Anyone notice something missing during the morning training in the last chapter? Well, I'm sure you did. Anyway, I see people are getting anxious about the Skilene *cough, DovenGrenade, cough*, but like I said, this chapter was already written so I wasn't rushed into anything. Oh and I decided to go with the suggestion of Inkheart5351 for the name of the raven. Thanks again and enjoy.
10 – When You're Wrong…
The next morning. ˝… and punch!˝ Skipper and his team just finished their routine. ˝What's wrong Skippah? What are we waiting for?˝ asked the chubby penguin with an extended flipper. ˝It happened again. Something's missing. Something important, but I just can't put my flipper on it,˝ answered the captain. ˝Maybe your celestial body is being blocked by another,˝ suggested Kowalski and pulled out a calendar from somewhere, ˝when were you hatched again?˝
Skipper rolled his eyes at this, ˝Forget it already. It probably isn't important. Just go on your dates already before I change my mind.˝ Rico and Kowalski saluted and left the floe. They somehow managed to convince their leader to give them the day off in order to spend it with their respectful girlfriends. The captain watched the two leave and sighed.
˝Oh if only there was a female, perhaps a mammal, that would enjoy the company of our beloved leader. And if only she were as close as next door,˝ spoke Alexander with a loud, sarcastic voice. ˝Oh, oh, I know. You're talking about Mar…˝ began the Private, but was cut off by the lizard who grabbed his beak, ˝Now, now, don't spoil the surprise. I want to see how long it takes him to figure it out.˝
˝Ok,˝ replied the chubby penguin with his, now free, beak. Skipper turned around to face the reptile, ˝What exactly makes you such an expert on women, you're as much of a bachelor as the rest of us.˝ Alexander formed an evil smile, ˝Please. I'm a doctor, a soldier and an ex-con. I catch the eyes of the ladies all the time. Snakes in the reptile house, the badgers and the shy black beauty that's been eyeing me for the last couple of days,˝ he said pointing his thumb backwards.
Private looked past the monitor's shoulder and saw what he was pointing at. On the branch of a tree, just outside the zoo, was a raven, looking directly in this direction, with what looked like a pair of binoculars. ˝Umm, Skippah, isn't that the raven that brought us that letter?˝ asked the little bird. The leader decided to also take a look. It was difficult to be certain, at this distance, but chances were…
˝You could be right there soldier,˝ replied the leader. ˝Wait, what letter, what are you guys talking about?˝ asked the lizard in his confusion. ˝The day before you came, that girl brought us a letter that said we mustn't let you out, but we still kinda did. Hehe,˝ explained the private. Alexander looked back to the captain, ˝You guys do have the jurisdiction to give me a full pardon, right?˝ Skipper rubbed the back of his head, ˝Well not exactly. I had Kowalski hack the grid. If anyone checks, you're free, but we can't exactly screw with the minds of people who already know.˝
The monitor began growling and the two birds backed up a little. ˝Calm down man! I'm sure you're still in the clear. I mean if it's been five days and she's seen you outside, then maybe we can still stop her before she reports to anyone,˝ said Skipper. Alexander took a few deep breaths and calmed down. ˝Ok then, what's the plan?˝ he asked. ˝Well, Kowalski isn't here, so I guess you'll take charge of the operation, since you're the »expert« on girls,˝ replied the leader.
The reptile took a deep breath. It's been a while since he led a team and he really missed it. ˝thank you Skipper. From my experiences andthefourthepisodeoffuturama, there is only one way to stop a female enemy. And that's by seducing her. It'll be as simple as that,˝ The penguins raised an eyebrow, questioning the plan. ˝Since she was keeping an eye on me, not eyeing me, there is no certainty, that I'm her type. That's why we need a wide variety of candidates. I'll take the European, a.k.a. you Private, an alpha male, that means you Skipper, and maybe another girl, since we aren't really sure what she likes.˝
˝Whoa, don't look at me, I'm not looking for a relationship here,˝ resisted Skipper. ˝Okay, then we'll find someone else. Any royalty around here?˝ asked the lizard. ˝Julien calls himself king,˝ suggested Private. ˝Excellent, women like a high status.˝ The lead penguin slapped his forehead, 'this is going to be a disaster,' he thought. ˝Private, find a bowtie. Skipper, get the king. I'll find the girl!˝ The short penguin gave a salute before leaving, but the captain just let out a groan.
