Atomic Talonia: Year Two
Chapter Nine
By Max Jordan

Atomic Talonia and all related characters are copyright to Cartoon Network
and Atomic Cartoons.

Talonia, Trixie and Sepia were in the library. They were huddled around a table, neck deep in text books. Talonia sighed.

Talonia: It's almost time, you know.

Trixie: Hmm?

Talonia: Neuromeena, Valeria and Montona. They should just be finishing up breakfast. Any minute now, they'll be heading to class and then...

Sepia patted Talonia's hand.

Sepia: Don't beat yourself up, Talonia, we had no control over the
situation.

Trixie: Yeah, I guess that's just somethin ya gotta get used to in the Galactic Guardians. Havin to do what you're told, wether ya want to or not. Kinda like livin at home, I guess.

Talonia chuckled softly.

Talonia: I suppose we should move to the dorm area, now. I want to be well out of the way when they come in.

Trixie: Yeah, may as well get started. Sepia, ya need any help there?

Sepia: No, I think I can manage.

The three girls, began slowly making their way back towards their dorm area. Their arms were piled high with books.

Trixie: Man, either we gotta stop takin so many electives, or we gotta start workin out more.

Sepia: I know what you mean. I can barely see over my stack. Hey what the?

The other two girls had just stopped short and Sepia had bumped into Trixie. She barely managed to keep hold of her books.

Sepia: Trixie, what's the big idea?

Talonia: Sepia, door.

Sepia: Huh?

Talonia: Our door, Sepia, look at our door.

Sepia: What are you...

She stopped short and gasped. Sepia had seen why the other two had stopped short. There, outside the door to their dorm area, stood Monotona. Previously the looks that Talonia and Trixie had seen on the girl's face had ranged from bored, to annoyed, to smug.

But, this was different. For the first time, Monotona just looked angry. It was clear that she had just been banging on the door, and was waiting impatiently for an answer. The three girls ducked back into the rotunda.

Talonia: Now what do we do, we can't just stand out here all day?

Trixie: No sweat, we'll just go around and in through the patio.

Sepia: No.

Trixie: Huh?

Sepia: We're going in through the door.

Talonia: Sepia...

Sepia: No, Talonia, we have to deal with this, sooner or later.

Talonia: Are you sure you're up to this?

Sepia: No, but what choice do I have? I can't keep dodging her all year.

The three stepped into the hallway.

Sepia: Monotona.

The girl wheeled around, and spotted them.

Sepia: I need to talk to you a minute.

Monotona: Talk to me?

Sepia: Please, let me explain. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I didn't...

Sepia was cut off by Monotona's fist colliding with her face. The girl was thrown back onto her backside. Trixie and Talonia stepped between the two girls.

Trixie: HEY, BACK OFF! She was trying to tell you she didn't have a choice. The teachers ordered all the older cadets not to tell the first years about the test. If she had said anything, they would have kicked her out of here.

Sepia: TRIXIE, NO!

The girls turned to looked at Sepia, who was slowly getting up. She had the beginnings of what appeared to be a nose bleed.

Sepia: This is between me and Montona, please, leave her alone.

Trixie glared at Monotona, but backed up a bit. Sepia stepped forward.

Sepia: I assure you, Monotona, I didn't enjoy having to keep it from you. But, the teachers gave me no alternative. And anyway, I know a way I can make it up to you.

Monotona: What are you talking about?

Sepia: One of the tests on the exam is a swimming test. IF they find out you can't swim, they'll send you home, for sure.

Monotona: That's ridiculous, why would it be on this test, when it wasn't on the entrance exam?

Sepia: Because they assumed you already knew how. Swimming is such a basic necessity for Galactic Guardians, they assumed no one would ever apply to the academy without knowing.

Monotona: And, I'm an idiot for not realizing that?

Sepia: I didn't say that.

Montona: So, you're saying that I don't have a chance? That I'm going to fail, and get kicked out?

Sepia: Not necessarily, there is one chance.

Monotona: What are you talking about?

Sepia: If the first year exams are relatively the same from one year to the next, then the swimming test won't be for a few days.
     
Monotona put her hands on her hips.

