Here is the 78th installment. Hope you enjoy it.

I know this has been a loooong time coming. As I have promised, I am not going anywhere, even if it takes longer… A lot… longer, to get chapters out. I mean, 79 and 80 are almost done, and I am finally managing to re-establish the writing habit and a place to actually do it. With hope that I can write more, here you go. More to come, I promise. I just cannot promise how soon.

Notes live at the end of the chapter, so here is the obligatory, on with the show.

Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

It continues…. Enjoy.

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Landing back at the Sheeriton, the collected mammals file into the suite where they are greeted by those that did not go with them. Some light conversation is had, which eventually turns to the items that Judy, Nick, Mike, and Lizz seemed to be holding protectively. After a short, silent conversation, they decide that hiding what they now had in their possession would not serve any purpose. With that, the items were placed on the dining table to be examined.

Judy set the box on the table and opened it, a large piece of black felt provided for the purpose. It pays to be staying in the Imperial Suite. Inside were several sets of earrings used commonly for mates. These hit much harder on Nick and Judy than one might expect. The main set was a mix of Wilde and Hopps styling, and more to the point, were the exact design that Nick and Judy had worked out and drawn up for themselves, in an ideal world.

That main set however included four rings, not two, and in a full set that would suggest that Nick and Judy would, at some point, add two others to their family as mates. Something that had Nick and Judy looking at each other with wide eyes.

N: Judy?!

J: NICK!

N: Does that mean?

J: I… I guess… I mean…

N: I know rabbits will do that. I mean, your parents have had a third more than once, though they didn't last according to what you said. But to have rings shows a true permanency.

J: Not so much not lasting, as they died. It's why mom and dad refused to take another. Quartets are far more rare, but they do happen. But… Would you want to? Could you? I'm more than happy with you.

N, Smiling: I'm not actually as averse to the idea as you might think, but it would have to be the truly perfect mammal.

Judy pulled the set of earrings out and set them on the large felt pad one at a time. Each one was a braid of Gold, Platinum, and Silver, and had a Hopps sapphire, a Wilde ruby, a large diamond, and a Void Diamond. They had an invisible hinge, so once secured, there would be no way to tell how to open them.

The Hopps sapphires and Wilde Rubies were shocking in their size and brilliance. The existence of a Void Diamond however was what truly shocked them. A void Diamond was a stone only spoken of in whispers and legends. Truly the rarest of all possible stones, and only two of the rings had them. The ones with a little label of Nick, and Judy. The other two did not have labels, but instead a note lay beneath them.

They also noted that the face of the stones, as well as the rings themselves bore some etching in both ancient lapin and vulpine. The translation of which only gave further force to what they were and what they represented beyond just being their ideal mate then picked up the note that lay beneath rings and unfolded the ancient paper carefully.

Nick and Judy.

I know the existence of these two extra rings comes as a shock. Well, stress not. They are there because as I stated, there are a lot of versions of you, and some do in fact welcome another mammal, or two, into their family. If you don't, you don't. You can gift them to your kits to share with their own mates, just as the other sets here are for.

As for the Void Diamonds. Well… Those were not easy to come by, let me tell you. The primary set of mate rings were your ancestors. They had a simple pair of diamonds in them originally, and the second stone of the set is the diamond in the other part of the four. The Void Diamonds are, as you know, a mark of status that no one, in the world, even in your time, will question once confirmed.

Enjoy them. Enjoy each other. Don't stress over any implications too much.

Remember, the so-called prophecy is just some poor ancient mammal who could actually see the future, writing down the ideal timeline as he saw it. It is meant to be the ideal, and the truth of your reality is probably different. Just do your best.

Judy and Nick looked at the items and the note, back and forth. A note written in a literal mix of lapin and vulpine. "Judy… Those are real."

Judy nodded and picked Nick's. "Nick…"

Grinning. "I'll wear it happily, Fluff." Kneeling down so that she could easily remove his existing mate ring and put the new one in place. Nick then picked up hers and did the same. "They feel… the same, really." Flicking his ear. "Maybe slightly heavier, but not overly so.

