World of Paws: Balance of Heroes

Research and Secrets

                  (This is Aziza shown above.)

The Shadow Dhole stops his motorcycle near a hidden alley and changes out of his suit. The scene changes as the mask comes off, revealing the unknown hero to be Jackson in disguise.
Jackson: "Phew, well that was easy. Thank goodness no one recognized me."
Jackson drives on his motorcycle to his private vehicle garage near his company and walks back to his office.
......Fifteen minutes later......
Nappine: "Um... Mr. Tontione?"
Jackson: "Yes, Nappine? What is it?"
Nappine: "I wanted to inform you that the board of directors are coming tomorrow to discuss your new project plan."
Jackson: "Really? Can't we push it to the day after tomorrow?"
Nappine: "I'm afraid not, sir. They seemed very adamant about it."
Jackson sighs with exasperation.
Jackson: "Alright, fine. Let them know that I have agreed that to meet them at precisely 9:00am."
Nappine: "Of course Mr. Tontione. Right away."
Nappine politely closes Jackson's office door behind her.
In Nappine's Mind: "Geez, he got me a little hot with that authoritative voice. Oh my..."
Nappine: "No Nappine, stop thinking like that. He is the CEO, and I am just an executive assistant. Get your head out of the sky and back to reality."
She says to herself in a scolding tone. Jackson continues preparing his speech for the Board of Directors and new project design tomorrow.
Jackson: "Okay... let's get this started."
A few hours pass by as he quietly works on the project design for the R&D department.
Jackson: "Done! Relax Jackson, you ready for this meeting and this final design will help R&D finally complete the Renewable Fusion Reactor by tonight."
He calls the head of research and development about their progress of the reactor.
......At Tontione Labs......
Edwin: "This is Tontione Labs. Edwin, speaking."
Jackson: "Yes, Edwin. This is Jackson."
Edwin: "What's going on, sir?"
Jackson: "What is the timetable for the Tontione Fusion Reactor? We have a new deadline."
Edwin: "Okay then, when does it have to be done?"
Jackson: "By tomorrow morning at 9:00am."
Edwin: "Oh... but sir, the internal stabilizers aren't even in yet. It could take all night for me and the team to install them."
Jackson: "How long?"
Edwin: "Probably by 11:00pm, tonight."
Jackson: "Hmm... okay if you and the rest of R&D team can finish this in six hours, then I'll add a bonus to your pay. Sound fair?"
Edwin: "Yes, sir."
Jackson: "Good, I expect to hear excellent results from you, Mr. Edwin."
Edwin: "Of course. I will see you tomorrow morning sir."
Jackson hangs up the phone while Edwin informs his team on the new deadline.
......Back in Jackson's office......
Jackson: "Okay, now with that is taken care of; I can research some info on the Golden Jackal and Blackjaw Hyena gangs."
He pulls out his second smartphone with highly enhanced encryption coding and pulls up an old article about the long history between them.
Jackson: "Oh no... no... this is worse than I thought. I need to stop them before any innocent furries are caught in the crossfire. But how? If only I could get them to cease the fighting."
A sense of urgency fills his mind, thinking of the possibility for peace between the two rival groups.
......Meanwhile at Clearwater Elementary......
The CCTF were arresting the three Blackjaw Hyena members who were still unconscious. Some of the operatives asked a few questions to everyone in the school.
Commissioner Talvenger: "Hi there, children. Kudos to a Jackson Junior who called us over here about a shooting."
Jackson Junior: "That would be me, sir."
Commissioner Talvenger: "Some of your teachers and friends here say that a masked figure took these three down."
Jackson Junior: "Yes sir. My big brother saw them while I was hiding from the bad guy."
Commissioner Talvenger: "Thanks the for the tip bud. Who's your brother?"
Jackson Junior: "Sherman. I can take you to him."
Commissioner Talvenger: "Did you see where this strange figure went off to?"
Sherman: "He was wearing this dark-brown suit and this awesome-looking motorcycle."
Commissioner Talvenger: "Then what happened?"
Sherman: "Then he zoomed away so fast. I couldn't tell where he was going."
Commissioner Talvenger: "Thanks for the info, bud."
He talks into his holo-watch.
Commissioner Talvenger: "All units, keep your eyes peeled for an individual donning a dark-brown suit and a motorcycle of unknown make. Any more updates?"
Task Force Unit: "The outside perimeter is secure sir. There's no one else around here."
Commissioner Talvenger: "Very well. Let's roll out boys."
The Coastal City Task Force leaves with the three prisoners to continue their patrol. Sherman, JJ, and the rest of their friends help the other furry children out of the building as a news crew along with Jimmy Findello arrives on the scene.
