World of Paws: Balance of Heroes

Funeral Plans and New Plots

During the late night hours, Zelene wakes up screaming.
Zelene: "I still can't believe this."
Zelene's Aunt: "Zelene, is everything alright? We heard a scream."
Zelene: "I'm feeling too scared to sleep by myself, Auntie Sarabeth."
She covers her eyes and sobs silently.
Aunt Sarabeth: "There, there sweetie. Me and your uncle miss them too."
Zelene: (sniffles) "Can I... sleep near you and Uncle Cedric tonight. Please?"
Aunt Sarabeth: "Of course you can, dear heart. We'll find a way to give them a proper burial next to the town they loved."
Zelene: "Thank you. They would like that."
Zelene uses the portable bed in they set up and sleeps until morning. As the sun rises, Zelene wakes and takes a quick shower to freshen herself up for school and eats the homemade waffles her aunt prepares.
Zelene: "I gotta go, Auntie. I'll see you after school."
Aunt Sarabeth: "Stay safe, Zelene!"
Zelene: "Thanks!"
Zelene boards the bus and sits in her usual seat. Most of the kids pay no attention and talk amongst themselves. However, Sherman notices her looking very down and feels bad for her.
Sherman: "Hey Aubs, you mind if I go check on Zelene for a moment?"
Aubrey: "Why? What's wrong with her?"
Sherman: "My Dad rescued her and Mom last night. I overheard them talking and they said that Zelene's parents... died."
Aubrey: "Oh my gosh! Really? That's awful. What happened?"
Sherman: "I think Vakatarus happened."
Aubrey: "You mean that monster... he...?"
Sherman: "Yeah. I kind of know what that's like."
Aubrey: "What do you mean?"
Sherman: "My birth family was killed by Vakatarus too. I was only a baby when it happened, but the only thing I remember is being so scared and nearly fading away. Then my awesome dad came and saved my life."
Aubrey: "Geez, Sherman. Now I understand why you don't talk about where you came from."
Sherman: "It's a very painful memory, Aubs. I didn't want you to worry."
Aubrey: "Okay... but talking helps."
She holds his paw tenderly.
Sherman: "Okay, I understand. We should go and check on her."
Aubrey: "Yeah, come on."
They move further to the back of the bus and try to ease her pain.
Sherman: "Hey Zelene. I heard what happened to your parents. You have my deepest condolences."
Zelene: "Thank you Sherman. But...I just... feel... so... helpless now. There was barely anything left of them when he took them away..."
She begins to sob quietly. Sherman and Aubrey place their paws on her shoulders.
Aubrey: "Hi Zelene. I know I haven't been very sociable with you, but I'm sorry too. And... I want you to know that you're never alone."
Sherman: "If you ever need anything. We'll be there in your hour of need."
Zelene: "Thank you. Thank you both. My aunt and uncle are preparing the funeral arrangements, but they can't afford a coffin."
Sherman: "I could text my parents for help."
Zelene: "No, Sherman you don't have to..."
Sherman: "Zelene, it's okay. You know the promise we made. We take care of each other and our friends. No matter what, right?"
Zelene: "Hehe, yeah no mater what."
Aubrey: "There's the smile. Oh hey... why don't you show us some of your art?"
Zelene: "I thought you weren't an art fan?"
Aubrey: "Well... Shermie taught me that there's a lot more to it than just painting. I mean maybe you could show us more about the art world."
Zelene: "Okay. Sure I'd like to teach you both. We can learn more about it during recess. Oh! Can we invite everyone else too?"
Aubrey: "Yeah, sure."
Zelene: "Cool. I'm glad to call you my friends. Friends who care."
......Smartphone Texts.......
Sherman: "Dad?"
Jackson: "Yeah, buddy?"
Sherman: "Zelene's very sad. Could we help her aunt and uncle out with the arrangements her parents' funeral?"
Jackson: "It's fine, Sherman. We got it covered. They told me they want their wake and the funeral service to happen next week. One last thing, could you let me know if I left my subsonic watch back at the house?"
Sherman: "Yeah, sure Dad. See ya after school."
Jackson: "Bye bud. Have a great day."
......Texts conclude.....
The bus stops in front of the school and all of their friends are playing close the entrance.
Mr. Fickleburn: (shouts) "What did I tell you kids about goofing around before class?"
Lucas: "Yes, sir."
Redford: "Got it!"
Radinavia: "Moving!"
Helena: "I'm going too."
Jobahan: "Let's go, Riley."
Riley: "Right behind you Joba!"
Victoria: "Okay."
Ruth: "So lame."
Mr. Fickleburn: "I know you're hiding behind that column, Triskah! Very funny! Now get to class now!"
All the children go to class inside. All except for one rhinoceros furry named Michael Filch.
Mr. Fickleburn: "That means you too, Mr. Filch."
Michael Filch: "Puh, whatever old man."
Mr. Fickleburn: "Excuse me?"
Michael: "You heard me, jackal."
Mr. Fickleburn: "Principal's office! Now!"
Michael: "Ugh! This is so lame."
Mr. Fickleburn: "You know the rules. Now go!"
Michael stomps inside and barges toward the principal's office, slamming the door behind him."
Sherman: "What's up with him?"
Aubrey: "Not sure."
Zelene: "Michael Filch is the neighborhood bully of Grapevine Villa. Trust me he's always like that."
Sherman: "Well, I hope he changes his ways soon."
Halfway through the day, Michael walks into the classroom and takes a seat, pretending to listen to Mr. Fickleburn's science lesson.
Mr. Fickleburn: "Alright, who can tell the solution to this question? What are the seven steps of the scientific method?
A few seconds pass by.
Mr. Fickleburn: "Really? Anyone else have the answer besides Sherman?"
Calvin: "I have the answer, sir!"
Mr. Fickleburn: "Go ahead, Calvin."
Calvin: "First, one ask a science question we want to answer. Then perform thorough research, establish a hypothesis, conduct the experiment, make observations, analyze the results to draw conclusions and finally present all your findings."
The young striped hyena furry dons a proud smirk on his face.
Mr. Fickleburn: "That... is correct. Great job Calvin. Now remember those steps everyone. They'll be on your test, next week."
Sherman raises his paw.
Mr. Fickleburn: "Sherman?"
Sherman: "Yes... will their be an extra credit question on the test?"
Mr. Fickleburn: "As usual, good question Sherman. Yes, there will be extra credit questions from chapters ten and twelve. However, they are optional."
Michael: "If they're optional, then why bother worrying about it."
Mr. Fickleburn: "Is there a problem, Mr. Filch?"
Michael: "No, just that extra credit questions are a waste of time."
Mr. Fickleburn: "Well that is entirely up to you, Michael. But I would appreciate it if you showed more respect for your classmates. Are we clear."
Michael: "Sure, I'll get right on that."
He states with a hint of sarcasm.
Mr. Fickleburn: "Anyone else have a question? Okay, class dismissed! Remember to study, study...study. Aim for an A plus. If you fail you're only hurting yourself."
As the class empties Sherman, Aubrey, Zelene, and their friends regroup outside the school and wait for their carpool. As they waited Zelene shows them every form of art in her private journal. Thus, teaching them the joy and peace painting and drawing brings. They chat for a while and their parents and guardians arrive to pick them up for a ride home.
At the Tontione residence, Jackson speaks to Taciana about the funeral arrangements they can help with.
Taciana: "I was afraid something like that would happen, babe. Seeing that last night just makes me wonder if it's going to happen again."
Jackson: "Hey. Look at me. Look at me. Nothing bad will happen to you or anyone else close to us. For now we need to keep the Eris' in our prayers and help them prepare for the wake and the funeral service."
Taciana: "Okay. But when did they say the date would be?"
Jackson: "I called them during my lunch break and they told me the wake is happening on April 15, 5030 at 1:00pm. Then the main funeral service will take place on April 16, 5030 at 9:00am."
Taciana: "I'll mark that down on the holo-calander."
Jackson: "Are you okay?"
Taciana: "I'm still shaken from last night. I felt so helpless."
Jackson: "Shh... I know. But babe, we need to be strong. Keep things together. Alright?"
He softly wipes her tears away as she nods agreeably.
Taciana: "Okay."
Jackson: "There is always hope my love. Always. Wait for me upstairs okay."
Taciana: "Alright honey, but don't be too long. Mmmwwah."
Jackson: "I will be. Hehe."
Jackson rubs Taciana's cheek before she goes up the step with her faith restored. He then makes a call to the city task force.
Jackson: "Commissioner? I need a favor."
Rebus: "Sure what is it, Mr. Tontione?"
Jackson: "Can you call and have more patrols roam the city. I have a feeling that Vakatarus is going to make his next move."
Rebus: "Really? When?"
Jackson: "I'm not sure, but it's better safe than sorry. I'll be there as quickly as I can in case things awry."
Rebus: "You mean you're going to where your suit? Right?"
Jackson: "Yeah, definitely. Be ready my friend. The fate of everyone in the city, heck the entire world, is our paws."
Rebus: "Sure, I'll call for major backup from Glassbec, Arkson City, and several contacts from Plucchester."
Jackson: "Excellent. Thank you, Commissioner. You have a good evening."
Rebus: "You too, Mr. Tontione."
The phone call concludes and Jackson goes upstairs to join his wife in bed for the rest of the day.
Meanwhile, much later at dusk, Salvador, Damon, Solomon, Kavinozo, Demetrio, and Santo watch as their dark master explains the plan.
Vakatarus: "Listen up! We are on a role so far! My power has grown after your raid on one of Coastal City's homeless shelters. And so... my brave followers... who likes true power !"
The giant snake spirit purges a sample of his dark energy in a three mile long shockwave. Resulting in the destruction of their hideout, but all of his army now wield the ability to destroy anything or anyone in their with the wave of their paw.
Vakatarus: "Now... go! Slaughter them! Slaughter all who oppose our strength, but save the so-called heroes for me!"
Demetrio: "I can feel it! I can feel the power! It's incredible! Hahahahaha!"
Salvadore: "Oh yeah! Look out pathetic weaklings! Time for some real fun as they beg for your lives!"
Damon: "Yeah!"
Santo: "Yeah! Yeah! Hahaha!"
Solomon: "Such raw energy. I feel like I could take down Coastal City and Arkson City put together!"
Kavinozo: "Hahahaha! Yes! And our syndicate shall rule the land and finally the world!"
Vakatarus hears him sends him a disapproving expression.
Kavinozo: "Um... under your leadership I mean. Right, Lord Vakatarus?"
Vakatarus: "Yes, Kavinozo. Heheheh, yes indeed! Mmmuuhahahahahahaha! Now onward to Coastal City!"
All of his minions cheer and begin their march toward the city.
Vakataus: "Hahahaha! Tomorrow is going to be glorious."
The scene fades to black showing his yellow glowing eyes.

Authors Note: "Are you ready for the next one folks! Because there may be some scenes of terror."