Deathtouched - Chapter 31
Lemon inbound
Judy had the day off and Abby wanted to keep her paw in at work, so she took a shift. Abby smiled happily after assisting with the birth of a baby Elephant. She was so happy that she was a rabbit and only had to carry her babies for a few months instead of almost two years. Two years! Still, it was that simple miracle of bringing life into this world that helped bolster her spirits during these trying times.
The Cannibal Killers were causing Zootopia to panic. A dingo had somehow gotten onto the train as it traveled around Zootopia and killed three mammals before he was stopped. A poor panther was mobbed and killed simply because his eye color matched the description given of the Cannibal Killers. An autopsy showed no traces of the Night Howler derivative in his system. The ones responsible were being held pending charges.
Chief Bogo and Mayor Lionheart had gone on ZNN urging calm, yet there were still minor riots around the city demanding a solution be found. Curfew was set for the hours of darkness with only essential personnel being allowed out. Mammals traveled in packs now, usually consisting of both predator and prey species with the more combat capable predators protecting the others. That, at least, showed the mettle of the citizens of Zootopia.
Judy finished feeding Grace and put the now sleepy toddler to bed. All of the kits had grown so much in the last couple of months that Zoe had been away.
"You'd be amazed Love." She said as if Zoe could hear her.
Judy went to pick up Aaron and saw him grinning widely at her, his teeth now beginning to poke through his gums. He was the only one so far with visible teeth although, to his parents touch, the others weren't far behind. His arms and legs were swinging uncontrollably, excited to see one of his mothers.
"Mama!" he crowed.
Judy's jaw dropped and tears formed. His first word! And she was the only one here to hear it. She was joyful for herself and Aaron, but also sad that Zoe wasn't here to share in the joy. "Be safe wherever you are Love, and come back to us. We miss you and need you home." And it was true.
Chief Bogo hadn't been happy that Zoe had left, but was a little mollified when he was told it was in relation to the prophesy. But Nick and Judy, being cops, understood exactly how he felt. Zoe was an indispensable asset to law enforcement, especially with the current crisis gripping the city.
Nick was driving the patrol car in their assigned area. He wished that he was partnered with Judy again, but this calamity forced the ZPD to take extreme measures. Hence why he was armed with a slug throwing pistol that was to be used only as a last resort for the protection of other mammals. Thaddeus 'Call me Ted' Haskins, his current partner, was a bobcat that had recently graduated from the Academy. He'd been an upbeat, eager rookie until their first Cannibal Killer scene. Since then, he'd been much more restrained and focused. Nick had talked to him and helped him through the sight of all the blood and gore that he'd seen. Now the bobcat knew how serious it could be.
In the back seat was Kelly, Daughter of Artemis, and coincidentally a bobcat as well, sitting with her sword, bow, and a quiver of arrows on her hip. Nick had seen how accurate that Kelly was with that bow and knew that he didn't want to get on her bad side. Ted had tried hitting on her but that ended almost as soon as it began when she told him that she was gay. Ted thought it was just a way to put him off until they met her wife.
That didn't stop Ted from flirting with Astrid, the Daughter of Ares. The Ocelot was very pretty, even with the small scar running across her muzzle. Sitting next to Kelly in her heavy armor including helmet, she wore her sword and had placed her shield on the floorboard in front of her. Astrid had told Ted that he shouldn't flirt with her, but he wouldn't listen.
At least until one day when they were dropping the two priestesses off at their vehicles in the ZPD garage and Ted had gotten out to walk Astrid to her car. Not to be a gentlemammal, but to have more time to flirt with her. After stowing her weapons in the back seat except for the dagger she always wore on her right hip, Astrid grabbed Ted by the scruff of his neck and threw him into the passenger seat before driving off.
The next morning revealed a very tired and subdued Ted and a smirking Astrid. That same afternoon when they dropped Astrid off at her car, she stopped and stared at Ted until, sighing, he got out and walked to the passenger side of her car. She opened the door for him and then closed it after he got in. Before she drove off, she gave Nick the biggest grin he'd ever seen her display before.
