Remember, if you see him-Leave him alone. She remembered his words well, but it still troubled her.
Athena marched past various animal exhibits toward her destination shivering for a moment as she braved the cold. As she trekked further she stopped near a wooden sign, it had a small illustration of a bear. She was close. However, the Koala heard something close by. She glanced over to the rails the exhibit. There was a brown sack thrown carelessly over the ledge and Grey paw on the ledge as well.
"God I wish I had longer legs." The animal exclaimed. She walked over to the ledge and offered her paw. It grabbed her without hesitation. She immediately regretted helping the animal as she saw him hop over the exhibit rail. Evil grabbed the bag without acknowledging her presence. Her brow narrowed in displeasure. There he was: The Thief. The Tormenter. The Tyrant. All in one. He's going back there today, she was sure of it...But she just had to stand there... And let him go.
She glared vehemently at him as he walked past. Curious about the animal, he glanced at her briefly noticing her intense glare, he looked disinterested. "Creeepy. Jeez, take a picture why don't ya?" Evil stated. He looked down at her waist to see her fanny pack and smirked. "Huh, what are the odds?"
She continued glaring silently.
She could apprehend him.
Right. Now.
Why did he insist on leaving him? Unfortunately, she wouldn't get that answer from Leonard. She respected his decision, but it still bothered her deeply. He walked by her whistling in a pleasant tune.
An audible sigh came from Athena as she dropped down to the exhibit. She peered at the entrance and started to walk to it but, a loud thud came from behind her. She glanced over her shoulder seeing a blue bear holding a black bag and a Grey mouse on his head, he crawled down onto the ground as the bear walked to her and gave a flirtatious grin.
He inspected her apparel briefly. "Hello officer, what brings you here?" Lech asked.
"I'm here about a recent theft." She replied calmly, her eyes wondered to the cave entrance.
Lech wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close while holding the bag. "Well babe, I could tell you everything I know somewhere private." He grinned.
"I have feeling that'd be a waste of my time." She peered again into the cave and saw it's occupants. She elbowed him in his rib cage to wriggle out his grip. Lech grimaced and growled at the sharp pain. "I'll ask your leader if you don't mind." She entered the cave calmly and left Lech alone with a scowl.
"I'm the Alpha." He frowned annoyed, he didn't like being ignored. Mike walked past with a blase expression.
"Give it rest dude, let's give Nerd his package."
Lech rolled his eyes and muttered something before entering the cave. They both noticed she was already talking with Prozac in the living room by the kitchen while Sara and Cara were watching television. He walked toward them with Mike in tow.
"...If that's the case then this could be a problem. We've lost a lot of things recently." Prozac said worried. He cupped his chin.
"Such as?" She pulled out a notepad and a pencil from her fanny pack.
"W-We lost...The TV remote..." He realized mid-sentence how frivolous the item was. She gave him dubious expression in response but wrote it down regardless. Lech heard this and glanced at the duo on the couch suspiciously, he noticed the pink bear shifting on the couch seat uncomfortably. He narrowed his brow inquisitively and quickly glanced over the chair arm. Sara and Cara looked at the bear suspiciously.
"What now?" Sara asked. The bear dropped his bag on side. Lech didn't bother to reply as he shoved her off the couch unceremoniously. Both Athena and Prozac glanced over to the couch as Cara glared at Lech. He saw the remote stuck in the couch and pulled it out much to Cara's surprise.
"Here's the remote, she hid it over here with her gigantic ass." He said bluntly.
Athena briefly glanced over watching her get up. Sara grabbed the remote from Lech's paws and whacked him with it. Eh, it's a 4/10. Nothing to write home about.
"Any other items?" She asked.
Prozac watched the two argue and sighed knowingly. "Not that I know of."
Cara slowly avoided the confrontation by inching away from the potential fight.
"Gay told me he was missing his sowing machine." She stated.
Athena smiled warmly at her as she wrote it down.
"The runt has it!" Sara yelled. She continued to whack him with the remote as he held the back of his head. Mike watched while sitting on the bag he left on the side of the couch. As she went for another swing Lech finally caught her hand and turned to Athena.
"I know two things that are actually missing: A power drill, and a fork." He replied.
Athena looked inquisitively at him as she wrote it down. She wanted to inspect this further. "Odd choice of things to steal. You sure they're not misplaced?"
Lech dodged a swipe from Sara. "Definitely. Both of them won't stop mentioning it." He quickly tripped Sara onto the couch. He laughed mockingly at her. She rose up and lunged at him. He dodged the attack but she darted around him and put him in a choke hold. Prozac leered at the two as Athena glanced intrigued by the struggle.
Lech managed to get free of the hold and throw her into the table smashing it in half. She growled in pain laying on the ground about to get up again. "Ack!" She held her back and gave a pained groan before pulling out a splinter.
"Ha! Serves you right." He said mockingly.
"Dude, too much force. You don't fight women." Mike chastised.
"She started it, and she's tough." He argued.
Cara narrowed her brow annoyed at the male. "Mind if I burrow this?" She pointed to the baton on her waist.
Athena pulled it off and handed it to her. "Please, it's on me." She walked around the couch behind Lech then tapped his shoulder and as he turned around she gave the bear a clout blow with the baton on his snout.
"Owww!" He yelped as Sara laughed mockingly at Lech as a bit of blood dripped from his nose.
Athena watched with a satisfied grin.
"Serves you right, asshole." Sara said. Cara looked displeased. She knew this didn't need to happen. Sara glared knowingly at her with a pout. "He...Started it." She lazily replied.
Cara gave a deadpan expression narrowing her brow. "That worked when we were three."
Sara rolled her eyes. "I'm dealing with a child, it's fitting." She folded her arms and gave Lech a look of contempt.
"This happen often?" Athena asked Prozac.
"You have no idea. Honestly, I'm glad someone else could handle it. Despite the violence." He narrowed his brow annoyed.
