Rock-a-Doodle (Reboot)/Transcript

Scene 1
(The Song "Goodnight and Goodmorning" by Hall and Oates play. The Scene opens in a town at nighttime, drawn in watercolor paint, after a long pan of the countryside, including a sign that says "Welcome to Rostand" We zoom in on a farm, where An Elderly dog is asleep on the ground, a mouse sleeping on a haybale, a squirrel asleep on a rocking chair while holding a banjo, and a magpie asleep on a fence post. inside a Barn, Two Rabbits asleep on a hammock, an elderly cat sleeping on a board of wood as a kitten is nuzzling the older one’s neck. and in a chicken coop, a few chickens and a turkey are asleep, along with a rooster. then We zoom out of the farm.)

Narrator - A long time ago-- Okay, maybe not too long. Life in the Town of Rostand isn't always all work and no play. In fact, Our story begins with just one familiar sound.

Voice - Cock-a-do-ooooo! (The sun starts to come up, as the watercolor scene becomes that of a cartoon.)

Narrator - Yes. One crow from a certain rooster named Chanticleer, and the sun goes up. All He had to do was a crow, and everyone celebrates the morning Like it was New Year’s Day. (Chanticleer does His “Sun do Shine” musical number and the animals celebrate. The Chickens and turkey dance, as the Chicks cheer. the dog is having trouble tying His shoes. the squirrel is playing the banjo. The Mice go up on a haybale, Sandy and Minnie Rabbit are hopping the fence posts, then, Chanticleer sings on a barn's roof, then gets off.) This rooster had a heart of gold, a voice like a trumpet, and can help others whenever they were in need. (Inside a barn, An elderly Cat who was asleep, wakes up and grumpily opens the barn door.) But, not everyone is quite happy with what Chanticleer does.

Chanticleer - Oh! Nero! Good morning.

Nero - Don't "Good Morning" Me. some of Us are still struggling to rest. Good night! (Closes the barn door.)

Chanticleer - Hmm. He's right. We do need rest, sometimes. (Inside the Barn, Nero is pacing as He is pouting about His nap being interrupted.)

Narrator - This is Nero. After retiring from Scaring crows from the crops, Nero hoped to enjoy retirement. sadly, He never got enough sleep to enjoy it, due to Chanticleer and the other farm animals, keeping Him awake. (paces around the room as Two Chicks and a mouse see this, but Nero sees them)

Nero - What are You staring at? (The chicks and mouse run off.) Hmm...

(At night, while everyone was asleep, Nero quietly woke up and sneaks out of the barn.)

Narrator - That very night... Nero decided to find a replacement rooster that won’t crow very loud but can defeat Chanticleer in a fight.

(In a garden, Nero in a black cloak, is checking the roosters.)

Nero - Hmm. (Sees a serious-looking rooster.) huh. (In a deep voice) Ok, You’ll fight Chanticleer, right after He crows. (Walks off as the scene changes to the barn interior, with everyone still asleep as Nero, sneaks back to His bed.)

Narrator - Without anyone knowing, Nero returned to the farm and went back to sleep. But minutes later... (Chanticleers's crow is heard.)

Nero - And He crows... (Thinking) And now, the fight.

(A fight can be heard, as the animals watched in shock.)

Patou - Nero! Hey! Wake up!

Nero - Ugh... Patou, I need My sleep.

Patou - I know that I need sleep too, but another rooster is fighting Chanticleer!

Nero - W... What? (Sees the fight.)

Narrator - Nero put up a worried facade to keep the others from getting suspicious. and even though, Chanticleer put up a good fight... (The Rogue Rooster defeats Chanticleer and makes a scary face at Him.)

Rogue Rooster - Heh. Today is the last day You'll crow for the sun... (Stomps Chanticleers's throat repeatedly, but Patou tackles Him before any more damage could be done.) Hey, Whoa! (Avoids the sunlight as Nero notices.) What's that for?

Patou - So, not satisfied with winning, You intend to continue battering Chanticleer?

Rogue Rooster - And make it so no farm will ever want Him. (Flies in Chanticleers's Coop.)

Patou - If He thinks He can get away with...

(Chanticleer gets up, defeated.)

Chanticleer - No, Patou. I lost. According to tradition, when two Roosters fight for turf, the loser is to leave and never return.

Nero - Never return?

Patou - Chanti, You can't leave! Who else will crow to make the sunrise? (The other animals shout for Chanticleer to stay.)

Chanticleer - Sorry, Patou. I lost more than just the fight... (Notices Nero shedding tears.) Even Nero will miss Me. Besides... (Coughs) A rooster that can't crow is more helpless than a starving coyote.

Nero - No... (Thinking) I didn’t want Him to leave. (The Scene changes to Chanticleer with His luggage and waves goodbye, leaving, as the other animals sadly watch Him leave.)

Narrator - Poor Chanticleer left town without a second thought and headed east. (The scene changes to the animals being depressed outside the barn) as the sun was up, Everyone on the farm was too depressed to sing, dance, work, or even smile after Chanticleer left. Even Nero felt ashamed about what He did. (Scene changes to the barn at night, as Nero comes to Patou) Then, as everyone was going to sleep...

Nero - Patou, I have a feeling that Chanticleers's replacement might not be what He seems.

Patou - Why do You think that?

Nero - Well, When You pushed Him, He tried to avoid the sunlight.

Patou - Really?

Nero - Yes. Kinda fishy. Patou, I'm going to find Chanticleer.

Patou - But, Chanticleer could be far away.

Nero - Hey, going after Him is better than waiting for Him to return, which He might not. (Softly scratches the kitten’s head) Just... promise You'll keep My great-grandson safe.

Patou - I... (Looks at the kitten.) I promise.

Narrator - The Next Morning, as Nero was getting ready to search for Chanticleer, Chanti's replacement crowed, but... (The Rogue Rooster crows and utters a spell. the sun came up, but after a moment, the sun went down as the rogue rooster laughs flies off maliciously.)

Peepers - Hey! The Sun went down in the east? That's scientifically impossible. (The animals see the rogue rooster flying away laughing. Nero leaves the barn and goes after Chanticleer.)

Patou - Good Luck, Nero! Bring Chanti Home!

Sandy - Patou, What Are You...?

Patou - Wishing Nero good luck in finding Chanti.

Minnie - Huh?

Narrator - Wanting to make things right with not only Chanticleer but also the farm, Nero started His journey to Chanticleer.

Nero - Ohh, I know I wanted some extra sleep, but I didn’t want this! (Bumps into a cloaked figure.) Ow! Why doncha watch where-- (Sees the Duke of Owls in front of Him.)

Narrator - ...Or so He thought.

Duke - (Laughs.) I should thank You for getting rid of that bird.

Nero - You're...!

Duke - Heh. If You try to stop Me, go after that... Rooster, or oppose Me in any way, I can imagine what will happen the second Your friends realize You drove away Chanticleer. Or... (pulls out Nero’s great-grandson from His cloak) I could eat this youngling? (starts to choke the Kitten.)

Nero - Stop! He didn't do anything to You... (Sheds tears) Let Him go. Please... (a clap of lightning strikes, stopping the scene as We zoom out to a book held by a farmer.)

Scene 2
Man - With no choice, Nero gave up just as He began His journey to find Chanticleer. (The boy hides under the covers as the captions say "Midwest Tennessee 1989".) Edmond, it’s okay. It’s not real. (Edmond slowly comes out from under the covers.) It’s just a story. It’s not really happening.

Edmond - Sorry.

Man - It's understandable. You’ve been afraid of the dark for years. Which is... affecting your sleep. But, There's nothing to be afraid of in the dark. I promise.

Scott - Dad's right.

Mark - You said it.

Man - But, don't worry about-- (The phone rings.) sorry, Edmond. (Picks up the Phone) Hello? Oh, Mr. Weiss.

Weiss - Frank, I know You'd want to sleep, too, But We got an outbreak of Coyotes attacking the town!

Frank - What?!

Weiss - Stay indoors and let the hunters take care of everything.

Frank - I will. and Thank You. (Hangs up the phone) Mark, and Scott, We got to get the animals to a safe place and keep the coyotes out of the farm. Edmond, stay in the bedroom, where it's safe. (He, along with Mark and Scott exit the house to get the animals safely in the barn)

Edmond - Safe...?

(Frank closes the gates as Mark and Scott get the animals inside the barn)

Scott - Dad! the coyotes are coming!

Mark - We just about got the rest of the chickens inside the barn, Pop! (The Coyotes are attacking the fence.)

Scott - Dad! One is getting through! (Mark uses a cattle prod, zapping one of the attacking coyotes as the other coyotes continue attacking the fence.)

Edmond - Dad. (from inside His room, Edmond sees His father and His elder brothers hold off the coyotes.)

Frank - Aah! (One coyote claws Frank's arm.)

Edmond - Dad! Wait, maybe Chanticleers’s crow will make the sun come, and the coyotes will run away. (Gets the storybook.)

Mark - Dad! They’re gonna get through!

Frank - I’ll get Edmond out of the house! (Goes inside the house.)

(In Edmond’s room, Edmond opens the window.)

Edmond - Chanticleer! If You can hear Me, Chanticleer, help My family! Please! (A sudden gust of wind breaks one of the tree branches and breaks through the room, knocking out Edmond. after a few moments, Edmond wakes up and sees the book glowing in red color.)

Edmond - Wha-- The book’s glowing. (He hears coyotes howling.) The Coyotes. (Edmond's Father opens the door.)

Frank - Edmond! Oh, thank goodness You're safe.

Edmond - Dad. (The Book opens and a Red vortex sucks Edmond and a few other things inside the book. Edmond's Father tries to rescue Edmond but the book closes shut.)

Frank - Edmond! Edmond...

Scene 3
(Edmond falls endlessly through a portal, full of stars, comets, and constellations, and after a few seconds, Edmond’s body dissipates and lands in a dark cartoon-ish environment.)

Edmond - Ohh... Where-- Where am I? (In Edmond's point of view, He sees an almost pitch-black farm.) This isn't home. Where am I?

Duke - So, You tried to shout for that Bird to come back. (Edmond sees two evil-looking eyes.)

Edmond - You’re not Chanticleer.

Duke - You'll address Me as the Duke. (A crash of lightning reveals a Giant Owl.) Now, it was a foolish move trying to challenge Me. But, screaming that Bird's name was even more foolish. (His crimson eyes glare at Edmond, showing Him as a kitten while wearing His sleep clothes.) Now... (Grabs Edmond by the tail.)

Narrator - Here’s where I charge in. (Patou charges and bites down on one of the Duke’s Wings.)

Duke - Yaaaaagggghhh! Ohh...! (Edmond shakes free, and lands on the ground, scratching His head.) Ow-ow-ow-ow! You’ll pay for that pain, Patou! And for ruining My snack--

Patou - You think I’m gonna let you-- (Edmond notices Patou fighting off the Duke.)

Edmond - A Talking dog...?

Patou - Little Guy! I need help!

Edmond - Wait! Owls hate light! (locates the flashlight on the ground, aims it at the Duke, and turns it on, forcing the Duke to be blown far away.)

Duke - Yaaaaaahhhhh! (the shock causes Edmond and Patou to crash into a haybale.)

Patou - Whew. A few more moments and we would have been done for. We were lucky that the flashlight was there. (searches the haybale where Edmond is hiding in.) Are You hiding from Me?

Edmond - No. I was... You can speak?

Patou - Yeah. Doesn't everyone? I'm Patou. And You are?

Edmond - I... I'm Edmond. Is the owl gone?

Patou - for the time being, Yes. But, He’ll be ready next time. You know, I would have gotten more serious, if I had My shoes tied.

