Tropical Chaos

In this roleplay story, our heroes gather at the Beaktons' mansion to celebrate Pipsqueak's birthday, and face more than they expect.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

### Episode 1: First Arrival

```
WELL WELL WELL! HERE WE ARE! The beautiful Evazorn Estates. Er, well, technically the Beakton estate now...
Speaking of, let's check on the new tenants who are settling in.

```

```
Jack:
*Yawns as he walks down the long spiral staircase.*
*Reaches the bottom and looks around awkwardly.*
(I can't believe this is our home...)

```

```
Breezie:
*Pops up from just out of Jack's field of view.*
"Gooood morning Jack darling."

Jack:
"GAH!"
*Ahem.* "I mean, uh, good morning Breezie. Have you seen Angela?"

Breezie:
"Oh, she's... busy working on the fixins for the party tonight."

Jack:
"I see..."
*Looks into the parlor and sees Angela directing the bots in setting up tables.*
*Goes to enter but is stopped by Breezie.*

Breezie:
"Uh, listen, Jack darling. Would you be a dear and fetch the mail?"

Jack:
"Uh, okay... Sure..."
*Slips on his boots and walks out the door.*
*And after a short walk he reaches the mailbox and looks inside.*
"Hmm..."

Behind Jack, an overdressed, even-grumpier-than-usual sheep is approaching.

```

```
Flame:
*Is dragging a small suitcase along.*
*Stops near Jack and stares silently.*

```

```
Jack:
*Turns around with an arm full of mail and packages.*
"GAH!" *Drops the packages in panic and recomposes himself and salutes in the span of about a second.*
"General Flame sir! Is something the matter?"

Flame:
"No. Besides the fact that I have to be here..."

Jack:
*Sees the suitcase as he is bent down picking up the mail.*
"Oh. Uh, you're early... Wait, what do you mean you HAVE to be here?"
*Stands back up.*

Flame:
"Meadows gave me no choice. She said I needed to be with the rest of the team, 'relax'..."

Jack:
"Well, she is right. The tropical air alone is good for the sinuses. But I assumed she'd just suggest it... not force you to against your will. So uh, you're welcome to leave if you like but I'd be happy to have ya. Although again, you're REALLY early..."

Flame:
"..."
*Considers the possibility of going home and not telling Violet.*
*Realizes she would find out at some point.*
"I'm already here..."

Jack:
"Yeah, no sense in wasting gas... Though I could just reimburse ya if that was a concern?"

Flame:
"Meadows would find out if I left. I don't want to find out how she would punish me."

Jack:
"...Yeah, seems like your personalities clash. Heh, kinda like me and my family."

Flame:
*Slight nod.*

Jack:
*Looks at his watch.* "So uh, are you always six hours early for events?"

Flame:
"I'm not six hours early."

Jack:
"Uh, it's 10 AM?"

Flame:
"Yes, and you said to be here at 1100."

Jack:
"..."
"But eleven hundred hours is-- ...Oh boy... So I kinda meant 1500? I uh, got the math wrong..." [actually, he meant *16*00... :P]

Flame:
"..."
"How?"

Jack:
*Pulls out his phone to check the emails he sent.*
"Uh, I dunno... But it seems yours is the only one I beaked up..."

Flame:
"..."

Jack:
"Uh, ya wanna come in for some breakfast? Or I dunno, use the workout room?"
*Looks Flame over.* "Or change into something more casual?"

Flame:
"The workout room."

Jack:
"Gotcha. Well, I'll show ya to your room first... 'cause frankly I don't trust our help with your luggage."
*Walks back to the house.*

Flame:
*Follows.*

Breezie:
*Sees Flame as he enters with Jack.*
"Oh, General Flame. S-so nice of you to join us."

Jack:
"Uh, have you two met?"

Breezie:
"Uh, no. No. I just know the General from the news..."

Flame:
*Is used to being recognized.*

Breezie:
"I'll get the bots to take your luggage."

Jack:
"Uh that won't be necessary."
*Quickly motions for Flame to follow as Scratch and Grounder walk in in bellhop outfits.*

Flame:
*The two robots seem familiar, but Flame doesn't recognize them.*
*Follows Jack.*

Jack:
*Walks through the kitchen by accident and runs into Angela there.*
"Oh, morning sweetheart."

Flame:
*Stiffens.*

Angela:
*Looks over from the stove.* "Morning Jack darlin'. General. Nice of ya to join us."

Flame:
"..."

Jack:
"Uh, anyways, rooms are this way."

Angela:
"Right, don't let me bother ya but there's a pot of coffee brewed if y'all want any."

Jack:
"..."

Flame:
"..."

Jack:
*Walks out awkwardly with Flame down the hall.*
*Comes to the room at the end of the hall with the workout room right across from it, the room Jack specifically picked for Flame.*
"So, room's on the right, workout room is on the left. Any questions?"

Flame:
"No."
*Walks into the bedroom.*

Jack:
*Follows and shuts the door.*
*Is now visibly nervous.*
"Please tell me you brought weapons."

Flame:
*Opens the suitcase and pulls out his laser pistol.*

Jack:
"Good. There is something fishy going on here. And I don't like it... Could just be the ghost of Guy Evazorn haunting the place but I dunno. Things feel... wrong."

Flame:
"Evazorn?"

Jack:
"Yeah? Angela's the one kid Guy and Caroline had... Well, before Guy went bonkers and turned himself into a machine."

Flame:
"No wonder she's so much trouble..."

Jack:
"Matter of fact that is why Ange is a robot. She tried to kill Guy and he ended up killing her... So yeah, thankful I won't have to meet this in-law... No one knows what happened to Miss Caroline though. My guess? Guy killed her too."

Flame:
"..."
"If there is something wrong, it's not a ghost. Ghosts aren't real."

Jack:
"...Uh, are you kidding? ...Have you ever been to Pumpkin Hill?"

Flame:
"No."

Jack:
"...Hang Castle? Yeah, never mind. Those were Eggman bases... Makes sense you wouldn't have been there. But I've seen things. And I mean, have you MET Blip? If he exists ghosts aren't much of a stretch."
"..." *Realizes he hasn't seen Blip all day.*
"Um, I should probably go check on him actually... Just uh, keep your pistol on ya alright?"

Flame:
*Nods and grabs the holster from inside the suitcase.*

Jack:
"And maybe some holy water..."
*Leaves.*

As Jack exits, he makes his way to the large library inside the mansion, where we find, who other than BLIP! He sits atop a bookshelf reading.

Jack:
"Morning Blip."

```

```
Blip:
"AH! Grandest of mornings to you, my good dude! This is some library you've got in here. I even found a book on glitches!!"

```

```
Jack:
"Really? Lemme see."

Blip:
*Blips the book into Jack's hands. The title reads "The Glitch Conspiracy" with the subtitle "The insane and inane theories of glitch believers".*

Jack:
*Pulls out a pair of glasses and slips them on as he looks over the book.*
"...Why do I get the feeling you wrote this?"

Blip:
"Now why would I write something that looks down on Glitch fanatics such as myself? This book tries to disprove glitches... Obviously outdated."

Jack:
"Hmm. It would seem like it."
*Chunks the book into the bin in the corner.*

Blip:
"HEeeeeeY! It's still an interesting read regardless!"
"..."
"But honestly, I'm glad you came looking for me. I've been wanting to talk to you."

Jack:
"Oh? What's up?"

Blip:
"Well..." *Jumps off the bookcase, doing a 360 flip before landing on a study table in the middle of the library.* "I need relationship advice."

Jack:
"Wooo boy."
*Slips off his glasses.*

Blip:
*Lies down on the table, head resting on one propped arm.* "SOoooo? How does it work?"

Jack:
*Shrugs.*
"No idea honestly. I mean, seems to me that you and Charlotte have things figured out better than me."

Blip:
"AHAHAHA! Always the jokester, sir! I have NO idea what I'm doing? I mean... I... I love her, Jack. A lot."

Jack:
*Nods.*

Blip:
"...I would ask her to marry me, but I'm pretty sure that requires at least *some* legal documentation."

Jack:
"I mean, I didn't have any. But then again I wasn't exactly a legal citizen of.. anywhere."

Blip:
"Well, then we're in the same boat!! The S.S. Nomad!! Anyway... I wish there was a way to forgo the whole ceremony thing. Too much of a hassle... Besides, I know she wouldn't like that."

Jack:
"...I mean, you don't HAVE to have one? Even legally, nowadays you can just sign a paper."

Blip:
"WHAAAAAAAAT?!?!? WONDERFUL! Thank you for opening my eyes, Jack! Now, all I've gotta do is make sure Valtron doesn't interfere and buy a big, shiny rock!"

```

```
Charlotte:
*At that moment, Charlotte walks in.* "Hey, guys! Whatcha talking about?"

```

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Blip:
*Quickly tries to change the subject.* "Um! Me and Jack were just about to go... mining? For gooooold?!?"

Charlotte:
"Ooh! That sounds like fun! Can I come?"

Blip:
"...Nope. Sorry. This is a dude bro thing. You understand, right?"

Jack:
"..."
*Looks to Charlotte.*
"Blip wanted to talk about wedding plans."

Charlotte:
"What?"

Jack:
"Yeah, honestly I thought you guys were already a thing."

Charlotte:
"We... are a thing. But... not... that..."

Blip:
"Jaaaaack..."

Jack:
"What? I'm not gonna lie Blip."

Blip:
"WELL THAT'S NEW. Sudden character development much?!?"

Charlotte:
"I'm... gonna go see if Angela needs... anything." *She darts out of the room.*

Jack:
"Speaking of... Have you seen her this morning?"

Blip:
*Blip turns away from Jack and crosses his arms. The silent treatment has begun.*

Jack:
"...Blip."
*Sigh.* "Can ya cut the drama? Something seems wrong... Angela asked if I wanted coffee... Even YOU know my opinion of that..."

Blip:
*Blip extends his hand behind him, holding it out in Jack's direction.*

Jack:
"..."
"OH."
*Pulls a few caramels out of his pocket and hands them to Blip.*

Blip:
*Takes a caramel and pops it in his mouth before standing up, and turning back...* "Yes... I did notice something was a bit off... I believe she's exploring the grounds as we speak."

Jack:
"...But she was in the kitchen? How is she on the grounds too?"

Blip:
"Beats me. Now can I go back to sulking?"

Jack:
"No. We're going to find Charlotte and you're proposing to her. I am NOT dealing with your sulking as well as whatever is going on here."

Blip:
"...Can we at least plan it out?! I want it to be ULTRA ROMANTIC!"

Jack:
"...Alright. Fine..."
*Goes to walk out and trips.*

Blip:
"Whoa! Did you find a collision glitch?!?"

Jack:
"What did I..." *Looks down to see he tripped on the book.*
"..."

Blip:
"Wasn't that in the garbage?"

Jack:
"Blip, does your priestly skills include exorcism?"

Blip:
"AH! That... No. I was ordained by a shady website, and I'm pretty sure an exorcism would get rid of me as well."

Jack:
"...Hmm. Well then... Uh, I'm gonna go... put this mail up..."

Blip:
"Great! Then I will... swallow my pride and prepare the MOST AMAZING, MOST HEART-POUNDING, MOST ULTIMATELY ROMANTIC PROPOSAL EVEEEEEEEEERRR!!!"
*Blips away dramatically.*

Jack:
*Smirks.* "No proposing through an indirect way involving suicide."
*Walks out, turning out the light behind him.*

Mystery Voice:
"Too bad that didn't work... Would make my life easier..."

The book floats up and is put back on the shelf where it goes.

```

### Episode 2: Ghost in the Machine

```
Well, here we are, LOVE IS IN THE AIR! No not the wedding, Valentine's Day... Which the existence of in this universe raises some questions.
Anyways, we open to the other guests arriving at the party... fashionably early unlike a certain sheep.

```

```
Calias:
"Man, last time Jack invited us to something, it was at a castle. This time it's a giant mansion?!"

```

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Hannah:
"Looks fun."

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Scratch:
*Sees the guests coming to the door and runs to open it.* "I'll get it!"

Grounder:
"No, I'LL GET IT!"

The two bots end up bickering and forget about the door.

Jack:
*Sigh...*
*Opens the door.*

Hannah:
"Hi."

Jack:
"Hey..."

```

```
Selphius:
*Walks in and hugs Jack.* "You must be the host! I've heard so much about you!"

```

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Jack:
*Questions the lady's presence but actually could use the hug right now.*

Calias:
*Walks in, slightly embarrassed by Selphius's sudden actions.* "Erm... Hey, Jack."

Jack:
"Who's the Babylonian girl?"

Calias:
"This is my friend, Selphius, or Selphie for short."

Selphius:
"So sorry for coming uninvited, but after hearing all of Calias and Hannah's stories, I had to meet everyone myself."

Jack:
"Selphius? Like the ancient Greek medicine?" [he's thinking of silphium]

Selphius:
"Um. I'm not sure? My lineage is known for their medicinal knowledge, so it is a possibility."

Jack:
*Nods.* "Well, I'm Jack. Jack Beakton."

Selphius:
"Yes. I know."

Jack:
*Ahem.* "Well, you guys wanna come in?"
*Grabs Hannah's luggage for her and walks in.*

Hannah:
"Thank you."

Calias:
"Sure! It's been too long since we just got ta chill. Point me to the nearest sofa, my dude!"

Jack:
"...Uh, I'm not too familiar with the place yet."

The four walk inside and are greeted by the majordomo.

Breezie:
"Ah, welcome!"

Calias:
"Hey, wait a second. Wasn't she the crazy chick from your wedding?"

Breezie:
"I don't think we've had the pleasure." *Does a curtsy.* "I'm Breezie, the overseer of this establishment."

Calias:
"Um... Nice to meet you?"

Hannah:
*Politely smiles, but is a little uncomfortable.*

Breezie:
"Oh, right, the wedding. I forgot I saw y'all there..."

Selphius:
*Selphius mimics Breezie and curtsies.* "A pleasure to meet you."

Breezie:
*Smiles.* "Well, nice to see some in this generation still have manners."

Selphius:
"Thank you very much."

Breezie:
"I'll show y'all to your rooms..."

Jack:
"Uh, no need. Jabber can do it."
*Whistles.*

Jabber:
*Flies in grumpily but changes tone when he sees the others.*
"What's up?"

Jack:
"Um, hey buddy, can you show Hannah and Cal to their rooms? Oh, uh, didn't prepare a room for an extra... So uh, Selphie? You mind if you share a room? At least until I can get some sheets clean..."

Selphius:
"I shared a room with Hannah for a few days, after my home was incinerated, so that is no problem."

Jack:
"..."
*Blinks.* "Right. Babylonian... Anyways, uh, I'll be in the kitchen if you guys need me."

Suddenly the doorbell rings.

Jack:
"Must be Beau..."
*Opens the door.*

Andy:
"Uh, hiya Cuz!"

Jack:
"Oh, uh... Hi Andy... What are you doing here?"

Andy:
"Uh, you invited me?"

Jack:
"..."
"I did?"

Andy:
"Yeah? ...So can I come in?"

Jack:
"Oh, um. Sure..."
*Lets Andy in.*

Andy:
"Hopefully this doesn't turn out like your wedding... I'm still sore from that one..."

Jack:
"...Yeah... Uh, anyways..."
*Sees another person coming up the walk.*
"...Say Andy, you remember where the back shed is?"

Andy:
*Thinks.* "Uh, yeah? I think so... Isn't it more a hangar?"

Jack:
"Yeah, I need some of the chairs from in there for the party, could you grab some?"

Andy:
"Uh, sure?"
*Walks out the back.*

Jack:
*Opens the door.*
"Hello there."

Beau:
"Hello th--Oh. Hey, Jack."

Jack:
*Motions for him to come in.*
"Listen, could you do me a favor?"

Beau:
"Sure, what do you need?"

Jack:
"Stand here and let the guests in. I gotta lock the shed."

Beau:
"Okay..."

Jack:
*Rushes out the back door.*

Beau:
(That was weird.)

Blip:
*Walks up to Beauregard.* "AH! Admiral, sir! Good to see you again!"

