Brief A/N: I can't believe it took me all week to write this, I have so much more planned from here I don't know why my flow seemed so blocked up . . . and oh, what I have planned. Sort of gave away all the good parts to a friend who really is a big support in this time sink of mine, but even still just how it comes out in the end will negate the spoilers I gave. Tonikaku demo nya [Anyway, but meow lol], I am excited to get the next chapter out to you guys when I can, it may take more than a week just saying, and be on the look out for a Scars, and the Claws side story that will have tie-ins, and cameos, but that's barely started; I'll at least give you it's title as a hint to who it involves [that likely no one will get, honto ni gomen nasai] 'Strife and Perseverance'.
Thursday [Week three, Day four]
05:30
When his phone alarm woke him with "Laguna Sunrise" by Black Sabbath Will started licking Layla's muzzle to rouse her enough so she heard him tell her to stop fucking with his phone though he wasn't really upset about it. For once he wasn't in the mood to shower so he just got ready for work, and left his note for Layla which read "Time in a Bottle would never be enough for as much of it as I want to spend with you Amor de Mi Corazon" before he was gone for the day. Down in his Shelby Will got his morning shuffle started with "When I'm Gone" by 3 Doors Down before he headed for the precinct ready for his day. The pie to share with his fellow officers that he'd forgot to bring yesterday he had this time remembered though it was only one of the custard ones.
When he'd parked in the motor pool it was just past six, and as he said good morning to Joe he told him to stop by the break room for a slice of pie if he wanted it before the vultures descended upon it as he carried the box in his paws. After getting off the lift on the ground floor he left the pie in the break room fridge with a note asking those who partook of it to leave some for whoever came next. Then he made his way to Benji for a much needed dose of cheetah, and to ask if the Chief was in. Upon getting confirmation that their great buffalo on high was indeed in his office Will made his way to speak with his superior.
"What is it this time Grimm?" the Chief asked when the wolf in question was standing before him.
"Just wanted to ask about that halloween party Benji mentioned the other day. I really think us getting together as a precinct for a little seasonal bash would do us some good. We could use the unity event, and if there's anything I can do to help sway you to our cause I'll do it." Will answered.
"We don't exactly have it in our budget for more than our Christmas Ball, but if you could get a collection going around the precinct, and raise enough money for it I might be willing to agree. Also there is something you could do for me today. The principle of Savannah Central K through twelve approached me the other day wanting to have a couple officers come by the school to talk with the high school students. I was going to send just Hopps, and Wilde, but if you were to join them since you are more recently in the news, and help us get a little good P.R. it'd help your cause" the Chief said.
"I'll fund it myself I can have ten thousand bucks on your desk today, and I'd love to speak with those students. It just so happens that not only does little Sarah go to the elementary school attached to that particular school, my cousin is her teacher, and my jaguaress pack sister is a student at the high school, and call's my partner's sister one of her teachers" Will responded enthusiastically his tail wagging happily.
"I didn't know it was so easy to light a fire under your tail Grimm" the Chief replied.
"My first year out of high school I was in the local Ulfhaven Conservation Corps, and I loved volunteering every chance I got especially to recruitment drives. Let me be the first mammal you think of whenever something like this pops up. I'll be there in my dress blues an hour early at least" Will said before saluting his boss, and heading to the bullpen for muster.
When he got down stairs, and entered the bullpen he was still perky eared, and bushy tailed. When he sat next to his partner she couldn't help, but comment on his exuberance.
"You get woken up with a blowjob, or something partner?" she asked turning heads with her comment while Nick, and John both nearly howled with laughter.
"I'll let the Chief break the news" Will said with a secretive grin.
Soon enough the bullpen was called to attention, and the Chief entered to hand out the day's assignments to his officers. When the Chief told Judy, and Nick of their assignment with Will both Autumn, and Nick were shocked while Judy couldn't resist hopping up, and down in the chair she shared with her partner as exuberant as Will.
"That's it Chief just put in a good word for the ZPD with the kids?" Nick asked.
"Well what am I gonna do today without my partner? Not that I mind a day free of his oddball antics, sir" Autumn added.
"You don't have to be there till before noon so you can catch up on paperwork Wilde, and Luna you are with Clawhauser today which reminds me Grimm you owe me a report on your off duty actions yesterday" the Chief answered them.
"Fine, sir. Come on guys let's get to it" Will said to his fellow officers obviously deflated by the Chief's reminder of yesterday's assault he had stopped.
While the four of them left the bullpen the Chief went about handing out the rest of the day's assignments. Autumn headed up front to lend Benji a paw while Will found an empty desk near the one Nick, and Judy shared to give his action report concerning yesterday's events. Within the hour he'd finished, and proceeded to pester Judy, and Nick. It was barely past eight o'clock, and Will seeming occupied with his thoughts offered to help them with anything he could to speed along their tasks. He was more than willing to do the typing for Nick if the fox would handle the dictating, but Judy put the nix on that idea insisting the officer involved had to be the one to do the requisite paperwork, and spouting some obscure regulation.
It was another hour before Nick, and Judy were done with their share of paperwork while Will just waited looking depressed, and worried to anyone who set eyes on him. When they were finally done Will led them first to Benji, and wasted no time, or pretense wrapping his arms around his friend.
"Will what's eating you? Chief mentioned your actions off duty yesterday, and you've been looking like someone stole your sweetroll" Nick asked him.
"Yeah what happened buddy? You can talk to us about it" Benji added.
"I'll be fine once I make a visit to the local hospital." Will answered cryptically avoiding the subject.
"Well hey, in other news that might brighten your day back up I got six dozen donuts with our names on 'em, and our little contest is set to go down after work. I know you said you'd pay for it all, but I've already covered it." Benji said to Will hoping to make him feel better.
"I even agreed to officiate your match as well as record it" Autumn added as she walked back up to the front desk from a bathroom break.
"Well go ahead, and let everyone know it's going down. Be prepared to lose, buddy." Will said his ears perking back up as he licked his muzzle in anticipation though his tail stayed flat.
"Alright Wilde-hopps let's get going. We're taking my car today" Will said motioning with his paw for them to follow him to the motor pool.
Once they were down where Will had parked he unlocked his Shelby, and got in while Nick, and Judy shared the shotgun seat. Will got the music going with "Cancer" by Dagoba before he drove out onto the street. As much as he would normally blare the metal he opted to keep the volume relatively low in deference to Judy's sensitive ears. He drove them to the hospital where Eris would still be, and was thankful the parking spot he found was close to the entrance. Once he was out of the car his fellow officers followed him so he locked his Shelby, and led them inside. The morning receptionist who was a coyote greeted them with a smile, and when Will asked for Eris' room number since he hadn't taken note of it yesterday she asked if he was the wolf she'd heard put that hole in the wall. Will answered that he had, and would've done worse if he hadn't realized he was directing his anger at Eris' assault at the wrong mammal. Once he had directions he used his full stride to make his way to Eris' room causing Nick, and Judy to have to jog just to keep up.
Will made it to the room he sought, and entered swiftly while Nick, and Judy trailed behind him. Seeing it's occupant awake, and eating breakfast his tail lifted wagging like it had after his talk with the Chief.
"Will! Good morning. Say, why have I been smelling you since I woke up?" Eris greeted him.
