Prologue: Ami Okamisuru
Being a wolf is hard. You are apart of a pack, a family...and with that comes certain rules and regulations. The alphas have the final say. It doesn't matter if you're the oldest offspring or whatever, what they say goes. But you have protection, you have family, bonds...love. Being a lone wolf, is even harder. You don't have family, in fact your family pretends you don't even exist. You don't have protection, so you better learn fast. Love? Please...Love has gone out the window the second you become an outcast. But being alone makes you stronger, makes you able to stand up on your own to feet. In Zootopia that's the kind of thing needed. When I left home it wasn't on good terms with my family. My pack abandoned me the second I went against my fath-the alpha of our pack. There was a plan, I went against it and now I live on my own.
But it's not all bad, living in Zootopia on my own, free to do what I want. My names Ami Okamisuru AKA Ami Okami...at least on Zootube thats what I'm called. What's Zootube? It's a place where animals like me can be themselves, get creative and do what they love. Then share it with other animals by posting videos. Me I'm just an average ordinary gamer...with over 5mil subscribers. Thanks to that I make my living by doing gaming videos all day long and posting my reactions, collabs etc. It's fun; I have plenty of friends including one bestie who just so happens to live on Zootube as well as a fashionista. So yeah I may be a lone wolf, but I'm ok. I'm sure everything will be fine, I'll stay out of their way and they stay out of mine; I don't need a pack, I don't need bonds, I don't need love. If hats the case though, why is it that sometimes I wake up...wondering what I'm missing?
Chapter 1: Friendly Meeting Under Odd Circumstances
"Hey! There's someone else over here!" A distant voice calls out. It echoes in my ears, making my pounding head pound even harder. My body shivers, convulses actually even the air is not cold. My stomach is cramping.
What did I eat? Where am I?
I open my eyes, slightly. Two figure shrouded in darkness yet illuminated by light are there. One a bunny the other a fox maybe.
"I think she's alive." A female voice says. It's not Talli...where is she? "Hey can you hear me?" Th only response I can I've is a dry croak. My throne is dry.
"She looks familiar for some reason. I've seen her face some where before." That voice was a males, and it sounded like it was coming from the taller figure. The fog in my head is starting to clear but the pounding won't stop. It's seems to act as a wake up call and all my senses come flooding back. I sit up shrieking and letting off a yelp at the same time. Back in away from the figures my heart pounds as I suddenly realize I'm not where I'm supposed to be. My back hits a tree, preventing me from going anywhere. As soon as I see the two figures, I know something is very wrong. The taller figure, a male fox steps forward, "Hey, easy there bright eyes...! Relax, we're not gonna hurt you." He inches closer,
"S-stay away...!" I croak. I start coughing as soon as I finish saying that, my throat is seriously dry. Picking myself up I lean against the tree still disoriented. "What's going on?" I ask still holding my head in my hands. "Who are you guys?"
"You can't tell by looking?" The fox asks,
"What?" Turning, I notice the blue uniforms. ZPD. "You guys are police officers?"
"That's right. I'm Judy and this is Nick. Can you tell us your name? Do you remember?" The bunny, Judy asks.
"Amiterasu Okamisuru...but just Ami for short."
"I bet, that's a bit of a mouthful." Nick mutters, "can you tell us what happened?"
"I was hoping you would. Where am I?"
"You're in the Wooded Countryside in Zootopia." I start at what she says,
"What? N-no That can't be right...I'm supposed to be in Rainforest district...how did I...ah!" Trying to think is making my head pound even harder. "It hurts to think. Can we skip the whole q and a and just get to the point, please? Why are you here? What's going on?" The two officers exchange looks before Judy steps forward. She stares at my clothes, before looking at me. "What?"
"Ami Okamisuru, you're under arrest..." my wolf ears wilt as my heart beats wildly from her words.
"What? What the hell for?! I haven't done anything! I don't even know why I'm here!"
"Then care to explain the mess on your shirt?" Nick asks. I look down, there and on my arena and paws are red stains. My heart nearly stops at the sight. I try wiping it away, but the stains are still there. There's no masking the scent either, the faint scent of blood. "Who's blood is this? Why is there blood in me?! What the hell happened?!"
"Take it easy wolf girl. We'll figure it out. You're not in trouble, we just need to find out what's going on."
"Then why arrest me?!" I snap at Nick, "obviously you think I did something, and something clearly happened!"
"It's just so that we can get your side of things..."
"Then why arrest me!?" I snarl, a growl escaping slightly. Judy steps in, thinking Nick isn't having any luck,
"There's been a murder in the area." The white fur on the back of my neck, bristles. "We need to take you in for questioning."
