"..under what tree..." (1)

"..under what tree..." (1)

RagnarRB -- No Tree?

The horrible thought echoed thru her mind and her little heart skipped a beat. She even stopped writing halfway thru her request for her thirty-fifth box of Captain Crunch (there can never be too much of that).

Her face took on a momentary pouting look.

Bounding off her x-mas list she darted past Elvis and raced down the hall, under the planter and over the maids cart at the corner. Faster and faster she went until she leaped thru the ballroom doors and slid to an ungraceful stop on the dance floor.

Into the kitchen...no tree.

Into the babies room...no tree...tip toe, tip toe..

Into mouse's fort...no tree

Could it be? Could they have forgotten the tree?

Mouse2000 -- Mouse quietly walked out

of the nursery, intent on giving artickitten a lecture on how to WALK QUIETLY in the nursery when she stopped, astounded by the look on the little kitten's face. Sitting in the middle of the ballroom, Kitten was doing a good imitation of the "Scream" painting.

"Uh, kitten?" Mouse said, feeling silly to be talking to an animal that she knew couldn't understand her, "Problem?"

The little kitten stared at her, then took off to the terrace. Mouse decided to follow. As Kitten reached the edge of the terrace, she paused, waiting for Mouse to catch up. <<Jeez, you have to SHOW these humans EVERYTHING...>> Kitten though as she waited. Finally Mouse strolled around the corner and saw Kitten run up a beautiful huge Blue Spruce.

"Hey! I almost forgot! Thanks for the reminder Kitten! We need to get a Christmas tree for the mansion soon!" Mouse exclaimed as she took off back to the rooms to wake up the other Scoobs.

Kitten sat in the tree, content that her mission was, once again, successful. She was DA KAT!!!

Scorpiodoc -- “Oh what a beautiful day!”

thought Scorpio as she came in from her early morning walk. "What is everyone doing she wonder as she saw Mouse/with mousling in her stroller, Ragner with Artic Kitten perched on his shoulder and everyone else coming out of the Mansion in there warm clothes. "Hey guys whats going on?" questioned Scorpio we are going out to get a Christmas tree, the IQ"S said simultaneuosly the grinned at each other thinking that indviduality was still far..far.. away even though number 1 had purple hair. So out comes Kay with Honey and even the kittens came along, Jila had the Ax and all the scoobs set out to find a christmas tree worthy of the mansion.. Scorpio had an idea to make some hot chocalte for everyone when they came back.. But unfortunately she has been banned from the kitchen by the IQ's when she went after the blender who called her fish a "Sardine" imagine the nerve of that thing!!! but hey maybe she could make some at the fireplace.. "Isn't that what they did in your day mom ! hahah"

Kaybe0 -- Christmas Tree?

"Cool." Said Kay, yawning, and shivering in the early morning chill. Then hearing Scorpi's last remark, she laughed, and picked up some of the new snow and shook it at her. "I'm not to old to pelt you with snowballs!" she said, grinning at her daughter. But, first, since we are all here, what is the plan? Ragnar?

JilaCosa -- Tossing Ragnar the axe

Jila runs through the new fallen snow looking like a larger version of her son, just laughing and running crazily, and not caring where she is going. As she runs she bends down and scoops up handfuls of snow and throws it into the air. Pandora, the firelizard, flying close behind Jila, dodges this way and that as the large chunkes fall back down. When she gets about 20 - 25 feet away from the Mansion she looks back to see what is keeping the rest of the group. When she does she sees the FarScape Mansion draped in a veil of snow. It is a breathtaking sight.

"Hey, What's wrong with you people? You'd think that you'd never been in the cold and snow before." She yells laying on her back in the snow to make the first snow angel. Pandora lands on Jila's stomach just as she finishes the snow angel. Pandora's eyes whirl with curiosity. Jila stands up and admires her work. Then, tossing Pandora back in the air, Jila yells to the Scoobs

"Isn't this GREAT???"

artickitten -- “Meow! Meow!”

