Harmony - Winters Vacation
Should be 20, 22, or even 24 pages long. Because odd numbers are ugly. This story is a little more about the dialogue and will be driven by words more instead of actions. That means more smaller panels.
The first wide panel for the title is a plane's eye view of Winters, the actual town. It has a slight snow with patches of green still visible. The boarding school is near the front, and behind it is the small town of Winters and the nearby mountains.
On the first real panel, we see a small jet plane in the sky.
Narration
I thought I'd never experience something I had this last summer again… Especially not in
a place so far from home.
Picky and Tracy, side by side. Picky is looking out of the window excitedly. All the characters are dressed in winter wear, although they're not in their coats yet.
Narration
It was just six months after the incident in Fiveton.
At Kang and Lydia's seats, Kang is in the aisle but is almost crawling over a disgusted Lydia (her hair natural again) as he tries to look out of the window excitedly.
Narration
We were all heading to Winters, the place where Jeff went to school when he was younger.
Jeff, the other seat empty, gazing out of the window.
Narration
Although, we're not sure why he's coming… It was coincidence, actually. We met him at the airport.
We go closer in to Jeff, mostly his reflection in the window. Down below, as the plane is turning, is the old Andonuts lab.
Narration
Maybe it's just to say goodbye to someone special…
At Ness and Paula's chair, Melody is pulling his hair and giggling, and he has little control over her.
Ness
Melody, stop, that hurts!
Melody
Dada!
Narration
Ness and Paula got free tickets, so they were nice enough to pay for the rest of us. It was probably a
well deserved, vacation, too.
Paula now holding Melody, Ness takes out his cap.
Narration
So why did Ness get free tickets? Well…
Most of the rest of the seats are occupied by the Threed Zombie little league. Ness springs up and throws up his peace sign.
Ness
One more time before we land! Who are we?
League
The Threed Zombies!
Ness
And who are we going to beat?
League
The Winters Wobblers! Boooo!
Paula
Ness, that's the tenth time you've done that… The pilot is going to yell at you again…
Ness
Just trying to keep them energized, honey.
Seated in front of them are Lydia and Kang.
Kang
Wow, look at all that snow! And pine trees! And funny little houses! Wow, look it at all!
Lydia
Will you got off of me?!
Across are Picky and Tracy.
Picky
This is going to be awesome, Trace…
Tracy
Yeah. Finally, a chance for some rest and relaxation…
Pilot
We are on our final approach to Winters Municipal, please take your seats and buckle your seat belts.
That means you, Ness.
Ness shrinks in embarrassment as Paula looks at him.
Next page.
The plane lands on the runway and then pulls into the small terminal. Skip to the party getting stuff from the baggage claim. A giant mural depicts a proud gruff goat and Winters boarding school behind them. Tracy's suit case is small and dainty, while Picky's is pretty big. Paula also gets Melody's stroller. Ness grabs his Mr. Baseball bat.
Paula
I can't believe you're bringing that old thing…
Ness
What? Mr. Baseball Bat is lucky! I almost never lose games when I have it!
So what do you say, guys? You ready to win the championship?
Kids
Yeah!!!
They step outside and a cold breeze hits everyone.
Ness
W-whew… Forgot how cold it was up here…
Kid
Aw, snot! Why'd we have to go against Winters? We're gonna freeze our butts off!
Kang
W-wish I-I knew P-PK F-Fire…
Voice
You'll get used to it.
We now see Jeff.
Ness
So… Jeff, where are you staying? We'll be at the Tess Resort.
Jeff
I'll just be at the local hotel chain.
Paula
Are you going to see the game?
Jeff
If I can. I have a few things to take care of first, though.
Ness
We'd love to you see you there, buddy.
Jeff
I know…
The bus comes by and stops. Inside, Ness leans over to Ness and Picky.
Ness
So how's school so far?
Tracy
Well, aside from my horrible roommate Sally Preppy, I'm doing fine.
Ness
Well, the world of biology could use you, I'm sure. And what about you, Picky? How are you liking
philosophy?
Picky
Um, well, I didn't get it so I changed majors. I'm in political science now.
Ness (whispering to Paula)
I think he'll be playing musical majors for a little bit longer…
Paula
Oh, if Picky wants to be the leader of the free world, let him.
Ness (look at Picky, who is cleaning his ear)
Right…
The bus comes to a stop, and everyone gets out except Jeff. They wave to Jeff as the bus leaves, and then they all look out at cabin resort.
