I stood there basking in the sunlight, the cool breeze ruffling my fur as I closed my eyes taking a deep breath. "Hey," I heard Alec call out as he wandered out to the pasture I was in, "So what are we gonna call our farm?" He asked holding up a can of silver paint.
I chuckled, "How about Silver Tip Farms?"
"Yeah I will go and make the sign," I watched as he practically skipped away.
"Had a good night?"
"You could say that," He turned back flashing me a grin as he continued towards the barn.
I shook my head laughing.
It was strange being in human form after so long, I missed having my tail and ears that would pivot, I sighed as I continued to work on the irrigation system.
.
.
The days seemed to blur by we spent our fair time at the farm building it up over the past ten years since we first took it over. We were now taking on a few deliveries to animal settlements until one day a messenger came.
I heard a knock at the door I groaned getting up out of bed. I heard Alec answer the door, "Hello, What can I do for you two?"
I heard someone clear their throat, "We came here from Zootopia, will you do business with us?"
"Of course, I am Alex."
"I'm Grey, and this is Kit, It's a pleasure."
'Fuck!' I flopped back down on the bed and closed my eyes.
"Please take a seat," Alec ushered them into the dining room by my guess.
"I heard that you are partners with your brother, shall we wait for him?" Kit asked.
"No," Alec blurted out, "He is sick at the moment and can't leave his bed, don't worry though, a deal with Zootopia is a no-brainer it would be a win-win for both sides no doubt."
"Mhmmm," Grey mumbled, "I agree, how much fresh meat could you supply? What do you need on our end?"
"We can get you five hundred pounds a month if you wish, as for what we need... we are un equipt to deliver across such a distance, we would need you to pick up say every two weeks?"
"Mhhh that's good," Grey trailed off, "Have I met you before? There is a certain scent I can't shake that I know it."
"Well," Alec mumbled, "We do have dealings with a lot of settlements both human and animal perhaps you smell one of our recent visitors?"
"Possibly... But who?" Grey replied.
Kit piped up, "Do you know a wolf going by Alec? He would be an adult by now but here is a picture of him."
"Hmmm..." Alec grumbled, "Can't say I have seen that wolf and the name doesn't ring a bell either, I will definitely keep my eye's out for him though."
"Thanks, but I doubt he is still alive after so long..." Grey sighed.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Alec replied.
"It's okay besides this is a happy time we are discussing a deal," Grey perked up.
"Of course, we can have a shipment ready next Friday will you two pick it up or?" Alec asked.
"We will send a convoy to pick it up we are busy then," Kit said.
"Until then my friends," Alec bid them goodbye and waited until they were long gone before coming upstairs, we both stared at each other in shock, "What the fuck do we do?"
I ran a hand through my hair, "Well... if we stay we run the risk of them coming back and finding out who we actually are..."
"So we run," He said grabbing a backpack from my dresser and tossing it to me.
I sighed catching it, "Wait," I put it down, "You could stay here have a life, still see your mom and everyone, I know you like that bartender chick."
He scratched the back of his neck looking away, "Could you?" He mumbled as he turned to look me in the eye, "Do you think you could live here in wolf form if that was your human family coming to buy from us, could you live like that knowing that they are still searching for you, could you lie to their face?"
"I never claimed that it would be easy..."
"Why do you keep asking dammit? You keep trying to get me to go home or leave, I told you once before and this is the last time I will tell you, It's us against the world... If you don't like it then that's too damn bad."
I chuckled, "I know, but it's my job," I looked out the window, "I never told you this but Luna and Azoth are still trying to get me to settle down, they are the reason I first came to Zootopia and they are the reason that I found you, Triss, Grey, and Kit. They know it's hard to be alone, and they both knew that Azoth would die shortly after turning me."
"I... I'm sorry I didn't know," He paused a moment, "Does that mean you..."
I shrugged, "Luna won't tell me if what is coming will kill me or not," I let out a long breath, "But I suspect that it will," I looked up at him and smiled, "Promise me that if I die you will live a proper life, settle down have a family, and stay away from Luna."
"But why?"
"Because I am greedy, I want you to have the life I gave up, I want you to live for me."
He shook his head, "You will just have to hold me accountable for that yourself dammit, I'm not about to let you die without living that life yourself."
We remained quiet for some time both of us looking out the window at what we had built, the farm was small and in shambles when we first came here and now we could hardly keep up. There was a constant stream of meat and produce going out we went from about 30 head of cattle to well over three hundred in the course of the time that we were there, a smaller farm decided to sell out to us so we wound up taking on chickens as well. This place sure felt like home after ten years... We decided it best to sign the farm over to Zootopia and skip town.
.
.
Two hundred and sixty-two years, I shook my head as I stood at the train station from the outskirts of deer brooks county, "I wonder how much has changed?" I turn to see Alec grinning goofily.
"Yeah, they were just tearing down the actual zoo it'self when we left. I stuck my hand in my pocket feeling my handgun sitting there at the ready, I let out a long drawn out breath.
"Have you chosen a name?"
I shrugged, "Don't imagine it will really matter much, just call me Dex and you?"
"I don't really have to fear people knowing my name, I was just going to stick with Alec."
I nodded, "You know I can do this alone, I don't know what will happen when I find out what my vision was warning me about."
Alec laughed, "It's about two hundred years too late for that, like it or not were in this till the end."
I closed my eyes, "Alright then," I felt the rush of wind coming off of the train as it pulled into the station opening the doors we got in and took a seat, I had to keep my backpack on to hide the hilt of my sword that was tucked down the back of my leather jacket. Looking around I could see that we were the only predators not that anyone seemed to care that two wolves were on the train.
The ride into Zootopia was remarkable we both marvelled at how much Zootopia changed, "First time to the city center?" A voice asked, I turned around seeing a whitetail deer, I nodded.
"Yeah, We are from way up north," I replied.
"If you like there is a museum on the history of Zootopia," The young buck said, "It's quite the tale from the hero/founders Dexios and Azoth to the making of each individual biome and how we maintain them."
