Housepets: The New Era
"Perhaps we will take it all back. Win those rights. Fix everything that was wronged to you animals. I cannot promise you all of this today, but I can promise you we can start this change. I can promise you that we will usher in the new era of pets rights."
-Peter Hooke
The Fox and The Dragon
The penthouse suite gazed over the entire city, the sunrise casting its glow along the monuments towering above the skyline. Cars and people alike appeared as ants from the stately view. I could see it, the white house was there in the distance. Pete had succeeded in his “siege.” Now come February, these streets would fill with parading men and women, ushering in their new leader. It would be almost like the kings of old. Such spectacles these mortals conjured for the men that led them.
“...and so the Hijinx Hare decides he wants to quit!” Kitsune rambled on as he chewed away his breakfast. “Thinks he's more suited for more professional acting stints. I tell you, that haughty little hare is going to be broken. He left a cash cow of an industry, I never would've dreamed this much money could be made as a cereal mascot and spokesperson...”
I turned my attention to the excited looking fox. An old friend from a time that seemed so long gone. It was such an odd chance, finding him there in Washington. Then again, as an immortal I did not believe much in mere chance. “I remember when you first got 'punished,' you said you were going to be miserable. You don't seem so bad off.”
The chatty fox paused for a moment and nodded. “Yes, that is true. At first I despised this whole mortal thing.” He adjusted his sunglasses as he spoke. “I thought I might enjoy being a hermit out in the woods. Distance myself from the pitiful little mortals that populate our little games.”
“What changed your mind?” I said, taking a small sip of orange juice. The tangy flavor tickled my tongue.
“I got lonely.” Kitsune shrugged. “Forest animals are fun and all, but nothing quite like someone who can hold very intelligent conversation. Like yourself Dragon, even Pete sometimes!”
“And you just up and moved?”
“Yup, never looked back since. Like I was saying, that dumb hare dropping his cereal gig was the best thing to ever happen to me. I mean look at me now, five star meals at five star hotels. I tell you, these mortals know how to spice things up.”
“That they do.” I said with a smile, I could not deny my soft spot for those mortals. “By the way, I never caught the reason why you were here.”
“Ah, well I knew Pete was in Washington, and I called him up. Asked him if we could have a little reunion, I even bought Dungeons and Dragons so we could play for old times sake.” Kitsune replied, gesturing to a box sitting in the corner of the balcony. “But he snubbed me, much too important for his friends I suppose. I asked about you though, and he said you would be turning up in washington fairly soon. So I made the journey here. All the way from the crystal California coast, when I get this weird little prompting in my head.”
At that moment Tarot walked onto the balcony, a glass of sparkling mineral water in her paws. “I felt his presence and called him.”
“Indeed she did. I got an emergency call and had my boys drive me all around town searching shelters for you guys.” Kitsune replied. “Took us the better part of an hour to get you, but I do say it was worth the trouble. Celebrities can get full of themselves and I've been itching for some of my own kind.”
“Well...glad to hear it. You showing up was the first good thing that happened to me since I showed up in Washington.”
“Ah, well I can surely remedy that further.” The fox gave a humble nod. “But enough about me, I'veer jabbered on too long. Tell me about your mortality.”
“It's been...fun. I guess.” I shrugged.
“You guess? Why Dragon you were the only one of us who was quite happy about this whole mortality thing.” Said Kitsune, a look of concern in his eyes.
“I've enjoyed the time off. I will say that. But Pete has been a big problem. This whole politician thing and then he gets all of my friends involved, I tried to stop him and failed...”
The air between the us animals became silent for a good while. Kitsune gathered his thoughts, braving the words he was about to speak. “You know Dragon, you and Pete take our game way too seriously.”
“What?”
“The first time in a millenia you get some time off, and you do what with it? You spend it fighting with Pete. I mean how long have you been at this now?”
“...since Pete made a move on me and my friends.” I said while folding my arms. “I say that's a call to action. He kidnapped Sabrina, hurt so many pets and...”
“And he's going to regret it.” The fox replied. “What he does not realize is that he has one of the hardest jobs in the world now. He hurt people to get on top, but that does not mean what he did goes away. It's all out there somewhere. But you know, he's also going to regret all this time he has wasted to rest.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but stopped. My head bowed a little.
“You're going to regret it too if you don't wise up. If you spend all this time battling Pete over this, you're going to push away all of the people you care about. Those silly little mortals you love so much will stop loving you if you aren't careful.”
I looked back up at the Kitsune and nodded a little. “I think I understand...but Pete...”
“But nothing, just look out for your own and no more. Don't turn this into some all out war. Pete will learn my advice the hard way soon enough. You still have a chance. Go home, enjoy life. For once in your existence stop playing our game!”
The two of us stared at each other for a moment. It was the first time since we had met again that Kitsune had become stern in his demeanor.
“You're right...” I nodded.
“Aren't I always?”
“Don't push it.” I stuck my tongue out at the fox. He smiled a little at me and sipped away his drink.
“You'll thank me later. Trust me.” Said Kitsune.
I took a moment to think. I had to admit, I was going a little crazy over the game. Pete hurt people, and I had tried to stop him. That was what forced my hand in the first place. At least at first it was. Pete would pay for his crimes someday, but inside I knew that my little crusade was doomed from the start. Sure I could save the pets, ruin Peter Hooke. But all of those animals wanted change.
A strange air of rebellion had seized the world. It seems I was just used to being the one overseeing it, but now I sit, just a spectator.
“Kitsune?”
“Yes?”
“How about we pull out Dungeons and Dragons. Play a little bit, for old times sake.” I said. “Tarot could jump in and play too.”
“Now that's what I like to hear! I call Game Master by the way.” Kitsune said as he trotted over to the box.
“And I'll go get Tarot.”
Maybe I could try this relaxing thing. Maybe for just awhile.
~~
Imaginates With Wolves
That morning began like any other. Me asleep in front of the television, chatter from the morning talking heads on the news filled the air. Though this time I had not stayed up the entire night. When I got home the other night I felt all of the adrenaline just crash. It was like getting hit with a train.
Now it was all over and done. What scary night it was too! But honestly, I don't think that night could have gone any better. Snow sure was nice. Getting me that present and all. She even jumped in to save me. What surprised me most was the hug.
Maybe someday she'll even try harder when we play imaginate! But I could be asking for too much.
Downstairs I could hear my dad calling me, the wolves were probably on my front porch, ready to whisk me away to their “get back with nature” camping trip. The trip I had dreaded all week. With a sigh I walked over to my dresser to grab my collar. I had no idea why I might need that on the trip, but after seeing what Duke McGurdle did with his on the show, it could not hurt.
There sitting on the desk were two identical action figures. Both brought a smile to my face. One of which Snow had brought to me the other night. One I had gotten for my birthday. Both of which, the exact same thing. Still, it's the thought that counts.
“Jon! Get down here before I tell my dad you chickened out.”
I gulped and ran out the door. That was Lupa, at least that's what I called her. There she was, along with all of her siblings, standing in my living room. All prepared for a weekend in the wild. And by prepared, I really do mean that they had no camping gear with them whatsoever.
“You know I might have to try that trick one of these days.” Said dad, he chuckled a little and smiled at me. “Take care of him you guys.”
“I'm sure he can take care of himself. We heard about the bear.” Rudy chimed in.
“Oh that was all...” I wanted to say it was all my parents, uncle max, but not me.
“Yeah he was a brave dog. You should have been there, he's even got a battle scar.” My dad interrupted me and winked, pointing at the visible scratch on my stomach.
“Whoa!” The wolves gathered around. A blush rising to my face.
“Have fun kiddo.” Dad laughed as he left us alone in the room.
“Well come on, we're burning daylight.” Alexander said, gesturing for us all to follow. I trotted a little behind them, but I was stopped at the door.
“Are you really going to wear that?” Lupa stopped me.
“Wear what?”
“That collar.” Lupa poked the collar on my neck.
“I don't see why not.”
“Oh come on Jon, you're going out into the wild.” Alexander stuck his tongue at me. “Hey! You can imaginate as a feral the whole weekend.”
If I was not blushing before, I certainly was now. With a gulp I looked at my collar. While most other beings out there in the world found us pets strange, I saw it as a piece of myself. My identity! Without it I felt naked. Here they were asking me to run around nude!
“Come on, we don't ever wear collars.” Lupa smiled and poked my neck. Oh they were good at this peer pressure thing people talked about on TV.
With a sigh I undid the collar and set it aside. “There, better?”
“It's a look befitting an honorary wolf to be.” Rudy said as he walked out the front door. One by one we followed out. Waiting on the sidewalk was a whole pack of wolves, the sheer amount of them was shocking.
It struck me that moment, was that what I was to them? That did not sound like a bad title at all. I bet I could rub the Good Old Dogs club's noses in that. I smiled a little and joined up with the pack. Feeling very small, very out of place. It was terrifying standing among them. I almost wanted to run back to mom and dad, forget about the whole wolf thing.
“Hey, relax. I'm sure a big brave dog like you will get along fine here.” Lupa winked at me and smiled.
I watched her walk a little further ahead. My eyes did not shift away from her as I watched her walk off. I did not care if she meant what she said, or if she was being sarcastic. The way she said it made me feel great. My chest felt a little warm for a moment as I kept walking.
She had a weird way of making me feel good. Her brothers would always tease me, just the way we guys do it sometimes, and she'd always back up my case. Even when she joined in on the teasing, they ended up sounding more like compliments. Like the big brave dog thing from earlier. In fact I kind of liked the way she looked too! Big tough she-wolf who could rough it out with the rest of the guys. And she did smell nice too, that feral scent mixed with the sweet styling of a home.
“Jon are you okay?” She broke my thoughts like a sledgehammer to a window.
“Oh...oh yeah I'm fine.” What was wrong with me? A hot blush rushed to my face. It reminded me of a talk I had with my dad. He told me that he was about my age when he started feeling attracted to mom, I responded with the ever so confident “pfft that won't be me!”
“Why are you blushing?”
“N-no reason! None at all.” I said as I hid my face. She just shrugged and kept walking.
Oh boy did I have an interesting weekend ahead of me.
~~
A King and his Castle
My palms were sweaty, my gut ached and wrenched. My lips were dried, my tongue did not want to move. Inside I was praying, over and over again. Hoping just to get this over with.
“Bailey, I've been thinking.” I said to her, her eyes filled with concern. “You know this whole...this whole moving thing. It didn't sit well with me.”
She nodded, I saw her eyes expecting the worst.
“It didn't sit well with me at first.” I added. “After what happened last night, let's just say, I had a big change of heart...a really big one.”
“Go on?” Her eyes starting to brim with excitement.
“Bailey I want to go with you. I'm just as tired as you are about this whole long distance thing.” The words came to mind much quicker each time I spoke. My confidence was building. “But...there's one thing I also wanted to tell you.”
We shared a moment of silence. There I was sitting in an empty park. A pile of leaves as my cushion. No one was there that early in the morning. I'm sure everyone was too tired after a big run of election night parties. Darn do these pets love their parties.
“Yes?”
“I said I'd tell you more about me when I was ready...well I'm not sure if I'm ready but if I keep telling myself that, then I don't think I'll ever be ready. But you have to promise you won't call me crazy or freak out, or call the cops or...or...”
“King, just say it.” She laid her hand on my cheek.
“I...I...” Come on Joel you can say it. “You remember on the news, a long time ago. About the guy from PETA. The one that disappeared mysteriously?”
“The one that kidnapped Fox, I remember him.” She nodded, the frown on her face shooting daggers into my heart. Could I say it?
“The reason he disappeared...promise me you won't freak out...”
“I won't King, just say it.”
“I'm that man.” There, I said it. It hurt so much to say it, but it felt so good after all those years keeping it locked away inside that I could say it to someone. Anyone out there. “I was, I should say, I was Joel Robinson.”
I braced for her to scream, to go and call the animal control. Tell them the lock away this insane little corgi claiming he was a man. Instead I was greeted with a bit of a surprised chuckle. I looked at her and tilted my head.
“King...that's...”
“You're not screaming, or...or running away. Calling me a loon.” I shook my head.
“King just shut up for a second and let me talk.” She held her finger to my lips and smiled at me. “If this is true you've been a dog for a very long time then.”
I nodded, my ears went down.
“If I was a person turned into a dog, I bet I wouldn't remember what it was like at all to be a human.” She said as she kissed my cheek. “Now King, if it makes you happy, yes, I'll call you insane. But you know what. You were a weird guy anyways, and I think that's part of your charm.”
“My charm?”
“Sure. The way you act is so...odd sometimes. Like a little person. Which makes sense I guess.” Bailey shrugged. “But beneath it all you're sweet. You mean well and you've been with me this long. Treated me as well as any boyfriend should. I don't care if you turned out to be a purple giraffe in disguise, I think I'd still love you.”
I smiled a little. The stress of the situation had passed. Her words comforted me, even if they were a bit odd. “That's...relieving. Because I have another confession to make...”
“You know I was kidding about the purple giraffe thing right?” She laughed a little. I sighed and blushed, pulling out a small charm to add to her collar.
“I'm not sure how you feel about this whole pet marriage thing, I mean some people find it kinda silly...I didn't want to go all out because I'd be afraid I'd scare you off...” I was rambling again. I tried to stop but my mouth would not listen. “I didn't want to waste the money getting a ring, just to scare you away...”
“King, of course I will.” She smiled a little and stroked my cheek. I handed her the charm, my mouth finally stopped moving.
I think I woke the dead that day when I cheered.
~~
Maxwell and the Mysterious Stranger
Curse my rotten luck, that she show up on my door that day. I thought we were all done with her. Besides she had no place here. Not in my, well, what was my, hangout. Any day now that ugly woman would show her face around here and take away all I held dear.
“Come on Max let her stay. Didn't you hear what she said?” Jay begged me, then leaned in and whispered. “'sides, she's smokin hot.”
“I said no. She is bad news.” And that was my final answer.
The calico cat standing in the main hall of the small manor house was grinning like a fiend. “You can take the money, or I can leave you with a bad luck curse. Befitting of two black cats such yourselves.”
My eyes narrowed, but Jay was still panting like a dog. “Come on man, how could we leave this lovely lady hanging. It's being rude.”
“See, that's called being a gentlecat.” She winked at him. “Your friend her could learn a thing or two about how to treat a lady cat.”
I did not put the bad luck curse past her, in fact that seemed rather terrible. But she was bad news none the less. I was not about to let her use this attic, whatever the reason may be. “I know what you did to all of those pets, and if you think you're going to turn this house into one of those...weird torture barns. Then count me out. Bad luck curse or not.”
“I just need someplace to lay low for awhile. And I need to make sure Boris makes it out safe and sound.” Alana said as she walked up to me. She grabbed my forehead and stared into my eyes.
I saw her face contort into a terrifying cat creature. Eyes like piercing voids, breath like acid. It's tongue a long sinewy snake. I wanted to scream but my voice had run far away. She then released me and took a few steps back, it was like nothing ever happened. I looked at Jay, who gave me a look like I was speaking in tongues.
“Now I can do that again, but much worse, or you can say yes. And keep your dinky little manor house.” The cat said, a sick smile on her lips.
“Y-yes.” Did I just say that? I could not control my lips. I just did not want to see that face again.
“Good now here's someone I'd like you to meet.” She said, grabbing my arm and dragging me away. Jay looking at me with an intense jealousy burning in his eyes.
She dragged me to a random bathroom, one that was relatively cleaner than the rest. This one I had paid special care in fixing up for the party. The mirror I had wiped down until it sparkled. Now there she was tapping on it with her claws.
“Hey, watch it, you'll scratch it.” I snapped, almost on sheer reflex.
“Please don't be rude, I'm trying to call someone.” Alana muttered as she stared at the mirror. “There it goes.”
In an instant, a face appeared in the mirror. I felt my hair stand on end, my body wishing to run the opposite direction. But she held me in place.
“What is it?” The voice spoke, the annoyance in its town was unshakeable.
“It's me, Alana.”
“Ah so you got yourself out of the corgi? Good for you.”
“Petey, can I ask a favor?” She said.
“No Alana, you've exhausted your favors. What with your little stunt on King.” The man in the mirror spoke.
“Ah, but your forget Petey. Who has got all the dirt on you?” Alana folded her arms.
“You wouldn't dare...”
“I would! If you don't buy this here house for my friend Max here, you will get knocked out of office faster than you can say inauguration day.”
The man on the other side was silent. Max watched as he went to work on a piece of paper. Reaching over to a phone. “Consider it done...”
“Thanks Petey, you're a sweetheart.” Alana smiled. The figure mirror faded a little as she stepped down. “From now on I call the shots, but you're going to be my front man. So no one suspects a thing...capisce?”
“Yes...” I said. She led me out of the bathroom. And ran to the stairs.
“Now if you'll excuse me boys, I'm going to go take a nap. If anyone asks for me, I'm not here.” She jogged up the stairs.
“Dang it dude why do all the girls like you?” Jay grumbled as he walked back to the bar.
“Cheer up, we get to keep the house...”
Though I wish someone had bought it sooner now.
~~
Sunshine On My Shoulders
Well look who's back. Been awhile since you last heard from me huh? Things really have changed since we last talked. I mean Jon was just straight out of the shelter that last time we had a chat. Goodness now I have a job, a brand new little house is being built in the back yard. Courtesy of my dad.
And life still keeps going on.
Which reminds me. It was after Jon left that morning that I decided to surprise Grape. I had told dad of her desire to adopt again. Since she picked last time, we both deemed it fair that I get to choose this one. Poor Grape was all asleep and bruised on the bed, I figured she needed a little something to boost her spirits.
Then there was part two of the gift, but we'll get to that in time.
I felt my heart race when the car took off from the driveway. Here I was, going to adopt another child for the Sandwich clan. After so many nights of indecision, I had given in to her demands. Though each moment we drove I felt a certain amount of regret in not letting Grape decide. Really because pet adoption really was like waiting for a child to be born. What would I name it? Would it be a boy or a girl? Even the species was up for grabs.
Though I knew my heart was settled on getting a cat. I was missing the old one cat per dog ratio in my home. Besides Jon liked cats better, and cats liked him back.
When we arrived, memories of the last time I was there came flooding back. This was the exact same shelter Grape was adopted from. We got Jon here, and now our next child would come straight from the shelter. There would be a key difference in this transaction, however.
I stepped through the door and greeted the teenager working the desk. He nodded and gave us a warm smile. Shelter employees were always happy to see prospective adopters. It meant someone was getting home that day. Of course it had nothing to do with the money saved on food and supplies, ah but who am I kidding?
Dad then nodded at me, and let me go in. By myself might I add. The tension was nerve wracking. So many animals and they were all waiting for a mom or dad of their own to come take them to a nice safe place. I could only choose one. There were so many younger ones, the occasional older one. I decided to not freak out Jon and get him a younger sibling.
If I was him I would have hated to become the younger sibling by adoption.
They all gave me strange looks. Wondering what a dog wanted to do with a bunch of cats. If only they knew. Some glared, others smiled and waved. Then I saw it, a rather familiar cage. I was not sure how I recognized it. In fact this time around it was quite a bit smaller than I remember it. Grape's old cage now housed another kitten. I found an immediate attachment to this kitten. Due to the fact that grasped in his hands, was a comic book. That was a kid I could get along with. I bet Jon could too.
I took a few steps closer, towards the cage, and leaned against it. “So, how's it going?”
He paused for a moment and looked up from his comic book. He looked a little shocked for a moment, but calmed himself before speaking. “Fine...”
These shelter kittens were always so soft spoken at first. “Just asking, trying to get to know you a little bit is all.”
He nodded, his eyes did not break contact with mine. “Why do you want to know me?”
“Well so I know if you want to be adopted!” I replied. The kitten shook his head and rubbed his eyes.
“You, want to adopt, a cat?” He said. “Is that even legal?”
“As of a few days ago, congress made it legal for pets to own children.” I said as I leaned against the cage.
“Are you lonely or something?”
“Nah, I have a wife and a little pup, he's just a year or two older than I think.”
“What do you want with a cat for a son?” He said, ever so cautious.
“Promise not to laugh, but, my wife is in fact a cat.” I waited for the shock to register on his face. It took a short three seconds for his eyes to grow wide.
“Really?”
“Yes really.” I pulled out a picture of her and myself that was sitting in the pouch of my collar. “We've been together for quite some time now, and we thought it might be best to get Jon a friend.”
The kitten was silent for a moment. He looked back at his comic book and sighed. “I dunno if I'm a good...friend...kind of cat. Especially for a dog.”
“Jon acts more like a cat than a dog anyways. He spends way too much time with his mom.” That seemed to put the kitten more at ease.
“Why me?”
“Because you seem like a Sandwich to me.”
“Excuse me?” He frowned.
“My last name is Sandwich, Peanut Butter Sandwich is my full name, but if you want, you can call me dad.” I said with a smile. The kitten smiled back, though it was reserved and shy.
“Okay...dad...” He replied. He relished the word on his tongue for a moment. I could tell he was starting to warm up to this whole adoption thing.
I had him picked from his cage and taken to the front desk. My dad beaming, proud of his son taking on the responsibility of another child. He walked close to my legs, much like Jon did for Grape when we first met him. His eyes darted around, such a cautious little kitten. Jon could probably use a few pointers from him.
“So it's a new policy around here, as you've probably heard, that you get to name and sign the adoption papers.” The teenager said as he pulled out the appropriate paperwork and set it in front of me. “But first, what's his new name gonna be?”
This time I was going to name him. I'm sure all these years I could come up with a decent Sandwich pun. I did have a great role model in that regard. I stroked my chin, and snapped my fingers. A light going off in my head.
“Denver, that's your name. Denver Omelet Sandwich.” I nodded. “What do you think dad?”
“I'm impressed, so now you have Jon and Denver.” He gave a light applause. The kitten looked up at me, the confusion on his face was just adorable.
“You got adopted into a very punny family, but you'll get used to it.” I said to my newest son. He shrugged and glanced up at me while I signed the paper work. Denver was now officially and legally my son. In fact dad had stepped in and fixed the paperwork for Jon as well.
What a wonderful feeling that was! My boys were actually my boys. But we had just one more thing to take care of when we got home.
Denver clung to his comic book, much more reserved than a pup. Even when we stepped in the house he was still quite calm. But still he had such a curious demeanor. His whiskers twitched while his eyes darted around. He was taking in his new surroundings. Understanding his brand new home.
“Come on, let's go surprise mom.” I said as winked at the young kitten.
“...okay.” He said, clinging to my leg once again. I did not blame him, for I would be scared if I was about to meet my new mom too.
“He sweetheart.” I called to her as I opened the door. She groaned a little and winced as she sat up in her bed.
“Peanut?” She yawned.
“The one and only. I brought you somethings to help you feel better.”
“Hm? What is it.” She asked, a smile curling on her lips.
“This first one is a very special gift you asked for a little while ago.”
“Oh?”
“His name is Denver, he's a little kitten and the best part of all. He and Jon are legally our boys.” I said as I gently prodded the young kitten forward.
Grape gasped a little as she saw him. She crawled to the end of our bed, her pain had subsided for now. The kitten looked up at her and smiled a bit. “Hey there Denver.” She said. “Nice to meet you.”
“...nice to meet you too.” He said. I walked behind him and gave him a pat on the back.
“Jon's at a camping trip all weekend, so you won't see him for a bit, but I bet he'll enjoy the surprise.” I said as I sat down next to Grape.
“Make yourself at home! If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. After all, from this day on we're family.” Grape said to young Denver. The kitten looked at her with wide eyes.
“Thank you so much.” He looked overwhelmed.
“You okay there?” I chuckled a little.
“Yeah, yeah I'm fine.” He said as he walked out of the room. “If the kittens at the shelter could see me now, man. Do...do you guys have internet access around here?”
“That we do, and a laptop just down stairs on the desk if you want to use it.” Kids these days, I tell you. Getting into this technology stuff faster and faster.
Grape and I looked at each other. Our lips curled into grins. “He's adorable Peanut.”
“I'm sure he'll love it here.” I said. I planted a kiss on her cheek and stood from the bed. “That was part one of your gift.”
“Oh? What's part two?”
“The part I'm sure you'll appreciate very much.” I said. I reached into a drawer and pulled a small object out. Grape tried to peek around to see what it was, but I hid it quite well from sight.
I cleared my throat and got down on my knees. “Grape Jelly Sandwich, you ready to have a real marriage?” I opened the box. It was a real diamond ring that dad had helped me purchase the other day. Some of my funds had gone into it, but dad covered a big chunk of the bill. He said I owed him in lawn chores, which I would gladly do any day for such a gift. The next thing I remember, Grape tackled me to the ground and smothered me with kisses.
And while I sat there on the ground, locked in the loving embrace of my lover. I could not help but feel like the end of this harrowing election season really was just the beginning. But as always, I was going to hope for a bright future. The sun would rise again, I had a wonderful family.
I was going to need to get a new scrapbook.
The End
~~
Well there we go. The New Era is done! But what lies in the future? I dunno but we'll figure it out someday. Right now I think I need to take a little break from writing. This story was exhausting!
This was a lot of fun to write and a lot of ideas got started here. I to intend to finish them out someday. Hopefully this is enough closure for now. This little epilogue chapter was fun to write, since I got to play around with all of the different characters. Trying to figure out their voices. Peanut of course was my favorite to try again.
Thanks again everyone for reading, you've been a lovely audience. Patient for my wall of text updates and all that fun stuff. See you guys next time. This is Honorable Intentions signing out.