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As Michael continues his little quest to try and stop Clifford Hunt, he runs into an old friend from those days.
Hope everyone enjoys this, and here's hoping I get the next one out much quicker.
Michael panted as he landed, feeling the backpack bumping against his back before he started to run again, crossing the backyard as quickly as he could before he scaled the next fence. The folf’s ears twitched as he heard the sound of his pursuers still keeping chase, not even bothering to look over his shoulder to see how far they were. Though he was sure one must of broken off to try and circle around to cut him off or call for back up, either way it would be bad news whatever it was.
It was all meant to be easy tonight. Just a simple stopping a robbery and trying to get information if the thugs did work for Clifford. He was sure they were about to spill anything when the sirens blared and caught the lot of them by surprise. He should of ran when he heard them, but no he had to stay around and try to just get even the slightest bit of detail.
What a fool he was.
The next minute he was running as a ram and a rat gave chase. He didn’t know how long it had gone on for, just that it felt like it was going for close to an hour now as he burst through a gate that was locked, the noise waking the owners of the house. He shoved a bin over as he ran past, hoping it could be enough to make it even a tad difficult for the officers in the small gap between the house and fence.
Rounding the side of the house he quickly spied a tree and with quick thinking grabbed the lower branch before he started to pull himself up. It didn’t take him too long to settle in among the leaves as he sat on one of the upper most branches as he glanced out and waited. One officer, the rat, rushed by as he held his breath not wanting to give away his position. “Suspect was last seen heading north-west towards Oak Street. Species unknown, possibly canine, has bl….” was all Michael heard as the officer climbed over the fence and rushed onwards. But it gave him time to pause and look down, it didn’t seem they know what he looked like just yet and the fact he still had his bag as well with him. It would take some time as he took off the kevlar vest, removed the ski goggles before stuffing them both into the bag and pulled out a jacket which he threw on over the light grey shirt that he wore. With a deep breath he changed his fur, going for a rather old colour he hadn’t used in a while, something that should make him seem less likely to stand out.
‘That’s one problem down’ he thought, looking to the bag, zipped it up then waited a few more minutes. The cool breeze only brought the sound of leaves as they rustled, no indication the police had doubled back just yet. It was then he decided to take advantage as he slipped out of the tree, being careful to try and not cause too much sound. Once his feet touched the ground he made a beeline for the gate, but picked up the pace as a motion sensor flicked a light on, he swore under his breath and headed down the street. He kept up a jog until the next block which he slowed down to a walk.
A few police cars sped by their sirens blared through the quiet streets. He spared a quick glanced as they went by but kept his head down as he started to wonder what to do now. Somewhere crowded like a bar might be good, see if he could slip in and hope none of the officers come looking. While he was sure they still don’t know what species he was it was the fact that he was a hybrid that made him a bit wary. Shaking those thoughts from his mind he set off.
Twenty-five minutes passed before he came across a map of the suburb, a place called Fairfalls. With a study he saw a bar labelled not too far from him as he left. Another ten minutes and he found himself sitting at the bar as he ordered an ale. The buzz of conversation was heavy in the air as he kept his bag close-by. Nodding to a few other patrons he kept his attention to his drink taking swigs of it as he started to think. ‘I’ll lay low here for a little bit, hopefully the cops don’t come in. Or Whitescar for that matter… don’t think she comes this far? What are her routes anyway?’
As time crept by at a slow, agonising pace Michael’s thoughts slowly drifted to more mundane things. His drink was helping in that regard as he watched the TV hanging over the bar, a soccer match playing between two teams from the States from what little he gathered. Not that he really much cared for at the moment, it was on now plus it provided a distraction. So far seemed to be a rather good match though he admitted.
“Grey? Is that you?”
His ears perked up as he felt his back stiffen, no one’s used that name around him for a long time. He was sure others had the nickname but the voice was familiar. With another gulp of his ale he turned around to face who ever it was.
“Oh man it is you, it’s been a while” the armadillo said with a grin on his face.
“Rick?”
“Yeah, honestly surprised to see you in Neolythia. Got bored of Wolfden?” he replied taking a stool next to the folf.
“S..same here and ah, you could say that” Michael replied as he turned back around to his drink.
