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Toonium City - QC Planet

APQC-GP-02 Scholastic Chaos By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Ratseye/Pouchlaw) Re-Written on 01/03/2014

Monday morning came sooner than Gerard and Arnie had hoped. It was the typical morning, minus Lupa-Vega who was at The SUM in Wonderland, and Leon Prince was preparing for his first day with the council of toon greats. The boys sat down at the table and began to have breakfast with Leon and Rianne.

Mrs. Prince said, "Now remember, boys... you are to report to Principal Dum as soon as you get to school so he can help you select your classes and so you can get your assigned lockers. I know you both are best friends, but please... try not to live up each others butts at school. Make friends on your own. It will be worth it in the long run."

Mr. Prince added, "You both have my cellphone number on speed dial in case you need me for any reason. The council be damned if either of you get hurt and try to stop me from coming."

Gerard smirked. "Dad... since the Council hardly wear clothes at all, save for Wendy, you are going to be the most overdressed man among them. Are you going to be okay in that zoo?"

"I had better say yes, since I know your mom still has the iron rolling pin packed away somewhere; a gift from her mother when we got married."

"Never bring up my family again, dear," she replied as she seemed to give Leon the 'look that no one wants to get'.

Then, the school bus arrived out front and honked it's horn. Mrs. Prince kissed boys and handed them their lunchboxes. "I fixed your favorites, boys. Have a good time."

The boys headed out the door and stepped aboard the school bus, where they saw a mish-mash of cartoon animals and anime teenagers conversing with each other. Gerard irked when he saw what he was riding with and he sat at the very front of the bus, by himself, while Arnie chose to brave the zoo in the back of the bus. Mrs. Prince DID say to make an effort. He didn't want to get that 'look that no one wants to get' this early in the morning. At the next stop, a male anime rat who was Gerard's own height and appeared unwashed got on the bus and sat in the seat next to Gerard. When he saw the real human, he turned toward him quietly and politely asked, "What are you being punished for?"

Gerard looked at the rat and whispered back, "I'm not being punished for anything. I just didn't want to sit back there with..." he paused looking scared... "the zoo."

The rat grinned and gently patted Gerard's shoulder then he held out his paw. "I'm Fenmire Rat."

Gerard shook Fenmire's paw which felt warm and sticky but didn't seem to have anything on it. "Gerard Prince. The new boy, I guess you could say."

Fenmire whispered to Gerard, "How'd you like to be in the club my friends and I are in?"

Gerard arched an eye. "What sort of club is it?"

Fenmire grinned. "I'm in the candle lighter's choir. We're called, the Wicks. You have a nice voice so how about it?"

Gerard asked quietly, "You mean, you and your friends sing?"

Fenmire quietly giggled and shook his head. "Only on Sunday morning. Members of the club take part of there name and affix the suffix -wick, so we can tell who is in the club. For instance, I am Fenmire Rat but in the club I am called Fenwick. A new name. Keen, isn't it?"

Gerard hummed. He wasn't particularly fond of his first name and Gerwick sounded really dumb. "I don't know, Fenwick. My first name doesn't sound that great with -wick. Gerwick makes me sound like a loser."

Fenwick grinned. "Do you have a middle name?"

Gerard had to grin back at that question. Yes, he did have a middle name that he often toyed with but no one ever called him by that name. Ever. Oh sure, Alfonzo Tralfazworth did only once and he got a black eye from Gerard for even mentioning it. "Sure, it's Klayton with a K but no one ever calls me that."

Fenwick patted Gerard's shoulder. "Klaywick sounds like a winner. So how about it? Will you join our little club? I am sure the club leader will take to you like I have."

Gerard was starting to really like Fenwick. "If my parents say it's okay, I'll join up."

Fenwick wrinkled his nose a little. "Why do you have to tell them?"

Gerard replied, "Cause my dad just joined the city council and he'll want to know what I'm doing with my time. But I think they'll say yes because the candle lighter's choir sounds like something that they'd approve of my doing."

Fenwick grinned again. "Okay. If he asks what we do just tell him that we light the candles in the local Toonium City church every Sunday morning. Which is exactly what we do. Although there is more to our club than just that. But I can't tell you anymore until you join us."

Gerard dug out his cellphone and opened it. "I'll call dad right now and ask him. Won't take a minute." He hit the speed dial for the number to his father's cellphone and then spoke to his father about joining the choir's club. He explained what he'd been told about it not mentioning that was probably going to be more to it. Leon thought it over then gave his reply.

"Call your mom and if she gives the okay then you're in your first club. Have a good day at school." And his father closed his cellphone.

Gerard then made the call to his mother explaining the deal yet again and being wise to use the exact same words that he used to his dad. And she complied as well and hung up the phone.

Fenwick smiled. "So how did it go?"

Gerard replied with a happy grin, "They both said I could be in the club."

Meanwhile in the back of the bus, Arnie had seated himself with an toon kangaroo boomer, a stud of a buck reindeer anthro, and a short but slender owl who seemed familiar. "I'm Arnie Domingo. May I sit among you?"

The boomer smiled and hefted his backpack out of the way. "Sure thing, mate. Ah'm Jack Roo, the reindeer is my friend Connor, and he is Parker Owl, the son of Woodsy Owl."

Parker didn't look too happy at the moment. "My dad was singing rap songs for a TV commercial over the weekend. About made me barf. At his age..."

Connor shook hands with Arnie. "Donner is my father. He only uses the feral stance during the Christmas eve flight. I am ever so glad he doesn't make me do that."

Jack chuckled. "We are all a year a'ead of yas, Arnie. But we would be 'onored to be friends with yas. Ah noticed yas got on the bus with another real boy. Is 'e yer brother?"

"Not a brother; he is actually my best friend," he replied. "His parents are letting me live with them since I never knew my own parents back on Earth. I lived in the city ward."

Quite a few 'awws' were heard around their group and Arnie was instantly popular among the toons. Surviving the city ward was apparently an impressive feat.

Conner then said to his friends, "Don't look now but Arnie's best friend is seated beside the biggest trouble maker in school. Fenmire Rat. I hope he is smart enough to not be fooled by any of Fenmire's tricks. Rumor is that more than a few students disappeared without a trace after being friends with that rat. So your best friend needs to be warned."

Arnie glanced toward the front of the bus. "Gerard was a little intimidated by the chaos back here which is why he sat in the front of the bus. But if you are right about that rat, I will speak to Gerard about this the moment I can get him away from Fenmire. And if I can't ever get that time, then could one of you warn him for me? I don't want my friend in trouble."

Jack nodded his kangaroo muzzle. "Yas can count on us, Arnie."

Soon after, everyone disembarked from the bus at the high school and Fenwick walked with Gerard and Arnie toward Principal Dum's office. "Our principal is Scooby Dum, so be nice to him. He's not all there a lot of the time. I'll talk to you around lunch period, Gerard. Bye." And Fenwick headed off to his locker.

The boys knocked on the door then walked inside where they saw Scooby Dum holding a magnifying glass and examining a piece of paper on his desk. "A clue. Right there."

