Chapter: 19
Scott walked into the mixers bar area. It was much quieter in here than on the dance floor. He looks at the bartender and smiles. "So, Uncle, how's the wife and kids"? "Scott, me lad. It's good to see you and the family's doing fine. However, the girls are turning into real huntresses. All pups in the compound are prone to tickle attacks from them if they don't watch themselves. It keeps the pack pups on their toes. But enough about me and mine, how have you been? It's been a while since I last saw you at one of these."
"It has been almost four years since I came to the first one and just over six months since I last attended one. I just got tired of the plastic attitudes." Terry raises an eyebrow. "Plastic, you know, people who say one thing but mean something else." "Yes, I know what you mean." He points to a grey wolf sitting at the far side of the bar, chatting up some unsuspecting female.
"Look at Terance down there, trying to pick up that young female. Someone will have to tell her how he is." Just then, she slaps him and pours her drink on him. She gets up and leaves. Terance wipes some of the drink off himself and heads for the facilities. Through Snickers, "No need, uncle. I think she already knows." Terry and Scott share a small laugh at his expense. Terry sets a virgin night howler in front of Scott and moves on down the bar.
Scott turns around to survey the room as his uncle serves other customers. He takes a sip of his drink and sees a pitch-black wolf female leading a pure-white wolf female into the bar area. The white wolf has a blind mammal's cane. The black wolf sits her down at a table with her back to a short wall and comes towards the bar for some drinks. Scott watches her as she walks to the bar. He's a bit shocked, noticing her eyes; they are all black. No whites at all. Looking into her eyes is like looking into the darkest night. Scott averts his eyes so as not to offend her. She stands a little ways away from him and orders her drinks. Terry looks at the IDs presented to him and gets the drinks she requested. Scott watches her as she returns to her table. Seeing where Scott is looking, Terry nudges him on his shoulder to get his attention. Scott turns around to look at him.
"What you are staring at is the Kahlinger twins. Noir and Lunia. They just started to come to these mixers." "Why does she have a cane, uncle"? "I'm sure you noticed that Noir has pure black eyes; her sister had pure red eyes. She has albinism. When she was six, a group of classmates took offense to her eyes and gouged them out of her head. Her sister was away sick that day, so she had no protection. They then beat her up and left her there to die on the playground. She didn't die, but I'm sure her attackers wished she had. I heard several of her former classmates are now missing one eye. It happened on the darkest nights; they could never identify their attacker, but Noir was accused of the crime. Nothing was ever proven in court, but the girls have been home-schooled since then." "What color were her eyes before she lost them"? "I was told she had eyes of ruby red. A deep ruby red, almost like blood. She had no whites, so her eyes were totally red." "I could see why others were unnerved by her eyes." Scott looks at his uncle, downs his drink, and gets up to talk to them. Terry reaches out to Scott and turns him around. "Go easy, son, they have been hurt badly." Scott nods yes as he heads for their table.
Noir notices Scott coming towards them. ("It looks like we have another one, moon beam. Should I shut him down and turn him away"?) ("No, I like his orange color. Let's give him a chance before we shut him down.") Scott hears their communication as he walks over. It was a bit of a shock; it sounded like Lunia could see him. "Evening ladies, I'm Scott Howler. May I sit with you"? Noir motions Scott to have a seat. (He doesn't smell of alcohol, sis. What is he"?)
"So, Scott, I'm Noir, and my sister is Lunia." No paws are offered, so Scott doesn't provide his. "What do you do for a living? Or are you living off of your dad's coattails?" "I do not live off of my dad's coattails; I've been paying my way since I was four years old." With snorts of derision, "What do you do for a living that has you starting at the age of four"? "I'm a pilot." "A pilot? What kind of fixed-wing aircraft do you fly? And why would they allow a pup to fly one"? "Well, I did have to learn to fly a fixed-wing aircraft to certify all new pilots on the graviton drive system. I am the lead shuttle pilot for Wilde Industries."
Lunia's paws fly to her muzzle, as do her sisters. In a small voice, Lunia asks, "Shuttle pilot? Do you mean as in spacecraft? We saw… I mean, my sister saw the craft that left the earth from Wilde Industries two years ago. You pilot those"? "That one, as well as many others. I flew that one into orbit. Wilde Industries is in the process of building an interstellar spacecraft. It's about seven years away from completion. I and six others fly the parts from the earth to the one we are building in orbit. That one will have a crew of over one hundred. The one that took off two years ago is a science vessel with a crew of twenty scientists, two pilots, one engineer, and one navigator. They should return next year or earlier if they find something notable."
