Chapter 3
Celeste’s Catsuit
Celeste drove through the suburbs of Pink Top City looking for Sylvia’s house. She looked at the address scrawled on a scrap of paper, trying to decipher the meaning. She has terrible handwriting, she thought. She drew a breath and thought this was going to be one long fucking night. She took one more glance at the address as she saw a familiar Ford XLT Wagon from a distance. She drove close and parked on the side of the road.
The house is a cozy two-story brick cottage with an attached garage and a pristine front lawn. The Ford XLT Wagon is in the driveway.
She shut off her car and stepped out, approaching the house. She went up the steps and knocked gently on the door. Sylvia answered. She is dressed in red plaid pajamas with large kitty slippers. Her eyes widened and her eyebrows rose in astonishment that Celeste showed.
Sylvia: “Good evening, Celeste! Please come in!”
Celeste said nothing. She walked into the den.
The place is a mess. It is not as tidy as the lawn. She must hire people to maintain the lawn, Celeste thought. There are papers strewn all over the floor, papers stacked up. Shelves of books filled three walls, a fourth centered by a window through which she could monitor from her cluttered desk. The desk has an Apple IIGS, surrounded by papers and several books on programming languages such as BASIC, Perl, Pascal, C++, et cetera.
There is an adjoining room next to the den. This is her living room, which is just as cluttered as the den. Sylvia led her into the living room. Shelves of books filled three walls, the fourth centered by a stone fireplace. Old photographs line up on the mantel. Celeste studied one particular photograph of an elderly woman. She stood about six feet tall and wearing a dark dress. It was hard to tell what the exact color was since the photograph is sepia-toned. Her fair hair was done up in a bun and heavy horn-rimmed glasses covered much of her face. There was no bend in her back, and she had a regal posture.
Sylvia: “Would you care for anything to drink?”
Celeste spun around to face her and then shook her head. Sylvia’s eyes lit up when she saw that Celeste was looking at the photograph of the woman.
Sylvia: “That photograph is of my paternal grandmother, Dr. Marie Hughes! She was one of the pioneers of programming! She was a skilled mathematician and worked on several projects in her day.”
She exclaimed loftily and just as quickly as she was beaming, the corners of her mouth began to wilt, forming a frown. Sylvia bowed her head staring at her reflection in the tea. She suppressed a rueful sigh. Celeste gazed at her, not saying a word.
Sylvia cleared her throat. She moved stacks of papers from the leather sofa to sit down.
Sylvia: “Have a seat.”
She offered. Celeste sat down.
Sylvia: “I surmise you didn’t want to discuss my family affairs.”
Celeste shrugged.
Sylvia: “How are you finding the Donatis?”
Sylvia asked, thinking it’s best to change the subject. Celeste rolled her eyes and let out a rough noise. Exasperation flashed through Celeste.
Celeste: “Can’t stand them, this job, or anyone, but I get free food from Ivy, Tristan, and Deimos.”
She explained.
Celeste: “It beats working for The Bandos…”
She mumbled. Sylvia peered into her face.
Sylvia: “I see…”
Sylvia replied and sipped her tea.
Celeste: “The room is nice.”
Sylvia: “Not accustomed to such luxuries?”
Celeste: “Says who? You know nothing about me.”
Celeste said a bit too sharply.
Sylvia: “I know you are a first-rate assassin.”
Celeste: “And that’s it.”
She spat. Sylvia knew she was skating on thin ice with Celeste, so it is best to give her what she came here, so she can leave as quickly as possible. Sylvia understood what it was like to be a loner.
She rose from the sofa and smiled widely at Celeste.
Sylvia: “But I digress. Celeste, I would like to present your new outfit.”
Celeste immediately brightened.
Celeste: “A new outfit?!”
She quickly rose from the sofa ecstatic to see it. Sylvia smiled and set the mug of tea on top of a stack of papers. She approached her desk and grabbed a hold of a black attaché case. She brought the case over to Celeste. She popped open the latches and lifted the suit out of the case. Celeste held up a black one-piece form-fitting garment.
Celeste: “A catsuit…?”
Sylvia cleared her throat, jutted out her chin, and began explaining.
Sylvia: “It’s made of fabric that is durable, but breathable. It acts as a second skin, but is similar to that of a bulletproof vest.”
Celeste: “Stylish and practical—I do approve!”
She exclaimed, her eyes wide as saucers. Sylvia then handed Celeste a big, black belt with two holsters and pouches.
Celeste: “Two holsters?”
She asked incredulously.
Sylvia: “For two guns, of course.”
Celeste rolled her eyes, threw her arms up, and then slapped them against her sides.
Celeste: “Puh-lease. Anyone shooting two guns at once is inexperienced in this day and age. When you hold two guns at once and shoot at the target, your aim is off. If you hold one gun with both hands properly, your aim is much more precise and you’re going to hit your target—at least I will. Moreover, if you wield two guns simultaneously, it makes it harder to change clips. Now that isn’t to say you cannot possess two guns at once; you should keep a spare concealed in case your opponent forces you to drop yours. In that case, I have this concealed.”
She contended silkily as she held up her Beretta 950 Jetfire. Sylvia admired her enthusiasm and knowledge about firearms.
Sylvia: “Your knowledge of guns is impressive.”
Celeste: “I was trained by the best.”
Sylvia: “By whom?”
Celeste made a face and started getting annoyed.
Celeste: “Okay, enough questions. Do you have anything else for me?”
She began eagerly wringing her hands. Sylvia reached behind her desk and handed her a case with bullets in them.
Sylvia: “I designed these bullets and they’re customized for your Beretta Cheetah 84. They can penetrate Plexiglas, metal, iron, and most durable materials.”
Celeste mouthed a simple, “Wow.” Sylvia smiled widely.
Sylvia: “If are to protect the Donatis, it is my duty to see that you get the best quality of equipment and weaponry!”
She said proudly. Celeste was impressed but did not fully understand why Sylvia was going to great lengths to protect a family that was nothing to her. She did not want to pry. The answer would have likely annoyed or bored her anyway.
