FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The sun was high in the sky, showing that it was a good few minutes to noon. Chip, Zipper and Monterrey were sitting around their campfire cooking their lunches. Monterrey- not surprisingly- was fire roasting a small chunk of Cedar cheese, while Chip was roasting a shelled walnut. Looking around, Chip had to admit- it wasn't that bad at all, having to spend the night outdoors. In fact, it proved to be just what he needed. He, Monterrey and Zipper spent most of the night telling ghost stories, after Chip listened to Monterrey's more extreme tales from his adventures. Chip listened intensely, often cheering when Monterrey finished his story. Every so often, he stopped whatever he was doing and looked back at the tree house- thinking about Dale; this was the first camping trip he'd ever been on without his best friend. Monterrey was the one who managed to Chip up each time he got depressed, thinking about Dale. By the time morning rolled around, Chip had pretty much gotten over Dale's absence. Now, he was just hoping she was having fun. His thoughts were interrupted by a small rustling in the grass. He and the other male Rangers were surprised to see a young teenaged, female squirrel. Her bust was of a smaller size, but it was very noticeable. Her well kept auburn hair was neatly tied back in a braided ponytail. She was surprised to see them.

"Mister Monterrey," she asked, "Chipper?"

"Tammy," Chip asked.

"Tammy," Zipper cheered as he flew over and hugged Tammy's head, causing her to giggle.

"Hi, Zipper," Tammy giggled, gently pulling him off. "It's good to see you, too."

"Tammy," Monterrey said, getting up to hug her. "It's been a good while since we've seen ya last. How've ya been?"

"I've been doing fine, Mr Monterrey," Tammy answered. "But what about you? Why are you out here?"

"Oh, that," Monterrey smiled. "The Girls suddenly decided to have a slumber party and kicked us lot right out. Literally, in Chipper's case."

"Yeah," Chip agreed, still not sure how they got him out the door like they did. "Uh, not that I'm not happy to see you, Tammy. But... why are you here?"

"Oh, well," Tammy answered. "I heard you were looking for some scientist guy, and I wanted to help." She paused and looked around. "Uh... Where's Dale?"

"Uuhh...," The Rangers faltered, looking at each other.

***

Meanwhile, the girls were starting to wake up. Dale was the first to wake up. She looked up and saw that she was laying on Foxglove, with her looking down at her. Dale blushed as she smiled at Foxglove, before snuggling into her chest. She does make a good pillow, Dale thought to herself.

"Morning, Dale," Foxglove said, rubbing a wing along Dale's bare backside. "You sleep well?"

"Yeah," Dale yawned, stretching. "You?"

"Uh, yeah," Foxglove lied, but Dale knew better.

"Foxy," Dale prodded as she crawled up to her, still groggy. "What is it?"

"I'm sorry," Foxglove answered. "I just- just had a lot on my mind."

"What's the matter," Dale asked.

"Really, It's nothing," Foxglove said, nudging Dale off of her.

Dale happily got up off of Foxglove, and nudged Gadget awake. Gadget stretched and yawned and saw the small scraps of popcorn left, and saw the need to tidy the room up a bit. Luckily, the popcorn was all they had to pick up. While Gadget and Foxglove were busy with the last of picking up the popcorn, Dale went into the kitchen to fix some breakfast. She put together a bit of oatmeal flavored with some ground dried fruits- a bit of banana, some strawberry, and as small sliver of a dried blueberry. With breakfast cooking, the two girls quickly finished throwing out the last of the popcorn, and reported back to the meal table to see Dale sprinkling in a last bit of salt and sugar. It took some time, more than Gadget and Foxglove would have liked, to get it as thick as she wanted; she only left the pot to set out the bowls and. When she got the thickness she wanted, she happily served the oatmeal her friend and ... girlfriend- she smiled inwards at that thought, and finally served herself a bowl. After Dale lead the table in a quick grace, everyone dug in. Even though, it was as good as the dinner she had last night, she had something heavy on her heart and mind- quelling her appetite. Dale was quick to notice this. When Dale prodded again, Foxglove asked if it would wait until after breakfast. Dale reluctantly agreed, while Gadget sat there with a worried look on her face. When they finished, Gadget excused herself from the table, saying it was to get herself another bowl. That left Dale and Foxglove alone at the table.

