FA+
Shop
961
Views
Views
18
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Artwork (Traditional) / All
Species Skunk
Gender Female
Size 1636 x 2251
File Size 998.6 kB
More from Husky_Cookie
Listed in Folders
Maxine's Story - Chapter 5 : Old acquaintances, new friends.
Thank you for everyone supporting me, helping me and giving me ideas to write this story.
Thank you to every people reading and enjoying my writings.
Thank you to the people who allowed me to borrow their charcters.
There is references and puns to many things like : TV Show, series, movies, animés, cartoons, mangas and webcomics.
Will you find them ? =)
Art by
Husky_Cookie
Story and charcters by and © to Husky_Cookie
All the charcters are © to their respective owners.
Chapter 5 : Old acquaintances, new friends.
Arnold Sedan, alone, comfortably seated in the hotel smoke room a cigarette in hand, was interupted in his reading by an employee.
« Mr. Strong has arrived.
— Call him and make sure no one bother us, he asked folding his newspaper.
— Understood Sir. »
The bailif adjusted his tie and refilled his glass with cognac. The financial advisor entered. Sedan invited the rhino to join him.
« Let's be breif, shall we. »
Strong nodded and sat in front of the bailif.
« Your ring please. », asked Sedan.
Augustus complied, nervous.
« The High Council approved your project, he explained opening his briefcase. You will be in charge.
— Does that mean..
— Yes ! Congratulations you are promoted. », he said giving him a little box.
The rhino opened it and gazed at the gold signet ring inside. He passed it around his finger.
« Instructions are already downloaded. Seem we will work together Mr Strong. Cheers ! »
« Come on guys the pub crawl is not over ! It is my last night with you before my transfer ! Hey O'Donnell it's your round and I want to go in this place !, pointed his tipsy colleague.
— Whatever... », answered the weasel.
The group of workmate entered in the bar. They took place on benches around a table. A white furred feline waitress came to their encounter.
« Good evenings sirs, may I take your orders ?
— Hello cutie ! What do you have for us ?, asked the half drunken man.
— All our liquors are on the drinks list sir.
— Come on sweetheart don't you have something... special ?
— Tonight's special cocktail is Sex On The Beach.
— What about at my place darling ?
— Make your choices sirs I come back later. », she said rolling her eyes.
Alister disenchented left his laughing workmates to sit at the bar. Trying to forget his workmates he ordered. His phone on the counter, he was scrolling on his notes. His screen was displaying a manticora logo when an assured feminine voice interrupted him.
« You'd better keep this hidden. »
A huge and tall, crocodile lady, all made of muscles, in a black barman suit was looking him from head to foot. Discountenanced, Alister quickly complied.
« You know them ?, he asked mistrustful.
— It's a bar people talk.
— Not every people !, he answered supporting her gaze.
— Let's say the clientele is a bit special.
— Like the owner ? », he smirked.
The barmaid leaned over him, grabbed his shirt collar and whsipered him.
« Don't push your luck nosey weasel, I am an honest barmaid, I have nothing to do with their dirty buisness ! »
The purple and blue neon light of the place magnifed her menacing look. Behind the scared merger banker, his workmates were making a mess.
« Look like your friends don't know how to behave ! »,said the woman.
She adjusted her pony tail, untied her white apron and posed it on the counter before heading to the troubles makers. She grabbed one of them by his vest and throw him out of her establishement.
« Don't dare to come back again Gimp ! »
Scared by the muscles mass of the girl, the others left without arguing.
Before the barmaid came back, Alsiter left a bankbill not without first stealing the crocodile brooch pinned on the apron. When the girl was behind her counter, Alsiter was near the door. He made a sign to her to call him, showing her the cute manga stylized brooch before leaving.
« Bloody bastard come back here ! »
In the wealthy suburb of Wyndchase, in a stylish house, a young skunk woman was in her bed. In the quiet morning of her teenager room, laying on her side hugging to a bolster, the young woman was sleeping peacefully. Her dreams were disturbed by her mother, opening the curtains and the window.
« Elise wake up it is seven o'clock ! »
The young woman sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes and adjusting her silk pajama over her busty chest.
« Mom I came back two days ago from my internship..., she complained.
— And you had enough time to rest, you know the rules : everyone up at seven. Now get ready and come down for breakfast. »
The young woman take a quick shower, brushed her long pale pink hairs and joined the kitchen to share the breakfast with her family.
« Morning dad, she said greeting her father by giving him a hug. Where is the brat ?
— Morning princess, your brother is watching his cartoons.
— That's why nothing is on fire yet. »
His father laughed softly and ceased immediatly when he crossed the unpleased gaze of his wife.
« Don't talk like this of your litte brother Elise. Raphaël is a good boy, declared her mother.
— Doubt it, she answered.
— Well you will have all time to figure out by yourself. Today you will watch for him !
— What ?
— Raphaël ! Today you go with Elise !
— Whoo hoo awsome ! Thanks Mom !, answered the boy from the living room.
— But mom I had things to do in town !, argued Elise.
— Perfect, you will bring him with you. I promised to get him a book, so he can choose. », she conclued siping her coffee satsified.
In her car, Elise was trying to focus on the trafic. Her little brother was giving her a lecture about dinosaurs, egyptholgy and quantic physic. The kid inexhaustible continued untill Elise parked.
« Ok terror listen to me, she started, we will go to a recruitment agency. My credibility is at stake so behave yourself and do not embarass me ! Understood ?
— We will pick up my book after ?
— Yes !
— Okay ! »
The silblings headed to the agency. Before entering, Elise adjusted her suit and restyled her long hairs. Inside she told her brother to sit on a chair and wait for her in the entrance.
« Afternoon, said Elise, I come to submit my CV.
— What domain ?, asked the receptionnist.
— Accountancy.
— What type of contract ?
— Full-time.
— Your name ?
— Elise Taylor.
— Perfect, you are in the system, i will fill your datas and you will recicve an e-mail when a company would like to meet you. If you find a job by your way, please notify us and we will upload your file.
— Thank you Ma'am. »
Outside Elise get off her vest, unclipped a button of her shirt and breathed relived.
« I did good ?, asked her brother.
— Yes terror you did good.
— Are we going to the library now ?
— We are going... Do you want an ice cream ?
— Chocolate please ! »
Raphaël urged his sister who was strolling to the boutiques displays, licking her ice cream. He finally managed to lead her to his envied destination.
« I don't remeber there was a library here, commented Elise finishing her ice cream.
— It opened few years ago, you was still in your accountancy school.
— Coming back once every three weeks didn't helped.
— Even when you was here you was always busy to go around, you never had time to play with me either... », whined the little boy.
Feeling guilty Elise didn't answered. After an awkward silence, the boy attention was catched by a book in the showcase, returning to an happy mood.
The little boy stepped in the store, quickly followed by his sister.
« Hi there !, exclaimed the little boy rushing to the comic section.
— Raphaël don't bother other cus... ! », Elise interrupted herself astunned.
At the sight of the library owner her heart raced. She immediatly recognized the round bell and its tinkling around his neck.
Aah Za-zu !, she thought. O-okay stay calm he didn't noticed you.
« Elise ! There is a collector spin-off of my comic ! Can I have it please ?
— Elise ? », said the yellow cat in the girl's direction.
Oh no I am spotted ! Please don't come talk to me, she whined to herself.
« Is that you ? From St Mary high school ? », he asked coming to her.
Elise nodded shyly.
« It's been so long ! What are you becoming ?
— You know my sister sir ?, interrupted the young boy returning near Elise.
— Of course we were schoolmates, answered Zazu.
— Schoolmates ? Hey sis, he isn't the one you talk about in your diary ?
— Diary ? », repeated Zazu tilting his head.
Elise eyes widened.
« The cute boy and his beas.. ?! »
Raphaël didn't have time to finsih his sentence, his sister was covering his mouth.
« W-we are going to leave ! H-how much I owe you ?, she asked embarassed.
— 25$ ! »
She handed him the money. When Zazu's fingers skimmed her fur to pickup the bills she shivered.
« It is good to see you again, he said puting the money in the till. If you are around next time we could go for a drink ?»
Despite her black fur covering her face, a deep blush twitched Elise's cheeks at Zazu's proposal.
The librarian handed a paper bag to the little brother.
« Happy reading kid and don't lose the store card, you have a discount on the tenth purchase. »
Back to her car and with an heartbeat normal again, Elise grabbed her little brother by his ear.
« Ouch no no it hurts !
— How did you get access to my diary little brat ? There is a padlock on it and it is stored in a locked drawer !
— I opened it !
— How ?
— With the keys ! »
Elise twisted his ear a little more.
« Ah wah ah wah ah wah !
— I kept the keys with me.
— I-I picked the lock ! My friend Charon taught me !
— What kind of locks can you open ?
— The simple ones for now !
— For now ?! Because you plan to make a career ? Just wait till mom find it out !
— No no no please ! Don't tell her ! I will say nothing ! Don't do it !
— Watch your butt, brat ! », she said close to his face twisting his ear a last time.
Elise released her brother and he rubbed his aching ear.
« In the car !, she ordonned holding the door. We go home ! »
Maxine's buisness had started well and her reputation was slowly increasing. Most of her cases were about divorces, she became more experienced at collecting informations. However she didn't had occasion to use her bounty hunter licence yet. Wyndchase was a peacefull town.
Maxine had accepted the request of an other farmer. This time the man was suspecting his neighbour and competitor to poison the water of his crops. Indeed his corn plants started to wither away few days after he watered it.
Maxine watched from afar the movements of the other farmer but didn't notcied any suspiscious activities. She was about to put an end to her mission when the neighbour came to yell at the farmer.
« What did you do to my sunflowers ?!
— And you what did you put in my water tanks ?
— Why are you talking me about your tanks ?
— Don't act innocent ! Why my crops dies and not yours if we take water from the same place ?
— For your guidance I pump directly in my underground, moron !
— Wait what did you said sir ?, interupted Maxine.
— I water my exploitation with my personal spring, like that I don't pay taxes.
— And you where do you get your water ?, she asked to her employer.
— From the stream passing between our fields.
— Do you have empty jam jars ?
— Yes but what for ?
— We will take samples ! », she declared.
After collecting water from tanks, stream and the underground spring, she asked how far up the stream. One of the farmers tell her the stream was taking it's source few kilometers aways in a small reservoir dug to collect rainwater.
She thanked the farmers and headed to the water point. The sample collected she returned to her place.
Back to the library in the end of afternoon, Maxine was assorting the window display. The merchandise exposure was interrupted by a visitor.
« Hello Miss, are you looking for something ?
— Hi, huh yes, does Zazu is here ?, asked a skunk girl a hand on her chest.
— He should be back in a moment. Are you a sales representative ? »
The young woman shook her head in a negative answer.
« Sorry, your clothes, the briefcase, I assumed... But your top is beautifull !, Maxine caught herself.
— You like it ?, smiled the young woman. It come from a little independant fashion designer... »
In no time, the two ladies found themselve talking about fashion, make up and hair care.
« I didn't ask you but, are you Zazu's partner ?
— Wha- no no no !
— I meant work associate !, giggled the skunk girl.
— Oh my bad, Zazu is a friend he helped me so I return the favor working here... and I am not sure Miranda would appreciate I date him, laughed the bat.
