I did what I had to do.
Finnick paced within his van. Lately, his nibbling conscious has been eating away at his psyche. His conscious, instead of being a voice that represented reasoning within his mind, instead became an echoing, hammering of guilt within his skull. Echoing, reverberating, like mechanical sounds of metal striking against metal which pounded his mind: painful, condemning, overwhelming.
"I DID WHAT I HAD TO DO DAMMIT!"
The tiny fox roared as he slammed his paws on the vanity that held a mirror. His frustration scared the vanity and the mirror, making it tremble and shake. He took a good look at himself in the mirror. Anyone would've seen a frustrated fox who obviously needed to take their fluffy behind to sleep, but he, Finnick, he saw a lowlife who couldn't handle a little secret. Then again, many would be quite frantic if they've done the deed that Finnick have done. So much was at stake, and so many consequences could be reaped, and Finnick don't even know if the money was even worth it all.
The agitated fox continued to look at himself in the mirror for several more minutes. His snarl had dissolved into a simple frown. His eyes bared no more anger, but instead simply the aftermath of a long, ponderous night, too many drinks of cheap liquor, and a heaping helping of cognitive dissonance.
Finnick slowly turned from the mirror and then made his way to the little pallet of pillows and blankets where he lays his head at every night.
"I did what I had to…" He mumbled to himself as he slowly drifted off to sleep. "I did what I had to…" His voice slowly lost volume until he merely mouthed the phrased one more time before his body fell to sleep.
"I did what I had to…"
(-)
Judy had been waiting for this moment for a whole month now. Judy has gone to see him every day, twice a day, skipping out on meals, and skipping out on sleep for this moment. She's been here to make sure his favorite scents, his favorite shows, and his music, stayed around him for this moment. She made sure that she gave him tummy rubs, chin scratches, eskimo-kisses, nuzzles, and the whole nine yards for this moment.
I was supposed to be here when he awoken. I was supposed to be the first animal to see his eyes after so long. I was supposed to be the first thing that he saw after a whole month in conscious-less purgatory. IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE ME!
Judy's eyes slowly cascaded towards Nicole with a burning fire boiling at the rims of her eyes and the lining of her gut. The heat burning within her lifted the pace of her heart and hatred began to fester. Judy felt cheated, she felt betrayed, and she felt as though Nicole, her temporary partner, have just crossed a line that should not have ever been crossed, even in one's most dire of instances.
She could feel her restraint slipping through her trembling paws. Judy teeth gritted as the rage built within her gut. The angry bunny then poised her body square with Nicole's, and then put a single foot forward. Her nose twitched in irritation. Don't be a dumb bunny, calm down. Don't be a dumb bunny, calm down. Just calm down Judy, just calm… I can't … what is she doing here? What could she possibly want with MY Nick?
All the weight of her plight, her inner emotions that stirred up a potent concoction of mental moonshine; deteriorating her good-sense, and her respect and appreciation of Nicole stood precariously on the last remaining cord of acumen within her brain.
Judy's head slightly rotated to the right.
Her ears remained straight albeit her souring emotions; a terrifying sign of calm rage, or rather she was sure of what type of punishment that she was going to dish out within the next few moments.
And ever so slightly a twinge of an impish smile pricked up at the left side of her mouth.
And then, that cord of common sense snapped.
Nicole stared at Judy in a level of fright teeming on the verge of absolute horror as she noticed the dramatic shift of shock to rage to insanity. The tilt of her head. The overt rage and an incomprehensible concoction emotions and feelings bubbled murderously beneath her opaque purple eyes. The tensing of all of her muscles. The pheromones that purged off her body- Nicole could smell the tempestuous savagery that exuded from the little bunny, it just wasn't natural!
Nicole has been creepily removing herself from Nick's immediate propinquity ever since the dour bunny made her shocking, unbidden entrance. Now, as she stares down at Judy with an elevated sensitivity to the sour aura and anger that exuded from the bunny, she stood straight up, her posture absolutely defensive. Nicole slowly raised her paws in attritional capitulation. Her white flag couldn't be clearer. But what is a flag to a fire- just more fuel.
"Wait- wait- wait- J-Judy it's not what you think!" Nicole pleaded as she felt the ever increasing emanation of anger shed off the bunny in waves. Woah, I've definitely sat my ass in a fire ant hill this time. Oh Gaia, why did I have to be here right now? This is frightening. I can't believe I got myself into this situation. Why did I have to go meet with Nick today? Why didn't I just mind my business…? Nicole's nostrils flared in fear, and thus she took in more of the wild scents that shared the same space as herself currently. The lynx could almost choke on the anger that spanked her sinuses, she could even smell her own fear through the extremely potent anger that filled the room.
