Chapter 4

Billy and Steve were walking towards the third sector, various types of gear in their arms. Steve was once more very cheerfull – something which lightened Billy´s spirits as the two were chatting leisurely as they went to his mother´s stand, where they were supposed to rezendevous with Lily and Lola. However as they approached Beth´s Burger Palace stand, the girls were nowhere to be seen. Only Beth was seen there chatting with a woman from the neighbouring Cygnuville croiscant stand.

"Oh, there you are."she exclaimed happily as the two young men approached.

Upon a small introduction with the woman – Madame Doux, who seemed to be just like his mother (which probably explained why the two women were getting along so well), Beth smiled warmly at the pair who as was agreed upon earlier on, placed their purchases into her stand.

"Mom, you wouldn´t happen to see Lola... we were supposed to meet here."explained Billy, looking from side to side.

"Oh she stopped by a moment ago, dear."nodded Beth happily.

"With her friend and Jaq."added Madame Doux, smiling to herself.

Both Billy and Steve shot the two women inquiring looks as they waited for an explanation.

"The pride of Cygnuville."said Madame Doux proudly.

"A very handsome boy indeed. Lola and Lily were showing him around. She asked me to tell you, that she´ll be waiting for you at the Moonshade Café."noted Beth, sharing the woman´s smile.

Billy´s eyes narrowed. The Moonshade Café was on the very edge of the Town Hall Square and a place, where most girls ussually went. Though Lola and Lily rarely visited – not only because of the prices. However it was a well known place in Beauvillage – a place, where most Beauvillage girls chose to go with their dates – much to the boy´s intense displeasure. In fact, Lola had chosed not to follow that tradition on their dates, knowing just how Billy felt about the place. Lola and Lily however came in once every two months – ussually upon a special occasion, when one of the pair had some extremely "importaint" girl-talk. He took a stare in the direction of the café and at once, he saw Lola and Lily sitting behind one of the tables outside. What made his eyes narrow though was the jet-black haired boy in a dark green sweater, who was sitting between the two girls and all three seemed to be engaged in what seemed to be a spirited conversation.

"He´s a very talented young man. Eversince he was a child, he always represented Cygnuville in both Art and Theatre too."said Madame Doux in a happy voice also watching the café.

"Oooh... he´s an artist?"asked Beth brightly.

"Oh, oui... he painted many paintings, is skilled in sculpture also a talented cook and a writer too. Everyone in Cygnuville knows him – and that IS saying something, since we´re such a big town."

"So he´s something of a celebrity."noted Steve also watching.

Madame Doux nodded smilingly.

"Certainement. He has won his fame at the age of 9 and since then his popularity is growing."

The foursome watched the scene at the café, just as Jaq and the girls erupted into laughter.

"They seem to be getting along just fine."noted Beth, clapping her hands happily.

Billy´s eyes narrowed more, a wild pang of jealousy hitting him.

"Bien sûr. Afterall our Jaq is a perfect gentleman. A good listener too... even tempted. He is extremly popular with girls too. Back home, every girl his age wants him."

Madame Doux´s remark seemed to have ignited a small flash in Billy´s eyes.

"Well isn´t that nice, right Billy?"asked Beth brightly looking at her son, only to find, that he was gone.

"Billy! Wait up!"exclaimed Steve as he set out after his best friend, who was swiftly walking towards the café.

Billy was now in a small state of panic. What he just heared seemed to have set off an alarm in his head – an alarm which was causing more hubbub than ANY of his father´s. He rarely felt jealousy like this since he got together with Lola but hearing about the Pride of Cygnuville, he felt threatened for some reason. And it looked like for good reason, because as he and Steve approached the café, he noticed that this boy – Jaq was sitting very closely to the two girls as the trio laughed once more, upon which Billy sped up his pace – Steve resorting to a small jog merely to keep up. Eversince getting together, Billy deeply treasured his relationship with Lola and vowed to protect it at all costs and though Lola definitely wasn´t the type to cheat, when it came to their relationship Billy often loses his head.

"C'était assez drôle, Jaq."chortled Lily as Jaq smiled pleasantly.

Lola sighed to herself with a smile, only guessing what her best friend just said – until Lily quickly translated it.

"It wasn´t very funny for me, I´m afraid. I hadn´t understood a thing you said."she said to Jaq as Lily explained Jaq´s tale.

Sighing to herself one more time she shook her head.

"Times like this, I really wish I learnt French. Or any foreign language for that matter."

Jaq gave her a warm smile and moved a bit more closer.

"You know Lola, if you´d ever like to learn I would be most happy to teach you."he said in a smooth voice.

Lola once more shook her head, though with a small smile.

"Unlikely Jaq. Afterall, you live on the other side of the country."

Jaq once more smiled pleasantly.

"Oh I think something could be arranged, mon cher."

Suddenly he noticed someone standing behind Lola. He quirked his eyebrow.

"Yes? Can we help you?"he asked politely and both girls looked behind them to see who had come.

Upon recodnizing the figure behind Lola, Lily´s face broke into a warm smile. Lola´s on the other hand turned to one of utmost joy as she rose, brought her arms around his neck and kissed him ever so lovingly. Billy returned the kiss whole-heartedly, but Lola could sence something in it – a kind of desperation mixed with relief. She flashed him a questioning look as soon as they separated and with just one single glance on his face, she understood. Smiling a bit to herself, she cast him a "You have nothing to worry about" look, she saw his face turn to one of relief and she resisted the urge to shake her head. Grabbing his hand, she turned to Jaq, who was visibly stunned, while Lily´s face sported a small look of longing.

"Jaq, this is my boyfriend. Billy Hubbub."she said introucing him.

Though still a bit stunned, Jaq stood up and the two shook their hands. Just then, Lily noticed someone else standing behind the couple and once more broke into a smile. Drawing up chairs for the two, the boys sat down – Billy by Lola´s right side, and Steve by Lily´s left. Jaq didn´t look particulary happy with the arrangement, however he broke into a pleasant conversation as the talks behind the table resumed.

"So you guys got all that you need."said Lily eyeing the pair.

"You got it, Lily. With that I can finally buff-up my bike. Though I have nothing as fine as you have, Billy."said Steve.

Much like his best friend, Steve also owned a bike. The pair was also known to have a race from time to time – some of their routes along town insighting complaints from some senior citizens and most importaintly Professor Melissa Morter.

