Chapter 6: The Song in Our Heart

Somehow I just cannot be able to paint anything. I know I have not run out of ideas, after all I am the creation itself. It must be because I am currently angry at Mister Dark who happened to reveal delicate information about our connection. Most probably the enemies of culture are not able to use that at their advantage but that creature of darkness certainly deserved punishment by my divine light. It will not soon make that kind of mistake again; it knows that I could destroy it permanently.

But it was not the only reason for the punishment of Mister Dark; it also tried to destroy Rayman. I thought I was clear with everyone: Rayman could be a valuable ally because he is the champion of gods and a respected hero. Wait…respected hero…the champion of gods…that is it! I have it! Inspiration fills my mind!

Dalí, I own this sweep of brush to you! Look Chagall, how beautifully these colors play with each other! Yes Magritte, you can also feel my dedication, my pure love and the forces of eternity that create this piece of art greater than the life itself!

Yes! There it is! The painting so mighty and divine that even William Blake would be proud of it. All the great minds that are long gone just look how I respect your undeniable talent. I even gave myself the fifth finger just show my inextinguishable appreciation for the creation power of the humankind. When I have conquered your world you will not have to fear for the monstrosity that is anti-art to eat the foundations of your culture ever again. Finally every being in the universe will work to reach one goal, their one true and the only meaningful purpose: creation!

Why Rayman, Polokus and the rest of the rebels cannot understand my noble purpose? Why those anti-citizens stand against all that is right for us all? Why do they insist to be cast out of society for all eternity?

"Here is my artistic creation which I would like to call…The Burden of the Champion," said Nelegus whose white painter cloth was covered by colorful drops of paint. "Now tell me your opinion."

Andre looked at the work painted by Nelegus and was confused. Just recently he was appointed as the leader of Culture Cops' Critic Department even though he had no idea what any of those words meant. Nelegus had said he trusted Andre's fast learning and skills; after all he was partly Nelegus' creation. He had to actually read – the mere thought of reading something made him shiver – many books about different art types from different time periods from a completely different planet so he could valuate many works of art. Andre however thought it would be wiser to please his new boss as his current position gave many pleasant advantages.

Andre had to admit the painting certainly looked impressive. He however had no idea what Nelegus was trying to say with it; he guessed that the disfigured limbless man, who looked quite strained and unsure, was Rayman himself. Then there were two skeletal hands, golden and silver, which were reaching for Rayman. Noticeable was that the silver hand's palm was open, like it was offering something. Then there were yellow, purple and black swirling lines and lots of some creatures that looked like teensies supporting the golden hand and creatures looking like rabbids supporting the silver hand.

Andre was sure that the painting represented surrealism which he hated the most because it was so hard to understand and required thinking. There was only one thing Andre was absolutely sure about: his new boss was completely messed up.

"Well," Andre started and pondered his words. "It's a great work of art, I guess. It…catches well the atmosphere of…Rayman's pain caused by…ha, the struggle between you and Polokus! I knew I could figure out that symbolism!"

"It holds deeper meanings than your short answer let us to understand," Nelegus said giving constructive criticism, "but we cannot expect any deeper analysis at so beginning of your studies. Say which art ranking you would give to the Burden of the Champion?"

"High art," Andre replied.

"Correct, everything done by me can be automatically valuated as high art."

"I'd like to go now," Andre said. "I…still have lot to study."

In reality Andre wanted to arrange few things so he could start re-producing his 'Wanna Kick Rayman? Train Yourself!' learning DVDs. He enjoyed making those DVDs about 547 creative ways to smash Rayman but it was currently so hard because of being both artistically and ethically forbidden.

"Leave that for now," Nelegus said "I have another assignment for you. Rayman and his comrades have now learned that the second mask is placed in The Artistic Theatre. I need extra security in there for the opera of this evening."

"Yes! Finally some action!" Andre cheered.

Nelegus was slightly offended by Andre's enthusiastic for not being able to study culture. Andre however noticed his master's reaction and corrected:

"Uh, I mean that I've wanted also do some…cop-duty because…I've used to solve things by straight action."