Edmond - And why are You wearing shoes?

Patou - Well, I got bunions. So, I figured I'd wear shoes to help My feet. Before Chanticleer left, He always helps tie them.

Edmond - Well, if that's the case, I'll show you how to tie-- (Sees He has cat paws.) What the? I'm missing a couple of fingers. I'm covered in fur!

Patou - Well, most cats are covered in fur.

Edmond - Cat? You don't mean...? (Sees Himself in a pond, causing Him to screech and fall backward.) Uh-oh. (Feels His face, and reacts seeing that He has whiskers) longer whiskers... Wait-- I'm a cat. Patou, Help Me! I can't be a cat! I don't want to be a cat! I’m a boy!

Patou - Ok, calm down. I can't take You seriously. since You're...

Edmond - Well, I only change when I go somewhere, like a restaurant or farmers market. But, I guess I could wear something. Please?

Patou - Well, You did say “please”, Edward. (Goes into the barn and returns with a pile of clothes burying Edmond, whose head comes out.)

Edmond - Thank You. And it’s Edmond. (Searches the pile.) Hmm. No, too big. Hmm... (Comes out of the laundry pile wearing a light-blue varsity jacket and a blue baseball cap with the white number "59" on it.)

Patou - Huh. You look overdressed.

Edmond - Well, My brothers wear these when they go to school. They say it makes them look cool. (Licks His paw but spits.) Ugh! Why did I do that?! I licked My paw! (His left ear twitches and looks around like a real cat and senses something.)

Voice - Patou? Hello?

Patou - I’m outside! (A mouse comes up from a mouse hole.)

Mouse - Patou, There's not much food left, and-- (Edmond wanders around and sees the mouse) Huh? AAAA! (Edmond hides behind Patou.) Did that cat just...? (Patou laughs.)

Patou - You don’t have to worry, Peepers. it’s only Edwin. He’s harmless.

Edmond - I told You! My name’s Edmond. I can’t believe I ran from a mouse.

Peepers - Yeah. I’ll assume You goaded Patou to trust You. (Flicks one of Edmond’s whiskers.) Well, I won't.

Edmond - Huh?

Patou - the Peepers, be nice. The little guy almost got eaten by the Duke.

Peepers - Hmph. Keep dreaming. (a whole bunch of animals comes out of the barn.)

Sandy - Minnie, look at those books on the ground. no hardcovers!

Minnie - You're right, Sandy. there's also a slingshot.

Turkey - I've never seen a small-screen TV attached to a remote with that many buttons before.

Squirrel - Oh. a small piano. (presses a key on the keyboard, making a sound of a flute) Wow.

Patou - Um... Did You come here for a reason?

Edmond - Well, before I became stuck in a cat's body, My home was under attack by coyotes. (Stuey the pig curls up into a ball.)

Turkey - Ohh. I don't like coyotes.

Minnie - But, They're not as bad as F, O, X, E, S.

Patou - Edgar... I had no idea.

Edmond - It's Edmond.

Patou - Sorry. (Sandy picks up a picture frame.)

Sandy - Um... What's with the picture?

Edmond - Picture? (Looks at the picture of His Human family) Wha? How did that—?

Peepers - Well. A picture of... hairless tailless monkeys?

Edmond - No, They're called Humans. and that young boy--

Peepers - Humans... Hmm. a good name for a new species.

(A Magpie flies up, but accidentally crashes into Edmond, who lands on His feet.)

Magpie - Zowie-wowie! Did we get another survivor? Will He help Us get to the city? Huh? Huh? Huh?

Peepers - Snipes, Two things. One, We're not looking for the City. Two, and most importantly, We're looking for Chanticleer.

Snipes - Well, He is in the city, right?

Edmond - Chanticleer...? (Counts the farm denizens.)

Snipes - Well, Yeah. He was heading there, the day He left. I mean, He went east. (To Peepers) So, why not make Yourself useful, and point Us to the direction of the city or at least have Your pet kitten do tricks?

Edmond - Pet Kitten?

Peepers - Snipes, This-s is hardly the time for pers-s-sonal reasons-s to going to the city. (Sees Edmond.) Besides, I just met you. Hmm. You're not a Persian, are You? I heard that some cats don’t eat mice, but just... (Makes slashing sound.)

Edmond - What? No! I don’t kill mice! much less eat one.

Peepers - Ha. I don’t Believe you.

Snipes - Peepers, Say it, don't spray it with Your lisp.

Peepers - You know, My lisp would be proof enough for Me to be a rare specimen.

Snipes - Oh, Come off the Scientist talk. (Peepers go into a rage for a few seconds.) You're not making any sense.

Patou - Calm Down, already.

Edmond - So, the story's real. Since Chanticleers's gone, the Sun never came.

Patou - You're right. That's why We're searching for Chanticleer. (Edmond sees the other animals feel bad.) As you can see, We’re all That’s left, as everyone else was captured by the owls. And We need Chanticleer now, more than ever.

Sandy - Yeah. We've all been staving off the Night Creatures as long as We could.

Minnie - Raccoons, Wolves, and Possums, to name a few.

Squirrel - And We couldn't leave since the Owls and their friends keep a vigil watch.

Edmond - Well, I guess I can be of help getting You to the city. You said Chanticleer went east, right? I went there when I was a boy.

Snipes - A boy what?

Edmond - I mean, before I nearly got eaten by a dumb owl.

Stuey - Owl? Did He say Owl?

Peepers - Edmond, was it? Is it possible for You'll Take Us to the city?

Edmond - How can I? I'm a cat-- No, a kitten. I doubt the trains allow cats to be inside.

Peepers - Well, I've seen a few cats come in and out of the trains before, so long as they have tickets. Or at least have money to buy them. (Softly scratches Edmond's neck, making Him purr.) In any case, Ed, I might forgive You for that scare You gave Me and for being a cat if You use Yourself as bait to lure away the owls. (Pulls one of Edmond's whiskers.)

Patou - Not a chance, Peepers.

Peepers - But, Sacrifices are necessary--

Patou - No sacrifices.

Peepers - Well, If You prefer someone else in Your family who could be more than capable--

Edmond - As much as I'd want them to come...

Snipes - Um, Guys? Problem.

Peepers - Are they Scaredy-cats like You?

Patou - Peepers...

Edmond - What gives You the right to insult them?

Peepers - Well, are they?

Patou - Peepers, That's enough. I think an apology’s in order.

Snipes - Guys, Really!

Peepers - Why should I? He ran and hid after scaring Me.

Patou - Peepers, Stop!

Edmond - Alright, already! I'm not scared. I'll do whatever I can to bring Chanticleer home.

Patou - Ha! Well said!

Edmond - Only then, He'll be able to bring the sun back to the farm. (The animals cheer.)

Snipes - Um, But how will We get there, if those Coyotes won't let Us?

Edmond - Coyotes? (They see outside and see a pack of coyotes coming.) Uh-oh! (He and the animals grab Edmond's equipment and hide out in the barn as the coyotes reach the farm.) Close it! Close it! (The animals close the barn door, just as a few coyotes crash into it.)

Peepers - Sigh. Just as We decide to go to the city, the coyotes come.

Patou - That may be, How will We get past? (Harmonica music is heard.) We don't have enough time to dig under them.

Edmond - Wait, Maybe... (searches the barn as Minnie stands.)

Minnie - I wonder what He’s doing? (Notices Sandy playing His harmonica.) Sandy... (Sandy stops playing.)

Sandy - Heh. Sorry. I know We just got married, but--

Peepers - Hey, Look there. (Edmond returns with a few rolls of firecrackers, spare flashlights, some candles, a magnifying glass, and a wagon.)

Edmond - A Wagon for transportation, some candles to keep the darkness away, firecracker rolls to scare away the coyotes, and a magnifying glass.

Peepers - Magnifying glass? There's nothing to-- (Sees Edmond use the flashlight to focus on the magnifying glass and direct it on the candle wick, which lights.)

Peepers - Oh! Very smart!

Edmond - Yes. Something I learned watching TV.

Patou - TV, Huh? Lucky.

Edmond - But I'd let You or Her light the firecrackers since it says "Keep out of reach of children". Since Kids shouldn't play with fire.

Peepers - By “Her”, You mean Me? (Edmond nods.) Hmm. Wait, There's not much room in this wagon. Just room enough for a few of Us.

Edmond - You're right. Patou would be a great help, You'll need Me since I know where the city is, You don't take up much room, Peepers.

Peepers - Well, That's an understatement. but getting to the city by wagon won't be enough. (Reacts.) Hey...

Minnie - I’m going, too.

Sandy - Anywhere Minnie's going, I'll go, too. (Minnie kisses Sandy, making His ears go up.)

Edmond - We'll just go to the train station. I know the City is miles away, but, it's no big deal if We go by train. (Patou places a straw hat on Edmond’s Head) Uh...

Patou - So long as You're with Us, You're an honorary member of the farm.

Peepers - Well, so long as He won’t be grumpy like a certain cat We know.

Patou - Give it a rest, Peepers.

(Outside the house, the coyotes are watching the barn as a few of them try to smash the doors down with no success. then a roll of firecrackers falls on the ground.)

Coyote - What is that?

Coyote 2 - I don't know.

Coyote 3 - Wait, is that...?

(The Firecracker roll explodes multiple times, making the coyotes disperse. The animals open the barn door allowing Edmond's group, Composed of Edmond, Patou, Peepers, Minnie, and Sandy to outrun the coyotes and slam the door shut before the coyotes can get in.)

Stuey - Safe journey! (The animals wave goodbye to Edmond's group, as Edmond uses His slingshot to sling stones at the Coyotes.)

Snipes - Ohh... I can't stand all the goodbyes! (hides in the barn as Edmond's group heads for the train station which is four miles away as a few of the coyotes continue pursuing them. The animals wave as the screen blacks out.)

Scene 4
(The Scene changes to a cemetery as a group of shadowy figures approach the Duke of Owls, who plays "Night on Bald Mountain" by Organ.)

Duke - I can’t believe I had to trudge back to the cemetery instead of flying, and after I was hit!

Henchmen - (Singing) Hit by what?

Duke - a flashlight!

Henchmen - (Singing) How horrible... How horrible...!

Yellow Owl - Flashlight? What’s that?

Duke - Imbecile! It’s a holdable form of the sun.

Henchmen - Horrifying! Horrifying! Horrifying!

Duke - Never mind! just when I was about to enjoy a snack for myself, I was about to eat the kitty like a spider swallowing a flyyyyyy! Well, I can’t really. But, before that, what malicious mutt would come charging in and would bite My wing without hesitating?!

Henchmen - Who, Who, Who, Who, Who?

Duke - Who Do You think?

Henchmen - Him?

Duke - Yes, Him! Wipe out the farm, the dog, the cat, and everything in it, or do You want the chicken back?

Henchmen - (Singing) No, We hate the sun! it means Nooooooo!

Duke - And it would be a great help my wing heal better. IF, I repeat, IF! That Rooster... Never... Crows! Yah-ha-ha-ha!

Henchmen - (Singing) We hate the sun, That's what We know, We hate the rooster, We can’t let Him crow...

Duke - Never let Him Crow!

Henchmen - (Singing) We hate the sun, We have to show, We all hate the rooster, Never let Him crow... Never let... Him... Crow...!

Duke - We’ll never let Him crow... Ever. (A young owl wearing a blue cape and a scrawny owl wearing goggles run into the Crypt and slide down the organ.)

Young Owl - Dad! I’ve something that might interest You!

Scrawny Owl - Speak for yourself! I‘m Going to tell Uncle Dukey this news. (They Both crash into the Duke as they fell and land on a pile of crabgrass as the young owl and scrawny owl bounce off and land on the organ keys.)

