<T-Bone> ::sets the TurboKat down gently in a clearing
by the excavation site::
<Razor> ::looks around, and waits until Trina and Jason
park near the T-Kat::
<T-Bone> ::spying them, pops the canopy and hops out::
<You cool thus far?>
<Matrix> <I'm cool.....so long as me and Sypher return
to normal...>
<Razor> :follows:: <You still with me?>
<T-Bone> <Not enjoying kittenhood? I mean, you never had
one...>
<Sypher> <Yep! This is fun!>
<Matrix> <Well....it's scary....>
<Razor> ::grins:: <Glad ta' hear it>
<T-Bone> <Because you don't remember anything?>
<Sypher> <::warm, mental beam, is a happy kitt::>
<Matrix> <What you said...>
<Razor> <::smiles: Havin' second thoughts?>
<T-Bone> <Awww.... There's nothing in mind that could
help, is there?>
<Sypher> <Hmmm? ::confused::>
<Matrix> <::sadly:: I don't know....>
<Razor> <Um....hold that thought fer a while....> ::turns
to Trina and Jase:: Where to?
<Jason> ::holsters his handgun after checking for ammo and
points towards the MLC ruins:: That way.
<T-Bone> Roger that... ::heads that way:: <Well.. look....>
<Sypher> <Why?> ::he can handle so much at once...
and Razor was doing two earlier, so he assumes Razor can continue
doing it... and like he does::
<Matrix> <Yeah?>
<Razor> <Well....you like being a kitt?> ::as he
follows T-Bone::
<Trina> ::holsters her handgun as she follows Jase,
suddenly pauses to look up:: Uh oh...::feels a drop of rain on
her nose::
<T-Bone> <Yes... Look. I don't mind.> Crud... ::as
rain drums on his helmet::
<Sypher> <Yes... Tho' I don't remember being an adult...
This is fun.>
<Matrix> <Really?>
<Razor> Um...this was unexpected....::as it comes down from
drizzle to shower::
<Jason> Everybody inside...we'll hafta be there for shelter
until it lets up...::runs there with Trina behind him::
<T-Bone> Inside what? ::as he distantly gives Matrix mental
permission to do as he pleases::
<Sypher> ::unthinkingly withdraws from where he was
perceiving Razor's sensations... doesn't like the wet::
<Matrix> ::makes himself comfy in one area of T-Bone's mind::
<Jason> ::runs through what remains of the courtyard::
There's gotta be a staircase around here...
<T-Bone> ::looks around wonderingly, slowing:: <It all
looked so different back then... ::pause:: And, where are the
archeologists'
tents?>
<Razor> ::looks around himself, eyes narrowed, until he
finds a door:: There! ::points::
<Jason> Let's hope it'll let us in...::runs towards there::
<T-Bone> ::jogs after him, winces as lightning cuts across
the sky::
<Razor> ::races after::
<Trina> ::reaches the door, tries to push it in:: Great....at
this rate we're gonna be drowned rats....
<Jason> ::*push*::
<T-Bone> Everybody move.... ::means to deal with this
himself::
<Razor> Might as well let 'im...the big guy c'n handle it...::grin::
<Jason and Trina> ::step back:
<T-Bone> ::rams his shoulder into it, feeling the wood
creak:: <Toughest 800 year old door I ever met...> ::shoves
again, to be rewarded as it gives:: ::stumbles forward into a
brightly lit room....::
<Razor> Score one fer the SWAT Kat....::grins::
<Jason> Hey, as long as we're in....::goes::
<Trina> ::follows, puts a hand on T-Bone's shoulder::
Thanks.
<T-Bone> Welcome.... ::is blinking at the light, trying to
figure out where it's coming from... no gas lamps or anything are
in sight::
<Razor> ::blinks:: Since when have 800 year old castles had
electricity?
<Trina> ::reaches for her handgun:: Don't tell me someone's
in here with us...
