A/N: Heads up- This chapter starts to move into some more T rated language. Not much, just one use of 'hell' and 'damn'. Read at your own risk!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT own the Penguins of Madagascar and make NO money off this fic.
Though the show has long since ended, it still belongs to Nickelodeon, and as the spinoff of the Madagascar franchise, it also belongs to Dreamworks studios. Specifically, the canon characters and episode plots belong to Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell. I own NOTHING except my OC's which will be introduced at a later time.
Location: Central Park Zoo. Time: 1745 (5:45 P.M)
'Why on Earth would she come back to the zoo? It's not like she and Skippah were still seeing each other…were they? No of course not! Skippah made it clear that the relationship was over.' Private reasoned as she stood out in the open. Surly her leader would have said something if he had resumed his romantic affair with the Peregrine falcon.
Though to be fair, it was his personal life and as such, his love interest wasn't anyone's business, much less Private's.
However still, if this particular lover happened to be a bird of prey that had no problems in eating their significant other's friends, then yes, it was defiantly the young recruit's place to be concerned for her commander.
The raptor had already tried to eat Fred for goodness sake! Who knows who else she might try to eat?
Private's feathers ruffled in indignation. She may be the weakest member of the team, but she sure as hell wasn't going to stand by and let one of her friends get carried off to be devoured by some falcon who thought she could get whatever she wanted just by batting her pretty, orange eyes. It may have fooled Skipper, but wasn't going to fool her.
The after mentioned bird passed over the penguin as she circled around once more. Private tensed, but stood her ground, all the while keeping sure she had a clear shot to safety should the falcon attack. If the bird dived with the intent to grab the water bird, Private would easily hop up and over Marlene's wall and into the surrounding pool of water.
With that plan in mind, Private narrowed her eyes as she watched the avian make her dramatic rounds. 'Oh come on then, I know you've seen me by now!'
As if reading the penguin's thoughts, the falcon finally swooped down in a graceful landing.
Kitka gave a patronizing smile as she towered over the flightless, monochrome avian; her dark wings folding neatly at her sides.
"Hello there, uh…what was it? Corporal? Sergeant?" The pumpkin colored bird greeted.
"Private."
"Ah yes that's right! 'Private'…I was way off on my ranks wasn't I?" The 'smile', though Private would have personally called it a 'smirk', turned flat out demeaning. As if the falcon took great pleasure of reminding the penguin just how low she was in terms of ranking.
Private wasn't going to let the larger female get to her and instead brushed it off with a shrug, "Just a bit."
Kitka gave a small 'hm', "Well maybe if I knew your name I wouldn't have to worry about what rank I'm supposed to call you." She reasoned.
Riiight…
"I'm sorry, but that's classified." The only lie was that Private wasn't sorry. Something didn't seem right, and that tiny voice in the back of her head screamed that telling the falcon her name, even her fake male name, would be a mistake. She gladly heeded the warning. Thank goodness for Skipper's paranoia rubbing off on her.
Kitka observed the penguin, obviously formulating her next move.
Private's internal fight or flight scale seemed to waver back and forth between the two. Why was the raptor staring at her like that?
Finally, the falcon eased off, "Alright. Secret names, I get it." The smile wavered a bit, and was starting to look a little forced.
Private was starting to think that maybe it would be best to end this and then make a break for it while she could.
"Is there a specific reason why you're here? Is there something you need?" Private asked, trying to be as civil and polite as possible without setting off the falcon. She spared a glance at the bird's feet and swallowed thickly. She had never fully realized how sharp those talons really were…
Kitka seemed to perk up at the question, "Well, since you asked, I'm actually here to speak to Skipper. Is he around?" She glanced over to the penguin enclosure.
Private's eyes followed her gaze, and she shifted from foot to foot.
What did she want with Skipper?
At best, she was here to give an apology for what she did to Fred, at worst, she was here to get back at Skipper for the break up since he was the one that did the breaking up.
Either way, Private didn't want the falcon here, especially, if she was here for the latter.
She didn't even want her near Fred, even if she wanted to apologize to him face to face. For everyone's sake, it was best if she just stayed away. Far away.
Private felt the raptor's gaze on her, and she turned to lock eyes once more.
Should she call a bluff and say Skipper wasn't in at the moment? Would he approve of her lying on his behalf without his permission?
Eh, better not risk it…
"He is," Private started slowly, "but I don't think he'll be in the mood to speak to you at the moment. He's still none too happy about what you did to Fred." There. A nice little mixture of truth and fib. That should be enough to send the falcon off.
