CHAPTER 21 'TO THE BURROW'

6.30 am, the Central Station, Savanna Central

How do I get myself into this? Ryan thought, sitting on the bench in the lobby of the train station, wearing a tired look. He gazed at the mammals walking past his drowsy eyes. It seemed that they did not hype about the human anymore.

Well… at least, I'm not the center of attention anymore… he sighed contentedly, leaning back against the bench. He slipped out his phone and looked at the time.

6.30 am already, and yet they aren't here… he softly exhaled, then complained, "Hey, Star? We could've had at most a half an hour of sleep back in the dorm if they haven't arrived here yet."

No response from his partner, Ryan said again, "Star-" Then, the words were cut short as he felt something softly pressing on his right shoulder. Turning his head to his right and looking over his shoulder, the smile slowly drew on his face. He saw his partner sleeping carelessly, then he rubbed her head unconsciously and softly said, "Well, at least someone here made herself comfortable, eh?"

"Back in my world, I would be shocked to death if there was a vicious animal like yourself was napping on my shoulder," he continued stroking her fur gently. "But, here, I don't know why I feel so different. You and others are just like… how should I say this… human in animal form, huh?"

As he heard the purring sound from the sleeping panther, Ryan chuckled and gazed away, going back to his train of thought. Aimlessly staring forward, he let his mind drift into yesterday's event. Closing his eyes along with inhaling deeply, he snorted mildly, eyes half-lidded.

Yesterday, 6.00 pm, Zootopia General Hospital

"Let's go to Bunnyburrow tomorrow, Ryan!" Judy loudly announced as Nick and she walked into the patient room. Her statement sure earned a skeptical look from everyone, especially Ryan, who tilted his head in doubt.

"What?!" he doubted.

"Doctor recommended that you should be away from the academy for a while, so I'm gonna bring you to my hometown and stay there for a week with us," she said, standing in front of Ryan with her paws on her hips.

"What?" he frowned.

"Uhh, Carrots? What about his studying?" Nick asked. "It's one whole week, and he could miss a lot."

"Don't worry about that, we'll train him," she quickly answered, looking at her fox.

"We?!" Nick questioned, pressing his paws on his chest.

"Yes, we," Judy pointed her finger at him and back at her, then turned towards Ryan again and continued, "So, you won't miss any of your studies. Oh boy… It's just like old times, morning training, surviving the environmental hazards, and teaching you about law enforcement."

"What…" Ryan grumbled.

Then, she looked up at the black panther who slowly scooted away from Ryan and sat on her knees. As Star felt like she was not a part of Judy's plan, she snorted quietly, lowering her head in disheartening. But, another idea popped up in the rabbit's mind.

"And, Star," Judy stated earning the panther's attention. "You should come with us too. You're his partner, and partners must stick together."

"Thanks, Judy. I really appreciate that. But, is it gonna be okay with Drill Instructor?" Star asked. "Two cadets have gone for a week, she's gonna be furious and probably kill us later."

"Don't worry, we'll talk with her. Right, Nick?" Judy elbowed at Nick's side, looking at him with a sly grin.

"Why do I feel it's only me who is gonna grow deaf…" the fox grumbled.

"Hey, I have to make a call to the chief too for the permission," she retorted. "Whose voice you wanna hear, hmm?"

Nick sighed in defeat and replied, "I think I'm okay with Drill Instructor's voice."

"So, it's settled then," Judy clapped her paws, looking back at Ryan again who still was wondering with his eyes wide open. "We'll see you tomorrow, 6.00 am at the central station."

"… what…" Ryan mumbled as he did not follow up.

Present

That was quick… I didn't have time to decide whether to go or not… Ryan thought. Well, here I am, sitting here with my partner. So, suck it up, Ryan. There's no way back now.

He pushed his back against the bench and gazed slightly upward, seeing a large LED display that showed the list of destination names with the departure time and status. Focusing on the destination name that said 'Bunnyburrow', it stated that their rail would be departed in an hour.

He now was quite bored and drowsy, but still, tried not to sleep. His partner was asleep, and since he had no intention to wake her up, Ryan just sat alone quietly and listened to the sound of crowd chatter and footsteps. Until, he heard the voices that belonged to none other than his friends, Nick and Judy.

