Hey! Welcome to another chapter of Left Behind! Hope you enjoy!
"Out there ?" Marlene stood at end of the entrance while Antonio stood at the outside of the zoo. He smiled at the scared otter. Marlene held her paws together in fear and shook her head. "But like I said. I was born in captivity. I'll... I'll go wild if I leave!"
Not that long ago. Antonio asked if he could show her his outside world. She wanted to go but there was a small problem. She'll go wild.
"Not with me you won't. Just trust me." Antonio reached out his paw. He gazed into her eyes and smiled. "You trust me, right?"
Marlene gazed at his paw then at him. She just met him and she completely trusts him with her life. Marlene nodded slowly and reached out her paw and gripped his.
Slowly Antonio pulled her outside the zoo gates. He saw that Marlene's whiskers began to twitch and her pupils grew wide for a moment. She begin to snarl softly.
Antonio let out a louder snarl, Showing his alpha side . Marlene gazed at him confused.
"W.. What just happened?"
"I need to dominate you . I'm the alpha here." He chuckled softly. "It's a otter then. It'll keep your wild side away."
"So.. As along as I'm with someone who dominates me. I'll be fine?"
"Yes. But if anybody else comes near you. You will turn back. Which is why we're taking this nice and slowly." Antiono gripped her paw tighter and began to lead the way. "And by ourselves, so you'll get a better control of it."
"I feel so free. No walls. No nothing. "
"Marlene." Antonio let out another snarl. "Don't let it go to your head."
"Right.." She let out giggle.
"Now let's go to my home. It's next to the pond." He gripped her paw tight. "Nice and slow. You have time to look at everything."
"Okay.." She took a deep breath. She grinned happily. "I can't believe I'm actually outside! I can do anything! We can get snowcones! "
Antonio let out a warm smile. "Would you like to do that?"
"Yes, please."
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"Skippah!"
Skipper rolled his eyes but turned toward him. He and Kowalski were playing a game of chess while Rico was near the TV with his doll in his flippers. Skipper sighed. "Yes. Pravite?"
"I saw Marlene! She-"
"Didn't we agree to not spy on her?"
"I'm sorry sir! Ah didn't mean too!" He cried out. "But I saw her leave the zoo with Antonio! I'm worried! "
"She left the zoo?" Skipper was confused then his eyes widen. He jumped to his feet. "But she'll go fearl! Men! Move out!"
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Marlene sighed happily as she laid over Antonio's lap. He was giving her a back message and it felt good. After they had their snowcones and a quick tour of the park, They sat next to his pond and were relaxing and enjoying the warm sun and breeze.
"Where have you been all my life?"
He chuckled. "You know here and there. Same goes for you. Where have you been?"
"I've been in the zoo. I've been thinking. And I know we just met like literally a few hours ago, But I feel like I've known you all my life. Wired, right? "
"We're meant to be best friends."
"Yeah.." Marlene thought for a moment. "Are you sure you want to move in? We just met. I understand if you were being nice about it. And-"
Antiono stopped for a moment then he chuckled again. "Marlene relax. I was being honest. I do want to move in. I would love to have a roommate."
"Well..You're not a spy or anything like that? R-Right?" She gazed up beside him.
He smiled toward her and held a paw to his chest. "Marlene. Trust me. I am no spy."
"I'm sorry, Skipper's paranoia is starting rub off on me." She chuckled. Slowly she got up from his lap and sat next to him. She played with her paws. A blush forming on her cheeks. "I do trust you alot actually. I well I like you too. I haven't met another otter like me in a while. You talk to me and tell me everything when I ask. Everytime I try talk to Skipper or the others they always respond with 'it's classified'. And well. Yeah. They just.. They... "
Marlene stopped and gazed away. Antiono frowned when he saw Marlenes expression. She was sad. He gripped her paw, breaking her out of her thoughts. Antiono gave a soft smile. Hopefully to cheer her up.
"I like you too, Marlene. You're a good friend and I can't wait to move in with you and get to know you better, I'll bring my guitar and teach you how to play. You would like that, Si?"
