Chapter 2: A Deadly Arrival
The Looneys, Kavasia, Azuki, Kazami, Tanka, and the Loonatics were just a few leagues away from Usaki Guavarno. As they were getting closer and closer, Tech's radar detected something unusual. He grew puzzled as he looked at it.
"What is that?" He asked himself as he took a closer look. Then, his eyes grew wide as he gasped with horror. "Oh, no!"
"What is it, Tech?" Wile E. asked.
"We're about to have a rude welcome."
"What?"
In response, a missle just slammed on the dragon ship, causing the alarm to sound and sending everybody to the floor, except Tech. He remained determined as he turned around to see everybody.
"We're dead, guys." He pleaded.
"What are we gonna do?" Lola screamed as Bugs held her tight, releasing Azuki from her arms. He walked up to a window and looked outside to see a large swarm of gigantic crystalized dragons. He counted about 100 of them. He grew furious and determined as he ran to the animal control chamber and closed the door. This shocked Tech and the others as the ship went to sudden stop, signaling that Tech was no longer in control.
"What he fuck…?" Slam yelled.
"What in the hell just happened?" Danger Duck asked. Lola looked around herself and noticed that Azuki was gone. She looked up at the door he went in and smiled.
"Guys! It's okay!" She exclaimed as she stood up.
"What'sth okay?" Daffy asked.
"Azuki just went into the animal control chamber."
"Perfect! I forgot I added that feature in here." Tech reminded himself as he sat back.
Inside the chamber, Azuki was automatically clicked into the control system with sensor fingerless gloves with cords, a helmet with cool looking goggles, and even more cords attached to the sides of his body, so they could detect his movement and so he could feel the pain, if they're any combustion from the dragons. Everybody outside the door he was in was watching him from a big screen tv that was shown in front of the cockpit. Lola held her hands together as she sliently prayed that Azuki would help get them through.
"What'sth all the cordsth all over him?" Sylvester asked.
"Those are sensor cords. He can feel the damages we get from these creatures and he's the sub's controller." Tech replied.
"Kinda like the EyeToy?" Tanka asked.
"Exactly."
"That's cool."
The action underwater was on. Azuki felt himself floating in the water he was hovering in the chamber, acting as the dragon robot. Outside, the dragon was doing every move Azuki was doing. 10 crocs were about to approach the sub again before Azuki opened his mouth and underwater resistant plasma beams fired out of the dragon's mouth. When it shot the crocs, they exploded into a million crystal pieces. In victory, Azuki roared and the dragon roared on his cue. Then, he started to float in a foreward position as the dragon swam in the same direction. He saw the crystalized dome and swam even faster.
"Hang on, guys." Wile E. warned. "As soon as we make contact with the dome, we'll start to drop really hard."
"I hope it won't hurt." Kazami comlained as he held on to Ace for his dear life.
As Azuki swam even further, 5 more crocs blocked his path. This made him angry. He simply closed his eyes and laserbeams shot out of the dragon's eyes and it blasted them into pieces. Then, as they continued onward, the nose touched the top of the dome and they felt the ship getting heavier as it calmly parachuted towards the ground in the main square of the city, making the civilians murmur in wonder. When the dragon sub's feet touched the ground, Azuki let out a sigh of relief as the cords removed themselves from his body and he wobbled out towards to group. Lola prepared herself to catch him by the time he collasped and he landed right in her arms before she picked him up and rubbed his back gently, holding him over her shoulder like a baby should be held.
"He's really tired, but we made it." She said to everyone.
"This place is beautiful." Kavasia commented as she walked out of the open mouth of the dragon sub. Soon after, everybody else walked out, making the civilians of Usaki Guavarno gasp with shock. They all just stood there with their normal expressions until…
"Welcome, outsiders!" Tzaporion announced from nowhere before he flew down from the tallest building in the palace, called the Imperial Dragon Tower, and landed in front of the group. "You all look like a unique group of visitors. Introduce yourselves in front of everybody and tell us what your personal quote is."
