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Chapter 20: Wolfsbane

Jason and Ellie arrived in Wolfsbane that afternoon. Katya had given them the address

of her hotel when Ellie called. Once again, Jason booked the room without Ellie present, and

then they met Katya in her room. Katya answered the door with a look of relief and hastily

ushered them inside.

"I can't believe you made it!" Katya exclaimed. "When you told me you'd gotten away,

Ellie, I almost fell over! I was sure either I'd be going alone, or it would only be me and Jason!"

"You can thank Edgar and Flora for that," Ellie replied.

"When I get back I will!"

Ellie smiled awkwardly, "Er, well, I'm sure Flora would love to meet you, but Edgar, he's

still with the Duchess as far as I know."

Katya blinked her kelly-green eyes in surprise, "Oh. He didn't get away?" she asked

worriedly.

"He chose to stay," Ellie replied briskly. "Edgar's alright, but he's devoted to the

Duchess. I don't think he'll ever leave her."

I'm sorry, Ellie. Jason knew Ellie was disappointed that Edgar had chosen to stay. She'd

wanted to save the pine marten from the Duchess' grip, but this must have been the final

confirmation that she had failed.

"The King's court is at four PM tomorrow," Katya changed the subject. "Is tomorrow

okay, or do you want to wait?"

"I want to do this right away!" Ellie declared. "She's been causing trouble long enough!

Besides, Lily might do something if we wait too long!"

Katya swished her tail uncomfortably, "Oh, right," she murmured.

Jason had been listening quietly but now his ears pricked in surprise, "Huh? Lily? What's

she up to?"

Ellie looked at him embarrassedly, "Sorry, Jason, I forgot to tell you. Lily's formed some

sort of resistance force. They're going to remove the Duchess themselves if she becomes too

tyrannical."

Jason remembered jokingly suggesting something of the sort, and he was shocked to

learn it was coming true. "Really?!" he gasped. "Who told you this?!"

"Flora," Ellie answered. "She suggested I join it, but, but I don't know. I decided not to.

I'm not sure this will work, but I don't trust Lily. Besides, innocent people might get hurt if they

use violence."

"They aren't really going to do anything," Katya put in scathingly. "They're nothing but

Lily's personal bodyguards. She didn't stop serving the Duchess until it was her own life at

stake! Lily's pretending they might do something so that she has people to die for her if the

authorities find her!"

Ellie frowned, "You think so? I'm not sure Lily would stoop that low. Flora said Lily sent

her away because she's pregnant."

Jason didn't believe it at all. Lily wouldn't sacrifice those under her like that. If she had

one redeeming quality, it was a sense of responsibility to those she led. However, he didn't see

the point in starting an irrelevant argument, so he let it go.

Katya growled, "There's no telling how low she'd stoop."

Ellie didn't respond, so that was the end of it. After a moment, Ellie piped, "I guess we'll

be waiting most of the day tomorrow. I'd like to explore the capital, but I guess that wouldn't be a

good idea."

Katya shook her head, "You should stay in your room until it's time to go to the King's

court. I'll bring you food."

Ellie sighed, "Oh well, we can always come another time. My friend Charlotte lives here

somewhere. We could come visit her, Jason."

Jason smiled, "Sure, that sounds nice."

Katya looked at them conflictedly, "It sounds like you think this is going to be over. I wish

I had your optimism. Even if the King does something, I doubt we'll really be safe. It's easy for

someone like us to disappear."

"I won't let that witch ruin our lives!" Ellie declared determinedly. "We'll be prepared if

she comes for us, but we won't live looking over our shoulders!"

"You were already captured once," Katya pointed out. "It could happen again, and the

next time it might be both of you."

"It's either take that risk, live in hiding, or leave the country," Ellie argued. "After she's

been exposed, her influence will be reduced. She could still offer a reward, but any bounty

hunters had better come prepared. We won't go easily next time."

"Maybe she'll give up once she's been discredited," Jason offered hopefully. "Or maybe

she'll just get bored and forget about us."

Ellie gave him a dubious look, "You didn't see how happy she was to see me," she

responded darkly. "I thought her hug would crack my ribs."

Katya snorted, and Jason and Ellie stared at her. Her whiskers twitched, as she

suppressed a smile.

"It's not funny, Katya!" Ellie rebuked. "She wouldn't stop touching me! I spent my entire

time there being fondled by that creep!"

Strained, "Sorry, Ellie, I, I'm sure it wasn't, but the way you put it, it sounded like a kid

complaining about their grandma," Katya replied.

Ellie sniffed disdainfully, "Hmph, maybe a grandma from Tartarus! Although, Edgar

would tell me she's too young for that, thirty-something or whatever."

"Is she really?" Katya queried amusedly. "The way she speaks, I assumed she was

much older."

"That's what Edgar says. It only makes the way she treats grown adults more

disturbing," Ellie answered.

Katya smiled, "If your ribs aren't too sore, I'd like to give you a hug, Ellie."

Ellie blinked, "What for?"

"Just being you and cheering me up," Katya answered. "I've been down since Bree and I

broke up, and thinking about how hopeless this all is really hasn't helped. But despite that,

you're still determined; you still get fired up. I'm glad you made it, Ellie."

