-ˏˋ 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 ˊˎ-

[vulpsicle]

       -ˏˋ #VULPSICLE ⸻ A canon interpretation                                                     of Nick Wilde

      ⸻ " Never let them see                        that they get to you. " ˊˎ-

『 Established 2025 』 Conned by Jade.      Selective, private, and independent.          Cross-overs are more than welcome.

                                      rules / about / verses / starters

[luckbased]

Fight club, huh? Joey isn't sure if it's the same as a dueling arena, but he's not going to complain about free information. Especially how everyone else has been treating him like the plague.

He's right about this fox guy, he does seem friendly.

After throwing money at the other, he gives his pawsicle an eager lick.

"Psh, naw, I don't need weapons when I've got these babies!" His hands curl into fists and he flexes his biceps. "The name's Joey, by the way. I'm new to town." He loiters around the food stall, flashing a sunny smile. "Don't think there's humans around here, but figured I'd ask."

[vulpsicle]

As he traded the frozen treat for cash, Nick tried not to wince in case the stranger’s strange flesh-hand grazed his paw. Swallowing his discomfort, he cleared his throat and made an effort not to stare too hard at the other’s odd features.

“Joey, a pleasure to meet you,” Nick managed as elegantly as possible, maintaining his best approximation of polite eye contact. “Nick Wilde, local vendor.”

When Joey smiled, Nick caught a clear glimpse of his teeth. Flat, like a prey animal’s. His gaze flicked briefly to the machinery on Joey’s arm, and he wondered if this made him some kind of cyborg herbivore. Was being a human something that came standard with parts like that?

Maybe he was just a mammal from some far-off country, or a remote island. Whatever he was, Nick decided that any additional cash Joey happened to be carrying could very reasonably end up in his pockets.

“Don’t think there is, buddy. But hey, if you need a tour, I’d be happy to give you one.” He paused. “For ten bucks.”

[mcxueen]

A pleasantly surprised flash in McQueen’s ocean-like eyes, plus the big grin on his muzzle, surely made it clear to Nick that he was delighted to see his old friend.

“Of course I did!” he chuckled, even if a slightly sour taste settled on his tongue at the mention of his… real name.

“Aw, c’mon, Nick, you know it’s Lightning now, don’t ya?” he teased, approaching and then wondering if he should hug him or just shake his paw.

He went with offering a black-padded paw. An embrace might’ve been a bit… awkward.

“Gosh, it’s awesome to see you again! I did kinda wonder whatever happened to you after we drifted apart sometimes.”

The feline then twitched his whiskers, before he gave a little tilt of his head. “What’re you doin’ here, Nick? Just came to watch a race, or are you meetin’ someone, or…?” Lightning straightened, curious. “I know it’s been years, but I guess I didn’t think of you as the type a’ guy to come watch a Piston Cup race outta the blue!”

[vulpsicle]

It was pure entertainment for Nick to see how Lightning nearly cringed at his real name, never one to shy away from a little teasing. It only made the smile on his maw stick. “ It’s Lightning now? I couldn’t tell with all the fans cheering your name, ” Nick joked, paw outstretched to shake his.

“ I’ve been around the city, doin’ what I do best. ” Being an absolute con, that is. Nick wasn’t entirely sure how truthful he should be about his daily scheming. Twisting the truth seemed safer, unsure if Lightning would reject him if he were too forthcoming about his real line of work.

“ I run a small business with my buddy, ” he continued smoothly. “ We sell pawpsicles, donate the sticks to a local rodent charity. Honest work. ”

It wasn’t as if Lightning hadn’t been a rebel himself once upon a time, but Nick embellished things just in case.

“ And I’m here because I wanted to see how my old buddy was doing. ” He nudged him lightly with an elbow. “ Kept hearing you win race after race. Figured I had to see it for myself. ”

He conveniently left out the part about selling forged autographs earlier. Withholding information had never bothered this sly fox.

[luckbased]

@vulpsicle

Joey approaches the friendliest face he could find, which to be honest, is this lax looking fox. Everyone else he's encountered has either gawked at him or ignored him, treating him like a freaky circus animal.

Which, he supposes, is fair. But his Duel Disk said there's duelists in this world, unless it's completely wrong. Stupid hunk of junk.

