Chapter Text
Between sitting up at the bar of Club Night, the dim lights sluggishly fading between hues of reds, and live swing music floating throughout the entire building, I felt there could’ve been a worst place to get lost dressed as a woman. Like an alley… or that one street in downtown. Fiddling with the drink before me, a martini since I didn’t know any other fancy drink one would get at a nightclub, I blew my wigs curly locks out of my face and wondered where the others had slipped off to. Searching around the copious amount of club patrons, I failed to find signs of any of them. I sighed. Where did the plan go wrong?
The plan, or Ash’s great idea, being ‘infiltrating’ Club Night disguised as club goers--me disguised as a woman since Mazus was looking for a teenage male gorilla-- and then looking for anything that could tell me where my dad was.
The only problem was the second Mr. Moon, Rosita, Ash, and I stepped through the doors of the classy club, swarms of clubbers swept past the door pulling us all in different directions. Finally escaping the drunken animals, I found myself alone, standing at the bar, dressed in a sparkling red dress, heels, eight pounds of makeup, silicone lumps sticking to my chest, and a corset that made my lungs cry. Not knowing what else to do, I decided to wait it out and have a drink. I could barely breath anyways, so I deserved the drink. Back to the present, I drew in as deep of a breath as I could and blinked rapidly as my vision faded softly. Damn, Ash definitely tied the corset too tight… Oh my god how do girls wear these?
I took a tiny sip of my drink and struggled not to cringe as I got the vile liquid down. Ugh, nasty stuff.
As I gagged through my martini, I felt a paw tap me on the shoulder. I turned around quickly hoping to see the faces of my friends and just as quickly having that hope crushed before me. A burly brown bear dressed in a fancy tuxedo and holding a glass of beer smiled down at me. I shifted uneasily due to the strange look in his eye. Shaping my voice to sound a bit higher than usual, I followed Ash’s guidelines she had given to me earlier and flipped my curly wig hair back before asking:
“Can I help you?” I hid my rapid- firing nerves under my makeup mask of a face. The bear grinned even wider, making himself appear even more predatorial.
“Hey there babe,” he slowly looked me over, leering at every inch of me. “You're looking mighty fine.” The bear drawled the last word out as he leaned towards me, not even hiding the fact that he was staring at my breasts. Like I know they’re fake, but it’s still rude. Puckering his lips slightly, the bear continued: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Cuz’ you're a sight... to... love.” The carnivore smiled again and stroked a finger down my arm; a perverted gleam was stuck in his eye. I immediately detested the man and tried not to show my disgust. It's one of those knobheads that are just looking for a cheap shag. Making sure I wouldn't slap the guy, or worse, I stood up, batted my eyelashes, and gave him a fake smile.
“Sorry Hun, I don't do bears. In fact, I can bear -ly stand them. So, apologies, and goodbye.” Better to leave than stick around and lose my cover over a drunken bear. I made to step away but the bear suddenly shot out his arm and successfully cornered me at the bar, one arm holding the bar counter the rest of him blocking my path. About to knock the guy out, I gasped as he shoved his face right up to mine. His breath smelled sour and I felt a bulge press against the front on my dress. My eyes widened. Holy crites he’s hard. He rubbed at my neck as his lust- tainted tongue said:
“Cmon girl, you know you want to. There's not a lot of girls out there like you. You gorilla girls are tough yeah?” He leaned in closer and stopped right at my ear. “I'd like to see how tough you are after you ride this dic-”
I kneed the bastard’s willy out of existence.
Instantly, the brown beast hunched over and grabbed at his now non-existent balls. Screeching in pain, I heard the bear huffing out wild and angry breaths. “Y-you bi… tch-” Club goers began to circle the bear and I in interest, everyone seems to love watching a hook up go wrong. Glaring up at me, the beat spat: “How dare you… you- you-” I put my hand on my hip, a move I see Ash do all the time.
