Richie, Wolf, Diane and Webbs were going over the documents that they received from Jack Savage and MI6, each file linking known criminals to Shendu's triad, which at this point was about the only intel they had on the mystic dragon…all while on a video call with the rest of the Bad Guys in who were still gather intel on Jimmy Crystal in Redshore.

"The guy's about as slippery as an eel with how he covers his tracks," Snake grumbled through the screen, amazed that MI6 was even able to get the scarce information they had.

"I know Caleb," Richie responded, the German shepherd ignoring the glare that Snake sent at the mention of his given name. For the serpent and his gang made it clear when they started the Bad Guys that who they were no longer existed.

From that moment onward, there was no Mason Canis, Caleb Grant, Bruce Clearwater, Serena Webbs, or Miguel Ramierez…

Only Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Ms. Tarantula and Mr. Piranha…

The Bad Guys.

But even then, he knew that that pact died with their original organization.

And he had to get used to that.

Wolf put down a file and looked at the clock on the wall.

"Well," he said with a sigh as he stood to his feet, stretching his back, the act resulting in a few loud pops, "as fun as this is, I still gotta play the part of the bureaucrat. I got twenty minutes until I have to meet Diane for that press interview."

"Uh, press interview?" Webbs asked, the short-stack woman sitting at the edge of the table, her eyes squinting in confusion since this was the first time she heard about a press interview.

"Yeah," Wolf responded, "since we were able get ourselves off the hook for that little tiff in Jasper, Diane got slammed with all sorts of work after she was able to get her job as Governor Back."

"Thanks for that again for getting me out that mess, man," Shark said called from behind snake, "I was worried I would be fresh fish again."

"No problem, buddy," Wolf responded with a smile.

"Red Hellcat?" Piranha suddenly said, the demented fish scratching his head in confusion.

"Isn't he that Satanic cult leader?"

"Geez," Webbs grumbled as she got off the table, walking to a nearby fridge to get a can of soda, her round ass an admittedly alluring sight for Richie and Wolf, the latter of which having had some time with it in Jasper, "it's amazing how many lunatics there are in the world!"

(Reminder: Webbs is a four-foot bipedal tarantula with two arms.)

Richie looked over to his good friend.

"Tell me about it," he grumbled slapping another file down on his desk.

"I have to go undercover as a gun runner to find out what Shendu is really planning."

Webbs smiled as she walked back to the table, once again perusing one of the many books she had procured about ancient Asian legends.

"And don't forget," Richie continued, "that in order to keep the REAL bad guys in the dark, everything has to go business as usual. Which means Wolf and Diane have to participate in the skydiving charity event tomorrow."

"Oh, that," Wolf sighed. Despite his tendency to showboat during heists, he never really liked to be in the spotlight, mainly because it just wasn't his thing. But he knew Richie was right, and the handsome wolf could only pray that nothing went wrong.

Later that day…

Wolf, Diane, and Police Chief Luggins stood outside the California State Penitentiary, the wolf, fox and burly hyena having found themselves surrounded by news reporters who came up to them asking them all sorts of questions, ranging from the transfer of Marmalade and Hellcat to Diane's recent scandal in Jasper. But luckily, most of the questions pertained to the former, though any to the latter were answered with "No Comment." But it was the ever-bothersome Lenny Labon who confronted Mr. Wolf with a very personal question.

And all Wolf could do was role his eyes at the fact that the stallion and his sister would run with whatever answer he gave.

"Mr. Wolf, you and the exquisite Governor Diane Foxington have been going out forever. Are you two planning to tie the knot anytime soon?" the gossip stallion asked.

"Uh, marriage? Uh, um, marriage," Wolf said as he started to feel nervous, especially with Diane in his presence. In fact, Wolf was surprised at himself that he was actually caught off guard by the question. In truth, he had considered it, but had never given it any serious thought.

But he'd be damned if he let Lenny have his moment of satisfaction.

"Can you help me out?" he whispered out of the side of his mouth to his lovely partner, said vixen smiling as she walked up to the gossip stallion, leaning close to his microphone and said very succinctly…

"Mr. Wolf and I are recklessly in love. That's all that matters, for now," she said as she gave Mason a sexually suggestive wink, the canine sending a frustrated Lenny a smug smirk as Diane returned to his side.

"You've been tremendous help. Thank you," Wolf whispered in her ear, discretely pinching her ass, forcing Diane to suppress a squeak in surprise.

"You're welcome…Bad Boy," Diane whispered back before returning her attention back to the reporters. However, behind the mass number of press still trying to get in on the scoop, stood Richie, the shepherd cracking a smile at seeing his friends being put on the spot like that. However, his mood quickly changed when he felt the familiar vibration of his phone in his pocket. And after fishing out the offending device, Richie allowed a gruff chuckle to escape his lips as he took Nick's call.

