Chapter Text
[OP: Feel Like This]
Chapter 38: Never Let Anyone Make You Feel You Don't Matter
[Thursday the 1st of May 2003 – 9AM – 18 Years Ago]
One month prior to the events that led to Atusa and Darius meeting at Appleter High School, over at Dodome University a 19-year old Maria and Nicholai were walking the halls side by side on the way to their next class together. Nicholai's coat was a vibrant orange all over, save for the dark brown fur of his forelimbs and ear tips. Cream-coloured fur ran from the underside of his snout all the way down his front. The tip of his tail ended in a white spot. Maria’s fur meanwhile was a somewhat more duller shade of orange that seemed almost grey or brown in places when compared to Nicholai’s bright orange. Though the fur of Maria's forearms, ear tips and the tip of her tail was almost black, while she shared the cream-coloured ventral fur that Nicholai had. Maria was 152cms tall and weighed 50kgs, while Nicholai was 158cms tall and weighed 55kgs.
[Dodome University]
It was a very prestigious university and the hardest to get into, only accepting the finest students, so there was little room for casual activity to be had on the campus grounds. The dress code was a traditional black and white suit for males while females wore a uniform much like that from Foxley High School. Only coloured in black and white. That said it did not prevent the students from engaging in romantic relationships with each other, a fact Maria and Nicholai were both grateful for.
NICHOLAI: “So, Maria. Are you still having doubts about passing your exams in the summer?”
MARIA: “Huh? Oh, kind of, Nicholai. To be honest I'm still surprised that we both got in when we enrolled last year in the spring.”
NICHOLAI: “Why so? When we met back at Foxley High School as 1st Years all the way through to our 3rd Year you were top of your class in just about all your courses. Well, besides the Dogs that is. I swear those guys are born geniuses.”
MARIA: “Hmmm. That's just it. My parents have always boasted about my academic talents and I've always given 110% in my classes...I dunno. I think whenever I compare myself to those Dogs and how they seem to be born lucky...Makes me feel like I'm always going to be second-best.”
NICHOLAI: “Nonsense. You're just as smart as any Dog in my book, Maria. Don't let those domestic dorks make you feel like you don't belong here. Never let any one know they make you feel like you're “lesser” then they are.”
Those uncharacteristic words of encouragement were enough to give Maria pause, the Vixen actually stopped in place as they hit her all at once. It took Nicholai a second or two to notice her sudden stopping, which got him to turn to look back at her over his shoulder.
NICHOLAI: “Hmm? Did I say something wrong, Maria?”
MARIA: (Wow. That's not like him at all.) “...No. Just you've never said something as encouraging at that before, Nicholai. Usually you'd just crack a joke or tell me to not think about it.”
NICHOLAI: “...Huh. I suppose I usually would, huh? Yeah, I guess I figured by now you'd have shaken those doubts about yourself, but seems they still get to you.”
MARIA: (So would I..But here we are.) “They do. I just wasn't expecting you to take my worries seriously like you did just then. Hmm. Thank you, Nicholai. Maybe university has changed you for the better?”
NICHOLAI: “Haha. Well I wouldn't be so sure about that, Maria. But you're welcome. And hey, even though we both busted our tails to get here I'm not about to let that prevent me from having some fun.”
MARIA: (Heh. It's too late for you to walk it back now, Nich', I'm onto you. You truly care about me.) “...Then neither will I. We should do something fun after classes end for the day.”
The smile on her face had briefly dropped once the thoughts of self-doubt had settled in her mind, but Maria had found it within herself to smile again thanks to Nicholai's words of encouragement. She began walking again by his side after that, and so the two Red Foxes continued on to their next class.
NICHOLAI: “Oh? You wanna do something fun Maria? What were you thinking about?”
MARIA: “Well...I've been thinking lately about getting back into what we did back at Foxley High School...Remember where we'd sneak off to now and then to get our fix?”
NICHOLAI: “...Oooohh? Hehehe, Maria. Are you suggesting what I think you are?”
MARIA: “Hmmmm...I dunno, Nicholai..I was hoping you could tell me, after all Dad did always hype you up with how clever and cunning you are when he proposed to your dad we start dating back at Foxley.”
NICHOLAI: “Hah. I remember. Pretty sure our dads used to go to school at Foxley as well, yeah, now I think about it they likely had decided a long time ago that we'd end up together.”
MARIA: “Hmmm. I recall having my doubts about dating you when Dad said it would be good for my future..But I'm glad we hooked up after you showed me how much fun life could be. The places we'd sneak off to when we weren't suggested to...Am I painting a picture for you yet?”
With that she reached over with her right arm to hook his to accentuate her suggestion, Maria grinned to Nicholai as she waited for him to catch on to what she was hinting at. It took him a moment but once he does he fixed his eyes onto hers, Nicholai's eyes of green with visible white sclera almost sparkling as Maria's doll-like dark grey eyes widen on feeling he had guessed her out.
NICHOLAI: “...Heh, like a true artist. You want to go to the “B.M”, don't you?”
MARIA: “Uh huh. I knew you'd guess it. I don't think we've been since our 3rd Year at Foxley. It would be nice to go again, see the different stalls, sample some of the local fare, make some new memories.”
NICHOLAI: “Yeah, it has been about that long...Why not? It'd be nice to get away from the campus for an evening, see if we can haggle with the vendors somewhat to get us a nice, meaty discount.”
MARIA: “...Heh. When you say “haggle”, do you mean “haggle”, or “hustle”?”
NICHOLAI: “Whaaaat? Maria I am oooffended. As if an upstanding college student such as myself would ever stoop to that level. Heh. I don't think I will even dignify that with a response.”
MARIA: “...Heeheehee. Oooh Wooow you really 'have' changed, Nicholai. I swear I half-expected you to say you'd pull the old “Amazing Disappearing Yen” trick like you did the last time we went. You know, when you'd slip the vendors one fewer notes when buying some Kebabs without them noticing.”
His response to this observation was simply to cock his head back and laugh, Nicholai showing Maria exactly how he felt about that. Though Maria still found it within herself to chuckle as well as they neared the lecture hall where their next class would be held.
MARIA: (Well, that answers that question.) “In any case I still think it would be fun to go and make some new memories with you, Nicholai. Even if we're not technically 'supposed' to go there, we're adults now and should be free to do as we please.”
NICHOLAI: “Exactly. It may not be 'technically' legal, but all the guys in my dorm complex probably go there when I'm not looking. Given we each get rooms to ourselves it's not so easy to keep track of them outside of class hours. Not like back when they crammed us 6-apiece into a single room like back at Foxley. I cannot properly articulate how liberating it feel to have my own private space again.”
MARIA: “Hmmm. Yeah it's definitely a much different living experience here than it was back there. Definitely much more privacy that's for sure. But I dunno..It kinda felt nice being housed with five other girls in the same dorm. If nothing else it was far less of a lonely experience..Though we didn't socialise all that much, I kinda miss it at the same time.”
NICHOLAI: “No surprise there, we 'are' Foxes are all. Not really known for being social Beasts outside of the family Skulk, going solo's kind of our thing. I tell you I definitely don't miss being crammed in with five other guys, you would not believe how messy and smelly it could get. Besides, having your company during our free time is enough for me, Maria.”
