FREEDOM PART 1
The following story is a derived work from a copyrighted source. Spooo Presents Issues 11, 18, and 21 are Copyright (C) 2005-2009 Rabbit Valley Comics Artist Cooperative. All Rights Reserved. Commercial distribution of this work is prohibited. All redistribution of this work must include this copyright notice. If you would like to write a story derived from Spooo Presents Issues 11, 18, and 19, please email [email protected] for more information.
"FREEDOM" Part One
Story by Runtt Wah
Alex is copyright his player.
Beige is copyright Runtt Wah
This story is a work of fan fiction and does not have any relation to Life In The Co-Op, or the characters within. Beige & Jack appear courtesy of Runtt Wah.
Although crowed with people, the streets seem lonely, almost vacant to this young fox. As he walks, alone, the sounds of car engines, horns and people bustling their way to whatever destination. His mind is a flurry of images and conversations, most confirming the disconnection with his previous life. He keeps walking in hopes of finding something, anything to start the first night of the rest of his life.
Turning a corner, there's long strip of small night clubs. The ground rumbles from the driving beat of multiple sound systems pounding the air in unison. A cool, light summer breeze passes, filling his factory senses with the smell of charred meats from the corner vendors, cigarettes, sweat and sex. The strip is full of males. Not a female in sight.
"Is this it?" the fox says to himself.
He scurries to a nearby window, fixing his tight, fishnet tank top, proudly exposing his neon pink thong, as it peeks out from his denims. He wants to look his best if he's going to sneer
a gentleman for the evening.
Shyly he approaches the entrance to one of the many night clubs, walking past a few patrons, hoping to get some attention. He smiles suggestively, waving his tail back and forth.
"Go home, kid! It's past your bedtime!", yells a wolf wearing tight leather, blowing cigar smoke his way. The k-9's muscle tone shines through his thick, dark fur. All Alex can think is "OH MY GOD!", standing in awe of such a well maintained specimen. The wolf then blows more smoke in the fox's face, nudging him, in the butt, with his hind paw.
"C'MON! Move it along! You couldn't handle one of them, let alone ME!", he said, in a louder, angrier voice, pointing to some of the shorter, less built guys in his group.
The fox coughs as they all point and laugh. His self esteem taking a small dive, as he continues to the next venue. Shrugging it off, he comes to the door of another club, meeting the same
resistance as before. Another group of guys, pointing and laughing.
"Why?", he thought. "Do I look that young?"
His optimistic mood rapidly changing to pessimism, he says, to himself, "SCREW IT!". I'll try somewhere else."
Just then, he hears music coming from one of the smaller places. It's not like the booming techno from other clubs. It's very different. There's singing. It sounds live. He rushes over to this run down wreck of a building. The marque reads, "The Hot Spot Presents - BIEGE AND THE DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE". Now the fox is very interested. Alex pushes open the door and peeks his head in. There's a bouncer to the left. A large black bear sitting, uncomfortably, on a stool that looks to be five sizes to small for his ample posterior.
"I.D. please." he says.
Alex fumbles through his pocket to show the large bear his I.D.
"You're twenty?", he asks.
"Yes.", the fox replies, a little irritated by now."
"Well, you sure don't look it, kid. Haw, haw, haw!!! The bear laughs. His belly jiggling, seemingly causing his tiny stool more stress.
He looks Alex's I.D. over a couple of times, to make sure it isn't fake.
"Alright, kid, you're in. The cover is $15 but the show is almost over."
"Um.. that's okay. It's not like I have anywhere else to go." he replies.
The bear points Alex into the direction of a large set of heavy looking drapes. Approaching them, the music gets louder. Parting them, he walks through to a small, dimly lit, room. Straight ahead, there are tiny tables, occupied by people, all drinks in paw, staring up at a stage that could maybe fit three people on it at any one time. The bar is to the left, against the back wall as you walk in. The place is filled with cigarette smoke and fog, showing off the lights that beam down from the stage. As Alex finds a vacant seat, a petite snow leopard, wearing a glittery, purple tuxedo, microphone in paw, walks up from the side of the stage.
