Thnak you again to everyone who supported me to write this story.
Thank you to everyone who read it. =)

I also would like to thanks the people who kindly borrowed me their charcters for my writing and also people suggesting me ideas helping me to build the story.

There is reference to many things TV Shows, cartoon, anime videogames comic and web comics.
Will you find all them ? =)

Thnak you too to  Spirale who drawn Maxine during the raffle she did. =)

Art by  Spirale
Story and charcters by and © to  Husky_Cookie
All the charcters borrowed are © to their respective owners.

Chapter 3 : Studies and revisions.

Altair Investments. Augustus Strong was behind his computer. Only the weak light of his desk lamp lit the room. He checked once again his watch : 9.00 P.M. It was time. He removed his signet ring and connected it to his computer. A communication program opened. Fear grew in his guts as the encryption protocol was loading. Once settled the software announced an incoming call. The rihno sat up and accepted it. On screen a blue voice modulation curve on black window appeard. The curve started to move and a deep informatically modified voice spoke.
« Sir Strong, we have had feedbacks about your performances. Your buisness is an undeniable source of income. However we, The High Council doubt the stability of the incomes on long terms. We need structural contributions not cyclical !
— If you allow me I have a project that may be suitable to your purposes.
— Be concise.
— A real estate agency.
— Clarify.
— With it we were be able to put proprieties under sales contracts and acquire land. Once owner we can grant a land exploitation licence and lease the plot. It will ensure a steady income and we can still get the land back if we need it for others purposes.
— The High Council must measure the coherence of the project and its viability.
— I already established a preparatory study and anticipated the creation of the real estate agency.
— You are efficient.
— I would like to do more but my current position and prerogative are bit ... restrictives.
— You have ambition Sir Strong, sneered the voice. We will discuss your case in the same time of your project.
— Thnak you Sir.
— We will recontact you. », ended the voice coldly.
The rihno slumped into the back of his chair, swiping the sweat from his forehead with his hand. He jumped out of his seat when the door of his office opened.
« Sorry to interupt you Sir but..
— Julia ?! What are you still doing here ?
— You said you needed me but you didn't come so I came looking for you...
— You could have knocked !
— Sorry Sir.
— Scheludes my meetings and go home !
— Yes Sir », said the woman taking his boss's agenda.
The man watched his assistant leave with a sucpisous gaze. Sure to be alone he served hiself a glass of whiskey from the bottle on the furniture behind him. Recovered from his emotions, he shuted down his computer, turned off the light and left his office.
He headed to the entrance. While he passed his assistant behind her desk he said saracsticly :
« Try to not finish too late, overtimes are not counted ! », leaving the building.

* * *

« Lunch time finally !, said Maxine from his friend's library computer.
— Veggies salad and meatballs leftovers, said Zazu.
— Thank you, she answered grabbing the tuperware, still focused on screen.
— What are you looking for ?
— How to register for an exam.
— Which one ?
— Head of Investigations and Private Research Operations, she explained biting in a meatball.
— What does the exam assess ?
— Your capacity to analyze if a request for inquiry can be done with the operational means at your disposal ; your investigation skills and if you are able to produce a report that can be used for legal purposes.
— It look serious. Why did you choose that one ?
— A friend suggestion... it looked like an opportunity so why not ? If I get it it will allow me to create my own agency and I will stay independant, she said a bit of blues in her voice.
— Don't worry Max whathever you do I will be to your side, comforted Zazu a hand on her arm.
— Thank you kitty.
— When the exam take place ?
— Holy raspberries ! In six weeks and everything is booked !
— When is the next session ?
— Next year... I can't wait untill then. Urgh I am screwed !
— No look, there are seven places on the waiting list !
— Awsome ! You are my lucky cat ! », she exclaimed ringing the round bell of his friend's collar with her finger.

