Post by redsycorax on Jan 17, 2022 2:28:20 GMT
ZOO CREW HQ:
As Ally-Kat Abra cleared the last of her clothes and personal effects into her capacious and possibly transdimensional suitcases, her colleague Yankee Poodle embraced her: "I will so miss you, amiga. No second thoughts?"
"No, Rova. I should have realised it before I had that long talk with Super-Squirrel during our last inter-universe crisis. Rodney loves Wonder Wabbit. I can't compete with an Animalzon Princess and that's all there is to it. I know you, Timmy Joe, Peter and Byrd don't want me to go, but this is the only way I can make a clean break."
"What about the values of polyvalent evolution and united species citizenship that guide us?"
"The point is, the Justice Feline Initiative over on Cat-Earth made an offer of membership to me and I have no reason not to accept it. It's not as if I'm the only metafeline on our Earth, nor even the only magic user, come to that."
"I know and I should be happy for you, but we've been friends for years. Have you talked to Rodney about it?"
"He doesn't want to talk to me about it."
Elsewhere, Timmy Joe Terrapin was having a no-holds barred conversation with Captain Carrot about what was happening:
"Rod, y'all are bein' an idiot. You know you have feelings for Miz Felina. So tell her!"
"Who am I to stop her, Timmy Joe? Are the bonds that hold us together loosening? I don't know anymore."
"Look, y'all know what started this, right? When you an' Wonder Wabbit started gettin' all dewey eyed and holdy hands."
"I didn't realise Felina felt that way about me."
"Honestly, Rod, fer someone who's a born leader, y'all are right clueless about some thangs. She's leavin', bun. What if she don't come back? This may be the final chance to tell her how you feel about her? I mean, really feel?"
Yankee Poodle stood in the doorway: "The JFI is here to take Abra over to their world."
"So soon?"
"Rod, my bun, say somethin'. Do somethin'. Anythin'."
"I can't do this. I'm sorry."
In the main foyer of Crew Control, the Justice Feline Initiative were assembled to induct their new member- Kryptat the Kryptonian Supercat; the Catom: Sea Cat: Batfeline; Longcat; Cat Flash: Feline Lantern; Tom Arrow: Cat Tornado and Wonder Feline:
"Thank Bubastis we finally have another female within the JFI! Catanna was our previous team mage, but she went missing in action after we were attacked by the Dogs of Doom. Er, nothing personal, Yankee Poodle."
"Oh, don't mention it, Wonder Feline. We get all manner of metabeings on Earth-C, good and bad, cats, dogs and others."
"As a matter of interest, could the JFI exchange details about these dogs with us, just in case they end up in our part of the Multiverse?" Rubberduck asked.
"Already ahead of you," said Batfeline as he pawed over a data stick with the available information on it, "and I hope we get the chance to work together soon."
"Count on it. Goodbye, Felina. Don't be a stranger, huh? We'll miss you."
Except for Captain Carrot, it seems. And Ally-Kat-Abra stepped forward with the other JFI members, en route to Cat-Earth and a new heroic life.
In a corner of their headquarters, Rodney Rabbit was weeping silently as he heard the hum and heightened pitch of the transmatter device.
CAT-EARTH:
The Multiverse is full of alternate Earths where a variety of dominant single or related species exist. Earth-153 is an Earth where other simians than the precursors of hominids became cojoint dominant species and gorillas, mandrills, chimpanzees, bonobos and lemurs control it. On Dog-Earth, canids became the dominant species. Earth-SQ is inhabited by anthropomorphic rodents. Other Earths- Earth-C, Earth-C-Minus, Earth-C-Plus and others= were the product of polyvalent evolution and no one species dominates others. Carnivorous diet is regarded with horror and moral revulsion on such worlds. And so, to Cat-Earth. The title is self-explanatory. On Cat-Earth, felines became the dominant species instead of primate hominids. The Justice Feline Initiative consists of that world's greatest metafelines...
ENCYCLOPEDIA MULTIVERSA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION
"Is that vat-cultured meat? I've heard about it, but I've never eaten it..."