Young Owl - Dad, There’s something You should know. (The duke screams magic breath at the two owls, turning the scrawny owl into a condor, and the young owl into a sparrow.)

Scrawny Owl - Was that necessary?

Duke - Hunch, I said it before, I’ll say it again. Never crash into Me or be clumsy. it’s childish. And Taupe, I'm not Your father.

Taupe - Well, what do You suggest I call You-- No, wait. just hear me out. Patou and four others are now on their way to a train station by way of a wagon.

Hunch - There’s also a white kitten there.

Duke - (Screaming magic breath at Taupe and Hunch returning them to normal.) Excellent! now, Hunch...

Hunch - Yeah?

Duke - Might I suggest You, uh... turn that dog and His friends into a midnight snack? (Hunch laughs as Taupe shrugs His shoulders.) Taupe, who are the other three that came with the mutt?

Scene 5
(In a pitch-Black environment, Patou and the others traverse the area as Edmond was curled up like a ball.)

Narrator - Bound for the train station, We were confounded by the Darkness, Edmond most of all.

Patou - We’re not making much progress. It’s so Dark, I can’t see any Trees. (crashes into one) Ow!

Minnie - We need to keep going, Patou.

Peepers - Why not let Edmond guide Us, Patou? Cats have better night vision.

Sandy - Really?

Peepers - Yes. Cats would need a sixth of the light most animals would need.

Minnie - Sixth?

Peepers - Come on, Ed. You're not an armadillo.

Edmond - J...Just because You say that doesn’t mean-- Wait. (uncurls and sees the area with not much illumination but is still shaky.) t...turn left a little bit. (From up in the Sky, Hunch and four owl Henchmen fly to where Edmond's group is.) Oh! It's like wearing night-vision goggles.

Hunch - (Hums Ride of the Valkyries) Alright. Since the Coyotes are too dumb to actually complete the job, Your main target is that cat. Incredulous Annihilation. (Hunch dive bombs Edmond in a pond as the other owls attack the others.)

Edmond - What's going on-- (Hunch tries to drown Edmond, but He claws at Hunch's talons.) Help!

(Two Owls carry the wagon up to the sky as two others attack the animals and try to take away the firecrackers.)

Edmond - Where are You?

(Peepers locates a matchstick and strikes it to light a fuse from one of the firecracker rolls, held by one of the owls, which explodes, scaring the owls into letting go of the wagon and dropping the firecrackers They stole.)

Patou - Yes! Great job!

Sandy - but not for long. (The Wagon lands on the ground, They then pick up Edmond, who got out of the pond.)

Edmond - Thanks! (Sees a sign that says "Caution! Poison Ivy") Uh-Oh... Jump out! (They all jump out with their supplies and roll into a building as the wagon goes down a hill and toward a brambly patch. Hunch recovers and sees the sign.)

Hunch - Ah. Poison Ivy. Oh-Ho, They're done for! (the other Owls crash into the sign.) Let's head back. Our work is done. (They fly back to the Overdell. We then zoom in to a building inside, most of the group is mourning.)

Peepers - The Wagons in the poison ivy.

Patou - And We don't have enough time to get to the City on foot.

Sandy - And We didn't bring any food...

Edmond - Everyone --

Peepers - You should have gotten some before We left.

Edmond - If You could --

Patou - Everyone, If You’ll just— (muffles Peepers and Sandy's Mouths.) Calm down. The Little Guy wants to say something.

Edmond - Thank You. We might have lost the wagon, but We still have time to get to the train station. (Minnie checks the building with the flashlight.) Sure, It's still dark, but We can't just give up.

Minnie - Actually, We're there.

Sandy - We're where?

Minnie - The train station. (A Train arrives.) Talk about luck.

Peepers - But We don't have any money with Us. So, We'll sneak aboard.

Edmond - But hopping a truck without a ticket is stealing. and stealing is a crime.

Sandy - But, It is an emergency. Though, I doubt They'd listen. (They see a few goats as guards.)

Peepers - Hmm... I'll take Ed's example.

Others - Example?

(The Goat Guards keep watch, while Edmond, Patou, Minnie, and Sandy hide, Peepers places a firecracker roll at the base of the stairs of the train station, then lights it, with the flashlight shining in the magnifying glass at the fuse, Then, makes a run for it. the firecracker roll explodes multiple times, which alerts the guards.)

Goat Guard - What was that?

Goat Guard 2 - Come on! (Both guards check outside as Edmond's group goes inside one of the train cars which is the baggage train.) Firecrackers?

Goat Guard 1 - Someone pulled a fast one on Us! (the Train then heads for the city.)

Goat Guard 2 - (Uses His radio.) Gunther, this is Taylor. We might have a stowaway on the train. check the riders of their tickets.

(Inside the train’s Baggage Car area...)

Announcer - Our next destination will be the City, where Dreams become reality, or where dreams are broken. I don't know which. We’ll arrive in five hours.

Sandy - Huh. I'll admit, That plan was great.

Peepers - But, what will We do for the next 5 hours to avoid the capture?

Edmond - Yeah. We'll also need food.

Minnie - Don't worry. We're next door to the kitchen car. but hiding from the workers will be hard.

Patou - Yeah. But, We've plenty of time to prepare.

(The Screen blacks out.)

Scene 6
(At Owl Overall, one of the vultures rushes hurriedly towards the Duke.)

Narrator - Soon afterward, We thought the biggest threat to the farm was the Duke, But, Boy, were We wrong.

Vulture - Duke! Your father is coming!

Duke - Oh, No...

Vulture - And Your nephew is coming back.

Duke - I'm going to expect great news.

Booming Voice: WHERE IS THAT MISERABLE SON OF MINE?!!

Duke - Not from Him. (The gates of the overall open for A Bigger owl, who enters as The Duke and His henchmen approach.)

Vulture: M... Master Archibald, welcome to Owl Overdell!

Archibald - I'm not here for your greetings.

Owl Henchmen - King Archibald? (They hide behind The Duke.)

Taupe - Hey, Grandpa.

Duke - Dad! I hope the trip wasn't too troublesome.

Archibald: Luckily for you, it wasn't. I see that you have taken care of that rooster, Chanticleer, am I right?

Taupe - Wow. I didn't realize You had it bad, Dad.

Duke - I said, I'm not Your Father.

(Hunch hums “Ride of the Valkyries” and crashes into one of the gravestones.)

Duke - Ah. Saved by the annoying humming. Hunch, How did it turn out?

Hunch - Oh, things went well, Uncle! The kitty and four others are done! He he he he he!

Duke - In what way? What?

Hunch - Well, We had some problems, but last We saw them, Their wagon was going toward something poison-related.

Archibald: (To Hunch) Poison? As in...?

Hunch - Actually, They fell in a bunch of brambles. And a sign said “Caution, Poison Ivy”. (Archibald facepalms in embarrassment.)

Taupe - Poison Ivy?

Duke - Oh, really? If that's the case, (Taupe plugs His ears.) IDIOT! (Breathes magic at Hunch turning him into a dodo.) Poison Ivy isn’t called for toxic capabilities. It only makes You itch, endlessly! (Calms down) But, if Taupe was here with You like I should have, They'd be a thing of the past. (Breaths at Hunch, turning Him back to normal.) And since I can’t trust my own nephew to finish the job... Taupe? (Tosses a special pair of dark goggles, and a tape recorder to Taupe.) Go to the city, eliminate that Cat and His friends, Or... don't bother returning home. (Taupe quivers.)

(Archibald smirks maliciously as the Screen blacks out. We see a pan of the train nearing the city.)

Narrator - 4 hours have passed, and We were nearing the city where Chanticleer would be. While we were in hiding, We had the time to get to know each other better. (Inside the Baggage Car, Edmond and the others finish eating their food.)

Peepers - Ahh... We'll be reaching the city in a matter of minutes.

Sandy - Yeah! What's the plan?

Peepers - Wha-- We just search the city until Chanticleer is spotted. I know it will take time.

Edmond - Oh! Patou! I'm sorry. I didn't show You how to tie Your shoes. try like this. (Ties Patou's right shoe.) Over... Around... Under... Through. and that's how it goes. Try it. (Music starts as Patou struggles with Tying His shoe.) Well, things take time.

Patou - Yes. but It will be worth it. (Singing) This old dog, Has paid his dues, But I could still learn a new trick or two, 'Cause I've been over, around, under, and through, Life is just like tyin' your shoes. Now half the world is singin' the blues, But I've learned if you laugh you've got nothing to lose, Cause I've been over, around, under and through, Life is just like tyin' your shoes. Now when you try, Something new, Now, you're bound to make mistakes, Hey, but, no use cryin', Just keep on tryin', Soon you'll find it's a piece of cake. (To Edmond) Kid, you're never too old to learn, Now I'm really old, And I'm all ready to burn, you see, 'Cause I've been over, around, under and through, Life is just like tyin' your shoes. (A Goat listens in on the song.)

Patou/Edmond - Cause We've been over, around, under and through, Life is just like tyin' your shoes, Life is just like tyin' your shoes, Yeah, just like tyin' your shoes, Life is just like tyin' your shoes, Doo bah shoe bah doo bah, Tyin' your shoes.

(The Goat opens the door.)

Goat - Stowaways! (The Goat goes after Edmond's group, but They escape the room and barricade the door to keep the Goat from exiting.) Let Me out!

Patou - That should hold him off.

Goat - You little sneaks... (Uses His radio.) Hello! There are five stowaways in the baggage car!

Announcer - Your attention, please. We are 40 miles away from the city, so, We hope You enjoy Your visit. Oh, and We got word that five stowaways are on the train. composed of a dog, a cat, two rabbits, and a mouse in the baggage car. Thank You.

Sandy - Ohh, He had to make it worse...

Peepers - In any case, We can't stay here. We got to find an exit. (They look for an exit, and Minnie spots an open window.)

Minnie - There's one. (Patou tries to fit through the window with some difficulty.)

Edmond - Sorry, Patou.

Patou - Sorry? For what? (Edmond uncovers a claw and pokes it in Patou's ankle.) YOW!

(Patou gets scared out through the window, then, Minnie, Peepers and Sandy exit through the window, Edmond is about to exit too, but one worker grabs Edmond by the tail.)

Cop (Goat) - You're not going anywhere! (Edmond claws the cop with His hind claws) Ow! (Edmond exits through the window.) Ohh... attacking a guard like that-- (banging is heard in the locked baggage car.)

Edmond - Whew. I almost didn't make it. I hope everyone made it out safely. (He sees Patou and the others approaching.)

Peepers - We did. I'll admit, It was exciting.

Sandy - But still...

Minnie - We'll have to walk the rest of the way. (The group follows the train tracks as they move on.)

Scene 7
(The scene changes to another area, as Edmond’s group was still walking on the train tracks. Daryl Hall’s “Halfway There” plays. As they walk on the tracks, Edmond’s group sees only trees and darkness.)

Patou - Something the matter, Edmond?

Edmond - Well, I’m just worried about My Family back home. I only hope they’re alright.

Patou - Hmm... Well, chances are They’re safe. Hop aboard, if You’d like. (They all do just that) Now, What’s Your Family like, Edmond?

Edmond - Well, Since You asked... Dad's a farmer, and Mom, too. My Elder brothers help out even though They're at High school. (Patou imagines Edmond’s family as cats)

Peepers - Ah. So, Your family owns a farm. Do they eat any mice or rats? (The vision vanishes)

Patou - Peepers...

Edmond - No, they don’t. And besides— (Looks front.) There’s something up ahead. (The others approach.)

Minnie - Hmm. (Reads Sign.) Le Weasel Circus, free popcorn.

