Ace on the job

Earlier that day in the city of Acmetropuls. Ace loaded up his geom and other gear onto his hoverbike while the rest of his classmates buzzed

around him. "Hey, you excited for the tournament?" Rawlin Wolf said, wagging his tail.

"You bet I am, but you know what I'm more excited about?" Ace smiled, holding up his roll-a-phone to his friend.

"No way! You got it! "

"Yep, it was easy." Ace didn't mention that he was the only one to try out.

"Whoa, does that say it's on River Street?" Rawlin said, grabbing the phone from him. "That's really close to Creekten, isn't it?" Everyone's ears pricked upon hearing the name.

"Creekten? Isn't that where the blue fox is? " A boy with spiky dark hair asked, walking over along with many of his other classmates.

"Maybe," Ace said, taking his phone back from Rawlin.

"Yeah, it is." Those guys are brutally scary. Rawlin shivered at the thought.

"Don't worry, guys. I'm not going through there anyway, but if I was. It wouldn't be anything I couldn't handle. " Ace said, proudly striking a pose with his sword.

"Oh yeah? What if they did this? " The spiked-head kid declared, running up to strike him.

"Well', Zimmer, I'd do this and this!" Ace performed a block and then an impressive strike, bringing Zimmer to his knees.

"What about this? Rawlin howled as he jumped on Ace from behind.

"Simple, I'd do something like this." Ace flipped the wolf right over his head. Before long, the whole class was ganging up on Ace, who effortlessly disarmed all of them.

"What are we playing?" A little white piglet called out to them.

"Jin, we're..." Rawlin stopped when he saw she was standing next to Master Hye-Ji. " The rest of the class noticed her and stood at attention. Don't let me stop you. Just don't blame me if one of you cracks your heads open. " She said 'tapping the concrete with her pointy shoes.

"Master, do you think Ace could beat the blue fox?" Zimmer pointed at him.

"I would advise him to stay away from them." She answered calmly.

"Yeah, of course, but hypothetically," Ace asked, just as curious as the rest of them.

"What about me, Master?" "How would I do?" Jin asked, turning to Hye-Ji.

Jin A Muck and Mr. Ace Bunny are incredible martial artists with bright futures. I can definitely see either of you going to the Olympics one day. Ace nudged Zimmer with a smug look on his face. But when it comes to fighting people like that, I don't think any of us would fare too well. " Master Hye-Ji, said as she threw her duffel bag into the back of her hovercar.

"Not to argue with you, but I don't think they are martial art masters." Ace asserted this confidently, and his classmates nodded in agreement.

That's probably true, but I don't think that would stop them from creaming anyone of us. " The class was quiet.

Even you? How? " Jin asked, breaking the silence.

"They could. Let me see if I can explain this. It's not my teaching hours, you know 'right? " Hye-Ji said, leaning against her car. I'd have to say that it's probably because we don't know what to expect from our enemy. See' when you're sparring or in a competition, you know what to expect. You know the rules. As does your opponent, or at least they should. But people like the blue fox don't play by the rules. Now I have got to go pick up my kid for dance class. " She said, then she got into her car and drove off.

So are you going to test that out? " Zimmer asked Ace as soon as she was out of sight.

"Na, not today." The other way is shorter, and I don't want to be late for my first day. " Ace said, hopping onto his bike. "

"You sure you're not just chicken?" Ace rolled his eyes at Zimmer as he struggled to get his helmet on his head. It was a bit tricky getting his ears in the holes.

"No, Zimmer. I do believe I am a bunny. "

"Oh brother. If you ever do go down that way, let me know how it goes." Zimmer was only half-joking.

"Sure thing. Now I've got to jet. Ace said, starting his engine.

"Good luck, Ace," Rawlin called out as Ace took off.

"Break a leg." Zimmer joined in. Ace gave them a thumbs up before he sped out of their sight.

Ace felt the joyful kind of excitement that comes with a new beginning. Ace savored the feeling as he drove through the clean, white city streets of Acmetropolis. The wedge-shaped skyscrapers shimmered in the morning light. They cascaded off each other, making a fantastic light show. Ace zoomed by several billboards that, instead of being screamingly loud, were stunning works of art that only added to the city's beauty. Ace truly loved Acmetropolis and all its splendors. From its wonderfully clean air to the enchanting gardens that graced the crowns of the skyscrapers. Ace breathed in deeply, dreaming of the day he could afford to get himself an apartment and move out of the bunny hills. The rock 'n' roll beat of his ring tone interrupted his daydream.

