Exiting the subway just a few hours before noon, Daniel was greeted by the frigid temperature his destination, Frosty Road, had to offer. Moving past the subway gates, a satchel slung around his furry neck. His mother had given him the satchel a few years back. It was laced with intricate patterns, and Daniel often kept it close as it reminded him of his mother. In it, he kept his phone, his wallet, a pen and paper, and other important articles. Alongside them, the bag also contained soon-to-be Asher's gift box containing the silver bracelet. Though the box was a tad crumpled now, Daniel decided to keep it by him as he wanted to have it ready when he found Asher. He was dying to pass the trinket on to his younger sibling. Daniel horribly wanted to show Asher how much he cares for him. He wanted Asher to know he was not alone.

But now, Asher was alone. Somewhere. Maybe cold and afraid. Maybe savage. If the zebra's account was true, Daniel would first have to talk some sense into his little brother before taking the steps towards normalcy. The thought of his Brother being uncontrollably out of control frightened him. His claws? His fangs? Asher had never threatened to use them against anyone. Asher may have been devastated, hopeless even, over the past few months, but he was never one to start a fight. Daniel wondered about what he'd say when he first saw his dear Ashy. Would he still be tearing everything up by then, as he did with the furniture in the apartment? Would Daniel's attempt to find Asher only lead him on a path to his own demise? He thought of it no more. He felt it would be no use to ponder on these uncertainties. Asher was missing, and Daniel first had to find Asher before he could bring him back to the light.

Daniel finally made it out of the subway station and on to the surface of the overworld. He remembered the address Slush had so kindly told him: 318 Frosty Road. As the rail went directly to Frosty Road, Daniel assumed that his vulpine counterpart would reside in an area crowded with apartment complexes and busy streets. However, he was pleasantly surprised to instead see rows of decently sized houses appearing to form a loose, open neighborhood. The scene was quiet. Snow nestled on the rooftops of houses, giving them the appearance of ski slopes.

Daniel glanced at the numbers displayed on the front of one house to his right. It read 312. Slush's house would be only six houses away. He followed the trail of ascending numbers until he reached a dwelling which displayed the numbers 318 in a white font. Heart racing, Daniel approached the brown, hazelnut door. He was anxious. He had not spoken to the residing todd in ages. Arriving at the door, he was greeted by a welcome mat with the words 'Welcome to the Fox's Den' printed in orange. The mat was probably made for a Red Fox, but Daniel found it amusing none the less. Taking a deep breath and rubbing the bridge of his snout, Daniel pressed his index finger on the icy doorbell beside him.

Less than five seconds after the doorbell was rung, Slush swung open the door. He was dressed fashionably in a fancy purple suit, and his gaze was directed slightly upwards towards Daniel to make up for their noticeable, but not huge, difference in height.

"Daniel!" Slush exclaimed. "Where have you been?!"

And before Daniel could think twice, he felt the shorter canine embrace him.

Daniel could not remember the last time he had been hugged. He was always on his own, a lone wolf, and Asher had not been into the gesture as of late. Daniel felt safe in his old friend's arms. Receiving the embrace, he felt as if he had melted. Daniel noticed the opposing fox's floofy tail start to wag, and instinctually, Daniel's own tail began dancing as well.

Daniel did not know how he had survived being alone all this time. He had set aside all his emotions not long after his parents' loss. He had to, as he needed to focus on taking care of Asher. But Daniel's renewed longing for camaraderie made him realize just how lonely Asher must have been too.

As Daniel felt his true emotions slowly creeping out, he parted with his thoughts and successfully composed himself. He had a lot of explaining to do.

Daniel and Slush had been closer than peas in a pea pod. The two canines met in college at the University of Tundratown, and they quickly became inseparable. Neither of the two were considered popular or overly extroverted, so Daniel and Slush often spent their time outside of their boring lectures hanging out together. Daniel was two years older than Slush as he took two gap years between high school and college, but the pair did not seem to mind. Slush was not a star in his university days, but he still acted like a goofy fur-ball and tried to get the more reserved, older canine into some fun.

It had only been during their senior year of college a year ago when things began to turn sour as Daniel missed his best friend's important biochem speech presentation. Ever since, Slush's calls would only go to Daniel's voicemail. Slush did not know it, but Daniel had listened to each one. The wolf wanted to tell the snowy fox about his deteriorating situation, but he couldn't get himself to do so. He knew it would be hard on his own, but he felt a weird responsibility to independently care for his younger brother. It was almost like Daniel had a desire deep down to prove something.

Promptly, the wolf pulled away from the embrace. He was feeling awkward talking to the friend he had just disappeared on, and his ears turned to a slightly reddish tint.

Softly, Daniel greeted "Heyyy.. Slushy! ... I'm sorry, this was very unannounced. I know that you might be a bit upset with me, but-"

Slush interrupted, "Slow down buddy, it's freezing out here. Even for me. Come inside."

Together, they passed the brown door into the fox's realm. Daniel was impressed, but not surprised, to see neat furniture, all in matching, cool colors. Slush always seemed to know what was aesthetically pleasing. On the walls were some lavish, bright artwork.