Just after finishing their lunch Zazu reopened his library. He proposed to take a cup of tea in street, in front of his shop waiting for customers. People from nearby restaurents started to quit their tables exploring the town center and continuing their tourist trip. Shortly the merchant district and the surroundings streets were crowded. The two friends decided to retrun inside.
Somewhere in the crowd, a teen manedwolf girl, struggled to made her way through the passerbys. Surrounded on all sides, the discomfort and fear started to grow in her. By her tall height she spoted an escape. An open door. She rushed inside the library.
« Welcome young lady, may I help you ?, asked Zazu.
— A..A..A, stuttered the girl.
— Hey kitty where I put this book ? Oh hello miss ! », greeted Maxine.
Two ladies in their typical tourist outfit with their travel backpack entered. At that time the young girl froze and despite her red fur she turned pale.
« Everything is alright young lady ? Do you need something ? », asked the feline.
In spite of her effort to say something the girl reamained silent. Worse her heart started to beat faster, her breathing accelerated. She started to feel dizzy and her expression showed a discomfort. The two women approching her worsened her state. She took her head in her hands and her breathing became uncontrollable.
« Step back ! », yelled the bat to the women.
Seeing the teen she figured out quickly what was happening. She approched her slowly, hiding the young girl with her wings.
« Come with me it will be ok. », she said reassuring the girl.
Maxine guided the panicked girl to the back shop. She made her sit on the old sofa and kneeled down to her level.
« Don't worry sweetheart your safe here. I am Maxine, what's your name ?
— J-Jen-Jenni-fer.
— Breath gently, seeing your state you could not be alone.
— I-I've l-lost my f-friend in the c-crowd, there was too m-much people outside I-I ran away.
— She must be looking for you. Do you want us to call her to pick you up ?
— Y-yes please, answered the girl holding her cellphone to the bat.
— What is her name ?
— Okeno. »
Maxine finished, to explain where the library was to the wolf's friend and ended the call. She gave her phone back to the girl.
« You should eat something, panic attacks drain a lot of energy.
— I don't want to bother, apologized Jennifer.
— Do you like cookies ? »
Maxine sat next to the young girl on the sofa a can of soda and cookies in hands. The manedwolf couldn't help wagging her tail as the biscuits sight.
« Your friend said she will be here in forty minutes, she was looking for you at the other side of town.
— Why I have to be like this ?
— Pardon ?
— Why I have to be taller than everyone and being afraid of everything ? Why couldn't I be normal ? It is not fair !
— Listen kid, I won't lie to you : life is a biche ! You will have to fight !
— How ? I am not strong as you are !
— I havent always been like this sweetheart, said the bat pointing at her torned ear. You can't change life but you can change yourself and what is around you to improve it.
— What is the meaning of life if we can't change it ?
— I didn't said you have to change life itself but change your own conditions. Life perception come from yourself and only you can change it.
— I think I understand...Okeno say I am overthinking sometimes.
— It is not a bad thing. Often people facing difficulties like you tend to devlop an other way of thinking. A kind of lucidity about existance. You will realize sooner what other people need a life to understand. »
The young girl silently pondered the words of the bat.
« Don't worry too much enjoy what you have now », finished Maxine.

Zazu knocked to the door informing the girls, the store was empty and Jennifer's friend was here.
Jennifer safely risked an eye out of the room before joining Okeno in the library. The manedwolf girl bowed politely and thanked the yellow feline and her friend for their help.
« Before leaving I have something for you, said Zazu giving Jennifer a book.
— The Horde of Counterwind by A. Damasio ?
— You may find it interesting, smiled the feline.
— Thank you Sir.
— Oh and do not hesitate to come back whenever you want, we have cookies ! », he winked.
Surprised Jennifer smiled back. The two teenagers waved and left.
« I hope she will be fine, said Zazu.
— Don't worry, she will make her way. Slowly but surely... »

