The exhausted young female, buried her face, in the pillows, sunken into agony. She couldn't believe what she'd just done... Brought a living creature into the world... but WHAT a world... Its mother was a poor, lost, and confused seventeen year old, and its father was a depressed, and bitter fifteen year old, who didn't even know he'd fathered this child... And the only home it had to come to, was an apartment, above a local bar. Candy was immediately overwhelmed with such shame. *What have I DONE to you??* she thought, of the baby. *What kind of world have I brought you into??* You poor little thing...* She started to sob with guilt, as the newborn began to set out a loud wail. Sir Urquhart began to wash off the grease and fluids on the infant's fur. But as he examined it closely, he noticed something strange. He stopped for a moment, and looked at Candy. Then he looked back. The little crying creature, didn't look quite all hyena... The ears were pointed, with thin tufts of fur, the muzzle and fur was lighter, with less dark spotting, the hair/mane was longer and distinct, the tail was shorter, and dark tipped... But then the REAL abnormality came to Urquhart's attention. Where several tiny toes should have been... was a set of cloven hooves. The physician stared at them, stunned. *Hooves?* he thought. *HOOVES??* Why does it have HOOVES??* It didn't make any sense. Since when did hyenas have hooves?! *They DON'T!* he told himself. *And they never did!* He figured that the child had to be a hybrid... the father had to be a different species, obviously. *So what DOES have hooves then?* Goats, giraffes, wild boars, antelope, cattle, warthogs, horses... *No wait... horses' hooves only have ONE nail...* This baby had two nails on each hoof. The male lynx sighed. Such sympathy he felt for both Candy, and her baby... they were both in so deep, there seemed to be no return whatsoever. Finally, he heard Candy softly moan. "-Doc?" ... How... how does it look?" He turned to her, to see her weary, desperate face, gazing pleadingly, at him. "-It looks fine," he told her. "Your baby's perfectly healthy." "-Wh... what is it?" "-A boy," he replied. Candy feebly raised her head. Sir Urquhart wasn't looking at her anymore. He was bundling up the squalling infant. For a minute, an empty feeling choked the young female. She didn't want him to take her baby away.. not yet... "-Doc.. can I... can I see 'him'?" Urquhart seemed a bit reluctant at this request, for an instant, but he replied, "If you wish." He brought over the howling infant, and carefully placed him in Candy's weary arms. "If you need anything, Candice, just give one of the nurses a call." Candy slowly nodded. "Okay." Then Sir Urquhart, knowing better, left the room, so Candy could be alone with her newborn son. She moved a few of the blanket folds back, so she could see his face. Nestled in them, was the baby hyena/warthog hybrid. She gazed in awe, at him, completely in a trance, and felt her heart melt away. The feeling she felt, at the sight of this baby, HER baby, of her very own flesh and blood, was beyond what any words could ever say and describe. The tiny infant, who had finally settled down, slowly stretched out his little arms and hands, softly yawned, and the closed eyelids slowly, fluttered open. And there, were a set of eyes, that resembled none other than his father's, looking up at his mother. For this reason, and many others, Candy's eyes filled with tears. But for once, these were not ones of sorrow, pain, or anguish or that sort. They were ones of joy, love, and newfound happiness. The little one, who was still gazing at her, wore a quizzical look on his face, as if to be saying to her, "-Why are you crying, Mama?" His mother held him close, gently nuzzling him, with great tenderness and love. And lots of it. A peaceful, and contented expression came over the child, as he responded to this, by snuggling beneath her chin, softly cooing. Candy lay there, in her bed, cradling the tiny infant in her arms, listening to his soft, baby breaths, and for the first time in weeks, forgot every problem and ordeal in her world, and sunk into a state of serene calmness and contentity.
Nearly an hour or so later, the sky outside was finally beginning to light up, and the sun beginning to appear. As the golden rays were starting to creep into the hospital windows, and seep over the blankets, the hyena blinked open her eyes. Without realizing it, she had fallen asleep. Not that it was a huge surprise though, as she hadn't gotten a very good sleep that night, and then an exhausting period of labor and childbirth, had taken even MORE out of her... So of course, she HAD to be pretty worn out. She looked to the child in her arms. He was still sleeping, obviously and equally weary, as being born was a rather tiring experience... Candy smiled, and softly stroked his baby furred cheek. Just then, the peaceful and quiet room, was interrupted by a knock on the door. It took her a second to find her voice, but Candy at last said, "-Come in." A familiar face slowly peered in. She looked up, grinning broadly at who she saw. "-Donavan." The caracal smiled back. "-Hey, Candy... how are ya doing?" She shrugged lightly. "-Okay... sure, I'm so tired like I can't believe... and that whole giving birth thing, was kind of a energy sucker." Other than all THAT, I'm totally up and at 'em." Donavan gave a chuckle, then noticed she was holding a small bundle in her arms. "-Is that the..." Candy nodded, "Yeah... this is my 'son'." Her cousin came over, and sat down in a seat beside her bed. She carefully shifted the infant, so Donavan could see him better, and so as not to wake him. The caracal gazed momentarily speechless, at the newborn. "-Wow..." he finally spoke. "-Would you look at him?" Ain't he the cutest lil' fella...!" Hiya, there-" He gently nudged one of the baby's tiny hands, until the little one seemed to get the jist, and wrapped a small fist around Donavan's finger. "Heh... there it is... you're a tough little goober-face aren't ya?" Donavan teased, making the baby grin. "-So?" he asked Candy. "-Have you... named him?" Candy slowly nodded. "-Yeah." I've got one." Donavan looked at her, expectantly. "-May I hear it?" She nodded again. "-It's 'Casey Torra-" Her cousin smiled at the name. "-Awww... lil 'Casey'... it fits him!" But Candy hadn't finished. "-Warthogg'." The name hung in the air for a few seconds. Finally, Donavan repeated it. "'Warthogg'?" he echoed, questioningly. Candy also echoed the name, with a nod. "'Warthogg'." Something appeared to be rising in Donavan. He spoke out, "-Tell me that's not 'Bullseye's' last name." When she gave him no reply, he spoke louder, "-I said, tell me that's not HIS last name, Candy!" She simply stared at him. "-He deserves this." Donavan was confused. "-Who deserves what?" Candy continued to stare, fearlessly. "-Casey... he deserves to have 'something' of his father." And he can't have Bullseye HERE as a father, or know him... so this is all I can think of for now." At least he'll have