The constant sounds of murmurs drew my attention, I placed my hands on the wheel with one foot hovering over the pedal and glanced prudently over to my right past the large crate blocking my vision. A group of people were walking in front of me. Walking was an understatement they were more poky then the confines of my lift.
I swear if wasn't drowsy still these people would make the perfect ducks at the gingerly pace they're going. Talking and chatting with each other. You'd think they'd be more faster considering-
Brrrring! Brrrring!
Oh thank god, Lunch time. I thought as close my eyes and yawned. Today felt the same as yesterday. Probably because I've been doing the same thing for couple of days. They didn't hire me for show, just driving and carry these crates around the compound back and forth. My gaze wanders to the other employees walking along the grounds.
"Crap". I silently curse under my breath.
My break doesn't start till the crate is placed in the truck. That's one trip on the freight elevator downstairs. It can't be helped. If I drop everything like the others, I might lose my job. What would happen if the supervisor came in and saw that this crate wasn't dropped off?
"OI!" I heard a voice behind me.
Speak of the short Devil. I turn to my left to see hm, a short stout man wearing a blue office shirt.
"Yes, sir." I replied wiping the sweat from my brow.
"Hey who told you to touch that! That stuff isn't going out till next week!" He barked at me.
I'd blame the other super, but unfortunately I couldn't bother to remember his name, he didn't have name tag begin with anyways. Smart man, now I can't call him out for stiffing me.
"Ed, Put it down and grab the other one over there!" He pointed to the skid loaded with vintage alcohol.
"Ok, I'll haul it down the elevator. I say with a tiny bit of enthusiasm".
"Good!" He Clapped his hands together. Make sure you've got your head on straight this time". He jeered.
I crack a plastic smile. At least I can get to the lunch room-
"And bring that thing back up here. You can't leave that down stairs".
"Yes, sir".
I turn to see him joining the crowd of people flocking down stairs...Damn It. I sighed audibly.
Well, I've got 20, 15 minutes tops and it's unfortunately for the best considering if I push this crappy little lift past 15, That's at a least a thousand dollar worth of bottles on the ground. I give this thing 20 mph, give or take for the max speed of this thing. Doing donuts in the park lot gives great experience, I notice something beside off beside the display, over clock...
Grrrgl.
My stomach growled. No rest for weary, or the hungry…
Coo! Coo!
I look up and notice the pigeons flying in from the open windows. These guys couldn't afford nail strips to keep these rats out? I thought.
I scoffed. More work for the janitors I guess…I start to the lift and head to the freight elevator at the far end of the floor.
After a tedious amount of packing. I rode the elevator back up. As leave the lift to the side and I get off my ride and look around the third floor..
"Wait, which way did I have to go to the break room?" I asked myself.
Shoot. I'm not familiar with this layout yet. No, no. I can do this. I reassured myself.
The lunchroom is on the first floor in section A2, And I'm in section D3 on the fourth floor.
Annnd now I realize whoever built this place is a sadist because of the fact the stairs are placed in different sections. By the time I navigate through this my break will be over...Unless I cheat.
I turn my head to door on my far left, the fire escape. It leads straight down to the first floor I can make my 25 minute trip into 10 minute one, easy. I ran to the steel door, a keypad bolted next to it and a red bell above it. I even remember the password, I typed in the code and heard a familiar ding before opening the door. I can't shake the feeling I forgot- Nope, I remember. I turned around and opened the door. I quickly inputted the code and shut the door as I turn around I noticed my favorite poster on the wall, a small cat grasping a tree branch.
Heh. Classic- I turned my head and noticed something off, no something freaking weird. A bunch of wooden crates placed on the side of the stairway, granted there's still enough room to walk, but the problem isn't that.
It's the fact somebody I don't recognize is stacking them up.
We lock eyes. Honestly, I'm looking at him like he stole my sandwich in the break room and I just caught him with it. He's wearing the same blue outfit as me so I can only assume he works here.
He even has gloves too. But the hair cut though, curly short and black.
"Hey, what are you doing?" I asked
"Making my job easier, you?" He responded calmly.
"Heh, same. This place is a mess, why not make my life easier so I can take my break faster".
"Amen to that'. He replied. "Super got me hauling this crap from A3".
I scowl annoyed. "Dick".
"I know, but I not flipping my shit over it. But, this crap is heavy sooo..."
"Say no more, I'll be out of your hair". He smiled as I walk down the stairs.
"Wouldn't want to break my back carrying that across the floo-" I grazed my foot on the crate briefly stubbing my toe. Fantastic, the day I don't bring my boots and the super doesn't notice I'm paying for it though.
