Catch a Lion By His Toe! If He Hollers Let Em Go!

[Fennec]

The sun was high and shining above the clouds casting its bright yellow rays upon the white rock roads of the onsen island’s town. Dandy walked down the marketplace littered with stalls and vending posts. Different scents from fragrant perfumes, flowers, spices, and fresh foods permeated through the area. He took in a deep breath taking it all in. This was life honestly. This was what he wanted. Leaving Mama Mia behind was exactly what they needed in their life. It allowed them to experience life through other lenses.

“I’ll take two dozen eggs please and a jug of milk please.”

The vendor across the stall gave him a nod, handing him a glass jug of milk and two baskets full of eggs. From the corner of his eye he also spotted a jar of fresh honey.

“Oh that too please!”

“That’ll be fifty-five thousand beri please.”

The vendor said and with a nod Dandy handed the bills over and quickly moved on to find another vendor perhaps one that sold cheese. Well specifically the kind of cheese he wanted! It just wouldn’t do with the dish he had in mind. As he went on his way he heard to locals speaking among themselves. A short tubby man and a lankey curly haired fellow with a hook nose.

“Timoteo! I heard it man, they said the mob took those kids that came in just two days ago.”

Said the lankey fellow.

“No way! The ones that came with the horned fellow? Oh… well they just came into town and are in trouble already!? No way, Dollar I don’t believe you.”

Replied his stubby friend rolling his eyes, there he went again. That old Dollar spinning more tales.

“No man I swear they are at the pool causing a ruckus.”