"Eh, it's attractive to show your aggressive side now and again." She smiled as she walked over to the group. Leaving Prozac with a dubious look, unsure of how to gauge her reply.
Athena walked toward the group extending her paw out to help Sara up, she looked at it and shook her head. "I'm fine." Sara replied, rising up and dusting herself off. Cara noticed some splinters in her fur and she started them pull out. Lech glanced at her rear and laughed. She had a three of them jutting out.
"I got this. Hold still."Athena reached down much to Sara's discontent.
"No yo—ow!" She pulled out three of them and patted her lower-back. Sara leered at her silently as she pulled out her notebook again. Athena wrote in it briefly before ripping out the paper and handing it over to Cara.
"I'd love to keep in contact with you all for further investigation." Athena stated staring at Cara. "And what was your name? Mine's, Athena." She gave a meaningful look, batting her eyes before extending her paw to her.
Cara grabbed the paper and spoke. "It's Cara. I hope you find the group before anything terrible happens."
"They will be brought to justice…" Her expression was stern.
A shame there was nothing of note. She scowled and looked distant as she glanced at Lech."Who did they belo-"
"Oh, I love your hair!" She was brought out of her thought as Cara ran her paws through her long locks. Athena felt entranced by her eyes, they looked joyful, She even had a warm benign smile...A slight bit of red was on her cheeks as looked away.
"Thank my mother for that, heh heh." She chuckled softly embarrassed.
"That's so nice. You two must be close." Cara asked.
"Isn't it time to continue your investigation?" Sara asked coldly staring at Athena. She nodded in response.
"Right. Thank you for time, all of you." She bowed and started to walk away.
"Hey! I have something that'll help you." She heard a loud voice, she looked over at Lech instinctively and he grinned in response. She narrowed her brow annoyed at the attempt to keep her there longer.
"Oi, down here!" Mike stated. She looked down surprised at the loud voice, but knelt down to the mouse.
"Look, the night we got robbed, I smelt something." His brow narrowed intently. It was a musky, strong arouma. So, I went back and I found something: The weapon.
"Where!" She stated with a renewed vigor.
"Near the polar bear exhibit. I left in a bush: a black baseball bat, with initials on it. I…" He tried to remember what else but it didn't matter as the Koala picked him and kissed him on his cheek. He grinned knowingly looking back a Lech furrowing his brow and muttering under his breath. She plopped him on the ground and quickly ran out of the cave.
She had a determined look on her face as well as a pleased grin. As she exited the cave she noticed a similar looking brown jackal hopping along the rails. I'll grab the evidence first. She quickly climbed a nearby tree and bolted to scene of the crime.
...
What...
What did I do!?
No. He thought.
He knew what did this...But how was the better question.
Leonard watched in shock as he saw the black bear being carried off by one of the polar bear's along with a brown raccoon being held by the other. Both of them struggled as they past his hiding spot, he wanted to help but he was still dumbfounded as he looked down blankly in his paw, glaring down at the bear doll.
Moments before
Leonard continued to walk toward the park passing multiple trees and benches. On his way there his eye caught an animal's tail hanging from a trashcan. He paid it no mind as he felt the cold air brush across his face gently. Continuing his trek forward he finally reached the entrance of the main park area. Benches were scattered across the grassy plain, some placed under the trees for shade from the sun's rays. He saw a brown object fly through the air at the far end of the park, then he glanced down as a squirrel caught his eye, it ran across the ground and into a bush on his right to a nearby tree leading into a small forest area.
As he looked away for a moment he glanced back to the park—A soft, pleasant smile grew on his face. Fighter was sitting on a bench near the edge of the park, behind him were a few bushes and trees. He was looking down at something and hadn't noticed him yet. Leonard marched forward, only to hesitate for a moment. He remembered the last encounter prior. The bear seemed troubled about his presence.
Should I even try?Maybe it-
"Yoooo! Check out this haul!" He heard a younger sounding voice behind him. He glanced over and saw a brown raccoon holding a bag of garbage in his paws it blocking his view. Leonard stiffened as he whipped his head over to the bear. He would see him immediately and want to leave...He didn't want that, he needed information.
His first instinct was to hide.
He growled and jumped into a near bush avoiding the mammal from crashing into him, as well as the bear from seeing him.
The ground in the forest was wet and slippery as he slid briefly and collided with a tree to break his momentum, the impact caused a few birds to fly out over head. After he gained his bearings he realized that surrounding area was littered with mud and puddles. He peered back at the park seeing the raccoon from earlier with a large garbage bag in front of the black bear. He watched intently then paused as he realized how...Demeaning and creepy this was.
What I am doing? I'm king, a proud ruler. And now, I'm hiding? No. Worse. I'm stalking.
He was about to hold his head in shame till he the saw mud on his paw. The Lion gave a frustrated growl and walked back to a tree wiping it off on it. He sighed in defeat. He's doing this, willingly or not. He glanced over to see the raccoon rummaging through the bag. The mammal was talking but he couldn't hear from where he was.
He needed to get closer.
He crawled through forest using the bushes for cover. He distanced himself from the park bench but he was still fairly close to the duo as the raccoon pulled out a can out of the bag, he inspected it and shook his head throwing it over into the forest and hitting a tree beside him, he watched him pull out something out of the bag causing the bear to narrow his brow and stick out his tongue.
"Jimmy, that is absolutely disgusting." Fighter said disappointed.
Leonard saw a half eaten doughnut in the raccoon's black paws, it had a green mold attached to it's ends. The raccoon inspected it, sniffing it briefly before shrugging as he gobbled it down. He licked his lips and gulped it down patting his belly.
"I bring Tanked here all the time and he loves it." He stated.
There was a moment of silence then a small chuckle from Fighter. He knew the red bear wasn't picky.
Jimmy pouted and placed his paw on his hip. "Don't be afraid to try something new."