"Oh well... I tend to do a lot of maintenance. Plus I´ve had several up-grades installed."said Billy idly.

"By my baby brother."added Lola slyly.

"Billy Hubbub, that´s cheating."Lily mock-scolded and Billy laughed sheepishly – not bothering to mention just WHY he was winning every race lately.

Steve was shocked.

"You´re kidding. You mean those new thrusters? HE installed them?!"

Blushing slightly, Billy nodded as he scratched his head in a sheepish manner.

"Well Miles delivered them, but I wasn´t very much able to do so... so I asked him to help."he explained.

"Which he did very eagerly I might add."noted Lola, remembering Chichi´s face and the spirited way he had taken up to the task.

"And he was done in thirty minutes."nodded Lily also remembering.

While Jaq was looking confused, Steve´s look of shock only deepened.

"A... amazing. You´re brother is a real technological genius, Lola."he said in a awestruck voice.

"Oh you wouldn´t believe everything he´s capable of doing."said Lily smiling to herself, thinking about their recent Bunglewood adventure.

"Oh and speak of the devil."said Lola looking in front of her.

As the rest of them looked, they saw Chichi and Phil walk past them, dreamy looks on both of their faces. Lola swiftly called them towards them and once more drew up chairs for the pair.

The girls giggled at their expressions as soon as they sat down.

"What has you two in such a state?"asked Lola still giggling somewhat.

"EX – 126 SuperTablet."answered Phil in a dreamy daze once more instilling a merry round of laughter from everyone except Chichi and Jaq.

"Figures. You´re such a little computer-freak."teased Lily affectionately, grabbing Phil who was sitting on her right side into a small headlock and ruffling his hair with obvious affection.

"Bookworm."he replied quietly, yet still dazed.

Lily instantly added some strength to her grip, but not enough to hurt him.

"I heared that, Philip."

Once another round of laughter died down, Billy looked to Chichi, who sat at Lola´s left side.

"And what has you in such a daze, Chichi?"

Chichi barely took not of the question, looking even more in dreamland than his best friend.

"Trashbin... Weedpatch."he answered.

Everyone looked confused for a moment.

"We went to Miles´ stand to drop off our stuff and he introduced us to them. We´ve made friends with them. Apparently, Miles told them about Chichi and they think him to be extremly cool. Plus they gave him their new band album too."explained Phil.

"The new Dr QuackoWe can´t be better... Donaldo only heared a few preview songs and told me that they were out of this world."nodded Chichi, completly dreamy-eyed.

"Uh-oh."breathed Lola, knowing already that her beloved brother will play the CD, the moment he´ll get home.

"Yeah but we were shocked to find out, that Trashbin is the son of the NATMA director."said Chichi coming out of his transe a bit.

The rest of the table shared pretty much the same shock. The NATMA – National Television and Media Association was the country´s top media group and had been for more than half a century. It laid the foundation stone for the television broadcast in the country and eventhough since then many local and country stations have been in business, the NATMA remained on its top and pretty much dictated the way the country´s media service was done.

"Wow. He must be loaded."whistled Steve.

"You´re not kidding."nodded Billy, who could only imagine.

Jaq however sniffed and shot Miles´ truck-stand a reproachfull gaze.

"And he wastes his time like THIS? Clowning around in a costume?!"he said shaking his head.

"What d´you mean, clowning?!"asked Chichi shooting him a small glare, but his voice was still calm and polite.

"I mean, that instead of using his position he wastes his time dancing like that and reducing himself into a shopsalesman."expalined Jaq, who obviously missed the angry glare that Chichi was still shooting him.

"He did it for his friend. Not to mention, that he used to do jobs just like that when he was rebelling against his father´s wishes a few years back. Now however he´s partnering with his father in the NATMA."he explained more to the others than the black-haired Cygnuvillian.

While Jaq continued to look dumbfounded, the conversation moved on towards the girls and their desired purchases. However when they saw Tex Workalot run past the café, apparently following someone Lily, Chichi and Phil erupted into laughter.

"Looks like Detective Clever is on the case."chortled Phil happily.

Lily shook her head.

"Not Clever. He´s Clear."amended Lily still giggling.

"I wonder where Clever and Capable are... not that I miss them, though."smiled Chichi.

The others at the table shot them confused looks, as the three shared another laugh. Unbeknowst to any of them, just as she began to write the sequel book, Phil and Chichi gave Lily the most amazing idea as she was searching for amusing opponents for Detective Razor and Rainbows. Phil suggested she´ think of someone in real life, who would fit the bill, and at once the trio knew who would insight lots of humor as well as make things difficult for the pair – The Brotherhood of the Wise. And so, Lily chose to take Nick, Tex and Archie and transform them into their book counterparts. Though she struggled with the names, Chichi quickly supplied them with good humor – Detectives Clever (Nick), Clear (Tex) and Capable (Archie). Eversince then, the threesome shared a private joke whenever they saw the three respective boys, often unable to stop the torrent of laughter that ensued. And Lily found that the three characters were very promising ones indeed – she tended to have much fun placing them into situations and with the help of the boys thinking up their antics.

"Hey, what´s so funny you three?"came a voice behind them.

Chichi recodnized the voice and smiled happily as he turned around.

"Oh nothing really, April. Yo, Chloe. You two done with the shopping?"he asked pleasantly smiling at the two girls.

Chloe and April both returned him warm smiles.

"Not much. We didn´t have that much money."admitted April as Chichi was drawing up chairs for them too, ignoring Jaq´s glare.

"Not to mention, there wasn´t much that we wanted or needed for that matter."noted Chloe as the two girls sat behind Chichi – the table being too small to accomodate the large number that gathered now.

"We spoke to Miles for a bit a while earlier though. But poor guy, he and his two friends really have their hands full."said April smilingly, looking over her shoulder with a smile, directing her sight on Miles´ truck.

Lily giggled affectionately.

"I think he would hardly complain about it. He must be in seventh heaven right now."noted Lola, looking at the truck with a small eyeroll already imagining the look on his face as he would be picturing the results of his "greed-grabbing" as he happily called it.

"With lots of greed raining down on him."added Chichi happily.

Phil, Billy, Chloe, April and Lily shared a laugh with the Tofu siblings.