"That sounds great," Alec piped up, "Where can we find it?"
The buck smiled, "I actually work there you guys can follow me if you want."
Alec looks at me grinning, I smile nodding, "Yeah that would be great."
We spent the majority of the ride looking out the window at the ever-changing scenery.
*Ding* A voice began to mumble over the intercom, "Zootopia city center." I get up as the doors open we begin to follow the buck as we look around, it was shocking how similar everything looked as though the bombs never destroyed the city. The station was a bustle of commotion as thousands of mammals were milling about.
I turned to Alec, "I remember when Zootopia only had like one hundred mammals in it, sure has grown a bit."
He chuckled, "Yeah one or two more mammals here since I last remember."
"Come on slowpokes I don't want to be late," The buck said waving us over, we picked up the pace catching up to him we began winding our way down through the streets, "Are you guys moving here? Do you have anywhere to stay?"
"We haven't decided quite yet, do you recommend anywhere?" I asked.
"Hmmm," He pondered, "I know it's rude to ask but do you have much for money?"
I shook my head, "No we spent what we had getting here."
"I see," He grew quite a moment, "There is one place you could stay for next to nothing but it's for an acquired taste, It's called Mystic Springs Oasis, It's on it's way to the museum if you guys want to check it out before the museum."
I nod, "Yeah that would be great."
We stopped outside a building done up like the Taj Mahal The sign above the door read, 'Mystic Springs Oasis,' I nodded to the buck, "Thanks we will visit the museum when we get settled."
The deer laughed, "Yeah, good luck with that, I hear it takes a while to get used to the place."
I shook my head ignoring him we didn't have the money to stay at a five-star hotel so this will have to do.
.
.
We entered, the inside was dark, damp, and smelled a little musty. I noticed a Yak, behind the desk meditating. I walked up to the desk and cleared my throat. He had to part his fur so that he could see us, "Whoa didn't hear you come in. What can I do for you guys,"
"We were told that we could stay here," I replied.
"Well yeah we are a twenty-four-hour club not that many come here overnight though, Why don't you guys get ready and I will show you around."
"Ready?" I asked.
"OH, this place is a naturalist club we don't wear clothes, there are lockers in the change room just come back and find me when you are ready." I watched as he went back to meditating.
I turned to Alec and we both shrugged before we went to the changeroom and stripped down, it was a refreshing feeling having been clothed for so long thankfully all my stuff fit into the locker sword and gun included I took the key and locked up my locker before slipping the bungee cord around my wrist.
We returned to the Yak, "So how much do we owe to stay here?"
"Whoa Ima hit the pause button right there, we don't charge people that's something the man would do. Instead, we are a non-profit society we stay open by the generous donation of members," He replied getting up he pushed open the doors behind him, "Come on I will show you around."
As we walked in I noticed that it was painted to look like we were outside the roof was sky blue with clouds painted the grass was real along with the trees I squinted from the bright light they had as the sun in the sky as I looked around there was a massive pool full of hippos and a few small otters, "Hey Emmit the yoga class is starting."
Dexios chuckled to himself as he saw an elephant lead the class, "OH, so Nangi is the yoga instructor you guys should totally go and check it out." I lost interest in what he had to say.
"Hey," I interrupted the yak, "Thanks for the tour but I remembered we have an appointment to go to."
"Oh right," Alec piped up.
We hurried to retrieve our clothes before leaving.
"Well?" I started turning to Alec as we walked down the street.
"It's cheap," He said lazily looking around, "We might have to actually get normal jobs this time."
I groaned, "I am not looking forward to that, I guess you never had a day job before."
"Nope, what are they like."
"Eight-ish hours of boredom five days a week, and ignorant customers."
"Hmmm," He grumbled, "I'm sure it can't be all that bad, there has to be a job out there you wouldn't mind doing."
"Yeah," I scratched the back of my neck where the hilt of my sword should have been, "I didn't mind bounty hunting, I was rather good at it too."
"Something tells me that this place isn't the kind that welcomes bounty hunters."
I nodded, "Shame we could have made a killing."
Alec sighed, "Two hundred years and you are still using that pun..."
.
.
We found ourselves outside of the museum, it was rather big and impressive we pushed open the doors and found our selves in the main lobby, a young cougar was working the desk.
I cleared my throat.
She jerked her head up, "Oh hello are you two here for a tour?"
"We might be how much is it?"
"Well..."
"Nancy, it's fine I met these gentlemen earlier and told them I would give them a history lesson." I turned to see the buck from earlier walk over to us.
"Of course Mr. Jenson."
"Mighty kind of you Mr. Jenson," I replied.
"Please call me Dan, shall we?" He gestured to the prewar side of the museum. We nodded following.
"Do you two know much on the history of the pre-war era?"
"I nodded, yeah I'm a little bit of a history buff."
Alec chuckled, "Yeah that's not what I would call it old timer."
"Hmmm that is surprising there are very few that care what happened more than three hundred and sixty years ago normally we only get mammals interested in Dexios and the founding of Zootopia."
"Well, that is a great time in our history The great Dexios and Azoth and the great war."
He gestured to a few exhibits, "Anything that catches your eye?"
I scanned them briefly until I spotted a muddy red mass, "Yeah," I mumbled moving closer, "Does she run?"
"She? You mean that pre-war scrap?"
"I thought you were a man of history?"
"I am but no one wants to come and see a lot of this pre-war stuff since it doesn't work."
"Hmmm," I scratched my chin, "I'm something of a mechanic, if I get some of this stuff working for you would you part with the bike?"
He looked at the faded red dirtbike, "You get half this junk to work it's yours, I was going to throw it out anyways."
"Do you have a workshop I can use?"
"Yeah I will tell Nancy to show you it later, come on the next is our most important section Dexios and the Great War."
"Yeah, I will catch up..." I mumbled taking a closer look at the bike.
"Sure thing the great treasure is in the park outside though it's the statue of him and his brother." I didn't pay attention as they disappeared.
I made my way back out to Nancy, "Mr. Jenson told me to see you about the workshop I am supposed to fix some of the pre-war stuff for him."