"I'd rather not. Fish heads are better than what your getting." Fighter started to tap the phone. A shrill cry came from the phone that made Leonard's ears ring as he held his head down. "Team's coming around nicely."
Jimmy squinted quizzically. "Uh huh. Your taste buds aren't ready for this culinary perfection." He smirked giddily. Fighter looked up from the phone and gave him a bemused expression.
"Pull out one thing from that bag that's remotely edible."
"Is that a challenge?" He asked.
Fighter stayed silent but gave the Raccoon a mild look of amusement.
He wouldn't... Would he? Leonard paused.
He really didn't know what he'd do. It had been a long time since…He shook his head as he felt something plop unto him. He glanced down at a puddle beside him and saw a squirrel on top of his head. He gave a frustrated look at his reflection. He continued to listen to them despite the animal picking at his mane. The Raccoon was throwing various items around the park area.
"Ooooh, I think found something perfect! Quick question though: What's the worst thing you've eaten?" He shouted still tearing through the bag.
"The worst food? Fried worm burger…Hands down." Fighter replied shuddering as Jimmy threw out a can over his head to the side. Leonard chuckled briefly remembering both Pitch and Locke racked with tummy aches from the food in question. He watched the Raccoon pull out a pristine hotdog with relish on it. Fighter glared at the food suspiciously.
"I don't trust that...It's too clean." He leered at it menacingly.
Jimmy brought the hot-dog to his snout. "Come on, you only live on-"
Wooooosh!
He saw the bear's ears perked as he turned to the sound, a loud thud echoed from the park as the bear held his ear in pain. A football had hit the bear directly in his ear and the impact also knocked the food from the raccoon's hand as well. The ball bounced around beside them aimlessly as a jeering laugh was heard. Leonard scowled at the source of the sound: Butch, the second in command of the polar bears. Along with his companion…Leonard forget that one's name.
"Opps." The one-armed one said.
"Ha! C'mon Steven, you have to be more careful." He berated as he patted the one-armed bear on the back. Fighter rubbed his ear and glared up at the polar bear.
"What are you guys doing here?" He asked. Butch gave a deadpan expression.
"Playing football, duh. Mind picking that up for us?" He asked pointing to the ball.
The bear glared up at Butch then to the ball, it destroyed the hot-dog leaving it in pieces. "Fine, you saved me from the second most terrible thing to parse my lips." He walked past a distraught looking raccoon. Fighter patted the raccoon as he got up and sat on the bench. The bear crouched down, wiped it off and handed the ball to him. Butch swiped it from his paw and smirked.
"Heh, your welcome. I'd be happy to find more ways of helping you that involve hitting you." Leonard heard the bear mutter something as Butch rose his brow dubiously. "What was that?" Butch asked dubiously.
Fighter smirked knowingly, not willing to say what it was. A loud monotone voice spoke out from the bench, it was his cellphone. Jimmy held the device with a brown muffin at his side.
Stronzo. It said. "Translation: Asshole."
The bear glared at the phone in silence as the polar bear glared down at him. "Ha, funny. I'm in a good mood today...So your lucky I don't pound you into the ground." He glanced curiously at the bear's attire.
Fighter gave a deadpan expression. "Ho-ray." He stated sarcastically with strained smile as Steven walked over to the raccoon and glanced at the phone curiously. Jimmy noticed the looming shadow he cast over device and looked up to see the bear above him. He gave friendly smile before offering the muffin to him.
Fighter glanced at Steven with a fixed, pained expression. "You don't think it's little one-sided playing against someone with one arm?" He asked.
Butch narrowed his brow as if he took offense. "What the hell you on about?"
"Is your ego so small you need to pick on the handicapped?" He said grinning playfully.
Butch furrowed his brow and gave a low growl as he glared at the bear. It was clear he went a little too far and he realized that immediately.
"Okay. Fine, sensitive topic. It's clear there's nothing to joke about here."
Butch glared down at the bear. "Uh huh. Tell me kid, what's so funny about someone losing their arm?"
Fighter rose his paws up apologetically. "Look, I didn't mean to cause any trouble…"
"Believe me your kind already has caused enough trouble." He abruptly stated.
For once, I sort of agree with him. As Leonard watched them the squirrel climbed down into his mane.
Fighter glanced up at the bear with a scowl. "Okay first, your kind. Hello pot, I wonder if you saw the kettle: It's standing on your foot. Second..."
Butch pointed his finger down into the bear's face. "Yes, your kind. We are not in the same category as you numbskulls. So, run along and be the submissive bear your species are meant to be." He smirked.
Fighter's brow narrowed as he clenched his fist. Butch continued to glare down menacingly. The black bear then nodded and clapped his paws together. "Sure. We'll be out 'arms way. It's kinda new to me though, I wish I was as skilled as the one-armed bandit though." He went wide-eyed as he feigned surprise while placing his paw on his face, hiding his smile as he received a death glare.
"Alright, it got a little out of hand...I'm sure we can get this sorted out." He glanced back at bench as he saw Jimmy with disdainful, begrudging look. Steven mimicked his expression except he looked more deadpan.
Butch cracked his knuckles.
"Come on now, two wrongs don't make a riiiight…" Fighter rose his brow knowingly.
Stop talking. Leonard stated as he shook his head he wondered where he picked up that habit.
"Well I'm stumped, how you do think he's going to get out of this?" Jimmy replied then immediately gasped. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry." He said quickly to Steven.
"It's okay, your fine." He stated calmly. Jimmy smiled and gave the muffin to him. Steven glanced at it oddly before devouring it in one bite.
Butch pulled the bear by up his Scarf. "Eh heh, heh ahh—Your just gonna have to hit me. I deserve it…" He grimaced as he rubbed his cheek. Leonard saw this and readied himself.