"You have no idea how good it feels seeing you actually okay Eris. Your nose should've answered that for you. I marked you so anyone with a decent nose would know you're under my protection" Will said smiling as wide as his muzzle would allow.
"I just wanted to hear you say it. Though why are you so protective of me? We're only friends" Eris asked blushing slightly.
"Do you know what my name, what William means?" Will asked in response as Nick, and Judy entered.
"I can't say I do. You brought Officers Hopps, and Wilde with you?" Eris said curiously.
"The Chief has us going to visit a school to talk to some students to advocate the ZPD, but I had to check on you first. William comes from the old german Wilhelm which literally is 'will' as in intent, and 'helm' as in helmet. I interpret it to mean 'will to protect' in particular the psyche however, by my very nature I am protective of all canidae. That I know you just makes it more personal for me to protect you as best I can compared to how I would be towards any random mammal" Will explained walking over to Eris placing a paw on his shoulder.
"Ah, you're here. I owe you an apology officer. I'd seen the video of you rescuing my nephew from that tree, and getting up from a fall that would've injured any normal wolf, and I'd heard my brother-in-law go on about the wolf he calls pride brother, but I never put two, and two together yesterday. I'm sorry I was so obstinate with you" the lioness doctor said as she entered to check on Eris.
"It's water under the bridge doc. So what's the verdict? How long is Eris gonna be stuck here?" Will asked.
"Yeah, how bad are my injuries? The nurse that brought my food after I woke up wouldn't tell me anything, just look at me strangely" Eris added.
"Bruised as your ribs were I'd have you here till tomorrow, but I had fresh tests run this morning while you were still out, and you're already half-way healed so as it stands you can leave later today, but remember to take it easy for the next week at least. Just what exactly did you do Officer when you put your paws on him?" the lioness responded.
"It's called chi manipulation, and you can look into it, but I'm stronger than any other practitioner you're likely to find for reasons I really can't tell you so don't expect anyone else you find to be able to heal others like I can" Will answered.
"Well I have other patients to check on, but I'll be back around to check on you Eris" the lioness said before leaving.
"What happened?" Judy asked concern across her muzzle.
"Yeah mind clueing us in Will?" Nick added.
"If I do that I'm just going to get angry. Do you think you're up to it, buddy?" Will asked Eris in response.
"Well, after I got done interviewing you Will I headed back to the magazine's offices to talk with the editor, and he had me start writing up the article since I was the one that spoke with you. I let him listen to what I'd recorded, and he looked ready to kiss me he was so ecstatic. So anyway I've got most of it done, and just need to put some finishing touches on it which I figured I could do today so I headed home. Those wolves that attacked me . . . they just came out of nowhere, and herded me into that alleyway before they . . . started saying all those things. Before I knew it I was on the ground, and they were kicking me, but then they were gone, and you were there" Eris explained before breaking down in tears causing Will to lick his face, and nuzzle into him comfortingly.
What stopped Will's efforts to comfort his friend was Eris' phone ringing from where it had been set on a nightstand next to the bed. Will handed it to Eris so he could answer it.
"Hey, Erik what's up?" Eris answered his phone his voice still tinged with his sobs.
"I just got done with my shift, and some of the other guys were talking about a wolf who fits your description being brought in yesterday. They were saying this feminine wolf had been the victim of an assault, and that later the officer who rescued him made quite the scene trying to see if he was okay. They said they'd heard the officer put a hole in a wall, and was about to eat doctor Aala. Please tell me it wasn't you, and you're at your place." Will could hear the mammal on the other end of the line say worriedly.
"Yeah that was me..." Eris started responding before the worried voice of Erik interrupted.
"What room are you in?" Will heard this Erik nearly shout desperately.
"What room am I in?" Eris looked up to Will asking to which Will responded "Two-oh-three buddy"
"I'm in room two-oh-three Erik" Eris said into his phone.
"I'm on my way" Will heard the voice of Erik say before hanging up.
"Sounds like I'm not the only one who cares about you" Will said grinning at Eris.
"I guess you could call him my boyfriend, but we've barely been going out a week" Eris responded.
It wasn't long before they could hear running, and then in through the open door appeared a coyote in a paramedic uniform panting from his exertion. The coyote stopped short noticing the police officers in the room especially the comparatively giant wolf standing next to Eris, but when his gaze fell on the effeminate wolf he rushed to his bedside.
"What happened? How bad are your injuries?" the coyote named Erik asked Eris.
"He was assaulted by five wolves just for being gay" Will answered with obvious anger drawing the coyote's attention to himself before adding as he appraised the coyote "Those bastards aren't getting out of jail anytime soon I can guarantee that. He's got some bruised ribs, but Doctor Aala if that is that lioness' name said he'd be fit to leave later today. So you're a medic? I'd be worrying about him making it home safely, but at least I can trust him to be in good paws with you. Can I?"
"Of course you can. We both have sworn oaths to protect the lives of other mammals have we not?" Erik responded as if Will's skepticism hurt him before narrowing his eyes, and adding "Why do you care so much? What is he to you?"
"Just a friend, but if your roles were reversed I'd be acting no different towards you cousin" Will answered nonchalantly.
Erik just lifted his nose sniffing at Will then sniffing at Eris before he said with a growl "Friends don't just mark each other"
"Calm your dick, and use your head. Get a good whiff of how I marked him, and tell me did I mark him how you would have, or how a brother would have?" Will responded.
Erik just buried his nose in Eris' neck fur causing Eris to squirm saying with a blush "Will you cut it out, that's embarrassing"
"I know what the marking smells like for family, pack mates, and lovers, but I've never smelled a marking like that. There is something in these pheromones that tells me he's protected by a very strong male" Erik said to Will.
Will just smiled in response, and shifted his body language making himself seem almost lordly before saying to the coyote with a grin as if he already knew the answer he'd get "I could mark you just the same, and pass you under my protection as well"
"I don't think so" Erik answered firmly before rubbing his neck against Eris' to mark him as his lover, and compete with the stench of Will on him.
"Suit yourself" Will said with a laugh as if this were a joke only he got before addressing his fellow officers "Come on you two we've got a school to get to, and there are mammals there who I want to visit before we make speeches, and answer questions."
With that the three officers left the hospital, and returned to Will's Shelby which he unlocked so they could get in. Once in he was feeling better than he had been, and needed music to help him express his positivity. He kicked off his phone's shuffle with "Kingdom" by VNV Nation before he set off for Savannah Central's main school which was a sprawling campus encompassing space for an elementary, middle, and high school that while interconnected were separated to prevent older students from causing trouble with younger students. While he drove the next song thanks to the shuffle was "Heart of Stone" by The Raveonettes, and both Nick, and Judy gave him odd looks for the music he considered upbeat, but then "Neko Mimi Mode" by Dimitri From Paris played, and not only did they sit corrected when Will started going "Nya" along with the song Nick video recorded the wolf for posterity, and proof.
They got there around eleven, and after he'd parked Will led the way into the main office. He greeted the deer doe behind the front desk warmly introducing himself, and his fellow officers as Officer Grimm, Officer Hopps, and Officer Wilde before asking if the principle was in their office, and available for them to speak to. Upon receiving confirmation that the principle was in he led the way back where directed to where the principle a snow leopardess sat behind her desk. Will again made introductions saying they were the requested officers, and asking if she minded him wanting to say hello to some of her faculty, and students with whom he was familiar.
"I don't mind though I'd like to know who you'd pay visit to" the principle said to him.
