"Fortune Teller"

 

Guardian Angels

Last Time:

Saipia and Erica return to Hollywood after their vacation and their return doesn't go unnoticed. In the tallest building in the city, The Coalition, (formerly known as the Pride), are eager to greet Saipia and the rest of the Angels. However, they're not looking for a fight to the death, this time. They're life with Sebastian has caused them a lot of grief and they're looking to get away from the criminal. However, before the Angels rush in and make the arrests they need to make, Saipia wants to meet with an old friend.

Episode 18: "Fortune Teller"

The old neon "PROPHETESS" sign outside the small shop flickered to spite Lyst. She had replaced it several times and it still blinked at her like a temperamental child and always when she wasn't looking or when she was standing near it. What she always found irritating, though, was, despite the fact that she could see the future, she could never tell if she would ever fix the stupid sign or not. That night it was raining as if it were going to flood the entire world, as well. "One of these days, I'm going to get a sign from a better dealer," she commented to herself, before walking inside, supported by her brand new cane. "Geez. I might have to get a prosthetic body soon, just like the others. I'm getting might old."

A small tiger cub growl from within it's carrying cage under her arm and robes. "Yes, yes. I'm getting there. Be patient," the Genoid tigress said as she set the cage on her desk.

Unlike most fortune teller shops people see in the movies, hers was completely uncluttered. She had always liked to keep things neat and clean, and every night, when she entered her shop, she went through and cleaned everything again. However, with her new friend, she had to feed her first.

The interior of the shop was also much larger than it seemed. "I know it's early, but we've got to get the place looking good before customers arrive," Lyst replied as she opened up one of the drawers to her desk and pulled out a bowl. She then walked back to a refrigerator in the back of the shop that sat behind a bookcase. From it she pulled a gallon of milk. Returning to the desk without her cane, her limp was quiet noticeable.

As she poured the milk for the little tiger she sighed and rubbed her thigh. With a bit of effort, she took a seat in her chair and looked around the small room. "I don't know, Tiffany, I just might have to buy a maid-bot. Although, I'd rather not to. But I am just too tired to be limping around this shop."

It was then that the door to the shop swung opened and a younger tigress entered. It was Lyst's granddaughter, Ginger. "Hey, Grandma. Mom said that I should stop by and see if you need some help."

Lyst smiled momentarily, and then frowned. "It always troubles me that I cannot see my own future."

"But, if you could see your own future, then you'd be tempted to ignore the futures of those around you," Ginger replied.

The smile instantly returned to Lyst's face. "That is quite true. Now, there is something you can help me with, my dear. I normally clean this place up before the morning rush, but the pain in my thigh is getting too sore and I am getting too tired with the walk over here, that I don't feel like doing a lot of cleaning."

"Ah. I can certainly help with that. Who's your new friend?" Ginger asked.

"This is Tiffany. I'm only holding her for a friend who works at a zoo. Named her after an old friend of mine," Lyst explained.

Ginger smiled warmly at her grandmother and gave the little feline a rub between her ears. "Alright, now to get this place cleaned up."

While Ginger proceeded to clean the shop up, Lyst proceeded to see who would come into the shop that day. It was a practice she like to do everyday to help hone her skills as a fortune teller. In her mind's eye, she clearly saw her little shop. The thing that made her unique is she could control her visions. So, when she saw just an empty shop, she fast forwarded until she saw the door open. Through the door stepped a familiar form: Liv Aston. Her black color made sure that Lyst only saw her form, but Lyst easily recognized the zebra. "So, this is where you've been hiding. I've heard rumors, but I am glad you are alright, my old friend," the tigress said to herself while her granddaughter continued to clean.

Scanning past Liv's visit, she soon saw another old friend of hers. A young looking African Wild Dog. "Ah. Rozzie. I remember when you were just a pup. However, if this line of visitors keeps up, I'm going to be seriously worried."

