New Zoo (Original Series by Wallace111)

New-Zoo-Dark Discipline

The sun was just coming over the horizon as Rebecca looked upwards towards the familiar stone archways of the New Zoo...her dream.


Her expression showed concern, frightened that once again, it appeared as if her dream was at risk from outside forces. Rebecca couldn't help but momentarily pout, finding herself angered at the excess difficulty she and the others had endured since starting the New Zoo all those months ago.


"Why does everything have to be so fucking hard?!" thought Rebecca irritably, her expression shifting into frustration as she resisted the urge to punch the stone. Despite her irritated state, she knew that would accomplish nothing except scarring her fist.


After all, she needed to stay calm since her peahen predicament seemed to be staying for the long haul.


"Perhaps I should have rearranged today's new additions" mumbled Rebecca, deciding to walk past the stone archways as she walked into the Main Hallway. She shook her head, the thoughts from what Elizabeth had told her playing in her mind.


"She...she can't be correct," thought Rebecca, shaking her head in denial. "My master said ...that...the existence of other realms...was only a theory" continued Rebecca, hoping that that was all they were...theories.


After all, if she was wrong...Argen was certainly not going to be the last.


"Just...how the hell could this have happened in only one week?" said Rebecca, still finding herself at a loss of what to do. That was technically incorrect but Rebecca wasn't in the mindset to admit the alternative. "Just...just how long has 'Argen' been interested in us?" continued Rebecca, barely suppressing her frustration.


After all, another peahen reaction wouldn't help anybody. Now...they needed a solution.


"Ideally one that doesn't require me to contact my master" mumbled Rebecca, discomfort in her expression. "Especially after how we disbanded," continued Rebecca, pushing her thoughts from her mind once more. Now was not the time or the place to think over the past.


Now was the time to be strong in the present.


"After all, I can't afford to show weakness while the Society and the Governor are observing," thought Rebecca, beginning to regret trapping her and the others in such a dangerous situation. Nevertheless, Rebecca strengthened her resolve, channelling her determination into more productive pursuits.


One of which she was about to tend to right now.


"Spirit? Spirit, can you show yourself?" called out Rebecca, feeling a sense of concern which she squashed immediately. She noticed a green glow from the top of the Main Hallway, hovering down towards Rebecca as it began to flash.


Rebecca watched as the green glow began to brighten. It seemed to be stretching out and shifting. It began to shift colour, changing into a familiar turquoise shade. Rebecca noticed its familiar features taking form. She noticed the turquoise curls of its voluminous hair begin to form as Rebecca gave a small smile.


Maybe Elizabeth had exaggerated how bad things had been.


However, to Rebecca's surprise, it seemed to suddenly shift back.


"What's it doing?" thought Rebecca, her concern emerging once more. She watched as the features seemed to be disappearing, the turquoise swapping back to green. It appeared to be struggling to form as the Spirit suddenly shifted back, the turquoise returning. The voluminous curls of its hair formed, ruffling out as its little legs began to push out, the sandals forming.


Rebecca could only watch with concern and confusion as the Spirit began to take form. It seemed to be further struggling, shifting back and forth between its various states. However, with some determination the Spirit managed to pull through, taking on the form that Rebecca and the others had become familiar with.


Although, upon further inspection, Rebecca noticed that the Spirit seemed rather...malnourished. And it didn't seem to glow as much as usual...as if it had lost its spark.


"Spirit...Spirit can you hear me?" asked Rebecca, trying to stay strong even as her eyes betrayed her concern.


"Yes...I can hear you Rebecca" replied the Spirit, trying to reassure Rebecca. However, it couldn't help but yawn. It looked tired...so very tired. This did not go unnoticed by Rebecca.


"Spirit...are you...are you alright?" asked Rebecca, her concern now plastered all over her face.


"I feel...cold, so very...cold" replied the Spirit, giving off another yawn. It shivered, feeling a further wave of exhaustion coming over it.


Whatever Argen had done...he had definitely made the best of his opportunity.


"I need you to come with me to the Office," said Rebecca, her tone indicating it was an order, not a request. She felt nervous inside but forced herself to stay strong...for the Spirit's sake. "After all, if other realms do exist...then the Spirit could be our only defence...perhaps the worlds," thought Rebecca, reasoning that without the world...her dream would go up in smoke.


She walked towards the Spirit, holding her hand out as she felt her magic seeping from it. The magic seeped into the Spirit, causing it to regain some of its lost glow as it stared gratefully at Rebecca. The Spirit felt somewhat rejuvenated as the tiredness from its eyes began to fade.


"Now, follow me" ordered Rebecca, beginning to walk towards the Office. She turned back, the stare she was giving was enough to encourage the Spirit to follow.


"Why did I let my guard down?" thought the Spirit, inwardly angry at itself. Its frustration grew as it recalled its inability to keep the Zoo safe, almost failing to keep Elizabeth...her best friend safe. "I can only hope I've kept him out this time...we can't afford to give him another chance" continued the Spirit, floating after Rebecca. It felt concerned about what Argen could be planning...and how the Spirit was involved.


The pair continued to head towards the Office, both hoping to gain the answers they were looking for.


Within the Office:
"Ok, please go onto the large desk," said Rebecca, motioning for the Spirit to comply. The Spirit did so, its movements sluggish as Rebecca felt her concern returning. Whatever had happened to the Spirit was screwing with it in the worst possible way.


And Rebecca was fearing losing their trump card against the Governor and the Society...and the fact that Elizabeth would likely beat the crap out of her if something happened to the Spirit.


"Although...it'd be curious to see how well her magic has been enhanced," thought Rebecca, pushing the thought from her mind for the moment.


After all, she had a patient and it was now time to play doctor.


"Ok Spirit, I'm about to run a magical diagnosis to try and find out what's wrong" explained Rebecca, noticing the Spirit's unease. "It won't hurt but I need you to stay still while I do it, do you understand?" continued Rebecca, her expression sympathetic as she noticed the Spirit's concerned expression. "It seems so vulnerable right now, almost like a...child," thought Rebecca, suppressing the thought so as to not further worry the Spirit.


