It was a sunny morning in Savanna Central. Most mammals were off to work, drinking their coffee on the go or rushing to catch the bus. However for a certain blue-eyed woman, she couldn't go. Why? Her boss said otherwise. Sapphire Lovell was off duty, and she was bored out of her mind.
Flashback...
'You're giving me a day off?'
'I am.'
'But why chief,' she looked at him confused, 'I thought I was going to do some paper work tomorrow.'
'Officer Hopps is taking care of that. My colleagues told me how you've been working overtime for the past few weeks...and lately you've been dozing off now and again. You're exhausting yourself too much and deserve an overdue break...'
'Are you sure it's okay? I can still do some minor work...'
'I'm sorry Officer Lovell, but this is an order. Go home and when tomorrow comes, just go out or rest...but don't come to work. Alright?'
'...sigh...yes sir...'
End of Flashback
[I was currently sitting on the patio of a coffee shop. I wore a shoulder strap blue blouse, dark gray leggings, ankle boots, and my hair was down. In truth, I thought the streets would be filled with animals, rushing to buy gifts. Yes, today was December, the month until that special day would come. Decorations were already covering every part of Zootopia. Although, there wasn't much snow in Savanna Central, and the warm sun was out. But that was the least on my mind.]
"Who would've thought I would catch you on the streets." I looked at the marten in front of me, as he sipped his drink.
"And on my break, too," Oliver added.
"At least you're doing something."
"Then how about this...why don't you help me with my Christmas shopping? I could use a feminine opinion..."
"Its better than moping around. But if I see you pick up one pen or pencil..."
"Not even one paper note. I promise." He put his paws up.
So we ended up going to a shoe store at the mall, first. They had all sorts, from the size to the most fashionable accessories. I sat down on a stool, and was now trying on some block-heels while Oliver looked through the isle. While looking at myself in the mirror, one of the employees came up to us.
"You look nice in those," she said.
"Thank you."
"Is there anything you need help with?"
"Oh no, I'm good for now."
"Well if you need anything, just call me or anyone of the staff." As she left, I looked again at the shoes.
"Maybe I'll get two of these, and then find gifts for everyone..."
"Hey Lovell, how about these?"
"Those look great."
Just then, we heard a few cheers and squeals from outside. We saw the shop owner in front of two tigers. They opened a path for someone to enter. She was wearing blue jeans, a white shoulder flutter top and dark brown boots.
"Oh, welcome Gazelle," the owner smiled, "its such a pleasure to have you inside my store. Please, feel free to see what you like."
"Thank you," she smiled at him and started walking around, while the guards kept her company.
'So that's Gazelle...?" I thought she was beautiful. Its no secret that Clawhauser would talk non-stop about Gazelle and her singing career. I was almost the same height as Gazelle, if you don't count her antlers. Though curious, I thought it wouldn't feel right to impose on her, so I told Oliver not to bother her as we continued to look around.
Fast Forward
We were on our way to the cashier.
"Who would've thought your boring day would turn out great."
"I wouldn't say that," I chuckled. Suddenly...
BAM!
"Put the money in the bag man!" A pack of wolves came in with guns.
"O-okay!" The cashier was shaking as he opened the cash register and briskly put the money in the bag. The wolf was still pointing his gun at him. The other three surrounded the guards as they shielded Gazelle.
"Do as I say and nobody gets hurt."
"Ooh~ actually..."
"!?" The wolf turns around, but only to be smacked by my shoulder bag. The other three immediately pointed their guns at me, as the leader came back to his senses.
"Looking for something?" I waved his gun in front of him.
"You're surrounded Officer Lovell," he smirked, "you think you can take on all of us?"
"Oh, I'm sorry but...all of us?" That's when the bodyguards knocked the others out.
"Thanks boys," I winked as the tigers smiled. The leader just lowered his ears as I pointed the gun at him.
"I usually don't use weapons...but I can still take you down."
"Trust me, I've seen it," Oliver smirked.
Just like that, the wolf put his hands up as I cuffed him. I pulled out my phone and called the station.
"Hey, Clawhauser it's me. Send some of the guys out in the mall. I have four criminals detained in the shoe store. Yes...okay...thanks Ben, I owe you one." I hung up. I turned to see Gazelle and her guards holding the other wolves.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, thank you," she said, "...its an honor to meet you, miss Lovell."
