AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This particular chapter contains explicit sexual content. Please be warned of such, before proceeding.
To say nothing of the lady who handed her prize, got herself warmed up, and then wandered off alone, even the best of any being could've felt as though they'd aged years in these hours alone.
And despite knowing that his men had rounded up and arrested Zookeeper's minions, despite knowing that cures in place of curses were being distributed, DOOP's temporary General had felt the same. A few final orders to give; to capture and cure both Bloodhound and Admiral, to tighten Zookeeper's lips in order to prevent orders, and to protect Clobberella upon failing capture, knowing Bloodhound's order was still active.
For all those and more, he didn't dare believe that the day was won just yet.
"General Kroker, we await your orders."
"At ease, men. Keep collecting those vials, and as for The Admiral, fetch a cure at once. If he refuses, force them, by any means necessary."
As Admiral cursed a sailor's streak for being yanked back, the soldiers readied the syringe to shoot the green-and-gold liquid right down his gullet. For an uncomfortable while, all he did do was squirm, drop to the ground and scream, as if a thousand Suns burned his insides.
But just as they feared the worst, the ginger hair came into view. The white-and-blue jumpsuit, in its flared collar glory, came to wash. The bright yellow cape to his platforms… Piece by piece, that Dutch Elm disease of sorts had receded, until it sapped completely from his body.
And if he hadn't been assured of his humanity before, then the return of true memories, at least in certain parts, had convinced him of the good Captain's return.
"What is this strange feeling? My mind, my heart, my whole body—it all feels so… so light. What's going on around here?"
"Captain Yesterday, I presume?"
"Kif? Good grief, what are you doing here? Isn't Zapp Brannigan supposed to be leading?"
"The jackass's under house arrest, no need to worry. Though in an ideal world, I'd have dug a cold hole in the sewers."
"And you've taken over? Good grief, what'd he do to light DOOP's fuse, after all these years?"
"You'd be dead before I got through the list. Speaking of health, are you feeling okay? No dizziness, no erratic heartbeats, no other signs?"
"Pretty sure I'm doing fine, but if you insist that I get a check-up, well—"
He turned his head past the crowd of soldiers cleaning up, and caught his eyes on that mound of purple hair. The knees began to knock, the heart pumped bullet-fast, and his face had gasped after lining with sweat.
"Second thoughts Kif, never mind… I think I've found my cure."
Such warmth and lightness continued to bloom as he snuck towards Clobberella, seen stood up and staring into her unmasked reflection. One to not cry, but for fear of calling it early, dare not crack a smile either. Knowing her look from anywhere, the good Captain had soon appeared right by her side, just gently clapping her shoulder.
"Close your eye, Clobberella."
"The hell would I do that for?"
"Because I think we're dreaming, and just want to be sure."
"If that's who I think it sounds like… But how do I know it's you?"
"I'll be saving that for a special someone… Just to make sure though, close your eye and follow my lead. Fingers crossed it'll all make sense."
More light beats to lift him, the voice of his beloved Captain in his ears. So wanted to speak out, but found his mouth run dry, unsure of the words.
Walking, walking, walking; soon found themselves quite alone in the puzzle chamber.
"May your next vision be reality… Open up."
When she caught a glimpse, she almost dropped on her ass, her heart and hands in jolts. Giving her eye some vigorous rubs, the goose-bumps for seeing his face, after all this time, had begun rising up her arm.
"Fry?"
To her high-pitched call, he stayed unsure that his world had changed. But he grew confident once his platform shoes met her thin-heeled boots, his gloves gripped her own, and they soon touched bodies. A firm grip, and a long stare to soak in.
"Leels?"
She gave tender rubs of his ridges and bumps, he that milky soft skin and moistened eyeball he treasured. She reached to tousle his hair, he to cradle hers, as they continued getting lost into each other's eyes.
"I-i-i-is my eye playing trick on me?"
"To quote of true magic once more… Abracadabra, baby. Want to go around again?"
Her eye rolling upward as she palmed her mouth, Leela's knees could only buckle for realising the moment of reunion. Eye stinging as watery as being poked there, she soon rose to her feet, choked out a jubilant cry, and let her hug bulldoze him to the ice. A flood of tears to salt their outfits, instead of carpets or bedsheets.
The most painful book of her, his and Planet Express's life, crazy as it could've sounded, had finally closed.
