Sonic Underground: "The Story Of The Past"
Title: "Bullseye's Story Part 2 (Brother What Art Thou?)" Vol.1
Author: BlushBunnyC3
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Author's Note: Holy shizzle! It's about time I got onto this next story! *Whew!* That BYOL Part 3 fic took me some time, let me tell ya... you _better_ have liked it! XD (LOL) So anyways, here comes the next story! It's another "Bullseye's Story" one, since this one focuses on certain and important events/things in Bullseye's (past & present) life (the drama, oh the drama! ^^;; *falls over*) For example... whatever happened to those said twin brothers and father of Bullseye's, in BYOL Part 1? Here... they make a valiant comeback! (or something) Yay! XD Plus, certain members from the cast of the first Bullseye's Story, also return for this newest edition (this is starting to sound like a movie preview... O_o;;) Speaking of which, the "()" title is inspired by the movie (title) "O Brother Where Art Thou?" (which had nothing to do with 'brothers' really... not technical ones anyways... but this story _does_ so there :P) And yes, a few more new characters are introduced! :D All characters © BlushBunnyC3. Hope you like! :)
*Note: Concerning a particular subject/concept in this fic, I hope it doesn't offend anyone, by its use or sound (too?) stereotypical -_-;; If so, you can feel free and bash me over the head T_T My _sincere_ apologizes in advance, just in case. And one more thing... this first chapter written, is actually a _flashback_ scene, since Casey would be almost a year old now, not almost six months ;) The next chapter after that, is back to present fic time. So with that all said, I'm out, for now :) Enjoy, me pretties ^_~
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~Cast Of Characters~
Donavan Torra
Candice "Candy" Torra
Casey Torra Warthogg
Buckthorne Wolfe
Bullseye Warthogg
Goresky Warthogg
Chislett Warthogg
Sir Graff Warthogg
Jacque Celaya
Sir Marco Celaya
Master Young
Master Nailor
Ms.Wallace
Lady Lorelei Celaya
Dr.Adam Standing
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Prologue: "It was the year of 3207, the beginning of a new year. After the hectic events of the previous year, mainly the ones occurring to/in the Royal Families, the people were hoping for a more quiet and calm year, to settle down. For some, this wish came easy to. For others... this was not meant to be. This year, a certain number of people would have life altering events and reunions, even, happen to them. On one hand, the events for some would seem like a curse, but eventually be for the better, and the other hand, what seemed better, would turn into a curse. Either way... things were coming their way. And no one could stop them. Either they could accept their fate and learn to breathe again. Or they could bury their fate in denial, and try to hide it. A very important time had come, indeed. As a young wolf and warthog in particular, were about to find out..."
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Chapter 2:
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~*~
The darkness of the late night, had descended upon the calm, peaceful, sleeping Royal city of Mobotropolis. With the exception of chirping crickets, swooping owls and bats, croaking frogs, swarming insects, and other various nocturnal animals, all was silent and still. In the backstreets of the city, a large tavern building stood. A neon-light sign that read "The Torra's Toss 'N Torn Tavern", was unlit, and the place was quiet and unoccupied, except for the people who lived in the apartment upstairs. In one bedroom, a large male caracal was fast asleep in the depths of slumber, breathing softly. In the second bedroom, a female hyena struggled restlessly in her sleep, breathing rapid and heavy. *Nooo... not again...* a subconscious piece of her mind, thought wildly. She'd had this dream so many times before, which was strange, considering it had actually occurred for real, and that she'd been extremely young when it had occurred...
She'd only been a tiny, newborn infant, only a few minutes old, when it had happened. Yet the images was so clear... so close... so real... HIS face... the large, deformed reptilian face. His piercing yellow eyes in an almost hypnotic stare... his sharp, dark forked-tongue flickering... his harsh, sinister, spine-chilling voice... his hot, fowl, thick breath... and his cold, scaly, rough, long claws, against her cheek...