"Dale, we," she said, grasping her paws with her wings. "We need to talk."

What she had to say greatly upset Dale. Dale tried to plead, but she couldn't convince her- not that that stopped her; she kept at it. After a very awkward discussion, and debate, Dale found herself, wearing her robe, outside watching Foxglove flying away. She was still holding her robe closed with one clenched paw and the other clenched into a fist, shaking. She looked at the fleeting image of Foxglove with bitter tears for a moment before abruptly spinning around stomping back inside. She went straight for the bathroom, and started her shower, and angrily threw the robe onto the floor. When the shower was hot enough, she stepped in and slumped against the wall. Gadget knocked on the door, and let herself in. She was met Dale's silhouette slumped over, leaning on the wall in front of her; she put her paws to her mouth and shook her head. On the other side of the curtain, Dale's eyes, which had been so full of life and cheer were staring down

"Oh, Dale," she sighed. Just when it looked like Dale was bouncing back, something always managed to knock her back down.

"Gadget," Dale said.

"Yeah?"

"I'm not having fun, anymore."

Meanwhile, Monterrey saw Foxglove flying away; that meant the slumber party was over, so he got Chip and Zipper to start packing up camp. Tammy was sitting on a rock, still processing everything they told her, and they told her everything. They even told her of Dale's rough patches. Tammy had to give her this- she was handling it better than Tammy would have if she went through that ordeal. She could only imagine what it must have been like. She just happened to look up to see Chip, Zipper and Monterrey cleaning up the camp site. She quickly stepped in and helped them pack everything into the boy's knapsacks. With everything cleaned up, they all made their way back to the tree house. With much more effort than Chip expected, they all made it up to the Rangers' HQ. Completely beat, the boys managed their ways through the door and were met with the delicious smell of Oatmeal still in the air; Gadget decided to keep it warm in case they wanted some- which they did. While Monterrey and Zipper rushed to the kitchen, Chip and Tammy looked around, and saw Gadget, leaning against Chip and Dale's room- but no sign of Dale. They walked up to her to ask what happened.

"Tammy," Gadget smiled as she went over and hugged her. "Oh. Hi, Chip."

"Hello, Gadget," Chip replied, but stopped when he remembered her face a moment ago. "Uh, did is everything okay?

"No," Gadget sighed, ending her hug. "Foxglove broke up with Dale." Chip and Tammy gasped at the news. Even Monterrey and Zipper poked their heads from the kitchen. "She really took it bad, guys. She's really being brave about the whole thing."

"Oh, Poor Dale," Tammy sighed, walking up to the door. "I wish I could help."

Meanwhile, Dale was lying face up in her bunk, still wiping here eyes and sniffing back her tears. She'd already had so much taken away from her, and now this! The words exchanged during her break up were still vividly fresh in her mind.

***

"Dale," Foxglove said. "I-I'm so very sorry, but I don't think this is going to work. That we're going to work."

"W-w-wha," Dale asked, her voice quivering. "Oh, no! Please, no!"

Foxglove didn't say anything as she got up from the table. Dale jumped to her feet, following her.

"Foxy, please," she pleaded, clinging on to her. "Don't. I'm still still me. I'm still Dale!"

"But not my Dale," Foxglove said, getting out of Dale's grip. "I'm sorry Dale, but you're not the boy I fell in love with, anymore." Looking back, Dale realized. Foxglove was as upset over this as she was. But it was still her fault for breaking up.

"So, that's it," Dale demanded, tears running down her cheeks. "Just cause I'm not a boy no more, I'm not your Dale?"

Foxglove didn't answer.

"Do you even love me, anymore," Dale asked. Foxglove cringed at the question. "You don't, do you," Dale continued.

"I don't know," Foxglove, said, as she reached the door, trying to keep from crying. "I just don't know."

