PART 1
The last ray of sunshine peeked on the horizon before sinking into the depths below. As the remaining light faded, the skies above grew darker as thick clouds gathered. The bright moon, typically visible at night, disappeared. The silent and cool breeze subsided, giving way to fierce explosions of thunder.
The rainfall showered the entire landscape of Safe Haven, leaving no inches untouched. The gloomy atmosphere seemed to affect everyone except for a certain jackal.
Inside the house of our unlucky friend, Jack was seen lying on his couch, completely pinned down. However, it was something worth getting pinned down for.
Jack could be seen making out with his wife, Jill, as she was grasping onto the back of his head, her fingers running through his fur. Her face completely glued onto his as their lips crossed. Small moans seeped through her mouth as her tongue danced deeply inside Jack's.
Soon, a mischievous idea popped into her mind as her hand slowly left his head and trailed down his shirt. She carefully pinched the buttons on his shirt, gradually undoing them. She had finished half of the buttons before Jack softly pulled his head back, breaking their kiss.
"J-Jack?" she whined, wanting to finish her deed, but he shook his head at her.
"Not tonight babe, I have some paperwork to do," Jack explained, but he knew better than to think his wife would accept it.
"Just a quickie, please???" she begged, but Jack just shook his head with a smile.
"No, not tonight."
But Jill was relentless and now she retaliated by lying on top of her husband.
She huffs, "You're not leaving!!" Jack slightly tilts his body to slide her off, but she doesn't budge. Suddenly, he hears a snicker coming from her mouth.
"Well then, why don't we?"
BOOOM
Suddenly, a loud bang arrived, nearly deafening their ears, followed by a flash of light.
Jack was shocked at the sudden noise, but he was even more surprised when he turned around and saw his wife mysteriously vanish.
He suddenly picks up whimpering, as he tilts to the side to see her on the floor, covering her head while lying low.
He knew his wife didn't like thunderstorms because she wasn't used to heavy rains such as this. As he slowly got up to help Jill, the flashes of lightning still remained, covering the inside of their home and confusing him.
He stood up and looked out his window from afar, standing from his couch to see the continuous light lingering from outside his house. Jill, who had recovered, also noticed the abnormal phenomenon as she slowly got up.
Jack muttered "What the...," before immediately rushing towards the door. Jill extended her hand, trying to reach him.
"Hey, wait!" Jill stutters as she catches up to him.
Jack quickly opened his door and his eyes widened at the sight before him.
It was sort of a cluster of bright light, floating in the air in the shape of a sphere. Jack tried to take a step forward but the light became too blinding as he groaned and covered his eyes.
A slight shimmering sound emanated from the light as something began to take shape. The ball of light expanded and moved.
Jack and Jill just stared at the scene baffled before something peculiar happened. The ball started molding itself into the shape of a person, a female. The light molded itself even more before suddenly increasing in brightness, the shimmering becoming louder. Jack was already covering his eyes, but it didn't last long.
Soon, the light dimmed down swiftly as the shimmering sound died completely. But, it didn't fade into nothingness but instead, left behind a person who fell onto the wet grass. However, the person didn't move and remained motionless.
Jack immediately dashed towards the person as his eyes grew wide. The unconscious person was none other than the former mistress of the Animal District, Lauretta.
Her dress was covered in some sort of black and white powder, almost like ashes, and it had been torn in several places.
Jack hesitated at first about bringing the fox inside, but he knew something must have happened to her. Immediately, he lifted her and rushed back.
Jill notices her as she immediately clears their couch. Jack rests the fox slowly onto the couch before Jill swiftly kneels beside her. The couch slowly becomes drenched by her wet fur.
Jill didn't waste time as she placed her fingers on Lauretta's palms in search of a pulse before checking her neck. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as Jill nodded her head, giving an assuring smile.
Jack gasps, "She's alive!" He remains perplexed by the entire situation.
HHHAAAAAA
Lauretta suddenly gasps as her body shoots upward, catching the married couple by surprise.
Jill instantly grabbed hold of her arms as Lauretta panicked. She tried yanking her hands off Jill's grip, but Jack came in and helped, holding her down. However, at that moment, a thought crossed Jack's mind about how the mistress was stronger than she looked.
"Miss Lauretta!!", he calls out her name as she turns to him frantically. She grits her teeth and glares at him.
However, she suddenly started calming down as her eyes softened. She just kept staring at him for a long time. Her mouth suddenly parted, and she shouted at him.
"Wait.. I know you.. you're Zill's friend!" She recalled from all the pictures she took a peek at.
"Y-yes, I'm Jack, Zill's friend!" Jack explains.
"Jack," she murmurs.
"Where am I?" Lauretta then asks as she looks around. Jill stood beside him, looking at him with concerned eyes.
You're inside our home... but, what's going on? What the hell was that?" Jack asks about the magical energy he sensed earlier.
Lauretta was about to speak when her eyes suddenly widened and she suddenly jumped up. She grabbed both of Jack's shoulders in shock. A gasp escaped his mouth as he was caught by surprise.
"Z-Zill, ZILL!! He, he!!" She exclaimed at Jack while frantically shaking him as his surprised look instantly transformed into a confused one.
"Z-Zill?-"
Suddenly, a realization hit him and his eyes widened.
"Wait!! What happened to you guys?! What happened to Zill?!" Jack held her shoulders as he put on a serious tone, staring strongly at the cream colored fox. Lauretta could only stare at him before looking down as Jack's heart sank when he saw the despair building up on her complexion.
30 minutes ago,
Zill was seen holding a box of groceries as he stood in front of the door of his house. He inserted the key, twisted the door open, and walked inside to see Lauretta sitting at his kitchen table.
She was flipping through a sort of picture album. Zill just sighed at the sight, knowing she had gone through his stuff again, but he wasn't super annoyed.
"I'm back," he announced as he immediately put the grocery bags on his kitchen counter, but Lauretta didn't bat an eye at him.
She was riveted by the album as she turned its pages.
"*sigh* I know we're technically roommates now, but I told you last time not to go through my stuff!!", Zill says as he crosses his arms while Lauretta just rolls her eyes.
She then gently turned on her chair and faced him.
"Look, I'm just sitting here 24/7, and I can't leave, the least I could do is create my own fun!!", she lectured him as he walked and sat opposite of her.
The months spent together allowed the pair to speak comfortably with each other. Sometimes, too comfortably for Zill's liking.
Zill asks, "Why didn't you just turn on the TV?"
"That piece of ass broke a week ago, and you would've remembered if you stayed inside more often!" She lashes out before turning back to her activities.
Zill was about to refute her statement, but she did have a point when it came to his tendency to rush outside at the slightest blare of police sirens.
"Fine... do what you want... but, just know, I'm not letting you leave anymore if you continue!!!" He threatens as she immediately closes the album, a small gust of wind flying at the force.
She then turned and glared at him.
She mutters "Fuck you" under her breath.
Zill smiled as he stood up and walked towards his couch while throwing a pack of cigarettes at her.
She caught them and then slowly took one out.
"So... who's Jack?" she asks him, looking at him in surprise.
"Really?" Zill asks her, feeling annoyed that she probably found out about it because of the album.
She answers before lighting up the cigarette, "I'm just curious...he's on your speed dial."
Zill raises his voice, shocked, "You sneaked into my phone?!" Lauretta just rolls her eyes and inhales the stick of tobacco.
Lauretta jeers without a sliver of guilt, "Suck it up!"
Zill was clearly annoyed and hesitated for a while before answering her in the end.
Zill answers shortly, "He's a friend."
She immediately laughed, releasing some smoke from her mouth as she held the lit cigarette in one hand.
"Oh, you've got to do better than that sweetie~" She giggles as Zill lets out a long sigh.
"He's my best friend... In fact, the first friend I made," Zill says with a smile creeping up on his face as he reminisces about the times he had with his friends in the past.
"Wow... I always thought you would be more of a loner... I didn't know you even had friends!!" She points out as he chuckles.
"Well, it shouldn't even be a surprise... I was actually one hell of a party-crazed teen back in the academy...," he said, pausing for a moment. "Back before...I met Kayla." There was a hint of annoyance flowing through Lauretta at the name-drop, but she kept it in and tried to brush it off.
