Greetings everybody! It's me and I'm back with yet another chapter! YAY! It's a long alright and I'm so happy I got this done so, my fellow readers, you ca all go ahead and enjoy this next chapter. Oh by the way if you haven't noticed yet I redid this story's cover page! I'm happy with the new result and this one's here to stay. Okay let us not dwell and further, but end on one last note with a special thanks for FanficFan920 and your review and other reviews I've received. Thanks so much! Okay people get those lounge chairs ready and the snacks cause it's reading time. Enjoy! :)
CHAPTER 11: UNPLEASANT FINDINGS
This better be worth the wait.
With that thought Yakko adjusted himself in the chair he was sitting in. Of all the places Yakko rather be right now the waiting area outside Plotz's office was not in the top ten. First of all waiting was so boring. Second of all he was the only one in here so what on earth could be keeping Plotz so long?
Yakko slumped into his seat watching the seconds tick by on the clock on the far wall.
Despite the agonizing boredom, Yakko's mind was actually not focused on that particular thing at the moment. On the inside he felt a bit worn out. Yesterday had been troublesome enough with the whole getting taken to prison and then to add on to that…his little meet up with Zekko. Other then that what really let him take his mind off that was being reunited with his sibs. He had almost been trampled to the ground when they both caught sight of him and then ran for him trapping him with their hugs. It took Yakko a while to calm down Dot as she kept on crying. He was on his own for this one as Wakko was unusually quiet. He would've asked what was wrong, but he had a blubbering sister on his hands and needed her to calm down so he could one, get her to quit choking him as her arms were tightly around his neck and two, get them all out of that place.
It wasn't long before Yakko found out who had come to release them. He had to say though never had he been that glad to see Dr. Scratchansniff in his life. The doctor was a bit uneasy as he himself didn't like the place they were in. Yakko didn't argue with that for a second. The doctor had asked them all if they were okay and a bunch of other questions, which Yakko did his best to answer as he handled his whimpering, but calmer sister and quiet brother. He was all too glad when they finally left and made their way for Scratchansniff's car which was just outside the prison they were in. Even from outside the place looked just as unsettling. The barbed wires didn't help.
Once all three Warner were in the car the doctor quickly drove them out of that place. The car ride was quiet a one, none of them were in the mood to speak. Only once Yakko asked Wakko if he was okay, getting a startled reaction from his brother. That only made him more concern, but Wakko just told him he was okay he just didn't like the place that was it. Yakko had a feeling there might've been more to that story, but he didn't push the subject further. Really none of them wanted to be reminded of the place so why bring it up now?
By the time they had reached the lot they realized it was already the evening and the sky was already turning it's purple hues with the sun setting. Yakko thanked the doctor for everything and took his siblings home. Dot had been near sleeping in his arms and along with Wakko struggling to keep his eyes open. Twice Yakko had to keep Wakko moving straight as he kept sidetracking to the left or right. Thankfully his brother had been alert enough to travel up the tower ladder. Yakko managed to climb up with Dot in his arms, being as careful as he could to avoid the worse. After that little episode at the prison he wasn't going to take chances with his siblings' safety.
He was glad once both Wakko and Dot were back in their rooms fast asleep. Yakko felt tired himself, but to be honest his mind had been buzzing with the events from the day. Like a video on repeat did the day play over and over in his head. Every word that Zekko had spoken to him was stuck in his mind and leaving him plenty of questions. It had taken about two hours, but Yakko finally fell asleep questions still bouncing around in his head the whole night.
It had taken him a bit, with Dot not wanting him to leave the tower and all, but Yakko got to leave the tower the next morning with a mission in mind. He had convinced Dot he would be back real soon and she still had Wakko in the tower with her. Dot complained Wakko was being moody and she said that he better get back soon. Yakko had raised an eyebrow at the word moody. Looks like whatever was bothering Wakko hadn't left him just yet.
