The Marcos Story

Part 4

Last time, Sonic and the gang went looking for Marcos after he and his sister had a heated clash, and Marcos ran away from the group out of anger and frustration. The young wolf soon met Barker, who seemed friendly at first, but turned out to be a criminal mastermind. It was also revealed that Sleuth Doggy Dawg, who was once a partner for Drago in the past, is in cahoots with Barker. Not only did Barker managed to capture and imprison Marcos, but with Sleuth's help, he managed to capture all the other inflated anthros. Barker and Sleuth now control the minds of the inflated anthros with the use of mind controlling devices placed on their heads. Now as mindless slaves, the ballooned anthros will now be forced into slave labor and will participate in Barker's circus as the main attraction. Will Sonic and the gang be able to save their companions? Stay tuned to find out.

[We then cut back to Sleuth and Barker, who had just finished fixing the mind control device intended for Marcos]

Barker: There! It's done!

Sleuth: Now to place it on the brat's head. [Sleuth takes the device, climbs on the inflated and unconscious Marcos, and places it on his head] There we go! Perfect fit! Now this kid won't have free will of his own! Which means he won't be able to think for himself, and there will be no more bitching and whining from him anymore! And he'll do whatever I say whenever I order it!

Barker: You mean he'll do whatever WE say whenever WE order it!

Sleuth: Err... Yes. Right. Anyway...

[Sleuth hops off the inflated and unconscious Marcos, and lands on his feet]

Barker: Alright fellas, get on the ground and rock back and forth on your inflated bodies.

[They do, some rocked on their bellies, some rocked on their backs, while some rocked on their behinds]

Sleuth: (laughing) Oh this is so funny! Just look at them go! And I like the sounds they make! It's like they're made of rubber!

Barker: Indeed. Why don't you try an order?

Sleuth: Don't mind if I do. Listen up, balloons! Join hands, jump up in the air, and then hover and spin!

[They join hands, jump into the air, then they hover and spin]

Barker: Most impressive.

Sleuth: You know what that looks like to me? Like ballerina dancing in the air!

Barker: Yeah, it does.

Sleuth: Okay, here's another one for you. Gather up and form a pyramid of yourselves. And Marcos, I want you on the top.

[They form a pyramid and Marcos was at the top]

Barker: Excellent.

Sleuth: I'm surprised they're able to do that in their size. And they're not even losing their balance. But then again, they're as light as air. So I guess anything is possible in their state.

Barker: Whoever created the formula that did this was a genius.

Sleuth: Indeed... This formula really is something else. It works flawlessly.

Barker: Yes. But let's not waste anymore time. Time to put you boys to work. Tonight, you will put on a BIG show for the audience.

Sleuth: Literally.

[Meanwhile with Frank and George they were at the carnival hoping to find their friends]

Frank: Hello? Anybody there?

George: Rufus? Marcos? Gunty? Anybody?

Frank: No sign of them here.

George: Wait, aren't we supposed to be looking for Sonic and the gang?

Frank: I think we were supposed to be looking for everybody.

George: Awe man. Now I'm confused. It seems like we've been going around in circles this entire time.

Fred: How can anyone find their way around this insane island?

George: Don't know, Frank. Then again, we were never so good at finding our way around.

Frank: Great. Things couldn't possibly get any worse.

[Frank sits down on the ground, and sighs]

George: I wish someone could give us a sign or something.

Female Voice: You guys need some help?

Frank: Huh?

George: Who's there? Who said that?

[A dragon comes up to them and they recognize her]

Frank: Dulcy?

Dulcy: Did you miss me?

Frank: Dulcy! Where have you been all this time?

George: Yeah! We haven't seen you in so many years! And a lot has changed!

Dulcy: Hey, a girl has to look out for her people and Vesuvio has lots of dragons.

Frank: Oh...

George: Well... We need your help, Dulcy. You see, we're lost, and we're trying to find our friends.

Dulcy: And who might your friends be?

Frank: We're with Lupe and the Wolfpack. But we're also allies with Sonic the Hedgehog.

Dulcy: Then I will do what I can to find them, in the meantime you guys should stay put until I do.

Frank: I think a better idea would be for us to stay together. If we do, then we might have a better chance of finding them.

George: I agree. This is one big island after all.

Dulcy: I think your right. Climb on my back.

