Chapter 1 – The Transformation
It was a beautiful summer day at the Central Park Zoo. The sun shined brightly in the skies above, casting shadows of all the surrounding buildings. Visitors came in and out by the hundreds. It was another typical day for all the animals. However, one set of invitations would end up turning this zoo into a battlefield for some desperate animals…
“Up and at ‘em, men!” Skipper yelled to the other penguins, “We’ve got a whole slate of missions to complete today, and there’s no time for us to doze off!” “Skipper, do you always have to talk so loudly?” Kowalski asked, while rubbing his flipper on his eye. “I have to. It’s the only way to get you all up in the morning!” replied Skipper, while standing firm in front of them. The three penguins got into a side-by-side line in front of him. Skipper began his daily report on the upcoming missions of the day. “Today, we-” Suddenly, Julien entered their habitat. “Howdy, neighbors! Guess what I got today?” he asked, while it appeared that he was holding something behind his back. “Unless it’s in any way life-threatening Ringtail, we don’t care.” Skipper declared. “Oh… But I think you should, silly penguin.” Julien insisted, “Ta-da!” He showed them an envelope, which was already opened. “What’s in that envelope, Julien?” asked Private. “It’s probably filled with some kind of poisonous substance or small explosive.” Skipper declared, “Everyone get down!” The penguin got into a ducking position, bracing for anything. Julien laughed. “You slap-happy penguins. There is no poison gas or anything like that in here.” He opened it, and the penguins quivered in fear. Julien took the material inside of it out, and nothing happened. It was only a letter. Kowalski was the first penguin to get up, and examined the piece. “It appears to be an invitation of some sort.” he stated to the others. He read the fine print,
Dear Animals of Central Park Zoo,
You are invited to a new annual tradition solely for all animals, wild or captive, in New York City. The Summer Animal Ball.
If you want to find love in “The city that never sleeps,” then, this party’s for you. You are required to have one, and only one, date with you for this night. It can be anyone you choose. No RSVP is necessary, and refreshments will be provided.
This is only one night per year. Please come to this magical night. We promise you that it’ll be one that you’ll never forget.
“What a bunch of baloney!” Skipper shouted, “An animal ball?! Who’s the crazy animal that came up with this… this… mutiny!” “Actually, Skipper. It sounds rather lovely!” replied Private. Skipper got right into Private’s face. “Of course you’ll find that lovely Private. Then, you can go yourself. We’ll stay here and mend the base.” “Skipper, I have to agree with Private on this one. It does sound rather fun, and I think you can really use this.” Kowalski countered. “Yep.” Rico continued. “You two, too?! This is absolutely mutiny!” Skipper yelled, “I can’t believe you all want to go to this lovey-dovey thing!” Julien chimed in. “You, Skipper, should go. You’ll finally be noticed as a fun-freak, even though the spotlight will be on me of course.” “If Ringtail’s going, them I’m most certainly not!” Skipper bellowed with rage. “But Skipper…” Kowalski started. “No way, no how!” Skipper answered, “You all can dress up all nice and fancy if you wish. But… Don’t bother me about it. Unless something so crazy happens… Wait. When is this ball?” “Tonight.” Kowalski replied. Skipper started again where he left off. “Ok. Unless something totally crazy happens in the next six to eight hours, then I will not change my mind. Is that understood.” “Yes, Skipper.” Kowalski and Private said sadly. The three penguins, minus Skipper, climbed up the ladder to the outside. “Don’t you all be trying to convince me other-” Skipper called, “Huh! Augh! Guess sometimes you have to do everything yourself!” He began to clean around. “Sometimes, I really wonder what goes into those guys’ heads.” he thought to himself.
Throughout the morning, the other zoo animals got the message, courtesy of Julien. It appeared that one inhabitant was rather enthusiastic about the festivities.
