MAD RIVER RAGE - Part I ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Story written by : Thomas McClure (bstrbny@infinet.com) Story editors : Leloni Bunny (lbunny@wingsisp.com) Saracoth (birkshi@gte.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before getting into the story I wanted to enter this special credit to Leloni Bunny for being such a friend during this whole story writing adventure. She really had to put up with one of the world's worst spellers as well as deal with a writer who missed things in the story's early editions. If it wasn't for her I seriously believe that this story wouldn't be half as good as it is. She's a real credit to our fan fiction editors list! Also a credit to Saracoth. His ideas for parts of the story really helped in many ways. With most his ideas, part II will be a smash hit. When I would suffer from writers block I could always go back to his emails to me and pull out some good ideas and build on them :) For everyone else who offered me help and sent ideas my way, I really appreciate everything! Enjoy The Story ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a hot and sunny day. Being a Friday at Acme Loo, Buster was desperately trying to think of something to do for Babs' upcoming birthday. He had always thrown parties and such, but he wanted this year to be special. Most of Buster's friends noticed his distant mood. Plucky and Hamton caught up to him during the changing of classes. "So Buster ole chum, What's got you so down? Hmm?" Plucky asked. "Th is Babsy's 22nd birthday and I can't think of anything special for it." Hamton replied "Well gee, Don't you hold a party for her every year? She really likes that!" "I know she does" said Buster, "But that’s just it. I do that every year. I want to do something different, something we've all never done before." "HA! Good luck! Over the last 8 years I do think we have done it all!" Plucky replied. "At least I have (confidently speaking)" "Aw knock it off Plucky, you wouldn’t know a real adventure if it hit you in the beak” said an annoyed Buster. "Well you could take her to the new theatre in town?" Hampton added. "Naa, We go to the movies practically every weekend, Besides this is a very special year for Babs, She'll will want all her friends there to celebrate with her." The three of them continued to walk to class. Hamton and Plucky both throwing ideas at a very depressed and worried Buster. Arriving at their Wild Takes 202 class, they quickly took their seats as the bell starting the period rang.. Wile E Coyote made a few points for the wild takes, capturing Plucky's attention. Yet, Buster's most favorite class today just didn't interest him. He just sat there in a mindless trance. Wile E walked over to him to get his attention just as a very large anvil dropped on him. Even the CLANG of the anvil didn't snap Buster out of his trance. Fowlmouth, noticing this, made his way over to Buster. "Hey Buster, what's the matter with you?" asked Fowlmouth Buster sat there not noticing someone had said something to him. Fowlmouth started to get a little annoyed. "Dadgom it! Buster snap %@# outta that %^&@# trance!" shouted an annoyed toonster. "Oh sorry!" said Buster "What's wrong Buster?" Fowlmouth asked "Oh, Babs' birthday is this weekend and I can't think of something to do for it." replied Buster Fowlmouth chuckled as he remarked, " Oooooh! Is that all? HA! Ya had me worried there for a sec." Buster continued "I'm serious! This is the most special day to her! I know she'll want all her friends there and I.." Fowlmouth interrupted "Well just throw a dadgum party you always do." "That's just it. I always throw one. I want this day to be different, To be special, A day she'll never forget." Buster added. "Woooahh! Sorry pal can't help ya there. Maybe Shirley can? Welp $&^% I have to be going! See ya." "Bye, I'll let you know when we figure something out." Then Buster thought to himself "If I figure something out!" Just as Fowlmouth went back to his seat, the bell rang, It was finally lunchtime. Buster met up with Hamton and Plucky again. Buster was still in his mood and seemed to be getting a little worse. Buster knew that he had to cheer up before he got to the lunchroom or Babs would know that something was up. Plucky again started throwing ideas at Buster. Hamton also tried but all the ideas were turning up flat or had already been done. Fifi met up with them a little ways down the hall, She too noticed Busters distant mood. "What's wrong with Buster?" Fifi asked. "Ooohh wait till you hear about this one.. He's doomed!" Plucky chuckled. "Huh? He didn’t take Professor Sam's apple and replace it with a pineapple again did he?" Fifi asked "Noo. He's having trouble planning a birthday surprise for Babs." Hamton said " I want it to be something special, Fifi, I can't think of anything. This is the one birthday she has been waiting for all her life, and I don’t want it to be ordinary." Buster said. "Well, How about a romantic cruise on the ocean?" Fifi replied. "Naa, She will most defiantly want all her friends to spend it with her. We all need to be able to go. Although that is a good idea, we can't afford 28 tickets." Buster sighed. Just as they reached the lunchroom they were met by Shirley and Babs. Buster quickly put on a smile and a small chuckle like he just heard a good joke. "Hiya Buster!" Babs said. She walked over to him and took his arm. "So how has your day been?" "Oh! It's been just swell." Buster said. "It's really gone by so quick it's hard to say what all has happened." "Yeah only cause you've been worrying away all day" Plucky smirked. "What Plucky?" asked Babs. "Oh nothing" answered Plucky. Babs kinda gave Plucky an evil eye for a moment, knowing he had made some smart remark which she missed. Now Babs knew there was something brewing. About that time the rest of the gang had arrived. Sneezer, Furball, Sweetie, Calamity, and Little Beeper now sat at the table. Babs had realized she had forgotten to get something from her locker that she wanted Buster to look at. She quickly excused herself and rushed to her locker. In the meanwhile Buster started to ask all of his friends at the table for ideas. As usual Calamity and Furball never spoke up. Several minutes had passed and Buster knew that Babs would be back at any minute. Just as Buster had lost all hope of an idea something caught his attention. "Golly gee willakers, Maybe we could go outdoors this time?" Sneezer said, "Just like when I was scouting. The outdoors sure is fun!" "SNEEZER! YOU’RE A GENIUS!" Buster shouted! "Maybe a camping trip?" Hamton added. "Or we could go hiking to like a totally secluded