Last chapter, we just revealed who the culprit was in both past and future! This time, we'll be taking a look into the A Pup Named Scooby Doo universe AKA the past, and seeing what said culprit has in mind for his 'last trick'! I won't say much more except... enjoy!
EIGHT YEARS AGO...
Officer Rogers blinked twice as he scratched his head. "But... Sir Reginald OWNS the Future Diamond. Why would he steal his own diamond from the bank?"
"It's simple. He didn't. He had one of his servants do it for him when he realized that the diamond was a public display." Daphne explained as she walked towards the glaring man that was tied up.
"Like, the diamond was willed to Sir Reginald at one point or another in time when he learned about this legend. However, he knew very well that this diamond was public knowledge, so he had to bide his time in waiting until the proper time before getting the diamond back in his hands." Shaggy explained.
"During that time, he was making this ray here for his own nefarious purposes, showing that Sir Reginald is not exactly the jovial man who happens to own the diamond." Daphne continued as Sir Reginald was squirming a bit.
"However, in order to keep guests from coming in, he had to dress up as this mysterious 'Clock Monster' to get guests out while he was busy working with the ray." Shaggy explained.
"Re rid rhe rame ro us." Scooby pointed out.
"When the timing was right, he sent one of his servants to get the diamond, but rather than go through the paperwork and public display the diamond was known for, he ordered said servant to take the diamond away in the dead of night." Daphne explained.
"However, things didn't quite go according to plan as while the safe was broken into... the lock on the safe was also broken, which tipped off someone at the bank." Shaggy nodded.
"So, in hopes of keeping police off his trail, he decided to send the police on an investigation that would never be resolved, all the while, keeping any nosy sleuths out of his way while he completed his evil plan." Daphne continued.
"You kids have it exactly right to a tee." Sir Reginald growled in anger as he narrowed his eyes and looked around at everyone. "Yeah, I had my servants steal my own diamond to get it to me in a clutch. Yeah, I used this Clock Monster persona to chase away intruders, and yes, this ray here is part of a plan for conquest."
"But... but why would you go through all this trouble?" Officer Rogers asked in curiosity.
"Like the girl says, the diamond was public knowledge, and if someone took it out of the bank, everyone would have been tipped off that it went back in MY possession." Sir Reginald explained. "The only way it would pry away from public eye would be if somebody 'STOLE' the diamond, while the diamond would safely be back in my possession. And, well, as for the ray, I meant what I said when you angle the Future Diamond properly in the sun, you would see your future for a brief moment. Well, I had it thinking, what if, through inner solar rays from this ray gun, can you use the Future Diamond to actually travel through time? Thusly, through inserting the diamond in the ray AND having the ray shoot at something, I would be teleported to the future... in which a future version of myself would take control while I get some more parts that could reverse the ray and diamond's effects..."
The others raised an eyebrow in surprise as Scooby asked, "Rhy?"
"Because, once I got the parts, and my future self and I switched back, I would add these parts and make a proper time ray. So that instead of switching with the future, I can easily go back to the past! Any point in the past, where I can track down important treasures in history before they became history. No risking time, resources and archaeologists to find these treasures. Just take them from their proper time, take them back here, sell them at a good price at a museum, instant money maker!" Sir Reginald grinned as Shaggy, Daphne, Scooby and Mr. Rogers looked shocked, small thuds being in the background.
"I can't believe what I'm hearing right now!" Mr. Rogers said in shock.
"Believe it, buddy. This ray is going to take me places you can't imagine." Sir Reginald chuckled to himself.
Daphne crossed her arms. "A time ray... I have to admit, it's an interesting method of doing crimes..."
"Oh, sweetheart, it ain't doing crimes if you're just going back in time." Sir Reginald smirked.
"Like, that sounds like crime to me." Shaggy frowned as Daphne narrowed her eyes towards the tied up man.
"Reah!" Scooby nodded as the sound of thuds came closer and louder. It was at this point Scooby heard them as he turned and yelped.
