New Zoo (Original Series by Wallace111)

New-Zoo-Blue Jays

It was a fine, fresh morning as Rebecca walked under the stone archways of the New Zoo.


"Time to see the developments for myself...I'm sure they'll be impressive" thought Rebecca as her smile widened. She was still within the honeymoon period since they defeated John. The reopening of the Zoo the following week made her feel rather excited.


"That is...if Charlotte can organise negotiations with Dominic and Valeria" said Rebecca, feeling a small sense of frustration building up. "Why did Victoria assign Charlotte only with this...is she hiding something?" continued Rebecca as she walked into the Main Hallway.


She decided to leave the thought for now as she looked overhead. Her smile widened as she saw the new sign to direct people to the soon-to-be-opened Sanctuaries. She saw the direction to the Feline Sanctuary as she headed in that direction.


"I am impressed, this is magnificent," said Rebecca, noticing the small circles across the floor. They would be useful in further directing people to the Sanctuaries in the future.


Rebecca saw a sign overhead. She smiled as she realised she had arrived at her destination.
She looked over the handlebar, admiring the wide space as she imagined how it would look once the animals returned for Orientation.


"I'm sure Caitlyn will enjoy the wider space. Especially with her family and boyfriend by her side" said Rebecca. She chuckled as she imagined it, smiling as she imagined just how joyful Caitlyn would be.


"Still...I suppose I have other things to do today" admitted Rebecca, glancing towards a nearby clock. "I still wonder if I'm doing the right thing...considering this person for possible staff" concluded Rebecca. She recalled how she had come across this individual...the circumstances still puzzled her.


It was a few weeks ago when Rebecca was checking out the local news. She was making sure that there was little fallout to the Zoo's actions. To her surprise, she recalled a tabloid piece from a woman who not only believed the rumours but supported the Zoo's actions if they were true. Subsequent articles by this woman resulted in her defending the Zoo more passionately.


This had caught Rebecca's interest significantly. She never thought she'd meet someone so...similar.


"Still...I suppose there is a risk involved in this" admitted Rebecca, knowing they hadn't had the best track record with journalists. Still, the woman appeared to be excited at being contacted about the possibility of working here.


"I suppose if it doesn't work out...the Aviary could always use more birds," said Rebecca. Her mind began to drift. Feelings of love and regret began to return once more as her mind returned to Chris.


Rebecca could feel a tingling at her rear once more as she looked back with frustration. She could feel it growing into a pointed nub. A few black feathers began to emerge as Rebecca gained some control over herself.


"Calm down...calm down" mumbled Rebecca, taking deep slow breaths as she felt the tail feathers begin to recede. Soon her nub flattened out as the changes which had afflicted her reversed entirely.


"You seemed rather excited" deadpanned a familiar voice. Rebecca turned to face the voice, feeling a small sense of irritation as she eyed the entity.


The Spirit looked no different, its turquoise skin visible as Rebecca glared slightly at it. The Spirit shifted its voluminous turquoise curls as it looked back at Rebecca.


"Why is this still happening?" asked Rebecca, staring at the Spirit for an explanation.


"All I did was open up your emotions, the transformation is all you" explained the Spirit simply. Rebecca found herself trying to say something. However, her breath held still as she considered the possibility.


"Could my emotions really be affecting my magic?, sometimes I wished my master was still around" thought Rebecca. She wondered what her master would think, would he be proud of what she has managed to accomplish.


"Not now" finished Rebecca, pushing the thought out of her mind for the time being as she stared back at the clock. It was getting close to meeting time with this tabloid woman.


"I hope she's the one," said Rebecca, feeling the Spirit reading through her mind to find the applicable information. Unlike Elizabeth and Charlotte, the Spirit's lack of boundaries did annoy Rebecca greatly. "We can't afford to have two loose cannons. We need to have someone entirely committed to the vision" continued Rebecca as the Spirit nodded in agreement.


"Still...if it doesn't work out, I get another meal" replied the Spirit. It noticed Rebecca giving it an odd stare before she began to walk back towards the entrance."Hey...wait up" said the Spirit, hovering after Rebecca.


"Can't it take a hint?" grumbled Rebecca, feeling annoyed at the intrusion. She approached the stone archways, curious as to how the meeting would go.




At the Entrance:


A woman walked under the stone archways, curiously looking around as her eyes were filled with wonder.


