Family Feud Part 1.
"Good Evening. I'm Fabienne Growley."
"And I'm Peter Moosebridge. Here's what's happened in Zootopia today. Abductions of Lapins have been going on recently in our fair city, not only our city but in those far and near. While some may consider this a blessing considering how quickly they multiply, others know this may lead to their species being targeted. Thankfully or not it seems to affect only the Hopps Family, both close and distant relatives in the family tree. City hall refuses to comment on it, only saying the matter is under investigation. Authorities at One Police Plaza also have the same response.
The camera switched to the snow leopard.
"We at ZNN have been closely following these events. While it may seem like favoritism to spend so much energy on one family, it is that of Zootopia's favorite bunny. Speaking of her, she also remains missing as is Officer Wilde, her husband. He has in his own right grown on the hearts of our citizenry, pawsicles notwithstanding. It is our understanding their daughters have been in the care of his family and have been visiting their grandparents."
As the Tv news went on Marilyn and Caroline snuggled against their grandmothers, enjoying the comfort only elder females can give. Now that they had talked with Judy they were in much better spirits, even though they miss her terribly so. They didn't know where their father was, stories told by their grandparents convinced them he would eventually outwit whoever was holding him captive. Their stepmother on the other paw was being cared for by two priests and a group of unknown mammals. As far as the young vixens knew Judy was being properly cared for considering the wounds that was obvious even as these were bandaged and covered up with makeup.
They knew Judy wasn't their biological mother, she was a bunny after all and her family didn't try to pass her off as their true mother. They loved being with the elder rabbits as they never lied but if something was not appropriate for them the elder rabbits simply said plain now wasn't the time but when they were older things would be said plainly. By now they understood why they had three sets of fox grandparents; their mother mated with two todds thus half of her litter belongs to each male. While Nick was the true father of Marilyn, Caroline's father was the son of Gary and Wendy Dennison. But all three sets of elder foxes loved both young vixens equally and they knew it.
Grandma Bonnie once told them a story, the one about all the luck in a bunny resides in their feet and paws. As long as their legs and arms aren't broken they are able to beat the odds. But their chances of escape lessens if one of these were hurt, increasing as more limbs are injured. The view of their mother didn't seem to show broken bones; not counting what she claimed was a sprain she received when they were running from a tracker group before the Resistance rescued her.
The two news-mammals continued talking about things and the young vixens listened halfhearted not really caring about anything other than when Judy would come home... and just as important when their father was coming home. Great grandma Wilde told them she was keeping her agency looking for Nick, but if a crook was skillful enough no agencies worldwide could find what was hidden.
Mr. Big visited the young vixens regularly, letting them know he had his teams looking for Nickolas. By now the young vixens knew the Arctic shrew was a mammal whose job involved skirting the law. They also knew their mother was godmother to this shrews' granddaughter and he was honor-bound to raise both sisters to be the true godfather of the Outback Isles mafia. They giggled at the title, it was a masculine term and since they were females they thought the proper term was godmother. The shrew simply said tradition allowed for them to use either term, but the masculine held more sway hence females in the past preferred using it.
They knew when they grew up one or both of them were expected to step into those shoes and become the leader of a ruthless organization neither of them were being raised to be. Mr. Big simply said it never failed: when they became teenagers the thirst to wield power would overwhelm common decency. He was involved in their lives to teach them how to wield power properly, hence teaching them about the Old Ways and the old laws that governed mafia families. Just as he would mercilessly kill his own grandkits if they refused to obey these laws, so too would he kill them. Once they refused to obey him, he was smaller than them after all. They quickly found out that the two bears that always were kind to them would quickly bind them in ropes and position them in a bathtub full of ice-water, releasing them only when they neared hypothermia.
Now these young vixens rarely experienced punishment and received caring from not only Nick and Judy's families, but from Mr. Big and FruFru as well. These found out they had a bigger education than young mammals of their own age, they were being taught not only by their grandparents but also things Mr. Big said they needed to learn. Marilyn and Caroline soon learned these differences in teaching often conflicted with each other, becoming confused when explanations from either side insisted theirs was proper.
Times like this they wished their parents were here; these would decide which was best to obey when and where.
"Fate of both officers remain unknown, however Chief Bogo at Precinct One remains confident of their return. He said there was a high probability both would be returned sometime this year. The chief also said he would not be surprised if it was the bunny officer that arrested her captors; the fox most likely torture his with wry off-color jokes. ZPD has been otherwise tight-lipped on this matter."
The camera switched back to the bull moose.
"Strange happenings have been occurring over at the Regal Giraffe Theater. Mammals that complained about a new movie being shown have disappeared. ZPD investigations have turned up no tangible clues but the theaters' management has insisted whatever has happened one should ask the group that rented the room in question, the Big Family. If the mafia is involved then whatever happened to the missing mammals certainly will not be found any time soon."
Mindy, Janis, Rachel and Kathrin, the four females that were members of the private eye club called Empress Choice, sat in the office of *Details-R-Us Detective Agency* watching the afternoon news. Ramington Steele, a timber wolf who was the owner and mentor, watched the news intently. His secretary Charlotte Fields, an elderly ewe, sat next to the wolf and tried not to let her apprehension show what was on the Tv screen. Over the past few months the detective and his trainees followed one lead after another, each leading to a dead end and seemingly a waste of effort. The elder wolf cautioned his trainees that solving a case more times than not had many dead ends before finding the clue that allowed the case to be solved.
"We had a break on our search for our fox client" Mr. Steel said when he turned off the Tv.
"Well... don't keep us in suspense. Out with it!" Janis was displaying more annoyance than proper.
It was uncharacteristic for the female swine to be blunt towards her mentor. Charlotte put a hoof to her mouth as she looked agape towards the senior member of the group. Both vixens and the otter looked at the swine with raised eyebrows.
"Calm down girl or else we'll be enjoying pork chops soon." Mindy said with a smirk on her face.
"Bacon... and the rest turned into sausage." Rachel also had a mischievous look on her face.
"Whole pork resting on a platter slow-roasted with stuffing inside along with a honey glaze and an apple inside the mouth." Kathrin muttered as she watched her friend become more annoyed as each friend named different ways the swine could be prepared.
"Ladies let's return our focus to what I'm about to impart to you. Besides... you're disturbing Mrs. Fields. But if it is any consequence my vote goes to both of us locked in a cage-pit in a grudge match, winner eats the other."
