Changes and Rewards.
"Good Evening. I'm Fabienne Growley."
"And I'm Peter Moosebridge. Here's what's happened around the world today."
Onscreen was a scene showing mammals in running gear, first was a group of rabbit spread out in a long line running through the woods. Next scene was foxes in similar running gear also running through the woods. Both groups were mixes sexes and each group tended to have their species in groups of two or more, although in the fox group the vixens seemed to be attempting to attract the todds into doing something else.
"The annual Chase Marathon in the nation of Vulpinstan was a huge success this year. Due to the upheaval here in our great city of Zootopia, the rabbits hired to participate as the chased were cut short due to injuries suffered at the paws of the assailants attacking our city. Replacements were hired and given many chances to run the route to familiarize themselves, it is suspected this newness is the reason for the increase in capture of headbands. Thank goodness the ancient ways were not followed 'cause back then rabbits were allowed to be killed if they were caught. We can thank the two priest factions, the Order of Mother Nature and the Priests of the Moon, for changing the way this chase runs today."
The scene changed to show another group of mammals along the same woods that the foxes and rabbits were previously on. These were in two groups; the first was a mixture of foxes, rabbits, and many other species. Once these were off running and the starting line cleared the second group started their way following the same route as the running group. This group was clearly elderly and mostly the citizens of Vulpinstan and both these groups had a mixture of Zootopians walking or running.
"The Chase Marathon was opened for the first time in its long history to non-citizens hence the many non-foxes and rabbits. The king of Vulpinstan granted this privilege as a nod of thanks for the GSD and our military helping his forces in riding his kingdom of the invasion from the Dark Underground. We are told that next year there will be a separate chase marathon set aside for foreigners, thus giving them a chance to test their skill in this age old testing. Baron Rorschach told us that the first day would be reserved solely for his citizens but both days would be allowed straggler runners and walkers from both nations."
The camera view changed to show what appeared to be old European village, the buildings clearly made of thick wooden beams and nearly the same architecture. Small variance and differences in color or hues were the primary way to tell one building from another. Some of the buildings could be mistaken for those one could find in an American fort somewhere in the Great Plains.
"We thought our viewers deserved to see what a typical town in Vulpinstan looks likes. The name of this one is Crimson Lodge, located nearby is the estate of Baron Rorschach. The baron asked us to pass on a public service announcement; he asked us to press the importance of Zootopian visiting his country to pay strict attention to the brochure given them by the embassy. Tourist traps in Vulpinstan are literal, and by following the guidance provided by these brochures foreigners can avoid a very expensive and unpleasant experience during their stay. Otherwise the baron wishes everyone a pleasant vacation in the best nation in the whole world, his words not ours."
The view changed back to the Tv station showing the snow leopard looking at a colorful pamphlet with the title *Wonderful Vulpinstan* facing the camera. The moose was looking in her direction, subtle grunts emanating from his throat as if trying to get her attention. A couple moments later the view switched to a commercial, this one just happened to be urging everyone to visit the country of foxes where one could let their inhibitions go wild.
Rachel Canny, one of two female fox member of the private eye club called Empress Choice, hurried through the old part of Zootopia. Normally she came to this rarely-used and secluded park once in a while usually on a whim, but when a voice inside her head strongly recommended she make her way here posthaste she didn't hesitate. Well, perhaps to finish her shower and fur drier session. This voice was unforgettable as she heard it once many months ago in the park she was headed towards; when Mother Nature speaks you pay attention.
Rachel was daydreaming about a todd that caught her eye earlier this afternoon. The voice *tisked* and asked why the young vixen was so eager to throw away her freedom to pamper herself before Life and motherhood forced herself to sacrifice everything to raise a family. The young vixen merely answered she was infatuated with the handsome todd, not wanting wedding bells. Now the image implanted in her mind caused the vixen to hurry to the park.
As she parted the branches she heard the Mists doing something nearby. There it was in the form of a Honey Badger and trimming branches on the hedgerow. This was highly unusual because almost every time she came here it was her that busied herself waiting on the Mists to arrive. She should have known her entrance would not go unnoticed, this was not flesh and blood that she was about to engage in conversation. This conversation was more than idle chit-chat over crumpets and tea, and much more serious.
"She arrives."
"I came as soon as I could. You wouldn't want me to appear unkempt now would you? A lady must ensure her fur is clean and she's properly dressed, otherwise the males would be gawking. Who knows what obstacles they might place in my path here?"
"Perhaps not, but we aren't here to discuss your future litters. Another life hangs in the balance."
The spectral form waved its paw and the space before it filled with a mist, growing from barely visible into a thick cloud. Rachel recognized this as the means to display a visual so the young vixen could comprehend what it wanted to explain. An image was displayed inside the cloud, it was another badger surrounded by various mammals. She wasn't certain how she could tell these were vile ones, but she sensed all would be explained soon enough.
"What am I looking at?"
The Mists remained quiet and moved its paws. One scene after another played out in succession.
"What you are seeing is a priest whom was captured months ago. He is favored by Mother Nature and was on the verge of doing great things when his abduction occurred. Through vile means his body was changed and now he has been bewitched into believing he is what he is not. As we speak a great army is amassing and soon will be thrown against a more numerical foe. The outcome of this battle will change the course of history as well as how mammals pray."
Rachel looked at the cloud as it slowly repeated the scenes. A heavy pit formed in her belly, whatever was about to happen meant she would be in the thick of it.
"He's a honey badger. Powerful fighter. What am I to do with him?"
"Lead him here."
The Mists must have anticipated her reaction. Its cloudy paw reached over and she felt a cooling sensation flow upon her as it gently rested on her shoulder.
"His soul must be redeemed if he is to have peace. But there's more."
The scene in the cloud changed, this time showing three female mammals. It changed scenes as it did before, each showing these casting something Rachel assumed were spells judging by what was displayed.