"It really is magnificent, I wonder why they took interest in me," thought the woman. She shifted her auburn hair, taking a moment to adjust her glasses as she noticed someone approaching her.


"I guess this is my contact now" mumbled the woman, taking one last moment to make sure her hair was neat.


"Welcome, it's certainly nice to see you in person...Carol was it?" said Rebecca, holding her hand out as Carol looked at it for a moment.


"That's correct, you're Rebecca I presume?" replied Carol, Rebecca nodding in agreement as Carol smiled. This place did seem rather extraordinary.


"I must thank you for the defence in the media," said Rebecca, noticing Carol brighten up.


"I never thought you'd read my articles" started Carol, her tone filled with excitement. "Still, if the rumours are true...you're giving insignificant things new meaning" finished Carol, her tone becoming more excited as Rebecca felt slightly awkward.


"She's eccentric" admitted Rebecca as she began to question if she was doing the right thing. Nevertheless, she decided to press on.


"Why don't you follow me outside?" asked Rebecca, catching Carol's attention. "I can show you the new Botanical Gardens" offered Rebecca as Carol's expression implied interest.


"Sounds good" replied Carol, nodding as she returned her attention to Rebecca. The pair began to walk through the Main Hallway. Carol looked over the various Sanctuaries and Enclosures they came across until they arrived at the nearby staircase to the Outside Section.


"So...where are all the animals?" wondered Carol, curiosity evident as she continued to look around.


"They're all away on their medical checkup" explained Rebecca, Carol nodding in understanding. "They'll be back for Orientation" finished Rebecca as the pair continued to walk in silence.


Eventually, the pair reached the Botanical Gardens as they walked through the entrance. Rebecca breathed a sigh of relief as she sat down on a nearby bench. She motioned for Carol to sit opposite her as she smiled.


The pair enjoyed the tranquillity of the moment as Carol looked at Rebecca. Rebecca seemed to be in deep thought as Carol felt a little impatient.


"What's the point of this?" questioned Carol, finding herself confused within the botanical gardens. She felt rather on edge in contrast to Rebecca who seemed rather calm.


"After everything, the Zoo has gone through...I thought it'd be nice just to have a place to breathe" replied Rebecca, staring at Carol with a sceptical expression. She then diverted her attention to the pleasant surroundings of the Gardens, admiring the nature around the pair as Carol continued to look indifferent to the whole affair.


Rebecca's peaceful state was soon interrupted by a small feeling in her mind. She groaned softly, hoping Carol wouldn't notice.


"What do you want, Spirit?" questioned Rebecca internally, annoyance within her tone.


"I've sensed someone entering the Zoo, we could have a possible new addition" replied the Spirit.


"I'm guessing you're just saying that so you can have another meal?" stated Rebecca.


"Why else? However, you could take advantage of the situation" said the Spirit.


"Guess I'll be there soon then" snarked Rebecca, annoyance still present in her voice as the Spirit nodded in understanding. She stood up, noticing Carol looking at her.


"Actually...want to see the truth behind this place?" offered Rebecca. Carol felt her curiosity return, her enthusiasm coming with it as she stood up.


"Of course, I'd love to!" replied Carol enthusiastically as she followed Rebecca departing.


The pair left the Botanical Gardens, proceeding to head back towards the entrance.


"The Spirit's right...I could always do with some new additions" thought Rebecca, looking back as she noticed Carol not too far behind. "After all...the Aviary could always use more birds" finished Rebecca, feeling committed to her plan.


The pair continued to head towards the entrance, Rebecca determined to get back into the familiar routine.


Elsewhere:


Ashton and Lizzie walked under the stone archways of the New Zoo. They both had the day off work so they thought they'd come and look around the zoo that would hopefully, be soon opening.


The pair were avid bird watchers. Ashton had actually met Lizzie while bird-watching in the park as the pair had just hit it off. They continued to visit the same park almost weekly, falling in love soon after.


"I can't wait to look at the Aviary, I've heard it'll soon be one of the largest of its kind," said Ashton, excitement in his voice as he turned back to his girlfriend.


"I agree, I can't wait to see all the various birds" replied Lizzie, her smile wide as she held Ashton's hand tightly. She adjusted her blonde hair, shifting the platinum highlights to one side as she looked around the Main Hallway. Ashton did the same as he took an opportunity to admire Lizzie's figure once more.


