T H E C R E A T E D Bugsnapped! II by Matt Bermann ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 January 1996 OK, Welcome to my newest TTA story, The Created. This is a direct followup to my last story, "Bugsnapped!". I had orignally never intended to do a sequel, but I had a few comments suggesting I implement the Creations a bit more. I decided to go ahead with the sequel, and attached a few more plotlines for good measure! As with all sequels, this one won't make any sense if you haven't read the first story, so GO DO IT! Ahem. Who knows? This thing could have as many sequels as Police Academy! This story also contains a small element from HKUriah's Buster and Babs trilogy (see if you can spot it. Hint: It is towards the end, and has something to do with Bugs' past.) I hope HKUriah doesn't mind me swiping it... Thanks go out the door to: TECHNOMANCER for the title, and for unwittingly supplying me with a couple of ideas. ;) HKUriah, as ever, for all the support he has given me in all of my stories. Warner Bros. as always, for coming up with TTA in the first place. Thanks! Anyway, as always, you can contact me at: Eddie@iprolink.co.nz with any comments you may have. Don't be shy! Send 'em on in! Warning: This story is vastly different from it's prequel. Whereas the first story was more of a comedy/action adventure, this story pretty much dispenses with the laughs to get the story told. There are scenes in this story that would *NEVER* get shown on Tiny Toons, so I thought I would warn you all. SPECIAL NOTE: The character of "Alez Rat" is entirely fictional, created entirely by me. I have never seen any reference to "Alez Rat" in any Warner Bros. work, nor is he based upon any other Warner characters. Any similarity between Alez Rat and any other animated character is purely coincidental. Today's delightfully wierd anecdote: "It's not good to let any kid near a container that has a skull and crossbones on it, because there might be a skeleton costume inside and the kid could put it on and really scare you." - Jack Handy **** HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY **** If you have comments on this story ***E-Mail*** them to me. Don't just post them to alt.tv.tiny-toon, as my news server doesn't get many of the posts there. ***E-Mail*** please! Eddie@Iprolink.co.nz ************************************* Anyway, on with the show... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Jameson sat at his desk, with a furrowed brow. He had expected a progress report from Agent Spader two hours ago. What had happened? He should have known better then to have sent a maverick like Spader on this mission. But what choice did he have? Spader was the only one with the specialized knowledge that was required for this operation. There was a knock on the wooden door to his office. He looked up from his desk, and glanced at the clock. "Enter." A tall man entered wearing glasses, and a suit. He was clean shaven, and relatively well presented. Jameson looked at the man's ID tag. Simon Werner. It looked like Mr. Werner had potential in the CIA. "Sir, I have bad news to report. Our California office reports a break in earlier tonight. Several files were stolen, including one on Operation Toon." "What about Agent Spader?" asked Jameson. "An investigation unit was dispatched an hour and a half ago, and they report that the warehouse is empty, apart from Agent Spader's ID tag, which was left on the floor." "And the subject?" "A global scan reports no sign of the subject, although there is a sign of sectra residue in close proximity of the warehouse, which suggests he has left Reality altogether." Jameson pounded his fist on the desk. Werner flinched. "Damn it! We have to re-aquire the subject! Prepare a list of agents suitable for infiltration." "Sir, I have to report that the global scan found some anomolous readings in the vicinity of the warehouse. A large pulse of sectra energy was detected inside the warehouse, which suggests the targets may have entered Reality." "INSIDE the warehouse? Are you sure?" "Yes, Sir. Shortly after the initial pulse, there was a global wave of sectra particles. The scan did not detect the presence of the targets, so an educated guess would be that the targets have been returned to Toonity." "Damn it! I don't want a guess! I want to KNOW! Give me some numbers. How many targets entered?" "Y..yes, Sir. Initial evidence would suggest a small number. Three. Maybe four. We are conducting another scan, and-" "Don't just scan, you idiot! Investigate the entire evening! I want to know exactly WHAT happened, WHEN it happened, and WHERE it happened. And I want to know NOW. Get to work. I want a full written report within the hour." "Yes, Sir." "Dismissed." Werner turned and left. Jameson swivelled around on his chair, and gazed out the giant window behind him. This was not good. If the targets had entered, he had to act quickly. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster stood outside Babs' burrow, patiently awaiting her arrival. He had a bit of a headache from the play last night, and he wasn't looking forward to school. "Oh well," he thought, "At least it's Friday. And we do have the party to look forward to." Babs' head poked up through her burrow. "Hiya, Buster. I'll be with you in a sec." "OK, Babs. Speed it up, or we'll be late." Her head dove back into the hole, and she emerged a few moments later. "OK, I'm ready. Let's go!" They set off towards Acme Loo together, as usual. "Hey Buster, did you invite Jon over to the party tomorrow?" asked Babs. "Yeah, he said he would be here. I think he would rather spend more time looking around Acme Acres, though." "Yeah, we wowed him pretty good, eh? Think. He got his first anvil." She sighed. "I remember my first anvil. Time really passes fast, doesn't it?" "You got that straight, Babs." They didn't talk for a few minutes. Babs was worrying about the party. Buster was worrying about Jack. He felt sure that they wouldn't give up that easily. His train of thought was interrupted by the arrival of Plucky, who was in a surprisingly good mood. "Hiya, Plucky." said Buster. "Hi, guys. How's it going?" asked Plucky. "Fine." said Babs. They walked on for a few minutes, not saying much. Then Plucky decided to make some conversation. For a change. "So, you guys miss being Real?" he asked. "Hah! Why would I miss that hell?" asked Babs. "You alright, Pluckster? I thought you hated being Real!" added Buster. "I do, I was seeing if YOU guys did. Geez." replied Plucky. They were interrupted by Dizzy spinning across their path, followed by Taz. The two Tasmanian devils span through the forest, eating everything in their path. "Must be a devil thing." said Babs. They rounded the corner, and arrived at Acme Loo. They made their way inside, and walked to their lockers. "What do you have?" asked Babs. "I got Wisecracks 101." replied Buster. "Great, he gets Wisecracks, and I get Idiocy 3." said Plucky, looking at his timetable. Ignoring Plucky's whining, Buster asked, "What do you have, Babs?" "Silent Cartoon Appreciation. What a gip." she replied. The bell rang. "Well, I'll see you guys after class." said Buster. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster arrived at his class, but was surprised to see Daffy at the front of the room instead of Bugs. He walked up to Daffy, and asked, "Hey, Daffy. Where's Bugs?" "He couldn't come in today. Urgent buthineth. Now take a theat." replied Daffy, full of compassion, as usual. Buster complied, but wondered where Bugs was. * * * * * * * * * * * * Deep within a secluded part of the forest, Bugs knelt over a grave. He put some flowers down, and stood up. "Well, Alez. Dey're back, to finish da job." A tear rolled down his cheek, and splashed ineffectually on the gravestone. "I'll avenge ya, Alez. All dis time, I've regretted I couldn't save ya from dem, and now dey are after me too. I'll avenge ya, partner." He stepped back, and a cold breeze made the fur on the back of his neck stand on end. He turned and walked away. He had a favor to ask of an old friend. * * * * * * * * * * * * Jameson walked to the filing cabinet, and removed the file on Operation Toon. He walked back to his desk, sat down, and started reading. Johnson Theory - Progress report Classified as at this date, August 13, 1953. My theories about a "prison" are correct, in part. The physical properties of Toonity allow a section to be densified, thus increasing gravity in this area, preventing travel. It is also possible, with the use of my equipment to limit the direction of this gravity to a central focal point, thus creating a conical "prison" where travel in is easy, but travel out is impossible. This "prison" would be supported by two parabolidical planes of extremely dense space, providing support for the rest of the structure. The US Congress has assigned me to create a "prison" in the Toonity for them, and by using my specially developed apparatus, I have acheived this. However, Toon physics are not the same as our own, and until travel to and from Toonity is possible, I cannot know how stable this "prison" will be. The sectra barrier that seperates the two realities is highly disruptive, and has therefore prevented me from taking readings of the "prison" I have created. If the physics of Toonity are similar to our own physics, then the prison should function correctly. But, if the physics are different, a fact I cannot ascertain, then any number of faults could occur. If the properties of gravity are different there, then this could cause problems with the holding effect of the "prison". If there is sufficient mass inside the "prison", it may be possible for the trapped entities to invert the gravity of the "prison", thereby forcing themselves out. For this reason, I recommend that the "prison" is not utilised to hold the PBX series, until further tests can be carried out. UPDATE: August 28, 1953. I have modified the equipment here to, in theory, be able to pass a human into Toonity, and retrieve him at a later time. I have been unable to find a volunteer for this, so I will attempt it myself, at 2000 hours this evening. I will provide a full report on this tomorrow. Jameson closed the file. It was a shame about Johnson, he was a good researcher. Of course, they didn't know about windows of low focus back then, so unsurprisingly, the experiment was a failure. The only thing that perturbed him was the fact a body was not discovered. There was a knock on the door. "Enter," he said. The door opened, and Werner entered, carrying a clipboard. He approached the desk. "Well?" asked Jameson. "Sir. We have conducted a full investigation of the scene, and a level one scan of the local area. We have pieced together the events." "Let's hear them then!" said Jameson, starting to get annoyed. "Yes, Sir. A closer inspection of the global scan revealed a very weak trace of sectra in the California region. This could have been the entry point of one or more PBX's, but we doubt it." "Well, what do you think it was?" "To be brutally honest Sir, I think it was Toon infiltration. Creations leave a highly disruptive rift in the barrier on entry. This was a different reading." "But Toons don't have the technology to traverse the barrier!" "Apparently they do, Sir. We found an extremely faint trace of sectra at the CIA office there, and that leads me to believe that the Toon infiltration team was responsible for the theft of the files." "Yes, that makes sense. Is that it?" "No, Sir. As suspected, the large pulse of sectra energy from the warehouse has been confirmed as a PBX entry point. I believe that the Toon team launched an assault on the building, and retrieved the subject. The PBX entered our Reality, and either they eliminated Agent Spader, or the Toons did." "What evidence do you have to support that theory?" "Well, Sir, a small puddle of blood was found at the scene, and a DNA analysis has confirmed that it is Agent Spader's blood. We found traces of lead, which suggests gunshots. An autopsy would reveal more, but we do not have a body." "Is that it?" "No, Sir. Shortly after the PBX entry, an extremely stong burst of energy was detected moving at high velocity along seventh street. This was followed by a global 'flash' if you will, of sectra energy. After that, the scanners could not locate the PBX presence. I believe that only one thing could have caused this. A temporary collapse of the sectra barrier." "Is that it?" "Yes, Sir." "Good work, Werner. You are dismissed." Werner left. Jameson picked up the clipboard Werner had left behind, and started leafing through the pages attached to it. It seemed that he had a more worthy opponent in Bugs Bunny than he had initially thought. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs approached the cave, making sure that no one saw him. He couldn't let anyone else find the location of Wile E.'s lab. He approached the secret entrance, and took off his left glove. He lifted a small rock by the entrance, to reveal a small pad. He placed his hand on the pad, and a few moments later the wall in front of him slid upwards to reveal the lab. He entered, putting his glove back on. Wile E. was working when he noticed Bugs enter. "Hello there, Bugs." he said, putting down a test tube. "Hiya, Wile E." replied Bugs. "What can I do for you?" asked Wile E. "I need yer help, Wile E. Dey are coming ta get me. I know it." "The Creations?" "Yeah, dem. Me and Alez were de only ones who knew de truth about dem, and dey killed Alez because he knew. Now dey are after me too." "You don't know that the Creations killed Alez, Bugs. No one knows what happened to Alez." "Yeah, I know what happened to him, Wile E. I just never told anyone. It's too painful to relive. I know what happened to Alez, Wile E. He died trapping da Creations fifty years ago. And now dey are free again. Dat prison Buster sent 'em ta won't hold 'em." "Now, now. I am sure it will do the job adequetly, Bugs." "No it won't. Dey will escape, and dey will come looking for me. Dey will destroy everyting, and everyone dat gets in dere way. And I can't let any of da kids get hurt." "But what can you do? You can't tell them the truth! That would only put them in greater danger." "I know, but I need help, and I don't know where to go. I haven't even told yoo the whole story, cause dat would put ya in danger." "Well, there isn't much you can do, Bugs." "Yes dere is. I am going to have ta tell ya all the truth. Everyone. And we just gotta get ready for de attack. I have ta get everyone ready, and if dat means I gotta tell dem all de truth, so be it." * * * * * * * * * * * * The order crackled over the intercom system, "All crew of Sectruiser 3 report to launch bay one." Andrea Buckman stood, and clipped on her suit's helmet. She didn't know much about her mission, all she knew was that she was going to the Toonity, to test a prison facility. She hadn't been with the project long, but the project was still relatively young, having only been started in 1994. She made her way to launch bay one, feeling slightly nervous about her mission. She was greeted at the launch bay by the other half of the crew, Tim Mathious. He quickly shook her hand before climbing into the Sectruiser. She looked the craft over, having never been on board one before. The public had no idea that the CIA had access to technology this advanced. As far as the public knew, the Space Shuttle was as far as off-the-planet travel went. She took a deep breath, and climbed aboard. The Sectruiser 3 was a small two seater, with a space ejection system on the rear seat, her seat. All she knew was that she would be ejected into space, she would be given orders on how to test the prison, she would return to the craft, and they would return home. Easy. The countdown began, with the monotone voice counting down the seconds. At five seconds, the pad beneath the craft began to glow. Four. The pad turned bright yellow. Three. The craft started to shake. Two. She felt the craft moving.. downwards? One. The craft fell into the pad, and before she knew what was happening, they were in deep space. Toon space. The radio crackled into life, "This is Station four. Do you copy?" "Roger, we copy you." said Tim. "Apply two thirds thrust for exactly two minutes, and then disengage. Do you copy?" "Acknowledged." She felt the craft jolt forward, and looked around her. Nothing. It was just space. Where was the prison facility? She scanned all around her, there was no sign of a facility. The craft jerked to a stop. "Sectruiser 3, prepare to undock Ensign Buckman. Do you copy?" "Yes, Sir." said Tim. Andrea felt a sudden jolt, and she was floating in space. She activated her personal radio unit. "...you copy? Ensign Buckman, do you copy?" "I copy you, Station four." "Mission briefing follows. Orient yourself with the craft as a guide, and then apply direct upward thrust for fifteen seconds. Then come to a full stop. Do you copy?" "Yes, Sir." She activated her thrusters, and aligned herself with the craft. "Orientation complete. Moving out." she said. She moved a joystick attached to the suit, and began to move upwards. She counted fifteen seconds, and then disengaged the thrusters. But she did not stop. On the contrary, she began accelerating. "Station four, do you copy? Failure with inertial equipment, request permission to compensate with thrusters." "Request acknowledged. Permission granted, proceed to compensate with-" Great. The radio had cut out. She gently applied reverse thrust, but was surprised to find herself still accelerating upwards. She increased the power of the downward thrust, but she still moved upwards. She panicked, and applied maximum downward thrust. Nothing. She continued accelerating, and let out a scream. Inside the craft, Tim Mathious watched Andrea shoot upwards, until she was out of sight. "Station four, do you copy?" "We are receiving you, Lieutenant Mathious." "The mission is a success. The gravitational properties of the prison appear to be in correct condition. The test subject was pulled in by the gravity, and was unable to escape the pull." "Acknowledged, Lieutenant Mathious. Prepare to return to Reality." The craft disappeared into a yellow circle. Andrea Buckman, meanwhile, had been crushed to the size of a pea by the gravity. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster sat in the cafeteria with Babs, Shirley, Fifi, and Hamton. Plucky walked over, and sat down carrying a try laden with black goo. "And yet another gastronomic delight escapes the kitchen of Acme Loo." said Plucky, prodding the stuff with his fork. "Hey! Did you guys see that? I think it moved!" "No, it didn't, Plucky. That's just your imagination." said Hamton. "Oui," added Fifi, "You are, 'ow you say, crayzee." "Yeah, Duck." added Shirl, "You've, like, lost that tiny brain of yours, or some junk." "You eat it then, Shirl." said Plucky, slightly annoyed. "Like, no way! I respect my body, you lunchmeat!" Buster and Babs weren't paying much attention to the conversation. "I wonder why he wasn't there." said Buster. "Don't worry about it. He was probably just visiting someone." said Babs. "Yeah, but why would he have to do it today? Why not wait till tomorrow?" The PA speaker crackled. It was Bugs. "Well, it looks like your answer is here." said Babs. "Attention. All students report to da gymnasium immediately. All professors report to da gymnasium as well. All staff, everyone, report to da gym. Dat is all." "Well, whatever it is, he wants the whole school to know it." said Buster. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs stood at the podium that had been placed at the front of the gym, and looked down at the assembled crowd. The students were seated at the front of the hall, with the professors and other staff at the back. "Alright," he said, stroking his whiskers, "let's quiet it down a bit." Everyone eventually shut up, and Bugs began his announcement. "Alright. I'll start with what ya know, and work from dere. All of ya should know dat a few days ago, I was kidnapped. Most of ya will know dat I was taken to Reality. Some of ya may think ya know da reason why. None of ya know da real reasons. When I was young, I had a partner. His name was Alez Rat, and I ain't surprised none of ya have heard of him. He's been dead for nearly fifty years. And he died because of what he knew. What both of us knew. I don't wanna have to do it, but I am gonna have to tell ya all. "Shortly after I was created, a Creation was put into one of my pictures. A Creation is something dat de humans in Reality made to use as a weapon. Dey put it in my cartoon to test it. Me and Alez found out dat de Creations were planning to take over Reality, and dey found out dat we knew. Dey had to stop us from telling anyone, and de only way to do dat was to kill us. I managed to escape, but dey got Alez, but he managed to trap dem, and dey stayed dere for fifty years, until a while ago, when dey broke out. And now dey are coming here to get me. And if any of ya stay here, ya are in danger. Ya are not allowed to come back to Acme Loo till we solve dis. Ya are dismissed. Go home." The crowd sat there in shocked silence. Buster couldn't believe his ears, and neither could Babs. As everyone started to file out, they ran up to Bugs. Fifi and Shirley saw this and followed, as did Plucky and Hamton. The six of them stood around Bugs, all staring at him. "Sorry, kids. But it has ta be done." "No way!" said Buster angrily, "We aren't going to sit at home and let you fight this alone! We didn't rescue you to let you get killed here!" "Listen, kid." said Bugs, "Ya are young. Ya have a good career in front of ya. I have had my time, let me fight this. I can't risk yer lives over dis." "Sorry, Bugs, but we're staying!" said Babs. "I can't let ya do dat." replied Bugs. "Babs is right." said Buster, "We're staying!" "I could be convinced to leave." added Plucky. "Look, if ya want to stay, do it. But if de Creations show up, I want ya all out of here. OK?" "OK." replied Buster. "I hafta go see Wile E. If ya want ta come, ya can." said Bugs. "Alright, but don't think we are just going to vanish if trouble comes." said Babs. Bugs sighed. "Alright, if that's what ya want." The group headed off towards Wile E.'s secret lab, where Wile E. had watched the speech on his special satellite. * * * * * * * * * * * * Jameson was contemplating what action to take, when Werner burst in through the door. "Haven't you heard of knocking?" asked Jameson. "My sincerest apologies, Sir. The prison tests are complete, and it seems to be stable. Our test subject was pulled into the prison, unable to escape. Now because of the Real elements of the PBX series, the prison should hold them too." "Should? I don't want guesses or estimates, Werner. I want certainty." "Sir. Certainty is the one thing no one can give you." "Alright. I want a contingency plan organized, and I want you to notify the test subject's family." * * * * * * * * * * * * The group arrived at the cave, and Bugs took off his glove. "Where's this lab?" asked Plucky. "Shut up, Plucky." said Babs. Bugs walked up to the fake wall, lifted the rock, and put his hand on the pad. The group of Tiny Toons just stood there and stared on in total amazement, as the wall lifted up to reveal the entrance to the lab. Bugs entered, and noticed no one else was following. He turned to face the group, and said, "Well, are ya coming or what?" Buster looked at the other members of the group, and took a step forward. Babs followed, and soon everyone was making their way into the cave. Wile E. saw Bugs enter and started to say hello, but closed his mouth when he saw the others enter. "Hiya, Wile E." said Bugs. Wile E. stared at the Tiny Toons. "Hello, Bugs." "Dey insisted on coming, Wile E." Wile