The Comeback King

[The Count]

Hmmm... Dunno. Like I said, haven't watched it yet though it's in my library. Maybe we can get Steve to review it on his MuppetCast.

 

[RedPiggy]

One more left to go...

Chapter 9: We Really Don’t Like Our Feelings Hurt

Mizumi’s carriage arrived shortly before noon to the Gorg property. She leapt out, her silver gown slightly more blue than her hair. She rushed to the Gorg castle … met by Junior Gorg, who wore a purple robe … and a royal crown. He brandished a golden scepter decorated with scenes from Gorgous the Great’s life, topped with a black crystal orb. His brow was furrowed … his voice sure. “You are invading the Great Kingdom of da Gorgs,” he bellowed sternly. “Weturn to your home or I will slay you!”

Mizumi cursed silently to herself. Somehow, some way … the oaf was king again. By the looks of the scepter … Jareth had a hand in this. Mizumi, however, would not be turned away so easily. She fumed. “My daughter was killed on your property, Gorg!” she screamed. “I demand restitution – you will permit my entry into Fraggle Rock!”

“Weally?” Junior asked, his serious tone suddenly turning into innocence. “Uh, yo-uh daughtuh was thumped?” He waved to the surrounding area. “Here?” He shrugged, his voice a bit more casual. “I didn’t do it!”

She glared at an opponent easily more than thrice her size. “You, Your ‘Majesty’, are responsible for my pain! I demand you let me enter!”

The King of the Gorgs stared at his scepter, nodding slightly. He glanced back down at the queen with the ever-reddening face. He tried to sound “royal” again. “Not only was your daughter here to hurt wesidents of my domain,” he began, “but it was a citizen of yo-uh own countwy who thumped her! Now begone … and come here no more!”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Cantus, the Minstrel, peered hesitantly out of the hole that led to the Gorg’s garden. The time had come, he knew. He saw a powerful sorceress threaten the Gorg King. Cantus felt a nearly exhausted presence behind him. Without turning, he whispered, “Is everyone out of the Rock?”

A higher-pitched version of his voice with a certain tenseness lacking in the Minstrel responded, “Yes, except for Mokey … she said she found a cave far out into the Rock, closer to the Cave.” He took a few breaths. “She swears it will work.”

Cantus nodded. “Mokey … and the Song that sings for her … listen well to the Song of the Rock. If they say it will work … it will.” Cantus turned, placing an arm on the other Fraggle’s shoulder. The other Fraggle had gray skin, a messy tangle of black hair, a short black mustache, and a dark purple jacket over a black shirt with a white collar. He seemed a little cross-eyed.

The other Fraggle wiggled his nose. “Do you think this will work? I’ve never sung without them before.”

Cantus smiled warmly. “John, you want them to be safe, don’t you?”

“Well, yeah.”

Cantus patted Convincing John on the shoulder. “As long as this creature has few targets….”

“You mean ‘us’….”

Cantus nodded and continued, “… then we need not fear for the safety of the Rock. The other Minstrels are with the others in Outer Space. This is the only way we can protect our home.”

John snorted in amusement. “Are you trying to convince you or me?”

They both smiled and turned back to the hole, where the sorceress was still arguing with the Gorg King.

“She looks pretty powerful,” John noted.

“Mm,” Cantus replied, nodding.

John coughed. “How many verses do you think it will take to convince a sorceress like her?”

“Twelve, minimum,” Cantus answered immediately. When John gagged and nearly fainted, a small smirk appeared on Cantus’ face.

John shook his head, sighing, placing his hand on his chest. “Don’t tease me like that!”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mizumi was now just out of Junior’s reach, assuming he didn’t lunge for her. She stretched out her hand. Junior felt a strange sensation, as though he were sweating profusely to the point of collapse. A fine mist traveled from his fur to her palm. Mizumi had not wanted to battle the goblins, for they were stupid but plentiful and obstinate. However, there were just three Gorgs here … and none had experience with a real battle (or so she had heard). Although they were gigantic, Gorgs typically kept to themselves, never venturing far from their territory.

“Daddy,” Junior mumbled as he wobbled back and forth. So, he thought, this was what it felt to be thumped by magic.

Mizumi smiled. This was far too easy…. However, after losing to the Goblin King, after being humiliated, after being rejected for the sake of a mere mortal human … it felt so breathtaking to claim this victory, even if her opponent wasn’t the most powerful in the universe.