Gerard and Arnie both giggled. They had seen him do this scene on TV many times. "Principal Dum? We are here to get our class schedules sorted and get assigned lockers."

Scooby Dum smiled at the boys. "Well hush my mouth! There are four classes you will be required to take. But the remaining three are for you to choose. The required classes are: Toon Geometrics, which includes geography and geology of QC Planet. It's best if you can find your way around and know what mineral does what; QC Planet History, self explanatory; Script Literature, which is spelling, writing, reading, that sort of thing; and Mathematics, cause you never know when an equation might save someone's life. These four classes occur in the morning. What other three would you boys like to take?"

Gerard replied, "We need to at least need to take a P.E. class with Coach Winslow, if that's possible. As for the other two... We both need to take Toon Physics so we can know how toons operate... and... hum... Can I see a list of classes that Fenmire Rat is in, please?"

Scooby Dum coughed and dropped his magnifying glass when Gerard mentioned Fenmire's name. "I hope you're staying away from that boy, Gerard. He's trouble with a capital T."

Arnie added, "He's right, Gerard. Nearly everyone in the back of the bus said the exact same thing. Plus, they mentioned that anyone who has ever been friends with Fenmire Rat has mysteriously disappeared without a trace."

The cartoon white Great Dane nodded his head. "That is also right, Arnie. We have detectives trying to learn what happened to them. In the meantime, I'll show you which last hour class Fenmire is in so you'll know what to avoid. Although the classes are indeed your own decision. I just want you boys to be careful. Sometimes a toon has a bad rap that isn't fairly earned, but all these missing boys who all knew Fenmire... it doesn't look good. And he never talks about the others who are now missing."

Gerard looked over Fenmire's class schedule and silently read the title of the rat's last hour class to himself.

Arnie browsed over the last hour classes carefully and smiled when he saw one that he was interested in. "I'll take Heroic Basics. It says that someone named Overcat teaches the class and his name sounds familiar to me." Gerard then said, "I'll take P.I. Sciences. The teacher's name looks interesting." He was assuming that P.I. stood for Private Investigation but he would find out how wrong he was that afternoon.

Scooby Dum was sort of shocked that Gerard had chosen that last one as his last choice but it was clearly Gerard's choice, and he was going to honor it. He handed the boys their class schedules and an updated map to show how to get to each class.

Then as he was about to assign the lockers to the boys, Fenwick poked his head in the door and said, "Principal Dum. I know you think I am trouble but can Gerard share my locker?"

Scooby Dum humphed. "I don't think you're trouble, I KNOW you're trouble. Why else would you end up in Saturday morning detention just about once or twice a month?"

Fenwick presented his best sad puppy eyed expression and trembling lip to the principal, which to Arnie looked suspicious and fake. "P-p-please...?"

Scooby Dum released a sad sounding breath. "Okay. You get one more chance to straighten up. But if you blow it this time then you are off to... That Place. Get the picture?"

"Yes sir, I understand." He looked at Gerard now. "Our locker is number 34 which is located within view of Coach Winslow's gym class. I took it last year and it is a fun class, although I only got a C. He said I wasn't a team player."

Scooby Dum then looked at Arnie. "Connor's locker mate graduated from the school just last year and so he has an opening. Number 78 which you will find near the cafeteria entrance." He then handed the boys their locker keys. "Have a good day in classes, boys. And remember: the last hour class is always a field trip. So do as your teachers tell you. Now go on."

That morning at The Sum, Lupa-Vega walked into an auditorium where her first class of the day was to take place. She was actually surprised to see that there was only one other student in the class. It was a very handsome toon skunk wearing a red backpack, a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts with a black leather belt, and sandals on his furry feet. Lupa walked over and sat down near the skunk as she looked over her schedule one more time. "Rocket Chemistry 101... I figured there would be more students in here."

The skunk smiled as he heard the statement as he slowly turned his head to face the young lady and that's when Lupa saw that the skunk had a bionic eye in place of his left eye. "I'm afraid it is just you and I in this class. Professor Mylanus Prower is the instructor here when he isn't pulling classes over at Montrocol. So you get a special treat by getting direct attention from a nice four-tailed foxy instructor. My name is Lucius Schuyler. I am majoring in Galactic Patrol Engineering. Someday I hope to be serving Admiral Whitehorn himself."

"Lupa-Vega. Astrophysics major. Martial arts for handling hoodlums." She then giggled. "Gee, I seem to state that information a lot around here."

"Handling hoodlums has many uses," said Professor Mylanus as he arrived and took his place at the podium. "Is this it this semester?" He was as shocked at the lack of students as Lupa had been. "Seems I get a bit of a vacation from the usual chaos I deal with in this class. Well, I will make it as painless as possible. Lupa-Vega... may I call you Lupe?"

"Sure; my boyfriend calls me that a lot. So you can call me that. My mom gave me the hyphenated name."

"Typical," said the four-tailed Kitsune professor. "And Lucius... wait a minute... weren't you in this class last year?"

"Believe it or not, Professor Mylanus, they didn't believe my perfect score in your class was to be taken seriously. They are making me retake the class on the grounds that they think I cheated in your class. Which is just plain silly."

Professor Mylanus hummed aloud. "No one cheats in my class. Certainly not you and no one else. As far as I am concerned, you can be a teachers aide this semester and help Lupe with her work. I taught you and you passed my class. If the Dean doesn't like that, I will psionic blast him into oblivion. For I am a Kitsune."

"I like how you hold yourself, Professor," said Lupa-Vega as she smiled at the handsome vulpine. "Do we just sit in these seats all semester or would you rather I come up on stage and work at a table?"

The Kitsune slyly grinned. "Your first assignment is to build a functional small scale rocket. It must be able to sustain lift off. I don't care how long it stays air born as long as it lifts off. When you go full scale later, the second project must do better than the small scale in order for you to acquire your grade for the assignment. Lucius may assist you and you may both use Table Four Alpha. I will go out to the far auditorium seat in the corner and catch up on some reading. Good luck, Lupe." And he departed the stage with what looked like a Harlequin Romance book and a smile on his muzzle.

"I've read that one and the sequel as well, Professor," she said. "You will really enjoy them. Come on, Lucius. We need to get to work."

"There is a sequel?" He had paused in his departure when she had mentioned another in the series.

Lupa smiled as she opened her book bag and pulled out a romance novel she was finished reading. Yes, the same one she finished before coming to college. "This is it, Professor. It answers the left over plots and questions the last one leaves you wondering about. You may return it to me whenever you finish it." And she handed it over to him before joining Lucius.

"Thank you, Lupe. Seems that this will keep me busy." And he proceeded to the corner of the auditorium to do some reading.

To Lucius, she quietly said, "I saw no rings on him... is he taken?"

"No, but last I heard... you are dating Spike," he replied. "Now let me walk you through what you need to know." And they got started.

At Council Hall, Leon had turned to Bugs Bunny directly and was speaking to him while the Toonium City Fire Department extinguished a Four-Alarm Fire which had erupted on Daffy Duck's tail feathers. "Tell me again how often something like this happens, Bugs?"