All in the room new what he meant; swine were omnivore opportunistic scavengers that ate anything. Only goats were known to eat things swine wouldn't, such as things that had thorns and metal cans. If the wolf and swine were locked together inside a pit it would have been an interesting fight indeed.
"One of our members found a clue that was verified by other members. As you know it has long been suspected his disappearance is related to the Outback Mafia. It has been confirmed."
He paused to wait for everyone to stop cheering.
"Here's the puzzling part... the GSD knows as do Mr. Big's organization. Why neither of these have moved in and rescued our client is up to speculation, it could be because of the revelation of the drug he's been sedated with."
On a different monitor the screen lit up and a name appeared along with technical data about it. Whistles soon rang out among the females.
"Chasing the Dragon. That's among the worst most addictive drugs one could become prisoner to." Janis muttered.
"Nickolas has a history with it. Mindy said."
"He does indeed. I managed to discover his family knew about this. Getting one whose addicted weaned off it is probably the most difficult thing loved ones can do. I can't prove it but since his grandmother is the director of Zootopia Health Commission it stands to reason she used her access to governmental database to find and use medication and techniques to cure him back during his first addiction." Rachel was rubbing her paws together in small circles.
"Chasing the Dragon... it its homeland the citizens tell a story about how addicts become the most dedicated servants to the one that controls when the drug is driveled out. Withdrawal is said to be painful not only physical but psychological as well. It is said if the controller wanted a target to be killed in the most gruesome way possible he only had to withhold the drug until the addict became a thrashing of blur and claws. At this point the target would be pushed into the cage and the controller would watch as this mammal became torn pieces strewn about the cage. Only at this point would the addict be tranq-darted... but the effect always was a coin toss. Either the drug calmed the addict or it killed it."
The room remained silent for a few moments; obviously everyone knew what this portrayed. The Godfather of the Outback Mafia goals had plans for the todd.
Kathrin spoke up. "Nickolas has risen above what society deems foxes should to be: lowly petty thieves. Now he has been the heartthrob of vixens everywhere, one only has to observe their reaction when he's around... or look at the recruiting posters which are covered with red lip-prints. Perhaps this is why he has been abducted."
Ramington held up his paw.
"There's more. A doctor was interrogated in regards to a house call he made to a client. You all will find her name interesting... Catherin McKeen."
The reactions were as he expected. Catherin was the consort of Gregor McKeen, restored godfather of the Outback Isles mafia. It was the previous godfather, Josephine Wintersprite that originally abducted Nick which led to him becoming a father unexpectedly; she originally wanted him to become her consort. It was Josephine's right-paw mammal, Abigail Canny that wanted Nickolas as her consort too but her plans were thwarted before these could be realized. Josephine and Abigail are now dead leaving Catherin and Judy as the only females with a legitimate claim on the fox, only one of them had a double judgement binding her to him.
"What does the doctor have to do with this? Catherin has everything necessary to get what she wants."
The wolf held up his paw.
"During the interrogation by the GSD agents it was discovered why Nickolas was kept under the drug's influence: it's to keep him under her control. See... Catherin knows all ZPD officers undergo further training up in Camp Billie. Part of this training is escape tactics."
Now he watched as his protégés eyes betrayed their understanding. The vixen wanted to prevent him from escaping and considering her position in a powerful organization there had to be a reason why. It was Katherins' reaction the elder wolf was waiting on.
"The Old Ways."
He nodded. "Exactly. It may seem backward-thinking to require a female to be married and birth a litter in order to keep the title of *godfather*, but in mafia society following ancient laws there is a logic to it. Apparently in ancient times females holding this title would quickly tire of maintaining the status quo thus pick out those loyal and move away forming a new branch. Nickolas' abduction seems nothing more than to anchor Catherin's position of power, his genes and his cubs' semi-automatic acceptance into the ZPD Academy a possible secondary requirements. Infiltrating Zootopia society through an established institution could give her a new means of exerting control."
Janis nodded her head. "Being godfather she would want the best possible todd to sire her litters. I'd hate to be there when Judy faces off with her; I understand our bunny client collects heads. Her home office already has a starter collection."
Mindy looked at the swine. "Those are only whoever threatened her family, those meaning to permanently harm it."
Ramington nodded back. "As I started to explain... Dr. Black is Catherin's personal physician. It was him that gave the GSD the information about our fox client's current condition. He is credited with forestalling the godfather's plans, but mating season is approaching and GSD thinks Catherin will attempt to become pregnant. Since she already had birthed a litter she knows when her body is most ready. But our doctor's concern isn't about pregnancy per se... it's the possible contamination the drug does to his fluids."
Now further understanding washed across the young female's faces. These had seen first-paw / first-hoof the effects drug addiction had on a litter: young were born sickly. While the physical deformation was abhorrent enough it was the mental retardation that made outcasts out of these.
"Our theory goes something like this... Catherin will go ahead with pregnancy solely to solidify her power position. Then after her second litter is confirmed to be *clean* she'll have her first killed, most likely drowned at sea where the sea creatures will eat the bodies."
"That's... morbid." The ewe said, breaking her characteristic silence.
Janis smiled. "Yes it is. So Mr. Steele... our assignment is what?"
"Talk to the doctor; find out if he's willing to divulge our fox client's current location inside the fortress. He's a panther whose' practice is in Rainforest District near the border of Savanna Central. I'm told he hates the frequent rain and the bright sunny days, thus he chose a location that has roughly half of both. He's an enigma of his species."
Charlotte stood near Ramington as they watched the four young females depart the building, walking down the street before entering the Italian eatery the youngsters always frequented. As he usually did Charlotte followed the wolf's example, her head bowed as he whispered a prayer beseeching Mother Nature's protection upon the youngsters. When he finished she returned to her desk and he into his office, both now pretended to busy themselves else dire thoughts enter their minds, something both wanted a return to the peaceful days the city once was known for.
"Nicki... Nicki... Niiiiikiii! It's time to play."
A moment ago he had been going through withdrawal and once the drug started flowing through his system he felt apprehension. The temporary enjoyment was becoming shorter as the more he took the drug. In the old days he would have injected more of the drug to maintain the relaxation for the same time frame. But now when the injection went into his arm he was met with the nightmare he had thought was gone forever when his family interceded and through medical intervention broke his addiction.
Now the golden dragon was back and playfully frolicking around him, its big fluffy tail passing close to his face. This never failed as the vulpe would leap trying to catch the tail. The dragon moved his tail near the fox again, and again failed to get a response. It was undeterred and changed tactics, staying motionless an arm's length away as its tail waved provocatively towards the fox. Nothing. It stayed put as its tail swished to and fro, waiting for the fox to pounce. Still the fox remained immobile.