“Gorilla.” I sassed. “Sorry mate, too tough for ya?” And with that I pushed past him and tried not to break out into a run as I made my way through the crowd. While rushing away I heard a bunch of whistling, and it was then I noticed all the lustful stares directed at me. I gulped, feeling like a fish among hungry sharks I started walking as fast as my heels would let me. Unease crept along my spine and I kept peering over my shoulder in case another animal started to come onto me. Not paying any attention to where I was going, I shouldn't have been surprised when I turned a corner and collided into a small animal. Or, more like, they ran into me and fell to the floor while I stood awkwardly in surprise.
“Oh!” I kneeled down. “I'm sorry, are you okay? I didn’ mean to-” A hand brushed away my comments and it was then I noticed the spiky quills covering the girl. Sitting up and looking drunker than an alcoholic, Ash gave me a stern look with lidded eyes .
“Youuuuu… Fael!” She announced. Staggering to her feet, Ash pouted and lightly punched me in the chest. “Yer surposed tah sound like a guurl, ya dumbshat!” I blinked. Oh my god, Ash is totally smashed. I felt a smirk pull at the corners of my mouth as I watched Ash gasp in surprise at the realization that she has thumbs. Oh the look on her face when I tell her how dumb she acts when drunk. I cleared my throat and coughed away the giggle that was bubbling up my throat.
“Uh, Ash? How… Why are you drunk? And where is Rosita and Mr. Moon?” I looked over her shoulder as if the two animals would be popping around the corner in any second. Ash buzzed her lips and crossed her arms. She gave me a suspicious stare.
“ I dorn’t know- Hic - but who is ass kicking?” I raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean ‘who’? It’s me! Johnny.” Ash squinted at me, swaying a bit more on her feet before middle dumbly.
“That’s what I saysss.” And with that Ash tripped over her own two feet, while standing in place, fell face first and within seconds started to snore. I reached to pinch the bridge of my nose before I remembered the layers of makeup on my face and opted for a sigh instead. My vision faded a bit at the loss of air and I my head began to spin slightly. Shit, the corset… damn- slow breaths Johnny, remember what Mr. Moon said, “slow breaths as much air as you can…” Having moved forward a bit and steadied myself on the wall during my momentary spout of dizziness, I relaxed my breathing and straightened up at the sound of rapid footsteps coming my way. A pink head popped into to view and I sagged in relief at the sight of Rosita as she made her way around the corner. Rosita’s started in surprise before melting into a relieved smile and rushed to me.
“Johnny!” Rosita “ Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!” Rosita’s purple dress reflecting flashes of red from the surrounding lights. Bounding over to me, her eyebrows knit in worry the instant she was at my side.
“Wait a sec- Johnny what’s wrong? You’re face looks a little pale.” I smiled softly. Rosita and her mom powers. Even though I had felt really ill a second ago, I was feeling better and didn’t want her to worry. Opting for humor as a strategic way to change the subject, I joked:
“You sure it’s not the makeup making me look pale? Don’t worry Rosita, I feel fine.” Rosita gave me a lengthy scrutinizing stare, as if to assure herself that I was telling the truth; She nodded.
“Okay, but I’ll check up on you again later. I want to make sure you’re doing alright.” I smiled again, this time more genuinely, and a warm fuzzy feeling buzzed through me from Rosita’s motherly affection. Man, Rosita’s tot’s are lucky to have her as a mum.
“Sounds good.” Rosita smiled at that before her look of happiness was wiped off her face and replaced with an expression that meant business.
“Alright,” She began. “So, after Ash, Buster and I lost you in the crowd, somehow Buster got ahold of a few drinks, and I swear-” Rosita interrupted herself a moment to roll her eyes in disbelief. “I told him not to give any to Ash because we didn’t know what was in them, I looked away for 3 seconds, and I turn around and the two of them are beyond drunk. I can’t believe them.” Rosita looked beside herself. “Anyways, I was helping Ash but then Mr. Moon disappeared and then I lost Ash.” Rosita started to fiddle with her hooves anxiously. “Have you seen either of them Johnny?” Her eyes hardened determinedly. “If someone hurts either of them-” I frowned, confused.
“Rosita, Ash is right behind me-” I turned around and to my horror found the floor empty of a snoring porcupine. I twisted around quickly, searching for signs of my prickly friend, but she was nowhere to be found. My eyes widened in bewildered astonishment. “Rosita, I swear, she was just here.” Rosita shook her head in an equally dumbfounded way.
