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Here's the next chapter in The Zoo! It's a little longer than I intended, but I don't think you will mind. As always any kind of feedback is welcomed be it a Fave, a Vote, A Comment, or a Shout. I hope you all enjoy this one! You're all amazing for stopping to read this ;) - AK

James Dulion paced nervously in his room, the thud of his cane following behind. He constantly checked himself in the mirror, making sure that every hair was in place. He had tried to tell himself to calm down. After all, it wasn't like he was going before a firing squad or anything, it was just a little date with a girl he liked; yet Dulion would still rather face the firing squad.

When he invited Danielle to come over for dinner (at the insistence of Ibuki, who threated to steal his phone and do it for him) he never thought she would accept. After all, her entire family hated lycanthropes, so why would she go to an apartment everyone knew was full of them? And besides, why would she want to have dinner at all with him? Nevertheless, she said yes.

His phone's buzzing on the table made him jump when he heard it. He hobbled over to it and saw the message. It was Danielle; she was outside the front doors of the Zoo. Dulion gave himself once last look in the mirror and headed out to meet her. As he walked through the hallway he felt a slap on his back. He turned and saw Jayson walking past him. Word about his guest had gotten around to the people Dulion had become close to. Jayson gave Dulion a quick look over, than nodded and gave him a "thumbs up." Dulion smiled and continued to the front door.

Through the glass door, Dulion could see Danielle waiting for him. When she saw him she waved happily. Dulion opened the door and let her in. Danielle had her hair tied back in a ponytail. She had on a green top which suited her and a pair of nice jeans on. She wore some makeup, but it was light enough to have her natural features shine through. All in all, Dulion thought she looked breathtaking.

"Hey Duley." She said with as she stepped inside the apartment building.

"Hey." Dulion said. "You look nice today."

"Thank you. Though from looking at you I'd say I'm a little underdressed."

Danielle's remark caused Dulion to look down at his clothing. It was his typical choice of attire; a vest and tie. However, tonight it topped off a pair of jeans rather than dress pants.

"No, you're fine." Dulion said. "I'm just over dressed."

"As per usual." Danielle added with a wink. "Sorry I didn't bring anything. I can't cook to save my life."

"It's alright. I put what I made as from both of us anyway."

"I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

"Nah. I would have done it anyway. We should head to the common room if we want to grab a seat."

"Ok then. Lead the way."

Dulion led Danielle to the already crowed common room. He was afraid of what Danielle's reaction would be when she saw everyone in their lycanthrope forms. Still, he figured she had to have at least an idea of what she was getting herself into, right?

Dulion looked around the room for a free table they could sit at. As he did, he noticed that a few people weren't in their lycanthrope forms; even some people he had never seen otherwise. His thoughts were interrupted by a light tug on his sleeve.

"Look over there." Danielle said. "There's a free table. We should grab it before someone else takes it."

Dulion glanced at the direction Danielle was pointing at and saw the empty table. Together, they moved to the table and took a seat.

"Go get some food." Dulion said. "I'll save your seat."

Danielle nodded and went to join the line. Dulion sunk back into his chair with a smile. He still couldn't believe that Danielle was here with him.

"She's cute." Said a voice behind him.

Dulion turned his head to see Dr. Tennant standing behind him.

"Yes, she is." Dulion said. "Call me crazy, but I don't think I've seen this many humans around the Zoo."

"Well, I might have asked a few people to...lessen the shock this might have on your friend."

"You didn't have..."

"I didn't. I simply asked a few people if they wouldn't mind eating as humans. Luckily everyone was respectful even if they said no; well except one."

"Let me guess who."

"The person talking to your date right now." The Doctor said with a grimace.

Dulion turned to face the line. She saw the bright red feathers of Claudia right behind Danielle. How he missed her, he didn't know. He grabbed his cane and started to get up but felt a light hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see a pretty girl with dark brown hair and brown eyes he'd never seen before. He gave her a quizzical look.

"Don't worry about her. I'll take care of this."

It took a moment for Dulion to place the voice.

"Jess?" he said.

Jess nodded.

"Surprised to see me as a human? Sit back and relax. I'll take care of Claudia."

"I can do this." Dulion said. "I don't want her to think that..."

"I know you can. But if she's ever going to get comfortable around here, she needs to know that were not like Claudia. Besides, I'm going to enjoy shutting her up."

Dulion wanted to protest, but Jess turned away from him before he had a chance. Before his eyes Jess changed into her equine form and headed, with purpose, to the line.