— Ha ha ha..., did the skunk in a forced laugh.
— Look like he is not coming back I am sorry but I will have to close the store, said Maxine looking at the clock.
— I will go back then.
— It will be with pleasure to see you around. »
In the evening, Maxine was at the laudromat. She finished to add the soap powder when her phone rang.
« Max it's Zazu, sorry you had to close the store, my meeting took longer than expected.
— You are welcome, she said starting the program.
— I see you tommorow then.
— No I leave for New Heaven at dawn, I should be back the next day.
— Are you on a case ?
— Not really but I have samples to make analyze to conclude a report, she explained leaning on the washing machine.
— Can't you send them to a local lab ?
— Nah it would take an eternity, a friend out there can do it quicker.
— All right.
— Oh before I forget, a girl came to the boutique.
— A girl ?
— Yes a skunk, tall, pink long hairs, purples eyes, fancy clothes, a beautifull girl.
— Did she wanted something ?
— She was looking for you. We talked a bit, she seemed nice, she said she will return.
— Oh lovely, thank you for letting me know.
— No problem, bye kitty ! »
Maxine reached New Heaven in the morning when everyone were leaving their places to go to work. She made it just in time at the building where Alister lived, to meet him at the reception. The weasel was in a hurry.
« Sorry I can't accompany you to the Dr's lab, my appointement has been advanced and I am already late, apologised the weasel. Here is his adress. »
As he get out a piece of paper, something fell from his pocket in the same time without him noticing.
« We meet this evening at The Violet Edge ! Later ! », he saluted before leaving.
The bat lady was a bit disapointed at the idea to meet the Dr Reiniger and spend the rest of her day alone. Her attention was caught when she almost stepped on a sparkling brooch. She picked it up.
What's that ?, she thought.
The cute crocodile design was smiling to her.
You get lost little one ? Don't worry you are no more alone, she said to herself pining it to her collar. On the way to the crazy Doctor's lab !
Maxine had finished everything she came for earlier. She parked her motorbike and was now walking in The Violet Edge direction. Alister messaged her to inform he will be one hour late for their drink. Maxine, without anything to do, stepped in the bar. Still early the place was empty from any customers. She sat at the counter on a high stool. The owner, a huge crocodile girl, came from a door and joined her behind the bar.
« Evening, may I have a soft mango cocktail please ? », asked the bat.
The barmaid nodded and complied. While she was serving the bat, she noticed the brooch on her jacket.
« Oi ! From where you had it missy ?, asked the barmaid.
— What ?
— That brooch ! Where is that oily little gobshite who gave it to you ?
— What are you talking about ? », asked Maxine taking a sip of her drink.
The strong woman approchead her hand from the bat's shirt collar trying to grab the brooch.
« Hey ! What do you think you're doing !, she protested waving's the barmaid's hand away.
— Give me back that brooch !
— Ok that's enough I am out ! »
Maxine stood up and turned her back to the bartender. The crocodile lady grabbed her by the shoulder, lifted her over the counter and threw her in the storage. Maxine picked her up while the massive lady entered and locked the door behind her. She untied her ponytail, freeing her long and thick wild hairs on her back.
« Last time ! Give it back to me and tell me where is that Geebag ! »
Maxine unsheathed the Shadowy Death and deployed the sycthe.
« Come to get it bitch !
— Alright missy show me what you are made of ! »
The crocodile girl from her 1m95 tall, was advencing determined in the room filled with cardboxes and beer kegs. In her track she cocked her arm and punched. Maxine dodged on the side and slashed her flank. The sharp blade torned the clothes. A thin trickle of blood apperead.
« That is the best missy ? It merly tickle ! »
The barmaid throw an uppercut with her other fist. The cardboxes cushioned Maxine's fall. Slightly stunned the bat came to herself to see her assailant about to trample her. She rolled between her legs and gashed her back. In one move the crocodile turned and slapped her. Maxine counterattacked slashing her other flank. The barmaid smirked before making fly the bat against the wall with a kick. Maxine on her rear saw the muscle mountain sweep on her. Her opponent close she snatched the brooch from her collar.
« Is that what you want ? Take it ! », she said discarding the pin.
The huge girl turned away to pick up her brooch. Maxine took advantage and thrusted her blade in the crocodile's tail. The reptile let out a cry of pain and surprise.
« You will pay for this ! », she said turning her menacing face to the bat.
In the barmaid eye, the excitment of the fight had given way to wrath. She whipped her tail, smashing the bat and breaking the beer kegs around. She grabbed Maxine and knocked her against the wall before passing her hands around her neck. Maxine was struggling to escape. Feeling the fingers tighten around her throat she stabbed and thursted her sycthe in the woman shoulder. Maxine tapped the handle of her weapon. In a crackling, sparkles were flying from the wound and blue lightnings ran through the crocodile body. Nor the boiling blood or the pain from the electric shock made the reptile realease her grasp. On the contrary !
Suffocating, Maxine percived a red cylinder hooked to the wall. An extinguisher ! In a last hope and an extreme effort, she pulled out the scythe from the barmaid's shoulder and smashed the red tank. It exploded, blowing its white powder in the barmaid face. Blinded she realsed her deadly embrace. On all four in the beer leaking, Maxine coughed, breathing again. She quickly looked at the crocodile. The woman fumbled, nearly skidding with every step on the sodden floor.
Maxine seen her chance !
She rushed to the crocodile, passed her sycthe behind her anckle and spinned on herself. The huge woman was knocked down on her shoulder blades. The barmaid opened her eyes, one foot on her chest and the tip of the blade to her throat.
« Bigger they are, harder they fall ! », said the bat above the girl, wiping her bloody lips.
Alister arrived to The Violet Edge. The neons lights on the front were off. Alsiter approched the shopfront. He read the message on the slate hooked to the window :
Alister gulped and steped in. Maxine was sat at the same place as before, her sycthe next to her against the counter. In an icy silence he came to sat next to the bat. Puzzled he gazed at the barmaid. Her clothes ripped off and covered in blood she was wipping a glass.Without a word the barmaid served him a whiskey. Maxine, applying her cold cocktail against her sore cheek, turned to him and declared :
« Next time you invite me, be nice chéri, don't send me in a deadly trap.
— You survived. », he smiled, grabbing his glass.
She posed lesurely her foot on his stool, returned his smile and kicked it.
« Did you lost your mind !, he yelled catching himself to the counter.
— You survived, she answered. Anyway this is Kainé. Kainé, Alister.
— Ma'am, he said rising his glass still hanging on the counter.
— I am 27 theif..., coldly commented the barmaid.
— I will die before dawn. », he sighed.
After an apology Alister explained to Maxine, Kainé's bar situation. Despite her efforts, the barmaid's establishement was the crook meeting point. A neutral place where contract were placed, alliances made and informations shared. Alister suggested Kainé to help them by reporting what she can hear. The barmaid eagerly accepted the offer. She also proposed herself to help if strenght were requiered. Knowing how dirty were underground business she couldn't miss the chance to do something. A new member on their team, Maxine and Alister said their goodbye to Kainé before quiting the bar. On the sildewalk Alister said :
« This girl will be a huge ally. No pun intended.
— I must say she can be a big angry gal. She almost crushed me with her hands !, she said showing her bruised neck.
— Usually it's the littles ones that are angry.
— You speak for yourself ? », she joked.
Alister grumbled.
« Well I suppose she never outgrew her anger..., she commented. So what do we do now ?
— Let's go to my pla... »
A tap on his shoulder interrupted him.
« Kainé ?!
— You forget this, she said holding Alister a piece of paper.
— What is it ?, he asked.
— Your bill.
— 2 500$ ?! What's for ?
— The damages in the storage.
— No way ! There is a mistake !, he said giving her back the bill.
— You are right ! There is 4,75$ missing for the drinks. »
The girls fistbumped as the weasel get out his credit card, boiling inside.
The next morning Maxine picked up the lab results before leaving New Heaven for Wyndchase. As soon as she got home she undressed and checked her body. The fight marked her. Nothing broken but bruises everywhere, her hairs were a mess and her eyes still red. She climbed in the shower and let the water relive the soreness of her aching body. Finished, she put a loose t-shirt, a comfy cheeky and threw herself on her bed before falling asleep from fatigue.
After her nap, she was writing her report for the corn farmer. The water results showed a high herbicid concentration. Reiniger listed a wide range of possible polluants but pointed a high probability the chemical involved would be the F/V-Jolt.
As she was typing the last words of her conclusion on her laptop, the instant chat box opened. A picture of a pub with guitars and dressed tables poped.
Miranda
I just saw this, dinner concert tonight !
You're up ?
Miranda
You always had ! =p
No one will see you in the dark.
Miranda
Don't let me go alone ! ;w;
Miranda
He doesn't anwer.
Please come with me !
I offer you dessert ! They have woompas cake ! =3
Miranda
8:00 P.M.
The Singing Mosses Pub.
The pub atmosphere was friendly. Maxine and Miranda were arrived a bit earlier to be sure to get a place. One by one tables were crowded. The pub was quickly filled with the hubbub of the people talks. The technician was finishing the scene settings and the waiters started to take orders. The bat told her friend about her last investigations and her eventful meeting with Kainé.
Miranda was listening eagerly when she interupted her friend suddenly.
« It is Zazu ! What he is doing here ?
— I don't know, enjoying the concert maybe ? », said Maxine chewing the straw in her glass.
Miranda get up and made big gesture to the feline.
« Hey kitty come here ! »
He joined the two women.
« What was you doing all alone ?
— I was waiting for somone.
— Oh you have a rendez-vous with Liru ? », smiled Miranda.
The librarian didn't answered and looked down.
« That's cute ! Ma'am please can you add a pair of plates ?, she asked to a waitress passying by. The table at the back just become free !
— No !, he tried to protest in vain.
— Come on I am sure Liru will be glad to be with us ! Right Max ? »
The bat shrugged siping her drink.
While the first artist was performing, the restaurant bathed in obscurity, the waitress brought someone to the friends's table.
« Hey Liru just in time you didn't missed much, take a seat, motionned Miranda to sit down looking at the musician.
— Who is Liru ? », asked the mysterious woman taking place at the table.
When the lights came back Miranda and the mysterious guest jumped out of scare.
« Yurk ! The Blessed Ass !
— T-The Beast ?!, did the other girl who turned out to be Elise.
— What is she doing here ?, asked the two girls to Zazu, pointing at each other.
— Here we go again... », he facepalmed.
Zazu properly introduced Elise to Maxine.
« So how were you guys together in high school ?, asked the bat.
— We were in the same class, explained the feline, everyday was the theather of the rivalry between these two.
— Only becasue The Blessed Ass here couldn't stand I was better than her.
— Better ? Let me laugh I always had better grades than you !
— I wasn't talking about grades !
— You was just jealous !
— Jealous of the princess and her court of hypocrites ? I doubt it !
— My court ?
— You know it very well ! Most of the girls were to your side when I joined St Mary.
— You was a wild beast! You never let me or anyone approach you or your friends ! »
Miranda stood up abruptly and got angry.
« Because you only cared about me when I became popular ! I perfectly remember the comments of your vipers in my back : Her clothes are second hand ! Don't get close to the beggar ! Her chest is so flat no boy would like to date her ! They took her in the program because she was surely the poorest of her school !
