We're Off to see the Wizard, Tiny Toons Style! By Leloni Bunny (lbunny@wingsisp.com) It was just another typical day at Acme Looniversity--well as normal as Acme could get anyway. In professor Yosemite Sam's class, the only sounds that could be heard were the scribbling of students trying to finish one of Sam's infamous "pop quizzes". Sam was enjoying the few rare moments of silence he got from giving these quizzes. 'Ah,' he thought, 'sweet silence! No smart alec rabbits; no explodin’ apples; no whoopee cushions; no mallets or well-placed pins.' The only sounds Ah hear is the tickin’ of the clock; scribblin’ of pencils; the rustlin’ wind and the...mooin’ of the cow that just flew by the window. "Great hornytoads!" shouted Sam jumping out of his chair and rushing to the window. The class joined him, amazed but thankful for any reason to get out of the quiz. "Wow!" gasped Lil’ Sneezer," I never saw a flying cow before. Wonder where it's going." "Like, I don't know but it's taking the barn with it, er some junk," said Shirley the Loon. As she spoke, a huge red barn, complete with crowing rooster, flew past the window after the cow. "HEY! THIS ISN'T MY DADGUM IDEA OF A DADGUM CAMEOOOOOOOOOO!" shouted the rooster. (Of course it's Fowlmouth, who'd ya expect?) "Mon dieu! Eet eez a tornado n'est-ce pas?" asked Fifi LeFume, her tail beginning to frizz in fright. "Nah, it's probably Calamity testing out his new Monster Deluxe Weather Machine. He had to rebuild it after loaning it to the Hip Hippos for Noah's Lark," said Buster Bunny, remembering that Calamity had told him about the planned test run earlier. "Sheesh! If this is a test run, I'd hate to see the real thing," muttered Plucky Duck. Just then a familiar voice came across the PA. It was Bugs Bunny, "Attention all students and facul'y. Don't panic but I've just received woid dat dere's a tornado comin'..." "A TORNADO???!?!!!" screamed the class. Naturally they started running around the room in panic. "I said DON'T panic. Dis is not a drill. I repeat, dis is not a drill. All toons report to da reci'al hall down in da basement. Dat's all folks." Sam turned to the group of toons who had somehow managed to all fit under one desk. "Well, what're ya waitin for? Ya heard the varmit. Git to the recital hall," he barked and was immediately trampled by his screaming class. "Ah hates these rasafrakin fanfics," he muttered. In the halls, toons pushed and shoved each other trying to get to the recital hall. Unfortunately, Buster, Babs, Plucky and Shirley were having the added problem of Fifi. She had never been in a tornado before. As a result, she was frozen with fear, and---- being a skunk----no one wanted to carry her for long. Suddenly Plucky had an idea. He rushed to a storage closet and opened the door. "Hey! Let's just toss her in here `til the tornado's over." Babs and Buster, who were both carrying the odoriffic skunkette's frozen body, walked up to him. "Duck, if this tornado doesn't kill you, I will," snapped Babs. Buster thrust Fifi at Plucky, "Just for that you can carry her to the recital hall. Besides, you still owe her for the time your Friz Frizzle take got spread all over Acme Acres and she saved your hide." Plucky stuck a clothespin on his beak. He grabbed the frozen LeFume and struggled his way down the hall. "Plucky can be so inconsiderate sometimes," muttered Babs, watching him go. Buster just nodded. The bunnies were too busy watching Plucky, that they didn't see Montana Max coming up behind them. "Outta my way rabbits! I'm too rich to die," Max snapped. He shoved Babs, hard. She went flying into the storage closet and hit the back wall. Babs felt alittle dazed as she got to her feet. Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough to dodge the jar that fell off a shelf above her. For Babs, it was ‘Good-Niiiiiiiight nurse!’ "BABS!" cried Buster seeing her fall. The cry brought Shirley and Hamton Pig to the closet. Buster already held Babs's unconscious body in his arms. "Like, I totally saw what Max did, and I predict some mondo bad karma in his short future," said Shirley. Buster nodded," Don't worry, I'll get him later. For now, I'm more worried about Babs." Babs was surrounded by darkness. She felt like she was falling but wasn't sure how. She could hear Buster, Shirley and Hamton talking but couldn't see them. "Guys? Buster? Shirl? Hamton!! I'm ok. I'm just in the closet. Hey, anybody here?" Buster's voice echoed around her, "Babs? Babs! Can you hear me?" "It's no use, Buster, she's gone," echoed Hamton's voice. "No!" Babs yelled, "Guys! I'm right here!" "Like, come on, Buster, we've gotta get to the recital hall, er some junk," echoed Shirley. Her voice was fainter than the boys' had been. 'Oh no!' Thought Babs. ' They're going to leave me here!' ""But what about Babs?" echoed Buster, fainter. "But we've gotta go," echoed Hamton very faintly. Babs listened for a few moments, "Guys? Guys?? ANYBODY!!" THUD! When she came to, Babs was lying on the floor of the closet. She stood up and walked out into the hall. There was no one in sight. Babs listened...nothing! Not even a clock ticking. Where could they...the recital hall! Babs ran down the halls and stairs as fast as she could. When she got to the recital hall, it was empty! Not one toon was in sight. Babs searched the entire Looniversity, but she couldn't find anyone. Not knowing what else to do, Babs thought she might as well go home. She opened the front door and was momentarily blinded by the intense light. When she could see again, she couldn't believe what she saw. Acme Acres was gone! In its place was a vast wonderland of beauty. Brilliant greens, yellows and reds were splashed all over the landscape. The whole valley looked like something out of a 1940's WB cartoon, only with 90's style hues. Babs gazed upon the wonderland that lay before her; the green grass; the yellow roads; the quaint little cottages; the lazy bright blue sky; the little pink light that was coming toward her...the WHAT?!!! Babs rubbed her eyes and looked again. Sure enough, a small pink light was approaching her. Babs's jaw dropped to the ground and down the Loo's steps. "EW! That is so totally gross," said a familiar voice. Babs gave her jaw a yank and it snapped back into place. "Sh... Shirl?" she asked cautiously. By now the pink light had worked its way up the stairs and was hovering over the stone banister. It slowly changed shape as it spoke. "Like mega negatory, Bunny. I am Gloonda, good Psychic of the North." By now the pink light had fully formed. There floated Shir--er Gloonda, good Psychic of the North, complete with sequined pink gown and crystal crown. Babs stared at Gloonda, "Don't you mean good Witch of the North?" she asked. "Like, get crucial," said Gloonda, sounding annoyed, "This is the 90's. We, good psychics, are not called witches anymore. Now, what your, um Looniversity squashed, that was a witch," and she pointed over the other railing. Babs peered over the railing and saw a pair of red slippers sticking out from the concrete. Babs gasped, "Oh my gosh! Is she....." "Nah, this is, like, a G rated fanfic, er some junk. She's fine," Gloonda floated down to the slippers while Babs ran down the stairs, "Ok, sister, cough 'em up. You know the routine. The rabbit gets the slippers." The slippers disappeared under the concrete and in their place popped the dazed head of.... "Witch Hazel?" gasped Babs. "Hehe, well even a