Shaggy and Daphne didn't notice as the butler and the cook, wearing their clock masks, were now knocking out Mr. Rogers with their hands (as they did the other police officers that were in the room) as Shaggy crossed his arms. "So, like, while you didn't get foiled by the ENTIRE Scooby-Doo Detective Agency, you were foiled by three members, so like, that should be embarrassing, even for you!"
"It seems that way, doesn't it?" Sir Reginald said with an evil smirk.
Shaggy and Daphne looked at each other in confusion as Daphne asked, "Don't you have something to say? Like how you could have gotten away with it if it hadn't been...?"
Sir Reginald smirked as he flexed his muscles a bit against his bindings.
SNAP.
Shaggy and Daphne jumped as Sir Reginald stood up, stretching his muscles a bit as he looked between the two kids. "You kids thought you've foiled my plans? So you know what they are now, that doesn't really change a thing!"
"Wait, y-you could have gotten out of those ropes at any time?!" Daphne yelped, a hint of fear running through her eyes.
"You tied me up in a tennis net. And even with this costume on, I'm not the weakest rich man you see. I exercise! I do proper techniques! And... I'm mad!" Sir Reginald growled in anger. "Butler, cook, seize the mutt and the boy!"
Before the three could react, Shaggy found himself caught in a hold by the butler as the cook jumped on Scooby and hogtied the dog, causing the Great Dane puppy to yelp. Daphne turned back as her eyes shrank in horror, real fear striking her eyes as Sir Reginald looked down at her, a creepy smile adorning his face. "As for you, I think I might take you along on a small trip!"
"What are you... STOP! GET AWAY FROM ME!" Daphne screamed as she turned around to try to run, only for Sir Reginald to quickly grab Daphne by the arm, pulling her away by force as she found herself being dragged.
Shaggy yelped as he noted Sir Reginald dragging Daphne over to the ray and pressing a hidden button. This caused the roof to open up to reveal a bright sunny day as the floor panel itself containing Sir Reginald, Daphne and the ray started to go up.
"Daphne!" Shaggy called out as Sir Reginald kept a tight grip on Daphne's arms as the floor kept going up. Shaggy closed his eyes in anguish as he tried to struggle against the butler's grip... as he thought back to everything that had occurred today...
From Shaggy and Scooby playing Commander Cool and Mellow Mutt. To Shaggy talking with Daphne while the girl was looking at herself in the mirror with her usual haughty nature in display. To Shaggy seeing Daphne in the 'Gorgeous Gal' cosplay for the first time. To the two of them searching through the mansion while having wonderful conversations, playing around... to Daphne revealing herself as Gorgeous Gal in front of him...
Shaggy opened his eyes, something snapping inside of him. Gone for that moment was the cowardly, scared little boy that was playing a superhero. In his eyes was a boy who was determined to save the girl who willingly played with him... who he had known for years... who, as he thought about it, meant a lot to him. Shaggy growled in anger as he used his back legs to kick the butler in the stomach. That threw the man off as the butler groaned, dropping the man. The cook yelped as he tried to handle the situation, only for Shaggy to slide down and kick the cook in the shins, causing him to groan.
"Like, sorry. You probably make good food, but in this case, I'm not holding back..." Shaggy said as he quickly untied Scooby.
"Raggy!" Scooby said as he looked at his friend.
"Mellow Mutt, get my dad up and get these two cuffed! I'm going after Gorgeou- Daphne!" Shaggy said as he used the rope to make a lasso and swung it up to snag a piece of the corner floor that went up.
Scooby looked up at his friend and noticed the serious look in his eyes... as he reflected on everything that had went on, making the dog realize that being jealous of his best friend seeing a girl, especially if it was Daphne, wouldn't do any good in that situation, and would only cause problems... Shaggy was his friend. He trusted him, and he knew his best friend would overcome anything to save his friends. Scooby had to admit, this was a new experience for the both of them as he gave a smile. "Rokay, Rommander Rool! Ro rou rave a ran?"
"Not exactly, but I'll improvise..." Shaggy said as he started to climb up the rope, in hopes of reaching Daphne in time...
