Author's note: I know it has taken me long but I have decided to do this story over like I did with Blur Dragon, and give it a whirl. I want to thank you all for sticking up, reading and waiting. To be honest, I knew the show since I was little and loved it, so that's why it has taken me so long. A tribute to the wonderful Eric Thompson, father of the marvelous Emma Thompson, who was dubbed the entire thing. Here's to you and my two little rascals! A fan fiction to recover that great Dougal and the Blue Cat but of course, with all the magic I have under my sleeve! Will our friends be able to overcome two dangers at once? Get ready for this!
1. When Storms Gather
Florence and all the gang have spent all day in the plaza playing around the roundabout with Mr. Rusty playing his music, Dylan falling asleep every five minutes (narcolepsy, no doubt), Bryan pestering Dougal about his sugar problem, Ermintrude singing out loud and the children playing around. It's a lovely afternoon and it's going so well, that is hard to believe that not long ago this was a frozen wasteland.
Zebedee watches everything with a big smile. It´s true he is normally the troublemaker but since they beat Zeebad, Florence has soften a little about his antics. Today is all games and fun. His friends seem happy, all right. He can tell that there are still a few questions in the air, but they can wait. Right now, there is plenty of time and that means little mischief can take place soon enough. Yes, that would be perfect or at least so the springer thinks. But something keeps running down his spine. A feeling of something vague. And especially bad. He cannot tell what it is, but it is getting into him. Zebedee knows it something he should share with the rest, but not right now. Not until he knows what it so he vanishes in an explosion of colors and reappears inside Zeebad´s prison who keeps cursing about the lava around him. The spring remains silent. From where does this feeling come from?
"Well, well, well. Look who is here? Spring boy." Zeebad always trying look strong and cocky. "What brings you here?" the ice colored eyes frown,
"Nothing that is of your interest." Zebedee looks around, trying to locate the source of his worries but without success.
"It´s been some time since you and your so-called friends defeated me. If you come down here is because you are afraid of something." the ice springer has not lost his touch after all.
"It is not you I am afraid of." best thing to do here? Ignore him.
"Then, what?" Zeb does not answer and disappears again. The blue magic springer frowns. Why would he come down if it is not to make sure that he is not up to something again? Hm. Hu? That shiver. Something is going on. Although is still weak, is evil and getting closer. Zeebad chuckles. That is why that red fool is worried. Perhaps this is his chance to escape once and for all.
Florence walks home with Dougal who is almost fully asleep. The girl is happy. Things are really looking up this days. The dog runs inside the house while she takes a final glance around before going to bed. A cold gust blows and Florence shivers. What was that just now? Is there something going on?
"Florence" the red springer materializes before her.
"Ah! Zebedee! You scared me!" she jumps a little before letting out a giggle.
"I am sorry, my dear. Is there something wrong?" Zeb knows that Florence is not much of a fearful person, on the contrary.
"No, nothing. Just having a look around." She smiles for her friend. He nods. "Zebedee, can I ask you one thing?"
"Of course" the magician smiles.
"Can Zeebad come back?"
"Yes he can." The magic springer nods. "He is part of nature as I am. We are both part of the world. Summer and winter. And no matter how hard we try, he must remain, for the sake of all."
"And... do you hate him?" now that's a funny question.
"We don´t get along. We might never but not hate. At least, I try. Or I will feel as lonely and dark as him." Zeb shrugs.
"I see." Florence moves softly her head.
"But Zeebad is not all the evil of this world, child. There is worse, far worst" the springer isn't kidding about this.
"Apart from your pranks, I guess."
"Florence, my dear Florence! You know me. I am a joker but that is all" Zebedee doesn't hide a playful smirk.
"All right, all right. But it is a bit cold, blue... isn´t it?"
"Yes, but do not worry. I will keep an eye. Sweet dreams, child." She goes to bed while Zebedee stays in the garden for a few seconds, glancing at the fairy ring of mushrooms near the house. "What if this feeling is right and someone or something is after this place, my friends, the magic... Florence. I am sure that there is a way. But to find it, I am afraid, that this time, even Dougal will not be enough, nor my magic. And I wish you to be safe. Even if that takes leaving this place forever."
With the arrival of the night and Zebedee sleeping in his home above the clouds, the lights inside the old factory come to life. And something new awakes.
Good start. What is that feeling? Like the new version?
Who is inside the factory?
Is the Roundabout in danger?
Next stop: Where