"Niki... its time to play."
The dragon continued baiting the fox trying as many tricks as it once used. After awhile it became convinced something was amiss, either that or this time the fox was being crafty and luring the serpents' expectations until its guard was down. But a figment of one's imagination couldn't be manipulated like flesh and blood, it could however become curious. The dragon crept closer until it could gaze into his eyes, its body ready to leap away should this prove to be a trick.
"Something has you worried, Niki. It's in your eyes. Care to share?"
"You wouldn't understand."
"Me? What could be more understanding than getting you to step away from your worries? This why I have you chasing me: playing is a form of escaping your troubles."
Nick cocked his head, confusion clearly shone on his face.
"Ahh... you thought all I was doing was punishing you, eh? Nope! We immortals have a purpose to all we do, and reveal it to those who are ready to face the truth."
"Ready? Why not say it plain? I don't have all day to attempt solve riddles!"
The dragon moved his head closer to the fox until inches apart.
"Everyone that takes this drug sees one of several immortals, depending on strength of your character. Most sees a specter or a favorite pet, others sees a terrible monster created by their fear and imagination. But very few sees me... the one that has judged your character and found it worthy of redemption. Yes Niki... you can make the world a better place if you will step out of this pity-party."
Now Nickolas was incensed.
"I'm feeling sorry for myself? I was abducted! Drugged through no fault of my own! This was done to me against my will"
The dragon was not impressed, waiting patiently for the fox's next words.
"Nothing to say, dragon?"
The dragon cocked his head.
"I appeared before you years ago when you were a lowly hustler because I saw your future, saw how society could change through your efforts. I appeared before you again because you have started the changes to society, in fact you have started to affect the fate of another society. It has yet to be decided if those underground mammals' future can be changed for the better. But...if you won't put aside this which has been done to you and strive to free yourself, then I am done with you. Here... look at what was supposed to be your tormentor."
Nick looked to where the dragon pointed and saw a dark swirling wisp of black smoke. It grew it changed into a small swirling black cloud, growing in size until as large as the dragon himself. Within the center two yellow eyes looked out, menacing as if it could reach out and grab the fox. Thankfully whatever it was it didn't exit the cloud, just stayed inside making all kinds of shrieks, howls and sounds emanating from within the cloud making it obvious something large and powerful was being restrained. Nick's ears lowered in response, his body language making it clear he understood the danger before him.
"Dragon... what is it?"
"Its name is Nightmare... because it reveals your deepest fears. It magnifies them then uses these against you like a prosecution. It has no mercy, declares you guilty and demands everything you have as payment for said transgression. Those who are subjected to him soon are withered down to nothingness and shrivel like a grape on the vine. Those fortunate to die quickly are spared years in vegetative state, watching the world around them through eyes turned into a looking glass... unable to communicate and forced to endure humiliation as if they were year-born cubs. Death comes when all will to live have been drained."
Nick nodded his understanding, this was a reoccurring theme in his sleep that caused him to awake suddenly soaked in sweat. The dragon noticed and with a wave of his claw the black cloud shrank until disappeared in a wisp of smoke.
"Good. Now stop pitying yourself and decide what you are going to do."
"Dragon... I can strive to resist but they keep me in restraints. Then there's the pain of withdrawal..."
A claw pressed gently against his lips, the first act of gentleness the dragon made towards the fox.
"We immortals sometimes act in your realm on your behalf. Your body needs the chemicals to supplement what once was supplied naturally. As long as you struggle against the pain I will assist in restarting your body's natural processes. But I will not do this forever... I am needed elsewhere as there are other mammals just as worthy of my interceding as you are."
It didn't take rocket science to know what this implied.
"Dragon... my previous addiction. Did you..."
Again the claw pressed lightly against his lips.
"Yes and no. Yes, I knew you were special hence clawing my way to claim right of redemption over you. And no... your medical authorities had the processes and medication to wean and restore your body whole again. But this time without an immortal's intervention it is near impossible for your body to fully recover. Oh it can be weaned off the drug, but the damage is permanent resulting in said mammal being completely useless to society. Restoring you to your previous state is my goal: wither you rise through the pain is up to you. I'll be here to counsel when next we meet, unless you fail to remember our bargain."
Nick's eyes shot open. He looked around and realized he was alone in a strange room. Did he imagine talking to the dragon, the one he was forced to chase? Did he imagine the conversation? Did he really see the thing called Nightmare? A cold feeling slid down his back, something familiar yet new as if a claw was the cause. If he didn't know better he would have sworn it was exactly as it felt... now it caused him to be alert. Something moved on the corner of his eye, he turned his head just in time to see a wisp of smoke disappear into thin air.
He really was alone in the room. Looking at the clock on the wall he was surprised he remembered the exact time he took the shot of drug... remembered the faces of who was in the room. She was here... but not now. He recalled what she wanted, how he obeyed willingly as if looking through a fog. But something wasn't right. It wasn't they were wrong species it was... something else. He was having trouble putting his paw on it; it was on the tip of his tongue. Something glittered over there on the desk, so he meandered over and picked it up. It was heavy, certainly made of metal... gold and silver if the coloring was to be believed. He turned it over, noticed the symbol was different on this side. He saw this once... somewhere. As he turned it from one side to the other it seemed to help his memory. This thing had words imprinted on both sides, Council of Elders... Outback Isles Mafia.
He froze. The trial to prove his love, to save his hide. The rush to escape she that trapped him once before. The hospital stay and the horrible food there. The abduction of... her. Now he remembered. Small paws that pushed through his fur, long ears that betrayed her thoughts... and hips that moved hypnotically. How could he ever forget her? Oh yeah... the drug. But how could he remember?
Oh... him. Of all the other times he came out of the stupor his memory was hazy and his thoughts slow to focus. But now at this moment they were crystal clear. The dragon said he would help but only if he made the effort. But he felt sick; his stomach seemed to flip over. After he finished heaving what must have been his last meal into the wastebasket he quickly tied the plastic liner into a knot and after looking out the window and noticing a trash container below he got rid of the evidence. Dragon never said it would be easy only he had to make an effort, that and he would be drugged again. If he kept his wits and remembered what they talked about before then his travels to reclaim his life surely would start.
A paw reached around and gently rubbed his muzzle causing him to be startled.