Edmond - We could ask around, and see if They can help Us get to the city.

Sandy - Not the best idea.

Minnie - (Sees through one of the tents.) Sandy's right, We shouldn't speak to them at all. weasels eat rabbits... right? (Inside, There are silhouettes of the weasels laughing and cheering.)

Edmond - Shh! Shh.

Weasel - It's a shame the Duke only ordered the most capable of Our troupe to attack the train.

Patou - the Duke? That means those guys are bad news. We’d best leave before they notice.

Minnie - Agreed.

Sandy - Skates! (Points at some skates on a junk pile.)

Peepers - Skates? (Sandy goes for them, but Minnie stops Him.)

Edmond - No, We're not going to steal the skates. besides, they can only fit Patou.

Peepers - I never thought I'd say it, but, Ed’s right. Taking a train ride without paying is one thing, but taking skates from someone--

Patou - But, They’re in a junk pile. It’s like they don’t want the skates to start with. Waste not, Want not. right?

Edmond - I still think it’s a bad idea. But... (Scene changes to Edmond’s group on Patou’s back as He skates away from the circus.)

(Patou slips And slides on the skates, but stabilizes.)

Minnie - Don’t worry, Patou. It’s normal to not get the hang of it at first. And We’ve only a few miles to get to the city. (One of the weasels notices Edmond’s group leaving.)

Weasel - Hey, You!

Weasel 2 - Get back here!

Weasel 1 - Where do You think You’re going? Stop!

Weasel 2 - After them! (A group of weasels goes in a clown car, which won't start.) Ohh! Get the bicycles!

(the scene changes to the train station where the other weasels check the train for Edmond's group.)

Weasel Subleader - Ugh... They're not on the train.

Weasel Leader - They're probably in the city. Search! (The weasels search.)

Narrator - After some time and some distractions, Our destination was within sight.

Edmond - Look there! (They see the lights of the City) We're almost there!

Minnie - I didn't realize it was this bright.

Patou - Yes, We'll admire it another time. (Minnie hears yelling.)

Weasel 2 - There they are!

Minnie/Sandy - Weasels! (Looks at a bunch of weasels on bicycles and scooters coming to corner Edmond's group, but they speed away and come across a bridge that is starting to go up, as a boat is coming in the bay.)

Edmond - Oh, No! Hurry, Patou! Or We're done for! (Patou sprints and They make it to the other end of the bridge as it goes up, as the weasels fall short and into a garbage barge.)

Peepers - Whew! I hope that's the last We'll see of them.

Patou - And We'll need a place to stay for the night. No way are We staying in an alley. (The Screen blacks out)

Scene 8
(Hours later, In a Diner, Edmond and the others are asleep in a broom closet, then They wake up.)

Edmond - (Yawns) Well, a 24-hour diner is a good place to rest. (They leave the diner as Edmond gives two quarters to a goat in a newspaper stand, who gives Edmond a newspaper.)

Goat - Hey, Thanks!

(Edmond and the others read.)

Peepers - Oooh. "Two Weeks ago, Cape Canaan launched two chimps to outer space, making them the first to survive Space Travel".

Sandy - "Postal Service starts delivery via missile mail"? What's that mean?

Patou - Gang of Weasels arrested for illegal searching for five individuals from a farming community?

Minnie - "Eliot Spitz born in New Yorkshire--"

Tourists - New Yorkshire?!

Patou - Um... Maybe We shouldn't say that out loud. (Sandy shakes His head at Minnie)

Radio - And now, a preview song of what to expect, Here's the King, now playing at the Pinky Pavilion. ("Everywhere I Look" plays.)

Peepers - Huh? Hey, That sounds like Chanticleer! So, He's at Pinky Pavilion! Let's go! (They start searching the city.)

Narrator - After just a few hours, We didn't make much progress. But none of Us would give up. Sure, No one has heard of or seen Chanticleer, no matter who We asked.

(At a street, the others are thinking as Patou is unsuccessfully trying to tie His shoes as the song winds down.)

Edmond - if there's something I learned about My Brothers reading the Hardy Boys, It takes detective Work.

Minnie - The Hardy Boys?

Edmond - What? You never heard of the Hardy Boys? It features two adolescents solving mysteries. and it takes Muscle and Intelligence to solve a mystery.

Patou - Muscle?

Peepers - Intelligence? Really?

Edmond - Really. We could ask if there are any roosters in the city. Someone has to have seen Him.

Pedestrian - Actually, the most popular rooster is right there. (Points at a neon sign signifying Chanticleer as the King.)

Peepers - Oh, He changed His name.

Sandy - Who would have known?

Pedestrian - The King has a daily show at 7 PM. but to get in, You'd need six dollars to enter and seven more to buy dinner.

(In the sky, an airplane is zooming through, and Taupe jumps out gliding along with a hooded figure, who jumps out with a parachute as they went downward to the city.)

Taupe - Ah. The City. Oh, no! (He crashes into a group of pigeons, and Him to make a crash landing on top of a malt shop.) Ow... (Sees stars. He then shakes His head As the figure safely lands)

Figure - Ugh. You could have at least let Me get one of those pigeons, I'm starving.

Taupe - Sorry. In any case, once one of Us locates the kitty and His friends... he he he!

Figure - Whatever. (leaps off the building to search for Edmond's group.)

(Scene changes to somewhere in the City, is the Pinky Pavilion where Chanticleer is about to sing.)

Announcer - Ladies and Non-Ladies, The Pinky Pavilion presents The... King!

Narrator - Chanticleer's throat was seriously injured, ruining His crowing, but it didn't hurt His ability to sing, which made everyone crow for more. ("Dreamtime" by Daryl Hall starts as a curtain rises showing a White Cloud Backdrop with Chanticleer performing while dressing like an archangel and sings. Outside, Edmond and the others split up and search the exteriors of the Pinky Pavilion for an entrance, but could not find any. The scene changes to Inside a skybox, A pheasant looks with disdain as a Pudgy Fox is drawing something on a piece of paper.) Of course, not everyone liked Chanticleer's new image. In fact, one didn't like Chanti at all. And that one was Goldie.

Goldie - Pinky, I've been with the singing business for half a year, but why pick Him over Me?

Pinky - I have My reasons. His singing is a rare find. Yours is... well... If You prefer another line of work, I won't stop You.

Goldie - What do You mean? (Chanticleer ends His musical number.)

Chanticleer - Thank You all! Thank You! (Scene changes to Outside the Pinky Pavilion where Edmond's group is waiting.)

Patou - Sigh. We’ve searched for another entrance, but We can’t find any. I guess We'll just wait for Chanti to come out.

Announcer - Ladies and Gentlemen, the King is now checking out for another day! but, don't worry. You'll see Him again on Our next show, courtesy of Pinky Pavilion!

Peepers - Ok, be ready. (A red carpet rolls out from the entrance coming out with Chanticleer and Pinky are a group of Vultures dressed like bouncers telling others to back away. One adolescent weasel tosses a banana peel in front of a bouncer causing Him to slip and fall. some of the other bouncers notice and drag the weasel away as one of them brings the injured bouncer to an ambulance.)

Edmond - Whoa. (To Patou) We'd better make a better approach to get Chanticleer.

Patou - Well, We don't have much time. How can We get His attention if those brutes won't let even us talk to Him?

Edmond - Hmm. (Sees opened cans of paint.) I think I know. (Chanticleer and Pinky enter the chinook as the Bouncers circle around the helipad.)

Narrator - Chanticleer was quite famous in the city after a few short weeks. of course when He sings, He puts up an excited front. but when off-stage, He goes into a depression. You could say, It's lonely at the top. But I'd bet My shoes that Chanticleer would be quite thrilled to see Us, only if We could get near Him.

(Inside the Chinook, Pinky is playing indoor golf as Chanticleer is resting while depressed.)

Pinky - He he he he! Great Show, King. Very great show. Of course, We had an injured Bodyguard. but We can get a replacement before Your next sh-- What, Depressed again? What's wrong?

Chanticleer - Sigh. Sorry. I guess I'm alone.

Pinky - Alone? Alone?! Why there's an entire Mob outside screaming Your name, and You're alone?

Chanticleer - Well, Back at the farm.

Pinky - King, You said it yourself. You felt like You didn't belong after a certain incident. (Uses a telephone) Murray, Sharp Left. (Opens the Door and shows Him the audience who are arranged as letters that Says "Hurrah for the King!") See?! They adore You! some of them would want to marry You! Huh? (Sees a message on a road.) "Come Back Home"? that could be a great title for a song. In-- In any case, You'd best be ready for Tomorrow's performance. and more importantly, smile more.

Chanticleer - Ok. (Plays a guitar and sings "Alone too Long" as He remembers the good times He had at the farm.)

Pinky - Very good. Recorded every word. (Uses a phone) Murray, head east. (Phone beeps) I'll be a moment. Yes? Oh, Boss! What did You say? A Dog, Cat, Mouse, and two Rabbits?

Duke - Well, You don't want to lose Your star, since He makes that much money. two of My... messengers is searching for them as We speak. and I'm sure You wouldn't want the Rooster to go back to the farm.

Pinky - Ah! I hear Ya. I'll get everything ready. This "conversating" proved very useful.

(The Chinook heads east.)

Duke - That's "Conversation". And Don't You forget it.

Pinky - HA! Of course, Boss. (Phone beeps.) Goldie, If I could speak with You for a few minutes...?

(On the ground, Patou and the others look at the chinook as it flies away and shoots firecrackers in the sky.)

Edmond - Darn it! He didn't notice it.

Patou - I guess We'll have to think up another plan.

Vulture - You there! The paints are for marking roads, not for secret messages!

Sandy - RUN!!! (Edmond's group make a run for it as the bouncers pursued them. (As they cross the street, an Ice Cream Truck screeches, nearly hitting the Vultures, and crashes into a Chocolate Syrup truck and Produce Truck.)

Vulture - Get them!

Truck Driver - You're not going anywhere! You're paying the damages! (The other drivers agree as they corner the vultures.)

Vulture - Get out of Our way! (The tourists gather as They get close to the site.) You're letting them get away!

Scene 9
Edmond - Whew! That will buy Us some time.

(They hide behind a building.)

Radio (From a vehicle) - ...And in other news, an Ice Cream Truck collided with a truck of Chocolate Syrup and a Produce Truck, full of bananas, as luck would have it, made quite a big banana split. the vultures who caused the incident, refuse to take responsibility, while claiming they were chasing a Dog, Cat, a couple of Rabbits, and a Mouse. Therefore the vultures, are now under investigation.

Patou - Well, We'd better call home.

(At the Dark Farm...)

Narrator - Meanwhile, back on the farm, things weren't going well. (Scene changes to inside the Barn, where some of the animals were playing Go Fish by candlelight as Stuey was reading a book)

Squirrel - You... got any eights?

Stuey - Sigh. Just two of them. (Give Two Eights to the Squirrel.)

Chicken - Stuey, this book is heart-warming. It features a plush rabbit, longing to be real. (sighs.) I’m not positive Minnie or Sandy would like the story. (Phone rings)

Stuey - Dah! the phone! (Stuey hops to the phone and picks it up) Hello, Who is this? What? Who?

(At a Phone Booth in the City, Edmond, along with the others are in a Phone booth.)

Edmond - Yes. We're at the city.

Stuey - In any case, Is everyone else alright?

Edmond - Yes, Everyone's here.

Mouse - the candle's about to go out.

Stuey - Unfortunately, We're very low on time. We need Chanticleer and fast! (Drops the phone after seeing a menacing shadow.)