The dark, silence of the peaceful night, was suddenly broken by a sharp cry from the young female, bolting up in bed, snapping herself awake, from her nightmare. She panted rapidly, still shaking from fear, from what she had seen. It didn't matter how many times she'd had this cursed dream before... it still frightened her to the core, each time. She didn't dare tell Donavan about this... he thought this reoccurring nightmare had stopped months/years ago. Candy didn't want him to worry about her anymore than he already DID. Just as she was starting to regain normal breathing, another cry broke the quiet. It was coming from the baby crib, to the right of her bed, in the corner. Candy sighed softly to herself, rubbing a hand against her face, as she started to get out of bed. "-Way to go, 'Candice'!" she muttered, under her breath, as she walked over to the crib. Leaning over the sides, she looked in to see the crying infant. He was wailing furiously, obviously startled and scared. His tiny fists were balled up, and shaking with each sob, and his feet kicking about. Candy spoke soothingly "-Honey... it's alright... come here, sweetie... come here-" and she slowly picked him up, holding him close. "-Sshhh... it's okay, Casey... Mama's gotcha... s'alright..." She slowly walked around, rocking him gently, trying to calm her baby. Casey whimpered, sniffling over her shoulder. The female hyena softly rubbed his back. "-I'm sorry honey... I didn't mean to wake you up like that... it's all over... Mama's here... I'm right here, baby," she spoke gentle, and kissed his small head. Finally, Casey stopped sniffling, and laid quietly in her arms, his head laid against her shoulder, softly cooing. By that time, Candy was tired of pacing the room, and sat back down in her bed, her baby still cradled in her arms. She wasn't going to put him back in his crib just yet. Casey had a habit of wanting to be held until he fell back asleep, when he woke up at night. After a few minutes, instead of falling back asleep, he seemed to be more alert. He looked up at his mother, expectantly. When she did not seem to respond to this, Casey then resorted to gently nudging her breast, opening his small mouth. By then, Candy knew what he was trying to tell her. He wanted to be fed. The female then, pulled down the small strap of her tank top, exposing enough of one of her breasts, for the hungry infant. Casey immediately latched on, and began nursing. The young mother watched her son, wordlessly, as he fed. He was almost ready to be weaned from this way of feeding. Candy no longer breast-fed him during the day, anymore. She only did this, when he woke up in the night, which wasn't as often, these days. A part of her, wasn't ready to fully let this go yet, either. After all, it was a special bond and moment shared between her and her son. It would be the first motherly act of "letting him go". So naturally, being a new and teenage mother, she was a bit reluctant. But when the time came... she'd fulfill the responsibility. Several minutes later, Casey'd finally had his fill, and nestled in a soft ball, in her arms, slowly but surely, drifting back into slumber. Candy's soft green eyes never strayed from her sleepy baby. She began to gently stroke his hair, his soft ears, his small tail, and tiny feet, admiringly. His hair was a 'mane' style, his ears were long, pointed and tufty, his tail was short, and his feet were two-toed hoofs. And even though his eyes were closed, Candy knew they were a deep, chocolate brown. These were all traits that came from Casey's half warthog side, that came from his warthog father... Bullseye Warthogg.
He'd been born nearly six months ago, to his seventeen year-old hyena mother, Candice Torra (Candy). Bullseye (fifteen at the time) had never been told of his son's birth or the pregnancy in the first place, even, so Candy, who couldn't bear to give him up for adoption, was raising him on her own, with her twenty-one year-old caracal cousin, Donavan Torra. Luckily for them, Casey was sweet baby, who wasn't much trouble, and extremely cute and loveable, so he seemed to make a bad situation turn out better than expected. And even though Casey didn't have his real father around, he still had his "Uncle Donavan". The caracal had totally fallen for his cousin's son, and was a huge help in taking care of Casey, who adored him, in turn. Plus there were others in his life, that paid him plenty of attention and love. So how could this not satisfy the young infant, for now? But still...
There was no doubt about it. Sometimes it pained Candy to even LOOK at Casey, on some days. To see the fleeting image of the one who had left and never came back... But then again, she knew that this was her OWN fault, as well... It was only fair that she AND Bullseye shared this blame, half and half. Candy had been the one who had suggested the sex, in the first place, and urged him on, as he had been a virgin, at the time. But Bullseye had been the one who hadn't remembered to use protection and got her pregnant. So they were both to blame. They should've known better. But they hadn't... and Casey was the result of this, therefore making him a "bastard" or an "accident". However, even though Candy was young and hadn't exactly wanted this in the first place... her son now meant the world to her, and was eternally precious in her heart. She honestly wouldn't give him up for ANYTHING, including her mother/father being alive again, which was a pretty tough choice. True, she missed her parents dearly... but her maternal instincts were so strong... she knew she'd miss her son more. And so... in a way... she THANKED Bullseye for giving her this incredible gift... her own child. Speaking of which... there were so many times when Candy wrestled with the thought of finding Bullseye and telling him the truth. After all... Casey WAS his son... he had a right to know... But she was afraid. For that one night they had been together... at one point in conversation, Bullseye had made his feelings about children, very clear... he didn't like them... and he didn't want them. It'd break her heart, if Bullseye rejected Casey. She couldn't bear this thought, one bit. That's why she'd decided to not tell Bullseye in the first place. Candy wanted to protect them... her son and his father. It was a heavy burden to carry... but so long as they were safe... she would haul it alone, for as long as time as they needed. As she sat in her bed, cuddling her baby, now fast asleep, Candy gave a soft sigh, thinking about all this, for the millionth time this year. But at last, she shoved the thoughts away, laid Casey next to her, and settled down, back to sleep, sorely needed.
