There She Is!! - Imagine
A homage to SamBakZa's animation, "There She Is!!"
She walked down the cracked sidewalk that lined the street.
The sun had just risen over the horizon of the town on her way to the bus stop. She had one last thing to take care of before she left. There was a tree nearby the park where she first met Nabi. It had been a place where she went with her parents on picnics as a younger child. Why they stopped having such get togethers, she'll never know.
Doki pulled out the silken green ribbon that had belonged to Dochi. She felt the cool material in her hand before her eyes grew wet and her hand gripped in pain. Be strong, Doki. He's away from all of this now. She blinked back the stinging in her eyes and looked up to the tree.
There was a custom of old, a sort of tradition. When it came to wishes, you would think of a wishing well or a genie in a bottle. Where Doki is from, tying a green ribbon to a tree branch was less of a wish and more of a prayer: A prayer for a dream to become a reality. She chose a tree branch within reach and made a simple knot with the ribbon. Finished, she stood back and watched it waver in the wind for a moment or two.
A dream where we all live in paradise. I hope that one day, it will happen.
_ _She turned her back to the tree and made her way to the bus stop.
Nabi was released at 7:00 in the morning.
Last night would be put onto his record as a misdemeanor, which he was grateful for. The day he lived in a society where it was a felony to unintentionally start a riot was the day he moved to the Arctic. He was given his personal belongings; his keys, his wallet and his phone and exited the police station. On the front steps, he checked his phone for anything that he may have missed while he was locked up.
A missed call and a message was all that he received, both from Doki. Her phone call didn't include a voicemail, which was indeed strange. She always left one telling him what was on her mind or any of her going ons that she did when they weren't together for the day. Putting that thought aside, he looked at the message, which was sent to him not an hour after he was imprisoned. It said one word: Goodbye.
So this really is it then. It was fun while it lasted, Doki. He tried not to cry, but failed. I really am going to miss you.
_ _With nothing to do for the day, he had done something that he hadn't done since meeting her: He went to the park.
He sat on a bench right next to the vending machines. They were covered from top to bottom in graffiti and slander, quite possibly thanks to the same people responsible for the tagging job that took him half an afternoon to clean up. The trees that broke the monotony of the now brown and dead grass had shed almost all of the leaves that they had. With autumn storm clouds overhead, it was as if the weather and the coming cold only accented the loss further.
Mother nature has a cruel sense of humor.
When their feelings became mutual, Nabi and Doki would each get a drink that the other preferred, mostly to broaden their horizons and to make a little game out of their relationship. Ever since then, Nabi could never stomach Frosted Fish again.
He looked down to his cup of carrot juice in his hands. It was all he could drink now besides water. He didn't want to admit it, but he couldn't let her go. Not after everything he had been through with her.
So lost in his thoughts, he almost overlooked the flash of canary yellow on the ground next to him.
He looked down to the side of the vending machines to see a small bird as brightly colored as the sun. It was lying in a cardboard box, obviously abandoned by its previous owner. How sad. he thought. The little guy probably ain't much older than a year or so. It's freezing out here.
_ _Nabi saw a note inside of the box as well: "Please, give good care." Before he could make out what to think, the little bird hopped out of the box and started walking away on its own.
"Hey, come back!" Nabi called after it. He followed it down the street towards a different clearing, narrowly saving it's life when it was almost hit by a car. "You need to be careful, little guy." he said as the bird chirped some more. He set it down on the grass where it began to feed at the various bits of food on the ground. Nabi watched for a moment before glancing up at the tree in the center of the grassy expanse.
What he saw left him speechless and awestruck.
He made out a green ribbon that he recognized as Doki's. It looked to be the one that was worn by Dochi. The hedgehog must have been with Doki when she was trampled. That means that... Oh no.
_ _ His sorrow doubled when he saw that Dochi's ribbon wasn't alone. As a breeze picked up, dozens of green, tattered ribbons fluttered in the wind, adorning the tree's branches. Dozens of people desperately wishing for an intervention.
Dozens of prayers waiting to be answered.
It was at that point in time that Nabi knew. Doki still had a dream. She'd spoken about it several times in the past. A dream of paradise. It may not be one that can come true over night, but Nabi would not sit idle if he couldn't do what he could to play his part.