Rebecca held out her hand, feeling the magic flowing through her as it began to glow. It shifted between various shades of pink, shifting ever so slightly as the colouration softened. It settled on a soft pink as it then exited Rebecca's hand. It floated softly towards the Spirit, soon entering the entity who shuddered at the contact.


"It feels so...strange" mumbled the Spirit, feeling the sensation spreading across its very being. It felt as if its very core was being examined as the sensations began to focus on one particular spot. The Spirit began to wince at the discomfort as the sensations fully focused on one particular spot.


It was the spot where the heart would've been... the spot where Argen had penetrated her.


"So that's where the problem is," thought Rebecca, watching as the pink glowing seemed to be shifting. It began to burrow itself in, Rebecca channelling the energy into healing whatever ailment had infected the Spirit.


Unfortunately, she was about to be disappointed.


"Wait...what's going on?" thought Rebecca, feeling a burning sensation crossing her being. She noticed a strange growth beginning to form around the infected area. It appeared almost like a tumour covered in sludge as it fought back against the pinkish glow. Rebecca felt further pain coming over her as she tried to keep her hold.


"I need to do this to keep my dream alive...our dream alive," thought Rebecca, pushing all her resolve into fighting the growing sludge. However, it was all for nought as the sludge pushed back against her. The pain was growing, causing Rebecca to wince as it felt like every fibre of her was being threatened to tear apart at the seams.


Eventually, after what felt like forever but was only a few moments, Rebecca had no choice but to stop. Her magic stopped as the pain began to fade. Rebecca looked up, noticing the growth focusing around the Spirit's heart.


Her eyes widened as she realised the situation had now gone from bad to worse.


"Wait...that...that's Darkness?" mumbled Rebecca, trying to deny what was in front of her. That could only mean one thing. The legends were true and Argen, the former king of Tenebrosus, had taken interest in the Spirit. "But why...what could he want?" thought Rebecca, trying to keep herself calm despite being fully aware of the danger that she was now in...that they were all in.


"This...this is far beyond me," said Rebecca, sitting back in the chair within the Office. "I...I need to contact my master but...is it wise, especially after what I did to his daughter?" thought Rebecca. She took a glance at the Spirit, noticing its concern... it's fear.


"Spirit...I need some alone time to think" said Rebecca, not trying to hide the concern in her voice. "But if you're feeling tired, keep yourself well-fed regardless of the others. Do not go to sleep otherwise...all will be lost" continued Rebecca, her tone firm for a brief moment as the worry was evident all over her face.


The Spirit, sensing Rebecca's feelings, noticing her fear, her concern, could only nod in agreement. It watched as Rebecca stood up, walking towards the Office exit.


Within moments, Rebecca had left. The Spirit breathed once more, the pain in its chest causing it discomfort.


"Rebecca seems lost but...this is only something she can do on her own," thought the Spirit, feeling annoyed once more for causing this mess. It shook its head, feeling a need to check on the newly created barrier.


The Spirit faded away, deciding to make itself useful.


Within the Main Hallway:
Rebecca wandered mindlessly, hitting her head slightly as the same thought kept circling within.


"I know I need to contact my master, he's the only one with further knowledge about Tenebrosus but...I still betrayed him, for my...friend" thought Rebecca, the moment replaying in her mind regardless of Rebecca's efforts to suppress it. Despite her efforts, she couldn't help but think back to her friend.


A friend who, after everything Rebecca had sacrificed, hasn't spoken to her in years. Not since...


"Rebecca? Are you ok?" called out a voice. Rebecca suddenly turned around, her thoughts interrupted. After a glance, Rebecca noticed, in her mindless wandering, she had arrived at the Canine Sanctuary.


"Wait...Merryl?" thought Rebecca, recognising the Arctic Fox staring back at her. Between everything that had happened, she had forgotten the little trick she had played on the Lovewells.


"Ah what the hell, time to deliver the punchline," thought Rebecca, shaking her head slightly as she focused her attention on Merryl. After all, she could do with a laugh after all the drama that had occurred.


"Hello Merryl, what do you want?" asked Rebecca, her expression barely hiding a malicious smile.


"Rebecca...when are you going to change us back?" asked Merryl, tilting her head. "You're a day later than planned and while we've had fun as animals...we have to get back to our regular lives" continued Merryl, eyeing Rebecca curiously.


"Regular life?" thought Rebecca, thinking back to her current situation. However, the hilarity of the situation began to force out her annoyance. "I can't believe she still doesn't get it...how dense is this woman?" continued Rebecca, trying to hold back her chuckles.


However, the dam eventually broke as Rebecca could no longer suppress them. She began vocally chuckling, causing Merryl to look at her uneasily.
"What...what is she laughing about?" wondered Merryl internally, feeling a sense of dread building up within. Was Quinn right to be cautious of Rebecca? Merryl felt further concern coming over her as Rebecca's chuckles grew into outright laughter.


After a few moments, Rebecca's laughter died down as she stared back at Merryl. She wiped the tears from her eyes, staring maliciously at the Arctic Fox before her. "I've got to say...you're an absolute class act in how stupid you are," said Rebecca, her tone joyous as she owned the moment.


"Wha...what do you mean?" replied Merryl, her dread building as it seemed that her daughter had been right all along.


"I mean the whole facade, which I still can't believe you fell for, is a lie," said Rebecca, her smile widening. "You and your family, like everyone else here, is now an animal within my Zoo" continued Rebecca. "And will remain as such" finished Rebecca, taking a moment to relish in the shock that she imagined Merryl was now feeling.


"Wait...Quinn was right!" thought Merryl, realising that she had now placed her family in danger.


"There you go, the realisation that Quinn was right all along" replied Rebecca, smiling widely. "I guess Quinn inherited all the brain cells of your family" continued Rebecca, clearly enjoying twisting the knife.


After all, it had been a while since she had this kind of opportunity.


"Still, I have to thank you," said Rebecca, staring directly at Merryl as her smile seemed inhuman. "After all, Quinn might have avoided this fate if it wasn't for your help in manipulating her into this" continued Rebecca.


At that, Merryl's blood ran cold. "Wait...she...she's right," thought Merryl, finding herself at a loss for words as she could only stare fearfully at Rebecca. An expression that was filling Rebecca with consistent glee.


