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camspicvault · 1 year ago

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Retirement isn't what you Think it Means

FANDOM: ANIMAL CROSSING NEW HORIZONS

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 2020-05-18

Walt didn’t normally get up this early but his back was KILLING him.

He wasn’t one to take pain meds for it either. The kangaroo was a holistic fella, or at least he liked to think so. The only medication were his stretches and the shitty sake he and Kabuki had imported in from the nearest mainland port. They still had friends there, despite being officially ‘retired’.

He was still a sleepy wreck, having spent all night lounging with Kabuki on the beach, talking about the good old days, when they were both young and stupid. Talking about the days when they were a couple of young idiots, their old fights and flings. Walt splashed his face in his sink, groaning and rubbing his graying muzzle fur with his calloused paws. Scars all over his arms, like badges of honor, were quickly covered up by bandages. ‘For training purposes’, he always told the Island Representative. He wasn’t lying, per say. Just telling them what they needed to hear. That was that.

He’d towel down and shuffle his tired old body to the kitchen, a sparse place where only the essentials were kept. Walt would stuff some toast down his maw for now. A proper breakfast could happen after he’d had some stretches.

It was still early, yes. 6 am, according to the clock he’d had on his wall. The summer air was still chilled from the night before, a refreshing start to an otherwise hot day. He could feel it. His left leg always felt better when the days were hot. He was sure that Kabuki would be complaining about his right arm, how the heat made it itch and such.

“He’s still probably asleep. Lucky.”

Walt liked the island life. It was calm. Peaceful. A beat up old piece of kangaroo flesh like him could walk to and from the beach without anyone so much as batting an eye. And goodness knew that their Island Rep was a hard worker. Built this place from the ground up herself. When he’d moved here, he’d chosen to live up and away from everyone, so as to keep to himself. But that brat Representative… She’d insisted on decorating the space near his house. Bamboo was planted. Bamboo furniture and stone lanterns were put out along a natural land bridge. A waterfall was even dug out from the hill above his home.

Despite everything, he’d liked it. She didn’t need to do all this. But she did because she wanted to.

His strolling would take him to the northmost part of the island. The ‘secret’ beach here had been given a ramp down to it, allowing ease of access without a confounded ladder… There were even some benches set out, and telescopes that cost 100 bells to peek through at other islands. There were pretty little iron benches and tables, painted brown and green. The Island Rep had just moved a house where the vending machines had been, so now they weren’t just a stone’s throw from his door. A shame, but the neighbor, Annalisa, was nice enough. A real sweetheart. Her windows were dark, with a note on the door…

But that wasn’t what caught his eye.

What caught his eye was Kabuki.

The red and white cat was stood at the top of the ramp, arms folded as he just. Stood there. Not moving a muscle. He was in his old actor’s yukata, the red and silver one he liked to wear in the mornings. An ear flicked towards him despite Walt stopping in his tracks, signaling wordlessly that Walt’s presence was known. The kangaroo never felt the need to sneak around the cat though. They had been through enough.

“You’re up early.” Walt said, approaching the cat and standing at his side. “What’s the occasion?”

“See for yourself.” Kabuki flicked his head towards the small beach. There was… a boat here. A dingy, shitty little boat, belching black smog from the pipe up top. It looked INCREDIBLY cheap, like it had been through enough hurricanes to shatter the biggest freighters. It was almost a miracle that it was still floating at all. But…

It was flying some colors that Walt was not happy to see.

“...Ginkgo leaf. Of course it’s Redd.” Kabuki continued, shaking his head and stomping down the ramp towards the ship. “That son of a bitch, who does he think he is...”

“Easy, easy.” Walt would follow, wincing as he reached out to grab his companion. “You don’t wanna just go waltzing onto that vessel unprepared. You know how Redd is.”

“Yeah, and I know he’s not welcomed here. Not after he left us both high and dry, Walt. Stay out of my way, I’m gonna kick that stupid kitsune into the sea.” The cat bristled, yanking his shoulder away from his neighbor and practically darting on all fours up the gangplank. The cat banged his curled up paw on the side of the main cabin, the clang of his knocking ringing out through the secluded area. “REDD. REDD I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE. GET OUT HERE. RIGHT NOW.”

“Yeah sure, wake up the entire island, loudmouth.” Walt would stop short of the gangplank, while Kabuki would proceed to kick at the metal siding, “You know, I know you were always better at negotiating, but you’ve gotten pretty hotheaded with age. What happened to the refined and poised cat who could get you to change your mind with his smile and soft words?”

