{"submission_id":"2653731","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"5036","keyword_name":"characters","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"1870"},{"keyword_id":"33","keyword_name":"fox","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"193244"},{"keyword_id":"1557","keyword_name":"furry","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"67760"},{"keyword_id":"3256","keyword_name":"fursona","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"11763"},{"keyword_id":"7852","keyword_name":"leon","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"623"},{"keyword_id":"174","keyword_name":"lion","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"33482"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"915247"},{"keyword_id":"72513","keyword_name":"ocs","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"3624"},{"keyword_id":"186","keyword_name":"rabbit","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"100007"},{"keyword_id":"5589","keyword_name":"ralph","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"181"},{"keyword_id":"51352","keyword_name":"zach","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"356"}],"hidden":"f","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"0","create_datetime":"2022-02-19 19:07:14.987765+01","create_datetime_usertime":"19 Feb 2022 19:07 CET","last_file_update_datetime":"2022-02-19 19:01:02.017263+01","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"19 Feb 2022 19:01 CET","username":"Commando672","user_id":"252991","user_icon_file_name":"191142_Commando672_zach_the_fox_icon_3_serifdraws_.gif","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/191/191142_Commando672_zach_the_fox_icon_3_serifdraws_.gif","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/191/191142_Commando672_zach_the_fox_icon_3_serifdraws_.gif","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/191/191142_Commando672_zach_the_fox_icon_3_serifdraws_.gif","file_name":"3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.png","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.png","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.png","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.jpg","thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.jpg","thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover__noncustom.jpg","thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover__noncustom.jpg","thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"111","thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"120","thumb_large_noncustom_x":"185","thumb_large_noncustom_y":"200","thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"278","thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"300","files":[{"file_id":"3923237","file_name":"3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.png","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.png","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.png","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.jpg","mimetype":"image/png","submission_id":"2653731","user_id":"252991","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":"2092","full_size_y":"2256","screen_size_x":"920","screen_size_y":"992","preview_size_x":"278","preview_size_y":"300","initial_file_md5":"00862a8855b1f09675ad72b02bb65b19","full_file_md5":"412a2cf1327893c034ef461bf5928dda","large_file_md5":"b5e8ab7d8fa1ec47cf86eed389018f73","small_file_md5":"c49182a361f60c3d289a99b9a8828bfb","thumbnail_md5":"ff6bbec11b9b7a44a967cbdb8b578990","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2022-02-19 19:01:02.017263+01","create_datetime_usertime":"19 Feb 2022 19:01 CET","thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover_.jpg","thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover__noncustom.jpg","thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/3923/3923237_Commando672_fox_and_friends_new_cover__noncustom.jpg","thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"111","thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"120","thumb_large_noncustom_x":"185","thumb_large_noncustom_y":"200","thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"278","thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"300"}],"pools":[],"description":"Ralph's story is revealed. And now, Zach makes up for it","description_bbcode_parsed":"Ralph's story is revealed. And now, Zach makes up for it","writing":"Leon has his arms behind his back. He ganders at the fox and rabbit as they stand straight. “Well, now comes time for some real talk, Boys. After a couple of weeks, I’m actually impressed at the progress you two have made. I’m almost glad to call you team members.”\n“Does this mean we’re now part of the Furton Task Force, Sir Lionheart?” asks Zach.\n“Not yet. There’s still one last order of business.”\n“Whatever it is, we’re up for it, Sir,” Ralph utters.\n“Taking the oath,” Leon replies. “Now, I want you to raise your paw, and repeat everything I say.” Zach and Ralph raise their paws and waits to repeat Leon’s phrases as he, too, has his paw raised. “As a Furton Task Force member, I will obey my duties and my commanding leader, as well as respect my peers, my home, my responsibilities. I will serve those in need of my services and protect those needing safety. No mission’s too difficult, no sacrifice’s too great, duty comes first, as well as the people.” Leon lowers his paw. “All right, it is done.” Zach and Ralph do the same. “You are now honorary task force members. Welcome! You two can now do what you want; train at the gym, hit the arcade, relax at our spa area, do whatever.”\n“Wait,” Ralph starts. “That’s it? Aren’t we supposed to be ready for any kind of emergency or go on mission of some sort?”\n“Yes, we handle all types of emergencies, but things are rather quiet. There have not been too many disasters in the city, lately. The police, fire department, medical teams, and military have been taking on much of the tasks. They usually call us when we’re urgently needed.”\n“What about the Buscity incident?” Zach asks. “Don’t you want us to go further into it?”