Rock-a-Doodle (Reboot)/Transcript

Scene 1
(The Scene opens in a town at nighttime, after a long three-minute pan of the countryside.)

Narrator - Once upon a time, maybe not too long ago... Life on the farm isn't always all work and no play. Well, Our story begins with just one familiar sound.

Voice - Cock-a-do-ooooo! (The sun starts to come up)

Narrator - Yes. One crow from a certain rooster named Chanticleer, and the sun goes up, like a piece of toast coming out of a toaster. Believe Me. All He had to do was crow, and everyone celebrates the morning Like it was New Year’s Day.

(Chanticleer dos His “Sun do Shine” musical number and the animals celebrate.)

Narrator: This rooster had a heart of gold, a voice like a trumpet and can help others whenever they're in need. But, not everyone is quite happy with what Chanticleer does. (A Cat who was asleep in a barn, grumpily opens the barn door.)

Chanticleer - Oh! Nero! Good morning.

Nero - Ha! For You, perhaps. (Closes the barn door.)

Chanticleer - Well, I guess it's another day Nero won't smile. But one day, I'm sure He will. (Inside the Barn, Nero is pouting about His naptime being interrupted.)

Narrator - Now, Nero used to be a mouser from another farm. after He retired, He moved to this farm to rest. sadly, He never got enough sleep to enjoy it.

Nero - Grrr... and Chanticleer crows like He always does. the second He does it, He turns the farm into a fourth of July celebration. (paces around the room) for Five Seasons, I've put up with His crowing every morning. But, as much as I'd like to leave... (Gets depressed.) I can't. (Two Chicks and a mouse see this, but Nero sees them) And what are You staring at? (The chicks and mouse run off.) Perhaps... Yeah.

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

Narrator - Now, Nero was Fed up with Chanticleer and the others keeping Him awake at the daytime, and so, He 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. Nah, too scrawny. No, too distracted. Sigh. not coordinated enough. (Sees a serious looking rooster.) huh. This one looks determined. Ok, You’ll fight Chanticleer in 45 minutes. (Walks off as the scene changes to the barn interior, with everyone still asleep as Nero goes back to sleep.)

Narrator - Without anyone knowing, Nero returned to the farm and went back to sleep. But minutes later...

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

Patou - Nero! Hey! Wake up!

Nero - Patou, The sun's not up yet.

Patou - No, but another rooster is fighting Chanticleer!

Nero - Wha--? (Sees the fight)

Narrator - Chanticleer put up a good fight, unfortunately... (The Rogue Rooster knocks out Chanticleer.)

Rogue Rooster - Heh. And to make sure... (Kicks Chanticleer a few times, but Patou tackles Him.) Hey! Wha?

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

Rogue Rooster - In any case, I'll be crowing instead of that overstuffed bird.

Patou - Even if You replace Chanticleer, You'll never be as great as Him. ever.

(Chanticleer gets up, defeated.)

Chanticleer - No, Patou. I lost fair and square. I'll leave right now. (Leaves the farmland)

Patou - Chanti, You can't! Who else will crow to make the sun rise? (The other animals shout for Chanticleer to come back, but fall on deaf ears.) Chanti...

Narrator - Minutes later, as the sun was about to rise, Chanti's replacement crowed, but... (The Rogue Rooster crows at a low volume. the sun came up, but after a moment, the sun went down.)

Peepers - Hey! The Sun went down in the east? That's scientifically impossible.

Snipes - Which means that new rooster can't raise the sun at all! Get Him! (The animals go after the rogue rooster, as He tries to shake them.)

Nero - Oh, no. (Nero leaves the barn and goes after Chanticleer.)

Narrator - After realizing what wrong He did, Nero decided to make things right by getting Chanticleer back.

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

Duke - Yes. I should thank You for getting rid of that bird. Now, without Him, The night will last forever!

Nero - No...! You can’t!

Duke - Heh. If You try to stop Me, go after that bird, or tell just one word to Your friends at the farm... (Pulls a kitten from His cloak.) this little shrimp will pay for Your disobedience.

Nero - I... if I follow your demands, You better promise that You won’t harm the Kitten.

Duke - Hmm. Very well. But... (Glares evilly at Nero. and the scene stops and We zoom out to see A man reading a story to His son.)

Scene 2
Man - It was then that the Duke of Owls and Nero became partners.

