"Wilson, wake up. Wake up."
"What? What time is it? I'm still in bed."
"Yeah, but Crimes not. It sleeps for no man.."
"Or Women."
"Yeah. Or Women."
"Aaaaghhh."
"It was your plan."
"I know. I know. I was the one who sent them back. Regret me later. Where are they going?"
"That's just it. Our Mole says Rico has them headed in two different directions."
"A Decoy."
"Exactly. Which should we follow?"
"What do you mean, follow? They play dirty, so do we?"
"But, Sir. People look up to us and…."
"I'm not saying dress as Furys. I am talking about sending Squads to both places."
"Ohhhhh."
"But...that will shorten us thin. What if they split us down the middle?"
"Attack a Police Station? Now that's stupid. I don't know Rico for I am new, but even that's...…Fine. We'll have four people stay back."
"Think smarter not harder. I like it, Kid. He won't know what him em. I'll deploy the troops as we speak."
"Can I at least….."
"What? What's more important than catching the bad guys?"
"...Getting caught in your udnerwear, doing it?"
"Ewwww!!! Ewwww!!!!!!!"
"Then leave me so that I can change. By the time I'm out, I'll be patched up."
"As you wish."
".....It's not what I wish. It's what we're doing. I provide you food, you provide me service."
"Yes, Rico."
"The Plan stays the same. Team A."
"Yes?"
"Go."
"Team B."
"Yes?"
"Time…..starts….now. Wait an hour and thirty minutes. Once that clock strikes zero, I best not see you anywhere in my line of sight."
"Yes, Sir."
"I want the Trailers full, people. You hear me? FULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got a show coming up and I need those ratings."
"Sir."
"Gary, you know your assignment. Get my Mole back."
"Yes, Sir."
"Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey."
*What;s going onb out there? Is there a threat? Why are you mobilizng?"
"The Kings come back to save us."
*TING*
"Knock it off. All of you. If he shows his face, this will be the last place he will want to be. I will make sure that NONE OF YOU....ever sees the light of day again. Is that understand?
...…Good. Now sit down on your benches and sleep like the good little animals you are.
Analise, what are you doing here? This is no place for a little girl. If Rico sends his men to sneak back here then.."
"Analise is home. My name is Olivia."
"Oh. I...…I mistook you for….."
"It's ok."
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to thank you all...…before you....head out? Where you headed?"
"That's classified."
"Ricos after some more animals? Take me with you? He has animal whisperers on his side. You need one on yours."
"Sorry, Honey. Your Dad said you have to ask before you can just leave again. Safety and all. Plus...…
*Pat, Pat*
Bad guys don't play fair. Friendly fire is nonexistent, and there's no such thing as....."
"Bystanders. I know."
"Then you know why I can't take you. People are very different than animals. Thank you for taking care of Mars and being the thorn in Ricos side he never knew he would have. Now let us do our job and pull it out."
"But then he'll bleed."
"Now you care about the Badguys too?"
"Don't you?"
".....Wilsons in the shower right now. Their is stationary in the back to write a letter. Leave it at the front desk. She'll give it to him."
"Thanks."
"But don't dally. This is a Prison, not a caged Circus."
"I know my words. I'll be fast."
"I know you will."
"....Hey look. Do my eyes deceive me or is there really a thorn passing my eye? There she goes.
*Errrriiaaaakkkkk*
Oops. She heard me."
".....Can I help you, Hezekiah?"
"Nope. Just looking."
"Oh. Is that so. Window browsing, you say?"
"Yep. Just window browsing. Saw you and had to shout."
"Same you did with my sister?"
"....At least when you chopped my knees, I fell all the way to the ground."
"You sure you're not Blades kid?"
"And you sure you want to change what you did? Locking us all up. Without you, the old man would never have the motivation nor the courage to screw us all over. I mean look at this mess. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"For one thing...My sister made a mistake….not you. Second...don't call Jim old."
"Ohhh. I see that even though you may have given back the Necklace, you never gave back the heart. Why is that?"
