A/N: Rewrote the previous chapter. This is a new form of interrogation isn't it?
Chapter 24: Catharsis
Trapped in a room of kits all innocent and desperately wanting to hear a tale as well as learn where Judy was. They didn't really force me to tell anything but just look irresistibly cute. The kits used my body as a playground, my tail as well. All of them clamoring for a tale. They wouldn't let me leave either. I suppose despite all that's happened, Bonnie trusts me enough to be left alone with all the kits.
She invited the Prime inside too, I wonder how that's going, how much would the Prime actually reveal about us? How much should I tell the kits? The kits want to hear a story, they are concerned for me. I couldn't disappoint them and slowly told them of my 'vacation'.
I told them of my first hard decision. My attempt to spare Alim, a rabbit kit instead of eating it and what I thought Judy endured because of me. What I got wasn't scorn at making that decision but understanding. I never had the opportunity to talk to someone, someone who wasn't apart of all this. I slowly told them more and more of my time in Everlight including eating my first meal.
The kits didn't run after I told them that. They cuddled even closer. I guess fluffy therapy is working. My inhibitions of talking about my vacation broke down. I shared more and more. I'm just not sure if it was a good idea to reveal anything about the rite or Judy's death. Those are the only two things I didn't reveal to them. The kits wanted to know about my markings, I just didn't feel like it was right to tell them. I was a sobbing wreck by the end of it all.
We were all tired too. I ended up falling asleep in that room with tons of kits acting as a blanket.
Tomorrow morning,
Bonnie stops by the room to wake us up. She says, "Did you have a nice night? I've got a few photos out of this."
I reply, "I ended up telling them most of my vacation. I needed this, it was the first chance I've had to talk about my vacation at all. I didn't want to disappoint the kits."
"Perfect, I'm glad my plan worked. I'll pry it out of the kits later. Let's go to the family dining room." The kits stayed behind. I followed Bonnie to the family dining room. There were four of us. Myself, Stu and Bonnie and the Prime seated at the table.
"What did you two discuss?"
"He told me about the place you and Judy were taken to. The only thing he didn't tell me was how you got separated from Judy. Both of you can keep that secret for now, I will figure it out on my own. I also learned you and Judy mated... now, if you can explain that. I wasn't aware that you had a romantic interest in her, I knew that she loved you."
Stu says, "Bonnie, don't tell me you're fine with this?"
"We can't stop her. We tried to prevent her from becoming a police officer. That didn't work out well. We can just support her in whatever she does. She'll do it anyway. It's for the best."
The Prime remarks, "What's the big deal about mating? The acts seem similar to something I've read on a computer."
"Because of tradition. Generally, parental approval is sought and I really shouldn't of left you alone with a computer. The internet has many things that shouldn't be seen."
"These appliances of yours are interesting. They can perhaps replace the crystals we used to have."
I reply, "At first, I didn't have a romantic interest in her. I went camping with her because Clawhauser was going to pay me ten thousand which I should really call him up to claim. I believe it's been way past a month. Through the time, I spent in the mountain, she confessed that she loved me. I didn't take it well at first, then we spent time apart. Did he tell you about that too?" And to top it all off. Technology. They don't have any knowledge of the modern technologies that we do. That's another potential problem.
The Prime comments, "Yes, I did. She lied about being in love with a wolf. I chained her to a wall then set her free and she went to you."
"You admitted that and you're still here? Bonnie is there a reason why you haven't kicked him out yet?"
Bonnie replies, "I can't say that I agree with his methods but at least he's honest. Now, he's keeping you in check and disapproving of your desire to torture others."
The Prime continues, "Both of them mated during the rite to become one of us."
I ask, "How much of the rite did you reveal?"
"None of it. You shouldn't either. Myth and legends are where our power comes from. That's the same reason why I won't reveal what actually happened to Judy. You can know that she's safe. If she wishes to tell you at a later time, it will be her choice. I desire safety for both the sanctum and the coven before I will reveal our secrets. I will tell Bonnie everything else however."
"Why won't you allow me to torture Saberclaw? You know what his kind has done."
"Yes, they betrayed us. Torture is not something I will allow. Bonnie has spared Saberclaw thus Saberclaw will remain free. Nick, let me be clear, we are the only two predators without a counterpart right now. Keep yourself under control or I won't hesitate to kill you. This may be your world but I'm sure they have standards here especially judging by Bonnie's disapproval of torture."
Bonnie asks, "How can you so easily talk about killing him? and Nick you seem to be taking this awfully well. Shouldn't you be telling Chief Bogo?"
I reply, "It's a secret that we shouldn't reveal right now. I understand. I will keep myself under control."
The Prime remarks, "Good, see that you do."
The crowd outside has attracted the attention of local law enforcement. I suppose we couldn't hide it for long. One crisis after another.
A/N: Now the local law enforcement shows up. I wonder how realistic that is. That said, I think the Hopps household is in a somewhat remote area. Reviews appreciated.