"I understand," Nelegus replied. "At any rate you will go with couple of hoodlums joined the robopirate division of Razorbeard…"

"Wait a sec," Andre interrupted "there's going to be robopirates as well? I and my hoodlums could handle Rayman and his girlfriend nominees by ourselves, why do we need robopirates to hang around?"

Nelegus scolded Andre from his rude attitude towards his fellow creations and explained why.

Rayman had to admit his mother was a great cook. He guessed it's a mandatory skill for all mothers of the world; it's hard to feel cozy if you're not greeted by the flavor of home-made food. He guessed she must have decorated their apartment as well, the balanced use of bright and dark colors made it feel even bigger.

Rayman looked at the other participants in their dinner table. Ly and Betilla were fully enjoying their meals. However Rayman's father, Reond, ate slowly and unsurely, constantly glancing at him. He looked to be sturdier than his wife but the aging has touched him as well. Even though he was at least ten years younger than Neila his hair and goatee were already starting to become grayer. He had briefly asked from his son what he was doing during all these years and had smiled nervously when Rayman had answered "saving the world couple of times". Rayman's swarm of memories revealed that Reond was always little uneasy with Rayman; perhaps even he wasn't sure why. He had however loved Rayman enough so Rayman passed Mr. Sax's ambiguous hints as just attempts to mess up with his mind.

Reond looked at the other participants in the dinner table and said:

"I'd like to continue the conversation about retrieving the second mask."

"But darling, we are eating," said Neila. "Can't those world saving discussions wait for a while?"

"Unfortunately no," her husband answered. "You are now a wanted person for helping an anti-citizen so we have to move tonight."

Neila was little cranky about Reond's choice of words but admitted he was right and continued in her motherly manner:

"So the second mask is in The Artistic Theatre. It explains a lot, I've always wondered why there were so many culture cops around the area."

"Indeed," said Reond, "and tonight it will have more. There is an opera performed…"

"Which opera?" Betilla asked.

"The Flight of Moment if I remember correctly," Ly replied.

"Marvelous!" Betilla said. "I just love that lyrical writing…"

"Ladies, focus," Reond interrupted sharply.

"Dad, don't be like that," said Rayman who was really starting to get annoyed by Reond's serious tone. "I know it's a serious matter but we can have some lighter conversation before…"

"Nelegus is going to be in the audience," Reond interrupted again.

That made everyone at the table quiet and serious.

"Yes, the news reported about it just before you showed up. I'm glad you all three agree NOW that this mission briefing should be taken seriously."

"It's okay," said Ly to Rayman who was clearly going to comment. She and Betilla had already accustomed to Reond's incredible ability to make the air feel heavier around him so they knew it was just best to let him to go on.

"And that's not all of it," Reond continued. "Mr. Sax will also attend because his wife Space Mama has casted herself as the leading female character. The leading male character is performed by your little cousin Weyn."

"Little cousin?" asked Rayman amazed. "How many relatives I actually have?"

"Also Dirannah will be there as the conductor," his father completely ignoring Rayman's question.

"Hey, I just asked a simple question about my relatives," said Rayman frustrated. "Can't you even stop your briefing for answering to that?"

"I already explained my reason to haste this briefing," Reond said annoyingly calmly. "I'd really hate to repeat myself."

"Well, dad," Rayman answered mimicking Reond's annoyingly calm tone. "I'd like to remind that I've been in another WORLD for a quite while with all my memory lost so I would appreciate if you could share some of my history. Trust me; we have plenty of time to run."

Rayman's words had interesting effect in his father. It looked his was going inner battle should he make a sharp counter argument or be more diplomatic mixed with fractions of uneasiness and regret.

"I…apologize my bluntness," Reond managed to finally say. "But try to understand. You have only faced Nelegus' minions in the past. They are nothing compared to his might and power. Now...if you don't mind I'd like to continue my briefing."

Rayman sat back quietly and let his father to continue his speech. There was certainly something pressing Reond's mind which Rayman was dedicated to find out.

The Artistic Theatre differed little from the ordinary style of architecture in the city: it was grand like any other important building but its classical design made variation to the urban buildings around it. And like with the main building of the Culture Pages it too had the ridiculous lack of guards on the roof. That surprised Rayman: one would think that there would be at least some guards considering how many creatures in the universe can actually fly or levitate. But it wasn't his business to complain; after all it made it easier for him and his fairy friends to descend in the theatre.