Beau:
"OHMY--Hello Mr. Blip."

Blip:
"I must say, the uniform is looking neat as ever! And the boots are shining! Keep it up!"
"..."
"AH! That's right! Question for you."

Beau:
"Hmm?"

Blip:
"Have you ever proposed to a woman?"

Beau:
"..."
"You do realize how strange of a question that is right?"

Blip:
"I'll take that as you got rejected. Anyway..."

Beau:
*Glares.*

Blip:
"If you want to join the party, I'll watch the door for the time being."

Beau:
"Yeah, thanks, that sounds good."

Blip:
*Does a handstand against the door.* [that is, his feet up resting on the door] "Okay! I will wait here!"

Beau:
*Chuckles as he turns and leaves.*

Lepor:
*Kicks down the already open door.* "HELLOO!! Am I fashionably late?"

Blip:
*Falls to the ground and immediately rolls back up.* "AH! My favorite decorative vase! You're right on time!"

Lepor:
(Dang it.)
"So when's the party start? I'm expecting cake."

Blip:
"RIIIIIIIIIGHT NOOOOOOOOOW!" *He snaps, blipping Lepor directly into the midst of the party.* [well, the party actually wasn't yet started]

We now cut shortly after to everyone in the parlor. Except for Jack, Angela and Flame...

Lepor:
(I'll never get used to that...) [being blipped, that is]

Beau:
"Hey Hannah. How you been?"

Hannah:
"I've been alright. The bigger team's taking some getting used to. We're getting the hang of it."

Beau:
"That's good. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Speaking of the team, have you seen the General at all?"

Hannah:
"..."
*Glances around, not seeing him in this room.*
"Um, he came, right?"

Beau:
"I saw him when I was checking out the mansion's gym."

Hannah:
"Ah, of course. I'll go get him..."
*Leaves.*

In the gym, we find Flame still there, as he has been for the past several hours.

Flame:
*Steps off the treadmill.*
*Returns to the barbell.*
*Removes it from its holder to do squats.*

The weight behaves as if it's cardboard, seeming to weigh almost nothing.

Flame:
"?!"
*Studies the weight, it *looks* normal..."

Hannah:
*Enters the room.*

Flame:
(I can't explain this...)
*Awkwardly sets the weight down.*

Hannah:
"You coming?"

Flame:
"No."

Hannah:
"You can't just stay in the gym the entire time..."

Flame:
"Why not?"

Hannah:
"You have to spend some time with the team. That's the whole reason you're here."

Flame:
"That's what Meadows said..."

Hannah:
"And she's right. Being a team isn't just about fighting bad guys together. We share the good times too. Today is Pipsqueak's birthday and we're celebrating as a team."

Flame:
"..."

Hannah:
"Come on, just *be* there... Please? You can come back after the party..."

Flame:
"..."

Hannah:
"..."

Flame:
"Fine..."
(There's something wrong with this gym anyway...)

Hannah:
*Smiles and leaves.*

Flame:
*Follows.*

Everyone is now gathered in the parlor waiting for Pipsqueak... All except for Jack and Angela who are still absent.

Calias:
"So... Uh... Squeakers should be gettin' here soon... Where's Jack? Or Ms. Angie for that matter?"

Angela:
*Walks in with a smile on her face.*
"Evenin' all. Is Mouser here yet?"

Blip:
"Whomstdve?"

Angela:
"Um, ya know. The guest of honor?"

Charlotte:
"Since when do you call him that?"

Angela:
*Ahem.* "Anyways, is he here? I'd like to get this party started..."

Charlotte:
"Have you seen Jack? He needs to be here in time for the big surprise!"

Angela:
"Oh, I ain't seen him since this mornin'."

Charlotte:
"I've never been to a surprise party before... That I can remember at least. So this better go well."

Blip:
"PLACES EVERYONE! HE'S COOOOOMING!"

Hannah:
*Professional stealth commences.*

Flame:
"..."
*Sits on the floor behind the couch.*

Lepor:
*Grabs 2 more charcuterie sticks from the snack tray before hiding under the table.*

Beau:
*Just sits on a couch.*

Selphius:
*Ducks behind the table with Calias.* "This is not very good concealment.*

Calias:
"I don't think we really need a tactical advantage here, Selphie."

The lights dim.

Charlotte:
"Whoa! Automatic lights! Nice!"

Angela:
"..."

A lanky silhouette with big ears and spiky hair comes through the door.*

Calias:
*Whispering.* "Ready?"

Lepor:
*Thumbs-up.*

Blip:
"Alright... Three... two... one..."

Hannah:
*Jumps out.* "SURPRISE!"

Calias:
*Practically leaps out of his spot.* "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SQUEAKERS!!"

Lepor:
"HAPPY BIRTHDA--SURPRISE!!"

Beau:
*Doesn't stand up or anything.* "Oh. Surprise!"

Selphius:
"ONE STEP CLOSER TO OBLIVION!"

Charlotte:
"Erm! Yeah! Happy... Birthday?"

Blip:
"HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS!! Wait a sec..."

Flame:
*Still sitting behind the couch, silent.*

```

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Colby:
*Blinks.*
"Who are you people?"

```

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Hannah:
"..."
"*You?*"

Lepor:
"Uh... You're not..."

Angela:
"Hey! Happy birthday!"

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Moz:
*Stomps in.* "I told you to wait, ya cheesehead!"

```

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Beau:
(Aaaaand it's Colby.)

Colby:
"Hey! I don't wait for anyone!"

Hannah:
"Um so are we hiding again or...?"

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Pip:
*Walks in eating some string cheese.*

```

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Hannah:
"Oh erm surprise!"

Calias:
"Happy birthday?"

Moz:
*Smacks her forehead.*

Angela:
"Oh, is it both their birthdays?"

Lepor:
"Hurray!"

Beau:
*Facepalms.*

Selphius:
"Have you thought about your legacy lately?"

Flame:
*Still behind the couch.*

Colby:
*Grabs Pipsqueak and gives him a noogie.* "Yeah, yeah, happy birthday ya nerd."

Pip:
*Chokes on his cheese for a moment.*

Charlotte:
"Happy birthday!" *She says with a sadder face than she should have.*

Pip:
"Wait, Jack put this all together just for me?"

Beau:
"More or less."

Blip:
"He sure did! With a little help from moi!"

Lepor:
"BIRTHDAY PUNCHES! How old are you again? Doesn't matter!"

Angela:
"Well, I'll get started cuttin' the cake..."

Lepor:
*Punching Pipsqueak.*

Pip:
*Looks around the room.* "So, where is Jack?"

Blip:
"GOOD QUESTION! I have NO idea."

Hannah:
*Climbs up on the couch, behind Flame.*
*Pokes him.* "You can come out now."

Flame:
*Stands up with a groan.*

Jack:
*Is coming in from the backyard after working things out with Andy.*
"Aw geez, missed the surprise..." [he heard the noise]
*Walks past the basement door as he cuts through the kitchen and hears a banging sound.*
"?"
*Tries to open the door.*
"Locked..."
*Quickly pulls out a lock pick and opens the door.*

Angela:
"JACK!"

Jack:
"Ange? What's wrong?"

Angela:
"No time. Where is she?"

Jack:
"Where's who?"

Angela:
*Grabs Jack's wispon and ignites it as she walks into the parlor.*

Fake Angela:
*Is cutting the cake blissfully unaware.*

Hannah:
*Eyes widen.*

Calias:
"Am I seeing double?"

Angela:
*Throws the sword, slicing through the cake and straight into the other Angela.*

Hannah:
*Eye widening intensifies.*

Blip:
"My my! Doppelgängers are so troublesome."

Fake Angela:
*Short-circuits as she is pinned to the wall and deactivates.*

Beau:
"What the heck was that?!"

Angela:
*Yanks the lit sword out.*
"Hannah? Flame? You two, with me. NOW."

Colby:
"You people sure know how to party."

Hannah:
*Nods.*

Angela:
*Walks back towards the basement.*

Flame:
*Follows, hand on his pistol.*

Charlotte:
"Huh... Why didn't I notice that was a different Angela?"

Jack, Flame and Hannah are led down the stairs by Angela who is holding the sword in front of her.

Flame:
"What's this about?!"

The basement lights turn on to reveal dozens of identical drones all resembling Angela to some degree.
And in the very back center lies a cryogenic vault containing the original remains. Nightmarishly well preserved and appearing as if death had hardly set in.

Hannah:
"..."

Angela:
*Begins slashing through the bots.*

Jack:
"..."

Flame:
*Has no problem with this.*

Angela:
*Stops at the cryovault.*

Jack:
*Walks behind Angela and places his hand on her shoulder.*
"...What the heck is going on?"

Angela:
"This is why I didn't want to come here..."

Hannah:
"This place looks like my nightmares... kinda..."

Angela:
"I was hoping it would stay in the basement... but it seems that someone had other plans..."

Hannah:
"*Why* did you make me come?"

Maniacal male laughter is heard.

Angela:
"To help fight that..."

Breezie:
*Talking in a male Southern accent.* "Well, it seems our little birdie got out of her cage..."

Jack:
"...Well that's disturbing."

Hannah:
"?!?"

Breezie:
"Well, I see there's no use in hidin' now... So allow me to introduce myself proper."
*Deactivates as a large TV screen turns on in the darkness.*

```

```
Guy:
"The name's Evazorn, Guy Evazorn. And y'all are trespassin'."

```

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Flame:
*Snarls.*

Hannah:
"Um. Jack invited us?"

Guy:
"Little lady, do I LOOK like I give a darn about who that little brat and his toaster invite to MY house? Well, no matter. I'll be rid of y'all soon enough..."
*Several turrets appear from the walls and begin charging up.*

Angela:
*Glares directly at Guy.*

Flame:
*Starts shooting the turrets.*

Guy:
*Glares back with an emotionless face.*

Suddenly the power cuts out and the old bird's image disappears.

Angela:
*Sees this opportunity.*
"Hannah! Quick!" *Points the sword towards the plug on the wall connected to the computer's server.*

Hannah:
"..." (I can't reach that high...)

Flame:
*Grabs Hannah and runs up to the spot.*

Hannah:
*With Flame lifting her, is able to reach the plug and remove it.*

With the server unplugged everything comes back on except the computer in the basement and the turrets.

Jack:
"Ange?"

Angela:
"..."
*Drops the sword and turns to Jack and starts weeping in his arms.*

Jack:
*Holds Angela as she cries.*

Angela:
"This is why I didn't want to come here... I knew he was gonna do something... But not all this..."
*Gestures to the cryovault.*

Jack:
"Yeah, that... That's a bit much."

Angela:
*Turns to face the two guests.* "Sorry to drag y'all into this mess... but you were the most capable fighters I saw in there. And I had no idea what he was gonna do..."

Flame:
*Is shooting at the remaining turrets.*

Hannah:
(Me, "most capable fighter"?)
*Simply nods in reply.*

Jack:
"Sooo. What about her?" *Points to Breezie.*

Angela:
*Sigh.* "Just her system... She can't disobey the orders of her programmer. Even if she wanted to..."

Hannah:
"We best keep her powered off for now..."

Angela:
"Agreed. She needs some rest."
*Rubs her temples.* "As do I..."

Jack:
"Right. Come on then."
*Scoops up Angela, visibly struggling to do so, but continues anyway and begins walking up the stairs with her.*

Hannah:
"I don't like this place..."

Flame:
"Neither do I. Come on."
*They go up the stairs as well.*

We return to the party. (Where there's visibly a trail of cake leading to Lepor's room.)

Jack:
"So... We uh, are gonna go ahead to bed... You guys have fun."

Angela:
*Nods.*
"And don't worry about anything... I'm pretty sure we averted the crisis...
(I hope...)

Jack:
*Leaves with Angela.*

Hannah:
*Staring at where the cake used to be.*
*Sad.*

Pip:
"So... Presents later then?"

Considering that the party's host has left for bed, that would be for the best. Will the next day bring a proper celebration? Or will even more go wrong? Find out next time on Tropical Chaos!

```

### Episode 3: Tell 'Em How You Feel

```
A few hours later, we find Jack and Angela in their quarters recovering from the day's events.

Angela:
*Just lies on the bed staring at the ceiling.*

Jack:
*Has one arm around Ange and the other he's going through the mail with.*
"So... I thought you told me your dad was dead."

Angela:
*Sits up.* "I never said that."

Jack:
"Well you never said he was living in the basement either..."

Angela:
*Sigh.* "Honestly? I didn't know. Breezie told me he was deactivated."

Jack:
"Yeah, that lady needs a full system overhaul."

Angela:
*Nods.* "That's probably a good idea..."
"..."

Jack:
"..."

The two just sit in slightly awkward silence for a bit, just thankful for the other being there. Then finally Jack breaks the silence.

Jack:
"So... Looked like your body was well-preserved... Kind of a creepy thing to have in a basement though."

Angela:
"...Yeah. Kinda... Surprised he kept that..."

Jack:
"..."

Angela:
"..."
"Jack?"

Jack:
"Yeah?"

Angela:
"...Why did you marry me?"

Jack:
"That's a stupid question. 'Cause I love you. Even if that body in the cooler got up and it turned out you were just a machine. And not actually Angela. You'd still be the one I fell in love with."

Angela:
"Right..."

Jack:
"..."
*Looks concerned.* "Please tell me that the body is dead down there... I don't need an existential crisis on top of everything today."

Angela:
"Oh, yeah, definitely. But those robots... They were all identical versions of me..."

Jack:
"No they weren't."

Angela:
"What do you mean? They looked EXACTLY like me."

Jack:
"But they weren't you." *Heh.* "Couldn't even get the accent right. And most importantly, they were missing your spark. The thing that separates you from just a normal robot."

Angela:
*Hugs Jack.*
"Thank you."

Jack:
"..." *Glances back at the mail and spies the package.*
"Oh hey! Granny sent me a birthday present!"
*Slips his arm off of Ange and goes to open the package.*

Jack opens the box and finds a small necklace with a strange-looking obsidian charm on the end in the shape of a raven's skull.
[an image of the pendant]

Angela:
"...An odd gift choice..."

Jack:
"There's a note."

Wendy:
<*Dear Grandson. I hope this gift finds you in the company of good spirits.*
*I'll be honest, I'm sending you this charm as a form of protection. I fear there is something foul on the horizon. This obsidian skull will help ward off any psychic attacks or hypnosis and evoke the aid of good spirits.*
*Stay safe.*
*Love Granny*>

Jack:
"...She sent this out on New Years..."

Angela:
*Eyes widen.*
"Okay then..."
*Smirks.* "I wonder if she's related to Charlotte's long-lost family."

Jack:
"Please no. I do NOT need Blip to be ACTUALLY related to me."
*Slips on the necklace.*
"Anyway, I'm gonna try and get some sleep..."

Angela:
*Nods.* "I probably should too..."

The two birds snuggle up in their bed together and begin to drift off... Well, Jack does, Angela just turns off so it's easier for her.
Meanwhile... in the depths of Hannah's mind...
Hannah finds herself descending the stairs into the basement alone. Lights turn on, but it's somehow still dark.

Hannah:
*Walks through, noticing a few figures standing like statues toward the end.*

Hannah tries to make out their faces, but it's all too blurry.

Hannah:
*Arrives at the vault at the end of the room.*

The figure inside the vault comes into clear focus. It's Hannah.

Nightmare Hannah:
*The Hannah inside opens her eyes and shatters the vault.*

Hannah tries to flee, but is frozen in place.

Nightmare Hannah:
*Grabs Hannah and throws her down.*

Hannah is in the control tower of Grand Egg Robocity, falling into the flames.

Nightmare Hannah:
"You're weak..." *Turns and walks away.*

Falling. Burning, burning...
When Hannah finally hits the ground, she finds herself in a new, strangely familiar location. Everything is still blurry, but she can tell she's trapped. Too weak to escape. Alone.
This is a lifeless place. No sun. Only machines.

Hannah:
*Notices some sort of logo on a machine.*
*Strains to figure out what it is.*

Suddenly the logo becomes clear. MeteoTech.
Images flash before Hannah's eyes. The pain in her mother's face. Screaming.

Hannah:
*The images soon subside.*
"..."

Mystery Voice:
*Shouting from the other room.* "No... NO! I was so close!"

Hannah can hear frantic footsteps pacing, but they never enter this room. The sound soon gives way to murmurs.

Hannah:
(Something's wrong...)

Great noise suddenly intrudes. Numerous footsteps and shouts.

Hannah:
"WHAT'S HAPPENING?!"

A figure charges into the room and stands before Hannah.

Hannah:
"WHO'S THERE?! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!"

Mystery Figure:
*His hands start tearing at Hannah's surroundings.* "WHOEVER DID THIS IS GONNA PAY!!"

Hannah:
"LEAVE ME ALONE!!"

Hannah can do nothing but watch, waiting for the moment when he decides to strike. But this hasn't happened yet. Hannah finds that she's no longer trapped, and begins to fall.
Hannah fades as the man gets his hands on her.

Hannah:
*I open my eyes.*
(I'm in bed... This is Angela's mansion... I'm okay...)
*Sits up.* (I need some water...)
*Gets up, is about to leave the room before remembering something.*
*Grabs the Chaos Blades.* (Why must Flame's paranoia always end up justified...?)
*Starts walking down the halls toward the kitchen.*
(Well, that was different. Like, I know that MeteoTech killed Mom, but--)
(No, I don't *know* that. But there's no way the death of a journalist coming to investigate rumors of MeteoTech's wrongdoings was simply a "freak accident". And Dad can't convince me otherwise.)
*Arrives in the kitchen.*
*Opens the fridge to see if there's anything in there.*

```

```
Louis:
*Floats into the kitchen.* "Hi Hannah..."

