Two Hopps for a Price.
Governor Randolph Darcy hung up the receiver and rubbed his eyes. Last thing he needed was this; the situation in the Tri-Burrows was continuing to fester and still the fate of missing rabbits could not be clearly resolved. There was documentation that showed they had gone to specific places, unfortunately nearly every one of these turned out to be an open lot of long abandoned building. Whoever arranged their travel clearly wanted it seem like legitimate and aboveboard. What puzzled the elder stage was this: why didn't anyone notice this before? And more important... how was this occurring for so long without anyone being none the wiser? It defied the odds as it did the mind.
Secretary of State Gary Muckelow, a middle-age male beaver, looked at his boss and paused his briefing. "Sir; it certainly appears bleak but I suspect all is not lost. May I suggest the obvious: these rabbits simply were abducted. Combine this with recent events in the Tri-Burrows and it doesn't take Houdini to make them disappear nor Sherlock to discover who did it. I surmise it was the mysterious mammals that invaded the Tri-Burrows."
The elder stage looked at the secretary. "Gary, I agree with your assessment. While we don't definitive proof, I am willing to accept this as the most obvious explanation. Call off the remaining searches. We'll only waste effort on something that as far as I am concern already has a most gruesome explanation. They were used as food."
"I didn't want to say that, sir. But it's in my notes as well. Should we proceed to the next topic?"
"Very well. Mayor Lionheart has been blowing up my secretary's phone with calls pleading for me to act on his request."
"How about we use that little-known account we discussed? My team has figured a way to bury the movement of those funds so the Senate's oversight committee won't discover it until the operation has long been over."
The elder stag thought for a moment. "Do it. But change the operation's name to something else, like my suggestion."
The beaver face scrawled. "Operation Pink Elephant? Really, sir? You're naming it after an alcohol-induced phantom?"
Governor Darcy smiled. "Senators will be arguing about whose district deserves the funds for alcohol addiction treatment instead of only one city receiving it for the refugees. I already have my speeches on that topic already planned and hopefully they will remain in the dark permanently. We'll just have to release some funds for said treatment as a decoy."
"I'll get right on it, sir."
The stag was busy mumbling something the beaver assumed was a practice-run when the governor would be speaking in front of the media or senators. He grinned as his feet carried him swiftly to his office. It almost was cubs-play how he could maneuver the elder mammal; a skillset he used when things needed to get done quickly. When he entered his office and instructed his secretary he wanted not to be interrupted for at least the next half hour, he closed his door and addressed the mammal sitting in the guest chair.
"Governor Darcy has authorized the funds. Zootopia can now proceed knowing previous expenditures now will be covered up under this authorization."
"Thank you" Mayor Lionheart said as he shook paws and hugged the beaver. "I am pleased you were able to talk to the governor on behalf of the citizens of Zootopia."
"Of course" Secretary Muckelow said as he returned the gestures. "I hope you have arranged to have my dear friends return to their farm soon as possible?"
"They will be among the first group to be allowed soon as General Rommel gives the clearance for their group to return."
The beaver raised a paw and opened his mouth, but quickly closed it. "Very well. Soon as the general says so I expect you to honor our deal. Don't renege if you value your political future, Mr. Mayor."
Leodore walked out of the office with his chief of staff, another lion named Olso Swiftmane. As they walked through the halls of the government building, he could tell his right-paw mammals wanted to talk about it. Thankfully his demeanor was impeccably neutral and nearly impossible to tell he was jumping at the bit to say something. After entering the charter bus reserved solely for this trip both mammals relaxed their posture and slumped down upon the resting couch.
"Go ahead. Get it off your chest."
"Mayor... are you going to honor his expectations? Is his family and friends going first?"
Leonard chuckled. "Of course not. Oh, they will be on the first train or bus group, but certainly NOT the first mammals leaving Zootopia. After all, I can't know for certain if they actually leave their current living spaces before everyone else. To give them a head's up would be unethical. But making sure their names are on the list... that I can do. It is up to them to get out the door and on the transportation vehicle."
"Sir... surely the secretary will inform them. It will be me who has to deal with their inquiries."
"No, my friend. We will do that together. If they keep calling after I assure them, then I'll be forced to call a friend who deals harshly with mammals who think they are entitled."
Oslo leaned towards his boss and best friend. "Should we get him involved?"
Leonard grinned. "I could have my wife have a health and welfare visit with them."
A wry frown crossed the chief's face. "Surely she would never do something at your beck and call? And while we're on the topic, just how did you get a priestess for a wife?"
"Would you believe me if I said it was the orders of the High Priestess for Paulina to marry me?"
Oslo had heard the story more times than he cared to recall. "I once asked her this same question, and she verified what you just said. But you didn't answer my other question."
Leonard let out a sigh. "I sure hope not. It'll be tough enough dealing with the beaver when he learns his expectations were not first out the city. Just think of the repercussions if he found out his friends and family were iced just because they wanted me to say they would be gone before everyone else?"
The remainder of the trip home both males napped soundly to the gentle movements the bus made along the roads.
Stu hung up the phone and calmly as he could sit down on the chair someone thoughtfully placed next to the phone. He was thankful that Judy and Nick were here on their usual bi-monthly visit; they had overheard the call and arranged for Bonnie to be kept busy elsewhere while he talked to the unknown caller. They had barely enough time to get GSD agents to start monitoring the call before it ended, and judging by Stu's reaction it didn't end well.
"Apologies Mr. Hopps, but as with the first call many weeks ago we could not determine location" the agent said plainly. "But this was anticipated; added to our normal tactics other methods that should overcome the previous inadequacies. This time and we should get better results."
Ralph entered the room with Mindy on his arm. "Good thing we had our system recording all incoming calls, considering what happened last time. Here's a data chip of this last call, Agent."
Everyone present watched as the agent put the chip into his device and punched in a few commands. A transcript of the call scrolled across the screen and after a moment the screen prompted the user to observe Protocol Zero One Niner Foxtrot. The agent typed in another command and put a headset on; whatever the computer told him could not be deciphered by his reaction. A couple moments later he stowed the headset away and calmly said a few code words into his radio.
"I'm not at liberty to tell you what was found in the information contained in your data chip, suffice it to say it relates to an existing case. I can tell you it will allow us to formulate plans regarding your missing family member. This is all I can tell you without clearance. Now if you will excuse me, I must contact HQ in a secure room." The agent left the room quickly leaving everyone puzzled and uneasy.
"He said it will help rescue Cotton and Molly" Ralph said.
"Not exactly those words, but to make plans leading towards that outcome" Nick corrected his brother-in law.