Dandy was paralyzed upon hearing this… so Billy was in trouble and the kids were taken!? Well… surely Billy could handle it right? He was very strong right? Sweat beads formed on his forehead as thoughts went through his head. He flickered his ears feeling his face heat up with anxiety and his heart sink into his very stomach. Dandy took a deep breath. His brother could handle it. He was certain. But it was best if he headed home after buying the cheese.

~~~

Moments later…

Dandy opened the door carrying the grocery bags for the dinner and dessert he’d prepared on that day. He also brought some flowers… they weren’t to be eaten and strictly speaking he should only have spent money on meals but… well they were so beautiful he just had to! He delicately placed them on the table inside of a clear vase with water.

“There we go pretties…”

He dusted himself before turning around to look for his twin. What was that scoundrel up to? Hopefully she hadn’t left the house unsupervised that would be terrible.

“Zoe!!! I’m home!!”

---

Dandy | Bisque #FCEFB (Post Count: 1)

[Fox]

Ugh. Zoe had been on strict bedrest while Billy and Dandy were out having the times of their lives. To say that she was a little jealous of her uninjured family was something of an understatement. She’d had her nose deep into the medical book that she’d stolen, but it was really dry after a while. She sighed loudly. Zoe was sprawled on a little couch near a windowsill on the second floor, just soaking up the sunlight. She had the book on her face to shield her eyes from the warm afternoon sunlight.

Her lion ears perked up when she heard the door open downstairs. Judging from the sound of the footsteps, it was Dandy come back from his shopping trip. Or a stranger who just happened to wander in, but she heard his familiar voice calling her from the kitchen.

“Up here, Dan,” Zoe called back lazily, pulling the book off her face. It was probably time to take a break from studying anyway. She yawned and stretched luxuriously before sitting up and picking up her crutches. She’d gotten the hang of them now, and was about as agile with them as she had been before her broken leg. She still had to take care not to ding it on anything, but it wasn’t so bad.

As such, the stairs were an easy challenge, Zoe sliding down one of the banisters and catching herself with a crutch. She lifted a hand when she saw Dandy.

“Yo.”

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Zoe | #ffc000 | Post Count: 1

[Fennec]

His ears perked as his sister’s voice came from the second floor. Along with a flicker he turned just in time to see her slide down the stairs with incredible agility. Dandy tilted his head and his brows furrowed with mild concern. Perhaps Zoe shouldn’t be breaking out in acrobatic stunts with a broken limb. Taking a deep breath Dandy rubbed the bridge of his nose. A part of him wanted to say something but he knew better. She would be fine! Fine… of course. So instead he smiled pleasantly.

“Hey, hey! I brought some stuff and am about to bake. Wanna help?”

Dandy decided to inquire, if she didn't do well she could at least watch, perhaps. But it would be a pleasant thing to do… spend time with Zoe especially since they hadn’t gotten many chances to do so in Dressrosa. When was the last time they actually spent quality time together? Many weeks ago? Months? Years…? Just the thought caused Dandy to momentarily droop his ears only to pick them right back up. As these thoughts crossed his mind Dandy began to prepare himself, bringing out the cheese, eggs, and milk. He crouched down to get some bowls and sugar.

“It's gonna be a delicious treat for you and Billy! Hope you’re ready.”

With that Dandy turned around and put on a yellow doksoi panda apron. He put his hands on his hips and posed.

---

Dandy | Bisque #FCEFB5 (Post Count: 2)

[Fox]

Spoilsport. Zoe could see the disapproving look on Dandy’s face. Not that he said anything to her directly, but she could tell. Dandy hastily covered it with a smile, but Zoe always had a general idea of what was going through her twin’s head. Call it psychic twin powers or intuition. She decided not to press into it though or tease him too much. Ever since the fire and everything back on Dressrosa, Zoe had been trying to not cause Dandy too much stress. He didn’t like to let it on very much when he was upset or hurting. Actually, no one in their family did - except for the youngings - Billy was just as bad. Zoe herself was probably worse. It had been the only way to deal with things. Pretend it wasn’t happening.

“Yeah, sure,” she replied cheerily, hopping off the banister and waddling into the kitchen. She slid up to the countertop and sat down in one of the high chairs at the island. Whatever she was going to do, she sure wasn’t going to do it standing up. The crutches did make doing things with her hands a little awkward. She watched Dandy prep everything, noting in particular a moment when he seemed to get all sad all of a sudden. Weird. She still smiled wryly when he turned around wearing that dumb apron.

“You look like a dork,” she teased, leaning back in her seat, “Better make extra for the kiddos. You know how they get. So, what am I doin’, Dand?”

She held up her hands and did a grabby motion.

“Dough? Mixing? Taste testing?”

She grinned at the last one, indicating her not so subtle preference. But really, she was down for anything. Zoe couldn’t really remember the last time that they’d hung out like this. Without worries or cares. Hm. It was nice. She was looking forward to a lot more days like this with Dandy and Billy. Speaking of Billy…

“Where’s Billy anyway? You seen him? He just ditched me here to play with the kiddies.”

---

Zoe | Post Count: 2

[Fennec]

Dandy rolled his eyes at the dork remark, oh Zoe never changed. Grabbing a bowl and some eggs he began to crack them into it.

“How about you mix and taste eh? We’ll make two so we have extra.”

He gave her a wink as he handed the bowl and a whisk to Zoe. Dandy found handling dough was perhaps one of the more cumbersome parts so he’d handle that instead. Leaning against the counter he looked at Zoe. Life here could be pleasant. It wasn’t. Clearly Billy had already broken it by playing hero. Granted he didn’t know the full details but he’d rather if their older brother didn’t go around causing trouble. That's why they left in the first place. Honestly, Billy. If only he knew how much influence he had over Zoe maybe he’d calm down. Speaking of the Devil… as he finished that thought Zoe seemed to read his mind.

“I… uh… I don’t know, I think he is at the pool park. You know. Eating ice cream and swimming with the kiddos?”

Dandy replied, his ears flickered accentuating his anxiety on the topic. He immediately turned around and began to work on another bowl to start whisking. Perhaps diverting the attention would help? This was their time though. Why did she have to think about Billy on their time? Dandy frowned.

“I’m sure he is fine. Maybe next time you can go with him.”

---

Dandy | Bisque #FCEFB (Post Count: 3)

[Fox]

Zoe grabbed the bowl and whisk with one arm as they were passed to her, ears flicking forward as she looked down at the contents of the bowl. It never ceased to amaze her at how Dandy could turn this goop into something actually yummy. Cradling the bowl in one arm, she started beating the ingredients roughly. She wasn’t the best at this and oftentimes the mix got everywhere, but it meant a lot to her to be able to spend this time with Dandy.

“Meh, what an ass,” Zoe commented, pouting a little bit, “If I didn’t have this bum leg, we’d have torn the place up. Ruled! As lords of the water slide!”

Zoe flung some batter off to the side as she lifted her claws up. She really would have liked to have yeeted some of their younger siblings onto the slide. Their little screams were so cute and funny. Zoe smiled at the thought and went back to mixing, looking over at Dandy’s turned back.

“And then I’d betray you and toss you down the slide, muhahaha. There can only be one.”

It sour her mood somewhat that Billy had just decided to go off on his own without her again, but she tried to push it from her mind and remind herself that he’d promised to always be with them. This was just the start of the rest of their lives together! Comforting herself with that fact, she stuck a pinky into the batter when Dandy’s back was turned and snuck a quick taste.

“Eugh…” she pursed her lips like she’d just swallowed something sour, “Daaaaaandy, you didn’t put in the sugar yet?”

---

Zoe | Post Count: 3

[Fennec]

Even as she whisked clumsily Dandy couldn’t help but feel tingles in his extremities from the absolute joy he felt. Finally, he could spend time with his sister and not have Billy taking all the attention or being in sight. He let out a sigh of relief as he continued working his part of baking.

“Heh, lords of the slide? Like old times? I like the sound of that.”

He chuckled, the image of Zoe wearing a makeshift paper crown and standing over the water slide like its proper ruler amused him. It was so child-like and innocent. Like Zoe before Mama Mia put them to work extra hard. He was happy they didn’t owe her that tithe anymore. That they’d finally be free of that evil witch and most importantly that Zoe could rest easy.

“Eh!? Betrayal? How could you!”

Dandy faked his indignation before bursting out in laughter. It was par for the course of course. A dubious smile spread across his face.

“Yeah well that's if you can even push me off. After that! You’re finished, I'll bribe the kids with cookies. Bahaha!”

He cackled as he went to reach for the sugar only to be reminded by his sister that he'd forgotten it. His brows furrowed. Yeah he almost did forget it he was having too much fun with it all.

“Ah my bad, here!”

That's when the Den Den Mushi started to ring its typical ‘Beru-Beru, Beru-Beru’ resounding across the condo. Beads of sweat formed over Dandy’s olive toned forehead. He knew exactly what that call was going to be about and he wasn’t about it at all.

“Uh!! I’ll get it!”

---

Dandy | Post Count: 4

[Fox]

“Tch! Don’t think I could?” Zoe said before looking Dandy up and down. Hm. Well. Maybe she couldn’t. Dandy was no longer the small, shy boy needing her protection that she remembered from their childhood. He was taller than her, toned and muscular. Huh. When had that happened? She frowned quizzically, as Dandy dumped some sugar into the bowl.