witch has to make cameos once in a while," Witch Hazel said as she handed Babs the slippers and collapsed. "This setup seems awfully familiar," said Babs, putting on the slippers, "Wait a second, this wouldn't happen to be Oz, would it?" Gloonda nodded, "Well, it certainly isn’t, like, Tazmania, or some junk." "And, let me guess, I'm Dorothy, right?" Gloonda shrugged, "Like, how should I know. I didn't write this thing." "Well if I'm Dorothy, I might as well look the part," with that Babs did a quick spin change. She reappeared in a white short sleeved shirt (with ruffled sleeves), blue and white checkered dress and blue bows on her ears, "Ok, since I'm in Oz, I guess I'm going to the Emerald City if I ever want to get home." "Like, you've got it, Toots. But that's totally too far to go alone," Gloonda reached behind her back and pulled out a box labeled Magic Dust. She poured some out and threw it on the ground. Immediately there was a POOF and a big smoke cloud. When it cleared, Babs was not happy with the result. "Arnold? You want me to take Arnold along?" ` Gloonda scowled, "Like, don't blame me for the lousy typecasting, ‘kay? Besides, his name is Toto, not Arnold." "Yeah," piped up the pit bull, "Read the tag, puny pink bunny. I am your dog Toto." Babs smacked her head, "Oh great! I thought this was going to be a safe fanfic. Ok, so where do I start?" Gloonda pointed at the yellow path that began at the Loo's front steps, "Like, totally follow the yellow brick road, er some junk." Babs sighed, "Come on...Toto." The muscular pit bull followed Babs closely as they left the little valley. After what seemed like hours to Babs, they came to a fork in the road. "Oh boy," said Toto picking up the fork, "Now I can eat my romaine noodles." With that, he took out a cup of noodles and dug in. Babs made a disgusted face. As she did, she noticed something staring at her. "Oh look, a scarecrow," she mused. "Uh, that's scareduck," said the scareduck who coincidentally happened to look and sound just like Plucky. "But, don't you scare crows? Hence the name, scarecrow," said Babs patiently. "Not really," sighed Scareduck, "First off, I'm a duck. Second off, I couldn't scare crows if my life solely depended on it...Which it does." "He's not kidding," said Toto pointing, "Look." Babs did look. Nearby, two of the Goodfeathers, Bobby and Pesto, dressed in crow costumes were munching on an ear of corn. "Wait a second! You two aren't crows! For that matter, aren't there supposed to be three of you?" asked Babs. Bobby explained, "Well, after da beakin' we gave dat crow in "The Boids", he and da uthuh crows quit. And Squint's still in da hospital from da last pulverizin' Pesto gave him. So, bada bing, what ya see is what ya get." "Wha? What was I supposed to do? He was beakin' me over here!" Pesto tried to retaliate. "Hey you stinkin crows! Get outta here!" yelled Scareduck. Pesto flew up to Scareduck, "Stinkin? Are you sayin that I am some kind of fowl smelling, odorous type of skunk who needs to take a bath here to amuse you?" By this time, Pesto was right in Scareduck's face. "Well...uh...yeah, that's exactly what I'm saying," snapped Scareduck. Pesto turned red with rage, "THAT'S IT!" He grabbed Scareduck, "You want yer stinkin? I got yer stinkin right here..." He went on pounding Scareduck and shouting phrases that no toon should hear or reader should read. Luckily, Pesto tired quickly. As he flew off, a dazed Scareduck turned to Babs and Toto, "You thee? I can't thcare one thingle crow. They come from miles around just to eat in my fields and pound on my face." "Well, why don't you just think up some other way to get rid of the crows?" Babs asked. "I can't. I haven't got an ounce of brains in my entire head, "Scareduck narrowed his eyes as he said this. Babs tried hard not to laugh. "Maybe you should come with us then," she offered, "We're going to see the Wizard so I can get back to Acme Acres. Maybe he can give you a brain." Again she had to restrain herself from giggling. "Great! I'd love to come!" said Scareduck brightening. But he quickly became depressed again, "There's just one problem. I'm stuck on this pole." Toto chuckled, "Das is no problem. Just leave everything to me, wimpy brainless duck." Toto grabbed Scareduck by the throat and yanked him, pole and all, out of the ground. Then he tore the pole off Scareduck's back and dumped him on the ground. "Help! You call THAT help?" sputtered Scareduck. "Would you rather be put back on za pole?" threatened Toto. Scareduck shook his head, "No, no, that's ok. Like I said, thanks for the help." "Great, now that that's settled, which way do we go?" asked Babs. Scareduck shrugged, "If we go left, we'll be there in three hours. If we go right, one day." The trio looked at each other for a moment then hurriedly started down the left path. About two hours later, Scareduck suddenly stopped and gulped. "Um, you guys?" he said, "Um...I...I um...I just realized that I got it mixed up. Right is three hours and left is one day." "YOU WHAT?" cried Babs and Toto together. Toto loomed menacingly over the avian, "Why you stupid, brainless, big mouthed duck! I'm going to crunch you up!" Scareduck held his hands up in defense, "Hey wait a second! I told you I didn't have any brains." Not knowing what else to do, Toto sighed and backed off. "Besides," said Scareduck, "This way'll take us past an apple orchard." Babs brightened, "Food! Great, I'm starving. Let's go!" As they approached the orchard, Babs got the funny feeling they were being watched. That feeling got worse as they got closer to the orchard entrance. "I, um, think I've lost my appetite," said Babs as they reached the entrance. "What? Are you kidding? Look at all those delicious juicy ripe red apples," said Scareduck. "Well, it's just that I...AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! " Babs screamed as three figures jumped from the trees and landed in front of the entrance. "The Warner brothers," gasped Scareduck. "AND, the Warner sister," corrected Dot. She was beginning to wonder if anyone would ever remember that. "Sheesh," muttered Scareduck, "at this rate, this fanfic will make the all time high character count hall of fame." "Be that as it may," said Yakko, "Wakko, the harmonica if you please." Wakko took out a harmonica and blew a note. Apple Song (to tune of Mexican Hat Dance) Apples, apples, apples, Come and buy some please. Apples, apples, apples We have plenty on our trees! Apples, apples, apples But we don't give them for free, Apples, apples, apples For five bucks we'll give you three, hey! Seeing their potential customer's unimpressed looks, Yakko sighed, "Hey, it's not Randy Rogel but we're still getting paid for it." "I don't know. Five dollars for three apples seems abit expensive," said Babs. Yakko quickly rushed to a nearby tree, plucked an especially juicy looking apple and returned to the group. He held up the apple for all to see. "Come one," he urged, "You don't really want to pass up this juicy red beauty. Five bucks isn't really that much." Dot chinned in, "And just think, there's a whole orchard full of apples just like that one." As she spoke, Wakko rushed off and returned seconds later with a wooden bucket full of apples as equally delicious looking as the first. "Besides, we need the candy money," Wakko added. His siblings gave him a quick harsh look. Scareduck leaned over and whispered to Babs, "I bet I know a