Chapter 11: Broken
The morning sun rises, passes through the log, and brings in rays of comfortable warmth that makes the hedgies wake up in a better mood than usual. Mary, Bernard, and De'Ausha are finally over their sterility issue, which gives their parents equal solace, Christine no longer needs to comfort-eat, and Plushie's punishment has ended. He plans to see The Extremes as soon as he finishes his breakfast. The only hedgie who doesn't join the rest is Ozzie who needs more rest nowadays, so the others let him continue to sleep.
At breakfast Verne (like always) says how many days are left until Winter, RJ goes over what he'll train his twins today, Rick and Luby remind their sons to behave while at the eating stump, Ike asks his parents if he can watch his favorite cartoon, to which they say only after he finishes eating, and Clara receives a brief electrocution for the bad attitude she expresses to Sam and Aaron when their playful screaming contest got on her nerves. But Plushie doesn't hear any of this mumbo-jumbo because he's too excited to finally see his friends again. Like a child after seeing a new toy his mind is full of ideas on what he and The Extremes will do today.
Plushie thinking: "It'll be something to top off what we did last time. But how can that be possible...? Ah, don't worry about it, man, you'll find out when you see them."
When he drops some food on the ground and bends over to pick it up, he sees the cracks in his belly-side shell, which makes him pause. The memory of Clara's attack on him flashes through his mind and he remembers how terrified he had felt. Verne was right when he said she really did have the strength to break through a shell that even a wolverine couldn't do one time when Plushie was still with his mom, Kimberly. Before Clara's attack, Plushie thought his shell made him invincible, but she had shattered that belief—almost literally. It's a good thing Kale convinced her to promise not to eat any of the family, and gave the family a means to keep her on a tight leash.
Velma's voice asking him, "Plushie, is something wrong?" brings him out of his trance.
Plushie: "No Aunt Velma, I'm good."
He picks up the food and continues eating. Once finished, he gets up and says "Whelp, I'm gonna go hang out with my friends, and I'll come back as soon as we're finished...unless there's anything I need to do around here, Uncle Verne."
Verne: "There's only one thing we need to do, Plushie, but let's handle it in private."
Verne and Velma get up and walk Plushie away from the group. Once the three reptiles are no longer in sight of the breakfast-eaters, Verne says, "You know your aunt and I don't approve of those kids you hang out with, and if it hadn't been for your heroism when Clara attacked, you'd still be grounded."
Plushie sighs...he knew this would happen, which is why he intentionally announced his plans to the family after eating so he could get this over with.
Velma: "The rest of the family also helped us to see how your daring stunts can be used for good, but whenever you're around them you use them for anything but good."
Verne: "Don't let them turn you into someone you're not, Plushie."
Plushie: "They're the only ones who understand me, who let me be how I was before my mom died."
Velma: "Are you saying that you would not have liked to move in with us that night we rescued you from Verm-Tech?"
Plushie: "No, I'm glad you took me in, I just...want to carry on my mom's legacy of doing fun things."
Verne: "But you can still do that while not vandalizing things and goading humans to attack you and your friends."
Plushie: "Don't worry, Uncle, I have a good reason to think twice about that now."
The teenager pats the cracks in his shell, drawing his guardians' eyes there. Verne and Velma give an approving nod at what their nephew is implying.
Verne: "Then go on, but remember why you got grounded in the first place. And if you repeat the same mistake twice, your punishment will be twice as harsh."
Plushie: "Yes sir."
Plushie then walks off into the forest. Unfortunately, Verne and Velma remember the day he had lied to them when they were traveling to train certain prey animal families, and think he had only been telling them what they want to hear. They plan on sending another bird friend to keep an eye on the teenager, and hope that their concern is unwarranted and that their nephew was indeed being genuine.
As Plushie nears the most common meeting place The Extremes gather before doing what they do best, he really does think about what Verne and Velma had said to him. He certainly doesn't want to get grounded again, but also wants to spend time with his friends. He is also surprised he didn't get angry when his mom was brought up. That's when he realizes that he's almost lived half of his life with Verne and Velma, having joined the hedgies when he was nine-years-old. His mind replays what his guardians had said about him to Clara the day Kale brought her to the hedgies.
Velma: "The closest thing to a biological son Verne and I will ever have!"
Verne: "And because Velma is barren, the two of us can't have any children of our own. You nearly ruined that experience for us!"
Plushie had raised an eyebrow at that last statement, finally realizing how much he apparently means to his aunt and uncle. At the same time, the cynical teenager in him says "No wonder they want me to be just like them..."
The sound of The Extremes' voices stops his thoughts and makes him refocus on having the kind of fun he likes to have. Albert notices him first and says, "Hey, lookie who it is!"
Plushie's smile returns when the others grin at him.
Anthony: "I thought you were 'locked up'? "
Plushie: "I found the keys."
Lacey: "So rad."
Caleb: "Tis been lonely bein' the only male reptile 'round here."
Wilbur: "What happened to your shell, man?"
The others stare at the cracks with tilted heads.
Plushie: "Y'all heard about the female wolf who's been terrorizing these woods lately? She attacked my home, so I jumped off a branch and landed on her face. But she did this to my shell when I was trying to escape. She was insanely strong."
Alfred: "So you went up against a wolf who was strong enough to crack your shell—and won?!"
Eliza: "That. Is. So...AWESOME!"
Albert: "You da man, Plush!"
Plushie: "Um, thanks guys...But it wasn't awesome for me or my family. That wolf was out for blood—an 11-year-old's blood—and she was nearly unstoppable. I would've died if it hadn't been for Roger using his magic to attack her."
Anthony: "Gee-osh, when did you get so squeamish? Where's the Plushie we know and love?"
On instinct, Plushie nearly berates Tony for not taking his near-death experience with respect and sincerity. But not wanting to sound like Verne, Plushie says, "I'm right here, so let the fun begin," in an all kewl-like tone.
Wilbur: "Ha ha, there he is!"
Caleb: "We got somethin' very big planned for today."
Anthony: "You're gonna love it, Plush."
The armadillo motions for everyone to huddle up and he reveals his plan to which Plushie smiles and says, "Oh, totally!"
Lacey: "Plus, there's a special surprise to end our fun with a bang."
Plushie: "What kinda surprise?"
Lacey: "If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"
Plushie: "Good point."
Alfred: "Let the fuuuuuuunnnnn begin!"
The Extremes revel, follow Tony, and then enter a backyard with a seesaw, two-person facing glider swing, trampoline, and backyard zipline.
Anthony: "Have fun, but spare nothin'."
Unlike last time, The Extremes actually do play on the devices. Al and Tony go on the seesaw, Cabe and Will go down the zipline, Plushie and Lace get on the glider, and Alfie and LZ go on the trampoline. Ten minutes later, Tony says, "And now, rip and tear!"
The Extreme's immediately change their actions from play to destruction. Like before, they use their animal abilities to carry out their vandalism with utmost efficiency; clawing, biting, and ramming with reckless abandon. They intend for all the noise to make the humans come out and investigate, but when the humans do open the backdoor to come into the yard they apparently didn't hear any of the ruckus. The reason is because a widowed grandmother and her adult son are busy talking to the two toddlers (a boy and girl) each adult is carrying. The kids had been so loud inside the house that no one heard the vandalism noises, and the hyper kids' words are also loud enough to drown out the animals' noises until the humans are halfway to the playing equipment. When the girl toddler screams at the animals, that's when all the humans notice them.
Adult son (low and in warning): "Mom, Lindsey and Lyle, no sudden movement. Everyone just slowly go back into the house."
Anthony: "Rush 'em, team! CHARGE!"
Everyone except Plushie obeys immediately, and makes a beeline to the frightened humans who panic and try to outrun them. Only when Wilbur looks over his shoulder and says, "C'mon, Plush!" does Plushie run toward the humans too. Needing to pick up the toddlers slows the humans down enough for The Extremes to get into attack range. The son tries to fight them off, but with only his legs to use and having to hold Lyle prevents him from fighting back effectively. When he attempts a kick, The Extremes dodge and attack the leg he's standing on, causing him to lose balance and fall. The fall alone causes the little Lyle to cry out, but he shrieks when some of the animals start mauling him. Plushie is not among them and doesn't want to harm an innocent child. But he also doesn't want anyone in the group to think he isn't extreme enough to be with "The Extremes," so he quickly joins in the beating of Lyle.
Mom: "Jake! Lyle!"
Jake (strained voice from being attacked): "Just get inside and call the Verminator! AHH! I'll save Lyle!"
Anthony: "Someone get her and the girl brat before they get away!"
Alfred: "Leave it to me!"
The mink sprays the elder woman and the young Lindsey, causing them to hack and wheeze. However, the stink cloud actually provides the two the cover they need to get back inside, while making it hard for a few other Extremes to find them.