* * *

Maxine was sitting at the living room table at Miranda appartement. Head in her books, she was taking notes. Focused on studies for her approching exam she didn't noticed the presence of her cheetah friend behind her. Miranda quickly subtilized the bat's notes and come to sit on the table.
« Hey give it back !, protested the bat.
— Surprise questionning, said the cheetah. What are the admissibility criteria for an investigation report ?
— The report must be objective and neutral in the restitution of facts and findings.
— And ?
— And... and... and I don't remember, answered the bat satring awkardly at her friend.
— It's been three weeks you are working non-stop.
— I need to study ! I can't fail !
— You will if you are unable to remember what you are learning, said Miranda.
— But...
— You need a break Max !
— I suppose you are right, she pouted a bit deseperate.
— Tonight you come with me. I am going to make move your butt ! It will change your mind. »

In the evening, Miranda brought her friend to the town gymnasium. In the locker room, all girls were chatting happy to meet again and share their gossip. Most of the girls exchanged their everyday clothes for karate kimonos. Miranda meanwhile put on a black hakama and a white kimono top. Maxine already changed was waiting silently her friend. Once ready the girls headed to the gymnasium.
All aligned across the width of the room, everyone bowed when a blue haired panda girl, in a black kung-fu outfit presented herself in front of the group.
« Sorry girls, Mike had an impediment so instead of your usual aïkido lesson you will have a kung-fu initiation with me. If everyone is ready salute and start the warm up ! »
After a formal bowing again everyone started to move around the gymnasium alternating with : sidesteps, pumps and squats, while running. The warm up ended by a stretching session and joint mobilisation.
« Stand on two lines in staggered row !, said their instructor. I will show you a tao first and teach you the basic poses so you can do it again. This one is called Wu Bu Quan ! »
Graciously and confidently, the young lady chained quickly the figures.
« Your turn now ! », she said with a warm smile.
Three quarters hours passed and finally everyone knew the tao. About fifteen girls finished the sequence perfectly in unison in a final move.
« Very good girls !, exclaimed the panda. Ten minutes break and we resume. Miranda can you please display the fall mats.
— Yes Ma'am !, she said executing herself. Max give me a hand !
— I am coming. »
The two friends displayed the fall mats stored in a corner, in a large square covering the ground. Barley finished they just had time to drink a sip of water, the training started again.
Their teacher continued : « Let's do something a bit more usefull. We will see some opponent control techniques and throw. Pair up ladies ! »
Everyone were with its duo, the panda shown how to get out of different strangulation situations, few arms locks and how to project opponent.
« Great work girls ! I want to see what you are able to do !, said mischieviously the blue haired girl. Make two group, we will do littles combats. Miranda you will watch over the frist group !
— I can't stay with you Max », apologised the cheetah to her friend.
She clapped in her hands and trotted off to the fall mats pile.
« Okay girls make a second square and let's get started ! », she said enjoining her group.
Maxine stayed in the other group supervised by the panda. A first pair of girl started the encounter. The winner staying on the ring until she was defeated. The assitance grimaced when a broad shoulder girl stepped on the tatamis. She quickly get rid off the other girls who fell and left the ring a little banged up.
It was finally Maxine turn. She salued her opponent and the fight began. Quickly the strong girl pounced on the bat. Maxine parried but steped back under the strenght of the assault.
« Hey take it easy ! », she exclaimed.
But with a sly grin the other girl attacked again. She managed to grab the bat and throw her on the tatamis. Maxine rolled and staggered to her feet. Her opponent took the occasion to charge again with all her strenght. Instinctivly the bat stepped aside, deflected her opponent's arm and grabbed her wrist. Maxine punched the girl with her palm straight in the liver and flipped her with her own motion.
The spectators wowed. Maxine was standing up on the ring, her oppononent at her feet, bent with pain.
« Impressive, said the panda, we had the perfect combination between dodge, attack and use of adversary force. »
Maxine didn't realised what she just did. Out of her focus she came back to her and stared dubitatively at the instructor. The panda winked back at her.
« End of the training clean everything and gather for the stretching and relaxation time ! As for you Deliah I hope it will serve as a lesson !
— Understood Ma'am. », answered the girl breathless and getting up painfully.
The training was over. Some aikidokas stayed a little further to repeat the movement and techniques they learned. Maxine and Miranda were about to return to the locker room when the panda girl called them out. The two friends stopped and were quickly joined by the panda trotting off.
« Miranda ! Mike will not be able to provide his lessons on the two next sessions and I can't do it all alone the same day.
— You want me to replace Mike ?
— For the kid lessons at least, you are one of the more graded in the club and with enough experience to do it.
— You didn't tell me you were so skilled Miranda, said the bat intrigued.
— A little genius, giggled the panda, she is about to become 3rd Dan and no one stand before her with a bokken.
— Stunning !, wowed Maxine.
— You wiped out Deliah in no time. Did you practiced before ? », asked the blue haired girl to the bat.
Maxine shook her head in a negative answer.
« I didn't know I was able to do it, I acted by instinct mostly.
— Interesting but I don't recall to have seen you before, are you new ?
— I've dragged her to the training, cutted Miranda, Max let me introduce you Lou Ming, she is co-founder of the club.
— Maxine, nice to meet you, said the bat holding out her hand to the panda.
— Delighted !, she exclaimed with a handshake, call me Lou, I take care of the kung-fu part. What are your first impressions ?
— It was instructive but at the end of the combat I was a bit lost with what was going around.
— It is the tunnel vision, during a fight your brain focus your mind and senses on your opponent and you tend to be less aware to your surrounding. It is not a problem on a ring but it can be dangerous in a self defense situation. Practices teach you to deal with.
— Thnak you for the lesson, smiled Maxine.
— You are welcome. So Miranda can I count on you ?, she asked turning to the cheetah.
— I don't know Lou, kids are not my...
— Please !, she interupted making her cutest face.
— Okay but you owe me one, said the spotted feline rolling here eyes.
— Perfect I will send you the details later. Maxine it was a pleasure, hope I will see you again. », she waved and left the two friends go to the lockers.

