Zach comes into the studio and wastes no time setting up at his station after clocking in. He performs his usual routine of checking all of the equipment and the software of on his laptop.
“Zach,” calls a voice, interrupting him. He turns to the source. “Hey…”
“Rachael,” Zach says, acknowledging her existence before diving back into the laptop. “How’s it going…?”
“How are you doing? You any better today?”
“Fine… Just fine… Listen, I’d love to chat, but I have a lot of work to do and I don’t want to hold you up…”
“You don’t want to talk about it?”
Zach pauses and looks back to the raccoon. “What is there to talk about…?”
“It’s been a few days since…” She stops, keeping herself from going any further, fearing of making him uncomfortable. “Just know I’m here for you and I’m listening.”
“Rachael, I’m fine… You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Hey, morning, Rachael,” utters Josh, entering the scene. “Oh, Zach. How’s it going…? How was your time off?”
“Peachy,” Zach responds, keeping his eyes to the screen. “Just peachy…”
“You doing all right?”
Zach stops and turns up to them. “Yes… Everyone stop asking me that, okay? It is obvious I do not wish to speak of what happened… I just want to do my job and get through the day quickly. I also don’t want any trouble from Willy…”
“Willy isn’t here,” Rachael tells him. Zach quickly turns his gaze to her. “He’s been suspended by the studio for a week after what happened.”
“Suspended for a week? Doesn’t surprise me… I suppose his mother’s trying to get that reversed, considering she’s the mayor of the city.”
“Not at all,” states Josh. “She thought it was a fitting punishment for him… That, and having him do some ‘community service’ for the city to make up for his behavior at the convention.”
“Willy also got cut from the superhero show,” Rachael adds. “After what happened at the convention, the producers and executives made the decision to boot him. They didn’t want him because he couldn’t control himself, they said. There are also talks of cutting ‘Wool and Wiles’ short. So far, we’re to finish the remaining episodes of the season when he comes back. Not sure what will happen after…”
“Is that all?”
“Well, they’ve postponed the superhero series and started looking for people to replace Willy. That’s what we’ve heard so far.”
“Thanks guys…”
“You don’t have anything else to say?” asks Josh. “They’ve re-opened the role to the superhero show; you have another chance. You should go for it again!”
“Look, I’m extremely busy with all of the ‘lead tech’ work assigned to me. I appreciate the news; however, I do not want to think about it…” The two animals break away to leave the fox be. Zach takes out his phone and holds it up to his ear. “Hey, it’s Zach. I’ve got some news for you and it’s a great opportunity. Come down to the studio right now.”
***
Zach sits outside of the administrator’s office, waiting. While he’s seated in one of the chairs outside, he works away at his sketchbook. His paw-gripped pencil drags against the pages as he brings sketches alive while time whittles away. Upon hearing his name called, he looks up to see familiar faces before him. “Oh… Hey, guys.”
“Nervous?” asks Rachael.
“About what?”
“We know why you’re sitting out here,” says Josh. “But don’t worry about it, Zach; we have your back. We’ll help you put in a good word.”
“What are you two talking about?” Zach queries. “Wait… You both think I’m consulting with the administrator about applying for the superhero show again…?”
“Of course,” Rachael utters. “We’ll support you in any way we can. We’ll go in there and help convince them, even.”
“Thanks… However, that’s not-” The door opens and causes the three to stop and look. Zach stands out of his seat and sees the grey bunny exits the room with the administrator, as well as a few more staff members; who leave and head their separate ways. “Well?” begins the fox to the rabbit. “How did it go in there?”
“I’ve got it!” utters Melissa. “They gave me the position!” She takes notice of the raccoon and bear. “Oh, hello, Josh and Miss Ringtail! Nice to see you both again!”
“Oh, hello!” Rachael spurts. “Such a surprise to see you again as well, Miss Rabbit. Might I ask what brings you here?”
“Zach called me about an opening in the studio. He informed me they were looking for another actor for the upcoming superhero show. I was hesitant at first, but Zach helped me get the role.”
“He did…?” Rachael pivots to Zach.
“Yes,” confirms Zach. “I spoke with the manager beforehand, and I suggested to them that Melissa was a good fit for the position. They got the superhero show’s creators and staff in to interview Melissa and learn of her.”
“They liked my energy and talent, as well as my personality!” Melissa states with joy. “I can’t wait to start! I’m going to head home and celebrate!” She grabs the fox and hugs him tightly. “Thank you so much, Zach!”
Zach freezes, yet accepts the hug with a blush. “You’re welcome…”
Melissa lets go. “I’ll see you later, tonight.” She heads off and leaves.
Rachael stares blankly at the fox. “You helped Melissa take the superhero role…?”
“Is that a problem?” asks Zach.
“Zach, we thought you were the one applying for Willy’s spot,” Josh says. “You love superhero stuff, and we thought you’d be the one pursuing the position again.”