"Yo!" He flashes a sheepish smile. "You know if there's a dueling arena around here or where I can get food that isn't tiny as hell... actually, yeah, I'll take the tiny food." He sighs, already fishing out money for the Pawsicles. It's better than trying to gnaw food that's way too big for his mouth, after all.

[vulpsicle]

Initially, Nick was floored at the sight of this stranger. An odd mane, a clear lack of fur, and an alien contraption latched onto his arm. It was all so overwhelming to take in at once, his eyes struggling to settle on any one detail.

But then the cash came out, and he suddenly cared a lot less. His paw plucked a popsicle from the cart, ready to trade the icy treat for the money. Who cared how outlandish this stranger was if they were paying up?

Well… Nick admittedly still cared a little.

" Fight club’s down a block or so. Doesn’t start ’til night, and I don’t think you’re allowed to use weapons. " Nick glanced down at the eldritch machine wrapped around the customer’s forearm, brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of it.

[afterlifedefied-arch]

@vulpsicle

"I'm... I'm not a zombie. I just put my body in the wrong place." Mika tries to ease the other who clearly just saw a corpse on the floor suddenly reawakened. What a great first impression. Mika stands up fully where their knees shook trying to adjust to their body having blood flow to their lower legs. Mika's ghostly, blue eyes watched the other. As if a mysterious fog had rolled over their gaze.

The last thing Mika needed was attention in the wrong places. Not like anyone would BELIEVE Nick, but Mika didn't need to take that chance of being outed as an otherworldly being. Even if Mika appeared as nothing more than a simple sheep.

"Guess I have to explain this, huh?" Mika didn't exactly know how to go about telling Nick that Ghosts and mythical doorways existed. Mika patted down their cardigan to make sure that their remote to get back home was still there.

Yep. Still there. "I don't expect you to believe me. But I'm a ghost who can... temporarily have a fake body in order to look normal. Just a passerby. I'm not even a REAL sheep. It's a-uh... how do I say this?" Mika fumbled their words with huff. "Illusion? Disguise? Yeah. Disguise. So, uh... yeah. I was just trying to scope out a night club that was around, but... it's for carnivores only, so I got curious." Mika shook their head in disbelief.

"Sorry you had to see that. Gave you a real scare, didn't I?" A teased jab at him. "Name's Mika. First time in uh... Zootopia as the locals call it? Though they gave me weird looks. Guess it doesn't make sense for someone to come to a big city and not know where or how they got here." A meek shrug. "Just kinda thought of a big city with animals and "poof!" Here I am." As if that explained why he decided to become a CORPSE was a bright idea near the alleyway at night.

[vulpsicle]

A mix of shock, confusion, and absolute horror crossed Nick’s face. His nose scrunched, eyes blown wide as he stared, speechless, at the figure before him. In his head, he counted the months, trying to work out whether he’d somehow forgotten it was October and this was just an elaborate trick rather than a treat. To his dismay, it was definitely not October, and even if it were, it wouldn’t explain the scene he’d just witnessed.

Maybe he was being pranked. Maybe this was a hidden-camera TV show and he was the unfortunate victim. Before he could form a proper sentence, he croaked the beginning of a word, eyes darting around as he searched for a film crew waiting behind the nearest corner.

Nope. No film crew. Just a sheep that had apparently risen from the dead and reanimated itself.

Even so, it was hard to decide whether anything the other was saying was true. His mind scrambled for alternative explanations. Maybe the sheep was a professional in special effects. A very dedicated one.

" Mika, was it? Nick Wilde, " he paused to inhale, " I can take you to the nearest hospital, just down this way. They can definitely evaluate you there. " Nick had heard every word they’d said: about not being a real sheep, about scoping out nightclubs, about being a ghost. To him, at least for now, it was all mad talk.

[le-chateau-fromage]

Ever one to enjoy the view from above, she climbed onto Nick's waiting paw.

"The storeroom is in the basement of the gallery," she explained. "Do you see that building with the bow on top?" It probably stuck out like a sore thumb against the background of the town. "That is our destination! Do not worry, the entrance is big enough for you. We have hired animals larger than you are before. You will have no trouble investigating. Oh, and do mind the traffic!"

By that, she meant not to step on any of the cars.