```

```
Hannah:
"Aah!"
*Jumps back, draws and activates Chaos Blades.*

Louis:
*Looks around for the threat.*
"I swear if that old geezer Guy showed up again..."
*Realizes Hannah is looking at him.*
"Wait."

Hannah:
"..."
*Wide eyes.*

Louis:
*Floats right in front of Hannah.* "Can you see me?!"

Hannah:
"Yeah...?"

Louis:
"HA HA! YES!" *Flies around the room excitedly.* "I broke the curse! I'm free--Wait. No... Still a ghost... BUT THEY CAN SEE ME!"

Hannah:
"..."
*Puts the Blades away, realizing they wouldn't hurt the ghost anyway.*
*Grabs a water bottle from the fridge.*

Louis:
"Oh man, this is awesome! I wanted to talk to you ever since that sword fight in Raven Haven! And then after that fight with Starline... Oh man! Gotta say, huge fan."

Hannah:
*The nightmare's flames momentarily flash before my eyes.*

Louis:
"Of you I mean. Not Starline. He was horrible."
*Sees the fear.* "Oh geez, sorry. Didn't mean to bring up any trauma..."
*Ahem.* "Kinda hard to remember how having a brain worked... But then again mine was never the greatest... Where was I? Oh yeah, introductions!"
*Reaches for a handshake.* "Louis Beakton."

Hannah:
"..."
*Slowly extends my hand as well.* "Hannah Dash. But I guess you already knew that...?"

Louis:
"Yup! See, I've been following my brother for a while. Kinda bound to him thanks to the whole curse thing. Point is, if he was there, I was there. Just... not visible..."
*Sigh.* "Or audible... So yeah, I saw everything from the time he tossed you that pistol before starting the fight to the little talk you guys had on the Rising Hope."

Hannah:
"..."
"Okay... So you're the guy who blew up Central City..."

Louis:
"...Er, well, started it? Like I said, I wasn't exactly sane when I was alive. Being dead has given me a lot of time to think."

Hannah:
"I suppose it would..."

Louis:
"Yeah... Well, I went in guns blazing... Jack tried to stop me but I was too stubborn. Gunned down by a sniper shot from Director Fifticinco."

Hannah:
"..."
"Does Jack... know that?"

Louis:
"Probably not? I only know because ya know, ghost reasons."

Hannah:
"..."
*Sips water.*

Louis:
"And besides, he kinda went ballistic after that though... Chased him down with an Eggmobile wrecking ball... And ya know, blew up the rest of the city..."
*Ahem.* "Anyways... I... probably need to talk to him since I'm visible..."
*Looks nervous.* "Um, ya mind coming with me?"

Hannah:
"I... guess I can."

Louis:
"Thanks..."
*Floats through the ceiling to the hallway with the rooms.*
*Floats back down.*
"Right. Not a ghost..."
*Floats out the door.*

Hannah:
*Follows.*

The two come to Jack and Angela's bedroom door.

Louis:
"Um... Could you..."
*Motions for knocking.*

Hannah:
(You'd better be real...)
*Knocks.*

Jack:
"*I'm coming I'm coming...*"
*Opens the door.*
"Yeah? Something the matter Hannah?"
"..."
"Why are you glowing?"

Hannah:
*Eyes widen.*
*Steps to the side to confirm it was just Louis.*

Louis:
"Uh, hi Jack..."

Jack:
"..."
"..."
*Looks at Hannah.*
*Then back at Louis.*

Hannah:
"Do you... see...?"

Jack:
"...Yes... I see I need to cut back on my tea before bed..."

Hannah:
"...It's not just you."

Louis:
"Unless the two of you are just insane, which from what I've seen is totally possible NGL."

Hannah:
"You're not wrong..."

Jack:
"But... HOW?"

Louis:
"Well, it's... a long story... Basically, I made a deal... Unfinished business if you will. To make sure you didn't turn out to be as horrible as the rest of our family."

Hannah:
"It seems you did well."

Louis:
"Well, no actually. See, that was all him, and you guys. I, being a ghost, couldn't exactly do much. Like most I can do is make things float a bit."

Hannah:
"...Sounds like it wasn't a great deal then."

Louis:
"Really wasn't. But it was better than the option most Beaktons end up in..."
*Points downwards.*

Hannah:
"I see..."

Louis:
"Anyways, since Jackaboy here decided to go straight... I'm stuck until he dies. My work here is done, but uh, I didn't get credit for it so. Here I am!"

Jack:
"..."
"So wait, you've been following me?"

Louis:
*Nods.* "Since Central City. Never left your side buddy. Honestly, you made your little bro proud. Uh, not the Central City thing. The standing up to Uncle Ivo thing. OH! And that arrest you made at the hospital! That was like the nail in the coffin for your demons man..."

Hannah:
*Eyes widen.*

Jack:
"Oh. Right... So I was checking on Mudbaum the other night... Long story short, a guy who I used to work for showed up, turns out he betrayed Mudbaum back in the war, and was afraid of what he might do if he woke up. He tried to get me to kill him."

Louis:
"And Jack here LOST IT. Like wow. I thought you were gonna kill the guy! Heck, so did death! But Jack here just arrested the guy! Handcuffs, reading of rights, the whole spill."

Jack:
"Actually I forgot the reading rights bit. That always seemed redundant to me..."

Hannah:
"Well, that's cool that you caught him."

Jack:
"Anyways... So you've just been floating around there... everywhere I've been. For YEARS? And never ONCE appeared?"

Louis:
"Believe me, I tried. Not even sure how I managed to do it now... Maybe leveled up my points and evolved into a stronger ghost?"

Jack:
"Louis that's not how this works."

Louis:
"Well excuse me princess! Are you the ghost expert here?"

Jack:
"Well, neither are you."

Hannah:
"...But he's the literal ghost."

Louis:
"No, no. He's got a point."
*Looks down to see Jack's necklace is glowing slightly.*
"Hmm?"

Jack:
*Grabs the charm and holds it closer to Louis, causing him to appear more visible and the charm to glow brighter.*

Louis:
*Smiles.*

Jack:
*Smirks.*

Louis:
"Granny always knew how to pick the best birthday gifts."

Jack:
"Well, um. It's good to have you with us Bro... But uh, unlike you, I need sleep still."

Louis:
"Oh, right. Of course."

Hannah:
*Nods agreement.*

Jack:
"Goodnight."
*Closes the door and goes back to bed.*

Louis:
"...Sooo. Ya sleepy?"

Hannah:
"Kinda... But also not at the same time... I'm only awake 'cause of a nightmare..."

Louis:
"Yeah, I know..."

Colby:
*Is sneaking down the hall with a marker and shaving cream.*

Louis:
"Hmm..."
*Appears in front of Colby.* "Whatcha doin'?"

Colby:
"Zoinks!" *Kicks at Louis.*

Louis:
"...Nice try."

Colby:
*Quickly gets over his shock and is now waving his hand through Louis.* "Killer robots *and* ghosts! I thought this place was gonna be boring."

Hannah:
"I *hoped* this place was gonna be boring..."

Louis:
"Yeah, well... Hi. I'm Louis."

Colby:
"A ghost, huh? You must get to pull some sick stunts. If I were a ghost I'd probably haunt my old place. Slam the shutters, mess with the lights that sorta thing."

Louis:
"...Yeah, I only recently figured that out. You're welcome for that by the way Hannah."

Hannah:
"Huh?"

Louis:
"The power outage. I flipped a breaker."

Hannah:
"Ah... Yeah, thanks."

Louis:
"Anyways... You better get back to bed Colby."

Colby:
"Nah. Imma go check the attic for vampires!"

Louis:
*His voice shifts to a deeper tone.* "**OR ELSE.**"

Colby:
"Sheesh, fine." *Whistles nonchalantly as he walks toward Flame's room.*

Louis:
*Locks the door from the inside with ghost powers.*
"Trust me. We don't need two dead people here."

Colby:
"Uuuugh. Buzzkill." *Stomps back to his room, but not without smearing some shaving cream as he goes.*

Louis:
"Ugh... That kid is wasting his life..."

Hannah:
*Nod.*

Louis:
"Why can't he be like Pipsqueak? ...Wait. I CAN FINALLY TALK TO PIPSQUEAK!"
*Quickly zips to Pipsqueak's room.*

Hannah:
"..."
*Decides to go back to bed.*

Louis:
"PIP! WakE UP!"

Pip:
*Groans.* "I don't wanna..."

Louis:
"Come on man... Hmm..."
*Yanks the blanket off.*

Pip:
*Snaps up and grabs for the blanket.* "Come on, man!"
*Sees Louis and jumps.* "Cheese!"

Louis:
"Hi there. I'm Louis."

Pip:
"..."

Louis:
"I'm sure you've heard of me."

Pip:
"You're the dead one, right?"

Louis:
*Nods.*
"Yup."

Pip:
"So, uh... Whatcha doing here? In life."

Louis:
"Well, I've kinda been stuck following Jack for the past... however many years it's been... And thanks to uh, things, I'm now visible!"

Pip:
*Gasps.* "It must've been my wish!"

Louis:
"Honestly though, thanks for helping with Jack all these years... and putting up with his mess--Wish?"

Pip:
"Yeah, earlier when I blew out the candles I wished well on all my friends, especially Jack. It's working already!"

Louis:
"...Okay. Sure... Well, whatever caused it, I'm thankful. It's boring being dead. I've already hummed all the songs I know."

Pip:
"I feel like if I was a ghost I'd go and see all the places I never did when I was alive. It's gotta be easier that way."

Louis:
"...Well, uh, kinda can't leave too far from Jack. Part of the curse."

Pip:
"Wait, who cursed you? Or did someone curse Jack. That seems also likely."

Louis:
"Well, myself really... Complicated. I can explain later."

Pip:
"Yeah, this is neat and all..." *Yawns.* "But I need my shuteye."

Louis:
"Oh, right. Sorry. Uh, have fun sleepin'. I'll just... be around... as usual..."

Pip:
*Tucks himself in.* "Okay, goodnight."

Louis:
"Goodnight buddy. Oh and happy birthday."

Pip:
*Nods.* "Mm hm."

Louis:
*Sighs before floating out to wander the halls and wait until morning.*

Blip:
The time is now 11:30 PM, and in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I was up preparing the world's most extravagant proposal that could be thought up in a few hours. If Valtron weren't suspiciously quiet right now, I could make it even better... Not that he would probably allow it.
"Okay... These candles straight from Spagonia will be the perfect mood lighting... All ten thousand of them!"
*I toss the candles in the air, and with the flick of my wrist, the all teleport into the places I want them... in the shape of a flaming heart.*
"Ah! I FORGOT ABOUT THE LIGHTER!"
*I rush inside to grab a lighter... But in the meantime...*

Charlotte:
*Charlotte enters stage left.* (I was just out on a walk to clear my head after everything that happened today, when I came across... something? A bunch of candles?! Is this for some sort of occult ritual?!?!) "Huh?"
"I don't want to summon some sort of ancient evil, but I'm a little curious..."
*Charlotte grabs a match, that she was carrying for some reason, and struck it against a nearby rock. Then, setting a single candle off, the rest followed suit, lighting up a fiery heart.*
*Eyes widen.*

Blip:
*I was in the kitchen, but I caught sight of a light out of the corner of my eye.*
"SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION?!!?" *I rushed outside only to find Charlotte already standing in the middle of my elaborate setup.* "...Darling! What are you doing out here?"

Charlotte:
"I was just walking... What is this?!?"

Blip:
"Erm... Well... I suppose I can't hide it anymore." *I slowly walked up to her... I have to hurry this up, or else the timing is gonna be off...*

Charlotte:
"Hide what? Is this some sort of sacrifice? Am I gonna be your sacrifice?!?"

Blip:
"What?!? No! Why would you even think that?!?"

Charlotte:
"I'm just kidding... I have a feeling I know what this is about."

Blip:
"You weren't supposed to see it until I was ready..."

Charlotte:
"You know you can't just set up something this interesting and expect me to not touch it."

Blip:
"That is true, but I thought you were asleep!"

Charlotte:
"At 11:30? That's prime anime watching time, you know."

Blip:
"Correction. I had *hoped* you were asleep. My plan had holes, okay?"

Charlotte:
"Hehe. That sounds like you." *She giggles softly.* "So?..."

Blip:
"So?..."

Charlotte:
"You're gonna do a thing, right? Do it."

Blip:
"Of course." *I got down on one knee and held out a super shiny rock that I found in the Bootstrap Mines about an hour ago.* "Charlotte Anne Mathers... Will you make me the happiest illusion alive and marry me?" (Wait... How long has it been since the candles were lit?!?)

Charlotte:
"I knew it! Well..." *She pauses for a moment. Blip is visibly sweating.*

Blip:
"Well?..."

Charlotte:
"I--..." *Right before she can respond, the mechanism that Blip had set up goes off. A huge display of fireworks lights up the sky. It's much too loud to hear anything.*

Blip:
"...?!?"

Charlotte:
"...!"

Blip:
"...?!??"

Charlotte:
"...!!?"

Blip:
"...?!!"

Charlotte:
"!!!" *Instead of trying to yell any louder, Charlotte instead opts to give her answer by kissing Blip.*

Blip:
"!!!"
*We remained like this until the fireworks stopped.*

Charlotte:
*Charlotte finally pulls away after realizing her hearing has returned.* "So, yes. My answer is yes."

Blip:
"I figured that out, thank you."

Charlotte:
"One thing, though. We can't have a ceremony."

Blip:
"I figured you would say that. Personally I don't care much for them either, too many robot attacks."

Charlotte:
"No, we can't have a ceremony... yet. Not until we find my family..."

Blip:
"Ah... Yes. That would be nice, wouldn't it..."

Charlotte:
"So... Let's get married as soon as possible, then let's go find my family. Then we'll have a proper ceremony."

Blip:
*I couldn't help but smile.* "Of course, my dear, that sounds like a great plan."
*But in the back of my mind...* (But... There's always a chance that... No, I mustn't think about that...)
"I swear, my dear Charlotte, we will find your family."

Charlotte:
*As she begins to tear up, Charlotte embraces her fiancé.* "Thank you, Blip."

Blip:
"And, perhaps, along the way, we could help as many people as possible!"

Charlotte:
"You're really serious about this hero business?"

Blip:
"Of course! If Jack can do it, so can I!"

Charlotte:
"Let's just make sure we don't get caught up on side-quests, okay?" *She laughs as she says this.*

Blip:
"WHO DO YOU TAKE ME FOR!?" *He strikes a dramatic pose.* "I, the great *Virtual Defender of Justice* must keep my promises! Or else, I cannot truly call myself the *Virtual Defender of Justice*!"

Charlotte:
"Honey... Please never change."

Blip:
And so, my proposal plan went off without a hitch!... Definitely! But meanwhile, someone else wasn't in the "Valentine's Day spirit"...

Calias:
*Calias walks the grounds of the estate, trying to get his mind off of things.* "...Were the fireworks really necessary?"
*He pulls out his communicator, the screen shows a contact page... "⭐STAR⭐"... Calias wants to press the call button, but shakes his head as he decides against it.* "What am I thinking?!?"

Calias wanders over to the shed.

Calias:
"Oh, look. A perfect place to feel miserable!"
*He opens the door, but beyond it...*

Sits a certain Kukku in a recliner couch watching old romance movies.

Andy:
*Sighs.*

Calias:
"Um... Hello? Sorry, I didn't mean to intru--Wait, is that *Fast as the Wind*?"

Andy:
"Director's cut. Jack has quite the collection of old movies and TV shows. I guess he was at least good at pirating one thing."
*Extends hand for a handshake.* "The name's Andromedus. But most folks just call me Andy."

Calias:
"Yeah... I think I remember you from the wedding... I'm Calias, but you can call me Cal."
*Accepts the handshake offer.*

Andy:
"So... Why are you up at this hour?"

Calias:
"Erm... It's a long story... I guess you could say I was having trouble sleeping."

Andy:
"Heh. Welcome to the club."
*Motions for Cal to sit down.*

Calias:
*Cautiously sits down.* "You... like old romance movies? Or are you heartbroken too?"

Andy:
"...Don't remind me..."

Calias:
"Got it. The sickly sweet atmosphere today only drudged all that up for me."

Andy:
"Yeah... Valentine's Day is the worst..."

Calias:
"Yeah..." *He snatches some of Andy's snacks, and begins to stuff his face.*
"So... Um... How do you know Jack?"

Andy:
"Oh. He's my cousin. Blight and my mom were brother and sister."

Calias:
"Blight is Jack's dad, right?"

Andy:
"Heh. Yeah. The psychotic killer one. Seems to be a running theme with our family."

Calias:
"So I've noticed... Does that include you?"

Andy:
"Nah, Jack and I were both kicked out of the Kukku--Er, family... Jack first. With the whole locking Blight in the freezer thing."

Calias:
"Huh? That's pretty... cool? Nope. Not the time for puns..."
"..."

Andy:
"..." *Sips his soda. (Which has gone flat.)*

Calias:
"So... I know you said you didn't want to talk about it... But, why are *you* out here?..."

Andy:
"Well, one of Jack's friends and I... don't exactly get along... The cat guy?"

Calias:
"Bobo?"

Andy:
"We kinda... had an... altercation... in a plane... that I was piloting into GLACIA HQ... So yeah... Jack didn't want to cause any trouble for me or him. So he asked me to just chill out here. Which is fine, I'm not exactly the social type anyway..."

Calias:
"That was the Druids case, right? I remember hearing about that..."

Andy:
"...Yeah... My uh, partner and I were the leaders of it..."
"..."
"I haven't seen her since... Which is why I came to Jack. He's really the only family I have that gives a darn."

Calias:
"I see... So... Your partner... You like, like-like her, right?"

Andy:
"..."
"Yeah..."

Calias:
"I gotcha... I guess that's why you don't like Valentine's Day, huh... You don't even know where she is..."

Andy:
"..."
"Yeah. So what's your story Sparky?"

Calias:
"Well, I feel a bit silly after your story, but..."
"..."
"I... got too attached... to someone who didn't feel the same way I did... She started dating someone else while I was away in space."

Andy:
"...That's rough buddy."

Calias:
"Yeah..." *Cal just shuts up and watches the movie.*

The screen turns to old TV static.

Andy:
"What the?"
*Gets up and begins fiddling with the cables to the VCR.*
"Hmm... Everything seems fine? Must be a short..."
*Goes to check the TV's power cord only to find it's already unplugged.*
"Uh..."
*Looks at the screen which is still on.*
*Looks at the cord in his hand.*
"This your doing Sparky?"

Calias:
"No? I don't think so? I mean, I discover new powers I didn't know I had almost every day..."

Louis:
*Pops out of the screen.* "Like the power of friendship?"

Andy:
"GAH!"

Calias:
"NICE! A ghost! Just what I needed!" *Gets into a battle stance.*

Louis:
"..."
"Cal, I know you think you're the ultimate lifeform but wow. You really think you could fight something that is already dead?"

Calias:
"It's definitely not impossible..." *He begins to glow.*

Andy:
"Wait... Louis?"

Louis:
"In the ectoplasm! How's it hangin' Andy?"

Andy:
"But, you're dead!"

Calias:
*Eyes widen.*

Louis:
"Yeah, duh, that's kinda how a ghost works."
*Looks to Cal.* "Oh, right, I forgot you haven't actually met me..."

Calias:
"Yeeeeahhh... You said my name a second ago... How do you know who I am? The news? Or were you stalking me like Selphie?"

Louis:
"Well, I've kinda been haunting Jack for the past few years. So if he saw something, I saw it. The being visible part, that's a recent development."

Calias:
"Huh... Cool!"

Louis:
"So. What are you nerds doin' out here?"

Calias:
"Sulking, how about you?"

Louis:
"Well, just dealing with the whole being visible thing. Going so long without people knowing you exist is incredibly boring. Wait, why are you guys sulking?"

Calias:
"...Love problems, I guess."

Louis:
"..."
"Really? Oh. My. WORD. Seriously?! You already screwed up your chances with Selphie?"

Calias:
"WHAT?! What are you talking about?!?"

Louis:
"..."
"You two were a couple I thought?"

Calias:
"Um... No. We're just friends. I mean, sure, she's cool and all, but..."

Louis:
"...Dude. Cal... Buddy... I'm DEAD and even I can see the chemistry there. That girl's got it bad. And you just need to let Stripes go. If you really care about her, let her make her own mistakes."

Calias:
"Wait. How do YOU know about Star? I never mentioned it to Jack."

Louis:
"Well, I was kinda avoiding the awkwardness at the wedding... And I happened to be floating around the halls when you called her..."

Calias:
"Oh... Well... Just--Stay out of it, okay? I don't need advice from a ghost."

Louis:
"...Well excuuuuse me princess. Grizz would be pleased to see how mature you're being with this."
*Leaves.*

Andy:
"..."
"I only understood like, a third of any of that..."

Calias:
*Groans before plopping himself back on the couch.*

Louis:
*Floats back in.*
"You know what?! NO. I'm done being the nice ghost being quiet and minding my own business."
*Floats right in front of Cal.*
"You need to grow up dude. I may know nothing about love, or relationships, but I do know that you sitting here on your rear sulking ain't gonna do any good. If Stripes wants to date some twerp, more power to her. But don't let that drag you down. You're a freaking phoenix! RISE UP LIKE ONE YOU DUNDERHEADED DIMBULB!"

Calias:
"...Don't use my catchphrase against me..."

Louis:
"I'll use whatever catchphrase I want pal. I ain't letting you waste your life. If I could touch things I'd slap some sense into ya! Andy! Slap Calias!"

Andy:
"...Nope."
*Just walks out muttering "Nope."*

Louis:
*Sigh.* "Look. Sorry if I'm being rude kid... Just... I wasted my whole life... chasing someone else's dream. And paid the price for it. Never even had a chance to fall in love... Hack, never even found a friend. Just the awkward crazy kid..."
*Smirks.* "And now thanks to a cruel twist of fate, I'm the awkward dead kid. Stuck following his idiot brother until the end of time."

Calias:
(Nope. He's still crazy. Maybe there's some truth to those words... But, most of it is just rambling...)

Louis:
"...Right. Sorry. I don't mean to ramble... Just... Ain't talked to people in years... Just, think about what I said alright? Oh, and if on your adventures ya run into any single ghost ladies gimme a holler will ya?"

Calias:
"Uh huh. Sure..." *He walks out of the shed, shaking his head.*

Louis:
"..." *Looks at the snacks longingly.*
"Gaia I'd kill for a freaking snack right now..."
*Floats through the floor and back into the manor.*

Silence soon descends for a few hours... But then someone wakes up.

Flame:
*Gets up and dons uniform.*
*Goes to leave, but finds that the door is locked.*
(I didn't lock it... Someone must be in here!) *Starts looking around.*
*Fails to find anyone.* "Hmm..."
*Leaves and goes across the hall into the gym.*
*Workout commences.*

Louis:
*Appears above him.*
"Good morning Sunshine!"

Flame:
"Gah!"
*Points laser pistol at the ghost.*
"What are YOU?!"

Louis:
"Your sense of humor. We haven't spoken in a while. Nah, actually, the name's Louis. Louis Beakton."

Flame:
"Ugh... What do you want?"

Louis:
"Well, conversation would be splendid but given it's YOU I doubt that's gonna happen."

Flame:
"..."
"You didn't answer my question. *What* are you?"

Louis:
"Uh, isn't it obvious? I'm a ghost. Disembodied spirit. Specter, spook, you know?"

Flame:
"..."
"So, you're saying Beakton was right..."
*Remembers this is also supposedly a Beakton.* "Jack Beakton, that is. I suppose you'll say you're related?"

Louis:
"Yup. I'm his younger brother. The one who started the attack on Central City?"

Flame:
*Bares teeth and attempts to punch the ghost.*

Louis:
"Hey, easy buddy, that was ages ago. I've changed. Besides, I wasn't the one who did most of the damage. That'd be your host's doing... Besides... I mean, I'm already dead. What do you expect a punch to do? Hurt? I'd gladly feel pain at this point."

Flame:
"..."

Louis:
*Just floats there smiling and happy to actually talk to someone.*

Flame:
*Doesn't trust the ghost's word about Central City thing but considers asking Jack about it.*
*Then realizes that would involve saying he saw a ghost.*

Louis:
"Anywho... I'll let ya get back to your workout. I don't feel like spotting you today."
*Leaves through the wall like this.*
[GIF of Homer Simpson backing into the bushes]

Flame:
"..."
(Was that *really* a ghost?)
*Resumes workout.*

WOW! What an episode! A ghost! A proposal! Sulking and shouting! How will this ghost affect the festivities to come? Will Flame ever leave the gym? Find out next time on Tropical Chaos!