Ellie stepped up to the cat and hugged her, "I'm sorry to hear about Bree, but I'm glad to

see you too."

Ellie and the ginger cat hugged for several seconds, and Jason began to feel a little

jealous. However, as Ellie broke away, she turned and wrapped her arms around him. Jason

hugged her back.

"Kitty hugs, I'm collecting all the kitty hugs," Ellie murmured into his chest fur.

Jason petted her head then nuzzled her between the ears.

Katya sighed wistfully, "It's too bad I can't borrow her."

Ellie turned her head to peer at the female cat sidelong. Jason noticed the insides of her

ears turning pink, and he grinned. He nuzzled Ellie's head again; he wouldn't trade her for

anything.

The next twenty-three hours were uneventful to say the least. Ellie and Jason went to

their room, and Katya brought them their meals. Aside from chatting with her when she stopped

by, reading, or trying to find something worth watching on tv they didn't have a lot to do. Jason

might have napped, but he was too anxious. Ellie was anxious and fidgety too.

Finally, Katya arrived to take them to the King's court. The ginger cat was carrying a tan

canvas bag over her shoulder that presumably contained the evidence Lily had stashed. As they

walked across the bustling city, Jason noted the number of foxes. Everywhere you looked, there

were two or more red foxes, and other fox species were nearly as abundant. Jason spotted gray

foxes, swift foxes, fennec foxes, kit foxes, arctic foxes, Rüppell's foxes, corsac foxes, and even

zorros including hoary foxes, culpeos, chillas, pampas foxes, and Sechuran foxes. Jason

wondered what fraction of the Wolfsbane population was some sort of fox; by the look of things,

it might have been one in four.

"I've never seen so many foxes," Ellie muttered. "That must be why they aren't as

common in the rest of Vulpineva. They're all here."

"Are you okay?" Jason murmured.

Ellie glanced at him sidelong, "I'm fine. Just because I don't like that witch, doesn't mean

I mind foxes in general."

They arrived at the palace without incident. Jason didn't think the building looked all that

old, and he assumed it had been constructed within the current King's lifetime. The outside was

composed of white bricks, and the reddish-brown roof was lined with corroding copper gutters.

Aside from the sheer size of the rectangular building, Jason didn't find it particularly remarkable.

There was, however, a gorgeous white marble fountain encircled by the white gravel cul-de-sac

that featured the elegant forms of two dancing vixens in flowing gowns. The water spurted up

between the stone foxes and rained down in glittering droplets that caught the late afternoon

sun.

In contrast, the inside of the palace took Jason's breath away. Through the heavy oak

doors, which were ribbed with cast iron, was a magnificent hall filled with gleaming white marble

and glittering gold. The floor and walls were all marble, and halfway up to the high ceiling, the

walls were inlaid with crisscrossing patterns of gold. From the ceiling, which must have been

twenty feet high, hung five crystal and gold chandeliers. Polished marble columns lined the

sides of the wide hall, and at the back, atop a marble dais, preceded by a crimson velvet carpet,

was an enormous golden throne big enough, Jason thought, for an elephant to sit in. In the seat

of that glittering throne was a gigantic crimson cushion with golden tassels, and perched atop

the cushion was King Frederick the Sixth of Vulpineva.

The King was an elderly tod, and the red fur on his muzzle had turned to silver. As he

sat in his grandiose throne, he was just a bit hunched, but his amber eyes were clear, proud,

and intelligent. He wore a midnight blue vest embroidered with gold, an indigo cape, and a

golden crown. His crown was a simple ringlet that sat between his pointy ears, but the front

displayed a massive ruby encircled by diamonds. While he looked somewhat comical, dwarfed

as he was by his seat, Jason couldn't help but feel intimidated by the presence of the powerful

fox. However, as the next group in the line before the throne stepped forward to bow to him, he

smiled warmly, his eyes and mouth assuming an aspect of kind, fatherly attentiveness. And

Jason felt a little hope that he would be willing to help them.

Aside from the line of two dozen or so animals of various sorts waiting to petition the

King, there were many others milling about the grand hall and chatting in small groups. Most of

the latter were red foxes attired in clothing ranging from extravagant to lurid. There were a few

other animals among them in more practical jackets and gowns who Jason assumed were

wealthy citizens or elected officials. On either side of the King's marble dais were two dozen

guards, each holding a pike and wearing a velvet magenta jacket. The jackets were decorated

with two vertical golden bars down the middle that were crossed by several horizontal golden

bars, each half the width of the jacket and tipped with a curvy-lined arrow. The guards were

nearly all carnivores, but Jason did spot a wild boar among their ranks.

As they waited their turn, Jason listened interestedly to the petitions of the groups in

front of them. Four separate groups had brought infants to be blessed. Another two groups had

personal disputes they wished the King to settle. One group was concerned about the state of

Vulpineva's national forests. One group wanted a pardon for an imprisoned family member, and

finally, a red tod--Jason was shocked to recognize Lord Larchwood! --was quickly sent away

when he began grousing about the market price of tomatoes.

As their turn neared, Katya whispered, "I'll do the talking at first if that's okay."

Ellie and Jason nodded. Jason suspected Ellie was as grateful as he was to momentarily

be spared the responsibility; she was looking a bit nervous.