Edmond - We'll bring Chanticleer back as Soon as We can. just keep the owls busy until We return. (The phone is being pulled by the wire, which is Picked up by Archibald as His son, and the Owl henchmen watch in delight.) Stuey? (Archibald gets the phone.) Are You there?

Archibald - So, You must be the runt who made light of My son.

Edmond - Who is this?

Archibald - Well, let Me just say one detail. shocking news. The second You used that accursed flashlight on My son, the Duke, You declared war with Me. so, the second Your friends' light source is gone, They'll be gone, So, Buh-bye. (Bites down on the phone line.)

Operator - The number You have dialed is no longer in service. (Dial tone)

Edmond - We better hurry. (Scene blacks out.)

Scene 10
(The Scene opens to the Pinky Pavilion as customers line up for sheep costumes)

Announcer - Attention, please! Attention! If You want to see the King, rent or purchase a sheep costume. $2 Dollars to rent, $9 to buy, and Your entry will be free for today. so long as You're not a Dog, Cat, Rabbit, or Mouse! (Inside the pavilion, Edmond's group. dressed as sheep, are on a table as Edmond writes down a message.)

Edmond - Patou, That was a great idea going to the junkyard getting these costumes.

Patou - No sweat. There were only 20 of them in one box. (Sees Edmond write on a piece of paper) What are Ya doing?

Edmond - Writing down a message. "Chanticleer or... King... as They call You... We want You... to return home... Signed." Okay. next, some paw prints. (Edmond, Minnie, Peepers, and Patou place a paw print on the paper.) You're last. (Sandy places His print on the paper.)

Sandy - Done.

Minnie - Now, what We do next, is to get that message to Chanticleer after the show.

Patou - but what about those brutes?

Edmond - We'll think of something. Too bad We couldn't sneak any firecrackers in there. (One of the bouncers see Edmond's group.)

Bouncer - Huh. Dog... Cat... Rabbits... Mouse. (He then picks up a phone) Sir, the five that You're looking for are here.

(Behind the stage, Pinky is talking to Goldie who wears a mobster suit.)

Goldie - Is that it?

Pinky - Now, I'm just saying that five malcontents will come at some point. and the second You see them, You'll tell Me. There's a dumb dog, a cantankerous cat, a malcontent mouse, and a couple of renegade rabbits. I mean, You don't want anything bad to the King, right? Now...

(A siren sound is heard through the pavilion.)

Announcer - Attention, please! (The Curtain is raised to reveal a stage with fake tall buildings.) Without further delay, Here comes the King! (Chanticleer appears from under the clouds as Daryl Hall's “Private Eyes” starts. Edmond's group sees Him.)

Patou - I... guess We don't have to wait.

(Chanticleer performs as He sings to the beat of the song.)

Peepers - Hmm. That’s song’s Catchy.

Sandy - I'll bet. (Sees Edmond folding the paper into a plane) now, what are You doing?

Edmond - Something I learned in School, so that Chanticleer can notice.

Sandy - Can cats really fold paper?

Patou - Come on.

Sandy - What? I'm just saying.

Bouncer - Hey You! You're quite gutsy trying to sneak in. (He and three others try to grab Edmond's group as Edmond tosses the paper plane into the stage. the plane misses and goes on top of one of the clouds. Edmond's group see from under the tablecloth)

Edmond - Ohh... No! (The Bouncers grabs the group, but what they pulled out is the sheep costumes, confusing the bouncers, as Edmond's group run around the dining hall avoiding the bouncers, causing chaos.) Someone trip them! (As the Bouncers pursue Edmond's group, They accidentally crash through the tables as the customers toss spaghetti and salad at The bouncers, then, Edmond's group go into the stage door and into the Costumes department as Minnie spots a wanted poster and tears it off.)

Patou - To the costume room!

Goldie - So, You want Me to watch over the King?

Pinky - Of course, so long as You do Your number in Your style, make Him feel better, and tell Me when those nasty characters come. (Edmond's group, except Peepers. dance up on the stage dressed as in tuxedos, top hats, and eye masks. Pinky notices them) Wha? there’s Not supposed to be any phantom thieves in this number. Get them off the Stage! (Four Bouncers go after them, but Pinky stops them.) No! Don't spoil the show. (Places a police costume on one of the bouncers. When Chanticleer swings from one cloud to the next, Edmond climbs up the building to retrieve the message as everyone else tries to avoid the bouncers dressed as policemen.)

Edmond - I got it! (grabs the message, but, He sees one bouncer climbing up the building Edmond is on.) Whoa! (jumps on another building and the bouncer falls as Edmond swings to Chanticleer getting the message in His wing when the Song ends with Chanticleer bewildered on why He's holding a piece of paper.)

Pinky - You're up. (Motions Goldie to come on stage.)

(Goldie sings alongside Chanticleer on some of the lyrics and grabbing the piece of paper. As Edmond's group exits the Pavilion Minnie noticed it. As Edmond, along with Patou, Sandy and Minnie close the door shut on the bouncers and they run for dear life.)

Bouncer - No! Ow!

Pinky (From inside) - Darn It! I can't believe You! My Customers are leaving left and right! and You're getting bested by a few intruders?! (The scene changes to a town park, where Edmond's group catch their breath.)

Peepers - Well, I don’t know if Chanticleer got the message.

Minnie - Well, chances are that glittery minx tore it up.

Sandy - Who?

Minnie - That pheasant who just went onstage. She grabbed that message before Chanticleer had a chance to read it. We’ll get another chance to enter the restaurant another time. Even though it will have higher security.

Edmond - No.

Patou - No?

Edmond - We can’t just wait for “Another chance”. And this is why. (Gives Patou the poster.)

Patou - A wanted poster. "Dead or otherwise".

Edmond - Besides, If We don’t bring Chanticleer to the farm, Our friends will all be at the mercy of the owls. What We can do, is when Chanticleer leaves, as the Big helicopt-- (Looks at the Chinook flying away) Ok. We'll follow the helicopter.

Peepers - You mean Chinook.

Scene 11
(At Pinky's Building, Pinky is muttering as He and His henchmen pack up for Los Angeles.)

Pinky - Ugh... stupid inspector. Shutting down one of My businesses. No matter! The King will make more money at Hollywood. and with Six movies, I can more than buy back My Pinky Pavilion. The Boss would provide a better plan. (Phone rings.) Well, Speak of the Devil. (Picks up phone) Yeah? Oh, Boss! Yeah. We had some problems. stupid inspector shut down the Pinky Pavilion. but at least We know Who those friends of the King look like.

Duke - Ah. I see. In the meantime, You'll spread wanted posters along the route, so They won't interfere, if They follow You.

Pinky - I hear Ya, Boss. (Edmond's group is hiding behind a garbage can.)

Patou - Edmond, You have some firecrackers left?

Edmond - Yeah. I had a feeling that We’d need to save whatever We got. (Gives the firecrackers to Patou. a few seconds later, firecrackers are heard, scaring the bouncers away from the truck, as Edmond’s group manages to sneak past.)

Minnie - Ok, let’s go. (The group enter a trailer. as Taupe and the Hooded Figure jump inside a moving van.)

("Las Vegas Turnaround" by Hall and Oates starts. As the trucks travel to Los Angeles, Edmond’s group looks at the train guards putting up wanted posters of Edmond’s group. Then, at a forest, the group look at the lush greenery outside. Arriving at Los Angeles, Patou sees a henchman place a wanted poster on a streetlight. and goes Back in the truck. Patou’s arm comes out and tears the wanted poster off.)

Patou - Looks like They're getting desperate.

Snipes - "$5,000 Dead or Otherwise."

(Inside another trailer, Chanticleer and Goldie are on basket hammocks.)

Narrator - Well, ever since Chanticleer left the farm, He felt like He had not much elsewhere to go. despite all He has, Guitars, fan mail, sheet music, and a few other things a rooster would want, He wasn't satisfied, but with Goldie, well... Pinky ordered Goldie to pretend to like Chanticleer. However...

Goldie - King, You only smile when on stage but offstage, You're sad. Why?

Chanticleer - Well, After I left Rostand, I felt like I didn't have anyone in this world.

Goldie - Did You have any girlfriends back home?

Chanticleer - No. And other than visits to the hospital, I never left. but the friends I had there, It's more fun than any amusement park I could go to.

Goldie - Hmm. Maybe I could come to Rostand one day.

Chanticleer - You can, but I can't. ever since that bully defeated Me, I can never return. Look, when two roosters fight for a place to call home, the loser has to leave town and never come back. I just hope They're doing well without Me.

(Scene changes to the dark farm.)

Narrator - Well, Chanticleer was unaware of what’s happening back home, as things were getting real bad. (Stuey is holding the flashlight as it begins to flicker.)

Turkey - No... It's only a matter of time now. Ohh...

Stuey - We're desperate.

Chicken - You don't know how right You are.

Chicken 2 - What I wouldn't give to see daylight again... (The Animals hide in the stables as the owls menacingly approach them, as the flashlight conks out.)

(Arriving at Los Angeles, Edmond's group quickly exit the trailer, undetected.)

Edmond - Ok, Time to get serious. We must locate Chanticleer.

Patou - And tear off any wanted posters that could be problematic to Us.

(Later, at a Time Stream-Themed Amusement Park, Chanticleer and Goldie are playing one of the games at the Cacao Arcade as "Lifetime of Love" plays.)

Edmond - Shh. (He and His group wearing roller skates carefully pursue Chanticleer at a futuristic roller skating circuit. Inside a Photo Booth, Sandy motions the others to take a picture inside, and they make silly faces.)

Narrator - Well, I'll admit, Pinky was not one whose light bulb was exactly dim. In fact, He intended to keep Chanticleer from returning to the farm. Of course, Pinky tasked Goldie to pretend to fall for Chanti. But, She fell for Him, for real. because of His kindness.

Goldie - Wow! That Ring Toss must be Your favorite game. (She is given a plush.)

Chanticleer - Well, Personally, I like the High Striker. Back when I was on the farm, I didn't have many chances to travel.

(Edmond's group locate them from the Medieval Area as Patou returns.)

Patou - Whew. Well, I managed to get rid of most of the posters, but not all of them.

Edmond - I guess the Duke is really getting desperate.

Minnie - Well, Chanticleer's heartstrings are being played with by Her.

Patou - Who Her?

Minnie - Her Her. (Points at Goldie who are about to enjoy the rides.)

Peepers - Ah... Isn’t love a many-splendored thing?

Patou - Ohh. I guess that means Chanticleer's far gone.

Edmond - Far Gone?

Patou - Yup. The second He falls in love with Her, There's no way We'll have Him bring the sun back.

Edmond - What?

(From a few buildings away, Hunch is seen with sunglasses as "Lifetime of Love" winds down.)

Hunch - Ah-ha-ha-ha! This is great! The Kitty! Once I eliminate Him, Uncle will give Me the respect I deserve. Ha ha ha. Instigation! Huh? (He sees Taupe attacking the group.) No way I'd let Taupe upstage Me! (flies off.) Retaliation!

Edmond - Let go! (Taupe grabs Edmond by the tail.)

Taupe - Not a chance. (Peepers bites Taupe's leg.) YOW! (Taupe lets go of Edmond, causing Him to zip away, loses His goggles and crash into a brick wall.) Watching You... Watching You-- (Passes out in front of Edmond's group.)

Edmond - Who's He?

Patou - He must be one of the Duke's henchmen.

Peepers - What is that? (looks at Taupe's dropped goggles.) Dark Lens, along with a camera lens. There's also a microphone setting. (A Metal net drops on Edmond's group and an unconscious Taupe, but Sandy jumps out of the way, but is cornered by the henchmen.

