The vixen ran all the way home, sobbing wildly. She tore the door open, slammed it shut, and raced into her room. Luckily for her, no one was home yet. Vera walked over to her bureau, and sat in the chair, her nerves shot badly. It frightened her, that she couldn't stop the shaking of her hands. She clung her to her wrists, tightly, trying to regain normal breathing. The young vixen then, slowly looked at herself in the mirror, to see a pale and shaken face, that barely looked like her own. Suddenly, her hands stopped shaking. She looked at them. Then she looked at her face again. A gruesome thought suddenly formed into her mind. These hands, Vera realized, had struck Rockavar. Hurt him. Given him a fierce blow to the face. Then it really hit her. She had WILLINGLY hurt Rockavar. Something she had once sworn with all her heart, she'd never do... The thought was almost too much to bear. She had struck with a brute force.. the only person she'd ever truly loved. That did it. With a quick movement, Vera slapped HERSELF hard against the face. Stunned by the pain of the self-inflicted blow, tears stung through her eyes. *So that's how much it hurts...* she thought. *Plus everything ELSE I've done to him...* She whacked herself across the face again, more tears burning down her smarting cheeks. By the eighth slap, Vera's face was bruised and swollen. Her face hurt horribly, she could barely make an expression without pain. Yet there she was, making it worse, by sobbing wildly at the same time. She was torn, crashed and burnt, a million times over. She couldn't bear to look at herself, she was overcome by too much shame.
Just then, the front door opened, and in walked Lady Jacqueline, with a few bags of groceries. She knew that Vera was home, seeing her shoes nearby the door, so she called out, "-Vera!" Sweetheart, could you give me a hand, for a sec?" But nearly a minute passed by, before Jacqueline realized that her daughter had not come. "-Vera?" she called out again. Still no response. Yet her keen vixen ears heard a sound coming from her daughter's room. She finally walked towards Vera's bedroom. She opened the door, as it was unlocked (surprisingly). "Vera, is something wrong?" Vera had her face buried into her arms, resting on the table, still crying. When she looked up, her mother got the shock of her life. Jacqueline's eyes went wide with horror, clasped a hand to her mouth and cried, "-Oh Vera!" Oh my goodness, look at your face!" ...Oh honey... what on Mobius HAPPENED??" Vera gulped through sobs, "-I just..." and burst into tears again. The mother vixen threw her arms around Vera, hugging her daughter, tightly. "-Shhsh... it's alright, baby... it's okay... calm down," she spoke, softly, petting Vera's hair. Then, taking care of the swelling, Jacqueline gently stroked her daughter's cheeks. "-Look at me, sweetie... tell me... WHO.. did this?" Vera's lip trembled, and she lowered her face. "-I... 'I' did." Her mother was struck dumb. "-What??" The young vixen shook her head. "-I did this... to myself..." She then buried her face in her own hands, and wept further. Jacqueline couldn't believe this. "-Vera... why... WHAT would make you DO such a thing, to yourself??" Vera shook her head again, and sobbed, "-I... Rockavar... said... and I... it's... everything's just ruined!" And it's all my fault!!" It might not have made sense to anyone else, but it was all Jacqueline needed to hear, to understand things. Just that one keyword: ...Rockavar. The mother vixen just held her daughter close, speaking soft, soothing words of comfort for her heartbroken child.
Later on, both Lewis and Sir Lucas were home, as well. After Lucas had a usual father/son talk with his son, his wife pulled him aside, to tell him the situation with their daughter. She started, "-Lucas... we need to discuss something." It's about Vera." Lucas raised his eyebrows. "-Ah, I see... speaking of which, where is she?" I haven't seen her since this morning..." Jacqueline licked his lips. "-She's here." She was here before I got home." Lucas felt something coming here. "-And?" he pressed. His wife lowered her head. "-She's rather... 'distraught', presently, I've found." "Oh... in what way how, exactly?" Lucas asked. Jacqueline explained, "-Well... here's what I saw." When I got home... I knew she was here... but she didn't come when I asked her for help." So I figured either she was resting or couldn't hear." Then I went to her room." And she was in there alright... but... in a very... distressed state." Her husband was looking more concerned, "-What sort of distressed state?" "-She was sitting at her desk... crying, apparently," replied Jacqueline. Lucas's ears lowered. "Goodness me... my poor girl." But his wife wasn't finished, "-But... then she looked up at me... and I saw... even worse than I expected." Lucas blinked. "I don't... what do you mean by that?" Jacqueline spoke, "-Not only were her eyes red and teary... but... her face... was... swollen and... bruised... badly." Like... someone had... 