"Well for starters I'd like to visit my cousin, and pack sister Holly at the elementary campus who is teacher to little Sarah, and to Rosa Delgato before I come back to say hi to Summer Luna who is my partner's sister, and Maria Suarez who is also a pack sister of mine" Will answered.
"I see no problem with that at all Officer though you mention Sarah that little cub who has been through quite a lot, and I can't help, but ask are you the mammal who saved her?" the principal asked.
"Normally I'd deny it, but since it's gonna be out in the open soon enough yes I am the one who executed her kidnapper, and rescued her" Will answered.
At this the principle rose from her desk, and embraced him thanking him profusely with tears in her eyes. Once she let him go Will smiled at her warmly before taking his leave to head towards the elementary campus. The campus security guards who stood at the gates between campuses let the officers through without hesitation. Once they were on the elementary campus Judy asked Will if he knew where he was going to which he responded that he was following his nose, and it led them true. When Will stood before the door to the classroom he sought he smiled broadly before entering. It was hard to say who noticed him first his cousin Holly, or Sarah.
"Will to what do I owe this visit?" Holly asked.
"Angel!" Sarah exclaimed with delight rushing towards him much to the surprise of both her teacher, and classmates.
"Hey there princess" Will said as he dropped to one knee to embrace the cub who flew into his arms nuzzling into his neck fur
"You came to visit me" she said with obvious happiness.
"Of course I did, and to visit my cousin, and your friend Rosa" Will answered equally happy.
"Can I get a hug too?" Rosa asked having followed her best friend to the officer she knew.
"You don't have to ask sweet child, get in here" Will responded outstretching his other arm with tears in his eyes.
The scene was too much of a happy one for both Holly, and Judy to resist getting a photo of Will embracing the cubs with their phones.
"I almost can't believe it. My cousin is the angel Sarah said rescued her" Holly said likewise tearing up.
"When Sarah described you to me I knew it was you, and told her you'd protected my daddy too. You really are a guardian angel" Rosa said from her position next to Sarah in Will's arms.
"It is true I live to protect everyone I can my little ones" Will responded crying openly as he changed his position so he was sitting on the floor cross legged refusing to let them go before he'd nuzzled them both, and made sure to mark them as under his protection.
When he did finally release them the rest of their classmates rushed him each wanting either a hug, or to ask questions. All that wanted one got a hug from him gladly, and he answered all their questions as best he could. Some of the boys were quick to notice he had a real gun on one side of his hip, and the huge knife he carried on the other side. Though they asked to see both he told them real guns were dangerous tools whose sole purpose was to kill, and wouldn't unholster it, but he did draw his knife to tell them how he'd forged it himself while he was in Japan. Some were curious about what other countries were like, and he did his best to tell them about all the different places he'd been highlighting the more positive aspects of those countries, and their people, and the foods he nearly waxed poetic over telling them when language was a barrier mammals communicated much through sharing meals. Some of the boys asked if he'd ever killed another mammal with his gun, or his knife, and though Holly tried dissuading them from asking such gruesome questions Will answered that with the very pistol at his side he'd saved Sarah, and that he'd lost count of all the mammals he'd killed though he assured the children none of the mammals whose lives he'd taken were good. He told them proudly that he'd stopped many a bad mammal from killers to mammal traffickers though he had to explain what mammal trafficking was explaining those who did it kidnapped others, and sold them as if the life of a mammal were worth dollars, and cents with obvious hate for those who would do such a thing.
Holly wasn't much surprised with how well he was around the kids even if he was more open than she thought he should be since he wasn't any different at family reunions where all the little ones loved him as the friendly uncle who never minded how rough they wanted to play with him, or romp around on him even if the really little ones sometimes chewed on his tail he never got angry, or snapped like their parents would. Seeing the way he seemed to radiate warmth, and kindness she wondered if he ever would become a father one day thinking to herself that he surely would be a good one. When she finally convinced her students to give him his space Sarah, and Rosa came back for another hug tackling him together with enough force to knock him on his back causing him to laugh mirthfully as they marked him. When the girls finally let him return to his feet he finally could embrace his cousin, and told her that when he got the chance there was a very special mammal he wanted her to meet asking her if she knew when the next family reunion was since it was around this time of year they held it. She told him that it'd be in two weeks so he'd better get the time he needed off which he said he'd do. Once he'd said his goodbyes he left with Nick, and Judy back towards the high school.
His talk of family reunions had reminded Judy of something, and once they were back on the high school campus she brought it up to Nick while they followed Will, and his nose towards their next destination.
"You know Nick this weekend is the harvest festival down in Bunny Burrow, and I'd like to invite you if you're willing to come with me" Judy said to her partner.
"I've never really been out of the city Carrots, and I'm not sure how well a fox would be received around so many bunnies, but I'd be glad to join you" Nick responded much to Judy's glee.
"I like festivals, when does it start, and can I come too? I'll drive, and save you guys the cost of train tickets" Will said wagging his tail excitedly.
"Technically it starts tomorrow with the last push to get everything that's ready out of the ground, and all the booths, and stuff set up. My family does a little agriculture expo, and I heard this year Gideon is hosting the pie eating contest. I don't see why you couldn't join us" Judy answered thinking to herself 'the more the merrier'
"Awesome, and thank you thank you. I'll want to bring Layla with me if you don't mind, and I think I can talk the Chief into giving us tomorrow, and next monday off. You know that halloween party Benji wanted to have? I've already agreed to fund it so it will happen" Will said grinning ear to ear.
"I won't be the only fox, and you'll be scarier than us put together just for being a wolf. I think you have me actually excited to go Will" Nick said with a chuckle earning himself a backpawed smack from his partner.
"Nick no one is going to run to the hills just cause I'm bringing two foxes, and a wolf. There are preds who live in Bunny Burrow, not to mention Gideon is a fox too since you seem to have forgotten, and he's a well respected member of the community" Judy said to him.
While they'd been talking they'd entered the high school's main building, and Will had to sniff around a bit before he led them up to the second floor. It was getting close to noon when they were scheduled to speak with the students who were being given an extra hour for lunch so most of the teachers had gathered their students in the halls to line up, and make their way to the gym. It didn't take Will long to find Maria, and when she spotted him she shocked her classmates with her reaction to seeing the wolf whose very size made him intimidating.
"Angel mi hermano!" Maria exclaimed as she ran towards him, and flew at him to wrap both her arms, and legs around his torso to lick his face in greeting.
"Mi gatito. Figured you'd appreciate me saying hi to you before you have to sit, and listen to me drone on" Will said with a laugh not failing to notice the bewildered expressions of everyone with their eyes on them. As straight laced, and straight edge as Maria seemed to her fellow students it was almost bizarre to see her so exuberant, and affectionate with this strange wolf when she barely held hands with her boyfriend.
"Maria you let that officer go." one of the teachers in the hall admonished her.
Though she did release him Will put himself between her, and the teacher looking sternly at the offending mammal before saying "She is my pack sister, you would do well to hold your tongue"
Seeing the clear message in his body language Maria reversed their positions, and facing her spanish teacher said "He is my Alpha, and older brother. Do you know what I'd be if it weren't for him? I'd be a junkie whore enslaved to a cartel"
Her open admission shocked everyone even Nick, and Judy who looked at Will in a new light. The tension of the situation was broken by Joy, and her brother David.
