Prologue.
Eons ago, the Ancestors had documented a mysterious phenomenon occurring throughout the Predator-Prey World. Certain individuals in each species started taking longer to carry their young during pregnancy. Whenever these seemed to occur, the young born had unusually higher Intelligence. The young born also were able to have sex at any time, without becoming pregnant.
The Ancients documented these births and the ever-increasing frequency. The wisest among them determined it would be only a matter of time before these odd birthed ones soon would become the majority of the Rabbit society. Other than the longer gestation period and the higher intelligence, these rabbits were same as the normal ones. Same prejudices, same behaviors. Same instinct to ostracize bunnies who went outside the norm for relationships
Therefore the wisest of the Ancients got together and laid down rules for all Rabbits to follow. They established rules for each Burrow to follow, and set forth the eldest of each Burrow to reign over all within. They established rules for rabbits living in villages to follow, and other rules on dealing with other mammals both living among them and those visiting.
Lastly, they established a Council of the Elders , the eldest and wisest to keep watch over all matters pertaining to Rabbit Society. This Council would mediate disputes between Burrows, negotiate disputes between rabbits and other mammals, and assist the leadership in other Councils in maintaining law and order. Before the world became organized into the countries known today, the Council of Elders was the first government formed. Everywhere rabbits formed settlements, they had a Council ruling over them.
But the Ancients made it clear; the Council's primary role was limited to Rabbit Society. It was given specific authority to develop training curriculum and to oversee the education of Young Teenage bunnies. While their parents and Elders of their Burrow taught these the Rules of the Burrow and proper relating among their siblings and relatives, this Council established a specific class and curriculum for all rabbits when they reached a specific age.
This was when they reached 12yrs old, known as the Age of Puberty. And it was then that all Teenage rabbits were compelled to attend a special week-long series of instruction to better prepare them for the world outside their burrow. And especially... how and why it was necessary to control one's own sexual urges. This week-long series of classes became known as Adult Initiation Class.
So, from Ancient Times up to this Modern Era... similar problems persisted. And the Council adapted their curriculum to address specific problems. Each Era had its unique problems, and the Council in that Era dealt with them effectively.
Underage pregnancy was a common occurrence, some years less than others. Why a Young Does' body stopped growing after delivering her kits was a medical enigma.
Another problem that, while rare, was a major headache for the Council; Young Bunnies developed sexual relationships with non-rabbits. This often resulted in the bunny involved being ostracized, which inevitably ended in a long and excruciating death.
Rabbits had a peculiar reaction when one of their own went outside the norm to have either romantic relationship or a simple sexual relationship with another mammal; they ostracized them. And due to a Rabbit's psychology, bunnies needed to maintain close relations with Family and Rabbit Society, this ostracizing had a very negative effect on their health; they lose their appetite, their minds shut down, and grief overwhelms them... and they die of both a broken heart and malnutrition.
Does' had a peculiar reaction when they became pregnant as Teenagers; their bodies became stunted and their still underdeveloped bodies became highly susceptible to damage while they carried developing Young. Medical Science couldn't explain why modern rabbit bodies were this way, and the Ancient texts simply said back then this wasn't an issue. In Ancient times, once a Dow was capable of having kits no matter the age, they could without difficulty. What caused the problem was a medical enigma.
For these reasons and many others, the Ancients developed this class of Instruction. It was to minimize underage pregnancies and prevent romantic or sexual relationships with non-rabbits.
In a very old leather-bound book, one member of the Council of Ancients, Hareison Jones theorized about a possible Predator-Prey mating. Hareison theorized it was possible for a Buck or Doe to seek out a predator for a mate. He thought it would be because a bunny's' copulation organs were of abnormal size.
During his studies, he found out normal Does' loved these well-endowed Bucks, and it was the well-endowed Does' who couldn't be satisfied with normal Bucks'. These Does were most likely to seek other mammals that naturally were bigger down there. But... it was still possible for a Buck to seek other mammals as well. Hareison was concerned about these Bucks becoming promiscuous and deciding not to settle down and raise kits. He was also concerned about these Bucks negatively influencing married Does' to cheat on their husbands. Then there was the other concern... these Bucks forgoing rabbits entirely and seek other mammals for same reasons as the well-endowed Does': they were naturally bigger down there.
He wrote instructions on his theories as how to conduct this ceremony.
This book was laid open upon a podium... and one member of the Council would refer to it at each stage as the ceremony proceeded. They had to... because Hareison theorized a predator would try to use craftiness / guile to hide its intention or fear of discovery, as was their nature. He also left warnings about Bunny's natural misgivings against predators... which would result in ignoring any proof / evidence given.
Because of these, he explained the reasoning behind his steps of this alternate ceremony.