No whisper of a word since, just a chance to lay there and hug each other close. In this crystallising of time, that was how those lovers said it best.
Soon arm-in-arm as they walked about, they didn't notice Super King counting ill-gotten gains—from Privates' pockets—until he noticed his one true friend. Far and away from the tyrant he had yearned, and sometimes succeeded, to be, he had squealed in steaming towards him.
"Meatbag! It's me, it's Bender, your best-ever buddy… Get ready, 'cause here I come!"
And there he went alright; proving his words back at Bellevue, a deft dodge from Captain Yesterday had sent all 500-plus pounds of His Highness flopping into the frozen waters. As King scrambled and splashed to get out, he earned only a frown from his once-frozen companion.
"You know what you did King, you know why you deserved to feel the chill."
Once Super King rolled back onto ice, he just sighed and unclasped his sodden cape, took off his mask, and laid down his crown. A kneel before the two heroes, trying to put the past behind him.
"In lieu of regrets that I'll forget soon… You're right, buddy. In our finest hours, I was a fraud. A cowardly, sexy fraud who deserved better. I've no pride in what I did, despite it being the right call… Could you ever forgive me?"
A chuckle from Clobberella: "Damn, that's as close to sincere as you're ever going to get."
It took a little more coaxing to convince Captain Yesterday, but as the moment dawned on him as well, he cried "Aw, what the heck!" and caught them all into a firm hug. All problems forgiven, and for a while, no dares to let go.
"Hope you guys don't mind, but I've got a little chat to have. I'll call you if needed."
With New Justice Team members right behind, Captain Yesterday had soon found Zookeeper, now woken up, red-faced, well-restrained and well-gagged. A gleeful grin as he stretched knuckles, remembering the truth about Zookeeper, and watching those eighteen months wither away…
"Well, it looks like you're MINE to own now."
A series of inaudible yells, before Zookeeper tried to lunge forward. All to no avail, being generous about it.
"All the total crap you fed me, and now such irony's mine to deliver… Mmm-mmm-MMM! No-one to deserve it more, than the person who cheated me out of happiness, love, life and freedom."
No doubt because of betrayal, a sound of command tried to escape Archbury's lips… Not even close, as the Captain met his eyes.
"And all because of a stupid Gemerald, when you had everything already… A pursuit towards perfection, and look how you kneel now. The servant becomes the master, and the master, the servant."
Zookeeper tried to bust out of his restraints, and again, no dice.
"Tearing my friends away from me, locking me in that awful cell, having me obey your every order, forcing me to murder and torture innocents… So help me Gods, I'd find no greater pleasure on Earth than to make custard of your face, leave you limbless like you once left our prisoners."
Virtually got nose-to-nose before The Zookeeper gave a small headbutt. A little dazed as they pinned him down, Captain smiled once he cleared the stars, and gave a small cheek-slap.
"You know what, I'll allow you that cheap shot. After all, it's perhaps the last one you're ever gonna lay in a long, LONG time. See you soon 'boss', don't go anywhere now."
Meeting back among crew, Clobberella just laid her head into his shoulder, still reeling as the Captain gently righted her, a laugh stifled all the while.
"Now now, my love, don't get too sentimental on me… I know it's our finest hour, but,"—he pointed to the restrained villain—"he's all yours, if you want the honours."
Never a more malevolent grin she could've given. Daresay homicidal, as she pecked Fry on the cheek and began to massage her knuckles. No promises that she'd even leave him alive for arrest, even for letting her powers run out. She was going to enjoy these next minutes, and no mistake.
"Evening officers, no introductions necessary… Just stand him up, untie him, and get out of my way."
They having done so, it was seconds before she slammed her high-heeled stiletto into his gut, a stab to double him over.
"All this time I've waited for this…"
He couldn't even cough for the gag, as the heroine paced about.
"Every single delivery, every single day, every single month, I couldn't escape, couldn't run, couldn't hide from you… And now, I finally get to embrace the end of you."
Laid quite a few more boots into him, as his wetworks began to leak. Could only give a frantic headshake, his cheeks wobbling, which only earnt him a laugh and evil eye.
"Oh, you believe you weren't responsible? Honey, please, let me show you how."
Anything in reach, and nothing sacred; fist after fist in his face & jaw, constant stands and sweeps to his back, repeated stomps over his hands & ankles… The beginnings of the no-holds-barred beatdown he never imagined she'd deliver.