* * *

The sun was barely risen when Miranda, who was up earlier, came back to her bedroom opening the curtains. The rays of the sun came to illuminate Maxine's face. In bed, annoyed by the light on her face the sleepy bat burried her face under a pillow.
« Wake up Max ! It's d-day !
— Five more minutes please, she whined
— Get up breakfast is ready !
— Am coming... », she grumbled.
Hot cocoa smell was filling the living room, the table was dressed and two steaming bowls were waiting. The girls seated and Miranda started to eat.
« My tummy ache, declared the bat.
— You are stressed, it will be worse if you don't eat. », explained her friend.
She cut a slice of bread and toasted it with jam.
« You need energy for your exam, she said giving the tartine to Maxine.
— I havent been anxious like this in ages.
— Exams and university were centuries ago for you, joked the spotted girl.
— Yeah and if I remember you were pretty carefree for yours, retorted Maxine diping her toast in cocoa.
— I'd rather say reckless, corrected Miranda, I focused on subjects with a high coefficient.
— I can't work like this I need to master all my subjects.
— You are perfectionist Max, no matter how at the end you just need the diploma.
— Maybe.
— Anyway go to shower or you will be late. », warned Miranda calmly siping her beverage.
Maxine finsihed her breakfast and went to the bathroom. While she was washing, Miranda prepared her outfit : a black jean bermuda and a sky blue linen shirt. Out of the water, she hurried to dry, do her hairs and put on her clothes. She gathered all she needed for her exam and the girls left the appartment to the bus stop.