***

Jess eyed her target less like a horse and more like a hawk; ironic that she and Claudia were switching roles. This was less about the advisor and his date and more about putting that pompous bitch in her place. Besides, upon close inspection, Dulion's date was all that much to look at in Jess' opinion anyway. Maybe that's why Dulion was so checking her out. She didn't mind the dorkiness he exuded, but still, not her type whatsoever, even if he didn't have a date.

She felt herself transform effortlessly as she left Dr. Tennant and Dulion behind her. In a weird way, it had felt nice to get to stretch out her human legs for a bit, but now it was time for business. She walked up to Claudia and the human girl. It looked like not a moment too soon, either. The look on the poor girl's face seemed like one of terror.

"Still, I don't understand," Jess heard Claudia whisper, "why you would expect me to force to change for you? I mean I know as a human your brain is slightly lesser than mine, but still to have the arrogance..."

"Hi!" Jess practically yelled, "you must be Mr. Dulion's date. I'm Jess."

She extended her hand, which the girl accepted.

"Danielle." She said. "It's nice to meet you."

"You as well. Dulion seemed really excited that you were going to be here. "

"Excuse me," said Claudia is an uppity, higher than thou tone that made Jess want to punch her in the face, "I was having a conversation."

"I know." Jess said. "But someone with your superior brain should at least understand how to treat someone with respect; even if you don't like them."

Claudia glared at Jess.

"Watch your tone."

"Or what? It's a free country, last time I checked."

Claudia took her plate of food and gave a dirty look to both Jess and Danielle.

"Not for us, Jessica. Make no mistake you and I are anything but free. And as long as you're willing to bow to people like this, we never will be."

With a huff she turned her head and marched back to her table. Jess looked towards Danielle. She still looked nervous.

"I'm so sorry about her." Jess said. "She's a bitch. I hope you know we're not all like that."

"It's...fine. Just a bit of a shock. All I did was say hello to her."

"Best advice is to stay far away from her. Most everyone else here is really nice though. I'm sure Dulion will introduce you them and hopefully we see you around enough for you to see for yourself. But for now, I think I should get in back of the line before I start another problem."

Jess made her way to the rear of the line. As she did, she saw Claudia on the phone. She and whoever it was she was sitting with shoot her an evil stare. She responded with a sarcastic smile. It was about time that the old buzzard was put in her place.

***

Dulion and the Doctor watched the entire seen play out before them. Dulion couldn't help but feel nervous; he grabbed at his cane at least twice and went to get up only for the Doctor to tell him not to. After what seemed like an eternity, Claudia stormed off looking pissed and Jess talked with Danielle for a while. Dulion let out a small sigh of relief.

"See?" Dr. Tennant said, "Nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, right." Dulion said.

"Enjoy your meal, James. Oh and try to relax."

The Doctor made his rounds to the other tables to make sure everything was ok and that everyone was doing well. As he did, Danielle made her way back to her table and took her seat.

"Everything ok?" Dulion asked.

"Yeah, fine ." she said reassuringly. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I saw you talking to Claudia. I'm sorry about her. I was going to get up and give you a hand but..."

"Don't worry about it." Danielle said with a laugh. "I'm a big girl. Besides, I'm used to dealing with assholes at work."

Dulion mentally let out a sigh of relief. He was glad everything went as well as it did. He made a mental note to thank Jess again for what she did. Still he still was on edge. He hoped that Danielle was enjoying herself and having a good time in his company, though he had his...

"Are you ok?" Danielle asked, snapping Dulion back to reality.

"Huh? Oh fine, just fine." He said.

"You seem distracted. I bet it's because you haven't gotten food yet."

"Food. Right. Almost forgot."

Dulion chuckled nervously and grabbed his cane and lumbered over to the shortened food line. Honestly, Dulion wasn't that hungry. His stomach was so full of nerves that it didn't need much in the ways of food. Still, if he didn't eat anything at all, it would look weird. Try as he might, he still couldn't relax. He thought about what he could to make sure Danielle was having a good time and hopefully, to be willing to see him more often. Still his brain was insistent on the fact that there was no way she could ever enjoy his company for more than a simple social visit.

His thoughts were cut short by a force hitting him weakly from behind. The unexpected impact forced Dulion to lean on his cane in order to keep from falling over. He felt two small arms around his waist.

"Hi Mr. Dulion!" He heard Stephanie's voice ring out.

"Stephanie, be careful." Josef said from behind his daughter. "You could hurt someone."