"The Oracle Council has been reformed. It is these that will help you to redeem the badger thus you yourself will not have to do the actual redeeming. Do whatever these tell you; only by working together will Mother Nature's servant be returned to her. Bring the badger here but do not disclose this location to the priestesses. Their presence will be allowed inside, for only in here can he be redeemed. Only in this ancient place can that which purified the once great watering hole redeem him."
The cloud faded as did the spectral badger leaving the vixen alone with her thoughts. How was she to lead a mammal that could easily kill her without breaking a sweat? Oh... the three priestesses. But how could she convince them to help her with the badger, and to do all this without her telling them where they needed to bring the badger?
Rachel sighed. Perhaps she needed advice, maybe her fellow aspiring detectives could figure out the answer. She packed up the things she brought with her, discovering a fruit lying next to her backpack that obviously wasn't there before. She glanced around and caught a glimpse of the spectral badger as he faded away.
High Priestess Ishanah and High Priest Aaron were glad they were sitting on their preferred chairs. This news was something both had been wishing would never happen even though they tried to keep the possibility forefront in their minds. They kept silent for a while, their guest watched them for tell-tale sign of what was going through their minds.
"Are you certain? Have you proof?"
The mouse pushed a button on her Segway and the video played on a screen. The scene showed a group of mammals walking in downtown Bunny Burrow, slowly focusing on a singular one. The view shifted to better show the face of the honey badger and moved only when the badger tuned away from the camera. This was the same video that was displayed for the mouse back in her office and she knew how long it would play. When the video stopped she waited patiently for her hosts to respond.
"The faint glow around the eyes could be anything, but it could be as you suggest" Aaron said in a hushed tone of voice.
"I've not felt anything dire from the ethereal plane, I would like better evidence than a cloudy distance camera shot" Ishanah clearly was hanging on to hope.
"Would you like video of him attacking one of my teams?" The Director of the GSD was obviously disappointed that these didn't believe her. But then again she couldn't blame them. If honey badgers were as tough using priests skills as they were using their natural fighting abilities, it did not bode well for mammalkind.
"Is there one? We have not received any report of such a thing." It was obvious the high priestess was challenging the mouse without being overtly so.
"Thankfully no. But this isn't our only recording of his activities in Bunny Burrow."
Aaron stood up followed quickly by Ishanah. "We will meditate on what has been presented, Director. Meanwhile our current plans to support and participate in General Rommel's upcoming campaign will continue."
"As will ours. Let's hope what my department discovered is nothing like what we think it is."
The two high-ranking priests departed the room and soon were driven away to their next destination. The dog and mouse returned to their conference room to discuss something one of the teams discovered back in the Headmaster's Sanctum.
Greta awoke sluggish and disorientated. It took her a few minutes to get her eyes to focus and the fog out of her mind. Looking around made it perfectly clear what her status was: prisoner. The bars across the only opening didn't need an explanation; neither did the guard sitting a good distance away. She reached out to taste his life-force only to discover he was untouchable, something that seemed eerily familiar. Now she remembered the series of events that landed her here. Two priests equal to her in power joined forces then ambushed her. She should have seen it coming, how the scholar led her to one course of action and then another. It should have been a simple act to trap the hare; she had done this many times before. Why she followed his directions she stopped to think about. Now it became clear, she had grown overconfident.
Geoffrey promised one thing and when she followed his suggestion he switched the plan after she completed his request. He pretended to hint following-through by rubbing against her rump, something she admitted she enjoyed. One thing that now puzzled her was this: she tried but couldn't feed off him after she snapped his necklace apart, but her purple bolt landed squarely on his chest and killed him. Or did it? She only saw it hit and the look upon his face as he fell backwards. The remainder of time she was busy slinging bolts towards the other priestess. But two against one all of equal power made the outcome a forgone conclusion.
Where was her robe? Her paws felt her body and she blew a sigh of relief, the close-fitting garment she felt against her body obviously was underneath the robe she was still wearing. She opened the front to have a look, smiling as this style pleased her as it should have the scholar. Correction: did raise his libido, as a female she could tell he liked it even though he maintained his focus on the ambush he led her towards.
A sound at the far end of this tunnel caught her attention and when the mammal turned around the corner she smiled. A bishop stopped at the guard and presented papers, after a moment she was allowed forward. This was a female hare as well and she stopped a respectful distance from the bars. After opening her robes she removed a coiled-up parchment and handed it towards the bars.
"Bishop Charlene Snowshoe, how good of you to visit me."
"High Priestess Greta, it is only proper. I can't tarry long here and frankly am here to deliver a message, which I strongly encourage you to accept the offer."
The hare handed the envelope through the bars which Greta took opened the parchment and read it quietly. She remained quiet for a few moments as if deep in her thoughts as the other priestess remained quiet.
"So they expect me to relinquish control of the priesthood and join their Triad Council."
"High priestess, there are many that wait your decision. Few have accepted the new status quo, most remain indifferent. I and others remain faithful to you, thus I wait your decision. But you should know this; Grand Tracker Magnus Strongpaw suspects the Zootopians are preparing for an attack here in our underground."
This caught Greta by surprise. She knew the Topsiders knew of their whereabouts due to the attack led by the Council of the Twelve, a pitiful attempt to expand their power beyond the caverns. In her opinion it would have been better to have maintained the status quo, they already had access to the farms above and *acquired* all vegetables and fruits their society needed as often as these ripened. They even were able to *acquire* new genes through various means, mammals were mammals and a flagged tail often was the best way to obtain said material by a willing male or conscription of certain females with desirable qualities. Still... by revealing themselves the council potentially could end the well-oiled means of getting materials for little to no expenses, and most likely end their society if they lost this upcoming battle.
"Perhaps all is not lost. This action by the Zootopians could be used to my... our advantage. When this battle is over however it ends I will deal with the usurpers, those two should be greatly weakened by this assault and then I'll be the one victorious. Only I won't imprison them, death shall be permanent this time."