Her fears were seemingly well founded as she watched a large wildebeest enter her shop. "Boris? That's a first. And it's something to be concerned about." The wildebeest's session was shortly followed by one with a young gazelle. "Miti. Hmm...this order of visitation was planned. But, if it persists, the culprit should come to me, which is great, because it prevents me from having to travel half-way across the city."

"Planned? Who would plan out who visits you?" asked Ginger.

Lyst smiled and pointed to the tiger cub who was now napping on the desk. "Tiffany's namesake for one. She was always smart and I would guess that this order is a message. I might have another job for you after you're done cleaning," she said and went back to her visions.

Quickly passing her meeting with Miti, she watched as her door opened once again and another friend stepped through. "Sashawn! It'll be great to see that ol' jaguar again. The only Genoid I know of that actually owns a vehicle with the same name as his specie."

That visiting pleasing her, she rushed passed to see her next guest. From the rain came a black panther. "Ah. Mr. Rex. He always did love his dinosaurs. I was always surprised he didn't become a palentologist."

Her next visitor was a brown horse. "And that would be Will, as to be expected." she commented and quickly scanned past him. Up next was a solitary lioness. "Ah, Isan. I doubt she will come by herself, but I am glad the other members of her family won't be joining her in my shop. I maybe a tiger, but facing an entire coalition of lions isn't something I've all that fond of." As she expected, the next visitor was a young white wolf, Saipia's sister. "Gjai. I've never liked those wolf names. Although, both of them hate it when I use their real names."

"And what's Gjai's real name?" Ginger asked.

"That would be Kelly. Now, normally, I winter would follow summer, but in this case, I would suspect summer will follow winter," replied Lyst, as she scanned her visions. Through the doors stepped an unexpected visitor. "Sebastian? As much as I hate that bastard, I supposed I can give him a reading. I'll just charge him extra."

As Lyst quickly scanned past the villain's visit, she was pleased to see the wolf she had been waiting to see. She was a little surprised to see Saipia in her blue fur, but was even more shocked to see her with a young leopard. "And it would appear Tiffany's going to bring a friend with her. I suppose that would mean our little band would be getting a new addition. Speaking of our little group, Ginger, would you mind setting up an appointment for me with Dr. Linda Summers. I suspect she already has a gift waiting for me, and it appears that it's time for me to pick it up. Tell her I'll be by tomorrow. It looks like it's going to be a long day, today."

* * *

It didn't take long for the shop to get cleaned and for Lyst to get things ready for her many customers. On her desk was a traditional crystal ball. It was purely for show, however, and it did tend to give some of her customers a thrill to see one. Her granddaughter, however rolled her eyes at the globe. "Why do you have a crystal ball when you don't really need it?" Ginger questioned.

Lyst shrugged. "It's tradition. And I don't use it for everyone, but it most of them like it. Like a carnival exhibit."

Ginger just rolled her eyes again and shook her head. "Well, your first guest should be arriving soon."

The old tigress was aware that Ginger had the ability to see through time, as well, and she did it with much less effort than herself. It was a gift that her daughter didn't possess, but, then again, Lyst's mother couldn't do it, but her grandmother could.

But Ginger's powers went beyond just seeing through time. Even while sitting in the small room, Ginger would occasionally talk with someone who wasn't there. At first, Lyst simply thought she was talking to herself, but when Tiffany yowled and pawed at things that seemed invisible to her, she realized that Ginger could also see ghosts. The younger tigress could also see backwards through time and would often recite information about an event or place without having ever opening a text book. It was this skill that earned her high marks in all her history classes.

"Ginger, I don't mind you being here, but I must warn you, do not look into their pasts. Especially Saipia's. I know you haven't been able to read my past, as I have been actively trying to keep that from you. How we became what we are isn't pretty, and if you dare to even glimpse at their pasts, it will only cause you much pain and suffering," Lyst warned.

"You say that like you've actually seen their pasts," said Ginger.

"I guess you could say that. Then again, seeing it and living it are two completely different things. But, I'm serious, young one. You are my granddaughter and I really do not want to see you suffer," the elderly tigress replied as she turned her attention to the door.

