Cletus: Looks like there is room...
Big Boy Caprice: (annoyed) We need to make more Cletus. Ever since I absorbed the Foot Clan, I've had poor Bebop down here moving these on his own. He needs help.
Cletus: Ok...
The Rodent: Almost makes me feel sorry for the guy.
The Brow: Nah. I'm ready to get on with this, I've got cards to play. When I worked with Lips, things weren't as drawn out as they are now.
The Rodent: Careful, Big Boy catches you sayin anything about...
The Brow: Yeah. Yeah. I'm not about to mess up a good thing.
Cletus: I dunno. Dropping that box off was easy.
Big Boy Caprice: I bet it was. It should have been. Truly.
Cletus: So, I've been proving myself Big Boy. When do I see Krystle?
Cletus: Just moving some barrels?
Big Boy Caprice: (grows in agitation) Yes. Like I said, gotta make more room.
Cletus: Cool. Do I need gloves or somethin?
Cletus: (scratches head) Ok.
Big Boy Caprice: (holds back annoyance) You really are somethin else huh?
Cletus: I dunno.
Big Boy Caprice: Just no sense about you. I'm done. Ok Cletus. It's time. Get in the barrel.
Big Boy Caprice: I said get in the barrel, you hard a hearing or something?
Cletus: Why would I do that? That's toxic waste.
Big Boy Caprice: Because you flunked up for the last time. Sweet Jesus you had to deliver a box. Trish Manlis' goons found the box and put a halt to my plan. That woman is a thorn in my backside. I needed my plan to work. Of course, I never should have put my trust in you. That's on me, but you, that brain of yours is buzzed out on all that plastic. (yells) You messed up! And now you gotta pay. Get in the barrel.
Bebop: (oinks out a gut busting laugh) That's the whole point!
The Brow: Hell man. Be glad you have poor eye sight.
Cletus: Ok, ok, I get it. I'll do better, I'll stop taking Plastic. I'll do low level tasks. I'll get your mail. Walk your dog.
Big Boy Caprice: No! That was La-dee Ga-Ga. Stick to cards Brow.
The Brow: (rolls eyes) Sure thing Big Boy.
Big Boy Caprice: We all need to be on alert, you understand? She won't stop until she thinks she has gotten me. But we'll get her first. Rodent, what's the matter?
The Rodent: (blinks eyes) Nothing Big Boy.
Big Boy Caprice: That's what I thought. Come on, we got work to do.
Across town at Sidney's house, a group of friends have come together for a farewell party...
Michelangelo: Totally.
Sarah: And I have to also share my thanks and love to Winston. This opportunity I am embarking on is already life changing, and his support and belief in me is more than I could ever ask for. Thank you. And, I love you.
Winston: I love you too.
Miss M: Congratulations Sarah!
Glo: (to Billy) He still isn't going to propose is he?
Billy: Nope. he's too pragmatic. He doesn't see the point with her moving, and feels it will just complicate things. But it could make their connection even stronger.
Winston: Thanks for the kind words Sarah. Turn out seems pretty nice.
He-Man: How are things with the detective?
Sidney: Everyone, enjoy the food! The party is not over yet!
Sarah: Sidney, thank you again. This has been really great,
Glo: Winston! As your friends, we can't help but feel...
Winston: No, it's not. Sarah and I are in a good place though. Our lives will be a little different, but it won't be forever and then maybe later on. It makes more sense.
Glo: Winston, I understand that, but sometimes a long distance relationship needs extra support...
Billy: Come on Glo, we've shared enough. We just want the best for you Winston.
Sarah: Hey Glo, what were Billy and you talking to Winston about?
Barbie: Where's Alex? I thought we'd maybe see your fiance tonight, or?
Glo: Looks like I am heading out, I have a shift at the club.
Glo: I'll talk to you later M.
Miss M: Thanks. See ya later.
Billy: Ok, is it true? Vash is back in town? As in the intergalactic gold digger Vash? And I mean that in the most literal of ways.