\n“Easy, Son. Mayor Eagle is aware of the Buscity situation; he’s ordered an investigation, and it’s still ongoing. No decision has been made on what to do next. There’s really not much to do right now. So, just chill about until I get a call. I’ll let you know what to do next. Catch you later.” The lion exits the room, leaving the bunny and fox by themselves. \nRalph faces Zach. “So…” Zach looks to him as he starts. “What do you want to do now?”\n“I… think I’m going to just hit the gym for a bit… Practice on some combat…”\n“Ooh, that sounds good. Maybe we can work on our bodies more, and get into shape.” The rabbit’s smile causes more discomfort for the fox.\n“Actually, I was hoping I’d do some practice alone… I want to improve my skills by myself.”\nRalph’s smile relaxes a little. “Well, I could help you if you’d like. Perhaps I can coach you in a way? I’m sure I can assist with making your moves better.”\n“Nah, I’m good… Matter of fact, I’d like to take time to be by myself, if that’s okay with you.”\nThe bunny’s smile disappears completely and his ears begin to droop. “Oh… I hope you don’t exclude me from everything at all, if that’s what this is about…”\n“Ralph, I just-”\n“I’m sorry,” he interrupts. “I didn’t mean to make you very uncomfortable from the first day. I was just so excited to meet you, after learning all about you. I thought learning beside a hero would make us closer… This definitely reminds me of my past from Hopsdale… God, I can’t stop thinking about it… Hurts every time I do…”\nZach pauses after the last sentence. “W-what? What are you talking about? Did you… have an unhappy life? Like, were you… abused?”\nRalph turns his head slightly away. “It’s not something I like to talk about, but yes… It all started when I was a little bunny… I never understood why my father would ignore me. He’d always smack me, tell me to get lost, then go drink some more… Never really knew he had a drinking problem… And my mother, well, she barely supported me… I didn’t really get too much comfort from her… It was hell growing up… The bullies didn’t even make my life any better, either… I tried running away, only to be brought back home by the police… Every day was a struggle, but I tried to get by any way I can… During my pre-teen years, it was there I met a nice boy; his name was Willard, and he was an amazing friend. We stayed friends until my chemistry started brewing… I started getting a liking to boys, and I wanted to be even closer to Will. High school felt like the time to face up to it… It only made matters worse… When I opened up to him, it was like writing it in the paper… The rumors spread like wildfire, and we were the epicenter of being teased, bullied, and made fun of… Everyone spited us… Willard was too fragile to handle it all… I discovered him in the locker room, limp and lifeless in the showers… He took his own life…”\n“Geez,” Zach comments. “Horrible…”\n“It doesn’t stop there… When my parents found out about my rumor, they denounced me and kicked me out of the house… I was on my own… I felt helpless… I didn’t know what to do… It was like being in a cage and getting stabbed at… I left Hopsdale and came to Furton for a new life… I wasn’t very happy, though… It was when I heard your story that gave me a motive; the fox who took down the Grim Gangster at the Pawbucks. I was inspired to join the Furton Task Force and help those who’ve been wronged.” He takes a seat on the bench nearest to him. “If I hadn’t opened my mouth to Willard, he’d still be alive…”\nZach approaches the rabbit and places a paw on his shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry… I didn’t know you had it rough, too… That’s something we’ve got in common…” Ralph turns to Zach. His ears stick up. “I never had a happy life myself.” The fox takes a seat next to Ralph and tells him everything about his life in the orphanage, with Team Rescuers, and what happened after he left Heroto. He explains how he met his friends and what encouraged them to come to Furton. “And so, that’s my story… But learning about yours, I know how you feel…” \n“Thanks, Zach… Again, I’m sorry for making you feel very uncomfortable… It’s just, I can’t help it… I’m very excited to make new friends… After all, I haven’t had any before, and after, Willard…”\n“Hey listen, my girlfriend got a good deal on tickets to see the Furton Fireflies play. She says I can bring anyone else I choose. If it’s all right, I’d like to invite you to come with us. You down for that?”\nRalph manages a small smile. “Zach… You are very kind… I’d like that… Thank you…”\nZach reflects his expression. “It’s no problem. While we’re there, maybe we could get closer. Of course, don’t ask me to talk about baseball… I barely know the sport.”\n“Heh, I can tell you about it. Played when I was nine.” The fox and rabbit remain sitting there, talking to each other. Leon peers at them through the doorway and smiles, hinting no evidence of his presence to them.\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Leon has his arms behind his back. He ganders at the fox and rabbit as they stand straight. “Well, now comes time for some real talk, Boys. After a couple of weeks, I’m actually impressed at the progress you two have made. I’m almost glad to call you team members.”
“Does this mean we’re now part of the Furton Task Force, Sir Lionheart?” asks Zach.
“Not yet. There’s still one last order of business.”
“Whatever it is, we’re up for it, Sir,” Ralph utters.
“Taking the oath,” Leon replies. “Now, I want you to raise your paw, and repeat everything I say.” Zach and Ralph raise their paws and waits to repeat Leon’s phrases as he, too, has his paw raised. “As a Furton Task Force member, I will obey my duties and my commanding leader, as well as respect my peers, my home, my responsibilities. I will serve those in need of my services and protect those needing safety. No mission’s too difficult, no sacrifice’s too great, duty comes first, as well as the people.” Leon lowers his paw. “All right, it is done.” Zach and Ralph do the same. “You are now honorary task force members. Welcome! You two can now do what you want; train at the gym, hit the arcade, relax at our spa area, do whatever.”