"You do have to bow though," Katya murmured under her breath, her eyes on Ellie.

"That isn't a problem, is it? I heard, um, well, they said you might be anarchists."

Ellie hissed back annoyedly, "I'm not an idiot! I'm not going to disrespect the person we

came to ask for help!"

Katya nodded embarrassedly. Jason considered reassuring Katya that they were not, in

fact, anarchists, but he decided it wasn't important. Besides, maybe Ellie did consider herself an

anarchist after all that had happened. Jason considered himself a social democrat.

At last, it was their turn to speak with the King. Jason and Ellie bowed low while Katya,

who was wearing a sky blue, pleated skirt, curtsied. The King smiled warmly and nodded for

them to begin.

"Y-Your Majesty," Katya began nervously. "We've come from M-Maplesburg to beg for

your help. We have, uh, it's a delicate issue, Your Majesty, but it's about Her Grace, The

Duchess of Gooseberry."

The King nodded solemnly, "I've been monitoring the situation. Let me extend my

deepest apologies that what happened in Maplesburg was allowed to occur. That cults, like the

one that attacked you, have been able to fester in Vulpineva is nothing less than a complete

failure on the government's part, and I take full responsibility for the disaster and the lives lost."

"We appreciate that, Your Majesty," Katya murmured awkwardly. "But, um, what we

need to tell you isn't about the attack or, um, even the job Her Grace has been doing since then.

It began before that, a long time before actually. It's about prey who've gone missing or, or been

found murdered, Your Majesty. W-we believe that, um, that Her Grace may be involved, Your

Majesty."

The King frowned concernedly, and most of the people in the room began to whisper to

one another furtively. Their suspicious whispering nearly set Jason's fur on end; he forced it to

stay flat.

"I think we should discuss this in private," the King pronounced. "My guards will show

you to a room where you can wait."

He motioned with a finger, and two guards, a wolverine and a lynx, marched from the

right side of the throne to stand on either side of their group. The guards led the three of them

away to the right. Jason couldn't help but feel they were being arrested.

The guards took them to a luxurious sitting room containing three powder blue sofas

embroidered with silver and a large fireplace. The room was well lit by four lamps with blue or

silver shades and a black ceiling fan with a trio of bulbs, but there were no windows. Jason,

Ellie, and Katya shuffled across the thick blue carpet and sat together on the sofa to the left of

the one facing the shadowy hearth. The wolverine stood in the door they had entered, and the

lynx crossed the room to occupy the other exit. It didn't look like they were going to escape

without overpowering at least one burly carnivore with a pike. Katya, Jason, and Ellie

exchanged nervous glances, but they were afraid to speak. They sat in strained silence for what

seemed like an eternity until, finally, the wolverine stepped aside, and the King shuffled into the

room.

The elderly fox sat on the sofa across from them, regarding them with concern. Jason

thought he looked more worried than he had in the throne room. He also looked older, more

tired. "What do you have to tell me about the Duchess of Gooseberry?" he asked worriedly.

Katya began, "She, um, we believe-"

"She's a murderer!" Ellie squeaked.

Jason and Katya stared at her, flabbergasted by the rabbit's bluntness; however,

examining her, Jason could tell she was nervous. Ellie sat stiffly with her feet crossed and her

arms folded in her lap. She kept her eyes on the King, but Jason thought she looked ready to

bolt.

The King rubbed his snout where it met the top half of his face, "Oh dear," he murmured.

"How many people has she killed?"

"Y-you don't seem that surprised, Your Majesty," Katya murmured nervously.

"It's happened before, not with her, but I had concerns," the King admitted.

"We don't know exactly how many it's been," Katya answered his question. "I think it's

been going on for a while, years maybe, but recently, prey's corpses started appearing in

Maplesburg."

"Not just murdered," Ellie added. "Butchered! Horribly tortured and cut apart!"

The King sighed wearily. "I assume the evidence is incontrovertible. It always is."

Katya nodded, "It's significant, but we also have witness testimony. These two saw her

kill a rabbit, and they were imprisoned themselves by Her Grace."

The King eyed Jason and Ellie a moment, frowning. Recognition flared in his amber

eyes, but he spoke calmly, "I recognize you, the cat and rabbit from the video. She responded to

your accusations. I'll want to see evidence to corroborate your accounts."

"I have the physical evidence here," Katya stated, lifting the tan canvas bag from her lap.

The King nodded, "Show me."

Katya plucked a baggie containing a strand of red fur and stapled to a sheet of paper

from the bag. "This hair was found with the partial remains of a rabbit named Bartholomew

Potter. These lab results confirmed it was from a red fox," she explained.

"That's the rabbit we saw her kill," Ellie put in, sounding more confident.

Katya pulled out a second baggie and printed report. "This fur was found by the home of

a family of squirrels who were kidnapped and murdered, Michelle Jeannet and her children

Albert and Julie. The lab report identified it as wolverine fur. Her Grace employed two

wolverines as her guards."

"Jason found that," Ellie reported proudly.

Katya withdrew three more baggies with strands of red fur. "There weren't reports

attached to these, but they're labeled with the names of three prey who went missing in the past

few years. However, I checked, and their bodies were never recovered."

The King frowned, "Then where did the fur come from?"

