The witching hour had arrived. It was surprisingly quiet and calm as the cold night air rushed throughout the zoo grounds. It was common for a select few to prowl and stir the zoo during these hours. However, an unlikely group stayed awake: Three mongoose cubs and a rather grumpy jackal laid on the wet grass captivated by a grey mouse standing on a milk crate.
"He was bigger than me sure, but I had the drop on him. While the beast was stunned I pushed the television onto the snow leopard's head and with a thunderous crash he-"
"Did it...Die?" One of the cubs asked with hesitation in his voice, drearily looking up at the mouse. The others gave bewildered, yet, inquisitive looks of anticipation. Mike brushed his whiskers while giving a proud smirk to his captive audience.
"Nah, it was knocked out. A small concussion never hurt anybody."
The cubs clamoured excitedly as he glanced over his audience toward Clyde. The jackal shook his head dubiously at the story. Even one of the cubs stared blankly at him with a quizzical frown.
"There's no way you could've done that all by yourself." The mongoose narrowed his green eyes doubtfully.
"The kid ain't stupid, no way happened," Clyde added while yawning.
Mike furrowed his brow dubiously at the Jackal leaning against the tree.
"I'm telling it from my perspective, of course, I had help dropping a television on its head." He cupped his chin and looked up dubiously. "It's uh...Creative embellishment."
They both gave him an inquisitive glare as they blankly stared at him.
"You made that word up." The green-eyed cub stated.
Mike crossed his arms. "Nope."
"I'm going with the kid on this one. He seems to have his head on straight." Clyde argued as the cub folded his arms.
Mike narrowed his eyes and held his head. "Believe what you want. But We-Aaaah." A loud yawn came from Mike's mouth unexpectedly as he wiped his tired eyes.
Tali watched the mouse closely as he began to stretch his arms out to the sky. He looked he was going to fall asleep any moment."Alright, it's getting late. All of you get inside Uncle Mike, and Clyde needs his beauty sleep." She gestured them over with her paw.
Clyde rose his head dubiously as he spoke aloud. "Why I'm I, not an uncle?" He asked genuinely with a narrowed brow. He heard a wheezy little laugh from one of the cubs as he frowned.
"Cocky little shits." He muttered in a low tone.
The children rose up from their seats and headed towards the female mongoose leaning against a rock at the entrance. She watched two of them quickly run into the cave abruptly. However, she stopped the third one with her tail.
"Mac." She said as he looked up at her attentively.
"Make sure the others bathe before they go to bed. I'm counting on you."
Tali knelt down and patted his head lovingly with a stern expression. Mac's cheeks grew red as he nodded and walked past her.
"Dibs on the shower!" Mac yelled as he ran into the cave past his brothers.
"Uh ah, you're going to use all the hot water again, I'm going first!" One of the cubs exclaimed as it ran ahead.
"Don't count on it!" Mac replied.
The last one shook his head and strolled behind them, leaving their parent to narrow her brow inquisitively, one was missing. She quickly scanned the area, starring prudently in the dark and within moments, her gaze honed onto her target as she started to walk towards Clyde for her last cub.
Clyde stretched his body openly, and at that moment, he gave a dubious expression as he felt something unusual on his body, a small amount of weight was left on his neck. Slowly, he tilted his body to safely get his sleepy occupant off, but his attempt proved to be fruitless.
Tali watched his failed attempts to remove the child of his neck. "As you can see, he's got a good grip." She said. Mike chuckled at the jackal with a toothy grin.
"Big time. That one slept under the coffee table. Tali struggled just to pull him off." He added tilting his head dubiously.
Clyde continued tilting his body slowly to try and get the Cub off, but he wasn't going to let go anytime soon. He growled frustrated.
"Advice?" He asked still trying to get him to slip off gently.
"Bite down on a stick and pray. If you're lucky, he won't tear off a huge chunk of your fur when I pull him off." She said jokingly, smirking smugly.
Clyde gritted his teeth sourly. "Ha. Ha. Any other suggestions?" He asked.
The mouse shrugged dubiously. "Well, maybe try talking to him?" Mike sounded unsure.
Clyde gave a fed up expression, narrowing his eyes annoyed at the mouse but he had no other option.
"Hey." He announced.
No response.
"Little guy, wake up! I'm not your bed!" He stated louder.
No response.
He glanced over to Tali, she gave a knowing look. He wasn't going with that option. So, he sighed solemnly tried again.
"Come on, sleepyhead. Wake up!" He shimmied from side to side to shake him awake, he still held on tightly much to his annoyance.
"You're being a shit right now, kid." He muttered.
A small yawn came from the boy, its eyes were still shut while it nuzzled into his back lovingly while opening his mouth. Clyde looked at the child smiled warmly, it seemed peaceful...Till it bared its fangs and unceremoniously bit into the back of his neck.
"Shit! Shit! Arggh, you little-" He hollered loudly in pain as he felt it dig into his neck.
Tali furrowed her eyes annoyed before walking up to the Cub on his neck and gently wagged her finger back and forth under the cub's arm. He giggled softly before releasing the Jackal from its jowls as she picked it up in her arms.
Clyde sighed in relief. "You couldn't have done that sooner?!" He asked annoyed.
Tali didn't respond as she headed towards the cave with the child in her hands as the mouse yawned loudly, turning to the jackal.
"And you wonder why you aren't an uncle." The mouse narrowed eyes with a serious look.
Clyde rose his brow dubiously unaware of the issue.
"So, what are your plans with her?" Mike asked.
Clyde gave a dubious expression at first, then gave an inscrutable leer. As if he didn't know what he was talking about.
"Vivi, that hyena chick. Do you want some tips for the date?" He folded his arms with a firm look in his eyes.
"Haven't given it much thought... Honestly, I could just not go. I got a bad vibe from her..." He could still feel the bite mark left on his lip.
Mike gave an anxious glance from atop his crate. "Don't do that. Standing her up is the worst thing you could do."
Clyde looked at him curiously with a raised brow. "I doubt she'll be able to hunt me down." He sounded confident.
The mouse sighed, "If you're gonna do that, at least come up with an excuse why you can't go." He smacked his lips tiredly and stifled a yawn.
The Jackal stared blankly at him as he laid back on the crate.
"Don't sleep on that. It's cold." Clyde said.
The mouse shrugged. "If Fighter could sleep anywhere, so can I. Probably." He looked up at the night sky briefly before looking back at Clyde curiously.
"Hey...What was Tali like?" Mike asked. He covered his mouth and yawned.
Clyde looked at him dubiously.
"Do I need to spell it out for you?" Mike stated dryly.
He paused puzzled briefly as he glanced back at the mouse. He could see the cave behind him as he narrowed his eyes cautiously.
"Before you two she was...Distant."
Mike gave a quizzical look and closed his eyes. He placed his paws behind his head. "Huh, that's surprising. I wouldn't have guessed from the way she's taken to parenthood, but I suppose it's natural to her, y'know."
"No. I don't." He replied bitterly in an annoyed tone.
Mike's eyes narrowed as he stretched out his arms. "Geez, sorry. No need to get your panties in a bunch..."
"You brought it up in the first place."
"Yeah..." Mike looked away dourly.
"Could you at least help with coming up with an idea to let her down gently?" He asked genuinely.
