27: AFTERMATH

XxX

Suddenly the ferals break from cover at a dead run on all fours, knowing that they've been discovered. As Nick, Judy and Bright Eyes hurriedly place themselves between the new menace and the children, all draw their knives for protection and form a loose semi-circle around the terrified children as the five intruders begin to stalk.

Being the eldest, Judy and Nick place themselves at the forefront, and quickly notice that all five attackers seem to be juvenile coyotes, and they appear to be concentrating on Judy, the only prey mammal in the group.

"Nick" cries Judy "they're not armed, how can we fight them with knives? It won't be fair!"

"Damn it Judy, are you forgetting that they're predators and all have sharp teeth and claws?"

"Shit, you're right, sorry."

As if on que, two of the group attack Nick and two attack Bright Eyes, leaving Judy one-on-one against a female, only slightly larger than Judy herself.

While Nick and Bright Eyes are managing to keep their opponents at bay using a combination of knives, teeth and claws, Judy has a serious problem. Even though she is very quick (being a bunny after all) and has some experience with paw-to-paw combat, mostly dojo-taught self-defense, this is life and death and there are no do-overs if she screws up. By the same token, she knows that she can absolutely not let the attacker past her and get to any of the pups.

As Judy moves from side to side mimicking the attacker's movements, being sure to keep herself between the she-coyote and the pups, the coyote suddenly lunges directly at her, believing the rabbit to be easy prey!

Stepping forward, Judy meets the attack bringing both of her knives to bear, with the karambit in her right or dominant paw and the obsidian blade in her left.

With her muscle memory and hours upon hours of paw-to-paw training taking over under the stress of the moment (and being aided by a huge adrenalin dump), Judy is able to avoid the sharp teeth and claws of the young predator.

Lost in the moment, Judy sees an opening in the coyote's attack and strikes with horizontal slash at the abdomen with the karambit, followed by a straight strike to the center of mass of the attacker with the obsidian blade, just like she was trained to do not that long ago.

A bloodcurdling scream, followed by a short, soft whimper instantly causes all action to stop.

Just as the action abruptly halts, several adult tribal members who had been in the general area and heard Bright Eyes yell, arrived at the scene of the attack.

When all looked for the cause of the scream, Nick, Bright Eyes, the attackers, the pups and even those just arriving, were horrified to see a heavily panting, blood-soaked Judy standing wide-eyed over her fallen opponent.

XxX

"JUDY!"

Attention snapping immediately to the source of the shout, Judy readies herself for another attack, only to find there is none.

"… Nick?"

"Judy, it's ok … put down the knives, the attack is over … It's ok… I promise."

With her breathing beginning to level out as the adrenalin rush leaves, Judy slowly looks around and begins to notice her surroundings.

The first thing she notices is the blood. Why is she covered in blood? And whose blood is it? As she tries to take a step forward towards Nick, her foot bumps the lifeless form in front of her.

Looking down and realizing that she was directly responsible for taking another mammal's life, plus recovering from the aftereffects of the adrenalin high; Judy begins to shake violently and falls victim to another possible panic attack!

Catching his wife as she collapses, Nick picks her up and moves her away from the body.

"Judy … Judy can you hear me? It's ok sweetheart…"

Slowly her eyes open, then flutter wildly "NICK? Nick I-I-I-I killed another mammal… I- urgggg" and promptly vomits profusely, spewing what remains of breakfast all over Nick, who dutifully ignores the deluge.

"Shhhh, shhhh, it's ok-"

"NO! it's NOT ok … I-I-I-"

"Judy listen to me; you had no choice…"

"But there's always a choice Nick, you know that!"

"Would you rather the mammals had killed one of the kits, or even you?"

"… well, no …"

"Do you think that talking to her would have made a difference?"

… No?"

"Two for two so far … one last question … what if those had been our kits that you were defending, would you have killed her to keep her from them? Would you have done anything differently?"

"Probably not, no …"

"Listen, something like this would most likely have come up if you'd have become a cop. What would you have done under those circumstances? Protect yourself and or your partner or die?"

"That's not fair Nick!"

"Really? Why?"

"…"

"That's what I thought.

"I hate to interrupt" says Michael "but father and mother are here!"

Arriving on the scene, Kicking Bird, Black Shawl and the rest of the Zootopia crew are slightly shocked at the sight (the Zootopians more so).

With one dead juvenile and the other four bound and tied as prisoners, Kicking Bird approaches Bright Eyes.

"Tell me young one, what has happened here?"

Explaining in detail the events, Bright Eyes concludes "Grandfather, I do not think that there was anything that Miss Judy could have done to keep this from happening."

"Unfortunately, I must agree with you Bright Eyes."

Turning his attention to Judy "Tell me Judith" using her given name "do you understand what has truly taken place here today?"

Pondering the question and beginning to tremble again, Judy answers truthfully "No Grandfather, I really don't. A-all I know for sure is that I'm responsible for the death of a pup. I-I I'm not sure I can comprehend why her death was necessary."