his father's family NAME." ...That's 'something', isn't it?" Donavan stared wordlessly, for a bit, not a word. Then he rubbed a hand through his hair. "-Candy... I... I just don't get you." Now it was her turn to be confused. "What?" Donavan sighed, "-Seriously... Candy, look at this." You gave a guy sex, you get pregnant with his baby, you have his baby, and you give it his last name." And yet, you say you want him to have nothing to do with the baby?" Candy shrugged, lightly. "-Yes... why?" Donavan buried his face in his hands, in disgust for a second. Then he looked back up. "-HOW is that supposed to work?" Huh?" Honest to God!" Please explain to me, just how exactly everything is supposed to go 'according to plan', when you practically 'flaunt' the forbidden??" I mean... LOOK!" When people see Casey, they're gonna KNOW he's not all hyena!" First clue!" He's gonna ask you what species his father was." Second clue... you give him his father's last name... when he's older, and you won't tell him who his father is, the first thing he's gonna do is go looking for every adult male warthog with the last name 'Warthogg', until he finds one that 'knows' an adult female hyena with the last name "Torra"!!!" Donavan stood up. "-This has just gone too far." So that's it, I say." I'm gonna go personally, find 'Bullseye', and tell him the truth." Candy panicked. "-No!" Donavan, please!!" "-Candy, I'm sorry, but this HAS to be done!" You... you can't raise a kid like this!" It's not fair to him!" It'd be like living a lie..." Do you think Bullseye would want his own son, living like that?" Candy thought hard for a minute. Then the answer came to her. "-If it was the only way... to keep him safe from more harm... to keep him from losing his mind, in any more problems... to keep him from ever doubting the love of someone so close to him.... then he'd say yes," she told her cousin. "-Because Bullseye knows 'exactly' how that feels." So with that said, do you think that maybe, for just a minute, you could STOP talking about this, and yelling at me, considering you have NO idea what I've just been through, and I just can't deal with this right now, and I'm so weak and tired right now, I think I could just cry my eyes out, until I'm even more black and blue?!?!" Donavan was now frozen on the spot. He stood there, all the words sinking in. He slowly looked at the door, then back to Candy. At last, he walked back over to his chair, and sat down. He bowed his head for a minute, then replied, "-Candy... I'm sorry." I'm so sorry... for doubting you... for criticizing you... and... I'm just so sorry." ...Can you forgive me?" Candy sniffled. "Donavan... you're all I truly have, besides Casey, now." Of COURSE I forgive you." Where would I ever be without you??" You were always there for me... when I didn't have anyone." Besides.... since Casey won't exactly have a father... he's gonna need some sort of male influence in his life." She smiled tearfully. "-So... will he get to have his 'Uncle Donavan'?" The caracal slowly smiled back at her. "Actually I'm his 'second-cousin', technically." But then again... 'Uncle Donavan' has a nice ring to it, I'll admit." He gave a small laugh. "-I guess you've sucker-punched me into it, then." *Also... you always were like the little sister I never had..* he thought. *And you were always like the big brother I never had..* she thought.
Several hours later, Donavan brought Candy and little Casey home, to the bar/apartment. Tanya and Eliza were already there, awaiting their arrival. As soon as the baby was introduced to them, the girls immediately were all over him, squealing with glee at every little thing. "Aww, look at those wittle hands!" Aren't those the cutest hands you've ever seen??" Eliza asked, gently squeezing the tiny hands. "Look at his wittle feetys!" Hasn't he got the most adorable hoofy's?" Tanya added, tickling them. Little Casey seemed to be soaking up all this attention. He squeaked and gurgled, happily. "What a wittle giggly-pooh!" cooed Tanya. "Such a wittle sweetie-pie!" agreed Eliza. Donavan and Candy were just staring on, with amusement. From the back doorway, Flash was watching them all from around the corner, with an abused look on his face. Much like the one he had when he'd first be told about the 'situation'... Seeing Candy, HIS Candy... have another man's/male's baby, hurt him... cut him deeply. Despite the cruelty of the idea, Flash had made up his mind to HATE the child. After all, how could he LIKE it?? It was Candy's baby... fathered by someone else. It was like scar, reminding him... of what he'd lost. His child by Candy... hadn't lived to be alive. But this new child... by someone else... had. Flash just couldn't understand it. It just didn't seem fair. The father of this baby, didn't even know it existed, nor did he give a damn about it, as he didn't want it. Flash on the other hand, had wanted his baby, known and cared about it... but it had died. Not fair, indeed. Just then, Candy spotted him back there, and came over. "-Flash!" There you are!" The marguay, startled at having being sighted, jumped a little. But then he quickly covered it up by saying, "-Oh Candy!" Hey!" She looked at him. "Whatcha doing over here, all alone?" Flash scratched the back of his neck. "-Umm.. nothing... just.. thinking about stuff." "-Oh," said Candy, understandingly. "-Well, come here now!" I want you to meet him!" Flash pretended he didn't know what/who she was talking about. "Meet who?" Candy shook her muzzle at him. "-Casey, my son!" Seriously Flash, you HAVE to see him... trust me, you'll love him!" *Fat chance* he thought, as the hyena went on. "-And oh my gosh, call me crazy... but I could swear... he has YOUR hands!" The marguay gave a slight look of interest. "-Really?" Candy grinned. "Why don't you see for yourself, silly?" She managed to drag him over to the others. Candy gently pushed Tanya and Eliza out of the way. "-Here he is," she said, proudly. Flash looked into the bassinet, to see little Casey curled up in there. He looked up at Flash, with big, curious eyes. Flash stared right back at him. The silence was making the hyena nervous. So she couldn't help but press. "-So... how's he look, you think?" Her friend was speechless for a minute, before getting out a few words. "-He's... cute!" Flash would've died before admitting what he REALLY thought. He seriously wanted to pick the little tyke up, and coo at and tickle him. He was SO CUTE! The marguay just couldn't help smiling at him. Casey seemed to like this very much. He gave a little squeak, and held up a chubby little paw to Flash. The girls all squealled, delightedly. "Awwww!" He likes you!" Donavan chuckled. "-I think he seriously does!" he agreed. "Just look at him... looks like he wants to 'shake hands'!" Flash smirked. "-Ahhh... well in that case-" He gently clasped Casey's tiny hand with two of his fingers. "-Hey there, Casey... how ya doing, little bro?" Casey gave a few mewls, squeaks, and cooes, as if to explain himself, in baby tongue. The rest of them just laughed.