Just as she was about to dwell on just how different it was living alone compared to living in a communal dorm room, Maria felt Nicholai put his arm around her waist to pull her in close. It had been enough to make her gasp softly and wag her tail when she felt him do this, Nicholai gave Maria a cheeking grin when she turned to meet his gaze.
MARIA: (Hmmmhh? O-Oooohh..!) “...Heehee, well I think we can consider that a happy medium, one thing's for sure I never feel alone while you're around. Heh, never a dull moment either, and that suits me just fine.”
NICHOLAI: “Heh, that's my Kyuubi. You keep wagging that foxy tail of yours and I'll think it's nine of the bushy things blowing wind up behind my legs. Almost a shame we have to cut this fun short and attend the next lecture, but then that's just all the more reason to look forward to tonight, isn't it?”
MARIA: (Hmmm. He's not wrong there.) “Mmmmhhh, indeed. A girl like me can only go so long without getting something juicy to put between her jaws. Heeheehee.”
NICHOLAI: “Huh? Hahahaha. Oh Maria, you naughty girl. For a second I thought you meant..Actually never mind you know what I meant.”
She simply gave him a coy smile as they arrived as the lecture hall, Maria swatted at Nicholai's backside with her tail before she allowed him to release her. Though there was a boring lecture they would be sitting through, her mind was already looking ahead to the afternoon they were hoping to have together...At the Black Market.
[Thursday the 1st of May 2003 – 5PM]
Time passed to the afternoon as classes at Dodome University had ended for the day, Maria found herself in her private dorm room as she now prepared for her evening out with Nicholai at the Black Market. Stood in front of a large mirror she checked herself with two different dresses as she tried to decide on which to wear, Maria hummed as she contemplated which she would choose. The sun outside had now begun to set in the sky, as it bathed the university grounds in an amber glow.
MARIA: (Hmmm...Should I choose the shoulder less pink dress...Or the green dress with the shoulder straps...I definitely don't want to over-dress...But I do want to look my best...This is going to be tougher than I thought.)
She bit her lip as she agonised over the choice while wearing her black and white uniform, Maria's brow furrowed as she tried to make a decision based on which she thought was most appropriate for a night out. Her tail swished as she sighed while looking at herself with both dresses.
MARIA: (Knowing Nicholai he's not going to be in much effort at all, it's easy for Tods, just throw on a shirt, trousers, shoes and and tie and no one cares. But Rex forbid a Vixen wants to dress down, I'm sure I'd get all sorts of stares. I'm a grown woman now so they surely expect me to look good, I'm not a little girl any more who can just throw on any old thing and coast by.)
A huff escapes her lips as she thought about the double standard when it came to the expectations between Males and Females, Maria rolled her eyes as she found it brought her no closer to making up her mind about what dress she should wear. She took a look at the clock to see it was already past 5pm, which told Maria she didn't have long to make up her mind, but that wasn't all she thought about.
MARIA: (Maybe that's why Nicholai thinks its acceptable for him to pull his little con tricks like the “Amazing Disappearing Yen” trick? Because he's a Tod Fox and it's expected of him to fleece other Beasts of their money? It was cute at first but if we're going to take this relationship to the next level he needs to clean up his act. Charming or not it's still illegal, and I'm not going to start a family with a petty criminal.)
She sighs again as the thought swirls around in her head, the ways Nicholai would make a quick Yen through sleight of hand and games of chance, he made more than he lost and he was very good at not getting caught...But she found that over time it had become less tolerable in her eyes.
MARIA: (He's going to university with me so he can get a degree in Business & Finance, Nicholai may think it's pointless to try to be any thing else but that's the gateway to an upstanding career. We can start a family and buy a house if he can secure a solid job off of that. Really make a name for himself and become a Tod I can be proud to call my husband.)
As she realised she wasn't getting any where Maria ultimately decided on the green dress as she put the pink dress back in her wardrobe, it was a fairly plain, simple dress but she liked the way it looked on her.
MARIA: (Green goes well with my fur colour, and it matches Nicholai's eyes. Yes. I'm sure he'll like it. After all we can't really wear our uniforms in the Black Market. That wouldn't look good.)
She did her best to put on a happy smile as she got dressed and looked at herself in the mirror, even doing a bit of a twirl as she admired how it looked on her. Seeing it was now 5:15PM Maria put on some plain green shoes and fastened a simple necklace around her neck, then she gave herself one last look as she slipped a purse over her right shoulder.
MARIA: (...I'll bring it up to Nicholai tonight when we go out. That I don't want him pulling his tricks any more. He may not like it, he may make excuses...But I won't marry a man who cannot live an honest life. I am sure Dad would understand, as much as he wants us to be married after university, Nicholai remaining a hustler would bring shame onto the family, and me.)
[Thursday the 1st of May 2003 – 5:15PM]
As Maria made her way to his dorm room Nicholai had already decided on what clothes he would wear, ultimately he had decided on a plain white short-sleeved shirt with black trousers and shoes. Smiling as he looked at himself in the mirror as he prepared to hook up with Maria before their visit to the Black Market.
NICHOLAI: (There. It's not fancy but we're just going on a date to the Black Market. Maria should be satisfied. Now, should I wear a tie, or not?)
For a moment he held up a tie just below his neck to see how it looked on him, Nicholai tilted his head as he considered whether or not he would be wearing one tonight. Though he did not debate the decision for long before tossing the tie onto his bed, Nicholai then straightened his shirt to make sure he looked his best.
NICHOLAI: (...Nah. It's not like we're going to a fancy event, we're just going out to sample some Meat. Maria won't mind if I don't wear the tie...Though there was something she mentioned earlier.)
He saw that he did not have long to delay before the time came to meet up with Maria, Nicholai grimaced as he turned to look over at the mattress of his bed. With a nervous swallow he then went over to peek underneath, and right there was a large bound stack of Yen. 2 Million in total. Which roughly 13000 Dollars.
NICHOLAI: (...Maria doesn't understand. I need to keep gambling and hustling on the side so I can save up for our future. I'm going to marry Maria and I want to give her the best life possible. After all...Even if I secure that Business and Finance degree it's not a guarantee of a successful career. Not when competition is so fierce.)
His brow furrowed as he took 150000 Yen from the pile, a fraction of its total but more than enough for a night out. Though he had encouraged Maria that she need not feel inferior compared to the Dogs at Dodome University...There was more to that than he let on with her.
NICHOLAI: (I didn't come to this university and bust my ass because it was the life I wanted for myself...It was because I wanted to secure a future with Maria. So we could form our Skulk together. Our fathers may have set us up back in high school but Maria put her whole heart into making it work with me. I told her to not worry about the Dogs, that she should never let them make her feel lesser...But what if I'm not good enough to secure that career with them as my competition in the jobs market?)
The thought that he may not be able to measure up to his Dog peers was enough to make Nicholai growl, knowing that their reputation was of intelligence, gregariousness and respect...Virtues not acknowledged in Foxes like him and Maria. Society did not see Foxes as Beasts of high regard, dignity or trustworthiness, which Nicholai knew all too well.