The thing Rayman, Ly and Betilla had to do was to go in the building through the unguarded roof, beat all the guards between them and the mask and retrieve it without anyone noticing. Of course they had to be extra careful now that Nelegus was rumored to be there but luckily he no more saw through Rayman's eyes. Or was it carelessness to think that it would be a major disadvantage to him? Rayman smirked at this thought, now he had started to think like his father.

"We are now directly above the theatre," said Rayman to Ly who was carrying him. "You can let go now."

The timing for Rayman's command couldn't be any better. Right after Ly let him go and he started his hair propeller a rocket came from an open roof window and nearly blasted almost next to them.

Razorbeard looked at the explosion on the sky. That shot was so miserable that it was required to do a face palm. All the robopirates either made the same or just laughed mockingly.

"Do you idiot even know how rocket launchers work?!" he asked from Andre while trying to hold the utter rage he was currently feeling.

Utterly confused and surprised Andre, who was dressed in his hoodlum uniform, was lying on the floor with the smoking rocket launcher while all the hoodlums either shook their heads or turned to watch somewhere else.

"Damn, that weapon had some kick in it!" were Andre's first words when he realized how awesome firepower he was holding in his hands. Then he realized that Razorbeard was mocking him and stood up. "Lay off, tin can. Weapons shouldn't be this complicated! We hoodlums have simple weapons: Point them to the target and pull the trigger."

"Hoodlum weapons are weak and lame," Razorbeard mocked and took the rocket launcher. "But we built this technology; of course you can't understand how this works. Let me show how it's done."

"And despite your advanced technology you couldn't stop Rayman. A little hint for your troops: it doesn't work if you attack one at the time."

Razorbeard wasn't sure where Andre had heard from their old battle tactics but that certainly made him just want to hit that sack boy straight to face. But he knew that Nelegus wouldn't actually appreciate that so Razorbeard swallowed his pride for know and instruct Andre in using this awesome firepower.

"Anyway, at first you need to set this to "homing" so you have some change to hit them. Then you need something to prevent you falling by the rocket launcher's kick. You two, come here to support."

Two robopirates went behind Razorbeard and he leaned towards them.

"Next aim with the launcher…they seem to come down slowly, are probably expecting the next rocket. After THOSE steps you pull the trigger."

The rocket flew towards Rayman while Razorbeard almost fell by the kick of his weapon. All of them watched the rocket as it was blown in mid air by Rayman's energy shot. Andre didn't make a face palm; he just laughed from the bottom of his foul heart. Razorbeard couldn't hold his rage any longer.

"Fire at will!" he commanded his troops.

All the robopirates started to shoot the heroic trio who had stopped levitating and started freefalling while shooting back at the pirates. Hoodlums soon joined the fun. However Andre's and Razorbeard's focus was on the door at the end of the hallway that was opened violently. Space Mama, who was wearing a turquoise bath coat and sandals at the moment, stood there and looked genuinely angry.

"Keep that noise down!" she yelled to her colleagues. "The performance is about to begin and this insane blasting can be heard to the stage!"

"In case you haven't noticed we have a situation here!" Razorbeard yelled back.

Their heated conversation was interrupted when Ly crashed to the hallway constantly firing energy bursts and causing havoc among her enemies.

It was surely a daring attempt to charge in like that but it actually worked. Rayman had stopped freefalling and gently landed by using his hair propeller. Then he noticed the fat, limbless woman and the usual memories swarmed into his head: two battles, victory party and parted as friends. Without a word Space Mama ran away.

"I'll go after her," Rayman informed and went.

"Wait!" Betilla yelled but Rayman was already gone. "Oh, hopefully he doesn't run straight to some trap."

"Don't worry; I remember how he managed to defeat many robopirates without anyone's help," said Ly. "But then again they were attacking one at the time..."

"Stop reminding about that already!" Razorbeard raged as he started to recover. "We have improved our tactics from those days so everyone just shut up!!"

Andre also stood up and he was not pleased.