Frank and George: Okay.

[The two wolves climb on the dragon's back]

Dulcy: Hold on tight.

[Dulcy hops into the air, flaps her wings, and flies away into the sky]

Frank: Whoa!

George: This is fantastic!

Dulcy: Glad your enjoying this but make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Frank: Oh yes. Right.

George: Well, so far I see the beach, the ocean, the sun setting, the trees in the island, and a circus with a bunch of animal balloons...

Dulcy: Wait what?

George: I thought I saw some oddly familiar looking animal balloons right over there!

Frank: Wait! That could be our friends!

Dulcy: We can check it out after we find the others!

[Dulcy flies away in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, back with Sonic and company]

Sonic: You sure we're going in the right direction, Shadow? We've been wondering around this island for hours.

Shadow: To be honest I'm not even sure.

[Suddenly Sally spotted Dulcy]

Sally: Guys! Look! Up in the sky!

Tails: Is that who I think it is?

Sonic: If your thinking Dulcy, then yes.

Lupe: Dulcy? I remember her! We haven't seen her in years!

Shadow: Then lets get you reacquainted. CHAOS SPEAR!

[He launches a Chaos Spear into the air and it explodes creating a bright light getting Dulcy, Fred, and George's attention]

Dulcy: Hey! What was that?

George: I don't know. But that must be a signal!

Frank: But from who?

George: Who else would be able to create fire works like that?

Frank: Why of course! Shadow!

George: Dulcy, I think Shadow is signaling us to come down! Take us down for a closer look!

Dulcy: Okay!

[She does so and she sees some cyan lights on the ground]

Fred: It's Queen Sally!

George: And the others are there too!

[Dulcy finally lands to the ground on her feet, and the two wolves hop off her]

Sally: Dulcy! It's so good to see you again! It's been such a long time!

Dulcy: I missed you too, Sally...

[Sally and and Lupe hug Dulcy warmly. They were finally relieved to be reunited with a long lost friend]

Lupe: Where have you been all these years? We've missed you!

Dulcy: Well what can I say? Times change, and I have responsibilities of my own. But it's good to finally be back with you guys.

Shadow: I don't mean to break the dramatic moment, ladies. But we need some answers. Dulcy, have you and the guys seen anything suspicious lately? It's important for us to know.

Dulcy: Well, the guys here say they saw a circus with unusual animal balloons.

Tails: Wait... Animal balloons?

Dulcy: That's right, Miles.

Sally: Those "animal balloons" you speak of have got to be our missing friends! Dulcy, did one of the animal balloons look familiar to you? Was one of them a brown wolf with a white face and tail tip? Wearing a blue and yellow suit?

Lupe: (worried) Have you seen my son? Is he alright?

George: We're not really sure, but Dulcy can take you there.

Lupe: Please, Dulcy. Will you help us? I'm really worried about my son. And my friends too.

Dulcy: Of course I'll help, for old times sake.

Lupe: Thank you, Dulcy...

Dulcy: Well then, come on, Lupe. Climb on my back.

Lobo: I'm coming too.

Sally: Me too.

Sonic: Okay then. Tails, Shadow, you're with me. And Dulcy, you lead the way. We'll follow you.

Knuckles: Don't forget us!

Sonic: We aren't, just try to keep up.

Dulcy: Okay then. Is everybody ready?

Lupe: Yes, Dulcy. We're ready.

Dulcy: Then hold onto me tight. Because we'll be flying high.

[Dulcy spreads her wings and flies away into the sky with Lupe, Lobo, Sally, Maria, Frank, and George]

Sonic: That's our cue guys! Time to blast through with sonic speed!

Shadow: Now your talking!

Knuckles: Okay, time to rock and roll!

Tails: Here we go!

[Sonic, Shadow, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Sticks all dart off at full speed, and follow Dulcy as she leads them to where Marcos and the others are located. Meanwhile, back at the circus]

Barker: Is the main attraction ready?

Sleuth: You bet.

Barker: Okay then. Let me take care of the announcements. (clears voice and adjusts neck tie) [Barker heads out into the stage, carrying a microphone in his hand] Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the main event! You're in for some exceptional excitement tonight! And it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a group of extraordinary real living animal balloons! We give you... Marcos Wolf and his friends! Come forward, animal balloons!