Mindy coughed softly. "It will be quite difficult to rescue them. Considering they are at the prime of their lives, I doubt the council will readily give them up. I suspect they will simply attempt to abduct whoever is there to hand over the deed. And if you two" she pointed at the Wilde-Hopps "are there, they most definitely attempt to capture. The Servants of Truth put quite the nice bounty on your heads; the council is not above collecting such offers."
Stu raised his paw. "That was precisely the terms; Judy and Nick to be alone at a designated point with the deed. This time the rendezvous is not on our property... it is on the Johnsons."
Judy gasped. "That has been captured by the council, correct?"
A new voice came from the front door. "No. The Syndicate controls that one."
Mindy shrieked and ran to the door, nearly bowling over her fiancé. A group of mammals clad in tattered black clothing stood there, each sporting bandages and some being helped by their comrades. Kimberly was on a makeshift stretcher that now rested on the floor. She grinned and winced as her sister embraced her.
"As you can see we ran into a bit of difficulty."
Nick raised an eyebrow. "Difficulty?"
Kimberly glanced at the ZPD officer. "Yes. My team was ordered by the chancellor himself on a mission that raised my fur. Naturally we took precautions, which helped us survive the ambush." Now she looked at everyone in the room. "My team can never return home. The chancellor knows about us... we've been betrayed."
The injured doe waited for the murmuring to settle down. "Sister, they know about your pregnancy and who the father really is. Before I went to the mission briefing, I was with your nursemaid. She told me the machine malfunctioned and that was what prevented your eggs transfer." She paused, and it was plain to see her struggling with what was to be said next. "The nursemaid said there was a... abnormality... about my procedure. She wanted me to go with her to see a Topsider doctor, a Dr. Frankinmyrl. Said he could possibly know how to treat my condition."
Mindy clearly was puzzled and confused, her face saying what she could not ask.
Kimberly rested a paw on her sisters'. "She was acting strange; as if she was trying to convince me it was real. But I gotta admit... she succeeded in placing doubt in my mind. Now I want to see this doctor, if he exists."
At that moment sirens were heard in the distance coming closer. Stu merely waved a cautious paw and let everyone know he called for them soon as his heart started beating rapidly. Outside tires screeched to a halt and sounds of doors opening. Moments later voices were heard talking to someone and a couple of Kimberly's teammate's growled displeasure.
"Team... stand down and allow them to enter. If they want to treat your wounds, let them. We need to learn who to trust up here in our new base of operations."
Stu's ears weren't the only ones to perk up.
Kimberly grinned. "Yes. Since we cannot go home and we were offered rooms in your old burrow, we started moving most of our equipment into the lowest levels. Unfortunately some gear was still in our quarters when we departed on this last mission. The council by now has confiscated these and trying to decipher our logs. Too bad they'll only find recipes for duck soup."
An orderly stepped into the room and looked at Stu. "We were expecting to treat you, Mr. Hopps. How are you feeling?"
Stu waved him away. "I'm fine. Heart beat a bit fast and I panicked and hit the distress button. I'll be alright, please treat these guests and I want Dr. Frankinmyrl notified." He looked at Kimberly and smiled. "She needs to see the good doctor about a condition he specializes in."
The orderly nodded and spoke into his radio relaying the request and asking for a trauma team sent here quickly.
An hour later the burrow was back in its usual state of chaos as grandkits ran hither and yonder, teenage bunnies strolled around with their dates, and in one of the lounges several government mammals were meeting with the Wilde-Hopps and Mindy. The former cavern dweller obviously wanting to be with her sister but these mammals wanted briefing on what went wrong; it was obvious their Insider Access was now neutralized and they wanted to figure out how to reestablish it.
Chancellor and Matron of Truth were sitting behind their side of the meeting table. To their left was the guest of honor; Dark High Priestess and her group of ranking priests. To their right was the Chancellor of the Twelve and a small group from the Dark Council of the Twelve; specifically Alpha One through Alpha Six. Standing before them a good distance away but close enough to be heard was a hare that held dual memberships: Gary Noble. The hare was Alpha Eleven for only a short time, but he was a member of the Servants of Truth for a few years before this.
The hare was correct in that he would be rescued shortly after his being put into jail; but he was wrong who would free him. Now here he was standing before the members that controlled the organizations that freed him. In every eye he saw a coldness that was felt as it was seen. He knew it was best to say things plain and quickly, perhaps he just might hop out of here with most of his fur attached. He stood as resolute as he could, hope it wasn't being taken as brashness or defiant.
"Mr. Noble... be careful how you answer our questions. Those on either side of this council would like nothing better than be rid of you. But they have been persuaded to listen to reason. It would be worth your while to use this to your advantage" the Chancellor of Truth plainly said as he looked at the hare that was sitting on a stool.
"I thank the council, the dark priesthood, and my fellow Alphas... for your generous time. I am prepared to answer your questions" Gary said in tone of voice that sounded as if he were negotiating another business transaction.
"Alpha Eleven" Chancellor of the Twelve was leaning towards the hare "You were once asked why you went after that burrow, we were not satisfied then about the answer you gave. You will now give another explanation for that and why you continued against them."
Gary looked at the leader and cocked his head. "Chancellor, it was merely an unfortunate circumstance. Chances of country bumpkins being savvy enough to recognize a slight of paw was nearly inconceivable. But I learned from that mistake..."
He was interrupted by the Matron of Truth. "So we are aware. Your haughtiness in the courtroom did you no favor."
"I make no apology and accept my punishment for disregarding the time of the court. I simply did not realize the Zootopians had taken control of the backwater..."
Again he was interrupted by the matron. "*I* live in Bunny Burrow... have all my life. Insult them and you insult me."
Gary bowed towards his superior. "A thousand pardons, my lady. I..."
The High Priestess leaned forwards. "Perhaps I can get to the crux of the matter, and quickly. I don't have time or the patience to listen to his platitudes. The very words uttering from his hole in the head hurts my ears."
If the hare was going to say something, the look upon her face quickly stopped any reply. He knew her reputation and didn't want end up her next victim.
"Now let me lay it out plain so everyone here can understand." The high priestess started pointing to each finger as she named them off. "This buck has never learned how to socialize as evident by his constant failure to join any group that might have taught him such skills. He never learned personal accountability as evident by killing anyone that caused him embarrassment, as evident by his killing any doe that laughed at his feeble attempts. And lastly anyone that bests him at his own game he holds in contempt, it never occurs to him to learn and adjust his tactics."
Gary was visibly upset, but the look the high priestess gave him must have given him pause.