"Oh great, it's Mom." Ace said, bracing himself. "Hi, Mom." Ace' said, taking the call through the speakers in his helmet.

"Hey honey, how'd class go?" You didn't get too carried away, right? "

"Gee' Mom, come on." You always ask that. Ace answered 'frustrated.

Don't pretend like I don't know it's dangerous, Ace. "You know, I had to re-break some kids' arms the other day for the same reason."

"Marshal arts, right?" Ace said, choking on his words.

"Yes, of course." What else did you think I meant?

Ace sighed with relief. "Nothing really."

"Listen I'm sorry. I know it means a lot to you. I just don't want you to get hurt. Ace's mother's voice had gone soft. Anyway, that's not why I called. I wanted to tell you to try to be at the pizzariba a little early. It's important to make a good first impression on your employer.

"Yes, Mom." Ace said, tuning out a little as he noticed the buildings becoming more disrepair as he got closer to his turn. His mother continued to feed him information about working in restaurants when he arrived at his turn. Ace idled at the stop for a moment. Looking at the sign that read "Creekten". He thought of earlier that morning. HONK HONK! The car behind him was getting impatient. Ace quickly shook his head and made his turn, heading away from the infamous Creekten.

"The most important thing is not to be nervous. I know you'll do great. " His mother advised him.

Thanks, Mom. I'll do my best. I love you. " Ace said, feeling a bit more nervous as he neared his destination.

"I love you too." Oh, before I forget, don't forget to pick up Lexi from the tryouts. She is so nervous that it isn't funny. Clover and Crystal are trying to cheer her up with "toilet paper bowling." His mom said, giggling.

Well, there isn't anything more cheery than toilet paper, is there? "Listen" I just pulled up. I got to go bye! " Ace said, hanging up. Ace pulled off his helmet and looked around with excitement at all the cameras and movie props. "Well, ain't this something?" Ace could hardly believe he was about to start working there.

"Hey'a guys, I hope I'm not late. Ace announced himself to the crew. There was no response from the busy workers. I'm pretty sure I'm not late. "Uhm, OK, hey, I'm the new stunt guy." Name's Ace Bunny." Ace extended his hand to the nearest crew member. He was hoping to make a good impression.

The man was carrying a jumbled mess of papers. Ace was certain they had to be the scripts. The man looked him up and down with a look of disappointment. "You, the new stunt guy?" He seemed a bit surprised by it.

"Yep, that's me."

"Oh. You gonna be Van's double? "

Ace smiled energetically and nodded yes. But I can double for anyone, really. I have one of those faces. " Ace said, framing his face with his hands.

The man looked up at Ace's long sharp ears with a look of doubt. "They're not difficult to hide." Ace said, quickly pulling his ears down behind his head.

"Er, guess you'll have to do. Wish we could afford better. " The man said, giving Ace a wrinkled script. Then he walked away, grumbling.

"That was rude." Ace whispered under his breath. Ace was able to find his costume after a while of wandering around trying to get his coworkers to give him the time of day. They all seemed very cold and distant to him. But they weren't any better with each other either. Ace figured it must have been one of their off days on the set. Perhaps with time, he could lighten the mood here. He just had to stay optimistic.

Of course, maybe everyone would have been in a better mood if there was a proper changing room. Ace had to change in a rather heavily used portable outhouse. He had to really fight just to keep his breakfast down. Not to mention keep his clothing clean in there. Ace had to take a moment to recover once he got out.

"Stellar, changing room, we got there." All it needs is a great big star on the front. But you know, the moon works too. " Ace joked, pointing at it. There wasn't much of a response from his coworkers, aside from some eye rolls.

A lady from special effects walked up and slapped a cardboard star on the door. "There, happy?"

"Oh yes, that's much better. Gives the place class. " Ace said, looking satisfied.

No, no it doesn't. Nothing could ever give this place class. " She said glaring. "Ace laughed.

"You know, Rome wasn't built in a day." Ace said with a smirk.

"Well, this place was, and it shows." She said, turning on her heels, walking away.

"Well, at least someone talked to me." Ace shrugged. He found his way to where they were shooting. "Oh, is that Van Malone?" Ace asked the mic man, pointing to a rough-looking bald man.

