Disclaimer: Penguins of Madagascar and all related characters are the property of Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and any or all related affiliates. Characters of my own creation are my property and may not be used by others without express permission. This fiction was created for the purpose of having fun and being creative, no money is being made in any way from its creation and posting.
Hell Hath No Fury
Chapter 16
By
Wildgoose
(On a TV screen, the NY news is being displayed with the latest breaking news story being covered from the air by a well-known news reporter. Far below is shown one of the Antarctic ice shelves as pieces of it have begun to break off and away from the main ice sheet. Over the edges of icy cliffs bordering the sea pours a steady shower of melted ice water indicating that Dr. Blowhole's plan is indeed in progress.)
Reporter: This is Chuck Charles reporting live from the Antarctic where events unprecedented in human history are taking place. A phenomenon that was previously known as the hoop of heat has made itself present once again but this time at both ends of the globe. No one knows who could be behind these strange heat producing devices or why anyone would want to melt the poles but one thing is certain. It's getting sloppy down there on the ice. (The camera POV changes to show flocks of various penguin types attempting to move their young farther inland to avoid having their nests swamped by the newly formed streams and ponds that have begun to overrun the area. ) Aquatic birds normally at home in and around the water have begun retreating to higher ground in attempt to protect their young who are still to young yet to be able to survive in the water. Unfortunately, if a way is not found to disable the hoop of heat, this effort may be for naught. There simply is nowhere on earth that would be safe for them or anything else if the poles continue to melt. (Pause) We have reports that the US military attempted a missile strike that proved fruitless due to the immense heat being produced by the hoop of heat devices. The missile warheads were detonated prematurely by the heat before they could impact their targets. Now the world is left to wonder, what should we do next? Is anyone qualified to stop the person or persons responsible for it all? (Pause) The world will no doubt continue to wonder as these events unfold. This is Chuck Charles reporting on site down at the Antarctic. Now back to Gale Force sitting nice and cozy in my chair at the anchor desk. (The POV changes to the camera looking at Gale back in the newsroom.)
Gale Force: Thank you Chuck, and what a comfortable chair it is too. More coverage of these events will be brought to you as the information becomes available. In the meantime, you can head to our website to check out our public opinion polls. We want to know what YOU think should be done, who's behind it, and much more. (Gale leads into the next story in the news as the POV looking at the TV screen pulls back to show Blowhole and a number of his lobster troops watching with delight.)
Blowhole: (Stuttered laugh) This place is great, if I wasn't about to sink it I would definitely consider making this my permanent base of operations. (Begins flipping through the channels) I mean look at this, they get every channel on the planet here. (Stops to look at a nearby lobster and opens his mouth for a treat) Ah, Ah!
Lobster: Sorry boss, we ran out of the stuff we brought with us.
Blowhole: (Grumbles) Do I have to think of everything? Find out what they have around HERE!
Lobster: We did that already, all they seem to have around here are cookies and these treats that those deer seem to like to eat.
Blowhole: Treats? (Looks at one that the lobster is holding in his claw) Are there any fish in them?
Lobster: Uh, …I don't think so. I think the deer are vegetarians.
Blowhole: Ugh, …something else I'll be glad to get rid of when this planet floods. Find me some FISH! (He moves his Segway through the now several inches of water covering the floor, warmed by the hoop of heat, A.K.A the ring of fire, from its once icy temperatures. One of the other lobsters approaches to report.)
Lobster 2: The latest check of the prisoners is complete boss, everything is still secure. (Pause) Although, some of us are wondering if maybe the big guy, his deer, and all of those little munchkin guys in the workshop should be allowed to relocate or something.
Blowhole: What? (Pause) Relocate? (Pause) To WHERE? The whole planet will be under water before long, where would they relocate to? (Pause) …And why is this even coming up, are you guys trying to earn brownie points with the guy or something just in case things go wrong and everybody escapes? (Pause) Do you honestly think the guy is going bring you something?
Lobster: (wrings his claws a little) Well, ..there's always a first time for everything boss. Just like your plans working for a change after so many failures. (Blowhole scowls with anger prompting the lobster to retreat out of the room) Never mind, it was a bad idea.