That night, Candy flopped into her bed, looking forward to getting a good night's sleep at long last, as she was unbelievably exhausted from the day. But just as she was starting to drift off, a loud, shrill wail arose from the little bassinet nearby. Candy groaned outloud, and forced herself to get out of bed. Little Casey sniffled remorsefully, through sobs, with a sadly curled-lipped face, that nearly broke his mother's heart. "-Casey!" Oh, my baby... come here," Candy spoke, picking him up. The infant whimpered mournfully, as his mother gently patted his back. "My lil' Casey... shhh... it's okay, honey... Mommy's here.. s'alright-" she said, soothingly, trying to comfort him. When he finally calmed down, Candy checked him over. He wasn't hungry, he'd just been fed an hour or so ago. And he was clean and dry, so he didn't need to be changed. *Then 'what' is it?* she thought. Then, she noticed the little one gently snuggling against her shoulder, softly cooing. At the realization, Candy smiled, affectionately. "-Aawww... I think 'someone' just wants to 'cuddle'... is that what you want, sweetie-pie?" she cooed at him. Casey gave a satisfied gurgle, in response, and then let out a tiny yawn. Candy needed no further bidding. She walked back over to her big bed, with the baby, and laid down, cradling him comfortably in her arms, wrapping the quilts around them. Casey gave another long yawn, and gently nuzzled at her neck, settling in, cosily. The mother hyena sighed, contently. It was such a perfect moment, right there. If someone were to question her about it, she could've honestly said, that there was no other place on Mobius she would've wanted to be, but right there, with her baby snuggled in her arms.
Earlier that day, somewhere else, more 'emotionality' was going on. But it was more disturbing revelation-like, which was rather unpleasant...
Awhile after the birth of little Casey, physician Sir Urquhart, headed for home... none the better from his 'experience' that morning. He was still in a state of disgust and shock. Emotionally torn in a strange way, he walked the floors of his home, aimlessly, not knowing how to feel or where to go, all morning. But then, when his son Tyler, finally woke up, and came out to get some food, the minute he asked his father a simple question, something in Urquhart just snapped. "-Hey, Dad..." Back from the hospital, already?" A sting of insult pierced the father lynx's mind. "-Yes... how do you know about that??" Tyler seemed taken aback at the question, and his father's odd tone, but he replied, "-I heard the phone this morning... you got up... right?" Urquhart's eyebrow's twitched. "-That would be correct." Tyler looked at him for a minute, then shrugged, "Okay." That's when Urquhart's temper got to him before his wits did. "-NO actually... that's NOT okay!" His son looked startled. "-Erm... what's not okay?" The adult lynx gave him a cold stare. "-What happened this morning... what I got called to the hospital for... the whole damn situation!" The young lynx gulped, not wanting to prod into the subject any further. "-Right... sorry, Dad," he apologized, thinking maybe that would help. It didn't. Sir Urquhart was glaring hard. "-Do you wanna know WHAT I just did, this morning??" *-NOOOOOO!* Tyler was thinking, but in reality, he was shifting uncomfortably, and responded, "-Uh... you got called into the hospital for a... uhhh... an emergency?" "-Yes." In a matter of speaking," was his father's cold reply. "Oh," Tyler, mumbled, staring at the floor. Urquhart was obviously going to tell him exactly why, so he stayed silent, waiting. Didn't take his father long to start... "-It came down to this, Tyler..." I just delivered the baby... of a SEVENTEEN year old girl...!" This was something his son, wasn't expecting to hear. He stared at Urquhart. "-What?" "-You heard me, right!" growled Urquhart. "-And what's worse!" She lives with her twenty year old cousin, in a BAR, back town, because both their parents and relatives are either DEAD or GONE from any means of contact... and the FATHER!" Tyler could see the anger rising in his father, clearly. "-The father of the baby... and believe me, THIS just takes the cake... the girl said... that the father... doesn't even KNOW, he's a father!" The girl never told him... and she even said, that he was even TWO YEARS YOUNGER than her!" Which makes him... FUCKING FIFTEEN!!" Urquhart, in his rage, slammed his fists against a table, causing his son, to flinch back, in shock. The father lynx stared hard, into his eyes. "-The same age as YOU Tyler... can you IMAGINE that??" Tyler fearfully, shook his head. "-See?" Urquhart, spoke hoarsely. "-And that's a good thing..." Because let me tell you-" He scowled at his son again, shaking a finger at him. "-If you EVER... did such a thing... as getting a girl PREGNANT, when you're THIS damn young... I swear to God... I'D DISOWN YOU!!" With that striking comment, the furious father lynx stormed out, leaving Tyler rather shocked. Lady Sarah, who had heard pretty much everything, from the other room, immediately came out, to talk to Tyler. "-Tyler?" Are you alright?" He numbly replied, "-Yeah... I think so." Sarah gently hugged her son, comfortingly. "-It's ok, sweetheart." I'm sorry you had to hear that." It's just that... your father, he's... well, just a little shaken up." Shell-shocked pretty much." It's just he's never dealt with this kind of thing before." I'll admit though, him taking it out on YOU was a little un-needed.. but you can't really blame him too much." Tyler twisted his lips. "-Yeah... I guess you're right," he agreed. His mother smiled, and kissed his forehead. "-Don't worry, honey... your father still loves you, you know." Just do what he says, give him some time, and he'll get over it soon enough." Tyler forced a small smile upon his face for her, as she stroked his bangs, lightly. "-Thanks, Mom."