'hit' her." The father fox immediately was overcome by protective and aggressive anger, for his child's safety. "-HIT her??" You're saying someone... STRUCK my daughter??" In the name of all things holy... WHO did this??" WHO would dare to strike a young teenage girl??" Jacqueline, tell me RIGHT now... who's the scum I have to I knock the daylights out of-!" Jacqueline quickly tried to calm her mate. "-Nonono, Lucas, calm down... you see.. that's the 'thing', here..." Lucas was confused. "What 'thing'?" I don't understand..." His wife told him, "-I asked her the same thing... and she said it was..." The male fox looked at her. "-It was WHO??" he repeated. Jacqueline lowered her muzzle, and simply said, "-'Her'." Now Lucas was totally lost. "'Her' what??" His mate shook her head. "-As in, it was HER." SHE'S the one who struck... she hit HERSELF, Lucas!" The father fox was astounded, with shock. "-She... hit... HERSELF??" But... why or WHAT on Mobius would make her DO such a deed?" And to herself, of all people??" Jacqueline looked at him sorrowfully. "-I asked her that." I didn't exactly get all that she said... but... all I needed was that one keyword to get the jist." Lucas questioned, "-And that keyword was?" The mother vixen gave a heavy sigh. "-Rockavar," she spoke, quietly. Lucas closed his eyes, and brushed back his headfur, sighing deeply. "-Oh dear... not this again... goodness." Jacqueline put her hands to her face. "-Oh Lucas... I hate to see her like this... I feel like we're 'punishing' her, for something she didn't even DO!" Her husband said, "-I understand, dear... but... there's nothing we can do." In this case... what's done is pretty much DONE." The laws are the laws." There's no pulling strings or bending backwards." Vera's going to have to learn to pull herself through this chaos." Jacqueline protested, "-But... there HAS to be some way... I could swear, I FEEL it... surely there must be-" Lucas shook his head. "-Vera is our daughter." We are considered the 'middle' class." Rockavar is Royalty." We're both from different status and blood." We can't change that fact... it will be this whole situation's undoing, whether we like it or not." It DOES break my heart, to see her like this... but alas... we cannot do anything." Except give her what reassurance, love and comfort we have to give." Speaking of which... perhaps I should go and talk with her?" I mean... I have a feeling she shouldn't be left alone for so long, at the moment." "-Maybe so," admitted his wife. "But then again, us 'smothering' her with attention, might have it's own damage as well." Her mate understood. "-I guess so." Well... we'll give her some time, then." We'll discuss this further, later." Jacqueline nodded in agreement.
Earlier that day, there had been a phone call at Aaron's house. His father, Sir Blackburn answered it. "-Hello?" "-That you Blackburn?" It's Urquhart," said the other line. "-Urquhart!" Oh good... I was just about to call you myself." Cripes... from what Aaron told me about last night... sounded like things were going pretty brutal." Urquhart told him, "-You're telling me..." Blackburn nodded. "-So how are things?" Did Tyler's operation go okay?" "Yes, thank God," Urquhart sighed with relief. "-He got pretty close, but they managed to get it out, before anything spread." "-Good to hear." How's he doing, now?" "-Other than the part of him passing out, when I told him what happened and where he was, he's alright." Just a bit woozy from sedatives and all." But we can bring him home tonight, so it's all good." Honestly, I'm just thankful he's safe and well again." That was one night, I never need to see a repeat of, ever." "-Ah, yes, I could imagine so." He gonna be okay enough to go to school tomorrow?" Aaron'll be wanting to know that." "-He WOULD be well enough, I think... but I'm thinking, I'm gonna keep him home tomorrow, just in case." You never know, he could still be at risk of side effects or collapsing or whatnot." Just to be on the safe side." Not that he'll mind, I'm thinking..." "-Yeah, since when are they ever objected to missing class?" Getting out of schoolwork, is such a 'treat' for them." "-Oh, I'm not letting him off that easy... in fact, that's one of the reasons I'm calling." Do you know who has classes with Tyler?" "-I think so... ummm... lemme think here." I believe... Aaron has Math and Chemistry with him and... Bullseye has Biology class with him." "Ah kay... could ya ask Aaron for him and Bullseye to ask their teachers for Tyler's missed schoolwork?" Don't want him falling behind." "-Sure thing, I'll let Aaron know." And better do so right now." "-Oh?" "-You wouldn't believe how he's been acting today." You'd think he'd lost his best friend... ironically and literally, almost." And even the SCHOOL called me, saying that I should talk to him about... things or something." Apparently he got sent to the counselor's TWICE, because he was in such a way." I had to convince them that he wasn't suicidal or had a chronic depression!" Nice and embarrassing little chat, really." "-Goodness... sorry to hear that... well... better tell the kid, then." I'll let ya go." "-Alright then." Talk to ya later, Urquhart." Thanks for calling." "-No problem, Blackburn." Seeya soon." And both males hung up.
