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Maureen the Resilient

Justin wasn't hit, but someone's blood fell upon both him and Sky as the commotion around them quickly died down.

The hawk stared in disbelief.

Justin looked in despair.

Maureen stood over them. She'd been pierced by Captain Coram's spear. She saw that Justin would have been hit. She had to save him for Kali.

It had pierced her all the way through and she fell backwards on top of Justin.

Sky sat back, too dumbfounded to fight as he was quickly apprehended.

Justin held Maureen as she bled.

The pine marten sobbed as she felt a worse pain in her gut than when she'd had her son.

Justin attempted to pull the spear.

Irving had to stop him, "Don't... That will only make her bleed out faster."

Justin stammered, "Then, what am I supposed to do?"

The stoat despaired as he watched this beautiful jill he had known for only one day lay dying before him. Irving sobbed, "There's nothing we can do."

Maureen gasped as she looked up at Justin, "Justin... I love you and Kali loves you. And I know Iomer will be well taken care of, right?"

Justin nodded as Kali kneeled beside him. "Yes, we will take care of Iomer. He'll be as loved as any child we could have ourselves."

Kali sniffed as she held her dying mate, "You didn't have to do this."

Maureen grunted, "I wanted to. I've seen you cry many times without Justin, I couldn't let that happen. It always hurt me to see you so sad."

Kali petted the pine marten, "But I'll be sad now... You are my wife and I was supposed to protect you."

Maureen smiled as a tear ran down her cheek, "And you did, you gave me the happiest months of my life. I'll miss you and Justin and Caryn and Orion, and especially you, Irving." She petted the stoat. "Now... I'm gonna see my family again. My Caleb, my father, my mother." She sniffed, "I was five when she died."

Justin frowned, "We will all miss you too, Maureen Jollenbeck."

She giggled, she hadn't heard her last name once since she'd come to live with these birds. She closed her eyes, then said, "Just take me home... If I die, it's gonna be in a bed, not in dirt." She giggled darkly with some strain.

Justin laughed sadly, "Yeah..."

Javin stepped up while his friend, Lee was taken away to the shaman's cottage. The cobra picked up Maureen. He carried her to their cottage closely followed by Justin, Kali and all of their friends.

...

The next morning...

Maureen was still awake.

Javin had had medical training. He removed the spear and was able to seal her up, but he didn't have the proper setting he needed to give her more than a few extra days.

Within those days, there were many changes for a lot of people around the village.

Irving proposed to Alice. He would turn 18 in a matter of weeks so he could marry her at his very own coming-of-age ceremony.

Alice accepted, knowing the prime piece of work she had to deal with whether this lad became more or less like his lecherous father. Whatever, she would stick by him and always be his main squeeze while he gets to squeeze all the other guys and girls.

Nestor's wounds had healed considerably. His friendship with Justin and Javin grew over these days.

His son still hardly made any sound beyond the typical grunt if he was hungry, but Nestor was proud of his mute son, his little Feroz.

Sky and his fellow defectors were each dealt with as the elders saw fit.

His four friends were banished for their complicity in his actions.

Sky, for poisoning the food and costing the lives of 12 of his fellow villagers including Lee and for the murder of one of their elders, received the harshest punishment. The hawk could do nothing but stare into nothingness as he sat in wait for his day.

The week had passed and Maureen was still there.

...

When enough time had passed, the pine marten seemed to have had a miraculous recovery. She could walk around again, though with some strain.

The villagers were all amazed at her resilience.

In fact, that's what they'd begun to call her, Maureen the Resilient. She took what had appeared to be a mortal wound and then she had lived.

Weeks passed and she was still there.

Irving had his coming of age ceremony with the birds.

The stoat blushed as he was made to stand naked before a crowd of snickering birds and reptiles. Being the only permanent male weasel in the village meant he was currently the only male whose genitals hung outside at all times while his avian and reptilian peers hid theirs in a pretty pouch.

The shaman made a point of groping the young stoat's plump scrotum while a female crow tied an arm band to Irving's right arm. This was to be the marker saying he was now a man of the village and could engage in free sexual activities with whomsoever he chose, so long as they gave consent. This was a tradition that had remained with the birds for centuries. Their young adults were allowed the freedom to explore they sexuality before they would decide for themselves if they wished to settle down.

Irving had, of course, enjoyed his fair share of sex since getting here, but now he could do it with anyone he wished.

Alice kissed her young mate when his ceremony had finished before Caryn stepped forth.