Artickitten cried and pointed a paw down a pathway that lead to a small village outside the Mansion. *This way! Let's go this way!*

Elvis looked up at Kitten perched on Ragnar's shoulder and frowned *Duh...why do you always try to make them understand what you're saying? Ahhh...you know they can't understand kitten talk*

Kitten looked down at Elvis and sighed *Because Elvis…you have to keep repeating things over and over and over to Humans.* Kitten bangs a paw against Ragnar's helmet and gets a dirty look from him for her trouble *They can make good pets...but they do take a long time to learn even the simplest things. Look at how long it took Ragnar to learn that he needed to carry me around on his shoulder!* Just then Mouse interrupted Kitten's philosophical discussion with Elvis.

"Do you want us to go to the Village Kitten?" Mouse asked "You know, I could use a nice hot cup of Cocoa and maybe one of those yummy cinnamon rolls they have down at the Carlson Café and Bakery. What do you guys think?" Mouse asked the gang.

"Sounds good to me!" everyone agreed and Kitten shot Elvis a look that said 'See what I mean'.

"Won't be as good as Rae's Cocoa..." Ragnar grumbled to himself as he followed the gang down the pathway to the Village "But those cinnamon rolls are tasty!" Ragnar grinned and began to hum a Christmas tune.

The gang sat at a bunch of tables chatting while they continued to eat cinnamon rolls and drinking hot Cocoa. Kitten had finished the last of her cinnamon roll and was licking the frosting from her paws when something caught her eye. There it was...the perfect Christmas tree. It was a bluish green color that Kitten had never seen before. Shiny silver and gold ornaments hung from its branches and caught the light as they turned. Long strings of silver tinsel hung all over the tree waving back and forth as if beckoning Kitten to come closer. She stared at the tiny white lights that blinked on and off while she began to make her way across the road.

"BEEP! BEEP!" a cars horn sounded just before Elvis grabbed Kitten by the scruff of the neck and brought her safely to the other side of the street. Elvis gently put Kitten down and she began to walk away as if nothing happened.

*Duh...where are you going Kitten? Ahh...Kitten? Ahh...Kitten are you okay?* Elvis asked in a worried tone.

Kitten didn't answer Elvis but continued to walk as if she was in a trance until she reached the stores window were she had seen the perfect Christmas tree. Looking up she gazed in wonder at the beautiful sight before her. At the very top of the Christmas tree was an Angel…a more beautiful Angel Kitten had never seen…it seemed to glow with and internal light.

*Duh...what you looking at Kitten?* Elvis asked as he sat behind Kitten.

Kitten slowly turned to Elvis and answered him *This is it...this is MY Christmas tree!*

*Ahh...How do you know? Duh…are you sure it's yours?* Elvis asked Kitten, as he hadn't seen her with the tree before.

Kitten looked at Elvis in shock…as if he could ask her such a thing! *Of course it's MY tree! And it's already decorated...now we just need to get it home* Kitten replied with a nod of her head.

<GULP> *This can't be good!* Elvis thought to himself.

RagnarRB -- Oblivious

as usuall kitten purred a little content kitten purr and promptly walked into the clothing store.

Being this close to the mansion people were used to strange sights. No one paid her too much mind. Elvis, the hound dog, got a couple stares as he faithfully followed her in.

With a tiny spring of her legs kitten hopped up into the display window and reverently gave HER tree an affectionate hug. Santa would have plenty of room to leave her presents under this one!

<<Come on Elvis, help me push it out the door...>>

Elvis looked around. Why was everybody beginning to look at him that way? <<<Uh...kitten, I don't know..>>>

<<Just push Elvis, we can make one of our pets carry it once we're out the door...or maybe even makle a sleigh and you can pull it!>>

Kitten heaved and shoved, heaved and shoved. The little x-mas tree began to rock.

<<<Uh...kitten>> Elvis looked on in uncertainty..

<<<Catch Elvis, catch!>>>

*********************************

Ragnar had just finished his third cup of cocoa when he heard the gingled noise of something falling. Christmasy by the sounds of it. Looking around, sure enough, it looked like one of the stores display models had taken a header out of one of the display windows.

It wasn't until the police car pulled up that he gave it a second thought.

It wasn't until animal control arrived that his eyes began to narrow and that spot on the back of his head began to itch...

artickitten -- “WOOF!”