With that Judy's eyes glazed over, she threw up again and passed out.

Quickly stepping in and taking Judy's vitals as best she could, Yvonne determined that although Judy's heartbeat was a bit elevated, it was nowhere near high enough to be part of a panic attack.

Addressing Nick "Nicholas," says Kicking Bird "do you know of anyone who may have had a similar experience that Judith could relate to? Someone … familiar?"

Pausing only a few seconds Nick answers firmly "Yes Grandfather, I have a couple of combat veterans employed at my shop."

"Would it be possible to have them come here? We can hold a special Inipi, a warrior sweat for her and those who will attend. You are asked to attend as well."

Immediately Nick turns to Skye "Skye, I want you and Josh to take the van and go to within range of the closest cell tower and call Midnight. Have him and Lefty load up into whatever they can find, and get here as fast as they can, even if they have to steal something. Tell them that Judy's life may depend on it! I'm staying here with her, just in case.'
'What can I do to help Grandfather?"

"Take Judith to our home. Stands With A Fist can watch over her since she seems to be in no immediate danger. Then you can assist Sees Far with everything that needs to be done for the Inipi."

Turning to Bright Eyes, Kicking Bird continues "Go to Wind In His Fur and tell him that we are preparing a warriors sweat immediately, his assistance is required to set up the Inipi."

"Yes Grandfather." and Bright Eyes hurries off.

"Sees Far, take Nicholas and begin preparations for the Inipi. Remember, you are in charge of this Inipi, so hand out responsibilities as you see fit."

"Yes father."

"What can we do to help?" asks Duane.

"Come with me and help cook" answers Black Shawl. Everyone will need to eat after Inipi."

"Come with me Nicholas" begins Michael "we have much work to do, and I have an important job for you, and not much time to show you what needs to be done."

Leading Nick towards the center of Pines Ridge, Michael shows Nick the Inipi site.

Nick is less than impressed with the sight that greets him: a framework of what appears to be a half dome tent approximately twelve feet across, with a deep hole in the center, with the entire structure surrounded by a ring of stones, except for an opening, which Nick noticed was on the eastern side.

Approximately ten feet in front to the opening of the stone circle was what appeared to be a fire pit while off to one side of the framework was a pile of stones of varying sizes, and a large woodpile.

"The fire pit for the sweat lodge ceremony is prepared mindfully and respectfully" intoned Michael, noticing Nick staring at the pit. "I am telling you this because I want you to be the Fire Keeper for this ceremony."

"Me?" asks Nick "Why me? I don't know a thing about it and I don't want to screw something up!"

"I will instruct you while I help Wind In His Fur finish the Inipi. I ask you to do this because it may aid in healing your mate. Will you do this for her?"

"Anything for Judy. What do I need to do first?"

"Have you ever been camping?"

Thinking back to his Junior Ranger Scout days, before the muzzle incident "Yes I have."

"Good. Set up a good base for a large fire in the pit. Then select a 'Grandfather' stone and place it in the middle of that base."

"Grandfather stone?"

"That is correct. It will be the spiritual base for the rest of the stones."

"How will I know which stone to use?"

"Your will feel it in your heart. The stone will guide you, just learn to listen."

"How many stones will I put on altogether?"

"At least seven to begin with, then as many multiples of four as you feel comfortable with, but there should be no less than twelve more, then add one extra stone. Seven will be use during the first session or door."

"How many sessions are there?"

There are normally four 'doors' altogether, but a fifth and final door that will last until dawn will take place today, and anyone who considers themselves a warrior must stay until dawn breaks. Everyone else must leave after the fourth door.

"… Ok, I'll give it a try…"

While Nick builds a base for the fire, Michael and Wind In His Fur begin to clean out the hole in the center of the framework.

When the pit is emptied, Michael observes tha Nick has constructed a very good base for the fire pit and is trying to find a good Grandfather stone.

Seeing the frustration on Nick's face, Michael gives words of encouragement "Nicholas, there is such a thing as trying too hard. Let's try this … line several stones up that you think may be promising, then calm yourself and close your eyes. Once you are calm, pass your paw over each stone with your eyes closed. If you 'feel' nothing, try more stones, but if your heart calls out to you when you pass over a stone, then that is the stone you seek."

"It's really that simple?"

"Yes, it really is" admits Michael with a short smile.

As Michael returns to help Wind In His Fur cover the Inipi, Nick takes his advice to heart and lines up several stones, sits and quiets his mind. After several minutes, Nick reaches out and passes his paw over several of the stones and suddenly 'feels' something. Opening his eyes, Nick looks at the stone and sees nothing remarkable about it but figures 'what the hell' and takes the stone to the burn pit. After laying the Grandfather stone in the center of the pit, Nick piles thirteen more stones together and covers everything with more wood.

"Well done" complements Michael as he and Wind In His Fur have just completed covering the structure with old blankets and quilts and the like.