"That´s our Miles all right."nodded Phil happily.

Jaq took a shocked breath and looked at all of them in terror.

"You mean you know that... that... abomination?"

Lily spun her head towards Jaq, propelled by a sudden wave of anger at what she just heared.

"Abomination?! What did you mean by that?!"she asked in english, which at once answered the gang´s confused looks, which were instantly replaced with anger as well.

Jaq narrowed his eyes at the truck.

"Judging by that stunt he pulled when he arrived I can tell that he´s an attention-seeker. All for the purpose to fill his pockets. Such antics merely drag down people´s potentional to mediocrity. And these people actually like it. Oh, I´ve seen it so many times."

Both Lola and Chichi fixed him a hard glare.

"Drag down people´s potentional to mediocrity?! By being... well, original in his attention-seeking as you put it?!"asked Lola angrily.

"Furthermore, Miles is a businessman. Of course he´s drawing attention for the purpose to fill his pockets. That´s what businessmen DO."said Chichi coldly, crossing his arms across his chest.

"And unlike most businessmen, he´s honest about his intentions and not cheating people out of their money."added Lily also glaring him.

Jaq however also folded his arms and shook his head.

"Honesty has NO part in this. People like him are clowning around and his victims look up to these attractions instead of focusing on furthering their own talents. That´s why the many cities of our country are so...sourd. People throw away their potentional for such things and even pay for it – basicly throwing away their sane minds in the process. Such things are an abomination of art and the pure path of life."

Chichi sniffed.

"Art and pure path of life?! Dude, what planet do you come from?"

Jaq now turned his icy glare on Chichi, who stood his ground in direct defiance.

"From a planet, where people actually think! Where people admire artists and philisophers not businessmen and rodeo-clowns!"

He was very well aware of the glares he was recieving from Billy, Lola, Phil, April, Chloe, Chichi and Lily but refused to budge.

"So what you´re implying is that we don´t think, is that it?!"asked Chichi, his jaw working angrily.

Jaq sniffed and looked down on him.

"Obviously you don´t. If you like consorting with someone like THAT."

"Who do you think you are to judge people like that? What do you know about us OR Miles for that matter?!"exclaimed Phil, losing his ussual calm.

Sniffing once more Jaq shook his head.

"I know one importaint thing – In order to reach one´s full potentional, you have to steer clear from such company. Look at that Trashbin... the son of one of the country´s most accomplished beings and he allowed himself to be reduced to a common salesman – THAT is precicely where such friendships will lead you. And I know another thing – you two are in no position to talk."

He pointed to both Phil and Chichi.

"You should instead take an example from older, accomplished people. Like ME for instance. I have already achieved much more than you, les petits garcons or this abomination can ever hope to."

A loud bang rang trough the outdoor part of the café. Losing control of her increasing anger, Lily stood up and pounded her fist on the table with surprising strength. So much in fact, that the glasses on the table shook and the one that was closest to hers rolled from the table and broke on the concrete ground. The entire café fell silent and the gang held their breath. Even Lola was completly sure, that she NEVER seen Lily so angry in the half-decade of knowing her. Jaq cowered thistime under the angry, livid glare he was getting.

"NOW LISTEN TO ME! I DON´T CARE IF YOU´RE A GUEST OR NOT, BUT I WILL NOT HAVE YOU INSULTING MY FRIENDS! YOU KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT EIGHTER OF THEM AND NOTHING IN THE WORLD GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO JUDGE THEM! AND FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION, CHICHI PHIL AND MILES HAVE ACHIEVED SOMETHING THAT POMPOUS, STUCK-UP, ARROGANT ASSHOLES LIKE YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO!"

Lily´s outburst hung in the air for a few seconds until they heared a low whistle behind Lily. Lily felt a hand touch her shoulder gently.

"Woah, Lily... cool it down a bit."

The gang drew in their breaths as they saw the group that arrived. Lily turned her head to find, that her homeroom professor – Rodney Philips was standing right behind her, a small look of awe on his face. Right next to him was Angie Haveitall, her father – the mayor, a man in a stylish violet suit and a matching colored hat on his head. The company behind them made Lily take in her breath and blush a deep shade of red. Standing behind Philips, the violet-suited man and the two Haveitalls were people, whom she recodnized but never seen in the flesh – Milton Weasel, Adam Brians, Christopher Gee and the ever-so famous Johnny Jack – all of whom sported curious looks at the outburst they undoubtably had to hear as they approached.

"What are you kids doing?"asked Mayor Haveitall, hoping to answer his curiosity.

"Arguing, Mayor Haveitall. Arguing."answered Chichi in a calm and neutral voice and a completly straight face, as though the truth of it should be obvious to anyone.

Milton Weasel snorted in good humor while the Beauvillage mayor surveyed the scene. The presence of Jaq La Jolie and the words that were heared troughout half of the street offered every single explanation he needed. Instantly he felt deep understanding, feeling that he really shouldn´t tell the blushing girl off for losing her nerves – especially when he himself had been in a similar situation with the boy´s father for most of this day. Instead he offered them a kind smile.

"Arguing you say, Chichi? And how is it going?"he asked idly as though asking about the day´s weather.

Catching on to mayor´s intention, Chichi smiled brightly and gave him a thumbs-up.

"Incredibly, mr Mayor. In fact I don´t think we could do a better job of it if we tried."he replied with cheerfull animation.

This had the intended effect. The tension in the air had lifted and several of them, young or old loosed an amused chuckle, while both the father and son La Jolie looked thunderstruck. Smiling on at the genuis-boy the mayor moved forward.

"You youngsters won´t mind us joining you at the table, will you now?"he asked politely, understaning Rodney Philips´ plan the moment he saw who they were approaching when they headed to the café.

"Be our guest, but I´m not sure that this tiny little table will accomodate us all."nodded Chichi, but looked at the small table which was already packed full.

"Oh that´s no trouble. Angie dear, can you go into the café and tell the manager that the Mayor´s party would like to be seated behind a large table?"said the mayor pleasantly turning to his daughter.

...