Katya hesitated, "W-well, you see, Your Majesty, we believe Her Grace had help, not

only from her bodyguards but, um, from our chief of police, Lily Schulz. I believe Officer Schulz

recovered these hairs before disposing of the bodies."

"Is there anything else?" the King inquired.

Katya withdrew a photograph of a footprint in the mud. "This is also labeled with the

name of a prey who went missing. It looks like it could be from a wolverine."

"Is that all?" the King returned.

Katya nodded.

The King shook his head, "This isn't nearly enough. In fact, it's nothing. No individuals'

DNA matched; you only know species. Half of your samples don't even have that!"

"W-we have witness testimonies!" Katya added. "Reports of a black sedan consistent

with one Her Grace owns and figures consistent with two wolverines!"

"And there was that coyote who recognized one of the wolverines who abducted Mr.

Potter!" Ellie put in. She paused, and her ears drooped, "Though I don't know if he ever spoke to

the police, and I don't think we got his name."

The King shook his head again, "Whether you're telling the truth or not, there's nothing I

can do on evidence this thin!" he declared.

"We were there!" Ellie protested desperately. "We saw her kill Mr. Potter, and she

tortured us!"

"And with the evidence you've shown me, it's more or less your word against hers," the

King responded decisively. "In fact, all of this evidence could be fabricated! Why isn't this case

being handled by the Maplesburg police?"

"I-I'm an officer," Katya murmured embarrassedly. "But you see, Officer Schulz was

preventing us from investigating properly, and I'm sure she helped dispose of some of the

bodies. Otherwise, where did the fur come from?"

"Where indeed?" the King returned pointedly. "Perhaps if I had her testimony that she

acted as an accomplice in these disappearances, that would be a start. Without that, there's

nothing I can do, nor would. The Duchess has taken on a daunting task in returning stability to

Maplesburg. If this is all there is against her, I won't disturb her work."

"You have to!" Ellie cried. "You can't let her get away with it! She's killed so many prey!"

Jason thought the tod looked a little uncomfortable as he shook his head again.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure it's difficult for you, but I need evidence," he replied. He stood, "My

guards will show you out. Good evening."

Jason, Katya, and Ellie watched as the King left the room through the opposite door from

the one they'd entered, his indigo cape flowing behind him. The wolverine and lynx marched

over to the couch they were sitting on, and the three of them quickly stood and allowed the

guards to march them out the front doors, which the guards closed behind them. They stopped

just outside, and Jason looked down at his feet disappointedly.

"At least we tried," he muttered despondently.

"We can't give up!" Ellie protested.

"He said it wasn't enough, Ellie," Katya rejoined miserably.

"He said he'd listen to Lily!" Ellie countered. "We just have to find her and drag her back

here to admit what she did!"

"Good luck," Katya replied darkly.

Jason looked at the rabbit interestedly, "No, you're right, Ellie. If we could convince Lily

to give her side, she'd have more details about everything that's happened."

"Why would she?" Katya muttered gloomily. "She'd have to incriminate herself."

"That's what'll make it more convincing," Jason stated. "He can't dismiss her as simply

someone with an ax to grind, and since her account will corroborate ours, that will make our

story more credible."

Katya looked at him dubiously, "You really think it's worth a shot?"

"We have to try!" Ellie declared. "I'll drag her here myself if I have to!"

Katya smiled, "You're still determined, Ellie. Alright, let's find her."

They made their way back to the hotel, and about an hour later, Katya brought Ellie and

Jason the dinners they'd ordered from a nearby Thai restaurant.

Jason answered the door, "Thanks, Katya." He took hold of the plastic bag Katya held

out for him, but she held on.

"Can, um, can I eat with the two of you?" she murmured self-consciously.

"Er, yeah, that's fine," Jason answered awkwardly. "Come in."

Katya gave him a shy half smile and followed him into the room. Jason set the bag on

the dark wood desk and extracted the to-go boxes: there were two trapezoidal containers of

white rice and three cylindrical, plastic containers with their meals. Ellie had gotten the green

curry with vegetables. Jason had gotten the red curry with chicken, and Katya had gotten Pad

See Ew with chicken. Jason and Ellie sat at the foot of their bed on the white linen sheets, and

Katya sat on the black mesh desk chair.

"Did you get enough vegetables in yours, Jason?" Ellie inquired conversationally.

Jason poked through the green beans, bamboo, peppers, and basil with his chopsticks

to snag another piece of chicken. "Uh-huh."

Ellie smiled at him and turned to Katya, "How about you, Katya? Is yours good too?"

Kaya awkwardly nodded, "It's good, thanks."

"We're going to find Lily, and we'll make her come back with us and explain how she's

helped that witch murder people all these years!" Ellie assured her. "I had no idea it had been

going on for so long! I thought it started with Danny!"

"Yeah, uh, I guess they were disposing of the bodies somehow before that. I don't know

why that changed, but I guess it's good it did. Or we still might not know," she murmured

uncomfortably, looking down at her fried noodles. She looked up at Ellie anxiously, "Do you

really think we'll be able to find Officer Schulz?"

"Flora knows where she is," Ellie answered confidently. "The trick is to get her to come

with us, but I think, with you there, we should be able to convince her."