“He got old and cranky, that’s what! Redd, I’m gonna storm in there of you don’t come out right now!” Kabuki practically yowled, banging on the siding in a furious attempt to get the owner’s attention…

“Okay, that’s enough.” He’d march up and drag the irate cat down onto the sand.

“What the-! UNHAND ME, WALT.”

“No, no. Stop. Calm.” He’d bring a paw down onto the cat’s head, petting him and shushing him. “Calm, Kabuki. Calm. Shhhh.” Walt would ignore the hissing and flailing from the crotchety old cat, just petting his neighbor’s head until he’d settle down. “I know. You and him have bad blood. But we can’t get worked up until we know what he wants, alright?”

“Well! Aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes!”

The pair would look up, and see Redd standing there at the top of the ramp. Apparently he’d not been onboard after all… “Kabuki! Walt! It’s been a dog’s age! How has life been treatin’ ya, hmmm?” The kitune just snickered as he walked down to meet them on the beach. He didn’t seem terribly bothered by the rage radiating off of Kabuki, as Walt continued to hold him back. “Come in, come in! I just finished business here, so I have time to chat.” He’d stroll past, unhooking the flap covering the entrance to the boat from a peg, allowing it to roll up.

As Redd descended into the depths of his vessel, Kabuki looked to Walt, brows furrowed and yellow eyes narrowed. “...I’m gonna end him. Don’t try and stop me.”

“I have to. You made me promise to stop you if you ever tried.”

“Yeah? Well, for Redd, you’d better break that promise.”

“Kabuki.”

“What? Ugh, when did you get all levelheaded and boring? Fine. I’ll… hear him out. For your sake.”

“Good. My back’s already hurting, I don’t need to make it worse by trying to keep you from going to jail on murder charges.” Walt would let the cat go, and dusted himself off as Kabuki shook himself. Just to remove all the tension within his body…

“We’re technically in international waters, Walt. I think he knows that too.” Kabuki huffed, “...We need to be careful.” – The inside of the ship was just as shitty and awful as the outside.

Redd’s showroom consisted of some lights set up to show the artwork off as well as the pitiful selection of furniture that Redd provided…

The artwork.

Kabuki kept his eyes averted. He knew better than to get too into it. He knew Redd was damn good at what he did. And Kabuki was too much of a stickler for details to let something small go. If he looked at these too hard, he’d be here all damn day.

Walt, meanwhile, had no such compunctions.

The scarred old kangaroo whistled, looking at the closed eyes of a Wistful Painting. “You still got it, you old crook. Ah but...” He’d tap the earring, a distinctive star shape to it… “You’re getting sloppy. That’s pretty obvious. The eyes too.”

“Well, I DO take advantage of the dim lighting, you dunces. Even if people look at the art, they buy it if they like it. Had a guy make a beeline for it and buy it up without a second thought.” Redd replied as he unlocked the door in the back. “come on, I’ve got coffee going.”

Kabuki glared at Walt, but followed Redd. The back room was stacked with crates, a Wistful Painting identical to the one in the other room hanging out to dry under a lamp. Redd squeezed past and shoved some of the crates aside, revealing a cramped table and a couple chairs and other assorted seating, with a counter chained to the floor. He flipped on a small portable stove, boiling some water and… humming?

“You’re not usually the gracious host, Redd. What’s up with that?” Walt had come in from the makeshift showroom, standing in the doorway as Kabuki sat on the least filthy stool he could see.

“Well, sales have been GREAT, boys! What can I say, even at my age, I still got the talent for business!” He chortled, prepping a couple of questionably clean mugs for his guests. “You still take your coffee with two sugars and creamer, right Kabuki?”

“Didn’t think you’d remember, you walking scarf-to-be.” Kabuki scowled, never taking his eyes off the kitsune. “What the hell are you doing here, Redd. We’re ‘retired’, remember? Or are you going and changing the rules of the game so that they suit you and only you again?”

“Mmmm… well, the game’s always changing, Kabuki. I’m an old dog in that sense, heh!” Redd was… awfully jovial, despite being essentially trapped in a cramped room with someone who would gladly wring his neck at the first opportunity. “No I’m here to ah, retire too, in a sense. I’ve given up the art trade.”

“Could have fooled me, with all the merchandise in there.” Walt tilted his head back out the door. “Seriously. Why are you here.”

“I told you the truth, I’m out of the game. Sorta. I’m off on my own, see. The, ah, big pigs and fat cats of the city aren’t so much about art anymore. Especially if they can just hire chumps straight out of art school to make them custom stuff. Old fashioned art ain’t in style anymore.” He sighed, sliding the mugs along the table with practiced ease. Kabuki caught his, Walt managed to not spill his as he fumbled to catch the hot mug. “Pfth! You’re getting slow, Walty boy.”

