The day has come. There is no turning back now. Zach leans over on his bed and looks down at his paws. He tries to calm his heavy breathing and slow it down, but no matter what he does, anxiety always manages to impair his thoughts.
“Zach, are you ready?” asks the rabbit, appearing before him. “Zach, are you okay?”
“Y-yes,” says the fox without turning around. “Just nervous…”
“Hey…” Ralph approaches and places his paw on Zach’s shoulder. “Don’t be. You’ll do good.”
Zach finally pivots his head toward him. “Y-you think so…? What if I screw up and don’t get the role?”
“You won’t screw up, Zach. Look, I know you’re reflecting back on your experience from your hometown, but you shouldn’t let the past deter you from trying to do new things. You need to focus on the future.”
Zach turns his whole body toward him. “You’re right… I can do this… I’m confident in getting the role…”
Ralph smiles. “There you go. Now, ready to head over there and show those judges you have what it takes to be a hero on screen?”
Zach reflects the rabbit’s expression and nods. “You bet I am!”
“That’s the spirit! Let’s get going, shall we?” He leads the fox out of the apartment. “I’ll drop you off in front of the studio. Josh says he’s waiting for you.”
“I wish you would’ve accompanied me.”
“I would’ve, but I have work today, I’m afraid.”
“Understandable.”
***
The boys arrive at Zach’s tv studio for tryouts of the new show. Instead of the usual location of where Zach goes for work, he’s directed to another part where an empty set is being used for the auditions. There, he is guided by his coworker to the back. The fox emerges out of the dressing room in his superhero outfit; consisting of a blue mask, cape, tight shorts, fingerless gloves and toeless boots. “How do I look?”
“Stunning and appealing,” comments Josh. “Ready?”
Zach nods. “Let’s do this.” The two guys walk away from the changing area and proceed toward the set area, where they stand in line in front of many other animals in costumes, who are all trying out for the show as well. “My… There are a lot of other people trying out for this show…”
“Don’t worry too much about it, Zach,” Josh assures him. “Just follow what they tell you, and you’ll do fine. You know what to do?”
“Yeah… Been practicing a hundred times…”
“Then, there shouldn’t be any problems, right?”
“Well, look who it is,” says a voice.
Josh pivots to the source. “I think I spoke too soon…”
Zach faces the direction toward the smaller animal, who is wearing a green mask and cape. “Oh, hello, Willy…”
“Do I even dare ask why you’re here?”
“Same as you… Trying out for the new show coming up.”
“Figures…” The sheep crosses his arms. “Thinking of ways to steal the spotlight from me. You predators are always trying to take advantage of little prey, huh?” Zach remains silent. “Well? Can’t you talk? Cat got your tongue or something? Say something!” Zach continues with his silence. “Thought so. Nothing but a dirty predator, just like your friend.” The lamb wanders off.
“Ugh, I can’t stand him,” Josh comments. “What a total asshole…” He looks back at the fox. “Pay no attention to him… He’s just trying to make you uncomfortable and get under your fur.”
“As if I wasn’t aware of that,” Zach utters.
“I don’t see him getting the role with that attitude. You have a better chance than he does. Though, it would be strange if you both got the role and had to work alongside each other.”
“I work with him on a daily basis already. I really hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Around the corner, Willy waits in hiding. “That little bitch,” he says to himself. “There is no way that predator’s stealing the spotlight from me, nor am I working alongside him!” The sheep notices a closed box labeled “set controls” on it. “And I’m going to be sure of that!” He takes it and goes off to a hiding spot somewhere.
After hours of waiting, Zach is next in line to present himself to the judges and explain his interest for the new superhero, show as advertised. Josh stands on the side, watching as Zach is taking his turn.
“All right, Fox,” goes one of the judges. “Show us what you can do.”
“O-okay,” Zach says. He readies himself and begins to display everything he had practice; announcing himself as ‘Fantastic Fox’ and claiming he is a protector of the city. As he’s well-into his speech, he is launched into the air after a spring had activated underneath him. Zach quickly lands on his feet after being tossed a couple of feet. “W-what the hell?!” He quickly faces the judges. “Uh, actually, I meant to do that. Moving on…” The fox changes to a ready stance. “Evil-doers, surrender now! You have nowhere left to run!” A rumbling sound causes him to turn to the source to see a pile of logs rolling toward him. “Yipe!” He quickly dodges every single one without a scratch. “What’s going on around here?!” He changes his posture and returns back to his stance, quickly trying to get back into his character. “I mean… Ha! Nice try, Villain! You’ll have to think of something better to outwit Fantastic Fox!”
“Oh, but I have,” says the sheep to himself, hiding up on the catwalk above. With the push of a button, a few objects suspended to the ceiling by rope release and swing toward the fox in blue. Zach, having taken notice, dodges each one. “Your ‘fancy dancing’ won’t save you, Predator.” The lamb continues to play around with the controls and spring more “traps” for the young fox. With luck, quick thinking, and agility, Zach is able to evade every single one.
Josh becomes bewildered at what he’s witnessing. “What the hell is going on? This wasn’t part of the other auditions. Why is all of the equipment suddenly failing and going off?” He then notices the white figure above on the catwalks and makes it out as a familiar face, causing him to gasp. The bear heads off and makes for the stairs, climbing up to the walkway and standing before the sheep. “Willy Wool!” The cry of the sheep’s name causes the fluffy mammal to freeze and face him. “Figures you’d be behind this!”
“Behind what?” asks Willy. “I have no idea what you’re talking about…”
Josh points at him. “You’ve been the one springing up those traps! You’re trying to sabotage Zach!”
