Hey all, DLW here with a new story along with co-authorsHawner, Senestran, and Readerno31142! Just in time for Cinco de Mayo! A complete collab of awesome proportions! Important info about this at the bottom. Thank you to all our readers, follows, fav's and reviews and for your feedback, it makes writing all the more fun. Disclaimer: Zootopia and its characters are copyright, Disney.

La Guitarrista

Chapter 1

[Overture]

The echo of rhythmic strides and hums of musical enthusiasm filled the whitewashed hallway as the doe made her way onto the performance. She wouldn't dare be late for her own show, not this time, and most certainly not for this song.

She even managed to wax her horns early just to be sure she would be right on time.

Upon entering a more cluttered area - mammals busying themselves with various activities and shouting orders - a modest smile plastered itself on the bridge of her muzzle. A smile that went back in time to the most cherished moments of her life. Every hum and note was a page reminiscent of a promise that she would sing the crowds today.

Every line and lyric of the soon to be concert ran through her memories and sang itself silently in her ears. So much so was she enraptured with the tune that she began to lose focus, her head bobbing to the notes with her hips beginning to sway.

In moments, the hall was filled with a different tune other than her walking; the sound of her music rang for anyone who could hear. And while there was so much life to the song, there was one part that she always loved, one special verse that the doe always found to be the most meaningful and awe-inspiring part.

It was at times like this that the artist would always lose herself in: the heart of the song itself. And while every song had a heart of some kind, this was her heart for all to see.

So she paid no heed to the chatter and activity around her. Anything and everything was zoned out. From the pair of bulls carrying a glass pane - which she almost waltzed into while they expertly maneuvered around her - to the numerous coffee spills that she would have to apologize for and certainly pay for later (she was up to 5 or 6 now) she was lost to the song completely.

With her hooves having a mind of their own, she tapped them against the ground to the beat only she could hear. Her stellar crimson dress, now studded with gold for the show, fluttered, dazzled, and gleamed with each step she took. The gold bracelets she wore glinted with each wave of her arms. Even the heels she wore shimmered with a crimson, golden lined trim that she picked out herself just for the occasion.

Finally, something to piece together her whole ensemble, a simple necklace with a gold and silver pendant loosely clung to her. Both colours swirled around each other in an intimate dance and display while being on separate sides of the same whole.

None could break her away from the feeling, the allure and adoration of the meaning that the song had. It filled her thoughts, took hold of her every motion and breath. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard a voice unlike the duet she would sing.

"Bengala! You only have three minutes to get to stage! You can't be late this time because you almost danced your way out to the parking lot again!"

The voice that hissed through her headset wasn't... unpleasant (per se) just mildly annoying. It was the voice of her manager, the mammal behind the scenes that set up the concert for her to perform at.

In a matter of seconds, she was brought from the high heavens... back down to earth. It wasn't what she wanted, but he was right; she couldn't dance her way out, hip-check a car, and then run back in late after the alarm startles her. The does amber gold eyes fluttered as if waking from sleep to see the many raised brows of stagehands and other mammals going about their way with last second details to ensure that everything went smoothly. Some she saw murmuring, and others merely shrugged at her and moved on.

Taking it all into account, she sighed and walked forward. Does he know how much I love this song? mused Gazelle, adjusting the headpiece reluctantly.

By the time she finished fixing the thing - despite it being said to be universal, it still somehow always managed to either wrap around her horns, or fall away from her ears - she found a good excuse, "Yeah, yeah, I was just practicing the routine."

And she was... sort of. She had the routine down to a 't', and the song she could sing in her sleep; which she had been told that she did do once. So there was no mistake, she was ready.

A few other mammals passed by her, giving her a quick cheer or thumbs up that she gracefully returned before the mic hissed again. "By almost ruining the set again? I can't afford to have another suit because ya' danced under a ladder!"

If her ears weren't on fire from embarrassment, they were now. She couldn't tell how many times she had zoned off before a show, only to be told that she: spilled someone's drink, stepped on one too many hooves, walked into the tech guy to cause a camera failure... caused a blackout with her horns and some loose wire. The list horror stories went on, but she always had a way of dealing with her manager.

She could almost hear him begin to say something more when she made it to a far door that lead under the stage. "Oh sor- ca- hear- tunnel-" she mocked, placing a hoof dramatically on the headpiece to cut it off before heading downstairs.

Gabrizella Bengala (known to most as Gazelle) hastened her stride as she skipped down the flight of plush red-carpeted steps. Having been here plenty of times before, she knew exactly where to go by sheer memory.

Straight, second left, third door to avoid the electrical closet unlike that one time, wave to Jerry, go down the hall and jump on the elevator.

