The Outsider:
Chapter 36: The Project
The garage was about the one place Randal could escape to in the evening. Almost every night he would sneak away here and tune his stuff up. I wasn't so bad, despite his greasy and grimy hands he enjoyed working with the mechanical aspects of his bike or whatever he had to tamper with that he could find. It was a good place to reflect on the day's events as he pulled out the flip phone from his pocket and checked his messages. There was still no response to his latest text to Evelyn. He was hoping that she would have responded as he had sent it several days ago and they hadn't chatted for several years, not since that incident. Randal placed the phone on the workbench with reverent care as he turned back to try to patch the small hole he had in his rear tire. He was hoping things would smooth over as Randal busied himself by spinning the wheel over and over again, each time gaining momentum. The pale white door behind him was thrust open, this told him he was not alone as a familiar face entered the room.
"You working again?" asked the weary voice of his adoptive father from the base of the brick stairs, as he walked onto the cool concrete that Randal was currently working on. The graying wolf was somewhere in his late forties and was still dressed in his work clothes.
"Hey Marshal," replied the gray wolverine, trying his best to act casual as Marshal leaned up against the work bench, as Randal spun the wheel causing the tired to go spinning off, bouncing along the ground before slamming into the garage door. "Should have put the bolts back on that."
"Your mom is worried about you," replied Marshall fetching the wheel and placing back in place.
"How so?" said Randal raising his eyebrow. "And she's not really my mother."
"Well, she likes to think of it as if you were," said Marshal shrugging. "You never seemed to accept the fact that we're your family now."
"Close enough to it, but not quite," replied Randal turning around, a lump burning in his throat. He never liked talking about his biological parents. It was always a sore subject, one he had never really gotten over, no matter how much time that passed. His father was missing, and his mother… His mother was gone, there was nothing that would change that.
The door opened for the second time for the evening to reveal a younger weasel, still fixing her hair in a bun.
"Good evening, Wendy."
"You should really take a break from all this you know," said the dark brown weasel, indicating to the stuff that was starting to clutter up in the garage due to Randal tinkering with them. Toolboxes were jumbled together and their contents were scattered across the floor without rhyme or reason. In order to make sense of the tools, the young wolverine had taken the liberty to use a different tape around each tool in order to color code them to a certain box with strips of tape of blue, lime green, orange, and gray marking them.
"Ah it's fine, I would rather have a busier workspace anyways, it helps take my mind off stuff," said the wolverine, hastily tightening his bike wheel back where it was supposed to be with his wrench.
"Still, it wouldn't hurt to organize every now and again."
"I guess that's true," replied Randal grunting as he almost stripped the nut by tightening it too hard.
"Well, I'd hate to interrupt what you're doing, but it's time for dinner, so if you don't mind setting your stuff down so we can eat."
"Yeah, be right there," replied Randal, trying to keep a happy look on his face as Marshall enter the house silently.
"Something still bothering you?"
"Not really, it's all fine."
"Let me guess you have a few regrets."
"How did you-"
"Randal, I knew your mother quite well, she also bottled things up inside of her and bury them. Your mother was an incredible woman, do you remember much about her?"
"Not too much. Fuzzy memories really, she died when I was only eight."
"Well, she would be very proud to see you trying to change for the better."
The wolverine gave the older weasel a perplexed look as she quickly gave an explanation.
"Principal Brown called saying you haven't gotten into any incidents lately. And he's even considering to suggest you take honors courses next year as you've really started pulling up your grades."
"That's great and all, but can you tell me more about my mom."
"She was kind, but she had a serious temper when you got her fired up. Your father tried to ask her out on multiple occasions, she ended up knocking his stool out from under him in science class as a result. He ended up a bruise, and his pride hurt and she took him down to the nurse's office. They started dating not soon afterward," replied Wendy with a reminiscing smile.
"I wish I knew her."
"She lives on in your memories. Tell you what, I still think I have my high school yearbook, it's got notes from your father and mother in it. I'll give it to you sometime if I can find it."
"That sounds wonderful," said the wolverine grinning as Wendy stood up, giving the wolverine a small pat on the shoulder.