Albert (pouting): "Aw man, they got away before we could pound 'em!"
Wilbur (bitter sarcasm): "Nice goin', Alfie!" (Annoyed tone) "You used so much of your stink that we couldn't get 'em!"
Alfred (vexed): "Well I still got 'em in some way, didn't I?!"
Anthony: "Less sass and more whopping these two losers!"
Plushie: "We should leave, now, folks! Before the Verminator gets here!"
Caleb: "Verm-Tech be over 100 kilometers away."
Lacey: "This is America, Cabe; miles, feet, and yards, not meters!"
Caleb: "My point bein' we got plenty of time till verminator gets here."
Plushie: "There's a verminator living in the suburbs! And he's very prompt about—"
Voice: "Did someone phone about an animal problem?"
Plushie recognizes Pierre's voice and after seeing him cock his net gun, The Extremes stop attacking Jake and Lyle.
Anthony: "We've done enough damage today, let's split!"
Pierre is about to chase the animals when Jake grabs his leg and says, "Just let 'em go, help me and my nephew!"
When Pierre looks at the condition that Jake and Lyle are in, he shows a side of himself that no animal would ever believe existed: genuine remorse and care. He sets down his net gun, picks up the screaming Lyle, and hugs him gently while saying "It's over now, kid. They're gone. We're gonna call your parents, and I'm gonna take you and your uncle straight to the hospital. None of your injuries are too bad, but I know they hurt. Just pretend you're a robot; nothing can hurt your strong, metal body."
Jake: "You'd actually take us to the hospital?"
Pierre: "Absolutely, and free of charge. You have no idea how much ambulances charge you. I found that out the hard way."
Jake: "Th-thank you."
Pierre: "I'll get those animals, I promise you. Just not today."
Jake nods, but believes the verminator is only saying that to put Lyle's mind at ease. Little does he know that it is a promise that Pierre fully intends to keep.
Back in the woods, The Extremes high four (or five) each other and pat themselves on the backs at another day of excitement. Only one doesn't seem as enthusiastic as the others.
Plushie: "So that was the big surprise, Lacey? Assaulting an old woman and two toddlers?"
Lacey: "First, it's 'Lace,' Plush, not Lacey. My parents gave me that lame name, but I made it cool. And second, yeah, that was the big surprise."
Anthony: " 'Cuz the only thing more annoying than humans is little humans!"
Wilbur: "They weren't humans, they were brats!"
Albert: "Yeah, brats!"
Eliza: "Always whining, in their annoying speech-impediment voices!"
Alfred: "Saying 'hide-ded' and 'sawed' instead of 'hidden' and 'saw.' "
Caleb: "And pronouncin' their R's with L's like 'Aflica' rather than Africa."
Eliza: "And their ugly, small faces!"
Anthony: "It's more important to attack kids than adults because we gotta traumatize 'em so hard that when their parents pass away the kids won't be brave enough to attack animals when they grow up!"
Plushie: "I see...Brilliant!"
Anthony: "And don't you forget it! All hail The Extremes!"
Others: "Yeah!"
Albert: "And our awesomest leader, Tony!"
While The Extremes bow down and imitate worshiping Anthony for funsies, Plushie is glad that no one had noticed how he had been lying to them when he called Tony "brilliant," and continues to keep up the charade. He didn't like attacking the toddler at all, and feels guilty over it, unlike the rest of The Extremes. Even Albert, the youngest among them, shows no remorse.
The 17-year-old turtle may not be the biggest fan of humans—after all, humans did kill his mom Kimberly—but he also knows that humans are living things too. They have feelings, they like to laugh and play, and they can love, feel pain, and sorrow like any other animal. And with only rare exceptions, young kids, no matter what the species, are innocent and don't know any better. And of course they mispronounce things, because they're still learning how to speak. Plushie remembers when he had a whiny, high-pitched voice that couldn't quite say certain words correctly until he got older. Those similarities, that connection, is what all young creatures go through.
Plushie needs to know why, and asks Anthony (while keeping all discomfort out of his voice), "So why an old lady, her son, and two toddlers this time? They didn't put up much of a fight, which wasn't as exhilarating."
Anthony: "Because those folks were too afraid and weak to fight back like the humans we messed with last time. I think we were all in the mood to attack fodder instead of a challenge.
Lacey: "Plus, if your Uncle finds out what we did he shouldn't get too mad, because we weren't in any real danger, until the verminator showed up."
Anthony: "Yeah, that verminator...He spoiled our fun, making us cut the mauling short."
Plushie thinking: "You wanted to assault a child longer than we already did?"
Alfred: "We need to be more careful when we do extreme things in the future, with that animal-hater living in the neighborhood."
Eliza: "But then we wouldn't be as extreme..."
Anthony: "Don't worry, next time we meet I'll have thought of somethin' for us to do that'll be safer yet still extreme. Until then, see y'all later!"
The Extremes say their farewells and go to be back home to their boring, controlled lives, but feel amazing for letting out their inner wild sides yet again. But Plushie thinks back to everything they have said today starting with how they mocked him for being afraid of dying by Clara's teeth, up to their reasoning for why they attacked the humans they attacked today. And for the first time since becoming a part of their group, Plushie finds himself wondering something he thought he would never do.
Plushie thinking: "Maybe...Uncle Verne and Aunt Velma are right about them..."
He continues to feel conflicted for the entire walk back home. He is still a good ways off when Velma comes running toward him.
Plushie thinking: "Oh man, she must've had another bird spy on me. I'm really in for it this time..."
But as soon as Plushie notices the look on her face, it's clear that she is here for something else. Velma looks grim, in pain, and above all, heartbroken.
Velma: "Plushie...Come back home. Now."
She didn't yell it, but the way she said "now" brings a chill down Plushie's spine.
Plushie: "What's going on, Aunt Velma?"
Velma whimpers while wiping tears from her eyes, then says, "It's Ozzie. H-He's passed away."
Heather doesn't feel any pain from her injuries while she continues to embrace Ozzie, weeping into his shoulder. No, her emotional pain is all she feels right now, and the same goes for the others among them, which includes Kale and Clara.
Plushie makes his way to the back of the group where Quillo and Rachel are and asks, "How did it happen?"
Rachel: "Sometime while we were asleep. We thought he was just sleeping late, but when Verne went to go wake him up to eat lunch...that's when he found out, that..."
She chokes up and lets Quillo hold her tightly. Plushie stares into his own little world with a gaping mouth as he realizes he too thought Ozzie had just been sleeping in. He hadn't given it a moment's thought. And now...
Heather (in a whisper): "Dad..." (Normal volume) "Daaad..." (Wailing) "DAAAAAAAAAAD!"
RJ is next to his mate with a paw on her shoulder to try and help console her, while Mary and Bernard are on either side of him hugging him at the hips and burying their faces into his fur to dry their tears. RJ sheds tears as well, after all, Ozzie was one of his father figures before (and after) he reunited with his parents.
RJ: "It was just his time, Heather...Old age..."
Heather: "I know...but..."
RJ: "Yes, it still hurts. It'll always hurt."
Verne: "But I don't think you have any regrets. You loved him, he loved you, and the two of you knew that and expressed it every day of your lives."
Heather (nods yes): "And I'll never stop loving him, even though I'll miss him..."
RJ: "Of course you'll miss him, we all will. If we didn't, then it would be like we never loved him."
The bats nod while crying, not even wearing their sunglasses so they can more easily wipe away their eyes. The only other who feels nearly as sad as Heather is Annette, who has lost her lifelong companion.
Annette: "I'm without a man again...It feels so lonely, even with all of you surrounding me...!"
Emily: "Drake and Annie never got to know him..."
Ike (while crying): "I want my Big Daddy Ozzie back! It's not fair!"
Bucky: "Death is always unfair, Ike...But death is a natural part of life. We should rejoice for those who become one with the heavens, not mourn them."
Emma: "You so stole those words from Star Wars Episode III."
That small, nonchalant comment brings the first smile to everyone's face.
Emily: "Wha'dy'a expect, my mate's a movie nerd."
Sarah: "But more importantly, our love for him will outlast any sorrow we feel."
Rebecca: "All the good times we've had..."
Rogan: "All the smiles he brought to our faces..."
Penny: "All the joy he put in our lives."
Lou: "In a way, he'll be with us more than ever now, just not in the way we'd like him to be."
Stella: "What're you saying, Lou?"
Lou: "He can see everything we do now, hear everything we say and think, and we can talk to him without ever being out of earshot."
Tiger: "He brought great pride and honor to his species."
Roger: "Yeah, no one could—"
Ty: "—Play possum like—"
Roger and Ty in unison: "—He could."
De'Ausha: "Amen to that."
Simon: "He's in a better place."
Luby: "With his mate, Mary."
