Karen's Diary24 of November, 2017 Man, I haven't done a diary in ages (resisted opening it with 'dear diary', thank heavens... oops, I wrote it anyway!) but given everything that happened, I really wanted to put my thoughts into words. But first things first, my partner, yes. My partner Joel Hirch is the most useless, facepalmingly useless cop the ZPD has ever seen! Seriously, what else can you say about a cop who would rather listen to music (death metal even!) than actually contribute to stopping bank robbers? It's a miracle he wasn't even fired by now! I swear, one of these days someone will make a venison outta him! And it won't even be me! Ok, rant over. Time for some brighter news. Yes, I still can't believe that the whole Lynxley conspiracy was blown wide open! All thanks to the 'rookie' duo of officers Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps (note to self, gotta sample their delicious carrots someday)! I still can't help but to be uncomfortable around the reptiles though. Something about the way they walk and eat bugs (ok, I know Greg eats bugs like them too but at least he always eats separately as a courtesy) makes my fur bristle. Gary's a nice fellow at least and hearing him talk about the dangerous journey he took to get here has earned him my utmost respect. And now I feel seriosly hungry, better hope my fridge's full...Towards the Next Mission!Carrots, where do you want to go today? Nick Wilde asked on a pleasant Friday afternoon after their shift. I was just thinking about that. But I’ll have to admit analysing that feather has kept me busy these last few days. Oh yes, that. Any ideas what this could mean? Like, are there truly going to be birds here in Zootopia soon? Nick replied. Judy pondered for a little. Ever since she found that feather, it was clear a bird somehow ended up in Zootopia. But how and why? Since it was known that birds shared descent from reptiles, making them cousin Classes of sort, she probably figured that they too desire to coexist with mammals. But unlike the reptiles, birds have historically never had a significant presence in Zootopia and were in fact said to reside in gigantic ’Aviaries’ that are difficult to even approach for either reptiles or mammals. Nonetheless, Judy was still excited about the possibility of meeting a bird in person. Well, that could be wonderful in principle. But since they’re known to keep to their own affairs, I doubt it’s going to be a simple affair. And lemme guess, it’s the ’Wonderful Duo’ who’s going to provide some diplomatic ties? Nick asked sarcastically. That remains to be seen. But it was already a tough job to convince Gary was harmless, remember? Yeah, I figured. Anyways, wanna go to the movies with me? I’ve been wanting to see that new Spider-Wolf movie for days. Yeah, sure. But please, try to be considerate with the popcorns… The duo then went to the nearby theater to see Spider-Wolf: Homecoming. According to Nick, the new actor managed to pull off the awkwardness beautifully compared to the past two actors. After the movie was over and the duo did the requisite comparison of favourite scenes (Nick’s was Peter’s home movie sequence at the beginning whereas Judy’s was the Spider-Wolf suit activating all of it’s powers for the first time), the two went back to their respective apartments. The next morning in ZPD’s bullpen, Chief Bogo requested Nick and Judy to his office. So, what’s up Chief? I take it you have something important to tell us? Nick said. And in fact I do. We’ve analyzed the feather you brought us thoroughly and after considering the options, we’ve come to the conclusion that it belongs to a condor. A condor? Judy explaimed. Yes, you heard me right. The witnesses were rather sparse that day but there’s definitely a correlation between what they saw and this feather. And since then, there have been reported sightings of other bird species such as pigeons and hawks. There’s still debate both within the ZPD and the City Hall what could all of this mean. But it’s possible they’re scouts of some kind. Scouts, huh? Like, could this be a good thing or a bad thing? Nick asked. I don’t want to jump into conclusions just yet. But I feel attempting some sort of a contact with the birds should take priority. Officers Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, I’m going to give you a special mission. At this, both Nick and Judy rose from their seats and made a salute. You two are going to the Nocturnal District and find one of the only leads with extensive knowledge about birds, Charles Battson. He reportedly visited an Aviary some years ago but was promptly kicked out for not being the ’right sort of flyer’. His address is Echo Avenue 13-A-4-2. You’re now dismissed. Yes sir! Nick and Judy said in unison while again making a salute. Outside, the two promptly entered their car and set the coordinates to the Nocturnal District. What sort of a person is this Charles Battson anyway? Do you think he’d actually have useful information to give us? Nick Wilde asked. Hey relax, we’re the ones who took down the Lynxleys, remember? If there’s something we excel at, it’s making the impossible possible! Yeah, you’re right. You’re absolutely right, Carrots. C’mon, we’ve got a mystery concerning birds to solve! The duo promptly excited the ZPD garage and towards the tunnel that would lead them to the Nocturnal