"-So did you get the work?" Aaron held up six papers. "-Yup, got the three textbook assignments for Chemistry, and the two worksheets and Ch. 3 review for Math." Whew... won't he have a fun time, with all of this crap?" Bullseye shrugged. "-He didn't miss anything in Biology, really." Just a lab assignment which just requires a few questions from the book, and a whole hour of copying notes off the board and talking about Master Sidel's retirement." Lucky bastard." He spat in the dirt. "Least he don't have English too." I have to write a 300-350 word essay tonight." Aaron blinked. "-Yikes!" What the shit... that's just evil." Sorry to hear, Bullsy." The warthog raised an eyebrow. "-Why?" It'll only take me about ten minutes, at most." The hedgehog's jaw fell. "Tell me you're kidding." Ten MINUTES??" To write THAT much??" What you got up your sleeve, you notorious cheater?" Bullseye just lifted his shoulders. "-Nothing!" Just doesn't take me long to think shit up, and write it down." Honestly... you think THIS is unbelievable?" Let me tell about that one time in English class!" Aaron cocked his head. "What's that about?"
~*~
It was ten minutes until the next classes were to start. The squirrel English teacher was sitting at his desk, his ink quill feather pen scribbling furiously, as he wrote on the papers before him. Just then, the classroom door opened. In walked a young male teenage student. "Yo!" Master Reid?" The professor's lip slightly twitched into a frown. He knew that voice, and vocabulary, anywhere. Master Reid slowly took off his glasses and raised his pale green eyes. "-Master Warthogg..." he spoke, in a stern, icy tone. "What can I do for you?" "-Nothing, Sir... just here to say, that I won't be here next class," Bullseye replied. The adult squirrel sniffed. "-Ah... I see." And your reason would be?" The young warthog shrugged, "-That I don't feel like coming to class." Master Reid closed his eyes, in the thought of the usual disappointment of his rebellious student's behaviour, and spoke, "-Very well, Master Warthogg... I'll just put you down for 'skipping', once again." Bullseye rolled his eyes, and griped, "-Oh fine... I'll be 'reasonable' here." Might you give me today's assignment, then?" His teacher picked up a sheet, held up his glasses to read it, scanned the page, and told him, "-Ah yes... a 250-300 word essay about the history of our Royal city." The student blinked. "-Thats IT?" Hell!" I'll give you my essay right now!" Master Reid sat there, and looked and listened without a word, as Bullseye started giving a speech on the topic, right off the top of his head. Five minutes later, the warthog finally stopped, caught his breath and asked, "-How was that?" The English professor stared at him, solemnly. "-I'll give you a B+," he finally said, and started to flip into his markbook. Bullseye thought outloud, "-Hmmm... B+, huh?" "-Yes, Master Warthogg," his teacher repeated. The warthog's mouth turned into a rather scheming look. "-I've got a better idea," he said. Master Reid peered up. "-Do you, now?" Bullseye explained, "-Here's the plan... you bring that mark up to a A-... and I'll tell you where that favourite fountain pen of yours went." The adult looked at him, cold and unblinking. He was trying to BRIBE him! Normally Master Reid would NEVER consort to such matters, but... "-I'll have you know, that very pen is a family heirloom, that belonged to my grandfather, and has sentimental value." And as for what you're trying to do... normally I would NEVER stoop to such a level... but if you DO happen to know of where the pen is... I just might have to consent." The warthog replied, "-It'll be returned to you right away, Master Reid... none the better, none the worse." Exactly as it was." All I need is for you to do this one little favor for me." Master Reid finally picked up another pen, and wrote down the assignment grade, in his markbook. Bullseye then reached into his pocket, and pulled out the fountain pen. "-I do wonder, Master Reid... if it's such value you to you, how I should happen to have found it in the trash can, when I was helping the janitor?" He placed it on the desk, before his professor. "-Ah well... nice doing business with you, nonetheless," he added. The squirrel sighed deeply at his student. "-Master Warthogg... I hope you understand that this 'bribery' business, won't do you any good, out of the academic field." Bullseye replied, "-Oh, totally, Sir!" A well-placed sock in the jaw and kick in the gut or groin, work great too." Master Reid closed his eyes again. It was like trying to reason with a brick wall. "-Good day, Master Warthogg..." he sighed, in dismissal. The warthog nodded, with a smirk. "-You take care, Sir." And he left.
