Sagwa landed upon a relatively solid surface. A cloud of dust puffed into the air, causing the kitten to cough at the agitating particles she was breathing. When the annoyance had settled, Sagwa glanced about her. She was amazed at the area she had landed in.

It was a rustic setting; a quaint little town without the bustling of automobiles and the flood of voices echoing through the streets. Horse-drawn carriages clamored down the dusty gravel road and people in dry-weather attire walked along the same route. This was an old western town, set in the middle of the nineteenth century.

Glancing down at her fur, Sagwa saw that her creamy fur was covered in a light dust. Giving a slight gasp of surprise, Sagwa immediately shook herself, ridding herself of the filth.

Jack's voice commented, "That's what the old west will do to you Sagwa."

Sagwa looked up at her friend and stated, beginning to lick her fur, "Where is this awful place?"

"This is Hyperion," Jack replied with a soft nod. "This is America back in your time."

"What do you mean?" Sagwa asked, looking about her. "This can't be during my time! It's too different!"

"Yes Sagwa," Jack replied patiently. "But listen, this is on a continent apart from yours. While you were living your life across the sea in China, these folks were living theirs here in America. And this is what life was like back then."

"I see," Sagwa breathed, continuing to gaze awestricken at the various assortments of people parading by.

Just then the rest of Sagwa's group arrived. Memphis led the group, classily standing out in his dark leather apparel. Frank followed closely behind, almost as if trying to get infront of the polished leader. Bringing up the rear was Wadsworth. The butler gave the surroundings a look of disgust and tried his best not to scuff up his shiny shoes in the gravel street.

Jack commented with a laugh, "Looks like the rest of our posse is here." With a quick nod to Sagwa, Jack suggested, "Well, why don't we go see who our next suspect is?"

"Right as always," Sagwa smiled. She gave her fur coat one last shake and started towards the group

Out of nowhere came a blue fuzzy ball the height and width of two basketballs. Sagwa watched it with interest as it rolled infront of her. The curious kitten gave the ball quick sniff. A hand suddenly popped out of the ball of fur and grabbed Sagwa's nose, giving it a quick squeeze.

Jerking back, Sagwa yelped in surprise and clutched her nose. From within the rolling mass of blue came an odd, cackling laugh. Then the ball rolled down the street and behind a trough. Sagwa glared after the odd thing and tried her best to rub out the soreness she felt in her nose.

Memphis came up to Sagwa, taking off his shades as he went. Memphis bent down and looked at her with concern. He asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Sagwa grumbled, pushing aside the annoyance she knew she felt. "I'm fine. I guess."

"What was that?" Frank asked, for once sounding a bit concerned.

Jack shrugged while Memphis looked down the street to see if it was still there. Nothing in the street resembled the furry ball; just people going about their daily lives, peddling down the street and on the sidewalk.

Wadsworth stepped forward, next to Sagwa, grumbling, "I hope we can find out who the thief is so I can return back to my work!"

Memphis glanced at Wadsworth. He asked skeptically, "Hot date?"

"No," Wadsworth grumbled sourly. "I happen to be in the middle of catching some blackmailing murderers back in my world you know!"

"Catching?" Sagwa asked, suddenly becoming interested. "How are you catching people? I mean, wouldn't they just lie to you if you asked them what they've done?"

"Yes, they would," Wadsworth replied with a smile. He told her, "You see Sagwa, I am playing them the fool. They think I am someone whom I'm not!"

"And what do you achieve by doing that?" Sagwa asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow.

"Truth on audiotape!" Wadsworth smiled.

"Wait," Frank questioned, listening to what was going on. He asked, "Then if you're not the butler for Mr. Body, then who are you?"

"I am Mr. Body!" Wadsworth laughed, his eyes flashing the same eeriness that Sagwa had seen earlier.

Sagwa became angry. She wondered in scorn, "So you lied to us too didn't you? You said you were Wadsworth the butler! Now you say you are Mr. Body, the host of that get-together! I don't know what to believe from you anymore!"

At that moment, there was an explosion of shattered glass. People walking by the tavern leapt out of the way of the incoming glass. A woman's scream echoed through the street. People in the town halted their activities to peer curiously at the sudden fiasco occurring in the saloon.

Sagwa and her group turned to see what was going on. Sagwa watched with shock as a round wooden table broke the rest of the glass in the store window. A couple of chairs followed suit and several bottles were thrown out for good measure. More screaming was heard as the one who had caused the sudden disturbance leapt back out of the window.

For a couple seconds Sagwa lost sight of the thing that had leapt out of the window. All she had seen before it had vanished was a flurry of blue. Sagwa wondered if it was the creature that had tweaked her nose prior to the events in the saloon.

