Animal X: Natural Mystery Unit the Complete Season 1

Episode 15: Volcanic Panic

Featured Cryptid: Cherufe

Our episode opens up with Domino's airship hovering over a Volcano in Chile where we see Dr. Uno patching up Marcus's battlesuit after it was damaged in "Dognapped", the good doctor telling Marcus to hold still while he's busy repairing his handiwork. Marcus then retaliates by telling Dr. Uno that it was HIS "handiwork" that tore his suit to shreds in the first place (referring to the hounds of course). Dr. Uno then tells Marcus to shut his mouth, as it was Uno himself who designed Marcus's battlesuit along with nearly all of the gadgets and weapons used by the Black Dot to hunt cryptids. meanwhile Domino looks out the window of his airship and into the fiery depths of the Volcano below, Domino looking at the old photo of him and Bill before opening the hatch to drop the photo in the lava and watch it burn, symbolism for Domino burning his past (including his former friendship with Bill) for good. Marcus then begins to feel uncomfortable with the extreme heat and asks his adoptive father what exactly they're doing in a volcano in the middle of Chile in the first place, followed by Domino explaining to his son that they're here to find and kill a rare cryptid that lives in this volcano known as the Cherufe. Domino then shows his son a holographic image of the Cherufe and explains that he believes that the beast's fireproof scales would make the black dot billions if they were to be sold on the Black market. Dr. Uno then compliments Domino for his excellent idea, but then points out that the Cherufe is an extremely territorial creature and that stepping foot into its turf would be suicide. Domino then tells the doctor that he has a plan to use that Daniel kid to use his gift to tame the beast for them. Marcus then tells Domino to forget about it, telling his father that he once attempted to turn Daniel over to their side but sadly it didn't work (Marcus referring to the events of "gone fishing"). Domino then assures Marcus that this time it'll work, believing that if they were to capture his little friend Natalie and hold her for ransom they could easily blackmail him into doing their bidding. after that, we cut to the Cryptozoology museum where we see Animal X personnel returning the Shunka-Warakin specimen to the museum where it belongs. Dr. Helena then enters the building and an Animal X agent reports to her that the specimen has been safely returned to the museum and that the remaining mutant dogs have been rounded up and cured of their mutations and returned to their owners safely. Helena is pleased to hear the goods before asking where agents Daniel Searle and Natalie Schmitt are. the Agent then tells the doctor that last time he saw them they were talking about helping her son Tony test out one of her new inventions. and right on cue, we cut to Dr. Helena's lab where we see Tony present Daniel and Natalie with a pair of wrist-worn devices. Daniel asks Tony what the heck these are, followed by Tony telling the two to press the button and find out. Daniel and Natalie press the buttons on the devices which activates a pair of special heavily-padded suits. Tony then explains to the two that these experimental lava-proof suits were designed by his mother to protect them from getting burned by the extreme heat of a volcano in preparation for their next mission. Natalie then checks herself out asking the boys if this suit makes her butt look big, followed by Daniel and Tony both giving a thumbs up causing Natalie to roll her eyes at the two boys being boys. Helena (along with Rodney who starts zipping around the room like crazy) then enters the room to tell our heroes that's enough followed by Daniel and Natalie pressing the button to deactivate their lavaproof suits, Helena explaining to Daniel and Natalie that Bill would like to see them in his office. Tony then asks his mother what about him, followed by Helena placing her hand on her son's shoulder and telling him how proud she is of him for successfully testing out her experimental lavaproof suits which makes Tony smile knowing that his mother acknowledged one of his accomplishments. after that, we cut to Daniel, Natalie, and Rodney entering Bill's office where we see Bill explain to our heroes that Black Dot activity has been spotted near a volcano in Chile (which makes Daniel make the witty remark "oh, so THAT'S what the lavaproof suits were for".) followed by Natalie asking Bill what exactly the Black Dot would want with a volcano, followed by Bill explaining to the two that the Black dot is after a rare cryptid that lives in the volcano known as the Cherufe, followed by Natalie opening up the Cryptozoologicon and her and Daniel looking at the page on the Cherufe, Daniel shocked to see the picture of