Discovery
[The scene opens with a shot of the harbor at night time. Everything is calm as the only ambience is the water gently lapping against the pier, and a lite guitar tune plays over the scene, encompassing the peaceful air as everyone is tucked away to sleep]
[It cuts to the storage unit where the Ex-Mobian Seven are shown sleeping on their respective mattresses. The focus is on Guntiver as the red wolf softly breathes in his slumber before transitioning to the dreamscape. It depicts Guntiver sitting amongst his old crew on a hillside; Augustus and Sealia to his right, while Erma and Flip are on his left]
Guntiver: [sighs] This is the life…no one but us together enjoying the peace…there really is nothing quite like it…
Augustus: You right there, comrade…is nice not to be fighting enemies for a change and just relaxing on grass…
Erma: I'd normally wish for some excitement, but moments like these…I can appreciate them…
Sealia: Oui, I could stare at ze clouds for eternity, there is so much to discover up there…
Flip: Almost a shame I can't fly up there to tell ya' what it's like, eh? Hehe…
Erma: Your sense of humor never ceases to amaze me, but I suppose it's your thing.
Flip: Well, I like to think of myself as a comedy genius.
Erma: Hmmmm, says you, init?
Sealia: You're both cheeky, aren't you?
Erma: He's the cheeky one, I'm the confrontational one, apparently.
Guntiver: Aaaaah, you know I don't mean it like that. For all our quirks, I'd never hold it against you or anyone else.
Augustus: You really are a peach, you know that?
Flip: Wouldn't that fit you more?
Augustus: You saying I'm chunky, eh?
Flip: Weeeeeeeeell…
Augustus: And you wonder why you never lead any missions.
Guntiver: Hehe, play fair, you two.
Sealia: I do wonder…what would happen if we lost each other?
Augustus: Well…I say we follow where home would be.
Guntiver: Exactly, no matter what, we'll always come back to each other. We're not just a team, we're a family…
Sealia: Awwww, you're a sweetheart.
Erma: Makes sense, we've all stuck together this long, wouldn't have it any other way.
Guntiver: Yeeeeeah…as Arctics, we stand together…
[As Guntiver says this, he suddenly finds himself surrounded by water. The red wolf is dead center in the middle of the ocean, the others having disappeared]
Guntiver: Oh no…
[The sky darkens above Guntiver and the waves start to become rather choppy. The lupine tries to keep his head above water, but the waves are close to dragging him under. Guntiver struggles in vain to fight against the current, gasping and breathing heavily as he vigorously wades through the persistent ocean. Suddenly, a massive wave swells up behind Guntiver. The red wolf tries to swim away from it, but his efforts are fruitless and Guntiver is helplessly sucked into the wave. The arctic wolf desperately tries to swim back up to the surface, but the wave crashes down before he can even get close…the aftermath of the wave shows Guntiver floating in a void, he is seemingly able to breathe again, but when he does, the red wolf blinks in shock as the figures of his old crew are shown drifting aimlessly across the cosmos…Guntiver tries to reach out to them]
Guntiver: Augustus! Flip! Erma! Sealia!
[None of them respond, their eyes are closed and they appear motionless as they begin to float away from Guntiver. He gasps in horror]
Guntiver: No, wait! Come back! Don't leave me…!
[Again, there is no reply as the polar bear, penguin, ermine, and seal continue to drift off, eventually dissipating into stars themselves. Guntiver gasps once more before he finds himself being surrounded by an array of stars swirling around him, eventually being engulfed by the stars, resulting in a spark akin to a firework going off]
Guntiver: GUH!
[Guntiver opens his eyes, looking around…he is back in reality as he sees the others still asleep…the red wolf sighs as he thinks back to the dream]
Guntiver: [whispering] Just a dream…wherever you guys are…please, be safe…
[With a heavy heart, Guntiver realigns himself to a more comfortable position on the mattress. He closes his eyes and eventually drifts off to sleep once more]
[The scene transitions to the next morning as the harbor comes to life once more. The Star Tugs and Z-Stacks are seen cruising around the port with various loads in tow; Top Hat with the car floats: Frank and Eddie, Warrior with the garbage barge: Lord Stinker, Big Mac with a barge of wooden support beams, Zak taking a schooner out to sea, Zorran hauling a coal barge, and Zebedee carrying a barge of pipes. The scene transitions to Zip making his way to the refinery on the northern side of town. The #5 Z-Stack is contentedly enjoying the peaceful morning air, and as such, not really paying much attention to his directions]
Zip: [inhales and exhales] This is nice, just a peaceful stroll across the harbor, no one to bother me, no one shouting at me, no broken beer bottles…[sighs]...really, it's the kind of day where a tug can just stick back and let the world roll pass hi-OOF!
