The night of the skateboarding competition had finally arrived. The lights of the city hall square glittered under the dark sky as competitors and spectators gathered.
Coop, Dennis, and Fiona stood in a small group at the edge of the square, going over their strategy one last time.
Coop: Alright, guys, remember the plan. We need to move fast on Main Street, avoid the traffic, then the first big jump comes at the fountain in the park. At the mall, we'll aim to nail the slalom as accurately as possible, and don't forget the code for the tunnel.
Dennis nodded and took out the map.
Dennis: And let's not forget about the factory roof. The ramp is steep, but if we handle it right, we'll get up quickly. Sliding on the rail will be one of the key moves. We need to maintain our speed on the forest trail and finally, we'll have to give it everything we've got as we approach the dam.
Fiona: We need to work as a team. If anyone gets stuck, we have to help each other. If we're in sync, no one can stop us.
Just then, Lorne and Harley appeared. Both approached with a smug air.
Lorne: Well, well, look who's here! Catboy and his team! Are you ready for losing?
Coop raised an eyebrow but forced a light smile.
Coop: Well, Lorne and Harley, we're glad you're here. The more challenges, the better.
Harley chuckled, but his tone was a bit more serious as he continued.
Harley: Sure! We wouldn't miss out on defeating you! We're only two, but we're tough enough! We couldn't miss the chance to show you up.
Fiona: We'll see, but the race will be long and it's not just about who's fastest at the start.
Dennis: And what about the puzzles? We need to solve those too, not just skate.
Lorne and Harley exchanged a confused glance.
Lorne: Uh… we'll improvise. – he said unconvincingly.
Coop: Good luck, guys! See you at the finish line.
Lorne and Harley confidently rode off toward the other end of the square.
Just before the teams headed to the starting line, a familiar voice called out.
Kyle: Hey, Burtonburger, you didn't think the party would start without us, did you?
The blonde-haired boy walked over with two unknown guys.
Coop turned towards him, tense.
Coop: Dustin, I see you've gathered your team.
Kyle grinned smugly.
Kyle: Oh, yes, but I have one more surprise. – He waved a hand and two figures stepped out from the shadows – Meet our secret weapons.
Coop's eyes widened in shock.
Coop: Millie? And… Mr. Kat?
Millie stood confidently and looked up at Coop.
Millie: Hi brother! Guess what, Kyle invited me to his team.
Coop: I can't believe you included Millie and Mr. Kat in your team. – he said incredulously, looking at Kyle.
Millie, with her arms crossed and a cheeky smile on her face, looked at her brother.
Millie: Yes, Coop, why not? At least Kyle knows how to win, and Mr. Kat is here to help. You said I couldn't join your team.
Fiona: Is this really how low you'll go, Kyle? You bring Millie into your team just to annoy Coop? She's too young for this.
Kyle: The rules don't forbid a little girl or even a cat from competing. Besides, Mr. Kat has won a skateboarding competition before.
Coop and Dennis exchanged glances. They knew that particular victory had actually belonged to Coop, in Mr. Kat's body, as a result of a failed experiment.
Dennis whispered to Coop.
Dennis: This isn't good, man. Mr. Kat is definitely up to something shady.
Coop nodded but tried to keep his composure.
Coop: Millie, this is a dangerous competition; you shouldn't be here! You can still back out.
Millie: No way, Coop! I'm going to show you that it's not just you who's cool in the family! And don't worry about me. I'll hold my own better than you think. And if you keep trying to talk me out of it, I'll tell Dad you're not playing fair.
Coop: How did Dad even let you join the competition?
Flashback
Millie and Burt were at home. Burt was reading a newspaper while Millie had just returned from the skate park. Kyle had invited Millie to join his team shortly after the argument with Coop.
Millie: Dad, Kyle asked me to be on his team because Coop didn't want me.
Burt: Millie, the night skateboarding competition could be too dangerous. I'm already worried about Coop; I don't want to have to worry about two kids.
But Millie didn't give up easily. Her face hardened, and she pulled out her secret weapon that she always used when she really wanted something. Burt saw the look in his daughter's eyes and knew what was coming.
Millie: But Dad…– She took a deep breath and let out a deafening shriek that shook the whole house. Burt's face showed panic as he clamped his hands over his ears, trying to dull the terrible sound.
Burt: Okay, okay, alright! – he shouted desperately – Just stop the screaming, please!
Millie immediately stopped and looked at her father with an angelic smile, as if nothing had happened.
Millie: You're the best dad! I promise I'll take care of myself and Mr. Kat.
Burt sighed heavily and rubbed his temple.
Flashback End
Coop: So, the good old screaming trick.
Millie: It always works. – she said with a grin.
With that, Coop turned towards Kyle.
Coop: Alright, Kyle, if that's how you want to play, so be it. But don't think this is going to stop us.
Coop wasn't prepared for another surprise. Suddenly, a familiar woman's voice echoed through the area.
?: Kyle, dear. You forgot your lucky bracelet!
Kyle's face turned bright red immediately.
Kyle: Mom, come on…
Coop turned in shock towards the voice, unable to believe his eyes.
Coop: Ms. Brannigan?!