a large bipedal reptilian creature. Natalie then reads an excerpt saying that the Cherufe is a large bipedal archosaur descended from the poposaurid family that has evolved fireproof scales for dwelling in volcanoes and is very territorial so approach with caution. Bill then tells Daniel and Natalie that they must go to Chile and stop the black dot from harming the fiery beast before we cut to Daniel and Natalie hopping in the X-jeep before activating flight mode and blasting off. we then cut to Domino's airship where we see Domino watch the X-jeep in flight mode fly past the airship from out the window smiling at how those meddling Animal X agents are about to fall into his trap before telling Marcus to be sure to greet their "guests" once they arrive. we then cut to the X-jeep descending down towards the mouth of the volcano with poor Rodney panting due to being extremely sensitive to the sheer heat. Daniel then assures the little skyfish that they won't be here for long however Daniel is interrupted when Natalie tells him to look. Daniel then looks down to see a massive bipedal reptile rise out of the lava which Daniel recognizes as the Cherufe from the book. the Cherufe then raises its head to stare directly at the X-jeep which freaks out both Daniel and Rodney making Natalie roll her eyes at the two acting like a bunch of scaredy cats. the Cherufe then opens its toothy jaws and breathes a concentrated blast of fire from its mouth at the X-Jeep followed by Natalie switching gears causing the X-jeep to narrowly dodge the flames. after the Cherufe retreats back into the lava Natalie then tries to punch in the coordinates to get them out of here but unfortunately she can't do anything as the X-jeep is suddenly caught in a tractor beam that pulls them towards Domino's airship. the X-Jeep is then captured inside the airship followed by being surrounded by armed Black dot grunts pointing their guns at the vehicle waiting for whoever's inside to step out so they can open fire. once Daniel, Natalie, and Rodney exit the vehicle the black dot grunts take aim only for Marcus to show up and tell the grunts to hold their fire as it's no way to treat their "guests". Natalie is less than thrilled to see Marcus again and whips out her electric batons before charging at Marcus who grabs her by the arm and puts her in a headlock holding his katana up to her neck, Marcus threatening to kill her if Daniel tries anything funny. Daniel demands Marcus to let her go, only for Domino to show up and tell him that's not an option. Daniel then asks Domino what he wants, followed by Domino explaining to Daniel that he wanted to make a deal: help him capture the Cherufe and he'll let her go. Daniel then asks Domino what happens if he refuses, followed by Domino telling Daniel that if he refuses she dies. Natalie then begs for Daniel not to listen to him of which Daniel responds by saying "i'm sorry" before shaking hands with Domino. Natalie then asks Daniel how he could make a deal with that insidious snake, followed by Daniel telling her that he had to if it meant saving her life, as Daniel still cares deeply about Natalie. Domino then orders Marcus to take her to her cell before placing his hand on Daniel's shoulder assuring him that he made the right choice. we then cut to Marcus throwing Natalie into a holding cell, Natalie begging Marcus to let her out. Marcus then tells Natalie no-can-do, at least not until her friend brings the Cherufe to the Black Dot. Marcus then goes on to say that he knows better not to trust a filthy Animal X agent, telling her that Domino told him not to be deceived by the lies of their corrupt organization. Natalie then points out that it's the Black Dot who are corrupt, as they're the ones who are harming and killing innocent cryptids to fill his father Domino's pockets with blood money. Marcus then retaliates by saying that Animal X is no different, telling her that his parents were murdered in cold blood by Animal X agents all because they were witnesses who caught a glimpse of one of those cryptids that they're so sworn to protect which is why Marcus hates both cryptids and the Animal X natural mystery unit. Natalie then tells Marcus that this can't be true, explaining to him that Animal X doesn't kill as they are a peaceful organization that believes all life is precious human and animal alike, which is why they work so hard to keep the existence of Cryptids a secret, to protect them from the outside world and those that wish to harm them, like the black dot. Marcus then tells Natalie that it has to be true, as Domino was the one who told him. Natalie then tells Marcus that Domino is lying to him, saying that he's a monster who only cares about the suffering of innocent creatures for profit. Marcus then calls Natalie a liar telling her that Domino was