[Zip suddenly collides with a wooden object, breaking him away from his daydreaming]
Zip: Oh, bother! Just had to end so soon, didn't it? Hold on…what's this?
[Zip cranes his head to look at what he just hit, it appears to be a wooden raft, or some kind of barge]
Zip: What on Earth…?
[Zip backs up to get a better view of the wooden object…his expression suddenly turns to one of pure shock and horror from an angle that the viewer can't see]
Zip: HEDIH! Oh my god, oh my god…what did I just find? Oh dear oh dear oh dear! Okay, okay, Zip, ole boy, don't panic, calm, calm! Breaaaathe, hoooo, I'm not calming, I'm not calming, I'm not-!
[At that moment, Zug's hooter sounds from behind and the #4 Z-Stack appears into frame, right in the middle of Zip's panic attack]
Zug: There you are, Zip! I was wondering where…uh, Zip? What's going on?
[Zip makes an incoherent sentence that Zug can't make out]
Zug: What?
[Once again, Zip babbles out something Zug can't understand, causing him to become irritated]
Zug: Speak English, stupid! I can't understand a word you're saying!
Zip: [gulps] Zug…I found bodies…
[Zug begins to puff away]
Zug: [dismissively] That's wonderful, now come on, we need to-!
[Zug suddenly stops and his expression becomes grave]
Zug: You found what?
Zip: In the barge…
[Zug anxiously backs toward Zip and turns his head to look inside. He gasps in horror]
Zug: Zip! What did you do?!
Zip: I-I didn't do anything, Zug! I found them like this, I swear!
Zug: Okay, don't panic! We need to think of a plan and not let anyone see this!
[At that moment, the shrill whistle of the Coast Guard is heard as the miniscule vessel strolls into view]
Zip: Oh, bugger…
Coast Guard: Salutations, Zip and Zug, what are you both up to?
[Zip and Zug don their most innocent expressions possible]
Zug: Oh, Mister Coast Guard, we were just on a leisurely stroll to the refinery, weren't we, Zip?
Zip: O-Oh, yes, of course, just two tugs going off to be useful, hehe.
Coast Guard: I see…what's that you've got there?
[Zip and Zug suddenly turn pale as they glance back at the barge, but try to feign ignorance]
Zug: Uhhhhh, what do you mean?
Coast Guard: Oh, I don't know, the barge behind you?
Zip: Oooooooh, that barge, oh, it's just driftwood, nothing too special.
Coast Guard: Right then, you won't mind if I take a look to inspect.
Zip: DEH! W-Why would you wanna do that?
Coast Guard: Because I can tell you're hiding something from me, so you'd better let me see it.
Zip and Zug: Eh, b-b-but-!
Coast Guard: Unless you want to be charged for tampering with evidence and lying to authority, move aside.
[Zip moans and the Zero switchers back off to let the Coast Guard inspect the barge]
Coast Guard: Good lord!
Zip: [quickly] I'm not a murderer!
Coast Guard: Where did they come from?
Zip: I don't know, I just bumped into this barge by mistake!
Coast Guard: Okay, okay, calm down, take a breath!
[Zip gives a massive inhale before giving out an equally large exhale]
Coast Guard: Alright, I'll contact medical and get them to take these people to hospital. In the meantime, I want you two to take this barge into port and hand it over to personnel. They'll deal with it as soon as possible.
Zip: Uh, yes, sir!
Zug: Right away, sir!
[As the switchers and the Coast Guard make their way back to port, Zip sighs in relief]
Zip: I'm not in trouble for once…
[As the pan-out shot of the tugs is shown, with the contents in the barge still hidden from view, it cuts to the Ex-Mobian Seven hanging around the alley]
Fiona: So Patch takes over Antoine's identity in Mobius and vice versa. Get this, the man nearly injects King Max with a syringe, I'm just like, that is devious.
Sleuth: Imagine almost gettin' away with the perfect crime, might have gone after the whole Acorn Family if he wanted to.
Drago: I think the funniest part is if people really woulda cried about his death in hindsight, man was a bastard behind the scenes from what I heard.
Razorklaw: How ironic, anytime we had to serve under royals, they're all corrupt in some way. Politicians are on a different level of bullshit.
Sleek: I'm glad I don't follow any, I'm my own man and I don't need some pig telling me what to do.
Geoffrey: Ain't that the biggest form of irony?
Sleek: Pardon?
Geoffrey: We're all technically following someone else's orders, gotta be as good as gold if we're gonna stay here.
Drago: We'll get by, just you wait. Besides, I've not shown off to the whole crowd.
Razorklaw: [muttering] We'll see how well that goes…
[Throughout the conversation, Guntiver remains silent, keeping his head down and looking at the ground. This doesn't go unnoticed by Drago who glances at the solemn red wolf]
Drago: You've been awfully silent, what's up?
Guntiver: H-Huh? Oh, sorry, zoned out there, just been…thinking is all.
