Moving In
#2 of The Zoo
Author's Note: And so we (offically) begin a new story. I hope you enjoy it a lot and it makes you want to read more (when I post it). If you haven't, read the prelude becuse it contains some important things about the world here. And if you haven't check out my other story here. Favorite, Rate, Comment, and most of all please enjoy! -AK
Dr. Tennant stood in the small entrance way of his apartment complex. He hated to admit it, but even he was now accustomed to calling it "The Zoo." Outside, through the glass doors, the weather was sunny; the first pleasant day of the season. Dr. Tennant wished he could say the same about the mood inside the Zoo. Word had spread quickly to the tenants about the mandatory advisory who would be arriving any minute; no one was happy he would be there, including Dr. Tennant himself. After all, there was no reason to have an advisor stationed here. He had made sure that no members of WILD were in the apartment. Still there was nothing he could do; well, maybe not.
Dr. Tennant was tall and thin. He had thick auburn hair, which he kept short length-wise. The Doctor took a deep breath and cued his body to transform. Across his body, fine brown fur began to grow, except for his hands, which turned a cream color. From the top of his head, antlers began to sprout. Dr. Tennant was still surprised that this sprouting didn't cause him any pain. His head changed shapes and soon, the once human looking Doctor was transformed into a stag.
Outside, the Doctor saw a small moving truck pull up to the front of the apartment, followed by an old looking car which most likely contained the advisor. Dr. Tennant's mind pictured an old, balding man who had spent most of his career ripping off people on Wall Street. He probably didn't even need the cane he used.
The driver of the small car got out and headed towards the moving truck. The passenger side door of the small car opened and the Doctor saw a black cane come out of the door, followed by its user. He was nothing like the Doctor had imagined. He looked no older than 25 and had a full head of light brown hair. He was short and on the heavy side. On his face was a pair of thick-framed glasses and he was wearing a vest and tie. He held his cane in his right hand and as he walked, favored his left leg. Slowly, he made his way up the few stairs leading to the entrance way. When he got up to the Doctor, he moved his cane to his left hand and extended his right.
"Dr. Tennant." He said a little shakily. "I'm James Dulion, your advisor."
"A pleasure." Said Dr. Tennant, shaking his hand.
"Is there someplace we could chat for a moment?"
"My room is just down the hall. We can talk there if you like."
"That'd be fine."
"Hey Jim," said one of the men who had headed towards the truck, now carrying a mattress up the stairs, "you want us to unpack for you or..."
"No." Dulion said, sounding annoyed. "I can do that myself. I'm handicapped, not crippled; there's a difference."
The man nodded and along with his partner, carried the mattress up the stairs.
"His room is the third door on the left." The Doctor said
He noticed as the two men passed that they were snickering a bit, but whether at Dulion's comment or his overall state, he couldn't say. Dr. Tennant began the walk to his room, which was on the right of the first floor, followed by the advisor. The two walked into the Doctor's room. It was slightly bigger than the average room in the Zoo and was once inhabited by Zachary Mona. The floor was hardwood and was in need of a polishing, but other than that the room looked very neat. There was a nice sized television in the main living room along with a couch and two armchairs. The Doctor sat down in one of the armchairs. He pointed to the couch, signaling Dulion to take a seat.
"So what can I do for you, Mr. Dulion?"
"You don't need to call me 'mister.' Dulion, James, Jim; either one is fine. And I just wanted to explain to you what I'm going to do here and..."
"Look," the Doctor interrupted, "don't try and sell me on how you're going to be looking out for me or anyone else here. We both know that the second you spot something you can report, you will. You can try and sugar coat it all you want, but we both know the truth. Your job is to report every little thing you can. You may be young, but I doubt you're stupid. We both know why you're here."
Dulion sighed and took off his glasses.
"You're not happy to have me here. I can't say I blame you. To be honest, I'm not really happy to be here. It's got nothing to do with what your or anyone else here happens to be either. Truth is the only reason I took this job was because I need to pay back student loans from law school and I don't like the idea of being a lawyer."
"So why go to law school?"
