World of Paws: Balance of Heroes

Connections and Surprise Attacks

The next morning sun rises above the Tontione mansion with the sounds of nature and the hustle and bustle of early risers throughout Coastal City.
Sherman slowly awakens to the brightness coming from his new room's window.
Sherman: "What a night. I can't even believe I am up this early."
He yawns loudly and changes into a new shirt and shorts.
Sherman: "Ahh well, I still gotta look good everyday just like Dad taught me."
Then he combs his furred-hairdo and brushes his teeth. Three minutes later, Sherman walks downstairs, grabs a pan and starts cooking a small pack of low sodium bacon for himself.
Sherman: "JJ and Zaino can have the other packs of bacon. This batch is all mine and it's going to be tasty."
His mouth waters up a little. The bacon strips flipping into a soft and juicy state Sherman was waiting for.
Sherman: "Mmm, Mmm, Mmm! That smells good."
He turns on the small plasma screen in the kitchen and start to watch his favorite show.
Sherman: "This is going to be great! A brand new episode of The Lunar Survivor."
......Meanwhile in the master bedroom......
An alarm goes off and Jackson wakes up with some sweat on his forehead.
Jackson: "Oy, I gotta wash up."
He gets out of bed and washes his face thoroughly.
Jackson: "Okay, okay, much better."
Jackson has another vision showing two individual furries viciously fighting.
Jackson: "Conflict ~ Pain. Two furries attacking one another. What does it mean?
It has to be something else. Perhaps a minor threat to society."
He sits back in bed and turns on the one-forty-inch flatscreen.
Jackson: "Hmm... I wonder if Jimmy Findello is on?"
Jackson changes the channel to the Worldwide Furry News Network.
Jimmy: "This is Jimmy Findello coming to you live from the fringes of Coastal City! Tag marks of two new gangs have the city's task force officials wondering where they are and when will they strike next. Our Coastal City Commissioner had this to say."
Commissioner Talvenger: "The evidence points to two rival factions who identify themselves as the Golden Jackals and the Blackjaw Hyenas. However, rest assured that my Task Force will do our best to find out more as our investigation continues. That will be all. No more questions."
He retreats into the Coastal City Task Force HQ and closes the doors.
Jackson: "So it's true. Doggone it."
His pawed fist hits the bed, causing Taciana to stir and rub the sleep out of her eyes.
Taciana: "Mmm... good morning handsome."
Jackson: "Oh hey. Good morning."
Taciana: "What are we watching?"
Jackson: "Nothing babe. It's just current events."
Taciana: "Like what?"
Jackson: "Well, I had another vision this morning."
Taciana: "It wasn't like the vision from last night, right?"
She holds his paws in hers.
Taciana: "Honey, talk to me."
Jackson: "My vision showed two types of furries battling fiercely."
Taciana: "And?"
Jackson: "They ended up killing each other."
Taciana: "That's so horrible."
Jackson: "I know and I'm wary that it might have come true."
Taciana: "What do you mean it came true?"
Jackson: "I watched Jimmy Findello's latest news report and he showed footage of two new crime factions in Coastal City."
Taciana: "What? That can't be. You helped every Task Force patrol Coastal City, Glassbec, and many of the neighboring cities for years."
Jackson: "Yeah, I did, but I should have listened to the Vitaea's original warning. That darkness and destruction would return. I should have seen this coming."
Taciana: "No, no. Honey, don't think like that. You couldn't have known."
Jackson: "I even worry about the safety of our children. What if we made the wrong choice leaving Glassbec?"
Taciana: "Baby... none of this is your fault. All we can do is pray and hope for the best."
Jackson: "Yeah, yeah, I know. I kind of miss it. Me saving furries, protecting everyone and everything from imminent danger."
Taciana: "Shh, come here. We are going to be alright. Also, you promised me to not go looking for trouble."
Jackson: "I know I did, Tacci. It's just hard to forget that feeling of being appreciated by the community."
Taciana: "Hehe, I know you do."
