World of Paws: Destiny of the Brood

Car Discussions and Plaza Attacks

          (This is Stella Johnson shown above.)

Next morning, Taciana wakes up early and starts cooking breakfast. She looks at an old family photo showing Jackson, Sherman, and herself.
Taciana: "Those were the days. If only I could turn back the clock."
Taciana's holo-phone starts ringing showing her mother's number. She picks it up and answers.
......Phone Call Begins......
Taciana: "Hi, Ma."
Saba: "Hey, Tacia! How's your morning going?"
Taciana: "Doing good. The kids are still sleeping."
Saba: "Heheh, you better tell my grand babies not to sleep in late."
Taciana: (chuckles) "Believe me, they know. Especially Desmond. He wakes up earlier than JJ and he's the youngest."
Saba: "Hehe, don't worry, they'll get used to it when they're much older. Hehehe!"
Taciana: "Yeah, I hope so."
Saba: "Oh and your father just walked into the kitchen. Bolty? Tacci's on the phone."
Bolton: "Hey, Tacci Cube. How ya doing?"
Taciana: "Doing alright, Dad."
Bolton: "Good, good. Is Jackson there?"
Taciana: "No, he's not here. He's still in East Europalia. But he called me yesterday saying he'll be back later this afternoon."
Bolton: "Oh, well let us know when he comes back. I gotta ask him why he's traveling every three months for these past several years."
Taciana: "Dad, he said wasn't going to be traveling forever and that this was going to be his last trip for a long time."
Bolton: "Wish he'd take a solar plane like everyone else. But... that's great to hear. Want me to give him my knuckle sandwich for being away? Hahaha!"
Taciana: "No Dad, you don't have to give him your knuckle sandwich. Hehe!"
Bolton: "Alright, while you're still on. Me and your mother wanted to let you know we're coming over there in three weeks."
Taciana: "How's Rabeau Industries?"
Bolton: "The company is doing great. We're still making a lot and doing our charity work for the community and the worldwide fundraisers. But yeah, it's all going well."
Saba: "Ahem."
Bolton: "Oh yes, and we're also going to church more over the weekends."
Taciana: "That's perfect. I'm glad you and Mom are going to church again. You kinda stopped when business took most of your time back then."
Bolton: "Well, it's gonna be different Taciana. Alright, we'll see ya later. And make sure Sherman brings me my ten dollars. I'm still waiting on it. Ehehehe!"
Taciana: "Hehe! I'll let him know! Bye now!"
......Phone Call Ends......
Taciana: "Hehe. Better get the children up. Kids! Breakfast! Get it while it's hot!"
Sherman wakes up and stretches.
Sherman: "Dang it's only 6:00 am."
Aubrey: "Mmm... I don't wanna wake up yet Shermie Boo. I wanna snuggle you."
Sherman chuckles mischievously and kisses her lips; causing her to open her eyes and return the favor.
Aubrey: "Mmm...Mwah. You want more?"
Sherman: "Your perceptiveness is authorized."
Aubrey: "Hehehehe!"
Sherman: "Yeah. Truly."
Aubrey: "How are you so hard to resist?"
Sherman: "I guess it's part of my charm."
Sherman and Aubrey nuzzle each other.
Desmond: "Big brother! It's breakfast time! Come on! Hurry or JJ will take all the good stuff!"
Sherman: "Alright, Desmond. Wait outside and give us a minute! So much for a decent moment."
Aubrey: "Baby, he's just being a kid. We were like that before we got together."
Sherman: "You mean how we always ended up in dangerous situations and had fun with it."
Aubrey: "You mean the dangerous situations you lead me into. Come on, you don't wanna keep everyone else waiting."
The pair redress themselves and head downstairs together.
Sherman: "I'll see ya at the bus stop babe."
Aubrey: "You too Shermie Boo. Mwah."
Sherman: "See ya soon." (winks)
Desmond: "Sherman?"
Sherman: "Yeah?"
Desmond: "Can we play a game? Like back when I was smaller, please? After school?"
Sherman: "Wish I could, buddy. But me and Aubrey are going on a trip."
Desmond: "What kind of trip?"
Sherman: "I'll tell you, but you can't tell Mom. Understood?"
Desmond: "A brother's promise?"
Sherman: "A brother's promise."
They share a fist bump.
Desmond: "Yeah!"
Taciana: "Sherman? Desmond? It's time to eat!"
Sherman: "Coming."
Desmond: "You make the best morning food, Mommy."