“Wait,” Ralph starts. “That’s it? Aren’t we supposed to be ready for any kind of emergency or go on mission of some sort?”
“Yes, we handle all types of emergencies, but things are rather quiet. There have not been too many disasters in the city, lately. The police, fire department, medical teams, and military have been taking on much of the tasks. They usually call us when we’re urgently needed.”
“What about the Buscity incident?” Zach asks. “Don’t you want us to go further into it?”
“Easy, Son. Mayor Eagle is aware of the Buscity situation; he’s ordered an investigation, and it’s still ongoing. No decision has been made on what to do next. There’s really not much to do right now. So, just chill about until I get a call. I’ll let you know what to do next. Catch you later.” The lion exits the room, leaving the bunny and fox by themselves.
Ralph faces Zach. “So…” Zach looks to him as he starts. “What do you want to do now?”
“I… think I’m going to just hit the gym for a bit… Practice on some combat…”
“Ooh, that sounds good. Maybe we can work on our bodies more, and get into shape.” The rabbit’s smile causes more discomfort for the fox.
“Actually, I was hoping I’d do some practice alone… I want to improve my skills by myself.”
Ralph’s smile relaxes a little. “Well, I could help you if you’d like. Perhaps I can coach you in a way? I’m sure I can assist with making your moves better.”
“Nah, I’m good… Matter of fact, I’d like to take time to be by myself, if that’s okay with you.”
The bunny’s smile disappears completely and his ears begin to droop. “Oh… I hope you don’t exclude me from everything at all, if that’s what this is about…”
“Ralph, I just-”
“I’m sorry,” he interrupts. “I didn’t mean to make you very uncomfortable from the first day. I was just so excited to meet you, after learning all about you. I thought learning beside a hero would make us closer… This definitely reminds me of my past from Hopsdale… God, I can’t stop thinking about it… Hurts every time I do…”
Zach pauses after the last sentence. “W-what? What are you talking about? Did you… have an unhappy life? Like, were you… abused?”
Ralph turns his head slightly away. “It’s not something I like to talk about, but yes… It all started when I was a little bunny… I never understood why my father would ignore me. He’d always smack me, tell me to get lost, then go drink some more… Never really knew he had a drinking problem… And my mother, well, she barely supported me… I didn’t really get too much comfort from her… It was hell growing up… The bullies didn’t even make my life any better, either… I tried running away, only to be brought back home by the police… Every day was a struggle, but I tried to get by any way I can… During my pre-teen years, it was there I met a nice boy; his name was Willard, and he was an amazing friend. We stayed friends until my chemistry started brewing… I started getting a liking to boys, and I wanted to be even closer to Will. High school felt like the time to face up to it… It only made matters worse… When I opened up to him, it was like writing it in the paper… The rumors spread like wildfire, and we were the epicenter of being teased, bullied, and made fun of… Everyone spited us… Willard was too fragile to handle it all… I discovered him in the locker room, limp and lifeless in the showers… He took his own life…”
“Geez,” Zach comments. “Horrible…”
“It doesn’t stop there… When my parents found out about my rumor, they denounced me and kicked me out of the house… I was on my own… I felt helpless… I didn’t know what to do… It was like being in a cage and getting stabbed at… I left Hopsdale and came to Furton for a new life… I wasn’t very happy, though… It was when I heard your story that gave me a motive; the fox who took down the Grim Gangster at the Pawbucks. I was inspired to join the Furton Task Force and help those who’ve been wronged.” He takes a seat on the bench nearest to him. “If I hadn’t opened my mouth to Willard, he’d still be alive…”
Zach approaches the rabbit and places a paw on his shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry… I didn’t know you had it rough, too… That’s something we’ve got in common…” Ralph turns to Zach. His ears stick up. “I never had a happy life myself.” The fox takes a seat next to Ralph and tells him everything about his life in the orphanage, with Team Rescuers, and what happened after he left Heroto. He explains how he met his friends and what encouraged them to come to Furton. “And so, that’s my story… But learning about yours, I know how you feel…”
“Thanks, Zach… Again, I’m sorry for making you feel very uncomfortable… It’s just, I can’t help it… I’m very excited to make new friends… After all, I haven’t had any before, and after, Willard…”
“Hey listen, my girlfriend got a good deal on tickets to see the Furton Fireflies play. She says I can bring anyone else I choose. If it’s all right, I’d like to invite you to come with us. You down for that?”
Ralph manages a small smile. “Zach… You are very kind… I’d like that… Thank you…”
Zach reflects his expression. “It’s no problem. While we’re there, maybe we could get closer. Of course, don’t ask me to talk about baseball… I barely know the sport.”
“Heh, I can tell you about it. Played when I was nine.” The fox and rabbit remain sitting there, talking to each other. Leon peers at them through the doorway and smiles, hinting no evidence of his presence to them.
","pools_count":0,"title":"Fox and Friends Episode 28: Closer","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"image/png","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"0","rating_name":"General","ratings":[],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"5"}