```

### Episode 4: Pits of Despair

```
A couple hours pass, and Flame is still in there. But now, he's not alone...

Colby:
*Leans against the doorway.*

Flame:
"..."

Colby:
"What are you looking at?"

Flame:
*Turns gaze to the wall in front of him.*
(If it weren't for the legal technicalities... you would be under arrest right now...)

Colby:
"That's what I thought!"
*Boredly meanders around and fiddles with the workout equipment.*

Flame:
(This punk probably doesn't even know how to operate a treadmill.)

Colby:
"Man, this place is boring!"

Flame:
"If you don't like it then go somewhere else."

Colby:
*Smirks, seeing that he ticked Flame off.*
*Puts his hands up.* "Yeah, okay. Buuuuut..."
*Grabs Flame's hat.* "...I'll be taking a souvenir!" *Starts running and whooping.*

Flame:
"Hey HEY!!"
*Immediately begins pursuit.* "GIVE THAT BACK!"

Colby:
"Make me! Hahaha!" *Skids around a corner before flying out an open window.*
*Sees a steep hill ahead and the beach below.* "Hm..."

Flame:
"I WILL! And you won't like it!"
*Also rounds the corner, then climbs out the window.*

Colby:
*Gives Flame a little wave before stepping off the cliff.*

Flame:
*Pauses for a split-second to assess the fall.*

Colby:
*Snags a palm leaf as he flies past and uses it to surf down.* "Beat that!"

Flame:
*Slides down without any object.*

Colby:
*Sees the Sergeant behind him and lifts his shades in disbelief.* "That sheep is *still* crazy!"

Flame:
*Violent rage.*

Colby:
*Reaches the bottom and rolls onto the beach, laughing all the way.*

Flame:
*The laughter just makes Flame angrier.*
*Nears the bottom.*

Colby:
"Ohp. Time to do!" *Books it down the beach waving Flame's hat in the air.*

Flame:
*Charging at full speed.*
*Is starting to catch up on the flat terrain.*

Colby:
"How can someone so big move so fast?!" *Sees the beach gives way to rocks ahead.* "Let's rock and roll, old man!"
*Nimbly parkours up some rocks, landing out of Flame's reach.* "Nana nana nana! Whatcha gonna do now?"

Flame:
*Starts climbing up the rocks.*

Colby:
"Oh, yeah. I suppose you could do *that*."
*Starts tapping his foot.* "I don't suppose you could speed things up? I'm waaaaaiiiitiiiinnng."

Flame:
*Is going to be there in about two seconds.*

Colby:
*Kicks some pebbles off the cliff before running into a nearby cove.*

Flame:
*Ignores the pebbles and follows Colby into the cave.*

Colby:
*Runs into a dead end.* "Ah, swiss..."

Flame:
*Doesn't slow down on his way to clobber the rat.*

Colby:
*Tries to get away but ends up slipping.*

Flame:
*Was moving to grab Colby, but this unexpected slip causes Flame to instead trip on him.*

The two tumble down into a lower part of the cave.

Colby:
"Ow! My tailbone!"

Flame:
"Grr..."
*Gets up and pounces on the rat.*

Colby:
"Hey!" *Wrestles with him.* "Get offa me!"

Flame:
*Grabs the hat from Colby.*

Colby:
*Wriggles out of Flame's grip and dusts himself off.*
"Cheese, you sure are attacked to that hat, aren't ya?"

Flame:
*Wants to beat up Colby, but knows better.*
"It doesn't belong to you... Scum..."

Colby:
"No, really?"

Flame:
*Ignores Colby, moving to leave the cave.*
*Only to realize they're stuck in a pit...*
*Studies the walls, makes an attempt to climb out. But the rocks are too smooth and Flame ends up falling.*

Colby:
"Ha! Nice one. Let me show you how it's done.*
*Tries jumping off the wall, but also can't get enough traction and falls flat on his face.*

Flame:
*Tries again with similar results.*

Colby:
"Well isn't this a fine mess you've gotten us into!"

Flame:
"You're the one who took my hat!"
*Tries and fails again.*

Colby:
"You're the one who chased me!"

Flame:
"Aaargh!"
*Keeps trying, different angles, different paths, nothing seems to be working.*

Colby:
*Is sitting and watching.*
"Has anyone ever told you that you may have some anger issues?"

Flame:
*Chooses to save his breath and ignore Colby, as he still fails to get out.*
*Keeps trying until he's visibly exhausted.*
*Realizing he's not gonna get out that way, Flame's next move is to scream at the top of his lungs and hope that somebody hears.*

Colby:
"Cheese, man! And people say I'm too loud..."

Flame:
"..."
"You are..."

Colby:
"No, duh! Why would anyone pay attention to me otherwise?!

Flame:
"..."
*Looks up in the direction of the exit, but there's no response.*

Colby:
"Isn't that why you're always wigging out? 'Cause you got something to prove."

Flame:
"..."
*Stiffens.*

Colby:
"That's what my sis, er half sis, is always telling me. That and something about a chip on my shoulder. Whatever *that* means."

Flame:
"..."

Colby:
"She's always bugging me about something or another, you know how sisters are."

Flame:
"*Some* sisters."

Colby:
"'Don't touch that,' 'Stop bugging me,' 'Could you go five minutes without breaking anything?' That sort of thing. And I'm like 'Get off my back! Just because your dad married my mom doesn't mean you're my boss!' Right?"

Flame:
*Does not want to agree with Colby, but ever-so-slightly nods.*

Colby:
"Don't even get me started on my dad! I try for years to get his attention! No matter what I did he refused to notice me. It didn't matter how big of a stunt I'd pull. Then, outta nowhere he just... gives me approval when I wasn't even trying to get it! The nerve..."

Flame:
"That's a surprise."

Colby:
"You're tellin' me! So, now what, huh?"

Flame:
"..."

Colby:
"That's why I took your dumb hat. I'm bored outta my skull! I can't even hang out with Pipsqueak 'cause he's got all his dumb friends hoggin' him..."

Louis:
*Appears.* "Whatcha dooooin'?"

Colby:
"Great. It's Casper the overly-friendly ghost."

Flame:
*Doesn't answer the question, not about to verbally admit he's trapped.*

Louis:
"..." *Looks around.*
"What are you guys doing anyway?"

Colby:
"Can't you see we're trying to have a private conversation?"

Flame:
"*He's* the one talking."

Louis:
"Yeah. He likes to do that... A lot."

Colby:
"Well, otherwise it's just really quiet and you get that ringing in your ears..."

Louis:
"..."
*Looks around.*
*Smiles.*
"You two stuck?"

Flame:
*Slowly nods.*

Colby:
"No! 'Cause you're gonna go get help!"

Louis:
"Am I?"

Colby:
"Go on, apparition! Git!"

Louis:
"...Yeah, not happenin'. We ghosts aren't supposed to meddle in the affairs of the living."

Colby:
"All I've seen you do is meddle!"

Louis:
"Alright. Fine. I just don't care. You guys are grown-ups. You can figure this out."

Colby:
"Who are you calling grown up? I am not inclined to resign to maturity!"

Louis:
"...Well, have fun starving to death then guys."

Colby:
"We will!"

Louis:
"Heh, alrighty then."
*Does a peace sign and fades away.*

Flame:
"..."
"I can't starve to death in here!"

Colby:
"I'm sure somebody will realize we're missing sooner or later. In the meantime we can eat snails 'n' stuff."
*Leans against the cave wall.* "Heh, we're probably safer down here than they are up there! I mean, there's ghosts and killer robots and who knows what else? Amirite?"

Flame:
"..."
(Hannah's up there... I am getting out of here.)
*Looks around, formulating a plan.*
"Hmm..."
*Approaches Colby.*

Colby:
*Flinches.* "Not this again!"

Flame:
*Stops.*
"There's no way you're strong enough to get me up there. We'll have to do it the other way around."

Colby:
"Oh. Why didn't you say so?"

Flame:
"..."
*Stares into Colby's eyes.* "Once you're out, you will tell the others I'm here."

Colby:
"Well, duh. Otherwise they'll think I killed ya or somethin'."

Flame:
*Nods and steps forward again.*

Colby:
"Just mind the tail, alright?"

Flame:
*Grabs Colby and tosses him to the top.*

Colby:
*Barely makes the landing.* "...Laaand safely! Hm... Now what was I supposed to do once I got up here..."

Flame:
"TELL THE OTHERS I'M HERE!"

Colby:
"No... I don't think it was that..."

Flame:
(So he *will* leave me down here... It was the only way.)
"If you're going to leave me to die in here... Just leave me alone..."

Colby:
*Peeks over the edge.* "Cheese, dude, I was just joking. Stop yer whinin'. In fact! To show you what a good sport I am, I'm not gonna get help! I'll get you out myself, that way we don't have to tell anyone else about this. I'm sure there's like, a vine or something around here..."
*Wanders out of the cave.*

Flame:
(We'll see about that...)

Flame waits... Minutes pass...

Flame:
(He's not coming back.)

Flame hears the steady noise of something approaching.

Flame:
*Eyes widen.*

A boulder rolls off the edge by Flame.

Flame:
*Leaps out of the way.*

Colby:
*Peeks into the pit again.* "You're welcome."

Flame:
"..."
*Climbs atop the boulder, and is able to grab the ledge and climb up.*

Colby:
"What'd I tell ya, huh?"

Flame:
*Just giving Colby a confused stare, surprised that he did this.*

Colby:
"Well?"

Flame:
"Apparently your word is not completely worthless."
*Walks toward the exit, straightening up his uniform as he goes.*

Colby:
*Follows him.* "Great, now you sound like my dad!"

Flame:
"..."

Meanwhile a certain raven is engaging in the morning time culinary arts.

Jack:
*Whistles as he stirs the grits on the stove.*
*As well as the gravy on the other stove eye.*
*And checks on the biscuits in the oven as well.*

Pip:
*At the breakfast table.* "Pan-cakes! Pan-cakes!"

Jack:
*Glares annoyedly.*

Calias:
*Half-asleep, but caught in the atmosphere.* "Pan-cakes! Pan-cakes!"

Jack:
"Kinda in the middle of finishing the rest of breakfast..."
*Turns off the grits and slides it to the turned-off eye and grabs the skillet for pancakes.*

Selphius:
"May I help with anything, Jack?"

Jack:
*Turns off the sawmill gravy and pulls out the biscuits and sits them on a potholder on the counter next to a plate of sausage, bacon, and eggs.*
"Uh, you can pass me the bowl of batter next to the sink?"

Beau:
"Here you go Jack."

Jack:
"And the cheese..."

Selphius:
*Tosses the bowl at Jack.*

Jack:
"HEY!"
*Is whacked in the face with the bowl.*
"..."

Beau:
"Ha!"

Jack:
"Fine. We just have regular grits then."

Selphius:
"I am sorry! I assumed you would catch it."

Jack:
"I am literally using both hands right now!"
*Sigh.* "Beau, can you get the other block of cheddar out of the fridge?"
*Starts cooking the pancakes.*
"Oh and a stick of butter."
(Hmmm... Should I make tomato gravy or is that too much?)

Beau:
"No problem."
*Grabs the cheddar and hands it to Jack with his head still in the fridge.*
"I think you're out of butter, Jack."

Jack:
"...Check the freezer."

Beau:
*Does so.*
"Why, the heck, do you keep butter in the freezer?"

Selphius:
"It would be preserved for longer, would it not?"

Jack:
"Because you never want to run out of butter?"

Selphius:
"I concur."

Beau:
"That's fair."

Jack:
*Slices the cheese up and sticks it in the grits.*
"Uh, Beau, you're not lactose intolerant still are ya?"

Beau:
"Oh yeah, you're good. I just had it surgically removed last month."

Jack:
"...What?"

Beau:
"Yes I'm still lactose intolerant, no I really don't care that I am."

Jack:
"Gotcha."

Selphius:
"What does lack toes and taller ants mean?"

Jack:
"It means he can't have milk."

Selphius:
"As Calias would say... 'Oof.'"

Jack:
"Hey can someone go get Lepor and Hannah?"
*Finishes up the pancakes and sets the massive stack on a plate.*
*And shuts off the stove.*

Selphius:
"I will do it!" *She bolts out of the kitchen and to her and Hannah's room.*

Hannah:
"zzz"

Selphius:
"Hannah! It is time to break the fast!"

Hannah:
"Huh...?"

Selphius:
"There is food. Come join us."

Hannah:
"Oh... Okay, I'm coming."
(Even on my day off I can't sleep in...)
(Maybe I'll take a nap to catch up on some sleep... Third nightmare in a row *and* somebody's stinkin' fireworks...)
*Meanders over to join the others.*

Jack:
*Sits down at the dining room table with a cup of tea and just a small bowl of grits.*

Lepor:
*Wobbles into the room clenching a pillow in one hand.*
*Looks around with eyes half-open.*

Jack:
"Mornin' Leaper."

Lepor:
*Grabs my pancakes then wobbles out.*
*Comes back for the syrup bottle and leaves.*

