Mei's house...
A few hours later, after their intense battle with each other. Both of them we're being bandaged and treated by Mei and her friends.
Sonic: You guys have to admit that battle was awesome.
Peke: Yeah, it sure was.
Tails: It was an impressive fight. But you two need to be careful with your powers.
Peke: Not to worry, we would never kill each other.
Mei: I think what Tails meant to say was that someone could've gotten hurt or killed during your fight.
Priya: Luckily, nobody did.
Sonic noticed that Peke didn't have the cut on his cheek anymore.
Sonic: Hey, didn't you have a cut on your cheek during our fight.
Everyone looked at him and saw that he didn't have a cut.
Miriam: Oh yeah, he did have a cut. What happened to it?
Peke: I thought you guys would know by now.
Peke turns a snake into a pocket knife and gives himself a scar in the cheek.
Sonic: What are you doing?
Peke: Wait for it.
His scar healed in an instant.
Sonic: Whoah! I didn't know you had a healing factor.
Mei: Yeah, me neither.
Peke: I was hoping you guys would know by now. Why do you think every time a snake comes out of my body, it never hurts me.
Miriam: Well, I think it's a great thing you have going for.
Peke: The bad part is that bruises take a while to heal. As long as Sonic and I are still alive, we will fight to protect those we love.
Miriam grabbed a towel and cleaned the dirty marks on Peke's face.
Miriam: As much as the words of you two still being alive, I think you two should stop pushing each other.
Mei: And we appreciate you looking out for us.
Mei grabbed a towel and cleaned the dirty marks on Sonic's face.
Peke: As much as I like to do that, I don't think I can.
Sonic: Oh, how so.
Peke: Well, let's look at the situations. One: It's been two weeks since Eggman last attacked. Two: Who knows what he's planning next to destroy us. And three: What if he comes back with something much more powerful than us.
Priya wrapped a bandage on Peke's arm but put too much pressure on it that caused him pain.
Peke: Ow ow ow ow ow. Priya, that hurts!
Priya: Oh, calm down, you big baby. I haven't even finished yet.
(Peke sighs in relief)
Mei: Listen, I really do appreciate you guys protecting me, but I think you guys should rest for a couple of days until the ritual.
Peke: Speaking of the ritual, have you made up your mind to seal the panda away for good.
Mei: Yeah, why?
Sonic: I mean so far, everyone's loved it.
Peke: Yeah, and remember when everyone made fun of you back at that Daisy Mart.
Sonic: And let's not forget when Tyler made fun of you by putting posters of you and Devon at school.
Tails: What are you guys trying to say?
Peke: What I'm trying to say is everyone loves the red panda, and I think Mei should keep it.
Mei: I would keep it, but it's gonna have to go during the ritual.
Sonic: Tails told us a lot of your ancestors, Mei. The reason why you have that power is because your ancestors had a mystical connection with the red pandas.
Mei: Yeah, it's a family tradition.
Peke: Not to mention that the ancestors used that power to protect their village from intruders. Mei, you can do a lot with that power and even protect your friends and family . You can even help me and Sonic defeat Eggman.
Mei: I don't wanna get in the way.
Sonic: Besides, she's just a little girl, Peke.
Peke: She's a valuable little girl.
Tails: Eggman's machines might be too much for her to handle.
Peke: Well, someday she's gonna have to learn how to protect herself just in case we're not around.
Tails: I don't think she'll have to worry about that. You guys are more than enough to defeat him.
Peke: But what about that octopus bot. It was much stronger than it was before, and Sonic and I struggled against it! It almost got Mei, Miriam, Priya, and Abby.
Priya: Dude, calm down. There's no need to be hard on yourself.
Miriam: Just take a few days off to recover, clear your head, and relax.
Abby: Besides, after everything you two have been through. You two have earned yourselves a well deserved break.
Mei: My friends are right. Just listen to us.
Sonic: I think we should take a few days off until the ritual. That way, we can be prepared, so how bout it, Peke.
Everyone looked at Peke with kind eyes to convince him to rest. Peke thought about it cause he didn't want to upset them by making decisions against them.
(Peke Sighs)
Peke: Fine will take a few days off, and then we'll go back to work.
Everyone couldn't help but smile at Peke's decision.
Mei and Abby finished patching Sonic and stood up from his chair. Miriam and Priya finished patching Peke and stood up from his chair, too.
Both of them walked up to each other.
Sonic: Thanks, Peke.
Peke: Anything for a friend.
(They both hug each other)
Mei: Now that's what I call best friends.
(Mei poofs into the red panda)
Tails: Yeah, it is.
Peke: Hey guys, come and join us.
Tails, Mei, Miriam, Priya, and Abby joined them, and group hugged.
Four days later...
Ming was in the kitchen cooking some food. Jin was in the kitchen table reading a newspaper. Mei was in her room. Sonic and Tails were sitting on the couch chatting. Peke was drawing costume designs on a notebook.
Peke: Hey guys, what custom logo do you think I should put on the front and back of my jacket.
Peke shows them the three designs that he made.
Peke: Do you think I should put a snake head, a snake head with an open mouth, or a rattlesnake tail.
(Peke sniffed the food that Ming was cooking)
Peke: That food smells good, Mrs. Ming.
Ming: I'm glad you approve.
Peke: So what do you guys think?
Tails: I think you better go with the snake head.
Sonic: Yeah, me too.
Peke: Alright, let me create that one.
Peke transforms a snake into a jacket with the snake head logo on the left and right sides of the jacket, including in the back. He puts the jacket on.
Peke: So what do you think?
Sonic: Cool!
Tails: Amazing!
Mei comes out of her room with the party flyer for Tyler's birthday and hides it from her Mom.
Mei: Okay, I'm heading off to mathletes. See you later!
Ming had a lot of food on the table.
Ming: Wait, what about dinner? I made all your favorites.
(Mei gasps softly and drooled slightly)
Mei: Thanks, but Miriam's dad is, uh, ordering pizza. Save me leftovers?
