Swell Berry Catastrophe

It was another typical day and I was just relaxing when something suddenly hit me. I realized that I hadn't looked inside Kristina's book in a long time!

Me: "Oh snap! Kristina's book! I hope I remembered to pack it up."

You see, it had been a while since our family moved into our new home and settled down. Between that, my classes, and everything in between, I forgot about the book. I searched high and low for it in my room, but I couldn't seem to find it. Then, I remember that there was some unpacked stuff in the attic. 

Me: "Maybe it's up there."

The attic was dark and a little unsettling, but I knew I had a task that needed to be done. Because right in front of me, was a container of belongings that had yet to be placed around the house. 

Me: *thinking* "Please let it be in there."

Once I opened up the container, I noticed there was a shoe box that emanated a yellowish glow. Cautiously, I opened the box and to my surprise, there was Kristina's book. 

Me: *sigh with relief* "Thank goodness, it's safe. I'd hate to lose this puppy again. Time to put this thing in a place where I'll know where it is."

 
As I looked at the beautiful book in my room, something occurred to me. I wondered if there was more to the book than just SpongeBob related stuff inside. 

Me: "I guess it's worth a look."

So I opened the book and flipped through the pages. They mainly contained drawings of my adventures in Bikini bottom. But as I turned to the next page, there was a drawing that didn't seem to belong there. It was a drawing of Kristina along with a tomato and a cucumber.

Me: *confused* "What? I didn't know that-"

Suddenly, a vine stalk came out of the book!

Me: *scared* "What in the name of-"

The giant vine grabbed me and took me inside the book!

Me: *as I was being pulled into the book* "NOT AGAIN!"


The book closed and fell on the ground. All the while, I was being pulled through a tunnel of different shades of green.

Me: "Well, at least this is more pleasing to look at than the other one. It's more peaceful and won't haunt my nightmares for weeks." 

After a couple of minutes, I finally stopped and landed on the ground with a thud! Needless to say, I felt a little sore afterward.

Me: *groans* "That was a rough landing. *gets up to rub the dirt off* Note to self: Bring something to cushion the fall next time. Wait a minute."

I looked around to find myself in someone's front yard and it wasn't underwater! 

Me: "Looks like I'm not in Bikini Bottom this time."

Just then, the front door opened and a middle aged zucchini came out with his olive dog.

?: "Get off my lawn, you weirdo!"

The sight of an anthropomorphic zucchini telling me to get off his lawn and me being startled by it was a mere understatement. 

Me: "Ahh! What in the world are you?!"

?: "The name's Ichabeezer, now get off my lawn or I'll call the cops!"

Me: "Alright, geez. *gets off his lawn* We good now?" 

Ichabeezer: "Somewhat. You know, you look like one of Kristina's friends."

That peeked my interest to say the least.

Me: "Kristina? You know Kristina?!"

Ichabeezer: "Well, not personally. But I do know she comes here from time to time. She sure is a nice girl with a big heart."

Me: "Yeah, she sure is. Is she here by any chance?"

Ichabeezer: "No, but she told me she was going to be having a tea party with Madame Blueberry and some of her friends over to welcome a new resident."

Me: "Madame Blueberry? Why is she called that?"

Ichabeezer: *groans* "Because she's a blueberry, of course!"

Me: "Oh. Sorry, it's my first time being here. My name's Robert, by the way. I'm also sorry to meet you under these circumstances. That being on your front lawn."

Ichabeezer: "It's okay, Robert. I'm getting used to it at this point. But you know the old saying, Old habits die hard."

Me: "So, where would I find this Madame Blueberry?"

Ichabeezer: "You can't miss it, she lives in a blue teapot."

Me: "That makes sense. Well, I better get going. See you around, Ichabeezer."

Ichabeezer: "Like wise, Robert."


As I walked around, a couple of things hit me: Both metaphorically and literally on the parietal region on my head. 

Me: *in pain* "OW!"

I picked up the object that hit me and found out it was a baseball.

Me: *looks around* "Who did this?"

Then, I saw a cooked bacon strip with a paper hat on his "head" wielding a baseball bat. 

?: "That would be me, sir. I'm trying to practice my swing."

He hits another ball, but this time I was able to dodge it. 

Me: "You know, it's rather dangerous to be doing that in a small neighborhood. Why not do it at the park or something?"

?: "What a great idea, mister, uh?"

Me: "Robert. My name is Robert."

