#Tonic Corner RKZ | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

bowlerhatwearer · 2 years

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A Corner to lean on

Based on Roadkillerz which belongs to @ghostypeppers and can be found on his blog @ghostys-originals.

Samuel Cottontail and Commander Grizzly belong to @ghostypeppers

Special thanks to @ghostypeppers and @northerngrail

TW: Death Mention, TW: Mention of Blood, TW: Mild Gore, TW: Mild Violence, TW: Smoking

~~~~

Usually the desert is a quiet place, if there is not a sandstorm or the coyotes are howling in the night. But right now, this silence was broken, by the sounds of resentment of the situation its source was in.

Sam Cottontail, was more dragging, than walking himself into what he estimated and hoped, was the direction to the Wrath’s base.

The rabbit once again had died, and it took a while for his body to regenerate enough for him to move, which he did with a lot of physical effort and pain, placing his right hand on his left arm, that still felt very sore, no surprise given that it got blown off by the same event that had killed him.

Internally he was cursing and yet he should not have been surprised, it wasn’t the first time after all, since he had signed the contract that he was used as a meat shield, but today it felt more annoying than usual, maybe it was the temperatures that felt even more hot than usual, or perhaps that his whole body ached, he didn’t know, and didn’t care, all he wanted was to reach the Wrath’s base as soon as possible.

His vocal cursing was suddenly stopped, when he heard the grumbling of his stomach, that also made the rabbit realise, how thirsty he felt.

“Great, just great, at this point I am going to starve or die of thirst before I will make it.”

Looking around he saw a few wild cacti near him, if he wouldn’t be “home” soon, he wondered if he had to quench his thirst with them...again.

It made the general shudder, he had not the most pleasant experiences with biting into those plants and didn’t really like the taste, but, it was still better than nothing.

Surveying the area something else was caught in his red eyes, focusing on the spot, he noticed a spot from afar, that was definitely not part of the natural landscape and instead an artificial construct.

Taking a few steps further into the direction of the shape, from here it looked, as if it was made out of wood, but that was only an estimation, the same as with Sam wondering, if it perhaps was a telephone booth...or an outhouse.

If it was a way of communication, then at least, he could call the base, although, he wondered to himself if anyone would be interested to give him a ride, most likely not.

Breathing out sharply with an annoyed grunt, he decided to approach whatever the construct would turn out to be, at the very least, maybe he could rest a bit in the shadow of it, before continuing his journey trough the no-man’s land.

However, the closer he approached his intended target, the more he realised that it was too broad and tall to be what he had formerly theorised, and instead of a booth, it revealed itself to be actually, a small building.

Strange, despite the many times he had traveled here, he never noticed it before, maybe he was, really off with his estimation that he was going the right way.

Or perhaps, this was all just a mirage...or a hallucination from how tired, hungry and thirsty he had gotten.

At this point, he wouldn’t be surprised about anything any more.

Yet, the closer he got, the more real the building appeared to be, until he had reached the point, were he stood face to face, near its wooden walls, for a moment, allowing his head to rest on one of the pillars, that also were made out of wood, before Sam looked up, noticing a sign on the front.

“Corner’s Store”

A store, here in the middle of nowhere? That was strange, and clearly, whoever owned the place also had no knowledge about the proper usage of apostrophes.

The white furred rabbit decided it was the best to enter the building and ask if by chances the store’s owner or a clerk, knew the way to the base, rather than lingering in the hot temperatures any longer.

Maybe he also could grab a bite to eat there as well.

As he entered the building with the sing behind the door saying “open” trough the door window, his eyes went wide in surprise, gazed upon what the general was surrounded with.

What he saw, evoked long buried and deep memories in his mind, for the structure and inside of the building, reminded him of the general stores from his childhood, even if some parts were fuzzy, mingled or forgotten, there were still some fragments that felt clear, he wondered even if he would be able to recognise some of the wares and brands names.

There was also, music playing, from the bits and pieces he listened to, it sounded like western-music, making his eyes roll for a moment, how fitting.

Shaking his head, he told himself that this wasn’t important right now, knowing were he had to go was his top priority, but, there was no one here not even when he approached the wooden counter.

Maybe they were in the storage place or took a break, he knew his best chance was just to ask.

“Hello? Is anybody here?”

Two, brownish-grey long arms that grabbed on the counter, startled Sam quiet a lot, which he admitted to himself and before he knew it, he had lost balance, and fell on the floor, directly on his behinds.

“Aw sorry I didn’t mean to sca-”

Whatever the person wanted to say, they stopped themselves with a surprised, perhaps even, startled gasp.

“Oww.”

Rubbing his back for a moment, Sam opened his eyes, noticing how the person scaring him for a moment, was, literally, looking down on him from the counter with their eye looking at him in concern.

The person was, who he believed was an employee or perhaps even the store owner themself, a wolf, with their lanky stature there whole upper body reached over the counter, with no need for them to to tiptoe to reach that height, or so Sam believed at least, they were at least a head larger than J- the Commander

Before he could say anything, the wolf reached one of their hands into his direction, and although Sam knew he could stand up himself, they still offered this, what he assumed was a silent apology additional to the aborted vocal one.

They were looking at him with their eye that looked apologetic at him, on the right side they wore a black eye-patch.

“I must apologies profoundly for having startled you, I was sortin- ah that’s not important, if I would have known who my next customer would be, I would have dusted this place.”

But Sam only listened half to what they had said to him, more occupied by their, strange sense of fashion, although they wore a white apron in front of it, similar how he remembered store clerks did and some still do, it was more their clothing behind that.

It looked as if someone cut a suit and dress vertically in half, and used these halves to create a unique clothing which the wolf now wore.

When Sam was able to free himself from his focus, he noticed that he was met with a confused stare, oh, did they ask him something, at this point clearly, they must think he had hit his head.

Wait, did they maybe knew him?

“Sorry for staring, it’s just, that must be the first time that I have a general as a customer.”

Perhaps playfully, but maybe genuinely, they gave him a salute.

Ah, for a moment the white rabbit had forgotten that he was in his army uniform, with its insignia unmistakably showing that he indeed was a general….once.

“Its alright, I’m, erm here more, informal.”

Giving him a simple nod, they remained silent, awaiting that he continued.

“You wouldn’t know by chance the direction to the-”

Letting out a cough Sam knew that the next part would sound strange, but, it was worth a shot.

“-way to the base of the...Wrath?”

He awaited to get a confused look, or perhaps getting asked why he wanted to go there, but instead the vendor nodded again, removing their hands from the counter and pulling something out from beneath it, which the rabbit recognised as a map.

“Hmm, let’s see, we are here…ah yes if you just go the direction east from here, you should get there in around half an hour plus minus ten to fifteen minutes, if you walk there of course, by vehicle its obviously faster.”

Stepping on his toes to see on the tall counter, he took a glance himself to ensure the wolf told him the truth and, upon further inspection realised, they did.

Once again he was surprised that until now, he didn’t know about this general store, which stood in the middle of nowhere, that, together with that fact that the wolf knew so well were the base of the Wrath was.

“Say, has this place opened only recently?”

Squinting his eyes, he could hear a chuckles from the person who stood in front of him, their lower body hidden behind the counter.

“Oh not at all, me and this place have been here for quiet, a while now general.”

Huh, you really discover every day something new Sam concluded in his thoughts, but before anything else could go trough his mind, he, once again clearly heard the grumbling of his stomach, and apparently, he was not the only one.

“If I may say, you look like you have quite the hike behind you, may I offer you something to eat or drink perhaps?”

Sam looked up to them, were they really offering him something to eat, a stranger who had just entered this building a moment ago?

“That...would be nice. Wait, you offer meals here as well?”

“Just some small snacks, this is a general store after all general.”

Giving him a smile the wolf vanished behind a door, that maybe led to the pantry or break room, Sam took a glance at himself, noticing how not only his uniform was covered in the brown-orange dust, but some parts of his fur as well which he now tried to get rid off.

“I assume you are in a hurry, so I hope that what I can offer you swiftly, is sufficient, it’s not really a general’s meal.”