Rick’s cheerful expression fell as he sat down and ordered a drink, as the bartender walked off he dropped his voice to a whisper. “It’s because of what happened, wasn’t it?”
Michael nodded as his ears drooped slightly, his tail becoming stiff. The night again replayed in his head, the guard, the threat from Clifford. The fear that he lived with until he finally moved when he was sure he could live on his own, that the ocelot would find him and his parents. The old feelings started to creep back into his mind as he mulled over his choices now. To take on someone who was quite willing to kill, what was he crazy?! Yet, if he didn’t do anything more could end up like the guard or worse.
“Look, we don’t have to talk about it” the armadillo spoke, his words cutting through those thoughts like a blade. Michael glanced up as he nodded his head slowly.
“Y..yeah.. sorry just...” he looked back down at his half empty cup, before taking a long swig from it. “It’s still hard to even think about.”
“Understandable… not that any of us could find you. Almost like you didn’t live in Wolfden.”
“W..what?! Y..you tried to find me?” his eyes went wide as he stared at the other male. His ears were perked up as his tail went stiff. He figured it was only logical, Clifford ordering the gang to track him down to keep tabs.
“Well, I did anyway. Hell, I wanted to try and just catch up. I did like our little chats and hanging out. Thought I had a lead, but well, there were no grey furred folfs anywhere in town. I mean normally, and look buddy I sincerely mean no offence by this, it’s somewhat easy to find a hybrid. I mean in a place like Wolfden” he said hurriedly, before calming down and clearing his throat. “Did find a few. One around your age, but well, there was no way in hell he could of dyed his fur that quick. But I’m prattling on, I just figured you lived in another town.”
“Y..yeah I was. Sorry for making you waste your time.”
“Ah, it’s ok. I understand why you’d be a bit more secretive. I get it.”
The sounds of the bar came back into focus as Michael sat there and wondered what to say or do next. “So um… Rick, what have you been up to lately?”
Looking up his friend seemed to be somewhat caught of guard, but only for a second as he gave a small chuckle. “Honestly, not much. Basically just drive a forklift at a warehouse, that’s all really. Not the most glamorous job, but I get paid” he just shrugged as he stared at the TV, not really paying it much attention.
“Heh, got to pay the bills somehow. I do, odd jobs myself, trying to find somewhere that won’t have a problem with me” Michael lied, he didn’t want Rick to know about his personal life, not that he didn’t trust the guy but rather worried if it got back to Clifford. If he still had connections to that ocelot.
“Fair enough.”
“So um hey, I know it’s too late to ask but. How did that scholarship thing go?”
“Oh yeah it went well, got into a good school, struck it rich with a good idea, I live with supermodels. It’s why I’m a forklift driver” he replied with a snort and a small playful smirk.
“You know Rick, you almost had me believing you there for a moment” Michael laughed as he gave the armadillo a slap on his scaled back. But the action caused his friend to wince and let out a small hiss of pain.
“Grey…. Please… not there, it’s tender” came the reply through gritted teeth.
As he removed his hand quickly, the folf frowned slightly, “Sorry! Didn’t know that.” Placing his hand back on the counter he kept his gaze on the other male. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but…. How...”
“It was a stupid accident” Rick said, looking down so that his face couldn’t be seen. “I...I was umm…. Training, yeah training a new worker. He backed into me, pushed me to the ground. Luckily my back is tougher then most or I may have been stuck in a wheelchair or something. The doctor’s say it was bruised and some slightly damaged muscles. Gave me painkillers for it” he reached for his drink and took a long gulp from it.
Michael’s frown turned from concern to slight confusion and puzzlement. “You’re on painkillers…. Yet you’re here, drinking beer… on a Tuesday night?”
A chuckle was his answer as the armadillo lifted his head and looked at him. “I’m on medical leave for a week or two. And I’m not stupid enough to take them with booze. Give me some credit, I’m not that idiot teenager you once knew.”
“A shame… I was hoping to hear if there was a follow up to that time you got caught red handed, with half your pants and….”
“Shhh!” A hand shot out and covered his mouth, a smirk and a teasing look planted on his face as he turned his attention back to him. “We agreed to never, EVER, discuss that.”