Mike narrowed his brow intently. "A box of chocolates?"
Clyde scowled. "I think that would kill her."
The mouse yawned. "Flowers and a card..."
"I can't write, dude."
"Talk to her..." He stated softly.
"We already know that isn't the best option. Help me out here."
...
"Mike?"
...
Clyde looked at the crate dubiously before walking toward it and looking at it curiously: The mouse was out cold with his eyes closed shut. "Grrreat." He muttered under his breath.
"I think that last option was the best one." His ears perked and he turned toward the cave and saw the yellow mongoose waiting.
"How long were you-"
"I tuned in when you were both talking about her." She leaned against the cave entrance. "Soooo, finally getting a mate?"
"Believe me, it wasn't voluntary." He muttered as he laid on the ground.
Tali scratched her head dubiously. "Is she...Nice?" She tilted her curiously.
Clyde gave worried broad eyed expression. "I think she's rightfully out of her mind, but I could be wrong." He smirked.
They both shared a small chuckle, their laughter petered out slowly as they both shared a glance. Tali narrowed her eyes as she sighed.
"You didn't have to cover for me. I'm not proud of my attitude before. I was selfish and cold, but it's different now."
Clyde rested his head on the ground and gave glazed stare. "Eh, I'd be pretty pissed off If I saw my brother's neck snapped and did shit all to stop it."
She blinked blankly staring at him darkly. He peered over to her curiously. She was silent, still leaning against the wall. From where he was, he couldn't tell her expression. The obvious response would have been anger, but she sighed loudly and narrowed her brow.
"It's been a long time. Shouldn't you be over it?"
"...What the hell is wrong with you?" Her tone was lower, disdain in her voice for a moment.
Clyde looked away clenching his teeth "It's in the past, and that asshole is dead so..." He stared at Tali pensively, he could barely see her purple eyes,
but they narrowed dourly.
"It...doesn't matter." She stated while shaking her head.
"Bring Mike into the cave. It's getting cold." Tali turned to the cave entrance as Clyde nodded in response.
"Oh, and the next time you swear in front of my kids..." She rose her paw and bawled into a fist while a small smile grew on her face, unseeable to the jackal behind her.
"Yeah, yeah...Not like they won't hear it anytime soon." He rolled his eyes, and he walked over to the mouse, picking him up and placing him on to his back. The Jackal marched forward into the cave past Tali.
"Clyde..."
He stopped suddenly and looked at her expectantly.
"Don't give up on something till you've tried to make it work. Alright?" She brushed past him and waved for him to follow her.
He gave her a curious, inscrutable glance and sighed.
"Since when were you miss inspirational?" He asked with a sardonic tone.
She kept walking into depths of the cavern. "You're both sleeping on the shag carpet. I'm not sharing my bed." She said dryly.
He furrowed his brow and stared blankly at her.
"Fair enough." He said as he continued his trek through the cavern.
He could sleep anywhere or through anything really...
Fighter made a makeshift hammock to sleep in for the night despite the protests of their leader. It was partially from concern for him and the items he used around the cave for his bed. He laid in it with a stressed expression; eyes shut tightly, his teeth clenched and sweat forming on his brow as he shuffled around restlessly as a Grey figure stood over him. Watching him toss and turn as his eyes drifted from him to a dresser at the far end of the room.
...
His vision blurred, bits of sand blew into his face, the humid breeze felt heavy and thick, acting as a constant hindrance as he trekked forward aimlessly. He desperately clung to the dirty cloak draped over his body that protected him from the blistering heat, each step taken in the harsh desert grew more taxing. He was getting nowhere. He felt it in his heart. Stopping suddenly, he glanced around the endless desert: There was no clear path. In fact, upon further inspection, he should have been able to see his tracks. But there was nothing. Everything looked the same.
He scowled, rubbing his eyes annoyed.
Fooosh!
A sudden rush of hot air assaulted him again. He blocked the sand with his free hand, holding the cloak with his paw. The violent storm obstructed his view, but he remained adamant. He continued to onward, however, on the howling winds, he could hear something faint. A voice, to be exact, a collection of sounds.
K... …
The sounds were distorted, nearly unrecognizable to the ear.
.. t...c...
It only grew worse as he walked forward. They were many different voices along the wind. He tried to ignore the harrowing phenomenon. Inching forward step by step...
...ill...hi-
With each step, the whispers grew louder.
...C...
He needed to get his barrings. Find somewhere safe...
"Pitch."
His eyes widened as the voice rang out clearly. A female voice. He instinctively turned away from it, blindly walking in the opposite direction, but the voice changed as he got further away from it.
"Pitch." The voice was male this time. A firm, soft and deep voice.
He turned away from it too angrily as the storm continued to persist he couldn't even see clearly anymore. He had to cover his eyes as the harsh winds continued. He began to cough loudly as the sand got in his mouth and nose.
..t...
Another female voice rang out, a familiar tone that was softer to the animal's ear, opening his eyes, he saw a tall shadow far ahead that was barely visible.
He sighed solemnly and followed it desperately slowly walking toward the sound. As he ventured forward, his feet started to get colder with each step. The figure he saw before became clear: A palm tree. Next to it, was a pool of water. He stopped and blinked blankly at the source of water. He knelt down ready to put his paws in. But hesitated, doubtful at this gift...
The ground started to shake causing him to fall on his side as the tremors immobilized him. The large vibrations persisted, and just as suddenly as it appeared the tremors subsided. He rose and dusted himself off glaring at the location of the pool of water was as he saw nothing. A mirage, it was to be expected. But there was a tinge of the red-sand left in place of the pool.
Creek!
He looked around cautiously hearing the odd sound.
Crack!
He glanced down immediately seeing the ground had cracked below him.
Thrrwp!
Without warning the ground opened up, and he fell hopelessly down into the hole. He felt weightless careening down faster. He felt his heart beat more laborious as the air rushed more quickly. During his free fall, he heard a loud hiss. He glanced down into the dark hole, not seeing anything till a gigantic snake was waiting below with its maw open...
Snap!
Fighter dropped to the ground, hard, breathing heavily as he held his stomach. He looked around cautiously; a battery left on his side of the room, an empty matchbox laid on Evil's shelf. Even a couple of miscellaneous parts from the raccoon's tinkering. He peered to Evil's bed, finding no trace of the grey bear. He groaned annoyed, pushing himself up. He saw pieces of a black bag on the ground amongst the shredded remains. A single item stuck out in the discarded trash: bits of a white, grainy substance. He swiped his finger through it and sniffed it, then put it to his tongue: Salt.
A large sun lamp stood where his hammock was next to two hat racks. A frown formed on his face as he shook his head.
"Accidenti (Damn it), Evil." He groaned exasperated at his persistence and turned off the lamp. He felt his feet grow colder as he glanced at the door absently noticing it was left ajar.
Fighter rubbed his eyes, he couldn't go back to bed now. His flailing put an end to that. There was only one option at this point. He leered at the dresser near his side of the room where a pair of damaged gloves laid. And after a quick rummage through his chest, he held a boxing tape roll in his paw and went to the door.
"Nnnhg."
Fighter stood at the frame of the door looking back at the source of the sound. His other roommate, Jimmy laid on the cold ground shivering outside of the bag he slept in. He peered out into the hallway then back to Jimmy. He sighed for a moment and gave a soft chuckle.