On a white plate two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were cut in half were offered to him and with a mild “thump” the wolf placed a bottle of cooled generic brand cola next to the snack.

Although he had to admit, that the bread looked a bit soggy, his hunger caused him to ignore that detail, having taken a small bite at first, he now scarfed down the first and second half of the PB&J before taking some of the drink to wash the paste down his throat.

Having satisfied his craving he noticed that the wolf was looking at him, not staring, just a genuinely observation, of course he could have asked, what they are looking at, but, he had to admit, for a moment, he felt embarrassed how frenzied he ate the snack, making him chuckle nervously for a moment.

“Ehehe...sorry you had to see that.”

“It’s ok, I understand what it means being hungry.”

Reaching for his pockets he fumbled to find his wallet.

“So what do I owe you?”

“Oh, it’s on the house-”

A part of him told him to be grateful about it, yet, another side inside of him felt as if he got patronised by the vendor, he was a general after all so he could pay for his food.

“- because uhm, I feel bad for having startled you AND you are my first visitor today.”

Oh, was that now a good or bad sign he wondered, as he pushed his purse back.

Taking the third piece be thought out loud before taking a bite, he was now a bit curious.

“How’s business here?”

“Can’t complain Sir, I’ve got often tourists visiting the desert, people from Duststorm Valley, then from those uhm freedom fighters in the west and of course a few Wrath personnel as well from time to time, eh, I don’t judge, I’m just a small store owner.”

Taking a quick look, from what he saw, this place had an, rather homely appearance and also it didn’t felt too hot in here, despite Sam not seeing any air conditioner.

It must be, nice, he thought, for a moment, working in a small store and not being surrounded by people who just shrugged when you died even when you most of the time deserved it, on the other hand, then he would be alone with his thoughts, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted that.

With a quick shudder going trough his spine, he quickly ate the last sandwich half and drank the rest of the refreshment, that would be enough to keep him going, he really needed to leave now and didn’t have any more time for some small talk.

The wolf meanwhile filled a larger jar with something, that looked to Sam like wine gum.

It was only fair, that the least he could do was, to give a short sign of gratitude.

“I-I need to get going but thanks M-…what’s your name?”

“Tonic, Tonic Corner Sir but Tonic is just fine with me.”

Going trough his memories, Sam wondered if that was perhaps, the first time he had heard “Tonic” being used as a name, maybe it was a nickname.

“Anyway, thanks for the directions and fare.”

“Of course General, and, good look on your journey, or mission, please come again.”

Although he had already turned around, he could, imagine that the store owner and wolf was probably giving him a smile and doing the salute again as he mumbled to himself.

“Yeah….perhaps another day.”

<...>

The day, came sooner than Sam had anticipated.

With a basket in the hand he had entered the store, sure he could have, gone to Duststorm Valley or Goldroot Town, but, this store was the closest to the base and it was worth a shot visiting it.

This time, Tonic stood behind the counter, cleaning it with a rag, but when the wolf heard how the door was opened, and Sam stepping into their store, a smile formed on their face.

“Ah general, welcome, it’s good to see you again. How may I help you today?”

Picking something out of the basket he put it on the counter, a plain shopping list.

“Do you sell all of that here?”

Squinting , Tonic took the paper and moved it closely to their eye.

“I think I do, except...for flowers?”

Now that was, strange. Looking confused at them, Sam tilted his head

“Flowers?”

“Well it says it right here, the very first word.”

Giving him the list back, Sam looked at it himself, before letting out a sigh.

“That says flour-”

He noticed, that for the general store owner, this must have been embarrassing, however when he looked at the list himself again, he had to admit, that, some of it, could be really read as something entirely different.

“-but to be fair, my commanders cursive can be hard to read, especially when he writes fast.”

“I understand, mines not the best too, which is why I prefer to use a typewriter, prevents delivery problems trough bad handwriting, but, I should have everything it says here-”

One again they took the list, putting it closer to their eye that focused on it.

“Malt, Paddle...ehm, I think you better read it to me Sir, most of these are a shot in the dark.”

Letting out a noticeable sigh, Sam resigned and did so as he was asked, he really wasn’t interested to play errand boy for the commander longer that he had to be, and so he told Tonic what groceries he needed.

Having placed the package of flour on the counter, Tonic took a small wooden ladder from under the counter, to get the baking soda.

“I have to admit Sir, I am a tad surprised that you do the groceries yourself, usually superiors order some subordinates to do that for them.”

That was true, but, what was really usual on his situation, not a lot, neither when it came to himself, the Wrath, or the turn of events that had caused him to ally himself with the organization he once fought against in the first place.

One of them being the commander ordering him doing things, he questioned more than once, but couldn’t refuse, due to his contract, the one he had signed, for reasons he knew well enough.

“My commander insisted that I do it myself.”

Perhaps the wolf heard something in his voice, or it was a hunch, but he knew they were going to comment on what he had said when Tonic turned around, placing the baking soda down.

“You know, I’m really glad I am self-employed now, because if I had your superior, I would have left.”

Sam looked down on the floor, it was a thought he honestly, had a few times going trough his mind yet-

“That’s not possible...for a few reasons.”

Offering him a compassionate look, the wolf turned around again and grabbed a box of eggs and then a package of refined sugar.

“For the last two things on the list I need to go to the backroom, and given you are the only customer at this hour, feel free to come along.”

Well, he had nothing better to do and maybe he could avoid with that to think too much about the choices he had made trough his life.

Going behind the counter he saw a niche, not taller than himself were a few objects were placed around, but before he could look at them Tonic had already opened the door and let him in.

It wasn’t the largest room, but also a lot bigger than a supply closet, there were a few shelves with objects, that had been neatly organised, cans that have been stacked by color, or packages placed like cubes or pyramids. In the center was a table with three chairs, and so the general assumed that Tonic used this place also to take their breaks.

In the left corner, stood a fridge, and one that Sam knew all too well, for he remembered that, they had a similar one at home.

Clearly it was an old model, and had to be from the fifties, and yet it was no surprise that, if it really was from that decade, that it was still running, there were a few companies back then, who still cared about creating devices that would work forever, and not already loose a part if you looked at them funny.

“This is probably one object in my inventory, I am the most proud of, I bought them in a thrift store decades ago, and despite the many years they have on their back, the fridge just works as if it came out of the factory. No wonder these things are able to withstand nuclear bombs or other disasters.”

Sam couldn’t help but let out a snort.

“You believe that? You know that’s just an urban legend that has been around for decades.”

Reaching for the handle, Tonic opened the fridge and allowed the general to look inside of it, that was also, around the same height as he was.

“Hmpf, I have to let you know general, I am confident that this fridge will outlive all of us.”

For a quick moment, the general considered to say “Maybe you, but not me.” but, he was not in the mood to tell the general store owner he barely knew, about his curse that he brought upon himself years ago and instead decided to focus on the contents of the fridge again.

It too, was neatly organised, perhaps even better than any fallout shelter Sam had to admit, with the glass milk bottles all stacked to ensure no space was wasted, the same went for the butter and all the other products, in the lowest row were even a few bottles of wine and beer.

“-you really have everything, well...except one thing, I see white, but no red wine in there.”

Looking at him, the wolf grinned, looking proud at him yet, Sam felt that they were not done.

“Good observation general, but red wine does not necessary has to be cooled and can be kept at room temperature, which is why I store them in another part of the store so I have more room in the fridge for other things.”

Taking one bottle of milk and a package of butter, they nudged with their head, a sign, for the white rabbit to close the door of the fridge before telling Sam to go ahead.

While Tonic wrote the bill and used a mechanical cash register that the general wondered why it wasn’t already in a museum, he looked around the shop.

Above the wolf were smaller containers, all labelled differently, some for example were filled with spices others also with different kinds of coffees but of course there was much more.

Near the entrance he saw a record player and whatever country-music it played, it must have been a long playing record, or perhaps it was one of those players that started from anew, once they came to the end of the disc, he also saw under it, a wooden crate that had more record in it.

He also was certain that he saw somewhere at least one box of cigars laying around.

