Chereads / Tightrope tension / Chapter 34 - Chapter 01

Chapter 34 - Chapter 01

"'The only thing you will take through those Pearly Gates is what you have given away.'"

-Marcia Moore

"Move over."

"AAAAwwwHaauwuwaaaakkk."

"Then at least give me some blankets."

"Hey you three. Wake up."

"Ouch.

You don't have to hit us or anything. We're going. We're going."

"Is it done?"

"......See for yourself."

"Huuuuuuuuuuuahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's.....it's.......Mars, Kristin, look. It's just like your old home."

"No."

"......It's better."

"How'd you secure the Funding for this? This is a…..whoooo. The Biggest bigtop I have ever seen."

"Don't thank me solely. It was all Mr. Bones."

"Me?

....I knew it. You are dirty. When you flushed my accounts out and 'ripped up' that Check, you were just holding onto it. In case my Lawyers proved stronger than you and you needed some money of your own."

"I did not....transer the money, Bones. My superiors wouldn't even let me touch Cases that sensitive. Trust."

"Trust huh? Then why didn't you give it back to me?"

"You gave it for a tent. Here...I give you a tent.

Combine that with Police funding, and I got all the licenses, security, and documents faster than you could sleep. Call it…..an investment."

"You idiot. If we are using Mars as bait, then the Others will look into how we bought it; and when they see you...….they will know I was either booked, or a Snitch, helping."

"As I said, 'We provided the documents.' You put more money into this then we have."

"....Even the Animals?"

"Even the Animals.

Course, you didn't leave us much room yet."

"Much room? Looks like you bought the whole Rainbow. How?"

"Mr. Bones."

"What, Olivia?"

"....I bought last Shipment."

"Huh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"What? What's so bad about 'last shipment?'"

"That's…..that's...…that's the slums. The Rejects. The crumbs from the bottom of the chip bag. The expired food that is close to being thrown away. If you want to make it look like an retired Boss expanded, that usually means with bigger brighter things. Not..."

"Look. An animal is an animal. What makes them a Star is you. Train them well, and no one will know."

"Wait...….I train them?"

"Call it, 'Surveilance.' That way, we can watch you from dusk till dawn. And whenever we are not around...The Vanillas will be more than happy to help."

"The Kids?"

"I will have you know that we are more than just....Kids."

"Mom!!!!"

"Dad!!!!!!!!"

*Oof*

"Don't you EVER...…run off on us again...…..but I rather have limbs then bones. Come here you."

"Best way to get back in the game? Make it look like you bought out the competition and are having them work for you."

"No."

"What?"

"They're not working for me."

"But your name is the owner. They are just the head Clowns."

"I don't care. Without them...…..I'd be shut down. I may be the Owner, but they are the true Saviours."

"....As you wish."

"Enough fiddle faddle. You built us a Tent in order to honor why we just did what we did. It's time to fill it with Animals, and excite this Circus."

"Couldn't have said it any better myself."

"Mars, see who our new rectruits are."

"Uhhhhh...."

"What? Something wrong, Mars?"

"........I don't see the Animals."

"Wilson?"

"If you're looking for cages, you will find none, for those are only for Criminals, not free."

".....They're in the back Pasture."

" Hmmm."

"Who's keeping them from attacking each other?"

"The Lions."

"That oughta be fun."

"As long as Jane stays, they will obey. This way."

"Actually..."

"Hey, where are you pushing me?"

"You two have done enough as is."

"What?"

"Yeah. You caught the bad guys, and gave the reward to us."

"But the reward should really be given...to all of you. We'll figure it out, and as a thank you...will host a Surprise."

"Butt."

"No Butts. Butts are meant for sitting."

"And by the looks of it...…we'll have a lot of Butts."

"Do you know what sits on top of Butts?"

"Bodies for stretching, and eyes for seeing. Now go, go, go. This isn't a School lesson. Out."

"Hey, no need to be pushy."

"Slam."

"What are you doing?"

"Imagine a door, and imagine me slamming you into the door. You Adults can imagine can't you?"

"This is a Velcro tent door."

"Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Okay. Okay. Okay. Geez. 

Mr. Vanilla, you raised a mighty bunch."

"Oh, they got the spunk from their mom."

"Hey."

"They got the strength from me."

"I see. Well in that case, I will see you all later. What time do you suspect we can have a show?"