Several minutes later the entire party was seated in the king-size table, which was ussually occupied by the large number of customers which visited the café eachday. The place also held smaller tables, where couples sat. The light pink and sky blue interior was now completly empty, owing to the Outdoor Sale as had become the habit over the years. Numerous people ussually chose to sit outside on this occasion as not to be far from the action. Today was no exception, so Angie had no trouble in securing the free table neccessary. The only two occupants politely left outside to give their beloved mayor and his guests room for privacy. The owners of the café - Mr and Mrs Sweetlong spiritedly took to the task of serving the needs of the seated group as the two mayors, Angie, Rodney, Jaq (looking very smug) and finally the celebrities ordered drinks and in some cases sweets or cakes.

"I have heared much about the famous Moonshade Desert Special of Beauvillage. I am dying to try it."said Adam Brians kindly to Mr Sweetlong, who looked extremly surprised that his special desert – a recipe he had learnt from his father, had carried to a famous singer.

Mrs Sweetlong approached the Beauvillage teenage group, smiling gently at them.

"You should order too, dears. Have what you like, its on the house today. And I won´t take "NO" for an answer."she added as the teens started to protest.

"By the way...You haven´t seen Emily by any chance?"asked Mr Sweetlong as he still waited Milton Weasel and Christopher Gee to order.

"She´s at the stands with Archie."answered April brightly as Billy, Steve, Lola and Lily placed their order.

"Showering him with kisses no doubt."added Chloe smirkingly.

Mrs Sweetlong´s face took on a radiant smile as Mr Sweetlong took a deep sigh – not that he hadn´t been happy for his daughter, but he didn´t exactly share his wife´s joy upon learning that his young daughter started dating, even if the boy was one, he knew quite well over the years.

"I can´t thank you enough for helping them get together, Lily. I swear I haven´t seen Emmy so happy since she was a child."said Mrs Sweetlong eyes full of appretiation.

Lily blushed heavily.

"I was happy to do it, Mrs Sweetlong."she said sheepishly.

Mrs Sweetlong smiled at her again and after Chichi and Phil placed their order left into the kitchen along with her husband.

Mayor Haveitall stood up and called attention to himself.

"Allright, to cut the introductions shorter, allow me to have the honor..."

He paused and gestured to the guests.

"Young ones, this is Milton Weasel, Christopher Gee, Adam Brians, Johnny Jack..."he said gesturing to each of them, though everyone from the teens knew their names very well.

"... Jean La Jolie – the mayor of Cygnuville..."he continued gesturing to his violet-suited collague.

"... and last but not least his son – Jaq La Jolie – the mayor´s son and a talented young artist known as the Pride of Cygnuville..."

Jaq flashed them a sly smile and the Beauvillage teens scrowled, understanding the black-haired Cygnuvillan´s snobbish and pompous attitude and the exact reason for it. It did little to change their opinion of his behaveour however. The celebrities now looked in expectance at the youngsters as the mayor cleared his throat once more and flashed the teens a smile.

"Dear guests from Cygnuville allow me to introduce Beauvillage´s gifted youngsters – the pride of Beauvillage."he said proudly as he began gesturing to each.

"Chloe Stranely, April Spock, Steve Rowan, Billy Hubbub, Phil Conners, Lola Tofu..."

Mayor La Jolie sniffed slightly, mystified at the reason just why was Haveitall introducing perfect nobodys to his celebrated guests.

"Tofu? You wouldn´t happen to be related to Iris Tofu by any chance?"asked Milton Weasel curiously.

"She´s our grandmother."answered Lola uncertainly.

Milton Weasel clapped his hands.

"Amazing. So you are part of the famous green family. I remember well your grandmother´s work in the Enviroment Protection Organization – I supported it in Cygnuville years back when there was a industrial problem in Cygnuville."

The other celebrities looked awed.

"That must mean... that this is the very Beauvillage family I heared so much about – The Tofus."said Adam Brians.

Lola and Chichi were shocked that stories about their family have spread beyond Beauvillage. Christopher Gee was looking at Chichi with a mixture of awe and happiness.

"So you, my lad must be Chichi Tofu – Beauvillage´s boy-genius."

The table fell silent. The celebrities fixed their awestruck eyes on Chichi who´s shocked face was growing redder by the second.

"How... how do you know about me...?"he asked in a thunderstruck voice, shocked beyond belief.

On the other hand, who wouldn´t if you found that an actor, who played one of the most favourite characters of your childhood – the feared Count in the Dragon Lord series - was familiar with your name and eyed you with obvious respect.

"My dear friend Robin Orbin told me about you. He thinks very highly of you."explained Christopher Gee kindly.

"M...Mr Orbin? You know eachother?"asked Chichi still not able to believe it.

Gee laughed to himself slightly.

"Of course. We were classmates in collage. I visit him in Megacity whenever I have the time. I have also heared about the Drug case and how well you faired in helping the police arrest the dealers and cleanse the street of that filth for good. The way I heared it, many other shop owners in that neighbourhood are greatly appretiative of the help you and your friends gave them. They said, that you are a gifted technological genius and that you even helped them fix their damaged machines – many of which they thought were beyond repair until you proved them wrong by putting them back together."

Both La Jolie´s jaws fell open and even his sister and friends were eyeing him in awe. All of them now understood why the shop owners of the Megacity´s targeted street were so eager to give him many gifts like the custom-made clothing he was currently wearing.

"A little something you forgot to mention, brother dearest...hm?"asked Lola eyeing her blushing brother.

"I must´ve forgot."he answered sheepishly ensuing a chorus of laughter.

"Secretive little thing, aren´t you?"teased Lily smilingly.

"Have I ever told you, that you´re amazing Chichi honey-bun?"asked April flashing him a loving smile.

"Almost every day... and when are you going to stop calling me that?!"answered a blood-red faced Chichi defusedly.

"Neveeer."she sing-songed back and another round of laughter gripped the group as Chichi goaned and tried to hide his blushing face under the table.

Mayor Haveitall cleared his throat again as the laughter died down again.

"And last but definitely not least... Lily Robins."

A giant wave of silence came over the table. The La Jolie´s were white and even the celebrities looked at her as though they couldn´t believe their eyes nor ears.

"L...Lily ROBINS? The author of THE Great Mystery?!"asked Jean La Jolie, who had not yet read the novel but its rapidly growing country-wide popularity was something that couldn´t possibly escape his notice – not when over half of Cygnuville´s teenagers and numerous adults were now reading it – the book gaining more and more fans by the hour.

