บท 9: Desperate Measures
Nick Wilde from the ZPD has been informed about the troubling schemes of Onyx Technologies and has been sent to investigate the facility to verify the accuracy of the information provided by Blake Thunder. This chapter details Blake's journey home from the ZPD, where he intends to retrieve something of great significance to him following his conversation with Nick Wilde. The night is nearly upon him, with only a faint glow of the sun visible on the horizon. Upon arriving home, he parks Regina's car next to his cabin. He gathers essential items for the situation, including weapons, in case he encounters any threats. Rushing into his cabin, he calls out for Jack, hoping he is still present and, more importantly, on his side.
Blake: Jack, where are you?
The black and white rabbit is nowhere to be found. Blake rushes into his bedroom and retrieves the family album from the drawer.
Blake: Thank goodness it's still here, untouched!
He begins to hear footsteps approaching from outside, their volume increasing, suggesting that someone is about to enter the cabin. Is it Jack, or could it be an unwelcome and potentially dangerous intruder? These thoughts are bothering Blake's mind. He sets aside the family album in his bedroom and prepares his firearms as he makes his way back to the living room.
Blake: Who's there? Show yourself!
Out of nowhere, the entrance door swings open quickly, revealing a familiar face, but it's not Jack Savage. Instead, it's Jacob Silverthorne, who has somehow managed to escape from Kyle's torture chamber. He stumbles in, bloodied and injured, desperately seeking Blake's help.
Blake: Jacob?! What are you doing here?!
Blake aims his guns at him.
Jacob: Hold your fire! Please! Don't shoot! Please! Do I look like I came to finish you off? Look at me! The whole clan turned against me! I am a goner!
Blake: What happened?! Why would you come after me?!
Blake lowers his guns.
Jacob: Please! Blake! Help me!
Jacob falls to his knees, crying.
Blake: What is going on right now? Hey, everything's going to be okay if you tell me what's going on! I thought you were dead already, to be honest. Look, I won't kill you.
Blake kneels down and pets Jacob's back.
Blake: I know I said I would, but I was really overwhelmed with emotions at that time. I felt like I was about to explode with anger. However, I never intended to harm either of you. I truly believe you would never do anything to hurt my family.
Jacob: I understand, and please do not refer to Gerald anymore.
Blake: Don't tell me he...
Jacob: Just forget it...
Blake offers his hand to Jacob, who grabs it, and Blake helps him stand up.
Jacob: My life turned into a blazing hell, Blake.
Blake: Just come in and sit down. Make yourself at home.
Jacob begins to limp toward the couch, letting out soft whimpers. Blake follows closely behind and assists him in taking a seat on the couch.
Blake: Just relax and tell me everything so I can help you out in the best possible way, brother. Who did this to you? Those wounds were definitely made by some sharp weapons, by the looks of it.
Jacob: Kyle...
Blake: I knew it. He is one of my adversaries that I have to neutralize first and foremost.
Jacob: We won't stand a chance against that jerkface. How are you going to eliminate him solo? They're probably on their way here, looking for us. I am badly hurt, so I don't think I would be helpful in this situation. Like I said, I am a goner, and I hope there's still a chance for you to escape and start living a new life. Screw this one, man. Go!
Blake: Look, I want to help you, and I am most certainly not leaving you behind. Tell me what happened!
Jacob: This is what you get for being a coward in a criminal organization full of heartless bastards led by a dastardly leader. It was too late when we arrived at Bunnyburrow, so me and... Gerald decided to fall back and report the situation to that asswipe, Raphael, who obviously wasn't pleased with our performance and cowardice. We were supposed to stay there and help our men, but you know what? The truth is, it would be nothing but a suicidal mission. We wouldn't stand a chance. Then he accused me and Gerald of desertion and shot Gerald at the drop of a hat. HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND!
Blake: He is going to pay, I swear.
Blake is trying to console Jacob, who sobs quietly on the couch.
Jacob: I really wish he had shot me too. I feel this overwhelming urge to chase after him. Without him, I feel completely hollow inside. Things took a turn for the worse when he ordered Kyle to look after me, or rather, to finish me off. It was my first experience in his torture chamber, and let me tell you, it was absolutely terrifying. He restrained me on one of those old, rusty metal beds and began inflicting small cuts on me as a form of torture. That was just the start. He intended to hang me up at the end of his torturing session, but thankfully, he was interrupted by someone who needed him elsewhere. He stepped out of the chamber, leaving me alone in my agony and despair. The ropes binding my waist and legs weren't too tight, so I put all my effort into freeing myself. Miraculously, I managed to loosen them and escape. I quietly slipped out of the hideout and decided to come see you, Blake, because I know—or at least I hope—you'll help and protect me.
Blake: Why would you seek help from me? I mean, there's the ZPD as well. You're not wanted or anything. So they would not take you in.
Jacob: You know why? Because you're the only person left in my life I really care about. You're my only friend left.
Blake: Bro…
Blake wraps his arms around him, feeling a sense of significance in that moment.
Blake: I will protect you while I can, Jacob, and I promise we will end this once and for all. We will take the Golden Fang Clan down!
Jacob: How? Where's this...Wolfward guy? We can ask him to help us with this problem.
Blake: Not really...
Jacob: What's wrong? Did you two get into an argument? I see you're not together anymore.
Blake: That's a tale for another day, Jacob. It seems that Zack is the true danger we need to either steer clear of completely or find a way to handle.
Jacob: Hold up; I am confused. You're saying Zack is our new enemy and also the enemy of our main enemy?
Blake looks at Jacob, his expression filled with confusion.
Blake: Yeah, more or less. Just forget him for now. But...shit, I am worried about the future.
Jacob: Wait, quiet! You hear that?
Blake: Someone's coming! Shit! Are you capable of holding a gun properly and shooting?
Jacob: C'mon, I am not that hurt! I still wish to be patched up by a doctor.