A few hours later, Tyler was out with some of his pals, Aaron (his best friend), Bullseye and Buckthorne. Still stunned from his father's 'lecture' so it seemed, from before, he wasn't talking too much. Which was actually an unusual thing for him. So of course, they noticed. Bullseye was the first to slip a comment. "-Yo?" Ty-Dy!" Tyler finally came to. "-Huh?" "You haven't talked in over a minute, man." What's up with you?" Tyler blinked. "-Erm... nothing." Buckthorne raised an eyebrow. "-Nice try, Tyler... but it looks like the cat's already out of the bag." For most part, I mean." The lynx sighed. "I think I'd rather not talk about it." "-Why not?"...Is it embarrassing, or gross, or something?" Aaron questioned. His friend shrugged. "-Well... embarrassing... not really... and gross... not quite..." "Then WHAT?" pressed Bullseye. He absolutely HATED it when people would 'beat around the bush'... Tyler knew this, and so, finally said, "Okay, okay!" I'll tell you." Buckthorne nodded. "-And we'll listen." "-Yeah... good." Alright... see... well you guys know how my dad is a physician and all, and works at the hospital part time type thing..." "-Yup," they both replied. "-Uh huh... so yeah... he got a phone call this morning from the hospital... one of those REALLY early ones... I'm not sure HOW early myself, 'cuz I was still half-sleep-" "-Ya, ya, we get it!" Bullseye hissed, impatiently. "-So what then?" "-Right... he got a call saying they needed him at the hospital-" "Yeah huh.... we kinda figured that part," Buckthorne cut in. Tyler flushed darkly. Aaron grumbled at the other two, "-You guys!" Shut up!" Do YOU wanna tell the story, or let HIM?" His warthog friend held his hands up in defeat. "-Alright, alright!" Geez... take a 'pill' why don't ya??" Aaron turned back to his best friend. "-Go on Tyler... you were saying?" The lynx collected himself. "-Oh ya... ummm... so.. he got a call." There was a short-notice emergency, and they needed him, since the doctor who was SUPPOSED to do it, was... erm, 'indisposed' or something." "What was it for?" asked Buckhorne. "-Ah yes... just about to get to that," said Tyler. "Well then?" "-It was for a... a..." "A 'what'??" "-A... pregnant... seventeen year-old girl, in labor..." he muttered out, looking for whatever reason, embarrassed. Then again, so did the other three at hearing this. They shifted their feet in the dust, and stared about them, rubbing their arms or necks, uncomfortably. They responded blankly. "-Ohh..." "-Yeesh..." "-Ahh..." "-Iiii KNOW!" Tyler exclaimed. "And let me tell you... my DAD sure didn't take it well..." They all looked surprised, slightly. "-Really?" asked Buckthorne. Tyler sighed. "Yeah, I couldn't believe that either... but there he was, in the morning..." I simply asked him what he got called in for, and he ended up giving me what sounded like a 'lecture' or a 'punishment' for something I didn't do!" Seriously... I don't think I've ever seen him so pissed, in my life." Bullseye breathed, "-Man... he didn't HIT ya, did he?" "-No!" God no... but now that you mention that, I kinda wonder why he DIDN'T." Tyler admitted. He brushed back his hair from his eyes. "-So yeah.. just a tip... I'd keep away from my dad for a couple days... weeks even, if I were you." Aaron looked confused as the others. "-Why... what's up with him?" "-Nothing..." shrugged Tyler. "He just might.... 'clobber' the next fifteen year-old male he sees." His friends stared. "-Huh?" they all said at once. "Why would he do that for?" Tyler licked his lips. "-See... I haven't told you about the 'father' of that teenage girl's baby, have I?" They all shook their heads, in unison. "Yeah, thought so... see... the father of the seventeen year-old's baby... is a 'fifteen' year old." Their mouths all fell open at the same time, in shock. "-'Fifteen'??" repeated Aaron. Tyler nodded, in silence. They all looked astounded at this. Buckthorne shook his head. "-That's awful!" "-Absolutely unacceptable!" agreed Aaron. "-What kind of person would do THAT??" added Bullseye. (Little did HE know...) Tyler nodded. "-I knooow!" Man... I guess I can see why my dad was so choked now..." The others nodded in turn. "-Yeah... no kidding." I mean... geez!" That's.... HOW could that happen??" His friends shrugged. Aaron muttered, "-'Some' people just need to learn how to 'keep it in their pants'!" The perverts..." Buckthorne shrugged. "Well, you know what they say... 'you can't control love'!" Bullseye snorted. "Heh!" That's a load of shit, if I've ever heard any." Knowing better than to pursue this topic now, the others glanced at each other, urging them to say something. Tyler finally spoke, "Ya... ain't it the truth." Well, anyways, I gotta go now." See ya guys, later?" Aaron added, "-Totally!" Sound good?" Buckthorne agreed. "-Good as it gets." Alrighty then, come on Bullsy, let's get going." We still gotta clean that bottom floor at home, 'member?" Bullseye did. "-Oh yah!" That dangblasted floor... all those damn kids trodding all over it!" Well, see ya guys, then." "Bye," they all said, and went their own ways.
