Chapter Text
After whatever the hell happened at the camp, things went down simply: The cure was mass-produced, civilians and whatnot getting uninfected while high-authority figures made deals to keep getting supplies. However at first the vials were only used on people that could keep the refuges clean and safe from any outside forces: This got to the ears of Player themselves, someone who was praised as a hero due to their direct involvement (and thanks to Kona, otherwise their face would've probably been left hidden)
Of course, Player was brought into the conversation as they were an officer once upon a time. They were bound to meet officers, right? People they could trust that would follow orders without much complain.
Obviously, they decided to cheat a bit into the system and got 2 people they knew first to get uninfected. "I don't know much" Player said. "These 2 probably know more than me." the detective said
Was it wrong? A bit, but they weren't lying at all. When Doggy was cured, he recovered surprisingly fast and was ready to get trained as soon as he got his feet out of the hospital bed. Poley was a bit more complicated, but he still helped in the backlines by planning and spitting all info he had
That led us to where we are now:
Doggy's eyes were glued to the ceilling, laying awake on his bed at late night hours. How long has it been since he's been living in here? Around three months, he thinks (that's if you don't count the time he spent in the hospital)
He had it easy, since he arrived to the place when it was already habitable and rules were already set for him to follow. Even then, it still took a while to get used to it after spending so much time stuck in your brain. Having a parasite use your body for so many horrible things eventually affects your view on life; he still remembers so many faces he wished he never saw, held too much blood on his hands that he'd rather forget.
But he did it at the end of the day, did he not? He managed to survive the apocalypse and now he's sitting on a bed, on a new appartment.
Got the same job he used to like, got a new life, had his friends back to him again...So why couldn't he be happy?
He was ungrateful, or at least he thought so.
He can't help himself. He simply looks down at the letter he's holding.
Read it once again, like if he didn't already do it around 20 times before:
Dear Diego:
We haven't talked in a while.
You're probably busy with your training and recovery, and I can't say I'm in a better state with how much I'm asked to do around here. There's something we need to talk about, something important that I've been trying to say since you got here. I spent far too much time trying to find nice words and the perfect moment to do so, but I'm afraid that moment will never arrive. I'll be free next week, so talk with Poley and write me back when you agree on a time for a meeting.I'm going to say something that isn't easy to digest, so please come with an open mind and ready for impact. You may change your perspective about me and I won't be able to change that, but you two still deserve to know most of the things I did while you were still stuck in your own bodies.
Take care of yourself, don't let the infection mess up with your head too much and keep checking on Poley. I know he's not on a good state.
Signed, Player.
He sighed, setting the letter on the night table alongside the framed photo. He spent more time than he'd like to admit thinking trash of them, that they didn't cared at all.
It was stupid, it was selfish and it was horrible from his part to think of them that way considering that they're the only reason he's not latching axes onto peoples skulls anymore. He couldn't help it either, being infected isn't something that he can just forget
He remembers so clearly the chases, their screams and the pain whenever he got attacked back. How could he think about them in a good manner after what they kept in secret, specially for THIS long?
He still remembers back at the forest when his arms were being held, the vial pressed against his lips and the burn that left in his throat after the poison went down. He inmediatly jumped the attackers, trying desperately to make sure Player was safe and sound, but the world around him started to shift. Axe in hand, he rounded the forest to try and defend what he had left, only to realize the human was infected
...Well, at the time he thought they were. The infection had this little ability of being able to mess with the mind of their hosts, specially if they had control over their own actions. Doggy was the latter, as he was oh-so-fortunate enough to be affected by a RARE mutation born from the different elements of the defectuous cure he was forced to drink. He had full control and full awareness during the first months, yet he couldn't speak and the hallucinations were far more strong to the point where he still attacked innocent even if he was aware what he was, his brain loosing control to the parasite when it wanted to see blood. It did reached a point where he was no longer in command of his body.
He still had to drink some medicine weekly to keep the infection under control. It's a temporary fix until they can figure out a way to permanently handle his mutation (hopefully before the parasite adapted and overcame the cure)
That's pretty much what still haunted him. What would happen if he lost control? He barely could deal with the amount of people he infected and outright killed. He tried to convince himself he wasn't the one at fault and Player was there to re-inforce his thoughts, but were they trully being honest by then?
They seem'd good at keeping their true thoughts locked in a journal, anyways.
Perhaps he was guilty. Perhaps Player just felt pity for him or perhaps they just didn't wanted to dealt with his whining and crying.
He could've locked himself in the few moments he had control, save every single life he could, but of course when he realized his true state he already lost a good chunk of control. Even when he reached the campsite once again and locked everything, it didn't took his infected self much to break trough his defenses and turn the cell Doggy had intended to contain that thing into a safespot for itself.
He just gave that thing motives, he was too idiot to react in time, too stupid to set up a proper defense, too hopeful for not trying to lock himself or hurt his own body so it couldn't harm anyone else. He partly hated himself for that, for the amount of lifes he took that he couldn't even tell if were real or if it was him finally going nuts
...Took a while before he heard his own loud and quick breaths. God damnit.
