Post by Ratball Slade on Jan 19, 2022 15:53:32 GMT -5
It was like any other day for Ratman. He was sitting in his sewer with Papercut and Rasputin watching old wrestling tapes on their VCR player. It appears to be Rasputin’s choice as it’s a Japanese Deathmatch from the 90s. Just as one of the competitors is about to be thrown from a platform into a pit of barbed wire, the picture suddenly cuts out. The three all stay sitting and watch as the screen switches to a familiar white and gray static on their CRT TV. Rasputin turns to look at Ratman, who is happily bobbing his head to the beat of water dripping.
Rasputin: Hey Percy… Percy! PERCY!
Ratman is quickly startled out from his mental playplace. Ratman looks around, then looks to Rasputin with an awkward stare, unsure of what he wants.
Ratman: Yes papa?
Rasputin: Fix the damned TV please. It cut out again. Right at the best part too…
Rasputin grumbles as Ratman walks over to begin attempting to fix it. Ratman looks at the TV then down to the VCR.
Ratman: Hmm… It appears to not be working.
Rasputin stares at Percival, waiting for more but quickly realizes that that is all he has to offer.
Rasputin: Oh cryin’ out loud, Papercut, you know how to fix VCRs?
Papercut stares at the retired wrestler then the both of them look over at Ratman.
Ratman: Squeak?
Papercut: *Squeak, squeak*
After acquiring information from Percival, Papercut begins to make his way to the VCR and slips inside. Through the slot. Whilst Papercut is working on the VCR a familiar voice can be heard from the entrance to the sewer room.
Serrano: Hey Percy!
Ratman turns to see his good friend Serrano approach, wearing some cool shades, a visor, and carrying a packed suitcase.
Ratman: Why hello there friend! What a pleasant surprise! Would you care to join us for our wrestling marathon?
Serrano looks past Percy to see Rasputin still grumbling to himself and Papercut jumping out of the VCR holding pieces of VCR tape film in his mouth.
Serrano: That is a tempting offer my dude, but I was just coming by to let you know I won’t be able to do our promo for the next show. I have an appointment in Detroit. Don’t worry though! I’m bringing a camera to film stuff for the show!
Ratman looks a little sad but quickly hides his disappointment from Serrano as he smiles to encourage his tag team partner.
Ratman: I see… Well, that is okay. I can always film one myself as well. After all, I’m quite used to that.
Ratman nervously chuckles as Serrano struggles to keep his normal cheery smile.
Serrano: Don’t worry, my friend. We got this in the bag. I’m sure of it. I won’t let you down again!
Before Ratman can even respond, Serrano runs as quickly as his legs can carry his chubby body. Ratman attempts to stop him but he is already gone.
Ratman: You didn’t let me down… I wonder what’s gotten into him all of a sudden. Hey Papa?
Ratman turns back to the absolute chaos happening behind him.
Ratman: Oh my goodness! The VCR!
Ratman runs to try and pull the tape from Papercut’s mouth. Papercut looks at Ratman with a confused rat expression before quickly releasing the tape.
Papercut: *Squeak squeak squeak?*
Ratman listens to Papercut, attempting to decipher his speech.
Ratman: Oh my god, I told you to destroy it? No! I wanted you to fix it! Oh man… I really need to work on my ratspeak. I’ve never questioned it, but why can you understand me and not Papa?
Papercut: *Squeak*
Ratman: Right, of course. He can be quite hard to understand, even if your first language is English.
Papercut: *Squeak squeak*
Ratman: The frequency of my voice? Okay, we aren’t getting into this right now. There is so much happening. I am very confused.
Ratman starts to try and repair the tape when he looks over to Rasputin then back to the tunnel where he last saw Serrano.
Ratman: Anyways, I wonder if he will be alright on his own. He seemed like he was really in a hurry to leave. He didn’t even wait for a snack! Very unusual indeed. Papercut!
Papercut walks over to Ratman and sits in front of him as he works.
Ratman: Did Serrano seem a tad upset to you, Sensei? You are better at these sorts of things than me after all.
Papercut tilts his head then looks over to where Serrano was, then looks back to Percy and nods.
Papercut: *Squeak Squeak*
Ratman: You can only guess, he thinks I’m disappointed in him? Why would I ever?! He is so cool! The coolest even.
Ratman’s shoulders drop as he begins thinking about Serrano being sad. Not only is Serrano sad, but Ratman believes it’s his own fault too!
Ratman: You know what, Papercut? I think it’s time we took a trip to Detroit!
Papercut begins to jump around.