— I di..., tried to say Elise.
— So yes that's why I told you and all your bitches to fuck off and if one of you dared to approach my friends I would took care of you personnaly ! »
Elise didn't answered. People of the tables around were looking at the scene speechless. Miranda was staring angrily at the skunk girl her fist clenched. The lights dimmed again.
« I need air ! », she said quitting the table.
With a nod Maxine told Zazu to follow her.
« If I had known she would be there, I never would have come », said Elise twiddling the starp of her handbag.
Maxine tried to say something but Elise continued.
« I knew we didn't get along very well. I-I admit th-that I have not always been nice to her », she started to sob.
The bat recived a message. Elise sought Maxine's gaze.
« Evening is over, she said shaking her head, Miranda get back home. Zazu stay with her. »
Warm tears were flowing along Elise cheeks while she was trying to stifle her sobs.
« I ruined my reunions with Zazu ! »
Maxine kindly held out her hand.
« It will be okay, she said helping her up. Come with me, you're going to tell me the whole story. »
The two women made their way to the closed bookstore. They passed under the arch next to the boutique and ended their walk in the back yard. Maxine invited Elise in her place. She invited her to make herself comfortable while she was heating up milk in the microwave. Few minutes later she came to sit with her guest on the bed, a cocoa mug in hand.
« So tell me how did you first met with Miranda and Zazu ?
— It was during first year of high school. I was happy to have entered St Mary it was a renowed establishment and not everyone was able to pass the entrance selection.
— A private school ?
— Yes and on top of that the tuitions fees were not given. If middle school atmosphere was friendly, things were totally different here. Everyday was a competition for grades and between students. Unfortunally for me none of my friends from the previous school joined St Mary.
— A lamb among the wolves.
— You could say that ! I figured quickly how things worked out and that I couldn't survive alone.
— So you made new friends.
— Now, looking back I don't know if we can talk about friends... but yes we made a little group with some girls of my class.
— What about Zazu and Miranda ?
— I am coming. A few months after the start of the school year, our director announced St Mary would be part of an exchange program. Two weeks later, the new students were welcomed. That's how they ended in my class. »
Elise blew on the warm drink in the mug and took a long sip.
« What happened next ? You didn't jumped at each other's throat from day one ?, joked Maxine.
— No, giggled Elise. Passed first week excitment, routine came back and new ones quickly met the place's reality. Almost all St Mary's teens were not enchented by the newcomers. They saw them as priviledged. Blessed one who were selected in this school without passing the exam entrance.
— Charming, commented the bat.
— Miranda and Zazu held on, they relied on each other and had decent grades. Slowly some kids started to get along them. Some were glad to have new acquaintances but on the other hand for others, they started to become a threat.
— A threat ? That much ?
— St Mary expected the best from us : all classes and students were ranked !
— Ranked ?
— Yes from the best to the worst !
— That's wild !
— St Mary wanted to keep it's name and his philosophy was to make the best graduates, no matter what ! That implied students outdid each others. Miranda was smart and some girls would not tolerate to be surpassed by an outsider.
— Some girls but wasn't you one fo them ? »
Elise frowned an instant and sighed.
« Despite myself, I was...
— How so ?
— It's true I had this competitive side and seeing Miranda having good grades make me work harder. In the standing we were always quite close, it was race between us. Then she became more popular in class, specialy with boys. In fact I was curious about her ! And there was Zazu... I told myself : “At the end of the year, ask her if she want to be your friend.” The exchange program would be finished and there will be no more reasons to compete.
« But it didn't go as planned...
Two months before the end of the year, the director told us the exchange program was a success and would be reconducted. The current students would be allowed to do their entire schooling in the establishement. St Mary's students took this as an injustice and became hostile to the newcomers.
— Why didn't you told to her ?
— How could I ? Soon after the director's annoucement thoses who were around the exterior's students were considered as traitors ! Rapidly lot of rumors were circulating on how they were treated ! »
Elise's purples eyes became all wet.
« I-I just wanted to be friend with her ! I swear I didn't know how others girls treated her ! I never knew ! And now she and Zazu must hate me !!! », she bursted in tears.
Maxine took Elise's mug away and gave the skunk a comforting embrace. Elise wrapped her arms around the bat and clunged to her clothes.
« There there, calm down, its over, said Maxine patting her.
— I never told this to anyone, sniffled Elise.
— Feeling a bit better ? »
Elise nodded and dryed her cheeks with her sleeves.
« What happened next ?, asked the bat.
— Next year our relation has deteriorated. Miranda and I became class representatives to the student council.
— You finally was able to spend time with her !
— No she was avoiding me and when we had to be together she constantly made cutting remarks to me. So I responded the same way, thinking it was jealousy.
— Why Miranda would be ?, asked Maxine.
— Because I was class's honorary student. I never understood it was a means of defense... untill today.
— If you were hardly ever together how she ended to hate you ?
— You remember what Miranda said about me and the other girls I was with ?
— The princess and her court of hypocrites ? »
Elise nodded in confirmation.
« I never said any words that Miranda accused me of !
— But she said you came to her when she became popular sooo... I don't get it, tried to figure Maxine.
— During the year, I had wisedom thooth removal surgey. I was scared to die. Back to school after a week and half recovery, I asked Miranda if she wanted to hang with me and my friends.
— You decided to override the doxa's school finaly, smiled the bat.
— Exactly but during my abscence the art club did a photo exhibition. Miranda was a model and her photo won the contest with the majority of votes among students. I didn't knew that as I didn't knew the girls from my group were harrassing her on my behalf in my back. »
Elise paused in her story. She get back her cocoa from the table.
« How did it end ?, asked the bat.
— We finished high school. I cut ties with everyone, left Wyndchase and got my accountant diploma.
— Look like Zazu was happy to see you again. », pointed out Maxine.
Elise blushed at this statement.
« What are you doing now you are back in town ?
— I want to become chartered accountant so I've found a job in a real estate agency to gain proffesional experience before the final exam.
— What a project ! Congratulations for the work ! It's not too hard ?
— Thank you, she blushed, the agency is new so I had luck but there is a lot to do. The boss ask his agents to acquire all the lands and proprieties on sales around.
— Isn't the goal of an estate agency ?, said Maxine sticking her tongue friendly.
— Yes but some are not usable as is.
— How so ?
— Some lots would need soil decontamination to be in good standing. », explained Elise.
Maxine wrote a note on a post-it nearby on the table.
« Something's wrong ?, asked the skunk.
— No no just a reminder to do something tomorrow, she said posing her pen.
— I should leave it's getting late if you have to work.
— Do you want me to accompany you ?
— I am not parked far, don't bother. », she said getting up.
Elise thanked the bat one more time for listening and comforting her. She said her goodbye to Maxine and left. She was under the arch when the bat called her out, trotting to her.
« You didn't gave me your number ! »
Elise get out her phone and sent a friend request to Maxine.
« Don't worry I will talk to Miranda. », she said focused on her screen.
Elise embraced the bat and squeezed her.
« Thank you »
She released Maxine, waved and left. Unknowingly giving to the bat a hunch to follow.
The next morning, Maxine was in the library. Sat on her knees storing books scattered around her while Zazu opened the library entrance door. Her phone stuck between her cheek and her shoulder waiting for someone to answer her. She waved to the feline when finally she heard a voice at the other side.
« Miss Murdera, what a surprise ! Working with Will and the ducks miss you ?, jovially said the farmer.
— I am better at saving them ! laughed Maxine.
— To what do I owe the pleasure of your call ?
— I have questions about your farm.
— If I can answer.
— Did you had any issues with the irrigation water recently ?
— What kind of problems ?
— Pollution, crops dying one or two days after irrigation.
— Not to me but it occured to a friend and one of his colleague.
— Interresting, it is possible for you to ask them if I can come and take water samples ?
— Anything for you Miss !
— A last thing : Have you heard about farmers selling their lands around here ?
— Mmmh apart Jensen I don't think so, maybe others can tell you.
— I see... thank you Sir.
— You are welcome, I'll keep you informed for the samples. Have a gooday Miss ! »
She stood up, dusting off her jean and joined her friend behind his counter.
« Morning kitty, what's the long face ? »
Zazu gloomy, sighed.
« It's Miranda... she is upset because I invited Elise. »
Maxine rolled her eyes with a smirk.
« Now she is mad at me and she sulk. I hope Elise is fine...
— Don't worry I took care of her, she reassured him. Seem a lot happened between you three.
— Indeed, he said vaguely turning on his computer.
— Can you tell me more ?, she asked making run her fingers on the counter.
— What do you want to know ?, he answered frowning.
— Hey don't look at me like I was the bad cop ! », she defended herself.
He cracked a smile.
« What Elise told you ?
— I know the main lines, I don't want to influence your story.
— Allright Inspector. Miranda and I were chosen to be part of an exchange program with St Mary. We passed the selection exam and were accepted. St Mary students were not very welcoming and since we were just the two of us from our school in class, we stook together. Later one or two classmate became friend with us. We helped each other studying and quickly we get good grades.
— Elise told me you were ranked.
— Yes but I wasn't bothered about it. I was studying for me and didn't cared much for competition. Contrariwise Miranda was fully into it. Elise was already high in the board, Miranda quiclky caught up. I don't know if it was her dynamism but rapidly other kids hanged with us. There was few girls but it was mainly boys. We were a good group of friends...
— But ?, asked Maxine noticing the grave tone in Zazu's voice.
— Everything changed after the director annoucement. The exchange program set for one year was extended. It allowed us to do all our high school at St Mary. From there most of our friends turned their back on us. The three who stayed with Miranda and I had a hard time. To avoid other we found refuge in the library or the art club.
— And then ?
— Then we made it to second year. Competition started again as the mockeries.
— From St Mary's students ? »
Zazu shook is head disproving her hypothesis.
« The exchange program started to be accepted. No ! Railleries came from Elise's friends. It became wilder when Miranda and Elise were at the student council. Miranda was our guardian. I can't count the times when she burst into tears after venting her wrath on something when we were alone together. That's where she started Aïkido. It helped her a lot.
— I understand why she does not carry Elise in her heart, commented Maxine.
— Wanna know the irony ? Elise had nothing to do with this cabal !
— How did you know ?
— One day at the library I overheard a conversation between her supposed friends. They were worried that Elise would become usless to them. If she was downgraded by Miranda, their fame would take a hit and they would no longer be considered as an elite.
— What if such a thing happened ?, asked the bat.
— In that case they would dump her. She would be their scapegoat pretending she was the instigator of the jibes. Like that, they could claim to be victims and save face.
— Nasty ! You didn't tell it to Miranda ?
— I tried but the mere fact of mentionning Elise's name made her enrage. It was impossible to have a calm discussion on the subject with her.
— Indeed, I saw her once angry it was... impressive.
— So you understand ! I think the water drop was when Elise asked Miranda to be friend with her.
— Continue.
— I remember it happened after a photo contest organised by the art club. One of our group member took Miranda as model. Thanks to this photo her popularity exploded at school, everyone talked about her. Elise missed it if I recall correctly, she was sick or something. She came back maybe ten day after ? Anyway, she proposed us to hang with her. Miranda was beside herself ! She told her to leave us alone to stay polite.