NICHOLAI: (...If it comes to that and I lose out on a future-securing job to some Dog...Then I need to fall back on what we Foxes are good at to give Maria the life she deserves...For taking a chance on a Tod like me. Even if she doesn't approve...Then again...)
A smile came to his lips as he lays the mattress back down to conceal the rest of his Yen, Nicholai then took one last look at himself in the mirror before he pocketed the money for his night out with Maria. Having made up his mind as he leaves his dorm room to go meet up with her.
NICHOLAI: (...No one says she has to know. Maria will thank me once I am able to secure the future of our Skulk. She may not approve but she won't be able to argue with the results. I'm doing all of this for her and our Skulk.”
[Thursday the 1st of May 2003 – 5:20PM]
He then walked from his dorm room to the lift which took him down to the ground floor of the Male Dorm Building, Nicholai after that exited through the lobby doors out into the courtyard where he saw Maria waiting for him. The sun had descended somewhat by now with it being mid-Spring, but Nicholai's eyes did not fail to catch the beauty of his girlfriend, and her green dress and necklace either.
NICHOLAI: “Heeey, Kyuubi. I see someone decided to dress up for our evening out. Hah.”
MARIA: “Oh, this thing? I just thought it looked nice for our date so I threw it on. Heh. I see you're going smart-casual yourself. No tie though? Awww, I was hoping you'd wear one.”
NICHOLAI: “Heh. We're just going out to eat and have as look around, didn't wanna over-dress for such a casual night out. Though looking at your dress maybe I should have?”
MARIA: “I'll say you should have, a tie makes you look distinguished, I'll let it go this time. But I'm buying you a tie for your next birthday and she better not forget to wear it.”
NICHOLAI: “Hahaha. Oh my. This Vixen's got claws alright. But fair enough, if it'll make you happy, Maria. Just don't expect me to spoil what 'your' next birthday present's gonna be. It would ruin the surprise, hah.”
Her response to his teasing was to simply walk up to him and hook her arm with his, Maria then gave Nicholai a warm, fang-flashing smile as she made her feelings clear to him. Nicholai would he could not help but smile back at Maria as they began to walk towards the exit of Dodome University, the Black Market awaited their arrival.
MARIA: “...Sure. I like surprises any way, and I'm sure you have more surprises in store for me in the future, Nicholai.”
NICHOLAI: (If you only knew.) “..Heh, you got that right, Maria. Something tells me we'll have a few surprises in store when we arrive where we're going.”
MARIA: “Hmmmm? Is that right? I wonder what you mean by that, Nicholai? Do you suppose they'll have new stalls and dishes for us to try compared to last time we went?”
NICHOLAI: (..Let's go with that.) “..Hah. You guessed me. That's what I'm predicting as well, Maria. At least I hope so, but I hope it hasn't changed 'too' much.”
[Thursday the 1st of May 2003 – 6:00PM]
By now it was well and truly the evening as the sun threatened to dip below the horizon, Nicholai and Maria shielded their eyes and they took one last look at the bright star in the sky...Before they then turned to see the entrance to the Black Market as it lay before them. The smell of all the various Meats had led them here from the bus stop, but now they were stood before it Nicholai and Maria could already feel their mouths begin to water.
NICHOLAI: (Here we are.) “Mmmmhh, you smell that, Mari'? I'd almost forgotten how good it smelled from the last time we were here.”
MARIA: “Hmmmmm, I smell it alright, Nich'. Feels like a lifetime since we were last here. I can't wait to sample every morsel till we cash out. Umm, I mean if you're happy to spend that much.”
NICHOLAI: “For you, Mari'? No price is too great, buuut I did make sure not to over-bring. Gotta be responsible with my money after all.”
MARIA: “Heh, well look at you, Mr. Frugal. Looks like I was right about University changing you for the better.”
NICHOLAI: (Maybe less than you think?) “D'aaww, Mari' you're a sweetheart to say so. Well let's not waste any more time. Let's go eat.”
Arm in arm they then walked into the Black Market together, Nicholai and Maria could see even during a Thursday that business was booming for the Carnivores that sold their Meat here. Everywhere they look there were stalls with just about every kind of Herbivore Meat you could imagine, and Carnivores eager to buy and sample. The two Red Foxes found themselves needing to get moving so they did not obstruct the exit out onto the main street, or get bumped into through the hustle and bustle of the Black Market. It did not take long for one stall to catch their eye.
MARIA: “Oohh, I want to try that. That stall over there, Nich'.”
NICHOLAI: “Hmmm? The stall with the Rabbit Kebabs?”
MARIA: “Yes. That one. Those look and smell delicious. Heehee they even look like little fingers on sticks. Actually, I think that's exactly what they are.”
NICHOLAI: “Mmmhhh, I'd say that's a safe bet. Let's get a couple and see where the evening takes us.”
He received her answer in the form of a smile and a nod, Nicholai then walked over with Maria to the stand that appeared to specialise in Rabbit Meat. Specifically Giant Rabbit Meat. Seeing the Lioness whom ran the stall Nicholai takes out a few Yen bills from his wallet, thumbing through them as he sees her turn to meet his gaze. Maria still on his left arm as he got ready to make a purchase...He made sure to wait till there was a queue forming behind them before making his approach.
LIONESS: “Aaaah, what do we have here? A charming Red Fox couple? How may this Ms. Mamba make your evening?”
NICHOLAI: (Now to make the 'discounted' purchase.) “Good evening, Ms. Mamba. We will take two of your finest Giant Rabbit Finger Kebabs.”
MARIA: “Hmmmhmmm, those two right there if you please.”
MAMBA: “Aaaah, an excellent choice from Mr. & Mrs. Red Fox. These fingers are fresh just this afternoon. Huh hah. You might say they are, how you say, fresh off the Rabbit?”
NICHOLAI: “Ooohh, can't get much fresher than that. Seems that equals 20000 Yen by my count...Here you go, Ms. Mamba. 20000 Yen.” (Heh. Easy as blueberry pie.)
MARIA: (20000, that is a good price. Though I'm sure they were 7500 Yen each when we came here last...I wonder if they really are “fresh off the Rabbit?”)
The smile on his face remained fixed as he handed some Yen bills to Mamba while taking two Giant Rabbit Finger Kebabs, Nicholai made sure that she kept eye contact with him as they made the exchange...Though he had secretly folded one of the bills in half so it seemed he was giving more than he actually was. A common hustler's trick. Maria's eyes were so fixated on the Giant Rabbit Finger Kebabs that she didn't notice.
MAMBA: “Many blessings to you both, enjoy and be hearty.”
NICHOLAI: (Sucker.) “Hah, many blessings to you as well. Have a wonderful evening.”
MARIA: “Ooohh, give me mine now, Nich', I'm hungry now.”
NICHOLAI: (Best he going before she catches on.) “Of course, Mari', here you go. Fresh off the Rabbit as they say.”
MARIA: “Hmmm, well I suppose there's one way to be sure.”
He kept her arm linked with his as they made a brisk walk away from Mamba's stand, Nicholai felt his heart beat a little bit faster as he tried to make distance between them before his trick could be noticed...He banked on the haste of the next in line to catch her attention with a purchase before she could count the bills. But Nicholai had barely turned to glance back when he heard the audible crunch of flesh, blood and bone as Maria caught his attention.