Drago: Whatever it is, it's got ya' looking all mopey over there.
Guntiver: [sighs] It's about my old crew. I've been getting…signs of them as of late.
Sleuth: You've not cracked, have ya'?
Guntiver: Not "cracked", per se, just that they've been popping into my head a lot more recently…I don't mean to sound pretentious, but…I think I'm getting more anxious about what's happened to them.
Fiona: I reckon you won't have to wait much longer.
Guntiver: What do you mean by that?
Fiona: With people like us popping up out of nowhere, anything's possible I say.
Guntiver: Well, I would like to believe in such, but I've not heard word or wind from them for so long, I'm starting to lose…
[Guntiver trails off at the sound of a siren wailing, it gets closer and closer before an ambulance rushes past the alley, followed by several medical vehicles]
Drago: The hell's goin' on over there?
Razorklaw: Whatever it is, looks like all hell's breaking loose.
[Guntiver gets up to peer over the wall to see what the commotion is about. The emergency services are making their way to the pier where Zip, Zug, and the Coast Guard have arrived to do an exchange of the contents in the barge. From the angle he's at, Guntiver can't clearly see the action going on, even more so as Oliver, along with a red coach and Toad at the back, are blocking his view from getting a good shot]
Guntiver: Whatever's going on, it looks serious. They've even got medical on the scene.
Sleek: For what? Did someone wash up on shore again?
Guntiver: Gaaaaah, I can't get a good shot.
[The scene cuts to the pier where the ambulance has been positioned to allow easier access in guiding the people in. Balto, Jenna, Yogi, Boo-Boo, Cindy, Setsuna, and Redheart are shown hauling the covered figures up on several gurneys. Hokey, Ding, Ami, Rei, Hunter, Rainbow Dash, Penny, Peridot, Jasper, Robin, Pocahontas, Scar, Velma, and Fred are hovering around the area while the police keep the crowd back from the dock]
Sleek: Hmmmm, whatever's going on, must be serious.
[As the ambulance is shown driving away, Guntiver can't help but appear particularly anxious about the contents, even if he's not sure who got carried away]
Guntiver: [sighs] Maybe I'm just getting too ahead of myself…
[Guntiver slides back into the alley and begins to walk on his lonesome. The others stay behind, not really sure what to say on the matter]
Sleuth: Well, he's in a damper mood than usual.
Drago: You know that thing's eatin' away at him.
Razorklaw: You know, I still can't get over the idea of you showing compassion for someone. It's rather uncanny.
Drago: You should try it sometime, maybe you'll be less creeped out by human emotion.
Razorklaw: Hmmmmmmm…I'll give you that…still, you gonna say anything?
Drago: Pardon?
Razorklaw: To him. You two appear to be the closest to one another, at least from what I've seen.
Drago: Well…I'm really not sure what to say to him.
Sleuth: I got a suggestion; get some fresh roses, a box of chocolate, get down on one knee and say, "will you go out on-"
Drago: Oh, piss off, ya' looney!
[Sleuth, Sleek, and Fiona all share a chuckle with one another while Drago sneers in their direction. Geoffrey gives a casual shrug at the white wolf]
Geoffrey: I mean, ya' have to admit, you two would be-
Drago: Nooooo, we are not anything besides acquaintances, and you'd all best remember that.
Sleuth: Awwww, someone's getting a little defensive.
Fiona: You don't have to hide it, I mean, I don't care who you're dating.
[Drago's cheeks flush a shade of red, and he snarls indignantly]
Drago: Shut up! This is not the time to do this crap!
Sleek: Wow, you are really in denial, aren't you? One would think that-
[Razorklaw growls, catching t
he others' attention as they cease ragging on Drago. His stern glare assures that they all shut up]
Razorklaw: I'd rather not deal with a pack of weasels, so drop it, all of you.
[The group looks away from Razorklaw, obeying his command. Drago is surprised by this gesture, but is at least appreciative of the lynx's efforts. Razorklaw turns his chin up and walks away, Drago silently following in his direction as he does so]
Drago: Uh…thanks for that?
Razorklaw: That's a start.
Drago: Pardon me?
Razorklaw: Don't let it get to your head, I just didn't want that to drag out.
Drago: I see…
Razorklaw: You should talk to him though.
Drago: I…I know…but don't think it's about-
Razorklaw: I get it…I get it…but it still looks like it.
Drago: [sighs] Shut up…
Razorklaw: Regardless, I've seen the way you two act around each other. If he's gonna be comfortable with anyone's company, it's most likely you.
Drago: I suppose you're right there…alright then, I'll speak with him. Can't be too hard, right?
Razorklaw: If you say so…
[With that remark, Drago goes off to find Guntiver. The scene cuts to the red wolf sitting on a crate at the far end of the alley, almost right on the street. His paws are on his face and he sighs solemnly]
Drago: [off-screen] Hey.