Morning came, hours later, the sun peering high above the horizon, across the awaken city. The apartment was soon, waking up and getting ready for the new day. In the main room, both a dining room area and lounging/living room space, on the carpeted floor, the now wide-awake little Casey, was crawling about, cooing playfully. "-Goo!" he squeaked, scampering on his chubby knees, across the carpet. Nearby, sitting at the table, Donavan watched him, with amusement. He cast a glance at Candy, on the other side of the table. "-Would ya look at that kid go?" He's got a little 'Speedy Gonzalez' flare, going there," the caracal chuckled. Candy smirked, shaking her head. "-Yeah, I know.. ya gotta love how kids have all the freakin' energy in the world, to have 'em bouncing off the walls, day in, day out." Donavan sighed, in a wistful matter. "-Ah, were we ever that young, cuz?" "-Somehow, Don... we were," Candy replied. Then her nose wrinkled. "-But anyways... getting back to the present... I need you do me a favor." He lifted an eyebrow. "-Yeah?" "-Do you think you could give Casey his bottle, for me?" I just REALLY need a shower... if case you haven't noticed, I smell like a barn in July..." she cringed. Donavan shrugged, "-Ah... I guess so, Candy." Go on, then." She got up from her seat, picking up the rolled up newspaper. "-Thanks cuz." As she walked by, Donavan spoke just loud enough, for her to hear. "-And by the way, I DID notice that rather putrid scent, also known as your body odor." Candy gave a wry smile at the jest, and swatted him over the head with the newspaper. "Cute, Donavan..." she muttered, and walked into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Donavan rolled his eyes, and looked back over to little Casey. He smiled and spoke in a cutesy kind of voice, that adults usually talk to babies or small children in. "-Hey Case... whatcha doin'?" Whatcha doin' over there, fella?" Casey gave a squeak, and rolled onto his back. Then leaning his head back, he looked at his "Uncle" Donavan, upside down. "-Mwee!" he cooed. Donavan leaned over, in his chair, a bit, and clapped his hands a bit. "-Hey... come here... come on, lil guy!" The baby rolled back onto his stomach, then slowly sat up, leaning on his hands and knees. "-Muuuh...?" he gave a questioning look to the caracal. Donavan kept calling him. "-Come on... c'mere Casey..." The infant finally caught on, gave a mewl, and began crawling over to Donavan. "-Thata boy!" Right on... good job, Casey... there we go!" the caracal cheered him on. Casey reached Donavan's feet, sat down, and held up his arms, happily. "-Heee!" Picking him up, Donavan added, "-You're quite a crawler now, kiddo!" Good boy!" He held Casey up to his face, and grinned, "You sure are gettin' big, Case..." The baby smiled, and nuzzled Donavan's nose, playfully. "-Ooha!" He gently tugged at Donavan's mustache whiskers. The caracal laughed. "What's with you kids and my facial hair?" You're gonna pull it off my face, one of these days, you hyperactive pudge-miester." He tickled Casey, causing the infant to giggle madly. After stopping, Donavan reached over and picked up the bottle of milk. "-Here's your grub, goober-face," he said, offering it to the baby. Casey reached out, wrapping his tiny paws around it, and began feeding. The caracal watched him, and finally said, "-Ah heck... you seem to got this fine.. you take over." And he let the little one hold his own bottle. Casey wasn't having trouble, but after awhile, Donavan realized just how fast he was drinking it. "-Hey whoooa, there, kid!" he exclaimed, taking the bottle out of Casey's mouth. "You're drinking that thing, like 'Lent's' coming up!" You're gonna get sick eating that fast." Casey, lips outlined with a small milk mustache, gave a small hiccup. He looked so incredibly cute, even Donavan couldn't resist it. "...How can I ever stay mad 'atcha, when you're so dern cyoot, little man?" he muttered, shaking his head, with a slight smile. "-Well... you're done, then... scoot along, lil dude." And he let Casey back down on the floor, to scamper off.