Nick and his two wives were sitting down eating dinner while each also fed the children. They were now eating solid foods and they'd developed a rhythm. They'd take a bite, feed a bite to one of the toddlers, take another bite, and feed the next one. Dinner took longer, but it gave them more time overall to talk.
"Gods I miss Zoe and Gabriel!" Judy exclaimed.
"Me too!" Abby agreed.
"Me three!" Nick added.
"Do you think they're okay?" Abby asked. She hadn't stopped worrying since the day that Zoe had left.
"She's The Chosen, of course she'll be okay!" Judy stated.
"But she's missing out on so much!" Nick pointed out.
"Yeah, we know. This is time that she'll never get back but we have to trust in the gods that everything will end up okay." Judy said.
Abby giggled. "Do you think she's pregnant yet?"
"It's possible, what with you bunnies and your sex drive on steroids."
"Are you complaining Husband?" Judy asked archly.
"Never!"
"Good! Because once the kits are down for the night, I think it's time you performed more of those husbandly duties of yours. Your wives are starting to feel neglected!" Abby said, placing the pad of her paw on Nick's crotch and squeezing gently.
"Well, since my two wives feel the need for some lovings, I think I can be up for that!" Nick loved it when they shook their heads in amusement like now, grins on their faces and their ears flopping around so adorably.
They had been heading for the mountains for the last several days with Zoe guiding them. Gabriel was forced to hunt again, trying to save his protein bars for emergencies. Fortunately game continued to be plentiful, thanks to the Lady Artemis. The weather, at least, had cooperated, staying fair and rather comfortable underneath the forest canopy. The lovers had dispensed with climbing into the sleeping bag and instead, slept on top.
Zoe wished they could have done it naked, but it wouldn't have been a good idea given their situation. She could imagine them getting frisky only to have a patrol stumble upon them while they were tied together. The very least thing that could occur would be for them to be laughed at. Even oral was out at this point due to how it would take their alertness down to practically nil. So they simply cuddled and talked, but Zoe could feel her libido starting to act up and knew that she'd need some relief soon.
They'd finally reached the foothills of the mountains and both mammals felt it safe enough to camp here for a few days, agreeing that no patrol would follow them for the nine days it took to reach this spot. That night Zoe begged her coyote to take her again, her need had been making her shake since yesterday afternoon. Gabriel loved it when she begged. He proved that, while his ancestor's also ate rabbits, he did as well if in a different fashion.
Lemon start
While she lay semi-comatose, he reached into his backpack and pulled out an item he'd been working on when she was asleep. He'd taken a pair of his boxer shorts and fashioned a makeshift ball gag. It was the only time he wished that she wore panties because it would be so hot to stuff them into her mouth instead. He used the hand made gag on her and proved it's effectiveness in it's first field test when all he heard was a muffled scream as he slammed in cock in her to his knot, almost nutting when her eyes sprang open at the sudden intrusion.
Zoe had been floating in bliss, barely feeling it when her fiance lined himself up with her opening. But that changed in a heartbeat when she felt him penetrate her hard and quick, the pain in her crotch causing her to scream and open her eyes wide. She barely registered Gabriel's satisfied grin as she struggled to adapt to his raging hardon. Fortunately, after that first punishing thrust, he stayed still until Zoe was able to adjust to him.
Once Gabriel saw her shoulders sag in relief, he pulled back and slammed into her again, eliciting a restrained squeal. He still couldn't get over how hot and tight she was and he knew he wasn't going to last very long. He repeatedly ploughed into Zoe hard and fast, barely noticing how many orgasms he was giving her as he drove himself to his own release. He wanted to bite her to ensure her getting pregnant, but felt that it was both of their decision. But he would make sure she knew he wanted cubs!