"I know, that's why I'm here. I just want to apologize for my actions."
Bollocks!
At least she wasn't here to hurt Skipper.
Unless she was lying…
But then again… she could be telling the truth…
Either way, it was obvious the larger bird wasn't leaving. Private figured the only thing she could really do was comply.
'Best to be on guard and then really let the falcon have it if she tries anything.' She thought as she crossed her flippers, "I suppose I can go fetch him." She turned towards her home, "Wait here." She ordered.
"Oh don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."
Private turned back to see Kitka smiling a cheerful, innocent smile.
"Good!" Private replied a bit too forcefully.
The falcon blinked, surprised at the penguin's tone. Private took a second to compose herself, "Just…stay there." She turned back around and frowned. What was that?
'Good'?
Why did she even need to say anything to begin with?
'Its things like that that make you seem odd!' She reprimanded herself as she hoped over her enclosure fence.
Instead of exiting the water straight away, Private dove down to the window that looked into the penguin's base. She caught sight of the flat-headed penguin locked in a game of chess with Kowalski.
She tapped on the glass, causing the three birds to turn her way. She pointed at Skipper before gesturing her flipper upward, indicating for him to go up top.
He nodded and Private swam up to meet him.
She leapt onto the iceberg just as Skipper pulled himself out of the entrance.
"Something the problem Pri-" He was cut off when the younger penguin shook off the water from her feathers, spraying him in the face, "-vate." He deadpanned.
"My apologies Skippah, I don't see you there!" The female gave a nervous chuckle only to stop short when she saw the commander's unamused glare. "Right then…um, you've got someone asking for you."
Skipper crossed his flippers as he sighed in annoyance, "If it's Ring-tail, you can tell him that whatever issue he's got going on, he's gonna have to deal with it himself, because I'm in no mood to deal with him today."
"Oh not it's not him," Private quickly assured, "its…well…" she pointed behind Skipper.
He turned and froze, "Kitka…"
"She wanted to have a word with you. Something about apologizing for eating Fred." By now, Kowalski and Rico had joined them and were eyeing the falcon as well.
"She said that?" Skipper asked suspiciously.
"Aye sir." The youngest bird confirmed.
"Sir? I'd approach with caution if I were you." Kowalski warned.
"Noted." Skipper nodded to the falcon, and she flew over and landed in front of the short penguin, who simply regarded her with narrowed eyes.
"Hello Skipper."
"Kitka."
The two birds observed each other, "It's been a while." The female stated.
"Not long enough." Skipper retorted, "So, are you here to make small talk, or are you actually going to give a formal apology? If you are, then do so and then be on your way."
Kitka didn't falter, "Pushy, but okay." She straitened, "I'm truly sorry about almost eating your friend."
Private gave a small huff. 'Almost? She did eat him! She ate him alive for goodness sake! He's lucky she coughed him back up!'
"I honestly didn't realize he was your friend." Kitka continued with a sheepish grin.
"Did you apologize to him?" Skipper grilled, his tone still firm.
"Of course I did."
Private tensed. She did? She actually went and apologized to the squirrel?
"You found Fred and apologized for eating him?" Private spoke up, ignoring the looks from the other three males.
"Almost eating him."
"You did eat him."
"Stand down Private!" Skipper barked.
Said female flinched and took a step back when she caught sight of the glare her leader was sending her way. She was really going to get it for speaking out of terms…
She couldn't help it though. The thought of Kitka actually hunting down Fred just to say sorry, didn't really make sense…well, it did, but not in this particular situation. She couldn't figure out why, but Kitka's presence and the whole situation made Private's feathers stand on end.
First chance she got, Private was going to go check on Fred. If only to make sure he was still alive.
Skipper stared down the lower ranked avian before turning back to the matter at hand, "Is there anything else?"
"Yes." Kitka stepped forward, making Skipper take a cautious step back, his posture tensing, ready for action. The others did the same. The falcon however merely gave a seductive smile, "I've been missing you." She finished.
Skipper's stern expression wavered. Private, Kowalski and Rico all shared a confused exchange.
"Really?" Skipper tried to keep his voice firm, but Private heard it. The tiniest hint that he was actually flattered, and perhaps even hopeful.
Apparently the falcon caught it too, and she continued, "I know hurting your friend really upset you, and I want to make things right."
'Oh no!' Private knew it! She knew the huntress would pull a stunt like this.
"How do you plan on making things right?" Skipper challenged, but his stern demeanor was slowly melting away. Private could only watch as her leader was reeled in like a hooked fish.