"Call me Sapphire. It's nice to meet you too, Gazelle," we shook hand/hoof.
Soon after, the police took the criminals away. The store thanked us by letting us have those shoes free of charge. Oliver and I were with Gazelle and her guards, leaving the store.
"Sapphire...are you on duty today?"
"No, I have the day off..." I sheepishly smiled.
"But I guess even when she's not working, she's cuffing bad guys left and right," Oliver implied.
"I know," Gazelle smiled at her, "as thanks for saving me and my friends, why don't you two come with me? I'm on my day off as well, and it would be nice to have someone else other than my bodyguards."
"Really? Uh, sure—if it's okay with you..."
"Of course."
"It would be our honor," Oliver bowed as we smiled at each other.
ZPD Station
"Clawhauser!" Judy hopped towards him as the cheetah sat at his desk.
"Judy...is something wrong?"
"You won't believe what I heard," Judy was smiling non-stop, "remember when Sapphire called you?"
"Yeah...?"
"Well, the guys saw Sapphire—but get this! They saw her...hanging out...with Gazelle!"
GASP~~! Clawhauser put his paws to his mouth.
"No...way..."
"I know right!? Do you think she's friends with Gazelle?"
"I would be so jealous~! I'm gonna ask her so many questions when she comes back to work," Clawhauser grinned as he clenched his paws in excitement.
[As for Oliver and I, we had a pretty good time hanging with Zootopia's famous pop star. Gazelle and I were becoming fast friends as much as Oliver was with the guards. We had plenty of time to do some early shopping, buying gifts for our friends. Of course, there was the occasional encounters with Gazelle's fans, not that it was a shocker. What I liked the most was us learning about each other, things we had similar opinions like equality and fighting for what's right. After hours of walking around, we decided to stop by the park, eating ice cream as Oliver was conversing with the guards from afar. But just before I could take the first lick, I looked to my left, and saw a cheetah cub rubbing the tears from his eyes. He had an empty cone, with the ice cream melting on the ground. Like I said...I'm a sucker for kids.]
"Here," I took the empty cone from his paw and replaced it with my ice cream. His face brightened as I smiled. I waved as he happily left.
"That was very nice of you," Gazelle thought.
"Just a little Christmas spirit. Oh, look..." I pointed at a traveling wagon, though the style was like looking at a window display. It was selling hats, and I was familiar with the owner.
"Ozzy! Hi there," I hugged the bear, which he gladly returned.
"Ahahaha, the little blue gem," he grinned, "good to see you. How ya' been?"
"I'm good, but you're crushing me here," it was hard to laugh when you're getting a bear hug from a bear. He released me.
"Oh,...Oswald, this is my friend Gazelle."
"I know who she is. Oswald Grizzford, ma'am," he tipped his hat.
"It is very nice to meet you," Gazelle bowed.
"She and I are having a day off."
"Well, you're just in time to try out my latest item. I was hoping you would like this little gem..."
"Little gem?"
"It's a nickname I have."
"Ta-da~" he showed a dark blue fedora. Around it was a black sash. It had a light blue gem on the side, shaped into a police badge with a silver letter on it, and a silver border of vines around the badge.
"Ozzy, this is amazing," I complimented.
"I got the idea from you. Thought it would be nice to make a tribute to you and the hardworking mammals of ZPD. I even put different letters based on anyone's first initials."
"Well, I love it!"
"Me too," Gazelle agreed.
"Well, you both can have one," he gave both of them a hat of their own. One had an 'S', while the other was 'G'.
"You two can be my first customers to show off my new product."
"Thank you," we said.
After talking for a few minutes, we walked around, wearing the new fedoras. Suddenly, we heard music coming from a nearby stage. As the bodyguards were behind us, we looked passed the crowd to see a group of animals.
"I know them," Gazelle said, "they're the Savannahians my manager was talking about. I've heard some of their music."
After the band finished, everyone cheered again. Just then, they heard clapping from the stage. They turned to see Gazell, Oliver and I.
"You guys are getting good," I smirked.
"Sapphire," Kayne came in for a hug.
"What are you doing here?"
