And now, the next chapter is talking about some life story and it might contain some comfort. For this universe when the Meerkat Colony from "Timon & Pumbaa" series will be part of Wasteland from "Epic Mickey". Please review and enjoy reading!
Animorphia
Chapter 33: Family Comes First
Back in Los Angeles, Marcy and Ethan have already left Thai Go and paddled their way to the arcade where everyone plays the games. It took two hours to get their when they have arrived. Right now, both kids are playing candy go kart race when they took two seats like two players at a time.
Marcy chooses the candle girl with a birthday cake themed go kart while Ethan chooses the boy wearing chocolate themed clothes with hid chocolate go kart. As they reach to the final lap, Marcy is gaining up ahead of Ethan.
"Woo! I'm gonna win!" Marcy cheers.
"No, you're not!" Ethan teased.
"Yes, I am!"
"C'mon! C'mon!"
Ethan tried to win the race, but Marcy is gaining up him, and then when her character droves by Ethan's characters, Marcy crosses the finish line and won the game.
"YES!" Marcy cheers.
"AW! C'MON!" Ethan complained.
The screen shows as the trophy levitate to the girl wearing a candle hat on her head cheering with the title '1st place' on it. Poor Ethan worked so hard for this when facepalmed. Marcy took a glance at him when patted on his back.
"There, there. You'll get it next time." said Marcy.
"But I didn't win." Ethan mumbled.
"Hey, it's okay. You're on second place."
"Well, I could've beat you fair and square."
"It's not about winning, it's about fun."
"(sigh) You're probably right. So, what now?"
Marcy looked at phone to check the time, but still hasn't respond from her dad or her uncle. It's been hours since they left the house.
"Hmm, not sure what do next. We've been here like an hour." replied Marcy.
"I agree, we should get moving. My parents are about to be home any minute." said Ethan.
"Good idea."
They both got off from the seat and exit the arcade. They walk over to their bikes and got on as they paddled their way home. By the time they already left the area, a white pickup truck drove pass when no one is paying attention.
We cut to Eddie that's been driving, looking at his phone when he's almost there to his last stop. He searches for different locations for the orphanage, but still no sign of his sister. He turns his head back to the road while driving.
"Alright, this might be it."
Just then when he finally arrives at the orphanage, he parked the truck, and turn his head left when reading the sign says 'Children Sanctuary' at the main entrance. He turns off the engine and got out from the truck. Walking towards to the front door.
By then when he walks through the entrance, he looked around at the lobby that was huge like a hotel. There were stairs, small plants in huge pots, and a desk where this girl was working, but then, there's something that just caught the attention.
Eddie was staring at the the girl who looks same ages as him. She has orange hair, some freckles on her cheeks, wearing red tank top shirt, olive short pants with purple heart shape belts, white long socks, and purple sneakers.
Just then, when a boy arrives like around 8-years-old, has brunette hair, wearing his orange t-shirt, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes as he approaches to the girl trying to get her attention.
"Hey, Bailey. Do you know where we could set up PS4?" The boy asked.
Bailey turns her head at the boy smiling.
"Didn't your friends' setup already?" Bailey asked kindly.
"Yeah, but I don't how."
"Why don't you go ask your friends about how to setup. I have to get ready for tonight's dinner."
"Okay, thanks big sis!"
"You're welcome, Eman!"
Bailey gives her little brother a quick hug and then he left to go ask his friends. Eddie was watching them, smiling for a moment. It reminds him how he used to play with his little sister before they were separated. After the boy left, Bailey turns her head at Eddie, noticed that he was here.
"Oh, hello!"
Eddie blinked.
"Oh, uh... hi." He waved.
Eddie walked over to the desk while Bailey is standing behind.
"Can I help you?" Bailey asked kindly.
"Yes, um... is this the right place?" Eddie asked.
"Why, yes, it is. This is the Children Sanctuary. My grandma funded this place to look after the orphans until my mom took over. And then I volunteered."
"Well, that's nice."
"Thanks, I'm Bailey."
"I'm Eddie. Nice to meet you."
"You too."