Greta composed a written response on the back of the parchment and gave it back to the young doe, which bowed and returned to where she was instructed.
Greta watched her leave. This young doe seemed familiar and she searched her memory and moments later she cackled gleefully, this young doe never became an undead and thus were used to position herself in Topsider society. Greta smiled; this young doe was striving for an advisory position and would be useful as such and perhaps as her Triad Messenger. When she was released from this jail cell she would have the young doe assigned to these duties, it was obvious the other two Triad members would have one as their own.
But Greta was aware of another social symptom creeping throughout the priesthood. Since undead couldn't bare kits and disease rarely affected them, many turned to pleasuring themselves. Some enjoyed multiple partners disregarding if they were diseased while others became sadistic and mistreated citizens. Undeath gave the priesthood incredible long lives and perhaps it was no surprise this would come about. But not for Greta, she disciplined herself towards becoming high priestess becoming so merely by coincidence of discovering the necklace that made her immune to the arcane or at least acquiring mastery of it.
In the past she tolerated these wayward priests and priestesses, disciplining those that took their inhibitions to the extreme. But if the Triad Council discovered these priests it most likely would purge them and afterwards would question her why she allowed such corruption to continue. Greta grinned inwardly; she simply used such misbehavior as a means to control such priests. All it took was a reminder that the high priestess knew and the misbehaving priests would immediately fall inline.
But Greta was not entirely guilt free; she enjoyed males from time to time and would kill them once their usefulness was over or if they threatened to expose her. This was known throughout the priesthood but because no one could best her in battle her vice in male was tolerated. If only the scholar had accepted her terms she would have a chosen this buck to focus her desires upon, his treacherous act needed to be rectified.
But now plans needed to be made. Joining the Triad Council under false pretense would allow her freedom and access to resources. It also would allow her to gather these priests and priestesses putting them someplace safe and under her control. These would do her bidding when the time was right, namely purging the high priest and high priestess that defeated her. The scholar would be next; his death would be slow and excruciating just as he deserved.
Now the waiting started. Just how much freedom the Triad Council allowed her was to be seen.
Bishop Charlene Snowshoe stopped as she turned around the corner and slid into a cubbyhole. Standing next to the high priestess gave her the heebie-jeebies, especially considering this defeated priestess still put her own interest before the priesthood. It seemed Undeath indeed robbed a mammal of any shred of decency. After calming herself she strode down the tunnel to meet with Bishop Gandoff and see what the other two members of the Triad Council wanted to do next.
Once she genuinely followed Greta but when the high priestess lost the battle against two priests Charlene took a serious look into these new leaders. She liked what she learned; these behaved like what the religious books said the priesthood should be. She accepted this assignment because her former priest friends still though she was loyal to Greta. They were clueless on her switch in allegiance.
Before entering the priesthood she once was an optimistic young doe that genuinely tried treating every mammal by the Golden Rule: treat everyone as you wanted them treat you. In her adolescent years she enjoyed friendships with many mammal species, especially those who worked with methods that skirted the Council of the Twelve's rules. While this opened doors of opportunity she disliked the way it afforded certain mammals to use and take advantage of their fellow underground citizens. In the social circles she once ran around this was the norm and hustling was going on between everyone. Once she entered the priesthood she was saddened to discover many within the priesthood were hustlers. She had hoped that she was joining a higher-lever of consciousness and servitude; she was disappointed to discover she actually joined Hell.
Thankfully Bishop Gandoff's conversion like hers was suspended and therefore both of them were still a Living. Why the Orb of the Oracle failed to send a blast of neutronian radiation was a mystery, this was the normal conversion to an undead not counting the original method via that strange rock layer. She performed the ceremony more than once and when the orb malfunctioned each time the high priestess decided Fate was intervening thus allowed the living doe to remain in her original body. This led the priesthood to using her to walk into churches and watch which mammals did what, it was useful in determining which politician and those in high public office could be turned into double agents or at the very least a useful idiot to glean information from.
Then she crossed paths with a priest she didn't recognize.
High Priest Billie spent time with her and deduced her disappointment in joining the priesthood. He brought her to High Priestess Ganieda and together they counseled the young priestess. Soon Charlene's faith in the priesthood was restored and these undead, now she knew them as high priest-priestess that survived the eons from time gone by, were here to restore the dark priesthood back to its former purpose. Ganieda wished she could have this young doe undergo the transformation but with the Zootopians in firm control of the Orb of the Oracles only the ancient process via the rock layer remained. With the Zootopians amassing an army to invade the caverns there simply wasn't time to put her through it. But as a Living she could walk among them and gather intelligence, which Billie wanted her teamed with Gandoff so at least she wasn't alone.
The Dark Priesthood had been expanding rapidly in recent years thus allowing priests-priestesses to rise quickly in rank. Charlene wanted to help change the priesthood thus her current rank, which is easier said than done considering the resistance of her fellow priests. But now with High Priestess Ganieda and High Priest Billie leading the Triad Council and after the Zootopians were dealt with, she wondered what the future of the Dark Priesthood would be. With the loss of access to the Orb of the Oracles it seemed the conversion to an Undead thus final conversion to a full and proper dark priestess would elude future priests.
Or is it? Could it be that future of the Dark Priesthood lay in all priests-priestesses being a Living? As she walked back to meet her companion she pondered her own failed conversion. This seemed to be an omen, or perhaps was it merely a delayed outcome and she would eventually become an undead? Time would tell.
"Geoffrey... Geoffrey, are you all right?"
The scholar shook his head out of reverie. He was daydreaming again, reliving the last time he had relations with his... err... chosen doe. A pressure against his chest caught him by surprise and he looked down. Two chestnut eyes were looking up into his and he was surprised how quickly he felt his libido. Gwyn Rex, his assistant, looked with genuine concern on her face.
"I'm... I'm just fine, Gwyn. Just letting my mind wonder a bit, these days it helps me calm and refocus."