Wonder Feline nodded: "Yes. About two millennia ago, the Jesus Cat appeared in Israoww and preached peace, love and universal vegetarianism. Cat-Earth developed the technology much than on other alternate Earths and it's been against the law to consume live animals like rodents and former prey species since then. They have most of Afelinia to themselves."
"Forgive me for asking, Diana, but why exactly does the JFI need me? You seem to have a stable world government and little actual crime here."
"Unfortunately, that's exactly what makes us prey to other, less salubrious alternate Earths and alien species, sadly. Supercat does his best to mediate and so does Cat Lantern, who belongs to a whole interspecies law enforcement agency, but then there's the likes of the Dogs of Doom. Most of our canid citizens enjoy full equality with felines in law, but unfortunately, past discrimination has led to that pack of dissidents and borderline terrorists. We weren't always this enlightened, Felina."
"Tell me about them. It sounds like they're a major threat here."
"Their leader is Skandal Doo, a large Danehound who used to be a master detective until a brain injury affected his moral compass and ethical poise. Now... ah well. My nemesis in particular is Barka Minerva, the Hyena. Then there's Shiatzunestro, Cat Lantern's adversary and the Barker, Batfeline's long time opponent."
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
Skandal Doo, the malevolent Danehound leader of the Dogs of Doom, glared around his table with his one good eye, the other concealed beneath an eyepatch and at his assembled collaborators. In his perfect English, he asked icily: "All right. Where's the Barker?"
"He was collaborating with the Turkey Buzzard to try to rob the First Catham Bank. I suspect they're faring the worst part of vice at the moment." Shiatzunestro said, his yellow power ring illuminating his diminutive face.
"He knew there was a meeting here today, yet he chose to prioritise other plans. He's becoming too erratic to control."
"I know, Skandal, but he's also our pathway to the Catham underworld. That's a major asset for us, one we cannot ignore."
"Hyena, you recorded some success on the Wonder Feline front?"
"With Shiatzunero's help, I abducted her former boyfriend, Colonel Siamese Trevor. although given the history of their relationship, whether or not she frees him is anyone's guess."
"Still, well done, Barka and Shiatzunestro. At least that means we have a bargaining chip. And at least someone around his table is committed to their task. Which is bringing down the JFI."
JFI SATELLITE:
"Great Sekhmet! My former partner Colonel Siamese Trevor has been abducted by my mortal enemy, the Hyena! I must rescue him!"
"Wait a minute, Diana. I'm detecting some anomalous radiation from the vicinity. It's a power ring. That means Shiatzunero helped her and that collaboration means the DOD is in on this. We can't rush in blindly." Supercat cautioned.
"Good point, and they probably also have Catanna as their captive as well. Well, Ally, this is going to be your first mission. Enjoy yourself..."
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
"Sepor fo etinotpyrk egnaro, dlofne eht Evitainiti Ecitsuj Senilefs-"
"I break and bind that spell! Free Catanna from her eldritch control-"
"I was wondering when we'd meet each other next, Ally-Kat-Abra."
"Feline Faust!? What the entropy are you doing on this Earth?"
"Well, the DOD here needed their own magic user. I volunteered."
Ally steadied her wand and cantrips and spells swirled around it:
"Got tired of being defeated by Zap-Panda, did we?"
"It's true, I didn't realise that the JFI had drafted you-"
"And my magic is more than a match for yours, remember?"
"I do, indeed. But against two of us? Catanna, now!"
"Noisore, yortsed S' Arba-Tak-Ylla Dnaw-"
"I break and I bind that spell! Freeze Catanna until she is fully liberated from Feline Faust's mind control enchantment!"
"Someone's been reading up her grimoire. I am impressed."
"Shut up and face me directly, Faust! Or are you too afraid to?"
Skandal Doo wasn't particularly happy at their vainglorious new recruit. He had been assured by the arrogant feline sorceror that he could control the felis magus Catanna and the battle wasn't going their way at all. And to top it all off, Supercat had landed in front of him:
"It's back to the pound for you, Skandal."
"Not with this exoskeleton, Supercat."
"Okay, we can do it the hard way if you really want to, but you know how this will end. As it usually does. With you groggy on the floor."