Mei walks to the living room and sees Sonic, Tails, and Peke.
Mei: Hey guys.
Sonic, Tails, and Peke: Hey Mei.
Mei: I just wanted to tell you guys that it's time to go come on. Oh, and by the way, nice jacket.
Peke: Thanks.
Sonic: Alright, guys, it's time to get to work.
Ming: What if I come with you?
Mei had a shocking look on her face when she said that.
Mei: Wha...
Ming: What are you doing? Linear equations? Geometry? I have a double-jointed elbow!
Ming rotated her double-jointed elbow to form a circle.
Ming: Look! I can make a perfect circle!
Mei: Wow! Yeah, but it'll be super boring. Wouldn't you rather hang with Dad? Besides, I have my friends here, and they have to protect me.
Jin was still in the kitchen table eating dinner.
Jin: Oh.
Jin froze up with his mouth full, but Ming suggested she would still go with Mei.
Ming: Let's get my flashcards.
Mei: But...
Jin: Hmm.
Jin still had his mouth full until finally swallowing.
Mei and Ming walked out the door with Sonic, Tails, and Peke following right behind them.
Ming: I was mathletes champ in grade 8, you know?
Mei: Uh-huh.
Ming opens the gate leading to the temple.
Ming: They called me the "Uncommon Denominator."
She uses her hand like a gun and pows with it before blowing on them.
Mei: Cool. Oh, uh, Jade Palace is on tonight. Can't miss that, right?
Ming: Now, who's the weak link? Priya and Abby seem bright enough, but...
Mei: Oh, and traffic's a nightmare.
Peke: Tails, and I can fly you guys over there if you want.
Mei: Peke is right... you stay and rest.
Ming: (Inhales) Miriam... I mean, she's a nice girl, but maybe she's slowing you down.
Mei: Oh, Mom, you really don't have to come.
Ming: Don't be silly. We're already on the way.
Mei was breathing nervously and stood in front of her Mom and said.
Mei: But I don't want you to!
Mei gasped after saying that.
Ming had sad eyes in her face.
Peke: Whoah Mei, that was...
Sonic: Cold.
Tails: Not to mention harsh.
Mei was hesitating. Suddenly, the lock to the front entrance on the temple rattled as if someone was trying to break in.
Peke: What was that? Is Eggman at it again.
The lock rattled again.
Sonic: Looks like it. Everyone positions!
Tails took out his electric whip and stood in his fighting pose. Peke transformed a snake into a laser blaster.
Peke: Serpent blaster. Guys, get behind me.
Mei and Ming stood right behind Peke.
Sonic: Everyone get ready?
Both Tails and Peke nodded.
A group of women could be heard chatting from the other side, but Sonic, Peke, and Tails weren't convinced.
Woman: Chop-chop, everyone. Don't dawdle. Hurry up.
The cats in front of the entrance got scared and ran away in fear.
The doors opened up in a bright light, came out as soon as it opened, and four women holding purses came in.
The four women were Mei's aunties: Chen, Ping, Helen, and Lily.
Chen
She has short black hair, pearl earrings, a jade green shirt with violet trim and flowers on it, black pants and sandals. She also has a wart on her forehead. Her panda was encased in a small panda brooch that she wore on her shirt.
Ping
She has neatly done up black hair, pearl earrings, large black glasses and dresses in a jade green track suit, scarf, and tennis shoes. Her panda was encased in a notable jade ring on her finger.
Helen
She has black hair done up in a bun, black jeans and Ugg boots, a bluish-jade shirt, and a black leather vest. Her panda was encased in a jade comb that she uses to tie her bun up.
Lily
She has dark brown hair in a bob cut, wears a white shirt with a greenish-grey hoodie and sweatpants with a flower pattern and cork sandals. Her panda was encased in her earrings.
STP, Mei, and Ming: Oh what...
Mei's aunties were touching her face.
Woman: Hey, cuz! Surprise!
Mei: Aunties? What are you doing here?
STP: Aunties?
Peke: Oh... Tails put your weapon away!
Both Peke and Tails hid their weapons behind their backs.
Ping: The ritual, silly.
Lilly: You lost weight.
Chen: No, she gain wait. She looks just like her Dad.
Helen: She looks just like her Mom.
Woman: Ladies.
The aunties stepped aside to let the woman pass.
The woman who spoke was Ming's mother and grandma to Mei.
Wu
She has short black hair that is done up, quinacridone magenta painted nails, and noticeably has a scar over her right eyebrow. She wears a dark green coat with embroidered gems and turquoise linings, a light green scarf with purple flowers, pearl earrings set in gold, black slacks, lavender socks, and black slip on shoes. Her panda was encased in a green bracelet.
Ming: Mother.
Wu grabbed Mei's chin.
Mei: Hey, Grandma.
Wu: Poor dear. It must be so difficult keeping that unruly beast at bay. Your family is here now, Mei-Mei. And we will take care of everything.
Mei aunties and grandma gathered around her. She looks back at Sonic, Peke, and Tails. She decides to introduce them to the rest of her family.
Mei: Grandma and Aunties, I like you to meet my protectors/friends.
She introduces Peke first.
Mei: This is Peke half-human half-snake.
Mei introduced Sonic next.
Mei: This right here is Sonic the Hedgehog. He's, oh... I'll show you, Sonic, go get me an ice cream.
Sonic ran faster then the eye can see that he came back in an instant with the ice cream and handed it to Mei.
Mei: Thanks.
Mei unwrapped the wrapper from the ice cream and licked it.
Mei: He's got super speed.
Mei's aunties were impressed by what Sonic could do except her grandma. She lastly introduced Tails.
Mei: And this here is Tails smart with computers and all sorts of technology.
After Mei introduced them to the rest of her family, she introduced her family to them.
Mei: Guys, these are my aunties Lily, Ping, Helen, Chen, and my grandma Wu.
Peke: It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Sonic: Yeah, hey.
Tails stayed silent and wiggled his fingers.