Her paradise is one where she's happy, truly happy. If the world can't collaborate, then I need to heed my parents advice and take the initiative.
_ He turned and started walking away from the tree. His pace turned into a jog, before he gradually broke out into a full blown run. _I've been a fool to abandon her like this. This world can't offer her what she desires, but I can! _he thought to himself. _It's time to set this right!
_ _And like that, the chase was on.
Hana stepped out from behind the tree.
She had known of what happened. Doki told her all afternoon the other day before they hugged each other goodbye. When she found out that Nabi had split with her good friend, she was angry, but understanding. However, she needed to help bring them back together.
Hana used to train birds as a child and when she saw the tree with it's ribbons, she knew what needed to be done to break through Nabi's clouded judgment.
"That's a good boy, Sae. You were perfect." she said, scooping up the little yellow bird into her hands. She looked from him to the form of Nabi running in the distance.
"Go get her." she said, grinning.
I need to get to her apartment! She can't have left yet, she just can't
It was 10:00 when Nabi made his way near her complex. His feet ached, his breathing was harsh and his head was splitting from the exertion, but he pressed on. He knew that a thousand hours worth of headaches wouldn't stop him from achieving his goal. He screwed up. He let go one of the best things in his life to have happened to him since his parents were still alive. As he pushed forward, he made a vow to himself on that day forward, he would hold on to Doki and never let her go.
As he approached the block, he looked to his dismay: A congregation of both Pro and Anti protesters were gathered near the building. They must think that Doki is still in town. _He was less than ten yards away when he decided. _None of them will stand in my way! He didn't even spare a sidelong glance as he ran right down the middle of the crowd.
"That's him! That's the filthy cat!"
The Anti leader shouted through his megaphone as Nabi ran by and at those words, both crowds of protesters gave chase.
Oh crap, they're coming fast!
It was too late. As the dozens of rabbit and cat protesters converged on him, Nabi was swept up. He struggled to pull himself free of the crowd, but to no avail. As he scanned for a way out, he saw a familiar grey rabbit with an arm outstretched. "Nabi, take my hand!" Hoisaek yelled as he reached out. Nabi tried to extend his arm as well, but the protesters were slowly overcoming him. "I can't reach you!" Nabi screamed above the crowd as he was further separated from his friend. Hoisaek cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted, "I'll call Hana to stall Doki if she can! Get out of here and go get her!" Even shouting, Nabi could barely hear him over the crowd.
_ I don't have time for this, I need to get out!_ As if the heavens itself heard his cry for help, the ground began to rumble. A stampede of animals made their way swiftly and loudly down the street towards Nabi and the protesters. To his relief and amazement, he spotted a dog, a lizard, even a rhino, all with green ribbons tied around their necks. The crowd abated as the animals plowed through, giving Nabi enough wiggle room to escape. He ran by the rhino and patted him on the shoulder. "I don't know what got you guys here, but I'm glad you did!"
Nabi made his way upstairs to Doki's apartment. He knocked, but no answer. He tried the door, but it was locked. "Dammit, how will I get inside?" As if to answer, the lizard slipped under the door, climbed up the other side and unlocked it for him. "Thanks, little guy!" Nabi said with a smile as he opened the door. It was empty save for a featureless bed and a desk against the wall. Nabi looked around in dismay, hoping to find some kind of clue to point him in the right direction.
Where could she have gone?
Doki sat on a seat in the bus, waiting for it to reach her destination. She looked out the window with her head in her hand, her expression crestfallen. I guess it really wasn't meant to be, was it, Nabi? _She had left her friends, her animals, her family and the one she loved behind. She had been through too much and in too short of time to stand staying. _I know everyone that cares about me must feel like I'm abandoning them, but the rest of this city has not only abandoned me, but themselves as well.
If the city couldn't change, then there was no point in staying.
Nabi ran down the street, phone in hand.
He tried for at least an hour to reach Doki, but she wouldn't answer her phone. Come on_, Doki, you always picked up when I would call! Why won't you answer? _As he made his way aimlessly down the street, he spotted Il-ho and his gang from the corner of his eye. _Maybe her brother might know what's going on. _Nabi narrowed his eyes, steeled himself and approached the trio.
