Well here you go everyone, the final, and crappiest chapter of my story. I guess I was in a rush to finish it, worried that my character was too much like a Mary-Sue. Since my friends thought it'd be more interesting to add in romance, that's what I did. Enjoy..or at least try to.
-------
Darlene sat in the zoo's park, leaning against the soft bark of a maple tree. The oranges and pinks of the sunrise swirled in front of her; the fluffy clouds that dotted the sky were turned purple against it. All was quiet.
Darlene had been planning to leave the next day, but she wasn't liked here in the zoo, so she changed her mind; she was going to leave today.
She was about to heave herself to her feet when the sound of a twig snapping came from behind her. Startled, she turned around, her eyes darting from side in fear of the psychotic penguin who had attacked her the night before.
But to her surprise, it was the taller penguin that emerged from behind a nearby tree. Relief washed over her…until another thought crossed her mind.
"Skipper didn't send you here, did he?" Darlene asked, half joking.
"No," Kowalski answered.
"Oh. Then what have you come for?"
"Just to apologize for Skipper's…unusual…behavior."
Darlene smiled, though she was still a bit suspicious. "How nice."
An awkward silence stuck the air; Darlene shifted her weight to one side, restless, then spoke.
"I appreciate it, Kowalski. I really do. But, I would like to know, do you believe Skipper?"
Kowalski thought a moment. Darlene noticed he too was shifting with uneasiness. He finally answered, "No." He paused, then continued, "Skipper has no actual proof. Besides," he took another pause, blushing. "I don't think you'd do a thing like that."
Darlene was flattered, but Kowalski almost seemed too nice. Was this a setup? Before another silence could ruin this moment, she spoke.
"R-really?" Her voice was raspy at first, but she cleared her throat, embarrassed. Then, she continued. "Thanks…B-but I'm still wondering, what could've happened to Private?" As she spoke, she sat down, gesturing for Kowalski to sit beside her.
Kowalski waddled over and sat down, thinking as Darlene turned to watch the sunrise.
"I have a theory," he finally announced.
Darlene turned her head to look at him, the bright orange glow of sunrise dazzling her fur and turning her faded blue eyes to a radiant pinkish color. Hope sparkled in them; maybe she could prove Skipper wrong.
"What is it?" Darlene asked after Kowalski had taken over several heartbeats to reply.
Kowalski shook himself out of his trance and looked away, embarrassed.
"I forgot," he mumbled.
Darlene forced herself to smile, elbowing him in a friendly way. "It's fine."
Kowalski smiled, but Darlene sighed, looking away. "Should I talk to Skipper?" she asked, realizing Kowalski might not have known about his leader's attempted murder last night.
"I don't see why not," came Kowalski's reply. He hadn't known.
"Could you come with me?" Darlene asked, springing on her feet and extending an arm to help Kowalski up. He nodded.
~*~*~*~
Kowalski was the first to enter the penguins' base, then Darlene climbed down the rusty ladder, right behind him.
Skipper was busy setting up for a game of chess in dim light. He looked up and got out of his seat.
"Darlene, how nice to see you," he said.
"I need to talk to you about Private," Darlene stated.
"Very well. Kowalski," he said, a smirk on his face. "please step out of the room so Darlene and I can speak in private."
Darlene hesitated, looking back to Kowalski with pleading eyes. She knew he had to obey his leader's commands, and he was up the ladder and out of the base in seconds.
Immediately after Kowalski had left, Darlene turned to Skipper. "What do you want with me?"
Skipper chuckled, but not like the way he had when they had first met. This was a different side of Skipper; one that was sly and suspicious. "Oh, Darlene," he began. "It's all a part of my plan. Private was weak and useless; he only slowed the team down."
Darlene failed to understand. "What do you mean? You're happy he's gone?"
Skipper smiled. "Why wouldn't I be? After all, I was the one who killed him."
Darlene took a step back. "Y-you.." she faltered.
Skipper continued. "You see, after some spying and research, I have come to the conclusion that Kowalski," he chuckled. "has fallen for you."
Darlene looked away.
Skipper's expression grew dark, along with his tone. "But love also slows this team down. And since Kowalski is needed on this team, he can never love you. Which is why, if he believes that you've done a crime, he will loose interest in you."
Darlene fully understood his plan now. Hatred bristled in her fur as she turned to face him. "Kowalski doesn't believe you," she growled. "you're insane!"
Skipper reassured her. "Don't worry. I'm not going to kill you, Darlene. After last night's fight, I've decided that would break Kowalski's heart, and sadness also slows this team down."
Darlene snorted. "Your plan is never going to work. If you refuse to kill me, I can march confidently out of here and report this to Kowalski."
"You think he'll believe you?"
"
Even if he doesn't, I see a flaw in your plan."
Skipper grumbled. "There are no flaws, my dear," he took a step forward. "my plan is foolproof."
Darlene crossed her arms. "I think not. You don't have enough time to do something horrible and blame it on me; I'm leaving today."
Skipper took another step towards her, frustrated. Desperate to save his plan, he threw himself at her.
Darlene was prepared for his attack, and dodged out of the way. But Skipper had grabbed her leg and brought her down -- hard. The two hit the ground with a thud, tussling and rolling.
Suddenly, a tall penguin scampered down from the ladder, distracting Darlene for a moment. She was almost punched by Skipper, a grin on his face.
The tall penguin slid over and kicked Skipper away from Darlene, who recognized him right away.
"Kowalski!" Darlene exclaimed. He didn't need to say anything, for the odd expression on his face told Darlene he had overhead everything. Darlene looked behind his shoulder to see that Skipper had been knocked out; his limp body lay against the hard stone walls.
"Leave," Kowalski said, his tone serious. "Before he wakes up. I'll tell your sister you left. Just please, get as far away from this psycho as possible."
Darlene's eyes clouded with sadness. She threw her arms around Kowalski and embraced him with a hug.
"Good-bye," she said, holding back tears. She understood Kowalski wanted her to be safe and respected that. Then, she was up the ladder and off to her forest home without another word.
Part of her didn't want to leave; her spirit sank like a stone in the sea, tossed away and forgotten forever. But she'd always remember the one who'd believed her and helped her, and would never let go of those memories.
------------
Ahh! It's so bad......my eyes! Well, review if you haven't been blinded. Thanks.......