Papercut: *Squeak!*
Ratman: Yes, I enjoy traveling too, my friend! I don’t think we can wait for a bus to take us there this time though.
Rasputin: So take a plane. That’s how I used to travel.
Ratman’s eyes light up with excitement to match Papercut’s.
Ratman: You’re right! I’ve never flown before! This will be so exciting!
24 Hours later.
Ratman: Alright Papercut, we finally made it on board. Who knew it’d be such a hassle to get in?!
Ratman has Papercut tucked away into a small bag he brought with him as carry on. Amazingly, Papercut’s stealth abilities were able to keep him from being detected. The two sit and Ratman is in awe as the experience unfolds. Papercut, having to hide away, is not able to experience flying in quite the same way. Ratman looks around as he notices many of the passengers around him putting their shirts over their mouths or pinching their noses.
Ratman: Oh, this must be something you have to do while flying, I guess we’d better play along. Pinch your nose, Sensei.
They continue on like this for much of the flight until a flight attendant finally approaches Ratman.
Flight Attendant: Sir, could you please come with me for a moment?
Ratman lifts his finger off his nose and smiles at the woman.
Ratman: Sure thing, miss! I’d be more than happy to oblige! I can’t believe I am gonna walk so high in the air!
Ratman carefully stands from his chair and begins to walk as if on a tightrope. They approach a man holding a newspaper in front of his face, and after they pass him by, he lowers it with a foul expression.
Julius Foulweather: Strange…almost as if one of my fellow passengers soiled themselves.
He then shrugs his shoulders and goes back to reading the obituaries, unaware that he’s sharing a plane with Percival Burque. Percy and the stewardess eventually make their way from the passengers as they approach the bathroom.
Flight Attendant: A gentleman from two rows up has offered to allow you to use his extra strength deodorant. I recommend you put some on as I believe you may be bugging the other passengers.
Ratman is flabbergasted as he receives the news.
Ratman: Oh my goodness, I had no idea! My musk can be quite strong, and in such a tight space I imagine they are having difficulty resisting it. I understand completely, madam! I shall put it on at once.
Ratman makes his way into the bathroom and begins to try and apply the deodorant wherever he can. As he is applying it, the plane hits turbulence and causes him to break off a large piece of the stick. Ratman looks at the broken piece on the ground and grabs it, not allowing it to go to waste. By the time he is done, Ratman has used the entire stick and is ready to make his way back to his seat. The range at which people are reacting to his odor appears to have gotten smaller but many still begin pinching their noses. Ratman takes his seat.
A little while later, the Flight Attendant comes back with a clothespin on her nose.
Flight Attendant: Hello again, sir. Would you like anything to drink today?
Ratman: As a matter of fact, while we are trying new things today, there is one thing I’ve always wanted to try… I will take a cup of your finest bean juice!
The Flight Attendant looks confused, then tries to identify what Percival is talking about.
Flight Attendant: Could you possibly mean coffee?
Ratman: Yes!
Flight Attendant: Very well, sir. I will have some out straight away.
Later she comes back with a cup for Ratman as well as the person across the aisle from him. Ratman looks at the man across the aisle and raises his glass.
Ratman: First time trying coffee! I’m excited!
The man simply nods, trying to avoid eye contact with Ratman. Ratman takes a sip of the coffee, unsure of how it tastes at first. He then takes another drink and gives it a satisfied nod.
Ratman: Wow, that is nothing like what I thought it would be. Much more… hmm what’s the word? Bitter, yes, but there’s something else there…
While Ratman is contemplating, the man across the aisle immediately spits out his coffee in disgust and begins to gag.
Sick Man: Jeezus, did someone piss in this?
As the man continues to gag, Ratman's eyes light up.
Ratman: Ah yes! That’s the flavor, it tastes a bit like pee! Thank you sir!
Ratman continues to drink it while the sounds of other passengers spitting their coffee begins to become more frequent.
After landing.
Ratman finds himself lost, wandering the streets of Detroit with nothing to go off of other than his instincts on where he might find Serrano. Eventually while wandering the city, Ratman spots a familiar red car in the distance. Ratman taps the sleeping rat on his shoulder.
Ratman: Papercut, do you recognize that car? I think it is friend Serrano’s…
Ratman approaches the small office and walks in. There is a sign at the front that Ratman attempts to read as best he can.
Ratman: Mental… Garden… Installation? No, Ins…ti…tution. Ah, I see. I have no clue where we are.
Ratman looks to Papercut as he exclaims that they are lost.
