Author's Note: Since a certain someone doesn't know when to stop spamming stories they don't like, I'm just going to say this; Arika, please get off my page and other authors' pages, and stop being an actual worthless parasite that apparently has no better use of their time than to be an annoying tick.
Supercat
[The scene fades into a pan-out shot of a valley. It cuts to the forest for a brief moment before then cutting to the river. We then transition to a pan-out of a lone tunnel sitting at the far end of a railway line. A singular track runs down it as the landscape is surrounded on either side by a couple of hills. The area otherwise appears to be completely desolate, almost as if this is a path that no one comes down on the regular. This is the Birch Grove Tunnel]
[It is rumored that if one calls a wish into this tunnel, it has the potential of coming true…but at a price…of course…]
[We slowly pan closer towards the tunnel before slightly picking up speed. As the POV is right up to the mouth of the tunnel, the screen goes completely dark]
[We transition to a chilly January evening over Toon City. By this point, activity is settling down as people are coming home from work, going out to dinner, or meeting up with friends. One such character, flying across the skyscrapers, is a certain orange Somali, identified by the lightning bolts on either side of his fur, and a dashing blue cape that flutters in the wind]
Streaky: [sighs] Another day of no crime-fighting, another day of relaxation, just the way I like it.
[Streaky turns around to float on his back]
Streaky: You know, it's rather tiring to be such a handsome and charming superhero. One does have to keep up appearances. Of course, not everyone can be blessed with a pretty face such as this…[blinks]...uhhhh…lucky no one heard that.
[Streaky blushes as he continues to float across town. He finally comes in for a landing on the sidewalk and notices the recent addition of the newspaper to his right. Streaky opens the carrier and takes one of the papers. On the front page, it shows a photo of Krypto with a patched up hot air balloon reading: "Near Disaster with Balloon Averted Thanks to Swift Action by Krypto the Superdog"]
Streaky: Uh…yeah, impressive…just like everything he does, I'm sure…huh, what's this?
[Streaky turns the page to see Ace on another cover in front of a bank in the town of Amber. The Bathound's face is turned to the side as the title reads "Bank Robbery Crushed by Bathound!"]
Streaky: Yeah…I expected that…I mean, I've had my fair share of heroics as of late, there was the…no, wait, there was the time when I…surely everyone remembers the…
[Streaky pauses and looks around. Even with Usagi, Bloom, Bambi, Dodger, Pearl, Mordecai, Rigby, Shining Armor, Cruella, Scar, Arnold, Blik, Sylvester, and Amy walking among the streets, the Somali can't help but feel rather isolated]
Streaky: [sighs] I've not done anything significant for a long while, have I? That's not why I'm getting any headlines…wait, did that sound selfish? Or crazy because I'm talking to myself…?
[Sure enough, Streaky is given an odd side-glance by Tom and Jerry as the duo pass him. The Somali's cheeks flush red as he looks away]
Streaky: Maybe I should self-deprecate somewhere less…public…
[The supercat leaps into the air and tries to find a place of his description. He turns his head in the direction of Cedar Harbor. Due to the amount of snow and ice, there aren't as many ships or boats being docked into port, and even the container yard towards the northwest wing of the harbor isn't as productive as usual]
Streaky: I suppose that'll do just as any…
[On that note, Streaky flies over to the harbor and comes to a stop by the fence separating the land from the sea. The Somali stares out to the ocean and sighs]
Streaky: I wonder…am I…actually a hero? What? Of course you are, you're Streaky the Supercat! Member of the Superpets! Sole feline member of the Dog Star Patrol! Same powers as Krypto! And…overshadowed…
[Streaky slouches and closes his eyes]
Streaky: Why am I feeling so…low? I'm not…jealous? No, of course not, why would I be jealous? They're my friends, they're my equals…aren't they?
[We transition to a flashback set within the 2000s TV series, recapping some of Krypto and Streaky's adventures, then cutting to Krypto and Ace's escapades, and then focusing on Krypto alone…cut back to reality as Streaky dons a rather conflicted expression on his face]
Streaky: Um…oh…oh my…[sighs]...am I just catching up with the times? Am I actually someone worth recognition…ARGH! Stop sounding so depressed!
[Streaky launches himself into the air]
Streaky: Seriously, why am I fretting so much? I'm not jealous, I'm not losing my mind, I am perfectly fine! Dandy even, fit as a fiddle! ARGH! I need to clear my head, away from any distractions…
[Streaky lands somewhere near the forest and takes a deep breath]
Streaky: Okay, just calm, caaaaalm down, you're fine, just stop worrying…hoooooo, I look so pathetic. Maybe I am just a…little jealous of Krypto and Ace. Not a lot! Just…I think I tend to be a bit…overlooked compared to them. And it's not like I'm being selfish or anything since I value our friendship, yeah, I, I'm not…seeking validation or whatever, hehe, heeeeeeeeeeh…
[Streaky looks around]
Streaky: Um…oh…I don't think I recognize this place. Or at least I haven't been here often…
?: Not many people come here.