Blake: Oh, I know a particular beautiful doctor you will definitely like and befriend. Here, take this gun and hide while I take care of whoever is outside.
Jacob: But I want to shoot those despicable fools as well, Blake! I just...want that tiger dead!!!! He killed Gerald! How many times do I have to tell you this?
Blake: Gerald will be avenged. Don't worry!
Three knocks are heard on the cabin's entrance door...
Blake: Shush! Stay behind me or go hide somewhere, Jacob!
Jacob: Are you kidding me? I won't go anywhere! I am here to cover your six! Now go open the door and shoot on sight!
Blake: Silence!
Blake approaches the door with Jacob hidden behind his back. He opens the door and gets surprised by two rabbits.
Blake: Jack?! And......VICTOR?!
Jack: Surprise! What? You look like you don't enjoy my company, mate. Let us in. We need to talk about something crucial.
Victor: Yeah, you won't believe what we just did. This snowball is literally deceiving the Golden Fang Clan. He was inside, spying on them from the shadows, like that deranged, nauseating lynx. We were trying to find out their next big step, and guess what? We did!
Jacob: Is this for real? Two meddlesome rabbits are trying to save the day. Great, this is just what we needed, Blake.
Jacob walks back in the living room upset and sits back on the couch.
Blake: I got so many questions you two need to answer this instant.
Jack: Well, mate. Why don't you just let us in so we can safely talk about our newly gathered information inside? We're running out of time. Let me into the cabin; we share it with each other after all.
Victor: Yeah! You're standing in our way! Ya fur-covered red blockage!
Blake: But…
Jack gently nudges Blake to the side and strides into the living room, while Victor lingers at the entrance, looking concerned about something.
Jack: Vic? Come in, goddammit!
Victor: Where's that weird-looking gormless wolf? That friend of yours. I hope he isn't around...
Blake: Long story short, we've been separated, and we... aren't really friends anymore. Now get your ass in. You don't need to worry about him anymore.
Jacob: I thought he was talking about me for a second...
Blake takes hold of Victor's ears, hoists him up off the ground, and brings him inside.
Victor: Not my ears again! Do you not realize how incredibly sensitive our ears are to touch?
Blake shuts the door and gently sets Victor back on his feet.
Blake: First of all, I want you two to be a little bit quieter. We don't need to draw any unnecessary attention. Second of all, please spare me your gibberish talk, Victor. Third of all, how the hell do you and Jack know each other? Lastly, how on Earth did you escape from the shootout back in Bunnyburrow?
Victor: Wait a minute. Blakey boy, you're telling us to be quiet, yet you two were so loud that we could hear you from miles. This place sounded like a breeding ground from afar, literally. What were you two doing here before we arrived? Oh, nice to meet you at long last, bloody wolf. We didn't get to interact with each other much before.
Blake: Victor...enough!
Victor walks up to Jacob with the hopes of shaking his paw.
Jacob: Piss off. You're such an annoyance!
Victor: Nevermind then. Oh, you sound depressed. What happened? You're from the GFC, aren't you? Oh, I know what happened! I know literally what happened. You and your clumsy partners completely bungled that operation where your job was to rob me! But I was prepared! Looooser! I got y'all!
Jacob aims his gun at Victor.
Jacob: Dude, piss off already! This wouldn't have happened if you paid off the debt you owed to Raphael!
Blake: Jacob, lower your gun. Try to control your emotions and don't let this garrulous rabbit mess with them.
Jacob: I knew that already. What a joke, man. Do we really need him, Blake?
Jack leans against the wall, quietly listening to the conversation between the threesome.
Victor: Who are you calling garrulous Blakey? Oh, wait a minute, Jacob...
Jacob: What?
Victor: Is this your sugar daddy?
Jacob: No? What are you talking about again, dammit?
Victor: Blake, have you proposed to him yet? Because you two seem to be a nice couple.
Blake: Oh my god, will you ever stop behaving like a five-year-old?
Jack: Guys....
Jacob: This rabbit is ridiculously stupid, Blake. I still can't believe he was a member of the GFC.
Victor: Yep, I was one of you suckers! Babe! And I gotta admit I was much more successful at my job than you, wolfo!
Jacob: Yeah, that's why they want you dead these days. You are nothing but a deceitful piece of filth to everyone.
Blake: I just wish he was born without his mouth...
Jacob: And I wish this rabbit was never born. He's really pissing me off.
Victor: Shut up, both of you! Especially you, Jacob. You should really do something about yourself. Look at Blakey; he lost his family, his lovely wife, and his kids, so why don't you act like a man and date him? He despairingly needs a new wifey!
Jacob: That's it! I am going to wallop you to death!
Jacob stands up and tries to hit Victor with his fists, but Blake steps in between them, working to maintain order in the situation.
Blake: Calm down, both of you. Victor, what the hell? What's up with this whole relationship, marriage thing? We're not engaged, for god's sake. He is just my friend, and we are trying to figure out our next move because we're all in danger at this very moment, so you better stop with your preposterous jokes that no one finds funny!
Jack: Guys!!! Hey!!!
They just keep talking and talking, ignoring Jack.
Jacob: Just get him out of here. He is going overboard with all these stupid jokes that are inimical to my wellbeing!
Victor: Why are all wolves so humorless?
Jack grabs his gun and shoots in the air to draw everyone's attention...
Jack: Will you ever listen to me? It's time to change the subject, comrades. I've had enough of listening to your wearisome chatter! It's about damn time you listened to me and had a serious talk about this GFC matter.
Blake: Are you nuts, Jack? Look at the ceiling! You've damaged the damn thing! We live here, you know? So much for keeping this situation quiet...
Jack: Relax! The fact that I slightly damaged this cabin is immaterial since it's going to be lying in ruins if we don't do something about it. We need a plan, and time is the essence. We need to plan our next move.
Blake: What do you mean it's going to be lying in ruins, goddammit?
