"Derrick, we've gotta go tail them for a little just in case, on the way things might not be bad as it looks...." Lieutenant Mill wasn't sure what was going on "Talking in code?" he raised his eyebrow "It's fine, you two have my permission to leave." one of his officers pulled him by the sleeve "Sir, aren't these two your inside guys? We need them here." Shrugging him off, Lieutenant Miller wouldn't dignify the question with a response "Then again, maybe I'm speaking above might rank." Lieutenant Miller gave him a thumbs up "Good grief. I'll get back to work, with that explosion going off, I hope we can still retrieve that evidence 'Something tells me it's about more than the evidence now.' watching Derrick and Jay get into the car and take off, an unsettling feeling settled over him he couldn't shake.

"Something strange is going on here" finally putting out the fire, a member of the investigative team swept the area "What do you mean?" another member walked over "You see that opening, logic dictates they would've exited and escaped, but they're no tire marks, no footprints, no nothing-" bending down, the other member grabbed a fistful off ash, watching it slip through his fingers like sand in an hourglass "So you want us to take a look inside, but nothing at the other end of the tunnel but debris-the mansion collapsed." piecing things together, a hypothesis formed and took shape "Many ways to die...you know what I think?" looking at him, his team member blank stared back .

"Total and complete immolation." his partner in finding crime snickered "That would req-" throwing ash at him, his partner stop giggling "Blue flame. That would narrow things down." Standing back, the two came face to face "The strings you need to pull to get those would mean we're in over our head." Eyes narrowing, he turned on his radio "Hello? We saw no sign of anything suspicious...no body no nothing. I think we put out a warrant for arrest and call it a night." Hearing cursing on the other end, it was clear Lieutenant Miller wasn't pleased.

'Please God. Please.' Derrick thought to himself, hot on the Animal Rescue's trail, intending to make sure the animals got to their destination safe, afterwards appointments needed to be kept at the airport and zoo "Look, a shooting star." Jay brought to his attention, looking up Derrick caught a glimpse of the constellation twinkling out of the night sky 'If wishes come true then.." his train of thought was interrupted, looking down at his phone his heart dropped to his knees 

"Hello! Hello?" it was the attendant's number "Trash. Absolute garbage move not giving us a heads up!" Mayuri's voice was cacophonic on the other end "Like music to my ears" the tears came out in streams "You have my apologizes, but honestly it's great to hear your voice." holding her phone away from her ear, Mayuri was taken aback "Sweet talk won't save you from my wrath." Sighing, Derrick gave Jay a thumbs up "I owe you one I suppose, so I take it since you took so long you found the case." Chaos was heard in the background accompanied by a loud smack "I swear Gano! You're like a child!!" static occurred with the phone speaker not handling the sound "Good to know you lot are getting along." On the other line he could've swore Mayuri gagged.

"I wouldn't call it that, your attendant helped his escape last minute, we didn't have a spare key, so we just forced open the door." an awkward silence settled over the phone "Anyways-" he cleared his throat "About that case-" the reception faded in and out, so he had trouble making out her words "We got it you dolt! But after today's events I don't feel like making another great escape or high speed chase, find a way to clear the area and the evidence will be delivered express. Yeah?" Pinching his nose, he wondered if the monkey paw was strangling him as punishment for his wish "Yuri...anything for you." 

Hanging up, Jay observed his friend looking at peace and content "I take it a certain someone is still alive?" Derrick nodded his head "Getting them to abandon the investigation is going to be hard to pull off." Derrick sulked in defeat "Maybe Miller can pull some strings." Jay looked at him then back at the road "Hey. What was that for?" Ignoring him, Jay continued to drive "Jay. Jay! If you don't answer me, I'll have a pigeon peck at your eye." no response "JAY!!"

"He wants me to do...what?" Lieutenant Miller couldn't believe his eyes, putting his pride to the side, he knew he had to swallow a hard pill and do what's best "Attention all officers, attention all officers, I've got inside information on the whereabouts of Sagara and his men...I repeat this is 10-94..a 10-94...Sagara and his associates have fled to the mountain, all the fireworks were clever misdirection. Now their true location is known." Knowing he was stalling for time, sweat formed on Lieutenant Miller's brow "Derrick, I'm betting on you, but if it doesn't play out how it's supposed...I'll cut you loose."

"Hey, it's time for us to switch out, you can go home now?" Mike, the next security guard on duty came in to relieve Ron of his shift "Well howdy damn" Ron checked his phone "Will you look at the time?" Sipping from his thermos Mike let out a "Ahhhhhhh." enjoying the refreshing of a hot drink on a chill night "Mike you are something else" Ron yawned, stretching out his arms "That fella visiting our sweet angel Leanne...think his name's Vince...keep a close eye on him for me." Mike took a look at one of the cameras "Yeah. Seems like a major douche'...don't worry I will." 

