9 – The Truth Will Set You Free
An hour after the events of the previous chapter, a single dark figure was walking towards the most central habitat. Its appearance could not be clearly made out in the darkness surrounding it. You could however notice the figure had a limp in its walk and some sort of spiky formation on the top of what you could presume to be his head.
On the other side of the zoo, coming out of the reptile house, was different dark figure, that was carrying something large and relatively round on its back. And following it was a trail of crimson liquid that stood out on the light tarmac.
The two were heading, unbenoughts to them, right towards each other. They were to meet under the street light in front of the penguin habitat. The first to step out of the darkness was the figure from the reptile house. It was Alexander. The thing on his back, was a black trash bag. He hadn't found time to clean himself. He was covered in dried blood stains. The cuts he had received had already healed and his bones had mended thanks to his increased recovery speed.
The other figure saw the lizard. ˝HYU!˝ it let out in its startle. The monitor heard the unusual yelp and dropped his bag. ˝Who's there? Come out so I can see you!˝ he called. The figure hesitated at first, but then it did as told and stepped into the lit area. It was the blast happy Rico, although he didn't look too good at the moment. As he limped into the light, more details of his current state could be made out. There were patches of feathers missing on his chest. On these »bald« spots, healed wounds could be seen, but they were crossed by fresh ones. His chest was covered with blood, barely leaving any white on it. But the strangest part was that the maniac actually seemed happy.
˝Whoa, Rico, you OK?˝ asked the monitor. ˝Uh-huh,˝ replied the penguin, rapidly nodding. After stopping, he noticed the blood stains on the reptile, ˝You?˝ he asked pointing at the scabs. ˝Forget about me, you've seen what I can do. Go back to my place. I'll join you shortly, just have to take out the trash.˝ said the lizard, picked up the black bag and proceeded to the zoo gates. Rico was at his original destination, but he still decided to listen to the medic.
On his way to the reptile house, he only just noticed the limp his walk. Also, an ever rising pain started spreading from his abdomen. It seemed as if the euphoric state, he was just snapped out off, was making him forget about the pain. He continued his waddle with the obnoxious limp and quickly made it to his new destination. Upon his entry, there were no angry glares watching his every move. There wasn't a soul standing at the glass. The thoughts of prison break came to him first, but then he thought that was absurd, a more likely explanation would be sleep, but you could be wrong.
The unmistakable smell of bleach filled the hall, and when he turned around, he saw that a habitat was missing its glass. It was the one of everyone's favorite snake, Savio. He cocked his head to the side and gave it a thought. The serpent was nowhere to be seen, the lemurs weren't reported missing and… something tapped his shoulder and he jumped away, thinking it was the loose snake. When he turned around to look at his »attacker«, he saw that it was actually Alexander.
˝Oh, sowy,˝ se said, while rubbing the back of his head. ˝No need to apologize, it was me who startled you. Now let's fix you up. We can't have Skipper see you like this.˝ Alexander took Rico to his habitat, he was leaving a trail of blood behind, but the two didn't notice. Closing the water monitor enclosure was a the glass from the boa's terrarium, but Rico didn't know that. They quickly descended into the sub levels of the monitor exhibit. It was the penguin's first time there and he was impressed with the lizard's work.
The two went past the game room, gym and hobby room and entered the recently created infirmary. The monitor pointed him to the operating table, where the penguin lied down. ˝Mind telling me what happened to you?˝ asked Alexander, while going through some vials. ˝Uh, tripped,˝ answered Rico, that being the best excuse he could come up with. The lizard turned around and put some things on a supply cart, which he then pushed over to the table. He let out a few short laughs. ˝Listen, I already know about you and your girlfriend. And I don't mean the one that doesn't blink and is made of plastic.˝
If you could, you'd see all the blood drain from the penguins face. 'Uh oh, he knows, now he'll tell Skipper,' thought the penguin. ˝Don't worry, I won't tell anyone,˝ said the lizard. Rico looked up and saw him removing air bubbles from a syringe. ˝There's obviously a reason you haven't told anyone about it and I certainly won't be the one doing that,˝ he added, before sticking the needle into the penguins flipper and injecting him with its content.