Before Ginger could say anything, the door opened and a middle-aged black zebra came in. She worn a very formal looking uniform that consisted of a black pair of pants and a black coat that buttoned up along the farthest right hand side. The trim to this outfit was in gold. It looked like something out of a Bruce Lee movie. As the door closed, the zebra's appearance changed slightly. Her normally hidden stripes began to turn a bright yellow, catching Ginger off guard, and causing her to gasp slightly.

"Yes. I forgot to mention, my shop is special as it neutralizes any optical trickery one might employ to hide their true identities. This is why Liv here, and the others visiting today, usually don't come in here. Those marks you see are something only first generation Genoids can have. It's a sign that the human soul and animal soul have combined into one. And, as far as I know there are only fifteen Genoids that have such marks," explained Lyst as Liv took a seat, her zebra eyes glinting with a sense of pride.

"And it has been a long, long time since we've exposed ourselves like this. And I must say, it actually feels good to wear my natural fur. But, I now understand why you wear so much baggy clothing, Prophetess," Liv said.

"But, what's with the colors?" asked Ginger.

Liv quickly put her hand up to prevent Lyst from saying anything. "It is the color of our soul. Or, at least, our human soul. Although, as our leader will eventually tell you, it's been a long time since I've felt my souls separated. It is a weird sensation, having a combined soul. I have memories from both lives tucked away in my mind."

"Both lives? You mean...But the first Genoids were created..." Ginger stuttered.

"Over fifty years ago. I know. And the majority of us are in our seventies, but, a few of us, like me, are in our eighties," Liv said, giving her old friend a warm smile.

"I can see why you warned me, Grandmother. I have no desire to learn what kind of evil stuffed two tormented souls into one body and then decided that body should survive for so long," Ginger commented before opening a door behind her and heading into a back room.

Liv watched the younger feline leave with a curious look on her place. "Two souls in one body? Well, I suppose so. But I'm not sure if any of us consider it a curse. Expect for maybe the first."

"I know I don't mind. Because of the twin souls, we're never alone. Although, we can talk to ourselves a little too much," Lyst replied.

"Right. Anyways, I came here so you can read my future. The boss is curious about our futures. She wants to know if the time has come. After fifty years, to reveal the truth about Genoids and what happened all those years ago," Liv said, her smile fading from her face.

With a sigh, Lyst removed her hood, revealing her black fur with orange tiger stripes. "Hmm...Well, I need a hand. I'm not as skilled as my granddaughter."

Casually and a little reluctantly, Liv brushed the crystal ball aside and placed her hand in Lyst's. Lyst closed her eyes and instantly flashed through Liv's future. "Yes, the time for us to get back together is very close at hand. Although, this time will be much more peaceful. Although, once we reveal ourselves this time, there will be no going into hiding again."

"As I figured," Liv commented.

Lyst smiled as she went further and further into Liv's future. "Well, it looks like you're not completely through with men. And you'll be a wonderful mother. You'll have to thank Saipia next time you see her. If it wasn't for her leadership, you'd continue to pursue the criminal's path. I am glad to see that you're washing your hands of your crimes."

Liv wasn't expecting that much detail to be revealed. "Whatever. It was too much work maintaining such an empire. All those Genoids, though. They're..."

"Being employed elsewhere and families have been reunited. You've even setup an orphanage. That's going to be your legacy, my old friend. By then, everyone will have completely forgotten about the sex rings you took part in. You will even grow to forget them. I cannot wait for that wedding. It's been too long since I've seen you in a dress," continued Lyst.

The zebra snapped her hand away from the fortune teller. "Bitch! Cut that out."

Lyst laughed at her friend. "Sorry. I couldn't help it. Although, I am surprised a bit by the man you're going to marry. But, I cannot reveal him to you, as it might alter that future where you're so happy. It'll be good to see you smile."

Live huffed and stood to her feet. Silently, she turned towards the door to leave. "And I never said I didn't like men. It's just that most of them I've met disgust me."

The tigress nodded quietly, still smiling at her friend. There was a great deal of understanding in the old cat's eyes. Without another word, Liv Aston left the shop.