Guntiver: Huh?
Drago: [on-screen] You know, it's a bit awkward to sit all on your lonesome out here.
Guntiver: I just needed to clear my head…
Drago: I get that…are you still thinking about them?
Guntiver: How could I not? I've had no signs of their whereabouts, not even after all this time. I wanna retain hope, but…it's getting harder by the day…
Drago: Well…perhaps they're still out there, you never know.
Guntiver: If that were the case, then I'd have washed up on shore with them…but instead, fate was cruel to me.
Drago: I mean, I'd consider yourself pretty lucky, you're still here.
Guntiver: Well, yeah, but, if I came back, why didn't the others? I mean, what did I do in a past life to deserve being separated? I loved my team like a family, so why did we didn't return as such?
Drago: Well, like you said, fate can be a little bitch sometimes.
Guntiver: This isn't a joke, I'm worried to death about the possibility of my old team never resurfaces, so I'd rather not hear any wisecracks.
Drago: I'm just trying to help!
Guntiver: How?! How would you know what I'm feeling?! You've never lost someone and had it dig into the very fiber of your soul!
Drago: Why are you being so defensive?!
Guntiver: Because no one understands what I'm going through, I just want to grieve in peace, I want answers and I can't when people are trying to act like they know what I'm feeling and they just-!
[Guntiver cuts himself off with an agitated twitch, Drago just stares him with silent shock]
Guntiver: I…I'm sorry…that was rude…I shouldn't have snapped, I just…I miss them…I miss them a lot…and I'm scared…scared at what's happened to them…if I'll ever see them again…what if I never see them again…
[A small tear forms in Guntiver's eye]
…you know what it's like to lose someone you care about…or people you cared about…?
Drago: …I can't say…not like you've lost them…but…[sighs]
Guntiver: Still…I shouldn't have snapped…I'm just…worried…very worried…I just want to see that they're alright, that I wasn't the only one who made it out alive…I just want a sign, any sign, just…
[Guntiver trails off as he sniffles, putting a paw to his eyes to prevent himself from crying further, Drago tries to think of something to say, anything that sounds sympathetic…at least, he finally gets the words out]
Drago: They're out there…
Guntiver: …What?
Drago: Somewhere…and maybe there's more out there…whatever the case, I know they'll find us, or we'll find them…I know this sounds cliched, but I believe it…so I ask, do you?
[Guntiver pauses for a few seconds, contemplating Drago's words…before giving his response]
Guntiver: If you believe it…then why shouldn't I?
[The red wolf manages a little smile at this]
Guntiver: Also, again, sorry about the whole yelling thing.
Drago: Eh, it's nothin' I ain't used to.
Guntiver: Still…I think you deserve this.
Drago: Deserve wh-OH?!
[Drago is suddenly clutched into a bear hug by Guntiver, taken completely off-guard]
Drago: What are you…?
Guntiver: This is for being a good friend.
Drago: [blushes] Uh, yeah…friend…uh, about that…
Guntiver: Hmm?
Drago: Uh, well, you see, um…I think you're a good friend too…[in an almost flirtatious tone] very good…
[Guntiver suddenly realizes how close he is to Drago's chest and his face flushes]
Guntiver: Oh, uh, AHEM, sorry, I just-
Drago: Hehe, no need to worry, I won't tell if you won't.
Guntiver: Heeeeeeeeeeh…
[Guntiver composes himself by brushing down on his fur before turning back to Drago]
Guntiver: You know, even if you don't show it to the others, I still appreciate this side of you.
[Now it's Drago's turn to blush as he rubs the back of his head]
Drago: Errrrrr, yeah…just don't let them hear you say it.
Guntiver: Hehe, don't worry, I won't.
[As the two wolves are about to head back the way they came, their attention is suddenly directed by the sounds of voices several yards away. They peer over the corner to see news reporter Ann Gora standing on the sidewalk in front of the film crew. The audio is quiet at first before it pans closer to the cat woman and her voice becomes more audible]
Ann Gora: …one must ask, where are all these people coming? Just recently at Cedar Harbor, several people were discovered in a barge washed up near the Teak Refinery. They were brought in by the Coast Guard along with Zero switchers Zip and Zug, and have been placed in Redwood Hospital for emergency treatment. We asked a few bystanders what their opinions were on the matter.
[The scene cuts to Callie Briggs being interviewed with the microphone just visible in the bottom right corner of the screen. This is presumably set before the scene shown before]
Callie: To my knowledge, we've had a fairly normal record of people entering the city, but the way it's been happening as of late is a little bit concerning.
[The scene cuts to Fox being interviewed]
Fox: This might sound strange, but I don't think it's merely coincidence. People appearing out of nowhere is usually a sign that something's under wraps, and I would know for a fact.
