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Tonight is dark and noisy, the sounds of human televisions and excited kittens roaming the alley all are you can hear.
The constant noise of the night is familiar to you, it has many perks. On a night like these, late night snacks are easy to find.
The moon hangs proudly in the sky, marking the true birth point of the night. There is one thing on your mind: a sweet treat.
Sure, that litter of gushers behind the dumpster was nice, but it’s only so filling. Cats die by the dozen in Boon County, what you really need, is a bigger bite for your bigger than usual appetite.
(Ugh… tiny treats are nice, but Mama craves something far more filling. Maybe a nice, thick, plump cat, too fat to really put up a challenge. Or an overconfident rat, not realizing its tail is perfect for snatching. Best of all would be…)
Suddenly, your attention is pulled away. Out of the corner of your eye, movement, scurrying away into the dark alleyway. The blur knocks into a collection of empty cans, a mess following its flee. Quickly behind the movement, two stray cats keep in hot pursuit.
A three for one deal.
(JACKPOT!)
You follow far behind, their path easily traced. The pursuit ends at a back alley, no easy escape available. There sits a bucket, oddly placed, surrounded by the two strays.
“Mrrrow! ‘M gettin reeeeal antsy, Mousey!” One of the pursuers, a Mangy white cat with a gleeful smile, walks in circles around the oddly placed bucket. “Just c’mon out… ‘n I promise! We’s just gonna have a lil chat!”
“Y-yeah… yeah…!” The second cat, a smaller and younger kit with a breathless smile, stands tensed up in front of the bucket. “Just wanna talk… just talk…!”
The smaller cat licks its teeth, pawing at the ground impatiently. The older cat meows louder, slashing at the bucket as its voice gets louder.
“Stop wastin’ my time! Mrrrow! Yer gonna make me angry!”
“Open it… open it…!”
“Mousy, we’s won’t be so nice if you’s don’t come out and talk!”
The two cats continue to harass the bucket as it seems to shake slightly. You watch from afar, barely hidden in the dark. It’s an amusing sight.
(Ugh… absolute amateurs… if they’re trying to scare the food out, then they need to be meaner. If anything, this is embarrassing. Mama’s a professional.)
“One…” A wide grin.
“Two…” A flexed claw.
“Three!” And a new voice.
Right as the bucket is lifted, a flash of light engulfs the area. You flinch, losing sight of the scene unfolding. Looking back, you see a strange scene. Two roasted bodies, a missing bucket, and a strange figure engulfed in smoke.
As the bucket falls from the sky, the smoke clears and a somewhat large gray mouse appears. He’s wearing sunglasses that are far too big for his face with some wrappings around his tail. He looks different from the other mice in this alleyway.
“Hehehah! And THAT’S what you get for messing with… the Dynamouse!” The strange looking mouse seems to pose for a second, until losing his confidence and awkwardly adjusting his glasses. “Nah… Radical Rat is better…”
He looks around, staring at the defeated cats.
“Hah! Not so cocky now, huh? This rat is too radical to become cat food! Heh… hehe, that one wasn’t too bad.”
( How curious… you decide to emerge from your cover, letting your footsteps speak for yourself as you approach this “Radical” rat. )
“Huh? Who goes there?” The rat looks around, quickly grabbing his bucket. “I’ve got plenty of dynamite, so don’t come any closer!”
Hidden behind trash and obscured by the dark, you sneak faster towards him, heavy footsteps an inevitable omen of what’s to come.
(Perhaps I’ll eat him now with the others, a nice warm sandwich…)
“Hey! I-I’m warning you!! You’ll be blown to bits!”
(Awww… the wittle rat has threats! He’s got guts… but my gut is bigger. He won’t know what hit him…)
You’re almost in front of him. His demise is imminent. With a sharp pair of claws, you close the distance…
Then, the rat tosses an oddly rat shaped bomb in front of him, before ducking beneath his bucket. The rat bomb looks small compared to you. Marching forward, you smile, slamming your paw on the little bomb.
It’s quiet.
Slowly, the lid on the bucket rises.
“Huh…?”
Snatching the bucket in your claws, the rat is revealed, perfect for you to snag. You quickly swoop the rat into your paws, kicking the bucket to the side. Even as you raise the rat high, the glasses stay on his face.
(GOTCHA!!)
Tossing the rat into your mouth, you smile. It’s an easy snack. Now, you move to…
Oh.
Gross!
You suddenly spit out the rat, coughing aggressively as the taste of smoke and napalm stain your tongue.