"That's in the past...That's in the past." Doggy reasurred himself while he breaths slowly and deeply. Even then, he looked again at the letter.
Truth is, a part of him wanted to yell at Player. A selfish, hateful part of him wanted to. His more rational side was trying to be patient and hear Player's side of the story, hear why they forgave her out of all people, because he remembers when he got here.
When Player was there for him.
"...h...h-huh...?"
He remembers it as if it was yesterday. Lights blinded him as he barely gained consciousness: Last thing he saw before waking up there was some actual food that his infected body tried to consume. Then, a sharp pain sank in his neck and...that's it.
He moved his head, trying to...Wait.
He moved his head? This...isn't right. His eyes go down to his hand. His fingers moved- To his command. Moments where he regained control were becoming more rare and rare, so he thought he had to take advantage while he could. He looked around to discover he was on a bed in what seem'd to be an hospital. Sure, there was some stuff missing and it looked a bit dirty but still.
He turned around to see yellow flowers and a book laying on a table, most likely gifts...Who would send him gifts this far into the infection???
He inmediatly starts to try and move, escape whatever the hell this place wa-
"Hey. Stop moving" a soft voice sounds down the room, calling his attention "You need at least some days before you can recover"
A nurse revealed herself. An anthro fish with some papers and a pen.
"Ghh...n-no-" Doggy tried to speak, warn them that he was one of those things. Weak gags came out instead.
"You shouldn't be talking, you need to get used to it and have your throat clear. For now, can you hear me? Blink once for yes, blink twice for no." the nurse mentioned.
Doggy obbeys, blinking once to confirm. The world spun around him, but he needed to focus on the nurse.
"That's great" she speaks slowly and clear, making sure the dog heard her loud and clear "This will be a quick interview to confirm you're the guy we're looking for. Can you remember who you are?"
Doggy's eyebrow slightly arcs. Why would that be? But whatever. He blinks once.
"Good. Now, is your name Diego? Moreso, were you nicknamed Doggy by close family?"
Blink once. So she knew who he was.
"Alright. Did you used to work as an officer for the Lucella Police Department?"
Blink once. Where did this gal got all her info from?
"Are you related in any shape or form to the detective Player?"
His ears perked up on that one. Blinks once.
"...Well, we already had almost confirmed your identity, so I'll take that and explain now: You were chosen to aid in the process of recovering civilians and keeping bases clean and safe. You probably already noticed, but you've been given a cure in order to desinfect yourself. You'll need time to recover your speak and movement properly, but due to your mutation you'll have an easier time doing so. We will have you at the hospital to monitor your recovery and see if, again, your mutation requires any special condition. Got any other questions?"
That's...a lot to take in.
"I...h-huh...w-wha..."
The nurse chuckled "I know, too much to digest. I'll put it simply: You were rescued. This isn't an hallucination nor a prank, we've taken you to heal you at a cost: We need 'staff' to take care of safe havens. We think you may have what it takes to full-fill some of these roles, and we're in need of officers. You can either receive trainment for that or apply for other duties. Is that clear?
This is going way too fast. That, combined with the horrible headache he felt and the numbness he felt on his body, made it impossible for him to properly understand what's going on. He can't believe it either. Infection? Gone? He COULD move and remembered that he felt a sharp pain in the neck, similar to a needle. Perhaps this wasn't a lie, but he's not sure he could take any other false hope
"...We will give you time to think about your answer. For now, since you have struggles to control your body, you will be assigned a caretaker for the time being." she walks towards the door "Please wait here." she added before opening the door and leaving (as if he could move out of the bed)
He heard some whispers outside the door before footsteps took place, the noise of the door opening bringing his attention.
Then, he saw them.
A human entered alongside the nurse. Same hair, same eyes- Fuck, was that his police cap?
He felt his tail wag unvoluntarily at the sight of none other than Player.
"Again, are you sure this is Diego?" the nurse whispered to the human on her side.
"...He is." they said, their voice slightly trembling.
"In that case there's no need for presentation. Diego-" she turned around fully to the dog "-Player will take care of you for the time being. You can directly contact us by using the button on the right side of your bed, but if not needed then please ask Player for anything that troubles you. That would be everything from me." the nurse finally leaves the door, leaving the duo alone.
Doggy looked so...scared.
Scared of waking up, like if this was a cruel dream and he'd wake up again at the forest, having little control of his body yet again.
Player walked nearby, sitting on his side "...Diego."
GOD they're so close.
Doggy felt his tail wagging. He wanted to reach out so bad, but he barely could lift a finger, let alone his arm.
"You...sigh. You don't know how much I missed you" they said with a fragile voice, turning their head to see him. They saw right trough Doggy's defenses, so they decided to lean forwards and gently grab the back of his head, ruffling the behind his ears (Wasthatnotforcats?)
Doggy whimpers in a failed attempt to speak, his head fully turning around to watch Player's, his cap, their face, this moment- He wants to speak to Player back.