good way to get apples for free." He walked up to Wakko, grabbed an apple from the bucket and pretended to examine it closely. "Aha!" he stated, "I knew it! These apples are worthless. Look at that, little bruises all over it." "That's just shadows from the branches," said Yakko. "Oh...well...um...Aha! There's a worm in this apple! Look, see? See?" "That's the stem," said Wakko. "Uh, yeah right, I knew that...But...um...These apples aren't even ripe. Look at that, it's not even red. It's, um, it's chartreuse," Scareduck was getting desperate now. "Chartreuse!" shouted Dot. She grabbed the apple, placed it on Scareduck's head and rammed it with a mallet, "Now it's yellow...applesauce." "I still thay itth a lousy orchard," said a dazed Scareduck. The Warners each grabbed an armful of apples from Wakko's bucket and pitched them at Scareduck. He quickly turned tail and ran, followed by Babs and Toto. When they finally outran the Warner's throwing distance, they stopped to catch their breath. "Nice going, duck," panted the pink bunny. She did a double take when she saw what Scareduck was holding. His arms were full of apples! "Good work, straw man," said Toto slapping Scareduck on the back. Unfortunately, this sent the apples flying from Scareduck's arms Babs rushed around trying to recollect them. As she bent down to pick up the last apple, she noticed something purple sitting on a nearby log. "Hey you guys, come here, quick!" she called. The boys hurried over. Scareduck nearly choked on his apple when he saw what Babs had seen. "A skunk statue," he said shocked. "Wait a second, I thought I heard something," said Babs. The trio listened. Sure enough they could hear a small, muffled sound. "Where's it coming from?" asked Scareduck. "There!" Babs replied pointing at the skunk statue. Scareduck walked up to it and tapped on the head. "It's tin," he said. Babs picked up an oil can sitting on a nearby stump, "Maybe it needs to be oiled." She oiled one side of the face. Then Scareduck oiled the other side. Suddenly the statue sprang to life. "Ah, zat feels zo much better. Zank vous," said the statue. "Who are you? What happened?" asked Babs. "Eef vous would kindly finish l'oiling, Ah will explain." Scareduck and Toto began oiling the skunk. "Ah am la Tin Skunkette. A month ago, Ah sat down 'ere to enjoy le scenery. Mais eet started to rain and Ah rusted solid! Ah 'ave been stuck like zis ever since." The skunkette motioned toward the log with her, now free, arm. "That's so sad! But why here?" Babs asked. "Ah was looking for an 'eart." said Tin Skunkette. "Well you're not going to find love here, sister," said Scareduck finishing the oiling. "Non, not love, an 'eart. Vous see, zee tinsmith who built me forgot to put in an 'eart. Ah am not able to feel love or les emotions," Tin Skunkette sighed. "Maybe you should come with us too then," suggested Babs, "We're going to see the Wizard so I can get home." "And to get me a brain," seeing the look on the skunkette's face, Scareduck added, "Not one word." Tin Skunkette shrugged, "Why not, Ah've tried everyzing else." Meanwhile, in another, darker part of Oz, a sinister force was on its own quest. A hooded figure crept its way to a large crystal ball that sat on a gothic stone stand. "Now that that foolish witch has lost her magic slippers, I can use them to take over Oz!" The figure spoke to the crystal ball, "Show me who now possesses the slippers." The crystal ball responded by showing the four travelers that were now entering the woods. "Hmmm, a pink rabbit has the slippers. This should be easy. But she seems to have company. Perhaps, for now, I should bide my time and wait for my opportunity to take what is mine," said the figure to himself. Back in the woods, Babs was getting that uneasy feeling again. "Uh, Scareduck, are you sure this is the right way?" she asked. "Positive, just trust me will ya. Have I ever led you guys wrong before?" asked the duck. "YES!" answered Babs and Toto. "Ok, so I made one little mistake, so sue me," muttered Scareduck. Tin Skunkette looked around, "Sacre bleu, eet's getting dark. Maybe we should stop for zee nuit, oui?" Scareduck shook his head, "Not a good idea. These woods are full of hungry wild animals. The faster we get out of here, the better off we are." Babs had had enough, "What? Ok, that's it! I can't take this anymore! First, you take us down the wrong path. Then you get us bombarded with apples. Now you've put us in serious danger? I have had it! I don't care if you don't have a brain or not! I'm gonna smash your head in." She rushed at Scareduck who immediately backed away defensively. "Now, now wait a minute, Babs. I was only trying to help. Don't do anything I'll regret...Babs...Babs...don't...YIPE!" Scareduck was cut off by a fierce, yet fake sounding, roar. The group ducked in a bush and peeked out to see what had made the sound. An eerie shadowy figure stood next to a tree and watched them. The figure spoke, "Who are you and what are you doing in my woods?" Babs replied, "Well...um...you see sir...we were just...." "Silence!" snapped the creature causing Babs to cringe in fear, "Now, what punishment should I inflict on you trespassers?" He began to rattle off many different hideous, unthinkable tortures he could use. "Pssst, Babs," whispered Scareduck, "I've got an idea. You keep him busy and the rest of us will sneak around and rush him." Before Babs could respond, the bush split in three directions. The parts snuck off leaving a quivering Babs Bunny to face the creature. Meanwhile, the figure was still preoccupied with his possible tortures, "I could force you to watch the Disney Channel, or reruns of the Facts of Life. Maybe I should subject you to a Barney special. Or..." he didn't get to finish for three small bushes jumped him. "Wait, wait! I, I didn't mean it! I'm sorry, please don't hurt me!" he cried huddled on the ground. He tumbled into the light. When she saw him, Babs didn't know whether to laugh or die of shock. "B- Buster?" was all she could manage. The rabbit looked up," No, I'm the Cowardly Rabbit," 'And I'm gonna have a talk with the author about her casting choice' he added to himself. "But you seemed brave a few minutes ago," said Babs. "That's just it. I seem brave but I'm not. I can't even look in a mirror without being scared," the blue rabbit hid his face in his gloved paws. "Do vous zink zee Wizard could 'elp 'im too?" asked Tin Skunkette. Babs thought about it for a moment, "I don't see why not," she said "B- But what if he won't help me?" asked Cowardly Rabbit. "He will. He'll help all of us," said Babs helping Cowardly Rabbit up. "Ok, then I will come. This place scares me too much anyway," replied Cowardly Rabbit. "Well you're going to spend one more night here," said Scareduck. "It's late and we won't get much further if we can't see the road." The group agreed. They settled down in the clearing for the night. Through the crystal ball, the hooded figure watched the group. "Oh this is too funny," he chuckled, "A brainless duck, a heartless skunk and a rabbit that's afraid of his own reflection! I'll have no problem getting those slippers. But if they get to the Wizard, I may not get the chance. Hmmm, there must be something in my spell book that will get rid of that pink bunny for me." He paged through the spell book until he found the perfect spell. "Yes, this will do nicely. No one can defeat the deadly Jerry Lamiums. But