Jack:
"Goodnight Leaper."

Angela:
*Dodges the rabbit as she enters.*
*Sits down at the table with a decent-sized plate of food.*

Hannah:
*Gets a little of everything.*

Calias:
"Mornin' sis. Did you sleep at all last night?"

Hannah:
"Yeah, a little... Got to bed early enough that I slept before the fireworks... Well actually, nightmare woke me up then. Fireworks started right as I was getting back to sleep..."

Pip:
*Fills his plate up with pancakes.*

Jack:
"Pipsqueak, you need some protein too. Can't have just carbs."

Pip:
"What's protien?" [if I recall, this misspelling was intentional]

Calias:
"Protein is the stuff of miracles! Bulks you up!"

Jack:
*Realizes that technically the only protein food in there is the eggs.*
"So..."

Pip:
"Can I get some scrambled eggs?"

Jack:
"They are next to the bacon Pip."

Selphius:
*Slings a spoonful of eggs at Pipsqueak.*

Jack:
"Selphie I swear to Gaia..."

Pip:
"Mm..."

Angela:
*Sips her tea as she finishes up her breakfast.*

Moz:
*Quietly eating her breakfast.*

Angela:
"So, I take it I missed something last night?"

Jack:
"Uh yeah... You can say that..."

Pip:
"You mean besides the ghost?"

Angela:
"The what?"

Beau:
"The what?"

Louis:
*Floats in nonchalantly.*

Selphius:
"Oh! A ghost!"

Louis:
"'Sup guys, enjoying your mortal sustenance?"

Angela:
"..."

Selphius:
"Yes! It is quite good!"

Angela:
*Recognizes the jacket.*
"Louis?"

Beau:
"Well, the sausage is a little overcooked."

Calias:
*Rolls his eyes at Louis.*

Moz:
*Is staring wide-eyed still mid-bite.*

Louis:
*Ahem.* "So... Hello everyone. For those who I didn't run into last night, I'm Louis. Jack's brother.

Selphius:
"It is nice to meet you, Louis!"

Beau:
"If this weren't your brother I'd be a lot more surprised."

Moz:
*Puts down her silverware and steps out.*

Jack:
"..."

Louis:
"Uh, is she okay?"

Pip:
"Yeah. I think she just processes things her own way, ya know?"

Louis:
*Nods.*
"Better than sulking in the shed. Actually, should I tell Andy breakfast is ready?"

Jack:
*Eyes widen.*

Beau:
*Ahem.*
"Could you repeat that for me Louis?"

Louis:
*Realizes what he said."
"Andromedus is crashing in the garage."

Beau:
*Deeply inhales before pausing and exhaling.*

Louis:
"To be fair, Jack accidentally invited him. I mean he also invited Rouge but thankfully she declined."

Blip:
*At that moment, Blip and Charlotte barge through the door.* "AH! GOOOOD MORNING FRIENDS AND FAMILY!"

Louis:
"Hi Blip."

Pip:
*Mumbles "good morning" with his mouth full of food.*

Jack:
"Good morning..."
*Finishes his tea.*

Blip:
"Hello, mister ghost! You're the one who was trying to kill Jack yesterday, right?"

Louis:
"..."
"No no, that was Guy. I'm Jack's brother Louis."

Blip:
"Ah! So the book in the library wasn't your doing?"

Louis:
"OH that. Yeah that was me."

Pip:
"This place has a library?"

Louis:
"I was bored."

Charlotte:
"Heeeeey!!! Come on guys! Aren't you going to ask where we were?"

Jack:
"Getting hitched finally?"

Angela:
"Jack!"

Charlotte:
"..."
"Man, you reeeally like ruining surprises, don't you?"

Jack:
"Yep."

Charlotte:
"What were you thinking?... Wait. Why don't *I* know what you were thinking?"

Jack:
"Hmm? Oh. That's because of this."
*Holds up the necklace around his neck.*

Blip:
*Gets really close to get a look at the necklace.* "Ah! An ancient artifact! How mysterious!"

Jack:
"Pretty sure that's also why Louis is visible now. Blip, what have I told you about personal space?"

Blip:
*Backs up.* "Right. Anyway. As Jack guessed... We got married!!"

Hannah:
*Eyes widen.*

Louis:
"Wonderful. I'll go check and make sure Metal Sonic can't get in..."

Charlotte:
"Yep! We're now Mr. and Mrs. Blip!"

Beau:
"How long were you two engaged?"

Blip:
"Approximately six hours."

Pip:
*Chokes on his eggs for a second.*

Beau:
"Wow, you work fast."

Jack:
"I mean Mom and Dad were only engaged for about 4..."

Calias:
*Is just staring off into space.*

Moz:
*Is going to come back in but sees Blip and Charlotte and changes her mind.*

Selphius:
"Congratulations! May Angelus bless the sky for your sake!"

Hannah:
*Sets a hand on Cal's shoulder.*

Louis:
"..."
"Well, uh, Squeakers, you may wanna go check on Moz?"

Pip:
"Hm? I think she's fine... But" *Shrugs.* "okay."
*Follows Moz into the parlor.*

Moz:
"What?"

Pip:
"Just checkin' on you."

Moz:
"I'm fine."

Pip:
"Cool!" *Walks back into the dining room.*
"She said she's fine." *Sits down to finish breakfast.*

Louis:
"..."
"Why are you people so bad at reading social cues?"
*Goes to check on Moz.*
"Are you actually okay?"

Moz:
*Is startled.* "Cheese! What do you people want from me?"

Louis:
"Alrighty then... Just, uh, sorry if I startled you."
*Goes back to kitchen.*

Pip:
"I don't think Moz does well with meeting new people, Louis."

Louis:
"Right... Sorry, just, not used to the fact that folks don't know me despite the fact I've known you guys as long as Jack has..."

Pip:
"S'alright. We're all learning."

Flame:
*Enters the kitchen from the backdoor.*

Beau:
"Oh, good morning Flame."

Louis:
"Oh hey! You and Colby got out of the pit of death!" *Claps.* "Good job!"

Flame:
*Glares.*

Hannah:
"Pit of death?! What happened? Are you okay?"

Colby:
*Comes in the front door whistling nonchalantly.*

Flame:
*Opts to ignore everybody, grab breakfast, and is about to go eat it in the parlor before seeing Moz is there.*
"..."

Angela:
"Sonny, you're welcome to go out on the porch if ya like."

Flame:
*Growls and walks toward his room.*

Hannah:
*Looks at Angela, mouths "please stop".*

Angela:
"Right, sorry."

Louis:
"Man what IS that guy's deal? Is he always this grumpy?"

Colby:
*Starts eating food off of Pipsqueak's plate.*

Hannah:
"He's not *always* this grumpy, no. He gets like this when people bother him..."
*Gets up and follows Flame to check on him.*

Calias:
"I'm... gonna go too." *Cal walks outside.*

Louis:
"Ugh. You mortals are so depressing at times..."

Selphius:
*Gets up.* "Excuse me." *Follows Cal.*

Louis:
"Yes! Follow the boy please!"

Blip:
"Are the festivities over already? Why aren't people rejoicing at our wonderful news?!"

Pip:
"C'mon Colby, eat faster. The sooner we finish the sooner I get to open presents!"

Louis:
"Right, congrats Blip."

Charlotte:
*The newlyweds look at each other and shrug.* "Thank you!"

Blip:
*Blip and Charlotte leave the room as well, skipping and swinging their arms.*

Meanwhile...

Flame:
*Sits down in his room and starts eating.*

Hannah:
*Soon enters.*
"You alright?"

Flame:
*Sighs and continues eating at his typical quick pace.*

Hannah:
"Yeah, dumb question... If you were alright you would've said so when I asked out there."
*Waits for him to finish eating.*

Flame:
*Doesn't take too much longer.*
"I hate that rat..."

Hannah:
"What were you two doing in a pit of death together? ...Why is there a pit of death at this place?!"

Flame:
"He decided to take my hat and run with it just to amuse himself. I had him cornered in the caves before his attempt to escape sent us both falling into the pit."

Hannah:
"What was in the pit?"

Flame:
"Us."

Hannah:
"That's it? Why was it a pit of death?"

Flame:
"I tried to climb out, but the only way of escape for either of us was for me to toss him to the top. I thought for sure he was going to leave me down there... Not only did he not leave me, but he rescued me himself so that no one else would have to know."

Hannah:
"Sounds like it all went well, then."

Flame:
"He explained why he saved my life. But why spare me the humiliation?"

Hannah:
"People aren't all as bad as you think. As you said, his goal was to amuse himself, not to hurt you. Even though he ended up doing both..."

Flame:
"Why can't people just leave me alone?"

Hannah:
"That depends on the person. Colby, he's a little jerk. But most of us... Violet and Angela, they're just trying to help you."

Flame:
"Do I look like I need help?!"

Hannah:
"Um... Yeah. They look at you and see a loner who's always unhappy."

Flame:
"If Meadows wanted me to be happy, she would've let me stay and train without having to deal with the others!"

Hannah:
"Well... She's trying to help in another regard. I told Violet you were gonna be miserable, and she said you need to learn to be actually *part* of this team."

Flame:
"I am part of the team! None of this is helping our combat efficiency!"

Hannah:
"..."
"It's not about our combat efficiency... The Burning Rangers are different. Like I said--"

Flame:
"The entire point of the team is to be the best! You should know that!"

Hannah:
"That's not what I meant. You and Cal are the only ones with military experience. The rest of us, we're just people. And for most people, teamwork is improved when they have a connection with their teammates."

Flame:
"What do you expect me to do, befriend them?!"

Hannah:
"I know better than to *expect* that. But just... try. For the sake of the others."

Flame:
*Grabs his dishes and gets up.* "That's not happening."

Hannah:
*Puts a hand on his shoulder.* "Flame..."

Flame:
*Starts walking.* "Stop trying to change me!"

Hannah:
*Gives him a back hug.*

Flame:
"..."

Hannah:
"It's just advice... You don't have to change for me..."

Flame:
*Calms somewhat.*

Hannah:
"I can take those to the kitchen if you want to go ahead to the gym to relax..."

Flame:
"Relax...?"
(When you put it that way... What am I doing?!)
*Stiffens.* "No. You're right. I have to be the best I can be... I have no business relaxing..."
*Starts going to the kitchen.*

Hannah:
"Um. Okay..." *Follows.*

At the same time, at the top of the cliff that overlooks the sea, we find Calias the Phoenix, standing to face the wind.

Calias:
"..."
"Why... can't I get over this?..."

Selphius:
*Walks up the hill behind him.* "Calias... Why did you leave the mansion?"

Calias:
"Selphie? You followed me?... Why?"

Selphius:
"Because, I could tell something was bothering you."

Calias:
"It's... nothing. Don't worry about it."

Selphius:
"..." *She considers turning away... But then...* "No..."

Calias:
"No?"

Selphius:
"I will not not worry about it! You are troubled, so let me help you."

Calias:
"...There's nothing you can do about it, just leave me alone."

Selphius:
"This is about Stripes, isn't it? All this recent talk of romance must have been painful..."

Calias:
"..."

Selphius:
"It has been three weeks, Calias. [four, actually] At some point you will have to start living again... You cannot concern yourself so deeply over one who chose to abandon you! It is their loss, not yours!"

Calias:
"...What do you know?"

A second later, a loud slap can be heard across the estate.

Calias:
*Shocked, his face now stinging with pain.* "Wh--Wha..."

Selphius:
"What do I know? I lived my life in servitude to a king who despised me. I watched my friends and family get slaughtered, attempting to gain freedom... My life was one of fear, pain and loss... But then... I found you."

Calias:
"You..."

Selphius:
"You were a beacon of hope... A light that cast away the darkness... You are... my hero. So, please... do not let this person extinguish your light.

Calias:
"..." *Calias turns away, embarrassed.*
"You think... I'm your hero?"

Selphius:
"Yes... And if I may be so bold... I owe you so much, so... Please allow me to be your hero as well. If you ever need someone to shoulder your burden with you, I am always here."

Calias:
"Heh... Yeah. Sure... I'd like that. Thank you, Selphie."

Selphius:
"Of course."

Calias:
"...I'm done sulking now."

Selphius:
"That is good; otherwise, I would have to slap you again."

Calias:
"Please don't."

Selphius:
"Then, shall we find the others? I believe Pipsqueak was about to open his gifts."

Calias:
"Yep! Let's get moving!" *He starts running towards the mansion.*

Selphius:
"I will race you!" *She runs as fast as she can after him.*

Alright, enough sulking! Our heroes (and rat of questionable standing) are ready to celebrate! Pipsqueak's party continues, next time on Tropical Chaos!