NICHOLAI: (Good. That'll keep her busy, now we-) “-Ooooh? Hah, you really 'were' eager to tuck in, weren't you, Mari'.”
MARIA: “...Mmmmmmhhh..!!..Ooohhh Nich' you have to try yours. It's got Teriyaki Sauce on it. And I can detect a blend of spices, pepper and salt. It's gorgeous.”
NICHOLAI: “Is that right? Well lemme try for myself and see...” (Mmmmhh..!..Mmmwwmmhh!!) “...Heeeey, this 'is' good.” (And at a 'discount' too. Heh. 'Half price'.)
MARIA: “Heehee, told you. They may be more expensive than last time but the added flavour makes it worth it.”
It did not take them long to finish their first snack of the evening, in just a few bites Nicholai and Maria had cleaned their sticks before disposing of them in a nearly rubbish bin. A few lip and finger licks later they were already on the look out for their next morsel to sample from amongst the vendor stalls, 10000 Yen down, 140000 to go.
NICHOLAI: “Now that, was a good first choice, Mari'. What should we try next?”
MARIA: “Mmmmhh..Hard to say, there's so many good options. You choose the next one.”
NICHOLAI: “Me? Hah, well aren't you the generous gentle-Vixen? Alright, let's see...” (Time to make another 'steal'.)
MARIA: “It's gonna be hard to top that Kebab. Heh. Surprise me.”
He wasted no time in finding the next vendor stall to try for their next purchase, Nicholai licked his lips as he saw 'this' stall advertised its wares by stringing sausages from the railing of their stall in the manner of mimicking decorative garlands. He gently tugged Maria along by her arm as they approached, her attention quickly turned to the Male Monitor Lizard running the stall, a row of freshly prepared Hot Dogs laid out in front of him.
MONITOR LIZARD: “Aaaaah, welcome to my stall. You two Red Foxes are in luck, I have the freshest Chicken Hot Dogs for you both to try. Only 10000 Yen each. Modo's special blend.”
NICHOLAI: (Same as the Kebabs. Heh.) “Aaaah, well-met Mr. Modo. I believe we will take two of your finest Chicken Hot Dogs today. What do you say, Maria?”
MARIA: “Ooooh? Yes please. We Foxes do love our Poultry. I want mine with ketchup and mustard.”
MODO: “Splendid, let me just get those sorted for you.”
With that Modo took a bottle of each of the requested condiments and began to squirt them onto the hot dogs, doing so with a flourish that was a sight to behold. However Nicholai's eye looked behind him as he confirmed another Carnivore was right behind them ready to make a purchase. A Male Lynx to be exact.
NICHOLAI: (Perfect, this guy looks ready to purchase. Time to score us another discount.) “Thank you kindly, my good Sir. Let me get that 20000 Yen for you right now. In fact your flourish with the condiments moves me so I'll show you a little flourish of my own.”
MARIA: “...Hmmm? A flourish, Nicholai?”
LYNX: “Just don't take too long. I'm hungry too.”
MODO: “Oh, a fellow artisan? Very well you have me intrigued.”
He maintained his grin as he turned back to see he had caught Modo's attention, Nicholai taking 20000 Yen from his pocket to present it to the vendor with their hot dogs. Though he had noticed Maria had his eye on him also as she took the hot dogs, her expression conveyed curiosity. While his implied confidence.
NICHOLAI: “Good Lizard. Now watch this Kitsune Magi make these Yen notes...Disappear.”
MARIA: (Disappear? Like a magic trick?)
Then with some deft hand gestures Nicholai seemingly did the impossible as before every one's eyes the notes in his dark brown hands appears to vanish..!!..His look of confidence never wavering as he maintained eye contact with Modo.
LYNX: “Whoa. How'd he do that?”
MARIA: “That's what I want to know. How'd you do that, Nich'?”
NICHOLAI: “Hah, a good magician never reveals his secrets. But it's quite easy once you know how.”
MODO: “I-I must say, I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. But if the notes are gone...Where are they?”
NICHOLAI: “Where indeed? Sometimes I loose track of them. Huuuh..To be honest I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached to my-waaaait a second. What's this doing here?”
The look of confidence had faded from his face for just a moment, before it returned with a vengeance when he reached behind Modo's head to seemingly pluck the Yen notes from thin air. The notes flashed between his fingers as he hands them to the vendor.
NICHOLAI: “...Taaa-daaa.” (Too easy. Gets 'em every time.)
LYNX: “N-No way. He really is a Kitsune Magi.”
MODO: “G-Goodness me. That was quite a trick, Mr. Fox.”
MARIA: (I'll say..I didn't know he could....Waaaait a minute..!!)
She had to squint to see it but Maria happened to catch a glimpse of a Yen note tucked to the back of Nicholai's right wrist as he handed the rest to Modo. Her eyes widened when it dawned on her what she had just witnessed with her own eyes..!!..Even as Nicholai tugged her along so the Lynx behind them could be served next.
MODO: “E-Enjoy your hot dogs. Next time you should show me how to do that trick.”
NICHOLAI: “Hah, sounds good to me. Buuut I'll leave you to your next customer for now. Come along, Maria.” (50% off. Deals like that should be illegal.)
MARIA: “S...Sure, Nicholai.” (Quite the trick indeed...Nich' short-changed him..!!)
He looked to her in order to gesture she hand him a hot dog as they walk along in the Black Market, Nicholai smiling with total confidence as he slips his left hand into his pocket to stow the Yen note while accepting his hot dog from Maria. The look of suspicion on her face being one he only clocked as he takes a bite from his hot dog. 20000 Yen down. 130000 Yen to go.
NICHOLAI: (10000 Yen saved. But Maria's looking a bit off.) “...Mmmmmhh..Ooohh this Chicken Hot Dog is goood, make sure you eat it before it cools, Mari'.”
MARIA: (I'm sure I saw him pocket a Yen note just now...) “...Ummm, sure. I didn't know you could make Yen disappear before my eyes like that, Nich'...You seem to have been working on your parlour skills.”
NICHOLAI: (..Oh good, she didn't notice me slip the note just then.) “..Uh, yeah. Just a little trick I've been working on in my spare time. The vendor and even the Lynx behind us seemed impressed.”
MARIA: (Or..Maybe he paid the right amount and just pocketed extra...?) “...I noticed. Well, at least you didn't try the 'other' disappearing Yen trick.”
NICHOLAI: (What? Did she...No she couldn't have seen me do it.) “U-Uuuhhm sure. I told you I wouldn't and I am a Tod of my word.”
The look of uncertainty remained on Maria's face as she bit into her hot dog, though her doubts were soon overpowered by the delectable taste of the chicken Meat and the sauces. It was a taste sensation that proved to be enough to make her tail wag as she forgot her suspicions, Nicholai's smile reasserted itself when Maria hummed with pleasure.
NICHOLAI: (I'll just have to be craftier next time. She'll thank me one day.) “Heh, see? Told you it was really good. Who knew chicken worked so well in a hot dog shape?”