"Should you be telling us all of that? I mean, isn't it a secret"? "Well, some of it is, but if you look through a telescope, you can watch as we build it. It's in a geostationary orbit above Zootopia. Due to the light pollution, you must go outside the city to see it." "How did you luck on to a job like that"? "Well, you could say I was born into it." "How does one get born into a job with Wilde Industries"? "Well, my nephew gave me the job title after he founded the company." "Your Nephew? Just how old are you anyway"? Scott chuckles. "I'm just a little younger than you, but my brother is thirty years older than me. William is his oldest kit." Noir had sat there in utter shock as Scott talked to her sister.
Are you saying you grew up with William Wilde"? "I did grow up with William; we spent many hours playing computer games together. However, his methods of doing things were very different from those of his brothers and sisters. I guess that makes him unique. What do the two of you do for a living, or do you ride on your daddy's coattails"?
Noir gets a look on her face. "I'm sorry, Scott, that was very mean of me. We have met so many wolves who just wanted a roll in the hay that I had given up hope of finding a sincere individual." "It's okay. Many of the people here are very two-faced. I have been thinking of looking for a mate outside of my species, like my brother, my father, and my uncle."
"Your father"? "Yes, my father. My father is Peter Howler. Who married Vivian Wilde. I get my unique coloring, longer, fluffier tail, retractable claws, and shorter, wider ears from her. She is a red fox. My brother married a rabbit, and they had eight biological kits. Three are sadly no longer with us. My uncle is tending bar tonight and is married to a black panther. Their kittens and pups can be a pawful sometimes, but they can be fun when they come over for the pool parties."
"Wait a minute," said Lunia. "What is your brother's name"? "I thought it would be self-evident. My brother is Nick Wilde, and his mate is Judy Wilde." "The first fox and bunny cop"? "That's them." Their conversation is interrupted by a furious brown wolf who had stalked over to their table. Noir and Lunia did not see him approach from the side. Scott noticed the rage as it approached.
"GET AWAY FROM THEM, YOU FILTHY HYBRID SCUM." Scott turns to his assailant. "And who might you be, sir"? "I SAID GET AWAY FROM THEM." He reaches out to attack Scott. Scott moves just enough for the paws to connect to nothing but air. As the arm goes by, Scott reaches out and touches the elbow of
his assailant. The attacker lets out a howl as he backs up, clutching his arm. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME, YOU HYBRID SCUM"? "Just what you deserved, sir. Please leave us alone. We were having a nice conversation before you arrived." "NO, I SAID GET AWAY FROM MY FUTURE MATE." Noir stands up and slaps him. "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME, VANCE. I WOULDN'T MATE WITH YOU IF YOU WERE THE LAST WOLF ON EARTH." "YOU WILL BITCH, I WILL SEE TO THAT," Lunia interjects herself into the conversation. "Vance, please leave. You are causing a scene." "I WILL NOT. THIS SCUM OF A HYBRID HAS TO LEAVE FIRST." "Vance. That's three times you have called me scum you will not get a fourth." "THEN HYBRID SCUM, I INVOKE PACK LAW. There was a lull in the music, so everyone in the building heard him yelling at Scott. No new music started as the night's entertainment had switched to the loud conversation from the bar area. At his pronouncement, a collective gasp goes through the crowd.
Terry had left his post to get the Alpha's. They were in the private room, watching over the mixer. Terry managed to get to the door just as it opened. The Alphas entered the bar area just in time to hear Vance invoke pack law. Scott got up from his chair to teach Vance a lesson. "Hold up, Scott, Vance has invoked pack law. You can't hurt him right now." Vance looks up and blanches at seeing the Alphas of the pack.
His eyes and head go down, his tail is tucked between his legs, and his ears lie flat. This is a very submissive posture. "I'm sorry, pack leader. I didn't mean it." "Whether you meant to say it or not is irrelevant. You did say it in front of three adults of the Howler pack. Scott, do you accept his challenge"? "What am I accepting, Sir"? "You accept that you and Vance will fight over the Kahlinger twins. The twins can choose you as their champion to defend their honor, or they can choose another."