Taciana then tries to stand up carefully.
Taciana: "Aggh! Honey, could you lend me a paw, please?"
Jackson: "I gotcha."
He takes her paw and helps her off the bed.
Jackson: "Do you smell something?"
Taciana: "It's probably Sherman making some bacon."
Jackson: "He better have saved some for the me, JJ, and Zaino."
Taciana: "Jacky... there is plenty to go around."
Jackson: "Okay, let's go down and eat. Are you okay to walk or should I carry you?"
Taciana: "Hehe, Jacky... I can still walk."
She tries to take a step downstairs while Jackson helps her balance.
Taciana: "Oh my gosh! Whoa!"
She trips on the staircase and is caught by Jackson.
Taciana: "Thank you."
Jackson: "You're welcome. At least I get to save the love of my life."
Taciana blushes and giggles at him.
Taciana: "I'm glad to have you as my husband. Mmmwwah."
Jackson: "You know, it has been a while since we enjoyed each other."
Taciana: "Hehehe! Tempting offer bae, but maybe later."
The pair reach the bottom of the circular staircase and Jackson sets Taciana on her feet.
Taciana: "Thanks for the lift, handsome."
Jackson: "My pleasure, beautiful."
They walk to the kitchen, noticing Sherman still watching TV.
Sherman: "Good morning, Mom. Morning, Dad."
Jackson: "Good morning, buddy."
Taciana: "Hey sweetie. Did you sleep okay?"
Sherman: "I sure did!"
His mother chuckles at his cheerful outlook.
Taciana: "I can see that you have been busy cooking bacon. Hmm?"
Sherman: "Yup, I made them soft after three minutes for each strip, like you taught me."
Taciana: "Do you need anything else to eat sweetie?"
Sherman: "No thanks, Mom. I am full and I had a glass of orange juice."
Taciana: "Oh, okay then. Did you brush your teeth, hair, and fur?"
Sherman: "Yeah, I brushed my teeth and combed myself."
Taciana: "You forgot to comb the front of your hair, kiddo."
Sherman: "But Mom... I like that part of my hair looking wild."
Taciana: "Shermie, what has Daddy told you?"
Sherman: "But... I got my book bag ready and everything."
Taciana: "Sherman. What did he say?"
Sherman sighs and complies.
Sherman: "To always look your best before leaving the mansion."
Taciana: "That's right, now go upstairs and brush your hair."
Sherman: "Yes, Momma."
He goes back upstairs to his room and brushes his hair for three and half minutes before returning downstairs.
Sherman: "Okay, I'm ready now."
Taciana: "See. Now you look like a handsome young furry."
Jackson: "She's right son, it is all about how other furries perceive you to be."
Sherman: "What do you mean, Dad?"
Jackson: "Well for instance, you may attract the attention of a nice girl one day."
Sherman: "Dad, I already have enough girls who watch me at school."
Jackson: "Heheh. I'll tell you more about later on, son."
Sherman: "Thanks, Dad."
Taciana: "Yeah, you might even make plenty of new friends too. Okay?"
Sherman: "Thanks Mom. I will give it try."
Sherman continues watching his favorite tv show, the 'Lunar Survivor' for what remains of the morning.
Taciana: "Jacky?"
Jackson: "Yeah?"
Taciana: "Could you wake up the rest our children, please?"
Jackson: "Yes, dear."
Taciana: "Oh and honey; don't scare them awake. Poor Aziza cried last time."
Jackson: "I'll try, but it might be difficult." (chuckles)
Taciana: "Jackson..."
She taps her left foot.
Jackson: "Haha, just kidding around babe. I got them."
......Upstairs in the other bedrooms......
Jackson: "Hey kiddo. Wake up. It is Monday."
Jackson Junior: "Not again. Can I have a few more minutes, please?"
Jackson: "Junior we cannot always have our way. Besides, what have I taught you and Sherman?"
Jackson Junior: "Getting a good education is important."
Jackson: "What else?"