Paula
Oh, wow, it's beautiful.
Ness gives Melody to Paula.
Ness
Well, I better get going to the super cabin where the team is staying and get them ready for tomorrow.
You enjoy your time with Tracy and the others, and I'll drop by later.
Paula
Sure, Ness.
Kissies.
Kang
Ew, gross!
Lydia
I think they're a cute couple.
Kang (looks at Picky and Tracy)
Hey, have you two ever…
Both
Ew, no!
Picky
We don't like each other like that!
Tracy
That'd just be freaky.
Kang
Huh, really? This romance stuff is so confusing. I ran around class once kissing all the girls and they
called me gross and a perv…
Lydia
Fascinating.
Paula (laughing)
Come on, you guys. Let's warm ourselves up.
Inside the cabin, everyone is out of their coats again. Tracy is holding Melody and Lydia is tickling her. (The baby, not Tracy, you sicko).
Paula (making hot chocolate)
Here we go, hot chocolate for everyone, coming right up.
Paula puts the pot on the burner and turns the gas on. She opens a drawer and takes out a matchbox, but it's empty.
Paula
Oh, we're out of matches…
Kang (very sad)
Does that mean no chocolate.
Paula
This shouldn't be a problem.
Paula snaps her fingers to create a little flame. She waves it around the burner and starts it.
Paula
There we go.
Kang
So Paula, you can use elemental PSI like me, right? We could've really used you in Fiveton.
Paula
Yes, well, I would've loved to help, but I didn't want to risk using PSI with Melody on the way.
Tracy (holding Melody up at Picky)
Isn't my niece the cutest, Picky?
Picky
I don't… really like babies.
Melody pulls his hair and sucks on it.
Picky
Gah! Get it off!
Skip ahead to the party drinking the chocolate outside on the porch and looking out at the lake.
Paula
This place is amazing… Ness and I have been to Winters twice before, but both times, all we did was
fight attacking aliens.
Kang (finishing beverage)
So what's there to do here?
Picky
Well, we could try our luck at skiing, or just hang out at the resort all week.
???
Or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The party turns to see a pudgy, tall blonde guy in a skimpy jacket.
Lydia
Who are you?
Sven
My name isa Sven, nice to meet you.
Paula
Are you on vacation, too?
Sven
Not really, no. I'va been living here for quita while. So who woulda you lovely ladies be?
Paula
Paula.
Lydia
Um, Lydia.
Tracy
Tracy.
Sven (takes Tracy's hand and kisses it)
How lovely it isa to meet you.
Tracy
Um, um… you too, Sven.
Kang
Hey, aren't you going to ask us our na—
Sven
I must be going now. I will see-a you later, yes?
Sven leaves.
Picky
That guy was creepy! And he kissed Tracy without permission!
Tracy
He was just being nice. Maybe it's customary to greet ladies like that in his country.
Picky
Right. Ladies. Why didn't he smooch Paula or Lydia?
Tracy
Paula has a wedding ring and Lydia's a child…
Lydia
Yeah, well, I wouldn't want that guy kissing me no matter how old I am…
Tracy's cell phone rings and she answers it.
Tracy
Oh, hi, Mom! I was just about to call you. Yeah, we just arrived, and…
Close up on Picky as Tracy's conversation fades out.
Picky
Tracy…
A flashback panel of Picky vs Scott as Tracy watches.
Picky
I swear, if this happens again…
Tracy
Yeah. Bye, Mom.
She looks at Picky.
Tracy
Picky? Something wrong?
Picky
Huh? I, uh… Nothing.
Now we go over to Jeff. It's sunset. He's just leaving his hotel and is wearing a green coat. A small montage of him walking through Winters, down the streets. He eventually stops at Stonehenge, with a sign in front welcoming visitors. Tourists are everywhere. He keeps going until he gets to old lab. The lights are on.
Jeff
Wait, is… someone still here?
He opens the door. The lead cave boy doing science with two partners and the mouse on his shoulder.
Caveboy
Hey, that Jeff Andonuts.
The others turn to look.
Jeff
Hi… I was wondering why I didn't see any of you meandering around outside.
Caveboy
We take over lab work since Doctor hasn't come back yet.
Partner (holding up a cat and a metal box)
We working on quantum mechanics. Want to join?
Jeff
Sounds like fun, but I just came by to pick up a few things.