"You want us to whip the animals into shape?"

"That would be cruel."

"Then wait. All good things begin with Patience."

"........Tonight at Seven."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll spread the word, and do my best to keep people out of this area while you are...….uhhh...…training."

"That won't be necessary, but thank you."

"Uhhhh….I...

*Scratch, scratch*

…..Ok. I think?

I gotta go anyway. Sit in on some Conversations. You know how it goes.

"See you later."

"Byeeeee."

"So Mars. What do you think? Can you get your hooves up there?"

"...There are definitely a lot of them.How do we even know where to start?"

"Easiest of hardest?"

"Well, they're all going to be hard. Nothing easy about it."

"Then choose who you think will break first."

"......Inmate 47, and Inmate 62; please step forward. Guards, open their cells."

"Lions, thank you.

We'd like that Giraffe there, and...…what do you think, Mars? Would you like to be a Teacher?"

"What?"

"I'd like two of those Gophers right there?"

"Just two?"

"Just…"

"I heard him, Jane. I can't teach them all at once. I want them to go home and teach the others. Giraffes, you hold the rope. Kristin, direct the Gophers onto the Tightrope, and Mars and I are going to lead from below.

If you fall.....I hope you can swim.

Let's roll out."

"Let's roll out."

"Hey, where's my Cycle?"

*SLAM*

"............It was you."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Look at it. What was the plan, huh? Where were you planning on taking them, and for how much?"

"Wilson, if you want him to bake you a Cake, let him give you the ingredients. A house can be anywhere. Not for walls.

We want the Builder, kid; not the furniture. Who are you working for, and who's the buyer?"

"I want a Lawyer."

"YOU DON'T GET.......a Lawyer."

"Ummm."

"Wilson, please.

If we don't represent the animals, then who will? What? Your excuse is he ran into you? Or....I was hunting for Game, saw another; and shot it. An animal an animal. It attacked me. License or not, I am legally entitled to defend myself."

"Exactly."

"Defending yourself is firing a warning shot the opposite way you're going, and run like hell the other way before the Animal realizes you dupped him. But you…..you didn't even give any of them a fighting chance. What? The Lure was too tempting so you thought if I can't shoot one, nobody will?"

"That's not what happened?"

"Show me your hands."

"No."

"Show me your hands."

"NO."

*BANG*

".........Then you are hiding something."

"I have nothing to hide."

"Then show me your hands."

"Fine.

Just.....get off me. Get off ME. I'll do it myself."

"Ok."

"Just ok?"

"Ok."

"What are you checking for?"

"Claw marks."

"All marks are the same, Sir. Three lines."

"You really don't know how to handle animals, do you?"

"Rico said he wanted me only for my singing. I help soothe them down so the animals don't get startled during the trade. He was actually really nice. Dressed quite decent and....

I said too much, didn't I?"

"Does this Rico have a last name?"

"Ummm."

"Listen, Kid. You already spilled the Beans. Why not put them in the pan with the others?"

"Because I'll sizzle if I do."

"We'll protect you."

"No one can protect me."

"Why do people keep saying that? Do you not trust us? We took down all the corrupt cops?"

"It's not you I am afraid of. Nowhere is safe for us."

"Us? If He placed a tracker on you, we can disable it."

"You can't disable this tracker. He sprayed us….."

"Like dogs?"

"Like dogs. Undetectable to metal, cannot be seen by scanners. The only way to get it off is to cut the skin where He placed it."

"And where is that?"

"How should I know? We're asleep when he does it. Do.....do....do you think that stuff exists?"

"It's not available to the public, and we shouldn't even be having this conversation...…but yes. Unreliable, but long range."

"Unreliable, you say?"

"Don't you dare start spreading rumours of escape. Then He'll really catch you, and we won't be able to protect you. Only to be used for animals on.....scientific research. Not pet tracking, and definitely not on human civilians. Even Big Brother has codes."

"How do you even get your hands on that stuff if it's not available to the public?"

"Rico really has kept you in the dark, hasn't he?"

" 'The less we know, the better. If we know too much..'"

"He's afraid of snitches?"

"Snitches get ditches, and none get fun."

"You think this is funny?"

*Bang*

"No. No. I...no. I don't think this is funny at all."

"If he doesn't hurt you in any way, and scares you with the Tracker...…why do you do it?"