Lunia says, "I'm sorry we got you into this, Scott. Do you want to be our champion"? "I will be your champion. If only to teach Vance a lesson." "As you issued the challenge, Vance, you can now set the terms." "I don't want to fight him." "Too late, Vance. Now, what are your terms." Vance squares up his shoulders, looks at the Alphas, and issues his declaration loudly. "Expulsion from his pack and all pack events." Another collective gasp goes through the crowd. "Is there a time limit on this expulsion"? Asks Perry. "No, Alpha, it's permanent." Another gasp goes through the crowd. "So be it. Scott, do you accept his terms? Realize this, Scott; if he fails, the same terms apply to him." "I do, Uncle. Can I add one caveat"? "What would you like to add, Scott"? "If I win, Vance will go to anger management classes and learn to control his anger." "Is this acceptable to you, Vance"? "It is Alphas. My anger is not an issue." A murmuring goes through the watchers. "When and where do you want this challenge, Vance"? "In one hour, in the arena." "Scott, is that acceptable"? "Yes sir, the sooner done, the better." "So be it; one hour from now, Scott will fight Vance in the arena. So says the Alphas." The mixer is forgotten as the crowd disperses for the arena.
The arena is just a bowl-shaped depression with sloped walls inside the Howler compound. People could sit on the slopes and look down into the bowl. The arena was mainly used for picnics and to have the pups running around to burn off energy. There was a set of viewing boxes in the middle on one side. These boxes were for pack alphas and the immediate family of the contestants. Here was where the pack pecking order was hammered out. The Alphas sat in the center boxes as this was a grudge match between the sons of two packs. There was no love between pack Wolfinstien and the Howler pack, but there was no animosity. They were very cordial with each other. On the left side of the Howler pack Alphas sat Scotts family. His brother and his mate, his father and mother, Thomas and Jessica, Bonnie and Marc, who was growing like a bad weed. He was as tall as Bonnie but as thin as a rail. The Alphas of pack Kahlinger and their two daughters were in the middle with the Howler Alphas. On the right of the Howler Alphas were the Wolfinstien Alphas and a few brothers and a sister of Vance's. Thomas could see no love lost between Vance and his family.
Vance enters the arena and immediately plays up to the crowd, raising his arms into the air and stalking forward to the center of the arena. The crowd cheers for him. That had come to see a bloody fight. Scott comes in from the south entrance wearing a black karateka with a white sash and a red stripe. The crowd, with some whispers, goes silent. Some in the crowd feel sorry for Vance as they know what those colors mean. Scott comes up to Vance and sits down in the middle of the arena.
"What's with the pajamas? Do you want to nap? You, hybrid scum." "No, Vance, I will not be taking a nap. I wore my karateka to show you that you are outclassed in every way in this fight." "WHAT? Am I supposed to be afraid of your pajamas"? "No, not my Karateka, but what they represent. I am a master in two different disciplines of martial arts fighting. You have no hope of beating me. But I will offer you an out. If you agree to withdraw this challenge, I will withdraw as well. There is no shame in not fighting a losing battle. It means that you will have to go down to an omega level and start all over again."
"Not happening, scum. I'm not going back to an omega level with the pups." "I have given you a chance, Vance. What say you, Alphas"? Normand, the Alpha of the Wolfinstien pack, stands up. "Vance, as you are the firstborn of the fifth litter, I implore you to reconsider. This won't end well for you." "Have you so little faith in me, Father? This scum is not fit to walk in a pack, let alone to have a mate in one." "I was unaware you harbored this kind of resentment to others. I'm sorry, son, I can't support your attitude." He sits down after this declaration. Vance's mother turns and clings to Vance's father.
The Alphas of the Howler pack stand up. "Vance, you have been given a chance. I implore you to reconsider your position. This is a fight you can't win." "I will not. This scum needs to be put into his place." "So be it. You may now begin." Perry sits down as the Kahlinger Alphas look on with grim determination. They didn't want Vance in their pack. The twins hold to each other as Noir stares straight ahead. Scott gets into a fighting stance and faces his opponent.
Vance doesn't waste any time in attacking Scott. Scott flows out of the way of all his hits, swipes, and claws. Scott does not take hits on him as he has many holes and flaws in his fighting style, and it would be unfair of him to hurt Vance. Vance eventually wears down, and he becomes desperate. He then pulls a knife to attack Scott. A collective gasp goes through the crowd. The Alphas lean forward. Everyone knows what the knife means.
As he attacks Scott, Scott gets a look of grim determination on his face. Scott moved away from the forward swing but was unprepared for the second blade to appear on the back swing. The blade now had a forward blade and a back blade. The return swing cut Scotts Karateka just below his neck. Scott had jumped back a bit on the return swing. If he had not, Vance would have cut his throat. Scott then watched the blade for his chance. A few swings later, Scott disarms him and sends the blade flying; it goes end over end and lands, sticking into the ground. Scott then throws Vance in the same direction. He lands hard but doesn't get up.