District, confident that no matter what happens, they'll always have each other's back.Feathers for Mr. OllivandersDiagon Alley. The most bustling street you'll ever find in the Wizarding Britain located in London. Inside his shop, Mr. Ollivander was currently in his office, counting today's haul. Admittedly, it wasn't a lot which was typical in days not preceding that year's Hogwarts semester. But as a registered wandmaker, he does receive allowances from the Ministry of Magic to cover his needs. Suddenly, he heard someone knocking on the door. Come in. Mr. Ollivander said gently. The door opened to reveal a wizard in his mid-twenties, dressed from top to bottom in silky red robes with a white trim. Sorry if I'm a bit late. The man said in an exhausted. No, not at all Mr. Grint. Now, let's see what you have in store for me. Although wandmakers have rightfully been called as debonair adventurers going to the far-flung places on Earth in search for wandcore ingredients, it's not unheard for them to employ volunteers for the task instead. Kevin Grint was one of them and has served as a gatherer for Mr. Ollivander for nearly a decade. Now then, here's what got for you today. 6 dragon heartstrings and 10 unicorn tail-hairs. Kevin said as he put sacks containing the ingredients on Mr. Ollivander's table. And phoenix feathers, do you have those by any chance? Ollivanders asked. As a matter of fact I do. I was in Hogsmeade, you see and happened to stumble upon one Professor Dumbledore from Hogwarts. He had a pet phoenix with him which he called Fawkes. Sensing an opportunity, I decided to ask the good professor if he would mind having the phoenix donate some feathers and being the good sport that he was, he absolutely didn't mind one bit. But here's where it gets interesting. Kevin put an another sack on the table before continuing. Instead of just one feather, Fawkes donated two. A rare event wouln't you agree? You could say the wands that will be made from those are like brothers. Mr. Ollivander looked at the sack containing the feathers with a ponderous gaze. Very intriguing. Two feathers from the same specimen. Since the wand choose the wizard, I can predict great yet terrible things from these. Ollivander said. I guess it always depends on the wizard. Now, if that'll be all, I'll have my commission and retire to the Leaking Cauldron for the night. Yes, yes, I think that would be the correct course of action. I just couldn't help but to sense a great destiny for the wands that will be made from these cores. Mahogany, or yew. I think that's it. And the other one shall be from holly, supple and must be... Kevin couldn't help but to roll his eyes. Mr. Ollivander was not an old man yet and yet he already rambles like one. Or was this common with wandmakers in general? He couldn't tell. In any case, he sure wished for a pair of earmuffs. Are you done? My commission if you please... Ah yes, of course. I was just getting carried away. Here it is, just a second. Mr. Ollivander gave Kevin a sack containing his commission. After exhanging goodbyes, Kevin Grint headed towards Leaky Cauldron for the night.Zootopia and Ice CreamOn a peaceful Saturday evening in Zootopia, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps were sitting together at an ice cream parlour near the ZPD Headquarters. For Nick, it was a blueberry delight (with coffee on the side) and for Judy, a banana split. So Carrots, still thinking of going to the Beachside Boys concert tomorrow? Nick asked Judy. You bet I am. Although I never listened to many bands growing up in the burrows, Beachside Boys never failed to make me feel the rhythm. Father of course was a little disapproving of my choices but that's business as usual for parents like him I guess. I bet he certainly was. I guess there's some truths to the cliche that people in the countryside tends to be more conservative across the board. Then, as if on a cue, Judy noticed a familiar face. It was none other than Benjamin Clawhauser and he too was helping himself on a ice cream, this one made from a coconut. Hey Ben, over here! Judy yelled to get Clawhauser's attention. Who said that? Clawhauser wondered. He glanced at the nearby tables and to his delight saw Nick and Judy in their own table. Absolutely ecstatic, he at once rose from his table in order to greet his favourite officers. No way, this can't be a coincidence! I didn't know you like ice cream too, Judy and Nicky-boy! Nick could only groan at that nickname. He didn't know why Clawhauser picked it up but despite his protests, it quickly became a permanent part of his vocabulary. Glad that you're alive and well. How's your vacation so far, Clawhauser? Judy asked. It's going pretty well, actually. Visited my cousins last weekend and today I'm considering to hit one of my favourite beach spots for a week. Wanna come with me? No thanks. Perhaps some other time if you will. Judy said. Yeah. And we already promised to visit Judy's family in the Burrows. Nick added. It's ok. Everyone of us have their own itineraries after all. Oh my goodness, look at the time. Here I am, eating ice cream and talking with you when I should already be at the airport. With luck, I should be able to catch a cab and be there on time. See you later Judy and Nicky-boy! I'll promise to send you lots of photos! Clawhauser hurriedly left the parlour, his ice cream