They got back together in an hour, but this time it was inside the HQ, in order to avoid the watchful eyes of the dark mistress. Alexander was the only one who showed up empty-handed. ˝Turns out this zoo's worse than a sausage party. There are barely any girls here and the ones I spoke to were more interested in me than our spy. Although a diamondback offered to take her out without a mess, if we run out of options,˝ said the lizard while looking through the periscope. ˝So dis "friend" would take her on a date?˝ asked the lemur king while drinking from a carton of fruit juice. The monitor folded the handles on the periscope and pushed it up, before looking over to Julien, ˝Yeah, something like that.˝
˝So what exactly are we supposed to do? I've nevah had a girlfriend. I don't know what to do,˝ said Private in his »Mr. Tux« attire. ˝Just be yourself soldier. You really can't miss with that phony accent of yours˝ reassured Skipper. ˝Hey! Wat about my aksent. The ladies cannot resist it,˝ gloated the king. The captain let out another groan. ˝So, who wants to go first,˝ asked the reptile.
˝Wat kind of silly question is that you silly gecko, I am de king. I will be de first to do the courting. Even though we all know she should be the one courting me.˝ The lead penguin rolled his eyes. ˝But unfortunately I am going to have to break de hearts of my many girlfriends in Canada,˝ added the lemur. Skipper sighed, ˝Fine, then go first.˝
˝Do not be telling me wat to do, I am de king after all,˝ he responded and then stormed out of the HQ. ˝He should've given us time to prep up,˝ said Alexander and quickly ran over to the periscope. ˝Set up the long range audio surveillance system!˝ The birds slid over to a device in the corner and flicked some switches. ˝Up and running,˝ replied Skipper. ˝Ok gentleman, watch and learn.˝
˝Black bird's log: No sign of detection noticed. Suspect still seems oblivious to my presence,˝ quote the raven into her voice recorder. ˝Hey pretty lady!˝ called someone from somewhere. The bird picked up he binoculars and started looking for the source of the voice. Suddenly a pair of yellow eyes appeared in front of her. She startled a bit and jumped back a little. ˝Who are you? And what are you doing here?˝ she asked with a glare.
˝I am de king, can't you see de crown?˝ the raven remained unimpressed. ˝Tell me is it hot around here or is it just you?˝ asked the lemur, but then a breeze blew by that made him shiver, ˝Nope, it's definitely not you.˝ The bird let out a growl. ˝Hey, hey, no need to get upset with yourself. Not many ladies can resist the charm of de king.˝ He jumped closer and wrapped his arm around the raven's shoulders, ˝Now why don't you drop that thing,˝ he began, pointing at the binoculars, ˝and get on with de king!˝ he continued, and pointed at himself.
Back at HQ. ˝What do you suppose they're doing?˝ asked the private. ˝Well, he either did it, and they're making out, or she's trying to punch a hole in his cranium with her beak,˝ replied the lizard. ˝My money's on the second option,˝ said the leader. ˝And now the lemur's flying through the air. And you'd think a king would have some class,˝ he continued while putting away the periscope once again.
The penguins shrugged, ˝Hey, our king's special, what can you do,˝ replied Skipper. Alexander sighed, ˝If only he'd gotten us a name. We could check her out in the database.˝ The monitor then looked up to Private who gulped in response. ˝You saw, what to avoid, now make us proud,˝ he said to the little penguin. Private left the base in a nervous state, but determined to do his best.
˝… lemur tried to sweet talk me and the most disturbing part is those weren't the worst pick-up lines in my life,˝ said the raven into her voice recorder, still sitting on the branch. ˝'Ello there miss,˝ the bird once again looked around, and spotted the little penguin with the bowtie. ˝Umm, hi,˝ she greeted back. ˝I just went on a stroll around this beautiful zoo of ours and I saw you all alone in this 'ere tree. Thought you might enjoy some company,˝ he offered. ˝Wow, cute accent, but I'm kinda in the middle of something here,˝ she replied.