"I suppose for your cooperation, I'll give you a clue about what's going to come next," said Rebecca. "After all, it's going to heavily involve Quinn as our new 'Artistic Fox'" finished Rebecca, beginning to walk away.


She felt much better about herself now.


"Wait...what are you going to do?!" yowled Merryl, trying to get Rebecca's attention. However, Rebecca paid Merryl no mind, continuing to walk away. "Now what am I going to do? How do I explain this to..." started Merryl, stopping herself as she noticed something out of the corner of her eye.


Merryl suddenly turned around, noticing Quinn...her daughter sitting nearby. From the look of her daughter's expression, she seemed to have heard the whole conversation.


"Quinn...I" started Merryl.


However, before she could begin, Quinn began to run off.


"Quinn, wait!" yowled Merryl, trying to run after her daughter. However, Quinn continued to make distance between them. As Merryl tried to keep up, she felt herself trip up over her paws. She tumbled over as she noticed the rest of her family and the wolves staring at her. The wolves then stared at Quinn for a brief moment, nodding to themselves as they were in agreement.


They knew that Quinn needed some time to herself as they stared down at Merryl who was now beginning to get herself back up.


"Just great..." thought Merryl, realising she now had an audience. "So much for letting this down gently" continued Merryl, noticing the knowing glances of the wolves.


"Mother...what's wrong with Quinn?" asked Dawn, her small eyes wide with curiosity. She felt a sense of concern for her sister...even if she knew it wasn't reciprocated. Merryl stared at her daughter, feeling uneasy about having to come clean to her daughter.


"Dawn...I have some pretty bad news" began Merryl, preparing to just be out with it to her family.


And one day, Merryl hoped that Quinn would forgive her.


At the Feline Sanctuary:
Rebecca had swiftly moved on, feeling rather content with herself following her talk with Merryl. She noticed she was outside the Feline Sanctuary as she smiled in satisfaction.


"I still can't believe the thought never crossed her mind," said Rebecca, chuckling softly as she felt her spirits being lifted once more. "Now...it's time to check on my favourite animal" continued Rebecca, getting out her camera as she held it to her eyes.


She looked around, utilising her zoom feature as she looked around the Sanctuary. After a few moments, Rebecca was able to focus on her target, namely the tiger which she knew to be Caitlyn.


"Now, she's seemed uneasy ever since she returned," thought Rebecca, an expression of concern adorning her face. "Could it have something to do with her parents?" continued Rebecca internally, fully aware that Caitlyn felt rather guilty regarding her role in bringing them here.


"I thought they'd be happy with the family reunion," thought Rebecca, shifting her attention to the Snow Leopards who, for the moment, were all together. She noticed Katrina staring back at her, paying it little mind as she took a quick picture of the group. "Ungrateful simpletons" continued Rebecca, letting her camera down as the strap hung around her neck. She stared at Caitlyn once more, feeling a maternal sense building up within her.


"Perhaps I should comfort her" wondered Rebecca, feeling the idea of her joining them if only for a while, became increasingly tempting. It was becoming impossible to resist as Rebecca could feel a sensation crossing over her entire being as her hands glowed. Rebecca smiled, the sensations feeling euphoric as she began to envision the animal she was to become in her mind. She closed her eyes, submitting herself to the magic.


Rebecca imagined the pale, lust, thick coat she would have. It seemed like a large blanket wrapping around her as she smiled. The large, dark, widely spaced rosettes would be a thing of beauty, of uniqueness amongst the other big cats. She could only imagine the speeds she'd be able to run to once she was down onto all fours. The sensations forced Rebecca to her knees as she could feel her teeth sharpening in her mouth, smiling as she felt her transition into a carnivore.


A moment that was ruined by the beeping of her watch.


Rebecca's eyes opened, the magic fading as her teeth returned to normal. She felt an irritation come over her as if she'd just been clam jammed.


"Goddamn it" muttered Rebecca, pushing the button on her watch as she remembered that she was expecting new additions today. "Maybe another time" mumbled Rebecca, standing up as she decided to walk away.


After all, the moment was ruined now and she needed to prepare.


Unknown to Rebecca, she had been watched from a distance. Katrina, nervous from the previous week, had kept her distance from Rebecca. She couldn't help but admit that Rebecca had...terrified her.


"She...she's crazy" thought Katrina, creeped out by the looks she had seen Rebecca giving her daughter. "She seems obsessed with my daughter," continued Katrina, feeling very on edge.


"I...I know Caitlyn feels guilty about what's happened" thought Katrina, fully aware that the best thing to do would be to go and speak to her. But...something was stopping her, Katrina felt a familiar feeling coming to the surface no matter how hard she tried to deny it.


Deep down, Katrina felt resentment for her daughter.


However, Katrina's thoughts were interrupted as she looked around. She noticed Alex was no longer with her or Adrian as she began to look around. She stared back at her husband, noticing he didn't seem particularly worried.


"Adrian...where's Alex?" asked Katrina, her tone becoming increasingly frantic.


"He went to be with the other cubs' replied Adrian, barely shifting from his position.


"And you just let him?!" said Katrina, her tone somewhat panicky.


"It's not like he can escape dear...none of us can" replied Adrian, barely moving.


Katrina stopped for a moment, calming herself as she noticed her husband's depressed state. He'd been like this ever since they 'joined' the New Zoo. "What if...?" thought Katrina, the thought lingering in her mind.


Finding the thought uncomfortable, Katrina decided to focus on the present. She got up, looking around as she felt concerned for her son's safety. She moved down from the rock she had been resting on as she began to pick up the pace.


Elsewhere within the Feline Sanctuary, Sandra was lying with her back down on a rock. She wriggled slightly, trying to ease an itch on her back as she managed to get a glance at Caitlyn. She eyed the tigress curiously, trying to think of anything else to get her mind off her troubles.


"I hope those new lionesses learn their place," thought Sandra, feeling rather jealous yet also...insecure. "They need to know that Andrew is mine and mine alone" continued Sandra, fearing that Andrew might be taking a liking to the newcomers. After all, he had done little over the last few days other than snoozing on the rock he had indicated was his.