The orb atop the scepter turned into a barn owl and flew in circles before taking off away from the castle.

Mizumi stopped her attack on the Gorg King and glared at this sudden development. “Jareth!” she roared. “You will not escape me!” As the bird flew towards the Gorg well, Mizumi became like a fog … a furious fog that rushed toward the well. Within minutes she was atop the edge of the well, returning to her normal form just long enough to see the owl dive far into the caves below, pulling out of the dive slightly to the right. She became like a waterfall and flowed in torrents into the well. She flew past the Fraggle Pond, towards the back of the Great Hall, following the bird intently, without a thought for anything else. Nothing but the echoing splashes could be heard throughout the Rock.

After nearly half an hour of chasing the agile little owl, Mizumi pushed herself to her limits and caught up, turning back into her usual form, clutching the fowl’s thick neck, only to be astonished as it transformed …

… becoming …

… a furry, brown …

… thing.

It smiled, though as shaggy as the fur on its face was, it was hard to tell. “Hi!” it exclaimed cheerfully in a high-pitched grating voice. “Gosh, you’re pretty!” It waved with one hand as it clutched her arm with another. He was roughly three feet tall. His legs dangled above the ground. He reminded her of a really, really shaggy dog with no tail. He grunted as she held him fast against the cave tunnel wall. “Uh … do you want me to be a dog? I’ve never seen one before. What does it look like?”

She dropped him and took a couple steps back. Her face was frozen in shock. “What … are you?” she asked in a whisper.

The creature rubbed its neck and perked up. “I am called Skenfrith, Milady,” he replied with a smile. He pointed at her. “You want it … I become it!” He shrugged, as though anticipating her next reaction to being tricked. “And you can’t hurt me … it was already pointed out to me that everything will turn out alright!”

Mizumi’s tone grew deadly. “Is that so?” she asked, tightening her fists. She had been hoodwinked … again … by the most powerful being she had ever met. She didn’t know whether to eviscerate Jareth or throw him to the ground in a passionate embrace.

A trilling melody made Mizumi gasp. It reminded her of rainfall dropping on metal. She looked to her left. Down a broad tunnel, she saw two small shadows, leaping playfully as the melody continued. Fraggles, she decided silently. The melody stopped, and she heard similar voices laugh.

She walked toward the infuriating sound. “How dare you mock me?” she hissed, forgetting the empathic shape-shifter. “Your allegiance to the Goblin King shall ruin all of you!”

Immediately after her warning, the melody started up again, but segued into a rousing gospel-like melody, which resonated in the tunnels. One of the shadows began to sing frantically:

Now listen to me, honey,
We're laughin' 'cause it's funny,
Because we haven't got anything to lose...

“That’s your opinion!” shouted the livid Queen of Cups. She chased them through tunnel after winding tunnel, the same rousing tune angering her more and more. She nearly overtook them in a large cave filled with multicolored crystals. One was a relatively tall orange-yellow Fraggle with a long robe, while the other was a short gray one with a loud purple jacket. The gray one continued to sing most of the lines, with the other one backing him up:

After all, Queen, you're used to power,
And you're as pretty as a flower,
But you have never before heard our tunes (heard our tunes).
And you can try to snatch us, try to catch us, but now with Cantus,
There's a magic even you cannot deny (not deny),
And we're a hummin' though you're comin' but, you see, our song … just … can't … die! (It lives on!)

As they reached the chorus, the melody slowed a bit, becoming less like a shouting match and more like an actual song:

Yeah! Listen to Convincing John,
And all your troubles will be gone.
I’m gonna tell it, spell it, sell it,
Just for you!

They separated for a moment, dashing among the various crystalline structures, which seemed to glow in sync with the melody. As Mizumi chased them out of the cave, they continued to sing. As they sang, as the music played, she noticed how much brighter and livelier the tunnels were. But it made no difference, she vowed to herself: she would not rest until they were all destroyed, down to the very last leaf of the very last plant.

So, now we're getting closer,
And I make a good composer,
And if it's answers you seek, then you shall find (find).
So follow us to the cave,
Though you may want to rant and rave,
Because you think we're gonna leave you behind (behind)!

The air got mustier as they continued. Mizumi could see flickering lights up ahead.