Rick: "And his son, you're little brother, Heather, who..."
Heather: "Was stillborn, yes..."
Kale: "El Jamón de todos los actores is in Heaven, where every moment is a celebración. And he's out-acting all those who came before him, and those who will come after him."
Clara: "English please?"
Kale (whispering): "My pack-name for Ozzie is 'The Ham of all actors' 'cuz of his dramatic actin' talent while playin' possum."
Clara (whispering): "Only wolves are worthy enough ta be named aft'a dare unique talents."
Kale (whispering aggressively): "Not here and not now, Clara."
Kale bars his teeth, which makes Clara go "Hm" while nodding.
Celine: "But his spirit will forever live on."
Marilyn, Christine, and Claire: "Through us..."
Scarlet: "And in us."
Hammy: "In us? How?" He gasps and speaks in a fearful tone when he says, "Are saying that he's—!"
Before Hammy can say anything that would destroy the somber mood, Scarlet puts a paw where she can feel Hammy's heartbeat and another paw on his head while she says, "In here, and in here."
Velma: "Scarlet's right. He'll always be alive, as long as we keep him in our minds and hearts."
Mary: "He was the best single grandpa I ever had..."
Bernard: "I just wish I could've seen him and talked to him one last time..."
Plushie: "At least he went in a peaceful, non-painful way. And lived a very long and great life."
Plushie's comment makes Heather think back to all the times she spent with Ozzie. She remembers seeing his face for the first time, when she first said 'daddy,' the first time he played possum in front of her, how he comforted her after her mother and baby brother died during childbirth, how they looked out for each other while traveling, and meeting Verne's family, and how small it had been back then.
Then she has a sudden, vivid flash of memory so real that it is almost like reliving the experience (1). It was nearly daybreak when she was four or five years old and something had woken her up (1). She looked down from the tall tree she and Ozzie were staying in and that's when she had seen her first predator, a coyote getting a rabbit. She had never known the rabbit, but even so, she started to cry (1). She couldn't remember why, but what she did remember was her dad crouching down and looking at her; his eyes concerned and full of love (1). When he had asked what was wrong, his voice was so familiar and well-loved that Heather had wrapped her tiny arms around Ozzie's neck and hid her face, still crying but knowing she was safe, that no harm could come to her so long as her dad held her (1).
Now Ozzie is no longer here to do that for her. Heather nearly bursts out crying, but realizes he is survived by herself—his daughter—and her children, Mary and Bernard.
Verne: "Heather, did you hear me?"
Regaining her senses, Heather asks, "What, Verne?"
Verne: "Heather? Are you ready to move Ozzie's body?"
Heather: "Just let me do a few more things."
Verne: "Of course."
Heather faces Ozzie. All the life has vanished from his face and the heat has left his body, leaving him a hollow and cold shell of what he once was. Heather takes one of his paws into both of hers, holding them tenderly. She makes a silent promise to him with a smile and teary eyes, then kisses him on the forehead, both cheeks, and gives him one last hug, the biggest one she has ever given anything.
Heather (whispering): "Okay..."
RJ: "I'll take you somewhere until you're ready for his funeral, love."
Heather: "Th-thanks..."
As soon as she sees the sympathetic eyes of the others meet hers, for some reason, despite how she just started feeling better, the pain of loss comes back full-force and she bursts out crying again. RJ has to get into the doll stroller with her to hold her tightly in his arms, causing Luby and Rick to need to push the stroller.
Once RJ, Heather, and their twins have left the main area, Verne looks at Kale and says, "Kale...? We need to get this over with as fast as possible, so that the saddest part of this whole tragedy will be over. I don't mean to mock your species' heritage but, you're the best digger among us, so could you please—"
Kale: "Leave it to me, Verne. Just tell me where and I'll do it."
Plushie: "I'll help you out, dude."
Kale: "I can manage."
Plushie: "I...really need to do this. For me."
Verne: "Care to explain?"
Plushie: "It's personal."
Before Verne can pry further, Kale says, "Then come along, Chico Caparazón Temerario."
Unlike all the other hedgies who had felt admiration whenever Kale called them by their pack-names, Plushie only finds guilt at his name of "Daredevil Shell Boy." Ever since laying eyes on Ozzie's wake, Plushie felt mortified and sickened with his actions today with The Extremes. They vandalized and abused not just property or humans, but a kid—on the day Ozzie passed away. What they did out of thrill-seeking and angst now feels sacrilegious.
Plushie thinking: "I should have been here...with the family...to see Ozzie for one last time before his passing."
So, to soothe his guilty conscience, he feels some manual labor is the least he can do to make up for what he has done. To help his family in their time of need, to let the exertion exercise the bad feelings away.
Plushie thinking: "But it won't be enough, more is needed. I have to do something about the group of characters I've been hanging out with."
He nods. He will have quite some things to say next time he sees The Extremes. But for now, he focuses on helping Kale.
(1)=Based on Resident Evil: Code Veronica novel by S.D. Perry.
Verne had originally proposed to put Ozzie's grave somewhere closer to the log—so that Ozzie could be near them at all times—but Heather didn't want it to be within eyesight every day, as it would be too much to bear. Agreeing, the family decided Ozzie's grave to be at a large section of the forest that all animals have been using as a cemetery. It's not too far, but not too close to the log so that whenever they felt the need to visit, it wouldn't be an inconvenience. Similar to the playground zone, the animal cemetery is an area where no predators can hunt prey animals, and some dedicated nocturnal and diurnal animals keep watch over the area to ensure scavengers don't make a meal out of the deceased.
Not wanting the pain to make others feel terrible, the hedgies decided not to invite their friends, and just keep the funeral a family-only matter. Having said that, the service was short but profound, with each family member proclaiming what Ozzie had meant to them in their lives. To Verne and Velma, Ozzie was an eldest son. To RJ, Hammy, and Scarlet, he was a father-figure. To Lou, Penny, Stella, Tiger, Rick, Luby, Rogan, and Sarah, he was a brother. To Simon and Celine, he was a cousin. To Marilyn, Christine, Claire, Rebecca, De'Ausha, Roger, and Tyler, he was an uncle. To Bucky, Quillo, Spike, Emily, Rachel, and Emma, he was like a great-uncle. To Annette, he was someone who would always be there for her since her own mate's death. To Plushie and Kale, Ozzie was like a close teacher whom they looked up to. He had been a beloved grandfather to Mary, Bernard, and Ike, while a grandfather-figure for Sam and Aaron.
There was no need for Heather to tell what Ozzie had meant to her. Needless to say, she was in no mood to talk. Right now, Verne is saying the closing remarks.
Verne: "We all have lost someone we loved dearly, someone who had a special place in our hearts, in our own ways. We will always miss him, because we will always love him. But we will also be inspired by his life, and how he lived it. He lived a long, prosperous life full of selflessness and devotion to his family, both biological and otherwise. We will follow his example and live the same way toward each other, our fellow friends, and animals in general, so help me God."
The family lightly claps while tears runs down their faces. When it's over, Verne puts a hand on Ozzie's rock headstone and reads aloud the words RJ had carved on it: "Ozzie, the greatest opossum who ever lived. Whose love for his family outshines his death."
The family claps for real this time, while many let out crying sounds. When Verne approaches Heather, she wraps her arms around him and says, "That was more than beautiful. That was perfect. Thank you..."
Verne: "We're all here for you, Heather, never forget that."
Heather: "I know."
Bucky: "Hey Heather?"
Heather: "What?"
Bucky: "You probably noticed the boom box we brought along with us."
Quillo: "Now you'll find out why.
Bucky: "It's not much, but..."
Quillo: "There's a song my brothers and I discovered a while back."
Spike: "From a movie we showed Ike. It might make us all feel better. May we play it?"
Heather: "Yes, please..."
Bucky presses "Play" and the song "Love Survives" starts playing.
Note: "Love Survives" is a song by Irene Cara and Freddie Jackson as part of the All Dogs Go to Heaven soundtrack, property of Goldcrest Films and Sullivan Bluth Studios Ireland Ltd. (and MGM). There were many song choices I considered, but I after listening to it while reading, you'll see why I chose this one.
Now I know you're safe here in my heart
You will always be with me
We'll never be apart
I never knew how strong my love could be
You're the one I've waited for
Now you're home,
I believe
Love survives, beyond our lives
I feel those times growing stronger (growing stronger)
Love survives, the tears we cry
Yes love, (yes love) survives it all
Love survives it all
Oooooo-ooooo
Even when we want to run and hide
Love comes in to pull us through
From deep inside
Ohhhh, the magic (the magic) has made us who we are (who we are)
Don't you see we've come so far
Take my hand
You made me understand (yeah...!)