"You don't need to talk. You've been handling one-sided chats since I can remember." they stated with a smirk towards the dog, one that used to be extremely rare back in time "You still need to digest a lot too. I'd recommend you to sleep. I promise I'll be here when you wake up" they stated while petting him. They take their hand b-
"Mmm..." Doggy grunted, giving them a sour look. The human stays silent yet keeps their hand in there for a few seconds "Don't do this to me, I need that hand." they joked around.
Doggy tried to move his arm again yet was stopped by Player "You shouldn't move-"
"Y-Your...h-headdd..." Doggy weakly stated, looking up at them. Player raised an eyebrow then felt Doggy's arm trying to move. They capted the message and placed his hand on their head, feeling how Doggy used the little control he had on his fingers to caress their cheek.
Player smiles warmly, dissing the chair and kneeling nearby Doggy while keeping his hand in there.
"You're a botomless barrel sometimes, you know?" they banter, only earning a smug expression from the dog. Eventually the human leaves his arm on the bed yet again "But really, you should rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
Doggy whines quietly, looking at Player as if scared.
"...I promise" they stated "I wouldn't forgive myself if I let you down again."
The dog answers with a grunt to that. Player wasn't guilty in any way of what happened to him, and he'd have a LONG chat about that once he recovered his voice. Player didn't said anything yet kept their promise: "Seriously. I'll be here."
With a deep breath, the dog finally closes his eyes, feeling the detective take his hand and clenching it together.
He slowly drifts into a peaceful sleep, the outside world vanishing except for something almost unaudible...Is the detective crying?
Trusting his friend, he lets unconsciousness consume him.
Perhaps it was a dream, but even if it was that he'd have the comfort of knowing that he'd get to see their face once again whenever they rested, a chance to forget.
But little did he knew that the nightmare was over.
Finally over.
Back to the present.
Doggy almost slips as he pushes down the door to enter the bathroom. He should be asleep by now, yeah, but he was an unique case.
He turns on the water, trying to wash his face and the blood he sees on his hands. They wont wear off.
He looks to the mirror and sees one of his eyes slowly becoming a bright red before it was back to normal the next second. Shit.
It's usually the guards who check on him everytime he needs a dosis, yet they arent here nor he hears nearby footsteps. He has to keep himself calm for enough time until they hopefully arrive.
He washes his face again and takes deep breaths just as his dad had taught him: Inhale for 4 secs, hold it till 7, release at the 8th...Do it some as many times as you need, then look at the mirror...Fuck, he should do anything but look at the damn mirror.
Rushing down to his night table, he grabbed a framed photo that was taken when he was still recovering.
Doggy stared at it. Player was kneeling while he had a hand on their shoulders, still sitting on the bed. Remembering that scene at the hospital helped him calm down, push aside that selfish part of him. They were there for him when he barely made it out, kept him fed and entertained. That was out of choice, he would be dammned if he unironically thought Player didn't cared about him.
Do it again. Inhale, hold, release.
He shouldn't care, he shouldn't mind it. He should just leave the problem aside and wait. It always worked, so why would it not now?
Leaving the photo aside, Doggy sits on the bed and presses his paws against his head, groaning against them. Why did he had to deal with all of this? From when he was in his 10s to when he was in his 20s and now on his 30s yet still can't catch a single break. He thought his police years would be the worst that could happen and that, after that, he would be able to catch his breath, pay some nice holidays for him, Player and Poley. Take them to an expedition and explore some ruins, talk their ears off with everything he knew about the fantastic story behind them and their meanings. He was sure he'd do better than any boring museum! But no. Of course not only the world had to go trough shit, but also see the friendship he carefully harvested trough the years start to decay.
Inhale, hold, release.
The dog steps up, trying to ease the already incoming headache. They usually don't take long and sometimes even arrive early, so keeping his brain busy was a necesity.
He roams around the room, remembering nice things that could help him keep calm. He remembers his times as a kid on the forest, but quickly discards it; why would he want to remember the fucking FOREST out of all things?
Rustle...
He steps on something paper-like.
He looks down to see a slightly teared and kinda scratched newspape. That was the LEAST thing he should remember
Not like he can't help it. His memories are already taking him back
"Gah!-" The human gasped as some furry arm locked onto their troath in a headlock. They quickly threw themselves to the floor with some strength, rolling once they were on the floor to be on top of the attacker. Of course, it was the darn dog they learned to love.
"Good one, detective" Doggy complimented while smirking as Player was on top of him "Good to know you still keep your reflexes."
Player snorted, getting up and lightly kicking Doggy's shoulder which was more a love tap than anything "You're gonna give me a heart attack. Not a big fan of surprises anymore" they mentioned as they saw Doggy brush off the dirt and stretch after getting up
"Sorry then. Was making sure you had peak reflexes in case anything tried to tackle you in, figuratively and literally" he looked up at them "Wouldn't want the worlds hero to be found in a bag, yknow?" he stated with a bit of concern. He's been protective around Player lately
"Don't call me that, the military had it in the bag" Player stated while trying to act humble. Truth is, they knew they deserved at least a bit of the recognizement they got lately. It took at least a bit of mental strength to deal with someone like TIO, specially with the revelation Pony had under his sleeve prior to the fight. They didn't liked the fame. Sure, they liked to see how many people were safe thanks to them, but it reached a point where compliments started to feel a bit more annoying
(well, that was only when it didn't came out of Doggy's mouth)
Doggy patted their back "Ya, well, you DID helped the military. If we call every soldier a hero you still get your participation award."