"Hey, Boss Man," Richie answered with a smile.

"Hey Richie," Nick responded with the same friendly tone, "I got a new lead for you on Shendu's headquarters. If my source is right, you should be able to catch him."

"What's the locale?" Richie said as he walked down the sidewalk, glancing over his shoulder one last time at the mob of reporters surrounding Wolf and Diane. However, what Nick said made Richie falter in his step, a deep frown forming on his muzzle.

"Well, it's just a short drive from where you're at now. Turns out Shedu owns a little establishment in Calatonia called Kumandra. The official and LEGAL advertisement of it is 'Gentleman's Club.' But, after a little more digging, it's more than that…like 'Moonlight Howl' more than that. The only difference is he charges visitors for the 'Happy Endings.'"

"And you're point?" Richie said, finding himself aggravated that Nick called him just to relay some 'advertisements' for this Kumandra place.

Luckily, Nick added some clarity.

"I got word Shedu is going to be there to check on things. But, he will be receiving a special visit from a prominent arms dealer," Nick said.

At that moment, a grin spread on Richie's face at the implication…

And with what Nick said next.

"It's time for us to find out when he will strike and how it will happen."

A short pause.

"You up for it?"

Richie felt hesitant for a moment, only because he knew that taking the job would mean going back to the earliest place he called home.

The place where his birth parents still resided.

"Yup," he finally said.

"I'll be there."

"Good. I'm counting on you, my friend. And good luck," Nick said.

"Thanks, Nick. See ya."

"See Ya, Richie."

With that Richie ended the call, only for a deep sigh to escape his lips as he continued to walk along the otherwise empty sidewalk, save for a few strolling couples or families. And it was the latter type of group that made Richie unconsciously reach into his back pocket for his wallet. And as he pulled out his wallet, his eyes soon fell on a picture of a loving family enjoying a day at the park; a male German shepherd, dressed simple in a black button-down shirt, blue jeans and dirty brown boots, a lovely Irish-setter in a beautiful red sundress and hat, and a little German shepherd pup being pushed by them on a swing between them.

"Guess we're not so different, huh, Mom?" Richie said to himself with a sigh.

"When things got tough, I also turned tail and ran too. But not anymore. Because the difference between us, Mom, is that I'm not gonna run anymore…No matter what."

With all this in mind, Richie went to one of the most glamorous hotels in the city, a swanky penthouse suite booked for him and Kayla by Nick. And as Richie walked though the hotel lobby, sending a small nod and smile to the concierge, the tabby cat returning the gesture in kind, the German shepherd could only think about the text that Kayla had sent him just as he entered the hotel.

Got a surprise for you in our room.

Needless to say, Richie could hardly stand still in the glass elevator, the dog not even bothered by the setting sun getting into his eyes. And thank God for that, for the moment the elevator door opened right into the penthouse, Richie was greeted by the incredibly arousing site of Kayla, fully naked, just five feet from her man, who drank in her alluring hourglass figure, from her juicy thighs, to her slim waist up to her scrumptious c-cup tits.

"Took you long enough, lover boy," Kayla said as she closed the distance between the two of them, her tits bouncing a little with each step.

"Sorry, Kayla. But the mission must come first," Richie said with a shrug as he took off his leather jacket, throwing it on a nearby chair as he approached his girlfriend, the vixen greeting her boyfriend by pressing her bust against his lower chest.

"Well come on then, handsome.," she teased, taking his hands in hers, only to move them so that they cupped the underside of her globes.

"Show me some of that raw power you have," Kayla teased, only to become annoyed when he relinquished his hold on her tits, a light snicker escaping his lips as he stepped back, quirking an eyebrow at the sexy fox. And Kayla knew that look all too well, for it meant he was not going to give in so easily.

But luckily, Kayla always had a plan b.

"Ok, I guess Nick will have to tend to my needs if you won't," she said as she twirled her fingers in her hair, sending a teasing smirk towards Richie, who sent the vixen a very naughty look as he shook his head in mock disapproval.

Richie gave her a naughty look.

"Not going to happen, baby," he said in a low tone.

Once that was said, Richie walked over to Kayla, not giving the vixen two seconds to react before he thrust his head forward, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. And just how both of them liked, the kiss immediately became more heated as Richie brushed his tongue against Kayla's teeth asking for entrance. Kayla, be the loving girlfriend she was, readily opened her mouth to allow access, their tongues soon dancing around in each other's mouths in a sexy battle royale, with Richie emerging the victor. And once that fact was made certain, he started to claim his prize as he started kissing around Kayla's neck, moving down to her collar bone, and then to her breasts, the nipping and licking of his teeth and tongue earning a mouthful of moans and groans from his sexy girlfriend.