Blowhole: (Rubs his head with his flipper) Ugh, …I just can't get a break with the help anymore. Humans, Lobsters, the only descent help I've had so far is a psycho pyromaniac squirrel. (Shakes) If he wasn't so crazy I'd try to find more help just like him. (Moves over to a console that is monitoring the heat devices and turns up the power a few notches.) Nothing wrong with a little haste just in case trouble does come along. (Looks about at the décor on the walls) Sheesh, this place is just too cheerful. How can that fat old fart stand it in here all year long surrounded by deer, midget humans, and no females of breeding age? (Shakes his head) No wonder the guy disappears into his workshop all of the time. (Chuckles) Somebody should probably check to see if those midget humans are being abused in some way.
(Cut to a large room inside of Hans's bunker in Denmark, Red has engaged Hannibal in a martial arts duel with Yoshi watching in the background while doing her best to stay clear of things as the battle seems to wander all over. Red has clearly demonstrated that he's no novice in such matters but has also been unable to gain any clear advantage so far. Hannibal has managed to counter every attack Red has made with the exception of taking a few licks here and there by means of sucker punch or other minor sneak attack.)
Red: (Chuckles) You're VERY good, boy! I hope I haven't underestimated you. (Thrusts his weapon watching as Hannibal dodges and then counters him as he attempts to swing around and take advantage of Red's outstretched reach. Red Grabs Hannibal's katana by the hilt with his opposing paw and pulls him close to knee him twice in the abdomen and then thrusting his foe backward to put distance between them.)
Hannibal: (Huffs) I've got plenty more to give, let's see what else you've got. (Quickly swivels his sword about like a big pinwheel and takes a new stance preparing for Red's next attack. Without much of a wait, he rushes forward with sword poised to strike at Hannibal's head. Hannibal ducks down and swings his legs about to kick Red's out from under him. While Red is still airborne Hannibal jumps up to clutch Red about the abdomen with both legs, plants his forward paws on the ground beneath and thrusts Red against the near wall with his sword falling to the ground in the process. Once recovered Hannibal retrieves his weapon and approaches quickly to take advantage of any disorientation but is surprised when Red snaps to his feet and lays into him with a two fisted power punch to the abdomen and then an uppercut to the jaw sending him a few feet into the air with his Katana falling to the floor a distance away.)
Red: (looks at Hannibal as he attempts to recover while disoriented) Nope, …I don't see any underestimation here. You've put up a good fight boy, but I think this is the end for you. I could give you the option of running away with your tail tucked between your legs, but you were abducted with the intention of causing your death. I'm afraid that leaves me with no alternative, …not that I'm complaining mind you. (Red jogs forward to run his adversary through only to discover that Hannibal was faking his disorientation. Hannibal steps aside to allow Red to stumble past while at the same time grabbing Red's sword by the hilt and wrenching it from his paws with his momentum carrying him away.)
Hannibal: (Holds the sword up for Red to see) Have you lost something?
Red: (Holds up a digit and rocks it back and forth) Nothing I can't get back. (Red moves to recover Hannibal's weapon and stands ready.) You seem like a worthy adversary, …I look forward to killing you. (Hannibal stands quiet for a moment as he studies Red) What's with the sudden silent treatment? You could at least make all of this interesting; you should come up with something witty to throw back at me. (Hannibal still stands quiet) Oh fine, don't be a conversationalist. (Smirks) That's just plain rude you know, didn't your girl teach you any manners?
Hannibal: (Scowls) Her name was Margot, and her name will be the last thing you see as I carve it into you before you die!
Red: Now you see that's much better. (Pause) Shall we continue? (Hannibal stands silent with an expression on his face as if he's listening to something.) Are you all right boy, …has your brain stalled or something? (Sneers) Try hitting control alt delete, I'll wait while you reboot. (Crosses his digits behind his back)
Yoshi: (From the farthest corner in the room) Hannibal, …are you alright? Keep your head in it or he's going to get you! (Silent pause) Hannibal, …what's wrong?
Hannibal: (Shakes his head trying to clear it) I don't know, I've got Ming's voice stuck in my head. …AND SHE WON'T STOP TALKING TO ME!
Yoshi: (long low whistle) Ho boy, …I think that this nut job may just be contagious.
Red: (Laughs heartily) …And people say that I have problems. (Pause) So what's the pretty little voice saying to you? I hope it's warning you of your impending death.
