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**Terryville - Q.C. Planet

QCP: BG-08 Play Me, Play You By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 09/25/2007

Chapter 01**

Mrs. Leghorn handed out copies of the play to each person in her class room. "Auditions are this coming Saturday, students. If you want a part in this play, please show up then to try out for one of the roles."

Gerard sighed when he heard when the Auditions were. When Mrs. Leghorn got to his desk and started to hand him a copy of the play, he handed it back to her. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Leghorn. I can't show up on Saturday. I have a weekend job that I can't get out of. I am sure the others will have a lot of fun."

There were several "aws" from the other students and Mrs. Leghorn continued to hand out the play scripts to the other students, before returning to her desk.

"As you know, students," Mrs. Leghorn began. "Next month we will be casting for West Side Story. Gerard, I know about your weekend job, but if you could somehow arrange it with your guardian... please try to show up for the try-outs for that one. I'd like for everyone in the class to be in that play."

Suddenly, the hourly bell rang and everyone started getting up to so they could head to their lockers.

Mrs. Leghorn exclaimed, "Read chapters two and three, students and I'll see you either tomorrow at Performance Hall or on Monday!"

Gerard sighed, as he reached his locker and slowly put his books away, and pulled out his book for his last hour class. He was depressed that he wasn't going to be able to be in any of the school plays for his junior high school year.

At that moment, a furry hand landed on Gerard's shoulder. "With a look like that, even a dragon would hide behind a knight." It was Fenwick Rat. And he looked clean and well dressed for a change. He actually looked like he gave a damned about going to school and doing well for himself. He was very clean and had been staying out of trouble, reverently.

Gerard grinned slyly. "You look like a banker dressed like that. Who did you mug to get the clothes, Fenwick?" He winked.

Fenwick grinned back. "Flatterer! I'm just trying to impress Principal Dum by being good and working hard to live the good side of life. When I saw that someone good like you could tread the bad side and get away with it, I decided to try to live the good side... as repayment for your acting like me at the beginning of school. Not even I had ever purposely hired someone to cause the trouble you planned out and got away with. You impressed me, Gerard. And I am glad we're friends."

Gerard blushed to hear that Fenwick was impressed with him.

Fenwick then grabbed his books out of the locker. "See you after school."

End of Chapter 01

Chapter 02

After school, Fenwick and Gerard walked back toward Oslo's Gym in downtown Terryville. It was out of Fenwick's way to be going that way, but he wanted to walk Gerard home from school. And because Gerard now lived with Oslo Otter, his home was literally the lusty otter's studio apartment.

"Thanks for walking with me, Fenwick," said Gerard. "I'm sorry I don't get to see you on the bus any more."

Fenwick hugged Gerard. "You're my friend. That's all that counts. Thanks to you, I got my life turned around. Principal Dum says that he keeps expecting me to revert to my old self. But I have you to thank for making my life a better one. See you Monday in school, Gerard. I need to get going."

Gerard gave Fenwick a first time kiss on the whiskers, then he turned and walked into the City Gym. There were a few people working out there, of course. Most were now used to seeing Gerard Prince in the building and simply waved at him as he went by, heading toward the back stairs that led up to the studio apartment.

Oslo wasn't there... no actual surprise there, as the otter was always out and about lusting after some person or another.

Gerard entered his room and had just taken his backpack off when suddenly he was tackled from behind by a very small being! The force of being struck so hard flipped himself and the attacker over the bed and into the dirty clothes hamper on the other side! "What the Hell?!" he exclaimed, wondering what exactly hit him. Then he saw it. Sitting directly on his chest with both scruffs of Gerard's shirt collar in his paws was a very familiar devilmouse. "Zecma? How are you here and not stuck to Lord Mularri's lap?"

Zecma growled, "Never mind that! Now where is it, Gerard? I've searched your whole bedroom for it and I can't find it! Tell me where it is right now!"

Gerard blinked his eyes at the devilmouse. The absolute last time he saw Zecma was when the devilmouse was literally demon glued to Lord Mularri's lap in a very uncomfortable position. "Where is what? If you'll recall, when I left 'That Place', I was butt naked. I didn't bring anything home with me."