Streaky: GEH! Who said that?
[Streaky's eyes dart around the place]
Streaky: Hello! Is anyone there?
?: You don't have to worry, I'm not an enemy.
Streaky: You…You're not? Then…why can't I see you?
?: My identity isn't important right now. What matters is that you appear a bit distressed.
Streaky: Um, yeah, well, I don't know who I'm talking to. Maybe I am going insane.
?: You're not. All you need to know is that I have a solution for your little quandary.
Streaky: You do? How?
?: See the railway tracks to your left?
Streaky: What tr-?!
[Streaky looks down ahead as the camera pans out to reveal a set of tracks in front of him]
Streaky: Um…when did those get there?
?: They've always been there, you just didn't see them.
Streaky: Okaaaaaay? Where do they lead?
?: Keep going straight and you'll find out.
Streaky: Uh, yeah, sure, gonna do that…heeeeh…
[With much hesitation, Streaky follows the railway tracks along the lone stretch of line. The hills on either side feel like walls surrounding him. The feline starts to feel rather uncomfortable the further he goes along until he stops all of a sudden]
Streaky: Is…is that it?
?: Yes…this is the Birch Grove Tunnel.
[A pan-out shot reveals Streaky standing several yards away from the tunnel. The orange feline squints his eyes, it's very dark inside the hole]
Streaky: Huh…I never knew this was here, or I don't think, I can't remember.
?: The legend says that if you make a wish into this tunnel, it will come true.
Streaky: So, just like that?
?: Yes, but at a price you must be willing to pay.
Streaky: Uhhhh…like what?
?: Why don't you find out for yourself…?
[Streaky looks back towards the tunnel and gulps. Cautiously, he steps a bit closer to it, but feels a cold sweat building up]
Streaky: Uhhh…don't worry, Streak…it's just a tunnel…just a lone…dark…tunnel…in the middle of nowhere…
[Streaky stops a few feet away from the tunnel and tries to peer through once more. All he can see is darkness, and then a faint whistle is heard in the background. Streaky freezes and then starts backing away]
Streaky: Uhhhh, on second thought, I don't really need a wish, nope nope, I'm good, just, gonna back away, not get involved and…thanks, but no thanks, bye-bye!
[Streaky shoots off into the sky, although he can't help looking back towards the tunnel. He shivers uncomfortably]
Streaky: I don't like that, not one little bit…that gave me the creeps…
[Streaky flies back to the city and stops beside a lamppost. He shivers once more, though this one is more of a mix between the cold weather and the tunnel]
Krypto: [off-screen] Hey, Streaky!
Streaky: YIP!
[Streaky whirls around to see Krypto standing right next to him]
Streaky: Geez, Krypto, ya' almost scared me outta my fur!
Krypto: Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
Streaky: [sighs] It's alright…
Krypto: Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to join me and Ace. We're having dinner tonight, and wanted you to tag along…okay I wanted you to come, Ace was indifferent about it.
Streaky: Uh…yeah, that's nice, Krypto…
Krypto: So what do you say? That appetite of yours is still big as always?
[Streaky gives a smile, although it looks a bit forced]
Streaky: Hehe, uhhhh, you know me too well. I guess I could join on the fun, if it's not too much trouble.
Krypto: Of course not, come on, the sooner we get there, the sooner we're outta the cold.
[On that note, Streaky follows Krypto down the street, passing by Fox and Wolf on the right while Snow White and Ariel are walking by in the background]
[It cuts to the inside of Mary's Lighthouse where the duo are sat with Ace by one of the booths]
Ace: I figured you would show up, can't keep food away from this one.
Krypto: Awwww, c'mon, be nice. I've wanted to get together with you both for some time now. What better way than to chow down on some good food?
Ace: Hmmmmmmm…
[Ace wordlessly chews one on a breadstick]
Krypto: Same old Ace, eh, Streaky?
[Streaky is shown picking at his salmon and mashed potatoes with a downtrodden look on his face]
Streaky: Yeah, that, that's nice, Krypto…
Krypto: Um, Streaky? Are you okay?
Streaky: [blinks] What, huh?
Krypto: You look a bit…out of it. Is something wrong?
Streaky: What, oh no, nothing's wrong, nothing at all, hehe.
Ace: …Yeah, it doesn't take a genius to know that he's lying.
Streaky: W-What?! I'm not making it up!
Ace: The tone of your voice suggests otherwise.
Streaky: What would I have to hide anyway?
