Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A brand new island, brand new opportunities. That’s what Wendell thought anyway.

He had lost track of the amount of crazy, world ending events he had witnessed with the island and whatnot. Jones tried to explain it to him, but he lost interest about halfway through.

It had been about a week since he arrived to the island. He had found a cozy little cabin in the mountains. Wendell loved the mountains, he liked to see the view from above, looking out over the rest of the island.

Walnut, his little squirrel companion, didn’t much care for them. Actually, Walnut hated the mountains, and the cold that usually came with them. Wendell had to put Walnuts little house on top of the fire place just to convince him to stay. He didn’t complain much after that, which Wendell was grateful for.

Wendell was at the stove, making some hot chocolate. He wasn’t much of a cook himself, but simple stuff he knew how to do.

“Cmon Walnut! Hot chocolates done!” He called.

Walnut came scurrying in and hopping on the counter. Wendell went to the cabinet and grabbed a mug for himself, and a bottle cap for Walnut. He filled up both, careful not to spill any. The rest of the hot chocolate he poured into his thermos, to take with him for today’s outing.

“So, I was thinking we go and explore the northern side of the island.” Wendell said.

Walnut gave him a look of disapproval.

“Yea yea I know. The Society or whatever. Look, it’ll be fine. We are just exploring, honestly I don’t really care for what they do.” Wendell said.

In truth, he didn’t really know what all the Society does. He knows that Jones doesn’t like them because he thinks they took his banana buddy, but other than that he hadn’t heard anything else about them.

After they finished their hot chocolate, they headed out. The sun shown brightly on the snow outside. They made their way down a path toward Hazy Hillside, a small town in the mountains near them.

Wendell liked it, the town had some familiar and friendly faces. Most notably, Polar and Fennex lived here. They were probably some of Wendell’s best friends, at least he considered them his friends. Wendell had a hard time reading people, it was just something he was never that good at. Wendell looked across the street and saw Fennex and Polar leaving a grocery store.

“Cmon Polar, we should decorate for the holidays, it’ll spruce up the apartment when we have guest over.” Fennex complained.

“I don’t really want guest over, you know that.” Polar replied, the bear was as grumpy as usual.

“Hey guys!” Wendell said, sprinting over.

“Wassup Wends, whatcha doing?” Fennex asked.

“Going to explore the island some more, there’s just so much to see!” He said.

“I’d be careful, the Society is everywhere, and if they might not take kindly to someone just poking around.” Polar said.

“I’m not ‘poking around’ I’m exploring. A big difference.” Wendell replied.

“Yea well, be careful. Call us if you need us.” Fennex said, patting Wendell on the shoulder.

Wendell waved goodbye and headed off. He had a skip in his step as he walked along the road. He loved the outdoors, and taking in the sights. Cars would drive past him, not really paying any attention to him, which Wendell was glad for.

Wendell took out his map and looked at, with Walnut coming out of his pocket and climbing in his shoulder, taking a look at it as well.

“Well, we could head over to the train station, maybe see if we can get ride?” Wendell asked.

Walnut nodded in agreement, and they headed off.
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Upon arriving at the train station, they were disappointed to find that the train wasn’t letting anyone on. A line of people were there, complaining about and yelling at the teller.

“I’m sorry, but this train is for Society use only, passengers will have to wait until tomorrow when the Society is done with it.” They said, only making the crowd even more upset.

They walked outside and looked at the train.

“Hmpf, well, it’s not like they are going to mind if I hitch a ride.” Wendell said to himself, eyeing the roof of the train station.

“Cmon Walnut, this will be a walk in the park. We’ve done way worse.” Wendell said, already scouting out a way to get up on the stations roof.

Walnut chirped something, probably expressing his desire to not be a part of this.

Wendell climbed up on a dumpster, then climbing up on a lower part of the roof. Finally , climbing up on the top of the roof.
He looked around, making sure no one saw him.

When the train finally started moving, he jumped down to an open carriage, ducking down and hiding behind some creates. Unfortunately, the train seemed to be going in the wrong direction.

“Well, this train goes all the way around the island. Guess we’ll have to ride it out.” Wendell shrugged.