[The scene cuts to Katz being interviewed, looking less than pleased with an ugly grimace on his face]
Katz: I have no opinion on the matter, nor do I care about it. Unless you want that lens cracked, get that camera out of my face.
[The scene cuts back to Ann Gora, set right at the same time as she'd finished her previous sentence]
Ann: Additionally, a few details about the strangers have slipped through the grapevine, at the very least, they appear to be of Mobian descent.
[As Ann continues to talk, the scene cuts back to Guntiver and Drago, the former in particular has his ear twitching as if in anticipation of something. Drago notices this with a confused expression]
Drago: What are you-
Guntiver: Did you hear that?
Drago: Uh…yeah, something about people washed up on shore and-
Guntiver: They're Mobian…
Drago: Yeeeeeeeah? What about-
[Before Drago can get another word in, Guntiver suddenly jets off like a jack rabbit]
Drago: Heyheyhey, where are you going?!
Guntiver: To the hospital!
Drago: Why?!
Guntiver: I just wanna check something, meet you back later!
Drago: Guntiver, hold on, I aaaaaaaand he's gone…
[Drago sighs as the scene cuts to Guntiver rushing into the hospital, much to the surprise of Max and Ruby who are just about to exit. Guntiver tries to catch his breath before the receptionist desk where a befuddled Sunset Shimmer is standing behind it]
Guntiver: [panting] I…I heard…you had some…hoooooo sorry, just lemme…
[Sunset just looks at the camera with a "wtf" expression on her face. The scene transitions to later in the day, presumably around evening. Lilo, Stitch, Fox, Vixen, Aisha, Flora, Brer Rabbit, Sayaka, Kyoko, Mami, Mr. Wolf, and Puss in Boots are walking on either side of the street while Daisy is seen traveling light engine on the overhead rails. It cuts to the Ex-Mobians, sans Guntiver, are loitering around their secluded spot, looking quite bored amongst themselves]
Fiona: [sighs] He's been gone for hours, and we've had nothing to do.
Sleek: I wonder, is there any entertainment in this city? I know we're living in seclusion, but I could do with a bit of excitement.
Sleuth: Hmph, we'll be lucky. Perhaps we could scout out a few clubs or something.
[It's at that moment when Geoffrey wrinkles his nose at the smell of something dense and smoggy]
Geoffrey: Eugh, what in the 'ell is that?
[Razorklaw sniffs as well and grimaces]
Razorklaw: Smells like tobacco…
Drago: Hold on, do you hear that…?
[The group pauses…indeed, something can be heard. The sound of footsteps slowly becoming more audible as they echo throughout the alley. The Ex-Mobians turn to see a large figure silhouetted by the shadows approaching them with a cloud of smoke hanging over them…upon a reveal from behind, the figure is a large black furred feline. Apart from the most striking feature being his stubble chin, he is quite possibly the fattest cat any of them have ever seen, his potbelly poking through the dark red trench coat and black undershirt beneath it, and in his mouth is a large brown cigar emitting smoke from the tip. The feline silently surveys the group before him with giving a coy grin, revealing two of his upper teeth protruding more so than the rest]
Pete: Well, well, well, look what we've got here then.
Geoffrey: Um, beg ya' pardon, but who are you?
Pete: Only the most prolific face around these parts.
Fiona: Strange, I believe we met him yesterday.
[Pete seemingly decides to ignore Fiona's comment as he continues]
Pete: Anyways, I was real interested in you fellas, from what I've heard, you'd fit right in with us.
Drago: Fit in where?
Pete: Ooooooooh, just a little "club" where we sometimes gather, seems you all got some kinda record.
Geoffrey: Um…to an extent, you could say that.
Sleuth: Oh, don't bullshit, you know you're guilty.
Pete: Which is why I wanted to introduce ya' to a little…recreation among our kind.
Drago: So this "recreation", is this legit or are you just blowing smoke?
