HPU - Richmond Acres

[Welsh Halfwit]

"Arr, Rum it is," Chip said, contorting her face so her mouth opened more on one side than the other and her opposite eye seemed to close. "It'll be fine, me hearties!" She switched back to normal and straightened up. "Are your paws washed, Oreo?"
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"Well, it definitely smells more of you," Nola admitted, getting up with a little more effort than she'd hoped for. "ANd I know we've probably got another hour at least. He always gets lost in the aisles. What else is there to see in these here woods?"
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"I'm a Girl, sir," Sally told the bird. "Sorry, but I don't have any of those. There should be some in the field? You could hunt there." The Workrat grumbled something that could have sounded like 'sud off'.
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Granule brightened up at the thought. "Yeah, I need more on the 'Granule's a great guy' side, Olivia," he told her. "We can sort out so you sit next to me, yeah, Miss Simmins?"
"I think that can be arranged, Granule," the teacher advised. She gave Olivia a small grin. "Might convince him to stay for more classes, eh?"
-----------------------
Leslie examined the note and worked out there were Banananas listed. He said that and was pleased he managed to stop at the third 'na'. "Uh, Milk... The cow stuff, Aron said... Um... Meat? Er..." he concentrated on the word. "Chickun... Chicken!" His raised arm celebrations, startled the Human he'dseen earlier, who now had half a trolley full of meats. "Soree."
----------------------
"I do not insult, dear boy," Kilo said, not exactly dashing to dodge the incoming smacker. "But, for Nadia and you to achieve perfect suction is one thing hard for her to replicate with a creature of such a different size as myself."

[DdeeStar]

"Gone." The voice is a whisper.

"You sure?" Her brother asks, hushed. He looks at her, watching her perked ears twitch towards where the rustling had been. After a moment, she nods.

Ray releases a deep breath, shaking his head to help scare off the tension in his muscles. It had been a long time since he'd felt like he or Kai were in danger... were they even? He was supposed to be an apex predator here. Anything short of a bear would run just at the sight of them! Well, maybe not if they saw his collar or hiking bag. Or the useless map now partially crumpled in his handpaw. He turns to his sister, still mostly hidden sitting behind one of the thicker trees. She looks up at him as he opens his arms with a playful grin. "See? Isn't hiking fun?"

"Hiking." She narrows her eyes, then shakes her head. "Cross-country."

Ray chuckles. "Yeah, this was a little farther than I thought it would be, but we'll be fine. We've got food, water, and tents, but in another time we'd be doing this same walk without any of them, you know? Walking vast tracts of Canadian territory in search of rabbits..." Kai rolls her eyes, but she can't help but smile.

It hadn't been bad. She'd had the chance to see many unique plants and critters and even managed to sketch down one or two to show the children once they returned. They didn't have the same appreciation for patterns in petals and butterfly wings, but they liked her sketches regardless and she was happy to provide them. Ray had been patient enough with taking breaks, but she still had to poke him a little for making her sleep in a tent in the woods. It didn't compare to a bed. "Almost there?" She asks innocently.

Ray's smile fades as he unfolds the map. "Right, about that." Kai tilts her head. "I'm not really sure where we are anymore?" He turns in a circle, then continues with a sheepish grin. "It's all woods, so... we can keep moving, but I don't know where we'll end up."

"Map." Her tone is flat. He quickly hands it over, moving to crouch beside her as she peers at the map. Unfortunately, their combined stares do little to unravel the map's secrets. With a sigh, she puts it down. "Lost. Rahu..."

"Sorry!" He whines. "I thought - I'm pretty sure we were going the right way. I just don't know if we're STILL going the right way? You know how if you close your eyes you walk crooked?"

"Compass." She growls softly, glaring at him. There's a beat of silence between them before he drops the bag, tearing through its contents to pull out the paracord bracelet that wouldn't fit around his wrist. He holds it up, carefully analyzing it.

"Okay! That's good! Now we know where we're going..." He turns to her, seeing her shake her head.

"Where we are." She cuts in.

"Yeah. I don't really know anymore? I... think that - " Ray gestures towards the bushes that had rustled. "- is between us and the town. So we can either go around and try to find it that way, or... find out if it's friendly?" Kai looks at Ray, her annoyance replaced with a muted concern. He holds a confident, if embarrassed, smile. With a final glance towards the noise, she nods and stands. "Okay! Sweet! Adventure awaits!" With that, the two begin to walk towards the since-retreated noise (avoiding a pungent scent on the route).

"Hey, anyone out there?"

"... we come in peace!"

[Keeshah]

"Arr, Rum it is," Chip said, contorting her face so her mouth opened more on one side than the other and her opposite eye seemed to close. "It'll be fine, me hearties!" She switched back to normal and straightened up. "Are your paws washed, Oreo?"

not recently. they get washed when the rest of me is scrubbed down.

[Serence Frostbite]

"hmmmm" Nadia looked around the shop, then mischievously grinned as she picked up some fake vampire fangs "Wouldn't have to worry about sucking you in with these on" she said, putting on the fangs then starts making rapid chomping motions like a certain yellow circle videogame character.

[CyberDragon]

"You're welcome. So... Any difficulties, you know, going? Or blood in your pee?" Paul queries, leading the cougar slowly back towards his cage.

Chris shook his head. "No, nothing like that. But... could I get some water? I feel a little dehydrated."

[SeanWolf]

"Oh! I like monkey bread too! Have you tried it from the Richmond Acres Bakery yet? It's really good!" the kid enthuses.
"So, have you ever been to the Amazon?"

"No, actually, I haven't." He replies. "Maybe someday down the line I'll be able to visit it, but, for now? I'm happy being here." He turned his attention to Shona. "Sounds like the alarms done, ready to walk the troopers in?"

[Hlaoroo]

"Hmm. Maybe I should call your owner to make sure, just in case. Do you know their number?" Richard queries.
"If not, I'm sure it's on your tag."

~~~~~~~~
"I'm sure it will be fine. Just remind me to have the camera ready once you're drunk." Piper tells the mouse. "I wanna get your next swan dive onto the sofa on film. And Oreo? That's kinda gross. You gotta wash 'em more often than that." the doe says, placing a paw on the skunk's shoulder and steering him into the staff bathroom.