Both teens shake their hands.
"So, how can I help you."
"Yes, I'm looking for my sister, Marcy Wu."
Bailey blinked her eyes. Her smiles dropped. She started to think about something. And then she raised her eyebrows and realize something what might hit her.
"Are you... Marcy's older brother?" Bailey asked.
"Yes."
"(gasp) Oh, my goodness." Bailey gasp softly.
Eddie blinked his eyes and looked confused.
"Is everything okay?" Eddie asked kindly.
"I can't believe it. All this time? I thought..." Bailey paused when she started to smile. "Wow! You're actually here."
"Can anyone explain to me what's going here?"
Just then, Bailey's mother has approached the lobby.
"Bailey? Is everything okay here?" Mrs. Padilla asked.
"Mom?" Bailey noticed her mother's approach. "There's someone who came here for his sister."
"Who?"
"It's Marcy's brother."
Her mother gasp softly. She looked at Eddie who was all confused tilting his head She walk closer to him slowly.
"Are you... Eddie Wu?" Mrs. Padilla asked.
"Yes, this is he?" Eddie answered.
She raised her hand to put on his cheek. She started to realize that this must be him. The boy who lived. She remembers who he is.
"Oh, my goodness. You've all grown up. I am so sorry about your parents."
"Thank you." replied Eddie softly.
She took a glance at her adopted daughter knowing that it is time. Bailey nodded. Then she looked at Eddie again.
"Eddie, there's something we should discuss about your sister."
Later on, there were in her office. Mrs. Padilla is sitting behind her desk while Eddie took his seat. Bailey has already resume working to look after the orphans. They have already talk about Marcy when she uses to be an orphan until her adoption.
Eddie now finally understands why Marcy was here all this time after her adoption. The last time she saw her from the park back when he was a kid. It all makes sense now. This could be the final answers.
"Marcy was a special little girl since she came here to us. She has never got herself into trouble, but when she's hurt, I trusted Bailey to look after her. And by the next day when it's morning time, Bailey came in and told me that she ran off."
"What?" Eddie asked when confused.
"I know it's depressing, but I was so scared if something must've happened to her. I call the police and told them to find her. I don't know how this happened, but there' never been a runaway orphan since my mother." said Mrs. Padilla when trying not to mentioned it.
"How did this happen?"
"By morning, when she told me that she's off to see her friends, but then she never came back."
Eddie felt sting. He knew that his sister could be alone all by herself, but she has someone to be with her. What she told him was true. He sighed sadly.
"I should've been there for her." said Eddie softly.
"Me too, but by night when I got a call, there was a man that he called me and said that he found her in the alley. I felt relief that this poor girl was found. She scared, all alone in the dark, but now she's safe."
Mrs. Padilla tried not to break down with tears. Eddie noticed this when he reaches his hand to her to comfort her. She looked at him smiling softly when continue her story.
"When those two gentlemen came by, bringing her home here, I rushed to her and I noticed how scared she is when she's holding to this man's leg. When Bailey came in, Marcy rush towards her and gave her a hug. I thanked them for bringing Marcy here and I was told that the reason why Marcy ran away is because that boy bullies her."
"Wait, she's been bullied?" Eddie asked.
"Yes, but by the next day when they got back from the park, Marcy told Bailey that she told me when this same person who found her fend off this boy and I can never imagine how he stood up against bullies like most people do."
"Huh, it all makes sense."
"And by the next day when these gentlemen return, they came here to adopt her. I was so happy that she's been waiting for someone to adopt her."
Now he understands why she was adopted by those two when the last time he saw them as a kid.
"It all makes sense, but why didn't you adopt her?"
"Well, in case she's been living with us, then I was planning to do when her birthday comes, but now she's adopted. So then, Bailey has been living here for a quite a while and sees me as her mother. So, I adopted her instead."
"That's... very touching. I've been waiting for this moment to come back here since my last visit here when my grandparents took me to Disneyland and that's when I noticed that it was her all this time with her adopted dad."
"Oh! So, you knew?" Mrs. Padilla blanked.