Love survives, beyond our lives
I feel those times growing stronger (growing stronger)
Love survives, the tears we cry
Yes love, (yes love) survives it all
Love survives it all
...
Love survives, beyond our lives
Oh I feel those times growing stronger (growing stronger)
Love survives, the tears we cry
Yes love, (yes love) survives it all
Love survives it all
Love survives it all
Everyone is moved by every aspect of the beautiful duet; the instruments, the melody, the voices of the singers, and most of all, the lyrics. Every word spoken held their full attention and struck a chord deep within their very souls, turning a heartbreaking day into a heartwarming day.
Heather looks at Bucky, Quillo, and Spike and says, "Guys?"
Bucky, Quillo, and Spike in unison: "Yes, Heather?"
Heather: "Come here."
She opens her arms and the three male porcupines let her hug them by the bellies.
Heather: "Thank you...Thank you so much..."
Bucky, Quillo, and Spike in unison: "You're welcome."
No longer the little tykes who she used to babysit and play with when they were much younger (nor are they shorter than her anymore), but the love that the three porcupines and one marsupial shared, in which she was practically a big sister to them, is still as strong as ever.
Bucky: "I think we all needed it."
Many say words of affirmation or nod yes.
Verne: "If no one has anything else to say, shall we head back?"
No one speaks up, after all, how could the funeral have ended better than with that great song? So they all head back, still in despair, but not overwhelmed by sadness anymore.
Clara, however, feels left out, "Like always," she muses in bitterness. "Even when I'm bein' taken care by dem and am no longer by my lonesome self, I'm still alone nonetheless."
She is too proud to say it, but she really envies the love the hedgies have been showing each other whenever she's around them, which is the main reason (other than predator pride) she's been keeping her distance and avoiding them whenever she can. The time they spend with each other, the stories they share or read with their kids, the goodnight kisses, and for the love of God, the hugging. She only found a little amusement whenever they got into a fight or scolded their kids for doing something naughty. But unlike how wolves raise their kids, the hedgies still loved each other unconditionally, and never had to pay a price or make up for any wrong done to one another. Ozzie's wake and funeral are the pivotal point, the ultimate proof of their love for him and each other, and the straw that has broken her back.
Once they all start heading back she whispers, "Pssst, Kale? C'mere."
Kale sits down next to her and asks, " 'Tsup?"
Clara: "You know you's dee only one I wanna talk to about how I feel."
Kale: "Dee others've been sayin' dey'ved offered ta talk to ya's about that too."
Clara: "They know nothin' about my loneliness. Only you, anoth'a wolf who nev'a felt at home wit 'is pack, can tell me how you got ov'a your loneliness. So how'd'ja do it?"
Kale: "You couldn't be more wrong about somethin' in ya's whole life, 'cuz dare are two who know more about your loneliness even more than you do. I got ov'a my loneliness when RJ had a heart-ta-heart talk with me. He was alone ev'a sicne he was two-years-old. And Rebecca was lonelier even while with 'er parents. If anyone can make you feel betta, it's dem."
Clara: "Don't you friggin' dare—"
But it's too late, because Kale jogs to catch up with the group, then comes back carrying RJ and Rebecca on his back.
Clara: "Couldn't even let 'em get some exercise? You had ta carry dem?"
Kale: "They just lost a father-figure, so helpin' dem get here faster is the least I can do in dare time of need."
RJ: "While we're on the subject, I should be comforting Heather and my kids who lost their dad and grandfather, but agreed to come help you because Kale said it was extremely important. So you better make this 'detour' of ours be worth it."
Rebecca: "If you waste our time, then power level three becomes the new standard." (Holds up the shock collar remote).
Kale: "Tranquilo ahora, ustedes dos. She feelin' worse dan me when I first came to ya's."
Clara: "Um...?"
Kale: "I told 'em, 'Easy now, you two.' "
RJ: "Just tell us why you feel so lonely and miserable, Clara."
Clara: "I didn't want Kale to bring you's two here. You's ain't worthy ta speak ta me about my feelings."
Seeing that Clara's uncooperative, Kale faces RJ and Rebecca and says, "Remember how lonely I felt after losin' my parents, because they actually loved me like real parents should? Well, Clara's parents never loved her. They were typical wolves, only carin' about increasin' their pack's glory and personal reputation."
RJ and Rebecca immediately change their attitude from vexed to empathetic when they say, "Ohhh..." in a compassionate sigh.
Clara glares at Kale and says, "I didn't give ya permission ta tell 'em that!"
Kale: "You'll thank me later."
Rebecca: "I know exactly how you feel, Clara. My parents never intended to have me, I was a complete accident, and by gum did they treat me like one. They only had one goal in life: finding their long, lost—and intended—son. They only paid attention or cared for me whenever it was absolutely necessary. My mom mainly did that, and dad scolded her for slowing down their search for RJ. Mom agreed, admitting that I was a burden, but said she and dad had no choice."
RJ: "You see, they abandoned me because they were being hunted by a pack of wolves for stealing from them. The wolves didn't know I had been born yet, and even injured my mom in a way that would've killed me if I had still been in her womb. My parents hid me in a golf bag, but in order to keep my existence a secret so the wolves could never kill me, mom and dad had no choice but to leave me behind and take the wolves as far from me as they could."
Rebecca: "And when they finally shook off the wolves for good and found RJ with his new family, they still only cared about catching up on all the times they had missed with him. For me, it was worse than being unloved, it was like I didn't exist to them at all...But after telling RJ how fed up I was about being unloved by my own parents, he let them know and they've been treating me like a daughter ever since. So never keep those thoughts or feelings inside of yourself, get them out by doing things you enjoy. I always take out my harsh feelings by doing gymnastics. When I do that, the only thing I think about is doing my moves, and the physical exertion helps even more."
RJ: "To get out my bad emotions when I was a drifter I would have a weekly session of yelling, crying, and cursing my parents and life itself. I then started listening and dancing to punk rock, and once Mary and Bernard were born, I now be with my mate and kids. I don't know what you're into, but your anger and depression will drive you absolutely crazy, and make you wanna do terrible things to yourself and others. Growing up alone, without any idea why my parents deserted me, I hated seeing families happy so much that I did all I could to avoid seeing animal families. And when the ignoring didn't work, I met a bear named Vincent and started conning families. And by the way, Vincent's parents abused and hated him so hard that he wanted to kill them himself."
Clara's eyes widen at that, but she restrains herself from giving the raccoon any sound that would indicate she is paying attention to him. Even so, she can't help but muse, "Even I didn't wanna kill my parents, just my worthless brother. And mom and dad didn't wanna kill me until after I tried to get rid of Barkley." Even worse, her wide eyes are noticed.
RJ: "Yep, Vincent was the worst because he had a seriously messed up life. His whole childhood, any possibility of him ever feeling love and happiness, ended as soon as his parents started beating him—seconds after he was born."
Rebecca: "But anyone who feels alone and unloved can get just as bad as him. You're hurting, Clara. You feel alone, forgotten, and abandoned."
Clara: "How did'ja's—?"
Rebecca: "It's not just in your eyes, I can feel it in you, your pain, because I felt that way even longer than you have."
RJ: "But you don't have to suffer or be alone anymore. Never forget that my sister and I will be here for you if you ever need help."
Clara: "Well whoop-dee-freakin'-doo...You's two still don't know how I truly feel! I can't make up with my parents, 'cuz they'll kill me on-sight for what I did ta get the mark of shame. And because of da mark, I can't get married and'll nev'a have kids or a mate ta bring me comfort."
Kale would have said something about that last statement, but Clara continues her rant by targeting him next.
Clara: "And unlike Kale, my hobbies involve killin' animals for fun, like a real wolf should, not protectin' 'em from harm! I'mma lone wolf, always was, 'cuz dare is NO ONE, on dis whole gosh-darn planet, who knows how I'm fellin'!"
RJ: "But there's a difference from being a loner and being alone."
Ignoring RJ's words, Clara keeps ranting, "And you's've got a lotta nerve thinkin' you can comfort ME! Who the FRICK do you think YOU ARE?! I spit on you!" (Spits on RJ) "I spit on you HARD!" (Spits twice on Rebecca) "And I spit on you da most!"
Clara spits on Kale until she runs out of saliva.
Kale: "You...stupid...brain-dead, moron..."
Rebecca (through clenched teeth): "Full power."
She adjusts the shock collar remote accordingly and electrocutes Clara to the point where the wolfess nearly passes out. Through her dark and blurry vision, Clara makes out the image of RJ approaching her carrying something. She's too weak to stop him, but feels him wrap something around her neck.
Clara: "Wha...did'ja's...?"
RJ: "A second shock collar, and by all means consider yourself unlucky for that. I could've gone the easy way and kicked you out for breaking your promise, but that would only make you want to get revenge on us again. So, as much as I'll regret it, you're staying with us and never leaving. You're the first family-by-hostage we've ever taken in, but we're never letting you out of our sights."