But there was something else in the air as well… Nicole's fur stood up in horror.
It smelled as though Judy was hunting her.
"Judy- Wait- wait- wait hear me out!" Nicole pleaded once more before the agitated bunny sprung forward with so much force that she cleared the expanse of the room in a single bound. Nicole's heart felt as though it sank into her gut for protection. Her fur stood tall, her eyes slammed shut, and the young lynx shrank down in terror as she felt the proximity of her and Judy diminish as quick as a blink of an eye. She definitely died. She definitely was served a gruesome helping of claw and tooth. Within a second, she'll be needing a hospital room for herself, or better yet a gurney straight for a blacked out hearse.
"-udy?"
Nicole peeked open her eyes at once at the un-expecting ushering of voice. And in that couple of milliseconds she caught a glimpse of what her last moments on this planet would've been; Judy was just inches from her face, her teeth bared, her claws poised, and her face upturned in a foxlike snarl. Rage, mental entropy, envy, despair, and hatred loomed over her Judy's body like a massive, nebulous, dripping smog of doom. But thanks to the voice, Judy had changed her course in a heartbeat, immediately changing her attention from Nicole to the voice which sounded above her.
Nick…
Judy bounded directly on top of Nick's bed as soon as she heard his voice piqued from the turbulent air.
"Oh, Nick!" Judy's voice dripped with a euphonious tone, a staggering contrast to the rage that seemed to ooze from her eyes and maws just a few moments ago. Judy crawled from the side of the bed up to his face which he slowly aimed around aimlessly. As Judy clambered and picked her way, she cautiously minded the various tubes and cables that were strung from his body. Her mouth was at a constant slight gape as if it were ready to coo and woo the fox before her. "I'm here Nick. I'm here for you." Tears fell freely as Nick's call for her resonated and echoed sweetly within her brain. Her heart fluttered with happiness at the sound of her partner's voice. She smiled as she relished his tone that he used to call her name, it sounded so innocent, so needing of her.
Judy crawled up to his head and held his muzzle gingerly, looking down into his lost, green eyes. "Nick, Nick, I'm right here." She felt like wailing to the sky in blissful happiness that he was back. His breathing was stronger than it had been in weeks even though he still looked lost in the eyes, confused even, but thus may be the side effects of being asleep for a whole month. She didn't mind much that he was practically looking through her, his focus blunderous, but she didn't mind, all she cared for is that she was content, and that he was awake.
"-udy?" Nick called out once more.
His raspy, bleary voice sounded better than a symphonic band playing the most gracious tunes and pieces. Judy hugged him and sobbed in happiness as she relished his voice once more. His aimless eyes were more beautiful than a starry, twinkling sky. She didn't care that they looked almost blank, she didn't care, it was his eyes- it was Nick's eyes! She hasn't seen his eyes in a month, disregarding the many, many photos that she had in her phone and around her apartment. All this didn't matter because it indicated that soon he would be back as well as he was before. His voice will be persuasive and racy. His eyes will be sharp and handsome. He will be back on the force. They will be back out on missions. They will be back together… forever… soon…
As Judy wept in happiness and relief, Nicole on the other hand wept not out of relief, but instead fear and physical and mental dissonance; she was utterly lachrymose.
Nicole held her tongue as she silently wept as she tried to forgo the fear that had just consumed her not too long ago. Her body still shivered in apprehension. She tried desperately to calm herself to allow her fur to lie down flat, but to no avail. Her hands constantly switched from shielding her eyes to running across her fur fearfully, and then back again. She couldn't close her eyes for a second; the vision of Judy's animosity was too horrendous: those eyes were so poised to kill, those lips were drawn into a snarl like a fox, her claws seemed to be sharp as a knife, her whole expression was to hunt and kill; it was so abnormal.
Nicole was fearful that she'll bounce right off the bed to finish her off, so she declined any type of movement her body dared to make. She huddled up against the legs of the end table that sat beside the bed, wedged between the legs of the table and the machines that monitored Nick's vitals. She knew now not to underestimate how far someone would go to protect their loved one.
She know now not to dare present herself in Nick's room without at least letting Judy know… Nicole may be naive, but anyone could have perceived the episode of the room as Judy saw it when she first made her entrance by Judy's perspective. Judy most likely thought the worst; Nicole was there to steal Judy's fox, or perhaps replace her in some way. Nicole shook her head, trying to release the thoughts from her head, but as she did shake her head, her furry ears rattled a couple of wires that were strung from the machine to Nick's body.