“That girl surprises me in so many ways.” Turning around, Rosita stared back at the room she had exited from. A club version of jazz swayed out the door and the percussive noise of dancing echoed through the walls. “Well… I suppose it’s safe to say Buster is in there somewhere.” She turned back to me, her smile turning into a frown as she looked me over. “Oh, but, I’m already forgetting why we’re here.” Rosita reached out and held my hand. “How are you doing Johnny? We came here to look for clues of your dad, but it seems we ended up looking for each other instead.” My face flushed at the attention and I rubbed the back of my head sadly. I knew she wasn’t asking how I was physically when she asked how I was.
“I’m doing alright, haven’t found anything yet but uh….” I really don’t know what to look for honestly… I smiled reassuringly down at Rosita. “It’s alrigh’, it’s better to find the other’s first before we can look for any clues.” Rosita furrowed her brow before smiling and murmuring in agreement, too polite to disagree.
“Yeah, well then.” Rosita turned back to the club room door. “ The sooner we find them, the sooner we can look for your dad!”
Marching into the club room, I was momentarily overwhelmed by the amount of noise and people in the vicinity. Animals crowded the floor, men wearing costly business attire, women in scantily clad dresses, and waiters weaving about in pristine uniforms. Several larger chandeliers glowed from the ceiling, and a jazzy club song swept throughout the room and made the floor resonate with the beat. Walking uncertainly in my heels, I couldn't help but notice how many of the animals in the room were much larger and stronger than I, and also known for being carnivorous eaters. I shook my head. No one is like that, in this day and age there hasn't been a case like that in years. Rosita turned to me, mouth open to speak.
“Okay Johnny, so we could split up if you want or-”
“LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, PREPARED TO BE AMAZED BY THE WONDROUS SINGING TALENT OF MYSELF: BUSTER MOON.” Rosita and I blanched as we whipped around to see a certain drunk koala across the room standing on the counter at the bar. The patrons cheered as Buster began to sing the first verse of “Jolene” whereas in corner of my eye I could see some security guards whispering to themselves rapidly. I felt my heart start to beat faster. Shit! If Mazus knew about Mike, they definitely know about Buster! Clue or no clue, it's time to leave! I felt a pang in my chest over the thought. Sorry Dad, I'll just have to find you some other way. Rosita had seemed to have come to the same conclusion for she headed straight to the crowd of people and started to make her way through and to Buster. Following a few steps behind, I had just gotten tangled in the crowd when I glanced back and froze. There were security guards guarding a large pristine door, and the second the guards had stepped away from the door to confront Buster, I recognized a spiky head, and surely enough, Ash popped into view. I stared in disbelief as I watched her glance around before slipping into the now unprotected door. Feeling all control of the situation slipping through my hands and exploding, I grabbed at my face in horror. Ash! No! Why would she-?! Is she trying to get herself killed? I turned around to tell Rosita, only to realize I had lost sight of her as well. I groaned in worry, my adrenaline pumping while a feeling of dread stabbed me in the chest. I need to get to Buster because then I could find Rosita, but the guards would have gotten Ash by then. But if I go to Ash I might not be able to find Rosita or Buster either. Agh! This is a nightmare.
“Oh, god this is not good.” I mumbled to myself. Torn, I stood on the dance floor awkwardly before ultimately groaning and rushing to the door Ash had slipped into. Sorry Rosita, I'll be back in a minute I swear! I promised myself.
Pushing myself through the crowd and reaching the door, I paused to make sure the coast was clear of guards. Seeing that all guards were still preoccupied with Buster, I quickly swept opened the door and stepped through, shutting the door quietly behind me. The room was dark, scarcely lit except for a single lamp. The lamp was perched on one of the only pieces of furniture in the room, a large oak desk. A cushioned leather chair sat next to the desk. Gulping nervously, I looked around uneasily for signs of Ash.