Pinky - Well, You sure gave Me quite a bit of trouble. Injuring My bouncers, shutting down my Pinky Pavilion. but, You'll make up for it all when I sell Youse to-- (A crash is heard.) Now, what? (Sandy squeezes through the net.) Of all the--

Edmond - You can't do this! Help! (everyone tries to shake loose as Minnie tries to bite the net, but couldn't.)

Minnie - Sandy! Run for it! (Sandy jumps over the henchmen and runs for dear life.)

(Goldie sees what's going on.)

Pinky - Go after that Hopping Hoodlum. everyone else, get them to the Wharf, where the King won't see them again. As for you... (Pulls Minnie by the ears.) You'll be My victory dinner.

Minnie - No! Stop!

Goldie - Oh, No. I better tell Him. (Runs to Chanticleer) King? I have some bad news.

Chanticleer - The Park's closing?

Goldie - No, Just read this. (Gives the message to Chanticleer.)

Chanticleer - Huh? (Reads the message) "Chanticleer or King as They call You, We want You to return home. Signed--" Hmm. one pawprint I don't recognize, but everything else is from Patou and the others. But, Where did You get this?

Goldie - It was from Our last performance in the pavilion. and... Pinky is going to send them to China.

Chanticleer - What?

Scene 12
(At the Wharf, Edmond's group and Taupe are stuffed into a soundproof box.)

Pinky - You just wait an hour, until the barge comes and picks You up. You'll be the main course with... Well, I won't say. (Picks up Minnie by the ears.) And You'll be the first example to see if rabbit ears are edible. (Drives off as the bouncers ride off in Their motorcycles.)

Edmond - Anyone! help! (Tries to claw His way out but not much damage.)

Patou - Ed, It’s no use. We’re in a soundproof box. No one can hear Us. and I don’t think anyone can help Us escape, either.

Edmond - I... I can’t just give up. We’ve only got less than an hour, and I don’t want to waste it waiting. (Claws at the box with His claws, but cracks one Of His fingers.) Ow! (Taupe wakes up.)

Taupe - Huh? It’s pitch-Black. Did Archibald's magic succeed?

Peepers - Archibald?

Patou - Archibald? He's worse than the Duke!

Edmond - Who's Archibald?

Patou - Archibald is one of the worst Owls You wouldn't want to meet. When I was a puppy, Archibald planned to use a sorcery called the Endless Night, which is to cover the world in eternal darkness, and anyone who is caught in the spell’s darkness, becomes a night creature as well. So dark, that not even Chanticleer's crowing could lift it. Chanti's father thwarted it, years ago, but...

Minnie - A world of darkness?

Edmond - All the more reason to get out.

Taupe - out of what? I only see You Four crash into a black darkness. Worse, I'll never see My Great-Grandpa again. It’s bad enough that I’m an owl...

Patou - Huh? You weren’t born an owl?

Taupe - No. I used to be a kitten, but the Duke took Me away, and used me as a hostage to force Great-Grandpa Nero not go after Chanticleer.

(The Hooded Figure approaches the box Edmond’s group is in and struggles to push it into the Ocean.)

Edmond - What was that? I heard scraping. (Edmond and the others scream for help as Hunch watches.)

Hunch - Heh. Once that hoodhead gets the box this close to the ocean, I'll take all the glory for Myself. He he he he he! Instigation!

Patou - Sigh. I only wonder what became of Nero.

Edmond - I wish I knew as well... Wait, we’re moving. It hasn’t Been an hour yet. Help! (Bangs on the box.) Let us out! (The Box starts to break.) Finally! Help!

Patou - What the?

Edmond - Stop! There's five of Us inside!

Figure - Who's Us?

Taupe - Huh? That voice. Great-Grandpa! It's Me!

Figure - Who's Me?

Taupe - Great-Grandpa! Please! Let Us out. Mom entrusted you to watch over Me!

Figure - Wha? (Reacts like He has a headache., then He tears His hood off, revealing Nero. "Nothing at All" plays. In His mind, Nero as a kitten lets mice chase Him in a game of tag, as Nero was growing up, Nero sneaks inside a library with a female ragdoll cat as They read books with the both of them nuzzling. then We fast forward to Nero looking worried as the Girl Ragdoll Cat comes out with three kittens, making Nero shed tears of joy. years later, Nero starts to grow old, Nero tearfully Hug His Wife and leaves the farm to retire. At Chanticleer's Farm, He sees His granddaughter along with Her husband coming to the farm. We fast forward to the moment He sees His daughter's four kittens. We return to the present where Nero is freed from the Duke's mind-control spell with a screech and falls down.)

Hunch - Why did He stop?

Patou - Nero.

Nero - Wha--? Patou? What are-- Where am I?

Taupe - Great-Grandpa! You're in the city!

Nero - Wait, last think I remember, the Duke was glaring at me. One moment.

(He leaves)

Patou - Now where is he going?

(Nero spots a crowbar.)

Hunch - Ohh, why must He stop just as He was this close? (Sees Nero with a crowbar.) Ohh. He’s gonna use a crowbar to tip over the box. Huh? (Sees Nero striking the lock with the crowbar.) Hey! You’re not going to undo all the Duke’s work. No way! (Charges in on Nero.)

Nero - Patou, It would take Me a long time to find the keys, so I'll just smash the lock. (Nero finally smashes the lock Freeing Edmond's group and Taupe.) Finally! (Hunch attacks Nero) Wha?

Hunch - Ha ha ha! Intimidation!

Taupe - Great-Grandpa!

(Nero fights Hunch.)

Nero: Get off my back, you moth-eating birdbrain!

Hunch - Ha ha ha ha! Abomination! Deliberation! Eradication!

Edmond - Hey, He said "get off"! (Attacks Hunch.)

Hunch: Ouch! Ouch! Get off me! (Nero makes Hunch into a ball.)

Nero - Let that be a lesson to You. (Tosses Hunch far away like a baseball.)

Hunch - Whoa...!

Taupe - Well, at least We won't have to worry about Him.

Nero - Who are you? You sound a lot like My great-grandson.

Taupe - I am your Great-grandson. The Owls called Me Taupe.

Nero - Taupe... Not a name I suggest. but I'm sorry I got You involved. (Nero tearfully hugs Taupe. Taupe then glows as He returns to being a kitten small enough to be in Nero’s arms.) Oh, My. (Taupe meows weakly..) Taupe?

Patou - He was an owl for quite some time, but, now that He’s a kitten again, His cat eyes aren't ready yet. but, in a couple of days, He'll be able to see. Nero? I want You and... Taupe... back to the farm by plane, but avoid the owls along the way.

Peepers - Ed, where's the nearest Radio Station?

Edmond - I don't know.

(Minutes later, Inside a Posh Upscale Hotel room, Pinky, sees the Barge taking a crate which He thinks Edmond's group is.)

Pinky - Ha! with that kitten and His friends out of My hair, The King will work for Me forever, and the Boss will be quite thrilled. (Sandy gets in the room and goes in the kitchen, without being seen. Minnie is seen on a plate, with Her arms tied to Her ears, Her legs bound up, and Mouth gagged.)

Minnie - (Thinking) Ohh... This can't be happening. while I'm forced to wait in this kitchen, a cook will probably put Me in an Oven, stove, or something gruesome. Worse, I’ll never see Sandy again... (In Her mind, Minnie at a young age is resting on a haybale, She sees a young Sandy walking on a road with a suitcase saying “Fantasticks’ Magic Troupe”.)

Flashback Minnie - Fantasticks' Magic Troupe? (looks away. But, Sandy notices Minnie and He appears in front of Her in a cloud of dust. Minnie doesn’t pay attention.)

Flashback Sandy - Just watch. (shows a folded dollar bill with a paper clip On each side. Then Sandy pulls both sides of the dollar bill, causing the paper clips to go up and come together, landing on Minnie's ear,which starts to get Minnie’s attention.) Oh, I'm so sorry. (Daryl Hall's "Help Me find a way to Your Heart" plays.)

Flashback Minnie - Huh. The clips are together. how did You do that?

Flashback Sandy - Great Magicians never reveal their secrets. But, If You want to see More, I can show You more.

Flashback Minnie - Ok.

(Sandy gives Minnie a deck of 22 cards, which confuses Her, but selects a card which is a picture of an angel, then returns it to Sandy face-down, and Sandy pulls out the same card, making Minnie applaud. At Night, Sandy performs magic to the farm animals. which is Tearing up a candy wrapper disguised as a dollar bill, dropping corn as the chickens come over to eat it. Sandy then Juggles a few apples and places it in His hat, and what comes out is Minnie. The Animals cheer.)

Flashback Sandy - Thank You. Thank You. Now, this next one is not something for the young. so, I suggest the younger generation to close their eyes. (The Chicks look away. Sandy covers Minnie in a big cloth, and what comes out is a Fox wearing Minnie's attire, surprising the animals.)

Flashback Stuey - Did You see that? (Sandy then uses waves His paws and in a puff of smoke, Minnie reappears.) Very good! (Applauds, then the other animals follow.)

Flashback Minnie - That was fun, Sandy!

Flashback Sandy - It sure was. Um, Minnie, I know We just met, but... Will You marry Me?

Flashback Minnie - Meaning You want to stay at the farm? Of course I'll marry You.

Flashback Sandy - I'm glad to hear You say that! (waves a cape over Himself as He throws another over Minnie.)

Flashback Stuey - Um... What now? (He and the Squirrel pull the capes and They see Sandy and Minnie in Wedding attire as They nuzzle. then the flashback ends.)

Minnie - Soon, I'll be dinner for a fat fox. (Sheds tears but sees Sandy, who quietly shushes and goes to untie Her, but his ears are grabbed by Pinky.)

Pinky - Ah. A second course. (Sandy kicks Pinky in the mouth) Ouch! (finishes untying Minnie.)

Sandy - Run for it! (Pinky blocks the door)

Pinky - You will be in My stomach before I'm done with You-- (Gets whapped by a flower pot by Goldie)

Minnie - You're--

Goldie - No time! We got to get out of the city! (They make a run for it.)

TV - We interrupt this broadcast with this special bulletin. An Amateur video shows Pinky, The King's Manager in His kidnapping attempt of seven who claim to be friends of the King.

Pinky - (Gets up.) Wha--?

TV - A Reward of $10,000 is issued for Pinky's capture. that is all.

Pinky - GRRRRRR......AAAAAAAAAAHHH! Noooooooooooo...!!! (His Voice echoes.)

Scene 13
(Outside the Radio Station...)

Edmond - Peepers, that was a good idea You had. Using Taupe's video goggles as videotape evidence which should keep Pinky from getting in Our way again. Unfortunately, We'll still need to locate Chanticleer again. worse, if We don't get Chanticleer back home and crow, the magic Taupe told Us about will cover the world in darkness, forever.

(Edmond's group is now cornered by seven bouncers on who jump off their scooters.)

Bouncer - You won't see the King, much less bring Him back to the farm.

(A Limousine crashes into the Scooters.) Dah! My Scooter!

Bouncer 2 - Your Scooter? What about Mine?

Narrator - We were very lucky that Limousine came at the right time. But We were surprised to see who was inside.

Chanticleer - In the Limo! Quick! (Edmond sees Chanticleer and Goldie inside the limo.)

Edmond - Chanticleer! It's You!

Peepers - Minnie and Sandy, You're safe!

Bouncer 2 - Grab them! (Edmond's group jump inside the limousine and drive off.)

Edmond - Chanticleer! How did You find Us?

Chanticleer - Well, Goldie explained the details, along with Minnie explaining what's going on at the farm. We had some trouble, but I saw Snipes flying around, and it was easy.