Her face lit up and her tail moved to the side. "I would really like that!"
They gazed at each other smiling. A blush began to from on Marlene's fur as she looked into his pretty green eyes then she looked away.
"Marlene!" Skipper and his men lunched forward. A few feet away from the otters. They both jumped up and gazed at them with wide eyes. Skipper pointed a flipper. "What are you doing outside of the zoo?"
"S-Skipper?" Her nose and tail began to twitch as she gazed at the team confused. "What.. What are you guys doing here?"
"We're here to take you home before you go fearl." Pravite answered. "We're worried about you!"
Marlene slowly stood up. Antiono gripped her paw as he slowly stood up as well. The penguins were here. It was messing everything up! He saw that Marlene's wild side was trying to take over which is why she's confused.
"Now. Marlene look at me. It's okay. " He gazed into her eyes.
"It's... Okay?" she asked confused.
Antiono let out a snarl.
"You!" Skipper barked. He pointed a flipper. "Stay away from her! Men! Take him out!"
"What? No!" He yelled as he was attacked to the ground by Rico and Kowalski. It caught him off guard. He growled against thier grip. "She needs me! She needs someone who tops her or she'll go wild!"
Skipper's eyes widen. He didn't believe him. He narrowed his eyes. "You mad man. Did you hurt Marlene?"
"No, no, you got it all wrong. It's an otter thing. She needs someone who tops her until she gets better control of it or she'll go fearl."
"I knew you couldn't be trusted." Skipper spat. Turning to Marlene, he held out his flipper and started to take her away. "Come on. Let's get you home."
"O.. Okay.." Her tail twitched and she gripped his flipper and began to follow him.
"No! You don't know what you're doing!" He struggled against Rico's and Kowalski's grip. "She's going to go fearl without me! She needs me! "
Skipper rolled his eyes and lead Marlene away along with Pravite beside them.
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"You okay, doll face?"
"I.. I'm not s-sure.." Her tail begin to twitch faster as well as her whispers. "I'm very.. confused is all.."
"Is she alright, Skippah?"
"No." Skipper answered after a moment. He studied her. "I don't think so. "
Marlene hissed and in a quick flash she jumped on poor Pravite!
"Gah!" He cried out he began to run around in circles trying to get Marlene off. "Skippah! Help! Help! What do i do?! WHAT I AH DO?! "
"Quick! Get to the zoo!" Skipper ordered, he slid forward leading the way.
"I'm trying!" Pravite cried out with Marlene still on his head.
"Marlene!"
The two penguins turned around and saw Antiono running on all fours toward them . He jumped up and tackled Marlene off Pravite and into the ground. Pinning her down on her back against the ground. He snarled loudly in her face.
Marlene snarled back and kicked him off with her sharp hind claws, sending him flying into Rico and Kowalski who were right on their tail. They were so close to the zoo.
She locked eyes with Skipper. And before Skipper knew. Marlene pounced on him. Sending both him and her rolling until they made it on the other side of the gate. They laid in the middle of the zoo.
"Uhh.." Marlene's blurred version finally cleared. She was on top of something warm, hard and... Featherly? Gazing down, she saw that she was on top of Skipper. Her face turned bright red as her mind was progressing what was happening. "What the? Skipper? What happened? Why am I.."
She quickly stood up, jumping away from him. She was back at the zoo? Just a moment ago, she was with Antiono, now she was in the zoo? How? What happened? Marlene looked around. "What's going on? What happened? Why am I back at the zoo? Where's Antiono?"
"Marlene!"
She turned around and saw Antonio running towards her. Gasping softy, she ran toward him and hugged him tight.
"Are you hurt?"
"No. No. I.." Marlene noticed his claw marks. She gasped. "Did.. I did that to you?"
"It's nothing but a scratch. I've had worse." He chuckled. "I'm glad you're okay. Remind me to never get on your bad side."