Boy - Oh, My.

Man - And so, the endless night began. Which meant that Coyotes, Raccoons, and Owls began to attack the farm animals.

Boy - So, He’s the one that wanted the endless night? (Points at the owl’s beak in the book.)

Adolescent - Dad! the coyotes are gonna get through the fence!

Man - I’m on My way! Edmond, Stay there, where it’s safe (leaves to help His older sons.)

Adolescent 2 - Dad! One is getting through! (One of the adolescents uses a cattle prod, zapping one of the attacking coyotes as the others continue attacking the fence.)

Edmond - Please, Daddy. be safe. (from inside His room, Edmond sees His father and His elder brothers hold off the coyotes.) Wait, maybe Chanticleer’s crow will make the sun come, and the coyotes will run away. (Gets the storybook.)

Adolescent 1 - Dad! They’re gonna get through!

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

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

Edmond - Chanticleer! If You’re hearing Me, help My family! Chanticleer! (A sudden gust of wind breaks one of the tree branches and breaks Through the room, knocking out Edmond.)

Narrator - Edmond had a good a idea calling for Chanticleer, but who came by was not what He expected. (The scene blacks out.)

(Edmond wakes up and sees a couple of talons on the branch.)

Edmond - You’re not Chanticleer. He doesn’t have a scary face.

Duke - Of course I’m not who You think. And it’s not polite to address someone of how they look.

Edmond - Well, who are you then?

Duke - You placed Your finger in the Duke’s beak. Or did you forget? And it really hurt, too. (bends His beak to normal.) But, that’s not the reason I’m going to eat You.

Edmond - What? Why?

Duke - Oh, I ruined the moment, did I? Bad habit I had. (Eats a caterpillar from the branch.) Anyway, Us night creatures have done whatever we could, to ensure that the Entire world will never see sunlight again. (Edmond looks around for something, but couldn’t find anything.) But, You. You who doesn’t care about Our cause, would dare scream His name! In fact, I can’t stand music with electronic features. (laughs evilly)

Edmond - Sorry, But I’m not on the menu! (Tries to exit the room, but couldn’t.

Narrator - And just like that, the Duke was intent on eliminating Edmond since He tried in futility to bring Chanticleer to restore the sun. (The menacingly approaches Edmond.)

Duke - Perhaps I’ll give this one an extra topping. (Pulls out a kitten from the end of the story.)

Narrator - And believe Me or not, This is where the story truly begins. (The duke then breathes magic breath on Edmond, causing Him to become a spirit, as the room becomes cartoon-like.)

Scene 3
Duke - Now... (grabs Edmond’s spirit, and stuffs it in the unconscious kitten’s body.) now, for My two-in-one snack. (Is about to eat the kitten with Edmond’s spirit.)

Narrator - Now, here’s where I charge in. (Patou charges in the room and bites down on one of the duke’s Wings.)

Duke - Daaaaagggghhh! Ohh...! (Lets go of the Kitten.) Ow-ow-ow-ow! You’ll pay for that pain, Patou! And for ruining My snack--

Patou - You think I’m gonna turn a blind eye after you’re involved in making Chanti— (The kitten with Edmond’s spirit wakes up, and sees Patou fight off the Duke.)

Edmond - wait! Since Owls can’t stand light... (heads for a light switch, but doesn’t work. however, He sees a flashlight, uses it to aim at the Duke, then turns it on, forcing the Duke to be blown far away.)

Duke - Yaaaaaahhhhh! (the shock causes Edmond and Patou to crash into the bed, with Edmond hiding under the pillow.)

Patou - Whew. A few more moments, and we would have been done for. I got to admit, getting that flashlight was a smart move. (lifts up a pillow where Edmond is hiding under.) By any chance You have a name?

Edmond - It’s Edmond. Um, Is the owl gone?

Patou - for the time being, Yes. But, He’ll return, He won‘t be alone, and He’ll be ready. You know I would have gotten more serious, if I had My shoes tied.

Edmond - And You're wearing shoes, why?

Patou - Well, I got bunions. So, I figured I'd wear shoes to help My feet.

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

Patou - Well, most cats are.