What happened next, Kayla felt like she was on cloud nine, as without warning she felt Richie suck her right breast into his mouth, the horny shepherd, lightly flicking his tongue on the nipple while his right hand worked on her other tit, switching between the two every so often as Kayla was screaming her lungs out.

"Oh, Richie, please stop teasing me!" she cried

"As you wish, my lovely vixen," Richie said as he stepped back, giving the vixen an invigorating show as he removed all his clothing at a speed Kayla had not seen. But Kayla was concerned about. In fact, the vixen gasped as she looked at Richie's physique; the shephered was shredded, his pecs, abs, arms and legs showing no sign of fat, but rather well define muscles. But for Kayla, the real prize was the impressive foot long dick between his legs, blood red and with an engorged knot at the base.

"Oh, Richie, your dick is huge!" Kayla gasped as she stepped forward, gentle cupping Richie's balls with hand while the other softly strocked the length of his member.

"Thank you, Kayla," Richie said as he eyed Kayla's breasts, the shepherd leaning down to take one in his mouth once again, earning aloud moan from Kayla.

"If you want, I can let you fuck my tits," Kayla in between her moans, the invitation leaving Richie frozen, the dog pulling away to look at his girl, the vixen placing her hand on Richie's cheek. And on instinct, Richie leaned into her touch as he looked in her eyes, a sheepish smile on his face as he offered his answer.

"Well, that is, if you want to," Richie said.

"I do want to. And I want you, Richie," Kayla said, the vixen not giving the shepherd a second to answer as she immediately lowered herself to his pelvis, bringing her tits to his dick. And the moment Richie felt those soft globes wrapped around his dick, he stiffened from the sensation.

"Oh, Kayla!"

"Try to relax and enjoy the experience, Rich," Kayla said as she set to please her man, the vixen moving her breasts up and down Richie's dick, the lovely female smiling as Richie moaned and groaned; she most definitely had him under her spell. But then, she had an idea, and without a warning, as she brought her tits back down, she brought Richie's dick into her mouth as it poked out from her cleavage, the feeling of her warm tongue wrapping around his rod making Richie howl in pleasure.

"Damn, Kayla, your mouth feels great around my cock!" Richie called, resulting in a moan for answer. But after about five minutes of the amazing tit/blowjob combo, Kayla found she wanted more. And before Richie could question her when she quickly moved away from him, any objection he had was silenced as she dragged him to a nearby couch before pushing him on his back, the shepherd soon finding himself in in a 69 as Kayla brought her lower half to Richie's face.

"Please pleasure me while I pleasure you," Kayla moaned, surprising Richie by slamming her head back down on his dick, the vixen delivering quite a shock as she took the huge member all the way until she was kissing his knot. Richie, despite the intense ecstasy of having his dick encased in his girlfriends' hot mouth and tight throat, immediately obeyed as he started licking at Kayla's pussy as she started to scream around his dick, the vibration traveling through the meaty appendage into Richie's core, the shepherd letting out a loud moan, briefly pulling away from his feast.

"Damn, Kayla, you're a natural at this! There's no way I'm your first!" Richie said, earning a hum from Kayla, who briefly relinquished her treat, keeping it hard by stroking it as she spoke.

"Well you are, Richie, and I'm comfortable having my first time with you. I trust you with my body, Richie. I know that you're that special someone who respects me for who I am," Kayla said.

"I'm so glad to be your first," Richie said as he continued to make love to Kayla, the two resuming their oral treatment of each other. That is until, after three minutes, they started to feel a familiar stirring in their loins.

"Kayla, I'm gonna cum!" Richie screamed.

"Me too, cum with me, Richie!" Kayla screamed before she resumed her blowjob, sucking on Richie's dick faster while Richie continued to skillfully tongue-fuck her pussy until they reached orgasm. And in the moment of release, Kayla let out a muffled scream as she came a torrent of juices all over Richie's face, all while Richie fired off a big load of cum into Kayla's mouth as he screamed into her pussy.

"Wow, I've never cummed that hard before," Richie said as he moved himself into sitting position, Kayla following suit as they opted to cuddle for a bit on the couch.

"Yeah, I admit that was more than I bargained for," Kayla laughed along with Richie. Though when she looked down to see Richie is still hard.

"Ready for round 2, lover boy?"

"You bet, sexy vixen," Richie growled as he shamelessly stroked himself in front of Kayla as they both laid back down on the couch, this time with Richie hovering over Kayla, the shepherd lining up his dick with the vixen's pussy before slowly inserted himself. And the moment she felt her tight hole start to stretch to accommodate the girthy member, Kayla started to moan at the feeling of Richie entering, only to stop the moment he felt a barrier.

"Kayla, this might hurt a little. If it hurts too much, we can stop at anytime," Richie warned, the shepherd receiving a tentative nod of approval before pulling back just a little, and then thrusting hard through barrier, the sudden jolt of pain making Kayla scream as she wrapped her arms around Richie, the shepherd wincing a little as he felt the vixen dig her claws into his back. "Kayla, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Please, go slow and gentle," Kayla finally said, the vixen now panting in pleasure as the pain slowly ebbed away. Richie acknowledged her request as he started slowly to let Kayla feel pleasure. Then, when all the pain went away, she started to scream in pleasure more.

"Faster," she moaned, her pleasured sound egging Richie to go faster, the handsome dog grabbing at her breasts, kneading them while occasional pinching her nipples, the sensation adding to the vixen's pleasure.

"Harder," she groaned, only to start screaming at the top of her lungs as Richie went faster, the duo brought to cloud nine as each hard thrust punched through Kayal's cervix into her womb, the sensation now proving too much for Kayla.

"Richie, I'm so close!"

"Me too. I'm gonna cum!" Richie screamed, going faster and harder until he knotted her, the vixen screaming in ecstasy as she had another violent orgasm, her clenching passage sending Richie over the edge as he fired rope after rope of thick cum into Kayla, the vixen moaning as she felt her core heat up from the hot cum being pumped into her womb.

After a few minutes, Richie felt his knot shrink to the point he could pull out, which he did with a loud pop, their combined juices spilling out of Kayla as she Kayla laid on the couch, panting for her first-time making love.

"I hope I didn't hurt you," Richie said as he leaned down to place a tender kiss on Kayla's forehead.

"No, I'm fine," Kayla said with a warm smile, the vixen immediately welcoming the weight of Richie's body as he lowered himself onto her, the vixen rubbing her hands over his back as she whispered in his ear.

"Thank you for giving me such a wonderful time, Richie."

"Anytime, Kayla," Richie said as he kissed her lips, the shepherd then flipping them over so that she was comfortable laying on his chest, the couple both falling into a light sleep soon after.

Meanwhile...

Suki looked at herself in the mirror, her fur drenched from the shower she just had. Locks of soaked hair clung to her cheeks, with a few stray strands falling between her eyes, which were obviously void of her now fogged up glasses that sat by the sink. And while the shower had been a refreshing way of cleaning off the fatigue of her and Cherry's long ride on the corporate jet, Suki couldn't help but feel nervous about the dinner that Buster was treating her and her niece too.

Reaching for the hairdryer that sat by her glasses, Suki's mind continued to muse on the evening ahead as the hot hair made her hair and long ears whip about behind her, almost as if she were in an open top car. In fact, that is just where her mind went. There she was, sitting in the driver seat of a beautiful red sports-car driving along the Calatonia shore, the sea-spray tickling her nose. But, as her mind continued to imagine the picturesque seen, Suki's subconscious self-became aware of someone sitting the passenger seat. And to her utter shock…it was Buster, holding her hand as he traced his thumb tenderly across the top.

"ACK!" Suki exclaimed as she suddenly pulled from her thoughts, her eyes wide in shock at the idea that Buster was in her day-dream, and they were…romantically involved. However, the focus of her shock quickly shifted from her daydream, to the poofy afro she was now sporting. Apparently, her daydreaming went on long enough that her hair got a little too dry.

"Hey Aunt Suki," Cherry called as she peaked into the bathroom, "everything OK? We heard you shout and…never mind."

Cherry needed no further explanation as to why Suki shouted, the dry afro on her head seeming to be the clear culprit of her aunt's distress. And of course, Cherry, being the goofy girl she was, let out a snicker of amusement before closing the door, once again leaving Suki alone in the Bathroom. For the next several minutes Suki got ready, forgoing her usually straight hair for a little more… "curl". And even if Buster hadn't planned to take them to one of the best restaurants in town, she still would have felt the need to spice up her appearance by putting on a little eye liner, some dark eye shadow and red lipstick. And her outfit of choice for the evening was a simple strapless black dress that cascaded down her lithe frame, stopping just above her knees, and a pair of matching open toed heels. And for added measure, she forewent her glasses and opted instead for her contacts that she brought along in case of emergencies.

Now many would assume she was trying to catch someone's eye.

And the moment Porsha and Cherry saw her, they were going to make that a certainty.

Richie woke up to the sound of the alarm on his phone going off, the shepherd cursing the confounded device as he pulled it off the nightstand. Of course it was just a reminder that it was time for him to prep for his undercover rendezvous with a certain dragon. But off course, to ensure that he would be one-hundred percent unrecognizable, part of his disguise involved concealing his natural marble patterned fur with an all-black concealer…but just his face and hands, Richie having been assured that they were the only parts necessary to keep up the illusion. And as he went about this task Kayla followed changed into her clothes before following Richie downstairs to see him off, thankful that no one in the lobby batted an eye in the change to her boyfriend's appearance.