"Really?" She asked with her tail beginning to sway, "I have wanted to hear the record player since I first saw it."
I smiled, "Well the sooner I find the workshop the sooner you can."
"Right this way," She sprung up grabbing a key.
We walked into the employee only section into a massive warehouse of pre-war and post-war items she pointed to the workshop, "It's right here there is a phone there if you need anything just call me."
I nodded, "I will grab some stuff and get started."
I made a point of grabbing the record player first and taking it back before I grabbed my bike, thankfully the clutch cable still worked so I could push it.
I resisted the urge to tinker with it and examined the record player first I found a few loose wires and a missing tube fuse. it took me twenty minutes to find a suitable fuse in all this mess and another twenty to reattach everything, I plugged it in and watched as it slowly flickered to life and began to play an old song I wasn't familiar with. I unplugged it and brought it out to the main lobby, I could see the bright smile on her face as I set it down and plugged it in, "Well would you like to do the honours?"
She practically squealed with joy as she turned it on and began to listen to the record seeming to enjoy it, I faded away satisfied.
I finally took a look at the bike and began taking off the plastic shrouds exposing the engine.
after removing all of the major components I found that I really only needed to clean it all in solvent, replace some rotted hoses, change the brake lines, brake fluid, tires, and find oil and gas, other than that everything was in good working order. I was able to salvage quite a few parts from other various things spread around, there was a forklift I repurposed the brake fluid from and another scrap bike with a working brake line and tires. I made a list of hoses, gas, and oil.
"Exemplary work my friend," I turned to see Dan standing there, "Nancy absolutely loves that old record player."
"Yeah, it's working good."
"Anything you need?"
"A few parts, oil, fuel, a few hours of cleaning and tinkering but I reckon she will run," I replied.
"I would like to pay you for the work you do I know you don't have much money and with these items working I can sell some of them via auction, it will be piece work based on how tough the fix."
"Thanks that would definitely help," I replied.
"Here," He held out a hundred Zbuck's "The first of many."
"Thanks, Dan, I will get to work on more when I get back."
I was already out the door when I realized I don't know where any shops are, I wandered into the park finding the statue of me I spun around a little sad that everything changed it looked nothing like what I remembered.
"Hey," A voice called out, "You lost?"
I turned to see a black wolf with a sketch pad standing before me, "Ha yeah, I'm looking for some places to get these."
He looked over the list, "Yeah go that way you will find a mechanic shop Rex's if you hit pack street you've gone too far, you can't miss it."
"Thanks," I grinned as I headed off.
I managed to find the shop with relative ease, I wandered into the shop and found a coyote in a blue jumper wiping his greasy paws off, "What can I do for ya?"
I read him off the list of parts I was missing.
"Yeah I have those parts in stock, a half full jerry can, and some oil. what are you fixing?"
"It's an old pre-war bike I got it for free but it needs some work."
The coyote chuckled to himself, "You sure its safe those things are outdated tech, I've got a sweet car that I'm getting rid of for cheap a lot safer than an old hunk of junk."
"I'm good thanks just the parts."
"Sure," he mumbled as he wandered away, "your loss."
he came back a little while later with everything I needed, "If you do cash we can call it 50 even."
I fished out the money handing it to him, "Awesome thanks."
"Yeah good luck with that," he called out as I left.
As I made my way into the museum again I noticed the wolf that gave me directions was wandering around looking at pre-war stuff.
I shook my head and went to work on my bike.
after four hours I was ready to start her up, I pushed it outside and threw my leather jacket on just as the young wolf was leaving he stopped to gawk at me as I began kickstarting the bike. I noticed him scribbling on his notepad just as my bike roared to life. I grinned missing the feeling of a good ride.
"You gonna ride that without a helmet?" I heard him shout.
I put on my sunglasses and nodded, "Yup."
I put her in gear and gave her some gas lifting the front tire as I went down the wheelchair ramp and out on to the street.
After a solid two hour ride I wound my way back to MSO (Mystic Spring Oasis) The yak at the front counter didn't seem to mind that or he didn't notice.
.
.
The days seemed to blur by with me working at the museum it was a full moon so Alec and I decided to get out of town for it. We ended up taking the train out as far as it would go to, a place called bunny burrow and had to hike another twenty or so kilometres to get away from civilization.
I pulled out the pictures I had taken from way backpack when I first came to Zootopia and began flipping through them.
"I still can't believe that you took those without us knowing," Alec said as he changed forms and came to look.
"Yeah..."
"So what happens after this?" He asked.
I let out a sigh putting the photos back in my jacket, "Does it matter?"
"Do you think we will survive what's to come?"
I shrugged, "If I knew the answer to that would you really want to know?"
"Yeah I would, I don't want to fight just to die in the end."
I chuckled, "Yeah, wouldn't be a very fitting ending would it."
"The time has come my young warriors," I heard a gentle voice almost whisper.
I turned to see Luna, "So fortune teller, tell me what happens?"
She glared at me, "Well it's unclear but if you keep calling me that I will switch teams and start cheering against you."
I chuckled, "Oh please, you know you like it when I tease you, besides Azoth keeps telling me to call you that," I sighed.
"That prick," She crossed her arms, "Punch him in the gut when you see him next for me will yeah?"
"Do it yourself, I told him that I will reunite you two."
She wrapped her arms around me, I held her tight, "I wish that you could," She looked up at me a tear falling from her eye, "But it's impossible."
"I will expect an apology when I succeed you know." I gave the top of her head a kiss.
Alec cleared his throat, "Any leads?"
Luna turned to him smiling she crossed the distance and gave him a peck on his cheek, "Yes thank you, all you have to do is follow the trail, you aren't the only ones hunting for what you seek."
"Who else is hunting?" I asked.
She smiled, "You will see soon, I might have told you have you not insulted me," She stuck her tongue out before she slowly started to fade away, "Enjoy the full moon, my wolves."
"Damn Dex, now we don't have any leads," Alec crossed his arms, "You shouldn't tease her all the time."
