Leonard looked over the crowd and for the first time today he felt anxious.
The events that transpired weren't exactly prime. Behind him were the remaining groups, watching him, waiting for him to award the winners of the competition.
But regardless of the many eyes glaring at him, not in anger but in anticipation he could at least take solace in the fact that those he would bestow the food upon had earned it.
He glanced at the competitors, some battered, some bruised and some with smiles on their faces malicious or otherwise. I need to wrap this up. It's getting colder as the night progresses.
"Animals lend me your ears. Today has been filled with unexpected turmoil but, through anguish and hard work comes your reward".
The two small gorillas brought large sacks filled with their food. The polar bears grinned, while the wolves and bears looked at the bags disinterested.
"Hold your applause. We humbly accept this prize". Hulk said as he bowed to the crowd.
Evil and Lech scowled at Hulk. The rest of the bear's rolled their eyes.
Gimp closed his first aid kit, looking over his patients. Evil had his head bandaged up with a band aid on his leg, Fighter had a band aid on his nose, and his Leg wrapped tightly.
"Grazie Amico". Fighter said as stretched his arms.
Gimp smiled happily in response.
Evil groaned at the Predators.
"Lighten up". Fighter chuckled.
"That is the last thing I'd do considering I busted my butt for nothing."
"We". Sara corrected. She scowled at the polar bear walking toward the gorillas.
"Let's try to look at the bright side". Nerd suggested.
"Like how none of you are rocking a broken nose or worse". Gay stated as he looked over at the wolves each of them with various bandages on their bodies. The worst being the jackal with his nose covered.
Lech glared at Gay knowingly. He smiled sincerely and patted his cast.
Prozac nodded in agreement."Let's just congratulate the winners and join the crowd".
"Yeah no, skip that". Lech stated sourly. Fighter looked at the bear sternly.
"We lost, take it on the chin and move on".
"I know, but...Those guys ahhgg!" He growled vehemently he held clutched his head with his paw scowling at the victors.
"They won fair and square. Despite their Brutish methods". Prozac stated.
Mike looked at the crowd and flattening his ears.
Tali glanced at the bears, watching the black bear pat Lech on back. He folded his arm and pouted.
Fighter smiled jovially at the bear, moved his paws up to his face and gestured as if he was wiping something.
The others laughed in response while Lech scowled at the bear.
"Finally it's over. That display of stupidity and fluff is done".
Tali glared at the koala furiously, she stepped forward to move through the crowd only to be stopped by a wolf.
"Don't bother with her it'll only fuel her grease fire. Adding more will make it worse" The elderly wolf said.
Tali shut her eyes and sighed. She was right. Unfortunately she heard two voices conversing:
"To think those cute little bears were so violent".
"Especially that one". Her friend pointed to the black bear.
"Of course. He looks like a thug..." The koala fanned her face. A tiny tint of red in her fur.
Tali gave a wicked smile as she heard the familiar voice. Oh how I wish I was alone with her... And this was the ring. She cracked her knuckles.
"What?! What do you mean we didn't win!" The crowd observed the groups as polar bears each of them looking distraught or saddened, Hulk in particular looking more furious than the former.
Leonard stated at them flatly. "You've cheated, multiple times actually".
"Where's your proof?" Hulk placed his hands on his hips while giving a smug smirk.
"Welll, to make along story short: Cover your tracks when you try to cheat your way to victory...Or trust that the knife you gave them was dull so you don't get the end of it". Leonard smirked.
"He he ha ha! Told you idiots, irony's a bitch ain't it?!" Clyde shouted happily.
"No one likes a sore winner". The alpha chided. He was trying to pull the large sack of food with the rest of the wolves behind them.
"That's not even irony..."
"Shut it, Bosco nobody cares". he replied. The rest continued to push the bag the cubs crowding around it yipping along the way out. Clyde carrying a blue bag around his neck.
Butch furrowed his brow furiously at the lion.
He gave a knowing glare.
"Well at least we still have our memories". Steven smiled cheerily. The two polar bears glared at the bear with sour, exasperated looks.