The young doe had fur color most bucks dreamed their doe had, this one was still available and these days seemed to be spending way too much time in the Great Library. Geoffrey was old enough to be her father and if these were ancient times when does bear kits at an earlier age he very well could be her grandfather. Today like most days he worked in the seldom-used rooms and was pleased she joined him in going through ancient manuscripts that obviously hadn't been opened since they were brought here from the Oracle Library.
"You're distracted. And this is another lie you told me today, another time you promised to focus and yet broke it again. Here... let me help you with that."
He would have backed away but he was already leaning against a wall. The young doe pressed against him as she reached to adjust his glasses, the ones he wore to read the ancient books and then did something unexpected. She laid her head on his shoulder staying there longer than friendship would deem proper. He should have been restless but it was nice having a female close by that didn't suck part of his soul every time she pressed her muzzle against his neck, like what this one was doing. Gwyn wore a dress that emphasized décolletage and hugged her body, at least when she was working here in the Great Library and strangely only around him. These were two aspects of femininity that was his kryptonite and he struggled to maintain his composure.
When she first started working with him she wore dresses that were quite modest, he liked those and was unable to determine just when her clothing style started to change. She was bright and seemed to keep their working relationship professional, perhaps it was the reason he originally allowed her to help him with the books. Having a relationship with a dark priestess who was quite possessive perhaps was the best reason to keep his working relationship in a proper manner. Now this was the first time Gwyn made an overt move that was more than friendship, possibly enough to encourage him to take her someplace private.
"Miss Rex, any closer and my chosen doe will have your hide. Then I'll have to find a new helper."
"*PFFT* Mr. Kerrigan, I'll have you know High Priestess Ganieda has assigned me to look after you. She knows we work together and thus wants me to help you decipher that ancient book with the pictures of what obviously are orbs. Sooner we translate and discover their hidden meaning the sooner we can go and do something more enjoyable."
"Define *enjoyable*" a feminine voice said from the entranceway.
Gwyn knew who this was and after pressing the wrinkles off his shirt and hers, she turned around to face the high priestess. Thankfully she had a calm temperament and this allowed her to maintain focus, it also helped her to be around powerful mammals and talk about things without being nervous. The undead doe approach them and stopped an arms-length away, then spoke in a tone of voice she recognized as a gentle rebuke.
"Miss Rex, I gave you permission to keep my buck occupied and focused, not rub your body over his. I'll take him from here for his lunch break and then return him to your care afterwards. Ensure he makes it home and we'll discuss exactly what your boundaries and further privileges are when I get home. Take an extra-long lunch break; say a couple hours or more. And don't get excited by the Tracker team, I've received their services from the Grand Tracker himself. They are to ensure your safety since our other high priestess has taken a disliking to anyone favored by me. Enjoy your lunch, I certainly will mine."
Gwyn sighed as she watched Geoffrey disappear around the doorway. He may be old enough to be her father but she had a flame for the buck. Ever since she could remember males wanted to be with her because of her fur color, and when she entered teenage years males wanted her for arm-candy. Males gawked at her nearly every opportunity, and when she went on dates they wanted to bed her. After graduating high school she became an escort model and was very sought after, but she was opinionated and refused to allow paws to be anywhere on her body not allowed by the contract signed with her agency. Almost every assignment either ended prematurely due to bucks fighting to remove her from her assigned male, or had to have a bodyguard to keep the customer behaving properly. When the end of her contract came she bolted and hid in the deepest part of the caverns, only reentering society when a priestess tracked her down and persuaded her to work in the Dark Cathedral.
Gwyn had sworn off bucks and rejected advances from females of various species. She just couldn't bring herself to desire a doe in an erotic manner, even with all the negative experiences with bucks she still dreamed somewhere out there she would find a buck who would treat her properly. When the chance to work in a very secluded part of the Great Library came up she took it, and found herself working with an elder buck that was single.
Geoffrey was different. He treated her as a lady should be, admitting at their first meeting he found her attractive but would make every effort to keep proper boundaries. As the days and weeks went by she found him keeping his word and she enjoyed being in his presence. One morning he was different, happier for no apparent reason. It took some gentle coxing but soon his secret was revealed: he had a doe. When he finally confided he was dating an undead Gwyn stifled her reaction and strived to be supportive. After the battle in the dark cathedral he became edgy, as if he wanted something but been denied. It didn't take Gwyn long to discover what it was, she knew the feeling completely. Sometime during their time together she discovered her feelings for this buck, and every day had to stifle them. Being with him was better than working someplace else and having to slap paws away from her skirt.
Then a few days ago High Priestess Ganieda stopped by the bar which was her favorite relaxing spot. The young doe was surprised the priestess identified herself as the chosen doe of the elder buck she was working with, within moments the purpose of her visit became clear. Her duties kept her away from Geoffrey and the priestess wanted the young doe to be with the buck not only during their job at the Great Library but also in the evenings until the priestess could come home. She made a *lady's agreement* with the young doe. Terms and conditions were harsh: she was to be a companion to the buck, something to distract him from his woes and at a time of the high priestess choosing the two youngsters could enjoy something more private. How Ganieda knew she desired Geoffrey was a mystery but the willingness to share him was a welcome reprieve; in their society it was not unusual for two does to share the same buck. In the agreement nothing was mentioned about how close she could get to Geoffrey. This probably was the reason she rubbed herself and snuggled against the elder buck, it was instinctual and her feeling just needed expression.
She sighed again; consoling herself with the memory of how his body felt when she rubbed herself against him, if only they had a few more minutes alone. She was looking forward to enjoying the older buck. As she picked up the various books she allowed her mind to wander, glad that nobody was around to witness her dancing with an imaginary buck.