[Sleuth opens the door with a remote control switch, and Marcos and the other inflated anthros all float their way into view. The audiences cheer and laugh at their bloated forms as they hover their way into the stadium]

Sleuth: Now for the fun to begin. [The music plays a classic circus symphony] Cue music!

Barker: For our first performance, the balloons will join hands, sail high into the air, and spin around like a rotating wheel!

[The inflated anthros all join hands, and bounce high into the air. And while holding onto each other's hands, they perform their rotating wheel trick just as Barker instructed. The audiences cheer and laugh at this]

Sleuth: (laughing) Oh this is cracking me up!

Barker: Okay! Now, the balloons will each find themselves a partner, and dance for the audience! Sleuth, you know what to do.

Sleuth: Don't I always?

[Sleuth turns on some dance music. And the inflated anthros all grab themselves a partner to dance with. While dancing suggestively around the room, the audiences all cheer and clap their hands]

Barker: They love you guys!

Sleuth: These guys sure are something. I'll give them that. By the way, have you done anything about their condition?

Barker: What do you mean?

Sleuth: I mean shouldn't we be concerned about them shrinking back to normal?

Barker: Oh don't worry about that. I gave them a dose of the permanent formula. So they'll stay in their inflated forms forever. And they will remain our mindless slaves. They will make lots of money. For us that is.

Sleuth: (smiles) I like your style, Barker.

Barker: What can I say? It's a gift.

Audiences: We want more! We want more! We want more!

Barker: You hear that guys? They love you!

[They don't respond]

Sleuth: Okay you brainless buffoons, listen up, rest on your backs and do your spinning maneuver! [The inflated anthros do as they're told. They rest on their backs, and spin around like toy tops, causing the audience to laugh like crazy] This is too funny! There's nothing more satisfying than watching my enemies make complete fools of themselves!

Barker: And the fun has only just begun! Listen up! [The inflated anthros focus on Barker] Now I want you to bounce on your inflated behinds, and give the audiences something to laugh at!

[The inflated anthros obey Barker's command, and bounce on their behinds, with resultant BOING and WHOOMP sounds. The crowd roars in laughter. They laughed so hard, that they break out in tears. And some of them throw money at the inflated anthros as they carry out their order]

Barker: Oh this is delicious! Nothing like the sweet taste of success, huh, Sleuth?

Sleuth: I agree! This is the life!

Barker: And from here, it only gets better!

[Unbeknownst to Sleuth and Barker, Lupe, Maria, Lobo, and Sally managed to sneak their way into the circus without being noticed. And as they blend into the crowd, they couldn't believe what they were seeing]

Lobo: What's going on here?

Lupe: I don't know. But it looks like some sick bastard is using our son and our friends as entertainment.

Maria: Even my brother doesn't deserve to be treated this way!

Sally: I don't know whose behind this! But we're going to get to the bottom of this!

Lobo: Wait... Look at their eyes...

[They did and saw their eyes were dull]

Lupe: What is wrong with them?

Maria: I think it has to do with the weird head gear their wearing.

Sally: Then we'll have to remove them. But when the time is right.

Maria: And when will the time be right?

Sally: Be patient, Maria. I know what to do. And we will plan our strategy well. I promise we will rescue your brother, your grandfather, and the rest of them.

Maria: Alright Sal.

[Lupe, Lobo, Sally, and Maria descend into the crowd. And then they regroup with Sonic, Shadow, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Sticks]

Sonic: So what's up, guys?

Sally: Sonic! We found Marcos and the others.

Sonic: Great! So why don't we just go in and get em?

Sally: Now wait just a minute there, Sonic! Don't be so hasty! We have to have a plan first.

Sonic: So what's going on?

Sally: Apparently, Marcos and the others are not themselves.

Sonic: What do you mean?

Maria: They're wearing some strange head gear.

Sonic: (impatient) Yeah, and?

Lupe: It's not just any headgear, Sonic. It's some kind of mind controlling device that's zapped their will.

Amy: Did this headgear look like something kind of ancient yet advanced in a way?

Sally: Yes it did.

Tails: Sounds like our culprit is making use of Lyric's tech.

Lupe: Lyric? Whose that?

Knuckles: We'll tell you later, right now we need to come with a plan like Sally suggested.

Tails: That's right. And I think I know what to do.

Sally: Work your magic, Tails.