I chuckled, "You still have a lot to learn, she couldn't tell us anyways, she has rules she has to follow," I slapped his back, "I know why you're so mad about it you like her."
Alec blushed and turned away, "No... That's stupid."
I sighed, "You know she can feel your emotions she knows."
"WHAT?! Really? ... I mean how do you know?"
"Because just like you I fell in love with her," I shook my head, "I recommend you find someone else bud, I plan on getting her to paradise and reuniting Azoth and her."
"I know... but every time I smell her... I can't help it."
"I know and she smells like that just to tease us so relax," I felt the wind blow gently, "Don't howl right away tonight, I want to make sure we are alone."
He nodded as the moonlight enveloped us turning us into wolves, I stood there eyes closed listening, straining my ears for the faintest sound. My ears perked up as I heard a faint howl I opened my eyes facing the direction it came from, "Come on let's go find out if my hunch is right."
Alec caught up with me, "What hunch?"
"I believe the others that are hunting what we are, well I think they are like us."
Alec took a moment to contemplate it, "We should hurry then."
.
.
We took cover behind a bush as we heard two wolves howl, as they finished we walked out into the moonlight opening, I stopped shocked at what I saw it was a young wolf couple holding each other as they laughed and howled to the moon, Alec broke out laughing. I watched as the couple looked over at us surprised, "W-What are you two doing here?" The male stammered out.
Alec stopped laughing long enough to reply, "Mr. Uber tracker here thought that you two were someone else," Alec slapped me on the back as he turned around, "Sorry to disturb you two."
I groaned as I followed him back into the forest, "I might have been wrong about them but I know where we can pick up the trail," I smirked.
"Yeah where?"
"Ha," I spat out, "like I'm telling you pup, figure it out yourself."
"Call me that again and see what happens," He growled.
I chuckled taunting him once again he swung at me and we sparred a bit before we sprinted for a nearby creek.
.
.
The sun was just coming up as I calmly took a seat at the police precinct I watched police officers begin to pour into the briefing room, I got up casually and followed a group of wolves in. I split off and leaned up against the back wall of the room, everyone was so preoccupied with their idle gossip that they completely ignored a civilian in their briefing room. I noticed the door at the front of the room open causing everyone to begin baning the tables, howling, and hollering.
"Quiet!" The cape buffalo shouted I listened as the buffalo began going through the dockets acknowledging a birthday and ignoring new recruits. "We have fourteen missing mammals," My eyes widened as I looked at the board two wolves, 'Shit, I should have been on this sooner.' "Fangmyre, Wolford You two take missing mammals from Sahara square," I Eyed up the wolf and tiger as they grabbed their case file I snuck out the door and waited outside.
I waited for about ten minutes until I found them drive out of the back in their cruizer, I smiled to myself flipping on my helmet and kick-starting my bike I followed them.
I noticed they pulled off the road and parked, they simply started walking the beat showing pictures to everyone they could. They finally spotted me, "Hey you," The tiger shouted out I simply jumped on my bike putting my helmet on I started my bike and rode off leaving them in the dust I went back to the MSP (Mystic Springs Oasis)
I closed my eyes as I laid on my back enjoying the warmth of the fake sun, I slowly dozed off until I heard faint giggles, I opened my eyes seeing a linx and a bobcat standing there gawking at me, "Good evening ladies, did you lose something over here or just see something you like?" I winked before laying my head back down.
"While we were wondering..." The bobcat took a step forward.
"We know it's taboo, but..." The linx continued.
"Do you like cats?" They both said in unison, "Like interspecies relationship?"
I laughed, "I'm flattered ladies..." I thought of Triss it has been two hundred plus years I can move on. "I, I already have someone."
They both gave me a cute kitty face, "I don't see a collar, she mustn't care that much about you."
"I'm sorry ladies," I spy Alec and wave him over as I stand up, He walks over.
"Mhmmm?" He mumbles, "Whats up?"
I grin grabbing him and pushing him towards the girls, "I am taken but have you met Alec?"
I slunk away stifling my laughter as he glanced around confused as the cats grabbed on to him.
"We are looking for Emmit Otteton." I turn to see a fox and bunny fully clothed enter with a missing poster, I see that the bunny is a cop, so I begin to follow them from a distance. They begin questioning the Nangi about the missing mammal, but she doesn't even know him, I listen as the Yak gives them the licence plate of the car that picked him up, "29thd03"
I quickly make my way to the locker room and get dressed shoving my gun in my jacket I grab my helmet and make my way to my bike. As I put my helmet on I notice the fox and rabbit come out and begin arguing over something before they jump in a small clown car. I shrug starting my bike and following them.
.
.
'DMV' I read the sign as I pull in leaning my bike up against a tree before following the pair inside, I take a seat and watch as they cut to the front to the line and begin listening as they get the information from the sloth running the counter, I groan and after what seemed like a lifetime they got the address, "Tundra town limo service!" I hear the bunny cry out before they race outside. I once again follow them nearly losing control of my bike a few times I lost them. I groaned getting off my bike I began pushing it towards where they were going.
Finally, I catch up and find their clown car thing parked outside of the gate of a limo service, I sniff around finding their scents were faint they were here but not anymore, I stick my hands in my pocket as I wait.
Finally after a few hours a limo pulls up letting the fox and bunny out they exchanged pleasant goodbyes before getting into their vehicle and driving off I Get on my bike pulling in the clutch I follow them down a hill into a tunnel relived that the tunnel was heated and that the pavement was dry I shifted into third gear and let out the clutch forcing my bike to start its self, I watched them veered off on an exit I followed, 'The rainforest district.' I killed the engine on my bike as they began slowing down, I got off and leaned it up against a tree as I took off my helmet I watched as they crossed a rope bridge and began to talk to a skeptical jaguar, I crouched down readying myself as I heard a grow. I watched as the bunny and fox began running across the rope bridge I began running towards them but before I could make it the jaguar snapped the bridge, I watched the two continue scrambling away from the beast as I noticed the bunny drop her radio, I looked around the place was deserted so I jumped off the ledge and retrieved the radio putting it in my pocket for later, I began following the scent of the three mammals, just as I was about to get there I heard sirens, I slowed down and peeked out from behind their police line, I noticed there was no savage animal, so I chalked it up as a loss. and retrieved my bike, I heard chatter come over the radio, "We have reports of a savage animal sighting in the downtown core last seen on twelfth street, do we have any units in the area."