"I'll shut up now". The bear hung his head down.
"Now with that out of the way: Bears come claim your prize, you've earned".
There was a moment of silence...It lasted for five seconds as Lech and Vanity were screaming in joy.
"Eat it losers! Oh wait, you can't now can you?!" Lech said proudly.
The polar bears growled at the bear before the Lion glared at them again. They rolled their eyes.
Prozac quickly grabbed the bear before they retaliated.
"Genius Lech, taunt the predators that beat our family up..." Gay noted rolling his eyes.
"All while his arm is in cast... Stupidity or Selfishness?" Fighter surmised he looked back to the make shift arena inspecting it.
"You've done worse". Mike said as he continued to peer into the crowd. Earning a small blush on the bear's face and a dry chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah keep bashing me. But we still won". Lech muttered.
"Excuse me bear cousins?" Leonard stated as he looked at the group patiently.
"Oh, sorry continue". Prozac said as he looked at Lech annoyed.
"Thank you for participating as a token of my gratitude-"
"And our reward..." Evil mumbled. All of them glared at the bear wishing for him to shut up.
"I will give you your prize. And I'm sorry for this years rather...shady practice. It won't happen again". He bowed his head to the group.
The crowd clamored in awe and delight.
"How humble". A husky, male voice said.
"Such a wonderful gentlemen". Another voice exclaimed.
"His mate must love him". A female said in awe
"Blowhard." A male voice muttered "What bunch of bull".
"Don't it take seriously..." Another replied.
Leonard rose his head back up.
"The pleasure is all ours". Prozac bowed back.
"Please except my humblest apologies, in fact let me help you by providing a service".
"What are we talking about? Royalty, Fame?" Asked Vanity curiously. The possibilities flooded his mind as a prideful grin crept on his lips.
"No. May I take Evil I wish to...Pamper him, due to his injury".
"Ohhh, That's charitable of you..." Vanity strained a smile, Cretin can't see who did all the work...
Evil rose his brow curiously "Well-"
"He refuses". Fighter interjected earning an annoyed look from Evil.
"Yeah, I don't think that's necessary". Prozac said
"No, no. It's necessary I feel obligated to help him recuperate". Leonard insisted.
"Again, it's fine." Prozac gave a stressed grin. "He doesn't need the luxury..." Prozac muttered bitterly giving a sour tone.
"To hell with that I deserve everything..." Evil stated.
"Yes, he does". Leonard nodded calmly the gorillas still holding their prize behind him.
"No, he doesn't". Prozac said
"It's no trouble. If that's the problem".
Prozac narrowed his brow
"Are you gonna give us our prize or not?" Lech asked fed up with the two.
The gorilla's began to move forward, Leonard rose his paw dismissively behind him.
"Yes, yes. But let me help you..."
"You can help, by giving us our prize, sir". Fighter asked narrowing his brow he glared at the lion.
Leonard sighed. "Surely you can-"
"The answering is no. That's final". Fighter said harshly.
"We humbly decline your offer". Prozac quickly interjected earning a quick glace from Prozac.
"That's fair... If you don't trust me. I can't hold that against you". Leonard said.
"That's not the case sir, it's starting to get late tank needs to be put to bed… And we don't sully our reputation further". He muttered the last sentence as he smiled genuinely, but he felt he was straining it given the circumstances.
"Right, I'm sorry I've bothered you". He snapped his fingers and the gorilla's dropped the bag. "Even though you decline my offer with a heavy heart. It's fine, I'm only glad to see some familiar faces again".
He smiled warmly looking at Fighter knowingly. "It's been pitch perfect".
"Puns are the lowest form of humour...Don't lower yourself any further". Fighter muttered as he walked back to the arena.
"Heh, Hypocrite". Evil smirked smugly
"Doesn't mean I don't like to make them, blame doctors and Shakespeare". Fighter yelled back a bit more morose. Leonard gazed at the bear surprised at his tone.
Prozac grabbed his paw. "Once again we're sorry we took your time, and sorry for our behaviour".
"No. It's fine..." He said as he watched the bear grab something yellow off the ground.
