Me, You, And...Cake

Aleksander Orlov

Thought Of The Day - K-Zone

K-Zone is a kids' magazine launched in 2000 in Australia. It mostly contains images of Pokemon and sometimes Digimon.

Orko lives with Furaha and her family in a little house in Australia.

Orko is reading K-Zone magazine to toddler Furaha, and even though she's too young for older kids' stuff like Pokemon, The Simpsons and Rugrats.

Use Your Melon

Scooby Doo invites you to Use Your Melon!

Scooby and Shaggy were on vacation in Hawaii. They were having such a great time relaxing on the beach, basking on the sandy beach and playing volleyball with a group of lei girls, who Shaggy got the hots for. “Y’know, Scoob, there’s nothing like an awesome beach vacation just for two friends. I mean, us!” The two laughed. “Raggy, I think this calls for a fruit feast to celebrate.” “You bet it is, Scoob!” So off they set into the jungles of Hawaii to search for some delicacies. They hadn’t gone far when they spotted a great melon tree with watermelons growing.

“That’s like the one!” said Shaggy, and he and Scooby ran up to the tree to begin shaking it. Shakey-shakey-shake-shake! Watermelons fell from the tree and landed on the ground. One even landed on Shaggy’s head, breaking up into slices! Shaggy fell over, but pushed down the lump on his head and tucked into his watermelon slice. Scooby licked his lips and was about to take a bite when…SMACK! The watermelon slice grew arms and smacked him round the face! It then ran off into the bushes. “Like hey, where are you going?!” cried Shaggy, dropping his watermelon slice and running after him. Scooby ran after him too.

The chase went on through the jungle, until at last, the watermelon stopped dead in his tracks and tripped Scooby and Shaggy up into the lake nearby. SPLASH! “I knew it! You’re eating my own kind!” said the melon in a squeaky voice, “You gluttonous freaks!” “I’m sorry, we were only trying to find some tasty delicacies.” “And we thought this was, like, a hallucination!” cried Shaggy. “Well us watermelons aren’t all that tasty, aren’t we? We have bottoms! Ear piercings! Wives!” Scooby and Shaggy were shocked to hear this. “Okay, okay, I’ll try to gain control of myself. My friend is having a wedding today, and I don’t want any nonsense from you. If you keep watch, will you guys promise not to eat any of us again?” “Promise.” Scooby and Shaggy both said. “Good,” said the melon, “Now follow me.” Scooby and Shaggy did as they said and followed the melon through the bushes.

Scooby Doo Vs Budweiser

It was night time in the parking lot of the Coolmart car park. Quiet that is, except for one sound:

“Bud.” “Weis.” “Er!”

The next morning, the Mystery Machine drove into the parking lot and out came Scooby and Shaggy. “I can’t wait to like begin our food shop,” said Shaggy, “Imagine all the amount of grub we can eat!” “You bet we will eat them, Raggy, and don’t forget the Scooby Snacks!” “Our list is packed already, Scoob!” As Shaggy rolled out his long list, it landed on something which made a gross-sounding SQUISH noise. It was followed by this:

“Bud.”

The Plains Of Africa

The story you are about to read is beyond your wildest imagination. And when I say ‘wild’, I mean you are making the story now, near a baobab tree in Africa. Imagine you have hold of red mud inside a rare dried up gourd, and you are painting a story on the skin of the baobab. That story is about two inseparable friends off on a journey of a lifetime - one is a lioness cub, one is a wizard from Trolla, and then the place where he’s cruelly abused, Eternia. Then, he lives a happy life here on Earth. They are siblings.

Furaha and Orko lived a happy, freedom-filled life in the plains of Africa. They didn’t care what other, grumpier animals said, they marched to the rhythm of their own drums and dedicated all of their time to having fun, while experiencing the softness of nature. Now, usually you’d see Orko with baggy sleeves with gold bits wrapped round them, but in this story, he is bare-armed. It shows the spirit of Africa exists within his smooth blue skin, safe and snug in his little Trollan heart. The two were inseparable and played together in the long grass every day.