"Party-crazed, it seems like the noble hero isn't as noble as he seems!!" Lauretta jeered as Zill's eyes flickered as he snapped back into reality. He frowned at her, smacking his lips.
"I was a teen back then, everyone was wild those days, not just me... And I'm sure you even hooked up with many young guys before your... you know..." He carefully chooses his words as she looks annoyed.
"Well, there were a few guys, but none of them really clicked; they're all just a bunch of sorry-asses."
Then you? How many girls did you date before her or maybe even after?" Lauretta provokes as Zill admits his questions were a little provocative.
"You seem rather eager to begin this conversation," Zill observed.
She inhales her cigarette one last time and says, "I told you, I'm bored! Can you blame me?"
"*sigh* There were around 14... no, like 15 girls, but they were just party flings... I didn't really feel anything deep before I met Kayla and..."
He trails off, staring blankly.
"Sorry! It's just a little sentimental," Zill realizes the pause he was giving.
Lauretta sighs and leers at him.
"Just don't be such a sorry mope and just work your shit out... now... if you'd excuse me, I'll go back to this album if you don't mind..." She says as Zill throws his hand up.
"I said no leaving if you-
"What's the big fuckin deal?!! It's not like-" As she turned to nag at him, she was surprised to see him suddenly appear in front of her. His arms immediately circled her, catching her by surprise. A fit of rage and flush swelled in her but she saw a glimpse of his expression as she felt her guts wrenching.
Her head spun in the direction he was looking at before the glass door of the balcony shattered as something crashed through it. Despite its size, the mere sight was enough to make Lauretta hold her breath.
It was a series of grenades and she immediately knew her time was ticking then and there. However, Zill suddenly spun behind her, covering her back with his body. Somehow, she could hear him screaming at her through his tone, but the sound was dimmed as if she were deaf.
What followed was a series of bright flashes followed by thunderous booms. A large explosion appeared, disintegrating all the nearby furniture as she felt herself and Zill being pushed back by the sheer force.
Her head went blank for a moment as her vision darkened. It was as if she were falling through an endless void, with total silence. Gravity pulled her down into the abyss.
Where am I?
She thought as her head continued to buzz. She attempted to recall how she had arrived at this point, but everything remained blank in her memory.
She didn't even know who she was or what was happening; it was as if her memories had vanished.
She scoured deeper into the darkness as it got darker. However, in the midst of all the darkness, a certain fragment of memory lit her way.
She kept it deep inside, but it helped that she wasn't losing her mind. The light took on the shape of a person; someone familiar.
Zill
The name rang through her mind. She felt that it was the answer, but why? The area around her suddenly got brighter as the full mental image of Zill appeared in front of her. She walked towards it, her feet floating in the air.
As she touched the light in front of her, memories came flooding back and one word escaped from her mouth.
ZILL
She woke up, her eyes wide and in disarray. The constant ringing latching onto her eardrums. The bright flashes of flames engulfed her vision. She spun her head frantically, gazing onto the fiery remains of Zill's apartments.
But she didn't stagger and immediately looked for Zill. Her eyes traveled, furiously searching for her savior.
She then gasped as she saw Zill, lying near the wall opposite of her. She immediately fell when she tried to stand up so she crawled into the scorching and burning room. She could barely move her legs, feeling her muscles aching and bones grinding.
She clenched her teeth tightly and quivered in intense pain as she endured the discomfort.
"Damn it!!" she cursed as she pushed herself through every inch of the grueling workout.
She coughs, feeling smoke enter her lungs as she opens her mouth. Her head immediately ducks down, her lips clamped shut.
As she arrived, her hands immediately went over and shook his shoulders, but he remained motionless.
"Zill!! ZILLL!!" Her hoarse throat made her voice croak as she desperately tried to wake him up.
Fortunately, she deduced that he was only unconscious because he was still breathing, despite the gruesome wounds on his body. She could see that he was bleeding profusely from his back.
A splatter of blood could be seen, painting the walls behind him. A huge crack was hidden behind Zill's body.
"Fucking idiot!! Why did you save me?!?" She cursed, knowing that he had been gravely injured because he had shielded her from the explosion before it could reach them.
Suddenly, she heard the door of his house burst open, slamming against the walls as a figure was seen, shielded by the smoke.
"FIND HER!!" A voice yelled loudly but she knew it was her husband's men trying to find her.
"Zill!! Wake up, please!! Shit!!!" She tries to wake him up by slapping him but it didn't work.
"Fuck!!!" She cursed as she turned back towards the door, seeing more figures emerging from the shadows and they were getting closer to her.
She grimaced and slowly stood up, her arms bracing against the wall to support her wobbly legs. After a long ten seconds, she finally stood up but leaned against the wall for support.
She immediately reached for her pockets as her right hand grasped a gun and her left took out a strange blue-colored shard.
She then aimed the gun directly at the smoke, placing her finger behind the trigger.
Her eyes ached from the heavy smoke, but she still tried to aim. However, her shaking hands were more than enough to ruin her spirits.
She wanted to save him, but there was no way she could outgun all of these people who were now approaching her.
She then stared at the shard on her left hand. She bit her lip, her eyes staring hard at the foreign object.
He gave it to her for safekeeping; something he said would keep her safe if anything happened to him.
A look of regret flashed on her face as she made her choice. She then took a few stabs back, retreating towards Zill's location as her legs sunk.
She gazed at the unconscious Zill with a look of shame and regret on her face.
"I'm sorry..." She hopes her sorrowful whimpers would make it to his ears.
Her lips suddenly closed in on him as she landed a small peck on his cheek. The faint trace of warmth was enough to comfort her, even for a split second.
"Don't die!!!" she muttered before her left hand clenched hard into a fist, crushing the brittle shard. Suddenly, a wave of light engulfed her, followed by a flurry of wind caressing her fur. Her body shone bright white as her bangs fluttered in the wind.
"WHAT'S THAT LIGHT??"
"SHE'S OVER THERE!!"
A series of shouts could be heard as their steps immediately hastened towards her location. The sound of gunshots and the stomping of heavy boots came rushing.
Suddenly, the chaos around her instantly vanished, and the familiar sight of complete nothingness greeted her once more.
12 hours later,
Lauretta was wandering aimlessly around the living room of Jack's house, her mouth constantly nibbling on her thumb while she wore a worried expression on her face.
"Fuck... Dammit," she constantly muttered, thinking about how stupid she had been to let her guard down.
Jill was also sitting restlessly on the couch, as her feet continued to tap rhythmically on the rug.
Jill muttered, "Please come back soon," as she stared at the door, waiting for Jack's return.
Jack left earlier to go to the crime scene and find out any information about Zill.
Suddenly, the knob of the door started vibrating as the two immediately shifted their antsy gazes towards it. The door opened revealing Jack, who was panting heavily. Lauretta's heart sank when she realized Zill wasn't with him, causing her to think of the worst possible scenario.
Jill mutters, "He must have run all the way back."
Lauretta rushed up to Jack immediately and asked, "Did you find anything? What about Zill?"
"Wait, just... ha... let me sit down first," Jack gasped desperately for air as he just crashed himself onto the couch. But Lauretta was too anxious to wait.
"Just tell me!! Where's Zill?!! Where the fuck is he?!!" Lauretta yells, clamping onto his shoulders before Jill goes to comfort her.
"Calm down, ms, getting angry won't solve anything, let's take a deep breath and hear him out slowly... You know Zill's someone important to us as well..." Jill spoke softly as Lauretta looked at Jack who had grief all over his face. She bit her lip in regret as she stepped back.
After some time recovering, Jack finally spoke up.
"The place was a total wreck... but I'm afraid the cops didn't find him. They searched the whole area," Jack muttered as her heart sank.
"But it's most likely that he's still alive," Jack adds.
Lauretta says in despair, "He has to be! We need to find out where he went!"
Suddenly, Jack took out something and placed it on the table in front of him. It was a square-shaped digital device with a screen. The device looked pretty old, but there was something that caught her eye on the screen - a continuously blinking red dot.
"Zill..." she murmured as Jack nodded.
Lauretta asks, "How did you get this?" as she snatches it away from me.
Jack asks her if it's a tracker, and she nods in confirmation of his suspicion.