"Just don't shut us out, we want to help."
"I know you do."
Randal felt her hand lightly brush against the top of his head as he continued to work diligently. Sometimes he was ungrateful or hot headed, or perhaps just to blind to see it. He did have a mother, and she really did care about him.
The morning for Jake Wiley was no less a hassle as it had been previous days. Miss Simian was trying to work their fingers to the bones and relishing in her triumph as her students looked progressively more and more worn and miserable. Whatever sadistic pleasure Miss Simian got from it was not worth what it did to class morale. Gumball's head was flat against the desk not even bothering to look at the blackboard as she scraped the chalk up against it causing the coyote's spine to tingle. Grif looked particularly bored, a blank look on his face as he busied himself playing a game of tick-tack-toe with a certain purple fox who was a seat over from him. The red and white griffin yawned flapping his wings slightly in his seat almost causing Jake's well-taken notes to be knocked askew with the coyote scowling at him as a result.
"Does anyone want to prepare a eulogy? I think I may actually die of boredom," said the red and white griffin opening his faceshield to yawn and let his pink tongue loll out before snapping the plate closed again.
"It's a long one, isn't it?" said Brian, resting his head on his arm as he beat Grif for the second time though the Griffin wasn't particularly interested in the game.
"Well, we just need to hold out for a few more minutes," said Darwin, eying the clock eagerly.
"Come on, by that time Miss Simian will give us another boring project," groaned Grif in annoyance.
"Just be thankful for what you've got, summer is just around the corner after all," said Darwin cheerfully as Grif leaned back in his chair trying to get a good look out the window outside at the playground.
"Yeah, which means fresh air, something I can't get enough of," said Grif, giving a disdainful look at Miss Simian.
"Alright class, listen up! You will be receiving a project on the practical uses of different elements. Each of you will be assigned a partner as well as your respective elements."
They could tell that Miss Simian was greatly enjoying this as she intentionally made the groups unbalanced pairing people together that did not like each other or work well as a team, she was basically setting them up for failure and she knew it. When the fossilized baboon arrived at Jake's seat the coyote made the motion to team up with Grif or preferably someone who he got along with.
"No, I think not," replied the baboon evilly. "You'll be paired with Randal for this project. Best of luck to you two."
The vile grin of the baboon was still fresh in his mind as the coyote clenched his desk in fright as he got up to greet his partner at the back of the room. The gray wolverine, fortunately, seemed to be in a good mood today as he pulled up a chair for the dusty brown coyote to sit in. The wolverine was already collecting any notes he had on the element they were assigned.
"Morning Randal," said the coyote timidly, as he pulled his backpack off his shoulder and placed it on the desk next to him.
"Good morning Jake," replied the wolverine pleasantly. "So we're doing research on Nickel huh?"
"Atomic number: twenty-eight," Jake blurted out remembering the element off the top of his head as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Alright let's get started then," said the wolverine taking out a pencil and a sheet of paper to rewrite his notes condensing them down to bullet points, while Jake jumped in from time to time to add details or facts. This was quite productive for them as they managed to get a rough outline of what their project would look like before they departed class.
"Working with Tobias is a nightmare," said Grif shaking his head adamantly. "We've got carbon to research and as soon as I mentioned they are one of the main elements in proteins all he starts talking about is weight lifting, not like he could lift that much in the first place. A stiff breeze could knock him over for crying out loud."
"Not as bad as Tina," replied Gumball shaking his head. "She keeps giving a look that suggests that she wants to squash me."
"I've got Masami for a second time, at least we can work as more of a team this time around," said Brian ruffling his purple hair. "Darwin has got Sussie."
"It's horrible..."
"Well, at least it looks like you and Randal are getting along," said the purple fox changing the subject due to Darwin's response on the subject.
"He's alright, just a bit rough around the edges after all."
"Well, if anyone could get him back on the right track I bet Ev could," said Grif smiling, before adding. "You too of course Jake."
Jake nodded he did wonder what Randal was doing now.