In seeing her warm up, Captain Yesterday grabbed Super King for a front-row seat, a rub of his hands to go…
"A little popcorn, a couple drinks, a chair and a camera… What do you say old buddy? Want to record this for old times' sake?"
"And a cigar, don't forget a good cigar… Now that sounds like fun on the bun!"
As the boys munched and toasted—and King smoked—to new triumphs, Leela continued to lay down her ultimate life lesson. Punches, kicks, slaps, eye-pokes, low blows, throat shots, and even her share of orphan-made curb stomps courtesy of their allies.
Then came the words, or rather actions, she laughed to hear; Zookeeper's snivelling at her feet for mercy. A plea she denied dead-cold after another thump in the throat.
"Mercy? Sorry Reggie, been fresh out these past eighteen months."
"Hey babe, hey hey, stop it, stop one second!"
"WHAT?!"
"You're blocking our view! Could you whack 'em from the other side, please?"
"Oh Lord, was that all? Damn you Captain, I thought you wanted it to end! Sure, no problem."
After all, needed the better footage to place the New Justice Team back on the map. If ripping apart one of the universe's greatest threats to date hadn't done it, what would?
It became an eternity of sorts before an exhausted, extremely satisfied cry of "I'm finished!" had Clobberella return to her friends. In her wake, a bloodied, broken and blubbering bad guy, carted away to face another kind of justice.
At least before she remembered the footage of the torture chamber, and had an idea come to mind. Let the kid, in a sense, get his licks in too. She made another approach, and he let loose another fresh wave of tears.
"Relax Fat-Boy, I've got my fill now. But if I may borrow your sing-song words for a bit…"
She eyed and nodded towards the super-soldiers dragging him along.
"Reggie, Reggie… Here comes a wedgie!"
Had to squirm, look away and break out into giggles upon hearing that rip. Once the criminal was led out, she would walk together as leader of her reunited crew, towards the approaching winter winds of that now glorious city nightscape. Almost two years, since she called it 'hero wind.'
The Captain had hunched down: "So now what? Think I'd just want to go home after this…"
"Are you kidding meatbag?! I'm gonna re-open my Col-lege of Par-ty Knowledge, and hell, I might hand out some free lessons." His Highness began to boot up his dance circuits right then.
"I don't know Captain, perhaps we could enjoy a very different waltz to dance?"
Feeling her finger across the chest, he knew good and well there'd be no going home right now.
The lonely ages spent on delivery, governance and overthrow had them grow a great deal older & harder. But in this moment, this brand new night, separate ways after the pursuit of reunion had made things that much more special.
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"My goodness, since when did you get so strong?"
"For minutes like these, I'd move mountains for you."
As she squeezed tight, so that none could prise them apart, Fry had laughed and fumbled up her stairs, praying like a priest that he didn't drop her. Floor after floor, smiles all the way, to his favourite apartment of all. Course, confusion and red faces for the busted door before them.
"What in the? How did this—"
"Whoever did that, I'll kill them!"
A scan about the place for clues, but when Leela found the evidence of that broken cardboard box, she immediately knew. A small shrug, before just pushing her recliner into the gap.
"On second thought, who cares? We can worry about that in the morning… Now, where were we again?" Another grip of hands, another delighted fit.
"Good question my love… Ohhh, I think I remember."
Before that fateful call, this was the fairytale finale they always wanted. And now, it was theirs.
They clicked on that Hoverdisk album, and there they would sit, chilled glasses of champagne as the melodies, saxes and serenades of Just the Two of Us carried them away. Even for the messy hair, sweaty skin and sharp odours, it didn't matter…
They could see each other's true eyes, the prize they fought forever for.
"So what was it like, Fry? I believe Thomas told you my story, but you never told me yours."
"You seriously want a list? 24/7 slavery, a constant drip-feed of 'stories' and 'evidence', a grooming to be his greatest creation, and threats to your lives if I kept disobeying him. A virus personally designed to manipulate me, which I could never save myself or you guys from."
Hands in his head, he felt himself pulled into another hug, no words for some time. Those maternal ways again, as senses of relief started to sweep over.
"And to think you never quit on us, when this one-eyed 'Wonder Woman' humoured the idea. I wouldn't know many, to suffer as you did. At least now you're back; perhaps we can enjoy those tender embraces, those gentle touches again."
