— oe.

Return of the Old World 2: Paper Panther

Ch1: Lions and Panthers

Late one night inside the San Francisco Museum of Natural History, a lone security guard walks through the empty hall muttering about how he hates his job when he hears someone rushing behind him.

Guard: What was that?!

The guard shines his flashlight in the direction of the sound. He marches down the wall and walks past a sign pointing to the "Pink Panther" exhibit, the guard begins to examine the area. The surrounding walls are covered in murals of panthers that are pink and there are a number of display cases with jewels from India but at the center of the exhibit is none other than the Pink Panther Diamond. The priceless jewel reflects the light from the flash light. The guard looks around relieved that no one has infiltrated the museum.

Guard: I need to get a new job one that doesn't-

The guard turns around but then screams out, "WHA-" and is then knocked out by a large paper fist. Stepping into the light of the flashlight is a paper man, who steps over the security guard and observes the Pink Panther Diamond before cracking open the display case.

The next morning inside the vault of Section 13, Uncle and Rath are both hard at work studying the weapon Scarab left behind, the Summoning Key. This was a weapon of great destruction used by a race of eldritch beings called Apothicans. Since Scarab has gone into hiding after last abducting Presley, Section 13 has offered to hold onto it while Uncle and Rath study it. The floor is littered with different arcane history books, the walls are lined with chalk drawings of both Chinese characters and Egyptian Hieroglyphs, and the Summoning Key hovers at the center of the vault while Uncle and Rath both study the orb.

Uncle: Such power and yet…. It has not done anything since we took it!

Rath: I must admit my friend, even I am confused by what you're looking for!

Uncle: The Summoning Key is not just a weapon but also a map!

Rath's eyes widen at what Uncle just said and asks him, "Are you saying that this could lead us to the Dark Aether?". Uncle nods with a sly smile on his face.

Uncle: The realm the Apathocans have been imprisoned in for eons. With that kind of knowledge we could-

The vault door behind them depressurizes as it opens startling Uncle as yells out, "Aiyah!". The two sorcerers turn around to see none other than Jackie Chan with a cup of tea in his hand and a smile on his face.

Jackie: Uncle, I have your tea!

Uncle: Jackie! You forget Uncle is old man! Heart is not what it used to be!

Jackie laughs Uncle's comment off and hands him his tea and looks at the Summoning Key somewhat dismayed.

Jackie: You two have been studying this thing for two months and it doesn't do anything other than float! Why can't we just be happy with it being secured in Section Thirteen?

Rath: Because, Scarab and his benefactor are still out there. They have a plan for this device and we intend to find out what!

Jackie responds with, "Uh huh…" as he grabs the Summoning Key causing Uncle and Rath to both frantically tell him to put it back.

Uncle: AIYAH! JACKIE THAT IS A SOURCE OF GREAT POWER PUT IT BACK!

Rath: I COMMAND YOU TO PUT THE SUMMONING KEY DOWN THIS INSTANT!

Jackie: Relax it's just a-

The good natured archeologist then drops the golden orb as it begins to burn his hand, as the orb falls to the ground it begins to project strange symbols. The various symbols and glyphs of the Apothicons begin appear and disappear just as quickly in the air. Uncle opens a notebook, immediately drawing the symbols they saw. One symbol however stays and it appears to be a pyramid and over it is a small dot, an even smaller dot above it, a line with jagged edges, and three triangles blow the dot. Rath peaks over looking at the symbols Uncle has written down.

Rath: These symbols are unfamiliar to even my old eyes. I don't suppose you would be familiar with them chuckles?

Uncle: Must do research… Jackie, your friend who specializes in dead cultures, is he still in town?

Jackie scratches his head unsure of who Uncle is talking about until it hits him like a ton of bricks.

Jackie: Drew? He still lives here but I know he's gone back and forth between here and Jamaica a few times. I can try his office.

30 minutes later, Jackie walks into an office in the Haight-Ashbury district with sign on the door that says "Zoolook". He turns down the hall and hears "Winding Roads" by Stephen Marley playing faintly, with a smile on his face Jackie heads in the direction of the music. Jackie opens to the door to see his friend colleague, Drew McIntosh with his feet up playing electric guitar along with the music playing. Drew is Jamaican man wearing a grey t-shirt, blue jeans, long dreads, and a goatee. Drew looks up from his instrument to see his old friend Jackie and greets him with a warm smile.

