Kapitel 3: Unwelcome Guests
Blake navigates the tight corridors filled with GFC members until he arrives at an opulent wooden door, which is being watched over by two prominent GFC members. Jacob Silverthorne, a wolf with striking silver fur, and Gerald Rivershield, an Arctic fox. They are Blake's good friends.
Jacob: Well, who do we have here?
Gerald: Our fellow partner, Blake!
Blake: It's nice to see you again, guys.
Blake exchanges handshakes with them.
Jacob: Are you okay? You look nervous...
Blake: I am fine. May I pass?
Gerald: Sure! But what's up with the hurrying?
Jacob: Yeah! We just saw a group of men rush outside with Raphael. Is everything okay?!
Blake: Guys, it's none of your concern...
Gerald: Something certainly happened. Blake, you look devastated. Did something unusual happen outside? Something that we should be aware of? We are not allowed to leave our positions right now, so the only way we can know what's happening outside is by asking people questions.
Blake sighs in grief.
Blake: It was all about Logan. He wanted to kick my ass for not splitting the money with him that I received after destroying the Zakota Clan along with other members who unfortunately didn't make it. He claimed he was involved in the battle, but he wasn't. He was nothing but a liar. We landed a few punches between each other, but as you can see, I couldn't finish him off because Raphael came up to the surface, and that's when things really went downhill. End of the story. Logan is no more.
Jacob: Now that's a compelling story you just told us, brother. Do you have more?
Blake now sighs in anger.
Blake: Idiot.... See? This is why I don't want to talk about it. You think this is a joke, but it's not. It's a cruel reality.
Gerald: Yeah! Quit being a lighthearted asshole, Jacob.
Jacob: Hey, chill! I am sorry! I didn't mean to make fun of it.
Blake: This is some serious shit.
Gerald: So, Logan is like, gone? Permanently?
Jacob: Swimming in Satan's pot in hell?
Blake: Yes...
Both Gerald and Jacob high five...
Jacob: That's some really great news! I hope you don't mind us being cheerful about Logan's death, but everyone hated that miserable ferret!
Blake: Of course not! His death is gratifying!
Gerald: It surely is! Hey, Blake, where are you heading right now?
Blake: To the boss's office. I would've already been there if you guys hadn't stopped me and began this chit-chat with me.
Jacob: Oh, we're sorry! You may pass, my friend, and good luck with whatever awaits you.
Gerald: Cheers!
Gerald holds the door open for Blake, allowing him to step inside. Beyond the wooden entrance lies an expansive hall, a bustling casino teeming with mobsters and criminals, where music fills the air. This is the secret lair of Zootopia's underworld, established under Raphael's guidance to offer a secure haven for the city's most dangerous individuals to gather and conduct their affairs. The venue is segmented into various areas, providing an array of amenities, including a shooting range, gym, tavern, armory, cafeteria, saunas, swimming pools, and more. The GFC mafia operates as the enforcers here, ensuring loyalty among the criminals. The complex is fortified and discreet, eluding the attention of the ZPD. As Blake navigates through the crowd, he takes several turns until he arrives at a section dominated by the GFC mafia. This area features numerous pathways and offices, serving as the headquarters for the organization. Only authorized hitmen are permitted beyond this point. He proceeds down a lengthy corridor that culminates in a golden door, adorned with a golden fang and engraved with Raphael's name. Blake pushes the door open and steps into Raphael's office, which boasts a large table at its center, lavish decorations lining the walls, and a grand portrait of Raphael displayed prominently at the far end. Blake's attention is drawn to a female teenage fox slumped in a chair, battered and bloodied. Intrigued, he approaches her.
Blake: Well, hello there! What happened to you, young lady?
She responds with a low voice, full of fear.
Nicole: Did you come to kill me?
Blake: No? I am just wondering what the hell are you doing here, restrained in Raphael's room?
Nicole: You're not one of them, aren't you?
Blake: Me? What are you talking about? Look, I didn't come here to help you or talk to you. I don't even know you. I have never seen you around here. Who the hell are you?
Nicole: My name is Nicole, but don't bother remembering because I'll be dead in a few minutes if you don't set me free! Please! Help me, sir!