We have a spell, and we have a smell,
For there wasn't any bath at the hotel,
Therefore we really hope that you don't mind (mind).
The cave is near, the cave is HERE!
Now our destinies are intertwined!

The taller one sang the chorus as they entered a very large cave, nearly barking the words, they were so forceful:

Listen to Convincing John!
And all your troubles will be gone!
He's gonna tell it, spell it, sell it,
Just for you!

Mizumi stopped. The cave was rather large, well over three feet above her own head. Torches hung on the walls, illuminating several drawings, most of a very primitive nature. Many seemed to identify ancient human activities. However, shadows cast by the various rock formations prevented her from seeing the images further along in the cave. In the center of the cave, a light purple Fraggle female sat cross-legged, chanting silently to herself. Mizumi felt drawn to this Fraggle. By now she realized she was being set up. However, what Fraggle magic could harm her? What was this song supposed to accomplish? Was she to dance herself to death? Perhaps it was merely a delay tactic. All this, though, she mused to herself, was awfully … well-thought-out … for a small group of dancing rodents.

She decided to see what the female Fraggle was up to. Unlike her departed daughter, her absorption powers could materialize thoughts, allowing her to know what her opponent knew. The only reason she had ended her attack on the Gorg King was that she discovered he truly did not know about Drumlin’s death. Besides, she admitted to herself reluctantly, she had become hopelessly vindictive. She wanted to punish everyone, everywhere … all for her humiliation. She stretched out her hand, feeling the creature’s thoughts enter her. Strange, she thought: there were two sets of thoughts. Possession? She saw humans and humanoids … and a strange crustacean-like entity bound to a living vehicle … all within the deep reaches of the universe. As she delved deeper into the being’s unconscious … an image of a blue, elegant (and bald) woman appeared. The woman smiled. “Are you certain you wish to continue? I’m not known for being completely pacifistic.”

Mizumi pulled away, amazed at the strength of the mind within the lowly creature. As her mind began to clear of the images, she realized the others were still singing:

Now then, let Mokey go, Queenie,
You don't want to seem a meanie,
She can't answer if you let her choke (choke)!
Put her down and you will succeed,
And you will find you have a need,
To realize this is not some sick joke!

Listen to Convincing John,
And all your troubles will be go-o-one…

Suddenly, the flute’s melody transformed into a more complex melody, one that seemed to lighten the cave somewhat and bring it to life. Flowers began to bloom. The air took on more pleasant smells. Mizumi looked for the Fraggles, who had joined hands, bobbing up and down and humming. An acrid smoke rose from the ground. The Queen of Moraine coughed, her skin irritated by the particles in the air. She lunged toward the trio to stop them from their bizarre ritual … but the smoke became too thick. It threatened to choke her.

After about fifteen very long seconds, Mizumi felt a strong chill in the air. The smoke dissipated. She coughed to expel the last of the smoke from her throat and began searching for the Fraggles, who had disappeared. Perhaps it was a teleportation spell, she mused. They must have hidden themselves further within the cave. No matter … she would hunt them down and kill them slowly, perhaps using the pools in Fraggle Rock to drown them. She heard strange footsteps further down the tunnel where they had entered. She followed the sound and came across a set of small nearly hairless brown creatures with large heads, not even a foot tall. They gasped as they noticed her. Soon, they began chatting among themselves in some meaningless tongue, and motioned for her to follow them.

As she followed the small creatures, a feeling of unease took over her. It was too cold. It was too cold … and … the air didn’t feel right. She clapped her hands loudly to startle the small beings. They glanced at her nervously, stopping dead in their tracks. She told them solemnly, “I am looking for small furry creatures obsessed with singing. Bring me to them, or I will kill you all.” They looked at each other, chattered some more unintelligibly, and motioned for her to follow. They brought her to a large opening, where sunlight was very weak. Clouds covered most of the sky near the horizons. The opening appeared on a high cliff, looking over a sprawling valley. Geysers erupted here and there in various clearings in a forest where the trees were barely thriving. She could hear jazz-like music wafting up from a dying area of the woods. The tiny creatures pointed in that direction, nodding enthusiastically, and dashed back off deep into the cave. No matter, she reflected, for I do not need them.