In a corner, he could even see how the even had a few pieces of fashion, some neatly folded together while two pieces were put on coat hangers to display them more, with the suit and dress, reminding Sam of the clothing Tonic was wearing.

For a moment, he considered going towards the clothes, but even if he would have, was stopped when he heard the cash register opening and the wolf putting the bill on the counter before they re-adjusted their eye patch.

“Is there anything else I can help you with general?”

With his errand being over, he knew that this meant now, he had to return to the Wrath base.

“No, that would be all.”

Did they notice the resignation in his voice? For a short moment, similar to the flick of a light-switch he saw the wolf’s expression change before they gave him a smile again.

As the general took out his wallet, the general shop vendor did not object this time, instead, as Sam placed the money on the counter, they reached for one of the glass jars filled with fruit chew candy. Pouring at least a quarter of its content into the basket and causing the general to look in both, disbelieve and yet, also surprise.

“Tonic what, what are you doing?!”

“Making your day a bit more sweet.”

“By filling my basket with candy?”

Tilting his head in question, Sam saw how they wrapped their arm around jar, before Tonic let out a sigh.

“Listen Sir, I don’t think it’s fair that your superior orders you to do his personal groceries-”

Putting their hand now into the transparent cylinder, taking out exactly one candy, before reaching it into his direction.

“-so there should be at least something in for you.”

It was, candy, for some it was just that, but, deep inside of the general, something felt warm and he appreciated it, because it may just be candy for some, but for him, it was an honest gift.

Slowly taking the sweet that was wrapped in paper that had strawberries on it, he knew that he had to leave soon, but for a second looked at what he now held in his hand.

For a moment, he thought about when he had received his last gift, that was not a weapon or doomsday device he had to test, usually ending his day abruptly.

Ready to leave he took the basket with he groceries and filled with candy.

“Thanks Tonic…that’s very, cons-...kind of you.”

Placing the lid back on the jar, they gave Sam a friendly smile and salute.

“Anytime general.”

<...>

“C-could I ask you something?”

Despite the fact that he had known the northwestern wolf for a while now, the general felt unwell about asking this particular question.

Tonic Corner meanwhile stood on their ladder, stacking cans of preserved peaches on each other, constructing on the rack a small pyramid.

“Of course, shoot.”

Holding one of said cans into their directions for the wolf to pick up, the white rabbit let out a sigh, he felt in a way, perhaps embarrassed, and yet, a small voice, that escaped a small fissure in his internal wall, whispered to him he could trust them, they had known each other for some time now after all.

“It’s…more personal, so erm...don’t get upset…please.”

For a while they stopped and Sam flinched, closing his eyes awaiting the fallout of his words as he fidgeted with his hands.

Instead he heard a chuckle, that while sounding faintly tired, was genuine.

“General, even if you would ask me for my credit card information, I wouldn’t be angry, maybe wondering if you are part of a multi-level-marketing scam but not angry.”

He reached the last can in her direction.

“You know you don’t have to call me by my rank all the time.”

Finishing the small architectural construct, Tonic started to descend from the short ladder.

“Eh, I see it more as a nickname by now, what is it you wanted to ask me?”

Turning around, Sam took a deep breath, in a way he thought this was, ridiculous, he was a four star general of the government’s army...once and yet it was so hard for him to talk about this topic.

But maybe, it was exactly that reason why it was so difficult to address it.

He looked at the dress on the coat hanger, the one he, secretly had been looking at more than once, making him feel things, he had buried long ago, or so, he thought.

“When...when did you dec-...found out...realised it…your...how you live your life now, and being comfortable about it.”

Hearing footsteps, the general wondered if he blew it, should he make some remark, brushing his question away? This was stupid, no he was stupid, he should not ask such silly questions. Father wa-

Feeling a soft touch, his red eyes opened looking at Tonic’s hand that was gently placed on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile, he felt, how the wolf understood what he meant to say.

“It was my first semester in theater class, I just experimented and, ‘they and them’ stuck with me, felt more comfortable using them. I like wearing dresses, I like wearing suits, so at one point I decided, why not dress in both and voila.”

Turning around to face Tonic again, Sam caught them just in time as they made a formal bow in his direction, wearing their clothing, half a suit and dress, they looked so, confident and happy about it, something he doubted, he could ever do.

With the wolves words still echoing trough his mind, he began to wonder something, as a new question formed in his mind.

“Theater class...so you were an actor before you went into the shop vendor business?”

Smiling, Tonic let out a short, yet also loud “ha” continuing their grin as they chuckles for a moment.

“No, it’s a nice thought but I left after my first semester, one of our teachers was a pretentious jerk, so I together with a friend left and went to another college instead, both of us studying journalism.”

Sam had to admit, there was something, humorous, to imagine the lanky wolf running around with a camera or perhaps a tape recorder for interviews. Although, Sam saw in many journalists, nosy people who loved to ask trick questions or twisted words around, he couldn’t imagine that Tonic was this kind of person.

Grinning he was curious and had to ask something else, maybe perhaps also a bit as a tease.

“So, what sort of journalist were you? Did you write for one of those tabloids who know more about superstars, than they know about themselves?”

The moment, their smile faltered, from one second to another, was also the very same, were Sam wondered if now would be a good time, for his curse to take effect to spare him from the embarrassment, of having clearly poked on a touchy subject.

Making a half turn, Tonic looked at a shelve that was filled with cleaning products, the iris of their eye moving as if it was a table tennis ball, finally they smiled again, but not as bright as it was before, and more, shaky.

“No...I...reported about war...saw a lot of things that...changed me.”

Did they knew him? The question suddenly jumped into his mind. Was Tonic actually aware of who he was, and what he had done in the past, but as for now had not revealed anything, maybe waiting for the right moment

“What...war?”

Biting on his lips and looking on the floor, he did not know what animated him to ask that, or actually, he knew very well, he had to kno-

“A few, but, my last active service, was reporting about, the Coastal War.”

He remembered, it was a conflict, that had happened at the same time, when he was fighting against the Wrath. Although he did not know all the details, from what he remembered, it was described as pure terror, one that started in the last century, and ended at the beginning of the current one.

“Oh…”

Slowly looking up again, he noticed how Tonic had taken one of the boxes of detergent from the shelf, as if they were reading the description of the box and yet they still had their attention at the general, continuing their response.

“I was supposed to be there, only for a few months, it wasn’t pretty.”

Taking a sharp breath, the wolf put the package back, before turning around, their attention back to Sam, their eye, looking gloomy, as if they thought back and found themselves in a place of the past again.

“Well, I got my stay involuntary extended, spend the next five years as a POW.”

With the object being returned to its original place, the very same hand that had held it, moved to their face, and although Tonic’s focus was still were the products stood, the white rabbit could see, how they touched their black eye patch as their fur bristled.

“One of the personnel…we called him “The Butcher”, clawed my eye out, all because I “looked at him funny”, he was one hell of a stoat.”

The last word, was that caused Sam to shudder, with memories resurfacing, that, he did not want to remember himself and tried so often to suppress, and yet, he could feel pulsating pain going trough his left ear, as if the bite wound was still fresh and before the general knew it himself, he was already touching it.

„I guess, we have something in common, as tragic as it is Sir.“

His throat felt dry, and Sam had no interest in sharing his story, and, a part of him knew that Tonic didn’t expect him to tell them, and understood, just staring at him with deep sorrow, it made him feel, sorry for them, and although right now it was for him, as if there was a lump in his throat, he managed to bring out a word.

“Yeah…..”

With one deep inhalation, followed by exhaling that sounded for the rabbit that still looked on the floor, more like an exhausted sigh, Tonic’s attention returned back to the general, trying to give a confident appearance while looking tired, as if, sharing these few sentences, costed them so much energy and overcoming.

“After what happened in there, I...I just couldn’t continue...luckily I still had my wife and son who supported me, and well, then I became a general store owner and vendor.”

Once again Sam saw how the brownish-grey wolf took a breath, as if trying to get rid of her thoughts once and for all, or perhaps at least for the moment as they approached the part were the clothing stood, picking up the dress.