Dale stood there for a second, before making a dash to the bathroom for her robe. When she returned, she saw Foxglove, outside the door, and spreading her wings. She ran over to her, slipping on her robe, only holding it closed in the front.

"Hey, Wait," Dale yelled, running up to her.

"I'm sorry, Dale," Foxglove sighed, sadly, as she flapped her wings and took flight. "But, I need some time to think."

***

Dale jerked from her thoughts by a light knocking at her door. She didn't say anything until the knocking came a third time.

"Dale," Chip's voice called out. "Can I come in?"

"And see me without my make up," Dale smiled. "But no, I'm a mess. I haven't even remade my hair!"

"I told you she took it really hard, Chip," Gadget reminded him, while Tammy stood there, in awe of what she was hearing.

"Dale," Gadget called out. "Tammy's here. And she wants to help us look for Nimnul. Chip says she said she saw someone looking like him running past her side of the park."

"But we always miss him," Dale pouted. "How do we know it's even him?"

"But, Dale," Chip started.

"Just go without me," Dale interrupted him,

"Now, you listen here," Tammy suddenly chastised. "We are not going out, and leave you sulking about. If there's one thing that the Rescue Rangers showed me- that YOU showed me- is to never give up, no matter what. Now you are going to get out of bed, clean yourself up, and come with us, even if I have to drag you!" She accentuated her point by banging her fist on the door.

"Tammy," the Rangers gasped.

Before Tammy could say anything, the door cracker open- just enough to see one of Dale' eyes peering through.

"Do you even know what I've been through," she seethed.

"No," Tammy admitted, her quiet demeanor seemingly back. "But I do know that just sitting around and doing nothing about it isn't going to help."

"Okay," Dale said after good pause. "I'll go."

***

After Dale got cleaned up, and Chip and Tammy helped themselves to the last of Dale's oatmeal, they were already flying off to where Tammy last saw the man she said looked liked Professor Nimnul. Along the way, Tammy kept stealing glances at Dale, unable to get over how good Dale looked. Dale, however, was still depressed over foxglove and too lost in her thoughts to notice. Her face, her eyes, even her hair- she bordered between cute and drop dead gorgeous. Tammy thought she had enough to worry about with Gadget, now she had Dale to worry about, too. As dull as her eyes were at the moment, she knew they'd be indescribably beautiful when they brighten up. Her thoughts were interrupted when Gadget announced they they were there, and asked Tammy where she saw the man headed. Tammy answered that she saw him running down the street, and into a building blocks up the street. Thanks to Tammy's direction, they were able to find the building and circle around it, trying to look for the Tammy's "Nimnul". Closer to the top, Tammy saw him. Unfortunately, his back was turned towards them, but he did look a lot like Nimnul. Tammy watched Dale's eyes widen and sparkle with a new found hope. They were able to set the Ranger Wing down on the flat and vent and pipe clustered roof. When everything came to a stop, Dale quickly hopped out the Wing. She was unaware of a leering pair of eyes they had awakened.

"Okay, guys," Gadget said, climbing out. "We need to find a way into that man's room."

"Look around Gadget-love," Monterrey replied "There are all sorts of pipes and such that could get us down there no sweat."

"Actually, Monty," Gadget corrected him, looking around. "Some of these pipes are from the boilers and most still have fans in them. We'll have to find a regular vent if we want to get down there."

"Well, let's go," Dale cried as she dashed off to start looking. "Before we lose him again."

"Now, hold on, Dale," Monterrey said, catching her by her paw. "We can't just go running off. Who knows what is up here." unbeknownst to him, the mystery creature was peeking at Dale from behind an Air conditioning unit."

"Monterrey's right, Dale," said Chip. "I say we split up in teams of two. That way none of us would be alone."

"That's a wonderful idea Chip," Gadget smiled. "Now, Who's going with whom?"

"I'm going with Chipper," Tammy smiled, immediately grabbing Chip's arm- causing him to blush.