Blake: What?! I'm not touching you! I was sent here for an important briefing. Raphael and his men should be back in any minute now...
Nicole begins to beg and sob quietly.
Nicole: Please, sir! For the love of God, release me! I didn't do anything wrong! I have no idea where I am at all or who this Raphael guy is.
Blake: Stop! First of all, why are you beaten up and wrapped around the chair I should be sitting on, for god's sake?
Nicole: There's no time for questions and answers!
Blake: Seriously, if you keep dodging my questions, I might just lose it and take you out right here, not even thinking about why you're around in the first place.
Nicole quiets down as Blake sits next to her on another chair.
Blake: Speak...
Nicole: I won't! Who are you?! You don't look like one of them, mafia dudes...
Blake sighs in annoyance.
Blake: I am not. I am just a hired hitman who does the bidding of his boss, Raphael. This is my horrendous job. That's it. I don't really belong here.
Nicole: Then I suppose it wouldn't be a big deal if you could cut the cord around me and set me free!
Blake: Don't even think about it! I am loyal to this organization, and I am one of the most favored hitmen here. I am not here to betray anyone, and most importantly, I am not here to save lives and such. You must have really messed up to find yourself in this situation.
Nicole: They took out all my friends!!! I warned them that we should steer clear of that creepy underground city, but they just wouldn't listen! They ended up following some sketchy-looking people heading toward the entrance. I had no choice but to tag along and see what they were up to. Once we got inside this nightmare, we stumbled upon some incredible statues in a hallway we definitely shouldn't have been in. My friends thought it would be funny to spray paint some crude stuff on them. We totally missed the cameras and the fact that we were being watched the whole time. A few minutes later, a bunch of weasels and ferrets in all-black outfits, like ninjas with a bunch of sharp weapons, burst into the hallway. We had to drop to the ground and stay still. Then this brutal, awful lynx showed up and started interrogating us. My friends had clearly crossed a line, and he said they didn't deserve any mercy, so he went ahead and stabbed each of them with one of his daggers, then he literally beheaded them all.
Nicole makes an effort to suppress her emotions and avoid a complete breakdown.
Nicole: I don't know why, but he spared me and told me that he would deal with me later. I was taken to this room afterwards. I kept being resistant, so they beat me up along the way.
Blake: Interesting. Why would Kyle spare a feminine fox?
Nicole: Kyle?
Blake: Yeah. Our cold-blooded, bloodthirsty assassin and executioner. He has his own little group of "servants" who do what he desires. You're a lucky girl. Very lucky tonight. You're going to have your head chopped off.
Nicole: Please tell me you're joking! I just want to go home! Please let me go, sir! I didn't mean to damage anything here. I was just following my friends and trying to convince them to return to the surface.
Blake: Look, this is going to be sorted out in a few minutes. This is absolutely none of my business. You were still involved. You shouldn't have come here at all. Why would you follow your impish friends all the way down here?
Nicole: I didn't want to stay outside alone, but look! Have you ever done something good in your life? Have you ever made someone happy and pleased by doing a good deed?
Blake remains silent and emotionless.
Nicole: How about your family? Do they know that you are involved in a series of crimes that all violent criminals commit every single day down here and all around this beautiful city?
Blake: ENOUGH! My family is dead, and I wish they were alive. Their deaths made me a nobody! Can't you see the pain in my eyes?
Both Blake and Nicole stare into each other's eyes.
Nicole: I am sorry to hear that, but... but ask yourself, would your wife or kids ever want to see you in such a state as this? You would not make them proud by doing this kind of job.
Blake leans against the chair, his eyes welling up with tears as he gazes up at the ceiling.
Blake: No, but I know they're up there. In heaven, watching over me and crying. They are waiting for me to join them and start a new life somewhere safe, somewhere beautiful. I believe in the afterlife, and I promised my dying wife and kids that I would stay strong and keep going until the end. I just... I just wish I could die right now. But I keep my promises. My journey doesn't end here, and I know they don't want me dead. I shall join them one day when the right time comes.
Blake wipes his tears...
Nicole: Are you crying?
Blake: Yes, I mean, no. My eyes are just itchy.
Blake rises from his seat and paces around the room to ease the emotional tension.