Pete: Follow me and find out…
[As Pete slithers back into the shadows, the six Mobians all glance at each other with uncertainty, but gradually decide to follow the rotund man as they walk through the alley and turn the corner]
[It cuts to a smokestack emitting gray smoke before it pans down to a street being lit by a red hue. The path is quite dirty as it's covered in water, dirt, and oil, and an occasional creak of metal can be heard from the alleys, accompanied by the sound of chains rattling and other ambient sound effects]
[As the group continues to follow Pete, they find that the street is littered with the villains or former villains doing various activities around the area; Grimhilde and Maleficent are exchanging magic spells with one another, Jafar and Dr. Facilier are conversing with one another while Captain Hook is showing off his sword tricks to Hades. Lady Tremaine and her daughters; Anastasia and Drizella, pass by the scene with slight bemusement. The Sanderson Sisters, Madam Mim, and the Wicked Witch of the West are hovering over a cauldron as they appear to be mixing some kind of concoction, Scar and Shere Khan are locked in an arm wrestle against each other with Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed on the lion's end while Kaa is on the tiger's end, Zira is showing off her claws to Queen Chrysalis who shows off her own claws. Gaston is bragging about something to Cruella, Yzma, Queen Beryl, and Pamela to which the latter two appear mostly disinterested by what he's saying, in contrast to the former two listening attentively, Prince John, Sir Hiss, and Sheriff Ashton are sitting outside of the Devil's Bayou with the lion and wolf having their feet up on the table, while Scarface and Lady Blue pass by the display with a jaded gaze on either side. Katz is attending to a spider perched on his shoulder, being uncharacteristically affectionate with the creature while to his left, Le Quack is sipping a glass of champagne, while to his right, Cajun Fox is browsing through what can be assumed to be a cookbook of strange recipes. From the sewers appear two figures; Ursula and the Queen of the Black Puddle. Icy, Stormy, and Darcy are casually practicing their own range of spells while Rasputin and Rothbart are making a competition over who can create the most powerful spells. Wolf, Leon, Panther, and Tai Lung are exchanging cigarettes with Don Karnage, Honest John, and Gideon while Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and Foxy Loxy are greedily indulging themselves on what appears to be a bucket of fried chicken. Lord Shen visibly cringes at the display, much to the bemusement of Boss Wolf and Kai. Prince Hans, Dawn Bellwether, and Ernesto De La Cruz are walking past the display to which they each give a disgusted grimace, Bellwether in particular sticks her tongue out. Roscoe and DeSoto are standing side by side with Si and Am as both sets of twins are on the lookout to start some kind of ruckus, closely watching a snarling Mad Dog crush the cigarette in his hand to litter. Cat R. Waul and Fat Cat pass by just as this happens and the two look away to not be noticed by the imposing Doberman, contrast to Ratigan and Jenner who are comparing the size of each other's daggers, while Mother Gothel and King Candy pass by them]
[The Mobians glance around the area as they take in these new surroundings. Drago, Sleuth, Fiona, and Sleek appear to be mildly entertained by the display, Razorklaw merely looks unamused, and Geoffrey retains an expression of uncertainty]
Pete: Welcome, my friends…to the Devil's Bayou.
[Some of the people in the area turn to the newcomers and give them a leery eye]
Grimhilde: Who art thou?
Maleficent: Hmmmm…a set of strangers in our midst…
Scar: What an…unexpected surprise…
[Wolf in particular blinks as he notices Drago, Sleuth, Geoffrey, and Fiona, flipping the cigarette in his mouth]
Wolf: So, the little gang makes a comeback? This should make for a good show…
[Several murmurs are further heard between the various villains. The Mobians glance at each other amidst this going on]
Sleuth: What is this, some kinda' initiation or whatever?
Drago: Either that, or we've entered the depths of Hell.
Geoffrey: Eh…probably the latter.
[Pete gives a hearty chuckle, causing the smoke to waft around his mouth]
Pete: Don't mind them, we're a particular bunch, ya' know?
Razorklaw: Evidently…
Drago: Okay, on the one hand, this place actually kinda fits my style. On the other hand, how do we know this is legit?
Pete: If you need a little convincing, then tell us, what are your crimes? What's the worst you've all done?
Drago: Do you want the full list or the simplified version?
Pete: You have the floor…
Drago: Okay then, count me for charges of betrayal, extortion, harassment, and terrorism.
Sleuth: Second that, I'll chip in for a bit of blackmarket dealing.
Razorklaw: Betrayal within reasonable measure and terrorism.
Sleek: Betrayal and voluntary association with illegal dealerships.
Fiona: Living a double life behind my old comrades' back and being partners with a force of pure evil.
Geoffrey: [clears throat] Counts of betrayal and potential blackmail, though some of it was brought on by manipulation of an external force.
Pete: Interesting…
[Murmurs can be heard among the villains, Drago and Sleuth look at each other with a quirked brow]
Pete: I think we could lighten the mood a little, wouldn't you say?