"I have my ways, but first, you need to give us a second chance."
Normally Private loved this sort of lovey-dovey romance, but watching it in person now, well…it was enough to make her stomach churn.
Skipper raised a brow, "You want me to take you back?"
"Oh don't act like you don't miss the good times we had." Kitka teased with a knowing smirk, not caring that she had an audience standing only about two feet away.
Okay, now Private knew she was going to throw chunks if she had to endure anymore of this. 'Now I know how Rico feels.' She thought as she cast a glance to the other males. To her surprise, they were both watching the duo with expectant stares, eager to see what their leader would do or say to that. She turned her attention back to the male, 'Come on Skippah, you're not seriously going to fall for this again are you? Tell her to bugger off!'
An old saying came to the female penguins mind; Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
'She's deceived us all before, and she'll no doubt do it again. Where's that good ol' paranoia?' Private was growing more and more uneasy by the second. She didn't like where this was going.
Skipper finally took a step closer to the falcon and Private braced for his next words, expecting, hoping, that he was going to send the other female away. What happened next, she didn't see coming,
"Well…to be honest…I've missed you too." He flashed his ex a charming smile.
What?!
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to give our relationship another try. Just know that I'm going to be keeping a close eye on you." Skipper added.
WHAT?!
Kitka giggled, "Oh I look forward to that." She wiggled her brow up and down. Skipper returned the action. Private glared.
Of course this is how everything would play out.
The ex-lover comes crawling back, all apologetic and 'wanting to make things right', and everybody thinks that would be the end of it, but nope! Turns out the scorned ex just wants to play nice to get their mate back.
Of course, if a person were serious about getting back together, they would reach out within a matter of days, perhaps a couple of weeks instead of waiting months to-
Wait a tick…
Private frowned. Why had Kitka waited so long to apologize? Surly if she were as sincere as she claimed to be and was so desperate to get Skipper back, she would have returned sooner. Right?
The breakup had taken place months ago and not once did the falcon make any attempt to contact Skipper. Yet here she was.
She wasn't revenge killing Skipper as Private had originally feared, but the flirting didn't make matters any better.
Kitka was playing Skipper, that much was obvious. What game the falcon was playing, Private didn't know, but she vowed to find out. Ex's didn't just waltz back into their old lover's lives after so much time unless they wanted something.
No…Private would definitely be keeping an eye on the falcon as well…
She'll be watching her like a ha- wait what are they doing?
Private snapped back to reality as she took in the scene.
So lost was she in her thoughts that she didn't even notice that the two birds before her had started giving each other those lustful looks.
It wasn't until they started moving towards each other that Private realized what was about to happen. Her cobalt eyes widened as their beaks inched closer, their own eyes closed in anticipated bliss.
Private turned to her two comrades and was surprised to see that they were still watching with growing anticipation.
She quickly turned back to the two 'lovebird' only to see that they were even closer now, their beaks just centimeters apart…
Then, within a split second, an unexplainable surge of jealousy racked through the young female, and before she could stop herself-
"Skippah!"
The two birds pulled away, eyes wide in shock from the yell.
Skipper turned to her, an unamused scowl on his face, "Yes Private?" he hissed, clearly irritated that he had been interrupted.
Private froze as four pairs of eyes bore into her. Two out of curiosity, one in anger, and one in smug amusement.
"Is there a problem?" Skipper grilled.
Private faltered. Was there a problem? If one counted the fact that Skipper was about to snog Kitka right in front of an audience, then yes there was one, but there was no way Private was going to admit that out loud. Skipper was already enough upset as it was, she doubt he would approve any smart mouthing from her. That being said, even her silence seemed to be making things worse as Skipper's steely gaze hardened.
She had to say something, but what?
Kowalski cleared his throat softly, catching her attention.
Her eyes met the tallest penguins, and he gave a small jerk of his head in Skipper's direction. The penguin's message was clear. 'Answer him.'
Private opened her beak, "Uh…I…I forgot." She gave an embarrassed grin and twiddled her flippers.
Everyone's expressions dropped as if to say, 'Really?'
Skipper rolled his eyes and gave Kitka an apologetic smiled, "I think we'll have to continue this, when we're alone. With no interruptions." He gave a pointed look at the youngest bird.
Kitka merely chuckled, "I look forward to that as well. Unfortunately, this will have to wait. I've got some errands I have to take care off." She spread her wings in preparation for takeoff, "I'll see you later handsome." With that, she launched into the air, leaving the four penguins alone once more.