As he approached, Il-ho thrust out his fist. Nabi closed his eyes and raised his arms in defense, but no blows came his way. He lowered his arms cautiously and opened his eyes. Inches from his face, he saw Doki's brother holding what looked to be an airline ticket. The words "Destination: Paradise" were written on it.
"She was going to show you this yesterday." Il-ho said flatly. "She's heading to the airport now with the other one. If you're lucky, you might catch her in time."
Nabi eyed the ticket with trepidation. On one hand, he wanted to be with Doki, even if it meant leaving his hometown. It had become a place that had only grown worse over the last few months, all because of him and Doki. Besides his boss and family friend Boseu, there was nothing tying him down to this town. He wouldn't be leaving very much behind.
But on the other hand, he knew that wasn't true. Thanks to Doki, he had made friends and he had been able to open up. While he wouldn't be leaving much, she would be giving up practically her whole life and he had the renewed foresight to halt that in its tracks. He made a vow to never let go and he wouldn't let her do the same. I swore that I would give her paradise. Here and now.
It was with that thought that he grabbed the ticket out of Il-ho's hand and tore it to shreds.
"What the Hell are you doing?!" Yi shouted as Nabi let the pieces fall to the ground.
"I'm doing what I should have done yesterday." Nabi declared to all three of them. "If this town can't offer her happiness, then I will. I can't let her leave behind everyone she loves just because I'm being stubborn."
"But what about the protesters? What about Doki getting hurt again?" Sam said, shocked.
Nabi looked to the ground, a scowl on his face, before looking to all three of them with the same determined look in his eyes as Doki. "It's a risk that she was willing to take. She's forgotten now, but if I can remind her how she was standing her ground, then we can do the same. Her friends, her family, all of us."
Il-ho lowered his eyes. He looked from Nabi, to his gang, to his speed bike parked by the sidewalk.
"In that case, you're with me. Yi, Sam, you bring up the rear."
Nabi was taken aback. "Just like that?"
Il-ho grinned at Nabi, putting him into a state of unease.
"I hope you don't mind high speeds."
Nabi's unease melted and he smiled as he climbed onto the back of Il-ho's bike. Maybe we have a chance at this!
As the other's got onto their bikes as well, Il-ho revved his engine. He looked back to Nabi and said, "Hang on tight, little kitty. Let's go get her."
It was 11:30 when the four of them set off for the airport.
"So, how's the left side of your face holding up?" Il-ho was wasting no time in getting Nabi to his destination. The speed limit was seventy-five and they were all going well over that. If they ended up being pulled over, then Nabi could kiss reconciling with Doki goodbye. "A little sore, but I had it coming after what I pulled. No hard feelings about any of it." Nabi responded with effort. Il-ho laughed and continued to drive.
A few minutes later, Nabi couldn't help but ask, "What time does Doki's flight depart?" he barely shouted over the howling of the wind as they sped down the highway. Il-ho craned his head back and yelled, "12:30! That gives us until twelve when she boards. Even with us going ninety down the highway, we're just barely going to make it, so we should avoid any distractions while we can!"
Nabi wordlessly nodded his head, letting Il-ho focus on weaving in and out of traffic. He and his gang were rather skilled bikers, obviously knowing what they were doing as they kept a consistent speed the whole way. As the time raced by, the first exit for the airport was finally in sight.
"Alright, we're really cutting this one close, Nabi!" Yi said as he was neck and neck with Il-ho. Just as he spoke, he saw that they were approaching a traffic light just ahead with the light turning yellow. "Damn!" Yi swore loudly. Turning his attention to his gang leader, he raised his voice and said, "I'm about to do something that's gonna hurt here, boss!" Il-ho looked at his childhood friend with concern, but said, "Whatever it is, make it quick! We'll miss our window if we have to stop here!"