```

### Episode 5: I'm a Real Boy Now!

```
EVERYONE IS HERE! We are gathered in the ballroom, getting ready to watch Pipsqueak open his BIIIIIRTHDAY PRESENTS!!!!!!

Flame:
*Watching silently from the corner.*

Calias:
*Bursts through the door, Selphius following close behind.* "Ha! I win!"

Pip:
*Rubs his hands together in anticipation.*

Jack:
*Sips on his tea looking over the boxes.*

Lepor:
*Stumbles into the room.* "I'm awake... What did I miss? Last thing I remember was downing a bottle of maple syrup because I could."

Hannah:
*Concern.*

Pip:
"You're just in time for presents!"

Angela:
*Sits down next to Jack.*

Jabber:
*Floats in with a yawn.*
*Spots the other floating figure.*

Louis:
*Waves.*

Jabber:
(It's too early for this...)

Beau:
*Standing by the presents.*

Pip:
"Hey... Where'd Colby go?"

Lepor:
(Presents...) "Presents! I almost forgot!" *Rushes back to my room to get my gift.*

Moz:
"Colby was grumbling about how he never gets any presents and I told him that if he was gonna be a crybaby he should take a walk or something."

Selphius:
"My gift is the one shaped like the cheese wheel. I cannot say what it is, however."

Hannah:
(It better not be a cheese wheel... Kinda what I got him...)

Several minutes later and Pipsqueak has a pile of new cheese wheels.

Pip:
"You guys are the best. How'd you know?!"

Calias:
"Open mine, Squeakers!"

Pip:
"Okay!"
*Opens the gift to find a new pair of soap shoes.* "Dude! I'm going to get so many bruises with these!"

Calias:
"That's the point!"

Pip:
*Gives Calias a quick hug before moving on to the next gift.*

Jack:
"Right, here's mine." *Hands him a small box.*

Lepor:
*I come back with a brown lunch bag with a poorly drawn bow on it.*

Jack:
"...Open Lepor's first."

Lepor:
"..."

Pip:
"Okey-doke." *Reaches into the bag.*

Lepor:
*It's a janky figure of Pipsqueak made out of clay, buttons, and pipe cleaners. A postcard is alongside it. It reads, "I tolerate you!"*
"I made it myself, I hope you like it!"

Pip:
*Stares at it for a few seconds.* "It's so ugly I love it!"

Lepor:
(Yay?)

Pip:
"Thanks dude!" *Carefully puts it back in the bag and grabs Jack's gift.*
*Shakes it.* "Hm..."

Beau:
"C'mon bro. Just rip it open already."

Pip:
"Right." *Tears it open eagerly.*
*It's a copy of the original Jumper the Treefrog.* *Mouth opens in surprise.*
"I've been wanting to play this for like forever! How'd you even find this?"

Jack:
"I have my sources. Also I'm not welcome in Japan anymore..."

Beau:
"Seriously?"

Pip:
*Is preoccupied looking at the box art.* "That's nice."

Angela:
"Uh, that's unrelated. He just kinda tried talking to officials in Japanese... It did not go well."

Pip:
"Okay, let's see who else... Moz, didn't you say you got me something?"

Moz:
"Well... I'll give it to you later. I wasn't expecting this to be such a production."

Pip:
"Fair enough!"

Angela:
*Hands him her gift which is oddly gun-shaped.*

Pip:
"Um..."

Jack:
"..."

Pip:
"I guess I'll just open this up then..." *Tentatively unwraps it.*
"A... gift card. Thanks Angela."

Jack:
*Phew.*

Angela:
"You're welcome."

Lepor:
*Was secretly hoping it was a gun.*

Pip:
*Turns to Beauregard.* *Big smile.*

Beau:
"Here you go." *Tosses Pip a square box.*

Pip:
"Yeah a box!"
*Unwraps it.* "Duuude! The entire Stealth the Hedgehog series! With BONUS FEATURES?!"

Beau:
"With bonus features."
*Winks.*

Pip:
"Is that everyone?"

Colby:
"Just one moment!"

Louis:
"..."

Colby:
*Shoves in a present that's bigger than a refrigerator and smaller than a really big refrigerator.*

Moz:
*Skeptical.*

Colby:
"I got Pipsqueak this bad boy. I just saved it for last as not to put everyone else's tiny presents to shame."

Moz:
"You got that for Pipsqueak?"

Jack:
"...I recognize that handwriting..."

Colby:
"Is that so hard to believe?"

Jack:
"..."

Pip:
*Excitedly approaches the present.*

Blip:
*Blip and Charlotte walk out of the kitchen.* "Ah! Is that the last present? You didn't miss ours, right?"

Pip:
*Pauses right before opening the big one.* "Huh?"

Colby:
"Aw, c'mon."

Jack:
*Pulls off the card and looks it over closer.*

Charlotte:
"Oh! We forgot to put it with the other presents!"

Blip:
"Sorry about that!!" *Blips a box into Pipsqueak's hands.*

Pip:
"Ooh! Thanks guys!"
*Opens it.* "Wow! Thanks guys! I didn't even know they made cheese-flavored candy!"

Jack:
"Hmm."

Colby:
"Yeah, yeah, it's mind-boggling. Can we move on to the main event?!"

Jack:
"Um. Guys..."

Pip:
"What is it?"

Jack:
*Grabs his wispon.*
*Steps back.*
"I don't think we should--"

Colby:
"Screw it! I'll just open it!" *Grabs his knife and slashes a big hole in the present.*
"Vee-olah!" *Sees Proto Metal Sonic inside and does a double-take.* "Eugh-boy..."

Proto:
*Activates.*
"Target located..."

Calias:
"Whoa! That totally blows my gift outta the water!"

Jack:
*Ignites his blade.*

Pip:
"Hey, Proto's back!"

Selphius:
"That machine seems dangerous..."

Hannah:
*Activates Chaos Blades.*

Moz:
*Curses at Colby under her breath.*

Blip:
"Ah! How fun! Another Metal Sonic battle!"

Jack:
*Stands between Pipsqueak and the robot.*
"Not on my watch."

Proto:
"..."

Calias:
"Is... that thing dangerous?"

Proto:
*Arms his weaponry.*

Colby:
"How am I supposed to cause an avalanche on a freakin' tropical island?!"

Proto:
*And prepares to charge.*

Lepor:
*Singing.* "Happy birthday to yoooouu..."

Louis:
"Huh. Seems more competent than last time..."

Flame:
*Starts shooting at it.*

Calias:
*Powers up.* "Okay, I've had a little bit of practice since last time. So here goes!" *Rushes in.*

Proto:
*Runs a full spindash at Calias.*

Blip:
"Allow me to help! Who does not want to fight? Show of hands!"

Angela:
*Raises hand.*

Beau:
*Shrugs.*

Pip:
*Raises hands.* "You guys got this right?"

Colby:
*Gives a maybe sign.*

Moz:
*Is too expasperated to respond.*

Calias:
"Ya'know, we could use your help, Squeakers!" *He says as he flips over Proto.*

Hannah:
*Is also shooting at Proto.*

Pip:
*Lowers hand.* "What do you want me to do?"

Calias:
"Be the bait!!"

Jack:
*Is still standing in front of Pipsqueak.*
"Uh, not happenin'."

Proto:
*Recalibrates and decides to go for his primary target.*

Blip:
*Blips away everyone not involved in the fight. Leaving Pipsqueak, despite his protest.*
"Man, being a hero feels good!"

Selphius:
*Tries to sneak up on Proto with her Neutralizer in hand.*

Proto:
*Spindashes towards Jack and Pipsqueak.*

Jack:
*Sends a slicing wave of energy as he rolls out of the way with Pipsqueak.*

Proto:
*Crashes into the wall.*

Hannah:
(This one seems just as tough as the last...)

Calias:
*Boosts over to Proto and slams a supersonic punch into his core, destroying the wall.*

Proto:
"..."

Calias:
"Whoops! Sorry, Jack!"

Jack:
"Just get that thing shut down!"

Proto:
*Grabs Calias's arm.*

Charlotte:
"His systems are not advanced enough for me to read. You guys are on your own, sorry."

Louis:
"And I can't do anything sooo."

Blip:
"No worries, darling! We've got this covered!"

Louis:
*Shrugs.*

Pip:
"I normally try to be grateful, but this present kinda sucks Colby!"

Proto:
*Swings Calias into the other wall.*

Calias:
"Gak!"

Hannah:
"You alright?"

Calias:
"Oh no way, not this time!" *He begins to glow.*

Proto:
*And spindashes towards Pipsqueak again.*

Calias:
*Leaps into the air and slams down toward Metal. (Think Sonic's D-air in Smash)*

Proto:
*Diverts his attack and hits Calias in a targeted attack.*

Pip:
"That was a little too close! Thanks Cal!"

Calias:
*Curls into a ball right before impact, spin dashing against the bot.*
"I.... CaNnOt BeLiEvE that worked!"

Proto:
*Tanks the attack.*
*Continues bouncing around the room fighting Calias.*

Blip:
"The two continue to homing attack each other as the room is destroyed!"

Hannah:
*Moves out of the way to avoid them.* *Eyes widen.*

Blip:
"Whoops! I narrated out loud!" [Blip is one of four narrators in this story]

Jack:
"Cal! Cut the pinball act and just kill the thing!"

Calias:
"I'm TRYING MY BEST!"

Proto:
"Command acknowledged."

Selphius:
"It is okay, Calias! Your best is all we need!"

Calias:
"Not the time to patronize, Selphie!"

Proto:
*Breaks his attack pattern with Calias and goes straight for Pipsqueak.*

Jack:
*Leaps in front of the attack and is struck hard, the two crashing into the wall and a cloud of dust rising up around the room."

Pip:
"What did *I* do?!"

As the dust settles, Jack stands there... However, someone has disappeared...

Jack:
"Ugh... I gotta stop doing that..."
*Hobbles over to one of the remaining chairs and sits down.*
"Everyone alright?"

Pip:
*Gives a thumbs-up.*

Calias:
"Uh... Yeah... What happened?"

Selphius:
"Is the robot... gone?"

Flame:
*Intently watching the robot, making sure it doesn't get up.*

Proto:
*Gets up.*

Flame:
*Starts shooting again, despite it having proven rather ineffective.*

Blip:
"Ah. So it's not over yet..."

Proto:
"What the... Um. Guys?"

Jack:
*Eyes widen.* "It speaks?"

Hannah:
"Flame, stop for a second..."

Jack:
"I mean, in full sentences?"

Proto:
"Of course I do! Though this is new..."
*Looks at his hands.*

Charlotte:
"Wait a second... Don't tell me."

Proto:
"Oh! Oh! I can do this now!"
*Runs towards Jack.*

Jack:
*Is visibly concerned.*

Calias:
"What the heck..."

Proto:
*Hugs Jack.*

Jack:
"...Wat."

Selphius:
"It is smothering him!"

Jack:
"What is going on?"

Proto:
"Oh geez, sorry."
*Lets go.*
*Ahem.* "Sooo...."

Pip:
"Jack... I think it thinks you're its dad."

Hannah:
"Maybe... Mr. Robot... you can explain why you were attacking Pipsqueak?"

Proto:
"Huh? No no, I'm not Proto Metal."

Pip:
"...Do we tell him?"

Calias:
"I musta knocked some screws loose on him."

Proto:
"Guys, it's me! Louis!"

Hannah:
*Eyes widen.*

Jack:
"Wat. How?"

Charlotte:
"Yep... That's what I thought..."

Louis:
*Shrugs.*

Pip:
"It's a birthday miracle!"

Louis:
"Maybe when the bot collided with your necklace?"

Blip:
"Huh..." *Blips the others back in.*

Moz:
*Immediately checks on Pipsqueak.* "You're okay, right?"

Jack:
*Looks at the necklace which now has a red glow to its eyesockets.*

Pip:
"Yeah, we're fine!"

Colby:
"Nyeh!" *Gives Proto a kick.*

Louis:
"HEY. Watch it bub."

Colby:
"You watch it! You nearly turned Pipsqueak into shredded cheese! That's my thing, buster!"

Louis:
"Cut it out or I'll throw you back in that pit with General Sunshine!"

Flame:
"I'm not going back there!!"

Angela:
"..."

Moz:
*Notices Proto talking and walks over.* "Now what's going on? Do I need to give him another system reboot?"

Calias:
"Well... Things just took a turn for the weirder..."

Selphius:
"I have a question!"

Louis:
"Really weird. Yeah?"

Selphius:
"Why is the ghost in the robot?"

Moz:
"Say what now?"

Louis:
"Yup. It's a-me, Mr. L."

Moz:
"Seriously, I spent days fixing this hunk of junk and then you all just go and crash it and possess it and... urgh..."

Louis:
"Except now I'm a real boy! Hey, relax kid, you did a good job."

Moz:
"I know I did!"

Louis:
"Hmm. Actually you are really good at working on Eggman tech... Any idea on Kukku tech?"

Moz:
"When would I have gotten that? They haven't been around in ages. Right?"

Jack:
"Um. No they are still around. Ange here was built by them."

Moz:
*Doesn't know how to respond to that.*

Angela:
"...Right. You don't know the backstory."

Moz:
"Apparently."

Angela:
"I'll explain later... But I could use some help with some repairs... if you don't mind."

Moz:
*Struggles to respond.* "...Yeah, I guess so..."

Angela:
*Smiles.* "Awesome!"

Louis:
"So... How waterproof is this thing? 'Cause I wanna hit the beach... so bad..."

Moz:
"Don't even think about. I spent so much time flushing you out. Er... It out."

Louis:
"Drat."

Angela:
"Still, the beach isn't a bad idea..."

Pip:
"I've been wanting to build a sand castle since I got here!"

Calias:
"Actually, now that you mention it... Why haven't we spent any time on the beach yet?!? We're on a freakin' tropical island!"

Blip:
"I could use a tan!"

Charlotte:
"You can't tan, though."

Blip:
"I can pretend!"

Charlotte:
"Whatever. As long as I can have an umbrella, we're good."

Selphius:
"I have never done anything on a beach! This is exciting!"

Colby:
*Is plotting to build a better sand castle than Pipsqueak.*

Jack:
"Yeah... Good idea... I'm just gonna search the beach first, I don't want to have any more surprise gifts from that lousy possum..."
[the gift of Proto was Clutch's revenge]

And another twist shakes up this party! The ghost takes on a physical form! Will the beach offer a chance for our heroes to finally relax? Stay tuned to Tropical Chaos!