The Tracker team entered the room, breaking her daydream. When the books and materials were locked securely in the storeroom they escorted her out and to her favorite place for lunch. It was a small cubby-hole bar that served the best dishes and pasta. She spent the next two hours watching her favorite soap opera on Tv in the side room the owner had set-up for this purpose. Only regular customers were allowed inside and she ate here regularly for this reason. The other reason was it was her father's bar and her siblings kept bucks seeking courtship away. Red-furred does were in high-demand and her father was seeking a proper buck to marry her off. Little did daddy know she already chosen one and had the backing of a high priestess.
Geoffrey was unusually distracted. Ganieda noticed and was certain she knew the cause.
"Miss Rex got under your skin, or to be precise your waistband. Don't deny it, as a female I can tell."
He sighed. "Your duties keep you away and I thought I could handle it. My body has gotten used to our... activity... and it is this sudden lack of it has it in rebellion. In regards to Miss Rex... she's always been a great assistant but she's too young for me."
Ganieda grinned and ran her fingers through his chest fur. "Not too young to make kits with."
She smiled warmly when confusion showed on his face. It was understandable that females were protective of their chosen males and for this one to make such a suggestion was certainly out of character and out of the norm. His confusion was understandable especially considering he had pledged his affections to her only and when they first met she gave him definite boundaries he was not to step beyond else she end his life. But something happened since that first day and now she needed to amend her original list of restrictions. Since she brought the topic up she better explain herself.
"Geoffrey, you are my buck and I share you with no one. Unfortunately even undead females retain the desire for motherhood even though we can't bare kits. It's greatly diminished but remains there nevertheless, like a reoccurring earworm. Since I noticed our Gwyn..."
"Our Gwyn?"
"Yes. Our Gwyn having a subtle interest in you, it didn't take me long to discover her infatuation. She's a highly desirable doe due to her fur coloring and this makes her prime on the marriage market. Now, as it is tradition for the high priestess to auction off all does that reached the age of twenty-five single and is uncoupled it is my choosing to whom will become her husband. I want her fur coloring to be in the kits I'll become *auntie* to and I have decided who will become her husband. You."
He lay in her paws stunned. In all the years he lived it was not foreseen him to have such a desirable doe. Actually he never thought in a million lifetimes he would bed a priestess, of course he didn't think he would prefer an undead doe to a living one. One thought after another raced through his mind, there had to be a better explanation.
"Ganieda, this isn't like you. Then there is Greta..."
Her paw pressed against his muzzle.
"Leave Greta's potential interference to me or to be more precise the Triad Council, any action by her will be dealt with harshly. I'll talk to High Priest Billie and I'm certain he will agree with me, he likes you so it's a done deal."
His facial expression made it clear he wasn't convinced. The bishop and high priest still had private rooms on the other side of the rubble pile. This didn't mean they would be supportive of an attractive young doe moving in to the burrow, not to mention the potential of many kits running about disturbing the peace and tranquility.
"Geoffrey, I am not deceiving you and I said it plain. Look... the Triad Council is keeping me away. Each week more of my time is required and this leaves you alone thus your body is going through withdrawals and me to a lesser degree. All our activity has made me desire to be an auntie and since I cannot bear you kits the desire grows. Since a doe is already interested in you it's only logical: she bares kits and I raise them. She feeds them and I burp them, diaper changing is your duty."
Geoffrey was speechless again. Ganieda sighed.
"Since our society has a custom allowing two does to share a buck, I think this is agreeable and practical. This allows her to relieve your urges and as the ranking female I get to have you whenever I want, in this case when I escape my duties. Soon as I make your marriage to Gwyn legal she will move-in and the agreement she made with me starts: I determine when she becomes pregnant. Best part for me is this; I still get to continue our relationship and you get to provide me with snacks."
Ganieda kissed him and held him against her twins, knowing they always made him happy.
"Oh... I didn't mention anything about using that secluded room you two work in; it seems like a nice cozy place for a rendezvous for doing your job... or other activities. When you two come home tonight decide which room will be hers, but this bedroom is mine. I suspect she will want one on this side of the rubble pile which is fine by me. As ranking female I'll simply pick you up and walk out of her bedroom and take you to mine. Or maybe I'll simply enjoy nipping small amounts of life essence from both of you. There are plenty of empty rooms, although maybe not for long considering how Lapins multiply."
The next few moments they did as they normally did and soon she stopped their activity. Obviously he wanted more but she said plain she was reserving the rest for later. She led him to the Jacuzzi where they enjoyed the bubbling hot soapy water, rubbing their paws through the other's fur. Afterwards they spent time on the fur dryer and when the timer ended this they helped dress the other and then went downstairs. He didn't recognize the pathway she was leading him on, but soon they turned into a cubbyhole and entered the bar. She went to a side room and he was surprised to see Gwyn sitting in a cozy booth watching Tv. Ganieda held him as the excited young doe leaped into his paws.
"I'll leave you two alone as duty calls. Don't worry Gwyn; I left enough of him for you to enjoy any way you choose. Don't get fluid all over the place, the customers don't appreciate it and they might demand their turn. May I suggest taking him back to work, there should be plenty of cubbyholes there and the Tracker team will keep everyone out. Perhaps we'll hear the pitter-patter of little feet soon."
Geoffrey didn't get a chance to kiss Ganieda good bye, the excitable young doe pulled him into her booth and the Tracker closed the curtain. Ganieda smiled; there was a wedding to plan and a nursery to set up. What was soon to happen would relieve a tiny amount of her stress, but imparting her own teachings on a new generation apart from the government-approved curriculum was something she wanted. This was one of several small changes she would start in this society, imposing the ancient rules she grew up under.
Judy was grinning as she watched Marilyn and Caroline trying to tie their father's tie around his neck. Caroline clearly had the grasp but Marilyn wanted to do this herself, as usual they bickered and Judy decided to see when he would intervene. At the moment this was the fifth attempt to tie the unruly fabric. She was about to step in when a satisfactory sound was made by both young vixens. It wasn't picture-perfect but certainly better than any Nick tied himself. Now the duo was putting on the accessories onto his uniform and Judy was impressed they knew what went where. Soon he was ready and Judy gave him a quick look-see just to double check to ensure everything was indeed in its proper place. Earlier she allowed the two to put accessories on her uniform but she had already tied her tie.