The cardinal offered herself up to be the stoat's first taste of experience.

Irving accepted and Alice joined them.

That night, Irving and Alice had a fun four-way with Caryn and Orion both involved.

Irving mated with Caryn and nibbled gently on her neck while Orion explored with Alice.

The cardinal hen chirped with want as the stoat bred with her, enjoying the tightness of the avian's pussy.

Orion enjoyed having Alice on all fours, having her bend to him in ways Caryn didn't, ways which the female cardinal would definitely apply to memory the next time they had a moment alone.

And while things had been happier for one group of people, things would definitely come to an end for one misguided hawk.

On the day of his reckoning, Sky had been crying, regretful of everything he had brought on himself, regret for all those innocents his recklessness took. As he was led out to the village square, he could feel the hated glares of the families, those whose loved ones he had taken,

Sky couldn't bare to look at anyone. He only looked upon the stone table he was being led to.

Coram stood there, beside Tilo and another bird, one clad in all black with a hood to hide his face, though his beak showed through. He was a raven. This bird and the males in his family had served a crucial role in their village when it came to administering that harshest punishment to those considered irredeemable.

Javin sat on his new throne before the village square. He watched as everyone else present did as the dishonored hawk was brought to the stone table.

Sky was made to stop once they were there.

The guard who had escorted him untied Sky's wrists then passed the hawk to the owl.

Noctis Coram directed the hawk to lay upon the table.

Sky did as he was told.

Two younger ravens, children of the executioner himself, tied Sky's wrists to wooden pegs upon the killing table. They then moved his feet so they would be tied to pegs at the foot of the table.

When it was done, Sky had been tied spread-eagle before everyone, with only a loincloth to keep him decent.

Tilo, the shaman, recited the sacrificial rites to the hawk, as was tradition for all placed here on this table.

Coram stared upon the hawk, nothing but the deepest of pities apparent in his aging features.

When Tilo had finished praying for the soul of this condemned ex-warrior, he stepped back so Coram could speak his piece.

The owl moved the hawk's face and made him look up at him, "Do you have any final words?"

Sky sighed, "No... Just get this over with."

Coram exhaled, "Very well." He stepped back then gave a silent glance to the raven.

The raven looked to their new chief.

Javin, who hated violence, gave a solemn nod.

The raven pulled out a jagged knife, the sacrificial dagger.

Sky saw how the stainless blade shined in the sunlight. He closed his eyes ready for the next plane.

The dagger came down.

Sky clinched his beak shut as that painless death he'd expected didn't come. Instead, he felt his chest cut open by the raven. Now he knew the reason for being tied down. Sky was in agony the whole time as he was sawed open.

The raven eventually had pulled open the hawk's ribcage to find his heart and lungs.

Sky screamed through everything until finally the raven had his heart.

The executioner, with a firm tug, ripped the hawk's heart from his torso.

The raven showed the hawk's heart to all present before he crushed the still pumping organ in his grip.

Javin sighed, "It is done."

...

The next day, the friends had met inside Justin's cottage.

Justin and Kali had been greatly enjoying each other's company since they'd been back together.

Caryn and Orion came in with Ruby and their new son, Frey.

Kali cooed gently as she held the newly hatched chick, "Oh my..." She looked at them, "Ruby's already going to be 1 year old soon. Frey will by ten months behind her. You've got your work cut out for you." She laughed.

Orion chuckled, "Yeah, but I've always liked a challenge."

After the cardinal family had taken their seats, Alice and Irving came in. The otteress and stoat kissed each other before sitting with the cardinals.

Justin crawled to his friends, "So... What's new with you two?"

Alice and Irving both looked at each other, then Alice spoke, "I'm pregnant."

Justin had already guessed, but he hugged his two weasel friends anyway. "I am so happy for you both."

Alice kissed Justin, "And we've both decided that since you are our friend, Justin, we want you to be the godfather."

Justin blinked, "Godfather?"

Irving smiled, "Yeah, it means we want you to be like... Substitute dad for our kit. It means you're part of our little family."

Justin smiled, "I would be honored, but we're already family. But you know for sure, I am always here for you and for your child."

Maureen came in after hearing voices, "What is going on, Justin?" She saw the young couple, "Oh, Alice and Irving Fuchs, what a pleasant surprise." She hugged Alice when she'd stood up.

Irving stayed sitting, he looked at Justin and his friend offered a sad smile.

Maureen kissed the otteress, "What brings you both to our abode?"