That's enough I'll… He stopped noticing something familiar on the ground: the bear doll he stole from the Teal coloured bear. The squirrel was standing over it, it was licking it's cheek. Leonard stalked the animal as it inspected the doll and as the Lion loomed over the squirrel it looked up briefly before running away. He carefully picked up the doll off the ground. He wiped off a bit of mud on the doll and walked back to his previous spot.
He saw Butch still holding the bear up by his scarf with a clenched fist to his waist. "Alright Mr. Comedian. Apologize properly. Now." He stated calmly.
He looked over at Stephen still sitting with Jimmy as the watched him he nodded. "I'm sorry. We cool?"
Butch gave a meaningful glare. He was silent as if he was pondering. "Fine. But on one condition: give me the scarf and we'll leave without kicking your asses."
Fighter growled deeply while glaring at the bear directly. "Hell no."
"The raccoon or your scarf. Choose, asshole."
Jimmy blinked in surprise. "Wait wha-" Steven picked him by the nape of his neck with a grin on his face.
"Sorry friend. It's just business."
Butch dropped him on the grass letting him land on his back painfully. He slowly rose up and leered at Butch defiantly. Leonard gripped the doll in his paw tightly as he watched the Butch smirk knowingly at the bear.
He watched the bear's back stiffen as he balled his fist. He heard his steady breathes as his shoulders rose up and down. They glared silently at each other. He could see the bear's smug, condescending smirk. It brought a sick feeling in the Lion's stomach. He watched Fighter as he unclenched his fist…He placed his paws behind his neck and untie the scarf while walking up to Butch.
Butch looked back at Steven knowingly as he signaled the bear to let the Raccoon go. He complied as Jimmy fell flat on his face. Leonard moved to get a better look at the bear's face. He had a scornful expression as he glared darkly at Butch. Fighter turned to his gaze back to the bear and handed him the scarf. "Much better, Steven, come 'ere." He walked over to the Polar bear and tied it around his neck. Steven smiled jovially as he patted the cloth. Butch looked down at the bear mockingly as Jimmy joined his side. "How's it look?" Butch asked the two.
They both remained silent. the remark didn't pass over the black bear's head. He leered back at Butch, unable to do anything. But it didn't matter to him if he got a response, the point was made: He had his precious possession now and there was nothing he could do about it. Butch started to walk away as he gestured Steven to follow.
Leonard's blood boiled as he watched the bear's confident stride. This was...Deplorable. At that moment the Lion's vision went red. He gripped the doll, focusing...The only thing stopping him from jumping out of his place was the single fact that if emerged from his hiding spot, it would only cause him more trouble. But the desire to slam that bear down again was something he wished he could do at this moment. Instead, he spoke abruptly with venom in his voice:
"Mongrels like you should be shot." Their voices echoed as Leonard paused suddenly shocked. The polar bears stopped dead in their tracks. Luckily the bear's voice was louder as Butch glared back and saw Fighter with a wide-eyed expression….
Present
What was that? The bear had said the exact words he spoke. Was it coincidence? Maybe a slip of tongue. He pondering briefly about it. He shook his head dismissively. There was a look of genuine surprise…
"Hey, Dip shit! Move out of the way!" He heard Butch shout out at someone. He peered up from the bush and saw Bart's boy blocking their path. He rose his paws up apprehensively.
"Hey, I'm not stopping you." Spice stepped to the side and allowed them to go forward with their hostages. An audible growl and the shriek of the raccoon pleading and screaming we're heard as they grew further away. Spice walked toward the bench and looked around. He turned his back to the forest. "Where the hell is he? He went this way I'm sure of it."
Leonard brow narrowed. This power...What were its limitations? How would he be able to use this effectively? He pondered this as he glared at Spice still trying to look for him. The owl wouldn't provide the information he seeked. Too many questions would be asked. Maybe...He could tap into a different source, Something close to home... He stepped out of the brush and greeted his stalker.
Spice heard the noise and turned suddenly with a freighted expression.
"Hello, boy."
...
"Two Martinis. Enjoy." Sugar stated as she placed the drinks on round table. The two Lemurs grabbed their drinks and started to chat with each other.
"So, did ya hear about the disappearances? Two animals went missing and they haven't found them yet."
"Yeah. Gone without a single trace. Everybody won't shut up about it. It's garnered as much attention as the petty thefts."
The other Lemur shivered in response. "This is so creepy, what if there's a serial murderer on the lose? We aren't safe man!"
"Relax. From what I've heard they've only happen in the forest...For all we know another feral animal could've done it and we're blowing it out of proportion." He surmised as he took a sip of his drink.
"Yeah but…" The lemur looked anxious as the other animal continued. Sugar rolled her eyes and tuned them out as she got to the counter glaring at the large stool with disdain. She hopped onto it to reach the counter. She was three and half feet tall and loving every minute of it.
The bar was lively today. Although, there were only four tables, and only two animals sat at each—At least she saw some new faces. She reached over the counter to grab a rag and wipe the sweat from her brow. She closed her eyes for the moment. Ignoring the sounds of the bar and it's patrons for a moment of peace...
Creeeak.
Except for the sound of creaking, old wood. She shook her head dismissively as the sound of footsteps accompanied the creaks from the basement. She leaned on the edge of the counter and peered over her shoulder at the basement door as it opened. Her father stepped out, closing the door behind him. "Well I'll be, isn't this a pleasant sight." She said with a soft genuine smile.
Bart's eyes wondered slowly around the bar observing his surroundings. He had just woken up, he slept there for the night. A regular habit he formed accidentally but he hadn't regretted it. He hadn't noticed before but it seemed the owner had recently cleaned the place, he could actually breathe in the air without smelling any dust. Glancing up he noticed the light fixture, a small fan with a single light hanging down was fixed. "The bar hasn't been this...Homey." He stated calmly rubbing his eye.
Not in a long while.