I picked up the radio, "Ten-four, I'm en route now."
"Copy that, keep me posted."
I started my bike kicking it into high gears I made record time, I stopped my bike in a back alley close by before I began searching I caught a faint whiff of a predator before catching the scent of a human, My eyes widened, "Shit." I murmured as I began following the scent, I came upon a dead deer, throat ripped out by teeth and it was partially eaten. I could smell two predators scents and blood, I began smelling the new found trail, I looked down seeing that the blood trail had disappeared, closed my eyes listening I could hear faint sobs, I turned down another alley to find a human girl sobbing with dried blood on her shoulder, "Are you okay?"
"Please I don't know what's going on, don't hurt me."
"It's okay I'm here to help." I squatted down near her, "Tell me what happened?"
"It... It all happened so quick... I, I heard a scream, so I ran to see what it was there was a mammal ripping into a poor buck, so I shouted." She snivvled a little, "That's when he attacked me, he pinned me to the ground pouring something down my throat before he bite me." She gestured to her shoulder that was bloodstained but completely healed.
"We need to get out of here before the cops come," I said taking her hand.
She snatched it away, "I don't know you how can I trust you?"
I turned forms, "Because I'm like you."
She looked at her hands then to mine, "Wha... What am I?"
I changed back to a wolf, "Let's go I can tell you later." I pull out my spare clothes and give them to her, "Put these on quick."
She nodded doing as she was told, I look her arms head and feet were still exposed, I tossed her my jacket, "Just keep your head down and your hands in the pockets."
We make it to the alley as I hear sirens and see cop cars coming to a stop, I hear the radio click on, "We have an animal down, start a perimeter around the city." I toss her the helmet as I start my bike.
"Are you sure this is safe?" She asks.
"Hey go ahead and try your luck explaining to the cops what you are and that you aren't the monster that killed that buck," I replied growling, "Now get on the damn bike."
She nodded getting on and wrapping her arms around me.
"Hey, you freeze!"
"Oh fuck!" I looked back to see an officer running towards us, and one coming from the front, I pin it causing the front tire to lift I aim it at the wolf running towards me causing him to jump out of the way I let the front wheel drop and kick it up a gear as I began winding my way through the streets, "They are going north on thirteenth" I slam on the breaks locking up the back wheel the bike begins to fishtail I let go and turn down a narrow alley going alley to alley I wind my way to the outskirts of town, I kill the bike and begin pushing to the end of the alley, "Sending officers to check pack street, in addition sending an APB on a black wolf riding a red pre-war bike, accompanied by an unknown waring blue jeans, black jacket and black helmet"
I watched as a cop cruizer drove down the street and turned, I spotted an old warehouse in a park, "Come on we are going for that building, follow my lead and stick to the shadows."
She nodded still wearing the helmet. we began making our way there staying out of sight the best we could. the door was unlocked so we were able to slip in I leaned my bike up against a box and threw a dusty old packing blanket over it. I sighed turning to my new companion. "Just try to focus on what it's like to be a wolf, you will turn back."
"A wolf?" She asked puzzled as she took off the helmet.
"Wait you aren't a wolf?" She shook her head, "Oh... well still just meditate."
She put a hand in my jacket and pulled out my gun, "Why do you have this?"
"Becuase I am here to kill the one that killed the innocent deer and turned you into a werewolf."
"I'm not a wolf," She said putting her hands on her hips.
"Fine a were-feline," I grabbed the gun from her and shoved into town the back of my pants.
"Wait how did you know I was a feline?"
"The way you just acted," I laughed seeing her, "I bet if you still had a tail it would be rather agitated right now. but anyways switch back so I can get out of here."
I watched as she took off my jacket handing it back to me as she began meditating, I when and peered outside looking for trouble I could see a few police cars still circling looking for us, I watched their patrol pattern for a while until, "Hey?" I turned to see a snow leopard.
"Mhmm?" I mumble, "What is it?"
"Whats going to happen with me?"
"You are now half human half leopard, you won't age, you are also stronger, faster, and everything has been enhanced."
"Ohh..." She trailed off, "But what if the beast comes after me again?"
"You can stay with us, we are like you... kind of we are both wolves, but still you will be safe and you will learn about what you are."
"Okay... thank you," She scratched her arm a little, "I'm Ryley by the way."
I nod, "I'm going by Argent in public at the moment."
"At the moment? You don't use your real name?"
I shake my head laughing, "I wager twenty that you know my name."
"But how I have never seen you before."
"Do you know the name Dexios?"
I peered out the door seeing a break in the police cruiser I when to retrieve my bike.
"Dexios? I know that's the name of one of our founders but..."
"Ding you got it."I grabbed the radio from my pocket, "I have a possible sighting of our suspects, last seen breaking into tundra town limo service requesting additional officers."
A voice came back, "Additional units en route now, hold for back up."
"ten-four waiting for backup."
"That means you are two hundred and sixty years old or older were you pre-war?"
I give her the helmet, "Yeah I'm pre-war, we can talk later we need to move that fake call in won't last for long."
.
.
We were able to make it back to MSO without getting caught we parked my bike inside.
"You have to be kidding me."
I starred at her, "What it's free to stay here and we don't have to worry about the beast."
"But I will be naked, and..."
I shook my head before looking around, "You do realize that when I found you, you were in human form with little to no fur hiding your skin, besides you have fur."
"But still."
"Fuck it I don't care just keep your clothes on I need to find Alec. I will see you in there."
After getting undressed and putting my things in my locker I went to find Alec, "Hey"
I turned to see Rylee had decided to embrace the all-natural way she blushed seeing me, I jerked my head to the side, "Come on let's find Alec."