As the hand slipped away, Michael let out a laugh, before giving him a slight nudge on the leg. “Oh come on, I’m just teasing you. What you forgotten about that?”
“No” came the reply with a shake of the head followed by a glare. “I remember that all too well. Reminds me, I need to get you back for that dye pack cushion.”
For a moment, there was a bit of silence between the two old friends, before both roared with laughter. “Oh god, I remember that. I still can’t believe you fucking fell for it!”
“How could I not?! It was so real, no one could tell it was a fake!”
“Until you sat on it. You must have been cleaning that mess for days.”
“Weeks actually. Explaining it to my family was not even the hard part.”
They laughed for a few more minutes before their jaws and sides started to ache. Coughing a moment, before finishing the last of his drink, Michael looked at his watch, noticing it was bordering on eleven o’clock. “Oh crap, that’s the time. Look, sorry to cut and run but I’ve ah… I’ve got a job interview in the morning. Hoping this one actually sticks” he lied, pushed the stool back and grabbing his bag.
“No need to apologise, I understand. But do you come to this bar often?”
“Nope, first time. You?”
“Oh been here off and on. Hey, why don’t we meet up again on say…. Next Saturday?”
Giving it some thought, the hybrid nodded, “Ah why the hell not. It would be good to have a place we can meet up and catch up. Sides, if I’m here first, I’ll bring another dye pack cushion, maybe a bright pink.”
“Oh no you fucking don’t! You do and I’ll make you pay a hundred times!”
Laughing again, Michael gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “Next Saturday it is then. I’ll try to be here. And Rick… good to see you again, man” he smiled before hoisting the bag over his shoulder. “But if I can’t make it, mmmm… you still use that old email account of yours?”
“Rarely, but… huh, actually don’t know why I didn’t think of sending you one years ago.”
“I rarely use the old one myself. But I’ll see if I can remember the password.”
“Ok, take care and hopefully see you next week.”
With a nod and a small salute, he started to head out the door. Taking a good look at the name of the bar, he nodded and made his way home. While tonight might of started out shit, at least he can say something good can come out of it. Now if only he could remember the password for that old email account. God this was going to drive him nuts for the next few days, he could feel it.
Hope everyone enjoys this, and here's hoping I get the next one out much quicker.
Michael panted as he landed, feeling the backpack bumping against his back before he started to run again, crossing the backyard as quickly as he could before he scaled the next fence. The folf’s ears twitched as he heard the sound of his pursuers still keeping chase, not even bothering to look over his shoulder to see how far they were. Though he was sure one must of broken off to try and circle around to cut him off or call for back up, either way it would be bad news whatever it was.
It was all meant to be easy tonight. Just a simple stopping a robbery and trying to get information if the thugs did work for Clifford. He was sure they were about to spill anything when the sirens blared and caught the lot of them by surprise. He should of ran when he heard them, but no he had to stay around and try to just get even the slightest bit of detail.
What a fool he was.
The next minute he was running as a ram and a rat gave chase. He didn’t know how long it had gone on for, just that it felt like it was going for close to an hour now as he burst through a gate that was locked, the noise waking the owners of the house. He shoved a bin over as he ran past, hoping it could be enough to make it even a tad difficult for the officers in the small gap between the house and fence.
Rounding the side of the house he quickly spied a tree and with quick thinking grabbed the lower branch before he started to pull himself up. It didn’t take him too long to settle in among the leaves as he sat on one of the upper most branches as he glanced out and waited. One officer, the rat, rushed by as he held his breath not wanting to give away his position. “Suspect was last seen heading north-west towards Oak Street. Species unknown, possibly canine, has bl….” was all Michael heard as the officer climbed over the fence and rushed onwards. But it gave him time to pause and look down, it didn’t seem they know what he looked like just yet and the fact he still had his bag as well with him. It would take some time as he took off the kevlar vest, removed the ski goggles before stuffing them both into the bag and pulled out a jacket which he threw on over the light grey shirt that he wore. With a deep breath he changed his fur, going for a rather old colour he hadn’t used in a while, something that should make him seem less likely to stand out.
