The Official Zoo Tycoon Forum

The heavy doors slammed shut behind me. I was now trapped in a musty, dark, ***-smelling room. It was very large, stretching out beyond my view. I slunk behind small, empty cages. One cage was still moveing. A lioness laid in it, cubs crawling over her belly. Her fur was rough and welted, but the cubs fur looked soft and smooth. I cringed at the thought of what would happen to them. The lioness laid her head down, fluttering her dull, sunken eyes closed. The cubs continued to boucne around happily, their tuft of tails whipping around feverishly. He padded a little closer. They were cute. One saw me and mrrowed to his companions, bringing them to the side of the cage. I gave up and came over to them, tilting my head as the meowed excitedly. They pawed outside of the cage, delicate paws scraped and bleeding slightly from the rough cage floor. I smilled and dipped my head. They weren't the reason I came. I gave them my tail and followed what I hoped was Sirag's roar. The cages seemed endless, and some were even still full of cramped animals living in their own waste. More monkeys, I thoguht, stared out at me with big, golden eyes. I jumped back, slinking away carefully. My pawsteps were almost silent as I drifted across the dirty floor. Finally, the roaring was almost deafening, despite Sirag's weak condition. His white fur was stained with blood red, his eyes matching. Welts and bruises covered his whole body. The trainer whipped him harshly. I set my eyes and lowered my chest to the ground, my haunches in the air. Sirag may be to weak, but I wasn't. I snarled and rose it into a high note, launching my tiny body forward. I felt my teeth sink into his flesh as he roared in pain. My claws shot out and scrabbled at his clothes, easily ripping them. He howled and snarled, raking his dirty fingers through my fur. But I held on. My vision was clouded slightly and my ears were roaring with blood so I had no way of knowing what Sirag was doing. I just hoped it was the right thing. Absently, I saw the trainer raise his whip, the butt of it aiming at my head. I didn't think to move. I just wanted to save my friend. Suddenyl, a sharp pain and crack on the top of my head seemed to echo through the whole room, and my grip fell loose as I did too. My vision went black as I felt myself being picked up again. This could not be good.

CONTINUED IMMEDIATELY

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

I awoke groggily, my head pounding, so every small noise seemed like a roar. I looked around blearily. I was in my own cramped cage. It took me only a few moments to figure out that being surrounded my cage. I didn't have enough strength to jump in surprise, or even growl. Not like I had room to, anyway. I squinted as the beings came forward. "Oh, it's you..." I said quietly. Jacko grinned and nodded. "We came to check on youssssssss....." He drew out the 's' into a hiss. I winced. He licked his dirty paw and reached into my cage, brushing it across my head. I scrambled away at the shooting pain. "Man,m you got banged good!" He was in slight awe, before shaking it off. "Well, guess what, Scout? You're in our gang, now. Just follow our lead, and you'll be fine. " I absently nodded. Why did he insist on calling me 'Scout'? I had a name. Maybe I should tell him it... No, I had to concentrate! I shook my head gently. Jacko beckoned with his filthy paw. "Come on, boys. Let's leave our new friend." He hopped away, his monkey followers following suit. I groaned and laid my head on the filthy cage ground, trying to set aside the throbbing pain in my temples. Then I realised not all the monkeys had left. I swung my head slowly to face him. He was immaculatly clean for a circus monkey, and I searched my tired memory for his name. Fillis. I crawled to the front of the cage, pressing my face against the cool bars. "Fillis?" I whispered hoarsly. He nodded. He came forward and licked his lips thoguthfully, revealing sharp teeth. "Fenris." I narrowed my eyes slowly. He knew my name, why didn't he tell Jacko? I sighed. FIllis reahced through the bars and smoothed my fur. I got the idea monkeys liked to touch a lot. "Don't fear. I have talked to your friend Sirag, the tiger." I pricked my ears weakly. "Sirag? Is he alright?" Fillis nodded. "Yes, He's fine. He wanted to thank you, and tell you how stupid you are." I nodded. He continued. "I told him my plan. I'm helping you escape. It'll have to be after the show, though. You'll get through it. You need to get back home. Fenris. You don't belong here." I gulped, my dry throat scratchy. "Neither do you or anyone else. LIke those cubs..." I trtailed off at his look. "Please, Fenris. Don't make this hard. You and Sirag will have to follow my every command after the show. Then, you must head towards the sun. Follow it, and it will take you home." I nodded for what felt like the hundrenth time, and Fillis turned his head as a flat-face approached. He growled something to Fillis and the monkey climbed onto his shoulder. Then he growled something else. He started walking away, and Fillis turned to me as he left. "Be careful, Fenris. The show is starting soon."