"That is not entirely true, priestess..." Once again the look was more than enough to convince him to remain silent. Or perhaps it was the change in her body language, he recognized this as the stance she made right before an unfortunate mammal incurred her wrath. He wondered if she had a fetish to inflict pain.
"Alpha Eleven" The words of the Chancellor of Twelve drew the hare's attention away from the priestess and back to the situation at paw. "We want to know why you disobeyed your superiors and went after that burrow. It is fortunate for you that you hold a valuable position in our order; as such we could not leave you to suffer the fate you seem so desperately to seek."
The chancellor of twelve paused, allowing the temper tantrum to subside before continuing on. "Surely once the judge offered you a chance to bargain collectively it was a subtle hint that the cat was outta bag and time to minimize your losses."
"I have never lost a court case, and I was not about to lose this one."
Alpha One spoke, waving his paw to signal he had a point to make. "Alpha Eleven... that is your pride acting before your reasoning. It is the singular thing that our council finds abhorrent; it could be cause to remove you from your position." He waved aside the hare's look of disgust. "I am on your side, but continue your antics and my effort will cease."
Gary paused for a moment and looked back at the lion. "Rare has it been you were on my side. Why start now?"
Alpha One threw his paws up in the air. "It is out of my paws."
Chancellor of Twelve rapped his gavel. "Give him what he deserves."
The hare didn't feel it as much as saw the blade protruding from his ribs; in a mili-second he knew who it was and was proven correct. The female caracal slowly moved into his view, her eyes twinkling knowing her thrust was clean and death would be nearly painless as it would also take moments longer than should have. Cheryl Stalk, aka Alpha Three... watched gleefully as the hare slowly slipped into the hereafter. Once his lifeless body lay upon the floor she retrieved her blade and cleaned the body fluids off it.
"You may dispose of the body any manner you wish; it is no longer any concern of ours" Chancellor of Truth said plainly.
The assembled mammals behind the table watched as the assassin rolled the body in the short rug it had fallen upon and carried it out of the room. Murmuring among them speculated wither or not the predator would actually make hasenpfeffer out of it or simply skin it for a new mannequin.
Priestess Lioness was certain this was not a good idea. Pastor Chester had received a call from the Hopps family; they had received another ransom demand and the conditions specified that the two ZPD officers were to be the only ones allowed to deliver the deed. Thankfully the GSD was already working on a counter-measure, but in the meantime the family was harried. Paulina went with her traveling companion; their current mission could wait and this would be a pleasant diversion.
She smiled as she noticed her protégé was now quite comfortable holding paws with the male honey badger. As with most mammal relationships these two would take some time getting to know each other, their quirks and idiosyncrasies. He was old enough to start feeling the heart-strings pluck as nature let him know time was starting to run out before his optimal time to become a father ran out. The female honey badger was no spring chicken either, but fortunately she was just the right age to make the pairing work perfectly. Not too young to annoy him and not too old to bear a litter with difficulty.
Paulina smiled; she was married herself and had been for a number of years. She had started preparing herself for her own first litter when the Lynxion War started. And again just before this current conflict where unknown mammals started killing police and other workers of government services. If she didn't have the strength and strong relationship with the Moon, she would have quit the priesthood in favor of fulfilling her body's desire for a litter. Thankfully the Moon assured her she would have a litter in the not too distant future and it would be a strong foundation for Zootopia.
But now they were sitting in the Hopps burrow and enjoying Opal Hopp's herbal tea. Paulina was listening to the elder does' as they talked about their concerns. Clare was in another lounge listening to the many teenage and older does' talking about similar things. Chester was in the Family Room listening to the Wilde-Hopps couple and the various government mammals talking about the various plans each had.
"Are you sure this will work?" The honey badger had a slight unpleasant feeling something wasn't quite right. The plan certainly sounded solid; there just was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. Every time he felt it trouble always erupted.
"We will be all right, pastor" Judy said as she placed a paw upon his. This she had started recently and found it comforting. "If you think you should be with Nick and I, then who am I to say otherwise?"
"I suspect by now whoever is behind this knows by now he married us and is our family priest. Something this important we would bring him along." Nick gave the honey badger a gentle punch on the shoulder, something he recently started doing. "Besides, you ARE the ZPD Religious Counselor. It would not be a stretch of the imagination to realize why you would be with us."
Paulina and Clare entered the room, both going to a sofa to sit down. Clare opted to sit on Chester's lap and snuggle against his chest. Judy fawned as she realized what this closeness meant; Nick made a mental note to tease the male about fraternization with his fellow priests.
"If you know what's good for you then you will keep those thoughts to yourself, Mr. Wilde" the female badger said through some chest fur.
Nick feigned hurt. "I was minding my own business here and had nothing but the best intentions for you two!" He barely felt one of Judy's famous hard punches to his arm, keeping his fake face on as he got up off the floor.
"Don't worry, priestess... if he does then I'll let his mother know about it." She gave a subtle grin at her husband. He frowned back. Jackie Wilde was nearly as dedicated making sure her son behaved himself as she was in strongly hinting at grandcubs. He noticed the twinkle in her eyes, knowing the OTHER mammal she didn't mention that had methods to ensure his proper behavior. This one wasn't merely his grandmother, she ran a government agency.
Paulina knew the fox could play this word game for hours and decided to end it. "Nickolas, stop. I'm certain your intention was indeed honorable, male-bonding as it is. Clare is right, so please keep your playful antics to yourself. Right now we need to focus on our part of the GSD's plans."
She turned towards the badger couple, noting the female now had her head turned so she could pay attention to her mentor. "It goes without saying we should prepare ourselves. I think it's obvious they will have the Dark Priesthood involved somehow, and quite possibly other nasties. We'll meet over behind the barn to practice a certain skill I think will be invaluable in this operation." She immediately departed the room leaving everyone puzzled.
Clare sighed and got off Chester's lap. "Pleasant time's over. If we are going to be helpful then we should start preparations immediately." She helped him to his feet and clung on his arm as they walked out the room. Nick's mischievous grin reappeared on his muzzle. It was not lost on Judy.
"Really, foxtrot? Give them some room so they can let amour develop. I'm sure your grandmother would agree."
"Just gotta go for the big gun, don't you?"
Judy reached over and placed a lingering kiss on his lips. "Nope. I'm the big gun, I just happen to call upon those I know have some influence on you. Not counting what I have that influences you most." He saw the twinkle in her eye and where she subtly placed a paw. Grinning he followed her where she wanted some privacy. Whatever she had planned, he hoped it involved more than talking about their part in GSD's operation.