He also warned that such a pairing would mar the Bunny; it would naturally be ostracized by the burrow. Because rabbits are strongly social animals and being ostracized would have severe impact on their soul... Death was preferable; and Hareison strongly recommended it.
Primary purpose of this alternate ceremony... was to have the couples' relationship examined by the Elders; only then could it be determined if it was worth forcing all rabbits to respect it. He theorized that when the first Pred-Prey mating occurs and offspring are born alive and healthy, it would mark a new milestone for all mammals... only a Devine Intercession would create it.
Hareison found himself frequently at odds with his fellow Ancients; they disagreed with his theories about what he was studying. In their minds the solution was simple: any rabbit that refused to adhere to societal norms should be removed. Hareison thought it best to understand the hows and whys so a proper solution could be formulated. He did have one success; he was able to identify Families in which these traits were either passed-down directly or skipped a generation or two. As a result, he made sure these were screened more carefully and their rights were equally carefully protected; just because you were more desirable didn't necessarily mean you would be more promiscuous. Just had a higher than average chance to do so.
In a very old leather-bound book, one member of the Council of Ancients, Harriette Cloverson, theorized about a possible Bunny-Prey mating. Harriette theorized it was possible for a Buck or Doe to seek out another Prey Species for a mate. She thought it would be because they had a higher than normal sex drive.
Through her studies she discovered certain Bucks and Does were quite promiscuous; having several partners... not all were rabbits. It was bad enough for them to have multiple Bunnies as sexual partners, with no intent to settle down and raise a family. Some merely enjoyed multiple partners because of variety and no two performed same way. And in their view, marriage was not a limitation on number of partners... and naturally Rabbit Society and their Family had different opinion. The Council of Elders would haul these rabbits and their partners who were not their spouse into court for trial. The injured spouse would only be questioned and held blameless... unless testimony was presented proving they had fully-supported the unusual relationship.
She wrote instructions on her theories as how to conduct this ceremony.
Her theories proved to explain a phenomenon that was happening throughout the Prey Species: Rams and Sheep, Boars and Ewes, Elks and Deer, Jackrabbits and Bunnies... and many other combinations, were inter-breeding with limited success.
This book was laid open upon a podium... and one member of the Council would refer to it at each stage as the ceremony proceeded. They had to... because Harriette theorized the prey species would try to confuse or justify the meaning or definition of Love / Romance to hide its intentions or fear of discovery, as was their nature. She also left warnings about Bunny's natural misgivings against non-bunny pairing... which would result in ignoring any proof / evidence given.
Because of these, she explained the reasoning behind her steps of this alternate ceremony.
She also warned that such a pairing would mar the Bunny; it would naturally be ostracized by the burrow. Because bunnies are strongly social animals and being ostracized would have severe impact on their mind, soul, and body... Death was preferable; and Harriette strongly recommended it.
Primary purpose of this alternate ceremony... was to have the couples' relationship examined by the Elders; only then could it be determined if it was worth forcing all Bunnies to respect it. Back in her time, she saw few Prey-Prey couples' form lasting Marriages, but fewer were Bunny-Prey couples who were successful at it. She had talked with such couples, and discovered they had a genuine love for one another; but it was being shunned / ostracized by the Rabbits' Family... either through objection against of fear of they too would be ostracized and the Home Burrow and Town... that caused such difficulties.
Harriette was concerned about romantic relationships only when these involved sex, otherwise she strongly recommended the parents use their Best Guess as to wither or not the relationship was genuine. If the parents approved it, then Harriette saw no need for further concern.
Harriette was concerned about that Fine Line such Highly Sexed Bunnies would cross... so she consulted with her fellow Council Member, Hareison Jones... he was studying this very phenomenon, but on Predator-Prey mating. Together they discovered the hows and whys such bunnies chose non-bunnies for mates. They discovered the long-term effects of being ostracized. Because of a Bunny's' health suffered immensely when ostracized, both Harriette and Hareison preferred Death to limit such suffering.
Hareison and Harriette became Life-Mates because of their fascination of this unique topic. Their studies helped future Councils to better organize and manage Rabbit society, especially focusing the Elders into being more active in guiding the education of Teenagers in regards to proper use and ethics about their sexual experiences.
To this day a rabbit could make a pilgrimage to the tomb of this couple, but few ever do. It is dangerous and perilous journey; but the walls inside the cave are inscribed with words and phrases this couple once said in support of their research. They chose not to be buried alongside their fellow Ancients; seeing how they were treated but ultimately proven correct. In the actual burial chamber, on tablets made of bronze; were the recorded words of their own trial before their fellow Ancients. After being found clear of insanity... their books were officially added to the historical archives.
Along the back wall was inscribed a prophecy, declaring one day a rabbit would find love with the least likely of predators. Their relationship would undergo many struggles in the land of danger, and through it all their love proven true. Time would come when this love would be tested by rabbits of old, and through scorn, attempts of violence and physical separation... their love would ultimately be proven true.
Hareison and Harriette descendants live on the land around the tomb. They keep it clean and presentable for visitors, mostly priests and priestesses. The tomb is also kept hidden, so as to discourage tomb robbers and other thieves. Whenever a story about a rabbit and predator is in the news, their hopes rises: would this be the couple who will fulfil the ancient prophecy? Thus far their hopes were shattered with each end of the cases. It was no surprise they developed a ho-hum attitude by the time of the Wilde-Hopps trial. It could be said they felt deeper sorrow for this couple, seeing how their relationship promoted cross-species relationships... not necessarily on a romantic level. Still... there was a strange feeling of hope. Guarded hope that these two could be the one.
Because of the treatment they received for studying such things... Hareison and Harriette wrote separately, they strongly recommended any mating between Bunny and Non-bunny to undergo a trial by the Council of the Elders.
Only by having this relationship be examined by the Elders could Family and the Home Burrow be forced to accept this relationship.
In their Manuals, Hareison and Harriette wrote their recommendations how the Council could determine the relationship was genuine or not. Because over time and advancement of society; Hareison and Harriette urged usage of Common Sense, Medical experts, and Lessons Learned from previous trials to guide decisions in future trials.
In both trials, the female was to be questioned by a Council of Matriarchs, consisting of the eldest Does', and the male to be questioned by a Council of Patriarchs, consisting of the eldest Bucks. A final session would have both mammals stand together and answer questions before both Councils gathered together in same room. Here they were allowed to bring forth witnesses to testify about their Character and Other Issues.
The Joint Council of Elders had Final Authority; a vote of 3/5ths was necessary to approve / disapprove the couple. There were only two possible outcomes... *Genuine* or *Guilty*.
*Genuine* meant that both mammals would be allowed to live, but be declared as Married. If they ever sought a Divorce, such actions would immediately nullify this Council's votes... and they would earn the Death Penalty.
*Guilty* meant neither mammal sought to establish a lasting relationship. As such it only was to fulfill physical desires, which was why Rabbit Society shuns such Bunnies. Putting both mammals to Death ensured: 1). The remainder of Young Rabbits understood beyond the shadow of doubt the seriousness of this verdict. 2). Death was preferable to allowing the Bunny to suffer the long-term effects of being ostracized. 3). It ensured this deceptive non-bunny would not continue to harm another mammal.
The actual marriage ceremony was to be completed within 6-Cycles of the Moon... as a courtesy for the parents.
Hareison Jones' book, Book of Unnatural Relations , dealt with sexual and romantic relations between Predator and Prey. Trials using this book were called Trial of Unnatural Relations.
Harriette Cloversons' book, Book of Relationships , dealt with sexual and romantic relations between Prey species. Trials using this book were called Trial of Relationships.
History recorded a few times when either of these special ceremonies was done. To date, none progressed to a successful conclusion.
For Millennia the Council of Elders ruled over Lapin Society. Under their guidance rabbit population grew and expanded their knowledge and technology.
The Estate of the Councilors was located on a vast expanse of land along the coast just within a few miles of Bunny Burrow. It was large enough that hunting parties could walk an entire day without reaching the boundaries. It was here on the central facility that the Elders held their trials. It was also here in a secluded part where the Adult Initiation Class were held on a campground built specifically for this purpose... and could be sealed off from the Public and any Hunting Parties which happened to be authorized.
This is why it was called Council of Elders, Bunny Burrow Division... because it was located nearest to that town. The courthouse in Bunny Burrow was an ancient structure, having stood in same place for as long as history recorded things. It had been repaired and renovated numerous times, and now it seemed this was another of those times. Citizens loved this old structure, it was backdrop of many memories; marriages, political rallies, parades and holiday festivities. They loved it almost as much as they loved multiplying... almost.
How Many Councils are there? Currently each major city has one Council of Elders that oversees not only it but many towns and villages in a certain distance. Each council takes its name from the nearest city. Each council on a regular basis would send a representative to a neighboring council as a courtesy call, and to discuss recent developments since the last visit. New members often went on these trips, as a training exercise and to teach them their other responsibilities beyond being judge and jury during trials.
Worldwide in every country this pattern is same; a council controls a certain region and is named after a specific city. Wherever rabbits have established a town, there also is a council nearby. These, too, would send representatives to councils in neighboring countries for same purposes as the lower-ranked councils. New members in these also were required to visit neighboring councils. It was deemed a great honor to receive a visit from a council from another country.
She Did What?
The Matron and Chancellor were in their shared Lounge enjoying a quiet evening after processing paperwork all day. A roaring fire was in the fireplace, soft classical music playing in the background, and the remains of Dinner set off on the side stand. The walls had a few paintings of the local landscape, as well as a few of the most notable rabbits who previously occupied their current positions. These were here due to their historic achievements that either increased efficiency of the Council itself or improved their power base in the Local Communities.