Sometimes, Sandra wished that Andrew wasn't so difficult to figure out.


"At least Kiara seems to like them," thought Sandra, recalling her cub's joy at the new additions to the growing pride. It was then she noticed Kiara alongside her friends as she 'smiled.' Sandra truly loved her cub, feeling better about herself as her insecurities faded momentarily.


"Well...here she comes again" grunted Sandra, noticing Katrina beginning to take Alex away from the other cubs. She could hear the growls of protest coming from Alex as she shook her head. "Very predictable that one" purred Sandra, thinking back to what Jasmine had told her.


"I suppose Jasmine actually has a point...for once" purred Sandra, shaking her head as her ears could already pick up the yowling from the shepanther. Jasmine and Derek were mating again...for the fourth time today.


"Now, if only she'd do something about it," thought Sandra, glancing around as her attention returned to the lone tigress. "Might as well go give her some company" purred Sandra, feeling curious about the tigress as she rolled onto all fours.


Sandra began to walk towards Caitlyn, wondering what had made the tigress so glum.


At The Stone Archways:
Two girls looked upwards at the stone archways of the New Zoo. Both had expressions of annoyance on their faces as they glared at the archways in contempt.


"Gotta say Nicole, this place looks like a dump," said the red-haired girl of the pair, staring towards her companion.


"Honestly Amber, I can't help but agree," said Nicole, shifting her black hair backwards as a pair of twin pigtails hung downwards. She placed her hands in the pockets of her black jacket, sticking her tongue out curiously. "Still...I wonder what happened to Michael" thought Nicole, her thoughts returning to her cousin who had disappeared from this very Zoo a few months ago.


"Still thinking about your cousin huh?" asked Amber, noticing Nicole nodding in agreement. It was then Amber reached into her white jacket. She pulled out a lighter, staring at it intriguingly. Her intrigue melted away into obsession as she turned it on, a little flame sparkling.


"The flame...the flame is the key...the flame knows all" mumbled Amber, her obsessive stare not failing as she continued to glance at the flame. Nicole stared at her friend, resisting the urge to chuckle at her antics.


"Typical Amber," thought Nicole, opening her jacket up to ease the growing heat. "Would probably marry fire if she could" continued Amber, pulling her jacket open as her black shirt with a skull and crossbones was on full display. Right now, Nicole wished she was back at the rail yard. It had long been abandoned and had since become Nicole's personal playground to break whatever she wanted.


"Ah...good times," thought Nicole, smiling as she recalled how she had rather enjoyed battering down old trains with a baseball bat. It had proven a rather efficient outlet for her previous anger issues which had since simmered down.


However, Nicole forced herself back to the present as she noticed Amber still staring at her flame. She remembered why they were here in the first place, feeling momentarily irritated at her friend.


"If only she could control the flames," thought Nicole, thinking back to what had happened. The flames were never supposed to get that big. People weren't supposed to have...


Nicole forced her mind to return to the present once more. "Thankfully we dodged a bullet," thought Nicole, shaking her head. Sometimes, she wondered why she hung out with Amber. "But for now...we should just get our 'community service' over with," thought Nicole, shifting her black skirt slightly.


"I suppose we should go in?" said Nicole, noticing Amber was still staring at her flame. "For fucks sake Amber, put it away!" shouted Nicole, finally snapping Amber out of her self-induced trance.


"Ok, ok, sorry, geez" replied Amber, pouting like a small child as she put the lighter back into her pocket. It was then the pair walked under the stone archways, entering the Main Hallway.
"It doesn't smell as bad as I thought it would," said Amber, turning back towards Nicole.


"I'd have to agree. Guess it'll be slightly more bearable than we thought" replied Nicole. The pair wandered deeper into the Main Hallway, hoping to find a member of staff soon.


After all, the quicker they started, the quicker they'd finish.


Within the Feline Sanctuary:
Sandra looked upwards as she noticed Caitlyn hadn't moved from her position. She nodded, thinking for a brief moment about how to introduce herself.


In the end, Sandra settled for laying down facing Caitlyn. The lioness jumped up, crawling onto the rock that Caitlyn had settled herself on. As Sandra got into a comfortable position, purring slightly, Caitlyn stared with interest, clearly not expecting Sandra's company.


The pair stared at each other for a moment, trying to gauge who was going to break the silence between them. Eventually, Sandra decided to be the one to do so.


"You ok Caitlyn?" asked Sandra, her concerned stare piercing into Caitlyn's soul.


For a moment, Caitlyn just laid there. She noticed the concerned look that Sandra was giving her, a foreign feeling returning once more.


"She's worried...perhaps....I should talk to her, see if she can help with the guilt I'm feeling" thought Caitlyn, hoping that opening up might actually help ease her guilt.


"Not particularly no" replied Caitlyn honestly, slumping her head back down onto the rock.


"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Sandra, maintaining her concerned stare for the girl.


"I...I miss my family" replied Caitlyn, taking a moment to glance at her family nearby. Alex appeared to be resisting her mother again. She shook her head for a moment, her immense guilt preventing her from joining them. "After all...would they still accept me?" thought Caitlyn.


"Your family?" purred Sandra, tilting her head confusingly. "You mean...from another Zoo?" continued Sandra.


Caitlyn considered Sandra's response. She was beginning to feel unsure of whether she had made the right decision in trying to talk with Sandra. She felt her guilt bubbling up once more as she barely kept it at bay. For now, she decided to try and humour Sandra.


"In a sense" replied Caitlyn, sitting back upon the rock. "My family, the Snow leopards over there. I...I feel I've made a terrible mistake" continued Caitlyn, pointing out her family with her paw.


Sandra looked over, eyeing the Snow Leopards. She was trying to make sense of Caitlyn's statement. She tilted her head in confusion, finding the statement impossible to make sense of.


"How...can they be her family?" thought Sandra, confusion racking through her mind. "They don't match Caitlyn at all...perhaps she's clingy? Homesick perhaps?" continued Sandra internally. She nodded to herself, concluding that must be it.


Caitlyn must be homesick and missing her family from another Zoo.