Michelangelo: How come no one has cut into this gnarly cake yet? Do you think it is real or like super fake?
Laughter and conversations continue.
Sarah: Hey M. I haven't talked much with you tonight, but I wanted to make sure I at least said thank you.
Sarah: I mean, you're M, how could anyone not want to be your friend? All nice things aside, it's not just a thank you. I also need to ask a favor.
Miss M: Sure, anything.
Sarah: While I'm gone, can you look out for Winston? He's putting on a brave face, but I know this temporary shift in things is taking a toll on him. It is for me too, but I'll be so busy, I know I will be ok. I just worry how this might impact him when I leave.
Sarah walks off to join in other conversation.
Miss M: Well this is nice. Most everyone all together.
Barbie: Right? It's really crazy, how our lives have all mingled together over the years. Have you talked to April?
Barbie: Good for her. She's doing amazing work. She stands ten toes down on President Luthor. She keeps working hard to expose what a sham he is. Can you believe everything going on in the world right now? And we thought it was bad when there was that imposter pretending to be Count Chocula as president.
Moth Lady: Sorceress? Are you here? I really need to talk to you.
Sorceress: (magically appears in a burst of light) I am here. How did you get this far down below the castle?
Sorceress: Sure, I can tell you seem preoccupied in thought.
Moth Lady: How do I tell her? How do I share something so vulnerable that could have her rethink our wedding?
Sorceress: Do you think that could happen? The two of you have conquered so much to finally be free. I think she will understand the pain you were experiencing working towards being a more authentic you.
Moth Lady: Yes, but how does one have that kind of conversation? Do I tell her over dinner? Do I tell her that I have something to talk about? What if she thinks I'll harm myself again?
Sorceress: I don't think she will think that. You are in a much different place from when you were not out.
Sorceress: Come now, I'll make us some tea and we can discuss a path forward. It's all about being a guest and a host in conversation. I'm surprised, with everything you've been through, this should be easy.
Watched by a mysterious visage of horror!
Her presence begins to permeate the air in the room.
Seemingly undetected, before the Sorceress begins to feel her feathers shiver.
Sorceress looks back unsure of what she will see...
Sindel is on stage, singing a haunting melody about the call of a banshee before she falls into madness brought on by a lover. Her fans cheer on while other activities unfold at the club.
She brings with her a distinct sound that builds to a frenzied finale.
Brought on by a high piercing sound that eventually resembles silence since no one there is capable of hearing the pitch at normal levels. Sindel hopes her notes are able to reach her home.
Glo: Wow. Sindel can sing. I like her whole look.
Breathless: It's a lot. You've got Pruneface over there. He looks old but is actually really young. They say he had some freak accident as a kid where he stayed in a pool too long, and it forever warped his skin. I personally think it was some kind of toxic chlorine or something, but who really knows. He can have a short fuse, but I feel like a lot of the men here do.
Breathless: Then there's these two screwballs. The Brow used to work for the former owner of this club, but after he died, Brow quickly fell in line and started working for Big Boy. Looks like he's in great need of Botox, but I don't think anything can be done for his forehead. Only thing he really cares about is numbers and winning at cards. The Rodent, he's probably the sweetest sap outta all these goofs. Come to think of it, I don't even know much about him except he's got bad eye sight but can smell a rat a mile away. Careful what kind of perfume you wear, he loathes a gourmand.
Breathless: Then there's the mayor.
Glo: And what of the man talking to Lana? He has such an intense look about him.
Breathless: And of course the king of them all, but you already know him since he's your friend's dad.
Breathless: So there you have it, most of the heavy hitters around here, though there are always more. Big Boy's team is huge but he has them all over town fulfilling his plans and whatnot.
Glo: I'm sorry, I don't mean to ruffle any feathers, I'm obviously happy to have this job, it's just you have a talent that should take you beyond this place.
Glo: (pauses) I have my reasons.
Breathless: Oh careful, here comes Jason. And he looks grumpy.
Glo: Hey Jason.