Willy stands and faces him fully. “That fox is not taking my spotlight! He’s a filthy predator and unfit for this studio, just like you! I am not letting you, or him, take advantage of me!”
“Give me those controls!”
“Or what?” Josh pounces on the lamb and struggles to take away the electronic case. The two tumble and fight, vying for control of the remote box. As they quarrel, they activate certain props and gadgets, causing Zach to dodge and avoid getting hit by them below.
After some time, using lots of energy, Zach has his paws on his knees as he’s hunched over trying to catch his breath.
“Quite interesting,” says one judge. Zach straightens himself to meet their gaze. “You certainly have a peculiar act.”
“Indeed,” utters another. “Lots of energy and dexterity. Especially with the set going haywire.”
“This fox has speed,” mentions the third. “He might be the one we’re looking for.” The other two agree with them. “Zach the Fox, you certainly have intrigued us with your performance.”
Zach keeps his look on them. “I… huh…?”
“We think you’re a possible, worthy candidate for the show.”
“R-really?! Gee, I-” He’s interrupted when something crashes in front of the judges. “What the?!” The three animals inspect the item to be the set controls, which are now broken into pieces. He then notices the sheep and bear appearing on the side, having climbed down from the catwalk. “Josh, Willy?!”
“Oh, great!” spurts Willy. “Now look what you’ve done, Bear Boy!”
“Me?!” Josh utters. “You were the one who tossed it over.”
“What is the meaning of this?!” exclaims one of the other judges, causing them both to freeze and look at the animal. The reviewer then faces the fox. “Is this some sort of joke?”
“W-what do you mean?” Zach asks.
“Do you know about this?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Were you setting this whole thing up to make us think these were acts on accident and try to impress us?”
“What?! No! Why would I do that? I don’t even-”
“Oh, it’s true,” Willy butts in. “The fox works here; he’s one of the techs, and he knows about the stage systems. He had us work the whole thing and wanted us to make you believe he’s an actor, which he isn’t.”
“That isn’t true!” Zach claims. “Well, it’s true I work here, but I would never do something like that! I’m no cheater! I don’t even know what’s going on!”
The three showbiz animals turn to each other and talk in hushed tones. They then turn back to Zach. “Fox,” begins one. “I believe we may have some news for you.” Zach remains still and waits patiently to hear what they have to say. “After some discussion, we-” Rumbling interrupts their conversation. “What’s that sound?” The animals turn and take notice of a wall of water rushing toward them, causing them all to stare in shock.
“Oh dear,” Zach utters.
***
Meanwhile, Emma walks through the park by herself. She finds a nice spot on the grass and takes out her sketchbook.
“Ah, hello, Miss Warthog!” says a feminine voice.
Emma turns to the source and smiles upon noticing the friendly vixen. “Hey, Amina! How’s it going?”
“Oh, just been getting by, you know,” says the red fox. “How are things with you and the others?”
“Hunky-dory, as always.”
“Where’s Alec? Aren’t you hanging out with him today?”
“Later,” Emma informs her. “We’re going to see a movie. I guess Zach’s told you all about us, has he?”
“Yep,” Amina answers. “He’s been telling me everything; especially how you guys have been focused on your boyfriends more than him.”
Emma’s smile disappears. “W-what…? What do you mean?”
“Well, he came up to me the night you guys went to the arcade. He was pretty upset when he noticed you three were ignoring him for your crushes.”
“Gee, I… I didn’t realize… Is that why he started dating Fiona?”
“Well, yes and no. It was one of the reasons, but the bigger reason was because of an empty heart. Seeing you guys with lovers made him feel broken-hearted and reflect back on an animal he had once liked.”
“Cindy the Sheep… I know about that… But now that Zach’s found someone else, he seems happy.”
“Is he really, though…?”
“Judging by watching him and Fiona together, I’d say it’s working out.”
“He’s with her right now, right?”
“Actually, he isn’t… Zach’s with Josh today.”
Amina gets taken aback by what the warthog had said. “W-what? He’s hanging out with his coworker?”
“Zach went to the studio for a role rehearsal. Josh explained that there’s a new superhero show coming and they’re looking for people for the cast. Zach’s over there trying out for the role.”
Amina’s smile returns. “Well, I do hope he succeeds and gets it.”
“I have no doubt he will.” A ding sounds from Emma’s pocket. She pulls out her phone and looks at her text. Her eyes immediately widen. “Amina, I better get going.”
“Something wrong?”
“I can’t really talk. I need to go. See you later.” Emma grabs her things and makes haste. On her way out of the park, she bumps into another animal; a pink rabbit in green armor and conical hat.
The rabbit holds her head. “Hey!”
“Oh! I’m very sorry, Ma’am,” Emma tells her. “I didn’t mean to knock into you.”
“What’s the big idea?!” interrupts the rabbit. “You blind or something?!”
“What? No, I just need to-”
“What’s going on?” interrupts the maroon kobold, approaching the two women.
“Damnit!” the rabbit utters. “Where have you been?! I’ve been waiting all over for you!”
“I was getting some munchies… Who’s this warthog girl?”
“Just a stranger,” Emma claims. “Sorry, I’d love to chat, but I need to get going. Sorry for running into you…” She hurries off several feet before Igor appears besides her and stops her for a little chat. Emma continues onward with the imp flying alongside, chatting.
As the two speak and wander off, the samurai-styled rabbit stares at the two. “Hm, a ‘stranger of interest,’ I might add,” she utters. “Come on!”
“What?” says the kobold. “But, I-”
“Now!” The rabbit orders. “Let’s go!” She starts off with the kobold tailing her.