Sherman: "Is that a news crew?"
Zelene: "Oh yeah, it's Jimmy Findello. My parents watch his reports every morning."
Aubrey: "Um... Sherman?"
Sherman: "Yeah?"
Aubrey: "Could you help me get Collin on his feet? One of those crooks attacked him."
Sherman: "Yeah, sure."
Sherman and Aubrey lift Collin on a desk and carefully place his leg on a chair to keep it stable.
Collin: "Ow! Ow! Ow! It still hurts!"
Sherman: "Chill out, you are going to be fine. It's a sprain. I used to get them a lot when I was a five and my parents would put on this Aloe Cloud remedy to soothe it out."
Collin: "Is there anything close to that in the nurse's office?"
Sherman: "We'll go and check. You stay here. Come on, Aubrey. Does anyone else want to help us look for bandages and supplies?"
The whole room was silent until Lucas, Victoria, Redford, Jobahan, Jackson Junior, and Zelene volunteered to help them. They help little Collin reach the nurse's office and notice Ms. Lafleur still cowering behind her desk.
Sherman: "Ms. Lafleur? Hello?"
Ellen Lafleur: "Children! What are you doing here? There are armed furries in the building!"
Sherman: "No, Ms. Lafleur, the task force took them away."
Ellen: "Oh, thank goodness."
She regains her composure.
Ellen: "What can I do you for you, children?"
Sherman: "Collin got hurt during the attack."
Ellen: "Oh no! Come on in now darling. I got you."
Collin: "Sherman said it might be a sprain, Ms. Lafleur."
Ellen: "It will be fine, I got just the thing to take care of that."
She grabs a bottle of pain relieving ointment called Kravé and applies it on his left leg.
Collin sighs with discontent from the treatment.
Ellen: "You should be okay to walk in a few days."
Collin: "I hope so. I want to able to run again soon."
Ellen: "Don't rush your recovery or you could make it worse little one."
Collin: "Okay, as an honest squirrel I promise not to rush myself."
Everyone chuckles at the way he talks.
Collin: "What's so funny?"
Victoria: "Hehe, you sound so adorable when you talk. Almost my little sister and JJ."
Jackson Junior and Ruth: "I sound nothing like that!"
The two speak at the same time as they disagreed with their arms crossed.
Victoria: "Hehe, you both are speaking at the same time. So cute."
Ruth: "What if I told you that I read your dairy?"
Victoria: "You read my dairy?"
Ruth: "Yeah, and you could never stop me."
Victoria: "You little brat!"
Ruth: "Funny how the main topic in your dairy is mostly about you and Sherman Tontione. Hahaha!"
Sherman: "I'm sorry... what?"
Ruth: "Victoria writes about you every day and puts hearts around her name and yours."
Ruth grins with amusement, while Victoria snarls at her.
Victoria: "Shut your mouth, Ruth!"
Ruth: "You know it's true."
Sherman: "Can you two please stop arguing! This is not helping our friend recover any faster."
Victoria: "You're right. I am sorry. We shouldn't be turning on each other after this traumatic experience."
In Victoria's Mind: "He always knows what to say despite the tension between others. Ruth, is right though, I am attracted to Sherman and now he knows. My gosh, I hope Ruth doesn't tell anyone else."
Sherman: "Um... Victoria? Are you okay? Hello..."
He waves his paw in front of her.
Victoria: "Huh... what?"
Sherman: "You kinda spaced out there for a moment. I was asking if you were ready to help us move Collin out of here."
Victoria: "Oh right... hehe! I am not sure what came over me."
Sherman: "Okay, great."
......A few moments later......
Mr. Fickleburn: "What are you kids doing out in the halls. The carpool is here."
Sherman: "Oh. Well, that was fast. Come guys, let's get him outside."
Lucas: "Yeah... all this is making me a little hungry."
Riley: "Me too. How about you, Jobahan?"
Jobahan: "Definitely. Anyone like baked Ziti?"
Riley: "Yeah, that's one of my favorite dishes. But mostly with peppers around it."
Jobahan: "My parents add bell peppers to give it flavor."
Riley: "Hehe. Guess we have something in common."
Jobahan: "You mean how we both like pasta with peppers?"
Riley: "Yeah. You can tell me more after we get ice cream."
......A little while later......
The carpool was ending as the groups of furry parents were pick up their children early to drive them home.
Aziza: "The bad furries got caught?"
Mallory: "Yeah, little sis. They got caught."
Zaino: "Half day!"
This makes everyone else chuckle.