"Crap!" I hold on to the railings before I fall due to the shock.
"Like I said this shit is heavy". He announced glaring at me.
He wasn't freaking kidding.
"You sure you don't need help with that?" I now have a sharp pain in my foot, more incentive to use this foot drive.
"Naw, I'm good ahhh?" He struggling to find the words.
"Terrance. I'm new". I told him.
"I can see that'. He replied quickly. "Hey, did you?"
"Yeah I did, wouldn't want the freaking alarm blaring to announce my arrival".
"Right".
"Speaking off, you..." I pointed to him. "Didn't see anything". I wave my hands around. He chuckled.
"Wouldn't have it any other way". He said as he picked up the crate and started to walk up.
I continued down the stairway and walked to the break room. I Scanned the room; a couple of tables, a vending machine, and a microwave on the a counter.
The finest accommodation for the working man. One of tables catches my eye with a familiar face, I nodded knowingly.
I walked to a cabinet and pulled out my lunch, a tuna sandwich and a chocolate bar. Bland but it gets the job done at least I don't go hungry.
"Oi!" I hear behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see my friend waving me over. I grab my bag and make my way over. I sat at the opposite end of the table.
Frank's chowing down on a grilled cheese. "Took you long enough". I gathered that from his mumbling while eating. The crumbs scatter across the table as he chows down on the sandwich.
"I had to park my ride". He nodded in response.
"Good to see you're getting used to place on your third day".
"Right". I grin coyly. Frank narrowed his brow knowingly.
"You used the fire escape didn't you?"
"Keep it down, you idiot". I prodded his shoulder then grabbed my sandwich.
"You're only hurting yourself". He replied
I scowled at him while I pointed to him in accusatory manner.
"You try to navigate, and traverse through that idiocy. Oh, I'm sorry you wanted to go down stairs, up D3 across the corner then walk all the way to C1 to get to the second floor.
Who the hell thought it was a good idea to have the stairs located at different sections? Why not make it like the fire escape?" I argued as I pulled out my lunch.
"Please I got here ok". He replied.
"That's because your on the assembly line it's the closest to the break room, come on!" I argued biting into the sandwich vehemently. I stick my tongue out, the mayo I used for the sandwich went bad. Meh, still have to eat it.
"Don't remind me. Chunk Chunk Whirrr!" He mimicked the machine.
I chuckled. "Better than me sitting on my behind".
"Dude! I can't even sit down my back feels like shit, Haha ha ha!" He chuckled hysterically. The employees looked at our table
Damn it frank your too loud. if you weren't my bud I wouldn't chew you out..
"Speaking off you see Clancy?"
"Who?" I gave him dubious look.
"Dude with the fohawk".
Wait, him? I thought. "I just saw him in the escape".
"Huh, weird". He returned me the dubious look. "That guy's a prick".
I look around cautiously before rising my brow incredulously. "He's not that bad".
"That shady shit, ratted me out to the super about my smoke breaks".
"Meh". I shrugged.
"Man, screw you I need it".
Brring! Brrrring!
Back to work, never a dull moment.
"Yo, dude did you see the motor cycle in the lot?"
.…
At the zoo Tali watched the mongoose cubs play with each other. She shivered from the cold huddling herself as she wrapped her tail around her for warmth.
"Stop chasing me, you dork!" The cub ran through the wet grass piles of snow littering the ground. The other cub following the small one making snow angels in the snow.
She closed her eyes and laid her head back on a rock. Loud, Annoying, but their cute and sincere, when they want to be.
"I'm it, why wouldn't I chase you? He he". He giggled as he continued to chase him around in circles.
"At least go for him," He pointed to the other cub making snow angels in the sloppy pile. He had a big grin on his face.
"That's too easy!" The chaser replied still running after the cub.
They're really good at distracting each other, even in cold. Lucky. She thought.
"Hey beautiful, you miss me?!"
She chuckled briefly while giving a snide sneer. "Was wondering when he'd show up". She said.
She heard two distinct thuds on the ground from the wall. The first sounded faint and soft, while the other heavier, not because the second was hefty mind you, but something else. The second one's increased weight.
The three cubs turned their heads to new guests and quickly flooded to the smaller one causing him to push his paws out.
"Hey, hey! Calm down you little munchkins. I gotta talk to your sis' we'll play later". The mouse asked as he walked toward Tali.
"You can play with your uncle, Fighter". He waved to Fighter carrying a large box with bottles inside it. He placed it down as the little cubs crowded around him.
"Sup, sweety how's parent hood treating you?" He looked up at the mongoose and below the tiny brow spots of fur at the top of brow he noticed the bags under the mongooses eyes.