Jeff heads over to the stairs and starts climbing up.
Caveboy
Jeff want lab back?
Jeff
… No. It looks like you know what you're doing. It's yours now.
Jeff goes up. The cave boys just shrug at one another. Upstairs, Jeff goes to his old room. It's a very empty place because he's hardly ever stayed here. There are a few junior genius awards on the walls. He goes over to his desk, picks up a photograph, and looks at it. It's him and his dad at a science fair.
Jeff
… Dad.
We enter a two-panel flashback. Jeff is working on a lab computer in Fiveton and Dr. Andonuts is heading out the door.
Jeff
Dad, where are you going?
Dr. Andonuts
I just want to see what's going on out there! You stay here.
Jeff
But…
Dr. Andonuts
I'll be back in a second. I just have to see this historical event for myself!
He stuffs the photo into a small bag and leaves. Back outside of the lab, the tourists have left. Stonehenge is being lit by flood lights on the ground. Jeff just stares at it. Then, we hear footsteps. Go to a panel with feet approaching. Then Jeff turns.
Voice
Jeff, thought you'd go here first.
Jeff
Hi, Tony. You didn't have to come all the way out here, you know. I was about to come see you.
Tony
Oh, I know. But why not? Nice night for a walk, you know?
Jeff
Yeah…
Tony
Hey, you all right?
Jeff
I was. I mean, coming here… it just reminds me of Dad.
Tony
So there's still no sign of him, is there?
Jeff
No…
Tony
Sorry, Jeff… But you know, as your best friend, I'll always be at your side.
Jeff
I know. And thanks. So how's your teaching job going?
Tony
Oh, just fine. This new batch of students still can't compete with our graduating class, though.
Jeff
Heh.
Tony
Hey, listen for a sec. There's someone I want you to meet.
Jeff
Hm?
Back at the resort, our four heroes are at the receptionist desk.
Receptionist
Oh, yes, the spa is open late, and as guests, you can use it whenever you wish.
Tracy
Thanks.
She turns to the group
Tracy
Well, I guess we should change into our swimming suits, huh?
Receptionist
Hey, you! Mr. Sven!
The group turns to see Sven walking by.
Sven
Yes? Vhat is it?
Receptionist
Again, it's about your dog! You can't keep him here, he's disturbing the other guests!
Sven
Oh yes, yes, the dog. I will make sure he is quiet from now on.
Receptionist
But you can't—
Sven
Ah, look, it is the beautiful Tracy and friends again!
Tracy waves weakly.
Sven
I hope you are enjoying yourselves! And I hope to see you again, Miss Tracy. Goodbye for now!
Picky
(Goodbye forever, hopefully)
Inside the pool room, everyone except Kang is in the spa, relaxing. Lydia's glasses are off.
Tracy
I wonder what's taking Kang so long?
Picky shrugs. (panel for pacing)
Kang (off screen)
Sorry. Mom bundled me in so many layers, it takes awhile to get out of it.
Tracy
Well, come on in—
Tracy becomes shocked. We see Kang's back.
Kang
What?
Now his front (both from the waist up, seriously!)
Kang
This is how people in my country bathe.
We see everyone's reactions.
Picky
Let me guess… He's not wearing anything.
Lydia
Good thing I can't see two feet in front of me right now.
Tracy
You guys, that's not fair!
Kang
Oh fine, I guess I'll put something on.
Kang comes back wearing his scarf as a swim suit. He jumps in and splashes everyone.
Kang
Ahhh… this is nice.
A shadow covers the group.
Voice
But it looks like you needa the bubbles.
Picky
(Oh… no…)
Sven in all his glory with a small swimsuit is standing at the edge.
Sven
After all, what is a jacuzzi without the little bubbly bubbles?
Sven hits the button on the wall to start the bubbles, and then slides in between Picky and a shocked Tracy, smushing the groups together tightly.
Sven
Ah, now that is relaxing.
Picky
Hey, we were here first! Buzz off!
Sven
But there is plenty of room, yes?
Picky (angry)
…
Picky gets out and begins to leave.
Picky
Since I'm so thin, I shouldn't spend too long in there, anyway. See you guys back at the cabin.
Lydia
W-wait for me!
Lydia jumps out, instantly changes back into her winter uniform, grabs her glasses, and follows Picky. Now just Kang and Tracy are left to stare awkwardly at Sven.