“I told you before I wasn’t doing that anymore… I knew Melissa was looking for a job, and I wanted to help her; and this was a good opportunity to help her, as well as the studio. Could you imagine what would happen if I took the position? Willy would cause me a lot of hell and harass me nonstop about it, even though he’s been kicked… He’d blame me for taking it away from him.”
“Well, you aren’t wrong about that,” says Rachael. “I also see this shows the administrator and studio you are willing to help in any way. Still… You should’ve taken the role yourself… I understand you feel discouraged after what happened, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams, you know…”
“Look, I appreciate you guys looking out for me and helping me out… I do… But, things have changed… Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” The fox speeds off past the two animals, who look at each other in concern. Zach returns to his station and stops to see another duo in front of him. “What the…?”
“Hi there, Fox Spirit,” says the kobold with a smile. “We are here for you.”
“What are you both doing here…? Actually, how’d you get in here? Better yet, how’d you even know where I work…?”
“Haya and I traced your energy to this place,” Berc tells him. “We asked around for you and a few of the workers told us where we’d find you.”
“We’re here to protect you,” states Haya.
“You’ve said that before,” Zach tells her. “You gave me a little bell to ring when I need your help.”
“Forget the bell. What happened a few days ago caught us off guard. I swear we will not let anything else like that happen again.”
“And what about your ‘demon-hunting’ mission? I thought you’re still searching for bad spirits.”
“That can wait for now. You are more important to us.”
“Haya, Berc, everything’s fine… I’m doing better. Plus, there’s no danger around here.” He takes notice of some lights sparking off on one of the sets. “Correction… There’s no ‘hostile forces’ I need protection from.”
“Still, we need to make sure you are safe.”
“I am perfectly capable of handling things on my own! I don’t need you both around to protect me! Look, I don’t mind you hanging about here, especially if the studio staff and supervisors don’t mind, but just don’t get in my way of my work. Understand?” His raised tone causes them to keep silent and stare. Zach lets out a grunt and makes an about face. “Just… don’t any cause problems around here, especially for me, okay…?” He continues off. “I’ll be right back…”
“W-what’s with him?” Berc asks his companion.
“He seems troubled,” Haya says. “We will ensure he is safe; though, we should comply with his orders.”
The fox enters the bathroom and goes to splash water onto his face. He looks back up at his reflection, staring at himself for several seconds. His eyes remain fixed on his own. “Easy, Zach… Take it easy…” Then, he notices a splotch of red in his peripheral vision. He turns toward the end of the bathroom and notices the small creature in one of the sinks by the wall. “Are you fucking serious…?”
“Huh…?” The imp lifts his head to the source. “Ah, Fox Boy. Such a surprise to see you.”
“Do I even dare ask why you’re here, Igor?”
“I could ask you the same question.”
“I work here…”
“You work in this bathroom? Quite a shitty job, if you ask me.”
“I work in this building… I’m one of the technicians for the studio who produces ‘Wool & Wiles…’ ‘Tech head,’ rather…”
“Really? You know, I had a feeling you would be here to try out for that new hero show people keep talking about. I figured you would after your fight with that sheep.” Zach gives him a quiet stare. “I saw the video online; everyone did. Your friends also yapped about it. I know all of it.”
“Well, you didn’t watch the video correctly, and didn’t hear everything clearly… It wasn’t a fight; he lunged forward and slas-… Look, I don’t want to talk about it… I don’t even want to be reminded of it…”
“Why? Ashamed of letting him overcome you? That you weren’t better enough against him?”
“It’s not like that, Igor! I just don’t want to think about it… It’s horrific and traumatizing to me…”
“I don’t get you… You’re a fox. Foxes are supposed to be quick and fierce.”
“Not this fox… I’ve experienced a lot of horrible things in my life… Things I don’t wish to discuss and keep out of my mind… Listen, I need to get back to work… Don’t get in my way or open your mouth, got it?” Igor keeps his gaze on him. “I command you!”
“Whatever…” The imp watches the fox leave as he bolts out the door. “Geez, lighten up, Fox… It was only a scratch…”
***
After work, the friends gather at Emma’s place for some game night. Joining the four friends are Alec, Kenny, Josh, and Melissa. The current game the friends are playing involves matching colored number cards. Amina is there, too, but as a spectator of the event.
“So, what’s the deal with this game?” asks Amina. “I haven’t seen anything like it.”
“Each player plops down a card matching the color or number that was last played,” explains Emma. “The idea is to get rid of all your cards first. It’s a very simple game. You should play it, too.”
“I… do not play games. I’m more focused on survival than playing games.”
“You should lighten up for a change,” states Alec, keeping his gaze in his cards. “You don’t know what you’re missing. You should join after I finish wiping the floor with these losers.”
“Not likely,” Winnie says, countering him. “You’ve only got six cards. If anyone’s winning, it’s going to be me!”
“With only three cards?” asks Kenny. “Not likely, Clucky.”
“Watch whatcha say, Small Fry.”