"Well, doc..." he started as he ate his carrot. "Sometimes up to three to five times per day. But he isn't really hurt by what happens. In fact, none of us are. I take it that your old Council was a really boring experience, eh?"

"Most of the time, they played poker and called it important meetings. It was about all I could take to not go straight to the mayor and tell him what they were doing. But then I learned that I was the first name up for release from the Council which made no sense because I was working harder than anyone there to make all the ends meet. Then I got the letter from Simba..." He then leaned in close to Bugs Bunny and whispered, "Are you sure you and the other council members knew nothing about Simba's plan to get me in here?"

The cartoon rabbit leaned in close and pretended to be brushing off non-existent lint from Mr. Prince's suit as he returned the whisper, "When you showed me that original letter and the follow up letter, it surprised me to no end. Don't get me wrong, Leon... most of us really like having you up here with us. But Simba never put your joining us to an official vote. We just assumed that Lord Albert approved of your coming. And since he is currently in heat, no one can go ask him about this or else... you might start enjoying being his love kitten."

Leon made an eww expression, then he quietly said, "I've watched all of your cartoons when I was a boy. What is up with your kissing boys on the mouth? I know you like girls and go gaga for Lola Bunny, but the kissing men part... I don't get it."

Bugs nodded his head. "My lawyers are still tracking down the producers who arranged those scenes. I never approved of them at the time but they were part of the official script. And when you perform a script, you have to do as it says or else you can lose your TV job. So... I had to kiss a lot of cartoon guys on the mouth. And most of them tasted awful. That actually made it worse for me. Just once I'd like to kiss a guy who had clean breath. But no... not a chance in Hell of that happening these days."

Mr. Prince smiled as he brought himself close to Bugs Bunny once again and he whispered, "I use Winter-fresh Scope." And he placed a deep kiss on the rabbit's mouth.

Simba who had been chatting with Casper about some council snafu quickly noticed what was going on across the room and he actually snarled a little.

Casper backed up a step. "You mean you don't want to file this as suspicious?"

The big lion quickly turned to the friendly ghost and said, "No, no... we have to file it as suspicious." He was looking across the room again at the kiss stealing rabbit.

Casper quickly glanced over to see what Simba was looking at. Then he saw it just before it ended. Bugs and Leon. But to him, it didn't mean anything. Bugs kissed guys all the time.

Just then, Yogi came into the room with Scooby Doo as they set out the pizza boxes on the council table along with the varied drinks. Then... Yogi handed the Chinese takeout over to Leon along with the large coffee. "Leon... most of us eat Pizza for lunch. Why for are you eating Chinese?"

He replied as he opened his meal and started sorting it. "Do you boys really want me to recite off the list of all the crap that pizza chain shops put into their pizzas? Unless you go the Arden's route, then I would never touch these things. Arden's Pizza is the only way to go when you want have a healthy pizza."

Mickey Mouse then asked, "Just how bad can it be, Mr. Prince?"

Fifteen minutes later... the entire council chamber was empty except for Leon who was eating his Chinese in private. The others? They were all in the bathroom throwing up.

And while the chamber was empty, Leon got up and opened Simba's personal filing cabinet to see what was in there. What he saw was leather boy scout outfits with a hole in the seat of the pants and a second hole for the tail. He also found a membership card for an Sadism & Masochist club located off in Jaded Shadow. And there were... Playgirl magazines. Leon closed the cabinet and returned to his seat quite disturbed by what all Simba had in his possession. He actually liked Bugs Bunny, Scooby Doo, and Mickey Mouse, but the others were not as together as the rest. He knew he would be having words with Rianne about this in private later on.

Wendy was the first to return to the council chamber. "My aunts will love that you made me throw up, Mr. Prince."

Leon apologetically said, "I am sorry, Wendy. But the others DID ask what all was in a generic pizza. So I just read the label on the box. I am surprised they never looked themselves. But to make it up to you, may I interest you in some of my Chinese food? It is all natural. And healthy." And he proceeded to share his meal with the good little witch in red.

Back at the Prince household, Rianne had just finished talking with Bossybelle the cow and Minnie Mouse and was preparing to fix herself a lunch, when there came a knock at the door. Upon opening the door, she saw Wile E. Coyote and Mighty Mouse standing there. "What can I do for you gentletoons?"

Mighty Mouse replied, "This is rather embarrassing, Mrs. Prince, but could we trouble you to borrow your husband's drill? We are trying to repair a house further down the street and we had a little accident with the toon drill."

Wile E. wasn't naked today as he usually appeared in the cartoons; instead, he was dressed in home repair overalls with a red flannel shirt and a paint-splotched white cap.

Rianne nodded her head. "Why certainly, boys. Let me show you where Leon keeps his tools." And she led them into the two car garage where the work bench was located.

When lunch period came at the high school, Gerard and Arnie saw each other briefly before Gerard sat at a table with Fenmire Rat and three other cartoon boys... two dogs and a pudgy weasel. Arnie sat with Jack, Connor, and Parker and quietly explained how he and Principal Dum both had warned Gerard about Fenmire, yet he was still palling around with him and that worried Arnie a lot. Fenmire and his friends talked for a while as Gerard shared his lunch with them. When lunch period ended, Gerard, Arnie, and Jack all headed to Coach Winslow's P.E. Class. Standing in the center of the gymnasium was a slightly older toon anthro white tailed buck deer with a coach's cap on his head and a whistle on a chain around his neck.

Gerard walked over to him and said, "Are you Coach Winslow?"

The toon buck deer turned to face Gerard. "That's who I am. You must be Gerard Prince, the councilman's son. I heard you and your friend took my class. What's on your mind?"

Gerard replied, "While my friend is interested in tennis, I would like to try out for the Toonium City softball team."

Coach Winslow replied evenly, "Don't take this the wrong way but I'd be afraid that the opposing softball team would hurt you if you were on our team. They're toons, as you know, just as our team is, and that means that they can take some extraordinary damage that I am sure you cannot sustain as a real world human."

He frowned. "But Oslo told me the other night-"

Coach Winslow cut him off, saying, "You met Oslo Otter? Really?" His attitude and expression seemed to instantly change regarding the young man. "Of course you can try out for the team, Gerard, but don't get your hopes up. Like I said, the positions are filled this year. But we will give you a try, that's for sure."

Gerard just had to ask before he headed off to get dressed for class, "How is it that you know Oslo?"

Blushing deeply, the toon buck deer shifted from one cloven hoof to the other. "Er, I would rather not talk about it. Now run along, please."

He was really wondering what hold Oslo had over people, as he got dressed out for P.E.

In the locker room, Jack Roo whispered to Gerard, "Ah know about what yas asked Coach Winslow, mate, but it will cost yas for me to tell yas. Just promise to do me a favor at a later date and Ah'll tell yas what yas want to know."

Gerard whispered back, "I promise. So what's the big secret?"