Papercut: *Squeak*
The person behind the front desk looks at the two, seemingly unshaken by what he sees.
Assistant: Another one? Sir, if you’re looking for Sarah she’s in the office behind me. You may as well head in… Haven’t been able to stop any of the other wrestling freaks…
Ratman: Ah! So you recognize me then? I appear to be more famous than I realized, Papercut.
Assistant: Yeah, sure, it wasn’t the facepaint that gave you away…
Ratman walks past the assistant as he makes his snide remark, completely oblivious to the comment entirely. As he enters the office, a woman appears to be cleaning up around a sofa near one of the walls.
Dr. Sarah Green: I’m sorry, if you had an appointment I’m afraid we’ll have to…
She turns around to be greeted by a scrawny man with a painted face and a rat on his shoulder. It doesn’t take her long to deduce who this may be.
Dr. Sarah Green: Percy or “Ratman” I presume?
Ratman: Wow! I really am gaining popularity! Even pretty girls like this recognize me.
Papercut nods along with Percy as he takes a seat on the sofa.
Dr. Sarah Green: What brings you here? If this is about…
Ratman: Well you see, I’m a bit lost. I’m looking for my friend Serrano and…
Sarah stops him in his tracks, not wanting to drag this on longer than it needs to be.
Dr. Sarah Green: Yes, Serrano was here. He had an appointment with me. If you’d like to set up an appointment we can do that, but I really…
Ratman: He was here?! Wow! We are hot on the trail, Papercut! Tell me, do you know where he might have gone?
Dr. Sarah Green: No clue. He got into a fight with another one of my clients whose name I can’t disclose. Now if you could please…
Ratman: Oh no! I hope he’s okay… Please! You must tell me who he fought with! It is of the utmost urgency!
Sarah gives an exhausted sigh and walks to her desk, grabbing a file and pulling a photo out.
Dr. Sarah Green: Do you recognize this man?
Ratman’s stomach drops when he sees the picture of Serrano's attacker.
Ratman: Wait, that’s Slade… Oh my, Serrano must be in big trouble! Thank you so much. I’m sorry I can’t stay and chat longer, but I must go save my friend!
And like that, without another word, Ratman dashes out of the room and soon after, the building.
Dr. Sarah Green: Slade and I are going to be having a long talk after this.
Ratman runs as fast as he can until he finds an accessible sewer entrance. Ratman, with superhuman might, rips the manhole cover off the ground and slides quickly down the ladder. After he makes it down, he doesn’t hesitate and immediately whistles as loudly as he can, attempting to attract the attention of all the nearby rats in the sewer. At first there is nothing, but quickly a large mischief of rats begin swarming through the sewer on their way to Ratman. As they approach, Ratman stands tall with Papercut still on his shoulder and begins to take a deep breath. Finally, as all the rats settle around him, he begins to speak.
Ratman: *Squeak, Squeak squeak* I must find my friend, he is in great danger! Please, one of you must know.
A chorus of squeaks rings out through the sewers, causing even the people above to become uneasy by the amount of Rats they now hear. Ratman turns to Papercut and looks at him far more worried than he had ever been before.
Ratman: Did you get any of that?
Papercut: *Squeak*
Ratman: They do?! Well we don’t have time to waste! Let’s go!
Ratman runs through the tunnel following a small broken-off group of the mischief, which appear to be leading him. After every twist and turn through the sewer, Ratman gets more and more impatient. They finally make their way to an exit that leads directly to an abandoned part of town that used to be a warehousing district. Ratman looks around, not sure of where to go from here.
Ratman: Where to next, Papercut?
Papercut looks at each rat as they all attempt to lead them in different directions. Papercut hangs his head in disappointment as it appears the trail has gone cold from here. Ratman takes a look around at all the identical looking warehouses when suddenly he sees a taxi haphazardly make its way down the road. The vehicle appears to be going straight for Ratman as he jumps out of the way.
Ratman: Whoa, that was a close call. The passenger looked a little familiar but I could only get a glimpse. Was that Julius? I don’t think Mr. Fairweather would try to run us over, would he? Perhaps we should follow him! He might be going to where Friend Serrano and that evil Slade may be.
Ratman attempts to follow as best he can when he notices the car come to a stop next to a heavily boarded up warehouse. Sure enough, Julius steps out of the car and begins to make his way inside.
Ratman: This is our chance, Papercut! Let’s stay quiet and follow him in.
Ratman stays out of sight with his ratlike stealth ability and follows from a distance, entering the same warehouse. As Ratman enters he can hear that Julius has made his presence known. Ratman takes a look around, attempting to figure out where the group is when he hears Serrano’s worried voice “Whoa, daddio!”