Yakko would ask about it later though. Right now, if Plotz ever bothers to hurry up sometime this century, he had some things he wanted to ask the cranky CEO. Apparently, he had come on a bad day or something. By what he gathered from Plotz's secretary the guy wasn't in the best of moods. Something about nearly getting dirt nap after a small misunderstanding. Yakko had a few ideas what that could have meant, but for now he could only wonder...and wait.
"Yakko Warner?"
Yakko looked up at the mention of his name. The secretary had called him.
"The CEO will see you now."
Well guess that's the end of the waiting game. Yakko thought with slight relief as he stood from his seat.
Passing by the secretary he thanked her and went straight for the door of Plotz's office. Peeking inside Yakko looked around and found Mr. Plotz sitting at his desk. Then five seconds later did he grimace at the sight.
"No wonder he's a cranky mood." Yakko muttered.
Sitting behind the desk was none other then Plotz himself, but not exactly in the best of conditions. Other then his own frown of dislike, he had one arm in a cast and if you looked close enough there were...maybe rope burns covering his other arm and some of his neck. Yakko noticed the cranky CEO had slight bags under his eyes making him look a bit sleep deprived.
Upon hearing the door open Plotz looked up and saw Yakko. A panicked look came to the man's face, but as quick as it came did it disappear. Not fast enough for Yakko rose an eyebrow at the weird reaction.
Plotz cleared his throat. "Come in Yakko. I want to make this meeting quick. I'm a very busy man and can't be bothered for long."
"Uh yeah sure." Yakko said in uncertainty for the supposed busy CEO had neither paperwork or work on his desk. Seriously did the guy even try to look busy?
Either way Yakko closed the door to the office and walked in as Plotz decided to take out some paperwork, to which Yakko resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Right now he didn't want to get on Plotz's bad side. If Yakko was right then the man could answer some of his questions.
Something a certain toon didn't bother to do. Yakko thought in utter annoyance as he sat into a chair in front of Plotz.
Clearing his throat Yakko began to speak.
"So um T.P.-"
"How many times do I have to tell you Warners?" Plotz suddenly interrupted. "It's not T.P. it's just Plotz!"
Yakko frowned. "Fine then...Plotz."
"Better." The CEO said with a nod of his head. Yakko rolled his eyes, when the guy wasn't looking though, and resumed talking once more.
"So I was wondering if you might know about something."
"Such as?" Plotz questioned not even looking up as he managed to write on his paperwork one handed.
Yakko took a sharp breath in. He hoped his hunch is right.
"Do you know...Zekko Warner-"
"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT NAME?!" Plotz yelled in both shock and outrage..
Since this took Yakko back by surprise he didn't prepare himself when he comically was blown backwards by the force of the yell, falling back in the chair he landed onto the ground.
"Okay...maybe you do…." Yakko said lifting himself up and shaking the stars that had gathered around his head.
"How do you know that name Warner?" Plotz hissed.
Yakko raised an eyebrow frowning. He fixed his chair up and then sat in it arms crossed over his chest.
"Well how do you know that name?" Yakko question back.
"That is none of your concern." Plotz flatly said back.
Yakko could feel his eyes narrow at the CEO. Plotz wasn't the best at hiding emotions and Yakko could clearly see the guy was trying to hide something. He wanted to know what this something was, why was is it so important to keep it secret.
"It becomes my concern when family is involved." Yakko found himself saying.
Plotz was taken back as much as Yakko was right there and then. Even though he had said the words simply and clearly, they felt so foreign to him. Not until now did Yakko even consider Zekko to be family, not once. His siblings neither, but judging from Plotz's expression this was getting him somewhere, so he'll go along with this.
"I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't know any Zekko Warner and I'm sure no one by that name exists." Plotz finally said, quite lamely.
Now did Yakko roll his eyes. "Really Plotzy you're such a great actor, I already here the Oscars calling."