"Let's have another round of applause for Cherry!"
The crowd shows their enthusiasm by cheering loudly.
"Are you all having a good time?"
Crowd gets louder.
"ALRIGHT!", the leopard shouts.
He holds his paws up and motions everyone to settle down.
"I want you all to know, it's been a pleasure, these last few nights, having The Hot Spot host our little cabaret. You've all been great! And now, for our final performer. She's been in and around... no, really, she's been AROUND! She's probably been in some of you! Gentlemen and girly-men, let's have a round of applause for...... BEIGE!
Taking his bow, the snow leopard vacates the stage. The room suddenly goes black. Slowly, a blue spot fades in, cutting the darkness. The silhouette of a seemingly tall woman appears. As the spot grows brighter, it reveals a long flowing gown. The light reflects off the sequins embroidered into the fabric, coloring the room with tiny beads. A soft jazz groove begins to play over the PA. A song, reminiscent of those old, smokey bars of the very early twentieth century, Manhattan. Another spotlight reveals a small, upright piano. Behind it, playing, the shadow of K-9 wearing a rimmed hat. A long string of smoke rises from an ashtray, placed conveniently on the piano's mantle, beside him. He takes another toke from his cigarette. By this time, Alex, mesmerized by what's happening, smiles as Beige begins to sing, stepping out of the dark blue spot, into the light. The rabbit's voice is slightly deep and as beautiful as his appearance. His ears drooped down, pierced with studs, matching his evening gown. One flopping forward, draping his right shoulder. The other falling back, behind his left. The rabbit works the stage like he owns it. Nothing exists but him. He's the star and he knows it. Alex just sits and takes it all in. The smells of the room, music, the voice, the gorgeous rabbit in drag. He's never experienced anything like this.
"Need a drink, honey?"
A feminine male voice breaks the mood. Alex looks up staring longly at a short, young and very handsome rat. He was shirtless, wearing black slacks and a black bow tie. Obviously a clip-on, fastened to a thin black, ribbonlike collar. Very well groomed. His chest fur was off white. It seemed spotted with the tiny beads of light, reflecting from Beige's gown, illuminating it. He smiled at the fox. Alex took out his wallet, counting what little money he had left.
"Uumm........ What can I get for four dollars?" he asked, returning the smile in an attempt to be charming.
The rat giggled. His soft laughter brightened the dark, grey fur color of his face, head and shoulders.
"Not much, sweetie, but you're cute. I'll cover the rest." he said.
"Oh no! I couldn't let you....." Alex said, not realizing he's caught the rat's attention.
"No sweat, dear. It's only a couple a bucks." the rat interrupted.
"Besides, I can tell you're new to this city. Probably just got here, curious about the night life. Maybe you're runnin' away from somethin'? Maybe you're looking for somethin'.
Alex was stunned. This guy is reading him like a book. "Am I that obvious?" he asked himself.
"So, what's it gonna be, honey?" the rat smirked, lifting an eyebrow.
"Um... I don't know? What's good?" he replied.
"would you like me to choose a drink for you?" he asked.
"I guess so. I never ordered alcohol before. Or, maybe I'll just have a soda?" Alex said indecisively.
"Don'choo worry. I'll bring you somethin' really swingin'." said the rodent with a grin.
"Oh...a.. What's your name?" Alex asked.
"Paulo, sweetums. 'Be right back with your drink." rushing off to the bar.
Meanwhile, Beige continued with his song of love lost as the piano player tickled on.
Alex was lost once again in the music. He placed his chin in his palms, letting out a blissful sigh.
"You look happy. Here, this'll make you even happier." Paulo giggled, once again breaking the mood, placing a tall, thin glass on the table.
"What is it?" the fox asked.
"Kamakazi. It'll knock your socks off!" he giggled, sitting down across from Alex.
Alex looked at the drink with apprehension. The umbrella and toothpick of skewered pineapple and cherries slowly bobbed and turned like buoy on still waters.
"Weeeeell? Are you just gonna stare at it, or are you gonna take a sip?" the rat said impatiently.
Alex looked up at him.