Drew: Jackie! Wah gwan?!

Jackie: It's good to see you Drew!

Drew gets up from his desk and hugs Jackie and tells Jackie to have a seat. Drew then turns off the speaker playing music. The two sit down and begin to pick up where they had left off.

Drew: Wah gwan Jackie? I haven't seen you in forever mi boy!

Jackie: I know it has been too long!

Drew: You still wit da snake gal?

Jackie: Snake- Oh you mean- No me and Viper broke up awhile ago. I'm seeing Amanda from the museum now!

Drew: Paul Carnovan's ol gal?

Jackie: I guess so. I never knew Paul, she told me they ended on good terms. Did you know him?

Drew: Here and there, nuttin crazy. Paul's son still living here inna Cali?

Jackie: He is! Presley is around the same age as my niece Jade.

Drew: Ow dat girl is?

Jackie: She's good! She's fourteen now, can you believe it!

Drew: No I'se can't! Yuh kno Michelle an Anthony di fosta pickney mi mada ave bin raising? next year dem a guh fi be inna miggle School! Makes mi feel suh old!

Jackie: Time flies!

While happy to see Jackie for the first time in years Drew finally asks, "Wah brings yuh to mi office?". Jackie seemingly remembers that this is not a social call. He pulls out from his pocket Uncle's drawing of the symbols from the summoning key and hands Drew the piece of paper. Drew looks at the paper and what was a solemn but unworried expression turns into a furrowed brow of concern. Drew drops the paper on his desk and looks up at Jackie.

Drew: Jackie weh yuh find dem yah symbols?

Jackie feels his phone buzzing in his pocket, he pulls it out as it buzzes with the picture of him and Amanda together. Jackie answers the phone call to a frantic Amanda.

Amanda: SOMEBODYTOOKTHEDIAMOND!

Jackie: Whoa, Amanda slow down! What happened?

Amanda: The Pink Panther… somebody took it!

Both Jackie and Drew's eyes go wide at what Amanda had just said. The two of them leave immediately for the Museum. The two of them pile into Drew's Land Cruiser and drive off. Once they arrive at the museum they discover that it has been closed for the day, and San Francisco PD dominate the entrance to the museum. Jackie and Drew both walk toward the steps but a police officer tries to stop them.

Officer: I'm sorry, but I can't let you back-

Suddenly a stressed Amanda slams the doors to the museum open and sees Jackie. She rushes past the police officer tightly hugging Jackie.

Amanda: Let them in! These two are important to the museum.

She then turns to see none other than Drew McIntosh for the first time in years. Years ago when Presley was still young and she was still married to Paul, Drew was a friend to Paul. The three of them attended guest lectures from Professor Clairembart. Amanda also took Drew's mother's class on Environmental Science as an elective, she has been familiar with the McIntosh family for sometime.

Amanda: Oh my god, Drew?!

She practically leaps from Jackie to hug Drew which catches him off guard.

Amanda: It's so good to see you but I wish it was under better circumstances!

Drew: Everything be irie, so jah seh.

Amanda looks back at Jackie and ushers two heroic archeologists to archeologists into the museum with her. The three of them walk past the various police officers doing inventory check on the exhibits. Amanda leads them past the night shift security guard hung from a wall with what looks like a dagger of paper in the shoulder of his coat. Jackie silently wonders if this was the assassin that the sorcerer Scarab hired a few months ago that kidnapped Presley. A police officer walks up toward Amanda.

Officer: Miss Carnovan, everything except the diamond seems to be accounted for.

Amanda: Thank you.

The police officer walks off and Amanda takes them to what was supposed to be the stand holding the Pink Panther Diamond. The stand is barren despite the walls being covered with pictures of the diamond as well as infographics about how the diamond came back in its home country of India. Jackie thinks to himself about where the Mummies were last night and how could someone possibly get through security and not alert at least one of the Mummies.

Drew: Where deh security office?

Amanda: Right this way.

Miss Carnovan then leads Jackie and Drew to the security guard office. The three of them now stand beside officer Joe Pendleton and Bob Flesch. The officers are carefully examining the footage trying to make sense of what they saw.

Bob: I just can't make sense of it!