“M’back hurts, alright I slept on it wrong.” Walt would still stand by the door though. Force of habit. “I guess you’re goin’ straight nowadays. Nook’ll never allow you to set down roots. You know he won’t.”

“ah, but I ain’t settin’ down roots. I travel! I already have a nice little network of islands, and wouldn’t ya know it! Art lovers on every single one. In fact, I just started givin’ out paintings so that all their little museums would get an art gallery going. And goodness knows, I can get people to buy my paintings, whether they need my paintings for their art galleries or they a phone. “Let’s see yes… It’s about 6:30… and... I dunno, I guess uh, the kids love it when I add a little spice to my art!” He takes a sip of his coffee and gives them both the biggest, shittiest grin. “Like, take this Wistful Painting. Looks fine, right? But watch this. Let’ll never allow you to set down roots. You know he won’t.”

The painting on the wall shuddered and its eyes snapped open.

Walt stumbled back, trying not to drop the mug again. Kabuki choked on his sip, eyes wide as he thumped his chest and coughed.

“BOOM. Look at that! Haunted painting! I already have people CLAMORING for these babies. I can’t keep them in stock!” Redd laughed, slamming his paws on the table. “And that’s not all. I got ideas, fresh new art installations that EVERYONE’S gonna want on their islands. Real conversation starters!”

“I… I see. That’s awfully tame of you, Redd.” Walt cleared his throat and smacked Kabuki’s back to help him stop choking. “I’m… actually kinda proud of you myself.”

“Well, what can I say? I know how to adapt to a world where art tastes are changin’!” The kitsune leaned on the table, looking at his claws. “Your little Island Rep was more than happy to give me permission to hang out for a day or so every couple weeks, so we’re gonna be seeing one another a lot more, ehe-”

“You leave the brat outta this.” Kabuki finally managed to get out. “She’s a good kid, she doesn’t need to get caught up in your nonsense.”

“Oh? Well, she’s her own lady. Hardly a kit, Bubu.” Redd replied, taking another sip and looking at him over the edge of his mug. “Her bells are good here, just like yours or anyone else’s. There’s no need to try and parent her or control her choices, Bubu.”

“Don’t fucking call me that. You lost that right years ago.” Kabuki snapped. “She doesn’t deserve to be swindled by you. Not like us. She deserves the truth.”

“Whoa whoa, Bubu! I’m a changed kitsune!” Redd held up his paws defensively, standing from the table. “I know, we had some differences in the past, but I assure you, this is all above board. The only reason I’m not just setting up shop here or on some other island is because word gets around, see? I don’t need Nook showing up with the authorities trying to pin me on some old charges. Which, by the way, don’t apply here now that I think on it. International waters and all. Still, I didn’t swindle you OR Walt. You two came to ME, looking for work. I gave you work. Don’t you throw that in my face. I’m doin’ business, like I always have. And I don’t wanna resort to the worst I can do.”

“Yeah? What’s the worst huh?” Kabuki demanded, standing and slamming his paws on the table. “You gonna haunt us? Set some kneecappers on us?”

“Well, the kid seems to like you. Wonder how she might feel about BOTH of you if she knew about your, ah, less than clean paws.”

Walt exhaled softly as Kabuki stammered. Of course. Redd still had their old files. The kitsune never forgot a slight. He may have been cheerful and perhaps even forgiving. But he did not forget.. “Mmmm.” He’d take another sip. Of course…

“That’s what I thought.” Redd picked up his mug, looking down into it. “Look, Kabuki. I know. Bein’ here’s a slap in the face after all I did to you and Walt. But I’m here to sell things. I’m just as legitimate as Nook now. He doesn’gh ground anymore. And neither do you. So do me a favor. Let the residents here just enjoy the art, alright? You don’t have to fucking like it. You don’t have to interact with me. I won’t interact with you. Mind your own damn business and we’d take another sipll all be happy. Can ya do that, Bubu? Can ya keep your damn snout out of my business?”

“...Tsk. Fine. This shit’s no good for my blood pressure anyway.” Kabuki would slide off the stool, and shove past Walt before stomping back up and out. Eventually there was nothing but the faint wash of waves against the hull and the creaking of the ship’s many parts….

“...Heh. Since when did you become the calm and rational one, Walt?” Redd asked as Walt took another sip. “You were always so loud and angry last time we saw one another. Kabuki was the one holdin’ ya back all the time. What happened to good ol’ dumb muscle Walt?”