Sven
So, do you two-a like Sven's beautiful muscles?
With Tracy still petrified, Kang begins crying.
Elsewhere, Tony pulls into the parking lot at the Winters Girls' Boarding School. He and Jeff step out.
Jeff
The girl school? Why are we here, Tony?
Tony
I just want to introduce you to a friend of mine.
Inside the halls are lots of prep girls in their uniforms. Jeff follows Tony into a classroom where a young lady is typing on a computer at her desk. She has big circular, see-through glasses and dark brown hair.
Tony
Gwen, this is my friend I've told you so much about.
Gwen
Oh, so this is Jeff!
She gets up and goes over to him. Jeff is already sweating nervously.
Gwen
Tony's been going on and on about you! He says you're a genius, like your father.
Jeff
W-well, I…
Tony
Gwen and I work together at QuanTek Laboratory when we're not teaching. It's really high-tech
electronic stuff. We've got our flatscreen televisions down to two inches thick over there!
Jeff
That's um, yeah… Wow, televisions. Heh. Yeah, you watch… television on those…
Gwen
So tell me a little about yourself, Jeff.
Jeff
(Geez, Tony… What made you want to go and play cupid?) Well, I'm… not very strong, really near-
sighted, and people say I'm shy and reckless…
Gwen
Well, you probably can't help that. It's just the way you are, right?
Jeff smiles.
Back at the resort, Tracy and Kang have gotten out of hot tub and are grabbing for towels.
Tracy
Geez, I thought he'd never leave. Two hours of Cheddish folk tales…
Kang
Tracy… I don't feel so…
Kang collapses. Tracy wraps a towel around herself while sighing. She comes out of the pool room with Kang on her shoulders, and quickly notices Picky and Lydia playing pool.
Tracy
You guys! How could you just leave us in there like that?
Picky
Well, when that Sven guy came, it was pretty easy.
Tracy points at Picky.
Tracy
I can't believe you, Picky! I thought you'd stick by my side no matter what!
Tracy has to reposition Kang after he nearly falls off.
Picky
Well, sorry Trace! I don't like that creepy guy! He's all oily and talks weird and stuff!
Tracy
Whatever. I'm going back to the cabin. See you in the morning.
She leaves.
Picky
What's her problem?
Lydia
Well, you did kind of ditch your best friend back there…
Picky
Yeah, well, whenever a guy comes in between us, it seems to have that effect.
Lydia
I'm calling it a night, Picky. You're a pretty lousy player, anyway.
Picky
Gee, thanks…
Lydia leaves. Picky bats the last ball in a little angrily and follows. Suddenly, Sven comes from behind a corner and blocks the way with his huge arm.
Sven
Heya, little man.
Picky
Get out of my way, you weirdo.
Sven
Now you listen here. You did not treat your girlfriend so good. I don't thinka she likes you so much.
Picky
She's not my girlfriend!
Sven
Well, that'sa good. So why don't you just stay out of her way, yes?
Picky
What the heck are you talking about?
Sven
Leave us alone, yes?
Sven leaves.
Picky
What the…
Back at Gwen and Jeff, who are on the roof of the school, looking at the stars.
Jeff
You know, I never knew Winters had such a strong scientific community.
Gwen
I didn't either until just a few years ago. Let me guess—you spent most of your time studying when you
were going to school here.
Jeff
Well, yeah. I didn't get out much. Didn't… even get to see my dad much.
Gwen
Same here.
Jeff
My dad… He invented a time machine. But now my colleague, Professor Kylen, says the time-space
is damaged in this era after all that happened in Fiveton. I don't know if my dad could make it back or
not.
Gwen
At least you have friends.
Jeff
Yeah… plenty of them. I'm probably boring you with all this talk, huh?
Gwen
I'm guessing that you haven't had a lot of love interests in your life.
Jeff
Um, well…
Gwen
Oh, don't worry, I'm the same. It's my work. I'm obsessed with it.
Jeff
I think you should visit Eagleland. I mean, winter break starts next week up here. You've got some time
off, right?
Gwen
I think I'd like that. I've been wanting to get out of Winters for so long now. I've just never had anyone to
go with.
They both just look at one another. Cut to a morning shot of Winters. We zoom in on a mountain, where the gang is ready to try some skiing. Lydia has a big bag with her. Others are lined up and ready to learn.
Tracy
Oh, where is the instructor? Ness' baseball game starts in an hour!