— You never went toward Elise ?
— I tried, but you know Miranda and how a little bit protective she can be.
— Especially to you, giggled Maxine, and “little” is a sweet euphemism.
— True, he laughed too, so yes when Elise bought a book for her brother, I swiped the store card with my details in the bag saying it would be nice to meet again. Few days laters she called and announced she had found a job. I took it as an excuse to invite her at this diner. I didn't know you would be there too. »
Maxine's phone rang. She read the message she had just recived.
« Where is Miranda now ?
— At her appartment surely sulking, answered Zazu typing on his keyboard.
— Thank you, she said heading to her dwelling.
— What about the mess on the floor ? We have work here !
— I take my day !, she said rising her arm, turning her back to him.
— And can we know where you are going ?
— Taking care of the grumpy cat ! », she said turning to him with a wide smile.
Maxine was hammering at Miranda's door. A grumbling cheetah opened. The bat rushed inside, leaving no time to the spotted feline to protest.
« Perfect you are already dressed ! Do you still have the helmet I get you in college ?, asked the bat.
— Yes wh-
— Go fetch it ! You come with me !
— I don't want to go outside, she whinned.
— No no no ! It is not a request, it is an order ! »
Miranda complied and quickly the two were riding Maxine's motorbike in countryside direction. Maxine drove to a farm on the indication of her old employer. The owner expecting the visit welcomed the ladies. After a quick talk, they went to the farm's water distribution device and took sample. The farmer told them to go to his concurrents exploitations saying they agreed to make their water tested. When they finished with the last farm, Maxine asked the location of the differents waters sources.
The two girls arrived to a water point. The place was isolated and has been dug to collect rain years ago. The mound of earth had been left as they were. The wild grass had colonized the embankments. At the foot of the hill near a concrete block, the remains of a campfire, rusty tin cans and empty beers bottles.
Once Maxine get her samples she sat on the concrete block.
« Why did you get me here ?, asked Miranda.
— To help me collect water ?, she shrugged.
— Don't take me for an idiot !
— Alright ! I want to know why you hate Elise so much. »
Miranda fists clenched, then flew into rage.
« DON'T EVER TALK TO ME ABOUT THAT BITCH AGAIN ! ZAZU FIRST ! NOW YOU ?! ARE YOU ALL AGAINST ME ?!!!
— I just want to understand.
— THERE IS NOTHING TO UNDERSTAND ! SHE MADE MY LIFE A HELL IN HIGH SCHOOL SHE WON'T DO IT AGAIN !
— Calm down !
— NO I WON'T ! IF I COULD I WOULD KILL HER HERE AND NOW !
— Oh you want ? Let's do it then ! »
Maxine grabbed a tin can and posed it on the block, get up and drew her revolver. She walked to Miranda.
« Go ahaed ! », she said handing her MR-73.
Miranda grabbed the weapon. She was boiling. Maxine stepped aside.
« She is right here, said the bat pointing at the can. Do it ! »
Her eyes full of hate, the cheetah glared at the old piece of metal.
« KILL HER ! PULL THE TRIGGER ! »
Mingled with Miranda's cry of rage, the revolver let out a blast ! Then a second and a third finally !
The old tin can landed, perforated on all sides, in the fire pit. In a heavy silence, it finished its roll in the coal. Maxine get the gun out of her friend's hands.
« Feeling better ? »
The spotted girl was shaking from all her body. The bat took her by her shoulder and together they sat on the concrete block.
« Come on, tell me what happened in high school », said Maxine with a reassuring voice.
Miranda told her how she was chosen to study in St Mary with Zazu : The exchange program, their files preselection, their interwiew with the director and professors then their entrance exam. She told her the cold welcome they recivied, how hard it was for them to make a place in class. The ranking system, the first friends they made and how their good grades attracted others classmates.
« Wasn't you bothered by this permanent notation ?, asked Maxine.
— No I always loved competition, it was stimulating. My goal was to be the first !
— What about Elise ?
— She was in the top of the class, I quickly made my way but insidiously the rivalry settled.
— How that ?
— Well for exemple if we had to read a paper, I would systematically choose a subject invalidating Elise's one and vice versa.
— How things changed after the director's annoucement about the exchange program ?, questionned the bat.
— Yurk ! Apart the three from the start, all the classmates who pretended to be our friend dumped us and started to harass our group. So to be at peace, we hung out in the less frequented places : the library and the art club.
— Zazu told me it was your safezone. What happened the next year ?
— Strangely it began quite calmly. The ranking has been reseted and competition between students started again. Then Elise and two other classmates presented themself to be class representative. I had to apply ! Just out of spirit of contradiction and for competition ! We had two weeks to set up our program and do our campaign. Then it began : the derogatory remarks, rumors and all the nice comments on me, from Elise's emissaries ! If you could have seen their faces when the results came out ! I had been elected !, she lauged.
— You never replied to their comments ?
— And to get more troubles ? No ! If you cut hydra's head an other grow back, you have to get rid off the brain !
— Which was ?
— Elise of course ! Moreover The Blessed Ass was honorary student ! You can't imagine what I went through ! How many times Zazu scooped me up ? He was the only one who was always there for me.
— So you protected him.
— I couldn't allow anyone to harm him in anyway !, she exclaimed punching the concrete. So to prevent the vipers to attack him I had an idea ! I suggested a photo exhibition to the art club and I posed as a model. I didn't expected it would work so well !
— It was so effective ?, said the bat feigning innocence.
— And how ! Teachers even settled a contest ! You are talking to the girl who won the first prize !
— How is modesty ?, teased Maxine.
— What really pissed me off was when Elise had the audacity to ask me to be her friend ! This bitch doesn't doubt anything !
— I see, what happened next ?
— We finished our schooling somehow, avoiding Elise and her vipers ! That's it !
— A last question : yesterday at the pub when you said “her court of hypocrites” you wasn't speaking about Elise's friends behavior toward her ?
— Of course not ! Why ? »
Maxine get up and dusted off her bottom.
« What if Elise had never been the person you think she is ? What if all you went through wasn't her fault ?
— What she is innocent ?! That's what you try saying me ?!
— It's not for me to tell you but you are far to know the whole story ! If you want answers ask Zazu but to know the whole truth you will have to leave your resentement and listen what Elise have to say. »
Miranda scowled.
« You don't have to but if you don't, this anger will consume you untill the end of your life. »
Miranda grabbed the edge of Maxine's jacket and asked shyly looking down.
« Can we... shoot again ? »
Their shooting session over, the girls took the road again. Seeing they were going the opposite direction to Wyndchase, Miranda tapped her firend's shoulder.
« We are getting away !, she said through her helmet.
— I still have work to do !
— Where are we going ?
— New Heaven ! Enjoy the ride ! », said Maxine speeding up.
Maxine driven round the town by the highway and went directly to the industrial zone. The two bikers arrived to Dr Reininger's laboratory. The bat asked her friend to wait outside while she was making test the diffrents waters samples. Half an hour later, Maxine came back.
« Did you get what you wanted ?, said Miranda.
— Yeah we can go back !
— We are going to the city ?
— Sorry not this time.
— Shame !, she pouted.
— Instead we will go through the forest road, it will be funnier, you will see, winked Maxine.
— En route ! », exclaimed the feline putting her helmet.
The two friends headed for the cliff where the winding climb awaited them. The ascent completed, the girls entered the woods. The fuel tank draining quickly and the engine having heated up more than usual, Maxine decided to take a break at the garage where she made a halt the first time she went to New Heaven.
Miranda refueled while Maxine was checking her engine.
« Good thing we stopped., she said.
— Problem ?, asked Miranda leaning over.
— Nothing serious, lack of coolant.
— If that's all.
— My poor bike is not used to carry heavy charges, retorted Maxine, getting up.
— You are the one with the biggest bum !, teased the cheetah.
— Come here you lil brat ! », did Maxine grabbing her friend's neck with her elbow.
The two bikers entered in the store.
« Woa it's desert here !, exclaimed Miranda.
— There must be someone in the workshop.
— I take you something ?, asked her friend wandering between the gondolas.
— Yes ! Water, a fruit bar and motorbike coolant please.
— I am on it ! »
While the cheetah was picking up their needs for the travel, the garagist came to collect them. Miranda rapidly trotted to the till.
« We used pump N°2 and we take this too, please. How much I owe you Sir ?, asked the bat getting out her wallet.
— Nothing Ma'am !, did the man refusing the money.
— Pardon but I have to pay you Sir.
— I insist Ma'am !, cutted the man.
— What the matter ?, asked Miranda.
— This lady saved my life month ago ! A thug held me with a gun and this woman knocked him out so there is no way she pay for anything in this store !
— Aww you embarass me Sir !, argued Maxine.
— No !, insisted the man.
— May I propose something ?, asked the cheetah.
— What is it ?
— I totaly understand your feeling Sir but my friend here would feel like she abuse your kindness, explained Miranda. So let's say each time she refuel you don't charge for the gas but instead she will pay for the rest of your services ! Deal ?
— It works for me lady.
— Awsome ! So how many ? », did the cheetah.
Pleased with the terms of this agreement, the girls exited the store and get back to the bike. Maxine poured the liquid in the coolant system under the inquisitive look of her friend.
« What ?
— How did you stopped a gunman ?
— With my revolver I guess ?
— The guy said it was about a month ago ! Zazu hadn't given it back to you yet and don't tell me it was Kung-fu because you knew nothing to martial arts before meeting Lou ! So by what miracle did you succeeded ?
— In addition to being dangerous, you are smart !
— Come on Sherlock ! Tell me !
— Can't it wait ? »
Miranda stole the keys from Maxine's hand.
« Hey !
— I wont get it back untill you tell me !
— Dangerous, smart and stubborn what a combo ! Okay I speak but you shut up about it !
— Promise ! », she exclaimed.
Maxine looked around making sure not to be seen. She get out the metal bar of its cordura sheath attached to her belt and deployed the great sycthe.
« What the hell is that ?!, did the cheetah.
— It's an experimental weapon : The Shadowy Death. It is made of-
— It is awsome ! You bet you knocked out this guy !, said Miranda gazing at the weapon.
— Do you even listen to me !
— I want one too !
— No ! You are already too dangerous with your swords !, she did sheathing her weapon.
— They are Iaïdo katanas ! Where did you get that ?
— I will tell you everything but not here, she said getting back her keys. Now get your butt on the bike ! The day is well advanced and I still have things to verify.»
Their last step was the farm where Maxine saved the ducks. The farmer more than happy to see the bat, welcomed her warmly. He offered the girls a snack from his composition. A duck pâté to spread on bread accompanied with a glass of red wine. Satiated, Maxine questioned the man. She wanted to know which was the company that supplies and gets rid of his chemicals. Her former employer asked her why. She showed him the analyzes and he noticed the high level of F/V-Jolt in the waters tested. The man let her know it was a local buisness. Maxine thanked him.
Before leaving, the farmer offered a little block of pâté to each girls and gave to the bat an old bill with the company contact details. The informations in hand, the two friend returned to Wyndchase and ended their long day.
Chapter 6 : Slice & Shoot.
Thank you to every people reading and enjoying my writings.
Thank you to the people who allowed me to borrow their charcters.