She linked into his arms, gave a cheers, and drank, a laugh for trying to balance her glass as he did. Her head huddled into his chest, staring into his eyes, hearing that heartbeat of a pygmy mouse.
No fear of any love lost, to say the least.
"To get those gifts, your words, that dance, and such hope… You don't know how much that drove me forward."
Just then, a perfectly-timed sweetener of tidy flutes, beautiful brass blares, and Teddy Pendergrass at his silky-smooth best had pierced the room. The hints to 'close the door' had stirred their hearts, the romance of such had stood them up to dance.
Fry had pretended to sing, his full focus on caressing her cheek, embracing her from behind, smiling as he kissed her hand. Brushing hair behind her ears, they began their gentle approach while gazing into each other.
Took only a moment for her rose-pink lips to meet his; their first true kiss. One to take them past the event horizon of passion, to engage their lips in a facial, full-frontal assault.
Leela soon led her lover into that holy of holies, a slow strip of her costume tempting him forward. Despite his hopping about in taking off that jumpsuit, they soon laid head-to-toe naked, eye-to-eyes, on her king single bed.
For thinking about Leela, and for memories of that erotic show, Fry had now laid there, more 'perked up' than anything his century of coffees could do.
"Oooohhhh, I didn't think you missed me that much. So, who's the hero & villain?"
"Show me YOUR evil side… Got a taste courtesy of The Zookeeper, and I so crave more."
"Careful what you wish for, boy."
Climbing aboard his waist, she kept him pinned to the sheets, before taking time to bend forward.
Gods-given blessings soon pressed across his sternum, as she gripped a shoulder with one hand, and cradled her chin in the other. Already a blush on his cheeks, a goofy eager grin for what was to happen.
"Welcome to my sanctum Captain… My fine little honey trap, for naïve sorts like you."
"Trap nothing, Fatale! In the crime of love, you're the worst crook I know… Come quietly, or face consequences."
"Oh I'm not coming on your say-so… Think you'll ever defeat me, in my own home?"
"The hero always conquers the villain… Comics 101!"
"More like Reality 101… I won't deny that your powers are great, but…"
Following glints of evil lust and hopeful fear, between banter and bold claims, she rose up and untied her headband, allowing that bouffant to cascade down her back. A lover's shiver for that purple silk, and a playful "Hands off" as he reached to touch it. No corrupted memories here, that was for sure.
Another lean forward as she rubbed down every curve & crevice, her smooth hands repeatedly massaging from his neck to his core. Another great view, as she turned to tease his toes & thighs, moving closer yet denying his 'friend' all the while.
A repeat of that childhood game, this time bringing out the fingernails. A routine to fire off quivers and throbs just about everywhere, as her voice barely carried above a whisper.
"Mine are greater… MUCH greater."
"The devil damn you… You won't tempt me so easily!" Knew that had been a lie, as he plummeted deeper and deeper into that intoxicating well.
"Oh no you don't!" she snickered, restraining his wrists. "Turnabout's fair play, Captain, and so help me, I'm going to take my time…"
Used to be that it was two and through for the couple, and more to one's benefit than both. But even a basement virgin could now tell the 'vas deferens' between them then, and now. Serious urges aside, Fry knew he wanted nothing else after her private show. His great sacrifice, no greater risk taken, and then his greatest reward had… Until now, obviously.
"Do you even remember my secret crutch? You really believe you'll be victorious over me again?"
"Oh really? You dare ask me that, Fatale?"
From her a scornful laugh, but one she couldn't 'enjoy' as he sat bolt upright to ravage her face in smooches. A moment of 'distraction', to trigger shivers through her body. An opportunity to toss her to her own bed, top mount her in seconds, and then lean in to give his tiny pecks, nibbles & licks.
Across the forehead & cheeks, on the ears, the nape of her neck… Striking perfect on those sweet spots, before he let fingers stroke down below. A little stir and tease, that soon sent her eye darting in every direction.
Any pretence of a quite night had gone as whispered moans became screams, as he worked down to her breasts. More than a starved child to its mother, he soon pounced and nibbled on those nipples; sucks and licks that grew harder and more often while she fought against every carnal desire she could.
"How did you know?!"
