Drawoc Meets His Match!

Spitfire and Slasher were having the time of their lives. Lost in the innocence of harmless fun, they forgot all about the Battle and Drawoc.
For once, Spitfire's aims were right on target, piercing each Light Eater so that a shower of Light burst forth, fizzing towards the heavens.
The little demons were surrounded by cascading Light, enjoying themselves.
Slasher had at last found a good use for his many knives; with one in each hand, he danced over the remaining Light Eaters stabbing them with glee.
`S'like popping balloons', he laughed as he took a stab at another Light Eater.
`Watch me Slasher', cried Spitfire, aiming himself at another Light Eater. But Slasher was
too busy enjoying himself to take any notice.
But then neither of them heard the approach of Drawoc's Space Hopper.
`WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING', screeched Drawoc, leaping out of his Space Hopper.
Startled, Spitfire and Slasher stopped in mid action and turned in Drawoc's direction.
He was still covered in dust and debris from the Moan Dome.
Spitfire's mouth gaped open at the sight of Drawoc.
`What's you's bin doin' of to get like that', said Spitfire.
`Never mind. I said, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING'
`We's popping the Light Eaters', replied Spitfire, matter of factly.
`Yeah, watch this Drawoc', said Slasher, raising his arm.
`YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ON THEIR SIDE'
Spitfire looked startled. `But...isn't the Battle over'.
`Yeah', agreed Slasher. `Wiv all this light an' that, we thought it was finished'
Slasher's words had the power to sting Drawoc; somewhere deep inside he felt the disappointment of defeat. Not too long ago it looked as though they were winning. Now the Battle was over. Drawoc surveyed the scene in front of him. Showers of Light danced all around.
`Is it finished, Drawoc', said Spitfire.
Drawoc let out a deep sigh. `Yes, it's finished', he said in a low voice.
`Good, then we's can carry on bursting these Light Eaters', said Slasher, joyfully.
Slasher turned his back on Drawoc to resume his stabbing. Drawoc's eyes glinted behind his dark glasses. Once more he could feel his frustration welling up. Slasher bent forward, unwittingly presenting Drawoc with a target.
Drawoc pulled back his leg, gritted his teeth and directed his aim towards Slasher...
`Hey, leave him alone'
Drawoc turned in the direction of the voice, his leg suspended in mid air.
The Buzzin' Guns were lined up on the crest of the Wave, watching him. They looked super cool, standing with their feet apart, thumbs tucked inside their belts. Even Drawoc had to admit to himself there was nothing arrogant about them, despite just winning the Mother of Battles. How different it would have been if he was the victor. He would not have hesitated to flaunt his power, revelling in his new found status as Master of Earth. But the Buzzin' Guns handled their victory with cool. Dam and blast them!
Drawoc returned their stares, scanning the group; then his eyes fell on the child...the child he had sent to the House of Demons. Drawoc found himself staring intently at Baby.
What if...
Drawoc's lips curled into a characteristic snarl.
Suppose he managed to send the child back to the House of Demons! It was an irrisistable idea. Maybe he could claim a victory over Buzzin' Gun after all.
And what a victory!
Just when they thought it was all over. He would show them. Buzzin' Gun would have to go after the child again.
Drawoc could feel his determination replacing his frustration. He had to test his power once more. He began to focus all of his attention on the child, sending out magnetic rays of fear.
But Baby didn't flinch; he stood like the others, with his feet apart, thumbs tucked inside his belt, staring back at Drawoc as if he were no more than a gnat.
Drawoc could feel his anger rising. He would not be outdone by a child. He increased the intensity of his magnetic rays.
Buzzin' watched in silence, his instincts telling him not to interfere.
Baby had been through the House of Demons and faced his personal monsters; now he was facing his perpetrator.
Baby had to learn fear was something that could always dog you - and be dealt with...
`Stay cool...everyone', said Buzzin'
But Baby felt a frisson of fear as the intensity of Drawoc's rays increased, pulling him away from the others.
Then it dawned on Baby. He was facing the final test - Drawoc!
Of course he had to face and conquer Drawoc, otherwise just the mention of his name in the future could cause a reaction. Fear was a re-enactment of something from the past, how could you clear it...unless you faced it!
This insight made Baby feel even more sure of himself. He doubled his efforts, focusing all his energy on the Light.
But Drawoc was determined to have a victory over Buzzin' Gun. He had lost the Battle but if he could send the child back to the House of Demons...
For a few tense moments a battle of wills took place.
`Stay cool, Baby', whispered Buzzin'
But Baby began to move towards Drawoc...slowly inching forward, away from the others.
None of the gang moved to help Baby. Like Buzzin', they knew he had to defeat Drawoc by himself.
Drawoc watched Baby move towards him...his thin lips almost forming a rare smile.
`That's right, come to me', he urged.
Just a few more feet and then...the child was his!
Buzzin' and the gang watched helplessly as Baby moved further away from them and closer to Drawoc.
`No...no', gasped Angel.
`Let me get at him', said Fox, through gritted teeth.
`No. Stay cool', urged Buzzin' `Something's going on here'
The gang held their breath, willing Baby to win the war of wills.
But each moment took Baby further away from them and closer to the House of Demons!
The gap was closing. Drawoc wanted to reach out and grab hold of Baby, holding him aloft as he did before. But he waited, certain his moment would come.
For a moment, Drawoc allowed his concentration to waiver as he basked in the satisfaction that capturing the child once more, would bring.
Then suddenly, Baby shot forward on a section of the Wave, knocking Drawoc sideways. Before Drawoc could regain his balance, the Wave did a quick u-turn and scooped him up, tossing him in the air; Drawoc landed back on its crest with feet and arms splayed out, floundering helplessly as Baby took him on a roller coaster ride he would never forget.
The gang whooped and hollered with joy as they watched Baby surf the Wave with Drawoc, an unwilling passenger.
`Let me take you for a ride this time, Drawoc', laughed, Baby. He careered from left to right, then turned full circle with Drawoc bouncing around like a buoy on the ocean, arms flailing, totally at the mercy of the Wave and its swift movements.

Menroc jumped up and down with glee. `Look at that. Did you see what Baby did. He fooled Drawoc'
`Yes and yet it is because of Drawoc that Baby has a new found confidence', remarked His Grace.
`Because Drawoc sent him to the House of Demons'
`Exactly', replied His Grace. `Drawoc played an instrumental part in Baby's growth'.
Menroc nodded `Of course. Used wisely, the dark is one of the best teachers'
`It is. So let's hope that Baby is gentle with Drawoc', grinned His Grace.

The Wave dipped, somersaulted and spun Drawoc like a top before depositing him unceremoniously at the feet of Spitfire and Slasher.
The two little demons had looked on, open mouthed as Drawoc was thrown around helplessly.
`You wanna hand up', said Spitfire
`Yeah', said Slasher, holding out his hand.
Drawoc stared up at the two little guys. It was the final humiliation. Loosing the Battle and giving the enemy a party time; being taken for a ride by a child, only to end up defeated and exhausted at the feet of Spitifire and Slasher...his sidekicks.
For a long moment Drawoc lay at their feet, like a sacrificial lamb.
`You OK, Drawoc. Wanna hand', repeated Spitfire.
Drawoc shook his head `No. I can manage', he said, struggling to his feet.
He straightened himself up and looked in the direction of the Buzzin' Guns, who were still watching him.
Drawoc's eyes fell on Baby.
The child smiled back, triumphantly.
He had finally layed his demons to rest!