He coughed briefly. "The night is young my animal brethren, go home now. It's not safe to be out at night".
And with that the animals dispersed returning to the respective homes.
….
"Unbelievable, he wanted to pamper you? You're the bane of this rotten place and he decides to shower you with gifts and comfort?" Vanity stated spitefully as he strutted on the paved grounds.
"If anyone deserves pampering in this hole it's me". He pointed both his fingers to his face.
The group walked alongside the lighting their path back to their exhibit.
"Get in line shorty. I'm still reeling from the boredom around here". Sara stated her antipathy for the place hadn't lessened.
"At least today was a good break from routine be grateful". Cara spoke with a bit of joy in her voice.
"Sure, I'm GRATEFUL for almost dying and getting a concussion". She replied while rolling her eyes.
"Look on the bright side". She heard a chuckle from the back. "At least you don't have to carry the sack". She looked back at Prozac and Evil carrying their prize.
"God, they couldn't get it in any other colour? It's a dreary brown, and the material looks hideous". Gay stated. The hum of the lighting above them was starting to get tedious to him as they walked.
"It isn't too heavy is it?" Cara asked sincerity in her voice.
"No, not at all. We can carry this just fine". Prozac replied
"Why the heck I'm I carrying it?" Evil was clearly annoyed.
"Because you didn't get any serious injuries despite being in the thick of it. Lucky you". He said smiling. Prozac wasn't having any of it.
"Just my luck". He grumbled.
"At least you still have use of your good arm". Nerd snorted as he elbowed the bear playfully. Evil snickered knowingly as well.
"Ha ha. Real mature guys". Lech scratched his cast arm. This makes things more difficult.
"Says the man, that drank himself into a stupor". Fighter jeered.
"Says the boy, who made a SHAVED joke about unmentionables. Classy F". Lech retorted flicking his snout.
"Your lucky you're wearing that thing". He said playfully rubbing his nose.
"Be honest, you wouldn't hit someone with a cast". Mike said.
Lech Snickering as he gave a stupid grin.
A loud cracking sound was heard above them and the light immediately went out.
"The hell?" The mouse said abruptly. It was pitch black none of them could see anything.
"Man, this place must really be cheap, if they can't afford good lights". Vanity said
"Meh, it's not all bad. At least we can walk around freely and we're not stuffed in a cold cage". Fighter added sourly.
Vanity scoffed in response.
"Please, you haven't tasted the lap of luxury yet, I bet you'd sleep in a box and call it heaven". Vanity smirked as the group reached a crossroad with a single light above them lighting the way.
"Aw shut it, you little-" The sound of footsteps caught his attention before he felt something heavy hit him from behind.
It was blunt. The force was not enough to knock him out, but enough to send him forward knocking the bear beside him down, and the rest came crumbling down too with a few exceptions.
Then the sound of something sparkling followed by a loud bang.
"Aaaah!" He heard a shrill scream coming from the front of the group followed by some shifting around.
"Hey, get off!" Evil growled.
He heard something smashed it sound like glass shattering followed by another shriek.
"Not my glasses!"
And then the sound of popping filled the air. Mike covered his ears to shells himself.
"Quick; everyone drop what you have and run". Prozac stated in a hurried manner.
"I'm not leaving, we can easily-" Lech was interrupted by Fighter.
"We can't see right now, let's move where it's safe". Fighter argued as he picked up the mouse of the ground and pulled Lech's arm as the rest of the group ran in a hurry.
They sprinted ahead dropping the sack.
They ran for a what felt like miles, but stopped as they got to their exhibit each of them panting due to the impromptu mad dash.
"Can anyone tell me what the hell was assaulting my ears?!" Mike asked annoyed.
"Fireworks, they're dirt cheap and made from poor material". Evil stated causally.
"I'm not gonna ask how you know that". Prozac glared at him knowingly.
"Whatever..." Evil glanced at Fighter's neck and squinted. "Are you serious?!" He pointed to his ruined boxing gloves.
"What?! It's a memento".
"He said: Drop everything... you sentimental sap". He gritted his teeth.