Judy's cooing halted.
And then Nick made a questionable noise as he too probably noticed the sound.
Nicole held her breath.
Wha- Who's there? Who's … over … there? I can't see you… -Udy… Was that you? No… I can see you there… damn my vision, it's so blurry… so unfocused…
Nick swooped his head to the left, then right. His strength seemed to be slowly returning. His body felt as though most of it was still asleep. He felt groggy as though he have been drinking all night and decided to also stay up till the sun met him in the morning next. His mouth felt dry, his nose burned with the incoming scents of flowers and odd pheromones that was present in the air. Coming out of a coma is not the most pleasant occurrence, but at least he wasn't stuck to thinking to himself for a whole… How long was I out for anyways?
Nick tried to move his arm, but to no avail, but not because of his lack of strength, but instead there were a bunny leg sitting on it. Dammit, you dumb bunny…
Nick eyes fell close again. Oh no… I feel like I'm about to fall back into the darkness. But something was bothering him though, what was that that rattled his cords. What was that? Who was that? He could definitely smell some other scent other than Judy, flowers, blueberries, and the staleness of the hospital air. There was something else…
Who are you?
Nick then rolled his head to the right again, and made another sound, as incoherent as the first sound he made, but unfortunately it is the best that he can do for now. He tried to open his eyes as wide as he could before the effects of his health dragged him back into the silent abyss of sleep.
My arm… Judy… get the hell off my arm…
Nick groggily tried to pull his arm back once more, this time freeing it from Judy's thighs. Nick opened his eyes wider, this time taking in the expanse of his room. He could see that it was quite a boring looking room but, it was at least cozy looking. He could see Judy before him, though she was as blurry as a bad resolution JPEG picture, but she was there. But like he thought before, there were someone else here.
Nick lifted his arm as high as his body would currently allow, and then swung his arm down to the right, using up his remaining strength, but it was all worth it. Within his claws he felt a furry head underneath.
There you are.
"OW! I'M SORRY JUDY, I'M SORRY PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!"
Nick would've made a funny, bemused face at that exclamation if he could, especially since Judy was right there on his lap and obviously wasn't in the motion to hurt whomever was below the bed, so… what could this mystery person be refraining to? Judy… what did you do to this lady?
The distressed female in question sprang up with her paws clasped together in prayer, her eyes shut and chin pointed to the air. She was still tethered to Nick's long arm, and before long she reopened her eyes and then gasped as she noticed that Nick was staring up right at her.
Nicole gasped in amazement. It was Nick that was holding onto the fur upon her head. She held still as Nick's firm grip, although not so firm that she couldn't just walk away, but she decided to remain put anyways. Although the female that had just terrorized her minutes before was about a hop away, the young lynx couldn't help but be calmed down a bit as she looked at him.
His eyes, they were beautiful, misty, yet beautiful. They had a sense of tranquility, or rather his eyes were so sharp and, though a bit blurry, entrancing that she felt compelled by him, almost as though he was going to sell her some snake oil, and she'll out every last penny to befall his con. They shared a long stare before Judy pulled Nick's arm back towards himself.
He seemed as though he would've like to say something, but he was unable.
"Nick, you need to restrain from moving too much, you still need to gather your strength." Judy spoke softly, her eyes placed lovingly on her partner.
"'Fraid she's right Mr. Wilde."
Judy and Nicole eyes widened in surprise as a mysterious voice pierced the silent room. The two looked back to find a doctor, a badger, also whom Judy recalls that had almost scared the cheese out of her just yesterday. The badger was followed by a young male muskrat who wore the typical nurse scrubs.
The badger walked in closer to the trio inside and then verged his course towards the lynx. "'Scuse me madam, I must record the readings." The doctor voiced in a lighthearted manner. "Yes it seems that Mr. Wilde has made a successful extradition from the comatose."
"Heart rate normal." The doctor checked off on his tablet. "Blood pressure… good, better if some bunny weren't sitting on his lap, perhaps." The doctor sent a playful glare at Judy and the bunny nervously removed herself from the bed and stood beside Nicole. The lynx, already flustered and slightly nervous, casted an apprehensive glance at Judy. "Now then, respiration, good, strong!" The doctor growled to personify Nick's wellbeing as being strong and powerful. He looked to the two ladies who watched the doctor hopefully for more good news, and to his slight disappointment they didn't laugh nor giggle, but at least the nurse behind him face-palmed. The doctor rolled his eyes as he checked the last vital sign. "Body temperature… alright. Everything looks good!"
He eyed the two and then let his eyes rest on Nicole. "I'm used to seeing Ms. Hopps around here, even that short fox fellow, but who are you, friend of Mr. Wilde?" The doctor asked with a raised brow.