"I'll go with Monterrey," Gadget said. "And that leaves Zipper with Dale. Be sure to call for the rest of us if you find something."

"Right," everyone agreed

With the teams formed, The Rangers split up to go to three of the four corners of the ceiling. Though Dale was glad she decided to come out with her friends and enjoy the fresh air, she was still saddened about what she went through with Foxglove. They promised each other they'd love each other no matter what. And yet, she gets dumped- over her body of all things. Isn't that supposed to be male's job, she asked herself, looking up with her arms wrapped loosely around herself. Zipper noticed this, and flew in for a hug. Still off in her thought, Dale simply patted him, forcing a smile. The mysterious creature watching them squinted its eyes in intrigue as it saw Zipper flying around Dale- making poses, and silly faces in between every aerial stunt- trying to amuse her. Its interest grew even more when it noticed that it was actually working. It was obvious the fly was going to be a big nuisance at least, but it wouldn't be fun if it were too easy. It waited until Dale and Zipper were isolated in the mess of pipes and vents.

"Thanks, Zipper," Dale said, still giggling. "That really helped."

"Any time," Zipper nodded.

While they were looking around, Dale was startled when she caught a glimpse of a shadow dashing by here. It startled Zipper, too.

"H-hello," Dale called out. "Is anyone there?"

No one answered. Dale immediately cringed with fear. She knew something- someone was out there. Her eyes darted every which way, her head jerking in the direction of every little sound she heard, and thought she heard. She heard something behind her, and spun around- pacing backwards, her eyes and hair jerking this way and that. She stopped abruptly when she backed into something warm and furry. She froze until she saw two brown bat wings slowly encompassed. Dale yelped as she pushed herself away from her apparent stalker, and looked back to have a look at him. She saw a large brown, male bat. He wore a pair thick rimmed, bookworm glasses. He was definitely taller than Foxglove, let alone Dale. As she looked the male bat up and down, Dale realized something- something that made her blush. He's gorgeous! Zipper, caught in the middle, looked from Dale to the bat, and back again, then flew over to put himself between his friend and this stranger.

"Hm-hm-hm," he chuckled as she walked up to Dale. "Well, what have we here?"

"Well, We," Dale stammered. Uh... I mean..." she stopped, with a sharp gasp, as the bat gingerly took her paw into his wing, and lightly kissed it. Zipper looked on shocked while Dale looked into his eyes as he did this, and saw a calm, but hungry and determined glare- almost like a predator, like those special agents from her spy movies. And as vulnerable as she felt- appropriately enough, like prey caught in predator's sights- her body almost quivered with exhilaration, and suspense.

"It's always a pleasure to make the acquaintance of such a beautiful little lady," said the mystery bat.

"But I don't even know your name," said, quietly.

"Quite right," replied the bat standing upright. "I've been called several names. But my favorite to date is Spex."

"Well, It's nice to meet you, Spex," Dale said. "I'm-"

"Dale, I know," Spex smiled, then pointed at Zipper. "And you must be Zipper."

How'd you know our names, asked Dale, as she scooped Zipper into her arms.

"You woke me up," Spex answered, pacing around her. "I heard each and everyone of you and your friends refer to each other by name. All except the young squirrel."

"Tammy?"

"Yes," Spex smiled. "Tammy."

"Meep," Dale squeaked, clamping her paws on her mouth.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that obviously lovestruck schoolgirl," Spex smiled, as he draped his wing around Dale. "But please tell me- what brings you here?"

"You wouldn't believe me," Dale blushed.

"My dear," Spex smiled, as he started to lead Dale further into the metal cluster. "You'd be surprised at how unlikely that is. Now what happened?"

Well, Dale faltered before going into her story. She talked about her friends, and what she and they did. Then she talked about the events that happened on that night. She talked about why they were looking for Nimnul, and even delved into her break up. All the while Spex listened intently with great interest.

"So, you and your compatriots are searching for Professor N," Spex asked.

"N?" replied Dale. "Wait, You know Nimnul?!"

"Short, round fellow," Spex asked. "With glasses thicker than mine, and bald on top with red hair on the sides?"