The traffic light turned red. Before revving his engine and speeding ahead, Yi looked to Nabi and said, "Do not let her get on that plane! I was wrong about you awhile back, you two are great together! Be sure to keep her close and come visit me in the hospital when this is all said and done!" Not waiting for a response, he gunned forward and right before he passed the crosswalk, he pulled a hard left, letting the bike slide out from under him as he came to a stop right in the middle of the intersection. He screamed out in pain as he heard a crack from his left leg, but he stopped the traffic just enough to let the other three pass through unharmed. A female rabbit exited her car and ran to Yi.
"Are you alright?!" She exclaimed. "Stay right there, I'm calling an ambulance!"
Yi looked on his friends speeding away towards the airport and said, more to himself, "Yeah, things are gonna be fine."
He silently revoked his comment as he saw a police cat speed by on a bike, lights blaring red and blue as the siren wailed.
"Well, that's not good."
Il-ho panicked when he saw the police lights in his side view mirror.
"Oh great, the cops. After what happened last night, they're not gonna go easy on us this time!" They were less than five miles away from the airport, all with ten minutes to spare. Even if they got there, the cop would more than likely detain them, dashing any chance of getting to Doki. Sam pulled up right beside Il-ho, brandishing a nightstick and a chain. "Think we could take him, boss?" he said, once again muffled by his surgical mask that he always wore.
Il-ho groaned in annoyance. "I agree with Yi. You are dense." Despite the situation, Nabi managed a laugh. "Yeah, that might not be the best plan. I've only been in jail for one night and that was enough!" Sam grinned awkwardly from behind his mask before raising his voice to be heard. "You're right, I'm being an idiot. Sorry." However, he deflated a bit after that. "Well, what's your plan then? I might be slow sometimes, but even I know that we don't have the time to shake this cop! Not if you want to reach the gate in time! What are we gonna do?"
"Hey Nabi, need a lift?!"
Hana and Hoisaek pulled up to their right in a hot pink convertible as they continued to speed down the road. Il-ho looked ecstatic. "Nice to see you! Have you got a plan?" In response, Hoisaek yelled to Hana, "Pull a bit to the left and get me closer!" Then, to Nabi, "I got you this time! You're gonna have to jump!"
Nabi paled, obviously having second thoughts about this lunacy of a so called plan. "Can we at least slow down a bit?! Last thing I want is to die attempting an action movie stunt!" The two agreed, but was unfortunately only able to keep the speed at sixty. Il-ho looked to Nabi. "That's the slowest we can go down this road! Go on, you heard the rabbit. You can make it!"
Nabi was breathing rapidly. Placing his hands on Il-ho's shoulders, he climbed to his feet. With the speed still below what he thought were sane conditions for his upcoming performance, Nabi crouched cautiously before leaping for the convertible. His feet hit the top left side of the car. He was almost in, but his footing slipped. Before Nabi even had time to scream, Hoisaek managed to reach out and succeed where he had previously failed earlier that day. "Told you I got you!" He lifted Nabi into the backseat of the car, where the cat managed to catch his breath and calm down.
Hana looked at Hoisaek through the rear view mirror. "Well done, big guy!" she said with a smile. The rabbit grinned back at his crush with a blush on his face. "Thanks. I owed him for earlier." Hana turned her attention to Il-ho. "We'll get him to the airport! Are you two fine with distracting the cop?" Il-ho grinned as he said, "Don't worry about us! We've gotten out of tougher situations than this! Just get him to my sister!"
"You got it!" Hana said as she pulled off into the final exit to the airport. Nabi was still a bit shaken as he said, "Thanks for the help, you guys. A second off and I would have been road pizza!"
"Speaking of Pizza..." Hana said as she dialed her phone.
*Ring ring... Ring ring...*
"Pizza here."
"Are you at the airport?"
"Yep. Standing right by the entrance now."
"Alright, keep an eye out for Doki. She should be there at any moment."
"Speak of the devil, she just arrived. I'll do what I can to stall her."
Doki walked in through the automatic sliding doors of the airport. The spacious main lobby split off in different directions on her right and her left into different gates, which led further to each individual terminal for boarding. According to her ticket, she was at gate 12, the furthest to her right. As she made her way there, Pro and Anti protesters grouped around her left and right side respectively, almost taunting her as she walked. The Pros on her left waved signs saying, "Don't go!" and "Quitter" while the Anti's were inscribed with words of hate, such as "Good riddance!" and "Never come back."