Turning to take in more of the view of the home's humble, warm interior, Daniel noticed an amusing wooden placard with the words, 'No Fox Given' written in bold letters. He chuckled internally. The house was far from a mansion, but it by far seemed more comfy and lively than Daniel's simplistic apartment he shared with his younger brother.

making a gesture with his paws towards some evergreen colored chairs, Slush offered, "Please, take a seat. Do you want some tea? You must be out of your mind from what I've seen on the news recently."

Following the shorter mammal's command, Daniel slumped down on one of the low, tidy chairs. He felt his nervousness slowly slip away with his host's hospitality.

Daniel replied, "Yes please, that would be really nice." His head observed the living space once more. Daniel tried to make some light conversation before getting into anything too personal. He didn't know how the fox would react to anything, but he now felt so desperately that he had to maintain this friendship before it slipped away again.

Daniel remarked, lightheartedly, "Well, you certainly have been doing good for yourself, with this house and all, it certainly looks lovely."

The arctic fox replied, "Why thank you, Danny, I put a lot of work into it."

Maintaining his cautious yet carefree tone, Daniel asked, "Certainly looks a lot for one mammal... Or,... is there a special someone out there?"

Slush was returning with the warm, black tea now. His cheeks must have turned to a slight pinkish color on the way, but to his relief, the color was hidden by his thick fur. He set one mug of tea next to Daniel on the table in between the two chairs. He then plopped himself on the chair across from Daniel, with his own mug of tea in his paws. tilting his head slightly to meet Daniel's gaze, Slush could see a slight smirk nestled on the wolf's muzzle.

Slush chuckled and sarcastically said, "Ha ha. I've not been so fortunate." Slush took a sip out of his mug. "But at least it's better than still living with your parent's at the age of 25!" Slush burst out in a distinct sounding laughter that only Foxes were cursed to make.

There was a pause.

Daniel's ears suddenly drooped down behind his head.

Noticing the wolf's change in body language, Slush's laugh came to a quick halt.

Worriedly, Slush said, "Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

The wolf looked hesitantly at the smaller canine, and he could feel the fox set his right paw lightly over Daniel's knee as a way to try and comfort the wolf.

Daniel replied, slowly, with his eyes staring at his mug of tea to avoid eye contact with Slush, "No, No, I'm sorry. I should have told you all those months ago..." He took a deep breath. "My parents passed in a car accident during February last year. That's why I left so suddenly. I had to focus on Asher. He didn't take it well." Daniel moved his knee slightly, releasing the fox's paw.

Slush was stupefied. He felt that he should have been there for Daniel. He should have put in the extra effort to make sure his wolf friend was okay, but instead, at the time, he was only consumed with anger at Daniel.

Slush shook his head slowly, facing the floor below him. He then tilted his head back up to the taller canine. "I'm so sorry Daniel! I didn't know! That must be awful! I should have checked on you and Asher. I'm an idiot! I'm a horrible friend!" Slush's arms were now covering his own face. He felt ashamed. He had been holding a grudge that was so immensely pointless, and he had let their friendship slip away because of it.

Daniel replied, reaching out to gently remove the fox's concealing arms, "Please, it was my fault, I should have told you, I'm sorry. Things have just been a little tough recently."

Slush's focus returned directly on the wolf. "Wait, do you have a place to stay?"

"Yes. We, and I mean, me and Asher, have a small apartment that we shared. It's not much but it's been serving us just fine. I was lucky enough to get an entry-level office job somewhere in Canyonlands. That's how I afford our rent and food. Money's usually tight, but we manage."

Slush replied, softly, "Oh, I'm sorry, Danny. You deserve more. I know you always wanted to work in environmental science, studied it and all. It must be horrible working so much just to make ends meet."

Daniel let out a slight sigh, "Yeah, but you get used to it. I tried to apply for some environmental jobs shortly after my parents' accident, but most of the environmental jobs are in the Rainforest District. Plus, it doesn't help that I didn't complete my degree, and it certainly doesn't help that I'm a predator either. The society we live in... How 'bout you?"

Slush was swept by a wave of sorrow. He felt awful that his wolf friend had to endure this horrible situation.

Tracing back to Daniel's question, Slush answered, "Oh, I work at a facility that tests the use of chemicals in foods, like, whether they're safe or not."

Daniel took another sip of tea, only to find the fox's solemn gaze.

Slush spoke, "Listen, Daniel, and I'm being serious about this. If theres anything I could help you with, or if there is anything you need me to do, please let me know."

There was a clink as a mug was placed back on the table.

"Thanks, Slush," Daniel replied, "And, I'm sorry, but there is one thing."

Slush answered, "Yes, of course! Don't be sorry. What is it?"