"He is awake, and puked again into my favorite wastebasket. At least this time he cleaned up after himself. Seems the tranquilizer residue finally has been purged out of your body. Now to feed you properly so your fluids will be optimized and we'll be parents this mating season. Won't that be wonderful, my love?"
He nodded dutifully as he couldn't remember how he responded back when he was under the stupor, hoping she would be none the wiser.
Catherin held him against her bosom, her facial expression made it clear she suspected not only was the tranquilizer residue out of his body but he was now in full control of his faculties thus at his most dangerous. Her paw slipped out of her purse and raised above his back, a quick downward thrust and the auto-injector did its work. A moment later he was limp as a wet noodle and lying unconscious at her feet. Moving him was like moving a pile of rocks but necessary considering it was important to place him back on his rug. She needed him to awaken in the spot of her choosing, one denoting she was the alpha. As she departed the room she took one last look back at him laying on his rug, after a quick prayer she exited closing and locking the door.
Nick opened his eyes and saw two large eyes peering back into his.
"Could you at least get a breath mint?" he asked the dragon, who relied with a hearty chuckle.
"He remembers."
"How could I not? It was only moments ago... or did you know it was this soon?"
The dragon gave him a playful grin.
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. My lips are sealed. Now... what I didn't tell you before was others have been searching for you and discovered clues to your whereabouts. With my influence you can maintain your identity, perhaps long enough to be ready to recognize when the proper time to leave has arrived. But for now... sleep. You need to gain your strength to endure what she has in store for you, besides bonk uglies."
The world slowly faded to blackness leaving two eyes looking into his as Nick fell unconscious.
Rose, Rhonda and René Hopps waited at the Bunny Burrow train station inside the delicatessen Shakes-n-Things, one of several new businesses that sprang up using tax breaks offered by the village council to rejuvenate the economy. Getting businesses to return after the underground invasion was going slow, hence this one of many tactics. These sisters were waiting for their friends to arrive and today the train was running late. They were eating lunch and were enjoying toast with marmalade, fruit and vegetable salad with sunflower seeds; strawberries and grapes were mixed with Romaine and Red-leaf lettuce. Two large pictures of ice cold liquid sat on the table near them; one filled with carrot juice the other blueberry juice.
An announcement over the loudspeakers informed everyone in the train station the trains' arrival was imminent. The sisters asked their brothers to watch over their food, a fate worse than death waited them if one morsel was missing. These were littermates that agreed to drive them here on condition their snacks would be paid for.
Gena, Doris and Helen Wilde stepped off the train and walked over to the trio of does, trading hugs and kisses. The three rabbit sisters endured a brief embarrassment as the three predator females sniffed the bunny's body from head to waist. Predators... some habits just couldn't be changed.
"Welcome once again to Bunny Burrow" Rose said since she was alpha of her littermates.
"Thank you. It's a predators' paradise: prey everywhere!" Gena was alpha of her litter and she enjoyed the eye-roll these bunnies gave each time she said it.
"Har har. Funny every time you say it" Rhonda muttered dryly.
"Can't help it... you set it up so perfect." Gena smiled sweetly.
"Let's get our guests to the delicatessen. If our brothers have touched my food we'll let you have them for lunch" as René lead everyone towards said shop.
Gena put a paw under her chin.
"Hmmm... dinner or make another payment from the Servants of Truth. It's difficult to know which the better option is."
"Well... if you don't take a warm meal then I'll be forced to gut him myself."
Doris waved her paws. "Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? Your brothers are looking this way."
All six females looked over to the shop where three bucks were making faces towards the females, one pretending to be eating the food another blowing kisses and the third obviously trying to get the others to sit down. It was a performance worthy of inclusion in the evening's schedule over at the Hare's Tale Theater.
"At least one of them has an ounce of common sense." Helen muttered as she returned the gesture, leaning forwards just enough to allow his eyes to see more of her cleavage underneath the low-cut blouse. Rhonda looked at the vixen and slapped her on the shoulder.
"Don't encourage him. Of all my brothers he is one most likely to try bedding you."
This caused chuckles to go through the group.
"If you allowed him then we'd have to sell both of you to the Servants." René said as a sly look formed on her muzzle.
"I tease males every chance I get. The poor saps are slaves to their lusts thus easy prey. Lapin bucks are the most enjoyable to watch as they spin like tops when denied sex." Helen now was standing with a slight exaggeration in her posture made it clear she still was flirting with the young buck.
Rose cleared her throat loudly, obviously to get everyone's' attention.
"Let's get inside and eat. If Gerald wants a tail call and Helen is willing then after the deed is done we'll throw both to the Servants."
"Party pooper. I clearly said I enjoy teasing, but I suspect it's you that doesn't want to see a buck in denial."
All three rabbit does give her an annoyed look.
"He's grandmother's favorite grandson. If he went missing nobody in the burrow would be allowed a minute's worth of sleep until either he or his body is found" Rhonda said as she gave her brother a warning look and paw waving in a negative manner.
Moments later the group of mixed females entered the delicatessen and allowed the bucks to push chairs under their rumps as each sat down. Gerald pushed his cheek against Helen's cheek obviously flirting, perhaps knowing this was how vixens marked their males and it was his subtle hint at wanting something else. He was quick as she snapped her teeth at him, barely avoiding his neck and removing a few hairs off his throat. His remaining nearby told everyone he wasn't hurt and certainly pushing his luck.
The three vixens ordered their usual: scrambled dove eggs with strips of bacon and flapjacks covered with melted butter and marmalade. It was not lost on the Hopps siblings this was remarkably like what Nick ordered when he and Judy took these sisters out for dinner. The vixens pre-paid for their meal which annoyed the waitress.
"Can't tempt Fate...us foxes gotta be careful and pay the full amount unless we want to get skinned alive by an unruly mob."
The Hopps sisters obviously dropped the subject and wanted to get to the purpose of the visit, but first had to get their brothers to leave. Gerald was still pushing his luck as he continued teasing Helen and apparently wasn't expecting her to grasp his head and place a firm kiss squarely on his lips, followed by pushing her muzzle against his cheek. It worked and his brothers teased him about getting one-upped by a female.
"Leave us be dear brothers. We'll be fine with these ladies nearby. Judy has her personal predator protector and these dear friends certainly will keep us safe. You usual payment waits in the secret hiding spot."
The Wilde sisters watched as the buck kissed and hugged their sisters before walking away quick as they could. Gerald quickly placed a kiss on Helen's cheek before rushing along with his brothers. Moments later all watched as the Hopps family truck drove by and disappeared down the road.