Just like that, the pain in his abdomen disappeared and he was once again overcome with the sense of euphoria. ˝So what happened? Did you two get into a fight?˝ asked the lizard, referring to the wounds. The bird shook his head. Alexander scratched his bottom jaw. He was thinking of other answers, ˝Were you mugged or attacked?˝ he tried, but was once again met with a shake of the head. He took another look at him. 'The scratches are definitely the slasher's, but the look on his face now,… is the same as before,' he thought.
˝Oh, now I get it. Nice,˝ he said, slightly punching the penguins arm. Certain they were both thinking the same thing, Rico gave a nod. Congratulations were in order, but first things first. The monitor took a sterile needle and began stitching up the bird. Rico didn't seem to mind. The morphine he had received before was dulling the pain. ˝Look, I'm happy you're getting some action, but if you keep it up like this, you won't have anything left to patch,˝ said the lizard trying to make small talk. ˝I know you didn't take my advice on the bed rest the last time, so I won't try to force you this time.˝
˝It would probably be the best if you'd get the day off, but our captain's a tough one to get out of routine.˝ He finished the final stitch and then turned to his cart. Rico lifted his head to see what's coming next. He gulped when he saw another needle. ˝Like I said, you're keeping it a secret for a reason,˝ he said, before injecting him with the contents of the syringe. He didn't feel any different, but then a tingling sensation struck him in his abdomen. He raised himself, and saw new feathers grow in the bald spot.
˝That concoctions is a failed experiment I did years ago,˝ began explaining Alexander. Rico turned to him, to listen to the story. ˝I tried using my DNA to create a serum that accelerates healing, but instead I created one the re-grows fur and feathers.˝ The feathers stopped growing. No sign of a bald spot remained in the area. Also, Rico's mohawk grew by two inches, but he didn't noticed that since there were no mirrors. ˝I would advise you to take it easy. If those stitches burst, you may lose more blood, ad that would be really bad.˝ The bird answered with a nod and then exited the room. The lizard watched him leave and then sighed. ˝Well back to work. A disappearance to cover up and a skeleton to put in the closet.˝
A few hours later at the HQ. Skipper was taking sips of his coffee. Private and Kowalski were already up, but Rico was still happily snoring in his bunk. ˝What's wrong with him,˝ asked the smallest penguin, concerned about his friend. ˝He's tired. I have no idea when he came back yesterday,˝ answered the leader before taking another sip. ˝He must have snuck in sometime after midnight, since he wasn't here when I returned,˝ assumed the smart penguin. While the three were straining their brains about their team mate, Alexander entered the HQ through the fish bowl entrance.
He had cleaned himself of the blood stains and taken care of Savio's disappearance. He changed the zoo records to say the snake was express shipped to a private snake collector. ˝What's wrong,˝ he asked the birds. ˝Hi Alexandah. We were just wondering where Rico was yesterday,˝ explained the Private, who just then noticed the mohawk, ˝That's it!˝ The remaining team members looked at the chubby penguin. ˝Isn't it obvious? Rico went out and got his feathers cut.˝ The leader skeptically raised an eyebrow, but said nothing since the blast happy penguin was waking up.
He yawned and stretched and then scratched the sore spot where he was injected with the needles. He looked around and saw his team mates looking at him, ˝Wha?˝ he asked in annoyance. ˝Umm, nice feathercut you got there,˝ tried the private, but Rico just shrugged not knowing what he was talking about and left his bunk.
˝Anyways, it's already past 0700 hours, we'll have to pick up paste to make up for lost time. Everyone, top side, now!˝ ordered the captain. They did as instructed and left the base. The mohawk wielding penguin felt his limp returning as he was waddling on the ice floe, but he clenched his beak and took the pain. He did his best to hide it and move as naturally as possible.