Hilda bolted upright in her bed. This was now a familiar feeling and it always was followed by a voice in her head saying something about doom soon would befall her. She had once considered sending a similar message back to the sender, but the Moon told her she had not yet mastered the discipline to handle the power of the necklace hanging around her neck. Instead it influenced her to form the one type of orb the ancients used to block unwanted thoughts coming from the ethereal plane. She was flabbergasted that there was more than one type of orb; she had simply formed one type and used its power to scry across the ethereal plane, and recently used the necklace to set it as a general protective device. Yesterday she tried doing as the moon instructed in a secluded part of a forest; the failed result now was a clearing several yards wide.
She was frustrated enough to remove the necklace, however the Moon influenced her to keep it. It did show her a picture in her mind; back in ancient days shortly after the disastrous war within the priesthood, there once was a library used by what the moon called Oracles. In this library was a book used to teach students how to form every type of orb; some which were for personal protection and others used for battle. The moon showed her that this complete library was taken and hidden deep underground; it now was in the paws of the priests dedicated to keeping many mammals in misery. The moon showed her since the Prophecy Fulfillers were under the protection of several mammals, her destiny now was to retrieve this library and put it back in its original location.
Hilda had been working on this when she fell asleep, and now the orb she had trusted to keep protections up was reduced in power and soon would dissolve into the air. She felt many minds assaulting her, each had a singular goal: kill her or comatose her if unable. Reaching out she touched the orb, instantly it dissolved into thin air. But she received enough of its energies to force the other minds out of her own head. Many screams she heard as she concentrated sending a certain thought back towards them. Soon only the original mind that started this was remaining in her head.
"Congratulations on succeeding. You even managed to kill many of my most powerful priests."
"Well now isn't that what you had planned for me?"
"On the contrary, all we wanted was you to join us. Isn't that better than not knowing when we will make another attempt?"
The elder vixen scoffed. "We both know that is not an option. You act without consideration for the well-being of others."
The elder rabbit scoffed back. "Compassion is over-rated. We both know mammals are unruly thus must be given no option but do what must be done."
Hilda shook her head. "You do not know the commitment when free will is involved. More effort must be used to explain things, but the end result is worth it."
Greta shook her head. "You do not know how we live. We can ill afford the luxury of wasting breath explaining things. You..."
This was all that was heard. Hilda had felt other minds join hers and let them force the other off the ethereal plane. Now she opened her own eyes and look towards the door. There looking back at her was two priests; these she knew and she weakly thanked them.
"Think nothing of it" the hare said as his paws waved in circular motions above his head. The room filled with calm energy and her body felt much better.
"You should not sleep alone from now on, Hilda" the lioness said as she gently held the vixen in her paws. "We will assign a guard to keep watch when you need rest. I insist. There are those amongst our separate factions that are skilled enough to sense when something occurs in the ethereal plane."
"Your concern is appreciated" the elder vixen weakly muttered "but what is needed is one that is skilled in the art of the oracle. I sensed these last few years there are few that have the gift among your priesthoods. Perhaps now it is time for these to gather under my tutorship."
Ishanah looked towards Aaron. She saw recognition in his eyes what she already knew. "We have a good idea which mammals you are referring to. But giving them up..."
"Don't think of it that way, dear friend. They have been displaying skills neither of your factions teaches; it is time for them to learn how to hone these. I suspect such skills will be needed in the coming days. Let's hope we haven't started too late."
The elder priests nodded and then sent word to the trio of priests searching for the parentage of two young vixens. Rumor had it they were somewhere in the Tri-Burrows, others said they were at the Hopps Farm addressing something that had come up recently.
Abigail Canny, nursemaid to the former godfather of the Outback Mafia, was sitting comfortable in a very expensive robe and reading a report. It seemed that the lion did as she asked, however he was controlled by others. Her sources had told her he was involved in a recent operation, details were sketchy but apparently it involved rooting out a mole. She scoffed; he could be involved with stealing the formula to coke cola as far as she was concerned, as long as he removed everything that was preventing her from reacquiring what she lost, namely the two young vixens, she could care less.
Now she concentrated on her plans. She had to get the wrinkles worked out if what she wanted was to become reality.
Her minions were watching the Wilde-Hopps apartment, which was getting more difficult since the evacuation of the Tri-Burrows had literally flooded the apartment building with mammals of nearly every type. She was surprised so many species lived there, but then again some mammals simply were not comfortable living in a fast-paced environment that Zootopia was known for. Such mammals moved to other places where life was less hectic but fewer opportunities for wide range of employment. In the Tri-Burrows larger species were useful for construction or doing manual labor where rabbits simply didn't have the strength. Some large mammals simply enjoyed working out in the fields.
Abigail shuddered. Her idea of country living was lying under a large shade tree sipping on some exotic drink. But now her attention was drawn to the front door; the mail had slipped through the slot and activated the small bell, purposely placed there to notify when the mail arrived. She gathered it up and sorted according to type. She opened one and read the small note attached to the bill. She grinned and quickly penned a reply to the sow storeowner that the undergarment worked as planned and now was in the male's paws as a souvenir for his night's activity. She asked for another to be placed on her account and was pre-paying it on this bill. She opened another bill and read the note attached; again she penned a reply to the lioness storeowner saying the dress was exactly what she needed to seal her deal. She wrote a check and added another note saying she would be returning to the store for another garment, something not yet decided upon and most likely would require her advice.
Now she returned her attention back to her plans. The two little vixens were surrounded by numerous bunnies and getting them separated would be a challenge. After much thought she decided she couldn't make a proverbial omelet without breaking many eggs; so she sent her new plans to her minions and made a few other calls. The elder foxes that stayed at odd times she needed them distracted, or at the very least prevented from entering the apartment. As far as the two ZPD officers living there... she had plans to keep them occupied.
Abigail grinned as she sent the last message.
Catherin McKeen, consort to the godfather of the Outback Mafia, was listening to her minion reading a report. The two vixens were finally located; unfortunately they were now in protective custody. If rumors were to be believed, they were living with the biological father of the lighter-hued one. This interested her; it could be the missing piece of the puzzle explaining why the nursemaid was so interested in the todd. Still there were questions left unanswered.
A pleasant smile crept across her muzzle. The todd was certainly attractive, he even found a way to overcome the societal obstacles Zootopians placed in all Vulpes paths. Perhaps this is what the former godfather and this nursemaid found so attractive about him; he beat the odds. Vixens all across societal strata found this in their top five things they consider attractive in male foxes. This craftiness and overcoming made her feel just a bit desirous towards the ZPD officer. Just... a little bit. He was after all not only a lowly commoner but working in a completely different career field as she was. She may be the wife of the most powerful mammal in these lands, but she held sway over how he made decisions and that itself was power.