"Uh huh, and when I get order, that's when I decided to move here to find her. I was hoping to look for a place to stay and get to know her two dads." replied Eddie.
"Actually, she only has a dad while her uncle lives with them."
"Oh! I forgot about that. Anyway, thank you so much for looking out for her."
"Of course, it runs for our family. And speaking of family, I married to my husband, and have our own son which makes Bailey's adopted brother."
"Yeah, I noticed. Do you know where she lives?"
"Yes, I'll look to her files where she was adopted." Mrs. Padilla looked through some files from the drawers.
Eddie couldn't believe that his younger sister was here all these years, living with the orphans until her adoption. Now he's going to reunite her and meeting her new family. Then she pulls out the file and handed to him.
"Alright, here's the file."
Eddie gently took the file and open up where it shows a photo of Marcy as a toddler smiling with some paper prescriptions. He started to read how she's adopted and read the location where she lives.
"Great, I'll copy the location on the map and I know where to find it." said Eddie.
"Well, it was an honor to meet you. I hope you find what you are looking for." Mrs. Padilla shake her hand with him.
"Thanks, Mrs. Padilla." Eddie thanked her.
"You're welcome."
Eddie got off the chair and exit the office. Mrs. Padilla was still sitting, smiling at him before he left. She really knew that this day would finally come like the last time. She looked at the picture frame where it shows Bailey as 4 years old holding Marcy as a baby smiling at the view.
She remembers that day when Marcy came when she was dropped off by her own mother. She raised her, feed her, bathed her, and took care of her until Marcy reaches at five. She really sees the girl as a daughter like she always wanted, but then she adopted Bailey instead while Marcy was adopted by her new family.
She sighed softly. The caretaker regretted for not telling Marcy the truth about the boy, at least Eddie will tell the girl for her. She prayed that the reunion will turn out just fine.
"Oh, Marcy. If only I could tell you the truth sooner, I hope you'll understand."
Meanwhile back in Wasteland, where it shows a city like colony, made out of rocks and stones in the middle of savannah. The wall surrounds the city like medieval village and the castle. Just then, Pumbaa comes out from the jungle with Timon and Tatiana on his back while Speedy in his normal attire, on Pumbaa's snout.
"Well, here are. Meerkat Colony." Tatiana announced.
"Man, I remember that place when I was a sentry duty, until I get banished." replied Timon as he recalled.
"At least we met each other." Pumbaa added.
"That's true. If a meerkat fails to perform their duty, they will be sentenced to banishment. Being a sentry duty is the most important job that no one has ever go through the front or the back gate, unless they are banished." Tatiana explained.
"Yeah, how about that." Timon muttered as he recalled back then.
"Well, according to our contract, this episode was officially non-canon while our true story, the midquel is officially canon." said Pumbaa.
"So true."
Pumbaa approach to the front gate carrying his friends. One of the meerkat guards notice the princess arrival when she announced.
"Open the gate for the arrival of the princess, accompanied by guests!" Tatiana announced.
The guard turn his head at his comrades nodded. Then the front gate has open allowing Pumbaa to enter carrying his friends. The whole city is filled with meerkats in the colony that had specific duties in which they all take seriously, such as a tailor, a bookseller, a grocer, and a gate guard.
The whole city looks like modern city, but with made of tannish stones. There were doors, windows, and street lamps. Some meerkats wearing clothes like shirt and pants while others don't often wear clothes sometimes. Some can walk while others have vehicles like taxi when drove by.
The city has market place, restaurant, clothe department, library, hospital, and the courthouse. Pumbaa walks carefully not to step on them or tumbling. Just then, some meerkats were staring at them as they muttered and whispering about.
Timon noticed when everyone was staring at them. He felt so nervous people are staring at them. As for Pumbaa, it kinda reminds him how everyone was staring at him like all the animals were staring at him.
"Uh, princess? Why are they staring at us?" Timon asked when confused.
"Oh, I forgot to mentioned it when you were so popular after we watch the whole movie and ready your story." Tatiana answered.
