Continuing on from 'Whatever happened to Rumbo Rabbit?'...



Many nights had passed since Nebulas last attack on TIME mountain. Things had been peaceful and many were thinking that Nebula wouldn’t strike, well only the people that knew he existed in the first place…

With Rumbo resigning as Guardian of TIME, TIME had to find another rabbit, a rabbit that knew something about TIME and would be willing to help save it whenever necessary. People like Talec and Rumbo, although unique, could easily be replaced. TIME eventually came up with one candidate, an orange rabbit with the name Jelze.



Talec had gone back to his mountain and realised how boring his life was becoming. He decided to meet some old friends back at the Carrotus Castle. Travelling many miles, by foot and by other means, he eventually reached the castle, about a day after leaving for it.

At the front gates were two familiar looking guards, who had been on patrol since Blade had tried to attack Carrotus. When they saw Talec they greeted him with a smile, yet stayed at their posts like they were supposed to.

‘Carry on, gents!’ Talec said back, nodding to them with appreciation. Talec already felt much better.

From entering the castle he found two other familiar faces, one in the shape of a green heroic rabbit chasing another smaller, yet still as fast red rabbit, who had a steak tucked firmly in his grasp.

‘GIVE THAT BACK, SPAZ!’ Jazz Jackrabbit, Prince of Carrotus demanded, ‘THE QUEEN WANTS SUCH A STEAK AND IT IS NOT YOURS!’

‘Hey, hey, hey!’ Spaz Jackrabbit replied, ‘I only want a bit of it…’

‘Same old, Spaz, same old Jazz.’

Both turned at the newcomer.

‘Same old, same old, huh guys?’

‘Talec!’ Jazz said with a warm welcome, ‘What are you doing here? How have you been?’

‘Thought I’d visit you guys!’ Talec replied as Spaz stopped, accidentally dropping the steak onto the floor, ‘How’s things here?’

‘Great!’ Jazz replied, ‘Lori’s getting married to Dr J and we can’t wait for the wedding!’

‘Really, I must say…’

‘Congratulations?’ came a voice from behind Talec. He turned round and saw the beautiful, 19 year old Lori Jackrabbit that he remembered. Behind her was Dr Jones, his arms cuddling her from around the shoulders. She held onto them with caring hands.

‘Lori…’ Talec said, walking towards her, ‘I can’t believe it. Still as beautiful as you ever was…’

Lori blushed. Dr Jones cuddled her more.

‘Yup she certainly is,’ Dr Jones replied with a wide smile, ‘and soon she’ll be my beautiful princess.’

Lori’s ears went red, ‘Thank you both,’ she said, ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Thought I’d pop in, see how the old gangs coming along. I can see that not a lot has changed…’

‘Um…’ Lori started, ‘is Rumbo with you at all?’

Talec was at first silent. He first of all remembered the fight they had up at TIME mountain, then how Rumbo had told Talec about a letter he was going to leave her, ‘I am afraid not. He is up at TIME mountain…protecting the TIME stone from any further attacks…’

‘I didn’t think he did that!’ Dr Jones replied with wonder.

‘Yes…well,’ Talec started, ‘you see, Rumbo quit as the Guardian of TIME. He left it a few days ago and now lives alone. He appears to be unhappy in many proportions.’

Lori fell silent. So did the rest of them. They didn’t know what to say. They remembered when Rumbo left them last, looking sad and confused.



Talec went further inside and met with the Queen of Carrotus, plus a few other guests who had turned up that day, Jelze and Black Sheep.



Meanwhile…in the deepest parts of TIME, the forbidden world…





‘So, Rumbo thinks he can protect the TIME stone, does he? Thinks he can stop me, the creator of all worlds from taking what is rightfully mine? Pah! I shall show him, for I shall use my powers on him and see what he will do then! But my dear brother, the keeper’, I fear that you will try to stop me…If you do I shall destroy you….’



….He sat alone…patiently waiting….waiting for any encounter….but really he wasn’t prepared…far from it…not with what happened next….



As Talec sat around a small picnic table with the Queen, Eva, Jazz, Spaz, Lori, Dr Jones, Jelze and Black Sheep, drinking fresh carrot juice straight from the fridge, they began to wander through endless chats …

‘So…’ Jelze started, ‘How is Rumbo then?’

Talec didn’t reply. He didn’t know what to say.

‘Um…did I say something wrong?’ Jelze asked with sympathy.

‘No, friend,’ Talec started, ‘it is just that Rumbo…well, isn’t the same anymore…’

‘How do you mean?’ Lori asked. Dr Jones looked at her eyes, her over-caring eyes.

‘Rumbo…he’s not the self centred rabbit I thought him to be. He’s more a caring and loving person then I could ever had imagined…’

‘Oh…’ Spaz said, ‘so you say he’s up at TIME mountain, Talec?’

‘….’

‘Talec, are you alright?’

Talec suddenly stopped speaking and was now listening to thoughts within his head. Something was wrong. It was TIME, telling him something…

‘…Nebula is attacking again, this time rumbo…he will soon take his mind. You must leave now…’

‘Oh my god.’ Talec said out loud.

‘What on Carrotus is the matter?’ the Queen asked, noticing his fear.

‘Its Rumbo,’ he said, ‘he’s in grave danger!’

Talec suddenly got up from the table and headed in the direction of TIME mountain, leaving the castle. It was about 2 miles away so he would have to move fast. Everyone else present, including the Queen and Eva, went after him. Lori was deeply concerned…