There is references and puns to many things like : TV Show, series, movies, animés, cartoons, mangas and webcomics.
Will you find them ? =)
Art by
Husky_CookieStory and charcters by and © to
Husky_CookieAll the charcters are © to their respective owners.
Chapter 5 : Old acquaintances, new friends.
Arnold Sedan, alone, comfortably seated in the hotel smoke room a cigarette in hand, was interupted in his reading by an employee.
« Mr. Strong has arrived.
— Call him and make sure no one bother us, he asked folding his newspaper.
— Understood Sir. »
The bailif adjusted his tie and refilled his glass with cognac. The financial advisor entered. Sedan invited the rhino to join him.
« Let's be breif, shall we. »
Strong nodded and sat in front of the bailif.
« Your ring please. », asked Sedan.
Augustus complied, nervous.
« The High Council approved your project, he explained opening his briefcase. You will be in charge.
— Does that mean..
— Yes ! Congratulations you are promoted. », he said giving him a little box.
The rhino opened it and gazed at the gold signet ring inside. He passed it around his finger.
« Instructions are already downloaded. Seem we will work together Mr Strong. Cheers ! »
* * *« Come on guys the pub crawl is not over ! It is my last night with you before my transfer ! Hey O'Donnell it's your round and I want to go in this place !, pointed his tipsy colleague.
— Whatever... », answered the weasel.
The group of workmate entered in the bar. They took place on benches around a table. A white furred feline waitress came to their encounter.
« Good evenings sirs, may I take your orders ?
— Hello cutie ! What do you have for us ?, asked the half drunken man.
— All our liquors are on the drinks list sir.
— Come on sweetheart don't you have something... special ?
— Tonight's special cocktail is Sex On The Beach.
— What about at my place darling ?
— Make your choices sirs I come back later. », she said rolling her eyes.
Alister disenchented left his laughing workmates to sit at the bar. Trying to forget his workmates he ordered. His phone on the counter, he was scrolling on his notes. His screen was displaying a manticora logo when an assured feminine voice interrupted him.
« You'd better keep this hidden. »
A huge and tall, crocodile lady, all made of muscles, in a black barman suit was looking him from head to foot. Discountenanced, Alister quickly complied.
« You know them ?, he asked mistrustful.
— It's a bar people talk.
— Not every people !, he answered supporting her gaze.
— Let's say the clientele is a bit special.
— Like the owner ? », he smirked.
The barmaid leaned over him, grabbed his shirt collar and whsipered him.
« Don't push your luck nosey weasel, I am an honest barmaid, I have nothing to do with their dirty buisness ! »
The purple and blue neon light of the place magnifed her menacing look. Behind the scared merger banker, his workmates were making a mess.
« Look like your friends don't know how to behave ! »,said the woman.
She adjusted her pony tail, untied her white apron and posed it on the counter before heading to the troubles makers. She grabbed one of them by his vest and throw him out of her establishement.
« Don't dare to come back again Gimp ! »
Scared by the muscles mass of the girl, the others left without arguing.
Before the barmaid came back, Alsiter left a bankbill not without first stealing the crocodile brooch pinned on the apron. When the girl was behind her counter, Alsiter was near the door. He made a sign to her to call him, showing her the cute manga stylized brooch before leaving.
« Bloody bastard come back here ! »
* * *In the wealthy suburb of Wyndchase, in a stylish house, a young skunk woman was in her bed. In the quiet morning of her teenager room, laying on her side hugging to a bolster, the young woman was sleeping peacefully. Her dreams were disturbed by her mother, opening the curtains and the window.
« Elise wake up it is seven o'clock ! »
The young woman sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes and adjusting her silk pajama over her busty chest.
« Mom I came back two days ago from my internship..., she complained.
— And you had enough time to rest, you know the rules : everyone up at seven. Now get ready and come down for breakfast. »
The young woman take a quick shower, brushed her long pale pink hairs and joined the kitchen to share the breakfast with her family.
« Morning dad, she said greeting her father by giving him a hug. Where is the brat ?
— Morning princess, your brother is watching his cartoons.
— That's why nothing is on fire yet. »
His father laughed softly and ceased immediatly when he crossed the unpleased gaze of his wife.
« Don't talk like this of your litte brother Elise. Raphaël is a good boy, declared her mother.
— Doubt it, she answered.
— Well you will have all time to figure out by yourself. Today you will watch for him !
— What ?
— Raphaël ! Today you go with Elise !
— Whoo hoo awsome ! Thanks Mom !, answered the boy from the living room.
— But mom I had things to do in town !, argued Elise.
— Perfect, you will bring him with you. I promised to get him a book, so he can choose. », she conclued siping her coffee satsified.
In her car, Elise was trying to focus on the trafic. Her little brother was giving her a lecture about dinosaurs, egyptholgy and quantic physic. The kid inexhaustible continued untill Elise parked.
« Ok terror listen to me, she started, we will go to a recruitment agency. My credibility is at stake so behave yourself and do not embarass me ! Understood ?
— We will pick up my book after ?
— Yes !
— Okay ! »
The silblings headed to the agency. Before entering, Elise adjusted her suit and restyled her long hairs. Inside she told her brother to sit on a chair and wait for her in the entrance.
« Afternoon, said Elise, I come to submit my CV.
— What domain ?, asked the receptionnist.
— Accountancy.
— What type of contract ?
— Full-time.
— Your name ?
— Elise Taylor.
— Perfect, you are in the system, i will fill your datas and you will recicve an e-mail when a company would like to meet you. If you find a job by your way, please notify us and we will upload your file.
— Thank you Ma'am. »
Outside Elise get off her vest, unclipped a button of her shirt and breathed relived.
« I did good ?, asked her brother.
— Yes terror you did good.
— Are we going to the library now ?
— We are going... Do you want an ice cream ?
— Chocolate please ! »
Raphaël urged his sister who was strolling to the boutiques displays, licking her ice cream. He finally managed to lead her to his envied destination.
« I don't remeber there was a library here, commented Elise finishing her ice cream.
— It opened few years ago, you was still in your accountancy school.
— Coming back once every three weeks didn't helped.
— Even when you was here you was always busy to go around, you never had time to play with me either... », whined the little boy.
Feeling guilty Elise didn't answered. After an awkward silence, the boy attention was catched by a book in the showcase, returning to an happy mood.
The little boy stepped in the store, quickly followed by his sister.
« Hi there !, exclaimed the little boy rushing to the comic section.
— Raphaël don't bother other cus... ! », Elise interrupted herself astunned.
At the sight of the library owner her heart raced. She immediatly recognized the round bell and its tinkling around his neck.
Aah Za-zu !, she thought. O-okay stay calm he didn't noticed you.
« Elise ! There is a collector spin-off of my comic ! Can I have it please ?
— Elise ? », said the yellow cat in the girl's direction.
Oh no I am spotted ! Please don't come talk to me, she whined to herself.
« Is that you ? From St Mary high school ? », he asked coming to her.
Elise nodded shyly.
« It's been so long ! What are you becoming ?
— You know my sister sir ?, interrupted the young boy returning near Elise.
— Of course we were schoolmates, answered Zazu.
— Schoolmates ? Hey sis, he isn't the one you talk about in your diary ?
— Diary ? », repeated Zazu tilting his head.
Elise eyes widened.
« The cute boy and his beas.. ?! »
Raphaël didn't have time to finsih his sentence, his sister was covering his mouth.
« W-we are going to leave ! H-how much I owe you ?, she asked embarassed.
— 25$ ! »
She handed him the money. When Zazu's fingers skimmed her fur to pickup the bills she shivered.
« It is good to see you again, he said puting the money in the till. If you are around next time we could go for a drink ?»
Despite her black fur covering her face, a deep blush twitched Elise's cheeks at Zazu's proposal.
The librarian handed a paper bag to the little brother.
« Happy reading kid and don't lose the store card, you have a discount on the tenth purchase. »
Back to her car and with an heartbeat normal again, Elise grabbed her little brother by his ear.
« Ouch no no it hurts !
— How did you get access to my diary little brat ? There is a padlock on it and it is stored in a locked drawer !
— I opened it !
— How ?
— With the keys ! »
Elise twisted his ear a little more.
« Ah wah ah wah ah wah !
— I kept the keys with me.
— I-I picked the lock ! My friend Charon taught me !
— What kind of locks can you open ?
— The simple ones for now !
— For now ?! Because you plan to make a career ? Just wait till mom find it out !
— No no no please ! Don't tell her ! I will say nothing ! Don't do it !
— Watch your butt, brat ! », she said close to his face twisting his ear a last time.
Elise released her brother and he rubbed his aching ear.
« In the car !, she ordonned holding the door. We go home ! »
* * *Maxine's buisness had started well and her reputation was slowly increasing. Most of her cases were about divorces, she became more experienced at collecting informations. However she didn't had occasion to use her bounty hunter licence yet. Wyndchase was a peacefull town.
Maxine had accepted the request of an other farmer. This time the man was suspecting his neighbour and competitor to poison the water of his crops. Indeed his corn plants started to wither away few days after he watered it.
Maxine watched from afar the movements of the other farmer but didn't notcied any suspiscious activities. She was about to put an end to her mission when the neighbour came to yell at the farmer.
« What did you do to my sunflowers ?!
— And you what did you put in my water tanks ?
— Why are you talking me about your tanks ?
— Don't act innocent ! Why my crops dies and not yours if we take water from the same place ?
— For your guidance I pump directly in my underground, moron !
— Wait what did you said sir ?, interupted Maxine.
— I water my exploitation with my personal spring, like that I don't pay taxes.
— And you where do you get your water ?, she asked to her employer.
— From the stream passing between our fields.
— Do you have empty jam jars ?
— Yes but what for ?
— We will take samples ! », she declared.
After collecting water from tanks, stream and the underground spring, she asked how far up the stream. One of the farmers tell her the stream was taking it's source few kilometers aways in a small reservoir dug to collect rainwater.
She thanked the farmers and headed to the water point. The sample collected she returned to her place.
Back to the library in the end of afternoon, Maxine was assorting the window display. The merchandise exposure was interrupted by a visitor.
« Hello Miss, are you looking for something ?
— Hi, huh yes, does Zazu is here ?, asked a skunk girl a hand on her chest.
— He should be back in a moment. Are you a sales representative ? »
The young woman shook her head in a negative answer.
« Sorry, your clothes, the briefcase, I assumed... But your top is beautifull !, Maxine caught herself.
— You like it ?, smiled the young woman. It come from a little independant fashion designer... »
In no time, the two ladies found themselve talking about fashion, make up and hair care.
« I didn't ask you but, are you Zazu's partner ?
— Wha- no no no !
— I meant work associate !, giggled the skunk girl.
— Oh my bad, Zazu is a friend he helped me so I return the favor working here... and I am not sure Miranda would appreciate I date him, laughed the bat.
— Ha ha ha..., did the skunk in a forced laugh.
— Look like he is not coming back I am sorry but I will have to close the store, said Maxine looking at the clock.
— I will go back then.
— It will be with pleasure to see you around. »
In the evening, Maxine was at the laudromat. She finished to add the soap powder when her phone rang.
« Max it's Zazu, sorry you had to close the store, my meeting took longer than expected.