Getting back on track he looked Plotz in the eye. "I got the special meeting yesterday with Zekko. I'm pretty sure he one hundred percent exists. Him and his siblings."
Now it was Plotz's turn to narrow his eyes. "What did he tell you?"
Yakko scoffed. "Nothing. You know for a semi talkative guy, he doesn't exactly scream social you know."
Yakko then recalled Plotz's words and looked to the CEO suspiciously. "...Why? Is there something-"
Panic flashed Plotz's face. "No! There is nothing of importance!"
At Yakko's risen eyebrow Plotz collected himself.
"I mean-" Plotz cleared his throat and regained a serious composure. "-that is none of your concern Yakko.
Yakko frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Something's fishy here...and I can bet that it's not the tuna casserole Wakko made for dinner."
"Yakko there is no need for you to continue this conversation." Plotz stated calmly. "You're not involved in it so I suggest you leave it be."
Yakko, now completely mad over the fact this was getting him nowhere, stood from his seat towering over the CEO, who in turn cowered back from the furious Warner.
"Look T.P.-" Yakko said firmly. "-I'm going to continue this conversation until and only until I get some answers. Zekko wasn't much help to start with so you're the lucky guy I get to come to. I'm already involved with this Plotz so don't tell me otherwise! It's because of this me and my sibs had to spend the night in some prison and I'd very much like to figure out why we had to and those three are behind that! So I'm not leaving your office until I get some answers! Understand?!"
By this time Plotz was just barely able to sit up in his chair as he now had to slid down due to the fact Yakko was towering over him to the point of making the CEO break out into sweats.
Plotz chuckled nervously. "W-why of course! Uh no misunderstandings here, just going to get some answers right?..."
"Yep." Yakko said standing back straight as he grinned. Also a bit proud that little stunt had actually worked.
After collecting himself once more, although he still looked nervous, Plotz stood from his chair and walked over to the opposing wall. Yakko, curious, came a few steps forward and grew confused as to why the CEO was going over to a portrait. Surprise took Yakko's features as Plotz used his one good arm to swing open the painting and reveal a safe behind the picture.
"Let me guess that's like some secret safe for important and 'never to be revealed' documents or something, huh?" Yakko quipped making air quotes in the air.
"Something like that…" Plotz muttered as he was twisting the knob on the safe placing in the password to open it.
Yakko's grin fell and he blinked shocked. "I was just kidding T.P."
Plotz didn't answer him and with a click did the safe door open. Yakko peered over the CEO's shoulder looking into the safe, wondering just what a 'secret safe for important and never to be revealed documents' looked like.
Yakko looked to the readers with a shrug. "I'm curious, so sue me."
Plotz glance at him. "What?"
"Uhhhh nothing!" Yakko said with a cheery grin.
Plotz looked at Yakko weirdly, but then shrugged and went back to the safe. Yakko stepped to the side getting a better look into the safe. To sum it up it wasn't really what Yakko thought it would look. Just more plain...and boring. Geez did the studio ever hear of jazzing things up? That safe looked decades old or something! The only other thing that kinda looked misplaced out of all the dusty folders was a simple metal box with a red button on top.
"Hey what's that?" Yakko said reaching out to touch it.
"Yakko! Get back to your seat!" Plotz cried slamming the safe door closed, leaving barely any time for Yakko to pull back his hand. Thankfully, and after checking if he had all four fingers, he had.
"Second too late and goodbye precious hand." Yakko said cradling his hand protectively.
"Just sit down Yakko!" Plotz ordered.
With a zip of toon speed Yakko was back into his seat smiling innocently as a halo hovered above his head. While Plotz was wondering why in the world he had agreed to this, he walked over to his office desk and placed the folder in his hands onto the desk. Yakko coughed, waving away the dust that flew into the air.
"Ever heard of spring cleanup?" Yakko gagged waving off the last of the dust. "It does wonders."
