Chapter 2:

Zoo Meeting

I couldn't believe my ear holes.

My worst fear...uh...second worst...no...something worst fear has come true. My best friend - who isn't bird nor male - is getting sold away to who-knows-where.

But why did I feel this way? I mean, it wasn't the first time someone I care about or was like family to me was taken away. I should be used to the feeling, but now, it's like it was happening for the first time.

Did I really have that strong feelings for her?

But how will I tell her? Do I need to? Does she even like me back? I mean, I haven't been much of a gentleman to her, so how could she even care about me if I don't show that I care about her? I bet she thinks I'm self-centered and only care about my reputation...

I shook the thoughts from my head as I faded back into reality. "Why would Alice do that?!" I answered.

"I don't know, but she did! I heard those words clear as day come from her!" she replied with a panicked tone. "What should we do! I don't want to leave this place!"

Private then gave Marlene a pat on the back and a flipper to crush. "Don't worry Marlene. I'm sure we can find a way to change Alice's mind." He flinced as the pressure on his flipper increased. "Right Skipper?"

I nodded back. "We'll organise a zoo meeting right away." I turned to face my scientist and weapons expert. "Kowalski and Rico, gather up the zoo. Private and Marlene, follow me to the Zoovenier."

The two nodded before proceeding on to do their given tasks. Marlene, Private and I then headed for the Zoovenier to wait for the rest of the zoo.

A few minutes later, the whole zoo had finished gathering in and out of the Zoovenier. The chattering of the animals filled the air with an uneven confusion and wonder. Some were fooling around as usual, not mentioning any names - lemurs - while the rest waited for the meeting to begin.

I climbed onto the reception table as always and called out from silence. The volume decreased rapidly as I started on explaining the matter at flipper.

"Alright, I'm sure you all are wondering what we are doing here." A few silent mumbles were thrown around the room, telling me that they were still trying to figure out the problem. "Well, we are gathered here today because of some bad news given to me not too long ago."

I gave a small, dramatic pause before continuing. "Marlene is going to be sold in four days time."

Gasps echoed the room as more conversions were sparked.

"That's terrible!" said Becky and Stacey.

"What?!" the lemurs exclaimed.

More conversations started as the volume got louder, sparked by the question and sustained by the thoughts of how the zoo would be like without her. I could already see that many actually cared about the zoo's only otter. Even Joey was engaged in wondering how it would be like without her.

"Ok," I yelled, bringing the volume down again. "Now that you all know what's the problem, we need any suggestion for how we can keep this from happening."

"Why do you care, stinky penguin?" proclaimed Julien as he joined us on the table. I really hated his ignorant attitude to even the most serious of situations.

"Classified," I simply answered him before pushing him back to where he came from. I really didn't want him to take me off-topic at the time of distress. This is a very important matter for everyone, especially to me.

"As I was saying, does anyone have any ideas on how we can keep Marlene here?" I asked again. The Zoovenier filled with noise once again as they tried thinking of possible solutions.

A paw shot up from the crowd. "If I do suggest, how about publicising the matter?" recommended Mason. Phil did some of his sign language and Mason nodded. "Phil says that we should do it through the newspapers."

I pondered on the idea. "How is publicising the matter going to help?" I asked curiously.

"Well, if the humans really care about Marlene being the only otter attraction, then they would be outraged to hear that Alice is going to sell her away." he explained.

"I see where you're heading to simian." I nodded to him before asking again. "Anymore suggestions?"

Then, Kowalski approached me. "Sir, may I make a suggestion?" he asked. I gave him the high sign and he continued. "Well, I could hack into Alice's computer and just delete the papers, like always."

"Hmm, I guess we could try that too." I clapped my flippers together. "Great. Now we have Plan A and Plan B, so you are all dismissed." I announced. "But if anyone gets anymore ideas, please come and look for us."

"Wait!" a voice yelled. Everyone turned to face its source and traced it to Julien, who was holding his paw out in a dramatic fashion.

"What is it Ringtail?" I asked without showing any interest for anything he wants to say.

He cleared his throat before saying, "As the King, who is I, me, the King, I hereby decree that Marlene can stay with me until the stupidy Alice forgets her." he said.

"And like always, just igno...wait. Why does that sound like it would work?" I asked when I realise what he just said. It's weird how he says smart things at times, especially since it happens so rarely.

"I believe it does make sense because if Marlene cannot be found before the deadline, they would most likely cancel it, which would result in..."

"I know what it meant Kowalski." I looked at Rico, who then regurgitated the show-off jar. Kowalski just grumbled and placed a quarter in it.

"So, about Julien's suggestion, would you agree to it Marlene?" I asked her. She looked over to Julien who was obliviously smiling at her.

"I think I rather have that as the last resort," she then answered. "I don't want to spend four days with that selfish freak," she added, whispering the last part to me. I nodded in understanding.

"Alright, now we have a Plan C. We will begin Plan A before we go on to the rest. If all else fails, I guess that's it," I said, fading out on the last sentence. I then let the crowd disperse and allowing Marlene to get some rest. The team and I will need some rest too.

This will be one of the hardest missions I will embark one. One that I have never faced before, and I am not keen on failing it. Failing the mission will mean failing her, and I will make sure that that doesn't happen, no matter the cost.

Because I am not ready to take the pain of losing her.

A/N: Well, that was a pretty short chappie, but soon the madness will get mad. Plus, a pretty crazy twist that will make you all understand the sneak peak in the first chapter. Thanks to all reviewers and R&R!