Jaq on the other hand gaped at her like crazy – the novel got to his hands two days after it hit Cygnuville and instantly become his favourite, dispite the fact that he is only reaching the middle of the book, still having three chapters to go.

"Vous étiez assis avec eux et vous ne savez pas son nom de famille?"La Jolie asked his son quietly.

"Nous avons seulement échangé nos prénoms, papa."breathed Jaq, unable to believe just who he was sitting with for the last thirty minutes.

"Amazing."breathed Milton Weasel, who was a long-time fan of detective novels.

"I´ve only begun reading the book, but I have to say... the story is already amazing. I´m really looking forward to reading how it turns out."nodded Adam Brians, eyeing her in awe.

Suddenly Johnny Jack stood up and walked toward her. He grabbed her right hand and looked into her eyes with absolute and utter respect.

"Ms Robins, I finished the book just yesterday. That was the greatest detective novel I have ever read. In fact, I can´t remember a time when I practicly ate away the contents of the book – I just couldn´t stop reading it and I read it in two days which has to be a personal record of mine. Its a great honor for me to meet such a talented author."

Smilingly he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen and a copy of the Great Mystery.

"Will you do me the honor of sighning my copy of this amazing book?"

It took a few moments for Lily to recompoze herself and get over the shock of what was actually happening – the actor, that almost every girl in the country (including her) was crazy about, the man she never thought she would meet much less speak with was asking her for an autogram. After a few seconds of deafening silence Lily, still blushing like mad smiled gently and took the book and the pen from his hands and wrote down her signature.

...

"Damn it... where did he go?!"grunted Nick to himself.

He scanned the crowd of people again, having once more lost sight of his quarry.

"Nick, do you smell that?"came Mia´s voice from behind him.

Turning over his shoulder he saw that Mia had significantly calmed down since the encounter with her elder sister. Right now, her eyes were closed and she looked serene.

"Do you smell that?"she asked in a surprisingly gentle voice.

Nick sniffed the air and gave her a confused look.

"What?"

Mia´s scrowl returned onto her face and she glared Nick.

"You´ve got the biggest nose in Beauvillage and you can´t smell it?!"

Now it was Nick´s turn to give her an icy glare. Mia however took no note of it and looked around troughoutly.

"There... look!"she gestured to a stand nearby.

Looking at the direction she was pointing at, he spied the Cygnuvillan stand that served croissants.

"So what?"he asked icily.

"Let´s go get some. They´re awesome when they´re fresh."

Mia´s reply promted Nick to smack a hand on his forehead.

"You´re impossible! In case you haven´t noticed, we´re following suspects and we are about to spring the trap! And all you can think of since we got here is your stomach and whatever attractions the stands have!"he yelled angrily.

"THAT´S IT! I´ve had it with you and your stupid mission! I should´ve never agreed to come here with you in the first place."she yelled back in equal anger.

"Finally we agree on something!"growled Nick.

Mia huffed and turned her back to him.

"Whatever. I´m going to get my croissants and you can clown around all you want on your own!"she exclaimed and stomped off in the direction of the stand.

"Dumb cow."grumbled Nick in anger, though he felt a small wave of sadness mixed with concern.

However he quickly pushed those thoughts out of his head. There was a case to be solved here afterall. Scanning the crowd again, he moved in the opposite direction, pulling out his walkie-talkie as he went.

"This is Wise 2. Following suspect in Sector 3."

He smirked to himself as he found the man he was following, who was evidently behaving more and more suspitiously.

"Soon enough... the trap will spring."

...

The Moonshade café was buzzing with numerous conversations. Their order of cakes, sweets and drinks on the table were there but most was left pretty much untouched. To the immense surprise of the Beauvillage teens, the celebrities seemed to find them as interesting as they found them. Chloe, Steve, Billy and April were in animated conversation with Adam Brians discussing music and in the case of the boys motorbikes – Adam owning a marvelous bike himself. After learning that Chichi applied the new thrusters to Billy´s bike, he asked Chichi if he would consider looking at his bike, should he ever have a problem.

Lola and Lily were locked in conversation with Johnny Jack – who left Lily astounded when he said that the Great Mystery has also captured the interest of a director friend of his and that he expressed his wish to make the movie version of it. Even more, when Johnny said that he insisted upon taking the role of Detective Razor – finding it to be a character he would love to play. Lily was still recompozing herself as the conversation moved from her book to the Megacity´s Art and Music Academy, where Johnny Jack studied and where Lola is planning to enroll after leaving High School. Furthermore, Johnny Jack seemed to have taken a liking to both Lily AND Lola.

"Oh some subjects won´t be a walk in the park, but the other half will surely make up for it. You´ll have lots of fun with your classmates too. In fact, most of the modern acting generation is from my class. We tend to have small meetings and outings from time to time, provided we don´t have work to do."he said to Lola pleasantly.

"I´ve heared a rumor, that Mary Buttons was also attending the academy."said Lily thoughtfully – reciting the rumor about the successfull singer, who is one of the country´s top favourites and won the yearly Star-singer prize for the 8th time in a row.

"That´s true. In fact she was my classmate."nodded Johnny Jack.

"And she didn´t take up acting?"asked Lola curiously.

"For a while she did. She played in a few theatre plays but she always enjoyed singing more. She´s very talented and has that special star quality."he replied smiling to himself slightly.

The girls were surprised when they saw the faint blush on his face. Giggling they directed him sly smiles.

"You wouldn´t by any chance be interested, Johnny?"asked Lola slyly.

Johnny´s blush deepened and he swiftly beckoned them closer.

"To tell the truth, girls... yes. I´ve been interested since our academy days. But this is a top secret, ok?"he said resulting in another wave of giggles as the three continued the conversation quietly.

Though they hardly needed to worry. Right next to them Chichi and Phil were joyfully talking with Christopher Gee about the Dragon Lord series – the old man being as much of a fan as they were. His face turned to one of absolute surprise as they told him of their new treasured possetions.

"I can´t believe that you have those action-figures. The production stopped making them in 1986. And the Spirit of Fire was a 1984 special series only. In fact, I believe that only about a hundred pieces were ever made. However did you come across them?"

Chichi and Phil looked at eachother smilingly.

"We inherited them from a very special man."said Phil.

"He bought them for his son and since he left Beauvillage, the figures remained and the old man wanted us to have them since we´re fans."nodded Chichi.