```

### Episode 6: Mandatory Beach Episode

```
Haha! Well, here we go, everyone has decided to go to the beach! To try and relax after having two battles in the span of a day.

Jack:
*Walks into the kitchen.*
*Looks through the fridge for a drink.*

Lepor:
*Slides into the kitchen.* "Heyyy Sparrow, mind grabbing me a soda while you're there?"

Jack:
"Sure..."
*Passes him a soda and pats him on the head as he walks out the back door.*

Lepor:
(Unnecessary but alright.)
*Cracks the soda open and takes a sip.*
"..." *Notices the eerie aura coming from the basement door.*
*Creaks come from the basement, beckoning me to investigate.*
*I place my soda on the counter.* "Hmm..."
*I slowly walk down the basement steps.* "Hello? Anyone there? We're heading to the beach if you wanna come...?"
*Patting the walls to find the basement light switch.*
*I fail to find a light switch, but find a flashlight instead.*
*I shine the flashlight around frantically around the room.* "Okay, c'mon man you're really creeping me out now."

Breezie:
*Is sitting in the room turned off.*

Lepor:
"Huh... Since when was this here..."
*I inch closer to the figure.*
*I reach my hand out...*
*And poke it.*

Breezie:
*Activates.*

Lepor:
"!!" *Lunges backwards.*

Breezie:
*Seemingly gasps for air.*

Lepor:
"Wha... Who... are you?"

Breezie:
*Looks around frantically.* "He's still here... I can feel it..."

Lepor:
"Who's he?!?"

Breezie:
*Runs up the stairs and out of the house.*

Lepor:
"Hey... Wait!"
(I gotta tell the others!)

The basement door slams shut.

Lepor:
*I begin hitting the door.* "HELLO?! LADY, ARE YOU STILL THERE??"
*Gulp.* (I'm not one to be scared of the dark but this is just too much...)
*Deep breath.* "Psh... I been through worse. What's even in this place anyways?" *I look around the room with the flashlight.*
*A computer at the very back of the room catches my attention.*
*There's a red button on the side of it... My only weakness.*
*I inspect the computer a bit more.*
*I press the button.* "Boop."
*Nothing seemed to happen so I press it a few more times.*
"Broken."

The screen turns on with a bit of static before clearing out.

Lepor:
*My eyes widen.*

And a figure appears on the screen.

Guy:
"Hello Bunny Boy..."

Lepor:
"Uhh... You can see me?"
*Waves.*

Guy:
"Oh yes son I can see ya fine. I really must thank ya fer turning on my mainframe. Been a while since I've had this much power..."

Lepor:
"What are you talking about..."
(This guy gives me the creeps.)

Guy:
*Laughs sinisterly.* "My my, where are my manners, the name's Guy Evazorn. And I have a business proposition fer ya."

Lepor:
"And that is..."

Guy:
"You know Angela?"

Lepor:
"Uhuh..."

Guy:
"Well, I wanna give her a little surprise... And I need yer help to pull it off..."

Lepor:
"Well uh... I do like surprises... but why should I agree to this sketchy computer I found in a basement!?"

Guy:
"Oh, I'm not a computer. I'm Angela's father. What's left of him anyway..."

Lepor:
"Hm... Well when you put it that way. Heck, what's the worst that could happen?"

Guy:
*Laughs.* "Right my boy... You'll soon find out..."

Two robotic arms reach out from the floor and grab Lepor by the arms.

Lepor:
"What... Hey! What's your problem!?"

Guy:
"My problem? I turned myself into a monster, killed my daughter, and created that THING out there that's masquerading as her. And it needs to pay..."

Lepor:
*Struggling.*

Guy:
"And you're gonna bring it and that pesky Beakton right to me..."

The screen turns off and another arm comes up and crushes the flashlight that has fallen to the floor, leaving the room in complete darkness.
Anyways, we now move on to more... lighter things... Angela and Moz are doing some sprucing up before heading to the beach.

Moz:
*Places a toolbox on the floor with a crash.* "Alright... What exactly am I supposed to be doing?"

Angela:
"Well, I've had this weird thing going on with my eye lenses."
*Sits down on the workbench and demonstrates her eyes changing from the normal blue to the Metal form.

Moz:
"I guess I'll take a look, but you seem a little more advanced than what I'm used to..."

Angela:
*Nods.*
"Oh, and the mainframe access panel is between my shoulders. Main reason I can't do this myself... And I don't dare trust Jack to do it..."

Moz:
"Okay then..." *Mumbling.* "I suppose there's weirder places to put it..."
*Opens the hatch and lets out an impressed whistle.* "I stand corrected, this is much more advanced than what I'm used to."

Angela:
"Yeah... Took Fukurokov a while to get things working... Just check and make sure nothing has a loose connection or anything at least please."

Moz:
"Yeah, alright."
*Begins poking around.* "So... How long has he known about, uh, this whole situation?"

Angela:
"Jack? Oh about a month or so. He... took it better than I expected. A lot better actually."

Moz:
"From what I hear it doesn't make you the weirdest in that guy's family."

Angela:
"Yeah. No that goes to... literally any of them."

Moz:
"I'd say it goes to him, personally."

Angela:
"Ha, really? And why do you say that?"

Moz:
"I dunno. I guess he's the only one I've had the displeasure of meeting... Guess I forgot about ghost boy."

Angela:
"Yeah, no, you clearly haven't met his other family. You know that Egg Carrier that crashed outside of the city with all the wisps? That was his psychotic cyborg sister's doings."

Moz:
"Ya don't say?"

Angela:
*Ahem.* "Anyways... So... What got ya into tinkering?"

Moz:
"Kinda hard to say. I've been told I dismantled my crib as a baby."

Angela:
"Wow. Meanwhile I was the child who said 'shotgun' before I knew the word momma."

Moz:
"So you weren't always... this way?"

Angela:
"No honey, I wasn't always a robot."

Moz:
"Do I wanna know what happened?"

Angela:
"Well, my father had a terminal disease and instead of dealing with death like a normal person he hired a mad scientist [to] turn him into a computer monster. I tried to destroy it--er, him. And then his defenses kicked in and long story short, dead daughter. And Dad still not able to handle grief turns me into this monster..."

Moz:
"Grief'll do that sort of thing..."

Angela:
"Then essentially disowns me whenever he realizes 'Oh wow, I created a monster.' So yeah, seeing his stupid AI face yesterday did not help my mental state right now."

Moz:
"Parents, amirite?"

Angela:
"Yeah... We still dunno where Mom ran off to..."

Moz:
"..."

Angela:
"..."
"Sooo how long have you and Pipsqueak been together?"

Moz:
*Sigh.* "What are you talking about?"

Angela:
"Oh come on honey, I've got a sense for such emotions. I see the chemistry."

Moz:
"Look, we aren't 'together'."

Angela:
"Why not?"

Moz:
"Well..."
"..."
"A couple weeks ago I would've said my dad was in the way. But apparently he encourages it too, now. So that's great..."

Angela:
*Smiles.* "Ah so there IS chemistry!"

Moz:
"Okay, I'm done!" *Slams the panel closed.*

Angela:
"Yeouch!"

Moz:
*Cringes.* "Sorry. I just don't want to deal with that right now."

Angela:
*Nods while rubbing her back to get her feathers back over the seam of the hatch.*

Moz:
"Listen, my life is finally starting to feel normal for once. I don't need to risk... ya know... messing it up."

Angela:
"Yeah. I getcha... I was hoping this vacation would be normal... and this is what I get for hoping."

Moz:
"I'm sorry Colby hasn't been any help with that... I guess that's what I like about Pipsqueak. He makes things feel normal for a change."

Angela:
"The boy's the most normal person in our group... I mean, have you MET his parents?! Like somethin' out of Little Mouse on the Prairie."

Moz:
"No, I haven't met his parents, Angela."

Angela:
"Really? Okay. Next time we need to relax for a few days we're going up there."

Moz:
"This is my first time going very far from the city, actually."

Angela:
"Really? I've hardly been *in* the city. Well, we should probably get to the beach. Loverboy will be waitin' for ya."
*Smirks evilly.*

Moz:
"Maybe I oughtta give your circuits another look..."

Angela:
"No time honey, come on!"
*Grabs Moz's hand and drags her out.*

Moz:
*Nervous smile.*

Meanwhile at the beach...

Blip:
"INCOMING!!" *Blip yells as a football flies straight for Beauregard's head.*

Beau:
"Whoa!"
*Barely notices in time to catch the ball.*

Calias:
"Sorry, Bobo!"

Beau:
"No problem, here you go."
*Tosses the ball back.*

Selphius:
"Calias! You must throw the ball in MY direction! That is the point of the game!"

Calias:
"I *KNOW*."

Flame:
*Arrives at the beach, having removed his uniform.*
*Makes a beeline for the water, not seeming to notice the ongoing game.*

Louis:
*Is standing on the shore far from the water line.*

Charlotte:
*Is lying out, sunbathing next to Blip, who is stuffing his face.*

Jack:
*Hands Charlotte a bottle of sunscreen.*

Pip:
*Is happily building a sand castle.*

Colby:
*Is frantically running back and forth from the water to build his bigger sand castle.*

Hannah:
*Is off looking for pretty seashells.*

Calias:
"Hey, Selphie, hold on for a second... I wanna go check on someone real quick."

Selphius:
*Takes the football.* "Okay. Hannah! Would you like to catch the football?"

Hannah:
"..."
"I guess... If you want me to?"

Selphius:
*Tosses it at full speed at an unprepared Hannah.* "Go long!"

Hannah:
*Panics a little, dodges instead of catching.*

The football hits Colby's sand castle.

Colby:
"Hey! What's the big idea?!" (I knew I should've started with the missile defense system!)

Pip:
"You can help with my castle Colby!"

Angela:
*Walks over to Jack.*

Colby:
"Don't patronize me!"

Charlotte:
"..."
"Just laying here is boring..."

Jack:
*Glares off towards the sea nervously.*

Charlotte:
*She sits up, punches Blip in the shoulder then starts running towards the water.* "Can't catch me!"

Moz:
*Sees Colby about to stomp Pipsqueak's sand castle and grabs him by the ear.*

Blip:
"Hmm?" *As his mouth is full of food, he is a little distracted, but he quickly realizes what just happened.*

Hannah:
*Awkwardly returns to shell hunt.*

Charlotte:
*When she gets to the end of the beach, Charlotte leaps towards the water, but before she can splash in, she's caught by Blip who just teleported over.*

Blip:
"I win!" *He spins her around in his arms.*

Charlotte:
"No fair!"

Calias:
"Okay! I'm back! And I brought another player!" *He ushers in Andy, much to a few people's dismay.*

Andy:
"..."
"Uh, hi guys. It's me. Ya boi. Ugh I can't believe I said that..."

Hannah:
"Hi."
(I think this guy was at the wedding?)

Jack:
*Sigh...*

Beau:
*Just stares.*

Calias:
"Whoa, tough crowd."

Andy:
"Yeah... I don't think I'm wanted here... I should just... leave..."

Beau:
*Nods.*

Hannah:
*Glares at Beau.*

Calias:
"Hey, come on, man! You gotta spend some time in the sun! Have some fun and forget your worries!"

Pip:
"We could compromise. I was hoping to bury someone in the sand..."

Andy:
"Can't I just take some vitamin D tablets?"

Selphius:
"I would like to bury someone!"

Angela:
"Please, any of Jack's family."

Pip:
"Only up to their neck, Selphie."

Selphius:
"Then what is the point?"

Calias:
"Just for a few minutes, man?"

Hannah:
"I'll volunteer. Being half-buried sounds kinda nice."

Andy:
"Alright... Fine..."

Calias:
"NICE! Now, let's bury my sister!"

Pip:
"Woo!"

Flame:
*Though in the ocean, he's close enough to hear this.*
"You're doing WHAT?!"

Andy:
"..."

Hannah:
*Shouts back to Flame.* "Just partially buried! I'm fine!"

Calias:
*Calias begins to speed around in circles, creating a large pile of sand.*

Flame:
*Keeping an eye on the situation.*

Selphius:
"Which half would you like buried?"

Hannah:
"..."
*Gestures from the neck down.*

Selphius:
"Understood." *Begins to dig a hole.*

Jack:
*Wanders off down the beach.*

Beau:
"Hey, Jack."

Jack:
"Yeah?"

Beau:
"I've been checking in on the big guy... I heard about what you did."

Jack:
"...So you know about Rakghoul?"

Beau:
"Mhmm, you did the right thing. After all if you have someone who desires to harm him right in your grasp, why not take them in?"

Jack:
"Yeah..."

Beau:
*Gestures toward Andy.*

Jack:
*Sigh.*
"Okay. Look. I just. It's complicated with Andy..."

Beau:
"Is it? He blew up *multiple* buildings, Jack."

Jack:
"Yeah, and I blew up a freaking city. Your point?"

Beau:
"Do you not remember the months of me trying to arrest you?"

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Well if you're so adamant about this why don't YOU arrest him?"

Beau:
"You know *I* can't do that."

Jack:
"...Fine."
*Motions for Andy to come over.*

Andy:
*Walks over.* "...Yeah?"
*Looks at Beau nervously.*

Beau:
*Gives Andy a look of superiority.*

Jack:
"Andy, tell Beau what you told me."

Andy:
"..."
"Will he listen?"

Jack:
"If he knows what's good for him..."

Beau:
"I think I'd know better than you."

Andy:
"Alright, look, I was mostly doing it for Kitty... She was... everything to me... I wasn't thinking..."

Beau:
"Well there's your first mistake. If you cared about her so much, maybe bringing her on a death mission wasn't the greatest plan. She didn't seem very agreeable anyway..."

Andy:
*Growls.* "Look, I am not dealing with you and your pompous attitude!"

Jack:
"I mean, you're not really dealing with anything..."

Andy:
"Jack?!"

Jack:
"Look Andy, I get it. But you gotta move on man. You don't have to let the past, or your uncle, or any of the other Kukkus hold you back. You can get past this. Heck, I'm a freaking cop now! Me, a Beakton, making arrests."

Andy:
"A what."

Beau:
*Facepalms.*
"I think what Jack is trying to say, is you should get off your butt, put yourself out there and do something for good."

Jack:
"Yeah, what he said. Just uh, stay out of Golden City and Central City for a bit please?"

Andy:
"Yeah... That's probably a good idea."
"..."

Jack:
"..."

Beau:
"..."

Andy:
"Well, uh, was there anything else?"

Jack:
*Looks to Beau.*

Beau:
*Shrugs.*
"If my friend ever wakes up he's probably gonna beat the snot outta you."
*Smirks.*
"Other than that I think you're good to go."

Andy:
"Right, well, I'm just gonna head out then..."
*Walks off towards his ship.*

Jack:
"..."
"I have got to pay closer attention to invites."
*Walks over to a now buried Hannah who is chilling.*

Hannah:
*Closed eyes, relaxing.*

Jack:
"So... Ya mind if we cut the vacation short?"

Hannah:
*Sigh...*

Jack:
"I think Ange and I need to sell this place."

Hannah:
"But we've barely gotten to relax..."

Jack:
"Yeah and this mansion hasn't helped matters..."
*Gestures to the mansion.*

Pip:
*Is looking worriedly out at the water.*

Jack:
*Squints.* "Wait, why is Breezie loading up our stuff into the ship?"

Hannah:
*Eyes widen.*

Jack:
"Um, Ange?"

Angela:
"Hmm?"

Jack:
"Wasn't Breezie turned off?"

Angela:
"Yeah? Why?"

Jack:
*Points to the hedgehog robot in the distance who has just finished loading up everyone's stuff.*
"And now she's leaving?"
"..."

Suddenly the mansion explodes.

Hannah:
*Eyes widen more.*

And a small furry streak is seen flying up into the air and then lands right in front of the group, face first into the sand.

Our heroes just can't get a break! How do they go on from here? Find out next time on Tropical Chaos...