[Pete snaps his fingers and Ursula is seen cracking her knuckles before wiggling her fingers as she sits in front of a piano and begins to play a tune, indicating the beginning of a musical number as the Mobian Six all look at each other, unsure of what to make of this. Grimhilde waves her fingers around a potion as she starts the first verse with an incantation]
Grimhilde: Formula non grata kayatus melvarta
Pete: I see you've been naughty, I see you've been bad
You couldn't keep it under wraps
Maleficent: A horrible secret you tried to deny
And now there's no more falling into traps
Scar: It's something so wicked that shouldn't be hidden
Because in this haven, we thrive
Jafar: Creating such chaos as you've never seen
Cuz it's the place where one feels alive
Pete: There ain't nothing but good times ahead
Si and Am: There ain't nothing
Pete: Ain't nothing but good times ahead
Wolf, Leon, and Panther: Good times ahead
Cruella: So dig up those dastardly feelings down below
Because there's nothing to dread
Pete: There ain't nothing but good times
Hades and Madam Mim: Good times ahead
Grimhilde: Formula non grata kayatus semper
Ursula: The power to change is mine all mine
The first thing we changed was the rules
Lady Tremaine: That the villains be left to themselves
And never deal with sniveling fools
Grimhilde: In this haven, everyone is free to be wicked
With not one morsel to say no
Shere Khan: Here I can be as ruthless as I please
And I'll only continue to grow
Pete: There ain't nothing but good times ahead
Roscoe and DeSoto: There ain't nothing
Pete: Ain't nothing but good times ahead
Buster and Steele: Good times ahead
Prince John: I'm the king of the crop and I now decree
The forecast is written in red
Pete: There ain't nothing but good times ahead
Shenzi and Banzai: Good times ahead
[Ed is laughing in tune with the verse]
Mary: Are you devious?
Sarah: Full of malice?
Winifred: Feel like laughing and cackling?
Well, you're just in time
Winifred, Mary, Sarah: Cuz here, you're in your prime
[The cauldron that the witches are gathered over sends a cloud of sparkling smoke into the air]
Pete: There ain't nothing but good times ahead
King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis: There ain't nothing
Pete: Ain't nothing but good times ahead
Honest John and Don Karnage: Good times ahead
Dr. Facilier: Move over, Bugs Bunny; Mickey, get lost
Take a hike, Felix the Cat
Ensemble: There ain't nothing but good times
Queen of Hearts, Queen Beryl, Pamela, Wicked Witch of the West: Devilishly good
Gaston: Like the finest wine
Wolfrun, Sir Hiss, Ashton, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear: Yeah yeah
Zira: Together we'll all rise
Professor Ratigan, Kaa, Cat R. Waul, Fat Cat, Mechanikat, and Jenner: All rise
Pete: No need to say bye-byes
Ensemble: There ain't nothing but good times, good times ahead
[The Wicked Witch of the West gives her signature cackle as the song draws to a close. The Mobians appear a little more relaxed from the warm welcome…well, most of them, but they don't notice it yet]
Pete: Feel free to browse around…I'm sure you'll enjoy it…
[Pete gives another blow on his cigar before disappearing into the crowd]
Sleuth: …Well, that was quite a show.
Drago: You know, I could see myself getting comfortable with these guys…
Sleuth: Hmmmmm…they've got potential.
Fiona: Uh, guys? Where's Geoffrey?
Drago: Ain't he right…here?
[The skunk has disappeared from the group as the other five notice the missing spot among them. It cuts to the harbor as Geoffrey materializes into existence, one of the abilities of being a mage. The skunk pants as he grabs onto the railing that separates the quay from the ocean]
Geoffrey: Thank God…
[At that moment, the skunk's eyes glow and he speaks in an ominous tone]
"Geoffrey": Awww, leaving so soon?
Geoffrey: [grunts] Shut up…I don't wanna hear it.
[At that moment, a surging pain rushes through Geoffrey's body, causing him to clutch onto his chest and try to make his way over to a bench to lay down]
Geoffrey: Gah! Gaaaaa…
"Geoffrey": Quite frankly, I don't want to hear your little attitude…
Geoffrey: Can't keep it in, can ya'?
"Geoffrey": Mind your tongue, St. John, do you really want me to cause you pain? Where anyone can see you…tsk, tsk, not very clever, are you?
Geoffrey: Pack it in, ya'...
[At that moment, Geoffrey's eyes glow and in a flash, he coughs trying to regain his breath while a silhouette stands over him]
Naugus: Don't test my patience. Trust me when I say the last thing you want to do is get on my bad side…I have ways of disciplining those who oppose me…
[Naugus holds his scepter over Geoffrey's head in a threatening manner, causing the skunk to attempt a brave face]
Geoffrey: How much longer are you gonna drag this out?
Naugus: Not too much longer. I'd say enjoy the peace while you can because soon, you won't have any.
[With that, Naugus disappears in a cloud of black smoke and Geoffrey reels back on the bench clutching his chest…he blacks out for a little while before opening his eyes to his cheek being prodded by Fiona. Geoffrey groans as he tries to stand up]
Fiona: Oh, good, you're not dead.
Geoffrey: [groans] God, I feel like I got hit by a train…
Sleuth: Well, ya' look all disheveled for one thing. What happened to you, anyway? Ya' dipped a while back.
Geoffrey: I just…needed some air.
Sleek: So why did you pass out?
Geoffrey: [sweatdrops] Uhhhh…nervous breakdown?
[Drago narrows his eyes]
Drago: Hmmmmm…[shrugs]...makes sense to me.