Christopher smiled gently.

"He must´ve been a very kind man then."

"That he was."said Phil in a gentle voice.

"The funny thing is, that the figures are still in mint condition."said Chichi.

Indeed the figures were looking completly brand new dispite being older than he was. Chichi suspected, that Balthazar or probably Ezekiel used some Green Magic spell on them to ensure that the colors won´t fade.

Suddenly a loud hillarious laughter rang from the other side of the table. Rodney, Angie and Mayor Haveitall were laughing like mad, while Milton Weasel was looking smilingly. They have just been discussing the social problems of the country and Milton have taken to making amusing comments to it in ways only he could – having the talent to deliver a punch-line with merely a few words. Jean and Jaq La Jolie however weren´t laughing at all. It was clear, that the pair of them weren´t impressed with how the celebrities´ visit to Beauvillage was going. Clearing his throat importaintly, Jean looked at the rest of them seriously.

"Still... talent is something which should be encouraged and presented widely in order to inspire the remaining population."he said defending what he just said, and what Milton have made fun of.

"But I´m not sure, that presenting it in national television is the best way to do it, Mayor La Jolie. Afterall, as you can see with these bright children here, some of them are prefectly capable to earn their reputation just fine."noted Rodney, feeling immense pride at Lily and even Chichi, though he wasn´t a student of his yet.

Trough Lola and Lily, he had gotten to know the boy a bit better over the last year and instantly recodnized his and his best friend´s talents. That and he heared much about them from their principal and homeroom teacher, both of whom ussually spend time with him on Saturday night. In fact he was secretly wishing, that when the two respective boys enter Beauvillage High, he would become their homeroom professor.

La Jolie sniffed.

"Be that as it may, professor Philips. Other children should be inspired too and they need all the help they can get."he insisted.

"Oh of course, mayor. Afterall... celebrity-leveled popularity can´t possibly turn any teenager´s head."nodded Milton in a serious voice.

Another round of laughter swept trough the rest of them. Mayor La Jolie once more sniffed.

"There´s also the matter of ensuring your city´s popularity – a contest like the Cygnuville Street Talent is just that. It ensures both public attention for the city AND helps the youngsters realize their talents and further them even more."he said before letting out a small chuckle.

"But I imagine, that Beauvillage wouldn´t be able to host such a contest in any case. I doubt you have the ability or connections to do such a widely broadcasted contest."he said smugly.

A loud bang shook the table. Thistime though it was the Beauvillage mayor, who lost control of his anger. After who knows how long, the ever-calm Johnatan Haveitall lost his head. The other conversations at the table ended abruptly. The Beauvillage teens were now witnessing a sight they never saw in their lives – Mayor Haveitall - eyes narrowed into slits, mustache quivering, face contorted in rage and a amazingly cold glare fixed on the violet-suited man.

"We´ll see about that. Mark my words, Jean La Jolie... in front of these witnesses... Beauvillage will make the national television with a contest of our own."he growled gesturing to everyone else who eyed the scene.

"Daaaaaaad."muttered Angie with a deep sigh.

This is precicely what she was afraid of. Her father taking La Jolie´s bait and agreeing to playing his game – promising something he won´t be able to fulfil.

"Care to make a bet on that, Johnatan?"smirked La Jolie.

"You bet your life on it, Jean."nodded Haveitall.

Angie slapped her forehead in horror. Rodney quickly placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Allright. If you win, I will serve for an entire day in this very café."suggested La Jolie.

"And shave off your precious mustache."added Johnatan, eyeing his face.

La Jolie raised his eyebrow but after a few seconds nodded.

"Agreed Johnatan. BUT... if I win, you will open the Cygnuville Town´s Day Festival... dressed as a clown."said La Jolie smirking.

Jaq swiftly clapped a hand to his mouth in order to hold in his laughter.

"And of course, you´ll shave off your mustache before that."added mayor La Jolie.

A long moment of silence lingered as the two older men held their gaze.

"Dad, don´t..."said Angie very softly, hoping to persuade her father to see sence.

To no avail. Johnatan Haveitall took Jean La Jolie´s outstretched hand.

"You... are... on, Jean."

Angie banged her head on the table, Rodney ran his hand on her back in a consoling way. But there was no going back now. The bet had been made. In the deafening silence all of them became aware of the loud screaming and yelling coming from outside. Looking from one to the other, all of them stood up and rushed to the door to check what was going on. The scene outside was pure pandemonium. People running up and down.

"What´s going on?"asked Lola eying the scene.

"I have no idea."whispered Lily looking from side to side.

"Its the burglars! Frederick and the Police have sprung the trap!"exclaimed Angie.

The Beauvillage teens gasped in revelation, being familiar with the stream of robberies.

In that instance they saw a man running from a pair of other men they recodnized as Daniel Rogers and his elder collague Eugene. Chichi sprung to action immediately. He kicked the chair that was nearby. The chair sled straight under the feet of the running man. The man looking over his shoulder failed to notice the sliding chair and at once tripped over the chair and fell to the ground in a heap. The two incognito policemen wasted no time in restraining the man, no matter how much the man on the ground struggled.

"Thanks for that Chichi."exclaimed Daniel as he and his collagues restraint the man.

"Anytime Daniel. Anytime."replied Chichi as he scanned the crowd.

Scanning the crowd Chichi spotted the numerous squabbles going on in the entire sector.

Without another word, Chichi sprang into action, sprinting into the crowd.

"Chichi! Wait up!"exclaimed Phil and set out straight after his best friend.

"Wait for me!"yelled Billy, running after the two younger boys.

"Rodney, where are you going?!"exclaimed Angie as Rodney set out after the boys.

"We have to go and help out!"he exclaimed before dissapearing in the crowd.

"Rodney!"she exclaimed but to no avail – Rodney Philips already set out into the crowd straight after the three boys leaving the remainder rooted on the spot.

Deep in Sector 3 panic was underway. Numerous suspitious people were running about determined to evade the people who revealed themselfs as the members of Beauvillage Police Department – the chase going on and on, but the robbers innevitably recodnized, that there was nowhere to escape. Not that they weren´t trying – they were running from side to side, determined to find an opening in the loop, the Beauvillage Police had prepared for them.