~~~~~~~~
Simon thinks a moment.
"Well, there are a couple of caves around, or we could head across to the dump, that's just outside the woods... Oh, and there's a waterfall upstream about a mile, although I don't know if you're up to the... Walk..." The fox's attention is taken by the approaching voices. With the wind blowing the wrong way, he can't tell by smell who they belong to, and they're not familiar to him by sound.
"Who's there? Show yourselves!" he barks.

~~~~~~~~
"Ark, the field's no good, no good, no. The farmer doesn't like crows there, nope, nope." Ash says, shaking his head. He decides to ignore the rat for now.
"What about you, mouseys? You seen any shinybugs? You got any?"

~~~~~~~~
"W... Why doesn't he stay for classes? Are classes bad?" Olivia asks nervously.

~~~~~~~~
"Hmm. Speaking of meat, we'll have to get some kibble for you. Is there a particular brand you like? I know cats can be picky. Er, no offence." Joan rubs her neck awkwardly.

~~~~~~~~
Flynn has to laugh at how ridiculous the fangs look given that they're sized and shaped for a human. He pulls out his phone and snaps a photo.
"Spectre Halloween - Now selling better dental plans than the American government!" he quips, causing a nearby employee to snicker.
"So, Josh. You're the boss. What's our budget for decorating your place?" the rabbit asks, bringing the group back to business.

~~~~~~~~
"Sure. Do you prefer drinking from a bowl or cup?" Paul asks, showing the cougar the sink and cupboard in the cage area where both are stored.

~~~~~~~~
Getting the nod from the principal, Shona allows Eldrick to lead the class back in. She brings up the rear, keeping the kids together in a group.
"So, what's your new plan?" she asks the jaguar as the kids get settled behind their desks.

[Keeshah]

"I'm sure it will be fine. Just remind me to have the camera ready once you're drunk." Piper tells the mouse. "I wanna get your next swan dive onto the sofa on film. And Oreo? That's kinda gross. You gotta wash 'em more often than that." the doe says, placing a paw on the skunk's shoulder and steering him into the staff bathroom.

Oreo shrugs his shoulders, we never had to wash out in the wild.. An you can't tell by smell if a skunk is clean or dirty..

[Serence Frostbite]

Flynn has to laugh at how ridiculous the fangs look given that they're sized and shaped for a human. He pulls out his phone and snaps a photo.
"Spectre Halloween - Now selling better dental plans than the American government!" he quips, causing a nearby employee to snicker.
"So, Josh. You're the boss. What's our budget for decorating your place?" the rabbit asks, bringing the group back to business.

"Oh don't worry about budget" Josh waved his hand dismissively "Just get whatever you guys need, it's Nad's what, second Halloween or something, let's make it memorable!"

[DdeeStar]

Simon thinks a moment.
"Well, there are a couple of caves around, or we could head across to the dump, that's just outside the woods... Oh, and there's a waterfall upstream about a mile, although I don't know if you're up to the... Walk..." The fox's attention is taken by the approaching voices. With the wind blowing the wrong way, he can't tell by smell who they belong to, and they're not familiar to him by sound.
"Who's there? Show yourselves!" he barks.

The sharp response gives Ray pause. Kai, after a moment of silent, presses her head against her brother's back to whisper under her breath. "Small mammal. Cautious." Her analysis. It's really just a series of educated guesses, but Ray could be amazingly dense regarding these things. She takes a half-step back from him, grabbing his left handpaw with her right. He looks back over his shoulder, only to see a small nod.

With a nervous sigh, Ray moves closer to the voice, beginning to respond before he can see the source. "Hey there, ah... I'm Rahu Valouri, I'm out here with my sister Kai, and, uh... we're looking for Richmond Acres, or any sort of big landmark? We're kind of lost, that's why we're here -"

"Wolves!" Kai whispers urgently, a step behind him.

Ray finally reaches a suitable distance, spotting who (he assumes) called him and stopping immediately. Kai stops mostly behind him, letting his more imposing form hide hers. The only obvious sign she's there is her curious gaze from over his shoulder. "Right. We're wolves." He takes a second to assess the pair and any apprehension immediately vanishes. These two little woodland critters weren't anything to be afraid of. "Hi!" He greets with a toothy grin.

[Welsh Halfwit]

"How dare you," Chip protested with mock indignation. "My balance is perfect."

"Except for the last time you had a drink," avoice said from the wainscotting.

"Who asked you, Potato," she asked with a smile.
----------------------------------------------
Nola did her best to stand between her 'lampshaded' friend and the newcomers. She regarded them with cool apprehension and claws ready. "You've found Richmond Acres," she said evenly. "And welcome," she added.
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Juniper chuckled and made sure he could see her eyes, which she'd always been told looked a bit different. "I can honestly say, sir, that I've seen no shineys."
--------------------------------------------
"No, no," Miss Simmins assured her, "Granule just doesn't always like learning."
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Leslie thought of something Aron sometimes did when accused of that so stood upright, on the tips of his toes, hoped he could sell it without footlong ears, put a hand on his chest and said, in his best English accent, "Pikky? Moi?"
------------------------------------------

[CyberDragon]

"Sure. Do you prefer drinking from a bowl or cup?" Paul asks, showing the cougar the sink and cupboard in the cage area where both are stored.

"Uh... Bowl, please..." Chris answered.

--------------------

"Ark, the field's no good, no good, no. The farmer doesn't like crows there, nope, nope." Ash says, shaking his head. He decides to ignore the rat for now.
"What about you, mouseys? You seen any shinybugs? You got any?"

"If I had anything shiny on me..." Flash gestures to his incredibly tiny frame, "...you would be able to see them easily. Most 'shiny bugs' are half my size."

--------------------

The sharp response gives Ray pause. Kai, after a moment of silent, presses her head against her brother's back to whisper under her breath. "Small mammal. Cautious." Her analysis. It's really just a series of educated guesses, but Ray could be amazingly dense regarding these things. She takes a half-step back from him, grabbing his left handpaw with her right. He looks back over his shoulder, only to see a small nod.