"Yeah, that's him," Dale gasped. "Ohmigosh! That's him!"

"I'd gladly take him to you him," Spex sighed as he stopped, holding Dale in place with his wings. "But, I'm afraid that there must be an imperative concession on your part."

"Huh?"

"You must pay me first," Specks answered.

"Pay you, how," Dale asked, realizing she didn't know let alone like where she was. "Uh, where are we?

"Irrelevant," Spex said, leaning in, flicking Zipper away. "Once you've made your... concession, I'll promptly return you to your friends. With directions, no less."

"Okay, Dale asked. What do I have to pay.

"You woke me up early," Spex replied, pulling Dale in. "That threw my entire feeding cycle out of alignment. I haven't even had breakfast; so I'm afraid, I will need a small quantity of your blood."

With that, Spex opened his mouth, revealing his well maintained fangs, and lowered his head towards Dale's neck. When Dale processed what was happening, she immediately started to thrash and struggle, only managing squeals, and whimpering. With great and frantic effort she managed to wrestle herself free from Spex's wings. Dale spun around caught a look at his eyes; they were now cold, calculating, and just as hungry and determined. Spex closed in on her, Backing Dale into a corner. Zipper flew in from out of nowhere and put himself between his friend and her assailant. Not even giving the fly a second glance, Spex swatted him out of his way.

"Miss Dale," please, Spex said. "You really don't want to keep doing this. You have to let me bite before I-"

Spex was cut off by a hook to his jaw, almost knocking off his glasses. Even though Dale put everything she had into that right hook- she even hurt her paw- she'd done nothing more than offset Spex glasses. She looked at her throbbing paw and back to Spex, who simply stared back at her, readjusting his glasses. Suddenly, he started to twitch. With each twitch, Dale saw something dark flare in Spex's eyes.

"You- Really! Shouldn't have- Done THAT" Spex said, twitching as he approached her. "Now, PLEASE let me bite you before I-"

Spex was once again cut off by another blow. This time, it was Zipper; he slammed into the bat as hard as he could, slamming him back first into the side of a vent- he even left and indent. Spex was dazed for a moment, while Zipper and Dale took that moment to escape. When Spex came to, he saw them getting away. Suddenly, his head fell limp, then suddenly sprang back up- his eyes completely black, save for the red rings in the middle- his irises. His facial features were twisted and warped with anger as his eyes focused on the fleeting backsides of Dale and Zipper. With little effort, he pulled himself out of his body print.

"You're not going anywhere," he growled, snapping his wings out.

With that, Spex took chase after them. Dale managed to dodge his charging attacks by ducking behind tight corners, and ducking at the last moment. She dove and ducked at every chance she got, slowly realizing that she'd gotten herself all turned around. Zipper for all his valor charged head first at Spex, only to be smacked down to the ground, landing at Dale's feet. Zipper just laid there, no moving. Dale didn't think twice about scooping the little fly in her arms before running again. She didn't know where she was going but she had to get Zipper away from here- he'd gotten hurt trying to protect her! She ran wildly randomly turning turning corners. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before she ran into a dead end.

"No, no," Dale pleaded, looking around. "No! Please no!"

"Aw... Nowhere to run, Miss Dale," a growling, menacing voice asked.

Dale looked back to see Spex land, and start walking towards her. She press her back against a metal wall, starting staring to hyperventilate. She barely had time to react when Spex rushed full tilt at her with his fangs exposed. The air was pierced by a familiar, strained and gargled, blood curdling scream- a scream that made Monterrey Jack turn pale, and Gadget cringe, looking sick.

"Golly," she asked. "What was that?!"

"That scream I told you about Gadget, love," Monterrey answered as he scooped Gadget over his shoulder and ran towards where it came from. When they were out of their parts of the metal pipes of vents to search, they suddenly stopped. Dale stopped screaming and they didn't see which way she and Zipper went. Monterrey set Gadget down as the started to look. Suddenly- out nowhere- Chip dashed by on all fours, completely knocking Gadget out of his way. She was able to regain her balance just in time to see Tammy running as fast as she could up to them. She said as soon as they heard the scream, Chip suddenly stopped searching, and dashed off. Monterrey knew that scream- Dale was in big trouble again, and so was his little Pally. He quickly scooped up both girls and ran full tilt after Chip, who had already disappeared into the metal workings.