“Hah! I’m not dead! You can’t… can’t…”
As you finish hacking up the taste of rat bomb, you stare daggers at the rodent in front of you. He looks fascinated by you, like his glasses can’t hide his wide eyes. In this starstruck state, he’s stunned.
So, you reach out and immediately grab him.
Dangling high above you, rat in your paws, you speak.
“Well, ain’t you a little thorn in my side!”
In comparison to the rat in between your paws, you are massive and you know it. You raise him close to your face so he can hear you better, your powerful voice should be easy for him to hear regardless of the distance.
Twirling his tail, his face finally meets your face.
“Uh… hi…?” He smiles awkwardly.
“I reckon you’ve lasted longer than most.” You smile. “But that doesn't mean you’re kittyproof. You ain’t dead, but honey, I can change that.” You jingle him and he yelps. “Any last words?”
“You… you’re huge…!”
Your expression changes to a stern cold stare.
“Uh…! Not that it’s a bad thing! I mean… who are you…?”
(He’s not totally stupid. And he’s got fat. It wouldn’t hurt to play along.)
“Alright, ol’ Radical.” He perks up at his name. “You really curious? My name is Guillotina… the Magnificent!” You smile; a new title sounds cool. “Savor it, cuz it might be the last time you hear it.”
“How’d you know my name, Guillotina the Magnificent?”
“Well, I ain’t magnificent for no reason, honey. Now, let’s talk business.”
You lift the rat by his tail and hold him upside down, speaking.
“I wanted to kill those two cats earlier, and since you’ve done the job, you gotta tell me how you’re going to make my meal for tonight… Understand? Mama wants fresh, cookin’ the meat takes out the excitement.”
“Yeah, uh, so, you mean the two cats that were chasing after me? Those? They’re right there… still warm.”
You snatch him closer to you in a quick jerking motion.
“You got fluff in your ears, Rat? I told ya, I want it fresh. Ain’t much left of those who make me repeat myself…”
“N-No Guillotina the Magnificent!! It’s just, if those were your meal, then why didn’t you kill them? You’re strong! I was hiding under that bucket for a while.”
(Ugh… it would be so much easier to just try eating him again.)
You drag your free paw down your face and let out a sigh.
“Two things. Just call me Guilotina, the whole magnificent thing is losing its charm real quick now. And two, you're still in my paws. I could’ve killed you five times over I wanted to, so don’t get smart with me mister.”
“Sorry…! I’ve never talked to a cat before… not like this.” His glasses move slightly and he quickly adjusts them. “Uh, what do you want, if you’re not going to eat me?”
“I’m hungry, Rat. You’re lookin’ real plump and juicy… makes me wanna gobble you up in one bite.” Maybe it’s the odd lighting, but you almost see a faint blush on his face. “But that’s good. Cuz that means, every other kit in this alley thinks the same thing. I’ll cut you a deal, just for tonight. Run around, act like a stupid rat, and when you’re trapped in your little bucket of yours… I’ll come in and sweep up all them tasty stupid snacks. How’s that sound?”
Radical Rat nods; from your angle it looks silly. Content, you finally drop him to the ground. He looks disoriented, looking for his bucket while adjusting his glasses.
“Don’t think you can run from Mama. I’ll be close.” You lurk back into the shadows with a smile. “Now you go ahead, Dynamouse… I’m itchin’ for some Pussy~!”
Radical Rat looks around, nervously, before sighing. Gear in fur, he begins scurrying off into the night. Soon, he grabs the attention of others, and soon, you get your fill for the night.
When you’re full, you decide to rest for the night. You don’t see him again. He’s a peculiar one.
It’s Trash Day in Boon County. Hundreds and thousands of trash cans, put out to the curb, full and ready. Which means, for the keen eye, there’s one day of the week where there is always a chance to go digging for grub.
For you, Trash Day means one thing: Easy Pickings!
You roam the dark alleys, per usual, keeping your ears open for commotion. Cats get aggressive when they find good trash. Even better, the rats and maggots join the mix if it’s really good trash. Mama loves a buffet.
As you wander, you notice something odd. A large rat, sifting through the trash, throwing trash behind him that looks… really good.
Pieces of uneaten, not moldy bread. Leftovers that still look edible. Mysterious cans, likely filled with goods. All of these, chucked to the side. Some kits would kill for one of these things. But this odd rat seems transfixed.
Approaching with a smile, you prepare to get a full taste.
When the rat turns around, you freeze.
“... Radical?”
The Rat is frozen. You can tell it's him because of the tail wrapping and the odd proportions. But it is obvious what is missing: his glasses.
