New Zoo (Original Series by Wallace111)

New-Zoo-Negotiations

The clouds were rather dull, blocking out most of the sunlight as Dominic and Valeria walked under the stone archways of the New Zoo.


"Here we go again," thought Valeria as she noticed her husband looking at her. She gave a small smile, trying to show she was ok.


"I know this is difficult" started Dominic, the pair stopping for a moment. He noticed his wife's face. Her hair was misshapen, a few strands out of place. The bags under her eyes indicated her poor sleep schedule over the last few days as Dominic looked at her sympathetically.


"You need to take better care of yourself," said Dominic, taking a moment to correct her hair. Valeria smiled softly at her husband. "If not for your sake...then for our daughter" finished Dominic as Valeria nodded in agreement.


"Sorry...it's just..." started Valeria, stopping as she eyed her husband.


"You're still blaming yourself, you shouldn't shoulder the blame alone" replied Dominic, trying to reassure his wife who still looked uneasy.


"But...I pushed her away," said Valeria, her voice surprisingly small.


"We pushed her away," started Dominic. "We can lift that burden together" finished Dominic as Valeria seemed to be calming. Her composure seemed to be settling as her mind returned to the task at hand.


"I suppose we should get started," said Valeria as Dominic nodded. Before she could leave, Dominic pulled her in for a kiss. Valeria's initial surprise was soon replaced with warmth as she leant into the kiss, enjoying the momentary piece of heaven.


"Are we interrupting something?" said Charlotte as the pair broke the embrace as they faced the Managers. Valeria glared for a small moment as she groaned internally.


"I wish they wouldn't be so smug," thought Valeria as she stood upright. The Managers stared back at Dominic and Valeria, seemingly considering their next move.


"It's nice to see you again," said Rebecca, smiling as she tried to put Valeria at ease. Valeria gave a small glare which soon faltered due to fatigue.


"Who thought this would be so...difficult?" thought Valeria. She had noticed Rebecca's attempt to be cordial...as well as the small smile of satisfaction. Like a predator about to corner its prey.


"We're getting through to her, soon, she'll crack" thought Rebecca. She looked at the pair, smiling softly as they were becoming rather uncomfortable.


"I suppose we should get started," said Valeria, minor annoyance in her tone. She then took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "I need to make sure they don't get to me," thought Valeria, taking another moment to look at her husband. "To us" she corrected herself, noticing Rebecca beginning to walk down the Main Hallway.


Valeria and Dominic followed, noticing Charlotte and Elizabeth alongside Rebecca. Valeria had recognised Elizabeth from their previous encounter. The meeting was when they saw what had happened to their daughter.


"They're just..." thought Valeria, struggling to think of the appropriate words. She tried to calm herself, looking around the various enclosures. "Just..how many people have they transformed?... How many victims have they claimed?" thought Valeria as her composure faltered slightly.


Valeria felt something on her shoulder as she turned to face it. She saw her husband looking at her sympathetically. She smiled as she felt reassured by his gentle touch.


"We're here" announced Charlotte, interrupting the pair as Valeria noticed the same Office they had been negotiating within over the last few days. They sat down on a pair of chairs as the Managers sat opposite them.


"Ok, now let's begin by going over what we agreed upon" began Charlotte. She got out a piece of paper outlining the current agreement.


Upon closer inspection, the paper was blank.


"I'm guessing nothing's been agreed upon" stated Elizabeth, a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she noticed the others glaring at her.


"Our terms were relatively simple" began Valeria, her voice taking on a familiar professional tone. "We want to keep our daughter safe," said Valeria.


"Your daughter already is safe" replied Charlotte, her tone rather annoyed. This indicated this wasn't the first time that this subject had been brought up.


"Somehow, we doubt that" stated Dominic, glaring at Charlotte as they stared down at each other.


"Are you doubting my friend's capabilities sir?" said Elizabeth, her temper beginning to rise as her voice sounded on edge.


"You know...Yes, we are," replied Dominic. "Your friend here seems to be rather reluctant in giving up any control of the Petting Zoo. Why should we trust you with our daughter's safety?" finished Dominic.


"It's my passion project!" shouted Charlotte, silencing the others as all attention went onto Charlotte.


"So, that's all our daughter is to you? A project?!" said Valeria. She had to admit seeing Charlotte's mood deflate was rather satisfactory. She then pushed those thoughts out of her mind, for now, intent on focusing on the negotiations.


Rebecca looked over the group, wondering what to say. She did have a question about how the Managers could trust them with their daughter. However, she decided not to ask that question, knowing it would just cause the group to shout at each other again.