Hannibal: (low slightly relieved voice) She's not dead…
Red: Now that proves that you've got issues right there, you're lying to yourself. Not a single thing left that exhibit except in an ash can. (Smiles) I watched to make sure of it! I could hear the agonizing cries for help of every single animal as they slowly burned to death. I think I even heard your girls as she called out to you, …it's such a shame that you couldn't hear it. (Hannibal begins to huff angrily as he attempts to silence his mind and focus.)
(Cut to Ming during her meditation. She has her paws pressed against the barrier while focused on Hannibal trying to tell him that revenge was not his to take and that capturing Red was all that was required to win the moment. Suddenly Ming lets out a painful yelp and is tossed backward away from the barrier. The ghostly sound of the speak and spell is heard as Kitsune inquires about Ming's wellbeing.)
Ming: (Rubs her head as she continues to watch the images of Hannibal's POV) He, …he shut me out! My own brother shut me out! (Pause) How is that even possible? (Pause with a smirk) I was wondering if we would ever get around to sibling rivalry between us, ..what a jerk.
Kitsune: What are you feeling from him?
Ming: Anger, …he's REALLY ticked! (Pause) It's burning him up, …seriously. I feel like I could burst into flames at any moment. In the background a blood curdling battle cry is heard as the images show Hannibal closing on Red at a brisk pace. )
(Cut to Hans's bunker as Red and Hannibal are once again engaged in battle. As Ming had observed, Hannibal rushed Red and the two locked swords. However this time instead of trying to outmaneuver each other Hannibal used brute force with every muscle in his body flexed to hold Red at bay. Hannibal begins to push forward with swords still locked together at chest height, Red's hind legs hold firm with all of their might as his paws scirtch backward across the floor until after a moment his body becomes pressed up against the nearby wall with Hannibal still holding him in place.)
Hannibal: You're next words will be your last, …this ends now!
Red: (Gasps for breath as Hannibal bears down on the weapons against Red's chest) I give you credit, boy. What you lack in skill you make up for in sheer POWER! You've been trained well, …but still. You lack experience, …you've clearly forgotten something very important.
Hannibal: (Teeth gritted) …And THAT is? (Without another word Hannibal's eyes go wide and he lets out a large agonizing grunt. An evil smile begins to creep across Reds face as Hannibal's body trembles slightly from the shock. He slowly looks down to realize that while his attention was focused keeping Red under pressure, Red had reached around with his other paw and pulled out the large knife he had used to hold Yoshi captive and plunged it into Hannibal's abdomen with the edge protruding through the fur on his back.)
Red: Bad guys never play fair! (Chuckles as he withdraws the blade from Hannibal's body and shoves him away to stumble to the floor.) Stupid boy, …now you see why evil always triumphs. …Because good is dumb! (Red Tosses Hannibal's katana away. Hannibal with paws trembling looks down at himself to see his fur staining with blood) I guess my next problem is what to do with you before you die, …I can't just let you slip away. It's not my style, you understand. (Glances over at Yoshi and jogs over to grab her and drag her back in front of Hannibal.) I've got an idea, since you put me through the trouble of making me look for you all of this time I think I have the perfect way to make you suffer before you slip away. (Yoshi struggles which prompts red to strike her several times until she stops) Your sister here is quite the attractive lady. (Strokes Yoshi's fur as she looks away in disgust.) I'll let you guess what I'm going to make you watch! (Yoshi squirms until she is able to bring her knee up and catch Red in the groin. When he reels in pain and loses his grip on her she takes advantage and ducks away.) Ugh, …you've got spirit! Don't worry, ..I'll break it soon enough.
Hannibal: RED! (Red turns to see that Hannibal has struggled to his feet and has drawn Kitsune's old wakizashi.) We're not done yet! (Stumbles to where Red had tossed his katana and recovers it as Red watches with a bemused expression.)
Red: (Turns his attention from Yoshi) Really…? …And here I was afraid you were going to take your own life to save your honor. Thank you for putting my fear to rest. (Red walks to recover his own sword from where Hannibal dropped it. In the background additional squirrels that had come looking for Red enter the room and take positions against the wall in wonder of what is going on.) The size of the stain on your fur suggests that you've lost a fair amount of blood, are you sure you've got the strength to do this? (Without further word Red moves to strike, and when Hannibal blocks red brings his leg up and kicks at Hannibal's wound causing him to cringe and back away.) Perhaps not…
Hannibal: (Takes deep breaths and steadies himself, then gestures for Red to come again.) I have not yet begun to fight!