It only would only take a minute.
He walked toward the raccoon, picking him up gently and calmly knelt down to place him into the bag. Lightly dropping a piece onto his person as Jimmy snuggled into it.
The bear left with a soft smile, scurrying into the hallway as he closed the door. He yawned aloud, narrowing his brow tiredly, his vision drifted to the wall leading to the living room, it was dark. However, he swore saw a figure move alongside it. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced at the wall again, seeing nothing. He immediately sighed to himself knowingly.
"I need sleep..." He walked toward the bathroom tiredly.
...
Her stomach loudly gurgled, much to her annoyance. "God..." Sara groaned exasperatedly in her bed as her stomach's constant noise kept her wide awake.
"Snnnorrt." It wasn't as loud her sister's snoring from the other side of the room. That was certain.
"At least she's sleeping well." She said furrowing her brow.
She closed her eyes choosing to wait until morning. Sadly, it didn't take.
Sshhhh!
Her eyes opened widely as she heard the strange noise outside her door. Their room was right beside the bathroom. A blessing and a curse. A quick drowsy glance at the dresser across the room told it was: 1:57 AM.
"It's almost two, who's up now?" She got out of her bed and walked to her door opening it slightly. Another animal walked past the door in the dark hallway. She paused with a collective, yet tired look before rolling her eyes realizing who it was.
"Hey! Do me a favour, make something to eat." She whispered.
No response came from the animal.
She scowled angrily at him. "Fine. I'll make it myself. Dick." Sara closed the door behind her as her sister stored in bed, she went straight into the living room to quell her hunger only to find another bear there.
Fighter was focused on wrapping his paws with something. Sara watched him move his hands around as if he was inspecting something. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a plate making her presence known with the clattering of dishes. He glanced at her suddenly with a surprised look.
"Uh, hey, sorry for waking-"
She rose her paw up silently with a dull exasperated expression grabbing two loaves of bread. Fighter rolled his eyes and continued, throwing a few quick punches.
Sara watched with a dubious expression, she held back a chuckle and smirked. "What're you doing?" She asked.
"A few minutes of exercise. I'll tire myself out...I guess." He shrugged and continued.
"Weird." Sara started to look for condiments.
"Weird? You're making a sandwich. A little late don't cha think?" He stated bluntly.
She gave an annoyed growl. "This is tame, besides, if you hadn't ignored me I could have stayed in my room. Dick." She said with a stubborn glare.
He stopped and gave a quizzical look back at her; he was about comment...
Gurgle
But quickly shut his mouth as he held his stomach embarrassed. Sara smirked smugly as she held her sandwich, waving about like a trophy before he waved his paw dismissively.
However, a loud rustling noise from the entrance caught their attention, they both shared a surprised expression.
Fighter walked into the middle of the room while she opened the drawer waiting pensively to see who would enter, his vision drifted from the entrance to each of the corners of the room cautiously. With heavy eyes, his attention was caught again by another set of noises approaching closer to the
den. It was akin to the sound of clattering change.
He yawned before addressing the intruder.
"Ahhh, If you're trying...to break in...you'll be sorry for what comes next." His voice sounded worn-out but loud enough for the receiver to hear.
"Geez, tone it down. You sound like you're trying to WAY too hard." A familiar voice spoke out.
Evil walked into the living room fixing his fanny pack. He rose his brow annoyed at Fighter.
Both of them glared at the bear slowly letting the tension disappear from their bodies.
"Why were you out so late?" Sara asked curiously.
"Checking traps." Evil replied while stretching his arms. A prudent glare came from Fighter in response.
"What? If your little mouse friend gets caught, I'll give him a ten-second head start." He jeered with a somewhat mocking tone.
Fighter silently stared at the bear with a blank, cold expression as Evil smirked innocently. The silence was broken by a loud thump. Fighter shoved him into the cave wall abruptly holding him up by his elbow next to the television.
"DON'T. " He stated dryly.
Evil rose his brow and smirked. "And here I thought you could take a joke..."
Sara furrowed her brow at the two.
"If you guys are gonna fight do it outside. Some of us are trying to sleep." She bit into her sandwich while watching them and immediately regret it as she coughed out and stuck her tongue out at the bitter taste.
Fighter scoffed and stepped back from the wall releasing him.
Evil gave the bear a proud smirk before dusting himself off. "And some of us gaining bad habits.." Evil stated.
"Particularly ones that make you gain weight..." Fighter added placing his hand's on his hips and tepidly staring at her with a raised eyebrow.
Evil chuckled softly at his comment while Sara frowned, narrowing her brow darkly.
He ignored it and turned to Evil.
"Look-"
Swoosh!
A small grey object flew past the two near the television. Evil and Fighter glanced at Sara holding another knife in her paw. Fighter's eyes bulged in shock while she gave an angry, exasperated expression. He quickly rose hands up apologetically.
Evil glanced at the knife seeing it still twitching while embedded into the wall.
"Good throw, aim could use more work." He noted.
"Your lucky I haven't gotten even yet." She said bitterly under her breath.
Evil tilted his head quizzically before smirking, then leaned on the wall with his hands behind his head. "I'd welcome you to try."
Her paw gripped another knife tightly.
Fighter reluctantly stood between them, despite his better judgment.
"This can wait till tomorrow." He said watching Sara slowly put the knife down and reach for her food. He shook his head in frustration at the two.
"Speaking of, what we're trying to do when you covered me with salt and placed me under a sun lamp?" He asked Evil with a dubious expression.
"Meh, got bored and went to check my traps." He responded with little enthusiasm.
Fighter's brow narrowed. "Lovely." He stated sourly.
"Of course, this could be over much sooner." Evil proposed.
Fighter rolled his eyes defiantly. "No idea what-"
Evil covered his mouth.
"I'm done beating around the bush. You've been sold out."
Fighter blinked blankly before feeling a sour pang in his chest from his realization.
"By who...Traitor!" He narrowed his brow and pouted.
"To be fair, your cohort was threatened, not coerced." Evil pulled out a device from his fanny pack, it had a set of grey buttons with a single red button in the middle, he clicked the red button.
Click!
A shrill shriek came from the device along with the sound of rushing water.
Fighter eyes widened. "Did you waterboard-"
Evil rose his paw apprehensively. "Hold on."
"Now, where is it?"
A low cracking noise came from the device as Evil started to gulp down something, he gasped loudly sounding refreshed while Jimmy sounded disgruntled.
"I have no idea-" Jimmy replied.
The sound of a bottle crinkling was made.
"Would like more to drink?" He asked curiously.
A pained grunt came from his hostage.
"You can go to the bathroom when you tell me where you hid my drill." Evil stated.
"Uggggh, ngggh..."
The sound of running water got louder.
"Gack, fine. It started it out as a prank, but now it's gotten out of hand... Please let me go!"
Click!
He turned off the device and gave Fighter a knowing look.
"So, are you going to tell me where it is, or do you want to suffer in silence some more? I don't care which." Evil smirked slyly.
"No." He looked away absently as his ears twitched.
"Okay. Now you're being a selfish dick; That's my property."
Fighter sighed solemnly with a dour expression.
"You remember when you and...It caused, you both burned down half the zoo."