Jack: The GFC are on their way here! And we need to discuss this case and establish a thorough plan. We're losing an inconsiderate amount of time by arguing with each other.
Jacob: Vicky, you may want to confess that you are precisely the reason why we are losing so much time right now. I really want to know what the heck is going on...
Victor: Look, you fuzzy turd. I apologize for this small setback. I shall let Jack share the information we've discovered about those maniacs.
Blake: Talk, NOW! I didn't come here to be dealing with you two anyway. So out with it because I have to go grab my stuff and get the hell outta here.
Victor: Blakey, there's three of us, you know? You didn't expect Jacob to appear here either, so that makes three of us. This just proves the fact that you treat me and Jackie with complete disdain! WHY?!
Jacob: I'll tell you why...
Jacob points his gun at Victor and squeezes the trigger. Instead of a shot, there is only a clicking noise. The weapon is unloaded.
Jacob: Blake, are you kidding me? Why would you hand me a gun with an empty clip?
Blake: I didn't know it was empty. My bad. Were you really going to shoot him?
Victor: No way!!! Please tell me you didn't just pull the trigger!
Jacob: You're such a fortunate rabbit. Now you can clearly see how much I despise you for your persisting insipid jokes!
Victor: I can't believe you just pulled the trigger!
Victor remains speechless and shocked about what Jacob just did.
Jacob: That's right, you better shut the hell up, and Blake, please, if you give someone a gun to protect themselves with, make sure it is fully loaded next time.
Blake: I was stupid I didn't check the clip beforehand.
Jack approaches the table and puts his paws on it.
Jack: So, after Victor told me about who exactly ambushed your family ten years ago, my thoughts about the GFC vastly changed.
Blake: Wait, Victor, you did?
Victor: Yes. See? And you think I am a bad blabbering rabbit? Well, I want to prove you wrong. I am sorry for flustering all of you, especially you, Jacob.
Jacob walks to the table to join the discussion.
Jacob: You know, I am a pretty talkative and funny wolf as well, but I don't necessarily overemphasize my humor like you in front of others. All in all, I think we can still get along well and become good friends.
Victor: Really?
Jacob: But on one condition, you ought to keep your mouth shut all the time, or I swear I will glue your lips together!
Jack: Blake, I am not willing to work for the GFC anymore. They're simply using both of us to fulfill their needs and I am strongly against their current endeavors. Also, me and Victor are actually longtime friends. We didn't really want to tell you this until now but that's not important right now.
Blake: I am delighted to know this, really.
Jack: So after Victor returned from Bunnyburrow, he turned to me and told me everything. Then we decided to sneak into their hideout with an invariable intention afterwards—to find out what they were planning to do next. We were lucky enough to stay in the shadows and listen to Raphael's briefing in the conference room. And this is where we get to the point. They are on their way here, Blake. They want to capture you and bring you to Raphael himself so you can pay the ultimate price. You apparently joined the Untamed Brutes Clan, paired up with this Zack Wolfward guy to betray the Golden Fang Clan, and they also mentioned you were planning to take revenge on them with Zack, so those idiots fortified every single entrance.
Blake: They can expect my arrival. I am indeed coming for them!
Jack: Blake, here comes the worst part. They are also planning to take everything that has a significant value from our cabin before they blow everything up into oblivion!
Blake: SHIT!!!
Jacob: Oh no...
Jacob walks to Blake with a pensive look on his face.
Jacob: Blake, forgive me. It's my fault...
Blake: What are you talking about?
Jacob: It was me and Gerald who reported everything to Raphael; therefore, I am the one to blame. I screwed up...
Blake: Jacob, you were only doing your job. I am not going to blame you for this. It's alright. Actually, I am glad you didn't go help your "partners" because you wouldn't make it.
Jacob: You...forgive me?
Blake: Of course I forgive you. I mean, who wouldn't forgive such a cute wolf like you, right?
Jacob blushes as he hugs Blake.
Jacob: Bro... I knew I could trust you by coming here and asking for your help.
Blake: We're longtime friends too. I would never refuse to help you.
Blake boops Jacob's nose...
Victor: So romantic...
Jacob: Gosh, I feel much better! You're such a big comfort to me!
Jack: Guys? Save the romantics for later. We have to act quickly and do something. My best advice is to get the hell out of this city!
Blake: We can't. I mean, you guys can leave the city if you want, but I have an unfinished business with my old friend Raphael. Just pack your bags and go. I'll stay here and wait for them so I can kill them one by one.
Jack: Are you kidding me? I am not leaving you behind!
Jacob: Me neither. We're in this together!
Blake: It's your choice, guys. Thanks a lot. Vic, you?
Victor: Me? Look, I got nowhere else to go. I am going to stay here with you and make myself useful for once in my life. Though I think it's a terrible idea to wait for them here because we are going to be outnumbered.
Jack: Victor is somewhat right. We may get outnumbered, but if we stand together, we will outsmart and defeat them.
Blake: Oh shit, I must ensure that my family album doesn't get damaged in any way. Jacob, please, do me a favor.
Blake rushes to his bedroom to pick up his family album...
Jacob: What kind of favor?
Seconds later, Blake returns back to the living room and hands his family album over to Jacob.
Blake: Here...take this. Since you're injured, I want you to go get into my car. Well, technically, it's not mine, but I want you to deliver this album to a safe place, to the ZPD. They don't know who you are, so don't worry.
Jacob: But Blake, I am afraid of losing you. I want to help you as much as I can and help you fight against those scumbags. It's way too risky to even drive a car at the moment...
Blake: Jacob, risky moments often lead to success. I am really counting on you. Go to the ZPD and locate Officer Wilde if you can. Tell him I sent you, and if I don't return in an hour, reveal the GFC's location to them so they can finally neutralize this criminal organization once and for all. I just hope Nick got back already.
Victor: I don't like the "if" word there, Blake. YOU WILL RETURN. I mean, we will all make it through. And Jacob, your task is a complete no-brainer. Nothing too difficult. Good luck, babe!