And follow her instruction she did exactly... well, almost exactly. They really need to put a label on that closet, those wires are dangerous.

Still, despite her mishaps, she made it to the short stretch of decorated hallway that lead to what most could see as a lift of sorts. Most of the walls were adorned with either some form of art or a mirror, and she took one last look at herself in a full bodied one that she usually took to and smiled before heading on.

Showtime.

Situated near it were two mammals that nodded in her direction. The one closest to her, a stout Capybara holding a tablet and wearing a striped uniform. He didn't look up from his work as he busied himself murmuring things that must've been on his checklist.

The doe spread her arms and waved theatrically. "Jerry! How are you?"

Startled, Jerry looked up from his work and saw her, waving back as he pointed to the elevator.

"I-i'm alright Zel," he replied, frantically typing on the pad before breathing a sigh. "Lift's all set for you and Tom. I had to chase him down because like you, he takes way too long to get setup. So now you both only have about a minute before it starts rising. But everything's set and he has your guitar."

Gazelle nodded cheerfully and strolled into the spacious elevator shaft with the second of the two mammals that awaited her, a tall striped tiger. He held two acoustic guitars - one of which was her size, shimmered from the reflective waxing - and was clad from head to paw pads in a blue tuxedo lined with silver.

A smirk slowly drew on her muzzle once more. After all this time.

The second she was securely in the lift, the doors started to slowly close, but not before the capybara gave them one last encouraging shout, "Knock em out you two!"

When the doors shut, she finally drew in a breath she didn't know she was waiting for. Now alone with the tiger, she finally had a moment to think before the show.

Now while some would genuinely be terrified of being alone in a small, confined space with a tiger, Gazelle was actually quite comfortable. She had worked with many predators over the years and it wasn't that species mattered to her, she always saw the best in anyone despite their differences.

It had been some time since her last full concert - usually small gigs here and there plus charity events every so often - and this show would make all the difference. They were the few times that she not only had to sing for what could be hours but also tried to take small breaks to get the audience involved in some small manner. The choreography and timings of the songs meant that she couldn't miss a beat (not that she was lip-synching) to ensure that everything went smoothly.

Times like this felt amazing to her: being able to sing to her heart's content while inspiring and empowering thousands with each verse.

She began to shudder with excitement, and as she did so, a deep chuckle filled the room.

"You know, Zel. You really know how to keep the crowd on their toes to the last second, huh?" The tiger singsonged, smiling widely and showing his massive rows of teeth.

The doe giggled and shrugged. "It wouldn't be a show if I didn't show."

So much was true. While she may have backup singers and dancers, she was the star attraction. The Gazelle. And as such, she couldn't just not show up, it would be rude and inconsiderate of her adoring (paying) fans. It was as much of their night as it was hers.

I wonder if he'd show this time. she mused, hoof tapping at the underside of her chin in deep thought.

Though she did appear to be thinking, the tiger, Tom, wouldn't give her any slack. So he simply did what any good backup did and tapped at her muzzle with the base of the stringed instrument.

After shoving the thing out of her face and then (rather uncouthly) tearing it away from Tom, Gazelle took to strumming the guitar to ensure it was tuned for the show. She played one note and her face soured.

"That is not a G!" she yelled, quickly taking to tightening the string to fit the appropriate note.

The tiger couldn't help but chuckle out a deep, bellowing laugh that sounded almost like a roar. It echoed and bounced, throwing her off tune as she huffed and stared at the cat in annoyance. From the sharp look she gave him, he rolled his eyes and smiled.

With a few more tries, she was able to get the key up to par and strummed it again. This time, with more gusto and receiving the pitch she desired. "Perfect!"

Now with all the preparations out of the way, all she had to do was wait... which never ended up in silence her when someone was around.

Tom stretched and yawned. "Y'know, it's about time you got your rear in gear bushy-tail."

It was a common nickname she was given due to her bush like tail. Well, that and: "Zel", "Gabby", "Gala", "Prancess", "Lady Gaza" and "she who caused a blackout with her horns...".

Though they were all in good fun, she hated the last two, and was grateful that Tom didn't-

"Did you almost walk into the electric closet and cause a power outage again?"

Her ear twitched and she paced a bit closer to the tiger.

"I didn't cause a blackout, dummy," she said, taking a second to playfully hip-check her natural enemy. And in turn, he theatrically stumbled to the side.

"Oww..." The tiger clutched his side in faux agony. "Should I count that as assault with a deadly weapon?"

It was something that she always tried to find a moment to do: de-stress before a show and find the time to have fun with her crew.