* * *

The others had similar requests, and most enjoyed the chance to visit with Lyst and her granddaughter. However, there were three more visits that Lyst was truly excited over and one she was dreading. The first of those finally arrived as Isan stepped into the small shop. Her normal tan fur quickly changed to reveal flame patterns extending from her hands, feet, ears, and nose. It was only at this moment that Ginger realized that the marks seemed to be flowing.

"It actually looks like she's on fire," the young cat commented as she watched the lioness approach.

"Yes. The soul itself is alive. So are the marks of the soul on our bodies. Even the black of fur flows. However, Isan, isn't a little cold to be wearing shorts?" Lyst replied.

The cat scoffed at that. "Whatever. You know my body's mostly prosthetic anyway."

"You can't lie to me, Isan. Only three of your body parts are prosthetic. Your tail, heart and a lung. And all of those are from you being your normal reckless self. Although, I suppose there is a reason why you and your family held the name 'Hellcats' for a while," retorted Lyst.

Isan smiled a moment before taking a seat in one of the leather chairs that were just for guests. "I would think you know initially why I'm here. And you know it's a bitch saying no to the boss lady."

Lyst giggled and held out a hand to her old friend. "Especially for you."

The lioness shared in that laugh. "Right. Anyway, I do not think I have ever actually come in here for a reading. I mean, I just assumed that your fortune telling was just a parlor trick. But, you have been right about everything so far, Prophetess. So, let's see what's in store for me and my family." With that, Isan took the tigress' hand.

There was a slight tingle in her arm that made Isan shiver a bit. "Ooh. That certainly is different."

Lyst hushed the cat so she could concentrate. For the first part, what she saw didn't phase her. But, as she moved through time, she saw something that made her jump. "You still love her, don't you? You've always loved her. And it hurt you deeply to see with with anyone else. And now, she's shared her bed with two others."

Isan was shocked by that truth, but simply turned her eyes away in spite. "Yeah. We all know she can be cold bitch."

"Oh, but you still love her enough to disobey a direct order. You are going to give your life to protect her soon," Lyst announced.

Tears began to form in Isan's eyes. "Don't be stupid. You know it's extremely hard for us to die."

"This is true. But, I cannot see beyond that. This has nothing to do with Sebastian. She will tell you to stay away from someone, but you will try to confront them. It will be a while before we discover your body. By then, it will be too late. But, you've never been one to fear death. Especially when it comes to her," Lyst replied.

"Then I guess it's my destiny, huh?" asked Isan.

"Isan, you're seventy-two years-old. You know full well you can change any future I predict. You never have acted your age and you're a lot smarter than you let everyone think. She is also very smart. It is why we follow her. She would not give you a warning and an order if she didn't think she needed to. Then again. I don't think arguing with you about it is going to change anything. When this event happens, you'll remember my words just fine. And you'll completely ignore them. And it will be sad to lose you. But I do not think it can be helped," Lyst said, her voice calm, and a warm smile adorning her face.

Isan let go of Lyst's hand. Gently, she reached into her pocket and pull out a twenty dollar bill and tossed it on the desk. "That crystal ball doesn't suit you, my old friend. Anyways, Sebastian has running errands for him. Thanks for the reading. But, please, don't tell Tiff about what you saw. The last thing I need right now is one of her lectures."

"Like I'd ever do that. She'd yell at me, just the same as you," Lyst replied.

Isan smiled and wiped her tears away on her the sleeve of her outfit which was very similar to what Liv had worn, only hers was red. With a deep breath to calm her nerves, the lioness left the shop.

* * *

When Sebastian opened the door to the shop, the air tensed. Lyst knew this meeting was dangerous. Ginger hid in the back, watching everything through a two-way-mirror, just in case things got out of hand. She was a skilled fighter, and did not like the human that entered. Just by looking at him, she could read his past. But, she could also read his future and she knew his fate. She also knew that she didn't have anything to worry about.

"Hey, I'm..." the chubby man started.

"Sebastian Stone. Yes, I've been expecting you," Lyst replied and motioned towards the chair.