"Please this was not hindering me in anyway". He scowled at the bear remaining staunch on the matter.
"Forget that crap, we need to go back!" Lech shouted.
"Right, I need you guys with me". He pointed to Evil, Fighter, Gimp and Gay.
"Oh come on!" Lech argued.
"You're injured. Stay put". Prozac glared at the bear sternly. Lech growled but complied.
"Group come with me, let's go!" Prozac said as the bears followed him.
Evil narrowed his brow as he looked back to Nerd he looked annoyed.
"Of course my glasses get broken first..." Nerd lamented.
You've got plenty!~" Evil yelled back, Nerd scowled back.
As they returned to the scene the lights came back on and their hearts grew sour.
"God DAMMIT!" Evil growled as he looked down at the ground. He saw the broken glass and their burlap sack tore with slash marks in them. And right beside it were the polar Bears two of them.
"Merda". Fighter cursed.
Gimp picked up his first aid kit beside the bag and walked back to the group.
"What the hell?!" Evil exclaimed at the duo.
"I'm sorry what?!" Bulk looked at the group and immediately realized the issue.
"I know you guys were bitter, but robbery? That's low".
Hulk looked at the group blankly. "We just came to see what all the screaming was about".
"Yeah, your girly shrieks could be heard by Everyone. We just wanted to see what was up". Butch explained.
"And laugh at you". Hulk smirked.
"There's that". They both chuckled.
"Priorities people? Check the bag before we start the witch hunt". Gay stated folding his arms.
Gimp shook his head dismissively. There was nothing left in the bag.
"Great just a plain bag..."
Fighter went wide eyed he just remembered something. He started to walk past them.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Prozac exclaimed.
"I need to get something". He replied.
"We are not playing the pronoun game. Tell me where you're going".
"I just need to find my bag".
Prozac squinted inquisitively. "You left the duffle bag out on the field?"
"Kinda". He rubbed his head sheepishly.
Prozac looked suspiciously at the bear before shaking his head.
"Let me find it at least".
"I can't willingly let you go after that, you could be hurt by whoever attacked us". He narrowed his brow knowingly. "Or let you go hunting them just to reclaim it".
Gay stepped forward patting Prozac shoulder. "I'll go with him, if he tries to run I'll come straight back and tell you what happened".
"Tattle tale". Evil rolled his eyes.
"Whatever". He didn't grace it Evil's scorn with any interest.
"Fine, I trust you take care of him".
"We'll be back in a bit". Gay turned to Fighter. "I've got my eyes on you".
"That's fine, just walk ahead of me".
Gay scoffed. "What part of watching you do not understand? You're not going behind me".
Fighter gave him a stern, unamused look.
Gay smirked confidently. "I protect you from the things that go bump in at night".
"Oh I'm sure he won't be doing the bumping". Evil said.
Snickering came from both the polar bears.
"Uh huh." He folded his arms and glanced back at the polar's.
Did he order this? He couldn't keep thinking about it now, he walked away from the group with Gay.
"Now, when you say everybody heard..." Prozac squinted as he clasped his paws together.
"Literally everyone…" Hulk narrowed his brow.
Prozac's voice grew harder to hear as they walked off.
The sound of flapping followed soon after.
...
Moments before in the Wolf preserve.
It was a quiet night as a Jackal laid outside the den looking over the bag he had pilfered. The only thing worth note that was a strange metal tool he found in it.
He watched the den lazily as he grew tired from the days event glaring down vehemently at the wolf guarding the den he was sleeping peacefully. He remembered what the leader told him as they got home: You stay outside...
He knew deep down why he was placed outside. No good deed goes unpunished.
The food they earned was decent. Bread, fruit, can goods and various vegetables were tucked into the bag. At least the cubs could be feed for a while, but now things were different.
To think these wolves have beef with the forest predators. It makes sense considering our differences, namely our living and easier access to food but a fight over land? It all seemed... Idiotic.
He couldn't understand that part.
His ears perked up to the sound of whistling then a loud, thunderous sound with occasional popping noise, there was one, then another and another all while the he heard a shriek of terror. It sounded male despite the high pitch.
