# Elephant Tears

Author: Shevvie Impala
Tags: Clean, Crime, Elephant, Hypnosis, murder

This story won 7th place in zsisron's hypnosis story contest. Someone asked me to post it some time ago, and I'm finally getting around to it. :-) It's basically a crime drama using hypnosis to figure who was responsible for the massacre of an entire group of elephants.

&nbsp;

**Elephant Tears**

By: Shevvie Impala

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo sat uncomfortably in the tiny room, his eyes focused on the clock.&nbsp; The chair under him was much too small, and creaked unreliably, as if it was going to fall apart any minute.&nbsp; He was bound in a straight jacket, and had marveled that they had found one big enough for him.&nbsp; Though the truth was, he could have flexed any portion of his large gray hide, and ripped it to pieces.&nbsp; Such an action wouldn't help his cause any.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They had filed his tusks and capped the ends with rubber padding.&nbsp; His trunk had been bound into the straight jacket to keep him from flailing it about and injuring someone.&nbsp; This made it difficult for him to speak, however.&nbsp; Not that he wanted to.&nbsp; Hugo had nothing to say.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And as of yet, he didn't have to say anything.&nbsp; His lawyer, a pure black jackal, who could have been the reincarnation of Anubis himself, had said everything.&nbsp; And nothing.&nbsp; "My client is innocent," he kept repeating over and over.&nbsp; "You have no right to treat him this way.&nbsp; It's inhumane, and we won't stand for it.&nbsp; As soon as this is cleared up, my client will be bringing a suit against your entire department for these injustices."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The detective on this case, a diminutive hyena with a bad case of halitosis, snarled a knowing grin at the lawyer.&nbsp; "Mr. Giselly, if your client is innocent, then why was he the only survivor?&nbsp; Why was he the only one to walk out of there, not only alive but completely unharmed?&nbsp; You can't blame us for taking precautions."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo had grown tired of this back and forth.&nbsp; They were getting nowhere, and it he had been sitting there for hours, unable to defend himself.&nbsp; At first he had tried to argue with the detective, but Giselly cut him off each time, repeating the same response that he spoke now.&nbsp; "We've told you for the hundredth time, he can't remember what took place.&nbsp; But it makes no sense for him to kill off his entire herd.&nbsp; His family!&nbsp; Hugo Munson is not a murderer."&nbsp; Giselly pounded his fist on the table, emphasizing his strong words.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Cut the crap," the hyena snapped back, standing up to glare into Hugo's distant eyes.&nbsp; "You're an elephant.&nbsp; You're supposed to remember everything.&nbsp; I don't believe for one minute you can't remember what happened.&nbsp; Admit it, Hugo.&nbsp; You're nothing but scum."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo closed his large, black eyes, unable to look at the hyena.&nbsp; How did a person prove they really couldn't remember something?&nbsp; It was like proving whether a god exists.&nbsp; Giselly also jumped to his feet, growling at the detective.&nbsp; "So, it comes right back around to it, doesn't it Detective Harris?&nbsp; You're not getting a false confession out of my client, no matter how hard you push.&nbsp; If these spurious accusations are what you pass off as detective work, then I suggest you find a different profession."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris smirked and turned toward the door.&nbsp; "Don't tell me how to do my job, Giselly, and I won't tell you how to do yours."&nbsp; The hyena opened the door, and Hugo looked up again in time to see a zebra walk through.&nbsp; "Gentlemen," Harris said, turning back to them.&nbsp; "This is Doctor Morgan Scheckles.&nbsp; She's an expert in the field of hypnotherapy, and we've called her in to get to the bottom of this."&nbsp; He closed the door and glared at Giselly.&nbsp; "Unless you're afraid to allow your client to speak his own mind."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The zebra smiled, approaching the table where Hugo and Giselly sat.&nbsp; "Good afternoon."&nbsp; Her voice was soothing, bringing Hugo back to the conversation as he watched her silently.&nbsp; Giselly glared between the doctor and Harris.&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles ignored the lawyer's less than pleasant demeanor, however.&nbsp; "Mr. Giselly, you have nothing worry about.&nbsp; I'm here to help Mr. Munson."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Help him right into prison," Giselly grumbled, settling back into his chair.&nbsp; "I know how these things work.&nbsp; You'll make a few suggestions, he will agree to them, and Harris will have his confession.&nbsp; You should know nothing my client says under hypnosis will be admissible in court."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You have the right not to participate, Mr. Munson," Doctor Scheckles said as she smiled toward the bound elephant.&nbsp; "But, I assure you, this could help you case if you are actually innocent.&nbsp; While it's unfortunate that you're the only suspect in this case, you're also the only witness.&nbsp; I can help you remember anything that might be beneficial to you."