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

Very Good, wonderful, very nice suspence!

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I am:
The
Phoenixes Song,
Dragons Flame,
Pegasuase Wings,
Sphinxes Riddle,
Baskilics Eyes,
Griffins Talons,
And The
World's Beauty!

 I had gotten a little bit of water and a little bit of food before I was chained and swepted into the big ring again. Fillis ran me quickly through their act, but I could barely hold any of it. I was still dizzy. He and the rest hopped into the blinding light, so I could only follow. I looked up. The ring was now filled with flat faces, in complete awe. I glanced at Fillis. They bounced around the ring. I followed them as best as I could. They began doing ,many tricks, such as flying through the air. I wondered how I would do this when I was suddenly lifted by a flat face and thrown into the air. I shrieked with surprise, but thankfully I was caught. By a monkey! I figured this was part of the act Fillis told me about. I heard the audience drew in sharp breaths, then exhale them like a large owl. "Whoooooooo!"I was flung through the air multiple times until I was set on a large stage. I gulped and look down. Holy smokes! I was high up! I scrambled back against a pole as the monkey's carried on with their routine. As they finnished, great, dressed up, wrinkly things came forward. Elephants! 'Elephants will come to take us off.' I let out a long sigh. The biggest one came to me and lifted it's huge nose, fingering the platform gently. I padded forward, completely out of curiously. The nose wrapped aorund me, and I scrambled with fear. The elephant brought me back to the heavy gate. I saw tigers and lions filing out. A big mesh cage lowered over the ring so they couldn't do anything. I doubt they could anyway. I sighed and lowered my eyes. I guess we weren't getting out. Maybe Fillis had tricked me. Suddenly, the elephant put me back on the ground. I turned around and patted his huge toe with my paw, thanking him. After all, it wasn't his fault he was here, was it? A chain was hook around my neck and I was dragged to my cage again. I saw Fillis out of the corner of my eyes, suddenly acting out. His screeched and attacked his flat face, scaring the soul out of him. My flat face turned around, and I felt the chain lessen. This was it!! His destraction. But what about Sirag? He was out in the ring still! I dashed out, just before the door closed. The tigers were in the middle of their ring-of-fire routine, and it was Sirag's turn. I yelped. Just as he was crouched and ready, he turned his head sharply. A whip cracked in the air. He bellowed his ferocious roar, and jumped from the stand, through the ring. I dashed after him, hoping he knew what to do. He did. He headed right for a small rectangle in the wall. Boy were crouched there. They paniced and fled, leaving at there just for myself and Sirag. Sirag suddenly disapeared. I didnt want to waste my time thinking about it, for i could hear whips crack just above my head. I dove after him, and found there was some sort of flap there. We were suddenly outside, fresh, fresh air rushing back to me. I breathed it in deeply, filling ym lungs with the sweet air. I looked at Sirag. We were out again. I looked back just as people began coming out, screaming and roaring. I whimpered. Suddenly, I saw a familiar face. Filllis and Jacko bumped on their trainers shoulders. Fillis set his intelligent eyes and nodded, while Jacko wanted to do something a little more memoriable. "See yous on the other side, Scout!" He through his head back in another ferocious howl of laughter, and pounded his chest. I smiled and raised my head in an appreciative bark, before following after Sirag. My heart was pounding with excitement, shock, and fear. I had a feeling Sirag felt the same way, because when we finally coudln't see the circus lights anymore, a wide grin was on his face. "I told `cha, Fox. Circuses `aint no fun."

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

This is so good! Please continue!

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http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1952512&PHPSESSID=30bbb46e250b2d071386208f683fa08a

really good

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I am:
The
Phoenixes Song,
Dragons Flame,
Pegasuase Wings,
Sphinxes Riddle,
Baskilics Eyes,
Griffins Talons,
And The
World's Beauty!

