The Porpoise Files

A Promise

Written by SmilingDolphins

After 5 long hours in the car, Delphin finally pulled into Airbase Gary, the Zootopia Military's main air force base. Delphin stopped next to the guard booth.

"Howdy. Names Agent Delphin. I'm here for the M.O.I.A Transfer." Delphin said, showing his badge and credentials to the tiger guard. The mammal opened the gates and waved him through. Delphin spotted the large gray amphibious cargo plane on the runway. Its ramp was down and a sea lion in a dark suit stood at the end of it. A crew of other mammals was checking multiple parts of the plane. Delphin drove over and got out of the car.

"Special Agent Mare! It's an honor to meet you, sir. My name is Agent Alik Liondire. Level 3." The sea lion said when Delphin walked up. Delphin crouched down and shook the mammal's flipper. When he released it, the sea lion looked at his flipper in awe.

"Level 3, you say? New?"

The sea lion nodded.

"Yes sir! I received my badge a few weeks ago. This is my first actual assignment."

Delphin grinned.

"Well, I'm sure you'll do fine. Nice to meet you Alik. Head up to the cockpit. I'll be in soon. And please, call me Agent Delphin."

"Yes sir!"

Delphin walked back to his car and drove it up the ramp into the plane. The crew gave him the OK, and he climbed up the ladder into the cockpit/seating area. Alik was strapping himself into one of the few passenger seats. His eyes bugged when Delphin sat down in the pilot's seat.

"Wait, you're flying?!"

Delphin grinned and strapped himself into the seat.

"Yep. You ready?"

"Uh, I guess so?"

"Great. Off we go!"

The plane was already ready to fly, so Delphin simply checked a few things, then pushed the throttle to taxi speed. The plane slowly began to roll and Delphin directed it to the runway. The ATC gave him clearance, and Delphin activated the flaps before easing the throttle forward. The engines roared as they fired and the plane streaked down the runway. Delphin pulled back and the nose lifted into the air. Soon, they were over the ocean, the coast of Zootopia a few miles behind them. Delphin pushed the throttle all the way and then hovered a finger over a small inconspicuous button on the control panel.

"You're strapped in, right?" He called back to Alik.

"Yeah, I am. Why do you as-OH MY NULIAJUK!" Delphin pressed the button and the engine's roar doubled in volume. The plane shot forward, screaming over the sea. Only a few seconds went by before both mammals' ears popped and a sound like an explosion could be heard.

"We just broke the sound barrier, in case you were wondering," Delphin said. Alik's amazed expression made him laugh. He looked at the speedometer, which read 800 and climbing.

"Sava?"

"The glowing blue hologram appeared.

"Yes, Agent Delphin?"

"Set autopilot for 36°18'07.8"N 23°45'47.8"E"

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed."

Delphin swiveled the pilot's chair around and turned back to Alik. "Settle in. We've got about 5,000 miles and 5 hours until we reach Porposia."

Without waiting for an answer from the still awestruck sea lion, Delphin closed his eyes and went to sleep.

"Dad! I'm going to meet Delphin at the seaport. We'll be back after dinner okay?" Pulchra called as she prepared to walk out of the house.

"Aiight! Have a good time now, ya hear?" Her father's scratchy voice came back.

"Love ya!"

"Love you too sweetie!"

"Okay!"

Pulchra walked out and got into her Camelac. She began to drive to the seaport, which was a large floating dock for boats and amphibious planes. She traveled through the long slanted tunnel and emerged onto the road that ran the length of the dock. She parked in front of an empty dock and waited. 5 minutes went by when she potted a gray amphibious cargo plane in the distance. She watched as the plane landed on the water. A tugboat maneuvered it back into the dock and the ramp slowly began lower.

It had only been a few days since Pulchra had seen Delphin since she went to the wedding. But before that, she hadn't seen him for almost 3 months. And at the wedding, she only got to see him for a few hours that. As the ramp opened, her heart began to beat a little bit faster. She stepped out of the car and stood in front of the ramp.