MARIA: (..I'm probably just being paranoid..Because this hot dog is..) “..M-Mmmmhh..!!..Mmmmhh..!!..Mmmmmhh..!!..Ooohhh Nich' I'm gonna have to agree with you. It might be the sauces enhancing the chicken..But it's reeeeally good.”
NICHOLAI: “Heh. Didn't I tell you? Well we've still got enough for a few more if you think you've got room after that. Or maybe you're fancying something to wash it down?”
MARIA: “M-Mmmhmhh..!!..To be honest it 'is' a bit dry..!!..Perhaps some..!!..Oh..!!..How about that stall over there?”
She was still half-way through her hot dog when she points to a stall close by that was selling jars of a thick red liquid, not quite a sauce but not quite the consistency of water either. The signs specified them to be jars of [Ram's Blood]. With some small cups filled with the same red liquid for taste testing.
NICHOLAI: “Hmmm? Ram's Blood? Sounds thirst-quenching and invigorating. And hey they have little cups to try before buying.” (Perfect.)
MARIA: “Mmmmh, a whole jar might be a bit much, wouldn't fancy trying to carry 'that' back with us....But seems they have larger party-style cups as well for sale.”
NICHOLAI: (30000 per cup. Kinda pricey, buuuuut...) “Then let's get one each for the road. I'm feeling a tad parched myself.”
MARIA: (...I shouldn't be so suspicious. Nicholai is treating me after all...So what if he wants to show off?)
He maintained his confident smile as he finishes off his hot dog, Nicholai showed he was satisfied with Maria's choice as she too finished off her snack not long after he does. Just two Red Foxes enjoying what the Black Market had to offer. Before they approach the blood stand which was run by an Arabian Wolf and Arabian She-Wolf couple, their eyes lit up when they saw the respective Red Fox couple approach arm in arm.
SPIEGAL: “Salutations, my name is Spiegal and here is my wife Syria. What can we get you on this fine evening?”
NICHOLAI: (A Wolf couple. Alright.) “Good evening my good sir. I think we will take two cups of your finest Ram's Blood to go.”
SYRIA: “A fine choice. Might we interest you both in a free sample first? Just so you know we have total confidence in our product.”
MARIA: “Sure. How very kind of you to offer.”
SPIEGAL: “Here, try for yourselves. Hmm hmm.”
Spiegal seemed to be the one whom led the sales as he reached down to pick up two shot glass-sized cups before he then passed them to Nicholai and Maria, the two Red Foxes each taking one with their free hand before they gave the Ram's Blood chasers a curious sniff. After an appetising lick of the lips Nicholai and Maria both knocked back their shots of Ram's Blood, the taste was immediate and potent..!..As was the rush of energy they felt when the liquid ran down their throats.
NICHOLAI: “..H-Hoo-oohh w-whoo-ooaaa..!!..That's strong stuff..!!..Hah I think I can feel my heart beating faster. You saw this is pure Ram's Blood?”
SYRIA: “100% Pure. It's the stuff Carnivore athletes use to keep themselves in peak performance. Though the newspapers won't tell you that part. Other vendors like to water their product down to make it go further but ours is as fresh as it was when it came from the Ram.”
MARIA: “..M-Mmhhrrooohh..!!..I could believe that..!!..H-Hooohh I feel like I just took a double shot of Espresso. Nich' we should definitely get some to go.”
SPIEGAL: “See? My wife told you we only sell the best. We even mix some into our baby girl Ara's milk.”
MARIA: “Ara? Oh she's your daughter. Isn't she a bit young to be on this stuff though?”
SYRIA: “Hmm. In our family we feel you're never too young to start. She's only a few weeks old so she's nowhere near being done weaning, but the blood will help her to grow big and strong. Our little Lawrence is starting school and can't get enough of it.”
NICHOLAI: (Wow. They really are proud of their product if they've got their kids on it.) “...Well you need no further convincing from me. Two cops of Ram's Blood to go, my good Wolf.”
With that Nicholai let go of Maria's arm so he could reach into his pocket to take out his wallet, pulling out a 100000 Yen note, a confident smile on his face as he place them on the counter while Maria took the cups of Ram's Blood. No sooner had she done this Nicholai speaks up to catch the Arabian Wolf couple's attention.
MARIA: (100000? Nich' must be expecting change.)
NICHOLAI: “Oooohh, sorry. All I've got is this 100000 Yen note. Can I get 40000 Yen change please?”
SPIEGAL: “Hmmm? Sure, just a second.”
The smile of confidence remained on Nicholai's face as he waited for Spiegal to open a change box to pull out some Yen notes to give him his change, four 10000 Yen notes. However before he could put the 100000 Yen note in the box Nicholai does something unexpected...As he takes out five smaller Yen notes and places them on the counter. Maria catching him do this.
NICHOLAI: “Ooohh, one second, I just realised you might not have change with such a large note. I remembered I have five 20000 Yen notes here. Let me just exchange those for the 100000 Yen note.”
MARIA: (Oh. I thought he only had the 100000 Yen left.)
SPIEGAL: “Uuuuhh, okay. Sure that helps a lot. Thank you.”
With that Nicholai slapped down the five 20000 Yen notes on the counter before he took back his 100000 Yen note, while Spiegal took the five in exchange..!!..While also taking quickly the 40000 Yen change as well..!!..But that wasn't all Maria caught..!!
MARIA: (Wait..!!..Those five notes aren't 20000 Yen...They're 5000 Yen notes..!!) “..Uuuhhmm Nich-”
NICHOLAI: “-Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Wolf. Come along, Mari'.”
SYRIA: “Oh, uh, thank you for your patronage. You have a good evening now.”
Before she knew it Maria was being led away from the stall while Nicholai directed her to go deeper into the Black Market, slipping the 40000 Yen in change which he had taken into his wallet, in addition to the 100000 Yen he had placed down..!!..In truth he had made out with more than he had started the transaction with..!!..Though it took Maria a few seconds to do the maths in her head..!!
NICHOLAI: (Score. Only paid 25000 Yen out of 60000 Yen. Plus the 40000 I swiped.) “Be a dear and hold those cups for a few more seconds, don't you, Mari'? Hooohh that Wolf gave me quite a lot of change. Heehee.”
MARIA: (...Nich' took the 100000 Yen back...Plus the 40000 he was going to get in change..!!..While only paying 25000 instead of 60000..!!)
NICHOLAI: (Which makes me up by 40000 Yen with a 35000 discount. This might be my best hustle yet.) “Buuut I think I helped him out so he didn't have the big 100000 Yen note burning a hold in his box. Heehee.”
MARIA: (...So he only paid 25000 Yen out of 60000..!!..And made out with 40000 as well!!) “Umm..Nich'?”
NICHOLAI: “Yeah, Mari'? Oh right the Ram's Blood. Don't mind if I do.”
Then with supreme nonchalance Nicholai takes his cup of Ram's Blood from Maria before taking a sip from it. She could feel the breeze thrown off by his tail as he lets out a growl of satisfaction, though she could only look into hers as she felt a pit begin to form in her stomach. The kind which made her feel not quite so parched.
MARIA: (Nich' just hustled those nice Wolves like it was nothing. He didn't just perform a disappearing Yen trick...He swiped their change.)
