{"id":24330,"date":"2021-09-13T16:26:08","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T21:26:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=24330"},"modified":"2023-01-19T12:05:09","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T18:05:09","slug":"chapter-14-chloro-kitten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2021\/09\/13\/chapter-14-chloro-kitten\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 14: Chloro Kitten"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cPlans with Toby?\u201d Thomas asked as he locked the front door of the clinic. Tabby was scurrying around, ostensibly putting things in place for the following day, but appearing to just be messing up the organization of Strawberry\u2019s work space.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot tonight!\u201d she cheerily chirped, slamming a file cabinet drawer shut. Most ponies would not be so elated at the prospect of time away from their sweetheart–but Tabby was not most ponies. \u201cI\u2019m working on an article review for the cyptozoology journal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh? What\u2019s the topic?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorphological Differences and Natural Selection in <\/span>Hodagus nemus<\/span><\/i>,\u201d Tabby carefully recited. \u201cI skimmed it last night–real amateur stuff. I have a scathing review planned,\u201d she said with relish.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are hodags doing in a cryptozoology journal? They\u2019ve been discovered,\u201d Thomas observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe journal covers any species not entered into the Academy of Science\u2019s Taxonomy Guide prior to 1953. Hodags weren\u2019t officially acknowledged until 1961,\u201d Tabby explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do know your hodags,\u201d Thomas acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, there was a frantic knocking from the front of the building. Exchanging a look, the two unicorns went to investigate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an emergency!\u201d a stallion standing outside on the stoop shouted through the glass door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas swiftly opened the door. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The tall stallion, tan with green hair, entered the building. In his hooves he held a cloth bundle. \u201cI need Golgi berry extract, stat!\u201d he announced, looking at the staff expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas frowned; he hated being told what treatment to use. \u201cDo you mean goji berry?\u201d he asked, stifling annoyance. \u201cAnd no. It\u2019s a largely unstudied supplement–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, <\/span>Golgi<\/span><\/i>!\u201d the stallion impatiently interrupted. \u201cIt’s named for the flower’s flattened pile of pouch-shaped petals resembling a cell\u2019s Golgi complex!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never even heard of that,\u201d Thomas said skeptically. It was another nonsensical folk medicine, no doubt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a real thing,\u201d Tabby assured him, but that didn\u2019t give the veterinarian faith in its efficacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of operation is this!\u201d The stallion exhaled in exasperation. \u201cIt\u2019s the only known cure for hypopisis petechialis!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMay we see the animal?\u201d Thomas cut to the chase, gesturing at the bundle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, the stallion peeled back a fold of the cloth in his hooves, revealing a petite feline face with leafy ears folded over its face. The creature yawned and stretched.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s green,\u201d Thomas stated, disbelieving.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s got a cute little flower growing on its nose,\u201d cooed Tabby, nonplussed at the unusual creature. \u201cWhere did you get this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think?\u201d The stallion looked at her piercingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not from a kitten tree, is it?\u201d Tabby peered back at him. \u201cIs it for real?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t possibly be a thing,\u201d Thomas argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Acatchinole catulus<\/span><\/i>, yes,\u201d the stallion stated with authority. \u201cIt exists, all right. I\u2019ve just come from one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Undiscovered animals were one thing. A cross-kingdom hybrid was quite unbelievable, Thomas thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a cryptobotanist,\u201d Tabby said, regarding the researcher with great reverence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDarn right I am,\u201d he stated proudly. \u201cGlade Cottonwood\u2019s the name.\u201d He lowered his voice. \u201cI expect you\u2019ll exercise discretion in this matter. The last thing I need is nosy ponies snooping around, ruining my research.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can count on us,\u201d Tabby assured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you can elaborate on the health emergency you alluded to,\u201d Thomas suggested, opening the door to the exam room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou see this rash here?\u201d Glade said, laying the bundle down on the table and unwrapping it fully. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely hypopisis.