Jack detailed an embarrassing date between the otter and the coach which ended in compromising sex... which resulted in an apologetic otter and a crying buck deer. Then he took a stab at Arnie's concern. "Gerard, please listen to me... Fenmire Rat will lead yas into trouble yas won't easily get out of. 'e is known to 'ang out with less than savory characters outside of school. Arnie is worried about yas, so Ah 'ope Ah am getting through to yas before yas end up in trouble."

With a sigh, Gerard replied, "I appreciate your warning. But sometimes I can see the good in people. Even though Fenmire may have proven to be like that before, I think I might be able to help him get his life back on the honest track. I have to try, don't you see? If it is impossible and it proves to be that way, then I'll focus on other friends. You are sweet to tell me about this, Jack. And a very handsome kangaroo. You will make some sheila very happy someday... or some boomer if you are into that side of the fence." He winked.

Soon after, Gerard, Arnie, and Jack joined the other boys on the court where they did their exercises and did laps around the gym. This was followed by some basketball where everyone got to see just how awesome a kangaroo on the court with a basketball was. His hang time was breathtaking. In he meantime, Gerard couldn't get Coach Winslow and Oslo out of his mind but he did feel sorry for both of them. When P.E. ended, Gerard and Arnie got back into their normal clothes again and they headed off to Toon Physics which was being taught by Pepe Le Pew, that famous toon skunk from the Warner Brothers set. But the class Gerard was actually looking forward to was the last hour's class where he would get to spend some time with Fenmire.

"Students," started the famous skunk with the French accent. "We have two real boys in our class this year. Gerard Prince and Arnie Domingo from the Prince household. I think it would be very interesting if these two managed to ace our Toon Physics class." He walked to their desks and handed them their class text books. "I am always very happy to meet new students as cute as you two." He gave both of them a deep kiss on the mouth before returning to the front of the room.

Gerard was blushing from the male kiss like that but Arnie playfully swatted the skunk's butt with one hand as Pepe started to walk back up the aisle.

"There will be time for that... later, eh mon cheri?" He winked with a smile. "Now, let us open our text books to Chapter One where we will discuss what Toon Physics are and why humans from Earth often get hurt by them when they could otherwise simply enjoy them like the rest of us."

What followed was perhaps a fun and funny class with live examples involving toon physics in actual use. The two human boys were really enjoying the class a lot because it didn't feel like a normal class at all; it was more like being at the circus instead.

When the class ended, Pepe said, "I won't assign you boys any homework for a week so you can get used to the school. After the teachers meeting ends, you will both be getting homework."

Arnie gave Pepe a firm hug and whispered to him, "I like you a lot, sir. Any time you need a boy to pet your fur, let me know." He winked as he returned the kiss he got earlier.

Gerard grinned. "You know how to make a class fun, Mr. Le Pew. I can't wait to attend another one tomorrow."

Gerard met up with his toon rat friend at their shared locker just before the start of the last class of the day. Fenwick grinned. "You ready for the last class?" Gerard grinned back. "I sure am!" The toon rat then asked, "Did any of the teachers assign you with any homework your first day here?" The human boy replied, "No they didn't. They said I could wait until the Monday after the teachers meetings before receiving homework like everyone else. And Pepe le Pew was a riot as the Toon Physics teacher."

Fenwick giggled. "Good. Then you can leave your books in the locker. You won't be needing any for the last class. I hope you like field trips, because all last hour classed, like our P.I. Sciences, take place away from the school. Every single day. It's almost like getting out of school an hour earlier than any other school."

Gerard was excited! "Wow! I can't wait to see our class, then!"

And the two headed off and joined the others under a teacher called Professor Stromboli. The class group left the school, piled into a minibus and drove out to the docks on the nearby Lake Ecric. Once at the docks, they left the minibus and boarded a ferry boat where it sailed over to a lone dock at the base of island with high bluffs. As they got off the boat, the professor said, "Find the three natural items pictured in these sheets I am giving you. And boys... stay near the beaches. I don't need to remind you that we lost a few boys out here a few years ago and the Toon Authorities still haven't been able to locate them. I'll wait here at the boat. You have until sundown to find the items. Starting....now!" Fenwick and Gerard tore off across the beachhead and around the far end.

Once they were out of sight of their teacher, Fenwick slowed to a walk and said, "Told you he was cool! And now we literally have the rest of the afternoon to do whatever we like and still get good grades for doing so!"

Gerard was leaning against the stone wall of the bluff. "I forgot to ask this earlier but where exactly are we?"

Fenwick grinned as he gave Gerard a gumball and then he started chewing one of his own. "This place? Oh, this is Pleasure Island; you know... from Pinocchio." He then held Gerard's arms firmly as he continued. "But don't worry... the place has been closed down for centuries. And besides... the only donkey boy I know is Lampwick." He winked at Gerard as he said that. Gerard had been about to freak out when he finally learned what P.I. meant but upon the mention of the famous donkey he was excited and smiling again.

"THE Lampwick is still around?"

Fenwick grinned as he nodded his muzzle. "Yeah, he's the leader of the candle lighter choir's club."

The human boy was excited over the prospect of meeting the famous donkey. "When do I get to meet him?"

The toon rat chuckled. "We could go meet him right now if you wanted. But we have to be careful. This is Pleasure Island, as I told you. And its power still works. As long as you don't make an ass out of yourself, you will be safe. Think you can hold yourself in reserve while doing that?"

Gerard bobbed his head up and down; he was very excited to get to meet the famous, but not so well known, Lampwick of Pleasure Island. "Let's go!"

Fenwick grinned. "Remember what I told you and you won't end up braying. Now, follow me and try to keep it quiet. We don't want the professor to know where we're going."

"If we get caught," he said. "I'll just say I got too curious for my own good and you stopped me before anything bad could happen. You'll end up looking like a hero... and that might get Principal Dum off your tail."

The two silently headed inland, via a route that only the club members knew about and soon, Fenwick and Gerard were walking along inside of the now closed carnival high atop Pleasure Island. Gerard glanced around at all the broken machinery and shattered windows and doors. "What a mess. Maybe I should come back on a weekend and volunteer to clean up around here and do some repairs. Do you think Lampwick would like that?"

Fenwick giggled. "I don't know if he would but I know the island would like it."

Gerard arched an eye. "The island would like it? How do you mean?"

Fenwick grinned again. "I told you... the island still has it's powers. It's literally alive. And it loves to have people take care of it. And it also loves to have donkeys upon it. And that's why you have to be careful."

Gerard said, "Before I had heard of QC Planet, I had always thought that Pleasure Island was just a fairy tale. But now I am really glad to actually have the chance to visit the place safely and to meet the famous Lampwick. Is there anything you should tell me about him so I don't get the wrong impression?"

Fenwick smirked. "He's more responsible in actual life than you might have read about him in the story or seen in the Disney movie. But he does like to make boys happy. It is sorta his job. And of course, there is our club that you will soon be an official member of."

Gerard couldn't help being hyper. Meeting Lampwick was like the ultimate dream of every boy out there on the whole Earth. Who wouldn't want to meet the boy who originally took Pinocchio with him to Pleasure Island and having all manner of abandoning fun? Eventually, Fenwick led Gerard into a dark building that smelled like a stables for donkeys. Just after entering the darkened insides of the stable building, Fenwick said toward where he thought Gerard was standing, "Watch your step, cause I don't want you to get-"

And before he could finish speaking, something leaped on Gerard from behind knocking him forward unto the wet slick and sticky ground of the stall before him.