"Elizabeth...will you leave please?" asked Rebecca. Elizabeth looked at Rebecca for a moment before deciding the argument wasn't worth it. After all, she was never a fan of this kind of stuff anyway.


"Ok, thank you for your time. I'll be around when you're finished" said Elizabeth as she walked out of the Office. Charlotte smiled at her sympathetically, giving her a small wave as Elizabeth smiled back.


"It's for the best...her strengths lie in other areas," thought Charlotte as she returned her attention to Dominic and Valeria. Rebecca moved further up the table as the group stared at each other. They each took a breath, calming down before intending to continue with the negotiations.


"Well, now we've got that out of our systems...let's get down to business," said Rebecca as she looked at the pair. She admired the resolve in Valeria's eyes. She was clearly intent on getting what she wanted.


"Guess it's going to be a long day," remarked Rebecca internally as she motioned with her hand, offering Dominic and Valeria the opportunity to speak. One look to Charlotte silenced any potential opposition to this approach.


Rebecca sat back, intent on allowing the pair to air their terms in full.


Within the Main Hallway:


Elizabeth looked around the Main Hallway, trying to find a way to occupy herself.


"I wonder if the Spirit is around '' thought Elizabeth. She noticed a green glow nearby as she waved towards it. The glow flashed briefly as if to signal to Elizabeth that it had understood her. A larger flash caused the glow to begin to change, becoming something Elizabeth knew all too well.


The green glow began to stretch out, forming features across its body as Elizabeth stared expectantly.


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 up the Main Hallway.


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 as Elizabeth smiled, happy that the Spirit still appreciated the token of their friendship.


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 Elizabeth admired the display.


"You always knew how to make an entrance," said Elizabeth, smiling as she held her arms out. The Spirit moved into them, accepting the hug from Elizabeth as the pair enjoyed each other's company.


"How're you feeling?" asked Elizabeth, noticing the Spirit's smile. Elizabeth knew about how it felt conflicted from Charlotte earlier in the week. What she could feel and see now, however, proved that the Spirit was now feeling more reassured.


"I'm feeling great...would be better with another meal," said the Spirit, feeling a sudden sense come over it. Elizabeth could feel the same sensation as the pair looked at each other, confusion evident on their faces.


"Someone's here?" said Elizabeth, surprised for a brief moment. Her surprise was soon replaced with a smile as she looked towards the Spirit. The Spirit sensed the same thought as a smile also began to form.


"I guess this gives us something to do. I get a plaything for a few hours and you get a meal" said Elizabeth as the Spirit nodded excitingly. It was looking forward to another meal.


"Let's go meet our new addition" stated the Spirit as Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
The pair continued to head up the Main Hallway, having sensed the location of the new arrival.


Elsewhere:


Austin walked under the stone archways as he looked around the New Zoo. He was rather confused as he continued to look around, surprised by the bare state of the Zoo. There didn't appear to be any staff or animals within as Austin was beginning to feel rather confused.


"Where is everybody?" wondered Austin, running his head through his brown hair. He quickly checked his phone, checking the calendar date as his confusion only increased.


"I could've sworn that Orientation was today," thought Austin as he proceeded to wander further down the Main Hallway. "I guess I've arrived early" concluded Austin as he continued to look around.


Fortunately, he noticed someone in a zoo uniform. He checked his clothing, making sure he looked professional as he headed up towards them. His grey t-shirt and blue jeans looked presentable...at least until he was given a more official uniform.


"Hello, I'm here for Orientation," said Austin proudly. Elizabeth hid her confusion as she eyed the person in front of her. She smiled as she knew a role that would fit him perfectly.


"Perfectly for me anyway," thought Elizabeth, smiling even as she still felt rather confused. "Why is he even here? we picked the staff already. He deserves to be transformed due to his hubris alone...or stupidity" finished Elizabeth internally. She returned her attention to the man, aware that the Spirit was close by.


"I guess I'll show you to your new station Mr..." started Elizabeth, trying to recall if he had said his name.


"Austin," said Austin, introducing himself and offering a handshake. Elizabeth accepted as Austin asked, "And you are?."


"Elizabeth" stated Elizabeth simply. Austin's enthusiasm was beginning to become grating. The sooner she could add him to the zoo, the better.


"Ok, now that introductions are done. I'll show you to your post" said Elizabeth, beginning to walk away as Austin followed her. His excitement didn't wane as they walked further down the Main Hallway.


"So, where will I be working?" asked Austin, his excitement was rather contagious as Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. Despite his annoyance, Austin was beginning to grow on her.