?: "Oh, hi Robert. My name is Bacon Bill."

Me: *thinking* "A fitting name."

Bacon Bill: "Say, have you heard about the new resident?"

Me: "Yes, Ichabeezer told me about him and that Kristina is going to welcome him with a tea party."

Bacon Bill: *gets really close to me* "Who said the new resident's a boy?...........No, seriously, tell me. I don't know."

Me: *uncomfortably* "Um, I have to get going. It was nice chatting with you."

Bacon Bill: "It sure was. I'll take my balls and take them to the park!" *picks them off and quickly heads to the park*

Me: "What a peculiar fellow."


As I was walking through the neighborhood, the same thought came back before I was interrupted. I realized that I was teleported into the VeggieTale universe!

Me: *in a deadpan tone* "Now it makes sense. I just hope the Bible references would be kept at a minimum."

After going through several blocks, I finally came across a blue teapot. 

Me: "Looks like this is where the tea party's being held. *heads up to the door* I can't to see Kristina again."
 
I knocked on the door and waited for a response. After a few seconds, a familiar face opened the door. It was none other than Kristina.

Kristina: "Bob?"

Me: "Kristina?"

Both of us gave each other a big hug.

Me: "It's so good to see you again."

Kristina: "It sure is. What happened to you?"

Me: "Well, life keeps me pretty busy. But, I finally found the time to see you again."

Kristina: "That's wonderful and you're just in time to introduce yourself to our visitor."

She lead me inside the teapot and into the living to see a blueberry, a rhubard, a celery stalk, and a pineapple. 

Kristina: "Ladies, would you care to introduce yourselves to Robert?"

The 4 pieces of anthropomorphic food went up to me.

Madame Blueberry: "I'm Madame Blueberry. Please to meet you, darling."

?: "I'm Petunia Rhubard."

?: "I'm Tina Celerina, but you can just call me Tina."

? "And I'm Prickles Pineapple."

Me: "Very nice to meet you." 

Kristina: "Would you care to join us?"

Me: "Sure, why not?"

Madame Blueberry: "Wonderful. Have a seat, my dear." *grabs me with her "hands"*

Petunia: "We just finished having our tea and about to have some of Madame Blueberry's pie."

Tina: "I'm so looking forward to having Madame Blueberry's delicious pie!"

Prickles: "Actually, if you don't mind, I would like to make the pie."

The 4 females: "What?"

Kristina: "Prickles, you're our guest. You shouldn't make the pie."

Tina: "Besides, Madame Blueberry makes the best pie in town. Well, aside from that one t-"

The rhubarb didn't think that sounded really respectful.

Petunia: "Tina, that wasn't really nice. *looks at Prickles* What she meant to say is why don't want your first visit here to be a poor one. We want you to enjoy yourself."

Prickles: "Oh, but I insist. Back where I come from, I make the best pie in town. Maybe if I share my pie with you, we can all become pie buddies."

The 3 ladies were puzzled by this, but Madame Blueberry decided to break the silence.
 
Madame Blueberry: "Well, I guess you make the pie. I've always wanted to try different pies from folks out of town."

Tina: "I guess it couldn't hurt to try pie that isn't from Madame B."

Kristina: "Tina, please. We'll all try your pie."

Prickles: "Excellent. Can you just do one favor for me?"

5 of us: "What that might be?"

Prickles: "Could you wait outside in the backyard while I bake it? It's a family secret and I want to keep it that way."

The 5 of us looked at each other in bewilderment.

Me: "Oh, of course."

Kristina: "No problem." 

Tina: "Sure."

Petunia: "Yes."

Madame Blueberry: "Will do."

Prickles: "Thanks, just wait out there and I'll bring the pie to you."

5 of us: *as we headed out the door* "Okay."

The pineapple closed the door and let out a sinister grin. 

Prickles: "Good. Now that that's out of the way, time to put phase on of my plan into motion."

She entered the kitchen, brought out the pie ingredients from the cupboard, mixed them together, and threw it in the oven to bake.

Prickles: "Better keep an eye on them, in case they don't suspect anything."

Sure enough, the 5 of us were just sitting at the table outside and talking about various things.

Prickles: "Perfect. The fools don't suspect a thing."

After over an hour of baking, the oven timer went off. The impatient pineapple was relieved, yet irritated, that the pie was done.

Prickles: "Finally. Man, that took a long time."

She brought out 6 plates from the cabinet and brought the pie out of the oven. 