Drawoc's Last Stand

From the safety of his bunker, the President of the United States watched in awe as the amazing conclusion to the Battle took place. The most powerful man in the world shook his head, wondering what the hell was going on. Quite simply, it looked like the mother of firework shows.
If the circumstances leading up to this awesome sight had not been so destructive, he could have enjoyed what he was witnessing...as it was, he couldn't be sure of anything anymore.
His thoughts were interrupted by one of his aids.
`Sir, we've just heard that the fighter planes are making their way back to Earth'
`Mission accomplished?' said the President
`Er, no sir', said the aid, shaking his head. `They didn't have chance to attack'
`Didn't have a chance', repeated the President, looking puzzled.
`Apparently they were intercepted by a mysterious force of energy that swept them off course and interferred with their radar equipment'
The President's eyes widened. He stared at his assistant as his brain filtered this latest piece of information. Mysterious force! If the latest hi-tech aircraft was no match for whatever was up there...
`Go on', murmured the President, turning away.
`We're just getting reports in that this Wave of energy blocked the progress of the pilots before they could take any action'
`I see', said the President, thoughtfully. But he didn't. He didn't understand what it all meant. All he knew was that he had to look as if he did!
The President turned back to the screen wondering when it would be safe to leave the bunker...

Now that the Light Eaters had given up the Light, they diminished in size and any remaining strength would be taken care of by the force of gravity.
Evil Eyes watched from his `Moan Dome' as the Light Eaters belched back the Light before shrinking into insignificant dots. He couldn't believe that his ingenious plan had been turned on its head, culminating in a dazzling display of Light. His humiliation was complete. Not only had he lost, but he was entertaining his enemies!
And how...
The greatest show of Light looked incredible from Earth. Light cascaded down from the heavens in giant waterfalls...shimmering, glittering, sparkling, dancing Light that mankind had been starved of for so long, was finding its way back to the Wave. Every moment, every particle of Light, increased the size of the Wave.

Drawoc marched towards Evil Eyes quarters, his mouth moving in sync with his thoughts. He couldn't wait to vent his frustration on that meddling meglamaniac. It was hard to believe that a short while ago he admired Evil Eyes's intelligence. Intelligence! What a fool he had been; it was bad enough loosing but to loose so prettily...to give the enemy a fun time.
Drawoc shook his head as he strode up to the security doors. At least he would have the satisfaction of telling Evil Eyes what he thought of him then he'd sort Spitfire out. The last time he saw little demon he was dive bombing towards the Light Eaters and piercing them with his horns the little...and Slasher was no better. Drawoc caught sight of him stabbing the Light Eaters with his knives.
Let me take care of Evil Eyes, thought Drawoc, then I'll sort those two out. Give me something to look forward to.
Drawoc marched across the great chasm of a room that housed Evil Eyes's Moan Dome.
`Drawoc...why have you returned'
Drawoc was momentarily taken aback by the question. Was this insufferable fool adding insult to injury? He could feel the frustration of the last hours welling up inside, ready to erupt.
`Why?', said Drawoc, in a dangerously low voice.
`JUST LOOK'. Drawoc's voice rang out, echoing around the near empty chamber. He turned to face the extra terrestrial TV screen.
`Look at that...that shambolic mess. How did you expect me to take over the world with that bunch of burping balls'
`I didn't know they could burp'
`Trust me, you said. NOW LOOK. Look at what you've creative'
`There's no need to shout' , said Evil Eyes
`YES THERE IS. I've had you shouting in my ears, giving me orders for hours. Now look. So much for taking over earth'.
`We nearly did it', responded Evil Eyes, lamely.
`Nearly isn't good enough', hissed Drawoc. `Nearly isn't what I had in mind. Nearly isn't what we planned.
`I know...I know'
`I've thought of everything you said', mimicked Drawoc. `Well...you hadn't thought of the Light Eaters burping back the Light because they couldn't hold it down'.
`Everything was going according to plan', said Evil Eyes.
`Plan! Let's talk about your plan to take over Earth', said Drawoc. `Explain to me how you can be in charge when all you've succeeded in doing is cause chaos. Chaos means everything is OUT OF CONTROL and that means you're not in control. GET IT'.
`It would have settled down...eventually. You shouldn't have taken those others with you. Look at them! They're doing more to help the Buzzin' Guns'
Drawoc turned to look at the screen.
Spitfire was still dive bombing the remaining Light Eaters and managing to impale them on his little horns. He looked thrilled. For the first time ever, he was right on target. Slasher was also enjoying himself stabbing the Light Eaters and watching the Light burst out of them. They were both enjoying themselves.
Drawoc turned to face Evil Eyes.
`Listen,' he said. `I wouldn't have won the battle because of them, so I haven't lost it because of them'.
`You seem to attract that sort...losers'
`That could explain why I've been drawn to you'
`How dare you'
`Yes. I do dare. Don't forget, you chose me to lead the Battle', replied Drawoc
`DONT REMIND ME', Evil Eyes voice rang out, richocheting around the vast chamber.
Drawoc waited for the noise to die away, but it seemed to grow louder as it travelled around the chamber.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake beneath his feet. Drawoc felt himself swaying from side to side; desparately, he looked around for something to hold onto. There was nothing. The chamber only housed the `Moan Dome'.
`Now look what you've done', cried Drawoc, trying to steady himself. The chamber began to shudder as the tremors increased in strength.
Drawoc was bent double, his feet sliding beneath him...arms flailing around like windmills, as he struggled to stop himself falling over.
`Yoouu...you...stupid...' gasped Drawoc, but the sound of his voice was drowned by a deafening shudder.
Drawoc began to make for the relative safety of the walls but giant cracks began to appear. He looked on horrified, as the cracks quickly made their way down the length of the walls, tearing them apart.
He had to get out. If he didn't, he would be buried alive!
The security doors where at the far end of the chamber. It was his only chance.
Drawoc stumbled towards the doors...his progress hampered by the increasing strength of the tremors; the ground shook and the chamber filled with clouds of dust, making it impossible to see. Hampered by the dust, Drawoc had no idea where he was going.
Another violent shudder shook the chamber; Drawoc staggered and fell forward, through the thickening dust onto the floor.
He lay prostrate, waiting for death to claim him. At least he wouldn't die in front of the Buzzin' Guns...or Evil Eyes for that matter.
He could hear the Moan Dome shaking and prayed that he would die before the glass cage crashed down on top of him.
Powerless, Evil Eyes shook like a mountainous jelly inside his glass dome, rattling from side to side. The violence of the tremors continued to increase until they reached a deafening crescendo.
Suddely, Evil Eyes lenses shattered, dividing into multi sections.
Then the tremors stopped as quickly as they started.
All was still.
Drawoc lifted his head and peered through the dust. The sudden silence felt eerie after the spectacular volume of noise. He waited for a moment before raising himself up on his hands. Then he slowly got to his feet, looking around at the devastation before taking a few tentative steps towards the Moan Dome.
When Drawoc reached the Moan Dome, he wiped away a thick layer of dust and peered inside. Evil Eyes stared back at him, his magnificent lenses shattered into a dozen or more sections.
`Your eyes...what's happened to your eyes', said Drawoc.
`Shattered' said Evil Eyes. `My focus has gone. You know what that means'
Drawoc nodded. Of course he knew. Unless Evil Eyes could find a way of mending his shattered lenses, he was effectively powerless. No longer would he be able to emit the powerful magnetic rays that had made him such a formidable enemy of the Brotherhood of Light.
The Light Eaters, an ingenious invention, had almost succeeded, but they were no match for the power of Light.
`Will you be able to mend...'
`I don't know. You'll have to help me' said Evil Eyes, sounding desparate.
Drawoc made no reply. He stared at Evil Eyes, seeing his reflection in the many segments of his lenses. Then slowly, he turned and began to make his way out of the Moan Dome.
`Where are you going', called Evil Eyes `You can't leave me'
Drawoc didn't look back or bother to answer. There was nothing for him here anymore.
But there was one last score to settle...
It would add a little sweetness to the bitter pill of defeat!