"Thanks my darlings for doing this."
He kissed both foreheads and watched them scamper away somewhere in the apartment. Their parents would be arriving soon and the doorbell chime signaled they were here. Voices were heard and to him it was obvious both set arrived at same time, it also was obvious the young vixens answered the door as elder females weren't heard but the males greeted the duo. A short moment later Bonnie and Jackie greeted the vixens, obviously the matriarchal marking session was finished. He was still looking into the full-length mirror when he saw Bonnie cross by towards their bedroom and a moment later heard them greet each other. His own mother now stood behind him looking into the mirror.
"Hi Mom. Just double-checking the uniform and I think Marilyn and Caroline did an excellent job putting everything in their proper place."
Jackie walked up and turned him around just enough so she could refresh her mark, then kissed him and hugged him tightly.
"This is a proud day for me, my son. Once you were a petty hustler in the grand tradition of Vulpes, now those skills will be tested against the best of Zootopia's criminal element. I pray that you don't get hurt on your new job. You know, you still can refuse the promotion. It will calm your mother's fears, but alas it would break your dreams. Promise me you won't take unnecessary risks?"
Nick was hugging his mother when the two patriarchs of the family strode into the room, now watching his mother as she preened his head fur. It wasn't because Judy was slacking on this duty, it was more of an unconscious action all mothers tended to do. As much as Nick enjoyed Judy's small tongue grooming him, he found himself enjoying his mother's actions as well. Soon Jackie was satisfied and walked back to stand beside Judy since the mother-daughter duo just entered the room. Bonnie pulled his head down and remarked him then hugged him tightly and said something similar to what Jackie did just a moment ago. Judy was receiving the same mark and he was surprised his mother asked her something similar to what she asked him.
"Ok, time to go. Finnick and Valarie are waiting nearby as is Mr. Manchas. Chief Bogo has given permission for you two to arrive in this vehicle. Mr. Big has given assurances it is resistant to anything except a direct hit by a very large bomb or an asteroid, whatever that is." It was obvious the country farmer didn't care about astronomy.
Nick locked the front door after everyone was out. Marilyn and Caroline walked beside their grandmothers and happily talked about their latest school assignments. Finnick and Valarie were waiting at the elevator and after everyone was inside he selected the Lobby Floor. As it descended he passed on to the Wilde-Hopps a message from the Arctic shrew. Valarie chatted with the elder females about her recent addition to her wardrobe, showing the new dress as she gave the particulars. The small Fennec vixen didn't mind the two young females examining her dress close up, obviously they were fascinated with the floral print which was why she purchased it.
As stated the panther driver was waiting beside the limousine's door when the families arrived. Finnick and Valarie bid them good bye and walked away, by this time the Hopps and Wilde families knew they were resuming their assignment to watch the apartment, or at least check to make sure the mammals hired to do it were not slacking on the job. Mr. Manchas opened the door and greeted everyone, receiving a big bunny hug from Judy and smaller ones from the vixens. Nick and the others simply thanked him and shook his paw as they got in, his father getting last as was his duty being the ranking male on the paternal side. As the limousine travelled towards the destination Judy talked with Vicky, Manchas's wife. Idle chatter filled the vehicle and the vixens watched the scenery pass by, the grandparents pointing out this-n-that and explaining when necessary.
ZPD Academy soon came into view and when the panther stopped at the front gate, lowered his window to exchange information with the sentry and had everyone show their ID's. Judy asked permission for this vehicle to drive along the perimeter road, obviously wanting to relive memories as well as fulfill a curiosity how things changed. After a short radio conversation the sentry gave them permission but told them when they must be clear of specific points as cadets would be using them. Mr. Manchas closed his window after putting the pass-card on the rearview mirror he drove along the intended road. Judy and Nick gave a running narrative at what each point was about and when the vehicle stopped momentarily at the hedgerow along a cliff it was Nick that told what was on the other side. Obviously he left out the small clearing immediately on the other side of these hedges that was barely big enough for small-species cadets that used it as a make-out spot.
Soon they parked in their assigned parking spot and were greeted by academy staff. An overview of the ceremony was presented and each given their own pass-card and shown to their seats. Nick and Judy kissed their parents and made their way backstage.
The auditorium mimicked that used by the Council of Elders; in this case the stage was centered in the room, rectangular in shape that nearly went from wall to wall and seemed better suited for one of Gazelle's concerts. Paw-hoof prints on the floor marked where each officer species were to stand; these were magnetized rubber and removable mix-n-match according to species and type of ceremony.
Seating for non-rodent guests was in the front, each row raised enough to allow the occupant a clear view. These rows were adjustable in width and height as to allow tailoring according to species. Past experience showed that the largest mammals were best put in the rear, as several layers for small species could be put in front of these. Each officer was allowed a specific number of guests, which made planning and pre-assembling the guest seating much easier and quicker.
For rodent guests their dollhouse-style balcony was located off on the sides, thus allowing better viewing angle for the larger species. The seating area for rodent officers receiving awards were in front of their guests and protected by a barrier to keep them separated from the larger mammals walking to-from the podium.
A bugle sounded several musical notes and the Master of Ceremony brought everyone to attention. As each ranking mammal entered the auditorium its name, rank and title was announced. Each entered one at a time and when these were at the proper position the guests and awardees were allowed to sit in their seats. After the Master of Ceremony read a brief description for the sequence of events and the history of this ceremony, the recognition for deceased officers began. Everyone was quiet and solemn as the deceased officer's citations were read and awards presented to their families, many being posthumously promoted.
Nick let Judy know that for obvious reasons deceased officers were receiving awards first and the bunny *pfft* at him, saying she already knew because Clawhauser told her when she bribed him with a tori.
When these were completed, awards for the Living began.