"Yakko," Plotz began sounding more serious than he had been the entire time Yakko had been there. "What I'm about to tell you does not leave these walls. This is classified information regarding the studio. I shouldn't even be showing you this, but in some ways you are involved with this so I can bend the rules with that."
Yakko nodded, wondering just what was so classified. Acknowledging the nod, Plotz opened up the folder in front of him. Yakko stood straight just enough to see inside the folder. One by one Plotz took out old documents. The one's that caught Yakko's eye were the very familiar looking toons in the pictures. Taking one in his hands, his wavering eyes scanned the picture.
"Are these…" Yakko gulped. "...mugshots?"
The only response from the CEO was a nod. Yakko turned the photo of Zekko in his hand to face him. It was a front view of the toon. On the desk as well were other mugshots, each displaying Zekko, his brother Gekko, and their sister Shayna. There was clear anger on both Gekko's and Shayna's faces as Yakko could tell they were being forced into their positioned postures for the pictures. An outside hand in Gekko's photos kept his head turned towards the camera, the clear struggle against it was shown. In Shayna's shots it was the same, but it looked she was trying to bite the outside hand. Yakko could tell she had succeeded at least once since there was a bite mark riding up the outsider's arm.
Although maybe what could be considered the more chilling photo was Zekko's. His expression remained clear. The only emotion displayed as far as Yakko could see was in his eyes. He didn't know why, but for some reason there was no anger or rage in those eyes unlike his sibs had. There was only sadness and maybe...regret?
"Why…" Yakko put down the photo with a shaky hand. "...why do they have these?"
"They're dangerous criminals Yakko." Plot said in all seriousness. "They're required to have them."
Yakko frowned. "What could have they done to be labeled as dangerous criminals?"
As much as Yakko didn't approve of Zekko, he couldn't seem to place the guy as some cold stone criminal. Sure he had his defaults, well he is psychotic, but nothing as far as he could tell screamed criminal.
"This is why." Plotz said placing newspaper clippings on the desk.
Yakko scooped them into his hands.
OUT OF CONTROL CHAOS!
MYSTERIOUS VANDALS STRIKE!
BUILDINGS IN RUINS!
These were the words Yakko read off the old newspaper clippings. His eyes gazed over the pictures that followed them. Burning buildings, running people, and just so much destruction. He felt his mouth go dry at the injured count. The only thing that could reassure him was it wasn't as big as he could dare imagine, but still enough to have his eyes widen.
"Unfortunately, Yakko this is what it is." Plotz said with some pity in his voice. "Those three caused too much chaos for anyone's liking."
"This is why they're…locked away?"
"Well actually no." Plotz admitted looking a bit nervous. "The studio was able to pay off for their damages. They had only affected a small portion of Burbank."
Yakko frowned putting down the newspaper clippings. "So why are they still there then? If they don't have a prison sentence."
"This stunt they did was enough to prove they shouldn't be allowed in public for they are a danger to themselves and the people." Plotz said firmly.
"What?" Yakko said in utter outrage and confusion. This was all sounding a bit too close for comfort regarding the situation Yakko and his siblings had to go through so long ago. "Okay I get the whole massive chaos, but it was resolved wasn't it? Couldn't they have been given some sort of warning or-"
"Yakko this sort of behavior shouldn't be given a warning of any sort." Plotz interrupted. "They're better off where they are now."
Yakko felt himself growing angry. "Better off? That's how you describe that place?! You gotta be kidding me T.P. I've think I've spend enough time in Zekko's cell to know how miserable the guy is. If you must know he's cut off from any outside contact and even from his own siblings Plotz. How can you call that better off?!"
"Now Yakko-"
"No really?" Yakko interrupted, feeling angered at the fact Plotz was even fine with the fact he was basically keeping family apart. If there's anything as of right now Yakko was not okay with it was separating someone from their family. "Just how is that better off Plotz?! It's completely-"
"They tried to kill someone!" Plotz hissed in a dead serious tone.