‘That’s one problem down’ he thought, looking to the bag, zipped it up then waited a few more minutes. The cool breeze only brought the sound of leaves as they rustled, no indication the police had doubled back just yet. It was then he decided to take advantage as he slipped out of the tree, being careful to try and not cause too much sound. Once his feet touched the ground he made a beeline for the gate, but picked up the pace as a motion sensor flicked a light on, he swore under his breath and headed down the street. He kept up a jog until the next block which he slowed down to a walk.
A few police cars sped by their sirens blared through the quiet streets. He spared a quick glanced as they went by but kept his head down as he started to wonder what to do now. Somewhere crowded like a bar might be good, see if he could slip in and hope none of the officers come looking. While he was sure they still don’t know what species he was it was the fact that he was a hybrid that made him a bit wary. Shaking those thoughts from his mind he set off.
Twenty-five minutes passed before he came across a map of the suburb, a place called Fairfalls. With a study he saw a bar labelled not too far from him as he left. Another ten minutes and he found himself sitting at the bar as he ordered an ale. The buzz of conversation was heavy in the air as he kept his bag close-by. Nodding to a few other patrons he kept his attention to his drink taking swigs of it as he started to think. ‘I’ll lay low here for a little bit, hopefully the cops don’t come in. Or Whitescar for that matter… don’t think she comes this far? What are her routes anyway?’
As time crept by at a slow, agonising pace Michael’s thoughts slowly drifted to more mundane things. His drink was helping in that regard as he watched the TV hanging over the bar, a soccer match playing between two teams from the States from what little he gathered. Not that he really much cared for at the moment, it was on now plus it provided a distraction. So far seemed to be a rather good match though he admitted.
“Grey? Is that you?”
His ears perked up as he felt his back stiffen, no one’s used that name around him for a long time. He was sure others had the nickname but the voice was familiar. With another gulp of his ale he turned around to face who ever it was.
“Oh man it is you, it’s been a while” the armadillo said with a grin on his face.
“Rick?”
“Yeah, honestly surprised to see you in Neolythia. Got bored of Wolfden?” he replied taking a stool next to the folf.
“S..same here and ah, you could say that” Michael replied as he turned back around to his drink.
Rick’s cheerful expression fell as he sat down and ordered a drink, as the bartender walked off he dropped his voice to a whisper. “It’s because of what happened, wasn’t it?”
Michael nodded as his ears drooped slightly, his tail becoming stiff. The night again replayed in his head, the guard, the threat from Clifford. The fear that he lived with until he finally moved when he was sure he could live on his own, that the ocelot would find him and his parents. The old feelings started to creep back into his mind as he mulled over his choices now. To take on someone who was quite willing to kill, what was he crazy?! Yet, if he didn’t do anything more could end up like the guard or worse.
“Look, we don’t have to talk about it” the armadillo spoke, his words cutting through those thoughts like a blade. Michael glanced up as he nodded his head slowly.
“Y..yeah.. sorry just...” he looked back down at his half empty cup, before taking a long swig from it. “It’s still hard to even think about.”
“Understandable… not that any of us could find you. Almost like you didn’t live in Wolfden.”
“W..what?! Y..you tried to find me?” his eyes went wide as he stared at the other male. His ears were perked up as his tail went stiff. He figured it was only logical, Clifford ordering the gang to track him down to keep tabs.
“Well, I did anyway. Hell, I wanted to try and just catch up. I did like our little chats and hanging out. Thought I had a lead, but well, there were no grey furred folfs anywhere in town. I mean normally, and look buddy I sincerely mean no offence by this, it’s somewhat easy to find a hybrid. I mean in a place like Wolfden” he said hurriedly, before calming down and clearing his throat. “Did find a few. One around your age, but well, there was no way in hell he could of dyed his fur that quick. But I’m prattling on, I just figured you lived in another town.”
“Y..yeah I was. Sorry for making you waste your time.”
“Ah, it’s ok. I understand why you’d be a bit more secretive. I get it.”
The sounds of the bar came back into focus as Michael sat there and wondered what to say or do next. “So um… Rick, what have you been up to lately?”
Looking up his friend seemed to be somewhat caught of guard, but only for a second as he gave a small chuckle. “Honestly, not much. Basically just drive a forklift at a warehouse, that’s all really. Not the most glamorous job, but I get paid” he just shrugged as he stared at the TV, not really paying it much attention.