She winked back, placing a hoof on her hips and holding the guitar at an angle. "Estas caderas no mienten." she said with a wink, her tone fully in her native tongue.

The tiger huffed, shaking his head. "And once again, we've lost Bengala in translation. Right, Jerry?"

Gazelle looked at the tiger quizzically. And now he's hearing his voice everywhere, huh? I keep telling him to-

"Yep, her mic is definitely off." The tiger chimed in, placing a paw on his ear and revealing his own personal 'universal' headset. "Or she's ignoring you."

Immediately, Gazelle turned the mic back on to hear near yelling fill her ear. "-nd tell her that you have ten seconds to get both your tails ready before-"

"OKAY!" Gazelle shot back, painfully having to lower the volume setting before she went deaf.

This caused the tiger to smirk and chuckle at her misfortune. She'd be sure to get him back for it later.

As promised, no less than several seconds later a heavy screeching sound began to rumble throughout the small room; the lift was beginning its ascent.

Gazelle huffed and clutched at the small necklace she wore. You got this.

She was about to repeat herself when she felt a soft weight upon her shoulder. Tom had taken to her side and looked down to her with concern.

"Are you ready?" he asked, gently purring to help ease her mind.

Taking a moment, she nodded in assurance. It wasn't that she was nervous about doing the show. No. It was what this meant that truly held her mind.

Her shoulder was gently squeezed. "It's just a song, Zel. You've done plenty of them, you shouldn't have nervous jitters."

She raised a brow and scoffed at even the notion. Who does he think I am?

"HA!" She reeled back and laughed, nearly poking the poor tiger in his chin with her horns before she stared him down. "For you, it's a song." she accused, pointing at him with one hoof and dramatically positioning her guitar with the other as the skyline opened for the elevator. "For me, it's a way of life!"

From the moment the elevator stopped and began to open, pouring light in for the two, Gazelle could hear the cheers and shouts of thousands upon thousands of fans that filled the Zootenial Stadium. Animalia as it's commonly called.

She turned to the tiger and gave a curt nod. "I'll see you at the duet," she said with a singsong and chipper tone before handing him the guitar and practically galloping up the short ramp to the stage.

"Better not break a leg!" he called back, much to her annoyance. He did that all the time just to watch her trip ungracefully just before reaching the crest of the walkway.

Catching her balance, and mentally rambling through ways of payback for later, the doe took a deep breath and strode out to greet her adoring fans.

Flashes of cameras entered her vision under the bright stage lighting. What could be hundreds of elephant trumpets, sheep bleats, beckons, calls, and an infinity of canine howls filled her ears from the outskirts of the stage.

Smiling towards the masses, her mic hissed with the words 'you're live'. This song is alive too.

Nodding and thinking back to her song lineup for the night, she blew a kiss to what could be all of the city watching. The sheer amount of cheers she garnered from the gesture was almost overwhelming.

There wasn't a single second that she kept still while giving a show, and this one was no exception.

She took a step forward, striding and showing off her dazzling dress to catch their attention and greet them all. "Good evening ZOOTOPIA!" No matter how many times she said that at any of her shows, it was always the same response: an entire stadium full of cheers.

While she stood there, smiling and greeting the crowd as she always did, she felt a bit more... excited than usual. Not from the jitters or anything that she got before a show, or even the pressure she felt should any mishap happen (because the whole blackout thing was a mess that she barely managed to get over with a sea of cellphone lights in an almost vigil like performance). But it was simply-

Her mic hissed, 'And you're all set for the first song.'

Not but a second later, the music for her song 'Try Everything' began playing.; it was time. There was a skip of her feet to the music beginning to play.

It only took her a moment to register it before she raised her hooves and started clapping. "Vamos todos, arriba esas patas y bailen conmigo!"

She had always rehearsed like this. Speaking in the two languages she knew to greet the masses and get them moving. In her mind - and in practice - being able to reach more by simply in their native tongue worked wonders on and off stage.

In no time, she had her hooves on her hips, swaying them to and fro. "Shake those tails with me! Come on!" Aside from just her beautiful singing, her ability to keep her hips in motion during a dance (or assault as Tom had said) was practically mesmerizing.

Just as she instructed - though she knew that many didn't understand initially - droves of mammals began to rise out of their seats, though many were already standing in awe.

As they all began to clap, she herself felt the rhythm of the music weave its way over her. Every note caused her to be more at ease, and what started as a simple tap of her heels to the tune became her dancing in full swing. And for this performance, it would be nothing short of spectacular.

Before she could even sing the first lyric of the song, several of her backup dancers came in sync from either side. It always amazed her how - despite their size and stature - they were so well coordinated while covered in glitter.