"Before anyone asks... it's the Velveteen sisters. They are paid a hefty amount to *entertain* our brothers when we have these meetings."
"Is sex is all you rabbits think about?" Doris asked incredulously.
She received annoyed looks from all three does.
"No, but it's a close second. In this case it's more than sex and money... if a tail call happens that's their business. In this case *entertainment* means keeping our brothers occupied, how and what doesn't concern us just that they are out of our fur so we can discuss business without prying ears. Payment given could be anything they ask... cosmetics, anti-irritation cream, lingerie, perfume... anything. We're lucky they haven't asked for part of the Hopps Farm."
"If one of them becomes pregnant that could become a possibility."
"That's doubtful as I make sure each gives me a urine sample: they have to pee into a cup as I watch. If they're close to heat they must allow an anti-ovulation shot or withdrawal from participation. Zootopia Health Commission developed a test that measures hormones in urine thus tell at what point in her cycle she is. It allows you to tell just how close she is to the *five plus two* pregnancy window she is."
Helen waved her paws in the negative. "I throw a flag on the play. Never heard of such test, prove it."
Once again three does gave her that look. Rhonda opened her purse, fiddled around inside before removing a paper-covered stick similar to one used for a popsicle.
"Either hold this in your urine stream or dip into a cup filled with your fresh pee. It turns one of three colors: rust signals you're already pregnant, gold signals caution you're in the window, and green signals your window has closed and your period is either approaching or has completed."
The three vixens turned the thing over in their paws, reading the printed words on both sides of the paper covering before handing it back.
"Ummm... does this work for non-lapins? It would be such a stress breaker."
René handed the item back to her sister "This measures rabbit hormones but I suspect foxes have similar ones. You should check with Zootopia Health Commission to be certain this will work for you. Besides... I thought vixens can only get pregnant during mating season?"
Now it was the three vixens that gave the annoyed look.
"While that may be true overall it isn't unheard of for a vixen to experience non-symptom heat. Why it happens is up to debate, old wives tales says she desires a todd strongly hence her body conspires against her. Doctors say it's a byproduct of modern females' bodies needing to maintain hormones to keep our feminine curves all year long" Gena said as her paws made motions as if doing sign language.
Rose waved her paws just as Helen did. "Referee says delay of game... five yard penalty. Ladies let's get going and conclude the reason we gathered here in the first place."
The females put the plates aside and sat with their paws folded on the table before them. As with the past few voting sessions this was to be done with minimal speaking, a card with a photograph on one side and on the reverse contained the name and a biography of the mammal and its crime against societal norms.
Rose and Gena took turns holding up different photos of the accused, and then placed the picture face down so everyone could read the remainder of the biography for themselves. Thumbs up or thumbs down by all six indicated their vote and a unanimous consensus were needed to send the mammal in question to the Servants. It was rare for a break in unity, perhaps because each body delivered meant money and these sisters valued money over lives... even over their conscious or the innocent. This continued slowly for several minutes for most of the hour. If one was watching and knew who these photos represented one would realize exactly what was happening: another group of Judy's relative fate was being decided. Only by sheer luck and being out of their normal routine would each be able to avoid the fate decided.
After the last photo was voted upon the females resumed their lunch, raising a paw signaled the waitress the group was ready to order. A menu of desserts was placed before each and after choices were made the waitress went to have these made. While they were waiting a group of college-age bucks came up to them and made small talk, obviously flirting and suggesting an activity behind the bushes nearby. Most of them balked at including the vixens but for those that were willing the six females asked for a picture of each male, not surprised they willingly posed. After the bucks left the group of females voted on the males willing to have sex with vixens and when the last one was voted upon the waitress returned with their desserts.
After the three vixens boarded the train for Zootopia and it departed the station, the Hopps sisters returned home via one of their chosen bucks. There waiting at the vegetable stand was those hired to arrange the abduction of the rabbits they had voted on, these also arranged the cover story to explain why said rabbit went missing. As usual the sisters reviewed the proposed abduction places, the cover stories, what to do if Murphy and his laws happened. After satisfied all was in place they paid the fee, as was customary half up front and the remainder when the deed was completed. The sisters barely paid attention as the pack of predators departed in an old pickup truck, the manufacturer of this model was a competitor of the manufacturer that made the Hopps truck.
After working at the stand until normal closing time they shut it down and rode back to the burrow with their brothers, the ones who left them at the delicatessen. These reeked of perfume obviously imparted upon the males by the Velveteen sisters, thus the sisters grilled them about what the does hired to keep them occupied did to them.
It was not a surprise the board game involved dancing. The loser of a round had to dance before the others to a song selected on a zphone, afterwards sitting down and the game resumed. Teenage rabbits loved dancing, some better than others thus this was perfect opportunity to show off their skills or perform erotic moves. After the loser danced to five songs was it removed from the game, allowed to select and play the song for loser of next round. The game ended when only one male and one female remained having danced to fewer than five songs, these had to dance before the others to five songs before the board game was stowed away.
Back at the delicatessen a couple vixens closed the newspapers they had been holding as subtle barrier against being recognized. Rachel Canny and Kathrin Wintersprite asked for the check and left a decent tip before paying the cashier. What they witnessed they were sure was a part of the gang responsible for the missing rabbits that were Judy's relatives and now these vixens needed to meet with their counterparts. It also explained how the most dangerous pack of predators whose normal territory in the Canyonlands on the border between Downtown and Sahara Central was here in a rural village.
Soon as they arrived at the prearranged meeting spot they could quickly compare notes and send this back to Mr. Steele. Waiting them in a nearby cabana were a mink and a sow.
"About time you two got here. Janis would have had to try another drink."
"I only had two... medium cups."
Beside the young sow stacked neatly together was two cups, the size indicated they were indeed size medium... if one didn't notice these were meant for popcorn. It probably was a wise thing the two vixens kept their lips sealed, embarrassing their friend out in public was never good manners. Besides the swine had subtle ways to get even, she also was leaving the group soon to go before the oral review board to earn her private eye license. The gang of females was certain she would pass with flying colors thus had a party reserved in her honor.
Rachael broke the ice, least the conversation focus upon the cups.
"We think we've discovered the culprits responsible for the Hopps family abductions."
Mindy was quick to respond since the sow was patting her lips with a napkin.
"Great news! We also caught a clue. Seems a group of the Dark Paws was here for something, their body language suggested they wouldn't be staying here long."