Taciana: "Well thank you, Desmond. Sherman? Aren't you going to say anything?"
Sherman: "I thought me eating the food would prove that I already like it."
Sherman is about to eat the food prepared before him.
Taciana: "Hehehe. You still have to say Grace first though."
Sherman: "Mom, really?"
Taciana: "Yes, really. House rule."
Sherman: "Fine. Great Spirit above I thank you for this food my mom has prepared for me and please make sure Dad comes home safely from Europalia. Amen."
Sherman begins eating as Taciana looks out the kitchen window; slightly saddened by the absence of her husband.
Cecelia: "Mom? Are you okay?"
Taciana: "I'm fine sweetie, I just miss your father a lot. He's been coming and going for months now and..."
Cecelia hugs her mother's side.
Cecilia: "I miss Daddy too."
Taciana wipes a tear away quickly.
Taciana: "At least he's coming home today."
Jackson Junior: "Can't wait to tell him about my high score on my second Algebra I quiz."
Taciana: "Me and your father are always proud you. All of you."
Zakari: "Sherman? Are you alright?"
Sherman: "Oh yeah. I'm... I'm fine lil bro. Just got full."
Zakari: "You ate everything but your toast. Are you sure you're, okay?"
Sherman: "Yes, Zakari. I'm fine."
Zakari: "Sherman, something is on your mind. Tell me."
Sherman: "I'm kind of struggling with a personal choice."
Zakari: "Okay... go on."
Sherman: "I made this promise to Aubrey eight years ago. To always love her and be with her."
Zakari: "I often tease you about either marrying her or of you two sitting in that oak tree out back. Hahaha! So funny!"
Sherman sneers at him; making Zakari ease his laughter.
Sherman: "Last night I walked with Zelene and after she was given her powers, she admitted that she's been harboring a crush on me for the past five years."
Zakari: "So she's into you? Are you saying you like Zelene too?"
Sherman: "No, just that she's interesting to talk to sometimes. I don't see her that way."
Zakari: "You need to be confident and tell her the truth. Mom and Dad taught us that."
Sherman: "Yeah, I know but it's hard to do so without hurting Zelene's feelings."
Zakari: "Come on big brother, I know you have what it takes be honest with a friend."
Sherman: "Ya know... you're right, Zakari. I'll bring it up with Zelene after classes today."
Everyone finishes their breakfast and Taciana packs healthy bag lunches for them.
Taciana: "Oh kids, the bus is here!"
Then as her children were about to leave, Sherman stops to ask his mother a question.
Sherman: "Mom? Can I have a car?"
Taciana: "I don't know sweetie. Are you ready for that responsibility?"
Sherman: "I'm old enough to drive now. Please...?"
Taciana: "We'll see. But we'll see what your father says once he gets back."
Sherman: "Okay."
Taciana: "Hey, what's the blessing that's guaranteed?"
Sherman: (sighs) "Mom..."
Taciana: "Sherman... what's the blessing?"
Sherman: "Be grateful for what you have through grace and through family."
Taciana: "Exactly. Now hurry, your bus is about to leave. Have a great day at school."
Sherman: "See ya, Mom!"
He gets on the bus and sees Aubrey being hit on by Bruce, a jackrabbit who's been trying to impress Aubrey since he joined Eastridge as a sophomore.
Bruce: "Come on, Aubrey it's been two years. Can't you throw me a bone and accompany me to the game?"
Aubrey: "And for the umpteenth time Bruce, I'm not interested."
Bruce: "Not even with these ears? Chicks dig the ears."
Aubrey: "Bruce, go away. My boyfriend is right behind you."
Bruce: "Oh... haha... Sherman. I'll be going this way."
Sherman: "Yeah, you do that, Bruce. And stop trying to get with Aubrey. She is my girlfriend, not yours. Get it?"
Bruce: "Crystal."
Bruce goes back to his seat.
Sherman: "You alright, babe?"
Aubrey: "I'm okay. Honestly, I thought he'd never leave. So, any plans after we ace the test and go on our mission, Shermie?"
She holds Sherman's paw lovingly as she awaits his response.
Sherman: "Maybe we go clubbing or do some karaoke?"
Aubrey: "Hehe, I'd prefer karaoke. I also wanna hear you sing this time, since I sang last time."
Sherman: "And you were dancing like a pop star. Okay, but next time we go to one of the clubs in Midtown."
Aubrey: "Hehe, okay fair deal."
Sherman: "Hey clubbing can be fun too. As long we're not drinking a lot of course."