Seeing Nicks question in his eyes "In the old times, before the Great Agreement, our ancestors used the hides of buffalo to cover the Inipi, but now we use blankets, quilts or whatever we can find."

"Understandable" says Nick "but … why the extra stone if I may ask."

"As I mentioned before, we use seven stones for the first door, and then four for each door afterwards. The final stone, the Grandfather stone, will be brought in last, to be used for the warriors only. This is not normally done in this manner, it signifies the perseverance needed to become a warrior."

"Ok, I understand. Now what?"

"Now you must light the fire used to heat the rocks. Traditionally we use tinder, flint and steel. You may use another method if you wish-"

"If the traditional method is best, that's what I'll use. Where are the flint and steel, I can see plenty of tinder lying around."

"Flint and steel are lying on the tree stump at the entrance to the sacred circle, right beside the conch shell and sage. Before you light the fire, you need to smudge the entire area. That is part of the duties of the Fire Keeper."

"Smudge?"

"You must light the sage, let it smolder, using the smoke to drive bad spirits from the area. This must be done to everything within the sacred circle, including yourself. Once that is done, you may light the fire."

"When do I need to light the fire?"

"You should begin smudging now, and light the fire when you are finished. The ceremony will begin at sunset and the rocks need to be heated enough so that they are at least red hot, white hot if possible. You must tend to the fire to keep it burning."

"So … what do I do once the ceremony starts?"
"You must bring the rocks into the Inipi, first seven then four for after each door, with the Grandfather stone being last."

"Yea, I remember that, but ... how? They're hot, remember?"

"That is the purpose of the deer antlers that are lying beside the tree stump. You must pick the stones up with the antlers and bring them into the Inipi one at a time. There is also a bucket for water. You will need fill it and set it just inside the door to the left of the opening. The water is to pour on the stones, and to take a sip or two during the ceremony. I will instruct you when to do these things at the appropriate times. Can you do these things?"

"If it means saving my mates life, yes absolutely." says Nick with a determined look and tone.

After Nick smudges first himself, then the entire area, inside and outside of the structure, the fire pit and its contents and gets the fire going, he stands back to watch the flames dance, and wonders where Skye and Josh are and how the phone call went.

A short time later, Josh and Skye pull up into the makeshift parking area and approach him.

As they exit the vehicle, Skye wastes no time in updating Nick: "OK, here's what we know-Midnight called in a favor from an old Army buddie of his. He, Lefty and Bolo are going to be here in just a couple of hours, being flown in by helicopter. I don't think there's a power on this earth that could keep those three from coming."

"I knew I could rely on Midnight and Lefty, by why Bolo?"

"Turns out that he's part Lakota as well, just from a different reservation, Standing Rocks I think he said."

"What can we do to help?" asks Josh.

After briefly looking around and noticing that neither Sees Far nor Wind In His Fur are within sight "I'm not sure. It's probably best to go and ask Black Shawl. If she doesn't know, she can at least send you to Kicking Bird."

Left alone with his thoughts again, Nick's thoughts turn towards Judy. 'Probably best to not worry too much, as if I can actually do that…' he says to himself 'if she was in any kind of danger, someone would come for me'.

Looking around, Nick then notices Yvonne and Michael approaching at a leisurely pace, indicating that there is no emergency.

"I thought you might be in need of some good news" Yvonne began "Judy is resting quietly right now. I gave her some herbal tea and some frybread to nibble on. You've got one tough bunny there for a wife Nick."

"Don't I know it … truthfully, how is she doing?"

"You know I'm not a psychologist, but after seeing so many prospective parents hopes dashed in my clinic, I've learned to read mammals fairly well. She's in a very dark place Nick. With all of the psychological trauma she's had in the past: the rape, undue guilt over losing the kits, now this …'
'If she didn't have you to lean on, I think she'd have either gone insane or committed suicide long ago. You have literally saved her life at least twice now Nick."

"Do you believe, I mean really believe that this Inipi will help?"

"I've seen Inipi do wondrous things Nick. So yes, I truly believe that with you and your employees in attendance, it will do her a world of good."

"Will the others be able to attend the ceremony or-"

"Of course they will" says Michael "However, those not participating in the warrior portion of the ceremony will need to leave Inipi after the fourth door is concluded. Many of the tribe have offered to participate, but Grandfather has asked them to support you and your family from outside of the Inipi."

"Really? How is that possible?"

"Those offering their support will be setting up and playing a tribal drum, which is generally played during powwows, and for special ceremonies. The drum is used to bring balance and renewal to a person through participation in dancing, singing or listening to the heartbeat of the drum. The drum is considered sacred and is to be treated with great respect by anyone who comes in contact with it. Gifts are often designated to the drum, and many have their own ceremonial medicine pipes"

"But we have nothing to offer-"

"You do not understand … you have already made your offering …you and Judy saved the lives of the kits earlier. Your gift was the gift of life. Those playing the drum will be offering their support for the life and health of your mate. The drum is said to help carry prayers to the Creator, to Wakan Tanka."

Nick was stunned to say the least. All of the years he had spent doing his best to help fix broken mammals were now coming back to help fix him and Judy, especially Judy.

Turning to add more wood to the fire, Nick is overcome with the emotion of the day's events. The feral attack, Judy's necessary killing of a youngling and her collapse, now the outpouring of support from many who have never even met them.

As Nick falls to his knees, Michael steps in to offer his support. Realizing that this is not a show of weakness on his part, Nick offers his thanks "Thank you Michael, I guess everything that's happened has finally gotten to me."

"You are beginning to understand the true meaning of Mitakuye Oyasin! We are all related. Therefore, we are all our brothers and sisters' keepers. You have helped many mammals in your lifetime Nicholas, now it is your turn to accept aid… even as you aid your mate.'
'Please, go to your teepee and change into some shorts or trunks in preparation for Inipi. I will gladly tend the fire while you are gone. Stands With A Fist has already gone to fetch proper clothing for Judith."

As Nick enters the teepee, he looks around and hopes that this is the only time he enters and occupies the dwelling alone. Seeing one of Judy's t-shirts, he quickly picks it up and deeply inhales her scent. Knowing that there are several small trash bags in his duffle bag, he quickly places all of Judy's previously worn clothing in one, to help preserve the scent.

Quickly changing, he then returns to the site of the Inipi, noticing that there are already well over a dozen tribal members gathering about the sacred circle.

While the males set up the tribal drum, the females are busy helping to prepare food for the Inipi attendees and the many drummers.

Seeing Nick's questioning gaze, Michael explains "Only males are allowed to play a tribal or group drum, since males and females have different energies. It has always been this way from times forgotten."

"If I may ask, why are there so many drummers?"

"Because this is not only a warrior sweat, but one to save a life as well. The drum will sing its song until daybreak tomorrow, when the warrior sweat ends. The drummers will trade off every hour or two."

"I think I understand, many thanks."

Turning to return to the fire, Nick notices that the wood pile, used to keep the fire burning, has mysteriously gotten larger.

Leading the pups that he and Judy had been protecting earlier in the day was Bright Eyes with Turtle in tow. Each pup had one or more pieces of wood in their paws to add to the pile, all wanting to contribute to the well-being of the small mammal that had saved their lives.

"The pups wanted to help" says Bright Eyes "It's the only thing that we could think of that the adults would allow is to do."

Kneeling so he would be able to gaze directly into her eyes "Thank you Bright Eyes, and tell all of the pups that I am grateful for their help and everything is greatly appreciated."

"You can tell them yourself, they all speak Zootopian very well…"

Opening his arms in a gesture that was only meant to visually encompass the group, Nick is immediately involved in a group hug of well over a dozen various sized pups with Turtle leading the way.

"Thank you, thank you all so much." was all he could choke out.

After releasing the hug, Nick smudges and prepares to reenter the sacred circle and keep the fire as hot as he could, using the wood that had been set just outside the circle by the young.

After being satisfied that the fire is as it needs to be, Nick is surprised to observe Kicking Bird enter the circle.

"You have done well Nicholas" begins the elder. "The fire is as it needs to be, and the rocks are beginning to turn white hot, this is a good sign. You seem to be in the good graces of the spirits. There is something that I must do to aid in communication with Wakan Tanka. I will be placing an eagle feather at the top of the Inipi, and a feather from a red-tailed hawk inside. This will ensure proper communication with the spirits.'
'As the medicine mammal of the tribe and appointed elder, this is my duty and mine alone."

As the sun begins to set, everything seems to be in place. All of the rocks are white hot.

A multitude of drummers have taken their place around the sacred circle and begun to play and chant in Old Tongue Lakota. Much to even Kicking Bird's surprise, two more drums from neighboring villages have shown up to honor the strangers who have selflessly saved tribal members, such is the way of the Lakota.

About that time, a helicopter appears on the horizon, and a phone call to Skye has announced the arrival of Midnight, Lefty and Bolo, which serves notice that the chopper is not hostile to the proceedings.

Disembarking from the chopper, Bolo is greeted by Michael "Hau MITIBLO KI" (mee-dee-bloh kee ~ older brother) says Michael.

"Hau CIYEWAYE KI" (chee-yea-wah-yea kee ~ younger brother) returns Bolo.

"We have known each other since we were young, Michael and I." explains Bolo to Nick, Skye and Josh.

Hearing the chopper land, Duane and Tiffany show up, making sure that everything is ok.

Noting Nick's concerned look, Duane tells Nick "Black Shawl is still with sis, she'll be resting until just before the ceremony begins. Umm, I kinda hate to ask but-"

"Visitors from other tribes, who want to help to heal your sister. None will be taking part in Inipi itself, but will aid from outside the sacred circle." informs Michael, knowing that all of the other Zootopians are wondering the same thing.

"As long as it helps Judy get well, I'm all for it, thank you Michael, and please thank all of the other members for us please."

"It is almost time for the ceremony to begin" Kicking Bird informs the group "please go and change, we will be starting very soon."

As shadows lengthen and dusk (roughly 9 pm) draws near, Michael calls the assembled mammals to begin the ceremony:

As each mammal enters the sacred circle, he or she is smudged with sweetgrass and sage, then the participating members are asked to smoke the sacred pipe or CANUPA (chahn-ue–pah). The Canupa is traditionally filled with sweetgrass, sage, tobacco, cedar and čhaŋšáša (red willow) -a mixture commonly known as kinnikinnick (kələkːəˈnik-an).

Michael instructs the new members to enter and file into the Inipi in a clockwise manner, which symbolizes the movement of the sun.

Michael explains that although there is no uniform sweat lodge ritual, the whole process is modeled after the Lakota Medicine Wheel, which represents the archetypal journey each of us takes in life. This journey has four stages or 'doors', each associated with a cardinal direction and a color.

Round One (East, Yellow) is of mild intensity, and is for getting used to the heat, the darkness, the enclosed space and anything else that might take some getting used to. it is generally associated with the Visionary archetype: the path of the highest good.

Round Two (South, Red) is moderately hot, and is about "the others": people, relationships and unresolved conflicts. The idea is that you are willing to care for someone else before you care for yourself. It is generally associated with the Teacher archetype: helping others to reach their full potential.

Round Three (West, Black) is for forgiving, embracing and nurturing your inner Self, and is the hottest round of all four. In many ways it is the toughest round: not only temperature-wise, but for the way we tend to avoid our own demons. It is usually associated with the Healer archetype: ability to manifest healing for oneself and/or others.

Round Four (North, White) is dedicated entirely to that evasive "I'm glad to be alive" feeling and giving thanks: to the Earth Mother, the Universe, and the spirits of ancestors. Generally associated with the Warrior archetype: strength of spirit, taking control of one's life.

"It's precisely by learning how to die, examining yourself and transforming your old self into a better self, that you actually live more intensely and critically and abundantly."

With that, Nick thinks back to the experience that Judy had, just after she lost their kits.

Michael also informs everyone that only those that will be experiencing the warrior portion of the lodge will be allowed to remain after the fourth 'door'.

"Only those who have experienced death up close will be allowed to stay in the lodge, they will be the only ones who will understand the sacrifice that they have undergone.'
'Yes I said sacrifice … to take the life of another is a terrible thing, even in the defense of another mammal or oneself. If you have never experienced this action, you can never understand what a dark place it is. This is why the warrior sweat is only for those unfortunate enough to have taken another life.'
'In case you are wondering why you are being allowed to participate Nicholas, it is because you have seen and felt the anguish that it has caused your mate. The reason I asked you to be the Firekeeper for this Inipi, particularly for the warrior portion, is because it will only strengthen the bond between you and your mate, and it will be easier for the spirits to communicate with her."

"Thank you, Michael, for … everything."

"I am truly sorry that this has happened. You are good mammals, and tragedy like this should not befall you."

"Judy and I have learned to take the good with the bad, we have learned how to heal each other. I'm afraid that taking a kits life, after losing ours was just a bit too much for her. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how I'm not catatonic myself right now!"

"You are stronger than you realize Nicholas, as is your mate. Separately you are each very strong mammals, but together I truly believe that you can accomplish anything. Your actually being able to have kits is a miracle in itself, surely you realize that."

"Almost having kits, but I get your point."

With that, a very anxious Judy enters the Inipi, having been properly smudged into the sacred circle by Kicking Bird, who will not participate in the ceremony.

"You may sit anywhere you wish Judith, either beside your mate or along the west wall would be the best" instructs Michael. "Please obey proper etiquette is all I ask."

Passing behind Nick (as instructed) Judy sits beside him, needing the comfort and reinforcement of his contact.

Nicholas, you may bring in the first rocks and close the 'door' (which is actually a large flap that covers the opening to the inside of the Inipi) please…"

After bringing in the first seven stones, Nick is instructed to take a cup of water and pour it on the white-hot stones.

The heat and humidity immediately became intense.

"Everyone, please take short breaths until you become accustomed to the heat" suggests Michael. "Take a few moments to reflect inward and meditate."

After what seemed to be only a few minutes, but was actually closer to forty five minutes "Nicholas, you may open the door."

With the lifting of the flap cooler air rushed in and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Please bring in more rocks" requested Michael.

After Nick brought in more rocks, he closed the door and poured water on the fresh rocks, causing the comfort level in the small structure to decrease dramatically.

"As I said before" began Michael, "this round is about "the others": mammals, relationships and unresolved conflicts. The idea is that you are willing to care for someone else before you care for yourself. While it is not mandatory that you share with all, it does generally bring peace to your inner self and reveals the true nature if your feelings. Who wished to share first?"

First to go was Josh, admitting that he had experienced feelings for Skye from the first time he set eyes on her. The feeling just intensified after he and Duane got jobs at the the shop and he was around her every day.

Skye, went next echoing Josh, and admitted that she couldn't imagine living without him. She also admitted openly and unashamedly she hoped that Nick and Judy could have kits together, which meant that she and Josh could as well.

With Duane and Tiffany, the story was basically a repeat of what Josh and Skye admitted.

Bolo was next, freely admitting that he had moved to Zootopia after a particularly nasty fight with a mammal from Michael's tribe, to allow the female he loved but could not have because of inter-tribal tensions and negative interspecies feelings at the time, to marry another.

Somewhat surprised by the admission, Michael could not be silent and offered a very short bit of advice "IYE/ EHATE OHINNI (eeyea ay-hah-Day ohee–nee ~ She Always Laughs) has never married. She was among the females preparing Wupulla (wu-pu-lla ~ feast for after Inipi). You should speak with her after Inipi, perhaps you can restore her laughter."

Stunned at the information, Bolo could only mumble his thanks to Michael.

Lefty was next, recounting that he had been arrested in his teens for being drunk and disorderly. At the time of his arrest, he was given the choice of several years in jail or joining the military. Soon after training in the military, Lefty had been sent to Vet Niam where he had been injured several times and exposed to Agent Orange, which cause the majority of his health problems. The most difficult to bear was not just the taking if lives, but the atrocities committed by the Vet Niamese on Zootopian troops.

"But I'd proudly go again if it meant saving one more mammals' life, or the bringing home at least one POW after all these years" he announced."

Midnight shared the gruesome tales of losing teammates to snipers and roadside bombs, and how even the children hated the troops as foreign invaders, and bemoaned the fact that the conflict still seemed to drag on and never end.

Judy went next, detailing her episode with Johnny, how she had felt so ashamed, and the crushing announcement that after everything she'd gone through, she would never be able to join the ZPD.

Then there was the joy of meeting and falling in love with Nick, followed shortly by the pain of losing their kits.

And finally, the taking of another mammal's life was too much to bear, as she sobbed openly.

Knowing that there was more to Judy's tale, but also realizing that this was not the time to prompt her for more, Michael allowed Nick to speak.

Recounting the happenings of the Junior Ranger Scouts may have seemed trivial to many mammals, however there was an understanding among those in Inipi of how traumatizing it could be to be muzzled at such a young age, especially for no real reason.

Nick also recounted how Judy's losing their kits had emotionally torn him down, and even then, his only thought was protecting Judy's life, even though his own life was equally in peril, while her recent depression due to the taking of a young mammal's life only deepened his concern for her safety.

"You may now open the door" was the only other sound heard in the Inipi.

With the 'door' opened, the fresh air seemed a godsend.

"If there is anyone who cannot withstand the ceremony, there is no shame in leaving. I know many who have never been able to continue through the entire lodge. As a warning, the next part of the ceremony will be the hottest yet. If you cannot continue, now would be the best time to leave."

As everyone looked at each other, no one made a move to leave.

"We're here for Judy" remarks Tiffany, probably the most likely mammal to want to quit. "There's no way that I or anyone else is going anywhere!" she states firmly, with no one disagreeing with her.

"Nicholas" says Michael, "more rocks, but do not pour water on them until I tell you to, please."

After bringing in four more white hot rocks, Michael tells the group "this round will be the worst and most difficult to bear. It is for sharing out innermost fears, to help the spirits understand what we most need help with.'
'Before we begin this round, each of you may have a cup of water. You may either drink the water, pour it over yourselves to help cool, or you may pour it on the stones, signify your determination to help strengthen your resolve in the coming life after Inipi. This choice is yours and yours alone."

With that, Nick dipped the cup into the pail of water and handed it first to Judy, who hesitated for only a split second before she poured the entire cup onto the white-hot rocks.

Unsurprisingly, every mammal in the Inipi followed suit, with no one even pausing to think about a sip for themselves. All were unified with the intention of following this through to the end.

Let us begin…"

While the vixens and bucks were most concerned with how their relationships would endure, the rest had deeper concerns.

Bolo was interested in having the spirits guide him in a relationship that had thought to have been lost decades ago.

Midnight asked the spirits to help him to make is own peace, so the nightmares would stop and he would finally be at peace.

Lefty admitted that previously, all he wanted was to die in his sleep, so that the constant pain in his body would end, and the spirits of those he had killed would stop visiting him. But, he admitted, now that he could help Judy to heal and to help her to ease the torment that she was experiencing, he would gladly live for as long as it took.

Nick simply needed to make his mate whole and to ease the torment that he knew that Judy was going through.

"Nicholas, please open the door" says Michael.

As everyone take the opportunity to relish the fresh, cool air, both Nick and Michael take special notice of Judy as Nick brings in four of the last five rocks, leaving only the Grandfather stone for last.

Remarkably, Judy seemed no worse for wear, at least no worse than anyone else was at that time, considering all that the Inipi had put them through, both physically and emotionally.

"How are you feeling Judith?" asks Michael…

"Owákaȟniǧe šni!" (I don't understand) was her calm reply in perfect Old Tongue Lakota, surprising everyone, especially Michael!

Turning and addressing Nick "IyótaŋčhilaIstaMaza!" (ee–shdah mah–zah)

"Nicholas, repeat this – Iyótaŋčhila Judith. Do it quickly!"

"Iyótaŋčhila Judith ..."

"What did she just say?" asks Nick.

"Translated from the Old Tongue, she said 'I love you Iron Eyes'. I can only guess that you have met and loved in a past life."

"Táku eníčiyapi he?" asks Michael. (what are you called?)

"Emáčiyapi SUMANITU-TUNKA WANA-GI." (shuen-mah-nee-due dahn-kah wah-nah-gee)

"She says her name is 'Wolf Spirit, or Ghost Wolf, I'm not exactly sure. The Old Tongue is complicated sometimes, even for me."

"Does this happen often?" asks Nick in all seriousness and more than a little concerned.

"Never before to my knowledge. Perhaps father will be able to shed some light on this after Inipi."

Knowing that kissing is taboo, Nick simply reaches over and takes Judy's paws in his own and looks into her eyes "Iyótaŋčhila shuen-mah-nee-due dahn-kah wah-nah-gee." (I love you Wolf Spirit.)

"Nicholas, how do you suddenly speak Old Tongue so well?" asks a now thoroughly confused Michael.

"Cate-sice" (chahn-day shee-chay) "I mean, sorry. I umm really don't know! It just kinda felt … natural…?"

"Nicholas, close the door."

"The purpose of this round is to give thanks fo-"

"Iron Eyes" interrupts Judy, this time in Zootopian "Why are we here? I do not recognize this place or these mammals."

"…Wolf Spirit, there is no gentle way to say this … but these are other bodies and another time."

"I do not understand…"

"We joined the ancestors may generations ago."

"Then why are we here now?"

"We inhabit the bodies of others who have found love as we did so long ago. The doe's body that you inhabit now has taken a life protecting young ones, and her mind is in a dark place. We have been called back to help heal her."

"But that is the natural order of things, to protect the young. How-"

"Many summers have passed since we left to join the ancestors, and killing, especially by prey mammals is not accepted and largely unheard of in these now more civilized times."

"But the saving of young lives, especially those of her tribe-"

"The doe was not of our tribe. She was visiting and was simply tasked with watching the young. She has always been a mammal of peace."

"What will happen if we do nothing?"

"The doe will either die or possibly be lost in her mind forever."

"…. I sense yet another reason for us being here"

"We, that is they, are trying to contact the spirits to aid them in conceiving young."

"Is this thing possible? We tried for many summers and were unsuccessful."

"The doe has conceived once, but the kits were lost."

"Then we must help. Perhaps they can succeed where we failed. Let us watch over them and render whatever aid we can. Aho!"

"Aho!"

With that, Nick and Judy each shook their heads and looked at each other… with Nick being the first to speak: "What just happened….?"

"What do you last remember Nicholas?" asks Michael.

"Umm, Judy said something in your language … and then everything just … I don't know … got kinda fuzzy?"

"You don't remember carrying on a conversation with Judith?"

"….."

"Judith, do you remember carrying on a conversation just now with Nicholas? Or speaking fluent Lakota?"

"No, not really… why is everyone looking at me … us like we're freaks or something?"

"Because you and Nicholas just spent the last however long conversing … as other mammals."

Blinking rapidly Judy is curious "Other mammals?"

"Yes, you spoke as one called Wolf Spirit, and Nicholas spoke as one called Iron Eyes. You spoke to each other as lovers or mates. When Inipi is finished, I will speak to father of these mammals, perhaps he can tell us of their past. It may be why he was so interested in having you come to Inipi in the first place."

Turning to the rest of the mammals in the ceremony "This is the time for sharing your feelings about what the spirits have brought you to help you in the future. Reasons to continue improving your lives and the lives of those around you.'
'Any other concerns will be spoken of during the next door, the warrior's door."

With the bucks and vixen only sharing minor life changes, and the two veterans and Bolo preferring to remain silent for the time being, the ceremony draws to a close.

"Nicholas. Please open the door, this portion of Inipi is at an end. Those staying for the warrior portion, please remain seated, the rest please exit and father will release you from the sacred circle.'
'Mitakuye Oyasin!"

As those leaving repeat 'Mitakuye Oyasin' and pass behind Michael to exit the Inipi, Michael tells Nick "Nicholas, please bring the Grandfather stone and close the door."

As soon as Nick closes the door, Michael interrupts his motions "Please do not put water on the Grandfather stone. This final round is for relating of past experiences that are not for those who may not have experienced the taking of lives. It is a time to purge the soul of guilt and to allow oneself to heal. This is the reason the others were asked to leave.'
'Nicholas, the reason you were allowed to stay is because Judith is you mate, and therefore you can feel her pain and suffer with her. You are the one who can be of the most aid for her healing.'
'Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sees Far" using Michaels Lakota name as keeping with tradition "I believe I do. Because of what you said earlier, I guess that there is a much deeper spiritual connection between Judy and myself than anyone could ever have guessed."