Razorklaw: Not really, but alright. Anyway, what happened to Guntiver as well?
Drago: He said he was going to the hospital, but I've not heard from him since.
[Geoffrey brushes himself down to appear more composed]
Geoffrey: I reckon we should go check in on him, see if he's alright.
Drago: Right, let's go.
[The scene cuts to the group arriving at the Redwood Hospital, and just as they enter through the main doors, there sits Guntiver in the waiting room, his head down with his paws to his face…Drago quietly approaches the red wolf]
Drago: Hey…you alright?
[Very slowly, Guntiver turns his head up with an expression looking like he'd been crying beforehand]
Guntiver: [barely above a whisper] …It's them.
Drago: What?
Guntiver: [slightly more audible] It's…them…
[The scene cuts to several different rooms housing a patient, each of them with their eyes closed, a breathing mask over their mouths, and a heart monitor lightly beeping…Augustus…Erma…Flip…Sealia…a signature whistle is heard as it cuts to a grey wolf in a black coat…cut to black]
Character Guide:
Drago Wolf, Guntiver the Arctic Wolf, Geoffrey St. John, Fiona Fox, Sleuth Dawg, Razorklaw, Sleek the Panther, Augustus the Polar Bear, Flip Penguin, Erma Ermine, Sealia Seal, Patch D'Coolette, King Maximilian - Sonic the Hedgehog
Ann Gora, Callie Briggs - Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron
Brer Fox, Brer Bear, Brer Rabbit - Song of the South (1946)
Buster, Tramp - Lady and the Tramp (1955)/Scamp's Adventure (2001)
Captain Hook - Peter Pan (1953)
Cat R. Waul - An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1990)
Cruella De Vil - 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Don Karnage - Talespin
Dr. Facilier - Princess and the Frog (2009)
Fat Cat - Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers
Fox McCloud, Wolf O'Donnell, Leon Powalski, Panther Caroso - Star Fox
Gaston - Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Grimhilde - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Hades - Hercules (1997)
Honest John, Gideon - Pinocchio (1940)
Jafar - Aladdin (1992)
Jenner - The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Katz, Le Quack, Cajun Fox, Queen of the Black Puddle, Mad Dog - Courage the Cowardly Dog
Lady Tremaine, Anastasia Tremaine, Drizella Tremaine - Cinderella (1950)
Madam Mim - The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Maleficent - Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Max, Ruby - Max & Ruby
Moe/Mr. Wolf - The Bad Guys (2022)
Padraic Ratigan - The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Pamela Bondani - Patrol 03
Pete the Cat, Mickey Mouse - Disney
Prince John, Robin Hood, Sir Hiss, Sheriff Ashton - Robin Hood (1973)
Queen Beryl, Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury), Rei Hino (Sailor Mars), Setsuna Meioh (Sailor Pluto) - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, Nurse Redheart - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Queen of Hearts - Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Scar, Zira, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed - The Lion King (1994)/Simba's Pride (1998)
Shere Khan, Kaa - The Jungle Book (1967)
Steele, Balto, Jenna - Balto (1995)
Winifred Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, Sarah Sanderson - Hocus Pocus (1993)
Wolfrun - Smile Precure
Zip, Zug, Coast Guard, Big Mac, Top Hat, Warrior, Zorran, Zebedee, Zak - TUGS
Carface Carruthers, Killer - All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989)
Cluny the Scourge, Slagar the Cruel, Badrang the Tyrant - Redwall
Dawn Bellwether - Zootopia (2016)
Ernesto De La Cruz - Coco (2017)
Flora, Aisha, Icy, Stormy, Darcy - Winx Club
Fox, Vixen, Scarface, Lady Blue - The Animals of Farthing Wood
Foxy Loxy - Chicken Little (1943)
Hokey Wolf, Ding-a-Ling Wolf - Hokey Wolf
Hunter - Road Rovers
King Candy - Wreck-It-Ralph (2013)
Lilo, Stitch - Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Mr. Wolf - The Bad Guys (2022)
Penny Proud - The Proud Family
Peridot, Jasper - Steven Universe
Pocahontas - Pocahontas
Prince Hans - Frozen (2013)
Puss in Boots, Death - Shrek/Puss in Boots
Rapunzel, Mother Gothel - Rapunzel (2010)
Rasputin - Anastasia (1997)
Rothbart - The Swan Princess (1994)
Sayaka Miki, Kyoko Sakura, Mami Tomoe - Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Shan Yu - Mulan (1998)
Tai Lung, Lord Shen, Boss Wolf, Kai - Kung Fu Panda
Velma Dinkley, Fred Jones - Scooby-Doo
Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo Bear, Cindy Bear - The Yogi Bear Show
Yzma - The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Oliver, Daisy, Toad - Thomas and Friends
Bugs Bunny - Looney Tunes
Felix the Cat - Felix the Cat