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All eyes were on Hugo now, and he shifted uncomfortably in his small seat, making it groan. &nbsp;He looked toward Doctor Scheckles and tried to pull his trunk up enough to speak without sounding like he had a gallon of cement inside it.&nbsp; "What if...I don't want to remember?"&nbsp; He still sounded stuffed up to his own ears, but at least he could be understood.&nbsp; "I know they're dead.&nbsp; All of them.&nbsp; What if I forgot for a reason?&nbsp; What if I forgot because I'm..."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Giselly cut him off with a sudden growl.&nbsp; "That's enough, Hugo."&nbsp; He stood up, gathering his papers to stuff into his briefcase.&nbsp; "I think we're done here.&nbsp; We have nothing more to say.&nbsp; Either you find some solid evidence, or you let my client go."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Please, Mr. Giselly," Doctor Scheckles smiled at him now and leaned on the back of the chair the detective had been sitting in.&nbsp; "It's entirely possible that your client has blocked out the memories because they were traumatic, rather than because he is guilty.&nbsp; As you said yourself, anything he says under hypnosis won't be admissible, so what do you have to lose?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The jackal gave another low growl, but looked at Hugo.&nbsp; "I would advise you not to do this, Mr. Munson, but the choice is yours.&nbsp; If you do incriminate yourself, there will be very little I can do to help you."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo turned his eyes to the table, silent for a moment as he mulled over the possibilities.&nbsp; If he were truly innocent, he would likely feel survivor's guilt, and if he were guilty, then he would deserve whatever punishment would come of it.&nbsp; But not knowing one way or the other was driving him mad.&nbsp; Finally, he looked up to Doctor Scheckles.&nbsp; "Will I remember what I say?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You don't have to," Doctor Scheckles responded, her tone growing softer as she spoke to him.&nbsp; "But it will be recorded.&nbsp; Admissible or not, the truth will be known to those of us here in the room.&nbsp; What happens after that will be up to Detective Harris and your lawyer."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I want to remember," Hugo said so quietly, that it took the others a moment to realize what he said.&nbsp; Then louder, more definite in his decision, "I want to go through with this.&nbsp; I don't think I could live with myself not really knowing."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Giselly grunted and sat back down in his chair, while Doctor Scheckles nodded sympathetically.&nbsp; "Very well.&nbsp; Are you comfortable Mr. Munson?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another creaking shift in his seat seemed to answer that question for him.&nbsp; "Not like this," he said, attempting to look down to the straight jacket.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles turned to Harris.&nbsp; "Is there somewhere here where Mr. Munson will be more comfortable?&nbsp; And I don't think he needs to be bound up like that.&nbsp; He doesn't seem to be a threat to anyone."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Detective Harris narrowed his eyes, looking back up at the large bull elephant.&nbsp; "Look Doc, I don't need him rampaging through the office if something goes wrong.&nbsp; You're just going to have to make do with what you got."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It won't work if he's not comfortable," Doctor Scheckles replied.&nbsp; "And I'll take full responsibility for his behavior.&nbsp; I guarantee, once he's under, I'll be able to control him completely."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's what worries me," Giselly snarled.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris snorted from the other side of the room and flashed a toothy grin toward Doctor Scheckles.&nbsp; "If that's the case, then I think we can make some room in the Captain's office.&nbsp; He has a couch that'll probably be a lot more comfortable for Mr. Munson."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That will be fine," Doctor Scheckles replied, starting for the door.&nbsp; "Oh, and if you are both going to be present, I would ask that you turn off your cell phones.&nbsp; I don't want any interruptions to break his concentration."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fine, whatever," Harris grumbled, opening the door for the doctor and the others.&nbsp; "Come on, lardo.&nbsp; Let's get this over with."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Giselly grabbed his briefcase and glared at the detective.&nbsp; "Your derogatory comments are unnecessary, and will only push you further down the hole, Detective Harris."&nbsp; He looked at Hugo once more as he moved around the table.&nbsp; "And I still recommend against this, Mr. Munson."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris merely grunted as Hugo stood.&nbsp; The chair groaned with relief as the large elephant gained his feet.&nbsp; They would likely need to replace it before anyone else was subject to sitting there.&nbsp; "It doesn't matter anymore," Hugo replied to his lawyer as he started for the door.&nbsp; "Either I did it, or I didn't.&nbsp; Want to know."&nbsp; Though whether he would want to remember it after all was said and done, was another matter completely.