Judy nodded. "They do. Still. Let someone argue with the pact now."

Bonnie finally stepped up next to them and saw the note. "What? That's ancient lapin. Judy?" Seeing the mate rings in their ears. "Judy! What? How?"

Judy shrugged. "A gift from the distant past, mom."

Bonnie frowned, and then gasped upon seeing the black stone that shown just as brightly as the other two between the sapphire and ruby. "It can't be!" Pulling Judy's ear down, reasonably gently, though getting a protesting grunt all the same, to look at the three stones that all but glowed. "By the gods. It is. Where did you get these?"

Nick chuckled. "These are the exact, ideal, design that Judy and I came up with, though we never thought in a billion years that we would ever personally see a Void Diamond, let alone two."

"Those cannot be real."

Nick nodded. "Most will assume that, but look carefully. They very much are. You see fakes all the time, but they lack the fire of a true Void Diamond. I mean, they are not actually diamonds, but who's counting. They're made from the impactor. They are small pieces of the asteroid itself that changed the face of our world and paved the way for the species we know today. Exactly how they are cut is unclear, as efforts up to and including high powered lasers and such have failed to even scratch it. And yes, we noticed the etching, and what that means.

So let us state this now. We make no claim. You and Stu are the leaders of the family and will remain so. We have no interest in taking that away from you. These are mate rings for Judy and I. That the stone and etchings are there will add gravitas to them is on those mammals that recognize the significance. While it certainly will be useful in some situations, such as any who try and stand against the pact. They are for us. That's it."

Judy needed in agreement. "Though, if you find need of the extra force, you're free to call us, just as we are free to refuse, depending on the situation and ask.

Bonnie and Stu nodded with smiles. "Well, they're beautiful. Most won't notice unless you call attention to it."

Bogo leaned down and groaned with an eye roll. "I do hope you two do not expect special treatment."

Judy laughed. "Only that we are allowed to wear them, Chief. Just like any other couple, with the requirements of being fully professional on the clock remaining otherwise intact."

Bogo nodded with a rare warm smile. "Acceptable."

Bonne smiled. "So what else do you have?"

Judy lifted up the inside section to reveal another collection of mate rings. Three groups of 2, a group of three, and a group of 5. All similar in design, but clearly meant for their kits. Judy grinned. "Something for our Kits. We'll have to see what they design for themselves and then once we see it, and meet their future mate or mates, give them the set meant for them."

Bonnie grinned. "Just let some government busy body try and stop the pact now. With you having those, even they can't stop it. Not that they could, legally, but I expect they will try."

Judy and Nick grinned knowing Bonnie was right. Everyone's attention turned to Lizz and Mike as Victoria spoke up. "That's great. They were already going to have a hard time arguing with it, but now, with those, you can be open about the planning and no one will be able to question it now." Turning her attention to Lizz and Mike. "Now… What did you two get?"

Lizz set the small box down. "Just some mate rings, of a tiger specific design. Based on what Judy and Nick's have in them, this has Hopps Sapphires, Wilde Rubies, and Void Diamonds as well."

Judy hopped up and looked closer. "Yep, that's exactly what those are. Wow. With this and what Mike has, there is no way in hell the Pack council can stand against you anymore. Plus with you standing with us, the pact simply cannot be blocked, legally or otherwise."

Lizz nodded with a grin, turning to Mike. "Mike… I know mate rings are not a wolf thing…"

Mike stopped her with a passionate kiss. "Those look like the studs are meant for wolf teeth to make, no?"

Lizz looked closer with a nod. "Actually… Yes. My teeth would shred your ear."

Nick chuckled. "But… That doesn't mean you cannot ask someone else to do it for you, right?"

