{"submission_id":"2136324","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"211","keyword_name":"bat","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"23419"},{"keyword_id":"4989","keyword_name":"chameleon","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"1750"},{"keyword_id":"21","keyword_name":"dragon","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"96833"},{"keyword_id":"123","keyword_name":"female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"639732"},{"keyword_id":"28976","keyword_name":"fluffball","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"47"},{"keyword_id":"33","keyword_name":"fox","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"161354"},{"keyword_id":"174","keyword_name":"lion","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"27076"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"761494"},{"keyword_id":"526","keyword_name":"panda","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"12629"},{"keyword_id":"3441","keyword_name":"pig","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"4851"},{"keyword_id":"186","keyword_name":"rabbit","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"78310"},{"keyword_id":"2361","keyword_name":"robot","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"9583"}],"hidden":"f","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"0","create_datetime":"2020-04-18 15:46:06.701375+02","create_datetime_usertime":"18 Apr 2020 15:46 CEST","last_file_update_datetime":"2020-04-18 15:44:42.902093+02","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"18 Apr 2020 15:44 CEST","username":"Commando672","user_id":"252991","user_icon_file_name":"178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/178/178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/178/178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/178/178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","file_name":"3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"92","thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","thumb_large_noncustom_y":"153","thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"229","files":[{"file_id":"3095486","file_name":"3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","mimetype":"image/png","submission_id":"2136324","user_id":"252991","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":"2296","full_size_y":"1756","screen_size_x":"920","screen_size_y":"704","preview_size_x":"300","preview_size_y":"229","initial_file_md5":"15eef21dbe64c1c1a4c7a352429aff06","full_file_md5":"1fef91f9e2e773ac370d7440a0ab44f0","large_file_md5":"d2086fde0b20d6a3a2e0ea23460fa656","small_file_md5":"948558a8460dfbc919a009c1d46466a0","thumbnail_md5":"7c06ac7a163e0019eaca505b5cc38527","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2020-04-18 15:44:42.902093+02","create_datetime_usertime":"18 Apr 2020 15:44 CEST","thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/3095/3095486_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"92","thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","thumb_large_noncustom_y":"153","thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"229"}],"pools":[],"description":"Well, how about that?","description_bbcode_parsed":"Well, how about that?","writing":"Back in the park, the dragon, robot, and their pet play around with their new friends, running around the playground area while laughing and smiling. They decline down the slide, soar high on swings, ride springy spaceships and vehicles, and sprint around as Amina sits on the park bench with her new companion, who she met just a few days ago.\n“Isn’t this park wonderful?” asks Nerelia. “The kids playing and the foliage which beautify this place reminds me back in the forest.” Amina remains quiet. Nerelia faces her. “Isn’t it nice, Amina?”\nAmina looks to her. “Yes. Tis quite pretty, but you are prettier.” Nerelia blushes with a smile. “You stand out more than all of the flowers of the forest, for you are the one that attracts me most.”\n“Oh, Amina. You are so sweet.” Nerelia leans closer to the red fox. “Do tell me, why do you lean more towards women than men? Is because of more commonalities?”\n“In a way, yes. However, what also impresses me are beauty, intelligence, and personality. Gender is not something I am focused on in a person.” \n“I am the same way.” The squirrel puts her paws around Amina. “You know, I used to view you as a nice friend. Now, I feel like we should be more than that. Have you ever kissed anyone before?”\n“I sadly have not,” Amina responds. “I have always been curious of what it’s like, though.”