“Agh! No! Uh… I’m…” He looks around frantically, either for an escape route or for a distraction. “I’m just a normal rat! And… uh…”
He slowly begins deflating, looking down. His eyes are weird, like big black dots on his face. Despite only seeing him once, he looks naked without them.
“Well well… It’s my favorite piece of bait– The Radical Rat. Why are you avoiding all the good grub on Trash Day?” You stomp forward and shove a paw into a nearby trash bin, pulling out a half eaten loaf of bread.
He looks away from you, grumbling under his voice. It sounds cute with his tiny squeaks of frustration. He speaks to you, returning focus to the trash around him.
“I’ve been got by some alley cats. Annoying inbred bastards… somehow caught me off guard. Snagged my glasses before I could get away.” Radical leaps from bin to bin, digging through them quickly and chucking useful items near your paws. “ Ugh… I can’t find them anywhere. ”
He takes a seat atop a stray bin and sits defeatedly.
“Those were vintage! I’ll never find another pair like those. And now it’s missing, for what? Because I’m a rat? Suddenly, I’m deserving of this B.S…” He rubs his little face with his little claws. “Ugh… and, great, it’s Trash Day. If I don’t find them now, they’ll be gone forever…”
You can get the general feeling this little rat isn’t going to be okay.
(It’s so annoying seeing him like this… Why do I suddenly care? He’s a rat, I should be eating him, not conversing with him. But… Something about what he said… He might be a meal to some, but he doesn’t need this. It’s already enough of a struggle surviving around here… Ugh… I’m gonna regret this but… I think helping him out would be to my best advantage…)
Stomping over to the dejected rat, you loom over him. He doesn’t respond to your presence. So, you snatch him up and place him on your shoulder.
“Alright… Seeing you like this is ruining my night…” You sigh, loudly. “So, against my better judgement, Mama is gonna help you find your little glasses. Now, you ever mention I helped you out and I swear…”
“W-wait, really?” His voice perks up as he leans forward from your shoulder, appearing in the corner of your eye. “You don’t have to–”
“Listen, Mama already decided to help you out, you ain’t turning down my help. So tell me how we’re gonna find these little glasses.”
Radical shuffles closer to your head and gives you a hug, his hands totally wrapping around you.
“Oh thank you, Guillotina!! I promise you won’t regret this!! I had just planned to rummage through these all night, they usually take out the trash early in the morning–”
You push the little rat away from your face and back to the corner of your shoulder.
(I appreciate the sentiment little guy, but this isn’t a duo; Mama rides solo)
“That’ll take far too long, and Momma doesn’t like wasting her time. So here’s what we are gonna do…” You do a brief stretch to prepare yourself. “You best hold on tight sweetheart, this ride is gonna get rather bumpy. “
Radical Rat’s claws dig into your fur. With a smile, you begin running. With a running start, you crash through the street, knocking over a couple dozen trash cans.
“WOAHHH!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!! I never knew you could do that!!”
“You think all these pounds are just for show? Now, rummage through those and find your glasses!! “ You toss Radical into a spilt over trash can and stand in the middle of the street, waiting for the chaos to follow.
Almost like magic, waves of hungry little critters come looking to investigate the noise. Rats, hungry kits and even a handful of Tom Tom’s show face to see the spill.
“Oh no…” Radical looks worried as they approach. “I’ll never be able to find them like this–”
With a smile, as soon as a kit gets close to Radical, you snag them up and pop them into your mouth. Making a show, you chew loudly, really letting the blood mix into your fur. Onlookers seem horrified by the affair, some merely running at your sight. You pop a couple of your claws into your mouth and lick them clean, digging out some loose fur in between your teeth. You stay close by Radical, more than ready to keep eating.
While some kits run away, a growing hoard begins to emerge around the trash, murmurs reaching your ears.
“Hey who’s causing all this ruckus?! I think it was her that big cat over there!!” The hoard moves closer to the trash spilled out on the streets. They look hungry, but you’ve got a job to do.
“Awww… What’s the matter, here to stamp out my fun?” You look at the growing hoard, wiping your maw with your fur.
“We’d just like to eat, we can do this the easy way or the hard way!!” A particularly bold Tom Tom speaks up from the hoard.
“Y’see, that ain’t happening. Y’all best turn around. Run off, before you get hurt.”
The bold Tom Tom rushes forward, trying to intimidate you.
“We're getting our fill before anythin—”
You slash down his face with a sharp claw. The Tom Tom recoils, falling back into the hoard.
“Yeah, that ain’t gonna happen.” With a stomp, you move forward, causing the hoard to shuffle backwards. “Oh, and, Dynamouse?”