<T-Bone> I don't see anything.... <::prods Matrix:: Can
you see anything I can't?>
<Matrix> <::blinks:: I don't....::pause:: Wait, I do!>
<Jason> ::Reaches for his own handgun, tail twitching::
<T-Bone> <What and where? ::pauses:: Can you merge with
me enough to let me see it too?>
<Matrix> <Lemme try....::does so...and succeeds::
There's....two other forms of life...>
<Razor> <What is...?>
<T-Bone> <Two...?> ::blinks at two kat-like shapes
appear in infrared overlaid on his normal vision::
<Razor> ::whispers:: Wadda ya' see, bud? ::G-trix leveled::
<T-Bone> ::struggling against fighting Matrix off... the
sensation reminding him of when he *was* an energy creature there
briefly:: Two... kats... Too tall to be the
PastMaster... ::points::
<Razor> Kats?
<Jason> They can't be scientists...that excavation ended
about a week ago...
<Trina> Unless they found somethin' else...
<T-Bone> ::calls out:: Hello? ::warily, glovatrix ready::
<Jason> ::takes a step forward, and stops atta corner,
gazing into a room that has a fire going as a source of light....but
sees no-one::
<T-Bone> ::follows Jase::
<Trina> Jase? ::whispered::
<Jason> ::blinks, then steps into the room:: There's no one
here...
<Razor> Maybe we scared 'em off?
<T-Bone> ::steps around him to look in:: ::ducks and rolls
quickly as someone takes a swing at him...::
<Razor> T-Bone! ::somersaults as a shadow looms and takes a
swing later::
<Jason> ::dodges another swing::
<Trina> What in...? ::ducks, and runs for cover as a tip of
a sword lands against the floor::
<T-Bone> ::slams a foot out to trip his attacker, sending
the kat's sword skidding across the stone floor toward Razor::
<Razor> ::puts a foot on the sword, G-Trix aimed forward::
<Trina> ;:headlocks....whoever is there, and flips 'im to
the ground, lockin' onna his arms behind im::
<Jason> ::flashes a light at all them, and blinks::
<Sir J> ::looks up at Razor's g-trix, holds his peace...
has encountered projectile weapons before, gets the gist::
<T-Bone> ::by him, blinks::
<Razor> ::ba-links:: You have *got* to be kiddin' me....
<Sir C> ::under Trina's headlock, couldn't agree more::
<Jason> Who.....
<Sir J> ::replying to Jase:: Sir Jacob Clawson.... Be you
friends or foe?
<T-Bone> ::double blink at name... looooooks from him to
Razor and loooooks back::
<Jason> ::ba-links anew::
<Sir C> Um.....I would introduce...oh, nevermind. Sir
Chancellor Furlong...in pain, I might add....
<Trina> About the friends and foe bit, we'll know soon
enough...::slowly gets up::
<Sir J> ::looks to Sir C, means they should wait and hear
these guys out:: May I ask who sent you?
<Trina> Who sent us?
<Jason> I believe the question should be directed towards *you*...
<Razor> ::lowers the G-Trix::
<Sir J> ::blinks:: We are knights of Queen Callista...
<T-Bone> <Really? I *know* I'd remember these guys...>
<Razor> Callista!??! ::eyes are wide::
<Sir C> ::as he picks himself up:: That's *Queen* Callista!
<T-Bone> Yes... We've met her....
<Sir J> ::gives him a curious look... his voice is oddly
familiar::
<Jason> I have a gut feelin' I'm gonna be gettin' a
headache...
<Sir C> ::blinks himself:: We've never seen you before and
yet you've met her?
<T-Bone> We visited her time once...
<Sir J> ::eyes narrow, thinking::
<Sir C> Come now...you expect us to believe this?
<Razor> Well..::as he picks up Sir J's sword without any
trouble:: She'd tell you...
<Sir C> ::sees this, has a holy cow and three fourths::
<Sir J> ::eyes widen:: The hero who first pulled the sword
from the stone?!
<T-Bone> ::looks at this fit:: <Geez... Everytime Razor
touches that thing, these Dark Ages guys just about start
worshipping him...>
<Jason> ::rubs his eyes, then look at Trina::
<Trina> Don't look at *me*...I'm as lost as you are....