"'Poisonal quote', doc?" Bugs asked with puzzlement.
"Yeah. We can all guess your personailty from that." As the serpent king said this, he pulled out a microphone on a stand and stood it in front of them. "Whoever wants to go first can start whenever you're ready."
"I'll go first." Wile E. said as he walked up to the mic. "Hello, everyone. My name is Wile E. Coyote and my personal quote is: 'No matter what you're good at, you'll always be able to get better at it.'"
"Nice quote. I guess this means you're a natural genius. Am I right?"
"Just about, yes."
"Just as I suspected. Next!"
"Ahem!" Daffy started. "My name'sth Daffy Dumasth Duck and my quote isth: 'Being desthpicable makesth a big differencthe in your life.'"
"Such strong words from such a comedic fowl."
"Shucksth! I'm famousth for making people laugh, ya know."
"I understand that. Next!"
"My name is Ace Bunny and my personal quote is: 'Stand up for what's right, even if you're the only one standing.'" Ace announced.
"Excellent." Tzaporion complimented. "You must be one of the Loonatics."
"The leader actually."
"Pleasure to meet the leader of the Loonatics. Next!"
"The name'sth Sthylvesthter. My quote isth: 'Having a sthon can make a differencthe.'" Sylvester spoke out. Tzaporion was nearly in tears after that statement.
"You have a son?" He asked.
"Yeah. Histh name isth Sthylvesthter Jr.."
"Aw! How cute. How about we have a female come up this time?"
At that sentence, Lexi and Lola grew nervous because they were looking almost alike. They decided to introduce themselves together.
"Hello." They greeted together.
"I'm Lexi Bunny." Lexi spoke out.
"And I'm Lola Bunny." Lola continued.
"My personal quote is: 'When you blow your enemies aside from your future, you'll make a better quest to your success.'"
"Mine is just really simple: 'You'll miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.'"
"Excellent." Tzaporion complied to the ladies. "Now, I don't really need to know everybody else. I just wanted to meet the important people first."
"Well, if that's the case, then you missed one." Lola protested, holding Azuki in her arms.
"Oh? Who did I miss?"
"Me." Kavasia replied. "My name is Kavasia Raccoon."
"Nice to meet you. Shall we go to my chambers and find out the purpose as to why you're here?"
Later…
"I see you brought Azuki back." Tzaporion started as he sat on all fours in front of the group, who were seated in perfect rows. "What brings you to my palace?"
"My grandfather told me about your place. He says that this was the place where Azuki was born, but somehow, he was sentenced here for just more than the gold." Kavasia replied.
"Your grandfather? Is that who Greggie is?"
"You know him?"
"Of course. He used to be treasurer of my palace before he finally retired after working here for 49 years."
"49?"
"Yes. He was the best one out there. I didn't know he was a grandfather to you."
"So, that's why he knows about all this."
"If you've heard of this place, then you should also know about Azuki's crimes."
"Yeah." Slam agreed. "It's such an interesting story that I wanna hear it again."
"And so you shall. How Azuki got the gold to be processed into his body was all thanks to his close friend, Silverwing. Speaking of which, SILVERWING!"
Everybody watched from behind Tzaporion as they saw Silverwing walk out from the private door. Azuki squealed with delight as he saw his best friend and he lept out of Lola's arms as he ran up to him and he playfully tackled him and he started playing with his ear. Silverwing squealed happily in return as he tried to playfully push the golden tiger off and tackle him back. They were play with each other just like that while Tzaporion continued talking.
"They are friends." Lola awed as she watched them.
"(chuckles) Well, their friendship has been a secret from everybody and they've been friends for as long as I can't remember." Tzaporion agreed. "Anyway, Silverwing couldn't talk, but he could invent. He has the most superior mind in the whole palace. The machine that made the gold on Azuki's claws, stripes, and eyes is known as 'The Treasure Presser'. Has a nice ring to it, huh? Anyway, that machine only takes 3 steps for the process to work: simply walk inside, select areas where you want the gold, silver, or any other minerals or gemstones, and then, press the 'start' button. It's that simple."