"I see what you're saying," said Sandra, staring at Caitlyn. Caitlyn seemed to perk up at this, staring intriguingly at Sandra.


"Wait...she actually understands?" thought Caitlyn, feeling an odd sense of excitement. It was a welcome change of pace from the melancholy that had plagued her mind over the last few months.


"You miss your family...your parents...tigers from another Zoo?" purred Sandra. Whatever excitement that Caitlyn had deflated like a balloon. She stared back at the lioness, tilting her head.


"No, that's not what I meant" replied Caitlyn, she felt her frustration building up. She thought she'd finally have someone who could understand her issue. Someone to talk to, only to have it snatched away at the last second.


"It's ok Caitlyn...I understand" purred Sandra, trying to comfort the tigress before her.


"NO YOU DON'T!" roared Caitlyn, the noise catching Sandra off guard. It also seemed to draw the attention of a few of the other big cats around them. Caitlyn paid them no mind, continuing to glare at Sandra.


"I...I know you're missing your family Caitlyn" purred Sandra, trying to keep her own temper in check. Why was Caitlyn suddenly being difficult?


"Yes I do but...forget it, you don't understand" growled Caitlyn. She quickly shifted from her rock, heading down as she dashed away.


Sandra watched her go, reasoning to herself that Caitlyn needed some time to herself.


"I...I just don't know what went wrong?" thought Sandra, looking around as she noticed Katrina seemed to be staring at Caitlyn for a moment. The stare Katrina gave was confusing Sandra, it was almost...motherly. However, before Sandra could focus on this, she heard a noise coming from the front of the Sanctuary.


"Might as well look into it...get my mind off everything" thought Sandra, shifting from her position on the rock as she shifted onto all fours. She began to walk away, curiosity beginning to take root in her mind.


Meanwhile, Katrina watched her daughter for a second longer. Caitlyn was now out of sight, probably miserable with herself. "I know I should go find her but...I...just can't," thought Katrina, internally kicking herself for her cowardice. She turned back to face Alex, the little cub staring curiously at his mother.


"Is sister going to be ok?" asked Alex, his concern shining through his gaze.


Katrina thought for a moment. "Yes, she is...she just...needs to be alone for now" replied Katrina, trying to reassure her cub as they returned to what they were doing.


Soon, the Feline Sanctuary was quiet once more.


Moments Later:
"Woah...did you just see that?" said Nicole, curious at the scene she had just witnessed. She felt a sense of wonder come over her as her eyes widened. "Perhaps working here won't be so bad after all" thought Nicole, a small smile coming to her face.


"Oh, the smell is going to kill me," muttered Amber. One gaze from Nicole could confirm that Amber hadn't bothered to see the big cats. She seemed to be fumbling around in her pocket, Nicole being fully aware of what she was looking for.


"Do you really think it's wise to get it back out?" asked Nicole, her tone full of annoyance. Sometimes, Amber's personality quirks wore through even Nicole's nerves.


"I need it...I need to see the flame" replied Amber, her tone like a defiant child as she continued to search her pocket for her lighter.


"I see my new assistants are here" called out a voice as Amber and Nicole suddenly turned around. They noticed someone who seemed to be wearing a uniform as Amber quickly took her hand out of her pocket. Nicole gave a bored stare, although her curiosity about what she'd witnessed hadn't faded.


"And you are?" asked Amber, her irritated tone already beginning to get on Rebecca's nerves. Nicole only gave a small sheepish grin, not wanting to get involved with Amber's antics.


"I'm Rebecca and welcome to the New Zoo" started Rebecca, introducing herself. She stared at the pair with disdain as she held out her hand. The girls didn't accept, Rebecca began to feel further annoyed. However, she kept it in, knowing she would have some new additions soon enough.


"Good to see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," thought Rebecca, already fully aware of Nicole's family connection to Michael. Hence, Rebecca had decided to reunite the cousins, even if they wouldn't be able to comprehend it.


"After all...the pair deserve one another" thought Rebecca, annoyed at simply how much of an asshole that Michael has been as an elephant since he had been added to the Zoo.


"This place stinks" stated Amber, her voice irritating Rebecca once more as she snapped out of her thoughts.


"I can't help but agree with you" replied Rebecca, putting on a small smile. "That's why you two are going to help me clean up" continued Rebecca. She eyed Amber once more, an idea forming in her mind. "I bet the hippos wouldn't mind a newcomer in their enclosure," thought Rebecca, a soft smile coming to her face.


Nicole nodded her head in agreement, wanting to be done as soon as possible. "Where should we start?" asked Nicole, nudging Amber before she could muster any defiance.


"Nicole, you can start with the elephants and Amber...hand over your lighter" replied Rebecca, holding her hand out like an adult would to a child.


"No...I don't have to" replied Amber defiantly.


"I'm aware of your track record with arson," said Rebecca, her stance unfaltering. "I'm not having you put my zoo or the animals at risk so hand it over" continued Rebecca.


Amber looked around, noticing Nicole staring annoyingly at her. After thinking about it for a moment longer, she reluctantly complied, handing her prized lighter to Rebecca.


"Thank you," said Rebecca, her tone rather condescending. "Now, for your display Amber, you can start with the Hippos" continued Rebecca, noticing the look that Amber gave her. "Now, will both of you follow the directions to the enclosures please?" asked Rebecca. Rebecca stared at the confused glances of the pair for a moment before deciding to clarify "You'll find the cleaning supplies at those enclosures...They're the ones who need it the most."


Nicole nodded in agreement, heading off in one direction. "Time to get this done so I can get out of here," thought Nicole, determined to get this over and done with.


Amber stood still for a moment, staring at Rebecca. From the look on her face, she seemed ready to argue with Rebecca.


"Ah, she's not worth it," thought Amber, deciding to turn away and head in another direction.


Little did the pair know, this would be their last encounter together.


At the Elephant Enclosure:
Nicole, after several minutes of looking around, had finally arrived at the Elephant enclosure. She huffed in irritation, stomping her foot against the ground.


"Well, it's about time" thought Nicole, already feeling irritated as she noticed the cleaning supplies near the door to enter the enclosure. "You'd think this place was a labyrinth...not a zoo" moaned Nicole, shaking her head as she calmed herself down.


