "You can do it".
Penfold shut his eyes tight and climbed as best he could until he felt Elijah's hands grab him and place him safely on the branch beside him.
Once the rope had been thrown back down twice more and Kim and DM had climbed up, Elijah led them into the little hole he had gotten the rope out of.
"Sit", he invited, and DM, Kim and Penfold sat down on the wooden floor. Elijah sat opposite.
"Please forgive me for my lack of refreshments", apologised Elijah, as he sat down opposite them. "But I do not think my appetisers would appeal to you as much as to me".
"Of course", said Danger Mouse. "Now, I have a few questions. First of all, how did you know who I was?"
"I am friends with a garden squirrel", answered Elijah. "Her cousin is an agent in your organisation".
"I see", said DM, nodding. "Well, thankyou for saving us from your father's army. Now, one other question. Have you seen or heard any - strange activity in these woods?"
"Now that you mention it, I did", frowned Elijah. "About two hours ago I was searching for nuts. My route took me to the edge of the forest. There were two strange vehicles there. One was a big white van. The other was unlike any vehicle I have ever seen. It had a frog-shaped head, and it stood on legs. It was like a monster".
DM stood up and only just managed to avoid banging his head on the ceiling.
"That was the Frog Head Flyer", he told Elijah urgently. "It's the craft of my number one enemy, Baron Greenback".
"The toad who has tried and failed to taken over this earth for the duration of the last three years", said Elijah grimly. "I am sorry. I did not realise".
"It's not your fault, Elijah" said Kim comfortingly.
"No. Very few people have ever seen the Frog Head Flyer", added DM. "Now did you see anything else? Can you tell us where they were?"
"In the south-easterly direction of this wood", said Elijah.
"Anything else?"
"I'm afraid not", said Elijah. "I really am sorry".
"It's alright. I'm afraid we must go", said DM, as he made for the exit. "Thanks a lot Elijah - you've been a big help".
"Only too glad to assist, my friends", said Elijah, as he followed them outside. "I only hope you find who you are looking for". He paused for a moment, thoughtful, and ran back inside the hole. When he came out again, he held something in a little pouch made out of leaves.
"This is a medicine", he told them, as he handed it to Kim. "It will sustain any wounds you may recieve. I worked on it myself. I just hope you will not need it".
"Thankyou, Elijah", said DM, as Kim pocketed the medicine and started to slide gently down the vine rope that was hanging from the branch. "I hope we will see you again soon. Bye".
He picked up Penfold, and put him up on his shoulders. Penfold hung on tight as DM slid down the rope at top speed, and landed at the bottom.
"Alright, you two", he said to his assistants. "Let's get on. We know where Greenback is - that's where we go".
*
Jerry looked at the two paths he was faced with. One led off to the right and the other in a sort of south-easterly direction. Both paths seemed to hold equal possibilities.
Jerry decided to take a chance, and set off down the south-easterly way.
*
Belinda gave a squeak of pain as her teeth missed the gag and struck her lip instead. For the last half-hour, she had attempted to bite through the gag and call for help. But so far, she had failed.
What am I going to do? she thought. How am I going to get free? And where on earth is Jerry?
No-one had come to see her. Belinda was bored, afraid, hungry and thirsty. She was also going mad from just sitting in the same place. She wriggled around a bit - and then gave a muffled cry of pain as something sharp poked her back. She turned around slightly and saw a sharp piece of rock sticking out from the cave wall.
Belinda glared at it. Then the glare vanished, to be replaced by a thoughtful frown. Maybe she could use the rock to get rid of the gag.
Belinda wriggled slowly and painfully onto her side. She knew that whatever she did, she had to be careful with her baby.
She arched out her head towards the rock, and tried to catch it on the sharpest point. It wasn't easy, but finally, the gag caught onto the rock, and Belinda gently brought her head up as the gag was dragged down. Finally, her mouth was free.
Belinda opened her mouth and screamed long and loud.
