One day, Jessica assembled all the furbies together for a discussion about mission work. She said they all might be able to help out against Laughing Jack and Slender Man, Jeff would be of particular interest to the furbies because of something he wrote in a threatening public internet post after killing a girl and a detective. Sundown had already met Pumpkin Jack on a previous mission, but the others had not.
Jessica already said that Sybil and Peekaboo could join this mission but only as lookouts. Instead of joining the likes of Sundown, Pumpkin Jack, and Dmitri in the actual combat, they would be required to stay out of sight but serve as extra sets of eyes and ears to warn of any new dangers that might come up.
Sybil agreed to this as long as Peekaboo would not be in danger. "If she is frightened or threatened, I'll have to find a way to get her back home and out of danger."
Jessica agreed.
Peekaboo was more than eager, and balked a little at being given such a do-nothing assignment. But in the end, she agreed, realizing her friends had to know a lot more about this than she did. There was playing mock combat or hunter prey hide-and-seek with Duckling, Buck, and Sundown, and then there was fighting really bloodthirsty killers with knives and an assortment of weird powers/abilities Peekaboo couldn't possibly comprehend yet.
"I can hardly wait to see it for myself when these creeps get handed their butts." said Jessica.
Then, Kitri had a concern that stopped everyone in their tracks momentarily.
"Hang on, Jess," she said, "I don't want Tina anywhere near this battle. If Sybil and Peekaboo are joining us, that means you'll have to stay here with Tina."
Sundown, Toby and Dmitri nodded at this.
"What?" Jessica looked taken aback. "Hadn't thought of that."
"Kitri's right," Toby spoke up, "I'd rather you not go with us on this mission anyway."
"But I want to confront Jeff along with you. Hannah said something in an email about his mentioning my name. I want him to look me in the face and explain that."
The furbies all showed concern at this.
Sundown's and Toby's reactions were especially pronounced. Sundown bristled and growled. Toby shuddered and scowled.
There was a tense silence as more uneasy looks were exchanged.
"Jeff the killer threatened you?" asked Toby, his tone of voice took on a menacing edge.
"When, and what did he say?" asked Sundown.
"Not me specifically and nothing else other than the email I showed you before everyone else arrived here, Sundown." said Jessica.
"What did he say?" Toby pressed, clearly on edge.
"I don't know what he said. Hannah's email only stated that Jeff's public post was an attempt to terrorize everyone and anyone, so he just threw out a few fairly common names to sound like he actually knew his potential victims personally. One of those names just happened to be 'Jessica'. So when he finds out he's going to have to answer to me, that should set him back on his heels a little."
"Jess, this guy doesn't explain things." said Dmitri. "And I don't think he's smart enough to register your showing up as a confrontation."
"And if you went, I would have to stay behind with Tina." said Kitri. "That's what I was getting at. I really want to bust this creep and his cronies. But I will absolutely NOT risk exposing Tina to their presence for even a second."
Jessica frowned. What could she do now? She knew from her own experience that if any of these furbies was a good candidate for striking fear into a foe, it was Kitri.
"Well, maybe we could get Beth or Hannah to look after her, unless they are actually joining us and not just planning this." Toby suggested.
"From what I can understand, they are getting right into the action. Well," Jessica sighed, "I'll just have to see if maybe a friend can look after Tina for a day or so." The discussion remained unresolved, and Jessica went to bed that night, very impressed with another case of a furby having to make a tough decision for the sake of someone else.
But she was also feeling held back. If Jeff had mentioned the name Jessica, then she had every right to give him an earful and try to make him sorry for opening his big mouth. Jessica also wanted to personally see her friends give it to Jeff, Slender Man and company with all dozen or so barrels. But she had to admit that Kitri was right. Tina was not ready for any sort of exposure to Jeff or Slender Man, and if they sensed her fear, she could become all too easy prey for them. So someone would have to stay and look after her. Even Peekaboo would have to be withdrawn from the mission if she lost her nerve or became endangered. Sybil had already made that mandate.
So Jessica finally resigned herself to staying behind whenever this mission was to take place, unless all furbies were ready to take it on by that time. She hadn't abandoned that hope altogether. Tina was still getting used to her new home, and showing more signs of independence and curiosity, and less nervousness day by day.
The next morning, Jessica looked at her email. She got one from Ebay that said "You won!"
"What, seriously!?" What kind of luck was that? She had placed a bid, hoping this would be her lucky break, that no one else would be wanting what she was trying for. And of all things, it actually panned out.
Jessica started the day with a much lighter heart than the night before. Her mood was not lost on Toby, who was first into the kitchen, and the only furby to be up and out of bed yet.
"Hey Jess, what's up?"
"I have some good news, and it might even solve our problem we talked about last night."
"How's that?"
"Well, I'd like to wait with the news until everyone is up to hear it, Toby."
"Aww, Jess," Toby sent her a deprived look.
"Don't look at me that way, Toby, you'll survive the curiosity."
"Barely." he said.
Jessica laughed.
"Whatever it is, you know I still would rather you stick around here when we go to end those creeps.."
"I know, Toby," Jessica scratched him behind his ears.
He looked warmly at her and gave a low purr.
"Morning guys!" Peekaboo bounded in and headed for the tap.
"Morning," they answered. There were a few moments of Peekaboo groaning with effort as she struggled to turn on the tap. "One - day - I'll be - better at this."
"Want some help?" Toby offered, heading for the tap.
"Yeah, thanks."
Peekaboo moved off to give Toby some room to maneuver the tap handle. The two furbies each took a drink, and Toby turned off the tap again.
Eventually, the others arrived, Sybil, then Buck, then Kitri, then Duckling. Sundown and Dmitri were the last ones up. Jessica had to go get Tina, who was not yet able to get in and out of bed on her own.
Once all were assembled, Jessica had another announcement that finally saved Toby from dying of curiosity, and pleasantly surprised everyone.
"Remember how I was wanting to get Funky Furby?"
There were general reactions of recollection all around.
"Well, he's on his way. Funky Furby Floyd should be here within the next week, maybe within a day or two. And he's just the sort who could hold down the fort here with Tina while the rest of us go on our mission. Then once the serious part is through, he's just the sort to kick the celebration afterword up a few notches."
Funky Floyd arrived at the end of the week, but he had a problem.
He couldn't remember the various songs and dances funky furbies were known for.
Jessica said that was fine, she'd get him help someway or other. It might just end up taking some time.
So Floyd was welcomed warmly by all.
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