Edmond - But-- But, that's impossible. (Sees Himself in a mirror, causing Him to screech.) Uh-oh. Did I really screech? Wait-- I'm in a cat's body! Patou, Help Me! I can't be a cat! I don't want to be a cat! I’m a boy! Wait. (Runs behind a toy chest and comes out with a Daniel Boone outfit with raccoon cap. He then licks His paw but spits.) Ugh! I can't believe I licked My paw! (He reacts as His eyes turn yellow as He starts to act like a real cat.)

Voice - Patou? Hello?

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

Mouse - Hmm. Probably made a wrong turn. (Checks Her compass.) The latitude’s wrong. hmm. (Edmond hungrily sneaks up on the mouse, jumps in front of Her, and hisses.) Huh? AAAA! (Hides in the mouse hole with Edmond reacting as His eyes became blue. Patou laughs.)

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

Edmond - I said I’m a boy! I can’t believe I hissed at a mouse. Must be those instincts.

Peepers - Yeah. I’ll say they are. (Flicks one of Edmond’s whiskers.)

Edmond - Ooh. (a whole bunch of animals come inside through the broken window.)

Squirrel - I guess this is as good a place as any.

Male Rabbit - Don't worry, Minnie. We'll be safe here. (Helps Minnie up the room)

Patou - Excuse Me, but Didn't You say You were going to help tie My shoes.

Edmond - How can I? I'm a boy in a cat's body. how can I get used to it?

Voice - Of course, You'll get used to it.

Edmond - Wha-- Who said that?

Patou - Said what? I didn't hear anything.

Voice - I did. close Your eyes for a moment. (Edmond closes His eyes and in His mind, Edmond's human spirit is in front of the kitten's subconsciousness.)

Edmond's Voice - Hey, You're the kitten who was held hostage by that Owl.

Kitten's Voice - Yes. The Duke captured Me, the night Great-Grandfather left the barn.

Edmond's Voice - So, that was You who startled the mouse? Wait, Who's Your Great-Grandfather?

Kitten's Voice - I can't explain all the details now, But, since Your spirit is in My body, We'll have to share.

Edmond's Voice - Yeah. You're right. (The Scene zooms out and Edmond opens His eyes.)

Patou - Edmond? You had Your eyes closed for almost a minute. What's wrong?

Edmond - Well, if Chanticleer doesn't return home, the Sun will never shine again. and where are the stars?

Patou - Well, because the Duke hates light, He blocked out all the stars in the sky, even the moon.

Edmond - I see. (A Magpie flies up, but accidentally startles Edmond, who lands on His feet, which surprises Him.)

Magpie - Zowie-wowie! We must be even closer to the city. Us Magpies sure would like to come here. so, where next? 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 - Oh! So, He's in the city?

Snipes - Well, Yeah. He was heading there, the day He left. (To Peepers) So, why not make Yourself useful, and point Us to the direction of the city?

Peepers - Snipes, This-s is hardly the time for pers-sonal reasons-s to going to the city.

Snipes - Well, 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 goes into a rage for a few seconds.) You're not making any sense.

Patou - Calm Down, already.

Edmond - So, the story's real. Chanticleer left of His own accord because He thinks He doesn't have a friend in the farm.

Patou - You're right. And without Him, the Farm will never see daylight again. That's why We're searching for the city. I know Our group is small, but, We need to locate Chanti, then bring Him back home, So He can bring back the sun.

Edmond - Well, I guess I can be of help getting You to the city. I don't get many chances coming here as a boy.

Snipes - Boy? What?

Edmond - I mean, before that Big owl put Me in a cat's body.

Pig - Owl? Did He say Owl?

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

Edmond - How can I? I'm a cat-- I mean, a kitten. how else will I help?

Peepers - Well, I can do plenty at an intelligent level. plus, I'm smaller than You. In any case, I might forgive You for that scare You gave Me, if You take Us to the city. (Pulls one of Edmond's whiskers)

Edmond - Ow.

Peepers - Then again, If You're too scared to--

Edmond - I'm not scared, Okay?

Snipes - Um, Guys? Problem.

Peepers - like a Scaredy-cat?

Edmond - What gives You the right to say that?

Peepers - Or a screechy-cat?

Patou - Peepers, That's enough.

Snipes - Guys, Really!

Edmond - Alright! 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 as Edmond sees a cat family grieving.) What's wrong?

Patou - Well, before Chanticleer left the farm, They had a fifth kitten, and He went missing since. They never got a chance to give Him a name.