Voice
Do not fear, for I am here!
Picky
(No… No!!!)
Sven comes over, dressed in a scary, thin ski uniform and goggles.
Sven
So, you would all like to learn how to ski, yes?
Everyone nods but Picky, who is angry.
Sven
Well, Miss Tracy. What a pleasant surprise.
Tracy
Hi… Sven.
Sven
Right, here we go.
Sven takes off the large, long bag at his back full of the actual skis. Everyone grabs a pair.
Sven
I think these are the ones you are wanting.
Sven hands a pair to Picky, who grabs them angrily.
Sven demonstrates.
Sven
Skiing is so easy now. All you do is bend your knees like this, and let nature do the rest.
Sven goes down the mountain. The other students go down first.
Tracy
Well, here goes nothing.
Kang
How about a race?
Tracy
Um, maybe later, Kang. I think we should just find out how to survive first.
Kang
That's no fun…
The others go down first. Picky, still mad, goes down last. As he's going down the hill, he mumbles to himself.
Picky
Stupid Sven… Following us everywhere…
We see that one of Picky's skis is cracking. He looks and notices it.
Picky
Huh? That's not supposed to happen!
The ski snaps in half, sending Picky tumbling down the hill. He rolls past and between Lydia and Kang.
Kang
Hey! That's not how you do it, you bonehead!
Tracy
Picky! Are you okay?
At the bottom of the slope, as the group arrives, Picky is in a clump of snow near the lift, dazed.
Sven (pointing)
Everybody notice this one's poor technique, and what it has done to him.
Tracy
Picky!
Tracy helps him out.
Sven
Very good for your first lessons, everybody! Ready for lesson number two?
Man
Mr. Sven! We need to have a chat.
Sven
Oh?
Now we see that the bottom of the hill is right next to the resort.
Man
I'm the manager here, and it's about your dog! He's been barking like crazy all day, and we want him
out of here! Now!
Sven
Of course, of course.
Sven turns to the group.
Sven
I have a few things to take-a care of. Why don't we all take a break?
Group
Yay!
Lydia
Come on, Picky. You'll get a second chance in a little bit.
Picky
You guys go ahead. I want to have a little chat with Sven.
Tracy
Well… okay. Just hurry up.
Everyone is gone except Sven and Picky.
Sven
What? What do you want?
Picky (assertive, finger pointing)
Now look here, you freak. I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to take Tracy away from me,
and you want me out of the picture! Giving me a faulty ski, huh? Wah-ell, you just wait until I tell Ness
and Paula!
Sven
Oh, so it looks like you've got it all figured out. Is that it?
Picky
I—huh? What happened to your accent?
Sven
To tell you the truth, Sven is sick of your face!
Picky
What the?!
Sven picks up Picky and tosses him into a ski lift. He jumps on himself and taunts Picky.
Sven
Tracy is all mine, you ugly little child!
Picky
What the heck are you?
Sven takes out a rope from his bag and ties Picky around the lift, one of Picky's ski sticks still in his hands. Picky struggles.
Picky
Let me go! Let me out of this thing, you creep!
Sven
You had your chance with Tracy, Ugly! So what are you trying to do? Stop her from falling in beautiful
love? She'll never be happy as long as you're around!
Picky (calm but still angry)
That's not true.
Sven
Eh?
Picky
If Tracy finds the right guy… A nice, smart, talented guy worthy of her love… Then I'll support her full-
heartedly.
I'm her best friend.
And I'm going to keep freakshows like you away from her!
Sven
Awww, isn't that just adorable? Too bad you are no longer an obstacle!
Sven jumps down. The ski lift moves again and begins taking Picky back to the top.
Sven (waving)
Enjoy your trip now! Over… and over, and over! Don't worry, Sven will be veeeery nice to Tracy!
Picky
I'll come after you! You hear me?! You freak!
Sven smirks, and then turns and heads inside. Switch to the baseball game. Ness is coaching the team, but the scoreboard says they're losing in the third inning, so Ness is nervous. Paula and Melody watch from the stands. Then, she looks over to see Jeff and Gwen coming over.
Paula
Jeff! You made it!
Jeff
Of course. Oh, this is my friend Gwen.
Gwen
Hello, Paula. Jeff's told me a lot about you and Ness. He's lucky to have friends like you.
Paula
Well that's very nice of you to say.