Tails: Don't worry, leave it to me.

[Meanwhile, back with Sleuth and Barker. The ballooned anthros had just finished entertaining the audiences with their humorous performances. But then they were placed in cages]

Sleuth: Look at all this dough!

Barker: (chuckles) Yes! And its all mine! Uh, I mean... Ours!

Sleuth: Yeah...ours...

Barker: Well anyway, this is only the beginning! And now that we've got these mindless slaves under our control, they will make us millions! Even billions! We will make a great profit out of these living balloons!

Sleuth: We're gonna be living the sweet life.

Barker: Indeed we will, my friend, indeed we will.

Sleuth: Such a shame Drago isn't here to enjoy the wealth.

Barker: Drago? Who is he?

Sleuth: Oh... Bah! It's not important. He was just some loser who was my partner in crime several years back. I haven't seen him since then. And I don't know or care if he's still alive today.

Baker: I see. Oh well. Such is life.

Sleuth: So, should we feed the slaves?

Barker: Of course. After all they deserve it. Especially Marcos.

[Barker pats Marcos's inflated belly]

Sleuth: You mean this whiny brat?

Barker: Yes, even this whiny brat. Now get some food for them. We don't want them to starve.

Sleuth: Alright, alright. [Sleuth prepares the food for the inflated slaves] Here's their grub. Roasted chicken I found from the market.

Barker: Well done. (turns to the slaves) Okay boys. It's chow time. [The inflated anthros feast and enjoy their meal. Even though it was only because Barker ordered them to eat] Even balloons need to eat.

Sleuth: Heh. That's new. [After they're finished eating, the ballooned anthros are placed back in their cages. Sitting down on their bottoms, Sleuth mocks their helpless state] Gee. I sure would hate to be in your position. But on the other hand, there's nothing more satisfying than watching my enemies embarrass themselves in public for entertainment. That alone brings so much satisfaction.

Barker: Like profit?

Sleuth: Yes. Like profit.

[Barker and Sleuth laugh at the idea together. Unaware that Sally, Lupe, and Maria were spying on them]

Maria: Why those filthy bastards. Wait until I get my hands on them.

Lupe: Shhh! Calm down Maria. Those two villains will get what's coming to them soon enough.

Sally: And we'll reverse Marcos and the others condition. I got a feeling they used the permanent formula on them.

Maria: What? How do you know that?

Sally: Intuition.

Maria: Those bastards...

Sally: Shhh... Settle down Maria. Their condition is reversible.

Lupe: We'll wait for them to leave the room. And then Tails can make his move.

Maria: I hope they leave soon.

Sleuth: Say, why don't we call it a night? I'm feeling kind of sleepy.

Barker: Yeah, me too. We need our rest and so do our friends. [Barker turns to Marcos, and rubs his inflated belly] Now don't you worry, my sweet little boy. You and your pals will make us rich and famous.

[Sleuth rubs Guntiver's inflated belly]

Sleuth: You sure will... You sure will...

Barker: Well, that's enough for now. Let's get out of here and rest up.

Sleuth: Right.

[The two villains turn out the lights, and close the door on the inflated anthros]

Sally: Now's our chance!

[The group makes their way to the inflated Marcos, who was sitting motionlessly in his cage]

Maria: Let's get those things off them.

Sally: Careful, they might be rigged with traps.

Tails: Hang on, girls. I'll handle this.

[Tails gets out a penny, and throws it at the bars. When the coin its, the bar is pushed back by an electrical force field]

Maria: Great. Now what do we do?

Tails: Those metal bars are protected by a force field. But there can only be a force field if there's a generator nearby.

Lupe: Do you think you can find it, Tails?

Tails: Sure thing.

[Tails flies off to find it and return minutes later]

Sally: That was fast.

Lupe: So what was the problem?

Tails: It was a generator and an easy one to figure out. Now before we try to take the head gear we should check to see if those got traps on them.

Sally: Sounds like a job for NICOLE.

Lupe: Then work your magic, Sally.

Sally: On it. NICOLE, hack into the head gear and disable any defenses it has.

Nicole: Hacking in progress, Sally...

[Nicole manages to disable the mind control device on Marcos' head. And he regains consciousness once again. His eyes return to normal, and he blinks several times]

Marcos: Huh? What? Where... Where am I? What's going on?

Maria: Marcos!