Joe: I'm tellin' you it's-

Bob: Don't start.

Amanda: What is it?

The conspiratorial police officer presses play on the computer, footage plays of the overnight guard being attacked by blurred figure. Joe watches with a wide eyed fascination while the others have concerned looks and furrowed brows.

Joe: It's either aliens or mutants! Not sure which.

Amanda rolls her eyes and tells the officer, "I appreciate the input but these cameras haven't been updated in since the nineties. I think it's time to-". The door is then kicked open causing all of them to turn around. Standing in the doorway is a man with a pencil thin mustache, trench coat, and shirt & tie. This man is none other than Inspector Jacque Clouseau.

Clouseau: Ztop right there! You are under arrest!

The four others look confused at the Frenchman who has just barged into the security office. Jackie and Drew step up to confront Clouseau. While Jackie crosses his arms calmly observing the inspector, Drew is sizing him up ready for a fight if needed. Clouseau tries his best to hide the worry of conflict but cannot hide it in his eyes that he knows he'll lose the fight.

Jackie: I am sorry, who you are?

Clouseau: I am Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau! World-renowned détective, I 'ave successfully rescued ze Pink Panther Diamond many times! Ze Louvre 'as sent me to recover ze diamond once again!

Drew raises an eyebrow at the detective unsure who gave him the authority to just do whatever he pleases so he challenges the so called detective saying, "Yuh tink yuh can jus walk in 'ere an' start bossin' people 'round? Dis nah yuh yard, yuh know.". The Inspector dismisses Drew with a wave of his hand responding, "Ah, but zis is no ordinary case, my friend. Zis is ze Pink Panther Diamond! A jewel of unimaginable beauty and value. I, Clouseau, am ze only one with ze expertise to retrieve it!". Amanda then decides to get between the two of them.

Amanda: Inspector, we're more than happy to have you on board but we are not your culprits. If it wasn't obvious...

Miss Carnovan then gestures to the two police officers. Clouseau demeanor takes a stark shift as he notices his fellow officers of the law, he shoots Amanda a warm smile as way of telling her that he's sorry.

Clouseau: Ah, oui, mademoiselle. You are quite right. We must work togezzer to solve zis crime. But let it be known, zis investigation is now under my command!

Jackie and Drew both exchange looks at each other unsure of how this is going to go. Jackie then glances at his girlfriend and she shares the exact same look of concern right back at him. A little later Jackie, Drew, Amanda, and Clouseau all leave the museum together.

Clouseau: Mademoiselle Carnovan, I must zank you for your cooperation in zis most delicate investigation. I shall comb over ze footage in my hotel room tonight. Rest assured, ze Pink Panther Diamond will be found!

Amanda smiles politely at Clouseau telling him, "Thank you, Inspector. We appreciate you coming all this way to help.". Clouseau starts walking down the stairs, but his foot catches on the last step. He stumbles forward, nearly face-planting into the sidewalk. Quickly, he regains his balance, standing upright and pretending nothing happened. He turns and waves confidently at the group, assuming they're still in awe of his detective skills.

Clouseau: Au revoir, mes amis! We shall crack zis case soon enough!

He strides over to his tiny rental smart car, a comically small vehicle compared to his grand persona. With a final wave, he gets in and drives off toward his hotel. Amanda, Jackie, and Drew watch him drive off into downtown San Francisco with puzzled expressions. Amanda then turns to Jackie and Drew with a serious question.

Amanda: I'm not against the help, but we're all in agreement it's way too soon for the French government to send their "best detective" to find the Pink Panther Diamond when it literally just went missing last night?

Jackie nods in agreement saying, "Yes, it's definitely strange. I have some connections that might be able to figure out why Clouseau is really here.". Amanda then raises an eyebrow at Jackie's comment.

Amanda: You don't think he's the one that stole the diamond, do you?

Drew begins to laugh hysterically at this implication. He obviously hasn't known Clouseau for long but has already developed strong opinions of him. Drew tells Amanda and Jackie that, "Dat man dumb as a rock! Him can't tief nuttin'!". Jackie smiles at this comment stifling his laughter as best he can, he then regains his compsoure.

Jackie: I don't think Clouseau has the skills to pull off something like this. But… I do find it suspicious how he's in San Francisco right when it happens.