"… you leaned toward me and whispered in my ear, 'Wake up you dumb fox.' And, that's when I woke up," Nick finished as he walked approaching, suitcase in paw.

"That's quite a story, Nick," Judy replied, following him with luggage in both paws. "And, wow, I'm a detective within a year with you being my partner. I should consider this," she looked at him, giving a devilish grin.

"Ouch… you wounded me, Carrots," he clutched his chest, pretending to be hurt. "I have to say that we haven't been partners for a year yet, so we still have a chance to get a promotion to detective."

"I think it would never happen this soon."

"Oww… you hurt me again… don't you trust me? What do you think it would happen if we weren't partners, Fluff?"

"I have no idea… It might be same as your dream or worst…" she paused her words and her pace, looking down at the floor. "It would be sad and lonely if we weren't together… I don't want to think about it."

Nick stopped and turned around facing her, stepping closer. "Then, don't think," he said, lifting her chin with his free paw. Seeing her sad face with her brow frowned, he bent toward and soothed, "I too don't want to think about it… You know, being with you makes me happy. I don't care what would happen to me as long as I'm with you."

"I know, and you also make my life more meaningful," the rabbit gave a soft smile. "I'm really grateful that I have you."

"Me too, Judy, me too," Nick cooed. Then, he straightened up and turned around, still not leaving his eyes on Judy. "Let's get moved. I think our friends wait for us long enough," he said and began to walk.

"Umm!" she huffed cheerfully in reply and followed him.

"Hey, Nick, Judy," Ryan said aloud, reaching a hand out to beckon them. "We're here."

"Wu-what?" Star winced, waking up from sleep. Then, she yawned, stretching out her laziness, looking around from left to right.

"Oh, sorry," he gave his partner a sheepish grin. "Did I wake you up?"

"It's okay," she yawned again, cracking her neck. "Ahh… Oh! Hi Judy, Hi Nick."

"Hey, everyone," Judy announced. "Ready to go to Bunnyburrow?"

"Well, whether to go or not, you'll drag me anyway," he chuckled. "So, let's go buy a ticket, shall we?"

An hour passed after the group had bought their tickets to Bunnyburrow and walked into the train, finding their designated booth as the ticket assigned. Setting their luggage in the overhead locker, they sat on the face to face seats, Nick next to Judy, Ryan next to Star. Then, a chime sound rang aloud to get the passengers' attention, and the train conductor announced, "Attention, passengers. This is your conductor speaking. The train is about to leave the station. Please stand clear of the closing doors."

Just a few seconds of waiting, the train closed all the doors, suddenly pushed forward and slowly gained the speed to its top, showing the platform that gradually swept away. The conductor announced again, greeting, "Ladies and gentlemammals, welcome aboard Bunnyburrow Line, non-stop service from Zootopia Central Station to Bunnyburrow Station. Our rail time will be 1 hours and 55 minutes at a speed of 110 miles per hour. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Thank you."

They followed the conductor's words, sitting back, relaxing in the comfort of their seats, enjoying the smooth ride, and especially Star, who got herself comfortable again, slept in her chair peacefully.

After nearly two hours passed, they had been talking about Judy's hometown, its customs, the farm life and everything along with staring at the landscape of each district of Zootopia from time to time. Then, the scenery changed to the vast farmland and green hills as the train ran into the rural area.

"We're here!" the gray rabbit said cheerfully, jumping in excitement and making the sleeping panther wake up.

"Here? Where?" Star mumbled tiredly, looking at her left and right.

"Hey, welcome back to the land of the living, partner," Ryan playfully greeted. "You have slept all the way."

"Can't help… I haven't slept well," she stretched her body cracking her back and looked at her partner.

"Well, when I'm gonna see my energetic partner again, huh?"

"Pretty soon."

Then, the train began to slow down. The speaker on above chimed and sounded the statement of the conductor, "Ladies and gentlemammals, welcome to Bunnyburrow Station. Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board and please use caution when opening the overhead lockers. Thank you and have a nice day."