NICHOLAI: “B-Brroo-ooohhhh..!!..Mari' you have to try this. I've tried energy drinks but this. This is the bee knees.”
He took another sip from his cup as they walked through the Black Market together, Nicholai did not really look at Maria as she continued to peer into hers..!..As her hands tightened around it to make the plastic audibly crinkle between her fingers..!..She did not say a word as she turned into the next alley-way which got Nicholai to follow her..!
NICHOLAI: “Oohh, you wanna go this way, Mari'? Sure, let's see what's down this way...Okay...Not seeing much besides brick walls on either side...No stalls or anything of the sort...Uuuhh Mari' I don't think we're gonna find much this way.”
MARIA: (He told me he wouldn't do that. Nicholai promised to me his hustling days were over. That...Was a swiping!!)
NICHOLAI: “..Uuuhhh, Earth to Mari'? Are you listening? By the looks of things this alley way's just leading us into a dead end. In a few seconds we're going to have to hit a brick wall and have to turn around.”
However her response to his verbal prodding was to hurry ahead of him before she turned on her heel so they were face to face..!!..What Maria did next caught Nicholai off guard as she brought her cup of Ram's Blood to her lips..!!..And instead of taking a sip she downs the entire cup in several..!!..Forceful..!!..Gulps..!!
MARIA: (No swiping. I will have no swiping from my boyfriend!!)
NICHOLAI: “M...Mari'?” (Did she just...Down the whole cup??)
She felt the invigorating energy hit her all at once and which sent her body into a burst of vitality like she'd never felt before! Emboldened she wipes her bloodied lips with the back of her right hand before she then tossed the empty cup aside..!!..Maria could almost feel her body burning as the hit of Ram's Blood empowered her even more than the Meat had..!!..Before she then bore her blood and saliva-slicked fangs to give Nicholai a buzzing snarl of anger!!
MARIA: “...You lied to me. You said your hustling days were over.”
NICHOLAI: “U-Uh? Maria? Come again?”
MARIA: “You heard me, Nicholai. You made a promise back at Dodome and you broke it. I saw what you did back there. You lied to me!”
NICHOLAI: “A-Ah. M-Maria I didn't-”
MARIA: “-I'm not dumb, Nicholai! I have eyes! You took their change and hustled with them 5000 Yen bills! You made out like a Bandit right in front of me!”
NICHOLAI: “Sssshhhh! Maria keep your voice down. Some one will hear you.”
MARIA: “Good! They should hear! My boyfriend is a thief! A common criminal!”
Then she let out a warning bark as he attempted to muzzle her with his hand! Maria fully exposed her fangs as she stepped forward to force Nicholai to step back! Almost dropping his cup in the process as he brought up his hands in a defensive gesture!
NICHOLAI: “E-Easy, Maria. It's the blood, you drank it too fast and it's-”
MARIA: “-I am not under the influence! I am in full control of my emotions and my body!”
NICHOLAI: (I doubt that.) “...Okay, you got me. I did hustle those Wolves. B-But I had a good reason.”
MARIA: “Ooooohhh! This ought to be good! I saw the other time as well! At the hot dog stand! Yeah! I didn't wanna believe my eyes but what you did back there..!!”
NICHOLAI: (She's out of control..!!..But she's right..!!) “..I-I'm just trying to make and save a little while treating you. I-Is that so wrong?”
MARIA: “Yes it is! It's bad enough you did it...But the fact you're making an excuse? That's almost as bad as the fact you LIED to me! Why..??..Why did you lie to me??”
By now she was full on growling as the surge of energy from the Ram's Blood only fuels her anger further! Along with his attempts to justify it! Another try by Nicholai to calm Maria down only led to her snapping at him with her jaws! Her fangs bared as she made it clear she would not allow him to touch her! It was a prolonged growl that only the most irate Vixens could make!
NICHOLAI: (S-Shit! She almost bit me!) “M-Maria. Please. I-I know I did a bad thing but I mean it..!..I'm doing all of this for you..!..So we can still enjoy life without having to skip out on the good things..!!”
MARIA: “Really? That's the best you can do? Nicholai. I'm ashamed of you! I'm ashamed to be with you! I thought you'd changed! But I see you're every bit as shifty and untrustworthy as the world says all us Foxes are!”
NICHOLAI: “...Fine. You win, Maria. I guess I'm just shifty and untrustworthy then. If I admit it will that make you happy? Wake up. This is how the world really is. This is how we Foxes play the cards society dealt us. We use the cunning that nature gave us to take what we can, when we can. Because we're fooling ourselves if we think we can beat the Dogs at their own game by always playing by the rules. There's no point in trying to be like them.”
MARIA: “Yoooou..!..Yooou..!..W..Wait..!..What are you talking about..?..Is this because of the-”
???: “Hey! There you two are! Thieving Foxes!”
Before she could properly process what he was saying Maria turned to look over her shoulder when a voice louder, more brutish than theirs cut her off mid-sentence. Nicholai looked as well and felt his ears pull back as he saw Spiegal blocking the way out of the alleyway..!..Butcher's Knife in hand..!!..Maria's ears however remained upright as she still felt the Ram's Blood coursing through her body..!!..It only took her looking at Spiegal once with his butcher's knife in hand before she turned back to Nicholai..!!..Her right hand pointed at the irate salesman blocking the way out..!!
NICHOLAI: (...Shit..!!..I tried to warn her not to shout..!!..Looks like the jig is up..!!)
MARIA: “...See? I told you no good would come from your hustling, Nicholai..!!..But you just 'had' to pull a fast one..!!..Give this Wolf the Yen you owe him and his wife..!!..Right now.”
SPIEGEL: “Oooohh, you'll be lucky if that's all I take, you dirtbags! You think you can fuck with me? Make me look stupid in front of my dear Syria? No Foxes make Spiegel look like an idiot!”
That was when Nicholai saw the furious Spiegel begin to approach him and Maria with a face that only showed rage, the butcher's knife tightly held in his left hand..!..He could see she still was turned to him as if she was more concerned about him not giving the Yen over than she was Spiegal bearing down on them..!..Nicholai put up his hands as he felt his tail tuck between his legs..!!
NICHOLAI: (Oh shit..!..Here he comes..!!) “..E-Easy, big fella..!!..Let's not do anything hasty..!!..J-Just give me a second..!!”
MARIA: “You hear that, Nicholai? They probably run that stall to provide for their kids..!!..Did you even stop to think about Ara and Lawrence when you decided to rip off this hard-working Arabian Wolf-”
SPIEGEL: “-I'll give you ten fucking seconds to give me the money..!!”
Before he could do any thing Nicholai sees Spiegel grab Maria by her right shoulder with his free hand before wrapping his arm around her neck..!!..Her struggling against this sudden attack was soon cut short when Spiegal brings his knife up to poke its tip against her left cheek..!!..Maria's eyes went wider than they had ever been as Nicholai looked on in disbelief..!!
NICHOLAI: (Fuuuck. What the fuck's he doing??)
MARIA: “E..E-Eeeeh-ee-eeeehhhh..!!!”
SPIEGEL: “..Or I will fucking cut the Vixen a new smile..!!”