"Really?" the human asked, his body tense as his hand going for a gun on his hip.

"Of course. I wouldn't be much of a fortune teller if I didn't know who was coming to my shop today. But, I am afraid, I must ask you to leave your gun on the table by the door. I wouldn't want you to shoot me just because you didn't like the truth," said Lyst.

"Your reputation proceeds you, Fortune Teller," Sebastian commented as he set set the loaded pistol on the table and took a seat in the chair. "In fact, one of my Genoid whores recommended you. Said that you really could predict the future."

"Whores? I do not see in such thing in your past, present or future," Ginger remarked as she stepped out of the back room.

"I'm sorry for my granddaughter. She's much more skilled at this thing than I am. From her, you can keep no secrets," Lyst explained with a smile.

Sebastian laughed. "Yes, I bet she is. And I'm sure that's not all she's skilled at," he replied as he looked lustfully over her young body.

"Only in your dreams," Ginger remarked with a shake of her head.

"Anyways. Let's get to your future. What I'd like you to do is place your hands face down on the desk. And I will peer into my crystal ball and see just what's in store for you," Lyst said.

Without hesitation, the man did as he was instructed. Lyst rested her hands on the crystal ball and closed her eyes. It was much harder for her to see someone's future without direct contact, but she had no intention of letting him lay a hand on her. However, his dark energy was powerful enough to make everything clear. She quickly saw his death. And instantly knew it would not be one of her group that would do the deed. She toyed with the idea of actually telling him the truth, but she figured that anything short of predicting his victory over Saipia would cause her death. "I see great things in your future." Those words caused Ginger to glance suspiciously at her grandmother. She knew she was going to lie about his future, but it was still alien to her to actually hear it. "Yes, I see you having your way with a blue wolf. And a leopard. I see several beautiful women as your slaves. You will soon rule the city."

That made Sebastian smile. He instantly jumped up from his seat and clapped his hands together as if he had already won. "I knew it. And that Isan bitch said you were always right. But, I don't think I'm going to do anything with Saipia but beat the crap out of her. Anyways. Thank you, my dear. When I'm ruler, I'll be sure to spare your granddaughter from my harem."

With that the man quickly left, his ego completely taking him over. "You know, technically a prophet is supposed to be a hundred percent correct a hundred percent of the time," Ginger slightly scolded.

Lyst shrugged. "Sometimes, the client doesn't need to know the truth. Besides, if anyone deserved the death he will receive, it's him."

Sebastian sprang through the door again. "I'm sorry, I almost forgot to pay you. How much for that?"

The tigress smiled, though Sebastian did not see it, as she had hidden her face within the darkness of her hood. "That will be sixty dollars," she replied.

"Damn. That's a little cheap, but what the hell do I care," the man said and threw three twenties on the desk before leaving again.

"Damn, that guy's dumber than I thought. That story you made up wasn't that good and he didn't even catch on that you just over charged him," Ginger commented.

"Yeah. That's Sebastian for you. Now, I do believe our next guest is about to arrive. I am eager to see her, as it has been a very long time since she has been in my shop. Even Isan and her family have been in more than she has," said Lyst as she once again removed her hood.

Ginger looked up just in time to see the door to the shop open once again, and a pure white wolf step through. The barrier around the shop began to take it's effect on the canine, just as it had for all the others, as her fur began to drastically change color, as did her eyes. Soon the, white wolf with blue eyes had become a more normal colored, gray wolf with deep gray fur and brown eyes.

Lyst wore a big smile which the wolf returned. "Lyst. It is very good to see you. I see you're still refusing to switch to a prosthetic body or take any of that age reduction crap."

"And it is very good to see you, as well, Gjai," Lyst replied. "And I'm switching to a new body tomorrow."

"Good. And this must be little Ginger. I haven't seen her since she was just a little baby in her mother's arms," the canine replied as she smiled warmly at the younger tiger.

"Yes. It has been a long time sine then. And the sleeping tiger in the corner there is Tiffany," Lyst introduced.

