And here's the second chapter folks. Let's see how Murray is handling things.
A Hippo's Hurt.
At a pizza joint in Paris, a hippo just walked inside. His name was Murray, the muscle man of the "Cooper Gang", and right now he was hungry (not like that was unusual for him).
He went right up to the cashier and said "Uh, I'll have a pepperoni pizza, thanks. And I'm eating here by the way." The rhino on the other side nodded and went into the back room.
The place was practically empty, so Murray went to sit at a table by the window. As he sat down Murray started thinking about Sly. "I still can't believe he's gone. Why didn't he leave with us like Bentley told him?" He thought to himself. Ever since Sly disappeared, Murray went into pro wrestling. He saw it as a way to keep himself in shape for when they do find Sly, but also to keep his mind occupied from thinking that Sly is gone for good.
He was broken out of his thoughts when the rhino said, "Your pizza, sir." And put the pizza down on his table. "Oh, thanks." He said before digging into his pizza. After finishing his meal and paying for it, he walked out the door only to be met by a black limousine.
One of the windows rolled down and a voice shouted "Hey! My main man Murray." Murray looked inside and saw an old acquaintance. "Dimitri." Murray said, shocked.
"Want a ride in the Lousteau limousine my friend?" he asked. Murray contemplated for a second before shrugging "Eh, why not?" Murray opened the door and stepped in and said "Is it okay if we just drive around? I'm in no hurry to get anywhere." Dimitri shrugged "Sure, why not?" He then turned around and said, "You heard him Jack." The panda at the wheel nodded before driving off.
Dimitri then pushed a button which rolled up a divider between the seats and the driver. Seeing his confused look Dimitri explained "It's soundproof bro. It would be nothing but static if some cracker box tried to listen in."
Nodding his head in understanding, thing's went silent. "So…. I see you're doing well Dimitri." Said Murray. Dimitri smiled and said, "When you've helped your bros to save time and space, you deserve to pour on some coco cream and relax in famous luxury." While putting his hands behind his head.
But then his face became grim and said, "But in all seriousness, how are you holding up?" Murray looked sad and said "Not great. Ever since we met, the three of us have hardly ever spent such a long time apart. After the battle we all hoped Sly would show up, the way he always does, but…" he sighed and slumped down in his seat and could feel tears in his eyes.
"I know I'm the muscle of the group, the "tough guy" he said while making quotation marks. "I try to act like I'm fine… that everything's alright… but… I just…" he couldn't continue as tears started pouring, while Dimitri gave a look of sadness as well. Then Murray enveloped Dimitri in a (rather strong) hug and really started sobbing.
After getting over the initial shock (and possibly a few broken bones), Dimitri returned the hug and let Murray weep, even patting him on the back a little. After a minute or 2 of pouring out tears, Murray finally calmed down. "Feeling better?" Dimitri asked.
Murray dried his tears and said, "A little." Then Dimitri put his hand on Murray's shoulder and said, "It's okay to cry "big guy". Even the toughest and handsomest people cry, even me. Sometimes you just gotta vent out those boiling emotions."
Murray smiled and said, "Thanks Dimitri." Then he laughed and said, "Who'd have thought you would give out words of wisdom?" Dimitri held up his hands and said, "Hey, we all have our moments. But back on topic, don't lose hope, okay Murray." Murray shock his head and said, "I never said I've lost hope, I just didn't want to believe the worst-case scenario." Dimitri nodded in understanding.
Murray then looked out the window and said, "Hey can you drop me of here? I think I can make it back to the hideout from here." "Okay." he replied. Dimitri lowered the divider and said, "Jack, you can stop here, time to drop of our passenger." A few moments later, the limousine stopped at the sidewalk and Murray stepped out. "Now remember Murray, no losing hope, okay." He said before closing the door and then the limousine drove away.
Murray started walking towards the hideout but paused and looked up at the moon. It was a full moon, and as Murray stared at it, he thought to himself, "We'll find you Sly, don't worry. I'll keep myself strong, no matter what. That's a promise "the Murray", is going to keep."
And that's the second chapter folks. Next time it's the final chapter. Read and review if you like.