Meanwhile at Tyler's house...
(CHA CHA SLIDE BY DJ CASPER PLAYING)
Tyler, Miriam, Priya, and Abby were sitting in the living room couch while everyone was standing or sitting on the floor, all silent, waiting for Mei to arrive.
Tyler: (GROANS) Where is she?
Miriam, Priya, and Abby chuckled nervously. Miriam pulled out a boggle game and said.
Miriam: Who's up for some Boggle.
(Music stops)
Back to Mei's house...
Mei's aunties we're feeding her and giving her presents. Sonic, Peke, and Tails, we're in the kitchen table discussing their next plan.
Peke: So now what's the plan?
Sonic: Yeah, I mean Mei's whole family is here, and they possess the same power as her.
Tails: The thing is, their powers are sealed.
Peke: What difference does that make our situation.
Tails: In case you guys haven't noticed, Mei's family has their power sealed.
Peke: So?
Sonic: So that means that Eggman can't take their power only Mei's.
Peke: Oh, but what if Eggman strikes during the ritual it might never get done if that happens.
Sonic: I mean, we know he's planning something big, but we still don't know what it is?
Tails: Tomorrow is the ritual. If Mei can get through the ritual and seal the panda for good, she's out of danger.
Meanwhile with Mei...
Her aunties continued to feed her and give her presents until Ming spoke and said.
Ming: What a surprise that you all came so early.
Wu: You need all the help you can get, Ming. So, Mei-Mei, you've been managing to keep the panda in?
Mei: Yep. Totally.
Lily: (SCOFFS) Really?
Ming: What's that, Lily?
Lily: Well, it's a little hard to believe that Mei-Mei could control such a beast. She's just a child.
Ping: It's true. And if Mei-Mei's panda is anything like Ming's...
(ALL GROAN AND SHUDDER)
Ming: Mei-Mei's better than any of us at controlling the panda. She passed every trigger test. Even the kitten box.
All of Mei's aunties we're surprised to hear that.
Aunties: Oh!
Lily: Oh, my goodness! That's unbelievable.
Helen: Impressive!
Ming: She just thinks of my love for her, and it gives her the strength to stay calm.
Mei: Exactly.
Aunties Aw. How sweet.
Mei yawned and up from the couch.
Mei: Anyway, thanks for all the gifts, but I think I'll go to bed early. (CHUCKLED) Keeping that animal locked down sure takes a lot of energy.
Ming: Okay, sweetie. Get some rest.
Mei: Night, everyone.
Aunties: Good night, Mei-Mei. Sleep well.
Mei had her gifts in hand, and as she passed to the kitchen, she signaled Sonic, Tails, and Peke with her finger and said.
Mei: Guys, come here for a second.
They looked at each other with weird faces and followed Mei to her room as they entered. She closed the door , placed her gifts in a drawer , placed a bunch of stuffed animals on her bed, and then covered them up in her blanket. Peke thought this was weird and said.
Peke: Mei, are you ok?
Mei: Listen, I need you guys to cover me. Make sure that no one comes in her while I'm gone.
Sonic: Mei I don't thin-
Mei grabbed Sonic's hands and said.
Mei: Please, I need you guys to do me this favor. It's the only way my friends and I can go to this concert.
Peke: Of course, we will cover for you if you want to go to this concert so bad then do your thing and win that money from Tyler.
Mei smiled at Peke's words and grabbed her bus pass, and opened the window to leave until they heard footsteps coming to the door.
Peke: Someone's coming. Mei, get back here.
Mei came back down from her bed and stood right next to Sonic. Mei got nervous and said.
Mei: Everyone act natural.
Wu came into the room.
Peke: Mrs. Wu, how's it going? we were just chatting.
Wu: Chatting, huh?
She turned her attention to Mei.
Wu: Mei-Mei, can I have a word with you?
Mei: Uh, sure. What's up?
Wu pulls out a rag from her hand and unfolds it to reveal a small piece of hair from the red panda.
Wu: I found this.
Peke: I never saw her drop a piece of her hair before. You guys?
Sonic: Nope.
Tails: Not at all.
Wu: Strange for a girl who hasn't let her panda out.
Mei: It's, uh...
Mei chuckles and grabs a trash bin to put the small piece of panda hair that Wu had in her hand.
Mei: It's not mine.
Wu pulls her hand away from Mei as she tries to reach for it.
Wu: Mei-Mei, I know what you're doing. I know how hard it is to keep the beast in. It feels so good to let it out. So free.
Wu puts the piece of her in the trash bin.
Wu: But each time you do, the stronger it gets. And then you'll be bound to it forever, and the ritual will fail.
Sonic: Has that ever happened?
Wu: It cannot happen.
Wu sighs and turns away for a second before turning back to Mei.
Wu: Your mother and I were close once, but the red panda took that away.
Wu placed her hand on Mei's face and said.
Wu: I couldn't bear to see that happen to you. So, no more panda.
Wu walked to the door and opened it, but before she left, she said a few final words.
Wu: You are your mother's whole world, Mei-Mei. I know you'll do what's right.
Wu left the room. Peke sat up against the door, and Sonic saw that Peke had a strange feeling. Sonic went up to him and said.
Sonic: Peke, are you okay?
Peke: No wonder they gave up their power.
Tails: I'm sure it's because it's dangerous.
Peke stared at Tails and said.
Peke: Oh yeah will the way I see it is that the red panda is used to protect others and give them happiness.
Sonic and Tails stared at each other, knowing how Peke was feeling.
Meanwhile at Tyler's...
Priya was doing a little dance while Miriam and Abby tried to guess what it was.
Miriam: Uh, worm.
Abby: Uh... Octopus!
Miriam: Spaghetti?
Abby: Killer robot!
A girl with purple hair came out in front of them and answered correctly.
Girl: Mortality.
Priya smiled and said.
Priya: Hmm. Nice.
A boy and girl got bored of the party and the boy said.
Boy: This sucks.
Girl: Let's bail.
They both got up from the couch and walked to the door to leave. Miriam tried to convince them to stay.
Miriam: Just wait. She'll be here.
Tyler: I knew she'd flake.
The doorbell ringed and everyone gasped. They all got excited as they all knew it was Mei.
Boy: Panda girl!
Girl: It's Mei!
Priya: Thank Cthulhu.
Everyone was chatting excitedly, and Tyler went up to the door to open it.
Tyler: Ugh. About time.
Tyler opened the door and expected Mei to be in her panda form, but instead, she arrived wearing a red panda costume, causing everyone's smile to drop.
Mei: Yo! What's up, peeps?
Mei laughed for a few seconds and entered. Tyler questioned Mei's costume and said.
Tyler: What are you wearing?
Mei: Hey, Tyler. Happy birthday.
Tyler: I'm paying for the red panda, not this garbage! Deal's off!
Mei: Wait! Can garbage do this?
Mei performed a dance to impress everyone, but no one was impressed. Mei attempted a different dance to make everyone smile, but Miriam, Priya, and Abby pulled her away from everyone and into the living room.
Miriam: Are you feeling okay?
Mei sighed and said.
Mei: Guys, it's hard to explain, but just, hmm... Just trust me on this. I can't panda anymore. I'm sorry.
Miriam: Okay, okay, okay. It's fine. You don't have to do it. We'll just, uh, figure something...
Priya spoke up and said.
Priya: I won't go.
Mei: What? Priya, you can't not go. Jesse's your soul mate.
Priya: But we only have enough for three tickets.
Abby spoke up next and said.
Abby: Then I'll stay home.
Mei: Abby, no! I'll stay home.
Miriam: Guys, if we can't all go, then none of us should go. Right?
Miriam sighed. Her, Priya, and Abby had saddened and tearful faces, knowing that they won't be able to go to the concert. Mei growls and looks at herself in the reflection of the window.
Mei: Just one last time.
Mei turns her attention to Tyler and calls his name out loud.
Mei: Hey, Tyler! You want the panda? You're getting the panda.
Mei poofs into her red panda. She picks up Tyler and places him on her shoulder.
Mei: Let's hear it for the birthday boy!
Everyone was cheering as Miriam, Priya, and Abby joined.
Mei placed a disc in the disc player.
(BOOTYLICIOUS BY DESTINY'S CHILD PLAYING)
Everyone was still cheering while Mei Miriam, Priya, and Abby were dancing around Tyler.
All: Go, Tyler! Go, Tyler!
Tyler was feeling the mood and danced. Some kids were sitting around not joining the dance floor. Mei grabs most of them by groups with her tail.
Priya danced with the girl she met earlier. Mei danced in the middle of the dance floor while everyone was around her, including her friends. Afterward, Tyler got on her back and Mei gave her a panda red behind the backyard. Then more than one person was riding on her back and everyone smiled in mid-air.
Meanwhile back at the temple...
Ming escorted everyone including her mother inside the temple so they could spend the night.
Ming: You sure the hotel's all right?
Ping: It'll do. At least breakfast is free.
Chen: Get some rest. You look tired.
Helen: Good night, cuz. Try that tea.
Lily: Good night, Ming.
Ming: Good night.
Before Wu entered she stood her ground and said a few final words to Ming.
Wu: Ming, this is a critical time. Mei-Mei needs a strong hand, now more than ever. Don't let her out of your sight.
Ming: I won't, Mother.
Wu enters the temple. Ming closed the doors of the temple. Sonic, Tails, and Peke were in the living room discussing the red panda situation.
Peke: I'm telling you guys, this is nuts. How could Wu say that about the panda!
Tails: I'm sure she's just concerned about Mei's safety.
Sonic: Tails is right. We have to keep it together.
Peke: You heard what Wu said right. The panda becomes more powerful whenever she uses it! And worst if she bounds with it, the ritual will never succeed!
Sonic slaps Peke in the face and falls on his back.
Peke: Ouch... Why'd you do that for?
Sonic: To snap you out off it. Here, give me your hand.
Sonic reaches his hand out to help Peke back up to his feet.
Tails: All we can do now is wait until Mei gets back here so that we can start this ritual tomorrow.
Sonic: Speaking of Mei, shouldn't she be back by now.
Peke: How long has she been out?
Tails checks the time on his communicator watch.
Tails: It's been two hours.
Peke: Two hours!
Sonic: Peke cool it pal.
Peke: I can't, man. I can't.
Sonic: Everything will be fine.
Peke: No, it won't. I have to go get her.
Sonic: I'll go with you.
Peke: No, you two are staying here.
Sonic and Tails: What?
Peke: I need you guys to stall Ming. Stall every way you can.
Peke ran to Mei's room and left through the open window that Mei used. Ming came inside through the front door. Sonic approached her and said.
Sonic: Ming, how did it go out there?
Ming: Not so great.
Ming felt depressed and Sonic held her hand.
Sonic: We just gotta get through today and the ritual, and then you and Mei can have your lives back to normal.
Ming couldn't help but smile at Sonic's words.
Ming: Thanks.
Sonic smiled.
Ming: I'm gonna go check on Mei-Mei.
Sonic: Oh, ok.
Sonic and Tails had shocking faces after Ming said that she was going to check on Mei. Before Ming could open the door, Sonic got in front of her, preventing her from opening the door.
Sonic: I don't think that's a good idea.
Ming: Why not?
Sonic hesitated for a bit and said.
Sonic: How about I go with you for your safety.
Sonic grabbed her by the hand and opened the door to Mei's room. Ming sees that Mei was in bed covered by the blanket with the window opened and proceeded to close it. As she was on her way to close it, she stepped on the glass with a photo of her and Mei. As she was picking up the broken pieces of the glass, she noticed a white shirt hidden under the bed that said fur baby on it.
Ming: "Fur baby"? Oh!
Sonic: Ming, what's wrong?
Ming grabbed a lamp and went under the bed and gasped. Sonic joined her and looked as well. They saw all the stuff that Mei had been working on the past few weeks at school red panda accessories, the box of money she was collecting, including the party flyer of Tyler's birthday party.
Ming: What...
Sonic: Whoa, Mei's been busy.
Ming turned to Sonic and said.
Ming: Sonic, what is all this?
Sonic: No idea? We should probably ask Mei.
Sonic got on top of the bed and started calling her name out.
Sonic: Mei, wake up.
Ming shaked Mei to wake her up.
Ming: Mei-Mei. what is all...
Ming removed the blanket only to see that Mei was not in bed, just a bunch of stuffed animals in her place.
Both Ming and Sonic gasp.
Meanwhile at the party...
Mei was in her panda form eating cake with her friends on the roof of the house.
Mei: Yeah! We did it! We are seeing 4-Town!
Mei, Miriam, and Abby: Whoo!
Priya: Yes.
The four of them continued to eat cake but heard Tyler's voice.
Tyler: Hey, has anyone seen Mei?
Mei and her friends crawled to not make too much noise and saw Tyler walking around looking for Mei.
Priya: Dang. He is working you.
Abby growls.
Abby: What a diva!
Abby eats the piece of cake she had in her hand in one bite.
Mei: It'll all be worth it.
Mei and her friends lay on their back. Mei sighs and transforms back into a human.
Mei: Tomorrow, we are walking into that concert girls and coming out women.
Miriam: Literally goosebumps.
Priya: Hmm. what do you think Jesse smells like?
Miriam inhales deeply and said.
Miriam: Milk chocolate and wet rocks.
Mei: Wow!
Priya: So many.
Abby: Oh, yes!
Mei's tamagotchi ringed. She pulls it out.
Mei: It's happening, Robaire Junior! You're finally gonna meet your daddy!
Abby: And your hot uncles!
They all laughed.
Abby: What? It's true.
Miriam turned to Mei.
Miriam: Mei, about what Peke said yesterday. What if you didn't do the ritual? What if you kept the panda?
Mei: What?
Miriam: Look at you! You're not the same feat-dustin', straight-A, goody-goody...
Priya: Who are never saw, like, ever.
Abby: Yeah.
Miriam: You're such a rebel now.
Mei: Guys, I can't be like this forever. My whole family would freak. Especially my mom. All her hopes and dreams are pinned on me. And once I seal my power away, that evil doctor that Sonic mentioned won't be after me anymore.
Miriam: I know. But you've really changed and I'm proud of you.
Miriam placed her hand on Mei's shoulder.
Miriam: Just don't get rid of all of it, you know?
Abby: Yeah. If it weren't for you, none of this would be happening. You the bomb!
Priya: Word. You da bomb, Mei.
Mei: No, you da bomb.
Miriam: We all da bomb!
They all got up and laughed in excitement.
Mei: We da bomb!
Priya: 4-Town, here we come!
Mei: Robaire, I love you!
Miriam: We are women!
Priya: We are hot!
Mei and her friends did hand in the middle and wiggled their fingers while ululating.
They group hugged.
The radio turned on, and Dj was talking.
Dj (on radio): All right, homies, next up is 4-Town. The boys are coming to Toronto on the 25th!
Mei and her friends stopped hugging and had shocking faces.
Dj (on radio): So get your tickets now. And check it, they'll be cranking open the SkyDome and performing under a red lunar eclipse. It's gonna be galactic, for sure.
Mei turned to Abby and turned her face towards her, and said.
Mei: Abby... you said the concert was the 18th.
Abby: It is! He's wrong! Look! The 18th, Toronto.
Abby pulled out the calendar date of 4-Town arrivals and showed it to the others. Priya spotted the correct date.
Priya: Uh... that says Toledo.
Abby: What!
Abby turned the calendar date around to see for herself and realized that Priya was right.
Abby argued in Korean language and then spoke in English.
Abby: What the heck is Toledo?
Miriam: Oh, no.
Priya: What?
Miriam: 4-Town's the same night as the ritual?
Mei poofed into her panda form and panicked.
Mei: No! The same night? The same night? What?
Miriam: Mei, chill.
Priya: It's okay.
Mei panted and turned to her friends and said.
Mei: No, it isn't! I can't miss 4-Town! We worked so hard! But the ritual. I'll let everyone down! No, no, no!
Tyler spotted Mei on the roof and called her name out.
Tyler: Hey, Panda Girl.
Mei growls in anger and turns to Tyler's attention.
Tyler: What are you doing? We want more rides.
Mei: Buzz off, jerkface. I'm busy.
The same boy at school tapped on his shoulder and said.
Boy: Oh, snap! You gonna take that, Tyler?
Tyler wasn't gonna take that disrespect from Mei and said.
Tyler: You want your money? Then get your butt down here now!
Mei: Forget your money, and forget you!
Miriam, Priya, and Abby restrain Mei.
Miriam: Mei! Let's just go.
Mei growls back at him as the girls backed her away.
Tyler: What about our deal?
Mei: Shove your deal!
Tyler: Fine! Get out of here! Go back to your psycho mom and your creepy temple, you freak!
Mei had enough and pulled away from her friends and lunged at Tyler in an attempt to attack him.
Miriam: Mei, no!
But all of a sudden, he disappeared.
Mei: Huh?!
Everyone gasped as Tyler was nowhere to be seen.
Mei: Where is he!?
Peke: Right over here.
Everyone turned and saw Peke standing in front of a scared Tyler hiding right behind him.
Peke: It's over Mei.
Mei growls in anger.
Mei: Get out of my way Peke he deserves to pay!
Peke: No, you need to give up that power.
Mei: For what so you can use it for yourself!
Peke: You don't understand Mei that power has corrupted you. You're not yourself.
Mei: This is who I am!
Peke: No, it's not. Now, untransform yourself, and I'm taking you back home.
Mei: I rather keep it and go to that concert!
Mei charges at Peke with a furious headbutt.
Peke: Oh shoot!
Peke shoves Tyler aside and crosses his arms to block Mei's headbutt, sending him flying and crashing into a lamp post.
Peke: Ouch... dang, she's strong.
Peke got right back up, ready to fight Mei.
Peke: I don't wanna fight you, but you're not giving me much choice.
A serpent pops out of his back and grabs Mei, then tosses her into the air and to the front of the house safe from the others. Peke jumps to the front of the house and resumes his fight against Mei.
Peke: I see you got the panda stronger Mei, but we both know you're no match for me.
Mei didn't respond back and charged at him. She swiped with her claws at him, but Peke was able to dodge with ease.
Mei: Stand still and let me claw you.
Peke: If you wanna claw me, then you're gonna have to try harder.
Peke lands a straight punch at her nose. Mei groaned and placed her hand on her nose.
Peke: Like I said, you're no match for me. The best thing to do is give up.
Mei ignores his words and charges at him with a fist.
Peke transforms into six-arm serpent and charges at Mei.
They both clashed, causing a shockwave. Mei attempted to punch him with her other hand, but Peke blocks it as well by grabbing it. As he attempted to overpower Mei, she thought one step ahead of him and headbutt Peke landing a clean hit. As Peke was stunned by the headbutt, Mei grabbed him and tossed him in the air. She grabbed his legs in mid-air and slammed him back and forth before pinning him against the garage door and landing a devastating punch, sending him through the other side of the house.
Peke landed where everyone else was and on his back groaning. Mei jumped to the roof and back to the other side where Peke and everyone else was. Mei walked slowly towards him. Peke went on his stomach and crawled away from Mei.
Peke: She's... to... strong... I can't beat her alone.
As Peke continued to crawl, Mei caught up to him and stomped on his back, cracking it.
(Peke yells in pain)
To silence Peke, Mei attempted to crush his head next. But was stopped by Sonic, Tails, and Ming.
Sonic: Mei, stop!
Ming: What is going on here?
Tails: Mei get off him.
Mei moves her foot of Peke's back.
Mei: Guys, this isn't what it looks like.
Tails: Mei look around you.
Mei saw that everyone was terrified of her, and Tyler was sobbing from Mei's terrifying actions.
A few minutes later...
Everyone was at the front of the house. Tyler's parents were mad at Ming of what Mei did and argued. Mei, Miriam, Priya, Abby, Sonic, Tails, and Peke looked on.
Tyler's mom: I cannot believe you would let your daughter do this!
Tyler's dad: Do you understand what she tried to do to my boy?
Ming: I am so sorry. She's never done anything like this before. I don't know what came over her.
Tyler's dad: I don't want to hear your apologies, okay?
Ming: I'm sorry again.
Tyler's mom: She is an animal!
Tyler's dad: All right party's over! Everyone, go home!
Tyler and his parents went inside, and everyone else started leaving. Ming looked at Mei and approached her, or so it seemed. She approached Mei's friends instead and said.
Ming: I can't believe you girls would use her like this!
Miriam: What?
Priya: But we didn't.
Abby: No, we'd never.
Mei: What?
Mei tried to intervene, but her mom stopped her by placing her arm in front of her.
Ming: I knew you were trouble. Putting all these thoughts into Mei-Mei's head, parading her around. Now she's lying, sneaking out. She attacked a hero in front of everyone. You think this is a joke? Do you know how this is?
Miriam: We didn't mean to, we just wanted to see 4-town.
Ming: 4-Town! You manipulate her for a bunch of tacky delinquents?
Miriam: No! She wanted to...
Ming: Don't you blame her. She is a good girl, and you've taken advantage of her.
Peke tried to intervene, but Sonic stopped him by placing his arm in front of him.
Miriam: Mei, tell her.
Mei looked at her mom and turned her back on her friends. Miriam turned her attention to Sonic and Peke
Miriam: Sonic? Peke?
Sonic and Peke dropped head and turned away.
Priya: What?
Abby: Dudes!
Ming: Come on, Mei-Mei. Let's go.
Ming and Mei hold hands as they walk to the car.
Mei: Y'all comin?
Sonic: Yeah, we're coming.
All of them walked away, but Peke turned around to Miriam, Priya, and Abby one last time before he got in the car with the others.
Ming started the car and drove away, leaving Miriam, Priya, and Abby alone.
Miriam found Mei's tamagotchi on the floor and picked it up.
While in the car, Ming placed her hand on Mei's hand as she was driving while Tails examined Peke's injuries from his battle with Mei. Tails touched one of his bruises, causing him to feel pain.
Peke: Ow Tails that hurts be careful.
Tails: We'll patch you up, I promise.
Ming continued to drive.
The next day...
It was the day that 4-Town arrived at the SkyDome in the morning. Later on, it was nighttime, and so many fans arrived at the SkyDome. Miriam, Priya, and Abby were at the front with the money box to buy tickets.
Man: All righty, general admission, eh? How many tickets?
Miriam opened the box of money and said.
Miriam: Three, please.
Meanwhile at the temple...
Sonic Tails Peke Mei and her family we're having dinner outside the temple before the ritual commences.
Peke was bandaged in the torso, arms, and some in the face.
Mei looked up in the sky and noticed the signal of 4-Town in the sky by lights.
Wu noticed them too and said.
Wu: What is that?
Everyone looked up in the sky and saw them too.
Peke: That's 4-Town their performing in the SkyDome.
Wu scoffs.
Wu: Four is the worst number.
Lily: You know, Vivian was due on the fourth, but I held her in until the fifth...
Wu: Quiet, Lily. Hurry up, everyone. It's almost time to start ritual.
An old man named Gao spoke to Mei.
Gao: Nervous, Mei-Mei?
Mei: A little.
Gao: Oh, well, I've got 50 years' experience as a shaman.
Gao chuckles.
Gao: This will be a piece of cake. And mostly painless.
Mei sighs.
Mei: Thanks, Mr. Gao. Wait, "mostly"?
Wu taps on the glass cup, making a ringing noise, getting everyone's attention.
Wu: Long ago, the spirits blessed the women of our family with a great challenge. Mei-Mei, tonight is your turn. Like all the women around this table, you too will banish the beast within and finally become your true self. May Sun Yee guide you and keep you safe.
Ping: Hear, hear!
Chen: That's right. Don't blow it.
Everyone raised their cups up.
Gao: Uh... It's almost time.
Everyone looks at the moon, turning red.
Tails: The red moon is about to begin.
Ming: Mei-Mei, go get ready.
Mei: Yes, Mother.
Mei heads inside the house to get ready for the ritual. Ming grabbed a few plates to clear the table up, and Peke offered to take the plates.
Peke: Here, allow me.
Ming: You're such a gentleman.
Sonic: I'll help, too.
Sonic took the plates where Lily and Chen were sitting.
Tails: Me three.
Tails took the plates where Ping and Helen were sitting.
Gao went inside the temple to get the instruments for the ritual. Jin was standing around doing nothing until Wu came up to him and said.
Wu: Jin! Be a gentleman and help out.
Jin: Uh-huh.
Sonic, Tails, Peke, and Jin went down to the basement with chairs in their hands. They stacked the chairs, and a video camera slept from a table before it could fall on the floor, Peke shoots a snake from his hand, catching it before touching the ground. Everyone gathered around Peke to see the videos in the camera. One of them showed Abby drinking her smooth, and Miriam chewing her gum close to the camera.
The next was Mei and her friends dancing with the Canada flag in the background.
The four of them chuckled after seeing these clips.
Peke: These are some good memories.
Jin: Yeah, they are.
Sonic: Maybe we should... show them to Mei.
Peke: Hmm...
Mei was in her room wearing a red robe with a red flower in her hair. A flashback of her when she was feral when she was fighting Peke scared her. She gasped and panted in fear. She heard a knock on her door.
Mei: Come in.
Sonic, Tails, Peke, and Jin entered.
Mei: Hey, dad. Hey guys. I... I'm almost ready.
Sonic: You look great in that robe.
Mei: Thanks, Sonic.
Jin showed her the video camera.
Jin: Did you make this?
Jin showed her a video of her eating crackers and spilling them on Sonic, Peke, Miriam, Priya, and Abby.
Mei: Here, I'll erase it.
Mei tried to take the camera from her dad, but he pulled away from her.
Mei sat up against her bed and said.
Mei: What? We were just being stupid.
Everyone sat on the floor with Mei.
Mei: The panda's dangerous, outta control.
Jin: Huh. You sound like your mother. What has she told you about her panda?
Mei sighs.
Mei: Nothing. She won't talk about it.
Jin: It was quite destructive. And big. She almost took out half the temple.
Peke: Wait. You're saying that Ming's panda is way more powerful than anyone else's.
Jin: That's right.
Mei: You... You saw it?
Jin: Only once. She and your grandma had a terrible fight.
Tails: Over what?
Jin pointed at himself.
Peke: Oh... Oh! You're joking, right?
Everyone chuckled at Peke's reaction.
Jin: Your grandma didn't approve of me. But you should've seen your mom. She was incredible.
Mei: But, I'm a monster.
Jin: People have all kinds of sides to them, Mei. And some sides are messy. The point isn't to push the bad stuff away, it's to make room for it, live with it. Mei, erase it if you want, but this side of you... made me laugh.
Jin chuckled and gave the camera to Mei.
Peke: You're dad is right, you know me personally. I love this side of yours.
Mei placed her hand on his and apologized.
Mei: I'm sorry for what I did to you.
Peke: It's ok. I know you didn't mean it. Besides, you were really strong. You know I wish this ritual didn't have to come if you would've kept your power you of helped me and Sonic fight against Eggman that way we could've be the trio's instead of the duo's.
Sonic: Panda or not, we will always love you the way you are.
Tails: Definitely.
Mei: Thanks, you guys.
Ming came in.
Ming: Mei-Mei, it's time.
Everyone was standing outside the temple waiting for Mei.
Peke: You ready to shine?
Mei: Ready as I'll ever be.
Gao approached Mei and said.
Gao: Just follow my directions and breathe.
He walked Mei to the middle. Mei sat on her knees.
Gao: Now, don't move from the circle. You understand? For as long as the red moon shines, the astral realm will be open.
Gao draws a white circle around Mei with a chalk.
Gao: And this circle is the door.
Chen and Helen had bowls and taped them with a wooden stick to make clanging sounds. Ping had a bell and started ringing it. Lily had a small drum with a stick and played it. They were singing in Cantonese language.
Peke turned to Gao and said.
Peke: Mr.Gao, what are they saying?
Gao: The door will open only if we sing from our hearts. It doesn't matter what. I like Tony Bennett, but your grandma, uh, she's from old school. Now, focus on their voices. Let them guide you.
The circle turned blue, and Sonic, Tails, and Peke were amazed.
Tails: It's working.
Gao: Oh, Sun Yee, revered ancestor, hear us now.
Jin and Ming singed to help out.
Gao: Guide this girl through her inner storm.
The moon turned red completely. The turned brighter and levitated Mei off the ground into the air.
Gao: Louder! Louder!
Sonic, Tails, and Peke joined in to help out.
Gao: And return the red panda spirit from where it came!
Gao lifts the wooden sword with a red gem in the middle, shooting a red laser into Mei's forehead. She was unconscious and woke up to find herself in the astral realm.
She walked through a bamboo forest, and a bunch of leafs gathered around, and her ancestor, Sun Yee, appeared.
Mei: Sun Yee.
Sun Yee formed a portal with her red ribbon. Mei saw her reflection with black hair instead of red hair. She placed her arm through the portal, and a red panda arm came out of the portal as she went further. The portal was too strong for her but still processed to push through it.
Meanwhile with the others. A red panda popped out of her chest, and Gao pulled out a red amulet to seal the red panda inside.
Ming: You can do it. Keep going!
Peke: Don't give up Mei!