People scattered out of the way, drawing back in horror and fear. And as they did the culprit emerged from behind the water trough. Sure enough, it was the same furry critter that had tweaked Sagwa's nose. But instead of being in a tight ball, the creature had puffed itself up to full height. The thing looked like a cross between a bat and an extremely ugly dog. It had large ears that stood perpendicular to its oval head. At times the creature would walk on all fours, then on two legs. Four sets of five claws displayed neatly on the creature's paws. Truly, this was a wonder to behold.

The creature regarded the bottle it clutched in its paw. It then gripped the cork and began pulling on the plug, trying to free it. With no avail, the creature began shaking the bottle uncontrollably, frustrated at its failed efforts. Without warning, the cork suddenly exploded off the bottle, popping the creature in the forehead. Then the shaken contents sprayed the startled being.

Snarling between coughs, the creature tried to get away from the flying champagne. The creature gripped the bottle and chucked it away from it, inadvertently sending the still fuming bottle at Sagwa and her friends.

Sagwa leapt out of the way, just barely avoiding being hit by the flying bottle. She felt unsafe on the ground and tugged on Memphis's boots. When she had gotten his attention, Sagwa pleaded, "Please! I feel so vulnerable here on the ground!"

Memphis gave Sagwa a knowing smile and quickly picked her up. He remarked with a laugh, "Too bad you're not a bird who can simply perch on my shoulder!"

Sagwa returned his laugh with her own chuckle.

At that moment the creature ran off from the middle of the street and chased a couple of startled horses that were drinking out of the trough. The creature continued its odd, cackling laugh as it hounded the skeered horses.

Just then there was a clamor of steady horse-hooves beating down the gravel street. Its heroic beat caught the ears of all in the area. Sagwa turned to see who was coming down the street.

Two gallant thoroughbreds galloped gracefully into the street. The rider of the lead, chocolate colored horse was a reflection of the magnificent steed in which he rode. He had a dark overcoat that nearly matched the color of his horse and a matching fedora. His elegant and noble charisma shone trough his intriguing facial features and reflected a man of purpose and duty.

Immediately behind the man rode his golden wife with the same poise about her as in him. Her horse was a beautiful chestnut, a symbol of honesty and loyalty. Together the two rode past Sagwa and her group.

As the creature returned from scaring the horses, it saw the two riders and halted abruptly. It let out an angry howl and glared menacingly at the approaching duo. Apparently, it didn't like who was coming to end its savage rampage through the city.

Sagwa watched as the young man dismounted his horse, handing the reigns over to his wife. Sagwa faintly heard the lady admonish her love, "Be careful! You know how he can get!"

"I will," the man replied confidently, giving her a smile. He then started towards the creature in steady strides. As the man approached the growling creature, he stated, "You know why I'm here Stitch. Your terrorizing of this county has come to an end!" The creature (known as Stitch) grumbled an inaudible response. The man continued. "I am willing to settle this peacefully if you are. Nothing else has to get destroyed and no one else needs to get…"

Just then a lasso fell around Stitch and a loud triumphant cowboy yell was heard. From behind a towering stack of kegs came an outlaw entirely clad in black. Like the man before him, this fellow had the same handsome appeal but lacked the leadership type the first had.

This blonde-haired, outlandish outlaw took sure-footed steps towards his captured victim, flashing a dazzling smile at the gaggle of females that had gathered to watch. To Sagwa it appeared as if this fellow was more interested in the attention he was receiving from the wenches than his prize. But then again, Sagwa wondered, maybe capturing Stitch wasn't apart of the man's plan.

The first approached the outlaw in a steady, agitated walk. He demanded angrily, "Just who do you think you are?"

The outlaw glanced at the man and a chuckle spread across his lips. He continued approaching the subdued critter, halting just a foot away from it. Giving the frowning man a smile, the outlaw breathed amusedly, "Jesse James, notorious outlaw of the west. Fancy seeing you here doing civic duty."

"Funny you should say that, Roy O'bannon," Jesse rumbled, keeping his cool and trying not to become overly agitated. "You must be on high, saying all those things about yourself."

Roy became furious. He replied hotly, "This is my show buddy and you're infringing on my right to be here and make my speedy capture!"

"Your speedy capture?" Jesse laughed. "You didn't even know about this critter until just now!"

"Think whatever you want!" Roy exclaimed. He threw up his hands, accidentally releasing the rope that held Stitch hostage. Roy continued, "Say whatever you want!"

Just then Stitch pulled himself free from his bondage. He quickly tossed the lasso around Roy and tightened the noose, enabling the outlaw from moving. Then Stitch gave the rope a sharp jerk, knocking Roy off his feet. With his capturer in the dirt, Stitch leapt on his back and began jumping up in down, angrily crying, "You bad me Stitch! You bad me Stitch!"

Jesse saw the loose creature and tackled the outraged critter, sending them both to the ground. From there Jesse wrestled the creature, trying to prevent it from getting loose again. His wife galloped up to him on horseback, called his name, and tossed him a book.