"Because I'm an idiot. I got this job because someone felt sorry for me because I need a cane and because they think I'm going to look for problems that aren't there. But I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm going to do the job that I should do. I'll give you and your tenants advice when you need it, including finding an actual lawyer if necessary. I will protect you from anyone who tries to harass you and, as long as everyone has some degree of common sense, everything will be fine. "
The Doctor thought for a moment.
"Your leg." He said.
"What about it?"
"What's wrong with it? After all, I am...well was, a good surgeon and I know people who can help."
"You're not a surgeon anymore?"
"Private practice now. The Hospital let me go because of the attention I was getting. They were getting picketed practically every other day. They are giving me a consultancy fee though, but back to your leg. Does it cause you pain?"
"Yes, but I'm used to it."
"I could help if you..."
"Doctor, the only thing that would take away the pain isn't worth it."
"I see. Well, if you would like, I can show you to your room."
"Thank you."
The Doctor led Dulion across the main floor. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed about the whole situation. He had judged Dulion before even meeting him; and he was wrong. The two arrived to Dulion's room just as the movers were finishing up. Dulion reached into his vest's pocket and pulled out two ten dollar bills. He gave one to each of the movers who thanked him and left.
"How do you like your room?" the Doctor asked.
"It's small, but I like that. I think this will be great." Dulion said.
"Are you sure you're ok getting settled in?"
"As I said, I'm handicapped, not crippled."
"Yes, but even the non-handicapped can use help sometimes."
"I'll be fine, thank you though."
"Ok. Well, I'll leave you to unpacking, and James?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry about my initial reaction."
"Don't be. I'd have done the same."
The Doctor headed towards the door.
"Oh, I almost forgot." He said as he pulled out a card from his pocket. "This is my business card; on it is my cell number and my apartment's phone number. Call if you need anything."
Dulion nodded and the Doctor left the room.
Now that the air was cleared, Dr. Tennant hoped that maybe, just maybe, this advisor wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. It would help to have an ally, especially one sided with the government. Dulion seemed genuinely interested in actually doing his job, which included helping the lycanthropes in the Zoo; and that was the only thing the Doctor was interested in. Dr. Tennant walked back to his room just in time to hear his phone ring.
"Dr. Tennant." He said when he picked up the phone.
"Is the bastard there yet?" said a familiar voice.
"Hello Jason."
Dr. Tennant met Jason McCoy while in college. The two had developed a very fast friendship the moment they met and ended up being roommates. It was their sophomore year when Jason had come out of the cage as an otter; and the closet. Dr. Tennant told Jason he was a lycanthrope that day. It would take him another year, and a couple of drinks, to come out of the closet to Jason, too. They had been dating ever since.
"Hi. So did he get there yet?"
"Yes, he's here. I think when you meet him you'll be fairly surprised."
"Oh don't tell me you bought his act, Matthew."
"He seemed sincere."
"You always were a dreamer. That's why I love you."
"If you don't believe me, talk to him yourself."
"Oh I intend to. I'll really give him something to report."
"Jason, don't."
"See you when I get home."
Jason hung up the phone. Dr. Tennant picked up his phone. Maybe it would be a good idea to warn Dulion about what he was in store for. Jason had a way of making people feel uncomfortable when he wanted to. He would put on the overly flamboyant act and play a tease, even though it didn't come close to his actual personality. Then again, maybe it was good to give Dulion a little 'test.' If things went bad, he could always smooth it out later. The Doctor decided on the latter. Maybe, just maybe, this advisor would be good after all...
James Dulion looked around at the small apartment which was his new home. He sighed as he began to take out his clothing. It was times like this that he was glad he didn't have too many things. Of all the places he could be; of all the jobs he could have had, he had to get this one. Still, it was a job and he needed the money. As long as he kept to himself as much as possible, he'd be fine. A knock at the door brought him out of his mind.
"I'm coming." He said.
Dulion grabbed the black cane which was leaning against a small table. The Doctors told him it would become second nature to him, and they had been right. Though he still refused to use a hook cane or a wood colored one; they made him feel old.
Dulion walked to the door and opened it. Outside stood a human-looking woman carrying a small purse. She was fairly attractive had had shoulder length blonde hair. She seemed to be in good shape, too. She had green eyes, which complimented her well.
"Hello." Dulion said. "Can I help you?"
"Hi." The woman said. "I noticed you were moving in, so I assume you must be the advisor, right?"