E. nodded, and opened a cupboard. He pulled a few devices out, one of which looked like the Reality belts. "I have been working on the Reality experiments, and thanks to Bugs' information on Reality physics, I have managed to create a set of Reality belts that allow the user to retain their Toon form permanently in Reality, and lose it on demand." "Great. Dat should be useful in fighting dese tings." said Bugs. Wile E. pointed to the other devices. "These are prototypes of weapons to use against the PBX, the Creations. Unfortunately, I have not been able to make an effective weapon. It looks like you will have to go to Reality to obtain weaponry to fight these things. That is what this is for," he said, picking up a small box, "This will convert Real objects into Toon objects, and leave their energy in Reality, replacing it with energy from the Toonity, so the converted object can be taken two and from the two universes with ease. I have read up on the "prison" that the humans created, and it is hopelessly unstable. The Creations could escape at any time. In fact, I am surprised that they haven't done so already." "Well, it looks like we should be going ta Reality ta get some weapons." said Bugs. "I'm going too!" said Buster. "No," said Bugs, "Take a belt, all of ya take belts. Me and Wile E. are going to Reality alone. We need someone ta watch over Acme Loo. We'll call ya if we need help." He and Wile E. strapped on their belts. Bugs knelt down and petted Buster on the head. "Don't worry about us, kiddo. We'll be back." "Alright, but be careful! You know what a dangerous place Reality is." said Buster. "Don't worry. Remember, old toons never die. We just do gameshows." said Bugs, with a smile. Bugs and Wile E. stepped back, and pressed their belts. The yellow circles appeared, and they were gone. Babs put her arm around Buster. "Don't worry about them. They'll be fine." They all put on their belts, and Hamton had some difficulty getting his on. "Oh la la! Zis well, 'ow you say, clash wiz my fur!" said Fifi. "Yeah, it's like, totally unfashionable." added Shirley. Plucky laughed. "You girls are so concerned with what you look like. Us guys don't care. I - OH NO! IS THAT A SPOT ON MY SHIRT?" * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs and Wile E. landed heavily on a sidewalk. Bugs got to his feet, his human feet. "Hey, Wile E.! I tought dese tings made us stay toons!" Wile E. got up. "You have to activate it first, Bugs." "Oh." said Bugs, activating his belt. Wile E. activated his as well, and they both became toons. "Ahh. Dat's better!" said Bugs. "Come on Bugs. We cannot allow anyone to see us in Toon form, or who knows what will happen!" "I'm a comin'! Gads!" * * * * * * * * * * * * Werner smashed through the door, and ran up to Jameson's desk. He was a complete mess, covered with sweat. "What is it?" said Jameson, sensing the urgency of Werner's actions. "Sir! We have noticed the gravitational field of the prison has begun to implode! We estimate a breach in the prison within six hours!" Jameson jumped up out of his seat, and grabbed Werner by the collar. "I thought you said the prison was working!" "Sir! We thought it was! We can't explain it, Sir!" "Well, what do we do now?" "Sir. I see three options. The first is that we set up a sectra trap for the Creations, that will banish them to Toonity, and let the Toons handle them. The second is we send a small team of soldiers through to Toonity, along with a flare device to lure the Creations there, and attempt to destroy them there." "And the third?" "We get ready for the largest loss of human life since World War II, sir." Jameson sank back into his chair. "This is a catastrophe!" "This is more than a catastrophe, Sir. This could be the end of Reality, Toonity, or both." Jameson looked up at Werner. "You are dismissed." "Yes Sir. I have one more suggestion, Sir." "What is it?" "Sir. Repent your sins, and make your peace." said Werner. He turned and left. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster paced up and down the hallways of Acme Loo, waiting for a signal from Bugs. Babs ran up behind him, and tapped him on the shoulder. "What is it, Babs? I'm busy." "Buster, I think you should come see this." "Can't it wait? I'm waiting for Bugs." "No, it can't wait. You HAVE to come see it." "Oh, alright then! But it better not take long!" Babs grabbed Buster's hand and ran down the hallways. They burst out through the front door together, and Babs pointed up at the sky. Buster looked up, and his jaw hit the ground. "Wha.. what is it?" "I don't know, Buster. No one does." Floating in the sky, many miles up, was a small black blob, that was pulsating and growing with every second. It wasn't a Creation, that was for sure. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs and Wile E. made their way along the streets together, looking all around. Suddenly, the belts started beeping. "What's dat?" asked Bugs. "Well, there is no sectra window anytime soon, so it must be a message." Wile E. pressed his belt, and Buster appeared before him. "Buster! Why are you calling us?" he asked. "Wile E.! You have to see this!" said Buster. He turned his belt, so Wile E. had a clear view of the black thing in the sky. "Do you know what it is?" A look of concern came over Wile E.'s face. "Yes, I do." "Well, what is it?" asked Buster. "Yeah, what is it?" asked Bugs. "It seems that the prison the humans constructed is expanding, and a point of it has come into your view. It is black because the gravitational force of it is pulling the light in. Let's just hope it doesn't turn white anytime soon." "Why not?" asked Buster. "Because if it turns white, that means the gravitational field has inverted, and that means the Creations will be turned loose." "Oh." said Buster. "Well, there is not much you can do about it for now, so do not concern yourself with it. We will continue our search for equipment to fight the Creations." "OK, goodbye then." Wile E. deactivated the belt. "Well, it seems that we now have a time limit to worry about, Bugs. If that prison inverts, we had better be ready." * * * * * * * * * * * * Werner knocked on the door, and Jameson stood up. "Enter." Werner opened the door, and walked over to Jameson. "Sir. We have detected a disturbance of the sectra barrier in the local area." "What is it? PBX entry?" "No, Sir. I believe it is more Toon infiltration." "Why would Toons reenter? They have their precious Bugs Bunny back, why would they return?" "Sir. I don't know, Sir." "Dispatch an interception team immediately." "Yes, Sir." * * * * * * * * * * * The buzzer woke Andrew Smith from his sleep, and he slowly got out of bed. The other members of his team were already rushing about getting ready, and Andy wondered what was going on. He rushed over to the admin office, where his commanding officer was reading a fax. "Smith, why aren't you getting ready?" "What for, Sir?" "You have been ordered on an interception mission by headquarters. A Toon infiltration team has entered our Reality. You are to intercept, capture, and return the Toons to headquarters immediately." Andy didn't question his orders. He never did. He had a wife and kids to support, and he couldn't afford to get in trouble with the CO. He turned and left, and made his way to the locker room. He donned his uniform, and attached his gas mask. He had never used the mask, and wondered why it was a standard part of the uniform. "Oh well, yours not to reason why." he thought to himself. He grabbed his shotgun, and made his way to the armored van he was assigned to. He jumped in, and sat down. There were seven others in the van with him, plus the driver. They all looked armed to the teeth, and Andy considered this a little inappropriate for suburban duty, but then, the choice was not his to make. The van lurched into motion, and the team waited. Some polished their boots, others sat silently, while Andy loaded his gun and chambered a round. The van's intercom system crackled into life. "Attention, intercept team one. We are nearing the targets, prepare for capture operation. Remember, HQ wants them taken alive for questioning." * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs was the first to see the van, and pointed it out to Wile E. The van screeched to a halt near them, and the back doors were kicked open. Several armed men, dressed in camoflague gear, jumped out and ran towards them. "Er, Bugs, I think it would be advisable to make a hasty retreat." said Wile E. "Good idea. Exit, stage left!" They both ran as fast as they could, and around a corner, where another van was waiting. Several men pointed shotguns at them, and one stepped forward. "Freeze. You're coming with us." * * * * * * * * * * * * Andy stepped towards the toons, and said, "Freeze. You're coming with us." The two toons put their hands up, and several members of Andy's team moved in on them, and put handcuffs on them. The toons were bundled into the back of the van, and the door was shut. Andy took his radio, and activated it. "Attention headquarters. The mission is complete. Two subjects taken into custody. Returning to headquarters." "Acknowledged." Andy got into the van, and sat down, looking directly at the Toons. They looked back at him, but of course they couldn't see his face, he was wearing a gasmask. Although, they seemed to be staring straight into his eyes... * * * * * * * * * * * * Jameson stood up, and Werner entered. "Sir. The interception team has captured two subjects." "Excellent. Send them in." Werner stepped back to the door, and pulled it open. Bugs and Wile E., both shackled and wearing leg clamps, entered accompanied by two armed guards. Jameson sat down, and grabbed a cigar. He lit it and took a long drawl, blowing a large cloud of smoke into the air. "Well, Bugs, you have saved the US a lot of money. It costs a lot to infiltrate the Toonity, so for that, I give you my thanks. But, why did you come back to Reality, rabbit?" "You know full well why we are here, human. We are here because of the human race and it's arrogance." said Wile E. "Please, call me Jameson. What is the real reason?" "We need weapons." said Wile E. "Weapons? Why would you need weapons?" "To fight da Creations, as if ya didn't know!" said Bugs. Jameson swung around on the chair, and looked out the window. "Guards, unshackle these two. You are dismissed." The two guards did nothing. Jameson span round on the chair, and looked at the guards. "What are you, hard of hearing? DO IT!" "Yes, Sir." said one of the guards. The shackles were removed, and the guards let themselves out. Jameson took a long drag from the cigar. "Alright, toon. What do you know?" "We know you humans made these Creations, we know they are in the prison, and we know that it is collapsing." said Wile E. "It might collapse any time soon." Jameson sighed. "There is no MIGHT about it. It will collapse, and within six hours." Bugs stormed up to Jameson's desk, and pounded his fist on it. "Well, what are ya going to do about it?" "There is nothing we can do, except wait for the inevitable." "Surely you have researchers working on the problem?" asked Wile E. "Of course." "Well, I want to see them. Maybe we can come up with something together." Jameson rubbed his chin. "Alright, toon. I'll give anything a shot." * * * * * * * * * * * * The three of them left Jameson's office, and walked down to the Emergency Research Lab. Jameson approached the door, and tapped a number into the security panel. The door slid open, and they entered. Before them was a room filled with computers, screens, chemistry equipment, microscopes, and other scientific equipment. A satellite map of the planet was displayed on the far wall. "What is the map for?" asked Wile E. "Well, that is a sectra distribution display. Whenever an anomaly occurs in the sectra barrier, we know about it." Wile E. stared at the