I wonder if he looks different. I'll kill him if he cut his hair short. She thought as the ramp finally finished opening. She looked into the plane, and her breath caught in her throat. Her limbs felt like they were turning to jello.

Delphin grinned at her. He began to walk down the ramp, his suitcase rolling behind him. He let go of the bag's handle and stood in front of the orca. Pulchra tried to look annoyed, but she had a feeling she wasn't doing a very good job. Nevertheless, she crossed her arms and tapped her foot. Delphin hadn't cut his hair, thankfully. His dark, almost black brown curls still covered his head like a well-groomed bush.

"So." He said, his beautiful hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. Pulchra lost it. She threw her arms around the dolphin's neck and drew him down into a kiss. She felt Delphin's strong, muscular arms curl around her and pull her closer.

Dumb Dolphin. She thought giddily. She didn't want the kiss to end, but Delphin pulled back. He chuckled at her expression.

"I'm guessing that means you missed-" Delphin was cut off as Pulchra suddenly swept out his feet from under him. Delphin fell to the dock. Pulchra placed a foot on his chest.

"That's for leaving me for 3 months!" She said. Delphin simply laughed. All of the anger drained out of her. She took her foot off his chest and let him up.

"Um, excuse me? Agent M- I mean Delphin?" A voice suddenly said. Pulchra looked behind Delphin to see a sea lion standing at the top of the ramp. Delphin turned and smiled at him.

"Oh right. Alik, stay with the plane. A pilot should be here soon to take it over to Ocean City. Thanks for the escort."

"Yes sir." The sea lion said. He nodded at Pulchra before walking back into the plane.

"So, what do you want for din-" Pulchra let out a sound of surprise as Delphin suddenly grabbed her and pulled her into another kiss. This one, to Pulchra's satisfaction, lasted much longer. When he released her, she let out a small sigh and a few clicks and whistles.

"I've already got a little something planned. Come on. I'll drive."

"Delphin! Are you serious?" Pulchra asked. Delphin had refused to tell her where they were going. But she certainly hadn't expected him to take her to the nicest restaurant in town. "How did you even get a reservation?!"

The restaurant, a seafood place by the name of Marina's, was notorious for how difficult it was to get a table. Not to mention the large price tags on the dishes. Delphin chuckled and got out of the car before walking to the other side to open the door for her.

"I ordered one 5 months ago." He said, holding her hand as she stepped out of the Camelac. Pulchra shook her head in amazement.

"Well, I ain't complaining, that's for sure." She said. Delphin looped his arm through hers and led her to the doors. He held it open for her before walking in behind her.

"Wait," Delphin said. He patted his pockets. "I forgot my wallet. Be right back!"

Pulchra entered the restaurant and sat down at a bench. An orca dressed in a waiter's outfit came up to her. He looked close to her and Delphin's age, and he smiled at her.

"Hello madam. May I help you? Do you have a reservation?"

"My boyfriend does. He forgot his wallet. He'll be right back." The orca frowned at the mention of a boyfriend.

"Of course." He said before walking off. Pulchra chuckled. Multiple other orcas had taken interest in her during her 3 months living here without Delphin. Every single one had been disappointed. Of course, Delphin had found a way to turn it into a compliment.

I'm not surprised they all want you! Delphin had said when she told him about the suitors. Who wouldn't want you? You're the most beautiful mammal in the world!

She blushed as she thought about Delphin's compliment.

He may be a Dumb Dolphin, but he sure knows how to treat a girl. She thought. Delphin had always respected her as an equal, able to do anything he could do, but was a chivalrous gentleman at the same time. I just wish he'd ask me to marry him already.

Pulchra knew why Delphin hadn't asked her to marry him yet. 1, he was afraid she'd say no, and 2, he was afraid about what might happen to her. Interspecies relationships were extremely frowned upon in the ocean. Delphin lived in fear of what other ocean mammals might do to her if they found out she had married a dolphin. Not to mention, dolphins are orca's ancient food source.

Pulchra was so lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't even notice Delphin come back in.

"Got it. Ready?" He said, holding out his hand. Pulchra took it and stood up from the bench. Delphin led her over to a podium. The waiter from before was standing behind it, looking at a tablet attached to the podium. Delphin cleared his throat, and the orca looked up.