“You can try it on if you want to? There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Despite what had just happened, a few seconds ago, Tonic offered the white rabbit a warm look.

He was surprised, how, did they know, or was it more a lucky guess from them? And yet he did not feel, at the moment embarrassed...or ashamed about it. A part of him wanted to feel the dress and how it may look on him, but no, he couldn’t, not right now...not yet, despite the wish, there was something in himself, that held the rabbit back.

“Maybe, maybe later.”

“Of course”

With the fashion returned to its original place, the wolf gave the general an understanding expression as they walked past him, approaching the counter

“Tonic?”

Hmh?”

Swallowing down some air, it was now Sam who let out a short breath.

“Thanks for...for being so open to me.”

Leaning against the counter, the wolf smiled at him.

“We all need sometimes a corner to lean on.”

<...>

He messed up, him and that loud mouth of his, he should have known this would cause problems.

The panting and running were only one sign of that, the panic he had and ran trough his whole body was another.

Despite the fact, that he was used to death, there was just something, terrifying and disturbing of the thought how this time he might die.

Luckily for the general, between him and his persecutor, he was, even for his age, the faster one.

Despite him focusing more in what was directly in front of him, in the corner of his eyes, he could see a building that by know Sam knew very well.

Swallowing some air, his thoughts were in overdrive, but one of them was stronger compared to the others that went trough his mind.

It pained him, to think about, roping Tonic into this, but...he….he trusted them, and this was his best shot to come out alive of this.

The rabbit hoped, that they could forgive him, from the trouble he would cause them, but also understood if after that, they never wanted to see him again.

With a sudden sharp turn, he ran to the building, with the doorknob slipping from his shaky hand the first time, before he pushed the door and was inside of the store.

There was Tonic Corner, standing as usual behind the counter, having a mellow expression on their face when they saw him, about to greet the rabbit, with the expression changing to confusion, when the general continued running towards them, and making a sudden hop he was on top of the wooden surface. Meeting face to face with the general store vendor.

“Hide me-”

“Wh-”

“-please!”

Maybe it was the anxiety in his eyes, or the fact that he was completely out of breath, perhaps also his fur bristling in alarm and him shaking, but the wolf’s expression changed into an, understanding and serious tone.

“Under the counter, quick.”

Taking a few steps behind, they gestured down, swiftly, with his stamina already starting to dwindle, Sam removed himself from the surface, now on the opposite side he crawled in the free space under it, were to the wooden ladder a bucket and a few other things laid around, or were fixated on the wood.

But he did not focus on that right now, what was more important to him, was pressing his mouth shut to ensure he was not heard, despite him hyperventilating.

Usually, he had no problems being yelled at, or threatened, he could take that and had experience with that trough his military career.

But, it was something else, when it was him, and HE, was really mad with the fight they had today.

It really was, different when, it is someone yelling at you, whose body they use does not belong to them, and you hear the voice of someone you cared about but words being spoken and used, that are not theirs.

“WHERE IS HE, WHERE?!”

The general could feel how the blood froze in his veins, and the breath got stuck in his throat, all was quiet, there was no music playing as usual, only the sound of boots, stepping with a sign of might on the wooden floor, who had to accept this treatment, having no say in that matter as they creaked in resignation.

“Greetings how ma-”

How quickly Tonic, whose legs he could only see, voice changed, it made him wonder if it was a remnant of the time they went to theater class.

“Don’t play coy with me, were is he, where is the GENERAL?!”

Their legs shifted, instead of the casual stance, they now turned more to, attention.

“You appear upset but...I only see us two right now, guess that means you are my first customer of the day.”

A sudden sound, of something falling...a can perhaps, startled him for a moment, then the steps grew louder.

“I know he is here shopkeeper, and I will dismantle your whole shack if I have to!”

When Sam heard, how he, the commander, slammed his hands on the wooden counter, the rabbit really had to keep it together, not to make a single noise.

The loud sound of sniffing was in the air.

“His smell lingers in this room wolf, so you better give him to me now! He signed a contract! He belongs to me!”

With the words being yelled, there was a short silence, only being broken when the wolf took a sharp breath and a cough that almost sounded like a sarcastic chuckle.

“Smells like dust and a glass of molasses to me, the one you just knocked over, want to buy something? Because I don’t tolerate loitering in my store, grizzly bear.”

What followed was a growl, one Sam knew, all to well at this point, but the following sound, surprised him, because the sound was accompanied, by a wolf’s snarl that tried to drown out the commander.

“I will count to three, if you don’t give me the rabbit then...YOU will be sorry for getting in MY face.”

“YOU entered MY store pal!”

“One!”

Tonic Corners hands suddenly appeared above him, and for the first time Sam looked at the ceiling, making his eyes small.

A double barrel shotgun was attached to the wood over his head, and it made him gulp in fear...no…he understood Tonic but he silently begged them not to do it…please…no…not Jude.

“Two!”

However, to Sam’s relieve the hands moved behind the rifle, and they grabbed something else, that, due of how far behind it was, he could not identify completely, it looked like a can of...hairspray?

“Thr-”

Quickly the wolf took it from under the counter, when there was the sound of spraying, followed by a loud, startled and pained yell and confused steps on the floor.

“You miserable wretch what did you-”

With the can falling on the floor and rolling towards Sam, Tonic’s hands quickly grabbed under the wood again, taking another can that looked the same, hearing the same sound of the spray can being used and a similar sound of anguish from the Commander, as before, he took a glance at the can in front of him.

Taking a quick look at the metal object, he understood now why his pursuer was reacting that way.

A can of anti bear spray, and the wolf just gave their opponent a double dosage of it.

Unmistakably he could hear the commander gagging and breathing for air as if he had inhaled mustard gas, Sam also listened how a few more objects fell...and crashed on the floor, but, from the sound of it, nothing got broken. He could hear the anger in the voice of the bear whose pride got hurt, spewing out words to make him appear threatening again.

“Do you know who I am?!”

“Oh I know...you are a freeloader, that’s what you are.”

“I am-”

Again someone slammed their fists on the counter, but Sam knew, that this time the source was the store owner themselves, accompanied by another snarl.

“The next warning s’ going to hurt a lot more if you don’t sod off buddy!”

Angry and patience growing thin, that’s how they sounded. Sam had never heard the wolf’s voice with such...fire before as he did now

His commanders voice, which was usually mighty and loud, go reduced to one that was gasping to get more air into his lungs and also one that sounded hoarse, very likely from the effects of the bear spray.

“You will regret this day you crossed me for the first and last time huckster!

“Leave NOW!”

For a moment the general thought, as if the whole building was shaking from how strong the voice shouted those two words out of their lungs, as if they wanted to dispel an evil spirit, who had invaded this place.

Well, it wasn’t too far off.

Now there was nothing more that got said, only some sniffing and coughs from the bear together with the tension that still lingered, then some grumbling, footsteps who no longer sounded as strong as before, and the store’s door being slammed shut. Then there was just uncomfortable silence.

How long it remained like that, Sam could not say, during the whole quarrel he had listened too, he had lost track of time, but, despite how recent it was, he could no longer feel his chest rising as quickly and in panic, as it did before.

“Oh…oh my...”

Tonic’s voice sounded so ,anaemic, while today he heard many emotions, he didn’t know they were capable of, this one concerned the general the most, as he pulled himself out of the crawlspace, he saw a glimpse of the wolves tail, as it vanished in the backroom, with the white rabbit, slowly approaching the door to it.

“A-are you alright?”

It was, undeniable that he felt guilty...and like an absolute fool, what was he thinking?! Very likely nothing given his panic in the moment an internal voice reminded him. And still, he should have fought this battle himself, and not, made them doing it for him.

He would have to leave now, wouldn’t he? The wolf, who had, over the many weeks they had known each other, a good associate, would hate him for what he had done? Sam couldn’t really blame Tonic if they were now thinking that way about him, especially, because they know knew, about the contract...and with the commanders uniform, it was clear now that he too was associated with the Wrath.