\*\*\*\*\*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The captain had not been pleased when the parade stopped in his doorway.&nbsp; Such a request was highly unorthodox, but Doctor Scheckles eventually convinced him that it was for the best, and they would only be there a short time.&nbsp; Grudgingly, the captain decided to take his lunch break, and hand over his office to the small group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo sat on the couch, taking up the entire surface, and Doctor Scheckles motioned to Harris.&nbsp; "Please remove his restraints, Detective.&nbsp; I give you my promise he'll behave, right Mr. Munson?"&nbsp; She smiled kindly toward the elephant, who nodded as much as his trapped trunk would allow him.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris eyed Hugo for a moment, then sighed and did as the Doctor requested.&nbsp; Giselly took a seat in the corner, watching everything with a stern look on his face.&nbsp; Though their reasons differed, Harris and Giselly at least agreed that this situation was less than optimal.&nbsp; Their arguments had been heard though, and there was little else they could do.&nbsp; They would simply have to trust that Scheckles and Hugo would keep their promises.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once free, Hugo stretched his trunk and arms out to get rid of the kinks that had built up within him.&nbsp; Harris immediately reached for his gun, growling at the sudden movement.&nbsp; Hugo looked toward him and let his trunk droop back down again.&nbsp; "I promised I wouldn't do anything.&nbsp; Whatever you think about me, I'm an elephant of my word."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah, well, you just better watch it," Harris grumbled back, relaxing slightly.&nbsp; "I'm keeping my eyes on you.&nbsp; Don't think for a second you can get away with anything."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Please, Detective," Doctor Scheckles said in a scolding tone.&nbsp; "That's really not necessary."&nbsp; She smiled back to Hugo and leaned against the captain's desk.&nbsp; "All right, Mr. Munson.&nbsp; I want you to just relax as much as you can.&nbsp; I realize this isn't the most comfortable of situations, but you really will need to keep as calm as possible."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo shifted slightly on the couch, and glanced over to his lawyer who was busy fuming about his advice being ignored.&nbsp; Then he looked back to the Doctor and nodded.&nbsp; "I'm okay.&nbsp; What's going to happen?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't tell you, exactly," Doctor Scheckles said in her soft, smooth voice.&nbsp; "The experience is different for everyone.&nbsp; But, if we're successful, you should feel very relaxed and at peace.&nbsp; The memories are there, somewhere in your mind. &nbsp;You're simply going to let them come to the surface where you can retrieve them.&nbsp; Do you think you can handle that?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo looked down at his prison-issue shoes, thinking for a moment.&nbsp; "I...don't know," he answered finally.&nbsp; "I guess it depends on what's there."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If you are having second thoughts, you don't need to do this," Giselly piped up from his corner.&nbsp; "I still don't think you should.&nbsp; If you do, there may be very little I can do to defend you.&nbsp; As it is, Detective Harris has no witnesses and no tangible evidence that you had anything to do with it.&nbsp; The unknown in this case is your advantage."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris turned toward Giselly, the hackles on his neck rising at the challenge.&nbsp; "Munson was at the scene of the crime, covered in the victims' blood.&nbsp; He was apprehended red-handed..."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Gentlemen, please!"&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles' raised tone was in such sharp contrast to the even smoothness she had displayed until now.&nbsp; But it worked get their attention and she smiled, speaking more softly once again.&nbsp; "This is not a courtroom.&nbsp; I'm sure you'll have ample opportunity to argue with one another later."&nbsp; She returned her dark eyes to Hugo, speaking directly to him once more.&nbsp; "Now, it's your choice.&nbsp; We can proceed or stop."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo looked between the Detective and his lawyer.&nbsp; Both had been fully chastised into silence, but their arguments had been heard.&nbsp; He felt so very conflicted himself, the answer didn't come easily, but he finally made his decision.