"I promise you, I do not touch the Lighter. Just keep the animals quiet if the owners happen to be under the Tent with us."

"So he thinks he is being clever, doesn't he? Picking up the stakes. Go night and day."

"Slight of hand. You cops are so slimmed, eyes can only see so much. Look one way, nothing is stopping him from doing something the other."

"Are you writing this down?"

"Every...…word."

"Why are you helping us, Kid?

You said so yourself. Everywhere you go is a false sense of Freedom. He might not be able to hear you, nor see you; but he'll always get you."

"We found that out the hard way."

"You still didn't answer why you did it."

"I….."

"I'm not talking about why He did it, nor why others did it. All I want to know is why you did it? Do you trust me?"

"No."

"Do you trust Bones?"

"He's the one good thing that shows us the outside world."

"Beyond the whips?"

"We don't use whips. Then you could chase him easier than a Mouse. He's like a Chessplayer. Carefully selecting when and who he wants to bribe. Sometimes he takes Kids for their skills. Other their talents, and others their strength."

"Does he at least feed you?"

"Says when we are tired, we are only giving fourty percent. Once you collapse, then I'll know you're done."

"And how many collapsed?"

"From death, or exhaustion?"

"I........I see. Now I cannot unsee."

"......Come on, Gophers. Open your eyes. It's not that far down."

"Well actually…"

"Shh."

".......Maybe we are looking at this the wrong way."

"What do you mean? From where I stand, all I can see is up."

".......That's the problem, Wilson. From where 'You,'...stand. Come by me and you will see differently. There's another way, and I think Rico made his first mistake."

"It's okay, Mars. You're right. I should have you, and not them. How can you even see them when they are so faw away? It's not your mistake, but mine. Better to have them be stage hands.

KRISTIN."

"Yes, Olivia."

"I should've listened more. Bring the Gophers down. I'm sending Mars up with you.

The best way to teach is visually."

"But what about my Cycle?"

"Uhhhhh...…..Wilson got you another one."

"But that's not mine."

"Mars, while we are catching bad guys in the field, your Cycle is catching bad guys in the lab. Speculation gets you nowhere without prints. Just one word vs another. Didn't you ever have a backup?"

"Backups are there if you fail. Triple backups are in place WHEN...you faill. And I...…don't....fail."

"How'd we do, Mars?"

"How'd we do?"

"Yeah. Were we awesome?"

"Did you like what you see?"

"Do we have talent?"

"Or do we have raw potential?"

"Uhhhhh..."

"Mars?"

"You were great. You were great. Your potential was there, I mean...is…..there. It's just…"

"You don't believe in us. We are too small to carry so large?"

"No. No. No. I am just properly showing you what you need to do. Hard to tell you what needs to be done when I can just show you."

"Is that all?"

"MARS, what's going on up there?"

"Nothing!!!!!!!!

Just...…congratulating Gophers on their fear of heights. Very great job."

"That's why you're the best. You may be the star of every show, but there's no 'I' in team."

"But their is in 'give'."

".......GO...….MARS...…..

GO.....MARS 

GO...…MARS!!!!!!!!!!"

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"See, big bro. You still got it. The Bike doesn't make you who you are. You are who makes you who you are."

"GO....KRISTIN.....

GO.....KRISTIN."

"They're cheering your name too, Sis."

"I only got two cheers."

"Are you in position, Mars?"

"In position and waiting. Never tried with Giraffes as tether."

"They won't let go. Trust them.

Kristi, how you feel?"

"I'm done with my warm up, let's take it all the way."

"Here's your Balls, Mars. Kristi, you have your choice. The..."

"Paintbrushes."

"Paintbrushes?"

"As you can see, I am not as fit; but I am just as athletic."

"What are they saying? I wish I could hear."

"Sorry, Brother. We all have our own gifts. Here, Jane. Take my Cycle. I'm climbing down to help the Banner."

"Don't you want to ride at least once?

...…I mean.....everybodies watching, and...…parents said it was never safe to ride with me before; but do you see them anywhere?

.......Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Just this once; but I go behind you."

"You mean, 'You.....go in front of me."

"That will just slow you down."

"Who's the more experienced one? How can I see you if I can't see my own back?"

"Are they fighting?"

"No.

…Just planning."

"After you."

"Thank you."

"Release the WaterSprouts."

".......You really think it is a good idea sending them back out?"