In a way, he was glad he couldn't see what he had landed in... on the other hand whatever had tackled him was still on top of him and had an incredible grip as it held him in place with something unspoken pressing hard into his back side.

"I got him, Lampwick!" said the being on top of Gerard. "Want me to donkefy him?"

Fenwick finished his sentence a little too late. "-hurt. Hey! Don't you dare change Gerard! I brought him here to join Lampwick's club! Besides, his dad is the new city councilman in Toonium City!" At that moment, Lampwick stepped out of the shadows directly in front of Fenwick.

"You know it isn't safe to bring a human boy in here during the daylight hours." He then glanced through the darkness where his donkey companion was atop the human boy, holding him down. "If the boy promises to play with you then you can't donkefy him. But if he refuses... accidents happen."

Gerard shouted, "I PROMISE, already! Sheesh! Is this how you treat new joiners to the candle lighters choir club?"

Lampwick grinned slyly as he turned a gaze at Fenwick and whispered, "Is that what you told him?" Fenwick whispered back, "I had to tell him something. He was a sexy stud just like you described. Besides, he asked his parents for permission to join our 'choir', so it was the best story to use." Lampwick lit a lantern and looked at the other donkey boy on top of Gerard. "All right, Wilwick... get off of the nice boy. You've made him accidentally mess up his clothes."

Wilwick was still holding Gerard down. "You mean I don't get to keep him?"

Gerard was starting to get a little miffed. "Please get off of me. My pants feel wet. Did you tinkle on me or something?"

Wilwick slowly got off of Gerard and looked at the boy's jeans. Sure enough, the entire back side was dark and wet. "I'm sorry, Gerard. I guess I wasn't dry yet from my bath before I pounced you."

Gerard was upset now. "My parents are gonna kill me! Look at my clothes! I'm a mess front side and back! They'll never let me have outings like this again!"

Lampwick exclaimed, "Oh yes they will; you're on QC Planet. So what you'll tell them is that one of the other students enthusiastically pounced you during the field trip and you were knocked into a pile of doo and when you tried to get up you fell in it. All you gotta do is lie and everything will be fine. Just don't make it sound too fantastic and they will believe you. Trust me. Do this for us and you're in the club. I am sure their day was more fantastic than yours."

In the meantime, Arnie arrived for his class field trip with his teacher, an empowered hero from Meta Star City. Overcat was a large cartoon feline with muscles. On TV, he was known as Abyssios Feliston but when he was suited up in his hero costume, he wore purple tights and a yellow cape. "Looks like all of my students are here. We will be heading to Meta Star City where a Union approved escort outing will occur. You will be educated in the basics of hero activities while learning what the right way to do things are and what the wrong ways are."

He then handed out union schedules to all of the students and then they departed the school aboard a minibus and they soon arrived in Meta Star City where Overcat led the students on foot along a planned and approved route. "We don't get too many real world humans in a class like ours." He was speaking to Arnie but in truth since the Prince family were the first real humans allowed on QC Planet, there had never been real humans in Overcat's class.

After a few moments, Arnie pointed toward an alleyway. "Overcat? What is that mouse guy with the large glasses and the clipboard doing? Is he a villain?"

Chuckling, the super feline replied, "That is one of the union judges, Arnie. Their job is to monitor what empowered heroes and villains are supposed to be doing during a scheduled day. That was a good spotting though. Knowing how to spot a union judge is very important and finding one can help you to resolve problems. As for what he is watching, let me take a look." And he focused his super vision in that direction for a few moments. "Uh oh... remember how I said that these guys can help you when you need it? Well, they can also be your worst enemies when you are breaking the rules during other people's union schedule scripted outings. Scripted outings are usually being filmed for a TV show. And there are rule breakers beyond where he is standing and they will all end up on report for their participation."

Before Overcat could say anything more, Arnie went over to the union judge and... much to the super feline's shock... the boy gave the mouse guy a hug before letting go and returning to the class group. Of course the union judge did glance toward Overcat's group briefly, then he was again focused on the rule breakers once again. He hadn't said a thing, at that moment, but Overcat was sure he would be hearing from that judge after the class ended. He just didn't know if the words would be good or bad. Usually, no one ever hugged a union judge.

"Why did you do that, Arnie?" asked Overcat clearly nervous about the incident.

"Because he was cute. And he is doing a great service for the union. You said so and I wanted to show him that his efforts were appreciated. Did I do something wrong that I wasn't supposed to? He isn't contagious or something, is he?"

The purple hero rolled his eyes toward the sky. "Most people are afraid of the union judges."

Arnie didn't get what the issue was. "If it helps, I can go apologize to him. But he was very handsome in my opinion."

Lupa-Vega's afternoon was spent at the nearby Montrocol Mall, the mecca shopping center shared between The SUM in Wonderland and Montrocol in Montropolis. And if she thought it couldn't get any zanier than The SUM, she was wrong; there were anime characters, toons, Digimon, Pokemon, and Mobians all doing their own thing all over the complex. And that didn't even include all of the college students who didn't have afternoon classes on that particular day. "Where are you taking me, Tigra?" she asked as Persephone and April tagged along as well.

Tigra smiled back at the real world human female. "You need a new outfit, naturally. And one of our friends has a part time job here in the mall. Wait until you meet him; he is out of this world but very stylish. Even Spike knows this guy so you don't have to worry about your toon jackal getting jealous."

"I don't mind a new outfit, but I prefer to wear clothes that look good with a motorcycle," Lupa replied. "Just remember that I am not a little girl at six feet tall. Although I've always wanted a pair of black leather Go-Go boots and a black leather jacket. I don't go for frilly things."

Persephone chuckled. "You need to live a little, Lupe."

She then came to a stop which just about yanked Tigra off of her feet cartoon style. "Ladies... it isn't too late for me to change dorms, you know. Don't be telling me how to live my life. Rex did that and please recall what I did to him when he got forceful. I probably can't break your arms but I will bet anything that Turpentine would work."

April pulled Lupa-Vega aside and looked at her. "The sorority sisters often forget themselves and try to enforce their way. I think you look good in hot pants but you do need something more formal for college dances and social events. You can't just walk in like you came from a drag race. And that's why we need to go see Farrel Fabulous. Not his real name but... you might find him... funny. At least give him a chance. He has a good fashion eye."

Spike then walked passed the ladies with several of his male college friends. "I could have told you girls what my Lupe was like. You don't tell her what she wants; she tells you what she wants and you deal with it or you don't." He then chuckled as he continued walking with his friends.

Moments later, the college boys walked into Farrel's Kiosk Boutique which was located almost in front of an actual fashion outlet. "Hey Farrel; I'm here to pick up my order and I bring you a ladies warning... Sigma Phi Delta is trying to bring my Lupe to see you today. They are not finding the task to be an easy one. She's into hot pants and leather."