Most were quickly losing their heads – the very reason why Wiseman´s plan was to apprehand the criminals as soon as possible. Something that didn´t exactly go as planned. The suspects were running like crazed rabbits – determined to evade capture – wrecking the stands in the process, several citizens tried all they could to help the policemen.

As one of the wooden stands flew apart, the robbers using whatever means they had at their disposal in order to escape.

"Emmy, HIDE!"exclaimed Archie as he took one of the long poles, that supported the Beauvillage stand – the foundation pole to be exact, at the absence of which, the stand promtly fell apart even as he ran forward with the pole, which was waggling from one side to the other – being much higher than Archie himself.

Emily crouched low along with numerous other girls, young and old as she watched her boyfriend dart into the crowd and promtly look from side to side as he tried with all his might to see where the crooks might be.

"ARCHIE!"exclaimed Emily as the shady character appeared behind him.

Turning rapidly behind him, Archie failed to acknowledge the pole in horizontal position that was still in his hands – as he turned the pole swung rapidly and made contact with the head of the burglar. The man fell backwards and landed on the ground.

"Well done, Archie!"exclaimed an elder policeman dressed in overalls as his collague started to bind the unconcious man.

"No time to lose... I´ll move forward. There´s still criminals to catch."he said before strolling on into the crowd much to the worried gasp of his girlfriend.

On the other side of the sector, Mia was just munching down on her croissants as she noticed the number of men dart past her nearly knocking her over. Suddenly a young man, dressed plainly was staning in front of her.

"Get out of my way, girl!"he yelled commandingly.

"I don´t know why I should"she yelled defiantly.

The man approached her menacingly.

"If you don´t get out of my way right now..."he growled drawing out his knife, stepping dangerously close to her.

A loud howl of pure excruciating pain rang out the surroundings as the man fell to the ground screaming in pure agony. He had made the mistake of getting too close to Mia, who was extremly capable of delivering a powerfull kick – and it was straight into the place, where it hurt all men the most. The larger man promtly rolled over on to the ground, shaking and moaning in all-consuming pain.

"Why you little brat!"exclaimed another burglar behind her – more muscular and larger than the one she put down.

She didn´t even know how... in a moment she found herself in the scumbag´s deathgrip, holding her tightly to himself as he looked at the numerous undercover policemen who had already revealed their allegiance by standing up to him. Mia was paralyzed completly as she felt something cold and sharp under her neck – the blade of a knife.

"Don´t anybody move! Or I´ll slit her throat! You understand, stupid copers?!"he yelled as he gripped his hostage.

"Now let me pass... or you´ll see this little girl´s blood on the ground!"he yelled once more.

Mia squeezed her eyes tightly shut. Unbid to herself, she began to shake – a horrifying sence of fear gripping her. She was almost completly sure, that this rough brute would fufil his promise – that she was going to die. Suddenly a loud wham and an even louder snap at the very same time was heared from behind her and she felt the man´s grip loosen. She opened her left eye as she heared the knife fall to the ground, felt the man´s arms slide from her without any pressure, hearing a loud thud and feeling something heavy collapsing by the back of her feet. Turning around she gasped as she spotted the one person, whom she did NOT expect to see.

Nick was staning behind her in a wide-legged stance as though he just delivered a double-handed blow. With a gasp, she realized that he HAD! In his hands was a wooden pole, which had been broken a few centimeters from his grip. As Mia looked at her feet she noticed a well-built, muscular man lying on the ground completly out of it. That meant only one thing – Nick had saved her life – knocking the asshole out for HER sake.

"Are you all right, Mia?"he asked as he stepped in closer, eyeing her up and down, to determine whether she was hurt or not – the gesture not going unnoticed or unappretiated by her.

"F...fine, Nick..."she breathed as he took her by the shoulders and turned a analytical gaze up and dow on her.

She could feel her cheeks going hotter and redder in color. Nick however took no note of this, as he double-checked her for any injuries. Behind them, two of the policemen were already binding the unconcious man.

"Woah that HAD to hurt. Nick, you sure did a number on him."said one of them while shooting Nick and Mia a glance.

"Well all the working out I was doing lately seemes to have paid off."nodded Nick, showing off his muscles.

Mia giggled.

"Too bad, that no ammount of working out could transform that ugly mug of yours."she joked, but in a completly different voice now – one that oozed affection.

Nick scrowled a bit, but returned her a half-smile.

"Watch it, blondie... I saved your life, remember?"

The pair actually shared a chuckle.

"Don´t get full of yourself, monkey face."she countered gently.

"Ok. You stay here, I´m going to help them round up the rest."he instructed before running off with one of the policemen.

"He´s really a good one. Great help for us."commented the remaining policeman who was smiling at Nick´s and his collague´s retreating forms.

Mia looking at the same direction also sported an extremly rare gentle smile.

"I agree with you. I wish he would be more good-looking, though."she said with a giggle.

...

The centre of the Town Hall Square sported a massive containment of chaos. Even as the now identified burglars brandished numerous weapons like knives, poles and pretty much anything they were able to get their hands on, it did nothing to discourage the policemen or the citizens who were determined to give the theifs what they rightly deserved. Some of them ended up being restrained by the angry Beauvillagers – many were seen fighting them. Billy, Phil, Chichi and even Rodney Philips among them. In the wake of the chaos, many stands were demolished as the burglars did whatever they could to ward off the people. One such had used a small axe to break the foundation poles of one of the larger stands and now the large stand was falling apart, the people under it, running away before it collapses.

"ANGIE!"screamed Rodney Philips as he saw Angie right under the collapsing stand.

Noticing it, Angie screamed but was too shocked to move. Suddenly she felt someone grab her by the waist and throw her away. She fell to the ground, but was safe from the stand that collapsed a mere second later. A loud goan was heared from beneath it as someone was clawing out of the brocken stand. With a gasp of horror she realized who it was.

"RODNEY!"she screamed running closer.

Swiftly taking his hand, she helped him pull himself out of the pile.

"Rodney! Are you all right?!"she asked in urgency, even as she was checking him up and down.

"I´m fine."he answered quietly though he knew very well, that the feat had not left him uninjured.

Angie noticed this too, finding several bruises, cuts and even a lump forming on his head.