“Oh...Sam...take a seat, if you want to.”

Sitting on the chair, they gestured to one of the other two, quietly he obliged, awaiting that at any given moment, the general store owner would throw him out.

But nothing came, Tonic just breathed in and out, with Sam assuming they were recharging their energy. Their fur was still bristling, their body shaking and the wolf’s tail moving quickly.

Yet, the longer the two sat in silence, the more he felt uncomfortable, as if his body was about to explode if he didn’t say...anything!

“I’m…I’m sorry.”

His voice felt so dry, as if he had swallowed a cup of sand, the rabbit, couldn’t, look them into their face in the moment.

“For what?...Because of ol’ wrath bear...it’s not your fault, and I don’t blame you...honestly hiding yourself was for the best…guy was like a boiler that was about to explode.”

Letting out another breath, they allowed their tense posture to relax a bit, looking down at the floor, it made Tonic appear as if they were about to doze off.

“But...you know now...what I am part of, the contract...that I am no longer part of the army and instead part of-”

Despite trying to, he found himself unable to finish the sentence, his throat felt so sore.

“-of the Wrath? I know…I knew since you first entered my shop.”

There was no anger in Sam when he heard it, just confusion, with his ears going up in attention.

“How...how did you figure it out?”

Shrugging with their shoulders, they gave the rabbit a clueless expression.

“A feeling, maybe a hunch...I just, kind of knew.”

Questions, floated in his mind, he did not understand.

“Then why, are you so kind to me? You, risked your life, just to protect me, why would you do that?”

“Because I think you are a good person Sir, besides, you are not the first Wrath custo-”

What they continued to say, faded out from his mind, a “good person”, did they really think he, General Samuel Cottontail, was a good person, it was a nice thought...yet so foolish to think about him like that. He felt, how his head turned to face the wolf that continued to say something, in a voice that sounded as if it had resigned many years ago to its fate.

“You…don’t know me Tonic, I’m not, an honorable person. It’s not a war hero who sits next to you, it’s a criminal.”

Their sentence cut off immediately, he just wanted to say it, a statement, as neutral as possible and yet, it sounded so hurt...so filled with emotion and sadness, despite the fact that he did not shed a tear, but more, as if he had just revealed a horrible truth, and in a way, didn’t he just do that?

Closing their eyes, the wolf bend a bit backwards, pressing against the chair, inhaling deeply, before exhaling the air with a hearable sound.

“Do you, regret what you did, or at least some of it?”

What he could not, Tonic did, it was a question, just a question as one might read on an exam, sounding with out any prejudice or emotion, a neutral sentence, waited to be answered.

Yet he couldn’t, at least, not vocally, and all the white furred rabbit was able to do, was to give a silent nod.

“Then I see no issue and my point remains, I think, you are a good person Sir.”

Flabbergasted he did not know what to say, but, even if he could have, the wolf was not finished, despite their whole body still recovering.

“I might not know why you are with them...or why you are under contract with that jerk…and of course I don’t know a lot about you general, but I feel, that you try to make things better…and that you attempt to leave a good impression behind, I guess that’s why-”

Smiling, they looked at him into his red eyes, genuinely and despite being tired with a happy tone, the wolf finished their sentence.

“-you are my friend.”

No, that, was not right, he didn’t hear that correctly didn’t he? Tonic must have said something else, and yet, their smile remained as they looked at him. Did they really see him like that, despite the many bridges he had burned in his live? Did they really see him, as a friend?

Despite the fact, that he tried to hold back as good as possible when he had heard the word, he could feel how his eyes got wet.

His companions smile did not fade, yet their eye showed compassion when they noticed it.

“Would you like to have a tissue?”

Remaining silent, Sam nodded again.

<...>

Pain, absolute and indescribable pain was all that went trough his body, well, and a few twitches here and there.

At this point, Sam was used to it, but there was something different when you were unable to see, how injured your own body was that already slowly, attempted to reconstruct itself.

He knew that the same accident that took his eyes, blew away the lower half of his body together with his right arm, and the explosion also caused him to crash somewhere randomly into the desert.

Oh, and that a pack of coyotes was fighting over him, mangling him even more, he did attempt to trash around with his remaining arm, but right now they were pulling on that as well. And his futile attempt at yelling got ignored by the animals.

If he was lucky, he would be dying sooner or later, and wake up the next day, it was better than having to be aware of every single passing moment, only hearing the growling of the coyotes, the howling of the wind and in the distant something...droning?

The sound grew louder, and the rabbit began to recognise that it was, from a machine, yes, an engine but not from a car or truck, for that it was, too different.

Only when it was nearly there, and caused the coyotes to get a fright from it, yowling in disappointment that they had to abandoned their easy meal but valuing their own life more from whatever the sound was they could not understand, did Sam start to recognise it.

It was a motorbike, from the sound of it not the strongest, or perhaps it was old or needed some repairs, that was right now, not what he cared about, instead it was how suddenly the engine went death, and he heard footsteps, then as if someone was near him, sitting...falling or kneeling down, it was hard to say.

He could not understand the voice, if there were words, it was all too fast and sounded more like gibberish to him, but he could hear the emotion grew, and then how they began to sob, cry and soon to wail in absolute sadness.

They must think he was death, and given his current status he could not blame the stranger, although of course surprised by their reaction, the rabbit knew it was for the best not to to make a sound.

Which wasn’t possible anyway, given that his throat and vocal cords were, right now in the process of healing.

Moving would maybe also a bad idea, or else they might think he was some sort of zombie.

So he allowed them to cry for him, this absolute stranger, although he was in a way impressed, whoever that person was, they sure did not mind getting blood all over their clothing...a leather jacket maybe..given that they were the user of a motorbike.

For how long they cried over his death body, Sam couldn’t really say, for a variety of reasons, but he heard them mumbling a few sentences and words, although, he did not understand what they said, maybe it was a prayer for him.

He wondered, if, once they were finished they would put maybe a blanket over him, call the authorities or maybe, they would bury him at this spot, however, no one prepared him for what was about to happen, not even he could have foreseen it.

Suddenly, he felt how his body was picked up by the stranger, and while they grunted for a moment, they managed to lift his body, just, what did they think they were doing? Could they just not, leave him alone while he was in pain?

Despite, how did they expect to carry him on a motorbike, he had no legs on him after all.

Gently, he could feel how his body was lowered, with his right arm touching something that felt like metal, but the floor was more, wooden he assumed, he doubted this was a coffin.

With the sudden start of the engine again, in the back of his mind came the answer.

Oh, whoever had found him, must have had one of those motorbike trailers, one that had walls so you could transport something, like sand, stones…or a mangled body.

Despite his injuries, Sam could feel when the motorbike started to move, all that was left for him to do was to, enjoy the ride, wherever they were going, it couldn’t be worse than the coyotes.

A sudden bump caused something to hit his face, and touching it with his remaining arm, he recognised it as a tin can.

Well, whoever took him, also apparently had earlier got his groceries, or was delivering them to some place.

Letting out a breath, as good as that was possible for him, he had to admit, it was better than nothing, he had been on worse rides, even if he did not know, what his destination would be.

There was not much for him to do, he, could feel the sun shining on his face, and how here and there a few specs of dust flew into his face, but that was it, the ride felt endless however, from what he remembered that was no surprise, given that he was somewhere in no man’s land, when he got horribly injured.

Coming to a sudden halt, with his body moving a bit forward, and a few more cans rolling over him, was there something on the way...or did they reach their goal, whatever that would turn out to be, but when they heard the driver stepping down from their motorbike, and approaching him once again, he assumed they were here.

For a moment all was silent, but the stranger let out a sorrowful yet sharp sigh before stepping away from him...he recognised the clinking of one or more keys and a door being opened, then he got lifted up again, being carried like a bride on her wedding day, or so Sam assumed from how he was held.

It only lasted a short time, before once again he was laid down somewhere, and again, it felt like, wood, but this time as on top of the wood was something, he also noticed that it was cooler so, he must have been in a building.