\n“Would you like to kiss me?”\nThe red fox’s white cheeks start to show pink. “Y-you wouldn’t mind that?”\n“Why would I? Don’t you like me?”\nAmina stares at her with surprise. “What?”\n“Do you like me?”\nThe tribal fox remains fixed on the squirrel for a few more seconds before conjuring up her answer. “I… I… I do…”\n“Lean closer, Amina.” Amina does as she’s told, bringing her head into Nerelia’s as their lips join in the center, locking internally with their tongues, and having shut their eyes to embrace the moment. Echo and Firework stop to watch the two tribal girls engaged in their mouth-to-mouth moment and utter an “aw” in unison. \nPreston, on the other hand, sticks his tongue out and let’s out a “bleh” in response. “Gross! Why are adults so disgusting? That’s how you get cooties that way!” \n“Hey!” Hayley flies beside him. “Watch what you say about cooties.”\n“Firework see nothing wrong with it,” the dragon spurts. “Firework think it cute. Firework also glad Amina find love.” Cotton squeaks in agreement.\n“I agree as well,” Echo adds in, green and smiling. “Love is good for one’s health, mentally and physically. It increases the person’s dopamine and hormone levels, as well as keep a healthy cardiac system. Love can also help with social interaction and happiness.”\nPreston tilts his head. “What…?”\n“Heh, sorry… I can get carried away with information… I am a robot after all…”\n“Hey guys!” Hammy comes up to join the group. “Look, look, look!” He points to the street across from the play area. They notice a group of animals gathering nearby, all wearing goggles and backpacks like the pig, but in different colors. “It’s the Furton Task Force!” Hayley and Preston gather by the edge, yet are stopped by the railing of the play structure they stand atop of. “They’re so cool!” The other two kids agree.\nEcho has changed to orange as he narrows one eye. “Um, what has your excitement away from us now?”\n“Those guys!” Hammy tells him as he points. “They are the Furton Task Force, a special superhero group who keep the city clean of crime! One day, I’m going to grow up and be just like them!”\n“Funny, actually… You remind us of our friend, Zach. He loved superheroes like you, and wanted to be like them… He couldn’t because of the way he was treated… \nFirework nudges Echo. “Echo…” The robot turns to him. “Tell heroes!”\nEcho turns to orange. “Huh? What do you mean?”\n“Help Zach be hero. Tell Furton Task Force,” Firework says. “We talk to heroes.”\n“I’m not sure it’ll work…”\n“Please… We good friends. We make Zach happy.” Cotton utters noises in an attempt to talk Echo into siding with the dragon.\n“I don’t know if those people are going to hear us out, but we can try…” The robot faces the other three. “Can you excuse us for a second?” Echo and Firework get down from the playground structure and head for the group of animals in the goggles and backpacks. “Hello there, good people of the Furton Task Force. I am Echo, artificial intelligence. And this is my dragon friend, Firework.” The group wave and greet them.\n\n“Help Zach!” Firework spurts and jumps. “Help Zach! Furton Task Force help Zach!” The animals all ponder and ask who Zach is.\nEcho stops Firework. “What he means is, we have a friend whose had dreams of being a superhero. We thought you might take interest and maybe recruit him for your team. He once was with a group by the name of “Team Rescuers”, but they weren’t very fond of him. However, he’s learned a lot and would be a brilliant asset to your team.” One of the members asks for a picture. “Certainly!” Echo displays a full-body photo of their orange fox friend. “This is Zach. He works at Pawmart currently, but he’s better off working with you guys.”\nFirework flashes begging eyes with a small frown at them as he raises his paws by his chest. “Pwease help friend.” \n\n*** \n\nZach is hard at work; he shifts from department-to-department, stocking shelves and helping out rowdy customers. His other tasks include cleaning messes in different aisles, checking-out people at the register, and returning carts from the parking lot back into the store. Just as the fox finishes helping a demanding woman with a whiney child, Karma approaches him and calls out that it’s his break time, causing him to cease work and head to the back. Karma stays by his side, asking how his day has been. Zach replies to him it’s been rough, and the worst part is, it repeats every day and hardly changes.\nJust as they enter through the double doors of the back, the manager stands in front of them, stopping them in their tracks. “Hey, how’s things going out there?” he asks. They respond with “great” and “okay”. “New Fox, how is everything? Working hard out there?” \n“Yes, Sir,” Zach responds. “Just heading in for my break.”\n“I need to talk with you. It’s important. Come to my office.” \nZach, unsure of what’s happening, walks with the manager and follows him into his office, where the higher animal closes the door. “What is this about? I’m not in trouble, am I?”\n“I’m not sure,” the manager tells him. “However, it’s rather important.”\n“Is this about Echo and Firework? Sir, I apologize for that, but it’s not their fault. They’re just kids. They didn’t know… We didn’t know…”\n“Zach,” he interrupts. “Calm down. I’m not sure what this is about, nor do I know what’s going on. All I know is there are people who asked for you, and they want to talk with you.”\n“Probably the mayor going to tell me about the kids… I’ve got a very bad feeling about this…”\n“Relax, and just sit tight.” The well-dressed animal leaves the office. Zach waits patiently in a chair as a few minutes go by. As the door opens, he shoots up to stand. He is approached by a lion with green goggles and a backpack. \n“Zach the Fox?” asks the lion. Zach confirms his name. “My name’s Leon Lionheart. I am the leader of the Furton Task Force, and I’m here for you. It’s because of your children, Echo and Firework.”\n Zach swallows his saliva in one big gulp. Sweat forms in his paws while trying to stay calm. “Please, Sir… I beg you, they meant no trouble… They didn’t know about their behavior and I assure you they-”\n“Whoa, relax,” Leon interrupts him. “This has nothing to do with them. You have two wonderful kids. You and those two are in no trouble at all.”\n“W-what?”\n“They told my team and I of youe interest in the Furton Task Force and past as a Team Rescuer. So, I was interested in seeing you, and decided to check you out for myself.” \n“They did, did they? Ugh, those kids… I’m sorry if they pestered you.”\n“It’s okay. I don’t mind. Besides, I don’t mind taking in new recruits.” The lion looks up and down the fox. “Hm. Good build; nice and skinny. Can you tell me what interests you in being a superhero, as well as your days in Team Rescuers?” \n“Well…” Zach becomes conflicted whether to share his story of his past or to lie. “I’m not sure if I’m comfortable telling my story…”\n“It’s okay. Tell me. I want to hear.” Zach begins to tell Leon about his days back in Heroto. Upon explaining his story, Leon keeps a fixed, but interested look. “Yes… Your kids were right; you are quite an interesting fox, indeed. Why don’t you come to the headquarters and take the Furton Task Force test tomorrow? We will decide from there after that.”\n“R-really?” \n“Of course.” \n“Gee, I don’t know… I have work tomorrow, and I’m not sure-”\n“I’ll let your boss know, and he’ll give you the day off tomorrow. You have no worries, for he’ll understand. Here’s the address.” The lion hands a card to the fox. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” He shakes the fox’s paw and leaves. \nZach is paralyzed. “Oh… My… God… I don’t believe it…” As he turns to the door, Karma appears in front of him, causing him to jump. “Congratulations, my dude!”\n“Jeez, Karma… You scared the daylight out of me…”\n“Sorry… Have a tendency of doing that. Man, you are one lucky fox.”\n“I wouldn’t consider myself as lucky… I never was…”\n“Hey, it’s not everyday the leader of the Furton Task Force walks in and invites you to come by the headquarters. He’s got quite a liking to you, which is pretty good.”\nZach looks down at the address card in his paw. “I suppose it is…”\n\n***\n\nZach enters the apartment and closes the door. “Hey everyone. I’m home!” He runs up to hug Melissa. “How was work, Melissa?”\n“Oh, splendid,” she says sarcastically. “What about you?”\n“It was okay.” Zach then turns to Amina. “How was the park with the kids and Nerelia?”\n“We were okay,” Amina answers. “We chilled on the bench and got closer than we ever did before.”\nThe orange fox shifts to the dragon and robot last. “And how are you guys doing with your new friends?” \n“We are good,” Echo tells him. “Firework and I talked with them. We’re starting to get more comfortable here.” Cotton squeaks with joy and smiles.\n“Firework like Hammy, Preston, and Hayley,” Firework utters. \n“And I suppose you two didn’t say anything about me to them like you did with Leon, did you?” asks Zach. The kids stare at him. “I know.”\n“You know what?” Melissa queries.\n“I just got a visit from Leon Lionheart at work today,” Zach informs her. “He is the leader of the Furton Task Force, a hero team of Furton.”\n“Get out of here! Really?”\nZach nods. “Apparently, the kids told him about me, and so he went to see what I was about. He’s pretty interested in me and wants me to come to the Furton Task Force headquarters to see if I’d be a good fit for the team. But, I’m unsure about the whole thing.”\n“Why?” asks Amina. “Wasn’t it your dream to help people and protect those you care about?”\n“Yeah, but after everything I’ve experienced, I’m not sure I’m acceptable…” \n“Zach…” Melissa walks up to him, placing an arm around his shoulders. “You’ve always wanted this. You can’t let the past weigh you down. This may be your only chance of ever fulfilling your aspiration.”\n“I don’t know,” he tells her. “What if I fail?”\n“You won’t fail, Zach. We all have faith in you. You should go and take the test. Who knows? They may select you to be part of the task force.”\nZach scans around at his friends, looking at their smiles to encourage him before he lets out a sigh. “All right, so I’ll try. I’m still not certain I’ll be selected.”\n“Zach do fine,” Firework says. “Zach knows better.”\n“Firework’s right,” Echo adds. “You’ve been around Team Rescuers long enough to learn at least some things from them. You’ll pass the exam no problem.”\nThe fox lets out a sigh. “I just hope you guys are right.”\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Back in the park, the dragon, robot, and their pet play around with their new friends, running around the playground area while laughing and smiling. They decline down the slide, soar high on swings, ride springy spaceships and vehicles, and sprint around as Amina sits on the park bench with her new companion, who she met just a few days ago.
“Isn’t this park wonderful?” asks Nerelia. “The kids playing and the foliage which beautify this place reminds me back in the forest.” Amina remains quiet. Nerelia faces her. “Isn’t it nice, Amina?”
Amina looks to her. “Yes. Tis quite pretty, but you are prettier.” Nerelia blushes with a smile. “You stand out more than all of the flowers of the forest, for you are the one that attracts me most.”
“Oh, Amina. You are so sweet.” Nerelia leans closer to the red fox. “Do tell me, why do you lean more towards women than men? Is because of more commonalities?”
“In a way, yes. However, what also impresses me are beauty, intelligence, and personality. Gender is not something I am focused on in a person.”
“I am the same way.” The squirrel puts her paws around Amina. “You know, I used to view you as a nice friend. Now, I feel like we should be more than that. Have you ever kissed anyone before?”
“I sadly have not,” Amina responds. “I have always been curious of what it’s like, though.”
“Would you like to kiss me?”
The red fox’s white cheeks start to show pink. “Y-you wouldn’t mind that?”
“Why would I? Don’t you like me?”
Amina stares at her with surprise. “What?”
“Do you like me?”
The tribal fox remains fixed on the squirrel for a few more seconds before conjuring up her answer. “I… I… I do…”
“Lean closer, Amina.” Amina does as she’s told, bringing her head into Nerelia’s as their lips join in the center, locking internally with their tongues, and having shut their eyes to embrace the moment. Echo and Firework stop to watch the two tribal girls engaged in their mouth-to-mouth moment and utter an “aw” in unison.
Preston, on the other hand, sticks his tongue out and let’s out a “bleh” in response. “Gross! Why are adults so disgusting? That’s how you get cooties that way!”
“Hey!” Hayley flies beside him. “Watch what you say about cooties.”
“Firework see nothing wrong with it,” the dragon spurts. “Firework think it cute. Firework also glad Amina find love.” Cotton squeaks in agreement.
“I agree as well,” Echo adds in, green and smiling. “Love is good for one’s health, mentally and physically. It increases the person’s dopamine and hormone levels, as well as keep a healthy cardiac system. Love can also help with social interaction and happiness.”
Preston tilts his head. “What…?”
“Heh, sorry… I can get carried away with information… I am a robot after all…”
“Hey guys!” Hammy comes up to join the group. “Look, look, look!” He points to the street across from the play area. They notice a group of animals gathering nearby, all wearing goggles and backpacks like the pig, but in different colors. “It’s the Furton Task Force!” Hayley and Preston gather by the edge, yet are stopped by the railing of the play structure they stand atop of. “They’re so cool!” The other two kids agree.