Somehow, the thought of the beautiful young hyena that he had lost his virginity to, three weeks ago, never entered Bullseye's mind, here. Sure, maybe once during the conversation, she may have came into his thoughts at the mention of a 'seventeen year-old girl', but only for an instant. Then the trace of thought disappeared. Little did the young warthog know, that since early that morning, at the age of fifteen.... he had officially became... a father. Not far away, in a hospital room, lying in a hospital bed, the tiny infant hyena/warthog hybrid that an exhausted Candy, held so lovingly in her arms.... was his.
To Be Continued
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- WEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAA! XD FOURTH FICCY DOOOOOONE!! WAAAAAAHOOOOOO! (okay, okay, enough caps lock ^^) Gimme a break, if I sound skitzo! It's freakin' 5 AM after all, that I've just completed this! :D Anyways, YAY ME!! It's funny though, what I thought would be my _shortest_ fic yet, has become my _longest_! XD *hoots* Mwhahahahahaha! So okay, don't worry! Now that I've completed this, I will be getting back to the "BYOL" chapters now! :) Double YAAAAAY!! Hehehe! (I'm so excited! Can ya tell? ;P) Well, seeya next time! Happy readings! :D
~BlushBunnyC3~
Nearly an hour or so later, the sky outside was finally beginning to light up, and the sun beginning to appear. As the golden rays were starting to creep into the hospital windows, and seep over the blankets, the hyena blinked open her eyes. Without realizing it, she had fallen asleep. Not that it was a huge surprise though, as she hadn't gotten a very good sleep that night, and then an exhausting period of labor and childbirth, had taken even MORE out of her... So of course, she HAD to be pretty worn out. She looked to the child in her arms. He was still sleeping, obviously and equally weary, as being born was a rather tiring experience... Candy smiled, and softly stroked his baby furred cheek. Just then, the peaceful and quiet room, was interrupted by a knock on the door. It took her a second to find her voice, but Candy at last said, "-Come in." A familiar face slowly peered in. She looked up, grinning broadly at who she saw. "-Donavan." The caracal smiled back. "-Hey, Candy... how are ya doing?" She shrugged lightly. "-Okay... sure, I'm so tired like I can't believe... and that whole giving birth thing, was kind of a energy sucker." Other than all THAT, I'm totally up and at 'em." Donavan gave a chuckle, then noticed she was holding a small bundle in her arms. "-Is that the..." Candy nodded, "Yeah... this is my 'son'." Her cousin came over, and sat down in a seat beside her bed. She carefully shifted the infant, so Donavan could see him better, and so as not to wake him. The caracal gazed momentarily speechless, at the newborn. "-Wow..." he finally spoke. "-Would you look at him?" Ain't he the cutest lil' fella...!" Hiya, there-" He gently nudged one of the baby's tiny hands, until the little one seemed to get the jist, and wrapped a small fist around Donavan's finger. "Heh... there it is... you're a tough little goober-face aren't ya?" Donavan teased, making the baby grin. "-So?" he asked Candy. "-Have you... named him?" Candy slowly nodded. "-Yeah." I've got one." Donavan looked at her, expectantly. "-May I hear it?" She nodded again. "-It's 'Casey Torra-" Her cousin smiled at the name. "-Awww... lil 'Casey'... it fits him!" But Candy hadn't finished. "-Warthogg'." The name hung in the air for a few seconds. Finally, Donavan repeated it. "'Warthogg'?" he echoed, questioningly. Candy also echoed the name, with a nod. "'Warthogg'." Something appeared to be rising in Donavan. He spoke out, "-Tell me that's not 'Bullseye's' last name." When she gave him no reply, he spoke louder, "-I said, tell me that's not HIS last name, Candy!" She simply stared at him. "-He deserves this." Donavan was confused. "-Who deserves what?" Candy continued to stare, fearlessly. "-Casey... he deserves to have 'something' of his father." And he can't have Bullseye HERE as a father, or know him... so this is all I can think of for now." At least he'll have his father's family NAME." ...That's 'something', isn't it?" Donavan stared wordlessly, for a bit, not a word. Then he rubbed a hand through his hair. "-Candy... I... I just don't get you." Now it was her turn to be confused. "What?" Donavan sighed, "-Seriously... Candy, look at this." You gave a guy sex, you get pregnant with his baby, you have his baby, and you give it his last name." And yet, you say you want him to have nothing to do with the baby?" Candy shrugged, lightly. "-Yes... why?" Donavan buried his face in his hands, in disgust for a second. Then he looked back up. "-HOW is that supposed to work?" Huh?" Honest to God!" Please explain to me, just how exactly everything is supposed to go 'according to plan', when you practically 'flaunt' the forbidden??" I mean... LOOK!" When people see Casey, they're gonna KNOW he's not all hyena!" First clue!" He's gonna ask you what species his father was." Second clue... you give him his father's last name... when he's older, and you won't tell him who his father is, the first thing he's gonna do is go looking for every adult male warthog with the last name 'Warthogg', until he finds one that 'knows' an adult female hyena with the last name "Torra"!!!" Donavan stood up. "-This has just gone too far." So that's it, I say." I'm gonna go personally, find 'Bullseye', and tell him the truth." Candy panicked. "-No!" Donavan, please!!" "-Candy, I'm sorry, but this HAS to be done!" You... you can't