"Shh!" The mic man hissed angrily.

Ace compared the lines on his script to the words the man was saying. "Yeah, that's him." Ace smiled.

"Shh!"

"Oh, sorry."

"Burch", you're alive! I thought the tech lords had had you executed. " A woman rushing onto the set cried as she rushed into Van's arms."

"Esme, Esme Stanford. You should know by now that nothing could keep me from you. "Van said," embracing the blonde woman.

CUT CUT! The director yelled, making everyone jump. "Where is my rain? This is just killing the atmosphere. The director ordered with clear irritation in his voice.

Hey there, Jazzy Fox. It's me, Ace, your new stunt man. Ace hopped over several stage props to get to the director.

"Oh, good. Everyone, listen up: we can finally do the action scenes. Jazzy announced, with his arms outstretched to Ace.

"Yeah, hi everyone." Ace waved to the crowd of people that were now all staring at him coldly. I'm super excited to be working with…

"That's great, kid. Now, 'Chop, chop' everyone. I want to film our first real fight scene. Jazzy ordered, grabbing Ace's shoulders.

"But what about this scene?" The blonde actress asked with concern.

"Oh, we will shoot your stupid scene later." "Go take a break in the green room or something." Jazzy barked at her.

"We don't have a green room." She said, putting her hands on her hips. "

"Not my problem, doll face." The director spat, turning himself and Ace away.

"I thought she did a pretty good job, Jazzy." Ace said, feeling bad for the poor woman.

"Whatever bunny, hey Glenn, get this guy ready for scene 15 asap," Jazzy ordered as he pushed Ace at the make-up artist, quickly leaving him in the dust.

"That was kinda rude of him." "Is he always like that?" Ace asked as he sat down. The cosmetologist nodded yes as she quickly pinned Ace's ears down.

"Oh great." Ace got a mouthful of face powder when he spoke. "Gee guys, could you give a guy a warning?" Ace choked. The woman just continues to make over his face as if nothing happened. Ace's hearing was muffled from his ears being pinned to his head, but he could still make out the dialog of the scene that was being played out. Ace tried to get a peek at it, but a rubber mask was suddenly slapped on his face.

"Hey, I can't see in this thing." Ace complained.

"Cut! Send in the stunt rabbit! " He heard the director shout. The makeup artist and the hairdresser grabbed Ace and led him to the scene.

"Hey, umm, boss, I can't see." Ace said, pointing to the mask that was covering his eyes.

It's fine. You don't need to. "Just stand right here and we'll do the rest," Jazzy said, grabbing Ace and placing him in the spot he wanted.

"Are you sure?" "Cause I don't think... ACTION! The director suddenly yelled. But I don't know what I'm... WAM! Ace was hit by something that sent him flying. SPLAT! Ace landed hard on the ground.

"Darn he missed the padding." Ace heard a voice say

"Cut! That was perfect! Let's keep this ball rolling! " "Jazzy said with joy, as he pulled Ace off the ground and dragged him off to the next scene. Ace was dragged around blinded by his mask being tossed and kicked around until it was finally lunchtime.

Aggh, my poor fluffy face. " Ace cried, rubbing his cheeks.

"You look terrible." Ace looked up to see the FX girl from earlier holding a bag of ice.

I'm really not this bad usually. I just need my mask adjusted so I can see. That's all. "

"That won't help." She said, putting the ice on his face.

"No really, I'm not joking, I'm a martial artist, black belt even." Ace continued, taking the bag from her and holding it up himself.

"I know that. I've seen you. "Ace paused for a moment and looked at the melancholy girl.

"You watched my tournaments?"

She silently nodded yes. "Jazzy doesn't want a master in the arts. "He wants a punching bag, Ace. She said grimly.

"I'm just going to have to talk to him about that. Umm, what's your name? "

"Vicky Viscacha," she said quietly.

"Well, Vicky, as soon as I'm done with my lunch, I'm going to show him my skills. Then he'll see that's what this film is missing. " Ace said with determination. He reached down to grab his lunch, but it wasn't there. "Darn! I forgot my lunch! " Ace face palmed himself.

"Take mine, you're going to need it," Vicky said, dropping a paper bag down beside him.