Well, I hated to admit it- I mean I really, really, REALLY hated to admit it-, but I kinda missed the circus. The excitement! I lived for it. The other stuff, I could do without. Just, all this boring walking was really rubbing me the wrong way. It didn't seem to bother Sirag, though. He loved the simple-ness. I didn't. My idea of a good time was hunting in my nice, warm sand, teasing death with the spotted hyenas, and playing with other foxes. At least Sirag wasn't so headstrong anymore. He took rests a lot and let me hunt. I sighed quietly. Sirag heard it. His white fur was still stained with dried blood, but he had groomed most of it off by now. He turned around, eyes narrowed. I jumped. "What's wrong?" He snarled. I gulped. "Nothing, I'm..... I'm bored..." I trailed off my voice. Sirag frowned. "Get over it. Let's keep going." I nodded and kept following, till we came to another road. It was pretty empty. But, we absently heard a loud clucking in the distance, and a rumble of engines. Soon, a large truck was puttering past. The back was different, though. It was like a cage. I felt Sirag nudge me gently, then watched him crouch in the ditch. I followed. He waited till the tuck was right in front then he bolted and jumped onto the cage. I followed. The cage was lined with hay and straw. Rows of chickens were everywhere. They clucked loudly. I growled gently. Sirag settled down. "The trucks a little off from where we're heading, but it'll get us there quicker then walking." He eyed me with a look. I shouldered away, staring at a chicken. It's beady eyes stared back. I heard Sirag grunted and flick his tail. I rolled my eyes. I just wished I could back to the desert. I missed my family. I missed my sand. And, most importantly, I missed my home.

((Sorry, busy again.))

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

Aww, poor fella, he misses his home, well, please continue, you must continue

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http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1952512&PHPSESSID=30bbb46e250b2d071386208f683fa08a

 I was almost lulled to sleep by the rumble of the truck. The chickens snored and clucked in their sleep, the same with Sirag, minus the clucking. I looked at him, then up at the starry sky. I breathed in deeply, but it wasn't the same. All I could smell was chicken, smoke, and the lingering circus. I glanced around, my eyelids heavy. I wasn't sleepy, however. I was too, well, I just couldn't sleep. I let my small tongue hand out and panted gently, as not to wake up the slumbering poultry. I sighed and finally settled my head down. Well, I might as well sleep. We'll probibly be gone by the morning.

 I was jolted awake by a sharp bump in the road. It caused my outstretched jaw to snap together with a click and awak the chicken next to me, sending her into a frenzy for a few moments. She calmed down as I rolled onto my stomach and stretched, then turned to Sirag. He was still sleeping. He nudged him awake. The sun was well over the horizon. I was scared we would drift to far. Sirag growled and fluttered open one eye. He took a quick snap-shot and closed it again, then sighd and got up. I grinned slightly. I didn't know why, so I didn't have an answer when Sirag snappily asked, "What are you smiling about?". I just shrugged it off. With a final good-bye to our clucking companions- And I said a silent thank you to the driver- and we jumped onto the ground. My legs wobbled suddenly at the shock of suddenly not moving. Sirag may have felt it, but he didn't show it if he did. We glanced at each other, then started again. I was looking forward the warmth, but I got the opposite. Cold fingers reached down through my fur and down my skin, chilling me to the bone. I gasped at the feeling. How strange! I glanced up for no real reason. Dark clouds were beginning to form and swirl. I tilted my head. "Sirag," I called absently as he got ahead. He paused, flicking his tail to show he was listening. "What's that?" I asked. Sirag turned and looked at me, before following my gaze. I single drop of water came down and splashed onto his pink nose. He dropped his eyes back to mine. "Run, Fox. A storm's coming."

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

Continue, more more more more! they sure have a long way to go, well, i will follow their journey all the way! Please continue!

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http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1952512&PHPSESSID=30bbb46e250b2d071386208f683fa08a

 I didn't have muhc time to think, for Sirag scooped me up in his powerful jaws in one swoop and bounded across the field. Rain began to pound against us. I winced and closed my eyes. This was a strange storm. No sand whatsoever! Just rain. I closed my eyes, deciding to prefer my closed space then the ugliness outside. Roaring thunder jarred my bones like Sirag's call, and I saw the flash of lightning even through my shutly closed eye. I peeked through quickly. Good thing I did. I flash of lightning came down and snapped the tall tree infront of us like a twig. A red and orange colour roared as the tree crashed down in our path. The red and orange thing quickly engulfed the thick tree. I was dumped onto the ground suddenly, and I jumped onto my paws, looking up at Sirag. His face was full of horror. He couldn't take his eyes off it. "FIRE!" He roared the loudest he ever had before, hurting my ears. I gasped and looked back, watching the 'fire' jump from the tree to the others around it. I felt myself shudder. I realised I was afraid. I mean, really afraid. Not like the circus scared, or the zoo scared, but really scared! And I knew why. Sirag, the beast who wasn't afraid of anything, was afraid. Of this! This, thing! Then, he realised again. The Red wasn't a thing.