As she reached the bottom of the cliff, a burst of steam blew her backwards. She screamed and writhed in agony, her skin seared by the high temperatures of the geyser. She struggled to stand, but the pain was immeasurable. Her gown was nearly destroyed, barely hanging off her skin. The clothes burned her skin, so she removed them. Every inch of her made her feel as though she were being boiled alive. She attempted to reach the place where she heard the music. She would make them pay for this.

The cold air was the only benefit to this whole debacle, she thought bitterly to herself. Her skin was bright red and beginning to peel in places. As she neared the source of the music, she could hear some deep gravelly vocals, set to a blues number:

Quicksand … sucked my momma down ….

Mizumi entertained herself with the thought that she was close to getting her revenge. Suddenly, a metal trap beneath her feet snapped shut, bringing the barely ambulatory Queen down with a crash. She cried out in anguish.

“Hm,” stated a very gravelly voice that varied in pitch somewhat, “this one’s rather … uh … unconventional.” A long pause, followed by multiple voices chuckling. “Perhaps this particular species is … evolving at a much faster rate due to adverse environmental pressures.”

Another pause. This time, a deeper, smoother male voice with a bit of an accent and a hint of a hissing quality spoke with bemusement, “Maybe, Crazy Lou. Let’s just get down ta business, shall we, ladies and gentlemen?”

Mizumi, through her squinted and tear-filled eyes, spotted a large hulking shape approaching her … a purple form with a pale yellow underside, small horns emanating from its brows and the side of its triangular head, a black leather jacket … and … and … a long thick tail with four spikes on the end, one of which was broken. Her eyes widened as the pain dulled. She glanced around. There was another creature with pale brown skin, a broad face, tiny round eyeglasses, and the same black leather jacket style. Yet another approached nearby … an athletic creature with green scales, dark sunglasses, and a Mohawk of sorts consisting of long pale green spines. This one spoke, its voice reminiscent of Jareth’s dwarf Hoggle, except that it sounded younger and more intelligent and not nearly as rough on the vocal chords, “She’s not exactly dead yet, guys. Maybe it’s too soon to start ripping off her flesh from her bones.”

The purple one looked up in shock. He shook his head, sighing disgustedly. “We’re not gonna go t’rough dis again, are we, Scooter?” he whined. He glared at the vulnerable humanoid, smirking maliciously, licking his reptilian lips (if they had them at all). “We … can wait.”

 

[The Count]

OMG! What have you gone and done Kelly? Who are these characters? Can you explain? Why am I asking so many questions?
*Bounces... Love the song from Convincing John and Cantus... Skenfedth! Haven't seen that episode. Junior as the king once more... Mokey andZhaan... Oh, please post more!

 

[RedPiggy]

I really liked that Skenfrith episode (though I remember being creeped out by it when I was a kid).

Instead of traveling back to the time of Blundig, Mokey, Cantus, and John have used a very different cave, one used by (very) ancient humans.

In an episode of Dinosaurs entitled, Earl's Discovery (I think), Earl and Roy travel through a forest while playing golf and find a pristine land that the dinosaurs assumed was the end of the world. The cavemen live there with Thighs of Thunder, an adopted saurian girl, who helps Robbie understand what dangers they face if WeSaySo is allowed into their land. I felt that land was magical, though it was never really said to be ... but everything's magic if you see it that way, right? And that is why I let shadows hide the rest of the cave wall, since in the episode, the last painting they work on is a tribute to Robbie and Baby. At any rate, the idea is that it is the only shelter left (that we know of) after WeSaySo blew up all the volcanoes on Pangaea and destroyed saurian society.

Although there are more saurian characters than I talked about, the ones I mentioned are members of the mighty Scavenger Pack (being scavengers, that's why they decide to wait until Mizumi dies on her own before eating her): Crazy Lou (a nerd, even moreso than Robbie Sinclair), Spike (who had defeated his pack and its leader in the episode Leader of the Pack to save the Sinclairs ... and now I assume to be the Leader), and "Scooter", aka Robert Sinclair. Yes, I know Robbie got out of the pack life by the end of the above-mentioned episode. I have left myself a path to another fic, if that's alright with anyone .

And the jazz thing in the woods is sung by Howlin' J's band. Mizumi said she wanted to find singing mammals ... she didn't specify. I wanted Spike to have his favorite band survive the saurian apocalypse.