Rebecca: "Because someone has gotta keep punishing you. Who do you think YOU are?! We just lost Ozzie, and came to talk to you about a serious matter that hits home to me and my brother's hearts, and you still use our kindness against us?!"
RJ: "You really are evil!"
Clara: "You little—!"
With a surge of her abnormal strength, she lunges for RJ, her jaws open so wide it looks like they're unhinged, but Kale grabs the top and bottom of her muzzle with his paws, holding her teeth at bay. His action surprises her so much that she instinctively bites down—and bites off part of the tip of her tongue. Finally knowing what it feels like to get bitten by a wolf of her strength, Clara garbles in agony, which is increased when RJ joins Rebecca in electrocuting her with the collar he just put on her. She passes out, but the two raccoons don't let up for another few seconds.
RJ looks at Kale and says, "You should have never brought her here, Kale...for her sake. Because I meant every word I said about her staying with us forever."
Kale nods yes in despair and says, "I guess you were right...I should'a just been satisfied with all'uv you's, instead of findin' another wolf with the mark of shame who I thought would unda'stand me betta."
Rebecca: "She may have the mark of shame, but that's the only thing you and her have in common. You were troubled, but at least you had a heart."
Kale: "But I'm still not givin' up on her."
RJ: "Seriously?! After everything she said and did to me and Becca? After Ozzie's funeral?!"
Kale: "If all she wants ta do is talk ta me about her problems, that's all she's gonna get from now on. And I promise not to go easy on her again. I swear on my parents' nonexistent graves."
RJ and Rebecca know Kale is being honest, but still can't help but huff in bitterness.
RJ: "If you don't keep your word—every single one—then we'll be putting a shock collar on you."
Rebecca: "Especially after what you said to Garrett about me."
RJ: "Huh?"
Rebecca: "He suspected I was gay before I told you, mom, and dad. When Garrett's family insulted him a lot, he let my secret slip out as a way to get back at them. I barely got Garrett not to break up with me."
RJ (in dismay and anger): "Kale...!"
Kale sighs in remorse and says, "I know...I done messed up bad. My temper is still'a problem."
RJ: "Make up for it by being hard on Clara."
Kale: "No te preocupes, RJ, it's promise I will keep starting ahora."
Note: "No te preocupes" means "don't worry," and "ahora" means "now" in Spanish.
Rebecca: "Then here you go." (Velcros the shock collar remote on Kale's right hindpaw) "Shock her again as soon as she wakes up."
RJ: "With both." (Velcros his collar remote at Kale's left hindpaw) "I'm going to be with Heather and my twins—like I should've been doing, instead of talking to that" (points angrily at the unconscious Clara) "unrepentant prick."
Rebecca: "If anyone asks, tell them I'm doing gymnastics, RJ."
RJ: "Will do, Becca."
With that, the raccoon siblings separate, leaving a troubled yet sterner Kale with Clara.
When Clara wakes up five minutes later, she doesn't even get the chance to grumble out an "Uhhhh" in soreness. For as soon as her head moves up, she gets shocked again for a grueling 15 seconds.
Clara: "Grrrragh! When's it gonna be enough?!"
Kale: "You failed to let someone who knew your pain make you feel better. You failed to keep your promise to me and them. You failed to stop obeying the Codes of Wolf Society after being freed from them. You failed to change as fast as I did. I thought I was a failure, but you've reached a new low lower than low."
Clara: "I told ya not to bring 'em to me, dat I only wanted ta talk to you's."
Kale proceeds to shocks her, the added collar doubling the pain. RJ and Rebecca knew what they were doing when they put the remotes on Kale's hind legs so that all he has to do is sit down to activate the collars, and he can keep the remotes out of Clara's reach if he ever needs to get close to her.
When he's through electrocuting her he says, "Don't. You. DARE. Put ANY blame on me! With how you treated RJ and Rebecca, I doubt even I wanna talk to ya's. But for future reference, just because someone's not a wolf, doesn't mean dey can't help you. I only felt lonelier once I rejoined my pack after fully recoverin' from my leg injuries, 'cause no wolf gave me the love n' freedom I craved, only mi nuevo familia did."
Clara: "What's dat last part mean?"
Kale: "I'm ain't tellin' you. You may not have as much brainpower as you used to, but you're still'a wolf, which means you still have some brainpower. So tell me what you's think I said?"
Clara sighs and says, "Somethin' 'bout ya's family of prey animals."
Kale: "Correcto. You could've been'a part of it naturally by learning to respect and enjoy their company, sympathy, and love. But you's've really done fouled-up, so now you're their family-slave. I also made a promise ta RJ and Becca ta never go easy on you's again, and I'm actually lookin' forward to it, because you're ingrate-ness harmed my standin' in the family too."
Clara: "How so?"
Kale zaps her again and raises his voice so she can hear him over her scream when he says, "Interested in hearing how I suffered from your attitude, eh?!"
When Kale stops, Clara yells, "It was a simple question, dad gummit!"
Kale: "You didn't ask it like'a simple question, you sounded amused."
Clara: "Dat's how I sound when I'm curious!"
Kale: "Don't make me fulfill dee old sayin' 'curiosity killed the cat,' dis is my only warning. But let's just say RJ has a third shock collar with my name on it if I allow you to do anything like what you's've done today again. But that won't happen, 'cuz you are either gonna clean up your act for good, or die. Und'astand?"
Clara (snarky tone): "Yeah, yeah..."
Kale walks slowly and menacingly toward her, his eyes narrowed into slits and his pupils into beads. He gives her an ugly look that seems to make his scars stand out more, giving him a rough and hardcore look. For the first time, Clara actually feels a little afraid of him.
Kale: "Never forget, that I am now perfectly happy living a life without a female wolf who has the mark of shame. That means I won't hesitate to kill you myself if you ever have a Miss Attitude relapse like today. Now, look into my eyes and think of everything that makes life great and enjoyable: a satisfying meal, a gentle cool breeze, the sun's radiant rays on your fur, the warmth of a companion's love, the thrill of a successful hunt, and answer me...Do you want to die alone, hated, and unloved? Do you want to die proving your parents, brother, and former pack were right about you all along? My nose is a lie detector, keep that in mind when you answer, because one answer will end with your death, right here and now, if you don't tell the truth. Reach deep inside of your mind, heart, and soul before answering."
Now Clara is truly afraid of Kale. He meant every word he said, and as much as she takes for granted how hers has been a crap-life, she still—deep inside of her mind, heart, and soul—wants things to get better for her.
She surprises even herself with how sincere she replies, "I don't want to die, hated, unloved, and alone. And I certainly don't want to die proving my parents, brother, and pack were right about me all along. They said I will always be alone, and that's not what I want."
Kale: "You spoke with proper grammar...that's a first, and you and I both know that means you're telling the truth. So you won't die today, but the instant you give anyone trouble it'll literally be the death'uv you."
Clara: "I get ya. Can we just go back now? I won't cause any trouble."
Kale: "Sure, but trouble is the new standard for your life now. Startin' with..."
Kale walks over to Clara, shoves her off the skateboard, and tosses it away.
Clara: "Hey! I needed dat ta move!"
Kale: "You're a very strong wolf wit incredible pain tolerance, you can get back just fine without it. Don't worry, I'll fend off any attackers if dey come by."
Clara sees an opening for her to shift things into her favor and says, "Don't you gotta get me back quickly so you's can start your patrols for predators?"
Kale (sarcastic): "Oh no, you's're right. What'll I do if you take too long ta get'a move on?" (Normal voice tone) "How 'bout this?"
Kale shocks her again, and says, "If you don't go as fast as ya's injured, sorry, pathetic, ungrateful hide can carry you's, I'll provide you some 'motivation.' Now get up and move! Ándale! Which means 'hurry up!' "
Kale would have electrocuted her yet again, but not wanting that to happen, Clara is already moving after he said "Ándale."
Her grunts turn into swear words as she painstakingly moves with her injuries, which makes Kale recall his own similar actions of dealing with the pain when he was injured during his coming-of-age hunt. He almost goes easy on her and even turns his head in the direction of the skateboard, but sticks to his regimen and gives her another shock when she slows down.
Kale thinking: "If you won't change on your own, we'll force you to change."
That turns out to be the opinion with the whole family once Clara and Kale arrive at the log, as they have heard from RJ what went on between himself, Clara, and Rebecca (minus details of her homosexuality crisis with Garrett). But after a long and depressing day, no one is in the mood to go over the details of Clara's new situation of living with the rest of them. Everyone simply does their own thing with each other, eats dinner, and goes to bed.
The next day Heather wakes up in the baby doll stroller and looks over to Ozzie's sleeping spot. It's empty...like a large part of her heart.