Maybe someone of the Medic- no, that couldn’t be, the ride would have taken longer, it was more likely possible that someone of the Wrath found him...or the Roadkillerz perhaps...although, no...would of the two organisations anyone cry for him? One saw him as the enemy...and the other as an always returning meat shield.

So who was that person? If they were not going to reveal themselves, he would be asking once his throat felt better.

Just in that moment, he heard them letting out a sigh again, as they, so he concluded, removed their helmet, they sniffed as they got closer and, carefully brushed against the fur on his cheek as finally, they said something, trembling.

“Oh...Sa-Sir…not you too.”

Then they grew silent and he heard sobbing again.

If he had eyes right now, he would have had snapped them open in surprise, he knew who that was, definitely and without doubt, and if he had to take a good guess, Sam also knew where he was right now and on what exactly he was laying.

“W-Well, I guess...it’s time to...call the...auth-”

That was understandable, he could hear them moving around, and the general knew, that now, was the best moment to break the ice, and reveal to them, the unbelievable.

His throat still hurt a lot, but he could feel that his vocal cords, had healed, in his opinion, good enough, he knew that this would be painful, but, he had to do it now, taking all his energy he raised his voice.

“T...Ton..ic”

That was all before Sam suddenly felt the need to cough, well, that was good enough, the wolf knew now for sure that he was not death.

And indeed, he could clearly hear a gasp of both, surprise and utter shock, with whatever they held, their mobile phone perhaps, falling down on the floor, and quick steps that approached him.

“General...you...you’re alive...I-I-”

He wondered, if the wolf would cry for him again, but, it appeared as if they tried at best to keep calm.

“-I’m going to get you h-help right away, just, remain calm.”

Sam appreciated those words, he really did, most of the time when someone found him, they just, left the body where it was until he would wake up again and he had to walk to the Wrath base all by himself, but, there was no need for that, and the did not like the idea to stay in the hospital or being asked questions by some doctor.

“D...on’t, b-bother…”

Their voice was so hurt and shaky, he never heard Tonic so sad like that before, they really, must care a lot about him.

„If you think I am going to let you d-die...then you are wrong. I care about you and-“

He of course understood were they were coming from, but, the rabbit also knew that he had to tell them the truth, especially the part that he was not going to die and so he decided to interrupt them.

“T-...onic...listen...I can’t die...I am cursed...LITER…ALLY…I stole...from a god.”

For a moment Sam wondered if he was going to cough blood, but nothing came, except of course that his throat still felt very pained, next to the other pain that went trough his whole body, any other person would have passed out by the severity of their injuries, but not him of course.

“W-what...general h-”

“How...else do you think…I...’m still alive?”

The rabbit couldn’t remember when the last time was, that he had such difficulties forming a sentence, but he really hoped and wished right now, that Tonic would believe him, even if he was in absolute discomfort, he would be alright sooner or later.

His companion in the room, which he assumed was the backroom that by now he knew very well, stuttered for a moment, clearly, they didn’t want to argue with him, but of course, he understood that his words sounded very unbelievable and perhaps delirious too.

“B-But...your eyes…”

“Will gro-ow back later.”

“Sir...”

“Tonic…listen, I can’t die…I am c-ursed to live and die,...never ending cy...cle...brought…on...myself.”

Right now he felt so exhausted, well, that was no surprise, regenerating a body in such a state, was costing him a lot of energy, he could hear, how Tonic was moving a chair closer to him, and then sat down, letting out a resigned sigh.

“Is...is there anything I can do for you?”

Deciding to not strain his healing vocal cords any longer, Sam slowly shook his head.

“Well, the least I CAN do, is stay here with you until you have recovered.”

Feeling a soft touch on his hand, he leaned back on, well, he was obviously on the table of the backroom, for a moment all was quiet, and the rabbit wondered if between the pain and feeling his body slowly heal, he would at one point fall asleep.

However, the sound of soft sobbing, broke him away from the thoughts, it was clear, that despite being alive, that their companion was deeply shaken by what they had seen.

“T...To-”

“I really thought...I would loose you too...and that, I would be alone again.”

Deep sorrow was in the voice of the wolf and the rabbit knew, that they were not finished, and perhaps, that they wanted to share something with him.

“My customers come and go so frequently, I don’t really have any small talk with them, imagine my surprise when you stepped into my store and we held a short conversation, and that more than once...and as we talked more...we got to know each other..,”

There was a soft chuckle, and their voice sounded for a moment happy...and so full of relieve and yet, it quickly was drowned out, when it turned shaky again, hesitating if they should tell him more but, also, as if something in them told the wolf, to continue. He had time, and would listen to Tonic.

“First, I saw so many good people die in that horrid place I was incarcerated for so long, there were less and less...so few were left, who I knew, when the day came it was over, but when I returned...there was still my family….my wife and our son, who I had not seen in five years, who supported me-”

No longer did they try to hide their sadness, with the wolf allowing it to break trough

“-and then...from one moment to another...they are both gone too...and it’s just me and the store, I-”

Sam heard their cry, louder and clearer than ever before, heard the wolf’s wailing for the people they had lost, hearing how they moved their hands to their eyes and their sounds being muffled, and how from the shaking of their body, their chair groaned, as if it wanted to empathize with Tonic.

The general genuinely wanted to do the same, or at least telling the wolf, how sorry he was for their loss, but he couldn’t, mostly because of his injuries, all that was left to do, was him slowly moving his arm, carefully into their direction perhaps it was fate, that the grieving shop owner sat directly, were his arm was, placing the rabbits remaining hand gently, on their shoulder.

He could feel how Tonic placed their head on his hand, as they continued to mourn those, who they had lost all those years ago and the loneliness the wolf had felt for so long,

<...>

Sam had to admit, that what he witnessed today, was a first.

Now, he was very well aware that he was not the only visitor of “Corner’s store”, but it still was the first time that he saw someone else in there, when he was present.

He had just entered the store, when he noticed the gestalt in front of him, who wore a coat with a long collar, making him unable to see their face but wondering why they had chosen such clothing style in the middle of the desert when the afternoon sun was burning down without any mercy.

The customer and Tonic were talking with each other, but it appeared as if their conversation was coming to an end.

“Ah well, it was nice seeing and talking with you again, have a nice day.”

“...likewise...”

A bill together with a few coins dropped a few inches above the wooden counter, not caring if the metal might roll away. Only focusing in what they had purchased.

From the one word he had heard their voice sounded husky and the smoke smelling like tobacco approved that sentiment, as they brushed against Sam, who again could not see their face but noticed the lit cigar in their hand, it was as if the strange customer, had not acknowledged the generals presence at all, and now they were gone, something inside of the rabbit hoped, he would not have to encounter that rude stranger ever again.

Approaching the counter he took another glance at the door that was closing, before looking at Tonic, the wolf appeared as if something was on their mind.

“What was their problem?”

“A lot...and it’s going to eat them from the inside if they keep it that way.”

Shaking their head as if the general store owner symbolically tried to remove the thoughts from the person, they offered Sam a smile.

“So, are you ready for our, ‘performance’ Sir?”

Grinning, Sam could feel how his head turned a bit red.

The last time they had seen each other, Sam mentioned, how he liked, singing, and after a bit of persuasion from Tonic, agreed to sing for them, the wolf was by no means pushy, instead they were thrilled when they spoke about it, and how they would love to hear him sing.

“Very well, but you better keep your part of the agreement.”

How could he ever deny Tonic such a request? But, the general had made it clear that he only would sing for the wolf, and only them and he also kindly, yet stern asked for no recordings.

“Of course a promise is a promise, come on, lets go to the storage and break room, so even if a customer should come, they won’t hear you, or only muffled.”

Breathing out, the general could not help but wonder, what he had gotten himself into, but he could not deny, that he found it, kind that Tonic wanted to hear him sing.

As they both entered the backroom, the white rabbit immediately noticed, how there was something off given that there was a wide object on the usual empty table.

“What is that?”

“I thought, it is only fair, that when you sing, that I support you with some strumming.”

“You didn’t tell me you could play the keyboard, why didn’t you say anything when I told you I about my piano skills?”

“Well, when you mentioned it, I thought, I keep it a surprise for today.”