At the very least, they're acting civil. Doki thought to herself. The last thing I need is my other ear bandaged as well. Not five seconds after the thought crossed her mind, she heard a shout. "And stay out of our town!" as a rotten egg was viciously thrown her way. Doki barely saw it coming and shrank back in reflexive fear. From behind her, Pizza's enormous hand blocked her, the egg splattering on his palm. "Pizza!" Doki exclaimed happily. "Thank you! What are you doing here, though? Come to see me off?"
Wiping the egg off his hand on his pants, Pizza turned and walked away, throwing over his shoulder, "Look behind you."
As she turned around, her heart skipped a beat as she saw Nabi leaning against the entrance frame, catching his breath. From what she could see, he looked haggard, tired and disheveled, his fur matted and dirty, his scarf in disarray. She locked her eyes with his and even from yards across the room, she could see the green in them. She's had over three months to get to know those deep emerald irises. As they stared, they both stood stock still, for just a moment, before Nabi slowly moved closer to her.
While Doki smiled, it was one of defense and uncertainty. It wasn't cold or mocking, but it lacked the warmth it usually had, born of an indifferent nature. "I'm guessing you came to say goodbye?" She said in a matter-of-fact tone when he got within hearing distance. "While it's true I technically already did, parting ways face to face may be for the best."
Nabi stopped walking, mere yards from her, yet he felt miles away. But Nabi wasn't having any of it. "I'm sorry." he said, laying his heart bare. "I was foolish and selfish to let you go. Please, don't do this." His voice started off low and fragile, but rose with firm conviction as he stepped closer, the protesters watching quietly in uncharacteristic fashion, waiting for the scene to play out and to gloat over who would come out on top. The cat with the green scarf ignored the dozens of stares. To him, it was only the two of them. "I ended it because I couldn't bare to see you harmed any further. You mean too much to me. But I was wrong and I'll do anything to have you back."
Doki looked on, her chest slightly heaving as she still held her smile. "What about these people and what they might do? What about this city and our society in general?" She too took a step forward, a tentative one, but one all the same. "You know the consequences, as do I." The protester who threw the egg hollered, "Yeah, you damn well better!" Doki and Nabi both ignored him, still focused on each other. Nabi took another step. "I was blind. It took me all of the past forty-eight hours to realize, but I see it now: The resolve to stand firm in what you believe in, no matter what others say!" He stepped closer, one step after another until he was walking towards her. "None of these people surrounding us are right. None of them know us or what we want in this world." His pace picked up as he yelled to everyone, to the heavens and to her, "And I want nothing more than to share that resolve with you!"
Doki's small, insignificant smile grew full and true, warmer and brighter than the Summer Solstice as Nabi approached her. He was practically sprinting. shrinking the distance between the two. Doki lunged forward, closing the gap that separated them, laughing in joy as they embraced while they payed no heed to anyone around them. For all they cared, the airport was completely empty as they declared their love to each other. As they gripped each other tight, Nabi whispered into the ear of his other half, "If no one else can offer you paradise, then I will."
The crowds of protesters, both Anti and Pro were infuriated, for they were both denied by this couple and they weren't afraid to show it. As Nabi heard the boos and jeers intensify, he grabbed Doki by the arm and gracefully spun her away from incoming garbage being thrown at them from the protesters, all while sharing a smile. As they dodged the refuse coming their way, Nabi grabbed Doki's suitcase with one hand and her hand with the other to lead her away from the crowd towards the exit. As they neared the sliding glass doors, they both spotted Pizza and Hana waiting for them, wearing the biggest smiles on their faces.
"I see you two have finally come together!" Hana said joyfully. Doki grinned and blushed while Nabi rubbed the back of his neck. "I just couldn't let her go." he said admittedly. "I want to be able to see her everyday and say to myself, 'There she is, standing beside me.'" Doki looked at him, wide eyed. She then embraced him again and planted a kiss on his lips. It was quick and fleeting, but it was real. After they broke apart, Nabi was quite possibly blushing more than Doki ever could.
"Aww." Pizza said, his hands behind his back as he looked at the two of them. "You're right, Hana. They are great together."