Red: (Smiles) Drawing on human history for our wits are we? (Pause) Now who was that quote from? John Paul somebody or other, …I honestly never cared much. (Sighs as he looks at Hannibal) Now what was it YOU said earlier, 'This ends now"? How fitting… (He moves in to strike a final blow at Hannibal)
Hannibal: (Summons all of his strength) My last acts are for you Margot! (Hannibal manages to block Red's strike directing Red's blade off to the left. Hannibal then steps in to fill the gap between them and knees Red in the groin and then the opposing wrist forcing him to drop his knife. Hannibal then shoves Red's opposing paw away and comes across with the wazikashi with as much power as he can muster severing red's paw from the forearm and allowing it to fall to the floor with the sword still in grip. Red in absolute shock withdraws a step at a time cradling his bleeding limb. Before he gets far away Hannibal stows the wazikashi on his back and draws one of his throwing stars from somewhere. With a quick snap of the wrist he chucks the star into one of Red's knees causing him to yell out in pain as he falls to the floor.)
Red: (Looks at the other squirrels that have entered the room during the fight.) Don't just stand there, KILL HIM! (None of the squirrels move) I order you! (Still no one moves. Red reaches about on his person with his remaining paw and draws out the dreaded remote with his thumb poised over the buttons.) DO IT! (In the corners of his eyes Hannibal notices the squirrels as they begin to move to comply. Without a word Hannibal closes on Red. In response to Hannibal's movement towards him, Red's thumb begins to press buttons but before he can complete a code and hit enter Hannibal's blade comes across with a high pitched swish and Red's remaining paw with remote in grip falls to the floor. He trembles as he watches his own body fluids stain his fur and then as a last act of defiance attempts to hit the enter key on the remote with the digits on his foot. This act is cut short as Hannibal draws his remaining stars and thrusts them all into the remote sending a short burst of sparks out of it and then a series of fizzes and pops. Hannibal draws the remains of the remote away from Red with his sword and then poises to strike at Red's head when he is suddenly grabbed from behind and dragged from the room with Yoshi not far behind in the paws of other squirrels.)
Hannibal: (Struggles with what energy he has left) What are you DOING? I just set you all free! (When they reach the end of the hall the squirrels stop and release them both.)
Squirrel: (Pleasant tone) We know. (Smiles) From all of our families, we thank you.
Hannibal: (Confused) Then why did you stop me? I was about to dispense the justice he desperately deserves!
Squirrel: You're not the only one who has suffered because of this lunatic, …if anybody deserves the right to end him it's his own kind. (The squirrel glances at one of the others and without a word she takes off down the hall and disappears from view. The squirrel then looks down at Hannibal's wound.) In the mean time you look like you could seriously use some medical attention, …we know a doctor. (The squirrel from before returns with several items from Red's quarters.) Just give us a few minutes… (The squirrels head down the hall returning to the room where Red lay bleeding on the floor.)
(Cut to the room. Red lay on the floor with an angry expression on his face.)
Red: (Cradling his limbs) You're all going to die for your defiance! When you launched my missile the term mutually assured destruction should have rang clearly in your minds, ..it's just a matter of time!
Squirrel: You mean the one that was shot down shortly after being launched? (Red scowls in confusion) I was on the truck crew that launched it, ….and I must say. I owe a drink to whoever was piloting that helicopter. That person deserved to be an ace!
Red: (Grumbles in defeat) Penguins…. (Looks the squirrel in the eye) So what now between you and me? (The squirrel gestures for the others to come forward)
Squirrel: Karma! (The other squirrels begin to dowse red with several cans of lighter fluid obtained from his quarters.) Any last words?
Red: (Smirks in defiance) You missed a spot!
Squirrel: I don't think so… (He is handed Red's zippo lighter. The top is flipped open, the flint sparks, and the wick flickers to life a second before the lighter is tossed onto Red's body.
(Snap to the hallway as a bright orange light flickers through the door of the room onto the wall in the hallway. A single scream accompanies the light and is silenced after a minute. Moments later the squirrel comes out of the room and approaches Hannibal.) The others will make sure that is taken care of.