"Pleasantly, you?" She strained a smile.
"Managing, making lives easier, mine normally, but if I can I'll help someone else if I can".
"I assume your profiting from the needs of the animals?"
"A little,' he smirked. "A back rub here, a favour there, a special piece of memorabilia here". He listed off the top of his head.
"For Money?" She smirked.
"Please, hell no. I only accept it when they insist. This place is filled with animals, some good, some bad, but I'm not stringing anyone one for it".
"Hmm. How nice of you". She yawned as she heard the cubs chatter.
He nodded as he looked inside the cave. "Can we talk privately for a moment? I need to ask you something".
She nodded while giving the mouse an odd, dubious look. They both walked in the cave. He noticed the mongoose grew more alert when they entered her ears rose up suddenly.
"Hey, little one!" She yelled.
Out of the caverns a small cub yawned and crawled to her. "Your sister is gotta have an adult conversation, go play with Fighter". She patted the cub's head. He walked out slowly creeping out of the cave entrance.
Tali waved over the mouse as she ventured into the caverns. He sighed as he followed her further in the cave the floor felt cold as he treads behind her. She opened a door and brought him into her room..
He observed the room, it had a green shag carpet in the middle of the room. Other than that the room was plan except for one thing. He stopped his inspection of the room to glare at something jarring that immediately catching his eye.
"Tali, why the hell do you still have THAT". He pointed to the jar on a shelf in the room. It had an eye in it.
"It's my trophy, you think I'm going to get rid of it?" She smirked proudly.
"First, eww. Second, how the hell did they let you keep it? And most importantly: WHY WOULD YOU KEEP IT WITH CHILDREN PRESENT?!" He yelled hysterically while flailing his arms. His whiskers twitched.
"You think I'm going to let a couple of humans take what's mine?" She glared at the mouse as he looked at the animal awkwardly.
"Plus, it helps me. I laugh each time I see it".
He shivered. "Why is it so cold?" he asked.
"Blame the keepers for not maintaining the heaters. It's been trouble for the cubs. I usually let them sleep in my room".
"Fantastic another problem". He placed his palm on his head.
"You said wanted to ask me something?" She yawned as she laid on the green shag carpet.
"How's the food problem?" He asked.
"Better now that you've brought them nutrients, it should last". She sounded pleased.
"Ok, now for hard part: Do you know any of their names?" He referred to the cubs, it took her second to realize that.
"No, why?" She asked raising her brow.
He gave her a blank stare. "Please tell me that was joke".
She shook her head.
"So, has it ever occurred to you to name them? Or better yet, here me out: get to know them more?"
"Yes, yes I have. I know all them love to play in dirt and chase each other around the cave. The smallest one loves to climb high places, medium sized one loves to eat the yellow snow.
The third one keeps finding odd places to sleep And... the last one always eluded me...". She rubbed her chin pensively.
"Oh,' he bit his tongue as he cringed. "You are a bad mother". His ear drooped.
"I'm trying, and I'm not their mother. Never will be". She gave him a sullen look.
"Umm, did I-" He winched.
"No. It's better they think I'm their sibling".
"Why?"
"One of them told me their mother went into the woods for food".
"And?" He asked raising his brow.
She gave the mouse a blank stare, her purple eyes grew sullen. Then it came to him.
"Oh...Ohhhh". He winced again. Jesus. How far does this rabbit hole go?
"These kids are gonna need so much therapy". She surmised.
"OK, here's a thought: How about I help you become a better guardian?"
She lowered her head down and stared at the mouse. She gave him an inquisitive glare. "You?"
"Believe me sweetheart, I know how take care of kids. Heck, I've been with one for half my life". He smirked proudly his beady blue eyes. He could tell she still wasn't buying it from her blank stare.
He clasped his paws together. "Look, just call on me and I'll babysit…Provided you give me headway first". He said quickly. Got way to much stuff on my plate, favours repay and magazines to find.
"I'm sorry what was that last one?" She barred her fangs threateningly.
"Time! Time!" He went wide eyed in fear.
She chuckled jokingly making the mouse glare at her for taking advantage of him.
"Deal. You did help me with the milk". She looked down at the mouse bewildered as a thought came to her head. "How did you manage to get that, Rob a convenience store or something?"
"Welll, I got some associates that help me once and a while." He scratched behind his ears while giving a cheeky grin.
"Who might that be, can't be Clyde right now considering he's grounded right now". She smirked.
The mouse looked up at her sternly and began to tell her what happened:
Moments prior.