"Yeah... I secretly built it a while back but, he wasn't too happy with it, though, I thought he threw this away... I didn't think he'd keep it... How did you even find this?" Lauretta asked how Jack was able to retrieve the tracker.
"I found it hidden inside the TV... which was a gift; I gave the TV to him when he first moved in with his girlfriend," Jack's tone saddened as he made the statement.
Lauretta had a glimpse of realization on why he was keen on refusing to throw the TV away.
Seeing that the TV was the only thing that didn't break, I had to take a look at it when no one was looking... It should have been turned to dust and turns out, my hunch was right... it was modified with protection magic... smart-ass... Jack chuckled remembering Zill's weird back-ups.
"But... I can't tell where this is... but if I had to guess, it could be somewhere nearby, that's if we're lucky... maybe... he somehow escaped?" Jack says with an uncertain look at Jill who replies with a worried shake of her head.
Lauretta's voice suddenly shook as she said, "No, it can't be..." Both Jack and Jill turned towards her.
"Why? Do you know where this is?" Jill asks her as she nods slowly, her fists clenching hard.
She spoke with dread, "It's in the Animal District... my husband's mansion..."
"Wait, that means-
"Yes, my husband has him!" All of their faces immediately shift towards the same expression. Dread.
Meanwhile,
It was pitch black. Zill couldn't see anything around him, only a small candle in front of him was lit but it didn't help at all. He could hear constant droplets of water from somewhere, the mossy and dirty floor and the smell didn't help at all. He had been awake now for a couple hours and his eyes had adjusted through the darkness. He was in some form of underground cell.
However, he was still unable to move from his spot.
Zill tried to yank his arms free, but each time, metallic clinks could be heard. Normal chains shouldn't affect him, but he knew these were some high-ante chains, probably imbued with magic or something. Whatever it is, it's indestructible.
But he didn't give up, he tried to yank the hardest he could, he could feel the skin on his wrist being pulled apart by the cuffs around his wrists but he gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the excruciating pain. Ultimately, he paused with loud gasps. Little drops of blood could be seen around his wrist but he wasn't going to give up. He tried it again.
Suddenly, he stops when he hears a set of footsteps approaching from behind. He turns around and sees three figures emerging from his cell, each holding a torch. The light from the torches illuminates the row of metal bars in front of him.
Suddenly, the door to his cell opened, and one of the figures entered and placed a torch in a compartment on the wall.
The torch lit up the whole room as the figure's face was revealed. A white fox in a tuxedo, aka, Lauretta's husband.
The fox stops a foot away from Zill as he stares down at him. Zill just glares at the fox before he hears a small chuckle from him.
"Names Charles..." He extends his hand but Zill spat at him, looking with eyes of disgust.
"You don't scare me, hero..."
The fox chuckled, wiping his face before taking something out. "I won't hurt you...well, not unless you cooperate."
He offers Zill a cigarette, but he just glares straight into the fox's eyes.
"Wow, very, very, intimidating... fuck him up!" The fox snapped his fingers and the two men immediately walked in. They passed by him as a vile smile crept up his face.
Both of them soon started to assault him. Punches were thrown at his face and stomach, non-stop while the fox grinned at the whole thing. Though a slight hint of annoyance was felt when no sound was made from Zill who took those punches. Instead of suffering, he just glared at the fox whenever he had the chance.
The fox orders, "That's enough!" As the two men retreat slowly behind him.
"What did I expect? They don't call you the Protector for nothing," he says as he walks closer.
"I'm actually really jealous of you, others would've broken by now..." The fox adds while taking the burnt end of the cigarette before plunging it on the skin of his hand. However, no sounds of pain came from Zill as he grits his teeth and looks at the fox with an even more vicious glare.
"You know..." He suddenly stood up before walking around the room.
"When that bitch escaped... I thought she had nowhere to run but, talk about a lady's luck... the sluttiest bitch met the strongest hero in the city... and to think you two would work together despite being enemies, talk about miracles..." He cackles before turning back to Zill.
"What did your wife offer you, money? Power? Maybe sex? Well, she did have a nice body, lucky man...," he continues to insult her name as Zill clenches his teeth.
Zill then kicked his feet off the ground in an attempt to tackle the fox, but the chains around his arms immediately put a snag in his plans.
"Whoa, easy there tiger," the wolf said as he wiped some of the dust off his shoulders. Suddenly, he could hear Zill chuckling.
"Your wife? Don't make me laugh..." Zill growled loudly as the fox put on a surprised look.
"Oh fuck! You have me worried there for a second... I thought you were a mute or deaf or something...-
-hahahha!! Well, at least it'll be easier to talk..." The air around him changed slightly.
"Well then, let's talk business... so, tell me where she is... and I'll let you go, simple..." The fox asked but Zill chuckled.
"Sorry... hate to break it to you, but I don't deal with criminals." Zill just chuckled at the fox.
"Criminals? That's harsh... I'd consider myself more of a businessman, but well, I don't think the other 'criminals' had you locked up before so... you actually don't have much of a choice, either you tell me where she is, or you'll rot in this shithole..." The fox scoffs but Zill wasn't intimidated in the least. Instead, he just kept chuckling at the notion which made the fox a little upset.
The clock's ticking... I'm very patient and it'll only be a matter of time before I find her... And when I do, don't expect me to have the same mercy with everyone you know and love, they'll all disappear, 'poof'... gone..." The fox cackles as Zill immediately shoots a glare. His hand yanks on the chains on his arms forcefully.
The fox was amused at the trigger he gave before switching instantly to a frown.
"I just don't get it... you really don't get anything for helping her! The person you're protecting, she's no better than me! A murderer... a savage... Why would you go out of your way to protect that bitch?!!?" The fox utters in disbelief but Zill didn't answer at first. It took him a while to finally speak.
"Murderer? You're one to talk, for someone trying to kill her!!..." Zill retaliates.
"Ahh yes, she must have told you something like that... You're right! I did, but do you want to know the reason why?" The fox suddenly grinned as Zill had a bad feeling about this. He then pulled a nearby stool that creaked as he sat on it.
"Well, let me tell you the gist... Being born into this business isn't pretty, you gotta do what you gotta do to survive but... what's the point of surviving if everyone else in this goddamn district just wants to keep stepping onto each other?"
"I was sick of everything, I needed an escape if you would say, and an opportunity came... to marry the daughter of the most batshit crazy powerful mob boss in the district and inherit everything he ever had, the golden goose delivered right at my doorstep..."
"Tchh, marrying a stranger just to get what you want... Who's the batshit insane one again?" Zill asks sarcastically as the two men outside wanted to barge in and beat him again but the fox stops them.
"Stranger? Everyone starts as strangers, so what's the difference if I skip a few steps..."
"Well, when we got hitched, that broad had the nerve to cast away what I needed her to be, a loyal wife... Everything would've been peachy, but, she had bigger ideals. Time passed, I started to care less since I had bigger fish to fry and with my money, women aren't exactly a problem. She would be the one missing out but that bitch..." The fox tones suddenly fill with anger.
"She seduced me, tricked me, tried to take everything I had... she betrayed my trust... That bitch tried to bring me down an-
Zill suddenly chuckled, cutting him off as Charles glared at him.
"What's so fucking funny?" He asks unamused as Zill looks at him with a satisfied smile.
"How can she not? You tried to take everything from her... now, you're the one who's paying the price!!
"Take... everything? What could I have possibly taken from her!?" The fox suddenly spoke as Zill paused.
"That bitch owned everything after her father died... Every business deals, every penny... Well, you could say that sooner or later, what she could've inherited would've been mine... That was my golden plan, but she was tricky. That is her purpose... to steal back what she could've earned..."
"Tchh, you're lying..." Zill clicks his tongue as the fox suddenly smiles from ear to ear.
"It doesn't matter if you believe me or not, but you're smart, so just think, use your head!!"
Zill grits his teeth and turns away. The fox then crouched before looking at Zill.
"Know what?! Let me make this easy for you!"
"Have you ever thought that she might've been tricking you all this time?!!"
Zill growls at the notion, ragingly displaying his canines.