"I have the day off, so I'm just hanging out with a few friends."
"You all have an act for talent," Gazelle complimented them.
"Woah...Gazelle..." Connor was shocked.
"Nice piano skills," Oliver grinned, "probably better than I am."
"Oliver Temple? The famous writer?"
"Its an honor to meet you Gazelle. You too, Mr. Temple." Kayne shook their hoof/paw.
"Likewise. I've heard so much about you."
"I like your hat." He complimented us.
"Thank you."
"Miss Lovell?" I looked down from the stage and saw Ms Snoweather and Damian in front.
"Ms Snoweather..."
"Hi Sapphire..."
"Hi Damian," I smiled, "you were watching the band?"
"Yeah," he grinned, "hey, are you and Gazelle gonna sing too?"
"Huh?"
"That would be great," Kiba thought.
"Miss Gazelle," Kanye looked at her, "would you and Sapphire like to do a song for the audience?"
"I don't see why not."
"But its got to be a christmas song."
"What do you have in mind Sapphire?" Gazelle asked.
"How about this..." everyone huddled in.
1 hour later
The crowd was waiting with anticipation. The Savannahians, along with famous Gazelle and I, were preparing the instruments. I held an electric guitar as I spoke into the mic.
"Hello Savannah Central~! Today the Savannahians, along with pop star Gazelle and myself, are going to play a Christmas song for you. Let's spread the good cheer!"
I signaled Grizz. He started playing the drums, and the rest of us played, with Gazelle and I singing.
[Greatest Time of Year by Aly & Aj]
[Intro: Both]
It's the greatest time of year
And it's here, help me celebrate it
With everybody here
Friends so dear, let me simply state it
It's our favorite way
To spend the holiday, yeah
[Verse 1: AJ & Both]
There's a special kind of feeling in the air
It only happens at this time of year
When everyone is filled with love and cheer
That's what matters
Pretty paper boxes tied with bows
Walking in the sun or in the snow
We can feel the excitement
Growing, knowing
[Chorus: Both]
It's the greatest time of year
And it's here, help me celebrate it
With everybody here
Friends so dear, let me simply state it
Joy to the world and everyone
Lift up your hearts and feel the love
It's our favorite way
To spend the holiday, yeah
[Verse 2: Aly & AJ]
We can get all cozy by the fire
Turn the music up a little higher
I don't think that I could ever tire
Of being together
Decorate the tree
Hang mistletoe and stand by me
[Both]
It's a picture perfect moment captured
Memories that we'll have after
[Chorus: Both]
It's the greatest time of year
And it's here, help me celebrate it
With everybody here
Friends so dear, let me simply state it
Joy to the world and everyone
Lift up your hearts and feel the love
It's our favorite way
To spend the holiday, yeah
[Refrain: AJ & Aly]
Spend the holidays, hey, yeah, yeah
It's the greatest time
[Bridge: Both]
Greatest time of year
Time to celebrate
Now it's our favorite time
[Outro: Both]
It's the greatest time of year
And it's here, help me celebrate it
With everybody here
Friends so dear, let me simply state it
Joy to the world, joy to the world, joy to the world
It's the greatest time of year
It's the greatest time
It's the greatest time of year
And it's here, help me celebrate it
With everybody here
Friends so dear, let me simply state it
Joy to the world and everyone
Lift up your hearts and feel the love
It's our favorite way
To spend the holiday, yeah
The band took a bow as everyone cheered. Gazelle grabbed my hand and we both bowed together. I did a quick wave towards Damian, as the leopard cub waved back. After the crowd dispersed, Gazelle, Oliver and I were just saying our goodbyes.
"That was an amazing performance," Gazelle thought.
"Lovell, why don't you become a singer, too? You have the voice..." Oliver suggested.
"I don't think I can keep up with that kind of life. Besides," I look at Gazelle, "she helps Zootopia by sending messages through music. I help by protecting citizens from everyday criminals, no matter where or when it may be."
"Well if we ever meet again, lets play a few songs sometime," Gazelle put her hoof out.
"Sure. Sounds like a plan," I shook her hoof.
"Before I go, could I see your phone," Gazelle put her hoof out. I gave it to her. After a few seconds of tapping, Gazelle gave the phone back.
