Transformation Tragedies [CoRIII]

Chapter 23 - The chase II

[Richard rubs his eyes once the vehicle's lights turn off and lets them get used to the moonlight again. He then notices one of the figures crossing the log glowing bright yellow and he can only conclude one thing.]

Richard: Fidzgeralds? But what are you doing here?

[Patrick stretches his shoulder as soon as he made the overpass with his wife and daughter. He straightens his back while looking into the wounded leporid's eyes, having an unusually concerned expression on his face.]

Patrick: We've decided to take a different turn when looking at the situation and that alert seemed ridiculous.

[The tall, shelled fairy then steps aside to reveal his glowing daughter and she timidly moves forward, tilting her head back to look at her boyfriend's father.]

Patrick: It's actually Penny who convinced us, well- specifically me. I'm so sorry you have to endure all of this, Richard.

Richard: I can't thank you enough for your support just now, no matter if it took a youngster's opinion coming to be.

[Patrick politely nods and gives the bunny a slight smile, before his expression darkens itself once he notices the blood on his left paw. Judith notices it at the same time and reveals herself next to her daughter.]

Judith: Gosh Richard, what happened to your paw?! I should have some bandage in my purse. Oh- give me a second...

[The slim, shelled fairy digs into her purse without hesitation and grabs a roll of bandage, before handing it to Richard. The pink bunny gratefully nods as he wipes one last tear away and wraps the bandage around his deeply bitten paw.]

Richard: Thanks. You just missed the encounter, you see...

Judith: Oh, you... you found her?

Richard: More accurately, she found me. But not in a reassuring matter. I fear she has already fully morphed...

Penny: M-maybe there's still time to do something? I did hear that the government's attack forces are on their way for termination, so I don't doubt we have to be quick!

Richard: I... don't know...

[Richard's expression turns to grief as he collapses with his knees on the mossy ground, starting to tear up again. Penny approaches and puts one of her hands on the leporid's shoulder.]

Penny: What don't you know, Mr. Watterson? We want to help you with getting her back.

Richard: I just... The way she had looked at me... The spark in her eyes, it's gone... Nothing but ferociousness and anger runs through her.

Penny: But m-maybe it's because we need the plant to help?

Richard: Arthrus? I still have some in my pocket, but I doubt if it'll have any effect anymore...

Penny: No matter what the answer to that will be, we will do our best to snap her out of it.

Richard: Y-you will?

Penny: She's our, well- at least my, friend after all and I want her to be alright. I want all of you to be alright.

[Richard wipes away his tears and his pupils expand as the glow of the fairy lightens up his face.]

Richard: Gosh, your sweetness can't be topped, can it. I always knew Gumball was able to encounter the right kiddos.

[Penny lets out a gentle chuckle and supports Richard as he carefully gets up, seeing her parents giving a slight smile as well.]