She had to bite back a chuckle when her cue to sing came up. Glitter Tigers, she mused, remembering how once she requested more glitter to make her performance shine more... and the poor guy who was voluntold to go first by her manager... They were all lucky he only had to get a sinus flush and was out for a week.

"Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh~" she sang at the top of her lungs, not completely lost yet as she still had work to do with the song. Still, she was eagerly awaiting the moment she could tell everyone the good news.

In her mind, it was all the same, yet different. What makes a Gazelle performance a Gazelle performance isn't just the song and dance, it was leaving behind something memorable; something she fully intended to do that night.

Her backup dancers did as they rehearsed, nearing her and posing to the rhythm and on every key. Being the backbone of her show, they never stood still as cameras flashed and the doe sang her heart out as she did nearly every day. "Try Everything~"

She felt both the love she had for this and many other songs she'd sing that night like: Let it Goat, Part of Your Wool, Can You Feed the Lion, Ara-Bunny Nights, the list went on.

Through none of the songs did the crowd die down or did she even stop to take a break. It was almost midnight when she was near the end of her lineup for the night. It was finally time for her unveil the little surprise she had in store for the world.

Seeing the masses in front of her as she placed a hoof on her hip and huffed from the strenuous dances she had done, she smiled.

"How's everybody doing?" she asked, comically swaying back and forth. "Any hips fallen off yet?"

She could tell some of them enjoyed the joke, but she could also have sworn she heard something snapping from one of the front row seats.

Raising a brow she narrowed her eyes and pointed. "I said it before, hips don't lie." A small burst of laughter was what she got in response. She smiled shook her hips. "Pueden repararla en la enfermería, sólo díganles que Gazelle les manda." While it was clear that she was teasing them, she hoped it wasn't bad enough for them to be fully hospitalized.

With the little bit of pressure taken off of her, the doe took a few deep breaths. She was trying to both bide her time to rehearse everything and ensure that all of her other dancers were off the stage.

While it usually took only a solid minute for them all to disappear, the long time they spent dancing took its toll on all of them. It took Mateo a full minute and a half to slink his tail out of view.

Tigers all gone, she tapped her foot in impatience. "No worries, I'm not shooing them away," she addressed her fans, "They just don't have enough glitter for what's next."

She could hear a mix of laughs and gasps from all around as some, she figured, had come fully expecting a surprise of some kind. One she could make out in the front was a rather... round cheetah, practically squealing... and next to a bear and a bull? Inwardly she shrugged.

'All clear you two,' she heard in her headset. Perfect, just what I needed.

Taking a few steps back, she began to almost skip when she heard her song, that song hum in her ears.

"I guess many of you were wondering why I called this the 'Harmony' concert, huh?" she said, hearing a cut few lines from the team behind her mic before the crowd erupted in more of a sea of cheers than before. It was almost enough to bring a tear to her eyes, and a warmth to her heart.

"Well, we're here to sing you a very, very special song that I haven't sung in a long time. Something I've never released, so this is a monumental occasion." From the moment she said 'we', she felt like she was on the verge of tears. She even had to refrain from clutching her necklace out of sheer joy. "And who else better to sing it with me than my friend."

She waved her hooves in the direction of the stairwell that lead to the elevators and, in what could be considered a dazzling flair for any showmammal, Tom strode forward, eyes focused and guitar being strummed in a calm melody to break the silent monotony on stage.

The fans roared.

Gabrizella herself stood there in complete awe. Silver and Blue, Gold and Red.

Wordless, and for the first time since the show started, she didn't even move.

The tiger approached, cheerfully smiling and waving to a booming audience all while stepping to a beat, a rhythm that she could hear echoing in her head without anyone ever seeing or hearing it; and certainly not feeling it, yet.

'Zel, you there?'

It was her manager's voice that snapped her out of the stupor and stare. Before she had realized it, she was blinking at a baffled tiger that was holding out her guitar with a faint glimmer of concern in his eyes.

Carefully, almost hesitantly, she reached for the acoustic instrument. The moment it reached her hooves touched the fine, shimmering wood of the instrument, her heart felt like it was about to explode.

'Bengala? Tom, did we lose her again?'

For however long she stared out at the audience, she simply smiled as the crowd's roar slowly died down. Just like old times, huh?

"Gazelle?"

When she heard the tigers voice again, she started to hum. It was less so her own song and more so their song. And with Tom giving her a curious look and seeing the sheen of his accentuated clothing shine like her own, she chuckled, "Let's not keep them waiting."

Slowly and from sheer memory, she strummed the guitar and hummed a little tune to begin the song. When she heard the faint sound of Tom playing along, she felt the whole thing come to her, far more than they had ever rehearsed; more than what she had imagined.