"Touché, Doggy" they said as the walk kept going. They turned their head around down to look at the dog's eyes "So whats up with you today? Thought you had left the surprise attacks by now."
"Heh...well" Doggy's ears slightly lower "We haven't gotten time to be together after everything. Yknow, you got back as an officer and I was thrown onto excercise and other tasks. Even now when you're free I inmediatly got assigned cleaning duty. Thought I could at least give you a proper greeting and goodbye" he stated, looking back at them.
They...actually smiled
"Yknow, maybe if you get an open area to clean like the park or something, I could be there. Could use a distraction from all the madness that's been my job lately, too."
They had to contain a laugh as they saw Doggy's eyes sparkle like a damn child.
"...Your tail's wagging, by the way" they stated- Only earning a jab to their ribs as a response
"Shut up" Doggy answered jokingly. He didn't knew why he was so excited to have a simple chat. Perhaps it was the time he spent in loneliness, perhaps it was the chance to reconnect with his friend. They were already there for him when he started recovering and slowly regaining his movements, sure, but back then he wasn't able to talk either, so it's probably that "So js' gotta pray I get the park to clean? Sweet."
"I'll wait for you outside. Good luck in there" Player stated as they both reached a building, the human standing outside the door as Doggy got in.
Inside, there was a group of anthro animals wearing the same simple uniform: White jacket, black jeans and a light blue pin. Doors open to another room, an anthro ferret getting out and clapping his hands "Alright, lads! We got some work for today. Samantha, Kyle, Rex, Leo and Lyna. You five try to get more progress done on restoring the last department floor's rooms. Jacob, Peter, Sebas, get to clean the training grounds. Yknow, ocasional blood, some broken sandbags..."
There were quite the amount of people around here, so it took a while before Doggy got his task asigned. He was nervous as HELL, bobbing his leg.
He kinda understimated how nervous he was, because apparently it was becoming an annyoing noise for everyone to the point where the ferret himself stopped speaking, looking at Doggy
"Someone in a hurry here?" he asked as he sent another group to wherever the hell he wanted. Perhaps he called the dog out with a bit of mean intention.
Doggy looked away "Nah, js'..." Let's get straigth to the point "...Could I ask for duty cleaning the park? It seems clean enough for one guy but should take long enough to not make it free"
Everyone stood silent. Doggy didn't shrank, making sure he looked confident since that was his biggest chance at getting the role.
"...You like taking the easy ones, don't you?" the ferret said "Alright, I'll give you it only if you bring Matt and Sam with you. Make sure they're making his job, since they're gonna be nearby."
Doggy looked at Matt n' Sam, spotting them on the opposite side. Matt was an anthro Australian Shepherd. The bunny (who he already knew was Sam) sat tranquil nearby. They looked chill enough, so hopefully it wouldn't be too hard.
"Yes, sir" Doggy said quickly, taking a good look at his new teammates and sizing them already. Both look easy to tackle if they commit something stupid.
"...Alright, whatever" the ferret sighed and looked to the others "You two can leave, already know what you have to wear and bring..." he dismissed, to which they obey'd
Some minutes later, Doggy got out alongside Matt and Sam, the three wearing high-contrast vests. Doggy had trashbags and a stick, meanwhile the other 2 had to carry a broom, dust pan, water spray, mop, bucket of water, the works really.
"Hey you two-" Doggy quickly turned around to his co-workers, before signaling Player with his head "-They comin' with me. Hope you don't mind." Player simply
"C'mon Diego, you bringing random peeps with you?" Sam asked while raising an eyebrow.
"Well, park's a public space isn't it? I say they have full freedom." Doggy answered with a smirk.
"Wait...Have I saw you somewhere?" Matt's ears perk up, seemingly knowing Player "Aren't you the guy that-" but the human interrupted "No need to say it out loud. Just here recovering lost time." they stated.
Matt elbowed Sam, whispering something to the bunny before the duo saw Sam's eyes light up instantly. Player already had a bad feeling.
Doggy looked at them with a smile "Hey! This MY friend, I aint no sharing!"
Player raised an eyebrow as they held a laugh "I need your permission now?"
The other two kept looking at each other, before joining the conversation.
The day went on as expected, Sam and Max were cleaning the streets under Doggy's watch
The dog, in the meantime, was doing his part by pinching trash in the floor with his stick and throwing it on his trashbag. It was surprisingly peaceful and not that difficult! Maybe because Doggy liked the fresh air; not warm, but neither cold to be painful to bare. Or perhaps it's because he now has someone to talk their ear off. He bets it's the latter.
It's not a one-sided conversation either, since Player started it when Doggy asked them to, but the canine was interested enough to make lots of questions and give his opinion, remembering some funny stories while he was at it.