The four of them stood up from their seat, opened the overhead locker for getting their luggage, and stood to wait at automatic doors. Later, the train finally stopped, making the soft hydraulic sound as the doors opened.

The group stepped out of the train and on the train platform and observed around, seeing a charming wooden building featuring with the round bunny figure as decoration. Then, they felt the vibrations of the ground and heard the rumbling noise of the footsteps getting closer to them.

All of them widened their eyes as they saw the incoming horde of rabbits. They froze in shock except for Judy who smiled widely and took a pace forward, placing down her luggage and opening her arms.

"Hello, my folk. I'm back!" she cheerfully announced as the swarm surrounded, hugging and clinging her.

"Welcome back, Judy!"

"Welcome back, Aunt Judy!"

"Good to see you again."

"How was your trip?"

As they exchanged their greeting, the two aged rabbits walked through the crowd, heading to Judy. The plump, brown-furred, male rabbit wearing a green hat and a plaid shirt under jean overalls, stated pleasantly, "You're back, Jude the Dude!"

And, the gray-furred female rabbit wearing a pink shirt and blue skirt held her paws and warmly added, "Welcome home, Judy."

Judy's ear perked, turning to the source of the statement. The smile on her face grew wider, and she shouted, "Hey, it's my parents!" Judy then ran toward them and gave her parents a big hug. "I missed you so much."

"We missed you too," Bonnie softly replied, hugging her back.

"And, are they your friends?" Stu asked as they released their embrace and looked at the three mammals who stood still with a stunned look.

"Oh yes, they're my friends," she answered, then turned around facing Nick, Ryan, and Star. "Well guys, this is my family, and welcome to Bunnyburrow."

6.00 pm, outside of the Hopps' Burrow

Nearly nine hours of an uneventful daytime had passed since Judy, Nick, Ryan, and Star had stepped on the Bunnyburrow train platform, being greeted by numerous Judy's relatives and parents and moving to Hopps' burrow. However, Judy seemed to forget that her home having a low ceiling for medium-sized mammals. So, Ryan and Star must bend their heads down to avoid hitting joists and beams except for Nick, who was not having any problem as it was perfectly fit for him.

After a few bumps, Stu and Bonnie thought that it would be best if the two big mammals stayed outside for their comfort and avoiding further head injury. It might look like Ryan and Star being not welcomed, so the host of Hopps' house gave a welcome back party outdoors instead.

And now as the time on Ryan's phone said 6.00 pm, Hopps folks along with the three visitors were preparing tables and chairs in the front yard. The party preparation completed shortly as there were more than hundreds of Judy's siblings helping jealously.

As the sun was setting and the moon and star were starting to shine luminously, the party began, warming Judy's heart and giving a friendly and relaxed welcome to the visitors. Although they might feel awkward and not know how to behave at first, in the end, they enjoyed the informality and hospitality that the Hopps heartily offered. Notably, Nick, who had been the most nervous mammal when he saw the glares of his girlfriend's relatives, now felt relieved as he had an acceptance from some of her folks.

"Judy, my dear," Bonnie stated softly, looking to her right where her daughter sat, placing her paws on Judy's shoulder. "We'd like a word with you and Mr. Wilde… Follow us."

Seeing her parents walking into the house, Judy looked at Nick who sat beside her in a daze. "I think my parents might know something about us…" she said, voice cracking and fading into a whisper.

"I-I agree," the fox stuttered with a little fear in his voice. "Let's follow them… shall we?"

A single nod from the rabbit, they stood up and walked following her parents, leaving the human and panther, who were looking at them with pleading eyes.

"Uh… Judy?" Ryan mumbled in fear as he saw his friends walking away. He looked back at his partner and then looked at their surroundings. The younger rabbits slowly gathered around them, looking at them skeptical. "Oh boy…"

On the far side of the yard where was more quiet and private as there was no one there, the two aged rabbits stood waiting for their daughter and her partner to show up. Not too long, they turned up with a forced smile on their face.

"What's up, mom, dad?" Judy started, ears drooping, frowning, but still keeping her smile on her face. "What you guys want to talk about?"

