NyghtWalker: Yes to anyone wondering, now that the "introduction" arc is over, we'll start to see more canon characters appearing as we go forward!

G-AME5: Oh yes, all of the tension XD

This will be the last chapter of the current arc, and it might be a bit before I start posting again because I need to finish laying out the next arc and how I want to tackle it.

But rest assured, familiar faces and favorites will be appearing as we go forward. I'm excited to write out how Sven interacts with certain individuals. If anyone has questions about the story or characters feel free to ask, I'll always answer any questions either over PM or when I post the next chapter!

Thanks for reading this far! I hope you enjoy this small arc epilogue!


Even almost a week later, those words replayed in my head over and over.

"I will not let you get past me! Moxie! RUN!"

"Hrrrngh! I won't let you TOUCH HER!"

Was it really the first time I'd heard passion in her voice? I'd always assumed that maybe she was traumatized by the Black Market, or maybe she was part fox and couldn't show her expressions too well. That night, even before the Bear attacked, I think I'd gotten a glimpse of more emotions from Sven than I'd ever seen in the all the weeks since we'd met. Had she really just been holding back this entire time? Or maybe she was just that bad at social interaction...

Still, beyond her words, there was one thing from that night, from that horrible event that I just couldn't get out of my head.

When she stood over the black bear after tearing his throat out. She was covered in blood that wasn't her own, body terribly scarred and beaten. The way her fur stood on end, red feathers ruffling up along her arms down to the elbows almost making them look like burning wings shimmering beneath the street light. The way her heavy, powerful tail dragged through the pool of blood forming below. And the way her piercing eyes looked back at me, and I could to see her calm expressionless face, even with her jaws covered in crimson.

A completely savage, monstrous beast staring into me. Every instinct I had telling me to scream in terror, run away and never look back. But in that moment I was completely stunned, I'd just stared down and mouthed off to a carnivore that could kill me with the flick of his wrist. And yet, I was paralyzed before this hybrid who could barely even stand.

Because she just looked so... So beautiful.

Hi, my name is Moxie. I'm a Flemish Giant Rabbit, working under the popular Idol Beastar known as Lady Maria, or Miss Divine now I guess.

And... I think I'm going insane. Thinking about a hybrid that I just watched kill another animal in a bloody street fight. And no matter what horrible, terrifying things I witnessed that night, all I can think about is... Well, her.

This... This is just because she saved me, it's common for people to idolize their heroes or to start feeling differently about someone that saved their lives.

Right?

"You... Saved me... Too."

Why did she have to say that? And ruin my moment of gratitude. Why did I take her hand? I should have just told her to stop straining herself, not let her exacerbate her fractures. Listen to me now, worrying over her injuries like-

"Hey!"

"AAAAGH!" I screamed in reaction to feeling a hand land on my shoulder.

Maria stumbled back, retracting her hand. "Whoa relax!" She exclaimed, holding up her hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

My cheeks were red with embarrassment, as I spun around in my dressing room chair. "Ugh, sorry... I was just spacing out a bit."

"I can tell," She chuckled lightly, "Are you okay? The shows gonna start soon but we can delay if you're not feeling up to being on stage." Putting on a gentle smile, she was always protective with me.

"No I'm fine, really," I assured, sighing as I quickly finished up my grooming. "Just... Well, I hope Sven's watching I guess... Would be a shame if she didn't see this one." We were dedicating the show to her, after all.

"Don't worry," Maria replied, patting my head. "I left a note with the nursing staff to help her tune in if she isn't asleep."

Well, that was good to hear. "Alright, well let's get out there and kick some ass." I slapped my cheeks, psyching myself up and trying to clear my head.

Earning a giggle out of her, "You're certainly fired up, this is gonna be a great show!"

I had to be fired up, I had to be confident. I had to stay focused.

Even as the doubts, the harmful thoughts, and the insecurities plagued my mind. The same way they did before every show.

I loved making music, I loved my friends here, and I did care about what we were trying to do but...

I wish I could let the world know, that's its my words, and my voice too.

Hi, my name is Moxie, I'm Flemish Giant Rabbit. And ever since graduating high school, I've been lying the world for the sake of making it a better place.

Every show is prerecorded vocals with our voices mixed together, we just have to play the music and go along with whatever dance routine we plan ahead of time. Maria takes the center stage as a dazzling, graceful herbivore goddess and captivates the audience. While we use the most expensive equipment available, to merge our voices together. Layering them together in the process, adding my unique sound to her own voice. We collaborate on the lyrics sometimes too, but most of the song writing is my job alone.