This time Zoe passed out before he knotted her, spilling another enormous amount of semen directly into her and he discovered what a turn on it was to see her belly bulge with his load. Gabriel was positive that, if she could get pregnant without being bitten each time, she would be.
End Lemon
Zoe came to and found herself laying once more on Gabriel's stomach, still tied to him. She so wanted to stay this way, but her destiny awaited her. It had taken her away from almost everything she loved except for Gabriel and she prayed that, if getting bitten wasn't necessary in order to get pregnant, that Melinoe grant she be with child soon if she wasn't already.
"Thank you my handsome coyote." Zoe mumbled, completely sated and enervated.
"Thank you my gorgeous Cuddle Bunny."
"I can't move. I think I'll just sleep here tonight." She said as her eyes drifted shut.
"As you wish Love." Gabriel lay back, lightly stroking the fur on her back, hearing her hum in pleasure as she slept. He gazed at the stars and thought Gods, I hope you're listening, especially you Lady Melinoe and Lady Hebe. I love this doe of mine and I want a family with her. Please protect her from what comes, whatever that may be, so that we may fulfill Lord Apollo's dream he's given to Zoe.
Then he lay back and let his eyes close, thinking about whether he should try joining Lady Hebe's order.
When Zoe awoke early the next morning, she found herself tied to Gabriel in a different way.
Well, this will teach us won't it. I can't even reach our water to try and soften our cum so we can separate. Zoe had found that dried cum made an excellent adhesive to glue fur to fur. She started chuckling at the incongruousness of their situation. She could see in her minds eye Gabriel carrying her like an infant in a snuggle carrier. The mammal in question woke to the happy sound of his future wife making amused sounds.
"What's so funny love of my life?"
"Baby, we're stuck... glued together because we didn't clean up last night. I can't reach our water supply to try and get us apart."
"And what if I wanted us to stay this way?" He asked, a smile on his face.
"That was what was making me chuckle, I could see you carrying me around like an infant in one of those chest carriers."
That image made him start chuckling as well. "Yeah, I can see it. But if we're going to continue, we'll need to separate."
Scooting over a little bit, he was able to reach one of the bottles of water and, with Zoe's help, soften the leftover seed enough that they were no longer stuck.
"We'll have to find a water source to refill our bottles and clean up. It's very evident that we've had sex and we smell even more." Gabriel said, sniffing the air around them. "We won't do that by sitting here, let's eat real quick and get on our way."
Ten minutes later, they were packed, actually eating breakfast on the way. Zoe was sore, but she was able to walk, albeit slowly. She felt a sense of satisfaction that she was getting used to Gabriel's size and wasn't laid up for days on end. Zoe could feel that they were getting closer to where she needed to be and that helped as well.
They were down to their last bottle of water when they came across a small stream that flowed right out of the mountains. It was cold and clear and both drank deeply of the mineral tasting liquid before filling all their water bottles back up. After that, they were able to finally clean up so that they didn't cary the odor of sex with them wherever they went. They stayed next to the stream for the rest of the day and the next, leaving the morning after.
Zoe stood staring up at the almost shear cliff in front of them. Gabriel was severly disappointed at what appeared to be a dead end, but he trusted Zoe so he waited for her input. Zoe paced back and forth in front of the cliff side, her eyes never leaving it. Getting another tugging sensation, she walked up and placed her paw on the stone. Walking in front of it while trailing her paw, she still almost missed the opening, it having been so cleverly camouflaged. Smiling back at Gabriel, she walked into the opening, seeming to disappear.
Gabriel's jaw dropped and he went to the same place, marveling at the artistry that it took to create such a doorway. He followed Zoe and they noticed that, once past the opening, the pathway widened. It was doubtful anything larger than zebra would have been able to squeeze through, leaving them to wonder who built it, and why.
oooOOOooo
Abby was being run ragged, trying to keep up with the kits. After what had happened with Frannie, she was reluctant to ask for any more help. There was only one other thing she could think of doing.
Nick dropped Ted and Astrid off at her car again. The two of them had started dating and Ted had admitted to Nick that Astrid was the dominant one in their relationship which he didn't mind once he got used to the idea. That seemed to confirm a suspicion that Nick had when he noticed Ted limping somewhat one morning and seemed uncomfortable while sitting.
"Guys, I have to admit that I'm getting burnt out. I love our kits, but ten is too many for me. I don't know how Gabriel does it!"
Judy nodded, agreeing. "And it's too dangerous to ask anymore of our family to come here and help out. Gods know that we don't want what happened to Frannie to happen to anyone else."
"That's why I'm proposing that I move to Bunny burrow until either Gabriel and Zoe get back or they catch the mammal behind the Cannibal Killers."
Nick and Judy looked at each other then Abby. "Agreed. Let's call Stu and see about getting some trucks. You and the kits can stay there til this blows over."
All three of them relaxed once the decision was made, with Abby mentioning that she could help Milton out while she was there and continue training as an Acolyte under the local Priestess of Eileithyia.
oooOOOooo
The trail had thinned in spots having broken away due to avalanches or rock slides, probably both, and it was a long way down. Gabriel and Zoe picked their way carefully, at times having to hug the cliff face in order to get past the smaller stretches. The wind didn't help since the gusts would, at times, threaten to peel them away from their grip on the mountain and send them tumbling to their deaths. Combined with sharp stones underneath their feet, they were leaving bloody pawprints behind, just like in Zoe's dream.
"How did the bigger mammals navigate this trail?" Gabriel yelled over the wind.
"I don't think it was this small back then, avalanches, rock slides, they could have reduced the trail to this!" Zoe yelled back.
What seemed like hours later, the trail widened once more so that they could walk without fear of being blown off and falling. They knew they'd need to seek shelter soon, huddled together under their sleeping bag made for a cold, miserable night and neither wanted to repeat the experience again like they had the last several nights. They wore as many of their clothes that they had brought with them, but it still didn't feel like enough. It was fortunate that the trail cut into the mountain just enough to let them set up camp in the lee of the outcropping.
There the set up a cold camp and had a dinner of energy bars. Finishing his, Gabriel crumpled the wrapper and stuffed it in one of the pockets of his backpack. He didn't want to worry his doe, but the protein bar he'd just eaten was the last one he had. They huddled close together again underneath their sleeping bag, their backs leaning against the side of the mountain. Zoe woke in the early light of dawn which came much earlier that down below. Ever since she'd accepted that she was this 'Chosen' person, she found she didn't need much sleep and could go for three full days and nights before needing rest.
That was also before having to climb this beast of a mountain and all the physical effort required to do so. Gabriel watched as Zoe took the lead once again though why she insisted, he didn't know. It wasn't like they had any other direction to go other than down but it was fortunate that she did. She'd pulled an energy bar out of her pocket and munched on it as they traveled as had become their habit since they had begun climbing.
Being behind her, she couldn't see that Gabriel hadn't done the same and he was already feeling the grumbling of his stomach. The wind also blew sound away from those sensitive ears of his fiance, helping to keep her ignorant of his predicament. The feeling had been getting stronger since they'd broken camp that morning. Zoe started breathing faster as her excitement rose so that she was almost grinning when she remembered her dream, the mountain had attacked her. She looked back at her fiance, yelling, "Be careful!"
And the ground began to shake like they were in an earthquake. Zoe could see Gabriel's concerned look at the tremor when a dull roar echoed in her sensitive ears. Eyes widening, she screamed "AVALANCHE!" and pressed her body so close to the mountain it was almost like she was trying to sink herself into it's surface. She felt Gabriel press his body against hers, trying to protect her from any falling rocks.
Gabriel grunted when a large stone hit his left forearm that he was holding over his head to protect it. Pain exploded from his arm, but he refused to move it. He was going to protect his doe to the best of his ability. Zoe was terrified, she had images flash through her mind of a boulder smashing into Gabriel and flinging him off of the trail to be buried under tons of rubble far below. Even in her terror, she prayed to the gods for their safety. Slowly the sound of large boulders banging down the mountainside to the accompaniment of smaller stoned clacking faded until the avalanche was done.
The silence left behind seemed almost unnatural, even the wind having ceased momentarily. Gabriel groaned and Zoe worked her way out from where he was still leaning against the mountain, trying to get the pain under control.
"Gabriel! What's wrong?"
"My arm, a stone hit it and it hurts. I think it might be broken."
"Let me see it!" Gabriel held his arm out and Zoe could see the slight bump with her mortal eyes. Shifting to the astral, she could see the small break.
"It's a simple fracture. I can fix it, but it's going to hurt. I can give you some aspirin from the med kit and make a splint out of a couple of the tent poles until we find shelter."
"Uhnn. Do what you gotta Love."
Wanting to make this as quick and painless as possible, Zoe gave him twice the recommended dosage and then started getting everything together that she would need. Meanwhile, Gabriel was trying to distract himself by checking out the rifle. He wouldn't be able to use it for a while and wondered if he should just leave it, using his pistol to hunt if needed. good right paw and then stripped it of ammo so that they could use it in their pistols.
Zoe's muzzle moved into his line of sight and he felt his heart melt at how beautiful she was. That she kissed him was a most welcome bonus. "Love, I need to set the bone and it's going to hurt. I need you to lay on your back with your head toward me. I'm going to put my feet on your shoulder and then use my paws to pull your arm and push the bone back into position, then I'll splint it. I'll do it as quick and painless as I can, okay Baby?"
"Yeah." He grunted, ready for it to be over with. He lay down and Zoe pulled his arm up over his head. He felt her place one of her feet on his shoulder and her paw grab his wrist. Her other paw he felt pressing lightly over the bump in his arm. Without warning, she pulled and he screamed out in pain feeling the ends of the bone grind against each other.
Zoe froze, concentrating on her hearing, waiting for the slightest noise that would signal another avalanche was on it's way. But it seemed as if the last one had taken all of the loose stone with it as the mountain was quiet. She quickly placed the splints on his arms and used the elastic bandages to hold the splints in place. Then she fashioned a sling from the large cloth bandage included.
Thank the gods for Gabriel's preparations! Zoe thought. As Gabriel lay there breathing rapidly, Zoe put everything back together and made ready to continue when he was ready.
"Did I tell you about my dream of me doing this?"
"Uh, no. I don't think so Love." Gabriel said a little weakly.
"I dreamed that the mountain I was climbing made a giant made of stone to attack me, but I was able to defeat it. It may not have birthed a giant, but the avalanche was too close for my taste."
"I agree."
"You need to eat something to get your energy up Baby."
Gabriel looked at her sadly. "I can't."
Zoe looked confused. "What do you mean 'I can't'? Eat something!"
"I can't my Love. I ate my last bar this morning."
Gabriel felt bad when he saw her face, it was almost as if he'd broken her heart again. The anguish there, the tears threatening to fall.
"You can have some of mine! There's some protein in it, it will help until we can hunt for you."
"Baby, even if you could use the rifle, it's broken. I can't use it, obviously. So we'll keep going until we don't have a choice."
Now Zoe began to look a little angry. "What do you mean 'no choice'? What choice do you think we'll need to make?!"
Gabriel reached out and stroked the fur along her muzzle before lightly caressing her ears, his loving eyes drinking in the sight of his doe. "I refuse to revert Z. I'll throw myself off the side of this mountain before I do that. I will not hurt you."
Zoe looked at her fiance for a second before grabbing his muzzle and giving him a deep, passionate, kiss. "You're lucky you're injured, otherwise I would smack you upside your head Gabriel Latrans! I don't want to hear any more of that kind of talk pass through your lips! Do you understand me?!"
Seeing the serious look she was giving him, he chuckled and nodded. His arm wasn't hurting as much, the aspirin and first aid that his love had given him working together to help. "Okay my Love, I promise."
"Good!" She exclaimed, holding her paw out and helped pull him to his feet. Gabriel was a little surprised at how easy she made it seem.
"So, Love of my Life, what's with the medical knowledge and the extra strength?"
Zoe waved her paw in the air as she turned to grab her backpack. "Chosen."
"And what does that supposed to mean?" Gabriel asked, hooking one strap of his backpack over his good shoulder. It was somewhat awkward, but doable.
"I'm not exactly sure, but I'm beginning to have my suspicions."
"Ooo. Mysterious femme, me likey."
"I'll smack you..."
"And a Dominatrix to boot? Elysium awaits!"
"Gabriel!"
The trail had narrowed again, slowing them down. Being so high up, they had more daylight, allowing them to travel farther than they normally would. The downside was that they didn't get as much rest as they should get. Zoe's energy bars helped ease the hunger pangs he was experiencing, but they both knew that her supply wouldn't last either.
Gabriel was practically stumbling with fatigue, but even with his mind numbed by that and the constant throbbing in his arm, he still had to admire his bunny. He'd always been the strong one, first holding his family together when his mom died. Then going to college while holding down several part time jobs to pay for it and help supply food for his family.
That was what had bothered him so much before when he and Zoe had their little split. Spat. Whatever you want to call it. To be so close to the gods! The power she would hold as a high priestess was enormous, and she didn't even realize it! Loving and humble, that was his Zoe.
Should he give it a try when they got back to civilization? Should he become a Priest of Hebe? He did love children and would do everything he could to make sure they were happy. And he hadn't met a child yet that didn't like him back. Being a nanny fulfilled the need he had to be close to the little ones, but was that enough? Could he a better mammal? And being a father! If Zoe's dream came to pass, he would be a father.
And their family would have three of them as members of the priesthoods. He could at least think some more about it and start by asking questions when they got back. With his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the future, the constant pain in his arm distracting him, and his fatigue, it was no surprise when he placed his foot down on a small stone which skidded out from under him, causing him to lose his balance.
Panicked, he tried swinging his arms to try and right himself, but because of his arm being in the sling, he felt himself losing the fight and beginning fall. Knowing what was about to come, he jerked his head to Zoe, wanting one last look at her. He gasped and saw Zoe turning to look at him almost as if they were in slow motion. He saw her eyes widen and shock cover her features. And then she moved! There shouldn't have been any way for her to reach him in time, but there she was, grabbing his shirt and pulling him effortlessly back onto the trail.
Gabriel lay down, gasping, as he shook in reaction to his near fatal plunge.
"Gods Baby! Are you alright?" Zoe asked, looking him over, almost in tears from worry.
"You... shouldn't have... grabbed me." He got out between breaths. "I could have... taken you... with me."
Zoe's angry face was back and she began poking him in the chest in time with her words. "Gabriel Latrans! You are MY coyote and if you think that I'm not going to do everything in my power to keep you alive and at my side you have another thing coming!"
Gabriel couldn't argue with her. How he could have doubted that this amazing mammal could ever love him he'd never know. But he could swear to love her back for the rest of his life. "Zoe Darkwater-Hopps. I love you! I just wouldn't have ever forgiven myself if you had gone over the side with me. Forgive me my Love?"
"Maybe." Zoe told him grumpily, trying to keep a straight face. It didn't last long as it morphed into a loving smile. "I love you too you big lug. C'mon Baby, I can tell we're getting close. We'll rest here for a few hours, eat something, and then continue. Not to tempt Fate, but if everything holds, we should be where we need to be in a few more hours, then we can recuperate for a little while."
"Sounds good Baby."