where should I put them? I know! The valley beyond the woods will be perfect. They'll never suspect a thing until it's too late!" He grabbed a jar from a shelf near the crystal ball. He poured its contents into his hand and blew them into the crystal ball. The valley was sprinkled with seeds. As each one landed, it sprouted into a beautiful flower. The trap had been set. The next morning was a welcome sight to the sleepy group. They had spent most of the night trying to keep Cowardly Rabbit calm. He'd been a basket case, jumping at every sound. They had finally gotten him to settle down just before dawn. Babs slowly opened her eyes. She gazed around at her still sleeping friends. Toto was curled up under a nearby tree. From the sounds he was making, Babs guessed he was having a very happy dream. Scareduck, who slept about ten feet from Babs, was obviously fighting a loosing battle with the crows again. The purple lump near Babs snored lightly. Between Babs and Tin Skunkette lay Cowardly Rabbit. They'd had an awful time calming him down. He was right, he did scare easily. He'd gone flying into the trees when a falling branch brushed against his shoulder. It had taken an hour to coax the rabbit back down. Finally, Babs and Scareduck had held Cowardly Rabbit down while Tin Skunkette had given him a nosefull of spray. That had knocked him out pretty quickly. Not to mention, nearly knocking Babs and Scareduck for a loop. Babs gazed lovingly at Cowardly Rabbit. He looked quite handsome laying there, almost like an angel. She wished she could touch his long, soft looking ears but was afraid he might panic again. So she just settled for gazing at the way the sun played off his cute pink nose and brilliantly white cheeks. The purple lump on the other side of Cowardly Rabbit stirred bringing Babs out of her daydream. The lump fell aside and Tin Skunkette sat up groggily. "Must be nice to have a tail that doubles as a blanket," said Babs. Tin Skunkette grinned sleepily at Babs. She looked around at the still sleeping toons, "Ah suppose we will 'ave to, 'ow vous say, get zem to rise and shine?' Babs looked at Cowardly Rabbit, "I know a quick way to do it. That is, if he's not still unconscious." Tin Skunkette shook her head. Both girls stood up, ready to back up quickly. Babs gently reached down and tapped Cowardly Rabbit's shoulder. "AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGH!" he yelped, tearing up a tree trunk leaving a line of smoke behind him. "I just can't help myself," Babs giggled. Scareduck and Toto jumped up in shock. "Nice going you two," said Scareduck glaring at Babs and Tin Skunkette, "Now it'll take another hour just to get him down." "No it won't," said Toto walking over to the tree. He tore it out of the ground and gave it a fierce shake. Cowardly Rabbit fell out landing hard on the ground. Toto put the tree back. "W- who d-d- did that?" asked the shaking rabbit. Everyone pointed to Babs. "I...just can't help myself?" she tried jokingly. Cowardly Rabbit was not amused. He glared at her angrily. Babs changed the subject, "Are we anywhere near the Emerald City?" "Once we get out of these woods, we'll be close enough to see the city," answered Scareduck. "Zen, what are we waiting for?" asked Tin Skunkette. The five toons hurried along the yellow brick road unaware of the danger that awaited them. By the time they got out of the woods, Babs thought she'd have to rest again. "Not now you can't! Look, we're almost there," said Cowardly Rabbit. A gorgeous valley lay before them. It sparkled with bright red, pink and white flowers. At the center of the valley stood the most beautiful green castle like city they'd ever seen. "Wow! No wonder the Wizard lives here," said Scareduck. Babs noticed the flowers in front of her. She bent down to pick one. "NO!" cried Tin Skunkette pulling Babs back. "Why not?" Babs asked. "Because zose are zee dangerooz Jerry-Lamiums. Zey use zer vines to capture victims. Zen zey tell awful jokes until zee victim is unconscious. Zen zey squeeze zee victim to death," explained Tin Skunkette. Babs shook her head in disbelief, "That's impossible. They're just flowers. They can't hurt us." She bent down to pick the flower again. Just as she was about to touch it, the flower turned around. In it was the most terrifying face known to toons. "Hello nice LADY!" it cried with a ridiculous grin. Immediately, other flowers turned around. In them, was the same horrible face. "Oh boy! Another audience for us to have," grinned one. "FROINLAYVEN!" cried another. The five toons screeched in terror and turned to run, but they never got the chance. Vines gripped their feet, pulling them backwards. Even Toto was no match for the vines' iron grip. One of the flowers managed to bind up Tin Skunkette and was bringing her in for the kill. Just as it was about to start the jokes, it caught an awful odor. "Hoyle!" it yelped dropping the skunk, "Boy that's one bad odor!" It promptly shrank back into seed form and wiggled its way into the dirt and disappeared. Tin Skunkette was shocked. She didn't know whether to be upset about the flower's reaction or (for once in her life) to be glad that she was a skunk. Her friends' cries snapped her back to her senses. She rushed over to Toto, who seemed to be suffering the worst. She tapped the Jerry-Lamium on its head. "Excuse moi, Monsieur, but Ah do not zink vous want to `urt mon friend," Without a word, the Jerry-Lamium stretched a vine out toward her. She grinned at the flower and wrapped her long purple tail around it. Toto was instantly dropped as the flower literally melted to the ground. All that remained was a green and white puddle. Tin Skunkette whispered something to Toto. He nodded. Plugging his nose with one hand, he lifted Tin Skunkette high over his head with the other. "Duck and covair!" she cried aiming her tail like a machine gun. Babs, Scareduck and Cowardly Rabbit knew what was coming and quickly plugged their noses. Fortunately, the Jerry- Lamiums didn't. As the scent hit them, they dropped the toons. “I’m outta here; it smells like poo-gas!” yelped one, dropping Cowardly Rabbit flat on his head. A few of the Jerry-Lamiums melted. Some shrank back into seed form. Most of them just keeled over. When the smell finally lifted, the toons gathered around Tin Skunkette. "That was great!" said Babs. "I wish I'd thought of that," said Scareduck. "Wow, that was really brave!" added Cowardly Rabbit, trying to avoid the little birds flying around his lumpy head. Tin Skunkette blushed, "Thank vous. Now let's go see zee Wizard!" she said. From the crystal, a very unamused Hooded Figure watched the toons approach the Emerald City. "Curses!" he shouted slamming his fist on the wall. Then he yelped in pain as a huge fist came out of the wall and pounded him on the head. When he regained consciousness, he returned to the crystal ball. 