Prickles: "Now for the final touch."

The nefarious pineapple pulled up a small veil with a purple berry with a yellow star picture and poured it on the dessert. Aside from a small faint shade of purple initially appearing, there was no change to the pie.

Prickles: "Excellent. It looks like pie, but time to see if it produces the effect I desire."

She took a small piece of it and give it to a fly, who proceeded to eat it. The poor insect suddenly swelled up like a balloon and was floating helplessly.

Prickles: *chuckles evilly as she picked up the tray with plates* "Looks like it's ready to go."   


By now, Tina was starting to get impatient.

Tina: "Come on, I thought we were going to have pie! I want some pie to eat!"

Me: "Easy there, Tina. She's probably just taking a while due to not being in familiar surroundings."

Petunia: "Or she might not have the ingredients."

Madame Blueberry: "Ingredients? Nonsense, Petunia. A true pie maker is always prepared. Besides, a great pie must be cooked to perfection in order for everyone to enjoy it."

Suddenly, the door opened and there was Prickles with her pie.

Prickles: "It's pie time, everybody!"

Tina: "Finally."

Me: "Tina, show some manners."

Tina: "Sorry."

The pineapple handed out the plates to everyone. But when she came to me, I politely declined.

Me: "Sorry, but I'm not really a pie person."

Prickles: "What? But I made some for you."

Me: "That's very kind of you, but the only kind of pie I like is a pizza pie. *chuckles slightly* But seriously, I'm sorry for not bringing this up earlier. I hope this doesn't bother any of you."

Kristina, Madame Blueberry, Tina, and Petunia: "Not at all."

Tina: "Maybe one of us will have it for seconds."

Madame Blueberry: "Tina!"

Petunia: "What do you think, Prickles?"

Prickles: *hesitantly* "Uhh.......of course, it's fine."

Me: "Are you sure?"

Kristina: "Are you feeling okay?"

Prickles: *hesitantly* "Y-Y-Y-Yes, of course. Why not?"

Me: "Because you sound pretty upset."

Prickles: *hesitantly* "I-I-It's just that this is the first time someone's rejected an offering to try my pie."

Me: *unsure* "Okay. Then again some people just don't take rejection well." 

Prickles: *takes a deep breath* "You're right. I guess I'll just have to work on that."

Though Prickles seemed to have calmed down. Deep down inside, she was writhing with rage.

Tina: "Well, what are we waiting for? Lets have some pie!"

Kristina, Madame Blueberry, and Petunia: "Yeah!"

The 4 took a bite and I noticed that Prickles wasn't joining with them.

Me: "Prickles, aren't you going to have your pie?"

Prickles: *slightly hesitant* "Oh, I will. I just want to wait until they finish theirs. That way I'll know if I made it just right."

Me: "Oh, okay. Well, I'm sure you made it just right. They seem to like it."

Kristina: *finishing her slice* "Say, Bob. Do you think I can have your slice?"

Me: "Now, now, Kristina. I think I'll share my slice with all of you."

Madame Blueberry: "Now, Robert. You don't have to do-"

Me: "No, no, Ma'am. I am the guest and I'm offering my slice to you." 

So I went around the table and cut a small portion of my pie to each of the other members. 

Everyone: "Thanks, Bob."

Me: "You're welcome."

Prickles: *thinking* "Thanks, indeed." *chuckles evilly* 


After about a half hour of eating and chit chat, the plates and pie tray were empty.

Me: "Well, ladies. How did everyone like their pie?"

Kristina: "I thought it was good."

Tina: "I'd say it's my 2nd favorite pie I've ever tasted." 

Petunia: "It had a nice flavor to it."

Madame Blueberry: "Yes, quite the flavor indeed. *looks at Prickles* Prickles, what's your secret?"

Prickles: "Well, since we're all pie buddies. I suppose I can tell you all."

All of us got a little closer to hear her secret. 

Prickles: "The secret ingredient is...........*sheds her body to reveal herself to be an apricot with a biker girl outfit* swell berries!"

Everyone: *gasp in shock* "Aprilcot!"

Aprilcot: "That's right! Now prepare to be swell!"

Tina: *laughs* "What do you mean by that?" *suddenly swells up into a big, round ball with puffed up cheeks*

Petunia: "Oh dear!" *swells up into a puffed up cheeked round ball* 

Madame Blueberry: "Not again!" *swells up even bigger than when she was stranded on the island*

Kristina: "Bob, go find he-!" *swells up into a big round ball with puffed up cheeks and limbs poking out*

Me: "Kristina, everyone! *glares at Aprilcot* What did you do?"