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The flower kitten had no fur, just a soft, waxy skin textured with veins. Its sides raised and lowered with the unmistakable beating of a heart. Upon closer examination, it became apparent that much of its skin was covered in a fine rash of raised bumps. It appeared listless and sleepy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes she have a name?\u201d Tabby asked, as always concerned with the truly pertinent information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glade shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ve been going with Chlory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, like for chlorophyll! I get it!\u201d Tabby clapped her hooves with foalish delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Could this merely be a hairless feline of unusual coloration?<\/span><\/i> Thomas considered as this chatter happened in the background. The pink flower nose was difficult to explain as a mammalian feature, but could perhaps be a structure akin to the star-nosed mole…<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to try hydrocortisone–\u201d Thomas began, but was cut off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have experience with zoological-botanical hybrids, do you?\u201d Glade snapped. \u201cThat would be a waste of time. It\u2019s Golgi berry extract or nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me call Dr. Martingale,\u201d Tabby offered. \u201cI bet he has some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe <\/span>would<\/span><\/i>,\u201d said Thomas scathingly, earning a sharp look from Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what your problem with Dr. Martingale is,\u201d she said primly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs if you\u2019re not feuding with half the ponies that walk in here,\u201d Thomas retorted, but she did not respond as she was dialing a number on the phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a quick exchange, she announced to the stallions, \u201cYes, he has some. I\u2019m just going to go over there. Back in a jiffy.\u201d In a flash of light, she was gone, teleported away.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby appeared in the reception area of Dr. Martingale\u2019s clinic. She had been here occasionally with Tiny, trading supplies. \u201cHello, I called about the Golgi berry extract,\u201d she announced, approaching the front desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 my, that was fast. Well, it\u2019s around here somewhere,\u201d the receptionist, Millie, said, pushing back her chair and peering at a nearby shelf. She frowned. \u201cExcuse me; let me check in the back.\u201d She disappeared through a doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby leaned on the desk and tapped her hoof impatiently as she studied her surroundings. Millie didn\u2019t run a tight ship like Strawberry. The waiting room seemed to be mostly used for storage, with stacks of papers piled up on chairs, and half-full coffee cups littered about.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere it is!\u201d Millie announced triumphantly, returning and holding aloft a small brown bottle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat!\u201d said Tabby. She took the bottle in her hoof, but frowned. \u201cIt’s very light,\u201d she observed, unscrewing the lid and peering inside. \u201cHey, there’s nothing in here,\u201d she complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear, there he goes again, not reporting things when they run out,\u201d Millie said with a long-suffering sigh. \u201cHe’s certainly never going to place an order <\/span>himself<\/span><\/i>. I don’t know what he thinks will happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure there isn\u2019t more stored somewhere else?\u201d Tabby prodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not,\u201d Millie said, shaking her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks,\u201d Tabby said, a bit shortly, before teleporting away.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby returned. \u201cSorry, false lead,\u201d she announced. \u201cThey\u2019re out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis rash will only get worse and form pustules by morning,\u201d Glade said, frowning. \u201cI\u2019ll have to head to Hayton and see a healer there. Unless…\u201d He looked speculatively at Tabby. \u201cYou could just teleport and save me some trouble, and the kitten some discomfort,\u201d he suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuite impossible,\u201d Tabby said, looking affronted. \u201cMy magic reserves need some time to regenerate after that jaunt to Neighberry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glade\u2019s gaze swiveled to Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not in my skill set,\u201d the veterinarian said apologetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDarn unicorns, always with their excuses,\u201d Glade complained, shaking his head. \u201cCan\u2019t figure \u2018em out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> somewhere else we can try,\u201d Tabby put forward. \u201cMy old boss Tiny keeps it on hoof\u2026 hand. He\u2019s deep in the forest, but it\u2019s closer than Hayton.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure? I don\u2019t want to waste time on another bust,\u201d Glade said doubtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Tabby said firmly. \u201cHe keeps very close track of these things.