<Razor> Um....::looks at sword:: <I gotta stop doing
that...>
<Sir J> If you know, tell me.... Are you the one? The first
to pull it in 200 years? Or another chosen one? ::hangs his head
a bit at that... to have another chosen one means he somehow
dishonored the sword::
<Razor> Um...::looks at T-Bone:: How long ago did we go
to the Dark Ages?
<Sir C> ::puts a hand on Sir J's shoulder::
<T-Bone> Our time it was a little over a year... ::looks at
SirJ curiously before checking Matrix, realizing he cut off the
infrared:: <You okay?>
<Razor> I'd say....the first to pull it in 200 years? ::hopes
he got that right, *doesn't* wanna be another chosen one::
<Matrix> <::yawns from his little corner:: I'm okay....
::pauses to send a note to Sypher:: How are you holding?>
<Sypher> <This is cool... ::listens::>
<SirJ> ::relaxes a bit:: Either way... ::looking to SirC::
They must be allies... No evil could hold that sword...
<Matrix> <::chuckles:: I take it you heard the knight
story?>
<SirC> :nods:: Very well...
<Razor> ::hands it back:: It's all yours...
<Jason> Um...plea for an explanation?
<Sypher> <Yep!>
<SirJ> ::takes it reluctantly:: It truly belongs in your
hands, my liege.... ::Razor pulled it first - he's holy::
<Matrix> <::grin:: Which part didja like best?>
<Razor> ::shakes his head:: No. It belongs to *you*...you're
the chosen one... <Why didn't *T-Bone* pull it out when he had
the chance???>
<Sypher> <The fight with the dragon!>
<SirJ> ::takes it gently and looks at him with wide eyes::
<Matrix> <::grins: Yeah!>
<Razor> Well, you *are*...
<Sypher> <::grins::>
<SirJ> But, chosen to replace you....
<Razor> Um...::looks at T-Bone, doens't know what to say::
It...was a coincidence?
<Jason> ::is beginnin' to catch on...a bit::
<Trina> ::just leaned against the wall to stare and listen::
<SirJ> ::arches a brow:::
<T-Bone> I think we need to take this to the next room....
Trina, Jase... could you excuse us a moment? ::means they need to
point out the resemblance to the others::
<Jase> :looks at Trina::
<Trina> ::nods his way:: We're gonna check the place out...make
sure that little creep isn't around here somewhere....you need
Matrix and Sy to come with us?
<T-Bone> ::glances over at the two knights:: Best if they
didn't right now....
<Jason> ::nods:: Gotcha. Radio contact once you need us
back...;;goes through one door, Trina following close behind::
<T-Bone> ::soon's they're gone:: Look... ::removes his
helmet and mask slowly::
<Razor> ::does the same::
<Sir C> ::has a second near coronary::
<Sir J> ::blinks at Razor/Jake::
<T-Bone> Look... You two have come to our time... And,
judging from the resemblance, I'd guess you were our ancestors....
<Razor> What he said....that's why you *have* ta' be the
chosen one...:to Sir J::
<Sir C> ::rubs his eyes::
<Sir J> ::blinks:: Why should I be chosen when my
descendant freed the sword?
<T-Bone> ::thinking:: He did it because he needed it then.
To save Callista at that time. After that, it wasn't any good to
him...
<Sir J> Wasn't...! Tis the...!
<T-Bone> ::cuts him off:: It's a magic sword... We don't
use magic much these days...
<Razor> Look, Jacob...we're not into the whole magic deal...we
used it to destroy the Pastmaster when our gadgets couldn't...it
was the only way...
<Sir C> And, you put it back...
<Razor> Well....I didn't...it wasn't found...until I
realize that Jacob happens to be carrying it...
<Sir J> It must have returned to the stone when he left our
plane... :is still mulling all this over::
<Sir C> ::thinkthinks::
<Razor> I know this doens't make much sense, but it's the
best explanation we could give you.
<Sir J> ::nods:: Very well... Now... I must ask... Why do
you disguise yourselves?