Delivering a playful punch to the arm, Ron tipped his cap "Some people think you're a little slow on the uptake Mike, but I think yer' pretty sharp." Walking out of the booth and to his car he paused "Hey Mike?" Mike took a long sip before responding "Ahhhhhh. What?" Having a sneaking suspicion, Ron chalked it up to jealousy and decided to let it go "Nothing. Have a good night." Mike took another long sip "Ron you're a great dude. Hope you have a good night too bro." Getting into his car, Ron couldn't shake the strange feeling he was having, looking at a picture of his kids next to the stick, he made up his mind "No place like home" starting his car, he backed up, Mike opened the gate for him "No place like home." he repeated to himself, hoping that when he arrived to that very place, he could look back on what transpired with no regrets.

"I wonder-" Mike took a sip from his Thermos "was he being obtuse on purpose or did he know what was going on?" Phone ringing, he picked up-it was Vince on the other line "Hello....yeah, the shift change occurred, Ron and all the others are gone.....Derrick's almost here...okay..I'll let him in once he comes." Downing the rest of his drink in one big gulp, Mike's demeanor did one-eighty, having come in lax, his posture straightened up and his muscles tensed "No matter how much you think of planning something like this, unless a man can really move mountains, the chances are low of it being pulled off." Looking up at the night sky, he caught sight of the same shooting star that inspired Derrick to make wish "Then again. Who knows." Taking a look at the monitor, he could tell Vince had already gone to work, to the untrained eye nothing had changed, but upon closer look the cameras were now on a loop.

"Last one!" Vincent finished attaching the device to the last camera "Impressive I must say....even if you are a loon." Wendell jangled his keys "All this falls apart if your man can't make that move." he pointed an accusatory finger "Slow down big man" Vince commented, Wendell was heavy set and 6'4 so his comment wasn't out of place "You not that small ya self." He jangled his keys one more time for good measure, Leanne took out a handkerchief blowing her nose, taking off his jacket Wendell wrapped it around her figure "There you go, told you not to where a skirt this late though." Leanne smiled "A gentlemen to the end...it was a pleasure working with you Wendell." he waved her off "All that can wait. Can't predict the future Leanne, I might be seeing you in the morning still." she giggled, Vince looked on in fondness at the two "Isn't that something? I can tell you guys really get along." 

Touching arms, the two made sure to come apart "Nothing like that man!" Wendell denied first "Yes, he's just a great co-worker and friend!!" Vincent got an eye "Is that so?" he wiggled his eyebrows, putting an arm around Leanne he started to lean "Guess you won't mind if I ma-" Wendell being strong as he looks, grabbed him and pushed him away "Aye! We here for business man...no. No!" he lectured, feeling his pocket vibrate, he answered the phone "Bout damn time. Preparations are complete. We've got a man out front, so you can come on through. Okay." Hanging up, Leanne and Wendell looked at him in expectation "So?" she looked at Wendell "You gonna share?" Folding his arms, he leaned to his side with a smirk "All I gotta say is-" he paused for dramatic effect "It's time."

"Yo!" Brook was the first one to poke out his head, glad to be smelling fresh air "Coast is clear, looks like ya boy came through." For the first time in a long time, Yuri smiled instead of Mayuri "Guess he hasn't completely lost himself after all." The raised an eyebrow, pursing her lip "Wipe that ridiculous look off your face Princess-it's not what you think." Rolling her eyes, Tess joined Brook in experiencing the surface "One thing I know is the look of a woman in love." Gano and Douglas were leaning on each other with the attendant walking behind them for good measure 

"What can I say? It was a long winding road, but in the end I can at least say I was entertained." Giving her a curious look, Mayuri turned her head "Hey, by the way, what's your name?" expressive for the first time that day, she blinked several times not saying word "Right. Like I need to know. Anyways, you saved our lives, we're forever in your debt." Holding up Douglas who'd caught a cramp Gano was turning the color of his hair "I think I might've pushed things to far." he wheezed "I told you not to show off so much Gano" Tess nagged, waving her finger at him "You're human enough, the antidote took affect pretty fast, but you were doing somersaulting cars! It seems your power takes a toll, taking it easy wouldn't have been a bad move."

