World of Paws: Balance of Heroes

The Bonds of Children

Jackson Junior: "So... have you reached level  nine yet?"
Ruth: "No not yet."
Jackson Junior: "Want to watch a film?
Ruth: "Hopefully not Lizardocalypse again. That was scary."
Jackson Junior: "What? No it was cheesy and funny. Not even close to scary, Ruth."
Ruth: "How about we see something like Wonder World or The Move to the Meadow."
Jackson Junior: "Nah, those two sucked."
Ruth: "You shedded a few tears during Wonder World."
Jackson Junior: "The warthog lost his best friend to a the space settlers. Who wouldn't cry at that scene? Anyway, I wanted to give this."
Ruth: "Oh wow. Thanks. What is this thing?"
Jackson Junior: "This is a customized wristband. Check these functions. It has special features, like finding metal hidden within the ground and detecting movement from yards away.
Ruth: "Oooh... this is nice. It's color matches the flower in my hair. Thank you JJ."
Jackson Junior: "Not a problem, Ruth."
Ruth: "That very smart and very sweet of you."
Jackson Junior looks away, acting aloof as Ruth scoots closer to him and places her paw on top of his paw.
Jackson Junior: "Ruth? Are you okay?"
Ruth: "Yes, JJ. I'm quite well."
Ruth cuddles close to him, placing her head on his shoulder. Jackson Junior entwines his paw with hers and shows a hint of nervousness.
Jackson Junior: "So... what should we do now?"
Ruth: "Hehe, let's go back and see what game the others are playing. Come on!"
Jackson Junior: "Okay. Going on back! Haha!"
As they go return to front yard, the game of tag has ended with Jobahan as the winner.
Jobahan: "And the winner is me!"
Helena: "Yeah, yeah. You win. What's next on the activities list?"
Zelene: "I'm not sure."
Radinavia: "I know! Who's up for a swim down at Aubrey's pool?"
Sherman: "Good idea, Radinavia. I still have swim trunks on."
Aziza: "Will there be deep water, Sherman?"
Sherman: "No, not this time Aziza. It only goes from three to six feet, instead of four to ten feet."
Aziza: "Good. That last pool we went to was so scary."
Sherman: "Don't worry lil sis. I can show you how to swim on the surface, since you aren't a fan of diving."
Aziza: "Thanks Sherman. You're the best big brother ever."
Sherman comforts his sister, while the little rabbit went upstairs following the others to get in their swim suits.
Back in the Tontione household, the infants were sound asleep and Jackson helps Taciana set the dinner table.
Jackson: "What's up on the news today?"
TV Voice: "This is the Worldwide Furry Network."
Jimmy: "Hello and good afternoon viewers! Witnesses and surviving victims have claimed that a massive crime syndicate has invaded and taken all of Downtown, Coastal City yesterday. The massive crime hasn't ceased as the Clawtooth Clan, Akosi, Golden Jackals, and Blackjaw Hyenas have set up barriers around their districts. All the while, the city's Task Force have saved furries from the chaos, but many still remain trapped. Meanwhile, uprisings of smaller fringe groups and outcasts have been spreading mayhem in the streets of several major cities across the globe. Many of the residents in these parts of the world are wondering what will happen next and who can end these conflicts? And now for Allie Wu at one of our intercontinental news stations, in Barkdom Hollow, Himalayas. Take it away Allie!"
The screen switches to a clouded leopard furry with long brownish hair.
Allie: "Thank you, Jimmy. From the furry citizens of Barkdom Hollow couldn't be anything but happy as many of them were rescued by a team of four heroes with spiritual abilities. This is footage taken during the battle them and infamous dark entity known as Vakatarus. It turned vicious as Vakatarus holds the many furries hostage in his clutches, but is instantly chased away after three body blows! It looks like North America is not the only country with protectors who stand up to the harbinger of chaos."
Taciana mutes the television and looks at the television.
Taciana: "Is that you and Sherman in that video?"
Jackson: "It could be anyone."
Taciana: "Jackson."
Jackson: "Okay, I took him to fight Vakatarus."
Taciana: "You got our baby involved in your crusade, now?"
She hollers slightly.
Jackson: "Taciana, he is not a baby anymore. He can handle himself. You should have seen him during training, babe. You'd be so proud. And... you're always saying to never go off on missions alone before or during work."
Taciana: "So?"
Jackson: "So... me and him will watch each other's backs and take down crime together. Hmm... come on please. I swear nothing is going to happen to him."
Taciana: "I don't know, Jacky. He's only nine. And what about school? How's he doing there?"
Jackson: "He told me he's doing phenomenal, Bunny Boo. I mean look at this grade report. A plus in Math, A plus in Science, A plus in History, A+ plus in English, and an A in Gym. Trust me he's way ahead."
Taciana: "Mmm... okay. But I want see him home every night by 11:00pm. Agreed?"
Jackson: "Even if it means we're saving a lot of innocents from a rockslide."
Taciana: "Yes, even you're saving furries from a rockslide."
Jackson: (sighs) "Fine, 11:00pm it is."
Taciana: "Thank you, Jacky Boo. Mmmwwah."
Jackson: "Mmmwwah. So who's playing tonight?"
Taciana: "The Forest Riders versus the Desert Blazers. It's football for tonight."
Jackson: "Aaah, yeah! Go Forest Riders!"
Taciana: "Heheheh!"
The two sit down and relax on the couch.
Taciana: "Should I call Veronica and Dasan to make sure the kids are okay over there?"
Jackson: "Chill baby, you worry too much. Now come on, relax and enjoy the game."
Taciana nuzzles against him as they watch the playoffs.
Meanwhile, back at Aubrey's house, Sherman and his group of friends were in high stakes game of Freeze-Tag in the pool.
Jackson Junior: "Okay! So who's next to be the freeze tagger?"
Sherman: "I believe that would be Victoria, since we all had our turns."
Jackson Junior: "Okay then, I guess your it, V."
Victoria: "Alright, starting the music...now!"
Everyone starts dancing and moving around until the music stops.
Victoria looks around to see which of her furry compatriots are moving or standing still.
Then they hear Dasan, Aubrey's father coming outside with a megaphone.
Dasan: "Aubrey!"
Aubrey: "Yes, Daddy?"
Dasan: "You and your friends need to slow down and not run around the pool. You could slip and fall."
Aubrey: "Sorry, Daddy!"
Dasan: "Thank you. Now you can have fun and stay safe, Ya hear?"
Aubrey: "We will! Okay guys, the game isn't over yet! And... now! Unfreeze!"
Everyone dances and moves to the beat until the music stops.
Aubrey: "Freeze!"
Everyone freezes at the same time.
Aubrey: "Wow! You all are good! And Unfreeze!"
She plays the music once again and then stops after six minutes.
Aubrey: "Zaino and Aziza twitched! You're out!"
Zaino: "What?"
Aziza: "I'm not moving."
Aubrey: "Yes, you did. The water rippled near you. To the side of the pool you two. Okay... and unfreeze!"
The children play and dance on until only Sherman, JJ, Cherie Mae, and Radinavia are left in the game.
Aubrey: "Now we are down to the final four of Poolside Freeze Tag! Are y'all ready?"
Aubrey winks at Sherman. Sherman smirks as she turns up the music's volume. Four minutes later, Aubrey pauses the music and notices JJ and Radinavia move in the water.
Aubrey: "Aha! Sorry JJ and Radinavia. You're out!"
Radinavia: "Totally, unfair!"
Jackson Junior: "Rigged!"
Sherman: "Hehe, looks like it's just you and me, Cherie Mae."
Cherie Mae: "It appears so. You ready?"
Sherman: "Born ready. Turn it up, Aubs."
Aubrey: "You got it, Sherm-Sherm!"
The music plays a little longer than normal as Sherman and Cherie Mae dance it out in the water, freestyle.
Sherman: "You got some classy moves, Cherie Mae."
Cherie Mae: "Heheh, you're the one trying to be rockstar."
Afterwards, the music stops and the two seem to be at a stalemate as neither of them move an inch. Cherie Mae was lost looking at Sherman's  eyes and her arms drop.
.....Seventeen minutes later.....
Aubrey: "Cherie? Cherie Mae! You have been staring into space for seventeen minutes. Are you alright?"
Cherie Mae: "Huh? What?"
Aubrey: "You fell back on the surface, so that makes Sherman the winner of Poolside Freeze Tag."
Sherman: "Great! What other games do you got, Aubrey?"
Aubrey: "We can play Ping Pong, Charades, Jenga, Uno, or Pictionary."
Everyone votes on Pictionary.
Aubrey: "Okay. Time to put your guessing skills to the test. I know Sherman is good at this."
Sherman: "Yeah... well this game is too easy. No matter what anyone draws."
Aubrey: "We'll see, Sherm-Sherm. We'll see."
Helena: "Okay let's get started!"
Helena starts drawing a picture.
Radinavia: "Is it a microphone?"
Victoria: "Perfume?"
Lucas: "Moon Survivors?"
Redford: "A transmitter?"
Jobahan: "A teleportation device?"
Riley: "Is it salt?"
Triskah: "Oh wait, I got it! It's the sun!"
Aubrey: "A beachball!"
Aziza: "A domino piece?"
Zaino: "A regular circle?"
Mallory: "I am not sure. Is it capsule?"
Helena nods 'No'.
Sherman: "I know. It's a solar eclipse!"
Helena nods 'Yes' and gives him a thumbs up.
In Helena's Mind: "Gosh is good at this game. And... so clever."
The furry children play more fun and interactive games for the rest of the afternoon.
......At 9:30pm......
Jackson: "Yes! Whoo! The Forest Riders win! Ronan Snarlwood is their best player! Putting him on my fantasy team! Who's on your fantasy team, babe?"
Taciana: "I would say it's Beckett Bowman. He made a few touchdowns too."
Jackson: "Yeah, but not as many as Snarlwood, I mean he was beast! He tossed the ball through the goal from halfway across the field. Across the field!"
Taciana: "Heheh, okay. I admit that was pretty impressive."
Jackson: "Impressive. Let's go with, Fantastic."
Taciana: "I'm going to pick up the kids from the Olveras. I'll be back."
Jackson: "Alright. You got it."
Taciana walks to the house across the street and rings the doorbell.
Veronica: "Hey, Taciana!"
Taciana: "Afternoon, Veronica. Dasun."
Dasun: "Afternoon, Mrs. Tontione."
Taciana: "I'm guessing the kids are upstairs?"
Dasun: "Ahh, yes of course. Aubrey! It's time for dinner! And one of your friend's parents are here."
Aubrey: "Coming, Daddy!"
The children go down the stairs and greet the adults.
Taciana: "Did you all have fun?"
Sherman: "Yeah! This was fun, Mom! I'd like to visit here again for a fun night!"
His enthusiasm makes Aubrey blush a little bit.
Taciana: (chuckles) "Well, I'm sure you will have plenty of fun tomorrow at school. Now come along, it's time to go eat."
The five follow their mother home.
Zaino: "Can I pray this time, Momma?"
Taciana: "Of course you can, Zaino."
Sherman, JJ, Zaino, Mallory, and Aziza sit at the table awaiting the food to be served.
JJ: "Feeding time! Hahaha!"
Mallory: Yeah!"
Aziza: "Yeah!"
Zaino: "Yeah!"
Jackson: "Don't run so fast kids!"
JJ: "Sorry, Dad."
Sherman: "Hi, Dad."
After dinner ends and they thank their parents for the meal, clean their plates, and slowly fall asleep after watching a newly recorded episode of 'Lunar Survivor.'
Jackson: "How did we get so lucky to have great kids?"
Taciana; "We count our prayers, darling. Count on our prayers."

Author's Note: "A new chapter with completion, ladies and gentlemen! Thank you, thank you! Be ready for another that's currently in the works!"