"Still, a quick look wouldn't hurt before I get started," said Nicole, unable to resist her curiosity as she opened the enclosure door. She walked inside, her eyes wide with wonder as she entered the elephant enclosure.


"Wow, this place looks so...homely" thought Nicole, tailing to notice the enclosure door closing behind her, trapping the girl inside as it locked. She continued to look around the enclosure, noticing the large enclosure space that the elephants could occupy as she couldn't help but smile.


The enclosure had big tall trees that surrounded the edges. Fine, coarse grass surrounded Nicole's feet as she noticed several mud baths scattered around the enclosure.


However, the thing that made her jaw drop in awe was the large waterfall in the centre of the enclosure.


Wave after wave of water fell from the waterfall. A cave was behind the water, giving a lucky elephant a place to relax when not bathing or drinking. Nicole couldn't help but admire the sight as she continued to look around.


"Ok, that waterfall is kinda cool" said Nicole, beginning to feel a strange tingly feeling all over. She brushed off the sensation, continuing to look around the enclosure even as the sensation continued to get worse.


Nicole noticed the abundance of trees, although some were also lacking in leaves. She felt confused as she eyed several stumps scattered around, indicating that some of the trees must've fallen over.


"Wow...such power" thought Nicole, a small smile coming to her face. "You know...I actually think I'm going to enjoy working here" continued Nicole, noticing the open-air top as she began to feel rather warm. She shook her head, looking around for the cleaning supplies so she could get started.


Only to realise she left them outside.


"Oops" mumbled Nicole, eyeing them still outside the enclosure...and the door was now closed. However, as she considered opening the door, she could feel her earlier tingling return with full force, causing her legs to shake.


"Wha...what's going on?" wondered Nicole, feeling strange as goosebumps began to spread all over her body. Her changes were soon to begin as her nose began to feel ticklish. The tingling continued to intensify, bringing Nicole's undivided attention to her nose.


Unknown to Nicole, she would soon be reunited with her cousin.


"What's...up with my...nose?" wondered Nicole, going cross-eyed as she noticed her nose seemed to be...stretching out? Nicole felt oddly calm as her nose stretched out longer and longer, breathing felt very strange to Nicole as her trunk finished stretching out.


"I...I'm turning into an elephant?!" thought Nicole, feeling a sense of panic coming over her. She looked around, trying to get to her feet. However, the tingling sensations continued to spread over her being, making even simple movements difficult to do.


"Why...am I...so calm?" thought Nicole, finding it difficult to focus. She continued to breathe through her new trunk, Nicole feeling oddly calm with her predicament as she noticed something, or more specifically, a pair of elephants approaching her.


They stood back, eyeing her with intrigue as Nicole couldn't help but smile. She began to feel a sense of belonging she had never felt before, unaware that the changes were beginning to affect her mind.


"They feel so...happy," thought Nicole, her smile widening as she felt the sensations beginning to focus around her rear. "I...can be happy" continued Nicole, feeling something pushing out under her skirt.


Nicole turned back, feeling her growing tail wafting back and forth. It was hiding mischievously under her skirt, ticking against her skin as a tuft of black fur formed on it, the same shade as her hair.


"What's going on down there?" wondered Nicole, taking a quick look around to make sure no one was watching her...except the elephants obviously. Nicole was fascinated as she noticed the grey one, a strong bull male seemed to feel...familiar?


"Mic...Michael?" mumbled Nicole, her eyes widening with joy. The changes continued to affect her mind, peeling back her personality, replacing it with peace and tranquillity. She couldn't resist giggling as she was content to at least be reunited with her cousin.


"Yes...it's good to be...together again" thought Nicole, feeling her mind shifting, slowing as she could feel new memories being forcefully inserted into her brain. She could also feel a tingling in her feet as she looked down, her mouth wide with anticipation.


Nicole could feel her shoes beginning to feel significantly cramped, her changing feet now beginning to be released from them. She noticed her feet shifting, warping into new animalistic proportions as her toes began to sink into her feet. She could feel them bulking up, straining her shoes even further as Nicole's skin began to feel rough. She could see her skin beginning to take on a greyish tint, her nails shifting alongside her toes as her shoes all but exploded, exposing Nicole's new elephant feet.


"My...feet?" mumbled Nicole, distracted as she clutched her temples. Something felt strange, off in her mind as her attention was quickly drawn to Michael. He seemed to be eyeing Nicole with intrigue, trumpeting in approval as Nicole's eyes flashed with familiarity.


Nicole could recall past memories, memories of being with Michael...the pair together in the Old Zoo. They had been dubbed 'partners in crime' together between his destructive streak and her tendency to prank her keepers. Nicole couldn't help but smile as the memory felt right, even as she was finding it more difficult to breathe.


Nicole would soon have her answer as she could feel something pushing out her mouth. Her eyes widened with childish curiosity as she noticed the starting growth of long, ivory tusks. They began to push further, longer and longer as Nicole's cheeks were stretched wider and wider.


Despite the discomfort, Nicole couldn't help but keep smiling. She admired her long tusks as they continued to wrap around, forming a loop as they quickly became sturdy. Nicole could only breathe as she eyed her new tusks, her energy sapped from her as she fell forward.


"Wait..." thought Nicole, reaching out with her hands. She barely avoided face planting the ground as she could feel her hands against the mud of the enclosure. They also began to tingle, causing Nicole to smile, taking another glance at Michael.


"Soon...soon we'll be together again" thought Nicole, her mind having almost submitted to her false memories. She could recall her and Michael as calves, each frolicking in the wide savannah-like enclosure which had been their home in the Old Zoo.


Then again, this new enclosure was also rather nice...especially that waterfall and cave.


Nicole eyed her hands, feeling very tired as she watched her fingers cramp together. She could feel them becoming rigid, losing flexibility as her nails shifted once more, mirroring her feet as they finished forming into her new pair of elephant feet. Nicole felt the texture becoming rough, turning grey like her feet as standing on all fours began to feel...natural for the changing elephant cow.


"Wait...this...this isn't right" thought Nicole, her human intellect trying to push back against the false memories. However, her resistance quickly waned, feeling another memory come over her.