But then again, they weren't really looking at him.

It was hard for Richie not to notice that some people were eyeing Kayla. Several emn, and some women were eying her with the same want and lust as he had. But one woman, however, had caught Richie's attention; a familiar vixen in the crowd, whose very gaze made Richie nervously swallow a lump in his throat…

Sarah Flasker.

Naturally, Richie was still hesitant around her as he remembered she tried to kill him, but Captain Winters managed to save him before she could finish him.

I've got to keep my guard up, she can't just be the only one I have to worry about, Richie thought to himself, his sudden stiffness not going unnoticed by Kayla.

"Are you okay, Richie?" Kayla asked.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Richie lied with a chuckle.

"It must've been that burrito I ate."

With that, Richie and Kayla left the hotel, hopping into Richie's blue 4x4 truck to make their way towards a little stop to get the rest of what he needed for his meeting with Shendu. And after arriving at their destination, Richie couldn't help but smirk at the currently turned off sign…

Big Daddy's Garage.

And upon entering the spacious, but still filthy garage itself, Richie let a large smile spread on his muzzle when he saw that not only were Wolf and Diane there, but also Nick and Cain, the latter two having been conversing with the beefy proprietor of the garage…

Marcus "Big Daddy" Darwin.

"Big Daddy, long time no see," Richie yelled with a laugh as he walked towards the gorilla, the sight of the younger shepherd making the gorilla smile just as wide as he took the shepherd's outstretched hand, only for Richie to let out a small yelp as Big Daddy took the opportunity to pull the smaller canine close, resulting in a bone-crushing sideways hug.

"RICHIE, GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, MATE!" Big Daddy hollered with glee, not caring that the dog in his grasp was slightly struggling as he found himself in a playful, but still strenuous head lock.

"You know this guy?" Cain asked, the interruption leaving Richie grateful as it pulled Big Daddy's attention long enough to pull away and get his breath.

"Yeah," Richie said, playfully punching Big Dady's bicep as he did, the gesture returned, thankfully with a bit more control so as not to break his own arm, 'he was the only survivor of a convoy that was hit by agents of S.U.C.M," Richie said.

Diane squirmed a little bit at this, the lovely vixen having clearly been unaware that Big Dady was the one that was spared from the raid she aided Sam and Dax in. But then again, that was years ago. But she was still thankful it seemed that Big Daddy didn't notice her discomfort.

"He also has a great skill of modifying vehicles," Richie finished with a smile.

"Oh, please. I just like to work on things, that's nothing compared to what Skye can do," Big Daddy replied modestly, then turning to Mr. Wolf, the gorilla pulled out a briefcase from under his work bench.

"Which reminds me Mason, Skye has something for you and Richie," he said.

Upon hearing this, Wolf readily showed his excitement as he happily rubbed his hands together.

"OH YEAH! SHOW ME THE GOODS!" Wolf exclaimed, opening the briefcase, his eyes almost immediately gleaming at what he saw; a new suit for him and Richie, the shepherd moving around so that he too could see the source of Wolf's excitement, Richie letting out a low whistle in response.

"Sharp," was all he said before he noticed that there was also an audio recorder with a message that read: Play me.

Nudging Wolf, Richie gestured to the recording. And not needing to be told twice, Wolf pressed the play button.

"Hello Mr. Wolf and Mr. Barkin," Skye's voice sound over the recording.

"I apologize for not delivering your new attire in person, but there are some pressing matters that need to be attended to. Even so, I have sent you both a new suit in your respective sizes. Both come with all the best features; premium Gucci leather grappling belt gun with reinforced wiring to support your weight, magnetized gloves which can be retracted into the sleeves of your coats, which also have a built-in distress beacon in the right lapel, and classic Oxford shoes, which have magnetic soles to aid in climbing.

As Skye rattled off the details of the new attire, Wolf and Richie wasted no time in trying on their new duds, not caring that they were doing so in front of their other colleagues, though none of them seemed to mind. And when all was said and done, both canines were pleased to find that their new suits and shoes fit perfectly.

"Impressive," Wolf said as he adjusted his neck tie.

"As for you, Richie. I have a suit designed to fit you with a distress beacon built into the collar of your coat too, but the only defense you will have is the hidden blade wrist glove, with only six darts at your disposal."

"Nice," Richie said as he put everything on.

"Richie," Sky continued over the recording, "given your assignment, your has an added level of defence; a hidden blade wrist glove. Unfortunately, you will only have six darts at your disposal. With that gentle, I say goodbye and good luck," Skye said, only for everyone's heart to skip a beta with what she added.

"This message will self-destruct in 3…2…"

With little time to react, everyone immediately dived for whatever cover they could, with Wolf shielding Diane, Richie shield Kayla, and Big Daddy grabbing Nick and Cain before pulling them behind some steel oil drums.

"Just kidding…sorry, I couldn't resist."

Upon hearing that this was Skyes idea of joke, all of the frazzled mammals grumpily stood to their feet, Wolf and Richie helping their ladies to their feet as Nick and Cain dusted off their own suits.

"Bitch," Cain muttered, only to soon join a light-hearted chuckle with the others.

Well, when all was said and done, Wolf and Richie bid goodbye to their friends as they and their girls headed off to their assigned tasks.

After a short drive into the heart of Calatonia, Kayala was intrigued, and a bit confused, when they arrived at a place that was the exact opposite of their destination;

The Saint Genesius of Rome Catholic Church.

Before she could ask what they were doing there, Richie had already gotten out of the truck, not bothering to be a gentleman by opening Kayla's door. Though when the perturbed Vixen caught up with him, she could see a dead serious expression on his face.

Deciding to keep to herself for now, Kayla followed Richie as both entered the church, the vixen, though not particularly religious, mimicking Richie as he made the Sign of the Cross after dipping his fingers in holy water, before joining him in one of the pews.

"Hello and Welcome visitors," a new perky, and somewhat obnoxious voice sounded from their right, the couple turning to see a smiling nun, a whippet…who Richie knew all too well.

"Mother Annabelle," he said with a smile, the greeting catching the whippet off guard. But upon closer inspection of the seemingly strange black shepherd, she found herself taken aback by the fact that his eyes matched those of one of her dearest friends.

"Richie," Mother Annabelle gasped, the nun almost immediately throwing her arms around Richie, clearly overjoyed to him.

"I would never have recognized you if not for your mother's eyes."

"Ahh, thank you, Mother Annabelle," Richie said as hugged the whippet.

"And who is this?" Annabelle asked as he pulled away from Richie, her curious eyes immediately falling on Kayla.

"This is Kayla Flasker…my girlfriend," Richie answered, pulling Kayla gingerly to his side as the vixen offered a sheepish wave.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mother Annabelle" as she said as shook hands with the whippet.

As Kayla did this, Richie continued to speak.

"Mother Annabelle is my spiritual counselor who helped me thorough my mom and dad's divorce…and mom and Rex's divorce as well."

As Richie finished speaking, Mother Annabelle released Kayla's hand.

"Richie has told me so much about you, Ms. Flasker. You've made him so happy that he even reached out to his father, saying he wants to reconnect with him," Mother Annabelle said. And upon hearing this, Kayla smiled, not only in the fact that she had such a positive impact on Richie's life, but that he had so many people who cared for him. But as much Richie wished to catch up more with Mother Annabelle, he was there for a particular reason.

"As much as I would love to chat Mother Annabelle," he began with a sad smile, "I'm actually here to see the Father. Is he in confessional yet?"

"Yes, he is," Mother Annabelle responded with a warm giggle.

"Please go, Richie, and don't worry, I'll keep Kayla company."

"Thanks You," Richie said before turning to give Kayla a peck on the lips.

"I'll be right back."

And with that, Richie made his way toward the confession. And the moment he took his seat, the divide to his left opened.

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been one year since my last confession," Richie said.

"Tell me your sins, my son," the unseen padre said.

Taking a deep breath, Richie began.

"I have denounced my faith in the people of this world when my parents divorced, I have engaged in sexual relations out of wedlock, I have sworn and tkane the name of God in vain…"

Richard took a breath to steady his nerves before he finished.

"And I have killed many people in my time in the service."

"The Lord Jesus Christ assures you that you are forgiven for your sins when," the father answered, Richie barely being able to see the pontiff crossing himself.

"Jesus died on the Cross, and for that we must always have faith in Him. But if it appeases your conscience, your penance, when you have time, is to pray the Most Blessed Sacrament prayer."

Upon hearing this, Richie felt a great weight lifted form his shoulders, a stray tera falling down his cheek as he stood from his seat.

"Thank You, Father," Richie said, receiving a hum from the unseen holy man.

"May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, and whatever good you do and suffering you endure heal your sins, help you to grow in holiness, and reward you with eternal life. Go in peace," the father said.

"Amen," Richie responded as he left the confession booth, and after bidding goodbye to Mother Annabelle, left with Kayla for their last stop of the night, the supposed seat of Shendu's organization…

Kumandra.