"Hey Will, can't help but cause a scene can't you?" Joy asked coming towards him for a hug.
"Hehe nope I guess not Joy" Will answered easily wrapping his arm around the she-wolf.
"Babe, relax. No need to get worked up" David said to his girlfriend whose response was to pull him into a passionate kiss throwing pretense to the wind.
"They think of me as this prime example of a good girl. Oh, how wrong they are. Right, brother?" Maria said looking back over her shoulder at Will with David's paw in hers.
"Only cause you've never shown your true colors till right now silly kitten, but it's not like you're ever gonna stick a needle in your arm. David is right though, you should chill" Will answered with a laugh.
"I am chill, and like hell would I ever touch that shit though I may smoke some weed if it's with you" Maria responded.
"Hey, hey I'm a cop. Just cause I'm a member of LEAP doesn't mean I'm gonna contribute to the delinquency of a minor" Will quickly replied.
"Okami-kun, you had better not just be saying that cause you're in public. I remember how you were in college" Summer said to him extending her claws.
"Easy there Natsu-chan. No need for that. I'm not just blowing smoke up everyone's tail" Will responded holding up his paws.
"Alright Will we have a presentation to make so let's get going" Judy reminded him, and so off they went, but not before Will hugged Maria, Joy, David, and Summer.
Once they'd made it to the Gym they walked to the stage, and waited for the gathering of the students to finish, and for said students to settle down. The principle introduced them saying they were here to speak to the students, and for the students to show them due respect. Will broke the ice by taking up the mic the principle handed him, and saying to the crowd "Who else here thinks the principle looks damn pretty for her age, not that she looks much older than me?"
This got a couple laughs, and some teachers, and students even agreeing with him much to the embarrassment of the principle.
"Alright as your principal said I'm Officer Grimm, this handsome fox is Officer Wilde, and this adorable bunny is Officer Hopps, but be careful telling her that she gives killer gut checks. We're here today ostensibly to promote the ZPD as a future career for those of you who may be interested, but I know if I let Hopps here do it you'd get bored." Will said with a laugh while Judy looked like she wanted to tranq him before he went on "The work we do as officers isn't for everyone, but even for those who could handle it training at the academy proves too tough. Now I'm sure you're thinking I'll tell you if a bunny can do it anyone can, but she's no normal bunny, and it takes a certain drive to potentially put your life on the line in the service of your fellow mammals. Make no mistake as officers that is what we are, servants. Not everything we do is all catching bad guys, and getting shot at; there's mountains of paperwork, and other drudgery to be sure. Sometimes it can be a very thankless job, and for all the good you do it seems like it's never enough to stem the tide of what the criminally minded will do. No one ever serious about fighting the good fight will ever tell you it's easy, and those who've been in it as long as I have will tell you it takes it's toll, but the little victories make it worth every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears we shed; like rescuing a cub from a tree, or being a mammal-shield for innocent children like yourselves as I'm sure many of you have seen me do though sometimes it's a mixed bag like failing to save someone, but by taking a life in the process saving another. I hope some of you have seen some of the other videos of me on zootube showing the kind of fun we can have at work because seriously that pie was delicious" Will finished his small spiel before passing the mic to Judy.
"Officer Grimm is right what we do in the ZPD isn't for everyone, but if you think you have what it takes don't hesitate to give it a shot just know that even if you don't cut it with us there are any number of ways you can still help make this city a better place. We may be the ones everyone looks to when it comes to protecting this city, but it doesn't take a badge, or anything special to help where it counts. Sometimes all it takes is a random act of kindness, or just offering to help another as best you can. I really believe that deep down we all just want to live by each other's happiness not each other's misery, and I hope most of you will prove me right. Though I still want to know how he got some of that pie clear on top of his head" Judy spoke enthusiastically with a grin before passing the mic to Nick.
"I know there are some of you out there who don't see us mammals in uniform as very friendly, and would rather avoid us if possible; I know I sure used to, but hey things happen. We live our lives as best we can, and sometimes when we're not exactly on the greatest of paths a mammal will come along not just showing us a better way, but actually giving us hope. There are mammals out there who prove my optimistic partner wrong, and seem to delight in causing others pain, or deriding them just for being what they are without bothering with what really matters: who they are on the inside. Those of you who know what I'm talking about I just want to tell you never let them see that they get to you because then they win, and know that you are not alone; you are never alone in what you go through. Seriously though I'm still convinced he didn't even taste that pie, I feel sorry for those blueberries" Nick said what first came to him not really knowing how to address the students. He turned to pass the mic back to Will who seemed to be better at this kind of thing, and couldn't really read the expression on Judy's face though he noted her scent change, but the look Will gave him as he reached for the mic he knew like he was looking in a mirror.
"My brother is right . . . even when at the end of the day it seems like we're alone with the weight of our own existence there are billions of mammals on this planet, and we are all brothers, and sisters in the eyes of the gods. Even if we can't always see it we are never truly alone since we all cry the same, and we all bleed the same. Even in a city like this on a moonless night the stars still shine no matter that we can't see them. You need only look to the heavens to see that there will always be light in the darkness. Even when all hope seems lost we can't give up on it though it seems as if all we have left of it are shreds because fate has a way of proving us wrong" Will added waxing poetic before he continued shifting his tone out of the somberness in him that Nick's words inspired. "Now I know some of you are probably thinking to yourselves how can that fox, or that bunny be officers as effective as say I can, and I can tell you as someone who has known live combat across this earth never underestimate a mammal smaller than you, or the tactical advantages they possess. The gods gave each species their talents that we may not use like we used to when all we mammals were to eachother were pred, or prey, but those talents still come in handy. This gives me an idea."
As he finished Will put the mic back on it's stand before stepping back to survey the stage they were on then facing his fellow officers, and taking a fighting stance he motioned with his paw for them to come at him.
"Come on guys we've said about as much as we can so let's give 'em a show of what trained officers can do to take out larger opponents, and how well you two work as a team. We'll blow the doors of preconceived notions" Will encouraged Nick, and Judy who looked incredulous.
"We can't just have a sparring match right here in front of all these students" Judy admonished him.
"Are you forgetting we've seen you spar with your sister? How the hell could we stand a chance against you?" Nick asked at a loss.
"Yes we can, and all you have to do is knock me on my ass, or off the stage. Come at me, or I'll push you into it, and you won't like it if I do that" Will responded seriously
When they still seemed hesitant Will came at them though not at a dead run. They both dodged him in separate directions, and he could tell they were just going to dodge him till he gave up. He knew if they just worked together they'd have him flat on his back on, or off the stage in no time, but he was going to have to push them into it which he didn't really want to do. He spun on a hind paw to shift his direction to stare down his opponents, and decided which one to go after first. If he went after Judy this would be too easy, all he'd have to do is drop to all fours so he could easily grab her tail, and lick her face then they'd both beat the shit out of him. This was supposed to be a sparring match in front of children so a measure of decorum was called for, and this decided his target. Will charged Nick this time making sure his body language said he was on the attack. Will never made it close enough to land a paw on the fox as Judy had gotten a short running start to jump, and land a flying double kick to Will's ribs with enough force that combined with his own momentum he was knocked sideways off the stage. Judy, and Nick both peeked over the edge to see where Will had fallen, and once he recovered Will started laughing as if this were the funniest thing in the world before getting up, and climbing back on the stage.