Nicole: I don't know what to say. I am extremely sorry about that. I wish it never happened to you. I have a loving family waiting for me at home too. I can feel how eagerly my sister is waiting for my return. I can smell the fresh smell of the meal my mom is cooking for lunch. The only thing that really makes me anxious is the fact that I won't see them anymore.
At that instant, Blake retrieves his combat knife, approaches Nicole, and slices through the cord binding her, freeing her in the process.
Blake: There. You're free. Go home. Be with your family while you can. Show them how much you love them. Live your life in...magnificence.
Nicole rises to her feet and embraces Blake, leaving him in shock. He then gently rubs her back, noticing her trembling.
Nicole: Thank you! Could you please lead me out? I don't know which way is the exit...
Blake: No problem. Frankly, I don't think you deserve to be punished. You shall be free, and yes, I can lead you outside, but we gotta hurry up, and if you get caught, that's going to be the end for you. Follow me!
Blake and Nicole approach the door, only to be startled by the sound of footsteps coming from behind it.
Blake: Hold up! Shit! They're coming!
Nicole: Oh, no! What are we going to do now?
Blake: Sit back on your chair and stay put, okay?
Nicole: This is not going to end well, goddammit.
Blake: Remain calm and sit down already!
Nicole sits back in the chair as Blake opens the door. He sees Raphael approaching. Blake steps into his office, keeping the door ajar for Raphael, who then enters, and Blake shuts the door behind him. Raphael observes Nicole seated in her chair.
Raphael: Blake, I didn't know you had a girlfriend...
Raphael approaches his chair, takes a seat, and opens a drawer to retrieve a cigar. Moments later, Blake joins Nicole by sitting beside her.
Blake: Actually, she is not my girlfriend. She was already sitting in your office by the time I arrived.
Raphael: C'mon, Blake, we don't need any unnecessary, uninvited guests. Who called me? Is she the reason I was told to come here?
Nicole: Sir, am I allowed to leave this room?
Raphael: Hell no! What the hell are you doing here in my office, beaten up and bloody like that? You don't even look like a criminal or a member of our organization. How do you want to justify your presence?
Nicole sits in silence, enveloped in a sense of melancholy. Meanwhile, Raphael ignites his cigar and starts to smoke.
Blake: Look, she hasn't done anything wrong. She was just hanging out with her friends, and they surprisingly managed to enter the complex and damage a few of your statues in the exhibition hall. I know she was involved, but she hasn't touched anything. She was trying to make them leave, but they didn't listen, so they got all killed except her. Just let her go. Punishing her for nothing would be a nonsensical act.
Raphael: I am perplexed as to why I was not made aware of this situation. It is quite frustrating to be uninformed about the events taking place within this underground facility. How did they succeed in infiltrating? Who bears the responsibility for her abduction? There are so many questions. It appears that we will not be proceeding to the conference room anytime soon.
Blake: Conference room?
Raphael: Yes! We're going to gather some of our men, and I am going to brief you there. There's a very important assignment waiting for some of you. Now, back to the point...
Raphael glances at Nicole.
Raphael: Who the hell seized you?!
Nicole: It was that weird, abominable Lynx who did all of this...
Raphael: Kyle?!
Suddenly, three resounding knocks echo through the door.
Raphael: COME IN!
The door swings open, revealing a lynx figure with a threatening demeanor, accompanied by his servants. They match Nicole's description perfectly. The servants remain stationed outside as their leader commands them to maintain their positions. The lynx enters the room, and it becomes clear that he is Kyle Swiftmark, the assassin and executioner of the Golden Fang Clan. He is dressed in a long black coat, with a hood obscuring his face. Various stealth-oriented weapons, including shurikens and daggers, are secured to his belt, while katana swords are sheathed on his back, ready to eliminate any adversaries. Kyle approaches Nicole, fixing his intense gaze on her.
Raphael: Excellent! You're just in time, Kyle! You've got a lot of explaining to do.
Kyle ignores everyone around him, fixating his gaze on Nicole, who is shaking with intense fear.
Kyle: Never call me abominable ever again, you cheeky, little, mischievous girl. That was so rude; in fact, it was very offensive, you intruder!
Nicole experiences a deep sense of shock, with cold sweat accumulating on her forehead as her heart beats rapidly.