[vulpsicle]

Reaching the storeroom might have been the greatest challenge of this case yet. With a steady breath, Nick began his cautious, careful trek toward their destination. Some citizens looked up at him, irritated by the large obstruction in their path. Tiny cars honked now and then, though most were understanding, thankfully. All the while, his tail stayed dutifully wrapped around his ankle, terrified of hitting anyone if he so much as twitched it.

After offering several dozen thank-yous and apologies as he mindfully made his way through the crowd, they finally arrived. Nick let out a sigh of relief, pleased to see the entrance was inclusive for all animals, just as Palomine had mentioned.

"Now, are you familiar who runs this place? Where their office might be?" Nick scanned the area, making a mental note of the place. "I've got a few questions to ask."

[shcrdcdlifc]

The demon slayer felt his heart racing as he listens to Nick’s words before he was being questioned where he was truly from, he has to think and fast!

His eyes darted before taking note of a map on a board of sorts nearby as he quickly focused on one of the names, he made sure not to throw suspicion as he spoke in a calm voice despite his quickening heartbeat.

“Likewise and ahh, well you see, I’m from Outback Island. It’s rather far from Zootopia so it took me some time to reach here, I do hope that my words aren’t confusing you Nick and sorry to make the air around here feel heated up just now. It wasn’t my intention…”

He explained as he moves his feet a little, he didn’t like lying like this as it hurts his mind. He was always truthful but here, he was literally at a stand still and couldn’t think straight, his head was beginning to throb, he needs to calm down!

[vulpsicle]

Having never been to Outback Island, Nick assumed there must be mammals native to it that he was completely unfamiliar with. Although Zootopia was home to a throng of different species, it was impossible to know every one in existence. At least, that’s what he told himself.

With a slow, understanding nod, his confusion began to dissipate. Perhaps he was simply uncultured, and that was the last thing he wanted to appear in front of a noble who handed out gold coins like they were nothing.

" Outback Island! " Nick echoed, clearly impressed by how far Hisui had traveled. " No wonder you looked so lost. Well, like I said before, I’d be more than happy to show you around this crazy city. I know exactly where to go, where not to go, and everywhere in between. "

The city was so chock-full of activities that it was hard to know where to start. He wondered what someone from Oceania might want. " We could try the finest Outback cuisine in the city, if you’re feeling homesick. "

[vulpsicle]

[ OOC ]

Hi everyone!! Just wanted to give a heads up that I'll be slow to reply since I am traveling for the holidays

I hope everyone is staying warm and having a great December ♡

[takenamiss]

Good fortune comes to those who usually don't have it. Or at least that was his motto. Those who had plenty didn't need more. In fact, they could use less. That's where he and his band came in. That how they acquired it was sometimes not so very legal was something between themselves and Chief Bogo. The buffalo was right in suspecting something shady was going on but there had never been enough evidence to actually pin something down either him or John. They were dancing on a thin rope there.

Robin's smirk only widened as he caught the spark in Nick's eye. A nostalgic pride surging in stomach -- one that could only belong to an older brother wishing to impress the younger sibling. Nick had no idea how much he meant to him and there was barely a way to vocalize it.

John was standing behind the bar, working on a tap. Broken, it seemed, due to the heavy from and the low swearing. "Oi, Johnny boy! Language! Isn't this a place for serenity?" The bear dismissed the theatrics with a wave of his hand and continued on the job. In the meantime, Robin reached out to squeeze Nick's shoulders in excitement; guiding him through the crowd to the best stool in the bar. One that had a nice view. One that was also somewhat secluded for private conversations. "It's been too long, little brother! It's been too long, I tell you! -- Who would've thought you'd become the busy entrepreneur you are today. How is business? And most of all, how are you?"

[vulpsicle]

Being nonchalant was important to Nick, and he tried not to act like some star-struck kitten as he looked around the bar. He took in the sights, observed the patrons, and was pleasantly surprised by how cozy it felt. Relaxing his shoulders, he let them droop as Robin found the best spot in the house for them. With the city being so suffocating sometimes--the rude drivers, the judgmental mammals--this hidden bar was the perfect place to take a breather.

Once he had a moment to get situated, his gaze drifted toward the others in the hideaway. Namely, the imposing bear dressed suspiciously like his brother. Nick wondered if they were best friends, judging by the similarly matching attire.