Aaron burst into laughter. "-Oh-my-god!" You're totally serious here?" You DID that??" THAT happened??" And he didn't even report you or anything, or change your grade again??" Bullseye shook his muzzle. "Na-da!" Go figure, eh?" You'd think he'd be THRILLED to bust my ass, like that..." Just then, they heard someone coming. Who should appear, but Tyler himself, none the better, none the worse. "-Hiya, fellas!" 'Sup?" "-TY-DY!" they both hooted, loudly. The two came over and greeted Tyler, with great enthusiasm. "-Tyler, you're back!" Aaron grinned, playfully slugging his friend's shoulder. "-He's ALIIIVE, he is!" smirked Bullseye, pounding him in the back. Tyler slightly winced, and yelped, "-Hey, hey, guys easy on me!" The Ty-Dy's still not totally fully functioning yet... I'm still kinda wrung out and hanging to dry, fellas." The cuts are still healing over, and all, and I'm wiped out, for now." No rough stuff, know what I mean?" They both apologized, realizing that Tyler HAD just gotten out of surgery and the hospital, of COURSE he was still a bit conked out, energy-wise. "-Oh yeah... sorry Ty!" "-Ah kay then... we'll save the full body tackling, for later then." Tyler asked, "-So.. let me guess... you guys got all my work?" Aaron produced the six papers, and took the other two from Bullseye. "Yup... here ya go." The lynx groaned, "-Eight sheets??" For shit's shake... I only missed two days, for crying out loud!" You'd think I missed a WEEK here!" Bullseye snorted, "-'C'est la vie', Tyler... it's called 'highschool'... get used to it." Tyler just rolled his eyes, in agony. "-Dooohye."
The three walked about the streets awhile, talking about that other night, as Tyler flushed with embarrassment, at hearing what he had done. But when it got to a certain part, he grinned deviously. "-Damn... I wish I HAD ralphed on yer shoes, Bullsy!" Aaron hooted, "-Oh that would've been freakin' PRICELESS!" Bullseye smiled coldly. "Yeah, and then I would've kicked yer ass, 'pukey-boy'!" The warthog then, caught Tyler in a playful headlock, for a few seconds, and let him go. Just then, a voice was heard behind them. "-Bullseye?" Aaron?" The warthog and hedgehog looked and saw Rockavar standing there. "-Rockavar!" "Rocky!" Tyler stiffened, and slowly turned around to face him. Rockavar was still as well, and looked straight at him. "-Tyler." Tyler nodded. "-Rockavar." The lynx and fox stared at each other, wordlessly, for several seconds, causing nervousness between Aaron and Bullseye, wondering what was gonna happen. Finally Bullseye couldn't help himself. "-Well... this is about as comfortable, as seeing your grandmother in a leopard thong... heh." The others all slowly turned to him, looking totally confused. Bullseye gave an uneasy grin. "-Sorry... just... trying to break the tension." Yeah... ya could cut this with a knife, almost... hehe." They all continued to give him blank stares. "...I'm gonna shut up now," nodded Bullseye, quickly, and looked about, whistling absentmindedly. Rockavar then asked, "-Do you guys think... I could have a word, alone, with Tyler?" Bullseye agreed, "-Oh sure, yeah!" Aaron said, "-It's cool... no problem!" Rockavar blinked, as neither of them moved. "-When I say 'alone', I mean ALONE... as in... you guys go 'bye-bye', for a couple minutes!" Please?" "-OOOOHHH!" both Bullseye and Aaron spoke at the same time, understandingly. "-Ah, I get it now... okay, we'll go over there," Aaron said, pointing offwards. "Ya, it's fine... seeya guys in a bit, then," Bullseye added, and he and Aaron left. Rockavar sighed, "-Fiiinally." Tyler gave a slight nod. "-Yeah." They both were silent for a minute. Rockavar then spoke, "Tyler I..." Tyler started to say, "-Rockavar..." They paused for a minute, then it happened. "-I'm sorry," they both spoke at the same time. They looked at each other, confused by the echo of words. Then they both suddenly laughed. Tyler continued, "-Honestly Rocky, I AM sorry... what I did was... totally wrong!" I shouldn't have... well... done whatever went bad and-" Rockavar shook his muzzle. "-No, no, no, stop it Tyler!" It's MY fault!" I'M sorry!" What I did and said to you was SO wrong, I can't even explain all of it!" You're my friend, and I totally let you down!" You were just trying to be a good friend, and I snapped, like an idiot!" I had no right!" This whole mess... it wasn't even your fault!" You did nothing!" This fight isn't between you and me... it's all me and Vera..." I'm sorry you got pulled into it... that wasn't fair to you." You were just... an unsuspecting 'victim', really." That's my and Vera's bad." We didn't mean for that to happen." I'm sorry, just... sooo sorry, Ty." "-Rockavar, it's okay... I forgive you man... both of you." I'm sure the situation YOU guys are in, is much worse than this, so... I can understand why you reacted the way you did." All that really scared me, was the thought of losing one of my best friends." ...Have I?" Rockavar slightly grinned, "-No way Tyler... not by a long-shot." Girlfriends might come and go... but friendship?" That's for life, man." The fox held out his hand. "-Truce, Ty?" Tyler smiled and shook Rockavar's hand. "-Truce, all the way, Rock." Just then the fox thought outloud, "-Still... I'm surprised you're not more mad at me." I mean... I should get my ass whooped for all that hell you got dragged into." Tyler groaned, "-Rockavaaar..." His friend exclaimed, "-In fact... that's what YOU should do!" You should kick my ass!" You deserve it!" I deserve it!" I was a complete asshole!" So go on... whoop the shit outta me!" Right now!!" Come on!" I'm asking you to do this, as a FRIEND!" Do me!" Tyler slowly gave a wry smile. "Rockavar... one... I'm still too weak to kick your ass, even if I wanted to... and two... I don't WANNA kick your ass!" We've called a truce, and I've got my friend back." That's all I wanted." Okay?" Rockavar shrugged, "-Okaaay.. if that's what you wanted." Tyler raised an eyebrow. "-Course if you still wanna fight... I'm sure Bullseye would love to take you out, in that mood he's in." He nodded in the direction of the other two. Aaron was standing back, watching as Bullseye was yelling at some random guy, arguing over who knew what. The Fox Prince laughed, "-Yeah... that's our Bullseye, alright."