— You are welcome, she said starting the program.
— I see you tommorow then.
— No I leave for New Heaven at dawn, I should be back the next day.
— Are you on a case ?
— Not really but I have samples to make analyze to conclude a report, she explained leaning on the washing machine.
— Can't you send them to a local lab ?
— Nah it would take an eternity, a friend out there can do it quicker.
— All right.
— Oh before I forget, a girl came to the boutique.
— A girl ?
— Yes a skunk, tall, pink long hairs, purples eyes, fancy clothes, a beautifull girl.
— Did she wanted something ?
— She was looking for you. We talked a bit, she seemed nice, she said she will return.
— Oh lovely, thank you for letting me know.
— No problem, bye kitty ! »
Maxine reached New Heaven in the morning when everyone were leaving their places to go to work. She made it just in time at the building where Alister lived, to meet him at the reception. The weasel was in a hurry.
« Sorry I can't accompany you to the Dr's lab, my appointement has been advanced and I am already late, apologised the weasel. Here is his adress. »
As he get out a piece of paper, something fell from his pocket in the same time without him noticing.
« We meet this evening at The Violet Edge ! Later ! », he saluted before leaving.
The bat lady was a bit disapointed at the idea to meet the Dr Reiniger and spend the rest of her day alone. Her attention was caught when she almost stepped on a sparkling brooch. She picked it up.
What's that ?, she thought.
The cute crocodile design was smiling to her.
You get lost little one ? Don't worry you are no more alone, she said to herself pining it to her collar. On the way to the crazy Doctor's lab !
Maxine had finished everything she came for earlier. She parked her motorbike and was now walking in The Violet Edge direction. Alister messaged her to inform he will be one hour late for their drink. Maxine, without anything to do, stepped in the bar. Still early the place was empty from any customers. She sat at the counter on a high stool. The owner, a huge crocodile girl, came from a door and joined her behind the bar.
« Evening, may I have a soft mango cocktail please ? », asked the bat.
The barmaid nodded and complied. While she was serving the bat, she noticed the brooch on her jacket.
« Oi ! From where you had it missy ?, asked the barmaid.
— What ?
— That brooch ! Where is that oily little gobshite who gave it to you ?
— What are you talking about ? », asked Maxine taking a sip of her drink.
The strong woman approchead her hand from the bat's shirt collar trying to grab the brooch.
« Hey ! What do you think you're doing !, she protested waving's the barmaid's hand away.
— Give me back that brooch !
— Ok that's enough I am out ! »
Maxine stood up and turned her back to the bartender. The crocodile lady grabbed her by the shoulder, lifted her over the counter and threw her in the storage. Maxine picked her up while the massive lady entered and locked the door behind her. She untied her ponytail, freeing her long and thick wild hairs on her back.
« Last time ! Give it back to me and tell me where is that Geebag ! »
Maxine unsheathed the Shadowy Death and deployed the sycthe.
« Come to get it bitch !
— Alright missy show me what you are made of ! »
The crocodile girl from her 1m95 tall, was advencing determined in the room filled with cardboxes and beer kegs. In her track she cocked her arm and punched. Maxine dodged on the side and slashed her flank. The sharp blade torned the clothes. A thin trickle of blood apperead.
« That is the best missy ? It merly tickle ! »
The barmaid throw an uppercut with her other fist. The cardboxes cushioned Maxine's fall. Slightly stunned the bat came to herself to see her assailant about to trample her. She rolled between her legs and gashed her back. In one move the crocodile turned and slapped her. Maxine counterattacked slashing her other flank. The barmaid smirked before making fly the bat against the wall with a kick. Maxine on her rear saw the muscle mountain sweep on her. Her opponent close she snatched the brooch from her collar.
« Is that what you want ? Take it ! », she said discarding the pin.
The huge girl turned away to pick up her brooch. Maxine took advantage and thrusted her blade in the crocodile's tail. The reptile let out a cry of pain and surprise.
« You will pay for this ! », she said turning her menacing face to the bat.
In the barmaid eye, the excitment of the fight had given way to wrath. She whipped her tail, smashing the bat and breaking the beer kegs around. She grabbed Maxine and knocked her against the wall before passing her hands around her neck. Maxine was struggling to escape. Feeling the fingers tighten around her throat she stabbed and thursted her sycthe in the woman shoulder. Maxine tapped the handle of her weapon. In a crackling, sparkles were flying from the wound and blue lightnings ran through the crocodile body. Nor the boiling blood or the pain from the electric shock made the reptile realease her grasp. On the contrary !
Suffocating, Maxine percived a red cylinder hooked to the wall. An extinguisher ! In a last hope and an extreme effort, she pulled out the scythe from the barmaid's shoulder and smashed the red tank. It exploded, blowing its white powder in the barmaid face. Blinded she realsed her deadly embrace. On all four in the beer leaking, Maxine coughed, breathing again. She quickly looked at the crocodile. The woman fumbled, nearly skidding with every step on the sodden floor.
Maxine seen her chance !
She rushed to the crocodile, passed her sycthe behind her anckle and spinned on herself. The huge woman was knocked down on her shoulder blades. The barmaid opened her eyes, one foot on her chest and the tip of the blade to her throat.
« Bigger they are, harder they fall ! », said the bat above the girl, wiping her bloody lips.
Alister arrived to The Violet Edge. The neons lights on the front were off. Alsiter approched the shopfront. He read the message on the slate hooked to the window :
The bar is exceptionally closed for tonight. Thank you for your understanding. The Management.
Weasel, your bat friend is insideAlister gulped and steped in. Maxine was sat at the same place as before, her sycthe next to her against the counter. In an icy silence he came to sat next to the bat. Puzzled he gazed at the barmaid. Her clothes ripped off and covered in blood she was wipping a glass.Without a word the barmaid served him a whiskey. Maxine, applying her cold cocktail against her sore cheek, turned to him and declared :
« Next time you invite me, be nice chéri, don't send me in a deadly trap.
— You survived. », he smiled, grabbing his glass.
She posed lesurely her foot on his stool, returned his smile and kicked it.
« Did you lost your mind !, he yelled catching himself to the counter.
— You survived, she answered. Anyway this is Kainé. Kainé, Alister.
— Ma'am, he said rising his glass still hanging on the counter.
— I am 27 theif..., coldly commented the barmaid.
— I will die before dawn. », he sighed.
After an apology Alister explained to Maxine, Kainé's bar situation. Despite her efforts, the barmaid's establishement was the crook meeting point. A neutral place where contract were placed, alliances made and informations shared. Alister suggested Kainé to help them by reporting what she can hear. The barmaid eagerly accepted the offer. She also proposed herself to help if strenght were requiered. Knowing how dirty were underground business she couldn't miss the chance to do something. A new member on their team, Maxine and Alister said their goodbye to Kainé before quiting the bar. On the sildewalk Alister said :
« This girl will be a huge ally. No pun intended.
— I must say she can be a big angry gal. She almost crushed me with her hands !, she said showing her bruised neck.
— Usually it's the littles ones that are angry.
— You speak for yourself ? », she joked.
Alister grumbled.
« Well I suppose she never outgrew her anger..., she commented. So what do we do now ?
— Let's go to my pla... »
A tap on his shoulder interrupted him.
« Kainé ?!
— You forget this, she said holding Alister a piece of paper.
— What is it ?, he asked.
— Your bill.
— 2 500$ ?! What's for ?
— The damages in the storage.
— No way ! There is a mistake !, he said giving her back the bill.
— You are right ! There is 4,75$ missing for the drinks. »
The girls fistbumped as the weasel get out his credit card, boiling inside.
The next morning Maxine picked up the lab results before leaving New Heaven for Wyndchase. As soon as she got home she undressed and checked her body. The fight marked her. Nothing broken but bruises everywhere, her hairs were a mess and her eyes still red. She climbed in the shower and let the water relive the soreness of her aching body. Finished, she put a loose t-shirt, a comfy cheeky and threw herself on her bed before falling asleep from fatigue.
After her nap, she was writing her report for the corn farmer. The water results showed a high herbicid concentration. Reiniger listed a wide range of possible polluants but pointed a high probability the chemical involved would be the F/V-Jolt.
As she was typing the last words of her conclusion on her laptop, the instant chat box opened. A picture of a pub with guitars and dressed tables poped.
Miranda
I just saw this, dinner concert tonight !
You're up ?
Maxine
I am not presentable, I have a dirty head.Miranda
You always had ! =p
No one will see you in the dark.
Maxine
—.—
I am not in condition... and I'd enough bar for a while tho.Miranda
Don't let me go alone ! ;w;
Maxine
Can't you ask Zazu to come with you ?Miranda
He doesn't anwer.
Please come with me !
I offer you dessert ! They have woompas cake ! =3
Maxine
Woompas ?!!!
You catch me by feelings ! ♥
When ? Where ?Miranda
8:00 P.M.
The Singing Mosses Pub.
The pub atmosphere was friendly. Maxine and Miranda were arrived a bit earlier to be sure to get a place. One by one tables were crowded. The pub was quickly filled with the hubbub of the people talks. The technician was finishing the scene settings and the waiters started to take orders. The bat told her friend about her last investigations and her eventful meeting with Kainé.
Miranda was listening eagerly when she interupted her friend suddenly.
« It is Zazu ! What he is doing here ?
— I don't know, enjoying the concert maybe ? », said Maxine chewing the straw in her glass.
Miranda get up and made big gesture to the feline.
« Hey kitty come here ! »
He joined the two women.
« What was you doing all alone ?
— I was waiting for somone.
— Oh you have a rendez-vous with Liru ? », smiled Miranda.
The librarian didn't answered and looked down.
« That's cute ! Ma'am please can you add a pair of plates ?, she asked to a waitress passying by. The table at the back just become free !
— No !, he tried to protest in vain.
— Come on I am sure Liru will be glad to be with us ! Right Max ? »
The bat shrugged siping her drink.
While the first artist was performing, the restaurant bathed in obscurity, the waitress brought someone to the friends's table.
« Hey Liru just in time you didn't missed much, take a seat, motionned Miranda to sit down looking at the musician.
— Who is Liru ? », asked the mysterious woman taking place at the table.
When the lights came back Miranda and the mysterious guest jumped out of scare.
« Yurk ! The Blessed Ass !
— T-The Beast ?!, did the other girl who turned out to be Elise.
— What is she doing here ?, asked the two girls to Zazu, pointing at each other.
— Here we go again... », he facepalmed.
Zazu properly introduced Elise to Maxine.
« So how were you guys together in high school ?, asked the bat.
— We were in the same class, explained the feline, everyday was the theather of the rivalry between these two.
— Only becasue The Blessed Ass here couldn't stand I was better than her.
— Better ? Let me laugh I always had better grades than you !
— I wasn't talking about grades !
— You was just jealous !
— Jealous of the princess and her court of hypocrites ? I doubt it !
— My court ?
— You know it very well ! Most of the girls were to your side when I joined St Mary.
— You was a wild beast! You never let me or anyone approach you or your friends ! »
Miranda stood up abruptly and got angry.
« Because you only cared about me when I became popular ! I perfectly remember the comments of your vipers in my back : Her clothes are second hand ! Don't get close to the beggar ! Her chest is so flat no boy would like to date her ! They took her in the program because she was surely the poorest of her school !