'Now what will I do?' He thought while rubbing his aching head. Back in the Emerald City, the toons were having problems of their own. "What do you mean 'No Tourists Today'?" demanded Scareduck. "Hey look, pal. I don't make the rules, just enforce 'em," said the old squirrel guard. "But, we've come a very long way to see zee Wizard," protested Tin Skunkette. "So? What do ya want me to do about it? Now go away before I shove some dynamite down yer throats," With that she slammed the door in their faces. "What we have here, is a failure to communicate," Babs said. She thought for a moment. Suddenly, she got an idea. She whispered her plan to the others. The group backed up to the edge of the stairs. "Is that Brad Pitt?" Babs called loudly. "Eet eez! Eet eez! Le swoon!" cried Tin Skunkette. The door opened a bit and an excited Slappy stuck her head out, "Where? Where is he?" "GO!" yelled Babs. She, Tin Skunkette and Cowardly Rabbit picked up Scareduck and used him to ram the door open. Slappy was knocked backwards. She sat up abit dazed, "Did anyone get the number of that truck? I wanna blow it up." With that, she plopped back down. "Ok, we're in. Now what do we do?" asked Cowardly Rabbit. "For starters, you can put me down," scowled Scareduck. He was immediately dropped. "Thanks a lot." "Hey, look," said Cowardly Rabbit pointing, "We can ask over there where to find the Wizard." "How do you know that?" asked Babs. "Oh, just call it a hunch," said Cowardly Rabbit motioning toward the sign that said, "Ask here About the Wizard." Below it sat a very bored looking Merrie Melody. "Excuse us, where can we find the Wizard?" Babs asked. Without a word, Merrie pointed to an archway about twenty feet away. Above the archway, a sign read, "Wizard in Here." Scareduck muttered, "Gee, that bit was pointless." "Hey, a cameo is a cameo is another paycheck," quipped Cowardly Rabbit. As the toons approached the archway, another guard blocked their path. This one was a small green bird with a pink umbrella in his head. "We're here to see the Wizard," Babs told the guard. "So what else is new," said the guard, "Didn't the other guard tell you that we're not taking visitors today?" "Well, we sort of convinced her to change her mind," said Scareduck. The dodo sighed," Ok, wait here." He disappeared down the hall. "Ah can not believe it. Ah am finally going to 'ave my very own 'eart," said Tin Skunkette. "And I'll finally be able to look myself in the mirror," said Cowardly Rabbit. "I'm going to be brilliant! Maybe even a super genius," added Scareduck. "And I'll finally be able to go home," said Babs, "Everyone's probably worried about me. Besides, I still owe Max for shoving me in the first place." Soon the dodo returned, but he didn't look happy, "I don't think you want to go in there. The Wizard is not happy." "Not happy?" echoed Cowardly Rabbit, "I don't think I want to go in there if he's (gulp) not happy." "Too bad," scowled the pink bunny, "I did not come all this way just to be sent away by a magician with a mood swing." She glared the dodo right in the eye. "I want to go home. NOW LET US IN! " The guard reacted surprisingly calm. He shrugged," It's your funeral." And stepped aside. The toons walked down the hallway cautiously. After all she'd been through, Babs didn't know what to expect from the Wizard. Scareduck was trying to imagine how life with a brain was going to be. (Not having a brain makes it hard to imagine anything.) Tin Skunkette was doing her best to contain her joy. Cowardly Rabbit was having second thoughts about talking to the Wizard at all. Finally, they found themselves in a large, dimly lit room. In front of them, stood a stairway. Three candles on either side of the stairway shone the way to a massive robotic head. The eyes were tightly shut. A disapproving frown was on the face. Not knowing what else to do, the toons whispered among themselves. "That guard was right, he doesn't look happy," whispered Cowardly Rabbit. "Oui, Ah'm not sure Ah want an 'eart zat bad," added Tin Skunkette. "No way! We did not come all this way to back out now," hissed Babs. "I can!" With that, Cowardly Rabbit tried to run but Babs grabbed his sweater. She turned him around, "You want that courage don't you?" "N- not that bad. I'm too scared to ask him for it," he tried again to leave, but Babs held tight. She grinned, "Don't worry, I'll ask for you." This seemed to calm him down. "Great idea, Babs," said Scareduck. "Oui, vous can ask for all of us," said Tin Skunkette. "What? No, that's not what I meant," Babs protested. "You were the one who wanted to see the Wizard. You were the one who invited us along. You were the one who got us here. So YOU should be the one to talk to the Wizard," said Scareduck pushing Babs forward. Babs took a gulp and spoke, "Um, excuse me...Mr.Wizard, sir...I, I'm Babs Bunny. Maybe you've heard of me, star of Tiny Toon Adventures(TM) Anyway, my friends and I have come to ask for your help." Smoke rose up around the head. A loud sigh came from inside it. It opened its eyes. Two green beams shot out from them. They both settled on Babs. "So," the head began in a booming voice, "More visitors here to ask for my help. What is YOUR meek request? SPEAK or get lost." Babs did her best to control her fear, "Well, um, you see sir, A tornado brought me here and Gloonda, the Good Psychic of the North, told me you could help me get back to Acme Acres. And, my friends have their own requests." She reached out and pulled Scareduck forward. "You tell him," she hissed and rushed back to the group. "I, um, I um...I need a brain," Scareduck spat out and stepped back quickly. Tin Skunkette was next, "Ah would very much like to 'ave an 'eart of moi very own." Cowardly Rabbit was pushed forward. He shook terribly. His fur stood on end. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn't say a thing. "WELL??" demanded the head impatiently. The blue bunny fainted. His friends rushed to his side. "How could you?" Babs snapped at the head, "He's here for help, not shock therapy! All he wants is courage. But no, you had to scare him even more than he already was!" "Silence!" roared the head, "I have decided to grant your requests." At this all the toons, including Cowardly Rabbit, perked up. "Provided, that you grant MY request first," the head finished. "What??" cried the group in unison. "Bring me the crystal ball of the wicked Hooded Figure, THEN I will grant your requests. You will find him in the castle in the haunted forest. Now GO!" the head shut its eyes leaving the five toons in that same dim light that they had entered in. Scareduck looked up at the silent head, "Couldn't we just take an IOU?" Those glowing eyes reopened half way. A vicious roar came from the lips. The toons were blown back down the hallway by the force of the roar's wind. They landed in a heap in front of the archway. "Doesn't anybody know how to use a simple `no' anymore? Sheesh!" said Scareduck. Back in the dark part of Oz, the Hooded Figure could barely control his delight. 'Oh, this is just too perfect!' He thought. 