Jackson Junior: "Also, to teach us the skills we'll need in life."
Jackson: "Good. Now up you go."
He lifts him up out of bed and sets him down.
Jackson: "Do you want to help me wake your siblings?"
Jackson Junior: "No, I'll go down and eat before Sherman eats all the bacon."
Jackson Junior goes to the kitchen while his father gives Mallory, Aziza, and Zaino a wakeup call. He walks to the kitchen and finds a plate with only several bacon crumbs.
Jackson Junior: "Sherman? Where is the bacon? I could smell it from upstairs."
Sherman: "Hmm? Oh yeah, I ate it all."
Jackson Junior: "What? Why? We always split it evenly every morning."
Sherman: "Well, this time it was all mine, and it was delicious."
He mockingly says to irritate his younger brother.
Jackson Junior: "That's mean. You are mean."
Sherman: "First come first serve. Hehehe."
Jackson Junior: "Grr!" (growls)
Taciana: "Ahem! That's enough Sherman."
Sherman: "Aww, come on Mom, I was only teasing."
Taciana: "You are supposed to be getting along with your little brother, not fighting."
Jackson Junior: "See, you have to be nice to me."
Taciana: "Jackson Junior, you are not going growl at anyone in this household. Do we have an understanding now?"
Jackson Junior: "Yes, Momma."
Sherman: "Yes."
Taciana: "Good. Now, there are plenty of food choices for everyone. JJ, why don't you two watch that lunar show, while I make you some more?"
Sherman: "Mom, it's called 'Lunar Survivor', not lunar."
Taciana rolls her eyes and smirks while she cooks breakfast for herself and the rest of her family.
Suddenly, they are joined in by Jackson who is carrying Zaino and Aziza in his arms.
Mallory: "Morning, Momma!"
Taciana: "Good morning, Mallory. How'd you sleep?"
Mallory: "I slept well, Momma."
Aziza: "Breakfast?"
Zaino: "I'm hungry."
Jackson and Taciana chuckle at their children's responses.
Jackson: "Relax kiddos, Mommy is going to make more than enough for everyone. Right?"
Taciana: "Hehehe, that's right. Now stay seated my dears."
She continues cooking up a variety of delights, including light bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, waffles, pancakes, salad with toppings and a fruit platter at the center of the table.
......Fifteen minutes later......
As the family was finishing their breakfast,
Sherman decided to ask his Dad a question.
Sherman: "Dad?"
Jackson: "Yeah, son?"
Sherman: "How did we become so rich?"
Jackson swallows his last bit of food and wipes his mouth with a napkin.
Jackson: "Are you sure you want to know?"
Sherman: "Yeah. I want to be just as successful as you and Mom when I grow up."
Jackson: "Hehe... well, me and your mother combined the inheritance earnings from our youth, and we pooled our current income from we saved from our all our previous jobs."
Sherman: "What is income?"
Jackson: "Very inquisitive, isn't he? Hehe."
Taciana: "Income is another way of referring to the amount of money we earn every week."
Sherman: "Oooh. Will I learn that in school one day?"
Jackson: "Hehe, not yet kiddo. Although, if you are interested in knowing more about personal finance, then you can ask me or Mom anytime. Alright?"
Sherman: "Okay, that sounds good. I like learning new things."
Jackson: "I am sure you do. Now, it is almost time for you to catch the bus and go to school."
Sherman: "I've had my backpack ready two hours ago."
Jackson: "Lunch?"
Sherman: "Yes."
Jackson: "Okay. Also, make sure you keep an eye on your Zaino and Aziza during recess. Understood?"
Sherman: "They'll be fine under my watch, Dad. No biggie."
Jackson nods with approval.
Taciana: "Um... Jacky. Could you get me a glass of water, please? My throat is a little dry."
Jackson: "Sure dear. One moment. Here you are, beautiful."
Taciana: "Thank you honey."
She drinks a sip and exhales deeply while trying to get up.
Jackson: "Tacci, don't strain yourself. I'll drop Zaino and Aziza at school before heading into work."