Heather thinking: "So much for hoping it was all just a bad dream..."
She uses her sense of smell to find her father's lingering scent in the spot, but it's growing fainter by the minute, and will be gone forever in the next half-hour. She cries softly, which attracts the attention of RJ.
RJ (whispering): "Heather?"
Heather only keeps crying and puts her face in her paws. RJ nods and carefully makes his way over to her. No one is sleeping near her so that if she ever had to move outside, she wouldn't disturb anyone. RJ wheels the stroller into the open and gets inside it with his grieving mate. He says nothing, only gives her a hug and a kiss on the head while she grieves for the next minute.
RJ: "I know...We all just wish this whole thing was a nightmare and that he would still be alive with us..."
Heather (thick voice from crying): "I know. I just...I had a dream about him still being alive and with us. He was doing what he does best: playing possum, playing with our kids, and fretting over our safety. It seemed so real...but when I woke up and noticed he wasn't in his sleeping spot...!"
RJ holds her tighter and kisses her passionately...but when she doesn't return the kiss, he knows he needs to change tactics.
RJ: "This might not help because I don't know what it's like to lose my biological father, but Ozzie...he talked to me the afternoon after you were injured, when you were still out cold. He said he knew he was going to die soon from old age, and...I had no choice to agree with him."
Heather: "He said that?"
RJ: "Yeah, it's scary when someone foretells their own death, even if it's from natural causes."
Heather: "Well, if he was at peace even when he knew he was going to die soon, then that really does make me feel a little better. But I still miss him" (Wailing) "so much!"
RJ: "So do I, Heather...So do I..."
RJ allows Heather another minute to get out her sorrow before he continues with, "Ozzie also said he fully trusted me to take care of you, our kids, and the whole family when he passed away, and that nothing would make him think otherwise, not even the failed heist. You see, from the instant you were stomped on, I doubted my ability at being this family's co-leader, your mate, the father of our kids, and the father/brother/uncle/cousin/teacher figure of everyone else...But Ozzie didn't hold your horrible fate against me, even when I did so myself. I swear, it was almost impossible to get him angry. He was a gentleman, and a gentle man.
"He said even without him here anymore, he knew I would spend every second keeping this family together. And that's what I'm gonna do. Starting with you, love. You're not going to miss him alone, because among other things, I've lost someone other than a mate who would never give up on me despite how many mistakes I've made."
Now it's RJ's turn to shed some tears, and Heather's turn to console him.
Heather: "That's how everyone in this family is, RJ."
She then remembers how their own kids gave up on him and her, but mentioning that is the last thing RJ and herself needs right now.
RJ: "But Ozzie felt closer because he was my father-in-law."
Heather can't think of anything to say, and starts to cry alongside RJ. Thankfully, Verne has woken up and has heard enough to know why the two mates feel the way they do, and has thought of another way to make them feel better.
Verne: "One way I feel more at ease with Ozzie's passing is to think about how his last day on earth was a great day for him. He read that hammy Shakespeare play, played possum while spending time with all the kids, spoke to everyone so we all got to hear him one last time, ate his favorite food, and watched his favorite episode of his favorite TV show. He fulfilled his second favorite character on that show's own catchphrase by 'living long and prosperous.' "
Verne tries to replicate the Vulcan salute, but his thumb and pinky fingers are sticking out while his pointer, middle, and ring finger are together. That makes RJ and Heather go from shedding tears of sadness into tears of humor. They chuckle, which causes Verne to ask, "What's so funny?"
Heather: "It's like this, Verne."
Heather shows him how to correctly do the Vulcan salute, which causes Verne to chuckle as well.
Their spirits lifted, RJ and Heather make their way over to the food pile to select what they want to eat for breakfast. When the others wake up, it's clear from the looks on their faces, the way they walk, and their tone of voice that they are still having a hard time coping with Ozzie's absence. Annette won't stop looking at a picture of her with Ozzie, which makes her daughters feel sad for her; Ike feels sad when he realizes he'll be watching his favorite cartoon show without his "big daddy" today; Bernard gets depressed when he remembers he and Ozzie were supposed to practice playing possum this afternoon; Mary feels down when she realizes she's eating from the same cereal box Ozzie had used; Roger and Ty will no longer be able to prank Ozzie into playing dead; Tiger has lost his debate opponent on whether Persian cats or opossums are more elegant and eloquent in mannerisms; and Rogan and Sarah have become the new most senior members of the family and have lost the one who held the most interests similar to their own.
It seems that despite the uplifting end to yesterday's funeral, everyone has regressed back into sorrow. Even worse, seeing the others sad over Ozzie's death makes RJ and Heather feel sad again. Noticing all of this, Verne muses, "Might as well do it now," and then says out loud, "It'll take a while for our hearts to heal from our loss." (Sounding optimistic) "But as long as we never forget that we still have each other and our memories of Ozzie—" after seeing how everyone's looks become worse, his tone changes to one of defeat when he finished with, "we should be able to get through this..."
In an unusual turn, it is Plushie who thinks of a better way to get everyone's spirits up, as he says, "When I lost my mom, the first year was the hardest because it was the first time she wouldn't be a part of the things going on in my life."
Emily: "The same thing goes for us when we lost daddy. It was the first time he didn't say 'good morning' or 'good night' to us..."
Rachel: "The first time he missed our birthdays and we missed his..."
Annette: "The first time he wasn't around for our wedding anniversary..."
Plushie: "The first time my mom didn't congratulate me on learning how to do a double, sidewinder, backflip without her help..."
Emma: "The first time daddy didn't travel with us..."
Emily: "But once that first year of first misses is over it'll get better for us all, especially since we have so many others who love us."
Stella: "Another amen to that."
Plushie: "And when one of my friends lost her mom she said the best three things to do was to pass the time doing what you enjoy, talk to those who've had similar loss, and although grieving is important, don't let it prevent you from living your life."
Annette: "Plushie...?"
Plushie: "Yes, ma'am?"
Annette finally puts down the picture of her and Ozzie, walks over to Plushie to hug him, and says, "Thank you for bringing it up so that me and my daughters could remember too."
Plushie: "Oh, um, you're welcome."
His eyes meet the others who all give him a smile and nod of appreciation. This only makes Plushie muse, "Maybe I am cut out to be the family's future co-leader..." But try as he might, he still doesn't find himself wanting to do that.
He doesn't get much longer to think when Lou speaks up by saying, "Plushie's right, let's do things we enjoy!"
Wanting to get in a good mood ASAP, the others let out a "Yeah!" and head in the directions of their favorite downtime spots. Plushie is on his way to his favorite spot when a robin bird lands on the ground in front of him.
Plushie: "Uh, can I help you?"
Robin: "You're Plushie, right?"
Plushie: "Yes."
Robin: "Tony of The Extremes sent me to tell you that he and the rest are ready for your next extreme stunt. They're waiting for you in the usual spot."
Plushie: "Oh, thanks dude!"
Robin: "You're welcome."
And with that, the bird flies away. Plushie feels nervous, not excited, that The Extremes have already come up with a new activity so soon. But seeing how everyone in the family is occupied with lightening their hearts, Plushie decides to go and meet The Extremes...
But not to play.
Like usual, Plushie is the last to join The Extremes but unlike the other times, his heart is heavy with the guilt of what they did yesterday. He had to remember all that had happened in order to come up with what he wants to say to them, which won't go over well, he knows.
Anthony: "There's Plush!"
Eliza: "Hey, why the long face?"
Plushie: "Ozzie...the adult male possum in my family...he...passed away from old age yesterday. I found out when I returned home yesterday after spending time with you guys."
Wilbur: "Oh, so sorry to hear that, dude..."
Lacey: "Yeah, that must be rough..."
Alfred: "Wasn't he, like, that old guy keepin' an annoying eye on you while you were being grounded?"
Plushie: "He was more to me and my family than just some 'old guy,' Alfred. Show a little more respect for pity's sake!"
Alfred: "First, it's Alfie. And second, I'm just saying you'll have one less pair of eyes to watch you next time you get grounded, which'll make sneaking off easier."
Plushie gives Alfred an ugly look, stomps over to him, and slugs him in the face, knocking the mink to the ground.
Alfred: "Hey, man! What gives?!"
Plushie: "One of my family members just died, and you say it's a good thing?! You heartless jerk-face!"
Seeing the others give Plushie a cross look, Albert comes to the turtle's defense by adding, "But Plush is right. I know what it's like to lose a loved one, and it's never a good thing."
Lacey: "You still didn't have to hit him, Plush."
Caleb: "Especially since Ozzie wasn't even related to you by blood..."