Amanda: Yeah, it's all just a little too convenient.

Drew then turns to Jackie saying, "Wi should get a guh.". Jackie nods at Drew and kisses Amanda goodbye as they are about to leave.

Jackie: Drew and I have a project for the University. I am sorry we can't stay any longer but I can try to help find the diamond-

Amanda smiles telling Jackie, "It's totally fine. You're not a superhero, you and Drew go work on whatever it is you're working on and we'll catch up another time. Maybe we can all do a double date! Me and Jackie and Drew and Brandy!". Drew nods saying, "Mi wud like dat Brandy wud probably luv tuh ketch up wid yuh too.". Amanda then wishes them both goodbye.

Amanda: Okay, I'll let you two get to it. Bye, Jackie! I love you!

Jackie smiles but there is a slight hesitation as he waves her off. Amanda walks away, her mind already on other things. Jackie watches her go, his smile fading slightly as he turns back to Drew. Drew, who's been observing closely, notices something off.

Drew: Bredda, yuh nah tell har yuh love har back? An' di likkle lie yuh tell, wah gwan?

Jackie sighs deeply as he rubs the back of his neck, clearly troubled by the situation. He tells Drew that, "Of course, I love her, Drew. More than anything. But what we're dealing with… it's dangerous. I didn't tell her because it's safer if she doesn't know. You're the only other person who knows about this.". Despite his concerns Drew nods understanding where Jackie is coming from.

Drew: Mi get it, Jackie. Jus' mek sure yuh protect dem inna di end. Nuh mek di secrets mash up yuh life.

Jackie: I will.

The two both pile into Drew's Land Cruiser and drive off to China Town. A few minutes later they make it to Uncle's antique shop. The two archeologists walk back into Uncle's office while upstairs in Tohru's room he plays video games alongside Jade Chan and Armon the Mummy. Jade and Tohru are playing the new Super Moose video game while Armon eats double bacon cheeseburgers from Beefy Burger waiting his turn.

Tohru: Armon, where is Presley?

Armon: He's doing some training downstairs with the chi wizard. He should be up here soon.

The mummy gulfs down the last burger and looks in the empty bag disappointed as if he could eat more. Armon gets up from his chair and heads downstairs. Back in the office of Uncle, Presley is training with Uncle to use his newfound powers. Presley has his hand out with his palm facing outward and is clearly straining. Presley stops to take a moment to rest and Uncle looks at him confused and raises his voice at the boy.

Uncle: Hacha! Why do you stop, you want world to end and be consumed by darkness?

Presley: Well no, but-

Uncle then puts the vase of water on the table, with a loud thud as the bottom of the vase makes contact with the table. Uncle sternly reminds him, "But nothing! Entire multiverse is depending on you, no time for excuses!". Presley sighs but Uncle interjects once again.

Uncle: One more thing, you your homework yet?

Presley: Well no but I,

Uncle: One more thing, you know your mother does not you are training with me and Rath. In order to keep up illusion you must keep up with your studies!

Presley: Yeah I get that but-

Uncle: One more thing, I need you this weekend for next lesson: Turn water into wine!

Presley groans at this as he's tired and really just wants to take a break and unwind. Right before Uncle can give him another command however, the door into the office opens and in walks Jackie and Drew. Presley hasn't seen Drew since he was a little kid so he's surprised to see him and vice versa.

Drew: Presley wah gwan! yuh ave gotten suh big since di laas time mi see you!

Presley: It's good to see you too Mr. McIntosh!

Drew: Call mi Drew, Mista McIntosh dida mi fada.

Drew daps up Presley and is excited to see him but before they can talk any further, Jackie cuts between the two of them.

Jackie: Presley can you give us a moment.

Presley without a second thought walks out of the room and heads upstairs to take a break and play video games with Tohru and Jade. Drew nods at Uncle and the Chi Wizard acknowledges Drew prescence.

Drew: Suh yuh di one dealing wid occult symbols mi should ave figured suh wah wi looking at?

Uncle then grabs a scroll from one of his shelves and unrolls onto the table. The scroll is a diagram of the Summoning Key and has many of the symbols that glowed brightly on it earlier.

Uncle: What do you know of this? Do you know where it originates?