Evil nodded with a disinterested expression as he looked away.
Sara rose her brow dubiously. "Wha?"
Fighter glanced over to her with a quizzical look. "It's...difficult to explain."
"You're welcome to try though...I'd love to see her reaction." Evil smirked knowingly as Fighter shook his head and continued their train of thought. Leaving a confused, and slightly insulted bear in the dark.
"Anyways, I've been thinking-"
"Congrats." Evil replied. He ignored the comment and continued.
"It was...fun at first watching you freak out...But...I wanted to set a precedent. That your actions have consequences."
Evil gave a dull expression and rose his paw. "One; That's a terrible reason. Two, many have tried and failed because I don't care. Three...I won't change for anyone. It's MY decision." He stated bluntly.
"And you've been known to make POOR decisions." Fighter leered darkly.
Evil smirked maliciously. "Unless you cross me there won't be any reason to worry."
"That's not reassuring!" He held his head in frustration.
"Quiet," Sara stated glaring back at them she placed her plate in the sink amongst the tower of dishes.
Fighter gave a firm glare, clasping his paws together. "I want to be CERTAIN that...that...there's some-" He hesitated briefly.
"Just spit it out already, I don't have all day," Sara stated annoyed.
Evil and Fighter glared at the pink bear.
"Leave." They both stated dryly.
"Ugh, Drama Queens." She walked to the hallway entrance and just as she reached the frame of the exit she stuck out her middle finger leaving the two alone.
Evil rose his brow inquisitively. "Hmmm." He rose his paw up and flicked the bear's nose causing him to flinch and hold his nose.
Fighter's brow narrowed with an annoyed expression on his face.
Evil flicked it again, he snickered mockingly as he glared at him.
"You know what I think?" He asked curiously.
Fighter yawned. "Ahh...What?"
"Hear me out, you're too soft to do anything...Vindictive. So, what better way to get back at me then without violence than petty theft."
He smirked smugly in silence as Fighter narrowed his brow with a deadpan expression.
Evil sighed, walking up to him and flicked his nose again.
Fighter growled in response. "Stop it."
Evil smiled deviously glancing at his neck. "Make me..."
"You're acting like a child."
"And you're not letting those negative emotions out. Fortunately..." He kicked the bear in the shin, he held his mouth to stop his own yelp. Evil quickly pulled the bandana off his neck. He stepped back waving it mockingly as he watched Fighter stare pensively.
"Come on, let's get this over with-" He noticed something near the hallway.
"Give it-"
"Shut up for a second." Evil stated bluntly as he glared at it intently.
Clink!
There was a clattering noise coming from the kitchen that caused them both to whip their heads toward the sound. A small dark figure was holding a large knife in its paw, it's rope-like tail hanging about. Another blocked the entrance to their rooms while two more appeared from behind the television, one of them holding a knife as well and the other a sandwich. The two bears shared suspicious a glance.
"Truce until we beat the snot out of them?" Fighter asked.
"I thought that was obvious." Evil stated as he gestured to the cave exit running ahead.
Fighter nodded and ran with him glancing behind him for the intruders. They both waited for them to emerge from the cave, it was oddly quiet.
"Two are armed, and we're outnumbered. Great." He scowled whilst getting into his fighting stance.
Sleep. He heard mentally. His eyes started to feel heavy.
"How did these guys sneak in?" Fighter rubbed his eyes.
"It's late, and only one point of entry? Perfect conditions for a B and E." Evil quickly replied his attention shifted to the new apparatuses at outside.
"Y-Yeah... You're...right." Fighter held his head with a pained expression as Evil failed to notice.
"Why the heck are there posts placed outside?" He asked.
Evil felt two arms slip under his arms and around his head.
"What the-"
He peered behind him only to scowl at his assailant. The first thing he took note of was his yellow eyes were unfocused, and his expression was blank. A loud thud immediately came directly behind them as a gorilla stood behind them. The last thing Evil saw was a large sack as they were whisked away followed by a hard hit aimed at his head.
"...We've... Got him..." He started to black out.
...
At the crack of dawn, a lone bear put his plan in motion. He entered the barely lit living room and crept up to the couch silently.
Today was the day.
He knew that.
A quick glance at the coffee table revealed his target: The remote. He quickly tiptoed to the couch carefully stepping-
Thud!
Right on to a full beer can clumsily lurching forward and stubbing his knee on the table. The hard impact caused the remote to fall on the ground. He silently cursed himself for waking up so early stifling a pained grunt that almost escaped his lips. The bear knelt down, grabbed the remote and pressed the power button. There was no response from the black box. Annoyed, he pushed the power button several more
times.
"Damn it, really? Freakin' batteries..." He whispered.
He assumed they fell out of the remote. With a frustrated growl, he went up to the television clicking the power button... No response.
"Huh?" He stated confused.
"Mornnning!" A cheerful voice rang out.
His eyes widened at the sound of his voice.
The lights flicked on illuminating the room. Lech rubbed his eyes, trying to get used to the light. Once he regained his sight, a more shocking revelation was revealed to him that the darkness had hidden from him. The power cord was left out of the outlet. A familiar tapping noise came from the kitchen.
"It's great to see you up so early, Lech." He said without changing his tone.
Lech turned around sourly and leered at Prozac knowingly. His clipboard in one hand and a pair of batteries in the other.
"Mind helping me waking up the others so we can get our chores done?" He smirked slyly resting his paw on his chin.
Lech scowled in response. "Noooo." He stated sourly.
Much later.
A few of the residents entered the room slowly one by one gathering around the couch. Amongst the group, Lech trailed in and pushed aside the others as he went straight to the couch.
Prozac glanced at Lech prudently. He waved his paw and laid his head on the arm of the chair with a petulant pout. Prozac sighed in frustration at his lazy behaviour.
"Alrighty, everyone.' He took note of those in the room, a few were still missing.
"I suppose I'll start with everyone here: Lech, Vanity. Both of you are on trash detail."
Lech groaned impudently as Vanity glanced out the cave exit absently.
"God, you reek!" He held his nose and waddled away from the couch quickly, glaring outside curiously. As Lech scoffed with a prideful smirk.
"Wimp."
Prozac ignored his protest, although he did smell the sour aroma from the bear in question. He'd bear it for now. He pointed to Gimp, Nerd, and Cara.
"You'll be on cleaning our rooms."
Gimp nodded silently while Nerd saluted.
Cara gave a dubious look.
"We'll show you, they're near the bathroom." Nerd gestured back to the hallway as Cara nodded.
Prozac continued and glanced at the next group.
"T and D deal with the dishes."
Death silently nodded with a solemn expression on his face, glancing at the sink at a small pile of dishes. He heard a low whine from Tanked holding his stomach. A loud sigh came from the couch.
Lech picked up a can and waved it over his head making Tanked eyes light up with joy as he lobbed the can over to him. It flew over Prozac's head out of his reach and hit the crimson bear directly in his face with the can sliding into his hands. The impact alone didn't seem to bother him as he barely reacted, there wasn't even a change in expression as continued to smile.
Prozac sighed and narrowed his brow glaring at the clipboard dubiously. His thought was interrupted as he heard what he presumed was the last of the bears.
"Gay and Evil are on bathroom duty."
Gay looked around curiously. "Where is he?" He asked.