Elvis cried out as animal control put a rope around his neck *Duh...Kitten help me!*

But Kitten couldn't help...she was having a little trouble of her own...*Take your paws off me! It's my tree I tell you! MINE!* Kitten cried out as the cop put little tiny kitty cuffs on her and began to drag her towards the patty wagon while she struggled. *I can't go back I tell ya! You won't take me alive coppers!*

*Ahh...what are you talking about Kitten?* Elvis asked with a perplexed look on his face.

Kitten just shrugged *I saw it in a movie*

Looking at the bars on the animal control truck Elvis cried out *Duh...I don't think it's working!* While they shoved him into the back of the truck, Kitten continued in her ranting and raving...she even threatened them with Artickat...but to no avail...she had done the crime and she now had to do the time.

artickitten -- “WOOF! WOOF!”

Elvis cried out as animal control put a rope around his neck *Duh...Kitten help me!*

*Ahh...what are you talking about Kitten?* Elvis asked with a perplexed look on his face.

Kitten just shrugged *I saw it in a movie*

Raven-Kat -- “How’s a woman suppose to sleep....”

Rae muttered to no one in particular, rolling over on her mattress. Of course, she was quite used to disturbances in the Mansion. It was part of the charm, really, and Rae was often secretly amused by the antics of the animals, children, Vikings, inept wizards, and secret agents who frequented her new home.

Still, she had to at least keep up the appearance of the tough PK soldier chick. And that meant being grumpy when not allowed to sleep in.

Cursing, she climbed out of bed and pulled on her robe and slippers. Raegun was still snoring quietly on the bedstand (AND talking in his sleep), so she declined to grab him. She stared into the mirror and ruffled her hair.

"Do I look adequately put out?" she wondered.

"Try scowling a little more." the mirror suggested. "Oh, that's much better, dearie."

"Thanks." Rae growled and stummbled down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Caffine." she snapped as she walked in.

Ragnar smiled and handed her a mug of cocoa.

"Mm... Chocolate..." Rae graoned happily, sitting down.

"Nice slippers." Ragnar chuckled.

"Huh?" Rae looked down. A pink bunny and a combat boot. "Huh." She shrugged and stared into her cocoa. "Why do I hear sirens?"

Ragnar shrugged. "Something about Kitten and a christmas tree."

"Oh." Rae sipped her cocoa for a while in silence. "It's snowing." she observed.

"Yes." Ragnar agreed quietly.

Torn between the desire to run outside and make snow-angles and the need to maintain the tough PK exterior, Rae settled for "I'm going to have to shovel the front walk again. Frell." before sinking back into her early-morning stupor.

"Good morning to you, too." Ragnar muttered with a grin as he helped himself to more cocoa.

KaraS -- “That’s not Ragnar, Rae.” Kara said

to the three quarters still asleep ex PK. "That's IQ. Ragnar and some of the others went out EARLY this morning to play in the snow."

Rae looked up and IQ, purple hair and all, winked at her.

"That's OK, you can call me Ragnar if you want." he said with a grin as he poured more coaco into her cup.

"I'm hungry for breakfast." Kara said. "How do you two fancy some french toast with cinimon?"

Lurkingghost -- ‘Ghost walks into town...

after a long walk in the undisturbed snow. (It's still undisturbed, because ghosts don't leave footprints.)

Shivering a little, she makes her way toward the little coffee shop that sells good (but not great) cocoa. However, before she gets there she is greated with the sight of Kitten and Elvis being hauled off by the animal control.

"OH DRENN! What's wrong now."

RagnarRB -- Not again....

Watching the ruckus at the clothing store it only took a moment to spy Elvis and the little white artickitten.

Ragnar sighed, getting up. This was going to be some x-mas tree hunt.

Grackene -- *Grack walks in..

and orders a triple espresso!!

What's going on? Where are you going Ragner?

Where to hunt for the tree?

did I hear animal control?

I am here to help!! Let me know!!!

SeventhAngel -- A door jingles open onto the sidewalk...

and emerging from the doorway is a VERY large bundle of prettily wrapped packages and gifts. The person carrying the oversized bundle seems to weave and sway as they make their way down the sidewalk. Nevertheless, a happily whistled tune of "Winter Wonderland" can be heard emanating from behind the ungainly pile of gifts. Suddenly though, the mountain of packages comes to a halt, as all Hell seems to have broken loose around him as several cars and trucks with sirens blaring fly by him, almost upsetting his packages as they roar by.