Marcos: Ma... Maria? Mom? ]Marcos looks around him and notices Tails and Sally on him as well] Sally? Tails?

Tails: Hey Marcos.

Marcos: Tails... What's... What's going on? Why am I in a cage? And... Why am I still blown up like a balloon?!

Tails: I'll tell you later. Right now we got to free the others.

Marcos: Oh... Right... But can you help me out of this cage?

Lupe: I got you son.

Marcos: Thanks, mom. And... You too Maria.

Sally: Alright now to free the rest of them.

Tails: Leave that to me, aunt Sally.

[Tails opens up the other cages as the guys started coming to]

Sally: Did you deactivate the devices on their heads?

Tails: Yes. They're starting to wake up from their hypnotic state now.

Guntiver: Huh? What happened?

Diablo: I feel like I was a vegetable.

Reynard Jr: You took the words right out of my mouth.

Canus: What's going on?

Augustus: And... We're still inflated like balloons?

Rufus: That's not right! We should have shrunken back to normal by now!

Lupe: (chuckles) Well, at least now you guys have regained your free will.

Lupo: Where are we anyway?

Sally: You've all been brainwashed to work as slaves in someone's circus. But we'll clue you in on the details later. Right now we got to get you out of here.

Lobo: And fast.

Guntiver: Whose the loonatic who did this to us? I seriously want to kick his ass for this!

Marcos: Funny you say that, Guntiver. I was thinking the same thing! I'm feeling really pissed off right now!

Lupe: Marcos!

Marcos: What?

Lupe: Watch your mouth, young man!

Marcos: Mom! I'm old enough to say that!

Lobo: Marcos, who did this to you?

Marcos: Wait... I remember now... It was this guy named... Barker... He did this to me.

Guntiver: And he did the same thing to all of us! And Sleuth captured us!

Sally: That we already know. But not about Barker.

Maria: Lets go pay them a little surprise visit!

Marcos: But I want to pay them back personally! I have a score to settle with them! (cracks knuckles)

Lupo: Now, now, Marcos. Settle down.

Lobo: She's right you need to stay calm.

Reynard Sr: Where's Sonic and the others?

Tails: There they are!

Sonic: Yo! What's up?

Knuckles: I see you guys are still... Ballooned up...

Shadow: That is rather... Odd...

[Marcos blushes a little]

Sally: Later, we got to get these guys out of here.

Barker's Voice: And just where do you think your going with our money makers?

[The heroes turn around to see Barker and Sleuth behind them]

Tails: Just what we needed; company...

Sleuth: And we got backup.

[Suddenly a group of Destruction Troops]

Sticks: Oh no...

Diablo: Oh boy... Now we've got big problems...

Reynard Jr: That's putting it mildly.

Sleuth: Give it up, losers. You've got no chance.

Shadow: I beg to differ, pal. I believe it is YOU who has no chance.

Sleuth: Wait. Don't I know you from somewhere?

Shadow: I don't know, Sleuth... You tell me... HAVE you seen me from somewhere?

Sleuth did indeed recognize Shadow, and remembered how he was a powerful being.

Sleuth: Oh no... You... You're the ultimate life form...

Shadow: Took you long enough.

Barker: What's with you, Sleuth?

Sleuth: He's... He's Shadow the Hedgehog!

Shadow: Give up while you still can you cowardly bastards. Or I shall show you a world of hell. Is that what you want? Well? Is it?

Barker: We're not running away, Shadow! Not from you or anyone!

Shadow: So unwise... (powers up)

Sonic: You guys have no chance in hell of winning. (powers up)

Barker: We shall see! Destruction Troops attack!

[The troops charge]

Shadow: I'll make this quick and easy...

Sonic: As will I!

[As the Destruction Troops charge, Shadow and Sonic power up, and create a vortex that blows them off their feet, and sends them spinning around in a very quick succession]

Destruction Troops: AAAAHHHH!

Sleuth and Barker: AAAAHHHH!

Lupe: That vortex is powerful!

Sally: HANG ON!

Marcos: Huh? Oh no! Help!

[Marcos was being drawn in by the vortex. But Guntiver grabs his hand, and holds onto Canus, who grabs the heaviest thing he could find]

Guntiver: Hang on, kid! I gotcha!

Marcos: Uhh thanks! But whose got you?

Canus: I do!