"That's right. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"No, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Cameron Makarov. I live upstairs."
"James Dulion. It's a pleasure, Ms. Makarov."
"Just Cameron is fine. I just wanted to welcome you to 'the Zoo.' If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Well, why you're here, would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? It might be a good idea to find out more about who I'm advising."
"Of course, may I come in?"
Dulion moved to the side and beckoned his guest inside. Cameron took a seat at the small kitchen table which was included in the apartment. Dulion sat across from her.
"I'm sorry; I just noticed your cane." Cameron said. "Do you need any help unpacking or anything?"
"No. I can handle it." Dulion said. "I can move around fine. I just need his help." Dulion said indicating his cane. "So what brought you to the Zoo?"
"Well, we, my husband, daughter, and I, moved here when the Zoo first opened. We were very lucky; my husband and I were evicted from our old apartment because we were lycanthropes. But we're all very happy here."
"Good. What is your lycanthrope forms?"
"Well...you know how about I just show you."
Before Dulion's eyes, Cameron began to change. Her ears began to descend and droop down. Thick brown and white fur began to engulf her body. From her lower back, a bushy tail appeared. Her face grew longer and developed into a muzzle. When the transformation was complete, she smiled at Dulion.
"You're a collie." Dulion said.
"Yes." Cameron answered. "I hope I didn't weird you out by transforming."
"You didn't. Besides, even if you did, I would have to get used to it anyway."
"True. I'm glad you're reacting so well."
"Just curious, what's your husband and daughter's forms?"
"My husband Josef is a Siberian Tiger. Rather fitting since I met him when I was studying abroad in Russia. Stephanie doesn't have one; she's a full human. I guess I should mention that she's adopted. My husband and I couldn't conceive, so we decided to adopt."
Dulion hung his head. Of course there was a huge violation on day one; one that he would need to report regardless of if he wanted to.
"What's wrong?" Cameron asked him.
"You know that's illegal, right? Lycanthropes can't adopt humans. They passed LAB about two months ago."
"I know. We adopted Stephanie when she was just a baby though. She's ten now."
Dulion exhaled. Thank God for small favors.
"Never mind then." He said with a smile. "Just keep the papers close at hand, just in case. You never know who might challenge it. Are you and your husband employed?"
"Yes, we both work. Sometimes on the weekends, too but when we do, Ibuki watches Michelle."
"Ibuki?"
"Oh, she's another tenant here. I can introduce you, if you'd like. "
"That's ok. I'm kind of waiting for people to get used to the idea of me being here."
"I understand. Well I should get going. It's been a pleasure meeting you."
"Likewise. Hopefully I meet your husband and daughter soon."
Cameron smiled and got up from her chair. Dulion did the same and walked her out of the room. Dulion thought he would like Cameron. She seemed very friendly. Maybe she was like him; trying to make the best of a bad situation. Dulion went back to unpacking. Several minutes had passed before he noticed Cameron's purse still sitting on the table. Rather than calling her, Dulion decided to take the bag to Cameron himself. Getting out from unpacking would do him some good. He grabbed his cane and the bag and walked out of the room.
Dulion headed towards the staircase which would bring him to the second floor. An elevator would have made life easier for him, but he didn't mind. After all, he could use whatever exercise he could get. The walls of the hallway looked like they hadn't been refurbished since the Doctor bought the place. Dulion wondered what would make him decided to purchase an apartment building. It seemed so random. Dulion was so lost in his thoughts that he failed to observe his surroundings, which led him to bump into someone. The force wasn't much, but it forced Dulion to put his weight on his left leg which he couldn't do. He lost his balance and fell to the floor.
"Oh my God, are you ok?" Asked a female's voice.
"Fine, just fine." Dulion said as he reached for his cane. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going."
With a little effort, Dulion was able to make it back to his feet. Across from him stood an Asian girl with long black hair. She was about his height and petite, yet not paper thin.
"Let me guess," Dulion said, "you must be Ibuki?"
"Whatever could have given it away? Yes, I'm Emi Ibuki. Who are you?"
"James Dulion. I'm the new advisor."
"Of course. Let me guess, you don't think you need to pay attention to any of us around here because we're nothing but filthy beasts who belong in cages, right?"