Yakko felt his anger vanish, the in his face color drained away. "...w-what?"
Plotz sighed, not letting his serious expression leave. "It was recorded that on March third 1929 this toon-" Plotz slid over a picture to Yakko. "-had attempted the assault."
Yakko picked up the picture. A sharp breath was suckied into Yakko's lungs seeing the scarred toon's face.
There was some pity in Plotz's expression when he said. "I'm sorry, but it is true."
Yakko, whose expression displayed slight disbelief and looked a bit ill due to the loss of color in his face, placed the picture back onto the desk, turning it over to not see the face of Zekko. So maybe there had been a reason for regret he had seen in the toon's eyes within these pictures...if he was guessing right. A much very disturbing thought came into Yakko's mind that would send chills down anyone's spine. What if that regret was for what he hadn't accomplished to do?
Shaking his head of the thought he spoke. "What exactly happened? Why did he try to..."
"That I can't actually say." Plotz admitted. "Most of the information regarding these three has either been destroyed long ago or simply wasn't found."
A grim look crossed the CEO's face. "The only one who's sure of what really happen is the psychotic toon himself."
Yakko frowned at the title Plotz had given Zekko, but at that moment he didn't feel like defending the guy. He really didn't know this toon after all...this toon who was his brother."
"But not even he can say a thing." Plotz suddenly said.
Yakko blinked confused. "Wait why can't he?"
At that moment the eldest's mind was flashing back to the frustration Zekko had shown when he kept on asking questions. Did this connect to that weird display of emotions?
"Zekko signed a contract stating he isn't allowed to even speak of the events following that day." Plotz acknowledged. "The studio made sure that those three were never heard of and to make sure it stayed this way the a contract was given to him it sign and he did."
Yakko raised an eyebrow. That's what took down this guy? A paper contract? Really?
"Talk about small weaknesses." Yakko quipped. "Seriously? Just one paper contract and he's quieter than silence itself?"
"Yakko the contract didn't effect him only." Plotz said with slight grim. "It affected all three."
Yakko felt confused. He looked at Plotz suspiciously. "Just what does this contract say?"
"To sum it up as long as Zekko keeps to his part of the agreed contract, committing to keep all the events of March third 1929 classified, he will potentially regain access back to his siblings."
The realization of what the guy was saying hit Yakko. "Wait are you saying that if Zekko spills the beans on this whole thing, even a small portion, he-"
"-He won't have any reason to see those siblings of his, yes." Plotz finished for him. "He'll be denied any rights to them. As unfortunate as the consequence is, this was the only way we could get Zekko to cooperate and cooperate he did."
Yakko didn't know whether to feel bad for the toon or disgusted for fact the studio would stoop so low like this.
Plotz began to return the papers on the desk back into their place in the folder. "The contract is unavoidable. Nothing can break it."
The sinking feeling within Yakko only grew. This...this was just cruel. He couldn't imagine how Zekko could face this. Then something occurred to Yakko. He knows perfectly how Zekko's been facing this. The toon's been doing it for seventy years...seventy years of solitude...seventy years of a giant threat hanging over the guy because if he broke his side of the argument...he'll never see his siblings again. Now Yakko didn't blame Zekko for his breakdown in the cell. He had every right to.
"Well not completely unbreakable."
Yakko looked up when he said that. Plotz was walking back over to the safe folder in hand.
"If and only if someone willingly volunteered to become their legal guardian then the contract is null and void."
As Plotz opened the safe he chuckled as if what he said was the most ridiculous thing on earth. "Not that anyone would...no one right in the mind would put themselves into that situation. Guardian of three psychotic toons...unimaginable-"
"I'll do it."
Plotz froze on the spot. Glancing back he came to face an all serious Yakko. The shock on the CEO's face was clear to see. If only he knew just how shocked Yakko himself was for what he had said. There had been no doubts, not one. For some reason he was nearly confident with this.