Marcos: What about the others?

Augustus: Don't worry, we're alright Marcos!

Marcos: I hope those guys finish what they're doing!

Guntiver: Don't talk! Just hang on!

[Soon, Sonic and Shadow round up the robotic Destruction Soldiers inside their gigantic whirlwind]

Sonic: Think this is good enough?

Shadow: I'd say so.

[Sonic and Shadow cancel out their destructive cyclone, and pieces of the robotic Destruction Soldiers scatter all over the place. The heroes shield themselves, but the pieces just bounce off the inflated anthros]

BOING! BOING! BOING!

Reynard Jr: Whoa! Looks like our inflated bodies really came in handy this time!

Rufus: They sure did.

Tails: Now there's nothing left of the Destruction Soldiers but a pile of scrap metal.

Sally: Great work, guys!

[Sonic and Shadow give a thumbs up to Sally]

Barker: My Destruction Soldiers! They're all destroyed!

Sleuth: Discretion is the better part of valor...

Barker: What does that mean?!

Sleuth: It means LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!

[Barker and Sleuth make a run for it]

Marcos: Come back here, damn it!

[Marcos floats his way after them]

Lobo: Marcos! Wait!

Amy: I got this!

Tails: What are you gonna do, Amy?

Amy: What I always do; smash the enemy!

Sonic: Then sic em, Amy!

Amy: You got it!

[Amy lunges at Barker and Sleuth and smacks them her hammer]

Sleuth and Barker: OW!

[They both see stars, accompanied by cartoony whistles. And then they fall flat on their backs]

Sally: Good work, Amy!

Amy: Don't mention it, Sal!

Marcos: Now it's my turn!

Sticks: Go nuts.

Marcos: Err... But wait... I'm still blown up! How can I do anything to them in this state?

Canus: Should we do another demonstration for him fellas?

Diablo: By all means, Canus.

Canus: Come on guys, lets get to it!

[The inflated anthros all chuckle. Then they readjust their belts and tug their vests (in Reynard Jr. and Sr.'s case, their body armor). Then, as Sleuth and Barker regain consciousness, the inflated anthros prepare to carry out their punishment for them]

Lupe: Okay guys. They're coming to. You know what to do.

Canus: You got it, pack leader.

Marcos: What are you guys doing?

Guntiver: Watch and learn, kid.

Barker: Oh... What happened?

Sleuth: I don't know... I feel like crap.

Reynard Jr: Well get ready, because it's about to get a whole lot worse.

Sleuth and Barker: Huh?

[Sleuth and Barker look up to see the inflated anthros surrounding them, greatly towering over them in size]

Sleuth: Oh crap...

Barker: Don't move... Whatever you do, don't move...

Diablo: Take this!

[Diablo bounces Barker and Sleuth off his inflated belly, and sends them flying into Reynard Jr, who bounces them to Reynard Sr, who bounces them to Lupo, who bounces them to Augustus, who bounces them to Rufus, who bounces them to Canus, who bounces them to Guntiver. And then Canus and Guntiver repeatedly bounce the two villains off their bodies back and forward]

Guntiver: (laughing) This is so much fun!

Canus: (laughing) I agree! There's nothing more satisfying than punishing low life scum this way!

Guntiver: Marcos! Heads up!

[Canus bounces the villains onto Guntiver, who then bounces them to Marcos. And Marcos bounces them off his belly, and he and Guntiver repeat the process, causing the villains a great deal of discomfort. Marcos laughs in satisfaction]

Marcos: This is so much fun! I could do this forever!

Guntiver: Me too, kid! I could never get tired of this!

[Suddenly Barker landed in front of the non-inflated heroes]

Maria: I think we should administer that permanent formula on the ringmaster don't you agree, Mother?

Lupe: Why Maria! That's an excellent idea!

[She takes out the cyan version of the formula]

Maria: You don't the antidote for that do you?

Lupe: Nope.

Maria: Good.

Barker: Ummm... What's that?

Lupe: You'll see.

Barker: Wait! Wait! No! NO!

Maria: Have a taste of your own medicine!

[Lupe sprays Barker with the formula, and covers him in a cyan cloud. When the cloud disappears, Barker gasps, and Lupe grins]

Lupe: Now you will be in the same predicament that you have bestowed upon my son, my adopted sons, and my friends.