With a nervous sigh, Ray moves closer to the voice, beginning to respond before he can see the source. "Hey there, ah... I'm Rahu Valouri, I'm out here with my sister Kai, and, uh... we're looking for Richmond Acres, or any sort of big landmark? We're kind of lost, that's why we're here -"

"Wolves!" Kai whispers urgently, a step behind him.

Ray finally reaches a suitable distance, spotting who (he assumes) called him and stopping immediately. Kai stops mostly behind him, letting his more imposing form hide hers. The only obvious sign she's there is her curious gaze from over his shoulder. "Right. We're wolves." He takes a second to assess the pair and any apprehension immediately vanishes. These two little woodland critters weren't anything to be afraid of. "Hi!" He greets with a toothy grin.

Nola did her best to stand between her 'lampshaded' friend and the newcomers. She regarded them with cool apprehension and claws ready. "You've found Richmond Acres," she said evenly. "And welcome," she added.

Deus could hear some kind of commotion coming from where he last left from. While normally he wouldn't interfere - this wasn't his territory - he knew that if any trouble happened and Nola got hurt, Sally would be very upset. Deciding he didn't want that, Deus sighed, picked up the sack he had been filling with fruit, and lugged himself back to where he had left the fox and the cat.

It didn't take long for the bear to catch the scent of wolves and feel the tension in the air. Grumbling, the enormous, muscular, heavily scarred grizzly bear stepped out from the bushes and trees, carrying a sack over his shoulder. He towered over everyone as he glowered down at the wolves.

"There problem here?" the bear growl-asked.

[DdeeStar]

Nola did her best to stand between her 'lampshaded' friend and the newcomers. She regarded them with cool apprehension and claws ready. "You've found Richmond Acres," she said evenly. "And welcome," she added.

Surprise sweeps across the wolf's face. "Oh!" There's a slight pause as he manages to shake off the confusion, which hasn't cleared. "Well. Nice to be here!" Ray looks around, appraising the... trees, and the brush. "Guess Cala's trying to return to her roots?" He smiles back at his sister, looking for a reaction.

Deus could hear some kind of commotion coming from where he last left from. While normally he wouldn't interfere - this wasn't his territory - he knew that if any trouble happened and Nola got hurt, Sally would be very upset. Deciding he didn't want that, Deus sighed, picked up the sack he had been filling with fruit, and lugged himself back to where he had left the fox and the cat.

It didn't take long for the bear to catch the scent of wolves and feel the tension in the air. Grumbling, the enormous, muscular, heavily scarred grizzly bear stepped out from the bushes and trees, carrying a sack over his shoulder. He towered over everyone as he glowered down at the wolves.

"There problem here?" the bear growl-asked.

Kai, instead, stares at the emergent apex predator. She'd heard something coming, but this... what was she looking at? A mass of muscle and fur. Everything in its way snapped and shattered without slowing it. Her mind raced, analyzing the design and admiring the threat seemingly inherent to it - at least until her brother's growl awoke her real senses.

"Stay back!" The sturdier wolf growls, facing the bear with one arm flung back to shield his sister. "We don't want any trouble. We're just passing through." Despite the passive words, his tone maintains the assertive rumbling. He grappled with an argument of his own - the bear's actions seemed peaceful, if wary. Something he could work with. But something deeper in him told him that this thing was a threat to both him and his family. "...run. Kai, run." He keeps eye contact with the bear, oblivious to Kai's weakening stance.

"Rahuuuu?" Kai whines, her voice fading out as she tries to step back and lean against a tree for support. Her heart was starting to pound in her chest, but her legs were failing. The decision was being made for her. Ray's fear was obvious to her and it scared her more than anything else. Her legs buckle from underneath her, eyelids drooping as she collapses into a messy heap on the ground.

Ray's ears flick back as he hears the familiar sound of fur brushing against itself. His head twitches, trying to turn back to check on her, but this threat had to take precedence. If he turned his back, this thing could strike. His outstretched arm lowers slowly to his side, the bared fangs once more covered. There wasn't anything that more posturing would help after that.

[SeanWolf]

Getting the nod from the principal, Shona allows Eldrick to lead the class back in. She brings up the rear, keeping the kids together in a group.
"So, what's your new plan?" she asks the jaguar as the kids get settled behind their desks.

Eldrick thought for a spell as he led the kids back inside. "You know, I don't really know, to be honest." He admits at first until an idea popped in his head. "You think the kids would like to learn about pirates?"

[Hlaoroo]

"That may be, but you're not wild any more, remember?" Piper reminds Oreo. "So, let's get those paws washed."
The doe starts to lift the skunk but immediately groans and puts him back down before his paws have even properly left the floor.
"Nope, forgot about the ribs. That ain't gonna work." Looking around, she spikes a large package of toilet tissue by one wall which she kicks in front of the sink.
"Here, you can stand on this so you can reach." she instructs, turning on the water.

~~~~~~~~
"Oh. Hullo, Potato. Forgive me, but the old knees are playing up a little today. I won't be able to get down there to pick you up. You'll have to use Chip's ladder. Unless you just want to walk, of course." Richard says, referring to the structure attached to the side of the desk which he'd fashioned for the other mouse from spare dowels and a pair of rods, one of several similar recent additions to the shop and apartment designed to make them more mouse-friendly.

~~~~~~~~
"Oh, ho, ho, ho! You are SO gonna regret saying that! It's my first Halloween!" Flynn grins at Josh, rubbing his paws together in equal parts mischief and eagerness.
"So. We'll need at least three of those witches for your driveway, right, Nadia, hon?" he asks, turning back to the fox.

~~~~~~~~
"Why doesn't he like learning? I like when Daddy teaches me things." Olivia asks the teacher.

~~~~~~~~
"Heh. Perhaps I should have said 'selective' instead?" Joan asks the kitten. "Or perhaps, possessing of a refined palate would be better?"

~~~~~~~~
"Hmm, fair point, fair point. Well, have you seen any shinybugs lately, Mr. Mousey? Or other good food? Maybe some fresh carrion?" Clearly Ash is hungry.