Ratman: Ah they must be down here.
Ratman slowly makes his way down the stairs where he sees Julius about to perform cruel acts upon his friend.
Slade Castle: C’mon, man. You don’t need to prove yourself to me, alright? He’s not worth the trouble…
The tips of the fork begin to press underneath the fingernail of Serrano’s middle finger, when Julius’ sinister smile is suddenly interrupted by a voice from the other side of the room.
Ratman: Stop! No friend of mine will be tortured today, or my name isn’t…
Slade and Julius both turn their attention to the doorway, their eyes falling on the painted face of Percival Burque.
Ratman: Ratman! Wrestling Supreme!
As a huge smile comes over Serrano’s face, Julius stares at this new arrival with confusion and Slade can only shake his head in disbelief.
Slade Castle: I’m gonna need a new safehouse…
Serrano: Percy! You came!
Julius Foulweather: Wait a minute, that was you who I almost ran over? Too bad I wasn’t behind the wheel. No bother to me. Handle him while I take care of Serrano, Slade!
Slade Castle: Wait, what? No, everyone just stop for a minute.
Serrano begins to cry tears of both joy and pain just as Julius begins to start working on prying the fork under Serrano's fingernail.
Ratman: I said stop!
Ratman suddenly superkicks the fork from Julius’s hand, causing the already foul-tempered Foulweather to retaliate, throwing a quick hook which Ratman quickly ducks as he runs behind Slade. Slade, still trying to understand what is happening, lifts his arms and looks down trying to see what Ratman is doing.
Slade Castle: How the hell am I the goddamn sane one here?! Everyone just FUCKING STOP FOR ONE FUCKING SECOND!
Everyone in the room pauses in place.
Slade Castle: Why we doin’ this now? No point in killing each other before this Friday. Might as well save it for the ring. Not to mention, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could all kindly get the hell out!
Ratman: I agree, there is no point in senseless violence. I only wished for some fun, friendly competition! Now, if I could please free my friend.
Ratman begins approaching Serrano, who is still tied to the chair, when suddenly, Foulweather begins to grip the forks in his hands even tighter.
Julius Foulweather: Not until I’ve had my fun.
Julius lunges for Percy, attempting to drive the forks straight into his eyes. Percy is caught completely off guard and is unable to defend himself when Serrano notices Foulweather’s attack.
Serrano: Percy look out!
Serrano, through the power of friendship, violently rips his arms from their restraints as he shoves Foulweather to the floor, saving his friend from being permanently blinded. Ratman is visibly shaken when Serrano reaches over to his friend and plants a massive bearhug on his ratty companion.
Serrano: I’m so sorry you had to go through this! I should’ve just talked to you first and this could’ve all been avoided. I really dragged you into the frying pan this time.
Ratman snaps from his shock and reciprocates Serrano's hug as Slade watches from the corner of his room, rubbing his head from the oncoming migraine he is now dealing with. Slade looks over to the counter and grabs Serrano’s camera. He separates the two friends and shoves the camera into Serrano's chest.
Slade Castle: Good, we all settled now? I suggest you get out.
Serrano looks at his camera, suddenly overjoyed by what he finds.
Serrano: You’ve been filming this entire time! I can’t believe it! Thank you so much! This is gonna be great for my blog!
Slade shakes his head in disbelief. He had been completely unaware of this and now had reason not to give that camera back.
Slade Castle: Wait, it was filming all of this?! Give that back…
Just before Slade can grab the camera from Serrano’s hands, a mischief of rats comes scurrying down the stairs. They swarm the room causing the still prone Foulweather to start kicking them as they approach him.
Julius Foulweather: Oh, not today, I will not be dealing with these filthy miscreants right now.
Ratman and Serrano use the ongoing mayhem to flee the basement of the warehouse, running as if their lives depended on it. As they flee, the sound of Julius and Slade bickering can be heard, but it slowly fades as the pair continue to grow distant from the warehouse. Eventually the two make it back to an open manhole cover that Ratman had left, closing it behind them. The two attempt to catch their breath as they sit side by side, Papercut, clutching Ratman’s shoulder for dear life.
Serrano: That was crazy.
Ratman: Yep.
Serrano suddenly begins to droop as he opens up to Percy.
Serrano: I’m sorry for losing at Unbreakable Resolution. I hope I didn’t let you down…
Ratman looks at Serrano and smiles.