"Hello, sir. Do you have a reservation?" He said.

"Mare," Delphin said. The orca looked back down at the tablet and typed a few things in. He looked back up.

"Mare, reservation for 2." That's when the orca noticed Pulchra standing next to Delphin. His gaze flicked to their hands, which were clasped around each other. The orca's eyes narrowed.

"Mam, are you...okay? Do you know this bull?" He asked her. Pulchra's own eyes narrowed. She felt Delphin's grip clench slightly.

"Yes, I'm okay. And of course, I know him. He's my boyfriend. Can we please get to our seat?" The male looked back and forth between Delphin and her. He scowled.

"Right this way, sir." He finally said, venom in his tone. He led them to a table and sat them down before walking away, still scowling.

"I'm sorry about that, love," Delphin said.

"Delphin you didn't do anything wrong," Pulchra said. She extended her hand across the table. Delphin's hand met it and he curled his fingers through hers. Pulchra was very aware of the fact that multiple other couples had noticed them and were now glaring. Surrounded by pairs of orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and otters, they stuck out like a sore thumb. The waiter reappeared. He glanced distastefully at their connected hands.

"May I take orders for your drinks?" He said.

"I'll have a Bloody Mammal," Pulchra said.

"I'll just take a Shirley Camel," Delphin said. The waiter left after writing the drinks down.

"How come you never get any kind of alcohol?" Pulchra asked. Delphin shrugged.

"Never had a taste for it." He said. The waiter returned with their drinks. They each took a sip. They were scanning the menus when there was a clatter as an orca couple threw down their forks and started to gather their things. As they walked past the table, the male muttered.

"Slut"

Delphin's tail swung over, laying innocently in the orca's path. The male was so busy glaring at her he didn't notice and stumbled. Delphin moved his tail out of the way before the bull could see it. He huffed and followed his girlfriend out of the restaurant. The waiter came back over. He seemed to have finally gotten over his specism and nodded respectfully at each of them.

"May I take your orders?" He asked.

"I'll have the grilled tuna. Love?" Delphin said.

"I'll take the catfish sandwich." She said. The waiter nodded and took their menus. 10 minutes later, he placed their plates in front of them. They ate and talked, ignoring the whispers and sneers directed their way. Pulchra barely noticed them. They finished eating and paid for their meal, then left the restaurant. Delphin began to drive; It took a second, but Pulchra realized he wasn't heading back towards the house. She decided not to worry though. She was glad she hadn't said anything when Delphin pulled into a lookout point. A coral reef stretched before them, outside the city limits. Fish swam through the plants in the thousands. They stepped out of the car and walked over to the rail.

"Delphin, we need to talk," Pulchra said.

"What is it?"

"Why haven't you asked me to marry you?" Delphin immediately tensed.

"What?"

"You heard me. Why haven't you asked me to marry you yet? Delphin, for Poseidon's sake, we've been dating for 7 years."

"I...Pulchra...I...we…" Delphin stuttered. He sighed, and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. She stared into his hazel eyes, which were sad and deep. She felt his tail curl around her as well. She wrapped her tail around him, enjoying just being with him. After a minute or two, he finally spoke.

"Pulchra, I want to marry you. Really, I do. It's just...I mean, think about what just happened. Mammals can't even handle us dating. What if they decide a dolphin marrying an orca is so wrong, it needs to be...eradicated? I can't bear the thought of losing you because I love you."

"I don't care what other mammals think, Delphin," Pulchra said.

"And neither do I. Thoughts can do nothing. It's the actions animals might take. They could burn down your house. They...they could kill you." Delphin's voice was almost a whisper. Pulchra placed her hand on his cheek and rubbed her thumb across it.

"I don't know how much longer I'm willing to wait, Delphin. I want you as my husband. I don't care if we have to go live on land, I want you." Pulchra stood on her tippy toes and planted a kiss on the dolphin's snout. His eyes sharpened, becoming as hard as steel. His face set itself in an expression of determination.