He'd be even better once he was a seal.


"You'll be working with the seals alongside myself" replied Elizabeth, smiling as she sensed the Spirit following the pair. The Spirit was clearly looking forward to its next meal as they proceeded to head outside.


Within the Outside Section:


Austin and Elizabeth were walking as Austin continued to feel confused at the lack of animals around.


"Where are the animals?" asked Austin curiously as Elizabeth looked back at him.


"They're currently on their medical check...they'll be back within the next few days" replied Elizabeth as Austin nodded. His enthusiasm returned as the pair approached the Seal enclosure.


The rocky structures within the enclosure looked well designed as Austin admired the enclosure. There was a large pool of water for the seals to swim within as rocks were scattered around. It seemed to have a heating system to control the temperature enclosure as small platforms were around. The platforms led to various objects such as horns for the seals to blow in. A large ring was located within the middle of the enclosure, perfect for a seal to jump through for tricks. Finally, a raised platform had what appeared to be a few beach towels which Austin imagined would be used when the seals were sleeping.


"So...when can I get started?" asked Austin, his excitement evident on his face as he looked down into the enclosure below.


"Now" replied Elizabeth simply as she pushed Austin. He was unable to correct his balance before he fell over into the enclosure. He splashed into the pool as he quickly surfaced, looking up at Elizabeth.


"Why'd you do that?" said Austin, beginning to feel rather uncomfortable. Unknown to him, his transformation was beginning.


"Just getting you into uniform" replied Elizabeth simply as she leant onto the railing. She was clearly looking forward to the show. She smiled as she noticed Austin's discomfort, implying his transformation was beginning soon.


Austin was feeling particularly uneasy. It was as if his body was expanding as he felt discomfort pushing against his clothes.


"My clothes must have stuck to me" reasoned Austin, still wondering what was going on as his clothes continued to get tighter and tighter. He felt his shirt beginning to cut off his breathing as he tried to remove it, struggling to pull it off him.


Eventually, he managed to pull the shirt off as he looked down at his upper body. His mouth gaped in shock as he saw what had happened.


His upper body was beginning to bulge out, any muscle was quickly being swallowed by what appeared to be a thick layer of fat. It was appearing to change colour, becoming a shade of grey as Austin realised what was happening.


"I'm becoming a seal?!" shouted Austin in a panic. He looked up towards Elizabeth who was smiling down at him.


"Took you long enough" snarked Elizabeth as she waited excitingly for the next changes to occur.


"Why are you doing this?" asked Austin, still feeling tingling sensations across his body as he felt his legs beginning to push against his jeans. They were bulging with more blubber as Austin tried to keep his focus on Elizabeth.


"I'm bored...and you're much more entertaining this way" replied Elizabeth. Austin was at a loss for words as he felt his jeans beginning to suffocate around his legs. The discomfort was becoming immense as Austin tried to reach down there.


Before he could, the jeans tore away. The remaining rags sunk into the water as Austin managed to get a good view of his fattening legs. His increasing blubber was making it harder to keep afloat. He felt further changes down between his legs, a sense of powerless coming over him.


He felt something developing down there, moving downwards as his legs seemed to be sticking together. He tried to force them apart but was powerless as they continued to merge. It travelled further down, more blubber forming across his increasingly animalistic form as it reached his feet.


"My flippers must be forming" thought Austin as he felt a tingling across his feet. They seemed to be shifting and changing. They loosened, shifting position as they thinned out. His toes began to merge as they greyed out. His feet then began to twist together, merging into one wide fin as he looked down, unable to see due to the water.


"My...my tail?" said Austin, surprised as he was finding it easier to keep afloat.
"Yes, seals have tails...can you just finish up please?!" moaned Elizabeth impatiently. She wanted this to be over with as soon as possible.


Fortunately, she was soon to get her desire as Austin felt a tingling in his arms. They seemed to be shrinking. The grey texture of the rest of his body also seemed to be shifting onto his changing arms as the changes continued to work across Austin's body.


His fingers shortened, his nails sharpening as they became claws. The developing flippers seemed to be expanding slightly as blubber stretched across them. Soon, he had a pair of front flippers to match his back flippers as Austin came to a realisation.


From the body down, he was a complete seal.


"Please don't do this...I don't want to be a seal!!" shouted Austin, his tone begging towards the end. To his disappointment, Elizabeth seemed like she couldn't care less as she looked down at Austin once more.


"Why? you said you wanted to work here" replied Elizabeth, her tone mocking as Austin looked at her. "You also clearly can't think for yourself. Otherwise, you'd realize we've already picked all the staff for Orientation" continued Elizabeth. "Therefore, I think this is the perfect role for you...at least you won't have to think again" finished Elizabeth as she began to walk away.