His eyes flitted back to Robin as he began to speak, ears swiveling first as they caught his voice. A weak smile split his lips as he chuckled lightly. “ Business is good, so I’m good. You’d be surprised how much dough you can make selling popsicles and popsicle sticks to rodents. ”

Nick’s gaze fell to the bar, fingers thumping against the tabletop as he briefly zoned out, already plotting how he’d swindle the next elephant-sized popsicle to melt down. With a slow shake of his head, he waved the thought away and looked back up at Robin. “ And how are you doing? Did you convince that vixen to fall in love with you yet? ” Nick added with a wink.

[le-chateau-fromage]

Palomine watched Nick tear into the dish with delight; a certain someone would be pleased to know that he'd enjoyed it so much!

But the happiness was fleeting.

"I remember almost everything about it because I painted it!" she said. "It was selected to be one of the auction items for our Winter Gala. A part of me understands why they took it. It was moving, if I do say so myself. It was about 18 by 24 inches," a massive size for a rat! "With a playful color palette! Lots of reds and pinks and oranges with a hint of blue, with all of the energy right in the center. I know it is cliche, but you see, I turned it on its head by using the cooler colors there instead!" Before she knew it, she was rambling as if she were speaking to an art buyer. "It was inspired by childhood trips to the shore, with all the beach balls and the fireworks and the popsicles~! It may remind you of a certain Kissy Bandage box! I had a deal with them about a year ago. In fact, that may have been why that painting was the only one missing from the storeroom..."

She gasped.

"Have I uncovered the motive!?"

[vulpsicle]

Fumbling in his jacket for his notebook and pen, he began jotting down details as they came. Certain things were underlined: the dimensions of the painting, the colors, the potential motive. Initially, he’d assumed the painting would be tiny given her size, but it was a relief to learn it was much larger than anticipated.

There was a tiny sigh of relief at that.

For a moment, he tried to picture how she’d painted it. Scaffolding, maybe? Either way, he was bent on finding it.

" I’d say we have a pretty strong lead to investigate. " Nick lowered an open paw to the little mouse in case she wanted a perch on his shoulder. " Point me to the storeroom, ma’am. I’d like to talk to whoever’s in charge of that place. They’re supposed to keep storage units like that under tight watch. "

Already, the gears in his mind were turning, and they were turning extra fast on account of that delicious lunch he’d been so graciously given.

[wxldetcmes]

Nick nodded with a tight-lipped smile to their mother, and then he heard Nico speak.

Green eyes flicked to him, a little surprised. This was the first time he’d heard him speak. His ears lifted and head raised at the gesture to the couch, and he gave a single nod.

Nick sat at the other, but not against the armrest; he didn’t want to seem scared. He wasn’t scared. He was just… well, like Nico, struggling to process all this. His life had been altered in a huge sense, and while his only negative reaction so far was anxiety, the fox didn’t think something would happen to rub him the wrong way or ruin the mood.

More the first few moments, he just sat where he was and began looking around to get a feel of the apartment. It really wasn’t a bad place, not to him, but had he known about his twin brother and mother living here, he would’ve tried to arrange something else. He wanted something better for them both already.

But he wasn’t going to bring it up. Would’ve been rude.

His attention was then caught by Nico’s comment on his appearance.

He was flattered, not having been expecting that. But what else was there to say? Relieving the tension in a situation like this was very important if you were getting to know someone. He’d done the same thing before- just not in the manner of ACTUALLY befriending someone.

Just tricking them.

With a smirk and an exaggerated motion of puffing out his chest a bit- he even ran his paw over his ear for good measure, as if slicking back one’s hair- Nick chuckled. “Ha-heh… well, I must say, you have quite the smooth voice,” he replied, deciding not to mention that they sounded exactly alike. “Must be pretty popular with the ladies, huh?”

It was still really shocking, but it was… nice to know that he had a brother; that warm feeling rose in his belly and pulled his smile a tad wider, though he kept his cool, despite wanting to betray the very sudden excitement and enthusiasm going off like fireworks in his head.

Instead, Nick leaned back and crossed one leg over the other, his arms folded over his chest.

“So,” he started after a few moments of quiet, meeting Nico’s eyes again, “how did Mom… break the news to you? Dad didn’t sugarcoat it. He just kinda said, ‘Nick, you got a brother and your mother wants you to meet him’.”

He paused. “…n-not that I didn’t want to. It was just… a real shock. Kinda like goin’ from, ah, sitting in a hot tub to being thrown in the polar plunge.”