"Well, I've been trying to find Asher on my own. He's really elusive, you know? And unpredictable, especially after our parents passed. I know that Asher adored you, and it's a real hard thing to ask, but, I think I can't pursue this search on my own anymore. I need your help"

It was true, Asher had been really close to the arctic fox. Often, when Asher would come to visit Daniel when he was at university, Asher spent a considerable amount of time with Slush too. Asher adored Slush's bubbly personality, and the two of them along with Daniel often made numerous trips to the popular ice cream store: Barkin' Robins. Slush often made time to play video games with Asher as well, most notably Fifa. Asher would not know it, but Slush often took it easy on him when they played. Eventually, the two canines were able to form a strong, friendly bond. Obviously, however, Slush had not seen Asher since Slush's contact with Daniel ceased. Therefore, it caused great worry for the arctic fox when he saw Asher's name as part of the missing mammals on television. Slush had wanted to call Daniel about it, but he didn't know if Daniel wanted to receive a call from his old friend anymore, and he thought that it might have been too hectic to drop in on Daniel during a time of crisis. But He wished he had now. Daniel looked like a wreck.

Slush took another sip of tea. His cup was almost empty. "You're trying to find him yourself? Isn't that the ZPD's job?"

Daniel responded, "Yes, but the ZPD won't solve it. They're too busy and have made no progress. I even spoke to the chief directly! Frankly, I think it will be fastest if I just go try to find him without their help."

Slush was bewildered, "Daniel, are you crazy! You don't have any experience solving crimes. Meanwhile, they DO! I know you must be super worried about your brother and all, but this is extreme! I'm saying this as a friend, okay? I just can't let you do this; You need to recover your state of being first! The ZPD is on the case, so let them handle it. It's all on the news, too; they won't allow it to go unsolved! Plus, Asher's condition is uncertain. He could be in a situation you are not ready to face! How do you even know if he is not..." Slush did not dare to finish his sentence.

Noticing Slush's doubt, Daniel became slightly defensive, "Because I know what happened to him, okay?! Well-, at least.., part of it." He paused, "Apparently, Asher went a bit crazy, according to a co-worker of mine who saw him, anyways. For that reason, he was taken by some mysterious wolves claiming that he was on drugs and claiming to be a fake anti-drug agency. They have him now, but I don't know where they took him."

Slush leaned back in his chair, "Went crazy... Are you sure? Daniel, that sounds really unlikely, and danger-"

Daniel interrupted, asserting himself, "I know, Slush! It's crazy, it's all a mess. Okay? It's hard for me to believe it as well, but it's the only bit of information I have, and I have reason to suspect that it's true! And, you said it's dangerous? Well, thats why I'm asking for a second mammal, because having two is safer than one, right?"

Slush felt that he had made Daniel upset, and he wanted to alleviate the tension. "Look, I'm sorry, Daniel. It's just a lot for me to take in all at once. May I ask what this reason you speak of is?"

Daniel replied, rather impatiently, but much more calmly, "That day, my apartment room was ravaged. No blood or anything. Nothing stolen, just ravaged! He must have caused the damage and then jumped out of the closed window! It must have been him; There's no other explanation!"

There was a long pause.

Then, Daniel collected himself, "I'm so sorry Slush, I normally don't tense up this much," Daniel's words were interlaced with some sniffles. "I've just been really anxious after Asher went missing. I know it's a lot to take in, and I'll try to do better dealing with it, I promise. I just.. feel it's my fault, you know?"

Moving towards Daniel, Slush used his paw to caress the wolf's muzzle gently, turning it so that Daniel could look directly at the snowy fox. Slush then said, "Daniel, don't say that. It's not your fault. I know it's hard, but we have to stay strong." After Slush realized what he was doing, he moved his paw away from the wolf quickly as he didn't know how Daniel would find it. Slush found the situation awkward and mentally scolded himself.

Meanwhile, Daniel was trembling. He was trying to stop more of his true emotions from escaping his lean frame.

Whats happening to me? Why am I on the verge of tears? He thought.

Then, Daniel responded, "Thanks, Slush. It's just been really hard recently, searching for him on my own."

Slush, putting his paw to his own heart, then said "Well, you're not on your own anymore. I believe you, Daniel, and I'll help you. Besides, Asher was really close to me as well, and if you say this is the best course of action, I trust you."

Daniel was in disbelief. He didn't think that Slush would want to help him after he had just told him his unbelievable story.

He questioned, "Really?"

Slush replied, smiling, "Of course! What are friends are for? Also, you can stay at my place for as long as you want. There's two extra bedrooms upstairs. Nobody uses them."

Daniel was ecstatic. He would no longer have to go on his journey alone. He felt his tail wagging again. Tears of joy lined up at the gate of Daniel's eyelids, but he could not hold them back anymore, and they began to flow down.

He wanted to embrace his friend, but he was hesitant.

Slush then responded, "Oh Danny, you're so emotional." He then initiated a platonic embrace on his wolf counterpart. Slush then continued, "Hey, maybe we should order something to eat before we go on this 'crime solving detective business.' Sounds like you could use a break anyways. Plus, we need some time to catch up. We can start looking for clues afterwards, or whenever you want. Bet I'll find more!"

Past the joyful tears, Daniel murmured, "Sure, sounds great!"

The old wolf was delighted to have his friend back. And now, with both of them working together, he was sure Asher would be found in no time.