Plushie starts walking over to Caleb, when Anthony shows up in front of the turtle, grabs him by the shoulders, and makes him back up while saying, "Enough, Lace and Cabe! We're not here to fight amongst ourselves, we're here to fight someone else. And if you wanna be a part of it Plush, you better chill out, and everyone else better not bring up anything else about this Ozzie. Capeesh?"
The Extremes: "Yes."
Plushie: "Agreed."
Eliza: "Let's just all take a deep breath and bury the hatchet."
Plushie: "So what're we doing today, Tony?"
Anthony smiles wide and says, "Our most extreme stunt yet! Remember that verminator who cut our fun short yesterday?"
The Extremes (plus Plushie): "Yeah."
Anthony: "How I see it, he's gonna get in the way of all our fun. He's a leech, a thorn in our sides, and must be dealt with. And I know just how to do it. Will, you got the map right?"
Wilbur says, "Right here!" while pulling out a map of the suburbs. The Extremes gather around and listen.
Anthony: "I had a bird pal scope out the 'burbs, and he found out that this house," (points to the map) "is having a backyard party right now. We attack it, the humans'll call the verminator, and that's when we'll mess him up so hard that he'll never get in our way again."
Everyone except Plushie nods or smiles. Plushie asks, "How long did you think this plan through, Tony? And didn't you say our next outing was gonna be safer?"
Anthony: "Pah-leese, Plush, we're animals. We don't bother thinking, we just do things! And I just said that 'safer' nonsense in case we were bein' spied on by your uncle."
Plushie: "You haven't thought nearly long enough. We shouldn't underestimate this verminator. Me and my family have had more than enough runs-ins with this guy, and despite his dopey looks, he doesn't fool around. He's got handy gadgets, is a fast runner, and armed and armored to the teeth with anti-animal weapons. We're out of our league with Pierre, and I do not want my family to suffer over my death right after losing Ozzie. Not to mention, if something happens to us, we and our families will suffer the price."
Lacey says, "Baaaaaawk bawk-bawk-bawk, ba-cawww!" while flapping her elbows.
Alfred: "You speaking my language, Lace. You really did become a chicken since being grounded, Plushie."
Plushie: "There's a difference between cowardice and common sense, and right now none of you are using your heads. Because I know what we're up against, you should heed my words."
Anthony: "Okay, Mr. Paranoid, we'll 'heed your words'—after we stop wasting time flapping our lips and get on to our greatest feat ever."
Plushie: "Did you hear a single word I just said—?"
Anthony: "—You can better provide input on what we should do once you see the party we're gonna hit. Now les'go."
The Extremes go into the suburbs and remain surprisingly quiet, not wanting to give away their presence until the right moment. Even Plushie was surprised with his more cautious behavior, and oddly doesn't find it bad that he sounds exactly like his Uncle Verne.
Plushie thinking: "There are many reasons Verne is paranoid, but among them is because he's seen or experienced many bad things in life; death, conflict, loss, peril...Maybe Ozzie's death and my near-death encounter with Clara has changed me..."
Plushie further continues to demonstrate that by shaking his head in dismay when he sees that the house they're going to hit is in the middle of a neighborhood, where there will be no easy escape from humans as would be the case if the house was bordered by the hedge. Plushie has been on plenty of raids this deep (and deeper) into the suburbs, but the plans were made by RJ and Rick, two fully grown, very intelligent, and well-experienced adults who measured almost every step and took every precaution. And even then, things could go horribly wrong. The Extremes on the other hand are being more careless than usual, going in gun-ho without a real plan, and blind to any danger, which can only end badly.
If that's not enough, Plushie has a hunch about what kind of humans will be at this party, and is hoping he is wrong because he still wants to hold onto his friendship with The Extremes. But as soon as he lays eyes on the shouting and cheering humans while he and the others go to all fours to crawl forward so they can remain better hidden while on-approach, Plushie muses in regret, "It's just as I feared..."
Plushie whispers, "Really? More little kids?"
Wilbur (whispering): "2-year-olds to be exact. See the girl sitting in the highchair closest to the cake? It's her party."
Anthony (whispering): "If we attacked an adult party, the game would be over before the verminator arrives. But because the parents will wanna keep their 'wittle' brats safe, they won't attack us."
The other Extremes snicker, which only reinforces the decision Plushie was hoping he wouldn't have to make, but is prepared to follow through with anyway: he can't be this group's friend anymore. But he also doesn't want any harm to befall them, so he will stay with them just this one last time and do the "Verne-thing," which is another way of saying the "right thing."
Caleb: "Best moment of attack is when they sing Happy Birthday."
Albert: "My thoughts exactly. We'll strike 'em when they least expect us, when they're at their most vulnerable."
The fact that Albert, the youngest of The Extremes, has gotten to the point where he finds enjoyment in harming 2-year-olds, is when Plushie decides it's time to do what he really came to do when he joined The Extremes today.
Plushie: "You guys are all cowards, fools, and rotten."
The Extremes collectively gasp and look at Plushie in shock and anger. Since the humans are too loud and distracted, none of the animals hold their temper or volume in check.
Alfred aggressively asks, "What did you just call us?!"
Plushie: "You heard me loud and clear. You're cowards for wanting to beat up small human kids and their parents. Going for the young and helpless is what Kale's former pack would do. It's not fun, it's plain evil!" (Points at Albert) "After what happened to your dad, Albert, I thought you would know better!"
Albert actually shows guilt, but Plushie pays no mind as he immediately looks at the group and continues by saying, "You're fools because the parents aren't gonna be like the old lady and her son from yesterday; these parents are gonna try to do more to us than shoo us away or run in fear. I know! My family raided a human party not too long ago which ruined our lives—before Pierre showed up. And lastly, you're all rotten because you stopped doing stunts for fun some time ago. All you wanna do is make a mess and hurt people just so you can feel better about your otherwise worthless, anti-social lives.
"I never thought I'd say it, but, my Uncle Verne and Aunt Velma are right about all of you! You are hoodlums, delinquents, and a bad influence on me. And the reason I'm saying this now is because my eyes have been opened. I should've been spending time with my family yesterday, and should've been around Ozzie longer before he passed away. He and my mom saw me from Heaven when we attacked that human family yesterday, and I know for a fact I made them cry. And if I help any of you do this 'stunt', I'll shame her and Ozzie forever. But I'm done shaming my loved ones—living and dead—and won't be a part of this group anymore!"
Lacey: "We're animals, Plush, we don't have any souls. We just live for the moment, for fun, and for pleasure. It doesn't matter if we're good or bad. When we die, our bodies will decompose and fertilize the land. That's it. So it's important to live life to the fullest."
Plushie: "Everything you said is 100 percent wrong, Lace. Attacking human kids just for the fun of it isn't living, it's destroying. And we do have souls, and my mom is in Heaven. There have been times when I've talked to her spirit about how much I miss and love her, and her response came in a gust of wind or a shimmer in the water."
Wilbur: "Get help, Plushie."
Caleb (circles an index claw/finger near the side of his head): "Coo-coo!"
Plushie: "I don't care what any of you think of me anymore. But despite everything you have become, I'm gonna give you one chance to leave this party along with me."
Because he lost his father, Albert is moved and humbled by Plushie's words, and feels bad for shaming his dad by attacking humans. The young beaver stands up for what is right and says, "I'm coming with you Plushie. You're right." (To the others) "He's right! It's low and cowardly to attack little humans—or any humans—just because we're bored or angry with our home lives."
However, he seems to be the only one, as the other Extremes are far less understanding.
Eliza: "You too, Al?! Stop bein' such a softie!"
Plushie: "Last chance. Come back with me, or else!"
Alfred (in attitude): "Or else what?"
Plushie puts his pointer and thumb in his mouth and whistles the loudest he ever has. The Extremes (minus Albert) rush at him and pin him to the ground.
Anthony: "You idiot! You're gonna—"
But it's too late, the humans have turned their heads and see the animals on the other side of the metal fence. Anthony wasn't entirely wrong when he said the humans would focus on getting the children to safety, as many do just that. However, Plushie was righter, because most parents and older siblings grab buckets, stones, a piñata bat, a nearby golf club, and a pool skimmer net and brush then start running toward The Extremes, spurred by the drive to protect their loved ones.
These humans are nothing like any of the humans The Extremes have encountered before, and have malice in their eyes instead of fear. Seeing this, the animals turn around and start running. But they only get a few feet in the street when a Verminator van arrives, tires squealing—and runs over Anthony, killing the 18-year-old instantly!
All of The Extremes gasp and stare in shock and loss at the dead body of their ringleader. Even worse, they have no time to mourn because, to add insult to injury, Pierre steps on top of Anthony's body when he gets out of the van, gives a wide-toothed grin and coos in a sick sense of humor, "Awwwww, poor wittle leprosy-carrying, turtle-rat, freak, repto-mammal, armadillo! I hope that hurt like the heck, for Jake and Lyle's sake!" (Turns his attention to the other Extremes) "These peoples' gut instincts were right! Parties seem to be a popular target for the animals living in the woods, so these fine folks throwing a birthday called me to come here and keep an eye on things. Now..." (Gets out a tranquilizer gun in one hand, and a shock rod in the other) "who dies next?"