Gjai laughed at that. "You know she's going to be pissed that you named a tiger that, right?"

Lyst shrugged. "Well, she doesn't want me to use her real name, so, I gave it to my tiger. You, on the other hand, Kelly. You don't care what name I use for you."

The wolf sighed. "No. I've had too many over the years. Gjai is a fun one to say. But I still like Kelly the best."

"Right. So, why don't you give me your hand so I can..." Lyst started but Gjai just shook her head.

"I thought about that. And I know I've never gotten my fortune read by you, but, I don't think I'm going to do that, today. I've never been one to be interested in what the future holds. The only reason why I'm here is because you-know-who asked me to, and I hadn't seen you in forever. Figured I'd stop by and see you. And, as long as I don't get my fortune read, I don't have to pay you any money," Gjai explained.

"Ah. Well, it is good to see you. And I should have figured this was a more casual visit, since you're not in your uniform. Anyway, the guest of honor is supposed to be here in a couple minutes. And she's bringing a friend," Lyst commented.

Gjai nodded. "Yeah. Erica's good for her. They're just friends now, but she's got a good heart. A great influence for her."

Lyst smiled. "Well, it was good to see you again. I'll see you at the meeting in a couple weeks."

"Of course," Gjai replied as she stood to her feet. She gave Ginger a big hug and simply nodded towards Lyst, as she knew any contact with her would give her an easy way to read her future.

* * *

Saipia eased Erica's truck to a stop in front of the little shop, causing the sign to flicker in protest. The currently white wolf glared at the shop for a moment. "Before we go in, there's a couple things you have to know. First, Tess has a so-called 'Reality Barrier' enveloping her shop. Essentially, any optical tricks or disguises won't work. Nor will mind tricks," Saipia explained.

"And why is that important?" the leopard asked.

"You'll find out. Secondly, I heard her granddaughter is helping her out, today. Ginger is far more skilled than Tess. While Tess can only see the future and requires direct contact or strong soul to use her powers, Ginger can see through all forms of time; past, present and future. She also can tell all that about you simply by looking at you. However, she can control it with great skill. She'll only read your past, present or future if she wants to, or you ask her to. She also has some minor telepathic abilities, but they're nullified by the barrier," continued the commander.

"Alright. That's a little creepy, but I think I'll be fine. Anything else?" Erica asked.

"Yeah. Ignore the crystal ball. It's just a paper weight," said Saipia with a broad grin as she got out of the truck.

"If she doesn't use it, then why does she have it?" asked the feline.

Saipia shrugged. "I saw it in a novelty shop and thought it would be funny. And I was right."

Erica laughed at the brief story as the wolf opened the door to the shop. Saipia paused a moment, suddenly remembering something. Quickly, the wolf stuffed her hand into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out a blue eye patch which she promptly put over her left eye. "Almost forgot this."

"What the hell is that for? Your eye bothering you or something?" Eric asked.

Saipia shook her head. "My left eye is fake and it's special. The barrier would reveal it's little secret before I ready for that to happen. Anyway, shall we?"

Erica nodded and the two Genoids entered the store. Erica watched as Saipia's white fur faded away and a sky blue fur replaced it. It looked as if it had been a brighter color at one point, but the hands of time hadn't been so kind to it. Amongst the blue fur was a spiderweb of white marks, like lighting. "Whoa!" breathed the leopard.

Saipia smiled and turned her head to say something to the leopard but was a shocked by what she saw. All the spots on Erica's fur had disappeared. The result would have left her looking even more naked if she hadn't been wearing clothes. "What the hell? When were you going to tell me about that?"

The younger feline gave her a questioning look until Saipia pointed to a mirror on the wall of the shop. Erica took a glance and instantly realized what Saipia was so upset about. "Oh yeah. Man, I'd completely forgotten about that. It's been so long since I've gone without my spots. But, yeah, when I was about twelve..." Erica started.