Scratching on the back of their neck, they appeared a bit embarrassed, Sam however did not feel disgruntled, he was actually now, curious about Tonic playing on the electric piano.

Taking a vanilla folder that also laid on the table, the wolf handed it to him, with black permanent marker the words “Music Sheets” had been written on it.

“Given that you had accepted my request, for which I am very grateful, I thought I let you choose, I hope there’s something in there you like.”

Opening the bright paper, he was meet with quiet the selection.

“For how long have you been playing?”

“Well, not as long as you, but, for some time.”

Going trough the music pieces sheet by sheet he carefully looked on them, he knew most, if not all of them, phew, he had to admit it was hard to chose from, they all were-

Suddenly, the title of one caught his attention, one song, that had followed the rabbit, for a long time in his life.

The very first song he practiced when learning the piano.

“Daisy Bells”

He had not noticed that he spoke the title out loud, until Tonic responded.

“Oh a true classic, they thought a computer how to sing it or something like that.”

There were two sheets of the song, one specifically to be played on the piano, and another that had the lyrics of the song, however, Sam, without wanting to brag about it, had no need for the paper, for he knew the song by heart.

“It has been some time, but I am ready when you are general.”

Cracking their knuckles, Tonic Corner put the sheet on their e-piano, wiping away any dust, if there was any, adjusting the instrument and testing two of its keys before looking at Sam, with the rabbit admitting there was one last question he had.

“Do you want to sing the whole song, with after every verse, the refrain, or only an excerpt.”

“I say Sir, all or nothing.”

He had to admit, it had been some time that he had sung the whole song, so, that was very exciting for him.

Clearing his throat, Sam tried to find the right voice level, and when he had found it, gave the wolf a sign to start after having counted to three.

Breathing in, he was ready.

One, two, and three.

Keys were pressed and Tonic started playing.

“There is a flower within my heart, Daisy, Daisy!”

While at first singing carefully, he could feel how a warmth started to spread trough his whole body, making the singing easier and him more relaxed. They both were a good pair, there wasn’t a single bit of latency between the two, the wolf hit the notes perfectly, supporting the General silently.

Until they reached the refrain, when Sam hearing the sudden appearance of an additional voice who accompanied him trough it, there was something wholesome how they were a duet now and the rabbit could not help himself and smile closing his eyes for a moment.

“Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer, do! I'm half crazy, All for the love of you! It won't be a stylish marriage, I can't afford a carriage, But you'll look sweet upon the seat Of a bicycle built for two!”

He felt glad, genuinely glad and comfortable as he sang the song, together with someone, who did not make fun of his singing voice, or ridiculed it, but who enjoyed it as much as he did, and them singing along with him.

And he saw how Tonic too enjoyed themself, how the wolf raised their voice and sang every time the refrain came, filled with passion and dedication.

Even if the moments Sam visited the general store owner were usually not the longest, he had over time begun, to appreciate them, to be away for a while from all the chaos of the Wrath, Roadkillerz and whatsoever.

Singing for one last time the refrain in union, his red eyes observed Tonic Corner, smiling as they hit the keys.

Who, despite what had happened to them, trough the decades they were alive, they still found happiness. A person who showed him kindness, not caring about his past actions, and believing that there was good which resided in him. Someone, who without any hint of wanting to exploit the rabbit, called him in absolute honesty a friend.

For a moment, he felt melancholic, for the song was going to be over soon, yet the general knew and felt assured, that he could now sing around the shop vendor without feeling uncomfortable, knowing that they would enjoy and appreciate it.

As the song came to an end, their voices fading, there was a gentle smile on the generals face. Even if he was not saying it out loud, he had to admit it.

“Of a bicycle built for two!“

He too, saw Tonic as a friend.

<...>

The Wrath Commander did tell them, they would going to regret for having crossed him.

Well, they did not regret it a single bit.

Despite the object being miles away from their store, they could still see it, it must be a massive construct of metal, which probably costed a lot of money, much more than they, a simple store owner had, but well, something told them, that later the machine would be nothing more than scrap metal. But right now, it still was prepared to do its intended purpose.

A doomsday device, a gigantic laser that could with a single shot, vaporizing everything that stood in its way.

With the store standing directly in the line of fire.

It came to no surprise to them, after all, they needed a field test, before once again the Wrath would try to conquer the world.

Maybe this time they would indeed succeed.

But of course, they would not witness that.

Going to the door, the shop owner was about to close it, when someone appeared in the door frame, panting and exhausted, it made them remember, the first time they had met.

“Tonic...listen, lets get out of here, I was able to convince the Commander to give you a short time of consideration….a VERY short one, so lets go.”

The rabbit pulled on the suit side of their clothing, but of course, the wolf did not move an inch, instead giving the general a warm smile.

“General, you already know my answer.”

As he turned around, he looked at them in disbelieve, perhaps also in anger and frustration.

“Do you know what it took to sway him? You can’t be serious Tonic, this is not a game! We have to go now!”

Remaining calm they went closer to the rabbit in the army uniform.

“When was it ever a game Sir?...I have said it again and again, if this store goes, so will I.”

Turning around they bit on their lip as they took an apple, brushed it off against their clothing, making it shine, giving it a final glance before putting it back to the others.

“Sir, you really should leave, I assume the grizzly bears patience is running thin.”

Having not turned around, they could hear a loud “thump” which they knew was the general having stomped on the floor, standing his ground as well.

“I will NOT leave without you Tonic...if…if you really stay here-

Tonic heard how he took a deep breath before finishing the sentence, louder than he had begun.

-then I will stay too!”

Letting out a sigh, they of course understood that sentiment and, the wolf was genuinely not surprised that he offered that, after all, the rabbit general would simply return in a day or two, and yet, it still meant so much to them, that he was ready to do it, turning around, they once again smiled at their frequent customer and friend.

“Well then general, let us celebrate the store’s closing properly, come on now, follow me to the backroom Sir.”

Despite the confident appearance of him, the northwestern wolf knew that internally their friend was shocked, not because of himself, but of course about them. He didn’t had to worry, they had a feeling, that they wouldn’t had to suffer.

And certainly, neither would he.

As both of them entered the room, Tonic gestured Sam to the old fridge they had kept for so long, they felt, how it pained their heart, what was about to happen, but, they had made up their mind and nothing would change that.

“General, would you please do me the honor, and get us a bottle of red wine from my loyal ice box.”

He gave them a simple nod, before slowly approaching the fridge, enough time, for the wolf to do something, they could not remember having done before, removing their eye patch, which they now held in their right hand, before they started to approach the rabbit, that was looking at the nearly empty appliance.

Suddenly, the ears of their friends went up, a sign, that he had noticed something was off.

“Wait a second...you told me red wine doesn’t have to be cooled.”

“I know.”

How much, it hurt them, as they raised both of their hands, and shoved the rabbit into the device, with one powerful push on his back, Sam ended up in there, and before the general could say anything, Tonic slammed the door shut, locking him into the refrigerator.

“Tonic what- LET ME OUT!!! Why are you doing this?!”

Of course they heard the banging from the inside of the fridge, placing their head on the door, guilt crept trough their whole body like a poison and as if a building was collapsing, they allowed their emotions to be free, sobbing as tears ran down their face and on the cold metal.

“I am sorry but, I can’t allow you to throw your life away, not even for a single day, and not for me. I know that the fridge will keep you safe.

Whatever the general shouted, it sounded like a blur to them, guilt spread trough their body for what they had done, but, they couldn’t bear the thought of their friend having to die because of them.

“This store is all that I have left that reminds me of them...and I am not going to give it up.”

As they were wiping away their tears, they knew it was time.

“Farewell, until we meet again, my dear friend.”

Slowly they removed their head from the vibrating metal surface, turning around, closing the room and taking another breath.

Approaching the entrance, the store owner took the sign, turning it around so that instead of “open” it now said “closed”, before leaving the door for a moment.

Going to their record player now, they knew which record they would choose and what song they wanted to hear for one last time.