"I.. I don't remember much." She said then she saw Skipper and the others coming closer to them. Marlene growled . "Skipper, you..."
"We thought you were in trouble Marlene!" Pravite explained jumping in. "I saw you leaving the zoo with him!"
"Didn't I tell you guys to not spy on us?" Marlene crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Skipper.
"Well. Yeah Skippah told us not to. But I couldn't help it. I'm sorry." He whimpered. "I'm so sorry Marlene. Ah was worried because we all knew how you get outside the zoo walls."
"Wait.." Marlene was confused. She gazed at Skipper. "Skipper.. Actually listened to me? Wow. That's a first."
They all glanced at him.
"What?" Skipper asked confused. He shrugged and held his flippers behind his back. "You told use not to. So we respected your request."
"It's just. You never do that. Do you actually trust me?" Marlene's eyes widen with hope.
"Just. Be careful next time." He turned around and began to head home without another word.
"See ya Marlene." Pravite waved. "See ya Antiono."
"Yeah.. See ya. Thank you for worrying about me. " She waved her paw toward them but she was mostly staring at Skippers direction.
Marlene frowned. It was so awkward between the two now. And she hated it. Maybe she should talk to him later.
"That was rather.." Antonio wasn't sure what to say. "Interesting?"
"Yeah.. It was." Marlene shook her head. Gripping his paw, she began to lead him toward her home. "Come on. Let me get your wound looked at."
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"Somethings up with Skippah." Pravite whispered to his brothers. They were following Skipper home but he was in front and couldn't hear what they were saying. He frowned. "He's been acting so...so not himself."
"Affirmative." Kowalski nodded his head with agreement. He looked up ahead at his leader to make sure he wasn't listening. "And Im sure it's something to do with Marlene."
"Yup." Rico nodded.
"Well, why Marlene? She has a new friend now. Why is he upset over that?" Asked Pravite. "Shouldn't he be happy for her? She's not lonely any more."
"Well Pravite.. Uh.." Kowalski wasn't sure how to explain it to him. "Yes. She does but Skipper he uh.."
"Is he jealous of Antiono?"
"In a way, yes. But I suppose deep down he knows it's for the best." Kowalski said. "Which would explain him backing off Antiono once Marlene said he wasn't a spy but a friend and well the way he acted just now. . How did you know? "
"It's like one of my shows that I watch. Lots of drama romance happens." He explained then he frowned. "It's just so awkward between the two isn't?"
"Yes." Kowalski sighed. "Yes it is. And it's up to Skipper to fix it."
The four penguins entered their home in silence. Rico sat in the corner of the room, holding his doll close he began to give soft kiss on her cheek. Pravite waddled toward the T.V. His program was about to start which left Skipper and Kowalski left by the ladder.
"Up for a round of chess, Kowalski?"
"Yes sir. I would love too."
Kowalski eyed Skipper as he took a seat. His back was facing Pravite.
"Skipper." Kowalski eyed him. He decided to finally talk to his leader about his strange behavior. "You been acting strange lately.
"Strange how?" Skipper raised his eyebrows.
"Well..er.." He played with his flippers with a sigh he continued. "Ever since Antiono showed up. You've been.. How do I say this. Less paranoid Less well.. You.."
"I trust Marlene."
"Also. Things have been.. Interesting between you two." Kowalski pointed out. "Did you apologize to Marlene yet?"
"Why would I do that?"
"Uhh. It's just I've noticed it's been a bit awkward between the two of you too. I thought if you apologized to her. Everything will be back to normal. You do love her sir? And you want everything to be back to normal. You want that sir, right?"
"I do." Skipper said after a moment. Kowalski was right. His team was right. Things were rather interesting between the two since this morning. He let out a sigh. "Alright. I'll go talk to her. I guess I DO owe her a apology for my actions. Aslo checkmate."
"What the? How!?"
Skipper chuckled as he waddled away. He waved his team goodbye and went up the ladder. He sighed as he stood on top of his platform. Gazing at Marlene's habitat ,he let out another sign. He could feel his heart beat a bit faster. Skipper shook his head. Maybe a walk around the zoo will help clear his mind.