\u201d She consulted a clock. \u201cHe\u2019ll just be getting back from rounds around now. And if not, I still have a spare key. He won’t mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you can still walk, or you need to rest your legs, too?\u201d Glade asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I can walk,\u201d she snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you leave Chlory here,\u201d Thomas suggested, tugging her a little closer to himself as Glade reached for her. \u201cIt will be easier on her than being packed around through the woods.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we could treat her right away,\u201d Glade said, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a rough forest path; she would get bumped around or even dropped, and that\u2019s not healthy,\u201d Thomas pointed out. \u201cHer condition is stable enough to hold until you get back.\u201d Despite initial skepticism, his interest in the creature had been piqued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 I suppose. Keep a close eye on her,\u201d Glade admonished.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoast beef on whole wheat\u2026 no\u2026 make that marble rye,\u201d Vorton deliberated at the sandwich shop counter. \u201cExtra lettuce, hold the mayo. Thanks.\u201d He collected his order and joined his companion at a table in the window.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoing to the 401K seminar tomorrow?\u201d Blorp asked conversationally as he unwrapped his own sandwich.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m thinking about opening a self-directed brokerage account,\u201d Vorton said between bites.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToo much work,\u201d Blorp said, shaking his head. \u201cI\u2019m going with mutual funds.\u201d Financial strategies were discussed as they continued to eat their meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Vorton saw something out the window, and sat up straight in his seat. It was Tabby in the company of an unknown stallion. \u201cHey, who\u2019s this guy supposed to be?\u201d he asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me,\u201d Blorp said, shrugging after he had turned to take a look. \u201cIs it suspicious enough to give chase?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Vorton determined. \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the walk to Tiny\u2019s, Tabby had had the eerie feeling that they were being watched, and once could have even sworn she saw a shadowy figure out of the corner of her eye. Glade didn\u2019t seem to notice anything, though, so she kept those thoughts to herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

They reached the forest clearing that was Tiny\u2019s base of operations without incident. Tabby frowned, however, finding the cabin door hanging wide open with no one in sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTiny?\u201d she called out tentatively, stepping inside. Her brow creased in dismay as she took in the scene before them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThought you said he was organized,\u201d Glade commented, observing the ramshackle presentation of tossed-over shelves, instruments, and bottles littering the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, this isn\u2019t right,\u201d Tabby said, shaking her head. \u201cTiny!\u201d she called again, pitch increasing.<\/span><\/p>\n

A large figure loomed out of the shadows at the back of the room, where the wooden house gave way to a cave opening. \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d said a deep voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby gasped as her former mentor came into focus. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on around here? What happened to you?\u201d she demanded, seeing that his face was considerably swollen on one side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tiny sighed, touching the side of his face gingerly. \u201cThis is nothing for you to concern yourself with,\u201d he said vaguely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you can\u2019t expect me to leave it at that,\u201d said Tabby mulishly. \u201cWho would pick a fight with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s better that you not get involved.\u201d Tiny passed a hand over his face. \u201cThe less you know, the safer you\u2019ll be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTiny, you know me, and so you know that that just isn\u2019t going to wash!\u201d Tabby said, looking down her nose at him sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are people looking for information on\u2026 work of a sensitive nature,\u201d Tiny admitted at length. \u201cI let my guard down. It won\u2019t happen again.\u201d Clearing his throat, he added, \u201cWhat brings you here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we,\u201d she said, gesturing at Glade, \u201cwere hoping you had some Golgi berry extract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, of course. At least\u2026 I did.\u201d Tiny looked regretfully around at the spilled and broken bottles surrounding them. \u201cI don\u2019t use it often. What do you need it for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn <\/span>Acatchinole catulus<\/span><\/i> blossom,\u201d Glade spoke-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the kitten tree,\u201d said Tiny, looking at the stallion assessingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never told me the kitten tree was a real thing,\u201d said Tabby, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it ever came up,\u201d Tiny said, righting a fallen rack. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you check over there,\u201d he instructed the ponies.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearby, two undetected individuals were lurking in the bushes below a window on Tiny\u2019s shack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that?\u201d The cloaked woman turned to her partner, eyes gleaming. \u201cA kitten tree specimen!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoss sure would like to get his hands on one of those,\u201d her similarly-garbed partner agreed. \u201cYou think it\u2019s at the clinic, if <\/span>she<\/span><\/i>\u2019s involved?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost likely,\u201d the woman determined. \u201cSince she\u2019s not there to defend the place, it will be easy picking. Let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s head around the back. I hear someone coming,\u201d her partner pointed out. And they were off, vanished into the forest.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBihoraway\u2026 cinder ginger\u2026 ciboulette de lune\u2026\u201d Tabby read off the names on bottles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet!\u201d Tiny commanded, looking grim. \u201cSomeone is here,\u201d he clarified, listening carefully. He moved to the door, opened it, and found a cloaked figure crouched down over the dirt path.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe sole imprint is made by Krulotin United issue equipment,\u201d the cloaked man was announcing to his partner who stood behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, look\u2026 it\u2019s The Old Milk House Foundation!\u201d Tabby exclaimed, coming to Tiny\u2019s side. \u201cOnly I thought you guys were Krulotin yourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>We<\/span><\/i> are the Royal Order of Krulotin,\u201d confirmed the cloak, standing and bowing respectfully. \u201c<\/span>They<\/span><\/i> are Krulotin United. Very different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s not confusing at all,\u201d Tabby said, looking at them speculatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not supposed to tell anyone that, Blorp,\u201d the second cloak chided.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe already knew, Vorton,\u201d Blorp complained. \u201cThey used to be part of the Krulotin society,\u201d he obligingly continued, as Tabby was a rapt listener, \u201cbut they embraced a different set of ideals, and we were forced to part ways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d said Vorton, irately stomping down on Blorp\u2019s foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, everything is fine here,\u201d Tiny interrupted, moving to close the door, \u201cand we don\u2019t need you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy <\/span>are<\/span><\/i> you here?\u201d Tabby pressed, inserting herself into the doorway and earning an exasperated look from Tiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen there is trouble, the Krulotin will always be there to assist,\u201d Vorton said evasively. \u201cI mean–The Old Milk House Foundation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re a little late to stop the break-in,\u201d Tabby pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s here for clean-up,\u201d Glade said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUhhh, no, that\u2019s okay,\u201d Vorton said, taking a step back. \u201cDid they find\u2026\u201d He coughed. \u201c…what they were looking for?\u201d he addressed Tiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Tiny briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this has been a fun get-together, but time is of the essence,\u201d Glade interrupted brusquely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince they\u2019re here,\u201d Tabby said to Tiny, \u201cthey may as well help us find the Golgi berry extract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you command,\u201d said the cloaks reverently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you can come in,\u201d Tiny grumbled, granting them access.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Tiny, do you get help from the Foundation, too?\u201d Tabby asked, standing around and watching the cloaks sift through rubble.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I can help it,\u201d TIny said with a scowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTiny is a long-time collaborator with the Kru–Old Milk House Foundation,\u201d spoke-up Blorp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight, right, that\u2019s your cover story,\u201d Tabby said, nodding. \u201cSo my boss is Atlantean royalty, right? That\u2019s why you\u2019re guarding him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 that\u2019s one of those things we\u2019re not supposed to talk about,\u201d Blorp said, looking uncomfortably at Vorton.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember your pledge,\u201d Tiny said warningly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll have many more delightful hijinks in the future,\u201d Tabby declared grandly, joining Tiny at his work bench.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tiny looked over his shoulder to ascertain that they were relatively alone, then said bluntly, \u201cYour new job, do you like it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like this, but\u2026\u201d Tabby looked around a little wistfully at the mortar and pestle, alembic, and flasks. \u201cYeah, I like it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Dr. Fairfax?