"You kidding, my sweet? No matter how long we're apart, I'll always know…"
As Leela continued to express a more approving "Oh Lord!" than usual, she thought about reclaiming territory before she felt that tongue slide beneath. Now up and down her chiselled centre mass, any system of hers that one could name had been left to spasm and jolt in ecstasy.
Abdominals began to buckle, her legs kicked out in reflex, her chest started to shudder… And right before he put the word evolve in 'e-vulva.'
As his tongue travelled the clitoris, he hummed a little Star Trek—to boldly go, and all. A delicate exploration up, down, and around every corner of her 'Caverns on the Cream', that soon had her gripping sheets, biting lips, and stumbling headlong into states of bliss. The 'St. Fry's Fire' that crackled her hand back at Bellevue, had now spread to electrify her body.
Once he was done handcuffing her as such, she began to plead for chances to tongue-kiss, just to enjoy her taste of defeat… A bad mistake of Fry's to acquiesce; her strength had 'returned' enough to grip his throat, a sinful eye to go.
"Very dirty trick of yours, Captain! I thought you were too noble for that."
"All for truth, justice and the Earthican way, by God! Hero or not, I never promised to be good."
"So you wanna be obliged, do you? I'll teach you to lecture me on evil!"
Tossing him back to the sheets, one hand planted on his throat, she shuffled through her bedside tables to find four flavoured bottles of lube. The choices before her, as she picked them one-by-one…
Strawberry; vibrant sweetness to the tongue. Apple; juicy treats in more ways than one. Watermelon; summer snack for munching or slopping. Vanilla last; perfect base for homemade topping.
Posing like an Amazonian statue of ancient days, she took her time to drizzle the strawberry, the cool gel leaving him a chattering mess. For that calm, smooth jerk of his Johnson Fry often preceded their sly grins and his pillow grab.
Even over a year apart, he knew what this led to…
"Kid gloves are off now, baby. Get ready to know evil's truest form!"
After a sudden yank to the bed's edge, and her viper's flicker to have him clench fists, she let her tongue tease their best friend of all. For all the snakes she'd seen, dated and charmed since Cookieville; complete impossibilities to rare men, she knew for certain that she'd never love anyone else.
First came the twirls, twists & tickles, as he kept her hair brushed back. Then the dragging of nails, the tiny bites of his tip, a cheek slap while it poked inside. Up-and-down samples like ears of corn. A round-the-world tour, before she exposed the sack to nibble the tender bits.
For such mastery, Fry only had violent whiplashes rock his neck & body, a fight between himself and eruptive temptation that he grew closer to losing…
"She cannae take any more Cap'n… Keep pushin' her any harder, she's gonna blow! Hooohhhh… she's gonna… Mmmmmph!"
Then she stopped, relishing such total control over him.
"Argh, damn you!"
"You're only ready when I SAY you're ready!"
Easing and edging him away, she grabbed herself a condom and slipped it over, a smile to see him pulsing through rubber. Another generous dollop of lube, and soon a chance to retake some classic 'drive-stick' lessons.
Up, down, up, down… A steady rhythm at first, as they took turns dictating the pace. Soon the ride grew wilder & louder; on normal days, that would mean evasive manoeuvres, or emergency landings…
"Ready to have your fate sealed, hero?"
"Never, I shall not quit!"
"We'll see about that, little sunshine."
Quite the share of tongue to go as she kissed him, before she turned that statuesque figure to lower her pearl, purple tuft and all, over his face. The Grand Finale, finally in play.
His hands to work her thighs, hers to cradle his cobra. His licks to grow quicker, her sucks to sink deeper. After each kiss of her clit, her tongue would stroke while she jerked. Subtly, she rolled his rubber, discarded it, and let him go for broke.
Following loud screams from both, the gates of heaven had opened as Fry let almost two entire years of forced abstinence do the talking, while Leela lavished his face with the liquors of her love.
A relative draw of sorts, perhaps the best result they could've hoped for. Some brand new sheets and couple showers later, and they were soon caught in panting sighs, throbbing bodies and curling toes.
"Ahhhhhh, that was amazing… So Fry, was I as good as you remembered?"
"Not at all, my Captain," he sighed, to a concerned eye. "You're WORLDS better."
Flashing him a coy smile, she shifted down to lay her head across his chest. Knowing there was nothing now to spoil this moment, she bid him a final kiss and drifted off.
"Well saved back there. Good night, my dumb prince…"