~~~~~~~~
Paul provides the requested crockery and shows the cougar how to adjust the temperature of the water in the mixer tap to his taste.
"If you want the water chilled, not just cool, I have a jug in the fridge here too." the vet says, indicating the white box.
"Is there anything else you need? Or did you have any questions about anything or want to talk about anything?"

~~~~~~~~
"Huh. Don't see many wolves in these parts." Simon observes.
"We're friendly so long as you are!" he calls to the wolves.
"Me 'n Bagpipes here couldn't put up much of a fight at the moment anyway. Although Deus kinda makes up for that. Down, boy. Don't scare 'em to death before we even find out what they're here for." he instructs the bear half-jokingly.

~~~~~~~~
"I think they'll love that!" Shona encourages the jaguar before taking up her post in the back of the class.

[Keeshah]

"That may be, but you're not wild any more, remember?" Piper reminds Oreo. "So, let's get those paws washed."
The doe starts to lift the skunk but immediately groans and puts him back down before his paws have even properly left the floor.
"Nope, forgot about the ribs. That ain't gonna work." Looking around, she spikes a large package of toilet tissue by one wall which she kicks in front of the sink.
"Here, you can stand on this so you can reach." she instructs, turning on the water.

I feel like a raccoon washing my paws like this.. Do i wash the bottom paws as well?
doing a handstand on the toilet paper rolls to get his feet into the running water...

[DdeeStar]

"Huh. Don't see many wolves in these parts." Simon observes.
"We're friendly so long as you are!" he calls to the wolves.
"Me 'n Bagpipes here couldn't put up much of a fight at the moment anyway. Although Deus kinda makes up for that. Down, boy. Don't scare 'em to death before we even find out what they're here for." he instructs the bear half-jokingly.

With the bear's lack of aggression, Ray slowly manages to wrench control of himself back from his instincts - though his gaze never goes far from the imposing figure for long. Forcing an awkward laugh, he responds "Yeah, I wasn't expecting to run into anyone our size around here. Let alone bigger. But we're friendly! Just... look a bit scary to some, we know." He tilts his head a bit, glancing back at Kai's limp form. In slow, gentle movements he crouches down, running his arms under her to pick her up against his chest. She's held across him, clearly unconscious with audible slow, deep breaths. "Poor Kai... gonna be moody when she wakes up." He laughs again, a little more genuinely.

"I just thought it'd be fun to do a bit of a camping trip on the way, and our handlers agreed." Turning back to them, he finally meets eyes with the pair for the first time since the intrusion. "So you two live around here then? Have you met Cala?" The smile at the end has a hint of humor in it.

[CyberDragon]

The massive bear watches as one wolf faints and the other's hackles raised. He was used to this, being the biggest thing in the forest, but he still rolled his eyes. "I not hurt you. Relax."

He reached to the large sack he had over his shoulder, felt around inside, and pulled out a large river trout before tossing it to Ray. He then sniffed the air towards them and otherwise studied them both from a distance.

"Older scent. Human. Car exhaust. Otherwise clean. Scent dirt and tree, recent. Collars. Map. Bag." Deus observed. "Town North here. There early today self."

----------

"No," Flash answered the crow. "Can't say that I have."

----------

Chris poured himself a bowl of cold water from the tap and sat back on his hospital bed. He started lapping gladly at the water in the bowl, feeling some immediate relief from his dehydration. After a while, he nodded. "I guess... I still don't know what comes next. After we're healed, I mean."

[Welsh Halfwit]

"That's OK, Mr Richard," Potato said, starting the climb of the ladder and showing he wasn't exactly as nimble as his sister as he got up. "So, what's going on?"
"Don't pretend you don't know we were talking about food(!)" Chip admonished him.
"But I don't know what was decided," he protested, waving to the young Skunk.
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Nola put her hands on her hips and looked at Simon. "I'm trying to be a bit intimidating and you call me <Wheeze> Bagpipes?" She shrugged for the Wolves benefit. "He might have a <huff> point, eh?"
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Leslie giggled slightly before asking Mrs Porter if she was OK or needed a visit to the cafe or something. Checks for the next item on the list. "Ceereal... Oh, cereal! Corn Flakes? Cinnamum Grayhams?" He looks as to confirm which and if the cafe is before or after.
---------------------------------
THe teacher puts her hand on Olivia's shoulder. "It's not so much the learning," she assured, "it's the staying in one place for long parts of the day. But, now you're here, I'm sure he will, right?" She looked over at the boy.
Granule kept his arms crossed. "The word for today," he muttered so the adults nearby could hear but not Olivia, "is 'blackmail'. Yes, ma'am," he added in a louder tone.
---------------------------------
Kilo considered the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. "Excellent writer, Irving," he conceded. "Lousy historian, though."

[DdeeStar]

The massive bear watches as one wolf faints and the other's hackles raised. He was used to this, being the biggest thing in the forest, but he still rolled his eyes. "I not hurt you. Relax."

He reached to the large sack he had over his shoulder, felt around inside, and pulled out a large river trout before tossing it to Ray. He then sniffed the air towards them and otherwise studied them both from a distance.

"Older scent. Human. Car exhaust. Otherwise clean. Scent dirt and tree, recent. Collars. Map. Bag." Deus observed. "Town North here. There early today self."

Motion from the apex predator causes Ray's attention to flick back over, fueled by the dregs of adrenaline still in his system. The bag the bear held finally registered in his mind - meaning this beast... had a handler? Wild bears surely didn't MAKE these, and it made more sense for something of his stature than a hiking bag like his own. So they were probably fine, right? He didn't seem to want to threaten them, despite what Ray was hearing between his ears.

Despite watching the bear pull the trout from the bag and face him holding it, he doesn't realize what's happening until it's too late. His reflexes kick in - nearly dropping his unconscious sister to snatch the flying fish. He barely manages to stop her as she slides off his arms and bounce the trout off his chest in recovery, stumbling forward to use Kai as a net for the projectile. It comes to a rest between the flat of her stomach and the wall of his chest. He laughs in surprise as he collects himself again, standing back fully upright. "Ha, that almost went bad." He looks up from the catch back to the bear. "Are you - is this for us?" He asks.

The bear's notes get another surprised laugh from the wolf. "Yeah, that's pretty much the story! Arthur dropped us off, and... we walked from there. Third day on the road. Probably could've been faster but Kai likes to stop and sketch the flowers." He nods, adding "Not that we're in a rush, really." The last part of the statement finally sinks in, his eyes going wide. "OH! Right! North! Okay, that's perfect! I've got - " He struggles with the load in his arms, trying to raise it so he can extend his arm and check the compass bracelet clenched in his fist. "- the compass here..." He grunts.