Blinded by the Light!

Menroc didn't want to believe what he was seeing. Almost every country on Earth had launched their military aircraft. In a matter of minutes the sky would be swarming with fighter planes... their pilots on a kamikazee mission!
`Look at them', said Menroc, aghast at the sight of so many planes taking off. `Just about every country is sending aircraft to attack the Light Eaters'
`They are following the lead of the United States', said the Chief Councillor, shaking his head. `Now the countdown has begun'
`It's a race between the Buzzin' Guns and those aircraft', said Menroc.
`Yes', said the Chief Councillor. `The Battle is approaching its conclusion'
Menroc stole a glance at the Chief Councillor...his demeanour, always calm, gave nothing away. Menroc wanted to ask him if the Battle had gone the way he imagined it would, but realised the futility of the question. This was no time for asking questions. Now they could only wait, watch and hope. Menroc turned back to the Screen of Life...a huge concave screen, capable of showing every major event taking place on Earth at the same time.
The Buzzin' Guns could been seen at a distance far, far away from the Light Eaters.
Menroc managed to smile, despite his feelings of anxiety `If they take the Wave any further they'll meet up with the Light Eaters from behind', he joked. The Buzzin' Guns had taken the Wave into deep space territory...frontier land yet to be explored by man and home to galaxies as yet unnamed, millions of light years from Earth.
`I like their plan', said the Chief Councillor, smiling.
`So do I but if the military get to launch their weapons...', Menroc gulped, not wanting to finish the sentence.
`Before the Buzzin' Guns have time to execute their plan', said His Grace, `that's what you're concerned about, isn't it Menroc?'
Menroc couldn't help looking surprised at the question. He searched the faces of the elders before answering. These guys were so cool, he felt like a nervous wreck beside them. He was a nervous wreck! After all...it was his first time witnessing a Battle to save the Earth. And he hoped it would be his last!
`Isn't everyone', he said, at last.
`We are nearing the end of the Battle. The next minutes will be crucial. Timing is vital to the successful outcome of this Battle'
Yes, thought Menroc. Timing was crucial...timing was always crucial. The Buzzin' Guns would return to the scene of the Battle. But would they be in time? If they got the timing wrong...they could collide with the military aircraft!

Buzzin's instincts were so finely tuned he knew there was no time to waste. His intuition warned him when he was in the House of Demons that time was running out. Now he knew for certain that the powers on Earth were going to attack. If they didn't act fast, the situation would be taken out of their hands!
`OK guys', said Buzzin', addressing the gang. `We've gotta speed the action up. We'll take the Wave forward so fast they won't see us comin'
Everyone was ready, realising that this would probably be their last chance to conquer Drawoc and his army of Light Eaters. They had to disempower that mass of dark energy once and for all for Earth to survive.
The gang stood on the crest of the Wave, held magically by its powerful vibration of Light energy. They looked cool, confident...itching to race towards the Light Eaters and blast them into outer space and beyond into oblivion.
`Yeah...let's do it', said Quicksilver.
`Baby...you come with me', said Buzzin'
`No...it's OK Buzzin'. I can do it on my own now', replied Baby, confidently.
Buzzin' studied Baby for a moment; there was no evidence of the child who had clung to his legs on the intitial journey to the Battle. Baby had been through the House of Demons and had conquered his fears. How he had grown in confidence. Now he was ready to stand alone.
`That's right. You can do it, Baby', replied Buzzin'
`You betcha he can', agreed the rest of the gang.
`OK. Everyone ready?', cried Buzzin'
He knew he didn't need to ask. He could tell by their faces...the eagerness of their expressions...their body language...they were ready.
`Thought you'd never ask', said Funnybone
`Then let's do it'. Let's sort out those Light Eaters once and for all'
`You betcha', they all cried.
The Wave shot forwward, hurtling through space at a breathtaking speed. Stars and galaxies flashed past, their forms barely discernible as the Wave sped along. Baby had somehow managed to forge ahead of the others...legs bent, his body leaning forward...a look of total concentration etched on his face.
Menroc watched open mouthed as the Buzzin' Guns raced towards the Light Eaters.
`Wow, look at them go', he said, breathlessly. `I wish I was with them'
`We are...in spirit', replied the Chief Councillor.
`Yeah...but there's nothing like the excitement of being there physically', sighed Menroc. `I mean...just look at them'...
The elders craned forward, their faces bright with wonder as they watched the marvellous spectacle in front of them.
`Look at Baby', cried one of the elders.
The Chief Councillor nodded his head, knowlingly. He had been right to send the child. Of course he knew that Baby's fear would set up a magnetic energy field which would attract the attention of Drawoc, but Baby needed to conquer his demons. So Drawoc had effectively played an instrumental part in helping Baby grow!
`Go on Baby', murmured the Chief Councillor. `You show them'
Baby continued to hold the lead. With his arms outstretched he allowed the Wave to take him on a journey faster than the speed of sound. The two were as one, melded together by the same vibrational energy. For the first time in his life, Baby felt fearless. His journey through the House of Demons had taught him a valuable lesson.
Fear had taken him there and Light had released him.
`You either let it go, or let it grow', Buzzin' had always said. And he was right.
Baby knew he could trust the Wave to hold him no matter how fast it moved. He felt the exhilaration that only freedom from fear can bring. He was heading towards the Light Eaters with Buzzin and the rest of the gang, determined to conquer the Dark. And he felt sure they could do it.

On another part of the Screen of Life, military aircraft were speeding towards the same target... and they were right on course.
The Buzzin' Guns had to stop the Light Eaters before the rockets could be launched. But right now, they were both on time...heading towards the same target. Menroc's lips moved in silent pray, his heart pounding in his ears...