Aubrey softly whispers in Sherman's ear.
Aubrey: "I need to tell you something in private."
Sherman: "Okay."
She leads him behind a concrete support beam and takes a breath before speaking.
Aubrey: "I really like you."
Sherman: "I like you back, Aubrey. I am glad to have you as a friend."
Aubrey: "That's not what I meant."
Sherman: "What did you mean?'
Aubrey then breaks the fear of her long-hidden secret and plants a peck on Sherman's cheek. Sherman was taken aback by her sudden action.
Sherman: "Oh you mean..."
Aubrey: "Yes. Do you like me the same way?"
Then Aubrey holds his paw and her lips land on Sherman's.
Aubrey: "Mmmwwah."
Sherman: "Well, uhm... that was surprising. I had no clue about your feelings toward me."
Aubrey: "Hehe, I have been holding it in since kindergarten."
......Flashback to kindergarten in 5023......
Aubrey was only two years old and was being picked on by other furries.
Boy Wolf Child: "Wimpy little rabbit! Hahaha!"
Boy Caribou Child: "I think Flopsy Foot's gonna cry. Hahahaha! What a clutz."
Aubrey: "Stop it! I am not clumsy!"
Girl Jaguar Child: "Hahahaha!"
Boy Wolf Child: "Oh look, she has a small milk carton. Hahaha! Score!"
Aubrey: "Stop! That's mine!"
Boy Caribou Child: "Gonna have to catch us first, pipsqueak!"
They tease her and leave her on the ground crying with nothing to eat or drink. One minute later, a young three-year-old wolf helps her up.
Sherman: "Are you okay?"
Aubrey: "They... they stole my lunch."
Sherman: "Here, have some of my blueberries. I wasn't really going to eat them. My mom packed them for me on purpose to see if I would. Hehe."
Aubrey: "Hehehe. Really?"
Sherman: "Yeah. My brother usually eats them since he's half dhole and half rabbit."
Aubrey: "How is that possible?"
Sherman: "My Dad is a dhole and my Mom is a rabbit."
Aubrey: "But... you're a wolf furry."
Sherman: "They adopted me when I was a baby."
Aubrey: "Ooh, you are lucky that you have parents who care about where you are."
Sherman helps her up.
Aubrey: "My parents barely look at me, since my parents are always too busy working."
Sherman: "Hey look, I am sure they care. Sometimes you need to try and get their attention."
Aubrey: "Huh? That works?"
Sherman: "It has worked for me so far."
They share a laugh and look at each other for a few seconds before they introduce themselves.
Aubrey: "I am Aubrey. Who... who are you?"
Sherman: "My name is Sherman. Sherman Tontione."
Aubrey: "Do you want to go to playground with me after lunch?"
Sherman: "Sure! Sounds fun."
Aubrey: "Hehehe!"
They walk to the lunch area and eat together.
In Aubrey's Mind: "Sherman is very different from some of the others. He is also my first real friend. Gosh, I am so lucky."
Her furred cheeks turn to a pinkish red.
Sherman: "Are you okay by the way? Those three are always jerks."
Aubrey: "They're always picking on me. Would you defend me against them? They scare me."
Sherman: "Yes of course, Aubrey. We are friends after all."
Aubrey hugs him after hearing him agree with her.
Aubrey: "Thank you Sherman."
Sherman: "Happy to help, Aubrey."
......Back to present day 5030......
Sherman: "You have been holding this in since we first met?"
Aubrey: "Well yes, you were the first furry to ever stand up for me."
Sherman: "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Aubrey: "I was so nervous, and I thought you would be uncomfortable if you knew."
Sherman: "I'm surprised overall, Aubrey. I mean our thing is..."
Then he is cut off by car's honk nearby.
Veronica: "Aubrey! Where are you?"
Aubrey: "Coming Mommy!"
She quickly pecks Sherman's cheek and runs to her mother's car door. As Aubrey smirks to herself.
Veronica: "Aubrey, I saw the news report saying there was a shooting here?! Is this true?"
Aubrey: "Yes, Momma. There were three scary gunners at school. They held us hostage until this masked furry man showed up and beat them to the ground."
Veronica: "My goodness! That must have been horrible."
Aubrey: "Yeah... it was."
Veronica: "Honey? Are you smiling?"
Aubrey: "No..." (blushes)
Veronica: "Come on, what else happened today, sweetie?"
Aubrey: "Well, Sherman saved me, and I feel grateful to him."
Veronica: "You mean you like him?"
Aubrey's cheeks turn into a pinkish red.
Veronica: "Hehehe. Don't grow up too fast now."