Prozac glanced up from the clipboard, two of them were missing. He'd have to take his place and question him later. That left another problem. Their leader leered at Lech sternly.
"Hey, I knocked. Maybe they're still asleep." He stated bluntly.
Prozac groaned exasperatedly as he held his nose tightly.
"I'll take over for Evil," Sara suggested as she glanced at Gay, he gave a curious expression as he rose his brow.
"Don't expect me to break a nail helping you." She joked.
"Funny, Wouldn't expect you too." Gay narrowed his brow with a smirk.
Prozac sighed and clapped his hands together. He'd have to watch them both...
"Out of my way clods!" Vanity yelled out. He smirked slyly and ran into the hallway without a word to the others.
"What's the nuisance talking about?" Gay peered out the cave. His eyes perked up as he tilted his head inquisitively, a disinterested scowl took its place as he looked excited.
"Looks like we're going to film us?" He gave a dubious look.
Prozac gave a surprised look while raising his brow inquisitively, he suddenly glanced at Nerd with a raised eyebrow. Nerd shrugged.
"This is news to me too. I'll go check right now." Prozac watched him enter the caverns. He stared at the group.
"Does anyone want to wake them up?" He gestured to the hallway with his thumb. The room had gotten quiet as each of them looked around absently. He sighed and walked over to the cavern entrance.
"I'll-"
As he turned around Nerd stood in front him at the cavern entrance holding his laptop.
"That was quick." Prozac glanced at the purple bear's laptop inquisitively.
"The zoo's closed for two days." Nerd stated while fixing his glasses.
Prozac nodded as a few of the residents began to disperse outside curiously.
"Didn't take long to check their posts, plus it's not just for filming. I did a little digging and found out they're going to bring an escaped rhino back to its exhibit."
Prozac nodded approvingly.
"I suppose we'll have to table this." He glanced at the bears at the door giving an annoyed growl.
"I don't think I have to remind you all to stay in 'character.'" Prozac stated.
He squinted dubiously at Vanity wearing a pair of sunglasses as he walked past him. He promptly took them off his head as Vanity rolled his eyes.
"Fine, I'll wow them all o-naturale." He stated confidently.
"We all are, technically." Nerd stated bluntly.
Vanity scoffed, strutting past him and exited the cave.
Both of the girls walked past Prozac and Nerd int the caverns.
"We'll be out shortly. Don't wait up." Cara stated as he started to leave.
Prozac paid no mind to them as he started to talk with Nerd.
As the Girls walked further into the cavern, a Raccoon walked past them with a content smile on his face. He stopped suddenly as he watched the two in the living room entrance. He quickly waved to them and spoke.
"Morning!" Jimmy stated.
Nerd noticed and quickly tapped the leader's shoulder and pointed to the Raccoon. He turned his head briefly.
"Could you wake them up? We're gonna be busy in a bit." Prozac exclaimed.
The Raccoon rose his thumb up as they both walked away. Jimmy tilted his head dubiously with a confused expression as he watched them both leave.
Humans. He figured casually shrugging.
That means...More time for me to work!
He rubbed his paws together as he turned around happily heading back to their room.
As he got to the door, he heard the girls run out of the bathroom.
His paw hovered over the handle, it quivered briefly as he narrowed his eyes at the pink bear. His nose twitched as it caught an odd scent coming from Sara. Curious, he decided to find the source of the smell. It leads him to the living room, the enticing aroma made his mouth water as it grew stronger. A robust sour scent that was all too familiar as he tracked the smell all the way to the couch. He knelt down and sniffed the bottom of it, a quick search beneath the couch revealed a mouldy piece of bread.
He smirked and bit into the sandwich wholeheartedly as he went back to his room.
It felt like a warm summers day as the Lioness slowly rose from her nap arching her back and stretching around casually as distant muttering came from outside the den. She could barely recognize the voices. At a glance, she could see small rays of light peeking through the exit onto the ground.
I wonder what's he's doing outside? She thought as she started to walk toward the exit, only to hear a small snapping sound.
Serena looked down curiously at her feet, a small broken branch laid under her paws. Oddly enough the noise outside had stopped as well.
Odd...When did that get there?
She brushed it aside and started to walk toward the exit. As she emerged from the den a thick, musky scent wafted through the air. She scowled at the foul smell whilst licking her paw.
It's that time again. I hope the park won't stink.
It was the one thing she disliked about the season, but at least it wasn't cold. Her nose perked up as she instinctively smelt another unusual scent through the humid air. The familiar scent made her sneeze. Serena glanced over to her mate laying about under a tree near a bush with a piece of paper. She walked over to her him while Leonard glared blankly at his paper with a furrowed brow, diligently looking over the text. He sighed openly placing his paw on the paper and tucked it away into the bush.
"Oh, what're you hiding there?" She stated in a playful tone, stopping in front of him.
Leonard tilted his head up to her and smiled.
"More busy work, believe me, it's not worth your concern." He said calmly while wiping sweat from his brow. He narrowed his eyes dubiously with a small smile as he glanced at the sky.
"Is it noon already? Time flies." He said.
Serena tilted her head dourly, he sounded disinterested.
"You've been busy. Not surprising, but it looks like it's getting the better of you." She surmised still looking at his dark brown mane.
Leonard nodded. "Keeping the masses happy is difficult. Fix one problem, and another one appears to take its place. It's a sickly cycle."
His tone sounded bitter to her ears. She stared at his face and noticed the fatigue in his eyes, small bags had formed under his eyes. On further inspection, her gaze caught the locks of his mane were knotted and unkempt with something odd in it. She couldn't tell what.
"Do you... regret-"
"Not a single moment." He gave a stern expression while a prideful smirk crept into his lips.
"It may be troublesome, even unruly, but someone needs to be here to keep everything afloat. At least no one's going hungry anytime soon."
He gave her a pensive glance while narrowing his eyes.
"Now enough about that, it's your day today. Athena should be here shortly."
Serena gave a dubious expression. "I still don't think this is necessary.
"Would you rather not have a lookout? I doubt they'll find
you as cute and cuddly roaming freely about." He smirked slyly at her, as she rolled her eyes.
"Smug...Although, I don't doubt the keepers would notice."
She glanced back at him, her eyes were drawn to his mane again. It annoyed her. However, a devious idea came to her. In a brief moment, she reached out to his cheek with her paw caressing his chin before pulling him to her for a soft, gentle kiss. He closed his eyes slowly as he felt her paw reach into his mane rustling his neck. Slowly caresses his face till her hands grasped the back of his head. His eyes widened.
"No!" He said abruptly as he rose his voice, recoiling back. His mate gave a pensive glance, furrowing her brow at his sudden outburst.
Leonard sighed solemnly and shook his head. His brow furrowed as his paw gripped the dirt.
Serena narrowed her eyes. That...worked too well...
She ambled toward him with a worried look on her face.
"You're tense. I'd be easier if you'd let me help you."
He looked away darkly, Serena's eyes narrowed, he could feel the doubt in her gaze. He shifted around lazily and stood up reluctantly, lowering his head to her paws.
"I haven't had the opportunity to comb my mane, this week has been...Difficult."
Her eyes wandered slowly around his neck. He looked away sheepishly. "No need to feel embarrassed...It's cute."