Breathless: Jason, you don't even run the bar. Maybe try and find a fight to break up or something?
Glo: Ok, now what is his deal? He is the biggest jerk,
Breathless: He's easy on the eyes, but be careful. He hates everything and everyone.
Lana: Darlin, what do you keep looking at? I'm trying to map out Krystle's recovery with you and you're giving me nothing.
Influence: Who's the new girl? I haven't met her yet.
Lana: Is that so? (rolls eyes) You seem quite taken by her.
Lana: Of course you do darlin. Hmm. You've just given me a great idea. An idea that'll be a win-win for the both of us.
Miss M: (hears a knock at the door) Wow, someone is actually using my door!
Miss M: Bruce! Get in here! What are you doing knocking on the door, someone could see you.
Batman: Same. I have a teenage son now, and I don't know what I'm doing.
Miss M: So what brought you here?
Miss M: Oh? I'm sorry, I thought I had taken all of those when I moved.
Batman: No, not exactly, though I am beginning to remember that night I first met Moth Lady, when she was going to jump off the cliff. I was told I saved her.
Miss M: (slightly irritated) Me. You saved me. I was in Moth Lady's body at that time. So that was me.
Batman: Sorry, it gets a little confusing.
Batman: Then we fell in love, as it was told to me. From you actually. We were really in love right?
Miss M: Yes. I've told you this. Why are you talking about this?
Miss M: Oh no, we're not doing this. You don't get to bring up what is right or wrong about this. Not when I sat by and feared the worst, sitting by your side hoping for everything to be ok, only to learn you have amnesia. I of course still stood by, dealing with your anger and mistrust of me, even after trusted people told you who I was. I had to deal with a parade of your exes visiting left and right, looking out for you, you eating up all the attention. Then, I got to sit front row as you made sure to do right by everyone else in your life, people you could remember, people you could not, all while I became this interloper.
Miss M: (fully irritated) It's really not your business. You can't even remember me, I don't understand why you want to know. But you want an answer? I'll tell you. I can understand you weren't going to rush back into my arms, but when Moth Lady, you, and I were involved in that custody battle last year, you threw me out with the bathwater. I had to watch you stand up and do right by everyone. You didn't remember Yvie, but you did right by her. All of your business agreements and plans, your work, you honored those projects. Moth Lady needed support, you helped her. But when we were all trying to figure out custody, you didn't do right by me and help to make sure I had any frickin rights. Yvie's mine too! But I get one weekend out of the month. One! And half the time she doesn't even stay a whole day because she wants be with you. She's worried sick something else will happen to you. So tell me Bruce, what am I supposed to do huh? Stop my life waiting for you to get your memories back?
Batman: I'm sorry you felt like I wasn't supporting you during the custody battle. Our situation was unique, it looked liked the judge was going to be difficult, I was thinking of Yvie.
Miss M: And I understand. But you don't get to come here and ask questions like this! You don't know what it is like! All I've wanted is to have a family. To find that great love, a love that is the stuff they write sonnets and all that star struck stuff about. To raise a family together. To have a slice of normal. I see it happen for other people all the damn time! And we. We were so close.
Miss M: (unsure whether to be angry or sad) We were so close. And I can't spend my whole life, spend an eternity waiting for you to remember, because you won't. Even if you do, that doesn't mean you'll want to suddenly do right by me.
Miss M: So things have happened with Dick. I didn't plan or map this out. But it has happened.
Batman: (sighs) That is not what I am saying. Gosh. Were you full of attitude when we were together?
Miss M: (certifiable) Yes. Absolutely. And then some. Let me tell you something Mr. Wayne, I am sweet but can sour quickly. I have been put through it with you.
Batman: I'm sorry. I can't..
Batman: I want that for you. I do. I'm going to leave, I never should have come here.
Batman: No, I'll see myself out.
Miss M: Damn that man. Why is he like that? (calls Dick Tracy on speaker phone) Please pick up.
Dick Tracy: (answers) Hey beautiful.