Awhile later, Candy was out of the shower, cleaning up, Donavan was reading on the couch, as little Casey was still on the carpet. What they didn't notice at first, was the baby's odd behaviour. He laid on the floor, curled up slightly, rather whimperly and mopey-like. At last, Candy finally saw this, and was immediately concerned. "-Aww... whatsa matter, honey?" she asked outloud, picking him up. The baby mewled groggily, with a funny look on his face. "-Muuuh..." The hyena looked over to her cousin. "-Don... what's wrong with him?" He hardly even looked up. "-I dunno... maybe he needs to be changed, or something?" he shrugged. Candy made sure of this. "-Nooo... he's perfectly fine... but his face...it's all-" her voice, trailing off, not sure of how to describe it. Casey curled his lip back, slightly, his ears drooping. "-Mhmh...." Donavan finally looked up. "-Alright... lemme have a look at him, then." Candy came over, and held him out to cousin. Still lying down, Donavan took Casey, and looked at him for a minute or so. At last, he spoke, "-Oh for... oh this is SO easy..." I know EXACTLY what's wrong!" Candy looked at him, expectantly. "-And what is it?" Her cousin simply replied, "-He's gonna 'yack'." The hyena blinked, confused for a minute. "-Huh??" The caracal snorted, "-Come on.. I mean just LOOK at him!" You can tell he wants to spit up, cuz." Casey squirmed a bit, in Donavan arms, uncomfortably. "Mmhmm..." Candy shook her head, a bit doubtful. "-What makes you so damn sure?" Donavan looked at her, with an irritated glance. "-Candy... I've only been a bartender for HOW many years now... and you're telling ME that I can't tell when people are gonna vomit??" Oh that's RICH..." She looked snappish at the accusation. "-Maybe so... but is Casey a BABY, or a DRUNK??" Donavan sighed, "-Nooo... but still... there's similar symptoms going on, between both situations, here." I'll prove it to ya... just hand me that towel over there." Candy rolled her eyes, and grabbed the towel, then gave it to him. Donavan arranged the towel over his shoulder, sat up, and gently started bouncing Casey up and down a bit. "-Okay Case... I know yer not feeling good... let's get it out..." Casey whimpered slightly, not liking the bouncing, as it was making his tummy feel worse than it already was. He squirmed some more, trying to make Donavan stop, with a slight yellow/green tint of color in his cheeks. The caracal then stopped, held Casey over his shoulder, and started patting his back. "-Here we go... c'mon lil guy... toss your cookies already... you'll feel alot better, kiddo... trust me... c'mon..." Finally, his little stomach not being able to take anymore of the motion sickness, Casey promptly threw up. Lucky for Donavan, the towel was in the right place. He then took the towel off his shoulder, still holding Casey in one arm, and balled it up, covering the internal mess. He then glanced at Candy, one eyebrow raised. "-You were saying, cuz?" Then he threw the balled-up towel towards her. Candy caught it, a slight look of disgust upon her face, more so for Donavan, than the vomit towel. "-Alright... so I was wrong..." I just didn't think he was still 'pukey' at this age..." Donavan told her "-Well then... sounds like someone needs to do some more homework, on that baby book of hers, Candice Torra." A swift look of anger passed Candy's expression, and she stormed off to the bathroom, to wash off the towel. His remark was both insult to injury. One: He'd basically jisted at that she wasn't a totally experienced and know-all mother, yet, still young and learning from mistakes like such. And two: He'd called her by her full name. Donavan knew perfectly well that Candy hated to be called 'Candice', the only person she'd ever let call her that, was her mother, Jeanie. But then again, Donavan only called her this, when he was speaking to her in a VERY serious matter, or on a very rare occasion, for the sake of getting on her nerves. After rinsing the towel, and tossing it into the laundry hamper, Candy started to walk out, ready to go back out there, and give Donavan a piece of her mind, at his comment... but she stopped around the corner, catching the sight. Donavan was holding Casey, on his chest, who seemed to be doing much better now. He was talking to the baby as well, and Candy could hear him. "-See, lil man?" Dontcha feel better now?" Dat got rid of that nasty lil tummyache, didn't it?" Casey gave a satisfied coo of agreement. "-I told ya, drinking that bottle so fast was gonna make ya sick, didn't I?" But ah well... I think you learned your lesson, then." No hard feelings goober-face." He held up his hand, and Casey finally smacked his tiny palm against it, for a high-five. "-Thata go, boy!" Who's da wittle man?" The baby giggled happily, nuzzling Donavan's goatee chin. Candy couldn't help but smile at this. She certainly didn't feel like giving him heck, now. As she thought about it, what he'd said, was meant for serious consideration... as in, he said it, because he truly cared. And she couldn't deny it... Donavan had been the greatest support and help, during this year. He'd been there for her, when she was pregnant, driven her to the hospital, and offered to stay with her even (which she had gently refused). And with the newborn Casey, Donavan had been nothing but caring, loving, and helpful. All those times he'd helped with the late night wakings, occasional babysitting, feeding in the mornings and afternoons, and being the father figure that Casey's real father wasn't present to give. Candy realized just how much she OWED Donavan, for everything he had given her and Casey, never asking for anything in return. With that thought, Candy just swallowed her pride, smiled at how cute the two looked together, and left them alone, to get back to cleaning the house up.