Ratman: You could never let me down, Serrano. I’m just happy to have a friend in the ring. As long as you’re there I’m happy.
The two embrace once more then look down to the still rolling camera.
Serrano: Is it okay if I post this?
Ratman: Of course! All of our fans would love to see this!
Serrano nods in agreement as he closes the camera, ending the feed.
Rasputin: Hey Percy… Percy! PERCY!
Ratman is quickly startled out from his mental playplace. Ratman looks around, then looks to Rasputin with an awkward stare, unsure of what he wants.
Ratman: Yes papa?
Rasputin: Fix the damned TV please. It cut out again. Right at the best part too…
Rasputin grumbles as Ratman walks over to begin attempting to fix it. Ratman looks at the TV then down to the VCR.
Ratman: Hmm… It appears to not be working.
Rasputin stares at Percival, waiting for more but quickly realizes that that is all he has to offer.
Rasputin: Oh cryin’ out loud, Papercut, you know how to fix VCRs?
Papercut stares at the retired wrestler then the both of them look over at Ratman.
Ratman: Squeak?
Papercut: *Squeak, squeak*
After acquiring information from Percival, Papercut begins to make his way to the VCR and slips inside. Through the slot. Whilst Papercut is working on the VCR a familiar voice can be heard from the entrance to the sewer room.
Serrano: Hey Percy!
Ratman turns to see his good friend Serrano approach, wearing some cool shades, a visor, and carrying a packed suitcase.
Ratman: Why hello there friend! What a pleasant surprise! Would you care to join us for our wrestling marathon?
Serrano looks past Percy to see Rasputin still grumbling to himself and Papercut jumping out of the VCR holding pieces of VCR tape film in his mouth.
Serrano: That is a tempting offer my dude, but I was just coming by to let you know I won’t be able to do our promo for the next show. I have an appointment in Detroit. Don’t worry though! I’m bringing a camera to film stuff for the show!
Ratman looks a little sad but quickly hides his disappointment from Serrano as he smiles to encourage his tag team partner.
Ratman: I see… Well, that is okay. I can always film one myself as well. After all, I’m quite used to that.
Ratman nervously chuckles as Serrano struggles to keep his normal cheery smile.
Serrano: Don’t worry, my friend. We got this in the bag. I’m sure of it. I won’t let you down again!
Before Ratman can even respond, Serrano runs as quickly as his legs can carry his chubby body. Ratman attempts to stop him but he is already gone.
Ratman: You didn’t let me down… I wonder what’s gotten into him all of a sudden. Hey Papa?
Ratman turns back to the absolute chaos happening behind him.
Ratman: Oh my goodness! The VCR!
Ratman runs to try and pull the tape from Papercut’s mouth. Papercut looks at Ratman with a confused rat expression before quickly releasing the tape.
Papercut: *Squeak squeak squeak?*
Ratman listens to Papercut, attempting to decipher his speech.
Ratman: Oh my god, I told you to destroy it? No! I wanted you to fix it! Oh man… I really need to work on my ratspeak. I’ve never questioned it, but why can you understand me and not Papa?
Papercut: *Squeak*
Ratman: Right, of course. He can be quite hard to understand, even if your first language is English.
Papercut: *Squeak squeak*
Ratman: The frequency of my voice? Okay, we aren’t getting into this right now. There is so much happening. I am very confused.
Ratman starts to try and repair the tape when he looks over to Rasputin then back to the tunnel where he last saw Serrano.
Ratman: Anyways, I wonder if he will be alright on his own. He seemed like he was really in a hurry to leave. He didn’t even wait for a snack! Very unusual indeed. Papercut!
Papercut walks over to Ratman and sits in front of him as he works.
Ratman: Did Serrano seem a tad upset to you, Sensei? You are better at these sorts of things than me after all.
Papercut tilts his head then looks over to where Serrano was, then looks back to Percy and nods.
Papercut: *Squeak Squeak*
Ratman: You can only guess, he thinks I’m disappointed in him? Why would I ever?! He is so cool! The coolest even.
Ratman’s shoulders drop as he begins thinking about Serrano being sad. Not only is Serrano sad, but Ratman believes it’s his own fault too!
Ratman: You know what, Papercut? I think it’s time we took a trip to Detroit!
Papercut begins to jump around.
Papercut: *Squeak!*
Ratman: Yes, I enjoy traveling too, my friend! I don’t think we can wait for a bus to take us there this time though.
Rasputin: So take a plane. That’s how I used to travel.
Ratman’s eyes light up with excitement to match Papercut’s.