'Uh oh, I'm failing,… wait, what did Kowalski do again,… right, dinner,' thought the penguin. ˝Sorry I bothered you then miss. But 'ows about I make it up to you over dinnah,˝ he asked. The raven giggled, ˝Aww, how thoughtful of you, but I think you aren't my type and you might be just a tad too young for me.˝
Private frowned, though he never really expected anything out of this, rejection still tasted bitter. ˝Oh, sorry then, I'll just go,˝ the chubby penguin turned around and started making his way back home. The raven watched him leave and sighed, ˝Why do I always fall for the wrong guys?˝ she asked herself and picked up her voice recorder again. ˝Black bird's log: It happened again, but this time it was one of the penguins, it didn't look like he recognized me. So I can safely say, that it must be the new shampoo I'm using.˝
Private dropped into the HQ, ripped off the bowtie and threw it into a corner. He then made his way over to the table and sat down. He used his flippers to support his head and kept the frown. Skipper slowly waddled to the little penguin and gave him a pat on the back. ˝There, there, soldier, rejection comes to the best of us. But you can't let it keep you down. You've got to get back on the horse as soon as possible.˝
˝Thanks Skippah,˝ replied Private, standing up, with his cheerful smile. ˝Ok, looks like it's time for plan B,˝ said Alexander. The penguins exchanged confused looks. ˝And what might that be,˝ asked the captain. ˝Cover the windows and turn off the lights. It's time for some prisoner interrogation,˝ replied the monitor, rubbing his hands together.
Back on the branch, the raven was now doing some stretching exercises. ˝There we go, that should keep me going for a few more hours,˝ she said, unbeknownst to her that she had company. ˝Do you know how much a polar bear weighs,˝ asked someone behind her. Her eye twitched, she was fed up with the pick-up lines from the lemur, and now some other guy. ˝No! I don't!˝ she hissed, turning back and saw the monitor. He was sitting there on the branch, with his back against the tree and was watching her.
Her eyes widened and her heartbeat quickened. It was a combination of fear and excitement. The reptile slowly stood up and walked over to the girl. ˝Well, enough to break the ice,˝ he answered and then stuck a needle in her neck. Things quickly turned blurry, she could fell herself falling of the branch, and being caught by someone before hitting the ground, but other than that, nothing.
She woke up a few hours later. The room was completely dark. Not shadowy dark or dark during night. No, it was pitch-black, like the inside of a cave. ˝I don't think I like this plan,˝ said a voice. The raven quickly recognized it. It belonged to the little penguin, with the unmistakable accent. ˝Me neither,˝ said a different one. She knew this one too, she only heard it once, almost three weeks ago, but she knew it was captain Skipper's. ˝Hey, you're getting in as much trouble as I am for letting me out. And you also tempered with the database,˝ said a third voice.
Her blood began to boil hearing it. The monitor that got her here. She remembered exactly what he did. She tried to stand up, but realized, that she was tied to a chair of some sort. The remaining animals in the room heard the struggling. ˝I see she's awake,˝ said Alexander. Footsteps were heard. And then a strong light was turned on, directly in front of the birds face.
Her eyes hurt, obviously adapted to the dark, so she turned her head away. ˝You've been watching me for quite some time now, am I right?˝ asked the lizard. The bird clenched her beak. She was angry at herself, knowing that she had been spotted. ˝We've found your little toys too. What were you recording, perhaps a report for your superior?˝ he continued. 'No, it's my diary,' thought the raven, but didn't answer out loud. ˝And of course the binoculars, which are pretty neat, if I may say so.˝
The Private and Skipper were still in the base watching their team mate. ˝Shouldn't we have tried it with that guy in the reptile house first, who knows, maybe she would've enjoyed a date with him,˝ whispered the short penguin. The captain sighed, ˝Private, what Alexander was trying to say was, that some snake offered to swallow that bird whole.˝
The chubby penguin's eyes widened, ˝Why would he want to do that?˝ he asked, now afraid of what might follow. ˝Don't you see what we did? We let out convict and now he's part of the team. Haven't you been paying attention at all?˝ asked the frustrated leader. ˝I just thought we wanted to show that miss a good time, not take her out out.˝ Skipper groaned.
˝Hey do you mind, I'm trying to interrogate a prisoner here,˝ yelled the lizard and then turned back to the female, ˝Now, where were we? Ah yes, let's see what you have on the voice recorder, shall we?˝ The raven's heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly what was on it, and it was meant for her ear-slits only. The monitor pushed the button and rewinded a bit, before hitting play.
Black bird's log: It's been ten days since Alexander's transfer. I specifically asked for the job of making sure he stays behind glass, but who knows what will happen. I really hope I'll finally get to meet him in person.
The lizard's expression turned to one of confusion, while the raven blushed underneath her feathers.
Black bird's log: Something strange is going on, it seems that Alexander has joined the local penguin team. Duty demands I should report this to my captain, but I can't let him get into trouble. Who knows what punishment he'd get this time.