Raphael: Kyle, I suppose you want to elucidate this whole damn situation too. Tell me your story from your perspective. I am all ears...
Kyle: This pesky scoundrel had something in common with her friends when they ventured down into the exhibition hall. They damaged some of our statues and my precious portraits by spraying all kinds of childish, naive objects on them! So, I made the decision to apprehend her.
Blake: Kyle, hear me out. She explained everything to me. She did not touch anything or damage anything by spraying shit on your monotonous damn portraits. She is innocent. She tried to make them leave, but they didn't listen.
Kyle: I don't care! She was merely an accomplice, and she should not have followed them in the first place. It is unwise to place trust in these teenagers; she may very well be deceiving us as well. The specifics of what transpired down there remain unclear to both of us, but that does not compel me to accept every statement she makes without skepticism. Furthermore, I distinctly recall instructing my servants to bind her with a cord. Do not assume I was unaware of your actions, Blake. You set her free. How could you do such a thing? You severed the cord!
Blake: Mate, don't be so damn meticulous! She felt uncomfortable, and the cord was very tight, so I decided to cut her free because, why not?
Raphael: Cut to the chase, you two! Just ask her one question. How much has she seen of our establishment?
Nicole: Pretty.....much...everything. This is a terrible place, and you should all be arrested for running such an organization, which is morally unlawful. Shame on you all!
Nicole gazes at Kyle, her expression marked by a frown and visible distress.
Nicole: And you... you heartless moron, you should rot in hell!
Kyle whacks her across the face while Blake sits in complete silence.
Kyle: Watch your filthy mouth, you interloper! Show some proper respect to us! We have our own law here, and you're not privileged to dwell here or enter this place whatsoever!
Raphael: It seems she has seen enough. Our brotherhood cannot be exposed to the public and the ZPD. She would disclose the Golden Fang Clan if we let her go. Why would you spare her life, by the way?
Nicole: Because he wants to abuse me. He should've spared all of us! Not just me! It's not fair! You killed my friends, leaving only me alive. WHY?!
Kyle: Shut up! You're my, let's say, chosen one!
Kyle walks behind her, placing both hands firmly on her shoulders while addressing her in a menacing tone.
Kyle: I thought it'd be a good idea to interrogate you in front of our imperious leader, Raphael, so he can see what kind of daring, pesky, beautiful chick sneaked into our hideout with her friends from the "outer" world. Oh, babe, I will enjoy dismantling you!
Nicole: You're damn insane!
Raphael laughs diabolically, placing his legs on the table while he smokes.
Raphael: I appreciate your efforts, Kyle. Your attempts to apprehend those troublesome teenagers have not gone unnoticed. I have more pressing matters to attend to with Blake at this moment, so please do not concern yourself with the statues and portraits; they can be restored. Now, take care of her! I have seen and heard more than enough.
Kyle: As you wish!
Nicole's breathing becomes more rapid, anxiety gripping her as Kyle gently places his hand on her head, speaking to her in a low, menacing tone.
Kyle: It's going to be alright, darling! There's no need to be apprehensive. Kyle is going to take care of you! Where should I begin? Let's start with the limbs, or...wait, no, perhaps with your throat? Whatever! I'll let you choose your fate! Would you like to have your body parts chopped off slowly one by one, which is, of course, the most painful way, or maybe you'd like to become one of my servants? I prefer the second choice. But cutting your throat would be very pleasing too! You'd make a brilliant, bloody fountain!
Nicole: Don't touch me, psycho!
Kyle: Thanks for the compliment, darling.
Nicole attempts to flee but is seized from behind by Kyle, who forcefully presses her against the wall, positioning his dagger near her throat in an aggressive manner.
Kyle: Hey! Don't try to run, girlie. How about I cut your throat this instant? I'd love to see your blood spout everywhere in this room! I LOVE. THE. SMELL. OF. FRESH. BLOOD!
Nicole: Please don't do this to me! I apologize on behalf of my friends you killed, but I don't deserve to die! I did nothing wrong!
Blake doesn't hesitate and interferes.
Blake: Kyle! Don't! Why do you have to be so damn ferocious and violent all the time? Don't execute her! Killing someone is not always the right solution!