Jacob: Fine. I'll do it for all of us! For our happiness and freedom!
Blake: That's my wolfie! Now go!
Jack: Wait a minute, Blake. You left out something important too. How about that shedload of money we keep hidden down in the basement?
Blake: Thank you for reminding me. Jacob, will you keep all of our money somewhere safe too?
Jack: We'll split it between each other if we survive the night.
Jacob: Look, I don't care whether you share the money with me after this ends. That's not important, and it doesn't really matter to me. What really matters is our friendship. You're my only friends I have left, and I don't want to lose any of you! Money cannot replace you!
Victor: Did you just call me your friend?
Jacob: Yes...bunny.
Victor: That's stupendous! He counts me among his friends! Wonderful! After he nearly shot me.
Jacob: I am sorry...
Victor: I don't care. I am happy to be your new friend. But that doesn't mean you deserve forgiveness for pulling that trigger!
Jacob: But....
Victor: Just kidding, dimwit!
Jacob: I hate you!
Victor: For real?
Jacob: With love, of course.
Blake: Jack, help me move the table...
Jack: Will do.
Jack assists Blake in shifting the table to the side in the center of the room, uncovering the basement hatch. Blake then opens the hatch and descends the stairs.
Victor: Oh cool! Now we got a hiding place. Can't we just hide in that concealed basement till things get better?
Jacob: I'd willingly stay down there with you.
Jack: Bad idea. What if they blow up the cabin just like they said? The debris would obstruct the entrance, and I am sure as hell you don't want to be trapped in our cold, gloomy, and confined basement till you hopelessly succumb to hunger.
Victor: Then, in that case, I would rather die by a gunshot. That route to death seems promising...
Jacob: Idiot....
Blake goes back upstairs from the basement carrying two briefcases full of money.
Blake: You know, our basement may be obscure, but it certainly isn't a good idea to be hiding down there like dirty rats while those GFC suckers scrupulously plunder this whole place and then eventually burn it down. Jacob, the album and these two briefcases are now in your possession. Make sure they get to a safe place.
Jacob: I just... I just hope you know what you're doing, Blake...
Blake: Trust me. Everything is going to be okay. Here, I'll help you carry all the stuff to the car.
Jack: How about me?
Victor: And....me? Mind if we give you a paw as well?
Blake: No thanks. We can manage by ourselves.
Jacob: Y—yeah...
Blake: Actually, Victor. While we are outside, could you please do something for us?
Victor: As long as I don't need to do anything exacting, I am up for it.
Blake: Go outside and be on the lookout for any assholes from the GFC, okay?
Victor: There's nothing on this world I wouldn't do for you, Blakey boy...
Victor steps outside, scanning the area for any GFC members while quietly muttering to himself.
Victor: Except this one. Screw it. It's going to be okay.
As Victor patrols the area around the cabin, Jacob and Blake prepare to carry the two briefcases to Regina's vehicle.
Jack: Guys, please be on alert. I'll wait here for you, Blake.
Blake: Understood. C'mon Jacob.
Jacob: Okay...
Blake helps Jacob carry the briefcases outside straight to Regina's car.
Jacob: So, is this your car?
Blake: It's only temporarily in my possession. I just borrowed it.
Jacob: Oh, it looks really cool. Whoever owns it must have a pretty prosperous job.
Blake: Yeah. Well, here we go, Give me that briefcase
Blake opens its trunk and puts both briefcases in it.
Jacob: Man, they're hefty as hell. How much money is in them once again?
Blake: Enough money to buy you a villa and live a luxurious life. So you better take good care of them! Keep them hidden in the trunk of this car until we come back for you... alive. Then we'll split it between each other like we promised, but at first, you must go to the ZPD and tell Nick Wilde or Chief Bogo what's going on and just simply lead them to the clan's hideout if I won't return. I still have much work to do afterwards. There's a bigger threat that needs to be taken care of.
Jacob: But Blake, what is this "bigger threat?"
Blake: Zack...that's all I can tell you at this very moment. Now go. Please! And this... right here is something that fully needs your attention and care.
Blake gives his family album to Jacob.
Blake: Whatever happens, make sure you don't lose it. It means the world to me. This is something that you must deliver to Nick Wilde himself. He will hopefully store it somewhere where no evil paws will reach it.
Jacob: Blake, please. Just forget everything you're planning to do. Come with me! They will kill you. This is just too much responsibility for me. We'll do this together! Please!
Jacob sheds a few tears while Blake grabs his paw opening it. He puts the keys from the car in Jacob's palm and closes it.
Blake: I can't. I am sorry. These keys that I've given to you are your escape. I must stay to avenge my family. I will terminate as many assholes as I can and I promise that your friend Gerald will be avenged as well. And I assure you that I am going to survive. I promise! I never broke a promise before! You got this!
Jacob: I am sorry for being an emotional wreck right now. Ever since they shot Gerald, I've been affected way too much by sentimentality, especially by sorrow.
Blake: Look, I may be a badass killing machine, but I relate to you. Now go! You wanna save me? Go get some help from the ZPD. Just do what I said.
They both hug each other.
Blake: Oh, I almost forgot!
Jacob: What?
Blake enters the car and grabs the tracking device from the passenger seat that Zack gave to him.
Jacob: What's that?
Blake: Oh, this? Well, this might actually save the day. But don't be so concerned about this. Good luck, bro.
Jacob: I swear if you die, I will kill you in the underworld.
Blake: Seriously?
Jacob: I mean it.
Jacob gets in the car and starts it...
Blake: Hey, you better go to the hospital too so the docs can give you a medical checkup. But first things first, your next destination is the ZPD.
Jacob: Thanks for being solicitous of me.
Blake: That's how a true friend behaves towards you.
Jacob: Off to the ZPD I go! Wish me luck!
Blake: You have it! Trust me! And one last thing, don't forget to text me when you arrive at the ZPD so I can be sure nothing bad happened to you.