The US President and his family had been safely spirited away to a bomb proof bunker deep within the Arizona dessert. He was surrounded by CIA, military staff and some key members of White House personnel. The tension was almost palpable. No one knew what the next few hours would hold. For the first time since the `black cloud' had appeared, the President allowed himself to think of the worst case scenario. Earth could be destroyed!
Even if it wasn't, there was no doubt that law and order had almost ceased to exist. Nature had caused some catastrophic situations, creating devastating situations for the inhabitants and authorities alike. Something had to be done. The President scanned the faces of those surrounding him. If they all survived, what would they have to face when they left the bunker?
A world ravaged by Nature, man and military weapons.
And if they all died...
The President swallowed hard and wondered if his faith would lead him to heaven...
Or was he a co-creator in making hell on earth!

Drawoc felt agitated. The absence of the Wave and the Buzzin' Guns did nothing to reassure him.
They would return, he was certain. But where were they? The atmosphere had become alive with tension. Unless it was his imagination, he was almost certain that some of the Light Eaters looked as if they were about to burst. Was the atmosphere making them change shape, he wondered.
`I don't like this...I don't like it one bit', he muttered out loud. `Where are they?'
`Hey Drawoc', cried Spitfire. `Has we won the Battle?'
`D'you think I'd be hanging around here if we had!' shouted Drawoc. At least he had Spitfire to vent his frustration on.
`Were's them Buzzin' Guns, then?'
`That's what I'd like to know', said Drawoc, turning back to the horizon. He could feel his resentment growing. He cursed under his breath, then out loud. He felt completely impotent.
The Wave had left the Battle...disappearing in a nano second. How he envied the speed and flexibility of the Light...its dexterity to out manoeuvre the Light Eaters always enraged him. Here he was, stuck with a mass of barely moving energy. If only the Light Eaters could move faster. Drawoc snarled. Now matter what Evil Eyes said, the Wave had more power than either of them liked to admit!
But where was it? Drawoc knew that when it returned there would no time to think about tactics...no warning. The Wave of Light would come out of nowhere and there would be no time to outwit the Buzzin' Guns.
Drawoc looked across at the mass of Light Eaters...bloated and distorted, before scanning the horizon once more.
Somewhere out there, the Buzzin' Guns were getting ready to attack and all he could do was wait...

Menroc watched in awe as the Buzzin' Guns raced through space. Such was their speed, the millions of stars that littered the milky way couldn't be seen by the naked eye. It looked as though the Wave had wiped out everything in its path. Of course it hadn't; the speed had created a distortion, practically filling the Screen of Life as it sped towards the Light Eaters.
`At that speed you could knock Earth off of its axis', said Menroc.
`They will soon be there', said His Grace.
`And so will the military, too', said one of the elders.
Menroc sucked in his breath. The planes carrying the bombs were getting dangerously close to their target. The military were approaching the Light Eaters...and so were the Buzzin' Guns!

Riding the Wave was exhilarating! The Buzzin' Guns, balancing on the crest, felt its power surge through them, renewing every cell in their bodies with the power of Light. Thus the Buzzin' Guns and the Wave's vibration became one. The Wave gathered height as it sped along, taking the gang on a journey that defied belief. But the sheer speed also acted as a catalyst, creating even more power as it raced towards it target.

The first military pilot to catch sight of the `black cloud', felt a shock of fear course through his body. Close up, the `cloud' was immense and looked eerily sinister. But it was the depth of darkness that frightened him...a darkness he had never encountered before...heavy, dense...as though it was pressing down and could crush anything in its path. As a kid he didn't mind the dark but this was different...unnatural. He could feel every muscle in his body tighten as fear took a hold. He didn't want to fly into that stuff...whatever it was, his instinct told him it was dangerous.
He knew he'd never escape if he got too close. He could see himself being sucked in...swallowed up and disappearing into the thick, swampey matter.
Not far behind him was the rest of his squad.
`Hey Mitch...you read me'
`Yeah'
`This stuff is weird...really weird'
`Tell me about it. It looks gross'
`Let's get rid of our load an get outta here'
`We'll have to fly above this stuff to drop a bomb on it'
`I ain't flying into this stuff...no way'
`Whatta we gonna do'
`Get outta here...asap'...
`You mean...disobey orders?'
`I mean...what the...aarrgghh'...

The impact of the Wave when it reached its target was astonishing. The Light Eaters were pulled apart, swept up and tossed into the air like weightless balloons. The tulmultous effect of uprooting the mass of dense energy and sending it in every direction looked so dramatic from Earth, it created as much fear as the disappearance of the sun.
The Wave tore through the main body of the Light Eaters, cleaving them apart with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel.
The Buzzin' Guns were in their element. The journey towards the Light Eaters had re-energised their systems, making them feel invincible. They steered the Wave around, above and over the remaining Light Eaters...their movements so swift, a blink of an eye and the action was over.
The dark mass of energy was scattered into a million pieces, filling the sky with giant, black matter as they rocketed in every direction...on course for oblivion. Now they had been forced apart, the Light Eaters no longer possessed the same strength and with their power weakened, they couldn't re-group.
Evil Eyes watched with growing agitation as the Wave claimed an amazing victory over his Light Eaters.
`Do something, Drawoc', hissed Evil Eyes.
`Like what', shouted Drawoc.
`You're in charge...think of something'
`I thought you said you had thought of everything. Look at this mess yoouu...'
Drawoc didn't finish the sentence. The sight that met his eyes took his breath away and robbed him of the power of speech. It also made him realise the futility of any further action.
The Light Eaters had begun to belch, sending showers of Light in every direction. Light rained down, filling the sky with glittering particles that were being drawn back to the Wave.
Still mute, Drawoc shook his head. His worst fears had been realised. He had been right to think the plan was too ambitious. Why had he let Evil Eyes talk him into this absurd idea - covering Earth in darkness.
Drawoc could feel his anger rising as he watched the Light Eaters throw up the Light they had dissolved. Evil Eyes was a fool and now he looked like one too. He should have known that dark and Light are as compatible as oil and water.
Maybe the Battle was lost but at least he would have the satisfaction of a victory over Evil Eyes. Drawoc set his Space Hopper on course for the Moan Dome...

`Hey look', shouted Menroc. `They're regurgitating the Light'.
`You know what this means...the Light Eaters cannot digest Light', cried Menroc, excitedly. `They can't keep it down'
The Chief Councillor smiled. `Exactly, my friend. It was only a question of time before they had to return it'
Menroc jerked his head in the direction of the Chief Councillor, staring open mouthed as he realised His Grace had always known the likely outcome. `You mean...you knew...you knew all along', murmured Menroc.
The Chief Councillor turned to Menroc, smiling. `But we had to let the energy play out the Battle'
`And Baby...you knew he would end up in the House of Demons'
The Chief Councillor gave Menroc a cool look. `Yes', he replied, coolly. `Baby had to face his fears and Drawoc was the only one who could help him'
`Whhaat...Drawoc', gasped Menroc
`Yes my friend', replied the Chief Councillor, calmly. `Used wisely, the dark is one of our greatest teachers. Drawoc sent Baby to the House of Demons. I knew Buzzin' would never leave Baby there, despite my instructions that nobody was to leave the Wave. Now look at Baby compared to when he left for the Battle'
Menroc had to admit it was true. Baby now possessed far more confidence because of his fearsome lessons in the House of Demons.
`I'm almost lost for words', was all Menroc could say, shaking his head.
`Then may I suggest we watch the fireworks', said the Chief Councillor smiling broadly. Menroc threw back his head, laughing. `You will never cease to amaze me, Your Grace'
`Good', smiled His Grace. `It's fun to be amazing'!