Radical Rat pokes his head from a trash can, clearly covered in mess; he looks at you intensely with his cute little eyes.
“Ignore the losers out here, keep on searching. Got it? “
He quickly nods and returns to the trash.
“Now that’s been resolved, you all can try to get your fill but all of you won’t be making it out of here alive. So, be as dumb as you like, Mama’s hungry~!”
The hoard begins to thin out. Some emerge to merely watch, hopeful eyes surrounding you. Finally, a foolish bunch remains before you.
You're more than ready and plenty excited for the fight that is soon to come. You stick your tongue out as you eye up the competition that stands before you.
(Four Tom Toms and three feisty newborn kits. None of them alone would be a challenge but together? It’s a buffet!!)
“COME ON THEN!! MAMA’S GIVING OUT TOUGH LOVING TONIGHT!!”
A trio of Tom Tom’s make the first move towards you while the rest try to rummage through as much trash as they can, Radical Rat is just in sight for you to know he’s not in immediate danger.
(I’ve gotta make this quick, no one else is getting their hands on that rat. He is my little toy.)
You quickly slash out the eye of the first Tom Tom approaching you, grabbing and swallowing the next Tom Tom in line. As it struggles in your mouth, you bite down hard. Making it quick, you eat the cat whole in front of the others.
“ N-No!! Jerry, fight on!! “ The last of the Tom Tom’s rushes towards you.
You anticipate his attack and snatch him up before he can hit you. Grabbed by his tail, you quickly bite into his leg and tear it off. You chew on the leg for a moment before spitting out the leg and throwing the Tom Tom down the street.
“That was supremely stupid, fleabag! But don’t worry, you're about to join your friend real soon.” You pat your massive tummy and make your way to the now scared Tom Tom.
The half blinded Tom Tom cowers before you, speaking in a shaky voice.
“Please let us get something and we’ll leave you be….!”
You look around to see the newborn kits rummaging through some trash; Radical is nowhere to be found. You've been keeping track of his tail, bandaged and different. You can’t see it…
(Oh I swear if you little wastes of space ate my bait–)
You quickly move towards the newborn kits and snatch up the one closest to you.
“Oh, lil kit. You enjoyin’ the feasting?” The kit nods at you happily. “Good! Good. Cuz now I get to enjoy it, too!”
You swallow the kit whole and stare down the other two.
“Run… While Mama is feeling rather generous.”
They quickly run off with whatever food they can carry in their mouths.
(Hm… I’m suddenly not feeling as generous!)
You widen your stance and take a deep breath. Opening your maw wide, you begin to inhale, suctioning everything before you. A wind column starts dragging in bits of trash, but most importantly, the newborn kits. They’re dragged into your gaping maw and soon inside your cavernous stomach with a large gulp.
(Ahhh… Fresh young pussy! Ain’t nothing compare to that treat. Delicious.)
You pat your stomach a couple of times and quickly close your eyes to ruminate on the taste.
“NYO HO HO~! STUPID FLEABAG!” You feel a quick slash down your backside, it causes you to recoil and stumble away from the attacker. “THEY ALWAYS FORGET ABOUT ME! THE LEGENDARY KYLE!”
You gaze ahead, looking at a champion Tom Tom. It looks bold.
“Lucky shot! Wanna try that again, you kit bitch? I promise you’ll have to try harder to–”
You feel a chomp on your right arm. Looking down, you see the half blind Tom Tom, still furious for revenge.
“Ugh… Didn’t you want to leave? Fine, I’ll fix that.” You lift the Tom Tom by the head and dig your claws into his skull. “Here, catch!”
You put all your might and chuck the Tom Tom at the champion, hitting the cat with the now dead ally.
“BARRY!! NO!! “ Kyle, the champion Tom Tom, unfurls itself from the body.
It rushes towards you, leaping and making a swipe towards your arm. The hit connects, leaving a nasty gash in your arm. As you both stand a distance from each other, waiting for the other to strike, the gravity of the situation sinks in.
(This one is serious. And… eugh, I can feel the blood staining my fur. I’ve given these cats too many free hits. Ugh… all this because I chose to help that cute little scamp!)
You ponder how you're going to handle this annoying cat and make sure you're still plenty ready to handle any other headaches. But suddenly…
“CLOSE YOUR EYES, TINA!” You hear a familiar voice, something that brings relief to your kitty bones, and quickly cover your eyes.
“NYO HO HO~! FOOLISH FURBALL, VICTORY IS SEALED FOR THE GREAT–”
You can’t see anything but you can hear an explosion go off near Kyle’s voice.