" murder? But I didn't..." remembering where I am and the blood on me as well, I can tell it looks bad. No matter how much I argue with them, I'm the guilty looking party. I take a deep breath, pushing back the pain that's in my head, "do I get to make a phone call?"
"Last time I checked, you're allowed one of those." Nick for some reason looks at me with... what is that? Sympathy, pity? Ignoring him I pull out my phone.
"Can I make it now?"
"That's not how this-"
"Sure." Judy, who was interrupted, looks over at Nick. "C'mon Carrots, no one is going to know if she uses it now. They'll think she just doesn't got anyone to call." The rabbit glares slightly, but eventually relents.
"Ok." Taking a breath I quickly pull up my only go to person in such situations. Someone I know who would never turn on me: Hippotallia Mammalia. I press dial and hold the phone to my ear. The phone rings once, then twice. On the third ring,
"Ami, where are you? You didn't text me that you got home like you said you would." At first I don't answer. The reality of the situation seems to be finally catching up to my, "Ami are you there? What's wrong?"
"Talli...um can you...meet me at the...The um..." I rarely cry, but I don't think even this time I could hold it off. My body is shaking, I'm scared. "Talli I'm being arrested...!"
"You're what?! For what- why?!"
"I don't know! I seriously don't know...! But I somehow ended up in the Wooded Countryside, I'm covered in blood! I don't remember anything Talli! They're saying someone was murdered! My head...it feels like someone took a sledgehammer to it...!"
"But you didn't drink anything at the party..."
"I don't know what happened...after leaving. Just please...can can you come to the ZPD...please...!"
"Of course. I'm on my way. We'll find out what's going on Ami." With that I hang up the call, turn away to wipe my face of the tears they most likely saw and then turn back around. I hold my paws out to them,
"Let's just get this over with..." Nick comes forward and quietly places the cuffs on my wrists. I put up no fight and walk quietly. My ears droop as I try to remember any sort of detail that could help. But nothing comes to mind. The only thing that does happen is a splitting head ache. When we reach the area that I assume to be the crime scene, every one is packing up. It looks like hey found their last piece of evidence they needed: me. All the officers stare at me as we walk by. My body tenses as I put my head down, hoping no one will recognize me. As I wait by the ridiculously large police car, I stare down at the ground. A gentle paw rests on my shoulders,
"We'll figure this out bright eyes. We'll find a way." I look up at Nick, this...sly looking fox. I'm not sure if I should trust him or not but the smile on his face says I can, yet everything in me is saying the opposite. The door opens and I hop inside in the back. In the big empty back seat I sit quietly not sure of what's going to happen next.
...
The car right over was quiet to say the least. The only thing close to a conversation was when officer foxface asked me "I know this may not be the best time to ask you but, I know I've seen you somewhere before but I can't place it."
"Ever go on the internet?" I asked,
"Yeah...you a celebrity or something?"
"Something like that..." after that, I don't think he could think of anything else to comment on, neither could the bunny. When we got to the station, my friend wasn't there, Talli may have gotten caught up in traffic. So instead of having this whole thing fixed quickly, I had to sit and wait to be put into the system. They took my prints and my mug shot. Then I the fox and rabbit (don't really remember their names at the moment even though they told me...not that I really care at the moment) took me to a desk where I was seated for the time being. Everyone who passes by stares at me, their translations all different. Some seem to recognize me and whisper to whoever they were talking to. Others didn't seem to notice who I was as they just look at me with curiosity, wondering what it is that I did to wind up here. Others glare as they pass by, probably hearing about the murder. My head wouldn't stop pounding the entire time and the cramping in my stomach from before kept coming and going. Eventually, the fox comes back with a few files in his paws. He smiled at me, sympathetically I hope, before starting yet another conversation
"So, comfy...?" I couldn't help but glare at him then,
"Did you seriously just ask me that? What part of this is supposed to be comfortable bushy tail?" He looked back at his tail noting the remark, then smirked,
"Nice to see you're able to still fight back." The smirk faded at that point, "you'll need it for the next couple of hours."
"Why?"
"Well for one: every officer at the moment thinks your the prime suspect."
"I didn't do it!"
"I believe you, bright eyes. You don't seem the type."
"W-wait you...what?" I couldn't believe it at the time, he actually believed me!
"Call it a gut feeling or better yet a fox's intuition." I rolled my eyes,
"You don't seem like the sly fox type..."
"Ouch...you wound me madam. All jokes aside my partner and I don't believe you committed the crime. But we'll need time to prove that."