Evil Eyes was so shocked to see his beloved Light Eaters regurgitate the Light they had swallowed, his huge eyes shattered in a dozen pieces, impairing his focus and thus robbing him of much of his power. He could no longer send out dark rays of energy towards his adversaries.
Everywhere he looked he saw a dozen images of the same thing. Confused and disorientated, Evil Eyes was effectively disarmed...

The effect of the Light Eaters burping back the Light they'd swallowed, was incredible; particles of Light shot out of their mouths like shooting stars that broke up into a myriad of pieces, sending showers of Light in every direction. The sky had become host to a tremendous firework display!
There was no need for the Buzzin' Guns to attack the Light Eaters anymore...instead they held their positions and watched as the most wonderful conclusion took place. The sky was awash with colour and Light.
`I don't believe this', fumed Drawoc. `Not only have we been defeated, we're giving them a party!'
Vespa and Vespoola stared at the showers of Light cascading down around them...their faces masks of disappointment.
`Call this a battle. More like a celebration', snorted Vespoola. Vespa could only shake her head as she stared at the Light raining down. Her dreams of fighting one last big Battle had faded before her eyes.
`Told ya that Dragwort knowed nuthin' `bout battles', said Vespoola.
`This ain't doin' our street cred any favours, sis', sniffed Vespa.
`You's be right there. Maybe we should git ourselves gone', suggested Vespoola
Vespa nodded...somehow she didn't think there was any point in staying around.
`I's wiv you sis. Let's git outta `ere'...

The fighter pilots had been literally blinded by the Light. They didn't have time to think or react. Without warning, they were swept up and held by an immense Wave of Light that transported them away from the dark `cloud'.
The pilots instinctively reacted with fear. Nothing in their training had prepared them for the weirdness of being carried by a blinding Light force. Their aircraft felt like bolster wood compared to the strength of the Light. Encapsulated in their aircraft and isolated from their fellow pilots, each man felt more keenly his own mortality. Yet the Wave held them safe; there was nothing violent about the journey, despite its incredible speed. Even more noticeable was the sense of strength and calm that gradually filtered through to each man from the Wave's vibrational energy.
The Wave carried the aircraft forward until they were well away from the Light Eaters and back into the Earth's atmosphere. Then the Wave was gone.
The pilots felt dazed and amazed. Their instrument panels, rendered useless during their incredible journey, were now working and their aircraft right on course...
For Earth!

`Look at that', gasped Menroc. `The military are going back to Earth!'
`Exactly. Every situation has its own way of working out in the end, my friend'
`I'm sorry...sorry I didn't have more faith', said Menroc.
`Then you've learnt a very valuable lesson', smiled the Chief Councillor.
Menroc grinned...then threw his head back and laughed.
`So that's why you asked me here'...
`Kill two birds with one stone, I think is the expression', said the Chief Councillor, smiling...

Back To The Battle!

The Light carrying Buzzin and Baby back to the Wave hurtled through space like a comet...
The Light Eaters had grown immensely, much to Evil Eyes satisfaction. Drawoc, however, remained cynical, frustrated because of their increasing slowness.
`If they get any slower, they'll stop', he complained.
`Exactly. Once they've covered Earth we don't want them moving...do we', said Evil Eyes, derisively.
`I suppose', Drawoc, grudgingly admitted.
`Soon we will have control of Earth. Think Drawoc. This is our finest hour'
`Not quite. There's still the rest of the Buzzin' Guns and what remains of the Wave'
`Well, you've taken care of Buzzin' Gun. I'm sure you'll manage the others. As for the Wave, the Light Eaters will take care of that'
Drawoc lips curled at the thought of Buzzin' Gun trapped in the House of Demons. He congratulated himself on executing such a clever move. But there was no time to indulge in his reverie. The Wave was heading towards him, once more...

Menroc shook his head; his heart felt heavy with despair. Despite the valiant efforts of the rest of the Buzzin' Guns, they were loosing the Battle. At least, it looked that way.
`It doesn't look good'
`All is not lost, my friend', said the Chief Councillor. `Don't forget, we are witnessing a power struggle between two energies - Light and Dark and the balance of power can shift anytime'.
`We need it to shift soon', sighed Menroc. `Look...', he said pointing to another part of the Screen of Life. The US military where in the final stages of preparing for a military offensive against the Light Eaters.; other countries were also preparing to send their own military aircraft.
`If they launch an attack...' Menroc's voice trailed off. He didn't want to put into words what could happen. If the aggressive energy of the military collided with the Light Eaters, it would surely create a vortex and probably suck Earth into a oblivion!
`Time is running out'
`The tide always turns when it is at its lowest ebb', said the Chief Councillor.
` Look, Your Grace', said one of the elders pointing to the Screen of Life.
Menroc and the Chief Councillor followed the gaze of the elder. Sure enough, a comet shaped sphere of Light was blazing a trail towards the Wave.
Menroc held his breath as he watched the progress of the comet. The elders leaned forward, their faces bright with expectation.
`This is what we have been waiting for', murmured the Chief Councillor.
All at once the comet shattered, bursting into a thousand particles like a magnificent firework as it joined forces and blended with the Wave.
Then the particles of Light scattered, revealing Buzzin' and Baby standing on the Wave. Buzzin' tall, commanding, victorious; Baby grinning from ear to ear but with a new-found air of confidence.
Menroc gasped at the best sight he'd seen since the Battle began. `They're back', he cried. `Buzzin' got Baby out of the House of Demons'
The Chief Councillor smiled `Buzzin' and faith got Baby through that ordeal and they will do the same again with the Battle'
`Am I pleased to see them back' grinned Menroc.
`Now watch the balance of power change', said the Chief Councillor...