Nicole opened her mouth to speak, but Judy beat her to the punch. "Absolutely not." She kept her gaze tethered to the doctor with surety saturating her purple eyes, and if her tone and eyes was not to advocate her crude candidness, the raise of her chin definitely dotted the period on that topic.
Nicole clamped her mouth shut and kept her head towards the doctor and tried her best to hold her gaze straight and firm. But slowly her electric green eyes slowly fell to the side and to the right as though she was studying the dinomap machine.
The doctor looked from the Judy to Nicole and then back again with a dubious expression slapped across his face. A second or two of silence were strung between the walls of the room like a thick web. The doctor didn't know what to say, it was obvious that the two are tense about something. Especially how quick Ms. Hopps had interrupted the young lynx about what relation she had towards Mr. Wilde. Perhaps the two are love interests of the fox, both being in the same place at the wrong time. The doctor shook his head, he wouldn't intrude, especially since he wasn't being paid enough to also be a therapist. The doctor blinked as he quickly rubbed between his eyes and the bridge of his muzzle before he opened his mouth to speak, but this time it was he that would be interrupted.
"Matter fact, I do not know why she is here at all."
A small, impish smile creeped upon Judy's small face as her gaze tightened around the doctor as if it were threatening to choke him. Her tone dripped with detest. Her smile tricks you with its appearance, but once you look closer, it was filled to her lips in animosity. And then, slowly, she steered her injurious glare up at the lynx beside of her.
"Yes, why are you here?"
(-)
I have to do what I have to do.
Finnick checked his mirrors again with an increasing sense of trepidation as he drove down the more secluded streets on his way to the docks. Within the van, not a single song was being played through the adjunct, aftermarket speakers, a rarity because whenever on the move Finnick appreciates a little bit of music, but tonight, this ride, will be a silent one. The rattling of the loosely held down objects became the odd, random music of the ride, aided by the rough, deteriorating asphalt beneath the van's tires.
Again Finnick checked the mirrors; no cops in sight.
The tiny fox wore a crown of pulled back ears and a mask consisting of a deep frown as though he regretted going out tonight on such an ambiguous night. But it couldn't be helped. He had to do what he had to do. His mouth was growing dry with each passing second. His stomach dropped to the floorboards with every pothole he bounced into. His frown deepened as he got closer and closer to his destination.
Again Finnick checked his mirrors: no cops in sight.
Finnick turned down a restricted road, and as if it were common knowledge he turned off the lights of his van and continued his drive in the dark. The only light that aided him was the full, unprejudiced moon, like a giant tortilla in the sky, it was a sign of a good omen. The fox gulped and drove along.
Finnick shakily drove along the dark, deteriorating street parallel to a long line of old, worn warehouses. He glanced at them warily, they were like dark caves amongst the moonlight above, each of their entrances ambiguous. His brakes screeched as he decreased his speed when he came upon the eleventh structure; his heart sank in trepidation as the high pitched wail echoed off each building. He let out a sigh of exasperation as his vehicle came to a halt around the side of the warehouse.
Finnick lowered his head and shifted his gaze to his lap. His paws wrapped around the steering wheel. Within, Finnick could feel the serpent of anxiety begin to constrict his check cavity; his lungs, his heart- apprehension welled up like bile within him- burning him. With a passion, he hated this Godforsaken place. This place will forever be shrouded in thick goo of reeking ambiguity and a smog of asphyxiating pain. This place… Finnick couldn't even call it that, not a place this was, but instead a whole other world detached from society and what is good, this… place smelled of filth and deception and its shadows teemed to its ombre with villains and evil.
This place where that evil thing lurks.
Finnick then lowered his head in silent, emotional agony. Where do that evil thing lurk really?
He took a moment to reflect. The undesirable episodes of memories singed his brain
Do it reside out there…? His eyes slowly cascaded towards the dark warehouse beyond the safe boundaries of his van window.
Or do it instead lurk within…
(-)
Dear Reader, some developments are coming underway! Crazy plot twists! Spooky enemies are around the corner! Love and jealousy, the pair are imminent. And someone's going to die in the end (don't worry, you'll be able to enjoy your characters for a while more, I'm nowhere near finished.)
I would be honest, I ALMOST QUIT THIS STORY! So many plot discrepancies were knocking at the door, threatening to overwhelm me. So many walls of writer's block tortured me. BUT, I remained stern and strong and ushered out a new chapter. Let me know what y'all think about this! Please, reviews are my greatest drug, I appreciate every last comment I promise.