'I was worried about trying to catch that bunny, and that stupid Wizard has sent her right to me! Now, who shall I send to greet my visitors?' He glanced over at a cell door marked, "Danger! Beware of Prisoner." "Hmmm," he said walking over to the cell and peering in, "Yes I think you'll do nicely. How would you like to come out and play sweetheart?" Five nervous toons entered the haunted forest. They were armed with nets and ropes. Soon they began to notice signs scattered along the path. "Turn Back Now" "Can't cha read, I said GET LOST!" "Ok, you've been warned" "It's your funeral pal." "Gee, I'm getting the funny feeling we're not wanted here," said Cowardly Rabbit. "Someone's just trying to scare us," said Babs. "I think it's working," gulped Cowardly Rabbit. Just then, an owl hooted, scaring Cowardly Rabbit out of his wits! He jumped into the air, did a 180' turn, and took off back down the path. Scareduck reached out and dragged Cowardly Rabbit back to the group. "Have some courage, will ya! What are you, a man or a mouse?" scolded Scareduck. "Neither," said Cowardly Rabbit, matter of factly, "I'm a rabbit." "Ok, cut the comedy. I'd like to get back home this century," snapped Babs. Suddenly, Cowardly Rabbit stopped again. "Now what?" demanded Scareduck. "I'm stuck," said Cowardly Rabbit. "Mon dieu! Moi too!" said Tin Skunkette trying to move her feet. Babs, Scareduck and Toto realized that they were stuck too and sinking! "Quicksand!" cried Scareduck, "We've got to get out of here or we're done for!" "He, he, he, I'll help you ducky wucky," said a voice that turned the toons cold with fear. They looked up slowly to see the face that struck terror in the heart of every furry toon...Elmyra! "Y, you're the hooded figure?" Babs squeaked. Elmyra shook her head, "No, I just work for him. Mr. Ugly Evil Head Man lets me play with all the cute, fuzzy wuzzies he catches.” She began edging towards a shaking Babs. “And right now, he wants me to bring the pink bunny wunny. Maybe he’ll even let me play with her later, hee hee hee," she said, grinning evilly. She looked longingly at Cowardly Rabbit. Here was her one big chance to finally have that blue hippity-hop. His friends would never be able to save him. But no, the master wanted the pink bunny and she had to obey. "Consider yourself lucky, Mr. snuggle bunny that, the master wants Babsie wabsy for now," With that, she grabbed Babs and took off for the castle. "Babs!" cried Cowardly Rabbit struggling to get free of the quicksand. "Stop wiggling. You'll only sink faster," said Scareduck. "But we've got to save her," said Cowardly Rabbit. Scareduck thought for a moment. He looked around and saw a low hanging branch. He turned to Tin Skunkette. "Can you grab things with your tail?" he asked. She nodded. "Good. Toto, reach over and pick up Tin Skunkette. Hold her up as high as you can so she can grab the branch. Then we'll all grab on to you, climb up on the branch and pull you out," Scareduck instructed. Toto did as he was told. He picked up the purple skunk and lifted her up as high as he could. She reached out her tail and just barely managed to get ahold of the branch. "Vous will 'ave to 'urry. Ah cannot 'old zis for long," she called. Moving quickly, Scareduck and Cowardly Rabbit wiggled their way over to Toto. They climbed as fast as they could. Tin Skunkette yelped in pain as her tail became strained under the weight. Just as she felt herself slipping off the branch, she was grabbed by Cowardly Rabbit and pulled to safety. All three toons grabbed Toto and swung him out of the quicksand. "Phew!" said Tin Skunkette," Ah thought zat Ah was a goner." "We all did," said Scareduck. "Celebrate later. We have to save Babs," said Cowardly Rabbit. He started along the path Elmyra had taken. "For the last time, are you going to give me those slippers, or do I have to do it the hard way?" barked the Hooded Figure. He was growing impatient with the pink bunny. "And for the last time, NO!" said Babs. "Then you leave me no choice," said the Hooded Figure. "I'm going to have those slippers one way or another." "Over my dead body!" snapped Babs. "That's precisely what I was thinking," replied the Hooded Figure grinning evilly. He grabbed Babs and dragged her over to the cell door. He opened it and tossed her in. "Now," he snarled, "We'll see how cooperative you are after spending some time in there." He slammed the door shut and locked it. Babs just sat there with her arms folded across her chest. 'Ha!' She thought smugly. 'If he thinks being in here will scare me...' "Oh boy! I get a cute little bunny head to snuggle and cuddle and squeeze to death after all!" cried Elmyra springing out from nowhere. Babs took one look at Elmyra and turned aside, "Oh yeah, I'm going to get you for this one, you hack writer." She jumped up and ran to the door, screaming all the way. She pounded; pulled; rammed into and even tried scratching at the door. It was no good, she was trapped. "Don't worry, Miss Hippity-Hop, I won't hurt you, much," said Elmyra closing in on Babs. Just as Elmyra was about to grab her, Babs slipped through Elmyra's legs and took off up the wall. Of course, being a toon herself, Elmyra followed Babs. The two raced around the room leaving little smoke trails behind them. Meanwhile, the other toons were having problems of their own. They sat on a cliff overlooking the castle. "Look at all zose guards 'ow will we get Babs out of zere?" asked Tin Skunkette. "I'll get her out," growled Cowardly Rabbit, "Even if I have to face each and every one of those guards AND the Hooded Figure to do it too!" "Hold it rabbit, there's a better way," said Scareduck. The other toons leaned in to hear Scareduck's plan. They snuck down the cliff and hid behind some rocks until a few of the guards passed. Toto jumped up, grabbed four of the guards and pulled them behind the rocks. Sounds of a struggle could be heard. A few minutes later, the guards reappeared and hurried to get back in line. One had a long purple tail behind him. They marched into the castle and managed to separate from the rest of the guards. "Now where do we go? I'm not going to trust that duck's directions again." asked Toto looking at Scareduck. Cowardly Rabbit strained his ears in different directions. He was listening for anything that might sound like Babs. He pointed down a gothic looking hallway. "That way," he said. The others followed him through the hall and up some winding stairs. At the top, they found a large wooden door. "She's in there," said Cowardly Rabbit. Scareduck tried the handle. "It's locked!" he said. Toto shoved Scareduck aside. He cracked his knuckles and grabbed the door. A loud creaking sound was heard as Toto pulled the door right off the hinges. He threw the door away and wiped off his hands with a satisfied look on his face. The group looked into the room. It was filled with shelves of books and bottles of different colored liquids. In the center of the room was a large crystal ball. On the other side of the room was a cell door with a sign that said, "Beware of Prisoner." Cowardly Rabbit rushed over to the cell door. "Babs?" he called. "Yes! Yes, I'm in here! GET ME OUT!" came the bunny's reply. The group looked at Toto again. He only shrugged and shook his head. "I can't pull out a steel door," he said sadly. "But, we 'ave to get 'er out of zere somehow," said Tin Skunkette. "Can anybody pick a lock?" asked Scareduck, looking at the lock. Tin Skunkette held up a pin," Ah know Ah'm not a bunny, but will zis 'are pin of mine do zee trick?" "Good enough," answered Cowardly Rabbit taking the pin and shoving it in the lock. He wiggled it around abit until the lock came loose. He didn't get a chance to open the door, for it flew open and Babs ran out and jumped into Toto's arms. "Save me! Help me! Save me!" she cried. Cowardly Rabbit pushed back the door and peeled himself off the wall. "From who?" he asked Babs. She didn't answer but pointed to the cell. Tin Skunkette and Cowardly Rabbit peered in. "Hi stinky kitty and blue cuddly-wuddly," grinned Elmyra, waving. The two toons screeched. Cowardly Rabbit slammed the door shut while Tin Skunkette relocked it. Toto set Babs down. "Thanks for getting me out of there," she said, "Look! There's the crystal ball the Wizard wanted. Let's get it and get out of here." The toons picked up the crystal ball and hurried back down the stairs. They made their way back down the hallways only to find a surprise waiting for them blocking the front door. "Greetings friends," said the Hooded Figure, "Now you weren't going to just steal and run were you?" The group of guards behind him snarled menacingly. "Who us? No, we were just...um...RUN!" yelped Babs. The toons ran back down the hallway followed by the Hooded Figure and his guards. They tore through the castle winding through halls; running up stairs and bashing through doors until there was no place else to run. The toons found themselves trapped out on a balcony overlooking a very deep canyon. "Well, well, well. Looks like I may kill five toons with one blow," chuckled the Hooded Figure. "Oh no you won't!" cried Babs. She did another spin- change and reappeared dressed in a firemen's outfit, carrying a hose. She aimed at the Hooded Figure and doused him with water. To her surprise, he just laughed! "Ha ha ha! Do you really think you can get rid of me that easily? I've read that story too, pinky. You're going to have to do better than that." With that he pulled back his hood revealing a purple head with two bright yellow glowing eyes. A long purple and white tail slipped out from under his robe. "Alex? Alex Redolence? But, but why?" squeaked Babs. "Hey, even a guardian has to have a hobby," Alex answered. Meanwhile, Tin Skunkette was beginning to act very strangely. Her eyes turned into little hearts. Her tail began to ring until her whole body shook with the sound. Finally she cried out," A boy skunk HUNK!!" and she dove at Alex. "NO!" he protested completely surprised. But it was too late. Tin Skunkette had already twisted herself around him and was planting kisses all over his face and head. Suddenly a spark sent her flying. She would've fallen to her death had Toto not caught her in time. The group watched Alex with shock. His head was spinning out of control. Sparks flew every which way. Finally, he exploded with a loud KA-BOOM! When the smoke cleared, the toons looked at the now headless and smoking Alex. Two mice were climbing out of the neck, coughing on the smoke as they did. "POIT! Naaarf! That was fun, Brain! Can we do it again?" asked one of them. "Quiet Pinky or I shall have to hurt you," snapped the Brain. "Pinky and the Brain? What are you two doing here?" asked Babs amazed. "We realized that we could never take over the real world. So we came to Oz. Once we had control here, we could dominate people's dreams and there-by take over both worlds! But, thanks to that hormonally-driven polecat, we've been foiled again," said the Brain, "Come, Pinky, we have work to do." "Are we going to find another way to take over the world? NARF," asked Pinky. "No, Pinky, I want to check up on my life insurance. A few more cameos like this and I'll never live to see my retirement," answered the Brain. As the two mice walked off, the group of guards bunched together and sang, "They're dinky. They're Pinky and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain!" "Now that we've taken care of that, let's get this crystal ball back to the Wizard," said Scareduck. The toons entered the dimly lit room more confidently this time. They had done their part, now it was the Wizard's turn. The robotic head was silent as it had been the last time they'd come in. "Yoo-Hoo! Hello, it's us. We brought you the crystal ball. Now it's your turn," Babs called out. The head slowly stirred to life. "So, you've come back in one piece," it said. The toons nodded. "We did what you wanted, now you have to pay up," said Scareduck. "Of course, I said I'd grant your requests and I will...tomorrow," answered the head. "WHAT?" cried the group shocked. "That's not fair!" said Babs. "You gave us your word!" said Cowardly Rabbit angrily. "Ah want zee `eart you promised!" yelled Tin Skunkette. "You can't cheat us like that," snapped Scareduck. "SILENCE!" roared the head, "You should be grateful that I'm going to grant your wishes tomorrow, instead of next week!" As the Wizard spoke, Toto happened to look over at a wall and see a curtain. He tapped Babs and pointed. She nodded and motioned to the other toons. They moved over to the curtain. Toto pulled it aside. "Why, if I wanted to, I could make youse wait `til next ye'r. I could ...uh-oh," said the "Wizard" as he was spun around and faced with five angry and surprised faces. "Bugs Bunny?" asked the group. "Ya was expectin' maybe Wile E. Coyote?" said the gray rabbit taking out a carrot. "Right now I wouldn't have been surprised if you'd been Kevin Costner," said a weary Babs. All eyes turned toward the door for the obvious joke that was coming. But since this author likes Kevin Costner, he didn't appear. "Anyway," said Babs trying to get back on track, "Now what do we do?" "Yeah," said Tin Skunkette, "Ah still want my `eart!" "And I want my brains! You promised," begged Scareduck. "Ac'ually, youse guys don't need my help. Ya've got dose t'ings already," Bugs replied. "Huh?" "We do?" "He's right," said Babs, "Scareduck, without your quick thinking, we wouldn't be here right now. Tin Skunkette, if you hadn't fallen for that robot skunk, we'd be dead now. And Cowardly Rabbit, without your bravery, I'd be one of Elmyra's has- been pets." "Yeah, that's true," said Scareduck, "But, I still don't have a brain." "Well, bein' a duck, dere ain't much I can do for ya kid. But maybe dis'll help," Bugs reached into a body pocket and pulled out a sack. He reached into it and pulled out a paper tied with a ribbon. "Yer biggest problem is confidence. Ya don't t'ink yer smart, so ya don't act it. Here, dis diploma will at least give ya da confidence ya need to feel smart." "And moi? Do vous 'ave an 'eart in zere for moi?" asked Tin Skunkette. "Well, little lady, I'm afraid I don't have a real heart to give yas. Ya don't know how lucky ya are not to have one. Dey can be broken very easily," Bugs answered. "But, Ah would still like to 'ave one of my own," said the purple skunkette. Bugs reached into the sack again, "Well, like I said, I don't have a real one to give ya, but maybe dis one will woik just as well." He handed her a little heart shaped clock. "Oh!" she cried, "Eet ticks! Tres marvelous!" "And me? Is there anything in that sack that can help me?" asked Cowardly Rabbit. "Eh, not courage, no. Courage doesn't come from a bag, kid, it comes from in youse. But, to help remind ya dat ya really are courageous, here's a medal of bravery." Bugs pinned the medal on Cowardly Rabbit's sweater. He looked down at it happily. "Look! It says courage! Ain't it the truth," grinned the blue bunny, "Wait, what about Babs?" "Oui, Babs next," agreed Tin Skunkette. "Yeah, you promised Babs too," said Scareduck. "Somehow I don't think there's anything in there that can get me home," said Babs sadly. Bugs had to agree. "Well, dere is one way. I did put away some insurance in case t'ings got a little too hairy (no pun intended) around here." Bugs led the way to a small door near the robotic head. He opened it and out fell an ACME Instant Blow Up Hot Air Balloon. "In dis t'ing, you and me'll fly back to Acme Acres," Bugs told the pink bunny. She grinned. "Really? Oh, thank you, Bugs! It'll be great to see home again!" A few hours later, everyone was gathered around the hot air balloon. It had been blown up and was ready to go. Babs was just saying good-bye to her friends while Bugs