1 year later
In a room designed for Teaching, Swallow was at her desk trying to figure out the math problem that Ti had given her for her homework but she was having a hard time figuring it out. Mother poked her head in to see what she was doing.
"Hello Swallow." Mother said with a cheerful voice.
Ti had told her to be wary of Mother and to be careful around her. "Heeelllow Muuthoor." Swallow said stuttering, her voice training wasn't complete and she had trouble with a lot of words.
"So how's my young lady doing?" She came nearer to Swallow and she tried to shy away. Mother looked at the equation she was trying to do and came up with the answer almost immediately. She looked at Swallows attempts and saw where the young girl had gone wrong. "I can show you how to fix this." She pointed to the problem.
Swallow looked up at Mother and decided it was harmless if she did. "Yees Pwweezzz."
She smiled, "You were very close Swallow, you see here." She pointed to a couple of numbers on the far edge of her equation. "You have transposed them, or switched them around."
Swallow looked and then saw her mistake. "I cczzz, tank ew." She sighed heavily and quickly changed the numbers around.
Mother watched her go through the rest of the equation with ease and thought she was quite good with the numbers. "Nicely done Swallow." She smiled at the young girl. Ti had matured into a woman but Swallow still remained a youth, full of energy and innocence.
"On twwo the mext wumm."
"Could you put that aside for a few moments Swallow, I have something I would like to show you."
Swallow wasn't sure if she wanted to go alone with her. "Ah..kkann Ti kkkome."
Mother smiled, "Of course Swallow, you go find her, ok."
"Ookage." Swallow ran off to find Ti, she knew where she was and she hurried along the corridors. Ti was sleeping, she always did in the afternoon for a couple of hours. It was something that she just did but Swallow didn't know why. It took a bit of shaking to get Ti to wake up. But as Ti awoke and Swallow explained she reassured Swallow that it was a good thing that she came and got her.
Ti and Swallow met mother and they proceeded to the back yard. There they found twenty cages and in each one was a cute little bunny rabbit. Swallow quickly ran up to each cage. "Ti ,Ti looook aaak the bunezz." Her eyes were full of joy.
"They're yours Swallow, I thought you would like some company and something to look after." Mother said as she moved up behind the young girl. She stroked the young girl's head.
"Weely fur Meez." She turned to Ti and smiled. "Ti I gotz bunnzzies." Mother turned and smiled at Ti but it wasn't a smile of pleasantness but an evil smile.
"A man will come tomorrow Swallow and show you how to care for them, Ok."
Swallow was so excited, "DDDDDay arrrrrr weeelly ine?" She said trying to control her speech but it was almost useless.
"Yes Swallow, all yours." She smiled again at the little girl.
Ti wasn't impressed and then it dawned on her what she was up to. Oh no she couldn't do this to her, no! "Swallow come here, you will have nothing to do with these rabbits."
Swallow couldn't believe what Ti was saying. "Ti?" Her face was full of question.
"Swallow come here." She said raising her voice a little.
"Ti you're not going to let Swallow have some fun with some pets?" She said in a sly and calm manner." I don't understand, they're only harmless bunnies." She grinned.
Ti looked at Swallow and saw that she was getting very upset, Mother had lead her right to her trap and she had fallen in it. She would have to talk to Swallow later and try to undo the damage that Mother had caused.
"It's ok Swallow I jumped the gun, it's alright." She gave Mother and evil look.
Swallow smiled and opened one of the cages with Mothers help. "Look Ti, she's black and white like us." She held up the bunny for her to see. Swallow was so happy, Ti could do nothing, Mother had won this round.
She had also won something else, she had driven a wedge between Swallow and Ti in the form of a rabbit. The argument was fierce and intense and Swallow didn't speak to Ti for a whole month. The relationship between them was strained for months afterward. Mother spent a lot of time in the next few weeks with Swallow while Ti watched, she was up to something but she could only guess what. The events that followed, in the coming months would test the strength of their friendship.
A month and a half-later Mother called Ti to come and see her. After the horrible incident with Swallow, Ti now had to watch her every step. Nothing had happen so far but that she knew could change quickly. She thought of what Mother might want her for. It wasn't unusual for her to be called to see her. Mother was reading a text in her study when she interrupted her. "You wanted to see me Mother." Ti said, trying to sound casual.
"Yes, I just wanted to inform you that you won't have to look after the Skunktaur after all."
Ti could see that her mind really wasn't on this conversation. "I thought.." Ti said but was interrupted.