[vulpsicle]

"Oh stop, you're too kind," Nico laughed, a paw over his chest.

They really were twins, from their looks to their voices. At first it tripped Nico up, hearing how he sounded from the perspective of another. Not bad by any means, though he did wonder how long it would take either of them to adjust to the change.

"Hey, I don't blame you. The way you described it is spot-on."

It was comforting that they were on the same page, their feelings already aligned. It relaxed him even more, his shoulders loosening as he listened to his brother.

Brother.

The word was still so strange that it felt unreal. Nico remembered the times he had observed other siblings throughout his years, their closeness, their unbreakable bonds, the effortless way they understood each other. Suddenly the idea that this might be available to him felt exciting, and he hoped the feeling was mutual.

Little did he know Nick shared that excitement, both of them keeping their composure. It was only a matter of time until the ice fully broke, giving way to a bond they had been robbed of.

"Way Mom did it was she told me exactly one or two seconds before you knocked on the door. You can imagine my surprise."

His ears dipped for a moment, then perked right back up.

"But it turned out to be a great surprise." Nico tried not to sound too eager, tried not to be so direct. It wasn’t his way to be forthcoming with emotions. Not only was it difficult, it just didn’t come naturally.

Even so, he wanted to make it as clear as he could that he was happy Nick was in front of him.

[takenamiss]

Robin let out a warm, fox-bright laugh as Nick fell into step beside him, the older Wilde tossing an arm loosely around his brother’s shoulders. He didn’t hold him there— just guided, easy and effortless, like he’d been expecting Nick to cave the entire time.

He cast a playful glance, tail flicking with amusement. “And speaking of admirers—please, Nicky. It's just mindless swooning.” He paused a beat, ears swiveling with exaggerated thoughtfulness. “You know. Community service. Good deeds. The occasional dramatic rooftop entrance.”

The grin he gave Nick was all teeth and warmth. He nudged him lightly as they crossed the street.

Ahead, a dim, cozy sign flickered to life down a narrow alley—the Hide-Out, a place only for those in on the gig. Robin gestured grandly. “After you, little brother. Prepare to be dazzled by my impeccable taste in hideaways.” He winked and flicked his tail; trouble written all over him.

[vulpsicle]

He returned an equally playful glance, eyes half-mast in a smirk. "Community service," Nick echoed. "Wow. It feels like you even out the karma in the world."

For every time Nick swindled some sucker, Robin was off helping a chump who needed rescuing. He wondered how they ended up on opposite ends of the scheme spectrum, guided by wildly different morals. Maybe Robin’s good nature was why he wound up on the taller end of the gene pool.

The thought made Nick’s nose scrunch.

Eventually they arrived at the venue, and with Robin’s grand introduction, Nick was honestly excited. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but he had high hopes. Older siblings usually had something magical up their sleeve.

Adjusting his tie, he led the way in.

" I'm ready to be both razzled and dazzled, " he called in a sing-song tone, casting a glance over his shoulder at the other vulpine.

[shcrdcdlifc]

Hisui hears Nick introduce himself as he gulped, he couldn’t lie to them about his name as they were being so nice to him. He will at least let them know his real name and not use his elder sister’s, it was only fair.

He looked down at their outstretched paw then sensing the uneasiness, he knows why as it must be due to the fact that he had less fur. He timidly extended his right hand to shake theirs, hoping not to cause the other any discomfort.

“It’s…It’s very nice to meet you Nick Wilde, my name is Hisui. I’m truly sorry if my hands cause you uneasiness as I can tell by looking at one’s facial expressions and energy, know that I mean well and appreciate what you’re doing for me.”

He spoke in a gentle voice, showing concern for the fox as he readjusted the robe he was wearing.

[vulpsicle]

There was a pang of pain in his chest as the other recognized his uneasiness. Shame flickered through him, but panic won out. Being in the good graces of this mysterious patrician was of utmost importance to Nick, and he swore to himself he’d try to be more subtle.

" Did I look uneasy? I'm not unea- "

Nick’s breath caught in his throat as he caught a glimpse of the other's paws… or lack thereof. He snapped his gaze elsewhere and tried to continue his sentence as smoothly as he could. He forced a cough, desperate to mask his reaction.