Zecma sighed, then hit Gerard's chin with his mini fisted paw. "The magic ring with most of my powers in it, of course! You told Lord Mularri to give it to you for Christmas and it's been 50 years in that realm... where I finally agreed to do the favors and deeds for Lord Mularri so he would release me! But when I asked about the ring with my most of my powers in it, he said he sent it to you for Christmas! Now I want it back! Where is it?!"

Gerard finally just sat up and grabbed Zecma in both of his hands and held him in front of himself, eye to eye. "Zecma... Time differences, remember? You said it was 50 years in Lord Mularri's Dark Realm of Donkey Glue. Well here in Terryville, it's only been a few weeks. In fact, it's still the same year, here, that I met you. Christmas here isn't for another few months. I haven't received the ring yet. If I had, I know a few things I would be doing with it and none of those things involve you."

Zecma blinked his eyes, flicking his tail a little, as he thought about Gerard's statement. "If you speak true, then... my Ring was sent Q.C. Time Courier Service to arrive at Christmas here in your world. Well... I'll just have to move in with you until it arrives then. I am not leaving without all of my powers. And that's that."

Gerard sighed. "Whatever... now if you don't mind, I have some homework to complete. It's bad enough that I am grounded."

End of Chapter 02

Chapter 03

Soon, Zecma was floating in mid air beside Gerard's work desk as Gerard worked on his homework. "Let me get this straight... you were in 'That Place' because you had arranged for it to happen to you and when they finally found a way to get you back out to Terryville, you were punished and grounded for a whole year?"

Gerard was writing the answer to a math problem. "Now you're up to date. My Sundays are claimed by the Pleasure Island fox that told me how to get into 'That Place' and that lasts every Sunday for a whole year. And for the self-same year, all of my Saturdays are claimed by my new guardian, Oslo Otter, who has put me to work running the City Gym every Saturday. And I have school the other days of the week. And worse... there's this high school play coming up that my teacher wants me to participate in, but I can't go try out for it because the try outs for the roles is done on a Saturday and I can't be in two places at the same time."

Zecma blinked his eyes, then slyly began to grin in that special way that was all his own. "You mean... you couldn't be in two places until I showed up."

Gerard looked at Zecma. "No, Zecma. I can't do that. Someone might see me and tell Oslo that they saw me away from the Gym on a Saturday, then I'd be in worse trouble than I am right now."

Zecma smiled. "No, no, Gerard. You can pull this off. And if anyone tells Oslo that you weren't here at the Gym, you'll have witnesses to say that you were here. And who is he going to believe more... the gossipers or the weightlifters?"

Gerard hummed, as he thought about it. "How would you pull off this feat? I didn't think you had your powers."

Zecma grinned. "I have a select few powers still. Total power drain is impossible and everyone is required to make a back up of their forms and their powers. I simply went to the ATM-ES machine and withdrew a weaker version of my powers so I had something to be able to come after my full powers with. Now, what I can do is temporarily give you the ability to duplicate yourself into two Gerards... early on a Saturday morning. One Gerard would run the Gym and the other Gerard would go to the try outs at the theater building. At the end of Saturday, say around Midnight, both Gerard's would merge back together and there would be no harm done. I am sure the play practice sessions are not on Saturdays and you would only have to do this duplication one time. And no one would be the wiser. So what do you say?"

Gerard hummed. "The try outs that I need to attend are not tomorrow. It's literally next month. But on that day... if you're still willing to help out... we'll try it. And I'll go you one better... if you continuously help me when I need it from now until Christmas then I'll give you the ring with your powers in it. Do we have a deal?"

Zecma exclaimed, "Contract Imp!" POOF! A Contract Imp appeared in the room, floating in mid air next to Zecma. "Gerard just pitched me an offer that I plan on accepting. I want this contract recorded and officially placed on the record."

The Contract Imp held up his clipboard and said, "I, Gerard Prince, have offered to Zecma a deal entailing Zecma's cooperation from now until Christmas, no matter what it is that I ask, and on Christmas Day, Terryville chronology, Zecma's reward will be the return of the ring that has all of his powers in it. Have I stated this contract correctly?"

Gerard nodded his head. "That's it to a tee. Totally correct."

Zecma said, "Then let it be struck to the record that I accept Gerard's offer and will now be under his employment."

End of Chapter 03

Chapter 04

That night, with Zecma hiding in Gerard's underwear, Oslo and Gerard had dinner. Gerard dropped Mrs. Leghorn's ultimatum on Oslo, point blank. "...and she said that she wanted the whole class, me included, to be in next month's play."

Oslo hummed. "What's the name of the play?"

Gerard replied, "West Side Story."

Oslo smiled. "I've always wanted to be in that play. But I never got the chance to play a part. I'd give anything to be able to play a role in that play, Gerard. You sure are lucky. If you and I could trade places, I'd do it in a heartbeat to be in that play."

Zecma began to grin slowly as a brand new idea crept into his mind. Oslo did say 'anything'. "Anything Granted!" Zecma exclaimed suddenly, his voice emitting from Gerard's groin.

And in the next mind boggling instant...

...Gerard and Oslo switched bodies!

And Zecma was now floating in mid air next to Oslo's body. "You did say you'd give 'anything', right Oslo?"

Oslo, who was now in Gerard's body, growled in Gerard's voice, "What in the Hell?! Zecma?! What have you done to us?!"

Gerard was now in Oslo's body and it felt really weird. "Um, why did you do this, Zecma? I didn't ask for this."

Zecma grinned. "Here's the rules, guys... Oslo said, in the presence of a Devilmouse, that he would give ANYTHING to be in that play. That simple statement is what we in the trade call a no-no."

Oslo growled, "Zecma! Undo this right now!"

Zecma chuckled, "I wish I could..."

Both Gerard and Oslo blinked their eyes simultaneously as Gerard asked, "Huh? Why can't you?"

Zecma replied, "Because Oslo offered the key payment of ANYTHING. It's in the rules. I can't reverse this spell with my diminished powers. Were I at full power, I could undo it in a heartbeat. But now... the only way to undo this is by fulfilling the ANYTHING contract. And as Oslo himself stated, he'd do ANYTHING to get into that play. So, when he performs in the play, and completes it, you both will switch back into your normal bodies. However... there is the rest of the payment of the ANYTHING. What I want, Oslo, is for you to unground Gerard. He doesn't have to work in your gym on Saturday any more. Affective the day AFTER West Side Story is performed... by YOU, Oslo."

Oslo sighed. "But I had a date tonight! How am I going to pull this off if I am not an otter?"

Gerard asked, "Who are you supposed to go out with, Oslo?"

Oslo looked directly at Gerard. "Your dad."

End of Chapter 04

Chapter 05

Gerard was a little apalled that Oslo was trying to date his father behind his mother's back. Instead of getting upset about it, he said, "I know my dad a little better than you do, Oslo. I'll uphold your date with him, pretending to be you. We can call this a favor in exchange for Zecma arranging for you to be in the play. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you that Zecma was here. But how is it that you knew who he was on sight? I never described Zecma to you when I told you how bad he was in 'THAT PLACE'. And the second you saw him, you said his name."

Oslo then blushed hard, giving Gerard a rare look at how he must look whenever he, himself, blushed. "Um, that is..."

Zecma seemed to catch on quick after seeing Oslo's reaction to Gerard's question. "Oh! How could I have not seen this before? I knew the name 'Oslo' sounded familiar. You used to be Oslo the Wyld Imp in 'THAT PLACE' , didn't you?"

Gerard arched an eye at the information revealed. "Is this true, Oslo? And please don't lie to me. Don't you think I deserve to know?"

Oslo sighed and slowly stood up from the dining table. "It's true. I used to be a Wyld Imp. That's why I knew Zecma on sight. I was a very out of control Wyld Imp that would mount and screw anything that moved in my territory. Then one day, the Emperor himself, ...the one at the time that is... was in my region and he was attacked by a Wyld Metali Wolf. And I saw the wolf's back side in my area and I pounced him. It scared him so much that he killed himself trying to run through an acid quicksand bog. That's when I saw the Emperor standing there and I knew immediately who it was. And don't let ANYONE tell you that a Wyld Imp can't bow and scrape with the best of them. I was on my hands and knees immediately."

"But then, he said that I had saved his life and he offered me anything I wanted, no holds barred," Oslo explained. "And on that day... I stopped being a Wyld Imp. I asked to be able to run a city gymnasium in Terryville on Q.C. Planet. But at the time, the only way to be able to live in Terryville was to be a cartoon person. So I asked to be changed from a Wyld Imp into a cartoon otter. And that's how I became Oslo Otter. I woke up the next morning here in my new studio apartment and the rest is history, save for my urges to perform in my old ways. And that is why everyone throughout Q.C. Planet always asks you if I have mounted you yet, Gerard. I've nearly been with everyone else at least once... save for a few that I respect."

Gerard said, "Oh." He was actually a little touched by Oslo's story.

Zecma floated over to Oslo and said, "I never knew what happened to you, Oslo. I'm sorry I did one of my spells on you, now. You're a celebrity back home. Everyone knows about Oslo. Even a few lords. And Gerard has been asked by a lord or two if you had mounted him yet. If I could, I'd undo this spell right now. But I already laid out the rules. You know what would happen if we reneged on the rules after they were spoken, don't you?"

Oslo nodded his head. "Yeah, we would both be destroyed and Gerard would be stuck as an otter for the rest of his life."

Gerard hummed. "Okay. This spell ends after you perform in West Side Story, Oslo. All we have to do is pretend to be each other until the performance. You continue going to school and sit in my classes. Bring all of my homework home and let me do the homework. That way, I am still the one doing the homework. We don't want my grades failing, do we? And in return, I run the gym and do all of the other things that you usually do during a day. You just give a list and I'll do the things on the list. Is that okay, Oslo?"

Oslo hummed. "We don't have much choice, Gerard. And when this is over, you won't be grounded anymore."

End of Chapter 05

Chapter 06

Gerard who was now wearing Oslo's body and who spoke with Oslo's voice was currently on the outing with Gerard's own father Leon Prince. It was weird to be out on a date with his own dad and weirder that the two were holding hands and enjoying each other's company in a casual redeeming manner.

Leon said, "You seem kind of tense tonight, Oslo. Are you okay? You haven't hugged my leg even once."

Gerard mentally irked, wishing he had asked Oslo more about these dates, as he hugged Leon's leg and humped it for good measure. "I just have a lot on my mind, Leon. Gerard was... asking questions earlier... about why I was on outings with you. One of the questions was if I had mated with you yet."

"So he's asking that now, is he?" Leon laughed. "How is his grounding coming along in your own opinion?"

Gerard decided not to make himself sound as good as Oslo would make him sound. "Gerard is... keeping his grades up and he does as he's told. He thinks this whole punishment is unfair, especially seeing as how he is not living under your roof anymore. But overall, he's been very depressed. Hard to cheer up. Hard for even me to cheer him up."

Leon hummed. "Oslo, I've been thinking... you know... about lifting his grounding. I mean, I spanked him in front of the whole school and a lot of his time is already completely claimed. Making him work on Saturday isn't really fair to him. Do you think you can let Gerard out of that deal early?"

Gerard wasn't expecting that from his father, but instead of showing surprise, he put on his best sly look and groped his father's butt with a paw and said, "I might be able to allow that... if you agree to sleep with me after West Side Story, the school play, ends next month. What do you say? A one time event." Gerard was sure his father would turn down the offer.

Leon was quiet for a moment, then he said, "We can't do that here in Terryville, you know. So why don't we plan a camping trip out in the toonery wilds and while we're out there, you and I can do it then. Okay?"

Gerard felt sick now. He really wasn't expecting his father to agree to that. He was actually trying to disgust his father into not dating Oslo anymore... but it backfired. "Um, yeah. We'll do that, Da-, er, Leon. Just the two of us."

Later that night, after Gerard arrived back at the Studio Apartment, he walked inside and shut the door securely, then looked across the room at Zecma and Oslo waiting on him. Now he had the unfortunate task of telling the others how the date went in excruciating detail. As sick as it made Gerard feel about the whole thing.

Oslo arched an eye finally, then said with a smile. "At least by then, I'll be back in my own body. But Zecma and I were discussing something while you were gone, Gerard. Tomorrow is Sunday... that fox is going to want YOU, not me wearing your body, inside his enclosure with him."

Gerard sighed. "I forgot all about that! How are we going to pull that one off?"

Zecma said, "As much as I hate to say it, we are all going to have to go out there tomorrow and tell the fox the truth. And ask him to excuse you between that sunday up to the Saturday of the West Side Story play. Then after that, you will owe the fox those extra days to make up for the days you missed while you were stuck in this body swapping mess."

Gerard sighed again. "I guess that is what we'll have to do. Being Oslo Otter is not fun so far."

End of Chapter 06

Chapter 07

Sunday went off without a hitch. The Pleasure Island fox was very understanding when he was told that it was the fault of a devilmouse and a wyld imp. And he had a nice suggestion for how Gerard could make up all of those extra days, as well. Simply show up on a Saturday night and spend the night with him, and stay there all day Sunday. That would get two days out of the way for the price of one day. It was a pretty good idea. And soon, they were back at the studio apartment.

Then Monday arrived.

Gerard, who was wearing Oslo's otter body, said, "Here's the low down, Oslo, on my junior year high school schedule. Fenwick Rat is my best friend, even if you don't like him. He and I are NOT lovers, so don't try to get him in bed or behind the bushes. Wait until you see how he's dressing up this year. He's trying to play the good senior to impress Principal Dum. This is the combination to our locker. You won't find any porn in there, so please try to keep your mind out of the gutter. And what do you have for me?"

Oslo, who was wearing Gerard's human body, said, "Take Saturday's proceeds to the bank. This is my PIN Number that the teller will ask for. Sit there and count out the money one dollar bill at a time in front of her. She hates that. When she gives you the receipt, bring that back to the gym, then head to the grocery store and fill this shopping list. Bring the groceries home, then this a list of the following daily stops I make all over Terryville. If you have trouble finding some of these places, you can ask Zecma to help you. He is your responsibility, you know. And I guess that's it."

Gerard smiled. "We can do this, Oslo. Just don't get me thrown into detention or anything. They always call the guardian when you are put in detention. Ever since I got into 'THAT PLACE' , Principal Dum reserves those forms for really outstanding offenses. Minor offenses get you detention and a call to your parents or guardians."

Oslo nodded his head. "Sure thing, 'Oslo'. See you tonight. I'm out of here." And he picked up Gerard's backpack and headed out of the studio apartment.

Gerard then whispered to Zecma, "Follow him and make sure he doesn't screw up my life. This is the yiffiest cartoon otter alive we're talking about. I want to be reassured that he's behaving himself."

Zecma nodded his head. "Will do, boss." And he turned invisible and headed off to follow Oslo.

Gerard still didn't like wearing Oslo's cartoon otter body. He grabbed the cartoon tie off of the chest of drawers and secured it around his neck. Then he grabbed the proceeds and the PIN Number and headed out of the studio apartment on his way to the Terryville Bank.

But being a nice boy who doesn't like to annoy other people, surely he didn't have to make the teller upset for just once, did he?

Inside the bank, he recited the PIN Number correctly, then set out the stacks of money on the counter in front of the teller, without counting it. "Here we are. Saturday's profits."

The teller arched an eye at 'Oslo'. "Aren't you going to count it in front of me, Oslo?"

Gerard replied, "Oh I know how much is there. It's your job to count it out in front of me. That is what you're paid to do, isn't it? You just do what you need to do. I have a busy schedule today."

End of Chapter 07

Chapter 08

Fenwick looked at Oslo, who was wearing Gerard's body, in a rather funny way. "Are you okay, Gerard? You look really hyper. And you said that Mr. Mule the janitor was sexy. You usually have more respect for him."

Oslo replied, "Sorry. Oslo offered me some of his mocha this morning. And I think he spiked it with something. As for Mr. Mule... don't you think he's sexy?"

Fenwick frowned at Oslo. "You are freaking me out, Gerard. Stop it. Don't make me report you to Principal Dum."

Oslo then got Zecma's mental voice in his head.

(Gerard told you NOT to screw up his school life. You know full well he doesn't act like that in school. So straighten up or I'll tell Gerard that it's okay to screw up your "in town" life.)

Oslo quietly gulped. He knew that if Gerard had THAT kind of permission, Oslo's sex life could be OVER with.

Fenwick was feeling Oslo's forehead. "Are you feeling well?"

Oslo replied, "Just practicing for the school play, Fenwick. You know, the upcoming West Side Story play. If you really believed that I was ill, then my acting must be getting good. Sorry about that. I'll behave for the rest of the day."

Fenwick smiled and hugged Oslo. "Thanks, Gerard. You're my best friend. Without you, I'd probably be dead right now. You've saved my life more times than I can count. And I worry when I see you acting funny. I have to get to class now."

Oslo could see that Fenwick meant what he said. (Wow... Gerard has had that kind of effect on the naughtiest rat in town. And he's worried about Gerard but doesn't date him? What is wrong with that rat? I have to force myself to behave... for Gerard's sake. His life is a lot more complicated than I gave him credit for. A lot of students respect him. And so do the teachers. This is going to be the hardest day of my life.)

Oslo took himself to a stall in the bathroom and pulled out his cellphone and called Gerard.

"Gerard here. Oslo? Aren't you in school?"

Oslo replied, "Yeah. I almost blew it for you in front of Fenwick. I said that Mr. Mule the janitor was sexy."

Gerard grinned. "He IS sexy. But I always keep that to myself. The poor guy enjoys my helping him in my spare time."

Oslo asked, "Where are you right now?"

Gerard replied, "I'm about to walk into the grocery store. I am actually ahead of schedule. Are you going to be checking up on me all day long?"

Oslo replied with a sigh, "no. I just got scared. I'll talk to you tonight. Until then, Gerard." And he hung up the cellphone. "Gerard is ahead of schedule. Is my life that easy that even Gerard can do it?"

Oslo then left the bathroom to go to Gerard's next class.

End of Chapter 08

Chapter 09

With the grocery shopping trip behind him, and the groceries put away, Gerard put the cellphone into the recharger and headed out to make Oslo's usual stops. The first stop was to go grope Max Goof, who now worked at a construction site. After nearly making Max giggle out of control, the next stop was Tracker Rover, the son of Hunter and Colleen. He was an accountant in downtown Terryville and wore big glasses. Though having a lusty otter sit in his lap and snuggle on him actually brightened his day.

It was around noon when Gerard was sitting on a bench in Terryville's City Park by himself when he had an unexpected encounter. Gerard would describe it as unexpected because the female should have been in school.

It was Mrs. Leghorn. "Oslo Otter? I thought that was you I saw sitting on this park bench." She then sat on the bench near Gerard. "I need to talk to you about next month's play. West Side Story. Do you think you could find it in your heart to let Gerard be in that play? I am expecting the whole class to be in this play and if you deny him this opportunity, he will fail my class as being a non-participating member of the class."

Gerard sighed. "Mrs. Leghorn... may I speak frankly with you about this play?"

Mrs. Leghorn nodded her head. "Of course you may."

Gerard then retold Oslo's story of how the otter had always wanted to be in West Side Story but was always overlooked because of his short height. "So you see, Mrs. Leghorn, I would give anything if I could be given just one chance to act in that play. It's my most favorite play and it isn't fair that I have never gotten to do it."

Mrs. Leghorn patted Gerard's otter leg with a feathered hand. "If that is all you want, Oslo, that is so little to ask, pardon the pun. Of course you can be in the play. All you had to do was ask."

Gerard sighed again. "I was afraid you would say no because I wasn't a student."

Mrs. Leghorn smiled and gave Oslo a hug. "Everyone has an actor inside of themselves, Oslo. That actor is always striving to play another person, and is glad when another person can play them. So when you play me, I play you. And through this, your inner muse lives. Now about Gerard... will you permit him to be in the play, too?"

Gerard sat up a little and smiled. "Yes. And I thank you for giving me this chance, Mrs. Leghorn. Gerard and I will both be there for the tryouts. Um, do you happen to have a copy of the play you could lend me? I'd like to read it over tonight when I speak to Gerard."

Mrs. Leghorn nodded her head again and pulled a copy out of her handbag. "I normally don't lend these out, but because you will be in play, I will make an exception this time."

Gerard accepted the copy of the play and gave Mrs. Leghorn a nice, although reserved, hug. "Thank you." And further, Mrs. Leghorn had unwittingly and unknowingly told Gerard how he could solve his and Oslo's current mess. He couldn't wait to talk to Oslo after school. He was actually excited, but he contained his enthusiasm in front of his teacher.

Mrs. Leghorn then stood up and said, "Not this Saturday, but next Saturday. Bring Gerard to the theater downtown and I will see you then, Oslo. I have to get going now. It was nice talking to you." And with a wave, she walked off and out of the park. And once she was gone, Gerard let out a whoop of joy!

End of Chapter 09

Chapter 10

That night, Gerard, Oslo, and Zecma were sitting at the dining room table in the studio apartment. They had just finished their meal when Gerard smiled at Oslo and said, "I have three surprises for you."

Oslo smiled back. "Three? For me? What did you get me?"

Gerard chuckled, then held Oslo's hand, well, his own human hand in Oslo's paw, and said, "I ran into Mrs. Leghorn today. And I told her that sad little story you told us about always wanting to be in West Side Story."

Oslo blushed. "She laughed, didn't she?"

Gerard shook his head. "Thanks to me, we both get to be in West Side Story. You heard me right, Oslo. You get to be in it with me. You can thank me later. I have two more surprises."

Oslo was so happy that he had a tear running down his human face. "OK, what are the other two?"

Gerard grinned. "Do you know a really sexy stud coyote boy named Wispwright?"

Oslo grinned back, wanting to grope himself. "Yes I do. I've been wanting to get down his pants for months."

Gerard winked. "On the night of the West Side Story play, you'll get your chance. He asked me if I would go on a date with him and I told him that we could begin our date the night of the West Side Story play. I think he was impressed that you were going to be in the play."

Oslo wanted to hug Gerard profusely, but he somehow found the willpower to restrain himself. "And... what is the third surprise?" He was very eager to know what else could make this night any better.

Gerard nodded his head, and turned to look at Zecma who had his muzzle in a bowl of chocolate pudding. "Zecma? Could you be a sweetheart and recite the contract rules that you laid on Oslo to me, please?"

Zecma raised his head up. He looked all gooey with chocolate. "Of course. Ahem. When Oslo performs West Side Story, the play, and completes it, you both will switch back into your normal bodies. Those were the rules. In exchange, Oslo would lift the grounding that is on you, starting the day after the night of the play."

Gerard grinned. "That's what I thought you said, Zecma. When I was talking to Mrs. Leghorn today, I figured out how Oslo and I could switch our bodies back. Legally."

Both Oslo and Zecma arched their eyes.

Gerard continued. "According to the exact words of the contract rules, all Oslo has to do is perform a part in the play in front of me and you, regardless of being at the school or the theater, and once he has completed every line of the character in the play, we will get our own bodies back once again. Or have I missed something?"

Oslo was smiling. "No, you are right, Gerard. That was the exact wording of the rules. I can do this."

Zecma smiled, too, at Gerard. "You're really smart, Gerard. That will actually work." And then he resumed eating his chocolate pudding.

End of Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Needless to say, it took Oslo several tries to memorize the play correctly and recite the lines without looking at the play itself, but eventually, he successfully completed the play. And in the very next moment, both he and Gerard switched bodies once again and were once again back in their own bodies.

Gerard smiled and hugged himself. "I really missed being me."

Oslo hugged Gerard, then hugged Zecma, then kissed his own paws, then was gone out the door without another word. Gerard and Zecma looked at each other for a moment, then both laughed. Poor Terryville would have to deal with a horny otter that night. Zecma joined Gerard in bed where it was safe.

And so it went... the next few weeks passed. Both Gerard and Oslo got roles in the play. Because Oslo knew the lines so well, he got a major role in the play. Gerard was glad to only get a part with very few lines in it. Acting wasn't something that he liked to do. Plus he had other plans for the weekend that Oslo and Leon would be off in the deep woods camping. Yeah right! Sure they would! And Gerard's plans surprisingly involved Zecma.

One Saturday afternoon, Gerard and Fenwick were sitting on a lonely forest dock fishing in a quiet stream. Zecma had come along, but was hiding in Gerard's underwear in Gerard's lap. A favorite place to be, according to Zecma.

Fenwick smiled. "I can't believe Oslo is going to lift your grounding after West Side Story debuts. You really are a miracle worker, Gerard. And I am glad to be your friend." He then sighed. "However..."

Gerard arched an eye. "However? What's wrong, Fenwick?"

Fenwick slowly turned to look at Gerard and looked him right in the eye. "As you know, I am a senior this year. I have decided to try for college. I never thought I would actually say those words. My brother about flipped out of his mud hole when I told him my plans. He was sure someone had replaced me."

Gerard smiled and gave Fenwick a hug. "You deserve it, Fenwick. You've really improved in school. Your brother isn't the only one who flips... Principal Dum still thinks that you will backslide."

Fenwick chuckled, as he gazed out over the stream.

Gerard asked, "So what are you going to be majoring in?"

Fenwick grinned slyly. "I am going to try to become a banker. You said I looked like one. And you've been right about everything else. So I am going to give it a try."

Gerard said, "I'll be proud of you no matter what you end up being. I just want you to always remember who you are on the inside. That is what really counts the most. If you turn into Scooby Fen, I'll have to spank you in public."

Fenwick sighed again and hugged Gerard tightly. "I am glad we got to spend today together. Because... I am transferring out of Terryville to go attend finishing school in Coolsville. And I'll be regular old Fenmire Rat again."

Gerard sighed, too, hugging back. "I was afraid you were going to say that. When do you leave?"

Fenwick said, "I move tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for helping me back on the right side, Gerard. I love you."

End of Chapter 11

Chapter 12

The night of the big play had arrived.

"Ladies and gentleman. Tonight we bring you an energetic, widely-acclaimed, melodramatic musical play. A modern day, loose re-telling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet tragedy of feuding families, although the setting is the Upper West Side of New York City in the late 1950s with conflict between the rival street gangs of the Anglo Jets and the Puerto Ricans. Join us now for AniSapien High's production version of... West Side Story."

Backstage, Gerard was helping the others into their costumes, while Oslo helped the lead actress prepare for her opening number. Mrs. Leghorn said, "Just do your best and have fun, everyone. Now, on with scene one."

During the opening prologue, a breathtaking aerial shot of Manhattan from a bird's eye view captures the city with its bridge traffic and highway ramps, its waterfront docks, parks and skyscrapers. Recognizable landmarks are seen as the background scene moves steadily to the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and then speedily zooms down and plunges into a concrete playground. A gang of 'cool' white youths are posed together in one corner of a basketball court, clicking their fingers to the syncopated rhythm of the musical score. The aggressive gang members leave the fenced in playground and cross the tenement street.

Then the now famous, dazzling opening sequence begins, as they gradually break into a highly-stylized dance and then burst into a daring, high-stepping sequence - an exhilarating, inventive, visual ballet of pirouettes, vigorous athletic moves, and running jumps that symbolizes their dominance and energy - they are readying themselves for a gang brawl.

It is then that the white Jets are confronted by the black Sharks and an all out gang brawl breaks out. This lasts until an officer of the law arrives on the scene and speaks to the gangs involved.

"You hoodlums don't own these streets," the Officer said. "And I've had all the rough-house I can put up with around here. You want to kill each other? Kill each other, but you ain't gonna do it on my beat. Are there any questions?"

Then both gangs departed, and after a few more scenes and dance numbers, the final scene arrived.

The struggle of Maria and Tony to love each other in the face of opposition ends on a hopeful note. The two gangs, confused, stunned, ashamed and sobered by the unnecessary triple killings, finally put aside their enmity. As some of the Jets struggle to bear Tony's body away, a few of the Sharks assist them. Together, they solemnly carry him down the street, with Maria following. For once, the opposing groups are united and reconciled - by the heart-breaking tragedy.

Then the curtain closed and the audience applauded with a massive bedlam roar. The play had gone off without a hitch.

The curtain then rose again and the actors took a group bow to the audience. After that, the curtain closed again.

Oslo was hugging his date for the night, the sexy stud coyote, Wispwright. Then the two headed off together immediately.

Mrs. Leghorn smiled at Gerard and said, "Thank you for being here, Gerard. You and Oslo made this a night no one will ever forget. I was so surprised that he performed so well. I can't imagine anyone overlooking him to be in a play."

Gerard smiled, but said nothing. Oslo had earned his place in the spotlight that night. And later, Zecma and Gerard would get a weekend all to themselves. And Gerard was definitely looking forward to it.

Site References: http://www.filmsite.org/wests.html http://www.westsidestory.com/

**End of Chapter 12 End of Episode Eight: Play Me, Play You

Stay tuned for Episode Nine: Impcon**