Player was talking about their old safe place: About Zizzy and the great leader she was, about Giraffy being the textbook definiton of a kind giant, about a smart scientist mole that managed to repair a radio with nothing more than willpower and some scrap. It was interesting to see how far they reached without him and he was eternally grateful with the people that kept an eye on them while he was infected. It did seem'd weird when they were avoidant to talk about whoever was close to Zizzy.
"Always thought you could be at best a decent parent, yknow? Never expected you to be the type of a loving technical dad" Doggy stated while pinching a can "I mean, I thought that because you were always overworking yourself. Not like you can busy yourself during the apocalypse" he joked around. Player was sitting on a bench nearby, hearing his talk
"Can't attribute everything to myself, the infection forced most of the kids learn to grow up fast, not to mention the conditions we found him. Poor kid was surviving alone in the mall for around a month, thank GOD we found him in the first place..." Player answered. Doggy gave them a concerned look yet a weak smile "Well, how is he holding up then? I assume he could go back to his family"
Player sighed "It's...still a long subject. Not only I don't know if his sister is alive, but his parents are still missing, too." They heard Doggy curse under his breath. Something around the words of "puta madre"
"Is he at least hanging there?" Doggy asked
"I don't know. I was forced to move here with my new job and such...I kept in contact with The Safe Place though. As far as I'm aware, Mimi's taking good care of him" despite their clear concern, Doggy could tell they trusted her enough, that they were calm knowing the mole was taking him under her wing "And hopefully it'll stay that way. I'm...not sure if his parents will be found. They were the patient zero, after all." Player leaned against their knees "Even after everything, I have to remember that I can't save everyone."
"..."
"...Diego?"
The dog kinda stopped in his tracks, looking at his hands yet again. They were still his, right?
Can't save everyone. Can't save everyone. Can't save everyone.
Words stuck to his brain. He saw it- He knew how many- Oh come ON! Why is he so...weak? This is about Player, about that poor kid, not about HIM. He didn't even knew WHY these words affected him so much, it's something he should already know and get used to, something he should have already digested years ago. But it's different when the blood's in your hands, is it not?
But his brain is brought back to reality as his shoulder is tapped.
He turns his head around to meet the human's gaze.
"You're with me?"
Doggy desperately wants to push them away, not trouble them with his thoughts. Not because he didn't trusted them, but because thinking of them just made it so, so worse.
"...Just- Keep talking. It's not like I-"
CRASH!!!
Both Doggy's and Player's head snap to the origin of the sound. A kid tripped, throwing a dirty trash bin that Matt didn't even realized was there due to how hidden it was. Doggy chuckled as Matt grunted- ok perhaps he DID knew it was there he just couldn't be bothered to clean that -and looked at the wet street, deciding which one was more important
"I'll go help him." Doggy said as he rushed to kid, helping him get up
"You got hurt lil guy?" Doggy quickly asked, using his stick to have an easier time placing all the trash that fell onto the bag that was just thrown
"No, my knees hurt tho..." the kid stated as his mother rushed, taking him with her. She wanted to help but Doggy brushed her off, letting her leave as he started picking up the trash. "Really sorry about that!" she mumbled rapidly, meanwhile Matt tapped Doggy's shoulder with a quick 'thanks bro'
Rustle...
Huh? What's that?
He gets something out of the trash bin...A newspaper! He turned it around. Big bold letters: "HEROES OF THE APOCALYPSIS"
He opens the second page while ignoring the bnnaer. That's...an interview? With Player themselves? This sounds quite interesting..
...
Oh right- He has a job to do. He should probably place the newspaper back there, but...Yknow what? He instead hides it inside his vest. There are high chances he's found out, but whats the issue? Not like holding old newspaper is illegal. He would know, he was forced to memorize all the new rules here!
He gets everything else in the trashbag and places it on the bin, before waving Matt off who was already leaving after a job well done. Sam's still getting some job done, so he'd be there for a while.
He gets back to Player, re-taking their chat and letting Doggy catch up to the detectives life. Player slightly mentioned about the same zebra they talked about getting infected, to which Doggy wanted to ask about- But realized it was most likely a traumatizing event for them (and he wouldn't enjoy talking about the infection) Perhaps once they both healed he'd try to tackle that. For now, enjoy the conversation.
And it kept going until night eventually arrived.
"Fuck, took all day?" Doggy looked up at the already rising moon "We're slow as hell."
"We're?"
"I mean, I was with Sam-" the dog turns around where Sam was supposed to be. No one in there.
"She left some time ago, you're the one who staid for hours. I'm not THAT interesting, am I?" they teased. Doggy inmediatly started running to the closest trash bin nearby because he knew his boss would 100% snitch to the other bosses that are in charge of different tasks. That could potentially ruin his chances of becoming an officer and he was NOT taking those chances.
"I'll be at the mess hall. If you can, bring Poley with you" Player said, standing up and already walking towards the little "mess hall" where most of survivors spent time to eat. Up-highers had to make sure everyone haves the same proportion and probably snitch some to certain people, knowing how these people handle situations
Doggy quickly nods, rushing off to the cleaning department.
He remembers that night at the hall. It's one that he still treasures deep within his heart.