She smirked knowingly while combing through his mane, comparing it to a jungle would be a compliment considering how coarse it was. A maze would be a better descriptor. A low purr came from below her, pausing, she looked down at him. He smirked lovingly at her. She returned with a grin of her own lightly combing through his mane. Till she felt something, off in his plumage. It felt like a tiny, stubby little leg. Curious she pulled it...
An item fell from his mane landing right in the middle of the two. They both stared silently at the object. Leonard glared absently at the black doll his mind was racing as a chill went down his spine.
He reached out, but his mate grabbed it before he could reach it. He cursed himself for being distracted. She tilted her head curiously.
"Leonard, where did you get this?" She asked while picking it up inspecting the object.
Leonard glared down solemnly. "From the zoo's gift shop, dear." He gave a pleasant smile.
Serena stated as she gave him an inquisitive look.
"That's..." She paused.
He gripped the dirt with his hind paw apprehensively.
"Adorable." She said with a condescending tone, accompanied by a smile.
He released his grip stifling a sigh, he could hear a snicker behind him. He coughed loudly.
"Oddly enough, it helps relieve some stress." He looked around cautiously above their exhibit.
"Oh, like those human stress balls." She clenched her paw with the doll in her hand. Leonard shivered with fear as she squeezed the life out of it repeatedly.
"It isn't made for that...Think of it as a doll, or plushie."
She gave a stern and quizzical look. "But it looks...shoddy."
Leonard chuckled softly as his tail waved about. "I've come to expect that from this place."
"No. It's not that. I've seen these before."
He gulped silently while keeping a straight face as she continued.
"Most of the children carry them; I haven't seen it this close before."
"Oh." Leonard yawned into his paw, peering behind him cautiously before reaching out with his hand open-handed in front of her.
Serena's eyes wandered slowly inspecting it ignoring his gesture.
"Something wrong?" He asked.
"The stitching on this doll is prominent around the body. I doubt it's profitable to have it like this. In fact, it looks handmade." She narrowed her brow perplexed by the doll.
"If you want I could arrange to get one for you." He cupped his chin and flashed a sly smile, staring at the doll.
She smirked slyly at his comment slowly walking toward him in a confident stride.
"No need. I already have something to snuggle with at night." She nuzzled Leonard's neck lovingly, he couldn't help but smile.
"Although, it does look... familiar." She sounded wistful while raising her brow.
"The bears are popular, it'd be foolish not to capitalize on that." He stated coolly.
"Can't argue with that." She patted the doll back in his mane. A huge weight came off his chest as he kissed his mate's head. He shut his eye tightly at the contact.
"Speaking of, don't let his words get to you."
His eyes widened, he gave a concerned look.
"You've...Heard about that..."
Serena rose her brow inquisitively. "Honey, we live in a tight-knit community. How could I not know?" She smirked smugly.
He smiled warmly, narrowing his eyes darkly. "He was just...Upset."
"That's an understatement." She replied.
He furrowed his brow dubiously, he gave an inscrutable leer at his mate. She smirked smugly at his ignorance.
"A shame that the bear is still bitter. But I suppose it's natural for him."
"Right. I'm sure he'll be fine dear." He stared at the ground.
"I...I can't help but feel sorry for him. It's... disheartening." Serena looked distraught as she closed her eyes.
"I'm sure his company will comfort him." Leonard nuzzled her neck softly caressing her.
She glanced back at him pensively with an almost dubious expression.
"Why are you lying to me?"
Leonard blinked blankly. "What?" He said calmly.
"You heard what I said."
He rose his brow dubiously. "Why would I?"
"It just... feels like you're hiding something."
He gave a hearty chuckle. "Ha, ha. What would I have to hide? You'd find me out immediately before I could do anything."
She stared at him with narrowed eyes. "The bird told me his voice sounded different. Much different than the calm, sombre Cub that resides in the exhibit. I highly doubt it's Death..."
His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Serena, anyone's tone could change in an instant if angered." He said calmly.
She continued much to his dismay.
"Even his appearance was slightly different, particularly his muzzle colour and curved ears."
"I hadn't paid much attention to the details. I tried to forget the rather...Unpleasant interaction. Maybe, I'm mistaken."
He looked down with a downtrodden expression, He pursing his lips and cupping his chin while his nose twitched.
"Besides, we haven't seen that one for a long time. Perhaps, time alone has changed him." He suggested as he looked at her quizzically with a furrowed brow.
"Were there any distinctive marks?" He asked.
She shook her head dismissively.
"Not that the bird could see..." She sounded frustrated.
"Then there's nothing to worry about."
"I-I want to believe you. But-"
Leonard moved closer to her and placed her paw on his chest. She could feel a steady rhythm.
"Feel it, listen to it. Do you hear anything distorted, or any ill intent behind my words? He stated calmly while looking at her.
She blinked blankly before narrowing her brow.
"No."
"Then, please. Trust me." He smiled warmly.
She sighed and chuckled in response. "Because your heart is the best indicator of falsehoods."
He glanced up at the rails and smirked slyly. "You worry too much."
"One to the park, we have a fruitful meeting to attend." Another female voice stated.
Above the walls, standing on the rails was a small koala, she waved happily with her fanny pack and baton at her sides. Leonard turned his head up to Athena then stepped aside.
"Your escort, my queen." Leonard nuzzled his head into her neck.
"This isn't over, dear." She replied cheekily and walked past him toward the wall, climbing the tree quickly. Athena followed suit and hopped off the edge as she got on the ground.
Serena turned her head and glanced over the rail at her mate yelling down to him.
"Please remember to bathe when I come back. Otherwise, the next time I go out to see the girls, I might brag about your smell to them. That might be a good conversation starter!" She chuckled to herself as he frowned.
As she turned her attention to the Koala beside her, she felt something was amiss.
"What happened to your partner?" She asked.
Athena looked away dourly into the exhibit. "He's...busy..." Her tone sounded dispirited.
"Come on, mom's waiting." She started to walk ahead with a stern look as she folded her arms.
Serena narrowed her brow and reluctantly followed her leaving the Lion alone as he watched and waited for her to go.
"Cutting it close there, sir?" A low voice said behind him.
Leonard peered back at the bush behind him under the tree as a small cheetah crawled out.
"I would've thought this would be easier for you."
He gave him a stern expression as he narrowed his eyes darkly.
"When someone truly knows you, it becomes difficult to lie to them." He stated with a sad tone.
The cheetah nodded. "I suppose you're lucky then."
"And you're lucky she didn't hear your laughter. Don't think I didn't hear that."
Leonard snarled lowly as the cheetah squirmed uncomfortably behind him.
"So, before we were interrupted..."
"R-right." He coughed briefly before furrowing his eyes.
"We've contacted him, and he accepted, he'll take, but he'll be there. We're still getting confirmation from the others about their attendance to the event today if all goes well we should have a decent audience and...She's agreed to the terms of your partnership. Albeit, reluctantly."
Leonard nodded approvingly he took a deep breath and exhaled hard.
"Thank God that bird's sight is terrible."
The cheetah chuckled softly.
"Go contact the rest, I've got to assess the stupid mistake those fools made." He marched tall tree perched near the wall and climbed up it with relative ease. He watched the small feline follow him, climbing the tree clumsily whilst he waited for him. He hopped over the ledge, breathing heavily as the cheetah waited behind the Lion.