"Come on, just let us have some milk, We'll owe you:. Mike pleaded to the kangaroos in front of him.
"No deal, Rodent". The male kangaroo told the mouse.
"It's for our mutual friend, she's talking care of cubs by herself". He ignored the insult. He looked to the female and saw some concern in her eyes.
"And I should care why?" He asked.
The female kangaroo elbowed the male. She scowled at the marsupial.
"Fiiine. You're lucky, we don't have kids yet".
Fighter gave the female kangaroo a couple of empty bottles. She smiled and started to hop away to their cave for some privacy.
However, their third member, Lech tilted his head in the direction of the kangaroo.
"No". Fighter held the bear by his ear. Benedick you are not. He thought.
Lech growled in response.
"Make sure your giving them the milk with less sugar, honey!" He yelled as he watched her get out of ear shot.
"She can choose?" Lech exclaimed genuinely surprised.
"OK, you little snots. I need something from you".
"Sure bud. No problem". Mike folded his arms and glared at the animal. Dick.
"You get the milk, if I get to hit that bear". He pointed to Fighter, Lech sighed in relief.
"The hell?" Fighter exclaimed.
"I need to work out some issues. Your appearance will help me vent my frustrations". He narrowed his brow as he cracked his neck from side to side hopping in place.
"I don't-"
"Sure!" Mike quickly replied not bothering to let the bear respond.
"What!" Fighter looked at the mouse dumbfounded.
"Come on you got this, don't be a pussy". Lech elbowed his arm.
Fighter glared at the bear knowingly, "So you're just gonna leave me naked here?"
Lech looked off to the side sheepishly whistling.
The bear shook his head and looked down to his friend. Mike looked at the bear sincerely giving him innocent look batting his eyes. Fighter scowled while narrowing his brow.
"Tua Madre-".
Thawk!
The bear was launched violently into a bush beside him. Lech looked back at the bush in shock as he grimaced.
"Thanks, bud". The kangaroo reared his legs back bouncing about. The female Roo was hooping back with the a full crate of milk.
"You got issues man". Mike shook his head.
….
Tali smirked briefly before shaking her head at the story.
"You're taking him for granted". She furrowed her brow.
"He's a tough cookie. Plus, I owe him a solid now".
"As you should, anything else important you want to discuss?"
"Do you have any idea about who could have mugged us?" He narrowed his brow as he looked down pensively.
She looked at mouse with a menacing glare.
Mike saw this and frowned. "So you haven't heard. We got blindsided after the games and our food got pilfered".
What, should have been the first thing to come out her mouth, but another word forced it's way through: "Who?" She cracked her knuckles.
"If I knew it'd be a different story. But luckily we got something from Clyde to keep us going".
She looked genuinely surprised. "That's- incredibly charitable of him".
"Yeah, Fighter told me he stole it from his buddies".
"That's better and now it all makes sense". She nodded knowingly. 'Now, back to the potential beat down..."
"Don't bother, turns out this is one of many attacks. Ours was just the most recent, the king finally is doing something about it I've heard". Mike sighed.
"Pussycat's finally gonna get off his litter box and do work".
Now that he was talking about he realized something was different about him...New haircut? He thought.
"I still want a choke slam somebody". Her tail twitched.
"Save it for when they find out who did it". He wrapped his tail around his body.
Tali noticed this, picked him up and placed him in her embrace.
He felt better, warmer, in fact.
He closed his eyes and smiled contently. "Looks you do have some motherly instinct in you after all".
She patted his head softly.
He smirked lecherously as reached out to with his paw.
"Try anything and I'll throw you in the jar". She said sternly.
"You...Give me too much credit". He wrapped his tail around his grasping paw.
She looked down at the mouse and shook her head. "We're going back outside, see if Fighter survived". She dropped him on the ground.
He landed on all fours and shivered. "You need to find a way to get this fixed".
"Uh huh". She said. They both walked out of her room and to the cave entrance. As they got to the entrance they both smiled contently.
Fighter sat on the grass with the cubs. One of them climbed onto his head hanging of it giggling, another was running around him in circles, one was sleeping on his side while the last one was sticking it's tongue out at him.
The bear grinned toothily he brought his paw to his mouth and blew into making a flatulent noise.
"Gross!" The cub exclaimed.
"Coming from the you, that's funny since you eat the other snow". The sleeping one retorted.
The cub blushed as the others laughed at him, the one beside him laughing in his sleep.
Mike smirked, "See, he turned out good". He nodded.
She gave him a warm smile.
"Yo Fighter, we gotta go! Time for some practice". He yelled as the bear got up the cub on his side slid off and landed on the ground still resting. The others laughed at the cub.
