Family

Chapter 496 Crooked Deals

By: Major144

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is just a story for fun.

A few minutes earlier.

A few blocks away from Happy Planet Platypus Tavern there was a bar called the Rowdy Robot that catered to robots. A intergalactic robotic criminal by the name of Skalgar was at the bar enjoying himself. Skalgar had grey metallic skin, with orange armor, orange eyes, a black beard, and a orange helmet with horns, with the left horn being broken at the end. The criminal was enjoying his evening, when he took notice of a wanted poster on one of the walls displaying his face. Skalgar became curious and excited about the poster and went to go check it out. It was indeed his face on the poster, but the bounty on Skalgar was incredibly low. It was a mere 15 credits, which was a incredibly small amount of money. Skalgar was incredibly displeased and insulted by this.

"A mere 15 credits! This is outrageous! Clearly there has been a mistake!" Grumbled Skalgar aloud in a Spanish accent as he looked at the poster.

Another robot shoved Skalgar aside knocking him into the wall with a crash. Skalgar pushed himself up and glared at the offender before stomping up to him and tapping him on the shoulder. The offender turned around expecting to face a large robot like itself, but instead found himself looking down at Skalgar who was roughly half his size. Skalgar was about six feet tall and he was easily the shortest robot in the bar. The offender robot laughed at Skalgar.

"Sorry little fella didn't see you there!" Laughed the offender.

"You dare insult Skalgar the Destroyer?!" Snarled Skalgar.

"Speak up tiny, I can't hear you from down there!" Laughed the offender before he leaned down and blew some exhaust into Skalgar's face.

"Did that guy say his name was School Girl?" Joked another robot.

Skalgar felt his anger rise at these insults. He suffers from profound "short man complex" and was extremely sensitive to mockery and ridicule, to which he usually reacted violently to.

"SKALGAR! SKALGAR! MY NAME IS SKALGAR! NOT SCHOOL GIRL!" Roared Skalgar.

The robots continued to laugh, which angered Skalgar even more. A few seconds later the entire bar exploded to bits and out of the wrecked remains stomped Skalgar who had caused the bar to explode killing the offender and just about everyone else in the bar. Skalgar was calming down as he went looking for a new place to hang and think of ways to increase his bounty and give himself the recognition he so richly deserved.

And that's what caused the explosion Bubblegum and her group had heard.

Present

Bubblegum stared at Arnold as he pointed his shotgun at her and prepared to fire at her. Simon and Serenity quickly acted first by quickly firing a blast of ice magic that froze the team of killers, but by doing this they blocked the entrance. Django quickly took charge by blasting a hole through the wall with a blast from his guitar and the group quickly ran out. It was chaotic outside with aliens running about some staring at the destroyed remains of the Rowdy Robot as robot security guards rushed onto the scene to secure the site and get information on what happened. Chicle suggested that should all head out of town, when they all heard a loud cracking sound and turned to see that Arnold and the other hunters had broken from the ice that had froze them and we're now facing Bubblegum and her group.

"How'd they break free?" Asked Peridot.

"We knew Bubblegum was protected by some powerful ice magic users, so we came prepared with a little magic of our own." Said Arnold as he and the others held up up their wrists to reveal some armbands with glowing runes on them.

"Clever creeps." Grumbled Lapis.

"Now you shall die out our hands!" Declared Arnold.

Before any fighting or shooting could happen the roof of the tavern exploded and all the derby began to float about and spin in the air. June Way floated among the derby facing Scarab who stood on a large piece of derby facing the fox lady.

"You're just making things difficult for yourself. Surrender and give me the location of where your master is hiding and I won't arrest you. You have my word as a Cosmic Auditor." Said Scarab.

"Never! As if I would give him up to a lowly being like yourself! You're just a lapdog to the other cosmic beings." Said June Way.

"You're just a lapdog to your master." Said Scarab as he held up his crystal and began to extract a glowing yellow energy circle from it.

June Way quickly used her powers to send all the derby including the one Scarab was standing on flying and crashing into the surrounding buildings and street. Scarab expertly flipped off the derby and landed on a roof on a nearby building. He prepared to pull the glowing yellow energy circle from his crystal when a gust of wind suddenly yanked from his hand. Scarab tried to grab it, but a giant spike of earth shot up through the roof and slammed into him and sent him crashing into a warehouse full of what appeared some kind of fuel canisters. A fireball flew into the warehouse and struck the fuel canisters and they exploded making the warehouse collapse on top of Scarab burying him.

"That should keep that guy off our backs for a little bit. Good job ladies." Thought June Way as a gust of wind brought Scarab's crystal to her and place it in her hands.

June Way studied the crystal. It was a powerful item that served as both a weapon and a prison for criminals. June Way tried to access it's power, but it seemed to have some kind of security system on it to prevent it from being used against Scarab and the cosmic beings he worked with, also to prevent criminals from being unleashed. She could possibly figure out how to use it with a good deal of studying, but didn't really have the time. Best to get rid of the crystal and keep it far away Scarab. June Way summoned some rocks and shaped them into a bird that picked up the crystal and flew away. That would take care of Scarab for a bit, but just to be safe she decided to send her servants after him. June Way snapped her fingers and the three Elemental servants she had control over, but had remained hidden made their way to the warehouse Scarab had crashed into.

Scarab pushed himself out of the wreckage of the warehouse unscathed and unharmed as he dusted himself off with a bit of annoyance. He looked up to see three giant women each made from a different element form before him. There was Earth, Wind, and Fire and they all had glowing blue eyes. The Earth Elemental had a body made up of stone and had an appearance reminiscent of a African tribeswomen. The Wind Elemental's form seemed reminiscent of a duchess made up of swirling wind wearing a big coat. The Fire Elemental looked like a woman made up of bright red and pinkish flames, with a bright red flame wrapping around her like a feathered boa. Obviously these creatures were working with June Way and her master and had been sent to deal with Scarab. Scarab glanced at the giant women and then spotted the earth bird flying away with his crystal. He sighed with a bit of annoyance before turning to the Elementals and cracked his knuckles.

"That crystal was a gift. It was supposed to make my job a bit easier in dealing with criminals. Before I had it, I had to beat criminals up and bring them in the old fashioned way and I was very good at it. Gave me a reputation as someone to be feared. Now you ladies get to see what that's like. Now let's get started." Said Scarab.

The Elementals attacked with their respective element and Scarab dodged about to avoid their attacks.

June Way turned her attention to the ground below and saw Bubblegum and her group being attacked by Arnold and the hunters. It was time to provide some assistance and to take the candy monarch to see her master. She fired a ball of light into the air that exploded into a bright flash of light signaling some of June Way's other allies to spring into action.

On the ground below the Eggspendibles were firing their guns at Bubblegum and her group as they were forced to dodge and find cover. Simon constructed an ice wall for him, Serenity, and O to hide behind and fire some attacks of their respected elements at their attackers. Hooded Heifer charged down the street bulldozing and trampling a few unlucky aliens that got in his way as he raced towards Bubblegum, who fired a blob of gummy pink candy into his eyes and blinded the charging hunter. The Minotaur cried out in surprise before crashing into a wall and stunned himself as he collapsed to the ground. Chickenstein charged at Lance, who blasted him with lightning making the big chicken collapse to the ground in a heap. Rick the egg and Craig were making their way to Bubblegum firing away at her with their guns and getting very close to her. Bubblegum turned off her disguise and turned on the energy shields in her armor to protect herself as she prepared to get bombarded with bullets.

Bang!

Bang!

Bubblegum blinked her eyes in shock as the tops of both eggs suddenly exploded splattering yolk all over the place before the two eggs fell to the ground dead!

"Craig! Rick!" Screamed Head Egg in dismay at the sudden death of his comrades.

"Who did that?!" Asked Peridot.

"That would be us! Eggsenberg sends his regards!" Said a new voice.Everyone turned to see over a dozen eggs with various face tattoos, wearing tank tops, jeans, and shoes and carrying guns.

"It's the Carton Cartel!" Yelled Egg Head.

"I should have know these lowlifes were hiding in a place like this! You will pay for what you did!" Roared Head Egg as he and the remaining Eggspendables began shooting at the Carton Cartel.

Bullets flew all over the place as the eggs shot at each other. Kask, Khamai, and Sauro tried to rush at Bubblegum's group, but a gust of wind swooped the three lizards up and sent them flying and crashing into the remains of the Rowdy Robot. Arnold rushed at Bubblegum, who fired some lasers into the big egg burning his clothes and shell, but that barely seemed to phase him as he reached Bubblegum, grabbed her by the throat, and lifted her off the ground.

"You will be terminated!" Roared Arnold.

Bubblegum's vision began to blur, before June Way landed nearby and struck Arnold across the face with her parasol making him let go and drop Bubblegum to the ground. June Way then blasted Arnold in the face and chest with a magical burst of energy sending him flying back and crashing into a wall.

"Are you alright?" Asked June Way as she offered Bubblegum her hand.

"I'm...ok." Said Bubblegum as she took the hand and got pulled up.

"We have to get out of here and see my master right away, before Scarab gets back and the Nhar-Gh'ok squad arrives to put a stop to this." Said June Way.

"Nhar-Gh'ok?" Asked Bubblegum.

"A fierce alien race that Zim has employed to help enforce the laws here. They're powerful fighters and Zim has armed them with time weapons." Said June Way.

At that moment about seventeen tiny figures charged onto the scene. They had the appearance of human babies wearing combat gear and they appeared to be very athletic. One of the babies stepped forward with a bullhorn and began to shout at all the fighters.

"This is Space Sergeant Shnooky of the Nhar-Gh'ok squad. Cease your fighting at once or you will suffer the consequences and receive a timeout!"

The fighters glanced at Shnooky and his squad and then they went back to fighting. This annoyed Shnooky and his troops, who all pulled out grenades that were in the shape of hourglasses and hurled them at the fighters. The hourglasses exploded near the Eggspendibles and they all froze in place. More hourglasses were thrown freezing some of the Carton Cartel members, before the rest of the gang took off.

"What kind of weapons are those?" Asked Bubblegum.

"Time stasis grenades. They freeze people up for a few hours." Said June Way.

"We got to get out of here!" Yelled Chicle.

More grenades were thrown taking out the rest of the hunters as well as some of Bubblegum's friends, which included Simon, Marceline, Lucinda, Lance, Django, X, Henry, and Eria! Bubblegum stared at her frozen friends and allies in shock. Neddy tried to use his powers to levitate his frozen wife and allies, but there was just too much going on and Neddy had to go on the defensive against Shnooky and his troops, otherwise he would have been frozen as well. June Way clapped her hands and a mighty wind went through the streets kicking up a lost of dust that blinded people. The fox landed then tapped her foot on the ground and a hole suddenly opened up in it.

"Come, I'll take you to my master and will come up with a way to save your friends." Said June Way.

Bubblegum reluctantly glanced at her frozen allies and jumped in the hole followed by Neddy, Chicle, O, Serenity, Peridot, Lapis, and Mara. June Way jumped in last and the hole closed. The group found themselves in some kind of catacombs as June Way created a ball of light to allow the others to see.

"This way. Follow me." Said June Way as she headed down a tunnel and the others followed.

Several twists and turns later, June Way lead the group into a vast chamber with some stairs and a few floors. A few dozen members of the Carton Cartel were scattered about. Some were watching tv, playing video games, working out, and playing poker. A egg with slightly bloodshot eyes wearing a black beanie, a grey hoodie, jeans, and shoes walked up to the group.

"Who are these people? Why'd you bring them here June Way? Are they snitches? They look like snitches to me." Said the egg.

"Calm yourself Messy Pinkman, these are our special guest that the master wanted to meet. I'm going to go get them. Why don't you show them around the place and introduce them to your partner." Said June Way before she walked away.

"Fine." Grumbled Messy.

Messy lead the group to one of the upper floors to a large ceased off room that appeared to have both a lab and a kitchen, both of which were very clean and well equipped. Bubblegum, Neddy, Chicle, and Peridot were impressed by the setup.

"Hey Eggwhite. We got company." Called Messy.

A egg with a brown goatee, wearing glasses, a black fedora, a green shirt, brown pants, and shoes walked out of the lab and towards the group.

"Welcome. My name is Walter Eggwhite, though I sometimes go by the name Eggsenberg. This is my kitchen and my lab where I produce some unique hot sauce and other products." Said the egg.

Bubblegum took notice of the bottles of hot sauce on the kitchen table then she glanced at the lab and saw bags of what appeared to be blue rock candy.

"So...exactly what are you making in that lab and what exactly is your story and connection to these people?" Asked Bubblegum.

"Let's just say its something that isn't exactly legal. As for my connection to these people and why I'm here, it's a long story." Said Walter.

"Tell us then." Said Neddy.

"Well it started roughly 800 years ago. I was a promising chef and chemistry teacher in the Breakfast Kingdom, then one day I went to the doctor and I found out I had a serious medical condition. I was going rotten. There was a medical procedure that could save me, but it would cost a great deal of money. I looked for a way to make money for the procedure as well as give my family financial security if I passed away. My search lead me to a life of crime. I worked together with Messy and later formed an alliance with the Carton Cartel. We became incredibly rich and successful. I even got cured, but it all came at a price. My family...wasn't happy once they found out about my activities and they told the authorities about me. I was forced to flee the Breakfast Kingdom and eventually setup headquarters here." Said Walter.

"So who exactly is this master of June Way?" Asked Bubblegum.

"He...is someone who can give me something I need. Despite all my success I lost my family. I want them back and the only way to do that is to change my past. I could have sought legal means to pay, but I was just too stubborn and proud to pursue those courses. The master can take me back in time, so I can peruse those means and keep my family. I regret my past, something I think you can relate to Bubblegum." Said Walt looking at Bubblegum.

Bubblegum wondered who exactly this master was with the ability to go back to the past. Was it the crooked clock that the seer had warned her about? And if so what was their goal?

"Wait how are you still around after all these years?" O.

"My group pays a hefty sum to Gumbald for him to use the Timenado to give myself and the others longevity." Explained Walter.

"Makes sense." Said Serenity.

"Here they are master." Said June Way as she arrived with another being in toll.

"Master Maltruant." Said Walter with a nod.

Malruant had a black round semi-humanoid body generally resembling a mechanical clocks. He had a red translucent windows on their chests displaying his mechanical innards, which appeared to be various gears, and he had a round short head with a semi-circular appendage on top. Malruant had large hands, with red red cannons, metallic eyebrows, red eyes, and his mouth was a red grill plate.

"Malruant?" Said Lapis.

"He's that guy we heard about at the bar that taught Zim about time technology." Said Peridot.

"Welcome, I am Malruant. It is an honor to meet you all, especially Bubblegum. We have a great deal to discuss." Said Malruant.

"Discuss what?" Asked Bubblegum.

"A business opportunity. We currently share a common enemy in Zim. He betrayed me and took some important things from me. I believe if we join forces we can break into his base and get them all back. In exchange for your help I'm willing to help you return to the past and change it. I have done my homework on you Bubblegum, you desire to not only return to the past, but also undue what you did to the Fire Kingdom." Said Malruant.

"Before... I agree on anything, I want to hear your story, how you ended up on Earth, and what kind of objects Zim has taken from you." Said Bubblegum.

"Very well. I am a traveler of sorts going through time, space, and dimensions, with the aid of creatures called Time Beasts. In my travels I collected several Time Beast eggs, which are very powerful. I also collected a few powerful items in my travels, one being called the Annihilarrgenesistoriathimiorgost, or simply the Annihilarrgh. It was a device capable of destroying or creating universes, though I believe with the right tinkering and settings it can be used to destroy or create smaller things like galaxies, solar systems, and planets. It was damaged, so I could never quite test it out, unless it was repaired. The other was a cosmic weapon called the Maid that was capable of wiping out powerful entities. In one of my adventures I encountered a powerful being and we did battle. My opponent was far stronger then I had anticipated and I lost taking a great deal of damage in the process and lost my Time Beasts. I was forced to retreat and I ended up on this planet a long time ago and landed in the junkyard, where I ended up being buried underneath a mountain of junk. I went offline and for several years I was lost to darkness, until Zim found and repaired me. Zim was very smart and for his services, I repaid in my teaching him about time technology. For years we worked side-by-side, until Zim became greedy and wanted to use my technology for his own purposes to please his masters. I was forced to go into hiding and make plans to retake my property and get my revenge." Said Malruant.

Bubblegum carefully went over Malruant's story. There were clearly things he wasn't telling them and he most likely had his own agenda, but they needed his help to get Simon and the others back and they couldn't leave super dangerous weapons in the hands of Zim. There was also the chance to not only return to the past, but undo the Cooler incident as well.

"Alright, we will help you break into Zim's base to recover your property in exchange for you to save our allies and for returning me to my proper time to undo my mistake." Said Bubblegum.

"Very good. This will be a beneficial partnership for both of us." Said Malruant

"What about the genie that protects Zim? You have a plan to deal with him?" Asked Mara.

"Oh I have a genie of my own to deal with him. June Way found her and now she works for me." Said Malruant as he produced a bottle of orange soda and rubbed it.

A stream of soda bubbles shot out of the bottle and began take on a female form. The genie was made of orange soda bubbles. Aside from that, she had three bubbles that acted as her head and hair and a small body that left behind a trail of bubbles. She also had nubby arms.

"I'm Citrus Twisty the Soda Genie." Said the tiny genie.

"Why haven't you used one of your wishes to get your stuff back?" Asked Lapis.

"The genie that Zim has also protects his base and uses his magic to prevent the objects he has from being removed by magical means, even by another genie." Said Malruant.

"I see." Said Lapis.

"I'll let you rest for a bit and then we can discuss infiltrating Zim's base to regain my objects and rescue your friends." Said Malruant before walking away followed by Citrus Twisty and June Way.

The team decided to rest and regain their strength as they prepared for the mission ahead.

"Mom. Do you think we can trust these people?" Asked Neddy.

"No I do not, but we don't have much choice. We need their help to rescue Simon and the others." Said Bubblegum.

The team decided to rest and regain their strength as they prepared for the mission ahead.

To be continued.

Glossary

Megas XLR: Skalgar

Samurai Jack: Elementals

Invader Zim: Nhar-Gh'ok

Annoying Orange: Walter Eggwhite, Messy Pinkman, and Carton Cartel

Ben 10: Time Beasts and Annihilarrgh

Ok K.O. Let's be Heroes: Citrus Twisty