Kyle turns to Blake while pushing Nicole against the wall with one hand.
Kyle: Silence! I cannot perform my duties like this. You do not have the authority to dictate my actions. It would be wise for you to remain silent, Blake, or you may find yourself in a similar situation. Enforcing discipline through execution is part of my role, and it is through this violence that I derive my strength!
Blake: Oh, for god's sake! How about we keep her in prison?
Kyle: Yeah, so you can set her free anytime! You're so clever, Blake, but you won't outwit me! Can't you see? Her innocent feminine whimpering and begging for freedom is affecting your mind! Don't listen to her!
Nicole: Please, show a bit of mercy... I don't want to die this young. I've got a family...they need me.
Raphael: I would be grateful if you could carry out her execution in a location other than my office, Kyle.
Kyle: It's too late, Raphael! I'll finish her off this instant!
Kyle turns back to Nicole and puts the dagger close to her neck again, ready to cut it.
Kyle: Now, where was I?
Raphael: Kyle, I am serious! Take her to one of your torture chambers, for Christ's sake!
Blake: NO! Just spare her life! We'll think of something that will keep her alive and ensure that our hideout won't get exposed to the public!
Kyle: Just lock your cursed mouth already! You're nothing but a hindrance for me at the very moment! Shove off already! I don't have time to negotiate!!!
Nicole: Blake! Help me! Save my life! Correct...your...mistakes. Be the hero of the day!!! PLEASE!
Kyle: SILENCE!
Blake no longer hesitates; he stands up and moves toward Kyle from behind.
Blake: What do you think you're doing? If you make the slightest cut on her throat, I will neutralize you!
Raphael: Knock it off! BOTH OF YOU! Blake, sit down, Kyle. I command you to leave my office and take her with you right now!
Kyle releases the dagger and turns around to confront Blake, ignoring Raphael's orders. The intensity between Kyle and Blake escalates as they lock eyes fiercely.
Kyle: What gives you the right to act this way, Blake? You lack any real authority, which makes you nothing more than a disreputable individual.
Blake: I may have no authority here, but I have the right to defend the innocent.
Kyle: That's it! You asked for it!
Kyle delivers a lightning-fast punch to Blake's abdomen, followed by a spinning hook kick to his face, sending him tumbling. Meanwhile, Nicole rushes to the door of the room and swiftly opens it as Kyle confronts Blake. Several of Kyle's servants are stationed in the hallway, but Nicole manages to elude them, sprinting through the corridor in search of an escape route. The servants quickly give chase, prompting Kyle to become aware of Nicole's escape and become visibly upset.
Kyle: Look what you just did, you fool!
Kyle retorted angrily, his voice seething with hatred.
Raphael stands up and approaches Kyle as Blake lays on the ground, attempting to rise but feeling dizzy.
Raphael: Your lack of cooperation and defiance are quite evident, Kyle. I did not come here to be hindered by your insubordination and obstinacy. The time for games is over! Get out there and bring her back to me!
Kyle: I cannot be held accountable for this, Raphael! This foolish, senseless fox is responsible for this mayhem, not me. I consistently adhere to your instructions. I was compelled to act in self-defense. It was necessary to prevent him from causing harm. Someone needed to impart a lesson to him, don't you think? You were sitting on your ass the whole time, merely instructing me without taking action.
Raphael's fury boils over as he unleashes his anger on Kyle.
Raphael: I am your authority! I am your superior! Therefore, heed my words, you confounded creature!
Kyle: Don Raphael, accept my apology. You're right.
Raphael: Respect and courtesy are what I demand from you and my subordinates. NOW, GO! Find her and bring me her corpse, and you'll be forgiven!
Kyle angrily leaves Raphael's office, slamming the door behind him. Raphael then approaches Blake.
Raphael: Stand up, Thunder.
Blake: Screw this lynx, seriously.
Blake stands up and sits back on the chair.
Blake: He is the one who should be expelled from this organization.
Raphael: I wish I could do that, but since he is one of the toughest warriors out there, it's better off when we keep him in this organization regardless of his inadmissible behavior.
Raphael sits back on his chair and puts his legs back on the table comfortably, ready to interact with Blake.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein