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Terryville - Q.C. Planet

QCP: BG-01 AniSapien High By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 05/25/2006

Chapter 01

Gerard Prince was mad.

His dad was being transferred to a new branch office in an unheard of part of the country, and worse, Mr. Prince was moving the family with him. This wouldn't normally be such a horrible thing, but it couldn't have come at a worse time. Gerard had just earned his way on to the local softball team. And not just anyone could get into that.

So, here he sat... packing his belongings into boxes that his mom had picked up from the moving company. His friends all knew that his family was moving, and most sympathized with Gerard, but there was nothing they could do.

Gerard's older sister poked her head into Gerard's bedroom. "Taking it kinda hard, aren't you?"

Gerard lifted his head up at his usually wiser than thou sister, Lupa-Vega, and replied, "How come you're not pissed off with all this? Doesn't this ruin your credits toward that scholarship you were working on?"

Lupa-Vega smiled. "Mom and dad didn't tell you where we were moving to, did they? If you had known, you wouldn't be so mad. Not just anyone gets to move into that area."

Gerard arched an eye. "No, they didn't say... but I was pretty mad at the time and stormed up to my room. I just got on the softball team, Lupe. It just isn't fair."

Lupa-Vega smiled, patting Gerard's shoulder. "I know it isn't fair, but you'll soon be having more fun than you'll know what to do with on Q.C. Planet."

Gerard suddenly brightened. "Where? Q.C. Planet? But... I thought that was reserved for cartoon characters and such. Why are we being allowed in there?"

Lupa-Vega replied, "Dad got transferred into the Terryville city council. That's how come we can live there. I only hope we get into a quiet SANE neighborhood. I don't want to be awakened at 2:57 AM by a cartoon cat chasing a mouse through a circus parade."

Gerard had to laugh at that.

Lupa-Vega grinned. "See? I got you to smile. It's not so bad of a move, now is it? And I am sure they'll have a softball team of their own you can join. Think of the wacky new friends you'll make. Besides, you can always stay in touch with your old friends."

Gerard smiled. "Yeah, I can. Thanks for cheering me up, Lupe."

Lupa-Vega walked out of the bedroom saying, "I have to go help mom in the kitchen. Finish packing your gear, Gerard. I'll see you when you're finished." Lupa-Vega headed downstairs.

Gerard was still smiling. "Q.C. Planet... That might actually be fun."

End of Chapter 01

Chapter 02

The trip to Terryville was extremely boring.

Regular people weren't supposed to be able to live on Q.C. Planet. So this was sure to be a real eye opener for the cartoons already living there. The transition from reality to animated scenery through the entry Transportal was like those many scenes in Disney's Mary Poppins.

Gerard had been sadly watching the scenery go by, when suddenly, there was a horse galloping backwards as fast as the car was driving, directly beside the car itself. And there was a short cartoon cowboy trying to catch his horse. This got Gerard's attention immediately as he rolled down the window on the car and reached out, touching the animated horse.

The moment contact was made, the horse turned his head to Gerard and said, "You must be the new council member's family. They're waiting for you in front of the city hall in town. I'm Buckeye the Stallion, and I'm looking forward toward seeing you in school, kiddo." And with that, he continued on, galloping backwards ahead of the car, as if the vehicle was sitting still.

Gerard smiled. "The locals seem pretty nice, so far. I can't wait to meet some of the others."

Mr. Prince said, "You see? You were getting mad about moving too soon. You already made a friend and we're not even to town yet."

Gerard was excited now. And watching the new surroundings with interest.

A few moments later, the car pulled up to a stop in front of the city hall. And what Gerard had not been expecting was a celebration party for the Prince's arrival in Terryville! It looked like the whole city of Terryville had showed up for the party. And the council members... they were some of the most well known cartoons in history.

From the Disney set, Simba and Mickey Mouse presided. From the Hanna-Barbara set, Scooby-Doo and Yogi Bear presided. From the Warner Brothers set, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck presided. And from the Harvey-Toons set, Casper and Wendy presided.

These eight famous cartoon characters made up the standard Terryville city council. And now, Gerard's father was joining them... but why? Gerard still couldn't figure that one out.

Simba was saying, "As the head of the Terryville city council, I am proud to welcome you, the Prince family, to Terryville. The first non-cartoon humans to ever have been given the privilege to live among us."

Yogi then presented Mr. Prince with the key to the city, or a replica to the actual key, as Yogi explained it, and then, the feasting and partying commenced.

It wasn't until late that afternoon when the Prince family were able to pull into the driveway of their new house, which was on a private drive in one of the more upstanding and quiet neighborhoods. Gerard was glad to be at their new house.

End of Chapter 02

Chapter 03

That night, after a good dinner, Gerard was out behind the family property admiring the animated night time landscape. It was still hard to believe that they were being allowed to live on Q.C. Planet. They were certainly lucky. He wondered what school was going to be like. He recalled that Buckeye the Stallion said that he'd see Gerard in school, so apparently, the school was unlike any other, if cartoon animals were allowed to attend.

While Gerard sat there, he saw a cartoon bunny dash by in the distance. A few moments later, an anime styled Kitsune emerged from the bushes and looked around. He then saw Gerard and padded over to the human on the small hilltop.

"Pardon me, hon youngster...can you tell me where bunny-san dashed?"

Gerard hummed. "He zipped into that tall field of clover and vines. Are you going to eat him?"

The kitsune chuckled, as he patted Gerard on the head and gave him a gold coin. "He is not for my meal...but for my daughter." The kitsune departed, once again, and vanished into the clover and vines.

Gerard arched an eye, as he looked at the gold coin. "It's going to take some getting used to living here, that's for sure..." He pocketed the gold coin and got up to return to the house.

Standing directly behind where he'd been sitting was a male cartoon otter wearing a leather jacket and silver jewelry. "It is quite the view, isn't it? The name is Oslo. So you're the new kid..."

Gerard said, "Gerard Prince. You come here often?"

Oslo stepped passed Gerard about a foot and replied, "You might say that. I like to bring either my girlfriends or boyfriends up to this hill for a bit of fun. Especially at night. And I'd hate for you to get any funny ideas about claiming this particular spot. Because if you did... I might have to hurt you," He peered back over his shoulder at Gerard. "if you know what I mean..."

Gerard arched an eye. "A girlfriend, I could understand... but what do you mean by a boyfriend?"

Oslo lowered his dark shades and grinned. "You really don't know, do you? I'm a bisexual cartoon otter. That means I go both ways...if you catch my drift."

Gerard paled a little, as he frowned. "Um...I think I'm starting to get the picture. I'm sorry I intruded in on your spot...really I am..."

Oslo slowly turned to face Gerard fully. "I really think you are sorry, kid. Tell me something... what're your favorite sports?"

Gerard smiled a little. "Softball and martial arts, though mom will only let me do softball."

Oslo smiled, as he shook Gerard's hand with his extra warm paw. "In school tomorrow, ask Coach Winslow for a softball tryout. If he says no, mention my name. See you around, kid."

End of Chapter 03

Chapter 04

The next morning came sooner than Gerard had hoped. Inside the Prince household, it was like any other morning. Breakfast was being prepared, Gerard was emerging from the bathtub, Lupa-Vega was preparing for Acme Looniversity in nearby Wonderland, and Mr. Prince was sipping a hot cup of coffee while reading the morning paper. Or rather, trying to read the morning paper.

Trying was the better word to use because he was laughing as he read each news article.

Soon, Lupa-Vega and Gerard sat down at the table and had breakfast with their parents.

When breakfast ended, a male cartoon jackal on a motorcycle pulled up in front of the house and honked the horn. "Come on, Lupa! Your ride is here!"

Lupa smiled. "That would be Spike. I'll see all of you next weekend. Good luck in school, Gerard." And Lupa headed out the door, put on her helmet, and got on the motorcycle behind Spike. "Let's hit the road, Spike!"

Spike exclaimed, "You got it, babe!" And together, they sped off into the distance. VROOM!

Then, the school bus arrived out front and honked it's horn.

Mrs. Prince kissed Gerard and handed him his lunchbox. "I fixed your favorite, honey. As soon as you get to school, you're to check in with Principal Dum to get your class schedule sorted out. Have a good time, honey."

Gerard headed out the door and stepped aboard the school bus, where he saw a mish-mash of cartoon animals and 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.

At the next stop, a male anime rat, Gerard's own height that looked unwashed, boarded the bus and sat in the seat next to Gerard. When he saw the ordinary human, he turned toward Gerard and 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... "them."

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?"

End of Chapter 04

Chapter 05

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. "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 Terryville church every Sunday morning. Which is exactly what we do. Though 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 tapped in the number for 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. His father 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 hung up the cellphone.

Gerard then made the call to his mom, explaining the deal yet again, being wise to use the exact same words that he used to his dad. And she complied, as well, then 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."

End of Chapter 05

Chapter 06

Soon, they were getting off the bus and Fenwick escorted Gerard to 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. Bye." And Fenwick headed off to his locker.

Gerard knocked on the door, then walked inside.

Principal Dum was holding a magnifying glass and examining a piece of paper on his desk. "A clue. Right there."

Gerard giggled. "Um, Principal Dum? I'm Gerard Prince. I was told to report to you for my class schedule this morning..."

Scooby-Dum smiled at Gerard. "Well hush my mouth! Gerard! 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 Q.C. Planet. It's best if you can find your way around and know what mineral does what; Q.C. 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 4 classes occur in the morning. What other 3 would you like to take?"

Gerard replied, "I at least need to take a P.E. class with Coach Winslow, if that's possible. As for the other two... I'd like to take Toon Physics, so I 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. I'll show you which classes he's in, hour by hour, so you'll know what classes to avoid having to be with him in."

Gerard looked over the list, noting the last class of the day that Fenmire was in. "I'll take my last class of the day in P.I. Sciences. The teacher's name looks interesting." Gerard assumed that P.I. stood for Private Investigation, but was he ever going to find out how wrong he was.

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 Scooby-Dum was going to honor it. He handed Gerard a map of the school with his classes clearly marked, as well as his schedule.

As Gerard was coming out of the Principal's office, Fenwick walked up 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 Bambi eyed expression and trembling lip to Scooby-Dum. "P-p-please...?"

Scooby-Dum sighed. "Okay. You get one more chance to straighten up. But if you blow it this time, you're off to... That Place. Get the picture?"

End of Chapter 06

Chapter 07

After Fenwick showed Gerard where the locker was and taught him the combination to the padlock, the two parted company again until lunch period. It was at that time that Gerard sat at a table with Fenwick and three other cartoon boys... two dogs and a pudgy weasel. The four talked for awhile, as Gerard shared his lunch with the others, then it was off to classes once again.

When Gerard walked into P.E., he noticed a slightly older young buck cartoon deer with a coaches cap on his head and wearing a whistle around his neck. Gerard walked over to him and said, "Are you Coach Winslow?"

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

Gerard replied, "I'd like to try out for the Terryville 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, you know, just as our team is and that means that they can take some extra-ordinary damage that I am sure you can't take."

Gerard frowned, "But Oslo told me last night..."

Coach Winslow cut him off, saying, "You met Oslo last night? Really?" His attitude and expression seemed to instantly change concerning Gerard. "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'll give you a try, that's for sure."

Gerard just had to ask before he headed off to get dressed out for P.E., "Um, how is it you know Oslo?"

Coach Winslow blushed deeply, shifting from one cloven hoof to the other. "Er, I'd rather not say. Now run along, Gerard."

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

One of the other school boys, a cartoon kangaroo named Jack, whispered to Gerard, "Ah know about what you asked Coach Winslow... but it'll cost yas for me to tell yas, mate. 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?"

Some moments later, after having been told by Jack what was up, Gerard and the other boys did their exercises and ran laps around the gym and then, they played some basketball. Gerard couldn't get Coach Winslow and Oslo out of his mind, but he felt sorry for them.

After P.E., Gerard got dressed again and headed on to his next class. But the class he was actually looking forward to was the last hour's class, where he'd get to spend some time with Fenwick and the other guys he met during lunch period.

End of Chapter 07

Chapter 08

Gerard met with Fenwick 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!"

Fenwick then asked, "Did any of the teachers assign you with any homework your first day here?"

Gerard replied, "No, they didn't. They said I could wait until Monday before getting into receiving homework like everyone else. Pepe le Pew is a riot as a 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 the last class, P.I. Sciences, takes place away from the school. Every single day. It's almost like getting out of school an hour earlier than everyone else."

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

And the two headed off and joined the others under a teacher calling himself Professor Stromboli. The class group left the school, piled into a minibus, and drove out to the docks on the nearby Lake Ecric. There, they got off the bus and boarded a boat and 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 as he asked, "I forgot to ask this earlier, but where exactly are we?"

Fenwick grinned as he gave Gerard a gumball, and then, started chewing one of his own. "This place? Oh, this is Pleasure Island. You know... from Pinocchio." He held Gerard's arms, 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."

End of Chapter 08

Chapter 09

Gerard grinned again. "When do I get to meet him?"

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

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

Fenwick grinned. "You're mighty hyper. 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."

Gerard said, "If we get caught, 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 Q.C. 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. But he does like to make boys happy, still. It's 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.

End of Chapter 09

Chapter 10

Just after entering the darkened insides of the stable building, Fenwick said toward where he thought Gerard was, "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 backside.

"I got him, Lampwick!" said the one 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 Terryville!"

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 Gerard, holding him in place. "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 backside 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 Q.C. 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."

End of Chapter 10

Chapter 11

That night, at the Prince residence, Gerard took a nice long bath, while his dirty clothes were being washed. In the family den, Mr. and Mrs. Prince discussed what Gerard had told them about the outing itself.

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

Mrs. Prince replied, "What kind of question is that, Leon. 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 believe his story. Besides... we're 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 Prince hummed. "I don't know, Rianne. 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 Prince asked, "So what happened in council this morning?"

Leon 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?"

Rianne 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 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 Q.C. 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. So a little story about falling in poop is completely believable to me. It could have been a lot worse."

After Gerard's bath, he dressed in clean clothes and headed out on to the back hill to gaze at the stars. For an instant, he thought he saw Superman and the Human Torch fly over. Yes, living on Q.C. Planet was certainly going to take getting used to.

Suddenly, a near naked familiar otter sat in his lap and hugged him. It was Oslo. "You're on my spot again, Gerard. But I don't mind a bit."

Gerard smiled and hugged Oslo back. "Coach Winslow said he'd give me a tryout this Saturday, but not to keep my hopes up. He said all of the positions were already filled."

Oslo smiled. "If you don't get on the team, Gerard... come on back to me and I'll fulfill your other sports interest."

End of Chapter 11

Chapter 12

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

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

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 Looniversity is in the Wonderland region, but perhaps it's for the best that Lupe didn't get to see me smelling like a barnyard and looking like it too.

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 me 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 next Friday.

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 100 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 Q.C. Planet. And even if he didn't get on the Softball team, he had certainly made some new friends.

End of Chapter 12 End of Episode One: AniSapien High

Stay tuned for Episode Two: Carnival Cleanup