Coming Clean with the Past
11:30PM, Streets of the Feline District, New Haven
Jake, Alyssa, and Nicole kept a somewhat fast paced walk as they made their way back to the apartment across the Feline District.
"Jake...are you going to explain just what happened back there?"
Nicole asked with concern in her voice, not just for her and Alyssa, but also for her fox friend who had been so kind and courteous since she arrived here in New Haven.
Apprehensive to answer at first, the fox took a deep sigh, as he took another glance behind his shoulder to survey his surroundings...still vigilant of his surroundings and if they were still being followed.
"Look...the most I can say right now before we reach yours and Alyssa's apartment, is that those people were associated with my past...with Nate..."
Nicole's ears perked up momentarily, before drooping. She had a frown cascade across her face, indicating that the concern for Jake was still there.
"Look...you can always stay the night with Liz and I...it sounds like it's not safe for you to be walking back to your place in the Universal District, let alone going back to your sister's and Eddie's."
Jake glanced up towards the blue feline and her snow leopard compatriot, both having a welcoming and warm expression of genuine sincerity in their offer.
The male fox fixed the collar of his beige jacket, as well as dusting off the pants leg of his jeans, stalling to contemplate a proper response.
"Thank you...Nicole, Alyssa...but I will be okay, I promise. I have a suspicion that it's not me they're truly after, nor are they trying to cause harm...just reconnaissance for Nate and to spy on those closest to me...to gather intel and information after 12 years..."
Nicole glanced over to Alyssa, the snow leopard barring the same acquiescent expression on her face from Jake's response. Both were pretty uneasy leaving the fox to his own devices after such an abrupt and ominous encounter.
"I'll accompany you until we reach the apartment complex, and then I'll reconvene back at Jen's and Eddie's place...it will be the best for all of us that way."
The three young adults continued to walk the relatively quiet streets of the Feline District, the occasional car driving past, or occasional pedestrian on a nightly stroll were the only signs of life still prevalent at this hour.
Eventually, Nicole's and Alyssa's apartment came into view, with a vacant streetlight proving illumination to the entrance of the building, fireflies and moths danced around the affixed outlet.
"Goodnight ladies, and...goodnight Nicole...that...was a wonderful date..."
Jake kept his paws tucked inside the side pockets of his jacket, still a little jittery and nervous around Nicole...his feelings perspiring just on the surface, begging to one day be set free.
His eyes, particularly his pupils constricted and were amplified by the streetlight above him, providing an almost ethereal glow to what was a rather ordinary young man.
Nicole shifted her body to turn back and face the fox with a warm, compassionate smile.
Without hesitation, Nicole slowly descended the stairs to give the taller male fox a hug, quickly catching him off guard, freezing his joints and muscles in euphoria.
She placed herself on her tiptoes to reach the young male fox's ears, and whispered gently, soothing and relaxing his tense state.
"I enjoyed it as well Jake...thank you so much for the wonderful day...it really helped alleviate a lot of my troubled thoughts as of recently..."
Nicole returned to the soles of her paw pads and claws within her black flat top shoes, and carefully walked up the stairs, Alyssa standing at the top with a warm smile.
"Awwwwwww! Was that a spark of something there? He looks so awestruck!"
Alyssa was beaming with happiness from the sight of her new friends making a connection ferment on the surface so instantaneously...she didn't want to arise any hopes, but she could almost swear it was...no, not yet...although perhaps...
She quickly snapped from her thoughts, when Nicole tapped her shoulder, causing a depression on her floral patterned sundress she was wearing.
"Liz? You okay?"
Nicole said with a rather friendly tone, indicating that she was warming up to her guardian angel...and new friend.
"Wha-oh! Yeah, totally! I was just...nevermind! Soooooo! You wanna watch one of the rom coms that I saw before I left to meet you guys?!"
Nicole rolled her eyes playfully with a chuckle, as Alyssa continued to ramble.
"Good night Jake!"
Nicole waved to the young fox, as Alyssa also momentarily halted her ramblings to the blue feline to acknowledge the departure.
"Oh! Good night Jake! Anyway, so as I was saying-"
Nicole entered the apartment complex entrance, slowly and gently letting the receding door close, with Alyssa by her side still explaining with fervent passion about her enticing offer to finish the night off with a rom com with the blue feline.
Jake glanced up to the night sky just above the streetlamp, gazing at the stars above.
He took a moment of introspection, as his breath drew cold vapor into the air...the silence of New Haven's streets surrounded him while he stood in serenity...momentary peace to recollect all that has transpired in his life so far.