The Den Den Mushi started ringing from the other room, and Dandy leaped to go answer it. A bit weird. Maybe he’d found a secret girlfriend while she wasn’t looking too? Gosh. Who told Dandy that it was okay to grow up while she wasn’t looking?! Hm, but well, maybe she was the one who was stuck in the past. It certainly felt like it with her broken leg. Billy was off living free without her… Dandy possibly had a secret girlfriend and grew up without her realizing… Dang.

Grabbing the bowl off the counter, Zoe mixed in the sugar as per her assigned and noble duties. It was better with sugar, but it still tasted bittersweet. She felt kind of afraid of being left behind. But… Billy had promised that they’d always be together. Dandy too. So, she didn’t have anything to worry about - probably. Probably.

She put the bowl back down on the counter and looked over in the direction Dandy had run, feeling just a little bit sad. Grabbing her crutches, she hobbled over toward where he’d disappeared to, figuring he’d be done with the call soon. “Dandy?”

---

Post Count: 4

[Fennec]

The dread was mounting like lava applying pressure to a volcano. Until its ultimate release once Dandy picked up the phone and heard the voice of a child. His fears had reached their peak as his eyes remained wide open in anxious apprehension.

“Big Bro Dandy! Big Bro Billy is in a tough fight right now you have to come!”

Dandy swallowed hard, he was going to strangle Billy after this one. There was no way he wanted Zoe involved in any of this mess. Leave it to Billy to ruin stuff for him. Honestly if it wasn’t for the anxiety he would be feeling extreme anger and would want to smash the phone table to pieces. But that would only leave more questions than answers.

“I can’t come immediately. You think he can hold out a bit longer?”

He inquired, realistically he was expecting Billy to be more than competent. If there was something the guy had was strength. Enough strength to hold his own that's for sure. That's when he heard Zoe call out to him. He winced at her voice.

“Maybe… Please be quick.”

Dandy sighed.

“I’ll try.”

He immediately hung up the phone and went back to the Kitchen. Trying his best to not look suspicious at all. His tail swayed around giving away his anxiety… curse his feline side!! Dandy furrowed his brow.

“So! So! How is the mix coming in?”

---

Dandy | Post Count: 5

[Fox]

Something was wrong. Zoe could tell instantly. She could also tell that he didn’t want to tell her about it. Her tail flicked with poorly disguised agitation. She frowned and crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at Dandy. “Fine… it’s all mixed in,” she answered before looking Dandy up and down expectantly, “What’s wrong?”

Her tail swished back and forth expectantly. She had the face that she usually had when she wasn’t gonna take no for an answer. The only people who knew their number were the folks that had let them stay in the room, and they had no reason to call as far as Zoe knew. Which only left their family members that would know the number.

Most of them were playing around in the backyard or around the place, and another small group was with Billy. It had to be Billy or his group that had called. And, judging by Dandy’s reaction, something had happened. Zoe’s thin coat of tan fur prickled as the hairs stood on end. But, why was Dandy playing it off if something had happened? That didn’t make sense. Maybe Billy was handling whatever was going on?

Still, the Savages didn’t do things alone! Well, maybe Billy did, but he’d promised to stop all that and stick with her and Dandy now. The three of them could take care of their family together. He wouldn’t go against that right after promising they’d always be together, right? Well, old habits died hard… and the promise hadn’t specified that they’d always handle things together but… If that was him calling for help then they needed to go!

“Is it Billy? Is he okay? Are the kids okay?!”

---

Zoe | #ffc000 | Post Count: 5

[Fennec]

No eye contact nope! He knew the moment he locked eyes with Zoe’s heterochromatic eyes that he’d break. Peace! They needed peace! Yea no more fighting. Seriously, he was going to punch Billy through the roof when the man showed himself. What was he thinking!? Dandy made his way back to the kitchen and began to set up the oven, warming it up as he hummed to himself.

“Oh nothing, it was just the kids at the errr pool! Yeah they called just to say hello!”

Dandy had his back turned to Zoe but his tail was going wild flickering side to side. He puckered his lips. This was a very shitty lie. But he couldn’t think straight. This was way too hard for him and his twin could see through him. He knew it… he could see through her two. It's just how twins were. That was when Zoe dropped the bombshell.

“Is it Billy?”

He stopped, didn’t move. Dandy stared blankly at the oven as if paralyzed by some spell. It seemed as if even his breathing had completely ceased. Without even turning around and only lifting his head Dandy replied a single word in a hoarse voice.