Zoe pulled him to his feet once more, but this time she held onto his paw, holding her arm behind her as they started up the trail again, keeping close to the mountainside.
oooOOOooo
Their patrol had been uneventful, driving through the streets in the late afternoon and they were all ready to head back to headquarters and home. Maybe not home in the strictest sense of the word for Ted, who had been going with Astrid every night after the first time. Ted never talked about what went on between them, but Nick would catch them sneaking glances at each other as he drove.
Kelly, who now rode in the front seat next to Nick, would look over at the fox and smirk. Nick turned North onto Clash street and had to slam on the brakes. Panicked mammals were running down the street toward the patrol car, screaming. Throwing it into park, Nick got on the radio as the other mammals jumped out and prepared themselves for whatever was going on.
"Dispatch, Z-184, disturbance on North Clash street at the intersection with Pride Avenue. Requesting backup."
"Z-184, Dispatch copies, unit's enroute."
Nick dropped the mike onto the seat and got out himself, each member of his team standing behind their respective doors, waiting for the flood of mammals to pass so that they could check the area out. Seconds later they were able to form up at the front of the car and they felt chills run down their spines at what they saw.
There were at least a dozen animals feasting on several unmoving bodies laying on the sidewalk and the street, some of which were sniffing the air for more victims. Nick spotted a few mammals that had chosen to hide rather than run and he began walking forward, needing to protect the mammals hiding. His team formed up on him as they approached the mob.
Astrid took the lead, protected as she was in full plate armor and shield, her sword held in her right paw. The mob was made up of mostly carnivores, although they did see a giraffe as it took a huge bite out of an elderly camel, even being able to see the chunk as it traveled down it's neck. As soon as they reached optimal range, Nick and Ted opened fire with their dart guns, trying to keep from killing as many of the mammals as possible.
Both concentrated their fire first on the largest carnivore, one of the tigers, until it went down. Their actions made the rest of the mob of CK's take notice and they left the mangled remains of the mammals they'd been eating to charge at the quartet. Kelly fired her arrows, trying to hit their feet to at least slow them down. While her tactic worked, it wasn't slowing them down as much as she thought it would. It looked like they felt no pain, so it was with regret that she started targeting the more vital areas. A panther died with an arrow that punched through her eye and out the back of her skull, dropping her on the spot.
Nick holstered his dart gun and pulled out his slug throwing pistol, knowing that if he didn't, they'd be overwhelmed. They were able to stop four more mammals before the mob reached where the four defenders were. Kelly dropped her bow and drew her sword and dagger. Ted used his quick reflexes to dodge the claws and teeth of the afflicted mammals, pumping dart after dart into them with a grimace on his muzzle. Kelly dodged as well while she used her dagger and sword to good effect, keeping them off of her, only killing one, a tiger that she'd stabbed in the throat when he tried to bite her.
Astrid was in her element. It was times like these that she lived for, vying against other mammals to prove who was stronger. Her foes were agile, not throwing themselves onto her blade in a mindless bid to kill and eat her. She fought for the glory of Lord Ares and knew that, should she fall, she would be invited into his hall.
Ted was reloading as he avoided another swipe from a lion to see a hyena that had flanked them getting ready to take a bite out of Kelly's neck. Instinctively and without hesitation, Ted jumped up between they hyena and Kelly, and put his arm in front of him as the hyena bit. Ted's arm was painfully pushed into his chest. But that pain was eclipsed when the mad mammal bit down, almost severing his arm. Ted threw his head back and screamed, not seeing the blurred streak as Kelly's sword swung down removing the hyena's head from his body.
Astrid had caught the action out of the corner of her eye, ready to yell a warning to Kelly when she saw what Ted did. Her eyes widened in horror and anger. Driven now, she screamed her rage like a banshee as she drove herself into the remaining mammals, slicing off paws, limbs, heads, and even the tip of a wolf's muzzle. Seconds later, she stood over a pile of the dead.