\u201d Tiny fished. \u201cHe\u2019s knowledgeable, competent?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, very,\u201d Tabby said with alacrity. \u201cYou should see his work with a scalpel. Pure perfection.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Tiny evasively, frowning slightly. The brightening of her face told him everything he needed to know. Still, was it the right path for her? \u201cIf you ever feel\u2026 constrained\u2026 you must let me know,\u201d he urged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can have things under control, I can have them under control, too,\u201d said Tabby stubbornly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not so sure about that,\u201d said Tiny with a sidelong glance. Then their conversation was cut short as he looked at a label and announced: \u201cAh, here it is.\u201d Mercifully, the bottle had its contents intact.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s get this show on the road,\u201d Glade said, putting the bottle in the satchel at his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAllow us to escort you back home,\u201d Vorton quickly offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo what you want, as long as you don\u2019t slow me down,\u201d Glade said with a shrug.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Thomas was keeping a close eye on his intriguing new patient. Chlory had curled up in a basket and was very sleepy–Thomas wasn\u2019t sure if that was a symptom of the disease, or simply normal behavior for a flower kitten.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas added a note to the diagram he had just sketched of the cellular structure of the creature. One small petal had fallen off her nose, and he was studying the sample under a microscope. As a practicing veterinarian, the opportunities for research were limited, but this incident had reignited his interest in deciphering the unknown and sharing that knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not that this was his research, and not that Glade would thank him for poking his nose into it…<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Thomas heard the back door latch click. Could they be back so soon?<\/span><\/p>\n

He peered into the hallway and saw what appeared to be two members of The Old Milk House Foundation entering through the back door; they had never before gained access to the building without being invited, though.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you?\u201d Thomas asked cautiously, approaching them as they entered the open area in the back of the building. Something didn\u2019t feel right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is the chloro kitten?\u201d said one, a female, drawing a sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want with Chlory?\u201d Thomas asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not here to chit-chat,\u201d said the other one in a masculine tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, you may be funding the business,\u201d Thomas argued, \u201cbut that doesn\u2019t mean–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not afraid of you,\u201d the woman said. \u201cYou\u2019re just a burnt-out has-been. Without your protection detail, you\u2019re nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ire rose in Thomas. Just because he didn\u2019t have magic, didn\u2019t mean he was completely useless. \u201cYou\u2019re not taking her,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not up to you.\u201d She gestured at her partner, who skirted the room and headed to the doorway Thomas had come from. The woman cut off Thomas as he moved to intervene, and he found himself held at bay by a sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man reappeared a moment later, Chlory clutched in his arms. \u201cGot it!\u201d he announced cheerfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my patient; I vouched for her safety,\u201d Thomas said, irate. \u201cI won\u2019t allow it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStrong words, but nothing to back them up,\u201d sneered the woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Thomas felt a magical energy coursing through his veins–something he hadn\u2019t felt in years, hadn\u2019t thought he would ever feel again. Without even thinking, a powerful wave of energy emanated from his hoof, crashing through the room and knocking the humans to the floor, as well as forming a large hole in an interior wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chlory was unharmed–how, Thomas didn\u2019t know–and he knelt down to retrieve the flower kitten.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought this one didn\u2019t have magic!\u201d said the female, angrily pushing herself up on her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, apparently the reports were wrong!\u201d snapped the other, brushing hair out of his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s forget this,\u201d snarled the woman. \u201cWe\u2019re not equipped for a magic fight of this magnitude.\u201d So saying, she produced a small spherical object that, when thrown down, exploded into a cloud of smoke. When the air cleared, they were gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2026 how did that happen?\u201d Thomas asked himself, looking down at his hooves in puzzlement. He was not feeling a bit of magic now, not a single particle. But the evidence that <\/span>something<\/span><\/i> had happened could not be ignored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s impossible,\u201d he whispered to himself, dumbfounded. \u201cMy magic was completely drained\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The back door opened again, and this time Tabby came clomping in, Glade behind her\u2026 as well as two cloaks.