 It seemed alive. The way it swayed, the way it was beated by the water, the way it jumped from branch to branch. The way it glowed! I couldn't take my eyes off it. I walked towards it, then was pulled backward sharply by Sirag, still shaking with fear. The fire had suddenly comsumed all the trees around us. There was no way out. I suddenly flashed back to the circus. The ring of fire! I whined. The fire was beautiful, but deadly. I turned to Sirag. "Sirag, what do we-?" The world was quiet all of the sudden. No roaring fire, no thundering rain, no pounding thunder. Silence. As I stared at Sirag, I saw his face muscles contract and contort, trying to change, trying to control it. But he failed. Suddenly, all of his body tensed, and I was reminded of a story an old fox would tell me. I opened my mouth to scream, but it was too late. Sirag's roar shattered the silence as he flew through the air, right for the burning wall of red. Red like blood. Blood on my paws. I looked down as blood washed over my delicate paws, brushing up against my ankles, I jumped back, but ti was everywhere. I was in a storming sea of.... blood! No more fire, and no more Sirag!

 I called out desperately, but my voice was lost. Massive waves crashed down around my, and finally a huge one came infront of me, and I knew it was it. Something rode it. Something that would haunt my dreams forever. I have no words to describe it, but I will say this. Picture your worst fear. Then drench it in blood. The Blood came towards me until it was rihgt ontop of my, and then I blacked out.

 Gone.

 All gone.

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

Great story so far.  Please continue.

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Thanks Firesong for the awesome sig!

It was all quiet. A sharp whoosh revealed large beasts swooping through the streaming clouds. Their wings ended with sharp talons, having only back legs. They dived and flew gracefully, each move like a carefully planned out choreography. They were beautiful, shining scales reflecting the glinting sunlight. They came within a hairs breadth of each other, but never collided. Occasionaly, their narrow maws opened to reveal row after row of sharp, terrorizing teeth, and let out a smooth roar. Their long tails whipped through the air like slashing swords of warriors. Suddenly, they all careened downwards, flattening their wings. Suddenly, they spread them out like parachutes. With a quiet thump they landed in a burnt clearing. They turne dhteir heads, but only one came forward to sniff the small body infront of them. His orange and red scales were what gave him his symbolic name. "Flame, what is it?" Another dragon asked cautiously. Flame snorted loudly, rolling the body over gently. "There was a fire. And there's something else..." He scooped up the fox with his tail gently and padded towards the ring of ash. He leaned his long neck forward and snorted some ash away, revealing a very dirty white. He blew a little more off, revealing a face. He reared back, curling his face with disgust. "Ugh. Well, it's a fire-kill." He uncurled his tail and dropped the tiny body, then stretched his wings, flapping them powerfully. "Let's go. It's nothing." He took off, and the rest followed. Flame opened his mouth and bellowed, a bright flame shooting from his maw. It grew huge and overwhelming, until it engulfed everything-

I woke with a snap. I took a deep breath but all I breathed in was a mouthful of ash. I spat it out in disgust. I got up wobbily. What a strange dream! I looked around, and gaped at the destruction. My own fur was slightly burned and covered in soot, and I gave myself a quick shake to get rid of most of it, then I walked about. The destruction was incredible. It was burned to a crisp. Then my eyes shot wide. Sirag! I yelped and rushed to where I thought he had been last. I heaved pounds of soot away, but saw nothing. I did this every couple of pawsteps, when I finally found something. It felt different then the soot, and I knew it was him. I shoved the black out of the way, digging and scremaing franticaly. "Sirag! Sirag! Si-" I gasped and pulled back slowly. I had uncovered about a half of his front, including his head. His beautiful eyes were closed, and his many whiskers didn't move with a breath. I felt my chest swell and my head ache, then my eyes water. I padded forward carefully, gulping. I was terrified to touch him, but I didnt. His body was still. I slid my paw around his thick neck and felt a tiny tear fell down my face and his his dirty face. "Sirag...." I whispered, sniffling loudly. Finally, I couldn't take it. I broke down. Tears streamed down my face and drenched Sirag's cheek as I buried my face into his. Though I coudn't believe I thought about this, I did. I was right. His fur was soft. I wanted to stop, but I couldn't. I sobbed for what seemed like hours. And It didn;'t stop there. I couldn't take my paws off him. So, I decided I'd stay there for the rest of the night. A vigil. For a special friend. A very special friend.

'I miss you. I was still be in that caged zoo, and I would have never met all of my new, good friends. P`rhaps we'll meet again. In time, my friend. For now, however, rest. You may rest, and I will travel. Though I know you travel beside me. Please, my friend. Never leave me. For, without you, I shall be lost in a sea of wonders and dreams. I beg, don't let that happen. Help me. And in return.... My deeds will always be true. Now, I lay you to rest, my dearest friend. Rest in peace.' 