The rest of the gang could hardly believe their eyes. Buzzin' and Baby were back! They knew Buzzin' was more than capable of rescuing Baby; what they didn't know was how long it would take. For a few short moments they forgot about the Battle, rejoicing in Buzzin' and Baby's safe return. Although they had remained cool in Buzzin's absence, having him back on board reinforced their confidence and it would show Drawoc what he was up against. The gang whooped and hollered their joy, punching the air as they circled round Buzzin' and Baby.
`Hey man, its great to see you two back', cried Foxy
`It's great to be back', said Buzzin.
`Hey, Baby...you OK?'. The three women circled around Baby, looking concerned.
`I'm cool...really cool thanks', said Baby, standing with his feet apart and his thumbs jammed into his belt.
Baby's new found air of confidence made the rest of the gang stare; then suddenly they all threw their heads back, laughing but Baby remained unmoved.
`Hey look', cried Baby. `The Light Eaters are trembling'
Everyone turned in the direction of the Light Eaters. For a moment they just stared at them, looking bewildered. The Light Eaters were shaking, trying to shrink back as if they were afraid.
`Has this happened before', said Buzzin
`No', replied Golden King. ` First time we've seen them do this'
`P'raps they didn't like the sound of laughter', suggested Baby.
`You could be right there, Baby', said Buzzin', slowly.
` It would make sense. They wouldn't like anything light', said Quicksilver.
`What do you suggest guys...we laugh ourselves hoarse', said Angel.
`Cool way to win a battle...with laughter', said Jethro
`They're sensitive to the vibration of laughter', said Buzzin', thoughtfully.
`They've grown but they're much slower', explained Golden King.
Buzzin' remained silent whilst the others filled him in with the details of their attempts to stop the Light Eaters.
`We've attacked them from every angle...even cutting through them but they still manage to devour the Light', said Quicksilver.
`Yeah...that's the problem. As soon as the Light comes into contact with them, it disappears', explained Golden King.
Buzzin' nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never straying from the mass of dark energy in front of him.
`We need to do something to tip the balance', said Funnybone.
`We'll retreat' suggested Buzzin. `Let Drawoc think we've given up and left him to it'.
`Then what', said Jethro.
The rest of the gang looked puzzled. No one had thought of leaving the Battle.
`Then we return at such a high speed, they'll wonder what hit them. The impact should send them into oblivion'
The gang's faces broke out into big grins of approval. This was more like it. Trust Buzzin' to come up with a dramatic plan... simple but obvious. It made sense; the Light Eaters were so slow and the Wave could move at astonishing speeds; if they attacked the Wave from a greater distance, the impact would surely send them hurtling into space. It was worth a try.
`Sounds good', said Saphyr.
`Yeah, but guys...won't they re-group again?', said Star, looking concerned.
`At the rate they're movin', it'll take a few hundred years, babe', replied Buzzin', confidently.
`That doesn't sound such a long time in these circumstances', said Star.
`It's long enough. OK guys. There's no time to waste. Lets do it', ordered Buzzin'. `Let's get this sorted out once and for all'
They positioned themselves ready to be pulled back by the Wave. Without warning, the Wave snapped back as if it was on a piece of elastic. The mass of Light Eaters suddenly grew smaller, disappearing before their eyes.
It felt strange to be retreating and the gang knew that victory depended on this idea of Buzzin's...


Drawoc had witnessed Buzzin's return with a sense of disbelief and mounting fury.
`Look who's back'. Evil Eyes voice cackled over the air waves. `Your opposite number'
`I can see that', rasped Drawoc, his nostril flaring with rage.
`Your plan didn't work'
`Do you always have to state the obvious', snarled Drawoc. He knew Buzzin' would survive the House of Demons but he'd hoped that finding the child would take forever...at least long enough to conquer Earth. Now he was back with the child who glowed with confidence, attracting more Light energy.
`Well...what is your next move', persisted Evil Eyes
`I'm going to play it by ear - what d'you think'
`I didn't put you in charge of the Light Eaters to play. You'd better be quick'
`QUICK', shouted Drawoc. `With that army of snails!'
Suddenly, a blinding flash of light streaked passed Drawoc. It was the Wave. Drawoc watched, his eyes narrowing into slits as the Buzzin's Guns disappeared into the distance. The Wave retreated until it was nothing more than a thin streak of light on the horizon. To Drawoc's surprise it disappeared altogether.
Drawoc felt rattled. Buzzin' Gun didn't give up; it wasn't in his nature to behave like a defeatist, yet he had left the Battle. It didn't add up.
`It looks as though they've handed us victory on a plate'
`Looks', said Drawoc with heavy emphasise, `can be deceiving. They're up to something'
`In the meantime the Light Eaters can continue to make progress', said Evil Eyes
`I don't like this. I don't like it at all'...
Drawoc scanned the horizon for any sign of Light. There was none. Yet the air had become heavy with expectation, leaving him in no doubt that Buzzin' was up to something. Could they have returned to reinforce the Wave with more Light, he wondered. He turned towards the Light Eaters; they resembled fat balloons...incapable of moving at a significant rate. How could he win the Battle with a stationery army? He also noticed how they had trembled, shrinking back from the Wave.
`The calm before the storm, eh Drawoc', said Evil Eyes, breaking into his train of thought.
`That's what it feels like'
`You'd better prepare'
`And do what', snapped Drawoc. `Your Light Eaters may have multiplied but now they're practically immobile. What use is that is to me. Whether you like it or not Evil Eyes, we're impotent...sitting ducks. Movement matters...its everything in war'
`Let them move. Let them charge. The Light Eaters will devour the Wave as soon as it comes into contact with it. They don't need to move anymore...just multiply'
`I suppose you're right', conceded Drawoc. `That being the case, there is nothing to do but wait'
`Keep an eye on those others', instructed Evil Eyes. Drawoc threw a glance in the direction of Vespa and her sister. Spitfire and Slasher were had resumed their antics and were riding on the back of a clump of Light Eaters.
Drawoc zoomed towards them in his Space Hopper.
`Was gooin' on, Dragwort. Call this a battle', sniffed Vespa
`We're having a tea break, but don't worry... normal action will be resumed shortly', said Drawoc, sarcastically.
`You's betta be right', said Vespoola. `We's here to see sum action'
`Oh you will. You will see plenty of action', replied Drawoc, scanning the horizon for any sign of the Wave.
He knew they would return. And he also knew the Wave would travel so fast its impact could have dire results for the Light Eaters.
In the meantime the atmosphere was electric...alive with expectation and anticipation
But there was nothing to do except wait..

Far below on a US military base, the final arrangements were being put into place to launch a military attack against the `black cloud'. Rockets and missiles had been loaded on board the most up to date military aircraft, capable of surpassing the speeds and heights achieved by `normal' military aircraft. These high tech machines could travel at colossal speeds. But the there was one big drawback; only a small number of men were qualified to fly these super aircraft. If the mission failed, there were no replacement aircraft..nor would there be anymore men to fly them!
`Gentlemen...this is a mission with a difference' The voice of the commander in Chief echoed around the aircraft hanger.
`Success of this mission is essential not just for the stability of the US...but the rest of the world'. The Commander in Chief chose his words very carefully. He realised the importance of sending these men into battle with a positive image...one that epitimised the importance of their mission. `Make no mistake, if you get this right, you will be heroes. The world will be indebted to you'
The chosen few cast furtive glances at each other. They were fighting blind. No one knew what the hell that black stuff was up there and if it was causing such turmoil down here, what were they flying into?