Black birds log: He seems to be fitting in quite nicely. He's made some new friends. And so have I. There was a nice otter, that offered me some tea. We had a nice conversation and it seems as though I'm not the only one with a crush around here. "click"
The monitor stopped the tape, ˝What the? This isn't a report. Turn on the lights,˝ he ordered. The reptile slowly raised his head and looked directly into the raven's eyes. They had adapted to the light by now and she could return the glare. ˝Who are you?˝ asked the lizard and extended his arm. With one quick swing he cut through the ropes that were tying their prisoner. ˝And why haven't you told anyone about me being free?˝ he asked once again.
˝I think you heard my reasons on the tape,˝ she muttered, with a voice that was barely audible. The lizard raised an eyebrow, ˝so what, you didn't turn me in because of a crush?˝ The bird looked away, obviously embarrassed. ˝I'm sorry, I kidnapped you, but I didn't know. I didn't want to get stuck behind glass again,˝ said the lizard. The bird shot him a glare. ˝I should go back and report this right now,˝ hissed the raven and flew to the ladder.
˝We have to stop her. Private maneuver: Foxtrot, Alfa, India, Lima. Go!˝ ordered the penguin leader, but was stopped by the team medic who jumped in their way and blocked their path. ˝What are you doing man, she's getting away,˝ yelled the leader. Only then he noticed the monitor's expression. It was a mixture of anger, sadness and regret. The skyscraper, that was Alexander, reduced to mere ruble.
The raven threw a last glance at the reptile, before she began her climb. ˝Can you at least tell me you name?˝ asked a voice before she reached the exit. She looked back and saw Alexander, just standing there, looking directly at her. ˝It's Iris,˝ she replied, before exiting the HQ.
The trio just stood there for a while longer, looking at the escape hatch. The reptile turned around and looked at the two birds, ˝I screwed up. I thought I could read girls, but I missed things that are so obvious now that it hurts my head when I look back at them.˝ He then turned his gaze to the penguin leader.
˝Skipper, please take this words of advice as a friend, not my superior. What happened right now is what happens to someone who waits too long. Don't do the same mistake I just did. Listen to what your team mates and listen closely. They've been trying to push you in the right direction for a long time now and you haven't even noticed. You aren't destined to be alone, no one is. And your match is closer than you realize.˝
Everything suddenly became clear to the penguin. The lizard's speech was like a key he needed to decode all the advice he got from his team mates. Everything made sense now. The feelings he got when she disturbed his morning training, the jealousy he felt when she was with the squirrel and the lemur and the feeling this morning. Something or rather someone was missing. He knew now what got him out of his regular routine.
Skipper turned around and went towards the ladder. He didn't notice Alexander and Private calling him. He was now focused on his new mission. He might have screwed up in the past, but this was bigger. He spent years with her, and didn't say anything, although the feeling were there he could never interpret them. He watched others fall in love around him and just told himself he was destined to be alone.
He jumped the moat, surrounding the ice floe and headed for the northern habitat. The monitor and chubby penguin tried to follow, but got stuck, since they both tried to leave the HQ at the same time. The two saw their leader and smiled, seeing the direction he was heading. ˝Looks like he finally figured it out,˝ said the lizard. ˝Yup, better late than nevah.˝
The lead penguin waddled as if he was dreaming. As if the world had stopped, just for him. He jumped the wall and the pool, that stood there to separate him from the girl destined for him. As usual, he didn't knock before entering her cave. He saw the otter with a sad expression, sitting on her bench and fiddling with the strings on her guitar.
Marlene noticed him and slowly stood up, leaving her instrument on the bench. ˝Skipper, don't you ever knock?˝ she asked, but her words didn't even seem to have reached him. The otter got concerned. She noticed the expression on his face, 'Oh no, he's under the mind control again,' she thought. He continued his steady waddle, and she was only able to make one step back, before he reached her.
˝Skipper,˝ began the otter, but was stopped as the penguin grabbed her and pulled her into a deep kiss. She was surprised at first, but overjoyed later. She returned the kiss and they stood there for who knows how long. It felt as if time had slowed down at that moment and the universe hit a stop sign. Neither of them wanted to end it. They've waited too long and had to enjoy every second they could.
Love, it poisons the mind with endorphins. It makes you think about others wellbeing. It clouds your judgment and makes you do the dumbest things. It leaves you with a felling of sickness in your stomach and gives you wrinkles from the smiling. You don't get any time to yourself anymore because the addiction to the happiness hormone forces you to be with the other person… and it feels great.
After several minutes, the two finally pulled apart, but stayed in each other's embrace. Skipper looked deep into Marlene's eyes and she did the same. ˝I finally figured it out,˝ said the penguin. ˝Took you long enough,˝ replied the otter.
I think I'll end this story with the next chapter, but the loose ends will be connected in the sequels.
R&R