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.

*cries* sad, that is so sad, but now, i MUST read more, otherwise i will die of suspense.  You are an amazing writer Orka, amazing!

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http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1952512&PHPSESSID=30bbb46e250b2d071386208f683fa08a

Just sitting a vigil just didn't seem enough for Sirag. I had washed away most of the soot, and another dull rain had come in to help. I chose the middle of the clearing. I wasn't going to let some vulture get that tiger. Then, I started to dig. With my tiny paws and Sirag's huge size, the digging took me another whole day. By the time the hole was done, my paws were bleeding and sore, and my stomach was complaining loudly. I glanced back at Sirag's body, then got up and decided hunger could wait. My throat dry- I wasn't sure if that was from lack of water or the amount I cried. I know it's unnatural for an animal to cry..... I padded over to the mound of fur, and latched my teeth on the scruff of his thick neck, then started pulling. My paws scraped against the ground like crazy as I tried. And byt he end of it, I was exhausted, and he had only moved about a paw step. I thumped myself on the ground and screamed in frustrasion. Then I stopped, pricking my ears. What was that? I jumped up and twisted my head wildly. Golden-yellow eyes appeared in the shadowed trees, coming closer. I slipped out a whine as more eyes came. I took a step closer to Sirag, who, even now, seemed to offer me some protection. Suddenly, their came a gasp from the shadows as a tiny creature stumbled from them. It looked like my, but a lot more pudgier and not quiet as big ears or snout. It's fur was a mix of colours, mostly gray. I gulped. The thing looked at me with big eyes and smiled, letting his floppy tongue roll out. Then I realised I shouldn't be afraid of him. I should be afraid of it's parents. Bigger, trimmer, and sharper kind of the creatures stood before me, about half a dozen of them. I stepped back till my hide was against Sirag's chest. The ceatures lowered thier heads slightly, except for one. He was the biggest, and reminded me slightly of Sirag. He looked cunning, brave, powerful. And he had that smirk on his lips. He swept out his bushy tail.

"I am Canis, leader of the Ridgeside pack. And you are?" I let myself feel nervous. Look at these guys! They could rip me to shreds! Maybe I should just treat them like the hyenas back home... they sure looked like them. I opened my maw and spoke. "My.... my name is Fenris." I had a sudden flash back to Tora, then to Sirag, and I felt a shudder only I could see go down my spine. Canis lowered his head slightly to get a better look at me. "Fenris, huh? Interesting. Who's your friend? Tired, I guess?" I felt my face heat up. How dare he! The smell of death is obvious for miles. I grunted. "No. That is... was, Sirag. He was helping my get back home. Speaking of which..." I glanced around, then at my pit. "Would you be willing to help a fox out? Bury my friend?" The beasts all looked at each other, and Canis shrugged. "We wolves are true, and not cruel. By doing this, will we know we have a done a good deed?" He asked. I nodded. "Of..." My voice kept shorting out. I coughed. "Of course." Canis nodded and looked over his shoulder. "Lupus! Gather the pack. We have a friend to help out. " I felt myself swell. Was I now a friend to a.... Wolf?

The sunrise was beginning to paint the sky red and chase away the stars when we had finnished moving and burying Sirag. I had choked back tears all through the process, listening to Canis hum a quiet chant under his breath as they stamped down the dirt. He turned to  me. "You look tired, Little One. You may stay with us tonight. If you wander too far, another pack might get you. " I nodded slowly, taking his offer gratefully. I followed the pack back to a cozy cave and curled up inside, falling asleep almost immediatly. I felt good that Sirag was save now. And I think I felt better to get away. My dreams were safe and relaxing, and I didn't want to leave thm. But, then, as always, I did.

I expected it to be Sirag who woke me up, so when I was nudged I gently patted the nose and rolled over. Lupus ndged me sharply. I fluttered open my eyes and gulped. "Sorry." Lupus smiled, baring sharp fangs. "Not a problem." I got up and shook myself. "Where are we going?" Lupus rolled his eyes. "We're taking you out of the forest." I opened my eyes. "Really?" "Yes, and you must keep going until Big Blue. Then it's up to the humans. " I narrowed them. "The flat faces? Why them?" Lupus turned and gave my another grin. "You're going to need a boat."

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The forums are closing, good bye all! It's been a nice couple of weeks. And remember- Just because an animal can't speak, doesn't mean it can't feel pain.