Ratman: You’re right! I’ve never flown before! This will be so exciting!
24 Hours later.
Ratman: Alright Papercut, we finally made it on board. Who knew it’d be such a hassle to get in?!
Ratman has Papercut tucked away into a small bag he brought with him as carry on. Amazingly, Papercut’s stealth abilities were able to keep him from being detected. The two sit and Ratman is in awe as the experience unfolds. Papercut, having to hide away, is not able to experience flying in quite the same way. Ratman looks around as he notices many of the passengers around him putting their shirts over their mouths or pinching their noses.
Ratman: Oh, this must be something you have to do while flying, I guess we’d better play along. Pinch your nose, Sensei.
They continue on like this for much of the flight until a flight attendant finally approaches Ratman.
Flight Attendant: Sir, could you please come with me for a moment?
Ratman lifts his finger off his nose and smiles at the woman.
Ratman: Sure thing, miss! I’d be more than happy to oblige! I can’t believe I am gonna walk so high in the air!
Ratman carefully stands from his chair and begins to walk as if on a tightrope. They approach a man holding a newspaper in front of his face, and after they pass him by, he lowers it with a foul expression.
Julius Foulweather: Strange…almost as if one of my fellow passengers soiled themselves.
He then shrugs his shoulders and goes back to reading the obituaries, unaware that he’s sharing a plane with Percival Burque. Percy and the stewardess eventually make their way from the passengers as they approach the bathroom.
Flight Attendant: A gentleman from two rows up has offered to allow you to use his extra strength deodorant. I recommend you put some on as I believe you may be bugging the other passengers.
Ratman is flabbergasted as he receives the news.
Ratman: Oh my goodness, I had no idea! My musk can be quite strong, and in such a tight space I imagine they are having difficulty resisting it. I understand completely, madam! I shall put it on at once.
Ratman makes his way into the bathroom and begins to try and apply the deodorant wherever he can. As he is applying it, the plane hits turbulence and causes him to break off a large piece of the stick. Ratman looks at the broken piece on the ground and grabs it, not allowing it to go to waste. By the time he is done, Ratman has used the entire stick and is ready to make his way back to his seat. The range at which people are reacting to his odor appears to have gotten smaller but many still begin pinching their noses. Ratman takes his seat.
A little while later, the Flight Attendant comes back with a clothespin on her nose.
Flight Attendant: Hello again, sir. Would you like anything to drink today?
Ratman: As a matter of fact, while we are trying new things today, there is one thing I’ve always wanted to try… I will take a cup of your finest bean juice!
The Flight Attendant looks confused, then tries to identify what Percival is talking about.
Flight Attendant: Could you possibly mean coffee?
Ratman: Yes!
Flight Attendant: Very well, sir. I will have some out straight away.
Later she comes back with a cup for Ratman as well as the person across the aisle from him. Ratman looks at the man across the aisle and raises his glass.
Ratman: First time trying coffee! I’m excited!
The man simply nods, trying to avoid eye contact with Ratman. Ratman takes a sip of the coffee, unsure of how it tastes at first. He then takes another drink and gives it a satisfied nod.
Ratman: Wow, that is nothing like what I thought it would be. Much more… hmm what’s the word? Bitter, yes, but there’s something else there…
While Ratman is contemplating, the man across the aisle immediately spits out his coffee in disgust and begins to gag.
Sick Man: Jeezus, did someone piss in this?
As the man continues to gag, Ratman's eyes light up.
Ratman: Ah yes! That’s the flavor, it tastes a bit like pee! Thank you sir!
Ratman continues to drink it while the sounds of other passengers spitting their coffee begins to become more frequent.
After landing.
Ratman finds himself lost, wandering the streets of Detroit with nothing to go off of other than his instincts on where he might find Serrano. Eventually while wandering the city, Ratman spots a familiar red car in the distance. Ratman taps the sleeping rat on his shoulder.
Ratman: Papercut, do you recognize that car? I think it is friend Serrano’s…
Ratman approaches the small office and walks in. There is a sign at the front that Ratman attempts to read as best he can.
Ratman: Mental… Garden… Installation? No, Ins…ti…tution. Ah, I see. I have no clue where we are.
Ratman looks to Papercut as he exclaims that they are lost.
Papercut: *Squeak*
The person behind the front desk looks at the two, seemingly unshaken by what he sees.
Assistant: Another one? Sir, if you’re looking for Sarah she’s in the office behind me. You may as well head in… Haven’t been able to stop any of the other wrestling freaks…
Ratman: Ah! So you recognize me then? I appear to be more famous than I realized, Papercut.