Awards for heroism were being presented first, followed by meritorious achievement and lastly by promotions; obviously many officers were receiving awards and promotions thus these presented to each officer at same time. The awards for heroism took up the largest segment of the ceremony, for Judy she recognized many of the situations she or Nick was involved in. She caught his recognition out of the corner of her eye, pleased he kept his *police face* as Bogo liked to call it. When she gave him a kiss on his cheek several nearby officers chuckled and whispered something about inappropriate affection in public. Since the whole group of awardees were completely visible to the audience she knew her action was seen by everyone, at least those noticed her movement.
The Wilde-Hopps were fascinated at the many mammals receiving awards or promotions; they knew this ceremony was a combined one considering the situation the city was under. True it was much more stable today than in months prior but it still was dangerous, hence holding it inside this auditorium that was built by the Zootopia Corps of Engineers not too long ago.
When those being promoted were called up front by name she was surprised neither she nor Nick's names were mentioned. She applauded appropriately as each officer received its new rank insignia, and genuinely surprised some received awards for valor at same time. Detective Markle, Nick's boss, received a leadership award for his department and getting result under extreme shortages in mammal-power. The wolf also was promoted and Nick was certain he just lost his boss; such was life in the ZPD these days.
Finally the Wilde-Hopps were called; obviously they were the last to be recognized. Commissioner Frank Ursus, ranking member of the ZPD, stepped up to the podium and unfolded a piece of paper.
"I am pleased to reserve these awards for last, not because they are least deserving but because they are unique. Back when these officers you see before you were undergoing a trial to determine their relationship was genuine, we in top leadership watched carefully. These two species' fate would determine if we made a mistake in admitting them on the force, a mistake we needed to correct not to prevent fellow members of their species from joining but to identify where the mistakes were made and to correct them. I am pleased at the outcome and more so that only a small infraction of common sense was noted. These officers have since proven they are capable of performing the duties expected of all police officers. In regards to Officer Wilde, he has been requisitioned by ZPD Special Crimes Unit on numerous occasions and performed admirably. Up to this date he has received recognition only by his peers in that department but not by the ZPD; today this will be rectified."
The bear stepped away and stood off to one side. A male jaguar came into view and stepped up to the podium, unfolding a piece of paper just as the bear did. Nick grinned; he recognized this mammal not only from the trial but on many occasions when he was temporarily assigned to ZPD Special Crimes Unit. Agent Nighteyes cleared his throat and began reading.
"Officer Nickolas Piberius Wilde after receiving his badge upon graduating from the ZPD academy was requested by ZPD Special Crimes Unit for his specialized knowledge in the criminal underground. It is a little-known fact that we had an influence upon his approval into the services of the ZPD. For obvious reasons we had to wait a period of time to allow this officer time to adjust to life as a police officer, but we did bring him Temporary Assigned Duty status as a consultant. When he underwent the trial before the Council of Elders we had to wait until the outcome, which itself was another wait. Once he were declared *Genuine* and returned from Leave and Authorized Time off we had Officer Wilde begin the classroom training and afterwards begin participation in our operations. Thus began his dual life as an officer of the law and as a special agent. While he never knew of this double-status up to this date therefor we are recognizing his services in the following award."
The jaguar stepped away from the podium and walked to stand before Nick. As another jaguar stood at the podium and read the citation, he pinned a medal for meritorious achievement on Nick's uniform. Photos were taken as the award was pinned and the award citation was handed to him. Nick was surprised when his Patrol Officer's badge was removed and his golden Detective's badge was pinned onto his uniform, this denoting he was officially a member of Special Crime Unit. His former badge was put inside a blue velvet-lined box and given back to him, the jaguar saying it was tradition to keep this at home in his desk. Agent Nighteyes and his partner shook Nick's paw one last time and then departed, leaving the fox feeling proud.
Commissioner Ursus stepped before Nick, waiting for his assistant to put paperwork in order. The female snow leopard nodded to the bear letting him know she was ready, and after receiving his nod back she spoke into the mic.
"Officer Nickolas Piberius Wilde, Officer Judith Lavern Hopps... in recognition for your many heroic actions on behalf of your fellow officers, in recognition of your actions against those that invaded and attacked our great city, in recognition of inspiring others that had resources to assist and reinforce the ZPD, you are being awarded the following."
As the bear pinned a paw-full of medals on both Nick and Judy's uniforms, the female snow leopard read each citation, pausing to allow the bear to finish pinning the awards on the officers. One at a time a photo was taken as each medal was pinned and as each held their citation for each award. Both received a citation making their promotion official and Judy was surprised her Patrol Officer's badge was removed and a Sergeant's badge was pinned in its place. Just like Nick her former badge was put inside a blue velvet-lined box and given back to her, the bear saying it was tradition to keep this at home in her desk.
The Wilde-Hopps returned to their position in ranks then the Commissioner stepped up to the podium to make final remarks. After all this was completed the Master of Ceremony brought everyone to attention and the ranking mammals departed the auditorium. With a final bugle call sounding several musical notes the officers was dismissed.
The Wilde-Hopps joined their fellow officers in shaking paws and hooves congratulating their peers for the awards and promotions. Nearly thirty minutes later the awardees made their way off the stage and with their family and friends, most quickly leaving the auditorium to be in the outdoors where they could have much more room and semi-privacy. Wherever they found themselves many pictures were taken by their loved ones. Nick and Judy was no exception.
When Clawhauser stepped to congratulate her, Judy was surprised he wore the same medal for heroism that she was awarded back when she was abducted and worked feverishly to free those entrapped rabbit does' on that secluded island. Presidential Heroism Medal hung from his neck and his date, a female cheetah, noticed Judy's astonishment.
"He'll tell you someday when he's ready. But for now let's just say it was awarded shortly after he received the injury that forced him into a desk job. It also allows him some additional leeway behind that desk, such as watching Tv."