We followed his scent to a more secluded area, I shook my head as I noticed him cuddled up to the two felines from before I kicked his foot, "We have to talk."
We wandered away from his cuddle buddies he stares at Rylee, "Who is this."
"One of us now... those missing mammals are actually individuals like us that have gone savage."
"But how we are already predators, you saw it yourself with me that my hunger never changed."
"I know, I haven't figured that out yet," I closed my eyes replaying the day's events, "I've got it there was a jaguar that went savage earlier, we need to get into his house and search for clues."
"Do you guy's do this often? Break laws and," She dropped to a barely audible whisper, "Kill mammals?"
We both broke out laughing, "Rylee, relax, We haven't killed in a hundred plus years, and we are trying to save Zootopia here. I believe that the mammal that attacked you is building an army to attack Zootopia with."
"But why?"
"All I know is that they were a survivor of the school."
"They are a human?" Rylee gasped.
"Yeah, they are seeking revenge for the battle I lead on them."
"You really are Dexios aren't you?"
Alec chuckled, "Was I this starstruck when I met you?"
I laughed, "I seem to remember that we had to get you a leather jacket just like mine and you used to wear my sunglasses all the time."
"I, er." He shuffled his feet, "I was young, you were a hero."
"Damn... I was a hero, way to make me feel old."
"Hey, you said you were pre-war does that mean you are..." Rylee trailed off.
I chuckled, "I was born a human if that is what you were asking but I don't really feel like one anymore."
"So how do we get into the savage jags house won't the police have it on lockdown?" Alec said scratching the nape of his neck
"It's too bad I lost my badge I could have gotten us in."
"You're a cop?" We both spat out in unison.
"No." She let her ears fall, "I'm an agent, my partner and I were sent here to aid in the investigation of the savage animals."
"..." I ran my paws through the fur on my head, "Shit, they have to have an APB out on me by now, you don't have your badge and it's not safe for you to leave they most likely are trying to get you to go savage Rylee. Just give me some time I will figure something out."
.
.
I found myself sleeping in the park on a bench the sun beating down on me, it was already late in the day. I sat up and stared at the statue of my brother and me, I let out a sigh as I became aware I wasn't the only one admiring it. I turned to see a young black wolf scribbling on a notepad I got up circling around behind him he was drawing a picture of the statue. I sat down beside him, "You're pretty good at that."
He didn't bother looking up he just mumbled, "Thanks."
I looked back to the statue, "You some kind of history buff? I've seen you around the museum a lot."
"Only interested in Dexios and Azoth." The young wolf replied.
"Hmmm, probably shocking to hear that the war he waged against the humans was a sham and that he was a coward that would abandon his friends," I replied looking out of the corner of my eye I could see him put down the paper.
"You're wrong my mom is a history professor, Dexios is a hero,"
I smiled, "In public yes but what about his inner circle how did they view him?" I slowly rose to my feet and began walking away.
"Wait," The wolf spoke up, "My mom loves the history behind Zootopia whether it's true or not she would love to hear the story you know."
I shrugged putting my hands in my pockets, "I don't know it's getting late and I need to eat."
"Then come with me, have dinner and tell us your story."
I turned around grinning, "Sure, I'm Argent by the way."
"I'm Jake"
We made it back to his house, it was a simple two-story house with a small lawn and a garage. He swung open the door holding it open for me he called out, "Hey you guy's home?"
I hardly made it in the door when I froze solid catching a few familiar scents. Suddenly something connected with my jaw dropping me to the floor I could hear voices and commotion as I was hauled to the kitchen and tied to a chair. I just sat there looking down at the table in front of me my ears pinned to the back of my head.
"What the hell you guys?" I hear the young wolf say, "He is our guest, he knows a story mom might want to hear."
I hear a familiar voice speak up, "Yeah, I bet she will want to hear his story." I glance up seeing both Grey and Kit standing there glaring at me. I lower my gaze closing my eyes.
We all remained silent for what felt like ages until I heard something my ears perk up as I hear the doorknob rattle, I listen to the soft footsteps as I see a she-wolf wander in, "Hey Triss," I say looking up at her.
She remains frozen a moment looking at me before she shakes her head, "I'm going to get dinner ready." She mumbles before she went to leave.
"Wait," I hear Jake call out, "Mom how do you know him?"
"He's your no good flaky father." She replied before she went to the kitchen.
"What!?" Me and my new found son both reply in unison.
He turns to me and asks, "You're... You're."
"Dexios," I finish for him, "Yes, I am." I struggle against the rope getting free, "I have to go get Alec."
Grey speaks up, "Wait he's still alive?"
"Yeah," I reply as I leave the house and head back to Mystic Springs Oasis.
.
.
I find Alec outside waiting for me, "Well, Figure out anything?"
I nod, "Yeah," I take off my jacket giving it to him, I hand him two notes one with an address and one sealed in an envelope. "Go to that address and give my jacket and envelope to her."
"To who?" He asked.
"You will know her when you see her," I reply waving to him as I enter the Spring Oasis, "Good luck."
.
.
Alec pov
I get to the address Dexios gave me and I stare at a plain house, I shake my head and knock on the door. The door opens and arms are flung around me nearly crushing me, "Alec I thought I lost you..." I hear her sob.
"Mom?" I croak wrapping my arms around her.
We stay like that for a long while before she breaks the embrace, "Come on there are others that would love to see you again."
I walk into the living room an see Kit, Grey, and a strange black wolf sitting there.
"How?" I mumble.
I hold out the jacket and note, "I was told to give this to you."
I watch as my mom grabs the note and jacket she reads the note before dropping it, "Why the fuck does he think I want his damn jacket." She yells before throwing it on the ground."
"Come on mom, don't be like that," I bend over and begin picking up the contents of his jacket spread across the floor, I grab the envelope of pictures handing them to her, "Don't be too hard on him."
I pick up the note reading it, 'You always looked better in it anyways..." I shake my head as I go look at the pictures with them, the first was a picture of Dex and Azoth, next it was a picture of me when I was younger and went with Dexios and Grey to the human outpost to trade, "That was the day he got that camera," I mumbled.
"I didn't know he had it," Grey replied.
Next was a picture of Triss sleeping in his jacket there was a lot of Triss in here and a few of everyone else the last few pictures were Grey and Kit getting geared up the night of the war, next was Grey holding Triss in front of the statue of Dex and Azoth. The last was a picture of Grey and Triss holding a Black pup.
I spoke up breaking the silence, "He took them out every full moon praying to hear you guys respond, he thought you all died long ago... we both did." I put a paw on my mom's shoulder, "He does still love you."
She nodded grabbing his jacket and putting it on she slid the pictures back into the inside pocket of the jacket. "We should go get him and explain."
I nodded, "He's at the Mystic Spring Oasis."
"What? Kit coughed.
"Why," Triss asked.
"Because we kind of have no money or another place to stay..." I replied scratching the back of my neck, "On second thought I will go get him, he probably doesn't want you all to know he's broke."
.
.
Dexios POV
I found myself sitting in a park enjoying the nights cold breeze, "They are alive... I, I have a son." I finally spoke the words they seemed strange, how can I call him my son he is two hundred years old and this is the first time I have seen him. My son is fully grown and a complete stranger to me. "Damn," I mumble as I run my paws through the fur on my head.
"Hey," I turn to see Alec.
"What are you doing here?" I asked tilting my head, "Why didn't you stay with Triss and them?"
Alec punched my shoulder, "She said we couldn't eat dinner until everyone was there so I had to come and get you."
"They still want me even after all the hardship I caused them?" I asked.
"Well, it might take them some time to forgive you but dinner is a start beside wouldn't really be a founding family reunion without you."
"Mhmmm," I gaze off into the distance, "They might be better off if I stay away for good this time."
"Maybe you shouldn't be the one making that decision, we are all a pack a family, the last werewolves, we need to look out for each other." He let out a sigh, "Come on I'm hungry so don't make me drag you back there and make you look like a lil'bich omega."
I stood up nodding as I followed him.
.
.
We entered the house and made our way to the dining room Triss was at one end of the rectangular table wearing my jacket, Alec took a spot beside Grey across from them my son and Kit sat beside each other, "Well come on dinner is getting cold," Triss said waiting.
I nodded taking the seat at the end of the table across from her.
we weren't long into the silent meal before Grey spoke up, "Okay Dex what the hell have you and Alec been up to all this time?"
"Luna has been training me for something," I replied taking another bite.
Alec chuckled, "It's hasn't all been training there was that time we invented a new drink," I glare at Alec.
Kit catches on, "Oh that sounds like a good story what happened."
Alec puts down his fork and knife, "I had just mastered shifting forms so to celebrate we went to a human town and began drinking, as you know it takes a lot to get a werewolf drunk so we bought a few bottles each and stumbled our way into the woods until we found monkshood.
"Wolf's bane? but that is poisonous to us," Grey barked.
Alec nodded, "We mixed a small amount into our drinks and slammed them back when I finally regained consciousness I was in Zootopia buck ass naked."
Everyone laughed, "And what happened to you Dex?"
Everyone grew quiet, Alec spoke up, "I found him in the bar you used to look after mom, the bugger was still drinking mumbling about how he could still smell your scent on his jacket." Alec cleared his throat, "Anyways how about all of you how did you become werewolves," he looked at Kit, "Werehumans."
Triss spoke up, "Side effect of giving birth to a werewolf."
Kit gestured at Grey and himself, "We didn't want Triss to go through it alone so we got her to change us."
Clearing my throat I got up, "Thanks for the dinner."
Before I could get to the door I felt a paw grab my shoulder, "Where are you going? What do you have to run from?" I turned to see Triss.
"This has been a lot, I need a walk to clear my head," I replied opening the door and stepping out.
I felt her grab my paw and lean into me, "We are glad to see you, Jake finally met his real father, we have our Dexios back."
"How can you all act like I didn't betray you?"
"You wanted to keep us safe that's why you knocked out Kit and Grey before the war started, you left me because you thought I deserved a normal life, we haven't forgiven you for everything you have done, but we are trying because we love you." She wrapped her arms around me giving me a kiss on my cheek, "I saw the pictures I know that you still care, Alec told us that you prayed to hear us every full moon."
I rested my chin atop her head as I held her in my arms.
After a while, Grey called out, "Hey do you want us to wait or what?"
"I'm quite content right here thanks," I replied.
Triss chuckled, "Just like old times, still getting cockblocked by the beta."
I groaned letting go of her before we walked back in and taking our seats.
"So what brings you back here Dex?" Grey piped up.
"Luna," I let out a sigh, "The missing mammals and savage mammals are like us. someone is turning them and getting them to go savage somehow."
"What do we do?" Kit asked.
"I have been following leads and was able to rescue a victim before they went savage, shit she is probably wondering where we are."
"She?" Triss raised an eyebrow.
"Not getting jealous are you," I winked at her before getting up, "Sorry but I have to go she shouldn't be alone for too long."
"Bring her back here you all are family you can stay here," Triss said.
I smiled, "I would like that."
.
.
I practically ran back to MSO I ran in fully clothed, I found Rylee curled up sleeping softly, "Hey Rylee, Time to go." I said.
"Hmmm?" She groggily rose to her feet and stretched, "What's going on... Are we safe?"
I laughed, "How would you like to meet more of us?"
"Can we stay in a real place? and wear clothes?"
I nodded, "Grab your stuff and let's go I will meet you outside."
I went to my locker one last time and emptied it I was able to conceal my sword under my shirts and tuck my gun into my backpack. I stood outside sitting on my bike waiting. It didn't take to long for her to emerge her fur was still damp I shook my head.
"What," She said crossing her arms, "I wanted to make a good impression."
"Come on just get on," I said handing her the helmet and my backpack.
"Last time I thought you were going to kill us."
"Oh come on stop pretending you didn't like holding on to me."
She reluctantly put on the backpack and helmet, "Where is your helmet?"