Once the Peregrine was out of sight, Private turned back to Skipper, "Sir…you're not actually thinking about getting back together with her are you?"
"Woah now, that's a highly personal question soldier. One that doesn't concern you." Skipper crossed his flippers.
Private shrunk down submissively. "Of course sir, but…well, you remember what happened last time. Kitka just isn't exactly the safest animal to be around."
"It's funny you would say that. If I recall, you were the one that made friends with a Leopard Seal." Skipper defended.
Private flinched. Touché .
Skipper continued, "Don't worry about my romantic interests. I can take care of myself."
"But Skippah-"
"But nothing Private! Now drop it before I have you drop and give me fifty!"
Private shut her beak after that. Best to quit while she was ahead.
Seeing that the youngest member had fully backed off, Skipper turned his attention to Kowalski, "Kowalski, I think you and I have a game to finish."
The scientist nodded and the three males dropped back down into their home.
Private remained on the surface, her mind racing at what had just transpired. Not just now, but what has been transpiring over the past few days.
The mating urges, the visit to the vet, the talk with her uncle, her big reveal to Marlene, and now Kitka's return…
It was so much for the little penguin to handle!
Then, if all that wasn't bad enough, there was the small matter of Private's mysterious jealousy when she saw Skipper about to kiss Kitka.
Heck, just the thought of it made Private's blood boil in anger.
But why? Why did it upset her so much? Why did Private feel so possessive when she saw their beaks so close together?
Was it her instinct to protect her leader? Or was it because she was just so suspicious of the falcon? Maybe it was both?
Perhaps there was a different reason…one that had to do with her mating cycle…?
Private violently shook her head in an attempt to banish that particular thought, 'No, no, no! Blast these raging hormones!'
It was at that moment that Rico poked his head up from the den, "You comin' in o' what?"
Private jumped at the specialist's sudden appearance before nodding, "Yes, yes, I'm coming."
Rico dropped down and Private followed suit. She would muse about this later. For now, she was going to go down and enjoy the last ten minutes of her break.
Location: Consolidated Amalgamated Building Rooftop. Time: 1815 (6:15 P.M)
Kitka circled once around her nest before softly landing amongst the twigs and ferns.
There was movement in the nest before a small head popped up with a scowl, "It's about damn time! And also; watch where you're landing! You could have crushed my head!"
Kitka regarded the tiny Pearl Kite with disinterest, "No one told you to take a nap in my nest."
The tiny raptor's chest puffed angrily, "I wasn't 'napping' I was hiding. In case the thought didn't occur to you, I'm not exactly at the top of the food chain. I've got predators too you know!"
"I suppose we have your small size to thank for that." Kitka smirked.
The kite gave a sarcastic smile, "Oh you're a real riot." He smile dropped and he continued, "On to more important issues; did you find the penguin?" Kitka nodded.
"I found her. She's still with her little commando friends."
The small raptor gave a single nod, "I'll send a message to the boss and let her know we've got the penguin's whereabouts." He flew up, but before he could get far, Kitka called out to him.
"Trey! Let her know that'll I'll be commencing phase two of our little mission." There was a mischievous glint in her eyes.
This made Trey falter, "Phase two? Already?"
"Of course. After today's meeting, I think now would be a great time to break the little runt away from her platoon."
Trey landed, "Why? What makes this a 'great time' to start of phase two?"
"Because today, I got a pretty…interesting, reaction from her while her leader and I were trying to share a moment." Kitka looked thoughtful as she recalled the moment.
Trey scoffed, "We're on a mission, and you're off trying to rekindle a relationship with your ex-boyfriend."
"Listen," Kitka hissed in frustration, "this rekindle may be just what I need to help get her away from the others. If I play my cards right, it shouldn't be long for her to break. Once she does, we can send her to Zelda, and she can do whatever she wishes with little miss 'Private'."
"Oh I get it! Zelda gets her penguin, I get paid, and you get your boyfriend back. Sounds like a happy ending to me!" The kite giggled with excitement.
"Indeed. Now, go! I'll handle dinner tonight." Kitka ordered.
Trey gave a salute and took to the air once more with the falcon doing the same.
As they departed, Kitka furrowed her brow in thought. With phase two about to take place, it was probably best she also take care of a certain nuisance that could possibly put a damper on the operation.
The only problem was that she would have to find him first, and in a city as big as New York, well…it would certainly take some time to location him.
Kitka shook her head. One thing at a time. Her priority right now? Find dinner.
A/N: Revised and extended on 9/8/18
So there you have it, Kitka has made her appearance. And yes, she is a seductive little thing…