“AGH…! WHO DARE DISORIENT THE GREAT AND MIGHTY KYLE?!”
Opening your eyes, you see a familiar figure standing proudly in the aftermath of the smoke.
“It’s the one and only– Radical Rat, back in action! “ An explosion goes off behind him and he’s holding another explosive in his tiny claws.
“THE GREAT AND MIGHTY KYLE RECOGNIZES YOU PEST. PREPARE TO DIE–”
Radical throws another explosive at Kyle, blowing up right in his face. In the confusion, he makes his way towards you.
“Took you long enough. Glad to see ya, Dynamouse~” You smile at your ally as he scampers towards you.
He runs up your arm to your shoulder.
“Glad to see you too, Guillotina. Want some help with your pest problem?”
You take a moment to contemplate jokingly, before giving Radical your attention.
“In most cases I’d say no, but I won’t say no today. Show me something special, cutie.”
You grab the rat by the cheek and shake him around jokingly. You notice once again that he may be blushing but the lighting is off so you can’t really tell. You return him to your shoulder and ready yourself for Kyle once more.
“DOST THOU WISH TO SCHEME AGAINST ME?” Kyle stomps its paws on the ground, looking bloodshot at the two of you. “THOU WOULD BE FOOLISH BUT I WELCOME THE CHALLENGE!”
“Oh my God, can you cut it out with the ye olden nonsense?” You fold your arms, ready to cut this character out of your life. “You’re nuttier than squirrel shit.”
Kyle growls his teeth and readies himself for another attack.
You look over to Radical and pull him close to you and whisper something to him.
// Can you disorient this bastard more permanently? //
// Hm… I could, but I'd need an opening. If you could buy me some time, I could set up something for you. //
// You're confident that’s gonna work, Radical? //
// Hm! Yeah! More than anything, Big Mamma. You distract, I’ll prepare the attack. Now, let's take out the trash! //
You give him a quick pat on the head and ready yourself.
“Hey, stupid, wanna see something interesting?” You smile, stepping forward as Radical scurries off your shoulder and into the trash.
Kyle doesn't respond but you take his silence as yes. The two of you circle each other, tensed up for an attack. Smiling wide, you decide to make a show of what comes next.
You proceed to Heimlich yourself and cough up something… interesting. Something you haven't used in a while. An old tool, used when you were younger… your trusty hook and chain.
“THOU BRANDISH A FALSE BLADE TO ME?!?”
“A trusty toy of mine for those who irritate me a lot…Congratulations, fuzzball. You'll be one of few to witness it…”
You wrap the chain around your damaged arm and hold the hook in your free paw.
The hook drips with your stomach acids and you tighten your grip on the handle.
Radical is left in absolute silence from your brandished hook and chain, he briefly poked his head out and is left in awe from your weapon.
“ YOU JUST GET COOLER AND COOLER, TINA! “
“ Now go craft whatever you need to, this fight is going to be fun! “ He returns to the trash and returns to whatever plan he has.
You spin your hook around a couple times in your paws before you make a dash towards the champion Tom-Tom.
You swing your chain into the nearby street but Kyle dodges your attack.
“DOST HAST MISSED ME!!” Kyle retorted boldly, his chest puffed out during his proclamation.
However, he wasn’t your target. What you had hit was an empty trash can. You heave the metal canister towards you, the trajectory slamming into Kyle’s back without him realizing it. He bolts away as you hold the trash can in your paws.
“THOUST WERE LUCKY, THY WON’T GET AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THAT AGAIN!!” He recoils from your attack and you detach your hook from the trash can.
Kyle starts moving around but has begun slowing down but his determination is still ever present. He starts dashing towards you, attacking at any opening, but he has become easier to read. You start dodging out of the way of what you can and use your hook to block any hits that get close.
You keep on trying to directly hook Kyle to end this quickly but he’s just a little too agile to let that happen. Looking around, you try to see where Radical is. It looks like it’s just you and this Tom Tom.
(After everything I’ve done for him tonight and this is how he chooses to repay me? Oh I swear on my nine lives, if he actually ran off–!)
When suddenly you find Radical standing on top of a trash can waiving towards you.
“ IT’S READY!! “ Hearing those words you dispel any notion of him leaving the fight and you ready your hook to pull the trash can towards yourself.
Kyle looks around and sees the trashcan and readies himself to dash towards it.
“TRICK THOU ONCE SHAME ON ME, TRICK THOU TWICE SHAME ON YOU.”