The wolverine stared at the photograph in his hands quietly reminiscing. The sounds of footsteps down the hallway alerted Randal as his ears perked up and he tried to stuff the photograph and it's shattered frame back into his locker. The sight of Evelyn Luck surprised Randal as he waved at her, and she raised an eyebrow skeptically at what he was hiding behind his back. Usually, Evelyn would do her best to avoid Randal at any given moment.
"I see you changed your outfit, it looks cute," said Randal referring to the new pink cardigan and hairstyle she was sporting.
"Thanks," said Evelyn somewhat coolly but with a small smile as Randal turned his gaze towards the window.
"So, I was looking for you at lunch, I figured we should talk about a few things or something. I saw you and Jake working together on that project."
"Yeah, he's a bright kid, he's got a good future ahead of him," said Randal busying himself with stowing the picture away before he stopped himself.
"Randal, what's that in your hand?"
"It's nothing... it's just. Ah, you already know what it is," said the wolverine holding out the broken frame and photograph. The photo depicted a handsome young wolverine with bluish-gray fur in a black tuxedo hand-in-hand with a laughing jackal with long tan hair curled with a tiara on her head and in a beautiful wedding dress. Behind them, the maid of honor was a familiar looking weasel and the best man.
"You still have it?" asked Evelyn drawing closer to get a better look at the photo.
"Yeah, it's not something I want to lose, so I usually carry it around. Just to remember the good times they must have had."
Evelyn's expression softened slightly as the wolverine stared at the floor as if fixated on it. The border collie locked her paws with his for a brief while the wolverine tried to find the courage to speak up.
"I should go, I promised Kelsey that we would work on some of our homework while lunch is going on," said Evelyn, breaking the silence.
"Oh right, I shouldn't keep you. I can catch up with you later," said the wolverine feigning a smile and quickly moving his paws away from hers, which surprised the border collie.
"Well, catch up with you later then Randal."
The wolverine gave a warm smile as she waved goodbye and disappeared leaving him alone with just his thoughts to keep him company as he fixed up his locker and went down to lunch.
After several days of planning the wolverine and the coyote, both agreed that they would first meet in the library in order to get the chance to check out any books or use the computers for some extra research. Jake clicked away at the keyboard like an expert using it to help locate some credible sites with information on Nickel while Randal scanned the back rows of the shelves coming up with several newer and well-written textbooks.
"This should be about enough," said Randal burying his hands in his pockets after dropping the books down in front of them.
"Seems likely," answered the coyote, checking the book titles and then flipping to the table of contents to make sure they were relevant.
"That didn't take that long actually. I was worried that we would have to go riffling through the whole library just to find something."
"Good thing we got here early."
At that precise moment, the doors the library slammed open lead by the familiar bullies of Elmore Junior High. The dusty brown coyote tensed, bracing himself for the incoming onslaught, but the wolverine placed a large paw on his shoulder and interceded, taking a step in front of Jake and making himself a shield between the two as Jamie lead them this time instead of Tina. Jamie scowled at the sight of the wolverine, no doubt remembering their first encounter as she cracked her knuckles as the gray wolverine greeted her calmly.
"Good afternoon Jamie, looking for something?" said Randal shifting his feet further apart ever so slightly to be prepared to dodge to either side if necessary.
"Yeah, we want the books you have, hand them over, now."
Jake lifted an eyebrow at this as he and Randal exchanged baffled looks before chuckling to themselves. Apparently, the hybrid didn't take too kindly to this as her face turned a bright and blotchy red.
"What's so funny?!" demanded the hybrid slamming her fist on the desk as Jake and Randal quickly encouraged her to quiet down lest they attract the attention of the elderly librarian who had a stern reputation throughout Elmore Junior High.
"It's funny because we're researching a metal, you have a gas, so most of the books that we would give you would be entirely worthless because of that."
"Oh right, well it's not my fault. I have Banana Joe for a partner, he's driving me up a wall with his lame jokes, and worst of all he doesn't have hardly any incentive to do this project."
"Well, maybe we can point you in the right direction," said Jake, interceding as he stepped forward. "I could find what you're looking for and then you can get started on your projects."
"Sounds like a plan."
