Ripples in the Water

Ms. Bat, her wings slightly fluttering with excitement, turned to her best friend, Ms. Shark, whose sharp eyes scanned the damp walls of the old Aquarium Cave Fortress.

"Can you believe we've never noticed this door before?" Ms. Bat asked, her blonde hair glinting in the dim light.

Ms. Shark shook her head, her brown hair brushing against her teal dress. "No, I can't. It’s like it appeared out of nowhere."

With a shared glance, they decided to open the door. A gust of musty air greeted them as they stepped into the room. Dusty equipment lay scattered around, but what caught their eyes was a peculiar, octopus-built contraption in the center.

"What do you think this is?" Ms. Bat wondered aloud.

Ms. Shark’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Only one way to find out," she said, stepping further into the mysterious lab.

Lurking Shadows

Ms. Bat reached out to touch the contraption, her wings trembling with curiosity. Just as her fingers brushed the cold surface, it whirred to life, projecting a shimmering, animated map of Zootropolis above them.

"Incredible!" gasped Ms. Bat, her eyes widening.

Ms. Shark stepped closer, entranced by the glowing cities and moving landmarks on the map. "It's a time map," she murmured, recognizing the patterns and ancient roads.

Their wonder was abruptly interrupted by a raspy voice. "What are you meddlin' with my contraption for?"

Startled, they turned to see a grumpy hermit crab, covered in patches of seaweed and the remnants of a shell, scuttling toward them. A frown etched deep into his wrinkled face.

"Who are you?" Ms. Shark inquired.

"Name's Mr. Crust," the crab grumbled, adjusting his worn shell. "And you two ought to be careful. That there map ain't just a fancy decoration."

Ms. Bat, still fascinated by the map's shimmering projection, asked, "What does it do?"

With a sigh, Mr. Crust squinted at them. "It's a tool created by Old Octavius to uncover the lost treasures of Zootropolis. Mess with history, and you’ll face consequences."

Ms. Bat and Ms. Shark exchanged glances, the thrill of adventure evident in their eyes.

"But how do we find this treasure?" asked Ms. Bat.

Mr. Crust reached into his shell and pulled out an old, corroded coin engraved with a mysterious symbol. "Consider this a clue," he said, placing it in Ms. Bat's hand. "Best tread carefully."

Before they could ask more, the crab disappeared into the shadows, leaving them alone with the map and a multitude of questions.