Aprilcot: "Simple: I just added a concoction containing swell berry juice to the pie." 

Me: "That's why you didn't eat it!"

Aprilcot: "Exactly and these fools are all a part of my experiment."

Me: "What experiment?"

Aprilcot: "I plan to spread this concoction to the entire town's drinking water supply! Everyone will drink it, become swollen, and explode! *laughs* Unfortunately, the first batch I made was too small. So I decided to pass it off as a secret ingredient for your little tea party. Since I can't replicate the formula, quite frankly cause I don't care, I'll just have to take these four glorious balls to extract their DNA and save myself the time!" 

Me: "Do you really think I'll let you get away with this, you piece of filth!"

Aprilcot: "Oh, I believe I have. *snaps her "fingers" and a flying ship hovered the tea pot and dropped a rope* I must thank you for being a pawn."

Me: *puzzled* "What do you mean?" 

Aprilcot: "By giving your pie up, you sped up the process of the swelling. They would've swelled up anyway, but you helped make it happen faster!" *laughs* 

I just crouched to the ground filled with guilt over giving the ladies their pie and being partly responsible for the situation.

Me: *thinking* "I'm sorry, Kristina."

Aprilcot: "While you're busy thinking about your actions, I think I'll take my leave with these lovely orbs of mine." 

The rotten fruit brought up a gun and fired a net to encase the swollen dames. The 4 ladies muffled screams couldn't be heard over the loud rotors of the machine overhead.

Aprilcot: "Ta ta, Robert." 

She then tugged the line and it brought her up, albeit with difficulty due to the combined weight of 4 inflated prisoners.

Aprilcot: "Note to self: Try to lower the dosage next time."

Once they were in, the airship flew away and was out of sight.

Me: *depressed* "I'm so sorry, everyone."


Suddenly, two strangers walked by and noticed me.

?: "Excuse me, sir. What seems to be the matter?"

I turned around and noticed that they were a cucumber and a tomato. I immediately recognized them as Bob and Larry!  

Me: "Are you Bob and Larry?"

?: *unsure* "Uh, yes. Why?"

Me: "Are you also friends of Kristina?"

Both: "Yes."

Me: "Oh, thank goodness! I need your help!"

Bob: "What for?"

Larry: "What happened?"

*5 minutes later*

Me: "...And that's when you came along."

Bob: "My goodness. We have to save them!"

Larry: "Follow me to the hideout!"

Me: "Hideout? What hideout?"

Bob: "No time to explain." *brings out a remote and pushes a button the opens a tunnel in the ground*

Me: "Uh, why is there a-?"

Larry: "Come on, jump in!"

The cucumber proceeded to jump into the tunnel, followed by the tomato and myself. Thankfully, this time the landing was a soft one. Mainly because the was a mattress to cushion the fall. 

Me: *gets up* "See, that's what I like. A nice and soft land-"


Before I could continue, I looked around in amazement by the stuff around me. It was a high tech lab with all kinds of gadgets, an exit tunnel, and a huge monitor.

Me: "Impressive work, I must say."

Larry: "Thanks. Usually the mayor lets me know if there's danger a foot. However, thanks to you, we can stop Aprilcot before it gets to the Mayor's attention."

Me: "Is the mayor corrupt? Just curious."

Bob: "Oh, no. He's a great mayor. It's just that since you told us about what Aprilcot is planning, the mayor won't have to worry about what's going on."

Me: "Oh, that's good."

Larry: "Now that we're here, I believe it's time for us to go into our costumes. You ready, Bob?"

Bob: "Yep!"

Two glass cases emerged from the ground containing two costumes and the 2 put them on faster than you can say, "onomatopoeia." I even said it internally just to be sure.

Larry: "Larry-Boy!"

Bob: "And Supermato!"

Both: "Together, we're the League of Veggie Heroes!"

Me: *confused* "What a change in costume, I must say. Also, doesn't a league have more than 2 members?"

Larry-Boy: "Yeah, we do have 3 other members. However, they're not available at this time."

Supermato: "So that means it's just us."

Me: "I see. So what are we going to do now?"

Larry-Boy: "We have to find out where Aprilcot has taken them."

Supermato: "I'll see if the security cameras picked up anything."

The masked fruit turned on the massive monitor and it displayed several different camera recordings around the city. One of them featured Aprilcot tugging the net with her inflated subjects inside and heading inside a large building.

Me: "That's her! Which camera is that found in?"

Supermato: "Judging from the building, it's bound to be the home of the city's botanical garden." 

Larry-Boy: "Why there?" 

Me: "Because that place must have everything she needs to carry out her plan. We have to stop her now!"

Larry-Boy: "Way ahead of you, bud."

The cucumber crusader brought up a remote and pushed a button. Then, a large purple vehicle with yellow borders drove up to us from the garage.

Me: "Cool ride."

Supermato: "It sure is. Now there's no time to lose! We have to stop Aprilcot and save our friends!"

Larry-Boy: "Right! League of Veggie Heroes and third unknown member who we don't know at this time, lets roll!"

Me: *groans* "My name is Robert!"

Larry-Boy: "Oh, sorry."


All 3 of us hopped in the car and drove in the direction of the factory. Meanwhile at the factory, Aprilcot rolled her inflated captured victims into a large cage. Next to the cage was a large empty vat, which made the inflated damsels even more afraid. She took a deep breath as she slammed the door because none of her minions gave her a "hand" rolling them into the cage. 

Aprilcot: *sighs* "It's impossible to get good help." 

She then gave a glare to her minions who were sleeping on the job.

Aprilcot: *groans in frustration but takes a deep breath* "No matter, I have my subjects. Now to see which of you will be the first to help me recreate the formula?"

The rotten fruit looked at the 4 and made her choice.

Aprilcot: "I think I'll choose the blueberry."

Madame Blueberry whimpered. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't with her puffed up cheeks.

Aprilcot: "The doctor just called and she needs you to take your shot."

After uttering that joke, she pulled up syringe that was empty and entered the cage with a sinister smile on her face.

Apricot: "This won't hurt a bit." *chuckles evilly* 


On the way to the building, the three of us had a little chat.

Me: "So, who are the other members of your team?"

Larry-Boy: "There's Junior Jetpack, JimmyBoy, and Night Pony."

Supermato: "I sure hope we can do this without their help."

Larry-Boy: "Come on, Supermato. The team's been through tough spots before. I'm sure this won't be any different." 

Supermato: "If you say so."

Larry-Boy: "Besides, we have Robert to help us."

Me: "That's right. *notices the building nearby* Hey, we're here."

Supermato: "That certainly was quick."

Larry-Boy: "You can say that again."

The 3 of us stopped and got out of the car and looked at the building.

Me: "How are we going to get in?"

Larry-Boy: "Easy. Supermato, Robert, hold on tight."

Supermato grabbed his "hand", but it took me a little longer because I couldn't really feel it. It was kind of silly to see, but I got it. Once we held on, Larry-Boy fired one of his suction cups from the side of his head and launched it at the top of the building. Slowly, but surely, we made it to the top.

Me: "Nice work."

Larry-Boy: *as the suction cup retracted* "Thank you."

Supermato: "Hey, guys! Look down here."


The two of us got to where Supermato was and saw Aprilcot through the glass ceiling. We caught her using a syringe to take a small sample of the formula from Petunia and poured it into a small glass. She gave the glass to her minions who used a weapon that mad more of the stuff and pour it into the massive vat. The massive container was close to its maximum capacity.

Aprilcot: "Why didn't I think of this weapon when I first made the formula?"

Minion: "Probably because it didn't occur to you at the time. *gets hit by an empty glass* Oww, that hurt!"

Aprilcot: "Shut up and continue!"

Minion: "Yes, boss." *hops away*

The sinister fruit then gave a sinister grin to Kristina. 

Aprilcot: "Looks like there's just one more subject to draw from."

Kristina whimpered in fear. The sight of her in trouble really made me upset.

Larry-Boy: "Robert, we need to focus on the task at hand. Do you have any ideas?"

Me: *takes a deep breath* "Okay, I have a plan. Listen up." *Larry-Boy and Supermato moved in closer to hear it*

As this was going on, Aprilcot pulled up another syringe and was just about to perform a spinal tap (also known as a lumbar puncture) on Kristina. 

Aprilcot: "There should be enough formula in your spine to begin the next step of my-"

Before the needle was about to break the skin, the glass ceiling above them broke.

Aprilcot: "What the-?!"