Just then, the front door opened, and in walked Lady Jacqueline, with a few bags of groceries. She knew that Vera was home, seeing her shoes nearby the door, so she called out, "-Vera!" Sweetheart, could you give me a hand, for a sec?" But nearly a minute passed by, before Jacqueline realized that her daughter had not come. "-Vera?" she called out again. Still no response. Yet her keen vixen ears heard a sound coming from her daughter's room. She finally walked towards Vera's bedroom. She opened the door, as it was unlocked (surprisingly). "Vera, is something wrong?" Vera had her face buried into her arms, resting on the table, still crying. When she looked up, her mother got the shock of her life. Jacqueline's eyes went wide with horror, clasped a hand to her mouth and cried, "-Oh Vera!" Oh my goodness, look at your face!" ...Oh honey... what on Mobius HAPPENED??" Vera gulped through sobs, "-I just..." and burst into tears again. The mother vixen threw her arms around Vera, hugging her daughter, tightly. "-Shhsh... it's alright, baby... it's okay... calm down," she spoke, softly, petting Vera's hair. Then, taking care of the swelling, Jacqueline gently stroked her daughter's cheeks. "-Look at me, sweetie... tell me... WHO.. did this?" Vera's lip trembled, and she lowered her face. "-I... 'I' did." Her mother was struck dumb. "-What??" The young vixen shook her head. "-I did this... to myself..." She then buried her face in her own hands, and wept further. Jacqueline couldn't believe this. "-Vera... why... WHAT would make you DO such a thing, to yourself??" Vera shook her head again, and sobbed, "-I... Rockavar... said... and I... it's... everything's just ruined!" And it's all my fault!!" It might not have made sense to anyone else, but it was all Jacqueline needed to hear, to understand things. Just that one keyword: ...Rockavar. The mother vixen just held her daughter close, speaking soft, soothing words of comfort for her heartbroken child.
Later on, both Lewis and Sir Lucas were home, as well. After Lucas had a usual father/son talk with his son, his wife pulled him aside, to tell him the situation with their daughter. She started, "-Lucas... we need to discuss something." It's about Vera." Lucas raised his eyebrows. "-Ah, I see... speaking of which, where is she?" I haven't seen her since this morning..." Jacqueline licked his lips. "-She's here." She was here before I got home." Lucas felt something coming here. "-And?" he pressed. His wife lowered her head. "-She's rather... 'distraught', presently, I've found." "Oh... in what way how, exactly?" Lucas asked. Jacqueline explained, "-Well... here's what I saw." When I got home... I knew she was here... but she didn't come when I asked her for help." So I figured either she was resting or couldn't hear." Then I went to her room." And she was in there alright... but... in a very... distressed state." Her husband was looking more concerned, "-What sort of distressed state?" "-She was sitting at her desk... crying, apparently," replied Jacqueline. Lucas's ears lowered. "Goodness me... my poor girl." But his wife wasn't finished, "-But... then she looked up at me... and I saw... even worse than I expected." Lucas blinked. "I don't... what do you mean by that?" Jacqueline spoke, "-Not only were her eyes red and teary... but... her face... was... swollen and... bruised... badly." Like... someone had... 'hit' her." The father fox immediately was overcome by protective and aggressive anger, for his child's safety. "-HIT her??" You're saying someone... STRUCK my daughter??" In the name of all things holy... WHO did this??" WHO would dare to strike a young teenage girl??" Jacqueline, tell me RIGHT now... who's the scum I have to I knock the daylights out of-!" Jacqueline quickly tried to calm her mate. "-Nonono, Lucas, calm down... you see.. that's the 'thing', here..." Lucas was confused. "What 'thing'?" I don't understand..." His wife told him, "-I asked her the same thing... and she said it was..." The male fox looked at her. "-It was WHO??" he repeated. Jacqueline lowered her muzzle, and simply said, "-'Her'." Now Lucas was totally lost. "'Her' what??" His mate shook her head. "-As in, it was HER." SHE'S the one who struck... she hit HERSELF, Lucas!" The father fox was astounded, with shock. "-She... hit... HERSELF??" But... why or WHAT on Mobius would make her DO such a deed?" And to herself, of all people??" Jacqueline looked at him sorrowfully. "-I asked her that." I didn't exactly get all that she said... but... all I needed was that one keyword to get the jist." Lucas questioned, "-And that keyword was?" The mother vixen gave a heavy sigh. "-Rockavar," she spoke, quietly. Lucas closed his eyes, and brushed back his headfur, sighing deeply. "-Oh dear... not this again... goodness." Jacqueline put her hands to her face. "-Oh Lucas... I hate to see her like this... I feel like we're 