"Aw, the only one I had a personal grudge on has escaped! I don't even know these two gals!"

"That's merrier to me then. I have equally bad experiences about both of them and I have waited, oh I have certainly waited for this opportunity. It seems to me Betilla that you have to get punishment for turning down my offer."

"Not going to happen," Betilla said determined.

Both of the sides glared at each others, ready to engage in combat.

Rayman felt sorry for leaving Betilla and Ly but he was sure they were capable of taking care of themselves. Now it was important to reach this woman Rayman presumed to be Space Mama as she might help to retrieve the second mask. His father didn't exactly seem to be tactical genius, nothing had gone according to the plan he had made. But perhaps he was the one who made the planning and left improvisation to others.

Catching Space Mama was easier said than done. Even though Rayman used his super speed there were plenty of traps, robopirates and hoodlums in the stairs, hallways and basically everywhere to slow him down. And for someone so heavy Space Mama managed to do quite long and smooth jumps. Luckily there weren't almost bottomless pits this time.

After a while Space Mama finally ran to her dressing room where Rayman was able to corner her. Rayman could hear the theatre hall that was full of people.

"That running power was…annoying even in the last time…I fought you," said Space Mama exhausted. "Hadn't you lost it at some point?"

"But now it is back," answered Rayman who was still ready to combat. "You are going to help me in getting Polokus' second mask."

"I am? I don't see any reason why I should help our greatest enemy to undo this wonderful world."

"Come to your senses already! I'm not your enemy! In fact I remember you as friend when I last time saw you. Was that a lie?"

"It really seems to bother you that I and my husband Mr. Sax are voluntarily in the Culture Council," Space Mama said in a tone that used for explaining kids some fancy stuff like how mountains are made, "but think this from our point of view. We lived in environments like Band Land and Picture City, full of magnificent opportunities to be creative. Many didn't share this passion and it was really frustrating. Sure, Nelegus can sometimes use rough methods like brainwashing but he has built a world where we don't feel to be complete strangers."

"You didn't answer my question."

For a moment Space Mama was silent.

"No. That wasn't a lie," she said completely sincerely.

Suddenly Rayman's feet started to surprisingly smoothly move against his will, right towards the stage. Rayman didn't even feel any pain that he had felt during the two previous times Nelegus had took control of him.

"It seems our grand performance is about to begin," said Space Mama. "Excuse me but I have to change my outfit now. It wouldn't be appropriate if I would run around naked."

"Isn't Mr. Sax technically naked?"

Rayman left Space Mama to ponder that thought while his feet forced him to step to the stage.

The audience the consisted of many familiar and unfamiliar creatures started to whisper with each others when Rayman appeared to a spotlight's target; it seemed like they weren't sure was the man they saw really Rayman or just an actor. They were sure that this wasn't part of the original play they had come to watch. The only one who didn't seem surprised was Mr. Sax who was sitting in the front row. Rayman looked around him to see if Nelegus was there but didn't find him. It was odd because how else Nelegus could have controlled his legs so easily unless he was personally there. What he did find however was the mask of Polokus he had seen before in the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava in the set decoration. It has however too high even for his energy blast to hit.

When Rayman looked at the orchestra, who strangely enough weren't surprised, Rayman saw Dirannah and someone else he recognized. Memories swarmed into his head when he looked this bearded raymanian who was holding a guitar. He remembered that he had helped this man to make a new guitar from rock because his previous one was destroyed and in return this man had given Rayman a potion that gave him super helicopter powers. The man looked back at him and seemed to be quite sorry for Rayman.

Another spotlight was lit. It revealed a young raymanian man, at least five years younger than Rayman, who was dressed in a uniform that was mostly used by culture cops. Rayman suspected him to be Weyn but he didn't receive that many memories about him. He hadn't interacted with his little cousin much; in fact he had seen him maybe twice or three times in family meetings and such. Rayman remembered Weyn as pit of an annoyance and bratty but who deep down meant well.

Then happened something Rayman didn't expect. As the orchestra started to play Weyn started to sing in incredible opera voice.

"Ladies and gentleman, hear me, may I have your attention, please? For noooow there has arrived the one whose deeds can divide: the chaaampiooon of gooooooods!"