Monotona: So what? You said they'd kick me out if they found out. I can't exactly ask to take a swimming class.

Sepia: True, but the gym stays open all night during test week. It's fairly deserted late at night, which means it's perfect for private lessons, with me.

Monotona: You?

Sepia: They said I couldn't tell you about the exams, but they never said I couldn't help you study. I can teach you how to swim. We can't do much in a few days, but I should be able to show you enough to get you past the exam. Then we can take our time and I can teach you properly.

Monotona: Why would you help me?

Sepia: Think of it as my way of making up for not being able to tell you.

Monotona stood, glaring at Sepia.

Monotona: Very well, but no one else knows about this, agreed?

Sepia: Agreed.

Without another word, Monotona turned, and stormed away.

Talonia and Trixie helped Sepia to her feet.

Trixie: You sure about this?

Sepia: Yes. this might be my one chance to finally make peace with Monotona, I'm not going to pass it up. Anyway come on, we've got work of our own to do.

The girls began picking up books.

Later, the girls slunk back into the living room. Talonia sat at the desk, while Trixie collapsed on the couch. Sepia sat on a nearby chair, catching her breath.

Trixie: Man, you'd think we'd be used to this by now.

Talonia: You never get used to an entire day of testing.

Sepia: I'd better get going. I have to meet Montona in half an hour, and I REALLY need a hot chocolate before I do.

Talonia: Sepia, are you sure you'll be alright?

Sepia: Don't worry, I can manage. See you later.

Sepia walked out. Trixie shook her head.

Trixie: I get the whole trying to make peace thing, but that girl is nuts.

Monotona stood next to a shallow swimming pool in the gym. She was wearing the standard white bathing suit. Sepia walked in, also in a bathing suit.

Monotona: About time.

Sepia: Sorry, you wouldn't believe the line in the cafeteria, especially this late at night. So, how did your first day of testing go?

Monotona: Well enough. No offense, but I didn't come here for small talk.

Sepia: Alright, I'll start by demonstrating the basic moves, then we'll go through them, one at a time.

Later, Talonia and Trixie sat in the living room, playing a card game. The door opened, and Sepia walked in. She spotted the two, and gaped.

Sepia: It's two in the morning, what are you still doing up?

Trixie: We, waited up for ya.

Sepia: You didn't have to do that.

Talonia: It's alright, Sepia, so how did it go?

Sepia lowered her head.

Sepia: Terrible, we barely got anywhere. Four hours, and we didn't even cover all of the basics. If this keeps up, there's no chance Monotona will be ready in time.

Talonia: Don't worry, Sepia, I'm sure you'll manage. You just have to stay positive.

Sepia: I hope so, Talonia, I really hope so.

Talonia ran down a long corridor, she was carrying a bo staff. She skidded around a corner, without slowing down and bolted down another corridor. Three floating, metal orbs soon followed her. They orbs shot stun beams at Talonia. She ducked and dodged as best she could.

Finally, Talonia swung the staff, sending one of the stum beams back. It hit one of the orbs. The orb veered off course, and smacked into a wall. The other two orbs sped up.

Talonia: Oh, come on.

Talonia picked up her own pace, beginning to pant slightly. The orbs sent more beams after her. Talonia began weaving down the hallway. At one point she jumped, rebounded off the wall and narrowly avoided two beams.

Talonia: Where is it, where is it? AH, HA!

Talonia spotted a finish line, and poured everything she had into speed. Her bobbing and weaving intensified.

Talonia: YES, I'M GOING TO MAKE IT, I'M GOING TO MAKE IT...YEOW!

Talonia landed across the finish line, clutching her now slightly smoking tail in her hand. A teacher came over to her.

Teacher: Very good, you're dodging skills are improving. Ok, you can head to the infirmary now.

Talonia walked off, growling slight. She headed down to the infirmary and spotted Trixie, who was holding an ice pack on her head.

Trixie: Hey, Talonia.

Talonia: Lemme guess, staff defense?

Trixie: Funny, real funny. So, what happened to you?

Talonia: Running defense training, stupid stun beam got me right on the tail.