"No that's not true. I just wasn't paying attention. I didn't mean to..."
Ibuki started laughing.
"Relax." She said. "I wasn't being serious. Just a little fun at the new guy's expense."
"Boy, I feel smart about now."
Ibuki smiled at him.
"You seem...young." She said. "I was expecting the advisor to be someone older. You're what? 25?"
"24."
"I was close. You're only a year older than me. So, just exploring?"
"Actually, no. I just met with Mrs. Makarov and she left her purse in my apartment. I could have called her but I figured a little walk wouldn't hurt."
Ibuki's eyes went towards his cane.
"I'm handicapped, not crippled." Dulion said hating the fact he had to say it twice in one day.
"Oh. Sorry. Look, I'll take the purse upstairs for you. Consider it an apology for having fun at your expense."
"You don't have..."
"I know. I want to. I live on the third floor, by the way, room 303, and I'm a kitsune lycanthrope. Come and say hi once and awhile."
Ibuki took the purse and headed towards the staircase. Dulion shook his head and headed back towards his room. He felt embarrassed over not only bumping into Ibuki, but also failing to see the joke. A great first impression, huh? A kitsune? Weren't those only myths? Dulion quickly went back to unpacking. He was all but done when he was interrupted again by a series of quick knocks on the door. Dulion made his way towards his door and opened it up. Before him stood a lycanthrope; this one, an otter.
"Hello, may I help you?" Dulion asked.
"Oh you most certainly can." Said the otter in a high-pitched, flamboyant voice.
The otter forced himself into the room.
"I guess you can call me a member of the welcoming committee." The otter said. "You must be the new advisor right?"
"Yeah. James Dulion. It's nice to meet you, Mister..."
"Oh you can call me anything you'd like." The otter said putting his hand on Dulion's shoulder and leaning in close to him. "So I hear you're supposed to help us with any problems we have, right."
"...yes. Anyone who tries to harass you or interfere with you going about your business has to deal with me. And, of course, if you need some advice on anything, just let me know."
"You also have to give a report about what goes on around here, don't you? Should I be worried?"
The otter leaned in closer to Dulion as he talked so that he was close enough to kiss him. Dulion tried his best to get some distance in between them, but it was proving to be hard.
"No. Unless you do something that warrants reporting, you'll be fine."
"And what would that be?" the otter said suggestively into Dulion's ear. "Getting a little too close for comfort?"
Dulion took his can and put it in between himself and the otter.
"Enough." Dulion said. "I'm not sure what you're doing but it's got to stop. You're really interfering with my personal space, which isn't a smart idea. Now, I don't care you're an lycanthrope, I don't care you're gay, I don't care if you're just a little touchy-feely. But I do care when you're assaulting me, which technically you are. No, you're not going to get reported for it this time, but if it happens again, we'll have a problem."
The otter looked at Dulion for a moment. Then he laughed and began to transform back into a human. As a human, he was medium height and build, but had sunny blonde hair and brown eyes. He smiled at Dulion.
"I'm impressed, Mr. Dulion." He said in what Dulion assumed was his normal tone of voice. "You're not as bad as you seem."
"Excuse me?"
"See, I thought that I could push you over the edge. But you didn't budge until I got really inappropriate. And even then, with a warning. Matthew was right about you; you might not be that bad after all."
"Thanks?" Dulion said confused.
"My name is Jason. Jason McCoy. And trust me I'm nowhere near that...intrusive. I just wanted to see what you'd do. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable."
"It's fine." Dulion said. "Just don't do anything like that again, or I'll have to report it."
"I understand. Well, I'd offer you a hand in unpacking but it seems like you're mostly done. I shall see you around."
"Bye." Dulion said.
Jason left the apartment and closed the door. Dulion buried his face in his hands. Was this what he was going to have to deal with for the foreseeable future; being embarrassed and put in awkward situations just to see how much he would take? He sighed. He couldn't think like that. It would only make this awkward situation worse.
By the end of the day Dulion was unpacked and moved in. The final things he did were hand two crosses on the wall over his closet. In between them, Dulion hung the only picture he owned; a picture of him when he was five with his parents. He looked at it for a moment when he put it up; now this place was home.