Meanwhile, Spex had Dale pressed against the wall, his mouth pressed against Dale's neck. Dale's Body shook and quivered with the pain of her wound, and the feel of Spex's tongue lapping away at it. Dale looked down to her side and saw Zipper, who was starting to move- but just barely. She could feel Spex's breath against the underside of her chin, it smelled of her own blood. Each and every time her eyes wandered towards Spex's, she saw his eyes staring holes into hers, and immediately looked away. Every so often she tried to struggle against him, but could barely move.

"I tried to warn you," Spex said in between licks. "I really did. You and that bothersome fly wouldn't let me, and now look where we are. Now, I'll be needing a great deal more from you than a few simple simple laps."

With that, he started to gently suck on Dale's wound, exacting another yelp of pain from her. He almost choked when he heard a strong, rage fill scream approaching. Spex looked in the direction of the yell only to see Chip running at him. Before the bat could react, Chip slammed at him full force, pushing him off of Dale, who immediately slumped over- just to be caught by Chip.

"You stay away from her," Chip screamed at the top of his lungs, at the dazed bat as he held Dale in his arms. He looked down at her saw her holding her neck with one paw and desperately reaching out to Zipper with the other. Chip looked over at Zipper and was instantly horrified.

"Zipper!"

"Zipper," Dale said, reaching, "He- he tried to save me, and he got hurt, Chip. It's all my fault. We- we have to help him!"

"But what about you," Dale, Chip asked.

"Z-Zipper," Dale said, still reaching out towards the fly. "Please, please, Zipper!"

Chip sighed as he quickly set Dale down and pulled out a handkerchief out of his jacket and gave it to Dale. Here, keep this pressed against it, he said. I'll get Zipper." With that, he quickly scooped up Zipper just as Monterrey came running in with the girls still over his shoulders. Monterrey quickly surveyed the scene, as he set them down; his eyes focused on Chip and the small form he held in his arms.

"ZIPPER," Monterrey yelled, as he ran up him, and took him into his arms. What happened?!

"He learned," Spex answered as he got back onto his paws, his dark eyes glaring into Monterrey's, "what happens when you get between a predator and his meal. A lesson I plan to repeat to the lot of you!" Gadget and Tammy jumped at that, hugging each other. What have I gotten us into, Tammy asked herself.

"Why I oughta," Monterrey growled, but was cut off by Chip nudging him aside as he was walked up to Spex. "Hey! Chip?"

Chip didn't say anything, but then- he didn't have to. The posture, his walk, said volumes. Chip took off his hat and tossed it aside. Then, he took off his jacket, and tossed it down on the ground.

"Gadget," he said, not looking back at her. "You and Tammy take care of Dale. I'll deal with this one."

Unsure of what to make of everything, the girls hurried over to Dale and helped her to her feet, letting her lean on Gadget. Dale, still in shock, looked around, and saw Gadget and Tammy's faces as they carried her. Looking at Monterrey, she saw Monterrey sigh in relief with Zipper starting to stir in his arms, as he hurried over to the girls. Dale looked back at Chip, whose fur was standing up down his spine. Going in and out, she blushed as she realized how strong Chip looked in the altogether, staring down her assailant as he spread his wings. With a great flap, Spex launched himself at Chip. Dale finally fainted just as she saw him use Spex's momentum to flip him hard over his shoulder.

When she came to, she looked around and saw that she wasn't outside anymore. She looked up to see Chip, and realized he was holding her in his arms- this got a nice blush out of her. He looked stronger that she remembered him, sporting a bandaged wrapped around his shoulder, and many small cuts and marks throughout his matted fur.