But why do we do this? Why is Unity lying to the world?

Necessity, I think.

We want to help create a sense of unity and positivity between the species. We need a tall, proud leader to do that. Not some frumpy little rabbit...

And believing that lie, and telling myself she was right, is why I'm on this stage again. With my friends, at my station, ready to kick this show off. Maria took to the front, standing at the mic as the echos of a booming crowd beyond the curtain grew louder and louder. It was a holiday, so many families, both herbivores and carnivores, were here to find some relief from the day to day and enjoy a show together.

That's why I was always so conflicted.

Even if it was all a lie, even if I could never draw this kind of crowd, Lady Maria could unify people and be an icon for them to follow.

That made it all okay... Right?

The curtain began to rise, the crowd exploded with applause and cheers. The lights hit Lady Maria, as she walked forward on the stage. She held up her microphone high, the crowd slowly going quiet as it came down to her lips.

"Happy Rexmas Eve everyone!" She called out, her words answered by a thunderous roar. "Its been a tough week for us here in Unity, and I think its finally time you guys know the truth about why we took a break two months ago."

The incident had been in the newspaper, with some details left out about Sven and her connection to the Black Bear, so what was she going to say? Two months ago, the kidnapping I guess.

"Two months ago, I was kidnapped and nearly used for ransom by a gang of thugs," She explained, earning cries of protest from the audience. "But, I was saved by a bystander... A carnivore, that didn't evenknow me, had never heard of Lady Maria, and in doing so she was nearly killed." She took a deep breath, "I hired her on as my new bodyguard, and just under a week ago, our very own Moxie was attacked in an attempted Predation, but my guardian angel saved her as well, once again nearly losing her life..." Maria explained grimly, shaking her head.

The crowds response was low for a moment, before applause started to fill the stadium. People cheering their approval of this unknown protector, this carnivore.

"I've never met someone like her before," Maria explained, "So kind, and so helpful despite what she's gone through in her own life... I really can't think of anyone that better represents what Unity is about than her!" Because Sven didn't eat meat? Or because she was a hybrid? "So tonight, I'm dedicating our first song to my Guardian, its a new one that I think really captures how I feel about her... And any heroic animal, that chooses to protect those in need!"

I'd worked hard on this one, only managing to put the finishing touches together after well... After she saved my life.

The music began to play, a steady beat echoing throughout the stadium as Bruce, Tector and I got to work. I took a deep breath, muttering to myself- "Are you watching Sven? We wrote this one for you..."

Maybe I was deluding myself, thinking these people would really cheer for her if they saw what she looked like or knew what she'd done. But...

"It's like I'm supposed to feel bad just for being born like this, not just as a carnivore but as a hybrid..."

"Tell me Moxie, what did I do wrong? What was I supposed to do?"

I want to try harder... I want to make the world a more accepting place for her. I think she deserved that much at least.

Sven... I hope these words can reach you!

. . .

Sven

. . .

"Hmm? Aren't you going to watch?" The nurse, a kind young doe asked as I turned off the television. "It sounds like they'll be singing for you..."

I simply shook my head, "T... Tired..." I managed to force out.

"Oh... Alright uh, I guess let me know if you need anything." She got up, walking out and leaving me in silence.

Something about her presentation, the way everyone screamed in approval... It made me so angry.

They didn't know me, they didn't want to know me, they cheered for a set piece. That's all I was to Lady Maria this evening. I had no intention of watching, I had more important things to focus on. Like getting away from her, and this place as soon as I was recovered enough to manage it.

I winced in pain, my arms could move but still ached as I reached for the small magazine at my bedside table. I'd been reading through it in secret, neither Maria nor the doctors were aware that I had gained more use of my arms in this past week. Though, my voice still barely functioned, I could at least make simple words without too much pain.

I flipped it open carefully to a marked page, eyes landing on what seemed to be the best destination for me. A small, cheap little apartment in downtown, maybe a little too close to the Back Alley Market. Not ideal, but the last place a bounty hunter would look for me is the den of those trying to kill me.

But, it was more than just getting away from the band for their safety, or Lady Maria because I couldn't stand her. I wanted to find out who I really was, I'd been passive and obedient for too long. I wanted to understand myself, and the world around me better. I craved seclusion, to find my own answers without being told what I should do or how I should do it.

Which is why, as soon as I can get out of this place, I'm going to disappear.

And hide away in a small, rundown apartment complex.

The Hidden Condo would be my new home, once my recovery had been completed.