" So sorry, I uh, got something caught in my throat! Anyway, Hisui, it's so nice to meet you, " Nick chuckled, tugging at the collar of his shirt to air himself out. " Can I ask where you're from? "

Where on this planet could this creature have traveled from? Nick was genuinely curious; he had never seen any animal like this before.

[takenamiss]

Paws already reached out in care and apology with the charming flair that was so characteristic for the fox. Though within a beat, concern turned into a familiar grin at the sight of his little brother. They didn’t see each other enough — in the sense where they weren’t always aware at how nearby the other resided and somehow Rob never thought it a high opportunity to randomly run into him.

“Nicky!” Arms opened instantly, “bring it in, brother.” Without waiting for any type of consent, he pulled the other into a warm embrace. There were a few friendly pats on the back before stepping back.

“Do you have time? Surely, you have time! Come! Come to the Hide-Out. Drinks on me — or on you, so it seems.” A knowing brow rose, followed by a hearty laugh.

[vulpsicle]

Nick grumbled something unintelligible as he let himself be dragged into a hug, any snarky words muffled by his brother's shirt. Giving Robin a few pats in return before pulling away, he was already cringing in anticipation from what his brother might suggest they do.

Right on cue, there it was. An invitation to some shenanigans.

As much as he wanted to slink away, his better judgement told him not to. Anything free admittedly piqued his interest anyway, and he had a hunch that his chivalrous older sibling knew this.

" No, no. Drinks on you, " Nick insisted, already falling in line next to him to be escorted to... wherever it was he wanted to go. " Lead the way. Let's see how far we can walk before an adoring fan falls at your feet. "

[shadowsecrecy]

YELLOW HUES WATCH @vulpsicle, eyes following each movement as they occur. if her judgement wasn't evident by the way features seem to scrunch, her tone of voice was bound to give it away. “ what are you doing? ” / sc.

[vulpsicle]

A coin with a string attached to it, the oldest trick in the book. Nick had been futzing with a vending machine, trying to earn a soda pop or two without anyone noticing.

He failed in that regard. Apparently there was one witness.

" I'm doing maintenance on this machine, " he responded as he flicked that coin out of the slot. " Why, what's it look like? "

[le-chateau-fromage]

"Oh! Here I am, here I am! Officer Wilde! Hello!"

Palomine jumped up and down, waving with all her might, her embroidered coat flapping in the wind. She, too, was nervous about having such a large police officer help her. But perhaps someone of a different height would have a different perspective on the matter! And she was happy to have help regardless. This was a very serious matter, after all!

"Thank you so much for volunteering to help! I cannot tell you how much it means to us. Speaking of which, my husband could not join us, but he sent his regards!"

She turned and whistled. A team of six rats brought out a fox-sized helping of tartiflette, a heavenly mixture of potato and cheese and caramelized onions, and held it up. It was so fresh that it steamed in the air.

"For you! It is this month's special! Surely you cannot hunt down the monster who stole my painting on an empty stomach!"

[vulpsicle]

Looking around every which way, Nick tried to locate the source of the voice that answered him. At last his eyes found her, Palomine, waving for his attention. Greeting her with a warm smile, he shimmied a little closer to her without disrupting the citizens of Little Rodentia.

His nose wiggled as it picked up the scent of food, and as a squad of rodents marched toward him with that divine platter, his eyes widened in disbelief. The wind carried the steam straight up his nose, and he sighed dreamily as he began to help himself to the tartiflette.

"My goodness, you really shouldn’t have." Nick was used to scooping peanut butter out of a jar and calling that dinner, so having this professionally made food was absolutely mind-blowing. "Can tell ya right now," Nick managed between bites, "that monster is as good as dead. We are so hunting him down."

Nick had been eating so ravenously that he had to catch his breath. When he swallowed the last bite, he wished he could regurgitate it and eat it all over again.

"Alright, now for the business. If you may, Mrs. Palomine, fill me in on all that you remember about this stolen painting."

[vulpsicle]

@takenamiss

Nick didn't care who he conned, rich or poor, so long as he got a profit. His older brother, however, just made him look bad. Robin; as much as he loved him, it would grind his gears sometimes to see him do such marvelous things for the less than fortunate souls of the city.

As he sauntered down a street, he nearly knocked into the guy.

" Oh, great. The hero of the hour, " Nick groaned as he stuffed a wad of questionably earned cash into his back pocket.