Lizzie was definitely a winner. Her hourglass figure was well maintained as her curves were noticeable through her yellow skirt. Her white sweater complimented her figure and her bright brown eyes were filled with optimism.


"Always said she could be a model," thought Austin, continuing to admire Lizzie. His eyes eventually stopped on her finger, noticing the ring that she was wearing. He took a moment to glance at his finger, seeing the same ring. "Instead she chose me" continued Ashton, his smile widening as he felt a warmth inside.


Comparatively, Ashton was rather plain. His brown hair was short and well kept. He wore a simple yellow t-shirt alongside a pair of blue jeans. He then remembered why they had come today as he increased his pace to catch up to Lizzie.


"What've you found?" asked Ashton, noticing Lizzie looking towards the floor.


"According to this, the Aviary is this way" replied Lizzie, pointing as she walked. She was following the floor markings passionately. Ashton kept up, still smiling as he admired his wife.


"Lizzie, please never change" thought Ashton, walking alongside his wife. He certainly admired her enthusiasm. It was the main reason they had managed to get through the initial difficulties of their relationship.


Meanwhile, Rebecca and Carol were wandering through the Main Hallway. Unknown to Carol, the Spirit was giving Rebecca signs as to where the couple had gotten off to.


"How do you know they're this way?" asked Carol, confused by Rebecca's confidence.


"I have an intuition" replied Rebecca smiling for a moment.


"Didn't realise intuition meant someone giving you the answer" deadpanned the Spirit within Rebecca's mind.


"Not now" grumbled Rebecca internally. She soon noticed the couple walking within the Main Hallway. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that they were trying to head for the Aviary.


"Let me handle this," said Rebecca, motioning to Carol to hold back. Carol complied, feeling her curiosity growing by the second.


"Make sure she stays put...and bring her to the Aviary when the time is right," said Rebecca internally, communicating with the Spirit which nodded in agreement.


"Hello, what can I do for the pair of you?" asked Rebecca. She couldn't help but chuckle as the pair seemed to snap out of whatever trance they were in. They turned to face Rebecca curiously.


"Who are you?" asked Lizzie, noticing the uniform that Rebecca was wearing.


"My name is Rebecca" started Rebecca, introducing herself to the couple. "May I ask why you are here? The Zoo isn't open today" added Rebecca, looking at the pair.


"It isn't?" said Ashton, only just now noticing all the surrounding empty enclosures. One glance at Lizzie confirmed she had only just noticed the same.


"Oh...we're very very sorry miss" started Lizzie, blushing awkwardly. "We just saw the gate was open and we're very excited for the Aviary so..." continued Lizzie. She noticed Rebecca putting a hand up to silence her as she stopped awkwardly.


"It's ok, mistakes happen," said Rebecca, keeping her tone comforting as she noticed Lizzie appearing to calm. She faked an expression of realisation as the couple watched her with interest. "However, while you're here, why don't I give you a preview of the Aviary?" offered Rebecca, smiling internally as she noticed the immediate enthusiasm from the pair.


"We'd love that," said Lizzie excitedly as Ashton smiled alongside her.


"Wait...I never caught your names" stated Rebecca, looking at the pair. Lizzie once again blushed awkwardly as she realised they hadn't introduced themselves.


"I'm Lizzie and this is my boyfriend Ashton" replied Lizzie, grabbing Ashton affectionately as the pair noticed Rebecca walking away.


"Ok, follow me so I can show you the Aviary," said Rebecca. She walked ahead of the pair, noticing them enthusiastically following her. She eyed the rings on their fingers, paying it little mind. "Good to see their enthusiasm...the Aviary could really use some more birds," thought Rebecca.


Meanwhile, Carol was still in her hiding spot as she was curious as to what was going on.


"When is she going to get back?" wondered Carol, looking around absentmindedly. She was finding herself getting bored as she noticed a small glow in the corner of her eye. She quickly turned to face it, barely seeing a green glow up ahead.


"What's that?" thought Carol as it seemed to be flashing. It was almost as if it was telling her something. She couldn't help but stand up, beginning to follow the glow as it guided her through the Main Hallway.


She was about to learn what made this Zoo special.


At the Aviary:


Elsewhere, Rebecca had just arrived at the Aviary. She looked behind, smiling that the couple had followed her.