'punishing' her, for something she didn't even DO!" Her husband said, "-I understand, dear... but... there's nothing we can do." In this case... what's done is pretty much DONE." The laws are the laws." There's no pulling strings or bending backwards." Vera's going to have to learn to pull herself through this chaos." Jacqueline protested, "-But... there HAS to be some way... I could swear, I FEEL it... surely there must be-" Lucas shook his head. "-Vera is our daughter." We are considered the 'middle' class." Rockavar is Royalty." We're both from different status and blood." We can't change that fact... it will be this whole situation's undoing, whether we like it or not." It DOES break my heart, to see her like this... but alas... we cannot do anything." Except give her what reassurance, love and comfort we have to give." Speaking of which... perhaps I should go and talk with her?" I mean... I have a feeling she shouldn't be left alone for so long, at the moment." "-Maybe so," admitted his wife. "But then again, us 'smothering' her with attention, might have it's own damage as well." Her mate understood. "-I guess so." Well... we'll give her some time, then." We'll discuss this further, later." Jacqueline nodded in agreement.
Earlier that day, there had been a phone call at Aaron's house. His father, Sir Blackburn answered it. "-Hello?" "-That you Blackburn?" It's Urquhart," said the other line. "-Urquhart!" Oh good... I was just about to call you myself." Cripes... from what Aaron told me about last night... sounded like things were going pretty brutal." Urquhart told him, "-You're telling me..." Blackburn nodded. "-So how are things?" Did Tyler's operation go okay?" "Yes, thank God," Urquhart sighed with relief. "-He got pretty close, but they managed to get it out, before anything spread." "-Good to hear." How's he doing, now?" "-Other than the part of him passing out, when I told him what happened and where he was, he's alright." Just a bit woozy from sedatives and all." But we can bring him home tonight, so it's all good." Honestly, I'm just thankful he's safe and well again." That was one night, I never need to see a repeat of, ever." "-Ah, yes, I could imagine so." He gonna be okay enough to go to school tomorrow?" Aaron'll be wanting to know that." "-He WOULD be well enough, I think... but I'm thinking, I'm gonna keep him home tomorrow, just in case." You never know, he could still be at risk of side effects or collapsing or whatnot." Just to be on the safe side." Not that he'll mind, I'm thinking..." "-Yeah, since when are they ever objected to missing class?" Getting out of schoolwork, is such a 'treat' for them." "-Oh, I'm not letting him off that easy... in fact, that's one of the reasons I'm calling." Do you know who has classes with Tyler?" "-I think so... ummm... lemme think here." I believe... Aaron has Math and Chemistry with him and... Bullseye has Biology class with him." "Ah kay... could ya ask Aaron for him and Bullseye to ask their teachers for Tyler's missed schoolwork?" Don't want him falling behind." "-Sure thing, I'll let Aaron know." And better do so right now." "-Oh?" "-You wouldn't believe how he's been acting today." You'd think he'd lost his best friend... ironically and literally, almost." And even the SCHOOL called me, saying that I should talk to him about... things or something." Apparently he got sent to the counselor's TWICE, because he was in such a way." I had to convince them that he wasn't suicidal or had a chronic depression!" Nice and embarrassing little chat, really." "-Goodness... sorry to hear that... well... better tell the kid, then." I'll let ya go." "-Alright then." Talk to ya later, Urquhart." Thanks for calling." "-No problem, Blackburn." Seeya soon." And both males hung up.
"-So did you get the work?" Aaron held up six papers. "-Yup, got the three textbook assignments for Chemistry, and the two worksheets and Ch. 3 review for Math." Whew... won't he have a fun time, with all of this crap?" Bullseye shrugged. "-He didn't miss anything in Biology, really." Just a lab assignment which just requires a few questions from the book, and a whole hour of copying notes off the board and talking about Master Sidel's retirement." Lucky bastard." He spat in the dirt. "Least he don't have English too." I have to write a 300-350 word essay tonight." Aaron blinked. "-Yikes!" What the shit... that's just evil." Sorry to hear, Bullsy." The warthog raised an eyebrow. "-Why?" It'll only take me about ten minutes, at most." The hedgehog's jaw fell. "Tell me you're kidding." Ten MINUTES??" To write THAT much??" What you got up your sleeve, you notorious cheater?" Bullseye just lifted his shoulders. "-Nothing!" Just doesn't take me long to think shit up, and write it down." Honestly... you think THIS is unbelievable?" Let me tell about that one time in English class!" Aaron cocked his head. "What's that about?"