Katya looked back down at her food, "Why would that make a difference?" she

murmured shyly.

Ellie frowned, "Last time we were all together, Lily seemed to like you. She didn't want

us 'corrupting' you, as I recall. Has that changed?"

Katya didn't look up, "I guess not," she mumbled.

"Are you worried about seeing her?" Ellie asked gently.

Katya looked up conflictedly, "No, I don't know, maybe. It's just, um," she paused, and

Jason saw tears welling in the ginger cat's kelly-green eyes. A fat pair of tears dropped into her

noodles.

Ellie quickly set her food aside and hopped up. She placed a hand on Katya's shoulder,

"It's okay. You can tell us if you want to," she soothed.

"It's just that I trusted her," Katya sobbed. "I, I looked up to her, and she was," she

stopped and wiped a hand across her eyes.

Ellie picked up Katya's other hand from her lap and grasped it in both of hers, "We

understand. She was your mentor. It's hard to be betrayed by someone like that."

Katya nodded miserably. "But it wasn't just her. First, first, I lost James, and then Officer

Schulz, and now Bree left too."

"I'm sorry, Katya," Ellie murmured sympathetically. "We won't leave you, I promise, and

we're here if you want to talk about any of it." Ellie lifted Katya's carryout container off of her lap

and set it on the desk behind her. She leaned across Katya's lap to hug her under the arms,

"You're a kind person, and you'll find someone kind to make you happy," she murmured.

Katya put her hands under Ellie's arms and stood, lifting Ellie with her and then holding

her up with Ellie's head beside her own as she hugged Ellie back. Ellie hugged Katya's neck

and pressed her cheek to the ginger cat's. Jason watched the two of them a second longer then

set aside his food and stood. He reached his arms around both of them, sandwiching Ellie in the

middle. Katya smiled at him shyly before rubbing her cheek against Ellie's.

"The two of you are lucky," Katya murmured. "Despite everything you've been through,

you have each other." She rubbed her cheek against Ellie's again. "I wish I knew another you,

Ellie."

Ellie turned her head to peer sidelong at Jason teasingly, "Not another Jason?"

Katya smiled embarrassedly, "Um, well, no offense to Inspector Brown, but I'm not into

guys, even the really nice ones. I'd like there to be more people like Jason, but I really want an

Ellie of my own."

Jason wasn't offended, but he did feel terribly awkward. He let the two women go and

sat back down.

Ellie glanced at him quickly before turning back to Katya a bit embarrassedly, "Er, well, I

do have a sister who you might like. I'm not sure how she feels about girls, but she really likes

cats."

Katya smiled shyly, "Is she as fiery and determined as you?"

"Maybe more," Ellie emphasized. "Her name is Farida. I can put you in contact with her.

She's in medical school, so I guess, uh," she paused and blinked at the cat embarrassedly.

"Actually, I don't know how old you are."

Katya smiled softly, her whiskers twitching with amusement, "I'm twenty-two."

"Alright, Farida's twenty-five, so you're close," Ellie concluded.

Katya smiled a bit wider, "How old are you, Ellie?"

Ellie scowled, "Old enough not to answer."

Jason blinked in surprise, "I thought you were only twenty-eight."

Ellie shot him a dirty look, "I am. My birthday isn't until November."

"I turned twenty-six in January," Jason volunteered. He wasn't sure why and instantly felt

awkward about it.

"Now that we've established I'm the oldest," Ellie drawled annoyedly.

Katya smirked, "It's okay, Ellie. I like older women too," she teased.

Ellie huffed and rolled her eyes, and Katya nuzzled her cheek again before setting her

down.

"Let's finish dinner before it gets colder," Ellie grumbled.

They went back to eating. Katya seemed much more cheerful than before, and Ellie

quickly recovered her optimistic attitude. When they had finished their meals and put the empty

containers in the trash or recycling bins as appropriate, Katya stood.

"Thanks for letting me eat with you. I know we didn't get to, um, spend a lot of time

together before everything that's happened, but I hope I can consider you friends."

Ellie grinned, "Of course you can! I considered you my friend before, and you've only

proven your friendship to us since then."

Jason nodded, "Ellie's right. You've been a friend to us since we first met."

Ellie stood and hugged Katya, and when they broke away, Katya stepped in front of

Jason and opened her arms to him. Jason stood and hugged the ginger cat as well though he

felt a little embarrassed. With an exchange of goodnights, Katya left their room.

Ellie stepped in front of Jason and hugged him tightly. "Thanks for helping, Jason," she

murmured. "I know you feel a little uncomfortable around her, so thanks for helping to cheer her

up."

"I don't think I did much," Jason replied self-consciously.

"It was enough."

Ellie showered while Jason groomed himself, and then they watched tv together with

Ellie sitting in his lap. Jason let her control the remote, and they ended up watching a campy

film about demon possession.

Jason only half paid attention, silently contemplating Ellie. Katya was right: Ellie was

relentless when she knew what was right. Jason admired that tenacity, but he also realized that

her determination was a comfort to Ellie as much as it was to Katya. Ellie didn't admit defeat

because she had faith that the world could be better, and she needed that belief to be true.

Perhaps she was naive, but Jason loved that in her too.