— I di..., tried to say Elise.
— So yes that's why I told you and all your bitches to fuck off and if one of you dared to approach my friends I would took care of you personnaly ! »
Elise didn't answered. People of the tables around were looking at the scene speechless. Miranda was staring angrily at the skunk girl her fist clenched. The lights dimmed again.
« I need air ! », she said quitting the table.
With a nod Maxine told Zazu to follow her.
« If I had known she would be there, I never would have come », said Elise twiddling the starp of her handbag.
Maxine tried to say something but Elise continued.
« I knew we didn't get along very well. I-I admit th-that I have not always been nice to her », she started to sob.
The bat recived a message. Elise sought Maxine's gaze.
« Evening is over, she said shaking her head, Miranda get back home. Zazu stay with her. »
Warm tears were flowing along Elise cheeks while she was trying to stifle her sobs.
« I ruined my reunions with Zazu ! »
Maxine kindly held out her hand.
« It will be okay, she said helping her up. Come with me, you're going to tell me the whole story. »
The two women made their way to the closed bookstore. They passed under the arch next to the boutique and ended their walk in the back yard. Maxine invited Elise in her place. She invited her to make herself comfortable while she was heating up milk in the microwave. Few minutes later she came to sit with her guest on the bed, a cocoa mug in hand.
« So tell me how did you first met with Miranda and Zazu ?
— It was during first year of high school. I was happy to have entered St Mary it was a renowed establishment and not everyone was able to pass the entrance selection.
— A private school ?
— Yes and on top of that the tuitions fees were not given. If middle school atmosphere was friendly, things were totally different here. Everyday was a competition for grades and between students. Unfortunally for me none of my friends from the previous school joined St Mary.
— A lamb among the wolves.
— You could say that ! I figured quickly how things worked out and that I couldn't survive alone.
— So you made new friends.
— Now, looking back I don't know if we can talk about friends... but yes we made a little group with some girls of my class.
— What about Zazu and Miranda ?
— I am coming. A few months after the start of the school year, our director announced St Mary would be part of an exchange program. Two weeks later, the new students were welcomed. That's how they ended in my class. »
Elise blew on the warm drink in the mug and took a long sip.
« What happened next ? You didn't jumped at each other's throat from day one ?, joked Maxine.
— No, giggled Elise. Passed first week excitment, routine came back and new ones quickly met the place's reality. Almost all St Mary's teens were not enchented by the newcomers. They saw them as priviledged. Blessed one who were selected in this school without passing the exam entrance.
— Charming, commented the bat.
— Miranda and Zazu held on, they relied on each other and had decent grades. Slowly some kids started to get along them. Some were glad to have new acquaintances but on the other hand for others, they started to become a threat.
— A threat ? That much ?
— St Mary expected the best from us : all classes and students were ranked !
— Ranked ?
— Yes from the best to the worst !
— That's wild !
— St Mary wanted to keep it's name and his philosophy was to make the best graduates, no matter what ! That implied students outdid each others. Miranda was smart and some girls would not tolerate to be surpassed by an outsider.
— Some girls but wasn't you one fo them ? »
Elise frowned an instant and sighed.
« Despite myself, I was...
— How so ?
— It's true I had this competitive side and seeing Miranda having good grades make me work harder. In the standing we were always quite close, it was race between us. Then she became more popular in class, specialy with boys. In fact I was curious about her ! And there was Zazu... I told myself : “At the end of the year, ask her if she want to be your friend.” The exchange program would be finished and there will be no more reasons to compete.
« But it didn't go as planned...
Two months before the end of the year, the director told us the exchange program was a success and would be reconducted. The current students would be allowed to do their entire schooling in the establishement. St Mary's students took this as an injustice and became hostile to the newcomers.
— Why didn't you told to her ?
— How could I ? Soon after the director's annoucement thoses who were around the exterior's students were considered as traitors ! Rapidly lot of rumors were circulating on how they were treated ! »
Elise's purples eyes became all wet.
« I-I just wanted to be friend with her ! I swear I didn't know how others girls treated her ! I never knew ! And now she and Zazu must hate me !!! », she bursted in tears.
Maxine took Elise's mug away and gave the skunk a comforting embrace. Elise wrapped her arms around the bat and clunged to her clothes.
« There there, calm down, its over, said Maxine patting her.
— I never told this to anyone, sniffled Elise.
— Feeling a bit better ? »
Elise nodded and dryed her cheeks with her sleeves.
« What happened next ?, asked the bat.
— Next year our relation has deteriorated. Miranda and I became class representatives to the student council.
— You finally was able to spend time with her !
— No she was avoiding me and when we had to be together she constantly made cutting remarks to me. So I responded the same way, thinking it was jealousy.
— Why Miranda would be ?, asked Maxine.
— Because I was class's honorary student. I never understood it was a means of defense... untill today.
— If you were hardly ever together how she ended to hate you ?
— You remember what Miranda said about me and the other girls I was with ?
— The princess and her court of hypocrites ? »
Elise nodded in confirmation.
« I never said any words that Miranda accused me of !
— But she said you came to her when she became popular sooo... I don't get it, tried to figure Maxine.
— During the year, I had wisedom thooth removal surgey. I was scared to die. Back to school after a week and half recovery, I asked Miranda if she wanted to hang with me and my friends.
— You decided to override the doxa's school finaly, smiled the bat.
— Exactly but during my abscence the art club did a photo exhibition. Miranda was a model and her photo won the contest with the majority of votes among students. I didn't knew that as I didn't knew the girls from my group were harrassing her on my behalf in my back. »
Elise paused in her story. She get back her cocoa from the table.
« How did it end ?, asked the bat.
— We finished high school. I cut ties with everyone, left Wyndchase and got my accountant diploma.
— Look like Zazu was happy to see you again. », pointed out Maxine.
Elise blushed at this statement.
« What are you doing now you are back in town ?
— I want to become chartered accountant so I've found a job in a real estate agency to gain proffesional experience before the final exam.
— What a project ! Congratulations for the work ! It's not too hard ?
— Thank you, she blushed, the agency is new so I had luck but there is a lot to do. The boss ask his agents to acquire all the lands and proprieties on sales around.
— Isn't the goal of an estate agency ?, said Maxine sticking her tongue friendly.
— Yes but some are not usable as is.
— How so ?
— Some lots would need soil decontamination to be in good standing. », explained Elise.
Maxine wrote a note on a post-it nearby on the table.
« Something's wrong ?, asked the skunk.
— No no just a reminder to do something tomorrow, she said posing her pen.
— I should leave it's getting late if you have to work.
— Do you want me to accompany you ?
— I am not parked far, don't bother. », she said getting up.
Elise thanked the bat one more time for listening and comforting her. She said her goodbye to Maxine and left. She was under the arch when the bat called her out, trotting to her.
« You didn't gave me your number ! »
Elise get out her phone and sent a friend request to Maxine.
« Don't worry I will talk to Miranda. », she said focused on her screen.
Elise embraced the bat and squeezed her.
« Thank you »
She released Maxine, waved and left. Unknowingly giving to the bat a hunch to follow.
The next morning, Maxine was in the library. Sat on her knees storing books scattered around her while Zazu opened the library entrance door. Her phone stuck between her cheek and her shoulder waiting for someone to answer her. She waved to the feline when finally she heard a voice at the other side.
« Miss Murdera, what a surprise ! Working with Will and the ducks miss you ?, jovially said the farmer.
— I am better at saving them ! laughed Maxine.
— To what do I owe the pleasure of your call ?
— I have questions about your farm.
— If I can answer.
— Did you had any issues with the irrigation water recently ?
— What kind of problems ?
— Pollution, crops dying one or two days after irrigation.
— Not to me but it occured to a friend and one of his colleague.
— Interresting, it is possible for you to ask them if I can come and take water samples ?
— Anything for you Miss !
— A last thing : Have you heard about farmers selling their lands around here ?
— Mmmh apart Jensen I don't think so, maybe others can tell you.
— I see... thank you Sir.
— You are welcome, I'll keep you informed for the samples. Have a gooday Miss ! »
She stood up, dusting off her jean and joined her friend behind his counter.
« Morning kitty, what's the long face ? »
Zazu gloomy, sighed.
« It's Miranda... she is upset because I invited Elise. »
Maxine rolled her eyes with a smirk.
« Now she is mad at me and she sulk. I hope Elise is fine...
— Don't worry I took care of her, she reassured him. Seem a lot happened between you three.
— Indeed, he said vaguely turning on his computer.
— Can you tell me more ?, she asked making run her fingers on the counter.
— What do you want to know ?, he answered frowning.
— Hey don't look at me like I was the bad cop ! », she defended herself.
He cracked a smile.
« What Elise told you ?
— I know the main lines, I don't want to influence your story.
— Allright Inspector. Miranda and I were chosen to be part of an exchange program with St Mary. We passed the selection exam and were accepted. St Mary students were not very welcoming and since we were just the two of us from our school in class, we stook together. Later one or two classmate became friend with us. We helped each other studying and quickly we get good grades.
— Elise told me you were ranked.
— Yes but I wasn't bothered about it. I was studying for me and didn't cared much for competition. Contrariwise Miranda was fully into it. Elise was already high in the board, Miranda quiclky caught up. I don't know if it was her dynamism but rapidly other kids hanged with us. There was few girls but it was mainly boys. We were a good group of friends...
— But ?, asked Maxine noticing the grave tone in Zazu's voice.
— Everything changed after the director annoucement. The exchange program set for one year was extended. It allowed us to do all our high school at St Mary. From there most of our friends turned their back on us. The three who stayed with Miranda and I had a hard time. To avoid other we found refuge in the library or the art club.
— And then ?
— Then we made it to second year. Competition started again as the mockeries.
— From St Mary's students ? »
Zazu shook is head disproving her hypothesis.
« The exchange program started to be accepted. No ! Railleries came from Elise's friends. It became wilder when Miranda and Elise were at the student council. Miranda was our guardian. I can't count the times when she burst into tears after venting her wrath on something when we were alone together. That's where she started Aïkido. It helped her a lot.
— I understand why she does not carry Elise in her heart, commented Maxine.
— Wanna know the irony ? Elise had nothing to do with this cabal !
— How did you know ?
— One day at the library I overheard a conversation between her supposed friends. They were worried that Elise would become usless to them. If she was downgraded by Miranda, their fame would take a hit and they would no longer be considered as an elite.
— What if such a thing happened ?, asked the bat.
— In that case they would dump her. She would be their scapegoat pretending she was the instigator of the jibes. Like that, they could claim to be victims and save face.
— Nasty ! You didn't tell it to Miranda ?
— I tried but the mere fact of mentionning Elise's name made her enrage. It was impossible to have a calm discussion on the subject with her.
— Indeed, I saw her once angry it was... impressive.
— So you understand ! I think the water drop was when Elise asked Miranda to be friend with her.
— Continue.
— I remember it happened after a photo contest organised by the art club. One of our group member took Miranda as model. Thanks to this photo her popularity exploded at school, everyone talked about her. Elise missed it if I recall correctly, she was sick or something. She came back maybe ten day after ? Anyway, she proposed us to hang with her. Miranda was beside herself ! She told her to leave us alone to stay polite.
