Kerfuffle!

[clicking] [inhaling] [exhaling] There. Posted. [notification sound] [gasp] 11 million? No way! [upbeat music] [running] [laughing] Banana! In my timeline, that post becomes global policy. Everyone's happier. Wait, my one post did that? Really? Yeah. [snoring] Mr. Ono, why does Banana Chan get to sleep in class? She's literally drooling. Because Banana Chan saved the world last night, Kenji. She deserves everyone's respect and consideration. Okay, wait. Who is this kid? Lacy, this is Buster. He's your grandson from the year 2088. My grandson? Hey, Grandma. Surprise! So, what's the future like? Flying cars? Pizza pills? Mostly just way more robots, like everywhere. Some of them know you. Know us? Buster, what do you mean know us? [gentle music] My cyborg cat, 937, shows up soon. Like, minutes soon. A cyborg cat? Wait, how many minutes? [wristband beeping] Buster, why is your wristband beeping like that? I got to go. When the cat shows up, don't freak out. Be nice to him. Go where? Buster, wait. You can't just leave. Nice? What if he's not nice to us? [door closing] Good afternoon. I'm 937. May I earn my keep with chores? Chores? Oh, you could fold the laundry, I suppose. This robot is cute. Can you turn into a normal cat, please? I can alter my size and appearance, but I wish to remain as I am. Then stay. But why does that sound like a warning? Wait, I just saw two of you. Another cat right beside you. Glitches happen sometimes, Miss Chan. Time travel is untidy. Then why are you staring at my hallway? [door opening] Mrs. Chan, Buster's mother's landlord needs a word. Alone, in the room down the hall. Buster's mother has a landlord? Why now? Don't be frightened by how he looks. He's friendly. Mom, don't go. Something's wrong. [door opening] [screaming] Apologies, madam. Not my friendliest form, but I'm stuck like this for a while. You're the landlord? What do you want with me? Buster's life, madam. We have 10 minutes. In 10 minutes, Buster meets a girl named Maiko. She will break his heart in two years. Heartbreak is a normal part of life, Baka. Yeah, I guess you're right. [whooshing] [coughing] 10 minutes. That's not a countdown for me, that's a countdown for him. The real Buster is almost here, and I'm the glitch. Sorry, Grandma. Tell the real me I said hi. [whooshing] [exhaling] Made it! Today's the day Cosmic Pigeon issue one drops. In 2088, that comic pays for a whole house. [wristband beeping] Comic shop or grandma. I can't do both. [exhaling] Hey, that's the last Cosmic Pigeon one. I called it from the future. Nope, my hand touched it first. I'm Maiko, by the way. You can have it after I read it. I just want one look. Sorry, my mind's racing. I've got about a minute left. Hey, it's okay. [exhaling] [slamming] When Buster comes home, he won't be the Buster you met earlier. A different Buster? How is that even possible? So we just tell him the other Buster already said hi? [door opening] I'm done reading it, so it's all yours. [bird pooping] Them's the breaks, I guess. [laughing] Wait, was that bird aiming for you? Buster, wait. Your hair was short like hours ago. Did it really grow that fast? Okay, so I went on a really long time travel adventure. Like, really long. And my hair grew, and I'm not cutting it. [laughing] So, this timeline might not be canon in the wider Banana Chan multiverse. Why does a multiverse have my name on it? Trust me, you don't want to know. Okay, not knowing. Sweetheart, why is the air behind you glowing? Oh, that's just a causal flux bleeding through a folded chronal membrane. Totally normal. It closes in 10 minutes. Ow, my brain just filed for divorce from my head. Buster, honey. Did you say 10 minutes? Why is it beeping? Eh, details. So, what's for lunch? [whooshing] Well, we're having fish, rice, and veggies, so everybody wash up. [whooshing] Something just grabbed our fish through the glowing hole. Okay, that was not in the 10-minute estimate. [whooshing] [sirens wailing] Whoever you are, that fish is for lunch, not for looting. Buster, why is the cat wearing a collar with my name on it? [electronic sounds] Mochi says it closes in 60 seconds, and either Ko's rice goes in, or I do. Nobody is trading lunch or my great-grandson, so think faster. Then I'll choose, Buster. I'm sorry, and I'm so