[Ace narrows his eyes through the mask, making Streaky feel squeamish]
Streaky: It-It's nothing, really…
Krypto: Um, Ace, maybe don't antagonize him?
Ace: Wouldn't be so much of an issue if he told us what was making him anxious.
Streaky: I…it's a silly thing, really, you two are better off not hearing it.
Krypto: Oh, come on, I'm sure it can't be that silly.
[Streaky hesitates, thinking back to the tunnel, while it was a peculiar event, he feels unsure of expressing the full details]
Streaky: I, uh…I saw some really nice trees in the forest today. Real nice with all the snow on them.
Krypto: Oh…I suppose that's interesting.
[Ace gives Streaky a suspicious glance to which the Somali tries to retain a calm demeanor. The Bathound decides not to press further on as he goes back to his food. Streaky gives an internal sigh of relief as he decides to eat to take his mind off things]
[Transition to later that night as Streaky is asleep in his bedroom. The orange cat murmurs in his slumber as his mind flashes back to the events of that day]
[Streaky is shown approaching the same area as before, along the single track leading to Birch Grove. He once again stops before the tunnel, he looks around. Not a soul can be seen, nor any sounds to be heard, not even a cricket. Streaky looks from his left…then to his right…then straight ahead…the mouth of the tunnel seems to almost beckon him forward…hesitantly, the Somali slowly walks towards it]
[The closer Streaky gets, the colder the air seems to become, and his brows raise in concern as he feels like someone is watching him, either from behind, or dead ahead, somewhere in the darkness]
[Just as Streaky is right up to the mouth of the tunnel, a piercing whistle echoes around the gorge. Streaky's face instantly becomes more anxious, and his face turns pale as a pair of eyes suddenly blink through the dark tunnel]
Streaky: GUH!
[Streaky wakes up with a cold sweat. He looks around the room and then sighs as he lays back down]
Streaky: I don't need a wish…I don't…I just…need to find someone who can be helped…a natural disaster, an accident, anything…[yawns]...I'm too disoriented to think straight…best get…back to bed…[sighs]...
[Streaky positions himself on the pillow and once again closes his eyes to drift off back to sleep]
[The next day, Streaky decides to hover around the island in search of anyone needing help]
Streaky: I'm sure there's gotta be someone who needs saving, there's never a dull moment around here.
[Streaky surveys the area, he looks over to Mahogany]
Streaky: Naaaaaah, it's not summertime, they're never busy in winter.
[He then looks over towards Pine where Edward is shown dropping off passengers for Skarloey's train into the mountains]
Streaky: Hmmmmmm, nada nope.
[The Somali even hovers over a snowy hill near the town of Maple where several people are going down on their sleds. Everyone is cheering and laughing; Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup going down on a sleigh of their colors, Alice and Wendy on a crimson sled, even Ed, Edd, and Eddy rejoice as they speed down the hill. Streaky, while happy for everyone's safety, feels disappointed at the lack of action]
Streaky: Maybe I'm just no good anymore…
[The feline dejectedly hangs his head low as he hovers back up north]
[Transition to Napier Park as the Somali is sitting on a bench, still looking rather forlorn. Krypto and Ace come upon the scene and the former notices his colleague's rather depressed expression]
Krypto: Heeeeey, Streaky. What's wrong?
[Streaky just sighs dramatically]
Ace: Judging that expression, it's probably tearing him apart internally.
Streaky: [deadpan] Gee, how observant of you.
Krypto: Streaky, I'm concerned, you've been a bit…isolated these past couple of days. Tell me what's bothering you.
Streaky: [looks away] It's pointless to talk about…
Ace: So is brooding on a bench all by yourself.
[Krypto gives Ace a look]
Krypto: You brood on the regular. [to Streaky] Either way, you can tell us. We're friends.
Streaky: I…I don't know how to word it without coming off as…ungrateful.
Ace: Just say it honestly.
Streaky: I…I feel inferior to you two.
Krypto: Wait, what? Why?
Streaky: Why not? You two got your pictures in the news, you're more recognizable together or on your own, and both of you are viewed in a higher regard than myself.
Krypto: I…I didn't know that's how you felt…
[Ace doesn't say anything, but his expression softens slightly]
Streaky: I don't know what's going on, or why I feel this way. Is it…an identity crisis?
Krypto: Um, maybe not…unless…
Streaky: It doesn't really matter, this is probably expected of me. The most "pitiful" member of the group.
Krypto: Woah, woah, woah, who said anything about that?
Streaky: I just…know things. This world isn't as small as you'd think.
Krypto: Oh…Streaky…
Streaky: Hrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmm…
Krypto: C'mon…I don't think you're pitiful. Isn't that right, Ace?
Ace: …AHEM, uh, yes, of course it is.
Krypto: Didn't you one time say he was pretty good for a supercat?