“Ash..?” I whispered as my heels clacked against the ornate marble floor.“Where are you?” There was no reply. My heart started to beat rapidly, the blood rushing to my ears. As I drew closer to the desk I began to hear soft hiccups. Feeling braver, I quickened my pace to the desk and circled around to the heart of the desk. The source of the hiccups sat underneath the oak desk, right where the chair would be placed, curled up and falling asleep. Relief flooded through me as fast as my irritation did.
“Ash!” I whispered angrily. “You can't just walk wherever you want! A madman runs this place!” Ash opened her eyes blearily and yawned. She looked like she had no cares in the world. I frowned. Blimey, what in the hell did they put in her drink? Ash rubbed at her eyes and said:
“I eard’... that 'tis is the… bosses… office.” I blinked and she continued. “You could… ceck the draw... ers or somefin…” I glanced back towards the door nervously, Buster’s voice could be faintly heard. He was still singing strong so I assumed the guards still haven't gotten through the crowd yet. I bit my lip the same way I always did before my dad went on a risky heist. It shouldn't hurt to check for a couple minutes… My resolve to find everyone and leave was crumbling fast. Ash hiccuped, “You’kno we on’t… ave anotho chance righ’?” I thought of my dad caught somewhere. Wrapped in chains, beaten and bloody, while still holding his head high. His eyes would be full of pride but deep down, I knew he wouldn't be expecting someone to save him. And that breaks my heart. I nodded down at Ash, a rush of determination flowing through me.
“You're right, but I'm only searching for a few minutes. Then I'm grabbing you, finding everyone else, and then we're getting the hell outta here, okay?” Ash yawned sleepily at my speech which I took as a sign of agreement and I started to search the desk.
The top of the desk held nothing but a few pens and a little notepad. I flipped through the pad quickly and was dismayed to find nothing helpful. Squatting down to search the side drawers, I winced as I felt the back of my dress rip. I whipped through the right side drawers and was running out of hope when I opened the top left drawer of the desk.
I frowned as I picked up an old photograph, holding it so the back of the photo was facing me. The edges were frayed and blackened, as if the photo had been saved right before being caught in a bad fire. A message was written in pen on the back, and I struggled to read the faded text.
“To my wonde---l friend,
You always ma-- the d--s a bit br--hter. Don't eve- -top chas--- your dre-ms.
With l--e,
------”
Raising an eyebrow, I flipped over the photo.
I stopped breathing and my hands started to shake. Ash reached from the floor and set a hand on my leg, concern etched onto her face.
“Johnny, what's wrong?” I couldn't speak and merely shook my head wordlessly. My eyes couldn't look away from the picture and I felt tears start to pool down my face. Ash smacked my leg this time, looking absolutely worried and alarmed. “Johnny. You have to tell me what's wrong. is it your corstet or is it the photo?” I finally looked away and my voice quivered as I spoke.
“Ash.. I-it's… m-mom.” Tears were streaming down my face at this point. “It's m-my m-mah.” It was an older photo, probably taken 20 years ago, taken before I was born. But I've never forgotten how my mom looks. It was a photo of her sitting on chair outside; a beautiful vine wall sat behind her, and my mom was smiling in surprise to whoever was taking the photo. Ash’s face seemed to blanch at my news and she stared wide eyed at the picture. I smiled sadly, my voice dripping with emotion as I said:
“ I haven't seen her in years. Dad has no photos of her, he said he lost them all when we had moved here in the city.” I sniffed and wiped my eyes, mascara smearing my hands. “She's really pretty isn't she?” I turned to Ash and stiffened at her frightened face. “Ash? What's the matter?” Ash didn't hesitate.
“Johnny, if you lost all those pictures, then why does Mazus have it?” A cold terror punched me in the gut at the thought. Overcome with emotion, I hadn't realized the abnormality of the situation. The tightness of the corset seemed to rush onto me and I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe.
“ I-... I don't know.” I blinked rapidly, trying to regain control of my tears. “We gotta leave. Time to get the others and go.”
“But why would you want to leave?” A deep sultry voice growled behind my ear.
I gasped and whipped around.
The last thing I saw were Mazus Night’s golden glowing eyes before a sharp pain hit the back of my head and everything faded to black.