Title: "Bullseye's Story Part 2 (Brother What Art Thou?)" Vol.1
Author: BlushBunnyC3
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Author's Note: Holy shizzle! It's about time I got onto this next story! *Whew!* That BYOL Part 3 fic took me some time, let me tell ya... you _better_ have liked it! XD (LOL) So anyways, here comes the next story! It's another "Bullseye's Story" one, since this one focuses on certain and important events/things in Bullseye's (past & present) life (the drama, oh the drama! ^^;; *falls over*) For example... whatever happened to those said twin brothers and father of Bullseye's, in BYOL Part 1? Here... they make a valiant comeback! (or something) Yay! XD Plus, certain members from the cast of the first Bullseye's Story, also return for this newest edition (this is starting to sound like a movie preview... O_o;;) Speaking of which, the "()" title is inspired by the movie (title) "O Brother Where Art Thou?" (which had nothing to do with 'brothers' really... not technical ones anyways... but this story _does_ so there :P) And yes, a few more new characters are introduced! :D All characters © BlushBunnyC3. Hope you like! :)
*Note: Concerning a particular subject/concept in this fic, I hope it doesn't offend anyone, by its use or sound (too?) stereotypical -_-;; If so, you can feel free and bash me over the head T_T My _sincere_ apologizes in advance, just in case. And one more thing... this first chapter written, is actually a _flashback_ scene, since Casey would be almost a year old now, not almost six months ;) The next chapter after that, is back to present fic time. So with that all said, I'm out, for now :) Enjoy, me pretties ^_~
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~Cast Of Characters~
Donavan Torra
Candice "Candy" Torra
Casey Torra Warthogg
Buckthorne Wolfe
Bullseye Warthogg
Goresky Warthogg
Chislett Warthogg
Sir Graff Warthogg
Jacque Celaya
Sir Marco Celaya
Master Young
Master Nailor
Ms.Wallace
Lady Lorelei Celaya
Dr.Adam Standing
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Prologue: "It was the year of 3207, the beginning of a new year. After the hectic events of the previous year, mainly the ones occurring to/in the Royal Families, the people were hoping for a more quiet and calm year, to settle down. For some, this wish came easy to. For others... this was not meant to be. This year, a certain number of people would have life altering events and reunions, even, happen to them. On one hand, the events for some would seem like a curse, but eventually be for the better, and the other hand, what seemed better, would turn into a curse. Either way... things were coming their way. And no one could stop them. Either they could accept their fate and learn to breathe again. Or they could bury their fate in denial, and try to hide it. A very important time had come, indeed. As a young wolf and warthog in particular, were about to find out..."
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Chapter 2:
___________
~*~
The darkness of the late night, had descended upon the calm, peaceful, sleeping Royal city of Mobotropolis. With the exception of chirping crickets, swooping owls and bats, croaking frogs, swarming insects, and other various nocturnal animals, all was silent and still. In the backstreets of the city, a large tavern building stood. A neon-light sign that read "The Torra's Toss 'N Torn Tavern", was unlit, and the place was quiet and unoccupied, except for the people who lived in the apartment upstairs. In one bedroom, a large male caracal was fast asleep in the depths of slumber, breathing softly. In the second bedroom, a female hyena struggled restlessly in her sleep, breathing rapid and heavy. *Nooo... not again...* a subconscious piece of her mind, thought wildly. She'd had this dream so many times before, which was strange, considering it had actually occurred for real, and that she'd been extremely young when it had occurred...
She'd only been a tiny, newborn infant, only a few minutes old, when it had happened. Yet the images was so clear... so close... so real... HIS face... the large, deformed reptilian face. His piercing yellow eyes in an almost hypnotic stare... his sharp, dark forked-tongue flickering... his harsh, sinister, spine-chilling voice... his hot, fowl, thick breath... and his cold, scaly, rough, long claws, against her cheek...