“Heh, got to pay the bills somehow. I do, odd jobs myself, trying to find somewhere that won’t have a problem with me” Michael lied, he didn’t want Rick to know about his personal life, not that he didn’t trust the guy but rather worried if it got back to Clifford. If he still had connections to that ocelot.
“Fair enough.”
“So um hey, I know it’s too late to ask but. How did that scholarship thing go?”
“Oh yeah it went well, got into a good school, struck it rich with a good idea, I live with supermodels. It’s why I’m a forklift driver” he replied with a snort and a small playful smirk.
“You know Rick, you almost had me believing you there for a moment” Michael laughed as he gave the armadillo a slap on his scaled back. But the action caused his friend to wince and let out a small hiss of pain.
“Grey…. Please… not there, it’s tender” came the reply through gritted teeth.
As he removed his hand quickly, the folf frowned slightly, “Sorry! Didn’t know that.” Placing his hand back on the counter he kept his gaze on the other male. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but…. How...”
“It was a stupid accident” Rick said, looking down so that his face couldn’t be seen. “I...I was umm…. Training, yeah training a new worker. He backed into me, pushed me to the ground. Luckily my back is tougher then most or I may have been stuck in a wheelchair or something. The doctor’s say it was bruised and some slightly damaged muscles. Gave me painkillers for it” he reached for his drink and took a long gulp from it.
Michael’s frown turned from concern to slight confusion and puzzlement. “You’re on painkillers…. Yet you’re here, drinking beer… on a Tuesday night?”
A chuckle was his answer as the armadillo lifted his head and looked at him. “I’m on medical leave for a week or two. And I’m not stupid enough to take them with booze. Give me some credit, I’m not that idiot teenager you once knew.”
“A shame… I was hoping to hear if there was a follow up to that time you got caught red handed, with half your pants and….”
“Shhh!” A hand shot out and covered his mouth, a smirk and a teasing look planted on his face as he turned his attention back to him. “We agreed to never, EVER, discuss that.”
As the hand slipped away, Michael let out a laugh, before giving him a slight nudge on the leg. “Oh come on, I’m just teasing you. What you forgotten about that?”
“No” came the reply with a shake of the head followed by a glare. “I remember that all too well. Reminds me, I need to get you back for that dye pack cushion.”
For a moment, there was a bit of silence between the two old friends, before both roared with laughter. “Oh god, I remember that. I still can’t believe you fucking fell for it!”
“How could I not?! It was so real, no one could tell it was a fake!”
“Until you sat on it. You must have been cleaning that mess for days.”
“Weeks actually. Explaining it to my family was not even the hard part.”
They laughed for a few more minutes before their jaws and sides started to ache. Coughing a moment, before finishing the last of his drink, Michael looked at his watch, noticing it was bordering on eleven o’clock. “Oh crap, that’s the time. Look, sorry to cut and run but I’ve ah… I’ve got a job interview in the morning. Hoping this one actually sticks” he lied, pushed the stool back and grabbing his bag.
“No need to apologise, I understand. But do you come to this bar often?”
“Nope, first time. You?”
“Oh been here off and on. Hey, why don’t we meet up again on say…. Next Saturday?”
Giving it some thought, the hybrid nodded, “Ah why the hell not. It would be good to have a place we can meet up and catch up. Sides, if I’m here first, I’ll bring another dye pack cushion, maybe a bright pink.”
“Oh no you fucking don’t! You do and I’ll make you pay a hundred times!”
Laughing again, Michael gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “Next Saturday it is then. I’ll try to be here. And Rick… good to see you again, man” he smiled before hoisting the bag over his shoulder. “But if I can’t make it, mmmm… you still use that old email account of yours?”
“Rarely, but… huh, actually don’t know why I didn’t think of sending you one years ago.”
“I rarely use the old one myself. But I’ll see if I can remember the password.”
“Ok, take care and hopefully see you next week.”
With a nod and a small salute, he started to head out the door. Taking a good look at the name of the bar, he nodded and made his way home. While tonight might of started out shit, at least he can say something good can come out of it. Now if only he could remember the password for that old email account. God this was going to drive him nuts for the next few days, he could feel it.
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 120 x 42px
File Size 31.3 kB
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