raise a kid like this!" It's not fair to him!" It'd be like living a lie..." Do you think Bullseye would want his own son, living like that?" Candy thought hard for a minute. Then the answer came to her. "-If it was the only way... to keep him safe from more harm... to keep him from losing his mind, in any more problems... to keep him from ever doubting the love of someone so close to him.... then he'd say yes," she told her cousin. "-Because Bullseye knows 'exactly' how that feels." So with that said, do you think that maybe, for just a minute, you could STOP talking about this, and yelling at me, considering you have NO idea what I've just been through, and I just can't deal with this right now, and I'm so weak and tired right now, I think I could just cry my eyes out, until I'm even more black and blue?!?!" Donavan was now frozen on the spot. He stood there, all the words sinking in. He slowly looked at the door, then back to Candy. At last, he walked back over to his chair, and sat down. He bowed his head for a minute, then replied, "-Candy... I'm sorry." I'm so sorry... for doubting you... for criticizing you... and... I'm just so sorry." ...Can you forgive me?" Candy sniffled. "Donavan... you're all I truly have, besides Casey, now." Of COURSE I forgive you." Where would I ever be without you??" You were always there for me... when I didn't have anyone." Besides.... since Casey won't exactly have a father... he's gonna need some sort of male influence in his life." She smiled tearfully. "-So... will he get to have his 'Uncle Donavan'?" The caracal slowly smiled back at her. "Actually I'm his 'second-cousin', technically." But then again... 'Uncle Donavan' has a nice ring to it, I'll admit." He gave a small laugh. "-I guess you've sucker-punched me into it, then." *Also... you always were like the little sister I never had..* he thought. *And you were always like the big brother I never had..* she thought.
Several hours later, Donavan brought Candy and little Casey home, to the bar/apartment. Tanya and Eliza were already there, awaiting their arrival. As soon as the baby was introduced to them, the girls immediately were all over him, squealing with glee at every little thing. "Aww, look at those wittle hands!" Aren't those the cutest hands you've ever seen??" Eliza asked, gently squeezing the tiny hands. "Look at his wittle feetys!" Hasn't he got the most adorable hoofy's?" Tanya added, tickling them. Little Casey seemed to be soaking up all this attention. He squeaked and gurgled, happily. "What a wittle giggly-pooh!" cooed Tanya. "Such a wittle sweetie-pie!" agreed Eliza. Donavan and Candy were just staring on, with amusement. From the back doorway, Flash was watching them all from around the corner, with an abused look on his face. Much like the one he had when he'd first be told about the 'situation'... Seeing Candy, HIS Candy... have another man's/male's baby, hurt him... cut him deeply. Despite the cruelty of the idea, Flash had made up his mind to HATE the child. After all, how could he LIKE it?? It was Candy's baby... fathered by someone else. It was like scar, reminding him... of what he'd lost. His child by Candy... hadn't lived to be alive. But this new child... by someone else... had. Flash just couldn't understand it. It just didn't seem fair. The father of this baby, didn't even know it existed, nor did he give a damn about it, as he didn't want it. Flash on the other hand, had wanted his baby, known and cared about it... but it had died. Not fair, indeed. Just then, Candy spotted him back there, and came over. "-Flash!" There you are!" The marguay, startled at having being sighted, jumped a little. But then he quickly covered it up by saying, "-Oh Candy!" Hey!" She looked at him. "Whatcha doing over here, all alone?" Flash scratched the back of his neck. "-Umm.. nothing... just.. thinking about stuff." "-Oh," said Candy, understandingly. "-Well, come here now!" I want you to meet him!" Flash pretended he didn't know what/who she was talking about. "Meet who?" Candy shook her muzzle at him. "-Casey, my son!" Seriously Flash, you HAVE to see him... trust me, you'll love him!" *Fat chance* he thought, as the hyena went on. "-And oh my gosh, call me crazy... but I could swear... he has YOUR hands!" The marguay gave a slight look of interest. "-Really?" Candy grinned. "Why don't you see for yourself, silly?" She managed to drag him over to the others. Candy gently pushed Tanya and Eliza out of the way. "-Here he is," she said, proudly. Flash looked into the bassinet, to see little Casey curled up in there. He looked up at Flash, with big, curious eyes. Flash stared right back at him. The silence was making the hyena nervous. So she couldn't help but press. "-So... how's he look, you think?" Her friend was speechless for a minute, before getting out a few words. "-He's... cute!" Flash would've died before admitting what he REALLY thought. He seriously wanted to pick the little tyke up, and coo at and tickle him. He was SO CUTE! The marguay just couldn't help smiling at him. Casey seemed to like this very much. He gave a little squeak, and held up a chubby little paw to Flash. The girls all squealled, delightedly. "Awwww!" He likes you!" Donavan chuckled. "-I think he seriously does!" he agreed. "Just look at him... looks like he wants to 'shake hands'!" Flash smirked. "-Ahhh... well in that case-" He gently clasped Casey's tiny hand with two of his fingers. "-Hey there, Casey... how ya doing, little bro?" Casey gave a few mewls, squeaks, and cooes, as if to explain himself, in baby tongue. The rest of them just laughed.