Trixie: Ooh, bet that hurt. Haven't seen much of Trixie today, have you?

Talonia: No, between testing and Monotona she's been running herself ragged the last two days.

Trixie: Yeah, and the swimming test is tomorrow. Man, I hope she isn't biting off more than she can chew.

Talonia: Speaking of which, want to head to the commisary, as soon as I get this looked at?

Trixie: Sounds like a plan.

Later that night, Sepia and Monotona entered the pool area.

Sepia: Ok, we haven't really gotten as far as I thought we would, but don't worry. You've been showing progress and I've got a good feeling about this.

Monotona: Oh, knock it off.

Sepia: Huh?

Monotona: Don't patronize me. The swimming test is tomorrow and I've barely learned anything.

Sepia: That's not true, you've been doing wonderfully.

Monotona: What does it matter, I'll never be ready in time.

Sepia: I may not be able to fully teach you in time, but I can at least show you enough...

Montona: SHUT UP!

Sepia: Huh?

Montona: I bet you thought this was funny. Dragging me down here, pretending to teach me, when you know I never had a chance.

Sepia: Montona, I didn't...

Monotona: Save it. This was your plan the whole time. Being accepted to the academy, me coming out here, this whole swimming thing, you're just trying to make me look stupid. And I have had enough of this.

With no warning, Montono shoved Sepia down, the girl went skidding across the wet floor. Sepia got up to her feet, a look of pure exhasperation on her face.

Sepia: That's right, your majesty, I joined the academy, lured you all the way out here, arranged to spend my free time babysitting you, and dragged you down to a swimming pool at two o clock in the blasted morning all to make you look stupid. Every single thing in my life is part of some big plot to upstage you. For the love of Bangoon, will you wake up to reality. How the heck do you do get through doors with a head that big?

Monotona: SHUT UP!

Monotona tackled Sepia, the two then rolled around on the wet floor, coming alarmingly close to the pool several times. Finally, Sepia had had enough.

Sepia: Oh, for the love of...

Sepia kicked Montona off, the girl tumbled back, landing in a heap. Sepia stood up.

Sepia: And for the record, your royal pain in the highness, I've got over a year more combat training than you do, now give it a...

Sepia was cut off, as Monontoa jumped up, and flat out bull rushed her. Sepia dodged to the side, tripping the girl. Montona skidded, face first, across the floor. She started to get up, but Sepia grabbed her from  behind, and locked her arms in place.

Sepia: Now, are we finished acting stupid, today?

Monotona began struggling, trying to break free.

Sepia: Oh, come on, do we really have too...WHOA!

Sepia lost her footing and both girls went, head first, into the deep end of the pool. A few moments passed. Then, Sepia emerged from the pool, dragging her cousin behind her with one hand. Sepia used the other hand to grab a pool rail, and pulled them both out.

Monotona fell to the floor, coughing and spluttering. Sepia sat down, trying to catch her breath. She pulled her hair out of her eyes, and started to wring it out.

Sepia: I really don't need this right now.

Monotona: Y, you saved me.

Sepia: Huh?

Monotona: You saved me.

Sepia: Well, of course, you went head first into the deep end, what did you expect me to do?

Monotona: But, after everything I said, everything I did and you still saved me.

Sepia: Well, duh, you're ARE my cousin, after all. Haven't you figured it out yet? I NEVER tried to hurt you. In fact all I ever did was try to help you.

Monotona sat with her knees curled up to her head.

Monotona: I, I apologize Sepia. It seems I've been an idiot after all.

Sepia: Will you stop that, you're not an idiot.

Monotona: It's just that I always hated people helping me, as though they didn't believe I could do anything on my own. I suppose it reminded me of how small I really was.

Sepia: I know what you mean, I felt that way for a long time, too. But, then, one day something happened, and it made me see the truth. It made me realize that even small people can do big things, if they just allow themselves to try. The circus, remember, you were there. When those three little girls saved Atomic Betty's life.

monotona: I remember, at the time I thought they were just showing off. As though they had arranged the whole thing, like some kind of stunt.

Sepia: Yeah, but I saw it for what it really was, little girls not afraid to do big things. That's when I realize, I didn't have to be afraid, either, that's why I joined the academy.