The two vixens looked at each other, Kathrin spoke up.
"That group certainly could perform the abductions. Our clue is about those that arranged for and paid the fees. Six females; three vixens and three does."
Mindy cocked her head. "Vixen? Doe? That could be anything."
"Names of the vixens are Gena, Doris, and Helen. Names of the does are Rose, Rhonda, and René. Other clues are a buck named Gerald that's quite flirty, knows how vixen marks their males, and is a favorite of grandma." Rachael counted off the clues moving fingers as each was mentioned.
A weasel meandered over, placed a small sheet of paper near Janis who picked it up. After reading it was apparently satisfied, she placed a small bag of coins into his paws. He looked inside and then put it into his coat pocket meandering away with no further sound.
"So? Don't keep us in suspense." Mindy said as she strained to read the note.
"He's a messenger, one of several in my employ. Note says the Hopps vegetable stand received an unusual group of visitors. These didn't purchase anything but when three does arrived they met them and exchanged words. Here's a pic he took."
The whole group crowded around to view the pic, both vixens reacted excitedly.
"Those are the females we observed... and yup those are the Dark Paws."
Janis put the pic into her jacket inner pocket
"That answers who the females are... Judy's own flesh and blood. Now to identify who the vixens are. I wouldn't be surprised if they're close relatives of Nickolas."
"Think if we asked his mother she'll tell us?" Mindy asked.
"It might prove more of a shock and set off a family feud. Let's first try a genealogy search, takes longer but won't offend the family, and certainly won't set-off unnecessary conflict. Couple of us could ask his grandmother directly, assuming the director of Zootopia Health Commission is willing to give two aspiring detectives the time of day."
It was obvious Janus meant the two vixen members of their group, her looking directly at them clarified things.
Rachel sighed. "Alright. It makes sense she'll be more receptive talking with her kind."
"I have it on good authority the director has a soft spot for our bunny client. I think once she learns the whole of Zootopia's detective agencies are working together to find her granddaughter-in-law not to mention her grandson she'll be quite receptive."
The four female aspiring detectives wet their way, two to talk to an elder vixen and the others on separate tasking.
Mindy Canter-Hopps, former scavenger of the Dark Underground, briefly held each of her kits before placing a kiss on each cheek and giving them to her mother. Ralph promised his wife all would be fine and she could return to her former duties stress free, knowing somewhere deep inside she would remain concerned about what her kits were up to. The Zootopians were beginning their campaign against the Dark Council and they needed mammals that knew the layout of her former homeland. Bridget was staying behind because in her opinion this was a fight better suited to younger mammals and her grandkits needed grandma to keep them calm, at least when they started missing their mother. Grandma Bonnie briefly held kits handed her by Bridget before passing the kit to Great-grandma Opal and Elizabeth who passed the kit onto Grandpa Stu or Great-grandfather Albert and Floyd.
Ten kits watched as their mother kissed their father and boarded the vehicle that would take her to the invasion's staging area. Jill, Jenny and Jane were here visiting and each held one of their nieces and nephews as they wished their sister-in-law good luck and watched the vehicle disappear in the distance. Jane's fiancé, Edward Skips was taking a few pictures as this was an important family moment.
Arthur Molts Hopps, aka Uncle Molts, was standing next to Bridgett. The elder buck and doe were formally dating and by now her grandkits had a strong suspicion he would become another grandpa and had been treating him as such. Arthur had no kits of his own and genuinely enjoyed acting as such, especially since Aunt Kimberly went missing.
A few days ago the mystery of Kimberly's disappearance was solved when the Hopps kits were called by two excitable vixens. Marylyn and Caroline told their long-ear cousins about Kimberly's condition, and when the Furtime program made unscheduled start Mindy's kits were allowed to be in the room alone except their parents and elders. The now-slightly elongated mound of flesh showed her ear was indeed growing back and her fingers were similar elongated flesh. Kimberly now wore paw-braces which were to relieve strain on the missing fingers that were growing back, soft cartilage-like bones were also starting to grown inside her finger-nubs.
Nurse Teresa Riverbay was standing just out of the camera's view, as was Judy. Just as when they first called Marylyn and Caroline to break the news of both staying here to help the resistance, Bishop Charlotte Snowshoe and Bishop Gandoff were standing next to the injured Tracker. These were introduced and their role in saving Kimberly's life explained, and why Kimberly was staying down here to help the resistance.
"Auntie... when will we see you again?" Wess asked as his small paws rubbed together.
"I'm not certain, sweetie. There are plenty of mammals around me that will keep me safe so I can advise their workers how to do things. I'm a Tracker after all thus know where things are and how to help them. Auntie Judy is here as well and if you know her... she'll be helping me make this place a better world."
"But auntie... I miss you."
Kimberly's good ear drooped, signifying his words hit a soft spot. The two bishops now could address the family as is their responsibility. Even down here in the caverns priests were the moral compass of society, some priests more than others.
Charlotte spoke first. "Young one... it is commendable knowing her nieces and nephews have genuine concern for her. This is good as it encourages her body continuing its healing process. Don't despair, she is in good paws."
Gandoff spoke next. "Young ones... while we are uncertain just how long it will take before things here are satisfactory enough for us to send your auntie home to your paws, we are certain her help is badly needed here."
The two priests motioned for Judy to step beside Kimberly as both priests retreated back behind the camera.
"Hi again! Wish you could see this place but at the moment it's too dangerous for your auntie and me. We hope to be home sooner than what most likely will be, but with that said we will be making regular contact so you can see for yourselves we still live. I hope you are being visited by my daughters, it does both of you good learning how to relate to those non-species of yours."
Ginny stood closer to the Tv, her best friend and sister Cotton followed close by. "Auntie Judy, when will Marilyn and Caroline come here?"
Judy's ears lowered. "Their grandmother, Jackie, promised me she's bringing them out soon. Seems since my abduction they have been moved from one grandparents home to another. Last week they spent time in Vulpinstan and now they are back in their grandparents' home in Happy Town. Most likely this weekend they'll be over at the Hopps Farm, I'm sure they'll enjoy roaming over the entire farm with their long-ear cousins."
Bridget stepped next to the Tv, pausing before she turned off the set.
"We'll look forward to their visit and I'll make sure their scratches are medicated. They love crawling through the briar patch even though they're getting a bit too big, but nevertheless they keep doing it. Gideon asked a bit ago when they were coming out, now that we know I'll let Opal know so she can get their bedroom prepared. Oh that reminds me... that part of the burrow has been undergoing fumigation so I suspect your girls will be staying over here."