Many years spent protecting his sister from Nate Drexler...training, mentally and physically preparing himself...he thought he was free of worries...Jen and Eddie were about to move somewhere on the far side of New Haven...away from Nate's eyes and ears...a place where Jake didn't have to worry...but now he was wondering if all of that had just changed.
Kicking a small piece of rock along the sidewalk, his thoughts ruminated further and further. Nicole Senicourt...this young lady had just been sprung into his life from a simple phone call...why?
Was it by providence? Was the almighty challenging his will and fortitude...or was it something else? Something he couldn't quite pinpoint...
Perhaps...this was one final test to prove his worth...to be the decisive obstacle that determines his passage into Eternity...if he was truly worthy enough for that.
This had never happened to him before...these feelings...something about that blue feline sparked something in him, and instead of it being an ember that died out...it was a flame that was quickly engulfing every fiber of his being...he couldn't deny it any further...there were tangible feelings for her...all the years of broken bones, blood, sweat and tears...holding his younger sister when she had nightmares or was scared of Nate inflicting the same pain on her physically that he did on her older brother...this Nicole Senicourt...she was the key to understanding and finally breaking free of this cycle in New Haven...
Promising that no harm would come to any of them...Alyssa, Eddie, Jennifer, Nicole...that wasn't going to be easy...he was just one guy...and despite being a prodigy in Nate's organization...the best of the best...everyone had their limits...
Jake just had to bide his time...he was going to prepare himself for when the time was right...and one day they would be free of Nate's influence. One day, they wouldn't have to look over their shoulder in paranoia or fear.
"It's probably what they would have wanted me to do..."
Jake told himself silently and within the recesses of his own thoughts...as he pulled out a small picture from his wallet.
The only picture he had that was given to him, by Nate, of his and Jennifer's real parents...a happy young fox couple, a male appearing with a striking resemblance to Jake, and their mother, a spitting image of Jennifer...and yet, both siblings never got to see them, hug them, spend time together in each other's arms.
What would have their existence have been like now had Nate not been a part of the equation? Jake tried to picture it in his mind, as the rock he was kicking continued to trail down the sidewalk...a loving family, running in the park as a kid with his sister...no violence and despair...just laughter and jubilation...and just at the top of the green hillside...their Mom and Dad calling to them from a picnic blanket...as they tackle their parents in a hug...the four foxes laughing and embracing each other tightly...
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted, as they impacted some scaly desert camouflaged feet in front of him.
"A fruitful date, I assume?"
The raspy and hissy voice that broke the inner subconscious of the male fox, caused him to lift his view from the ground to in front of him, to be faced by Jackie and the female cobra once more.
Jake was suddenly put on alert, his fur immediately extending out in shock, and his eyes constricting to perceive a threat.
The male fox was nearly on the verge of a deep guttural growl to show his discontent demeanor, until Jackie waved his hands.
"Calm down, we just want to chat, Jake."
Having a rather respectful tone towards the male fox, Jake lowered his alert stance ever so slightly, but remaining stern in his facial expression to convey his displeasure of seeing the two reptiles together again...pestering him.
"We just wanted to get some one on one with you, away from Alyssa and Nicole."
Jake's eyes lit up, as fury began to engulf him and his very being.
Without hesitation, his claws unsheathed, he grabbed the hoodie collar of the serpent, and brought him closer to his face.
"How...do you know their names...Jackie?..."
The snake wouldn't show it, but he was intimidated. Internally, he knew who he was dealing with...he read Jake's profile...he was the most prolific and promising student that Nate had in his organization since it was conceived in New Haven...the trials and tribulations he endured as a young kit on the training tapes...were enough to give grown men trauma...let alone some kid. It was a miracle that the male fox was as mentally stable as he was now...the rattlesnake surmised it to him protecting his sister. But something within the reptile's intuition told him it ran much deeper...
The female cobra next to Jackie soon hissed and assumed a threatened stance.
Before she could make a move on Jake, Jackie placed his hand on his fellow reptile peer's hand.
"Easy, Beck. I'm in no danger, and I assure you...the young man in front of you is not as easy a mark as you believe."
"He's just one guy!"
The cobra's retort was met with a chuckle from the rattlesnake, as his forked tongue was exposed in conjunction with it.
"This guy took down three of our best guys when he was just eight years old...I would suggest standing down if you wish to have your arm still in tact when we get back to Drexler..."
Jake eyed the female cobra with malice, he could sense her proclivity for violence...it ruled her soul...her eyes flared at the prospect of it.
Jake released his grip on Jackie, as the rattlesnake adjusted his collar and shirt, as Jake continued to survey the female cobra.