Monotona chuckled lightly.

Monotona: I remember when you told us you were applying to the academy. I thought it was the silliest thing in the galaxy, a small Bangoon girl thinking she stood a chance of going to a place like that. Then, when you were accepted, I just couldn't believe it. I admit it, I was jealous.

Sepia: You, jealous of me? That's a first.

Monotona: I thought it wasn't fair. I convinced myself that you were doing it just to show me up. Just to rub it in my face how small I was.

Sepia: Don't be ridiculous, I'd never do something like to you.

Monotona stared at her cousin.

Sepia: In case you hadn't noticed, I'm not that much bigger than you are.

Monotona openly giggled at this. Sepia stared in disbelief. Never, in all the time she had known her cousin, had she ever seen the girl so light hearted. but, the giggle quickly faded.

Monotona: I was so stupid. All I could think about, when I applied to the academy, was proving that I could do anything you could. I was so bent on getting even, it didn't even occur to me that Galactic Guardians needed to know how to swim.

Sepia: Don't worry about it. We'll take  care of that, tomorrow.

Monotona: But, there's no way I could possibly pass that swimming exam.

Sepia shook her head.

Sepia: Honestly, were you even paying attention just now, when I said all that about little people being able to do big things. Ok, so we haven't gotten as far as I thought we would have, but who cares? We've made some progress, and I know you can pass that test tomorrow. You may not get a perfect score, but you don't need to. All you need to do is get past it. Then, when the exams are over, we'll have time to do it right.

Monotona: You really think I can pass the test?

Sepia: I know you can.

Just then, the last thing Sepia EVER thought would happen, happened. Monotona reached over and hugged her.

Monotona: Oh, Sepia, I don't know what to say.

Sepia: Monotona?

Monotona: I mean after everything I've done to you in the past.

Sepia: Monotona.

Monotona: First you save my life, and now this, I...

Sepia: MONOTONA!

Monotona: Huh?

Sepia: As much as hate to break up such a tender moment, don't you think we should go get dressed, now?

Monotona looked down at herself. She and Sepia were both sopping wet, wearing nothing but bathing suits, in the middle of the night. she giggled again.

Monotona: Oh, yes, I suppose we should.

Monotona began walking toward the locker room, with Sepia behind her. The girl shook her head in bemusement.

Sepia(Thinking): Isn't it odd that these things tend to work themselves out in the most unlikely of places? Who would have thought that the only thing Monotona and I needed to make peace, was nearly drowning in a swimming pool?

The next morning, Talonia and Trixie sat on a bench, watching Sepia. She stood in the center of a circle, with a staff in her hands. Trixie was absent mindedly snacking on a bag of pretzels she had gotten from the commisary. The girl seemed focused, at ease.

Suddenly rubber balls shot out at Sepia. She began swatting them away with the staff. Finally three came at her in rapid succesion. She had to duck the first one, but spun the staff, nailing the other two at the same time. Sepia relaxed, breathing slighly heavily. Talonia jumped up, clapping.

Talonia: Wonderful performance Sepia, you weren't hit by a single one.

Sepia: I still say that ain't fair, considerin how small the target is.

Sepia walked over, sticking her tongue out at the girl.

Sepia: don't bother, Trixie, even you can't irritate me today.

Talonia: My goodness, someone's in a good mood, for a change.

Sepia: I can't help it, it feels like the weight of the universe has been lifted off my shoulders.

Trixie: Heh, I take it you finally knocked Monotona's block off.

Sepia: Actually, she almost knocked my block off. But, then we sat down and talked. And, I think we finally settled our differences.

Talonia: Wonderful to hear, I was starting to miss that smile.

Sepia; Oh my gosh, what time is it?

Trixie checked her communicator.

Trixie: Bout five thirty, why?

Sepia: Oh no, Monotona's swimming exam is starting any second. If I don't get moving, I'm going to miss it.

Sepia ran off towards the gym. Trixie and Talonia looked at each other.

Trixie: Oh, there's no way I'm gonna miss this.

The two shot up, and bolted after their friend. The three soon stood next to a pool. Monota stood next to a teacher, at the deep end.