Hana could only smile. "Come on. It's time we head home."
Two weeks later...
Nabi managed to clean the last of the graffiti off of the Frosted Fish vending machine. "There we go, good as new!" he said, admiring his handiwork.
"It was nice of you to volunteer us for this!" Doki said beside him, finishing up the Carrot Juice machine as well and putting down her own washcloth.
Nabi looked to her and grinned wider than he had ever done in his life. "Well, of course. Wouldn't want the first place we met being eternally defiled, would we?" Doki smiled, remembering what she put him through that day. "Goodness, remember how I chopped down a tree? With you still in it?" Nabi laughed, thinking back on it as well. "Or how about when you were waiting on the very same elevator I was trying to get on? I swear, it was like something out of a cartoon!" Doki giggled, but her smile faltered a touch. "I really hope I wasn't overly aggressive that day." she said, looking into his eyes. "I've always tried to get what I'm after. You should hear some of the stories my parents have of me as a kid. Apparently, there was never a time when the cookie jar was safe."
Nabi gave a reassuring smile. "Think nothing of it." He then turned to her and held both of her hands. "Yes, it took me some time to requite that love, but I'm glad that I did." He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek, which immediately went red. Nabi gave a warm smile before continuing, "And don't you for a second think of this as Stockholm Syndrome. I gave you a chance on a date and you gave me a chance to see you. The real you. I don't regret a single second of that." Without a word, Doki jumped forward, hugging him for all she was worth. Nabi returned it in kind, grateful to her for being there with him.
"Oh, get a room."
The two turned to see Yi and Catlip approaching side by side. Nabi smiled and waved. "Well, look at you two! How's the leg doing, Yi?" The rabbit looked to his heavily casted leg as Catlip gave Doki a quick hug, returning to Yi's side. "Should heal fully in about a month. Doc says to take it easy." Catlip looked to the leg as well, before planting a kiss on Yi's cheek. "Can't wait til then. I look forward to riding with you on your bike whenever I can." Yi looked chagrined. "Yeah, if I can get the thing fixed. Might take awhile, especially with my leg." Catlip just smiled. "Don't rush. I'm a patient girl." She then looked to Nabi and Doki. "You two still going to Hana's house for the party?" Nabi grinned and gave a thumbs up, while Doki cheerfully exclaimed, "Definitely! I still need to thank Hana for letting me keep Sae as a pet." She looked down to the little golden bird, pecking at food on the ground with a green bow tied around his neck, before looking back up to Yi and Catlip, saying, "I still can't believe her and Hoisaek are dating as well! So much happening at once, it's awe inspiring!"
"Yes, all thanks to you guys." Yi said sincerely. Doki grinned while Nabi looked speculative. "Wait, us? How?" Catlip gave a smirk. "Just like Doki said, you're awe inspiring. You two are practically the first inter-species couple to actually make things work in this town!" She looked up into Yi's eyes once more. "It's opened our eyes a bit and got us going in the right direction. Who knows? Maybe things in this town will let up since we got the ball rolling." Nabi placed a hand on Doki's shoulder. "Yeah, I hope so. Anyway, we'll see you guys there tonight!"
Yi and Catlip bid them farewell as they continued down the park sidewalk, leaving Nabi, Doki and the little yellow bird. "So," Doki said, letting out a contented sigh. "Ready to head out? I still need to get ready for the party and grab some housing materials for Sae." Nabi smiled. "Sure. One thing though." With that, he reached into his pocket, pulling out the money needed for a Frosted Fish and deposited it into the machine. The internal mechanisms went to work, ejecting a paper cup before filling it up with water and tiny little anchovies. Doki took the cue, pulling out her wallet as well, inserting the money into the machine for a cup of carrot juice. In one swift motion, Nabi and Doki traded beverages. Nabi went to take a drink, but was stopped when Doki gently placed a hand on his arm.
"Wait." she said softly. "We need to have a toast."
"To what?" Nabi said, raising his cup.
Doki gave a knowing smile. "To us."
The cat with the green scarf and the blushing rabbit with the pink dress tapped their cups together, before taking a drink, all while looking forward to the future.