It had just been another day at the Old Zoo, the pair hanging out as they always had. However, Nicole could recall how they had been separated, Nicole being taken away to a strange new place...leaving Michael behind.


"But...we're together again" trumpeted Nicole, her capacity for speech having disappeared as she blew out of her trunk. She eyed Michael once more, noticing him 'smiling', clearly thinking the same as her. "And no one will separate us again" thought Nicole, feeling the sensations spread to her body, causing her to feel bloated.


Nicole breathed, feeling her body beginning to quickly increase in weight. Her clothes began to feel pressed against her skin as she continued to put on pound after pound of fat and muscle. Nicole trumpeted in protest, wishing to be free of the constrictive material as she could feel her body becoming more and more inflated.


Fortunately, her shirt began to snap, the seams coming loose as it tore away from her body, her skirt being pushed away as Nicole's elephant weight was on full display. However, she didn't pay it any mind, noticing she could now see Michael at eye level as she stretched her trunk out to him.


Michael did the same, wrapping his trunk around Nicole's trunk. Nicole felt content, happy to be back together with her 'cousin'. She could feel her skin beginning to roughen up, grey hide spreading across her body as the texture began to change, becoming true elephant hide as Nicole's hair fell from her head.


As Nicole's hair fell from her head, she could feel her false memories settling in. She 'smiled', content to be reunited with her 'cousin' which would enable them to continue their old 'pranks and destruction' which they had been known for.


Nicole could feel her ears shifting out, stretching like sails as the grey hide continued to spread across her face. She could feel her skin roughening up, the texture causing it to change into true, thick, elephant hide as Nicole's physical changes completed themselves...reducing the former juvenile girl to an adolescent elephant cow.


Nicole eyed Michael, turning to face Patricia briefly before trumpeting. She was announcing to the herd that she had now arrived as they trumpeted back in approval. As they did, Nicole's eyes began to darken, becoming devoid of human intellect as Nicole felt happy at the joyous reunion.


It was at that point that Nicole began to feel tired. The pachyderm looked around, eyeing the nearby waterfall as she 'smiled', wandering over to it. She felt strong, powerful as she was oblivious to the large footprints she was leaving in the ground beneath her feet.


For now, Nicole just wanted to get some rest.


Nicole approached the waterfall, feeling the cool, flowing water against her hide. She looked around, seeing outside the enclosure as she noticed a set of cleaning supplies. Nicole shook her head, the significance being lost on her as she walked into the cave beneath the waterfall.


It was here where Nicole would fall asleep, curious to see what the future had in store for her.


Within the Outside Section:
Meanwhile, Amber, completely oblivious to her friend's new form, was wandering around the Outside Section. According to the directions she had found, the Hippo enclosure was somewhere around here.


So why was she struggling to find it?!


"What did I do to deserve this?" mumbled Amber, pinching her nose slightly as a smell overwhelmed her. She looked around, noticing cleaning supplies nearby. "Finally" muttered Amber, feeling annoyed at her situation as she looked inside.


She quickly confirmed it was the Hippo Enclosure, noticing the pair that already resided within. Amber noticed a small staircase that would lead her into the enclosure. She saw the massive pool of water taking up the centre. It bubbled as it looked comfortably warm for the hippo residents. There were also heaters surrounding the enclosure, modelled like volcanoes which caused the enclosure to feel very, very warm, almost like a sauna or hothouse.


"Gotta say, this looks interesting," thought Amber, picking up the cleaning supplies as she entered the enclosure by the staircase. She continued to look around as she walked down, seeing the patches of grass and fruit bushes for the hippos to feed on the other side of the enclosure. Within the centre of the water, there was a small island where the hippos could stay. A small house stood still upon it which could give the hippos shelter from the sun.


"Oh god this smells terrible" mumbled Amber, finding the smell unbearable. However, she persisted, fully aware she had to comply if she wanted her lighter back.


After all, she needed the flame.


"So...am I expected to clean the whole thing or..." wondered Amber out loud as she felt a strange sensation coming over her. She clutched her stomach, feeling an odd bloating coming from it as sensations began to spread across her entire being.


"Wha...what the hell's going on?" wondered Amber as she found herself being attracted to one of the fruit bushes. The smell was beginning to get to Amber, clouding her mind as she began to walk mindlessly towards the bush. Even as she entered the water, she continued to move as if in trance. The sensations began to focus around her feet, an indication they would be next to change.


Amber continued to paddle towards the bushes as her feet changed. Her shoes popped off, falling into the depths as her toes shifted, cramping together. It spread up to her legs, causing them to shrink as muscles shifted. The material of her trousers was beginning to struggle as her legs continued to change. The material began to tear, not fit to accommodate Amber's changing legs as it finally tore from her being. The material sunk into the depths, rendering Amber's lower body completely nude. A small tail pushed its way out her rear, waggling slightly in the water as Amber continued obviously towards her prize.


After a few moments, Amber reached the other side. Her legs had shifted, making it impossible to walk upright as she placed her hands forward to balance herself. Her skin had begun to grey, soon to be hippo hide as Amber began to reach for the fruit within the bush.


Amber began to nibble, forcing the delicious flavours down her throat as she felt further changes come over her. Her small belly began to push out, pushing against her shirt and jacket. It bloated, larger and larger as it became a true hippos proportion. A sudden snap of material as her shirt began to tear caused Amber to snap out of her trance.


"Wait...what?" mumbled Amber, looking back as she noticed her new lower body. "What the hell happened to me? Why am I so fat?!" shouted Amber, looking around with difficulty as she noticed that the other hippos in the enclosure had stopped to stare at her.


"Hey, hey, stop staring at me!" shouted Amber, barely holding back tears as she tried to retain some dignity. Her tail continued to waft mindlessly in the air as she felt the thought of food returning to her.


"No, I've...I've got to get out of here" mumbled Amber, forcing herself away from the bush. She noticed she could only get out if she went in the water. Therefore, with great reluctance, Amber entered the water. She tried to ignore the further sensations coming over her being as she tried to paddle back. However, it was proving difficult to do with her new weight and girth as she found herself stopping in her tracks.