Alice was beaming, "We're having a baby."

Maureen gasped, "Oh my! Oh, congratulations, and good job on you, Irving." She giggled before she sat down.

Irving moved closer to Justin, "Is she alright?"

Justin shook his head solemnly, "She puts on a brave face, but she's getting weaker. She hardly eats because if she gets anything down, she throws it up. I think... I think our days with our resilient ray of sunshine may be numbered."

Irving put his paw to his muzzle, "Oh God..."

Maureen smiled as she chatted with Alice and Caryn and Kali, she herself knew she would probably die soon. But now, she was content. If it happened, she wouldn't be upset.

...

Another week passed...

Justin, Kali and their friends, along with the rest of the whole tribe stood outside the village in their burial grounds.

Kali, Caryn and Alice all held each other as they looked upon their friend.

Maureen lay before them, eyes closed, stripped bare and ready for the next world.

Justin had already cried for his pine marten mate. She was still so happy, even at the end.

Tilo stood over the marten's naked body. He painted her body with the symbols of their tribe so the goddess, Rhia, would know this marten was of the bird tribe. When he was finished, all of Maureen's diverse family was allowed to approach her.

Justin and Kali both pecked their beloved upon her face, then plucked their flight feathers to grant their friend passage into Rhia's realm.

All other birds who loved Maureen from afar, gave their flight feathers to her as well.

Alice and Irving did not have feathers, but each offered prayers from their Christian god so she would feel his love as well.

Javin offered prayer from his own reptilian god as well.

When all farewells were given, when all was said and done, Tilo raised his torch. Though he'd done this ritual several times now, it somehow seemed harder that it was this one, Maureen he would send. He lit her pyre.

Justin and Kali both had to turn away as the flames engulfed her body.

...

Miles above Volaria and Wieseland, in the next plane, Maureen woke up.

The pine marten was at first frightened when she woke in this new unfamiliar place. She looked around, it was nothing she had expected.

It was not the fluffy clouds and the pearly gates.

It was not the floating island of Rhia.

It was white.

She looked around then as suddenly grass, flowers, trees, everything that is beautiful sprung up around her. Tears filled her eyes as before her eyes she saw her old family cottage. It was her old home, not in Wiesel Stadt, not even in Wieseland, but in her home country.

The sky was bright blue and clear with not a cloud. The grass was as beautiful as she remembered when she was a little girl playing with her mother over those rolling hills. The cottage looked like it had just been built. She called out, "Mother? Father?"

The front door swung open accompanied by a bright light.

Two adult pine martens stepped out to greet her.

Maureen smiled as tears of joy filled her eyes.

Her mother stood there with her father, both smiling serenely at their only child. Her mom looked so much younger, but because she had died so early in her daughter's life.

Maureen then gasped when she felt a paw on her shoulder. She turned with a shock to find her beloved Caleb.

The handsome, brawny pine marten was just as she remembered him.

Maureen pounced on her one true love and kissed him deep on the lips.

Caleb laughed warmly in their kiss together. He chuckled when the kiss broke, "I knew you'd missed me, but I didn't expect this kind of a reception!"

Maureen shushed him, "Shut up and let me keep kissing you, babe."

And Caleb did as he carried her over the threshold into her childhood home.

Iomer Jollenbeck and his darling wife followed them inside as the door closed behind them.

...

Back in the living world, Kali kneeled by the spot where her mate had been.

By her side stood Justin and their sons, Justin Jr and Iomer, now 1 years and 10 months each.

Kali calmly brushed the patch of flowers that had grown in Maureen's spot. When she was finished she stood up then embraced her small family.

A year had passed in the living world now.

Irving and Alice had been married by the shaman, Tilo and their daughter was born. They named her Maureen. She was a perfect blend of otter and stoat with her father's green eyes, her mother's sleek dark coat and the cutest little smile.

Nestor's son was also a year old and rapidly approaching his second year fast. It was confirmed by now, Feroz was a mute like his namesake. The eagle was proud of his son nonetheless.

Javin and the falcon, Keel, had a strong relationship. The old predatory bird was a very pleasant and appreciative lover to his chief.

Caryn and Orion's daughter, Ruby was a rambunctious yearling, already running about on shaky legs and causing mischief for her suffering father who had to follow her everywhere. Little Frey was getting bigger too.

At the tavern in Wiesel Stadt, Jarlsberg had been saddened to hear of Maureen's death. But, he was happy to hear her son was alive and well, and hoped there would be a day he'd get to see that boy grow up.