"We're here," said Rebecca joyously. She hadn't had much of a chance to look at the Aviary recently as she admired it once more. She hoped Chris liked it, knowing it was a considerable improvement over his old enclosure.


"No, not now" mumbled Rebecca, pushing the thought of Chris from her mind. Fortunately, the couple had been too busy admiring the Aviary to pay Rebecca any attention.


"The pictures don't do it justice...do they?" said Ashton. He turned to Lizzie, her mouth open in awe as she couldn't help but enjoy the moment.


"They certainly don't" replied Lizzie, finding the Aviary intriguing. She looked inside, noticing no birds within. She pouted slightly at this, quickly remembering that they would be back soon. "It'd be great to come back here...to see all the birds," thought Lizzie.


"It's great to see you like it so much" started Rebecca, interrupting the couple's train of thought. "Would you like to look inside? see what it has to offer?" asked Rebecca.


"Yes, I'd love to!" said Lizzie enthusiastically, grabbing Ashton's arm as he appeared to share her enthusiasm. The pair were truly enjoying this turn of events as Rebecca smiled warmly.


"Great...I'll open the door," said Rebecca. She quickly moved towards the door into the Aviary. She opened it, ushering the couple inside as they complied. Once they were a fair distance in, she closed the door. A 'lock' came into place as Rebecca looked around, smiling as she noticed the nearby security camera.


"Glad to see they're operational again. I'll look forward to reviewing the footage later on" said Rebecca, her smile widening as she began to look around. "Carol should be around here somewhere...if the Spirit did as asked" thought Rebecca.


At that moment, Carol had just finished pursuing the green glow. It had guided her to a lookout tower of some sort as she looked around. The glow seemed to mysteriously disappear as Carol continued looking around, trying to find any trace of it.


"Wait...is that?" mumbled Carol, seeing the couple who she briefly noticed earlier within the Aviary. Carol watched with intrigue as she wondered what was about to happen.


"Either way, I'll get some answers," thought Carol. She leant over, getting a good view of the couple. Little did she know, the experience would soon change her life.


Within the Aviary:


Ashton and Lizzie continued to look around the Aviary. They were oblivious to Rebecca's intentions or even to the fact that they were being watched. They were too busy looking around, noticing the light shining through the glass ceiling.


"This is amazing...so many habitats, so many trees," said Lizzie with wonder. She felt something building up in her, causing her to feel fuzzy. She wrote it off as excitement over this opportunity, unaware that her changes were soon to begin.


"I agree, this will be great once the birds return" replied Ashton as he noticed the pools of water and vegetation beneath him. He also felt rather fuzzy, quickly becoming uncomfortable as sensations began to occur all over his body.


The pair began to feel a prickly sensation beneath their clothes. Unknown to them, their feathers were beginning to develop. They were white on Lizzie's chest whereas they were grey on Ashtons.


Soon the Aviary would be home to a new pair of Blue Jays.


"Lizzie, you ok?" asked Ashton, noticing the discomfort on her face.


"I...I don't feel well" replied Lizzie, the prickling spreading as she noticed Ashton's face. She gawked as she noticed what appeared to be a developing beak on her boyfriend's face.


"What's wrong Lizzie?" asked Ashton, noticing his girlfriend's expression.


"Ashton...your face, something's on your face!" said Lizzie, feeling a sense of panic. However, as she looked further at her boyfriend, her panic was replaced with intrigue.


Ashton felt around his face, feeling something pushing out. It seemed to focus around his lips as it appeared to be thickening. It lengthened, longer and longer as it pushed out. It darkened as it lengthened, soon becoming an appropriate size. Eventually, he had a rather long black beak
which he noticed in his field of vision.


"Wait...is that a beak?" thought Ashton, feeling the new protrusion with interest. His surprise was quickly being replaced as he looked towards Lizzie. He could tell she was thinking the same thing as they started at each other.


Somehow, they were turning into birds. Their lack of worry wasn't surprising as Lizzie turned to Ashton.


"I never thought this would happen. I know we love birds but to actually be birds" said Lizzie, walking up to her boyfriend. Before Ashton could react, she kissed his beak. She began to feel a similar sensation come across her lips as they began to lengthen out. They thickened up, darkening as they firmly and quickly pushed out. Soon, Lizzie had a beak similar to her boyfriend as the pair stared at each other in wonder.