"Why...why is this happening to me?!" thought Amber, feeling her hands shifting and changing. They began to shift, warping as her nails came close together as her fingers sunk into stumps. She could feel the bloatedness broaden as her shirt and jacket finally snapped. Her head seemed strangely out of place as her body bloated up to truly animalistic proportions.


"I...I feel like an animal" moaned Amber, the hide continued to spread upwards as the instinct to feed returned full force. Amber was powerless to resist. She turned around, heading back towards the fruit bush as the changing hippo desired food.


"No! Turn Around!" shouted Amber internally, realising the only thing remaining was her human head attached to a hippo's body. However, as her new body continued to walk towards the bush as if on autopilot, Amber couldn't help but feel...new instincts forming within her.


Amber began to much greedily at the fruits, no longer having hands. She stuck her face in, munching on the fruits as she felt obsessed to have them all to herself.


"Yes...the others will have to wait their turn! I'm the queen of this enclosure!" thought Amber, her mind mixing in with her instincts as she could feel the sensations coming over her face.


Amber felt her ears begin to shift and change. They shifted to the top of her head, wiggling slightly as they did so. They were brownish, matching the colour of the rest of her hide which was continuing to spread. A few folds of skin formed around her neck, the hide continuing to spread up her head. Amber could feel her eyes shifting, moving around her head as her perspective changed, becoming fit for the hippo she was becoming. Her jaw began to stretch out, pushing further away as her new muzzle began to form.


"This..feels...right," thought Amber, struggling to remember her former humanity which was fading fast. She could feel her teeth shifting and changing, growing much bigger as they became fitting for her new diet. Her nostrils shifted and changed, gaining the ability to close if she ever needed to plunge underwater. Amber's hair fell from her head, rendering her bald as the hide began to spread across her face, completing itself as the new hippo was just about finished.


Amber's physical changes had been completed. Now a complete Hippo, she stared dumbly around, her mind struggling to comprehend human thought. She felt rather warm from the sauna that was her new home as she looked around, noticing the nearby spring within the enclosure.


"Looks...relaxing..." thought Amber, her thoughts much slower as she trudged towards it.


Soon, she entered the spring, content to feel the water against her new hide. The new Hippo felt content within the water as if obsessed with it.


That was all that was needed to unleash the floodgates against Amber's mind. The water within began to wash over the spark of her human intellect, putting it out as it was replaced with calm. Amber's eyes darkened as her changes sealed for good, rendering the former human a newfound hippo for the New Zoo.


Amber looked around, enjoying the water she was in as she began to paddles mindlessly. Amber had clearly found something new to believe in...even if she couldn't comprehend the significance of this discovery anymore.


Within the Security Room:
"And perfect" mumbled Rebecca, a feeling of contentedness coming over her. She sat back on her chair, smiling softly as she noticed green energy seeming to seep away from the enclosures. She looked across the other monitors, noticing it seemed to be consistent across the Zoo.


"I guess the Spirit's feeding now," thought Rebecca, her thoughts returning to the morning. "Good, at least it listened to me" continued Rebecca, remembering what she witnessed...and how she needed help.


"I need an expert opinion" admitted Rebecca, reluctantly acknowledging her shortcomings. "And the only expert I know...is master" continued Rebecca, feeling reluctant to contact him after everything that had happened.


However, as Rebecca glanced at the struggling Spirit once more, she felt that she had no choice. She needed to do this, for the Zoo if nothing else.


At that Rebecca turned off the monitors. She shifted the chair out of the way, sitting down on the floor. Rebecca felt she'd need the space to concentrate properly. She crossed her legs, preparing herself for the spell she was about to cast.


"Komunikacija, kommunikasjon, comunicazione" mumbled Rebecca, taking deep breaths to focus her mind. She could feel the magical energy beginning to build up in her soul, flowing through her as she continued to calm down.


"Komunikacija, kommunikasjon, comunicazione" continued Rebecca, a little louder this time. She could feel the growing sensations in her mind as it cleared. She felt her mind wracking through her memories, shifting through as Rebecca tried to focus on her master...imaging the recipient in her mind. However, as her mind focused another seemed to be coming into view. However, Rebecca was now far too committed to the spell to back out now. Even as her mind scattered between her master...and her old friend.


"Komunikacija, kommunikasjon, comunicazione!" finished Rebecca, shouting out as she felt the message pulsate from her head. In her confusion, she failed to notice a second pulsation promptly following the first as she clutched her head. "Damn I feel hungover," thought Rebecca, grumbling for a brief moment. However, she shook her head, hoping her message had gotten through.


Now Rebecca could only pray to the fates that her master would answer her.


Epilogue:
Elsewhere, in an unknown location, a white-haired man was carefully examining various magical tomes within his confided office. His white robes had greyed with dust as he continued to navigate the various pages throughout his tomes.


This man was the Warlock...the teacher to Rebecca's pupil.


"Nope, that possibility can't be right" mumbled the Warlock to himself, a quill levitating in the air as it drew a line across a piece of parchment. The Parchment then burst into flame, the ashes levitating themselves to a nearby bin. A new piece of parchment presented itself, the quill soon making contact as ink spread across the pages.


"That...that can't be possible," thought the Warlock, his eyes barely shifting. In his semi-distracted state, the Man felt a sensation flow into his mind. His concentration was momentarily broken, the levitating tomes, quill and parchment began to fall to the floor.


Fortunately, the Warlock caught them all in time as he managed to make sense of the newfound sensation.


"A message...from my old pupil?" said the Warlock, a small smile came over his face. While she had sided against him, he couldn't help but be fond of her.


Especially after everything she had accomplished.


The Man let the message run to its conclusion, surprise coming to his mind as he heard a name he never thought he'd hear again.


'Argen The Puppet Master'


"Perhaps it's time to visit my apprentice once again," said the Warlock. He was interested in catching up with her, especially about her various exploits over the last few months.


He was also curious about the whereabouts of his daughter.


The Warlock lowered the tomes, quill and parchment gently. He began to prepare for his departure, a small suitcase opening as the tomes, quills and parchment entered. After all, he would need it for his notes.


After all, the world was in potential danger and Rebecca could be at the centre of everything.