"WHOAAAHH!" he crys as he regains his balance and the pile settles once again.

*SIRENS?!* he thinks to himself. *HERE?! Nothing ever happens here!*

"Oh Well! Lessee! That takes care of Mouse, Rag, Kara and Jila. Still got Rae, the IQ's...." he mutters to himself.

The packages go flying every which way as he is blindsided by a small group of passerby on their way down the sidewalk at a full clip.

After regaining his feet, the One-Winged Angel stares down at his scattered packages in total disbelief, then back up again, at the backs of the retreating trio that bashed into him.

"OH YEAH! RUN WHILE YOU CAN! YOU'D JUST BETTER HOPE SANTA IS GENEROUS WHEN HE PUTS THE PAINKILLERS INTO YOUR STOCKING THIS YEAR!!!" Spyral shouts at them. The angel reaches into his wing, pulls out his Archangel sword and sprints down the sidewalk to where a large crowd seems to have gathered.

mumbled Kay as she followed Ragnar's eyes. Sighing, she got up with the rest of them to go see what the trouble was all about. Scorpi, getting up to follow as well, asked her what was wrong. Giggling, Kay replied "Just some more excitement."

Chryse74 -- *Yawn* Did someone say French Toast?

" Morning Kara, Rae, IQ... I wouldn't mind some french toast." yawned a bundled up Chryse.

"good morning, Chryse, want some cocoa?" asked IQ.

"Sure, thanks... can I have some coffee in it too?" She gratefully drand the mocha IQ provided as Kara made breakfast. "Where's everyone else?"

"Oh, they all woke up early and went down into the village, " replied Kara. "I think they went to get a Christmas tree."

"Why did they go to town? There are woods just behind the mansion" said Chryse.

"I'm going to shovel the walk again after breakfast. Then, I'll go look in the woods for a frelling Christmas tree." groused Rae.

Chryse blinked at Rae's tone of voice and asked, "Um, IQ, couldn't you make something that will keep the walkways around the mansion free of snow? That way, we could all just go looking for a tree and Rae won't feel like she has to shovel the walk for everyone."

IQ's eye's lit up and he quickly finished his breakfast and hurried out the door.

"Are you sure that was a good idea Chryse?" asked Kara.

"Oh, why not? Who wants to shovel snow all winter? Besides, all his inventions do work, even if they are a bit odd." replied Chryse.

RagnarRB -- I’ll take him officer

Ragnar said as he grabbed Elvis by the collar, thus preventing the pound officer from stuffing him all the way in the cage. The womans eyes narrowed abit at the audacity of it but the big viking did his best to smile as he grabbed a leash and clipped it to Elvis's collar.

Across the walk kitten had grabbed a limb of the tree in her little handcuffed paws and was doing her best to squawl and hold on for dear life. I wonder if artickat was this deranged...I mean sensative when she was young like this.

"Kitten!" Ragnar stern voice boomed.

The shop keeper and police officer, finally finding someone other than pesky animals to assail, closed in...

SeventhAngel -- What’s going on?

The Angel came to a halt at the edge of the crowd, his flaming sword held in clenched fist at his right side. His eyes scanned the crowd for any sign of the trio who had sent him and his packages sprawling onto the sidewalk. It was then that he noticed what the commotion was centered around.

A member of the local pound, a shopkeeper and a police officer were desperately pulling at kittens legs, attempting to break the hold she had on a very large and decorated Christmas tree. Kitten, at the top of her little lungs was mewing up a storm. Five other police officers were closing in on Ragnar, who had Elvis leashed at his side. The viking was managing to keep his temper, but with the officers closing in on him, the angel was quick to realize that he woudn't be able to hold it for much longer.

*All I know is that someone in this crowd scattered my presents all over the place and SOMEONE is gonna pay for that!!!*

"WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE!!!!" the angel blurted out!

KaraS -- “I said French Toast.” Kara said...

"And I'll be happy to make you some."

Humming Christmas Carols under her breath, KaraS set to work at the stove. Soon she had a heaping plate of French Toast which she placed on the table along with butter, syrup, cinnimon, and three kinds of jam. She also fried up some Canadian Bacon and warmed up some stewed apples. Soon, attracted by the smells from the kitchen, various 'Scapers, including several IQs, poked their noses in to see what smelled so good.