Walnut was not very happy…
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Oscar was exhausted. Being a crime boss did have its perks, but not without it downsides. For one, managing so many people who where just so below him was tiresome. He walked around his manor, checking every new security that had been installed. He personally made sure that every one of these new turrets and cameras operated in peak performance.

He was proud of his manor. It was the result of his long road to success. All his hard work paid off.

Just then, a guard came up to him.

“Sir, your shipment should be arriving soon, do you want to oversee the delivery?” The guard asked.

“Very well, prepare my car, and two suvs for the guards.” Oscar informed him, with the guard scurrying off.
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Wendell didn’t know how much time had past, but he must have fell asleep at some point. Walnut too, since he was still sleepy comfortably in his pocket.

“Cmon, let’s take care of this delivery, then we can go grab some drinks.” A guard said, and Wendell panicked.

Quickly, he opened one of the many boxes, this one was filled with various Slapp products, and jumped in, squeezing himself in the small container. Walnut squeaked at the sudden movement.

“Shhh, someone’s coming.” Wendell told him.

The sound of people moving around made Wendell’s fur stand on its end. They were moving boxes, unloading them. Eventually, Wendell the box he was hiding in being picked up and moved.

“Damn this box is heavy.” Said one of the guards.

“Shut up and but your back in it.” Said another.

Wendell took offense. He did weigh that much, at least he didn’t think so.

He felt the crate being moved onto something, a truck assumed. He was about to get out when the trucks engine started, and they started moving.

They drove for some time, until finally stopping. The trucks engine shut off, and Wendell stayed still, trying to listen.

After a few moments of silence, Wendell opened the crate and peeked out.

He was in a garage, there was nobody in sight. Carefully, he got out of the crate, and stepped out. He tried the garage door, but it was locked up right. He turned and saw another door, one that looked like it led into the whoever’s home he was in. He opened the door, and stepped into a hallway. Whoever’s house this was, they were loaded. Wendell looked around in awe, before turning a corner.

He ran into someone, and it knocked him off balance and he fell. He looked up at the hulking figure above him.

“And who might you be?” The tiger man said, growling

Chapter Text

“Well arn’t you a scrawny thing.” Oscar said, looking at the wolf below him.

“Uhhh, hi?” The wolf said, trying to get up.

Oscar grabbed him, holding him up by one hand, getting eye to eye with him.

“Now, mind telling me what the hell you’re doing in my house.” Oscar growled.

Before Oscar could interrogate any more, a small rodent, a squirrel, crawled out of the wolf’s pocket, and bit Oscar’s hand. Making him drop the wolf.

“Son of a Bitch!” Oscar growled, seeing Walnut on the floor, with the intent on stomping on him.

Quickly, Wendell grabbed Walnut, clutching him close to his chest.

“Don’t hurt him!” Wendell growled, trying his best to look threatening, it was something he was never that good at.

“Awww, little pup trying to look scary huh?” Oscar said, almost impressed.

“I-I’ll bite!” Wendell said.

Without hesitation, Oscar approached Wendell, pinning him to the wall. Walnut tried to bite again, but Wendell kept him in his hand, trying his best to protect him.

“Now, I won’t ask you again, what are you doing in my house?” He said.

“I-I was just trying to explore! We took the train, but they didn’t let people on so I snuck on. I fell asleep and hid in a crate because I heard people!” Wendell rambled.

“You expect me to believe that?” Oscar growled.

“Yes?” Wendell shrugged.

“You working for the Underground?” Oscar asked.

“No but my friend Jones is!” Wendell said, mentally kicking himself upon saying that.

Oscar laughed. He looked at the wolf.

“What’s your name pup?” Oscar asked.

“Wendell. And this is Walnut.” He said.

“Is he your pet?” Oscar asked, looking at the squirrel in Wendell’s hands.

“No! He’s more like…my best friend.” Wendell said.

Wendell looked at the tiger.

“What’s your name?” Wendell asked, sounding genuine, and Oscar scoffed.

“You’ve never heard of me? One of the biggest crime bosses on the island?!” Oscar growled.

Wendell shrugged.

“Oscar, Oscar Furnando.” He introduced himself, letting go of Wendell.

“Nice to meet you! Sooooo…. Can I go?” Wendell asked.