Hannibal: That's it, …it's over? (Pause) So what will you do now?
Squirrel: It's not over, there are still bad guys to worry about. You have people in trouble, we're still here, and it seems as though we owe you a debt. (Long pause) Orders, sir? (Hannibal looks unsure what to do for a moment)
Hannibal: Me? (Pause) I'm no leader, …my sister Yoshi is far better qualified…
Squirrel: For the moment, we need somebody who knows how to act in the heat of a fight. That's you, …when this is all done we will go our separate ways, all of us. As I said before, we owe you a debt. So…orders, sir?
Hannibal: (Clutching his wound) You said you knew a doctor? (The squirrel gestures to the others who have recently begun to exit the room)
Squirrel: (To the other squirrels) Red stashed the others in the pantry; a group of you go ahead of us to make sure the path is clear of any of those lobsters.
Squirrel2: And if we find any of them?
Squirrel: Use a lot of butter! (Pause) Make sure you pass the word along to any you see; there's been a change in command. (Squirrel 2 smirks and jogs down the hall with three others.) Follow me, please. (Looks Hannibal over again) Do you need any help?
Yoshi: (Takes her brothers arm over her shoulder to support him) Don't worry, I've got this. (Pause) Although we had others with us when we fell out of the ceiling, we should head back to that spot and pick them up. Hopefully they're still there hiding.
Squirrel: (Gestures) Lead the way then. . (They begin to make their way down the hall.)
Yoshi: So what do you think Loki and Sarah have been up to while hiding all alone in that vent shaft?
Hannibal: I don't even want to think about it.
Yoshi: Oh come on, the last time it turned out to be a joke on us. We could use a laugh about now.
Hannibal: Right about now what I think I could use is a pint of blood and some pain killers; it hurts enough just trying to walk with you. I can't imagine how much it would hurt to laugh right now. (Examines the exit wound on his back.) Geez, I feel like a draft is blowing through me.
Yoshi: Um okay, I guess the only advice I can offer on that is next time don't let yourself get impaled by a psycho wielding a knife that looks like it was lifted off of Crocodile Dundee®. (Pause) So how about all of that noise filling your head earlier?
Hannibal: It seems to have disappeared. (Pause) Maybe in the heat of things I temporarily lost my mind or something.
Yoshi: (Thinks for a moment and then dismisses it) Eh, …I suppose you wouldn't be the first to lose his marbles in the middle of battle. Although of all of the people you know, I'm having trouble understanding why you would hallucinate about Ming to act as your conscience.
Hannibal: My conscience…?
Yoshi: You said she was trying to talk you out of murdering that crackpot, …that sounds like an act of conscience to me. Maybe you were trying to prevent yourself from committing an act that would haunt or change you later. …Or maybe just trying to tell yourself that you were better than that.
Hannibal: Well whatever, …just don't tell anybody. It will be bad enough trying to explain to sensei that I almost got myself killed.
Yoshi: (Smirks) Almost? With that "last acts are for you" crap you spouted it sounded like you were dying already. You had me worried that when it was all over you were going to die in my arms or something.
Hannibal: I thought I was. (Tries to smile but it turns to a wince of pain) Sorry to disappoint.
Yoshi: Nobodies disappointed yet, …you still might bleed to death. (Smirks) In the event, can I have your room? I really like the window view you have.
Hannibal: (Rolls his eyes) I think I'll give it to Ming, I did hallucinate her to come to act as my conscience after all. (Yoshi scoffs)
Yoshi: That's just cold! (The scene fades out as they continue to make their way down the hall)
(Cut to Kitsune's apartment in NY as Ming finishes explaining everything that she saw so far. At hearing the news Kitsune is pacing about looking distraught.)
Ming: I'm sorry, Mrs. Kitsune. I couldn't stay connected with him, I couldn't take the pain. I've never felt anything like it in my life. As soon as it happened I just had to get out of there, …I, …I don't what happened to him after that. I had to come talk to you about it. (Tears begin to roll from her eyes) Please don't be angry with me.