Back in the astral realm, she continued to push through the portal until she stopped and looked back to see the panda all sad. She remembered her flashback memories she had with the panda.
Mei: No!
Mei went back to the panda, and a massive explosion of pink dust blew everyone away. Mei returned from the astral realm in her panda form. She hugged her panda tail and sighed happily.
Helen helped Wu up and saw that Mei was still on her panda form.
Wu: What happened? What was that? Mei-Mei...
Helen: Is everyone okay?
Peke coughed due to the pink dust and responded.
Peke: I think so. Sonic blow the dust away.
Sonic: Uh-huh.
Sonic ran around incredible fast, blowing the dust away.
Ming: Mei-Mei. It's okay. We can do it again.
Mei pulled away from her.
Ming: Mei-Mei?
Mei: I'm keeping it.
Wu: What did she say?
Helen: Keeping it?
Peke walked up to her and said.
Peke: I knew you wanted to keep it.
Mei: You were right, Peke. I should have never given up on myself.
Mei hugged Peke for a few seconds and turned to her family.
Mei: I'm keeping it!
Mei ran to the door and tried to leave to the concert.
Lily: Oh, no!
Ming: Mei-Mei!
Wu: Stop her!
Ming: What are you doing? Stop Mei-Mei.
Everyone restrained her from leaving the temple.
Helen: Don't let her go!
Ming: No!
Mei: Let go!
Ming: Mei-Mei! Stop!
Lily: Don't do this!
Ming: Mei-Mei!
Mei: No!
Mei overpowered everyone, restraining her and shoved everyone away. In the process, Ming's amulet cracked slightly.
Mei: I'm going to the concert!
Mei ran out the front door.
Ming: Get back here!
Ming attempted to go after her but tripped and fell.
Ming: Mei-Mei, stop!
Helen: A concert?
Ming: No!
Ming cried over that her daughter left to the concert.
Wu: This is a disaster. Unbelievable. Ming!
Sonic and the others came up to Ming and confort her.
Wu: How could you let this happen? She's out of control!
Ming's amulet was breaking a bit more. Jin came up to her and tried to console her.
Jin: Ming, it's okay.
Wu: Ming! Ming! Answer me!
Peke came up to Ming and offered her his hand to help her up.
Peke: Here, let me help you.
Ming swiped his hand away, rejecting his offer for help.
Ming: You!
Ming growled, and her amulet cracked even more.
Ming: You! This is all your fault!
Ming got up to her feet, and her amulet cracked completely. A giant red panda spirit came out of the amulet.
Sonic: What the?
Peke: Oh my gosh.
The red panda spirit went inside her body and transformed her red panda the size of a kaiju.
Peke: Oh, she's big.
Ming roared and attempted to stomp on them with her massive feet.
Sonic: Jump!
Both of them jumped into the air to avoid getting stomped. Peke transformed into six-arm serpent while in the air, and all his bandages were removed when he transformed.
Peke: You may be big, but that makes you an easy target.
He shot rapid fire shots from his hands, hitting Ming.
Sonic: Peke, no lethal force.
Peke: Right, oh crap.
Ming tried to crush Peke against a building with her hand. But he manages to dodge it in time and shoots a serpent wrapping around Ming's hand. Peke pulled on it with all his strength, causing Mei to land belly first on the road.
Peke: Man, she's huge. How are we suppose to beat her?
Sonic: Let me try something.
As Mei got up. Sonic jumped high in the air and supercharged himself with lightning. Mei saw Sonic while he was spin dashing and roared.
Sonic: Here goes nothing.
Sonic launched himself at Ming at full power. But Ming blocked it with ease with one hand. She used her free hand to punch Sonic and send him crashing to the ground. Peke was shocked at how powerful Ming was.
Peke: No way she blocked that attack like it was nothing.
Peke ran towards where Sonic crashed and helped him up.
Sonic: I launched that attack at full power, and it did nothing.
Peke: We'll think of something just hang in there.
Peke shot two big snakes from his hands spinning at an incredible speed at Ming.
Peke: King Cobra: Corkscrew Manmba!
Ming roared and backhanded his attack like it was nothing.
Peke: What?!
Peke was shocked that Ming was able to deflect his attack.
Peke: Ok, that's it! I've had it!
Peke flies towards Ming as he dodges her swipes from her claws. He soon as he got close, he shot a snake at here and wrapped around her eyes, blocking her vision.
Peke: Nows my chance.
Peke delivers a powerful elbow at her knocking her back and crashing on the floor. Peke flies back to Sonic. He kneels down to Sonic's height.
Peke: That's not gonna hold her for long. Sonic, listen to me. I need you to go to that SkyDome and get everyone out of there.
Sonic: And leave you alone against her? That's not gonna happen.
Peke grabs both of his arms and tries to convince him to leave.
Peke: Listen. Even with both of combined, we're no match for her. So that's why I'm telling you this. I'll stall her while you get to that SkyDome.
Ming was able to get the snake blindfolding her eyes and got back up.
Peke: Our time is up, now go!
Sonic was desperate in leaving Peke to face Ming on his own, but at the same time, he knew he had to save Mei as well, so he ran to the SkyDome. Sonic turned and said a few final words to Peke.
Sonic: Good luck, buddy.
Sonic looked forward and and continued to run.
Peke: Alright Ming bring it on.
Peke flew towards her while avoiding her attacks and landed a punch to the face.
Peke: Bam! That's gotta hurt.
Ming shaked it off with ease and looked at Peke with a furious face.
Peke: Or maybe not.
Ming backhanded Peke, sending him crashing into a building and collapsing on top of him.
Ming: Mei-Mei!
She walked through the city on her way to the SkyDome to get Mei back. Peke rose up from the debris. He growled and roared.
Peke: Raaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
A strange green aura surrounded Peke, unlocking a new power within him.
Things have turned for a worse. The next chapter will be the finale of this crossover. In the next chapter, Sonic and Peke will have to push their powers to the absolute limits all the way to their final battle against Eggman's biggest creation.