Meanwhile, Carol was watching the pair from her lookout spot. As she witnessed their beaks forming she found herself in a state of shock. She felt her interest in the Zoo increasing exponentially as she continued to witness the couple's transformation.


"Fascinating...so the rumours are true" thought Carol, a wicked smile growing on her face. The idea of working here just got far more interesting.


Currently, Ashton and Lizzie continued to stare at each other, feeling the prickly sensations continuing to spread. To Ashton's surprise, Lizzie began to strip away her jumper, throwing it onto the floor. She then removed her shirt and her bra in quick succession as she looked down at her chest and stomach.


"Lizzie, what are you doing?" asked Ashton, confusion in his mind. Although the more he stared at Lizzie, the more he felt aroused. This came as no surprise to the man as he decided to strip his t-shirt off alongside Lizzie.


"You...you have such wonderful plumage" commented Lizzie, finding herself becoming aroused. She continued to glance at Ashton's chest and stomach, admiring the mostly white feathers which she knew were also growing on her stomach. She breathed out, feeling something pushing against her skirt as she noticed Ashton's expression of discomfort.


Lizzie began to loosen her skirt, allowing it to fall to the ground as she felt something bouncing around her rear. She turned back, her mouth open in awe and amazement as she noticed tail feathers growing out. They were blue at the top but white at the bottom. Small black bands also covered the tail to its tip. She recognised the markings as she was overwhelmed by sudden happiness.


"Blue Jays" mumbled Lizzie quietly.


"What?" asked Ashton.


"We're becoming Blue Jays!" said Lizzie enthusiastically as she noticed Ashton's discomfort. "Let me help you," said Lizzie as she loosened Ashton's belt, allowing the jeans to come loose as they fell to the ground. She noticed his blue feathers behind him as she couldn't help but smile alluringly. Her new animal instincts were developing, combining with her still human memories as she felt a flush of arousal come over her. One glance was all that was required to know that Ashton was feeling the same.


"I...I still can't believe it" wondered Carol, eyeing the changing couple. They seemed to be enjoying their changes as Carol's mood was slightly dampened at that. "They shouldn't be...how can people be so easy to resign their humanity?" continued Carol. It was then something came to her mind, something that made all this make sense.


"They don't deserve their humanity...they truly are and always will be animals" concluded Carol, smiling as she continued to focus on the animals taking their true shape.


As Carol was having her revelation, Lizzie and Ashton were still watching their changes. They noticed their tail feathers growing out, becoming larger and larger. Soon, the pair's tails were complete as they blushed at each other. They were making a poor effort of hiding their arousal as they stared at each other lovingly.


"This will take some time to get used to," said Ashton, beginning to feel cramping in his feet. Lizzie was feeling the same as the pair stared at each other.


"I agree. At least you'll be there with me. This is truly the best gift I've ever received" replied Lizzie, feeling her feet beginning to harden.


The pair could feel their feet shifting and merging. They developed a black coating as their toes merged, the little toes bending away as they formed small claws. The sensation spread up their legs, causing them to stiffen and shift. They changed into the appropriate legs for the future Blue Jays as they continued to stare at each other.


Before they could react, the sensations had spread up to their arms. They watched as their fingers began to fuse. They formed a fleshy lump which quickly became itchy. The pair smiled as they noticed their feathers growing in. They stretched across their arms, puffing out in various shades of blue with occasional black and white bands.


The pair flapped their wings experimentally, Lizzie eyeing Ashton as she giggled. However, the pair were much too heavy to be able to fly just yet.


"Ashton...were you always that small?" asked Lizzie jokingly. Ashton quickly realised what was going on as he got a view of his surroundings. They were quickly becoming bigger than they were only moments ago as he noticed Lizzie shrinking alongside him.


"I'm not the only one who's shrinking down to size" replied Ashton. Lizzie soon noticed she was also shrinking. She giggled, truly enjoying the situation. Her giggles were soon replaced by the familiar calls of the blue jay. Ashton tried to speak as well, only producing the same calls as the pair continued to stare lovingly at each other.


Their changes were almost over and they couldn't look more forward to it.


"Wow...the animals almost have their true shape" mumbled Carol, smiling widely. She felt an unusual excitement develop in her as she looked around. She noticed several enclosures scattered around as she considered just how large the Zoo was.