"OW! Geez, you're a biter!" Sir Reginald frowned as he looked down at Daphne, who he had hand gagged on his side for a brief moment (but retracted upon Daphne biting his hand), but was still holding her by her arm, squeezing it tight. "Well, doesn't matter anyway. Once the ray gets powered up by the sun, I'll just be able to escape with you in tow..."
Daphne growled in anger as she struggled against him. "You know my parents are NEVER going to stand for this! How dare you- AHHH!"
The red haired girl screeched in pain as Sir Reginald squeezed her arm tightly. "How dare I? Yes, I dare... you know, maybe I should take you with me to the future... fine good escape I'll have, probably landing somewhere in Brazil... who knows? Maybe I can sell you off to the black market there or something..."
Daphne narrowed her eyes in anger. "I'm not just some piece of merchandise you can sell off!"
"Well, you'll never see your family or friends ever again once this ray works, so you may as well think in your head how good you might be at a great price!" Sir Reginald chuckled evilly as he pushed some buttons on the ray gun as it started to activate. From up above the sky, the sun was shining its afternoon rays as Sir Reginald forcibly dragged Daphne over and stood in the rays as he gave a chuckle towards her. "And in case you're wondering, with the sun powering up the ray, when we get teleported to the future, there won't be a future self to replace us, because we'd already be gone, sweetheart..."
Daphne gasped in horror, only for Sir Reginald to grab both her hands to keep her from escaping. "JENK-"
Sir Reginald quickly backhanded her in the head, causing the young girl to gasp out in pain. "Oh, that butler of yours won't be helping you out where WE'RE going, miss Blake..."
Daphne whimpered as she looked at the man, a feeling of vulnerability rushing through her for the first time in her life. Her haughty, cocky nature had now been replaced with that of a terrified little girl, who had no hope of escaping her foe... she looked over at the ray as she closed her eyes, hoping for a miracle or anything to come along...
But then, she heard a voice... an unexpected voice, but a rather, welcome voice...
"Hey, man! Nobody messes with my girlfriend!"
Daphne's eyes popped open as Sir Reginald jumped and turned to see Shaggy getting over the ridge and up on the platform. "WHAT?"
"Shaggy!" Daphne gasped, a happy tone of voice coming out of her mouth.
"That's right, Gorgeous. Commander Cool is here to rescue you when things get too tough for even my favorite superheroine to handle." Shaggy said as he turned to Sir Reginald. "So, like, let go of her, or you're going to suffer the wrath of Commander Cool!"
Sir Reginald blinked twice... before letting out a few laughs. "HA HA HA HA HA! Are you serious right now? Kid, I am like, twice your age, and twice your HEIGHT! And you expect me to believe that a pathetic, scared, small, weak kid trying to play superhero is going to take me, the soon to be richest man in the universe, down?! I like to see you try!"
"Small I may be, and I admit I'm a little scared, but if there's one thing I'm not... it's weak." Shaggy growled before charging forward and sliding forward, slamming Sir Reginald hard in the shins.
Reginald yelped as he loosened his grip on Daphne, letting the girl go as she stumbled forward. The older man rubbed his hand in anger before looking towards Shaggy as he tried to grab at the boy, only for him to jump out of the man's hands and landing him directly on the wings of his Clock Monster costume. Sir Reginald growled in anger as he tried to grab at Shaggy, only for the boy to wave back and forth each time.
Daphne looked concerned as she watched the fight going on, before noticing the ray charging up. Giving a gasp, she ran forward at the ray's controls and started to push some buttons in hopes of stopping it... only she couldn't find a stop button. If anything, she had control of a date and place in the controls, but not a reverse switch or anything...
Daphne yelped as she then noted the ray beginning to power up. "Shaggy! Get off that man! I don't think I can stop the ray from going!"
Shaggy heard the command as he immediately jumped off of Sir Reginald's costumed body before giving a chuckle, letting Sir Reginald fall down on his side. Reginald growled angrily as Shaggy crossed his arms. "It would seem your scheme has been foiled once more, Sir Reginald!"