Edmond - I see. I don't know if I'll find Your son, but I'll try to find Him too. (His eyes turned yellow.) Perhaps...

Archie - Well, At least We can hope. right, Kudzu?

Kudzu - Of Course, Archie.

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

Edmond - (His eyes turned blue) What? (They see outside and see a pack of coyotes waiting.) Just great.

Patou - How will We get past?

Edmond - Wait, Maybe... (Runs to the attic.)

Peepers - Now, Where's He going? (Edmond returns with a few rolls of firecrackers, spare flashlights, a magnifying glass, and a wagon.)

Edmond - A Wagon for transportation, some spare flashlights in case the Owl returns, firecracker rolls to scare away the coyotes, and a magnifying glass.

Peepers - Magnifying glass? Oh! Using the light of the flashlight, with the magnifying glass, and it can heat the firecracker fuse to light. good idea!

Edmond - Yes. But I'd let Patou or You light it since it says "Keep out of reach of children".

Peepers - Hmm. You're right. 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.

Edmond - We'll just go to the train station. I know the City is over 50 miles away, but, it's no big deal if We go by train.

Sandy - Um... Might I make a suggestion?

(Outside the house, the coyotes are still waiting on the front door. then a roll of firecrackers fall 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 door allowing Edmond's group (Composed of Edmond, Patou, Peepers, and Minnie) to outrun the coyotes and slam the door shut before the coyotes can get in.)

Sandy - Good luck, Minnie! Safe journey! (The animals wave goodbye to Edmond's group)

Snipes - Ohh... I can't stand all the goodbyes... (Flies for the wagon as Edmond's group heads for the train station which is four miles away as a few of the coyotes pursues them.)

Pig - So, You're alright with Your wife going with the others?

Sandy - They'll need all the help they can get. and We've done our part. Hopefully, They'll return before the Owls come.

Pig - Owls...? (Shudders as the scene blacks out.)

Scene 4
(The Scene changes to a cemetary as a group of shadowy figures approach the Duke of Owls.)

Narrator - That's right. Owls. While Edmond and the others were on the way to another mode of transportation to the city, The Duke and His owls were brooding. (Inside a crypt, The Duke plays a segment of “Night on Bald Mountain” with his pipe organ with one wing as His henchmen watch.)

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!

Duke - Never mind! just When I was about to enjoy a snack, of course, I was about to eat the kitty like a horrrrrrssse! 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, 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, Dad?

Duke - Hunch, I said it before, I’ll say it again. Never call Me that. it’s childish. And Taupe, as long as I’m in the crypt, You’ll not address Me as Dad or Daddy.

Taupe - Well, what do You suggest I call You-- No, wait. .just hear me out. Patou and a few 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.)

Taupe - sigh. I guess it’s not my time, huh?

Duke - Sorry, son. A father’s rule is to keep their children safe from any harm.

Taupe - I thought as much.

Scene 5
(In a pitch-Black environment, Patou and the others traverse the area.)

Narrator - Bound for the train station, We were confounded by the Duke’s endless night sorcery, We couldn’t see much, not even the flashlight would be enough.

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

Edmond - We need to keep going, Patou.

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

Minnie - Really?

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

Snipes - Sixth?

Edmond - just because You say that, doesn’t mean-- (His eyes turn yellow.) I’ll keep watch for anything. (Sees the area with not much illumination.) turn left a little bit. (From up in the Sky, Hunch and four owl Henchmen fly to where Edmond's group is.)

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

Edmond - What's going-- (Hunch tries to drown Edmond, but He claw Hunch's talons.) Ow!

(The Owls take away most of the flashlights as They carry the wagon up to the sky.)

Edmond - Where are You?

(Minnie locates a flashlight and aims it to a magnifying glass to light a fuse from one of the firecracker rolls. She then tosses it at the owls, which explode, scaring the owls into letting go of the wagon and dropping the flashlights They stole.)

Patou - Yes! Great job!

Minnie - but not for long. (The Wagon lands on the ground, They then pick up Edmond who changes His eyes to blue.)

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 dilapidated building inside, most of the group is mourning.)

Peepers - The Wagon. It's in the poison ivy.

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

Snipes - Just great. and We didn't bring any food.

Edmond - Everyone --

Peepers - You should have gotten some before We left.

Snipes - What are You suggesting, We get some from this dump?

Edmond - Guys... Please.

Patou - Everyone, Edmond has something to say--

Peepers - ...If You think I'm going to let You--

Snipes - ...Simplify what You're saying, instead of confusing Me--

(Patou muffles Peepers and Snipes' Mouths.)

Patou - Calm down. Edmond has something to say.

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.

Edmond - What?

Minnie - We're there. of course, We'd have to pay 2 dollars each if We want to all go to the city. (A Train arrives.) Talk about lucky.

Edmond - We'll have to find another way to the train. cause it doesn't look like They'll let Us. (They see a few goats as guards.)

Peepers - Edmond, I have a plan. but it will involve the both of Us.

(The Goat Guards keep watch, while Patou, Minnie, and Snipes hide, Peepers places a firecracker roll at the stairs of the train station, then She gets the magnifying glass and motions Edmond to turn on the flashlight, the light from the flashlight goes through the glass, which burns through the fuse, and They make 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 moves toward the city.)

(Inside the train, where there aren't many travelers)

Announcer - Our next destination will be the City, where Dreams become reality, or where dreams are broken. I don't know which.

Snipes - You know, I got to admit, That plan was great.

Peepers - I'll say. But, We can't relax yet.

Edmond - Yeah. We still need to find Chanticleer.

Minnie - Yes. WIth a city that Big, It will be tough.

Patou - Tough is right. like finding a needle in a haystack.

(The Screen blacks out)

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

Vulture: Your father is coming! Your father is coming!

Duke - Oh, No...

Vulture - And Your nephew is coming.

Duke - I'm going to expect great news.

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

Duke - Sigh. It's Dad. (The gates of the overdell opens for A Bigger owl, who enters.)

Vulture: K-k-King Archibald, welcome to Owl Overdell!

Archibald: I'm not here for your greetings, twerp.

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

Taupe - Hey, Grandpa.

Duke - Daddy! 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? And (petting Taupe and Hunch) I hope that my adorable little grandsons are eeling fine? (Grabbing the Duke by the cloak in an angry voice) Are they?

Taupe - I’m fine, Grandpa.

(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 for! He he he he he!

Duke - In what way? What?

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

Archibald: (To Hunch) You don't mean the Lake of Arsenic, do you, grandson?

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

Duke - Oh, really? come to Your uncle. (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!

Archibald: Actually, Duke, I think you are the idiot. Because (Yelling) YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN RID OF THAT BIRD-BRAINED ROOSTER LIKE I TOLD YOU TO, YOU MOUSE EATING MORON! NOW CHANGE BACK MY GRANDSON!

Duke - sigh. Very well. (Breathes at Hunch, turning Him back to normal.) And since I can’t trust my own nephew to finish the job, I’ll just have My son and some extra help.

Archibald - Extra help?

Duke - Yes. (Nero emotionlessly walks to the owls from the darkness.)

Archibald - Ah. For once, you thought ahead. But, won’t Taupe get blinded by the lights of the cityscape? Hardly any owls can withstand the light.

Duke - Oh, really? (Tosses a special pair of dark goggles, with a camera in one of the lenses to Taupe.)

Archibald: And may I ask about those goggles?

Duke - Well, It's to keep Your grandson from getting hurt by the accursed light, and one of the lens has a video camera, so He won't be working blind. (Taupe puts on the goggles) Now, Son. You and Nero will go to the city and eliminate that Cat and His friends, Or don't bother returning home.

Taupe - Very well, Dad.

(The Screen blacks out and appearing is a pan of the city as Edmond's group still in the baggage car, is getting even closer to the city.)

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

Snipes - Yeah! What's the plan?

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

Minnie - But what if He doesn't want to return home? It means it will be for nothing.

Edmond - What? We can't just give up if Chanticleer deosn't want to come home

Patou - You're right, Edmond. (Music starts) But, Minnie's somewhat right as well. Things can't always go Our way. as a matter of fact... Well, There are some ups and downs. (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. (The others are getting the beat) 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. (A Goat is hearing something in the baggage car.) 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's really old, And I's all ready to burn, you see, 'Cause I've been over, around, under and through, Life is just like tyin' your shoes.

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 doo bah shoe bah doo bah, Tyin' your shoes.

Edmond - Ohh! I forgot! I didn't show You how to tie Your shoes. I'd better show it.

Patou - Well, better late than never, Edmond.

(The Goat opens the door.)

Goat - Hey, You! I don't know how You snuck in, But, I know how You're getting out! (The Goat goes after Edmond's group, but They escape the room, Locking the Goat in the baggage car.) Let Me out!

Patou: That should hold him off

Peepers - Ohh. Just as We were getting close to the city.

Announcer - Your attention, please. We have arrived in the city. We hope You enjoy Your visit.

Edmond - Well? Let's go! (They exit the train and see the greatness of the city.)

Peepers - Oh! This is beautiful.

Patou - Yes, But We'll admire it another time. in the meantime, We'd better search for Chanticleer.

Scene 7
(Hours later, In a Diner, Edmond and the others are continuing the search as the sun went up.)

Edmond - (Yawns) Come on. Let's search some more. (A worker plays "Someone like You" on a jukebox.)

Peepers - Huh? Hey, That sounds like Chanticleer! So, That's proof enough that He's here! Let's go! (They leave the diner as They search the city.)

Narrator - After just a few hours, We didn't make much progress locating Chanticleer. But none of Us would give up.

(At a street, the others are thinking.)

Edmond - That's it! If there's something I learned about reading Stories about the Hardy Boys, It takes detective Work.

Minnie - The Hardy Boys? Never heard of them.

Edmond - What? (His eyes turned yellow.) I haven't either.

Peepers/Snipes - What?

Edmond - Ugh... (His eyes turned blue again.) sorry. We could ask if there are any roosters in the city. Someone has to have seen Him.

(In the sky, Taupe is flying through while carrying Nero, and crashes into a few pigeons.)

Taupe - Where are You? (Looks at the city from above) Where are You?! (He crashes into another pigeon, and spins out of control, causing Him to make a crash landing on top of a malt shop.) Ow... (Sees stars. He then shakes His head)

Nero - Ugh. You could have at least let Me get one of those pigeons.

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

Nero - 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! ("Private Eyes" by Daryl Hall starts as a curtain rises showing a London Backdrop with Chanticleer performing while dressing like Sherlock Holmes and sings.)

(In a skybox, A pheasant looks with disdain as a Pudgy Fox is drawing something on a piece of paper.)

Narrator - Of course, not everyone liked Chanticleer's new image. In fact, one didn't like Chanti at all. And that one was Goldie. and believe Me, Any girl can look scary if jealous or anything related to the word.

Goldie - Pinky, I've been with singing business for three months, but why pick Him over Me?

Pinky - I have My reasons. His singing is a rare find. Yours is... well, I can't really say. Then again, If You prefer another line of work with Physique, Intelligence, Coordination, Luck or any combination of the four...

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

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

Patou - Sigh. We searched all day, and nothing.

Edmond - But, We can't give up now. The Farm's depending on Us.

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 - The King? (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.)

Pinky - Heh. There's always one of those in this world.

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. of course when He sings, He puts up an excited front. but when He's not, 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. The question was... How?

(Inside the Chinook, Pinky is playing indoor golf as Chanticleer is resting while depressed. An instrumental version of Daryl Hall's "Can't Stop Dreaming" plays)

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! Huh? (Sees a message on a road.) "Come Back Home"? that could be a great title for a song. In-- In any case, We'd best be ready for Tomorrow. (Uses a phone) Murray, head east. (Phone beeps) I'll be a moment. Yes? Oh, Boss! What did You say? A Dog, Cat, Bird, Mouse, and Rabbit? Really? To China? That a fact?

Duke - Well, You don't want to lose Your star, since He makes that much money. My Son 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.)

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! (Edmond's group make a run for it as the bouncers pursued them. At an Industrial Park, Edmond's group hide inside one of the warehouses.) Don't think You'll escape Us forever! (To the other bouncers) Search all the warehouses. I don't care if it takes until the new year! (They search the warehouses as Edmond's group hid inside a broken down factory.)

Edmond - Whew! That will buy Us some time, but not much from those brutes.

Female voice - What brutes?

Edmond - Well, We've been trying to get a friend's attention, but those flying brutes chased-- (Sees a dark-blue kitten. hiding as well.) Whoa! Who are you?

Female Kitten - Ha. I'm sorry. My name is Teal.

Edmond: My name's Edmond