"Just so you know, we are not WaterSprouts. We are…."

"Shut it, Kids; or you will be Cans. Now go back to Rico as if nothing happened. If Rico asks, tell him you said nothing."

"Hear no evil, say no evil, speak no evil?"

"Hey, we're not the bad gu….."

"...Thanks for your interrogation, Sir; but let them go."

"But."

"You want guns here?"

"You're Stupid, Wilson."

"Then be stupid with me. What say you?"

".......Kids. You're...…you're.....*erherrmmm..

You're free to go."

"Slow and steady?"

"Slow and steady, Kristin, I am behind you."

"Yeaaaah, they're going."

"Alena, turn on the watershoot and put it on medium upsquirt."

"Wai, wai...what's this? Mars, I can't see?"

"You were just on this Rope not even four minutes ago. Your eyes aren't the only thing that guides you."

"Huuuu....whoooooo.

You're right. I am stronger then water. Like a canvas with a brush....I am too strong to be pushed.

*PHUUUAAAAMMMMMM*

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaghhhh!!!!"

"Kristi, hold on.

*Phuaaaaaowoooooooooh...…

*Push*

*Ting*

*Eeeaaainkaaaaainkk*

Whoooo."

"Now that's a pro."

"Hold on to my tail, Krisi; and I wil pull you."

"Did he just squish that Cycle between his legs and swing all the way around, Kristi to push her back on?"

"The true Big Brother right there."

"You can stop breathing on my neck now. We're across. 

How'd you like it?"

"Can I get down?"

"...Of course, but just know that creating is very different from recreating."

"Jewels, I might need your Inhaler?"

"Here."

"Woo, woo, woo. Rule number one of Doctors. Don't reuse needles."

"Dad, this is not a needle, and she needs it."

"Kristi, go get some rest and then we'll work on the Banners together. Even get the Puppies to help."

"Olivia, Jane....call it off."

"What?"

"Look at these animals. I'll bring mine in and put on a show. Won't be the same, but….."

"We're not quitting."

"I didn't say you were. Losing may seem like defeat, even with millions watching; but I promise you it is not. Now, while I go get my Animals, Girls, can you please tell Wilson the news. He'll understand."

"He put all of this together, just for us to tear it down."

".......We'll talk to him. Hopefully his Moles have bigger teeth then our Hooves."

"Fingers crossed."

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

"Come in."

"Mrs. Bones. We..."

"They let you go?"

"We need you to help us get back to Rico."

"He kicked you out?"

"The Blue did."

"We would be foolish enough to walk directly back to where we live. With Bones on their side, going to you first….."

"Stop talking and come inside. First take on being a Double; don't talk of being a Double. Blend in with the other Kids. You understand what I have to do?"

"Can you make my Dose a gummy? I don't want to feel the Decontamination."

".......Take your clothes off in the back and come to the Bathroom one at a time."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Thank you."

"We never talked."

"..........Of course we did, Olivia; but I understand."

"You do, Wilson? I mean, Sir?"

"Labels don't make a man. You can still call me Wilson if you prefer. To be honest with you, I was kinda hoping you'd say no."

"You.....you were? Why?"

"Swooooshhh."

".....Excuse me a second. You can't go back there. That's for visitors only."

"Hezekiah. Hezekiah. Hezekiah. Hezekiah. Heze...gotcha."

"Analise, what are you doing here? You plan on breaking the Bars with your tears for me?"

"I have no tears for you."

"But you did."

"Key word. Did."

"Then why are you here?"

"Why are you? I don't have much time, but...."

"So you do still love me. Picking the bad boys is not a myth; and I am as bad as they come."

"Don't say that. Wilson let all the other Kids walk except the Cops and Ringleaders. You are neither...….aren't you?

Hezekiah, answer me. Are you or are you not a Ringleader? Did you...….send them to my house? Yes or no?"

"I…."

"It's just a straight answer. Everyone was looking for the route Falcon took. Someone had to point us out, and it wasn't Jim."

"And how do you know that? How do you know…"

"Hezekiah, please. Did you…..or didn't you?"

"I...….may have told them that my Girlfriends house was on the way."

"Hezekiah, we didn't fling. Our Circus....is miles away. We just have a training ground at home where we breed and tame new animals."

"I know."

"And you just tamed Rico."

"Gotta pay respect where respect is needed."

"There she is.

Analise, who let you back here?"