Apparently, that "Giraffy" knew his way trough plants, so when given the right resources decided to gift Player some delicious treats when the season came in the right time. He remembers how his jaw dropped and Poley's bewildered expression when Player took french-fucking-FRIES out of all things. Of course Doggy tried to get some, why would he not? But Player denied. What a showoff.
Then Poley talked. He wasn't as much as he was into junk food, so he decided to taunt Doggy for his failure of asking for some
So Player threw fries at the air, simply prompting "Fetch."
As the good cop he was, Doggy had no other option but to follow orders, right? Why should he care if Poley teased him for the rest of his life with that? He's the one not getting the treat, after all.
He remembers eating the fries he got quite slowly to flex on Poley. Of course it got ruined the second Poley told Player that "now's the part where you call him a good boy, by the way" but he still got free fries, so who's the winner at the end of the day?
He threw the newspaper away, looking around and realizing the walls are already tinted read alongside the feeling that his skull has a pulse.
He goes to the bathroom again and turns on the faucet. He always loved water, the river, the nature...Something about the feeling on his fur under the water made him addicted, how slow his movements were under it, the noise that overrided his ears. It was all calming to him, but the bathroom's sink should do.
That still couldn't take his mind out of that dammed night.
The noise of a wheelchair was heard trough the hall, Doggy taking Poley on it with the latter holding the bag of the dog in his lap.
Doggy takes Poley towards the upper floor, reaching his apartment. He already had memorized how many steps it took from the entrance to reach to his door, the number and the fact it was above his door. He stops on his tracks to let Poley take his keys and unlock his door, promptly opening it.
"That was fun. You sure you can't stay here for the night? I ain't telling anyone" Poley asked half jokingly, only earning a chuckle from the canine "Yknow they'd kill us if they find out. They also do check on our rooms from time to time so hiding basketballs under the covers doesn't help."
Poley smirked: "Ya tried?"
"Maybe I did, maybe I not. Try and prove either." he challenged with a smirk. Poley simply chuckled and got inside his apartment, looking behind him "Well, whatever. T'least got to spend some time with you two. Good night, mutt"
"Night gramps." he added that little nickname to mess with him a little. Poley rolled his eyes and threw Doggy's bag to its owner before closing the door.
Doggy sighed softly as he walked downstairs to his floor, walking trough the other doors before arriving to his own. He simply unlocked it and inmediatly decided to launch himself to his bed, throwing his bag to the basket down his window (it landed perfectly thanks to his aim) while he closed the door. He was still locked on his own thoughts though.
It was so weird to see someone who he considered so strong and even idolized back then look so vulnerable. It's not like he's BOUNDED to the wheelchair since he can still walk, get up and just use his legs in general, but in the fragile state they are? Simple actions like standing up takes a lot of effort and might even HURT HIM, too. The wheelchair was the best (and obligatory) option
He really shouldnt think in-depth of that. Poley was already quite demotivated from the situation, and if he kept thinking about it the more it would start to slip and the polar bear would notice that Doggy still needs some time to adapt.
That asides, guards would most likely come in any moment to check up if he was sleeping in any moment. In the meantime, he reaches for his bag and searches for the newspaper he had found some time ago. He (once again) skips over the headline, lead and body. The interview was something that catched his eyes the most and he'd probably learn something about his friend too.
"-We're glad to have you here for the first current newspaper production. These will be distributed across multiple safe-places to keep survivors entertained, so have that in mind when answering any of these questions."
"-I am aware. You can start throwing your questions now."
"-Great! Before starting, any special shotouts?"
"-Well, I'd say shotouts to the safe place crew for helping me to get as far as I'm now. Helped me in dark times."
"-Alright, let's get to the questions now. For starters, would you mind sharing about yourself? Who's behind this saviour image?"
"-Well, my name is Player so call me by that instead. I used to work as an officer for the LPD before the infection as a detective."
"-Alright, Player. This infection caught people off-guard, so tell me, where were you when it all started? How did you took it?"
"-If I recall correctly, I was investigating the case of a missing child when the entire thing started. Got attacked by one of those things and knocked out, so I couldn't get in contact with my fellow officers during that time. It was a chaos waking up to an apocalypsis, but I managed to adapt in time. However I couldn't shake that feeling of dread until much later unfortunately."
"-In that case, how did you made it? What was your first thought and your first safe spot?"
"-Oh, that's a real long story. First thing I did was try to contact my officers but again, I couldn't during that time. Went to the station to find it all broken and infested. There was a friend waiting for survivors in there, helped me get out. We got surrounded but eventually made it to a campsite. It just...went downhill from there. Lost him, lost friends, lost my safety...But it did got better eventually. It took a long while, but I guess there's light at the end of the tunnel."
"-I understand. We all lost important people to us during these times, some of us turned into those. However, thanks to your efforts, lots were able to reunite. Have you been able to reconnect with people you have lost?"
"-Mhm. We had some troubles getting back to them, but it was worth it. I got in contact with some friends back, the same guy that helped me back in the station is already being looked for too. Still can't wait to meet him back"
Doggy felt a warm smile slowly form in his face. His heartbeat accelerated for a bit, knowing he was far more important to the detective than he expected. He's glad the feeling is mutual.