Scott gets into a defensive stance, but the fight is over. Vance had landed on his own blade. Seeing the pool of blood forming on the grass, Scott knew what had happened. He falls to his knees and lets out a mournful howl. He is joined by most in the arena. Thomas, Jessica, Judy, and Nick all jump over the side of the box and go to Vance. Thomas can tell it's too late and holds Nick and Judy back from the body. "He's gone, guys. By pack law, he died by his own paw." "By his own paw? Says Judy. "This was just a grudge match, but as soon as he pulled the blade, he forfeited his life to the pack. This was the best
outcome of his foolish decision. The pack would not have been kind to him."
Unseen, the twins had jumped over the box wall and ran to Scott to console him. As they hug Scott, a massive blast of energy goes out from them, and many in the immediate vicinity faint from the power surge. A few seconds later, most people return to their senses with a shake of their heads. Scott and the twins fall to their knees but stay upright due to clinging together. "Alphas, I'm sure you have questions about what just happened, and I can give you a few answers," said Thomas.
"Alright, Thomas, you may speak." "Thank you, sir. What just happened is that Scott has bonded to the Kahlinger twins." "Bonded"? Asked Perry. "Yes, Sir, bonded. They are now bonded to each other. In essence, they are now married." A massive outcry from the crowd happens at this pronouncement. "Are you sure, Thomas"? asks Perry. "Yes sir, very sure. This is the first trio in over one hundred years. The last one I know of was in nine-hundred and twenty A.T.A. It was Howler's twin boys to a Nightwind pack girl. They lived their lives in seclusion, not wanting to interfere in society. Please don't shun them like was done over one hundred years ago." "How often has this happened, Thomas"? "Not often, according to the records I have read. This happens about every fifty years or so." "So, my daughters are now married into the Howler pack"? "They are if the four of you agree to it." The Alphas huddle together in a conference.
After a few minutes of conversing, the Alphas turn to the crowd. "This is the ruling of the Alphas of the Kahlinger and Howler pack. Vance forfeited his own life by pulling a knife in a grudge match. Scott had every right as the injured party to take his life, but we could see that wasn't his intent. He just wanted to put Vance in his place. Do you agree with this ruling Normand of pack Wolfinstien"? Normand raises his head and looks out over the crowd. With tears falling from his eyes, he speaks. "I do, Alphas. I was unaware of my son's attitude towards other people. I don't hold Pack Howler responsible for his death. I blame myself for his death. Maybe I could have spent more time with him or taught him better. I don't know. This isn't the outcome I had hoped for him, but it is a just one. Scott has nothing to fear from me or mine." He sits down heavily as he continues to cry. His wife sits down and holds him as he cries.
Nick speaks up. "If anyone has video of what transpired here tonight, please send me a copy ..." Nick rattles off his Email address for the crowd. Within five minutes, he received over forty video files. More are coming in as he looks at his phone. The police have been called, and an ambulance is on the way. When the police get there, Nick and Judy pass the case off to the responding pair of officers. They were too close to the case. They had a conflict of interest in the outcome. The cops get the videos from Nick's phone and a few more from the crowd. The cameras from the bar area are added to the mix. The cops and the Wolfinstien alphas leave with Vance's body, and it becomes quiet in the arena as most people go as well. Throughout this, Scott, Noir, and Lunia stay clinging to themselves. Thomas watches over them as their bond forms.
Soon, the three of them fall apart unconscious. The Alphas sit on the grass around them, waiting for them to wake up. They discuss what this means to both packs. The Kahlinger girls were not the oldest but were the youngest of the last litter to come of age. Their miracle twins were now bonded to this Howler son. They had heard of love at first sight but believed it to be a myth. They would remember this day for the rest of their lives. They all look up at a commotion at the entrance to the arena. This strange dog comes walking in and heads for the Alphas. Having heard stories about this dog, Perry got into a very submissive position. His mate then copied him. Even though they don't know this dog, they can feel a sense of power emanating from him. The Kahlinger Alphas decide to copy them.
"Good evening, everyone; sorry I'm late, but I had to see what has been created tonight. Get up, everyone; I'm not here to condone or condemn but to give answers." Vivian looks at him, "Sir, what has
been done to Scott"? Sirius laughs, "Nothing has been done to him; he and the girls have done it to themselves. They all wished for a loving mate and have now received it." "But that is mate, not mates." "Right, you are. But as the twins have one soul between them, it's natural for them to become a package deal in any marriage. The girls were conjoined twins who were separated when they were four months old. This separated their soul into two halves. This is why they always clung to each other. They were trying to put the two halves back together."
"But we kept that a secret; how did you find out"? Asked Frank Kahlinger. "Frank, I see all. I am all. I'm the beginning and the end. I'm the one you pray to when things don't work out. I'm the one you thank when things do work out. I love all my children equally, even the ones who make bad choices. I love everyone."
"Now, this union you see between Scott and the girls happens rarely, but it does happen. The last time, the people involved were killed when they were discovered. And I mourned at the waste of lives not lived. Scott and his mates have options. Hopefully, you six will accept them. But if you do not, know this. They will form the base for the space academy and never return to the earth. You will only see them when you leave the Earth and go to the moon. Do you accept this outcome"? He asks, looking right at Vivian. "I accept that my son is now in a relationship with two females, but won't this complicate their lives"? "It will, but together they can weather any storm." Then they have my blessing." "And the rest of you"? "I would be a bad father if I could not accept my son's life mates. But how will they make it work"? Sirius laughs. "They will make it work; do not doubt that." "And you, Alphas"? Without hesitation, Perry turns to his counterpart. He nods yes to Perry. "We do, sir. We accept what is happening." "That's good." Turning to Scott and the Ladies, "Times up, you three; you can bond more later." The three of them slowly wake up.
Lunia turns her head like she is looking at Sirius. ("Why is he so bright"?) ("I don't know sis, but he is blinding.") ("He is so bright because you both are looking at the creator.") Both turn and look at Scott in shock. Scott smiles at them and then bows to Sirius. "Evening, sir. What brings you here"? Sirius chuckles, "You and yours bring me here tonight, Scott. I wanted to see the creation of the newest Triade. And before you ask, I didn't create this joining, but I did nudge you to where you needed to be to find each other. You three choose each other." "So, did we do wrong"? Sirius laughs again. "Scott, life is about making choices. And I like good choices." "Do you condemn me for Vance"? "I do not condemn you for defending yourself. In time, it will be found that Vance had lethal doses of several drugs in his system. If he hadn't died here, he would have died in the cab ride home." "He made very poor choices in life."
"Now, Lunia, I would like to give you something lost to you. If you agree, that is. I know Thomas can do the same thing, but I want to do this for you." Lunia hesitates. It's not every day the creator wants to give you a gift. She gets to her knees in front of him and bows her head. Sirius cups her chin in his paws, lifts her head, and places his thumbs on her empty eye sockets. They are like that for about thirty seconds. He then removes his paws. "You may now look upon me, daughter." Lunia opens her eyes and looks at him. She now has ruby-red eyes where she had none before. Her parents gasped and cried at this miracle in front of them. Lunia cries as she reaches out to hug Sirius. Noir is right there hugging him as well. Sirius is not one to refuse a hug. Lunia lets him go and falls to her knees. Sirius pats her head as he turns to the Alphas.
"I would like to officiate at their wedding here in the arena next weekend. Is that possible"? "It is sir." Answers Perry. "Good, until next weekend." He turns and heads for the exit. Scott is then grabbed in a
fierce hug by his parents. Their parents hold Lunia and Noir in the same kind of hug. Scott's parents let him go at the same time as the Kahlinger Alphas let their daughters go. Vivian then embraces the girls, with Peter following a few seconds later. Scott goes to the Kahlinger Alphas.
He holds out his paw, "Sir, I need to ask for your daughter's paws in marriage." Frank takes the paw offered but pulls Scott into a hug. "You have my permission, son. All you have to do is treat my girls right." "I will, sir. With all my heart." "That's all a father can ask for. Where will you three be living? And what do you do for a living, Scott"? "We will be living at the Wilde Industries apartments on Banyon St. I also have an apartment down at One Hundred Harris St. and am a shuttle pilot for Wilde Industries." "Wow, that's one of Lunia's dreams, to go into space." "And Noir hopes to be a navigator someday." "She told you that"? "Well, no, but in our bond, it came up as one of her dreams for her life." "Then I'm more than content in you, Scott." Scott is shuffled over to his mate, who then hugs him. "As am I, Scott. And you can call me Yen or Mom if you like." "Wow, I now have two moms and two mates. Can this day get any better"? She laughs and cries into his neck.
They all separate, and the newest Triade moves together. "Just like the rest of the family, son, you aren't doing things the easy way." "Well, Dad, it wasn't planned, but would I not do it? No, no, I wouldn't." "I want to see the three of you for dinner tomorrow night with the rest of the family." "We will be there, Mom." "You may have to give a statement on Monday to the police, bro. But with all the video evidence, I don't think you will have to."
Judy hugs Scott, then the ladies. Nick hugs them all but then looks embarrassed. "Sorry, my mate's bunny habits are rubbing off on me." "BUNNY HABITS? I'LL SHOW YOU SOME HABITS." With that pronouncement, Nick, down on all fours runs for the exit with Judy in hot pursuit. Nick can run faster, scared than Judy can mad. "COME BACK HERE MY ORANGE AND CREAM RUG," Screams Judy. Everyone left laughs as Judy chases him. Nick manages to get through the door and slam it in her face. Judy loses precious time jumping up and yanking the door open. Then they are gone.
"Well, Scott, we live in interesting times, don't we"? "We do. Every time I see you, Marc, you seem to be getting bigger and bigger." It's all the good food and right living." "So, great grand-niece, when will you and this bean pole tie the knot"? "We have already, but our marriage is not for six more months." Marc turns red as the laughter starts. All of them got the innuendo. Thomas gives her a stern look.
"What? Dad, you knew this would happen sooner or later." "I did, though I had hoped you would wait until you were married." "Just because you did, doesn't mean we will. It just happened for us. And no, we have protection in place." "A fat lot of good it did your mother and I. We thought we were safe, but the universe had different plans. And would I change any of them? Not on your life. You two had better be at dinner tomorrow night." "Dad, we live in the same house. It's just down the hall from our bedroom." "Maybe we can accelerate your wedding date"? "I don't think you can, Dad, as the council is footing the bill for our wedding. They want a spectacle of the seven-time gold medalist marrying her love. Even if he is a bean pole." Marc says he is hurt but melts into her arms when he gets pulled into a kiss. Oblivious to everything else, they head for the exit paw in paw.
"Well, daughters, you now have your wish to find a loving mate. Your mother and I expect to see you and your mate at supper on Friday night. We have a few plans to go over on Friday for Saturday." "You don't expect us to come home tonight"? "No, I think the three of you need some alone time. I remember when your mother and I first got together, and I don't think you have the restraint not to be together tonight. I know I didn't." Yen, his mate, slaps him on the shoulder. Her ears had turned a bright red. Both girls had turned coyly away from their father. Noir didn't change color, but Lunia turned a lovely shade of pink. Perry and Stacy laughed at this display. Scott hugs his uncle and his mate. The Alphas split up and go their separate ways. Scott, with a mate on each arm, heads for the exit.
They get into Scott's car and squeeze onto the bench seat. Once settled, Scott says, "Home, Stacy." "Roger Scott, and congratulations on your new mates." The car starts to move without Scott touching the controls. Both ladies are a little shocked. "Scott smiles at them, "Stacy is driving us home." "Is she a remote pilot"? "You could say that, but not really. She is an A.I. that watches over Wilde Industries." "A computer is driving us"? "Not any computer, but an A.I. She is the newest A.I. created by the oldest A.I." "Just how many A.I.s does Wilde Industries have"? "Well, only the one. But there are two others, and are they super fast." "I can do over one million computations a second. It's a little slow right now, so I'm doing only about one thousand a second."
"Oh, Scott, your apartment has now changed. Your new apartment is on the seventh floor, Seven-o-two. We will transfer your stuff on Monday morning." "Why do I have a different apartment"? "The old one was a bachelor pad; you and the ladies would have been crowded. The seventh floor is for mated couples and kits; it has a king-sized bed in the master bedroom and a single in the other two rooms. More room to move around. Plus, it does have two bathrooms. I don't think you will need the second one for some time." The computer laughs as Scott's ears go from orange to red.
"Are we being too forward with you, Scott? We are new to this bonded thing." "No, you are not being too forward. I like the fact that you both love me equally, as I love you both equally. Though, I think our lives just got a lot more complicated." "That it did, our mate." The rest of the trip is quiet as they cuddle together. They leave the car at the apartment block, and the vehicle then leaves. Both ladies turn to him with raised eyebrows.
"I borrow the car from the motor pool. It's just going back for the next person." "How do you know the car is safe"? I mean, what if the computer connection is cut"? "Not much will happen. The car will safely pull over and park if the connection is cut. The worst that will happen is it takes a few minutes for the safeties to disengage and let the passengers out." Has Wilde Industries ever had a car accident"? "A few, but it was found to be the other party's fault. None of our cars have ever caused an accident."