"How?!"
"Well if you can remember anything...it would help. They'll take you into interrogation and try to scare you into telling them what they want to hear, that you did it. Any sort of details that you could remember about what happened, something to argue against them with. Or even something you could tell me, something to go on to help. What about your friend, you called?"
"Look yesterday...I was at a party. Ok? I got an invite along with Talli-the friend I called. We were at this dance club. I know the owner."
"What was name of the club? They most likely have camera there that recorded you there." I sigh at that comment,
"The cameras haven't been installed yet... this place is brand new. It was a party to celebrate the grand opening. The Crazy Monkey."
"Still, eye witnesses would work as well. Speaking of, you said your friend was with you. The one you called right?"
"Yeah..." fortunately I remembered something right then and there, "phone...her phone! Talli was taking pictures of us all night long and posting three on her Tweeter account! The phone would have the pictures and the dates and times when the pictures were taken! One or two of the picture has me in it, I know it!"
"Ok then all we have to do is wait for your friend to show up. Carrots and I will take a look at her phone." A bustle in the background made him look away do a moment before he turned to me again, "ok listen bright eyes, you're gonna have to put up with everything that comes your way for the time being. The first thing that will happen, they'll take your clothes as evidence; don't worry they'll get you something else to put on. After they're gonna question you. They'll use fear tactics and anything else in the books to try and get what they want out of you."
"But I didn't-"
"I know that but THEY don't; and they're not gonna want to believe otherwise unless there's proof. That's the problem with some of the officers here, they take everything at face value. Look the point it, they're gonna play mind games with you, you can't let them get to you. And if they do, don't let them know they did. Just hold them off long enough, for us to find your friend and get that proof."
"But...I..." I found myself looking at my wrists still chained in the cuffs. I still couldn't believe this was all happening. My gaze suddenly went up, his paw had lifted my face up to look at him,
"Trust me...just play your part for now, and I'll play mine."
I didn't even know him yet for some reason I trusted him. I'm still technically trusting him now. Everything happened just like he said they would. First the clothes then the questioning. Although bushy tail had been honest with me about everything, I still can't help but be irritated!
'We'll figure out it out.' he said. Never should have doubted my instincts on that load of crap. If he's going to figure it out, why the HELL am I sitting in an interrogation room being snarled at by a leopard?!
"What is the connection between you and Humpfree!"
"I keep telling you, I don't know him!" I shout.
"Something happened. His blood is all over your clothes, we found a paw print matching to yours! You might as well admit to your crime now!"
"I didn't do anything!" The cheetah flowers at me. I stare back. Two predators fighting for dominance. He's the first to move. Without a word, he slams the door behind him. I don't know how but my paw prints somehow got all over the guy.
This is a nightmare! It has to be! What happened last night after I left the party? Ok wait Ami...think back. What do you remember? I try remembering any details like the fox told me to. I wince at the pain in my head but push passed it. I run my paws through my fur that's grown to be quite long. I never really cut it making it seem like I have a wild mane of my own. Heaving a sigh, I close my eyes and think about the events hat happened before.
I remember getting a party invite from Zeni: a monkey with some good dance moves and owns his own club to show it. Talli and I decided to together, we were looking forward to it. I remember it taking us forever to leave because she couldn't find the perfect outfit that screamed part to her. After the we hopped in on he train, headed to the club. I remember flashing lights, having fun, we all chatted me and the others. Wait...who else was there again? My head pounds and I can't help but hold my ears as the start to ring,
"Focus Ami...every detail matters right now. You've got to focus." I wait for the pain to subside before taking another dive into my head. I remember vaguely the faces of the others that were there and try to make a mental note.
Talli was definitely there, Zeni of course since he was the one who invited us, Chaka his girl friend was there too, The twins Gary and Gray, and me.
"Someone has to have a photo or some sort of recollection of me being there...I did not murder this guy." After remembering all who were important to this whole thing, I go back to the events.
We danced, the twins flirted with every cat that could chase tail with. Talli egged me on to a drinking contest which I never accepted. There was more dancing, more drinking, but I never drank anything, nothing alcoholic at least and the drinks I did have never left my paws for even a second. So if someone drugged me I have no idea how they did it. Again there was more dancing, we took a break, I checked my phone. It was way past midnight. I left and then...I left and...