"Rebecca...she's....she's doing magnificent work. She's ridding the world of unworthy people and showing them for the public to ridicule. She is truly a superior being" said Carol, unable to resist chuckling darkly as it all made sense to her.


Carol knew for a certainty that she was going to love working here.


Lizzie and Ashton stared at one another. From the neck down, they had fully transformed into Blue Jays. Even now, they could feel the feathers beginning to spread upwards. Their hair receded into their heads as blue feathers spread across the top of their head. They felt some sticking up as their heads shifted slightly, allowing their blue crests to form.


"I'll always love you," the pair thought to each other as they closed their eyes. The final changes began to wash over them as their eyes shifted, improving their vision for their life ahead. White feathers also spread across their necks, covering their lower mouths as their gorgeous plumage finished growing out.


The pair called to each other as their transformation had now been completed. They saw their rings on the ground, having somehow come together during their transformation. The pair could each remember their past but with their new forms, took flight, ready to move on to a bright future together.


The pair began to fly around excitingly, coming surprisingly easy due to their new animal instincts. They each felt a sense of arousal as they were looking around for an appropriate place. They noticed a tree near a distant river which they nodded at each other, agreeing on the perfect spot.


They landed on the tree, looking down into the river. They noticed their new plumage as they 'smiled.' They truly looked beautiful as Ashton looked lovingly at Lizzie. Lizzie, knowing Ashton's intentions, began to encourage him.


However, before the pair could have a chance to mate, Ashton suddenly felt tired. Lizzie felt the same as the pair began to feel rather faint. They felt their eyes drooping, closing as the pair soon fell asleep beside each other.


"Now that was satisfying," thought the Spirit, feeling itself rejuvenate as it absorbed the energy. It then smiled as it took a moment to look around, noticing Carol on the nearby lookout tower.


"I guess Rebecca will be here soon. Time to see if we get new staff...or a new addition" pondered the Spirit as it held back. It kept a watchful gaze on Carol, ready for anything that might happen.


Meanwhile:


Rebecca approached the nearby lookout tower, seeing Carol at the top. She waited a moment, noticing Carol appeared to be taking it all in.


"Give her time...she'll come around," thought Rebecca, beginning to walk up the lookout tower. She looked into the Aviary on the way up, getting a glimpse of the new Blue Jays. She made a mental note to pick them up later. They'd need to be dropped off for medical before Orientation.


Rebecca soon arrived at the top of the tower as she noticed Carol. Her expressions seemed odd as Rebecca decided to try and make some sense of them.


"So...did you see the secret?" asked Rebecca, noticing Carol nodding enthusiastically.


"Of course...you are a superior being. I'd love to join your Zoo and crusade" replied Carol, quickly hugging Rebecca. She quickly loosened up, mumbling a quick apology upon seeing Rebecca's discomfort.


"What's she talking about?" thought Rebecca sceptically. "She must still be in shock. I'm sure she'll come around. Besides, it'd be nice to recruit an apprentice. Give me a chance to consult my master soon" finished Rebecca internally.


Carol continued to watch Rebecca, her enthusiasm almost like night and day compared to when she arrived. Carol suddenly cringed as she felt a small spark in her mind.


"What the hell was that?" wondered Carol, looking at Rebecca with concern.


"It was just our insurance policy" replied Rebecca, still feeling rather sceptical of this. However, she was slowly finding herself being won over internally.


"I'm a bit more than that, surely," said the Spirit. Carol was confused as she noticed the green glow she saw earlier. It flashed wildly as Carol covered her eyes. A moment later, she was able to get a small glance at the entity forming in front of her.


The glow's head began to form, hair puffing out as it became a shade of turquoise. It contrasted against the green of that it had only moments ago as it curled out. The hair then expanded, becoming voluminous as it brightened, indicating the Spirit was well fed after its recent meal.


It began to form a body, a shade of light blue replaced the green as a t-shirt formed on the developing Spirit. A picture of the Zoo's stone archways formed on the t-shirt as it shined brightly. A new material began to form around the developing body of the Spirit as a turquoise coloured jacket formed around it, a small hood developing at the back.


The glow was now beginning to resemble the familiar Spirit as small legs grew out from its form. A pair of bright green shorts formed around its lower body as its feet grew in. Sandals formed around the feet.


Finally, the Spirit felt complete as it opened its eyes. They shined as its left eye was a shade of green whereas its right eye was a shade of light blue. Its irises sparkled as small clusters of energy escaped from them as Carol was in awe at the display.