Fighter nodded as he pulled the small one off his head and placed him on the ground before walking to them.
"Your milk is over there". He pointed to the crate in the snow with his thumb.
Mike looked at the two placed his hands behind his hand and walked away with a smile.
"Thank you". She hugged the bear and kissed his cheek.
"Figurati". He grinned as he held head.
"Come on, we got slipping lessons to go through today, then you can get some free time". Mike waved him to the wall.
"You're doing a good job". Fighter said as he walked up to the wall.
She watched fighter place the mouse on his head as he grabbed on to his ears for safety, them climb up the wall.
Hmm, how'd he got that cut? She wondered.
A chill went up her spine causing her to shiver and sneeze.
"Gesundheit, baby M." A voice above her said.
Tali glanced up and noticed two monkeys watching them: Sugar wearing an orange scarf and her holster, and her brother wearing a baby blue tuque.
"How long were you there?" She asked curiously.
"Enough to see, Killer being mauled by your cute little monsters. Simply, Adorable~!" She smiled as she waved her finger from side to side condescendingly.
"So what brings you here? Did you have a job for me?" She asked.
"Something like that..." Spice said looking down at the mongoose. The cubs ran to her.
"Cubs, can you go to your rooms? I need to chat". They all ran inside as she folded her arms and looked up at the two.
"So, you gonna sit up like pigeons or are you gonna come down here and chat like normal people?" She asked as she stared at the two.
"Fine, ruin the fun". Spice said.
They both landed in front of her with a thud.
Spice knelt down and held his ankle. "Ack, Damn it that hurt!"
"Walk it off, your the one who suggested we watch from above". Sugar rolled her eyes. "So, I noticed you're having issues".
Tali remained silent still shivering while giving a blank stare.
"She's referring to your heating problem". Spice added.
"Uh huh". She nodded.
They say it's gonna get colder tonight... Sugar tilted her head toward Tali trying to signal her.
"Can we just-" she placed a finger on his mouth to silence him.
"Shut up, Spice". I'm doing a thing.
Tali gave an unaltered look of indifference at the two.
"I might be able to fix it, if you help me out". She grinned.
"What's the job?" Tali asked glancing back at the cave.
"It's going to require some more effort on your part. Sugar clasped her paws together". Tali narrowed her brow dubiously.
"Lately, I've been dabbling in some new recipes for my special concoction..."
"You mean poison." Spice corrected.
"Whatever terminology you prefer". She rolled her eyes.
"From what I saw, it's a kin to a damn aphrodisiac". Tali frowned raising her brow reliving the moment as she had to cover the cubs eyes as they laughed innocently at the wolves debauchery.
Spice smirked. "Or some cases liquid death. ha ha". He said chucking.
Sugar furrowed brow at her brother's chuckling before blindly backhanding him.
"Gack, you brat!" He held his nose.
She continued. "Anyways, I have been monitoring a brewery with the alcohol I need. So, I need help "borrowing it". Sugar said as she air quoted.
"Drop the pretense, we're stealing it, I've been through this routine". Tali squinted as peered at her cautiously. "Just tell me how to-"
"Ah, ah, ah". She waged her finger, again. "I don't like to repeat myself, I'll tell you the details once you've gathered a team".
Tali narrowed her brow and gave her an incredulous look. "How secure is this place?" She asked.
"Not too bad, There are ways to get in, but there are issues to resolve. Mainly the cameras". She rubbed her chin pensively.
"What about-"
"I've got your transportation needs no need to fret. But there's a condition".
"That being?" Tali asked.
"Sugar's procrastination". Spice interjected, Sugar slammed her foot into his knee. "Damn it woman, again?!" He hopped in pain.
"Anyways, after a month of prep and recon. I thought I was ready, till Goldie locks told me we had to prepare for the games. Unfortunately, that crap took priority'. She sighed.
"Look, Let me be real with you: I can't trust anyone with this type of thing, most of the animals I know are Insufferable jerks or goons".
"So does that include me, or your boyfriends'?"
"You want another one? I'll knock your tuque off! "She glared at her brother causally.
"It be a change of pace from being held at gun point". He replied sourly.
"The gun wasn't loaded..." She whispered quietly with a bitter tone.
"Why do carry that thing around?"
"Self defense". She stated flatly. "They ain't taking my loot".
Tali decided it was best not to pry further, she saw Spice scowl in response.
"Screw it, I'm going. Just tell me by this evening if you're in or not. I can't find a better opening then now. I'm lucky he's not breathing down my neck". She started to walk away her brother following close behind.