"You think you're being clever, you freaking brat! I'll show you exactly what I think of... UGH!" Sir Reginald growled as he tried to reach for something, but realized that with the costume still on, he couldn't exactly reach into his pants pocket. "Ugh, just a moment, I'm still stuck in this stupid costume!"
"Shaggy! The ray!" Daphne gasped as the ray began to shoot.
Shaggy turned his head and yelped, noting the ray's laser coming straight at him. "ZOINKS!"
With no time to waste, Shaggy ran in place for two seconds before zooming off, just as Sir Reginald had finally taken off the costume. "Now, you'll see just wha-"
ZAP!
The ray engulfed the man as he suddenly disappeared without a trace... however, the bright light began to affect Daphne as she got blown off the platform, sending her falling off.
"AHHHHHHH!"
Shaggy yelped as he ran forward. "DAPHNE!"
As quickly as he could, he got back on the rope and slid down, passing a falling Daphne a third of the way through before attempting to swing over... just at the right angle as he managed to grab his best friend from halfway up in the air, causing Daphne to gasp and pant a bit, trying to readjust herself to what was going on...
"I got ya, Daph..." Shaggy said as he used one hand to slide himself down slowly,. "I got you..."
Daphne had to take a minute to get her bearings, but once she did, she looked over at Shaggy, and saw him not as her best friend, but as a brave hero... one that she always dreamed about going out with...
"Shaggy... you saved me..." Daphne panted as she looked up at him.
Shaggy looked down at her with a smile. "You're one of my best friends, Daphne... I would never let anything bad happen to one of my friends..."
Daphne giggled as she blushed, before looking up at her hero. "That took a lot of bravery to come up there, though. I really thought that man was going to... to..."
She shuddered as her eyes still looked fearful. Shaggy noticed the fear in her eyes as he held her close. "You're safe now, Daphne. I promise, I'll never let anything bad happen to you..."
"My hero..." Daphne said as she looked up at her friend in admiration... before her eyes snapped open. "Wait, earlier... did you just call me your girlfriend?"
Shaggy's eyes widened as he began to blush. "I mean... like, well... you're a girl, and you're my friend, and... well, I suppose in a sense, since Commander Cool and Gorgeous Gal were dating... I was just getting into the character of Commander Cool, you see... and... and..."
Daphne giggled, causing the young boy to stay silent. She looked up to him and said in a soft voice, "I like that."
Shaggy blinked twice, before returning with a smile of his own.
By the time they went down on the ground, they were met with a relieved Scooby and Mr. Rogers, with some of the recovered police force already cuffing the butler and the cook.
"Shaggy, Daphne... thank goodness you kids are okay!" Mr. Rogers sighed in relief, before looking up. "Where's Sir Reginald?"
"...lost in time, I suppose." Shaggy said as he looked up, seeing the platform going down, as only the ray remained on it.
"Do you know when?" Mr. Rogers raised an eyebrow.
"No, sorry, we weren't really paying attention to dates..." Daphne sighed as she looked over at the ray.
"...ro rou rhink we'll ree Rir Reginald arain?" Scooby asked.
"I don't know... but if we do... we'll just have to be prepared for his tricks next time..." Shaggy said as Daphne looked over towards the ray in pause.
She closed her eyes as she sighed, knowing Shaggy was right. If she was going to be prepared to solve mysteries and take down bad guys, she can't just sit around and worry about her looks anymore. Maybe it was time she considered some training to do actual fighting...
But that would come later. For now, she looked towards Shaggy, a feeling of happiness welling over her as she clutched her hero's hand. Wherever Sir Reginald was... she was sure he'll get his comeuppance soon enough... little did she realize was that she, Shaggy and Scooby would meet him again... eight years from now...
All right, this chapter is complete! How did you guys like it? I think I managed to get a good amount of action in, AND have Shaggy and Daphne (Pup Named Scooby Doo forms) go through a little character development! But next time, we go to the future where we see Sir Reginald take on the future Shaggy and Daphne... only to see that they have improved themselves since then. How so? You'll have to find out next time! Anyway, read, review, criticize and suggest, folks!