Human! Mayhem

Fly Me To The Moon

The club was quieter than the night before, with a more intimate atmosphere. Zoot was already there, seated at a table near the back, his saxophone resting on the chair beside him. He looked up as they approached, his expression guarded but curious.

Odyssey hung back, watching from a distance as Dr. Teeth and Floyd took their seats across from the jazz legend.She had her own demons to battle, and seeing Zoot’s struggle hit close to home. Her father’s legacy loomed large over her, and while she had distanced herself from it, the connection remained. Her brother Roux was making his own way in Brooklyn, far from the tangled web of the Zootowokis, but their struggles mirrored each other in many ways. Animal sat on Dr. Teeth's lap, unusually calm as if sensing the gravity of the situation.

Zoot studied them for a moment before speaking. "You played well last night," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "But this isn't just about music, is it?"

Dr. Teeth shook his head. "No. It's about finding a place where we belong. A family, a community. We’re not looking for trouble. Just... a chance."

Zoot's eyes flickered to Odyssey, who was leaning against the bar, her gaze steady on him. Recognition passed between them, unspoken but palpable. "You've brought someone who knows the rules," he remarked.

Floyd nodded. "We’re not here to step on toes. Just to find our way."

Zoot leaned back, his fingers drumming on the table. "You're asking a lot," he said slowly. "This city doesn't give anything for free. But..." he paused, looking thoughtful. "You've got something. A sound, a spirit. Maybe there's a place for you here. But it comes with risks."

Dr. Teeth felt a flicker of hope. "We're willing to take those risks."

Zoot nodded, his face solemn. "Then we start small. You play the clubs. You earn your keep. You stay clear of the family business “They have a lot of influence... and connections. Some of them even wear badges.”

Dr. Teeth's expression darkened.
Zoot’s fingers  continued to drummed on the table as he seemed lost in thought. “Playing is fine. But you should know... the Zootowokis, they don’t forget. And sometimes, they don’t forgive.”

Floyd’s brow furrowed. “What are you saying?”

Zoot sighed heavily, the sound echoing in the quiet room. “I’m saying... stay alert. There are eyes everywhere. Even those who seem friendly might have other motives. And... if you cross them, there are consequences.”

Odyssey stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. “We’ll be careful. We just need... a chance. To show that we’re more than just... another band.”

Zoot’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. “Odyssey... you’re still tangled in the past, aren’t you?”

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Some things never really let go.”

Zoot’s eyes moved to Floyd and Dr. Teeth. “You’ve got spirit. And that’s something I respect. But be smart. If you can keep your heads down and stay out of the family’s way, you might just make it.”

Dr. Teeth and Floyd nodded, their resolve hardening. They understood the risks, but the opportunity was too significant to turn away from. Zoot had given them a chance, and they weren’t about to squander it.

As they prepared to leave, Zoot’s hand fell on Dr. Teeth’s shoulder, a gesture of rare camaraderie. “Good luck. And remember, not everything is what it seems.”

Odyssey walked out with them, her face a mask of concern and determination. The weight of Zoot’s words hung heavily in the air, mixing with the smoky haze of the club. They had entered a world fraught with danger and intrigue, and the road ahead promised to be anything but straightforward.

Back at the bus, as Animal fell asleep with a contented sigh, Dr. Teeth and Floyd sat in silence, the gravity of their new reality settling in. Odyssey, her own emotions raw and unsettled, joined them.

“So, what’s next?” Floyd asked, breaking the silence.

Odyssey looked out at the city lights, her expression contemplative. “We play the clubs. We stay out of trouble. And we find a way to make this work. For all our sakes.”

Dr. Teeth nodded, feeling the weight of their new path. The city was a labyrinth of opportunity and danger, and they were determined to navigate it with their music as their guide.

As the night wore on, the city outside thrummed with life, its rhythm matching the beats of their hearts. They knew the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with each other and their music, they felt ready to face whatever came their way.