```

### Episode 7: Sweet Caroline

```
Well, after that explosive surprise we see our heroes gathered around Lepor lying unconscious on the sand.

Pip:
"Dude! Are you okay?!"

Hannah:
*Looking on concerned from my sand cocoon.*

Angela:
*Wide eyes.*

Calias:
*Already in a fighting stance.*

Angela:
"Wait, where's Jack?"

Jack:
*Is already running up the hill towards the ruins.*

Flame:
*Returns from the ocean and joins the group.*

Selphius:
"He walked away. Oh here he is."

Louis:
"Huh."

Blip:
*Blip and Charlotte appear next to the group.* "MY MY! Was that an EX-PLO-SION?!"

Charlotte:
"That's what everyone thinks at least..."

Beau:
"Yeah. And Lepor seems to be out cold."

Angela:
*Sigh.* "Come on..."
*Runs after Jack.*

Charlotte:
"Looks like he's dreaming about running through a field of clovers... How nice."

Jack:
*Stops just short of the burning ruins and looks on.*

Angela:
*Catches up.*

Jack:
"..."

Selphius:
*Leaps over to where they're standing.* "That is not good. Your home has been incinerated... I can relate!"

Jack:
*Sigh.*

Angela:
"Well, at least that solves the issue of if we should stay here..."

Calias:
"Did anyone have anything valuable inside?" (I'm glad Hannah told me not to bring my game systems now...)

Jack:
"Breezie grabbed your luggage."

Beau:
"Why?"

Jack:
"And I hadn't unpacked anything from the airship yet."

Angela:
"She's always one step ahead..."

Jack:
*Looks closer at the ruins.* "This is definitely some of Lepor's explosives..."

Angela:
"Uh, how exactly can you tell?"

Jack:
"It smells of motor oil and confidence. SO either Lepor or Colby."

Blip:
"Or me when I caused that pileup on Route 99..."

Jack:
"No that smelt like caramel."

Blip:
"You don't *KNOW*... You weren't *THERE*."

Jack:
"Well, at least we don't have to worry about what was in the basement..."

Angela:
*Smiles slightly.* "Yeah..."

Blip:
"Why does that feel like a segue into you eating your foot?"

Sinister laughter echoes from around the area.

Flame:
*Draws laser gun.*

Hannah:
*Still not moving.*

A Mobian figure rises from the fire and tentacle-like metal arms extend from it.

Guy:
"I wouldn't be so sure Beakton..."

Hannah:
*Recognizes the voice.*
*Eyes widen.*

Guy:
*Hovers towards the group.*

Hannah:
*Reaches arm out to escape the sand.*

Flame:
*Grabs the arm and pulls Hannah out.*

Guy:
"Now, let's see just how well you youngins fare against me NOW."

Calias:
"Hey, who's the robot with the accent? Is that programmable?"

Hannah:
"That's the guy Angela pulled me and Flame away from the party to fight..."

Guy:
*Looks at Angela.* "Especially since you ain't got that shotgun this time."

Calias:
"The guy? What's his name?"

Guy:
"My, my, right on the money Red Robin. The name's Guy. Guy Evazorn."

Calias:
"...Okay. Don't tell me."

Guy:
"And I'll be your executioner for today..."

Blip:
"He had to finish his one-liner..."

Guy:
"Starting with YOU!" *Grabs Jack with a tentacle at lightning speed and flings him into the water.*

Selphius:
"Are you responsible for destroying Jack's lovely home?!? How dare you, fiend!"

Guy:
"HIS HOME?!"

Selphius:
*She lunges at Guy, disruptor in hand.*

Guy:
"Young lady, I BUILT THIS HOME WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS."

Beau:
*Runs after Jack, diving into the water.*

Flame:
*Starts shooting at Guy.*

Guy:
"AND I'D RATHER BURN IT ALL TO THE GROUND THAN LET BEAKTON AND HIS LACKIES TAKE IT FROM ME!"

Hannah:
*Also shooting at the robot.*

Guy:
*Quickly grabs the gun from Flame's hand.*

Flame:
*Tries to grab the tentacle.*

Guy:
*While also using another arm to block Selphius.*

Selphius:
*Tries to zap the arm with the disruptor, but it doesn't work.* "What!?"

Guy:
"Oh. Well now wanna go for a swim then sheepy?"
*Flings Flame into the water.*

Flame:
*Starts swimming back to shore.*

Calias:
*Speeds towards Guy, ready to tackle him. There's no logical way Guy could stop this... right?*

Beau:
*Has found Jack and is now slowly carrying him back to shore.*

Guy:
*Grabs Calias out of the air before he hits and slings him into the fire.*

Calias:
"HUH?!" *He does a double take before crashing into the ruins.*

Jack:
*Stumbles onto the shore with his leg locking up.*
"Gah. Thanks Beau..."
*Looks at the fight.* "Where's Mudbaum when ya need him?"

Charlotte:
"Dear, now would be a good time for your hero debut!"

Blip:
"AH! OF course!!" *He strikes a pose.* "Back me up, darling."

Charlotte:
*Reaches out her hand in Guy's direction.* "Alright, I've established a link..."

Blip:
"HERE. WE. GO!!!" *He begins blipping around erratically, getting closer and closer to Guy.*

Guy:
"...Wat in tarnation do you Wonka-esque freaks think ya doin'?"

Charlotte:
"Watch out, Honey! He's gonna--"

Guy:
*Grabs Blip and sends an electric shock through the arm.*

Blip:
"GRKKKAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!! That actually hurt!" *He blips back over to Charlotte.*

Charlotte:
"He's too fast to Telegraph!" [that is, her mind-reading what an opponent plans to do]

Guy:
"Darn straight!"

Angela:
*Her eyes begin to glow red after witnessing this.*
"Enough! Let's settle this fairly."

Guy:
"Fairly? Droid we passed fairly when YOU TRIED TO KILL ME."

Angela:
"Because you stopped being my father LONG before that."

Louis:
*Finally makes it up to the battle.*
"MAN it is hard controling this thing's legs..."

Guy:
"..."
*Just launches the robot into the water.*
"Fine. You want a fair fight so much? Then show me what you got..."

Angela:
*Pulls out an MP3 player.*

Guy:
"...Wat."

Angela:
*Presses play.*

Guy:
"..."
"You know how I feel about that song..."
[Jones played Sweet Home Alabama, a song he despises]

Angela:
"Yep."

Guy:
"And what exactly does this accomplish?"

Angela:
"It makes a good distraction."

Guy:
"Huh?"

Flame:
*Tackles the robot.*

Guy:
*Is unable to react to the attack and is knocked to the ground finally.*

Flame:
*Grabs at the base of the tentacle arms in an attempt to keep them in check.*

Angela:
*Calmly walks over to Guy and draws the blade out of her umbrella.*

Guy:
"GET OFF ME YOU STUPID SHEEP!"

Flame:
"NOT HAPPENING!"

Angela:
"Watch your hands Sonny."

Flame:
*Growls.*

Angela:
*Slices down on the arms, cutting them off.*

Guy:
"Gah!" *Rolls the sheep off and stands to his feet.*

Flame:
*Tries to tackle Guy again.*

Angela:
*Quickly twirls and slices at Guy, shoving him to the ground with sword at his neck, a stone cold expression on her face the whole time.*

Flame:
*Angela's unexpected move sends Flame stumbling, but he recovers.*

Guy:
"Hah, did you forget to plug in ya brain, droid? That ain't gonna kill me!"

Angela:
"No, but it'll shut you up."

Suddenly a laser blast hits Angela's hand.

Angela:
"Huh?"
*Looks in the direction of the shot.*

```

```
Mysterious Bird:
*To see a bird standing by the treeline in a cloak hiding their identity holding a wispon shotgun.*
"Step... away... now..."

```

```
Angela:
*Instinctively obeys and steps back.*

Bird:
*Walks out [from?] the trees and over to Guy who is staring at her with an intense look.*

Guy:
"No... it cain't be..." [I assume the strange spelling is his accent]

Bird:
"I should have done this ages ago..."
*Draws her gun and fires point blank directly into Guy's head.*

Guy:
*Shuts down with a scream of pain.*

Angela:
*Stares at the two in shock.*

Hannah:
(It was that easy?)

Bird:
*Looks towards Angela before tossing the gun to Flame.*
"Hold this for me will ya honey?"

Flame:
*Takes the gun.*
"..."

Bird:
*Walks over to Angela.*
*Raises a hand which is revealed to be a light gray up to Angela's face and places it on her cheek.*

Angela:
"..."

Bird:
"So it really is you..."
*Embraces Angela.*

Angela:
*Starts to cry.*

Jack:
*Finally manages to get back up to the ruins.*
*Sees Angela being held by the person in a black cloak.*
*Quickly draws his wispon.*

Flame:
"The stranger is an ally!"
*Points to Guy's body on the ground.*

Jack:
*Jack is more distracted by the fact his wispon isn't working.*
"What the?"

Jabber:
*Flies out of the shotgun in Flame's hands.*

Bird:
*Turns around.*
"So you must be Jack..."

Jack:
"Uh, yes ma'am?"

Bird:
*Looks at him closely and a smile appears on her beak.*
[the tupper's name changes to Caroline Evazorn]
"Take good care of my daughter..."
*Walks back into the treeline leaving her gun.*

Blip:
"What a plot twist! Who could have seen that coming?"

Angela:
"..."

Jack:
"So... Now what?"
*Looks down at the remains of robo Guy.*

Hannah:
"I wouldn't mind going back in the sand..."

Calias:
*Stumbles out of the wreckage.*
"Ugh... Worst vacation ever... And this was my FIRST vacation ever..."

Angela:
"...I'm gonna go see if I can call Breezie and see where she is... and... update her on things."
*Walks down to the beach.*

Jack:
"So should we bury his remains or see if we can sell him to a band of Jawas?"

Beau:
"Option two sounds better."

Calias:
"Huh?"

Jack:
"Eh, probably better to just leave 'em..."

Charlotte:
"I think they're just making a reference. I think..."

Angela:
*Is now at the beach trying to get signal.*

Pip:
*Still by Lepor's side.* "So... What happened?"

Angela:
"A lot honey. We'll fill ya in on the ride home."

Colby:
"I would've come to help but, uh... You look like you had it covered."

Angela:
"How's Lepor?"

Calias:
"I'm... gonna walk home. I need some time to cool off."

Hannah:
"Cal, we're on an island."

Calias:
"...Then I'll run."

Hannah:
"On the water?"

Calias:
"On the water."

Jack:
"Lemme know if you turn water into wine later."

Selphius:
"I believe you can do it Calias!"

Moz:
[answering Angela's question] "He seems okay. I've seen him survive worse."

Angela:
"Right. Well. I gotta make a call."
*Gives Moz a look and then side glances to Pipsqueak and then back to Moz.*

Moz:
"..."

Angela:
*Smiles and then leaves.*

Moz:
"Hey, Mac."

Pip:
*Gets up.* "Hm?"

Moz:
"So, since we started this trip we've had at least two life-threatening disasters in as many days."

Pip:
"Are you mad? I'm sorry I dragged you here."

Moz:
"Huh? No. That's not what I'm trying to say."

Pip:
"Oh. Okay. What are you trying to say?"

Moz:
"Well, it's just... Life is short, ya know? I don't want to leave anything unsaid and..."

Pip:
*Nods.* "I'll be honest, you're losing me..."

Moz:
*Tries to explain, but words fail her.*
"Aw, screw it..." *Stand up on her tiptoes and plants one under Pipsqueak's nose.*

Pip:
*Cute smile.*

Charlotte:
*Commenting from a ways back.* "Words are overrated."

Colby:
"Come on, I just ate!"

The two just hold hands, their faces quite red.

Hannah:
"Uhh, Flame, what are you gonna do with that gun?"

Flame:
"The stranger never took it back, so I suppose it's mine now."

Jack:
"...Hmm. Actually."
*Points at the handle where it has the initials A.B. engraved in it.*

Flame:
*Looks at it.*
(Not the woman's initials, as her last name is Evazorn... Those are Mrs. Beakton's initials...)
"..."

Jack:
"..."

Flame:
"..."
*Realizes he needs to give this to Angela.*
*Walks down to the beach where she is.*

Blip:
"Well, Jack. I had a great time! Thanks for inviting us!"

Jack:
"...I gotta try and find somewhere to live now... Back to Raven Haven I guess."

Charlotte:
"You could travel the world with us! We're gonna find my family!"

Jack:
"I appreciate the offer but I need to take a break from adventuring I think."

Blip:
"That's fair, my good fool! We shall be off then! The Blips are outta here!"

Jack:
"And I should probably go find where Louis landed..."

Charlotte:
*Yells across the beach.* "Bye, Angela!"

Angela:
*Waves while still talking on the phone.*

Blip:
*Takes Charlotte's hand, and with his signature smile, blips them both away.*

Jack:
*Walks over to Hannah.* "Well. Sorry this turned out to be an absolute disaster."

Hannah:
*Sigh.*
"You had no way of knowing."

Jack:
"Yeah..."
*Looks at the ruins.*
*Smiles.* "I guess I should have expected a vacation with the general would end up in flames..."

Hannah:
*Grins.*

The two walk off down to the beach with the others.
And that's the end of TROPICAL CHAOS! Tune in next time for--
Oh come on! Now what?
Several hours later after everyone has left the island a figure approaches the remains of Guy.

Blight:
*Picks up the head.*
"Alas poor Evazorn, I knew him well..."
*Snickers to himself as he gathers the robot parts and scurries back to his ship.*

...Sure. Why not... Yeah, I'm ending this story before more clowns show up. Goodnight everyone!

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Jack Beakton
* Breezie the Hedgehog
* Sonny Flame
* Angela Beakton
* Blip
* Charlotte Blip
* Louis Beakton
* Calias the Phoenix
* Hannah Dash
* Scratch
* Grounder
* Selphius the Caladrius
* Jabber
* Andromedus Kukku
* Beauregard Cheddarosier
* Lepor Lightfoot
* Colby Ricotta
* Mozzarella "Moz" Ricotta
* Pipsqueak Cheddarosier
* Guy Evazorn
* Prototype Metal Sonic
* Caroline Evazorn
* Blight Beakton

## Participants

* GasglowJones
* HannahDash
* Captainclay55
* BeauX
* Poly
* Pip9766