Jesse released the angered Stitch and caught the book. Stitch broke free and scampered a couple feet from him. Jesse made no attempt at recapturing the creature. He only sat in the dirt with his arm extended towards Stitch, a leather-bound book in his hand.

Stitch gave the book an incredulous look. Jesse told him gently, "Stitch, take the book."

Stitch shifted his suspicious gaze from the book to Jesse, then back to the book. The creature hissed, "You is a thief! Stitch no trust!"

"Just take the book," Jesse implored, keeping his soothing voice so not to suddenly anger the creature.

"Fine," Stitch sighed. He yanked the book from Jesse and began reading. Not long after, the critter was deeply immersed in the contents of the story.

Sagwa watched the whole scene in awe. She was amazed at how quickly the noxious creature had turned tame once it had opened the book. Sagwa wondered how that book could have made even the worst of behavior suddenly find itself in tranquil.

Stitch, continuing to read the book, remarked in respect, "This book's author, she's very good. Stitch like her."

"So do I," Jesse replied with a smile. "I consider her writing better than even my brother's."

Stitch closed the book and wiped away a tear, "Stitch need hug now!"

At that the creature put its short arms around Jesse and gave him a tight embrace, remarking, "But author of that story is different I read. She is you!"

At that remark, Sagwa immediately became even more curious about the story Jesse had given Stitch to read. Sagwa considered the possibility of Jesse being the culprit behind her purloined story. Sagwa continued to listen intently, aware of Memphis traveling slowly towards Jesse and Stitch.

Roy had managed to wiggle free from the lasso and now found himself covered in the dirt and gravel. He was angry with Jesse for taking over what he had thought to be his own virtuous victory. Standing up, Roy brushed himself off with his hands. From the walkway near the stores he could hear the wenches giggling at his folly. Roy felt the urge to receive immediate justice for the wrongs he had been committed.

Roy commented casually, "I see how it is Jesse." Jesse looked at the outlaw with slight interest. Roy continued, examining his hands and brushing the last dust away, "I should of known that you wanted to take away my victory."

"Whatever you say," Jesse replied, looking away from the outspoken outlaw. He saw Sagwa and gave her a warm, friendly smile. He stood up and walked towards her. Behind him, Jesse heard Roy calling.

"Hey! You can't walk away from me!"

Jesse ignored Roy and continued on his course. When he met up with Sagwa, Jesse greeted in an excited voice, "Sagwa the Siamese Kitten, wow! I can't believe you're really here! I thought you'd never want to visit this rustic place!"

"Double meaning," Sagwa smiled, nodding in a crafty, knowing manner. "You have an uncanny sense of sharp wit about you."

"That he does," replied Frank.

Jesse raised an eyebrow at Frank and gave him a frown of displeasure. Jesse continued, "Why did you decide to come here?"

"Because my highly prized fan fiction has been plagiarized!" Sagwa exclaimed.

"Who would do such a thing?" Jesse inquired honestly, showing a definite sign of concern.

Memphis replied for Sagwa, "A person who was familiar enough with Sagwa's story and has a fondness for writing."

"And," Jack continued, "That person may be right here in this town. Somewhere close by. Someone who knew Sagwa as soon as he saw her."

"You don't think the thief is me now do you?" Jesse gasped.

"Then what was that story that Stitch read?" Sagwa inquired sternly. "There was a first author mentioned. Then he questioned if it was yours."

"The first story, the one I thought he was reading, was your fan fiction," Jesse replied. "I guess mine must have been in there with it."

"How interesting," Jack murmured, leering at Jesse.

Just then Roy came up. He laughed, "I totally agree! If anyone is more guiltier of being a thief it is he!"

Jesse turned a scowl upon Roy and hissed, "And he that is being called a thief is guiltier than anyone."

Roy was about to reply but then found the lack of a quick comeback. Instead Roy simply crossed his arms and scowled at the outlaw.

"Indeed you are clever," Sagwa remarked. Her suspicion of Jesse grew with each creative retort the young man uttered. Sagwa told him flatly, "We'll see just how clever you are when you are put up against the one and only machine that will see if you are telling falsehoods."

"I didn't steal your stories, Sagwa," Jesse insisted gently.

Sagwa simply nodded, doubting every word Jesse spoke to her. Turning to Jack, Sagwa asked, "Where's the lie detector?"

"Next to the book," Jack replied.

Sagwa leapt out of Memphis's arms and dashed behind the group. As soon as she disappeared behind the group she heard Roy bantering Jesse, "Well, you know as they say, 'once a thief, always a thief."

To that Sagwa heard Jesse reply, "Try looking in the mirror and saying it."

Sagwa couldn't help but admire Jesse's spirit. His magnetic poise and comic wit made Jesse almost seem incapable of plundering stories. But still, Sagwa remembered, such swift speaking was not commonplace for a former thief back in her day. Jesse couldn't be eliminated from suspicion.