Whoa, I can't take your lunch... Ace began but looked up to see her running away. Ace got up to go after her but quickly felt pain all over his body. He sank back down and peeked inside the bag. A wonderful smell hit his nose. He quickly opened the bag with his mouth-watering with hunger. He scarfed down the sandwich and biscuits without thinking. He didn't think being kicked around could make him this hungry. After polishing off the baby carrots, he got up to find Jazzy. The meal had given him strength. "I'm going to have to pay her back." Ace reflected as he marched off to face his new boss.

After wandering around, he found Jazzy shooting the next scene. Ace waited for the scene to finish. The poor blonde actress had already been robbed of her last scene."Aaaaah!" "Aaaaaaah!" She screamed as a real robot backed her into the set wall.

"Wow, I can see where the budget went." Ace mumbled to himself so as not to disturb them.

"Eliminate all organic beings." The robot repeated this over and over in its digital voice. Its joints hissed and puffed with every move. It had to be from the early days of the tech revival. That, or it was made to look old. It was very menacing looking, old or not, with its long clunky segmented limbs. Nothing like modern bots' smooth, silicone-like appendages. Ace was so focused on the massive metal being that he was paying no attention to what the actors were saying. Ace was beginning to worry that he was going to be asked to face the monstrous hunk of metal' blind.

"Cut!" "Wonderful job, people really," The director's voice boomed. "The first decent performance I've gotten." He grumbled under his breath. Okay, people, chop, chop, let's shoot the action bit. Okay, someone get the stunt rabbit over here like yesterday! " Jazzy demanded

"Um, I believe you mean stunt bunny." Ace said, walking up behind him. Jazzy turned around with a start.

"Whatever, just get your cottontail out there," Jazzy said, pointing at the robot with anger.

"Hold up there, boss. I just got something I want to go over with you first. "

Jazzy glared at him.

"There seems to have been some misunderstanding. You see, Jazzy, I'm a stunt guy, not a punching bag. "

Now wait, hear me out. I've got amazing skills like you wouldn't believe, but I really need to be able to see what I'm doing. That's all. " Ace said, pulling out the mask to show him.

"You done?" Jazzy growled.

"Well' actually. I think I've got some great ideas that could really level up this picture," Ace exclaimed. He didn't realize the growing anger of his boss.

"Ace." The man growled between clenched teeth.

"OK, so in the next scene, Burch comes in all like this! Ace yelled, flying into a kick and flipping around. "And then WAM!" Ace flipped from one move to the next, including his own sound effects.

"ACE!" The director yelled, stopping him in his tracks. The man cleared his throat and began to speak. Listen here. BUNNY! Did you forget that I'm the director of this film? "Hmm?"

"No, of course not."

Jazzy pulled the mask over Ace's head aggressively. Go do the scene the way I asked you to! Got that? And remember, you have a contract. " Jazzy said, poking him hard.

"But..." Ace began but was cut off by a very loud ACTION! With that, the giant robot came swinging at him.

"Oh no, not this time!" Ace yelled, throwing his mask aside with red-hot fury. " He ran up to the bot, flipping over its attacking limbs. He sprang into the air, flying straight towards the thing's head while his director screamed, "Cut!" Over and over again. The crew was dumbfounded, frozen in awe. Ace's large bunny feet slammed hard into the metal sphere, putting a good dent in the machine. Ace flipped gracefully off of it and landed firmly on the ground.

"What on earth did you do?! You've banged up a priceless Meagy bot! " A wild-eyed old man screams, tossing aside a clunky remote. Ace looked up at the bot's head and then at the man who had clearly stopped it. "You, Mr. Hare, should know better than to destroy a historical artifact." The crazy-looking man grabbed Ace and shook him violently. Then dropped him and marched over to Jazzy. "That is it! I'm not letting you use my baby ever again! " He yelled with tears in his eyes before running off. His machine trailed after him, making people scatter in fear before it.

"This is your fault, Bunny!" Jazzy yelled in rage.

"My fault?! Ace snapped back.

"You're so lucky you have a contract!" Jazzy hissed before rushing off to smooth things over with the robot guy. As far as Ace had seen, that wasn't a thing Jazzy was capable of.

The crew stood in silence for a moment. After a moment' they all started packing up, "Where is everyone going?" Ace looked around' confused, watching everyone leaving.

You'd better be going too. There isn't anything here for you to do now. Vicky said, tossing a bag over her shoulder. "And don't worry, only the important people are mad at you." She said, walking off, leaving Ace standing all alone.