“That Walt died in solitary confinement after getting blood on his paws in jail.” The kangaroo would reply, draining his mug and setting the empty cup on the table. “A lot has changed, Redd. And it sounds like you’re a lot more mellow than the last time we saw you. That’s good. M’proud of ya.”

The silence between them was palpable, and Redd was the first to break it, stammering and spluttering. “Wh-I- You can’t say shit like that, Walt! You’re gonna make a guy feel like a halfway decent bein’… But I mean.” He’d still smile nice and big. “...Thanks. I uh. I know I did you both dirty in the past. I did a lotta people dirty. Most of all Nook. But. Between you and me, I’m tryin’ to be a better kitsune. Don’t go spreadin’ that around, I don’t need people thinkin’ I’m some sorta charity case like Nook!”

“I have a hard time believing that, but it’s not my place to judge. Do what you gotta do, Redd. Just. Stay outta trouble.” He’d step towards the door, touching the frame and keeping his back to Redd. “...We oughta do this again sometime. Catch up sounds nice.”

Redd’s nose twitched as he gathered the mugs. “...Yeah… Yeah that does sound nice.” He replied as Walt headed up. His brow was furrowed as he dumped the mugs in a sink, leaning on the edge of it… Redd sighed deep, shutting his eyes. How exhausting. He hadn’t expected Kabuki and Walt to be here… And while he HAD expected Kabuki to still be mad, he… didn’t expect Walt to be so at peace with their past.

Redd looked to the Wistful Painting on the wall, eyes staring blankly at the girl’s.

“...” He’d just sigh and make sure it was dry before packing it up in a crate full of identical paintings. – “Kabuki.”

“Don’t you say a damn thing to me, Walt.”

“Kabuki.”

“Why didn’t you say anything, Walt?! I know Redd’s up to something, we gotta tell Tom Nook-”

“KABUKI.”

“WHAT, WALT.” The cat stopped in his tracks, and turned to face Walt about halfway up the steps to his house. He was puffed up and glaring at Walt, and snapped, “What, you think he’s not up to something?! You really bought into that stupid story about changing?! Kitsunes don’t CHANGE, genius, they just grow more tails and get more powerful-!”

“It’s not our fight anymore, Kabuki.”

The wind rustled through the bamboo leaves as the pair stood there, eyes locked. On this peaceful morning, one could be forgiven for thinking that the two speakers had been blown away like dust in the breeze… But…

“...Listen, Kabuki.” Walt sighed, striding up and just. Embracing the still bristling cat. “I know. I know he’s a lying sack of shit. But we’re old, Kabuki. Not THAT old, but we’re old enough to know better. We can’t let what he did hurt us like it used to. I know it’s not easy but we gotta try. We gotta trust the kid, she’s smart. A lot smarter than we used to be when we were her age.”

“How can you be so calm, Walt.” Kabuki’s arms hung at his sides, shoulders trembling. “He fucked us over so bad. He got you sent to jail, he took everything from me… Had me blacklisted from so many places because I crossed him once...”

Walt could feel the wet patches of tears pressed onto his top, rubbing Kabuki’s back gently. “...I know.” He’d kiss the top of his head, watching Kabuki’s ears flatten. “I promise he’s not gonna pull us apart again. We’re smarter now. We aren’t gonna let him screw us over like he did. And if he does, well… we ARE in international waters, like he said. He won’t be missed.”

“...H-heh… What, I thought you swore off fighting, you hypocrite.” Kabuki laughed, as Walt let go after a bit.

“I swore off senseless violence. There’s a difference. Now come on. I haven’t had breakfast yet, and I’m hungry.”

“Mm… So am I.”

They’d walk a bit. The grass gave way as they walked, paw in paw. It was a beautiful day out, with the sunlight already so bright… The butterflies were already out in full force, flitting around the hyacinths that the Island Rep had let grow wild by the bamboo pond.

Kabuki would scratch at his right arm. “Tsk. Damn heat’s gonna give me hives.”

“Heh. Time to pull out the ol’ ice packs, huh?”

“Yeah, probably.” Another pause before reaching Walt’s door. “...Think we oughta tell Violet about this?”

“I mean...” Walt took a keyring out and unlocked his front door. “If she’s seen Redd’s work in the museum, she probably already knows. C’mon. I’ll get some smoked fish and eggs for you, and some steamed greens and sake for my back.”

#Animal Crossing #ACNH Walt #ACNH Kabuki #ACNH Redd #Cam Chapters

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