Kitsune: (Huffs angrily and then pulls out her note pad and writes) I'm not angry with you, you've done more than anyone could have asked of you. (Turns away and smashes the nearby coffee table into splinters with a single blow.) I AM angry with the person responsible for this. (Paces away with Ming having retreated under the couch in fear. Kitsune then kicks a footstool clear across the room before pacing back again.)
Ming: (Fluttered voice) Is this the temper I've heard about? (Kitsune glares at Ming and then balls her fists while taking deep huffing breaths in attempt to calm herself.)
Kitsune: (Writes) You still haven't seen anything yet. (Takes a few more deep breaths) I honestly don't know how Steve stands me sometimes. (Cracks a weak smile) …But I'm lucky that he does. (Takes a few more deep breaths) I need you to go back in, connect with whomever you have to in order to find out about your brother. I need to know what happened to him. (Grits her teeth and then continues to write.) Then I want you to find out who did this, where they are, and where their families are!
Ming: Mrs. Kitsune, …what do their families have to do with all of this?
Kitsune: (Writes) Because I'm going to FIND them and….(Kitsune drops the pencil and has balled her hands into trembling fists as she attempts to express the horrible things that are going through her mind. After several moments she calms down to the point where she un-balls her fists showing the little cuts where her fingernails dug in. Kitsune picks up the pencil and begins to write again.) You're right, …I'm sorry. (Takes a few deep breaths) …And you think people would be afraid of YOU. (Sighs) Please help me or I'm going to lose it, ..I need to know if he's okay.
Ming: (Smiles slightly) He's special to you, …I never realized.
Kitsune: (Writes) He's my student, …and he's like a son to me.
Ming: I'll do what I can to help, …he's my brother and I love him too.
Kitsune: (Writes) I still want to know most of what I listed before.
Ming: Except for the families, …I'll be happy to do the rest for you. (Kitsune nods in agreement) I um, …I think at some point I should break the news to my mom. Bad or no, ..she'll find out sooner or later. It's better to tell her now so she can at least try to deal with it.
Kitsune: (Looks thoughtful and then writes) Let's just try to make sure we have the facts before we go delivering any news. In the meantime, I need your talents yet again.
Ming: Yea, …I know. I've got to do my thing. This wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to feel other people's pain. The other stuff is interesting, but knowing what it feels like to have a blade shoved through me, I can do without that. (Ming takes her place on the floor again and sets up to return to her meditation.)
(Cut to inside the pantry room as Kowalski continuously tries to work the lock with Kitsune's credit card until finally it snaps in half and is rendered useless.)
Kowalski: (Turns to look down the stairs at everyone else) Well, there goes that idea. I hope the helicopter won't be needing any more fuel. Does anybody else have something we could try? (As Kowalski stands on the stairs turned away from the door what's left of the knob rattles a bit and the door suddenly opens knocking Kowalski down the stairs.) Yes, …I suppose opening the door would be helpful. (Puts his head back down on the concrete.)
(A number of squirrels stand just outside the door with only one stepping through and looking down at everybody.)
Hans: (Turns from staring at the wall to look up the stairs at the squirrel) …And what does your traitorous master want from us now?
Squirrel: Nothing, …he's dead.
Kowalski: Dead as in…?
Squirrel: Resting in pieces, dead. I couldn't put it any plainer to you if I tried.
Hans: That guy was a complete psycho who would probably kill his own mother, how was it accomplished?
Squirrel: (looks at Skipper) He was dispatched by your son, penguin. I have orders to retrieve you.
Skipper: Wait a minute, if Red is dead then who's pulling your strings?
Squirrel: (Smirks) Your son.
Skipper: Toppling a ruthless dictatorship. (Pause) Way to go, Hannibal!
Squirrel: Save the celebration, we still have problems. (He spies Heidi) We need you Doc., The penguins kid is messed up pretty bad.
Skipper: Wait, you said he took care of Red.
Squirrel: And Red took care of him too, now let's get a move on!
Skipper: (looks at Heidi) You heard the rodent, …go, go! (Looks at the others) Head topside and make sure the coast is clear.
Squirrel: It's already handled; we have a secure path waiting for us.
Heidi: Rico, give me a hand up the stairs. (Rico helps her to a standing position and then slowly helps her up the stairs with the others piling up behind them. Once out of the room they quickly file down the hallway following the lead of the squirrel.)
Chapter 17 coming soon.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome.