41 Saying Goodbye

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Finally, another chapter for this gargantuan struggle that I seem to have gotten myself into. I just hope that my faithful readers are still out there and will be at least a bit pleased with my offering.

Mitakuye Oyasin

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The next few days weren't quite as frantic as they could have been.

The store was nearly ready for the grand opening while the shop was getting a few last-minute touch-ups and several project cars that were just finished were place in full display mode around the main shop floor. The owners of said vehicles had been notified and would be taking possession of their new rides after the grand opening.

Sylvia and the cubs from the reservation have received all of their regalia that Skye and She Always Laughs made sure to finish on time.

The work on Sylvia's apartment above the store was finished with all of her purchases both large and small in place, but the doe was staying in the warren for a few days to let the apartment air out, what with the paint fumes being more than slightly overpowering.

Best of all for Sylvia, armed with the knowledge that the added protein wouldn't harm her, was becoming addicted to Gideon's chef salad and other formerly predator only dishes.

The mood today is somber, and not just because the weather is dreary – dark clouds covered the sky with rain being a realistic threat at any time.

The small crowd that has gathered at a secondary exit from the main Hopps warren would seem rather odd to a casual observer – rabbits, foxes Laverne and Jason, Shirley as well as Gideon Gray had shown up, just as Nick and Judy knew they would), wolves, panthers and other mammals, young and old alike, are all congregated together in a show of sadness and support for a lost comrade.

Using a hearse on loan from a neighboring community, for a coyote known as Lefty, the crowd slowly made their way to the veterans wing of the Hopps family cemetery, where the mammal was to be interred.

Members of the crowd included the shop employees, the Hopps hierarchy which included Bonnie and Stu, Nick and Judy, and especially all of the vets from the shop and the Hopps burrow, some of whom formed the honor guard and rifle teams.

Stopping at the burial site, the honor guard made up of Nick's veteran employees snapped to attention as the casket was placed on the device that would shortly lower Lefty to his final resting place.

After the invocation given by Brian Hopps, one of Stu's older brothers, the Zootopian flag is folded and presented to Judy, being the closest mammal that might be considered anything close to Lefty's mother, Midnight steps up to give the eulogy.

"Before I begin, I'd like to thank Nick and Judy Wilde for hosting the celebration of Lefty's life last night, which was, by the way generously made possible by Gideon Gray letting us use the conference room at his restaurant.

"Those of us who knew Lefty for any length of time knew of his compassion for his fellow mammals. We vets shared the horrors that he saw on the battlefield, and we shared his pain during the last few years of his life. While our brother is finally free of the pain that has haunted him for so many years, he leaves us with the pain of knowing that another brother has gone over the Rainbow Bridge to Valhalla.

"So I leave you with this final wish for our brother: May the Valkyries welcome you and lead you through Odin's great battlefield. May they sing your name with love and fury, so that we might hear it rise from the depths of Valhalla and know that you've taken your rightful place at the table of kings. For a great man has fallen: A warrior. A chieftain. A father. A son. A friend. A brother.

"Goodbye Lefty, and I leave this with you until we meet again …" as the feline steps forward and places one of his unit crests on the lid of the coyote's coffin and drives it into the wood with a heavy fist.

One by one, every vet in the crowd, including several of Judy's own family that barely knew the grizzled old warrior, repeated the custom out of respect.

When that was finished, the rifle team fire a 3 round volley and taps was sounded, ending the proceeding.

Later, at the reception which was held in Nick's shop (the cars and tools having been temporarily moved), Nick and Judy were approached by Laverne and Jason Silver and Shirley.

"Nick, Judy" begins Laverne "we're so sorry for your loss. Shirl and I knew Lefty and he was one of the kindest mammals we'd ever met."

"Yeah," adds Shirley "He always had a kind word or something for a mammal."

"Thanks guys…" replies Judy.

"But … we were wondering …" states Laverne "We were talking to your mom Judy, and she said something about you might be opening a shop of some sort in Zootopia…"

"We were going to open a paw-made gift shop at the site of the old shop after the front was rebuilt to sell stuff from the reservation," answers Judy "but … that's kinda questionable now since the mammal that was going to run it moved back to her own tribe. The building's about finished, but now…"

"But now it's kinda up in the air." finishes Nick.

"If it's alright, Shirl and I would like to give it a try." states Laverne. "If someone could give us a few pointers, I think we could do a good job and make the store a success."

After thinking on the subject for a few moments Judy responds to her mother-in-law, "Let me talk to a few mammals for a minute, I think it could work. But … if I may ask, why are you interested in working the store? I mean, don't you have enough to do in Zootopia, especially now that you're recently married?" asks the doe.

"There's really nothing, and I mean nothing to do in Zootopia to hold our interests anymore now that the shop is in Bunnyburrow. Jason has his job at the VA counseling office, but Shirl and I are absolutely bored to death and need something to keep us occupied during the day." answers Laverne.

"And …" shyly adds Shirly "I really need my own place…"

Seeing the slight shock and concern on her sister's face, Shirly hastens to explain: "I love you guys to death, but you have no real privacy with me staying at your place, you deserve your own space."

"I think we can take care of that little issue as well…" smirks Nick.

Seeing the mammals in question, Judy motions for Skye and She Always Laughs to join the small group.

"Yes?" asks Skye as they join them.

"I think we have a solution to our little problem of the new store in Zootopia!" begins Nick.

"Laverne and Shirley have volunteered to run the shop," confirms Judy.

"And aunt Shirley will occupy the apartment above the shop." finishes Nick.

"That's wonderful!" remarks Skye.

"And … maybe if you ask really nice … She Always Laughs and Skye could whip up a few sets of regalia for you two to wear … if it's something you might consider, what with it being authentic paw-made stuff and all." concludes Nick.

Looking back and forth between Nick, Laverne and Shirley, then to Skye and finally to Nick, She Always Laughs comes to a quick decision "I would consider it an honor to provide regalia for your mother and her sister."

"Since school doesn't start for a few weeks yet, perhaps you could even spend some time in Zootopia working on the regalia and educating Nick's mom and aunt Shirley on the Lakota culture and stuff…" suggests Judy.

"Especially since the store won't be finished for another month or so." adds Nick.

Seeing the slight trepidation on She Always Laughs face, Nick comes up with an alternate plan which he presents to the small group "Ooorrrr … Perhaps … Skye can go to Zootopia with mom and Jason to make the regalia, while aunt Shirley stays here with She Always Laughs. Skye should be versed enough with making the regalia and various customs enough to help mom, while aunt Shirley can be here with She Always Laughs to help out with the store and get up to speed on customs and stuff with the reservation cubs and Sylvia … that is Morning Sun."

"That … sounds like a much better plan…" admits She Always Laughs. While I would like to visit the large city in the future, I feel that I really need to be around here more … to … become more familiar with the local residents and customs."

"If Jason doesn't mind, Shirl and I can both stay here for a few days to help Skye and She Always Laughs with some of the … regalia was it? We can learn the merchandise and how to best run the store in Zootopia."

"And I can bring Laverne back to Zootopia, help her and Shirley figure out the shop and help Shirley decide how to get her apartment going." adds Skye.

As Jason sees the hopeful look his new bride is giving him, he sighs "Okay, I don't see a problem here. I'm probably looking at some really long hours at the VA for the next week or so anyway so I wouldn't be home all that much."

Giving her hubby a quick kiss on the cheek as well as a look that promises to make up for time apart, Laverne tell her mate "Thank you for understanding …"

"It's settled then." comments Nick. "Mom and aunt Shirley can go to the mercantile and get a few clothes and things, courtesy of the account I have set up for miscellaneous expenses for the shop and store, and once they get settled, they can get a few instructions from Sylvie, I mean Morning Sun, on how thigs will be expected to be done in the store and learn the inventory. She always Laughs can give Mom instructions on making regalia and have mom, aunt Shirley and Skye make their own outfits."

"Well then," begins Jason "I need to get back to Zootopia, it's already going to be late enough by the time I get there!"

"Be safe and call when you get there so I don't worry." says Laverne as she gives her mate a quick kiss and tight hug.

"I will, I promise…" indicates the todd as Jason heads for their vehicle to make the three-hour trip back to Zootopia.

The next week or so goes by at a seeming furious pace, with the grand opening of both Nick and Judy's new shop as well as the new store looming.

Although the shop retains it's old name, the suggestions for the store's name keep getting changed every other day or so. With the two final names being tossed around – Lakota Creations and Off The Reservation being the finalists – it was decided (with the main input being from She Always Laughs and the two cubs) that Lakota Creations would be a much better fit for all parties involved.

With both Laverne and Shirley splitting their time between Skye's place learning how to create and assemble proper regalia, and learning the merchandise and the store with Sylvia and the cubs, time flew by and soon it was Friday– the eve of the celebration – and things were finally pretty much falling into place.

Everything was set and ready at the shop, with all of the cars polished and on display. The only thing that seemed a bit out of place was Lefty's workspace.

Out of the deep respect that everyone had for the old combat vet, Lefty's workspace had been left as it was after his last day's work and roped off with stainless steel posts and velvet ropes, with a large framed picture of him prominently displayed on his still cluttered work bench.

In town, the store was coming together nicely, with not only Sylvia and the cubs in the store, but She Always Laughs, and Laverne and Shirley as well, all in full regalia.

While She Always Laughs enjoins the vulpine sisters on the history of several of the tribes and thus the various items in the store, Sylvia and the cubs venture across the street to a previously empty lot where a contemporary indigenous band was setting up their gear inside a large tent that Nick had provided.

Noticing the onlookers dressed in full regalia, a middle-aged coyote in a ribbon shirt and pants greets them.

"Greetings" he begins "may I help you?"

"Híŋhaŋni wašté" (good morning) answers Sylvia uncertainly "I-I hope I pronounced that correctly, the cubs have been trying to teach me old tongue."

"You did well for one not born of the blood." complements the canid. "I am Paul LaRoche, I am the leader of this little group. And this" he indicates a young female "is my daughter Nicholle."

"Híŋhaŋni wašté Nicholle" says Sylvia. "I am called Hee-hahn-nee Ahn-pah-wee (Morning Sun) and this is Pday-chay-lah See-day (Short Tail) and Eeyoh-yahn-pay Ee-shdah (Bright Eyes)" indicating the cubs. "Again, please forgive my bad use of the old tongue."

"You have done well, all things considered Morning Sun. Welcome, how may I help you today?"

"I have been tasked with running the store across the street with the help of the cubs, and I noticed that you are the actual live band that we have many cd's of yours for sale. The music is wonderful and I just wanted to tell you how much it touches my spirit."

"If I may ask, how did a mammal such as yourself come by a given name?"

"I was in a dark place for many years," replies a slightly more confident Sylvia, not ashamed to share a small, albeit edited bit of her past) "but my sister and her husband managed to convinced me to take part in an Inipi. My name was given to me by my brother-in-law and confirmed by the leader of the Inipi. I was then made Tiyospaye" (tee-osh-pa-yea) extended family "by Wayate Tehal." (Sees Far).

"I know of Sees Far" replies Paul. "If I may ask, who is your brother-in-law ...?"

"He is known locally as Nick Wilde and owns the custom car shop, but I respect him as Mah-zah Ee-shdah, Iron Eyes, and his mate is my sister Shuen-mah-nee-due dahn-kah Wah-nah gee, Wolf Spirit. He is also the owner of the store across the street." proudly declares Sylvia.

"I have heard good things of this Iron Eyes, and would like to meet and have words with him if time allows." admits Paul.

"I will be sure to mention this to him when I see him." says Sylvia. "Now, the cubs and I must go back to the shop and finish getting ready for tomorrow … Pilamayaye. Mitakuye Oyasin."

"Mitakuye Oyasin!" rejoins Paul as Sylvia and the cubs retreat across the street.

The big day finally arrives and it seems like the entire Tri-Burrow area has turned out, not to mention the proud owners of the finished custom rides that Nick his in his shop as well as dozens of interested onlookers.

While a few of the many patrons asked about the seemingly unkempt workspace, most already knew Lefty and those few left little notes or articles of memorabilia that they had collected over the years from the previous location. Those patrons expressed their condolences at the loss of such a fine mammal.

Meanwhile in town, huge crowds choked the several streets that had been blocked off for the festival. Vendors of all sorts had set up around the venue, and business was brisk for everyone.

Respecting the fact that the band had set up their own stand to sell souvenirs, including cd's, the crew at Lakota Creations had removed the cd's they had in stock until a member of the band entered during a break to inform Sylvia and the rest of the mammals in the store that they were out of cd's at the souvenir stand and they could go ahead and sell the ones the store still had in stock.

With the cubs constantly running back and forth between the sales floor and storeroom to replenish all sorts of items that were being sold at a very rapid rate, Sylvia along with She Always Laughs, Laverne and Shirley kept busy waiting on the influx of customers that they had vastly underestimated.

That said, She Always Laughs managed to keep a wary eye on one of the stage paws (stage hands) from the band, as he seemed to be hanging around and seemed overly interested in Sylvia.

Finally, Renee sidled up to the young lynx and with a stern eye asked if she could help him.

More than a little flustered, the feline tried to simply apologize and slide out of the shop, but when Renee pinned him with the 'no you don't' gaze that all females seem to have, he managed to stammer out that he would very much like to meet the bunny doe in the bright red and yellow jingle dress.

Only slightly stunned, Renee sized the cat up and decided that he was basically harmless, but was intrigued at the sudden interest that a total stranger had shown in the doe.

"Wait here …" Renee tells the feline firmly and goes to confer with Sylvia.

"Morning Sun… There is someone here that would like to speak with you. If you wish I will act on your behalf and see to introductions." she begins and motions towards the front of the store.

To say that the doe is shocked would be an understatement. "I, umm … yes, I guess … do you think it is alright?"

"He seems to be of no ill intent, I will of course be by your side as this is the way of the Lakota for unescorted females."

"Then yes, by all means please introduce us." remarks the doe.

Leading Sylvia to the front of the store, Renee stops slightly short of the lynx "Tell me young mammal, what are you called?" she asks in a firm yet respectful voice.

"I am called Sah-pah Wee-yah-kah." he replies.

"Tell me Black Feather" (for Sylvia's sake, not sure if she understand that bit of old tongue just yet) "what is your interest in Morning Sun?" she continues.

"I … I was wondering what tribe she is of. I have never seen a rabbit in such regalia before."

Taking a quick look at the doe and considering the events of not only lately, but what has led up to now, Renee answers "Morning Sun belongs to a newly formed clan of the Pines Ridge Lakota. That clan is the WildeHopps clan which is headed by Mah-zah Ee-shdah. (Iron Eyes – Nick) Mah-zah Ee-shdah is the mammal that owns the custom car shop outside of the burrow. I ask again, what is your interest in Morning Sun? It is more than casual or you would not have asked to meet her."

"I … I would seek to get to know her better, with permission from her huen-kue of course." (her mother – the word is specific in usage).

Considering the mammal's words, which seem to be sincere, Renee turns to Sylvia "Morning Sun, do you wish for this mammal to get to know you? If you do, I will speak to your mother as is the custom."

Pondering the entire scenario for a moment, Sylvia answers "Since he has come in a good way and abides by the custom of the Lakota, I would have you speak to my mother on his behalf."

"It shall be as you wish." Renee tells the doe.

Turning to the young lynx, Renee tells him "I will speak to Morning Sun's mother on your behalf. Please be patient as thing are a bit hectic right now. You are a member of the band are you not?"

"I am but a lowly stage paw, but I am a hard worker who seeks to better himself and anyone who would accept me for a possible mate. I will respectfully await your word from Morning Sun's mother."

"Mitakuye Oyasin." Black Feather replies and with that the feline inclines his head slightly and heads back across the street.

Watching the retreating figure, Renee turns to a still slightly stunned Sylvia "It seems like you have an admirer. Are you sure that you wish to meet this mammal?"

After a moments thought, a now more confident Sylvia answers "Yes, I believe so. I cannot continue to let my past haunt my future. This Black Feather seems to be a good mammal, or I'm sure he wouldn't be allowed to travel with the band. Like Wolf Spirit, I have to be able to move forward if I'm to be able to make peace with my past and myself."

"I will have Iron Eyes speak with this Paul Laroche to see what sort of mammal Black Feather truly is, and have him inform your mother. You are quite correct in the fact that your past should not cloud your future. My wish for you is that this truly happens. Let us return to help out with the customers."

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AN: This is (again) a bit of a shorter chapter, but I guess that's going to be the norm from now on until the story's finished.

On another note, fanfiction has been acting a bit weird lately (at least on my computer) so please continue to check on AO3 for updates on either of my stories. I may need to only post on AO3 if things don't straighten out.