"She was in a fire. Completely burned off all her fur. Her family thought it would eventually grow back, but it never did. But, luckily, her parents are quite wealthy and they were able to afford a synthetic fur. Although the skin she got looked completely spotless, the doctor explained that she could literally change her spots or simply go without them altogether," Ginger finished.

"Holy crap, you weren't kidding about her, were ya," Erica commented, amazed by the tiger's abilities.

"No, I wasn't. But she should know to stay out of people's pasts unless without permission," Saipia replied, giving the tigress a scolding look.

"Hey, I was told not to look into your past or the others in your little group. No one said anything about Erica's past," Ginger defended.

"Details. You really should know better, Ginger," Lyst said.

"So, where's the other tiger?" Erica asked, demonstrating her powers of observation.

"Wait, how the hell did you know about that when you've just walked in the door?" Ginger asked.

Erica shrugged and picked up a piece of paper on how to raise one's own tiger. "And you usually don't carry a house cat in a steal cage. And then there's the orange and black hairs on the desk and the usually rich milk," the cop tapped her nose as she mentioned the milk.

"You're good. Tiffany's in the back sleeping," explained Lyst.

Saipia instantly reacted to the name with a brief gasp. "You bitch. Just because I don't like you using my real name, doesn't mean you can just pass it on to some stupid pet." It was only a mock scolding, the smile and tone of her voice causing Lyst and Ginger to smile themselves.

"She's not that stupid. And that is precisely why I named her Tiffany," Lyst replied.

Saipia just shook her head and took a seat in a chair with her arms crossed while Erica sat in an identical chair next to her commander. "Whatever. Anyway, how are the others doing? Everything go okay so far?"

Lyst nodded. "Sebastian decided to stop in briefly, but I sent him on his way with a little bit of false hope."

Saipia laughed as she leaned back in the chair. "You know, if you know someone's going to die and you can help them avoid it, but you don't and, instead, urge their death on, that would be considered murder in my book."

Lyst laughed with a shrug. "But you'd never arrest me, and you could never get a jury to convict me based solely on the fact that I'm a prophetess. In fact, the mere fact that I gave him a false reading would make me a false prophetess."

Everyone in the room joined in laughter at that. "If only for a moment. Anyways, when I got everything setup, I wasn't intending to come here myself. But, then, Erica and I were having lunch and a decision I had been dwelling on kept bugging me. So, I came here...to see if what I've decided to do is the right decision."

The old tigress smiled at that and extended a hand to each of her guests. With a sigh and a quick glance towards Erica, Saipia took the prophet's hand. Erica followed suit without any hesitation. "Mmm...Well, I can certainly see what you have planned, Tiffany. And I must say, I like where Erica'll put her new spots. But, I do see Erica's life as a cop being short lived. But, the life she'll retire to is going to leave her just as happy. Looks like you, Tiffany, will be driving in style for a long time and have the best lawn and garden in the city."

After a moment more, Lyst let go of their hands and looked Saipia in the eyes. "I would not worry about your decision. Erica will always be by your side, and will make a great addition to the team."

"I agree," Ginger said. "And you have no idea how much of a perfect fit she'll be. But you'll find out shortly. It would appear that you're not the only one with a lot of secrets, Aunt Saipia."

"Oh god. Don't call me that. You've never been one to follow tradition or resort to formalities, don't start now," Saipia replied.

"I have no idea what's going on," Erica remarked.

The other three just smiled at her. "You will soon, my friend."

"I damn well better. 'Cause they're isn't much I'd leave the force for," the leopard said and stood to her feet.

Ginger knew the slightly younger cat was lying, but she also knew she would eventually tell Saipia everything. "Anyways, it's about time to close up shop for the day. You two have fun."

Saipia smiled as she stood. However, as she stood, her cellphone chimed in her pocket, signaling someone had sent her a text message. Curious, the wolf pulled the device out and looked at the screen that read simply: "You've received a message from ten." Curious, Saipia opened the text message and her eyes instantly went wide with shock at what she it said.

"What? What's wrong?" Erica asked.

Without a word, Saipia turned the phone towards Lyst so she could read the message that was composed of three words: "He's got fifteen."