World of Paws: Destiny of the Brood

Connecting Beneath The Stars

It's fall evening in the Tontione household; Sherman and Aubrey comforting one another.
Sherman: "Aubs?"
Aubrey: "Yeah, Sherm-Sherm?"
Sherman: "I was wondering... would you... like to join me on any missions? Ya know, future wise? I know it's a bit much to ask since the madness from three months ago, but I would like for you to come. Stomp some bad furries maybe?"
Aubrey: "Oh Shermie, I'd love to be with you all day, but we have school still. Not to mention our grades."
Sherman: "We're not gonna flunk, Aubs. Besides, we always ace our quizzes and tests."
Aubrey: "I know we do, but maybe it's time we play it safe for a while."
Sherman: "Play it safe? Aubs, it's going to be boring if there's no issues or any troublemakers to foil."
Aubrey: "Shermie, come on. Look, I love you for who you are. Saving everyone from total annihilation was fun, but even hero's need breaks. Can you try to relax for tomorrow, please?"
Sherman: "That's going to be very, very hard for me Aubrey."
Aubrey: "Why?"
Sherman: "Because I'm a hero. The world will always need me. My dad taught me that it's everyone's responsibility to protect this world from everything wicked. I mean, gah! Vakatarus gave the order to murder Zelene's parents. We have to make sure she's safe from harm."
Aubrey: "Well, I need you more, Shermie. Besides, she is our friend. Zelene is going to be okay because we'll keep helping her as she grieves."
Sherman: "Alright."
Aubrey: "Also, I want you to promise me that you'll never pick a fight."
Sherman: "Oh come on, Aubs, I protect other furries from danger. And I don't look for trouble, I finish it."
Aubrey: "Sherman... please?"
Sherman: "Okay. Okay, I promise."
Aubrey: "Good."
Sherman: "So... Aubs?"
Aubrey: "Yes, Shermie?"
Sherman: "Mind if I show you something?"
Aubrey: "Sure, you can show me anything."
Sherman holds her paw and leads her to his room's outdoor balcony.
Sherman: "Okay, here we are."
Aubrey: "Oh my... Shermie. The sky is so beautiful. So many are stars out. Is that... Canis Major over there?"
Sherman: "Yeah, it is. However, none of these stars compare to your natural beauty."
Aubrey: "Sherm-Sherm... I..."
Sherman: "Here, I kept this for a while."
Aubrey: "A wristband? How... adorable."
Sherman: "Turn it over."
Aubrey: (gasps) "It says, 'To my heroine with love.' Sherman Tontione, you never cease to amaze me."
Sherman: "I'm full of surprises, Aubrey Olvera."
Aubrey puts on the wristband and embraces Sherman.
Aubrey: "You're the best boyfriend ever. You know that?"
Sherman: "I know."
They were about share a moment; but then Mallory knocks on the door.
Mallory: "Sherman? Dad wants to talk to you. Could you come out, please?"
Sherman: "Yeah! Just a moment! I'll be back, Aubs."
Aubrey: "Okay."
She looks and smiles at her wristband as Sherman follows his sister downstairs to the kitchen.
Jackson: "Ahh, son. There you are. I have some good news. Now that things have settled around this part of the country, there is peace here."
Sherman: "Yeah... that's great, Dad."
Jackson: "What's wrong, son?"
Sherman: "It's great that most of the bad guys are gone around here. But, what about the rest of the world? Aren't there still more furries that need protection?"
Jackson: "There always will be evil in the world, my son. However, the news stated that we live in a crime free zone now. We're heroes, buddy."
Sherman: "Yeah, but we still didn't get medals or recognition."
Jackson: "Hey, it's not always about getting awards. It's about doing the right thing simply because it is our priority. Understood?"
Sherman: "I understand, Dad."
Jackson: "Besides, I just got a call from the Task Force captain in Crowbridge City. He says a new militia group has abducted the President from his home."
Sherman: "Wait, a new mission? Can we go there soon? Where is it located?"
Jackson: "It's located in West Animalia and I'm heading there this weekend. Also, you're not going son."
Sherman: "But you and me are a team. Plus, Aubrey's proven herself. Can't we come with you?"
Jackson: "Sherman, it's only a mission for me. Don't tell Mom or anybody else. They'll want to help, and it could lead to more tragedy."
Sherman: (sighs) "Okay. I won't say anything, Dad."
Jackson: "Atta boy. Now, bring your girlfriend down. It's almost time for dinner and this time it's happening on the patio."
Sherman: "Yes, sir."
Sherman goes upstairs back to his room.
Aubrey: "Hey. How did it go with your dad?"
Sherman: "Went well. My Dad said things are good and that crime is down completely."
Aubrey: "Sounds great."
In Sherman's Mind: "What the heck was that? You lied to Aubrey! Quit beating around the bush and tell her the truth!"
Sherman: "Dang it, I can't lie to you, Aubs."
Aubrey: "Shermie... what is it?"
Sherman: "Dad said that he needs take on a mission all by himself. And... that I can't come. I know I can help him. But it's like he's forgotten how I saved him from Vakatarus."
Aubrey: "Your Dad probably thinks it's better if you stay."
Sherman: "Why? My spiritual powers are as strong as his."
Aubrey: "Well, you're still nine."
Sherman: "You're still eight years old."
Aubrey: "We're young, Shermie. We need to live life to the fullest while we can. Look on the bright side! Our birthdays are coming. Yours next week and mine at the beginning of next month! We can do laser tag with all our friends."
Sherman: "I do like laser tag."
Aubrey: "Yeah, and I'll be on your team, watching your back."
Sherman: "Oh really? You won't switch teams like you did last time."
Aubrey: "Hehehe, it was so funny when I got you five times. But yes, when your birthday comes, I will be by your side in battle."
She says in her playful voice.
Sherman: "Hahahaha! Yeah, okay."
Aubrey: "Tell you what. Let's make a vow. To always stick together no matter what. We can seal it with a paw pinky swear."
Sherman: "Okay, a paw pinky swear. We stick together, Sherman and Aubrey."
Sherman and Aubrey: "Lovers forever."
They entwine their smallest paw digits and exchange a deep kiss with one another. A few minutes later, Taciana then knocks on Sherman's bedroom door.
Taciana: "Sherman! Aubrey! Dinner!"
Sherman and Aubrey break the kiss.
Sherman: "Be right there, Mom! Hungry, Aubs?"
Aubrey: "Hehehe. Famished, Sherm-Sherm."
The young couple go downstairs to the table outside on the patio.
Jackson: "Alright, who's turn is it to say Grace?"
Some of the children stay silent to refuse giving a prayer.
Jackson: "Really? No one?"
Aziza: "Can I do it, Daddy?"
Jackson: "That's sweet of you princess. But let's give someone else a chance, okay."
Aziza: "Okay."
Aubrey: "May I do it, Mr. Tontione?"
Jackson: "I don't see why not. Go ahead, Aubrey."
Aubrey: "Great Spirits above, I pray for the paws who prepared this meal, our families, and for the nourishment of our bodies. Amen."
Taciana: "That was wonderful, Aubrey."
Aubrey: "Thank you, Ma'am."
Taciana: "JJ, next time it's your turn."
Jackson Junior: "Okay."
He says in a glum tone.
Zaino: "Why do we have to pray, Mommy?"
Taciana: "It helps steer us on the right path, sweetie. It also gives you the faith you need to accomplish anything. Understand?"
Zaino nods 'Yes' to his mother before eating the food on his plate.
Half an hour later, everyone finishes dinner.
Jackson: "Good as always, Tacci."
Taciana: "Thanks honey. Now children, it's time for bed."
Sherman: "Already? Can't Aubrey stay for a little longer? Please?"
Aubrey: (blushes) "It's okay. I'm getting a little tired myself."
Sherman: "Are you sure?"
Sherman nuzzles her instinctively.
Aubrey: "Hehehe! Yes, Shermie. I'm sure. I'll see you on the bus tomorrow."
She picks up her backpack by the door. Sherman opens the front doors for her.
Sherman: "Hey, Aubs?"
Aubrey: "Yes?"
Sherman: "I... I love you a lot."
Aubrey: "I love you back, Shermie. Mmmwwah. Mmmwwah."
Sherman watches her walk back to her house across the street. Sherman: "Ah yes, my future is going to be bright."

Authors Note: "Chapter one down, people! Prepping for another!"