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby! Get away from them! They\u2019re dangerous!\u201d Thomas warned as she stepped inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby frowned. What was his problem? He usually accepted the Foundation cloaks as a matter of course. \u201cNah, they\u2019re cool,\u201d she said, looking at him strangely. \u201cHey,\u201d she added, her attention caught by the gaping hole behind Thomas. \u201cWhat happened here?\u201d She looked at him accusingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo Foundation members came and attacked, and tried to take Chlory!\u201d Thomas summarized, leaving out the whole extent of his involvement. He eyed the cloaks with Tabby suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> Foundation representatives,\u201d Vorton interrupted, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas it the Krulotin United?\u201d Tabby asked, looking at Vorton.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUndoubtedly. But how did they know\u2026 they must have been listening in at the scene,\u201d Vorton determined. \u201cAre you unharmed, Doctor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine,\u201d said Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are these guys,\u201d Tabby demanded, \u201cand why are they roughing up Tiny and trying to steal cryptids?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Krulotin United have an extensive genetic engineering program dedicated to the creation of unholy hybrids,\u201d Vorton said solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey want unusual DNA to add to their genetic library,\u201d piped-up Blorp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSweet!\u201d squealed Tabby. \u201cI mean, uh\u2026 horrifying!\u201d she amended, seeing the Krulotin look at her sternly. \u201cWhat does Tiny have that they\u2019d want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClassified,\u201d said Vorton briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh! I bet it was that sparkly magical orb thingy he showed me once,\u201d Tabby said, snapping her hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t supposed to show anyone!\u201d said Vorton, greatly offended. \u201cDoesn\u2019t anyone do what they\u2019re supposed to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, the actual issue at hoof?\u201d Glade reminded them, holding aloft the bottle of Golgi berry extract. \u201cI\u2019ll need a wash basin of warm water to dilute the extract in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll send a team out forthwith to assess the damage,\u201d promised Vorton before the cloaks departed.<\/span><\/p>\n

And after a rejuvenating medicated bath, Chlory was a bit more lively, batting around a rattly ball that Tabby found for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, glad we got this straightened out,\u201d Glade said, patting the kitten on the head. His gaze fell on the diagram Thomas had been working on. \u201cRemember,\u201d he said sternly, \u201cthis is my research.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust some notes for my own records,\u201d Thomas said hastily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glade was silent for a moment, studying the sheets of notes and diagrams. \u201cWell\u2026 this is actually some pretty good insight,\u201d he admitted at length. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have come-up with the hypothesis that the barbed tail is a morphological adaptation akin to that seen on <\/span>Tragelaphus arctos<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks\u2026?\u201d Thomas said hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know\u2026 I was thinking of finding someone to collab with me on the zoological angle,\u201d Glade forged ahead. \u201cMaybe, <\/span>maybe<\/span><\/i>, you could work with me on the article. If you were interested.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally? I mean\u2026 that sounds like a great opportunity,\u201d Thomas said, tempering his excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you do with her? Does she go back to her tree?\u201d Tabby wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe fruit can\u2019t be reattached once it\u2019s fallen,\u201d Glade said, shaking his head. \u201cShe\u2019ll stay with me from now on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo she\u2019ll grow into a tree one day?\u201d Tabby inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can read all about it when the article comes out,\u201d Glade dismissed any further questioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you can find fellow cryptid trainers and battle your pets against each other!\u201d Tabby suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I do that?\u201d Glade asked, looking at her strangely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just an idle thought,\u201d she said before flouncing off.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cPlans with Toby?\u201d Thomas asked as he locked the front door of the clinic. Tabby was scurrying around, ostensibly putting things in place…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24330"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31393,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24330\/revisions\/31393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}