Chryse smiled and greeted everyone who came in.

Rae watched grumpily from her seat at the kitchen table.

"See Rae." Kara smiled. "I can cook too. Well, some things... What do you guys want to do after breakfast?"

Raven-Kat -- Rae stares up at IQ

for perhaps the tqwentieth time since Kara had informed her that it wasn't Ragnar.

"I have GOT to stop pulling all-nighters." she finally announced, rising from her seat and crossing the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" Chyrse asked.

Rae slid of her slippers and stared groggily at Chryse, reaching for the door-knob. "To wake myself up."

"That door leads outside, Rae." Kara informs her cautiously.

"That's the point." Rae sheds her bathrobe too and plunges out into the snow.

"Is it just me?" IQ #7 asked curiously, "Or is she getting stranger?"

"I think it must just be you." IQ #6 told him from the window where he was watching Rae lay down in the snow. "I don't think Rae COULD get stranger."

artickat -- “Beep...beep”

Artickat looks up from her studying to grab the beeper that was now vibrating across the desk. "What now?!" Artic muttered to herself as she banged her head on the desk "I'm never going to get certified at this rate!" With a groan Artic hit the button on the beeper and read the message

"FRELL! Not again!" Artic growled as she jumped to her feet. Grabbing her coat, Artic ran out of the bedroom and down the hall.

<BANG!> The door to the kitchen flew open and Artic stood there for a second...until it flew back and hit her right in the head. "OUCH!" Artic rubbed her head and took a step inside the room "Anyone know were Kitten went?" she asked looking at the gang in the kitchen.

"Ummm...maybe she went with the rest of the gang down to the Village?" "Yeah..I think that's were she went." the gang said as one.

Before they could finish Artic turned tail and ran back down the hall and outside towards the Village.

Grackene -- French Toast, save kitten

*Grack stands out on the side walk trying to figure out what she should do. Go help Angle and Ragner or eat French Toast.

She stares curiously at IQ "what is he up to?"

*Grack runs down the street toward all the comotion!!

Raven-Kat -- “What the-”

Artic yelps as she stummbles in the snow.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" Rae groans, sitting up and pushing a handfull of wet hair out of her face.

"What are you doing?" Artic demands.

"Waking up." Rae replies. "What are YOU doing?"

"Oh." Rae sighs and climbs to her feet. "Let's go, then."

Raegun -- Raegun wakes

with a start, putting a fresh scorch-mark on the far wall (which is really starting to look a mess) and looks around the room. "Rae? Are you here?"

Raegun sighs. *Why is she always leaving me like this?*

He looks around the room and sees that it's light out. In the distance, he hears a comotion. "What's that?" he wonders aloud, crossing the table to the small window. This is not an easy task for a Pulse-Rifle (no arms or legs) but he manages after a few minutes. Fortunately, the shade is up, or he wouldn't have been able to see anything at all.

Looking out, he sees Rae lying in the snow, and Artic tripping over her.

"Hey! Watch it!" Raegun yells, though with the window closed, Artic can't hear him. "Hey! Where are you going? Don't leave me up here!" Raegun swears in fluent Sebacian (Rae's been teaching him during her spare time... not that she has much of that anymore). "They always get to have all the fun!"

Sighing, Raegun rolls off the table and hits the floor with a thud and an "ow!". Then he begins moving towards the door in a series of short hops, determined not to miss the fun.

JilaCosa -- “Please Officer, let me try.”

Jila says, standing on the Police Officer's right hand side while Kaybe and Scorpiodoc stand on the left. Mouse and Ghost stay outside trying very hard to keep Ragnar out of the store. His knuckles were white around Elvis' leash and his face was getting redder by the minute.

"I'm sorry Officer but you now cats, independant as Hezmana and this one is stubborn as the day is long. She gets an idea into her head and it's almost impossible to change her mind." Jila hopes that she looks sufficiently apologetic.

"If you can't get her out of here Miss the Animal Control Officer will." The Officer says letting go of ArticKitten's midsection.

Even with the mini cuffs on, Artickitten tries desperately to get a better hold on the Christmas Tree.

"Meow, meow, meow" <<<It's mine. I've got to have this tree. It's absolutely perfect.>>>

"Meeeeeooooowwww" <<<Elviiiiiisssssss>>> Kitten calls as loudly as she can.