* * *

The next morning, Katya brought them breakfast from the hotel's continental buffet. Ellie

was getting tired of hard fruit and stale muffins, but she accepted hers graciously. Katya ate with

them again, and when they were done, she spoke.

"I guess we'll be driving separately. Where do you want to meet when we get there?"

"We should meet at Flora's house," Ellie answered. "She can show us how to find Lily. I'll

give you her address."

"Be careful on your drive back," Katya warned. "If you're captured again, you might not

get away."

"We could go together," Jason suggested. "You're still a police officer, aren't you? If you

drove and we were pulled over, you could pretend you were arresting us."

Katya frowned, "I kind of need to take my car home, but that could work on the way

back. How many does your car hold?"

"Five, four comfortably," Jason answered.

Katya nodded, "Alright, we'll do that on the way back. Lily is also wanted, so it's probably

for the best."

Ellie gave Katya Flora's address, and then they left. Ellie drove first, keeping a careful

eye on their speed; she noticed Jason glancing at the speedometer as well. Several hours later,

they arrived outside of Flora's forest-green, two-story house. Katya's kelly-green sports car was

already parked on the street in front of the abode. Ellie knocked on the door, and Katya

answered it along with Flora.

"You made it!" Flora exclaimed with relief. "Katya has been telling us about your

experience with the King!" She herded them inside hospitably, "Come in, come in."

Flora led them to the living room where Pete was waiting on the pale green loveseat.

The pregnant gray fox sat next to the black and white rabbit and wrapped her arm across his

shoulders. Ellie and Jason sat with Katya on the matching sofa with Ellie in the middle and

Katya on the right.

"I'm sorry your meeting with the King didn't go well," Flora continued. "But I think you

should have better luck with Lily. Pete has offered to show you to their base."

Ellie blinked, "Really?!" She was more than a little surprised the timid rabbit would go

with two predators to find yet another predator. Ellie would be there too, of course, but she

doubted she'd be much comfort.

"It's t-too risky for Flora to go!" Pete squeaked. He sounded determined but also

extremely nervous.

"I'm sure I'd be fine," Flora commented a bit amusedly. "But I wouldn't want Pete to

worry. He's convinced the kits are coming at any minute."

"They could!" Pete defended himself anxiously. "They're due next week!"

Flora smiled and nuzzled his head. "Either way, I'll be staying here. Pete can show you

the way through the tunnels, and I think they'll be less concerned the fewer carnivores are with

you."

Jason frowned worriedly, "Is that going to be a problem?"

"They're wary of allowing predators to explore the tunnels," Flora explained. "But Lily

knows you, and you'll be with Pete and Ellie. So you should be fine."

"Maybe he should stay!" Pete squeaked anxiously.

Flora nuzzled the base of his ear and murmured soothingly, "You'll be alright; you know

Jason."

Pete looked up at her worriedly, "B-but what if the kits come while we're gone?! You

might need someone to drive you to the hospital!"

Flora smiled gently, "You won't be gone long," she soothed.

Pete shook his head, "We don't know how long we will be! Someone should stay!"

Flora looked up at Jason questioningly, "Would you mind, Jason? I don't want Pete to

worry about me."

Jason stiffly nodded once; Ellie thought he looked terribly embarrassed.

"You probably won't have to do anything," Flora stated cheerfully. "We'll just chat, and

they'll be back in a few hours."

Jason nodded again, a bit less awkwardly, "Alright."

"I don't think we should go until tomorrow," Ellie declared. "If it takes too long to convince

Lily, we might have to spend the night with her or bring her back here for the night, and I'd

prefer not to do either."

Katya nodded, "Okay, I'll go home then, and I'll meet you here tomorrow morning. Is

seven okay?"

Ellie nodded reluctantly. She didn't really want to get up that early, but she supposed it

was better to give themselves more time.

"You're welcome to stay here for the night, Katya," Flora offered cheerfully.

Katya smiled at her awkwardly, "Er, well, my apartment is just across town. Thanks for

the offer though."

"Alright, I insist you say for dinner though," Flora pressed good-naturedly.

"That's not necessary. I have plenty of-"

Flora's kelly-green eyes flared dangerously, and Katya froze with her mouth still ajar and

her own kelly-green eyes wide.

"I wasn't making an offer," the vixen spoke softly, her eyes staring daggers at the ginger

cat. "You'll stay for dinner, or you won't set foot outside of this house with Pete."

"A-alright," Katya stammered nervously. "I-I'll eat with you, no problem."

Flora's visage brightened back into her former sunny expression. "Thank you, Katya. I

hope you understand. I trust Ellie's judgement, and I know she wouldn't have brought you here

if she didn't trust you. But I want a chance to get to know someone personally before I entrust

them with Pete's safety."

Katya nodded embarrassedly, "I understand."

Once again, Ellie was glad Jason wasn't so protective of her. She would be mortified if

he ever demanded to talk with someone before she left the house with them. She would have

been mortified if her father had acted that way, let alone her partner. However, Pete didn't seem

to mind; in fact, he snuggled closer to Flora, more calm and content than he'd been since they

got there. Flora gave him a squeeze with the arm wrapped around his shoulders.

"Well, I think Pete and I should get started on dinner," Flora chirped. "You're welcome to

join us in the other room or wait here until it's ready."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Katya asked awkwardly.