Taciana: "I can drop them off, Beloved. After all, I am on maternity leave for two more months."
Jackson: "Babe, I don't mind helping you out."
Taciana: "Really... honey you don't have to... whoa!"
Taciana blushes as Jackson stands on his feet and lifts his wife to the driver's seat of her electric car.
Taciana: "Well... thank you. I will see you tonight when you are home."
Jackson: "You too."
He sends her a wink.
Taciana: "Kids! It is time for school!"
Aziza: "Coming, Mommy!"
Zaino: "I call the front seat!"
Taciana: "No, Zaino. Stay in the back with your sister."
Zaino: "Okay. When can I ride in the front seat?"
Taciana: "When you are older, sweetie."
Zaino: "Really?"
Taciana: "Yes. Now, seatbelts on, please."
She drives all the way to Clearwater Elementary, while Jackson drives off to work.
Meanwhile, Sherman and his other two siblings help each other set the alarm and run for the school bus.
Jackson Junior: "Is that Mom next to us?"
Sherman: "Yeah that's her. Just pretend that she is not there and walk fast when the bus stops."
Jackson Junior: "Okay, sure big bro."
Sherman: "Oh and your girlfriend is watching. Hehehe."
Jackson Junior's face is flushed realizing that Ruth was looking at him as she waves her paw in his direction.
Ruth: "Hi, JJ!"
Jackson Junior: "Hi... hi, Ruth."
Ruth giggles at his expression.
Ruth: "You have a nice smile today."
Jackson Junior: "Um... thanks."
She continues chatting with her sister, Victoria.
Jackson Junior: "Ruth Sommers is only a friend bro. Besides she is five."
Sherman: "So?"
Jackson Junior: "I am six year's old."
Sherman: "Age isn't stopping other furry girls from trying to hit on me."
Jackson Junior: "You don't mind the attention, whereas I don't want to draw every girl's attention yet."
Sherman: "Your choice."
......One mile later......
The bus stops at the front lot of Clearwater Elementary School.
Timothy Ram: "Alright, you all. Good luck today!"
Sherman: "Thank you Mr. Ram. See ya! Another day, another lecture."
Jackson Junior: "Not in my class. So yeah, easy peasy."
The brothers walk alongside with their friends, Lucas, and Redford.
Lucas: "Hey, hey if isn't our favorite mixed family duo."
Redford: "What up dudes?"
Sherman: "Not much, simply going to class."
Lucas: "Hehe, are you sure? Cause I hear the Sommer sisters have it bad for you two."
Jackson Junior: "Eww, No. I am not into Ruth, and Sherman is certainly not into Victoria!"
Lucas: "Yeah, right. Why don't you tell us what happened during our group's game of spin the bottle last week."
Redford: "Hahaha!"
Sherman: "It was only a dare that Victoria wanted to do since the bottle landed on her. Besides it wasn't a big deal. Now can we please get to class? I prefer to keep a perfect attendance record."
Redford: "Oh please, Mr. Fickleburn doesn't care."
Sherman: Yeah, well the wise jackal wrote you up twice, dude."
Redford: "Whatever, dude. I prefer having that lazy substitute we had before."
Jackson Junior: "Guys? Can we go now?"
Lucas: "Yeah, worry warts. Let's go so we can get it over with in time for lunch."
......Main classroom......
The four walked inside and noticed Mr. Finkleburn gathering his notes out his briefcase.
Mr. Finkleburn: "Go ahead and take a seat young gents, while I prepare."
Sherman, Lucas, Redford, and JJ, kill some time by chatting amongst themselves and playing on their smartphones. Shortly after, two rabbit girls in dressed like semi-fashionistas walk into class.
Aubrey: "I am telling you Riley, my mom totally hooked me up with this floral dress!"
Riley: "Definitely worth the high-quality fabric, girl. Hehe! I wonder if this will be enough to get that cute fox, Jobahan to notice me?"
Aubrey: "Hehe, yeah. However, the only one who I have eyes for is Sherman Tontione."