"Well, it helps that the deadbeat managed to fix up the place." She cracked her neck causally and placed the rag on the other side of the counter, then yawned as she scratched her butt with her paw. On closer inspect he noticed small bags under her eyes.
She must have been working nearly all day by herself...
"Do you mind if I join you today?" Bart asked.
Sugar hopped off the stool and stretched, glancing up at him. He looked anxious as stared at her with a hint of worry. She turned away with a coy smirk. "Since you're the only one here, sure. Table four over there wants two apple ciders. I'll handle table two they need the hard stuff. It'll cost them extra this early."
Bart's brow rose inquisitively as he ruffled his beard. Hmm. That's...smart. Less 'accidents' early on. He gave a bemused expression as he walked over and lovingly rustled her hair. She looked away begrudgingly but kept her smile. "Stop that." She said. He smirked knowingly annoying his daughter.
"Don't be so sour about your height, it's normal."
"Shut up, you're one to talk. Your about as tall as the blue bear." She looked away pouting.
"Who was that again?" He asked scratching his fur with a dubious expression.
She peered up at him tilting her head inquisitively. "Really, dad?"
"I've meet him twice, I remember faces, not names, most of the time."
Bart walked around the stools lined up by the counter to the other side of counter as he reached down to open a small door leading into the server area he noticed it was locked. A clattering noise was heard from across the counter as he saw a pair of keys slide down the counter. His daughter smiled knowingly before looking away. He sighed and grabbed the keys off the counter, opening the door to the server's area. As he entered, he crouched down under the counter grabbing a bottle and placed it on the counter-top.
Sugar watched the patrons calmly inspecting the four tables lined up at near the windows. Then glanced back at her father placing two glasses and pouring the beverage in both of them. She reached for the tray on the counter and placed them both on. She was about to leave… "Wait." Bart stated half-heartedly with no urgency in his voice. "I'll mix the other order, you'll be able to make it in one trip." He stated placing the cider back in it's place. She nodded.
"Just make it snappy, I don't want anyone to complain." She replied.
He walked back into the kitchen passing a shelf filled with alcohol, their imported collection. He grabbed a few canned drinks from the fridge and a bottle of cold apple cider. "Patience." He replied with a soft smile looking back at his daughter.. "If you set out to do something, do it right. No compromises, no complications, and-"
"And plan ahead...I haven't heard that one in a while." She scoffed as he brought back the beverages to the counter. Bart cracked open one of the cans and started to pour into a glass. However, he couldn't help but glance over to the safe absently as he tilted the glass while pouring it out. Sugar noticed his glazed eyes as the alcohol ran over his fingers.
"Hey!" She snapped quickly bringing him out of his trance. He noticed the drink had split over the counter dripping down to the floor. He quickly grabbed the rag and wiped the mess away. As patron glanced over to the counter.
"Oi, is that mine!" An annoyed gruff voice came from a Koala at the second table he was with another one glaring back at server with a contempt filled glare.
"Calm your tits! It's coming shortly." She grabbed the glass and tilted the glass into an empty one. It started to fizz and bubble as she poured sticking her thumb onto the left side of the glass. Bart narrowed his brow as glanced at the glass.
"Ha ha! How you about find yours?!" One of the Koala replied earning a small chortle from the other one.
"God, I'm starting to hate that guy..." She whispered bitterly.
"You're pouring it wrong." Bart pointed out.
Her eye twitched briefly as she gave her father a flat expression."I know, that jack-wad doesn't deserve to get what he's paying for."
"Still, it's a waste." His voice remained stern but calm as he tilted the glass toward the bottle letting the liquid trail down slowly into the glass without the carbonated drink bubbling up. He smirked. "Better. Work efficiently, don't half-ass it."
Sugar picked up the tray and chuckled to herself. "Right, who forgot to fix the window again?" She asked knowing the answer. He chuckled looking away from her, he noticed something was missing...
"D-did we lose something?" He asked looking beside the safe again.
Sugar placed the drinks on the second table and walked to the counter. "If you're looking for the jukebox I threw it out, replaced it with a boom box."
Bart give a puzzled look but shook his head. He didn't need to know the details "Why isn't it on though?"
"They're paying for a service, ambiance cost extra." She replied with a smirk. One of the Koala narrowed his brow at the comment from their table and whispered to his friend.
"My ass, Twenty dollars so we break the silence...What a load."
Bart rose his brow dubiously. "We really, need to talk about business dear."
"Hey, you gave me full disclosure. No take backs." She waved her free paw and walked toward the forth table on the other side of the room.
"When was-"
She turned around gave a blank stare. "Last fall, you were wearing a sunflower hat under a tree while one of our various uncles got high off the leaves the bushwhackers eat." She pointed to the Koala's behind her.
"Why did you remember that?" He asked.
"Because someone had to." Sugar furrowed her brow upset at her father. She placed the drinks on the table placing her thumb rim of glass and positioning it to the left. The Koala hadn't noticed the mark on his glass as he tilted the glass to his mouth "Now, about your bil-"
Briiing!
A ringing sound came from the door. Bart lazily glanced at the entrance seeing a group enter, he recognized them: A small group of monkeys. One of them peered over to the table with Lemurs as he furrowed his brow annoyed. he broke from the group and marched to the table. Oh great. They're back. These ones were, for lack of a better word: douchebags. Bart thought. He made a mental note to find the discount beer.
"Hey, Zoboomafoo! Buzz off! You're in our spot." The brutish one said with a snarl.
The Lemur scowled offended. "I find that highly raci-"The monkey slammed his paw into the table threateningly. "Screw it, tables yours." Both of them hopped out of their seats and headed to the door. The Koala in the back furrowed his brow but remained silent as he watched drinking his beverage.
Sugar on the other hand...
"You pricks! They didn't pay me yet!" She exclaimed slamming her paw on the table with a dark expression aimed at the group. The Koala held their drinks as the table shook. The brutish one looked over to the tanned monkey and scoffed.