With a smile, the flamboyant gay anime male with neko ears and tail handed Spike his package and accepted the payment. "Your Lupe sounds like a special lady. There is no rush. But everyone learns eventually that they have to come to me to become Farrel Fabulous. It is only a matter of time, gentlemen. I did hear about her team up with the mayor in front of the college yesterday. Trust me, though... Lupa-Vega will come to me in her own time. And come to me she shall. No one else can do what I do with fabric."

Spike grinned at Farrel. "She can be dangerous. But that is part of why I love her."

At Toonium City Hall, the council began filing out of the building and began to go their separate ways. "Hey Scooby Doo! Wait up!" Leon ran up and slowed to walk beside the famous Great Dane. "I need to talk to you about a few important things... in private. And this is the first time I've had to speak to you singularly today."

Scooby Doo chuckled. "If this is about your kiss with bunny boy, everyone knows that Bugs is all the time kissing on somebody; it's in his contract. But if this is about Simba putting the fear of himself into Bugs while we were all in the bathroom, that's another story."

"He did that?"

"Simba has been rather... uptight lately," said the Hanna-Barbara canine star. "Ever since he and Nala broke up, he really hasn't been himself. I can't tell you more than that."

Leon thought about that with a hum as they walked. "Fortunately, he isn't what I wanted to talk to you about. I was going over the projects folder and I wanted to ask you what the Municipal Canine Pool was. Since you are the only canine on council, I figured you were the one to ask about it."

"The MCP is a charity project to benefit underprivileged canine youths in our city who wouldn't otherwise get to have a nice park they could call their own. The pool isn't the only activity there. There will be a park, bone hunts, and even cafeteria and training facilities for those poor young dogs. Even a class room. So you see, it is a very important project that will help hundreds of canines of that nature. I know the title is a bit misleading because it says 'Pool' but we didn't want to call it a Dog Park because that is so degrading."

Leon nodded his head as he scratched Scooby's ears for a moment, then he caught a glimpse of the sidewalk back behind them. "Scooby? What side of town does Simba live on?"

"The Southeast side, of course, and we're heading Southwest toward my neighborhood," he replied. "Why did you ask that?"

"Because he is following us."

Scooby Doo stopped and turned around and sure enough... about five cars back he saw Simba trying to be sneaky about it. And failing because of his size. "SIMBA! YOU DO NOT LIVE IN THIS DIRECTION! YOU GET YOUR BUTT HOME THIS INSTANT OR ELSE I'LL HAVE THE UNION DOCK YOUR PAY AND I'LL HAVE DOCTOR WARNER GIVE YOU A MEDICAL NOW INSTEAD OF IN THREE MONTHS!!"

The shout was loud but it had the desired affect as Simba turned tail and ran off at a galloping gait and around the corner.

Scooby Doo took a short breath then released it as he turned to look at the human man. "Now I believe you. He is definitely up to something."

The front door to the Prince household opened as Arnie walked in by himself. "I'm home, Mrs. Prince! Is Gerard back yet?"

Rianne emerged from the kitchen with Sylvester the Cat. "Wasn't he with you at school, Arnie?"

"The entire school has a strange set of last hour classes that involve a field trip to someplace around QC Planet. I took a class called Hero Basics and the teacher, the hero from TV called Overcat, took us all to Meta Star City for two hours. Gerard took a class called P.I. Sciences, which is a geology and botany class involving rocks and plants that grow around-"

Sylvester cut him off. "-Pleasure Island. That is Professor Stromboli's class. He keeps a careful eye on all of the students who go with him and he usually makes sure all of them return on the ferry boat with him. He's only missed a student twice in his entire career of the last four years and that's only because in one case the student fell asleep just out of sight, no harm done there... and another time when a storm rushed in and the boy couldn't get back to the boat in time, but he wisely used his cellphone to call emergency extraction services."

"The island is supposed to be in Lake Ecric north of the city," said Arnie. "but since his class location was closer than mine was, I just figured that he was back by now."

Rianne looked at the Warner Brothers black feline for a moment. "How long is the professor's class, Sylvester?"

"All field trip classes start at 2:30 PM and most end at 4:30 PM," he replied. "But Stromboli's class lasts until 5:30 PM because each class involves a scavenger hunt for three pictured items on pages handed to the boys. So searching for those items sometimes takes a little longer than usual. Thus, Gerard's class lasts three hours instead of two. On one hand, if you don't trust your son to play it safe, he is carrying his cellphone; you said so; you could just call him. But earlier you were telling me how trusting and honorable your son was."

"Sylvester is right, Arnie," she said. "I do trust Gerard and if I called him to check up on him it might make him think that he is in trouble. It is five right now. Leon will be home at six. If Gerard isn't home by the time Leon comes home, then I will call him to make sure he is okay. He has never missed a deadline before."

That is when Arnie chose to say something about Gerard's new friend since Sylvester likely knew something about it. "Gerard made friends with a toon swamp rat named Fenmire and he's been chumming around with him nearly all day. Everyone at school says that this rat is big trouble. Even Principal Dum said as much."

Sylvester made the self same ugh expression that everyone else always made when hearing about this toon rat. "Principal Dum is NOT wrong. Fenmire Rat is one of the worst ones out there. There are several boys currently missing because they made friends with Fenmire. And if Gerard is with this rat then he might be in danger."

That upset Rianne a lot, but before she could make the call herself, the telephone rang. She went over and picked up the receiver. "Prince Residence." She listened. "Gerard? We were just talking about you. Are you okay?" She quietly listened again. "Your class partner left with another student and... you fell in what? Okay, I'll tell them." She then hung up.

"Well?" asked Arnie in anticipation.

"He said another student enthusiastically pounced him as he was bent over what looked like a mud hole to pick up one of the scavenger items and he was knocked into... it wasn't mud; it was a pile of... that is... he fell in a pile of shit and messed up his clothes. He can't wait to get home to take a bath, he said. He never mentioned Fenmire Rat though."

Arnie had an incredulous look on his face... then he started laughing. "The only blunder I made during my field trip was that I hugged a union judge. But he was a cute mouse dude."

Sylvester narrowed his eyes at what Arnie thought was funny but then he cringed at the mention of a union judge. "Eek. Union judges are really strict people. They watch over everyone and everything when you are clocked in... as in on duty and in front of the camera. It is said that they can be your best friends or your worst enemies. They scare me. One time Tweety got on the bad side of one of these judges and... he learned the hard way why you stay on their good side. Suspension from screen work for a week without pay."

"I only hugged him to show that I appreciated the job he did for the union," said the boy. "I didn't know until Overcat overreacted that I probably shouldn't have done that."

"You likely gave the large super feline a heart attack when you hugged that judge."

At that moment the telephone rang yet again and Rianne picked up the receiver. "Prince residence... Leon?" She then listened to his message. "You are over at Scooby Doo's house and Simba is acting funny? You want me to do what?" She listened. "Let me check. Hold on." She put the receiver on the counter then she entered the kitchen, picked up her stainless steel rolling pin and she sneaked over to the back door and flung it open as she swung the rolling pin like a club. POW!