She dreamily sighs.
Riley: "I thought you two were BFF's?"
Aubrey: "We are. But... whenever I'm around him now, it feels like me and him are more than that."
Riley: "Does he know how you feel?"
Aubrey: "No, not yet."
Riley: "Why don't you tell him?"
Aubrey: "I want to, but I'm afraid it might ruin my friendship with him."
Riley: "You never know until you try."
Aubrey: "How do you know? I mean you are braver than I am when it comes to this stuff."
Riley: "Because... when the right time comes, I am going to tell Jobahan what I feel."
A few moments later, Jobahan walks in and sits next to Sherman and Lucas. Many other furries, including lions, tigers, hyenas, jackals, wolves, foxes, bears, antelopes, gazelles, deer, elk, moose, elephants, ferrets, ground hogs, meerkats, warthogs, cheetahs, and other various species of furry children beget to clamor into the classroom.
Aubrey: "Look here's your chance. Jobahan's over there."
Riley: "So is your crush. Haha."
Aubrey: 'I will tell Sherman after this class."
Riley: "Your choice, bestie."
As Riley approaches Jobahan, she takes a breath and speaks.
Riley: "Hi, Jobahan."
Jobahan: "Hey Riley, what's up?"
Riley: "Well, I uhm... was wondering if you wanted to go out for ice cream?"
Jobahan: "We all grab ice cream after school on Fridays. What is going on?"
Riley: "I know. But I meant the two of us and no one else."
Jobahan: "Oooh. Okay then. Sure."
Riley: "Great! Thank you! See ya then!"
Jobahan: "Huh, that was surprising."
Sherman: "Uh dude. Do you realize what just happened?"
Jobahan: "Yeah, I'm getting an ice cream with a friend."
Lucas: "Hahahaha! That is not even close!"
Jobahan: "What is it then? I am confused."
Sherman: "She was clearly asking you out on a date."
Jobahan: "Wait, what?"
Lucas: "A date. You know. Where you and she might want to spend a lot of quality time together."
Jobahan: "Oh, yeah... I ain't ready for that."
Sherman: "Chill. The same thing happens to me sometimes."
Jobahan: "Seriously?"
Sherman: "Yeah, look behind me."
He turns around and looks at three cat girl furries who were watching and waving at him.
Calico Sisters: "Hehehehe! Hi Sherman!"
Sherman: "Ahem, hi girls."
Sherman sends them a wink.
Mr. Finkleburn: "Alright, all right students! Settle down!"
Everyone focuses their attention on the teacher.
Mr.Finkleburn: "A new student will be joining us today."
Suddenly, a girl rabbit furry wearing a light brown dress, quietly steps into the classroom and introduces herself.
Zelene: "Hi everyone! I'm Zelene Eris."
Sherman looks at her, his eyes filled with curiosity.
In Sherman's Mind: "Wow... she looks incredible."
......Ten seconds later......
Lucas: "Yo, Sherman. You good?"
Sherman: "Yeah, yeah. I am good."
Mr. Finkleburn: "Thank you, Zelene. Find a seat anywhere you wish."
Zelene takes her seat in the last open desk at the front.
Mr. Finkleburn: "Good, now as I mentioned last week, we are moving on with more addition and subtraction exercises. First, turn in your homework sheets. Then we'll continue with the lesson."
......Forty-five minutes later......
Mr. Finkleburn: "Okay everyone, make sure you finish off your assessments and read page twenty on the multiplication process."
As every student starts leaving the classroom, Sherman notices Zelene drawing a sketch of the class and everyone in it.
Sherman: "Wow, that looks cool. Are you an artist?"
Zelene: "Hehe, to be honest I'm more of an amateur at this."
Sherman: "Are you kidding? This sketch is impressive. The detail, the composition, and the flow between each line is astounding."
Zelene blushes slightly as stands up to greet him.
Zelene: "Hehehe, thank you. Uhm..."
Sherman: "I am Sherman. Sherman Tontione."