"Cut Bart some slack". Spice said.
She stopped briefly glaring at her brother. "DON'T say our father's first name, like your drinking water". She slapped his head. "Show SOME respect, freaking goon".
Tali looked at the duo oddly.
"What about your father? I'd assume he have an issue with you robbing a brewery?" Tali gasped dryly as she realized her mistake.
Shit, shouldn't have done that. She thought. But to her surprise...
Spice gave a dry chuckle before looking at the ground. His sister was the first to reply.
She glanced back at the mongoose. "What about him?" Her tone was sour. She didn't even bother to say anything else. Instead, she scaled the wall quickly while her brother followed.
Tali shook her head. "Well that could have gone worse-"
Shit, I need a team...
She glared at wall pensively.
...
The evening came as the zoo grounds grew silent. The bear inhabitant's relaxed from the day's work. Except for one single dutiful bear.
"That's another one off..." Prozac held the clipboard with a list on it containing various tasks, which consisted of;
Place dinner in the oven 5:30.
Checking the plumbing 5:45.
Maintain the ventilation system 6:20.
And just recently checking the fuse box for any obstructions 6:50.
But there was one more thing on his list:
Evil 24/7.
He walked through the cave as he headed to the living room. There was a distinct sound of music playing through the hall.
He wanted to investigate but he heard a large clatter of noise out in the living room. As he made his trek through the caverns he noticed Lech and Mike walking into his room carrying a laptop in his hands.
Prozac's ears picked up chatter as he reached the entrance.
"Ohhh, this is my favourite part! This is one of the best moments in the season!"
"I don't know how you enjoy this?"
Prozac entered the living room and saw Evil and Need lounging on the couch as they both watched the television with an empty bowl on the middle of the couch.
Huh. This is pleasant.
"Oh, this is the climax to one of the character's arc it culminates with him learning to accept his mortality to move on and grow as a..." Evil placed his paw on the Nerd's mouth still watching the screen.
"I meant how you enjoy seeing something over and over again without it getting the least bit stale". He removed his paw.
"Just because you've seen it once doesn't mean you'll get everything on the first watch. There are subtle details we tend to skip through when watching something. That's why it's fun to revisit something, it revives our interests and makes the show that much more enjoyable".
"Like how we missed the climax just now because of your long winded speech?" Evil smirked.
Nerd turned his head to see the credits rolling. He sighed. "In hindsight, I probably should have seen this coming".
"If it makes you feel any better, seeing your misery and its many forms is rather cathartic and holds some nuance". He gave a wolf like grin.
"Thanks, you jerk". He scowled at Evil.
Evil glanced over the couch to see Prozac observing them.
"Were you watching us this whole time?" Evil scowled as he folded his arms.
"No, just finished with general maintenance and chores". Prozac replied. "You're welcome to join me next time, provided I supervise".
"Pass". Evil stuck out his tongue in disgust.
"Figures". Prozac rolled his eyes. "How's the oven?"
They both went wide eyed, it was clear by their bewildered expressions that none of them bothered to watch the food like he asked them too.
Nerd quickly commented. A drop of sweat formed on his brow.
Evil grinned maliciously.
"Jimmy's got it. He's been watching the oven since you left".
Prozac glanced over to the Raccoon in the kitchen as he waved cheerily. He standing on the counter his ring tail waving erratically.
"The roast smells good and the baked bread is a beautiful brown!" He said his mouth was salivating briefly.
"Thank you, I can get my tea and-"
"I wouldn't try to use the kettle". He scratched the back of his head awkwardly with a guilty look on his face.
Prozac looked at the animal confused, he glanced at the counter to see the kettle there seemingly unharmed. He glanced back at Evil.
"Don't look at me". He shrugged.
"Did you tinker with the kettle this time?" Nerd asked.
"Noooo, but I did take something out". He pulled out a metal coil of the counter.
Prozac's mouth was agape in horror.
Evil snickered at the bear's visible misery. "This never gets old".
"Whyyyy?"
"I wanted to see if I could improve it?" He replied.
"Like my laptop?" Nerd said bitterly.
"I fixed after I was done".
"After you threw my motherboard in the TRASH..." Nerd furrowed his brow.
"Again, I'm sorry. My curiosity got the better of me".
DING DONG
They heard a ring from the cave entrance.
They all glanced at the entrance curiously, unsure of what to make of it.
Jimmy spoke first.
"We have a door bell?"
"No, and even if you did there's no point in ringing it". They heard a familiar voice say. They all peered at the cave entrance to see three animals.
Sugar grinned at the trio briefly she held a black cellphone in her paw.