Dulion dusted himself off a bit and turned around to meet the outstretched hand of Josef Makarov, which was covered in the familiar orange and black stripes of a tiger. Dulion gripped Josef's hand with a strong handshake.

"How are you James?" Josef asked.

"Ok." Dulion said. "Just a little...anxious I guess."

"Anxious?" Josef said. "About what?"

"About his date, Daddy." Stephanie said.

"Is that all?" Josef said with a deep chuckle. "Dear Boy, just be yourself."

"Yeah, but I don't even like myself, so why would she?" Dulion answered.

"Bah! You need to like yourself. She will like you just fine."

"I hope you're right."

"If you want I can be...how is said...your...birdman?"

Dulion gave Josef a puzzled look. It took him a few moments to understand that Josef meant 'wingman' but thought it was best not to say anything.

"I think Mommy is talking to your date, Mr. Dulion."

Dulion glanced towards his table. He saw Cameron, in her human for, sitting in the seat he previously occupied. He watched for a moment as the two women talked; still feeling slightly concerned considering Danielle's encounter with Claudia. Thankfully, his concern was not warranted as he saw both women laugh at something Danielle said. A small tap on his shoulder from Josef remind Dulion he had to keep the line moving. He grabbed a little food; only as much as he thought is stomach would allow, and waited for Josef and Stephanie before the three of them went towards his table.

"Oh I know what you mean." Cameron said, "It's the same thing for me."

"Mind if I interrupt?" Dulion asked Cameron.

"Oh not at all." Cameron said. "Just having a nice conversation with your guest."

"I'm sorry." Josef said. "She can talk someone's ear off."

Cameron gave Josef a mockingly angry look.

"This is my husband, Josef" she said pointing to the tiger, "and my daughter, Stephanie."

Josef extended his hand to Danielle, which she accepted.

"I remember you from the mall." Danielle said to Stephanie. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise." Josef said. "Cameron, we should find a table for ourselves before..."

"Why don't you sit with us?" Danielle asked. "I'm sure that would be ok with Duley, right?"

"Absolutely."

Dulion didn't have the heart nor the chutzpah to actually say he wanted to be alone with Danielle but overall, he didn't mind too much. After all, having another couple to help couldn't hurt, right? Chairs were pulled up to the table and everyone sat eating. It turned out that Dulion's expectations of Josef as a "wingman" were largely surpassed. Josef told Danielle about Dulion's "crusade" (his words, not Dulion's) against the false DYFS complaint, complete with just the right amount of embellishment.

"This man," Josef said pointing to Dulion, "this man is my hero. He saved my family. I couldn't ever possibly repay him."

"I was just doing my job." Dulion said with a sheepishly

"Even if you were," Danielle said, "what you did was pretty incredible. I always knew you'd be successful, Duley, but this is amazing."

"Well..."

Dulion's thoughts were cut short by a large rumbling sound coming from outside the Zoo. As it got louder, Dulion could make out that the sound was a gathering of people. It sounded almost as if a protest was being staged right outside the Zoo. Everyone in the common room had also heard the sounds. Soon, the common room grew into a chorus of confused and worried exchanges.

"Ok, everyone relax." Dr. Tennant said, trying to calm everyone down, "I'm sure there is nothing to be worried about."

From outside, the angry voices grew louder. Dulion grabbed his cane and stood up.

"Everyone stay calm." He said loudly so everyone could hear. "I'll go see what's going on. Dr. Tennant, you'd better come with me. Mr. Makarov, you too, if you would?"

Josef nodded and the Doctor walked up to Dulion.

"Mrs. Makarov," Dulion said quietly, "try to keep everyone calm here. If you need a hand, ask Jess."

"What about me?" Danielle asked. "I can help too."

"Same thing. Just try to keep everyone calm."

Danielle nodded as the three men went to the front doors of the Zoo. Gathered there, complete with picket signs, was a large group of Lycanthropes. The banners made it clear of their affiliation.

"WILD." Dr. Tennant said. "I'm sure you know about them, Mr. Dulion."

"All too well." Dulion said recalling the hate mail they had sent him. "Well, better deal with this. Be careful everyone."

"You even more so." Josef said.

With a deep breath, Dulion stepped outside, followed by Mr. Makarov and Dr. Tennant. They were greeted by a chorus of boos.

"This is private property." Dr. Tennant said. "You are disrupting everyone inside and I must ask you to leave."

"You're a traitor to your own kind!" Screamed a lizard lycanthrope. "Forcing lycanthropes to hide themselves when a human is around? You should be ashamed of yourself."