˝Ok men. Today were going to focus on the abdominal muscles,˝ Alexander and Rico both gulped hearing their leader, ˝yup, nothing like a six pack to stop a bullet. Am I right?˝ He was answered with enthusiastic nods from the tallest and shortest birds and sheepish smiles from the remaining two members. ˝We'll begin with a stomach punching exercise. Everybody line up to receive your hit.˝ They did as instructed. Rico didn't hesitate, since it would be obvious, and lined up with the rest.
It went on for about half an hour. The amount of endorphins his brain had released by now was probably enough to kill a man, but the pain at least lessened. The monitor watched with a nervous look. 'It's only a matter of time, before those stitches break,' he thought. But thankfully he was wrong and they did hold. He sighed in relief when the leader announced the end of the »exercise«. ˝Good. No we have leg lifts. The lizard slapped his forehead.
˝What's the matter, am I doing something wrong?˝ asked the leader. ˝No, no,˝ assured the lizard, ˝It's just, this heat, that's killing me.˝ That was a lie. It was morning and reptiles would yearn for heat at this time of day. ˝O-k, I guess. Let's just do the exercise already.˝ They sat down at the edge of the ice floe and began doing the leg lifts. Rico's pain was making him sick to the stomach. He could feel a fever building up. Things began to look foggy. But he shook off this feeling. 'As long as the stitches hold, I'm safe and so is my secret,' he thought.
˝And last of course we have the sit ups,˝ there wasn't much enthusiasm this time. The team was getting tired and opening hours were nearing. Time was running out and the mohawk wielding penguin was almost in the safe zone. They lied on the ground and did the exercise simultaneously. ˝1… 2… 3… 4 – Urgh!˝ The leader stopped and looked to his left, ˝What the deuce? "Urgh" wasn't a number the last time I checked.˝ Rico was lying on his back and a red stain was slowly growing on his stomach.
˝Rico!˝ called the leader and lightly slapped the bird. ˝Alexander, you're up!˝ he ordered and stepped away. The lizard knew exactly what had happened, but the secret wasn't his to reveal. His team mate is the one who has to do it when he feels the time's right. But he still needed make up some sort of explanation. ˝Looks like his wounds reopened. Private, go back to my habitat and get my duffel bag.˝ The small penguin did as instructed and quickly left. ˝I thought he was good. I mean you already removed his bandages,˝ said the leader, only slightly concerned for his team mate.
˝Just because the wound's gone, doesn't mean the tissue's strong enough to hold up against such levels of strain,˝ explained the monitor, still waiting for his supplies. He wasn't much of a medic without them. The tools to be a butcher were always at his fingertips, but the save s life, he needed something more. ˝Let's bring him down,˝ he ordered. The two birds did as instructed and they carefully descended. They put their injured comrade on the table where he lied the last time. The lizard groaned, ˝We're running out of time. Do you have any super glue?˝ he asked Kowalski. The penguin nodded. ˝Well, go and get it! Quickly!˝
Not a minute later the requested item was already in the lizard's hand. He began gluing together the flesh and closing the wound in the process. Skipper was watching closely over his shoulder and he noticed the overlapping cuts. ˝Now we just need some bandages,˝ just then the private entered the base. ˝I have your bag Alexandah,˝ he cheered. The lizard practically tackled him and took it. He wrapped up his patient and sighed in relief. ˝Ok, he's good. Or at least he will be as long as he rests,˝ he said glaring at all the birds.