area or some junk" Shirley said. "I know what we can do.. Maybe rock climbing! I'm the best.." Plucky said "Um we could go in boats on the river. That would sure be fun!" Sneezer continued. "Of course! We can go on a river trip! Spend several days out there, Away from it all. IT'LL BE THE BEST EVENT EVER!" Buster said with excitement! Just as Buster sat down Babs re-entered the lunchroom. Babs took her spot next to Buster again. Somehow she knew something had just gone on, Buster was in a much better mood then he was when she left. Now puzzled she tried to get word from Buster what just went on. Buster stayed tight lipped though. But in the lunchroom others had heard what was going on too. The table a few rows over occupied by Montana Max, Arnold the Pit Bull, Dizzy Devil, and Elmyra Duff had overheard what their plans were. Monty being the spoiled brat like he always has been decided to attempt to ruin Buster's plans for Babs' birthday. Monty thought to himself "Buster's loss is always my gain, Just wish I knew what I was going to gain hehehe." Monty wasted no time in filling in his henchmen on the plan. They all quickly slipped out the back of the lunchroom and headed to Monty's mansion to prepare for the invasion. Finally at the end of the day the bell rang, All the toons quickly departed the Looniversity for another weekend of fun. All the other toons who had thought up the idea for Babs' trip hurried home to prepare for the trip. Buster stopped by a new toon's locker who had recently enrolled in the Looniversity. As he walked up to Rachael Rabbit's locker, she turned around to greet him first. Buster was a little nervous at first but quickly got to inviting her to come along on the trip. She accepted the invitation and agreed to meet them at Buster's burrow in the morning. Buster quickly rushed back to the entrance of the Looniversity where Babs was already waiting for him. "Get detention did ya? " snickered Babs. "Nope, Just had a few last minute things to take care of! Say I have something fun for us to do this weekend! This event is so big that even the Looniversity staff is coming!" Buster said. "But Buster, this weekend is my..." Babs said in concern. "Oh it's going to be fun, a real adventure!" Buster interrupted. Buster kept on talking about this "so called" adventure he was going to take her on and how much fun it would be. Not really letting her know what was really going on, he made sure that he kept talking all the way back to her burrow so that she couldn’t remind him that it was her birthday this weekend. Babs said she had to get ready and that it would only take a few moments. Babs walked back to the washroom and closed the door. Buster went over to her mother and explained the trip he had planned. He also told her that he had made up a story about an adventure he was going to take her on, He very much so wanted this to be a surprise. He was very nervous, as he wasn’t sure if she would really allow Babs to go. But all went well, Babs' mother gave Buster her blessings and told him to be careful on the trip. Babs came back out with a bag all packed as Buster asked her to do for the "adventure." She saw that Buster had already asked for her permission to go and that all was ok. "Have fun Babsy, Don't forget to eat your carrots hun!" said Babs' mother. Buster rushed Babs out of the burrow so she wouldn’t be able to ask her mother what was going on. Babs thought to herself "First Buster forgets about my birthday then my own mother.. Shesh.. What else can go wrong?" Upon arriving at Buster's place she saw that Plucky, Hamton, Fifi, and Shirley were already there and with bags too. They all told Babs the same thing, That they were all going on an adventure and that it was going to be so great!. Babs was now more confused then ever, But also a little upset that no one would tell her what this great adventure was about. Once inside everyone picked out places to sleep. Shirley got the couch and Fifi took the cot. Plucky slept under the table and Hamton slept in a hammock he brought with him. Because all the other places were taken, Babs slept in Buster's bed and Buster slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. Babs couldn’t help but to wonder what all was going on, And because she was all worked up she didn’t really sleep well. Morning came quickly. There was a loud knock at the door. It was Rachael Rabbit. Buster answered the door and invited her in while they all got ready. Buster was the only one up at this moment but quickly rushed about to get a few things picked up so that it wasn’t so cluttered in his burrow. Rachael followed him down inside walking behind buster as a guest normally follows their host. "I'm really glad you invited me to go with you guys, I really really appreciate it!" "My pleasure. Glad you could come along" Buster answered. "This is a really nice burrow you have here" "Oh this! Its nothing, I really need to add on some more rooms, it's getting much too small anymore," Buster said as he moved about getting things ready. He walked into the kitchen to get some snacks to put in his bag, Rachael followed again. "Do you want anything for the trip Rachael?" "No, well not really" "You sure? I have plenty of things, Went to the Acme mini mall last night to get some things" He opened the cabinet and looked in. He noticed that someone had lightly taken hold of his hand and was lightly rubbing it. "Good morning Ba.." Just before he finished his sentence, he closed the cabinet door to find that it was Rachael who was holding his hand. He non-chalontly pulled back for a moment and in the hand she was holding, he put a box of Acme Crunch bars in it and walked over to his bag. "Did you get all those things packed I said you'd need?" "Yes, everything you mentioned." Rachael answered. She started to walk over to him again. He quickly excused himself saying that he had to wake the others. Buster walked into his bedroom where Babs was sleeping. She looked so happy and comfortable all snuggled up in the blankets. He walked over to the edge of the bed and sat down. Babs still didn’t wake. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and said, "wake up Babsy." She slowly sat up and smiled at him. "Good morning Buster" "Good morning Babsy!" He smiled back at her. With a stare that seemed like forever they gazed at one another. Then Buster started talking again. "I know what a special weekend this is for you, I had trouble thinking of something to do but I figured something out! This entire weekend is going to be a weekend you'll never forget! Happy Birthday Babsy!" For once Babs was speechless. A tear ran down her face in happiness. Buster gave her a light kiss and said he'd be right out in the living room waiting for her to get ready. Babs was so over joyed and happy that the tears of joy continued, She thought Buster had forgotten her birthday but now was thinking "he never forgot about it in the past, how could I have thought that!" Finally all the toons were awake. Excitement filled the burrow as everyone but Babs really knew what was going on. After all the bags were packed and all the toons got their river clothes on they all piled into a rented bus for the drive out. With everyone who was going it made for cramped quarters. Now on the road Babs kept asking Buster where they were going. Buster kept replying that it was a surprise and to trust him on this one. She was a little annoyed about not being told, but she went along with it for now. Shirley hovered above everyone on the bus with a lot of light illuminating from her crystal ball. Babs was very curious as to what she was looking at but was too far away to see the image in the ball. Just when things seemed they were at its dullest, a large hornet flew in one of the open windows, toons were going wild with hysteria attempting to avoid and to swat that thing. Several loud "YEEAOUCH"es were heard as every several swats, the hornet would sting Plucky! Finally the hornet flies back out the other open window. Plucky got into his bag and pulled out a bee keepers outfit and put it on. "Nothing's going to get me now" he remarked Just as he makes the remark a large anvil fell on him. "My gosh! How'd that anvil get in *here*?" Rachael remarks. " Good ole fashion humor. You've got to love it!" Sweetie grinned. Just as things got settled back to normal, the group arrived at the river livery's lodge. With a loud grunt all the toons popped out of the bus and quickly regained their shape. Plucky makes the remark "haven't we seen this one before?" Fowlmouth slaps his hand across Plucky's beak and drags him inside. Babs walks over to Buster. "So this is why you've been so quiet?" She said with confidence "Yeah." Buster gets an evil grin on his face. He quickly grabs Babs and lifts her off her feet and starts running over to the river. "AAAAAAHHH" Babs yells anticipating what was next. Buster continued to run toward the water shouting "Alli Alli Ofsenspri!!!!" Without stopping Buster leaps off into the river. Babs tries her best to flap her arms to keep from going in the water but Buster wouldn't let go. Then everyone hears a loud SPLASH. Both bunnies stared at one another, completely drenched. Their water soaked heads were the only things above the river surface. "EEeeeewwWWW ..BUSTER! I SHOULDA KNOWN!" said Babs in a playful but loud voice "Hahaha, you thought I was going to throw ‘just’ you in didn't ya?" Buster replied coyly With a small pause Babs points her finger in Buster's chest. "If you think this won't go unchallenged you're crazy," she said. Babs smiled evilly at Buster and walks to shore where she later spin-dried herself. On shore all the toons that had seen what Buster had done were all laughing so hard they were all floored. After Buster came ashore he walked over to the crowd and had them start unpacking the bus while he went in to get the boats. Calamity who had stayed up most the night got out his bag and opened it. Quickly a set of special boots fell out. He walked over to the water and put them on. The new boots seemed to be something like a water ski and a swamp boat but tagged on a boot with small fins on each side for stability. Slowly stepping on the water he checked to see if they'd support his weight. Happy that his new invention seemed to be working he grabbed the controller and pressed the on button. With a normal powering up sound the small propellers on the back of each boot came on. Then with no warning they flew into high gear, the boots took off dragging Calamity behind! Fighting to get back up right the boots continued to speed up. A large wake was being left where he was. People already on the water were diving off their boats for safety. With no control over the invention he jetted down stream then back up. Hitting a rock near shore he went airborne. The crowd now seeing that him flying straight at them started to scatter. Rachael Rabbit froze for a moment. She thought quickly and used an old trick she'd learned a few years ago. She grabbed her tail and yanked. Her legs lengthened, making her rise up as if on stilts. Just in time to avoid Calamity jetting under her. Immediately she saw him coming back and hit the deck as he went jetting by again. As he came back a 3rd time, Rachael quickly hopped into the ice chest they had brought along for the trip and slams the lid shut just as Calamity jetted by, now heading for Furrball, Furrball dove into a trashcan leaving only the tip of his tail exposed. Just as Calamity jets by Furball a loud shearing sound is heard as the propellers buzz the hair off the top of his tail. Calamity who was now upside down flew through the open door of the rental office, Then a loud CRASH was heard. Everyone started to come out of their hiding places and ran to the door. Calamity was flatted against the far wall still upside down with Buster and the rest of the toons who were in line in a large pile below him. Calamity slowly held up a small sign that read " OUCH!" Then noticing a pounding noise coming from the camping gear. Fifi walked over to the stuff and noticed it was coming from the cooler. "It is alive!" Fifi shouted. "Like I totally had no idea my cooler had an aura!" Shirley said. "No! Wait where is Rachael?" Buster ran over to the cooler and opened the lid letting Rachael out. Everyone stared on in disbelief for a few moments Rachael then noticed everyone staring at her. "It was the safest place I could think of, " Rachael scowled as she was brushing herself off. Several of the toons snickered at her remark and passed it as one of the quarky things that go on in an adventure. Furball sorely warped up his buzzed tail. Buster now walked back out of the wrecked office with a slightly shredded paper in his hand, asked all the toons to gather round. "Ok. We all need to pair up. We can go in groups of 2, 3, or 5. Groups of 2 and 3 go by canoe, Groups of 5 go by raft." Plucky and Hamton were the first to pair up. Plucky was still bragging about what a great riversman he was. Bugs Bunny & Lola grabbed a raft and took some of the camping gear with them. Sneezer and Sweetie were in another. After their boat was in the water Sneezer started his sneezing again. "Aah Ahhhh AAAAhhCHOOOOOOO." Quickly they were out of sight. Buster said "Well I know who will be first to reach