Nola put her hands on her hips and looked at Simon. "I'm trying to be a bit intimidating and you call me <Wheeze> Bagpipes?" She shrugged for the Wolves benefit. "He might have a <huff> point, eh?"

He glances up, half-hidden behind the raised wolf and fish he carries. "Oh. Sorry, I didn't realize you were being intimidating." His response sounds slightly embarrassed. "Kai's better at the whole reading people thing. I just figured since you said 'welcome'..." He struggles with the load once more, going on one knee to reposition. After a few more grunts of exertion he stands again with his sister now across his shoulders in a fireman's carry, the fish hanging out of his mouth by the tail, and the compass in his one free hand. Kai stirs slightly on his shoulders, her free hand twitching, but she doesn't seem to react much more. He squints at the tiny tool, commenting "Whud's da Bagpipes choke? I don ged id, shorry." through grit teeth.

[Serence Frostbite]

"Oh, ho, ho, ho! You are SO gonna regret saying that! It's my first Halloween!" Flynn grins at Josh, rubbing his paws together in equal parts mischief and eagerness.
"So. We'll need at least three of those witches for your driveway, right, Nadia, hon?" he asks, turning back to the fox.

"aaaaaaabsolutely not" Nadia said, only half jokingly "I don't like being jump scared dear, especially not on Halloween"
"That's a YES!" Josh chimmed in, and immediately get elbowed by the vixen.

Kilo considered the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. "Excellent writer, Irving," he conceded. "Lousy historian, though."

Oh, I didn't expect you to read books like that, Kilo" Josh said, giggle between pained winces after teasing Nadia "I mean no offense, of course"

[SeanWolf]

"I think they'll love that!" Shona encourages the jaguar before taking up her post in the back of the class.

"Well, let's find out!" Mr. Nighshade smiled as he walked up to the head of the class once more, turning his attention to everyone as he sat on his desk's edge once more.

"Now, I know we began talking about cars last time...but we're going to change things up." He began. "Who here can tell me what a pirate is?"

[Hlaoroo]

"Sure. Let me help with that." Piper answers, tickling the skunk's footpaws.

~~~~~~~~
"Yes, we live here. No, I've never heard of Cala. Can't speak for the others. So, your human dumped you and ran?" Simon answers flatly before looking at the cat.
"You okay there, Nola?" he asks, a note of concern entering his voice.

~~~~~~~~
"Hmm, shame, shame. Oh well, ark. The fun of being wild, huh? Never know when there's food, nope, ark. Maybe I'll find some tomorrow, if I live that long and don't die of starvation first, ark. Poor me, poor me..." This last part is said with a mournful glance at Sally and at the worker's lunch box. Clearly the crow knows there's food to be had around humans.

~~~~~~~~
"To be quite honest, I don't know for sure either." Paul admits.
"I won't recommend that you're released back into the forest because obviously you weren't doing well out there, uh, no offence. Chances are it'll be between sending you to a zoo or getting you into the ECP. I doubt the county would allow more cougars as pets. it was enough of a struggle just getting Senka approved, and that only worked because they saw her use as a ranger." The vet leaves the other option unsaid, hoping not to worry the cougar.

~~~~~~~~
"Sure you don't." Richard chuckles.
"I've seen you come running from the basement as soon as I said the word 'candy' in the kitchen upstairs. Those satellite dishes you call ears are finely tuned instruments."

~~~~~~~~
"Corn flakes, for sure. Might get some Cheerios too." Joan confirms.
"I'm okay, thanks for asking. I like the idea of the café once we finish though. I could use a cup of tea. I'm guessing you have an ulterior motive for wanting to take me to the café though?" she grins at the kitten.

~~~~~~~~
"Hmm. We can fix that! Has anyone tried sitting on him?" Olivia asks with a cheeky grin at the other pup.
"So, when will she start?" Ed asks the teacher. "And are you sure it's no inconvenience? You've all already done so much for us and I don't want to put you to more trouble."

~~~~~~~~
"Aww, but you're so cute when your fur is all fluffed up, Nadia!" Flynn objects before looking at Josh and raising an eyebrow.
"He don't know you vewwy well, do he, Kilo?" he asks the mouse in a bad Bugs Bunny impression.
"Yeah, Kilo reads a lot. It's how he's so wise. I swear he was a librarian in a past life. Huh. That's something I've never thought to ask. Do you guys believe in past lives, lives after death, ghosts, et cetera?' the rabbit asks, investigating bags of candy. He has no memory of the time shortly after waking up from his arm surgery when he'd mentioned seeing Kilo's lost wife and the kitten the mouse hadn't been able to save, and none of those present in the room had discussed it since.

~~~~~~~~
Several of the kids' hands go up, and one of them speaks up without being called on.
"Oh! My dad loves that meme! Yar har fiddle dee dee! Being a pirate is all right to be! Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free! You are a pirate!" they sing loudly and off-key.

[Welsh Halfwit]

"Just a bit... y'know," Nola huffed. "Took sev'ral little spears to the... lungs," she told the Wolves. "Not... over that. Breathing like... a bagpipes." she sat down, clearly regretting such a long explanation.
--------------------------------
"Kid," the workrat grumbled, "If'n you got any seeds, go throw 'em down the lane so bulletbeak bugg'rs off, eh?" Juniper pointed out there were some in the kitchen closet so Sally went to get them and put them in a plastic container to place in the lane.
-------------------------------
Leslie did his best 'innocent' look, putting his hands behind his back, pushing his chest forward and grinning whilst on tippy toes in a way that even the passing children knew meant he was lying. "I wuldn't say that, Mrs Porter, But I wuldn't say no to cake..."
-----------------------------
"It's never any bother," the teacher replied, thinking. "There's a seat next to Granule she can take... tomorrow?"
"As I said, blackmail... OK, miss!" He held out a hand for Olivia so he could raise it into the air in 'celebration'. "Classmates!"
------------------------
"I have read many tomes," Kilo confessed. "From Dickens to..." He shuddered. "Dan Brown."
---------------------------
Potato thought, a goofy look on his face. "Well, I THINK I heard 'Ice cream'?"
"You'll be hearing bells in a minute," Chip chided gently.

[DdeeStar]

"Yes, we live here. No, I've never heard of Cala. Can't speak for the others. So, your human dumped you and ran?" Simon answers flatly before looking at the cat.
"You okay there, Nola?" he asks, a note of concern entering his voice.

Ray's growly voice briefly pokes through his teeth as he starts to answer, but it's quickly abandoned. The fox... had he said something wrong? He seemed annoyed now... nah, he was probably imagining it. Whatever this coughing fit was was probably taking his attention. As it should, really.

"Just a bit... y'know," Nola huffed. "Took sev'ral little spears to the... lungs," she told the Wolves. "Not... over that. Breathing like... a bagpipes." she sat down, clearly regretting such a long explanation.

The wolf brother looks down at Nola, watching her struggle to speak. His head tilts slightly. "...ish id azhma?" With a moment to consider his approach, he grins and reaches up to pat his sister's back behind his head. "If you need a ride, you can hop on here. Pro'a'ly lider than the kids at home."

[Keeshah]

"Sure. Let me help with that." Piper answers, tickling the skunk's footpaws.

Oreo SQUEEEEEES, and thrashes about, splattering water all over as he flumps to the floor, with a soft thump.
Hey now.... What was that . dat you did to me?

[CyberDragon]

Deus looked between the wolf, heavily encumbered with his sister, and the injured cat struggling to speak without running out of breath, and in the moment decided that this was not the proper place for injured and fainted animals to be. He sighed, hoping he would still have time to drop off the food he had gathered before it started to smell funny, but recognized what his priority should be.

He first turned to the wolf. "You. I help carry. Lead to town. You carry sister. I carry rest."

He then turned to Nola, a look of stern concern on his face, like some kind of scolding parent. "You injured. Breath not well. Should go home. I carry. You rest, so no risk opening spear-wounds."

--------------------

"Could you... explain what the ECP is to me again? What would it involve?" Chris asked.

--------------------

Flash never took his eyes off of the crow, but he was gradually relaxing. He knew as long as they were around humans, nothing hostile would happen. As Sally went to get seeds for the bird, he wondered what Deus was up to.

[SeanWolf]

Several of the kids' hands go up, and one of them speaks up without being called on.
"Oh! My dad loves that meme! Yar har fiddle dee dee! Being a pirate is all right to be! Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free! You are a pirate!" they sing loudly and off-key.

Mr. Nightshade could only laugh at their enthusiasm (And being thankful they weren't singing the other version of the song). Clapping his hands with a big smile, Mr. Nightshade thanked them all for the performance. "Well, I gotta say, if this was America's Got Talent? Y'all probably get the Golden Buzzer from me!" He laughed. "Anyway, I want to talk about some of the greatest pirates who ever sailed the seven seas: Calico Jack, Blackbeard, Anne Bonny...and no, Captain Jack Sparrow isn't one of them as he was only in a movie, so put your paw down." He said, pointing at one of the slyly smiling students.

[Serence Frostbite]

"Aww, but you're so cute when your fur is all fluffed up, Nadia!" Flynn objects before looking at Josh and raising an eyebrow.
"He don't know you vewwy well, do he, Kilo?" he asks the mouse in a bad Bugs Bunny impression.
"Yeah, Kilo reads a lot. It's how he's so wise. I swear he was a librarian in a past life. Huh. That's something I've never thought to ask. Do you guys believe in past lives, lives after death, ghosts, et cetera?' the rabbit asks, investigating bags of candy. He has no memory of the time shortly after waking up from his arm surgery when he'd mentioned seeing Kilo's lost wife and the kitten the mouse hadn't been able to save, and none of those present in the room had discussed it since.

That's a VERY good question, Flynn" Josh grinned amusingly as he glanced at Nadia, ask if to toss the question to her, Nadia, in return, only gave him an unamused look.

"I have read many tomes," Kilo confessed. "From Dickens to..." He shuddered. "Dan Brown."

"Not a fan of him I'm guessing, Kilo?"

[Welsh Halfwit]

"Let us just say he had a lucky break,"" Kilo advised. "As for past lives? There's room and scope for all things, Flynn. Imagine. You might not just share the name of Errol Flynn, you might have been him, hmm?" Kilo did a little thrust and parry with his cane.

[Hlaoroo]

While Sally is away, Ash stashes his new shiny safely in a hollow in the treetop, and then follows the girl down the lane once she returns with the food.
"Hmm. I don't think the mouseys like me, ark. And I know the ratty doesn't like me either. But that's okay. I don't like him either." he observes as he waits a safe distance back for Sally to step away from the food.

~~~~~~~~
Joan laughs.
"You know what? I like the idea of cake too. Let's do it! Have we got everything on the list?" she asks the kitten, heading for the checkout, pausing to scritch the kitten behind the ear as she passes him.

~~~~~~~~
"YAY!" Olivia cheers.
"But what's blackmail?" the asks the other pup.

~~~~~~~~
Sensing that the whole 'past lives' thing is a bit of a sore spot for Nadia, Flynn decides to continue with the literary discussion.
"Ugh, I hope not, Kilo. Sure, he was a good actor, but off screen? I can think of much better behaved people that I'd rather be." he comments.
"Dickens to Dan Brown though? You only like D authors then? I'd have thought you'd say something like from Aesop to... Uh... I don't actually know any authors starting with Z, but you get my point. Do you read much, Josh?" he asks, investigating a light up replica Ghostbusters Proton Pack.
"Oh, this is AWESOME!"

~~~~~~~~
Richard offers Potato a hand once he reaches the desktop.
"See? High precision satellite dishes. I need to get me some of those. These old things don't work like they used to."

~~~~~~~~
"I... Tickled your footpaws. If you don't like it, I won't do it again. Sorry. You okay down there?" Piper stoops to help the skunk back up.

~~~~~~~~
"Yeah, you've definitely gotten worse since we've been out here, Nola. We might need the vet to look at you again..." Simon opines before looking at the wolves.
"And her. Surely she should be awake by now. Is fainting like this something that's happened before?" the fox asks Ray.

~~~~~~~~
"Sure." Paul answers, seating himself on a chair across from the hospital bed.
"ECP stands for the Equal Change Program. It was set up by the Milton Family to, essentially, try to get animals the same rights as humans. Not all states recognise it yet, but if you join it you'll be legally considered an American citizen in the states in which it applies and have all the same rights and responsibilities as humans. Emphasis on the responsibilities. Yes, you'll get to vote, you'll have the right to a lawyer and a fair trial, the right to freedom of speech, to bear arms, et cetera, but you'll also be expected to get a job and contribute to society. You'll be beholden to, and treated as a human under, US law. You'll have to work to earn money to buy food, to pay rent and bills. The ECP will help you get set up with it all, and give you a couple of grand to get you on your way but they can only help you for so long. You could apply for welfare once you're in the ECP, but even that will only last so long and would be frowned on both by the ECP and by the government. You with me so far?"

~~~~~~~~
"A-actually, I was going to say Long John Silver." the smiling student points out.

[DdeeStar]

Deus looked between the wolf, heavily encumbered with his sister, and the injured cat struggling to speak without running out of breath, and in the moment decided that this was not the proper place for injured and fainted animals to be. He sighed, hoping he would still have time to drop off the food he had gathered before it started to smell funny, but recognized what his priority should be.

He first turned to the wolf. "You. I help carry. Lead to town. You carry sister. I carry rest."

He then turned to Nola, a look of stern concern on his face, like some kind of scolding parent. "You injured. Breath not well. Should go home. I carry. You rest, so no risk opening spear-wounds."

Ray was not quick to respond. Conflicting thoughts ran through his head, puzzlement clear on his absent expression. Is that a good idea? There's no way something this big is welcome around humans. He'd probably just lead us to the edge. I can make it there on my own, right? I know the way now, they said we're close. And he came from that direction, so it's probably a waste of his time... he's already been surprisingly generous...

"Yeah, you've definitely gotten worse since we've been out here, Nola. We might need the vet to look at you again..." Simon opines before looking at the wolves.
"And her. Surely she should be awake by now. Is fainting like this something that's happened before?" the fox asks Ray.

He snaps back to attention with a quick shake of his head as he realizes the discussion has turned his way. And that cat. Whatever's going on there should probably be a priority? The silence lingers a moment longer as he juggles the options before Simon's question finally sinks in. "Oh!" He barks, the fish dropping from his jaw. He reacts to the falling object nearly immediately, his off-hand snatching at it - failing due to the item already clutched in his palm - and launching the fish off sideways. His gaze chases it through the brush. With an awkward laugh and glance at the bear, he lowers to one knee, offering a quiet "I'll grab that in a second." He leans his torso and head down, sliding Kai off his shoulders and onto the ground. She mumbles something nonsensical, opening and closing a handpaw as she stirs. Ray sits back up and addresses Simon with a "Yeah, this happens... not a lot, but reliably, if that makes sense." before lightly shaking his sister by the shoulder. "Kai?"

After only a moment of the jostling she seems to wake. "Ray." She responds with a yawn. "Friendlies."

"Yeah, they're cool. Sorry if I spooked you. We haven't gone anywhere yet, but we know where we're going." Kai sits up easily, taking only a moment to stretch her limbs before standing. She takes a quick glance around at all the other animals, her attention lingering on Deus. Unlike her brother, who had handed her the compass and scrambled off to retrieve the fish, her expression is only mild curiosity. Ray, upon his return, addresses the group. "Okay! So the town we're heading to is - that way." He points vaguely north until he recognizes Kai's steely glare. "North of here. We aren't far! So we're heading that way. Sounds like you are too." Ray looks from Kai to Nola, then, less confidently, Simon. He opens his mouth as he looks at Deus, slowly realizing he has no idea how to address him. "Big guy" would've been the go-to, but... maybe not here. "Uh, alright. Did you want to head that way too? Seems like you all are... familiar? With each other?" He catches Kai biting her lip, the edge of a smirk buried in her teeth. "Isn't this your job? Why am I doing this?"

"Vacation." She whispers back with a smile. "Doing great."

[Welsh Halfwit]

"I find friends are better, Mr bird,?" Sally told the bird. "THey help when you need them."
----------------------------------------------------
"It has been a hectic... few minutes," Nola agreed, leaning on Simon. She got the petphone out. "I dial, you speak to Thomas?"
---------------------------------------------------
"Blackmail is offering you something you like to do summat you don't," Granule told Olivia. "An' you're my friend." He gave her an encouraging, one arm, hug.
--------------------------------------------------
"George Zebrowski," Kilo offered. "And that is impressive, dear boy."
--------------------------------------------------
I think weere still missing the Chickun. Then we kan have cake!"
-------------------------------------------------
Playfully, Potato checks Richard's ears. Still seem to be able to hear me, Richard.[/b]"