"Respect, huh? Did you tame me too?

*Clip*

"What are you doing?"

"Take your necklace back. It....no longer fits around my neck.

I'm ready to go, Wilson. Just wanted answers."

"Did you get them?"

"More or less."

"Huuuuu...whoooo.

Just take someone with you next time. You don't know what they have on them."

"Yes, Sir."

"Most of these people have two faces. You never know which one you are talking to."

"Boy do I know it."

"Analise, where were you?"

"I...…I'm ready to go."

"Thank you, Wilson, for understanding."

"My pleasure."

"Do you want help taking down the flyers? What if people actually do come?"

"Your dad says he got it. Might not be the show shown, but it is a show nonetheless. They'll understand."

"You really think so?"

"I'll be there to make sure of it."

"But you said you have never gone."

"I know, but when older Officers tell of the 'glory days from their youth,' it kinda scratches that itch. Plus....someone's gotta be there with handcuffs."

"Just try to blend in."

"You know me. 'Disguise' is my middle name."

"I thought it was 'by the book!'!!!!!!!!!"

"You little…"

"Come on, Analise. Let's go help dad. Thanks again, Wil. We'll get them broke in.....someday."

"Just not today."

*Stiassshhhhhhhhh*

"........No. No. Definitely not today. Rico may be bad, but he gives us a roof over our head. Clothes on our back. Comfy beds, and warm tummies. All we have to do for him is..."

"Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Rico!!!"

"Rico!!!!!!!!

"Rico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

*OOF*

"One at a time, one at a time. You're gonna knock me off my knees if you keep that up.

So, how did Daniel fare against the Lions?"

"We shut their mouths, Rico. You should've seen their faces. They were trapped. Locked in. Had nowhere to go. So they had to let us go."

"So few of you?"

"Well, the ones that manned the guns back at Vanillas house had it coming, but that was not us. We swear it."

"I don't even know how to handle a gun."

"Nor should I ever wish any of you to have that knowledge. Come on. I got a nice bowl of Chilli inside. Nanas been at work all morning slaving over that pot."

"You need to stop recruiting."

"Nonsense. Then how would you learn about the outside world? I put people in your places for you to interact. It's for your better good."

*Grrrrrrrrrrrrr*

"Uhhh…

We know what's for our better good, and right now....the animal speaketh."

"Evening Nana."

*Mooch*

"Evening Nana."

*Mooch*

"Evening Mana."

*Mooch*

"So, what we having today? Smells good.

*Dip*

…..Tastes even better."

*SLAP*

"Ouch."

"Use a spoon. You'll burn yourself. It'll be ready in a minute."

"More like two."

"Hey, what are you doing? I already added cheese in it. Stop pouring."

"You can never have too much cheese. I love mine ooey, gooey, pratude."

"Well, you're not the only one eating."

"Then if I must suffer, we must all suffer together."

"By that logic there would be more of you, not less. Now please set the tables and get the preparations ready."

"Preparations?"

"We got more Worms tonight, Antwon."

"Is that what I smell?"

"That's what the extra Cafeteria tables are for."

"I'll put them on hooks faster than you can blink, and with your age; I reckon I'd win."

"Hey!!!"

*Whack*

Ouch. What was that for? I was kidding, Nana."

"Look at this. You broke my stick. Now you have to get me a new one while you're back there."

"But it wasn't my fault.

...….Yes, Nana."

"Good boy."

"Two Shrimp Burgers please."

"Welcome back to the Fisherman, Alena. And who might this be? Hezekiah isn't with you?"

"Can you change that to all you can eat? Analise and I will be here a bit."

"Oh. Uhh....Of course."

"Of course? You just let them go?"

"You wouldn't understand, Jim. I can take her place if you want."

"Perhaps not, but I couldn't even if I wanted to."

"Don't play Wilson with me. I may not be tall enough to hold the ropes, but at least let me try."

"Fine, but hold onto the back ropes. I want you nowhere near its head."

"Yes, Sir."

"Okay Chipminks and Squirells. Everyone in position? Take your Animals and line them up on their own pillars. I want the dress team out and I want them out yesterday. We have nothing to hide."

"Mr. Vanilla, what are you doing?"

"Jim, if you want to keep favor in everyones eyes, trust me. This is like a pregame. Every sport has them. You arrive thirty minutes early so that you can talk with all the animals, watch them walk; and see what really happens behind the scenes."