&nbsp; "Let's go on," he said quietly in his low, rumbling voice.&nbsp; "Whether I'm guilty or innocent, defense won't matter."&nbsp; He understood that if he proved to himself he was guilty, he wouldn't mind what punishment was dealt to him.&nbsp; If he was innocent, they would have no case.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles nodded and leaned back against the captain's desk.&nbsp; "Very well.&nbsp; If you're ready, I'd like you to make yourself as comfortable as possible.&nbsp; Feel free to lay back if you wish."&nbsp; She waited a moment for Hugo to adjust himself on the couch, which gave a series of feint crackles.&nbsp; Harris and Giselly watched silently, their protests already aired.&nbsp; "That's good.&nbsp; Now, please focus on a specific point, maybe a decoration or coat hook.&nbsp; Anything you can narrow in on."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo did as he was asked.&nbsp; His large, black eyes fell on a framed certificate the captain had hanging behind his desk.&nbsp; There was a shiny foil seal in the lower right hand corner and Hugo allowed himself to stare at the round patch as the lights reflected off it.&nbsp; "Okay," he replied, letting the doctor know he had found what he was looking for.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Scheckles nodded once more.&nbsp; "Good.&nbsp; From now on, I don't want you to speak until I ask you to."&nbsp; She glanced over at Harris. "Could you please lock the door, Detective Harris?&nbsp; We don't need someone walking in at the wrong time."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris grumbled something under his breath, but made his way over to the office door to ensure it was locked.&nbsp; Giselly watched him shrewdly as the hyena secured the door then wandered back to his seat in the corner.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles waited for Harris to be seated once more then drew in a deep breath.&nbsp; She spoke again in her soothing tone, keeping her eyes on Hugo as she began the process.&nbsp; "Please listen to me very careful, Mr. Munson.&nbsp; Hugo.&nbsp; Focus on the point you are looking at, and listen to my voice.&nbsp; You're going to slowly relax and go deep into your own mind.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At the count of three, I want you to close your eyes.&nbsp; 1...2...3," Doctor Scheckles began the process.&nbsp; Hugo closed his eyes and focused on her voice, unsure whether this would really result in anything more than nap.&nbsp; "Concentrate on your breathing.&nbsp; In and out...In and out.&nbsp; Breathe in nice long, deep breaths then let them out very slowly."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone's attention had turned to Hugo now as he sat on the couch with his eyes closed, and his chest slowly rising and falling with each breath.&nbsp; The elephant tried to forget the others in the room and their purpose for being here.&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles glanced at the cop and lawyer in turn, smiling as their arguments gave way to fascination.&nbsp; "That's it.&nbsp; Please open your eyes again and find the focus point once more."&nbsp; Hugo did as he was asked, and the doctor continued.&nbsp; "You're feeling it harder to keep your eyes open now, but concentrate on that point and focus.&nbsp; Keep breathing slowly in and out.&nbsp; When I count to three, close your eye again.&nbsp; 1...2...3."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once again, Hugo's eyes slid closed, blocking out the harsh reality of the police station.&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles watched, giving a pause until his eyelids had settled.&nbsp; "Continue breathing slowly in and out.&nbsp; Notice how your arms and legs are starting to feel very heavy as if you couldn't move them if you tried.&nbsp; You're starting to relax now.&nbsp; You have a deep feeling of peace and calm."&nbsp; As she spoke, he could feel his limbs growing heavy and tired, much like the moments before falling asleep, and his doubts began to faulter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Open your eyes one more time, and focus on your spot," she said softly.&nbsp; Hugo struggled this time to open his eyes, and the doctor smiled as the hypnosis began to work.&nbsp; "It's harder to keep your eyes open now.&nbsp; Harder to focus.&nbsp; That's all right.&nbsp; Go ahead and let your eyes close for the final time.&nbsp; You should be feeling very relaxed now, almost as if you could sleep.&nbsp; Your arms and legs are feeling numb; far away."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles allowed a glance to Harris and Giselly, who both seemed to be drifting as well at the sound of her soothing voice.&nbsp; Both the jackal and hyena were falling into almost as relaxed a state as Hugo.&nbsp; Whether they remained conscious would be up to them, but at least they had given up the argument.&nbsp; She went on, returning her gaze to Hugo.&nbsp; "I want you to picture a doorway in your mind.&nbsp; Through this door is a set of stairs, and in a moment you will be going through the door.&nbsp; Once you step through and start down the stairs, you become even more relaxed.&nbsp; When I count to three, you will move through the door.&nbsp; 1...2...3."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another pause was given to allow Hugo the time to mentally start on his journey.&nbsp; His concentration was palpable, seeming to silence even the busy policy station outside the office.&nbsp; He no longer heard anything but the gentle flow of the doctor's voice.&nbsp; Scheckles continued once more, leading Hugo further into trance.&nbsp; "Now you're going to walk down the stairs very slowly.&nbsp; With each step, you will become more relaxed.&nbsp; There are ten steps, and I'm going to count down each one as you walk. 1...2...you are becoming more relaxed.&nbsp; 3....4...you hear nothing but my voice.&nbsp; 5...6...your body feels so very numb, as if it is no longer there.&nbsp; 7...8...focus on your breathing.&nbsp; Slowly in...and slowly out.&nbsp; 9...10...you're in your own mind now, and as relaxed and calm as you can possibly be."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Scheckles took a deep breath before going on.&nbsp; For Hugo, this would be where the real work began if the memories were still somewhere in his mind.&nbsp; "Take a look around your mind," Scheckles said softly.&nbsp; "What do you see?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo had been following the zebra's directions precisely, as if he had no free will of his own, and now he saw himself standing in a dark place surrounded by a thousand doors.&nbsp; From somewhere in the distance he heard the soft voice of Doctor Scheckles speaking to him.&nbsp; Had she asked a question?&nbsp; The atmosphere here was quiet and calm.&nbsp; He didn't want to break that by speaking, but there had been a question and it demanded an answer.&nbsp; He hesitated before finally speaking.&nbsp; "A...a room.&nbsp; With doors.&nbsp; Many doors."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo's voice was low, barely audible if not for the quiet of the room.&nbsp; But Doctor Scheckles heard it well enough and nodded.&nbsp; "The doors are your memories.&nbsp; Every piece of your life is there, waiting for you to look inside and see them.&nbsp; Most of them are unlocked; easy to access.&nbsp; Go ahead.&nbsp; Try one."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo looked around once more at the mass of doors.&nbsp; He was relatively young; just beyond juvenile in the eyes of his peers, but he had so many memories.&nbsp; The only thing to do was try the first door he could reach.&nbsp; So, he raised one of his dream-like arms, and pushed slightly on the nearest door.&nbsp; It opened with no effort, letting through a brilliant glare from whatever was beyond.&nbsp; He had to squint to see what was there, but soon it came into focus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The scene before him was the vast open plains, and the sun was beating down overhead.&nbsp; He was walking between the much taller, gray limbs of his family.&nbsp; He was very young, and there were a few other calves as well; his cousins.&nbsp; This was his first time traveling to the sacred grounds they would go to again and again, year after year.&nbsp; There was so much excitement among the younger elephants, as the annual gathering was the only time all the members of their vast family came together.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A smile spread across Hugo's face as he witnessed the feelings and sights of this long forgotten memory.&nbsp; Giselly and Harris both looked at Doctor Scheckles, neither seeming sure what was going on.&nbsp; The doctor smiled along with Hugo.&nbsp; "There are likely many wonderful memories behind those doors, and many other not so wonderful ones.&nbsp; Your whole life is there, waiting for you to look back and remember it.&nbsp; The secret is, nothing we ever experience is really forgotten.&nbsp; It just gets lost in the crowd.&nbsp; It's time for you to search the doors, Hugo.&nbsp; Find the one that's locked.&nbsp; There may be more than one, but you'll know the right one when you find it."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The expression changed on Hugo's face from pleasure to concern as he gazed at all the doors.&nbsp; There were so many; they were countless.&nbsp; And they all looked the same as far as he could tell.&nbsp; He sighed and started walking between the floating doorways, occasionally reaching out to push at one of them.&nbsp; Memories flooded his mind as he opened doors; things he hadn't thought about in years, old faces of long past relatives, places and events that he had experienced years ago.&nbsp; All of them were there, but they weren't what he had been tasked to find.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then he saw it.&nbsp; There, standing far in the back of his mind, was a door that glowed red around the edges, as if something inside wanted to get out.&nbsp; He looked at it for a moment, hesitant to approach.&nbsp; Did he really want to know what was in there?&nbsp; Whatever it was had to be painful, perhaps even frightening.&nbsp; But it could also help.&nbsp; Hugo approached the doorway and raised his round hand to press on it.&nbsp; The door was hot to the touch, but it refused to open.&nbsp; He jerked his hand away again.&nbsp; "I...I don't have the key.&nbsp; I can't open it," he said aloud in a quivering voice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's okay, Hugo," Doctor Scheckles said quietly.&nbsp; "You can open it if you really want to.&nbsp; You have the key with you.&nbsp; Try looking in your pocket."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo could feel himself shaking, though he had no idea if it was only the version of himself in his head, or if he was on the outside as well.&nbsp; He was barely aware that he still had an outside and that there was an audience watching that outer-self.&nbsp; The door remained before him, glowing and silent, taunting him with the secret hidden behind it.&nbsp; He had come all this way to learn the secret thought.&nbsp; To be free, or to be accountable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The decision was made.&nbsp; Hugo reached slowly into his pocket and felt something press against the pad of his hand.&nbsp; He pulled it out again, and a small glowing dot the same deep red of the door, rested in the center of his palm.&nbsp; Reaching out, he pressed the glow against the door, and heard an audible click as it unlocked. &nbsp;He closed his eyes and pushed against the hot surface, feeling it give way under the pressure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the outside, Hugo pressed his eyes closed tightly, and began to shutter as the doorway opened to him.&nbsp; "Everything is all right," Doctor Scheckles said in her calm tone.&nbsp; "You're not alone.&nbsp; Let yourself see the memory.&nbsp; Tell us what's there."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No, he was not alone.&nbsp; And he had come here for this purpose alone.&nbsp; Hugo took a deep, steadying breath and forced his eyes open.&nbsp; His outer, physical eyes also opened, but he stared blankly across the room, still under the relaxing influence of the hypnosis.&nbsp; The red glow surrounded him as he looked through the doorway, and he realized it was not light, but the red of blood.&nbsp; So much blood.&nbsp; Then redness was drawn away from him, and he realized that the memory was actually flowing backward.&nbsp; Silence turned into screams and motion, blurring in front of him too fast for him to follow.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The entire scene rewound until he was there, in the center of a crowd that was filtering into a deep, round valley.&nbsp; This is where it had all began.&nbsp; At first he forgot Doctor Scheckles request to tell them what happened over the over the mass of feelings the new memory brought him.&nbsp; It took effort for him to speak of it as he relived it once again, but finally the words came through the dream-like haze.&nbsp; "I was with them.&nbsp; The others.&nbsp; Dozens of us.&nbsp; We have arrived in the Valley of the Ancestors for our annual gathering.&nbsp; Our family; mothers, fathers, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo's physical eyes slid closed once more as he recalled the events of the day, and his watchers listened in awed silence of the recovered tale.&nbsp; "It was hot; hotter than it had even been before.&nbsp; I was late.&nbsp; I had been traveling with Kurtis.&nbsp; My brother Kurtis.&nbsp; He had an injury on his leg.&nbsp; He said...he couldn't remember how he got it.&nbsp; But it slowed him down.&nbsp; So we were behind many of the others, except the elderly matrons."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The elephant was fully inside the memory now, living it as if it were happening again.&nbsp; Much to the relief of Harris, Hugo's body went motionless now that he had broken through to the truth.&nbsp; "I'd been to the valley many times over the years.&nbsp; Everything was as I remembered it.&nbsp; Green, lush.&nbsp; It was hard to imagine that other families had gathered there at different times as well.&nbsp; The place always seemed pristine."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo lingered for some time simply marveling in the beauty of the valley.&nbsp; It was the last pleasant thing he could remember, and he didn't want to lose it for what was to come next.&nbsp; If he could simply freeze time here in the tranquility of this place and company of his family, he would do so.&nbsp; But there were people waiting on the outside for the answer to questions all of them had.&nbsp; Just like time itself, the memory wound on.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We were going to be there for a week," he continued, his voice drifting lazily as he spoke about what he was seeing.&nbsp; "It was a time for saying goodbye to those who had past, and welcoming those who were new.&nbsp; The eldest matron oversaw it all.&nbsp; She welcomed everyone; mourned with everyone."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The others had little experience with the elephant's culture, and listened in awe as he described what had become custom for him.&nbsp; There were few other species that had the closeness Hugo talked about.&nbsp; But it was all about to go horribly wrong, and Hugo shuttered again as he realized just how close the painful memories were.&nbsp; "It...it happened on the third day."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo paused, quivering slightly.&nbsp; Doctor Sheckles nodded toward him, though he couldn't see the motion.&nbsp; "Go on," she coaxed softly.&nbsp; "It's okay.&nbsp; The memories can't hurt you now."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The elephant heard her voice, but he knew she was wrong.&nbsp; So very wrong.&nbsp; They would hurt him all over again, deep to the core.&nbsp; Maybe this had been a mistake.&nbsp; He could have taken his chances that no tangible evidence one way or another would be found, and he would be let free.&nbsp; But the nagging feeling of never knowing himself would remain with him.&nbsp; That alone spurred him to continue.&nbsp; "It was Kurtis," he said softly, letting that rest in the air for a moment before he clarified.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We need more than that," Harris growled from his corner of the room.&nbsp; "How do we even know this guy isn't just playing us?"&nbsp; Giselly glared at him, but said nothing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Detective, please," Doctor Scheckles shot the hyena a cutting glance, silencing any further words as Harris opened his mouth to say something further.&nbsp; "You'll break his concentration."&nbsp; She looked back to Hugo, but Hugo still appeared to be deep in trance.&nbsp; "Please, Hugo.&nbsp; Tell us what happened with Kurtis."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo gave a slight nod.&nbsp; Tears were starting to leak from his closed eyes as he watched the scene in his head.&nbsp; "It was his leg.&nbsp; An infection.&nbsp; He had grown weaker over those three days, and passed right there in the valley."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another long silence followed with the three listeners looking at one another.&nbsp; When Hugo continued, his voice was so low, they could barely hear him.&nbsp; "We mourned.&nbsp; Many tears were shed for his passing, as they would be for any other.&nbsp; He was one of us.&nbsp; He was of us."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo's eyes opened then, and he looked directly at Doctor Sheckles, a sudden awareness in his dark orbs.&nbsp; But his face and voice grew cold and emotionless.&nbsp; "I'm not sure why.&nbsp; I had known my cousin for many years.&nbsp; He was a little younger, more like a brother.&nbsp; We travelled together in the same circles.&nbsp; Something in me snapped.&nbsp; Maybe someone said something.&nbsp; Maybe I heard something in my own head."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was fully aware now, and looked down at his large hands as he finished the story for the others.&nbsp; All the memories were there and there was nothing he could do to deny them.&nbsp; They played out in his mind, looping over and over as he recalled the story.&nbsp; "No.&nbsp; There were a thrumming.&nbsp; Others who didn't know Kurtis as well were murmuring about how he should have stayed away.