Jacob: Don't worry about it. I will text you.
Blake: Desperate times call for desperate measures, right, Jacob?
Jacob: Exactly! See you soon. I really hope.
Jacob accelerates the car's engine and speeds down the road, gradually fading from view. Meanwhile, Blake heads back to the cabin to prepare himself for any potential ambushes from hostiles.
Jack: You're back! Finally! Look, while you were outside, I was contemplating a cunning plan you might actually find really clever and cool.
Blake: What is it?
Jack: You see, they still think I am allied with them. I will try to convince them you're not around and buy you some time to prepare for revenge hidden in the basement.
Blake: This doesn't sound that bad. But how long do you want me to stay down there? All I want is to avenge my family and slaughter all those bastards...
Jack: Just wait for the right moment.
Blake: What's that right moment?
Jack: Well, let's say, when things go straight downhill. You can start killing everyone with guns blazing once things get out of control.
Blake: Excellent. They're the ones who are being ambushed in the end. But what about Vic?
Jack: No worries. I will just pretend he is my captive. They want him dead too, after all. You think he will agree with my plan?
Blake: It is unlikely that he will agree.
Jack: Speaking of Victor, he has been silent ever since you sent him out there to watch for any GFC members. His silence is making me quite nervous. I am going to check up on him. Stay here and be on alert. If you hear them coming, you know what to do.
Blake: Alright, just be careful out there.
Jack: I am always careful and ready to face any kind of danger.
Jack steps out of the cabin to check on Victor. He finds Victor lounging under a tree, resting against its trunk. Jack walks over and kneels beside him.
Jack: Enjoying the view?
Victor: Yeah....
Jack: Vic, what's wrong?
Victor: Nothing. Just waiting for whatever is going to happen next.
Jack: Where did all your enthusiasm go? You look sad.
Victor stares at him with brooding eyes.
Victor: I realized that the power of joy and amusement cannot be harnessed under these horrific circumstances. Even though I tried so hard to keep this entire atmosphere blissful, I failed. I wanted to be encouraging. I felt like you guys needed some kind of optimistic encouragement that would help you fight against those buffoons. I don't know, but I just feel useless.
Jack: Vic, don't let sorrow consume you. You lack contentment, and I kind of miss your daft remarks. You need to cheer up because you're really needed right now.
Victor: Why am I needed? Nobody welcomes me anymore. I am not much of a help anymore.
Jack: Yes, you are. Listen, we need to work together because only then can we have an auspicious journey to freedom and happiness. You're the one who needs that kind of encouragement. So get your fuzzy bunny ass up and let's do this! I hear you're the master of trickery!
Victor: Now that's true. I am the master of deception, the one and the biggest manipulator of all! But the question is, is it worth it? I mean, I am nothing but a homeless rabbit at this point. My house is gone, and I have nowhere else to go.
Jack: Listen, how much money have you managed to obtain over the last couple of years? Illegally, of course.
Victor: Not gonna lie. I got roughly around two million dollars in my bank account.
Jack: Which means buying a damn mansion will not be a problem for you. With that amount of cash, living on the streets is definitely off the table! Just get a mansion and live your life free from worries. That's my dream, by the way. To own a colossal mansion.
Victor: You're very ambitious. But why would I buy myself a house if the GFC will eventually come and destroy it too?
Jack: That's why we need to exterminate them. That's the only way of earning our freedom. If we vanquish the GFC, we shall live a luxurious life. Imagine what we could do with all that money! We have a shitton of money altogether. Well, we're still splitting it between Blake and Jacob, so yeah.
Victor: What do you need me for once again?
Jack: I need you to act as my captive to make those bastards think I've captured you for them so we can gain a huge advantage over this situation.
Victor: Screw it. I am in. Let's do this.
Jack: Are you serious?
Victor: Why? I thought you'd be happy enough after acceptinnh your ridiculous plan without any further questions.
Jack: No, I mean, I thought you'd refuse to do this for me in the first place, but let's waste no time and wait for those... and shit here they come.
Jack and Victor notice four GFC cars approaching from a distance.
Victor: Let's rock n roll!
The two hurry back to the cabin, but Blake is missing.
Jack: Blake? They are coming! Where the heck are you?
Blake knocks on the basement trap door from below.
Blake: Down here. Ready!
Jack: Excellent!
Victor: What the actual wanking duck are you doing down there?
Blake: Preparing for an ambush, dumbass.
Victor: Preparing for what? Speak up, you namby-pamby!!!
Blake opens the trapdoor and aims at Victor with his gun.
Blake: If you call me like that one more time, I will shove a cactus up in your asshole! Jack, make sure our plan is going accordingly. The ball is in your court.
Jack: Alright!
Victor: Plan? What are you talking about?
Blake shuts the trapdoor and waits patiently for the GFC to show up, while Jack and Victor stay above.
Jack: Sit on a chair now!
Victor: Why?
Jack: Quit acting dull. I told you I was going to use you as my captive; just pretend you're my captive. It's not a big deal. We have to make it look real!
Victor: Okay, just don't let them take me.
Jack: I got this.
Victor sits on a chair in the kitchen.
Jack: Now put your arms behind the chair!
Victor: WHY? You're not going to just simply deliver me to the GFC, are you?
Jack: No, just trust me and stop asking silly questions. God damn you, rabbit!
Victor: Fine.
Victor rests his arms on the back of the chair, while Jack gently secures them with a piece of string.
Jack: See? You can easily just break free; it's not fastened that much.
Victor: Right. And how long do you want me to stay like this? I feel extremely uncomfortable like this.
Jack: Just be a good bunny, and I will give you a treat in the end. Just wait for the right moment...and I gotta go...they're here!
Victor whispers as Jack walks outside from the cabin.
Victor: Jack! Wait!