“And where exactly do you plan on going?” Oscar asked.

“Probably explore some more. This island is so big and has so many cool places.” Wendell said, wagging his tail.

Oscar was dumbfounded. This wolf clearly didn’t see what kind of danger he was in, breaking into his home like this. He was starting to think that this wolf was being genuine.

Wendell looked Oscar, eyeing him up and down.

“Your big, I have a friend named Meowscles, he’s big too. I think you two would get along. Hey! You also both cats! I can introduce you two!” Wendell said innocently, his tail still wagging.

Oscar thought for a moment, before smirking.

“Wendell, look, I’ll let you go. But I don’t want to see you around here again, got it?”

“Sure thing! Cya later Oscar!” Wendell said.

“Didn’t you hear what I just said.” Oscar replied.

“Yep!” Wendell said, trying to find is way out the manor before Oscar stopped him.

“Here, the guards may shoot you on site. Besides you’ll never find your way out.” Oscar grumbled.

Wendell followed Oscar through the manor. Every now and then Oscar would look back at Wendell. He knew that there was other beast people like him on the island, however the number was small. He knew about most of them, Dire, Polar, Fennex, his brother Volpez, hybrid, just to name a few.

He’d never heard of a Wendell before, and that intrigued him. Besides, Oscar thought he was kinda cute.

He quickly shook his head at the thought.
Once they had made it outside, Oscar walked him to the roundabout.

“It was nice to meet you Oscar! Glad see another beast person around!” Wendell said cheerfully, before heading off down the road.

Oscar grumbled, but was satisfied. He had a suspicion that it wasn’t the last he was going to see of Wendell…
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Wendell got up the next morning excited. It had met someone yesterday who seemed pretty interesting. Walnut was still asleep, and he didn’t want to wake him. So he left a note, saying he was heading out, and left.

Heading down Hazy Hillside once more, he went to Fennex and Polars apartment. He knocked on the door, wagging his tail excitedly. Finally, Fennex opened the door.

“Wassup Wendell, we’re making breakfast, come join us!” Fennex insisted, inviting Wendell in.

Their apartment was small, but still a lot bigger than Wendell’s cabin. As they made their way to the dining room, Fennex called out.

“Babe, Wendell’s here! Can you make another plate?” Fennex asked, sitting down at the table.

Wendell sat down, waiting patiently.

“Cmon Fen, it’s too early for guests.” Polar called from the kitchen.

“Hush, Wendell’s our friend.” Fennex said sternly.

Polar eventually came out of the kitchen, being two plates. One for Wendell and one for Fennex. He was only wearing sweatpants and a tank top.

He went back into the kitchen to get is own plate, and Wendell leaned over.

“Was this a bad time?” He whispered to Fennex.

“he’s just…… territorial.” Fennex said.

“Territorial over you, or the apartment?” Wendell asked.

“Both.” Fennex shrugged.

Polar came back into the room, sitting down at the head of the table.

“Sorry, I am glad you came by Wendell.” Polar apologized.

“No problem! I understand. I wanted to ask a favor, if that’s ok.” Wendell asked.

“Sure.” Polar replied.

“Can you give me a ride to the train station? If not it’s fine I can walk.” Wendell said.

“Nonsense, I can take you Wendell.” Fennex said.

“What do you need at the train station?” Polar asked.

“I met someone yesterday! His names Oscar! He’s a tiger, a beast person like us! Isn’t that cool! He has this huge house in the northern side of the island.” Wendell rambled, with both Fennex and Polar looking at him with concern.

“Oscar? As in Oscar Furnando? The crime boss?” Fennex asked.

“Uh yea, I think thats right.” Fennex replied.

“He’s dangerous Wendell. You shouldn’t be anywhere near him.” Polar said sternly.

“He was nice to me yesterday. I hide in one of the Society crates, since only the Society could use the train yesterday.” Wendell explained.

The two looked at him dumbfounded.

“Well Wendell, if he let you live, he must like you.” Fennex shrugged.

“Fennex do NOT encourage this.” Polar scolded.

“Really?! You think he likes me?!” Wendell exclaimed, tail wagging with excitement.

He scarfed down his breakfast, before practically dragging Fennex out the door.
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Fennex drove Wendell directly to Oscar’s Manor, skipping the train station entirely.