[Ace covers the side of his face]
Ace: Don't rub it in…
Krypto: See? Even he's admitting it.
Streaky: I…suppose so…
[Krypto takes a seat next to Streaky]
Krypto: I think you're just as versatile as me and Ace, even with your quirks.
Streaky: You mean my constant hunger and clumsiness.
Krypto: Oh, that's just you being cute.
[Streaky's face flushes]
Streaky: I, um…you think…now you got me messing my words up.
Krypto: Hehe, I do mean it though. You and I share the same powers and the same weaknesses.
Streaky: Yeah, but everyone thinks you're the best, perfect, flawless, even.
Krypto: Everyone has flaws, Streaky, even myself, and Ace…particularly Ace.
Ace: Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, sunshine.
Krypto: You know, it wouldn't hurt to lift the mask every once in a while.
Ace: That's confidential.
Krypto: Okay, we'll leave it at that, Acey.
Ace: Don't call me that.
Streaky: Hehe, suppose your flaw is riling Ace up.
Ace: And not understanding personal boundaries. Or spending too much time looking in the mirror. Or needing to straighten the bow on his cape precisely.
Krypto: AHEM, uh, that's enough, please don't tell my life story. [clears throat] Either way, you don't need to feel like it's a competition, Streaky. I like you just the way you are and so does everyone else.
Streaky: You…you do?
Krypto: Of course, there's only one Supercat in this whole world and that's you. I wouldn't have it any other way.
[Streaky blushes and waves a paw modestly]
Streaky: Stoooooop…I'm turning red over here.
[Krypto decides to humor Streaky further by giving a lick to his face, catching the Somali off-guard and causing him to giggle]
Streaky: Hehehe, Krypto! Stop, that tickles!
Krypto: Well, at least you're smiling again.
Streaky: Heh, yeah…listen, I wanna apologize for being all…moody before. I guess I just didn't think I was as good as you two, but if you guys think otherwise…
Krypto: Of course we do, like I said before, you're Supercat, member of the Dog Star Patrol, member of the Superpets, defender of this world alongside us. Not to mention…the best friend anyone could ask for.
[A small tear runs down Streaky's face as he suddenly wraps Krypto into a bear hug]
Streaky: You don't know how much I've wanted to hear that…thank you…you really are the best, Krypto…
Krypto: O-Oh! Hehe…you're the best, Streaky…
[Streaky smiles broadly and then looks over at Ace]
Streaky: You gonna join in, big guy?
[Ace blinks, looks from his left, then to his right…closes his eyes and then wraps his arms around the white lab and Somali]
Ace: Don't mention a word of this to anyone.
Krypto: Don't worry, we don't, so long as you keep us warm.
Ace: [sighs] You're so corny…
Streaky: It's why I love him…and you…
[Ace looks away…but even he can't manage hiding a small smile as it creeps on his face]
[The scene transitions to Streaky hovering over the sky to a rendition of
"Cianwood City" playing in the background. He looks to the ground below and sees Ace. He waves down to the Bathound, and the gesture is returned with a salute. At that moment, Krypto flies by in the opposite direction, giving a smile to Streaky as he passes]
[Streaky smiles broadly in return. He is still helpful in his own right, whether it's minor things such as rescuing Chibusa from a tree and returning her to Usagi on the ground. Or shown by him pushing Peter Sam and his coaches out of a snow drift]
[Transition to Streaky flying over the mainline as Henry is coming down it with six red coaches. He smiles contentedly to himself, he feels appreciated]
[The final shot is from the tracks as Streaky continues to fly overheard in the distance. Henry passes by on the left side of the screen and carries on his way as the screen fades to black, along with the music fading out]
…
…
…
…
…
…
[A post-credits shot depicts Birch Grove Tunnel silent and still…with the exception of a faint whisper from within the darkness]
[Cut to black]
Character Guide:
Streaky, Krypto, Ace - Krypto the Superdog
Alice - Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Amy Rose - Sonic the Hedgehog
Ariel - The Little Mermaid (1989)
Arnold Shortman - Hey Arnold!
Bambi - Bambi (1942)
Bloom - Winx Club
Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup - The Powerpuff Girls
Cruella De Vil - 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Dodger - Oliver and Company (1988)
Ed, Edd, Eddy - Ed, Edd, n' Eddy
Fox McCloud, Wolf O'Donnell - Star Fox
Mordecai, Rigby - Regular Show
Mr. Blik - Catscratch
Pearl - Steven Universe
Scar - The Lion King (1994)
Shining Armor - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Snow White - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Sylvester - Looney Tunes
Tom Cat, Jerry Mouse - Tom and Jerry
Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), Chibiusa (Sailor Chibi Moon) - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Edward, Henry, Skarloey, Peter Sam - Thomas and Friends