He glanced over his shoulder.
"Make sure, that his cohorts don't catch wind of this. They're busy today, but I don't want any complications."
The cheetah
nodded.
"Oh, and please kill that bird. We don't need her to know of the bear's existence yet..."
Leonard walked away without even waiting for a reply as his lackey started to sprint away.
"Watch it!" The Koala exclaimed as the yellow furred simian placed his beverage on his round table. Spice's shaky paws were making the drink spill lightly on the table. The patron gave him an angry look while he stared absently, then immediately shook his head.
"S-Sorry..." He held the bridge of his nose tightly as he glanced out the window.
"Lay off, you ain't getting charged if he spills it." His sister exclaimed from the bar table.
The patron gave a low growl. "Yeah, but I'm not paying for the drink to be ON me."
Spice glanced briefly with an annoyed look and brushed it off as he rubbed his eye. On any other day, he would have rebuked his remarks, maybe slip him a complimentary dose of his sister's special brew of liquid madness.
But today was different.
He felt restless, his body felt like it wasn't his own, and the worst was yet to come as he felt his foot dig against something causing him to fall flat onto the hardwood floor with a loud thud. Earning a distasteful, mocking set of laughter from the Koala.
"Ha ha! Watch where you going, twinkle toes!" The patron jeered.
Spice held his head and glanced down at the cause of his accident: a loose floorboard. He scowled at it with a pensive expression.
"Careful." A low, familiar voice stated.
He looked up to see his father holding his paw out to help him up, Spice quickly grabbed his hand as he helped up and dusted himself off. Bart brought him to the bar table slowly as Spice slowly crept onto the stool.
"You seem distracted, is something wrong?" He asked curiously.
Spice shook his head.
"Naw, just...tired. I haven't been getting sleep." He replied.
He felt his sister's paw on his back briefly.
"He must be feeling lethargic. I probably shouldn't be pushing him." She said yawning loudly.
"Y-yeah." He clenched his paw tightly.
"Sounds like a lame excuse!" The Koala shouted.
"Shut yer mouth, Dave nobody asked you!" Sugar flipped off the patron.
Bart stared around the room intently, he wandered the room, and his nose twitched.
"Is something burning?" He asked.
Spice narrowed his eyes dubiously as his Sister spoke.
"No." She said.
"Feels like something...Missing is all." Bart scratched his head.
"Yeah, the jukebox is gone. Remember?" Sugar stated bluntly.
"No...it's something else." He inspected the room slowly scanning the room, he stopped suddenly as he looked at his son sitting on the stool.
"We're missing a stool." He looked at Sugar dubiously.
"Yeah, about that..." Sugar scratched her head.
"A bunch of Lemurs got into some of my Seven Brew. And we're jumping around like...Y'know. Hehe. We lost a stool, nothing big." She waved dismissively
He narrowed his brow with a concerned look. "You really need to get rid of that..."
"Not on your life." She curtly replied with a cheeky grin.
Burt chuckled softly before shaking his head. "Just keep that drink under wraps." He said quietly as he stretched his legs.
He looked like he was about to leave.
"Going a bit early, huh?" Sugar asked.
"Yes. He'll be busy later so we'll have our appointment sooner. I hope you don't mind."
He stroked his cheek fur with a tepid expression as he rose his brow.
"Maybe I could get our cousin to replace me...He should be coming shortly."
Sugar gripped the counter staring at him directly with a furrowed brow. She pointed to the door abruptly.
"Get out." Her cheeks turned pink while her eyes widened.
Bart nodded and walked out the bar, a small chime accompanied his exit as Sugar shook her head, then stared at the empty bar with a scowl. She hopped off the stool, walked around the counter and headed to the door to grab a broom that rested on the side of it. The tan monkey peered over at the a counter toward her brother.
"Relax for a bit, I'll start cleaning the place. Not like anyone else is coming." She sounded annoyed.
Spice silently nodded in response.
A loud burp came from the round table.
He peered at the patron with a furrowed brow.
"This place is dead, Y'all should get a gimmick or something." He said openly.
"Uh huh." Sugar replied as she began to sweep the floor.
"Why'd you close the place till Saturday?" He asked curiously.
"It's none of your business." She replied curtly while sweeping a few clumps of wood shavings into the corner of the room.
Spice gave a lopsided smile.
"You could of at least put up a sign or something...Maybe that's why no one's coming here to this dump." The patron leaned his head and glanced out the window.
Sugar looked back with a firm glare at the patron.
"I have a gun, Dave." She said flatly.
"Pfft, probably isn't even loaded." He replied cheekily.
She looked at him with a raised brow. "Wanna find out?"
He silently took another sip of his beverage and stared out the window.
Spice's attention was drawn to the window as he closed one of his eyes.
I gotta thank her...That was a terrifying experience...
He glared down at the empty spot beside him as his tail dangled uselessly to the ground. Even with a break, he still felt anxious after that night.
Just...What the hell?! He thought.
He'd never seen him so angry before...
I stood there beside the large feline, his frame was half the size of the door. He gave a stern expression as he finished explaining what he was going to accomplish with our help. I don't know if it was the room or just me but I felt hot, I kept wiping the sweat from my head as he continued to speak.
"...That is what I need from you." Leonard said.
My sister narrowed her eyes as she stared at the Lion pensively.
"That's...your plan?" She asked with a dubious expression, but she sounded imprudent like she didn't even want to be there.
He nodded solemnly tapping his paws on the ground. "Your efforts would provide-"
"No." She stated flatly while yawning and laying back on the bar table.
Her response made the colour leave my face.
"W-Wh-What're are you doing?!" My voice cracked as held out my paws furiously. She waved her hands out at my outburst as I watched Leonard tilt his head suspiciously.
This is the one thing we need, and you gonna just throw it away?!
"Your job is simple. No one would know it was you who aided me in removing..."
She interrupted him again as he rose his voice, "No, I don't want any part of this. At all... This shit is not my problem."
I felt his paw claw into the ground.
"Could you at least tell me how to make more dolls? He asked.
"Even that would-"
"What makes you believe that shit would work?" She rashly stated with a bitter tone.
I watched her brow narrow as he spoke again.
"I have good sources-"
"Sources? Ah ha ha ha, who are they? The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus?" She grinned mockingly.
I watched his brow furrow as he narrowed his eyes with a menacing glare.
"Then why pray tell, do you know about it?" He asked curiously as he rapped the ground with his paws. I heard her sigh as she cracked her neck.
"Because in my stupidity, and curious quandary. I tried to make my own." She clasped her paws together and smiled mockingly while giving a toothy grin.
'Just think, hundreds of idiots walking in and out, dropping money in the corner of the room and leaving without a recollection of what transpired, or in some cases, knowing what happened and have no way of stopping it... Who would believe them?" She bawled her paws into a fist, shaking it fervently.
"Could. You. IMAGINE!" She yelled out slamming her fist repeatedly with each word into her open paw with a crazed look in her eyes, but she sighed and shut them.
"But reality kicked in. And I quickly threw em' out." She spat out while looking away.
Leonard sighed as he tapped his paws on the ground. "Be that as it may-"
She rose her paw up apprehensively with a wary expression.