"She died yesterday." The tone was callous.
Ti wasn't sure exactly how to take this. Did Mother kill it, or did it just die naturally, it was very hard to read Mother. "Do you know why she died?" Ti, had only seen the Skunktaur twice in all this time and she was never allowed to be really close to it. It seemed far to fragile for anything.
"She had a heart defect that we didn't detect, it wouldn't have mattered anyway. Dr. Caliban said the condition was not repairable. I'm sorry Ti. I know you were looking forward to spending time with her."
"I'm sorry too, Mother." In truth, she thought it might be for the best, to live like they were living wasn't life. In short they were prisoners.
"However all the news isn't bad I have a surprise for you and Swallow." Her attention now turned to her. "I have arranged for a trip for all of us to a private Island I own. You can tell Swallow that we will be leaving in a couple of days."
Ti couldn't believe her ears; they were going away. "A trip?" For the first time in a long time, Ti's heart soared ."Yes Ti, I felt it was time for you and Swallow to have some time away from this place."
Ti really couldn't believe it, she knew it wouldn't be a chance to escape but it would be great just to get out of this dungeon. "Thank you Mother!" She said with enthusiasm, she didn't want to give her credit but this was indeed good news.
Mother saw the look in Ti's face. "It's ok Ti, now go and tell Swallow all the news."
Ti took off like a rocket, this was news worth telling. Swallow had totally withdrawn from talking about Mother, her psyche had now been damaged severely. This news in many ways would help the healing process, for now their bonds of friendship could never be destroyed. No matter what Mother did now.
Mother watched as the Ti took off and was amazed that something so large could move so fast. This should be an enjoyable trip. She had thought long and hard about the trip, it wasn't just for them. It was also for herself, she had been playing a lot and she needed somewhere to really let go. She smiled to herself and the sensual feelings began to churn inside her.
The plane ride was bumpy and they had both been blindfolded when they left the estate and boarded the plane. So neither of them had any idea where they were. It didn't matter though they were away from the dungeon. The island was beautiful with long sandy beaches and lovely open skies. It was paradise but for Ti, it was extremely hot. For Swallow it was a different story. The hot sun made her fur stick out to cool her body. She looked more like a porcupine than a skunk and she did look funny. Ti laughed the first time she saw her.
"Itttt wwwnot furrrnny." Swallow said to Ti.
"I know Swallow but you haven't seen yourself in a mirror." Ti laughed a bit more.
"Hmmmf IIII gro fwim neeow." She stormed off towards the water, she wasn't happy that Ti found her looks funny.
"Swallow wait up, don't be mad." The massive giant easily caught up with her.
"Yooou laf me."
"You mean, "You laughed at me". I didn't mean it, you just looked funny."
"I guez me porkypine mot Squnk." She said with a smile.
"Yes Swallow it's just your way of coping with the heat, I can't do that, and it's quite hot out here. Let's give the fishes a scare." She rushed Swallow who really wasn't prepared for Ti to pick her up and dash for the water.
"Ti dwn." Swallow screamed.
"Soon!" She splashed into the water at full steam with the mission of getting them both very wet. And indeed they were both a few seconds later. Swallow surfaced and Ti laughed.
"Mot fuuuunny!" Swallow said and splashed Ti.
"Sure it was!" She splashed back and laughed at Swallow.
Mother watched from her hut a distance away at the two having fun. Her thoughts were exactly right, these two had formed a bond that she would not be able to break. Still she needed to study these creatures some more yet. If she combined these two creatures, what a magnificent specimen that would be. It would be almost impossible to stop, it was an idea that had been brewing in her head. Telling Ti the taur died was a stroke of genius, she had all the information she needed from it. The orphanage would have their hands full with that one, she thought. Her informants would tell her how it got along. At this moment she really didn't care, she was on the verge of blowing a gasket. She had added a vibrator to the cylinder that now was inside her and it was almost driving her insane. It was time to go and play. She knew she wouldn't be interrupted by those two.
Canada present day.
The car moved slowly down the street as they looked at the house numbers trying to find the right one. "Mom about the cassette recorder." Sabrina Johnston said.
"It's ok you were just excited about Heather. Don't worry about it you can bring it by another day. This looks like the address, nervous?"
"Yeah, not sure what to say." Sabrina said.
"Just be yourself, they're probably just as nervous as we are. Remember they just found out that their daughter has a twin with two legs. Remember when you found out you had a twin."