Sylvia: “Would you care to stay and chat?”
She offered. Celeste shook her head and began packing her things.
Celeste: “Not really. Thanks for the gear, but I gotta get going.”
Sylvia twisted her mouth but understood. Prof. Murphy was not exaggerating that Celeste is not a people person.
~
Demetrio is in his office working on some papers. He wondered what the Hell, there was to enjoy. Since Concetta died five years ago, all he has now is his grandson… and Radinka. He still wonders why she sticks around, why he keeps her.
The intercom on Demetrio’s desk buzzed. He let out a long sigh until he finally pressed the button.
Demetrio: “Yes, Pearl?”
Pearl: “Mr. Donati, Mr. Trémaux is here to see you about selling the rights of Dr. Koks’ invention to you.”
Demetrio: “Send him in.”
The door opened and Tristan came in dressed in a dark purple Italian-cut three-piece suit, white pressed shirt, black tie, and black wingtip Oxfords. He was carrying a black attaché case in his hand.
Tristan: “Good morning, Mr. Donati.”
Demetrio: “Greetings, Mr. Trémaux!”
He rose to shake his hand.
The intercom on Demetrio’s desk buzzed again.
Pearl: “Mr. Donati, a… Dr. Nim Rod is here to see you.”
Demetrio’s eyebrows rose. He does not recall such a person with such a… unique name making an appointment. Nevertheless, he decided to inquire.
Demetrio: “Does this… person have an appointment? What are they here for?”
He waited for Pearl to answer.
Pearl: “She wishes to discuss a ‘new, exciting’ plan for your company, Mr. Donati.”
Demetrio drew a long breath and rolled his eyes. He pushed the button to speak with Pearl.
Demetrio: “All right, send her in.”
He invited grudgingly.
Demetrio: “You can stay, Mr. Trémaux.”
He smiled and extended his hand out for Tristan to have a seat.
A tall, gangly pale woman in a frumpy dress wearing a lab coat is present in Demetrio’s office. Her red hair is pulled back into a tight bun, and large glasses sit on her beak-like nose. Her assistant is an extremely corpulent white man with sandy blond hair, only wearing a pair of leopard print briefs. His eyes convey a hidden sexual menace, especially when looking at a young man. Tristan shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Demetrio retained a smile.
Demetrio: “It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Nim Rod and…?”
He asked, looking at the portly man waiting for him to tell him his name. The man had his finger shoved up his nose, unaware Demetrio was addressing him. Dr. Nim Rod nudged him hard, furrowing her eyebrows at him. He did not withdraw his finger from his nose.
Man: “Uhm, John… John Somers!”
Demetrio eyed John indignantly and took a deep breath. He reached out to shake Dr. Nim Rod’s hand. Dr. Nim Rod gaped at it and arched an eyebrow.
Dr. Nim Rod: “I don’t shake hands.”
She replied sternly.
John: “You can shake mine if you don’t mind that I just fapped.”
John piped up after he slipped his finger out of his nose and wiped his hand on his suit. Demetrio looked as if he was going to hurl. He decided not to press the issue; he would ask these people what they wanted, so he could get them out as quickly as possible. He clasped his hands together and flashed them his most professional smile.
Dr. Nim Rod swung her eyes over to Tristan and froze.
John: “Uh-oh, you have Doc’s weakness. Frenchies. She loves Frenchies.”
Tristan froze with embarrassment. Dr. Nim Rod slammed her large feet on John’s foot and he let out a scream. Tristan covered his mouth to stifle a laugh.
Demetrio: “Shall we begin? What is the idea you’re proposing to me, Dr. Nim Rod?”
Dr. Nim Rod immediately brightened.
Dr. Nim Rod: “If you have been keeping up with the Nobel Prize winnings, Dr. Mark Koks has introduced a more efficient hydroelectric generator!”
Demetrio managed a strained smile.
Demetrio: “I have not accepted Dr. Koks’ offer… yet.”
Dr. Nim Rod held up her forefinger and pointed it up at the ceiling.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Yet! You won’t after you hear my plan! I propose we run electricity on something greater!”
Demetrio smiled and waved his hand.
Dr. Nim Rod’s eyes glittered with excitement. She looked as giddy as a child in a candy store did.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Tickling!”
Demetrio paused and jumped in his seat in disbelief. Did she suggest tickling? Is she serious? He wondered. Tristan reddened and clutched his suitcase. He wanted nothing more than to get out of there. He felt as if they knew his kinks and they picked that particular day to come in and propose this idea.
Demetrio: “Wh-What?”
He asked her disbelievingly. Dr. Nim Rod stood erect, folded her arms behind her back, with a Cheshire cat grin across her rubber band thin lips.
Dr. Nim Rod: “I propose we gather the most beautiful people of this city; then we tickle their feet, and their laughter will generate energy!”
She announced loftily, glaring at Tristan, whose face was red as a beet.
John: “And Doc faps to that to boot!”
John practically blurted out, which caused Dr. Nim Rod to redden. She bared her teeth and slapped him hard over the head.
Dr. Nim Rod: “IS IT NOT A FETISH, YOU MORON!!”
She bellowed and whacked him over his head with her clipboard this time. John rubbed the side of his head and gnashed his teeth.
John: “Ow! That would be hot… if you were a man and hit my dick with it…”
Dr. Nim Rod continued slapping John and screaming at him. Demetrio had enough. These people cannot be serious. Even if they were, they had no shame and argued like an old, married couple. He rose from his seat exasperated with the two. Tristan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, not knowing what to say or how to act.
Demetrio: “Dr. Nim Rod, if I may…, that idea is…”
He began softly. Dr. Nim Rod ceased squabbling with John to face Demetrio, her eyes sparkling.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Yes?! Isn’t it genius?!”
Demetrio drew a breath and braced himself for the impact.
Demetrio: “That is the dumbest idea I ever heard. It’s like those Saturday morning cartoons where a machine is ‘powered’ by running mice.”