"Beck? Is that short for Rebecca?"
"It is..."
The female cobra hissed and curled her tongue with the output of those words, despite her rather unimposing height, Jake knew she was a formidable fighter even without seeing her in action.
Like most of Nate Drexler's goons, her scars and intimidating exterior were signature of the training regimen the large grey wolf put them through. She was built tough, despite her height, her feminine musculature was showing through her hoodie and form fitted jeans, indicating that she had indeed been trained to her physical peak.
Jake, still remaining vigilant and on guard, swayed his attention back to Jackie.
"Why are you here again? Didn't I make myself clear to your boss that I was done with the life you guys lead? It's not, and will never be, me."
Jackie nodded, understanding the intentions of the male fox.
"You've made that perfectly clear Jake, and we heard you loud and clear...you didn't exactly make it subtle."
The young male snake soon lit up a match, and pulled out a cigarette.
"That's not what we're here to discuss, we're here to discuss that new companion you've seem to become star struck with...Nicole, is it?"
Jake growled once more, as Jackie put up his hand.
"Slow down cowboy, I know what you're going to ask, and it's nothing we haven't told you before...we have eyes and ears everywhere in our inner circles of New Haven...there's nowhere and nobody that we don't know."
Jake was very on edge at the moment, despite no direct threats, he fully understood the nature of how Nate trains his counterparts to not just be physically intimidating...but also mentally. Interrogation tactics that caused victims to fall prey to a seemingly innocuous line of questioning...but when they had received the information they wanted...it quickly lead to a complete 180 degree turn in the tone of the conversation...threats, intimidation, hypotheticals of kidnapping family members...
"What...do you want with her?..."
Jake was barely able to get the words out through gritted teeth...this inquisition into his personal life and his sister's is something that should have never come to fruition...and yet despite everything...he could dismiss the threat and tell Nate's goons to kick rocks...but that only put a band aid on a gaping third degree burn.
"It may not be known to you, but the full extent of her power potential is known to us..."
Jake's eyes widened...the scanners Nate's organization employed, were used to find potential recruits within the predator citizenry of New Haven. If they were viable or met the criteria, they would be kidnapped, any trace of their whereabouts being wiped off the face of purgatory...not even Death's forces could pinpoint where these souls would end up...Jake knew though; but in fear of putting his loved ones in danger...he kept quiet.
"...Needless to say, Jake...she's powerful...VERY powerful...as a matter of fact, her levels match yours...the highest that we have on record..."
Jake was fuming with each word he heard from Jackie's serpent mouth...he knew where this was going...and he didn't like it...not. one. bit.
"If you lay one finger on her..."
Rebecca hissed with a malevolent smile.
"So you DO care about her..."
Jake bared his fangs and sharp teeth at the female cobra, this time around with much more intensity than before.
Now Jake understood...he had an obligation...no, a duty to protect not just Jennifer and Eddie...but Nicole was now strung into the mix of his tumultuous past...and now an even more dangerous present.
Jackie anticipated what was coming and interjected between the two anthro predators to diffuse the situation.
"Enough, Rebecca!"
Rebecca stood back, but not before taunting Jake with a devious grin with her fangs and winking at him.
Jackie motioned Jake to walk alongside him, and Jake acquiescently obliged with the request.
"Look...Jake, this isn't my call. The boss is always looking for new recruits, and we're the ones who are dispatched to find those recruits for him...and considering the implications of Nicole's potential...she very much could be the next successor to-"
"SHE'S NOT BEING SUBJECTED TO THAT LIFE!"
Jackie was taken aback slightly by the booming roar of the fox's voice, it was filled with an unbridled rage and contempt that was seldom seen out of the young man...if his loved ones could see him now, they would've sworn this was a different fox altogether.
Jake was breathing heavily, his emotions and nightmares of his past clearly had affected him, and if Jackie didn't tread more carefully in his words...the situation could devolve extremely quickly.
"Jake...listen. This is what the boss wants, and objecting to him is suicide, you know it, I know it...this isn't my call. But the best advice I can provide, not because I like you, but I respect what you are capable of...the boss can be lenient on this matter. He can leave you and your sister, and her boyfriend alone...as long as you allow us to recruit Nicole."
Jake's eyes then widened...he had an idea that could possibly deter Jackie from pestering him or Nicole altogether.
"Oh yeah? I bet you didn't know that she wasn't a permanent resident of the afterlife...she's just in an induced coma...she'll be safe again far away from here in three months...tell Nate that his dream is dead."
Jackie shook his head, still retaining a serious expression, completely dead pan.