Batman lingers outside Miss M's window, hearing her conversation to Detective Tracy before hanging up and having a loud rambling conversation with herself. He realizes, though he can't recall ever loving her, he now knows how a past version of him could.
Sidney: We all love the both of you! Here's to Sarah!
He-Man: Great Eternian sized returns on your journey.
Sarah: Yeah. I had hoped Irma and Shortcake would show up, but I know they have a lot going on. Same for Oola. Has anyone heard from Brian and Glitter?
Winston: I haven't, but maybe others have?
Miss M: Great. Really great, we're getting pretty serious. Really excited with the direction where things are going.
He-Man: Will he make it tonight?
Miss M: Probably not, he's working on a big case.
Sidney: Of course. We are all going to miss you. I know you'll be back, but, it will be different.
Sarah: Yeah, Winston keeps reminding me.
Sidney: It can be tough, but once you both get used to a temporary new normal, it will be ok.
Sarah: I'm hoping.
Billy: That you are making a mistake. There's still time to propose to Sarah. You were so excited.
Winston: It's not the right time guys. Can we just drop it?
Glo: But Winston. We know this is not easy on you.
Winston: (agitated) I've got it under control, alright? Can we drop it already? Please.
Glo: Yeah.
Glo: (slightly nervous) Oh nothing, just all the changes happening around here.
Sarah: Yeah, it's a lot. We're going to be ok though. I hope you know that.
Glo: Of course. It's not like you're going away forever.
Sarah: Exactly. I need to talk to Billy. The nonprofit I am working with needs some public speaking support. He might be a good fit.
Glo: Sounds fabulous.
Sidney: Or?
Barbie: I mean the streets talk Sidney.
Sidney: Pray tell, what are the streets saying?
Barbie: I just wasn't sure if Alex would be here, or maybe Garrett?
Sidney: The only thing the streets should be concerned with is getting the tax dollars together to fill in all those potholes by the mall. Makes my shopping excursions so tiresome.
Barbie: I understand, but take it from a woman who has dabbled in love triangle territory, it's not always easy.
Sidney: Blaine surfing in from Australia to whisk you away from a dull relationship with Ken is hardly what I'd call a love triangle, which I am in no part of. Garrett is the past. Alex is my future. Now, would you like to try the strawberry roll? It's heavenly.
Miss M: Nice. You've been so busy working, we need to catch up soon.
Glo: Of course.
He-Man: Are you performing tonight?
Glo: No, more so working on club promotion. I will let you all know the next show I do so you can all attend.
Michelangelo: Nice.
Miss M: Nice. Tell my dad hi if you see him.
Glo: Sure.
Miss M: Yes, she is back.
Billy: Wow. Glo told me her return has you trying to write an award winning piece for a Bloglin?
Miss M: Yep. Been trying to get an interview with Dino Drac.
Billy: No way. Really? He's so mysterious. I heard in a fit of feral nostalgia he ate a sealed box of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios from 1989, and it caused an acidic reaction in his body that melted off part of his skin and that he is basically a skeleton that glows in the dark now.
Miss M: What? Seriously?
Billy: I mean, it's what I've heard. No one really knows what he looks like. This could be a big deal M.
Miss M: I know. I just wish I could get in contact with him. I've tried emailing. Carrier pigeon. I even mailed him five proof of purchases from an old Poochie Panini sticker book. But nothing.
Billy: Don't give up. I wanna know what happens next.
Winston: Sidney told us to eat, I don't understand why this would not be real?
He-Man: I'll let one of you do the honors. I'm already feeling like a giant in a miniature glass figure store.
Winston: Oddly specific.
He-Man: During my travels, I may have entered a store where I wasn't quite paying attention and broke some things. (face blushes in embarrassment)
Miss M: What for? This was all Sidney.
Sarah: No, thank you for giving me a chance. When we first met, you only knew of me as a super villain wanting to make a difference. You took a chance adding me to the team, and though you were skeptical, we forged a true friendship, and so many wonderful things followed that have changed my life. We've been through a lot.