Nope. He thought as tried to close his eyes and sleep. This place had its ups and downs. At least they didn't have kill each other...Yet.
He let his vision grow dim, shutting his eyes tightly he focuses on listening to his heart:
Thump...Thump
Thump...Thump
Thump… "God DAMMIT!"
Thump. Thump. Thump
His heart raced as he heard the ruckus outside.
The voice sounded familiar. He got of his rock and walked closer to the sound.
He began to climb up to the wall to hear what was happening.
"I know you guys were bitter, but robbery? That's low". He realized who was speaking and wanted to take a closer look.
He started to tune out as he climbed up the wall of the exhibit and leaned over the edge. From across the grounds he could see the remains of the sack torn to shreds.
The noise must have been a distraction. Crap, they lost everything because of it. He pondered.
He turned his head to the wolf guarding the entrance. He was sound asleep.
Seriously? Howcan these wolves sleep through this? What's it take to wake em, a bomb? He dropped down from the wall. Whatever. Their concerns aren'tmy problem...
He looked at the bag he pilfered and gave a coy smile.
A wicked idea entered his head.
He entered the den tiptoeing carefully around the inhibitors as he looked at his prize.
He glanced back at the slumbering wolves. The cubs sound asleep cuddling up to their mother. He gave a somber glare as he narrowed his brow.
He dropped the bag softly on the ground and swiftly opened the bag of goodies. He started to shuffle through the sack to grab some food and place it the duffle bag glancing back at the wolves to see if they were awake and each time he observed not a single head stirred.
He closed the sack carefully and grabbed the full duffle bag.
He started to walk back to the den entrance slowly creeping over the wolves.
One step, Two step-
Why did his back feel like hell…
Oh right, the weight. He thought as he fell forward.
He caught himself before he slammed his face onto a cub, but...His nose grazed the cub's nose. He bit his tongue at the pain.
It stung, not only from his mouth but his as well nose.
He simpered softly trying to hide his torment.
The child opened his eyes…They both stared at each other.
He patted the child on his head and brought his paw to his mouth and made a shushing noise.
It blinked for a moment and smiled as it closed its eyes.
Clyde sighed and quickly got out of the den.
With bag in tow he could give the distraught bear something to go home with-
"Oi! The HELL do you think you're doing!?" He heard behind him.
He turned his head to see three wolves.
"How did-" He looked at the wolf's leg to see the same child he bumped into. He smiled as he waved his paw.
"Judasss!" He hissed as narrowed his brow.
"Did you compare yourself to Jesus?" Bosco squinted tiredly.
It went quiet for a moment as they stared at the jackal awkwardly.
"Nooo?" He coughed sheepishly.
"I'm pretty sure you just did". Bosco nodded.
"Alright mutt there's only one available option right now: Drop the bag. You know full well what will happen if you don't comply". The pack glared at the Jackal.
"Didn't you guys hear what happened outside?" They shook their heads.
"The bears got mugged not too long ago. Let's cut them some slack..."
"Do you think we care about the animals that beat us up?" The Leader snarled he was annoyed at the suggestion.
"My neck still hurts". It came from inside the cave.
"Yeah we know, get over it". The alpha said.
Clyde stepped back slightly. "Don't you have a bit of compassion?"
"No". He said sternly.
"Damn your cold".
"It comes from my mother's side and I'm proud of it". He noticed him backpedaling to the wall. He readied himself to lunge at him.
"Stop".
The elderly wolf came out of the den with cub in tow.
"Do you folks realize it's too late for this garbage?" She asked.
"Yes". They collectively said causing Clyde to tilt his head to side dubiously. He was pondering why they were listening to her.
I thought he was the honcho?
He saw her glare at him firmly her gaze drifting from him to above the wall. Wouldn't she be the Omega? She's old probably can't hunt.
"Clyde". She addressed him, he looked genuinely surprised at the wolf. He quickly recovered from the shock of someone finally using his name.