Astrid dropped her sword and shield to rush over to where Kelly was helping Nick gently get Ted's arm out of the jaws of the hyena. Nick was holding a large wad of cloth against Ted's upper arm trying to prevent the bobcat from bleeding out while Kelly was trying to open the hyena's jaws. More conversant with other mammals biology than the Daughter of Artemis, Astrid drew her dagger and cut the tendons in the head's jaw, letting Kelly ease Ted's mutilated arm.
Astrid removed her helmet and caught Ted's eyes. She could tell he was in agony but he kept trying to talk, ignoring Nick's efforts to try and keep him calm, telling him "Stay with me Ted!" The wounded bobcat was staring at her as if she were his lifeline, his jaw moving but only croaking sounds coming out. Astrid knelt beside him, stroking the fur on his cheek.
"You fought well Ted, but your time is not yet. Lord Ares has use of a warrior of your courage."
Ted was able to relax as he looked up, swallowed, and was able to croak out "I love you Astrid" before darkness took him. More patrol cars pulled up and Nick shouted at them to call an ambulance, that an officer was down.
Abby heard the hospital all call, telling all staff that weren't otherwise busy to report to the emergency room for a large influx of patients. Nick! Abby thought as her and Doctor Avery ran toward the elevators. The emergency room was organized chaos when they entered, and both ran to start helping with patients. The time passed in a blur as they helped what mammals they could, the bite marks making it evident that this was the work of the Cannibal Killers.
At one point, Abby was assisting in trying to save the arm of a young bobcat wearing the uniform of the ZPD. She recognized the description from Nick and knew that this was the Ted that he'd spoken of. The one that was supposed to have taken up with a Daughter of Ares. Abby was one of three nurses and two doctors that worked feverishly to save the young mammals life, squeezing the bags of blood through the IV into the patient while the doctors tried to re-attach the arm. Sadly, it didn't take long for the experienced doctors to come to the conclusion that, while the arm could be saved, it would never function normally again. Ted's career as a ZPD officer had come to an end before it even truly started.
Abby joined Doctor Killian, the lioness ER surgeon, in talking with Chief Bogo. When they saw Abby with the doctor, Nick and his group joined them just as they began updating Chief Bogo.
"We were able to save the arm, but many of the nerves have been severed and some of the muscles are too torn for it to ever function normally again. The bones were crushed in numerous places and are only being held together by pins right now. Other than that, he'll make a full recovery, although it will be a lengthy one."
"Thank you, Doctor." Chief Bogo told her quietly, his face fallen. He never liked losing officers, but at least this one still lived. He remembered the young bobcat at his graduation ceremony, smiling, eager to begin and follow after his hero Nick Wilde.
Astrid stood stoically, listening to the doctor as the lioness assessment ended Ted's career. As they lay together each night they would talk, and she knew how much being an officer meant to him. She'd been contemplating a certain action for a while now, and she felt it was time for her to implement it.
"Witness!" She barked out, slamming her gauntleted fist against her breastplate.
"Witness!" Kelly replied loudly.
"Witness!" Doctor Killian stated as people belatedly noticed the pin with the symbol of Apollo on it, designating her as a Priestess of Apollo. Astrid walked over to Ted's bedside and took his good paw in hers. "I claim this mammal, Thaddeus Haskins as mate! Does any dare to challenge my claim?!"
Nick snorted into the sudden silence and then replied when Astrid's eyes focused on him. "I don't think anyone would be that stupid Astrid, congratulations!"
A/N: Unfortunately, my new work schedule doesn't leave me a lot of time to write but I'm not abandoning any of my stories, it will just take me a while longer to get them up and posted. I want to thank all of my loyal readers for sticking with me this far. When I finish this story, I will work on Project Gateway.
Well, there it seems as if each current and future member of the Hopps - Wilde - Darkwater clan are overcoming challenges. But they were able to squeeze some happiness amid the darkness.
Another major revelation for Zoe in the next chapter as Abby moves to Bunny Burrow while Nick and Judy move into their new home. Until then gentle readers...
Speaks With Spirits