"Never thought of it that way. Guess they will be surprised to see me."
"They might want to adopt you too." Her mother winked at her.
"Mom!"
"Just kidding my girl, never trade you for anything." Margrette turned the car into the driveway and put it into park. She got out and Sabrina went around the car and joined up with her mother and proceeded to the door. They were going to ring the doorbell but Heather opened the door for them. Giving them a bit of a surprise.
"Ms Johnston, Sabrina welcome." Said Heather. "Mom, Dad, Sabrina and her Mom are here!" Heather called back into the house. "Come in, come in." Said Heather as she motioned for them step in from the outside.
As they entered they saw that the house was fairly open and spacious. Probably to allow Heather easier access to the house. Heather's parents came out from their kitchen and greeted them. A lion and lioness.
"Hi, we're Heather's parents, it's nice to finally meet you Ms Johnston, Sabrina." Said the male lion. "My name is Sid and this is my mate Nancy. Heather wasn't exaggerating when she said she had a twin."
Both Sid and Nancy found it intriguing, they had both concluded that Heather meant fur pattern. Not a young woman who looked exactly like their daughter.
Heather moved up and stood beside Sabrina. "Yeah isn't it cool Dad, she looks just like me." Heather was only a little taller and if you didn't know she was a taur you would have said they were twins.
"Heather honey is that camera ready, you said you could set it up to take our picture."
"Yeah Dad, I'll need your tri-pod though."
"That I can get, excuse me everyone." Sid said. "I thought it might be a nice ice breaker before dinner." Heather followed her father, leaving Sabrina and her mother with Nancy.
"Sounds good." Said Margrette.
"Come in and sit you two." Said Nancy. "Hope you brought your appetites. Heather has been on cloud nine, ever since she came home today."
"You don't say." Margrette looked over at her daughter. "Seems they share more in common than just looks." She smiled.
Sabrina gave her mother a strange look then went to see what Heather was up to.
That left Margrette alone with Nancy. "So how long have you had Heather?" Margrette said trying to start off a conversation.
"Hmmm lets see, we got her when she was about 5. The adoption agency didn't have much on her. She was dropped off with just a few notes on basically what to feed her. She is the only Skunktaur known to exist as far as we know. She's been put into a medical journal, thank god they did all the tests when she was small. Some of them were not very pleasant."
"I can just bet." Margrette said. "So she's really special then."
"She's been the joy of our lives. We tried so hard to conceive but we're one of those rare couples that aren't compatible with each other, even though we're the same species." She put her head down, knowing how hard they had tried.
Margrette saw this was a hard topic to discuss and decided not dwell on it. "But you have Heather, I'll bet growing up she was like having 10 kids."
"Oh she was the clumsiest thing, she had an awful time trying to walk. It was almost as if she had been born the day before."
"That's strange, I would have thought by 5 she would have been able to walk."
"We think that's why the orphanage got her, her real parents couldn't take care of her. Or didn't have the time to take with her to teach her. When we first saw her she was in a corner with the other children throwing things at her. We asked about her and they told us that she was an odd ball and that she couldn't walk properly. We knew that Taurs are rare creatures but at that time we didn't know she was one of a kind. Then she crawled across the floor to get her meal, we both almost broke into tears. We knew at that moment she was the one, she just had to be."
"Oh my, you must be extremely proud of Heather." She thought about seeing that scene herself and she doubted that she could have left her there either. "How did you get her to walk?" Margrette was now getting comfortable talking to Nancy. It was almost like she had known her for years.
"Well when we first got her home we found she could hardly talk as well. As I said she was almost like and infant in many ways. The doctors gave her a clean bill of health; there wasn't anything wrong with her legs. While they had her there they did all these tests on her, she was something the doctors hadn't seen before. And after they told us that our daughter would be written up in a medical journal. They suggested some exercises for her and maybe a walker. We got her home and we tried to help her stand to walk, but we couldn't advise her very well. So we thought one of her own kind could maybe help her. Sid put an ad in the paper to see if there were any Taurs in the neighborhood. Turns out there was a Foxtaur about an hour drive from here."
Margrette smiled, "That must have made your day."
"Yes Sid couldn't wait to call back. We found out his name was Carlos and he said he would try to help Heather as much as he could. He explained he wasn't a therapist but he said he would try."
"Looks like it worked."