Falling prone on the verge of collapse, he and Douglas fell to the ground "Hell nah!" Tess gave him a look "I gotta carry him again!?" stomping the grass, he punched the air in succession "After tonight Tess...these 'your' friends!" Figuring she owed them one, Mayuri descended the steps, slinging Douglas over her back "Just this once." she made sure to let him know "Would it be rude if I asked a question?" the attendant walked out onto the grass, taking of her heels, her feet were red on the bottom "I'm glad we've come out unscathed-" fireflies passed them, fluttering all around "but is there an actual plan to get us out of here!?" her voice rose an octave taking them by surprise "Say what you wanna say....that lady's right." Pulling a key out of her satchel Mayuri pressed a button "What's that supposed to do?" Brook asked, Mayuri smirked "Get a lil' closer to civilization and you'll see." In the alleyway back at the docks, the engine to the car was still roaring, activating its auto-navigation it turned onto the road, lights flickering on and off in a far-away forest a stranded group hoped it could last.

Pulling to the gate, Derrick and Jay were let in without having to ask, following right behind was a large truck "Guess the calvary's all here." Jay commented "Point of no return for real, feels like I'm pulling off a heist." Jay glanced over "Um...you kind of are?" Derrick face palmed "Of course, just cause the cause is just doesn't always mean the means are justified." Deciding not to make sense of the word salad Jay parked the car, waiting outside the entrance was Vince, Leanne, Wendell "Yo! My boys!!" he cheered in excitement "Vince!" Jay greeted dapping him up "Hair slicked back...looking good as ever." he complimented.

"Hey guys, this is Leanne and Wendell, Wendell's kind of a pain, but they're good peeps! They helped set everything up." Bowing his head in appreciation, Jay joined him "Thank you." Derrick said "No problem" Leanne greeted him with a wave, Wendell still on guard, folded his arms "You don't like so special, how are you gonna get all these animals to that truck once we let them out the cage?" Derrick smirked "Open them and see.." a glint in his eye, Wendell shivered in fear 

"Uh...let's see..." running over to the enclosure where the ostriches were being held he pulled out his keys, opening it up, to his surprise the birds didn't run out "Odie? Grom?" the ostriches were irritable at night, bothering them this hour was almost a death sentence, the pair walked out in stride, lowering their neck to be pet "Go head" Derrick watched "No way? How're you doing!?" Derrick pointed up "Not sure, woke up one day and I just had the power to bend God's amazing creatures to my will, I didn't appreciate it at first until I realized I could use subjugation to save." Walking up to him, the ostriches lowered their necks once again, petting them Derrick's mouth formed a thin line.

"I don't mean to be rude, but if everything's in place, we're really running out of time." Leanne frowned "You have to understand! We love these animals!! We've care for them so long, you're coming in and stripping them of their wills!! On the outside looking i-" Using his hands to cross his heart, Derrick put his finger to his lip "In the end, saving these creature's is a goal we all share, Karna will be meeting me at the airport once we leave here. I have powers of animals and nothing more, trust if I didn't have good intentions a bullet would have long ago been put in my head." Squeezing her eyes shut, Leanne turned to Wendell, leaning in his chest she started sobbing "I trust you can handle everything from here?" Hugging her tight, he comforted her by rubbing her back "Gotta gamble on big things if you want to overcome the odds Leanne, you got a big heart and the universe knows your intentions are good-" Narrowing his eyes, he glared at Derrick "In the end, no person decent at heart would betray your hopes like that." Nodding his head, an understand was reached between the two men "Here you go" Wendell tossed him the set of keys "You don't know I'm the sherif of these parts here, but what I just did was a big deal. Remember, if you prove not to be a man of your word I'll hunt you down." Truck honking, Derrick started his tour around the zoo "Thank you. Both of you. But especially you Leanne, to she tears like you did for the sake of another living being-your heart's pure." Watching his back as he left, Wendell closed his eyes in silent prayer "How do you feel?" Leanne pulled away, wiping her eyes "I feel....like this our only chance...so the best thing we can do right now is trust that man." Noticing his movements looking sluggish Jay furrowed his brows 'He's been using his power non-stop, if he keeps running himself ragged-" a notion not worth entertained entered his head, pinching himself, he shifted his focus back to the reality of the situation 'I'm just a worry wart when it comes to him..that's all.' as if reading his mind, the howling of the wolves catching sight of the full moon echoed in the air."

Rubber finally meeting road, Mayuri and co. arrived a the side of one "Not again!" Brook complained "We should've set up camp! What're we supposed to do? Hitch hike now!?" Mayuri rolled her eyes "I'm starting to see you and Princess are peas in a pod, wait a minute or two, our ride should be here." the attendant looked at the empty road then at her "In all honesty I was questioning why you all were following this lady, right now I'm questioning it even more." Giving Mayuri a light push in the back, Gano shook his head "Yuri here's a stick in the mud, but I think out of the frying pan and into the friar we're six underground without her, Once you get past that creepy power of hers she's awesome!" 