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"I couldn't agree more Phil."
Skipper waddled closer and listened. Then jumped over the fence and into their home. The chimps sat on their tree, playing chess.
"What are you two chimps talking about?"
"Hm?" Mason turned toward Skipper who now stood in front of him. He smiled. "Oh. It's nothing important. We just met Marlene's friend Antiono a while back. He was rather nice."
"Antonio. What about him?" Skipper raised a eyebrow.
Mason thought for a moment then answered carefully. "Well. Did Marlene tell you that he's going to be staying?"
His eyes widen. Why wasn't he told? Didn't Marlene trust him? To tell him that another otter is moving in with her? A otter that she barely knew for a day? Skipper frowned. Then again he and his team wouldn't tell things to Marlene but they have good reasons!
"No. I didn't know. " Skipper said after a moment rather awkwardly. He coughed into his flipper and nodded. "Thank you for letting me know. I need to go"
"Goodbye Skipper. We'll see you tonight when we file the papers." Mason called out and waved, he frowned and turned toward his brother who nodded. That was rather odd..
Skipper waddled around the zoo. He was lost in his thoughts. Why didn't Marlene tell him? She doesn't trust him? They've been neighbors for years! He should know these things! It's important!
He stopped in front of the otter habitat.
"Well. " He mumbled mostly to himself. "Here goes nothing. "
He slid toward the tree and quietly climbed up. He didn't want to be seen not yet.
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"I'm sorry for attacking you."
The two otters sat in front of her tree in her habitat. She held a wet cloth and was cleaning his small wound. It wasn't deep so it didn't need stitches. But it will leave a tiny scar.
"Like I said before. It's nothing but a scratch so dont worry about it. I've had worse. If it wasn't for your penguins pals. You would've been fine."
"Well, I did last a while didn't I?" Marlene pulled the cloth away and gazed up at him with a smile. "All thanks to you."
"Yes. And over time you will have better control of it. I'm proud of you." He gazed at her with a smile.
Marlene blushed and gazed away as she placed the wet cloth back on his chest.
"S-So.." She began. "Your tail. The top of it is white. It's a birthmark isn't?"
"Oh, this?" He lifted his tail and placed it in the middle of them, he nodded. "Si. It's a birthmark much like your white foot."
"Yeah." Marlene smiled toward her white foot. "Guess we're birth mark buddies aren't we? I don't know alot of animals with a birthmark. "
"Neither do I. "
The sun was setting down and it was starting to get dark soon. It was almost time to talk to Phil Mason and kowalski about fixing the papers so Antiono can stay.
"Before we leave. Do you wanna have dinner real quick?" Marlene suggested. "I have a few ousters saved."
"I'll love too." He followed her into her cave.
Unaware to them a certain penguin was watching them from a distance.
Skipper sighed as he stood near the otter habitat. His men were right. He needed to apologize for last night and the way he acted towards her this morning. It wasn't fair for Marlene.
With a sigh he bean to walk toward the otter cave.
Meanwhile inside the cave. Antiono and Marlene had finished eating and were now sitting on her bunk having a chat.
"Wow." Marlene sighed happily. She laid against her pillow. "Today was a really fun day. I'm glad I met you. You just get me, you know."
"Me too." He grinned then he wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "You know what else would be fun? Since we're alone now. No one will interrupt us. "
He jumped at her pinning her against her bed. She let out a surprised yelp and her eyes widen at what Antiono did next.
Oh no! It looks like Antiono isn't who we thought he was! Will Skipper get there in time? What will happen? Tune in for the next chapter to see what happens next, yup, Marlene trusts Antiono because he talks to her. Skipper doesn't open up about himself but Antiono does which is why Marlene trusts him even on the first day. It's hard to explain but I hope you guys understand my point and I hope you guys liked it! Leave a review, it means alot! Thanks!
I do no own penguins of madagascar or any of its characters.