Meanwhile, Wonder Feline was battling her way toward Siamese Trevor, tied up around a large transceiver device: "Please, Barca, I implore you, stop this madness!"
"Too bad, Princess. You should have had Trevor under better guard."
"Sister, this won't end well for you. Abducting someone I still care for like this...motivates me."
"Don't be nauseating. Of all your opponents, I'm your physical equal in terms of strength and endurance."
"But not in strategy, Barca. Incidentally, I see Batfeline is partnerless. Didn't the Canine Prince of Crime show up again?"
"Mind your own business, Amazat Princess!" But Hyena's angry outburst gave Wonder Feline an advantage and she pursued it, knocking out her adversary.
Meanwhile, Ally-Kat-Abra had pursued her own thaumaturgic advantage against Feline Faust, who was faring poorly as the unconscious Catanna lay inert in a corner, still recovering from her episode of mind control:
"Incidentally, I know you're a darkmage, but mind control is a particularly vile enchantment and frankly, using it is a stupid tactical move."
"Do you never stop talking?"
"In the remote hope that you ever come to your senses and stop abusing magick this way, Feline, no. It'll destroy you in the end."
"I will admit, Ally-Kat-Abra, you are a worthy opponent. But not everyone shares your expertise. All right, Skandal. Time for a hasty retreat."
"I'm not leaving assets in the field like Hyena."
"Oh, all right."
"You're not getting away that easily-" Ally began, but had to divert a power beam blast from Shiatzunero as he picked up Hyena's prone form. In that moment, Feline Faust waved his own wand and the Dogs of Doom teleported away.
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
"Damn it all to hell! Who was that catmage?" Hyena swore, holding an icepack to her acheing jaw:
"Her name is Felina Furr, otherwise known as Ally-Kat-Abra. Like most of her colleagues in the unoriginally named "Zoo Crew", she was empowered by fragments of a meteorite that differentially affected her and her infernal colleagues. She's from an alternate Earth. She shouldn't even be here." Feline Faust angrily muttered.
"Yes, but technically neither should you, my friend."
"I wasn't counting on her interference and now Catanna is free as well. That will make matters more difficult, but not insurmountable. Provided everyone plays their part. And I do mean everyone." Everyone turned to glare at the Barker, who had just entered and was taken aback by their angry and hostile expressions:
"Hey, lighten up. What's the matter, did someone die of embarassment?"
"No thanks to you, Jackal." Hyena said as she pushed past the Barker's startled form. For once, his insane grin didn't light up his features as it habitually did:
"What's gotten into her?"
"Look, Napier, you may be the alpha male in Catham, but you're here for a specific reason and that involves taking down Batfeline. You weren't there when we needed you. I need to know, will you be next time?"
EARTH-C:
"Rodney, I think you need to see this." Rubberduck tuned in the Zoo Crew international events monitor as a sneerng, malevolent Danehound face filled the screen:
"Who's the bad oil painting?"
"According to Madam Xanaardvark on Earth-C-Minus, his name is Skandal Doo. And here's the thing, Rod. She saw him attacking and killing Abra on Cat-Earth. In several hours."
"No. No, I won't let that happen! Felina- I'm coming! Zoo Crew, assemble! To the transmatter hutch!"
JFI HQ:
"Hey, it's our polyspecies friends! Welcome to Cat-Earth!" Supercat offered his paw to Captain Carrot.
"Kat-El, this isn't a social visit. A precog friend of ours on another alternate Earth saw Skandal Doo murdering Ally. Please, where is she?"
"In the medbay. She's our team mate too, Captain. We won't let that happen either."
"Glad to have your assistance, Supercat."
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
"Are you sure this will work, Faust?"
"With that magical artefact, Ally Kat Abra will be powerless to resist you. When mages cross inter-universal boundaries, it takes their magicks time to adapt to the new thaumaturgic environment in other alternate universes. Furr may be good, but she's still in the process of adapting and that means her timing, her personal wards and her spellcasting will be slightly impaired. Enough for you to kill her with the Sword of Damocatles here."
"Excellent And what a way to escalate our war against the Initiative. You have done well, Faust. Prepare the teleport spell."
"As you command, Skandal."