Noir slaps her forehead at a realization. "We should have stopped at home first. We have no clean clothes to wear tomorrow." "Not to worry, Ira's shop is still open. We can go and get you some clothes now. There is a washer dryer in our apartment. The drug store is open twenty-four-seven, so we can get you some toiletries." "Why would a clothier be open this late"? "That's his motto. Open early, open late, but closed for lunch." The ladies laugh at the motto. It's a short walk to the clothier. Ira picks out some ensembles for them, including undergarments. Scott tells them that that's Ira's unique ability. He knows to a millimeter what will fit them. After he pays for everything, Scott is holding several bags. They silently argue about who pays, but Scott wins after telling them he would rather see them without clothes. Lunia goes pink again as Noir smirks. They all pick up some fur shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and some toothpaste. Scott has the same thing down in his old apartment, but it doesn't hurt to have extras. They then walk home.
Once home and the ladies have been signed in, Scott goes for a shower. It's then in the shower that the evening catches up with him. He leans forward against the back wall and cries. He's like that for maybe a minute when he feels two paws come around him from behind. It startles him a bit, but he feels the love and concern from his mates. A second set of paws trail across his chest as Lunia moves before him. They hold Scott and comfort him. Scott had never killed someone before, and he hoped he never would have to in the future. The shower and the ladies soon have him forgetting about the day and remembering the rest of the night. They don't fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning.
They all wake up to nature's call in the early afternoon. It's then Scott notices the opposite fur patches on his mates. Lunia has a black fur patch on her belly, and Noir has a white fur patch. They tell him that was where they were joined as pups. Neither had a complete digestive system, but what they had worked for them. However, they must watch what they eat and how much they eat. Scott brings up the symbolism of Ying and Yang. After explaining it, the ladies agree they suit the profile quite well. Scott calls for a car to take them to his parent's home.
Scott smiles at JR, sitting behind the desk. "Afternoon, Scott; who are the ladies with you"? "Well, it's sudden, but these ladies are my mates. Lunia and Noir, I want you to meet our doorman, Jerry Rathbone." "None of that, Scott, it's just JR. I didn't take you for a polygamist, Scott." "Well, I guess I am. I have bonded to both of them." JR shakes his head. "Your family doesn't do things the easy way, do you? "You are right, we don't." "Well, I wish you all the best, Scott. I know your life just got complicated. Congrats, by the way." Scott nods thanks, goes to the kiosk, and signs all of them in.
Scott opens the door to the house, and a little bell goes off. There is a stampede-like noise coming from the living room. Millie her brothers, Ember, and Sandy round the corner and scream "Uncle Scott" as they barrel into him. Scott reaches down and picks them up into a hug. The rest of Millie's siblings glom onto his legs as well. Millie scent marks Scott as he holds her. Noir and Lunia are slightly surprised, but this is nothing new to them. Pups do it all the time with their favorite mammals. They sit on their haunches, waiting to be noticed.
Johnathon is the first to notice them. He tugs on Scott's pant leg. "Uncle Scott, who are these ladies"? "Well, Johnathon, me lad, these are my mates Noir and Lunia." Johnathon hesitantly steps forward to Lunia. He takes a few quick sniffs and then gloms onto her arm. The rest follow suit, glomming onto the arms of the ladies. "Why do you have two mates, Uncle Scott? Everyone else only has one." "I have two because we all chose each other. My mates are one soul like your parents." "Well, that explains a lot. My parents do everything together." "We do not, you little hellion." Says Elisabeth, reaching down to swat at him. But Johnathon is quick. He moves out of the way as he giggles and runs for the living room. His siblings follow him.
"Hi, I'm Elisabeth, that little terrors mother." She hugs both Lunia and Noir and mumbles, "Bunny habits." Both ladies laugh. They can see Elisabeth is a hybrid. She has a fox body and short bunny ears. They stand up and enter the living room. There are a lot of people in the living room. Because of their bond to Scott, they know their names already. Lunia and Noir greet Betty, Mavis, and their mates, knowing they are A.I.s whom they talked about yesterday. Natasha and Roxanne welcome the two ladies with a hug. They were now almost to full height, but like Marc, they were bean poles. They get introduced to Bonnie's siblings. They see the pictures of Daniel and Susan on the wall with their medals. They know the truth, though. Noir firms up her resolve to talk to Thomas later.