"Big deal, there's four of us now." He stated. One of them elbowed the brutish one as he glowered at the monkey beside him.
"Ah, I kinda didn't bring any money." He whispered. The rest of the group glared annoyed at the short tailed monkey.
"You had to be the freeloader." The onion-haired one stated with a smile.
The group sat down at the table arguing amongst each other. The onion-haired sat opposite to brutish one on side of the table, while the Pompadour monkey sat near the window and the short-tailed one sat beside him. Sugar sighed knowingly and walked over to their table with a fed up expression glaring at the group.
"...You knew we were coming here, did ya think we were gonna let you mooch of us like this." The brute pointed at freeloader. He placed his paws up apologetically.
"Look I forgot, I'll pay next time."
"Hey! Order your drinks." Sugar stated vexed. They weren't paying attention and she was starting to get annoyed.
"Pfft, whatever. You getting water, bud." The brute exclaimed.
Bart watched her daughter glared down at them. "Oi, you need to-" She was interrupted again. The one time she didn't bring her gun...How else would she get their attention?
"Come on! The one time!"The freeloader replied. The onion-haired monkey glanced over to their leader concerned. He was a mess, small were under his eyes and a foul scent lingered from his fur.
"Come on, boss. Freshen up or something man. You smell like garbage." He pulled out a can and sprayed the leader, he closed his eyes as the others waved the paws in front of their faces to fan away the scent. The smell made Sugar cough indifferently as she grimaced in disgust.
"Guys.." The monkey with the pompadour rested his head on his paw and looked out the window blankly. Uninterested with the conversation, he glanced back briefly at Sugar still holding her nose. He realized that none of them had bothered to order anything. He banged the table a few times to get the attention of the group and pointed to her as he looked down at the table.
"Orders. I'm fine with whatever." He sounded dejected.
"Four rounds of beer. We'll pay for it." The onion-haired one stated while the short-tailed one rolled his eyes.
"And none of that weak garbage. Gives us something good, boss needs something to raise his spirits." The brute stated boisterously. Sugar glanced back at her father and he nodded.
Bart walked back into the kitchen for the usual brew from the kitchen's fridge. He grabbed a couple of glasses from a cabinet then walked back to the counter. He poured a few rounds before noticing his daughter wasn't at the counter. She was still at the table trying talk to the distant monkey. The group wasn't pleased with her attitude. He poured a few cups before ringing the bell on the counter top.
It caught the attention of the group and his daughter as she stared back at the counter.
"Don't bother him, Blondie. He ain't in the mood." Short-tailed one said.
"Yea, get our drinks already, babe." The freeloader said.
She glowered at them before turning around and promptly flipped them off behind her as she got to the counter. She grabbed the drink tray on the stool with little enthusiasm as wore a serious expression. Bart decided not to ask, it was clear she didn't need his input. As Sugar stood in front the group again she placed the tray down in the middle of the table. "Is this all-" Before she could ask the leader grabbed the drink suddenly from the tray and chugged it down. He brought the glass down onto the table with a scowl and continued to look out the window.
"I need more..." He growled as the others gave their drinks without a second thought. He chugged each one of them down slamming them down. He drank the last glass and burped loudly before glancing back out side saying something under his breathe.
"Ti..a"
Bart grabbed a few more cans and walked over to the table, a few odd looks were thrown his way due to his own tardy appearance but he poured him another glass.
He downed another drink.
Bart poured him another.
He downed it faster as the group cheered him on. The baboon poured the bottle into the other's glasses. One of them tried to grab their drink, but it was immediately snatched away from him by their leader as he chugged another. The others gave him their drinks again."Woo! Go Mark, chug that crap down!" The brute cheered as the leader downed the rest of the beers down.
Mark coughed a bit before glaring at Bart. He wanted more.
He poured him another.
Mark drank it down.
He poured him another.
Mark drank it down.
He poured him another...
He lazily grabbed the glass and tilted up to his mouth, the liquid missed his mouth completely as it drain down his chin. He glanced back at Bart again with a blank look gripping his glass tightly.
"Mmmmh." He grunted desperately. He assumed he wanted more.
"Okay, that's it. I'm cutting you off." Sugar grabbed the other's glasses from the table and went back to the counter in a huff. Bart glanced back at the counter tepidly as he went back to the bar counter with the bottle. She glared back at him and shook her head dismissively as she went back to the table. He saw her stare down the dejected one.
"You look like shit." She glared at him coldly.
"Uh huh. No shit sher- hic* lock." Mark hiccuped as he gritted his teeth. The others glared at her knowingly.
"Back off. He really doesn't need this right now." The brute said placing his paw on the table clenching his fist. She gave the monkey a bitter scowl.
"Do you really need to police this?"
"I don't think he want's to talk to his EX right now. Right boss?" The brute added.
Mark held his head. "C-can you guys shut up for like, ever? My head is aching."
"Geez, it's almost like drinking like there's no tomorrow is a bad thing?" Sugar replied sarcastically.
The brute rolled his eyes. "Just leave us alone. A broad like you-" Sugar slammed her fist down shaking the table as the group looked startled. She glared down at the brute with an icy glare as the other patrons glanced at the group. Bart glanced up from the counter listening to the conversation grow louder.
"No. You, be quiet—The adults are talking." She glanced back at Mark as he stopped looking outside and to his glass.
"You don't need to butt in here. It ain't your business." The freeloader stated wagging his tail.
"The hell it is, it's my bar. You brought him here to-" The leader interrupted her, she didn't bother to argue with him after the what he said.
"They're dead..." He voice sounded bleak, wasted. The room grew quite after the monkey blurted that bit of information out. The short-tailed monkey spoke up quickly.
"You don't need to talk about that, ok." He smiled half-heartedly.
"Who's dead?" She asked curiously.