One other thing that greatly annoyed her; he was married. Not only by a religion, but protected by an ancient pact of rabbits. If she was going to add him to her small and growing harem, she needed to find a way that convinced not only his wife and family he was dead but these rabbits as well. The so-called Council of Elders were her husband's reestablished allies; if she was going to convince them the todd was deceased her husband needed to be as well.
She grabbed a packet of Quickie-fix and put the whole contents on her tongue, following it up with a glass of fruit-flavored water. Moments later her head felt better and she called for her advisors. The next few hours they hashed out exactly what was needed to be done if the ZPD officer was to be abducted, the ruse about his death needed to be put in place as quick as the deed was done.
Members of the private eye club called Empress Choice were gathered in the building labeled Details-R-Us Detective Agency. Two vixens, a sow, and a female otter were sitting across the table from a wolf and an elderly sheep: Ramington Steele and his secretary, Ms. Fields. They were explaining recent events to the aspiring detectives. It was clear that the four youngsters had something they wanted to talk about, but the unwritten rules said the mentor must be heard first. Today's topic dealt with something the concerned the Wilde-Hopps.
"By now you must have heard about the disappearance of the Hopps sisters" the wolf said as he handed out papers to his minions. "Here's what the public doesn't know but are known to those of us who's stock and trade is to know such information: they were abducted as they were walking to see a movie in downtown Bunny Burrow."
He waited for the muttering to stop, or more likely for Ms. Fields to calm the youngsters down enough for him to regain their attention. "My fellow detectives and their students have pieced together additional information..."
"Wait! Other detectives have students as well?" This was from Kathrin, the newest member of the group.
The elder wolf merely looked at her as if he couldn't believe she didn't know. The young vixen was now obviously uncomfortable that a genuine question received such a rebuke. "Miss Wintersprite... I'm greatly saddened that your fellow teammates didn't tell you about this."
The sow member ears turned forward and if you knew her, it was obvious her hackles were just raised. "Mr. Steele... we would have informed her had such information been presented to us prior to this meeting."
The wolf waved her statement aside. Of the group this female was the longest serving member and in a few short months would go before the oral review board where she most likely would pass and earn her license. He would present her official detective's outfit, the one very similar to what the great detective Sherlock Holmes once wore, at a small ceremony afterwards. Most of his students went on to establish offices of their own, and he was pleased to assist them from time to time and silently cheered their successes.
"Miss Wallow, obviously I must have overlooked that detail. I hereby apologize to Miss Wintersprite and ask her forgiveness."
"Granted, Mr. Steele. Can we please get on with the update?"
The other members of the group simply sat and faced towards the wolf, blank expressions upon their faces. They had learned long ago their mentor had quirks and sometimes it was best to let things slide; it got the meeting over faster and them out working the case. Besides... they also suspected he was testing them, seeing if they retained information from weeks ago. But it could actually be a genuine quirk. They decided not to press their luck.
"As I was saying... the Hopps sisters were abducted along with a friend. Recent operations have successfully retrieved the friend but subsequent operations have been foiled. The sisters simply had been moved from their positions and most likely have been rotated to different locations."
He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Recently a member of an underground society has married into the Hopps family. Credit for this discovery goes to one of my former students, of which I encouraged her to keep this among our society. The president of our society has slapped a security code on this and should it ever become public knowledge not only will the detective that revealed it be forced out of our society but all of his current students will be denied membership. This is how serious each of you must guard it."
Charlett, the secretary, looked at each face; each one clearly showed shock and disbelief. "May I remind each of you that we have the upmost confidence in your ability to keep this to ourselves. Should anyone attempt to force you into disclosing it, all you have to do is never acknowledge it. The mammal can have all the correct information and gleefully say you have already confirmed it by accusing you of disclosing it yourself; don't fall for it. It's one of the oldest tricks in the books. Just walk away knowing someone else had divulged it and get away quickly."
The remainder of the meeting had the group discussing recent events. The wolf granted permission for the group to go out searching for more clues. He let them know that word from the bushes said a meeting between the Hopps family and an unknown group was about to take place. They were to observe what happened from a concealed position and report back to him the events which happened.
Nick and Judy stepped out of the old truck and walked to the strange mammal standing alone a few feet in a field of clover. At first glance it appeared to be a normal jaguar; but Nick could see Judy's hackles were up as was his own. Thankfully his partner was masterfully hiding her unease; he would let her do the talking while he subtly scanned the area nearby. It wasn't necessary to turn his head; they had already been told by the concealed GSD agents that the area was clear.
"So bub... we have what your boss wants. Show us what we came here for." Judy was using a tone of voice more appropriate for Mr. Big usage.
"You place the package down and stepped back. We wouldn't want you to try something I don't like, now would you?"
Slowly as her training dictated she put the package containing the paperwork requested. Nick gently pulled her with him as he stepped backwards. He had much practice in real life in his many dealings with the ugly underbelly of society, and soon he covered the distance he knew the mammals subtly dictated. Both watched as the strange mammal stepped forward and picked up the package, taking time to remove the paperwork and examine a few of the pages. Once satisfied he put them back inside.
"These are satisfactory. I now give you what you both so richly deserve."
Nick had been expecting these words, as Judy had also. Both dived onto the ground as bullets whizzed near their heads. A group of mammals appeared from nearby charging towards the duo. Nick hit two with tranq-darts in rapid succession, Judy shot others just as quickly. The strange mammal must have anticipated this reaction; he had jumped towards them and now all three were tussling on the ground. Judy cursed as this had hindered her aim, she guessed Nick had thought same angry words but she didn't hear a thing.
It was a few heartbeats later when all hell broke out. Now many mammals were closing in on the Wilde-Hopps duo, but they were blocked by other mammals known by the rabbit-fox duo. ZPD officers and GSD agents were busy rounding up those whose sole intent was to eliminate the greatest stain upon mammal-kind: marriage between prey and predator. Unfortunately it was slower than anticipated and the scuffle lasted a few minutes.
Finally the area was clear and Nick led Judy over to the tarp-covered cage, both quite calm and expecting exactly what they would find. Removal of the tarp showed an empty cage, except for several blankets and what obviously served as a feeding bowl. Nick sniffed around the cage and Judy waited patiently nearby. She knew his nose would tell them who had been kept inside and approximately for how long.
"Your sisters were inside this morning, and been inside most likely since their abduction."
"I wish they only knew just how much they're gonna suffer for this" Judy muttered, tone of her voice made it clear that while she genuinely felt the words her training would prevent them from becoming reality.