Gwen
Oh, and this must be Melody. Isn't she just adorable?
Jeff and Gwen take their seats.
Jeff (adjusting glasses)
Hoo boy, the Zombies aren't doing too well out there. I hope Ness can keep it together.
During the next line, we go down to Ness, who is on his knees and begging the heavens for some support.
Paula
It might already be too late…
Jeff
So where are Tracy and the others?
Paula
I don't know. Something must be keeping them.
In the next panel, Paula looks a little worried.
Paula
(What a familiar feeling…)
Back at the resort, we see that Tracy and Sven are alone together about five hundred feet from the resort. Tracy looks a little creeped out.
Tracy
Look, Sven, it was nice of you to give me some private skiing lessons, but I really, really have to be somewhere. And I've got to get back to the others. So… bye.
Tracy tries to leave, but Sven reaches out and grabs her.
Tracy
Sven! What are you—
Sven
Please, Tracy. I love you! I want to sing songs of love to you!
Tracy
Sven, no! You're grossing me out! You're like, twice my age!
Sven
Our years can't keep us apart! Not when our love is true!
Tracy
(why does this keep happening to me?!)
Sven
Come on, sweetie, sugar-dumpling. Let's run away together.
Tracy slaps him. Sven rubs his cheek.
Sven
That… hurts me… You've really broken my heart.
Tracy
Well, I'm sorry, but you're just not my type!
Sven (bent over)
Heh… I suppose… that is true…
Tracy
Huh? Sven, what the?!
Sven (skin now turning green, his arms a little flabby)
I gave you a chance, Tracy… I gave you a chance for us to be happy together…
Tracy cringes. On the next panel, Sven's true form is revealed outright—a mook! But his hair is, um, the same, disturbingly.
Sven
But darn it, love hurts us all!
Tracy
Eek!
Kang and Lydia run onto the scene.
Kang
We were worried about you hanging out with Sven, Tracy!
Lydia
Yeah, so where is he, and what's that thing?
Tracy
T-that's… Sven…
Kang
Oh, seriously? Geez! I knew he was an alien!
Sven
And now Sven will deliver much injury to you puny children!
Kang
Child? I'm eight years old! I'm practically a man!
Kang fires a lightning bolt, but it bounces off of Sven's shield.
Sven
Ooo, PSI! At least this fight will be interesting!
Lydia
Great. Here we go again!
Lydia tosses her bag out. Saturn DU3 emerges from it and instantly begins firing.
Saturn
Defense mode: Hot Chocolate engaged.
Sven dodges the bullets as they hit the snow and explode it into plumes.
Sven
How about some frostbite?
Sven fires off a PK Freeze at Lydia, but Tracy puts up her own shield and blocks it.
Lydia
Thanks…
Sven
Colder! It needs to get colder!
Sven summons ice enemies that develop in the surrounding snow. They're made of ice and have giant mouths and no eyes. Or something.
Kang
Ahh, we're surrounded!
Lydia takes out a—brace yourself—futuristic shotgun and fires it a couple times at the onslaught of ice enemies. This is actually a sonic shotgun that fires distortion waves that completely shatter the ice enemies on contact.
Lydia (overwhelmed by the weapon's power)
Geez, no wonder Dad never let me use this thing…
Kang
Why'd you bring that, anyway?
Lydia
You know… to scare off… bears.
Kang just stares at her.
Lydia
Well, at least I have it, you know?
An ice beast comes over and smashes the Saturn DU3
Saturn
L-Lydia… Avenge me…
Lydia
Darn it! That thing takes forever to repair!
Tracy (doing PK Puppies on a batch of enemies)
There's too many of them! Sven just keeps spawning more!
Sven
Now are you regretting not being my one and only?
Back at the ballpark, with Ness panicking now, Paula suddenly stands up and looks out at the resort.
Jeff
Paula? What is it?
Paula
…
Jeff
Paula…?
Paula gives Melody to Gwen.
Paula
Will you watch her? I have to go check on something.
Paula runs away.
Jeff
What? Paula!
After she's gone, Gwen looks at Jeff.
Gwen
Your friends are a bit weird, Jeff…
Jeff (sighs, glasses stolen by Melody)
You'll get used to it.
Back at the battle field, there are even more enemies, and the group is being worn out.
Kang
I really, really, really wish I knew PK FIre right now…
Voice
Don't worry, you guys! I'm here!