The little brown creatures Mizumi finds are the "cookie creatures" who live in the wall in the Nuts to War episode. The idea is that they are the common ancestor to Fraggles, Gorgs, and maybe Doozers. They live in a convenient hole in the wall, like Fraggles, appear during a time of much disharmony, like Fraggles, and yet they can be violent, like Gorgs. Also, they are nearly hairless and resemble proto-Gorgs in the face more so than Fraggles, just really really tiny. At least, that's my opinion of them.

 

[The Count]

Thanks. You know, I appreciate the explanations as much as the story itself. I'm sure your next fic wil be just as great as this one. And hey, maybe if I get enough of them finished, we can collaborate at some point down the road in the future as I'd like to get someone to tell the tale(s) of my colection of Counting Characters.

*Hugs Kelly for the narrative of wonderfulness posted here, waits for next installment.

 

[RedPiggy]

I plan to read your fics after I'm done with this one, I swear. I'm admitting, though, that I'm intimidated by SS fics of any kind, since it's been many years since I've watched and I have only the vaguest inkling of what's going on over there.

PS: Oh, and the title of Ch 9 is a tag line from a WeSaySo commercial. I think it's the episode where Robbie builds a device to harness volcanic energy.

 

[The Count]

Good to know. BTW: My story isn't hexactly SST-related. What it is, rather than a full-fledged fic, is just me presenting the vast array of characters I create or others have created and allowed me to bring into the haunted halls. If you know the story of Disney's Haunted Mansion, you know it's got 999 ghosts roaming round with room for "one more". But they've never explored that to my full satisfaction. So I wanted to do something similar... The Count's castle being the perfet stage for such a scenario. Over time, I've wembled and worried, and developed various stalled fics failing to meet with my own satisfaction after starting. So now, with the Counting Characters thread, I'm just going on a one by one basis, so far as I actually want to go. If I reach the ultimate goal of 1000, then that's great. But if not, well, I reachd the goal I reached. The main cast so far imagined in my mind's eyes are classic monsters and mythic creatures based on recognized Muppet characters (owing to my blindness and the fact the majority are inspired by the Muppets figure line, examples including Kermit as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Newsman as Renfield, Janice as the Banshee, Oscar as the Cryptkeeper, Sam as the Griffin, etc.) The rest come from my own imagination... Hope this helps an feel free to read through when/if you get the chance.

BTW: As far as SST fics here go, I'd recommend theprawncracker's Street Smarts and redBoobergurl's The Search for Bert or her unfinished A Hollywood Adventure or The Way Things Were.
Seems SST is the most underrepresented of the big three when it comes to fics here.

Looking forward to whatever else you have left for your own tale.

 

[RedPiggy]

Chapter 10: Epilogue

Despite everything that had happened, the Fraggles in Outer Space had enjoyed themselves. They had danced, sung, and made merry until their feet were sore. Jenny and Kermit had forbidden the Fraggles from feeling that they have to repay them … but the Fraggles insisted on helping with the operations of both theaters, especially after Jenny’s stagehand had to retire unceremoniously. They had found him bruised and groaning in the basement, which was littered with broken set pieces and props. Besides that, the crown was gone … though Red and Sarah had explained to Jenny what had happened.

Over at the Muppet Theater, Kermit was backstage, as usual, overseeing set designs. Wembley Fraggle walked up to Kermit, who was busy reading from some notes. “Uh, Mr. Frog?” he asked hesitantly.

Kermit smirked, not taking his eyes off the page. “Wembley … I told you you can call me Kermit.”

Wembley nodded. “Mr. Kermit, sir? Is there anything else we can do for you?” His voice was filled with hopeful exuberance.

Kermit glanced at the young green-yellow Fraggle with the banana-tree shirt. “You don’t have to do anything, Wembley,” he replied. “Look, we appreciate the help, but don’t feel like you’re obligated to help us out.” Kermit tried not to sound as curt as he did when Jenny had offered the same help years ago. After all, Kermit realized that, much like his neighbors on Sesame Street, Fraggles were very innocent and naïve.

Wembley grunted and nodded emphatically. “Yeah, yeah … but you know … ‘when it feels real good, like a feeling should, then it’s understood, you gotta (grunts twice) pass it on’!”

Suddenly, various Fraggles and Muppets started singing impromptu:

Pass it on (pass it on),
Pass it on (pass it on),
Wish upon (wish upon),
All the good things that you do.