(The bouncers on Scooters chase the Limousine at an amusement park. after some maneuvers, the Limousine drive through as two bouncers crash into some food stands and a prize tent.)

Edmond - Yeah! two down! Huh? (He hears the limousine's radio.)

Pinky - (from radio) roadblock all exits out of the city! Raise all the bridges! The King must not leave!

Edmond - Chanticleer! We're gonna get boxed in! Pinky ordered the roads outside the city to be blocked off! (The Limousine takes a sharp turn, but gets knocked out.) Chanticleer? Chanticleer! Wake up! Ohh...

Peepers - Edmond, take the wheel. Sandy, gets the ignition while Minnie works the brakes.

Edmond - But, I haven't driven a car before.

Peepers - No time like the present, Edmond. Now drive and get to the Pinnacle Tower Casino.

Edmond - Now, You're giving orders?

Peepers - No arguments, Scaredy-Cat.

Edmond - For the last time, I'm not a cat-- Whoa! (Sees the bouncers coming, and Pinky driving His golf cart.)

Pinky - Get them, but don't damage the limo! (The Chase goes on at a Clothes Department, where Edmond's Group is still chased by Pinky and His henchmen. along the way, They crash into a few clothes stands, making both groups look like Pirates, Detectives, Scuba-Divers, Medieval Knights. Aztec Warriors, and Aliens. After exiting the Store, the chase still goes on. Inside the Limo, Snipes sees refrigerators of Ice Cream.)

Sandy - Wow! Look at all this ice cream! There's Taffy-Cream, Sesame Seed Yogurt, Ice cream Sandwiches, and Super Sorbet which is said to clean Your palette! But no carrot-flavored ones.

Minnie - Sandy, This is hardly the time for frozen food! Wait. Wait! Guys, toss the Ice cream at Pinky and His friends. Patou, You drive. (Most of the group toss Ice Cream at Pinky and His henchmen as Patou takes the wheel.)

Pinky - Seriously?

Henchman - Yuck, vanilla!

Edmond - Keep it up! (Most of Edmond's group keep tossing Ice Cream.)

Minnie - Ohh... What a waste of good ice cream...

Peepers - Here comes a Blueberry Raspberry Combo!

Sandy - Onion Ice Cream? Ugh. (Tosses said Ice Cream at Pinky's cart.)

Peepers - Ha ha! Not even water can wash the ice cream from the windshield! (The Limousine hits a bump and Peepers almost falls out and hangs on by the window.) Whoa!

Pinky - Ha! grab Her! (A few of the remaining henchmen advance toward Peepers and Edmond tries to get Her.)

Edmond - Peepers, hang on!

Peepers - (She notices the approaching attackers.) Ed, It's okay. Let Me go.

Edmond - I can't do that.

Peepers - It's alright. And Edmond? Good luck. (Bites Edmond's paw as She jumps on a henchman's scooter, causing it to swerve and crash.)

Edmond - Peepers! No.....! (In Edmond's Mind, He is floating in a black darkness.) Where am I? (Sees a pair of red eyes) No...! (tries to run, But is no use as the red eyes get closer and is revealed to be the Duke.)

Duke - It's no use, Kitty. I've won. (Laughs maliciously as Edmond falls in the endless chasm.)

Edmond - NO! (the vision zooms out, and We see Edmond get serious and takes the Wheel.) Guys, What Peepers said, We're going to the Pinnacle Tower Casino. (The Limousine turns to the Casino.)

Pinky - What? That's a Dead End! We'll box them in! (Edmond's Group stop in front of the casino and closes the casino gates, just as Pinky and His henchmen arrive.)

Edmond - Come on, Guys! Peepers said to get to the highest point.

Patou - Good idea blocking the entrance. Pinky's friends will have quite a bit of time moving it. but what are We searching for?

Edmond - I don't know! Peepers said that there's something in there that can help Us escape. Come on!

Patou - Edmond, do You think there could be something in this part of the park that might help get Chanti out?

Edmond - if it were possible from the books I read, there could be an escape tunnel, or a rocket ship.

Patou - What’s a rocket ship?

Edmond - Never Mind.

Sandy - Yaaaahh! Look! (Sees Pinky and His remaining henchmen climbing up the gate.) They're coming this way!

Edmond - Hurry! (Edmond and the others climb up to The highest point of the tower.)

Patou - Ok. We've reached the highest point. What next?

Edmond - I don't know! If They get Chanticleer, It really is over!

Pinky - Ha! There's no escape routes! They're cornered! (A Chinook approaches the Group and stops in front of them, where Edmond’s group falls in.) Huh? What's going on?

Bouncer - Um... Boss?

Pinky - What is it? (The Bouncers point at the police.)

Police Goat - You're under arrest For trespassing.

Pinky - No! You can't take away My meal ticket and My copter! Stop! (Sobbing as the police take away the Bouncers as Pinky in futility, fights off the police.)

(Inside the Chinook, Edmond sees Peepers at the controls.)

Edmond - Huh? Peepers! You're safe!

Peepers - Yeah! You provided a distraction, while I hotwired a Sune-256 Grade Helicopter. and They're difficult to control. (Edmond sees the Black Night covering most of the city, and all the animals caught in it turn feral.)

Edmond - We're running out of time! Back to the Farm! (The Chinook rides off to the farm, but on top of the Chinook, Hunch is hanging on as He laughs. The screen blacks out.)

Scene 14
(The scene changes to the farm which is abandoned as the Chinook landed. Minnie comes out.)

Narrator - We managed to make it to the farm After 8 hours passed, minutes before the Endless night would catch up. When We came to check, We assumed the worst, but...

Minnie - Everyone! Chanticleer’s back!

Goldie - King, this is where You used to live?

Patou - No... We’re too late. Everyone’s gone. They're taken to the graveyard.

Peepers - The graveyard...?

Chanticleer - It's so dark. What happened?

Peepers - The Sun never came up since You left home.

Patou - In any case, Chanticleer, You need to crow and fast, or the endless night will be Irreversible.

Chanticleer - Well, if You say so. (Crows weakly.) Ow! Ohh... I’m sorry. I’ve gotten out of practice. my neck still hurts.

Edmond - Just keep trying. But, first, We'll need to get to the graveyard.

Nero - In the meantime... (Puts Taupe in a haybale.) Remember, until We come back, don't come out. (Taupe meows quietly.) Good.

Minnie - ...Not even a copter would be enough to stop the owls.

Peepers - Hmm... (Looks at the copter.) Unless...

(The Scene changes to the Graveyard, where the remaining animals are seen, stuck in separate cages hanging by a willow tree. as the Coyotes howl and Raccoons doing a tribal dance.)

Turkey - Ohh... What a way to go... Eaten by an evil Owl while raccoons dance. but no evil mountain making incantations.

Archibald - He he he. Let's see. what will be My first Meal...? (Points at Stuey.) some Prosciutto.

Stuey - Wait, No! (Two Owl henchmen grab Stuey and stuff an apple in His mouth.)

Indigo Owl - Courtesy of Your son.

Archibald - Thank You. Now, Leave Me to eat My dinner in peace.

Duke - Sigh. Some Gratitude.

Archibald - Now... (A Light hits Archibald, causing Him and the other owls to hide behind the graves as the Raccoons and Coyotes run for dear life.)

Raccoon - Run. Run!

Edmond - (Through Helicopter Megaphone) Ok, Owls! Your Dinner's cancelled! And Our secret weapon's ready! (The helicopter drops a lit firecracker, and explodes near the owls, with the recoil of the exploded firecracker, the cages the farm animals were in, drop to the ground, and they make a run for it. The helicopter drops another lit firecracker and lands in front of Archibald, causing His face to be featherless and partially scorched.)

Patou - How's Chanti?

Goldie - A Bit depressed, but We still have time for Him to crow. (Hunch opens a vent.)

Hunch - Infiltration! (He lands and tries to grab Edmond by the tail, but Patou attacks the minuscule owl, and is hit headfirst at the fire extinguisher, causing it to go erratically, and break the controls.) Eradication!

Peepers - The Controls! We're outta here! (Edmond's group jump off the copter in some soft grass as the copter makes a crash landing in a lake. The Duke laughs maliciously as the helicopter sinks.)

Scene 15
(Edmond’s group manages to get to the graveyard. and regroup with the animals who escaped the cages.)

Edmond - Is everyone alright?

Stuey - Your timing couldn't get any better. Thanks!

Edmond - Uh-Oh! (Sees the darkness getting even closer to the darker one.) We're outta time, Chanticleer. Crow! Please! before the owls come!

Chanticleer - Well, Alright, but I don't know if... (Crows weakly again.) Ow! See? It's no use.

Nero - Patou... I won't ask for anyone's forgiveness, but--

(Archibald, the Duke and Their owl henchmen arrive.)

Patou - We'll talk later, Nero. right Now, We must keep them from getting to Chanticleer. (Nero starts to get angry from seeing Archibald.)

Nero - You...! If I had known the Duke was in league with You, Archie, I would have torn Him to shreds sooner!

Archibald - Don't ever call Me that, Cat. (Nero tries to attack Archibald, but Is grabbed by the ankle and tossed aside.) You and that accursed rooster’s father ruined My plan in the past, but nothing will stop Me once that cloud overlaps with that darker cloud!

Nero - It's bad enough that You and Your son tried to blackmail me threatening My grand-daughter's kitten, but hypnotizing Me to attack one of My kind...

Archibald - Face it, Nero. You lost. and once My spell is complete, not even Chanticleer’s accursed crowing will reverse it! But why stop there?

Edmond - Chanticleer, please! Crow!

Peepers - Chanti, We believe in You!

Duke - Hmph. It's no use. He won't crow. I've seen to that. and to prove it... (The Dark Light gets to the farm, as some of the animals become monstrous.)

Sandy - No...

Duke - And You’ll be joining them. And as for You, Patou, I owed You for the time You bit My arm. (Breathes magic breath at Patou's shoes causing His shoe strings to tie His mouth shut) Gentlemen, restrain them. (The Owl Henchmen attack Edmond's group and keep them away from Chanticleer as the Duke blows magic breath at Chanticleer, making Him neck deep in the ground.)

Archibald - You know, Son, I ordered You to eliminate Chanticleer, not make Him unable to crow by stomping on His throat.

Duke - I tried, but that dumb mutt got in the way.

Nero - Wait, Your son was the rogue rooster who tried to take over Chanti's place?

Archibald - Yes. and once the darkness reaches the other side, Not even Chanticleer’s accursed crowing can lift the endless night. and then... (Breathes at the air producing a portal to the human world.)

Edmond - My... Home.

Archibald - Yes. And once I come to this world, I'll turn it into a world of darkness as well!

Edmond - No. Chanticleer! Don't let the endless night be complete! Crow! Please! (The Yellow Owl stifles His mouth, but Edmond bites the owl's wing.)

Yellow Owl - Ow! (Edmond breaks free.)

Edmond - Everyone, Encourage Chanticleer to crow! His throat may be damaged, but We have to believe in Him!

Duke - No use giving false hope! You've lost! (Breathes Magic breath several times at Edmond, but Edmond dodges them.)

Edmond - No!! (Chants Chanticleer's name.)

Archibald - You never learn. (Breathes magic claws and strangles Edmond, then He tosses Edmond at a tombstone.)

Nero - No! (Uses His body as a cushion to soften Edmond's impact as the darkness reaches the cats.)

Patou - Nero!

Peepers - Edmond!

(Nothing happens to the cats.)

Archibald - Hmph. Since cats, by nature, are technically creatures of the night, the endless night won't work on them.

Nero - Edmond, are You alright? (Sees Edmond barely breathing.) Edmond... (Sheds tears.)

Archibald - Let that be a lesson to anyone who dares to stop Me.