I grinned putting on my sunglasses, "Scared we might crash and ruin my face?"
"Why do I even put up with you?" she stated as she climbed on and wrapped her arms around me.
I started the bike and drove nicely, after a while, she loosened her death grip and began to relax.
.
.
I killed the engine and coasted into the yard letting Rylee get off before I leaned my bike up against the shed. "After you," I stated holding the door open for her.
Everyone was still at the table catching up until they spotted us, I went around the room introducing everyone. I stifled a chuckle seeing Kit and Grey both stiffen up a little at the sight of her. I took a seat by Triss giving her a smile.
"So Rylee is it?" Triss piped up, "Dex never told us how he saved you."
"Oh," She fidgeted a little, "That night is mostly a blur, I remember getting on his bike and holding on for my life until we came to an abandoned warehouse I was able to turn back to normal.. after that we went to Mystic Springs..."
"Have you no shame?" Triss said glaring at me.
"Hey, I didn't exactly have anywhere else to go."
Grey cleared his throat, "Alpha, what is our plan to deal with this?"
I eyed him figuring what he was trying to do, "Alpha? It's been a long time since I held that title... Guess I will need a second in command..." I scratched my chin a moment "Now the big question Alec or Kit... Hmmmm?"
"What!?" I heard Grey blurt out causing everyone to laugh.
"Payback for earlier, relax you know you're my second," I let out a sigh, "As for what we do... I have a lead to investigate but the cops made it there first so I will need to go undercover."
"Hardly the first time you have done that," Alec piped up, "You gonna dye your fur again this time?"
everyone laughed, Kit spoke up, "I gotta hear this one."
"It's a long story, but I suppose I owe it to you it will help fill in some gaps." I took a deep breath, "Rylee this happened a few months after I supposedly died, so the umpteenth of November ish year zero."
I watched as everyone learned a little closer waiting, "I came across someone I helped in the past and they needed my help once again a few days into the voyage we ran into some hunters, I was posing as a human at the time until I was shot with silver forcing me to turn, it turned out it was a misunderstanding, and their leader was actually an original Like Azoth and Luna. Anyways long story short Lucy the girl I was helping, well her brother was at the school when we attacked, so I figured that he might be at Zootopia." Triss left briefly returning with a glass of whisky for me.
I took a drink, "Ahh thank you."
"Two hunters joined us and I knew that I couldn't walk in there without being noticed so we dyed my hair silver..."
"What happened next?" Rylee asked, "Did you find her brother?"
"Once we got inside I was overwhelmed with feelings and memories, once I spotted the statue I beelined it to the bar," I chuckled, "And would you believe it the bugger Abe figured me out." I paused, "Whatever happened to Abe?"
"He passed away before Jake was born," Grey mumbled.
"Damn I'm an idiot. That's what they were trying to tell me." I shook my head ashamed.
"What?" Triss asked.
"Before I ran out of the bar on Abe he tried to tell me something important but I wouldn't listen after that Luna came to me. I was drinking on a roof looking at the statue of me and my brother when I saw you Triss... She told me to go to you and comfort you, then I saw you and Grey and figured... well... I was drinking."
She shook her head, "You are an idiot but you are my idiot."
"Anyways I wound up in a cave Azoth and I lived in, and found a crazy wolf looking for how did you put it? His hero?" I looked over at Alec.
"I didn't say that..."
"You were wearing my sunglasses, holding my gun, and wearing the jacket I got you."
He opened his mouth to respond then closed it.
"Yeah, that's what I thought."
"You really did it you crazy pup," Grey grinned slapping Alec on the back, "Should have never doubted you."
"Did you turn him then?" Rylee asked.
"No, not then he wouldn't stop following me until Luna came back suggesting that I turn him, took him all of five seconds to decide to."
I turned to my son, "What about you Jake? Any questions for your old man?"
"What was it like for Animals, humans, and werewolves before the war?"
"For humans, it was much like this here, houses, jobs, and good healthcare. I wasn't a werewolf long before the war but it was a struggle learning to control this new hunger in me and trying to get used to eating human food again, I still remember the first meal I ate I thought my mom was trying to kill me," I chuckled, "Animals were not as sophisticated as they are today, Sorry it's probably not the answer you wanted."
We all continued catching up until late in the morning when everyone slowly started to make their ways to their respected rooms Alec and Rylee took the two guest rooms, I sighed as I took a seat on the couch, "Aren't you coming to bed?" I heard Triss ask as she stood halfway up the staircase looking at me.
I sprang up, "Don't have to ask me twice."
I followed her to her room it was full of pictures of early Zootopia and when Jake was just a pup, I wandered around marvelling at them, I felt Triss grab my paw and lead me to the bed we settled into each other holding on tight as we drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
.
.
"You have to let go, I have to go to work," Triss told me.
I grumbled pulling her closer, "Work can wait, I... we have waited just about three hundred years."
"Yeah..." She giggled, "But cuddlings not going to pay the bills nore is your broke ass," Come on I have to go.
I reluctantly let go and gave her a pouty face, "I have a job, I'm not that broke."
"Oh come on," She complained to me as she began to change into her work clothes, "I was just teasing you."
I just got up and began putting on my clothes, "I guess I have work to go to as well..."
She leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, I smiled at her as I done up my pants, "I'll see you tonight?" She asked.
"I have a lead or two to follow and an actual job to do so maybe."
She nodded as she left, I sighed as I finished getting dressed and made my way downstairs, I grabbed my jacket and waved goodbye to everyone that was eating breakfast.
.
.
I parked my bike outside the museum and headed in whistling, "Good morning."
"Good morning Nancy."
She smiled at me, "Oh, There is a gentleman over there asking about some pre-war that got fixed up."
I turned to see a lion in a suit examining some pre-war exhibits, "Yeah I will go see him."
I wandered over to him and cleared my throat, "Nancy tells me you were interested in some pre-war stuff?"
He turned to me showing a badge, "I'm special agent Reese Kervan, I have a few questions for you."
I nodded, "Sure thing," 'FUCK!'