By then, when they arrive at the palace, Timon jumps off of Pumbaa first, then he uses his hand to allow the princess to take his hand, and she jumps off when escorted by holding hands. And then, the door opens where it shows the elder meerkat, gasp to relief that his daughter has returned. Tatiana was happy to see her father smiling.
"Tatiana!" The Duke smiles.
"Daddy!" Tatiana chimes.
The princess rush towards to her father and embrace him with warm hugs. Timon and Pumbaa were smiling at each other. They reminded the two of them when the meerkat raises the orphan girl as his own daughter. They let go of their embrace and looked at each other smiling.
The Duke Meerkat is of a moderate height and skinny. He has orange-tinged brown fur, with a pink underbelly and dark stripes on his back. He has a red nose and black eyes. He wears a brown and green hat, a silver nose ring, a golden necklace, and golden arm cuffs.
"I heard what happened. Are you alright?" The Duke asked in concerned.
"Yes, daddy. I'm fine. They rescued me from the dungeons." replied Tatiana.
He looked at them, but his eyes wide when surprised.
"Timon?" The Duke surprised
"Hello!" Timon greeted, waving his hand.
"You're here? How can that be?"
"Well, it's a really, really long story." replied Timon.
"We walk through the magic mirror!" Pumbaa cut in.
The Duke blinked his eyes twice.
"(ahem) I see. In any case, welcome back, my boy!"
Just for que, the banner drops revealing the word 'WELCOME HOME!' hanging on the ceiling while the meerkat guards blow the horn for the music. And then, the whole town is cheering. Timon and Pumbaa were confused at first. Speedy, however smiles at them.
"I told you that you returned." said Speedy.
"Well, I'll be monkey's uncle." Timon muttered.
The Duke walk towards to him and then shaking his hands with him.
"Thank you so much for rescuing my daughter. I'm very delighted that you return along with your friend." said The Duke.
"Oh, thank you." replied Timon.
"Come, there's so much that we can discuss."
Timon looked back at Pumbaa when his best friend smiles. Then looked back at the Duke.
"Alright, lead the way." said Timon.
As they all entered, but Pumbaa noticed that he can't fit through the door because it's too big. He moves his eyes at Speedy when concern about this, but then he heard the Duke's voice when speaking.
"Your warthog friend can come too."
"Oh boy! A tour!" Pumbaa chimed.
"Careful now, you don't wanna break anything." Speedy reminded him.
Pumbaa nodded and crawl through the door as he tries to squeeze through without breaking anything. Later on, they're all in the dining room, sitting at the table. The Duke sits at the center right between his daughter and Timon also sitting next to Pumbaa who sits in the center. Speedy was at the table when he took a seat next between them.
The meerkat servants entered with dishes filled with meals like bugs on the plates and set it all down gently. They put silverwares in between plates, and filled cups with water. Once they left the dining room, they start their meal in their manner's way.
"Wow! Now this is what I call fancy." said Timon.
"Mmm mmm! Grubs!" said Pumbaa.
They picked up fork and knife to cut their meal and eat properly like gentlemen. They don't want to be rude in front of the Duke.
"Well, it seems you two have learned well manners." said The Duke impressed.
"Thank you, sir." replied Timon
"So, what's the outside world likes?"
"Oh, you're gonna love this. We had our adventure all around the world. We went to visit every cities and forest. Making new friends and discover amazing things!" Timon answered.
"Yeah, and we help the people that's been studying us." Pumbaa added.
"You help the humans that's studying you?" The Duke asked.
"Uh huh, Simba told us everything about the humans and taught us the true meaning of the circle of life."
"So true." Timon added before eating his meal.
"If I do recall once we're all here in the world of forgotten, we have met a human with great sorcery magic that brings us a new home." said The Duke.
"We knew that." said Pumbaa.
"How can you tell?" Timon asked.
"For 20 years, we have been brought together here in Wasteland, as we lived in Ventureland lived in piece, but there are some that is missing like all the damage when there's earthquake or some black ink. As the Duke of the colony, it is my duty to protect our people from going outside of the city. We all knew it is very dangerous to go out there." The Duke explained.