"Wait..." started Austin.


"Unless you've completed your changes, I'm not interested" stated Elizabeth coldly as she looked back, waiting for Austin's changes to finish.


Austin didn't have time to respond as he felt a tingling in his head. He realised the changes were occurring as he felt his brown hair loosening from his head. He watched it float against the pool water as the tingling continued to spread.


His neck began to thicken out, blubber forming as he realised his vocals were shifting.


"No, I daark, BARK, BARK, BARK!" shouted Austin, his eyes widening in shock as he realised he had just barked like a seal. His confusion gave the changes the foothold they needed to begin entering his mind, eager to change his thoughts the same way they changed his body.


The grey texture that had covered his body now began to spread upwards. It covered his neck as he felt something smack against him.


"You were supposed to catch that...guess I'll need to give you some intensive training after this," said Elizabeth, smiling as she noticed Austin seemed conflicted against his developing seal instincts.


They were too much for him as Austin eagerly dived for the fish. He swallowed it whole, his face beginning to tingle as he realised what he had done.


"No...I'm not a Seal!" thought Austin, trying to hold back his changes. However, he was powerless against them as he felt his nose darkening. It then pushed out, taking his mouth along with it as his new muzzle developed. He felt a prickling as whiskers began to push out from his cheeks. They moved around curiously, picking up traces of air around him.


"NO!" shouted Austin internally, feeling his skin change texture like the rest of his body. It quickly covered his head, removing any trace of human skin. His eyes began to shift and change, the pupils widening as they seemed to be dilating. They contained no trace of human intelligence as Austin began to bark out in a panic.


Then it was done.


Austin was now physically a complete harp seal. He barked out in panic, trying to tenaciously hold onto his mind as he felt new animal instincts begin to dominate his mind.


"No...I don't want to be a seal!" thought Austin as new thoughts began to make him feel dazed. Thoughts of fish and playing began to dominate, taking control as he even felt an instinctive need for a mate. He felt a new playful personality developing within. It caused him to open up, one that was rather jovial and excited at the wonders of the enclosure he was in. His eyes began to darken, indicating the animal was taking control.


"Guess I should help him along," remarked Elizabeth. She got out her whistle, blowing on it as she noticed Austin turning to look at her. She smiled with satisfaction as his eyes darkened completely. He was now physically, and mentally a seal, ever ready to please his mistress.


Austin complied as Elizabeth guided him towards one of the nearby rocks. He settled down on it as he began to feel rather tired all of a sudden.


Austin yawned out as unknown to him, the Spirit was feeding on the energy from his transformation. He laid his head down, drifting off to sleep as the Spirit continued to feed.


"How long will he be out?" asked Elizabeth, looking back as she noticed the Spirit. It had a smile of satisfaction on its face indicating it had enjoyed its meal.


"Shouldn't be for long" replied the Spirit. "You should still be able to get some fun before they finish in the Office" continued the Spirit as it noticed Elizabeth's smile.


"Good, I'm hoping he fits in well. I'm curious as to how he'll react to the rest of the pod" replied Elizabeth, content to sit back alongside the Spirit. The pair enjoyed each other's company as they awaited Austin's recovery.


A Few Hours Later:


"So, it's settled then?" asked Rebecca curiously to Dominic and Valeria. The pair nodded as Rebecca turned to look at Charlotte. Charlotte nodded as well as Rebecca smiled softly.


It had truly been a challenging day but fortunately...they had managed to reach an agreement that satisfied everyone.


"Valeria's truly the challenge I expected her to be" thought Rebecca, admiring her determination over the last few hours. She understood why Charlotte had been having difficulties trying to get what she wanted. She turned to face Charlotte who appeared to have a look of annoyance on her face.


"Guess compromise truly was the answer" mused Charlotte as she motioned to Rebecca to continue.


"Ok...we'll let you work in the Petting Zoo. This will allow you to keep an eye on your daughter and keep her safe" started Rebecca, noticing Dominic and Valeria nod in understanding. "In exchange, you need to help us with making the Zoo appear legitimate, especially concerning everything that has occurred" continued Rebecca, noticing Dominic and Valeria nodding in acknowledgement. "I imagine people of your business acumen will find this task rather straightforward to implement" finished Rebecca.


"We understand," said Valeria simply, feeling that Rebecca would continue all day if left unchecked.