The GFC cars pull up next to the cabin, and four people hop out of each vehicle. Among them is Raphael's trusty right-hand man, the massive polar bear Gregory Kalashnikov. Right away, everyone points their weapons at Jack, clearly not trusting him one bit.
Jack: Wait, are you for real? I am at your side, simpletons!
Gregory: What basis do you provide for us to trust you, Mr. Savage, given your close friendship with Blake Thunder? Speaking of him, where is he? Don Raphael has dispatched us to your residence in order to capture him. Mr. Roarlington has been very infuriated lately by Thunder's traitorous acts!
Jack: Look whatever you think of me; allow me to assure you that I am still allied with you. I am afraid you have fallacious thoughts about me, and I am sorry Blake has already left the city. Is there anything else I can do for you?
Gregory: Now that's just perfect! If you're still our ally, why didn't you stop him? You simply let him go. That's just very unprofessional for a "loyal" hitman like you are. You better have something that will compensate for your failure, Mr. Savage!
Jack: Okay, look, I failed to do my obligation and my job, but if your followers lower their guns, I'll show you something that the clan was desperately looking for apart from Blake himself.
Gregory orders his men to lower their guns.
Gregory: So, what is it?
Jack: Follow me inside.
Gregory: You and you, come with me.
Jack leads Gregory and two of his men into the cabin, and they are completely stunned to see Victor sitting in a chair, all tied up, grinning at them as if he just hit the jackpot.
Jack: Here you go. I got a present for Raphael.
Victor: Greg? Is that you? Are you really that hideous, contemptible, big ol' thickheaded stinkin' ursine whom they call the right hand man of Raphael? Oh boy, I surely missed talking to you! What's up?
Gregory: What a pleasant surprise! Mr. Savage, you could've at least duct taped his mouth.
Victor: I am surprised you finally got your oversized fat ass out of that underground, ya big-headed piece of ice block!
Gregory: Rabbit, your mouth is going to be sewed if you don't stop with the trash talk. I'll pummel the living daylights out of you! How can such a piffling poor rabbit convey such thoughts about me? Unbelievable. That's just plain disrespectful!
Victor: I'll melt you with my sight if you come any closer, so you better stay where you are, you roly-poly Teddy bear!
Gregory: Really funny!
Jack: Barker I think you've said enough.
Gregory takes a deep breath to stay calm and glances over at Jack while standing at the cabin's entrance, struggling to fit in the space.
Gregory: Needless to say, you still have a fair amount of value, Mr. Savage. Don Raphael will be very grateful for you capturing this rabbit. Though I wish that this rabbit refrained from using any of his disparaging remarks and stopped treating me with disrespect.
Jack: Well, I gotta admit it was a pain in the ass to capture him, so I demand a payment, a big one. You know, hitmen don't work for free.
Gregory: You wish to be paid for this?
Jack: Yes. Now that I spent hours looking for that bunny right there, voluntarily, that necessitates payment, and I am not expecting some kind of trifling sum of money!
Victor: Jackie-boy, are you really going to sell me? Are you serious?
Jack: Shut up...
Gregory: We can't pay you since we didn't hire you to capture him and surely not that kind of sum of money. You can't be serious, Mr. Savage. In fact....
Gregory gives his men a sign with his hand to aim at Jack again.
Gregory: We're here to ransack this place and take anything that's valuable, and then burn it down entirely. Since I am sure you'll try to stop us doing that because this is your only home, we will wipe you out for our own sake. You can thank Mr. Thunder for this.
Jack: Not surprising. I kind of expected you to do this in the end, aiming your guns at me. Just how many times am I going to be held under gunpoint today? Why would you do this to me? Your number one hitman, c'mon guys, put those guns away!
Victor: You're screwed, and so am I...
Jack: I knew you'd do this, idiots! You know, there were two spies present when Raphael was briefing you! I knew about your intentions ever since the beginning, just so you know. Watch out from below!
Gregory: What? Traitor! Kill him!
In an instant, Blake swiftly lifts the trapdoor, gripping a double-barreled shotgun, and readies himself to fire at Gregory, who is standing near the entrance.
Blake: Get off my property, jerkface!!!
Blake fires his weapon, hitting Gregory. The force of the shot propels the bear through the door, shattering the frame as it crashes through. The bear tumbles down the porch steps, causing the ground to shake beneath it. Meanwhile, Jack takes aim and eliminates his two men with precise shots to the head. In the chaos, Victor manages to break free and quickly seeks cover.
Jack: Holy shit, Blake!
Blake: Time to finish this!
Victor: How come we're still alive?
Jack: Blake! Wait up!
Blake doesn't listen and rushes outside to confront his main adversary. He walks past the wounded bear and opens fire on the clan. Several GFC members are hit immediately, while others take cover behind their vehicles, returning fire. Blake swiftly seeks shelter but finds himself unable to move further. He is trapped and begins to lose hope. Just then, Jack and Victor arrive to assist, targeting the remaining GFC members from behind. Jack takes down four of them in quick succession, while Victor hurls a few knives at the last three before finishing them off with his pistol.
Jack: And they're down!
Victor: HA! We flanked those spoiled rats!!!
Jack runs to Blake, who's still hiding behind cover.
Jack: You alright, mate? They're all dead, well, I hope so.
Blake: How?
Jack: What? We decided to assist you! You're lucky to be alive. I mean, we're all very lucky to be alive, especially me and Victor, because if it weren't for us, you'd be dead already.
Blake: True. Thank you. Seriously. It looks like I am getting too old for this shit.
Victor comes closer to the two.
Victor: You still effortlessly offed many of them with a few shots, old chap.
Jack gives Blake a hand and pulls him up from the ground.
Jack: Now what?
Blake: We're going to pay Raphael a visit. I want to cut off his head personally.
Victor: You can't be serious, Blakey boy!
Jack: We won't stand a chance. They're outnumbered; the worst thing is that the criminals are now allowed to roam freely around the complex with guns, so they got double protection!