NICHOLAI: (He's serious!!) “S-Spiegel don't..!!”
MARIA: “N..Nicholai..!!..Just give him..!!..T-The money..!!”
NICHOLAI: “..I..!!..I..!!..” (He wants to kill Maria..!!)
He found himself reaching for his wallet without thinking..!..Such was his fear at what Spiegel might do to Maria..!..But when he saw her whimper and shed a tear as the tip of the knife bit into her cheek..!..Nicholai felt something else besides fear as he pulled all the Yen from his wallet out..!!..Something that caused him to pull back his lips to expose his fangs..!!..Something more than the indignity of being a Fox in a Dog's world..!!
SPIEGEL: “Well? I'm not fucking around! Give me the money of the Red bitch fucking dies!!”
MARIA: “N..!..N..!..Niiiich'..!!”
NICHOLAI: (...This son of a bitch just made Maria cry..!!) “...You'd really kill my girlfriend over 145000 Yen..??..Is that what her life's worth to you, Wolf..??”
SPIEGEL: “What the fuck do you think? You're in the Black Market now. I could make good money selling her pelt. Maybe I'll just skin the both of you for fucking around with my business??”
MARIA: “N-No..!!..Please, don't..!!”
NICHOLAI: (No one makes my Maria cry..!!) “...Big Wolf, threatening a Vixen with a knife..!!..Why don't you put that knife where your mouth is..??”
SPIEGAL: “...The fuck did you just say...Fox??”
This time it was Nicholai's turn to make a move as he approached Spiegal and Maria..!..Money in hand..!..Before he stopped in front the two of them and balanced the 145000 Yen on his left hand..!!..Never taking his eyes off of Spiegel..!!..Maria only able to give him a pleading look as she tries to make sense of what she was seeing..!!
MARIA: “N..N..Nicholai..??”
NICHOLAI: “...You like to gamble, Wolf? Fancy yourself lucky? Lucky enough to walk away with 145000 Yen instead of the 75000 I owe you?”
SPIEGAL: “...You better start making sense right fucking now, Fox. Or I'll kill her.”
NICHOLAI: “...Then I'll explain it in terms so simple even a Wolf can understand them. We each take turns with that knife of yours to see how many bills we can skewer without stabbing our own hands..!!..The one who walks away with the most bills is the winner..!!..Winner takes all..!!..But if you stab yourself you lose and get nothing..!!..Simple enough for you?”
MARIA: “N..Nicholai..!!..J-Just give him the-”
SPIEGAL: “-Fucking A. Now you're making sense, Fox. But this better not be another of your tricks or I'm going to kill you both. You're on.”
With that Spiegal let go of Maria and shoved her aside..!..The Vixen yelped as she was manhandled by the larger Arabian Wolf as he made his way over to her boyfriend..!!..She could only watch in wide-eyed as Spiegal allows Nicholai to place the Yen bills into his right palm..!!..Raising the knife up as he aimed to go first in the game of wits..!!
MARIA: (...I don't understand..Why didn't Nicholai just give him the money..??)
NICHOLAI: “Hah. I'm surprised you didn't just take the money. Figured a Wolf like you would just walk away 145000 Yen richer.”
SPIEGAL: “Truth is I was going to. But when you suggested your game you caught my attention. Maybe you Foxes have guts after all? But just you watch because I'm going to walk away with the whole caboodle in one go.”
MARIA: (Does Nicholai really think Spiegal will stick to the rules? What does he hope to achieve??)
NICHOLAI: “Heh. So it's a matter of pride. I see.” (I'll make you wish you never put your filthy paws on Maria..!!)
He kept his eyes on Spiegal as he lowered the tip of his knife towards the Yen bills in his hand..!!..Nicholai maintained a rigid stance as he waited for his opponent to make his move..!!..He looked confident, arrogant, and collected..!!..But Nicholai still had one more trick to play..!!..As the tip of the knife touched against the top-most Yen bill in the stack..!!
SPIEGAL: “Any words you wanna say before I clean you out, Fox?”
MARIA: (Nicholai...)
NICHOLAI: “...Only six..!!...Wolf...!!..You never should have touched Maria..!!”
SPIEGAL: “...Huh?”
It is then that Nicholai lets out the most aggressive bark that he possibly could! His faced pulled into its most enraged and furious one as the Red Fox lets out a wave of Infrasound that catches Spiegal completely by surprise! Spiegal barely had time to react before Nicholai reached up and smacked his left hand down as hard as he could! Stabbing the knife through the bills and deep into Spiegal's hand! So deep it comes out the other side!!
NICHOLAI: “Penalty Game!!”
SPIEGAL: “A-AA-AA-AA-HH-AA-AAHHHH!!!”
MARIA: “H-Holy shit!!”
Still scowling with a face of pure rage Nicholai firmly grabbed the handle of the knife as Spiegal recoiled in shock and blinding pain, an agony which made him clutch his own bleeding hand..!!..But this only allowed Nicholai to put all of his weight behind his hand as he forced the knife down to strike the ground! Forcing Spiegal to his knees as he does so! Again causing Spiegal to howl in excruciating pain before Nicholai runs towards Maria!
SPIEGAL: “A-AA-AA-AAAAAHHH-HHAA-AAAAH!!!”
MARIA: “N-Nich'! What have you-”
NICHOLAI: “-Mari'! We have to go! Now!”
He took her by the hand and hastily ran her out of the alleyway as fast as he possibly could, Nicholai feeling urgency like he had never felt before as he put as much distance between them and Spiegal as possible! It wasn't long before they were back outside the Black Market..!!..But by now both Nicholai and Maria were panting after their mad dash to escape from that place..!!..It was only now that it dawned on the two of them that Nicholai had left behind all of his money when he stabbed Spiegal in the hand..!!
NICHOLAI: “...Haaah...Haaah...I think...We're safe now...”
MARIA: “...Haaah...Haaah...Yes...But...The money...”
NICHOLAI: “...Haaah...It doesn't matter...Did he hurt you...Mari'?”
MARIA: “Haaah...D..Did he..N..Nich...?”
She could see he was still exhausted from running like she'd never seen him run before..!..Maria herself felt like her lungs might explode..!..But when she felt Nicholai's hands on her shoulders..!..When she saw his green eyes burning into her grey ones..!..She saw something in them she'd never seen before..!..Something that took her breath away..!!
MARIA: (H..His eyes..?..Nich'..!..You've never looked at me like that..!!)
NICHOLAI: “Maria...It doesn't matter to me that I just lost that money...All that matters to me is if you are okay...Did that Wolf hurt you...?”
MARIA: (M..My goodness..H...He means it...) “..N..Not really..I'm just..A little shaken up..But..I'm not..Hurt..”
NICHOLAI: “...T...Thank Rex...I could never live with myself...If that bastard hurt you...Maria...I am so sorry...Sorry I got you into that whole mess...”
MARIA: “...I...I'm sorry too...Sorry that I got...So angry with you...Nich'...”
But what happened next surprised Maria as Nicholai wrapped his arms around her tightly, bringing her into his chest as he embraced her dearly..!!..A single tear running down his cheek as he held her close..!!..Maria could feel the sting on her cheek where Spiegal's knife had broken the skin..!!..Where Nicholai's tears now ran down..!!