"Ok...now just sign here," said Charlotte, presenting a written document to the pair. "Just a contract outlining everything we've discussed here. I imagine you're familiar with the concept" finished Charlotte.


"Can you stop talking down to us?" stated Dominic simply as he and his wife eyed the agreement. Seeing no additional points and no omission from what they've discussed, they both signed the contract.


"Why don't we celebrate our new partnership by going to find Elizabeth?" said Rebecca. The question sounded more like a demand as Charlotte, Dominic and Valeria rose from their chairs.


The group departed from the Office, Charlotte curious to see what Elizabeth had been up to.


"Probably up to mischief," thought Charlotte as she smiled softly. She truly did appreciate her best friend, even with the occasional arguments between them.


Currently:


Elizabeth was playing with Austin, throwing a ball towards him which he would bat back towards him. He barked with glee and optimism, enjoying the attention. Elizabeth throwing him fish after every successful trick was a bonus.


Elizabeth then directed Austin to jump through the ring. As she watched him comply, she began to feel a sense of nostalgia within her mind. She felt a memory returning, one she thought she had forgotten.


"No..not now" mumbled Elizabeth, suppressing the thought once more as she returned her attention to Austin. Unknown to her, the Spirit has sensed the memory. It had a sympathetic expression for a moment before quickly returning to normal.


"Maybe another time...I don't wish to disturb her happiness" thought the Spirit, returning its attention alongside Elizabeth. The pair smiled as they continued to play with Austin.


"Good to see you having fun," said Rebecca, interrupting the pair as they turned to face her. She stood alongside Charlotte, Dominic and Valeria as she continued to stare at the pair. A sudden bark drew her attention towards the enclosure as she noticed the new seal within.


"I see the pair of you have been busy" stated Rebecca.


"This is Austin, one of the applicants we rejected," explained Elizabeth. "I imagined he'd be better here, working with the seals" continued Elizabeth as Rebecca nodded, content with the explanation.


"He'll still need a medical checkup like the others," said Charlotte.


"Fair enough, just say when and I'll get him under control" replied Elizabeth, motioning towards her whistle. She then noticed Dominic and Valeria as a small smile crossed her face.


"I'm guessing you've managed to agree on something?" mused Elizabeth as Rebecca nodded. "Welcome to the family...I guess" said Elizabeth, coming across as rather bored as Dominic and Valeria nodded, hiding their unease at the entire situation.


Before the pair could react further, Dominic and Valeria felt a small discomfort forming in their minds. It seemed like a buzzing sensation that quickly faded. They were still confused as they looked towards Elizabeth.


"What was that?" asked Valeria.


"Just our insurance policy...can't have you exposing what we do here. Although, I doubt there will be an issue if you've come to an accord" replied Elizabeth as she returned her attention to Austin, bored with the rest of the affair.


"Don't mind her, she can be a little rough sometimes" said Charlotte, defending her friend as she returned Dominic and Valeria's attention towards her. "We look forward to seeing you at Orientation" finished Charlotte, smiling as the pair still felt rather uncomfortable.


"Good to see you all but...we'd like to go home now," said Valeria, noticing Rebecca nod in understanding as Charlotte didn't give any opposition. The pair began to walk away, happy that the Managers weren't following them as they headed back into the Main Hallway, intent on leaving as soon as possible.


"They're just leaving now," said Elizabeth, feeling a sense within her.


"Let them go...I think this is the start of something special" replied Rebecca, looking forward to working alongside the pair. Valeria, especially, seemed to be catching her interest.


Within the Car:


Dominic and Valeria sat in the car, Dominic in the driving seat as Valeria looked at him.


"I guess this was worth it?" wondered Valeria. She was feeling genuinely surprised. After all the days of nothing meaningful being accomplished, they managed to get exactly what they wanted.


"We'll make it worth it...for Marie's sake if no one else's" replied Dominic as Valeria nodded. She yawned as Dominic held his hand out reassuringly.


"Get some sleep, you deserve it" stated Dominic. Valeria nodded, her eyes drifting as she did so. Within moments, she was fast asleep, tired after a long day.


"Sleep well my dear, my love," said Dominic as he started the car up. He smiled slightly, it seemed as if things were beginning to look up, even if minimally.


"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," thought Dominic as he began to depart, leaving the car park. He continued to drive further away, curious as to what the future would hold.


However, unlike previously, he felt reassured that things would be better. After all, he would be able to keep his daughter company alongside his wife.


"That's worth everything" finished Dominic as the Zoo was now only a speck in the distance. He then focused on the road. He felt content with the circumstances as he looked forward to reuniting with his daughter.


Soon, they would be a complete family once more.