Arrived on the campus the two friends asked the direction of the law amphitheater to a group of students. Thanks to their indications the girls arrived in time. The candidates already here, presented their ID card and convcations to an invigilator before entering. The bat recived a last encouragement hug from her friend and went to settle in her place.
The invigilator closed the door and a woman on the rostrum adressed to the thirty or so candidates.
« While my collegues distributes exam papers, I remind you : phones are forbidden and must be shut down and in your bags. You are not allowed to talk with each other and no documents other than distributed must be present on the tables. You are allowed to drink and eat discreetly. If you need to use restroom please inform us. With this words I wish you good luck. You have four hours ! »
Near the time limit, Maxine reread her composition one last time. Satisfied with the result, she put her writing back to clean. The final point on her copy, she returned her subject and signed the attendance sheet. Outside Miranda was reading a book. Maxine joined her friend.
« Did you get out ?, asked the slenderous feline.
— Not too bad, answered Maxine stretching her arms over head, I have to wait for the results now. »

* * *

« Maaaaax ! You've got mail ! », shouted Miranda brandishing a letter as she entered in Zazu's bookstore.
The bat upstair, left her task and quickly joined her friend.
« It's from University, read Maxine.
— Open it ! Open it !, urged the cheetah.
— What happen ?, asked Zazu from the book shelves intrigued by the agitation.
— Bring your butt over here !, » enjoined Miranda over his friend.
Maxine opened the letter and started to read out loud.
« Miss Murdera, following your examination, we are honored to announce that you have obtained the diploma of : Head of Investigations and Private Research Operations. Your diploma as well of your resluts are to be picked up at Wyndchase University. Obtaining this diploma authorizes you to open your agency by complying with the administrative requirements and the regulations in force for the profession.With all my congratulations. Wyndchase University's President.
« I... I get it... Holy raspberries I passed !, exulted the bat.
— Well done Maxine, congratuled Zazu, you can be proud of you.
— That's my girl, exclaimed Miranda grabbing the bat by the neck with her elbow, do you know what's mean ?
— Champagne ?, dared timidly the bat.
— Exactly !
— We have to celebrate it properly, said the yellow feline.
— In that case we meet at 7:30 p.m at park. Zazu you take care of drinks and dessert. Miranda, you're going to go shopping for me and we will meet at your place at 3:30 p.m. to cook.
— What do you need me to take ?, asked the spotted girl.
— I will make you a list. Everyone is ready ?
— Yes Ma'am !, replied the two felines, standing to attention.
— Then dismiss ! », answered Maxine, giving a military salute.
Maxine made a list of ingredients she needed and gave it to Miranda. The cheetah left leaving the bookseller and his assitant their work.

Two hours after lunch, Zazu allowed Maxine to leave her post. On the way to her friend place, the lady strolled a bit in the merchant district. At the bend of a street she came across a wine and liquor store. She pushed the door and a woman behind a till greeted her.
Maxine advanced cautiously through the cramped store, trying not to knock the bottles on the racks with her wings. Only seeing red wine bottle, she asked if the store was selling Champagne.
The woman answered positively and took three bottles from the racks in a corner of the store. She explained the differences between the three beverages and Maxine made her choice on demi-sec champagne from the Widow House.

Just arrived at the appartment, Maxine requierd Miranda assistance in the kitchen. The bat passed a cooking apron. The girls put their hair up in a pony tail before washing their hands and starting to cook. Miranda was in charge to make a series of petits-four while her friend was preparing a Quiche Lorraine. When the two recipes were completed, Maxine put them in the oven. Now the two friends set about making the rice salad. Maxine was preaparing the rice while Miranda was cutting various vegetables in thin slices.
Slowly as the differents steps of the recipe were made the sink was filling up with dishes. Miranda devoted herself to clean the mess while the bat was finishing the meal.
The sink was almost empty, Maxine was helping her firend to dry the cooking utensils. A sweet smell of sausage, puff dough and bacon bits emanated from the oven. To cool down from the cooking and summer heat, Miranda offered a fresh drink out of the fridge as break.
« It feels good ! », said the spotted girl, finishing her drink in one go.