camp, hehe" "Camp!?" Babs said with an inquisitive voice. "Yeah. Camp!" said Buster, "What, you though this was going to be a one day thing? We're going to be out here all weekend!" "But I didn't bring enough of my things to be out here that long!" "That’s ok Babsy. I brought some of your extra things" Buster held up a large bag of Babs' outfits and props. Rachael had chosen to go in a boat all by herself. It was a neat boat, Only room for one. Fifi and Shirley Loon paired up in another raft and started to load their things into it. Furball had no choice but to pair up with Calamity and really wasn't all that excited about getting in the boat. Now with everyone paired up and in their boats they all start the trip. Everyone was having so much fun. Babs who was in the back of the raft used her paddle to splash Buster. "That's part of the pay back, Blue Ears," said Babs with an evil grin. Plucky started to think "Oh great, another water war is about to start and now we're caught in the middle of it all" Back on shore, Montana Max arrived at the rivers edge. Seeing that all the toons had just left he starts to reveal the plan to the others who had come along to get even with Buster and the gang from all those TTA episodes where they had lost the battle. Roderick Rat was the first to volunteer for the sabotage. Arnold the Pit Bull also came along as a chance to get back at the bunnies for burning his tail in one of the episodes. Monty started to tell them about the dragonflies he had bought from the Acme catalog. Elmyra was particularly interested in them. "These aren't your normal dragon flies!" Monty holds up a steel cage, which is shaking. "Now just what did you say these were?" Johnny Pew asked. "Dragon flies" Monty replied, He then opens the lid and out flies very large green dragon shaped bug breathing fire. "These are sure to spoil Buster's trip! Hahahaha" The dragonflies started flying down river. The last boat to leave the shore was the boat of Gogo Dodo and the Wackyland gang. They noticed a loud buzzing noise and noticed the dragonflies coming. The private eye was rather alarmed to see what was coming. Gogo not at all afraid pulled out a box he had brought from Wackyland. "Dragon Flies.. How original" Gogo smiled as he opened his own box, which contained his own version of bugs. "Lightning Bugs!" For several minutes the two bug forces battled. The lightning bugs shot bolts at the dragonflies. Most turned and ran back up river. Some got through and were quickly closing in on the boat. Gogo now noticing that he had failed sat on the back of the boat and shouted " CONTACT!" His tail feathers started spinning at high speed as he lowered them into the water. Quickly the boat raised up and started heading down stream at high speed. Catching up to the others who had left earlier they passed them throwing a wake of water on them. The other toons, slow to realize why Gogo was going so fast, started to dry out their stuff. Then with no warning a loud buzzing noise is heard just as a streak of fire shoots by. Everyone abandons ship. Just as the dragonflies go rushing by. Now the bugs gained on Bugs Bunny's raft, Bugs realized what was coming. Lola froze in fear. "Don't worry.. I can handle these guys" Said Bugs Just as the dragonflies catch up to Bugs Bunny they notice that he is holding an Acme Bug Zapper. Every bug knows what one of these things are by nature. Coming to a screeching halt they turned in fear and jetted back up river yelping like hurt dogs. The toons who had jumped in the water for safety see the Dragonflies returning and abandon ship again. Monty, back upriver and still snickering to his friends about what they had done, look up in a state of panic. The dragonflies are now coming after them. Quickly they dart into a shed which was nearby and attempt to close the door before they got in, But not to any success. Just as the door was closing the dragonflies squeezed in. The sound of three toons in pain could be heard for miles as the insects were getting their revenge. Meanwhile back downstream Bugs, & Lola were again settling back for a relaxing trip down stream. As Buster & Babs continued down river. Buster was again attempting to relax. All laid out on the raft Buster tried to get some sleep. Babs laid on the other side of the raft in the same manner. Although she was trying to get some sun rays!. All seemed so peaceful, so quiet, all so perfect! Thoughts of each other filled their minds. Thoughts of romance and friendship. Buster snapped out of his trance with the sound of splashing. He quickly sat up to see Elmyra racing toward them in a canoe. With a loud shout Babs too came to and noticed what all the commotion was all about. Now rowing for their lives the chase continued. All the time Elmyra shouting "I'm going to get my cute long blue eared bunny! Hehehehe". The chase entered a rough part on the river which worried Babs. "Oh no! RAPIDS!" Babs screamed. "It's either the river or Elmyra!" replied Buster. Now dodging large boulders in the water Buster started to tire a little. Babs now completely soakened "again" noticed a calmer path ahead. Pointing it out to Buster they turned on to the calmer water. "Sheew, I though we had had it there for a moment!" Buster said. "Don't congratulate yourself, we're not out of the woods yet!" said Babs. Buster turned to see that Elmyra also made the calmer turn. Now back in full speed the bunnies got a little lead on Elmyra. Now able to rest a little Buster started to make a comment. " Oh great, Elmyra chasing us Monty attempting to wreck the trip, what else can go wrong?" Buster said aloud. Just as Buster finished with his comment he turned to see a large waterfall ahead. "You just had to open your mouth didn’t you! Way to go Buster" Babs replied sarcastically "We can't go back, Elmyra will catch me!" Buster answered "We'll let's just think about that idea for a moment." {devishly} Babs commented. "BABS!" Buster exlaimed in a strained voice, "Trust me on this. Head for the waterfall!" They started paddling faster. As they were now traveling at a very high rate of speed, Babs jumped in with a question. "Call me wacky for asking, But you do have a plan don't ya?" asked Babs. "Oh course I do," Buster said. 'I'll just have to get back to you when I think of it,' he thought to himself. The waterfall was now very close and Babs was starting to worry. Buster had a million things running through his mind as he worried about what he had just gotten them into. Elmyra didn't seem to care about the waterfall, or she just plain didn't see it. Babs was so worried , she found herself sitting on Buster's shoulders like a kid riding his parents at a fair. In just a few seconds, Buster and Babs found themselves falling. The boat fell out from beneath them and dissapeared in the misty clouds below. Buster, with Babs clinging to him, made a panicked grab for anything that would stop their fall. He was able to latch on to a large rock, which he clutched tightly with both his hands, and his feet. But even as he clung to the rock for dear life, he could not help but experience great pain, as Babs was dangling beneath him, her hands clamped tightly to his tail as she starred at the water below! "B.b.b.Buster! HELP!" shouted Babs "Hang on Babsy!" Buster said in excitement. With one ear Buster reached over and grabbed the end of her ear like two hands grasping one another. With a strong yank he lifted her up to the rock which he was holding on the bottom of! Babs now on top of it she saw Elmyra fall past them landing in the water below. She reaches over and pulls Buster up. He reaches around rubbing his soar tail. He sarcastically said slightly under his breath and not really directed for her to hear. "You really need to lose a few pounds!"{Buster said as he was rubbing his tail} "WHAT DID YOU SAY?" screamed Babs. "Oh!" Buster stammered as he tugged at his collar with one finger, "Uh, I said you... really... need to view those clouds!" He tried to make his cover up look more convincing by putting on a sheepish grin. Babs crossed her arms over her chest, not fully convinced. "Uh-huh, yeah, right," she replied Just as Babs was about to lay into Buster a large rope dropped past them. The bunnies looked up to see Bugs & Lola waving at them. Quickly they climbed up the rope. Bugs helped them over to shore where Lola was waiting with some towels. As they were drying off Buster asked if they could ride with them. Bugs cleared out a part of their raft so that the bunnies could sit in comfort. Now getting underway again Babs looked over to Buster. "Now getting back to business.. Just what exactly did you say back there?" asked a concerned Babs "About what Babsy?" Buster answered. "You know what I..." Babs started to reply Just as Babs was about to complete her sentence Buster grabbed hold of her pulling her closer to him. He quickly kissed her to where it muffled her last word then eventually she gave in and let it be. Bugs who was watching jumps in. "Hey now! You two need to be watching for obstacles" Bugs said. "Oh Bugs leave them be" Lola said. "You're going to be next" Lola then turned and stared at Bugs with hearts in her eyes. Now Bugs was the uneasy one in the boat! Finally the bunnies raft reached the campsite, As Buster had first mentioned to Babs about Sneezer being first he was correct. Sneezer had already setup camp. Buster walked back down to their raft and pulled it up on to the beach a little further. Babs started to find a "romantic" spot for their tent. About the time Babs walked off to find a spot Buster had noticed that Rachael was approaching the landing site. Buster waved at her to let her know that his was the spot. Helping her out Rachael takes hold of Buster's hand and steps out. About this time Babs had returned from the forest and saw Buster at the riverside. Just as Rachael stepped out she purposely brushed against Buster so that her ears ran across his face. Just as this was going on Buster quickly felt uneasy. Up on shore in the trees Babs was in a near fit of rage. She quickly hoped out of sight so no one would know she had seen what happened. Buster quickly changed the atmosphere, becoming excited about setting up camp and the games to come. He hurried into the camping area with Rachael following. Buster still a little unsure about what had just happened just sorta brushed it off but couldn't help but to wonder because of her behavior over the last day or so. Just as he was thinking this Babs came walking down the riverbank. He noticed that she was not in a very good mood due to her expression and he knew then that he was in trouble for something. Buster then paused as he thought to himself "Now what did I do?" Babs walked back up to Buster and confronted him about what she had seen. Buster explained to her that nothing was going on and tried to put her mind at rest. He continued to talk to Babs as he started to walk with her in the direction of the forest. The other toons noticed them walking and had also noticed that Babs was very mad due to her crossed arm expression. Rachael noticed this as well and then just realized what she had just done. After disappearing out of site of the others, Buster continued to talk to Babs. Going over all the things they had done and reassuring her that she was the only bunny for him. Buster was trying to get the message out the right way, but being nervous, he was always choking on his words. He wasn't use to expressing his real feeling for her openly but found himself trying. This really surprised Babs, as she knew what Buster was attempting to do. She had always known this to be true but it still dawned on her heavily that Buster was now really for the first time expressing his real feelings. As Buster went on Babs started to cheer up. A short time later they were holding hands and laughing. They both sat down near the river and talked for about an hour. During the entire time they grew closer and closer. Buster had noticed that the sun was beginning to set. He sat on the side of the river staring out at the sunset holding his girl close. Babs laid her head on his shoulder as Buster put his arm around her holding her. They sat there until the sun had almost set. Buster got up and helped Babs to her feet and walked back to camp with her. Neither one said anything the whole way back to camp. Along the way they shared small shy stares and giggles. Now entering the campgrounds they were noticed by the others who had set up the camp. Rachael felt somewhat better that she could tell that things were better between him and Babs. Rachael started to walk towards them as they continued to walk into camp. Just as she walked up to them She started to apologize to Buster. "umm.. Buster, Can I ..." Rachael asked "Rachael I need to talk to you." Babs interrupted. Babs took hold of Rachael's arm and heads toward the forest. "Walk this way." Babs added. Buster watched with concern as they went into the forest. Buster shouted at them not to wonder off too far. Babs walked with Rachael and started to talk to her about her and Buster's relationship. Rachael apologized to her and explained that she had no idea that Buster was spoken for. The conversation went on for a while. Back at camp Buster and the rest of the gang was getting worried about them. The conversation went on as the two girl bunnies got to know one another. They quickly found that they had much in common. During their talk they shared bits from there past. Rachael who always wore a heart shaped necklace reached behind her back and too it lose from her neck. She stared at it for a few seconds in total silence. Her eyes began to tear up a little. Babs took notice of this and asked what was wrong. Rachael continued to explain that the necklace was a gift given to her from her lost parents. Later Babs learned that Rachael was in Acme Acres because of an accident in the studio. Rachael explained to Babs she was on a drawing board with her family, Something happened on the animator's drawing board and next thing she knew she was sitting on the steps to Acme Looniversity. A gray bunny named Bugs had taken her into the Looniversity and she enrolled until a way could be found to return her to her family. The heartbreaking story caused Babs to get teary eyes too. Rachael had made Babs swear not to tell the story to anyone else. Babs agreed to keep it quiet. They both agreed it was time to head back to the camp. Rachael put on her necklace again and they headed off for camp. Buster and Plucky were the first to see them coming back. Both were smiling and had wet eyes. Rachael walked over to Buster and explained to him that Babs had talked to her about their relationship and that she was sorry about what she had done. Buster still a little confused started to get the big picture as she continued to add that she though he was a very special bunny. Now that the unpleasant stuff was out of the way and everyone seemed to be in a great mood, Construction of a large campfire had begun. Buster, Plucky, Hamton, and Fowlmouth gathered large logs for a fire. Bugs being the elder at the camping trip took the honors of lighting it!. Shirley, Fifi, and Babs gathered some rocks and some fallen trees for seats near the fire. Lola, Sweetie, and Rachael started unpacking the ice chest and getting the food ready for everyone. Sneezer was sitting near the salt and pepper, which had fallen over, and dusting the little mouse. "I'm allergic to pepper! Ah.. Ahhh. AHHH " Everyone started running for hiding places. Buster jumped behind the rocks with Babs, Plucky ran up a tree, Hamton froze in fear, and everyone else ran for the forest. "AHH..AHHHHH!" Just as everyone is expecting the blast they hear a little sneeze. Sneezer laughs as everyone peeks out of his or her hiding places. "Well... That was pointless!" exclaimed Babs. Everyone comes back out and gathers around the campfire. The girls hand out the hotdogs and marshmallows to the guys and everyone sits down and cooks dinner on a stick. Everyone having a generally good time as they share funny moments from the Looniversity and classes from days past. All the toon bring their new friends up to date on all the class hysterics. Finally the moment comes where each toon attempts to tell the best campfire horror story. Many toons took their turns, Each story a scary one. Bugs who was a master at tales had told one so scary Babs was in Buster's lap and had Fifi wound up so tight her fur was all sticking up, even Shirley's oura ran off in fear. Everyone was captivated by such a wonderful story! Now Buster was up. He had really run out of good stories, he had used his best on the episode "the horror of Slumber Party Mountain". All eyes were on him, He felt a little nervous then thought for a few moments. "Many years ago, these grounds were owned by vicious Indians. Being very territorial they" {Buster continued to tell his story of how anyone was attacked who would intrude on their land. Describing a great battle where all the Indians were defeated everyone started to feel better until Buster added the following part of where they had come back from the dead and would attack anyone who camped on their grounds.} "and to this very day there have still been reports of people who visit these woods and never return!} Buster concluded. Buster walked back over to Babs and sat down, She quickly attached herself to his arm. The story which Buster had just finished telling had her all paranoid, as well as most of the other girls. Fowlmouth and Sneezer who had really enjoyed the stories sat on the edge of their seats wanting more. Plucky was so scared after the stories that he had taken shelter under the log he had been sitting on. Buster whispered into Babs' ear telling her he had just made up the story. Babs laughed at him and nuzzled up next to him. She glanced over at some of the other girls and noticed they were still paranoid. Babs snickered to herself and began to enjoy her time with her boyfriend. A general sense of fun, laughter, and happiness seemed to have fallen over the camp. As the toons continued to pass campfire stories and gossip a cheerful glow from the fire cast their schiloetted shadows on the surrounding trees. Laughter could be heard for a good distance and other campers could see all the fun they were having as they roasted marshmallows and couples sat near one another holding eachother as scary tails were told and moments when strong feelings were shared. But Monty who was long sense forgotten about lurked in the shadows. Watching them have fun was about all Monty could handle. Waking early the next morning Rachael decided to go over to where the fire was the night before. She was still a little tired but being a little hungry and knowing that the guys wouldn’t be up for a little while she walked off into the forest to gather some twigs and fire logs. She was taken back by how beautiful the forest was in the morning. Feeling so at home here she took her time collecting the wood that she was making no sounds as she moved around. All of a sudden she heard some voices whispering to one another. Rachael slowly snuck up to where she had heard the noises and found Monty talking to his friends. Being low in the bushes she was unable to hear them that well so she raised one ear just out of the bushes. She was shocked to hear that they were planning a campsite raid! She continued to listen, drawing deeper into concentration she wasn't paying attention to Monty's friends. Arnold noticed a brown ear sticking up out of one of the bushes and silently signaled to Monty and the others. They continued to talk as if nothing was wrong, but Arnold slowly approached the bush. Rachael noticed that the talking had stopped and snapped out of her concentration. But doing so she found that she was now surrounded. Just as she looked up Arnold grabbed her by the scruff of her neck, raising her off the ground. "Trying to spoil our plans eh! You failed! hahaha" Monty said. "Say.. I've never seen this puny flabby nobody before." "PUNY... FLABBY!" Rachael screamed. "You're not telling anyone about our plans... Dizzy tie her up!" Monty said "Obviously you have NO CLUE who you're dealing with!" Rachael remarked. Rachael reached over grabbing Arnold's camouflaged pants and pulled them open. Then reaching behind her back she grabbed a can of live piranhas and dropped them in his trousers. "I keep these for such emergencies" Rachael said As the sound of loud crunching and the sound of Arnold's screaming Dizzy finished tying up Rachael but not without receiving several battle scars. Monty finally regains his composure. And signaled to the others to follow him. They headed off in the direction of the Toons camp. Rachael still attempting to free herself struggled against the ropes. With one of her ears she reached into a pocket in her skirt grabbing one metal file. Thinking to herself that it was a good idea to keep on on her she started to saw through the ropes. Each passing moment Monty and his friends were growing closer to camp. Finally she freed herself and quickly headed in the direction that Monty had gone. It wasn't long before she could hear the snapping of small twigs ahead. Following the sounds she found herself back at the campgrounds. Monty and his friends had already gotten there and were in the process of wrecking camp. Rachael prepared a few welcoming surprises for her new guests. First one to go by her was Dizzy. Just as Dizzy was about to pass her she jumped on him. In a cloud of dust and the sight of arms, mallets, and the sound of an agitated Dizzy the dust cloud settled to reveal a hog-tied devil. "That'll teach you!" Rachael said with confidence. With one paw she lifts the edge of a tent and with one of her feet slides Dizzy under it to hide him. She puts a finishing touch on him, a small piece of duct-tape. "Now to finish off the others." Rachael thought. Just about the time Rachael started to head off to get the others she heard a loud voice. "AHHHH it's that brown bunny again! ARNOLD.. GET THAT RABBIT!" shouted Monty. Now the chase was on. Arnold was attempting to gain on Rachael. Running through Calamity's tent and over the once fire ring. She made a mad dash for her tent. Rushing inside as the flaps on the front rise up from the wind then settling down. Just as they settle Arnold tried to run into the tent but just as he hits the opening his head flattens out as if he hit a brick wall. A loud "CLANG" was heard as he hit the ground. Rachael popped her head out the opening, revealing a large anvil in the doorway just behind where the flaps were. With an evil grin she jumps on Arnold. Loud noises of jackhammers are heard as a big cloud of dust forms. After the dust settles a scene of Rachael standing on Arnold's back. He struggled a bit but quickly noticed he was chained to the ground. "That's two!" Rachael thought. She turned around and poked her head into her tent. Monty quickly came running up from behind and put on a large steel tipped boot as he got ready to kick the girl bunny in her hind end. Just as he was about to let his foot fly She quickly spun around smashing him with a super size Acme mallet. Leaving the mallet implanted on his head she quickly took off. Now reaching the fire ring at the middle of camp Rachael reached behind her back pulling out a large menacing bear trap. Straining herself to open the trap she hops into the middle of it using both feet to push it open then with one hand setting the metal bar. Quickly but carefully she slides out of it and covers it with dirt so it was out of sight. About this time Monty had recovered and came running up. She holds her hand out like a traffic cop. Monty comes to a quick halt. "Hold it right there Monty!" shouted Rachael. "YEAH, And why should I?" asked Monty "Cause you don't have the guts to step over this line." smirked Rachael as she scratched a line in the dirt. "OH YEAH. Well I'ma stepin'" Monty said. Monty raised one foot and stepped over the line. Much to Rachael's surprise the trap didn't go off. Now Monty nose to nose with her, she smiled and took off leaving a cloud of dust where she stood just as Monty grabbed for her. Another short chase ensued. Running through several bushes and then back into camp. Monty walked up next to Plucky’s tent. Plucky having good ears after the camp stories woke up to see Max’s shadow casting on his tent. Totally panic stricken He jumped up and splint into pieces as he screamed, "IT'S THE MAD INDIANS! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Like a streak of lighting he ran up into the top of a tree. Several other toons who heard Plucky’s scream took off in a total panic as they headed for cover. Rachael quickly darted behind a tree that had a large solid limb just above head level. As Monty came running by a brown arm reached out from behind the tree lowering the limb on the tree to shoulder level. Not being able to recognize the danger fast enough he ended up clothes lining himself. Monty now knowing he was losing the battle grew very mad. Small fire flames shot off his head as his face turned red. Monty ran to a bag he had brought into camp and grabbed a large shotgun out of it. He quickly took off after the bunny that was over near Shirley and Fifi's tent laughing at him. Snapping out of her moment of glory she realized that he now had a hunters rifle. Rachael was now slightly startled at what she was seeing , Thinking to herself "Uh-oh! I think I'm in over my head!" She took off into the girls' tent and ran out the back shouting "MONTY'S IN THE CAMP!". The disturbance woke the rest of the toons in camp. Monty came barging through the girls tent growling as he went by. Rachael ran past the fire ring again and headed for Buster & Babs' tent. Monty close behind ran past the fire ring. Then Rachael heard a loud "SNAP". She quickly stopped and looked behind her to see Monty inside the large bear trap she had set a little while ago. Monty had his rifle holding the jaws open but his rifle was bending from the tension from the trap. She non-shelontly wanders up to the trap. "Awww too bad.. Are we having fun now?" Rachael asked in a sarcastic way. "I'll get you rabbit.. There are laws to protect the rich you know!" replied Monty. Monty reaches down and pulls on a small pin inside the trap. The trap loses all tension and falls apart. "My company built this trap" said Monty in a sarcastic way. "Opps!" said Rachael. Buster & Babs who were woken by Rachael's cries came rushing out of their tent in enough time to see the events unfold at the center of camp. Shortly after the trap had fallen apart Buster and Babs saw Rachael running back in their direction. Buster quickly hid behind one of the tents and Babs took off for the supply tent. Just as Rachael ran past where Buster was hiding, A blue foot quickly extended out. In a rush Monty, went face first into the dirt. Looking back to see what he had tripped on he saw Buster snickering to himself. Now more concerned with what just happened Monty took off after Buster. Now with a new chase unfolding Buster quickly changed into a 17th century American colonist outfit as he headed for the center of camp. "MAKE WAY! THE SPOILED ARE COMING! THE SPOILED ARE COMING!" Buster shouted while trying not to laugh. Buster's words egged Monty on even more. Babs and Sneezer who were watching the chase from a tree stood by while they got close to them. Just as Buster passed under then Babs tugged on a rope causing a large log to swing down out of the tree. Monty quickly recognized the danger and hit the deck just in enough time for the log to miss him. Just after the log raced over him Monty jumped up. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT RABBIT!" Monty shouted as he shook his fist at Babs in the tree. Not paying attention to the log which was now swinging back the other direction, Monty got nailed, sending him sailing through the air and into the supply tent. A lot of crashes and breaking of glass could be heard throughout the camp. Monty came back to the entrance to the tent looking out in anger with a large cooking pot on his head. Monty set his sights on Rachael who was also laughing at him from the other side of the campfire ring. He rushed her as if he were in a football game. Rachael who had witnessed the entire invasion now realized that Monty was charging her. She never really cared for bullies but now with Monty coming at her pushed her beyond her boiling point. Stretching out her arms and raising them above her head a mystical light began to form around her necklace which rapidly covered her entire figure. In a sudden flash of light she was now wearing a new outfit. Rachael pointed both hands at Monty that when he took notice of the bazaar things going on tried to stop. A yellowish light quickly formed on the end of her fingers which shot out at him. In a state of confusion Monty found himself in a rope web on the ground and a very satisfied bunny hovering over him. "Sit there a while and think before you react again bully." Rachael said in anger. All of the toons raced over. Most looked on Monty with the expression of "Now what" on their faces. Buster glanced over to see Arnold and Dizzy all tied up. "Well... I guess we all saved camp! Well done gang!" Buster said with excitement. Sneezer walked up to Monty and began to ask a question. "Gee.. why would you..." Sneezer starts to sniff the air and pauses for a moment. "I smell garlic! I'm allergic to garlic!.. aahhh Ahhh Monty 's face changes to a sad doomed like expression as he anticipated what was coming. Everyone who had gathered around started scattering in fear! AHHHHH CHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO." Monty went flying out of camp and was quickly out of sight. "Is it safe to come out yet?" asked Babs "Oh not to worry lady mam... I'm fine now" chuckled Sneezer "What are we going to do with them?" Buster asked as he pointed to Dizzy and Arnold. "Oh them. I have a idea." Remarked Rachael as she whistled. A large animal control van drove up and the sound of two thuds were heard then the closing of doors. After the van drove off Dizzy and Arnold were gone. "When's breakfast? I'm hungry!" Hamton asked. " Are they gone yet?" Plucky interrupted as he was quivering in his tree. "PLUCKY! What are you doing up there?" shouted Buster to Plucky in the tree. "The Indians. They tried to get me!" Said Plucky "Hahahah. Plucky, that was just Monty’s gang! There are no Indians here." Buster answered. Plucky hoped down out of the tree and brushed himself off. "I knew that, I was just testing all you guys." Plucky bragged. Just then Plucky turned to see a mad Indian just behind him. Plucky took off screaming in the direction of his tent. The Indian then pulled down a mask to reveal Babs Bunny. "Ain’t I a devil!" Snickered Babs. "I think someone should tell Plucky before he reaches Acme Acres" answered Buster. "Hamton has a point. I'm hungry as well and a little cold." Rachael added. "Well then lets start the fire again and eat!" remarked Buster. All the toons walked over to where the fire use to be. Buster, Fowlmouth, and Hamton shortly returned with several logs for a fire. Setting them in a pyramid formation they lit the new fire and started to break out the food. Fowlmouth had made several roasting sticks as well as a string over the fire. He took the package of bacon and laid it over the string and handed the sticks to a few toons. But making sure that Shirley got one of the first ones. Buster sprayed a paper bag with some cooking spray and cracked several eggs and dumped their contents into the bag. He hung it over the fire and sat down next to Babs. "HA! Buster, your $$#%^ breakfast is going to go up in flames" chuckled Fowlmouth. "That’s what you think" remarked Buster. Babs grabbed the bag from over the fire and opened it. Buster was about to ask he why when she added some carrots to the bag. "You forgot to add the carrots Buster." laughed Babs. She placed it back over the fire and waited. Fowlmouth kept laughing at the bunnies but as time went on he was amazed that their bag was not catching on fire. Finally the food was done. Everyone enjoyed their meal and sat around for a little bit while the fire burned out. After covering the fire ring with dirt they looked on the half destroyed camp and wondered how they were going to clean all it up. Calamity held up a sign "No Problem". He reached behind his back and pulled the controller to his boots. Then placing them firmly in the dirt turned them on. In a large swirl the camp spun around like a mini tornado. Calamity then threw a small box out under the swirling camp stuff and pressed a pedal opening the box. Everything was sucked inside leaving a clean campground. "I won't ask where you got that box from." said Buster. Calamity held up a small sign "Ghostbusters movie set" "Who'd a thunk it?" replied Babs. Everyone was excited about getting under way. The toons paired up again placing their rafts in the water. One by one they set out again on the wondrous river. All them not aware what else lied ahead on the journey. All they knew was so far they were having the time of their lives and that there was two more full days left to this wonderful adventure! (end of part I) continued in parts II & III