Dr. Nim Rod froze and gaped at him. Then her expression of shock quickly turned to rage as her face reddened, her scowl deepened, and her nostrils flared. She clenched her fists and began trembling.
Dr. Nim Rod: “HOW DARE YOU??!!!”
She stomped her feet and bellowed at him.
Dr. Nim Rod: “How dare you insult my intellect and my idea?! Demetrio Donati, you will pay for this!”
She caterwauled and angrily shot out her forefinger at him.
Demetrio: “A mad scientist proposes power is run on a fetish and she threatens me. I am scared.”
He said wryly. That statement hit a sensitive string with Dr. Nim Rod. Anyone who knew her knew better than to mention that tickling and feet are fetishes. She stood erect and strained her neck.
Dr. Nim Rod: “…IT IS NOT A FETISH!!!”
She practically screamed in Demetrio’s face. Demetrio stood there staring blankly at her. Dr. Nim Rod was snorting with fury. She quickly seized John by the collar and began dragging him out. Could’ve fooled me, Tristan thought dryly.
John: “Told you not to mention her fetish is a fetish…”
John mumbled.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Shut up, you fat fuck! I will make that old fool pay dearly for humiliating me!”
She spat as she dragged John out.
Demetrio: “Good, look forward to that. Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.”
He replied sarcastically. He watched her storm out of his office dragging her fat toady with her. He turned around and looked out the window. He jumped a bit when he heard the door slam.
Tristan: “Would you mind if I bought a soda or something from the vending machine?”
He asked quickly.
Demetrio: “Not at all. Go ahead, Mr. Trémaux.”
He smiled and Tristan quickly rose from his seat to go down the hall.
~
Tristan stood in front of the vending machine wondering what to get. He thought about the visit with Dr. Nim Rod and John and knew this wasn’t the last of them. He had a hunch they were near.
He quickly pivoted on his heel and John slammed him against the vending machine with a rag to his mouth.
John: “You are quick on your feet, sexy.”
He chuckled as Tristan’s eyelids fluttered and he blacked out. John cradled him in his arms and cupped his ass.
John: “The doc is right; you are muy sexy! Muy is how you say ‘hella’ in French, right?”
~
Dr. Nim Rod—best known by her alias as “Dr. Beartickles”—is the inventor of many tickling devices that she sells under her pseudonym. Her minion, John Somers, was an actor playing a lawyer for BJ, but the studio fired him and he now works for Dr. Nim Rod. Since Dr. Nim Rod took him under her wing, he claims he has not worked a day in his life. He had a husband and son living elsewhere in the country but had not seen them in years.
Dr. Nim Rod operates a vehicle, vaguely spherical in shape except for the top, which has an open cockpit, with the appearance of a teddy bear face including protruding ears. Through some means—perhaps thrust-vectored jets or some more exotic propulsion technology, this contraption can fly and hover. She has called this the “Bear Copter.” She and John are in the Bear Copter hovering over Pink Top City looking for the Donati manor. John stood behind her scratching his ass.
Dr. Nim Rod: “If that fat fuck refuses to obey me, then I will kidnap his grandson and hold him ransom… Then…, I WILL CONQUER THE WORLD!! HAHAHAHAHA!!”
She laughed maniacally.
John: “Still gonna do that?”
Dr. Nim Rod: “It was always my plan! This is a mere obstacle!”
She shouted. She then looked down at her grid and pointed her finger at it.
Dr. Nim Rod: “There you are! Hehehehehehe!”
Her aircraft made a dive for the Donati manor. When it drew closer, she slowed down the vehicle to make a landing in the backyard, making it easier for John to slip in and kidnap Demetrio’s grandson.
~
Blair is lying on his bed catching up on reading his comics. He leafed through the pages and stopped immediately when he heard a bang in the kitchen. It sounded like a pot dropping. Blair froze, his heart hammering against his chest. He did not expect anyone to be home at this hour. Radinka is out promoting herself; his grandfather is working; he does not know where Celeste is. He really began to panic when he heard someone rushing up the stairs. The color drained from his face and he went numb when he saw an unfamiliar face barge in his bedroom. The obese man had a lustful look on his face.
John: “Here’s JOHNNY.”
Blair sat straight in his bed and pushed himself further away. John grabbed a hold of something and held it up for Blair to see. It was a large burlap sack. He opened it up and pointed inside.
John: “I’m here to kidnap ya! Get in the fucking sack!”
Blair felt the tears begin to fill his eyes. Panic overwhelmed him to the point where he was too afraid to move or react. Where was Celeste? He wondered. John leaped at him, wrapping one of his flabby arms around Blair, securing his arms so he would not move. He placed a chloroform-drenched rag over Blair’s mouth and nose. He closed his eyes and passed out. John let out a creepy, lustful giggle and licked Blair’s face.
John: “Night, night, cutie…!”
~
Tristan’s eyes began to flutter. His head hurt. Blair groaned and began to awaken. Was meeting that fat man just a nightmare? He wondered. He wagged his head and tried to rise.
Tristan and Blair then found they were shackled to a board with metal restraints. Fear overtook Blair. Tristan struggled against his bonds.
Tristan: “What is this?! I demand you release me!”
He commanded.
Blair: “Wh-Where am I?!”
He asked in a tiny voice, terrified for his life. They were in a room with many computers and monitors covering the metallic walls. There was a large window with a view of a scrap metal junkyard. Blair turned his head and saw a tall woman and the same fat man in his bedroom. He panted, his heart hammered against his chest.
Dr. Nim Rod: “I see the precious grandson of Demetrio has awoken.”
She said smugly as she crossed her arms over her chest.
John: “No shit, Sherlock.”
He said dryly. Dr. Nim Rod flashed him a fierce look and slapped him over the head with her clipboard.
Her smile widened when she fixed her eyes on Tristan.
Dr. Nim Rod: “And the white-haired Frenchman!”
She said in a squeaky voice as she held clipboard up.
John: “Should I call the sex worker to put on the Don Bearelli costume?”
Dr. Nim Rod slapped John over the head with her clipboard.
Blair: “W-Who are you both and what do you want?!”
He whimpered. Dr. Nim Rod stood erect; her feet braced apart, and she slapped her hand against her chest.
Tristan: “You don’t know who those two are?”
He asked Blair incredulously.
Dr. Nim Rod: “I would figure a sexy scholar like you would know me, Monsieur Trémaux!”
She wiggled her eyebrows at him. Tristan’s face twisted with disgust.
Dr. Nim Rod: “I am Dr. Nim Rod: genius extraordinaire and inventor.”
She then nodded her head toward John.
Dr. Nim Rod: “This is my fat idiot sidekick, John!”
John: “Can I fuck him?”
He rasped, stomping his feet with excitement. Dr. Nim Rod chuckled.
Dr. Nim Rod: “After my experiment, you may!”
Blair was terrified. He tried to struggle against his bonds with all his might, hoping Celeste—or someone—would come to his rescue.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Resistance is futile.”
She laughed a hollow, thin laugh that made the hairs on Blair’s neck stood erect. He closed his eyes tight and whimpered. Someone, please help me, he thought.
John handed Dr. Nim Rod the “Talking Dirty… in French” book. Dr. Nim Rod’s eyes grew large and she smacked it out of his hands. Tristan rolled his eyes.
Tristan: “I saw that…”
Dr. Nim Rod: “You did NOT!”
She bellowed. Tristan rolled his eyes.
A three-foot mechanical teddy bear was waddling in the main room. He was Dr. Nim Rod’s invention and robotic sidekick, Bear.
Bear: “Everything is ready to go, Doctor.”
He said in a tinny voice.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Excellent…”
She chuckled with a sinister grin across her lips. John began removing Blair’s shoes and socks. Blair jumped against the table.
Blair: “Wh-What are you doing?!”
His voice quavered. Dr. Nim Rod folded her arms behind her back and chuckled that creepy, perverted chuckle.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Having fun… Hehehehehehehe…”
She looked at John with an eager look and nodded to Tristan. John started untying Tristan’s shoes and removed them revealing his sheer black socks. Dr. Nim Rod froze turgid as her face reddened. Tristan struggled against his bonds. John grinned and slowly removed Tristan’s socks.
Tristan: “Ugh, this is most humiliating!”
He snapped. He arched his back and struggled against his restraints trying to break them. Dr. Nim Rod withdrew a remote control from her lab coat pocket and pressed a button on it. Slots on the table open and mechanical hands sprout from them. Blair and Tristan eyed them up with panic.
Tristan: “Oh, golly…”
He said in a small voice. The little gloved mechanical hands start tickling their bare feet. Blair reddened and burst out laughing. Tristan threw his head back and laughed hysterically.
Tristan: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OH GOHOHOHOHOD! NOHOHOHOHOHO! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA EHEHEHEHEHT!”
Blair: “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOO! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE STAHAHAHAHAHAHAP! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Dr. Nim Rod shivered and crossed her wrists over her chest aroused at the sight.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Bear, prepare the Bear Cam…!”
She commanded.
Bear: Yes, Dr. Nim Rod!
Blair: “I HAHAHAHAHAHA BEG OF YOU! HEHEHEHEHEHEHE! OH MAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAN!”
He laughed hard, struggled hard to get free, and tears ran down his face.
Tristan: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OH GOHOHOHOHOLLY! HEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!”
He laughed hard, heaving and wheezing ragged breaths between laughing.
Bear wheeled in what resembled a huge eye with bear ears and large breasts on the neck. He pressed the button on the back of its head and the device made a whirring sound. Dr. Nim Rod tapped the eye.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Is this on?”
Bear pointed at the red light on top of the bear’s head.
Bear: “Yes.”
Dr. Nim Rod happily clasped her hands together.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Splendid! Shall we commence the video message now?”
She held her fist up to her mouth clearing her throat, jutted her chest out, and folded her hands behind her back.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Hello, Demetrio, you fat fuck! You may have thought it was smart to crack jokes at my expense, but feast your eyes on this!”
The camera moved to Dr. Nim Rod extending her hand to Blair and Tristan strapped down and getting their feet tickled.
Blair: “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! WHAT HAHAHAHAHA DO YOU WAHAHAHAHANT?! HAHAHAHA!”
He gasped for air in between laughing hysterically.
Tristan: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE!!”
He coughed and choked between laughing as the tears dripped down his cheeks.
John: “She wants to fap and so does Johnny!”
Dr. Nim Rod felt the heat rise to her face. She gnashed her teeth and barked at him.
Dr. Nim Rod: “SHUT UP, FATTY!”
In a flash, she regained her professional façade and her expression relaxed.
Dr. Nim Rod: “So, Demetrio, you see I am serious! With that, I shall conquer the world! If you wish for your grandson and your lawyer to be safe, you will aid me in that!”
She pointed her forefinger at the scream and nodded at Bear signaling him to end the recording.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Send it to that fat fool! I’d love to see the look on his face, but I would rather observe my beautiful creations!”
She laughed maniacally.
Blair: “HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!”
He arched his back and struggled hard to get free.
Tristan: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!”
He shrieked and laughed. All this tickling and the laughing was taking a toll on him and wearing him out.
~
Demetrio rose from his seat and strolled over to the coat hanger to fetch his coat and hat. He waited for Tristan and figured he left. He didn’t blame him. He had a long, exhausting day dealing with Dr. Nim Rod. He prepared to deal with the remaining hours of dealing with Radinka. The intercom on his desk buzzed. Demetrio rolled his eyes. Pearl knew it was time for him to go home; the office was closing up for the day. Nevertheless, he pressed the button on the intercom.
Demetrio: “Yes, Pearl?”
Pearl: “Mr. Donati, there is a video message waiting for you.”
Demetrio: “A video message? This had better be good… I don’t need another loon like that woman. All right, put it on the screen.”
He sighed and turned the big screen TV on in front of his desk. He leaned against his desk waiting for the video to begin. The video Dr. Nim Rod sent him played. Demetrio threw his hands up when he saw Dr. Nim Rod. Some people don’t know when to quit, he thought. When he saw Blair and Tristan, his annoyance quickly turned to panic.
Demetrio: “Oh no… Oh no…”
He said breathlessly, clutching onto his chest. He gnashed his teeth in pain, feeling his knees buckle under him. He struggled to pick up the phone on his desk. His hands shook violently as he dialed Sylvia’s number. He panted and broke into a cold sweat as he waited for her to pick up. When he heard Sylvia answer on the other end, he shut his eyes tightly and whimpered.
Demetrio: “S-Sylvia…! M-My g-grandson…!”
Sylvia heard the panic in his voice and immediately rose from her seat.
Sylvia: “I urge you to calm down and explain the situation!”
Demetrio tried hard to fight back the tears. His quavering hand struggled to press the button to send the video to her.
Demetrio: “G-Get him back…! Please!”
His chest felt heavy and the pain was too unbearable. Demetrio clutched his chest, dropped the receiver, and collapsed to the floor. Sylvia went pale when she heard the thud on the other end.
Sylvia: “Demetrio?! Demetrio?! Answer me!”
Sylvia’s heart thudded against her chest as she waited for a response. Something must be done, she thought. She pressed the button to contact emergencies.
Sylvia: “Demetrio, I have alerted the Pink Top Health Services and an ambulance is on its way to the top of Donati towers!”
She hung up the phone and began playing the tape. After viewing it, she dialed Celeste’s cell phone number.
Sylvia: “Celeste, we need you now.”
She commanded. Celeste was in her car. She looked unmoved and drew a breath.
~
Celeste and Sylvia were in Celeste’s bedroom. Sylvia informed Celeste that Demetrio is in the hospital receiving the best care in the country right now and that Blair and Tristan are in trouble. Celeste crossed her arms looking annoyed. She rolled her eyes and waited for Sylvia to play the video she wanted her to see. As she watched the video, Celeste grinned. Sylvia turned to Celeste, arching an eyebrow quizzically.
Sylvia: “This is amusing to you?”
She asked archly. Celeste turned to Sylvia and ran her fingers through her own hair.
Celeste: “Huh? Hehehehe, no…”
I just like what I see… Dr. Nim Rod has good taste in torture devices…, she thought and licked her lips in satisfaction. Sylvia flashed Celeste a look of uncertainty.
Sylvia: “I am uncertain about your body language, Celeste.”
Celeste shrugged dismissively.
Celeste: “What do you want me to do?”
Sylvia: “Rescue them.”
She ordered.
Sylvia: “She’s Dr. Nim Rod.”
Celeste stepped back and looked puzzled.
Celeste: “What an… ironic name. Is it her real name? What do you know about her?”
Sylvia: “That is indeed her real name. She operates under her alias ‘Dr. Beartickles’ where she sells her patented tickle torture machines. Her partner—who was shamelessly masturbating in the background—is another story; John Somers was an actor on the set of American Pizza who was fired for masturbating on set. He had a husband and son, but both left him and left the state. They are considered missing-in-action.”
Celeste sniggered. She could not believe what Sylvia told her. They sound too cartoony to be taken seriously.
Sylvia: “Celeste, you are being paid to protect Blair.”
She reminded her gently. Celeste rolled her eyes and nodded.
Celeste: “Gotcha, gotcha. Therefore, I suit up, defeat Dr. Dim Wit, and rescue the brat and Deimos’ boyfriend in his head. The things I subject myself to for money.”
She said sharply and held up her catsuit. She smiled widely at the outfit.
Celeste: “Well, I guess this marks the debut of this baby!”
They heard a nasal voice say, “Boyfriend in my head?!” and saw Deimos standing there in the doorway.
Celeste: “What are you doing here, Deimos?”
Deimos: “Looking for Tristan! It’s pizza night and he didn’t call me to tell me what he wanted.”
He hung his head.
Celeste: “It’s pizza night and you didn’t tell me?!”
She cupped her cheeks and gasped.
Sylvia: “Excuse me?! This is no time to discuss pizza! Deimos, both Tristan and Blair have been kidnapped by Dr. Nim Rod!”
Deimos’ jaw dropped.
Deimos: “TRISTAN HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED?! And you never told me?!”
He shrieked. Sylvia’s eyebrows rose.
Deimos: “No, fuck this, I’m going after him!”
He said doggedly and punched the palm of his hand.
Sylvia: “Would you like the location?”
Sylvia handed Celeste and Deimos the exact location of Dr. Nim Rod’s base on a map. Deimos scanned the map and arched an eyebrow at the name of it.
Deimos: “Robo Graveyard…?”
Sylvia nodded soberly.
Sylvia: “It’s an abandoned site where scrap metal parts are dumped. I traced where the video she sent to Demetrio came from. No one knows Dr. Beartickles’ exact location and it seems she cares more for her… devices than covering her tracks.”
Celeste’s eyebrows rose in astonishment.
Celeste: “You did that?! How?”
Sylvia took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She wished Celeste would save these questions for later, but decided to answer.
Sylvia: “I hacked into the database of Donati, Inc., checked what calls came in within the timeframe he contacted me, found the video message, and traced it back here.”
Deimos nodded in satisfaction.
Deimos: “That is… impressive—no lies. I am impressed with that skill.”
He complimented her. Sylvia managed a strained smile.
Sylvia: “I appreciate the compliments, but please get to Blair and Tristan..”
She said, her voice taking on a trace of impatience.