the one who took him in and raised him as his son when his parents died. Natalie sees the pure rage in Marcus's eyes and begins to feel sorry for him, realizing how severely warped his mind is thanks to Domino's indoctrination. after that, we cut to Daniel activating his lavaproof suit which impresses Dr. Uno who comments that Animal X's technology is impressive but lacks the sheer power of the tech he designed for the Black Dot followed by Domino telling Daniel that his mission is to dive down into the molten lava of that volcano using that fancy suit of his, find the Cherufe and use his gift to tame the beast, and bring it back to the airship ALIVE. Daniel then tells Domino that he will do whatever it takes in order to save Natalie before asking him if he'll keep his end of the bargain. Domino then promises Daniel that he'll return Natalie safe and sound before Dr. Uno opens the hatch and Daniel tells Domino to wish him luck before jumping out of the hatch diving headfirst into the molten lava below with Rodney following behind. we then cut to Dr. Uno asking Domino if he really meant it telling the kid that he was gonna spare the life of his girlfriend. Domino then tells Dr. Uno "nah" before explaining that once he gets what he wants he'll just drop her in the lava. we then cut back to Daniel poking his head out of the lava to assure Rodney that he's okay which makes the little skyfish happy before submerging in the lava where he can feel the extreme heat even with his protective suit on, commenting how it feels like he's swimming in a hot jacuzzi. Dr. Uno then radios Daniel to remind him that if it weren't for that lavaproof suit of his, he'd be dead. Daniel then spots a lizard-like silhouette swim past him. Daniel then recognizes the silhouette as the Cherufe and sees the Cherufe lunging towards him which makes Daniel scramble back to the surface followed by whipping out his grappling gun and firing the grappling hook at the nearby crater wall. Daniel then grabs the cable and starts climbing up the crater wall until he reaches the top where Rodney greets him happy to see Daniel alive while Daniel is relieved not to be fire-lizard chow. Daniel then looks down to notice the Cherufe resurface from the molten lava below which scares Rodney who hides behind Daniel's back before the Cherufe uses its sharp claws to climb the walls of the volcano crater. the Cherufe then reaches the top and roars at Daniel before breathing fire at Daniel, only for Daniel to not be affected by the flames due to his lavaproof suit. Daniel then braves the flames and walks towards the Cherufe before placing his hand on the beast's forehead to communicate with it telepathically causing it to cease its fiery breath and kneel before Daniel. Daniel then radios Domino to inform him that he has successfully managed to tame the Cherufe and that he better free Natalie once he returns to the airship followed by Domino ordering Dr. Uno to ready the tractor beam. The Cherufe is then lifted into the air by the tractor beam and pulled towards the airship followed by Daniel whipping out his grappling gun and firing the grappling hook which wraps around the fiery lizard's leg giving Daniel a free ride back to the airship with Rodney flying after the two. once Daniel has returned to the ship with the creature in tow, a group of Black Dot grunts show up with cryo guns to blast the lizard with liquid nitrogen which causes the Cherufe to grow weak from being exposed to the cold rendering it unable to use its fire. the Black Dot grunts then put shackles and a muzzle on the creature followed by Dr. Uno using a laser cutter to remove one of the beast's fireproof scales causing it to scream in pain and gives the scale to Domino who inspects the shiny object while thinking about how much money selling these scales on the black market will make him before congratulating Daniel on a job well done. Daniel then watches as the Black Dot transports the Cherufe into an icy cell. Daniel then opens up the Cryptozoologicon and reads about how due to the Cherufe being a reptile adapted for life in extreme heat it is very susceptible to low temperatures meaning that being left out in the cold for too long will kill it. Daniel then informs Domino about what he's doing will do to the poor creature, however Domino reminds Daniel that he doesn't care and that he's a businessman and that some sacrifices must be made in order to keep the Black Dot in business. Daniel then asks Domino if he can at least free Natalie, followed by Domino snapping his fingers to summon Marcus who enters the room with a handcuffed Natalie followed by Rodney nuzzling up against Natalie happy to see her alive only for Marcus to swat him away with his hand calling the little skyfish an "annoying bug". Daniel then demands Domino to let her go reminding him that they had a deal, followed by Domino telling Daniel that their deal is over followed by Domino opening the hatch followed by Marcus dropping Natalie out of the hatch and into the lava below. Daniel then screams "NOOOOO!" and gets down on his knees and cries. Domino then laughs at Daniel's misery, telling him that he took pride in offing Animal X's supposed "top agent" followed by Rodney biting Domino's finger as payback for saying that. Daniel's eyes then start glowing an icy blue before standing up to look at Domino in the eyes making Domino have flashbacks to "a line in the sand" upon gazing into his glowing pupil-less eyes followed by Dr. Uno asking Domino why he's suddenly so intimidated by this brat. Domino then tells the good doctor that he has a power unlike anything he's encountered in his lifetime. the Cherufe's eyes then glow the same corresponding icy blue before breaking free from its shackles and attacking several black dot grunts before chasing them away with its fire breath before entering the room which makes Dr. Uno cower behind Domino asking his boss how it's even possible that the beast could break free. Domino then tells Dr. Uno that in this state Daniel can somehow control other creatures to do his bidding. Daniel then makes the Cherufe pick up Marcus and dangle him over the lava below. Marcus begs for Mercy while a super-angry Daniel filled with rage over Natalie's supposed death threatening to drop Marcus telling Domino that he took someone he loved away from him so he'll take away one of HIS loved ones as payback. Domino then tells Daniel to go ahead, saying that he could care less if Marcus lives or dies. Marcus then remembers Natalie's words and starts shedding a tear realizing that what she said might be true after all. however before the beast can drop Marcus Daniel then hears Natalie's voice on his communicator telling him to stop and that she's still alive revealing that she survived the fall by donning her lavaproof suit just before she hit the lava. hearing Natalie's voice causes Daniel to snap out of his state and return to his normal self causing the Cherufe to spare Marcus's life, along with making Rodney zip around with excitement happy that Natalie is still alive. Daniel then dons his lavaproof suit before hopping on the Cherufe's back telling Rodney to stay here and that he'll be right back before the Cherufe hops out of the hatch with Daniel holding onto its scaly back for dear life. once they land in the lava the Cherufe is finally able to regain its full strength thanks to the quick lava bath and Daniel spots Natalie in her lavaproof suit followed by the Cherufe swimming towards her. Daniel then reaches out his hand and tells Natalie to grab on and not to worry about the Cherufe as he's managed to tame the beast (for now). Natalie then grabs Daniel's hand and climbs onto the beast's scaly backside followed by Daniel apologizing to Natalie for stupidly trusting the black dot saying that he couldn't risk losing her. Natalie tells Daniel that the apologies can wait, as now they've gotta get themselves out of this volcano. however help is on the way when the X-jeep swoops in with Daniel wondering who the heck is driving it. Daniel and Natalie then hear a familiar voice coming from their communicators which turns out to be none other than Marcus who tells the two that there's no time to explain just hop in. Daniel then fires his grappling hook at the X-jeep and the two climb the grappling hook's cable and board the vehicle where they are greeted by Rodney who nuzzles up against Daniel and Natalie happy to see the two again before Daniel turns his attention to Marcus sitting in the driver's seat Daniel acting very suspicious of Marcus asking why he's helping them wondering if this is another trick. Marcus then explains to Daniel that this is his way of repaying him for sparing his life and not dropping him into molten lava. the Cherufe then looks up at our heroes before retreating back into the lava below while Daniel waves goodbye to the creature before the X-jeep flies off. we then cut to the X-jeep landing in the lava flows just outside the volcano followed by Daniel, Natalie, Marcus, and Rodney stepping out of the vehicle. Marcus then tells our heroes that they should never speak of this again telling them that he needs to return to the airship before Domino finds out he's been gone and that next time they meet it'll be as enemies before activating his jetpack and returning to the airship. Daniel and Natalie watch as the airship leaves the volcano before Daniel asks Natalie if he thinks that Marcus might have some good in him, followed by Natalie telling Daniel not to be ridiculous saying that he IS Domino's son after all. our episode then ends with Daniel, Natalie, and Rodney hopping back in the X-jeep and blasting off.