Jackie: We have tried everything but we can't seem to-

Without warning, Armon walks into the room and heads directly for the refrigerator. The three of them look up all surprised. Jackie and Uncle are surprised that Armon would just walk in without a disguise and Drew is surprised that what's clearly a member of the undead would just waltz in somewhere. Drew's eyes change into an amber color and he grits his teeth revealing fangs.

Drew: DUPPY!

Armon looks around confused and then asks, "What's a Duppy? Is that like a fish sandwich or-". Before the lovable oaf can even finish his sentence, Drew pounces on him from across the room and tackles him to the ground. Armon is able to throw him off with the sheer strength of his one arm but Drew with cat like reflexes lands on his feet. Armon yells out, "With the strength of Ra!" activating his magic armor. Jackie and Uncle watch from the door as the two warriors collide with one another. Drew grows razor sharp claws where his finger nails were and begins to slice at the Mummy while Armon swings his mighty golden arm. Uncle watches the chaos from the safety of his office with a major sense of fear.

Uncle: AIYAH! JACKIE STOP THEM FROM DESTROYING UNCLE'S SHOP!

Without hesitation, Uncle pushes Jackie out from his office and Jackie then has run toward his two friends and try to explain to both of them that neither is the enemy. Tohru, Jade, and Presley all run out from Tohru's bedroom and look at the fight downstairs.

Tohru: Armon?!

Jade: Is that... Jackie's friend from the university?!

Presley: That's Drew McIntosh, he was friends with my dad before the divorce with my mom. But I have never seen him like this!

Tohru rushes downstairs to try and help break up the fight but Jackie is already there. Jackie gets between them and tries to stop them.

Jackie: NOBODY HERE IS THE ENEMY!

Armon brushes Jackie to the side with his golden arm accidentally causing him to crash into a wall which takes Jackie out of commission for a moment. Armon then turns clearly worried about Jackie.

Armon: Oh gods, Jackie are you-

Out of pure anger and adrenaline Drew then jumps onto the mummy's shoulders and begins to pull him to the wall and beats on the top of Armon's helmet.

Drew: Yuh a guh regret hurting mi friend! mi wi send yuh back tuh di deepest kaanah of Hell!

Armon struggles to talk as Drew beats on him but he is able to get out, "I... am... not the... enemy!". Armon then slams into the wall while Drew is behind him, a loud crunch sound rings out through the room and Drew falls to the floor and struggles to get back up. Armon notices Drew's medallion with the face of a lion around his neck.

Armon: So Nefertina was wrong, cats don't always land on their feet!

Drew then snarls at the mummy and then notices the ram shaped pendant around his neck. Without a second thought Drew pounces at the mummy one more time going to the pendant and hooks onto Armon's chest plate. He goes to rip off the pendant only for Tohru to restrain Drew.

Tohru: I do not know who you are but you are no longer welcome here!

Drew: Suh unu servants of di Duppies? yuh mussi crazy!

The Jamaican hero breaks free from Tohru's hold on him and goes for Armon one last time but this time is halted by his friend and colleague Jackie Chan. The young boy's eyes glow white with energy as he flies down to their level, holding Drew back. Jackie now gets up and stands beside Armon, Tohru, and Presley.

Jackie: There's a lot to catch up on. Presley could you...

Presley let's Drew down and he lands on his feet and looks up at Jade who watches from the upstairs, she waves with a big smile on her face as she nervously chuckles. Uncle then steps out from seemingly nowhere and smacks Drew with his two fingers on his forehead. The old Chi Wizard turns to Presley and does the same thing, smacking him on the forehead with his two fingers

Uncle: Presley, where was this earlier?! Entire multiverse is in danger and you decide to use powers when you're not training with Uncle?! AND DREW! This is how you introduce yourself to people?! No wonder Jackie hasn't had you around in years! Now are you going to help Uncle with investigation or what?

Armon deactivates his magic armor and walks into Uncle's office alongside Tohru. Drew then looks at Jackie both confused at their longtime friend for clearly keeping similar secrets.

Jackie: Looks like we've both been keeping secrets from each other.

Drew: Appears suh.

Uncle: You two can catch up later in the meantime help Uncle!

The rest of the group all gather in Uncle's office. They surround themselves around the table ready to figure out the source of the Summoning Key and hopefully begin the journey to close the Dark Aether once and for all.