They would climb up trees and swing from the branches. Orko would easily get up trees, because he could float. They would play with the younger animals - elephants, flamingos, crocodiles, rhinos and especially lion cubs. I don’t mean cousins from Furaha’s family in another universe, I meant native cubs who spoke in another language, and Furaha thought of them as her brothers and sisters. But none was the best brother ever than Orko, who would play games like tag and hide and seek with her every day. Sometimes Orko would creep up behind little Furaha, and then a full on tickling would sound off, with Furaha’s squealing laughter echoing through the plain. Almost every animal could hear it - even the elephants with their big flappy ears. When they went to the water hole to take a drink, they would gaze at their reflections, then dive in and relax and splash each other in the cool, inviting water, which was free of crocodiles and piranhas, making it perfect for such little friends like them. And when the two were tired, they would sleep next to each other in the shade of a baobab tree, Furaha snuggled peacefully on Orko’s soft red cloak.

Oh, they were so happy in this wild paradise. To think about them leaving would be impossible. And to think about separating them would be even worse. The wild was their natural home. Their habitat. The perfect place for friends to live.

One morning, Furaha woke up with a funny feeling in her head. She had a dream last night where there was a whole lot more Africa to explore, and she saw a whole pride of lions waiting for her. The pride had cubs who were begging to play with her and her brother, but they seemed a long way off. She gently shook her brother awake, and to her surprise, he told her he had the same dream too. This only meant one thing: there was a whole lot more Africa to explore, not just grass and trees and animals. After a few slow-paced stretches, they decided to set off immediately.

The two made their way through the plains, following each other and sometimes holding each other paw in hand so they wouldn't leave each other behind. Three days did their journey take, and I’ll tell you about it right now. On the first day, they walked for miles and had to stop for a rest. Furaha’s legs were aching, so Orko magicked up some fruit for them to share. It was so succulent and delicious that Furaha was too full to beg for more. When they continued on their way, Furaha had to ride on Orko’s shoulders, and she couldn’t stop squealing and calling out, “Wheeeeeeeeee!!!” On the second day, Furaha and Orko found a huge hill, and wanted to roll down it. Cries of “Wheeeeeeee!!” and laughter were heard as the two siblings rolled down the hill, feeling joy and freedom as they rolled. On the third day, they passed a waterfall. It was a huge, beautiful waterfall, one they’ve never seen before.

Orko's Baby

Month 1:

Stork Delivery

Hi! I’m Orko, Furaha’s brother. She always finds me kind, compassionate, funny, and all the time, magical. I’m going to tell you a story I once told baby Furaha about what it would be like if I adopted her instead of Kiburi and Ua. Y’know, having me as a parent is much better than having Kiburi and Ua for parents. This story will take place over the nineteen months of Furaha’s development, just like all parent and baby stories should. Be warned that this story is made up, because Kiburi and Ua are Furaha’s real parents. Ready? Then here we go.

Once upon a time, there was a little village. And in that village was a small red house. It had a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room and a study where I can do my magi-huh? Wait a second - I didn’t mention I lived in this house, did I? Well, too late. Anyway, I was a stay at home wizard who practised magic day in, day out. You all knew I came from Trolla, right? Well, you may think it’s correct, but in the story I’m telling you, I lived on earth. So there. Ha-ha! Anyway again, for me, every day was the same. Cook, clean, do magic. Cook, clean, do magic. No breaks, no nothing. It was a tiring life for me, living my same old boring life in my little red house. One night, I was tired of my same old routine, so I closed my eyes very tight, prayed near my bed and wished upon a star with all my heart.

My Little Panda

Sweet little panda,

Where are you?

Peek-a-boo! I see you!

I’ve found you.

These are the words that still ring in my head every time I hear this story. I’m Ua, and I want to tell you a story I once told baby Furaha and her big brother Orko. It features them, and I’m sure you will like it too.

Deep in the Chinese bamboo forest, there lived a gentle, loving family of pandas. There was a mother, a father, and six cubs. But the most unique of the family are their two adopted children - a baby lioness cub called Furaha and a Trollan wizard named Orko. They’ve been their family ever since their parents were killed by a fierce snow leopard way up in the mountains, and true to their species, pandas love to baby their children, because they are gentle and kind bears. Mother and Father would spend days on end cuddling baby Furaha, forgetting the laws of the wilderness of China and sharing the love of their adopted daughter. As for Orko, the six cubs loved to play with him and chase him about, sometimes pinning him to the ground and tickling him. Sometimes, Orko would perform magic for them. He is a magician after all.