"If only I could make a machine like that." Wile E. swore to himself.
"So, now that we have Silverwing, we'll be safe from harm's way, right?" Ace asked.
"Mostly. Just be very careful if you happen to approach Kenashi. He's the deadliest of all. It's gonna be hard to find him." Tzaporion replied.
"Why?" Danger Duck asked.
"Because HE will find you."
That last statement got everybody speechless, including Azuki and Silverwing.
"Are… are you seriousth?" Sylvester asked nervously.
"Yes. He's so deadly, not even I could spend another day with him."
"Speaking of which, what was Kenashi attempting to do to Azuki before you forced him to just wash him up on our shores of ACME Beach?" Wile E. asked.
"That I can't explain."
"Why not?" Danger Duck asked in shock. "I love it when it comes to blood and gore and stuff! C'mon, tell us!"
"Okay, but I should warn you. I hope you didn't eat anything before you got here. Now, it all started 4 years ago. Kenashi was just minding his own business, eating in a local bar with me and our friends…"
(Flashback…)
…when Azuki came in with Silverwing beside him. You see, the secret about theit friendship was supposed to be kept from Kenashi, but he soon found out by the time they walked in. He looked over my shoulder with anger written all over his face. I grew nervous as I turned and saw the two tigers walking in. They were heading towards the arcade section. When Kenashi eyed the gold on Azuki, he had it up to here with him. Little did he know, however, he didn't know that I was leader of the entire city of Usaki Guavarno. He got out of his seat and walked up to the two fancy tigers. Azuki and Silverwing noticed him at the very last minute when he vigoriously started grabbing Azuki by his neck and squeezing him so hard, blood started slowly, but surely coming out of his mouth, dripping to the floor in the process. At that point, I was about to stop this, but Silverwing beat me to it. He started to defend for his friend as he lept for Kenashi's neck and started piercing his neck with his sharp pair of front silver fangs, like a rattlesnake, except he doesn't have any venom. Blood started coming out of his neck and the silver tiger continued to bite even harder. At that point, Azuki was squeezed even harder and his golden eyes started to turn red. Now, it was my turn. I dashed out of my seat and pulled Silverwing off first, then I released Azuki from the deadly strangle and gently laid him down on the ground on his back gently, right next to Silverwing. I turned and looked at Kenashi before he gave me a fierce stab to my left leg, emitting my blood from it as I roared in pain. As I was phased by the strong, deadly stab, attempted to grab Azuki again with his free hand. My roaring was hurting everyone's ears, but that didn't matter. Kenashi tried to squeeze Azuki again, but this time, he tried sqeezing the wind out of him. He was squeezing the tiger's abdominal area, nearly crushing his ribs. I finally stopped my loud roaring and just grunted in pain as I looked at Kenashi and gave him a surprise. I pulled out a knife from the empty stool next to me. Actually, Silverwing retrieved it and gave it to me. He knew I was saving Azuki and he wanted me to by any means necessary. I smiled at him as a thanks before I carefully targeted and finally stabbed Kenashi in his right side, making him release Azuki again. But, this time, when the golden tiger fell to the floor unconcious, I silently commanded Silverwing to take him to a safe place and stay there with him until it was okay. He nodded in response as he picked up Azuki, placed him on his back, and carefully ran to a locked closet with a doggy door installed. After that happened, Kenashi finally grew weak and pulled his sharp claws out of my leg and he kneeled down, holding the dagger stab wound tightly, having blood on his hand. I kneeled down myself as I took a random white bandage cloth I happened to find on the floor and carefully strapped it on. It stung, but it helped stop the bleeding at least. He glared at me with anger as he snarled at every breath. There was only one thing I could say to him:
"I am leader of this city and I am commanding you: if you ever try to kill this tiger again, I will kill your stupid motherfuckin' ass faster than Rev Runner could run."