Spice still wore the tuque but this time he had a pair of black shades over his eyes.
"Hello again, Prozac. Sorry to intrude". Tali said.
Prozac placed the clipboard on the couch and walked forward to greet his guests.
"So what do we owe the pleasure of having you three visit?" The bear smiled warmly.
"I need some help with a job. Specifically a team of you to help".
Prozac looked at the mongoose inquisitively while Nerd and Evil rose their brows wondering what this entails.
"Alright, alright'. Sugar interrupted. I know this sudden, miss tight lips here isn't the best at telling you what's up, so let me tell what's about to happen".
"This better not be a shakedown". Evil narrowed his brow.
"No goat boy, it's not". She replied while waving her paw.
Nerd snickered at the nickname causing Evil to pull Nerd's glasses off and run with them on his head. Nerd quickly chased him around the living room. As Gimp entered the room and stared at the two running around in circles.
Prozac shook his head at sight before turning his attention back to Sugar.
"Tonight, as you know, is going to be a very cold night, freezing rain the works. However, due to circumstances beyond her control the heating system for her habitat is broken. Now, being the generous and understanding animal I am..."
As she placed her paw on her chest a voice interrupted her from the caverns.
"That's a stretch!" Vanity yelled from the cave.
"Hey! Don't interrupt me or I'll come over there and-" She looked at the bears each of them giving her an odd look, She coughed forcefully to save face.
Anyways, I was going to help her by fixing the system for her, but everything comes with a price. And would you look at that...I have a perfect job for her to showcase her skills".
THUD
Behind them Evil laid flat on his back holding his head in pain with Gimp standing over him with an ice pack.
Nerd looked over him barely holding back his laughter at his folly.
"What a coincidence". Prozac stated bluntly as he gave an unamused blank stare at the simian. He wasn't an idiot.
"I know! Anyways, I gave her some time to think it over and lo and behold now we're here". She clasped her paws together.
"So what, you want us to raid the maintenance room so we can fix her heating system?"
"Oh hell no! there wouldn't be anything to gain from that!" She exclaimed.
The bear glared at the monkey wondering where she was going with this.
"No something much more simpler". She grinned maliciously.
"Yep, as simple as finding a needle in a bag stack. Now the replace the hay with syringes". Spice stated as he shook his head.
"Now look, I know this is for a good cause-" Prozac tried to explain his disposition, which was a resounding: Never gonna happen, because he could feel the negative vibes from this one a mile away.
"Than you'll have no problem helping us, or do you want her children to freeze? She said raising her brow suspiciously.
Prozac looked at the female simian, and he knew deep in his heart he couldn't let that happen willfully. He hung and head down and agreed.
"Do you have any honor?" Evil stated furrowing his brow at the simian holding his head. She glanced back at the bear with cold glare.
"Do you have any idea how much you took from me when you burned that safe?" She said bitterly.
Prozac whipped his head back to the bear as he gave an innocent look and a shrugged.
"Whatever". Sugar narrowed her brow. "First things first'. She went up to the Bear and yanked a bit of fur from Evil. He screeched in response holding his cheek. She turned to the leader. 'Do any of you know how to drive?"
Prozac nodded.
"Good. let's get them then we're wasting time!" She marched past the bear and walked into the hallway causing Prozac to shake his head dismissively.
"Jimmy please turn off the oven". he could smell the food was done. He nodded and jumped from the counter to the oven the top of the oven.
Nerd squinted at the male monkey.
"You're the one who took our food for the competition..."
"I have no idea what your talking about". Spice fixed his sunglasses.
Evil glared at the gold male simian. "Nice shades, they make you like look like less a douche bag". He smirked bitterly as he held his cheek.
"Hehehe". Spice shifted away awkwardly.
As they enter the Caverns.
"Is there anyone else besides a driver that you need?" Prozac asked.
"Yea, someone who can disable electronics".
Prozac turned his head back to the door with a skull on it.
"Wait here, I'll see if he's awake". He walked towards death's room.
She pulled out her phone and started to play with it. That would past the time she remembered the camera function on her phone and smiled...
She heard a door creaking open and looked up to see the two bear's in front of her.
"Took you long enough". She said looking at the dark furred bear with Grey eyes.
"Hpmh, you'll do". She walked forward to the door with a picture of a pair of panties on it. She tried to open the door, but felt something was blocking the door. A scowl grew on her lips as the others gathered behind her.
"The door won't move, what's he doing in there?" She asked annoyed.
Death gave a knowing look, but remained silent. There was a loud amount of typing.
"Look, let's give him...10 minutes. We'll go get the other candidate for your job". Prozac suggested he gave a sour look.