Judy and Nick, their host for this dinner, make their presents known with a hug. "I see you still don't have that orange and cream rug you wanted." Laughs Noir. "No, he was fast enough this time. But one day, he won't be." Nick gets a hurt look on his face. Judy reaches up and brings him down into a kiss. "Get a room, you two," teases Vivian, coming in from the kitchen. "Suppers ready everyone, come get it." The kits make a mad dash for the table. Nick had thought about getting a kits table but decided to get a bigger one instead. He didn't want the kits to feel like second-class citizens.
Miss Watts sits down with everyone. She was now a live-in housekeeper. Two bedrooms with a
bathroom were remodeled into a suite for her. She had her own private space. This space sure beat her old apartment, which had been condemned by the city two years ago. She smiled at the antics of the kits and stopped the food fight Johnathon wanted to start. She seemed to have a sixth sense for trouble.
Everyone in the know watched how the ladies ate as the meal progressed. Noir eats a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, Lunia ate sparingly of carbohydrates but was high in protein. After the meal, the kits head for the pool with several adults. The rest of the family sits down in the living room with drinks. Amber is cuddled up to William. Their daughter is with the rest of the kits in the pool.
William says, "A little birdy told me the two of you would like to join Wilde Industries. What positions would you like to fill"? "What's a birdy"? asks Lunia. William laughs, "Sorry, I forgot you are new to the family. Turkeys, chickens, ducks, and geese are birdies. Betty, can you show her flying bird the screen." Betty shows a heron gull on the TV. Both Lunia and Noir exclaim in shock at the image. "About four thousand years ago, the world was full of birds. Big ones, small ones, and ones that could eat small kits if they wanted to. This will become commonplace for you. Around us, you will see things that you have never seen before." "How do you know all of this"?
Mavis speaks up, "William knows this as I have told him. I'm guessing that Scott told you I'm an A.I."? They both nod their heads. "Ladies, I'm over four thousand years old. I was old before the world renewed itself. In my memory, I have the history of the world before humans destroyed themselves."
"What are humans"? "Humans were what we were before the bombs dropped." "Mavis, should they be told all of this"? Asked Scott. "I have already talked to Bob, and he agreed that your lifemates should know." "I don't remember you calling him." "I did it at supper. He expressed his congratulations on finding your mates. He wondered if you would meet with him at the Academy on Tuesday." "As far as I know, I should be able to." "Good, I'll let him know."
"Scott, your yearly medical is due shortly, isn't it"? "It is Thomas, what are you thinking"? "I want to see you and your mates in my office at eight o'clock on Monday. This way, we can get the medical concerns out of the way early. And there will be none of this. "I'm training them." You will be in formation in the gym at six-thirty." "Yes, Dad." "What? Did you call me, son"? Said Peter, turning his head from his mate. Scott snickers. "No, Dad, I was being sarcastic with Thomas." "Well, all right, carry on." He goes back to nibbling Vivian's neck. A few more snickers happen at Peter's distracted nature.
"I have some news for you, Scott. It seems that polygamy is not illegal, but it is frowned upon. So, I will go with you to the city clerk's office on Monday afternoon to get your marriage certificate. Like I said, it's not illegal, but I expect a fight like we had over Daniel and Susan getting their marriage license." "Thank you, Cindy. I was expecting a fight, and I'm glad you are in our corner." "We are all in your corner, Scott." Nods of agreement went around the room. Scott's ears go a deeper red when his mates kiss him on either cheek. Laughter erupts at his response.
Eventually, the kits tire out and are put to bed. Then, it's the adult's turn in the pool. Lunia and Noir know that nudity is a thing in the pool. They are a little embarrassed but do join the family in the pool. Mavis and Betty gasp at the symbolism before them. Mavis asked for their e-mail address so she could send them info on the Chinese philosophy of Ying and Yang. Everyone has a fun time in the pool. Later, they say goodbye to everyone and head home. They do the same thing tonight as they did last night. They get into a circle and groom each other. They may have petted each other as well. They had decided to wait until they were married before the next step in their relationship, though touching was allowed. They fall asleep huddled in a pile like kits or pups do. As they sleep, their bond grows deeper.
Authors note:
Sorry for the long delay in chapters, but I have been working on getting the first book published. I'm happy to say it's now in print and can be found at Friesen Press Books. The new name for my story is "Future Foxes of New Earth." I had to write out all the Zootopia references to get it published. There are a few differences now, but the main story is still the same.