Assistant: Yeah, sure, it wasn’t the facepaint that gave you away…
Ratman walks past the assistant as he makes his snide remark, completely oblivious to the comment entirely. As he enters the office, a woman appears to be cleaning up around a sofa near one of the walls.
Dr. Sarah Green: I’m sorry, if you had an appointment I’m afraid we’ll have to…
She turns around to be greeted by a scrawny man with a painted face and a rat on his shoulder. It doesn’t take her long to deduce who this may be.
Dr. Sarah Green: Percy or “Ratman” I presume?
Ratman: Wow! I really am gaining popularity! Even pretty girls like this recognize me.
Papercut nods along with Percy as he takes a seat on the sofa.
Dr. Sarah Green: What brings you here? If this is about…
Ratman: Well you see, I’m a bit lost. I’m looking for my friend Serrano and…
Sarah stops him in his tracks, not wanting to drag this on longer than it needs to be.
Dr. Sarah Green: Yes, Serrano was here. He had an appointment with me. If you’d like to set up an appointment we can do that, but I really…
Ratman: He was here?! Wow! We are hot on the trail, Papercut! Tell me, do you know where he might have gone?
Dr. Sarah Green: No clue. He got into a fight with another one of my clients whose name I can’t disclose. Now if you could please…
Ratman: Oh no! I hope he’s okay… Please! You must tell me who he fought with! It is of the utmost urgency!
Sarah gives an exhausted sigh and walks to her desk, grabbing a file and pulling a photo out.
Dr. Sarah Green: Do you recognize this man?
Ratman’s stomach drops when he sees the picture of Serrano's attacker.
Ratman: Wait, that’s Slade… Oh my, Serrano must be in big trouble! Thank you so much. I’m sorry I can’t stay and chat longer, but I must go save my friend!
And like that, without another word, Ratman dashes out of the room and soon after, the building.
Dr. Sarah Green: Slade and I are going to be having a long talk after this.
Ratman runs as fast as he can until he finds an accessible sewer entrance. Ratman, with superhuman might, rips the manhole cover off the ground and slides quickly down the ladder. After he makes it down, he doesn’t hesitate and immediately whistles as loudly as he can, attempting to attract the attention of all the nearby rats in the sewer. At first there is nothing, but quickly a large mischief of rats begin swarming through the sewer on their way to Ratman. As they approach, Ratman stands tall with Papercut still on his shoulder and begins to take a deep breath. Finally, as all the rats settle around him, he begins to speak.
Ratman: *Squeak, Squeak squeak* I must find my friend, he is in great danger! Please, one of you must know.
A chorus of squeaks rings out through the sewers, causing even the people above to become uneasy by the amount of Rats they now hear. Ratman turns to Papercut and looks at him far more worried than he had ever been before.
Ratman: Did you get any of that?
Papercut: *Squeak*
Ratman: They do?! Well we don’t have time to waste! Let’s go!
Ratman runs through the tunnel following a small broken-off group of the mischief, which appear to be leading him. After every twist and turn through the sewer, Ratman gets more and more impatient. They finally make their way to an exit that leads directly to an abandoned part of town that used to be a warehousing district. Ratman looks around, not sure of where to go from here.
Ratman: Where to next, Papercut?
Papercut looks at each rat as they all attempt to lead them in different directions. Papercut hangs his head in disappointment as it appears the trail has gone cold from here. Ratman takes a look around at all the identical looking warehouses when suddenly he sees a taxi haphazardly make its way down the road. The vehicle appears to be going straight for Ratman as he jumps out of the way.
Ratman: Whoa, that was a close call. The passenger looked a little familiar but I could only get a glimpse. Was that Julius? I don’t think Mr. Fairweather would try to run us over, would he? Perhaps we should follow him! He might be going to where Friend Serrano and that evil Slade may be.
Ratman attempts to follow as best he can when he notices the car come to a stop next to a heavily boarded up warehouse. Sure enough, Julius steps out of the car and begins to make his way inside.
Ratman: This is our chance, Papercut! Let’s stay quiet and follow him in.
Ratman stays out of sight with his ratlike stealth ability and follows from a distance, entering the same warehouse. As Ratman enters he can hear that Julius has made his presence known. Ratman takes a look around, attempting to figure out where the group is when he hears Serrano’s worried voice “Whoa, daddio!”
Ratman: Ah they must be down here.
Ratman slowly makes his way down the stairs where he sees Julius about to perform cruel acts upon his friend.