After a short while, the wolverine and the coyote handed off the books that Jamie and the others needed. Surprisingly the hybrid voiced a very small thank you towards them which was almost inaudible, though Jake's acute sense of hearing was able to pick up on it.
"You're welcome. Let us know in the future if you need any help, we'd be more than happy to," replied the coyote, a smile on his face as he collected the remaining textbooks and place his notebook inside his backpack.
"So, where to next?" asked the wolverine, watching still somewhat uneasy as the bullies left the library in a rush letting the door clatter loudly causing the librarian to look up sharply from her work with a wrinkled frown on her face.
"Considering how we have all the work compiled do you want to head over to my place and get started on refining our work and type everything up?"
"Sure, I'll just have to let my stepmom know."
The words had left Randal's mouth before he had realized he had spoken them and Jake's ears perked up upon hearing this as the dusty brown coyote turned around to face him. The wolverine quickly busied himself with fixing the straps of his gray kneepads, before looking into the coyote's face. There was a great deal of confusion in his expression as if he was trying to understand why he had stepparents or what happened to his parents. The wolverine rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as the coyote raising his hand to ask a question.
"It's a long story," said Randal sparring Jake the trouble as he got his backpack slung over his shoulder. "Lead the way pal."
Jake and Randal stepped over the threshold into the Wiley residence as Randal looked around taking the sights in. It was a rather nice place, though it was rather hot inside, as a familiar voice to Jake greeted them.
"Hey Jake, who's the friend you brought along," asked Brooke dusting herself off as she stood up to full height.
Jake noticed she was very tired, as bags were starting to form around her eyes and that she was very pale as she clung to the side of the counter for support. Jake walked over to her and gave her a big hug, which she returned pulling him in close to her. She swayed slightly on the spot however and the coyote worried that she might fall over. She regained her balance quickly however and gave her son a reassuring pat on the head.
"This is Randal, we're working on a project together," said Jake brightly pulling away and indicating towards the large wolverine who gave a small wave towards the gray wolf.
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Wiley," said Randal sheepishly.
"You know, you should take a break every once in a while," insisted the coyote in a whisper as the gray wolf smiled and messed up his hair on him.
"I'd love to, but we have that family reunion next week and the house has got to be clean by then."
"Well, you are doing this a week early, and why not wait a while so once I'm done with my project I can help out."
"That's awfully thoughtful of you, you're sure you can make that commitment?"
"Ah, I got plenty of time!"
"Well, don't keep me waiting, sport."
The dusty brown coyote gave a happy salute, as he jumped up the staircase with Randal following close behind to reach the second floor.
"Pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable," said Jake leaping in a chair and spinning around to face his desk.
Randal slid into the wooden chair next to the coyote. He was always clacking away at the keyboard, in front of his small computer occasionally squinting at the screen and muttering to himself to see if what he was saying made any sense. The wolverine was impressed by coyote's work ethic and drive to finish it. They were right on schedule and were sure to finish in several hours.
"We're really moving now," said Randal finger gunning at the coyote who grinned in reply.
"Really Randal? You're hardly even contributing," responded the coyote flicking the wolverine in the nose.
"Maybe I should take over, that way you can get a chance to rest."
"Nah, I'm totally fine."
"I can see you yawning."
"C'mon."
With a simple sweeping motion, the wolverine picked the coyote out of his chair and into his arms, gripping his sides tightly to stop him from moving as he places him down on his turquoise bed sheets and placed his forearm up against him to stop him from moving. The dusty brown coyote tried to shake him off but the wolverine was resolute.
"Now, allow me," said the wolverine grinning and taking his turn on the keyboard. "So how does this thing work?"
After a while of walking Randal through the content, they were putting the finishing touches on the project. It had taken them a while longer than expected and the sun was beginning to set on the horizon leaving a pattern of oranges and reds in the sky behind the treetops. The last warm ray of sunshine seemed to be something that the coyote treasured as he pressed his paw slightly against the window subconsciously. The gray wolverine made sure to save the document as he closed the window out as the computer's fan began to whine attempting to cool it off. The coyote let out a small yawn as the wolverine smirked at him.