Lizz looked even more embarrassed as she nodded. "Well, yeah. It's just. We were not open, and we still haven't been open that long. It's not something we have had time to talk about, given everything. I mean, we were only open for a few weeks when the whole situation happened. Now we have our cubs, we're open and married…"

Mike picked up the one meant for Lizz. "I'm not sure if there is any specific ceremony to this, but assuming not. "Elizabeth Fangmeyer-Wolford. Will you wear this mate ring as a physical symbol of our union under Tiger traditions, matching the rings on our fingers under wolf tradition?"

The grin on Lizz's face could not have been wider, and there was no way for her to not show teeth as she nodded, kneeling down and presenting her ear. "I would be honored."

Mike looked at the ear and frowned a moment. "Uhm… Where should I put the hole?"

Lizz giggled and then pointed to the inside edge, about half way down. There was no stopping the grin on Lizz's muzzle, despite the sharp pain a moment later as Mike used his fangs to puncture the hole. He then mounted the ring in place with an audible click. LIzz stood with tears in her eyes as she rubbed her eyes to clear them and looked around. "I kinda wish there was a smaller feline here." Only to have Jake stumble into her on the side.

Looking up at Lizz he grinned nervously. "Uhm… Hi. I… Uhm… I… Lynx have a similar custom. Especially if one of the parties cannot do the bite for some reason. Usually because we've gotten with a non-lynx. We're pretty open when it comes to that as a species." Glancing behind him, mumbling under his breath. "Not sure who pushed me. I was going to volunteer, but there are protocols." The mumble was greeted with several giggles.

Lizz grinned. "Let me see your fangs." Jake grinned and Lizz gave a nod picking up the ring and comparing the size. "It would seem our ancient benefactor took certain things into account. Jake, would you do us the honor of creating the hole for Mike to wear my ring?"

Jake straightened up and gave a respectful bow to Lizz and then to Mike. "It would be my deepest honor and privilege if you would allow me to do so."

Mike smiled and kneeled down. "You honor us with your offer." A moment later there was a hole in Mike's ear and Lizz secured the ring in place with another click.

Bogo grumbled before speaking. "Same rules as the primary pain in my tail."

Lizz and Mike grinned and were quickly mobbed by the family and everyone else there with fresh congratulations.

Jake standing to the side with a grin, noticed Lizz's mom stop next to him. Looking up. "I hope you didn't mind me stepping in."

Madeline grinned down at Jake. "So, Jake was it?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Jake what? Have any family that you talk to or interact with?"

"Jackson, Ma'am. A few family that I still talk to, though most cut me off. My younger sister. Lives in Sea Otter. She'll be down for the pact signing. My grandmother lives in the mother-in-law suite at our house. Absolutely loves Amy. Dad died in a factory accident due to safety regulation failures. Mom got a big payout and bailed on the two youngest, being me and the sister I speak to. The others, two brothers and an older sister. They went with mom and the money. Didn't even bother to reach out until I graduated from college. Grandma raised us, and when they found out that I was mated to a rabbit. You can guess."

Madeline nodded, her smile softening. "I see. Well, at least you have some family. However, you do realize that you have just joined the Fangmeyer ranks now, right?"

Jake blinked slowly. "Uhm… What?"

"Yep. Little thing about us as a family. You step up like that and you get adopted, after a fashion."

Jake was staring up at Madeline, so he didn't catch Lizz and Mike's approach. He was shocked as he was suddenly marked on the shoulder by the pair. Looking around wildly. "What the hell?"

Lizz grinned. "You're my adopted brother, and apparently the wolves have a similar tradition, so you're a Wolford now too." Looking over at Judy. "Where's your sister, as his mate, she gets it too."

Jarvis laughed as he blocked the emergency exit. "The McGreggor's are the same, so just accept it, Amy."

After a short scuffle, Amy was also marked and officially adopted, pressed to Jake's side, both slightly confused but happy. Meal plans were made at that point. Victoria turned her attention to Mike. "Okay, Mike. What was it that you came back with?"

Mike grimaced slightly, walking back over to where the cloth was laid out. "First, mom. Let me advise that Lizz and I are not interested in taking over from you and Dad any sooner than you two decide you are ready to pass the torch. We will use these at the time of our ascension, and maybe to shut down any further push for unreasonable tests and overcome the provisional status that Lizz was given."