As the pair chat with each other for a while, Aubrey watches with jealousy and disdain.
Aubrey: "Can you believe this, Riley?"
Riley: "What?"
Aubrey: "Why would Sherman pick talking to the new girl over me? Zelene looks like she crawled out of the Grapevine Villa."
Riley: "How do you know that?"
Aubrey: "Girl, that dress she's wearing is so out of date. Her hair and ears are curled up like pig tails. Totally lacks any style. Sherman should be with me, a girl with class, not some country bumpkin."
Riley: "You mean like the time you said, Victoria Sommers has no class?"
Aubrey: "Yeah, exactly."
Riley: "You got along with her after talking to her for bit."
Aubrey: "Yes, but I made my intentions clear to her. No one is going to take my Sherman."
Riley: "But... she also likes Sherman."
Aubrey: "Whatever, I am still going to ask him out. Wish me luck?"
Riley: "Good luck, girlfriend."
Aubrey: "Thanks, Riley."
......Meanwhile......
Sherman: "So you made this other drawing when you were five?"
Zelene: "Yes, this a picture of my favorite tree back home."
Sherman: "You really captured its majesty."
Zelene: "Hehe, I try."
Sherman: "Where are you from?"
Zelene: "Grapevine Villa."
Sherman: "Is it far from here?"
Zelene: "No, it's located in the woods near the Southern District of Downtown, Coastal City."
Sherman: "Hmm, could you show me how to do a leaf rubbing sometime?"
Zelene: "Sure. I can show you how."
Sherman: "That would be great. I happen to have an array of interests and painting is included."
Zelene: "Hehe, an array of interests, huh?"
Sherman: "Yup."
Sherman then notices Zelene's third paw digit bleeding a little.
Sherman: "Whoa, you have a paper cut."
Zelene: "Oh, I uh... I didn't notice."
Sherman: "Here. I always keep a box of small bandages in my pack, just in case."
Zelene: "There is a nurse's office, you know."
Sherman: "I know. I gave you a bandage cause I wanted to."
Zelene smiles at him as she lets him place the bandage on her third paw digit.
Zelene: "You are very kind, Sherman."
Sherman: "Well, someone has to be."
As the two were bonding, Aubrey interrupts them with a fake cough.
Aubrey: "Hello, Sherman."
Sherman: "Hey, Aubrey."
Aubrey: "Sorry to interrupt, but I have tell you something."
Sherman: "What is it?"
Aubrey: "Well, it's something I wanted to get off my chest for a while."
Sherman: "Go on."
Aubrey: "Sherman I..."
......A split second later......
Gunfire was heard from outside the school grounds between the Golden Jackals and the Blackjaw Hyenas."
Golden Jackal Furry: "Eat this hyenas!"
He fires his handgun on them and misses.
Blackjaw Hyena Furry: "There won't be anything left of you jackals after we tear you apart and feast on your bones! Raah!"
The main hyena furry fires an FNF-85 assault-rifle on two of the jackal furries. The bullets hit one of them through the head and the other through his left shoulder.
Golden Jackal Two: "Cole is dead!"
Golden Jackal One: "Noo! Aah! Darn it! I'm out! Do you have any more rounds?"
Golden Jackal Two: "I'm dry too. We gotta get out of here!"
Blackjaw Hyena One: "Guys! Take out any witnesses in that school over there! I will take care these two mutts."
Blackjaw Hyena Two: "Whoo! Yeah! Time to add to our kill count!"
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "Yeah!"
As their ringleader moves in and kills the two Golden Jackals, he rejoins his comrades.
Blackjaw Hyena One: "Incapacitate the adults first and hold the youngsters' hostage. I might be in the mood for some calf or cub soup."
He licks his mouth as most of the furry children quiver in fear.
Blackjaw Hyena Two: "Hahahaha, Yum!"
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "Hey yo, one them ain't on the ground."
He points in Sherman's direction.
Blackjaw Hyena One: "On your knees! Now!"