Simba who had been trying to listen at the back door of the house looked dazed as he fell straight down on the ground.

Rianne then came back in and picked up the receiver once again. "You better send Doctor Warner over with a lion king sized straitjacket. Simba has tiny canaries spinning around his head. I beaned him good. He was trying to eavesdrop at the back door just like you suspected. What is wrong with that feline?" She listened again. "Okay, honey. See you later."

Arnie waited for the receiver to be back in the cradle before he asked the question. "Gerard never mentioned you played women's baseball, Mrs. Prince. When did you do that?"

"When I was Lupe's age, of course," she said. "Gerard and Leon have until 6:30 PM now. Leon said he was discussing a council project with Scooby Doo. Some charity thing."

Sylvester smiled. "Oh! It must the Municipal Canine Pool for underprivileged canines of the city! It is a great idea!"

That night in the Prince household, Gerard took a nice long bath while his dirty clothes were being washed. Arnie sat beside the tub still as clean as before.

"Your clothes smelled awful, Gerard," he said as he watched his friend wash himself. "I was really worried about you. I can't believe Fenmire left with another student and then that other student pounced you like that. Was he heavy?"

"Well he wasn't plushy cute like First Mate Lonepaw...." Gerard paused when he realized what he said. "Dammit! I am trying to put that lapine out of my mind and it keeps coming back super strong! I've been having naughty dreams about Redears' first mate and I can't make the thoughts go away. It is driving me crazy, Arnie."

"So that is why you've been so distracted today!" he exclaimed. "When did these invasive thoughts start?"

Gerard rinsed the shampoo out of his hair. "Early this morning just before I woke up. In the dream, he and I were in bed together and he was showing me just how flexible he could be. He was calling me 'love' and he was kissing me... and stuff..." He suddenly looked sick from the thought of what was happening in that dream. "That is why I had an erection this morning."

"You don't think this is Redears' newest attack on us, do you?" asked Arnie as he held the towel. "I mean, we haven't heard a peep out of him and his crew since we left Earth."

"We took the shortcut at Animation Park," said Gerard with a smile. "He couldn't fit that fat ass ship of his through the Transportal. So he would have to travel the long route to find us here on QC Planet. Commander Rabbit said we had a week before we would see her again. Unless Redears has a faster ship than she thinks then we have a week to prepare."

Arnie smiled. "She is a good kisser, isn't she?"

Gerard smiled dreamily. "Clean mouth and fresh breath. Very good kisser." He sighed happily. "I wonder if that's what Lupa's first kiss was like?"

"Um, no... she kissed Rex, remember?"

Both boys mock shivered. "Eww!" Then they started laughing.

"On the off chance that your involvement with Fenmire Rat is due to the Lonepaw dream you have been having, then that would definitely explain why you can't see how sneaky he is being toward you since when you look at Fenmire, you are actually seeing Lonepaw. True or false?"

Gerard had to think about that one. "You know what? That is highly possible explanation. I can't get the First Mate's image out of my mind at all. Hand me that towel."

In the family den, Leon and Rianne discussed what Gerard had told them about the outing itself.

Mr. Prince asked, "So do you believe what he told us?"

Mrs. Prince replied, "What kind of question is that? Gerard has never lied to us before and he looked us straight in the eye when he told us what happened. Unlike Lupa does when she's trying to cover something up. I believed his story. Besides... we are the only humans in the whole region. A little enthusiastic pouncing is to be expected. We're lucky it was just poop and not an anvil or tar and feathers or even being painted to look like a skunk."

Leon hummed. "I don't know. I know Gerard has never lied to us before, but this time... it just seems like he's covering up for someone else. I hate to be suspicious, but after my day in council, I think I'm entitled to be a little suspicious."

Rianne asked, "So what happened in council this morning?"

He replied, "Daffy Duck passed wind, and then, the fire department arrived in response to the four alarm fire that was on Daffy's tail feathers and... Are you sure you want to know how my day went? It gets worse after that especially with Simba acting suspiciously all day long."

She grinned as she folded her arms over her chest. "If Gerard had your day and he came home and told you that story, would you have believed him?"

Leon started to reply but then he realized that he had lost the argument yet again. "I see what you're saying, honey. My day sounded more made up than his story. So we should believe whatever he tells us to a degree."

Rianne grinned. "We're on QC Planet, Leon. My day wasn't all that believable. Bossybelle the cow and Minnie Mouse arrived to chat with me, then around lunch time Wile E. Coyote dropped by with Mighty Mouse to ask if they could borrow your drill. Then this afternoon, Top Cat and Sylvester chased Tweety across our lawn and into the neighbor's septic tank. Sylvester stopped himself so he didn't fall in. He spent the rest of the afternoon with me until Arnie came home from School. So a little story about falling in poop is completely believable to me. It could have been a lot worse."

"Worse than Simba in a straitjacket?"

"You weren't here when Dr. Warner injected him with that syringe full of drugs."

After Gerard's bath ended, he got dressed in clean clothes and together with Arnie, they headed out to the back hill to gaze at the stars and wait for Oslo Otter to arrive. For an instant, they thought they saw Superman and the Human Torch fly over. Yes, living on QC Planet was certainly going to take getting used to. Suddenly a near naked familiar toon otter sat in Gerard's lap and hugged him; it was Oslo. "You're in my spot again, boys. But I don't mind a bit."

While Arnie giggled, Gerard smiled and hugged Oslo in return, playing with his tail a little. "Coach Winslow said he would give me a tryout this Saturday but not to keep my hopes up. He said all of the positions were already filled."

Oslo said, "If you don't get on the team, Gerard, come on back to me and I'll teach you some martial arts."

Arnie grinned. "Gerard and I know martial arts already. But his mom doesn't know that. She will only let him do softball. Although the whole family plays miniature golf."

"He's right, Oslo, but we can always learn more for the stuff we will be involved in starting next week."

The otter giggled but then he got serious as he looked directly at Gerard. "One warning is all I am going to give you... please stay away from Fenmire Rat. Not because he is trouble; his brother is actually a nice guy. But there is an investigation currently going on regarding the boys he made friends with whom he won't acknowledge knowing now. I don't want anything bad to happen to you through your involvement with him. And if you have to be around him, make damned sure you have a witness watching you guys."

Arnie released a slowly breath. "We have been giving him that warning all day long, Oslo, but in Gerard's defense, he has been distracted by a lapine villain who Gerard cannot get out of his thoughts now. I don't know if you know of this space pirate lapine but his name is Lonepaw."

"I have heard of Lonepaw," said the toon otter dryly. "He always wanted to serve aboard a space cruiser and he got in with the wrong crowd who used him as a cabin boy, if you catch my drift." He made the eyebrow movements when he said that part. "Then Captain Redears bought him from the other space sailors and Lonepaw was promoted to First Mate although... he is sometimes still used for his flexible bedroom services. The poor guy... I actually feel sorry for him. If only someone nice could rescue him. They would have a friend for life."