He kept reading for a while, discovering a lot of stuff about his friend. It would've been a sweet moment that he would talk with Player next morning.
But something else called his attention.
"-What good things would you say about your little team that helped you protect the cure?"
"-Well, we make a great team. We had our rocky moments, but we were able to get over it. I'm not the right pers-"
"-We've received information related to one of your teammates having a rocky past against the law, being once the most-wanted across the streets. Is that true?"
"-I was speaking."
"-My bad, sorry. But about the question-"
"-That's something that shouldn't be asked to me. I'd rather for that to be kept out of this interview."
"-I understand. Now, backtracking a bit, I accidentally had interrupted you. What was that you wanted to say?"
"-Nothing much, I'd just like to keep our story private, specially the one related to the criminal. If any of them wanted to speak out, it should be up to them."
"-Well, let's discard those questions then. Have you kept contact after the apocalypsis with your teammates?"
"-Barely. I sent letters, but distance has made an effect. One of them left to the north alongside a friend, but that was before the cure was distributed, so I can only hope for her safety."
...Huh.
That's interesting.
Something flashes his mind for a quick while, but he dismisses it. Nah, no way in hell they're talking about her. He knows his friend.
Asides, it was an apocalypsis. A lot of people who weren't the best during the good times had the chance to redeem themselves. He thought that was nice, having Player see that prisoners are more than mindless criminals (works more than a shitty 'we gotta follow rules' excuse from his mouth, anyways)
But his brain kept bugging him, hands trembling and clenching against the newspaper. Even if she wasn't the one they were referring to, it still reminded him to that night in the forest, one that still chased him. As much as he wished things were alright, he couldn't leave his guard down as much as he used to prior to the apocalypsis.
Just to make sure, he turned around the newspaper. Perhaps there was a bit of an explanation, right?
HEROES OF THE APOCALYPSE
"After the infection original breakout, multiple laboratories, chemical plants and multiple facilities had tried on tackling the process of a new cure under the threat of the infection spreading towards other countries. However, a strange cult had kept the progress from ocurring, allegedly breaking trough the creator of the Substance-128, Mr. P, and stopping his attempts at Evalia's Outpost.
Any other laboratory was apparently raided and attacked from mutated infected, orange glowing eyes with black eris that were capable of critical thinking seemingly managed by other being. With the research of the recently forgiven Kona Klips, these have ben classified as Insolence infected, a mutation that allowed them to think further. It is suspected to be linked to something paranormal, but further research has yet to prove the points. Evidence so far confirms the idea.""In other news, we have been given the blessing of having an interview with Player, one of the members of the safe place and who helped the military in keeping the cure intact: We have been informed that when the military ran out of bullets and infecteds kept coming back, Player, alongside his team that consisted of Georgie, █████, Pony, ██████ and-"
...Why is that redacted?
He looked at the newspaper again, this time daring to look at the banner. His widen eyes inmediatly locked onto the antrophomorphic horse he actually recognized, the same one that held the potion which had ruined his life
HE was with her, Doggy was sure of that. Willow had a horrible past against the law, did she not? Player had already told him how much the military tried to keep everyone's names and take credit by itself, only reason it didn't worked being because of Kona's research, the messages he recorded and such. Lots were traded to keep Player's name in the pedestal and they could've accepted because- Well, they were a cop. It wouldn't bring down their reputation, even if it didn't belonged to them.
...But without that excuse and her probable rocky past...
The grip on the newspaper tightened, slightly scratching the paper. This had to be a joke, a sick twisted joke.
"You fucking..." He looked at the door, hoping Player would kick it and enter with a camera to reveal it was an elaborated prank. It had to be, right?
He reads the newspaper again and again, flipping again to the interview where Player seem'd so defensive whenever asked anything regarding the "gal that had a rocky past with the law" whom he feared to know by now. No fucking way in hell.
Months spent thinking about her on that god-forsaken forest. He tried to understand her intentions, but wasn't shooting him then and there easier?
During those times he would've rather being killed with a rock during his sleep than the hell she placed him in. Was he even SUPPOSED to justify it? Player's sudden forgiveness made it feel like it, but they weren't the one that spent MONTHS hurting innocent people while unable to do nothing about it, bearing injuries that would've killed any normal civilian yet unable to stop mooving. Any sort of empathy for the wolfess was ditched into an endless pit he'd already hidden under a mat and he wasn't afraid of ditching Player onto the same hole.
Hell- Poley had it worst! Even if Player had forgave her, why not tell THEM? OR AT LEAST POLEY, FOR THAT MATTER? They had months before they met again, and months after that, too! They were there when Doggy decided to open his chest to them, when he cried and hugged them once the guilt crushed him alive. They were there when the goverment discovered Doggy's necesity of more than one dose to be kept in control, they were there to calm him down and ground him back to reality, they were there when Poley started bed-rotting, thinking his life was ruined and lacked a purpose to keep going. Did that meant nothing to them? Did they preferred covering up their new friend that GOD KNOWS how much horrible stuff she could've possibly done?
His breaths quickened, his eyes teared. Why is it affecting him so much?