Jackson Junior: "Leave my big brother alone!"
Sherman: "JJ, what are you doing? Run!"
Jackson Junior ran as fast as he could to the hallway. He finds a hiding spot in the janitor's closet.
Blackjaw Hyena Two: "I will find the kid. You two watch the rest of the brats."
Blackjaw Hyena One: "We got this."
Sherman: "You know that adults are coming right?"
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "You say something wolf boy?"
Sherman: "You deaf?"
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "Say one more word or you'll regret it!"
He aims his rifle at Sherman's face.
Blackjaw Hyena One: "You know, I think we should add a wolf roast to the menu."
Sherman: (gulps)
Zelene stays close to Sherman for comfort.
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "Or better yet, him and his little rabbit friend."
Blackjaw Hyena Two: "Doggone it! The half-breed kid got away!"
Blackjaw Hyena One: "We cannot let him get away! He could end up bringing whole dang task force on us. Grr! I'll find him myself."
Within the crowd of children, a little hyena furry named Helena speaks up against the gangsters.
Helena: "Do you even know why you are doing this?"
Blackjaw Hyena Two: "We want Coastal City, all of it. Same as those rejects lying on the ground out there. So, unless you want to end up like them. You are gonna zip it and stay still like everyone else. Got it!"
Helena whimpers in fear.
Aubrey: "Why don't you pick on someone your own size? This is completely unfair."
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "Get back on your knees, rabbit!"
Blackjaw Hyena One: "The kid vanished. Darn it! If he gave away our position... Grr! Just snuff a few of the kids and we can report back to base with something for dinner."
The other two chuckle maniacally and aim their rifles at the children.
Blackjaw Hyena Three: "With pleasure."
The gangster aims for Aubrey first and Sherman pushes her out of the way. The bullet grazes Sherman's arm and ends up hitting the back wall.
Blackjaw Hyena One: "Are you kidding me? Just keep a lookout! I will finish them myself."
He presses the tip of his gun behind Aubrey's head.
Aubrey: "No! No! No! No! Stop! Stop! Please stop! Please!"
Sherman: "Let her be! Point it at me!"
Blackjaw Hyena One: "Do not worry; you are going to be next. Now... say goodnight rabbit."
Aubrey's tears heated up; thinking she won't make it out alive. The hyena gangsters laugh for a moment. Then out of nowhere, a strange figure in a dark-brown mask and suit disarms two of them. He renders them unconscious with a quick energy burst.
Blackjaw Hyena One: "What? Who the heck are you?"
Mysterious Furry Figure: "Someone you never mess with."
He knocks out the gangster with a single punch to the gut.
Mysterious Furry Figure: "Are you okay?"
Sherman: "Yeah, we are all okay."
Aubrey cries in Sherman's shoulder after the whole experience.
Mysterious Furry Figure: "Good. Call the CCTF and make sure that each of you call your parents."
Most of the furry children scatter to the hallways.
Sherman: "Wait, Mister? Mister?"
The mysterious figure turns his head to Sherman.
Sherman: "What do we call you?"
Mysterious Furry Figure: "Shadow Dhole."
The figure drives off on his hyper-electric motorcycle and into the distance.
Sherman: "He saved us."
Jackson Junior runs inside the classroom.
Jackson Junior: "Sherman? Are the bad guys gone?"
Sherman: "They're down little bro. The bad guys are down."
Aubrey: "That was horrible. I was so scared that I might not even be..."
Sherman: "It's fine now, okay."
Aubrey: "Sherman um... thank you. Thank you for saving me."
Sherman: "You are welcome, Aubrey. I'm not going to let any of my friends get hurt. Not on my watch."
Aubrey cries and hugs him so tight as a show of gratitude.
In Sherman's Mind: "Seeing a living hero in front of me? Phew what a day! One day I might become just like him. I mean my dad said that helping others can go a long way if it means saving lives."

Authors Note: "Good morning folks! This new chapter is now complete! Get ready for another soon! Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to one and all!"