Miss M: We have, but there is no need to thank me. It's been a joy that I have seen you just shine and kick all kinds of butt. I'm grateful that you even wanted to be my friend and join my rag tag super hero team.
Miss M: Of course. We're all going to look out for him. I've already been trying to get him open to the idea of starting a DnD group.
Sarah: I love that. He loves you guys.
Miss M: We love him. And you too.
Sarah: Thanks M.
Miss M: No. We had a moment where it seemed like our friendship would be ok. But, no.
Barbie: That's a shame. I guess she is really going to stay in New York huh?
Miss M: It looks that way.
Miss M: Why don't you run in the next election? I feel like you've done just about everything else.
Barbie: Ya know, I really should. Could you imagine?
Miss M: I'd like to.
Across town, deep below Castle Grayskull...
Moth Lady: (shrugs) I dunno, I just figured it out. I really need to talk to you.
Moth Lady: Wild One and I are to be married soon. And I haven't told her yet. Ya know? With all those things you helped me with, regarding that time my body was occupied by Miss M and I was... elsewhere?
Sorceress: I was happy to help, and I know how important it is for you to tell Wild One, but I don't understand what more I can do now?
Moth Lady: You'd think right?
Moth Lady and Sorceress walk off, not knowing they are being watched...
...and breathes a sigh of relief with nothing there.
Club Ritz. Later that evening.
Breathless: Yeah, she's a little different. Sometimes seems like she isn't all there. If you talk to her long enough, she'll start lamenting how she is from another dimension and that she was a queen with a daughter who is some warrior princess. It's all a little kooky.
Glo: Seems like there is a lot of that here, a rather interesting cast of characters. I'm still trying to get the hang of everyone.
Glo: Who is the woman talking to him?
Breathless: That's Selene. She runs some other social club in town, but is always here. They say she is a mutant, but keep that quiet with you-know-who running the country.
Glo: What are their real names?
Breathless: Oh honey, these are their names. Government names and everything. Far as I know.
Glo: Yeah, I've noticed Mayor Grody comes here a lot, why?
Breathless: Why do you think? He's as crooked as his tie. The dame next to him is a duck, so don't think your eyes are playin' tricks on ya. She's a bit of a witch, or something. Makes the best baked goods.
Breathless: That's Influence. Used to be a psychiatrist or something, but was using hypnotism on his patients and robbing them blind, sometimes even worse. Now Glo, listen, these men are all dangerous, some of the women too, but he may be the most dangerous, at least to us ok? So stay away. Then there's Lana, who you know all too well.
Glo: Yeah.
Glo: Yeah, but I think I know a different side of him.
Breathless: I'm sure you do. He doesn't talk much about his family so we're not used to seeing a daddy dearest type here. He means well though. Used to be the number one to the previous owner, but now he runs everything. Even recently adding on more ties to the underworld after securing control over the Foot Clan. He may have a temper as hot as Hades, but he does look out for us. He won't stand for no harm to come to the performers. We have this one singer, Krystle, you haven't met her yet, but her skeezy boyfriend hit her, well Big Boy didn't like that one bit.
Glo: It's a lot to keep up with. And your fiance doesn't mind you being a part of all this?
Breathless: Honey, where do you think I met him? Like I said before, rich and powerful men frequent this place. Some become familiar and get a little sweet on us. That's what my finace did. He runs a big oil business. Wants to take me away from this place, but I'm not ready yet. This is my only space where I can feel like a star. (sighs)
Glo: Breathless, you're so talented, you are better than this club.
Breathless: Shh! Would you be quiet, are you trying to get us canned or something? Come on, let's go get a drink.
Breathless: So do you. I love that you are here, but I can't for the life of me understand why you want to be here when you could be on the world stage.
Breathless: I know, I know, and you won't tell me. Which is ok. We all have a little mystery to hold onto.
Glo: Tell me something I don't know.
Jason: You'll have to pay for any drinks you get at the bar. Slow night, so nothing gets comped.
Jason: Whatever. You broads are all the same.