Blake: I don't care! I should head back to the ZPD, but I am not going to. Even though I promised my old friend I would come back in an hour, I have to finish what I started. I won't rest till that pathetic tiger takes the last breath!!!
Jack: I just hope our money is in a safe place.
Blake: I trust Jacob; I am sure he will safely reach the ZPD.
Victor: Guys, look!
Victor points at Gregory, who is still living but slowly dying, bleeding out and almost drowning in his own blood.
Blake: You're still alive? Here, let me put you asleep forever!
Blake reloads his guns and walks up to him.
Gregory: W....wait!
Blake: Wait for what? You're dead! You hear me?!
Gregory: You…will…submit to...the…one…in…the…shadows.
Gregory takes his last breath and dies.
Jack: Shadows?
Blake: Kyle.....
Victor: No...just...no!
Blake: Form a circle!!!
Blake, Jack, and Victor swiftly gather in a circle, their eyes darting nervously as they scan their surroundings, filled with fear at the thought of the menacing lynx lurking nearby.
Victor: He's not going to come, is he?
Blake: I have no idea! But, I gotta admit, I sense fear, darkness, and a lot of hatred all around me.
Jack: We should take one of their cars and get the hell out of here while we can!
Victor: I concur with Jack's advice.
Blake: That's a terrible idea. He is smart. We won't get away so easily. We just simply have to wait for the worst and try to survive the night. We will fight... I got nothing to lose...
Jack sighs....
Jack: Me neither.
Victor: Likewise.
Jack: That damn full moon is making me nervous too!
Victor: Yeah, that moon is bright like my smile. Actually, I don't have a smile right now. Blake, I really wish your badass wolf friend was here right now.
Blake: Who? Jacob?
Victor: The one who threw my fluffy bunny butt through the window.
Blake: Zack.....
Jack: That explains those scratches you got.
Victor: I kind of miss him.
Blake: Shush, someone's coming!
They can hear some rustling noises close by, and it makes them feel quite uneasy.
Blake: Get ready!
Victor: Can we just head back to the cabin real quick, goddammit?
Blake: Too late!
The cabin gets abruptly set on fire from inside, and all the cars explode at once. The force of the explosion sends the three of them sprawling to the ground, leaving them utterly dazed.
Blake: Our cabin!!!
Jack: What the hell is going on?!
Victor: There goes our ride!
Suddenly, Kyle's servants emerge from the flames, launching an assault on the trio armed with an array of machetes and swords. In response, Blake, Victor, and Jack disperse, determined to take down each attacker. Blake skillfully fires at several of them while evading their strikes, with Victor and Jack employing similar tactics. However, their situation quickly escalates as the servants begin to fire tranquilizer darts at them.
Blake: These worms really want to put us asleep!
Victor: And it's not even bedtime yet!
Jack: Keep shooting!
They succeed in eliminating what appears to be the final servant.
Blake: Is that the last one?
Victor: How are we still alive?!
Blake: Miracle!
Jack: Let's not get so euphoric just yet!
Blake: My lord, our house turned into a blazing inferno, then we got a mass of dead bodies all around us, and lastly, we've got no ride.
Victor: At least we still got our very own legs, so we can still get the hell out of here!
Jack: What other choice do we have?
Blake pulls out the Onyx tracking device and stares at it hesitantly.
Jack: What's the purpose of that thing?
Blake: Nothing.
He puts it back in his pocket.
Victor: If I were you Blakey boy, I'd sell that piece of junk.
Blake: This may save our lives, but I am afraid it would make things much worse.
Jack: Much worse? Why do you still keep it then? Dispose of it!
Blake: Just forget it. Let's move.
Blake is struck in the shoulder by a soaring shuriken before he can take a single step, causing him to collapse to the ground.
Blake: Damn, my shoulder!
Jack: Shit! Get up! It's time to go!
Victor: Where did that come from? C'mon, let's help him up!
Blake: It's him! Just go! Run! I'll buy you some time! Dammit, this hurts!
Jack: Never! We're not leaving without you!
Jack and Victor assist Blake in getting back on his feet. He reaches for the shuriken and yanks it out of his shoulder, letting out a loud groan.
Victor: Now we need to get you in the hospital. God save us all from this mess!
Jack: How did we get ourselves into this horrid situation, guys?
Blake: Please! Just listen to me! They want me, not you! RUN!
Jack: I said we're not leaving without you!
Jack and Victor both get hit by tranquilizer darts.
Blake: NO!!!
Jack: What the...
Victor: I feel this weird itch on my buttocks.
The tranquilizer darts take effect right away, sending Jack and Victor into a deep sleep.
Blake: Jack, Victor! No! Alright, I've had enough of your games, Kyle! Show yourself, you wicked creature!
Once more, rustling noises can be heard, this time coming from the distant bushes, causing Blake to feel agitated.
Blake: Kyle!!! Show yourself! Face me like a true assassin, you cowardly bastard! You hear me?!?!
Blake crouches beside Jack and Victor, overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness. Suddenly, a tall, dark figure steps out from the shadows of the trees in the distance, approaching Blake slowly. Blake raises his gaze to see who it is, only to find his nemesis, Kyle Swiftmark, appearing more sinister than ever. Dressed in a black assassin's outfit complete with a cape, Kyle's yellowish eyes shine ominously in the darkness. As he draws nearer, he brandishes two Kusarigama sickles.
Blake: Finally! What took you so long, freak?!
Kyle: Blake Thunder, my sworn enemy.
Blake quickly snatches up two pistols from the ground, pointing them at Kyle, determined to finish him off once and for all. However, just as he's about to pull the trigger, Kyle reacts swiftly, swinging a chain attached to one of his sickles overhead and sending it crashing toward Blake, disarming him in an instant.
Kyle: Blake, concede defeat! It's pointless to fight with me. You lost.
Blake: Go to hell!!!
Kyle: Why do you keep persisting? For what?
Blake: For my family, idiot! I won't rest until they are avenged, and most importantly, until you and your egoistic boss are dead!