waited in the balloon. She hugged Scareduck, "Good-bye Scareduck. I'm sorry I wasn't nicer to you. I hope you enjoy your new life as Advisor In Chief of Oz." "Thanks to you, Babs. I'll try to be the best advisor I can. With my brains, it'll be a snap," said Scareduck. Babs turned to Bugs, "I think you fixed his confidence problem alittle too well." Next she gave Tin Skunkette a quick hug, "Good-bye Tin Skunkette. You're the most emotional skunk I know." Tin Skunkette sniffled, "Bye, Babs. Now, Ah know Ah 'ave an 'eart, because eet's breaking." She had to turn away quickly before she started crying. Last, Babs looked at Cowardly Rabbit, "I think I'm going to miss you most of all, Cowardly Rabbit. I'm glad that you've found your bravery, but I'm actually going to miss the way you always jumped at every sound." "If it weren't for you, Babs, I still might be that way," said Cowardly Rabbit. He held up a mirror to show his reflection, "Look, I'm not afraid." Babs managed a chuckle. The two bunnies hugged each other tightly. While they did, Toto was looking at the balloon. "What does das do?" he asked fingering a cord. Before Bugs could stop him, Toto pulled the cord. Instantly, the weights dropped off the balloon and it began to rise. Babs ran after it horrified, "Wait, don't leave yet! Wait for me!" "I can't! I don't know how it woiks," called Bugs lifting up higher. "Didn't you read the directions?" demanded Babs. "Dey was in Spanish and Speedy Gonzalas is out of town!" was the only thing Bugs could yell in time. He was carried off into the distance. Babs and the others watched him go. Babs didn't know what to do. Her last hope of ever seeing Acme Acres had been carried off with Bugs. She felt like crying but she didn't want the others to see her cry. Sensing how she felt, Cowardly Rabbit put an arm around her. Babs looked at her friends, "I didn't't really want to go back anyway. I, um, could be an only child this way. My siblings will never be able to bother me again. I won't have to worry about school again. Or performing...or seeing my family..." She trailed off as her voice began to crack with emotion. "HEY! Maybe whoever that is can help you, Babs," Scareduck said pointing. Babs looked up. It was Gloonda floating towards them in her pink bubble of light. She slowly floated up to Babs and formed. "Hi Babs. Did you see the Wizard?" she asked brightly. Babs could only nod. Tin Skunkette answered for her, "Le Wizard accidentally flew off without 'er. Is zere anysing vous could do to 'elp 'er?" Gloonda looked at Tin Skunkette, "Like, she didn't need any help to begin with." Babs ears perked up. "I didn't?" she asked. Gloonda shook her head, "You could've totally gone home any time you wanted to. If you had waited a few minutes instead of totally rushing off to the Emerald City, I would've told you that." "I what? Really" Babs was getting hopeful again. "Well, tell me now then!" "Like, the slippers. They have the power to send you home any time at all. And no, not Toto too, er some junk," said Gloonda. Babs smacked her head. "Now why didn't I think of that?" She quickly hugged each of her new friends again. Even though she'd only known them alittle while, she felt like she'd known them her entire life. Babs turned back to Gloonda, "Ok, I'm ready now. What do I do," "Like, click your heels together three times and say there's no place like home," instructed Gloonda. Babs did as she was told. She shut her eyes tightly, clicked her heels together three times and thought, 'There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There really is no place like my home!' "Babs? Babs, wake up," someone called to her. Babs groggily opened her eyes. "Wha? Who? Where am I?" she asked. Buster was leaning over her with Plucky, Shirley, Hamton, Fifi and Bugs looking over his shoulder. "You got knocked out," Buster explained as Babs tried to sit up," No don't. You got a bad bump from that jar. I thought you'd left me for a moment there," he said smiling. "But I did leave you, Buster, that was just the trouble. And you were there...and you (she pointed at Shirley.) and you (Fifi) and you (Plucky) and, and even you were there!" Bugs looked abit shocked as she pointed at him, "Eh, I t'ink ya got clunked a lil’ too hard dere, Babs. Maybe we should getcha a doctor." Babs was beginning to come back to her senses, "Good idea, Bugs. But I'm not going to need the doctor, Monty will." Buster grinned. Babs was indeed going to be all right. He helped her up and stepped back, unsure of what she was going to do. Babs looked around. They were still in the recital hall. Some toons were talking. Others were sitting quietly. Some were even sleeping. "Is the tornado still going on?" Babs asked. "Non," replied Fifi, "Zankfully, eet eez passed. We are still down 'ere waiting for zee clean up crews to pick up zee broken glass from zee windows. Zat is all zat was broken. Zee tornado just missed Acme Acres, zank goodness!" Babs grinned slyly, "That's what Monty thinks. Where is he?" Shirley pointed, "Over in the corner trying to get rid of Elmyra." Babs walked in the direction Shirley had pointed. Monty was there alright, and Elmyra was trying to get him in one of her famous "death locks." "Back off you red haired reject form a bad horror flick! You know I hate being hugged like that," Monty told Elmyra. "But Monty-wonty-face, that's not what you said last night. Now come and give me a great big huggie-poo...Oh hi Babsie- wabsy head," chirped Elmyra noticing Babs coming toward them. "Uh, hi Elmyra. Could I borrow Monty for a second?" Babs asked remembering to stay out of Elmyra's reach. "Sure, but only for a minute. My snuggle-poo and I were just getting comfy-wumfy," replied Elmyra pushing Monty at Babs. "What do you want, rabbit?" snapped Monty. "Oh, well I'm afraid I have some bad news for you, Monty. You see, that tornado didn't miss Acme Acres completely. It hit just one house," Babs paused for a dramatic affect. "You don't mean..." Monty's voice trailed off. Babs nodded. "Yup, afraid so," she said sadly. "MY HOUSE!" screamed Monty, "MY MONEY!!! NOOOOOOO!" He nearly went hysterical. He crashed right through the recital hall door and could be heard flying up the stairs. Babs snickered, "I'm just too good for my own good." EPILOUGUE Buster did have a talk with the writer about her casting choices. When she threatened to do a Tiny Toon version of Speed, airplane style, he decided that this role hadn't been so bad after all. Since the author is not a toon, there really isn't much Babs could do to get even with her for the Elmyra bit. But she did mention something about writing her own fanfic starring some of the authors of TTA fandom. Well, I hope you liked this story. I'd love to hear from you on it. Email me at lbunny@wingsisp.com. Even if you didn't like it, I'd like to know. Just have a reason though, ok. Special thanks to; Michael Kraft (mkraft@writeme.com) Kevin (HKUriah3@aol.com) and KeV (KeV@faboo.demon.co.uk) for editing. Alex Redolence is owned by Jeremy J. Jurrens (jjurrens@iastate.edu) He can be found in "The Legend of the Deed to Acme Acres." Alex used with permission. All Tiny Toons and Looney Tunes characters are owned and copyright @ 1997 by Warner Bros., Inc. A Time Warner Company, all rights reserved. END TAG: Lil’ Sneezer pops up... “And, that’s...that’s...tha.. a, a, a, AAAAAAAACCCHHOOOOOOO!!!!! Bless me, (sniff) I’m ‘lergic to endings. teehee.” IRIS OUT