After I said that, that was it. Kenashi didn't reply. He just growled and walked out the club, limping while still holding his side in pain. As he was leaving, I walked over to the locked door where Silverwing and Azuki were. I managed to unlock the door with my claw and went inside to check on them. Silverwing was crying as he buried his drenched face in Azuki's back. I knew at that point that he was extremely sad about the golden friend of his dying so soon. Luckily, he was just unconcious. I patted Silverwing on his back as he looked up at me. I said to him:
"Don't worry, Silverwing. I can revive Azuki for you in no time."
As I said this, he showed a small smile at me as his tears slowed their speed as he wiped them off. I picked up Azuki and placed him on my back gently before we both walked out of the club. People were watching us, but we didn't care.
(End flashback…)
"Then, pretty soon, Azuki eventually healed within the next 3 days, all of his fur was back to normal and unstained. Then, what I had to do was knock him out again, but this time, send him up the Karushi Current towards your city's beach. That's how it was."
There was a very cold silence after the whole story Tzaporion just told. Azuki and Silverwing climbed up to the table that was right next to Tzaporion and sat there, looking at the Looneys, Loonatics, animals, and Kavasia. After a half an hour silence, a sound of 3 bodies collasping to the floor was heard, startling all of them, especially Danger Duck, who jumped out the way.
"Damn!" He exclaimed. "Is it just me or did Lexi just faint?"
"Yeah." Ace replied in a monotone voice. "She uh… ahem… fainted."
"Isth uh… that… it?" Sylvester asked nervously.
"Yeah. That's all. Don't believe me?" Tzaporion replied. "Look at this." He stood on his hind legs and showed the claw stab wound on his leg. It was healing, but it was barely there. This made Slam gag before he quickly covered his mouth with nausea and ran to the nearest trash can and leaned over inside it. Tech and Wile E. watched with disgust as they tried to hold in their lunch. Danger Duck motioned for Ace to come up with him and sit down in chairs next to Tzaporion. At this point, Azuki, Silverwing, Tzaporion, Danger, and Ace were all watching the stunned toon friends of theirs, including Tanka and Kazami, who joined Slam at the trash can, leaned over as well. Ace shook his head as he was looking the three fainted ladies on the floor, Slam and the two animals vomiting in the trash can, and Wile E. and Tech watching the sick threesome.
"You warned them." He said to Tzaporion, who nodded in agreement.
"I did, yes." He agreed. "At least Danger Duck said he could handle it and he did."
"I must admit, though." Danger added. "All this bullshit happening right in front of me was all my fault. I had to urge you to tell that disgusting-as-hell story."
"Thank you for being honest." Ace replied, patting the orange and black duck on the back. "Hey! Whatever happened to Daffy?"
Azuki sniffed as he jumped off the table and looked under there. He meowed softly and Ace was brave enough to listen to him. He got out of his seat and looked under the table with him.
"There he is." He said as he saw Daffy. He got disgusted at the display Daffy was doing. "Now, that's a magic trick I'll never wanna see again."
"What? What's Daffy doing?" Danger asked, looking under the table as well.
"He's just as sick as Slam and those two animals, except he's puking while holding his beak away from his face, but at the trash can. So, it looks like the beak is the one that's sick."
"Ewwww!"
Hours later…
Tzaporion had taken all of the Loonatics, Looneys, Kavasia, and the animals, including Silverwing and Azuki, to a majestic hotel suite that was downtown. Ace and Danger Duck were still okay. Same for Azuki and Silverwing.
"Thanks, Tzaporion." Ace said as he shook the serpent's hand. "I'm sure we'll like it here along with trying to find Kenashi. Speaking of which, do you know where he usually hangs out?"
"He actually hangs out somewhere in the Yarkashi Shrine." Tzaporion replied.
"Where's that at?" Danger Duck asked, hearing the conversation.