Kyle dashes towards the trash can, and you quickly throw your hook in response. As Kyle gets closer to the trashcan, Radical throws something at his face and you hear a loud shriek in the air followed by a flash of light and he falls back from his pursuit. You instinctively cover your eyes following the shriek; you feel your fur stand up.
“AGH! BLIND! THOUS’T HAVE… BLINDED ME?! YOU ARE A CRUEL, VILE RODENT!” The champion Tom-Tom is disoriented and you pull the trashcan towards yourself with Radical as well.
With Radical Rat returned to you, he points at the trash can in your paws. Raising the lid, you see it filled to the brim with tiny explosives, enough to do some serious damage to anyone unlucky enough to come against it.
“Mother of mercy, how did your little claws make all this? Must be a tiny genius or somethin! This could easily even blow me sky high…”
“Oh, I just found some loose trash and some leftover fireworks and got a little carried away, heheh! “ He rubs the back of his head in a sheepish fashion, like he’s never been complimented before.
Radical then pulls out a lighter and hands it to you. “Would you like to do the honors?”
“Oh, you’re gettin’ on Mama’s good list.” You smile.
You take the lighter into your free paw and light it up, lodging your hook into the trashcan. As you quickly set fire to the trashcan, you send it flying right towards Kyle who’s just now managed to recollect himself.
“EUGH! I WILL NOT BE STOPPED BY SUCH FOOLISHNESS!” He looks at you and realizes what’s about to happen. “YOU WILL NOT… oh shit.”
The trashcan hits him square in the face, sending him flying backwards. Rolling down the street, you hear the sound of a cat yelling angrily. Then, an explosion, the shockwave nearly knocking you off your feet.
“Meeeow! Thank kit that’s over! I almost broke a sweat.” You turn to your companion, who finally looks cooler with his glasses on. “Not lookin’ so bad, Dynamouse~”
You go to pet his head, but as you reach out, your body moves heavily with the movement. A brief wave of light headedness hits you. Without realizing it, you fall forward, which causes Radical Rat to bolt out of the way.
“Guillotina?!? Are you okay?” He scurries to your side, shaking your head.
“Ugh… Of course not, no one falls over and is okay!”
It would seem that your wounds have finally caught up with you. You’ll need to rest somewhere that isn't in the middle of the street. And to make things worse– You can feel something wet drop onto your body. If only they were the cries of your ally at your sorry state. Instead, the crack of doom above confirms your worst suspicions.
“It’s raining now!?! Of all time you choose now to run the waterworks? GOD DAMMIT!!”
The raindrops feel nice along your tired body but you know that staying out here would only make things worse. You muster your strength and stand upright once more. Radical then dashes up your arm and scurries all over your body.
“Oh no… Guillotina… I’m so so sorry you got banged up like this! If I had known, I would have NEVER bothered you–!” His voice sounds anxious in your ear.
“Listen, Radical.” You speak up, trying to reassure him. “I knew Mama was going to get hurt, it’s not your–”
“BUT I COULD HAVE BEEN MORE HELPFUL! I took too long, I knew I’d take too long, I should’ve taken a hit for you, or I should’ve–”
You quickly swoop Radical into your paws and bring him eye level with you.
“Listen these wounds were of my own doing, these aren’t your fault little man. You were given a task by me and you did what you were told, and that’s that. Don’t worry about hypotheticals at this point, we’re alive and you’ve got your glasses. That’s all that matters at this point.”
“B-But… You’re bleeding…”
(Oh for the love of–!)
“Yeah, and I bleed every month.” He looks confused, before the realization hits him. “What would have happened if you did? You die taking a hit for me? And then what, this night looking for your glasses would have been wasted.”
Radical doesn’t respond and takes a moment to wipe his little face and shake off the rain that’s been collecting on his fur.
“We should get out of the rain. I know a place. You’ll be safe there.” He sheepishly suggests.
(I ain’t gentle, I don’t need that. But… I reckon all that was a bit much for him… UGH!!!! This is too complicated. Would’ve been just fine getting grub and sleepin…)
“How far?”
He begins giving you directions to the alley. On the way, you swallow your hook and chain for the next time you’ll need it. Radical Rat doesn’t speak anything further than directions; it’s offputting. Eventually you make it to an alley right behind what seems to be a donut shop.
Radical then hops off your shoulder and into a nearby dumpster and drags out an umbrella for you and brings it to your feet.
“Thanks, Radical.”
You open the umbrella and shake off as much rainwater from yourself as you can. He then runs right back into the dumpster and comes back holding a roll of bandages in his little mouth.
“Oh, you don’t need to play doctor with me, all I need is some rest and plenty of food.”
He then stops for a moment before looking at you, he takes his glasses off and he looks awful.