~
Celeste was dressed in her catsuit. Deimos had his katana in his sheath on his back. They stood in front of Dr. Nim Rod’s base titled “The Bear Castle” located in The Robo Graveyard. A sinister-looking techno-castle, actually more of a vaguely castle-shaped industrial complex, looms in the distance. A giant bear face with “Dr. BT” on the forehead and two giant bear paws frame the entrance. The two studied the sight surrounding the base. It had the heaps and hills of scrap metal parts, pools of acid, and it had a grim atmosphere about it. It was as if Dr. Nim Rod was trying to play the part of a clichéd supervillain when she was laughably evil. Celeste climbed up the chain-link fence, balanced herself on top, and leaped down. Deimos followed suit.
~
Dr. Nim Rod and John happily watch her mechanical hands tickling Tristan’s and Blair’s feet. The alarm suddenly went off.
Dr. Nim Rod: “What the fuck?!”
She spun around so fast on her heels that she almost lost her balance. Her eyes blazed furiously at T.E.D.
T.E.D. is an artificial intelligence created by Dr. Nim Rod. His face resembles a teddy bear with glasses and an academic graduation cap on his head in the colors of neon green and black on a black computer screen. T.E.D. stands for tickling enhancement device.
T.E.D.: “VISITOR ALERT! VISITOR ALERT! A strange girl and a Greek man who thinks he’s a samurai are headed towards the base! Capture them! They might be ticklish!”
He said in his tinny, high-pitched singing voice. He then switched the display to the surveillance video outside the base. Dr. Nim Rod furrowed her brows at Celeste and Deimos dashing through the Robo Graveyard. John sat down bending over, trying to suck his own dick. Dr. Nim Rod gaped at him indignantly.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Imbecile!”
She barked and kicked him in the small of his back. She furiously turned to Bear.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Prepare two other tickles! It seems our friends are going to have ‘special tickle buddies.’”
She grinned evilly and rubbed the palms of her hands together.
Bear: “Right away, Doctor!”
John: “I will fap while you take care of them!”
Dr. Nim Rod bared her teeth and clenched her fists.
Dr. Nim Rod: “You will aide me, fatso!”
She ordered.
John: “Uh, shouldn’t someone watch them in case they escape…?”
Dr. Nim Rod firmly placed her fists on her narrow hips.
Dr. Nim Rod: “They won’t escape! I never make mistakes!”
She said doggedly.
Celeste and Deimos ran down the foyer and stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Dr. Nim Rod and John standing in their way.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Who are you…?”
She spat the question hatefully.
Celeste: “Celeste! You must be Dr. Nim Rod. A fitting name.”
She snickered.
Deimos: “GET TRISTAN FOR ME!”
He bellowed and grabbed his sword handle. Dr. Nim Rod sneered at them.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Yes, I am Dr. Nim Rod! I wanted to conquer Pink Top City with my bear robots, but now I will try to conquer the world with tickling! Hahahahahahaha!”
She threw her head back and laughed that hammy laugh. John stuck his puffy face out from behind Dr. Nim Rod’s back.
John: “And I’m John!”
Dr. Nim Rod peered at John over her shoulder with disgust.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Don’t mind this fat nimrod! Well, Celeste and Mr. Samurai, do you think you can put a halt to my plans?”
Celeste: “For fifty million, yes!”
Dr. Nim Rod clicked her tongue.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Tsk, tsk… money is everything to sad, little people. Little do you know, tickling is everything!”
Dr. Nim Rod placed her hands firmly on her hips, her feet braced apart.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Celeste, Mr. Samurai, are you ticklish?”
Celeste backed away, trying not to look frightened. She swallowed a lump in her throat and tried to fake being unshaken. Deimos froze turgid with fear. Jesus, no, he thought. Dr. Nim Rod had a lecherous grin across her lips. She shot out her forefinger at Celeste and Deimos.
Dr. Nim Rod: “T.E.D., seize them! It appears they wish to accompany Demetrio’s grandson and that sexy Frenchman in my tickling experiment!”
She ordered. Celeste felt the color drain from her face when she saw the mechanical hands reach out to grab her. She performed a backflip to dodge the incoming hands. When the mechanical hands reached out to grab Deimos, he slashed them clean away with his katana.
One hand approached her from behind and seized Celeste’s wrist. Panic filled her eyes when she felt the mechanical hand grip her wrist and saw more about to grab her. She had to act quickly or become these perverted assholes’ tickle slave. She twisted the hand grabbed her and ripped it away from its socket. A gasp escaped John’s huge mouth when he saw the pistol and he made a dash for the exit. Dr. Nim Rod turned around glaring furiously at John.
Deimos slashed at the mechanical hands, slicing them and the hands dropping to the floor. Celeste ripped the hands apart as if they were mere toys. Dr. Nim Rod shrieked and pressed her hands against her temples.
Dr. Nim Rod: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! I SPENT HOURS ON THOSE!!!”
She roared.
Deimos slashed the incoming robotic hands in half and slashed his sword cutting a robot’s head off clean.
Deimos: “GET ME TRISTAN! I WILL SHRED EVERYTHING HERE FOR HIM!”
He bellowed.
A large mechanical hand grabbed Celeste. Celeste strained against her bond, her anger rising. She grabbed each individual finger on the mechanical hand tearing it off. T.E.D. approached her.
T.E.D.: “STOP! STOP THIS AT ONCE!”
Celeste broke free from her bond and slammed her fist straight into T.E.D. screen, causing the screen to shatter and go dark.
T.E.D.: “Primary display malfunctioning.”
Celeste heard that grating, squeaky voice from the room down the foyer. That must be where Blair and Tristan are being held hostage, she thought.
Dr. Nim Rod stepped back. She had to retreat or this maniac woman and wannabe samurai will destroy everything she ever worked hard on.
Dr. Nim Rod: “Celeste…, Samurai Man…, mark my words, you will be sorry and I will be back… I will do what it takes to make you two tickle slaves!”
She dashed down the corridor and outside.
Celeste surveyed the foyer. She and Deimos dashed through the base until they reached the main room. Once they reached it, they saw the mechanical hands vigorously tickling Blair’s and Tristan’s feet. He was laughing hard and Tristan was laughing and crying at this point.