<Razor> That's another long story...
<SirC> ::crosses his arms:: We have all night...that storm
won't let up anytime soon..
<Sir J> ::nods:: And, for the moment, we seem trapped in
your time... ::besides, he's not keen on seeing what's beyond the
familiar castle if this is a world where magic is nothing::
<Razor> ::sighs:: Alright....:ties his mask on, and begins
the tale...stopping for a few to let T-Bone explain some...::
<T-Bone> ::fills in parts, fumbling over the right and
wrong words... doesn't want it to sound like they're criminals::
<Sir J> ::listens, puzzled, trusts them because Razor could
pick up the sword, yet still....::
<Sir C> ::has his eyes narrowed, seems a bit skeptical::
<Razor> Now...you understand?
<Sir J> ::nods slightly:: It is very difficult... your
world is so different... ::steps forward to look Razor in the eye::
<Razor> ::looks at 'im:: Yes, it is...and I wouldn't blame
ya' if things seem so complicated right now...it took *us* some
time to adjust to your world...
<Sir J> ::nods and looks back at his partner, sees no
reason to distrust Razor::
<T-Bone> ::waits to see how Sir C will take it, noted the
guy's skepticism:: <If he's anything like me, he'll take
Jacob's word for it...>
<Sir C> I just have one more question....::nods to Jacob's
look::
<T-Bone> Yes?
<Sir C> Will you help us in stopping the Pastmaster, and,
can we trust the other two that were with you?
<Razor> ((<SirJ> Ha ha! Chancellor got beaten by
a she-kat!! Wait'll I tell the rest of the round table! <Sir
C> ::picks 'im up by the collar and glares::))
<T-Bone> ((::DIES!::))
<T-Bone> That's what we came here for... The PastMaster
turned some friends of ours into children and we want them back
to normal.
<Sir C> What about the others?
<Razor> They're allies. Our friends are part of their
organization...
<T-Bone> It's another group of "knights" who
protect this city....
<Sir J> Methinks the city must be in gravest danger to have
summoned knights from so many camps...
<Razor> ::rubs his eyes:: Oh, you have nooooooo idea...although
it's been quiet...that is, until the Pastmaster decided to make
his presence here..
<Sir J> And, his presence is all around us... This very
room is upheld with magicks...
<T-Bone> Well, that would explain why it's not as old as
the rest of the castle...
<Sypher> <::is fascinated.. but mentally tired.. is a
child... has sorta drifted off::>
<Matrix> ::issa curled up anew, but listening::
<Razor> Ditto.....and, I wonder if........::is cut off by a
scream::
<T-Bone> ::ears flicker forward:: What in th'...?! ::rushes
that way::
<Sir J> ::is right behind him, sword drawn::
<Razor> ::follows, G-Trix ready::
<Sir C> ::sword drawn, is right beside Sir J::
<T-Bone> ::rushes outside to find....::
<Sypher> ::flutters awake:: <What is it?>
<Jason> ::issa on one knee looking towards a window, ears
dropped, smoking handgun to one side::
<Razor> ::runs in beside T-Bone: What is...?
<T-Bone> ::to Jase:: PastMaster?
<Jason> ::stands up, and turns, holding a certain kitten in
his arms:: He got away....
<T-Bone> ::blinks:: We have *another* kitt on our hands?!
<Jason> He nailed us from behind....we didn't realize until...::looks
down at Trina::
<Trina> ::lookies at them with huge eyes, clings to her
brother::
<Razor> Awwww, great....::smacks a hand against his head::
<T-Bone> Absolutely swell... Is there any way to keep him
from doing it again?! ::looks to the knights::
<Sir C> Only if we catch 'im before he does...
<Sir J> And send him back to where he belongs...
<Sir J> I'm somewhat protected by the sword... But,
otherwise, I know of no other protections beyond being quick-witted...
<Pastie> ::appears behind them..... mwahaha!::
<Jason> You!!!!
<Trina> ::clings! to Jase::
<PastMaster> Indeed... ::gives Sir J and C the evil eye
before glaring at the SWAT Kats:: It's time I finished this game...
::fires at the lot with his watch::
<Razor> ::dodges::
<Sir C> ::takes cover behind...a...table! Yeah!::
<T-Bone> ::rolls, gets hit... feels really weird and he
ain't gettin' smaller::
<Razor> ::fires a net missile at 'im::
<Jason> ::wants to join the fight, but can't leave Trina
behind::
<T-Bone> ::crouched behind a crumbling wall:: What....? ::as
his fur goes gray and he noticeably loses some of his bulk::
<Razor> ::horrified:: T-BONE!!!
<Sir C> ::eyes are wide:: Oh, no...
<Matrix> ::blinks:: <Chance?>
<T-Bone> <Matrix? Are you okay? Cuz I'm not....>
<Matrix> <::blinkblinks:: I think I'm.......gettin'....older.....>
<Razor> T-BONE!!!
<T-Bone> <You and me both...> ::looks up at Razor,
quivers a little as he stops aging, isn't horribly old, but he's
easily seventy... fur graying out, much thinner, part of one ear
missing from an injury he hasn't had yet::
<Razor> ::eyes are wide as he runs towards his partner::
<Sir C> ::looks towards Sir J, motions towards the
Pastmaster:
<Sir J> ::nods:: ::rises just a hair... sword glows::
<T-Bone> ::looks up at Razor as he arrives:: Is this as bad
as it looks to me?
<Sir C> ::takes in a deep breath::
<Razor> You're....*old*....<And, that means....Matrix...>
<Sir J> ::swings the sword around and lets Pastie have it
with one magic blast::
<T-Bone> Thanks a lump. ::glare::
<Sypher> <Matrix....? ::puzzled:: You... feel... funny....>
<Pasty> ::gets hit:: Agh!!!!
<Razor> Well, what did you want me to say? You're wrinkled
and losin' fur and look like you could need three or four
facelifts?
<Matrix> <I'm...I'm getting....older...>
<T-Bone> ::glares... looks at himself in the top of his g-trix::
I am NOT losing fur! ::isn't really.. he's kinda shaggy and
unkempt tho'::
<Sypher> <Older...? Then, do you know how to help T-Bone?
I thought ... a second ago... I remembered something... almost...>
<Matrix> <What...was it?>
<Razor> Okay, fine, you're not....but you *could* use three
or four face -lifts...
<Razor> ((<T-Bone> ::mauls Razor...with a cane::))
<T-Bone> ((::DEAD:: Or a walker...))
<T-Bone> ::growls:: Fine... Help me up - I'm old.
<Sypher> <I don't know... Something...something about
when I change into energy...>
<Matrix> <Which is...?>
<Razor> ::chuckles::
<Pasty> ::is still recouperating from the blast::
<Sir J> ::is hauling up there so he can't::
<Sypher> <::shrug:: I don't know... I thought maybe you
would once you were older... ::small voice, wants to help,
doesn't know how::>
<T-Bone> ::shakes his head as he stands:: This has *got* to
go....
<Matrix> <::thinkthinks:: We...were able to merge into
computers....merge into people....control...::think::>
<Sypher> <If we're merged with them... can we make them
energy like us? Something about that.... ::hasn't yet reasoned it
out that as energy T-Bone wouldn't be old... or young... or ..
you get the idea::>
<T-Bone> ::to Razor:: Where's PastMaster? ::would rather go
up there and duke it out with the little guy as a septegenarian
than sit around and figure out how many stiff joints he has::
<SirC> ::has the little creep held by the cape::
<Jason> ::hands Trina to the closest kat, and goes to help::
<Sir J> ::hassa sword at... where his throat would be if he
had one::
<Pasty> Ah, the brave knightscome to finish me off...
<T-Bone> ::gets handed Trina:: ::blinks:: Well, don't we
make a picture....
<Sir J> ::sword glowing:: Undo the evil you've done,
PastMaster... or face the abyss....
<Trina> ::giggles and pulls on T-Bone's whiskers:: Gran'pa!!
<Razor> :wants so hard to roll on the floor laughing::
<Pasty> Ah, the threats...I see Callista has taught you
well, Hero...
<T-Bone> Razor.... Shut up... And, don't even say it....
Just wait 'til we're both really old and you have more wrinkles...
::growling even as he cradles Trina::
<Sir J> ::growls::
<Sir C> Undo your evil, Pastmaster...now!
<Razor> I didn't say anything!!!
<T-Bone> ::glaaaares::
<Razor> I didn't!
<Pastie> I think not.... Go ahead... End me... Your friends
will never find a cure in this era... And, you'll be cursed as I
never to return to the Dark Ages....
<Sir C> ::eyes Jacob, gives him the "don't you DARE
listen to 'im" look::
<Sir J> ::is only worried about the others, rams the sword
into Pastie's equivalent of a gut... and as it's a magic sword,
even his bare bones feel it::
<Sir C> ::blinks::
<Jason> ::just gapes::
<Sir J> Undo it all now, Sorceror...
<Pastie> ::weakened:: I yield!
<Sir C> ::puts a hand on Sir J's shoulder and nods:: It's
your judgement, Jacob..
<Sir J> ::rips the sword out:: I'll spare your life if you
restore everything as it should be...
<Pasty> ::growls::Foolish child!! Where is your honor?
<Sir J> Had I not honor I'd have killed you sooner....
<T-Bone> ::suddenly staggers:: Awww..... ::is getting older...again::
<Razor> T-Bone! ::keeps him standing::
<Sir C> Do it, Pastmaster...restore everything as it was!
NOW!
<Pastie> ::just laughs... and disappears::
<Jason> NO!!
<Sir C> ::tries to catch a disappearing Pastie::
<Razor> ::snarls:: Pastmaster!!
<Sir J> ::growls... can't touch him:: Blast! ::leaps,
hurries down to T-Bone and Razor:: Is there nothing in this world
that can help us?
<Jason> Dr. Sinian...she's gotta know...she knows about
this stuff more then anyone else..
<Sir J> Then, best to find her.... ::looking T-Bone over::
::growls to himself, thinks it's his fault for jabbing Pastie::
<Jason> ::nods, takes Trina::
<Sir C> ::helps Razor keep T-Bone standing::
<Razor> Let's do that...before my partner gets any older...
<T-Bone> ::moans softly:: <Matrix... How are *you*
holding?>
<Matrix> <To tell you the truth, I'm feelin' your pain....>
::to Sy:: <This is just too weird...I'm trying to remember if
there's any way we can stop this growth process...>
<T-Bone> <Then, get out.... I don't know that aging can
hurt you, but best not to find out...>
<Sypher> <::thinkthinkthinks:: At least make him energy
so he won't hurt.... Nothing hurts as bad that way....>
<Matrix> ::nodsnods at that, and goes acoherent....turning
T-Bone into energy in the process:: <Sorry, Chance>
<T-Bone> Hunh?! ::aloud and in his mind::
<Sir J> ::blinks, has no clue what *that* is::
<Matrix> <Sorry...it's the only way...don't kill me...>::as
he merges T-Bone into energy, goes into solid kat form, and T-Bone
disappears into his mind::
<Sir C> ::jaw drops all th' way to the floor::
<Razor> ::clears his throat:: We do know a little....
"magic".... Just a trick or two....
<Sir J> ::blinkblink::
<T-Bone> ::more or less overridden by Matrix at the moment,
becomes somewhat dormant/asleep at the back of his mind::
<Jason> ::rubs his eyes:: I take it'll take a while ta'
convince 'em...
<Matrix> ::to Razor:: He'll be fine...we jus' hafta' find
the Pastmaster and change him back...
<Sypher> ::blinks, seeing Matrix as an adult thru Jake's
vision:: <Matrix?>
<Matrix> <I'm here....in feline form...but here...you
okay?>
<Sypher> <You're huge....>
<Matrix> <I can't help it...I...got older....>
<Sypher> <You... ::feeling his mind:: .... feel
different now....>
<Matrix> <Wadda ya' mean?>
<Sypher> <In your head... It's not the same... Well,
it's *you*, but....>
<Matrix> <T-Bone's in there....I hadta' stop the aging
process...>
<Sypher> <I know that... I mean you.... ::senses
something different in this Matrix from the kitt who enjoyed the
Dark Age story with him.... and ocassionally giggled::>
<Matrix> <::blinks:: Sypher...what's buggin' ya? ::senses
something::>
<Sypher> <::just sends over his feelings::>
<Razor> ::is meanwhile trying to explain what Matrix did to
the knights... starts with explaining Matrix... convo involves
referring to DK as a "dark wizard" and Matrix as a
"shaping and a summoning" ... and lots of other yadda
he's heard in movies that sounds... "magicky"::
<Matrix> <::ba-links, then lets his ears droop:: Oh.......>
<Sir C> ::blinkblinkde' entire time:: Amazing...
<Sypher> <Yeah.... ::mental equivalent of a little
child's sniffle::>
<Razor> And so,.... here we are.....
<Sir J> Fascinating... ::looks at Matrix:: And, you're
certain this summoned creature is free of the wizard's control?
<Matrix> <This....came unexpected....and, I didn't
expect the Pastmaster to nail T-Bone like that...>
<Sypher> <I know.... ::probes:: I just.... I don't feel
like I have anyone to play with anymore... ::not a very serious
issue as he's supposed to grow up too, but he's a kid... and his
best friend/brother just grew up and left him behind::>
<Matrix> ::ears droop and are buried into his hair....never
felt this display of emotions before...and feels hurt:: <I....I'm
sorry, Sy.....>
<Sypher> <Don't be sad... ::mental hand on shoulder:: So
long as you're still here....>
<Razor> Positive.
<Sir J> ::studies Matrix - yes, he has a way of judging
character and he's very sensitive at it::
<Matrix> <You know I'm never gonna leave ya'...>
<SirC> ::rubs his eyes:: Now that this all makes sense....
<Trina> ::tugs on Sir J's....what do they call those? Robe?
Bed sheet behind his back? Sagey's brain ain't working::
<Sypher> <I know... ::mental hug:: Love you, Matrix!>
((Awww.....))
<Sir J> ::it's a cloak/cape thingie - official term...
ooooo...:: ::looks at Trina, puzzled::
<Matrix> <::mental hug back:: Love ya' too, Sy!>
<Trina> Hello, Mr. Knight! ::grin::
<Jason> ::rubs his eyes:: <She's gonna die when she
hears this one...>
<Sypher> <::beams::>
<T-Bone> ((<T-Bone> ::wakes up a bit:: Matrix?!
Hugging and saying "I love you?!" ::faints::))
<Sir J> ::smiles down at her... hey, horses ain't the only
thing he has a soft spot for:: ::bends down:: Hello, young lady.
<Matrix> ::grin back, then pauses:: <T-Bone? You
okay?>
<Matrix> ((::dead::))
<Trina> Why you here? ::goes all Mindy alla sudden::
<T-Bone> <I... I'm fine. ::seems to be hiding something::>
<Sir J> ::picks her up:: I was brought here by the
PastMaster - an evil sorceror.
<Matrix> <::raised brow:: Yeah, right....what's
happening?>
<Trina> Why for?
<Jason> Oh...no....
<Sir C> ::pauses to chuckle::
<Sir J> I am not sure. I failed to take the time to ask him.
::grins::
<T-Bone> <Matrix... I've just seen my life flash before
my eyes... very literally.>
<Matrix> <::ba-links: Such as?>
<Trina> Why for?
<Jason> And, Mom wondered why I screamed to be let outta
the hose....
<Jason> ((HOUSE, even!! NOT hose!!! Argh!!))
<T-Bone> ((Outta the hose? How'd he get in there?! Let
him out! He'll drown!))
<Sir J> Because he is a nasty person.
<T-Bone> <My future wife. My future kids. Why my old
self has that hole in his ear.... And, Matrix.... This worries me...
They're not stopping... I'm not aging physically... I don't have
a physical body right now.... But,... what happens when I reach
the part where I die?>
<Jason> ((::dies::))
<Matrix> <::eyes are wide:: Then...you disappear.....>
<Trina> Why for?
<Jason> <Why don' I have this recorded?>
<Sir J> His parents clearly never taught him well.
<T-Bone> ((<Sir J> Because he's possessed of the
Devil. <Trina> Why? <Sir J> Because the devil is evil.
<Trina> Why? <Sir J> That's a theological discussion
I'm neither qualified for nor are you capable of understanding...))
<T-Bone> <Can I die if my body doesn't?>
<Jason> ((::DIESDIESISDEAD!!!!::))
<Trina> ::blink, loooong pause::
<Matrix> <I....::doesn't sure whether to say yes or no...if
not freak out T-Bone more:: Well....you know that there's no body
without the soul....>
<T-Bone> <But, will it leave just because I see my own
death?>
<T-Bone> ((<Matrix> What? You wanna see if you
can see your eternity too?))
<Sir J> ::wonders if she's done::
<Matrix> ((::dead::))
<Matrix> <::sighs:: I...wouldn't know that...all I know
is that you've gotta get back to normal...>
<Trina> OKies! ::grin, hug::
<Jason> Why wasn't she like that ta' me? ::always got
beaten up::
<Sir C> Mayhaps Sir Jason wasn't kind to Lady Trina?
<Jason> I *was*....when...I didn't feel like buggin' her..
<Sir J>::grins and scruffles her hair::
<T-Bone> ::pauses, mental grunt:: <Matrix... I... How
can it....? One sec... Brace yourself.>
<Matrix> <::blink:; Chancellor...what are you...?>
<Trina> ::cling, hug, my she's being the cutesy li'l
spoiled brat kitt...::
<T-Bone> ::abruptly leaps outta Matrix, appearing as energy
then solidfying... normal kat look... usual age... with the notch
in his ear and a very sad look in his eyes::
<Matrix> What are you doing!?
<Razor> T-Bone!!
<T-Bone> ::looks up at both of them:: I'm fine.... for now
anyway. But, now you guys not only have to undo this spell before
I see the rest of my life.... You have to make sure part of my
future doesn't happen....
<Razor> ::is obviously lost:: T-Bone? Your future? What are
you talkin' about?
<T-Bone> ::debates his methods of explaining this:: I'm
still aging... Even in Matrix my mind kept travelling farther
into the future... to the point that I died... or should have...
Only I don't die at age 94 like I'm supposed to... Some self-preservation
instinct kicks in and forces me to revert to energy form so I
won't. ::pause:: Razor... I got that thing of Dark Kat's out of
my head... But, I never went back to being a normal kat...
<Razor> What are you sayin', bud?
<T-Bone> I never changed back.... I spent... will spend my
whole life as a being like Sypher and Matrix and never knowing it...
or pushing it away and hiding it in my subconscious when I
realize it.
<Razor> ::buries his head into his hands:: Good kats....
<T-Bone> ::lays a hand on shoulder:: Look... This is my
chance.... Undo the spell... Then, make me normal again.... ::looks
into his eyes:: Razor, I made this choice a long time ago... Or
only a few weeks your time... ::is thinking in future time:: ....
I don't want to be immortal. I want to die the way I'm supposed to.
<Razor> :puts a hand on T-Bone's shoulder in turn:: I'll do
it, bud. I promise...we'll get you back...
<T-Bone> ::nods:: ::turns to the others:: Let's get to the
museum....
<Jason> ::nods:: Let's get going....before I get any more
flashbacks of my little sister's cutsey moments....
<Sir J> ::nods mutely, doesn't understand it all, but knows
the PastMaster's magic has everything distorted::
<Sir C> ::just nods::
T-Bone's a CyberKat?! A really old CyberKat now that he's been accelerated into the later years of his life?! What's to come of this? And, is Jason stuck with a cutesy, young Trina?! Read on to find out! -- Cyber... Kittens?!, Part 4