"Look, I don't want have to wake up late because of this". She licked he gums and continued to talk. "So here is what's going to happen: Everyone go back to sleep, Clyde you go with the owl to drop off that pity bag to the dumb cubs. This will be your first warning otherwise..."
"Otherwise?" He repeated.
"You familiar with the term dog-pile?" She asked with a coy smirk.
Clyde narrowed his brow confused. "Yesss?"Wait owl? He looked behind him to see him on the edge of the wall waving politely. We need to put a bell on him.
"Hello friends". The owl bowed. "May I barrow him for a moment?" He asked.
The Elder continued brushing off the greeting.
"Now replace that with a hyena's" She said with a coy smile.
The meaning was completely lost to him. "I'm not-"
"We'll throw you in the hyena pit if you pull something of this level again. Trust me they're not mammals you want to cuddle with". The leader explained.
"I thought we threw them in the badger pit?" Bosco asked.
"We aren't that heartless...Those bastards power bomb animals from trees". He went wide-eyed in fear.
"OK?" He replied unsure of what to say that.
"Come along then, we still have a payment issue to discuss my friend". The owl flapped it's wings and got off the wall.
Riiiight. He started to climb up the wall slightly struggling with the load. The elder sighed.
"Somebody help him before he wakes up the neighborhood". She struggled to stifle her laughter.
"I got it!" One of the wolves said. It ran suddenly and pushed the jackal up the wall.
"I don't like how eager he is to do that so late". she said.
The leader gave a firm glare toward her, she sighed knowingly. "He could be useful that's why we're letting him off with a warning. And we owe the shaman something. Kill two birds with one stone. It's efficient". She yawned as she turned her back to him and entered the cave.
He continued to glare at the wall after the thief jumped over.
He sighed and joined the rest of the pack.
….
The duo walked along the path Clyde placing his nose to the ground. He pulled up his head as he picked up the scent. "I have a feeling you saved my ass".
"You could say that". he gave a confident smirk.
"Thanks". He smiled earnestly as his ears perked.
"It's not here".
"Well who's fault is it?" He heard the two voices conversing as they saw two animals in the field.
"What was in it?" The lighter one said.
"My only aid to attempt the solo assault on Dreamland".
The owl chuckled as he whispered something in his ears. He joined his chuckle and began to creep up on them.
"So you can't sleep?"
"Sleep is a distant memory". He replied.
"The guilty know no rest". The duo said together eerily causing Gay to jump behind Fighter.
He gave bemused smile. "Sup Clyde, how's my favourite jack-hole doing?"
Clyde furrowed his brow. "Is this the thanks I get for being selfless?" He replied bitterly, holding back a grin.
The bear glanced at the new face suspiciously. As well as his new appendage protruding from Clyde's back.
"Oh this is the owl. He's the shaman round these parts".
Gay snickered as he reminded of something. "A pleasure to meet you". He bowed his head.
The owl's gaze was fixed on the darker bear. He kept a firm, fixed glare.
Fighter narrowed his brow. "Are you gonna keep gawking at me?"
Gay pinched the bears cheek. "Don't be rude". He frowned in response
"No. It's fine he just looked similar to one of your own is all".
"Right, Crack said the same thing. Buuuut... One difference his eyes have so much more colour". Gay smiled as the bear in question smirked.
"The yellow is very... Delicious". He beak was watering.
The duo stepped back awkwardly.
"Oops, sorry really hungry. It reminded me of fries".
"Uh huh". Fighter squinted.
"Anyone tell you, you're bad at first impressions?" Clyde asked.
"Well you're not a tall body of water either". He picked his feathers.
Clyde dropped the bag on the ground and pulled something out with his mouth. "Here's a carrot we're officially done". The owl grabbed the vegetable and chewed it. He looked displeased.
"Anyways," he pushed the bag filled with food to the duo. Fighter looked at the duffle bag bag dumbfounded. "You stole this...You little-"
"Oh my god! Thank you!" Gay smiled cheerily he then noticed the bear rummaging through the bag frantically. "He's grateful too".
He pulled out the tuning fork and smiled.
"Glad someone appreciates me". Clyde said.
"Didn't you steal it out of spite?" The owl reminded him.
Clyde remained silent.
"I'll take that as a yes".
"Anyways, did you get a good look at the thieves?" He asked.
"No. They shorted out of the lights, so we couldn't see or hear them". Gay frowned. "Although it could have been-"
"No. It wasn't them despite our petty feud". Fighter interjected slinging the bag over his shoulder.
"Oh so you have an idea Sherlock?" Gay rose his brow.
"It's far-fetched but... Part of me feels it was Leonard".
The owl went eyed the sudden accusation was odd. Did he know?
"Who?" Gay asked with his hands hips.
"The lion that hosted the event". Clyde explained.
"Oh, so you know each other?" He surmised.
He gave him gloomy glare.
"Alright then be a fussy jerk. But remember I've seen you shake your little tush and wear some fabulous attire. So, I don't know what's worth hiding". He folded his arms and gave a smug look.
He looked down to the bear's arm. They were cast aside, he just noticed his fist trembling.
"Hey, if you don't want to talk-"
"No. You're right, I- It's t-time I told you something". He replied giving a blank stare.
Gay tilted his head to their audience. He made a waving gesture to shoo them away.
The owl nodded as he landed on the jackal's head and covered his ears. He gave annoyed look before turning around and walked back.
Fighter walked up to the bear and whispered something in his ears.
It was at that moment he heard many things about the bear in question:
At first his face contorted as if he winced in pain; then it shifted to a melancholy expression as a crease was made on his brow.
Fighter stepped back his forehead furrowed as he spoke. "I have my reasons for not trusting him, and from what I gathered today something was going on, but I don't know for sure. Maybe this attack was out of spite, but something in me is telling me it was him…"
Gay watched the bear's eyes as they grew downcast, his jaw clenched.
Fighter noticed how uneasy the bear looked, his normally cheery demeanor replaced with a worried expression. He shook his head. "That...was a lot to take in. Probably could have broken it down. But I left out the gruesome bits. I'd like to put thinks bluntly".
"I-I". Fighter saw Gay's brow furrowed.
He realized his mistake.
"Ugh," He slammed his paw into his own face. "Great…Probably ruined the only good friendship I had here".
"HEY!" He heard from behind him.
"Excluding you, Clyde". He replied nonchalantly.
He squeezed his eyes shut. "If you want to leave right now that's fine".
"No". Gay stated abruptly. "It's clear that- you trust me".
"Believe me it's the hardest thing I can give willingly". He narrowed his brow. "I'll do anything myself if I have to. It's better the burden falls on me if it fails anyway".
Clyde furrowed his brow and nodded. That explained somethings.
"Just don't push yourself, I don't need you to start brooding over a roof top".
Fighter snickered at thought. "No worries I can still have fun..." He gave him cheery grin and cupped his chin.
"I think you're the only one I've told this to willingly… To be honest this was the best reaction so far" He chuckled awkwardly as Gay rose his brow dubiously.
"Well, I'm glad". He pouted looking a little disappointed.
"Can I do something, that is, if you comfortable with it?".
Gay gave him unamused glare.
"Right that ship has sailed". He walked forward and placed his paws on his shoulders.
"Alright, this is a sign of my respect and trust...Believe me you'll be the first to get this".
Gay gave a curious eyebrow raise. "Just what are you-" He felt his lips on his left cheek. He immediately slapped the bear across the face. The clap echoed loudly.
"Frisky much?" Gay asked.
Fighter saw a tiny of red on his cheek.
"Owww. It's a gesture of goodwill". He rubbed his cheek.
"A kiss?"
"It wasn't on the lips. I'm receptive enough to know that shouldn't be done".
"Quick question about that...Where did you-"
"I assume it's human in nature?" The owl asked.
"Yea, I learned them from a human I respected….It kinda stuck for a while". He cupped his hands for warmth.
"I won't judge". Clyde said
"I knew there was something different about you". The owl inspected the bear.
"That being?" He asked.
"He he. Nothing.". The owl flapped his wings and flew away to the zoo. "Just remember to not cause any trouble now". He shouted back.
"Crazy and cryptic: An annoying combination". Clyde furrowed his brow. "Whatever, make sure you guard that thing this time, Bs". He started to walk away a small grin forming from his lips.
"Is this gonna be a thing?" Fighter scowled at the jackal.
"We can make it a thing if you keeping calling me a jack-hole". He looked back with a sly grin.
"What? It's endearing". he shrugged.
"So is Butter Snout! Ha ha ha!" He cackled as he continued to walk away.
Fighter snorted frustrated.
Clyde's laughter slowly becoming less audible as he got further away from them.
"Y'know that's cute!" Gay smirked tapped his nose lightly stifling his laughter.
"This doesn't leave the group. Bodies will be made". He warned jokingly wagging his finger.
"Sourpuss. We need to get you a new hobby:. Gay chuckled as he patted the bear on his back.
"But punching people is my hobby, aside from reading and cracking jokes".
"Scratch that, a less boring and constructive hobby". Gay smirked.
They started walking back to the exhibits.
Fighter narrowed his brow at his companion. What will he do? His thought was interrupted as he then felt something covering him, it was warmer now. He shrugged and paid no mind.
...
Things could have been worse, It could have been raining today.
A single snowflake fell on the Lion's nose.
He gave a sardonic smile as shook his head remembering how he was resigned to his fate.
Previously
He climbed over the wall and landed into the exhibit. He peered across the grounds to see his mate relaxing on the grass. She glanced briefly in his direction then back to the ground.
He walked to her and nuzzled against her head.
She smiled in response. "How was your day, dear?" She asked. She glanced at her mate's mane and noticed something off.
"You wouldn't believe the day I had honey. A lot of tomfoolery and botched plans".
"Oh I'm sure you could adapt".
"Very much so actually".
She messaged the top of his head with her paws. He purred in delight.
"Ooohh, that's amazing dear. Your too good for me".
Serena smiled coyly. "I know but I'm yours".
She continued to rub as she pulled out a white piece of fur.
"So how'd the trails go?"
"Could've been better. A shame the polar bears had to cheat to win. You'd think mammals of that size wouldn't resort to that. But that's only the first of many upsets today".
"Mmhm".
"How'd you spend your day?"
"Relaxing, planning, coxing".
"I'm sorry what was-" He turned his head to her and saw the white piece of fur.
"Oh don't worry about that. The bear's were sore and decided to cause a scene. I stepped in". He lied.
"Really now?"
"Yes, I was quite courageous saving the masses". He smiled proudly.
"And I'm sure the fight went well?"
"Extremely I even-" He gave a dumbfounded look of shame.
She grinned victoriously.
He gave a deep breath. "I knew choose a smart one...Now honey, I can explain-"
"Couch". She replied.
"Honey we don't have that".He pleaded with his paw out.
"Couch". She repeated.
"You're being unreasonable…"
"And you lied to me today, dear".
"To be fair It was a last minute decision. It was a three-way tie".
"You could have just split the prize three ways…" She glared at the Lion and frowned.
He smiled innocently, she still kept the glare.
"Your sleeping outside tonight. Next time, find a solution that doesn't involve cage match". He watched her walk into their cave…
Present
He sighed bitterly. I was close, that bear has eluded my attempts. Either through his own making and dumb luck.
"Today was not a complete disaster," He looked up to the sky pensively. "To think, your boy is still alive and well…" He smiled but it quickly turned sour as he frowned recollecting his interactions.
"He isn't fond of me. That's..fair. But he's changed, I bet if you saw him now you'd be..." He spoke softer closing his eyes, the cold was making him shiver.
With him here...things are complicated. But maybe I can rekindle something with him. It's the least I can do.
He reached into his mane and pulled out a small doll, a black bear with large bat like ears. He brought it closer to his chest to embrace it. "I suppose it was best not everything went according to plan".
He nuzzled with it as he bowed his head to rest.
Tomorrow I have to deal with that robbery. So much for sleeping in.
Italian Gallery:
Grazie Amico = Thank you friend.
Merda= Shit.