Gerard shot a look at Arnie who returned the agreeing look to his friend and partner. He was now thinking, Perhaps these dreams I've been having about Lonepaw is the only way he knows for calling someone for help. He knows he's stuck and he needs us to save him. Now I feel guilty for trying to put him out of my mind. I have to help him.

Arnie remarked, "Thanks for telling us that, Oslo. We might know of someone who can help Lonepaw get free."

Oslo smiled. "Freeing that lapine won't be an easy job but if your friends can do this they will have my respect."

At The SUM in Wonderland at that moment, Lupa-Vega was meeting with someone in private after hours. As she held still for the tape measuring ribbon, she was saying, "Thanks for agreeing to meet up with me after dark, Farrel. I swear... the sorority girls absolutely have no tact when it comes to shopping. Just remember... I go for the dark look. Aside from that, what can you come up with that will impress me?"

_ "Something that won't rip when you are doing martial arts, for one..." _ he then said aloud, "Leave it to me, Lupa, for I alone can create a statement from any request. The dark look is all find and dandy, but it won't really impress unless it sparkles in the light. And I think I have something that is perfect for that. And it will still look as fashionable as any other outfit you own. Spike told me earlier that you also go for motorcycles. Have you had a chance to go check out the Biker Mouse Motorcycle Museum in Japanopolis? It's worth a look."

"As in the Biker Mice from Mars? Now those cycles are really hot," she replied as she held still. "I can't wait to see them. In truth, I can go for any nice guy with a motorcycle as long as the guy isn't a jerk or a cad... like Rex Tralfazworth, that rotten bleepity bleeping ape of a bleep."

"All right, Lupa," he said. "I am done measuring you. With your height and your muscles, designing your new outfit will be a real challenge. But not nearly as challenging as the time I had to design an outfit for Oslo Otter in Toonium City. Now that is one flashy otter. Both boys and girls can go for him, if you catch my drift. That last part is his favorite saying."

"Does he own a motorcycle?"

"I don't think so."

"I'll pass then. No motorcycle; no Lupa-Vega," she said with a smile. "I guess I am the one who got away." She laughed. "When will this new outfit be ready?"

"I have a lot of back orders on my docket, but the earliest I can have your new outfit ready is in two weeks. And believe me... it will be dark, yet Farrel Fabulous!"

"If you want a challenge, Farrel," suggested Lupa with a grin. "Try designing an outfit for the mayor... the Red Queen. She isn't obese under the bell shaped dress. It is actually one of those old fashion bell shaped cages that holds her dress in that shape. I don't know how you would get her true measurements done but a clever boy like you could surely figure that one out. In the meantime..." She then petted on Farrel's feline ears. "your ears are really cute. Do you have a girlfriend yourself?"

Farrel smiled as he posed with his tape ribbon around his neck. "Oh no, Lupa... women are safe around me because I am gay." He smiled with a wink.

"No wonder the girls said I might like you; I don't have to worry about you trying to cop a feel on me."

At the Toonium City courthouse that night, Simba had been brought in by Dr. Warner to face the judge. "What do you mean the Prince's filed for a court order against me?" shouted Simba clearly upset and struggling in the straitjacket. "I see Leon Prince in Council every day. What is this about?"

"Simba, Mrs. Rianne Prince called me this evening and reported that you were harassing their household at all hours of the day and night. In fact, Sylvester the Cat was with her when she caught you being a peeping tom at the back door of their house. Dr. Warner confirmed that you were clearly unconscious in their backyard from the strike Mrs. Prince performed on you with the family rolling pin. She asked me to file a court order to prevent you from all Prince family matters except in the case of Council business and holidays. Otherwise, she is asking that you stay the Hell away from her family or else she will either move them BACK to Atticus Georgia OR she will douse your genitals with turpentine. She means business, Simba, and you had no reason being at their home tonight since Leon Prince was with Scooby Doo discussing the charity municipal project. Will you obey this court order or will thirty days in jail be more to your liking? Think this over carefully... she is upset with you."

Dr. Warner commented, "The look in her eyes prevented me from saying, 'Hello Nurse', upon seeing how pretty she was."

"I will stay away from their home," he slowly said. "Now will you please let me out of this straitjacket?"

The Warner doctor began unstrapping the straitjacket. "I hope you can keep your word, Simba. Mrs. Prince told me that their being in Toonium City was a one week only trial to see if SHE likes living here and if you make her stay a bad one, the family agreed to move with her BACK to Earth and there is nothing you can do about it."

"She said that? And the family agreed with her whiny plan?" Simba seemed amused by the whole thing. "I'll bet their daughter won't leave now that she's enrolled in college."

The court judge who happened to be a cat lord himself said, "The SUM is a fine college. The Red Queen will keep their daughter in line."

"I am not too sure of that," said Simba. "I heard a rumor that she and the mayor attacked and evicted a bunch of jackal motorcyclists off of campus when she first arrived there. This is a six foot tall lady with martial arts, your honor. She can break a man's arms."

Dr. Warner smirked. "I heard she already has."

Within his bed, Gerard was sitting in his pajamas while he held his journal in his lap and began writing in it.

Journal Entry: Day 08 / Month 03 / Year 201X; Monday...

My first day of school was interesting, to say the least. I made a few friends and struck a few deals. Fenmire Rat and Jack the Kangaroo, among others, have made this an experience to remember. Wilwick did pounce me and I think he enjoyed it a little too much. I didn't like having to fib to mom and dad about how I got messed up but even I am surprised on how quickly they believed me. Looks like Lampwick was right... mom and dad's day must have been so weird, that my little story sounded too tame to believe. But good old mom sided with me and she knows how to wrap dad around her little finger when she has to.

Although I miss Lupa-Vega already, I can't help but to wonder how it's going between her and Spike in college. Too bad The SUM is in the city of Wonderland but perhaps it's for the best that Lupe didn't get to see me smelling like a barnyard and looking like it too. It was bad enough that Arnie got to see and smell it.

Lampwick cleared me into the club but they didn't really tell me what the club did other than light candles. That sort of bothers me a little but I am sure I'll find out later this Saturday when Fenmire and I are doing community service work on Pleasure Island to repair and clean up things. Imagine a whole island being alive and liking to be cared for.

Sooner or later, I will have to get someone to tell us where... 'That Place' is. Principal Dum mentioned it to Fenmire but they never mentioned it again. Makes me want to go find out what 'That Place' is. Maybe I can do it next week during the teacher's meetings.

Tomorrow is another school day so I better sign off and see about counting some sheep so I can get some sleep.

As he put his journal away, he suddenly realized that he was not alone in his bedroom. Standing there looking at him were over one hundred numbered cartoon sheep. Their leader said, "Don't mind us. We're just doing our jobs. You just focus on sleeping."

Gerard rolled his eyes and got under the covers and replied, "Okay, start jumping, guys."

"1."

"2."

"3."

And so it went until Gerard was asleep.

Yes, it was certainly going to take some getting used to, but Gerard was officially on QC Planet. And even if he didn't get on the Softball team, he had certainly made some new friends.

End of Episode Two

Stay tuned for the next episode, The Lost Boys