“P-Please. Let me do this.”
(Ugh… Ain’t ever been the biggest person when it comes to acts of kindness like this. But… just this once I should just let him patch me up. If not for any other reason, then at least to raise his spirits.)
“Okay, okay, just… don’t get too touchy. I ain’t need that much.”
“Tina, I would never–”
“Just get to work…”
He puts his glasses back on and dashes towards you with the roll of bandages and quickly patches you up, you can feel them cover your wounds but they aren’t tight they’re placed with care and an attention for efficiency.
“There we go. That should stop the bleeding and there’s plenty of food for tonight in that dumpster over there.”
He motions to a nearby dumpster and returns to your shoulder before curling himself into a little ball.
You grab a handful of stray food from the dumpster and take a seat underneath your umbrella. Radical still hasn’t said anything since he patched up your wounds. You feel awkward knowing he’s just there, probably worried out of his little skull. Apprehensively, you decide to place a donut out for him in your free paw.
“You should eat. Y’know… Um… a growing rat shouldn’t sleep hungry.”
He doesn’t say anything but he moves to your free paw and begins munching on the donut. You proceed to eat what you grabbed and then there’s silence as the two of you eat. You finish what you grabbed and watch as he eats the donut. He takes little bites and bit by bit, much slower than your massive gulp.
“So… How’d you find this place? This is a rather nice spot to rest for the night.” He doesn’t respond but his ear twitches before he returns to eating his donut in silence. “You uh, know anywhere else to rest? Maybe with a roof? Mama would love some comfort.”
He finishes his donut and leaps off your paw, back into the rain and motions for you to move towards the dumpster and points to something of interest.
“It’s a tent, should be roomy enough and keep you out of the rain.”
You reach for the tent and hold up the container with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
“There should be plenty of room for both of us. Do you know how to set it up?”
He doesn’t say anything but he looks around the container for some sort of instructions before finding them.
“It says you just need to open the box and.. let the magic happen, apparently. “ He points to the now soaked label on the side of the box and you quickly tear it open.
As the box read the tent popped out and quickly unfolded into a proper tent looking shape. It wasn’t the largest tent compared to your standards, but it’s barely usable. Squeezing inside, you manage to barely sit down, your head uncomfortably tilted against the roof.
You for Radical Rat, who was just standing out in the rain awkwardly. It seems almost dumb, that you’ve looked away and suddenly lost him. With this weather, it would be nearly impossible to hunt him down.
You remain in the tent, alone, free from the rain. It’s odd, hearing the rain patter against the tent roof, suddenly now so much quieter.
(... did I do something wrong?)
(No, no. I’m fine. What could I have possibly done wrong to scare him off?)
(... too rude. Always been too abrasive, even to the nice kitties. That’s what Butch would always say, be a good kitty…)
(Was he really thinking of hurting himself, just for me? Just so I wouldn’t get hit? He’s so much smaller than me.)
You sit in this cold, strange, rainy silence.
(... what’s so special about me that he’d want to protect me?)
You suddenly feel queasy. Kitty doesn’t go down easy on a heavy conscience. It’s going to be a long night. )
That is, until a voice startles you.
“Sorry, I’m back.” Radical Rat appears behind you, carrying a giant trash lid; he covers one side of the tent with it. “It’s too wet out there, I can't find anything else to bring. But this should help keep you dry.”
You feel implored to say something before he leaves again.
“This is the best I can do…” Radical scratches his head and he looks soaked. “It’s just too–”
“Stay.” You move your paw to grab him and he doesn’t bolt out of harm's way. “You… don’t get to leave. Not anymore. Okay?”
He looks deeply confused, even with his glasses on. Nodding, he wriggles slightly in your grasp. Opening your paw, he falls back to the ground, looking at you still.
“Uh, I’ll stay. Sure.”
“Good.” You nod, feeling embarrassment sink into your fur at such a ridiculous request. “Don’t run from Mama, now.”
Radical just sits on the ground of the tent and steps away from you to quickly dry off. He remains in front of you, in eyesight. The pitter patter of the rain is nice background noise but you feel the need to get the ball rolling.
“Okay… I’m gonna cut through the fluff. You don’t need to respond quickly but I need an answer: If you had died taking a hit for me, what would you want me to do?”
He looks elsewhere, standing semi uncomfortably. Taking off his little glasses, he sighs.