"I don't want to hear anymore...This...This right here feels PERSONAL. But props for the cute little plan. At least your image is safe."
A low growl came from his throat, he then sighed as he glared at the doll sitting at the table beside him.
Sugar saw this and frowned clapping her paws together.
"So, grab your things, turn around, and get out." She said with a plastic smile, tilting her head condescendingly.
The lion was silent, he turned his head and grabbed the doll off the table: It felt, off.
At the time, my head was bursting at the seems. A low pounding sensation kept rattling my brain over, and over again. I was frustrated, annoyed, pissed off and scared at the same time. The only reason why I signed up for being a lackey was to work off our dad's arrangement prior. I had to do some tedious crap just to work off the debt. And that STILL wasn't enough. We have a solution on a silver platter, and she throws it away...
I had enough and promptly walked up to her with an annoyed scowl.
"Can you stop being an ass hat for like three minutes, and think this over?" I said with gritted teeth.
"I don't know, could stop being a chuckle-fuck for three seconds?" She said without missing a beat.
I growled at her annoyed, holding my face. I ignored my instinct to run out of the room while dragging her with me so I could tell her off in private.
"Oh my god you're gonna get us both killed, I swear-"
To my surprise, he said: "No need to worry, it's fine."
He sounded calm.
"Clearly, she has made her mind up and isn't budging. That's fine."
She rose her brow dubiously. "Thank you."
"A shame she won't be helping remove a callous from our society." He said while shoving the doll into his mane, he glanced back her with a sly expression.
I really wish, I had stopped her...
She gave an exasperated look, "Are-Are you shitting me?" She said quietly.
He looked at her knowingly.
"I suppose it can't be helped. Kids, don't really care much about the community that much anyways. I suppose your father will have to work his debt off naturally."
I heard her paw clench tightly.
"This is the lowest you can possibly go." She said with a drained tone.
"Excuse me-"
"Do you have any idea how petty your hate-boner is?!" She yelled out bluntly.
The room was silent. I glanced back at Leonard as he gave an honest-to-god muddled look on his face. He had no clue...And neither did I considering what happened next...
"I-I beg your pardon?" His confusion sounded earnest.
I stared at her cautiously, "Don't-"
She didn't bother to listen.
"He isn't a big a deal! Granted, the little shit burned my savings and priceless possessions. But he's NOTHING! The way you described him; it's like he's the devil incarnate."
Leonard blinked blankly. "I still stand by my statement. He's-"
She facepalmed and sighed at Leonard with a disappointed expression. "Your pathetic, He burned part of the African pavilion, so what?! A bunch of idiots with firecrackers could do the same!" She blurted out as I watched her place her paws at eye level.
"Waah, waah he burned part of my playground. Now I have to get my vengeance upon him...WAAAAAHH!" She stopped her obscene gesture and glared at him blankly.
"Get this soap opera shit out of here!" She waved dismissively.
He stood there silently, I assumed utterly baffled at her choice of action. Not even a growl or defensive jab, just nothing. His expression wasn't very lucid to me at the time. Hadn't paid much attention to him. But if I could describe it now, it'd be...Indignant fury.
"Christ, you look like shit." A curt sounding female voice stated bluntly.
He flinched at the sound of her voice, he growled annoyed at himself.
"Get out and get some fresh air." Sugar stated.
"I need some darts right now..." He held his head as she narrowed her brow.
"That's the exact opposite of what-"
He gave her a look, she narrowed her brow and reluctantly waved him off as she climbed onto the stool beside him. Spice hopped off, walked around the counter and pulled out a red carton from a drawer.
"Just do it outside, genius..." Sugar turned away briefly as a familiar chime rang from the door. She glanced back, watching him leave. Letting out a sigh, she then held her chest and reached behind the counter into the open drawer where her revolver laid.
She bit her lip anxiously and clasped her paws tightly together as she inspected it...She dropped the sidearm back into the drawer with an annoyed scowl as her mind wandered...
It's cliche, but it's the simplest way to drive it home. It all happened so fast that day...
When I finished my rant, I hit the floor immediately. My chair had disappeared in an instant causing me to land right on my elbow.
"How...DARE you." He bellowed out angrily in a cold tone.
I looked up at the beast towering over me.
"You know NOTHING!" Leonard's eyes widened in a fury. I glanced to the left side of the room and saw the shattered remnant of wood on the floor. I tried to get up, but he was already in front of me waiting to...
Thwack!
Leonard growled in pain as he whipped around at his attacker. My brother with a wooden stool in his hands. He should have broken the damn stool over his HEAD. I guess he was too scared to drum enough strength to do that. He made his way over to me with it, acting as a barrier between the both of us. Leonard narrowed his eyes at me standing in front of Spice.
"Move..." He ordered.
My brother tried to say something, but he was stumbling over his words. I could see his hands shaking as he gripped the stool.
"I won't repeat myself."
"No!" He finally belted out as his legs shook in place.
Without warning, he tossed my brother aside with his paw, knocking the stools down like a stack of dominoes. He landed hard at the edge of the counter.
"Do you want to be a hero, boy?" He said quietly as he slowly prowled toward him.
My eyes widened as I looked around.
I didn't know what to do...
I...I froze.
I looked over to him, with the same fear I had.
Drawer... Now.
I pulled myself up and went behind the counter. I grabbed what was in it, climbed up the bar counter, and pointed it at the Lion with an audible click.
I watched his ears twitched as he turned his head abruptly.
Thump.
Thump...
We share a glance.
"Get. The fuck out of here." I said with venom in my voice.
He glared back darkly and didn't budge.
I stared at him blankly without blinking with ragged breath.
"Don't..." I felt my head start to throb as continued to stare him down.
We stayed there, no movement, no comments, just blank stares and the sound of water beating against the window pane outside. It felt like an eternity, but he finally backed away slowly crawling back to the door. All while staring directly at me with hollow eyes. I still stood there up on the counter, waiting to see if we would jump back into the bar with reckless abandon. My finger still hovering over the trigger.
Waiting...
Watching...
My vision glued to the door-
Brring.
Sugar immediately peered over at the door anxiously.
Her expression softened. "Hey, Sug?" Spice asked Her appearance hardened with narrowed eyes and an irritated nose. She noticed her patron cover his snout.
"Put that crap out at the door." She asked.
He threw the cigarette out and shut the door behind him. As he walked toward the counter, his tail twitched and waved about like a snake. Sugar rose her brow curiously.
"What is it?" She asked as he went to the counter.
Spice held the back of his head. He peered over his shoulder, eyes glazed at the window.
"Can I...Borrow your gun?" He asked.
"No." She gave him a reflective glare.
He rolled his eyes. "I heard something outside...Not taking any chances." He folded his arms.
She sighed solemnly affirming her answer as he furrowed his brow dubiously.
"Why?" He asked again.
"Because...We ran out ammo awhile back..." She said coldly with a vacant expression.
His eyes widened as he felt his chest stiffen.
"Ha!" A loud male said aloud.
Sugar glared back at the koala darkly.
"Dave...Shut the hell up. I can still hit you." She sighed solemnly before addressing her brother.
"Just tell me what you think is outside while I call him...If he is asleep."
Sugar pulled out her phone as her Spice began to tell her what he heard.
It was a high pitched chirp, almost like laughter...