˝You said that the old wounds opened, right?˝ asked the leader and received a nod in confirmation. ˝But when you were patching him up it looked fresh.˝ This time the lizard gave a sheepish smile. ˝It could've been a new one.˝ 'Man, I really have to make sure there aren't any loopholes in my lies in the future,' thought the lizard. ˝There's only one reasonable explanation for this. Looks like that feline tried to finish the job, and Rico was so ashamed he got beat by a girl, he tried to hide it.˝
Actually that wasn't that farfetched, but it wasn't the truth either. ˝Come on men, we're taking that kitten in,˝ ordered the leader and was soon joined by the other two birds. ˝What are you waiting for? Let's go,˝ he said to the lizard. ˝I, have, to, take, care, of, Rico, yeah, that's right. We can't leave him alone,˝ he replied. Skipper rolled his eyes, ˝Fine, we'll take care of her ourselves.˝ The trio left the base and Alexander turned back to his patient. ˝Come on man!˝ he yelled and began slapping the bird after every word, ˝Those, guys, are, going, after, your, girlfriend. You, have, got, to, tell, them.˝
The remaining three penguins meanwhile already reached the slasher habitat. They slid past the otter habitat and were noticed by its lonely inhabitant. Destined to stay alone, with no one to love or love her back… or at least that's what she thought, as she watched the penguin leader disappear behind the corner.
˝Watch your backs men. This feline took out Rico two times now. We need to be careful.˝ The trio entered the RRS habitat and started searching for the lady of the home. They heard purring coming from behind some rocks. Skipper made some signals with his flippers and they went over to the source of the sound. As they slowly poked their heads from behind the rocks, the wildcat, who was curled up and sleeping, came into view.
˝Excellent, we have the element of surprise on our side,˝ said Skipper, while rubbing his flippers. ˝I don't know Skippah, if she really does want to »gulp« kill Rico, why did she volunteer as a nurse to help Alexandah?˝ asked the smallest penguin. Kowalski took out his abacus and started moving the beads, ˝He's right, that just doesn't make sense.˝ The captain realized that his team mates were onto something, ˝Well we can still take her under arrest and interrogate her later.˝ Kowalski and Private shrugged. ˝Then it's settled, that's what we'll do,˝ ordered the leader and then jumped over the rocks.
Back at the HQ, Alexander was about to use a familiar substance. ˝This worked on Kowalski and I'll be dammed if it fails here,˝ he said before stabbing Rico into the heart and emptying the syringe. There was no visible response. ˝Oh come on! I'm running out of options here!˝ he yelled and took a package of smelling salt which he broke above the penguin's nose holes… or whatever they might be called. But again there was no reaction.
Back at the RRS exhibit, when then three penguins landed in front of Sienna, with a barely audible thud, her eyes shot open and she jumped back. ˝What are you doing here?˝ she asked in confusion and a little bit of fear. She quickly noticed they were one bird short. ˝Where's Rico?˝ she asked. ˝Not where you want him to be, if that's what you're asking,˝ replied the lead penguin. ˝He is currently in a comatose state back at base,˝ added Kowalski, but was met with a glare from his captain.
The feline gasped, ˝I have to see him, I didn't think it would be this bad. I mean, he said he enjoyed it.˝ Skipper turned back to the wildcat, ˝What are you talking about woman, who enjoys being killed?˝ The slasher raised an eyebrow, ˝Killed?… Oh, he didn't tell you yet. I have no idea what he's waiting for.˝ The captain had enough, he frowned and shot an angry glare at the wildcat, ˝I believe we've heard enough. You're hereby placed under military arrest.˝
But the feline decided she wouldn't go down so easily. As soon as the birds made their first step, she charged past them and jumped the wall. ˝After her, NOW!˝ ordered Skipper and they followed, sliding on their bellies. A short term plan formed in the slasher's head, and she began running towards Marlene's enclosure. She jumped onto the wall and over the water. ˝Hey Marlene, no time to explain, just act like I wasn't even here,˝ she said to the otter while entering the cave.
Marlene was lying on her bed, not even noticing her visitor. Sienna opened the lid leading to the sewers and then jumped up. She exposed her claws and sank the in to the ceiling. She remained there, safely out of sight. She was soon followed by the penguins. ˝Skippah, look! She went into the sewers,˝ said the private noticing the open entrance. ˝I see. Follow my lead men!˝ ordered the leader and they disappeared head first into the darkness.