That night, Candy flopped into her bed, looking forward to getting a good night's sleep at long last, as she was unbelievably exhausted from the day. But just as she was starting to drift off, a loud, shrill wail arose from the little bassinet nearby. Candy groaned outloud, and forced herself to get out of bed. Little Casey sniffled remorsefully, through sobs, with a sadly curled-lipped face, that nearly broke his mother's heart. "-Casey!" Oh, my baby... come here," Candy spoke, picking him up. The infant whimpered mournfully, as his mother gently patted his back. "My lil' Casey... shhh... it's okay, honey... Mommy's here.. s'alright-" she said, soothingly, trying to comfort him. When he finally calmed down, Candy checked him over. He wasn't hungry, he'd just been fed an hour or so ago. And he was clean and dry, so he didn't need to be changed. *Then 'what' is it?* she thought. Then, she noticed the little one gently snuggling against her shoulder, softly cooing. At the realization, Candy smiled, affectionately. "-Aawww... I think 'someone' just wants to 'cuddle'... is that what you want, sweetie-pie?" she cooed at him. Casey gave a satisfied gurgle, in response, and then let out a tiny yawn. Candy needed no further bidding. She walked back over to her big bed, with the baby, and laid down, cradling him comfortably in her arms, wrapping the quilts around them. Casey gave another long yawn, and gently nuzzled at her neck, settling in, cosily. The mother hyena sighed, contently. It was such a perfect moment, right there. If someone were to question her about it, she could've honestly said, that there was no other place on Mobius she would've wanted to be, but right there, with her baby snuggled in her arms.
Earlier that day, somewhere else, more 'emotionality' was going on. But it was more disturbing revelation-like, which was rather unpleasant...
Awhile after the birth of little Casey, physician Sir Urquhart, headed for home... none the better from his 'experience' that morning. He was still in a state of disgust and shock. Emotionally torn in a strange way, he walked the floors of his home, aimlessly, not knowing how to feel or where to go, all morning. But then, when his son Tyler, finally woke up, and came out to get some food, the minute he asked his father a simple question, something in Urquhart just snapped. "-Hey, Dad..." Back from the hospital, already?" A sting of insult pierced the father lynx's mind. "-Yes... how do you know about that??" Tyler seemed taken aback at the question, and his father's odd tone, but he replied, "-I heard the phone this morning... you got up... right?" Urquhart's eyebrow's twitched. "-That would be correct." Tyler looked at him for a minute, then shrugged, "Okay." That's when Urquhart's temper got to him before his wits did. "-NO actually... that's NOT okay!" His son looked startled. "-Erm... what's not okay?" The adult lynx gave him a cold stare. "-What happened this morning... what I got called to the hospital for... the whole damn situation!" The young lynx gulped, not wanting to prod into the subject any further. "-Right... sorry, Dad," he apologized, thinking maybe that would help. It didn't. Sir Urquhart was glaring hard. "-Do you wanna know WHAT I just did, this morning??" *-NOOOOOO!* Tyler was thinking, but in reality, he was shifting uncomfortably, and responded, "-Uh... you got called into the hospital for a... uhhh... an emergency?" "-Yes." In a matter of speaking," was his father's cold reply. "Oh," Tyler, mumbled, staring at the floor. Urquhart was obviously going to tell him exactly why, so he stayed silent, waiting. Didn't take his father long to start... "-It came down to this, Tyler..." I just delivered the baby... of a SEVENTEEN year old girl...!" This was something his son, wasn't expecting to hear. He stared at Urquhart. "-What?" "-You heard me, right!" growled Urquhart. "-And what's worse!" She lives with her twenty year old cousin, in a BAR, back town, because both their parents and relatives are either DEAD or GONE from any means of contact... and the FATHER!" Tyler could see the anger rising in his father, clearly. "-The father of the baby... and believe me, THIS just takes the cake... the girl said... that the father... doesn't even KNOW, he's a father!" The girl never told him... and she even said, that he was even TWO YEARS YOUNGER than her!" Which makes him... FUCKING FIFTEEN!!" Urquhart, in his rage, slammed his fists against a table, causing his son, to flinch back, in shock. The father lynx stared hard, into his eyes. "-The same age as YOU Tyler... can you IMAGINE that??" Tyler fearfully, shook his head. "-See?" Urquhart, spoke hoarsely. "-And that's a good thing..." Because let me tell you-" He scowled at his son again, shaking a finger at him. "-If you EVER... did such a thing... as getting a girl PREGNANT, when you're THIS damn young... I swear to God... I'D DISOWN YOU!!" With that striking comment, the furious father lynx stormed out, leaving Tyler rather shocked. Lady Sarah, who had heard pretty much everything, from the other room, immediately came out, to talk to Tyler. "-Tyler?" Are you alright?" He numbly replied, "-Yeah... I think so." Sarah gently hugged her son, comfortingly. "-It's ok, sweetheart." I'm sorry you had to hear that." It's just that... your father, he's... well, just a little shaken up." Shell-shocked pretty much." It's just he's never dealt with this kind of thing before." I'll admit though, him taking it out on YOU was a little un-needed.. but you can't really blame him too much." Tyler twisted his lips. "-Yeah... I guess you're right," he agreed. His mother smiled, and kissed his forehead. "-Don't worry, honey... your father still loves you, you know." Just do what he says, give him some time, and he'll get over it soon enough." Tyler forced a small smile upon his face for her, as she stroked his bangs, lightly. "-Thanks, Mom."