MARIA: (H...He's crying...!!)
NICHOLAI: “Maria...You have nothing to apologise for...You have every right to be angry at me...Because I broke my promise to you...I have no excuses...I should have kept my word...And I didn't...If you hate me for putting you through that...Then I deserve it.”
MARIA: (Am I...Crying too...?) “N...Nicholai...I don't...Hate you...I just...Felt so hurt...So betrayed...So...So...Stupid...”
NICHOLAI: “...Maria...You are not stupid...You are the most amazing...And brilliant Vixen I have ever known...A stupid Vixen never would have gotten into Dodome on her own merit...But you did...If any one's the dumb Fox it's me...Dumb for thinking I could break my promise to you and get away with it...”
She felt him shake as he held her in his arms..!..Maria had never seen Nicholai like this..!..Not once..!..But now..!..She felt as if she was seeing him for the very first time..!..It was almost like she didn't recognise him..!..But deep down Maria knew as she embraced Nicholai back..!..Outside the Black Market..!!”
MARIA: “...Nich'...I was so scared when he grabbed me...That Wolf...I thought I was going to die...I'd never been so terrified...Compared to that being angry at you...For trying to save a little money...Felt oddly quaint...”
NICHOLAI: “...My trying to save a little money is the reason why you almost died...Maria...Had I known I never would have even considered it...I cannot say enough times just how sorry I am...When I saw the fear in your eyes...Nothing else mattered to me other than doing whatever it took to get you to safety...”
MARIA: “...You may have gotten us into that mess to begin with...But you got us out of it as well...I've never seen you so brave as I saw you back there...Nicholai...You really...Took down a Wolf for me...”
NICHOLAI: “...It may not be in our nature as Foxes...To pick fights with larger Carnivores...But I guess even a Tod like me can muster the instinct to protect his Vixen...Even if he has to clean up his own mess to do it...I may have sacrificed 145000 Yen to do it...But if there's one thing that's beyond value...It's you...Mari'.”
It was then that Nicholai pulled back enough so he could look Maria in the eye, and he saw that she had indeed been crying. The mark on her left cheek had bled from where Spiegal's knife had pricked it..But even so he could see she had it within her to smile..Even if it was an emotionally raw, teary-eyed smile..Nicholai felt his own tears were starting to come...But even tears did nothing to diminish just how beautiful Maria looked to him at this moment.
MARIA: “...Nich'...I'm thankful I could bring the alpha male out in you...But I admit I'm still...Very much shaken up after all...That...I'm not sure how long...It's going to be before I feel...Normal again...”
NICHOLAI: “...I don't care how long it takes, Maria...I will stick by you for as long as you need to recover emotionally from this...That's the least I can do as I try my hardest to make it up to you...I promise to never take you for granted ever again...But I won't ask your forgiveness either...If it takes the rest of my life to atone for what I did today...I will.”
MARIA: “...It means a lot to me that you feel that way, Nich'...It still hurts to know you lied to me...But I'll try to not hold it against you moving forward...Some of what you said back there...I get it...Sometimes it really does feel like society is stacked against us...Sometimes...It makes me wonder if we...Deserve to be at Dodome...”
NICHOLAI: “...That's for us to decide, Maria. I understand where you're coming from...It's all too easy to buy into their narrative that we don't belong where the Dogs rule...But we got into Dodome because we proved we were smart enough...I may have let my greed and my ego lead me into doing something monumentally stupid tonight...But if I can claim to be smart about one thing...Then it was getting with you because becoming your boyfriend was the cleverest decision I ever made.”
He saw her smile grow as he spoke these words from the heart, Nicholai felt his hart swell as he truly allowed himself to be honest with Maria. No jokes. No pretences. Just his true, rawest feelings. It was enough to make him smile as well, in spite of that harrowing experience...He could take comfort in her arms.
MARIA: “...Hmmm. Never let any one tell you that you were dumb for making that choice, Nicholai. On that you'll get no argument here.”
NICHOLAI: “...I only wish I'd been able to save enough money for a taxi so we could take one back to the university...It doesn't feel right that you have to walk back with me now...Maybe I could...No. After that my hustling days are over. I won't repeat the mistake that almost got you killed. Maria.”
MARIA: “...Walking back with you wouldn't be so bad...Nich'. We at least got to sample some good food...And some blood as well. Hmmm...I guess we should be thankful for being alive...Some Beasts aren't so lucky as that.”
NICHOLAI: “...True. Things could be a lot worse. We could have ended up like the Herbivores whose Meat and Blood we consumed tonight. Society may be stacked against us Foxes...But at least we'll never end up as another Beast's meal.”
MARIA: “Hmmm...That's true. I suppose the Herbivores that fear us are justified in that....It's a reality we'll never have to face...And if we have a child like our parents want...They will grow up to be a Fox like us...Facing the same challenges we do...It makes me thankful they will never be another Beast's prey either.”
NICHOLAI: “...If we have a daughter I hope she grows up to be as beautiful, brilliant and blessed as you, Maria. I think I'd like that...A precious Kit that was the spitting image of you I could hold in my arms...Maybe that's what I need to finally start taking this life Rex has given me seriously?”
The thought that Nicholai might finally be taking his life seriously was enough to make Maria's smile grow, as well as get her to stand by his side as brought her hand up so she could hand onto his arm. Seeing this Nicholai obliged Maria and allowed her to hold onto his arm, before they proceeded to make the long walk back to Dodome University. Stills shaken from their ordeal, but in one piece, thankfully.
MARIA: “I'd like that. I spite of everything I still want to make this relationship work, Nich'. You made some mistakes but you also proved to me that I can depend on you when things are at their worst. You risked everything for me back there, and you showed the cunning we Foxes are known for.”
NICHOLAI: “Hmmm. I want to make this relationship work with you too, Mari'. Being with you makes me feel happy and good about myself. I'm so used to society making me feel like I don't belong, like I'll never be good enough...But if I can work my way back up to being good enough for you...I could live with that.”
MARIA: “Hmmm...Just promise me you'll leave the hustling business for good and secure that Business and Finance degree back at the university, Nich'...And that will be good enough for me. Because then we can really have a shot at securing the future that we want for our Skulk. Whatever society might think...All that matters to me is if we can have for ourselves.”
NICHOLAI: “Mari'...I swear from the bottom of my heart that I will never again use my cunning for selfish gain...I will leave the scams and ploys to Beasts with nothing to live for...Because I've finally found something that's worth making the most of my life for...You.”
MARIA: “...Then the university really has changed you, Nich'. I used to joke about it but he Nicholai I first met would never have had it within him to say that with a straight face. Or even with a crooked one.”
NICHOLAI: “...Probably because part of me wants to change for the better...The part of me that wants to give you the life you deserve...Mari'...The life where we can one day be married and raise a family together.”
He could still sees the tears in her eyes as they walk together, but Nicholai sensed no sadness in Maria's scent this time. No. Though he smelled Maria's emotional vulnerability..It was no longer borne of pain, misery or grief...But instead that of hope, warmth, and genuine love. The kind that there was no room for doubt in...When she leaned in to give him a kiss.
[ED: Still Dawn]