"What?" Rayman asked utterly confused. This caused mild laughter from the audience.

"There has been so many of these years, that word of return made me doubt my ears," Weyn sang and approached Rayman. "Now let me look you with my own eyeeeeeeeees!"

Weyn leaned closer to Rayman and whispered:

"I'm so glad to see you; sorry about this but I had no choice. I try to figure out something to get you out of here but in the mean time just try to play along. I hope you can sing as well."

That would cause bit of a problem: Rayman had never sung in public before and wasn't sure how rusty his skills on that department were. For now he thought it would be better just to talk.

"Good to see you too, I guess."

"But pleasantries must be left behind; we must talk from matters that press our mind. How you aaaaare going to defeeeeeeend yourseeeelf?!"

When Weyn sang this verse more raymanians dressed in culture cop uniforms came to the stage and surrounded him. Rayman tried to move his feet that however staid heavily on the ground.

"Defeeeeeeend yourseeeelf!" the culture cops demanded in song.

"From what?" Rayman asked.

"From the crimes against our looord Neleguuuuuuuuuuus!" sang high and clear opera voice behind him.

Rayman turned and saw Space Mama dressed in her old warrior outfit wielding a huge wooden rolling pin. When she sang the final long note in her verse she made a long jump to next to the culture cops and made the stage tremble when her heavy body landed on their feet. The audience sheered for Space Mama's grand entrance. Rayman watched the group around him who clearly waited him to answer.

"Do you even want to listen to my point of view?"

The question Rayman asked made the group forget for a moment that they were performing and stopped to think about themselves. It amazed him how the orchestra notified this small pause; it was like the actors and the orchestra read each other's thoughts. Then Space Mama started melancholy, ending her verse dramatically:

"I am sure it may be very fascinating, I am sure it may be even touching. But the cultuuuuure must noooot be ruuuuuuuuuiiiiiiined!"

Then the culture cops and Space Mama made really impressive dance and singing number that mostly consisted from Space Mama's solo performance but was occasionally joined by the chorus. The song itself was pretty much about blaming Rayman and the rebellion in general while also stating how great, wonderful and divine Nelegus and his system were. Rayman presumed that the culture cops were probably going to arrest him after the number and even if Rayman resisted he wouldn't have much of a change against at least 50 culture cops and three members of Culture Council. He was certainly going to need help but Betilla and Ly weren't currently available and Weyn seemed to be unable to come up with any plan. Rayman's only hope now was that bearded raymanian from the past. Hopefully he had enough guts to stand against his conductor.

"Stop that nonsense this instaaaant!" Rayman sang to Space Mama.

Rayman's throat hurt a little from the high note he made so he had to cough. While his singing voice wasn't definitely the best one heard tonight it was average enough to not make people cringe. The group stopped its number and waited for Rayman to sing more.

"The man with the guitar, please tell me your name that I forgot."

The bearded man seemed to be surprised that Rayman didn't remember his name.

"Musician," the man answered with raspy ballad singer voice.

"I remember you as a friend," Rayman sang. "Why you are with these misguided men?"

Musician stood up and took a better grip from his guitar. It seemed like he had an answer ready.

"May I?" he asked from Dirannah.

After Dirannah nodded Musician started to play gently while the violin section supported tenderly.

"I just love music," he sang melancholy while walking to the stage. When he passed Dirannah he made judging look at her that she didn't notice. "And I hope you also do. I just love the melody that my instrument can produce."

Musician walked to the middle edge of the stage. It clearly looked like he was going to do something dramatic.

"I just love the freedom to express yourself…"

Without another word Musician smashed his guitar straight to Dirannah's head.

Loud gasp could be heard from the audience.

"I'm sorry," said Musician sadly, clearly talking to his broken guitar.

The culture cops that previously had surrounded Rayman rushed towards Musician, except for Weyn who just ran towards dressing rooms. However Rayman had already started to load energy ball which he use to knock out most of the cops. Those few that weren't hit unconscious by Rayman or Musician ran away in panic.

"Keep playing!" Space Mama yelled to the orchestra.

The orchestra started to scramble their notes to find some epic battle music. Part of the audience escaped while the most daring ones and those who still wasn't sure was this part of the performance stayed to watch. Space Mama approached Rayman – who still was unable to move his feet – and pressed a button from her rolling pin to turn it into a laser sword. She tried to strike Rayman but he started to charge his powers in order to block the attack. Mr. Sax decided it was time to help and rushed towards the fighting pair. He blew a false note to Rayman but luckily Musician noticed it in time, used his broken guitar to hit it to Space Mama's head making her lose her balance. This allowed Rayman to release the energy burst he had loaded to strike Space Mama down. Mr. Sax went to aid his wife.

"Man, I've never beaten anyone like that before," said Musician to Rayman, clearly being disgusted about the actions he just had to commit. "But…why can't you move?"

"Nelegus is using his powers to keep me stuck," Rayman explained. "Thanks for help by the way."

"No problem. But we have to get your feet moving, man. Otherwise the battle against those two will be very difficult."

"Yes, but my feet are heavily tied…I just got an idea. Take my hands and pull me."

Musician wasn't sure was that going to work but nevertheless was ready to try. Rayman concentrated all his powers to use his running ability while leaning backward. It happened exactly as he had planned: his feet disconnected from his body and remained tightly on the ground.

Meanwhile Mr. Sax had already managed to get Space Mama back on her feet.

"Why laser sword?" he asked from her. "It doesn't fit your warrior attire."

"I know but swords tend to be too sharp for capturing anyone alive," she explained. "You can actually adjust the power level… Rayman, did you actually disconnect your own feet?"

"As you can see," Rayman answered. "I have to admit this feels really weird; like my feet would be there even though they're not."

"All the better for us," Mr. Sax said triumphant. "You must use your hands to stand so you can only shoot small energy balls – those that have no effect on either of us. I expect this to be a quite short battle."

"Orchestra, let the fight begin!" Space Mama said pompously.

Rayman, Musician, Space Mama and Mr. Sax took their fighting positions while the epic battle music started to play. Space Mama shot rapidly at Rayman with her laser rolling pin but Rayman was able to avoid them. Mr. Sax shot a false note from his innards but Musician used his guitar to hit the note back at Mr. Sax's horn which made him to fall.

"For crying out loud, stop using those notes!" Space Mama yelled while shooting at Rayman.

Mr. Sax knew it was time to stop underestimating that hippie and stood up. This time he shot a bomb that exploded into ten smaller notes that attacked and rapidly bit Musician. Rayman rushed to aid his friend to take them away while constantly dodging Space Mama's shots. Rayman remembered Mr. Sax's another attack: a bomb that explodes on the ground and Rayman was sure he would definitely use it next. Rayman could have just use is helicopter to dodge it but it was necessary to finish this battle. It was very risky but he had to try it. Rayman shot a small energy ball just at the right time to blow the bomb right at Mr. Sax face hurting him badly and knocking him down. Space Mama stopped shooting and went to aid her husband. Rayman went to lie on the floor and started to load a massive energy blast.

"Push me to Space Mama," he whispered to Musician.

Musician pushed Rayman and while Space Mama was looking down to Mr. Sax he released his energy blast in order to cause massive damage. With trembling power Space Mama fell.

Both of Rayman's adversaries were too weak to fight further. The orchestra noticed this as well and stopped playing.

"You were right," Rayman sneered to Mr. Sax. "It came out to be a quite short battle."

"Shut up," Mr. Sax said weakly.

Weyn came back from the dressing rooms to see if the battle was over.

"Uh, sorry for leaving you there but…I'm just an actor, I'm not…"

"It's okay," Rayman said. "Not everyone is a fighter. But Ly and Betilla are here as well, go and try to find them."

"I'll try," Weyn said and left.

"Now I need that mask down," Rayman said.

The only thing that could hit the decoration above was Space Mama's laser rolling pin but she was still holding.

"Musician, I'm going to need your help to get that rolling pin," he said while approaching her carefully.

"Oh, just take it," Space Mama said weakly. "You put a good fight."

"Darling, it's not time to get softy," Mr. Sax scolded her.

"I can barely move. We must let him to take that mask, no matter how annoying that may be. You may have it, Rayman…as a favor to old friend."

Rayman shot the decoration and it fell. In the mid air its drop speed slowed down and the wooden decoration part dissolved leaving only the sadly grinning mask. Rayman's feet were connected back to him while the mask gently approached the round symbol on Rayman's shirt. Just then Weyn rushed to the stage.

"They're not here," he said.

"What? Where are they? Are they prisoners?"

"I don't know."

"Rayman, we must go," Musician said. "There seems to be some robopirates and hoodlums coming down here."

Rayman hated to leave Betilla and Ly but he had no choice but teleport out with Musician and the mask. After a while the audience started to applause.

Everyone around Nelegus – namely Professor Barranco, his third clone, Razorbear's sidekick and Toots – knew that he was soon going to be really, really pissed off and backed to safe distance. Mr. Dark left Nelegus when it realized this same thing. Soon his feet started to stretch unnaturally in unnatural positions, growing and shrinking without control. Finally his feet returned to their normal shape and size but they were still so hot Nelegus had to jump around the ritual room they were in. In pure rage Nelegus jumped around, shot random bolts of lightings to walls and shouted various unprintable words.

"What could have gone wrong?" wondered Barranco while Nelegus was raging all over the plays. "Even though none of the members of Culture Council were present we still had good connection on Rayman's feet."

"Well," said his third clone in insulting tone, "it could also mean that there was a mind that didn't concentrate hard enough. You know, someone weak minded."

"Excuse me?!" said Toots truly offended.

"The fact that I didn't look at your direction should have indicated I wasn't talking to you," mocked Barranco clone 3.

"I don't know what you are talking," said the original Barranco. "I created you so suggesting that I'm weak minded makes you one as well."

"Not this again…" mumbled Razorbeard's sidekick frustrated.

"With weak minded I meant a wimp, weakling, gutless. Why else you're always beaten and I'm not?"

"I follow the rules! Sergueï doesn't understand what's best for him and the rabbids!"

"SILENCE!!" Nelegus interrupted them.

He looked the four and started to calm down.

"You are all dismissed…except for Professor Barranco."

All the others left leaving only Nelegus Barranco and Mr. Dark in the room.

"I overheard from your clone that Sergueï has been…punishing you a lot," Nelegus said in a tone that radiated mild desperation. "He has let me to understand you are just prone to accidents."

"Well, you know him," Barranco said nervously. "He has had hard time in adjusting in this world. It's only natural that he's…short of…short tempered when I remind about…"

"I am not blaming you from anything," said Nelegus while Mr. Dark went back on him. "I am however blaming him and your clone from doing illegal things behind my back. But…rabbids are my creations, they cannot do this to me, he cannot do this to me…there is no way. Say that you are lying."

"Well…I…"

"YOU ARE LYING!" Nelegus yelled clearly manic look in his eyes.

"It's not that bad!" Barranco yelled panicked. "He's just…just…"

However Professor Barranco soon wondered why he even defended his master. Sure, hinting that Sergueï practiced criminal activity seemed to make Nelegus even more frightening than when he usually was in a bad mood but Barranco was sick of that kind of treatment. He was a brilliant scientist and far more intelligent than his boss; it was time to finally get the respected he deserved.

"There's no point avoiding it," he confessed while trying to calm down. "He constantly disobeys you. I'm sorry my creator that my words have caused this much pain."

"It is…okay," Nelegus said and uneasily calmed. "But…I want solid proof and…unless you have it he is still pure in my eyes. Better focus on capturing Rayman for now. You may leave."

Barranco was relieved when he left, leaving Nelegus in some rather grim thoughts. Although the situation wasn't completely hopeless as soon Earth would be under his glorious rule.

"I am most proud," said Polokus after he had removed Nelegus' feet control from Rayman. "Our victory is a half closer. And welcome to you as well, Musician."

"Thanks, man," he replied.

"Now, before I'll go to retrieve the third mask," said Rayman, "we need to find…"

He was however interrupted when Globox and Tarayzan rushed through the portal that led to the jungle. They seemed to be quite injured.

"The jungle hideout was attacked!" Tarayzan informed.