Pass it on (pass it on),
Pass it on (pass it on),
When it’s gone (when it’s gone),
It will bring good luck to you!

“I get it! I get it!” Kermit exclaimed, stopping their song, though the others laughed as they continued with their work. Kermit sighed.

Wembley chuckled. “Well, it’s just that,” his head swayed back and forth with each phrase, “I’ve been thinking … and I know a way you could get more involvement with your theater!” He dramatically spread his arms, facing the dressing rooms on the back wall of the second story floor. “Picture it … young Silly Creatures … bored stiff from doing Silly Creature things … your theater … filled with all kinds of creatures and monsters … it’s the perfect opportunity … you could help the young Silly Creatures learn about making plays!” He glances back at Kermit, whose mouth was slightly agape as the Fraggle continued his pitch. “You could help young Silly Creatures learn about how to interact with all kinds of different beings … and they can learn how to make stuff and use their imagination and sing songs and everything! What do you think?”

Kermit paused before speaking. “Uh, well, that’s something we could look into, I guess….”

“It’s a great idea!” shouted Scooter, an orange gopher (or go-fer) with short red hair and large glasses and a lime-green Muppet Show jacket, as he zoomed in on the conversation.

A crustacean half the size of Kermit, Wembley, and Scooter with a tassle of unkempt red hair and four arms, appeared from behind Scooter. “And we could be making very much more monies, okay?” Pepe, the King Prawn, walked up to Kermit and playfully punched him on the shoulder, his voice lowered in all seriousness. “There is a Lamborghini with my name on it, okay?” He pointed at Wembley. “You should really agree with this guy, Kerr-mit.”

Scooter gave a thumbs-up. “I’ll go run the numbers….”

“But,” Kermit interjected.

“And I will be getting ze permits, okay,” Pepe offered, running off.

“But,” Kermit repeated.

“Don’t worry, Boss,” Scooter replied, placing his hand gently on Kermit’s shoulder. “We’ll take care of everything.” He jogged towards the exit.

“But,” Kermit said again. He sighed, shaking his head. “This could be a liability insurance nightmare.”

“Is that bad?” Wembley asked, nervous that maybe he caused his host some trouble, putting one hand up to his quivering lower lip.

Kermit shrugged. “It’ll be fine until a monster eats a kid or Crazy Harry blows them up.” He patted Wembley on the shoulder to reassure him, smiling. “Other than that, it may just work!”

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In the ornate throne room of the castle of Moraine, with fountains everywhere spewing all kinds of liquids and robots hanging up against the walls, a hundred or so exquisitely dressed guests stared at the throne, where Esker placed a small crystal tiara on the head of a thin young woman with long black pigtails and a scar running through her left eye. A cloud with a face on it hovered proudly above her.

“Princess Moulin,” Esker bellowed, quieting the crowds, “we entreat you to rule the Land of Cups with devotion and wisdom.” He bowed low, followed by the attending gathering.

The new Queen of Moraine smiled and threw up her arms, causing the fountains to erupt into a dazzling and sparkling display of acrobatic trajectories. The crowd cheered wildly.

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On the far edge of the Gorg Kingdom, behind the great Gorg well, a rousing tune sprang up as the scent of compost once again filled the air. The Trash Heap sang in her scratchy voice, assisted by Philo and Gunge, who jumped up and down wildly in celebration:

I've been up and I've been down.
I've been dragged all over town,
Trying to find a place to lay my head.

After all the pain and woe,
Here's the only thing I know,
Couldn't last a day without my friends.

Philo and Gunge took up a line:

Trash is back, trash is back in town!

Marjory exclaimed,

Oh and I'm home for good!

Philo and Gunge sang the only line they sang for this song:

Trash is back, trash is back in town!

Marjory continued to shout exuberantly, her large body wiggling with every movement:

Oh yeah, let me tell ya about it!

Through the nights and through the days.
I had wandered in a haze.
Now I know my family loves me true.

Friends and Mother both are near,
Lonely's not a word I fear,
Cause now I know you all will pull me through!