Lola, Lily, April, Chloe were still standing with the celebrities, the two mayors and the Sweetlong couple at the door of the Moonshade Café surveying the scene with a mixture of worry and horror. Suddednly a gunshot ran trough Town Hall Square. Several people let out a terrified scream. The obvious leader of the burglars was brandishing a gun pointed to the sky, where the first shot was obviously fired.

"Don´t anybody move! Let me pass, or the next one won´t be in the clouds."he said sternly, pointing the gun from person to person as he moved slowly.

"STOP RIGHT THERE, CRIMINAL LOW-LIFE!"

The criminal looked at the source of the voice only to find a man in black-suited man with a matching hat and a long black beard, who was like him holding a gun – and aimed for him.

Laughing mirthlessly he aimed at the rabbi-like person.

"Nice disguise, Wiseman. Unfortunately you didn´t do much of a good job. I recodnized you immediately. I have to compliment you on your little plan. I on the other hand am not so stupid like the others – you won´t catch me!"

Though swearing under his breath at his fool-proof disguise being useless, Wiseman smiled a bit.

"Don´t be so sure my dear, crime-infested friend. The great Detective Wiseman is on the job."

The man laughed again, this time with humor.

"Don´t get so full of yourself, Detective. I´m NOT afraid of killing. Now... unless you want me to start shooting into these innocent people."he said and for good-measure pointed his gun randomly into the crowd, not taking his sights from Wiseman.

"I WON´T LET YOU HARM THE PEOPLE OF BEAUVILLAGE!"exclaimed Wiseman before squeezing the trigger.

However, due to his "maintenance" the gun fell apart in his hand, not even firing the bullet. A few seconds of silence lingered, then the criminal laguhed again.

"Thank you for entertaining me, Wiseman. I think you deserve the exclusive honor of the first bullet."he said maliciously as he aimed his gun once more on Wiseman.

POW!

The criminal promptly lost conciousness as the top of his head connected with a iron-like fist of Michael Miles. With dazed eyes he turned around, the gun falling from his hand as he did so. He swayed a moment as he looked at Miles, then slid powerlessly to the ground – going to dream land.

The lingering moment of silence was broken by a loud cheer that boomed over Town Hall Square as Beauvillagers rejoiced for its two heroes.

"Close call there, Wisey."called Miles as he and Wiseman were raised from their feet by the numerous people and carried towards the Moonshade café accompanied by happy cheers and clapping.

In 10 minutes, the numerous thiefs were being "escorted" into the van – some in states of unconsiousness – since they were misfortunate enough to come into contact with Miles´ infamous "Ol´Thunderbolts". The on the podium, stood the celebrities and the Beauvillage teenagers, along with the Brotherhood of the Wise. The mayor had cleared his throat and took the microphone.

"My dear Beauvillagers, today the thiefs purpotrating dispicable stealing in our very own little town were captured. I would like to thank those of you, who have helped our brave policemen to capture them. Also I´m happy to note, that our young ones..."he gestured to Chichi, Billy, Phil, Nick, Tex and Archie, who were standing behind him on his right side, with the Cygnuville guests occupying the left.

"...have also decided to stand-up for what is right and just. I would personally like to thank them and express my deepest pride and joy in having such amazing and exceptionall young people in our town."he said, flashing a smug look on Mayor La Jolie as the crowd went wild with cheers and applause.

La Jolie huffed, but decided to keep quiet. Especially because not only Beauvillagers, but also the people of Cygnuville and even the celebrities themselfs were clapping and cheering while flashing the youngsters admirable glances. Though most of them looked a bit messy and sporting numerous small injuries, they were smiling brightly as though it was nothing at all.

"And now, I think we all have to thank Beauvillage´s two very own superheroes – I´m talking of course about Michael Miles and Detective Wiseman."

The crowd went wild again as the two respective gentlemen walked onto the podium. Girl squeals and love-sick looks were coming full on from nearly every teenage girl there.

"I ´m am proud of these two amazing gentlemen. Michael, Frederick – Beauvillage wants to give you its utmost appretiation. Do you have anything you would like to say to the people"he asked kindly as the two of them came closer to the microphone.

Wiseman made a move towards the microphone, but Miles was a split-second quicker. Taking the microphone into his hand, he raised his other arm into the air.

"Thank you, thank you mr Mayor. Now my sweet people, ol´ Milesey did it all because Beauvillage is his first and only home. I´ve never really had one before and I promise that I will protect it tooth, nail and thunderbolt whenever neccessary. Beauvillage is my family! And family is supposed to help eachother and share, right...?"he said as the crowd once more erupted into applause and cheers.

"Of course I´m right. So if you guys got any unneccessary paper in your pocket, that you don´t need, please share with your beloved super-heroin´ little and big brother, cousin, uncle, aunt Miles – that is ME. And another thing..."

However the microphone was wrenched from his hand by Wiseman.

"Give me that... Now, my dear Beauvilagers... I want to assure you that the Beauvillage Police Department now works better than ever before. And with such great people like yourselfs, Beauvillage will become the very first crime-free town in history. I would like to thank my brotherhood and of course each and every member of the Police Department. Together – we have captured the crooks and we´ll send them to jail TILL THEY ROT!"

Another deafening cheer rang out trough Beauvillage as each and every spectator sprun into animated applause.

"Lemme have this Wisey."said Miles as he grabbed the microphone again.

"I´m not finished, you tactless hooligan!"retorted Wiseman as he yanked the mic back.

"But I wanna adress the people too. I still wasn´t finished with my plea to the people to share some greed."whined Miles as he yanked as well.

The spectators were now treated with a small show, as the two men were yanking the mic towards eachother´s way, wanting to speak to the people – bickering like little children.

"Let it go, before I arrest you!"threatened Wiseman, pulling with all his might.

"Let it go, before I thunderbolt you!"replied Miles, likewise pulling with all the strength he could muster.

Many Beauvillagers, including the teenagers, Angie, Rodney and even Mayor Haveitall himself couldn´t hold their laughter as the still costumed pair bickered until finally their tuggle-war resulted in losing their balance and falling straight from the podium.

...

A/N: Ok this chapter took me a bit longer that I expected. But with the holidays on and everything I was having less and less time for writing - something that´s gonna change now (I hope). Anyway I guess you can guess the Mayor´s motivation for the upcoming contest :D Plus there would be a few couples here too... so fluff coming your way in this episode :D That and soon enough, you´ll find out more about Miles´childhood.

HK07