The dark, silence of the peaceful night, was suddenly broken by a sharp cry from the young female, bolting up in bed, snapping herself awake, from her nightmare. She panted rapidly, still shaking from fear, from what she had seen. It didn't matter how many times she'd had this cursed dream before... it still frightened her to the core, each time. She didn't dare tell Donavan about this... he thought this reoccurring nightmare had stopped months/years ago. Candy didn't want him to worry about her anymore than he already DID. Just as she was starting to regain normal breathing, another cry broke the quiet. It was coming from the baby crib, to the right of her bed, in the corner. Candy sighed softly to herself, rubbing a hand against her face, as she started to get out of bed. "-Way to go, 'Candice'!" she muttered, under her breath, as she walked over to the crib. Leaning over the sides, she looked in to see the crying infant. He was wailing furiously, obviously startled and scared. His tiny fists were balled up, and shaking with each sob, and his feet kicking about. Candy spoke soothingly "-Honey... it's alright... come here, sweetie... come here-" and she slowly picked him up, holding him close. "-Sshhh... it's okay, Casey... Mama's gotcha... s'alright..." She slowly walked around, rocking him gently, trying to calm her baby. Casey whimpered, sniffling over her shoulder. The female hyena softly rubbed his back. "-I'm sorry honey... I didn't mean to wake you up like that... it's all over... Mama's here... I'm right here, baby," she spoke gentle, and kissed his small head. Finally, Casey stopped sniffling, and laid quietly in her arms, his head laid against her shoulder, softly cooing. By that time, Candy was tired of pacing the room, and sat back down in her bed, her baby still cradled in her arms. She wasn't going to put him back in his crib just yet. Casey had a habit of wanting to be held until he fell back asleep, when he woke up at night. After a few minutes, instead of falling back asleep, he seemed to be more alert. He looked up at his mother, expectantly. When she did not seem to respond to this, Casey then resorted to gently nudging her breast, opening his small mouth. By then, Candy knew what he was trying to tell her. He wanted to be fed. The female then, pulled down the small strap of her tank top, exposing enough of one of her breasts, for the hungry infant. Casey immediately latched on, and began nursing. The young mother watched her son, wordlessly, as he fed. He was almost ready to be weaned from this way of feeding. Candy no longer breast-fed him during the day, anymore. She only did this, when he woke up in the night, which wasn't as often, these days. A part of her, wasn't ready to fully let this go yet, either. After all, it was a special bond and moment shared between her and her son. It would be the first motherly act of "letting him go". So naturally, being a new and teenage mother, she was a bit reluctant. But when the time came... she'd fulfill the responsibility. Several minutes later, Casey'd finally had his fill, and nestled in a soft ball, in her arms, slowly but surely, drifting back into slumber. Candy's soft green eyes never strayed from her sleepy baby. She began to gently stroke his hair, his soft ears, his small tail, and tiny feet, admiringly. His hair was a 'mane' style, his ears were long, pointed and tufty, his tail was short, and his feet were two-toed hoofs. And even though his eyes were closed, Candy knew they were a deep, chocolate brown. These were all traits that came from Casey's half warthog side, that came from his warthog father... Bullseye Warthogg.
He'd been born nearly six months ago, to his seventeen year-old hyena mother, Candice Torra (Candy). Bullseye (fifteen at the time) had never been told of his son's birth or the pregnancy in the first place, even, so Candy, who couldn't bear to give him up for adoption, was raising him on her own, with her twenty-one year-old caracal cousin, Donavan Torra. Luckily for them, Casey was sweet baby, who wasn't much trouble, and extremely cute and loveable, so he seemed to make a bad situation turn out better than expected. And even though Casey didn't have his real father around, he still had his "Uncle Donavan". The caracal had totally fallen for his cousin's son, and was a huge help in taking care of Casey, who adored him, in turn. Plus there were others in his life, that paid him plenty of attention and love. So how could this not satisfy the young infant, for now? But still...
There was no doubt about it. Sometimes it pained Candy to even LOOK at Casey, on some days. To see the fleeting image of the one who had left and never came back... But then again, she knew that this was her OWN fault, as well... It was only fair that she AND Bullseye shared this blame, half and half. Candy had been the one who had suggested the sex, in the first place, and urged him on, as he had been a virgin, at the time. But Bullseye had been the one who hadn't remembered to use protection and got her pregnant. So they were both to blame. They should've known better. But they hadn't... and Casey was the result of this, therefore making him a "bastard" or an "accident". However, even though Candy was young and hadn't exactly wanted this in the first place... her son now meant the world to her, and was eternally precious in her heart. She honestly wouldn't give him up for ANYTHING, including her mother/father being alive again, which was a pretty tough choice. True, she missed her parents dearly... but her maternal instincts were so strong... she knew she'd miss her son more. And so... in a way... she THANKED Bullseye for giving her this incredible gift... her own child. Speaking of which... there were so many times when Candy wrestled with the thought of finding Bullseye and telling him the truth. After all... Casey WAS his son... he had a right to know... But she was afraid. For that one night they had been together... at one point in conversation, Bullseye had made his feelings about children, very clear... he didn't like them... and he didn't want them. It'd break her heart, if Bullseye rejected Casey. She couldn't bear this thought, one bit. That's why she'd decided to not tell Bullseye in the first place. Candy wanted to protect them... her son and his father. It was a heavy burden to carry... but so long as they were safe... she would haul it alone, for as long as time as they needed. As she sat in her bed, cuddling her baby, now fast asleep, Candy gave a soft sigh, thinking about all this, for the millionth time this year. But at last, she shoved the thoughts away, laid Casey next to her, and settled down, back to sleep, sorely needed.