Nearly...he wasn't sure, but it felt like once he accepted something would come and hover over him like a bad day. Not in a pleasant sounding at all.
"What did you say?" Plotz asked slowly, completely filled with disbelief.
Yakko took a breath in. This better be the right choice.
"I'll do it."
"Ba da do wa...dum da dum do wa..."
In the darkness of his cell this small insignificant rhythm escaped from Zekko's lips and echoed inside the cell walls. Hands behind his head he rested on the dinky bed, eyes closed, facing the ceiling. A calm and restful smile displayed onto his lips, enjoying the darkness and quiet that engulfed him. Well minus the snores from the guard outside his cell door, but he could ignore that.
"...buda do wa...do dum wa do wa-"
Abruptly halting in the middle of his tune, Zekko's eyes snapped opened. Something about the peaceful atmosphere had shifted. He sat up slowly pondering what could make such a change. Shifting his eyes right and left, the confusion shown on his face melted away into surprise and then a maniac grin. Interrupting the quiet came Zekko's menacing chuckles and growing laughter.
"Oh what a lucky day!" Zekko exclaimed between laughter.
In the midst of his growing laughter, which grew more chaotic with every second, he sat up from his lying position on the bed, now sitting crissed crossed. Zekko held his sides covering his mouth to stop the laughter, but failed miserably. Quickly standing up he leaned one arm against the wall, the other around his aching stomach, he was laughing so hard. It was miracle the guard hadn't woken up, but some of the neighboring prisoners heard loud and clearly, all of them attempting to block the psychotic toon's laughter, but it was no use.
"My, my, my…" Zekko finally managed to get out as his booming laughs were slowly losing their fuel and now had become hyper giggles. "...how times have-hehe-changed!"
Arching his back straight a sinister grin took his features, an unknown light shining in his eyes.
He chuckled. "One's simple choice for sought another's freedom…"
Every word Zekko said sounded like he was reciting poetry. Simple and clear, but with some feeling of hidden meaning behind those words.
"...no matter the reasoning, what is feared to come shall, but-haha-never oppress an opposing matter. In good time all right things fall into place…"
Zekko grinned madly turning towards the glass wall.
"Well I can say for sure that family never fails you when the time is right." Zekko sneered through grinning teeth.
He scoffed in a humorous manner, a smirk of a smile now plastered on his lips.
"Why thanks little bro." Zekko said aloud to no one in particular, but his words sounded like he was talking to someone. "You've done me such a great deed here."
Placing his hands behind his back Zekko took several steps forward until, his grinning reflection came back to his gaze with in the glass wall. Something was shining brightly in Zekko's once somber hidden eyes. Now only great eagerness and pride filled them. That and a buried craziness that's been buried for far too long. As one might say the beast has awaken, no one is safe from its claws.
"Hmm…" Zekko mused. "I wonder if the world's ready for this…"
He chuckled, the grin on his face heightened.
"Cause I know I am and there's no stopping us now."
A hyper giggle escaped Zekko. He whooped for joy pumping a fist into the air.
"Haha! A one and a two, here comes the Warner three!"
Letting another small burst of uncontrollable giggles out, Zekko pulled back the chair of his desk and sat in it, propping his legs casually onto the desk and hands behind his head keeping the chair at a tilt.
"Hehe...guess now I just wait." Zekko concluded.
He glanced at the cell door with a smirk.
"Take your precious time Yak." He said with a grin. "The waiting game is something I'm very good at...and I can wait just a little bit longer cause after this there will be no more waiting game. Just good ol' family time, how exciting…"
He chuckled. "I just can't wait for what's to come."
Zekko let the grin on his face fade into a simple smile. He arched back into his resting position on the chair, finally feeling like all was right with the world after many years of dread.
"Ba da do dum...I'm gonna be home…"
Do you know why Zekko's so excited? Did Yakko just do what we think he did? How will this all work out in the next chapter?! Keep on reading to find out! The Queen has left the building! Bye! :)