"How do I know it isn't drugged, or something? I've heard stories about people getting kidnapped, or robbed, or some other awful stuff." he replied.
Paulo laughed out loud. "Are you serious?! Sweetheart, take a good look at me. Do I look like I need to drug someone to get laid, or need money? REALLY!" he said, disgusted at the mare thought of such a thing.
"I'm sorry..... I'm on my own and I'm being cautious. Is that a crime?"
Paulo sat back in his chair. "So, what's your name?" he asked.
"Alex." the fox replied.
"Well, Alex, what do you and that pretty blond fur have planned for the night?"
Oblivious to Paulo's pick up line, Alex took a long sip from his drink. His tongue filled with a sweet fruit flavor, followed by the slight sting of alcohol. He grinned from ear to ear and took another swig. He then points in the direction of Beige as the bunny wraps up his song.
"Him? Your plans are with HIM?" the rat nearly falls back out of his chair laughing.
"You can NOT be serious, honey."
Paulo goes into a long, detailed discussion about why Alex has no change in hell at scoring Beige. He explains the rabbit's bad temperament, selfishness, tactlessness, and ego. He goes on and on, lambasting Beige, like a bitter, scorned ex-lover. Alex just sits, eyes wide in horror, listening to the rat's rant of the many partners the rabbit has had. All of his relationships that ended in serious drama.
"And, anyway, his real name is RALPH!" Paulo finishes, smirking, looking Alex in the eyes.
"You have a definite companion in me, for the night, if you're interested. Or, you can take your chances with Miss. personality." he says, thumbing over his shoulder.
"Look, thanks for the drink, but I really need to talk to him." Alex replies, quickly getting up from his seat and rushing to the side of the stage.
"Your loss, foxy. Good luck! You'll NEED it!" Paulo said, in a louder, more smug tone.
Nearing the stage, Alex quickly walks around to the side, trying desperately to catch up with the rabbit before he disappears to the back room. Paying no notice, he accidently bumps into the backstage bouncer. A very large bull wearing a thick nose ring. It was like walking into a tree. The bull had a tight, muscular physique. Obviously a body builder. His thin brown fur glistened in the dim club light. His arms and legs were huge. It looked as if he would bust right out of his tank top and tight, form fitting spandex shorts. Alex looked up. The bouncer looked down, glaring at the much smaller fox.
"Uh....I...." Alex was frightened. He tried to get the words out, but couldn't. The bull just kept glaring at him. He said nothing. He didn't have to. You could read his face loud and clear. It was obvious Alex was not getting into the back room.
"Um...P.p..please, Mr. I.... I r..really need to s..speak to Beige." the fox stuttered.
The bull just stared angrily at Alex, arms folded, letting out a loud snort. Not to be deterred so easily,
the fox decided to try something different. He swished his tail, brushing it against the bouncer's bare leg. He moved in close, feeling the hard, ripped six pack seemingly protruding from the bull's shirt. Alex runs his finger up and down the washboard chest.
"I'll do anything you want if you will just allow me to pass, you big hunk of beef." he said in a whispering seductive voice.
The bull reached down, grabbing hold of Alex by his waistband and effortlessly lifted him like he was a piece of luggage. He then carries the vulpine through the club. Everyone was staring, pointing and laughing as they passed by. Paulo, too. He fell out of his seat yelling.
"I told you! No one sees the bunny." he continued, laughing.
Through the heavy drapes, past the bear bouncer, to the door. The bull tosses Alex out on the street like he was a rag doll. He gave one last snort and headed back into the club. Alex just sat there on the ground, ego damaged, confidence gone, humiliated and sulking. This night isn't going well for him. "Maybe I should have taken Paulo's offer?" he asked himself. "Ouch! That guy didn't need to be so rough." he thought, comforting his delicate rump. "FUCK!" Alex stands, brushing himself off and heads back down the street feeling this night is over for him. Just then he notices an alleyway. It leads down the side of the club. "There must be a door down there." he thought to himself. With a new hope, he quickly runs down into the darkness, not thinking that there may be unruly characters waiting for any unsuspecting victims. His mind is only on scoring with a bunny. Sure enough, his hunch was right. There's a door.