Larry-Boy brought us safely down to the ground using one of his suction cups as a rope. Then, he used his other one to get Aprilcot's syringe from her "hand" and brought it to us. 

Me: "It's over, Aprilcot."

Aprilcot: "Don't delude yourself, human. Come forth, my Minions!"

The radish minions soon had us surrounded. 

Minion: "Are you ready to get creamed?"

Me: *makes a fighting pose* "On the contrary, I'm ready to cream you. *looks at Larry-Boy and Supermato* Ready, guys?"

Larry-Boy and Supermato: "We sure are!" *make fighting poses of their own*


The minion just let out a battle cry and they all charged at us. Though they had numbers on their side, they severely lacked good combat skills. Needless to say, they were easily defeated by us. It wasn't long until Aprilcot was the only one left standing."

Me: "It's just you and the 3 of us, Aprilcot. Why don't you just surrender?"

Aprilcot: "You think you've won?! *laughs evilly* I may not have the maximum amount of the formula, but I can still drain it into the city's water supply and still win!"

Just then, she pulled up a gun from her pocket and fired it. Only it wasn't a bullet that came out of it, but it was a capsule that opened to reveal a wad of slime. I got out of it's trajectory, but Larry-Boy and Supermato weren't able to dodge in time and got stuck up against a wall. The vile fruit then made her way up the overhead walkway to drain the vat.

Me: *turns to see my trapped friends* "Are you okay?"

Supermato: "Yes, we're fine. Albeit in a sticky situation."

Larry-Boy: *laughs* "But seriously, don't worry about us. Robert, you have to stop Aprilcot! I'll focus on getting ourselves out of this mess."

Me: *nods my head in approval and looks at the inflated victims in the cage* "Don't worry, guys. I'll stop her and save you." *runs up the walkway*


The vile fruit was already at the top of the walkway and was nearly close to the switch that would drain the vat's contents. 

Aprilcot: "Sweet Mary, make my day!" *giggles excitedly* 

Just as she was about to flip the switch, I tackled her and both of us were fighting. Though I was good, she had a lower center of gravity and agility on her side.

Aprilcot: "Nothing's going to get in the way of my plan!"

Me: "No. Except me." *charges at her again*

Though Aprilcot had the advantage, she was slowly starting to get exhausted. I, on the other hand, was ready for another round. 

Aprilcot: *panting* "Just give up and accept this town's fate!"

Me: "NEVER!" *charges at her*

Almost like a freight train, I knocked off Aprilcot off the walkway. However, she grabbed my arm attempting to bring me with her. Luckily, I was able to grab the handle on the side in time. Both of us were now hanging precariously over the might cointainer.

Me: "Just give it up, Aprilcot. Admit that you're done and never return!"

Aprilcot: "Do you really think that will change my mind?"

Me: "Don't even think about it."

The villainous fruit brought herself up and punched me right on the face. Unfortunately for her, Aprilcot lost her grip and fell into the vat filled with the formula. Luckily for me, I was able to hold on to the handle. 

Me: *looks down and seeing Aprilcot swimming around the vat* "Enjoy your bath, sweetheart." *brings myself up*


Once I got down from the walkway, I headed over to the cage where Kristina and the others were held. 

Me: "Hang on, you guys. I'll get you out soon."

The 4 inflated captured balls were pleased to see me. The door couldn't be opened without a key, so I searched through the pockets of all the knocked out radish minions. Finally, I found the key in the last one's pocket and used it to unlock the door. The 4 round ladies close cheered, albeit not loud because of their puffed up cheeks.

Larry-Boy: "Great work, Robert." 

Me: "Thanks. But you're still stuck."

Supermato: "Not a problem when you have a super high tech vehicle with you." *nudges against Larry-Boy's suit*

Soon enough, the car burst through the wall and a lamp emerged from the side. The bright light from it made the slime harden and crumble, freeing the duo.

Larry-Boy: "I told you having a portable lamp inside the car wasn't a bad idea."

Supermato: "Yes, I know. You told me countless times."

Just then, we heard a loud swelling sound coming from the vat. All of use turned around to find Aprilcot swollen up like a huge balloon! Apparently in her attempt to get out of the vat, she unknowingly ingested large amounts of the formula. As a result, she had become much bigger than the size of her victims. Her massive frame eventually caused the vat to shatter, reveal her puffed up features, and release the rest of the formula on the factory floor.

Me: "Looks like we caught our bad fruit out of good bunch."