High Priestess Daperclaw watched her minions work their assignments. Not every priest was performing as expected, but after this was completed she would assign the mammal additional training.
Earlier that afternoon her allies informed her they had everything positioned and was springing their trap at a specific time and place. She acknowledged them and set her own plans into motion.
As she gazed out upon the field of battle the target of her efforts came into sight at odd times. The honey badger was fighting quite effectively; but as recorded in historical records this would change soon enough. As the minutes dragged on she was pleased to see his efforts start to wane. Good... now she sent the signal for her the second phase to begin. He had been targeted first on the material plane as evident by the masses of mammals that was thrown against him. These were merely zombies; mindless brutes that did whatever they were told without a care to their own well-being. Now her second team of priest began their efforts.
It wasn't immediately evident but a few moments later anyone watching could plainly see the honey badger start to struggle. The zombies had by now been torn into many body parts, at least those sent against him. The battle to capture him rested on changing tactics, on slowly separating him from his companions. Thus far the tactics were working; he was nearly alone save a mammal she had been told was a GSD agent. This agent now was obviously providing physical security around the honey badger.
Greta smiled; it would do the agent little good but she had a nasty surprise coming his way. A small cackle escaped her muzzle when a new wave of zombies flooded between the agent and the other priests; a lioness and another honey badger. She would like to capture both badgers, but her available resources scavenged from various projects allowed for only one. Honey badgers were nothing to take lightly, and besides... there was plenty of time to reset her trap to acquire the female. But for now that was a proverbial egg not yet hatched.
As the battle wages on the two groups were forced further apart by the sheer number of zombies. It didn't take very long before the male honey badger had fallen upon the ground and lay motionless. Greta was pleased the final push had separated the agent from the badger, now the mindless beings were simply massing around the body to form a barrier against rescue as well as keep it under her control. Now the high priestess watched as her minions physically forced the other two priestesses further away and finally chased them until she called them back. This was a good day; this was but the start of her plans to fulfill her obligation to her allies.
Agent Walker was quite annoyed. Where did they get the ability to fabricate all these autotom bodies? Her sidekick and best friend Agent Rodgers called them zombies, she preferred the word toasted robots. This was exactly what she was doing with the makeshift flame thrower; it was a cigarette lighter igniting fur-spray as she aimed and squirted it their general direction. She hated wasting her best personal grooming item, but in this case it was better used than being torn apart by this horde of self-propelled mindless bodies.
Hmmm... now that she thought about it as she aimed and delivered a stream of flame straight into the face of one these bodies, zombie fit the bill. She turned and delivered another stream into the face of another mindless body.
Agent Savage took quick glances across the battlefield after dispatching one body after a dozen. He kept noticing a stream of fire from the corner of his peripheral vision, it needed to be confirmed which side and who was using the fire. He wished he could spend more than a quick glance but the near-endless flood of bodies kept coming over the hills and through the glens. No matter which direction he looked it was the same; zombies coming towards them in near-endless numbers. Thankfully his sidekick was skilled in coming up with solutions when the pressure was on. Agent Golden had managed to down several trees that greatly slowed the horde as it had to climb over the newly-formed roadblock.
Another thing he was thankful for... having his team double in number of agents assigned and for good measure two more teams with them. Now he was glad someone had finally sent out an emergency message; the answer was an aircraft circling overhead spewing bullets and shells that thinned the horde. He was grateful for its arrival but wished it was here earlier; his teams had been split and forced apart. Worse yet he didn't know where each of the priest were, hopefully not caught in the rain of bullets and shells.
Soon the battle was over and he was able to look over to where he had once seen a stream of fire. There a good distance away he saw the fire working again, this time setting fire to many bodies. Using his binoculars he identified Agents Walker and Rodger throwing bodies upon the pyre. Looking around his binocular soon found where the priestess had holed themselves against a hillside. They appeared physically unharmed, so he continued his search for other members. He found all of his team and continued sweeping for one more. He called his team via radio and directed them to gather the priestesses and search for the male priest.
After the bodies were gathered and placed on the makeshift funeral pyre, it became quite obvious Pastor Chester was missing.
Pastor Chester knew this was the right thing. They needed to split the incoming forces into smaller fragment; this would make it easier to defeat them. But easier didn't imply free from harm. Unfortunately those coming for him were greater in numbers than anticipated. They also assaulted him in the ethereal plane equally in strength as they did in the physical. As he slowly withered from their combined assault, he was pleased to see his counterparts escape. Then the world quickly faded into blackness.
He awoke feeling the biting cold and a foul stench in the air. It took his mind a little while to put together what his senses told him. He also noticed he wasn't alone.
He didn't let his eyes open more than tiny slits, but what they told him was two young does' were a few feet from him. He let his eyelids open a little more, now he could clearly see these were just a few of many does' that had been reported recently. They were huddled tightly against each other; something about them screamed they had been abused in more ways than one. He didn't get the chance to inquire further.
"So he awakens at last."
He didn't recognize the voice but the authoritarian tone said volumes. He opened his eyes and looked at the mammal that uttered those words. She was a hare and her robes made it abundantly clear she was a high priestess, not unlike the buck hare who was high priest of his own religious order. The small voice in his soul said she was not one to be trifled with, and she most likely was capable of doing more than speaking in his head. The necklace hanging from her neck was something he didn't recognized, but his inner voice was screaming such a thing was dangerous and controlled by a mammal not fully trained to control such a thing.
"You like my necklace. Once you become a member of my order we'll see if you truly warrant one for yourself."
He stifled a shudder. So that was the reason for his abduction. But another thought crossed his mind, one about his dreams... one in which a female was being tortured. He had concluded it must have been referring to Clare, the youngest member of the priesthood and who had been experiencing psychic attacks. Now that he was sitting inside this cage and looking at a priestess who obviously didn't give the vibes of compassion such position had always been known for... it was clear the images were never his own. Now awareness crept into his mind; it was a twisted premonition of the future.
It was his voice he had heard. But for a male to make that high pitch, great pain must be inflicted upon him.
"Now he realizes what he must go through. Soon he will be forced to choose between two options: join us or die. I will never allow the other two priest factions to control such a powerful mammal as a religious honey badger."
At the agreed upon meeting place Priestess Lionheart looked around. She saw her trainee Priestess Initiate Noble; she saw Team Alpha and other teams temporarily assigned to this mission. What she didn't see was her friend. She glanced towards her companion and it was apparent the female honey badger had noticed the same thing. Clare was now hurriedly running around looking under everything, looking for the other honey badger that had been their companion for these many weeks.