"Was that the part where the black ink monster was destroyed by Mickey and Oswald that they told us about?" Pumbaa asked.
"Why yes, our heroes stood up and slay this monstrous ink. It could nearly destroy us all, but however, our world has been restored and for that I lifted the ban, allowing the colony to travel anywhere as long as they stay on track."
"Well, that make sense." Timon remarked.
"Now that you're here, for your brave, cunning, and resourceful rescue of my daughter, I shall present you... the key to the city!"
As the meerkat servant approach with the key, holding up in the air. Timon and Pumbaa was staring at the silver key as the key sparkle reflects.
"Ooohhh! Shiny!" said Pumbaa.
"And for all the rewards that we've been saving." The Duke also added.
They looked at some stuff like many rewards. There are some suitcases, money bags, treasures, instruments, furniture, radio, video camera, surfboard, and dumbbell. They were both surprised.
"Wow!" Pumbaa amazed.
"That's a lot of stuff." said Timon surprised before drinking his water.
"And the hand for your marriage with my daughter." The Duke finish the announce.
Timon crack his eyes open. He spits his water out shocked startling them.
"Say WHAT?!" Timon stunned.
"We're gonna get married?!" Tatiana happily asked.
"Yes." The Duke answered.
"YAY!"
"Uh oh." Pumbaa mumbled.
Timon couldn't believe what's happening now. He's going to married the princess he fell in love with, but if he marries the princess, he'll end up living in here with the colony. But there is one problem. How was he going to explain everything to his friends? And for his daughter? Adopted daughter that he raised her for over eight years.
He was in mix of shocked and concerned. There's no way he could tell everyone that he cared for the big news. If they get married, what's going to happen to his adopted daughter? He's afraid that she'll be alone again. Who's going to look after her? He has to do something fast before the debate.
"Well... isn't that great. Don't you think it's a bit early for this?" Timon nervously asked.
"Yes, that is depends on." The Duke replied.
"Uh huh. So, uh... could you... uh... excuse us just for a few minutes? My friend and I like to talk about marriage."
"Of course, you may."
"Thanks!"
Timon got off the table and went to grab Pumbaa's tusk dragging him out of the dining room area.
"Timon? What are you doing?" Pumbaa asked.
"Keep walking." Timon ignored the question.
As they left the dining room, Tatiana and her father were staring at them awkwardly.
"That was odd." said The Duke before turning glance at Speedy. "So, uh... how can you talk like us?"
"I'm gonna get married?!"
Timon was pacing around in the hallway while Pumbaa was standing.
"Well, if you ask me, since for your brave, cunning, and resourceful for rescuing the princess, it would seem that you are going to get married." Pumbaa explained.
"Yes, I can see that, but that's not the point."
"How come?"
"It's Marcy that I'm worried about! Because if I ever get married with the princess and lived here, she'll be alone again!" Timon explained when worries.
"I can look after her." Pumbaa suggested.
"Then how am I supposed to tell her the truth by the time she notices this?!"
"Well, go tell them the truth."
"I can't! If I ever did tell them truth, then I'll broke her heart and have her father banish us! Or worse!" Timon pulled his ears frantically.
"That's not true. Remember what she told us? Everything's change since they all read our story."
"I know, but... what about Marcy? What about you?" Timon lowered his voice softly.
"Don't worry, Timon. It's gonna be okay. I'll be with you until the end." Pumbaa comforts him by putting his left hooved on his shoulder.
"Are you sure?" Timon asked softly.
"It is the only way." replied Pumbaa.
Timon started think about this. Would he accept the marriage and all the rewards? Or would he deny the marriage and all the rewards? But then, he thought of something just to conclude the solutions.
"Alright, I'm gonna tell them the truth."
They reentered the dining room as they approach the table. Tatiana looked at Timon as he approaches next to her. She noticed when his smile drops.
"Is everything okay?" Tatiana asked.
Timon took a glance at Pumbaa when he nodded. Then he took a glance at the Duke staring at him along with Speedy. And now he looked at the princess with his worried look.
"(sigh) Princess, as much as I like to marry you, but..." Timon pause.