Outside Elvis hears but all he can do is hang his head. He knows that to try to get to Kitten now will only anger Ragnar that much more.

"Kitten, this isn't good. You've got to come out." Jila coaxes. "Come on now or Ragnar and artic are going to be really mad."

"You've got to be more stern with her." Kaybe says, watching Kitten burrow farther into the tree. "Come on Kitten. If you don't get over hear right now I'm hollering for Ragnar."

Kitten mewed pitifully. She couldn't leave this tree behind, she just couldn't.

Scorpiodoc -- Here kitten girlie

"How about some nice peanut butter crunch.." "Kitten baby doll this is just not good now listen to Jila and come out of there like a good kitten" "Meooooooooooooow" cried Kitten in a pitiful voice."Peanut Butter Crunch a box all your own.." Scorpio said gently...

RagnarRB -- First it was dogs...

then it was t-rex's lizards and cats! How did he wind up in these things?!

Elvis began to budge as kittens cries grew louded and more desperate. "Don't even think about it..."Ragnar grumbled.

"Excuse me?" The officer glared thinking he'd been talking to her.

The sound of Spyrals voice raising over the crowd saved him for a moment.

Inside the store kitten heard the words....peanut butter crunch...a whole box? Hmmm...

Kaybe0 -- Kitten looked around

She wanted this tree soooo bad. But, a whole box of crunch all to herself sounded pretty good too. Seeing Kitten look like she was softening, Kay added, "Come on Kitten, not only do you get your own box, but, we will get our own Christmas tree, and it will be better than this one, even. and bigger." Kitten looked doubtfully at the Scoobettes, but, thought, "Bigger? and Better?" Seeing her softening and loosening her grip, Jila grabbed her and pulled her away from the tree. Then, Kitten, very insulted at feeling tricked, saw the angel. She at least had to have the angel. It was so beautiful. Leaping back out of Jila's grasp, she landed on the angel and started trying to pull it away off the tree.

artickat -- While running....

down the pathway to the Village Rae asked Artic "How do you know that Kitten is in trouble?" realizing what she just asked Rae rolled her eyes and amended her question "Okay...Kitten is always in trouble of some kind but how do you know it's serious?"

"Well" Artic blew out a cloud of frosted air with her answer "Since our last adventure I thought it wise to put a panic button that's connected to my beeper on Kitten's collar. I told her to only press the panic button if it is a REAL emergency." Artic gave an unladylike snort "First time Kitten hit the panic button she was out of Peanut Butter Crunch…I almost rang her neck for that one!"

Rae chuckled "Really? I can see Kitten doing that! So how do you know she isn't out of Crunch now?" Rae asked as she ran effortlessly down the path, the cold not affecting her at all. She actually seemed to be invigorated by it.

Artic just shook her head "It took me FOREVER to teach her that lack of Crunch wasn't that kind of emergency…besides Kitten left her Crunch back at the Mansion."

"We are almost there, just a little farther now." Rae grinned, she loved the idea of getting a little exercise. Nothing like a run to wake you up in the morning. Now why hadn't she thought of this before?

Meanwhile, back at the Christmas Tree Chronicles... ;)

"If that little Furball doesn't get out here right now!" Ragnar growled under his breath.

Elvis's ears perked up at his tone *Duh...Hurry Kitten! Ahh...You'd better get out here...Ragnar's getting MAD!*

"Meow!" Kitten cried *I can't LEAVE the Angel!* She grabbed at the Angel while Jila began to lift her away from the tree once again.

"KITTEN!" Kaybe and Scorpiodoc said at one "Let go of that tree this instant!"

Finally Kitten got a grip on one of the Angel's arms *I've got her! I've got her!* Kitten yelled to Elvis just before the arm came off <GULP!> Kitten looked at the arm in her paws and watched the wires still connected to the Angel stretch farther and farther as Jila lifted her away from the tree and the now...one armed Angel (No pun intended Spyral...glad to see your back buddy!) *What to do...what to do...* It only took Kitten a second to decide on a plan 'admit nothing and act innocent!' quickly so that no one would notice, Kitten let the Angel's arm slip from her paw's...but it was too late...All the lights in the store suddenly went black...