JFI HQ:
As soon as the teleport set the Dogs down within the medbay, Skandal Doo knew something was amiss. He snarled his rage and defiance as he ran forward to sink the dagger into the unwary Ally-Kat-Abra's back before she had time to prepare shielding wards or adapt to the magical artefact Skandal was wielding. However, in the next instant, a floppy eared yellow and green intruder imposed himself and punched him, hard. Fastback accelerated toward the startled canine, delivering complementary superspeed hammer blows. Shiatzunero sought to intervene but was bombarded with two-way counterpulses from both Feline Lantern and Yankee Poodle, while Cat Flash grabbed the magical artefact once Skandal was forced to let it go. The Barker tried to unleash his Barker Venom fom his flower lapel, but found himself transfixed as Rubberduck looped around him and he found he could not move as Batfeline delivered a knockout blow.
This left Feline Faust in the middle of the medbay, as he turned to face Ally Kat Abra:
"One way or another, Furr- this ends here!"
"You've got that right at least, Faust. Say goodnight."
"It won't be that..." But not for the first time, the Earth-C-Minus feline darkmage had crucially underestimated the calibre, intellect and prowess of his opponent and in an instant, she made sure that he wouldn't get up until he was back on Earth-C-Minus, in a magically enhanced restraint and holding cell.
EPILOGUE:
"Felina, I..."
"There's no need to say it, Rodney. Better late than never." And with that, Captain Carrot and Ally-Kat-Abra kissed.
Supercat cleared his throat:
"Uh, Ally? Look, you have no legal obligations or duties holding you here if you want to go back..."
She nodded: "Now that Catanna's back, you're not lacking a team mage anymore, Kat-El. However, the multiverse being the multiverse, I imagine we'll still see each other from time to time. You know what Crises can be like. Goodbye. This won't be the last time we see each other."
And with that, the Zoo Crew were teleported across inter-universal boundaries, back to Earth-C. For a moment, the Cat of Steel sighed to himself, wiped some moisture from his eyes and then turned on his paws. heading for Catanna's hospital bed, thinking about what might have been. Ah well. At least there was still Lois Lynx back down in Catropolis...
THE END
As Ally-Kat Abra cleared the last of her clothes and personal effects into her capacious and possibly transdimensional suitcases, her colleague Yankee Poodle embraced her: "I will so miss you, amiga. No second thoughts?"
"No, Rova. I should have realised it before I had that long talk with Super-Squirrel during our last inter-universe crisis. Rodney loves Wonder Wabbit. I can't compete with an Animalzon Princess and that's all there is to it. I know you, Timmy Joe, Peter and Byrd don't want me to go, but this is the only way I can make a clean break."
"What about the values of polyvalent evolution and united species citizenship that guide us?"
"The point is, the Justice Feline Initiative over on Cat-Earth made an offer of membership to me and I have no reason not to accept it. It's not as if I'm the only metafeline on our Earth, nor even the only magic user, come to that."
"I know and I should be happy for you, but we've been friends for years. Have you talked to Rodney about it?"
"He doesn't want to talk to me about it."
Elsewhere, Timmy Joe Terrapin was having a no-holds barred conversation with Captain Carrot about what was happening:
"Rod, y'all are bein' an idiot. You know you have feelings for Miz Felina. So tell her!"
"Who am I to stop her, Timmy Joe? Are the bonds that hold us together loosening? I don't know anymore."
"Look, y'all know what started this, right? When you an' Wonder Wabbit started gettin' all dewey eyed and holdy hands."
"I didn't realise Felina felt that way about me."
"Honestly, Rod, fer someone who's a born leader, y'all are right clueless about some thangs. She's leavin', bun. What if she don't come back? This may be the final chance to tell her how you feel about her? I mean, really feel?"
Yankee Poodle stood in the doorway: "The JFI is here to take Abra over to their world."
"So soon?"
"Rod, my bun, say somethin'. Do somethin'. Anythin'."
"I can't do this. I'm sorry."