Lisa & Starlight

Today, our friend Starlight was going to the Ponyville Beauty Salon to get her hair done by Lisa, the most famous hairdresser in the world. I wonder what she’ll talk about with her today? Mostly things done by me, by the way.

“So, what’s on your mind today, Starlight?” asked Lisa as she started shampooing Starlight’s beautiful golden mane. “I want to talk to you about a few ideas Sybil told me about. First up, there’s Furaha’s Nap. It’s a story where Furaha has a nap after a long, exhausting day playing, and Orko naps with her.” “That sounds adorable,” cooed Lisa as she applied the sweet-scented L’Oreal shampoo to Starlight’s hair and rinsed it with hot water. “Ow! Oooh!” Starlight cried. “I mean - ha ha, er…ooh, that’s divine. So cool! Anyway, this story’s meant to encapsulate the feeling of spending time with your brother after a long, exhausting day. Toddlers do tend to get a bit cranky.” “Of all the little ponies, no ponies scream and shout louder than the baby ponies.” “Boy, they tend to get on my nerves.” sighed Starlight. “Lucky I get to spend some me time there.”

Next, Lisa applied conditioner to Starlight’s hair. It was very sticky and smooth. “So, about the next thing I’m gonna talk about. My Little Panda.” “Oh yeah, what about it?” asked Lisa. “Well, it’s a story where baby Furaha and her brother Orko were raised by a family of gentle, caring pandas somewhere in the dense Chinese bamboo forest. The family consists of a father, a mother and six cubs. In Sybil’s world, pandas love to baby the ones they love, particulary those who get adopted into the family, such as baby lioness cubs like Furaha. In this story, they learn how to survive in the Chinese wilderness.” “Sounds nice, if a panda were to take me in I’d get fat from eating too many bamboo leaves.” responded Lisa. “Nah, you said it wrong. You’d be malnourished from eating bamboo leaves and not proper human food.” “And then I’d become a skeleton!” said Lisa, and both of them laughed. They laughed so hard that Lisa almost squirted shampoo into Starlight’s eyes! “Ow! Mind my eyes!” she cried. “Sorry, sorry about that.” said Lisa, and she continued to shampoo Starlight’s lovely golden hair.

The Biggest Snuggle Ever

It was a dark and rainy afternoon. It was peaceful with the sound of rain, a grey sky and the sound of the sea in the distance - especially if you’re Furaha and you live near the beach. To Furaha and her big brother Orko, today wasn’t a day to be going out. It was a day to stay in and keep cosy. And in Furaha’s bedroom, they were doing just that. The two friends were looking out the window at the pouring rain outside. “Just look at that rain,” said Furaha. “Mmmmm,” said Orko. “So many rain droplets. It’s hard to keep count of them all with so many pouring out of the sky.” “At least we stay in nice and dry,” said Furaha, “I believe all those droplets come in hundreds and thousands.” “Like the sprinkles on top of your ice cream?” “You could say that,” said Furaha with a laugh. Furaha and Orko lay back on their bed big enough for the two of them and sighed.

“It’s times like these when I’m glad to have you by my side,” said Orko, “Whenever I feel lonely, you come to vanquish it.” There was a long silence. “...with CUDDLES!” Orko cried, and he grabbed Furaha in his arms. The young cub was struggling at first, but then she enjoyed Orko’s cuddly ways as always. Then Orko started cradling her out of comical love, then stroking her. Then scruffling the fur on her head. Furaha giggled. “Hey, stop it!” she laughed. But Orko had a better way of responding. He fell onto the bed with Furaha still in his arms and cradled and cuddled her. He then rolled around on the bed hugging Furaha tight. The two were laughing and rolling around whilst enjoying the most intense snuggle of all.

Just then, Orko fell off the bed, and so did Furaha - onto the soft pink furry rug. At first, the two sat up and rubbed their heads, but when they looked at each other, they just had to laugh. “Again!” squealed Furaha, leaping into Orko’s arms. Orko rolled around once again on the floor, hugging Furaha. He lay on his back and threw Furaha in the air, catching her. He then placed his exposed head on top of Furaha’s, and planted tender kisses on her head. How Furaha laughed and giggled. She screamed with joy and wiggled free. Just as she was about to dash out, Orko grabbed her and hugged her tight. He then took her in his arms and started to tickle her soft tummy.