Lost In The Living Labyrinth of Fear

Buzzin had long since sensed the urgency of the situation taking place between the Light Eaters and the rest of the gang. Even in the House of Demons you could not escape vibrational energy and those vibrations carried their own message. Time was running out! He had to get back to the battle but Baby needed him. There was no way he could leave Baby alone. But how many more fears did Baby have to face...one or a dozen? Somehow, Buzzin had to speed things up.
`Baby, listen to me. You must keep thinking of Light...not just when you're facing your fears but all the time. Imagine Light around you NOW and keep holding the image in your mind'
`Now'
`Yeah. Think of the Wave of Light all the time', urged Buzzin. `Remember, if the Wave of Light can defeat the Light Eaters, it can take care of your fears. We're needed back on the Wave. Somethin's going on and we must get back to help the others'
`OK. I'll try'
Baby desparately wanted to get out of the dark and back to the rest of the gang. He wanted to feel free and happy once more...riding the Wave. But hadn't he been afraid of the Wave...not trusting it to hold him safe? And his fear had brought him here...to the House of Demons. But he was also learning about Light and how to use it to conquer his fears. If he got back on the Wave, he would never feel afraid again. He knew now that he could trust the Light; he could also rely on the dark to produce whatever he was afraid of. Baby took a deep breath, closed his eyes and tried to focus all his energy on the Light. But as Baby closed his eyes he could feel the dark crowding in on him once more.
Instead of thinking of the Light, Baby found himself worrying about the next monster.
Buzzin sensed the change in Baby.
`Think of the Light and how much you've achieved so far not what you're about to face', advised Buzzin'
`OK', said Baby, tremulously.
Baby could feel the dark separating him from Buzzin. As the dark pulled him, he tried to stem the flow of fear that threatened to overwhelm him but until he knew what lay in wait, he found it almost impossible to think of the Light and without Light how could he make his fear disappear?
Suddenly, Baby found himself at the entrance to a narrow passage. Baby stood on the threshold, his heart pounding against his chest. He didn't want to go down that passage; something lay in wait for him and the passage stretched on endlessly.
But the dark responded to his thoughts and pulled him over the threshold. Baby's footsteps echoed, their sound eerily magnified by the heavy silence surrounding him.
Each step took him further away from Buzzin and that thought alone made Baby feel afraid. Buzzin' always knew what to do in any situation.
Baby tried to turn and retrace his steps but the dark, cold and unyielding, pushed him onwards, further away from his protector and friend.
Baby had no choice. He made his way along the narrow chasm that seemed to stretch into eternal darkness and isolation. Suddenly the passage turned, sending Baby in a different direction. As Baby stumbled on, he began to sense that the passage was responding to his fear.
Instinctively, he reached out tentative fingers and touched the walls. But as the flesh of his fingers met the cold, damp surface, his heart lurched and his body gave an involuntary shudder. The walls pulsated, yielding to his touch. Baby quickly snatched his hand away, his body shaking with revulsion; his throat constricted, trapping his breath until he began to gasp for air. In that moment, Baby realised there was no monster to face. The passage was the monster.
It was ALIVE! A living, breathing organism of endless, pulsating passages that responded to his thoughts and touch...existing on his fear!
Baby's stomach convulsed as he realised he was trapped in an oblivion of living tunnels that would never let him escape or rest.
Buzzin' couldn't be near him, not now. The dark had separated them forever.
Baby felt overwhelmed by the horror of the situation.
The walls responded to his reaction and closed in on him until he could feel the pressure of their touch squeezing him with a softness that repulsed him, their cold breathe on his cheek, their pulsating softness as near to him as his own heartbeat.
He was LOST...swallowed up by eternal darkness in a living labyrinth of fear!
Baby tried to fight a rising tide of nausea but still the darkness forced him on. The labyrinth twisted and turned more frequently, taking him in every direction that went nowhere.
With growing despair, Baby noticed his footsteps felt uneven; the floor of the labyrinth had begun to rise with every intake of breath.
He was in a maze that not only breathed but sapped his strength. Baby's head began to ache with the weight of his fear.
`Fear strengthens your doubts and weakens your faith. Only Light can conquer fear'
The words had a will o' the wisp quality...delicate and transient, like a gentle breath of fresh air. Yet they had the strength to renew Baby's hope.
Buzzin' was waiting, willing him to use the Light.
He had to focus on the Light...something he hadn't attempted since he stepped into the laybrinth.
But the darkness wouldn't allow him to stop...it pushed him onwards through the labyrinth now twisting and turning so frequently, he felt giddy and disorientated.
Baby closed his eyes and tried to ignore the touch of the walls, the undulating floor and the pull of the dark. In a moment of clarity, Baby realised that the dark could only pull him because of his fear. Without fear the dark would have no hold on him. But the labyrinth was alive, it could read his thoughts. Suddenly, the floor
heaved, causing Baby to loose his balance and topple forward. How could he concentrate on the Light when the labyrinth knew his thoughts?
But Buzzin's words and their urgency about returning to the Wave penetrated the fog in Baby's mind.
The Wave. That was it! The floor felt like the Wave...rising and falling. All he had to do was pretend he was on the Wave every time it moved. The idea spurred Baby on, renewing his hope. He would use the labyrinth to escape!
Baby imagined the Wave of Light rising and falling in time with each movement...the snake like undulations no longer represented the dark...he could imagine they were working to his advantage. Baby closed his eyes, ignoring the pressure of the walls but the floor convulsed, sending a shudder of fear through his body. Baby steadied himself and drew in his breath, forcing himself to imagine the Wave of Light cascading down, like a giant waterfall.
All at once, Baby sensed the Light enveloping him in its brilliance. At the same time, the dark released its hold and the walls begin to fall away. Baby could feel his fear begin to evaporate as the balance of energy shifted. He opened his eyes. The entrance to the labyrinth was slowly disappearing...shrinking back into the darkness where it would await another victim of fear.
As Baby watched he vowed never to be trapped again...by anything. If fear created monsters and took you away from those you loved, trapping you in darkness, then he would practice staying in the Light.
The labyrinth finally disappeared but the Light continued to grow, surrounding Baby in its brilliance.
Baby spun round, searching the Light for any signs of darkness - there were none. He let out a gasp as he realised sunk in. He was finally free...free from the darkness of his mind. Free from the House of Demons!
`I'm FREE' he shrieked, punching the air with joy. `Buzzin', I'm FREE. I'm free'
Buzzin was there, beside him, laughing at Baby's joy.
`Hey, fella. You've done something wonderful. You've conquered the House of Demons and all your fears. Well done, Baby'
`Wow', gasped Baby, as he took in the meaning of Buzzin's words. `I conquered the House of Demons. Wow! How cool is that'
`Really, cool...and then some'
`Wow. I did it, Buzzin' - I did it', cried Baby ecstatically.
`I knew you could. Now you know how to conquer fear. You've learnt one of the most valuable lessons. Now listen, we've got to get back to the others'
`Yeah. I can't wait. The Light will take us, huh'
`That's right, so hold on fella'
Baby could feel the Light cocooning him. Then all at once it was speeding towards the Wave and the rest of the gang.
Buzzin' and Baby were free at last...free to fight another Battle!