"And then what? What happened to me after I left the club?" I think as hard as I can but the pounding in my head prevents me from remembering anything. Giving up, I lean my head on the table. This does not help my head ache of course. Closing my eyes I nearly drift off to sleep. It was still dark out when I was found in the Wooded Countryside. I can't help but wonder what time it really is. I would sleep but the pain in my head and now the pain in my stomach are causing me to stay awake. I'm barely running on any fumes. My clothes have been exchanged for some god forsaken jersey and sweats since they were now considered evidence. The only good thing I can think of is that my family has no idea about this...one less hassle to deal with right now. The door creaks open, and I open my eyes,
Speaking of hassles...
I look up expecting to find the officer from before, but instead it's someone else. This guy although a herbivore is huge. He comes and sits down across from me, he seems to glare at me, so I place my head back on the table with a thud,
"If your here Mr. Buffalo to make me a deal about coming clean on a crime I didn't commit, you can forget it. I didn't kill your victim and I'm not about to take the blame for it, so please just leave me a lone..."
"Actually, that's not why I'm here Miss Ami. I'm officer Bogo, chief of the ZPD."
"Good for you Mr. Chief...what do you want?"
"All I want is the truth." I lift my head, glaring at the officer,
"Mister! I don't know how many times I have to sound like a broken record, but I will say it one more time: I! Didn't! Kill! Anyone!"
"Then please explain how you wound up at our crime scene, covered in the victims blood." My jaw clenches shut. Even if I try to explain my side, I have no way of proving anything. My stomach clenches tightly, causing a tight knot to form. I can't help but let out a groan. "Miss Okamisuru, if you really are innocent then you need to explain things."
"I can't...I have nothing to say..."
"You can't...or you won't?" I stare into his eyes, he's prey but damn it all, he's intimidating. My ears go back but I narrow my eyes,
"I don't understand the question." I say. He places something on the table. Looking down it's a photo, a dead camel lats sprawled in the grass. There's a distant, lifeless look in his eyes and the glasses he wears are broken.
"Why are you showing me this?!" I say shoving the picture away.
"Because you don't seem to understand the severity of the position you are in." He shoves the picture back at me, forcing me to look at its contents again, "I told you I want the truth; so, let me tell you the truth of the situation you are in."
I knew this good cop shtick wasn't real...he thinks I'm guilty to!
"You're DNA is all over the crime scene. Your paw prints are on the victim. You were the only other we found in the area. At this time all the evidence seems to point to you being out prime murder suspect."
"I didn't murder anyone! I don't even know how I got there!" He stands towering over me, I'm suddenly very aware of the fact that he could crush me if he wanted to. "Look all I remember is going to a party with my friends! We were in the Rainforest Distict at the Crazy Monkey...! I left but I swear I don't remember anything after leaving! You can ask anyone there including the owner! I was there!" The chief comes down to my level getting dangerously close. My tail curls unable to go between my legs in fear. "Cut the fear tactics crap! I'm not about to admit to something I didn't do!" The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. I stand from my chair about to back away from the giant, when there an interruption. Someone clears their throat behind the police chief. He turns, seeing the fox from before.
Wait what was his name again? What is he doing here? Don't tell me he's here to give me crap about all this now too?
"Sorry to interrupt you chief but-"
"Wilde! What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I know this isn't regulation but I really needed to speak with you. It's about our guest." Wilde indicates me with a finger.
"You mean suspect."
"Actually as weird as this is going to sound Bogo, Miss Ami is actually a victim too." My ears perk up at the word 'victim'. "She's been framed. There's no way she could have committed the crime." The police chief raises an eyebrow, "let me explain. Ami was somehow transported to the crime scene after she left a party she attended the night before. She was at the club Crazy Monkey way before the murder took place." He holds up a document, "now according to the findings of the coroner, Dr. Malord places the time of the murder somewhere between 10 to 11pm that night. According to a reliable source, Ami didn't leave the party until midnight."
"Proof Wilde. Where is the proof?"
"Oh I'm getting there. Hey Carrots!" The door opens again revealing the rabbit from before along with someone I myself am personally happy to see. A large female hippo dressed to the nines in makeup, and a fashionable outfit consisting of a dark denim jean a pair of black flats and an off the shoulder shirt the color of cream with a heart on the front. She finishes it off with a pair of gold earrings. Although she's a hippo, she more so big boned than fat, flaunting all of her curves. Hippotallia or who I like to call Talli for short, glares at Bogo. "Hippotallia, police chief Bogo. Chief Bogo, Hippotallia aka Cutie Talli if you just so happen to watch Zootube."
"Zootube?" The chief questions,
"Zootube the place where animals can post amazingly hilarious and enjoyable videos for everyone's amusement. You know it's the site where animals post al sorts of videos about different things like gaming, dancing or just sheer stupidity-."
"I know what it is Wilde! I'm asking what it has to do with this conversation."
"Oh yeah! Well here's the thing. Our so called suspect just so happens to be a Zootuber as well." He turns to me, " I knew I saw your pretty face somewhere."
"Wilde...!"
"Right, anyway, Ami wasn't anywhere near our crime scene. She, along with Talli and a few others who some are Zootubers as well, including the owner of Crazy Monkey, were at the club from 9pm till at least 2 am the next morning. Ami left around 1:30 according to Talli here, who also just so happens to have a collection of Tweeter posts and pictures of their fun time. Talli care to show them?"
"With pleasure..." she pulls her phone out of her pink purse and pokes around, quickly she finds what she's looking for. She walks over and slams the phone down on the desk. The post is a photo of me dancing with Zeni as we celebrate the opening of his bar. There are a few other posts of other pictures as well. Relief fills every fiber of my being as I stare at the date and the times proving my innocence in this whole thing. "#suck it." Talli says as Bogo looks at the photos.
"Chief, there's no way Ami could have committed this crime. The real perp must have planted the evidence to make it seem like she was the one." Hopps or Carrots, or what ever her name is concludes. He finishes looking at the phone before turning to the two officers,
"We'll need copies of these photos and tweets."
"Already taken care of. You'll find them with all the other evidence we have." Wilde says. Bogo then turns to me, a slightly less intimidating look on his face this time.
" it seems we've made a rather large miscalculation on our part. I apologize for the treatment you've received here today miss Ami." I glare at him slightly.
Seriously? After everything that's happened?! He just expects a heartfelt apology is supposed to make it better?! Hell no!
I'm about to open my mouth and say just as much if not more when another thought comes to mind,
I was covered in blood, they found my prints somehow on the murder victim. I couldn't really even give any details as to how I got there in the first place. Of course any one would think I would be guilty. If it wasn't for the air right alibi I have the real suspect overlooked, i might not have gotten out of this. He was just doing his job.
With that, I let out a small sigh and hold up my cuffed wrists for him to see,
"Just get these off and we'll call it even ok?"
In the lobby, I'm finishing up a bit of paperwork they needed me to sign. I hand it over to a chubby cheetah, whose done nothing but stare at me with sparking eyes the entire time. I give a small smile,
"I take it your a fan...?"
"No! I mean yes! It's just- I can't believe your actually here! And Cutie Talli toooooo!"
"Yeah, to be honest, I can't believe I'm here either." I say passing the signed paperwork over to him. He stares at the paper,
"Oh my god Ami Okami's signature...I actually get to see her signature!" He lets off something like a tiny squeal. I try to hold back a laugh, a wave of pain pounding in my head helps me to do that. Through the ringing in my ears I hear a familiar voice,
"Hey Clawhauser." The rabbit from before who escorted Talli earlier, "you doing ok?"
"Hi Judy! Everything's fine. I just can't believe I'm standing in the presence of e celebrity!"
"That's a bit of an exaggeration..." I mutter under my breath.
"I'm glad you're having fun but I think Ami would like to go home. We've all had a bit of a rough night." Judy smiles at the cheetah. He gasps,
"Oh you're right! I'm so sorry! Here let me get this taken care of for you! Oh would you like a doughnut? You gotta be hungry." He holds out a box of a variety of doughnuts to me. The frosting and sprinkles which oils usually make my mouth water, has my stomach twisting and tightening. For he first time I feel like I'll throw up if I eat anything. I plaster on a tired smile.
"No thanks." His ears droop a bit. "I'll tell you what Clawhauser. When you're finished with that paperwork, I'll take a couple of pictures with you and even post one to my Tweeter page, ok?" There's another squeal like noise, before he runs off as quickly as he can. Officer Judy laughs,
"You just made his day."
"Well, My work here is done then. So do you know where your partner dragged my friend off to?" Judy gestures for me to follow her, leading me to the other side of the lobby. Talli stands there talking to Wilde putting on a flirtatious act as usual.
"Thank you so, so much for helping Ami, Officer Wilde!" He shrugs his shoulders, but the proud smile on his face shows his gratitude for her acknowledgment.
" nothing major."
"Nothing major?" I interject, "you just proved my innocence in a murder case, I don't call that nothing major."
"Giiiirl, hat is the last time I let you go home on your own!" Talli says. I'm about to argue by another wave of pounding pain in my head stops me,
"You know what...considering all the events that happened today, I think I might agree with you."
"You ok Ami?"