Teacher: Ok, this is fairly simple, down and back once.

Monotona looked at the water nervously.

Monotona(Thinking): Ok, don't panic, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

Monotona took a few deep breathes, and stepped off the edge. She stayed under for a moment or two, then resurfaced. Slowly, tentatively, Monotona began to make her way across the pool. She made it to the far end, gripping the edge.

Sepia: Yes, half way, she just has to turn around and go back.

Monotona closed her eyes for a moment, taking a few more deep breathes. Then, slowly, she let go of the pool and turned around. The far edge grew closer and closer, but she was getting tired. Monotona grunted and pushed on. Finally, the edge came within reach, and she grabbed for it.

Sepia: YES!

Monotona pulled herself from the pool, thoroughly exhausted. The teacher stood, writing on a clip board.

Teacher: Not bad, a little slow, but we can work on that. Ok, you're done here. The teacher walked off, as Monotona sank to her knees. Sepia came running over, followed by the other two.

Monotona: I did it, I can't believe I did it.

Sepia: See, now that wasn't so hard, was it?

Monotona: Wasn't so hard? I can barely move, right now.

Sepia: Well, anyway that should be more than enough to get you a passing score. Come on, go change, and we'll head over to the snack bar, to celebrate.

Monotona shook her head.

Monotona: I can't yet, I've got one more test today.

Sepia: Alright, let's get you changed. Then, you can rest up and finish off that last test, then we can celebrate.

Monotona: Deal.

Sepia helped Monotona to her feet, and used one of her shoulders to prop the girl up. Trixie just stared, as the two walked off.

Trixie: Talonia?

Talonia: Yes, Trixie?

Trixie: What planet are we on, right now?

Talonia chuckled.

Talonia: We're not on any planet, silly. We're at Galactic Guardian Academy Number Nine. Where you can make anything happen, as long as you just give it your all.

Trixie just stared at her friend.

Trixie: What are ya, a recruitin poster?

Trixie walked off, Talonia followed her, giggling all the way.

Later, Talonia stood and faced an all too familar sight. A large pit, with platforms spaced across it and the air cannon was standing by. Monotona stood at the start, Sepia was next to her. Monotona looked down into the pit.

Monotona: They have GOT to be kidding.

Sepia patted her on the back.

Sepia: Don't worry about it, Monotona. After the swimming exam, this should be a cake walk.

Montoona turned to her cousin, skeptically.

Monotona: Uh huh, and how long did it take YOU to cake walk across it?

Sepia got a nervous look on her face.

Sepia: Eh, heh, that's not important right now.

Motona crossed her arms.

Monotona: You fell in, didn't you?

Sepia: Anyway, just do your best, I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Sepia backed up out of the way. Monotona looked down into the pit, again.

Monotona: Yeah, just peachy. Alright, then, let's get this over with.

Monotona stepped up to the edge. She took a deep breath, and launched herself forward. Monotona landed on the first platform, and managed to duck the ball.

Monotona: Ok then, so far, so good.

Monotona slowly made her way across the platforms, ducking and dodging the balls. She got hit once or twice, but kept her balance, if not her dignity. As the girl grew closer to the far end, Sepia stared getting excited.

Sepia: Oh, I think she's actually going to make it.

Trixie: She made it farther than you did, anyway.

Sepia turned to glare at Trixie.

Sepia: Uh, yeah and exactly who invited you?

Talonia: Oh, here it comes.

Sepia looked back to see Monotona standing on the next to last platform.

Talonia: This is it, one last platform, and she's home free.

Monotona braced herself, and jumped. She landed on the final platform, and jumped again, not giving the ball time to get to her. The final ball flew past her, mere inches from her back. Monotona lifted her arms in triumph.

Monotona: YES!

Just then, the final ball rikocheted off the edge of the pit. It flew back, nailing Monotona in the back of the leg. Her leg buckled and she stumbled back.

Monotona: WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!

Talonia, Trixie and Sepia jumped to their feet and gasped, as the girl tumbled off the edge of the pit, cracked her head on the last platform, and plummeted to the pit floor.

Sepia: MONOTONA!