Carefully they took the black disc from its cover and placed it on the machine, putting the needle slowly into the correct grooves.

With one simple and last press of the button, they saw the disk rotating, as they approached the store’s door again, looking into the outside when the song started to play:

“In the shadow of the valley I would like to settle down Wide open space Wind on my face A distant horizon The moon on the crest In the shadow of the valley That I love best”

Putting their hands behind their back, Tonic could not help but smile melancholic, right now they must look like a captain, going down with their sinking ship, well, in a way weren’t they?

Hearing the tune of the song, they hummed along, not feeling the energy to form the words to sing along and so they just, listened as they knew, it wouldn’t be long, until all would be over.

“You have always waited for me And you always will be there Sage brush and pine Old friends of mine A little bit further I’ll find my rest In the shadow of the valley That I love best”

There was a short tremor, cans and bottles were shaking for a moment, before all was quiet again, they were preparing the laser now, with the lens being adjusted one last time.

Memories started to flash before their eye, from the very first Tonic remembered, when they grew up, going to college, being a war journalist, the five years of lost freedom, reunification with their family...the incident that took the two from them, being alone …and meeting the general.

“I have wandered many places But they’re all the same to me Nowhere I found To settle down A little bit further I’ll find my rest In the shadow of the valley That I love best”

Similar to a small laser pointer, they saw the flash of red, slowly approaching them, growing bigger with each passing moment, and how the temperatures started to rise, despite knowing what was about to happen in a few moments, the wolf felt not afraid, giving the approaching and amplified light a smile, as if the shop owner was greeting it like a customer.

Once again there was shaking, but this time much stronger, with the wolf feeling it trough their bone and marrow and how a lot of their inventory started to fall down, how it shattered, got a dent or broke apart, yet, despite all of that, the wolf stood their ground, closing their eye, and exhaling the air in the lungs, for one last time.

The red light, began to engulf them and their whole store, in which they had lived and worked for many decades, there was one last thought with which they occupied themselves before it would be over.

“I will always think of the person you have become to me, my dear friend.

At least, I was able to give you something before we depart. I will never forget you Sam.”

And with that, Tonic Corner and their general store, were gone, not a single trace left, that gave the impression they ever existed in the first place.

“In the shadow of the valley That I love best”

<...>

“Tonic! TONIC OPEN UP RIGH-”

Kicking against the door, a small voice told him that it was futile, but despite that, he still tried to get the fridge to open.

Why did they had to do this to him?! WHY?!

Trying to push with his trough against it, nothing happened.

Stopping for a moment, he could not stop his own thoughts from thinking about the wolf.

Did they really, care so much about him, that they could not handle the thought, that he would die alongside the wolf? Wanting to protect him for a single day, from what was happening continuously to him, because Tonic saw him as their good friend?

Groaning out in frustration Sam banged against the door again before he started to whimper.

“Tonic, please, please let me out. I want to-”

Feeling the sudden vibrations that grew stronger he stopped.

No, this couldn’t be good.

More desperately he banged at the door, shouting the name of his friend, desperately wanting to be let out to see them one last time, when he suddenly noticed how there was something in his right hand.

Looking at it closer, his red eyes grew wide open, immediately identifying what it was.

Tonic’s eye patch, which the wolf must have put into the fridge as they had pushed him inside of it.

He could feel, how his eyes turned watery, and as good as that was possible in the small appliance he was trapped into, Sam pulled his legs closer to his body, and cried, holding the memento of their friend close. As he felt one last and strong tremor.

Corner’s store was gone, and so was its keeper who he would never see again.

Wrath overcame him, mostly about his commander and what he had done, but also blaming himself, wondering if he could have perhaps done more to convince Tonic to leave the store, which now like them, was turned to atoms.

Letting out a frustrated shout he kicked one last time against the refrigerators, with all the strength he had, expecting it to resist again.

However, this time the door resigned and gave in, opening and Sam falling out of it.

As he was many feet...perhaps even miles into the air.

Despite his sadness and frustration the white rabbit screamed in pure terror as plummet quickly from the sky, with his tears being flown away by the strong resistance of the air.

He could see the ground again, growing with every second closer, still holding on the eye patch of Tonic Corner, keeping it safe in the palm of his hand, which he had formed to a fist.

Sam hoped, that it wouldn’t get destroyed on the impact, holding it near his chest, and narrowing his eyes, he really hoped, that his death would be a quick one, his day was already horrible enough with having lost a kind person he was close to.

Yet, when he fell closer to the ground, he saw, that what was his destination, looked different than the usual brownish-orange sand and the moment Samuel Cottontail realised that it was the ceiling of a car, was the very same moment he crashed trough it.

Everything hurt and he could hear a ringing in his ears, one of his eyes definitely got injured from the fall, and yet, despite the pain, he could see a moving shape that was talking to him.

The silhouette of a cat, with a cigar in their mouth.

<...>

Weeks had passed before there was a funeral on short notice.

Looking into an open grave, with an empty coffin lowered slowly into the ground, with a simple gravestone, carved in was the name of their wife, son...and now their very own.

That the rain is soaking trough his fur, does not bother him at all, the white rabbit does not care, at least then, no one would see his tears or wonder why he was shaking.

However, it was unlikely that anyone would have seen him anyway, given that he was the only one attending it, there was no great speech or ceremony, just the burial and nothing more, as simple and quick as possible.

Staring at the wooden casket, he could not stop himself but letting out an expression of sorrow, he looked at the bouquet of flowers he had brought, wondering if Tonic would have liked them, there was a hint of regret, never having asked the shop owners what their favorite flowers were, as he allowed them to fall from his hand, down into the grave.

The rabbit did not know, how long he should dwell here and in the memories they shared together, in the few months in which they had known each other.

If he would stay too short, he felt that would be disrespectful...and yet, he knew he couldn’t be here forever, that’s not something Tonic would have wanted.

Feeling a lack of raindrops falling on his head, Sam looked up, and saw a large umbrella above him

“You’re going to catch your death here.”

He knew that voice all too well at this point, for they had known each other for a few weeks now, ever since he crashed into their vehicle and were brought against their will into a hospital to recover and yet, they felt surprised by their appearance.

„Blaise Owens, what are you doing here?“

Unlike as he usually knew the old cat, this time they had no cigar with them, perhaps it was too rainy, or they thought smoking on a graveyard would be inappropriate.

“Who do you think organised the funeral service?”

Seeing how it was now Blaise whose fur and funeral suit got soaked in the rain, they decided to get closer to them, so they both would be protected under the black umbrella.

“You knew them as well?”

Giving the rabbit a quick nod, they moved their head closer to Sam’s, perhaps so their voice would not be drowned out by the sound of the rain.

“We went to college together, became war journalists and met from time to time, but after...the time of imprisonment...we grew apart. I only met Tonic sparsely after that...but, I felt that it was my duty, to organise their funeral...even if it wasn’t much, but, they wanted to have it simple.”

Giving no verbal answer, Sam took one last glance into the grave, before he signalised Blaise, that he was ready to go.

As they began to walk trough the cemetery, getting closer to the gates, Sam could not help himself but wonder, turning their head to face Blaise.

“Could you tell me, something...about Tonic?”

Breathing in, the old cat gave him a familiar smile he had grown to

“What would you like to know?”

Taking a few more steps the rabbit thought about it, when a good question formed into his mind.

“How, how did you meet?”

They looked at him with surprise, before giving the rabbit a nod, ready to share their tale.

“It was on my first day in theater class, we just had introduced ourselves when ther-”

As he listened carefully to the story Blaise began to tell him, the rabbit placed his hand on the right side of chest, inside of the pocket from his shirt that he wore under his uniform, he kept Tonic’s eye patch safe and secure and close by his side.

Sam knew one thing for sure.

Even if he and the wolf had not known each other for long.

He would always remember Tonic Corner as the good friend they were to him, who believed and was convinced about one thing.

That he, was a kind person.

~~~~

"In the Shadow of the Valley" by Bing Nathan and Raun Burnham ℗ Sonoton Production Music and APM Music

Daisy Bell by Harry Dacre

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