[Keeshah]

~~~~~~~~
"I... Tickled your footpaws. If you don't like it, I won't do it again. Sorry. You okay down there?" Piper stoops to help the skunk back up.

No No...
Getting back up too his foot paws.
I just never had anything like that happen to me before...
infact, only my owners usually are the ones who want to touch me..

[Serence Frostbite]

"Let us just say he had a lucky break,"" Kilo advised. "As for past lives? There's room and scope for all things, Flynn. Imagine. You might not just share the name of Errol Flynn, you might have been him, hmm?" Kilo did a little thrust and parry with his cane.

Sensing that the whole 'past lives' thing is a bit of a sore spot for Nadia, Flynn decides to continue with the literary discussion.
"Ugh, I hope not, Kilo. Sure, he was a good actor, but off screen? I can think of much better behaved people that I'd rather be." he comments.
"Dickens to Dan Brown though? You only like D authors then? I'd have thought you'd say something like from Aesop to... Uh... I don't actually know any authors starting with Z, but you get my point. Do you read much, Josh?" he asks, investigating a light up replica Ghostbusters Proton Pack.
"Oh, this is AWESOME!"

"George Zebrowski," Kilo offered. "And that is impressive, dear boy."

"I read on and off now and then, though nowadays things been a little busy, so I haven't really touched a book in a while" Josh replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice as he pick up one of the scary doll thing that spooked Nadia.
"We SHOULD get this, actually, and if you like that one Flynn, we can get that too"
Nadia roll her eyes, seeing Josh picked up the scary doll
"Come on, Nad, it's gonna be fun, trust!"
"uh huh"

[SeanWolf]

"A-actually, I was going to say Long John Silver." the smiling student points out.

"Ah, there's a classic!" Mr. Nightshade smiled. "But, I'm going to blow everyone's minds here. You ready? Despite what you may see in media nowadays; Pirates weren't actually bad. They had codes they followed, shared the loot they collected...and they also freed slaves."

[CyberDragon]

"Sure." Paul answers, seating himself on a chair across from the hospital bed.
"ECP stands for the Equal Change Program. It was set up by the Milton Family to, essentially, try to get animals the same rights as humans. Not all states recognise it yet, but if you join it you'll be legally considered an American citizen in the states in which it applies and have all the same rights and responsibilities as humans. Emphasis on the responsibilities. Yes, you'll get to vote, you'll have the right to a lawyer and a fair trial, the right to freedom of speech, to bear arms, et cetera, but you'll also be expected to get a job and contribute to society. You'll be beholden to, and treated as a human under, US law. You'll have to work to earn money to buy food, to pay rent and bills. The ECP will help you get set up with it all, and give you a couple of grand to get you on your way but they can only help you for so long. You could apply for welfare once you're in the ECP, but even that will only last so long and would be frowned on both by the ECP and by the government. You with me so far?"

Chris thinks for a moment, trying to process everything before eventually nodding.

"I... think so. I don't have a lot of experience with how humans live. We normally avoid you guys... um... no offense?"

[Hlaoroo]

"North of here. We aren't far! So we're heading that way. Sounds like you are too." Ray looks from Kai to Nola, then, less confidently, Simon. He opens his mouth as he looks at Deus, slowly realizing he has no idea how to address him. "Big guy" would've been the go-to, but... maybe not here. "Uh, alright. Did you want to head that way too? Seems like you all are... familiar? With each other?" He catches Kai biting her lip, the edge of a smirk buried in her teeth.

"Yeah. Familiar with each other." Simon confirms for Ray, before indicating to Nola to dial.
"Let's not go north. Let's go this way, towards the road. Thomas can pick us up there, same place he dropped us off. That'll be quicker than walking all the way to town." He stoops awkwardly to pick up the fish dropped by the wolf and drops it in Kai's lap.
"Take it with you. Deus will be grumpy if you waste it. And you don't want to make him grumpy." the fox warns, pointing at the foam collar supporting his neck.
"I'm Simon, by the way... The cat is Nola."

~~~~~~~~
Ash hops forward and pecks at the seeds as Sally retreats.
"Thanks! Friends, ark? I suppose you should go back to yours. And I suppose I should find some of my own..."

~~~~~~~~
Olivia returns the hug.
"But why don't you like school?" she asks the other mouse, "Will I like it?"

~~~~~~~~
"Never heard of him, Kilo." Flynn tells the mouse before looking up the human in surprise.
"Thanks! I... Can't ask you to do that though. It's not cheap, and you're already spending a bunch on decorations. Besides, Nadia and I haven't even agreed on our couples costume yet. Come to think of it, you haven't offered any suggestions yet, Nadia. Any ideas?"

~~~~~~~~
"Chicken, right. Back to the meat section then. What sort of cake are you thinking?" Joan asks the kitten as she pushes the shopping cart.

~~~~~~~~
Richard suppresses a giggle, finding the mouse ticklish as the little creature climbs across his collar to check both ears.
"Sorry, what did you say, Potato?" he asks with a straight face.

~~~~~~~~
"You poor thing. Everyone deserves some physical contact, if they want it. They say hugs release endorphins, for instance. Er, that's the chemicals that make your brain happy." Piper says, helping the skunk up.
"Anyway, let's finish washing your handpaws and then we can get icecream."

~~~~~~~~

"Ah, there's a classic!" Mr. Nightshade smiled. "But, I'm going to blow everyone's minds here. You ready? Despite what you may see in media nowadays; Pirates weren't actually bad. They had codes they followed, shared the loot they collected...and they also freed slaves."

This statement causes some murmuring amongst the students, who remain unconvinced.
"Bullpoop!" exclaims the Little John puppet on Kip's paw after a few moments. Kip looks just as shocked at the puppet as the other students, some of whom start laughing.
"Little John! We mustn't use language like that in class!" the coyote scolds the puppet. Although he's wagging a finger at the stuffed squirrel on his paw, his tail also wags in amusement behind him. It's clear that although the pup can act, he'll need to learn to control his tail to really sell it.

~~~~~~~~
"None taken." Paul assures the cougar, "I hear that from a lot of wildlife and I don't blame you guys."
The vet pauses a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing. "Now, there are several steps to get you into the ECP, if you decide that's what you want to do. Firstly, we'll have to get you fit and healthy enough to work. Secondly, we'll have to teach you to read and write, if you can't do that already. Thirdly, they'll want you to undergo a psychological assessment and temperament test to make sure you're, well, safe for humans to be around. Er, no offence." Paul grins, echoing the cougar's words from before.

[Keeshah]

"You poor thing. Everyone deserves some physical contact, if they want it. They say hugs release endorphins, for instance. Er, that's the chemicals that make your brain happy." Piper says, helping the skunk up.
"Anyway, let's finish washing your handpaws and then we can get icecream."
~~~~~~~~

Oreo washes up his paws, mischievously flicking the water droplets from his paws onto Piper.. Chitterrrr
Oh no... it's raining on the inside.

[Welsh Halfwit]

"Ummm," Leslie said, looking down at himself and grinning. "Chocolate marbul?"
-----------------------------------------
"Well, there's always room for crossover," Sally opined hopefully.
"And you don't eat your friends," Juniper added brightly, "which is a positive thing for me!"
---------------------------------------
"In case you were unaware," Kilo warned, "I will not allow you to paint me green and lol my tongue."
-------------------------------------
"I'd just much rather have fun and learn later."
"It's often too late then," the teacher reminded him. "And you'd have to work under Barta." Granule put his tongue out.
------------------------------------
"I SAID YOU'RE NOT DEAF!" Potato shouted, from just far enough away to not be TOO loud.