— You never went toward Elise ?
— I tried, but you know Miranda and how a little bit protective she can be.
— Especially to you, giggled Maxine, and “little” is a sweet euphemism.
— True, he laughed too, so yes when Elise bought a book for her brother, I swiped the store card with my details in the bag saying it would be nice to meet again. Few days laters she called and announced she had found a job. I took it as an excuse to invite her at this diner. I didn't know you would be there too. »
Maxine's phone rang. She read the message she had just recived.
« Where is Miranda now ?
— At her appartment surely sulking, answered Zazu typing on his keyboard.
— Thank you, she said heading to her dwelling.
— What about the mess on the floor ? We have work here !
— I take my day !, she said rising her arm, turning her back to him.
— And can we know where you are going ?
— Taking care of the grumpy cat ! », she said turning to him with a wide smile.
Maxine was hammering at Miranda's door. A grumbling cheetah opened. The bat rushed inside, leaving no time to the spotted feline to protest.
« Perfect you are already dressed ! Do you still have the helmet I get you in college ?, asked the bat.
— Yes wh-
— Go fetch it ! You come with me !
— I don't want to go outside, she whinned.
— No no no ! It is not a request, it is an order ! »
Miranda complied and quickly the two were riding Maxine's motorbike in countryside direction. Maxine drove to a farm on the indication of her old employer. The owner expecting the visit welcomed the ladies. After a quick talk, they went to the farm's water distribution device and took sample. The farmer told them to go to his concurrents exploitations saying they agreed to make their water tested. When they finished with the last farm, Maxine asked the location of the differents waters sources.
The two girls arrived to a water point. The place was isolated and has been dug to collect rain years ago. The mound of earth had been left as they were. The wild grass had colonized the embankments. At the foot of the hill near a concrete block, the remains of a campfire, rusty tin cans and empty beers bottles.
Once Maxine get her samples she sat on the concrete block.
« Why did you get me here ?, asked Miranda.
— To help me collect water ?, she shrugged.
— Don't take me for an idiot !
— Alright ! I want to know why you hate Elise so much. »
Miranda fists clenched, then flew into rage.
« DON'T EVER TALK TO ME ABOUT THAT BITCH AGAIN ! ZAZU FIRST ! NOW YOU ?! ARE YOU ALL AGAINST ME ?!!!
— I just want to understand.
— THERE IS NOTHING TO UNDERSTAND ! SHE MADE MY LIFE A HELL IN HIGH SCHOOL SHE WON'T DO IT AGAIN !
— Calm down !
— NO I WON'T ! IF I COULD I WOULD KILL HER HERE AND NOW !
— Oh you want ? Let's do it then ! »
Maxine grabbed a tin can and posed it on the block, get up and drew her revolver. She walked to Miranda.
« Go ahaed ! », she said handing her MR-73.
Miranda grabbed the weapon. She was boiling. Maxine stepped aside.
« She is right here, said the bat pointing at the can. Do it ! »
Her eyes full of hate, the cheetah glared at the old piece of metal.
« KILL HER ! PULL THE TRIGGER ! »
Mingled with Miranda's cry of rage, the revolver let out a blast ! Then a second and a third finally !
The old tin can landed, perforated on all sides, in the fire pit. In a heavy silence, it finished its roll in the coal. Maxine get the gun out of her friend's hands.
« Feeling better ? »
The spotted girl was shaking from all her body. The bat took her by her shoulder and together they sat on the concrete block.
« Come on, tell me what happened in high school », said Maxine with a reassuring voice.
Miranda told her how she was chosen to study in St Mary with Zazu : The exchange program, their files preselection, their interwiew with the director and professors then their entrance exam. She told her the cold welcome they recivied, how hard it was for them to make a place in class. The ranking system, the first friends they made and how their good grades attracted others classmates.
« Wasn't you bothered by this permanent notation ?, asked Maxine.
— No I always loved competition, it was stimulating. My goal was to be the first !
— What about Elise ?
— She was in the top of the class, I quickly made my way but insidiously the rivalry settled.
— How that ?
— Well for exemple if we had to read a paper, I would systematically choose a subject invalidating Elise's one and vice versa.
— How things changed after the director's annoucement about the exchange program ?, questionned the bat.
— Yurk ! Apart the three from the start, all the classmates who pretended to be our friend dumped us and started to harass our group. So to be at peace, we hung out in the less frequented places : the library and the art club.
— Zazu told me it was your safezone. What happened the next year ?
— Strangely it began quite calmly. The ranking has been reseted and competition between students started again. Then Elise and two other classmates presented themself to be class representative. I had to apply ! Just out of spirit of contradiction and for competition ! We had two weeks to set up our program and do our campaign. Then it began : the derogatory remarks, rumors and all the nice comments on me, from Elise's emissaries ! If you could have seen their faces when the results came out ! I had been elected !, she lauged.
— You never replied to their comments ?
— And to get more troubles ? No ! If you cut hydra's head an other grow back, you have to get rid off the brain !
— Which was ?
— Elise of course ! Moreover The Blessed Ass was honorary student ! You can't imagine what I went through ! How many times Zazu scooped me up ? He was the only one who was always there for me.
— So you protected him.
— I couldn't allow anyone to harm him in anyway !, she exclaimed punching the concrete. So to prevent the vipers to attack him I had an idea ! I suggested a photo exhibition to the art club and I posed as a model. I didn't expected it would work so well !
— It was so effective ?, said the bat feigning innocence.
— And how ! Teachers even settled a contest ! You are talking to the girl who won the first prize !
— How is modesty ?, teased Maxine.
— What really pissed me off was when Elise had the audacity to ask me to be her friend ! This bitch doesn't doubt anything !
— I see, what happened next ?
— We finished our schooling somehow, avoiding Elise and her vipers ! That's it !
— A last question : yesterday at the pub when you said “her court of hypocrites” you wasn't speaking about Elise's friends behavior toward her ?
— Of course not ! Why ? »
Maxine get up and dusted off her bottom.
« What if Elise had never been the person you think she is ? What if all you went through wasn't her fault ?
— What she is innocent ?! That's what you try saying me ?!
— It's not for me to tell you but you are far to know the whole story ! If you want answers ask Zazu but to know the whole truth you will have to leave your resentement and listen what Elise have to say. »
Miranda scowled.
« You don't have to but if you don't, this anger will consume you untill the end of your life. »
Miranda grabbed the edge of Maxine's jacket and asked shyly looking down.
« Can we... shoot again ? »
Their shooting session over, the girls took the road again. Seeing they were going the opposite direction to Wyndchase, Miranda tapped her firend's shoulder.
« We are getting away !, she said through her helmet.
— I still have work to do !
— Where are we going ?
— New Heaven ! Enjoy the ride ! », said Maxine speeding up.
Maxine driven round the town by the highway and went directly to the industrial zone. The two bikers arrived to Dr Reininger's laboratory. The bat asked her friend to wait outside while she was making test the diffrents waters samples. Half an hour later, Maxine came back.
« Did you get what you wanted ?, said Miranda.
— Yeah we can go back !
— We are going to the city ?
— Sorry not this time.
— Shame !, she pouted.
— Instead we will go through the forest road, it will be funnier, you will see, winked Maxine.
— En route ! », exclaimed the feline putting her helmet.
The two friends headed for the cliff where the winding climb awaited them. The ascent completed, the girls entered the woods. The fuel tank draining quickly and the engine having heated up more than usual, Maxine decided to take a break at the garage where she made a halt the first time she went to New Heaven.
Miranda refueled while Maxine was checking her engine.
« Good thing we stopped., she said.
— Problem ?, asked Miranda leaning over.
— Nothing serious, lack of coolant.
— If that's all.
— My poor bike is not used to carry heavy charges, retorted Maxine, getting up.
— You are the one with the biggest bum !, teased the cheetah.
— Come here you lil brat ! », did Maxine grabbing her friend's neck with her elbow.
The two bikers entered in the store.
« Woa it's desert here !, exclaimed Miranda.
— There must be someone in the workshop.
— I take you something ?, asked her friend wandering between the gondolas.
— Yes ! Water, a fruit bar and motorbike coolant please.
— I am on it ! »
While the cheetah was picking up their needs for the travel, the garagist came to collect them. Miranda rapidly trotted to the till.
« We used pump N°2 and we take this too, please. How much I owe you Sir ?, asked the bat getting out her wallet.
— Nothing Ma'am !, did the man refusing the money.
— Pardon but I have to pay you Sir.
— I insist Ma'am !, cutted the man.
— What the matter ?, asked Miranda.
— This lady saved my life month ago ! A thug held me with a gun and this woman knocked him out so there is no way she pay for anything in this store !
— Aww you embarass me Sir !, argued Maxine.
— No !, insisted the man.
— May I propose something ?, asked the cheetah.
— What is it ?
— I totaly understand your feeling Sir but my friend here would feel like she abuse your kindness, explained Miranda. So let's say each time she refuel you don't charge for the gas but instead she will pay for the rest of your services ! Deal ?
— It works for me lady.
— Awsome ! So how many ? », did the cheetah.
Pleased with the terms of this agreement, the girls exited the store and get back to the bike. Maxine poured the liquid in the coolant system under the inquisitive look of her friend.
« What ?
— How did you stopped a gunman ?
— With my revolver I guess ?
— The guy said it was about a month ago ! Zazu hadn't given it back to you yet and don't tell me it was Kung-fu because you knew nothing to martial arts before meeting Lou ! So by what miracle did you succeeded ?
— In addition to being dangerous, you are smart !
— Come on Sherlock ! Tell me !
— Can't it wait ? »
Miranda stole the keys from Maxine's hand.
« Hey !
— I wont get it back untill you tell me !
— Dangerous, smart and stubborn what a combo ! Okay I speak but you shut up about it !
— Promise ! », she exclaimed.
Maxine looked around making sure not to be seen. She get out the metal bar of its cordura sheath attached to her belt and deployed the great sycthe.
« What the hell is that ?!, did the cheetah.
— It's an experimental weapon : The Shadowy Death. It is made of-
— It is awsome ! You bet you knocked out this guy !, said Miranda gazing at the weapon.
— Do you even listen to me !
— I want one too !
— No ! You are already too dangerous with your swords !, she did sheathing her weapon.
— They are Iaïdo katanas ! Where did you get that ?
— I will tell you everything but not here, she said getting back her keys. Now get your butt on the bike ! The day is well advanced and I still have things to verify.»
Their last step was the farm where Maxine saved the ducks. The farmer more than happy to see the bat, welcomed her warmly. He offered the girls a snack from his composition. A duck pâté to spread on bread accompanied with a glass of red wine. Satiated, Maxine questioned the man. She wanted to know which was the company that supplies and gets rid of his chemicals. Her former employer asked her why. She showed him the analyzes and he noticed the high level of F/V-Jolt in the waters tested. The man let her know it was a local buisness. Maxine thanked him.
Before leaving, the farmer offered a little block of pâté to each girls and gave to the bat an old bill with the company contact details. The informations in hand, the two friend returned to Wyndchase and ended their long day.
Chapter 6 : Slice & Shoot.
Category Artwork (Traditional) / All
Species Skunk
Gender Female
Size 1636 x 2251px
File Size 998.6 kB
Comments