"Don't try to play mind games you fucker, she-
"She what, hero? What could she have wanted from you? She wanted everything!! Her fucking piece of ass dad didn't leave anything for her... The only way she could gain back her inheritance was with a knife through my chest... Did you ever think a fucking greedy pig like her ran because she feared for her life? What did you think she wanted from the start? She wanted everything, to be above the rest of us! She doesn't care if she has to stab a couple of people along the way, people like me..."
He stood up before staring at Zill in the eyes.
"And people like YOU!!"
"That's all she is... a lying, seductive snake..." He growls with malice.
"To think she'd even try seducing the city's protector, even if it means any chance to get rid of the only thing standing between her and power, yours truly... Get it in your head, that murderous bitch doesn't care for anything other than herself..."
"What do you think would've happened when it's over? Why do you think she needed you in the first place?"
"You're the only one with the potential of overthrowing me... That's how you are useful to her... And once she's done..."
"Her knife will go through your heart even before you'll even notice. She'll play you like a fiddle and break you when she wants..."
Images of her flashed in his mind. Her smile is clearly aiming towards him. Now corrupted with the painting of greed and insanity of her insides. The doubt of him actually making the right choice all this time starts to mold inside him.
"Then why would she-" Zill grits his teeth, a feeling of doubt surfaces.
"Because that's her fucking game!!" The fox reveals.
"Don't you see?!! You foolish fuck!.. She's insane, untrustworthy, a ruthless, vile killer!! You actually thought you were fighting for the right side? Think again!!"
"And just like me, you got charmed and tricked... that's all that bitch does, a fucking trickster, someone who'll use your own trust against you... She always wanted power over everything!! Nothing more than a selfish murderer who'd used every trick she has up her ass to get everything she wanted..."
"Did you ever really think she would trust you, care for you even?" He whispered at Zill's ears.
"What did you think would've happened if you succeeded? She'll gracefully turn her ways?! She's a VILLAIN..."
The poisonous words seeping through and the only thing he could do was turn his face away, hiding the betrayal in his eyes.
"But... I can give you a second chance to fix things... So why don't you scratch my back and I scratch yours?... Tell me... where she is and we'll settle this crap and things'll go back to how they were!" Charles softens his tone but Zill doesn't respond.
His hands tightly clench on the chains before he glares back at the fox. Whether it was her or the fox in front of him, he knew better than to trust criminals.
"Never, I'll never work with criminals like you... never again..." Zill said the last words with despair in his eyes.
"Goddamit..." The fox cursed out loud, throwing his hands up, before a wave of pain suddenly struck Zill's left cheek. Charles couldn't contain the anger that was building as he lets it out like a floodgate of a dam.
"Fuck you!!!" The fox burst out as he continued his flurry of jabs on Zill. After a while, blood dripped from his fists, a mixture of his and Zill's blood.
He then grabs Zill's ears aggressively, yanking his face closer. His ears felt like they were about to be pulled off. He then forces Zill to face him as he takes a good look at the outcome. Zill's face was bloodied and a little swollen from the onslaught.
"I'm giving you an opportunity!!! You and me, we got tricked by her!!! There are no differences between us. There are no heroes or criminals, no good or bad, it's all just opportunities... You either use what you have or you'll end up used!! Just like what you are now, a used up toy, she's thrown away... a sad, fucking, TOY!!!" The fox then threw Zill's head back as he smashed against the wall behind him.
"Fuck!!" The fox gasps as he looks at Zill's still breathing but frozen body.
He then wipes his face before noticing the blood on his hand. He looks down to see his shirt, stained red. He lets out a tired sigh before turning back and walking out of the cell. He turns around at Zill before saying.
"You think she gives a rat's ass about you? She's probably halfway across the country at this point, running with her tail between her legs...!!"
"Fuck... you..." Zill mutters, making him grit his teeth.
"Think about this deal carefully... I hope you come to your senses later, so don't waste this chance..." Charles said before slamming the cell door shut,. locking it.
He then looked at the two men besides him as they immediately nod and proceeded to stand guard. He looks back slightly, his eyes leering sharply at the beaten up Zill.
"Did you ever think she's the person you thought she was?" He then switches back to the guards.
"You two, keep your eyes out and stay here... I'm gonna clean myself up and I'll come back later so I can continue my little 'discussion'..." He directly orders before walking away. He chuckled, as he walked, a sense of superiority and greed filling him.
"It's only a matter of time before he breaks, and when that happens, you'll be sorry to cross me, dear Laurey..." The fox mutters with a vile smirk up his face.
Meanwhile, inside the locked cell, Zill was still but his eyes were locked onto the dark ceiling with only a splash of light to illuminate it.
"Lauretta... why did you... please..." He muttered slowly.
Somewhere else,
Lauretta suddenly woke up after having a terrible dream. She couldn't remember what it was, but the feeling of fear was still vivid even in the present. She looked around and remembered where she was - she was still inside Jack's house.
After a day of trying to come up with a plan, there was nothing that would work. She looked in front to see Jill sleeping on the same table she was at. She didn't know why the girl was so adamant about keeping her company and helping her out, but she didn't complain. It's as if she needed it, even though nothing worked.
She then looked to the side and was surprised to see Jack still awake, despite having worked his tail off all day in search of a way to save Zill.
A couple of energy drinks and beers were visible in front of him. He was leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together. His eyes were fixed on the blank but illuminated television screen in front of him.
He was in deep concentration, thinking of all the methods and ways he could try but they all failed frustratingly. Suddenly, he heard the clacking of boots but didn't turn his face as he knew who it was.
He could feel Lauretta sitting beside him out of the corner of his eye, her hands fidgeting with each other. There was a moment of total silence before she spoke.
"Dragonsberg," she suddenly says, making Jack confused.
"Wha?"
"Is your beer from Dragsberg?"
"Y... yeah..?"
She suddenly pointed out, "It's Zill's favorite." Jack's eyes widened and a smile crept onto his face as he chuckled.
"Yeah, it is..." Jack slowly spoke.
"Yours too I imagine?" Lauretta asks.
"No, I'm just used to it..." Jack remembers that he had to cope with the terrible taste of the beer every time he used to hang out with Zill. Somehow, it tasted bitter sweet now more than ever.
He suddenly snaps out of the thought before looking at Lauretta.
"How're you holding out, ms?" Jack asks in a concerned yet awkward tone.
"Wow..." She suddenly said which made Jack flustered.
"W-why?"
No, it's just, Zill told me you were awkward around girls, I didn't think it would be to this extent... Jack's eyes widened before a hearty laugh came out of him. He slammed his body back against the couch as he covered his eyes while laughing.
Meanwhile Lauretta just sat beside him with her eyes wide open.
"He didn't say you were insane though?" Lauretta blurted as Jack just smiled.
"Well, at least he was honest about how snarky you are!!" Jack chuckled before taking out an already opened can of beer in front of him. He took a sip before wiping his lips.
He asks her if she wants to try some, and she declines.
"No thanks, I'm more of a tequila person..." Lauretta says.
"Suit yourself..." Jack says before taking another sip.
"He's an idiot..." Jack suddenly spoke which took her by surprise.
"Wouldn't be surprised..." Lauretta sighs, agreeing with his comment.
"*sigh* But even after everything, I don't get why he needs to do everything alone... It's so, frustrating!! Why can't he just trust his best friend?!!" Jack suddenly lets out a frustrated rant.
"He didn't trust me much either at the start but he had his reasons..." Lauretta defends but Jack clicks his tongue.
"He always does!" Jack sounds annoyed.
"But he never tries to tell me anything... We grew up together, best friends since we were kids, he's even like a brother to me... but I guess he never thought the same way..." Jack's tone expressed his sadness and frustration.
"If he just, trusted me..."
A tear suddenly drops from his left eye but he quickly wipes it off though it didn't go unnoticed by Lauretta. She lets out a sigh before looking at Jack.
"Trust me... as much of a dickhead he is, he wanted to make things right, he wished he could but..." Lauretta pauses.
"But what?!" Jack lashes out.
It surprised Lauretta to see someone who seems so docile becoming so aggressive.
"Look Jack, I don't know about your relationship with him and I probably couldn't care less about it..." Lauretta says while Jack had his eyes wide.
"Yeesh, you're more heartless than I thought..." Jack sounded but Lauretta just brushes it off.
"But I know I'm not closer to him than you are, I could imagine how you'd feel but I also know what he's going through after living with him for so long... He..."
