Ricci and Lionel got on to Bedford Avenue to begin their journey through the Brooklyn borough.
Lionel asks Ricci, "So what's this special relic we gotta deliver?"
Ricci replies, "The truth of the relic is a sacred mystery. It can only be revealed to those initiated into our knightly order."
"So what do you have to do to be initiated?" asked Lionel.
Ricci paused.
Ricci holds his locket in his paw, looking down at it contemplatively.
He turns to his new companion and says, "Now that you have joined my quest, it's only right that I reveal to you my true purpose."
He draws his sword and says, "get on one knee."
So Lionel kneels and Ricci places the sword's flat on his shoulder.
"Lionel of the Cat Clan do you swear to defend the cathedral, to respect all innocents and constitute thyself the defender of them, to love the country in which thou wast born, to never recoil before thine enemy, to make war against the unholy without cessation and without mercy, to never lie and remain faithful to thy pledged word, to be generous, and finally to be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil."
"I solemnly swear!" said Lionel.
"Then you are now a knight in The Chivalric Order of Saint Elmo of New Amsterdam. Arise, Sir Lionel."
Ricci clicks the locket open and raises it in the air, revealing a silver shining acorn inside.
"I carry with me an acorn from the Sacred Oak of Mamre," declares Ricci.
Lionel looks on in amazement.
Ricci continues, "For centuries, my master's order has safeguarded this hallowed relic. We will bring this acorn to the Sage of Central Park and with his knowledge, he will unlock the spark hidden within to restore life to the city and rekindle the flame of civilization."
Ricci points his sword forwards and declares, "Now onwards my feline companion, radiant victory awaits!"
The two friends walk down Bedford Avenue as the morning fog begins to dissipate and the rising sun illuminates the path before them, eager to embark on their new adventure.