"You still don't get it, do you? The boss has alternatives to solving these dilemmas as long as he can get to her within her timeframe, he can and WILL have his plans bear the fruit he needs for his plans."
Jake lowered his ears...he knew the serpent was correct...Nate always did have an ace up his sleeve with magic and his connections...he would be able to keep Nicole here against her will...and that would mean-
Jake stopped himself in his tracks with his inner thoughts. Keeping her in New Haven...would mean...she would die back on Earth...being kept from even seeing the gates of Eternity...forever an eternal prisoner and pawn of Nate Drexler...
The male red fox turned to the serpent once more...he was cornered...but he wasn't without a plan up his sleeve.
With a deep sigh to regain his composure, he looked at the serpent with the same serious expression he had retained throughout most of this conversation.
"Look...I propose a deal...and make sure to send this back to Nate...I want to know his response on this."
Jackie was startled and surprised...Jake had a completely calm demeanor once more...as if this encounter had never had a tense moment in it...
"...I'm listening..."
"Three months is her stay in New Haven, give me until the second last day of her last month here, and I'll bring her to you...as long as you promise to leave my family alone forever..."
Jake was sullen in his tone, as Jackie nodded slowly.
"I'll be sure to relay this to Nate...you made the right call here..."
Jackie placed his hands inside his hoodie pockets, as he turned back to Rebecca, and motioned her to continue walking back; more than likely back to their bunker base.
As the female cobra was farther down the sidewalk out of range of the male fox and serpent, Jackie turned back with a slight smile.
"You'll receive a holographic message later tonight on whether or not the boss agrees to this...but considering your offer, I can't see why he would pass this opportunity up."
Jackie turned around, and began walking in the direction Rebecca had just walked, but not before turning back to slightly face Jake once more.
"And if he does agree...you have three months...don't grow attached to her...it'll make it a lot harder when the time does come..."
With that, the serpent was gone...leaving Jake standing in silence beneath the street light.
He wasn't going to give Nicole to them...he knew that before he even made the proposal to the deal with Jackie to deliver the message to Nate. Nicole wouldn't endure that same life that he and Jennifer had endured...she was innocent in all of this, and it was only by fate, and fate alone that she became a new viable asset to Nate...something to exploit for his own gain...his own motives and personal agenda...without love, care, or compassion.
No...Jake had to ensure that her and the rest of his family and friends were safe...but he couldn't deny...he really had bound his wrists in a bind...and the clock was ticking...should this deal go through.
Nicole's and Alyssa's apartment, Feline District, New Haven, 2:30 A.M
"Look, I'm just saying! There's NO way that line works on a girl! It's beyond cheesy and sappy!"
Nicole exclaimed with laughter, as she continued painting her claws and toe claws with nail polish.
Alyssa was doing much the same, as both female felines were in bathrobes with towels on their head, clearly both having had showers in their respective bathrooms.
Alyssa finished polishing one of her nails meticulously, the once black claw now shining a bright and shiny silver.
The lights outside in the city shining through their apartment windows, as both girls chuckled over their recently viewed rom com.
"Look, Nicky, I'm telling you! Seeing more than my fair share of relationships with observing you mortals back on Earth, you would be VERY surprised just how many people that particular line woos over girls much like yourself!"
Nicole rolled her eyes playfully.
"That's complete nonsense, you're pulling my leg!"
Alyssa chuckled, and waved her paw.
"I'm serious! Okay, fiiiiiine, if you don't want to believe me, suit yourself...but I bet Jake had a line that would be considered cheesy tonight, but you had dreamy eyes for him!"
Nicole's ears perked up, as her eyes began to flutter, and she blushed.
"N-now that's just not true! It was just one date!"
Alyssa smirked, as she finished polishing yet another one of her claw nails.
"Uh huh...and is that...shall I say..."rouge" over your cheeks right now? And...oh my...dare I say that the date was hours long because there TOTALLY wasn't a connection between Jake and you? And...that wasn't Nicole Senicourt who was blushing when I entered Jennifer and Eddie's apartment after a little dance? Hmmmmmmmm?"
Nicole remained silent, trying desperately to hide her feelings...she pretended to be preoccupied with her claws, inspecting them for any missing spots she forgot to cover with the polish brush.
Just momentarily, Nicole glanced up to notice that her guardian angel was still staring at her, the snow leopard's paws up to her mouth at the fact that...her intuition was right...Nicole was in love all over again...
Nicole, noticing she had been caught, quickly diverted her eyes back to her nails...but it was too late...her face gave everything away.
"You...oh my goodness...you love him, don't you?!"
Nicole quickly snapped her head back up.
"I do not!"