I looked at the screen, and saw Gazelle's phone number in my contacts.
"Since we're friends now, I don't see no harm in keeping in touch."
"Wow...thank you," we smiled. Oliver grabbed his share of gifts as we started to walk away.
"Thanks for spending the day with us...we had fun."
"You too," Gazelle smiled, "have a great day. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Gazelle," we shouted while smiling.
The Next Day
I arrived at 9 in the morning to report to the station. As soon as I stopped in front of Clawhauser's desk, the cheetah looked at me with a huge smile on his face.
"Hey Ben...you seem happy."
"Of course I am!" he exclaimed, "I wanna know everything! Give me every detail possible!"
"Uh...what do you mean?"
"Come on," he pleaded, "tell me how you spent your day with Gazelle!"
"Wait, how did you know?"
"The guys saw you hanging out with Gazelle. Almost everyone knows about this. You are so~ lucky!" Clawhauser grinned while I gave a sheepish smile.
"Okay Benjamin, you got me...but let me explain..." And I did. Clawhauser listened to everything I said. Just then, a deep voice was heard.
"Officer Lovell," Chief Bogo was behind us.
"Hello chief..."
"I see you're back and ready to work."
"After a bit of Christmas shopping, I went straight home and slept all night."
"Good...you'll need that energy for when you're out on patrol today."
"Yes sir." I saluted. Bogo nodded to me.
"Chief," Martin called him.
"Martin," I waved.
"There's someone here to speak to you." I looked around Martin, only to find a figure dressed in a light blue dress.
"Saber, I am busy at the moment so—"
"Gazelle!" I walked towards her.
"Hi Sapphire," Gazelle greeted her, "how are you?"
"I'm fine, but what are you doing here?"
"Well I was hoping to find you." Gazelle looked up to see Bogo and Clawhauser, who hung their mouths open, too stun to move.
"Umm, Gazelle...this is Chief Bogo, my boss...and over at the desk is your number one fan, and my good friend, Benjamin Clawhauser."
Gazelle went up to Bogo.
"Hello Chief Bogo. It's nice to meet you," she put her hoof out. Bono came back to his senses.
"O-oh...yes um...its, very nice to meet you as well," Bogo cleared his throat and gently shook her hoof.
"And you're Benjamin Clawhauser..." Gazelle walked up to him.
"Yes I am! Oh, wow...famous pop star Gazelle in our building! What an honor!"
"Hehehe, thank you..." As she continued to talk with the cheetah, Martin leaned towards Sapphire.
"Being friends with Gazelle...aren't you popular."
"Aren't you glad I'm your girlfriend." I teased.
"Excuse me, Chief Bogo...?"
"Ah, yes...what can I do for you?" He looked at Gazelle.
"I was hoping if I could borrow Sapphire for a bit. The studio is asking for her."
"The studio?"
"When we sung on stage together, some of the audience have been downloading videos of us online," Gazelle showed videos on her phone to me.
"Oh wow..." I saw the video of us rocking out on stage.
"They were so impressed by our performance, that they want us both to sing the song and record it."
"Seriously!? That's so cool!"
"Are you free to come with me to the studio now? They want to start as soon as possible."
"I'd love to! Oh, but..." I looked at Bogo, unsure. But the way he looked at Gazelle, I knew I had my answer.
"As long as its fine with miss Gazelle, then I'll let you go. Just come back when you're done." Sapphire's face brightened up and gave a thumbs up to Gazelle.
"Thank you sir," Gazelle smiled at him as Bogo blushed.
"You can go ahead. I'll be there in a sec," I let Gazelle walk out first. I looked at Bogo, who gave a confused look, and surprised him by immediately jumping up to hug him. Martin and Clawhauser were taken back by my action.
"You're strict, but you're fair. Thanks chief!" I jumped off of him and looked at Martin.
"I'll be back soon. Save a Snarlbucks drink for me?"
"With whipped cream of course," he smiled as I left the station.
"Wow," Clawhauser sighed, "she is so lucky." Chief Bogo was still standing there as he saw Sapphire leave. He then relaxed a bit, and smiled to himself just before returning to his office.
[Let's just say that Gazelle and I had a new hit single for her Christmas album.]