Flora smiled pleasantly, "We'll find you something to do."

The cat, fox, and rabbit left the room. Ellie and Jason remained on the couch. They'd be

fixing meat, and while Ellie was slowly getting more used to the smell, she preferred not to

breathe the fumes from the cooking flesh. Besides, it will give Flora and Pete some time with

Katya.

"I thought she was going to jump on her for a second," Jason murmured. "Something

about her reminded me of the Duchess just then."

Ellie stared at him, aghast, "Flora's nothing like that monster!" she reprimanded. "How

could you say that, Jason?!"

Jason winced, "I, uh, just meant how she looked when she got angry. They're both

foxes; they're bound to look a little similar."

"They're not even the same genus!" Ellie rejoined. "And everyone gets angry

sometimes."

"I didn't mean anything by it," Jason murmured sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Ellie."

"Hmph, I suppose I can forgive you this time," Ellie replied snippily. She eyed the

uncomfortable cat sidelong and felt a little guilty about her sharp tone. She scooted over next to

him and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I understand what you meant, Jason," she

conceded. "She looked pretty fierce for a second there. It certainly scared poor Katya."

"I guess even Flora has a temper," Jason concluded. "She seems so gentle most of the

time."

Ellie laughed softly, "Heheh, she's ruthless if you make her really mad. Once she shut

me in a wooden chest and sat on it until I apologized for spilling paint on her fur. I was in there

for over an hour."

Jason looked at her quizzically, "Why didn't you just apologize?"

"Because she ran into me!" Ellie returned irately. "She should have apologized!"

Jason chuckled softly, "Haha, what made you give up then?"

"It was getting hard to breathe! I didn't want to smother," Ellie answered tersely.

Jason nuzzled her head, "I'm surprised you didn't let yourself pass out," he teased.

Ellie sniffed testily, but she still leaned her head back against his shoulder. Jason could

tease her for being stubborn; he was her sweet, silly kitty, after all.

About half an hour later, Flora called them into the other room for dinner. The table was

set with five places; only the end closest to the kitchen was empty. Flora placed Katya on the far

end and sat next to her with Pete on Flora's left. Jason sat in the other seat next to Katya, and

Ellie took the one across from Pete so that the herbivores could have their food at that end.

They were having barbeque sandwiches: shredded pork for the carnivores and shredded

carrots and chopped broccoli for the rabbits. There was also macaroni salad with a creamy

cashew sauce and chopped beets, spinach and dandelion salad with sweet vinaigrette dressing,

and savory cornbread muffins.

Ellie had some of everything except the pork while Jason had his sandwich, some

noodles with only a few pieces of beet, a small pile of spinach, and a muffin. Katya avoided the

spinach but tried the macaroni salad along with her sandwich and muffin, and Flora had some of

everything, even sampling a spoonful of the filling for the rabbits' sandwiches. They ate in placid

silence for several minutes before Katya spoke.

"How many kits are you having, Flora?"

"Four," Flora answered cheerfully. "Two tods and two vixens. Pete's pleased he'll only be

outnumbered by species," she joked.

"How did you decide to have your own?" Katya inquired. "I mean, since you can't, um,

make them together."

Flora smiled amusedly, "Pete suggested it. I would have been happy so long as we got

to raise a family together."

Katya looked at Pete questioningly, and the rabbit glanced at her nervously before

setting down his fork.

"Er, well, it, it's just that," he looked up at Flora, who turned to smile comfortingly at him.

"Go on, Pete. You can tell them," she reassured him.

"I-I just thought Flora should have kits of her own. She-she's so smart and beautiful and

kind; I wanted her to pass that on."

Flora smiled at him lovingly, "Pete sees me through rose-colored glasses, but I'm glad

we made this decision. I think it's brought us even closer together."

Ellie thought Flora's excessive modesty was a bit annoying, but the tender affection

between the pair filled her with warmth despite that.

Katya turned to her and Jason, "What about you two?"

Jason shifted embarrassedly in his seat, "I, uh, don't think we've decided. I guess it's up

to Ellie." He looked at her sidelong.

"We haven't decided," Ellie agreed. She was happy to leave it at that.

"I'm not sure it's something I'd want," Katya admitted. "Kittens are cute, but I don't know

if I'd want that responsibility. It would have to be with the right person for sure."

"Whether you decide to have them or not, I hope you find your own right person," Flora

returned warmly. "I may have only met you today, but I think you're a lovely person. And I'm

confident Pete will be safe under your protection."

Katya flicked an ear, looking quite embarrassed. "Thanks, I, um, th-think you're lovely

too," she murmured self-consciously. She quickly looked away from Flora, and Ellie noticed her

dusty pink nose turning scarlet.

Ellie couldn't tell whether Flora had noticed the slip. They finished dinner in silence, but

Katya didn't recover her composure, focusing all of her attention on her plate. When they had

finished, Katya stood.

"Thank you for dinner," she murmured. "I'll, um, see you all tomorrow."

"Alright, see you, Katya. Have a good evening," Flora replied.

Katya nodded once in acknowledgement then made a hasty exit. They heard the door

close a second later.

"I think I embarrassed her," Flora commented worriedly.