Barker: (panicking) No... [Sonic, Shadow, Tails, Sally, Amy, Maria, Ariel, Athena, the twins, and the ballooned heroes all smile. And then sudddenly, Barker swells up like a balloon with the usual hissing and stretching noises. And his arms and legs get tucked inside his body, with only his head, hands, and feet being visible. He then floats up 10 feet off the ground] Oh my God! I'm a balloon!

Guntiver: Well get used to it! Because you're going to be like that for a LONG time!

Barker: No! No! This can't be happening!

Sticks: Oh, its happening pal.

Reynard Sr: And it serves you right!

Marcos: Yeah!

Tails: You guys did pretty good stopping them from escaping.

Knuckles: Especially Marcos. He was great out there. Kinda reminds me of when he took on Drago.

Sonic: Yeah, he really wailed on that creep.

[The non-inflated heroes look up at Marcos with smiles on their faces]

Marcos: Technically that was my alternate future self.

Amy: But that was still you nevertheless.

Tails: She has a point.

Sonic: Never sell yourself short, Marcos.

Knuckles: Yeah. You're a lot tougher than you think.

[Marcos smiles]

Marcos: Thanks guys.

[Meanwhile, back with Lupe and Maria, they had just finished beating up Sleuth, who was bruised and bloody. He was seen on the ground, groaning in pain]

Maria: Well, I feel much better.

Lupe: Let's give the fellas the antidote.

Reynard Jr: Oh please do, Lupe. I've spent enough time as a living balloon...

Reynard Sr: Me too...

Diablo: Same here.

Lupe: Okay then. Everybody gather up. Floating or on the ground.

[They do so]

Lupo: Okay, Lupe. We're all together.

Lupe: Okay then! Smile!

[Lupe sprays all the inflated anthros with the antidote. Seconds later, they all shrink back to normal size, and land on their feet]

Diablo: Whew! That's better.

Reynard Jr: You can say that again!

Guntiver: It's good to be normal again. But I have to admit it's lots of fun being ballooned up.

Canus: Yep.

Augustus: We should do it again sometime.

Marcos: So, mom... Does this mean you're not mad at me anymore? Am I past my punishment?

Lupe: Yes Marcos, your past punishment and I am no longer mad at you.

Marcos: Oh okay... But...

Lupe: Yes?

Marcos: Well... I admit I did run away and... I'm really sorry... But... If my apology isn't enough then... I will accept my punishment willingly. You can inflate me if you want to. And I'll stay a balloon for as long as you'd like.

Lupe: Hmmm... Well yes. You're right. You did run away. And this would give me a good reason to punish you, Marcos. But I don't want to be too harsh with you. You're my son, and I love you with all my heart.

Marcos: You do?

Lupe: Of course I do, silly! You're my precious little boy.

[Lupe hugs Marcos warmly, and kisses him on his cheeks]

Heroes: Awe!

Marcos: (chuckling) Thanks, mom. But I'm not a little boy anymore. I'm a grown man. Err... Wolf. Err... Wolf man.

Lupe: It doesn't matter how much you've grown. You're still my son. And I will excuse you this time. And Maria forgives you too. Right Maria?

Maria: Of course. And Marcos, I owe you an apology.

Marcos: ... Really?

Maria: Yes, really. I shouldn't have made fun of you while you were ballooned up. It's my responsibility as the older sibling to look after you. And I've been doing a terrible job of it. I see now that we're not so different from each other. And I'm sorry for how I treated you. Can you forgive me, Marcos?

Marcos: Why of course I do, Maria. I forgive you. But I don't need you to look after me anymore. I'm a big boy now.

Maria: Yeah. But you still need some guidance. Don't deny it.

Marcos: Umm... Well I guess you're right.

Lobo: So you finally learned to put aside your petty differences and be friends?

Marcos and Maria: Yes. We do.

[Marcos and Maria hug each other. But Marcos, being taller, lifts Maria off her feet]

Marcos: You may be the older sibling. But I'm still taller.

Maria: Well, just be glad you had that growth spurt when you hit puberty.

Marcos: Hey, it was bound to happen. It runs in the family after all.

Lupo: It sure does, kiddo.

Marcos: Hey, mom, dad, grandpa. Do you think I'm handsome?

[The wolves giggle]

Lupe: (smiling) Of course you are!