She waved her hooves for anyone to stand with her as her feet tapped against the ground to the music. "This song is for all of Zootopia!"

Cheers nearly died to what she heard from her own beating heart. Stunning flashes were all but ignored by her, and even the constant 'WE LOVE YOU GAZELLE!' was something so far away as her hooves effortlessly found their place on chords.

Soon, there was a perfect balance and tune found between the two of them. Her rhythm matched his in complete unison; exactly what the song was about. She heard, felt every strum of his instrument alongside hers, and just like before she began to dance and sing to leave something behind in their hearts; the thing that made her concerts known by her name.

Her heart pounded in her chest as the first verses echoed in her mic.

"Everyday prejudice is seen everywhere you're pred, I'm prey I'm told that there just should be scare. But I can see more. The common ground is
right there. Ignore those fangs and claws, and you will see it!"

All the while she sang, she could feel the cheers bouncing in waves off the stage. Her first verse in the song complete, she had to wait and hold back for theirs.

And no sooner did she strum the last chord for her line, Tom stepped forward with a tender, calming voice despite his species. A complete complement to her own radiant cadence.

Her head tossed back and she looked into his eyes as they sang together.

"Take my paw, we show that it doesn't matter. Deep in my heart, I know we all can live together. Mammals of all kind can live in peace and harmony my friend!"

It was at times like that that made her heart soar: the harmonious resonance that echoed beyond them. The ones that were designated and diehard fans that cheered her on... disappeared; they were all her friends, this was their moment, their song.

Having to back down when Tom stepped forward to face her and sing to the crowd was... well she couldn't describe it. A deep reminiscence? Longing for the past with hope for the future?

"Since I met you I feel that there will be a chance. Because like you just ignore my claws and fangs, I know there can be change. There can be a city a city that will fit to its basic idea."

There was something about the way he sang it. The key? No, that can't be it. Why does-

He moved closer. She stepped forward. A circle of a dance that mirrored two halves of a whole as their voices, in tandem and blissful melody, mingled with the wild cheers of the city.

"Take my paw, we show that it doesn't matter. Deep in my heart, I know we all can live together. Mammals of all kind can live in peace and harmony my friend."

She wanted that. Truly, deeply, a longing that she couldn't describe as her vision blurred but her voice remained stalwart. She could not-

"Take my paw, we show that it doesn't matter~"

No...

"~Deep in my heart, I know we all can live together~"

-would never let her voice waver for what this meant to her; to them.

"~Mammals of all kind can live in peace and harmony my friend."

From the moment the tiger stopped his part in their dual verse, she felt her heart skip a beat.

This one verse, above them all...

"When we look inside ourselves we'll realize that change will only start with all of us~" This simple truth resonated with her to the core, so much that, "~I know it won't be easy and the concern in your eyes says that it won't be served on a silver plate." It would always shine within her eyes.

What was more, was that when he would sing...

"I know we all have limitations and we make mistakes but we can succeed if we keep on trying~" She felt so much more in tune with that truth, so much so that, "~And the confidence in your eyes is all it takes to see a golden future as our fate." It forever shone within his eyes.

And whenever their voices sang, and hearts felt as though eternity was far closer.

"Take my paw, we show that it doesn't matter. Deep in my heart, I know We all can live together. Mammals of all kind can live in peace and harmony my friend."

Her hooves glided across the instrument as if it were a stream of water while his paws played like a rushing wind. Their bodies, their breath; their heart and minds unified.

"Take my paw, we show that it doesn't matter." There was only one way she could describe it. "Deep in my heart, I know We all can live together." One unbidden and undeniable emotion that would never be broken. "Mammals of all kind can live in peace and harmony my friend." It was always there in her heart, even now.

There was no other way to describe it. It's-

As the duet played the last note of the song she found herself breathing heavy. A mess of a musician saving the best of her performance to the very end, and yet... so little was on her mind. So focused on the memory, the motion, the emotion.

Lo-

"GA-ZELLE! GA-ZELLE! GA-ZELLE!"

Startled from the sea of shouts, the teary-eyed doe looked out to the stadium. Her hoof slid across the guitar, humming a slow riff as a wild crowd cheered.

A crackle of her headpiece caught her attention as well. 'Good work Zel.' And indeed it was, it was what she was hoping for... maybe a little more. 'Now if you'd stop gawking and standing there like you're frozen in headlights...'

Blinking, she felt the corner of her eyes moist; all the doe could do was smile. A light weight was placed upon her shoulder, and she looked up into the eyes of Tom.

"You were right, it is a way of life." he said comfortingly, the echo of his voice no longer heard in the ocean of her name.