Will wasted no time taking the mic from it's stand to address the students "Thank you Officer Hopps for illustrating my point. Never underestimate a mammal smaller than you, and for that matter never underestimate a bunny. Alright guys I know you're hungry, and could use some lunch; I certainly could. So I think with that we'll bid you farewell, but if you have any questions we will be sticking around for a bit."
"I thought you guys were really gonna fight" a voice from the crowd rang out.
"Yeah I wanna see them kick your ass if they really can" another voice rang out
Will couldn't help, but smirk at that "I just wanted to show you all that smaller mammals are not defenseless, and there's only one mammal here who has the balls to actually fight with me, but would you rather forego food just to see that? Besides I'm not about to give you guys that kind of show; not because I really care, but your principle does, and my boss does so yeah no dice"
With that the officers left the stage in the company of the principal who thanked them for keeping their words brief since this was technically cutting into lunch which is why today she'd decided to give her high-school students an extra hour. Will apologized for turning what was just supposed to be a little talking into a bit of a show, but stood by his actions saying how he felt smaller mammals were routinely looked down upon just because they were smaller when he knew from experience how mammals smaller than him had their own advantages that he did not. The principle assured him she was okay with it since they'd kept it light, but was curious who here he meant when he said only one mammal had the courage to fight him. Will answered that that'd be his little sister Maria Suarez since he'd taught her paw to paw self defense. Once they'd left the gym Will asked the principal if she minded if he, and his fellow officers took their lunch in the cafeteria with the students which would give them opportunity to mingle a little, and maybe help reinforce a more positive impression which she agreed to.
While the high school students gathered in line to get lunch outside the cafeteria Will honed in on Maria's scent, and made his way to her where she stood with Joy, and David holding paws with her boyfriend. Will turned to Nick, and Judy putting a finger to his muzzle indicating 'shh' while he successfully snuck up on David to scare him.
"Hey buddy long time no see" Will said to the smaller wolf from barely a foot behind him.
"Ahh!" was David's response along with a jump.
"Hahaha gotcha!" Will laughed easily, and quite proud of himself.
"You big meanie" Maria admonished him swatting at him.
"I only fuck with the mammals I like, just ask Nick over here" Will said.
"It's true, he does" Nick replied.
"You know if you'd have tried that with me you'd have gotten a different reaction out of me" Joy said to Will suggestively causing him to look at her with a raised eyebrow to which she responded with a wink.
"You're not really gonna start this again are you Joy?" Will asked her exasperatedly.
"It's just a little harmless flirting. What you can't take it?" She responded as innocently as she could.
"Your voice says one thing, but the rest of you says another, and I can take it just fine, but can you?" Will replied.
"Brother don't encourage her, and Joy why do you seem so intent on flirting with my brother?" Maria asked her friend.
"I dare any she-wolf worth her fur to not be attracted to an alpha like him, unless she's gay. Can't blame me for trying can you? I mean your sister went far enough with me so I figure maybe I do have a chance with him" Joy answered.
"Say what?" Judy was incredulous.
"Layla did what?" Will echoed likewise brought up short.
"Oh, her real name is Layla? Then why did she tell us to call her . . ." Joy began saying.
"Chh himitsu desu." Will cut her off.
"Hai himitsu desu" Nick added.
"Naze desu ka?" Joy asked not missing a beat.
"Honto ni naze desu ka?" Maria added.
"You know that's awfully suspicious of you guys. I may not be able to understand what you're saying, but I can assume that Layla has a nickname you don't want me to know." Judy interrupted.
"Fine I'll let you in on the secret; her nickname is 'Ghost'. Just keep it under your hat okay? She's ex-ZIA like me." Will lied with half truths before turning back to Joy "So how far exactly did she go with you?"
"Okay maybe I phrased what I said a little off. All she did was take off her clothes, and mine so she could sleep with me fur to fur. She kinda cried herself to sleep on my chest muttering 'why can't I be with my wolf yet'. I never knew foxes could be so emotional." Joy explained.
By this time they'd reached their turn to actually set foot in the cafeteria itself, and as the line flowed grab trays to get food. The vegetarian options weren't quite what Judy had been used to out where such foods were grown, but it was better than hospital food. The same could be said of the dishes of fish, chicken, or imitation meats that were served for the predators; Will, and Maria could cook better dishes by themselves, let alone together. Once the small group had their food they found an empty spot at the end of a long table to sit, and eat. Nick, and Judy sat on one side while Maria sat between David, and Will with Joy on Will's other side clinging to him which forced him to eat with his left paw where normally he'd use his right. They didn't talk much while they sated their hunger, and Will was finished first by a decent margin.
"I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but Will do you always wolf down your food?" Nick asked.
"Even when I try to slow down, yeah. It's kind of a side effect of my nature. There are times I don't finish my food, but they are rare. Shit, now that I think about it I shouldn't have eaten; I have that donut eating contest with Benji to win, now I will be less hungry when the time comes. Thankfully these portions were so tiny." Will answered.
"Side effect of your nature?" Joy asked
"Mmm... ah... well..." Will stalled not wanting to really answer her question, but unable to really think of a decent way to answer without answering.
"That's not exactly a subject my brother likes talking about." Maria said to Joy.
"But everyone here is either family, or extended family. Just give me a moment to decide how to put it so you all will understand" Will said the expression on his muzzle turning thoughtful.
"It's ultimately simple, yet that is exactly how it's complicated" Will began "Most mammals are in the middle, they aren't aware of their chi, or the chi around them, and that's normal. They don't even become aware unless they choose to. Some on the other hand are well springs of chi it flows out of them constantly, and should they choose to become aware of it they can use their chi to do great things. Still others . . . others like me . . . balance out the scales for to even be on par with the unaware mundanes we have to intake chi. Mostly from the environment, and you Judy have seen how weather affects me, but also from other mammals; most of what I need to take is from other mammals which is the real reason I'm not exclusive with Layla. In the long term, especially after how far I went out in the killing fields, regularly taking from a mammal even her size would take it's toll. Shit I never am this open with others about it . . . just goes to show the effect you all have on me, I feel I can trust you" Will finished before drawing his M1911 so that only the mammals around him would see, and adding "I am death walking incarnate on this planet, but all I want to do is protect life; sometimes one of these bullets looks awfully friendly" before he reholstered it saying "Yet I succeed in wielding all that I am in defending the lives of others, and I will keep going until I can't"
"I'd like to add some footnotes. One no other like him would, or really could use their nature to kill; life is too precious to them, more precious even than it is to normal mammals like us. Second you'll know some of the others like him because they are fond of wearing this symbol of rebirth" Maria added showing them Will's ankh necklace she wore.
"Even in this day, and age where no self respecting predator would hunt another even the prey mammals who are like me hunt after a fashion" Will said with a mirthful smirk as if he found this fact truly amusing.
"So that's what you meant last week by feed? What would've happened if you needed to feed?" Nick ever perceptive asked.
"Prey, hunting?" Judy asked confused.
"Nick my brother you really don't want to know. I'd have to show you, and thank the gods, and their angels that's not gonna happen any time soon if I can help it. Yes Judy, though most of us are preds, some are prey, and it may not be like hunting of old, but we all do it. Why do you think I'm so adamant about not underestimating smaller mammals? Not to mention the one bunny who was normal like you except for the taste for blood he developed; there was one sick fuck who got what he deserved, just please don't ask." Will answered them.
