Things are certainly coming out to a good start. And, I'm happy to see you all like my story so far. Critics agree: purplelover states, "oh...ah...wow...amazing..." IAmTheBoss says, "I think this is gonna be another good one, I can feel it in my readers intuition." Gawd, I sound like a movie trailor!

purplelover - Or else, what?

katfish xX - (sliced ham falls on katfish xX)

IAmTheBoss - You owe me a nickel for using the evil laugh on my terretory.

Mewberries - And thanks for the compliments about my stories! (happy face)

Little Park of Horrors

Chapter 2: A Recycled Attack

"Mike did what to Greg at the pool?" asked Ulrich. He was currently talking to his little cousin via cell. "He has to be in big trouble."

"Well, let's just say, Greg's embarrassed, the girls are grossed out 'cause they know what boys look like under their clothes, and Mike's being sent home, where he's gonna get grounded for a month."

"Well, everything's quiet here," the older cousin told him. "A little too quiet. You'd think X.A.N.A. would've pulled something by now."

"Maybe he's just saving his energy," suggested the younger.

"That just makes me feel worse. Like he's planning something big."

"Well, I gotta go, Cousin. Tell the others Roki and I said, hi."

"Will do," said Ulrich before hanging up.

Amber and Dani waded around the pool and a jet of water hit them. The school's American foreign exchange student in snorkel and flippers giggled, holding a water gun that was built into the side of the pool. His giggles were cut short, however, when Dani took a flipper and sent a wave of water crashing into the boy. "Hey! That's not funny!" he cried.

Andy chuckled and waded up beside Ricky. "You know, you kind of had that coming," he said.

"It's still not funny," he mumbled. "So, how's Greg doing?"

"Dad left Hiroki to watch him in the changing room. If things go was well as they seem to be, he should be willing to show his face within the next 10 minutes."

"Oh, man! I don't blame you," said Hiroki. "If someone pulled my swimsuit off in front of everybody, both boys and girls, I would be so embarrassed!"

Greg sniffed a little, lying on the bench. "You're not helping," he said.

As Aelita walked out of the passage exit tower of the Glacier Region, she scanned the icy landscape. However, she suddenly became aware of a powerful string of pulsations. Closing her eyes in concentration, she called out for the closest friend she had: "Jeremie."
The small group of first graders were dried off and back in their clothes. "Let's ride the whip next!" said Dani.

"The whip?" asked one of her classmates in an unsure tone. "That sounds scary."

She smiled and shook her head. "No, it's not. My big brother told me about it; it's fun."

Officer Satcher smiled with his park map open. "OK, I found that ride on the map. What does everyone say?"

Everyone either agreed or didn't speak up.

"Alright, then--" But, he was cut off by his cell. Answering it, he checked the name before putting the phone up to his ear. "Chief, this is my day off. I'm with my son and his classmates..."

"I know, Satcher, but this news is coming from the park you are at. Keep your eye out; we've been receiving calls involving the Animatronic creature for the Sludge Mummies movie terrorizing the park goers. It could be a prank, but keep your eyes peeled, just in case."

He nodded slightly. "Will do, Chief," he said, before hanging up.

"What was that about, Daddy?" his son asked curiously.

"Nothing you really have to concern yourself with, Andy," his father reassured him. "Anyway, let's move along, children."

"Pulsations? In the Glacier Region?" asked Jeremie for clarification.

Aelita nodded. "Yes, I'm sure of it."

"Well, looks like X.A.N.A. has woken up once again," stated the boy genius. "I wonder what he--"

As if to answer his question, Jeremie and Aelita's conversation was interrupted by the catastrophe alarm system, which sprang a news report onto the screen.

"Strange reports have been coming in from an amusement park downtown involving an Animatronic theatrical movie creature. At least a dozen callers have reported being terrorized by the creature, and Police are still searching for clues..."

As Jeremie and Aelita listened to the report, both heard a familiar name, and Aelita asked, "Isn't that the park Ulrich's cousin is spending the day at?"

Jeremie's eyes widened. "Ricky! X.A.N.A. must be after him!" Then, he realized something else: "But, could it be possible that X.A.N.A. is running out of ideas? He's possessed an Animatronic movie creature already."

"That's true," mused the virtual girl. "He's never duplicated a previous attack before."

"All the same, I think Ulrich, Odd, and Yumi better head over to Lyoko to help you deactivate the tower, before this creature causes any permanent damage," said Jeremie. "And, with Ricky in the line of danger, I'll be willing to bet that Ulrich will fight with twice as much determination."

As the little group of children approached their ride of choice, a menacing creature loomed up from the ground. The whole group of youngsters screamed and scattered.

Officer Satcher drew forth a handgun and aimed it at the monster. "Freeze!" he shouted. The creature slowly approached him. "Whoever you are in that thing, as an officer of the law, I demand that you freeze!" It raised its arm and knocked the officer to the ground. In retaliation, he raised his gun and fired a shot into the creature's belly.

This did not phase it, which surprised Satcher so much, he didn't have time to pull back when it grabbed his gun and bashed the handle against his head. He fell unconscious instantly.

"D-Daddy?" stammered his little boy.

The creature threw the gun aside and looked around for his next victim...

X.A.N.A. - IWILLSTEALOURSOULS!

Ricky - ROFL!

(groan) You are all off Rainbow Munchies and onto less sugar-coated cereals!