map. "Fascinating..." * * * * * * * * * * * * Plucky was wandering through the forest, looking for something to do, to pass the time. He stared up at the black blob in the sky, and gulped. Suddenly, the black blob expanded, and flashed white before his eyes. Plucky was temporarily blinded, and rubbed his eyes, trying to regain vision. He looked up at the sky, and the now white blob. He saw something hit the ground not far from him, and he recognised it instantly. A Creation! The Creation grew in size, until it was at least five times Plucky's height. It turned towards Plucky, and advanced towards him. "Oh oh.. That ain't good." said Plucky. He turned, and started sprinting towards Acme Loo, with the Creation in hot pursuit. "WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" * * * * * * * * * * * * Wile E. was sitting at a computer, when sirens started flashing, and klaxons started blaring. He jumped. "What is that?" One of the researchers ran up to Jameson. "Sir! The prison is collapsing right now! We have multiple PBX entry in both Reality and Toonity! The sectra barrier has collapsed!" "What?!? How many Creations have entered?" "Sir. Nine, maybe ten, in each universe." Jameson shot a glare at Werner. "I thought you said we had six hours!" "Sir. I have scanned the prison, and there was a sudden jolt in energy about fifteen seconds before the breach. It is as if it was a concerted effort by the Creations to destroy the prison!" "Dere's only one person who knows how ta trap dem for good, and dat is Alez." said Bugs. "But Alez is dead!" said Wile E. "I know. I am going back to da Tooniverse. I have ta find someone." * * * * * * * * * * * * Shirley was sitting alone meditating, when a yellow circle appeared before her. Bugs dropped out through it. "Bugs! Like, what are you doing here?" "I need yer help, Shirley." "Like, just name it, or some junk." "Ya can contact da dead, right?" "Well, yeah, but I, like, normally only do it on Tuesdays." "I need ya ta do it now. I need ya to find Alez for me." "Kay, Bugs. I'll, like, see what I can do, kay?" "OK, Shirley." Shirley took up the lotus position, and started floating. The world started to fade from around her, and she was left surrounded by darkness. She floated for a moment, and started moving forward. Images of dead toons surrounded her, but none were Alez. She travelled back, to fifty years ago. She searched, searched, searched, but couldn't find him. Shirley stopped floating, and opened her eyes. "Well, what'd he say?" asked Bugs. "Bugs, I, like, don't know how to tell you this, but.." "But what?" "Bugs, Alez wasn't there. He, like, isn't dead." "What??" "I'm, like, certain about it, Bugs. He isn't dead." * * * * * * * * * * * * The front doors of the Looniversity burst open. Bugs emerged and slumped down onto the stairs. "How can he not be dead?" he thought to himself. He was interrupted by Plucky, who ran straight into him. Plucky pulled himself to his feet, and grabbed Bugs by the neck. "What is it?" asked Bugs. "They.. they.. are.. they.. have.. I saw... it's after me! HELLLLP!" Plucky looked back the way he had come, and sprinted off away from Acme Loo. Bugs wondered what was wrong with the duck, and resumed his thinking. But, a few moments later, the reason for Plucky's concern presented itself. A HUGE Creation, at least twice the size of Acme Loo, emerged over the horizon. Bugs jumped to his feet. "Oh no! Dey have gotten stronger!" He ran off, he had to find Buster and the others, and get them out of the way. * * * * * * * * * * * * Jameson wiped the sweat from his brow. In a matter of minutes, hundreds of Creations had entered Reality, and he knew no way of stopping them. He picked up the phone, and dialled a number. "This is Mark Jameson, CIA. Get me the President." He waited for a few moments, and was put through to the President. "Sir. I'm sorry for disturbing you like this, but we have a MAJOR threat to national security. Possibly even an international threat, Sir. No, I am not kidding. This has the potential to be the worst disaster since World War II. Please allow me to explain, Sir. Did you ever watch cartoons as a child, Sir?" * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs skidded round a corner, and saw Buster and Babs sitting at a bench. He ran up to them, and skidded to a stop. "Bugs! When did you come back?" asked Buster. "I don't have time to explain it, kiddo. Tings have taken a sudden turn for da worse. De Creations are here, and I need ya to clear all yer friends out of Acme Loo." "OK Bugs, but what are you going to do?" "I have to do some research, kid." * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs ran into Acme Loo, followed by Buster and Babs. "Alright, ya kids clear everyone out, get dem away from here. I'll be back outside in a minute or two." "Be careful, Bugs!" said Babs. They split up, with Buster and Babs running through the hallways, getting Shirley, Fifi, Hamton, and Plucky out. Bugs, meanwhile, ran down to the film vault. He clattered through the canisters, until he found the one he was looking for, a well hidden canister marked: "Smoked Hare with a twist of Rat: Starring Bugs Bunny and Alez Rat." Bugs looked sentimentally at the canister. The only film he and Alez had ever made together, but Alez died while making it, so it was never finished. Bugs opened the canister and prepared to load the film into the projector, but the ground started shaking, and Bugs knew he didn't have the time to watch it here. He grabbed a projector, pushed his belt, and was gone. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster, Babs, Fifi, Shirley, Hamton, and Plucky all stood in front of Acme Loo, looking at the approaching Creations. They were all huge, towering over Acme Loo. The six toons stood their ground, but the Creations kept advancing relentlessly. With every step the Creations took, the toons grew more nervous. Eventually, they ran out of the way, all apart from Buster, who stood silently alone, the only thing between the Creations and Acme Loo. The Creations drew closer, closer. Babs ran over and grabbed Buster, and dragged him clear. "Babs, what are you doing? I have to stay there until Bugs gets out!" "Buster, if you stay there you are going to get yourself killed. What help would you be to Bugs then?" Buster turned, and looked at the Creations that were swarming around Acme Loo. A giant Creation, the biggest of them all, leapt into the air, and landed on Acme Loo. The proud building was crushed, falling apart like a house of cards. A massive dust cloud rose up, obscuring the view. Buster ran towards the Creations, only to be tackled by Babs. "Bugs!" he shouted, as he hit the ground. "Buster! There's nothing you can do now!" She rolled him over on to his back, and hugged him tightly. Tears started streaming down Buster's cheeks, and he reciprocated her hug. They stayed there for several moments, unable to move. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs arrived back in the Reality lab, clutching the film canister and projector. Jameson looked at Bugs, a puzzled expression on his face. "Don't ask." said Bugs. "Alright, but I have to wonder how that film will help us destoy the Creations." "I don't have time to explain." said Bugs, looking at one of the monitors. It showed a squadron of helicopters attacking the Creations, and not having much luck in destoying them. "I need a dark room to look at dis film." he said, looking at Jameson. "Alright. Follow me." said Jameson. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs cued the film at the last scene, the scene that showed Alez's death. The film was very painful to watch, but Bugs knew he had no choice in the matter. He had to find out what had really happened to Alez, and where he was. He ran over the plot in his head. He and Alez played explorers, who had arrived on a volcanic island. They were, of course, attacked by angry natives, who wanted to sacrifice them both to the volcano. A few hilarious scenes followed, but in the last scene, where he and Alez were supposed to escape the island, things had gone horribly wrong. Bugs flicked the lights off, and started the projector. A picture appeared before him, and it was one he could never forget. Bugs and Alez stood in a rocky clearing, with the volcano in the background. The volcano had erupted, and a large chasm with a lava stream was a few feet behind them. An angry native approached them, pointing a spear at them. They both put their hands up, and Alez turned to Bugs and said, "'So, this is Pismo Beach', you said! 'All the clams we could eat', you said! Nice going, Bugsy!" "I knew we shoulda taken dat left turn at Albuquerque.." said Bugs. "Well, what do we do now? I don't wanna be volcano chow!" "Don't worry, Alez. I've got an idea, buddy." Bugs walked up to the native, and pointed over his head. "Hey look! It's da great evil spirit coming to get ya, pal! Run!" The native turned around, and Bugs span around quickly, and emerged wearing a dress, wig, a handbag, hat and make up. "Huh? Where? Where?" said the native, turning back to Bugs. He saw the dolled up Bugs, and his eyes popped out of his head. "Ooh! Lady! Hubba hubba!" Bugs clobbered him with the handbag. "Why you cute leetle thang! Aam just an eenocent southern belle, lost and trying to find mah way. Could yah deerect me to New Yaark?" "Sure, lady." said the native. He turned and started walking, saying "Follow me." The native left, and Bugs span back to his old self. "Bravo, bravo." said Alez, "Now, let's get outta here, huh?" "Let's do." They turned to leave, when suddenly a Creation appeared before them. "Oh no! They're back! Run, Bugsy!" "Come on! Let's get outta here!" The Creation started sucking up the color from the background. It then shifted it's attention to Bugs and Alez, sucking them towards itself. Alez saw only one thing to do. He charged towards the Creation, and tackled it full on. They both flew backwards, and down into the chasm. Bugs ran forward, and grabbed Alez's hand. Alez looked down at the Creation that was thrashing around in the lava. He was weakened from his contact with the Creation, and he knew it. He looked back up at Bugs, and said, "Bye, Bugsy. It's been fun." He let go, and fell down into the chasm, leaving his glove in Bugs' outstretched hand. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!" shouted Bugs, both in the film, and in the dark room. Alez tumbled downwards, until he hit the bottom. But he didn't fall into the lava as Bugs had first thought, he fell into the Creation! Bugs watched the film closely, seeing a faint yellow outline form around the rapidly sinking forms of the Creation and Alez. Yellow! The sectra barrier! Alez must have been transported through the sectra barrier with the Creation! Bugs stopped the film, and flicked on the lights. * * * * * * * * * * * * "He's dead, Babs, and they killed him. I am NOT going to let his death go unavenged!" said Buster, simmering with rage. "Alright, Buster. But how are we going to kill them?" asked Babs. "I'll tear them apart with my own hands if that is what it takes!" * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs ran back to the lab, and up to Wile E. "Wile E.! Alez isn't dead!" he said. "What? How can that be?" "I t'aught that Alez fell into lava, but he didn't! He was transported troo da sectra barrier! I don't know how, but he is mixed up in dis!" A large yellow portal appeared in the middle of the room, and twenty or so Creations dropped out, followed by Alez Rat. Bugs noticed that the portal didn't close, like sectra portals normally did. "You have no idea how right you are, Bugsy, old friend." "ALEZ?" Alez turned to the crowd of Creations. "Cover them. If they move, take them." Bugs looked at Alez, and noticed how different he was. His fur, instead of being grey like it should be, was jet black. His eyes burned like fire. Alez turned back to Bugs. "Well, Bugsy. Look what you did to me. I have been living in another space and time, for fifty years." "But I t'aught ya were dead!" "Ahh, but I was dead. But the Creations saved me. They guided me on the righteous path, they saved me from Death's wrath. I had time to think, and I became one with a Creation. Oh, how it all became clear! I can see through space and time, Bugsy. If you could see what I could see, feel what I could feel, you too would know a revolution is at hand." "It was yew who caused all dis.. dis destruction?" "Bugsy, Bugsy, Bugsy. Destruction is the one constant throughout history. Lives come and go, memories come and go, everything comes and goes, but destruction is constant! Destruction is the key, Bugsy!" "Ya are crazy, Alez! What did dey do to ya?" "You don't see, do you Bugsy? Well, here, let me help you." He turned to the Creations, and said, "Seize him!" Two bounded towards Bugs, and grabbed his arms. They forced him down on to his knees. Alez started to take off one of his black gloves, when Bugs' belt started beeping. "Why, that should be your protege, Buster, shouldn't it? Holding out a faint hope that you are still alive? Well, let's not disappoint the lad!" Alez took the belt off Bugs, and his face melted into an exact copy of Bugs. He pressed the button, and a picture of Buster appeared. One of the Creations covered Bugs' mouth. "Bugs! We thought you were dead!" "No, little guy," said Alez, "I just managed ta get ta Reality in time before da Loo was totalled." Buster's face lit up. "That's GREAT news!" "Yeah, but listen, kid. I need ya help, can ya come to Reality?" "Sure, Bugs. I'll be right there!" The picture of Buster disappeared, and a yellow circle appeared on the ceiling. Buster fell out, and looked at Alez, who still had Bugs' head. "What the...?" "Grab him!" said Alez. A Creation grabbed Buster, and brought him to Alez. "Now, Bugsy, watch and learn!" said Alez, returning to his own face. "Prepare for a very important lesson, boy." he said to Buster. He took off his right glove, to reveal a charred and burnt hand. He thrust it towards Buster, and placed it on his forehead. The Creation released it's grip on Buster, but Buster didn't move. Instead, his arms dropped limply by his sides. Buster stared blanky ahead, before letting out an ear piercing scream. He started to glow blue, and the blue glow rose up, forming a ball above Buster's head. Buster's fur changed from blue to black, the same jet black as Alez's fur. The ball floated towards Alez, and entered the rat's head. Buster's eyes closed, and opened again slowly. They had changed, from black to fiery red. He looked up at Alez, and said, "Thank you, Sir. What do you wish me to do?" "Buster, I want you to go back to Toonity and educate all your friends as I have educated you. Do you understand?" "Yes, Sir." Buster pressed his belt, and the yellow circle appeared. Bugs, sensing the distraction Buster was causing, slipped away from the Creations holding him, grabbed his belt from Alez, and sprinted out through the door. Alez noticed, and turned to two of the Creations. He glared at them with an expression of pure rage. "Idiots! Catch that rabbit!" he said, spitting the words, "Go after him! Bring him back!" The two Creations bounded out through the door, and began chasing Bugs. Bugs sprinted through the corridors, and skidded to a stop outside a door marked "Armory". He opened the door, and slipped inside. The walls were lined with various forms of weaponry, from rifles to shotguns to grenades. Bugs took a shotgun, and pressed his belt. He had to help Buster. * * * * * * * * * * * * Babs was scanning the horizon, looking for Creations. The forest was devestated, with trees lying on the ground, knocked over by the invading Creations. Fires burned everywhere, and she had no idea where the others were. It was just her, completely alone. Suddenly, a yellow circle appeared before her, and a black rabbit dropped out. The rabbit was wearing a red sweater, and white gloves. He had a white stomach, feet, and face, but the rest of his fur was jet black. The black rabbit got to his feet, and stared at Babs with fiery red eyes. "Buster?" she asked, "What's happened to you?" "Hello Babs," he said, "Welcome to your lesson." A yellow portal appeared behind Buster, and Bugs fell out of it. Bugs pulled out the small box, and converted the shotgun to a toon one. He jumped to his feet, and took a step towards Buster. Buster had taken off his right glove, and was advancing towards Babs. "Buster, I'm begging ya! Stop walking!" said Bugs. Buster paused for a moment, but resumed walking. "Babs, get away from him. Dat isn't Buster anymore. It's a Creation." Babs started backing away, and Buster advanced menacingly. "Buster, I am giving ya one warning. Stop, right now!" said Bugs. Buster paid Bugs no attention. Bugs saw that he had only one choice. He ran towards Buster, and smashed him in the back of the head with the butt of the shotgun. Buster tumbled to the ground, and lay there, motionless. Bugs ran up to Babs, knelt down, and hugged her. "Are ya alright, Babs? I'd never forgive myself if Alez hurt ya." "Yeah, but what about Buster?" said Babs. A tear rolled down her cheek. "Don't worry. Wile E. and me, we'll figure out a way ta get him back on track." Neither of them noticed Buster getting back up to his feet. Buster lunged at Bugs, and knocked the shotgun out of his hands. He got Bugs in a headlock, but Bugs threw him off and onto the ground. Buster jumped straight back at Bugs, and knocked him onto his back with an unnatural strength. "Well, mentor," said Buster, "it is time for me to teach you something." The two rabbits started rolling around on the ground, each trying to gain the upper hand. Buster managed to pin Bugs to the ground, and moved his hand towards Bugs' forehead. He and Bugs were motionless, save for the shaking of their arms as they struggled against each other. Buster frowned, as if he couldn't understand why Bugs was fighting him. Sweat broke out on Bugs' forehead, as he poured all of his strength into his struggle with Buster. Babs picked up the shotgun. Bugs desperately tried to push Buster's hand away from his forehead, but Buster was strong, too strong. The black hand slowly inched it's way towards Bugs' head. Babs pointed the shotgun at Buster. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. "Buster, please, I'm begging you. Stop." He paid no attention to her. Buster's hand moved closer to Bugs' head. Babs cocked the gun. "Buster, please don't make me do this." Buster still ignored her. Thoughts were racing through her head at a million miles per hour. She couldn't shoot Buster, could she? But what about Bugs? She kept trying to tell herself that it wasn't Buster in front of her. She was bombarded with memories, of the first time she had met Buster, of all the things they had done together, of their first kiss, of all the happy moments. "Buster, please! I love you!" she sobbed, with tears filling her eyes. For a brief moment, Buster stopped. His body seemed to be trying to take Bugs' soul, but his head was looking at her. His eyes were looking directly into hers. "I.. I.. can't stop, Babs. Do it, please. Don't make me kill Bugs. Please," his voice was barely a whisper. A single black tear fell from his eyes, and splashed onto the ground below, "Please." Babs stood for a moment, unable to move. She looked directly into Buster's eyes, and she knew what she had to do. She looked at Bugs, and back at Buster. "Buster, know that I will always love you. Love will set you free, Buster." She pulled the trigger. * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez doubled over in pain. Something had gone wrong, and he knew who was the cause. He turned to the Creations. "I want five of you to go and find Bugs Bunny. I WANT BUGS BUNNY, AND I WANT HIM HERE!" Five Creations moved forward, and scuttled out of the room. Wile E. smiled. He knew Bugs would find a way to destroy Alez. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster's body was thrown back by the force of the impact, and he landed in the soft grass a few feet away from Bugs. The slug had stuck him in the chest, and he felt a dull pain expanding throughout his body. He was only half aware of it, and simply lay there, looking at the sky, waiting to die. He shut his eyes, welcoming the silence of death. Babs threw the shotgun away in disgust and dropped to her knees. She buried her head in her hands and started sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Buster." Bugs got up and went over to Buster's body. A small amount of steam was rising from the wound, and Bugs knelt down. "Babs, come here." Babs rose to her feet, and made her way to Buster's body. She knelt down on the other side of him, and grasped his black hand. A tear rolled off her face, and landed on Buster's nose. His eyes jerked open, and looked directly at Bugs. "Oh mentor, I'm sorry. I'm sorry." said Buster, his voice barely audible. Bugs stroked the fur on Buster's face. "It's alright, kid. I forgive ya." Buster looked over at Babs, and sighed softly. "Babs.... thank you for ending this." "Buster, I'm sorry, please don't die!" "Oh, L'amour," said Buster. His hand rose slowly, and caressed her face. "Don't worry about me, I'm not alone. I'm going home." He coughed, and looked directly up, at the blue sky. "Goodbye, I will always love you both. My journey is complete." His hand dropped to the ground, and his eyes closed. Babs felt a cold rush throughout her body, as she placed her hand on Buster's forhead. Buster felt a strange euphoria, a sense of warmth surround him as the voices around him grew quieter. He felt himself sinking into the blackness, away from all the trials and troubles he was leaving behind. He thought of Babs, and a starburst of pain exploded throughout his entire body. He knew he would miss her more than he could possibly imagine, but that was the price he had to pay, the sacrifice that he had to make. His only comfort was the knowledge that as he died, the Creation died also. Buster felt himself growing smaller, his sense of existance shrinking. He knew his time was up, and he was prepared. A cold chill coursed through his body, and he embraced the warmth that death provided. Buster died. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs ran back to Wile E.'s cave, carrying the lifeless form of Buster. Babs trailed behind him, still sobbing. They entered the lab, and Bugs laid Buster's body down on a a table. Bugs turned to face Babs, and put his hand on her shoulder. "Listen, Babs. I need ya ta help me spring Wile E. He might be able ta save Buster." She paid him no attention, and simply stood there, sobbing. Bugs shook her shoulder, but she still ignored him. He saw he had no alternative, so he slapped her across the face. She sniffed, and looked up at him. "Babs! Listen to me! Ya have ta help me get Wile E. out, so we can save Buster!" "S.. save him?" "Yeah, save him! And I can't do it without your help! I need ya to be strong!" "What do you need me to do?" "Here's da plan." * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez stood in the lab, looking over the sectra map. The barrier had collapsed long ago, just as he had planned. The two universes were merging into one whole, and he would rule them both. Suddenly, a yellow circle appeared on the ceiling, and Babs dropped out through it. "Grab her!" he shouted, and all the Creations moved in. Another yellow circle appeared, and Bugs dropped out by Wile E. Wile E. was weak from contact with the Creations, and said nothing. Bugs knelt down and pressed the button on Wile E.'s belt. He was about to press his belt, when he heard Babs shout out. "Bugs! Help!" The Creations had grabbed her, and Alez was moving toward her to steal her soul. He took off his glove, and moved towards her. "NO!" shouted Bugs, and he ran towards Alez. Diving towards him, Bugs knocked Alez to the ground and pinned him there. "Go, Babs!" Babs pushed her button and was gone. Bugs looked back at Alez just in time to see Alez's hand as it touched his forehead. "Join me." said Alez. * * * * * * * * * * * * Babs fell out onto the ground of the lab, and looked around her. Wile E. was sitting on the other side of the room, and Buster was still lying on the table. She got to her feet, and helped Wile E. up. They headed over to Buster, and Wile E. let out a gasp. Babs realized that Wile E. hadn't known that Buster was dead. "Quickly, we must get him into ice." said Wile E. "Why?" asked Babs. "Ice will slow the deterioration of the synapses in his brain. His body might survive until we can get his soul back, but his brain will deteriorate in this heat. He must be cooled immediately." "Oh, my poor Buster. Why did you have to die?" "Babs, that isn't Buster. That is Buster's body. I am surprised he even acted like Buster, as Buster is contained entirely within his soul. This is just an emotionless shell." "But.. but he said that he loved me." "Well, Babs, some emotions go beyond the soul. Buster's love for you is such a massive part of him, it permeates every part of his being." "It was the only thing that stopped him." said Babs, rubbing Buster's forehead. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs was falling, falling, falling into darkness. He could see nothing, but felt himself tumbling rapidly downwards. He stared ahead, hoping to see something to fall onto, to stop the falling. A point of light appeared in the distance, and Bugs squinted at it. What was it? * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez looked at the Bugs that sat before him. The black fur suited him, and Alez knew he would enjoy watching Bugs destroy Toonity for him. Bugs got to his feet, and looked at Alez. "Welcome home, Bugsy," said Alez. "Now it is time to take the Toonity back." * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs landed heavily, but couldn't see anything holding him up. A lamp was off in the distance illuminating the blackness. Bugs looked around, and saw something he never expected to see. It was Buster. He ran over and knelt down by Buster. Buster was unconscious, held by shackles. Bugs lifted up Buster's head, and saw that he had been beaten. He shook Buster, but Buster didn't respond. He stepped back, and heard a weak voice behind him. "Bugsy?" He turned, and saw Alez in shackles as well. This wasn't the monster that was destroying Toonity, this was his friend Alez Rat, his partner, his best friend. Bugs ran over, and knelt down. "Alez? What are ya doing here? Actually, where is here?" Alez coughed. "This is me, Bugsy. You are inside my soul. That.. that Creation has taken over, I can't do anything about it." "He is correct, Bugs." Bugs turned, and saw a Creation behind him. "And now you are my prisoner too." Bugs felt himself fly backwards into the blackness, and he slammed to a stop next to Buster. Shackles appeared, and clamped into place around his hands. * * * * * * * * * * * * Babs shut the door and closed the seal. She didn't want to have to shut Buster in there, but if doing it could save him, then she had no choice. She approached Wile E., who was working on a way to get Buster's soul back into his body. "Any luck, Wile E.?" "No. My field of expertise is physics, the laws of the spirit world elude me. Perhaps Shirley would be more suited to the job. I will contact her with the belt." * * * * * * * * * * * * A yellow circle appeared over the wreck of Acme Loo, and Bugs dropped out. He thought he would take Babs first. He set off towards Wile E.'s lab. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs woke up, and groaned. His face was sore from the beatings of the Creation. He knew he had to escape from here, but he didn't know how. He looked over at Buster, who was still unconscious. He knew he couldn't escape without Buster's help. "Buster! Wake up!" Buster stirred, and his head slowly rose. "Bugs? What are you doing here?" "Alez got me too. We gotta get outta here, kid. And we gotta work together ta do it." "Well, how do we escape?" "I dunno, kid." "Well, this isn't the physical world, so maybe we can use that?" "Good idea, kid. Lemme try someting." He struggled, and managed to move his hand over to Buster's. He grabbed it, and said, "Now concentrate, kiddo." Bugs concentrated, and felt Buster doing the same. He closed his eyes, and moved his arms forward. Suddenly, the resistance of the shackles disappeared, and his arms were free. He opened his eyes, and looked at Buster, who simply shrugged. Bugs slowly rose to his feet, and felt the pain throughout his body. He helped Buster to his feet, and looked around. "We'd better get outta here before dat Creation comes back, kiddo." "Well, how exactly do we get out of here?" "Good question." Bugs walked over to Alez, and knelt down. Alez was breating shallowly, in short sharp bursts. Bugs grabbed the shackles holding him and tried to jiggle them loose. "No... don't... do... it," said Alez, panting. "Why not, Alez?" "I.. can't leave here, Bugsy," said Alez, struggling for breath. "This IS me. You and Buster have to get.. the Creation.. out from the outside.. quickly, Bugsy. If I.. leave myself, that Creation.. will take over.. completely. I won't.. be.. able to.. get.. back in. The Creation is too... strong. It takes... all my strength to stop him... from taking over completely. If I leave.. my body, I will.. die." Alez fell unconscious. "We have to get out of here!" said Buster. "C'mon." said Bugs. He led Buster into the blackness. They walked for a minute or two, before stopping. There, a few feet in front of them, was the Creation. "So, you are attempting to leave. I can tell you, there is no point in attempting. I control this little universe, it alters itself at my slightest whim. There are no ways out." "Oh yeah?" said Bugs, "I'm not so sure about dat. C'mon, Buster!" He grabbed Buster's hand, and charged the Creation. They both hit it directly, and the whole universe was lit with a yellow glow. * * * * * * * * * * * * "I'll, like, see what I can do, Babs." said Shirley, taking up the lotus position. "Well, just try." said Babs, crossing her fingers. Suddenly, there was a hissing noise. "What's that, Wile E.?" asked Babs. Wile E. inspected a monitor. "That is the hydrolics of the lab door opening. Someone has just entered the lab." "Well, who is it?" "I don't know. The only other person who can open that door is Bugs." "Ya got dat right, Wile E." said Bugs. He emerged from the tunnel into the lab, and looked at the three toons. Babs looked over at him, and let out a gasp. Babs couldn't believe it. Bugs was completely black. His fur was jet black. The only white was his eyes, his stomach, and his feet. Shirley had no idea what was wrong, but Wile E. knew. Alez had taken Bugs' soul, and Bugs was here to take theirs. Babs looked over at Shirley, who was staring at Bugs with amazement. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster felt himself being torn between two universes, the prison of Alez, and the freedom of Reality. He wondered what had happened to Bugs. Suddenly, he felt Bugs' presence. But it was different. It wasn't like Bugs was there WITH him, Bugs was IN him. He heard Bugs' voice. "Hey, kid. Where are ya?" "I'm right here, Bugs." "Where? I can't see ya!" "I can't see you either, Bugs. But you're here." He felt a sudden warmth, and a calming influence come over him. He relaxed completely. He was alright. * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez doubled over in pain, and Jameson looked at him in puzzlement. A turquoise sphere emerged from his head, and Alez let out a yell. The sphere flew forwards, before settling on the ground. Slowly, the sphere began to take on a shape. It was.... a rabbit? * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs stepped forward, and took off his left glove. Babs backed away in fear. If Buster was made stronger by the Creation, Bugs would be fearfully strong. She knew that she had no chance against him. She had to escape from here, but how? Suddenly, a yellow portal appeared behind the black Bugs. A light blue rabbit fell out, and landed on the floor. It was merely an image, it wasn't completely there. It got to it's feet, and looked over at Babs. Babs was completely confused by this new arrival. It looked like Buster, but was as tall as Bugs, with Bugs' whiskers. It wore no sweater, but it's face was more youthful than Bugs'. It turned to Bugs, and said, "There ya are. I want my body back, buddy." It spoke with Buster's voice, but Bugs' accent was clear. It seemed to have the wisdom and confidence of Bugs, and the energy of Buster. The black Bugs spun round, and the other rabbit ducked. It grabbed Bugs by the stomach, and lifted it up over it's head. It threw Bugs across the room, and ran over to it. "Let me back in!" it shouted, taking off it's glove. It put it's hand on Bugs' forehead, but nothing happened. The black rabbit laughed. "Do ya think it's dat easy?" He pressed the button on his belt, and was gone. The blue rabbit pounded it's fist on the wall. "Why didn't it work?" Babs walked up, and put her hand on the blue rabbit's shoulder. She felt a warmth appear beneath her hand, and she pulled it away. The blue rabbit turned to face her, and sat on the floor. "Why didn't it work, Babs?" "I don't know... who are you? Is it Buster, or Bugs?" The rabbit spoke, with Bugs' voice. "Well, it's sorta both of us, kid. Buster seems ta be da one in charge, though." "But how are you here?" The rabbit spoke again, with Buster's voice this time. "Call us Buster, will you? It's better than nothing. We were trapped in Alez, but we managed to escape. I guess, since we both jumped into the Creation, we were joined together." "OK, Buster. But how do we get you two back into your bodies?" Buster spoke again, with the crossover Buster/Bugs voice. "Well, first we gotta get back Bugs' body, den, well, we'll figure it out from dere, I suppose." Shirley spoke up. "Well, I might, like, be able to channel their souls back into their bodies, or some junk." "Well, first we gotta get both bodies together." said Buster. * * * * * * * * * * * * Plucky ran through the remains of the forest, not really knowing where he was heading. He was scared, really scared. Fortunately, no one else was there to see him like that. But, where was everyone else? He looked around, and was disgusted at the landscape before him. The smouldering remains of Acme Loo lay in the distance, with smoke rising lazily from the wreck. Not only had the Creations crushed Acme Loo, they had razed the ruins. The forest was devestated, with burning tree trunks and the occasional healthy tree amongst the destruction. Everything was destroyed. The Creations were everywhere, but they seemed indifferent to him. They came and went all around him, but paid him no concern. It was like he didn't matter, he was insignificant in their plans. He felt slightly insulted at this, but on the other hand, it meant he was in relatively little danger. Suddenly, he saw something that made his heart jump with joy; it was Bugs. Bugs was here. Bugs would know what to do. He was safe now! Plucky started to call out to Bugs, but stopped short. What was Bugs doing? It looked like he was sucking the very color from Acme Acres! Why would Bugs do that? Then, Plucky noticed something very different about Bugs; his fur was black. What was going on here? He slowly approached Bugs, and stopped a few feet away. "Bugs?" Bugs turned to look at the source of the voice, and saw the small green duck standing before him. He grinned. "Well, if it ain't little Plucky Duck. I never DID like ya, ya annoying twerp. Come here, let's do someting about dat problem." Bugs took off his glove, and advanced towards the cowering form of Plucky. "WAAAAAAAAHHHH!" screamed Plucky, as