She let the group of bunnies say their good-byes before she signed off and turned off the Tv. Several female trackers and scavengers ushered the bunnies into the dining room for lunch, afterwards helped carry them into the nap room putting them into a cuddle pile and covered with a blanket. Two vixens stayed as the remainder returned to their duties, an Arctic fox and a Grey fox. Miss Daniels and Miss Walker seemed to be spending more time with two of the little does. As the young ones slept the elder doe talked with the two female trackers about their part in the upcoming operation. While they couldn't give particulars they did tell her every able-body mammal that had lived in this burrow would soon be gone, these two were leaving shortly soon as the GSD sent a team to keep watch on the farm.
Bridget was glad Arthur was staying for a few days. He said the grandkits would be less stressed with an elder buck staying in the burrow, but she suspected he simply was using that as an excuse to be with her a bit longer. But he was right about one thing, kits did behave better when an elder male was around and they seemed to enjoy him staying overnight these days. Albert and Opal said every burrow needed an elder couple to properly run it, they even said from a practical experience when she married Albert's brother she and Arthur will become the legitimate elders of this Burrow. But from Bridget's perspective she said these two elder rabbits would always be considered the rulers, it was their original burrow after all.
The screen went blank replaced by the GSD logo. Normally it was considered rude to eavesdrop in a phone call without asking permission or getting a court order, but these days the governing council wanted the burrow's communication better scrutinized. Director Dench pressed the button on her desk and the large screen retracted back into the wall and covered by the retractable wall, its seams making it appear as if nothing was amiss. Colonel Kohle sat nearby holding his chin in his paw as a finger scratched his cheek. Neither said a word as they pondered what was said... or left unsaid.
The bunny was a trained officer of the law as well as a member of the Council of Elders, her status as a junior member meant her training to join the council was still reasonably fresh in her mind. If she wanted to send a message to the agency it would be through subtle movement of a paw or other body part, or she could always send a communique directly. But so far the lapin didn't send anything directly to the GSD, not counting the message about who was involved watching her trial before the kangaroo court.
It was depressing discovering three highly respected judges were members of the Servants of Truth, or at least sympathetic to the cause. Discovering the deaths of these three judges didn't elicit a tear, at least not by the mouse and dog. It didn't take rocket science to know these deaths were the act by the boss of Tundratown, an act they agreed with privately but publicly were obligated to search for the guilty party. Several important societal public figures also were found dead by mysterious means, these the GSD chalked up to the actions of Mr. Big as these names were on the list the ZPD officer sent.
Now the two senior members of the GSD knew this Furtime call was nothing more than a moral call to inform the Hopps Farm that Judy's daughters were coming over for a visit. Since the military campaign against the Dark Underground was starting shortly and General Earl Rommel already sent in his teams to prepare a beachhead in the underwater cavern, the GSD was obligated to send a team to the Hopps Farm. Grand Tracker Marquis wouldn't commit his teams without having his base of operations watched over by the Zootopians. Sheriff of the Tri-Burrows and Bunny Burrow police simply weren't trained to go up against the tracker teams the Chancellor of the Twelve would send.
The mouse went back to her duties as did the dog, both waited impatiently for the next call from the bunny regardless to whom she sent it.
The screen went blank replaced by the Bigs' family crest. The rodents' line of work rarely let rules of etiquette keep him from doing something society considered rude. But he wanted to screen every call the godmother placed, if she wanted to send him a message he needed to observe her movements. Sure... he could have this taped and view the recording at a later time, but he genuinely wanted to watch it live. He pressed a button and when the video reset he watched it again, this he did several times certain something was for him.
"I don't see a thing, boss."
Vito nodded at the trio of polar bears and one fennec fox. He sighed.
"Agreed. I was hoping this time she would send something meant only for us."
Flashing of a small light signaled an incoming call. Everyone grabbed something to write with or record, this specific light meant it was a video call. Fru Fru pressed a button and the screen lit up, showing the two rabbits seen earlier. Both gave the traditional greeting and bow of respect before resuming a proper stance.
"Apologies, sir... but the GSD team transmitting this video needed to switch to a new line. The Chancellor and Grand Tracker have been getting good at finding and cracking our codes, hence keeping these brief. GSD has switched to using our latest encryption techniques, still they urge keeping these short. What I have for you must be acted upon quickly."
Melissa Leporidae, Mr. Bigs' secretary, readied her pen and notepad. As much as she wanted to greet her friend she knew Judy would greet her before ending the call. As the ZPD bunny spoke what needed to be done and she knew only the Tunratown boss could achieve, everyone kept quiet and rapt attention towards the screen. When she signaled she was finished the rodent asked a series of questions, receiving short answers in reply.
"I appreciate your keeping a team guarding my daughters, now I ask for a separate team sent to watch over my family's farm... especially the burrow my brothers' family lives in. The Resistance has credible information that when the Grand Tracker and his teams depart to support the invasion of the caverns... the council will attack."
The room remained silent as the shrew scratched his chin, a habit signifying he was deep in thought.
"Godmother... rare is it you exercise your rights as befitting your status. Therefore it must be grave and desire situation twisting your paws. Since your daughters will be visiting there soon I'll have Finnick and his team there since they are already known by your family."
"Thank you, sir, for acting on behalf of my sister and her family" Kimberly said making a proper gesture to the elder shrew.
Mr. Big nodded to Kimberly. "I would have done it if only it were you that asked, seeing as you are working on behalf of the godmother. But since you are working to bring my former colleagues, the Council of the Twelve, to justice this act alone proves you are working on my behalf. Refusing to do as asked would be acting against my best interest."
Someone off-screen mumbled something and the two female bunnies barely had time to wave good bye before the screen went blank. Everyone in the room was silent for a moment before Mr. Big urged them to begin working on what Judy asked of them. Fru Fru was talking to Finnick, Koslov was assigning Keven and Raymond something he wanted done, Mr. Big on a phone obviously calling his lieutenants to meet him at the Blue Ice Palace.
Oracle Priestess Clare was at the beachhead watching the Zootopian military bring additional equipment into the cavern via the underwater cave entrance. She was in her full oracle regalia and wearing a cape that served both as symbol of her importance as well as comfort against the chill. At the moment it was serving as mat for her to take a quick nap, at least until her lover gently scooped her into his lap. Pastor Chester Marquis, aka Battle-priest Marquis, held her as both watched the goings on. Nurse Riverbay stood nearby as was her duty; Teresa gave the young lovers a certain amount of privacy while subtly observing them at same time.