In the main foyer of Crew Control, the Justice Feline Initiative were assembled to induct their new member- Kryptat the Kryptonian Supercat; the Catom: Sea Cat: Batfeline; Longcat; Cat Flash: Feline Lantern; Tom Arrow: Cat Tornado and Wonder Feline:
"Thank Bubastis we finally have another female within the JFI! Catanna was our previous team mage, but she went missing in action after we were attacked by the Dogs of Doom. Er, nothing personal, Yankee Poodle."
"Oh, don't mention it, Wonder Feline. We get all manner of metabeings on Earth-C, good and bad, cats, dogs and others."
"As a matter of interest, could the JFI exchange details about these dogs with us, just in case they end up in our part of the Multiverse?" Rubberduck asked.
"Already ahead of you," said Batfeline as he pawed over a data stick with the available information on it, "and I hope we get the chance to work together soon."
"Count on it. Goodbye, Felina. Don't be a stranger, huh? We'll miss you."
Except for Captain Carrot, it seems. And Ally-Kat-Abra stepped forward with the other JFI members, en route to Cat-Earth and a new heroic life.
In a corner of their headquarters, Rodney Rabbit was weeping silently as he heard the hum and heightened pitch of the transmatter device.
CAT-EARTH:
The Multiverse is full of alternate Earths where a variety of dominant single or related species exist. Earth-153 is an Earth where other simians than the precursors of hominids became cojoint dominant species and gorillas, mandrills, chimpanzees, bonobos and lemurs control it. On Dog-Earth, canids became the dominant species. Earth-SQ is inhabited by anthropomorphic rodents. Other Earths- Earth-C, Earth-C-Minus, Earth-C-Plus and others= were the product of polyvalent evolution and no one species dominates others. Carnivorous diet is regarded with horror and moral revulsion on such worlds. And so, to Cat-Earth. The title is self-explanatory. On Cat-Earth, felines became the dominant species instead of primate hominids. The Justice Feline Initiative consists of that world's greatest metafelines...
ENCYCLOPEDIA MULTIVERSA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION
"Is that vat-cultured meat? I've heard about it, but I've never eaten it..."
Wonder Feline nodded: "Yes. About two millennia ago, the Jesus Cat appeared in Israoww and preached peace, love and universal vegetarianism. Cat-Earth developed the technology much than on other alternate Earths and it's been against the law to consume live animals like rodents and former prey species since then. They have most of Afelinia to themselves."
"Forgive me for asking, Diana, but why exactly does the JFI need me? You seem to have a stable world government and little actual crime here."
"Unfortunately, that's exactly what makes us prey to other, less salubrious alternate Earths and alien species, sadly. Supercat does his best to mediate and so does Cat Lantern, who belongs to a whole interspecies law enforcement agency, but then there's the likes of the Dogs of Doom. Most of our canid citizens enjoy full equality with felines in law, but unfortunately, past discrimination has led to that pack of dissidents and borderline terrorists. We weren't always this enlightened, Felina."
"Tell me about them. It sounds like they're a major threat here."
"Their leader is Skandal Doo, a large Danehound who used to be a master detective until a brain injury affected his moral compass and ethical poise. Now... ah well. My nemesis in particular is Barka Minerva, the Hyena. Then there's Shiatzunestro, Cat Lantern's adversary and the Barker, Batfeline's long time opponent."
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
Skandal Doo, the malevolent Danehound leader of the Dogs of Doom, glared around his table with his one good eye, the other concealed beneath an eyepatch and at his assembled collaborators. In his perfect English, he asked icily: "All right. Where's the Barker?"
"He was collaborating with the Turkey Buzzard to try to rob the First Catham Bank. I suspect they're faring the worst part of vice at the moment." Shiatzunestro said, his yellow power ring illuminating his diminutive face.
"He knew there was a meeting here today, yet he chose to prioritise other plans. He's becoming too erratic to control."
"I know, Skandal, but he's also our pathway to the Catham underworld. That's a major asset for us, one we cannot ignore."
"Hyena, you recorded some success on the Wonder Feline front?"
"With Shiatzunero's help, I abducted her former boyfriend, Colonel Siamese Trevor. although given the history of their relationship, whether or not she frees him is anyone's guess."
"Still, well done, Barka and Shiatzunestro. At least that means we have a bargaining chip. And at least someone around his table is committed to their task. Which is bringing down the JFI."