"Yeah, Carlos and Sid hit it off and now are best of friends. Carlos is a cabinetmaker and Sid is a professional draftsman. The two have made some really lovely cabinets, Sid helps Carlos do some of the work and both are learning from each other. The two of them made training harness after training harness. Heather tried so hard, she exhausted herself every time they did the exercises. She was a little trouper."
"She's a wonderful girl."
"The day she walked to Sid and Carlos without any aid is one of the happiest days of my life. Then yesterday she comes home and says she has a twin. Well we didn't know what to think."
"Did Heather tell you that Sabrina is a twin herself?"
Nancy's eyes opened wide. Obviously not Margrette thought to herself. "No she never said anything to us about that." Nancy turned her attention away from Margrette and called out. "Heather, come in here!" It wasn't long before Heather poked her head out into the living room.
"Yeah Mom?"
"Dear, you never told us that Sabrina has a twin sister."
Heather's face drooped a bit. "Oops, sorry mom. I forgot, now that you mention it."
"Heather, these people might be somehow related to you." Margrette couldn't figure out how that could be.
"Mom, Ms. Johnston didn't know I existed, neither did Sabrina. How could I be related to them?"
"I don't know dear, but you are Sabrina's twin except for fact that you're a Taur."
"That's true." Margrette said. "She is Sabrina's twin from the waist up." She had thought the same thoughts back at the computer store. "I can go back and ask about our family history, Nancy."
"That would be great, Ms. Johnston. I know we just met, but we have tried to find Heather's birth parents and have come up with nothing."
"I will try and please call me Margrette." She couldn't promise anything but who knows she might find something.
The Past.
A year had gone past since she had taken the Skunktaur away. She was pleased to see that it had been adopted. They kept an eye on it but nothing really close. On this morning though what she thought was only a headache began to throb in the back of her head, Mother knew the signs and she cursed them. She had only been awake for 15 years this time. This was the shortest span she had ever had and she knew she couldn't do anything about it. It was time to clean up all her affairs and get ready for her sleep. Money had kept people loyal to her and kept her safe. She had to be moved once during the Second World War. The reward she gave them was enough to keep them all extremely satisfied for many years to come. The hardest part for her was keeping up with everything. She kept an extremely low profile, which helped, and her money portfolios were only handled by a chosen few. She knew that the next time she awoke, she would be different again and things would have to be learned all over again.
She studied the data on her two subjects and was extremely pleased. Although it displeased her that it had to end so soon into the game. Oh well, she had the data and that was all that mattered. She knew that each of them despised her but that was a given. She put the orders in a folder and sealed them. Then she called for Adam. Adam was her best agent; he had served her well and had done some things that had surprised her. His loyalty was beyond what she had ever imagined but she had her doubts. She would see if her instinct was right or not. If he did the job it would be done discretely but she had two problems in the form of two female skunks.
"Stobbs dit, stob!" Swallow screamed as Adam continued to tickle her. "Hahahahahaahah iz hurz, ahhhhahahh."
"Ah so you are ticklish." He laughed out loud. Over the last couple of years he had gotten to know the girls quite well. Sneaking them treats and the occasional video that they weren't allowed to have. It was then his beeper went off. "Sorry ladies but duty calls." He waved to the girls and headed out.
"He's great, isn't he, Ti?"
"Yes, at least in this place we have one friend." She looked at her friend and she resumed Adam's tickling session.
"Ti stopz, hahahahahaahah."
"No this is fun." Ti laughed and continued with the assault.
Adam traveled to his boss' office; it was a place he knew all to well. He paused and stared at himself in the mirror. He took his hand and stroked his now graying muzzle. He had been employed here so long it was hard to remember back that far. There were times he had nothing much to do but to keep watch over this place until the day she awoke. He wondered what she wanted him to do for her now. Adam moved along, hoping that it would be easy task.
"Ah, Adam nice to see you. Come in, come in; be seated."
"Yes, Madame."
As he proceeded to sit, an envelope was thrown at him. He caught it and fell back into the chair.
"Your new mission. Please read it now."
Her voice was cold and for a reason he couldn't put his finger on, she didn't seem right. "Are you well Madame?" He had no idea of her name, even after all this time, she had never told him.
"My time has come again Adam."
"So soon, Madame?"
"Yes, and this time I'm not doing so well adjusting to the changes."
"Understood, Madame." He opened the folder and began to read. It contained most of the usual stuff he had to do but it was the end paragraph that upset him. "You can't be serious about this last part?" He protested. It was the first time he had ever questioned her orders, but this needed to be addressed.