he ran from Bugs. He rounded a corner, and saw someone that renewed his flagging hope; it was Daffy. "Daffy! Daffy! Help!" Daffy recognised Plucky's voice, and looked up to see what he wanted. He saw a black Bugs Bunny chasing his protege, and wondered what was going on. Plucky dived behind him, and wailed, "Help! Save me!" Bugs stopped, and looked at Daffy. "Well well, it looks like we'll be playing anudder scene tagether, Daffy." Plucky pushed Daffy forwards, and said, "Go get him, teach." Bugs laughed. "Ha! Plucky, yoo, of all people, should know dat Daffy never wins againt me! Dis will be a pushover! Daffy is noting but a loser!" Daffy felt his blood boil. No one, not even Bugs Bunny, called Daffy Duck a loser! No one! He held up his fists, and sauntered towards Bugs. "Put up your duketh, rabbit." * * * * * * * * * * * * Wile E. frowned. With all the Creations in Toonity, it was going to be hard to find Bugs. The collapse of the sectra barrier didn't help things, as Reality and Toonity were starting to become one. He had no idea how long it would take, though. It could take years, it could happen in seconds. He didn't know. He really hated not knowing. "Any luck, Wile E.?" asked Babs. "No, it will take time to find him. I suggest that Shirley gets ready to do this." * * * * * * * * * * * * "Fighting me is futile, duck," said Bugs, "It is written in da prophecies dat dis place will be torn asunder, da sky will open and da blackness will consume all. Why fight da inevitable?" "Nothing ith inevitable, Bugth." With that, Daffy took a swing at Bugs, who dodged it easily. Bugs' fist connected squarely with Daffy's jaw, and Daffy was sent flying. Plucky ran over to the dazed form of Daffy. "Take the kid, Bugth!" said Daffy, before passing out. * * * * * * * * * * * * "Eureka! I've found him!" shouted Wile E., jumping into the air. "Where is he?" asked Buster, "I gotta get dat body back!" "He is approximately two miles due south of the remains of Acme Looniversity." said Wile E "Alright, let's go," said Buster, "Babs, bring Buster's body with us. Shirley, yoo are coming too, kiddo." Babs unlocked the room holding Buster's body, and carried it out. "Let's go!" she said. * * * * * * * * * * * * Jon looked at his watch. It was time to head back to Toonity for the party. He had been looking forward to it all day, and had spent the entire day getting prepared. He had no idea of the carnage the Creations were causing. He stood by his bed, wearing his backpack. He put on the belt, and it started beeping. "Hmm, that's funny. I thought the window of low focus wasn't for another five minutes," he thought to himself. "Oh well, here goes nothing." He pressed the red button on his belt, and fell into the sectra portal. * * * * * * * * * * * * Plucky was awakened by the sound of Jon's landing. Bugs had knocked him out, and his head hurt. He looked around for Daffy, but neither he nor Bugs were anywhere to be seen. He got to his feet, and looked over at Jon. "Boy, kid. You couldn't have picked a worse time to come." he said. "Why? What's wrong?" "Look around, kid. Everything has gone down the porcalain. The Creations have taken over." "What? I thought we sent them into that prison!" "They escaped, and they are taking over here." Wile E. emerged from the remains of the forest, and ran towards them. He turned his head away from them, and shouted, "Hey! This way! He went this way!" He was holding a strange looking box, which was beeping madly. Babs, Shirley, and a strange blue rabbit ran out towards Plucky and Jon. Plucky noticed something disturbing; Buster's body was being carried by Babs, with an obvious wound in his chest. "Hey, Plucky!" shouted Babs, "Have you seen Bugs come this way?" "Yeah, he just tried to kill me!" said Plucky. He looked over at the blue rabbit, and said, "Who are you? And what happened to Buster?" "We're Buster and Bugs' souls, Plucky. We gotta get Bugs back so dat we can put ourselves back in our bodies." "Well, Bugs was fighting with Daffy a while ago, I don't know what happened." "According to my readings, Bugs went this way," said Wile E., pointing. The group rushed off, in pursuit of Bugs. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs heard footsteps pounding behind him, and turned to see who was following him. He squinted into the forest behind him, cursing the shadows for obscuring his pursuer. "Bugs, please stop." A rabbit stepped out of the darkness. Bugs' eyes widened, and his mouth opened. The rabbit was cream colored, and was surrounded by a faint glow. "Stop, please." "But... but.. ya are dead! Da plane crash! How..." "Don't concern yourself with that now, Bugs. Just know, that what you are doing hurts me greatly. You are a good, kind soul, Bugs. What your friend has done to you is unnatural, it isn't right. Let your friends correct it, Bugs. Please. I can't bear to see you like this." Bugs fell to his knees, and a black tear rolled from his eyes. "Alright. I will do anyting for ya. I want ya to know dat, I never got da chance to tell ya before ya died. I hated myself for dat. When ya died, a part of me died too. I tought dat I would never get da chance to tell ya how it really was." "I know, Bugs. I have always known. That is what made me love you." She started to fade, and Bugs reached out for her. "No! Don't go! I love yoo!" She reached down, and grabbed his hand. "I love you too, Bugs." She faded completely, and left Bugs there by himself, completely motionless. * * * * * * * * * * * * Wile E.'s box started beeping even faster, and nearly dropped out of his hand. "He is nearby. The sectra trace is getting stronger." "We gotta find him quick. Buster's body is going down da drain fast." said Buster. They emerged from the remains of the forest into a clearing. The black Bugs sat by himself on a slab of stone, with his head in his hands. He heard them approach, and looked up. He saw who it was, and jumped to his feet. "Don't come any closer!" he said, glaring at them. Babs laid Buster's body down in the grass in front of her, and Bugs looked at it. Bugs approached her, and she grabbed Buster protectively. Bugs saw her do this, and looked directly into her eyes. He knew that she loved him, and would do anything to protect him. He felt a small part of himself break free, as if a weight had been lifted. He returned to the slab, and sat down. He looked over at the blue rabbit, and said, "Please, Bugs, come back, so dat I can love again. I can feel it inside me, but I can't appreciate it. I need ya for dat. Come home, Bugs." Shirley stepped forward. "Babs, like, put Buster over there." she said, pointing. Babs complied. "Like, prepare yourselves for this." said Shirley. She signalled Buster, who walked over and stood between Bugs and Buster's black bodies. She raised her hands, and started levitating. "I call upon the spirit world, to answer my refrain. Channel these two rabbits home again. Send their thoughts back to their minds, send their souls coursing through their veins." The blue rabbit started to fade, until it was a turquoise sphere. This divided into two, a blue and a grey. Beads of sweat appeared on Shirley's brow, and she began shaking from the concentration required. Suddenly, a placid look came over her face. Her hands dropped to her sides. The blue sphere entered Bugs, and the grey sphere entered Buster. "Umm. Is it supposed to happen that way?" asked Jon. "I dunno, Jon. Let's hope so." replied Babs. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster awoke, and looked up at the sky. Shirley had done it! He was home! "Sorry kiddo, but you ain't." It was Bugs. But... if he wasn't home, where was he? Who was he? He jumped to his feet, and nearly fell over. He must have been three times his normal height! When he was merged with Bugs it seemed natural to be that high, but now he felt disconcertingly tall. He put his hand on his chin, and noticed something. Whiskers! He didn't have whiskers! He looked over at Babs, who had a look of utter shock on her face. "What the..?" thought Babs. Bugs had blue fur! This wasn't right! Shirley had messed up! "Buster?" she asked. "Babs? What's going on?" asked Buster. "Oh, no!" said Babs. She ran over towards Buster, and stopped in front of him. She came up to his stomach. He knelt down, and hugged her. Suddenly, a thought appeared in Buster's head. "Hey! When I said I wanted ta feel love, I didn't mean Babs!" It was Bugs again. Buster pulled back from Babs slightly. "Well, if I am in Bugs' body, then Bugs must be in MY body!" he said, pointing over at his body. He got up, and walked over to his body. "Bugs?" Bugs felt very groggy, but managed to open his eyes. He looked up and saw Buster looking down at him. "Hiya, kiddo." He tried to sit up, but felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest. He looked down at himself, and saw that there was a bullet wound in his chest. Worse than that, though, was that he was TINY! This wasn't his body! "What da...?" "Bugs, you're in my body, and I am in yours." said Buster, "It's just as much of a shock for me as it is for you." "But I gotta stop Alez! I can't do dat with dis bullet wound!" "Well, I guess I am going to have to do it. Shirley can't do anything about it." said Buster, pointing to Shirley, who was lying exhausted on the ground. Bugs looked at Shirley, and sighed. "Well, I guess it's up to yoo, Buster." * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez threw his hands up in triumph. His plan had succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Not only had he taken Bugs back, he had taken Bugs' protege as well! The fact that they had escaped him did not concern him. He had bought enough time, and now the sectra barrier was completely collapsed. Soon Reality and Toonity would be merged into one. His army of Creations had served him well. He knew that it was his time, he was destined to rule all. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster stood alone, and wobbled slightly. He wasn't used to this body. He glanced over at the others, who looked at him with hope. He had said that he must do it alone, but he had secretly wished that Babs, or Bugs, would come with him to fight. But no, he couldn't let them do that. He couldn't put them in danger. Was that entirely his thought, or was it one of Bugs' memories influencing him? He didn't know. The Bugs inside him knew the tragedy that losing a loved one brings, and Buster felt it too. He turned to face Bugs, and said, "Well, wish me luck." "Good luck, kid. Remember, that might be my body ya are using, but it ain't me in charge. Trust ya instincts, and believe in yaself. If ya manage dat, noting, not even Alez and his armies of darkness can stop ya. Just believe." "I'll try, Bugs." "It won't be easy, kid. But remember, ya are all that is stopping Alez from overrunning both universes. He tried to kill ya, but he couldn't. Just think about dat, Buster." Buster smiled. "OK Bugs. I'll see you when I get back!" He reached down, pressed the button on his belt, and was gone. "Good luck, Buster," said Babs, "You can do it." * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez heard the familiar sound of a portal opening behind him, and turned to see who was arriving. A blue rabbit, who looked similar to Bugs, dropped out in front of him. A look of puzzlement came over his face, which was quickly replaced by a grin as he realized who it was. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Buster Bunny. My, you've grown, my lad!" Buster got to his feet, and glared at Alez. A pair of Creations moved toward him, but Alez motioned them away. "No, this one is mine." Alez stepped forward, and crossed his arms. "So, you are trying to live up to your mentor's great name, eh?" "I am here to stop you, and nothing is gonna stop me from doing it." "Ha! YOU? You are pathetic! You can't even begin to compare to your mentor! Even if you ARE in his body!" Buster felt the rage welling up inside him, and struggled to contain his anger. "Calm down, kid. He wants ya to get angry." said Bugs, inside Buster's head. Buster pulled his hands into fists, and felt the anger slowly subside. "No, I am not Bugs Bunny, Alez. I am Buster Bunny. Bugs might be my mentor, but I am a seperate person. And that is what you don't realize. That will be your downfall, Alez." Alez was taken aback by that comment, and quickly started coming up with a new strategy. "Bugs couldn't stop me, and you can't either. I am INVINCIBLE!" Buster looked around the room. He noticed the portal that Alez had entered through. Maybe.... "You might be invincible, Alez, but your PAST isn't!" "What?" asked Alez. Buster prepared himself. A shadow of doubt crept into his mind. Deep down, he felt that entering the portal was the right thing to do, but hesitation gnawed at his thoughts. He thought back to Bugs' words, "Trust ya instincts." A thought appeared in his head. "Ya can do it, kid. Just believe." "I believe, Bugs." thought Buster. Buster charged past Alez, and dived towards the portal. Alez watched on, and his eyes widened. "NO!" * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster felt himself being drawn into the portal, and took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. He felt himself being torn between two worlds, and tried to concentrate, but to no avail. He was being torn apart. "Be strong, kid." thought Bugs. Buster tried to reply, but couldn't find the strength. All his energy was being spent on trying to keep himself as one. He tried to focus, but his mind was a mess. Pain gripped his entire body, and he screamed. Finally, when he thought he could take it no more, he found a thought he could focus on; Babs. He thought of Babs, and tried to fill his mind with her. He grasped at any and every memory of her he could find, and relived them in intricate detail. He thought of her sweet voice, her soft fur, her warm heart. Pain started to intrude again, and he pressed his fists against his temples. He had to keep the pain out, he had to keep Babs in his mind. He came to a realization. He couldn't die here, he would never see Babs again, never hear her voice, never feel her love. That was all he needed. He felt his mind merging into one conscious thought, that banished the pain from his body. He loved Babs, and he had to survive, if only to see her again. The pain disappeared, and Buster spread his arms and legs, into a star shape. He drifted through the limbo, waiting for an exit to present itself. Suddenly, an opportunity presented itself, and Buster used it. He floated towards an opening in the portal, and tumbled through it. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster landed on his feet, behind a rock. He looked around, and was surprised at the scenery. He was on an island, with a volcano in the distance. He was surrounded by tropical trees, but within a small rocky clearing. A chasm lay off in the distance. Buster didn't recognise any of it, but the Bugs in him froze. A pain stabbed Buster in the heart, and he realized that this place meant something to Bugs. What it was, he didn't know. "Buster, now is da time ta worry." thought Bugs, "Now yer opponent isn't Alez, yer opponent is History." Buster gulped. He didn't understand completely what Bugs meant, but he knew he would find out soon enough. A trio of toons emerged from the forest, and Buster's pulse started racing. Or was it Bugs' pulse? "Duck!" thought Bugs. Buster complied, and looked out with shock at the trio who stood before him. There was a native of the island, Alez, and a very young Bugs. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bugs watched, from his viewpoint inside Buster, the scene unfolding before him. Here was history, happening again. He couldn't let this act play itself out to it's previous conclusion. He had to change it, but he couldn't do it, Buster had to. He felt a flurry of emotions as he watched history happening again before his eyes. He felt relief at seeing Alez alive again, but sadness also stuck unpleasantly in his mind. The truth was, it pained him greatly to watch this again. He couldn't show his emotions to Buster, so he did his best to hide them, but he knew it was impossible to keep them all from him. * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster watched the happenings before him with interest. He had watched every Bugs Bunny picture a million times, but couldn't remember this one. Bugs decided that the only way Buster was going to save Alez was to reveal to him the entire event. He opened up his mind, and let Buster in. Suddenly, Buster knew exactly what was going to happen, and exactly what he had to do. As the scene neared it's conclusion, he looked over towards the chasm. Right on schedule, the Creation appeared. Everything started moving in slow motion. The young Bugs and Alez hit the ground, and were dragged excruciatingly slowly towards the Creation. They both clawed at the dirt beneath them, trying desperately to escape. Buster watched on, unable to move. He looked down at the young Bugs, and saw something he had never seen before; genuine terror. Sure, he had seen fear in Bugs' face in his cartoon shorts, but this was different. This was real. He saw desperation and panic in Bugs' eyes. He realized that Bugs was just as vulnerable as everyone else. Inside that cool, suave exterior, Bugs was just like everyone else. Alez rolled onto his back, and got to his feet. He started running towards the Creation. "Ya gotta stop him, Buster!" thought Bugs. Buster ran towards Alez, and dived at him. He knocked Alez short; but came flying from the impact. He crashed into the Creation, and tumbled over the edge with it. He twisted in the air, and looked upwards. He knew that he was going to die, so he simply accepted it. Suddenly, he heard a voice that changed that. "Buster! Give me your hand!" It was Babs. Buster looked downwards, and saw Babs standing on a rocky outcrop. He reached out his hand, and she grabbed it as he fell past her. She was pulled to her knees by the force of his fall. He dangled over the edge, with Babs hanging on to his hand. He looked upward at her, and noticed something else. Alez was leaning over the top of the chasm, looking down at them. "History won't let ya win dat easy, kid." thought Bugs. Buster looked down at the Creation, which was thrashing in the lava. He looked back up at Alez, and his heart stopped. The chasm was collapsing! A large crack appeared below Alez, and the ground gave way from underneath him. The young Bugs dived after Alez, but missed his hand. Alez tumbled down the chasm, towards the lava and the Creation. Buster let out a gasp, and thrust his other hand outwards. He managed to grab Alez's hand, and the rat swung into the wall of the chasm below Buster. Unfortunately, the extra weight was too much for Babs. She strained with the effort, but knew she couldn't hold both of them. "Buster! Give me your other hand! You're slipping! I can't hold you!" Buster looked down at Alez, who had a serene look on his face. He was ready to die. Buster glanced down at the lava, and saw that the Creation had dissolved in the great heat. Buster strained with the weight of Alez. He had to save him, but how could he? "Let it go, Buster." thought Bugs, "Ya have beaten history, now let it have it's way. If Alez is meant ta survive, he will." "I can't do that, Bugs! That would be murder!" "I know it ain't easy, but ya are gonna have to make the choice. It's up to ya. Maybe we aren't meant to survive either. Just make up ya mind, and do it quick." Buster felt his mind being torn between two evils. He had to make a choice, and which ever one he chose, someone would die. He came to a realization that made him panic; if he held on to Alez, Babs might get pulled over with the weight. He looked down at Alez once again, and made his choice. He couldn't drop Alez, he couldn't live with that. Alez, however, had different ideas. He loosened his glove, and tried to wriggle out of it. "What are you doing?" asked Buster. "I don't know who you are," said Alez, "but something tells me that this is the right thing to do. We're all chained to our fate, and if mine says that I die here, so be it." Buster realized it was history doing it's work again. Alez wasn't meant to survive here, and history wasn't going to let Buster make the choice. Alez slipped loose from him, and fell downwards into the lava. Something made Buster shut his eyes. Maybe it was history, maybe it was Bugs. He turned back to Babs, and lifted his arm, complete with Alez's glove, up to her. She pulled him on to the rocks, and hugged him tightly. "C'mon. We have to get out of this chasm before it collapses." * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster hugged Babs tightly, and realized how close he had come to never seeing her again. He moved back from her, and walked back to the edge of the chasm. The young Bugs was on the other side, staring into the lava below. "HEY!" shouted Buster. Bugs looked up, a tear in his eyes. "I think this belongs to you now." said Buster, throwing Alez's glove across the chasm to Bugs. He turned back to Babs, and put his arm around her. "How did you know what was going to happen?" he asked. "After you left, Shirley woke up," replied Babs, "And she said that she had a vision of your death. She told me where I would find you, and she was right about it." "Remind me to thank her for that." * * * * * * * * * * * * THREE DAYS LATER * * * * * * * * * * * * Buster and Babs lay together in the moonlit grass, looking up at the starry sky. The bullet wound in Buster's chest was still throbbing, but that was a minor concern. Since Alez had never combined with the Creation, the invasion didn't occur, and everything was returning to normal. Bugs had repainted Acme Loo, and the two of them had finished their first day back at the new school. Buster stretched, and sat up. It felt good to be back in his body, after the uncomfortable 'largeness' of Bugs' body. Bugs had asked him why he didn't delve into his mind while he was in his body, and learn all Bugs' secrets in an instant. Buster didn't have an answer for Bugs then, but he had thought about it since then. There were some things that could never be shared with another person, and Buster knew that Bugs wouldn't like him knowing everything about him. He leaned over to Babs, and put his arm around her. She leaned into him, and they stayed there for several minutes, simply absorbing the atmosphere. Eventually, he turned his head towards her, and kissed her. "I love you, Babs." "I know, Buster. I love you too." * * * * * * * * * * * * Alez stood in the darkness, smiling gently. "Don't worry, Bugsy. Old toons never die, we just do gameshows, remember? Trust me, I am harder to lose than a bad case of fleas. I'll see you soon, Bugsy." Bugs awoke, and sat up. He was drenched in sweat. He switched on the light, and looked at the ceiling. That was the second night in a row he had dreamed the same dream. It had to mean something. He reached over to a drawer, and pulled out the tattered old glove that had belonged to Alez. He thought back to the strange blue rabbit who had given it to him, and smiled. If only he had known then. He reached over, and flicked off the light. He put his head on the pillow, and closed his eyes. Perhaps history had a surprise in store for him? T H E E N D ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Right, that's it for this story. I'm working on a few others, so be on the look out for them as well. Keep an eye out for "A Woman Scorned" (working title only) which is still mostly just an idea lurking in the back of my head, but is slowly being transformed into a script. Remember, **EMAIL** me and tell me what you think! Eddie@iprolink.co.nz Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the story! - Matty B.