Shooting him a dirty look, Mayuri's face flushed at the vote of confidence "This changes nothing you green-haired moron! Once all this blows over I"ll be back on assi-" Tess started coughing "Yeah. Yeah. I'll kill you" she mocked, lowering her tone to mimic Mayuri's sultry voice "Plenty of opportunities thus far you haven't taken yet...I think he's grown on." Keeping Gano at arms length while he attempted to hug her, Tess looked Mayuri up and down "Face it, you can't survive without this idiot, he's grown on you like he's grown on all of us."Right on cue, the black car they drove to the docks, pulled up on the side of the road.

"Well, what are you stragglers waiting for!" Mayuri opened the door, and started adjusting the steering wheel "Take too long and I leave you behind!" not putting it past her to follow through on a threat, they piled into the car "Strap in kids! We've got one more stop and then the field trip's over!" Making a U-turn in the middle of the road, tire marks were left in the wake, a black streak on four-wheels made its way to the city with no regard for the speed limit. Back at the zoo, Derrick finished putting Laura under the influence of his power "Probably didn't even need to use my powers on this one" he touched her horn "So gentle and kind in nature, whoever's been taking care of her's done a great job." Leading her out, he walked to the entrance, ready to escort the zoo's inhabitants into the truck.

 Arriving at the front Wendell, Leanne, Mike, and all of the employees taking part wanted to present to say goodbye "Laura!" Leanne cried out "Odie!" Wendell joined in "Sienna" Mike waved at one of the wolves "Captain Airline" another one of the employees saluted a bald eagle. Seeing the love and appreciation shown to the animals warmed his heart, it tore him into to tear them apart, but despite the pain in his chest he remained resolute in what he felt needed to be done "I'm in tune with these animals, he turned around and faced the small crowd before he left "I just want you to know the empathy, the care, the concern, the passion, and especially the love you shared with these animals...not only was it felt..." his eyes watered "It was appreciated."

The back of the truck opened, one by one, two by two, the animals were guided in by Derrick, knowing it was best to stay back there with them he welcomed the darkness as the door shut, Mike went over to the booth opening the gate.

"So what happens now?" Leanne asked Vince and Jay "Now? Well we'll stay and try to cover our tracks here, but once things have been mastered on the ground-" Vince started, Jay pinched his arm in order to get him to stop "Excuse him. Next they'll be taking off into the sky. One of the head of Karna's organization was able to rent the airport for private use, once the animals board the plane and take off into the air they'll be on the way to a better place." he answered, the truck turned the corner as they talked, merging into oncoming traffic, Leanne and rest of the stuff waved the animals bye one last time. 

 "Vince, sorry about earlier, I hope you'll forgive me since I'll be needing a ride." Vince pinched him back, but unlike Vince, Jay was unaffected "Damn! You ain't no joke. Guess that's why you're Derrick's right hand." Teasing him with a smile, Jay smacked his hand off his arm "And that's why you're the other hand-the that's left." Leanne and rest of the staff listened as the two bickered back and forth 'I entrusted our precious loves to a trio of lunatics and terrorist animals right organization. Maybe my mother was right, maybe going to a Royal League school doesn't make you smart!!"

"Chief! Chief!" a woman walked in holding up a whiteish-silver case "We've struck gold! I hate to say it, but the jerk lieutenant might've earned himself a promotion after all!" Cleaning his glasses, the female officer handed over the contents "Mira, this better be good, I don't know what's gotten into you..." opening the box and scavenging it wasn't long until he understood "I'll be a porcupine riding a camel into the sun" he uttered "That boy's got it done." Mira frowned "What is it?" Chief Noah asked, not much escaped his eye "Well, about Sagara and co. Lieutenant Miller searched the mountains and around the compounds perimeter: a few of the underlings and employees were detained, but neither Sagara nor his conspirators could be found-remains or otherwise 

"That's very strange-" he pondered aloud "Nevertheless with this evidence and information we have now, we make a lot of things right that went wrong. Call Channel Eight News to the station and tell them we've got a scoop to report! Is Miller onthe way back?" Mira checked the messages on her phone "Yes, the order was sent out, but according to the last update sent he''ll be here soon."

Out the blue, Chief Noah started scratching his head "Mira tell me, if Miller's gone and his venture up the mountain turned to be wild goose chase...who dropped off this?" Mira scratched her head in confusion "That's the crazy part sir...one of our men said he doesn't know how it got there, but when he turned around to go inside, it was right there on the roof." Hands folded, Chief leaned on his desk, going over the information on the screen "Well, however 'they' are....I think Miller and I are thankful they saved our ass. With the resources pooled and thinks I overlooked if we came up empty we both were sure to be canned." Mira gasped "Even you sir?" she questioned "Even me. In the end, only few of us are above the law, and none of us are above heaven's judgment when it comes to our sins, remember anything I taught, then remember that well..."