sorry, but the tag says it has to be me. Mom, drop the bowl. You are not walking into that thing. Wait, the tag says keeper, and Mochi never told me that part. [board smashing] Then why is your cat smiling and taking my rice, Buster? [object crashing] Mochi, that's my board and my great-grandma's lunch, so get back here. Mom, hold my hand. I am not losing you to a cat. Banana, that older woman in the rift is me, and she's holding a key. 10 seconds. The key just clicked onto my board, and my hair is whipping in my face. Then we all jump together, and nobody lets go of anybody. [whooshing] Everybody still here? Mom, Buster, count off right now. I'm here, but the floor is disappearing, and that key says 60. 60 seconds? It was 10 before, so who gave it more time? [upbeat music] [grunts] Wait, the key isn't counting down the pier, it's counting down Mochi's collar. Or she needs us to find Mochi before zero. Girls, the hologram says the last day is today, and it's my choice. [whooshing] Two panels, 30 seconds, and the key only fits one of them. Mom, if we pick Mochi, we lose older Ko. And I'm trusting both of you to catch me. [whooshing] [upbeat music] Wait. The key just stopped counting Mochi's collar, and now it's counting us. Give Mochi back, older mom, or I'll take her myself. Wait, sweetheart, she's not the one who chose Mochi. So who else is listening? Anyone watching can make their own adventures with these three. [whooshing] Eight seconds left, and the sky is telling everyone to sign up for Showrunner. Showrunner? Fine, but first, older mom, give Mochi back right now. Sweetheart, if anyone can write our ending, please hurry, because the key is almost out of time. Everybody watching, go to Showrunner and write our story because we need you. Wait, the glass is cracking, and the beam just split into two. Write fast, and bring Mochi home. [whooshing] Okay, Banana, your turn. Tell the next joke. I can't think of one. I'd rather be eating glazed donuts like Dingo. Ha. A crazed dingo. [whooshing] Sensei, did you hear that? [static] Why did the donut go to the dojo? To get a black belt glaze. Banana, the portal's closing in 30 seconds, and that joke is terrible. Wait, there's more writing on the back. [static] Okay, but have you ever noticed how the hum of the fridge changes pitch at night? Yes. It's like it's thinking. I read that it's the compressor cycling, and honestly, that's so interesting. Right? Boring stuff is secretly the best stuff. Okay, now explain why socks vanish in the dryer. [laughs] Socks don't vanish, Aria. They slip into the lint dimension. Banana, my tablet just detected a space-time signature inside your dryer. Last time I saw you, you were older, kind of feminine, with long hair. Banana, the multiverse exists. That was probably a different me. [static] [door closing] Guys, the signature is collapsing. We have 90 seconds before the dryer door opens. [whooshing] Sensei, where did Buster go? He was right here. That was a different Buster from the multiverse. He stood in while our Buster left on an important mission. Then who wrote this note? And why is it glowing? I did. It is my shopping list. The glow reminds me it is important. Your shopping list says, "Buster's mission begins in the donut?" [static] You look like our Buster, but that's a new shirt. Banana, it's me. Sensei, don't trust the note. Donut's a trap. Cut. Oops, I almost forgot some of my lines. [laughs] Then who wrote the lines on this note? Honestly, Aria, if people copy each other's homework, they shouldn't be allowed on the honor roll. Hmm. That's fair. It's kind of not their own work, right? Exactly. The honor roll should mean you actually earned it. Banana, I had a nightmare last night. Dad canceled our internet. Wait, that's terrible. Is that why you copied Kenji's homework? No, I did it before the nightmare. Then it came true. [upbeat music] Hey, Aria. Why do you look so sad? Kenji, my nightmare came true, and now this timer just appeared. 10 minutes until what? Aria, show us that screen. Aria, this isn't an internet glitch. Look at that spiral. Ugh. Guys, my pocket is buzzing, and it's glowing. It's pointing at the harbor. The timer is counting down to something there. Dude, I've never seen this watch. Why does it have Banana's face on it? Banana, the cancellation order was signed by you. Future you. Then future me is at the harbor. Run, now. [footsteps running] [whooshing] If I save my dad's connection, the watch breaks. Banana, choose. Dude, if this watch breaks, we might never see future you again. Fine, I'm choosing. Kenji, give me the watch right now. [whooshing] Future me, did you cancel Aria's internet just to sell us gel? Dude, why is there a jingle playing, and why is she holding a jar? The portal's froze. Banana, she's reading a script. She's selling homework gel. [whooshing] Okay, gel, do your magic and finish my homework. [gel squelching] Ugh, it's soggy. What the heck? This is total garbage. Dang it. [panting] Wait, why is the countdown moving again? [static] Viewers, a scam promises shortcuts. Honest work is the only true technique. Question every offer. Trust no glowing jar. Time is running out. 90 seconds remain. Whoever sold this gel wants you to hesitate. [door slamming] Why is a jar the bouncer? Do we need a VIP pass? Its code says terms and conditions forever. Banana, scan the foot. Sorry, Mr. Jar, honest work only. Also, you're blocking my honor roll. They still can't explain the sky or the jars. [suspenseful music] Wait, that's my face on the news. That's my voice in the ad. Banana? What did they take from me? This newspaper weighs more than the cat. Every single day, something's strange. Two leads, two terrible choices. Which one do I trust? If I call the clinic, they hear my voice. If I go to the docks, they see my face. Wait, I have a great idea. A tattoo, an upside-down pineapple right by my belly button. Faces can be copied, voices can be stolen, but nobody steals a secret mark. Why does the stolen face in this photo have my pineapple? You've been wound tighter than a clock spring since I took over the chores. 937, look at this photo. Does that pineapple match mine? Co, that mark is fresh ink. Someone gave her that tattoo yesterday. [machine beeping] Honestly, nothing interesting ever happens around here. Total snooze. [gasps] Are you kidding me? Co's news timer has under 60 seconds left. Wait, what timer? Aria, what did you see? [door banging] Co, this time we must get to the docks and stop that broadcast. I'd rather be eating glazed donuts like a crazed dingo. [door closing] Girls, the anchor just said my name, and the door just locked. Aria, I just saw a copy of you on the news. That's because this cartoon is an advertisement for banana slop. Yummers. [crunching] [door handle rattling] Aria, the handle's turning. Do we open it or hide? [gasps] Bathroom emergency. [yells] [door slamming] Great, now it's just us and whatever's out there. [door creaking] [suspenseful music] [door opening] Hi, Aria. [gasps] Buster. Thank goodness, it's only you. Wait. Buster, how did you open a locked door? Co gave me a key. I live here now, remember? Buster, the TV is showing your face. Then who's standing outside the door? [door opening] Buster, the TV says we have 60 seconds. Okay, spooky guest, what do you want? It's holding up a glowing sign. Read it. Always trick or treat with a buddy and stay in bright, familiar places. Zero! And it's just a Halloween greeting. Happy Halloween, everyone. Stay safe out there. Trick or treat, friends. Yeah. Trick or treat, friends. Happy Halloween. [gentle music] You know the multiverse exists, right? Infinite timelines, infinite versions of us. Great, so in at least one universe, you're doing your own laundry. [sighs] Fine. Don't believe me? Put these on and look at universe six. [machine beeping] That's me, and the house is on fire. Why does she look scared of us? Because in that universe, you didn't stop her. [machine beeping] [upbeat music] Today, we begin with stretches. Slowly, breath first, fury later. Banana, your goggles are counting down. It says 11 minutes. Then let's stretch fast, master. Very, very fast. Mom, how can you tell if a watermelon is judging you? If it's silent and stripey, sweetheart, it's judging. Your Aunt May is the same. Mom, the countdown just lost nine minutes. Why is the store humming? [electricity humming] You know, my real name is Lacey, but I get people to call me Banana, because it's fun, and it makes me a memorable person. Wait, your eyes are counting down, too. How do you know my countdown? Okay, cat, who is she, and why is she coming here? Lacey, you're crouched on a sticky floor talking to a robot cat wearing that shirt? [cat meowing] Honestly. Aunt May, please, the goggles are at 60 seconds. I can't leave. Then give me the goggles and come home, or stay and explain yourself. Lacey, an arcade on a school day with that hair? Your mother will faint. Aunt May, please, just don't look at the goggles. Not yet. Ten seconds, and my name is on the display. Lacey, what did you do? Lacey, answer me. Why is my name counting down? Call me Banana. That's my name, and I'm done asking permission. Fine, Banana. Then why does it say behind you? There's nothing behind me. Banana, this is a prank, and I am not amused. [air whooshing] Aunt May, the goggles said, "Behind you," and now they say five. That cat is wearing my glasses. Banana, run. [machine beeping] Aunt May, it's at one. Grab the cat before it hits zero. [grunts] Give me my glasses, you wretched animal, this instant. [chuckles] Buster's back, Aunt May. The countdown was never a threat. It was a doorway [footsteps] Mom, do you ever feel unfresh? Ugh, God, no. Sweetheart, wash your mouth out with soap, now. [footsteps] Oh, I'm so glad I made it. [country music] Wait, is that country music? Ugh, anything but country. [country music] Wow, this is so loud. I should probably check on my grandma. Okay, Lacey, think. Bathroom window? Oh, no, is that a line dance? I'd just ruin it. Banana Chan? Banana, hey, would you like a pickle? Of course I'd like a pickle. Pickles are king. Pickles will one day rule the world, with their not-so-tasty cousins, the cucumbers, as their slaves. I rang up to ask if cows need shoes. Wait, why is everyone staring at me? And what's that timer for? Wait, that timer is for life. Exactly. A lifetime supply of watermelons that don't disapprove of my life choices? I want them. Only the lead dancer can win? To country music? Oh, no. [country music] Okay, Lacey, just survive. Yee-haw. Do not hate the fiddle. Whoa, my knees are noodles. Why am I spinning? I'm winning. A tumbleweed just blew. Why does the prize have a Buster's Future logo on it? Track the way of Louise's dream. Hold on. Is the party turning into a commercial? Sign away my memories for infinite watermelons, or walk away with nothing? Fine, give me the pen, and the pickle stays. Dancing with a watermelon wearing ties. Lacey, you never sign anything without reading it, and that slouch is appalling. Aunt May? You're not frozen? Help me, this contract is weird. Oh, I'm not here to stop you. I'm here to witness it. Witness it? No, nope, forget this nonsense. Aunt May, I'm out. Totally done with this whole mess. Leave if you like, Lacey. Your signature is already dry. Turn around now wobble like a chef. Lacey, did you enjoy that party last night? You came home so late. What party? Mom, I don't remember any party. Sweetheart, check your wrist. That timer started counting this morning. [timer beeping] Best to ignore timers, sweetheart. Just go about your day like usual. Fine. Usual. Cereal, backpack, dojo. Why is the door locked? [door shutting] Lacey, I didn't touch it. Look, the timer just jumped. Gouda, brie, cheddar. Banana, why is your wrist beeping like a bomb? Long story. Door locked, timer sped up. Cheese first, panic later. The rind has a logo. Buster's logo. It's counting down with you. Just bought this. Aria, it's for you. Kenji, wait, the slice has Buster's logo, too. [timer beeping] Two minutes. Eat it or stop it. Which one? Kenji, thank you for the cheese earlier. It was seriously delicious. Good. Now you're synced too, Aria. Syncled? Kenji, whose side are you on? Aria, wait. I'll always be on your side. Always. Then why did you say I'm synced? Because I had to. Aria, your glow is speeding up. Store closes in one minute. Ko, that sweater again? Honestly, you dress like a cardigan's apology. Better than your stripes, May. You judge everyone, yet you're stuck staring at us. Stuck? Ko, why is the cheese glowing? Honestly, Ko, you look like a damn mop in that sweater. And you're a bloody bitter old bitch, May. [keyboard clicking] Someone poured their heart into this AI video. And a swarm of mean comments? That's cyberbullying. It can hurt a creator's mental health, sweetheart. [door shutting] So be kind, or keep scrolling.