Morning came, hours later, the sun peering high above the horizon, across the awaken city. The apartment was soon, waking up and getting ready for the new day. In the main room, both a dining room area and lounging/living room space, on the carpeted floor, the now wide-awake little Casey, was crawling about, cooing playfully. "-Goo!" he squeaked, scampering on his chubby knees, across the carpet. Nearby, sitting at the table, Donavan watched him, with amusement. He cast a glance at Candy, on the other side of the table. "-Would ya look at that kid go?" He's got a little 'Speedy Gonzalez' flare, going there," the caracal chuckled. Candy smirked, shaking her head. "-Yeah, I know.. ya gotta love how kids have all the freakin' energy in the world, to have 'em bouncing off the walls, day in, day out." Donavan sighed, in a wistful matter. "-Ah, were we ever that young, cuz?" "-Somehow, Don... we were," Candy replied. Then her nose wrinkled. "-But anyways... getting back to the present... I need you do me a favor." He lifted an eyebrow. "-Yeah?" "-Do you think you could give Casey his bottle, for me?" I just REALLY need a shower... if case you haven't noticed, I smell like a barn in July..." she cringed. Donavan shrugged, "-Ah... I guess so, Candy." Go on, then." She got up from her seat, picking up the rolled up newspaper. "-Thanks cuz." As she walked by, Donavan spoke just loud enough, for her to hear. "-And by the way, I DID notice that rather putrid scent, also known as your body odor." Candy gave a wry smile at the jest, and swatted him over the head with the newspaper. "Cute, Donavan..." she muttered, and walked into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Donavan rolled his eyes, and looked back over to little Casey. He smiled and spoke in a cutesy kind of voice, that adults usually talk to babies or small children in. "-Hey Case... whatcha doin'?" Whatcha doin' over there, fella?" Casey gave a squeak, and rolled onto his back. Then leaning his head back, he looked at his "Uncle" Donavan, upside down. "-Mwee!" he cooed. Donavan leaned over, in his chair, a bit, and clapped his hands a bit. "-Hey... come here... come on, lil guy!" The baby rolled back onto his stomach, then slowly sat up, leaning on his hands and knees. "-Muuuh...?" he gave a questioning look to the caracal. Donavan kept calling him. "-Come on... c'mere Casey..." The infant finally caught on, gave a mewl, and began crawling over to Donavan. "-Thata boy!" Right on... good job, Casey... there we go!" the caracal cheered him on. Casey reached Donavan's feet, sat down, and held up his arms, happily. "-Heee!" Picking him up, Donavan added, "-You're quite a crawler now, kiddo!" Good boy!" He held Casey up to his face, and grinned, "You sure are gettin' big, Case..." The baby smiled, and nuzzled Donavan's nose, playfully. "-Ooha!" He gently tugged at Donavan's mustache whiskers. The caracal laughed. "What's with you kids and my facial hair?" You're gonna pull it off my face, one of these days, you hyperactive pudge-miester." He tickled Casey, causing the infant to giggle madly. After stopping, Donavan reached over and picked up the bottle of milk. "-Here's your grub, goober-face," he said, offering it to the baby. Casey reached out, wrapping his tiny paws around it, and began feeding. The caracal watched him, and finally said, "-Ah heck... you seem to got this fine.. you take over." And he let the little one hold his own bottle. Casey wasn't having trouble, but after awhile, Donavan realized just how fast he was drinking it. "-Hey whoooa, there, kid!" he exclaimed, taking the bottle out of Casey's mouth. "You're drinking that thing, like 'Lent's' coming up!" You're gonna get sick eating that fast." Casey, lips outlined with a small milk mustache, gave a small hiccup. He looked so incredibly cute, even Donavan couldn't resist it. "...How can I ever stay mad 'atcha, when you're so dern cyoot, little man?" he muttered, shaking his head, with a slight smile. "-Well... you're done, then... scoot along, lil dude." And he let Casey back down on the floor, to scamper off.