Nero - (becomes angry) Hold Your beak, Archie. (Archibald reacts.) Everyone! Don't let Edmond's sacrifice be for nothing! Encourage Chanticleer! Only You can restore His confidence! (The Animals then start to chant Chanticleer's name as they become monstrous.) Louder! (The Animals chant louder)

Archibald - You... I'll silence You all! (Breathes Crimson magic breath on Himself, causing Him to grow as tall as a skyscraper.)

Duke - Dad! Wait! If You do that, You'll pull Us in, as well as them! at least wait for the dark clouds to overlap!

Archibald - (In a demonic voice) What do I care?!

Duke - Dah! Every Owl for Himself! (The Duke and His henchmen fly away as Archibald becomes a tornado. The Duke and His Owl Henchmen, Coyotes, and Raccoons are pulled into His Tornado form's mouth.) Why would You do this, Dad?! (Archibald laughs maliciously as the farm animals are still screaming Chanticleer's name, as they are being pulled inside Archibald's mouth.)

Archibald - Once I eliminate all Your friends, Chanticleer, You will lose all hope, so, You’ll won’t dare to oppose Me, ever again! (At the farm, the buildings along with Taupe are sucked into the tornado.)

Chanticleer - No! (Breaks free, and flies inside Tornado Archibald's mouth, as the screen turns black. Chanticleer opens His eyes and sees the farm animals all turned into colorless monstrous forms, along with a still-normal Edmond and Nero floating in monochrome colors.) It's so dark. Oh... If I never left home, This never would have happened...

Patou's Voice - You can't give up.

Chanticleer - Wha... Patou? (He sees Patou's spirit in color.)

Patou's Voice - We still believe in You.

Chanticleer - Peepers. (Sees Peepers' spirit in color.)

Peepers' Voice - It's Your job to crow for the sun to rise. No one else could.

Sandy's Voice - Crow, Not just for Us... (Chanticleer sees Sandy's spirit in color) but for the world.

Chanticleer - Sandy!

Minnie's Voice - Believe in Yourself, Chanticleer. (Sees Minnie's spirit in color) Believe You can bring back the sun, Like We believe in You.

Chanticleer - Minnie! Goldie. (Sees Goldie's Spirit in color.)

Goldie - We all do. (Chanticleer sees The Animals' spirits)

Edmond's Voice - Even if We're eaten, There's always a chance.

Chanticleer - Huh? (Sees Edmond's human spirit in Color.) Is it really You, Edmond?

Edmond's Voice - Yeah. Call for the Sun, Chanticleer. We all believe in You.

Chanticleer - Nero. (Nero reacts, then sadly smiles.)

(Archibald still as a Tornado sees the clouds overlap, making the Endless Night complete.)

Archibald - The night is mine! Now, for the next world. (Hears Chanticleer's crowing.) Huh? It's too late to do anything. (Chanticleer's crow gets louder.) Did You not hear Me? (a sun ray pierces through the darkness, hitting Archibald.) Ow! Light? (the sun's light continues cutting through the darkness.) What's going on? You--! Don't think You'll last forever! Once You're gone, The Sun will be gone forever, with or without the Endless Night! (Explodes into shimmering dust. In some parts of the world, The darkness dissipates, turning the feral animals back to normal. Back at the graveyard, the farm animals slowly wake up on the ground as Chanticleer flies down.)

(The Sun rises over the graveyard. The Song "When the Morning comes" plays as The Sunlight restores the farm animals back to normal as the Coyotes and Raccoons run off.)

Narrator - Well, at long last, Our quest was finally over. Chanticleer returned to the farm, the Endless Night was lifted, and the owls never bothered Us again. But as much as We'd like to celebrate, We couldn't because of what happened to poor Edmond.

(The other animals see Nero kneeling over a barely-breathing Edmond.)

Nero - Edmond... I'm so sorry I got You involved. (Edmond slowly wakes up as Peepers reacts. Edmond's paw wipes a tear from Nero's eye.) Edmond...?

Edmond - N... Nero...?

Peepers - Edmond! (She comes to Edmond.)

(The Animals gather as Edmond gets up.)

Edmond - Peepers, Am I... Alive?

Peepers - Yes, Edmond. And the Sun finally came up! (Hugs Edmond tearfully.)

Edmond - It is...? (Sees the Sun.) Wow! The Sunrise is beautiful to watch.

Peepers - Agreed. (Edmond becomes sad as He gently puts Peepers on the ground.) What's wrong?

Patou - Poor kid. Here we are, celebrating Chanti's return, and Edmond's homesick.

Chanticleer - Well, Yes. He wasn’t a kitten to start with.

Nero - You mean...?

Peepers - Oh, don’t tell Me you’re buying that... hairless tailless monkey story.

Chanticleer - Well, He reminded Me of another who claimed that He wasn't a cat...

Edmond - (Thinking) Well, at least, I won't have to worry about Archie and His owls hurting my family or anyone else. (The Song winds down)

(Peepers Looks at Edmond who was shedding tears.)

Peepers - You miss home, do You? (Edmond nods as He sheds tears.) Where do You live? We'll take You home.

Edmond - Thanks. But, I think it's impossible. No matter Where I'll go in this world, I'll never find home.

Chanticleer - Well, I can't go back home either. so long as My replacement's here--

Patou - you don't have to, Chanti. It was only the Duke disguised as a rooster. and since Owls can't replace roosters on any farm, that Means you can come back home. If You want to.

Chanticleer - Patou... Thank You. (Patou nods as Edmond is glowing and starts to float up in the sky.)

Edmond - Pa... Patou, What’s going on?

Nero - Hmm... You’re going home, Ed.

Edmond - Home? (The slingshot, books, and other stuff that came with Edmond, glow and start to float up.)

Sandy - Wow!

Minnie - Zowie!

Edmond - I'm going home.

(Edmond sheds a tear, and as it drops, it shows images of Edmond using His flashlight against the Duke, His group on a wagon saying goodbye to the survivors on their way to the Train Station, looking at the night sky walking on the train tracks, Searching the city, Dancing to the "Private Eyes" number, hopping a ride to Hollywood, Driving a Limo, riding a chinook helicopter. and when the visions disappear, the tear lands on the ground.)

Edmond - Thank You, everyone. Goodbye!

Nero - Edmond! Tell Your Dad I said, "Thank You"!

Edmond - I promise! (Edmond vanishes into the sky, along with all the other stuff that floated with Him as the animals still look on.)

Chanticleer - Frank, I hope You're proud of Your son for saving Our world, like You did. (Then the screen whites out as the animals return home.)

Scene 16
(The light disappears, and the scene changes to Edmond’s bedroom, and the song winds down. Where Edmond is Human again, but asleep in bed, with His family watching over Him. Edmond starts to wake up.)

Frank - Edmond...? (Edmond opens His eyes to See His father.)

Edmond - Dad? Is that You?

Frank - Lie still. You were out for four days.

Edmond - Four... Days? (scratches His head.) Wait. I'm back to normal. I... I'm not a cat anymore.

Frank - Cat? Well, in any case, Everyone else is alright.

Scott - Yeah. We had some scratches from those coyotes, but We’re OK.

Mark - I’m glad You’re OK as well, Edmond.

Frank - Son, When I came into your bedroom, You were out cold, and You were holding on to that book as I took You to the hospital, You wouldn’t let go of it. Not even Your brothers could pry it from your hands. (A woman comes in Edmond’s room and sees Edmond up.)

Woman - Edmond... (Comes to Edmond and hugs Him.) I was about to give up hope.

Scott/Mark - Mom?

Frank - Dory...

Edmond - Mom... You came? (Dory hugs Edmond and He notices that He's holding the storybook.) Was everything a dream?

Frank - Edmond, You were holding the book because You wanted Me to finish it, right? (Edmond nods.) Okay. (Edmond gives His father the book.) “Then, As the sun refused to rise for a few days, the animals there were getting even more worried...” (The scene changes to Edmond and His family looking at the sunrise as Frank was reading the book.)

Narrator - While Edmond looked at the sky, He wondered if His adventure in Chanticleer's world really was a dream, of course, He still longed for more adventures with Chanticleer and the farm animals, but was well aware that if He can face the dark in Chanticleer's world, He can do the same in His world.

(Outside the farmhouse, Frank was about done with the story.)

Frank - "...Then the Sun returned, and the animals danced with joy knowing that Chanticleer will never leave home. The End." (turns the page and sees the photo booth picture) Oh? (He picks it up.) Hmm. Son, What did You dream about?

Edmond - Well, I turned into a cat, in a world of animals. and a city where Chanticleer was a music star. Oh, Nero says “Hello”.

Dory - Nero?

Frank - Nero... (Sighs) I wish I could properly thank Him.

Chanticleer's Voice - You just might.

Frank - That Voice... (Chanticleer crows as the Book glows a white color covering the screen then fades to the cartoon farm, with Edmond and His family as cats.)

Patou - Edmond, You're back!

Edmond - Patou! You're-- Wait. If You're here... (Looks at His paws) I'm a cat again. I'm a cat again!

Patou - Welcome back, Ed. You too, Frank.

Frank - You... You remember Me?

Patou - Of course I do. I'd never forget a face.

Edmond - Dad, You...?

Frank - Well, Son, When I was Your age, I ran away from Home because I had a fight with My Parents. but, when I came to a bookstore, I bought "The Tale of Chanticleer" just to keep My mind off My parents. But, as I was reading it... (In Frank's mind, He is a young boy reading a book, then in a flash of light, Frank is in Chanticleer's farm but as a kitten.) That day, Nero made Me realize that even though Your parents can get mad, it doesn't mean They don't love You anymore. That was the lesson. right, Nero?

Nero - Yeah. But in Your son's case, He was...

Frank - Afraid of the dark, I know.

Patou - Um... Edmond, You think it's time to introduce Your family?

Edmond - You're right. Everyone, I'd like for You to meet My family. This is My Dad, You know Him as Frank. My Mom, Dory. and My elder brothers, Scott and Mark. (The Animals greet Edmond's family.) Hey, the farm looks a lot like... Home.

Chanticleer - Yes. It took some time to rebuild the farm, which is Based on Your home. and with Archie gone, He and His night creatures will never threaten the farm or anyone else ever again and it’s All thanks to you. Nero, The others told Me You wanted Sleep, but We didn't realize We kept You awake all this time. but, have this as a token of Our apology. (Gives Nero a pair of earmuffs and a blindfold.)

Nero - Chanticleer... I don't know what to say. (Happily sheds tears.)

Chanticleer - Ok, Nero. Now, You're going to make Us cry.

Nero - And I’m sure Little Edmond will have a bright future.

Scott/Mark - Little Edmond?

Nero - Yeah. I didn’t Like the name Taupe. (Softly scratches Taupe’s head.)

Chanticleer - Still, There's only one thing to do. I mean, it is the first day of summer.

(Chanticleer sings a reprise of "Sun do Shine" as everyone celebrates, the Duke and His henchmen as kindhearted Owlets sing and dance in a dark forest. Edmond and His brothers ride on a wagon as Peepers and Snipes rides along. Frank and Dory dance in a tango. Minnie dances with Sandy, and as the song winds down, a Turkey sets a timer on a camera and gets in the shot with the other animals. after the camera flash, the screen freezes as the words "The End" appears in the center of the screen. then the screen blacks out.)

Hunch's voice - Whoa! Wait! You haven't seen what became of Me!

(the screen fades in to under the farm, where Hunch is done digging a tunnel.)

Hunch - Ah... No one to yell at Me, No one to pester Me, and best of all, No Uncle to Threaten Me. Ahh... (falls asleep, as the screen blacks out.)