"Fine. Fine. He better be done when we come back!" She yelled loudly.
"Follow us, the last one should be in Gay's room." Prozac stated as he walked forward toward the door with a purple elephant on it. The music still was playing as they reached the door.
The trio glared at the door.
"I'll take this". Death said as he gripped the door knob the song grew louder as the enter the scene...
The song started with a door cracking open, with an occasional howl of a wolf while the sound of foot steps tapping. Then then guitar started to play accompanied by synthesizer.
The beat they played followed a certain tune: Ba ba bum bum bum, ba ba. Bum bum bum...
The atmosphere of the song felt electric and lively as the music played.
You try to scream!
You start to freeze!
Gay spoke first. "Nod your head to one side. Like this…" Gay said to Fighter as he nodded to left. His partner mimicked the nodding following the beat of the song.
Gay heard the door rattle, he looked back and smiled as he saw the audience. An idea popped into his head.
"Ok, now turn to the side and put your arms out and put one arm in front of you and one behind you. And do it two more times keep in sync with the beat of the song".
"Got it". Fighter said as he mimicked the instructions Gay noticed his stiffness.
"Alright now, straighten your arms and place them to your sides flat, get loose for me, k?" He asked
Fighter straighten them and place them to his sides. He had small playfully grin on his face.
"Then, bend your knees. Put your bottom out and wiggle it up and down". Gay demonstrated carefully showing his partner, Fighter closed his eyes and did the move with little hesitation.
Sugar smiled coyly as she pulled out her phone and starting recording.
Prozac saw this and barely held back a snicker. He tried to tell them to stop, but she covered his mouth with her free hand and shushed him.
Death chuckled softly at Prozac's annoyed expression as he narrowed his brow.
"Place your paws out and make them into claws like this". Gay showed him this by slightly lurching forward with his paws out.
Fighter chuckled. "You look silly".
"So what, we're the only ones here". He said knowingly.
"Your fingers should be outstretched, separated, and bent. Move your hand forward and then pull them back as if you were ripping through a bush. Then alternate and switch the side you're clawing at". Gay did this from left to right.
Fighter moved left to right twice with Gay to the beat of the music.
"Alright that should be it for now. Good work, partner!" He walked forward and turned off the boombox.
"Nice to know the runt found his boom box". Sugar said loudly.
Fighter stiffened briefly before turning his head to see the group watching their activities.
He was silent gauging the group's faces; Death had a bewildered, but interested look. Prozac had a pleased, and content smile on his face.
And finally the unexpected visitor holding her phone out recording it all, Sugar had a smug smile on her face all the while snickering with a dry wheeze. Her eyes bulged out with child-like awe and happiness.
"Bha haha! This is too good to be true! Killer moves out there!" She said mockingly.
Fighter narrowed his brow as his ears dropped down in shame.
"Look on the bright side, We looked fantastic together". Gay said elbowing the bear.
Fighter sighed. "Why didn't anyone knock first?" He glared at the group.
Death coughed briefly. "Sorry, it was urgent".
"I'll accept that considering she's here'. He glanced at Sugar. "What do you want?"
"Again, so hostile?" Sugar asked raising her brow.
"Whenever you're present you want something. You want us hide a body?"
Prozac grimaced at the thought before Sugar smirked smugly. "No, I got guys for that. Now get your butt moving we need to see your lecherous idiot, you've got a job".
Fighter gave her inquisitive glare as he furrowed his brow suspiciously. "If you know what's good for you, you'll help the cubs are at risk of freezing". She said.
Fighter remained silent as he watched her walk out of the room Death following close behind her. He turned to Prozac.
"I'm sure the task she has in mind is... Doable".
"Right". Fighter walked over to a table in the room and grabbed his scarf. Then wrapped it around his neck.
Prozac waved him over to the door as he exited the room.
Fighter was about to leave when Gay tapped his shoulder.
"If this is about our dance session, it's fine we can do it another time".
"Maybe something more quieter next time". He grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it.
Fighter smiled warmly before opening the door.
"Pi…"
His ears twitched at the sound and he sighed. "What is it?"
"Maybe you could trust her? She doesn't seem all bad".
Fighter remained silent looking at his friend. He was trying to pick his words carefully. "From what I've seen so far, she's very unpredictable and abrasive. I'll wait and see. Also..."
He looked back at the bear and moved his finger across his lips as if he was zipping up a jacket.
"Please call me Fighter, I'd prefer if you called me that".
Gay nodded knowingly.
He shut the door. "One step forward..." Gay shut his eyes softly as he yawned.