"But we're behind no curtains."

"Exactly. Watch and learn."

"Up, up, up. Reach the pole and pull yourself up.

Good boy, Luce. Good boy."

"You want the Football? You want the Football? Then

*Phueeeeeeeemm*

….Go get it Bears."

"Bears playing Rugby!!! Huh. I really have seen it all."

"Amazing what you can do when you just let them lead and not you.

Set.....set....HIKE."

"But I don't see how playing helps with seriousness?"

"It...…probably doesn't, but come on. Would you rather have them sit in class and study all day?"

"Animals don't study."

"No. They learn. And the best way to learn is by doing. Not repetitive actions. Just…..experiences.

"Watch out!!!!!"

*BOOM*

"Aaaaaaaghhhh."

"Q….B….IS....SACKED!!!!!!!!!!"

"Owwwwww."

"Ruaaaoorrrr."

"Thanks, Buddy. That was a good hit."

"So tell me again. Why...…are you playing with Bears instead of training the Bears? I know you wear padding and all that, but you could get hurt. Why not train them for what they actually need to do? You said so yourself. They're not learning anything here."

"Chemistry."

"What?"

"I wouldn't be stupid enough to do this with other Bears, but with my own; it's ok. Rome wasn't built in a day, you know."

"How....is that relevant?"

"You'll know when you're older."

"But I'm older than you, Mr. Vanilla."

"Only one of us thinks that.

Go long.

*Phueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*

.........…..TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

WOOO, WOO, WOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"

"....You're a strange famly."

"We know. And we're proud of it, 

Bacon for the road, Boy. Catch.

*Phueeee*

"Aaachoouumm"

"Good game."

"Is that why you call your Circus Baconators and not Vanilla wafers?"

"Wafers sound too soft, but hey; that's a great name. Thanks, Jim. We might need to rebrand now."

"I didn't...….what?"

"I said, 'Boys can be cruel.'

They like you for them, but don't show up for you."

"Better to have someone stuck then unstuck. At least Blade still likes you."

"Hezekiah likes you."

"No. I like him. He just used me as a hideout. Pulled on my piano strings."

"It's....nevermind. Plus, you're too young. Focus more on gaining your Fathers eyes, then a reckless boys."

"I wish it were that simple."

"Why are you trying to make it otherwise? You see with your eyes, but feel with your heart. Might need to add your head to the mix."

"Acccchooouuummm.

May be too late for that, but I am sure we can do.

*Brrriiiiaaaaannnnnnggggg.........….Brrriiiiaaaaannnnnnggggg*

Who's that?"

"Uhhhh......No one."

"You only live once. A Puzzle piece is better than no piece."

"Thank you. I'm gonna go powder my nose. Be right back. Don't eat all my Shrimp."

"It's all you can eat. You can always have more to take home."

*.......Click*

"Hey, Blade. Now's...…not a good time."

"I heard."

"Heard what?"

"You found Mars."

"I what?"

"The Posters. I knew you could do it. Who pointed him out?"

".......Hezekiah."

"Good boy. May I talk to him and congratulate him? He helped fill my girl's heart and make it whole."

"Then he broke it."

"....I'm sorry."

"Now I am in a community of other Ringleaders."

"That's good."

"Run by Jim."

"Ohhh."

"Bones."

"Gotcha."

"All our tents burned down from the raids, so Wilson has pitched us all together, and he and Jim have helped pay for everything. All under one condition."

"What's that?"

"We catch the bad guys. Use our Animals as bait to catch the Pochers. Then the Police will swoop in and catch them red handed. We have so many animals, who wouldn't want a gold mine?"

"People would be too stupid to act. You know what they say. 'If it's too good to be true, then it probably is.'"

"Stupid and risky are these Underlords names."

"I thought they….."

"What?"

"Nothing. How are you?"

"You know how they say you can be alone but not lonely? And that you can be in a crowd, but lonely?"

"I see our raincheck coming up."

"Yes, Blade."

"Yes, Blade what?"

"Yes, Blade, I would love to come to your house."

"Woo. Woo. Woo. I thought we were just going on a date, but a house sounds nice. What'd you have in mind?"

"......A Crybuddy?"

"..........I'll pick you up. Where are you?"

"The Fishermen."

"Be there in Ten. See ya."

"Wait, I...….