Jack wasn't sure but he listens anyway and after a while, his gaze softens as he hears her story. It lasted for a whole hour before she stopped. Jack lets out a gasp at the story he heard, his hand covering his temples while his eyes paint true shock.
"I... I didn't know he went through that..." Jack utters as his ears droop down. Though, he clamps his mouth, his fangs poke through his lips.
"But listening to that, I just wished he'd told me!" Jack clenches his fist.
"He didn't want you to know, and even if he's a blockhead, he's trying his best... trust me..." Lauretta suddenly says, her tone softens as her eyes trail down at the floor, her look of worry catching his glance as Jack puts his empty can of beer down.
Seeing her expression, he knew the woman in front of him probably cared for Zill much more than she puts out but it wasn't his place to speak of it.
"It's sad... From what you've told me, he trusts you... probably more than he thinks!" Jack smiles bitterly but Lauretta just bites her lip.
"I... know..." She hesitantly spoke. Perhaps she was too scared of this truth.
"But I'm sorry..." She told him as Jack looks at her.
"Why?" He asks but she keeps silent.
Suddenly, he felt as though his eyes were heavy. He attempted to wipe away his watery eyes, but his hands felt as though they were under a rock.
"What did you do?" He looks at the can of beer in front of him before switching to her. He tries to move his other arm but even then, his body refuses to listen to him.
"I'm sorry Jack, but it's the only way..."
Jack's head slipped, but she caught it and slowly laid him down on the couch.
"I need to do this alone... If he trusts me, just like you said, then, I can't involve the people he cares about in my mess... I'll be the one to sort what I did... no one else gets hurt..." She says before walking towards the door.
Jack couldn't do anything but scorn her actions.
"Don't... wait!!!... fuck me..." He mutters but he doesn't know if she heard him or not.
"Zill... just come home..." Jack thought before he immediately entered the land of dreams.
Meanwhile, Lauretta was seen running on the pavement. Equipped with only a handful of gear she could bring but only one thought crossed her mind.
"I'll get you out of there, Zill! Just hold on!!" She thought as her steps hasten with her eyes glued at the tracking device in her hands.
PART 2
Zill just sat idly in his cell, his body not moving an inch from its spot. Outside his cell were two guards who were stationed there. He didn't know how long he had been kept there for, but he didn't really mind that much, unlike his current predicament.
After much thought, he started to doubt himself whether or not he made the right choice. His mind kept bringing him back to her but it hurt him every time he heard Charles's word ringing in his mind.
Suddenly, he hears the two guards walking away from their station. His eyes open wide as he tries to stabilize himself. It was the right moment for him to try to escape. It was his attempt, each time they switched guards.
With his knees pressing onto the hard and coarse floor, his hands immediately strangle the chains around him. With his teeth clenched tight, he drags his arms forward, forcing himself onto breaking the chains binding him to the wall.
After the first push, he stops for a while to recuperate. He then tries to drag his arms again, as his skin felt was going to be torn but he tries to power through it.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming closer as he cursed his luck. The guards were earlier than expected as he immediately stopped struggling and went still again.
The guards arrived to see Zill still quiet at the edge of the cell. They shine their lights around the cell but nothing seemed suspicious. They relaxed their stance and proceeded to guard the spot.
Zill slowly breathes a sigh of relief, feeling lucky that they didn't catch on. He continues to wait for the next opportunity to arrive but in the meantime, his head couldn't help but travel back towards his memory with her.
He tried so hard to shake it off. His memories with her. It was even more torturous than the beatings he had with the guards.
A recent memory suddenly flashed in his mind, one involving trust... his trust which had been shaken to his core.
Two weeks ago,
Lauretta has a cigarette in her hand as she puffs out smoke gradually from her lips. Her eyes are drawn to the beautiful ray of sun peeking over the horizon.
As always, she was a morning person and always took the first opportunity to enjoy the sun. However, despite being able to enjoy her favorite routine, her face displayed a look of displeasure.
She twirled her body as her gaze shifted towards the inside. Specifically, she gazed upon the figure of Zill who was sitting on his couch. However, it wasn't a good sight.
Zill's face expresses no emotion as he blankly stares at the black screen of the television in front of him.
His eyes were baggy, blending together with his unkempt facial hair. His clothes were wrinkled and reeked terribly of body odor.
Lauretta sighs heavily at the sorry state of Zill.
Lauretta yelled at him, "What the fuck's going on with you?" He barely looked at her.
"You're a fucking mess... and you've been like this for days now," Lauretta nags as he lets out a heavy sigh.
He lets out a low growl as he takes a sip of the beer in front of him. "I'm fine," he mutters.
"No you're fucking not, you drunkard... that's enough!!! We've been holding back on our plans ever since you got shitfaced non-stop... You need to tell me what's going on with you!!!" Lauretta snapped at Zill but he didn't take it too kindly. Her ruby eyes turned to sharp daggers, staring at him.
"Just shut up Lauretta... We've been striking their operations without stopping, I just want to rest... I'm trying to help you so please understand..." Zill bursts out as Lauretta gives him a look of disbelief.
"AND I'm trying to help YOU!!" Lauretta says as he clicks his tongue and faces her.
He suddenly stood up before walking past her towards the balcony. "Don't," he said firmly, "I never asked for your help and I don't need it."
"What's with you?" She asks him, this time sprinkling in a bit of concern.
He then stopped and looked down. Even if it was for a second, Lauretta noticed his face become gloomy before he switched back.
He whispers, "I don't need anyone's help."
"Where are you going?!!" she asks, but he doesn't answer before flying off the open balcony. The room quakes a bit at his departure, but Lauretta just displays her annoyance.
"Un-fucking-believable..." She mutters, simultaneously cursing at the same time.
Her back then crashes against the couch as she tries to turn on the TV but it is broken. She grunts at all the series of annoyances that came her way today, leaving her with no form of entertainment to keep herself sane. She was now only staring at the mundane ceiling.
However, out of the corner of her eyes, she saw something that caught her attention. Underneath the coffee table in front of the couch was a wooden drawer. It was different from the other one in his bedroom where she had found the picture of Kayla. A key was present on the lock of the drawer.
She thought he might have forgotten about it. Then, a cheeky thought surfaced as she wondered what could be so secretive about this drawer.
She thought to herself, "Must be important."
She looks outside briefly, thinking Zill would have already been long gone. She then slowly opens it, hearing the wood scrape against each other as the drawer fully opens, revealing its contents.
She raised a brow, feeling strange about how an old-looking book was present in a locked drawer.
She slowly took it before realizing how dusty the drawer was as the back of her hands were coated. Though, she was perplexed that the book was rather clean, as if it was recently held.
She laid it on her thighs as she slowly opened it. Her eyes widened as it turned out that the book was a picture album.
"SCORE!!" She thought as she flipped a page.
The photograph depicted Zill as a young boy.
Lauretta admits, "He's... cute." Then, in one picture, her eyes widen as she sees something.
It was a picture of a young Zill under a cheap-looking banner. However, the print on it made it significant. It was his 12th birthday and she tried to find the date out of curiosity.
She traced her finger along the page until she found it in the bottom corner.
She immediately gasped in surprise at the sight of the date.
"His birthday was... a few days ago?" She exclaims as she thinks about why he was silent about it.
She was his roommate technically speaking, but even she didn't know about it.
Lauretta thought with a gloomy expression, "Does he even trust me?" Then, a thought came to her.
"Well... he did start acting like this a few days ago... maybe," she tries to piece it together but ultimately thinks it was just a coincidence.
However, she shook it off, trying not to fill herself with useless thoughts as she skimmed through the rest of the album.
She took a long time admiring and contemplating the pictures, so it was already late in the evening when she managed to see everything.
She yawned widely, her arms stretching, her eyes barely noticing the setting sun. She was honestly quite surprised when she saw the time.
She then looks outside, but Zill still hasn't returned. She expects him to come back sooner, but maybe he won't return until late at night, probably drunk.
She then slowly put the album back, but a picture suddenly slid out, landing softly at her feet.
She didn't want to leave any traces of her snooping around, so she softly grabbed the corner of the delicate piece of evidence that would probably tear apart at the slightest amount of force.
She paused when she saw the picture; it was the same one of Zill at his 12th birthday party.