Breathless: (shrugs) Big Boy found him on the streets as a kid, was a pick pocket. Brought him into the business under Lips Manlis, ya know, the former owner, but I think Jason kinda resents all this.
Glo: Interesting.
Glo: Oh trust me, I've gathered. So, drinks?
Breathless: Yeah, and don't listen to him. We won't be paying a single penny.
Lana: Her name is Flo, or Glo, something like that. Why?
Influence: I like her look. I heard her sing the other night.
Influence: How could you not be?
Lana: Eh. I suppose. There's something I don't quite like about her.
Influence: I like her.
Influence: I'm listening...
Across town. Miss M's apartment.
Miss M: Dang it! Another dead end. How in the world am I going to get an interview with this Dino Drac guy?
Miss M: And Vash keeps asking if I'm getting any leads yet and it's like no chick. I'm not. Leave me alone. Why am I even doing this?
Batman: You told me not to just appear in your home, so I knocked.
Miss M: Yes, but you are also in your suit, I don't think that is something you want people in the hallway to see. My goodness, I don't even know anymore with you.
Miss M: Yeah, Moth Lady told me. How is that going?
Batman: It's interesting. Yvie is having a blast with an older brother. Damian seems to enjoy having her as a sister. But, it's a lot of work.
Miss M: Taking a night off though huh?
Batman: Sort of. I needed to feel a little something familiar, though I can't patrol the city like I used to.
Batman: I came across a photo album of us.
Batman: It's ok.
Miss M: Did it bring up any old memories?
Miss M: Well, I can make it a little simple. I was in the After Life, and wanted to leave, and made a nasty deal with my fairy godmother and due to the tricks of the universe, left the After Life and was placed in Moth Lady's body. For months I tried to get people to believe me, to try and help me fix the mess I was in. I was merely viewed as some evil barbarian warrior woman. And at the end of my rope, I figured it would be better to end things. And then you saved me. Swooped in after I jumped.
Batman: I see.
Miss M: So technically Moth Lady as it was her body, but her nervous system or soul or whatever you wanna call it was no where to be found.
Batman: I'm just trying to understand. You loved me so much, but yet you've moved on with someone else. Dick Tracy.
Miss M: How do you know about that?
Batman: I've seen you two around town. So, were we really in love then?
Miss M: Oh we're gonna do this now huh? What, you think I was taking advantage of your amnesia or something?
Batman: I don't know. I would assume that if we had this great love story...
Batman: So I should have just continued on loving you even though I can't remember?
Miss M: I'm not saying that. I have been understanding. Though it has not been easy!
Batman: How is it that you can find love again then?
Batman: Is it serious?
Miss M: Why do you care?
Batman: (gruffly) I don't. This is not me being jealous. I'm trying to understand where people fit in my life and who I can trust.
Miss M: (snaps back) Ok, message received. We don't need to fit in anyway aside for co-parenting with Yvie.
Miss M: I know. You can't remember. But I do remember. We've been through so much, and for you to even question. Like I've been lying to you about what we were to each other? Ha! And then that custody trial, it's just been a final layer of hurt. I want my shot at happiness. I thought that would be with you, but the universe has a different design. I just want to be happy.
Miss M: (pauses) Bruce, wait.
Miss M: Bruce.
Batman: I'll see ya around.
Miss M: Hey. I know you've been busy, but do you think you'd like to come over, maybe stay the night tonight? It'd be really nice to have you here.
Dick Tracy: Sure. I'm just wrapping some things up but will be there soon.
Miss M: Great.
Outside...
Up Next! Episode 299 is building up to something major!
Like the previous posts on this blog, it is with great sadness that the blogging community lost William Bruce West. My heart goes out to his family, including his wife Lindsay and two daughters. Will contributed so much to the toy/comics/pop culture blogging and podcast community. His opinions on pop culture are the stuff of legend. Please check out the West Family GoFundMe and consider donating, they need our support more than ever. If you can't donate, please spread the word. West Family GoFundMe
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