(Trash is back, trash is back in town.)
Oh and I'm here to stay.
(Trash is back, trash is back in town!)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Cantus, Convincing John, and Mokey all sat down, leaning against a ridge next to the Fraggle Pond, staring at the high ceiling of the Great Hall. As exhausted as they were, they couldn’t help but smile. They all could sense the rest of the Light returning to the Rock. They began to hear a familiar carol waft down the tunnels towards them, sung by what sounded like every Fraggle who lived in the Rock:

There's a rhythm.
There's a rising.
There's a dream of green that needs to wake,
A password,
And a promise,
That the earth will never ever break.
It's coming,
Feel it humming,
In the hearts we share with rock and sky so raise … your … voices… high. . .

The song repeated for a few verses before soon the whole Great Hall was teeming with life again as Fraggles, Doozers, and other creatures, even Skenfrith, joined in the song.

Mokey felt someone staring at her. She turned to her head to her right and saw Red bounding towards her, arms waving madly. Mokey’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping. “Red! Stop! Wait!” But it was too late, Red practically tackled her, squeezing her friend as hard as she could.

“Oh, Mokey!” she exclaimed. “You’re alright!” Red sniffed back some tears. “I just knew you would be!”

The inhabitants of the Rock cheered, hugging and congratulating each other. Mokey saw Boober hang back in the crowd. She managed to squeeze past about twenty Fraggles and Doozers. Upon reaching him, she kissed him on the cheek.

Boober jerked back in shock. “Why … why did you do that?” he asked, rubbing his cheek.

Mokey smiled. In her natural voice, filled with a dream-like quality, she replied, “I heard you, Boober. Just remember,” she said, starting to sing an upbeat song quietly to garner as much privacy as one could have among a throng of Fraggles,

Boober, my friend,
Is on his way,
We can have a super holiday.

Stay a little longer with your friends.
Play a little longer with your friends.

Boober gawked at her. “M … Mokey,” he stuttered, “does … does this mean that you’re back to normal?”

Mokey patted him on the shoulder with one hand as she tapped his hat with the other. “You know how your alter-ego Sidebottom is a part of you?” He nodded. Mokey smiled warmly. “I now have another part of me.” She paused, slightly pouting. “Does that bother you, Boober?”

Boober stared at the ground floor for a few moments and then shrugged. His face lit up and he laughed. He grabbed both her hands in his. “Mokey,” he proclaimed cheerfully, “now we can go on double dates and not have to invite anyone else!” He laughed again.

Mokey grinned, though she was a little taken aback by his response. “That sounds … like … fun!” She joined him in laughing at their strange situation.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Sarah had finally finished cleaning up the stage in preparation for the night’s show. Toby had congratulated her on taking charge of her situation, helping to save countless creatures from destruction … and on finally letting magic within her heart. She wiped her forehead, absent-mindedly tying up her hair. She picked up the broom from the stage floor and turned, bumping accidentally into someone’s chest. Before she looked up, she saw a golden pendant shaped vaguely like a straight-on image of a flying bird. She looked up and gasped. A blond-haired man with chiseled features, thin sunglasses, and slicked back hair tied into a ponytail grinned at her. He took her by the shoulders and repositioned her so she would see an amazingly ornate crown, fashioned from gold and silver and rare jewels, roughly the size of the one returned to Junior.

“It’s a present,” he noted dryly.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she embraced the King who stood before her, fearful that he would just be a figment of her imagination.

Alone on the stage, they shared a long and well-deserved kiss.

Author's Note: Well, that's the End. That's the best I can come up with to merge all the various main franchises together. I would like to thank my readers, as well as Jim Henson and Richard Hunt, who, through dreams and nagging little thoughts in the back of my head, inspired and (I would like to think) directed this story. Without such inspiration, I don't think this would have happened.

All songs are written by people other than me, except for some re-writing of the lyrics here and there when the story necessitated it.

 

[The Count]

*Applauds wildly. It's all so wonderfully written. Mokey and Boober and Sidebottom and Zhaan, or at least Zhaan's persona now residing within Mokey similarly to Sidebottom. Hmm, I wonder what/how Mokey would look like when her Zhaan persona takes over, if it'd be any different from her normal appearance like how Sidebottom and Boober differ.

Love how Sarah accepted magic into her heart again. And the entire universe cheered, especially for the glimpses of Fraggles strutting about the Muppet theater.
*Thanks Kelly for a fascinating fanfiction.

 

[redBoobergurl]

This was really great! Thanks for sharing it with us, I hope you plan to write again in the future!