"Oh, it's in a dangerous part of my city: the Tigroni Rainforest. The only ones who can escort you in safely is Azuki and Silverwing. That's their precise brithplace."
"Thanks. We'll keep that in mind." Ace replied. "See ya later."
As soon as he closed the door, he turned to look at the others with Danger Duck. They were getting a little better, especially the girls.
"You ladies okay?" Danger Duck asked as he walked up to Lola, Kavasia, and Lexi, who had ice packs on their heads.
"Yeah." Lola replied tiredly. "We're okay."
"I'm just shocked at the fact that Azuki lived through that death-defying chokehold." Kavasia added. "That was amazing."
Lexi nodded in agreement as she turned to look at Slam, Kazami, and Tanka. She nearly chuckled at Slam when she saw that his suit was stained.
"You ate a hamburger, huh?" She asked.
"Yeah. That story made it come back…" Slam replied before Lexi spoke again.
"…and it stained your suit."
Slam's eyes grew wide at that comment as he looked down at his suit was did see some hamburger chunks all over his chest.
"AHHHH! NOT MY SUIT! ANYTHING, BUT MY SUIT!" After that exclamation, he ran to the bathroom in the back to wash his suit off. Lexi chuckled loudly as she turned her attention back to her girls, Ace, and Danger.
"And you have good fashion sense." Danger joked. Lexi stopped her chuckling immediately when she heard that and blasted him with her 'brain blast'. The impact blasted him towards the back wall, making a small dent in the wall, which went away after 5 seconds. This made all the boys geer and laugh, including Ace and Tech.
"That was too damn cold, Lex!" Slam yelled from the doorway of the bathroom.
"Ain't it, though?" Lexi agreed, looking at Danger. He was laid back against the wall with tiny stars and egg-shaped orbs circling around his head.
"Can't ya take a joke?" He asked with shock as he shook the stars and orbs away.
"Guys, Tzaporion just gave me the precise location where we can find Kenashi." Ace announced.
"Where at?" Wile E. asked.
"In the Yarkashi Shrine."
"Where's that at?" Tanka asked Azuki, who shivered in response. He meowed a few times as he was talking to Tanka. "Really?"
"Really what?" Kazami asked.
"Azuki just said that the Yarkashi Shrine is located in the Tigroni Rainforest, the most dangerous place in this city."
"Dangerousth?" Sylvester asked nervously.
"Yeah."
"But, here's the big thing about finding Kenashi in that place: we won't find him. HE will find us." Ace added. "So, tomorrow, we're gonna have a oceanic breakfast in the morning, then we'll travel to that shrine and hopefully, we'll find him by lunchtime. So, how about we get some sleep now, so we can be prepared in the morning?"
"Good idea. I'll have Kayla activated so she can actually pinpoint the exact location where Kenashi will find us." Wile E. replied.
Later, at 10:45 pm…
Everybody were in bed, fast asleep… except for Tanka. He was curious about Kayla. Luckily, he was sleeping next to Wile E. and he tapped him on his nose softly before he tiredly opened his eyes.
"What is it, Tanka?" The coyote asked tiredly.
"I'm just have a question about Kayla. This curosity is keeping me awake and I just wanna know. If Kayla can walk off that computer thingy and become solid, like us, then can she be like that for the rest of her life?" Tanka asked. Wile E. turned to look at the tiger before he spoke.
"She can, but since she was born from many megabytes instead of being naturally born, she'll still have her special computer-like features, like pinpointing locations, scanning for fingerprints or clues, printing papers from anywhere, and she can fight, too."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I gave her a special fighting style I invented specially made for her. I call it 'galaxian zujitisu'. I can't really explain how the fighting style goes, but I can tell you that it's very similar to tae-kwon-do and jujitsu mixed together along with having her own style."
"Oh, okay. Thanks. Now, I can go to sleep. Goodnight."
After that statement, Tanka went straight to sleep. Wile E. chuckled softly at the tiger before he turned back around and fell asleep as well.
To be continued…