Lyco: I think you're still very adorable.

Leeta: Normal or ballooned up, you're still adorable.

Marcos: (chuckles nervously) Yeah... Though I'm not so sure I want to do that again.

Canus: Oh come on, kid! Admit it! It was fun while it lasted.

Diablo: And I hate to admit it but... Rey and I had fun too.

Reynard Jr: Especially when we were tossing Sleuth and Barker like basket balls.

Guntiver: I think we all had fun while it lasted.

Sally: Well, you guys are in luck. Because guess what; the party we're attending still needs balloons.

Sonic: Though I doubt they'll be happy with just one.

[Points to Barker]

Barker: Hey!

Amy: That's right! This is your big chance guys! You guys will be awesome! Go for it!

Marcos: Well... I... Uh...

Diablo: Come on, Marcos! Let's do it!

Guntiver: Yeah! We'll be right beside you!

Canus: And remember, we'll all be doing this.

Marcos: I don't know... Mom?

Lupe: Well... I won't force you to do this son. It's up to you.

Marcos: Well...

Maria: Do it for Ariel and Athena, Marcos. And do it for the kids at the party.

Marcos: Well... Alright. I'll do it. And this time I'll take it with some dignity.

Reynard Sr: That's the spirit!

Tails: But wait, what about Sleuth? What should we do with him? (points to Sleuth, who was resting on the floor)

Sally: We'll take him to the authorities. He will receive his sentence in court.

Lupe: Well gentlemen? Are you ready?

[Everybody gathers up]

Marcos: Yes, mom. We're ready. Blast away.

Lupe: This time I'll use a small dose.

Reynard Sr: How long will that last?

Lupe: A few hours.

Guntiver: Fair enough. Well, we're waiting.

[She sprays them]

Tails: And now wait a few seconds.

[As the yellowish green cloud fades away, their waste lines grow and expand greatly in size, and then they all float off the ground by several yards. They are once again living balloons]

Guntiver: This actually feels refreshing.

Reynard Sr: And the best part is when we float off the ground. I admit I really enjoy that.

Reynard Jr: Really? I didn't think you knew even the first thing about having fun dad. Cuz you're always so serious.

Reynard Sr: Well I can still have some fun while I'm at it, right?

Diablo: I never thought I'd be happy to be in this state. How about you, Marcos?

Marcos: Well... Being inflated is actually not so bad. In fact, I've grown to like it.

Rufus: Good to hear.

Canus: We're all proud of you, Marcos.

Lupo: Indeed we are.

Lobo: Well then, everybody grab your balloons, and let's all have a good time.

Sonic: Now you're talking my language!

Sally: Grab yourselves a balloon everybody!

Sonic: I call Guntiver.

Amy: I'll take Diablo.

Lyco: I got Reynard. The young Reynard that is.

Leeta: I got his dad.

Lobo: I call Augustus.

Sticks: And I call Rufus.

Sally: Looks like I got Canus.

Maria: Marcos is mine!

Tails: So who gets Barker?

Knuckles: (raises hand) I got him!

Shadow: Then he's all yours.

Knuckles: Thanks. Don't mind if I do.

[Knuckles grabs Barker's leash]

Barker: You can't do this to me! I'm the ring master!

Shadow: You don't get a say in this scum! You're coming with us and that's final!

Lupe: And don't worry about Sleuth, everybody. He's being taken care of.

[The beaten up Sleuth is seen being dragged away by police officers]

Sonic: Well then, I'm ready whenever you guys are!

Tails: Then let's go have some fun!

Everybody: YEAH!

[And so the heroes all celebrate yet another successful victory against evil. Not only did they overcome Barker and Sleuth's scheme to use Marcos and his friends as slave labor for his circus, but they gave him a taste of his own medicine, and gave Sleuth the punishment he deserved. And as for Lupe's son Marcos, he has become a little wiser from his first experience as a living balloon. And with the help of his friends, he's come to appreciate it and enjoy it more than ever. And his sister Maria has also grown a little wiser. Although both siblings still require a lot of guidance from their parents and their fellow pack members. But nevertheless, Marcos and Maria are now on better terms with each other, and the heroes enjoy their time at the party with their ballooned states, who are all enjoying themselves and having a wonderful time. But what of Sleuth? What will become of him now that he's been taken into custody? Only time will tell]