All Matrons and Chancellors had their likeness in a painting; most of these were located in the Catacomb, above the tombs where their bodies lay. During the reign of each Matron or Chancellor, they were allowed to have the painting of the Matron or Chancellor who most influenced them placed inside their office. Normally these were ones who lived during their lifetime and of these... usually within their Adult years. However... there often were ones who lived years even decades before the current Matron or Chancellor was born.
Such was the case with the current Matron. She chose her Predecessor who reigned about a century ago; this one was responsible for saving the Estate from being completely removed from power by signing the treaty called a Charter Agreement... with the Local Government. If the Council back then had the weapons that their adversaries had, things would have turned out differently. But still... bloodshed was avoided, and Lapin Society flourished as a result. While most of her Successors considered her actions traitorous, the current one saw it as an inevitable conclusion. History told of events happening then; events which the very system of Law and Order were being laid down that would, given time, give birth to the great city of Zootopia.
Councilor Miriam Cloverson, the current Matron of Proceedings, only hoped she wouldn't be labeled with such a horrific legacy. The signs were currently visible, if one chose to open their eyes and see. Her Predecessor was obsessive about avoiding controversy; and in Miriam's eyes, only left bigger troubles for her Successor. This is why it shocked the Council when she refused to have her portrait hung in her office. This was considered more than an insult; it was an obvious personal pronouncement of that Matron's failings.
Miriam clearly saw Lapin Society was growing beyond the need for the Council of Elders. But this didn't mean the Council wouldn't be completely useless. Miriam was at a loss as to what should be done; she only hoped change wouldn't be forced upon the Council during her reign. The Signs of Change were there; and Miriam was determined she would control it.
"Matron, did you see the latest news?" Chancellor Marcus Fleetfoot held up the latest newspaper.
"Yes I did, Chancellor." Miriam said as she put down her cup of clover-infused tea.
"Looks like Zootopia's favorite rabbit-fox officers are on a roll."
"I have plans for that bunny; she shows great promise and I think would make an excellent Standby Councilor."
"Oh? Your Predecessor started that, you know."
"Yes she did. And I agree that it has greatly helped us in spreading our influence throughout Lapin Society. But she left me with the bigger problem. I fear it will result in me becoming responsible for greatly reducing this Council's power and authority."
"Your fears are overblown" he muttered as he took another draw from his cup of herbal tea.
"Perhaps. But have you taken a look at the package which arrived this afternoon?"
"No. That can wait for tomorrow. We both know what it contains; and such news should not be handled this close to bedtime. Besides... it gives you nightmares, and I have to come over to comfort you until you fall asleep. My wife isn't very appreciative of this, you know."
"You can tell her I am always greatly appreciative of the sacrifices she makes to make your job easier. If only my husband didn't die so soon."
The next morning confirmed her fears. Her heart sank as she read the Letter of Formal Complaint that was inside the package, which contained the usual supporting documents, pictures, and electronic media that contained video evidence from various security cameras. But it wasn't all this which was currently causing her grief; it was the topic of the complaint: ZPD Officer Judy Hopps.
"Oh no, Judy... What did you do?" Miriam muttered to herself as tears rolled down her muzzle.
It was a long and difficult day. The Matron had assigned a couple councilors to investigate these claims against Judy and Nick; Chancellor had done the same. For several days the Matron had hoped that something would come up, something to exonerate the duo. But the resulting report a few days later wasn't encouraging. Everything appeared genuine, thus the bylaws had to be followed. Her heart would be ripped from her chest, but she had no choice.
Early the next morning she awaken early; actually she never did sleep. 6Am the chancellor found her quietly weeping in their shared lounge. He comforted her best he could, but their duty was clear: they had to send the official summons today. But the rules didn't mention when all involved had to he informed... everyone just assumed the *Accused* had to be informed first. When he suggested they reverse the normal order of doing this, which would allow the *Accused* support structure to get to work quickly... the Matron was greatly pleased.
After drying her eyes and applying new make-up, they made another change to the normal routine; they agreed to have Judy's grandparents personally oversee the preparations for the trial. It would ensure best organization and preparation on the *Accused part, while allowing a greatly shortened pre-trial waiting time. The Matron didn't want excessive news media coverage going for weeks and weeks, making it appear as if Armageddon was fast approaching. Considering how big this would be on the Zootopia news circuit, it had the potential of depressing more mammals than necessary. Quite possibly sending many over the edge; effectively competing with the Full Moon in regards to lunatic behavior.
Now she had to wait for the two councilors to enter the room to be issued their assignments.
Author's Note:
The first eight chapters are being Edited / Rewritten for grammar, punctuation, and overall story improvement (my opinion).