At the park, Maxine and Miranda choose a spot under a tree to display a blanket as a picnic tableclothe. The two friends get out food and cardboard cutlery from a large shopping bag. Even thought it was still daylight Miranda set a camping lamp in the middle of the blanket. Everything being in place, the two girls only had to wait for the arrival of their friend.
Shortly later, Zazu arrived, hand in hand in the company of the bakery's daughter owner.
« Girls, let me introduce you Liru Goldheart, said the feline, she insisted to come when I said we will have a party all together... I couldn't hold her.
— Hi ! I was dying to meet you, Zuzu is full of praise about you.
— Zuzu ? Really !?, said Miranda.
— Yes, he is my sweet little cookie, giggled the mouse resting her head on the boy arm, to apologize for impozing myself I brought cakes from mom's bakery. I hope it bother no one ?
— Not at all, smiled the cheetah, the more the merrier. I am Miranda and we are celebrating this bat's diploma !
— Oh ! I remember you when you went to mom's shop.
— I usually don't go unnoticed, blushed the bat embarassed, rubbing the back of her head.
— Congratulations !, complimented the mouse.
— How about we start ? », proposed Zazu.
Everyone took place on the blanket. The boy poured the drinks in plastic cups while Maxine was serving petits-four in a plate.
« Miranda what do you want to drink ? », asked Zazu
The cheetah engrossed by her phone remained silent.
« Miranda your cup please ! », insisted the feline.
The girl still not answering, the boy raised his voice to catch her attention.
« Hey Usain Bolt are you with us ? »
Miranda stood up and quickly walked away.
« I've something to pick up, wait for me guys ! »
The svelte silouhette of the girl vanished from the group sight when she reached the other side of the park. A quarter on an hour later she returned accompanied.
« Sorry I was unable to find you, I had to ask Miranda to come rescue me, apologised a blue haired panda girl.
— Lou ?!, asked Maxine.
— Evening everyone, waved the newcomer.
— Lou you already know Maxine, but here I present you Liru and Zazu. Thinking that we were going to meet only the three of us, I told Lou to come, explained Miranda.
— You did well, answered the bat hugging her friend, I am happy.
— I didn' had time to cook anything so I've brought games instead, interupted the panda with a warm smile.
— It's perfect, approved Maxine, if there are no other expected guests, we will be able to eat ! »
Daylight was waning as the picnic happily going on. Around the camping lamp, their faces lit by the white light, the group of friends got to know each other around a card game. When they finished to play, the sky darkened and street lights lit up. Liru cut and served the cakes. On this occasion, Maxine unboxed the champagne bottle. The cork popped out loudly. Lou ducked just in time and the cork landed in the gravel a little further.
« Phew that was close, breathed out the panda.
— Sorry Lou ! », smiled Maxine awkwardly.
The bat poured the beverage in the champagne flutes and was about to toast when everyone else gave each other a knowing look.
« Surprise !, they all exclaimed holding presents.
— What are you d... ?
— Gifts of course, cutted Miranda you worked hard you deserve a little reward !
— This is from me, said Liru giving Maxine a little basket, it is a set of filled chocolates with various flavors. »
Lou meanwhile handed her a pair of folded clothes and a postcard.
— You will need this, winked the panda girl sticking out her tongue mischeviously.
— What is it ?, asked the bat unfolding the clothes in front of her.
— It is the kung-fu club outfit, said Lou proudly.
— But I don't practie ?
— Not yet but soon », giggled Lou patting the postcard.
Maxine gave a look at it. In the card a pre-filled entry form was waiting to be signed.
« Miranda registered you for a training camp I'm running this summer. If you decide to join the club next year, I will give you the first three months of membership, it is my gift, she smiled.
— Count on me !, nodded Maxine.
— This is from Zazu and me, said Miranda.
— It is a laptop !, she exclaimed opening a bag with a shoulder strap.
— Yup and to complete it I get you an external hard drive, continued the cheetah.
— It is not over, said Zazu, for your future investigation reports, you will need to provide evidence and what better than a camera for that ?
— Thank you so much everyone.
— I almost forget, the foreman was late in his constructions sites but he said that the work would be done soon and that would not take long, affirmed the feline boy.
— Good news, said Miranda, to your health Max !
— Cheers ! », they all did clinking glasses together.

Chapter 4 : First cases.