Chapter 8

Delphin's Debut

Written by FairlyOddFaller and SmilingDolphins

The mammals decided to eat at a small store that sold egg tacos. They finished their food and decided to walk to the airsoft arena since it was only a few blocks away. As they were walking down the street, a gang of skunks rounded the corner in front of them. They froze in their tracks when they saw Simon.

"Hey, guys! How have you been?" Simon grinned and walked over to the leader, who was trembling in fear.

"Hey, are you guys hungry?" Simon asked. The look on the skunks' faces turned from pure terror to a mix of confusion and fear.

"Wh-What?"

"I said, are you guys hungry?" Simon clamped his hand down on the skunk's shoulder.

"Uh...yeah...I...I guess?"

Simon reached behind him, and the gang almost bolted, but they calmed down when he pulled out a wallet. Simon flipped the wallet open and took out a few bills.

"Go and get yourselves something to eat. Don't use this for anything else! Alright?" Simon pushed the bills into the leader's hand. The skunk looked down at the cash and looked back at Simon. His head kept going up and down like he couldn't believe the cash was real.

"Uh...thanks…" The skunk said. Simon nodded and motioned back to his friends, who were watching with amusement. Simon walked past, and the group followed behind him, leaving the gang shocked and still standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

"What was that all about?" Delphin asked.

"That gang of skunks tried to jump me and Lily during our honeymoon. I dealt with them. But they're just kids." Simon said, his gaze growing far away, remembering when he was like that, living on the streets, filled with so much hate.

"And that is why I married you. I love your kindness." Lily said, curling her arm through Simon's and leaning against him as they walked.

Simon leaned down and kissed the top of Lily's head. Neither of them saw Delphin staring at them out of the corner of his eye, once again thinking about mates and marriage.

The group arrived at the large airsoft arena, which was conveniently made to allow larger mammals to play with smaller mammals. They bought unlimited game passes, and were directed to a small store inside the arena where they could rent weapons.

"Get whatever you want guys. It's on me." Simon said. After a few minutes, everyone had chosen a weapon. Delphin, despite only having two silenced pistols, had a very cocky smile on his snout.

"So, how do you guys want to do this?" He asked. "I can go against all of you if you want."

Simon raised an eyebrow. "You really think you could take all of us? I can see you taking 2 of us, but not all 4."

"Is that a challenge?" Delphin said, putting the two pistols in a holster the fox manning the shop had given him. "I'll even make a bet. 50 bucks from all of you if I win. 50 bucks going to each of you if I lose."

"I'll take that bet. No way you beat all of us!" Crodut said as he wriggled into the protective gear. A small sub-machine gun was hanging from his belt. Everyone else chimed in on the bet.

"Great. I'm going to head over to my side. Prepare to lose!" Delphin finished putting on his gear and walked into a door that led to the opposite side of the battlefield. The rest of the mammals finished with their gear and lined up at the door to their own side. An air horn blew, and the battle began.

10 minutes later, Delphin received 50 dollars from each of the mammals.

The friends continued to play for a few hours, and eventually, it was 4:30. They all agreed to call it a day and returned their weapons. They began to walk back to their cars, and when they reached the vehicles, drove back to Simon and Lily's mansion. When they arrived, it was about 5:15. Delphin retrieved his luggage and put it in the back of his car. Everyone gathered on the front porch for a goodbye. Delphin got down on his knees so he was only slightly taller than his friends.

"It was nice to meet you Delphin. Make sure you send me your workout." Crodut said, shaking hands with the dolphin.

"Thank you for taking care of Simon during college, Delphin. You'll always be welcome here. Tell Pulchra hi for me, and you better ask her to marry you soon, or I'll have to come after you, ok?" Lily leaned up and kissed the dolphin's cheek. Simon's eye twitched slightly, but he otherwise kept himself under control. He knew the kiss was more sisterly than romantic, but his canine instincts still didn't like seeing his mate kiss another male. Delphin, on the other hand, blushed at Lily's comment about Pulchra.

"Thank you, Lily. And...and I will...eventually." Lily nodded and stepped back. Simon and Vulperne both stepped up.

"Delphin, you've- " Simon was cut off as the dolphin pulled both hybrids into a hug.

"I'm gonna miss you guys. But don't worry. I'm sure a few of my missions will bring me over here." Delphin chuckled as he released his friends.

"Don't forget our invites to the wedding." Vulperne joked.

"Right back at you Vulpes. I get to be the flower boy, right?" Vulperne blushed and glanced over at Crodut, who was just happening to study the flowers on the outside of the house. Delphin clicked and chattered his laugh before standing up, and rubbing Vulperne's head between the ears.

"Sava, start the car."

"Yes sir."

The Rhinos Royce engine came to life and the door swung open.

"I'll see you guys soon I'm sure. Until next time!" Delphin said as he stepped into the car. The 4 mammals waved as Delphin drove away, the long drive back to Zootopia ahead of him, and an even longer trip to Porposia and Lady-Orca awaiting.

And so begins... The Porpoise Files. Keep your eyes open for it. This story isn't done either! TPF and TTC will be worked on at the same time, with alternated posting. I hope you all enjoyed it!

I love y'all! Stay safe! :Dolphins out!