A Windy, Sunny Day

Somewhere in the ‘80s…

Cheese, his big brother Crackers and their friends Scooby Doo and Orko were making their way to the park. It was such a lovely day, and a strong breeze was blowing in the air. Crackers was carrying tennis rackets and a tennis ball, and Cheese was carrying the small badminton thing that people use to play badminton. Orko was carrying his favourite red kite. All four of them have agreed that it was the perfect day to do all this and more. “I can’t wait to head to the park! I want to play on the equipie-ment with Orko.” “It’s equipment, little Cheese.” said Orko, slightly annoyed a little. “Whatever. The thing is, it’ll be such fun!” “You bet it will, Cheese!” said Crackers, “I so can’t wait to score some pointers!”

Suddenly, they heard a howl in the distance. “Rikes!” shouted Scooby, and leapt into Crackers’ arms. “Are you sure there’s a forest nearby? ‘Cause I heard there may be wolves.” shuddered Orko. “Wolves indeed. There are no wolves in town!” “Well, think again!” laughed a voice from around the corner. Out jumped a pup Cheese and the gang have never seen before. He was covered in curly golden fur, had a bead bracelet round his arm and a blue bandana round his neck. “Awwoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!” he howled. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!” everyone screamed. The new kid just laughed. “Only fooling with you, man,” he sniggered, “I’m Wolfie.” “Phew,” said Scooby as he freed himself from Crackers’ grasp, “That was close.”

How To Tickle Your Brother

Orko was relaxing on the sofa, his eyes closed and a chilled out tone to his personality. It was one of the days where he felt like doing nothing at all. Not even magic. Just relaxing and forgetting about the world. Suddenly, he heard a giggle and opened one eye. Forgetting it, he went back to sleep. That was when our cuddly friend Furaha prowled into the living room, and tiptoed behind the sofa. She waited until her brother Orko was fully asleep, in a curled up cat-like position on the floor…and then, she slowly rose up over the top of the sofa, licking her chops. She wanted to pretend to eat Orko for dinner. Or maybe she wanted to do it? I don’t know.

Anyway, with a leap and a pounce, Furaha leapt onto Orko and roared at him. His eyes shot open as Furaha began to tickle him. “Tickle tickle tickle!” laughed Furaha. “AAAAAAAA!! No, please, stop!” shouted Orko, laughing and trying to struggle free on the couch, “I’m ticklish! No, stop!” “My cat like instincts told me to do so,” laughed Furaha as she tickled her brother even harder. Orko couldn’t help giggling as Furaha’s soft, fluffy fingers brushed the velvety fabric of his cloak. “If you had skin, I would tickle it too.” said Furaha over Orko’s laughter, “It’s a shame I can only see your skin on your arms, hands, fingers and ears.”

Orko pushed Furaha off him viciously. “You’re gonna get it, Furaha!” he cried, and he chased the squealing lioness cub around the living room. Furaha fell smack on the fluffy white carpet, and Orko began to tickle her tummy. “Aaaaah-hahahahahaha! Stop, please! I’m gonna…” As Orko was tickling her, Furaha showed her claws and began to grab his hand. “Oh my goodness, what a tight grip!” cried Orko as Furaha growled big cat style. Orko continued tickling her and began to spin her around on the floor. With his other hand, he put on cool red shades and used his tickling hand to spin Furaha round like a record. “Furaha-lini!” he kept repeating for minutes on end. At last, Furaha let go and ran away. Orko looked at his hand which tickled his sister. There were scratches all over it. With a bit of magic, he healed his scars. “Right, where’s that little scoundrel? I’m gonna give her a good tickling!” said Orko playfully, and went off to find his mischievous little sister.

The Four Friends

Chapter 1

On February 3rd, 2003, What’s New Scooby Doo aired on Cartoon Network in the USA. This was one of the momentous occasions for the channel, as it became a fan-favourite Scooby Doo series. At the same time, Transformers Armada and He Man were airing on Toonami, a strand from Cartoon Network. In an unexpected turn of events, this true story was when all three worlds - or better yet - four characters from each show - collided.