"I need to know what's going on at all times, thus monitoring several stations allows me to know everything, not just what our electronic systems tells me. Oh by the way, congratulations on your achievements."
The female cheetah beckoned Judy to stand next to her date; it was a rarity for two mammals wearing the top award for heroism to be in same place. As a few quick pics were taken several of their fellow officers took the liberty to take a few for their own memories, these were from other precincts and Judy wondered why the other precincts didn't have members wearing the same medal that she and the cheetah wore. Chawhauser said in times past most precincts had a few such mammals, but it had been a few years before he received his medal that there were a single mammal in any precinct wearing the award.
As anyone that knows receiving new badges meant new responsibilities, it was no different with Nick and Judy. The bunny and fox were pleased when Chief Bogo found them and took them aside so what was to be said would be in confidential conversation.
"Congratulation once more on your achievements. Resisting whining for not receiving these sooner shows your initiative in reading how awards are processed. This shows maturity, something both of you must now impart to your junior officers as now both of you have moved up to next senior position and thus must strive to train those underneath you. As you know both of you have received praise and punishment as partners, now you will receive praise and punishment for the actions of those underneath you to which you will be accountable for."
This was not news to Judy; she had noticed those senior in rank to herself had been pulled into the buffalo's office. Her ears heard what went on and after talking to Clawhauser the chubby cheetah explained why praise-punishment was put upon the senior officer. Now it made sense why at odd times she would be pulled into the buffalo's office for the same treatment for paperwork Nick did or did not complete, usually when the fox was unexpectedly pulled away for temporary duty with special crimes unit. Thankfully Nick got better at finishing paperwork, mostly so he wouldn't worry about her getting blamed for something she was completely innocent about.
"Sir," Judy said as she gazed down at the shiny new badge, "I studied hard to become a detective. Why am I remaining in the General Line?"
Bogo sighed and looked at her with a grandfatherly expression, if one considered his slightly softened usual face as such.
"If the Dark Underground didn't attack Zootopia, if the Council of the Twelve didn't orchestrate killing nearly half our officers including many of the mid-level officers in management... then you would have been promoted to the Investigative Line. But as it is the ZPD needs experienced officers to fill these shortages. As you are aware your husband has spent more time temporarily assigned to White Crimes Department hence why he has been promoted to detective. As a Sergeant you are still one rank above your husband, he is laterally shifted to the starting rank in the Investigative Line. I expect his promotion to Detective Sergeant-grade within six months which puts both of you at same rank overall unless you are promoted to Senior Sergeant."
The buffalo continued. "As of this moment both of you are no longer partners at least in the ZPD, marriage and your duties at the Council of Elders notwithstanding. Detective Wilde, tomorrow morning you are to report to Special Crimes Unit at your usual desk there. Paperwork transferring your assignment has been forwarded and Clawhauser has your copies. You may collect them this evening or in the morning, I'll leave that to your discretion. Sergeant Hopps, tomorrow morning you will begin your new duties and receive a brief orientation which officers you will be responsible for overseeing. Let me say again how proud I am for both of you and I'm looking forward to each of you advancing upwards in the ZPD."
Judy hugged the bull and Nick simply shook his hoof.
"Sir, aren't we scheduled to attend Camp Billie soon?"
Nick inwardly face-palmed after Judy asked the question, of course she would still be thinking in police-mode. To him that should have been obvious.
"All training evolutions there have been on-hold indefinitely. I know Officer Lioness has given you some of the tactics you would have been taught on your next scheduled session. This was one of the reasons I kept the three of you paired together, your three-some became a small mobile emergency response force that has many remarkable achievements. Grand Tracker Marquis confirmed this when he joined the outcasts living in your parent's other burrow."
Officer Lioness and Officer Quickpaw walked up to them and stood a respectable distance away, obviously waiting for the buffalo to finish his words. Each of these was wearing some of the medals Judy had been given for heroism and meritorious achievement earlier this afternoon. In her eyes these officers earned at least the one hanging from her neck, but the one lesser in precedent itself was no small achievement. After a few more words the bunny and fox saluted the buffalo before he moved away going somewhere else, probably where his wife wanted to go.
"So... how does it feel to be *a boss*?" the lynx said with a grin upon her muzzle. Judy merely hugged the lynx and hit her shoulder afterwards.
Lillian smiled as she shook Nick's paw. "Congratulations are in order for the promotion, both of you. Bogo gave me a heads-up on tomorrow's tasking. We're going with a small group of Trackers to probe a newly discovered access point, well... new to the ZPD. Good news is you already know their leader, she lives on your parent's farm."
Lillian grinned at Judy's recognition, the bunny Tracker being Judy's sister-in-law. As the trio talked about the upcoming mission none noticed Nick being pulled aside by Lieutenant Markle, Nick's former boss. Neither did they noticed the duo leaving through a side door, the two young vixens were near their grandparents thus out of sight. John and Jackie were standing next to Audrey and Arnold thus keeping the young vixens attention. Audrey had told Nick's parents he was being taken immediately to a special assignment thus would not be returning home this evening, they would be having Judy and her daughters staying overnight at the Wilde's home because Audrey had gotten intel from GSD that something was unusual in the Wilde-Hopps apartment building. This was probably why Finnick and his team were there earlier, but perhaps it was better safe than sorry.
By the time Judy finished her conversation with Lillian and Emma the trio finally noticed Nick was gone. Tension was relieved when Audrey briefly explained the fox was needed elsewhere and the Wilde-Hopps family was to spend the night with Nick's parents. Obviously this was nothing new but happening so soon gave the bunny some concern. Lillian and Emma stated they would be staying overnight as well; something Judy suspected was for added security. Whatever gave the ZPD cause for concern and doing this was no small deal. Something or someone had targeted her family, and splitting the two ZPD officers apart was only the beginning of addressing whatever it was.
Judy swore she felt the room's temperature drop and a cold icy paw grip her body. Last time the ZPD took action this drastic... it involved the Servants of Truth.
M.