"Dale," he cried. "You're awake!" Chip brought Dale in for hug. "Oh, thank goodness", he whispered. Gadget, Tammy, and Monterrey cheered at this, each expressing how so very relieved they were.

"Ugh, Not so loud," Dale groaned. "Ugh.. Where are we," she asked, knowing the answer.

"We're in the Ranger Wing, Dale," Chip said. "You're safe, now."

"W-what," Dale asked confused, looking around- discovering Chip was right. "B-but what about Nimnul? We're not-" she stopped when she saw Chip shaking his head.

"No," Chip said, "After you fainted, I told Gadget and Tammy to get you in here, and I... followed."

"But what about Nimnul," Dale asked. "We finally had him!"

"No, Dale," Tammy corrected her. "We didn't. It's my fault. It wasn't him."

"Wh-what," Dale asked, her voice quivering.

"We circled around back by the man's window," Gadget explained, not taking her eyes off the sky. "And we got to see his face. It wasn't him."

Dale didn't say anything, but put her paw over her face and started to sob. "I'm so, sorry Dale," Tammy apologized. Dale didn't respond. All of it was for nothing- Losing her girlfriend, having a vampire bat attack, and drink her blood, and...Wait a minute- she gasped long and deep.

"Zipper!" She managed to set herself up- only to lean again on Chip. "Is he okay? He- he..."

As if a response to her question, Zipper poked his bandaged head over Monterrey's shoulders, and flew over to her and rested in her lap. Dale heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness he's alright, she thought to herself. I don't know what I'd do if Spex had-

"Wait," Dale paused. "What about Spex? What happened to him? He's not gonna come after us, is he?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about him, anymore, Pally," Monterrey smiled, looking back at them. "Chipper, here gave that bloke one heck of a thumpin'! He won't be botherin' US again!"

"You should have seen him, Dale," Tammy said. "He really gave it to him. He kept yelling at him not to ever come near you again." Chip blushed at what this must have meant in the world of girls.

"Me," Dale parroted, looking at Chip.

"I-I couldn't let it happen again," Chip said. "I couldn't lose you again. And he really made me mad- tricking you like that! He lied just so he could... get you."

"Well, he was pretty smart," Dale conceded, scooting closer to Chip. "He said he knew all about us just from watching us when we landed."

"Oooh, that jerk," Gadget growled. "I'll bet he didn't even know Nimnul to begin with!"

Meanwhile, a clearly bested Spex managed to get pack on his paws. After searching for and recovering his glasses, he quickly discarded them as they were broken. Luckily he always carried a spare at his place. Squinting his eyes shut, he spread his wings, and took to the air. Navigating solely through his sonar, Spex was able to find his way to an open window on the side of the building. It's drapes were closed, and it was right next to the very room Tammy pointed out. He flew through the curtains, and towards a bird cage on top of a small metal cage. Spex quickly let himself into the birdcage and started searching the lining of his cage for his glasses. When he found them, he flew up to the perch and hung from it, wrapping his wings around himself.

"Back so soon," a female voice asked from below. Spex growled at the voice and who it belonged to- a young Ferret about as old as he was, and as they grew up together- a sister of sorts. Her fur pattern even matched his- a fact he still found unsettling. While she was named Marissa, Spex affectionately called her Sissy.

"Not now, Sissy," Spex answered. "I've just returned from a most unfruitful mealtime endeavor, and need to rest."

Before Sissy could respond, the room door opened, and in walked their owner. "Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo," he laughed gleefully. "Those fools will by anything! I just need to work out the bugs in my other formula."

With that, their owner picked up the cages, and scurried out the door. As he held the cage. Spex stared at his owner from under his wings. The very man who put him where he was today- Professor Nimnul. Spex didn't say anything, but kept pleading to himself. "please don't call me that. Please don't call me that."

"It's off to bigger and better things for us, Nimnul said, holding up Spex's cage. "And it's all thanks to your sonar! You're my little Master of Ceremony. My own, little MC." The bat cringed at hearing his name, as they traveled down the stairs. After Nimnul payed for his room, he hailed a taxi and was on his way to the other side of the city.