Meanwhile, the Moon Party of Four were walking along the streets of Calatonia. Leading the formation was Buster, dressed in his typical blue suit and red bowtie, with Suki by his side. But, at this moment, Buster was sweating, his heart was pounding, and his body felt weak. And it had been that way since he first laid eyes on Suki in her attire. And he couldn't be sure, but he was certain Suki was teasing him, especially by how she walked in an almost slow, seductive manner, her hips swaying from side to side with each step.

And to Suki's utter embarrassment, it was unintentional.

And behind the duo were Porsha, dressed in a lovely blue drop-shoulder blouse, complete with black capris and red open-toed heels, and Cherry, dressed similarly to her aunt, only with a red jacket added to the attire and flat-topped shoes, arms linked as they walked along the lamp-lit street. But as they walked, the two girls couldn't help but conspire with each other as they watched their guardians walk alongside each other, awkwardly making small talk.

"Oh my god," Cherry said with an excited giggle, "did you see how your dad looked at Aunt Suki when she came out of the bathroom?"

"I know," Porsha whispered back with equal excitement.

"Let's face it, anything from this point forward is just gravy."

Before long, the quartet arrived at their destination…

Les Calmars.

"Ladies first," Buster said, pulling open the door, slightly bowing as he gestured for the ladies to enter.

"My," Suki said with a chuckle, "what a gentleman."

"Thanks daddy," Porsha said as she and Cherry walked after Suki, quickly followed by Buster, who immediately went to the front of the group in order to greet the chimp maître d.

"Hello, my good man," Buster greeted with a kind smile, "Reservation for Moon, if you please."

"Of course, Monsieur Moon," with a polite smile, a far cry from the cowl Buster had received the one time he had brought outside food into the restaurant, "if you will please follow me, I have a private booth for you and your party all ready."

With that, the primate led the group past several other parties who were partaking in the lavish decor of the restaurant. Cherry and Suki were especially surprised and amazed by the massive tanks that were illuminated by countless bioluminescent squid. But the booth they were led to was void of such lavishness, not that they minded. In fact, Suki was more familiar with the red velvet style padding on the seats and dark stained oak paneling.

"May I start your party with something to drink, Monsieur," the inquired.

"Ladies first," Buster said, "and please, order whatever you like."

"Thanks daddy," Porsha said before turning to the chimp, "I'll have the usual Francois."

"Yes Madame Porsha, one virgin daiquiri."

"I'll have the same," Cherry added shyly, squeezing Porsha's hand under the table while sending her a playful look.

"Very good, and for you and your date Monsieur Moon," Francois asked, causing both Buster and Suki to stiffen at how he addressed them. But, before Buster could correct Francois, Suki spoke up.

"I will also try this famous daiquiri that Porsha has been ranting about," Suki said, sending Buster a playful, almost seductive wink upon noticing his flabbergasted face about what she added next, "though regular, not virgin."

"And Monsieur Moon?"

"Uh," Buster droned, still clearly from shock at what Suki had said, "same as Suki."

"Very good Monsieur. Un Moment, Si Vou Ple."

With that, the group were left alone in the booth, which was suddenly still with awkward silence. But luckily, Buster was always the one who felt most comfortable in breaking the ice.

"So Cherry," he said, catching the younger saluki's attention, "tell me about yourself. You aunt told me a little bit, but I'd like the chance to get to know my daughter's girlfri-BEST FRIEND!"

The four pair of eyes went wide at Buster's slip up, Cherry's hand instantly squeezing Porsha's in a sudden rush of anxiety, the gesture returned with equal force by the wolf beside her. Both girls soon turned their attention to Suki. And from what Buster could see, the looks in their eyes seemed to contain what appeared to be betrayal.

"Did you teel him Aunt Suki?" Cherry asked in a light whimper, a thin line of tears forming in her eyes. Seeing how quickly the situation was already getting out of hand, Buster quickly interjected just as Suki prepared to defend herself.

"No, Suki didn't tell me," he started, causing all eyes to turn on him, "I just notice these things. When Porsha facetimed, you guys a couple days ago, I knew there was something with the way she talked to you, Cherry."

At this point, Buster could see the girls start to calm down.

"And don't think I didn't notice how you two walked together," he added with a playful tone, causing both girls to blush at the fact that they weren't being as secretive as they thought. But soon, Buster's playful smile turned into a warm and caring one as he looked at Porsha.

"Plus, I have a feeling that Porsha may have been hesitant to tell me for one of two reasons. One, that she thought I would have thought she was cheating on Ryan or you, or two, because of something that happened with her da-…with Jimmy."

Porsha stiffened at the mention of the wolf she would rather forget. But, after feeling Cherry squeeze her hand in a show of support, Porsha took a deep breath before answering Buster's little inquiry.

"Kind of both," she began, sheepish smile on her face as she began to clarify Busters first guess.