"Well," Stu cleared his throat. "I know that you two have been working together for quite some time, right?"

"Uh-huh," she nodded with a forced smile.

"And, you know… when two mammals are being together… they'll develop their… relationship, right?"

"Uh-huh…" her smile faded away.

"When they get intimate with one another… they will seek a closer relationship, right?"

"… uh-huh…" Judy gulped.

"And…"

"Oh… for crying out loud," Bonnie groaned and stepped slightly forward, looking at Judy. "What's your dad trying to say is that we want to know the relationship between you two. We know that you two are not just close friends. We saw you on the television… uhh…" She looked at her husband and asked, "What was that program, Stu? That's about Mr. Young's living…"

"Wait…" he cupped his mouth as he was thinking. "Oh! 'How Does This Human Live?'."

"Yes yes," she turned toward Judy and Nick again, saying tensely, "Don't ever think that we and your relatives didn't watch that show. We saw you two were together, being close to one another unlike others do. So, what's between you two?"

Then, she paused, letting the silence to envelop them as she tried to intimidate. Seeing her daughter and her daughter's partner froze in fright and remaining as silence as the sound of background getting audible, Bonnie began to giggle at their reaction and softened her face into a faint smile.

"My dear…" she paced toward Judy and held her paws. "You two are grown-up mammals. Don't be shy and tell us. We aren't going to judge you… So?"

"I-I…" Judy still felt awkward telling the truth, but then she sighed in defeat and said, "Alright… we've been dating…"

"See, isn't that easy," her mother chuckled, then looked up at Nick. "So… Nicholas, right?"

"Just Nick, Mrs. Hopps," Nick replied with a sheepish grin.

"Then, it's Bonnie to you too," she gave a warm smile. "Well… as long as you keep her happy, I allow you to call me that."

"As long as I'm still breathing, I won't make her sad," he swore in reply confidently, raising three fingers.

"Attaboy," playfully punching at his arm, she looked at her daughter again and asked, "Judy, come help me get tents for your big guests."

Nick's gaze followed at two rabbits as they walked into their house, rubbing his arm. "Now, I know where she gets her strength from…" he mumbled, grinning, and began to follow them, but he was stopped as he felt something grabbing on his shoulder.

"Whoa there," Stu stated. "You and I still need to speak."

"Yes, sir," Nick turned swiftly, his grin fading away.

"You know…" he began. "Judy isn't just a mere bunny. She's different… in a good way, of course. And, when she has set her goal, she will strive for it with or without support. Even if there is a lot of obstacles for her, she will try her very best to overcome them."

"Yes, that's Judy."

"Uh-huh," Stu nodded. "Even I try to convince her to stop her dream, she will move forward ignoring my warning. Then, I realize who am I kidding? I have no right to change or stop her dream. The only one I can change is me… After I changed myself to become more open-minded and accepting, I see the world differently. I can see that predators are also afraid of preys too. I know that preys can be more dangerous than predators. So, now I don't care about whatever the species they are, I do care only their attitude."

He paused and inhaled, then let out a soft sigh. Looking up at Nick, he smiled and continued, "She had taught us how to open our minds. That's Judy I'm endlessly proud of… and worried. She is one of all I ever care about. So… I have a request… Please, Nick, keep her safe."

"Yes, I will keep her safe with my life," Nick said, giving a smile in assuring.

"Thank you. And, if I find out that you make her cry or sad…" he firmly pulled Nick closer, "you know what will happen to you, right?"

Nick quickly nodded in reply with eyes wide open.

"Good boy," he slightly pushed Nick and gave him a friendly smack on his back. "Let's head back to our table. I think the girls are back now."

"Oww…" Nick whined, rubbing his back.

They walked back to their table, noticing Bonnie and Judy who stood and let out a soft giggle. So, they began to move faster toward the two rabbits to see what made them laugh. As Stu and Nick stopped and stood next to them, they began to join the laugh, seeing the horde of young rabbits clinging, clutching, holding and sticking all over Ryan and Star.

"Uh… guys," Ryan struggled, trying to get off the horde. "Little help here."

"Okay, I have had my fun now," Bonnie then walked forward, clapping her paws. "Alright kids, get off them now, or there will be no dessert after this."