"Say Will why is there this like bald spot right here on your arm?" Joy asked thinking to change the subject.
"Heh I've got another spot up on my left shoulder by my neck. You should've seen my partner's reaction. Tell me Nick you probably would know how I got this" Will said laying his right arm across the table for all to see where Miyako had fed from him.
"Uh, I can't say that I do, buddy. It looks like a mouse, or something bit you, and took some fur along with it" Nick responded causing Will to laugh loudly turning some heads their way, not that they hadn't already attracted attention just for being cops sitting with students like it was nothing not to mention the way Joy had been hanging on Will which spawned it's own rumors.
"This one here on my arm is where I let the granddaughter of the vampire bat's elder take from me directly, and the spot up by my neck is where said elder took from me herself" Will answered as if he were proud of allowing them to do so.
"A vampire bat?" Judy asked curiously before her partner overcame his initial shock.
"You Did What?!" Nick nearly shouted turning any eavesdroppers their way "No mammal in their right mind does that. Foxes are loved compared to those . . . "
"You finish that sentence, and I will punch you" Will cut him off "They are what they are, as I am what I am, and there is a certain kinship they share with me, and those like me though even of those like me only I am willing to go that far for them. Maybe it is a little crazy, but it's a perfect example of the kind of mammal I am; how freely I will shed my blood for others in need"
"I don't understand" Joy said.
"Neither do I" Judy added.
"Bats are the only mammals capable of flight, most are frugivores, or feed on plant nectar while a small amount of them are sanguivores. The so called vampire bats who feed on the blood of other mammals, though anymore that's done through willing donors, and never directly mammal to mammal" David explained looking at Will in a new light.
"So Nick, which word were you going to use creatures, or bloodsuckers?" Will asked daringly.
"What if I was going to say guys, or mammals?" Nick countered.
"A likely story, but I'd let it slide brother; you're not wrong compared to them kitsune are viewed substantially better, but that should be all the more reason for you to be sympathetic towards them. Well now you know why Mihoshi calls me kyuketsuki." Will responded.
"What do kitsune, and kyuketsuki mean? You do that use other languages interchangeably with english, some of us don't understand those words Mr. call me kawaii usagi" Judy said.
"Ugh... Kitsune means fox, and kyuketsuki means vampyr in Nihon-go which is Japanese. We don't like using that word to describe ourselves, it's an ill fitting word that conjures the wrong sorts of connotations with others. We're not monsters; well I am, but the rest like me aren't" Will explained.
By this point everyone else had finished their food, and they exited the cafeteria. The officers bid farewell to Maria, Joy, and David before leaving the campus. When they'd gotten in Will's Shelby he started it, and got music going at a decent, but not too loud volume. His phone's shuffle started off with "Fluff" by Black Sabbath, and Will commented to Nick that this was totally Judy's song prompting him to look at Will's phone to see what it was. Nick just laughed when he saw the song title, and showed Judy who scoffed before saying she thought it was pretty. Will told them he'd always felt it was a love song for some reason as he got them on the road back to the station.
As he drove the next song to play was "Forsaken Dreams" by Angband, and Will just lost himself in the voice of the singer loving the accent with which he sung. Up next on their trip back to the precinct was "The Wanderer" by Dion which Will, and Nick sang along to like idiots both enjoying the levity of it. When they finally got back to the precinct Benji greeted them warmly asking how it went with the students. Will told him it went well laughing as he said that Judy had kicked him off the stage to which she responded that she had only because he was going after her fox though she didn't realize her slip until the three males around her just stared at her with ear to ear grins. Judy just face pawed with a groan, and tried to cover it by saying her partner, but the freudian slip had been made. Will laughed changing the subject by saying he was off to talk to the Chief about getting them tomorrow, and next monday off for their trip to Bunny Burrow.
"Really, now Carrots? I'm your fox? When were you going to tell me?" Nick goaded her thoroughly enjoying himself.
"You know what I meant Nick. You are my fox partner, and friend. I really thought he was going to attack you" Judy responded blushing up to her ears.
"Do I though? My little bunny, partner, and friend." Nick teased to which Judy responded by flipping him off, and walking back to their desk.
"So you're going to Bunny Burrow? That means you're going to meet her parents" Benji said to Nick grinning like the cheshire cat.
"She invited me to the local harvest festival down there, and Will asked to join us offering to drive, and get us the time off" Nick responded before the last part of what Benji had said registered, and he hastily added "I'm not her boyfriend just her partner meeting her parents will be no big deal" before he walked off to where Judy had gone shaking his head muttering "I'll have to introduce her to my mom" though luckily for him Benji didn't catch that part.
When Will made it to the Chief's office he knocked before entering when told to do so.
"Officer Grimm. Just the mammal I wanted to see. I got off the phone with the principle of the school, and she was quite pleased with how well you spoke to the high school students. She also mentioned that you made quite the positive impression on your cousin's elementary class." Chief Bogo said to him as he sat before his superior.
"I'll admit when I was younger I wasn't always the greatest around kids. I never really knew how to act since most of my time was spent listening to all the elders telling stories, or reading, and stuff. Though as I got older I just figured I'd be myself, and what can I say? Now I'm good with kids. It's why Sage is so set on me being father to her cubs whenever that may happen" Will responded with a chuckle.
The Chief just raised an eyebrow at Will's remark before saying "Well after seeing how you got Fangmeyer's son out of that tree, how you were with Sarah, and how you shielded those fawns monday I'm inclined to think you will make a good father someday. I take it though that you had a particular reason for coming to see me."
"That I did Sir. Hopps invited her partner down to Bunny Burrow for the weekend harvest festival which starts tomorrow, and I offered to drive them since I could use a little trip to the countryside. I grew up out in the northern woodlands after all. So I figured I'd request from you in person for tomorrow, and next monday off. Plus it'll keep me out of your fur for a while, and I know once that interview I gave the wolf I rescued yesterday hits the stands it'll be another media circus. Also my cousin informed me that our family reunion was in another two weeks so I'd like to preemptively get time off for that, and I have a feeling I'm going to invite Hopps, and Wild to join me also Sage will probably want time off for it as well since she is part of my pack, and I'm going to have my whole pack gathered for this year's reunion." Will said to the buffalo.
"After all the good work you've done so far I don't see why I couldn't give you a four day weekend. Also our resident coroner already put in her leave request for that family reunion for a whole week. I can't say I'd exactly look forward to having you, Hopps, and Wilde gone for a whole week seeing as you're some of my better officers, but barring anything major happening I'll approve it" the Chief responded.
"Thank you sir. I really do appreciate it" Will replied smiling honestly.
"Alright, get out of here. You can clock out early if you want, and I'll see you Tuesday" the Chief said to him.
"Actually I'll stay. Didn't you hear I have a cheetah to defeat in a donut eating contest after work?" Will responded.
"I did hear about that, and I put money on Clawhauser winning" the buffalo replied with a smirk.
With that Will left his superior's office, and headed down to the front desk to lend his favorite cheetah a paw. When he got down there though he was in the middle of hugging Benji when he remembered something.
"Hey Chief I totally forgot to go get you that money for the halloween party. You mind if I make a quick bank run?" Will paged the Chief from the front desk.
"Go ahead Grimm. You did say ten thousand right?" the Chief responded.