Tatiana was waiting for him to finish. He knows what he must do when he decides.
"I can't stay."
The princess blinked her eye when react.
"What?"
"I have a daughter."
"You have a daughter?"
Timon took out his wallet and pulled out a photo as he handed to her. Tatiana gently took the photo and looked at it where it shows him and Pumbaa standing in between a five-year-old human girl holding her stuff caterpillar as they all smiling at the view. Tatiana was curious about the photo while Timon explained this to her.
"Her name is Marcy."
She looked at him with her softly sad look.
"We found her when she was on orphan and bring her back to the orphanage. We have no idea how'd this happen, but we decided to adopted her since she is very fond of me. If we get married, she'll be all alone like she used to." Timon explained.
"What happened to her parents?" Tatiana asked softly.
Timon close his eyes sadly.
"She lost her parents from the car crash when she was a baby. And her brother? They were separated, living with his grandparents."
Tatiana moves her hand on her chest when react this way. She grows sad softly. The Duke felt the same way. No one dares to replied. Pumbaa knows everything.
"I... I have no idea. I'm so sorry." Tatiana apologizes.
"I'm sorry too. I guess, this is goodbye."
She took a glance at the photo. Then she took a glance at the Duke's concerns face. And then she dropped her sadness and set her foot down. That's when she decided to step in.
"No!"
They all looked at her stunned. Timon looks up at her surprised.
"No?" Timon repeatedly.
"If you go, I go too!"
"Wait, what?!"
"Absolutely not!" The Duke stands up from the table.
"Dad, what if he's right? What if he's telling the truth?" said Tatiana, stands up as well.
"Under no circumstances, I forbid you to leave this land!" said The Duke sternly.
"But daddy, I love him! What if I decided to help out? What if we can raise her?"
"But she's a human! You're a meerkat!"
"She needs a mother!"
The whole room went silent. No one dared to speak or interfere the argument. Like father and daughter, they were staring at each other with stern look. Timon and Pumbaa has never seen them argue like this before. Speedy knows about the debate. Then the silence went broke.
"I lost him once, but I'm not gonna loose him again. So, let me help him. Please."
The Duke was staring at his daughter with her stern look. Then he looks at Timon that just shrugged. He knew he couldn't let his daughter go, but she's been living in his palace for a very longtime. And then he decided what must be done.
"Timon."
"Yes, sir?" replied Timon.
"Do you love my daughter, very much?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you swear an oath to look after my daughter?"
"I swear."
"Do you swear that you will support her?"
"I swear."
"Do you swear that you are responsible for her protection at all cost?"
"I swear!"
"Then it's settled. As the Duke of Meerkat, I hereby decree from this day forth..."
Timon is waiting for the Duke's sentence. He knows what he's going to say next. Tatiana was in a mix of both worried and stern when her father has to say. Pumbaa doesn't like the part what's going to happen next. And then the Duke finish his sentences.
"Princess Tatiana is allowed to go with you to support your daughter."
All three of them were stunned. They blinked their eyes surprisingly.
"Wait, you serious?" Timon stunned.
"You mean... I can go?" Tatiana asked.
"Yes, if that's what you wanted." The Duke replied.
She couldn't believe it. Her father has allowed her to go with Timon. Her one true love. She grow smiles and launch to hug him.
"Oh, father! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Of course, my child."
They let go of their embrace to see each other's eyes.
"Will you promise me to be okay? For your safety?"
"Yes, father. I will."
They went back to their hugging again. Timon couldn't believe that the Duke allows her to go with him. He sighed with relief. Speedy smiles proudly at them when nodded. Pumbaa approach to his best friend.
"See? I told you it would work." said Pumbaa.
"Thanks, Pumbaa." replied Timon. "There's one thing we need to do first.
It looks our princess will be joining with her true love! I've been waiting for this moment, but it takes time to publish the next one. The reason why I add Tatiana in this story is because she's the only meerkat that has been underrated and I'm going to make her overrated. So stay tuned for the next chapter
Amphibia and The Lion King (c) Disney
Ethan Day (c) aggiefrogger