*Beep*

Forgot to ask something important."

".......That didn't take long, Alena. Your Shrimp are still warm."

"He'll be here in ten."

"Seconds or minutes?"

"When he wants something, he doesn't wait too long to get it."

"Then I will sit with you until he arrives."

"You don't have to do that."

"What do you want? A Playboy sees a weak damsel in distress; sitting all alone. No way!!!!!!!"

"But I thought you..."

"Use your head, remember?"

"Aaaaah. I see you truly are taking note. Good girl."

"Don't worry about me. I'll head back to the Show."

"Thank you."

"Of course. What are friends for?"

".......One, two, three, four......…You did eat two of my Shrimp."

"And they were good."

"You little Simp."

"Blades the Simp."

"I sure hope not."

*Vurrruuuammm…..vurrrrruuuuammm….vroooooaammmm*

"That was fast."

"Hey, Girls."

"Blade. Blade. Blade. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"What was that about, Simp?"

"Blade, Marry me."

"No. Marry me."

"Dreamy."

"I think I'm going to throw up."

"Now can I have your shrimp? I think he will give you some food at home."

"Sure. I lost my appetite anyways."

"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Aaacchouuuummm.....aaaacchhouuum…..aaaaccchhouum."

*Gulp*

Oh.uh.......Hi, Blade. Sorry. I didn't save you any Shrimp, but I don't think you are here for them, are you?"

"No."

"I'll leave you then."

"You don't want a ride?"

".....Three's a crowd."

"Aaaaah, you thought about it."

"I didn't want to mess up the quote."

"Uhuh.

See ya, Ana. Such a beautiful name. If I had Kids, that is one of the names I would use. Analise. 'Graced with God'sw bounty.' Ana means up, and Lise means God is my hope. Put them together, and He will you. With you as his bounty, who am I to give chase? He will beat me everytime."

"Oh. Uhhh...…Thank you, but I really must go. I…..

*Piraassschhhh*

Sorry about that. Sorry about that. I'll clean up the water spilled."

"Thanks."

".....Wow."

"I know right? Who knew?"

"You have no shame, do you Blade?"

"I was just giving the Kid a compliment. You don't have to take everything rated R. Take it down a level."

"Then why not you?"

"Huh."

"On...Analises level."

"Oh. Oh. Hold the towel, Ana. I'll help you clean up."

"Thanks, but…."

*Watiishhh*

"My pleasure."

"Wow, Blade. A new low. What's this? A Playboy breaking their back for somebody else? Careful not to get your expensive suit wet."

"Suit?

...…Aha.

Thanks, girls."

*Slap*

"Here, Ana. You won't be able to clean up all that water with those tiny Napkins. Take my suit. Super warm and double layered. Soaks in the sweat like it soaks in water."

"I...didn't need to know that. Thanks."

"I got the Mop. I got the Mop. Where do I need to...….Oh. You already have it cleaned up I see."

"Take my Suit, Waitress. Wash it out and then get it dry cleaned."

"Erherrrmmm."

"....Please."

"Of course, Sir. We value all our customers the same."

"Call me Falcon."

"What's your Middle name, Falcon?"

"Dry clean my shirt and maybe I'll tell you."

"Yes, Sir. I'll even take a break right now to do so. Punching out as we speak."

"Aren't they so sweet, Alena?"

"I thought I was your Chase."

"Again, you are reading too much into this. Breath a little, Girl. Chill."

"I'm sorry."

"What?"

"I feel better now."

"But on the phone, you…."

"Were overreacting. You calmed me. I must go."

"Wait."

"Why are you holding onto my hand? I thought all Playboys love the Chase, not the Catch?"

"I'm not here to chase."

"You're.....you're not?"

"I have been lured here by a Fox. A cunning, stunningly beautiful yet mischievous fox. She caught me, and no matter how hard I tried to run away, the cage was too big. I could not escape. I cannot escape. So why must I try?"

".......Tell me more about this mischievous Fox."

"Well, Sir. I don't know much, but in my twelve years of living with the Animals, I heard very strange rumours."

"Rumours, or legengds?"

"Myths!!! Many land animals are faster than humans."

"Of course."

"And cameras are super slow."

"Is she or is she not real?"

"....Huuuuuu...…whooooo.

The Shapeshifting white Fox is real. But…..the only way to see what is there when it is not, is with a Cat. No other way will yield the results you seek."