Gabrizella didn't know what to say or think, so she did the only thing she could: she turned to the stage and waved. "Thank you ZOOTOPIA!"

As the whistles, roars, bleats, cheers, trumpets, and howls all came towards them, Gazelle was truly happy that she was finally able to share this with them all.

Her heartbeat slowed from the tempo, the rush of the splendour of the music. She wished to remember the moment, that one little place her mind and heart raced and danced.

Maybe one day, she mused, they'll feel the same.

Walking off stage, she made mental notes of what to do for the time being, though all that was on her mind was every single note. But all of that would have to wait for later, she had a signing and party to go to. She wouldn't keep anyone that wanted to meet her waiting.

Hours after the concert had gone by smoothly, Gazelle found herself somewhat anxious and tired. Now sporting Too tired to do much, but so anxious that she couldn't sleep. Besides, she was a good few miles away from home and still in the same dress she had at the concert; all else she had was her purse and guitar to strum.

The venue that was chosen for her 'meet and greet' was at one of the most prominent spots in Sahara Square - aside from the Palmtree Hotel where her penthouse suite was - but it just didn't appeal to her so much.

The 'Olivine Terrace' as so it was called, was a beautiful garden who's motto was to always 'branch out to others'; something that she always did.

Its simple aesthetic design of hedges and open seating made it look almost like a country club in the desert climate. But that's not what she was there for. No. She was here for a gruelling, daunting task that left her exhausted beyond words.

It was a constant, automated task of: sign this (picture, book, clothing item, cast, body part), take a picture with (me, my kids, my family, this stranger I just found outside), we love you (Gazelle, horn lady [for the kids that didn't know her name], my angel), can you please (sing Fole Play, take me with you, adopt me!).

Most of the fans were stopped by her bodyguards when they got too rowdy, but a select daring few managed to be held down by one of the tigers as she signed away at some document (she even had to have a lawyer around because there was the occasional one that brought a marriage license or other legal binding document).

A bright smile plastered on her muzzle. I can't believe that one guy wanted me to co-sign for his tuition.

But thankfully, all of that was behind her. And the after-party had been exactly as she expected: a horde of fans and co-workers all grouped together and getting hammered drunk and kicked out by bouncers. Pretty standard stuff for her, but not generally the crowd she hung around, famous or not.

There was always that one (or a few) that binged too much and would regret things later. That poor hare. You never mix tequila and vodka like that and hope for the best.

So as that went on and she got bored, she managed to find a way out like she usually tried to do. Though it was no easy feat as she was a super celebrity (not to mention surrounded by her staff and everyone else) a slip of them not watching her constantly and she bounded away as graceful as... well, a gazelle.

She even managed to slip away (completely unnoticed) with her guitar. Later for the crowds, later for the monotony and drunken (attempted) bar-fights. Gazelle was free.

Under pale, calming moonlight, she strode the streets simply humming and strumming the guitar in blissful solitude. Her every thought brought her back to the song that she played, and how she felt.

The first twinkling stars glittered and glistened in her golden eyes as everything started to blur around her. Streetlights turned on that she would ignore, cars zoomed by that she barely avoided, whatever few patrons were still out attempted to call her without her noticing. The doe was back where she belonged, in the heart of the song.

And as before when she nearly danced her way into her co-workers (she got the tally back after the concert and she owed 15 coffees for the night) music, her music... their music filled her being.

Her hooves flowed like water over each string, her hips swayed to the motion. She didn't care who or what was watching, this was her... their moment.

"Everyday prejudice is seen everywhere you're pred~"

Hair fluttering in the breeze and hearing the tune in the wind, all she could do was follow through.

"~Deep in my heart, I know we all can live together~"

Her own heart beat faster to match his, her necklace jingled in harmony. Nimble hooves strummed on the guitar like they were made for each other, and her voice sang higher and higher while tears parted her closed eyes.

"~I know it won't be easy and the concern in your eyes says that it won't be served on a silver plate."

Every note brought a pang to her heart. It was beyond what words she could say, feel, remember.

"Mammals of all kind can live in peace and harmony my friend!"

The last note sang with the heavens as their witness, she was back there again; nothing would ever ruin this moment again. Nothing could-

"A bit overdressed to be out in these parts, huh?"

-ruin such a beautiful routine...

Gazelle swallowed a lump in her throat as the world (again) came back to her. She was no longer on stage being adored by family and fans alike. No longer surrounded by her - annoying and loving - co-workers and bodyguards.

No, it was nothing like that.

The doe blinked and she went from the subtle ambience of a garden retreat, to what just might be the slums of Sahara Square. It was dark save for a sliver of moonlight that peeked above a set of tall buildings and faded red neon lights.