Echo has changed to orange as he narrows one eye. “Um, what has your excitement away from us now?”
“Those guys!” Hammy tells him as he points. “They are the Furton Task Force, a special superhero group who keep the city clean of crime! One day, I’m going to grow up and be just like them!”
“Funny, actually… You remind us of our friend, Zach. He loved superheroes like you, and wanted to be like them… He couldn’t because of the way he was treated…
Firework nudges Echo. “Echo…” The robot turns to him. “Tell heroes!”
Echo turns to orange. “Huh? What do you mean?”
“Help Zach be hero. Tell Furton Task Force,” Firework says. “We talk to heroes.”
“I’m not sure it’ll work…”
“Please… We good friends. We make Zach happy.” Cotton utters noises in an attempt to talk Echo into siding with the dragon.
“I don’t know if those people are going to hear us out, but we can try…” The robot faces the other three. “Can you excuse us for a second?” Echo and Firework get down from the playground structure and head for the group of animals in the goggles and backpacks. “Hello there, good people of the Furton Task Force. I am Echo, artificial intelligence. And this is my dragon friend, Firework.” The group wave and greet them.
“Help Zach!” Firework spurts and jumps. “Help Zach! Furton Task Force help Zach!” The animals all ponder and ask who Zach is.
Echo stops Firework. “What he means is, we have a friend whose had dreams of being a superhero. We thought you might take interest and maybe recruit him for your team. He once was with a group by the name of “Team Rescuers”, but they weren’t very fond of him. However, he’s learned a lot and would be a brilliant asset to your team.” One of the members asks for a picture. “Certainly!” Echo displays a full-body photo of their orange fox friend. “This is Zach. He works at Pawmart currently, but he’s better off working with you guys.”
Firework flashes begging eyes with a small frown at them as he raises his paws by his chest. “Pwease help friend.”
***
Zach is hard at work; he shifts from department-to-department, stocking shelves and helping out rowdy customers. His other tasks include cleaning messes in different aisles, checking-out people at the register, and returning carts from the parking lot back into the store. Just as the fox finishes helping a demanding woman with a whiney child, Karma approaches him and calls out that it’s his break time, causing him to cease work and head to the back. Karma stays by his side, asking how his day has been. Zach replies to him it’s been rough, and the worst part is, it repeats every day and hardly changes.
Just as they enter through the double doors of the back, the manager stands in front of them, stopping them in their tracks. “Hey, how’s things going out there?” he asks. They respond with “great” and “okay”. “New Fox, how is everything? Working hard out there?”
“Yes, Sir,” Zach responds. “Just heading in for my break.”
“I need to talk with you. It’s important. Come to my office.”
Zach, unsure of what’s happening, walks with the manager and follows him into his office, where the higher animal closes the door. “What is this about? I’m not in trouble, am I?”
“I’m not sure,” the manager tells him. “However, it’s rather important.”
“Is this about Echo and Firework? Sir, I apologize for that, but it’s not their fault. They’re just kids. They didn’t know… We didn’t know…”
“Zach,” he interrupts. “Calm down. I’m not sure what this is about, nor do I know what’s going on. All I know is there are people who asked for you, and they want to talk with you.”
“Probably the mayor going to tell me about the kids… I’ve got a very bad feeling about this…”
“Relax, and just sit tight.” The well-dressed animal leaves the office. Zach waits patiently in a chair as a few minutes go by. As the door opens, he shoots up to stand. He is approached by a lion with green goggles and a backpack.
“Zach the Fox?” asks the lion. Zach confirms his name. “My name’s Leon Lionheart. I am the leader of the Furton Task Force, and I’m here for you. It’s because of your children, Echo and Firework.”
Zach swallows his saliva in one big gulp. Sweat forms in his paws while trying to stay calm. “Please, Sir… I beg you, they meant no trouble… They didn’t know about their behavior and I assure you they-”
“Whoa, relax,” Leon interrupts him. “This has nothing to do with them. You have two wonderful kids. You and those two are in no trouble at all.”
“W-what?”
“They told my team and I of youe interest in the Furton Task Force and past as a Team Rescuer. So, I was interested in seeing you, and decided to check you out for myself.”
“They did, did they? Ugh, those kids… I’m sorry if they pestered you.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind. Besides, I don’t mind taking in new recruits.” The lion looks up and down the fox. “Hm. Good build; nice and skinny. Can you tell me what interests you in being a superhero, as well as your days in Team Rescuers?”
“Well…” Zach becomes conflicted whether to share his story of his past or to lie. “I’m not sure if I’m comfortable telling my story…”
“It’s okay. Tell me. I want to hear.” Zach begins to tell Leon about his days back in Heroto. Upon explaining his story, Leon keeps a fixed, but interested look. “Yes… Your kids were right; you are quite an interesting fox, indeed. Why don’t you come to the headquarters and take the Furton Task Force test tomorrow? We will decide from there after that.”
“R-really?”
“Of course.”
“Gee, I don’t know… I have work tomorrow, and I’m not sure-”
“I’ll let your boss know, and he’ll give you the day off tomorrow. You have no worries, for he’ll understand. Here’s the address.” The lion hands a card to the fox. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” He shakes the fox’s paw and leaves.
Zach is paralyzed. “Oh… My… God… I don’t believe it…” As he turns to the door, Karma appears in front of him, causing him to jump. “Congratulations, my dude!”
“Jeez, Karma… You scared the daylight out of me…”
“Sorry… Have a tendency of doing that. Man, you are one lucky fox.”
“I wouldn’t consider myself as lucky… I never was…”
“Hey, it’s not everyday the leader of the Furton Task Force walks in and invites you to come by the headquarters. He’s got quite a liking to you, which is pretty good.”
Zach looks down at the address card in his paw. “I suppose it is…”
***
Zach enters the apartment and closes the door. “Hey everyone. I’m home!” He runs up to hug Melissa. “How was work, Melissa?”
“Oh, splendid,” she says sarcastically. “What about you?”
“It was okay.” Zach then turns to Amina. “How was the park with the kids and Nerelia?”
“We were okay,” Amina answers. “We chilled on the bench and got closer than we ever did before.”
The orange fox shifts to the dragon and robot last. “And how are you guys doing with your new friends?”
“We are good,” Echo tells him. “Firework and I talked with them. We’re starting to get more comfortable here.” Cotton squeaks with joy and smiles.
“Firework like Hammy, Preston, and Hayley,” Firework utters.
“And I suppose you two didn’t say anything about me to them like you did with Leon, did you?” asks Zach. The kids stare at him. “I know.”
“You know what?” Melissa queries.
“I just got a visit from Leon Lionheart at work today,” Zach informs her. “He is the leader of the Furton Task Force, a hero team of Furton.”
“Get out of here! Really?”
Zach nods. “Apparently, the kids told him about me, and so he went to see what I was about. He’s pretty interested in me and wants me to come to the Furton Task Force headquarters to see if I’d be a good fit for the team. But, I’m unsure about the whole thing.”
“Why?” asks Amina. “Wasn’t it your dream to help people and protect those you care about?”
“Yeah, but after everything I’ve experienced, I’m not sure I’m acceptable…”
“Zach…” Melissa walks up to him, placing an arm around his shoulders. “You’ve always wanted this. You can’t let the past weigh you down. This may be your only chance of ever fulfilling your aspiration.”
“I don’t know,” he tells her. “What if I fail?”
“You won’t fail, Zach. We all have faith in you. You should go and take the test. Who knows? They may select you to be part of the task force.”
Zach scans around at his friends, looking at their smiles to encourage him before he lets out a sigh. “All right, so I’ll try. I’m still not certain I’ll be selected.”
“Zach do fine,” Firework says. “Zach knows better.”
“Firework’s right,” Echo adds. “You’ve been around Team Rescuers long enough to learn at least some things from them. You’ll pass the exam no problem.”
The fox lets out a sigh. “I just hope you guys are right.”
","pools_count":0,"title":"Fox and Friends Episode 17: An Opportunity","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"image/png","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"0","rating_name":"General","ratings":[],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"2","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}