&nbsp; He had corrupted the valley and the gathering by coming in that condition.&nbsp; I couldn't tell where the voices were coming from.&nbsp; They seemed to be all around me.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I lashed out at the nearest body.&nbsp; I couldn't even tell you who it was.&nbsp; That one action became a chain reaction.&nbsp; I was struck back, it turned into a fight.&nbsp; Some were defending the one I struck, while others had taken my side; they were as angry as I felt.&nbsp; Emotions rose, and while some tried to hold us back, they merely ended up getting involved in the fight.&nbsp; Soon, we were all fighting and screaming.&nbsp; It was defend yourself or be killed."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo swallowed and looked toward Giselly who was scowling more than ever that that truth had been laid out before them.&nbsp; "Somehow I was the last one standing.&nbsp; My senses were gone.&nbsp; There was only rage and sadness when I wandered out of that valley.&nbsp; That's...that's all there is to it."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Insanity," Giselly said with a huff.&nbsp; "Innocent by mental incapacitation.&nbsp; You have no case, Harris."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Detective Harris grinned and looked toward Hugo.&nbsp; "No?&nbsp; You said yourself anything he admits to under hypnosis isn't admissible in court."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If I may interrupt," Doctor Scheckles said, keeping her own eyes on Hugo.&nbsp; "Mr. Munson, are you completely awake?"&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo looked back to her and nodded again. "Yes.&nbsp; I had to wake up.&nbsp; I couldn't stand being surrounded by that anymore."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Scheckles smiled and nodded in return.&nbsp; "Of course.&nbsp; Then everything you just said about snapping and the fight; that was said with conscious effort, correct?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes," Hugo replied quietly.&nbsp; He didn't like what was now in his head, but he couldn't deny it either.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then, Mr. Giselly," Doctor Scheckles turned toward him.&nbsp; "It is my professional opinion not only as an experienced hypnotherapist, but criminal psychologist, that you are correct.&nbsp; Mr. Munson was not in his right mind at the time of the incident.&nbsp; My report on this case will state as much, and I will testify to that should this continue to court."&nbsp; At that, she looked pointedly at Harris.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harris growled and stood up.&nbsp; "That'll be up to the prosecutors," he said moving toward the door to the office.&nbsp; "In the mean time, Munson will continue enjoying our hospitality."&nbsp; He opened the door and motioned for a pair of officers to take Hugo back to his cell.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Giselly stood up as well, nodding to Hugo.&nbsp; "Fine.&nbsp; I will be back tomorrow to start working on strategy."&nbsp; Then he looked at Doctor Scheckles, seeming to soften now that he had something to work with.&nbsp; "Thank you, doctor.&nbsp; You've given Mr. Munson a fighting chance."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No," she replied, shaking her head.&nbsp; "It was always in him.&nbsp; I just helped bring it out."&nbsp; She stepped over to Hugo, placing a hoof encouragingly on his hand.&nbsp; "There's still more to come, Mr. Munson. &nbsp;But I think you'll be all right.&nbsp; I'm so very sorry for your loss."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo nodded and stood as the officers came to take him out of the room.&nbsp; They recuffed his large hands, and started for the door.&nbsp; Harris led the way out, and Doctor Scheckles and Giselly followed behind Hugo.&nbsp; The elephant closed his eyes as he was taken away, a strange mix of emotions playing through his mind.&nbsp; The rage was gone, but there was a deep sadness as well as relief that it was all out in the open now.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hugo took a deep breath and focused on the beauty of the valley as he had first looked upon it as a child.&nbsp; There had been many happy times in this place.&nbsp; He knew he would never return there again, even if he was freed.&nbsp; So, he held onto this single image, feeling it would be the one thing that would keep him going.&nbsp; He whispered a soft prayer to the lives lost there, and opened his eyes again, looking now ahead to the future, whatever it would hold for him.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/deP7K551