“... I don’t know… But–”
“You don't know?!” You shake your head exasperatedly. “So you’d just die for me, for what? Because you can? “
“Because…” He frowns, rubbing his glasses intensely as his little eyes gaze intensely at the ground. “Because it’d be the right thing to do… As friends…”
You go to speak but he Radical looks like he’s about to speak, so you hold your tongue. He takes a moment to collect his words. Despite how small he is, Radical has taken your entire attention.
“I’m still here. You haven’t tried to eat me. I don’t know, that is… weird. You speak to me and… It’s nice.” He puts his glasses back on, sighing. “I know you tried to eat me. I’m not surprised, everyone has tried to eat me. That’s just how it is. But… To not be prey for five minutes, to actually have a conversation with someone who isn’t trying to trick me… It’s weird. Despite being so different, I’ve been with you all night, and yet, you’ve never made me feel afraid. And… I cherish that. That’s what friends are like, right? You offered to help me find my glasses, so, I wanted to return the favor. If I dropped dead protecting my friend, then I’d be happy, to say the least.” He nods, finished with his thoughts. “Does that make sense, Guillotina?”
You nod, surprised at such a confession.
“Well, that’s a first. Never heard someone say they ain’t afraid of me, especially to my face. It’s, uh… yeah, it’s weird.” Even as a kit, you weren’t kept close to others. “I’ve been at the top of my game for a while, ain’t no harm in that. Being alone has its perks. It’s real bizarre having you act like we’re friends. Ehh, not, act like. Um… Y’know… I reckon we are friends. And cuz of that, you ain’t throwing yourself in the grinder for my sake. I mean, just look at me!” You smile with all your teeth, knowing very well how massive you are in comparison. “You can find better.”
He looks offended by your comment.
“So? I don’t want to. I think you’re worth it.”
You grind your teeth in contemplation.
“… well, not much I can do about that. If you’re really committed to this, then… I’ll keep an eye out for ya. Ain’t gonna promise I’ll always be there to cover you. But, the alleyways aren’t that big.” Radical looks happy as you carefully chew out your words. “Just, don’t be stupid. I don’t need someone watching over me. You’re a cute rat, but you’re still much smaller than me.”
“You think I’m cute…?” Radical looks towards you with a hint of red flush on his face.
“Don’t let it go to your head, Dynamouse.” You roll your eyes. “You looked a lot cuter without them glasses.”
He contemplates taking off the glasses as his claws rest on his face. But, ultimately, he keeps them on. You think about how nice you’d look with vintage glasses on.
“You reckon we should rest up for the night? Rain ain’t getting any better at this rate.”
“Oh! Yeah! Good idea!” Radical nods, shuffling close to you as he pulls out his hiding bucket. “Is it okay if I sleep in here?”
“In… the trash bucket…?”
“Yeah!”
You blink slowly.
“Do you do that often?”
“Oh, yeah. It’s good camouflage, too.”
“Sure… whatever dills your pickle, Dynamouse.” You shrug, moving to lay down on your back. “I’m a loud snorer. Pray that lil bucket of yours will keep you asleep.”
“Good night, Guillotina!”
“Please… just call me Tina.”
“Oh! Well, good night, Tina.”
“Mmmm… heh, good night, Radical.”
With that, you sigh, closing your eyes. It’s a long night. But you feel comfortable, in spite of everything that has happened.
Oddly, you don’t feel any late night cravings.
Tonight is dark and noisy, the sounds of human televisions and excited kittens roaming the alley all are you can hear.
The constant noise of the night is familiar to you, it has many perks. On nights like these, you can easily find a fight to join. No matter who wins or loses, you always end up on top.
Upon hearing the sound of an explosion, your ears perk up. It’s close enough that you can still interfere. Better yet, you’ve got a good feeling why you’d hear such a noise.
Hurrying past tipped tins and careful cats, you peek your head around the corner to see a familiar sight. A rat, with a bomb in his hand, surrounded by four imposing cats. It’s a tricky fight for just one rat. So, you decide to help.
Marching in, you grab the nearest cat and throw them into the path of the nearest bomb. Radical perks up, tossing his second bomb before going for cover. As the explosions ring out, two cats are injured, leaving them unable to fight back. In the chaos, the two other capable cats bolt, leaving their friends behind. With a smile, you laugh.
“Tina!” Radical Rat smiles as he scurries towards you, hugging your leg.
(Cute…)
“Fancy meeting you here, Dynamouse.” You pet his furry head. “Wanna hang out?”
“Sure! You hungry for donuts?” Radical crawls up onto your shoulder.
“Honey, I’m always hungry.” You smile, nodding, already knowing where to go.
The rest of the night is spent enjoying each other’s company. There are few things stronger than a tag team duo. And for you, it’s nice to have a friend.
A radical friend.