Bishop Snowshoe and Bishop Gandoff were off somewhere in their official place of duty. The chancellor was getting more unpredictable and having these being visible would throw off suspicion. These two priests needed to get back to their assigned high priest so that they could continue providing services to the Triad Council and intelligence back to the Resistance. Bishop Gandoff to served High Priest Billie, and Bishop Snowshoe served High Priestess Greta. The third high priestess of the Triad Council, High Priestess Ganieda, was served by her husband Geoffrey Kerrigan who was a senior scholar in the Grand Archives and another member of the Resistance.
Since the two bishops couldn't travel here regularly without alerting the Trackers and guards, they were forced to relay messages through Geoffrey or any one of the Resistance members. Clare found it interesting that having the servants of each member of the Triad Council giving them information directly from the ruling authority had thus far not been detected. These servants were technically traitors to the Dark Priesthood, but prophesy stated this society must end so the citizens could be restored to their natural habitat.
Clare and Chester watched as a caterpillar battle droid was offloaded from a midget sub and moved to a maintenance area so its electronics could be verified as properly functioning before sent to a staging area in preparation for the invasion to begin. Chester marveled at its size causing the female honey badger to chuckle, this caused his confusion which she opened a video file on her wrist-mounted computer to show him the full-size variant.
"It is unfortunate that Zootopians don't have the ability to move the full-size ones here" Chester mumbled.
Clare smiled. "The cave entrance is too small not to mention the tunnel leading towards the Dark Underground and the non-populated parts of the caverns. Too bad we don't have time to excavate them to allow the bigger droids to move through, but the noise or vibrations probably would alert the Dark Council of our location."
"Couldn't they be dismantled?"
"They could be but it's their body's main part that's too large."
They remained silent as another midget sub arrived with a caterpillar battle droid it was carrying to be offloaded. Technically there was enough of these here to begin the campaign but Murphy's Laws stated rarely were there enough of anything hence why more were scheduled to arrive.
"Tell me again why you are here and the other two are not?"
Clare reached up and kissed his cheek. "I'm to counter any dark priests that discover this beachhead. You are here to keep me centered and help if the whole priesthood descends upon this area."
"Hmmm... two honey badgers verses a horde. Think we'll survive?"
"We did before I became an oracle and they converted you. Now that both of us are more powerful than before... I'm assured we will. Here's to not making a simple mistake."
Both of them froze.
Somewhere in the ethereal plane a powerful mind reached out and found them. Instantly Clare sent a thought back towards the intruder, moments later both honey badgers found themselves somewhere else. The place was blindingly white and after getting their bearings turned towards a trio of mammals. Clare instantly knew who these were as they did likewise; the expression upon the faces of the intruders as they looked at the male honey badger gave away his secret.
"So... it is as we suspected" High Priestess Greta said as she nodded towards the male in her group.
"Your deception was perfect... until the scrying uncovered the truth" High Priestess Ganieda said as she pointed towards the male badger.
"As an undead from another era I was not so easily fooled. But I admit I hoped my senses were wrong." High Priest Billie.
Clare felt her tiara tingle as it rested upon her head; her recent training told her it was emanating power thus providing a certain amount of protection, such as an attack through the ethereal plane. Another training she went through recently told her she couldn't summon an orb; this was not the physical plane therefore only the abilities of her mind were her only available weapon and tools. Thankfully the three priests before her held up paws signaling they were here to speak, this was for the moment neutral territory.
"We only wanted to meet the enemy in our mist, in our own backyard. When next we meet it will be to the death, including you battle priest. Too bad you chose love over power... we'll take pleasure letting you watch as we bleed her to a slow agonizing death. Then you will suffer a fate worse than hers" High Priestess Ganieda muttered.
Clare was surprised Chester didn't immediately act, thankful he didn't as she was certain the truce would immediately end and the real battle begin.
"He doesn't speak in his own defense... a pity" High Priest Billie murmured.
Wither provoked or chosen to respond Chester gave his reply.
"I didn't deceive you. I once was completely committed to your cause, at least until *She* entered my room and shown me what I once was before your corruption took me from my proper life."
Clare saw herself in this mental plane readying herself for what surely must be the trio dark priest's proper response. Instead the trio merely laughed as if they were told something funny. Then she sensed it, Chester must have as well because his alter-self did a motion with his paw and the whiteness disappeared. The real world was darkness compared to where they just had been and it took focusing their minds to bring them completely into the waking world. She glanced around her half-expecting to see the tree dark priests about to deliver the coup de grace. Thankfully neither of them was here and she couldn't sense them in the ethereal plane.
"They're gone and I've hidden our life-sign signatures. But that isn't our immediate problem. Something's amiss."
Chester was staring at a mammal that was doing something with a caterpillar battle droid which had been delivered recently. Clare looked at the same mammal and dismissed it as someone going about his duties. But instantly she froze and returned her gaze back to the mammal. Something was *off* about him and her tiara's energy focused her eyesight towards his forearm. There in vivid clarity was something inked into his skin, the design unfamiliar to her but not to sailors as this was tradition in the ancient craft. But this pattern was not traditional to sailors.
A bright light filled the cavern as did a blast wave and flying debris. Faster than a mortal could possibly do she summoned an Orb of Protection, the glowing sphere tall as she was and kept the debris from hitting her, unfortunately not that which bounced off the rock wall behind her striking her backside. Her cape prevented this from piercing her body but not the kinetic energy, thus throwing her to the ground. Dizzying she pushed herself up on her elbows and looked around. The place was a mad house.
The droid was a burning heap of metal, thankfully the military's habit of keeping certain equipment a good distance between each other spared a chain reaction. It also testified to the improvements made by the technicians at the Valley of the Oracles. Several technicians were slowly dragging firefighting equipment a few obviously hurt. She summoned a healing orb and rested her paw upon it, moments later it faded away and she was back to her old self. After summoning another healing orb she held each mammal until their injuries faded.
Chester was standing a few feet away holding the arm of the mammal that caused the destruction, the remainder of its body shredded into numerous pieces. A medic came over and took the arm, placing it into a biohazard bag, before it could take the evidence away an officer stepped beside Chester as did Clare. Chester pointed to the inked pattern and the officer nodded, consulting his laptop computer. What information came back shocked him and after allowing the two priests to view what was displayed he stated the obvious.
"He was a member of the Servants of Truth."