"Yeah fine just really want to go home." I turn to the two officers, "thank you...I mean it. For believing I was innocent and for saving my sorry tail. I really thought there for a second, they were really gonna stick the crime to me somehow."
"You're welcome."
"Sorry Officer Judy. But you said you needed to get my statement. Can we do that now? I really have to go soon, duty calls and all that." Talli asks.
"Sure right this way." Judy and Talli walk off leaving me alone with officer Wilde. I try to act normal still feeling the effects of the day,
"So Officer Wilde."
"What's up bright eyes?"
"I hope you're not too hurt by this but...what was your actual name again?" He exaggerates greatly, as he clutches his shirt over his heart, a horrified look on his face,
"The horror! To think my good looks and charm left such a dull impression on you...how will I ever live." I scoff, smirking at him.
"Somehow, I think you might survive. And in my defense, when you did first give me your name, I was more or less preoccupied with other things like the fact I was being arrested..."
"Fair point, I suppose in this instance I can allow my pride to be wounded; but just this once." He holds a paw out to me, "Nickolas Wilde or Nick Wilde or just plain old Nick. Take your pick." A genuine smile forms on my face at his light hearted nature,
"I think I like just plain old Nick...Amiterasu Okamisuru but I prefer just plain old Ami." I say taking his paw in mine.
"I know your name. Unlike you I didn't forget that easily." He smirks,
"Really? Because you seem to keep calling me bright eyes like that's my actual name."
"Well what else am I supposed to call you, when you got big blue eyes, that shine like stars? I mean seriously are those diamonds or..."
"Are all foxes such smooth talkers, or is it a curse only meant for you?"
"I'd call it more of a gift than a curse. Although I do see now where your alter ego gets their name from." I cringe playfully.
"Oh you did not just call my Zootube alias an alter ego. That right there, is going to make you lose cool points."
"Really, I didn't even know I was winning them. Any chance I could get them back?" I step a bit closer as a mischievous grin plays on his lips. My heart suddenly races at a realization,
Am I...flirting with him? Ugh...Talli would flip if she saw this. I hardly ever do this. Not like I'll see him again after this so, what the hell?
"Sure...answer me this: how did you know I was a Zootuber? I mean knowing, Talli she would have skipped over all that, too concerned about what was going on." His ears slightly twitch but he keeps the calm suave air about him as he looks down at me. In kind I look up at him through half lidded eyes, giving a sultry look. Two can play this game.
"Oh well that's easy. I remembered seeing your name pop up on the internet. So I just did a little digging, one thing led to another and there was the connection. By the way, congrats on over 5 million subscribers. Must be one of the big shots on there huh?"
"Please...little ol' me doesn't stack up to some of the even bigger names to be honest, but I'm happy where I'm at." There's a comfortable pause between us before my head erupts in pain again. I had forgotten for a moment the pain and suffering I had gone through. My body teeters slightly, but strong limber arms support me as I shake off the dizzy spell. "Thanks..."
"You alright?" Nick asks.
"Dunno...my head keeps pounding like crazy. It comes and goes."
"I noticed you turned down Clawhauser's doughnut earlier."
"No appetite at the moment either...I think it's all stress related. I'll be fine once I get some rest."
"Ami?" Talli and Judy, done with getting the statement put together, look at me with concern,
"Hey Talli."
"Are you sure you're ok?"
"Yeah I'm peachy. Think you could give me a ride home? I don't think I'm in any condition to be driving right now."
"Where's your car?" She asks,
"Probably still at the train station. I couldn't really drive it over to the Rainforest District...so about that ride?"
"Sorry sweetie, I've already put off Gazelle for too long, I was supposed to meet her over two hours ago." Theres a familiar squeal, indicating Clawhauser has returned,
"You know Gazelle?!"
"Know her? I'm the artist behind her entire look! None of her concerts would be half as a amazing as they are without my skills."
"You put here outfits, hair and makeup together...I think they could manage the rest of the concert if you weren't there." I say. Talli glares at me,
"I don't want to hear that coming from the girl wearing a jersey with...please tell me those are not sweat pants."
"Oh damn it all...! Cut me some slack would you? They took my clothes as eveidence; I didn't exactly have a choice in the matter."
"Language~!"
"Yeah, yeah sorry..."
"You still could have ripped the shirt and made it some what cute, you know mid drift and all that."
"Are you seriously giving me fashionista advice right now?"
"I think Ami's right that can wait till later can't it?" Judy laughs.
"Judy it's NEVER to late to get a good fashion sense." Talli then turns back to me, "sorry girl."
"No biggie, I'll take the bus."
"The bus?! In your condition? I don't think so." Talli says snapping her head from side to side.
"Ok...then I'll call a cab?" This time she glares down at me, giving a firm answer. I can't help but roll my eyes.
She's not going to let up on this...
"I'd be happy to escort your friend home, Talli." I start at Nicks voice. When I turn to look at him, he's got a kind smile on his face.
Wait...why is he...?
"Good idea officer Wilde!" Talli replies.
"W-wait! You really don't have to- I mean you've done more than enough. I don't even know how to repay you."
"Well if you really want to pay me back, then let me take you home."
"Ah- but-!"
"Look I'd feel better know personally that you got home safe. So let me do this please."
"But your still working...I mean..."
"Not really."Judy interjects, " Nick and I were technically supposed to be off the clock 8 hours ago. So we've both been in over time for quite a while now. It's really just finishing up some paperwork and heading home. The chief even gave us the day off to recover, we're both good." I look back over at Nick who now has a bright, yet impish smile plastered on his face. No matter how I look at it, I've been defeated. A sigh escapes me,
"Ok then... if you done mind I mean."
"My pleasure. I just need to go change first."
"And when you get home I expect a text from you letting me know you're safe!" Talli interjects. I roll my eyes,
"Yes Mommy, I will text you when-" Something occurs to me, and I check my non existent pockets as well as the rest of my person. However, I don't find what I'm looking for, "oh fffffffuuuuuu...!" Talli realizing I'm about to cuss like a sailor, narrows her eyes at me, "ffffudge sickles!"
"Thank you. What's the matter?"
"I think my phone is in evidence along with my clothes. That was the only thing I had on me." I look over at Clawhauser, "sorry but without my phone I won't be able to post a pic..."
"That's ok...can I still take a picture with you on mine?"
"Sure."
"Hang on." Nick suddenly hold a familiar red iPhone out. The screen saver showing a picture of a tall mountain with a single tree in the foreground. "Hope you don't mind but I snagged it before they took you away. Figured it would be a good idea at the time, you know photos or something you may have missed."
"Nick...! Did you seriously swipe potential evidence ?!" Judy's teeth grit.
"Come on Carrots...it's fine isn't it. It's not like it's actually evidence anyway." He hands me my phone before smoothly walking away, Judy tailing behind him. While waiting for him to come back, Clawhauser, Talli and I spend the time taking selfies. By the end of the session with his phone, he's on cloud nine. When i start taking pictures to post on my Tweeter account, Clawhauser has lost all sense of where he's at. I waste no time in posting the photos on my page. Instantly his phone sings with a notification and he jumps up and down, very giddy. Once he's made sure the tweet will not disappear, Clawhauser hugs me tightly before hugging Talli. I can't help but smile,
This is the reason, I wanted to do this. It's amazing how just one gesture can make someone's day like this. Hopefully all this murder business will blow over now and I can get back to making people smile.
"Sorry Ami but I have to get going." Talli says getting ready to leave. "Make sure you get along with that nice officer ok~?"
"You saw us flirting that first time around and planned for this to happen didn't you?"
"Maybe I did plan it and maybe I didn't. But I know when I see sparks flying Ami."
"There were no sparks flying..! We were just...talking."
"If it was just talking, then why are you blushing?"
"Talli I don't-"
"Look I know Kenny hurt you. But you shouldn't let one bad thing keep you from trying again."
"I'm not ready."
"I think you just need a little push...hopefully tall, dark Nickie of there can help you with it." I look over to where she's pointing and see Nick no longer wearing his uniform. Ok so when I realized my heart was racing when I was flirting with him, it was soft and not beating like a drum. My heart now, has leaped into my throat. My spine has stiffened straight and I'm trying to keep from biting my lower lip.
The police uniform...although dashing, really does not do him justice.
As he walks back out he's checking his phone, his green eyes fixed on the screen are a piercing sharp emerald. The button down shirt is simple but the Black seems to help really show off his physique. The green tie around his neck scents it well along with the pants. I try not to stare as I look at the floor. However, I find my eyes wandering back up to look at his approaching form. Noticing me, he puts his phone in his back pocket,
"So ready to go bright eyes?"
"Yeah...do you always dress like that?" He looks down at his clothes,
"Nah not really. Dress code dictates we have to dress fashionable coming and going from work, otherwise I'd wear my own pick of clothes. C'mon, my car's out this way." As I follow Nick outside, I look back and wave goodbye to Clawhauser and Judy who's also getting ready to leave as well. Leaving the building, does not help my condition improve; if anything, it makes it worse. I don't know for how long I was in the ZPD but when I arrived it was still dark out. The light from the sun seems to be too bright causing me to nearly close my eyes. The cacophony of noises such as chatter, phones ringing, horns honking, etc set the pounding in my head at a new pace. In turn the dizziness and the cramping in my stomach intensifies, like a cascading effect. Bracing myself against a light post I try to get my bearings.
"You ok?"
"I'm ok Nick...just being inside for so long. Gotta get used to everything I guess." His ears go back as he stares at me. I can tell the wheels in his head are turning. "What?"
"Maybe we should get you to the hospital. If your feeling this bad..." I shake my head,
"No I just need to sleep. I'll be fine." I try to smile, but I'm not sure it's very convincing, "so where's your car?" I try to change the subject. Leaving it at that, Nick shows me to his car. He opens the door and I get it. It's not anything like the huge, over the top, cop car I was escorted in before. This one is more normal sized, sleek and classic looking. It's obvious that it's been used but still seems like a reliable vehicle. Green seems to be his favorite color as the car is a pleasant shade of it. The engine hums to life before he starts driving. I give him my address before closing my eyes. With no need to walk or pay attentions to where I need to go right this second I try to see if I can calm down. However, being hypersensitive to everything at the moment is proving to be an annoyance. Nick rummages around for something distracting me a bit before tapping my shoulder. Looking over he's retrieved a pair of sunglasses.
"Not sure if it will help, but here."
"Thanks..." I put the glasses on. It doesn't do much but it does help somewhat. Taking a breath, I lean my head back trying to relax.
"So..."
"So?"
"Your friend Talli, is she always..."
"A bowl of cutesy sassiness? Yeah. She's always been like that. But, what are ya gonna do? She's my best friend, so I'm stuck with her."
"She's a Zootuber too right?"
"Yep goes by Cutie Talli: all things makeup and all things fashion."
"Kind of sounds like an odd combination: a gamer/animator and a fashionista...how did you two meet?" I can practically hear the smirk in his voice, making the corners of my mouth twitch upward slightly.
"Actually, we were friends way before our Zootube days. We grew up together. She's... helped me through a lot since I met her. I wouldn't change her out for anything." A shiver runs up my spine and through my body, but I ignore it.
"She appears on your channel quite a bit doesn't she?"
"Yeah, more so to annoy the crap out of me while I play."
"But you never do her make up things do you? Don't think I've ever seen you do it any way."
And you never will...wait how did he know I've never been in one of her videos? Don't tell me...is he a fan too and just doesn't want to admit it? That'd be kind of funny if that were the case,
"So did your little research on the internet to prove my innocence tell you all that...or was it three videos of mine you watched?" The car jerks forward as he comes to an instant stop at the light. I can't help but look at Nick who's now flustered and clearing his throat.
"Um well you know...I had to look at the content to...um...l had to make sure that I was correct in knowing who you were." His ears twitch again as he tries to compose himself. I want to tease him again but I leave it at that. The car goes silent as we wait for the light to change. Once it does he drives off again. I close my eyes turning my face to the window. Another wave of pounding in my head causes me, me to cringe.
"...jokes?"
"What sorry I was spacing out. What did you say Nick."
"I said: do you like jokes?"
"Depends, are they funny?"
"Well you decide. What do you call a three humped camel?"
"Pregnant." I answer instantly, "sorry but Zeni beat you too that one. But still funny." I try as hard as I can to concentrate on the conversation. The shivering and the cramping the pounding head ache I try to push out of my mind. "How about this one: what do you call a cat that look a at your test?"
"What?"
"A cheetah." Nick snorts,
"That was bad."
"I didn't say it was good." My stomach twist and tightens and churns...I'm gonna throw up.
"What do you call a pint sized pig?"
"No idea...stop the car." I warn.
"What? You ok?"
"No just pull over before I ruin the rugs...!" Nick beers off the road pulling over to the side. I don't even wait for the car to stop completely. Throwing the door open, I break free from the passenger side. The sunglasses Nick lent me fall off in the process as I find an ally way. Thankfully there's a trash can hat I make it to just in time. I don't know what could have been in my stomach l, but it comes up just the same.
"Ami!" I gag on the taste in my mouth as I hold my stomach. Another shiver runs up my spine, as I start seeing double, "You alright?!" Nick's voice echoes in my head.
"No...I'm not...I...can't..." the whole world goes dark. All sensations, or feelings I had go dark as well. The last thing I remember, is Nick calling out to me before the last of my mind fades into darkness.