~*~
It was ten minutes until the next classes were to start. The squirrel English teacher was sitting at his desk, his ink quill feather pen scribbling furiously, as he wrote on the papers before him. Just then, the classroom door opened. In walked a young male teenage student. "Yo!" Master Reid?" The professor's lip slightly twitched into a frown. He knew that voice, and vocabulary, anywhere. Master Reid slowly took off his glasses and raised his pale green eyes. "-Master Warthogg..." he spoke, in a stern, icy tone. "What can I do for you?" "-Nothing, Sir... just here to say, that I won't be here next class," Bullseye replied. The adult squirrel sniffed. "-Ah... I see." And your reason would be?" The young warthog shrugged, "-That I don't feel like coming to class." Master Reid closed his eyes, in the thought of the usual disappointment of his rebellious student's behaviour, and spoke, "-Very well, Master Warthogg... I'll just put you down for 'skipping', once again." Bullseye rolled his eyes, and griped, "-Oh fine... I'll be 'reasonable' here." Might you give me today's assignment, then?" His teacher picked up a sheet, held up his glasses to read it, scanned the page, and told him, "-Ah yes... a 250-300 word essay about the history of our Royal city." The student blinked. "-Thats IT?" Hell!" I'll give you my essay right now!" Master Reid sat there, and looked and listened without a word, as Bullseye started giving a speech on the topic, right off the top of his head. Five minutes later, the warthog finally stopped, caught his breath and asked, "-How was that?" The English professor stared at him, solemnly. "-I'll give you a B+," he finally said, and started to flip into his markbook. Bullseye thought outloud, "-Hmmm... B+, huh?" "-Yes, Master Warthogg," his teacher repeated. The warthog's mouth turned into a rather scheming look. "-I've got a better idea," he said. Master Reid peered up. "-Do you, now?" Bullseye explained, "-Here's the plan... you bring that mark up to a A-... and I'll tell you where that favourite fountain pen of yours went." The adult looked at him, cold and unblinking. He was trying to BRIBE him! Normally Master Reid would NEVER consort to such matters, but... "-I'll have you know, that very pen is a family heirloom, that belonged to my grandfather, and has sentimental value." And as for what you're trying to do... normally I would NEVER stoop to such a level... but if you DO happen to know of where the pen is... I just might have to consent." The warthog replied, "-It'll be returned to you right away, Master Reid... none the better, none the worse." Exactly as it was." All I need is for you to do this one little favor for me." Master Reid finally picked up another pen, and wrote down the assignment grade, in his markbook. Bullseye then reached into his pocket, and pulled out the fountain pen. "-I do wonder, Master Reid... if it's such value you to you, how I should happen to have found it in the trash can, when I was helping the janitor?" He placed it on the desk, before his professor. "-Ah well... nice doing business with you, nonetheless," he added. The squirrel sighed deeply at his student. "-Master Warthogg... I hope you understand that this 'bribery' business, won't do you any good, out of the academic field." Bullseye replied, "-Oh, totally, Sir!" A well-placed sock in the jaw and kick in the gut or groin, work great too." Master Reid closed his eyes again. It was like trying to reason with a brick wall. "-Good day, Master Warthogg..." he sighed, in dismissal. The warthog nodded, with a smirk. "-You take care, Sir." And he left.
Aaron burst into laughter. "-Oh-my-god!" You're totally serious here?" You DID that??" THAT happened??" And he didn't even report you or anything, or change your grade again??" Bullseye shook his muzzle. "Na-da!" Go figure, eh?" You'd think he'd be THRILLED to bust my ass, like that..." Just then, they heard someone coming. Who should appear, but Tyler himself, none the better, none the worse. "-Hiya, fellas!" 'Sup?" "-TY-DY!" they both hooted, loudly. The two came over and greeted Tyler, with great enthusiasm. "-Tyler, you're back!" Aaron grinned, playfully slugging his friend's shoulder. "-He's ALIIIVE, he is!" smirked Bullseye, pounding him in the back. Tyler slightly winced, and yelped, "-Hey, hey, guys easy on me!" The Ty-Dy's still not totally fully functioning yet... I'm still kinda wrung out and hanging to dry, fellas." The cuts are still healing over, and all, and I'm wiped out, for now." No rough stuff, know what I mean?" They both apologized, realizing that Tyler HAD just gotten out of surgery and the hospital, of COURSE he was still a bit conked out, energy-wise. "-Oh yeah... sorry Ty!" "-Ah kay then... we'll save the full body tackling, for later then." Tyler asked, "-So.. let me guess... you guys got all my work?" Aaron produced the six papers, and took the other two from Bullseye. "Yup... here ya go." The lynx groaned, "-Eight sheets??" For shit's shake... I only missed two days, for crying out loud!" You'd think I missed a WEEK here!" Bullseye snorted, "-'C'est la vie', Tyler... it's called 'highschool'... get used to it." Tyler just rolled his eyes, in agony. "-Dooohye."