Over to her right she noticed a group of mammals. Looking closer she noticed many corpses lying about; obviously these were the remains of zombies that had been thrown against them. But it wasn't the undead bodies that caught her attention; there among them was a cage, its door open and two bodies being carefully removed. She wasn't sure but something told her these were the missing teenagers the Hopps Family had been searching for.
Priestess Lionheart would have gone over to administer rites, but her concern was for the well-being of her protégé and of her other companion. She joined Clare in looking for the missing badger, taking time to notify Agent Walker he was missing and requested their assistance. Many minutes went by and no sign of the badger was found. As she searched she felt the presence of the moon; its calming sensation encouraged her to stop her search and start praying for him. The moon informed her he was alive and well but unfortunately in the possession of the Dark Priesthood.
It took time for Paulina to find Clare and force the female to end her mad search. Once she got her over to where the medics were tending the Hopps sisters she broke the news. Anguish howls filled the air and mad sobbing as Clare buried her face into her mentor's neck. Agent Walker and Rogers were nearby and lent their bodies to hug and console the young priestess best they could.
Everyone watching was amazed as a pillar of moonlight shown down upon the priestesses, each mammal heard a soft chanting coming from it but they couldn't tell if it was the priestesses or some other mammals singing. The effect of this pillar was noticeable; Clare stopped her wailing and simply rested in her friends paws. Onlookers could have sworn the other females looked somewhat more radiant.
It seemed like more time passed than actually did, and the moonlight faded leaving the group peaceful and quiet. Clare was sound asleep and her body gently put on a stretcher and put inside a different ambulance other than the one currently sheltering the Hopps sisters. Both ambulances drove away heading to Zootopia General Hospital.
"Why didn't you go with her? You have every right." Agent Rogers said as she stood next to the priestess.
"The moon told me she will be just fine. It also gave me an assignment that only someone with my skills can do."
Before anyone could say a word the lioness started chanting and waved her paws in circular motions, a strange glow surrounding each paw and growing in brightness and size. The GSD agents stepped back to a distance they felt was safe but close enough to ensure the priestess was protected. Within moments her paws shot upwards and a pillar of bright green light struck something in the woods nearby.
A deep roar uttered from the woods; sending shivers down every mammal that was nearby. It didn't take long before the source was known. An abomination crashed through the trees and headed towards the priestess. It was a mountain of flesh seemingly cobbled together from numerous bodies and not all of the same species.
"STITCHES... KILL... YOU... MORTAL!" It roared as it came forward.
It slammed the impossibly large chain on the ground where the priestess once stood. One could clearly see this once belonged to a ship, but what size was tough to determine. In its other hand it swung a streetlamp pole, striking several small trees and leveling them as the hand continued its movement. It continued thrashing both wherever the priestess moved.
Paulina was busy chanting another spell, annoyed that she had to stop and move or else become a blood splatter where she stood. A quick chant sent a bolt of light against the abomination, sending it backwards and laying on its back. She jumped to one side as the abomination threw the pole which skewered a large tree she was just standing in front of. The beast slammed the chain in her general direction; thankfully she was many feet from where the end landed. This gave her enough time to chant a defensive spell her order normally didn't know; it was taught to her by Pastor Chester recently as they travelled together on their recent mission.
The huge mound of flesh roared as giant thorns arose from the ground and entangled it, its thorns piercing the flesh and pulling the beast tightly against the ground. She wasted no time. Another chant removed the streetlamp pole, turned it until its pointy end faced the abomination, and suddenly flew towards the beast. A roar nearly defended everyone nearby, fluids was now flowing out from the mound of flesh, and all could tell the beast was dying as it thrashed about. Moments later it sopped and it seemed as if its skin turned a darker hue.
There was little time to rejoice. A voice emitted from the mound of flesh and clearly was heard by everyone.
"Congratulations for winning this fight, young one. I underestimated your powers; it will be the last time. Enjoy this momentary victory; I shall enjoy watching you be beaten when next we meet."
Paulina didn't know how she knew, but she was convinced the voice came from her nemesis: the High Priestess of the Dark Priesthood. She turned and excused herself saying she needed to be with her protégé. As she rode in the vehicle GSD agents insisted take her to the hospital, she composed and sent a zmail to her superiors.
Judy had sat down... hard... upon the floor soon as she was told. Nick was there immediately and held his wife close, trying to soothe her. Their family priest was missing and details were sketchy. Thankfully they were being told about this in Briefing Room #4; it was secluded from ZPD daily ops and more importantly away from their family. Well... Audrey was here as was Councilor Elizabeth. Moments later the door opened and Stu, Bonnie, Jackie, and John entered. The two mothers rushed to their young and held them for several minutes.
Nick pried his way out of his mother's embrace, suggesting she help Bonnie in comforting Judy. It worked; he was now enduring the angry glare the bunny was giving him through both mothers' arms. Now he noticed something different; the female priestess, a honey badger, was over in a corner sobbing quietly. She was being comforted by the other priestess, a lioness he had grown accustomed to during the trial he went through at the elder's estate. He was fond of the lioness and considered her his family's second priest. He walked over and stopped a respectful distance from the two, waiting until it was appropriate to talk. He didn't have to wait long.
Clare cleared her nose and patted dry her eyes then turned to face the fox. "My apologies for not bringing your family priest back here whole and unscathed."
Nick suppressed a chuckle. The debriefing everyone just went through clearly showed the group was up against impossible odds. He had once heard a rumor that a group calling themselves priest of darkness... or something like that... had their eyes on obtaining a honey badger. Acquiring such a mammal would greatly bolster their ranks.
"Priestess Noble... I do not blame you; from the debriefing we all just went through I am surprised any of you survived." He leaned close and broke an unwritten rule: he held the female in his arms. It had the intended effect he wanted, but shortly afterwards she slowly pushed him away.
"Thank you for your concern, I am fine" Care said in as authoritarian voice she could muster.
Nick cocked his head. "Are you sure? Everything I see points towards something more than a simple *I lost a comrade*... and I think you miss him more than that. Amore has been travelling through the Wilde-Hopps family as of late. I'd say it touched most everyone close to us."
The shocked look told him he was right, but he also knew not to press the issue further. "I was recently given detective-status. I promise you I'll use my new access privileges to find our missing priest. That and I know everyone in Zootopia; plus more."
Paulina leaned towards him. "You're referring to the cavern dweller who married into Judy's family, aren't you?" She was pleased at the shocked look the fox gave her. But before she could continue the door opened and three priests entered. Both she and Clare immediately recognized them and bowed before them.