As Above, So Below

Earth trembled under the impact of the war in the sky.
Flashes of light brighter than a summers day lit up the darkening world followed by the blackest interludes. This strange phenomenon created a wave of panic that vibrated across the world.
`Mr President...sir, would you please re-consider your decision to launch a military attack. What's going on up there has more to do with environmental pollution. We need to find out more before we take any action', implored Greg Schooster.
The President studied the young man standing before him. He didn't doubt that Greg Schooster knew his stuff when it came to science. He was, after all, one of the world's best brains on the subject of environmental issues but the world was careering out of control. Regardless of what was causing the bizarre occurrences, a military attack would send a warning signal to those who were trying to take matters into their own hands. And there were plenty! Religious leaders; groups of terrorists; power hungry militants of some of the poorer countries, besides every rogue and criminal who was determined to help themselves and hang the consequences. This situation had opened the floodgates to everyone with a hidden agenda. He had no choice. As President of the most powerful country in the world, he had to demonstrate to the rest of the world that America was still in control. If he didn't do something, it could be taken as a sign of weakness...an inability to take control of a worsening situation. What a message to the terrorists of the world!
No...as much as he sympathised with Greg Schooster, his thinking behind his decision made sense.
`I can't do that. I won't. My decision remains unchanged', said the President, determinedly.
Greg Schooster's shoulders visibly sunk. He looked at the President but instead of seeing the most powerful man in the world, he could only see chaos!



The Brotherhood continued to follow events on the Screen of Life.
`I wish I'd gone with them', said Menroc, despairingly. Crazy as it seemed, he felt somehow responsible for the situation. He now wished he'd intervened when the His Grace insisted on Baby going along. The decision perplexed him at the time and still did. There had to be a reason. His Grace would not have knowingly put the child in danger...
`This is a task for the Buzzin' Guns alone', said the Chief Councillor interrupting Menroc's train of thought.
`If only Buzzin' where back on the Wave. I can't bear to think of Baby in that...that place'
`There is a reason for everything and an answer to every problem. Lack of faith always makes the lesson harder. Don't forget Menroc...we are all tested. All of us'
Menroc smiled, weakly. There was a crumb of comfort in the Chief's words.
`Some test this is, huh'
`Nothing is what it seems. Try and have more faith, my friend'
Encouraged by the Chief Councillors last words, Menroc began to feel calmer. Of course His Grace was right, in any event he should have more faith. Faith turned dreams into reality; faith gave people hope in the most difficult circumstances.
Menroc felt disappointed in himself but then this was the Final Conflict - the Mother of Battles being waged to decide Earth's future! And he never dreamt that Baby would be pulled from the protection of the Wave or imagined Buzzin' leaving the Wave and the battle. What else could he do? If Buzzin hadn't gone after Baby, the child would never escape from the House of Demons.
Menroc knew the House of Demons could holds its victims forever, locked in their own fear. He shuddered at the thought. Yes, Buzzin' had done right to go after Baby but if only they would return...soon.
`They will return, my friend', said the Chief Councillor, reading Menroc's thoughts.
`Yes', thought Menroc. But will it be in time. Drawoc had executed a brilliant move drawing Baby towards him. Baby's own fear had created a magnet for Drawoc and that's what Menroc didn't understand. Knowing Baby's fear would set up a magnetic field, why send him? It was like handing the child to Drawoc on a plate!
Menroc couldn't rid himself of the idea that His Grace had played right into Drawoc's hands...and if he had, then it brought his wisdom into question and Menroc found that incomprehensible. No...he wouldn't go there.
He knew is own fear, fuelled by the current situation, stood between him and understanding His Grace's motives for sending Baby.
Menroc stole a glance at the calm countenance, wishing he could calm his own doubts. He turned back to the Screen of Life; the Light Eaters had grown enormously and the Wave had diminished significantly. It didn't look good.
But the rest of the gang were doing an excellent job...surfing the Wave like a group of joy riders. They sure made it look like fun...taking the Wave above, around and through the Light Eaters at breathtaking speeds.
Despite his misgivings Menroc smiled as he watched Drawoc trying to dodge the Wave of Light speeding towards him once again. Drawoc's Space Hopper was no match for the Wave. He had his work cut out trying to keep out of the way, command the Light Eaters and deal with Evil Eyes ranting his orders.
Yet it was the military powers on Earth that had become the biggest concern. Their determination to launch an assault on the mysterious black `cloud' had created a time limit. If the assault went ahead it could create a `black hole'and send Earth into oblivion as well as other galaxies. Menroc grimaced. Buzzin had to get back to the Wave in time...he had to. He was Buzzin' Gun...the coolest.
`We don't have much more time left before the military launch their attack on the Light Eaters', said Menroc, voicing his fears.
`Two hours', replied His Grace, without taking his eyes from the Screen of Life.
Two hours for Buzzin' and Baby to get back to the Wave and win the Battle!
Menroc could feel a battle taking place within him!

Baby & The Isolation Box

No sooner had Baby triumphed over the dragon when the dark claimed him once more, separating him from Buzzin'.
As Baby waited, he felt the familiar feeling of anxiety growing from the pit of his stomach. Another monster of his making was about to materialise out of the dark.
`Remember, the dark represents the fear within you but the Light makes it disappear', said Buzzin.
`I...I just wish it didn't seem so bad each time', said Baby, sounding nervous.
`You can do it'. Buzzin's voice came from far away.
The dark began to close in on him, wrapping itself around him until he felt as though he was enclosed in a steel blanket. Baby gasped as the dark held him in a vice like grip. Something was different this time.
Where was the monster and why was the dark holding him tighter than ever?
Suddenly, a box descended, trapping him. Baby struggled. Panicking, he pushed with all his might against the sides of the box but it seemed to respond to his fear and closed in on him until he felt it crushing his body.
Terrified, Baby couldn't stop his fear from growing. He tried to cry out but the sound died in his throat. This was worse than all of the other monsters because the DARK was the MONSTER! A fresh wave of panic engulfed him as he fought to free himself but it was no use. Exhausted, he gave up struggling and closed his eyes. He'd always been afraid of the dark ever since he could remember; the dark was home to so many scarey things and now his fear had materialised. He was entombed...unable to escape from the very thing that had always frightened him!
The thought of never being unable to escape from the box terrified him. He began to suffocate and could almost hear his heart thudding against his chest as he fought for breath, but the box felt like a heavy metal jacket pushing down on him.
`Light...use the Light', the words were barely a whisper but they came out of the darkness and seemed to be charged with power...the power Baby needed to free him.
He knew he had to concentrate and focus on the Light...otherwise he would be buried forever.
Somewhere in the dark Buzzin' was still with him...waiting for him to work his magic. Magic! Light was magic and could overcome any monster.
Baby had to think of the Light..imagine the beautiful Wave and its dazzling, brilliance. He could almost feel the Light penetrate the dark in his head.
Baby thought of Buzzin'...so cool, he was with him in the House of Demons...guiding him through. The Light began to grow, dissolving the fear that had drawn the darkness to him. The tension begant to drain away, instantly making him feel lighter. Baby could feel the box move away, releasing him from its confines.
He watched as the box that had held him captive a few moments ago shrunk, disappearing into the darkness.
`It's gone', cried Baby, as the box disappeared. `I did it again, Buzzin'
`Well done, fella. You did great'. Buzzin' was by his side once more.
`That was horrible...the worse one so far'
`The Isolation Box, huh! But you still did it...you're learning how to get rid of fear and that's what it's all about, Baby'
`Yeah, but I wanna go back to the others. I've had enough, Buzzin', said Baby, sounding weary.
Buzzin' could hear the tiredness in Baby's voice. The little guy had done great so far but how much more was there to come...and more importantly, how much more could Baby take!