Aubrey: "I will try my best Momma."
She lays her head down on the back seat while being driven home.
......Meanwhile......
Sherman was still processing what had just happened.
Jackson Junior: "Are you alright big bro?'
Sherman: "Uh... I'm  not sure how to answer that."
Jackson Junior: "What's that mean?"
Sherman: "I will explain it later."
Jackson Junior: "I want to understand, big brother. Can't I come and listen?"
Sherman: "Not now."
Jackson Junior: "Why?"
Sherman: "We need to wait until Mom or Dad picks us up."
Jackson Junior: "Okay."
Mallory: "Can either of you help me keep Aziza and Zaino from wandering?"
Sherman: "You led them outside Mal. Ergo, you are in charge of them."
Mallory: "I know, but they always keep whining about wanting to wait outside."
Zaino: "Why are you talking about us?"
Aziza: "Yeah, why?"
Jackson Junior: "They both think you are loose cannons."
Mallory elbows Jackson Junior sternly.
Zaino: "What?"
Mallory: "No! That is not what we said!"
Aziza: "What did you say?"
Mallory: "We said that it is important to stay together. We are family."
Zaino: "Okay."
Aziza: "Does that mean you three care about us?"
Mallory: "Of course we care about you Aziza. You are our little sister."
Zaino: "Me too, right?"
Mallory: "Yes, you too Zaino. Come on bring it in."
She hugs them both gently and is joined by Jackson Junior.
Mallory: "Come on, Sherman. Being a part of this family means being a part of group hugs."
Sherman: "Yeah, I'll take a pass."
Mallory: "Then all of us are going to tackle you with one.'
Sherman: "Why now?"
Mallory: "You did help some our closest friends today. Come on, you could use one."
Sherman: "I only did what I thought was right."
Mallory: "Do not be too modest. I have never seen you jump in to protect someone before."
Sherman: "Thanks little sister, but could we save that for when we are actually home?"
Mallory chuckles deferentially as she pulls him into the hug with the others.
Minutes later, a large electric 5030 Leopard-X98 vehicle parallel parks near the curb. The front-side window slides down revealing the face their father, Jackson.
Jackson: "Hey, kids."
Sherman: "Hi, Dad."
Jackson Junior: "We survived an accident today."
Jackson: "Really? An accident? I heard about what happened here."
Sherman: "You did?"
Jackson: "Yeah, your mom called and told me that the whole class was being held at gunpoint?"
Sherman: "Yes, it is true. A lot of us were scared, but not me."
Jackson Junior: "Yes you were."
Sherman: "No I wasn't."
Jackson Junior: "Yes you were."
Sherman: "No I wasn't!"
Jackson: "Enough arguing! Sherman, go ahead and tell me what you saw."
Sherman: "It was a regular day in class until we all heard gunshots from outside. Then we saw three spotted hyenas and three jackal furries shooting at each other."
Jackson: "Did they have any distinguishing features on their clothing? Like a symbol of some sort?"
Sherman: "Uhm... yeah one group had yellow patches on their shoulders and the other had patches bearing flames and teeth."
Jackson then remembers the info he found on his second phone.
Jackson: "Thanks for telling me son."
Sherman: "Of course, Dad."
Aziza: "Daddy?"
Jackson: "Yeah?"
Aziza: "Is Mommy going to be mad at us?"
Jackson: "No, kiddo. She won't be mad."
Aziza: "I tried running away, but the bad hyena stopped me."
Jackson: "It is going to be okay, Aziza."
Aziza: "I am still scared."
Mallory: "There, there Aziza. You can sleep in my room, tonight."
Aziza: "Are you sure?"
She starts shedding some more tears.
Mallory: "Hey, come on. Don't cry."
Zaino: "The highlight was Sherman jumping in to save Aubrey."
Sherman: "She is our friend. I couldn't let anything bad happen to her."
Zaino: "Then why was she hugging you so long?"
Sherman: "She was afraid of losing her life today, little bro. Show some empathy."
Jackson Junior: "I agree. It was a scary experience."
Mallory: "Yeah, friends don't let their friends get hurt."
Sherman: "Thank you Mallory, and JJ. Glad you two understand."
Half a mile later, Jackson parks in the estate's driveway and are greeted by a frantic Taciana.
Taciana: "Thank the spirits you kids are safe!"
She hugs Jackson and her children.
Taciana: "I was so worried! The principal called and told me what happened."
Jackson: "They are fine, Hun. Ain't nothing taking us down today."
Taciana smiles, feeling a sense of reassurance from her husband.
Aziza: "Mommy?"
Taciana: "Yeah, baby?"