As she held it in her hands, she saw the face he was making as his younger self was holding a piece of cake.
It was pure happiness and to her, somehow that expression seemed important. She wasn't going to express her new feelings for Zill, but she couldn't deny them.
Seeing him happy somehow had a ripple effect, making her happy as well. She tried to shake that feeling as she pondered over it for a while.
She recalls how gloomy Zill had been in the past few days.
She recollected her previous idea and said, "Well, it's possible."
"Maybe..."
A thought then dropped into her head as she turned to look at the door. Even if it was childish, she thought a little present might help.
And, it was a good reason to finally step outside on her own. She had been strictly kept inside by Zill who insisted that she would be in danger if she were to step outside.
She agreed to it, but she thought, "It wouldn't hurt if it's just once, right?" She cheekily thought.
She then slowly stood up and walked towards the door. Her hands reached for the knob, but as she touched the cold, smooth surface of steel, her eyes saw how hard her hands were trembling.
The feeling of fear overcame her; the fear of dying and being caught. This instantaneously made her reconsider her decision as there were potential threats.
Though, Zill's image comes up in her head all of a sudden as she poses a question.
"Would Zill even allow her to leave? Does she even have the courage to venture outside?"
He was brave; brave enough to be a hero and risk his life for something that wasn't even his own.
"This is so stupid..."
She tried to emulate a little bit of that bravery as she took in a deep breath. Then she exhaled strongly, her bangs lifting up due to the wind.
"Forget it!! I probably need some fresh air anyway."
She then cranks the knob and steps outside before closing the door.
Two hours later, Lauretta could be seen wearing a brown coat and a pair of sunglasses as she was walking through the night cloaked city.
On her left hands, she was seen gripping a box of something, presumably a gift for Zill.
It's been a while since she ventured outside and the different atmosphere of the city was refreshing. It was calm and silent unlike the chaotic life of the Animal District after dark.
However, it wasn't the time to enjoy such leisure.
As she was walking, her eyes suddenly leered to the left as she picked up the sight of a group of four people following her.
They've been at it for a while now, slowly trailing behind her and sometimes splitting up but they've always grouped back together.
Her brows started to sweat. She bit her lips in sheer nervousness at the group.
She wasn't well equipped for a fight and she didn't know who or what their intentions were.
If it's just some thugs, she should be able to outrun them but if they're somehow spies sent by her husband, well... she would be in deep shit.
She then turned a corner as the group lost sight of her.
The four people then started sprinting when she disappeared to catch up with her. As they made it around the corner, she was gone.
"Fuck!! Split up!!" One of the assailants said as the group immediately went separate ways to look for her.
Meanwhile, in a nearby alley, Lauretta could be seen creeping out from behind a dumpster. Her feet slowly tiptoes towards the exit as her ears were straight, trying to listen for anything.
She then breathes a sigh of relief, assuming that they are gone.
She looks around her before sighing.
"I fuckin hate alleyways..." Lauretta murmurs from her dark memories with these locations.
"Well, we love it!"
Her eyes bulge as she looks in front to see the group covering her way to escape.
Her snout immediately wrinkles as she glares at them, letting out snarls and flashing her teeth.
"Wooo! We got a grouchy kitty over here!"
"She's a fox dumbass!!" One of them retaliated and slapped the other on the back of their head making the other yell back.
"What do you want?!" She growls at them as the biggest of the four, presumably their leader, stepped forward with a smile.
"We only want your money, so let's make this quick and easy, okay?" The large one said in a deep voice.
However all of them became perplexed when a laugh came from in front of them. They looked at her to see her holding her stomach while letting her hearty laugh.
"So, you're just thugs... that's a relief..." She wipes a tear.
"Grrr, boss, let me at em!!" The one who mistook her for a cat immediately tried to dash at her but the big one stopped them.
"You know what?" He suddenly smiled before raising his hands, letting him go.
"Why don't you go and take her money for us? Sounds good?"
The other one immediately smiles as he slowly walks towards her. Meanwhile, Lauretta stood still with her eyes glued to him.
"She's scared..." The other two commented followed by cackles and snickers.
"Give me the money lady, or I might have to go a little 'hands on' to search for it..." The thief drooled as he licked his lips.
His cockiness became his end when suddenly, he saw her fist inches from his face, appearing out of nowhere.
Her knuckles dug deep into his skull before he was sent flying. He lands on the ground, groaning from the pain before touching his aching face.
"Don't ever think of touching me!!" She growls this time with more aggression.
"Fuck you, little bitch!!" He growls before jumping up and pulling something from his pocket.
It was a knife which made her flinch a little. She was basically unarmed and any normal person would be afraid in this situation.
But she wasn't normal.
Thunder struck when the area around then was suddenly bombarded with rain.
Her smile changes to a look of seriousness as she puts one of her legs a step back. The drips of water flowing down her face.
The thief then lunges at her, clearly aiming for her neck, not having any care if she accidentally died.
Just as he swings his knife, Lauretta immediately ducks as the knife completely misses her by a hair's breadth.
Using his momentum, Lauretta then pushes against the thief's stomach before pushing him up.
He was lifted off his legs as he came tumbling down over her. His grip immediately loosens as the knife scattered but Lauretta immediately catches it mid air.
His elbow scraped the ground as he came tumbling. He quickly flips his body but it was too late.
Lauretta immediately lunges at him, landing her knee on his stomach as he coughs. She then grabs ahold of the knife with both hands before hammering it towards his chest.
The knife easily punctures through his chest. A short spark of rage ignited her onslaught as she pulled it out harshly causing bits of blood to splatter before she dived in again.
She overall aims for the same spot over and over again, stabbing him deeper and deeper completely macerating his heart.
Blood splattered all over her face as a look of joy was displayed. Soon, she stood up, her heart beating quickly as she turned to look around.
"Who's nex-
Just as she was about to threaten them, she could see a massive object barreling her way.
Her plan to scare them away failed due to her pride.
The leader of the group immediately elbowed her in her chest, sending her completely flying as she crashed against the metal of the dumpster. He almost slipped due to the wet floor but managed to get a grip.
Her eyes opened wide as she landed. She anxiously gasps for air, trying to cope with the pain of breaking a couple ribs.
She then glares at the leader who checked on his accomplice.
"Fuck!! He's dead!!" The leader gasps as the other two start to panic.
"S-shit!! We have to get out of here!!" One of them said before immediately sprinting back.
Ignoring his scared comrades, the leader stared daggers at the injured Lauretta before slowly making his way towards her.
Lauretta gulps as her hands scramble for the knife she gained earlier. She then felt the cold surface of the steel as she grabbed it and furiously points at the leader.
"Get back you fucker!!" She threatened but the leader just smiled.
"What you're gonna do lady?" He shrugs as he walks closer.
"Helpless little bitch!!" He adds.
Suddenly, he froze in his steps when Lauretta made her move.
Using her aching muscle, she clawed her way, gripping tightly onto metal indents of the dumpster, pulling herself up.
It took her a while and it did hurt like hell. But she didn't give in, with one eye closed, blood flowing down from her eyelids, she still gave a solid glare at the leader of the thugs.
It wasn't pure anger but her eyes reflect her determination and unrelenting spirit.
"No..." She growled as she completely stood up.
The leader flinched a little at her burst of energy as he accidentally took two steps back.
"Come!! I'll fucking kill you!!" She invites as she points out her knife at the leader.
He hesitated a bit, a look of fear flashed on his face. The bloodlust she gave him was enough to make him rooted to his ground. Her eyes are not shaking one bit unlike his.
"Ggrrr, just die!!" Out of fear and confusion, he lunges at her trying to overpower her again but this time Lauretta was ready to jam the knife in his neck.
Suddenly, a loud bang can be heard from behind them as the leader stops and turns at the source of the commotion in the heavy rain.
His eyes grew when he saw one of his comrades drowning in his own pool of blood while the one that tried to escape was strangled in the hands of a cloaked figure. His back was against a crack in the wall that was deep.
"B-b...bo.ss..." He croaks weakened before an eerie sound of bone snapping could be heard as his neck turned sideways.
The body of his comrade immediately petrified before he was dropped on the cold wet floor. Pieces of debris from the shattered wall followed.