Awhile later, Candy was out of the shower, cleaning up, Donavan was reading on the couch, as little Casey was still on the carpet. What they didn't notice at first, was the baby's odd behaviour. He laid on the floor, curled up slightly, rather whimperly and mopey-like. At last, Candy finally saw this, and was immediately concerned. "-Aww... whatsa matter, honey?" she asked outloud, picking him up. The baby mewled groggily, with a funny look on his face. "-Muuuh..." The hyena looked over to her cousin. "-Don... what's wrong with him?" He hardly even looked up. "-I dunno... maybe he needs to be changed, or something?" he shrugged. Candy made sure of this. "-Nooo... he's perfectly fine... but his face...it's all-" her voice, trailing off, not sure of how to describe it. Casey curled his lip back, slightly, his ears drooping. "-Mhmh...." Donavan finally looked up. "-Alright... lemme have a look at him, then." Candy came over, and held him out to cousin. Still lying down, Donavan took Casey, and looked at him for a minute or so. At last, he spoke, "-Oh for... oh this is SO easy..." I know EXACTLY what's wrong!" Candy looked at him, expectantly. "-And what is it?" Her cousin simply replied, "-He's gonna 'yack'." The hyena blinked, confused for a minute. "-Huh??" The caracal snorted, "-Come on.. I mean just LOOK at him!" You can tell he wants to spit up, cuz." Casey squirmed a bit, in Donavan arms, uncomfortably. "Mmhmm..." Candy shook her head, a bit doubtful. "-What makes you so damn sure?" Donavan looked at her, with an irritated glance. "-Candy... I've only been a bartender for HOW many years now... and you're telling ME that I can't tell when people are gonna vomit??" Oh that's RICH..." She looked snappish at the accusation. "-Maybe so... but is Casey a BABY, or a DRUNK??" Donavan sighed, "-Nooo... but still... there's similar symptoms going on, between both situations, here." I'll prove it to ya... just hand me that towel over there." Candy rolled her eyes, and grabbed the towel, then gave it to him. Donavan arranged the towel over his shoulder, sat up, and gently started bouncing Casey up and down a bit. "-Okay Case... I know yer not feeling good... let's get it out..." Casey whimpered slightly, not liking the bouncing, as it was making his tummy feel worse than it already was. He squirmed some more, trying to make Donavan stop, with a slight yellow/green tint of color in his cheeks. The caracal then stopped, held Casey over his shoulder, and started patting his back. "-Here we go... c'mon lil guy... toss your cookies already... you'll feel alot better, kiddo... trust me... c'mon..." Finally, his little stomach not being able to take anymore of the motion sickness, Casey promptly threw up. Lucky for Donavan, the towel was in the right place. He then took the towel off his shoulder, still holding Casey in one arm, and balled it up, covering the internal mess. He then glanced at Candy, one eyebrow raised. "-You were saying, cuz?" Then he threw the balled-up towel towards her. Candy caught it, a slight look of disgust upon her face, more so for Donavan, than the vomit towel. "-Alright... so I was wrong..." I just didn't think he was still 'pukey' at this age..." Donavan told her "-Well then... sounds like someone needs to do some more homework, on that baby book of hers, Candice Torra." A swift look of anger passed Candy's expression, and she stormed off to the bathroom, to wash off the towel. His remark was both insult to injury. One: He'd basically jisted at that she wasn't a totally experienced and know-all mother, yet, still young and learning from mistakes like such. And two: He'd called her by her full name. Donavan knew perfectly well that Candy hated to be called 'Candice', the only person she'd ever let call her that, was her mother, Jeanie. But then again, Donavan only called her this, when he was speaking to her in a VERY serious matter, or on a very rare occasion, for the sake of getting on her nerves. After rinsing the towel, and tossing it into the laundry hamper, Candy started to walk out, ready to go back out there, and give Donavan a piece of her mind, at his comment... but she stopped around the corner, catching the sight. Donavan was holding Casey, on his chest, who seemed to be doing much better now. He was talking to the baby as well, and Candy could hear him. "-See, lil man?" Dontcha feel better now?" Dat got rid of that nasty lil tummyache, didn't it?" Casey gave a satisfied coo of agreement. "-I told ya, drinking that bottle so fast was gonna make ya sick, didn't I?" But ah well... I think you learned your lesson, then." No hard feelings goober-face." He held up his hand, and Casey finally smacked his tiny palm against it, for a high-five. "-Thata go, boy!" Who's da wittle man?" The baby giggled happily, nuzzling Donavan's goatee chin. Candy couldn't help but smile at this. She certainly didn't feel like giving him heck, now. As she thought about it, what he'd said, was meant for serious consideration... as in, he said it, because he truly cared. And she couldn't deny it... Donavan had been the greatest support and help, during this year. He'd been there for her, when she was pregnant, driven her to the hospital, and offered to stay with her even (which she had gently refused). And with the newborn Casey, Donavan had been nothing but caring, loving, and helpful. All those times he'd helped with the late night wakings, occasional babysitting, feeding in the mornings and afternoons, and being the father figure that Casey's real father wasn't present to give. Candy realized just how much she OWED Donavan, for everything he had given her and Casey, never asking for anything in return. With that thought, Candy just swallowed her pride, smiled at how cute the two looked together, and left them alone, to get back to cleaning the house up.