"I make you a promise, love. I fully intend on becoming Director of the M.O.I.A. When that happens, when I am at the top and can protect you with the full might of the Mammalian Ocean, I will marry you. I will take you for my wife. I will build us a home on the shores of Greecamal, my old home country before I moved here. I will care for our children with you. And I will grow old with you." Pulchra was about to kiss him again when a loud WHOOP suddenly split the air. The two mammals turned to see a police car pulling up. Two Type B Orcas in uniform stepped out. Type B Orcas were a little bit smaller than Type A Orcas like Pulchra, but had larger white patches around their eyes, along with a more dark gray color instead of black.

"Sir, please step away from the cow." The officer who had been driving said. His name tag identified him as Officer Whalluce. Delphin only pulled Pulchra closer.

"Why?" He asked.

"We've received a report of a Bottlenose Dolphin with a believed to be trafficked Type A Orca female. You two fit the description. So, please step away from the orca. If you do not comply, I will have to arrest you."

Pulchra could see Delphin was burning with anger. His eyes smoldered, but he slowly released Pulchra and stepped away. The driver's partner, whose name tag read Ricks, turned to her.

"Ma'am, please come with me. I'd like to ask you a few questions."

Pulchra reluctantly followed the police officer, who led her out of earshot of where his partner was watching Delphin. The orca stopped and turned to her, before pulling out a small flip open notepad.

"May I ask your full name?"

"Pulchra Ballena Duken," She told him.

The officer scribbling on the pad.

"And your friend's full name?"

"Delphin Aureum Mare Jr."

The officer's eyes widened when he heard the name.

"Did you just say Delphin Aureum Mare Jr? As in the son of legendary war hero and agent Delphin Aureum Mare Sr? Who grew up here after his parents died?"

Pulchra nodded. The officer put his flipbook back and looked over at Delphin.

"Um, please stay here. I will, uh, be right back." The orca rushed over to his partner and whispered in his ear. Just like his partner, the orca's eyes widened. Ricks turned back to her and motioned for her to come over. She did, and before they could stop her, she walked in front of Delphin, grabbed his arms, and draped them over her shoulders, holding his hands. The driver, Whalluce, shuffled forward.

"Um, sir, may we, uh, see your I.D?" Pulchra released one hand so Delphin could reach into his back pocket. He pulled out his M.O.I.A Badge, along with his wallet and gave them to the officer.

Whalluce looked over the badge and I.D for only a second before handing them back.

"Um, Mr. Mare, I would like to apologize. It's just that, we got a call, so we responded accordingly. We didn't realize you were in a relationship with an…"

The orca trailed off. Delphin's stare still smoldered. The officer was clearly waiting for him to say something, but Delphin's mouth stayed shut.

"Well, uh, thank you for your time, Mr. Mare. You too, Ms. Duken." Ricks said. Before tugging his partner on the arm. Delphin's eyes followed them as they walked back to their cruiser, got in, and drove away.

Pulchra felt Delphin tug his arms free. She stayed facing forward, waiting. She heard a loud clang and turned to see Delphin facing the reef, his fists balled. The railing now had a large bend in it. She placed her hand on Delphin's arm. Delphin turned his head towards her, and the rage and anger disappeared from his eyes. His fists unclenched, and his back relaxed. Pulchra leaned against him, looking out at the beautiful reef. After a few minutes, Delphin wrapped her in his arms and tail again.

"You will be mine, Pulchra. And I'll make sure nothing like this happens ever again. I love you with all my heart."

"I love you too, Delphin," Pulchra said, planting another kiss on the dolphin's snout. "Now, let's head home. Dad wants to see you, and you know how impatient he is."

Delphin chuckled.

"I suppose I'll have to ask him for your hand."

"Even if he says no, you're still marrying me. You ain't gettin' off that easy! But it is sweet that you're wanting to ask. Very traditional."

Delphin got a faraway look in his eyes. A sad smile splayed across his lips.

"I learned it all from my father. From the way... the way he treated my mother."

Pulchra nodded, leaned over, and kissed him on the cheek. Delphin started the car and began to drive to the house, memories of his parents and their love playing in his head as he did.