Being at the mouth of an alleyway, there was litter and graffiti tagged on about near every surface imaginable. Old brick long need of repair clung dismally to the sides of either building that she could see. Not a visible inch was free of random scribble of gang signs or some sort of assorted hate speech.

Her hackles rose as she knew where she was: Thorn Lane.

The place that had a reputation for... less friendly mammals, either day or night. And the thing about any city - even Zootopia - was that crime and criminals had an affinity for rearing themselves in the dark. She felt her legs tremble as she traced the voice back to the source.

Just behind her - loosely hooded with a toothy grin - a jaguar emerged from the shadows. Okay... I can tell he doesn't want an autograph.

Wishful thoughts on a back-burner, Gazelle's instinct took over and she backed away; a costly mistake. For not only did she tremble and nearly trip in her heels, but she also backed away into the confines of the alley itself; light receded and made way for the large cat to enter into his territory.

She wanted to run, needed to but every which way she turned, she found nothing but looming walls and shadows that grasped at her heart; fear gripping her voice from screaming entirely.

The jaguar padded forward, backing her into a fence."That's a pretty necklace you got there lady." he said, twirling around what she could only make out as a small blade, glinting under the moonlight.

Protectively, she clutched at the pendant, hoping desperately that this was just some fervid dream; a hallucination caused by exhaustion from a long show. But, when she blinked in that sheer hope, her result was the same as before: stuck between a fence and a thief.

"No, esto no, por favor!" Famous last words for her. Things that she only heard on soap operas when there was nothing on daytime television on her days off.

The cat paused for a moment, baffled and bewildered at her sudden shift in language before he chuckled, "I don't know what you said, but it sounded like no," Gasping at the idea, Gazelle shuddered and shook her head; she refused to let the thief take what he wanted, this was too precious to her to ever let go... another mistake as he laughed and shrugged. "May as well take both then."

Feeling her heart race, Gazelle's grip on her pendant increased. Her thoughts blurred into one as the jaguar flicked the blade menacingly towards her.

This isn't happening!

A step, a flinch, a chuckle, a gasp. All of these things happened in unison as a burning fear and unwillingness to give in gnawed at her. And now only about a meter away, she saw her end drawing near.

One final flash streaked across her vision: her entire life.

The glorious harmony, and the dance. All of it. The splendour, the music and rhythm... the song.

In an instant, she heard the lyrics playing, her heart raced just like back then. Fervour took over her and the tune filled her every motion.

Her hoof clutched dangerously on the wooden instrument that served to bring peace, now felt empowered by her determination to play the song again.

She didn't know what happened next, or even how, but she saw a glimmer of wood fly across her field of vision. The sheen of polish, the sound of rushing air and flowing water collided with one another in a magnificent symphony. It was followed by what could have been the same crack of a hip she had heard at the concert, and then a low, muffled screech.

By the time she registered what had happened, the jaguar had doubled over, clutching his nose as a mass of red painted over the sullen, graffiti-riddled walls of the alleyway.

The rush she felt then made her eyes grow wide, empowering her as a new force overtook her. Though at first, she was hesitant, trembling at what event just transpired, that feeling was soon eliminated when she saw the decrepit crook lock eyes with her in what could be a display of vengeance.

... It was the wrong move for him.

Gabrizella simply did as she could, let the music take over her. And without any further hesitation, she did just so.

Her feet couldn't stay themselves as she approached. Her hooves clutched the instrument that became a weapon as she strummed a new tune to a song only she could hear.

The alley was filled with screams, shouts and hollers (though she knew none of the falsetto cries were hers) as the doe wailed at the helpless thief.

Before long, and after giving the brick walls a fresh coat of paint, Gazelle stood over the daring fool, huffing and loosely clutching to the instrument with whatever strength she had left.

Adrenaline coursing through her veins, and feeling a hot, sickening dampness pressed down on her forearms and muzzle. Her eyes stayed focused on the jaguar, seeing only the faintest of twitches before nothing at all.

It was her own breath that she heard that caught up with her after her heartbeat played like a drum in her ears. The same breath that quickly became raspy and uneven when she saw, truly saw what she had done.

No...

Horror gripped her as she felt what should have been a calming Spring breeze turn to knives - not much unlike what her would-be assailant had - that began to scrape at her downy fur.

For the thief just before her lay unmoving, limbs splayed in all manner of direction. Her grip tightened around the strings of her guitar and for the first time since the attack, she felt a stickiness on the golden strings turned crimson. Even part of the instrument was missing, cracked and splintered in random bits everywhere.