JFI SATELLITE:
"Great Sekhmet! My former partner Colonel Siamese Trevor has been abducted by my mortal enemy, the Hyena! I must rescue him!"
"Wait a minute, Diana. I'm detecting some anomalous radiation from the vicinity. It's a power ring. That means Shiatzunero helped her and that collaboration means the DOD is in on this. We can't rush in blindly." Supercat cautioned.
"Good point, and they probably also have Catanna as their captive as well. Well, Ally, this is going to be your first mission. Enjoy yourself..."
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
"Sepor fo etinotpyrk egnaro, dlofne eht Evitainiti Ecitsuj Senilefs-"
"I break and bind that spell! Free Catanna from her eldritch control-"
"I was wondering when we'd meet each other next, Ally-Kat-Abra."
"Feline Faust!? What the entropy are you doing on this Earth?"
"Well, the DOD here needed their own magic user. I volunteered."
Ally steadied her wand and cantrips and spells swirled around it:
"Got tired of being defeated by Zap-Panda, did we?"
"It's true, I didn't realise that the JFI had drafted you-"
"And my magic is more than a match for yours, remember?"
"I do, indeed. But against two of us? Catanna, now!"
"Noisore, yortsed S' Arba-Tak-Ylla Dnaw-"
"I break and I bind that spell! Freeze Catanna until she is fully liberated from Feline Faust's mind control enchantment!"
"Someone's been reading up her grimoire. I am impressed."
"Shut up and face me directly, Faust! Or are you too afraid to?"
Skandal Doo wasn't particularly happy at their vainglorious new recruit. He had been assured by the arrogant feline sorceror that he could control the felis magus Catanna and the battle wasn't going their way at all. And to top it all off, Supercat had landed in front of him:
"It's back to the pound for you, Skandal."
"Not with this exoskeleton, Supercat."
"Okay, we can do it the hard way if you really want to, but you know how this will end. As it usually does. With you groggy on the floor."
Meanwhile, Wonder Feline was battling her way toward Siamese Trevor, tied up around a large transceiver device: "Please, Barca, I implore you, stop this madness!"
"Too bad, Princess. You should have had Trevor under better guard."
"Sister, this won't end well for you. Abducting someone I still care for like this...motivates me."
"Don't be nauseating. Of all your opponents, I'm your physical equal in terms of strength and endurance."
"But not in strategy, Barca. Incidentally, I see Batfeline is partnerless. Didn't the Canine Prince of Crime show up again?"
"Mind your own business, Amazat Princess!" But Hyena's angry outburst gave Wonder Feline an advantage and she pursued it, knocking out her adversary.
Meanwhile, Ally-Kat-Abra had pursued her own thaumaturgic advantage against Feline Faust, who was faring poorly as the unconscious Catanna lay inert in a corner, still recovering from her episode of mind control:
"Incidentally, I know you're a darkmage, but mind control is a particularly vile enchantment and frankly, using it is a stupid tactical move."
"Do you never stop talking?"
"In the remote hope that you ever come to your senses and stop abusing magick this way, Feline, no. It'll destroy you in the end."
"I will admit, Ally-Kat-Abra, you are a worthy opponent. But not everyone shares your expertise. All right, Skandal. Time for a hasty retreat."
"I'm not leaving assets in the field like Hyena."
"Oh, all right."
"You're not getting away that easily-" Ally began, but had to divert a power beam blast from Shiatzunero as he picked up Hyena's prone form. In that moment, Feline Faust waved his own wand and the Dogs of Doom teleported away.
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
"Damn it all to hell! Who was that catmage?" Hyena swore, holding an icepack to her acheing jaw:
"Her name is Felina Furr, otherwise known as Ally-Kat-Abra. Like most of her colleagues in the unoriginally named "Zoo Crew", she was empowered by fragments of a meteorite that differentially affected her and her infernal colleagues. She's from an alternate Earth. She shouldn't even be here." Feline Faust angrily muttered.
"Yes, but technically neither should you, my friend."