Plushie: "Run for your lives!"
Having seen his best friend run over, body defaced, and species heritage insulted, Alfred assumes leadership of the group and shouts, "NO! Avenge our fallen leader!"
Eliza: "You can't be serious!"
Lacey ignores her (and Plushie) and follows up with Alfred's comment by yelling, "Make that human pay for Anthony!"
Wilbur: "If we're gonna die, we're taking that verminator with us!"
Albert: "You wanna die, be my guest! I'm outta here!"
Caleb: "Me too! I'm na going back to Verm-Tech!"
Alfred starts his attack by spraying Pierre, who, seeing a mink, predicted this and uses a Fabreeze grenade to instantly render Alfred's opening move useless. Wilbur leaps up high with a loud hiss, intending to claw and bite Pierre's groin, but the verminator moves aside and Wilbur hits the tough metal van instead. With the raccoon dazed from the impact, Pierre kicks Lacey into the metal fence so hard that she bounces off it and lands back in the road. Pierre then fires his tranquilizer gun at Wilbur who goes to sleep.
Having heard stories of what happens to animals at Verm-Tech, Alfred changes his strategy from revenge to rescue when he says, "Lace, get Will outta here! I'll distract him!"
Lacey nods and heads over to the unconscious Wilbur. Alfred zig zags as he approaches Pierre who again predicts the mink's next move and jabs him with the shock rod, incapacitating the mustelid. Lacey has Wilbur over her shoulders by now but after seeing Alfred get electrocuted, she decides to drop Wilbur and save herself. She starts running, but is caught by the partier wielding the pool skimmer net. Running on adrenaline, she bites and claws her way out quickly, but the other partiers start hitting her with their makeshift weapons.
Pierre: "Ha-ha! That's it! I shouldn't have all the fun! Hit it hard, but don't kill it. I have plans for it and its friends back at Verm-Tech."
Alfred cries out in desperation, "Plush! Al! LZ! Cabe! Help us! PLEEEAAASSSSE!"
Pierre captures Alfred in a net gun and he takes the mink to an empty cage in the tailgate of his van while the partiers do the same with Wilbur and Lacey. During this, Plushie, Albert, Eliza and Caleb are nowhere in sight and give no verbal response to Alfred's plea. This causes Alfred's heart to harden like cold steel and he yells in rage, "YOU COWARDS! You abandoned us you back-stabbing, Judas, traitorous, Benedict Arnolds! You should've had our back! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, PLUSHIE! You better pray to God that I get killed, because if not, I'm gonna escape and kill YOU!"
Even though Pierre can't understand a single thing Alfred is saying, he knows the mink is calling out to the animals that ran away. Pierre faces the crowd of partiers and says, "I'm gonna make a quick drive around to see if I can find those that escaped, then take these three buggers" (points at the caged Alfred, Wilbur, and Lacey) "to Verm-Tech. You folks seem to know how to handle vermin pests, go and enjoy your party, but stay alert. I doubt that the other vermin are dumb enough to attack you again, but you never know."
Male partier: "Of course."
Female partier: "Thanks for your help!"
Pierre: "All in a day's work." His smile flashes with a shine and then he gets into his van and drives away, thinking of all the things he will do to his captives once he gets to Verm-Tech. Not to mention the promotion he will undoubtedly receive for stopping so many animal attacks in such a short time. He'll probably be labeled as the town hero and get a key to the city. And even if none of that happens, he at least finds comfort in how he kept his promise to Jake and Lyle. After all, dealing with animals who harm humans is the real silver lining in his job.
As soon as Alfred started his attack, and all the way they were within earshot of the mink, opossum, and raccoon, Plushie, Caleb, Eliza, and Albert almost turned back to help their friends. However, they made the heartbreaking choice of leaving them behind, because the two turtles, one beaver, and monitor lizard knew they were no match for Pierre or the angry party-goers. The four survivors felt the pain of Alfred's angry words deep into their hearts: cowards...abandoned...traitors...
Now back in the forest and catching their breath, Plushie falls to his knees and cries, wracked with guilt that he will certainly carry until the day he dies.
Plushie: "It's all my fault...I got them killed and captured! If I hadn't whistled, Anthony, Alfred, Lacey, and Wilbur would still..."
He buries his face in his hands, but Albert comes to put a reassuring arm around Plushie's shoulder while patting his head in comfort with the other paw.
Albert: "No, Plushie. You were right to stop us from attacking that party."
Eliza: "No he wasn't!" (Points accusingly at Plushie) "YOU got our friends captured and Anthony killed! All because you wanted to be a Mr. Nice Guy!"
Caleb: "Cease and desist, LZ! It is Alfie's, Lace's, and Will's own faults for not running when they had the chance. And if we tried to save them, we would'a'beeen captured or killed too."
Eliza: "I am SO gonna tell my parents it was all your fault, Plushie, and then you'll really be in trouble! My best friend Lacey is going to die because of you!"
Sickened with Eliza's behavior toward him after their friend's death and other friends' capture (and most likely eventual deaths) that he feels so awful about, Plushie's sorrow turns into anger. Remembering all the attitude and comebacks he had learned from hanging out with the now former-Extremes, Plushie uses that knowledge against Eliza.
Plushie: "You wanna get revenge on me? Go ahead! Oh, but you won't, 'cuz like I said before, you're a coward! A real Extreme wouldn't wait to cry home to her mama to get back at someone!"
Eliza: "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME THIS WAY, YOU MURDERER!"
Eliza's hurtles her fist toward Plushie, but Albert uses his thick tail to bat her hand away and Caleb tackles her to the ground.
Eliza: "Let me at him!"
Caleb: "He saved our lives! Why can you'naw you see this? Those human partiers were more than enough match for all of us, LZ."
Albert: "And you chose to keep running while Alfie, Will, and Lace were fighting. So according to how you're thinking right now, you have some of the blame too. So do I and Cabe, and I'm gonna tell my mom the truth, no matter how bad my punishment is."
Caleb: "As will I."
Plushie: "Me too."
Eliza: "No way! I'm not getting grounded forever! I'm gonna tell my family what I want them to hear—that it was your fault, Plushie! They'll believe me, and then you're finished!"
Caleb: "It'll be our word against yours...And if worst comes to worst, I got very long and sharp teeth and claws."
Albert: "I may be 11, but I'm already bigger and stronger than you, and my tail can slap you into next week."
Plushie: "And I can use my shell and agility as a lethal weapon. Not to mention I have a large family who can fight very well. So cut out the blame game and act like a responsible teenager, before you lose your living friends too."
Eliza: "Forget this! I'm getting new friends! Goodbye forever, guys!"
With that she storms off into the forest, leaving Plushie, Caleb, and Albert by themselves. Plushie slumps down with a sigh and says, "Darn it..."
Albert: "You tried, Plushie."
Caleb: "We all tried. She blew it, not you."
Plushie: "I had a crush on her...That's why I was together with her when we did everything we did while in The Extremes."
Caleb: "Then you should be glad you did'naw hook up with such'a foul-tempered girl."
Albert: "Yeah, I wouldn't want her to be my girlfriend."
Plushie: "Hopefully she just needs to cool down. But I've had enough of this day...I'm going home."
Albert: "We're still friends, though, right?"
Plushie: "Of course...But I'm not sure if our parents will allow us to be friends once we tell them what happened today."
Albert (fearful): "I-I think they still will."
Caleb: "Best to prepare for worst case scenario. If that ha-pens, I will never forget you...You two will always be my non-tribal blood brothers."
Plushie: "Thanks, Cabe. And we can always sneak off and see each other in secret. But let's worry about that when the time comes."
Caleb: "Agreed."
Albert: "Okay...See you guys."
Plushie: "You too."
Caleb: "Ban kwana."
Plushie and Albert understand that Caleb said "Farewell/goodbye" in his native Hausa language. The three then head home, ready to face the music. And they are well aware that it won't stop with their families. No matter how bad Eliza's reaction was to the former-Extreme's tragedy today, the families of Anthony, Alfred, Wilbur, and Lacey are going to take the news even worse. The only upside is that at least most of the survivors have learned the importance of staying away from a bad crowd, and the importance of rules.
This was probably one of the toughest chapters I've had to write because doing so required me to remember some painful memories of my own relatives' deaths, but I did so with the intention of showing how healing can and does happen in the aftermath of loss.
Fortunately, from here on out, the chapters won't be as depressing, but that doesn't mean some of the conflicts won't get any closer to being solved.
See you next time!