His comments were followed by a flood of cheers from the gathered WILD members.

"We aren't going anywhere!" Joined a female raccoon. "We will not bow to the humans' oppression!"

More loud cheers. A bottle came flying through the air and landed at Dulion's feet. This was quickly getting out of hand.

"Call the police." Dulion said to Mr. Makarov. "I'll try to stall them until they get here."

"Are you kidding?" Mr. Makarov said. "They'll kill you."

"Well that will do wonders for their publicity than." Dulion said dryly.

"Go quickly, before this gets any worse."

Mr. Makarov nodded and he and Dr. Tennant went. It was better that both of them were safely inside; there was no reason for them to get hurt. Besides, even if they did, Dulion had a feeling not much would be done to help them; just a crack-down on all lycanthropes. Dulion stepped forward, narrowly dodging another bottle while he did.

"That's the advisor!" Screamed a large bull lycanthrope."

The boos and jeers grew even louder than before. Dulion took a deep breath.

"The Police are on their way!" He yelled. "If you leave now, I can promise you no charges will be pressed. I think we all know the police will not be as kind to you."

Dulion's message seemed to resonate with some the members of WILD. The ones in the back quickly made their way away from the larger group. By the time sirens could be heard, only the most vocal members remained. When the police arrived, the remaining WILD members turned their attention to them. Dulion was escorted back into the building while the police handled everything outside. He gave a quick statement, and then went back into the common room.

Cameron, Jess, and Danielle had done their best to ensure that everyone remained as calm as possible. And while everyone still looked slightly nervous, no one had outwardly panicking. Even Stephanie seemed calm, though she clutched her mother's hand.

"Mr. Dulion, a quick word." Dr. Tennant said.

Dulion excused himself and went by Dr. Tennant; with him stood Jess and Claudia. As he approached, Dulion could see Jess looked like she was go to explode.

"Everything alright?" Dulion asked.

"She called them here." Jess said, barely able to contain herself. "She was bragging about it. I suppose it's funny to get everyone in a panic and make all of us afraid."

"Is that true?" Dulion asked Claudia.

"And if it is?" Claudia said. "I believe, Mr. Advisor that there is a right to protest and assemble under the Constitution, so I did nothing wrong. You can't do anything."

"Oh but I can." Dulion said coldly. "This will be reported. It's exactly what the government was afraid of."

"Mr. Dulion," Dr. Tennant said, "you will please also inform the government that Claudia will no longer be staying here."

"What are you talking about!?" Claudia asked.

"Consider this your eviction notice. You have done nothing but cause everyone in this apartment complex grief and this is the final straw. Pack your things."

Claudia practically snarled at the three of them.

"You all will be sorry you crossed me." She hissed.

"I'm just sorry I didn't do it sooner." Dr. Tennant said. "Now go back to your apartment. You are no longer welcome in this area."

With a huff and a toss of her feathers, Claudia stormed off. Dulion wanted to say something about the door hitting her on the way out, but he doubted that would be professional. Besides, he was too upset at the moment.

"Now if you'll excuse me," Dulion said. "I need to apologize to Danielle for all of this. Pretty sure this night was a disaster."

Dulion walked back to Danielle almost like a child coming back from the principal's office. He felt about the same too. He silently cursed this job, this place, and himself. He walked up to Danielle who already had her coat on.

"Let me walk you to the door." Dulion said to her.

Danielle nodded and followed Dulion to the now empty front of the Zoo. It seemed almost surreal to Dulion how quick the police took care of everything. Dulion turned and look back at Danielle. He already felt a stabbing pain knowing that this was likely the last time she'd come to visit him.

"Well," Danielle said. "This was an interesting evening."

"Danielle, I am so sorry. This craziness, all of it...it just...I wish I could make it up to you somehow."

"Duley, it's not your fault." She said gently. "Besides, you handled everything amazingly. I was impressed to see you in action. As for making it up to me...there's this new Spanish restaurant that just opened up. Maybe if you're free next Friday we can go check it out."

"Sure that sounds great!"

Danielle let out a small laugh.

"It's a date than."

Danielle leaned in close to Dulion and kissed him on the cheek. Dulion felt his face go red. There was no way this was happening; he had to be dreaming. Danielle chuckled at him at headed towards her car. When she was out of sight, Dulion walked back in the apartment. The Doctor and Mr. Makarov were waiting for him.

"Well," Dr. Tennant said, "how bad was it."

Dulion couldn't give them an answer. All he could do was smile.