“A ball, here, in New York City?! This is… unbelievable!” “Calm down, Marlene!” said Julien, “It’s more exciting to me because we can finally have our date that I’ve been so longing for.” Julien wrapped his hand around the otter. “You Julien?! How many times do I have to tell you! I don’t want to be your queen!” Marlene yelled, as she pushed him away. “Pushy one, aren’t you?!” Julien said, “I assure you that your evening with me will be the most wildest of your dreams!” “Listen, Julien! I already have a date in mind, and well… It’s definitely not you!” she declared, as she overlapped one arm over the other in a bored notion. “And who is this special date of yours?!” Julien asked her. “That, Julien, is none of your business.” “Oh really?! Don’t worry. You will be my date to the ball, and I will make your night the most special it can be. Noone turns down King Julien!” Julien angrily walked out of Marlene’s habitat. “You have fun with that.” she called out as he could no longer be seen.
Later, Marlene went to the lemur habitat, and talked to Maurice. She told him that she wanted his help with finding a good outfit for her. “I know this one place, Marlene.” he said to her, hesitantly, “I’m just not sure that this would be a good idea.” “Come on, Maurice. I really want to dazzle my date.” Marlene begged. Maurice gave in. “All right. So, who is this date you want so badly?” Marlene whispered the name to Maurice. “Really?! Him?!” he asked, with a surprised look on his face. Marlene nodded. “All right! Follow me.” Maurice said to her.
The two ended up at a secret animal salon that was not too far from the zoo. Marlene did not feel threatened, so her feral side did not appear. They opened the door, and Marlene was soon in awe with the fashion photos and accessories that surrounded her. “Wow! Look at all this! I’ve never seen so much style like this before!” “If you think that’s good, just wait and see what’s in store for you, my dear!” A beautiful female pigeon (Yes, a pigeon) came from behind an entrance to another hallway with drapes that opened to the sides. “How are you doing, Maurice?! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you!” “Very well!” he answered, and then introduced Marlene, “And this is Marlene. She’s looking for an outfit that would appeal to a special date of hers.” “I assume this is for the ball tonight!?” the pigeon asked. “Of course.” Maurice replied. “Why am I not surprised!? You won’t believe how many animals have come into my salon today for that reason!” “I can imagine!” The pigeon then turned his attention to Marlene. “Welcome, welcome! My name is Helga, and don’t you worry Marlene, my dear, I assure that you have the dress that will make your date absolutely gaga for you!” “You’d really do that, for me?!” Marlene asked, enthusiastically. “Of course, I can, my dear. So, what animal is the date you seek? A fellow otter I presume!?” “Actually, it’s…” Marlene again whispered it to Helga. “I see. I have to give you credit. You are one interesting otter with a unique taste in dates. No matter. I know exactly what to fit you with. Please follow me.” the pigeon declared.
Marlene followed Helga back into the other hallway, where the makeup and dressing room was located. “All right, Marlene, have a seat.” She handed the otter a blindfold. “Now, put this over your eyes! We wouldn’t to spoil the surprise.” Marlene put the blindfold. “All right. I’m ready!” she declared. “Very well.” answered Helga. “My assistants and I will make you all beautiful for your dance date tonight. Just stay with us, and we will transform you into the girl of your date’s dreams!”
About thirty minutes passed by, and Marlene was transformed. With the blindfold still over her eyes, Helga led her to a large mirror. She took the blindfold off slowly, and told her, “Now, my dear… Look at the new you!” Marlene looked into the mirror, and saw that her brown fur had been turned black. Her nose and legs were now mainly orange, with her white spot still there, of course. However, her white fur and paws were not changed. She had a look of disbelief on her face as she admired her new look. “Wow! Look at me! I look simply amazing!” “I see we have another satisfied customers on our hands!” declared Helga. “No doubt. I love this look. I look like one “hot” cat!” “You must certainly do, my dear.” Marlene shook her paws with one of Helga’s wings. “I can’t thank you enough, Helga.” “It’s no problem at all, my dear. I’m just happy that we gave you a look that you adore. Now, you go out there tonight, and have fun!” Marlene waved goodbye, and went back to the main hallway to find Maurice. “How do I look, Maurice?” she asked the lemur. Maurice’s jaw dropped in adoration. “Wow, Marlene. You look astonishing! I have no doubt “you-know-who” will go crazy for you!” “I sure hope so.” Marlene said, uncertainly. “I know he will.” Maurice assured her. “You’re right, Maurice. Now, all I have to do is go back to the Central Park Zoo. My date’s just waiting for me!”