"Don't ask questions you aren't prepared to hear the answer to."
"I like going in blind, but don't worry. If you won't tell me, Rico will rescue me and I'll find out for myself."
'What makes you think he's coming for you?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
"He could be coming for all of us."
"Or none of us."
"Don't be gloomy. He never forgets help."
"That man changes a plan faster than I can wink."
".....And how uhhh...how do you know what his plans are? He just tells us our post, but you…..you seem to know what happens before the plan goes in place. You really seemed to know a lot about Jims. What's to say you don't have a file on us as well? May I see?"
"No you may not."
"What's your sources? Everybody has sources. Can't be in multiple places at once, can you? I know you love animals, and you will do anything to protect them. I'm just....maybe you could help us see what we're missing. You obviously know how to dodge. Teach us."
"Too late. I'm not here to thank you."
"Then hear us out. If King isn't here for us, then who?"
"Jane?"
"Good luck catching her. She'd have every animal and then some protecting her."
"You're jealous."
"Am not."
"Finally someone who speaks way better than you. Knows their ins and outs. How must it feel? I bet it hurts. I bet it…"
"YOU KNOW NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!
Instead of judging a book by its cover, look at your own pages.
….All of you.
Cause I for sure know your pages need more than just a shower. Now, if you'll excuse me; I have a letter to write."
"By all means you are excused. Don't let us stop you. Oh, that's right. We can't!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Hez, I didn't lock you all in there. Not me. Not the Police. Not even Jim himself, but you. You got yourself in. Get yourself out."
"That's impossible."
"I'm sorry. Did I miss the part where that's my problem?
....Enjoy your PB&J'S, people. Healthy and nutritious."
"They sure do look fit, Antwon. Ready to take a bite?"
"I've been waiting to hear that phrase since I woke up. Get your forks ready. We gotta wash our hands first."
"There they are, Sir. You wanna go in?"
"You heard what Wilson said. We need evidence. Catch them in the act. That's the only way. We pick them when they pull out the match, not before."
"But…"
"They could just defend they were moving the Animals as we move our Fish to clean the stalls. We need to blatantly see that they have no intention of bringing the Animals back."
"...Yes, Sir."
"Here we go."
"Go, go, go. Remember. Don't spook them. Bring the Trailer around. I want to take my food to go. Hot, fast, and no waiting."
"Yes, Antwon. You must be Jims handlers, right? It's a shame he is not here in person."
"You expect at his age to load the Animals? He sends his regrets and regards. Wishes you the best."
"This is disgusting. He left and they are still throwing his name through the mud."
"His name is on the Lease. After so many years of them together, forgery is a lot easier than ever."
"I just need your signature right here and we'll start loading. Easy peasy. You don't even have to help. Just show us where, and we'll even provide you with chairs and drinks to watch."
"He must really be paying you well if we have to do nothing."
"Pays to play, Ma'am. Thanks.
Okay, Boys and Girls. You know your orders.
...…We'll be as careful as possible. Promise. Scouts Honor."
"I trust you. Let me show you where they are."
"So, little Olivia was right."
"And so was the Old Man. Wanting to get back in the game, he was willing to bat the other eye to do it."
"And we didn't believe him. Growing up, he was our Modelstar. And look how we treated him."
"Hurry up. Get him in."
"Well this definitely wasn't the 'Score,' that our Mole told us about. This is just a Decoy."
"Careful. The moment we leave, look. I saw a second trailer. Either they are super rich, or are planning on scamming even more wealthy old hags for animals.
They may be young, but all their skills are from us. Three of you, leave. The fourth, park your car where they can glimpse you out of their peripheral. Make them believe we…"
"Here's the Match."
"Sir, wait. Look.
FREEZE, KIDS!!!!!!"
"Aaaaaaghhh."
"Drop the match and nobody gets hurt."
*Phueeeeeeeeeeeeee*
"Uhoh."
*......PHHEAAAUUUAHHHHHHHHHH*
"No. No. No. No. No. No. Quick, get the water. Get the extinguishers. You're gonna burn this whole tent down. The animals are still inside."
"We got an extra Trailer. Push them inside."
"But.."
"You want them to live?"
"....Do as the Kids say."
"DO NOT....Do as the Kids say. Step away from the Tent, and stop loading the Trailer."
"What's the meaning of this, Police? You did this."
"Us? We.....the Kids....they're stealing the animals."
"Bought and paid for. Here's the receipt. Now if you don't mind, grab a hose and hurry."
"But they dropped the Match?"
"After you spooked him. Their is party for one of the animals. She had her first Litter and the Kids wanted to see. Planned on surprising her with a small cake. Just testing if the Ligher worked before taking it inside."
"I...."
"Muuuuuaaaaaaaa….aaayyyy.
Mmmmmuuuaaaaaa...aaaayyyyy."
"If this tent burns down, I'm holding your Police responsible."
"I...…We...…."
"Glad you can breathe free air. Can't say the same for the animals."
".....Here. Give me that Hose. You can't reach the top anyways."
"Thank you."
"Michelle, please take advantage of this distraction."
"Hey, where is she going?"
"Uh...She's going to get more help. Don't worry. We still have the other trailer. Just protecting our investment."
"Make sure you're taking the right trailer."
"We'd be foolish to mistake one for four."
"I would say go get the Police...…..but they're already here."
"Don't worry. We got someone better."
"Who?"
"....Her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"The Forest Fairy?"
"The Forest Fairy."
"I see you boys are playing with fire again and call upon my aid to clean up.
…..Stand back. Elephants, Camels, spray em."
"Get ready for your shower, Boys."
"I didn't hear a Thank you."
"THANK YOU...….Forest Fairy!!!!!!"
"You're welcome!!!!!!!!!!!
*Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuooooooouuuuuuuuaffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff*
Hope you learned your lesson, Boys."
"Jane, wait. I want to.....Where'd she go?"
"Who's Jane?"
"...You really don't get out of the office much, do you?"
"Deskjob, screentime. They are two of the same. I wish their were regulations for us. Like letters."
"Speaking of Letters, I have one for you..…"
"Oh thanks."
"To give to Wilson."
"Oh."
"Don't worry. I can make something for you next time, now that I know you. What do you like?"
"Not....solving crimes."
"Huh?"
"Do you know the amount of phone calls I receive before and after? It's more after because people can theorize whatever they want. They believe everyone is innocent, even ten years after they did what they did because someone has developed...….feelings; and wants to call to confirm."
"Confirm what?"
"I don't know. I just block their number."
"You can do that?"
"....No."
"See. That's a positive trait about you. You have a sense of humor. I can work with that. We're starting to bond. Just like....hey, is that Mars Unicicycle?"
"Oh. Uh…"
"Can I see it? Why haven't you given it back to Mars yet?"
"Get your hands off. Now I have to run your DNA as well."
"Sorry. I'm just surprised it's taking you this long to find a print."
"Oh. We found a print. We are just…"
"Shhh."
"Holding onto it in case we find more."
"....For how long? Best not keep it as a trophy."
"Why not?"
"It's not yours."
"Not yours either."
"Then…."
"Let go. Let go. You're going to hide all the evidence we have….."
*Phueeeeeeemmmmm*
"Grab...that...Cy.....cle."
*Boom, boom, boom, boom…
"Crystalize!!!!"
"I knew it. She is the white fox."
*Catch*
"Hey, get back here with that. It's not yours."
"Thanks."
"Catch that Fox."
"Run, Olivia, run, Run, Olivia, run."
"I thought you didn't like her, Hez?"
"I don't, but I fear more what they'll find on that thing."
"Which one?"
"Mars. Mars. Can you hear me? Psst."
"Olivia, what are you doing here?"
"I got your Cycle."
"Ha....how?"
"I couldn't stand by while Animals cried. Hopefully this helps bring back memories."
"But...now how will people figure out a way to stop this?"
"I'm sure they have other ways."
"Were you seen?"
"Does it matter?"
"...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"We promise not to play with fire again, Miss. Fairy."
"I know you don't mean that. Call me when you need anything else."
"Wai, wai, wai, wai, wait."
"Look, Officer. I may have been raised by the Forest, but even I do not sutter. Out with it."
"Does your Father know?"
"I didn't know I needed his permission to stop a fire. But next time I respond.....I'll pause just long enough to call him."
"I….."
"Elephants, out of here."
"Well she's a sight for sore eyes."
"I believe some, 'I'm sorrys,' are in order?"
"...Gary, Antwon had a run in with the Fairy. I hope you are faring much better."
"Yes, Sir. No Fairy here.
Not for miles around."
"No White Fox?"
"No magic of any sort."
"Then where there is no door, make your own."
"Yes, Sir."
*BOOM*
"What was that?"
"Hit it again."
*BOOM*
"I think they are trying to break out their friends. Stay here, Mars."
"But...."
*BOOM*
"I said stay.
Rico set up two stations. One to haul the trailer, the other to makeshift as a pitstop."
"What about the other Police that are here?"
*BOOM*
".....What Police?"
"Olivia, wait. Oliviaaaa!!!!!!!"
"What?"
".....Good luck."
".....I am Luck."
*Vruuaaaammm*
"One more hit and then we can pull them out. I still wonder where the Police are though. They'd be foolish to wait forever."
"....At least someones waiting."
"Awwww, it's a cute little Fox. Go away now. Go. Go away before you get hurt. Shuuu."
"Aaaccccchiiaccssshhh."
"Ouch. She bit me."
"How do you know it's a she? Put a muzzle on her before she alerts the.....Cops."
*BOOM*
"Come on, Friends. Move, move, move. You're free."
"Raaaaaaaaagh. Raaaaghhh. Raaaaghhh. Raaaaaghhh. Raaaaaaaghh."
"Get out of here you little.."
"FREEZE!!!!"
*Peechuaaauuuuuuuuwwwwwwwww.*
"You idiot. Don't shoot the Innocents."
"Come on, Foxy. You're coming with us. Take her hands, I'll take her feet. Hold her mouth down."
"Olivia.
Oliva!!!!!!!!
OLIVIA!!!!!!!!!!"
"Awwwouurr...awwoourrr….awoourrrrrr.
Owwuurr...owwwurrr....owwwwwwwwwwww."
"Shut it, Foxy."
*Boop*
"Achrrouuuwwww."
"Rico, we may have not met the Fairy, but we did rescue your friends."
"And we got a stupid little Fox as a trophy. Should we let it go?"
"Of course let it go. We can't train that thing."
"Yes, Sir."
"Wait."
"What? First you said, yes. Now you say, no?"
"Have you let it go?"
"You told us not to. Why?"
"Bring it here. I have a hunch."
"Oh no. You and one of your many hunches."
"How many tails does she have?"
"She? Uhhh....one?"
"Color?"
"White."
"Any Marble print?"
"I mean her skin is silky smooth, but not transparent."
"Bring her in. I want to measure her."
"Ummmm.."
"Cucko."
"Yes, Sir. We'll bring her to you."
"Who was that, Rico?"
"Nana, do you know anything about the Ktisune?"
"The Fox Spirits? You know they are evil right? Keep a muzzle on them or else they will steal your wisdom and use it as their own."
"I don't expect her to turn into a girl or anything. But what if she did? Our first find in years. Waiting to walk through our doors any….."
"We're back, Sir."
"YOU IDIOTS. Put a muzzle on her. Quick."
"Be careful, Rico. Her presence might trap you."
"Set her in the back room and tie her up. I'll be in in a minute.
Nana, we have caught many Spirits over the years; but not one still in…"
"Intact?"
"Yes."
"And how many Spirits is that?"
"Oh, shut up. This is my chance, Nana.
*mmuay*
Wish me luck."
"If you don't come back, I'll know why."
".....Hmmm."
"She's all set for you, Sir."
"Has anyone touched her?"
"Uhhhh….."
"Nevermind. Bleach yourselves off."
"She's not a Zombie, Sir. Right?"
"Can't take any chances."
"Yes, Sir."
"Huuuuuuuuuuuu...…..whoooooooo.
Greetings, Kitsune. My name is Rico Abaless. Pleased to meet you.
...…Do you have a name which I may call you? Speak now if you do?
...Oh yeah, that's right. You're Muzzled."
"Aaahhwouurrrrr."
"What's that? They tied your feet to the floor too tight. It hurts?"
"Aaawwwourrrr."
"Sorry about that. Kids these days don't know how to treat Elders, let alone Vices. Let me loosen your bound.
Is that better?"
*Grrrrrrrrrr*
"Woo, woo, woo. I was just doing something nice to you. You don't have to repay me by eating me. I will give you my wisdom, but please don't suck it out of me."
".....Humans."
*Vearrruuuaaoommm*
"What the?"
"They always misunderstand. I'm hungry, Rico. When an animal growls, and a human they are both the same. Sound the same, and are the same. Please?"
"Oh. Uhhhhh.....Of course, Olivia.I'm sure we have some spare...wait a minute. How are you...why are you.....You're a Fox-Spirit?"
"Please remove my ankle cuffs. I can't move in these things."
"As long as you promise not to eat me."
"Eat you? Why would I....ah yes. Please be careful, or you will be mighty sorry; for I am very hungry."
"I shall do my utmost best to cater to your desires."
"Every."
"Every...desires."
"Good boy."
"I have so many questions, so little time. Who are you? Where'd you come from? Why coud I never see you last time? How old are you? I heard you were cunning, mischievous, and smart, so why let us catch you so easily? What do you have for me?"
"You are burning down my homes, killing my people, and…."
"I'm saving your people. Helping advance their process. Aren't you happy?"
"We don't need help."
"You.....you don't?"
"Whay has nobody heard of knocking. Knock, and the door shall be open unto thee."
"But our modern day technologies and gadgets can only do so much. Even with full power, they just suck."
"Why are you trying to open an aged old door with modern techniques? Do you not think that at the time, they also had a key?"
"But I don't know what it is?
...…Could you tell me?"
"Give me the Keys to my kind? And why would I do that? What makes you worthy of receiving my key?"
"Uhhhhh...….I...I'm not worthy, nor am I remotely close to being. I have wronged an old man in pursuit of my research. I needed money and he was the best to take it from. A wealthy old timer wanting to prove he can still roll with the best of us. I convinced him I could teach him this new age, and although he thought my methods were unnatural, I told him it's how we do it nowadays. Please forgive me, but if you don't want me to enter through the Windows, then how?"
"...By asking at the front door."
"But....before I do, you must promise me one thing."
"Anything."
"Say you're sorry."
"No."
"Say it."
"No."
"Say it or my tummy does."
"....Fine. It's true that nobody can resist your charms. If I say sorry…..will you tell me how to gain the key?"
"Not only that, but I believe in second chances, so tell you what? I'll give you the key, and then you say sorry?
"What if I don't?"
"Then my Siblings will hate that you entered."
*Gulp*
"....Who do I ask?"
"The Forest Fairy."
"The Forest...…..Listen, Olivia. Her and I aren't...…*erherrmm*. We....uhhh….we're not on speaking terms right now, so why would she lead me to your Ghosts?"
"She won't. She'll give you a set of doorknockers."
"I'm sorry. Door....knockers?"
"Big Cats. They and only they can sniff out Ghosts. No more need for cutting. No more need for fires. No more need for nightvision, having to wait at the approximate time every night."
"Haahaahahahaahahaaaa.
You expect me to believe that the Key has been literally sitting under our very noses? Pawed... in every single house in the world? Well that's unbelievable. I don't believe that for a sec...oh.
Big cats you say?
So...…so I just ask if I can borrow her Cats, and then she gives them to me?"
"I know what you're thinking, and before you say it; I'm gonna say it's stupid."
"Oh."
"Don't kidnap her like you did me. Talk to her."
"But she's a Fairy. Humans talk to Humans. I don't have to...…....
So how exactly do I have to talk to her, again?"
"Again?"
"Well the last time, she definitely knew how to use her smart words against me. I mean…..at me. At me. And very harshly too. Can you...…can you talk to her?"
"How? You have me tied up."
"I can untie you."
"Please don't."
"What?"
"Uhhh....I mean....If you and I were to go on a Date, would you want me to introduce you to my friend, or…."
"No. God….no. You'll mess me up. Ruin all my…."
"Good name?
*Buarrfff*
"Don't laugh. I know you are ten times smarter than I'll ever be with your age, but that doesn't mean you have to laugh at my stupidity."
"Then teach me to seal my lips."
"Done and done."
"Wai, wai….hold it."
"What?"
"Before you leave, aren't you forgetting something?"
"Ahaaaa. My phone. Thanks, Olivia."
"Eehheeeeemmm."
"What?"
"Can I come with you?"
"Oh.
….OHHHH. Sorry about this, Miss. I'll tell my Scouts never to trap again.
*Click...…..click...…click*
There. Now fly away.....or...whatever it is you Spirits do."
"You do realize that even humans are spirits?"
"Hey, wait a sec…
*Vruuammm*
Huh. Was I just enlightened?"
"OLVIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
…OLIVIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
O….LIV….I…..AAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! Where are you? I thought you told your parents that….."
"Here I am.
Who's asking, Wilson?"
"I got your Letter, Olivia; but the strangest thing has happened while you were gone."
"What?"
"Ricos men were leaving with their Trailers full, but then out of the blue; they turned around and drove back."
"All of them?"
"All of them. Well not the old ones, but....I can't place it. It's like Rico decided to….give up."
"Or...explore new avenues. I wouldn't worry about him."
"You don't think so?"
"Not for a while. Let's just focus on us and the greater impact you are providing this Branch."
"What's that?"
"Revitalizing a dying Nation. And I am here to help you every step of the way."
"Thanks, but...you're not old enough to be a Ringleader."
"Who said I wanted to be a Ringleader? Everybodies important. Even the small ones."
"Even the small ones?"
"Even the small ones."
"Hmmmm.
You're welcome. I'm just trying my best."
"For what?"
"The Letter.
But...…..if you people have shown me anything, it's that not everything can be found in a book. Sometimes we have to write our own chapters."
"Are you sure you're just a Detective, and nothing more?"
"Are you sure you're just a girl and nothing more?"
"I...….I gotta get back to my frends. See ya."
"Hey!!!"
"What?"
"I know it was you."
"I know it was me, what?"
"I know you stole the Unicycle."
"You want it back, cause I'm not giving it back."
"What'd the person say that you took it from? 'We already have the DNA. Just keeping it for Visuals.' But.....as you said. 'We can't hold onto anything. Not even trophies.'"
"I hate cameras."
"You speak as if you never heard what they are."
"I gotta go."
"Have you…."
"What?"
"Have you heard what they are?"
".....Take care, Wilson; but really…..my sisters are worried about me."
"You're excused."
"I wasn't asking for your permission."
*Brrriiiaaannnngggg….Briiiaaannnnnnng*
"...Who is it?"
"Can I….ask for your permission?"
"Lost already, Rico?"
"Olivia, who is it?"
"...I know you said I can't ask for your help, or have you ask for me; but…."
"I'm listening."
"The thing is....I don't exactly know where the Forest Fairy is."
"Jane, come here. Someones on the phone for you."
"Me?"
"It's Rico?"
"Hang up."
".....He wants to apologize. Give me a sec.
Of course, Rico. I can locate and talk to the Forest Fairy, In fact, I am so powerful, and the fact that you are a Spirit as well; I will let you talk to her yourself."
"Really? You have her?"
"She's right here. Please hold."
"If he doesn't admit to all the terrible.....
Oh, hi, Rico. I caught your Boys playing in my Woods earlier today. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
"Olivia?"
"Wilson, it's ok. Just some friends making sure she's ok. You know how it was with me."
"...Uhuh."
"Don't snoop. That's not nice. Now go."
*Click*
"Here's your phone back, Olivia. Thanks."
"So?"
"I told him if he wants to say anything to me, say it to my face."
"Do I need to come with you?"
"Uhhhh...….no. How is one Animal stronger than Fifty? Don't worry. I'll make sure he is far away before he does his...explorations. I'll tell you what I find."
"Promise."
"Promise.
On second thought."
"I knew it."
"Ask your parents first."
"Shoot."
"You want them to worry?"
"....I'll be right back. Don't leave without me."
"Woo, woo, woo. Where do you think you're going, little Lady?"
"To my…..room."
"Why?"
"So that I can walk back downstairs"
"Why?"
"...So that I can go out the door."
"Why?"
"...Please?"
".....Be home this time...…NOT....tired."
"I'll do my best."
"Ah, come on dad. Why does she get to leave, and not us?"
"Where would you like to go?"
"I don't know."
"That's why she gets to go and not you."
".....Ready."
"Then let's go. Can't keep him waiting."
*Vruuaaammm*
"You are absolutely correct."
"Hey, Nana; where's Rico?"
"Out."
"Where?"
"He told us to turn around, and then....just up and vanished. Why?"
".....'Red tree with a blue tattered mark around its trunk.'
Hmmmm. That'll take forever to find in these woods, but I guess.
Tree with red streak. Tree with orange streak. Tree with….."
"Can I help you?"
"Olivvirat."
"Just…..call me Olivia. I am here to take you to the Forest Fairy.
...This way."
"Oh. Of course. Wait for me."
"He just.....left?"
"I'm sure he'll be back, Kids. He came for you after all."
"Yeah. Just to make sure we were safe."
"Before he himself was."
"......Aaaaah. There is my lovely Forest Fairy. I know you. Quite grown up I see. When was the last time I saw you? Oh yeah. Now I remember."
"Out of the corner of your eye. You saw my reflection in the Embers."
"Thanks for reminding me. May I…"
"Aayyy….ayy….aaah. You have some explaining to do. Once I give you these Keys, you promise to walk straight."
"But…"
"And only straight.
Kids are no longer your priority. Their on my turf, my rules."
"Would you really abandon the Kids and all that you built, just for a fleeting moment?"
"......I'd sacrifice a hundred kids just for the chance to be a doorkeeper."
"......As you wish."
"Forest Fairy, wait. He just….."
"Nala, Cael….please step forward.
These two will be your guide, and ONLY....your Guide. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you. No harm shall befall them."
"Take care of them and they'll take care of you."
"Forest Fairy, I mean…..Jane. Why are you just letting them go? They..."
"It's foolish to argue with a Donkey. They will always believe they are right."
"But…"
"Round up the Kids. Bring them back to your Tent, and do it quickly…..and loudly."
"By the time Rico turns around I want him to see that everything he knew and loved was gone just as fast as it started. He left in a blink. So did they."
"Yes, Jane; but they won't believe me."
"Rico convinced them to hunt for Spirits, because he believed the stories.
I'm sure you will think of something."
"Of course."
"What is it?"
"...May I…..also have a few animals? Teach the Kids that not all Spirits are bad and need to be set free."
"Take as many as you want. The more the merrier. May we never see like this again."
"I can't promise anything. Rico may have been a donkey, but he left a massive load for us to clean up."
"With no tent, no family, no animals, no income; even if they do mobilize, it will be awhile before we see a Hand."
"I hope you're right."
"I'm always right."
"But Nana, I cannot see. Why isn't he back yet? I'm getting scared. What if they caught him? What of us?"
".....What of you?"
"White Fox!!!!!!!"
"You can come with me.....or you can stay in the Fittings."
"I...…..but Wilson will just catch us again and put us away like last time."
"You're humans, not animals. With your creativity, I am sure you can convince him. But don't dally."
"Why not?"
"Where'd she go?"
"She just….."
"Hey, where are you going, Antwon?"
"Curiosity. You coming?"
"I...…what about my belongings?"
"What belongings?"
"I'm coming."
"Hey, don't forget, Nana."
"....Who could forget such a Creature. Come on, Nana."
"Where are we.....Ooooh. You're quite strong for your age."
"Move, move, move. This tent's burning up in three….two…..
*Flick*
...…*PHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH*
"I guess even Spirits hate looking back."
"GRAB ONTO AN ANIMAL, and follow the Fox."
"So this is what it feels like when we do it to others?"
"........Try...…not to get caught up in the moment."
"Life is nothing but moments, Alena; and I know, I bombed most of mine, but….."
*BOOM*
"What was that? Blade, that best not be a visual. I don't need any."
"I promise it was not.
*Sniff, sniff*
Something's on fire."
"I didn't burn anything."
"Not you."
"You don't think I'm…."
"Well of course you're hot, but you're not the blaze...…..That's the blaze."
"Olivia, when I said make it look as if nothing is there when He turns, I didn't mean it literally."
"Ooops.
"Where are the Kids? Where are the Animals?"
"Safe."
"Olivia?"
"I brought them to Blade's tent. It was closer. They should be on there way to Jims...…now."
"Good girl. Why aren't you with them?"
"I ran to get you. Things...got a little out of hand."
"I see.
Head back with the Boys. Spirits don't leave their Students. I'll finish up here."
"Umm."
"Don't tell me your weak legs have fallen. You can outrun anything. Will fly by so fast….."
"It'll be like a sparkle of light."
"What, Antwon?"
"I told you she didn't leave us, unlike Rico. There. I see here."
"Where?"
"In the Bushes."
"She's too fast. I....I see her now. Hey, Kids; look; our Spirit has turned into a Guardian. Wilson will not....I repeat not....turn us in. All is well."
"You Kids and your superstition. You are still going to have to talk on your own."
"I know.
…As long as we can look out her window and see her."
"Huuuhaaaaa….huuuhaaaa....Huuuhaaaaaa.. It really...….huuu.....is...huuu....ten times harder.....haaaaaaaaaaaa.....to run with four legs instead of two. I thought it would be easier, but no."
"HEY, OLIVIATROX. HEY, OLIVIATROX."
"But this story is not about me. It's what people see in me. So come on legs. We're almost there, Use their smile as your strength."
"Uhhhhh…..Sir?"
"Huh?"
"Sir?"
"I'm searching for….."
"SIR!!!!!!"
"What?"
"...You're not gonna believe this."
"Believe wha...….ohhhh myyy word. What's happening right now? Where'd these Kids come from?"
"I brought them."
*Tap, tap*
"Hu…haa…wha?"
"I brought them."
"Olivia? You...…you can't just put on big shoes and walk where you please. Is that why you were out? What did you do?"
"Just promise me that you'll give them a chance. And please don't leave them like Rico did."
"How did you...….I promise. But..."
"I gotta go. Friends waiting."
"You always come and go."
"Busy girl. What can I say?"
"Maybe the truth?"
"Do you know the truth?"
"No."
".....Ok."
"Wait? Ok? All you have to say is...…..…..Take these Kids to the Apartments and get them a good meal. Olivia wants us to see if they'll prove themselves. We'll put them in the Ring later tonight and see how they do. Just like Jim, they also deserve a second chance. The more we can help them, the better."
"Yes, Sir."
"And keep an eye on Olivia. Vigilante or not, she's up to something."
"Yes, Sir."
(Danger or not, Mars always remembers the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving. Now if we could keep Poachers from taking Turkeys and replace the holiday with Pizza, I think me and everyone else here would greatly thank you. Just a thought.)