High Priest Aaron waved his paws in the air and calm fell over the room. High Priestess Ishanah was holding Paulina and Clare, comforting them best as she could. A moment later everyone composed themselves; the younger members now were looking at the elder vixen who accompanied the two high priests. Nick was already holding paws with the vixen; it was not a surprise to the two high priests, but the others were mesmerized.
Aaron coughed softly and then spoke. "Introductions are in order. Priestesses... may I present Priestess Hilda der Fuchs? She has been unknown to many of our younger members; according to the moon this was purposeful as her duties was to protect the prophesy fulfillers."
Before he finished speaking the elder vixen had reached over and now held the honey badger in her paws. "The moon knows; and with my self-imposed exile over we now have the ability to recover him before the dark ones can convert him."
She pushed the young priestess away to arm's length and looked each one over carefully. "I sense both of you are strong in the gift of the oracle; perhaps with my training you can be more disciplined. Perhaps you can be something more." She reached into a pouch that upon casual glance told it was quite ancient.
"I once thought I had the only one of its kind. Years of practice alone away from others save the moon itself showed me the purpose of these." She pulled out two necklaces, each one identical to the one she was wearing. "Eons ago there once was a great war within the priesthood. After hostilities were over and bodies disposed of, all artifacts once worn by the deceased were recovered and put into storage until the day others worthy of wearing and properly controlling the power such artifacts welded arose within the ranks. To this day few have displayed the discipline necessary to earn the right to wear these."
She placed one necklace on the necks of each priestess before her. "This day both of you have earned the right to wear these artifacts. Battling the hordes of priests equal to your own strength without succumbing to the onslaught has shown you your true strength. With these necklaces you can hone your abilities further than you were able before. Today your destiny changes; today we three reform the Oracle Council."
Paulina looked at her mentor; while she was bewildered, she saw happiness upon the lioness face. The hare was more difficult to decipher, but the high priest had a subtle upcurve at edges of his muzzle. She looked back at her disciple; the honey badger was as surprised as she was.
Ishanah coughed softly. "Yes... we knew both of you had the oracle gift. It is why Paulina was allowed to attend certain conferences under the assignment of being a representative of the council of the moon. When Clare was undergoing our initial evaluation, we noticed she had the gift as well. Pairing both of you we hoped the other would balance the one. When Hilda revealed herself it became clear what was going to happen."
Aaron interjected. "While you three are undergoing training, we will provide security. Hilda explained why she was forced to reveal herself: another has control of a necklace same as all of you are wearing. It isn't a member of neither our orders, thus it must be one of the shadow welders... otherwise known as Dark Priesthood."
By now Judy had managed to free herself from the paws and now stood before the priests. "Are you telling me there are killer priests?"
Arron looked at the bunny officer and answered plainly. "Yes. That's over-simplifying it, but it is the gist. The dark priesthood has little in use of morals as you and I know them. Ancient manuscripts describe them as *act first and evaluate later*. The ancient authors describe what happened during the civil war: the dark priest threw their majority of members against the Oracle Council, but the survivors fled before the combined might of our orders. Since then the Priests of the Moon and the Priests of Mother Nature have aggressively sought out any dark priest and eliminated them before they could gain sufficient power. Only recently have our efforts failed." He pointed towards one of the necklaces. "This must be the reason why."
Cotton and Molly were lying in separate beds and surrounded by their parents and grandparents.
"Apologies for not allowing Wally and Kenny in, but we are still performing tests and other procedures." Dr. Otterton was doing something with one of the sisters and Nurse Otterton was doing something else with the other.
"Doctor... when can their buck see them? And their siblings?" Bonnie was holding a paw of each her daughters, one in each paw. She had refused to let these go for several minutes now and the strain was beginning to show.
Her mother, Elizabeth, finally walked over and gently pulled the paws away. "Let them have a moment, dear. They aren't going anywhere and we have been assured a few of our family can stay overnight for as long as we feel necessary. You can stay as long as you want; Albert and Floyd have already drawn up a list of their siblings and at what times they will stay here."
"Judy? Nickolas? Jill and her partner Clara?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Our Wilde-Hopps couple will be here later this afternoon. Mr. Wong has authorized Jill and Clara to be here soon as they finish paperwork from their recent case. His law firm has taken our case and promised if anything can be actionable he will proceed. And before you ask... GSD is tracking the false package."
The door opened and Dr. Bearinton walked in followed by several mammals. "Don't mind us; we're merely checking what your doctors have your medications set on. We wouldn't want anything we prescribe having an adverse effect, now would we?"
"Doc" Molly said as she reached out with one arm. The bear walked over and let the small bunny hug him. "Thank you. But is it necessary for more medication? I'm feeling fine, really."
He chuckled a short bit and looked into her eyes. "You're already on a mild sedative; I'm just making sure mine isn't going to adversely affect you."
He went over to the other bed and let Cotton give him a big bunny hug. "We'll let Kenny and Wally in here soon as we can determine no scent from other males can be detected on you."
Everyone in the room remained silent. It didn't need to be said how bucks reacted when another buck's scent was noticed on their chosen doe. Cotton and Molly became visibly concerned.
"We already have taken steps to mitigate this" Dr. Otterton muttered as he reached out and held Molly's paw. "Both of you have been cleaned and we've given you a bath shortly after you arrived here. Obviously we first collected evidence of DNA and environmental things that embedded itself into your fur. Once you are rested and your family satisfied both of you are in good health, then we'll bring in your bucks."
Bonnie looked at the doctor with a frown on her face. "Bring them in. Please."
Elizabeth spoke into her robe's communication device and received a reply. The door opened and Opal walked in with Kenny and Wally following. Molly and Cotton squealed and received hugs as the bucks leaned over and held them tight. A moment later the two does' were receiving long kisses on their muzzles between short stoppages to gaze into their buck's eyes.
"I made sure to let these fine youngsters know some of what their does' went through. I let them know in no uncertain terms that none of this was their fault or their does' fault. We have been watching everything on closed circuit Tv and Dr. Bearinton has been quite helpful getting them prepared for meeting their does."
Bonnie's heart nearly melted when her daughters rubbed their chins across the buck's heads; the males returning the favor by rubbing their chin across their does' chests, something that normally done in private.
"Ok... everyone out. Let's let these youngsters do something our eyes are not meant to see." The bear ushered everyone outside and to a secluded lounge where what the youngsters were doing was playing on the Tv. What occurred next confirmed Kenny and Wally had completely accepted their does' and now it was possible both young couple could become parents.
Bonnie left the hospital content that her daughter's relationship was fully restored.