We see Picky, making his way down the mountain on a single ski like a surfboard. His ski stick is already out like a weapon.
Tracy
Picky!
Picky jumps into the air. His ski flies forward, impaling one of the ice spawns. Picky lands on his feet with a bit of a wobble.
Sven
What? How did you get here?
Picky
Ha! When you're this scrawny, you can worm your way out of anything! Wow, Sven. Now you're really
ugly!
Sven
How dare you insult Sven! Get him!
All the ice spawns begin attacking Picky, but in an action panel or two (can use multiple low opacity Pickies), he jabs and swings ice spawns with the stick. When he is no longer surrounded, Picky calls out to Tracy.
Picky
Guy troubles again, huh, Trace?
Tracy manages to smile.
Sven
You will pay for this, you ugly! Tracy is all mine!
Picky
Sorry. But I don't think so!
Picky lunges at Sven with stick out. But Sven holds his ground as his main eye glows.
Sven
Now I punish you!
Picky (blinded)
Gah!
Picky drops to the ground and looks at his arms, becoming diamondized.
Picky
What is this?
Picky looks over at Tracy with a sad face.
Tracy
Picky!
Picky becomes a diamond and falls to the ground.
Sven
Ah, now Ugly serves some purpose! He can be on your wedding ring! Ah hahaha!
Tracy
Picky… no…
Kang
You big fat jerk! You'll pay for that!
Sven
Oh, yeah?
Dozens of more ice spawns pop up and surround the group.
Sven
Last chance to be my one love, Tracy!
Tracy
No! Never!
Sven
Hm. Well, too bad.
The ice spawns close in. The team braces for pain. But then…
Voice
PK Fire!!!
Fire sweeps over the ice spawns, but misses the group. Then the fire spreads so it covers the entire area, melting all the snow. We look over to see Paula, huffing.
Tracy
Paula!
Kang
You saved us!
Paula looks over at Sven.
Paula
A… a mook?!
Close up on the hair.
Paula
Wait… that must be…
Tracy
Paula, look what he did to Picky!
Paula looks at diamond Picky.
Paula
He'll be okay, Tracy. Ness can fix him up.
Sven
Gah! One of the original four! Oh, Sven is in much trouble!
Kang
Yeah, you are! It's payback time!
Sven
Oh, wait. It turns out that I have one last surprise! Oh, Doggy! Come out and play!
X-Mas surprise leaps out from the nearby forest and takes at attack pose next to Sven.
Sven
Meet my doggy! It doesn't look like he likes you!
Lydia
Tracy, that's—
Tracy
I know…
A flashback panel of the last time they saw the x-mas surprise.
Tracy
It never returned home… It just ran away…
Sven
He really doesn't like you! It's like he knows you or something, haha! Doggy, attack!
The x-mas surprise jumps out at Tracy. She rolls out of the way, grabs Picky's ski stick, and uses it as a weapon. The x-mas surprise jumps out at Tracy again, but she bashes it with the stick. It whines and backs off a little. Tracy stands up.
Tracy
Bad dogs… I do not like.
Doggy
Grr…
Paula
Tracy, why is it going after just you?
Kang
Who cares? I'm gonna star storm it!
Doggy
Growl!
The surprise turns around and leaps at Kang.
Kang
Gah! Not me!
Suddenly, calming bubbles surround the dog. It drops to the ground, fast asleep. We see Tracy, still in her hypnosis pose, huffing a bit.
Kang
Um… thanks, Tracy…
Sven
Gah! Why must you beat up all of my subordinates! You know what? Sven doesn't care anymore! Sven
will just stay away from you and crush you with PSI! You can't get through my shield! Ah-haha!
Sven begins wildly launching PK Freezes, which Tracy has to reflect with her own shield.
Paula
Sheesh, he's tough. We can't get close to him like this.
Kang
I think it's up to me…
Lydia
Huh?
Kang
My PK Tornado technique will tear his shield off!
Lydia
Not that weak thing again!
Kang
I've been working on it! Just watch!
Sven
Ah-hahaha! Freeze! Freeeeze! Freeeeee-huh?
Sven sees a giant green tornado coming his way, tearing up a few trees in the process.
Sven
Oh… no…
The tornado goes straight over him, eat his shield in the process. When it clears, Sven collapses on the ground all banged up.
Kang
Wow, it actually worked… I wasn't even expecting that it'd beat him, too.
Lydia pats him on the head.