"W-who are you?" The leader shivered in fear before a bright light engulfed his vision.
He then fell backwards as his body smoked with a burnt mark on his stomach, almost revealing his insides. A sizzling sound etched its way into her ears.
Lauretta stared at the lifeless body besides her before the mysterious attacker came near her. The rain masked the person but she knew him all too well. Her legs gave in as she fell back to the ground. A hand appeared in her view as she looked up towards the silhouette shielding her from the rain.
"You're okay?" Zill asks Lauretta softly as she simply nods.
"Let's get out of here!!" He says before sliding his hand underneath her armpits and slowly lifting her.
She grunts at the throbbing pain in her chest but successfully stands up. Both of them then slowly make their way back with Zill supporting one of her arms, leaving the brutal scenery.
They arrived home shortly after as Zill slowly put her down on the couch. He then immediately grabs a kit from above his fridge before returning to her.
He slowly took out some ointments and bandages before placing them down on the coffee table in front.
He starts to drip some of the liquid on her elbow and belly as a sudden rush of pain makes her squeal. However, Zill suddenly forces his hand and clamps her mouth, not enabling her to do so.
Her eyes began to water at the feeling of her bones being rearranged. Potions heal the best but not without excruciating pain. Kind of ironic.
After a few minutes, Zill lets go as the pain inside her subsides. Lauretta gasped for air, before glaring at Zill who returned it with an uneasy silence.
However, even though her arms and ribs were still aching, she felt as if her bones were fixed. She stared at the ointments and was surprised that they were contraband potions, ones someone could only get from the black market. Ones her husband used to smuggle. She guessed even he had some contacts in the underworld, but it was lucky he did.
Zill kneels in front of her and silently wraps bandages around her elbow.
Zill, I can do this myself," she said insistently as she tried to wrap her own bandages herself, but Zill didn't bat an eye and proceeded to do it himself.
She felt guilty for feeling annoyed at his reaction, but she needed to let it out.
"Zill, I just wanted to help-
The medical kit suddenly flew towards the wall, crashing against it. The box immediately shattered, spilling its contents onto the floor, where they made small tapping sounds as they landed.
Lauretta's eyes widened as she felt her heart stop as she stared at Zill in utter rage.
The look on his face, she wasn't that afraid of him but, the anger he was spewing. She could feel his eyes, drilling a hole through her head.
He proceeds to stomp his feet before his fist pummels against the wall above his TV. His fist was stuck in the wall, wooden chips and insulation flew and exploded as he yanked his hand out. His head snapped back at her, making her hold her breath at the fury he was exploding with.
He flares at her, causing her to sneer back. "I told you to stay in the house! I asked for one simple thing and you couldn't do it."
"It wasn't my fault those thugs showed up!!"
"That's because you were supposed to stay INSIDE!!!" He yells.
She stood up, wincing a bit from the pain, and said, "I'll explain if you just listen."
"Explain?!! Explain what?!!" He barks at her making her snap.
"It's you!! I went out because you were moping around for fucking days now ever since your birthday!!!!!"
Zill's eyes went wide about his birthday as he was perplexed as to how she would know about it.
"I just thought..." Lauretta pauses while Zill realizes her intentions.
"...You can't blame me for trying to help you!!" She switched but Zill was still fuming.
"Just for that?!! Tchh, I don't need your help!! I've already told you!!! I don't need anyone's help especially yours!!" Zill reveals as Lauretta coughs in disgust.
"Don't you fucking see that you do!!! We've been living under the same roof for five fuckin months now and don't you think I feel sorry for you!!! Don't you think it hurts me as well when I feel so useless for not being able to do fucking anything about it?!! Don't you trust me at all?" She unintentionally reveals her inner thoughts as his eyes widen in surprise.
"Y-you..." He stammers.
She screams, "What?! It's my fault to feel frustrated when I don't even know why you'd shut yourself off from me? From anyone?!! If only you would have just told me and let me help!!!!" He then walks towards her as he looks her directly in the eye.
"You don't understand!!"
"Understand what?!!" She burst out.
"Understand that the people who help me, get hurt!! Understand that I would do anything to prevent that, even if it means pushing the people I care about away, even if they cared for me, even if I have to betray their trust just so I could see them live another day!!!"
"I fucking tried!! I fucking tried to let my friends in my life after everything, but no matter how much I try, I can't!! I save one life and someone else dies!! How long would it take for my friends to become one of the people I couldn't save?!!"
"Please!! Just know that I couldn't live with myself, if I knew the ones I care about got hurt, especially if it's because of me!! So please understand that you can't help me because I want to protect you!! Because I care about you, Kayla!!"
Zill pauses as he realizes his mistake, even a glimpse of Kayla's face was nowhere to be seen as he looks at Lauretta who had a regretful look. It was the memories that were engulfing him, memories of his fractured past.
He felt his cheeks getting wet as tears flowed down his face. He tries to stifle his sobs as he clenches his teeth.
"I'm sorry..." He woefully apologies.
He then crashes himself against his couch, covering one of his eyes.
Lauretta froze in her spot, radiating a look of regret.
She couldn't help but know the feeling of pushing others away but unlike her, he did it for their sake.
"Fuck..." She mutters being clueless about the whole situation. She wasn't used to this sight of him. He always radiated loneliness but never regretted, sorrow, not even to this extent.
Zill's mind was still drowning in the grief but a single pressure was able to make him wake up to reality.
Lauretta's hand was resting on his shoulders. He turns to look at her and receives a rare look from her. A reassuring smile.
When he looks into her eyes, some of his burden is washed away. Not much but enough to make him talk.
"I.. I tried... I didn't want to push my friends away, or even her... but the moment I turn my back, flushing my worries away, that's when the people I care about suffer... It happened once..." The memories of his dark past are still vivid.
"I'm not going to let it happen again... even if it means that you have to hate me..." Zill looks at her with distress as she frowns.
"I... ha... I don't know what to say..." Lauretta sighs in disappointment.
"I've been living together with you for months and... I just couldn't understand you... If you knew that I cared about you, why would you think that way? Is it because you don't trust me?" She asks him but he shakes his head.
"I do trust you... I just.."
"Then if you do, why would you act like you're fighting all alone..."
She suddenly stands up before walking away.
"You push enough people away, one day, there'll be no one left to remember you..." Lauretta spoke with poison.
"It doesn't matter if I'm alone... All I'm trying to do is to protect you..." Zill looks at her with tired bags.
"How's that been working out for you?!!" She sarcastically lashes back at him.
"Don't you think I wouldn't have done the same? Do what I need to do to help you? Unbelievable..." She mutters as she walks away.
"Do whatever you want! If this is the life that you wanted to live, then go ahead! Just keep your life out of mine if you want to be alone so bad!!" She suddenly throws the beaten up gift box onto the table.
The cardboard was wrinkled and shrunk from its original state. Wet patches could be seen as they were exposed from the rain.
"Thank you for saving me..." She says with a sorrowful and disappointed tone, not once looking at him.
She then goes inside her room before slamming the door shut.
Zill stared at the ceiling, letting the wave of emotions flow through him. He then stared at the disfigured box in front of him.
He felt the need to open it as he carefully opened the shriveled up box. The content was then revealed as Zill's eyes were glued to it.
It was a piece of cake. Cheap and dry looking but it was topped with a generous amount of frosting.
A cheap happy birthday card was present on the side as he picked it up. It was small and almost tears up in his grasp.
A look of regret flashed on his face as he realized what he caused. It's not like she was wrong about him. The reason he felt dread and went on drunk was because he missed the times he had with his friends. When was the last time he actually spent time with them.
The feeling of regret and confusion all molded into his brain so the only way to forget was to blur it all out, drowning himself in alcohol. It wouldn't be permanent but it should be enough to make him forget.
Though, looking at the piece of confectionery in front of him, maybe he didn't want to forget. Maybe he wanted to have his old life back but no matter how much he tries to go back, his brain comprehends the dangers of his current life.
It was truly a gruesome and tiresome choice. Something he thought about for nights, sometimes without sleep.
But it was true that the most tiring day was recently when his birthday arrived but the pain of loneliness was prickling him along with stabs of regret.
Every word of that came out of Lauretta rings of truth but it isn't the truth that he wanted to hear.
