“Then let’s go too, and die with Jesus.” – Thomas of the Apostles, John 11:16

Chapter Seven
Awake and Alive

Hans was ready to fight as well. “So, Skipper. It comes down to this.”
“Cut the small talk and dance, Hans!” Skipper jumped in the air, while his friends attacked from the sides. Hans easily evaded them.
“Tell me, Skipper, why is it you pursue me so? For revenge? Is that the way your faith teaches you?”
Skipper calmed down. “No.”

I’m at war with the world and they
Try and pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I’m slipping from your arms

Skipper knew he had done horrible things in his past. But it was behind him now. Could he let the pains Hans had caused him go? It says in the bible to forgive and pray for your enemies. But – could he?

Its getting harder to stay awake
And my strength is fading fast
You breathe into me at last

He had to try. This was his time.

I’m awake, I’m alive,
Now I know what I believe inside
Now, its my time,
I’ll do what I want
‘cause this is my life
Here, right here, right now, right now
I’ll stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe in side
I’m awake and I’m alive

Awake? Yes. Alive? Yes. Fully awake and alive in Jesus. He thought for a few seconds, then said to Hans:

“I’m at war with the world cause I
Am never gonna sell my soul
I’ve already made up my mind,
No matter what, I can’t be bought or sold”

“Yes, yes, very nice, Skipper. Very fitting. You have your limits, but I do not.” Hans smiled evilly. He pulled a remote out of nowhere, and pressed the red button. The machine hummed, and started to glow at the tip.
When my faith is getting weak
And I feel like giving in
You breathe into me again

I’m awake, I’m alive,
Now I know what I believe inside
Now, its my time,
I’ll do what I want
‘cause this is my life

Rico knew what to do. He spat a melon at the machine. It fell on its side, releasing the kinetic energy stored in its vast body. The ray-gunish part of the contraption fired off a single shot, aimed at the Zoo’s clock tower.

Here, right here, right now, right now
I’ll stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe in side
I’m awake and I’m alive

Skipper decided he did have the strength.
“HANS!” he shouted. “Come forth!”

Waking up, Waking up
Waking up, waking up
Hans got into fighting position in front of Skipper.
“No need for that.” Skipper smiled. “I forgive you.”
The zoo gasped.

All eyes went to the clock tower. A bolt loosened, falling out. Slowly, the rest of the bell teetered, and fell.

Waking up, waking up
Waking up, waking up
Skipper could feel the bell falling. There was no stopping it. He saluted his teammates, the zoo, and his friends, and let the bell fall. He took one lone step backwards.
In the dark
I can feel you in my sleep
In your arms I feel you breathe into me
Forever hold this heart that I will give to you
Forever I will live for you

The bell flipped through the air once, landing perfectly on the ground. Well, it didn’t land on the ground… it went straight through it. And Skipper had been underneath when it fell. The dust settled, and the animals all had their eyes on the Zoo’s bell. A flipper moved, and was still.

I’m awake, I’m alive,
Now I know what I believe inside
Now, it’s my time,
I’ll do what I want
‘Cause this is my life
Here, right here, right now, right now
I’ll stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe in side
I’m awake and I’m alive

The entire zoo was silent. Even Hans had not expected this. Kowalski handcuffed Hans’ flippers behind his back.

Waking up, Waking up
Waking up, Waking up
Waking up, Waking up
Waking up, Waking up

It was all over now. Skipper was at peace.

Yes, I know, tragic. Skipper died. Now review!! :)