“Yes.”

---

Dandy | Post Count: 6

[Fox]

Dandy was lying. Zoe could very easily tell. He really couldn’t hide anything from her. But when Billy’s name left her mouth, he froze up. Weird… If Zoe wasn’t more concerned about what was actually going on, she’d probably have pressed into that a little more. But when Dandy just said ‘yes’ that answered precisely zero of her questions other than that it was probably Billy related. Zoe looked up to the ceiling, her frustration threatening to erupt from her body, but she took a big deep breath to calm herself down.

“Okay???” Zoe finally said, stretching out the word so that Dandy would know she demanded more information. She slid off her stool with her crutches in hand, swiftly bouncing over to Dandy and shaking his shoulder.

“Hey! Look, big cat, I love you, but if they’re in danger??? We gotta go?!” Zoe gestured wildly, “What’s going on with you? Savages stick together, y’know? We promised?”

Zoe spread her arms out unsure of why he was hesitating so much. If her family needed her, she had to be there, her leg be damned. That was how she’d always operated even back in Mama Mia’s house. It didn’t matter how much she was hurting or was in pain. She had to be there for her siblings, all of them. If she wasn’t there, who else would be?

“C’mon…!”

---

Zoe | #ffc000 | Post Count: 6

[Fennec]

Dandy knew how Zoe was… she was a hot headed one. Impulsive. Didn’t think twice. He just wanted her to calm down and study medicine. She was already on the right track but Billy really had to go ahead and ruin it. Dandy couldn't be with her. He couldn't deal with her rhetoric either, especially once she started to approach him.

*thump*

In a sudden motion Dandy fell face first against the floor, his large mass making a loud thud sound. This was it. He took a deep breath.

“Billy got into an altercation with some mobsters and they took away one of the kids. He said he’d handle it though.”

The bomb had been dropped, hopefully the collateral wouldn’t be that bad. Dandy afforded himself a peak up at his sister, his brown eyes staring up at her. His lion ears flickered in anticipation for the worst. But his heart held onto the best. Maybe the assurance that Billy had the situation handled would be enough for Zoe. Right? Part of the family sticking together was trusting them. Right? Dandy forced on a slightly crooked smile.

“It’ll be alright…”

---

Dandy | #FCEFB | Post Count: 7

[Fox]

“Dandy?!”

Zoe was completely taken aback when Dandy just collapsed onto the floor. Why?! How?! She didn’t know much about doctor stuff yet, but this was certainly not normal stuff! People just didn’t collapse like this. Zoe hissed and crouched down, hanging onto one of her crutches to keep her weight off her bad leg. She looked him over, trying to figure out how to help him when he spoke up.

“He… what?”

Her mind was already reeling from Dandy’s sudden fall. This bit of news only served to agitate her further. Zoe put a hand to her face and breathed deeply. Alright. Think. She wanted to rush immediately over and kill those damn mobsters, but Billy could and would handle it. She flicked her tail. Besides, it’d probably be over one way or another by the time she got there on her bum leg. Right now, she had to deal with whatever was happening to Dandy.

Zoe pushed him on his side instead of lying face down - she’d read about something called the recovery position that was supposed to help him breathe and not suffocate in any fluids. From this position, Zoe could also see him better. She scowled, pressing the back of her hand to Dandy’s forehead to check for a temperature. He felt hot.

“Stay.”

It wasn’t a request. Zoe stood up, hobbling over to the sink and grabbing a rag. She dunked it into the cold water of the sink and wrung it out. She also snatched a cup and filled it with cold water as well. She went back to Dandy and pressed the cold rag against his forehead and handed him the cup.

“Drink. Are you okay?”

---

Zoe | #ffc000 | Post Count: 7

[Fennec]

The quarter mink huffed as Zoe turned him around. He felt his heart rate slow down as the panic began to subside a bit. He couldn’t handle this anymore. Billy causing trouble was going to be the end of him.

“Its fine. I’m fine I just… thanks.”

Dandy began, but he wasn’t sure how to finish that sentence and instead accepted the water that Zoe had brought him. Now he began to feel bad. Zoe was worrying about him and he was just having a panic attack over this nonsense. Dandy rubbed his head and grunted as he began to raise up slightly.

“Zoe, I just… can’t take trouble chasing us anymore. I want us to have a happy life. Maybe we should lay low before heading to the North Blue.”

He closed his eyes, not knowing what Zoe’s thoughts would be on this. But he hoped she’d follow along. Well, a part of him doubted she would. What Dandy expected was for her to nod in agreement and then sneak away under cover of night. He felt his chest tighten. He would have to follow after her if that was the case.

“I know it's in your heart to help. But you can’t in your current condition.”

---

Dandy | #FCEFB | Post Count: 8