Chapter Text
Cari the Fennec sat in her gondola, slowly pushing her way through the water with her human passenger. The human could tell something was on her mind. He didn’t want to press, but he couldn’t help but be curious. “Um, excuse me, miss?”
The fox startled and turned her head to look at the human, “Huh? Oh, uh, yes?”
“I don’t mean to intrude, but I couldn’t help but notice you seem kind of distant.”
She paused. “Well…” She started, “My son’s going to some fancy science camp in the U.F pretty soon. I’m… worried that something might happen to him… being so far away, and everything…”
“...How old is he?”
“8, going on 9… I don’t like sending him so far off from Spagonia, but he seems to REALLY want to go… My husband seems dead-set on letting him go, too. He’s a bright young thing, always tinkering with something or other.”
“He’ll be in the company of adults, no? At least older kids?”
“I’m pretty sure… Couldn’t find anything about this ‘Wechnia Science Experience’ anywhere online… I’m probably just overthinking. Probably just some old, tech illiterate geezer.” She chuckled.
The human smiled warmly, “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
She felt a tap on her shoulder, and suddenly she was back in the ruins. The place where she was supposed to meet with her contact. She took off her headphones. She looked down to see a short, lime green tenrec woman. Sana the Tenrec. Her contact. “Oh, you’re here. Goody, I was starting to think you were another catfish.”
“Your kid. He went to that ‘Science Experience’ too?” The small woman questioned.
“Correct. As did yours, I assume.”
The tenrec sighed. “Yes. She was s’posed to be a counselor. I waited and waited through the day she was due to come back. She never did.”
“Neither did mine. I waited hour after hour in that airport. Nothing.” The taller woman winked, “Bout what you’d expect from an airline, no?”
She growled at the taller woman’s tone, “Ugh… listen, we both need to find our kids, so I guess we’re partners.”
The fennec leaned down and smiled at the tenrec smugly. “Partners, huh? I like the sound of that.”
The tenrec glared at her, “Y’know, you’re awfully chipper for someone whose child has been missing for the past 5 months.”
“And you need to lighten up~” The shorter woman finally got a look at her new partner’s face, and the dark circles under her eyes. There was more to her, it was literally written on her face. “Now come on. I got myself a room at Restoration HQ after I lost my house.”
“You… lost your home?” The tenrec questioned. “What happened?”
The fennec was oddly silent. It was as if she didn’t hear the question… or that she was pretending not to hear. “If I remember correctly, the entrance should be just down this street. Or what’s left of it, at least.” She joked. The tenrec rolled her eyes. This was gonna be a long investigation.
“So, what’s your story?” The fennec began to make conversation. “Where’re you from, who d’ya live with, that sort of thing.”
Sana groaned. Not like there’s any use staying silent. She hated silence. “Central City, and I lived with only my daughter. Had a fling with her father, found out I didn’t actually like men, but by then I was already pregnant. I s’pose it was worth it, in the end…”
“So a single mother, huh? Heh. Me too…” The fennec's words held a feeling of sorrow behind their backs.
“What about you? I don’t suppose you have some incredible backstory only found in the campiest of comic books?” Once again, the taller woman stayed quiet. It was clear to Sana that this was deliberate.
The two froze in their tracks as they heard ruffling in the bushes. They were being watched. Sana took out her knife and brandished it. “Who’s there!?” She screamed, sounding more afraid than she was likely trying to.
“Woah, woah, woah, easy! No need to resort to violence!” A girlish voice yelled. From the bushes emerged a young, pink cat, carrying an obviously stolen microphone and notepad. She had very visible bags under her eyes, and her fur was dotted with leaves and twigs. She honestly looked insane. “You two are looking for people, right? Right!?” She got uncomfortably close.
“Um… yes?” Even Cari was put off by the girl’s demeanor.
“FANTASTIC! Cherry the Cat, investigative journalist, at your service!” Cherry pulled out an index card like a professional would a business card. All the card said was “please”. It wasn’t even on the unlined side of the card. “I’ve been following you two all evening, and I’d be honored to find those kids for you!”
“Uh-huh. And why do you want to help us, again?” Sana questioned suspiciously.
“Because!!” The young girl grabbed the tenrec’s shoulders. “It’s the BIG SCOOP!!! J-Just imagine it! Two old souls bravely rescuing their children from a fiery inferno of mysteries and uncertainty! I-It’s front page-worthy for sure!!”
Cari pulled Sana to the side, away from the deranged teenager. “This kid needs some serious help.”
“Agreed.”
“So, what do we do? I wouldn’t mind the help, plus, I don’t think this one’s gonna last much longer without intervention. Those are the eyes of someone who doesn’t sleep for more than an hour each night. Believe me, I know.”
“Yeah, but she could also be a hindrance! I mean, look at her! She looks like she’s barely comprehending reality.”
“I just don’t like the idea of leaving her unsupervised in her… current state.”
The tenrec sighed. “Fine. But if this gets out of hand, we are ditching her, understand?”
“Deal.” The fennec turned to the girl. “Alright, kiddo, you can come with us.” She was immediately consumed by the tightest hug she’d felt in a long time.
“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!” She was almost in tears. “I p-promise, I won’t let you down!!!”
Cari shoved her away harshly, eyes wider than saucers. She was hyperventilating. She quickly composed herself. The mask went back on. “Hey, didn’t your mama ever teach you about personal space?” Cherry stayed silent. “Okay… Well, we’re on our way to Restoration HQ, so… c’mon, I guess.” The group continued on their way down what was left of the Emeraldville streets. Sana rubbed her head. This was going to be a REALLY long investigation.