Alyssa got so jubilant, that she began jumping up and down throughout the apartment, her fluffy grey spotted tail flicking in an oscillating fashion as well.
"Nicole is in love! She has that fox fever!"
The angel soon began swinging her hips and playfully displaying a hair brush as a makeshift microphone, but quickly employed a little magic to give it a little amplification...causing it to become a brush microphone.
"My blue gal is in-"
As she paused, Alyssa altered her voice to that of a female rock star.
"LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVE!"
As Alyssa finished her little "celebration", Nicole was still on the adjacent end of the apartment with her paw rested against her chin, with an unamused expression plastering her face.
"...You done now?"
Alyssa calmed down enough to give a thumbs up.
"Yep! I'm...quite okay! Thanks Nicky!"
Nicole sighed and rolled her eyes with a slight smile.
"You know, if I ever had a kid as hyperactive as you, with me as a mother? I think I would be running across an entire neighborhood to stop their energetic shenanigans..."
Alyssa chuckled at Nicole's comment, and in turn, caused the blue feline to loosen up a bit and chuckle herself.
"But come onnnnnnn! You couldn't deny that just now that you didn't want to admit you had feelings for Jake!"
Nicole had a slight smile, as she glanced to the floor.
After a few moments of silence, Nicole finally took a deep breath.
"Okay...I admit...I...there may have been something there with...Jake..."
Alyssa's ears perked up, as she quickly pulled her seat in front of the blue feline, and placed both of her paws under her cheek, like a child hearing a bed time story from their parent.
"He...was kind...courteous...and so sweet...you should have seen his shy expressions...and those blue eyes...his smile...it was probably one of the best outings I ever had with someone in my entire life so far..."
Alyssa smiled, but quickly shifted in her seat, having a contemplative expression.
"What's wrong?"
Nicole asked, as Alyssa brought her attention back to her.
"Nothing just...what about..."
"What about what?"
Alyssa adjusted a bit of fur behind her ear, and glanced up sheepishly to Nicole.
"Richard..."
Nicole had a wave of realization...Richard...despite him leaving in Elmore before she arrived here...were they still in a relationship? Or...
"Alyssa...can I ask you something?"
The female snow leopard nodded with sincerity and kindness.
"Absolutely, that's what I'm here for sister!"
"Has...Richard visited me while I've been in this coma? Any news about him?"
Alyssa shook her head.
"Haven't heard a thing about him, nor has he visited you in the hospital..."
Nicole frowned, as she looked towards the floor.
"So...he really is gone..."
Alyssa, seeing not just the girl she has protected since they were young but her friend, in such sadness and disappointment, prompted her to bring her chair alongside the blue feline.
"Hey...it's okay...where one door closes...another door opens...this isn't the end for you, Nicky! You survived that fall, and you sprung to your feet once more and went on a date! You learned the basics of magic, and heck! You're hanging out with me and laughing! Doesn't that speak to your strong mental state, girl?!"
Nicole had a slight smile shift across her face, wiping away some of the despair she had come to.
"You want a hug? I'm always up for a hug!"
Alyssa stated with a wide smile across her face, and adorably round brown eyes that just melted Nicole's heart.
"...Yeah, yeah I'd like that..."
"Come here you!"
Nicole embraced the hug, as Alyssa gladly hugged her friend, who had been like the sister she had known forever, but was never able to show her presence until now...
The two anthro cats remained silent for a minute or two, before Nicole's soft voice broke it.
"Alyssa?"
"Yes?"
"You know how you just said a few moments ago about one door closing, and another door opening?"
"Yeeeeeeeeah?"
Nicole cleared her throat, as she held the hug together.
"...I think I do love Jake..."
(If "Constant Craving by K.D Lang" is available on your device, please press play now)
Jake's Apartment, Universal District, New Haven, 3:00 A.M
Jake stepped out from the shower, wrapping a soft cotton white towel around his waist, water dripping down his torso, trickling over his abs and biceps.
He flicked his fingers, automatically brushing his teeth and removing any harmful bacteria out of his mouth for half a point of magic currency.
Shifting his paws over to the counter, he quickly put on his night boxers and pajama shorts to cover his naked form.
He stepped out of the washroom, and situated himself in front of one of his apartment windows, preparing a cup of hot chocolate, as he gazed out the window; gently placing his cup of hot chocolate on the table next to the window.
As he sat in silence, watching the metropolis outside still rather busy in this part of New Haven bustling with pedestrians and cars, a message soon flickered in front of his eyes on his holographic mental projection:
"It is done. 3 month window. Be Ready. -Jackie"
*END OF CHAPTER*