“Hey,” Zach utters. “Knock it off, you guys.”
Winnie lowers her cards to look at the fox. “Jeez, what’s with you? Did you have another bad day at work?”
“I just don’t want any fighting, okay?”
“Zach’s right,” Melissa states. “We’re all here to have a good time and some fun. However, it’s not going to stop me beating all of you.” She gives a smile.
“Not if I win first.” Ralph lays down a red card on his turn. “Try and beat that!” Zach glances over and stares at the color.
Josh places down a green card with the number matching the one Ralph put down. “I’m down to one card left. I think I’m the one who will be winning this game tonight.”
“Think again, Bear.” Zach displays his deck of three cards onto the pile; all with the same color and numbers to match Josh’s. Everyone gasps and stares at his hand. Zach gives a smile. “Three of a kind. And with that, I win the game.”
“What the fuck?!” spurts Winnie, dropping her cards onto the table. “Come on…!”
“Damn,” Ralph says. “Good one…”
“Didn’t see that coming,” adds Melissa. “Well done, Zach.”
“Yeah, that was lucky!” Emma smiles. “Congrats, Zach!” Zach quickly turns to see her hoof placed on his shoulder. He stares at it with widened eyes and shrunken pupils. His mind flashes back to the moment; re-envisioning the knife swing at his abdomen and his blood spurting out. His heart starts to race; the fox stands up and pulls away quickly, jerking away with fear all over his face; tense and uncomfortable. Emma’s smile disappears as she looks at him. “Zach…?” The room falls silent and the happy atmosphere changes to concern when they notice him.
Zach turns away and lets out a sigh. “I’m sorry, guys… I… have to go… It’s been a long day, and I’m exhausted…” He looks to the white bunny next. “I’ll meet you back at the apartment.” The fox wastes no time grabbing his things and heading out.
“Hey, Zachy, wait up.” Ralph puts his cards down, gets out of his chair, and traces his path. “Zach!” He disappears out the door after him.
“What’s wrong with him?” Kenny questions. “He all right?”
“He was like this at work,” Josh states. “He’s probably still uncomfortable about what happened at the convention.”
“I get that,” Winnie says. “How long is this going to be, though? I really hope it isn’t forever…”
“This is not something Zach will get over quickly,” utters Emma. “He’s pretty traumatized about the whole thing…”
“It’s also not the first time something like this has happened to Zach,” adds Amina. “He’s gone through other rough experiences in his life… You guys already know about what he’s gone through, right?” Winnie and Emma nod and confirm. “He needs more time…”
“I know how he feels,” Melissa implies. She looks toward the door. “Poor Zach… I hope he’ll be all right and pull through this…”
***
The green raccoon pulls up to the door. Knocking echoes onto the other side. “Willy, are you there?” There is nothing but silence. “Will…?” She twists the doorknob, which allows her to swing it open and access the room. “Whoa!” She quickly closes the door, allowing an alarm clock to hit against it and break. The raccoon opens it back up. “What the fuck was that for?!”
“Oh shit,” Willy spurts, standing in the middle of the room. “Rachael… I didn’t realize it was you…”
“Who did you think I was…?”
“I…” He lets out a sigh and turns away. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t talking to me anymore…”
“Your mother reached out to me… She told me you weren’t responsive… She wanted to know if I could speak with you. I was reluctant at first, but your mom told me you were being punished… I came to see for myself…”
“What difference is talking to me going to make? You hate me, just like everyone else…”
“I don’t hate you, Willy… I think you’re stupid and do things out of impulse. And why do you think people hate you? It’s because of what you did to Zach.”
Willy faces her. “Rachael, he’s a predator! He’s dangerous! You and everyone should know that! He wasn’t listening and he-”
“Willy, he wasn’t doing anything!” She interrupts. “We were just having a conversation!”
“Why do you even talk to him?”
“I was worried for him…! Zach’s been going through a rough time with things, and I wanted to find out how he was doing. He’s probably not going to be okay after this…! It’s bad enough he’s lived a horrible life before coming to Anitropolis. He’s probably now going to be a lot worse after what you did to him.”
“I’ve gone through horrible things in my life, too, Rachael. I’ve experienced much worse than you think and what that fox has been through.”
“Willy, you’re selfish… If you hadn’t slashed him, you wouldn’t be in this situation. You only have yourself to blame.”
“Rachael-”
“You went too far! This has costed you way more than you think. You’re only thinking about yourself. Just be lucky you didn’t kill Zach!”
“You don’t have to be harsh about it…”
“I’m not telling you what you WANT to hear, I’m telling you what you NEED to hear.”
“Get out of here,” the sheep demands. “I want to be alone…” Without another word, the raccoon turns and exits, leaving the lamb by himself. He heads over to his bed to curl up under the covers. He remains motionless and in thought. “It was just a scratch… He’s toying with me… He’s toying with everyone… He’s making everyone believe he’s the victim! I’m not letting him dominate me!”
