Chapter 7

" I just don't get it Skippah" Private said after trying to get Skipper into the zoo and failing once again.

" I only wish I had answers" Skipper said, putting his head in his flippers.

"Are you sure it covers the whole zoo? Can you go into the city and turn back? How high is it? Can we dig underneath?"

Skipper sighed and looked at Private. "How about one at a time?"

Private smirked. "Well if you insist."

Skipper rolled his eyes and stood up. He began walking to the opposite end of the zoo. " I doubt it'll work" he muttered.

"What's that Skippah?" Private asked cheerily.

"It wont work what's the point in trying"

"That's no way to be Skippah, think positive."

"Yeah, well your not the one stuck here" Skipper snapped and Private quickly became quiet.

Skipper began walking the length of the zoo border and Private followed quietly. Private wanted to say something to cheer up his friend but he knew it was better to say nothing. He watched Skipper kick the barrier every few feet, becoming more and more frustrated.

Finally, they came to the other side of the zoo. Skipper stopped and looked out at the city. How he longed to be out there, anywhere other than stuck in the park. Skipper turned and remembered Private was with him. "I'm sorry Private, I shouldn't have snapped at you-its just so frustrating!"

"Its okay Skippah, It must be horrible to be stuck here, it sure would be awfully boring." Private chuckled.

Skippers heart went out tot he little penguin. He's always so forgiving, no matter what I do or say, no matter how much I hurt him.

Private gently nudged his ex-leader forward. "You got to at least try, The Lunacorns say you should never give up."

Skipper smirked. Private and his Lunacorn garbage. He hesitantly walked towards the edge and paused. He put his foot out and felt it hit something. "Gah! Curse you stupid invisible barrier!" he shouted and pounded his flipper against it.

"Skippah! Stop it!" Private pleaded, pulling Skipper's flippers away from the wall. "Violence is never necessary." he added, quoting his favourite show.

Skipper couldn't help but roll his eyes again. More Lunacorn garbage. He noticed the sun starting to set and realized the day had gone by pretty quickly. "You should go back now Private, you spent practically the whole day here, it isn't right, you need to be with the team."

"But I want to help you get out of here, then we can be a team again." Private pleaded.

Skipper sighed. "I appreciate your help, but I'm taking you away from the team and that's not right."

"The team doesn't need me, or want me" Private mumbled, low enough that Skipper didn't hear.

Skipper began walking towards the zoo and waited for Private to follow. Private trudged along after his leader, dragging his feet, doing anything to buy a little more time. I wish I could just stay here, its safe with Skippah. I hate Kowalski! I don't want him to hurt me.

They came to the edge of the zoo and Private threw his flippers around Skipper. Please don't make me go, let me stay here with you. He felt tears in his eyes but quickly blinked them away.

"By Private" Skipper whispered, prying the younger's flippers away from himself.

Private whimpered but obeyed, slowly walking away dejectedly.

Skipper watched him go and immediately felt sad. Sad? Why the heck am I sad? Damn it! Go away! Stupid emotions, I don't need them, but I do feel alone...I kind of miss Private even though he just left. I wish he was here, I wish...

"Fish and Chips man!" he shouted, coming to a startling realization.