Everyone (except Aprilcot): *laughs*

The 3 of us rolled our inflated friends all the way to the hospital. The citizens of the town couldn't take their eyes off the splendid spheres. 

Random citizen: *to Madame blueberry*: "I still like you, even when you're a swollen balloon."

Madame Blueberry blushed at the compliment. Once at the hospital, the doctors quickly rolled them in a room (with difficult because of their size) and managed to run some tests on them. All 3 of us were waiting for the results.

Me: "I sure hope they'll be okay."

Supermato: "Me too."

Larry-Boy: "Me three."

Just then, a doctor asparagus stalk came out of the door. 

Me: "How are the doing, doctor? Are they going to be okay?"

Doctor: "I have some good news. Your friends are going to be alright."

Me: *sighs with relief* "That's wonderful news."

Larry-Boy: "Wait a minute, Robert. I thought you said that the formula would cause them to explode."

Me: "Actually, Aprilcot told me that."

Doctor: "If I might clear things up."

Supermato: "Please do, doctor."

Doctor: "It seemed that what ever caused them to swell up had dissipated inside of their systems and should be back to normal soon."

Me: "Thank goodness that Aprilcot's dosage wasn't effective enough."

Doctor: "Or that the formula was defective."

Me, Larry-Boy, and Supermato: *confused* "Huh?" 

Doctor: "I got a call from the prison doctor regarding Aprilcot. She's still intact, but she's still swollen. He also stated that judging from her size, she ingested a good deal of the formula."

Supermato: "So if it was effective, she would've been Aprilcot-soup!"

Doctor: *positions his glasses* "Uh, yes. However, she'll be like that for quite a while." 

All of a sudden, a female celery stalk opened the door and walked toward the first doctor.

Doctor #2: "Sir, the patients would like to know if they could come out yet."

Doctor: "Very well, I'll be there right now. *looks at us* Excuse me." 

Larry-Boy: "Sure." *as the doctor leaves*


The doctors were gone for 5 minutes until they both came back to us with Madame Blueberry, Tina, Petunia, and Kristina back in their regular figures. They came to us and were so happy to be back to normal. I was so happy that I hugged Kristina and the rest at the same time! That's how happy I was. A little while later, we all gathered around by the town's fountain where I was ready to head back into the real world. During this time, Larry and Bob were no longer in their superhero attire.

Petunia: "It was nice of you to drop by today, Robert." 

Tina: "It sure was. Without you, this whole place would've been full of balls for citizens!"

Me: *chuckles slightly* "Yeah, I suppose so. Sorry that all that happened to you."

Madame Blueberry: "Don't blame yourself, Robby. It surprised us all. What matters most is that you helped Larry-Boy and Supermato stopped her."

Kristina: "That's right, Bob. *hugs me* You really helped me this time. I'm so glad there's someone like who can help in times like these."

Me: *hugs her back* "And I'm so glad I can see you again." 

A golden aura surrounded me. It was time for me to head back home.

Me: "I hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!"

Everyone: "Goodbye, Robert!" *

Then, I was gone leaving the group by themselves.

Larry: "You know after all this, I think I'm hungry."

Bob: "Want some sardines, Larry?"

Larry: "No, I think I'm hungry for some pie!"

Madame Blueberry, Petunia, and Tina made shocked faces, screamed, and went back to their homes.

Kristina: *nervously* "Yeah, I think I'll pass on that. *looks at her watch* Oh, and I got to run. Bye!" *runs away* 

Larry: "Oh, well. More pie for me!"


In short order, I was back into my room and just in time too. Because my brother just got back from his shift at work.

Tim: *walking up the stairs and into my room* "Hey, bro."

Me: "Hey. How was work?"

Tim: "Pretty good. *notices the book on the bed* What's that you got on your bed?"

Me: *looks at the book* "Oh, that. Yeah, that's one of the things I forgot to unpack. I was worried that we left it behind or threw it out, but I'm glad I didn't."

Tim: "That's good to hear. Now if you excuse me, I got to shower and relax."

Me: "You certainly deserve it."

Tim: "Yes, I certainly do." *closes his door*

Me: *picks up the book* "Now to put you in a safe place. *looks around my room* And I know just where to put it."

I put Kristina's book on one of the shelves of my bookshelf. That way, I'll always know where it is in case Kristina needs me again."

Me: "It was good to see you again, Kristina. I look forward to meeting you again."



The End