The brute narrowed his brow. "No one. It's none of your-"
"No...ack...I know their both dead."Mark spat up and coughed to the side of the window. He sat up groggily and glared down at the table. He clenched his paw into a fist. Sugar blinked absently, but remained silent. "I-I found her dead in her cage...My sister." He gritted his teeth.
Bart looked over at the Monkey blankly as he watched him sit back down. He didn't change his expression. "I found Tina in the corner of our cage...I had...I had to make sure...the keepers saw her, so they could bury her..." He sounded heartbroken as he choked out the last words.
"Y-You said they? Who else is...dead?" She looked away knowingly not wanting to make eye contact.
The Brute spoke up with a grim expression aimed the tan monkey. "Again! We don't know that!"
"SHUT. THE HELL UP!" Mark shot up from his seat and glared at the brute with a dead look in his eyes. The brute looked away ashamed as he continued. "They're dead...My girlfriend and her brother are dead. I'm sure of it. They both went missing around the same time..." He hiccuped and gasped desperately. Bart watched his eyes tear up as the group tried to console him. He was starting to shake as he glared at the group. "That bitch...I know she did something..." Mark growled his paw was shaking. The onion-haired one placed his paw on his shoulder.
"Calm down, lets not jump to conclusions, she got shipped off to another zoo."
"Oh, and how convenient that she leaves around the exact time of death..." He stared at the monkey with a bitter expression on his face. He receded and looked away from him. Mark sat back down as he placed his head on the table shutting his eyes.
The group grew silent again.
Sugar sighed inwardly. "Sitting here feeling sorry wont bring her back."
The group glowered at her ominously.
"If you don't accept it, you'll keep reminding yourself of it. And nothing good is gonna come from that...You need to move on." She glanced down at Mark with an indifferent expression."If...If it helps she's probably getting shipped off with the kooks over-"
"Goddamn it!" Mark shouted suddenly frighting the group as he slammed his fist into the window shattering it. Bits of glass were on his fist as some of then fell unto the floor. He winched at the pain as the group looked concerned. Sugar shook her head vexed at the outburst.
"First aid's in the bathroom around the counter. Patch yourself up. Wash your face, and get of the bar. You shouldn't be here." Her tone was stern. He glanced up dejected but nodded. He glanced at the monkey beside him blocking him from getting to the bathroom. The short-tailed one quickly got up for their leader to leave. He held his injured paw and walked into the bathroom blood dripping on the ground as he past the counter. Bart quickly grabbed the rag and cleaned the blood off the floor.
"What hell was that for! You heartless bitch!" He heard one of them say to his daughter.
"What? I was trying to help, unlike you." She replied. Bart rose up and placed the dirty rag on the counter.
"The hell's that supos' to mean?" He saw the brute with a scar jab his finger into her chest.
"You numb nuts were gonna have him drink himself into a stupor. I'm not having it in my bar."
"Screw you, we were helping him. He doesn't need to be reminded of that shit."
"You don't get, do you? Your causing more damage by giving him a drinking habit. If he needs to dwell on this, let him. Then you can be there to have his back or whatever."
"I'm surprised you care." He stated as he folded his arms.
"Just because everybody here's a dick doesn't mean I want them dead in my establishment."
The short-tailed one scoffed. "How'd you know about that transfer anyway? I bet she-"
Sugar slapped the monkey without warning as he winced briefly. She glared at the monkey.
"That's it. Get out and wait for your dumb ass—" The brutish one slugged Sugar hard across the face. She fell back hard onto her back from the blow grimacing briefly as she rose up. She spat out a tooth onto the ground. The patrons clamored at the sudden act of violence while a Koala grabbed two cans of beer and brought them back to the table.
Sugar spat out a small bit of blood as she got up. "Okay. Overreacted but I'm still gonna-"
"Sir, you need to leave." Bart interrupted as he gave an inscrutable glance at the monkey in front of his daughter from the counter. The brute didn't budge as the group noticed the customers getting anxious as they watched. One of the monkey tried to pull back the brute so they could leave.
"Dude, chill it's fine. She didn't hit me hard enough anyway."
Again, the brute wasn't going to budge. "Please, this was long overdue!"
Sugar waved her paw out taunting the monkey. "Oh yeah big guy, come here, I'm knock yer all teeth out. I owe you."
"That won't be necessary, dear." Bart walked to over to the group and glanced over to the monkey.
"I'm asking you again, please leave. Before I forget my manners."
The brute scoffed and laughed mockingly. "Ha ha! Do hear this guy? Look at this washed up old fart with the scraggly beard. Like I'm scared of you!" He cracked his knuckles looking for a fight. "You didn't step in before, why should I be afraid now?"
"Sir, I'm asking again-" The monkey whipped around and threw a heavy punch at Bart hitting him square in the face. Sugar looked distraught for a moment before her expression changed to an enraged glare. But Bart barely flinched from the blow stepping away for a moment to wipe blood from his nose he glanced back at his attacker.
"Ok." He stated calmly.
The baboon stepped forward suddenly, thrusting his leading foot into the monkey's chest with a step kick knocking the wind out of him. As he was dazed Bart reared his leg back to ground. He then pivoted his hip and turned with his other leg extending it forward and swiftly aimed his foot at the monkey head. He saw this and tried to dodge the blow but instead caught the animal's heel to his face as he hooked his leg. The blow made him suddenly lurch backward.
Sugar barely avoided him as he collided with the bar counter knocking the stools down like dominoes as the last one stayed up barely falling over. A pained cough was heard from the brute as he used the counter to pull himself up.
"Ummm, word of advice: Stay down." She suggested smirking knowingly. The onion-haired monkey gave her a flat expression from behind Bart as he gotten to a fighting stance staring at the fallen monkey.
"That's two words." Bart corrected.
