Hidden Fire, Hidden Soul
By: Phoenix Ride
Ch.1: A Foxy Arrival
It was just another day at the New York Zoo. Skipper and the other penguins were doing their own personal hobbies when Marlene walked in with an excited yet worried look on her face. It didn't take the observation skills of Kolwaski to figure that something was wrong.
"Guys..." Marlene said, breathing heavily from the long run to their habitat " there's this cat locked outside the zoo. He says he needs your help fast,"
"Cheese and Crackers!" said Skipper " Mooncat's in trouble. Bring it in boys, let's go!"
The other three penguins quickly fell into line behind Skipper and raced with Marlene towards the zoo entrance where Max a.k.a Mooncat was locked outside the zoo desperately clinging to the bars. When he saw the penguins his spirit lightened up.
" Oh, am I glad to see you here" said Max " you got to come out here and help me quick, my friend Angel is in trouble,"
"Angel?" said Private " who's Angel?"
Moments later outside the zoo Private got his answer. Max's friend Angel was beautiful female red fox. But a bloody red smear on her right leg ruined the beautiful sight. Rico imediately popped out the First Aid kit and Kolwaski started tending to the fox's wounds.
" How did this happen?" asked Skipper turning to Max.
" Well I met Angel in the alley's of the city when I was looking for food one day" said Max " we fought over it for awhile until I figured out that she had a very specail reason for wanting the food. She was caring for this pregnant black wolf named Shelia who's on the run from Officer X. Sargent Pyshco fired a bullet at Angel who was trying to protect me, that's why I came to you,"
"Why's Shelia on the run?" asked Private.
" Her old circus owner that's why" said Angel, waking up as her wound began to recover " when I first met Shelia she was covered in bloody cuts and scrapes. When I found out she was pregnant I promised I'd do anything I could to protect her. Max helped me a bit after awhile,"
" Where's this Shelia now?" asked Skipper " maybe we can help keep Officer X off her tail,"
" How would we do that Skipper?" asked Private.
"Good point Private" said Skipper " Kolwaski, Options!"
" We could transfer her to better place of hiding where it would be ideal for baby wolf cubs to prosper" said Kolwaski " the problem is where?"
" Uh hey" said Marlene " what about the zoo? It's safe and I'm sure the zookeepers will accept her,"
"Predictable" said Skipper " but intrigueing. Angel, show us where Shelia lives. Marlene, Max you guys stay here. This operation calls for elite forces only,"
With that Skipper and the rest of the penguins followed Angel to Shelia's hideout. About fifthteen minutes later they arrived at the entrance of an oddly built cave, built right into the stone on one of the bridges in Central Park.
Angel went in first while Skipper and the rest of the penguins waited outside. Finally Angel came out and motioned to Skipper.
" She wants to see you alone for a bit before she comes out," said Angel.
Nodding to show that he understood Skipper went into the cave until he saw the figure of beautiful black wolf with emerald green eyes. She was lying down in a shimmering beam of stray moonlight, which was good considering that she was pregnant and all.
" I see" said Shelia " so you're one of friends that Angel has brought. I guess you have already been informed on my condition?"
"Yes Mam" said Skipper " and me and my men would like to offer any asisstance, if we can,"
" I would like for my cubs to grow up safe" said Shelia " but my trust in Humans is dim. How do I know I can trust these zookeepers of yours?"
" Well they usuaslly just put us in safe habitat and give us all we need to survive" said Skipper " it's pretty easy to get out of the enclousure whenever their not looking. I know from experince, don't worry they'll keep you safe,"
Shelia struggled a bit to stand on her feet and as she stood Skipper noticed the scars of her past life in the cruel circus Angel had told them about dimmly shined in the bright moonlight. The black wolf's emerald green eyes caught Skipper's gaze.
" Old memories" said Shelia " but they still burn,"
" How could any Human do this to you?" said Skipper.
" As you walk through life" said Shelia " you'll find many people you can't rely on. But I'm trusting you Skipper. I hope that I can rely on you,"
With that both penguin and wolf stepped outside only to find Rico running around in a panic. When he saw Skipper the kaboom crazy bird ran up to him and started spitting out words in his mutilated tounge so fast that Skipper couldn't understand him.
" Slow down Soldier" said Skipper " now where's Private, Kolwaski, and Angel?"
"Officar X," spouted Rico.
That, Skipper understood. Two members of his team and Angel had been captured, he had to save them. But he still had to escort Shelia safely to the zoo. Skipper found himself in position that no leader ever wanted to be in. To choose between his job or his team?