"Since I forgot about it I'm gonna make it fifteen. Thanks boss." Will replied before heading off to the motor pool where he'd parked.
Back in his Shelby Will didn't bother putting on music since he was a mammal on a mission. Within ten minutes he was at the nearest branch of his bank, but when he parked he made a phone call first to transfer funds from his offshore account.
"Isla de Muerta Bank how may I help you" a female receptionist answered.
"This is William Grimm requesting a transfer of funds from my account. If I can I'd like to request delivery of said funds" Will said.
"We can do that just give us your location, and the amount you want, and we can have it to you within twenty four hours" the receptionist responded.
"I'd like two million in cash delivered to Officer Jade Caldera at Zootopia Police Department Precinct One located in Downtown Savannah Central" Will explained.
"Very well Mr. Grimm. Thank you for continuing to bank with us here on the Isla de Muerta" the receptionist replied.
With that Will hung up, and got out of his Shelby locking it before he walked into the bank. Luckily for him the line was short, and he didn't have to wait long to see a teller. It took a minute after he handed over his debit card as proof of his account number for the teller to retrieve the money he asked for handing him the thirty five hundred dollar bills he'd requested. His business complete he made it back to the station having barely been gone half an hour, and soon enough he was with Benji working after he'd delivered the cash into the Chief's hooves.
The rest of the day with Benji went as it usually did when they worked together. Benji focused on his duties as Head of Dispatch while Will did everything else with the ease, and precision of a mentat. The hours seemed to fly by, and soon enough it was time to call it a day as the night shift began coming in to relieve the day. Will followed Benji to the break room where sure enough six boxes of donuts were untouched waiting for them as Ben had taken a leaf from Will's book by putting a note on them saying they were for Benji's contest with Will and whoever touched them owed them both vacation hours; it wasn't nearly as overtly threatening as Will had been, but it was no less effective. Autumn had taken to standing guard over them waiting for the two contestants looking over her notes of who had bet what, and on which contestant.
When they'd each taken a seat at adjoining tables she set three boxes in front of them each open, and waiting for the signal to start. The break room was soon crowded by those who wanted to witness this, and while many obviously rooted for Benji Judy, and Nick stood with those rooting for Will having seen what he could do first hand. Autumn had her phone out to record them, and was about to give them the signal to start after laying down the rules that they couldn't leave their seats, and that the victor would be decided by which of them finished first, or decided to forfeit. Will decided to make it more interesting asking Nick to cuff his paws behind him so he wouldn't have an unfair advantage over Benji with a grin, and Nick obliged chuckling.
"Alright contestants ready?" Autumn asked.
When they both nodded in agreement she pressed record on her phone, and told them "Have at it."
As with many an eating contest the deciding factor of who would win came down to who could chew, and swallow faster without puking. Benji fell on his first box with both paws shoveling donuts into his muzzle while Will just leaned muzzle first into his first box. While they both seemed to be neck to neck pushing away their first boxes seconds apart with Benji pulling his second towards him with his paws, Will did the same using his teeth, and proved to be faster. While Benji could be seen to chew before swallowing Will seemed to forgo niceties, and appeared to simply be swallowing the donuts whole which he was. Back when mammals were still primitive an adult wolf could gorge on pounds of meat, and Will as close to those feral instincts as he was showed it. By the time he'd finished his second box Benji was starting to slow as his jaws got tired while Will had already nosed his second box away, and was attacking his third. Benji had only a third left to go on his final box when Will had finished licking his own third box clean before leaning back in his chair saying "Done."
"How did you do it?" Benji asked in defeat.
"Did you even remember to breath?" Nick asked as he uncuffed Will happy he was right to bet on the wolf.
"Let's just say I've swallowed enough swords in my day to ignore my gag reflex" Will answered them both with a grin at his own euphemism.
"I don't have a gag reflex. That can't be the reason you won" Benji said not caring what his admission implied.
"Okay I channeled my inner ravenous. Being what I am I feel even simple hunger stronger than most" Will responded with a shrug.
"Who knew kyuketsuki were so good at eating contests?" Mihoshi chimed in earning now knowing looks from Judy, and Nick.
"Only this one is as good at devouring food, ne Aki-chan?" Will said to Autumn.
"He's right actually. I maybe could've handled a box, and a half, but all three . . . Now as your officiator I insist you both drink a couple liters of water before the sugar causes you to need medical attention you crazy bastards" Autumn responded setting liter bottles of water in front of each of them which Benji drank from healthily while Will just chugged, and chugged draining it before Benji could get halfway though his.
"Okay now you're just showing off" Benji said to Will pouting.
"Actually I'm not buddy. I may be the make it disappear machine, but my thirst is that of a thousand demons. The only thing I don't drink like that is soda because of the carbonation excepting Monsuta since the carbonation is much finer." Will responded before getting up to refill the bottle Autumn had given him, and drinking the first half of it again as fast as he had killed that first liter.
"Is it over? Did I miss it?" Jade asks as she entered the break room.
"Sadly you did, but Autumn has the recording on her phone" Will answered her.
"Well shit. Let me see Autumn?" Jade says to her.
While Jade watched the recording of their contest on his partner's phone Will came up behind her to wrap his arms around her, and nuzzle into her neck without a care. The water would help his body process the sugar properly, but it was hitting his blood, and it made him tired with an undercurrent of friskiness that wasn't lost on Jade.
"So you won paws down. Can't say I'm surprised, but is this the effect too much sugar has on you wolfie?" Jade asked him turning her face into his snout where it rested on her shoulder.
"Yeah" Will answered with a yawn "Will you help me drive home?"
Will was almost totally out of it as he carefully put one foot in front of the other walking out of the break room to the elevator down to the motor pool. When they got into the elevator Jade asked him to describe just how that much sugar effected him.
"It's taking everything I have not to go bouncing off the walls in the rush because that'll just bring on the crash, and I'll either fall asleep, or get my fangs in the first thing that moves. It's why I asked you for help instead of Mihoshi; you can handle me better" Will answered her with a smile just as the lift stopped.
Once they were through the doors they made it fairly quickly to the Shelby where like that saturday two weeks ago Jade helped him drive sitting on his lap after he'd asjusted the seat so they'd both be comfortable. Her presence alone was enough to help him stay focused, and awake enough to make it home safely. When they had gotten there, and had made it inside to the elevator with Will keeping an arm around Jade she asked if he'd really needed her help. He just laughed, and told her that maybe he didn't, but he did want her with him when he fell asleep.
"Have I never told you how beautiful I think you are? Most would be attracted to your eyes, but for me it's your fur. It is such a lovely lustrous black like a piece of the night sky I can roll in" Will said to her as they rode the lift up to the fourth floor.
"I think all that sugar is coming out through that honeyed tongue of yours. I bet if I kissed you right now I could still taste those donuts" Jade responded with a smirk.
"Why don't you find out, or should I go for those sweet neko mimi of yours" Will said getting closer to her before the jolt of the lift stopping broke him out of it, and he backed away saying "Ah, fuck. I do really need your help getting to my door"
As they stepped out of the lift he was panting heavily, and she helped him down the hall to his apartment with Layla. They were barely at the door when like magic it opened before them.k
"What happened Jade?" Layla asked.
"He challenged Benji to a donut eating contest, and won eating three whole dozen." Jade responded while all Will could do was pant.