Victoria and Arron looked at Mike concerned, Arron speaking as Victoria eyed the small box in his paws suspiciously. "Mike? That's a rather weird thing to say before revealing what's in that box."

Mike chuckled. "Not once you see what's in here."

Victoria frowned deeply. "Michael. You act like you have the original, lost, Alpha badges in there."

Rolling his eyes, Mike opened the box and set the badges on the felt. Victoria gasped and Arron groaned loudly. "As a matter of fact, mom…"

After staring at them for a long minutes, Victoria passed a paw over them cautiously. "Wow… Now your statement makes absolute sense. These entitle you to take over immediately." Putting up her paw. "I get it, and I agree. You're not ready just yet. Neither of you are, but this puts to rest any remaining obstacle you may have." Looking over to the pups. "It also means that your pups will be unquestioned and will be accepted in line for ascension in their own right. Given they are all part of the same birthing. You'll have to decide on the ranking."

Lizz chuckled. "Yes, but we don't need to do that any time soon, unless you plan on stepping down in the immediate future?"

Victoria laughed. "Oh, dear no. You two will make amazing Alphas, but you are far from ready yet. If you had to, you'd make it, but you don't, and we've no plans to force you too."

Mike relaxed, letting out a breath he'd been holding. "Good." Putting the badges back in their box. "Levi!"

The Nightwolf appeared. "Sir?"

Mike held out the box. "As my direct guard, and under the sworn oath of the Nightwolves. I entrust this box and its contents to you and the Nightwolves to protect until such time as we return home and it can be secured in the pack vault properly."

Levi nodded and took the box. He gave an odd bark and a void black short furred forest cat appeared, standing only barely taller than Judy. "This is Grehell. I can think of no one better suited for this task. Are you up to it?" Grehell nodded and vanished, along with the box, seeming to have never moved. Levi smiled. "Grehell is not seen unless he wants to be. He is not heard unless he wants you to hear him."

Judy chuckled. "Oh, Nick! That looked like Escatora form six A, maybe C."

Nick huffed. "Yeah. I am going to say A as well, because there wasn't any smoke or powder used as a distraction. Show off."

A voice came from everywhere. "How can either of you know that?"

Bogo groaned. "Great, another assassin clan survivor." Glaring and Nick and Judy. "How many of you actually survived?"

Nick shrugged. "How should we know? It isn't like we hold meetings or conventions. As much as I hate that I lost family and friends, the clans themselves did need to go."

Judy nodded. "Given what my teacher has told me of the history, I think there might have been better methods to deal with them, but in the end the world is better off without them."

Maria chuckled. "And that is why you are both considered Master at this point. Anyway. Grehell, I'm sure they'll be happy to add one such as yourself to their teaching. You can teach them, and they can teach you. Assuming you have the right mindset."

The voice, still from seeming everywhere. "I will consider it. If you are Master, then I am sure you have much to teach. I was only in my 3rd year. I know much, but much was lost as well. May I ask, as others uninitiated here seem to know. What tradition?"

Nick spoke. "Helketta"

Judy leaned into him with a smile. "Cheth and between us we have collected as much from the ashes of all the clans as we were able."

The voice sounded amused. "The two major clans. Amazing. A long conversation surely must be had, though at another time."

Following that, there were eye rolls from some, groans from Bogo, and some very pointed questions from certain parental units.

After an early Dinner, playing with the kits, and generally relaxing, discussions with Kraven where had as to what the next few days would entail. They were done with the required items of meeting the pack council and city council. Now, they got to play tourist. Bogo and family were staying for a few days and moved to a smaller suite courtesy of Maria, as did Erik and Jeff. All present decided to take advantage of their time there in the city to get in an impromptu vacation from what they expected to be an absolute nightmare upon their return to Zootopia.

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A/N

Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to dcballard . com ( Direct: ascensionnovel . / scribblings (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)

If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."

You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.

So keep those reviews and comments coming. And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.