Lydia
Sometimes you're kind of cool, Kang.
Tracy
Should we… finish him off?
Paula
Let's see what he has to say first.
They all go over. Sven is crying on the ground.
Sven
Go ahead! End it! Sven has nothing to live for! Sven can't even beat up some humans!
Paula
Who… are you?
Sven looks up at them.
Sven
Giygas made me guard the base under the Stoneheng, but I was just a janitor there and didn't even get to fight!
Paula
… What?
Sven
Yes, it is most terrible! And then I go to work one day, and the base is all shut down, and no one is there
to tell me why! Everyone just left, and I wandered around the base, trying to figure out what to do with
my life! All I ever wanted was to be loved! But there are no girl mooks here! Maybe no mooks at all!
Everyone
…
Sven
Sven is so sad and lonely… When Sven found out that Ness' sister was coming here, I wanted to
kidnap her and get revenge on Ness for putting me out of work… But then when I saw her, I fell in love.
Tracy
… Aw, Sven… That's so sad…
Lydia
Tracy, are you kidding me?
Kang
This guy just tried to kill you!
Tracy
Well, yeah, but… The holidays are coming up in a little while. I think he just wants some friends.
Paula
Hm… Sven, is that all you want?
Sven looks up at them.
Sven (crying)
… Yes…
An awkward panel. And then…
Kang
This is a joke, right?
Narration
Later…
Some time has passed. Jeff, Gwen, and Tony have come to watch the entire scene. Ness is finishing reviving Picky. Sven has X-mas Surprise at his side, who is now complacent and panting. Tracy is knelt down to him and cautiously petting him. In the next panel, Picky is fully awakened.
Picky
Huh? What… what happened? Ness? Hey, Ness—is everything okay?
Ness (trying to hold it back)
N-n-no…
Picky
Huh?
Ness cries into the ground.
Ness
We blew it! We lost! All my plans fell apart! You can't imagine the misery I feel!
Picky (standing up)
Um, well… there's always the next season, you know.
Tracy runs over and hugs Picky tightly.
Picky
Oof!
Tracy
Picky! You're okay! Thank you for trying so hard!
Picky
Trying so hard? Is that supposed to be a compliment?
Paula comes over with Melody and tries to comfort Ness.
Paula
Come on, honey. You can't blame yourself. They had the home field advantage and a great starting
line-up, and their bullpen was excellent.
Ness
It's not fair! Not fair, I tell you!
Paula (to Melody)
Oh dear, Daddy needs comforting.
Melody
Dada!
She pulls Ness's hair. He stands up and holds her, and stops crying. Now go to a single panel of Jeff, Gwen, and Tony.
Gwen
What great friends you have, Jeff…
Jeff
They're… my family.
Back at Picky and Tracy, who is still hugging Picky tightly. Then Picky notices Sven and the X-Mas Surprise.
Picky
Um, Tracy… why is that dog thing there, and why is Sven… smiling?
Tracy lets go of Picky finally and explains to him what's going on.
Tracy
Oh, right. Well… they're going to come to Onett and celebrate the holidays with us.
Picky
Oh, I see…
…
Wait—Tracy are you CRAZY?
Tracy just smiles through Picky's rant. The camera gradually pans out to show Winters.
Picky
That alien guy turns me into a diamond, and that dog thing poisoned you in Fiveton!
And now you're friends? Why? Oh, don't tell me…
You suddenly feel for them because of the time of the year, don't you? Well, that's just great!
Next thing you know, someone will take a photograph of us all happy or something! Are you even
listening to me? Tracy!
The very last panel, a big one, is a photograph of everyone happy at the Ness house. There's a christmas tree, a menorah, and other holiday things lined in the background to keep it all pretty ambiguous. Tracy is hugging a happy X-Mas Surprise as King watches jealously. Melody is pulling Ness's hair while Paula tries to get her to stop. Picky is in between Sven and the Surprise, looking really shaken. Kang is near Lydia, pointing up at mistletoe and looking expectant, while Lydia looks revolted. Lydia's dad is one of the people on the couch, and is busy repairing Saturn DU3. Ness and Tracy's dad is in the middle of the couch, reading a newspaper. Mom is on the left side of the couch, trying to pull the newspaper away and pointing at the camera, looking a little peeved as she tries to get him to look at the camera. And lastly, Jeff is with Gwen and Tony behind the couch.
The end!