Deimos: “TRISTAN!”
He jumped up and latched onto him, trying to undo his shackles.
Tristan: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA! DEHEHEHEIMOS?!”
He sobbed.
Celeste grinned maniacally at the sight. She strolled over to the computer pressing buttons until she pressed one to shut the machine down. She has excellent taste in machinery for torture… I’ll give her that…, she thought. The machine shackles came undone, releasing the boys. Tristan collapsed and passed out in Deimos’ arms. Deimos gathered Tristan’s shoes and socks and carried Tristan in his arms.
Celeste marched over to Blair.
Celeste: “I just saved you from Dr. Nim Rod!”
She exclaimed loftily. Blair panted and sneered at her.
Blair: “You did not!”
He hissed. Celeste arched an eyebrow.
Celeste: “Uhm, then who did…?”
She asked incredulously. Blair did not answer her. Celeste shrugged.
Celeste: “It doesn’t matter. If I weren’t being paid, then no one would have.”
Celeste’s razor-sharp words slashed at Blair. He tried to suppress his hurt. He rubbed his wrists for a moment. He looked at how tentative Deimos was to Tristan and felt bitter about it. He then slid off the operating table, puts on his socks and shoes. Celeste patted his back and placed a blanket over him.
Celeste: “I have to hand it to you: you did well in that machine.”
Blair jerked away from her touch.
Blair: “Take me home.”
He said through clenched teeth and stormed out of the place.
Celeste, Blair, and Deimos carrying Tristan approached the chain link fence. Blair gawked at it. Celeste climbed up it, balanced herself, and jumped down. She began walking to her car but didn’t hear Blair following behind her. She turned around to see him standing on the other side with that blanket wrapped around him.
Celeste: “Coming? Or have you grown fond of this Hellhole?”
She asked wryly.
Blair: “Uhm…”
He flushed and swung his eyes away from Celeste.
Deimos: “I’d climb but I have Tristan in my arms. If you could find an opening.”
Celeste began fiddling with her utility belt.
Celeste: “Not accustomed to so many gadgets…”
She pulled out a laser wire cutter. She approached the fence and used the laser to cut through the wires to make a hole for Blair and Deimos to walk through.
Blair: “I-I could’ve done what you did…”
Celeste kicked the wires and made a hole through the fence. Blair blushed, huffed, and stormed through.
Celeste: “You’re welcome…”
She hissed as he walked past her. What is his problem? She wondered.
Deimos walked past her giving her a look that he knew exactly what she was going through.
Deimos: “I’ll take him home.”
He nodded and carried Tristan away.
~
~
Blair heard about his grandfather and that he is now home with the orders that he is to rest well for a few days and not overexert himself. Demetrio lay in his bed. He immediately brightened when he saw his grandson enter his bedroom. Blair rushed to his grandfather’s bedside and threw his arms around him. Demetrio hugged him back.
Demetrio: “I’m so glad you’re okay…!”
Blair: “You were worried about me?”
He whispered.
Demetrio: “Of course I was…! You’re my grandson! I love you and I can’t risk losing another…!”
He held him close, suppressing his sobs, and nodded to Celeste.
Demetrio: “Thank you so much…”
Celeste managed a strained smile and left the room.
Radinka kicked the door open, marching in, angry as a hornet.
Radinka: “You worried for that geek boy, Demetrio?! While you worried, I never got new dress!”
She screeched in that shrill, grating voice. Demetrio released Blair and fixed his gaze on Radinka, who was pacing his bedroom.
Demetrio: “I-I bought you new dresses just last week…”
He gently protested. Radinka stood still, planting her hands on her bony hips, baring her teeth at the elderly man.
Radinka: “I wear dress only once and can’t wear it again! Demetrio, what you take me for?! Fat woman who come here?! Or that fat girl?!”
She spat. Demetrio drew a breath. He did not want to listen to her ranting right now. He sank into his pillows.
Demetrio: “All right, all right…! H-Here…”
He relented. He turned over, opened the drawer on his nightstand, and withdrew his wallet. He pulled out wads of cash and handed them to her. Radinka’s anger faded and she had a wide smile across her thin lips. Her long, thin fingers snatch the money from his hand and she stuffs it between her breasts. That action made Blair shudder all over.
Radinka: “Thank you, Demetrio… What would I ever do without you? I will be back…”
She said gently and sauntered out of the bedroom.
Blair glowered at her.
Blair: “Why is she here?!”
Demetrio turned his head to Blair.
Demetrio: “Because I am a lonely old man, Blair! What’s it to ya anyway?! You got that ice-cold bitch to occupy you!”
He bellowed. Blair felt the tears coming. He tightly pursed his lips and stormed out of his grandfather’s bedroom.
~
Tristan’s eyes fluttered. His head was pounding and it felt like bees were buzzing around his head. His vision was blurry. His eyes snapped open to see Deimos’ face. Deimos smiled down at him caressing his face. Tristan blushed. He looked around to see he was in his bedroom. He put his glasses on and drew a long breath.
Tristan: “Was that a dream?”
He gasped and closed his eyes. His feet still felt tingly. Deimos shook his head. He lied on the bed and Tristan rolled over to rest his head on his chest. Tristan loved being tickled by Deimos but Deimos didn’t push his limits and the two had a safe word. Tristan smiled and felt safe in Deimos’ arms.
~
Ivy was dressed in her black dress with flowing sleeves, and lace shoulders with a black apron over it. She had cooked the chicken fettuccine alfredo just right. She purchased the finest French chardonnay and Tristan’s favorite: Frojune Clairet, baked some garlic bread with mozzarella cheese, and made a Caesar salad. She waited and waited for Tristan and Deimos to show but neither did. She looked at the candles on the table as the flames flickered.
Ivy: “Where are they?”
She knit her eyebrows as the candles on the table blew out. She rose from her seat and paced around the room.
Ivy: “It’s not like Deimos to be late or bail out on plans…”
She mused as panic set in.
Celeste jumped into the backyard and let herself in.