The three walked about the streets awhile, talking about that other night, as Tyler flushed with embarrassment, at hearing what he had done. But when it got to a certain part, he grinned deviously. "-Damn... I wish I HAD ralphed on yer shoes, Bullsy!" Aaron hooted, "-Oh that would've been freakin' PRICELESS!" Bullseye smiled coldly. "Yeah, and then I would've kicked yer ass, 'pukey-boy'!" The warthog then, caught Tyler in a playful headlock, for a few seconds, and let him go. Just then, a voice was heard behind them. "-Bullseye?" Aaron?" The warthog and hedgehog looked and saw Rockavar standing there. "-Rockavar!" "Rocky!" Tyler stiffened, and slowly turned around to face him. Rockavar was still as well, and looked straight at him. "-Tyler." Tyler nodded. "-Rockavar." The lynx and fox stared at each other, wordlessly, for several seconds, causing nervousness between Aaron and Bullseye, wondering what was gonna happen. Finally Bullseye couldn't help himself. "-Well... this is about as comfortable, as seeing your grandmother in a leopard thong... heh." The others all slowly turned to him, looking totally confused. Bullseye gave an uneasy grin. "-Sorry... just... trying to break the tension." Yeah... ya could cut this with a knife, almost... hehe." They all continued to give him blank stares. "...I'm gonna shut up now," nodded Bullseye, quickly, and looked about, whistling absentmindedly. Rockavar then asked, "-Do you guys think... I could have a word, alone, with Tyler?" Bullseye agreed, "-Oh sure, yeah!" Aaron said, "-It's cool... no problem!" Rockavar blinked, as neither of them moved. "-When I say 'alone', I mean ALONE... as in... you guys go 'bye-bye', for a couple minutes!" Please?" "-OOOOHHH!" both Bullseye and Aaron spoke at the same time, understandingly. "-Ah, I get it now... okay, we'll go over there," Aaron said, pointing offwards. "Ya, it's fine... seeya guys in a bit, then," Bullseye added, and he and Aaron left. Rockavar sighed, "-Fiiinally." Tyler gave a slight nod. "-Yeah." They both were silent for a minute. Rockavar then spoke, "Tyler I..." Tyler started to say, "-Rockavar..." They paused for a minute, then it happened. "-I'm sorry," they both spoke at the same time. They looked at each other, confused by the echo of words. Then they both suddenly laughed. Tyler continued, "-Honestly Rocky, I AM sorry... what I did was... totally wrong!" I shouldn't have... well... done whatever went bad and-" Rockavar shook his muzzle. "-No, no, no, stop it Tyler!" It's MY fault!" I'M sorry!" What I did and said to you was SO wrong, I can't even explain all of it!" You're my friend, and I totally let you down!" You were just trying to be a good friend, and I snapped, like an idiot!" I had no right!" This whole mess... it wasn't even your fault!" You did nothing!" This fight isn't between you and me... it's all me and Vera..." I'm sorry you got pulled into it... that wasn't fair to you." You were just... an unsuspecting 'victim', really." That's my and Vera's bad." We didn't mean for that to happen." I'm sorry, just... sooo sorry, Ty." "-Rockavar, it's okay... I forgive you man... both of you." I'm sure the situation YOU guys are in, is much worse than this, so... I can understand why you reacted the way you did." All that really scared me, was the thought of losing one of my best friends." ...Have I?" Rockavar slightly grinned, "-No way Tyler... not by a long-shot." Girlfriends might come and go... but friendship?" That's for life, man." The fox held out his hand. "-Truce, Ty?" Tyler smiled and shook Rockavar's hand. "-Truce, all the way, Rock." Just then the fox thought outloud, "-Still... I'm surprised you're not more mad at me." I mean... I should get my ass whooped for all that hell you got dragged into." Tyler groaned, "-Rockavaaar..." His friend exclaimed, "-In fact... that's what YOU should do!" You should kick my ass!" You deserve it!" I deserve it!" I was a complete asshole!" So go on... whoop the shit outta me!" Right now!!" Come on!" I'm asking you to do this, as a FRIEND!" Do me!" Tyler slowly gave a wry smile. "Rockavar... one... I'm still too weak to kick your ass, even if I wanted to... and two... I don't WANNA kick your ass!" We've called a truce, and I've got my friend back." That's all I wanted." Okay?" Rockavar shrugged, "-Okaaay.. if that's what you wanted." Tyler raised an eyebrow. "-Course if you still wanna fight... I'm sure Bullseye would love to take you out, in that mood he's in." He nodded in the direction of the other two. Aaron was standing back, watching as Bullseye was yelling at some random guy, arguing over who knew what. The Fox Prince laughed, "-Yeah... that's our Bullseye, alright."