Though, that piece of cake in front of him, reminded him so much. He didn't even notice his fingers slowly closing in on it. His tired eyes blinked as he pulled apart some of it.
The small piece of cake landed on his tongue, somehow, it tasted bitter sweet. He felt his cheeks getting wet before realizing tears were already dropping down his eyes.
He couldn't contain the emotions flowing through him. The memories he wanted to forget so much, those memories of good times he had.
In the midst of his sobs, he looks forward, before stealing himself. He then grabbed something from his pocket.
It was his phone. He slowly dialed a number but he didn't call it. He just stared at it for a long time. Pondering and waiting. Thinking if it was the right idea.
He then took a breather before his hesitant fingers, taps on the call button. The phone then vibrated and buzzed besides his ears. The wait was nerve wrecking for him, because he knew how much it meant. But it went off for too long, making him
Suddenly, he heard a click and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Hello?"
It was the familiar sound of his friend, Jack.
"H-hey... Jack..." Zill stammers, his hand shaking.
"Thank God you're still alive..." Jack sounded relief.
"I'm sorry if I didn't contact you..." Zill apologizes.
"You haven't called me since that day. I tried calling but you never picked up. It's been five months now.. Are you okay?" Jack suddenly asks.
Zill sat silent, his lips clamped hard into a quiver. Not a single whisper sounded.
"Zill?"
Jack calls again but Zill felt as if his something was weighing his words down.
"I guess it's still hard for you to talk about what's going on..." Jack voices which made Zill's lips quiver in regret.
"Do you hate me for that...?" Zill asks slowly.
A slight chuckle escaped from Jack's mouth.
"Hate you? Dude, I couldn't bring myself to hate on my best friend... Disappointed that my friend wouldn't even talk to me after coming back from vanishing for 8 years? I don't know, what do you think?" Jack sounded sarcastic in the latter half of his words.
Zill was ashamed at the fact, but the doubt inside him kept assuring the right in his actions.
"Jack, I know about what I promised you before, to stick together... but you have a wife, a happy life ahead of you... I don't want to see what you have ruined because of what I'm doing..."
He tries to explain his worries the best he can, trying to prove his shaking point.
"Zill..." Jack suddenly calls him.
"You saved my life more than a gazillion times back when we were kids... Back then, I wanted nothing more than to see you or my friends get hurt because of my curse... Then, someone told me something."
"If I truly value the lives of my friends, then I'd let them help... Pain and sadness will always exist, even if I'm a million miles away, that's a fact!"
"If my curse could hurt my friends, then I'll shoulder that pain and theirs... because that's what friends are for... You don't just abandon friends..."
"There's moments where I thought that if you knew this... maybe then, you wouldn't have left..." Jack says with a pained voice.
"I'm... I..."
Zill was tearing up silently, his lips quivered, the singular phrase of 'Im sorry' didn't leave his mouth. Could he even fix what 8 years of his disappearance had caused? Can his friends even forgive him?
He knew he had his reasons but was there all to it. Finding reasons and not looking at the effects.
"Zill..." Jack suddenly calls.
"I don't know why you got all quiet but... just trust me and Jill. We missed you... I missed you... All I ever wanted was to help you, not so that you could worry about me but because I worry about you..."
"Kayla... she came to us every day after you went missing!"
Zill's eyes widen at her name drop.
"All you remembered was the fear in your eyes, how she could've gotten hurt... But you never knew about her fears when she told us about when you were fighting to the death to protect her..."
"All of us, we know what you're going through so let us help... Let me help..."
"You're my family Zill!! You'll always be my brother... I never stopped thinking this way ever since I found you... All I need is for you to trust me..."
Zill could hear a couple soft sniffs from Jack as he could only imagine the outburst of emotion coming from the sensitive jackal.
"Look, sorry for rambling... I.. I just hope you're listening to this..." Jack said with sombre filling the air. Zill stayed silent, slowly taking in all the lyrics that Jack said.
"I'll hang up if there isn't anything else..."
A moment of silence arrived shortly as both of them didn't speak a word. Though, Zill was still marinating in the silence, waiting for the call to end.
"Zill..."
His name was suddenly spoken catching his attention.
"Happy birthday..." Jack says.
A few seconds after that, a click could be heard as Jack disconnects from the call. Amidst the raging storm of sadness and regret inside his chest, a slight curve could be seen on his lips at the last words.
The memory of him and Jack throughout their school days. Every time he saved Jack from the various mishaps that his bad luck created. Falling pianos, buzzing bees, a meteorite... He couldn't help but chuckle at those fond memories.
To be honest, it made him feel like a hero, wanting to save the world, make it a better place even if it's as miniscule as possible. The vow he made to protect his friends. Now, he knew the world was bigger than his obligations. And most importantly, he's never alone in the first place or he shouldn't be alone in his fight.
"Thank you," he softly spoke as he slumped down onto the couch. The heavy weight on his shoulders slowly lifted away at the words of his best friend...no, his family.
He breathed a sigh of relief, staring long and hard at the ceiling above him. Then, a hint of memory sparked as he turned to look at the crumbled box in front of him, containing what was probably a mashed-up cake inside.
He then turns his head, looking at the storage room he reserved for Lauretta. A hint of regret surfaced as he looked back at the box.
8 hours later,
Lauretta could be seen sleeping inside her room. Though, her face displayed an unsettled look.
She could see her husband, cornering her. Always one step ahead of her. She had no escape. It's as if she was walking around in circles only to wound up back in her husband's grasp.
"You can't escape me Laurey..."
Her husband's maniacal whisper, trespassing in her mind. Echoing in her brain without stopping.
"Please help!!" She begs for help as her feet felt as if they were slowing down. Her head turns back as she could see her husband's hand closing in on her. Her eyes widen as she feels his breath on her neck.
"NOOO!!" She screams as her body jolts upwards. Her eyes opened wide to see the bedroom ceiling.
She desperately gasps for air, feeling the wind brushing against her sweaty fur, the cold sensation on her skin.
Her hands vibrated uncontrollably as her eyes were desperately scanning the area. Though, she felt something heavy and warm pressing on her shoulder.
She turns slightly to see Zill looking at her with worry.
Initially, she accepted his warmth, allowing it to soothe her, banishing her nightmares. But then she realized how vulnerable she was being by letting him hold her, and she quickly shook his hand off her shoulder before rolling over and turning away from him.
"Did you..."
Zill was about to ask about her nightmare when she snapped.
"Just get the fuck out of my room... It's nothing..." She announces as Zill just sighs. Though, a little smile on his face was formed, feeling glad that her rude side showed that she was fine.
Zill reminded her, "It's still my house... I can stay here for however long I want."
She muttered, clearly intending for Zill to hear her, "Whatever... fucking perv..."
"Well, this pervert wants to say that he's thankful for the gift you gave him...," Zill responded as he noticed her ears twitching and perking up at his words. She remained silent for a moment before speaking.
Her tone softens a bit, but her voice still carries an air of annoyance as she asks, "Is that all?"
"And... I wanted to say sorry for last night... I wasn't in the right mind and I was worried if something happened to you... so I hope you'll accept my apology."
She suddenly cut him off, but she still didn't look at him.
"Everyone has their problems but next time, just do better... Don't say you're sorry... It's not your fault in the first place..." She admits , her fists clenching as she says that.
Zill was surprised to see her being nice for once and admitting her mistake. Though, it didn't sit well with him. Then, an idea popped up, one that he liked.
"If you say so but.. I still want to make up for it... so come..." He suddenly said making her confused.
"Come... come where?" Lauretta asks.
"Where else would you want to go? Being locked up for five months must have been pretty harsh, so why don't we take some fresh air?" Zill asked her as he slowly turned towards her. Her eyes displayed a mixture of excitement and fake annoyance.
She tried to sound reluctant, but she was actually excited to go out after being cooped up for so long.
"You're still a dickhead, you know that, right?" she asks him as he chuckles.
"Wouldn't have it any other way!" He smiles as she couldn't help but chuckle.
To Be Continued
A/N: Hello it's been a lot while. I was busy the past two months. Plus, I was kinda lazy with writing and just wanted to focus on other things but here we are. I wrote this chapter and before any of you gets disappointed, another chapter with the NSFW sex scene is also released with this chapter. So... hope you enjoy.