"Wolfie baby how many times do I have to tell you that you're not invincible?" Layla admonished him before saying to Jade "We need to get him undressed, and into the shower then get more water in him. How many times has he killed that liter bottle he's holding?"
"Twice so far" Jade answered not failing to note what she'd called him while he was already removing his uniform.
"Before we get him into bed to sleep it off he'll need to kill it again two more times" Layla said as Will let his uniform shirt fall, and just undid his duty belt to let his pants fall where they may.
When they got him in the shower he whined when the cold water hit him, but Layla told him to suck it up, and just sit before she asked Jade to refill the liter bottle she'd taken from him. Will lapped, and bit at the cold water spray assaulting him before leaning his head into it. The first shock of it had been unpleasant, but the cold of it was swiftly relief inducing.
"Go figure he's got such a high drug tolerance, but too much sugar gets to him, eh Whisper?" Jade said to Layla as she passed the water bottle to Will who swiftly drank from it.
"It has more to do with how fast he intook it all than anything else. He'll be fine dorobo neko" Layla answered.
"So what're you going to do now that you know koneko-chan?" Will asked as his panting came more under control.
"I'll keep it secret, but I want answers" Jade said.
"Well ask away. We're quite indisposed." Will said with a grin before drinking greedily from the water bottle.
"For starters I want the real reason why you dosed him since he really could've killed us all" Jade responded.
"I'll start at the beginning. On our last mission for the ZIA when they left us to die I was wounded pretty badly, almost bled out before he, and Adam got me to a hospital. When I woke up all I had was a note from him saying he was leaving me to protect me by drawing away any agents that came to finish the job, his knife, and the doc telling me through a translator that without his blood in my veins I'd be quite dead. It was seeing him nearly lose it at the mall that gave me the idea to dose him like I did. He needed to see that surrounded by innocents he could still keep control on his own. To be honest part of me did want to get back at him for leaving me . . . you don't win the heart of an angel, and not hurt more than words can say when that angel leaves." Layla explained before there was a knock at the door.
"So has anyone else figured out who she really is?" Jade asked Will while Layla answered the door.
"My sister figured it out I'm assuming because of how I smelled with Layla's underwear in my back pocket last week, and Saturday Nick figured it out because I'd already told him how I kept her amongst the living" Will answered feeling recovered enough to stand, and get out of the shower. He pressed the button on the wall to start the fur drying vent-pad as he stood on it.
"Well you sure recover fast" Jade said eying his naked form.
"Being larger than normal has it's advantages" Will replied before feeling dry enough added "Now let's go see who was at the door"
Will led Jade back into the living room looking set back to rights. The sight that greeted them was Layla with her arms around an ocelot in a duster. Will stopped dead in his tracks in surprised before he rushed the two, and picked them both up in a hug of his own.
"Adam buddy good to see you" Will said.
"Good to see you too, but would you mind putting me down? I don't exactly appreciate being in the arms of a naked male" the ocelot named Adam responded.
"Well now that that's over you two wanted to speak with me about something. Is it so wise to have one of your fellow officers in on it at this point Beast?" Adam asked.
"Well the less she knows the better, but she's already halfway in my pack so she's on the level" Will answered.
"Then let's sit, and discuss things though first will you at least put on some boxers?" Adam suggested.
When Will returned having put on a clean pair of boxers, and sat next to in between Layla, and Jade on the sofa he crossed his legs, and wrapped an arm around the two of them reclining at ease.
"I feel introductions should be made. I'm well aware of who you are Officer Jade Caldera, but you do not know who I am" the Ocelot said while he remained standing.
"Yes dear Jade you now find yourself in the company of what's left of the CLAWS unit. You know me, and Whisper while this here handsome ocelot is Revolver whose given name is Adam. We're here to discuss the hunting, and elimination of any mammal traffickers still left in this city with the added bonus of filling our coffers with whatever spoils they may have, but the main goal is make it so these bastards leave our fair city alone." Will said.
"The salient issue is keeping a low profile. The last thing we need is the ZIA aware of our activities, but I can help with that. So where should we start?" Layla started them off.
"I actually have an idea on that front. I happened to meet Mr. Big's consigliere Koslov. We'll be busy over the weekend my dear, so Adam do you think you could approach them on my behalf? See if they can give us any leads? Offer them money first, and favors last which if it's favors they want mention what happened to those traffickers the MBI scooped up, and that all they needed was me to take them out." Will said.
"I can do that, though I hope you don't mind if I have help. Katarina is ex-FSB after all" Adam replied.
"So long as we keep our forces small, and don't move too quickly everything should work out. Why will we be busy this weekend?" Layla said.
"We're going to Bunny Burrow for the local harvest festival. Judy invited Nick, and I got us included by getting them, and I the time off, and offering to drive. Be prepared for the bunny attack my love" Will answered with a laugh.
"Why do I get the feeling I really shouldn't be listening in to this?" Jade asked.
"This is just a meeting to hash out a potential course of action. What ever actions we take won't get tied to us, and you will still maintain plausible deniability" Layla reassured her.
"Also this puts more funds into our little reoutfit the precinct plan, and if all goes well enough we can spread it to the other precincts, but I'd want to start with precint five if it gets that far. I like Captain Altair" Will added with a nod before he finished by saying "Plus I have two million dollars to recoup which will be in your paws Jade sometime tomorrow."
"That had better not have come out of our joint account Will" Layla said testily.
"It didn't. It came out of mine. Why would I touch ours without your consent?" Will responded.
"Okay I can put out some feelers, see what intel gets caught. If that's all I don't want to linger here longer than I have to. The two of you together is one thing, but all three of us . . . we're asking for trouble even if no one has our scents just yet." Adam said.
"Just one last thing Adam" Will said before turning to Jade "Koneko-chan would you kindly cover your ears? What I'm about to whisper in his ear you really don't want to hear. Just stow your curiosity temporarily okay?"
When he saw that she did as he asked, and double checked when he was standing in front of Adam he whispered in the ocelot's ear "Tell Big if he catches wind of any pedophiles, or males abusive of females I could really use the devouring of their chi before he ices them; you know how to put it"
With that Adam shook Will's paw before Will hugged him then he hugged Layla, and shook Jade's paw with a smile before he left. When he was gone Will visibly deflated, and bid the girls goodnight before he headed to bed.
"I hope you'll stay the night with us" Layla said to Jade.
"I will, but I hope you don't mind me wanting to give him thank you sex for making my dream of better protected coworkers a reality. Two million . . . in my paws tomorrow. I'm going to be one busy girl ordering all those dragon skin vests, and the new kevlar uniforms. It really is a miracle how they managed to develop polyaramid fibers that can make decent clothes that won't make you sweat to death even in Tundra Town. I get to tell everyone say goodbye to ever needing the blade proof vests again." Jade responded.
"You know that cloak I wore last saturday? It was made by the mammals who worked on that, and it really is quite comfortable. Tell them Layla Eidolon wants another one, but black, and big enough for Will for me along with what you order, and I'm sure they'll cut you a deal. Also I noticed Judy wears a different uniform than everyone else to better facilitate how she moves, get them on working up something for her they'd love a pet project like that" Layla replied with a smile.
The girls ate on the left over chicken enchilada soup that was in the fridge for dinner as they continued chatting away before they decided to join Will in bed stripping down to their bare fur. Layla made herself comfortable nestled with her back against Will while Jade crawled into his arms since he'd fallen asleep on his side.