Bad Influence

Cezille07

Before, during, and after Zob's disappearance. Zob will have to choose between family and friendship. (Warning: Some very minor slash content.) See issue 13 of the comic series.

This is my take on how the Zob-Terrence fight began.

Notation: Bold – the Tone/Voice Dom. Italics – thoughts or emphasis.

Disclaimer: I do not own Monster Allergy or any of its characters—it would be cool if I did, though...

Chapter 1. BEFORE – It was Terence's Idea!

It wasn't his idea. It was Terence's.

"We should go into the Amazon forest and see what kind of monsters are there. We can Box a few and sell them for gold to some Anguana! And if we're lucky, we'll find a tribe of women who will worship us!"

Zob was naturally against it. "Sell to an Anguana? I don't know about that, but it doesn't sound good. And aren't you happy with Johanna? I don't see a reason why you would want to find a whole tribe to feed your physical needs!"

"Don't be such a practical man!" Terence laughed. "Besides, what are a few days or weeks in a new place? Old Mill is too old for me now."

"It might not be safe for us."

"Safe? Do we even have to worry? We're Tamers, remember?"

"And what about expenses?"

"I have a fat bank account now, Zobedja!"

"I can guess where the money came from..."

"No, it's not what you think! I didn't steal it. It's hard-earned money from my job. On the other hand, you're getting little out of your insect business. Maybe it's time to shift into something else?"

Why didn't Terence ever listen? "You've worked this out, but you haven't convinced me."

His friend wore a dark expression. "I don't want to beg. But it's been ages since we last did something together!"

He couldn't tell if that dark look had something to do with the seriousness of the situation or the possibly hidden intentions he was hiding. "Well, you are right. But we can just have a few drinks after work instead of that ridiculous plan of yours."

"You'll stop calling it ridiculous and thank me for it after it's done! Come on. Drinks? That's college stuff. We're grown men."

"Your reasoning is all twisted, you know that, don't you?"

"And yet I've still managed to change your mind, haven't I?" And now Terrence wore a proud grin.

Zob nodded.

"That's my best friend! Shall we leave in two days? By then I'll have everything ready. The plane tickets, the tour package, everything!"

He sighed. Why? Why did Terence always manage to change his mind? Because he wanted him to, anyway? Because he was right?

Either way, it was too late to turn back now.

That evening, Terence appeared via Teleskates to hide a box of beer in their closet.

"I'll keep this here for the trip," he told Zob.

Zob peeked outside the room. They were alone. "Make it quick! If Greta finds out, I'm as good as an empty Dombox!" He closed the door and leaned against it.

Terence chuckled. "Ah. Well, you know how wives are."

"Just hurry up—"

There was a knock on the door. "Dad?"

Both men turned to the door

"Zick? Is that you?" He motioned for Terence to leave. As soon as he was gone, he opened the door.

Zick looked up at his father and asked, "Who are you talking to?"

"Me? Oh, no one!" His heart was hammering in his chest. "If your mom asks, you didn't hear anything. Promise?"

Zick looked confused, but answered a meek "Yes."

He felt a little guilty. Greta had ignored him for the last two days, and now she won't even say goodbye.

"Honey, I'll leave now," he said through the locked door. Their bedroom. Locked. And he was outside.

"Try not to get yourself killed!" she answered snappily.

"I...I will. Tell Zick I love him."

Greta opened the door yelling, "Do you, really? Do you love your son?"

"Yes, I—"

"Then why would you risk your life for a stupid vacation? Going into the Amazon, it's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard!"

"It's not ridiculous. Terence and I just want some time!"

"Terence is a bad influence on you! If he wants his five-year-old son to lie to his wife for fun's sake, that's fine with me. If he can leave Teddy for some crazy trip, that's fine with me. That's his life. But I can't believe you want to do the same thing! Zick is only three years old, and you asked him to lie to me! I can't believe you could even think of such an act! And what if you get hurt? Your son needs a father, and I need my husband, Zob."

"I won't get hurt. I'll be with Terence—"

"And you expect him to watch your back? Sure! Fine! Go ahead! And like I said, just make sure you don't get killed!"

And she slammed the door in his face.