"I know what I said!" She yelled back walking toward the group past her father. The brute got back to his feet and glanced back at his opponent. His shoulders were relaxed, his paws were up to his chest. And his knees were bent slightly while his heels were just off the floor. His pale green eyes followed him pensively.
The brute lunged forward with a hook only to receive a kick to his knee as Bart dodged the blow. He went for another and Bart caught his arm using his momentum to spin him around in the opposite direction and kicking him for good measure into his gang. He crashed into one of them as the short-tailed monkey stepped out of the way instinctively. He glared back at Bart.
An audible cracking sound came from the baboon as he stretched his legs. It's been a while...
The patrons started to run past Bart toward the exit the herd of animals blinding him temporarily.
A single Koala glanced outside as he saw them leave and another group about drawing closer to the bar.
"Hey, Hey! Hands off!" He heard his daughter exclaim. Bart's eyes widened as he saw his daughter being hurled at him he caught her in his arms quickly and tossed her over the counter-top, she landed on the other side, the bottles on the shelf shook from her landing. She rose up getting her barrings before glancing at the bathroom door as it opened.
Bart turned to his attacker only to get a stool thrown at him, knocking him unto the floor. He threw the chair off of him as he glanced over to where his next opponent was however, all he saw was the two incapacitated monkeys. A can dropped at his feet as a creaking sound came from above. He saw the monkey hanging from the ceiling fan as he swung off it ready to attack. Bart narrowed his brow and rolled to the side as the monkey landed on the hard floor with an audible thud as he held his knee in pain. Bart stood up glancing down to see if the monkey would try to get up. He glanced up at Bart then looked behind him.
"You can't be serious. Not this crap again." He heard a male voice from behind him.
Bart whipped his leg around to attack the next opponent. He stopped inches away from the target's face as he saw his daughter standing there. Sugar gave him a stern look as he slowly put down his leg and relaxed himself again. He turned around and helped the monkey up.
Mark glared at the group clutching his head with his bandaged hand. "Guys, just stop. I can't deal with this crap today." The brute peered up at their leader.
"But he-"
"For once, can we just not start a brawl? It's getting tiresome. I...I just need time..." He sounded lost for a moment.
"Well If that's you want, I'd be happy to give it you..." A male voice rang from the entrance accompanied by a ding. Leonard, Athena and Spice had entered the bar. Athena was holding a bat over her shoulder. The Lion observed the mess left by the recent bout."This place is always in tatters when I visit, it's rather disappointing." He looked down at the two monkeys trying to get up, the brute held his nose.
Spice walked over to help him up. He reluctantly grabbed his paw and pulled himself up.
"What do I owe the pleasure of having you grace our humble abode?" Sugar asked glaring lazily at the Lion, he glanced at monkeys beside him.
"We're here to arrest the culprits behind the recent thefts around here. The scum usually congregate here." Athena stated as she glared at the occupants.
Sugar narrowed her brow. "I'll have you know my business is legit." She stated pointing her finger at Athena.
"Replace cheap with 'legit' and you might have a decent claim." The Koala at the back of the bar stated still drinking.
"Nobody asked you, Dave!" She replied angrily.
Leonard eyes shifted around the room staring at each of the culprits in question. "Regardless, we know you lot are the one's responsible."
The short-tailed monkey started to sweat as laughed cautiously. "Heh, Oh really? Where's your proof?" The brute glared at him wishing he'd shut up.
Athena held the black baseball bat out as Spice glared at the group with sour expression."Which one of you stole my bat?" The group stayed silent as the leader glanced at them knowingly with an annoyed scowl. He pulled out a comb and fixed his hair.
The lion glanced at the ground and noticed a can on the ground near the entrance. He walked over toward it and rolled it over to Athena as she picked it up. She inspected it, it was hair spray. She sprayed the contents of it into the air as the musky arouma filled the air. The scent irritated the Lion's nose to no end as he held it with a scowl. "That's the one. Ugh, I need to go outside, let's rap this up." He stated.
The short-tailed monkey searched the room aimlessly as the group remained silent not bother to help him. "W-wait! It c-could've been-"
Mark placed his paw on the monkey shoulder. "We stole some fireworks from this dump during the competition, okay. Happy?" He sounded tired as he glanced back at Sugar, she gave him a silent glare and said nothing. He shook his head and looked away.
Athena grabbed the monkey by his wrist. "Alright, enough drama you're going to return everything that was stolen. You greedy punks."
Mark's brow narrowed as he pulled out her grasp. "Greed? Hell no. Do you realize how unfair your little competition is?" He pointed to the Lion. He glanced down pensively at the simian. "We have to work twice as hard just to be able eat. We're fighting polar bears, wolves, all these large predators...And you still think that crap is fair? Bull. Shit." He scowled as the Lion kept his pensive gaze.
Athena whipped out her baton and whacked him upside his head, his crew growled at the Koala while spectators winced at the sound of the hard blow. "Fair? She said agitated. "You argue for fairness when your kind cheated during the event? Not to mention the items you stole belong to the inhabitants and yet you took them regardless? Is Hypocrisy expected from such a-"
Leonard placed a paw on her shoulder. "Athena, enough. Let's bring them in and get all the things they've stolen. We cam return them to the inhabitants. Then doll out punishment." He turned around to exit the bar as he glanced backward at the tan monkey before leaving.
Athena lead the group up in a single file line as all but one limped out of the establishment. Sugar watched them go one by one before seeing Mark exit out with a tired look on his face. She then glanced at her brother still there and narrowed her brow dubiously.
"...Where's my-" He quickly ran out the door following the rest leaving Sugar to roll her eyes. The Koala walked past her as she grabbed the mammal by his ear and pulled him back. He gave a lopsided smile as she clasped her paws menacingly. "Dave...You aren't leaving without paying me..."
He chuckled dryly as he continued to smile. She glanced at her father holding his head before walking back to the safe, opening it and pulling out a flask. She sighed knowingly as he walked back to the basement.