He wanted to talk, but the more he thought about it the more horrible the conclussions were. Perhaps...perhaps that's not what happened. Perhaps he's just reading too much into censored bars. If there's something he was sure of it's that Player would tell him whenever they thought they made something stupid.
Even if it IS true, Player had their reasons. If he came up with conclussions they could be harmful or worser than whatever's the actual reason. What if he just made the situation worse?
Push it down, then.
Just keep your words inside until they finally tell him. Perhaps he could hint a time or two to the fact he knows, but he'd rather let them talk by their own.
He's strong, right? That's the reason why he choose to become an officer. He was strong, able to take choices lots of people would crack under the pressure.
Able to not show more than they should.
The infection was already one of the worst things he went trough. You can't go downhill when you're already at the bottom anyways.
It's impossible for anything to get worse.
Everything will solve itself in time.
He just has to hold on.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
Doggy was brought back to reality as someone was banging the door like if they wanted to break in. Weirdly enough, he recognized the pattern they were knocked in.
Muscles tensed, he peeked his head out of the bathroom to see the door of the living room.
"YOU'RE STILL HIDING?"
The voice sounded something similar to Poley's yet distorted to put it in a way.
He was already trembling as he remembered that thing luring him out of the forest. His eyes looked around to the knife he kept hidden as a just-in-case. He suddenly saw a page slip under his door.
Hestitantly, he stepped out of the bathroom yet quickly launched himself to the floor in fear of being seen by anyone. He tries to read fast whatever the hell that said as he retreated to his safe place.
"What colors are the flowers?"
...Flowers? Their color? That's...such a stupid question. It's so out of nowhere- This is definetly a trap.
But he has flowers, no? Yeah, on a shelf on top of his bed alongside the photo where him and Poley were smiling on each others arms.
The flowers were red. He could swear they were looking back at him.
...No.
Those flowers were the ones he got at the hospital, and those were a bright yellow. He remembers it were those because Player themselves said they had no idea who gave it to him but he appreciated them. He liked the nice colour of them and kept them in his apartment to still keep that feeling of nature he used to adore as a kid. Not only that, but apparently the infection was connected with someones personality trough the eyes: Yellow pupils meant someone who was helpful in their past, according to Kona's research.
Sure, it was the gift from a stranger he had no idea who it was, but it meant a lot to him to have such a deep meaning behind some silly gift.
The flowers can't be red, so why is he...?
He looked at the page again, at the corner. A logo he recognized.
...Deep breaths. Inhale, hold and exhale.
Yellow meant he was alright, red meant the infection was starting to show its symptons. The goverment had made it very clear they wanted to keep Doggy's condition as a secret for the department's best interests. They had to speak in ciphers, codenames and what not.
Now he looked up. The flowers were an orange, the walls slightly less tainted of the red he grew to hate. He now could recognize the breathing outside, normal and not like a wild animal's waiting to pounce on its prey. His head still ached, he still felt some unexplainable fear: He was still unstable.
"...Red" he murmured, quiet for no one else to hear yet loud enough to confirm the guard's suspiciousness
He steps away, letting the (hopefully) guards take the space.
Black, static-y and tall figures enter the room, one holding what seem'd to be a sword and a revolver, the other one the vial he recognized and hated so much
Doggy backed against the wall, but both figures stepped back to give him space. Right.
Inhale, hold, exhale.
The black figures kept their unrecognizable appearance, but now they had proportions that an average Joe could have. The sword and revolver were shifted to what seem'd to be a bastoon and a handgun, the vial going from a vibrant green to a calming blue. He liked that color.
The one holding the potion offered to him. With a trembling hand, the dog took it as he felt the handgun be inmediatly pointed towards his head.
"DO IT ALREADY" it whispered. Doggy assumed it said something else.
He sniffed it just to make sure. Smelt like shit, but it's a shit he'd at least learnt to recognize.
He swallowed it down, being a slow action to make sure it was something he wanted to do. No drop was left, and he gave the bottle back to its owner.
His head began to ache and palpitate, his limbs feeling a bit weaker. He was glad to see the black figure slowly start to regain more colors he recognize (that and the fact it was no longer pointing a barrel to his head) while the walls were a little less red. He quickly catched himself to the bed, rolling around to at least see the ceilling and the yellow flowers on the shelf. One guard got out while the other stood nearby, actually looking down at Doggy. Truth be told, he was annoyed at how long it took those guys to arrive.
"Come on, we aint the ones with the time, stop trying to make me feel bad" they defended.
Doggy growled. The guard just gave a quick tap: "Sorry" they said "Take it easy now, champ. I promise I'll get you a bone later. Now get back to sleeping." they stated as they got out and closed the door. He didn't even liked bones that much.
He couldn't blame the guards entirely, he was the one who indulged in those thoughts. He just had to think so deeply about everything, didn't he?
That was his problem. He didn't followed his initial tip. Everything would be so fine if he just kept it under his brain, if he gave Player more time- He now KNEW they were planning to apologize! So why even think about it?
It would be fine.
Inhale, hold and exhale.
Everything will be fine at the end.
If he kept it under control, that is.