"What is that?" asked Carol, further confusion coming over her.


"This is the Spirit," explained Rebecca. "It helps us with our vision, despite being more supportive of Elizabeth and Charlotte" finished Rebecca.


"Well you should be more trusting of me" replied the Spirit as Rebecca gave it a small glare. The Spirit was unfazed by the glare as it continued to stare down Rebecca.


"So this...is an enemy?" thought Carol, wondering how to make sense of this. "It appears to oppose Rebecca, perhaps I can deal with this problem for her" wondered Carol internally. She smiled as she pushed the thought from her mind, intending to revisit it later.


"Now, why don't you head home?" said Rebecca, offering reassurance to Carol. Carol nodded as she began her departure from the lookout tower. "See you at Orientation?" asked Rebecca, noticing Carol turning back. Her smile widened as she stared back at Rebecca.


"Count me in, I'll be here," said Carol confidently as she began to leave.


"Should I?" asked the Spirit.


"Not yet...if she plans to expose us, then you can" said Rebecca as the Spirit nodded. The pair noticed Carol heading towards the entrance. "She's got potential...I hope she matches it" thought Rebecca, deciding to depart from the tower herself.


"Need to collect our new arrivals. That'll give them a chance to meet the rest before Orientation" thought Rebecca, grabbing a nearby cage to assist her.


Shortly after, Rebecca entered the Aviary. After a quick look around, she spotted the new pair of Blue Jays as she quietly and carefully moved the pair into a small cage she had brought with her.


"Now it's time to get out of here. Charlotte will want to be alone when Dominic and Valeria show up" said Rebecca as she continued to hold the cage. She figured that they'd be out for a while as she approached the Zoo entrance.


To her surprise, she saw Charlotte entering as the pair stared at each other momentarily.


"So...can she be trusted?" asked Charlotte.


"Who? Carol?" replied Rebecca.


"Yes, I saw her on her way out. She certainly seems a little...off" said Charlotte, a small expression of concern.


"I'm sure she'll be fine. She's just been exposed to a lot today" reasoned Rebecca. Charlotte conceded the point, aware that showing someone magic was certainly going to cause some reaction. "Besides, I've had the Spirit enact its precaution as we all agreed upon" finished Rebecca as Charlotte nodded.


"Good" replied Charlotte simply as she eyed the cage Rebecca was holding. "I don't think Victoria is too happy with our last minute additions" admitted Charlotte. "I think she wants us to wait till Orientation before we add any more, just so the medical check-up can finish," said Charlotte.


"I understand" started Rebecca, taking a moment to look over the new Blue Jays. "However, I'm still going to take them, make sure they remain up to date. Besides, soon we'll be able to do medical down here rather than take them off-site" finished Rebecca as Charlotte nodded in understanding.


Charlotte had already seen the new plans for developing the New Zoo. Since their defeat of John, the Governor had developed much greater confidence in the project. This had made funding no longer an issue as the Managers opted to try and keep it this way.


"Ok, this has been fun but I need to go prepare for negotiations," said Charlotte. She checked the clock as she began to depart towards the Office. Dominic and Valeria would be here soon and Charlotte didn't wish to be caught off guard.


"Best of luck," said Rebecca, giving a small wave as she departed from the Zoo.


It took a brief moment to find their car as Rebecca walked towards it. She opened the door as she got inside, placing the cage on the passenger seat.


"Well, time to take the new birds to see who they'll be sharing their residence with," said Rebecca, a smile on her face as she turned the key in the ignition.


The car started as Rebecca began to pull out of the car park. She departed from the New Zoo, expecting to be back later tonight to pick up Charlotte.


For now, however, all Rebecca did was give a glance into her rear-view mirror. She saw the Zoo staring back at her as she smiled. Her smile was genuinely warm as she looked forward to the future.


"It's good to have it back," thought Rebecca, truly loving her Zoo as she couldn't wait for Orientation. The animals returning would just be the icing on the cake.


Rebecca couldn't see the New Zoo anymore as she continued to drive away. Her thoughts drifted to some of the animals.


"I hope they enjoy their new space...I truly do," said Rebecca. She pushed the thought from her mind, not seeing a point in panicking.


After all, all her questions would be answered at Orientation. And to Rebecca, it was a day that couldn't come quick enough.