"They are a liability to me and could expose me to the authorities if they escaped Adam. Ti has voiced her concerns in this matter many times; she is a very intelligent woman. To leave her alone here is an accident waiting to happen; you wouldn't catch her if she got away. She is far too smart for you or me, if you really want to know the truth." She knew Ti in time would eventually equal and surpass her own intellect. It was something that was inevitable. In this respect she was the most dangerous person to her on the planet.
"I cannot do this, Madame!" He couldn't after all this time; he had gotten to know the girls so well. It was just unfathomable; he couldn't do it.
She looked at him with her cold eyes. "I had a feeling that might be the case. It really doesn't matter; things have been arranged. Your things will be sent to your new address, I suggest you find a suitable hotel room for now."
He understood that he just resigned from one of the best paying jobs he had ever had. However he thought he did it for the right reason.
6 months later.
Ti awoke from an unnatural sleep. She instantly was aware that her surroundings were not familiar ones. She was in a cabin of what looked like a boat. Water sloshed over her bringing her to an even more alert state. The cabin was full of water to the height of her bed. She put her feet down in the cold dark water and moved quickly to the door. She felt a tug on her leg and reached down to find what was slowing her down. It was a rope and to it was attached a large box. She threw it on the bed and with her great strength she tore the rope off it. The box had her name on it, to her surprise. She threw it open for time seemed to be of the essence. In it appeared to be a life raft and a note in a clear sealed bag, it read.
"Ti if you are reading this then I accomplished my mission, it took me a long time to figure out what her plans for you were. I also didn't have much time to get this to you. I am now probably dead, for they were on my tail when I left, I only hope this will save your lives. Swallow is in the cabin opposite to you. Take the raft and don't return here, keep a low profile. She won't be looking for you for the moment, probably not for quite awhile so you will have some time if you survive. Good luck to you both, my prayers are with you. I have done a lot of things that I am not proud of hopefully this one will make up for many. Love Adam."
"At least he has given us a chance." Poor Adam she thought. She grabbed the box and exited the cabin. She found Swallow but she was unresponsive. She picked her up and she moaned a bit.
"The drug must have been quite strong." She thought. "Damn I need her awake." She easily found her way outside. The sea was rough and the boat lurched from side to side. As far as the eye could see there was water, it wasn't a good sight. She put Swallow down and tried to get her to come around as the boat rocked.
"Swallow come on girl wake up." This time she hit her with force, hoping it might provoke a response. She didn't want to do it but she thought it was the only way. It got Swallow's attention.
"Ow dat huurt!" Said the sluggish voice of Swallow.
"Thank goodness, Swallow we're in big trouble." Ti said loudly as to get Swallow to respond.
"Waz kiig ov tribell?" Swallow said trying to wake herself up. The drug in her system made it very difficult.
"Mother is trying to kill us!"
That got Swallows immediate attention. "Kwill Us!"
"Yeah I think she's done a good job too." Ti pulled the raft from the box and pulled its ripcord. The raft began immediately inflating. Swallow took a couple of steps back. "Swallow help me get this into the water. Swallow staggered but was able to help Ti get it over the side.
"Waz hap…peing? Where weez?" Swallow said trying to steady her footing and concentrate on speaking.
"In the ocean."
The boat lurched to one side and Swallow staggered but her balance was off and she began to fall towards the side.
"Swallow!" Ti screamed as she let go of the raft. It was like slow motion as Ti tried to catch her but Swallow slipped past by the narrowest of margins and over the side she went. "Swallow!!" Ti screamed as she leaped into the sea after her and tried to look for her in the ocean's gloom but saw nothing. As she broke the surface she looked for any signs of her surfacing but she didn't come up. "Swallow, Swallow." She cried out in desperation, but to no avail. Swallow was gone.
However Ti's problems were only beginning. The boat lurched forward, shifting and twisting as it began to sink. The raft was in danger of being pulled down with the doomed vessel. She quickly scrambled into the raft. Her fur had not completely soaked through and she shook violently to get rid of the excess water. The boat was now almost completely below the surface. With her strong arms she shoved the raft away from the sinking craft. Now the hard part began, trying to survive natures furry upon the vastness called the ocean. She looked out onto the waves for a glimmer of hope, just a sign of Swallow, all the while crying for the loss of her closest friend.
End of Chapter 4
Bunnies Bunnies everywhere…oh the humanity……….hey wait a minute isn't this story about Skunks……..how the hell did bunnies get in here.