Aubrey: "Yes, of course. Gotta keep that big brain of yours clear for tomorrow."
Sherman: "Exactly."
The couple continues chatting as the bus moves through Uptown to Midtown. It reaches their destinations and drops all the students at their respective schools.
......At Apple Tree Elementary......
The bus lets out the seven Tontione siblings first.
Desmond: "Gosh I can't wait for recess! It's too far away!"
Cecelia: "Recess will come soon enough."
Jaronte: "School's worth it, little brother. Especially when there's something to look forward to."
Zakari: "You mean someone... right? Hahaha!"
Jaronte: "Okay, it's someone. Yesterday was fun and Reva is fun to be around."
Angel: "Don't tease him, Zakari. We're all going to reach that point in our lives where we end up finding that special someone. I mean Sherman and Aubrey met and eventually became something more."
Joseph: "Blah, Blah, Blah. Let's go! The faster class ends, the faster I can beat Michael Evans at dodgeball. Then I'll be the new dodgeball champion!"
Eliza: "Always the competitive one."
Angel: "Heh, tell me about it."
Joseph: "What's so bad about being competitive? Someone needs to be on top. Might as well be me."
Zakari: "Ahem! And us. Cause we always join your team."
Joseph: "Okay, all of us will rule the dodgeball court."
Male Giraffe Furry: "Students! I hope you plan on reaching the classroom on time. I detest tardiness of any kind."
Angel: "Of course not, Mr. Hoofington. We were on our way right now. Thank you!"
The children scramble to their classrooms.
Mr. Hoofington: (sighs) "Children. So glad I don't have any. Teaching them is enough."
He grumpily says to himself.
......At Eastridge Secondary School......
Alicia was walking to the front door of the school building and is stopped by Jackson Junior and Ruth.
Ruth: "Alicia? I apologize for not believing you when you said you weren't trying to steal JJ away from me."
Alicia: "Thank you, Ruth. I appreciate your apology. Can we all be friends again?"
Ruth: "Yeah. Friends."
They shake each other's paws and walk with Jackson Junior to their first class on time. Meanwhile, Zelene is drawing a picture of Sherman holding a spear.
Zelene: "Just a little more detail and done."
Trish: "Hey, Zelene."
Zelene: "Hey, Trish."
Trish: "Whatcha, doin?"
Zelene: "Admiring my work."
Trish: "That's cool, but what happened yesterday? I heard Allen was beating you up over wanting cigarettes?"
Zelene: "He wanted to vape and smoke at the same time. I refused and he punched and hit me multiple times. Only one furry came to help me."
Trish: "Who?"
Zelene: "Sherman Tontione."
Trish: "Aww, you mean your best friend who you have a big crush on? Gosh that is so heroic."
Zelene: "Yeah. He and I hung out last night."
Trish: "No way! Give me the deets!"
Zelene: "Um, well I took him to the spiritual grove, and we spoke to the spirits for a bit before grabbing a bite to eat."
Trish: "A spiritual meetup and a dinner? That's it? Nothing else?"
Zelene: "And I may have kissed him after I revealed my paintings to him."
Trish: "Girl, you got some guts. Moving in on your best friend's boyfriend."
Zelene: "I know I shouldn't have, but he's so charming and irresistible sometimes."
Trish: "Hehe, sounds dreamy. But um, I'm more into Bruce Lantry. The cool jackrabbit who challenges Sherman to competitions. Those are always fun to watch."
Zelene: "He's been after Aubrey for the past two years. He even tried hitting on her this morning on the bus."
Trish: "Well, maybe... I bet I change his mind. I find him interesting."
Zelene: "Yeah, see ya later Trish."
She feels spiritually power surging through her.
Allen: "Zelene?"
Zelene: "What do you want, Allen?"
Allen: "I want to talk to you about yesterday. I need to know who sucker punched me."
Zelene: "Teh, yeah right. Like I'd tell you anything after what you did to me."
Allen: "Look, I'm sorry about that alright."
Zelene: "You should be. But you clearly don't mean it."
Allen: "Just tell me who he is."
Zelene: "No, the one who punched you is my friend. I'm not gonna let you give him trouble.  Besides you'd need a hospital if you tried fighting him. He could take ya down without even touching you."
Allen: "Oh, I'm so scared."
He states in mocking tone.
Zelene: "So can I."
Allen: "Hahaha! Yeah, right."
Zelene's paws start to surge with spiritual light and blocks Allen from laying a digit on her.
Allen: "What the heck?"
Zelene: "Told you. Now go away, Allen."
Allen walks away; his body slightly trembling.
Zelene: (sighs) "Finally."
Later on, the school day ends, and the electric busses arrive and take every furry student home. Sherman, JJ, Zaino, Zakari, Joseph, Jaronte, Desmond, Angel, Cecelia, and Eliza return home and greet their mother as they walk through the door. They instantly notice a briefcase and a suitcase full of clothes.
Taciana: "Hey, kiddos. How was school?"
Sherman: "Went well today, Mom. I aced my test! I'm hoping Aubrey did too."
Jackson Junior: "School was pretty slow today, but yeah, I aced two quizzes today."
Zaino: "Me too! Zakari, Joseph, and Jaronte did awesome today, too."
Taciana: "I'm glad to hear it."
Sherman: "Is Dad back, yet?"
Taciana: "Oh your father's upstairs finishing his mission report."
Sherman: "Oh okay."
Taciana: "Where's Mallory and Aziza?"
Sherman: "Oh they went out with Aubrey, Zelene, and the other girls. She told they're eating out at the Duckel Burger."
Taciana: "Hmm... all right. Make sure you text them to come home on time."
Sherman: "Will do. Can we go talk to Dad now? I still want to get my own car."
Taciana: (sighs) "Shermie..."
Sherman: "Please, Mom. He might say 'Yes' to the decision."
Taciana: "Okay, you may go ask him. But if he says 'No'... it's not going to happen."
Sherman: "Haha! Dad? Dad? Are you there?"
He finds his father placing check marks on the world map near his desk.
Jackson: "Let's see here... East Europalia is at peace for now. The cities and open plains of Afrimalia are still under threat from rogue clans though. Hopefully, I don't have to make another trip."
Sherman: "Going on another trip?"
Jackson: "Hey buddy. How was school?"
Sherman: "It was fine. All good. I aced my algebra test today."
Jackson: "That's good. I'm glad you did. Knowledge always equates to power."
Sherman: "Yeah, thanks. Uhm... you're not going on another trip again? Right?"
Jackson: "What? No, no, buddy. I'm not going on another trip. Not for a while."
Sherman: "Great. Because Mom missed you. Even after one day."
Jackson: "Sherman, when you have the power to prevent innocent lives from being lost; it doesn't just extend to the regions of home. It extends to everyone. To every life across the world, whether if they are a furry or a wild one."
Sherman: "I uhm... I understand, Dad."
Jackson: "Good, so... how's that girlfriend of yours doing?"
Sherman: "Aubrey's doing great. In fact, I was wondering if I could get a car."
Jackson: "I don't know, son. Having a car is lot of responsibility. You need to make either make monthly payments or you payoff the entire loan. Not to mention property taxes, maintenance packages, and antifreeze for the winter. Ya think you can handle all that?"
Sherman: "Dad, I think I'm ready. I just need a trip to the DMV, and I'll ace my driver's test. Please, Dad?"
Jackson: (sighs) "Alright, it's been a year since you got your permit. I'll take you to the DMV tomorrow afternoon."
Sherman: "Yes! Thank you! I have a chance! Ha! I have a chance! Hunnh! I'm gonna be a master of the road! Hunnh!"
Jackson shakes his head from side to side with a chuckle.
Sherman: "Dad? I also spoke with the Vitaea Spirits last night."
Jackson: "What did they say, son?"
Sherman: "They said to be wary of new criminal types in Coastal City and Arkson City."
Jackson: "What types are they?"
Sherman: "Drug dealers and possibly traffickers too."
Jackson: "That's strange. This whole region has been crime free since 5030. How is this possible?"
Sherman: "The spirits told me that these crooks have been committing these crimes under the radar for a little while before growing confident."
Jackson: "Make sure you keep your eyes open, kiddo. You can't face off against too many alone."
Sherman: "Yeah, on the same night... my friend Zelene was there and the Vitaea gave her spiritual abilities that resemble ours."
Jackson: "I'd go with ya to protect the city tonight, but I'm bushed after protecting East Europalia from a terrorist threat. I'll join for a patrol after you ace your driver's test."
Sherman: "Cool. Thanks, Dad."
Jackson: "Of course. For now, let's enjoy the afternoon. A busy man needs a rest."
Sherman follows his father downstairs and joins his siblings.
Taciana: "So..."
Sherman: "Looks like I'm going to drive soon, Mom."
Taciana: "Okay, then. My gosh you're growing up so fast."
Sherman: "Yeah, I know Mom."
She hugs him and plants a peck on his head.
Sherman: "Wanna watch a game show with us?"
Taciana: "I will soon sweetie, but I need to talk to your father for a moment. Jacky?"
Jackson: "Yeah, Tacci?"
Taciana: "Can we talk in private?"
Jackson: "Yeah, sure."
Taciana: "Are you going to be staying longer this time? More than every three months?"
Jackson: "Babe, I promise. I'm not going anywhere for a while. Plus, I've handle my company via telework and Nappine has been sorting out the paperwork while I was away. I got this under control."
Taciana: "Are you sure? I don't want to wake up without you next to me. Not again. Please stay for good my beloved. Please? Mwah. Mwah. I missed you every time you were away. Mwwah. Mwah."
Jackson: "Mwah, Mwah, Mmmwah. I missed you too, baby. Mwah. I promise that I won't leave without letting you know again. No more international missions for a long while."
Taciana: "Okay. I'm just so happy you're home, darling."
They reconnect and nuzzle each other lovingly before rejoining their kids in the main tv room.
......Scene change......
Meanwhile at the Duckel Burger, Stella, Zelene, Cherie, Priscilla, Alicia, Elsie, Triskah, Mei, Victoria, Ruth, Riley, Aubrey, Aziza, Helena, Radinavia, Mallory, Fenneca, Rosie, Lucretia, Dawn, and Yuki having a calm meal full of chats and gossip until several booming noises occur from outside.
Aubrey: "What is going out there?"
Stella: "I don't know."
Fenneca: "We probably shouldn't check it out and stay inside."
Aubrey: "I'm going out there."
Victoria: "Aubrey, you're a lot of things, but don't add stupid to the list."
Aubrey: "Oh a thousand pardons. At least I'm not afraid to try helping other furries. You're the only one saying that because you only think about yourself! And I know you can't stand the fact that Sherman and I are together. But for spirit's sake move on!"
Victoria snarls at her for a minute, but Ruth stops her.
Ruth: "V, let it go already."
Victoria: (scoffs) "That's easy for you to say. You already have the guy you want!"
Ruth: "Victoria..."
Victoria: "This girl's night was a mistake! Sherman was supposed to be mine! I know it's been years but still can't stand you Aubrey!"
Aubrey: "Then why don't you go out there and join those crooks! You'll have something in common!"
Victoria: "How dare you?!"
Victoria runs at her, but Aubrey zaps her with the modified taser Sherman gave her. Victoria falls to the ground shaking from the effects.
Aubrey: "You all can stay inside if you want. I'm going out there to help anyone who's hurt."
Elsie: "I'm going with her. Come on girls. We need to do something to help."
Victoria: "I'm not dying to save people I don't know."
Ruth: "Well I'm going. Aubrey's right, we have to do something."
Alicia: "Me too."
Mallory: "Me and Aziza are coming too."
Aziza: "We are?"
Mallory: "Yea, come on."
Zelene: "I have the power to help too."
The seven furry girls go outside and start by helping an old mole up on his feet. Victoria and the others stayed inside out of self-preservation.
Senior Mole Furry: "Thank you children. Thank you. Them lousy crooks just raided the five shops here. On a calm afternoon. What is happening?"
Aubrey: "We don't know, sir. But I know who can help us."
Alicia: "Here's your glasses, sir."
Senior Mole Furry: "Thank you, young lady. Couldn't travel anywhere without these."
Alicia: "You're welcome."
A few more screams are heard from outside the plaza as twenty-five furries with helmets toss bags full of drugs and money.
Aubrey: "Oh pick up, pick up! Please, Shermie. Come on."
Sherman: "Hey Aubs, what's going on?"
Aubrey: "Shermie! Can you please come over here, quickly! Something... something horrible has just happened!"
Sherman: "At the Duckel Burger? Is everyone alright over there?"
Aubrey: "Me and my friends are okay, but... my gosh... there's so much blood..."
Sherman: "Aubrey? What's going on? What did the attackers look like?"
Aubrey: "The Eden Plaza was attacked minutes ago by armed furries. I don't know who they are, but they had these helmets and this creepy symbol on them. It resembled dead wild cat skull. We're trying to help a few folks here, but I don't think we can reach them all. Sherman, please hurry!"
Sherman: "Okay. Uhm... shoot. Aubs, hang tight. I'm on my way."
Aubrey: "Thanks honey, I knew I could count on you."

Author's Note: "Such a development. What will happen next? Find out in the upcoming chapter!"