Free Badger the Mystical Mutt and the Crumpled Capers by Lyn McNicol Page B

to the Crystal Cave, and we could work out a plan. And now, it’s all sorted. Toastastic!”
    â€œAh!” said Timmy. “There’s just one
tiny
thing I have to do, and then I can join.”
    â€œOh?” said Badger, raising his eyebrow. “I have a feeling I’m not going to like this.”
    â€œIt’s easy-peasy lemon squeezy,” said Timmy. “I’ve just got to find a really big tyre, and carry it back to them.”
    â€œHmmm,” said Badger frowning. “The last time I checked, tyre-carrying wasn’t in my
Book of Normal Cat Activities
. How exactly will you transport it with your small paws and sharp claws?”
    â€œErm … I haven’t thought that far ahead yet,” said Timmy, stroking his whiskers.
    â€œThat task is impossible for a cat. Snif’s being cruel. It looks like we definitely need the Wim-Wim,” said Badger. “But I don’t really understand why you want to join a gang like that anyway.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with the Wim-Wim?” asked Timmy, ignoring Badger’s question. “Maybe I can take a look?”
    â€œPlease do,” said Badger hopefully.
    Timmy walked around the Wim-Wim and examined it carefully.
    â€œI’m just going to tickle its reverse check plunger and see if its orbital gears are greasy enough,” said Timmy seriously.

    â€œI never knew you were skilled in mechanics, Timmy.”
    â€œI’m not. But I do have six
and a half
senses, Badger. I am a cat after all.”
    Timmy tapped his paw and poked his claw into the body ofthe Wim-Wim. Suddenly, its rotor blades started to whirr and its weather vane whirled.
    Badger smiled expectantly.
    Then everything flopped again.
    â€œWhen did the Wim-Wim have its last service, Badger?” asked Timmy.
    â€œUm … er … never. The Wim-Wim has always worked,” replied Badger.
    â€œWell then, it’s as I thought,” said Timmy knowingly. “The freezing temperature has affected its orbital gears. The Wim-Wim needs a full service with a proper Wim-Wim mechanic. It’s time for its Magical Orbital Transplant.”
    â€œIt’s MOT? But that’s not due until Jupiter eclipses Pluto.”
    â€œIt’s not that simple,” said Timmy. “It needs to be done now. Really, Badger, if you don’t get it sorted, you may have to scrap the Wim-Wim.”
    Badger gasped. The thought of losing his Wim-Wim filled him with sadness and fear. Without it, he couldn’t visit the EnchantedForest and the Crystal Cave, and couldn’t be as Badgical Magical as he wanted to be.
    He rubbed his neckerchief in anguish. Suddenly, sparkles of light appeared around him, as his neckerchief unfurled from his neck and pointed upwards in the shape of a giant capital “C”.

    â€œCaptain Bravebark!” shouted Badger in glee. “Of course, I forgot. Thank you, ’Chief.”
    Timmy looked at the neckerchief floating in midair and asked, “Who on earth is Captain Bravebark? How do you know him? How can he help us? And where is he?”
    â€œCaptain Bravebark lives in the Ring of Brodgar. A
very
Badgical-Magical place, Timmy. He also happens to be one of my relatives and a very clever one too. He’s qualified in MOTs, and has the only other time-travelling machine in the universe which stops off at the Crystal Cave.”
    â€œWow!” said Timmy. “I’ve heard about the Crystal Cave.”
    Badger continued: “I haven’t seen him for many a dog year, but he always helps me when I need him and, right now, I need to send him a p-mail about using the Tangerine Piano as soon as possible.”
    â€œA tangerine what?” asked Timmy, more than a little impressed.
    â€œPiano,” said Badger casually, “with an ivory staircase.”
    â€œBlimey!” said Timmy, starting to sniffle and snuffle.
    â€œUh oh! I’m off before you start sneezing