Celeste: “Oh, fuck yeah, I’m glad you have something made! Don’t mind if I do!”
She said as she dished up some chicken fettuccine alfredo, took a garlic loaf, and a bowl of caesar salad.
Celeste: “Do you got any beer? I like to down my food with beer and not wine. I’m not Tristan.”
She groused.
Ivy: “HEY! That’s for Deimos and Tristan! Shoo! Shoo!”
She snapped at her and waved her hand at her as if she were gesturing for her cat, Anubis, to get off the table.
Celeste: “Well, Dr. Nim Rod kidnapped Tristan and Blair. Deimos and I went on a rescue mission to save them and Deimos and Tristan are at his place.”
She said as she thrust a forkful of pasta in her mouth.
Ivy shot up from her seat as her heart dropped to the floor.
Ivy: “WHAT?!”
She cried and her bottom lip trembled.
Ivy: “Why didn’t they tell me?”
She cried. She shrugged.
Celeste: “It happened in a flash. There was no time to tell you ‘cause that weirdo was tickling Tristan and Blair a lot and Deimos was antsy.”
She explained noncommittally.
Ivy: “Why didn’t they come back here?”
She felt hurt that Deimos didn’t come to her for comfort and didn’t include her in this.
Celeste: “I dunno. I’m not the mind reader but I’m here!”
She said as dove into the salad.
They heard someone clear their throat. It did not sound like Blair or Deimos or Tristan. No, it cannot be, Celeste thought. She raised her head to face a tall, wiry white man with a half-shaven head with his lilac hair covering a bit of his left eye. He has a narrow gaunt face with a prominent ski-jump nose and pronounced cleft in the chin. His name is Percy Pearson. Codename: Bloody Rose. He and Celeste share a bitter rivalry, but it seems he wants to team up with her for reasons unknown to Celeste. Probably because his employer, Jarlath “Jonsey” O’Hara, kicked the bucket, leaving Percy with nothing better to do than heckle Celeste. He had been missing in action… until now.
Celeste felt her ire increasing as she glared contemptuously at Percy.
Celeste: “Get the fuck out of here, you asshole! What are you doing here anyway?! I thought—or hoped—you had died or somethin’!”
Her voice rose shrilly. Percy shook his head, his eyes glittering with malice.
Percy: “Such language, my magical friend!”
He said smoothly.
Ivy gave Celeste a look. She had never seen such an aggressive reaction out of her towards someone like that.
Ivy: “Ex-boyfriend of yours?”
She asked Celeste. She shook her head.
Celeste: “Hell no! I wouldn’t fuck that nasty thing! He just stole a job from me!”
She took the bottle of wine and threw it at Percy. He caught it in mid-air with his quick reflexes and eyed the bottle, nodding in approval.
Percy: “Whoever you bought this for has most excellent taste!”
He purred.
Ivy: “Give that back!”
She demanded.
Percy: “Who did you get this for?”
He held up the bottle.
Ivy: “What’s it to you? It’s not for you! It’s for my partner and best friend!”
She said curtly. Percy raised his eyebrows curiously.
Percy: “Deimos?”
He cupped his chin and flicked his gaze up at the sky.
Percy: “He doesn’t strike me as a wine lover.”
Celeste: “He’s not dipshit.”
She spat. Percy rolled his eyes.
Percy: “I know, I was being facetious.”
He said wryly. Ivy arched an eyebrow when he knew about him. He knows Deimos? Deimos never told me about him, she thought.
Percy: “I was away for a while. Forgive me for not keeping up to date with ‘The Young and the Feckless’.”
He bowed.
Ivy: “Who are you?! How do you know Deimos?”
She pressed him. Percy smirked at her.
Percy: “My name is Percy Pearson. Enchanté!”
He bowed.
Percy: “I know Deimos through your friend, Celeste, here, of course!”
He chirped. Celeste rolled her eyes.
Celeste: “Yeah, that motherfucker is leaving something out. Quit lying, asshole.”
She huffed.
Percy grimaced and thought of Deimos dating Arnold Duerr when he was a teenager. Ivy read his mind.
Ivy: “...Who is Arnold?”
She blurted. Percy flicked his gaze at her and studied her carefully. I never said his name aloud, he thought. His frown curled into a smirk.
Percy: “I haven’t the slightest clue, darling.”
He flashed a forlorn smile.
Celeste: “Whatever, you lying cunt. Give Ivy back that bottle of wine! She has to impress Tristan!”
She demanded. Ivy’s deep green tresses contrasted with her flushing red cheeks, bringing more attention to them.
Percy: “Tristan?”
He quirked an eyebrow and surveyed Ivy’s expression. His shoulders shook and he chuckled. He raised the bottle of wine up.
Percy: “I will deliver this to Tristan someday, darling.”
Ivy: “NO!”
She blurted, glaring at him.
Celeste: “No, you can’t! Ivy is going to get him or Deimos will get him!”
She snapped. Ivy went a deeper shade of red.
Percy: “Who asked you?”
He laughed and jumped up in the air, landing in the tree.
Ivy: “HEY! Give me back my wine!”
She snapped at him.
Percy: “This was fun. ‘Til we meet again. Adieu!”
He jumped on the roof and sped away like the speed of light.
Celeste: “Tristan didn’t get your bottle of wine or your dinner. If that shithead gives him that wine, it will have Percy spit in it. So what now?”
She asked her. Ivy huffed and folded her arms across her chest and felt like crying.
Ivy: “I see why you hate that shithead. That’s something we can both agree on.”
She said.
Ivy: “I spent all night on this dinner and now it’s all ruined…”
She broke down crying. It was more than just the dinner. Celeste patted her back and put a blanket over her.
Celeste: “It’s not ruined, Ivy. I love it. You made my night better at least!”
Ivy: “Yes it is… everything is ruined now…”
She sobbed, looking up at the night sky, deep in thought. Celeste grumbled. Her and Blair are no different, she thought and finished eating her meal.
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