“Do you need me to pick you up?” Fennex asked.

“No, I love a good hike. Thanks Fennex!” Wendell said, attempting to step out of the truck before Fennex grabbed him.

“But please be careful. Like genuinely. If he hurts you me and polar will go on a crusade.” Fennex said, looking at Wendell.

Wendell stepped out, and Fennex drove off, leaving Wendell alone at the gate of the manor. Wendell approached one of the guards doing his patrol, and waved at him.

The guard, stunned, drew his gun and signaled his comm.
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“I told you not to come back, but instead, you show up anyway on my doorstep. Why?” Oscar asked.

He had got the call from his guard, and he had Wendell brought inside.

“Well, I wanted to know more about you! Besides your cool and my friend says you let me live cuz you like me!” Wendell said, starry eyed.

“You are a strange one Wendell, I’ll give you that much.” Oscar admitted to himself.

“So I was thinking, why don’t you come explore the island with me! You’ve been here longer than I have, so you’d know all the best spots.” Wendell said, eyeing pictures and trinkets around the room.

“And why would I do that?” Oscar asked him.

“I don’t know, it’s fun? We can get to know each other more. I’m something of an outdoorsman myself yknow.” Wendell smirked.

Oscar considered it. He didn’t have anything going on right now, and it had been some time since he did anything remotely recreational. Maybe if he did this Wendell would leave him alone.

“Fine, why the hell not.” Oscar said, much to Wendell’s delight.

“Let’s go! Cmon I’ve never been to this part of the island before!” Wendell said, grabbing Oscar’s hand.

Oscar didn’t expect this. This joyful wolf man bouncing around, the complete opposite of Oscar. Being this close to him also put into perspective just how much smaller Wendell was, not much a threat to Oscar at all.

The two headed out, with Wendell rambling on about his adventures and whatnot, with Oscar barely paying attention. Watching the wolf was so perplexing.

“Where’s your little squirrel buddy?” Oscar asked.

“I left him at home, since you did try and crush him yesterday. Don’t worry! He’ll forgive you. In time. Maybe.” Wendell said.

Wendell slowed his pace and walked side by side with Oscar, looking at him.

“What are you doing?” Oscar asked.

“You’ve got a lot of scars, they look cool. You’ve been in a lot of adventures yourself?” Wendell asked.

“Sure. I’ve been in the occasional heist, bar fights, I forget where most of these are from.” Oscar said.

Nobody has ever really asked about his scars before, normally, people are too scared to talk to Oscar. Wendell was different. He saw Oscar more as a person rather than the monster he actually was. It was refreshing.

They walked along a snowy path in silence. Both just enjoying the sounds of nature.

“What do you do Wendell?” Oscar asked out of the blue.

“Oh! I like hiking up on the mountains. Oh and I’m apart of a band with some of my friends. Well it’s not really a band, we just play music for fun. I play the guitar, my friend Fennex plays the ukulele. His boyfriend Polar says he doesn’t like it when we play, but sometimes we catch him listening in. I think he’s just trying to act tough.” Wendell rambled.

“You talk a lot, don’t you?” Oscar said.

“O-oh! Sorry. A lot of people usually just tell me to shut up.” Wendell said, sounding genuinely embarrassed.

“I wasn’t complaining, just a statement of fact, that’s all. I don’t mind it.” Oscar hummed.

Wendell nodded, looking out at the horizon. The cool ocean breeze was breath taking.

“I-I should get back. Walnut probably thinks I like, died or something.” Wendell chuckled.

“We should do this again some time, uhh hang on.” Wendell said, checking his pockets.

“I won’t show up unexpectedly anymore, I’m sorry for that. But text me if you ever wanna just walk and talk!” Wendell said, pulling out his phone and showing Oscar his number.

Oscar took out his own phone, and typed the number down in it.

“I would appreciate it if you didn’t just drop by, however, I did enjoy our time together. I shall message you when I feel like doing this again.” Oscar replied.

Wendell’s tail wagged with glee, before going in and hugging Oscar, catching him off guard.

“Cant wait! Thanks for doing this with me!” He said.

Oscar nodded, and the two headed back, both just enjoying each others company.