Slade Castle: C’mon, man. You don’t need to prove yourself to me, alright? He’s not worth the trouble…
The tips of the fork begin to press underneath the fingernail of Serrano’s middle finger, when Julius’ sinister smile is suddenly interrupted by a voice from the other side of the room.
Ratman: Stop! No friend of mine will be tortured today, or my name isn’t…
Slade and Julius both turn their attention to the doorway, their eyes falling on the painted face of Percival Burque.
Ratman: Ratman! Wrestling Supreme!
As a huge smile comes over Serrano’s face, Julius stares at this new arrival with confusion and Slade can only shake his head in disbelief.
Slade Castle: I’m gonna need a new safehouse…
Serrano: Percy! You came!
Julius Foulweather: Wait a minute, that was you who I almost ran over? Too bad I wasn’t behind the wheel. No bother to me. Handle him while I take care of Serrano, Slade!
Slade Castle: Wait, what? No, everyone just stop for a minute.
Serrano begins to cry tears of both joy and pain just as Julius begins to start working on prying the fork under Serrano's fingernail.
Ratman: I said stop!
Ratman suddenly superkicks the fork from Julius’s hand, causing the already foul-tempered Foulweather to retaliate, throwing a quick hook which Ratman quickly ducks as he runs behind Slade. Slade, still trying to understand what is happening, lifts his arms and looks down trying to see what Ratman is doing.
Slade Castle: How the hell am I the goddamn sane one here?! Everyone just FUCKING STOP FOR ONE FUCKING SECOND!
Everyone in the room pauses in place.
Slade Castle: Why we doin’ this now? No point in killing each other before this Friday. Might as well save it for the ring. Not to mention, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could all kindly get the hell out!
Ratman: I agree, there is no point in senseless violence. I only wished for some fun, friendly competition! Now, if I could please free my friend.
Ratman begins approaching Serrano, who is still tied to the chair, when suddenly, Foulweather begins to grip the forks in his hands even tighter.
Julius Foulweather: Not until I’ve had my fun.
Julius lunges for Percy, attempting to drive the forks straight into his eyes. Percy is caught completely off guard and is unable to defend himself when Serrano notices Foulweather’s attack.
Serrano: Percy look out!
Serrano, through the power of friendship, violently rips his arms from their restraints as he shoves Foulweather to the floor, saving his friend from being permanently blinded. Ratman is visibly shaken when Serrano reaches over to his friend and plants a massive bearhug on his ratty companion.
Serrano: I’m so sorry you had to go through this! I should’ve just talked to you first and this could’ve all been avoided. I really dragged you into the frying pan this time.
Ratman snaps from his shock and reciprocates Serrano's hug as Slade watches from the corner of his room, rubbing his head from the oncoming migraine he is now dealing with. Slade looks over to the counter and grabs Serrano’s camera. He separates the two friends and shoves the camera into Serrano's chest.
Slade Castle: Good, we all settled now? I suggest you get out.
Serrano looks at his camera, suddenly overjoyed by what he finds.
Serrano: You’ve been filming this entire time! I can’t believe it! Thank you so much! This is gonna be great for my blog!
Slade shakes his head in disbelief. He had been completely unaware of this and now had reason not to give that camera back.
Slade Castle: Wait, it was filming all of this?! Give that back…
Just before Slade can grab the camera from Serrano’s hands, a mischief of rats comes scurrying down the stairs. They swarm the room causing the still prone Foulweather to start kicking them as they approach him.
Julius Foulweather: Oh, not today, I will not be dealing with these filthy miscreants right now.
Ratman and Serrano use the ongoing mayhem to flee the basement of the warehouse, running as if their lives depended on it. As they flee, the sound of Julius and Slade bickering can be heard, but it slowly fades as the pair continue to grow distant from the warehouse. Eventually the two make it back to an open manhole cover that Ratman had left, closing it behind them. The two attempt to catch their breath as they sit side by side, Papercut, clutching Ratman’s shoulder for dear life.
Serrano: That was crazy.
Ratman: Yep.
Serrano suddenly begins to droop as he opens up to Percy.
Serrano: I’m sorry for losing at Unbreakable Resolution. I hope I didn’t let you down…
Ratman looks at Serrano and smiles.
Ratman: You could never let me down, Serrano. I’m just happy to have a friend in the ring. As long as you’re there I’m happy.
The two embrace once more then look down to the still rolling camera.
Serrano: Is it okay if I post this?
Ratman: Of course! All of our fans would love to see this!
Serrano nods in agreement as he closes the camera, ending the feed.