Nadine still had her job there. She was reasonably upset when she learned Irving had married some otter bitch and had his own baby with her. And here she was taking care of his child that he'd made with the ferret. She wasn't sore for long, especially once she started receiving checks from the royal family to support her and her new son. The Fuchses took care of everyone in their family.

...

Speaking of the Fuchses...

Fritz Fuchs sat in his dusty office at the embassy while he read a letter sent to him from Wiesel Stadt.

Dear Fritz

I am happy to inform you that you are a grandfather now, Dad. I guess I should have known you were my father and if you're worried, don't be. I understand my Uncle Fritz is a heartless sex fiend, I know he couldn't resist my mom. I have a daughter now with Alice, her name is Maureen. We've named her after a sweet pine marten we had known only for a few weeks, but we'd loved her for that small amount of time.

I'm sure you'll remember that name, Maureen. I know of the things that happened to her, I know what Uncle Frederic did to her, and what my own father did to get him off from what he did. For that reason, you likely won't see me again, Fritz. I will no longer be able to look at them again without envisioning those terrible things they've done.

I'm already missing you, Dad. I wish I could see you, I wish you could come down here so I could hold you again, but I know this is for the best. Alice needs me, Maureen needs me and my new home with the birds is too beautiful to sully with our family name.

So then, this is goodbye. I do hope this letter finds you well, and I hope you won't be upset.

Signed, your son, Irving Fuchs

Fritz put the letter down then smiled, "Good on you, Irving." The humbled stoat snuffled at the thought of being a granddad now. Damn, now he was officially an old man.

Fritz sat to contemplate, he hadn't heard her name in so long. Maureen, now she was gone. He knew how his little brother would take the news, but the best cure was to tear the bandage off now.

The chubby ambassador stood up then went into his bedroom.

Clementine was there, nursing her daughter, Irving's as well.

Fritz had been a rare gentleman and actually kept his paws, and other appendages, away from Clem. Irving was the one family member that Fritz still respected enough not to fool with his females. He had, however, kept the young ferretess in money to support her and her little girl, Lydia.

"Clementine, are you doing well?"

She smiled, "Yes sir, Mr. Fuchs."

He nodded, "Good... Do you know if my brother is still in?"

She nodded, "Yes, Mr. Frederic is still asleep."

Frederic had conveniently dropped in for a visit with his big brother.

Fritz had given him the guest room where Justin once slept.

The brothers had enjoyed a routine night of incestuous debauchery the previous night.

Fritz kissed Clementine, "Thank you, darling." He went into the guest room through the adjoining door.

Frederic was there, laying naked over the covers.

Fritz saw his taller, fitter, handsomer little brother. The young adult was still a knockout to look at, but he spent so long bellyaching over that one female he lost, his perfect Maureen. Fritz remembered that girl, remembered what a bright light she was in their palace. He missed her too, but Frederic drove her away then refused to blame himself.

Fritz hated what his oldest brother did when Frederic had killed that nice pine marten, Caleb. Fritz couldn't look straight at Heinrich after that. But Frederic was still his favorite brother.

Fritz sat on the bed then kissed his sleeping brother.

Frederic felt it then rolled over to embrace his chubby big brother.

The two royal stoats locked muzzles together and they kissed for a strong minute while Fritz fondled Fred's growing malehood.

The kiss eventually broke.

Frederic looked at his brother then noticed the paper in his hand, "Fritz, what is that?"

Fritz remembered the letter, then knew with a sullen sigh, he had to spoil the mood now. "Fred..."

He sat up suddenly worried, "Yes, brother?"

Fritz smiled sadly, "I believe we have found your Maureen."

The young stoat sat up, "What!? Maureen? Where?"

The older stoat sniffed, "You should see this." He gave the letter to his brother.

Fred read it. He smiled first when he read Irving's name, he liked that kid. Then, his expression change when he read Maureen's name. His eyes began to water, "She's dead?"

Fritz leaned on his brother, "I am sorry, I know what she meant to you... We all loved her just as you did."

Fred crunched the paper as he felt his temper rise, then tears overpowered his anger and he began weeping in his big brother's arms.

Fritz sighed while outside Clementine had heard all that had been said.

Fred looked up, "What of her cub?"

Fritz nuzzled him, "I don't know. The letter does not say but..."

Fred seemed to accept that, "Oh... Well... Thank you. At least, now I know."

The End... For Now!