"What if...…what if we are all Shapeshifters."

"Yeah. What's my Spirit Animal?"

"Guys, the Fox is not a..."

"What if that's why the Underrings are doing what they're doing."

"Huh?"

"Think about it. Animals are just shapeshifting spirit animals in a new life. The best way to free people and bring loved ones back is to kill their spirit animal."

"But that would."

"It's just a Shell, as Jesus says."

"He says Temple."

"The Spirit and Soul is what makes you. That's what gets passed on. For how long, and how often, no one knows. He's just returning their spirits to their rightful owners. They were breathed back to life. Recharged as animals, so now they can charge their former bodies.

Best place to search....Circuses!!!!!!!! The most carefree, wild, and tame animals around. Zoos and Petting cages got nothing on us."

"Jewels, you are scaring the animals."

"They can take it. It's us...you need to worry about. Humans are afraid of huge Boa Constrictors, but when it slithers past a Turtle, that Turtle could care less."

"Their is a difference between being not scared, and oblivious."

"Which one are you?"

"....Guests are starting to show up. Everybody done with the warmups?"

"You said playing wasn't part of…"

"U....HUH!!!!!!!!!"

"Then let's get this PARTY….STAR....TED!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Oww, oww. OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"It really is a game to them, isn't it?"

"Huddle up. Huddle up. Okay team. This is our Match. Our time to shine. The Crowds bigger. The crowds better, and the Crowd is a lot more...….Vocal. But you know what they say. It's not the team that wins a Match, nor the cheerleaders; but the Crowd. If you don't feel someone cares, then you're not gonna be there.

The Louder they share....The more we will….."

"Scare!!!!!!!!!!"

"Then on this night, I want you to receive a standing ovation so worthy that even their feet pulls the Earth from its core and cause the Dead to rise up."

"Yes, Sir."

"One, two, three, Bacon."

"One two, three, Bacon."

"Who's.........Ready to rum...ble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH."

"Legendary Bears, with their four oh whole square, take on the mighty Lions. Will they finally get on the board, or is their speed so fast they will shuffle offf like last time?"

"BOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

"You may be the King, but we all know where they sit.

And you aint ever coming out of there."

"Yeah. We'll lock the door and throw away the key."

"Get out of the Locker room."

"Jane, don't listen to them."

"Analise, you were late for the Warmup."

"I was…."

"Nevermind her. I know my Daughter. She had a good reason."

"Thanks mom."

"Let's take dad down once and for all. What do you say?"

*BERRRRBAAABABABABABABABABABABABAERRRRRR8

"PLAY BALL!!!!!!"

*KICK*

"It's up. It's up. It's...…touchback. Bears get first start on Offense. Let's see how they do."

"....Are we late?"

"Excuse us. Excuse us. Excuse us."

"Pardon me."

"You're not late…..Alade."

"What did you just call us?"

"'Desires arrival'. And I can see that Blade has definitely met desire upon his arrival. Finally put a pitstop to his engines, did you?"

"I wouldn't talk like that. We're just taking it slow."

"Shh. Don't be like the Lions. The only way to get ahead is to push through like the Bears. Screw the phrase slow and steady. You'll always lose."

"Excuse me?"

"He's talking about the Game. You say you have chemistry with your Mars, but here's chemistry with all the animals."

"I have Chemistry with my….had.....chemistry with my animals."

"Tissue?"

"Thank you."

"I can see that Chemistry hasn't left."

"Shh. The Game's starting."

"And here's the opening. Nat, you go left. Antwon, you cut back and fade away. Garry, cause a disturbance in the outfield. Two up, drop back."

"Yes, Sir."

"Raise their defenses out. They will turn to see Antwon fading from sight and then bam. He'll be all the way. The Decoy truck. The rest will leave you, Gary; and follow him. That's when you make your move."

"I was the original receiver all along."

"Yes you were."

"It's very rare for people to turn around and backpedal, and when they do; it's su…..per...…slow. Giving you enough time to drop the match, and…"

"Boom.

I just scored a touchdown. What could go wrong?"

"Glad you boys are back. I missed you."

"We missed you too. When do you want us up in the morning?"

"Woo. Woo. The less details, the better. Remember? Nana will wake you. I'll be at the Site waiting."

"Yes, Sir."

"Now get some sleep. You'll need it."