left unfinished on the table to the amusement of Nick and Judy. They always said that the guy should be more careful about the calories. After the duo finished their ice creams, they then went to their respective homes with the promise of meeting again on Zootopia Central station at 10:00 AM Sharp.Encounter at the LakeIt was the strangest feeling. After saying their goodbyes, Randall Pendleton was sure that was the last he'd see of Clara Harrison, his long time friend ever since high school. For many times he tried to propose to her only to not find the courage to do it each time. Perhaps they weren't meant for each other? In any case, Randall as was usual in the lasts days of June locked up shop and drove to a cabin by the Porter's Lake. As soon as he arrived, he couldn’t help but notice something was off. The cabin was there, sure. As were the auxiliary buildings around it. But contrary to the time of the year, everything seemed so still. No animal noises coming from the forest, no sounds of the wind coming from the lake. Puzzled, Randall decided to take a little walk after placing his provisions inside. After arriving at the pier, Randall immediately spotted something unusual: a chair of sorts set upon tracks sort of resembling the ones used by roller coasters going further across the lake. Puzzled, Randall saw no other option but to sit upon this chait which, as if on a cue, began slowly trakking forward on the tracks. It was surprisingly stable to Randall’s relief who constantly worried being thrown overboard and sink into the abyss. After a ride that seemed to last quite a while, Randall noticed what appeared to be an old-timey theater stage complete with a curtain. He himself stopped at a nearby rock with a small table on it, complete with amenities that included a sandwich, a teapot and a cup to drink the tea with. The curtain then rose to reveal a man clothed in dapper clothes which included a suit and a top hat. Behind him were room ’sets’ Randall immediately recognized as being modeled after the living room and kitchen of his childhood home. Greetings, Randall Pendleton. The man said. You may be wondering what’s happening at this very hour. I summoned you for a specific purpose, one designed to save you from ruin. What ruin? The ruin that might or might not happen in your future. Which depends entirely on you and your actions. I’m simply here to nudge you towards a more favourable outcome. Randall wondered about the man’s words. Did ruin really await him in future? Nonetheless, his interest was piqued and decided to ask for more details. And what exactly is this ruin you’re speaking of? What is it exactly that you want? Randall asked. Glad that you asked. But instead of telling you outright, how about I show it to you instead? The man stepped aside so that the rooms were completely in view. Then, as if on a cue, more people entered the stage. Randall recognized precicely none of them though they did seem faintly familiar. They were two males and one female. Randall saw these people arguing for a bit, one of them moving to the kitchen to make a sandwich, eating it and then returning, the argument continuing on for a bit and then, as one of the males was the only person present, making a cup of tea and putting something to the brew, after which everyone vanished. Well, what did you make out of my little show? Do you see now just how serious the situation truly is? I don’t know, man. I hardly recognized anybody you showed for starters. But if I’m supposed to learn something from me, I assume what that second male added to the tea is something I’m supposed to prevent? Touché! For that female you saw is one of your coworkers destined to marry you. I know, it’s totally unbelievable, right? But it’s straight up important that the marriage must come come to fruition. The man must’ve loved saying those words since he did a little dance. Just what is the business with that guy, Randall wondered. In any case, I suggest that the next time you go to work, you will at least attempt to get close to the woman, Melissa Vreeke, and make her get interested in you. And when that fateful day comes, you will be present and make an attempt to prevent that poisoning at all costs. Oh really, and then what, Mr. Destiny Weaver, or whatever? I have my own life, don’t you get it? My choices. And if you think even for a moment that I would agree to hitch up with a woman I barely know, you’d be dead wrong! But you can feel it, don’t you? You’ve gone through many, many women in your life, including Clara just recently. Which is fine since destiny says it has to be Melissa or else. Nobody likes ruin after all so I suggest that you start building up the courage to ask her out. Hah, you wish. If there’s anybody supposedly bringing me ’ruin’, it probably would have to be you. Now, how about you bring me back to the cabin and let me have my vacation in peace? Ah, but of course. But never forget my words or else you’re going to regret it! The man then snapped his fingers and Randall found himself lying on the floor of the cabin. Groggily raising to his feet, he wondered for the rest of the day if what he saw was truly a dream or something else. Surely there can’t be ’ruin’ awaiting him in the future, right? Feeling thirsty, he put the tea kettle on and then sat down to watch some TV, wondering what the news have in store for today.