Turning to the assembled mammals, who can see well enough from the light given off by the Grandfather stone, Michael continues "Who wishes to share first, to rid their soul of the weight of the past?"

"I would like to, if it's ok" begins Lefty.

Hearing no objections, Lefty continues "Not long after I arrived in country(a term used by a lot of combat vets to refer to whatever country they were deployed to) we were introduced to some of the other troops, who were about to cycle back to the world (civilization). We were given our basic issue of clothing and other gear that the higher-ups had decided that we need when we went out into the bush (countryside).
'Of course, most of the stuff we were issued was totally worthless and was left behind when we went on patrol, and so we had to 'borrow' or steal other stuff we would actually need.'
'Things were actually pretty boring the first few times I went into the bush, not counting the heat and humidity. It was kinda like the Sahara and Rainforest districts had a baby … constantly hot and humid as hell. It seemed like it rained every other day, and if it didn't rain, it was almost as humid as it was during this Inipi.'
'Anyway, during my third or forth patrol, we came upon a small 'ville (village). As we were checking out several of the hootches (homes) someone in the squad set off a booby trap and was killed instantly. Everyone started shooting in every direction, targeting anyone not wearing fatigues (uniforms).'
'Males, females, children, young, old, almost everyone in the 'ville was killed. After the combat rush wore off, most of us were stunned to see what we had done. Even though we later learned that the 'ville was actually a communist stronghold, with literally tons of ammunition and weapons were uncovered, we were still sick at the incident.'
'How does one come to grips with possibly killing a child? Or an elder? The memories of what happened in Chu Li are with me today, as strong as the day it happened. The sights, the sounds … the smell of blood … the faces of those we killed…"

And with that Lefty wept openly.

"I considered suicide many times after that" continues Lefty after a few moments.

"Most of the rest of my tour, although uneventful, was thankfully spent in the motor pool, an area where there was little to no action, so, to my knowledge, I never was involved in the killing of another mammal.

Looking directly at Nick "I had decided to starve to death just before you found me Nick. I really don't know what possessed me to allow you to help me that day, but I am so glad you came along. I owe you my life. All I can do to repay you, is to do what you've done for me, and that's to help save others."

"I guess I'm next" says Midnight: "When I joined the Corps, I had just turned eighteen. Could 've played college football on a full scholarship, but I got this patriotic itch that I had to scratch. I went into special ops right out of basic and advanced training, wanting to be the best.'
'Most missions were pretty straight forward, but then there was a supposed rescue mission in Moogadishu that was top priority. Delta team was supposed to helo (helicopter) in, pick up a half dozen or so civilians, and RTB (return to base). Needless to say, it was a trap set by religious radicals. Two choppers were shot down, all the team members were killed, mutilated and their bodies were dragged through the streets of the city. My team had been held back as 'reinforcements', but we were never allowed to engage, not allowed to save our friends lives. The wing commander decided that he'd seen enough shit so we went in with Blackhawks loaded to the gills with rockets and twenty-millimeter rounds … we soon caught up with the mutilation convoy and shot it up with everything we had. Rockets, 20MM mini-gun, M60s M4's. Hell, we even emptied our pistols at anything we could see to shoot at. We never gave a damn who or what we killed, it was nothing but blind assed payback.'
'After we got back, the commander lost his job and was given a dishonorable discharge and all of the team members were reduced in rank and given hefty fines. Every single one of us ETS'd (enlistee terminating service) as soon as our tours were up and never looked back. There has a strange mixture of satisfaction and guilt at the same time from that action that I've lived with for years. I need to make peace with myself and with any innocents that may have been killed at the time.'
'That bit is for me, but the real reason I'm here, right now, is to do whatever I can for Judy. Judy did what she had to do to protect someone else's kits, cubs, pups, whatever.'
'What I did before was to protect our nation … what I do now is to protect someone that I love like a sister!'
'That's all I got…"

"Although not as dramatic or heroic" begins Bolo slowly "the reason I'm here is to simply present myself as a close friend of Judy's. I've made mistakes in the past like drinking too much and getting into too many unnecessary fights. I have licked my drinking problem, clean and sober for almost five years now. Thanks to this Inipi, I think I now know why my temper has been so short all these years, and will do my best to reconcile with She Always Laughs.'
'Aho…"

"Aho" answers everyone in the Inipi.

Michael offers the following advice: "While the Grandfather stone grows cold and the dawn beckons, anyone may be visited by spirits. Whether they be species spirits or ancestors, it matters not. Simply listen to what the spirits have to tell you. It is advised that you not tell anyone what the spirits say to you, as everyone may interpret the words and meanings differently. Please use this time for meditation and introspection."

AN: The person leading the Inipi doesn't join in the sharing as such, they are they primarily to perform the ceremony and to act as a moderator only.

The Lakota used in the conversations is as authentic as I can possibly make it, using guidance from friends, relatives and the internet as source material.