Ellie nodded in agreement, but she didn't think it was her place to elaborate.

Flora and Pete put away the leftovers, and Ellie and Jason washed the dishes.

When they had finished, Flora approached them with a pack of cards. "We didn't get to

play last time the two of you spent the night," she reminded them. "Would you like to play

something?"

Ellie nodded cheerfully, "Sure, what did you have in mind?"

"I think you mentioned euchre, but you can choose something else."

"Euchre's good. How should we split the teams?"

Flora smiled amusedly, "I assumed we'd play with our partners, but if you want to do

girls versus boys or rabbits versus carnivores, that's fine too."

"Rabbits versus carnivores sounds ominous," Ellie jested. "Let's do that."

Flora fetched Pete, and they seated themselves with Ellie across from Flora and Jason

across from Pete. Flora sorted the cards, and Ellie got the first deal. Ellie soon regretted her

decision. Pete played immediately before Jason, and each time, he studied the cat nervously as

if he thought he'd attack him if he played the wrong card. The black and white rabbit only called

trump once: they got two points, but they could have gotten four had he called it alone. In the

end, Jason and Flora won ten to five.

"Do you want to play again?" Flora asked as she collected the cards.

Ellie shook her head grumpily.

Flora stood and lifted Pete out of his seat, "It looks like it's time for this bunny to pay the

price!" she chirped playfully. She hefted Pete over her shoulder and marched out of the room

with a wink at Ellie.

Ellie blushed, her cheeks and ears getting warm.

Jason watched the pair go before turning back to her embarrassedly, "I think that was

goodnight," he murmured.

"I guess we should get ready for bed too," Ellie suggested to change the subject.

Ellie took a shower, and when she returned to the living room, Jason had made their bed

on the sofa. He was lying on top of the covers, and she silently crept to the arm of the couch

and popped her head over his.

"Boo!"

Jason yawned and smiled amusedly, "I heard you coming up the stairs."

Ellie frowned. She placed her hands on the arm, and with a powerful jump, flipped over

it, landing on Jason's stomach. She heard the breath whoosh out of him as her rear impacted

his belly. She sat up and turned her head to peer back deviously.

"Did you hear me coming that time?" she teased.

Jason shot up and wrapped his arms tightly around her, squeezing her to his chest. "It's

not smart to jump into a predator's claws," he growled playfully. Still squeezing her tightly in his

right arm, he brought his left hand to her belly and lightly traced a finger through her fur. "I seem

to remember promising to tickle you," he purred softly, his breath hot on her right ear.

Ellie squirmed in his grip, pushing her feet against the couch to slip away, but she was

caught fast by his powerful hold.

Jason purred louder and his fingers began to mix through her belly fur, slowly at first,

teasingly. He knew she couldn't get away, and he wanted her to anticipate what was coming.

Even the anticipation was too much, and Ellie fought against giggles as she vainly struggled to

free herself from the cat's arm.

"Heehee, snrk, heeheehee, snrt, n-no!"

"I'm going to make you wet yourself!" Jason growled with mock ferocity. He wiggled his

fingers rapidly, mercilessly tickling the helpless Ellie.

"Akk! N-no! Eeheeheehee, eeheeheehee, eeheeheeheehee!" Ellie squealed.

Her feet scrambled frantically against the yielding couch cushion as Jason tickled her.

The irresistible elation from his wriggling fingers coursed through her body, making her

struggles more frenzied but less effective. Jason held her easily, and his deep purring cut

through her own squeals, the rumble filling her ears as his chest vibrated against her back. Ellie

was soon gasping for breath as she laughed uncontrollably, but still Jason didn't relent.

"Eeheeheeheehee, s-stop! Eeheeheehee, I, eeheeheehee, I'm going to,

eeheeheeheeheehee, wet the couch!" Ellie squealed.

Jason redoubled his efforts, "Are you?!" he growled triumphantly. "I don't believe you,

bunny! Pee and make me believe you!"

Ellie was laughing too hard to protest further. Her feet scrambled frenetically, but her

muscles were getting tired. Her diaphragm was starting to ache. Her belly spasmed in protest to

the merciless elation, and she felt it squeezing her bladder. If she hadn't used the bathroom

before getting in the shower she would have peed by now! Lightheaded and gasping for oxygen,

she felt her struggles slowing. She was getting weak from exhaustion and hyperventilation, and

soon she wouldn't be able to even try to escape. She had just resigned herself to the idea of

peeing down Jason's leg when the tickling abruptly stopped. Ellie giggled and gasped until she

was able to calm herself.

"I think you've had enough," Jason purred satisfiedly. He lay down, pulling her down with

him, and then rolled her onto her stomach. His arms gently wrapped around her, he grinned up

toothily. "Did you like that, Cutie Pie," he teased.

Exhausted, Ellie flopped her head against his chest. "I'll get you back," she muttered

darkly. She shut her eyes.

"All wiped out, are you?" Jason teased.

Ellie grunted in reply.

Jason stroked a hand down her back, and she felt his cool nose touch her ear. "I love

you, Ellie," he whispered.

Ellie smiled. Perhaps she could spare Jason her revenge this one time. Jason continued

stroking her, and she drifted to sleep, soothed by his loving caresses.