A few hours later, Tyler was out with some of his pals, Aaron (his best friend), Bullseye and Buckthorne. Still stunned from his father's 'lecture' so it seemed, from before, he wasn't talking too much. Which was actually an unusual thing for him. So of course, they noticed. Bullseye was the first to slip a comment. "-Yo?" Ty-Dy!" Tyler finally came to. "-Huh?" "You haven't talked in over a minute, man." What's up with you?" Tyler blinked. "-Erm... nothing." Buckthorne raised an eyebrow. "-Nice try, Tyler... but it looks like the cat's already out of the bag." For most part, I mean." The lynx sighed. "I think I'd rather not talk about it." "-Why not?"...Is it embarrassing, or gross, or something?" Aaron questioned. His friend shrugged. "-Well... embarrassing... not really... and gross... not quite..." "Then WHAT?" pressed Bullseye. He absolutely HATED it when people would 'beat around the bush'... Tyler knew this, and so, finally said, "Okay, okay!" I'll tell you." Buckthorne nodded. "-And we'll listen." "-Yeah... good." Alright... see... well you guys know how my dad is a physician and all, and works at the hospital part time type thing..." "-Yup," they both replied. "-Uh huh... so yeah... he got a phone call this morning from the hospital... one of those REALLY early ones... I'm not sure HOW early myself, 'cuz I was still half-sleep-" "-Ya, ya, we get it!" Bullseye hissed, impatiently. "-So what then?" "-Right... he got a call saying they needed him at the hospital-" "Yeah huh.... we kinda figured that part," Buckthorne cut in. Tyler flushed darkly. Aaron grumbled at the other two, "-You guys!" Shut up!" Do YOU wanna tell the story, or let HIM?" His warthog friend held his hands up in defeat. "-Alright, alright!" Geez... take a 'pill' why don't ya??" Aaron turned back to his best friend. "-Go on Tyler... you were saying?" The lynx collected himself. "-Oh ya... ummm... so.. he got a call." There was a short-notice emergency, and they needed him, since the doctor who was SUPPOSED to do it, was... erm, 'indisposed' or something." "What was it for?" asked Buckhorne. "-Ah yes... just about to get to that," said Tyler. "Well then?" "-It was for a... a..." "A 'what'??" "-A... pregnant... seventeen year-old girl, in labor..." he muttered out, looking for whatever reason, embarrassed. Then again, so did the other three at hearing this. They shifted their feet in the dust, and stared about them, rubbing their arms or necks, uncomfortably. They responded blankly. "-Ohh..." "-Yeesh..." "-Ahh..." "-Iiii KNOW!" Tyler exclaimed. "And let me tell you... my DAD sure didn't take it well..." They all looked surprised, slightly. "-Really?" asked Buckthorne. Tyler sighed. "Yeah, I couldn't believe that either... but there he was, in the morning..." I simply asked him what he got called in for, and he ended up giving me what sounded like a 'lecture' or a 'punishment' for something I didn't do!" Seriously... I don't think I've ever seen him so pissed, in my life." Bullseye breathed, "-Man... he didn't HIT ya, did he?" "-No!" God no... but now that you mention that, I kinda wonder why he DIDN'T." Tyler admitted. He brushed back his hair from his eyes. "-So yeah.. just a tip... I'd keep away from my dad for a couple days... weeks even, if I were you." Aaron looked confused as the others. "-Why... what's up with him?" "-Nothing..." shrugged Tyler. "He just might.... 'clobber' the next fifteen year-old male he sees." His friends stared. "-Huh?" they all said at once. "Why would he do that for?" Tyler licked his lips. "-See... I haven't told you about the 'father' of that teenage girl's baby, have I?" They all shook their heads, in unison. "Yeah, thought so... see... the father of the seventeen year-old's baby... is a 'fifteen' year old." Their mouths all fell open at the same time, in shock. "-'Fifteen'??" repeated Aaron. Tyler nodded, in silence. They all looked astounded at this. Buckthorne shook his head. "-That's awful!" "-Absolutely unacceptable!" agreed Aaron. "-What kind of person would do THAT??" added Bullseye. (Little did HE know...) Tyler nodded. "-I knooow!" Man... I guess I can see why my dad was so choked now..." The others nodded in turn. "-Yeah... no kidding." I mean... geez!" That's.... HOW could that happen??" His friends shrugged. Aaron muttered, "-'Some' people just need to learn how to 'keep it in their pants'!" The perverts..." Buckthorne shrugged. "Well, you know what they say... 'you can't control love'!" Bullseye snorted. "Heh!" That's a load of shit, if I've ever heard any." Knowing better than to pursue this topic now, the others glanced at each other, urging them to say something. Tyler finally spoke, "Ya... ain't it the truth." Well, anyways, I gotta go now." See ya guys, later?" Aaron added, "-Totally!" Sound good?" Buckthorne agreed. "-Good as it gets." Alrighty then, come on Bullsy, let's get going." We still gotta clean that bottom floor at home, 'member?" Bullseye did. "-Oh yah!" That dangblasted floor... all those damn kids trodding all over it!" Well, see ya guys, then." "Bye," they all said, and went their own ways.
Somehow, the thought of the beautiful young hyena that he had lost his virginity to, three weeks ago, never entered Bullseye's mind, here. Sure, maybe once during the conversation, she may have came into his thoughts at the mention of a 'seventeen year-old girl', but only for an instant. Then the trace of thought disappeared. Little did the young warthog know, that since early that morning, at the age of fifteen.... he had officially became... a father. Not far away, in a hospital room, lying in a hospital bed, the tiny infant hyena/warthog hybrid that an exhausted Candy, held so lovingly in her arms.... was his.
To Be Continued
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- WEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAA! XD FOURTH FICCY DOOOOOONE!! WAAAAAAHOOOOOO! (okay, okay, enough caps lock ^^) Gimme a break, if I sound skitzo! It's freakin' 5 AM after all, that I've just completed this! :D Anyways, YAY ME!! It's funny though, what I thought would be my _shortest_ fic yet, has become my _longest_! XD *hoots* Mwhahahahahaha! So okay, don't worry! Now that I've completed this, I will be getting back to the "BYOL" chapters now! :) Double YAAAAAY!! Hehehe! (I'm so excited! Can ya tell? ;P) Well, seeya next time! Happy readings! :D
~BlushBunnyC3~