She would have dropped the guitar had it not been for the thought that ran through her mind: Murder.

Heart now feeling like a race car and synapses in her brain kicking, she thought of what she could do. She wanted to simply run, but- Hit and run... not good...

Her hooves trembled as an automatic thought rationalized itself. She immediately went for her cellphone. He has to help me! He's the only one who can!

Muttering under her breath and fumbling with that accursed phone, she hastily dialed in the contact number, staring fearfully at the bloodied mess before her.

I-I killed him I-

Shattered splinters remained all across the dirt and gravel passageway. She couldn't help but blink rapidly at what she had just done. I'm going to prison for this... Wait! I can't do time! It's worse when they all know who you are!

*Ring*

Hooves crossed. Pick up, pick up, pick-

"Mmm... what do you want! It's two in the-"

A tired, gruff voice answered back. She didn't know how to respond.

Her breathing became erratic. "P... I-I n-help. Help! Right now!"

There was a pause, a breath, a beat of silence that made her hairs raise. Nothing prepared her for this night, not her concert, not her song, not even the calm evening walk... nothing.

A terrible flash of an image appeared in her mind: iron bars and an orange jumpsuit minutes after a half-hearted mugshot. The image made itself more real the moment she looked down at the crook, unresponsive and bloody.

Her heart hammered in her chest. "I-i-" No words came out as she backed away, teary eyed and wishing she had paid more attention.

"Look..." The voice that came over her phone, gruff and hoarse, startled her and nearly made her drop the device entirely. "Zel... there better be a good reason you-"

"Please," she sobbed, choking back tears and feeling her back press against the brick walls of the alley. "I n-need... I-"

"Ugh...Sérieux poulette, tu te fiches de moi!" She admired that about him that, just like her, he managed to effortlessly baffle others with his native tongue. "Meet me at the Palm Spring, I'll pick you up from there." She felt a simple hope, and that was enough. "You owe me for this one."'

From the moment the phone clicked to leave her alone, Gazelle stood up. The thief lay still and walls still painted. She had to move, she'd get the help she needed.

So with trembling and trepidation, the doe grasped her guitar and galloped out of the alleyway. Her destination not too far away, she had only her music to soothe her as she hoped, hoped that all would be alright.

Her pendant swayed and jiggled in tune to her every step. A constant reminder that, much like her song, she was a symbol of peace and harmony. The same symbol that was a beacon of hope to a darkened city.

Heya, welcome to the A/N section where we have a bit to say before you leave.

DLW says: Hey all, DLW here with an awesome collab. I just want to thank this amazing team for helping put together what's gonna be a hilarious epic of a story. More to come on this and be sure to review/comment if you're able. More "La Guitarrista" (The Guitarrist) is coming soon.

Hawner says:

"This is my very first time being part of a multi-author fanfiction and I can't be more invested in it. The plot we are developing has a lot of potential and that is because DLW, Senestran and ReaderNo31142 are amazing artists in their respective fields and styles. I am sure this is going to be awesome. Just don't expect something serious here, there is going to be lots of humor in each chapter mixed with an intense story. I hope you enjoy it. ^^

So, are we done? Is that enough? Perfect. When can I expect to be paid? What do you mean you are not paying me? You told me there was money involved! You liar!"

Senestran says:

"Hi all, it's Senestran. Proud member of the WildeHopps forever and ZootopiaUnderground ^^

Thanks to DLW to give me the chance to help him for this awesome story, and thanks to Hawner and Reader for being as crazy as me and good friends. I hope you'll like to read as much we all four like to create it. Have fun !"

ReaderNo31142 says:

Hi, it's ReaderNo31132... Writer of songs... Shipper of WildeHopps...

I hope you like my little song I wrote for Gazelle. It's based on the song "Underneath your clothes" by Shakira (because it had to be a Shakira Song in my opinion ). It was a great project so far and I'm glad to be a little part of it. I hope it's not too cheesy... Wait... Cheese is good...

[Updates]

If you'd like to see more of what's going on for "La Guitarrista", please look on my DA page under journals as 'Snippets' of future content and chapters will appear ever so often.

[Other Sites]

And I hope you get a chance to read this and our other stories as well. We can be found at these sites:

Fan Fanfiction:

~dancinglunarwolves

~hawner

~senestran

DeviantArt:

dancinglunarwolves

Hawner

Senestran

readerno31142

Archive Of Our Own:

users/DancingLunarWolves

users/Hawner

users/senestran

If you liked this story and have time please post a review, and if you would like to keep up with the story please fav or follow. Questions, comments, concerns, please message us about anything. If you'd like updates, please check the profile page and or message me.

Till Next Time
-DLW