"Yes!" all the kids got off them and hopped back to their seat, readying for the dessert.

"Are you alright you two?" she asked, looking at Ryan and Star who still lied on the ground.

"Yes… I guess."

The moment passed as the party had ended, Judy led the way to where the camping area was, which was not far from her house and next to the small hill. Then, she gave one of the tent kits to Ryan and began to teach how to build it. She built slowly and step-by-step, and Ryan followed her in every step. As they finished, the tent that Judy had made seemed perfect and steady while another one seemed loose and unreliable.

"Ryan…" the rabbit asked, looking at his tent with a skeptical look. "Are you sure you followed me every step carefully?"

"Why, of course, Judy," Ryan replied confidently. "It might seem unstable, but I'm sure it'll hold up to tomorrow."

"Okay… I'm going back to my house and I'm gonna take Nick to his room. So, see you in the morning, you two. Goodnight," she waved her paw and walked back to her burrow with Nick following her.

"G'night," Ryan replied.

"Ryan, actually, you can sleep over at my tent. It's too spacious for one mammal to sleep," Star offered, then glanced at Ryan's tent with a pitying look. "And, I'm not sure that your tent will live up to tomorrow."

"Nah… It will, Star."

"Whatever…" she shrugged, then she gazed into the night sky and said, "Since we still have some time, why don't we watch the stars… Follow me!"

"W-wait…" he tried to say something, but his partner was already heading to the top of the small hill. All he could do was sigh and follow her.

Ryan reached atop of the hill, seeing Star lying on the grass and gazing skyward. He then moved to her side and lied down next to her; however, he closed his eyes.

They were enjoying the cool night breeze, but only one of them was admiring a billion stars in the sky. As she noticed that her partner not joining the stargazing with her, she propped herself on her elbow, looking at him doubtfully.

"Don't like watching the star, Ryan?" she asked softly.

Ryan let out a soft snort and slowly opened his eyes, looking up into the sky. Then, he eyed on his partner and said, "I used to…"

"Hmm?" she tilted her head in confusing.

Now, he sighed and turned his head back, staring up at the sky. "I… I'm gonna tell you something since we're partners."

"Alright," she lied down again, joining his gaze. "You have my ears."

"Every night, I pray…" he began. "I pray not to see a beautiful night like this again…"

"Why?"

"'Cause it reminds me of those nights when I was with her, gazing at the stars and smiling at each other… Including the night that fate chose to part us away and dragged me into this world with memories, both happy and sad…" Ryan lifted his hand, reaching out to the sky.

"Those memories are nothing but pain… When I think of her smile, I feel sad… When I am reminded of her cry, it tears my heart…" he continued, stuttering behind a weak heart as his eyes filled with a tear. "I start to shed a tear and cry like a lost boy every time I think of her…"

Turning her head and looking at him, she saw the agony in his eyes. "R-Ryan…" she tried to stop him.

"But," he interrupted, now with the strength in his voice again. "I have a promise… A promise that I made with her… A promise that I'll carry on with my life without her by my side… So, whenever I'm about to give up, or the thought of loneliness overwhelms me, those memories and her last wish will keep fueling my strength and make me stronger…"

Then, he put his hand down on his chest and softly smiled, "And now, I'm not alone anymore…I have my new life… I have friends and… I have… you…"

"Star…" Ryan turned, looking into her ocean blue eyes.

"Y-Yeah?"

"Thank you for being beside me," he smiled genuinely and sat up.

She shyly nodded in reply and avoided looking at him as she felt embarrassed.

"Well, I think it's time to get sleep," Ryan stood up and reached out his hand to Star. "Let's head back."

She nodded again, then grabbed his hand and stood up as he pulled. And, they began to walk heading back to their campsite.

After they bade goodnight to one another before getting into their respective tents as Star slept in the tent that Judy had built and Ryan slept in his. Shortly as Star lied down in the sleeping bag and began to sleep, the sound of being crushed blared, followed by the groan of pain. She did not have to take peek to see what happened, just softly giggled and then, she announced, "Well… the offer still stands, Ryan."