With her pursuers gone, the wildcat descended onto the floor. ˝Thanks again for your help Marlene, I owe you one,˝ she said and then left for the penguin habitat. As soon as the cave emptied, the otter sat up and looked around her home. ˝Hmmm, that's strange, I thought I heard voices,˝ she said. ˝Oh well,˝ shrugged Marlene before returning back to her nap.
Meanwhile in the sewers, three penguins were looking for clues. ˝Sorry Skipper, but I just can't find any paw prints,˝ excused the lieutenant, looking through his magnifying glass. ˝Hoover dam! We lost her,˝ cursed the leader. ˝Maybe we should go back to HQ and see if Rico can clear things up,˝ suggested the Private. Skipper's eyes widened, ˝Of course! She went back to the base, to finish what she started. Let's go!,˝ he ordered, before they disappeared in the dark tunnels.
Back, underneath the artificial ice floe. ˝Ok, usually, I wouldn't even think of this, but here goes nothing,˝ said the monitor and then snapped a stick of dynamite in front of the unconscious penguin's beak. Soon the fish bowl slid away and down came the red Rhodesian slasher, ˝Rico!˝ she called. Only moments later, the metal door opened and from behind it came the remaining birds. ˝Aha! I was right!˝ cheered the leader, pointing at the wildcat.
As the aroma of the broken TNT stick descended into the blast happy penguins nose holes, it was analyzed and the message was sent to his brain. He knew the smell, the touch and even the taste of the explosive substance. His eyes shot open, a smile formed, on his slightly opened beak, and his tongue fell out. He stood up and started eagerly jumping, ˝KABLAMO!˝ he cheered. They all stopped with what they were just doing and looked at him.
Rico noticed the stares and serious expressions on their faces. He saw his secret girlfriend and his fellow penguins. He looked down to Alexander, with a look in his eyes that was asking for advice. The lizard answered with a single nod and a serious look. The penguin sighed and slowly waddled over to the wildcat. He was carefully watched by the remaining birds. He wrapped his flipper around her hips and pulled her closer.
Rico began his tale the day of his operation. He told them about all the dates they had and went into every single detail. Sometimes his grunts weren't enough and he had to show exactly what he did. As the three penguins and monitor were listening, their expressions were switching between those of curiosity, disgust, shock and boredom. But the one prevailing was the one of being sick to your stomach. They could barely hold down their lunches, since Rico decided he would go into every detail of the previous night.
It felt like the torture had gone on for days, but he was done after about half an hour. ˝Umm, what's bondage?˝ asked Private. ˝Something…very disturbing ,˝ explained Kowalski. ˝Why would anybody like that?˝ continued the chubby penguin, but Skipper groaned and decided to interrupt. ˝Ok, I think we've heard enough. Rico, I don't think I can allow these things to go the way they have 'till now,˝ the mohawk wielding penguin gulped hearing his leader. ˝You're no exception to the rules. The same goes to you as Kowalski.˝ Rico raised eyebrow, ˝Huh?˝
˝You will be back here at midnight, no more late night sneaking out. Understood?˝ The penguins eyes widened and a wide smile appeared across the maniac's face. Skipper wasn't mad or anything. He started questioning his whole secret keeping act, but it didn't matter now, he was with the one he wanted to be and he had his leader's blessing. The two love bird/ cat left the base paw in flipper. ˝Did you do something with your feathers?˝ was the last thing heard, before the fish bow closed.
Skipper sighed seeing his second lieutenant leave with his new girlfriend. ˝Hoover dam,˝ he muttered, ˝maybe I'm just meant to be alone.˝
Thanks for the comments. If it weren't for the story traffic system, I would've already given up on writing. BTW, this is your last chance to name the raven from the chapter 3 flashback. It's already written, but I don't have enough suggestions to choose from. Will update as soon as I get a name.
R&R