"I wasn't counting on her interference and now Catanna is free as well. That will make matters more difficult, but not insurmountable. Provided everyone plays their part. And I do mean everyone." Everyone turned to glare at the Barker, who had just entered and was taken aback by their angry and hostile expressions:
"Hey, lighten up. What's the matter, did someone die of embarassment?"
"No thanks to you, Jackal." Hyena said as she pushed past the Barker's startled form. For once, his insane grin didn't light up his features as it habitually did:
"What's gotten into her?"
"Look, Napier, you may be the alpha male in Catham, but you're here for a specific reason and that involves taking down Batfeline. You weren't there when we needed you. I need to know, will you be next time?"
EARTH-C:
"Rodney, I think you need to see this." Rubberduck tuned in the Zoo Crew international events monitor as a sneerng, malevolent Danehound face filled the screen:
"Who's the bad oil painting?"
"According to Madam Xanaardvark on Earth-C-Minus, his name is Skandal Doo. And here's the thing, Rod. She saw him attacking and killing Abra on Cat-Earth. In several hours."
"No. No, I won't let that happen! Felina- I'm coming! Zoo Crew, assemble! To the transmatter hutch!"
JFI HQ:
"Hey, it's our polyspecies friends! Welcome to Cat-Earth!" Supercat offered his paw to Captain Carrot.
"Kat-El, this isn't a social visit. A precog friend of ours on another alternate Earth saw Skandal Doo murdering Ally. Please, where is she?"
"In the medbay. She's our team mate too, Captain. We won't let that happen either."
"Glad to have your assistance, Supercat."
DOGS OF DOOM HQ:
"Are you sure this will work, Faust?"
"With that magical artefact, Ally Kat Abra will be powerless to resist you. When mages cross inter-universal boundaries, it takes their magicks time to adapt to the new thaumaturgic environment in other alternate universes. Furr may be good, but she's still in the process of adapting and that means her timing, her personal wards and her spellcasting will be slightly impaired. Enough for you to kill her with the Sword of Damocatles here."
"Excellent And what a way to escalate our war against the Initiative. You have done well, Faust. Prepare the teleport spell."
"As you command, Skandal."
JFI HQ:
As soon as the teleport set the Dogs down within the medbay, Skandal Doo knew something was amiss. He snarled his rage and defiance as he ran forward to sink the dagger into the unwary Ally-Kat-Abra's back before she had time to prepare shielding wards or adapt to the magical artefact Skandal was wielding. However, in the next instant, a floppy eared yellow and green intruder imposed himself and punched him, hard. Fastback accelerated toward the startled canine, delivering complementary superspeed hammer blows. Shiatzunero sought to intervene but was bombarded with two-way counterpulses from both Feline Lantern and Yankee Poodle, while Cat Flash grabbed the magical artefact once Skandal was forced to let it go. The Barker tried to unleash his Barker Venom fom his flower lapel, but found himself transfixed as Rubberduck looped around him and he found he could not move as Batfeline delivered a knockout blow.
This left Feline Faust in the middle of the medbay, as he turned to face Ally Kat Abra:
"One way or another, Furr- this ends here!"
"You've got that right at least, Faust. Say goodnight."
"It won't be that..." But not for the first time, the Earth-C-Minus feline darkmage had crucially underestimated the calibre, intellect and prowess of his opponent and in an instant, she made sure that he wouldn't get up until he was back on Earth-C-Minus, in a magically enhanced restraint and holding cell.
EPILOGUE:
"Felina, I..."
"There's no need to say it, Rodney. Better late than never." And with that, Captain Carrot and Ally-Kat-Abra kissed.
Supercat cleared his throat:
"Uh, Ally? Look, you have no legal obligations or duties holding you here if you want to go back..."
She nodded: "Now that Catanna's back, you're not lacking a team mage anymore, Kat-El. However, the multiverse being the multiverse, I imagine we'll still see each other from time to time. You know what Crises can be like. Goodbye. This won't be the last time we see each other."
And with that, the Zoo Crew were teleported across inter-universal boundaries, back to Earth-C. For a moment, the Cat of Steel sighed to himself, wiped some moisture from his eyes and then turned on his paws. heading for Catanna's hospital bed, thinking about what might have been. Ah well. At least there was still Lois Lynx back down in Catropolis...
THE END