"I'm kind pf embarrassed to say Daddy, but I have a pretty active 'social life.' But, to be honest, it's kind of funny because I've been thinking about Ryan introducing me and Chery to other people lie, 'this is my girlfriend Porsha and her girlfriend Cherry.'"

This earned a round of laughter from the others, the three other occupants of the table actually finding the hypothetical scenario quite funny. But soon, Buster found Porsha's smile falling, a resentful frown taking it's place.

"But Jimmy," she began, not surprising anyone by calling her father by his name, "isn'texactly the most 'open-minded' wolf. Even with Suki and his publicists telling him how much having LGBT clients would boost his popularity, he was always driven by how he was raised to look at those people. He always told me that if I showed interest in girls then he would disown me. In the end, I was always so afraid to tell him that I liked boys AND girls."

After taking a moment to take in what he had heard, plus taking in the sight of silent tears streaming down Porsha's cheeks as she looked at the table.

"Mom, Dad and Suki were the opposite," Cherry added, resting her head on Porsha's shoulder, the wolf letting out a sad chuckle as she nuzzled into the embrace. Suki and Buster smiled warmly at the scene, Suki reaching across the table to take Porsha's hand, the gesture immediately accepted as Cherry continued to speak.

"They never had a problem with me being bi. They always said just as long as I was happy, they were happy. My place was the only place that Porsha truly felt safe and accepted."

"Well," Buster added in after a moment of silence, the moment given so Porsha could compose herself, "I am very much indebted to you Cherry. And not just you,, but your parents, Ryan…and Suki."

Upon saying this, Buster looked at Suki, the lovely saluki looking down at the koala with a surprised look in her eyes. However, that surprise soon melted into a warm look of admiration.

"I'll always be there for Porsha," Suki added, squeezing Porsha's hand as the tears poured from the young wolf's eyes. At that moment, Francois returned with their drinks, causing Porsha to immediately wipe away any evidence of her emotions before he noticed. Which unfortunately he did.

"Is everything already, Madame Porsha?" he inquired with genuine concern, already on alert to provide his customer with whatever she needed.

"Yes, Francois, I'm fine," Porsha said, "just a little tired is all.:

And while he knew that Porsha was lying the maître d knew better than to pry into the business of his clientele. And so, fishing a pen and notepad from his suit pocket, Francois turned to Buster.

"Well then," he said as he cleared his throat, "are you and your group ready to order Monsieur Moon?"

Buster, however, was not paying attention, his focus solely on Porsha. And after thinking things over for a moment or two, he decided that maybe she might feel a little happier in a more upbeat place.

"You know what Francois," Buster said, "I think we'll just settle for drinks. You understand of course."

"Of course, Monsieur Moon," Francois said with an understanding smile, "allow me to bring you your bill, and please, enjoy the rest of your evening."

"Thank you," Buster said with a smile. And so, for the next ten minutes the group just sat and chatted away. And before long, they were out the doors and walking down the lit road of the city. The quartet walked a good fifteen minutes before they heard the unmistakable sound of electro swing music. At that moment, Porsha's face lit up when she recognized the blazing neon sign of her favorite club.

"OH DADDY!" she exclaimed, "YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE SAL'S!"

"Yes, I do sweetie," Buster said with a laugh.

"I figured maybe you could use a little pepping up."

Before long, the group entered a lavishly decorated club. The first thing Suki and Cherry noticed is that it was designed like a 1930's speakeasy, complete with period accurate décor and furniture. Even the patrons were dressed in a mix of modern and vintage attire. And of course, Buster knew how much Porsha was so into vintage.

"COME ON CHERRY, LET'S DANCE!" Porsha enthusiastically suggested, pulling her girlfriend to the middle of a large dance floor where several other couples and groups of friends, leaving Buster and Suki alone near the door. And at the moment, the two didn't feel like dancing, so they decided instead to take a seat at a dimly lit booth, the two finding just as much enjoyment as watching Porsha and Cherry have the time of their lives.

"Thank you," Suki suddenly said, catching Buster's attention, the koala looking to Suki with a confused expression, one which changed to a caring smile as she clarified her thanks.

"For being there for Porsha."

"It's been my pleasure…come on, let's join in."

Within a matter of seconds, and bit of coaxing from Buster, Suki found herself dancing the night away with Buster, Porsha and Cherry. the latter three were especially surprised by how much Suki loved to dance, her body moving in almost perfect sync with the music. There was even a point were Buster invited Suki to share a slow dance with him, even if his head was in the awkward position of being near eye-level with her stomach…with a little descent too.

Well, Buster quickly shook the intrusive thought from his mind, unaware that at that moment Porsha and Cherry knew they didn't need to do anything to get the sparks flying between the two adults, the two girls soon returning to their business of swaying to the music in each other's arms.