When Sagwa reached the book she saw Stitch doodling in it. Next to the furry critter lay the lie detector. Since Sagwa had realized that Stitch really meant no harm to anybody, Sagwa approached him. Keeping her manner smooth and graceful, Sagwa made sure she didn't spook the creature.

"Hello," Sagwa greeted in a friendly manner. "Who are you?"

Stitch glanced up from his doodling and replied, "My name Stitch. Experiment six-two-six." He stuck his tongue out and picked his nose with the tip of his tongue. Then Stitch pulled back his tongue and ate the contents.

Sagwa recoiled in disgust. Stitch asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Sagwa," the kitten replied, giving him a friendly smile. She inquired curiously, "What are you doing?"

"Playing," Stitch replied. He looked at his doodling and gave Sagwa a grin. He exclaimed, "Punch buggy!"

"Punch, what?" Sagwa questioned, baffled.

"Blue punch buggy!" Stitch squealed, grabbing inside the drawing. When he pulled his arm out, a full-size Volkswagen Beatle lay in his grips.

Sagwa gave an alarmed cry. Stitch simply laughed in his cackling, evil way, swinging the bug above his head. Then the little alien swung the vehicle around at Sagwa, almost as if it was a bat. Sagwa scrambled out of the way, barely avoiding being hit by the car.

"No punch back!" Stitch exclaimed, laughing hysterically. He then chased after Sagwa, swiping at her with the car.

Sagwa ran as fast as she could, darting this way and that to avoid meeting certain doom. Shortly after, the chase began it ended with Stitch coming to an abrupt halt. Still, Sagwa continued running. It wasn't until she was safe in Memphis's arms that she calmed down.

Stitch sighed depressedly, seeing how his newly acquired friend didn't enjoy his game of Punch Buggy. With another heavy sigh, Stitch tossed the blue vehicle over his shoulder. The bug smashed into the lie detector, crushing it to the point of being beyond repair. Then Stitch thought of another way to have fun and gave a hollow laugh. He then rolled up into his tight ball and rolled away.

Jesse watched Stitch rolling their way and was about to chase after it when Jack called him back, "You're not going anywhere Jesse James."

"But he's going to wind up in more mischief!" Jesse protested. "People don't understand him and are going to treat him horribly! I've got to go prevent any unwanted destruction!"

Frank and Wadsworth came forward, in definite protest to Jesse's request to leave. Frank snarled, "Oh you're not leaving all right!"

Wadsworth continued, "If we have to give up important issues for this futile search for this story-thieving boar then so do you!"

Frank added, "We all were waiting on that lie detector to send us home but your precious pet has destroyed it and possibly sentenced us to more unwanted time traveling through these hellhound worlds!"

"Such hostilities!" Roy exclaimed, laughing. He backed away, remarking, "I'm so glad I can't read!"

Jesse shot the man a scowl and replied, "Be thankful for what little brains that were forced to be given to you."

Again, Roy found himself lost for words. Sagwa stated, trying to avoid a brawl,"I think it's time for us to go to our next world."

"What about Mr. O'bannon?" Jack inquired. "Is he coming too?"

Memphis answered for Sagwa, "No he's not."

Roy smiled in gratitude, "Ah! Someone who understands my innocence! Thank you!"

Memphis gave a soft laugh. He continued, "He doesn't have the two sense knowledge it takes to steal stories."

Roy just shook his head in disgust while the others tried not to laugh.

Wadsworth apparently had retrieved the book from where it laid and had brought it back to the group. He handed the book over to Jack and said, "I believe you need this."

"That we do," Jack nodded. He placed the book on the ground and opened the book. He motioned everyone to gather around the book as the rainbow shot out of the book.

As the glittering rainbow fell over Jesse, he turned to his wife and said, "Zee, I'll be back shortly. Watch after Stitch and see that he doesn't get into more mischief. A little girl misses him very much."

"I will," Zee smiled. She suddenly remembered and handed Jesse the book from earlier. Zee said, "Take this. It might help."

"Thank you," Jesse thanked her. He gave her a loving kiss on the lips and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too," Zee smiled.

Roy turned in disgust from the romancing couple, muttering, "I hate that mushy stuff!"

He turned and spied the saloon's dance girls and swaggered over to them, puffing out his chest and acting in a vain manner. He whistled, "Hey ladies! Now how can we work out a schedule?"

Sagwa had watched the interaction between Jesse and Zee. Sagwa wondered again if she had been right to suspect Jesse of stealing her story. Her opinions were based almost entirely off of others accusations of what had been Jesse's past. After all, Sagwa thought, if she wasn't judging one person by his past, why should she judge this man's?

Then the kitten shrank and descended into the book. With that, the book closed.