Kyle: Let me tell you something, but first...
Kyle's servants emerge from behind Blake, quickly overpowering him and compelling him to kneel as they bind him with a rope.
Kyle: Safety comes first.
Blake: You little insects! You will regret this!
Kyle: You and your rabbit friends made quite a mess over here. All of these servants you killed were my friends, my loyal followers. How about I return the favor and slay these two worthless animals to exacerbate your suffering?
Blake: Don't you dare! Why don't you put me asleep too?
Kyle: Because I want you to suffer from your mistakes!
Blake: I've already faced the toughest challenges life had to offer when I lost my family years ago, so there's really nothing that can make me suffer more. I've learned to adapt to this way of living.
Kyle: We'll see about that. There's so many ways I can easily end your suffering, but I am not going to. Raphael wants you and your rabbit friends alive, but I make my own rules here.
Blake: What are you going to do? Kill me?! You know, I am NOT afraid of death! Just set me free so we can finally settle this once and for all, you punk! Face to face! Eye to eye! Let's fight! May the best win, sucker!
Kyle: Setting you free would result in your death, fox!!! There's no salvation, at least not for these two. If you ever attempt to run from me, know this: you can run and hide ANYWHERE, but death won't evade you! Hereby, I want you to face your fears, Blake! Let's start with this one first.
Kyle picks up Victor from the ground.
Blake: Kyle?!?! Please don't hurt any of them! I am begging you! It's me who you want! Release him!
Kyle: Behold your very own weakness! Compassion! Can't you see? You have changed! You are supposed to be a ruthless killing machine serving your master Raphael, yet you are nothing but a compassionate fool grieving over your extinct family! I will relieve you from your solicitude!!!I will stop you from grieving their loss! I will make sure you become the same fox you used to be just days ago! Taking the lives of these nuisances will completely taint you again!
Kyle bursts into laughter, while Blake kneels on the ground, tears streaming down his face, feeling hurt and vulnerable.
Blake: Please don't do this to me. You can hurt me all the way you want, but don't do anything to them. They're my best friends. Please! PLEASE!
Kyle: These two are essential for your comeback! I'm here to help you rediscover the person you once were! If you seek salvation, you must lose what you love, Blake! This is the only way we can make you our member again, especially a member of MY clan with an everlasting trust! You mustn't have anything that evokes compassion in you! The emotions you experience hinder you from acting in accordance with your true nature. These feelings stem from your friends or individuals for whom you hold deep affection. Therefore, I am committed to eliminating these emotions and eradicating the concept of "love" from your life.
Blake: You are a monster, a psychopath! You think you can change me by killing everybody I love only to join your side? Just kill me already! C'mon! What are you waiting for?! Do it!
Kyle: You don't get my point. That would've been a big waste. I need you! I am giving you a second chance to become my servant. I want to make you the most feared fox in this city again, like you used to be, and do my bidding! I am here to save you from your own fate and restore your corrupted mind! And the only way of reaching satisfactory results is to sacrifice two souls! These two!
Kyle pulls out his sword while holding Victor by his ears in the air.
Blake: You are making a grave mistake! I will end you the moment you kill him!
Blake tries to free himself, until one of Kyle's servants suddenly strikes him on the back of the head with a stick.
Kyle: Hatred is boiling in you, I see. You may hold an intense grudge against me after this is over, but there's nothing you can do about escaping your true destiny, fox! I will become your rightful master, and you will be my new loyal servant, an evil doer just like we all are! Look at all of my servants around you; they have been completely indoctrinated, purged of memories or emotions such as compassion that would make them useless and weak! Thanks to me, they are heartless, dependable, and impassive, and they will do anything I say without asking any questions; they live in harmony and silence, and you are going to be in the same boat as them! This is only the beginning, Blake! Now, watch.
Kyle quickly slashes Victor's throat while he is asleep and then tosses him in front of Blake, who is left in shock and deeply troubled by Kyle's brutal actions and motives.
Blake: How...could.....you…
Kyle wipes Victor's blood from his short sword with a quick lick.
Kyle: Hmmm, delicious! Look, I am giving you a new life, fox!!!
Blake, consumed by a whirlwind of rage and sorrow, tears through his bindings, freeomg himself. He knocks down two servants behind him and seizes a blade from the ground. With a fierce determination, he lunges at Kyle, aiming to deliver a fatal blow. Unfortunately, Kyle evades the attack and counters by slashing Blake's abdomen with his sword, causing him to collapse. Kyle then approaches Blake, who is sprawled on the ground, bleeding and clutching his wound.
Kyle: Your suffering will not end without undergoing excruciating pain and barbarous torment!
Blake: It's good to bleed. It alleviates my pain.
He spoke in a soft and feeble tone.
Kyle: You're on the right track, Blake!
Kyle kneels next to him.
Kyle: Your emotions will wither away soon enough, and thus you'll be one of us. This was phase number one; the second phase will begin in my chamber.
Blake: No, I can't. Just finish me off, please! I am begging you! Just end it all.
Kyle: Death is not imminent, yet it is very close. Your friend Savage will be spared for some time for Raphael's sake. Take him back to our hideout for interrogation!
Kyle's servants: Yes, master!
Two servants take Jack away while Kyle stands up and orders one of them to hand him a whip.
Blake: Jack, I am so sorry.
He mumbled while groaning in pain.
Kyle: Don't worry, he will be executed by me upon interrogation, but not you. You'll make a great and strong servant!
He relentlessly strikes Blake's back over and over, causing him to cry out in agony.
Kyle: That's it!!!!! Now we can go! He has had enough. For now....Knock him out...
Blake is struck on the head by one of Kyle's henchmen, rendering him unconscious. Will he manage to survive and seek revenge for his beloved family and Victor? Or will he be doomed to become a brainwashed pawn under the control of the sinister lynx, Kyle? Let's keep our fingers crossed for a positive outcome...
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