Psychic

28. Cryptozoology

It was sprinkling outside when they arrived at the zoo the following day. Lestat had stayed back at the inn with Sahalli and Jericho. Those who went, were standing across the street from the owner's house and zoo as they observed the location. There was already a small line to get into the zoo.

Everyone except Rai and Marlene seemed to know what they were about to do. Ken and Kiyo were counting coins and handing them evenly to Rai and Debra. Reno was off to the side explaining things to Marlene.

"Just like old times," he told her.

"Not times I look back on fondly," she scoffed. "So you want me to help you?"

"No. You want to help yourself," Reno growled threateningly. "If you're no good to us here, we're better off just leaving your useless ass behind."

Marlene smiled and raised her eyebrows, "this is your chance to contribute and make a good impression, huh?"

"And what's your point?"

"My performance matters to you so I want something from you first."

"Like?" Marlene rubbed her chin as she thought, sticking her hands into the pockets on her big dress. Reno waited for a few seconds before becoming irritated. "Well, I ain't got all damn day. Name your price."

"Promise me that you're not a threat to us."

Reno looked surprised to hear her request. "That's... unexpectedly sensible."

"The others don't trust you. They have enough to worry about. I want to know that you're not a cause for concern too."

"I promise but all you have to go off is my word. You trust that?"

"No but it makes me feel better."

"So are you ready or what?"

"So ready."

Rai and Debra had gone to wait in the line headed into the zoo. The coins they were given were for their entrance fees. Marlene adjusted the wig of medium length blond hair she brought ashore with her as she followed Reno to the gate of the zoo, walking past the line of people.

One of the security guards, dressed in all black and carrying a massive rifle in both hands, approached them before they reached the gate. Marlene spoke to him first, "my daddy says you have some really cool things to see here, yeah?"

"Your father...?"

"Don't address the Princess," Reno said, holding a hand up to him. Marlene pointed to the Emperor's brand on her ankle, showing it to the guard.

"You can handle the finer details with my General," she said cheerfully before letting herself into the gate.

Reno told the guard, "she's not paying unless she's impressed with what she sees here. What fees does your boss pay to the Emperor of this region?"

"I- I don't know," he stammered, realizing now that he was dealing with people from an Emperor's palace. "I just work here. I can get my boss..."

"Not yet. Walk with me." Reno let himself into the zoo as well, now followed by the guard. The zoo was all indoors. It was a massive warehouse structure divided into animal exhibits.

One of the first things Reno saw was an aviary exhibit covered in thick plastic walls, reaching to the incredibly high ceiling of the warehouse. One of the first birds he saw was walking on the floor. It looked like any other pheasant until it inflated a bright blue lappet on its neck with dark blue patterns down the middle and red ones on the side.