Aziza: "Can I sleep in my sister's room? I want to feel safe."
Taciana: "Shh, it is okay sweetie. Nothing is going to get you."
Aziza: "Pwomise?"
Taciana: "Promise."
Jackson: "Tacci, we have to talk for a little bit."
Taciana: "Sure, dear. One moment. Sherman, could you take your brothers and sisters upstairs? Me and your dad need to chat for a bit."
Sherman: "Okay, Mom."
Sherman leads them up to the second TV room to watch a show while his parents chat.
Taciana: "What is happening, sugar dhole?"
Jackson: "How about we start with our kids nearly being killed today by two street gangs. Plus, I looked them up and they have been the ones responsible for the recent shootouts in Downtown!"
Taciana: "Baby, I know you worry a lot about the children. I worry too. But we can't control everything around them."
Jackson: "Maybe not, but I can surely try. I can start by hunting the fools responsible for attacking the school."
Taciana: "Jacky, I know what happened today was very traumatic for them, but it doesn't mean you have to spend the night hunting criminals."
Jackson: "What worries me is that those gunmen shot up the place and it took one of our kids to call the task force about it!"
Taciana: "Honey, please calm down. Let's just be thankful that all our kids are still with us."
Jackson sighs with annoyance in his voice.
Taciana: "Jacky?"
Jackson: "Perhaps. How are you so calm about this?"
Taciana: "I am calm because I believe that the things happening out there will never break our family apart."
Jackson: "All right. I will try to stay calm. But it won't be easy."
Taciana: "You can be calm too. I know you can."
Jackson: "Easy for you to say, babe. You are a natural at it."
Taciana: "I've been meditating after my morning prayers."
Jackson: "That actually works?"
Taciana: "Yeah, you should try it sometime."
Jackson: "I think I'll pass on that. My relaxation thing usually involves lifting weights, basketball, and going to Bostelair Beach to surf."
Taciana: "Please, Jacky? At least try. For me?"
She flutters her eyes playfully and pecks his lips a few times. Jackson rolls his eyes slightly and relents.
Jackson: "Okay, I'll consider it."
Taciana: "Thanks sweetie. Mmmwwah."
Jackson: "Why do you have to act so cute?"
Taciana: "Hehe! Because I know you adore it."
The pair exchange another passionate kiss before separating. Then a quick thought crosses Taciana's mind.
Taciana: "Oh my goodness bae, one second."
Jackson: "Uh... sure."
Taciana: "There is some more good news!"
Jackson: "Okay, what is this?"
Taciana: "I called Dr. Groggins today and he said we need to come in and see the gender of our new babies!"
She squeals happily.
Jackson: "For real? Okay then... when's the appointment?"
Taciana: "It starts at 1:00pm tomorrow."
Jackson: "Oh good, then I can make it there on time."
Taciana: "Are you sure? Cause I can reschedule it for much later."
Jackson: "Nah babe... it's fine. I will be there."
Taciana hugs him so tight after hearing his response.
Taciana: "Thank you, handsome."
Jackson: "I got your back beautiful. Always."
Then Taciana follows Jackson into the kitchen.
Taciana: "So... how was work?"
Jackson: "It went well. Verifying holographic reports from every company employee is exhausting. Especially, now that overseeing daily operations is more time-consuming than ever."
Taciana: "Oh okay. What else?"
Jackson: "I also have to meet with the Board of Directors tomorrow about a sales pitch for my new fusion reactor."
Taciana: "Honey, that's wonderful! I am so proud of you. Now you can impress them with your new technology.
Jackson: "Yeah, that's right."
Taciana: "Well, I can't wait to hear how it goes."

Jackson: "Thank you. I have no doubt that it will pan out perfectly."
Taciana: "What would you like for dinner?"
Jackson: "Maybe something light. How about spaghetti with green bell peppers."
Taciana: "Hmm... excellent choice."
Jackson: "Yeah, one of those healthier alternatives you mentioned."
Taciana: "I know Zaino isn't going to like it."
Jackson: "If he doesn't eat, we'll trick him into eating it."
Taciana: "Oh, I getcha."
She winks quickly.
Jackson: "Exactly."
Jackson then goes upstairs to place his work suitcases in the master bedroom.
Jackson: "I will be back! I need to go put these away!"
Taciana: "Okay!"
Jackson: "Thanks."
Jackson opens the second suitcase revealing his Shadow Dhole suit.
Jackson: "I need to protect this city. It all depends on me now."

Author's Note: "Another chapter completed, y'all! I hope you are all having a gracious New Year! Huzzah for 2022!"