"What happened to all that boundless energy dude?"
"Who knows," stated the coyote his head lolling back and forth before he rested it on the desk as the coyote began drifting towards sleep.
The wolverine pulled off his jacket as he took it and draped the coyote in it, almost entirely covering him as the coyote raised his head in curiosity.
"Rest easy young one, you've had a busy day after all haven't you?"
"You could say that again," replied the coyote somewhat drowsily tugging the coat around him tighter.
The wolverine couldn't help but smile. The kid was rather bright and had made working with him a breeze. The coyote curled further into a ball, closing his eyes, and resting his muzzle on his forearms. The large and floppy jacket made the coyote almost resemble a bat wrapped up in its leathery wings. The wolverine ruffled the coyote's hair and then made a motion to leave the slightly disorganized room.
"Thanks, Randal," muttered Jake from the bed, as the wolverine stopped at the doorway.
"See you around little bro," said the wolverine turning off the lights and walking downstairs.
The coyote snuggled tightly in the jacket. Why should he worry about being a good older brother? He had Randal to help set an example, granted, he hadn't always been the best role model, especially when he had been at odds with the wolverine. But the wolverine's anger had started to disappear as he started to open up to him and his friends. He just hoped that the lessons that Randal had learned would not be forgotten and that the wolverine would come to be someone he could call a friend.
The wolverine closed the door shut gently, his mind on focus on the smaller coyote. He had become so blinded by anger for several years he had almost completely forgotten about compassion, something that could make the littlest but the most vital difference in life. The wolverine brushed his hair back sighing and turning around away from the oak door and began to walk down the long blue carpet. He was ready to leave, and the coyote, he would look after him. He would be his protector and more importantly his friend. It was going to be a fresh start for him, but how could he ever make it up to them? To his family, to Jake, and most importantly how was he going to make it up to Ev?
The loud buzz of his phone going off told him that he had received a new text message and he opened up his phone to look at what he had received. It was a small text from Evelyn that the wolverine quickly read.
'Hey Randal, I know it's been a while since we hung out, but I wanted to know if you would like to go out to an amusement park or get a bite to eat. I would like to catch up and see how you're doing. Anyways, let me know if you are interested and we can set up a time. If you're not then I understand and I'll try to catch up with you at school if possible.' -Ev
The wolverine eargly responded.
'Sure, I would love to and if you want to bring some friends feel free. Also, hopefully I see you at school.' -Randy
I tried to tread a bit of new ground to keep things fresh as I gave a bit more background to Randal, though his past is still a bit murky I'll admit. It was a fun chapter to right, though it did take a little longer as I was on vacation and I apologize for the delay on this one, I'll make sure to try to make my uploads as frequent and consistent as possible so I don't lose track of things myself. Anyways, if you liked this chapter be sure to fave, follow or review, and I really appreciate the recent reviews, they always bring a smile to my face and I really appreciate all the support. In the meantime stay cool, and hang loose! Nomad going silent.
Next chapter- The Reboot-Part One
When a virus from Blockbuster infects Bobert the latter goes haywire, so the gang must team up with Blockbuster to stop Bobert and return him back to normal.
Steelwall's Notes:
-Finally we get to see more about the wolverine. His adoptive parents, his relationship with them and what happened to his biological parents. I also love how Randal and Jake are forming a brotherly relationship. Overall this chapter was great in terms of character development for Randal.
Nomad's Notes:
-This is the end of the second act of The Outsider, the third and final act is about to begin starting with the next chapter, not to mention there will be some new outfits for the characters as well.
-Some stuff about Randal's family I had to skim over as it would be more of a teen rating, meaning that I would have had to change the rating of this story.
-I figured some cameos of Jamie and Brian would be refreshing and I do plan on having Neo's OCs make a few more contributing roles in future chapters, especially towards the end of The Outsider, which I have to say is getting closer and closer.
-Marshal and Wendy Rowe are Randal's stepparents, I still haven't come up with names for his biological parents, though I'm sure I will come up with something about them eventually.
-Hopefully I'll be able to complete bios for all my major OCs and put them on my profile for those who are interested.